Dressember continues

Thursday at Goodwill was amazing.  I found this darling Laura Ashley tunic for Eden.  Can you say $1.00! Man, this girl knows how to pose.  FYI, the entire outfit is from Goodwill, even the light-up shoes and little kitty Marie from Aristocats.

December 5

A few weeks ago, I was asked by a member of my church if my family would help with the nativity at our ward Christmas party.

I was thankful my children would have the opportunity to take part.  At first I thought Eden could play Mary.  I discussed with her she would be holding the baby Jesus in front of lots of people.  Her brothers would be there too; Reef as Joseph, Mayer as a shepherd, Payson as an angel and Chandler as a wise man.  A few days before the party, Eden asked when she was going to be married.  She wondered who would be her prince and where was her wedding dress.  It was then I realized she was getting Mary and married confused.  

December 6

I decided maybe Eden was too young to play Mary, so I asked if she'd like to be an angel.  I called a family in our ward and asked if their older daughter would be Mary.  Payson played Joseph and Reed was an angel with Eden.  I'm glad we had time for a dress rehearsal so we could run it through.

I had this beautiful angel dress I'd found at Goodwill for $2.99, so hooray for instant angel costumes.  The dress is made by Marmellata and sells new for $68.00.

 Right before the little performance started, Eden had a melt down.  She started crying, upset she wasn't being married.  I reminded her she was an angel and she calmed down, saying "I still want to go out there."  She put a smile on her face and walked out on stage with her brothers.  They all did so great and she hasn't asked again when she is going to be married.  

This beautiful Laura Ashley black velvet dress was also $2.99.  New, this dress would be around $50.  Most days when she wears a dress, she wants to dance with her pom-poms.

December 7

The dress is a little difficult to see, but here Eden is wearing a Mossimo gray tutu dress we found at Goodwill for $1.00.  She's practicing her best Mommy skills with her little baby and is sitting on my new gorgeous $60 couch from Goodwill.

December 8

December 9

Whenever Eden's friend's come over, there is always some big dress-up party.  I have a bin full of frilly, sparkly and very Disney dresses.  

December 10
Here, Eden is wearing a Lands End Cotton dress (very soft and comfy) I found at Goodwill for $2.99. New, they can run for as much as $39.00.  All her friends have found something cute in her closet too.

December 11
An Apt. 9 wrap-around dress I found last week for $1.00 at Goodwill.  New, they can run around $50.00.

 Dressember, so far, so good.
Linking up to:

4 things I learned from Aaron Rodenbaugh

I didn’t know Aaron Rodenbaugh very well, but I love him just the same.

It's amazing how life can come back full circle.  When I moved into the neighborhood 27 years ago, I was 14 years-old and Aaron Rodenbaugh was a toddler.  Our families attended the same Mormon church, but ironically I was friends with Aaron’s mom Jill before I ever moved to Mesa.  I lived in Layton, UT from age 4 to age 11.  Jill’s family and mine attended the same Mormon church there.  Jill’s little sister Sherry was one of my closest friends in the neighborhood.  Sherry and I had play dates and sleepovers.  Mainly, I remember how funny Sherry was.  We played and laughed, played and laughed.  Aaron’s mom, Jill was Sherry’s cool big sister; the girl getting her hair ready for a high school dance or running out the door to meet with friends.  When my family moved out of Utah, I couldn’t imagine I’d befriend Sherry’s older sister Jill later in my life in Mesa, AZ.

So, when Jill and I became reacquainted, we were instant friends.  Jill is a giver, the type of girl who’s always surrounded by little children because they love her so and she’s a dedicated mother to her sons.

In honor of Aaron Rodenbaugh

July 1988 to November 2013

This last week, I have felt close to a young man I barely knew.  Perhaps it was because I was serving his family.  Here is what I have learned:

1. Through God’s love, I can know someone I really didn’t know

I really only knew the baby Aaron; the apple of his parent’s eye and the little toddler who wobbled around church, but through pictures and stories and impressions, I feel like I know him so much more.  I am impressed with his strength and because I have strong, yet gentle brothers and a strong, yet gentle husband, I can see the gentle side of Aaron in every picture I look at.  He played football and lifted weights, but the gentle side while holding his newborn is quite touching.  

He was helpful to his parents and called his mom almost every day.  I am grateful for strong gentle men like Aaron.

2.  There can be tender mercies of joy between great waves of heartache

I learned even though something is tragic and heartbreaking, their can be joy and uplifting moments too.  We are not to feel guilty if our heart catches a wave of God’s love while we are mourning.  I watched as Aaron’s family hugged and gathered in family togetherness.  The little cousin’s joyfully played.  Women of my church gathered in the kitchen to work and make the funeral luncheon.  The spirit of friendship was abundant.  Sherry (Aaron’s aunt), my sweet childhood friend from Layton, Utah came down to Aaron’s funeral.  I spotted her across the room and the joy of seeing her practically knocked me over.  We hugged and cried, partly because of sorrow, partly because of joy.  The emotions were rich and sincere.

I hadn't seen her for 30 years. 

3.  We keep our children’s mementos for more then just scrapbooks. 

A few days after Aaron’s passing, the counselor and I visited Aaron’s parents.  Their living room was full of boxes.  Jill and Todd were looking through Aaron’s keepsakes; old report cards, Mother’s day poems from years ago, his childhood hand print made into a Thanksgiving turkey, etc.  Jill was commenting on his artistic talent and his abilities as a little student.  What a sweet child he was.  With Aaron’s passing, I was so grateful his parent’s had possessions created by him they could hold on to.  Tangible memories that could be touched; even caressed and held close to the heart.  Photos were spread across a long table like treasures.  Each photo was lifted with reverence and memories were shared.  Never had I considered what those saved art projects, photographs and report cards could be some day.

4.  Our children our perfect, always.

Raising children is not easy.  Each and every day is filled with work, highs and lows and unexpected detours.  Raising children is expensive and the bills never seem to slow down.  Raising children is frustrating because sometimes they make choices that drive us crazy, but it is the greatest joy I have ever been involved in.   As a teenager, I remember taking a trip with my family to California.  The van broke down in the middle of the desert on our drive there.  It rained the day we were at Disneyland.  The picnic lunch we took to the beach had sand it in, but I remember that trip with such fondness.  I remember the majestic sunset that day at the beach and how it shone like gold over the waves.  I remember there were no lines at Disneyland because we were one of the few families that chose to stay and brave out the downpour.  I remember the little town the mechanic towed our van into and the stray cat my little brothers and sisters played with while waiting to get back out on the road.   This is what it’s like raising kids.  Despite the trails and unknown, the experience is covered with joyful, simple moments.  Life is no longer about self, but about someone else.  I believe loving a child is honoring God. 

Sponsoring this benefit yard sale for Aaron put his life and example at the forefront of my mind. We raised over $800 to help pay for Aaron's funeral expenses.  Here I am with Aaron's dad, Todd.  There were so many who donated.  It seemed like every time we sold something, someone else showed up with more donations.  We were the constantly replenished garage sale!  Thank you, thank you so much.

Later, with Aaron's sweet parents.

To feel the love Aaron's parents have for him is inspiring.  He is their perfect son because that's how parent's feel about their children.  Even with our children's mistakes and downfalls, they are our perfect children.  I have reflected on my own children and the treasured time I have with them here on earth.  I am grateful families can be together forever because that is one tangible thing I can hold onto eternally.

Let Dressember 2013 begin!

Last year, I had so much fun participating in Dressember.   The best part was I did it with my daughter, Eden and we wore all used/thrift store/garage sale dresses.  

Of course, I love to shop designer on the cheap.  That's half the thrill.  I don't really like photographing myself, but I do this for the love of fashion and all things thrift, a.k.a TRASH!

So . . . what is Dressember?  

Started in 2009 as a celebration of femininity and beauty, Dressember is simply the wearing of dresses every day of the month of December.  I love it because I have an excuse to buy/wear a beautiful dress and this year I will also shop every dress used/pre-owned.  Many of these dresses I will donate back.

Here we go:

December 1

Eden is wearing a Sister Sam designer dress from Neiman Marcus, found at Goodwill for $2.99.  Retail, these run about $90.00.  The top is a really soft cotton, but the bottom skirt and cuffs of the sleeve are silk.  It's just gorgeous (as is the little girl who's wearing it).

December 2

I am wearing a Girls from Savoy Anthropologie dress I found at Deseret Industries for $10.00.

 The original price tag of $158 was still attached.  Surprisingly, the dress was a perfect fit!

December 3
Eden is wearing a Youngland dress found at Goodwill for $2.99.  New, this dress will be around $25.00-$35.00.  I am wearing a DKNY black velvet skirt found at Goodwill for $1.00.  The jacket is from Jones New York and I paid $7.00 for it.  Both pieces are a bit vintage.

December 4
Eden is wearing a $1.00 skirt from Goodwill made by
Cherokee.  I love the little preppy look!

Tomorrow is $1.00 day at Goodwill and I can't wait to see what else I can find.  Hopefully, more dresses!

Click here to follow Dressember on their facebook page and let me know if you're going to participate.  

Seeing the Everyday - Cookies equates Celebration

A few months ago, I was doing something I do routinely; I was making cookies with my kids.  These cookies are a family staple.  I call them sea shell cookies because the cookie dough texture looks something like washed up beach sand.

(notice one cookie has a bite in it)

Near the end of the day, I received a text from a friend of mine Daryl, a friend of mine I met in high school who now lives in Boston (you can read more about him here).

Daryl is the editor of the magazine Seeing the Everyday; a publication focusing on every day rituals and routines that make up our life; a prosaic because nothing is really ordinary.

When we were teenagers, Daryl and I used to make cookies all the time; after swim meets, while doing homework  or just hanging out.  It didn't matter if we were at my house or his, we spent a lot of time with butter, brown sugar, vanilla, flour, chocolate chip, well you get the idea.

So, when I received Daryl's text to call him that day, I of course, sent over a photo of a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies, letting him know how much I'd like to share some cookies with him.  Immediately my phone rang.  It was Daryl, letting me know his magazine photographer had just done a gorgeous photo spread of the process of making cookies.  "I can't think of a better person to write about the lessons of life learned through making cookies than you."  We brainstormed a bit about family, cooking and reminisced about the good old days.  After that, I got to work.

 Who knew cookie making was so full of love and fun and wisdom, but that's what I realized as I dissected this family routine.  Food attracts conversation and warmth and giving.

I grew up with a cookie-making mom.  I don’t remember a time where the cookie batch wasn’t doubled, as a paper plate was filled with a dozen or so and taken to a sick neighbor or church member who’d just had a baby.  Cookies equated sharing. My mom was a giver and I was the lucky daughter to see this gift time and time again.

I now live down the street from my parents.  My mom doesn’t make cookies as often as she used to, but once the cookies I make cool down, my son volunteers to take a plate of cookies down to his grandparents.  Did my mother know she would someday be a recipient of all those given-away cookies coming back?  “Like mother, like daughter,” some might say.

Hanging out with my family.

My brothers and sisters and their kids.  There's a lot of us, a few are missing but when a family grows to be this size, it's almost impossible to have everyone in a family photo!

Nieces and nephews with Auntie Rachel.

As a parent, it was a surprise when my kids starting requesting certain meals or they'd come inside and see me making something. "Oh, is that chicken noodle soup, Mom.  I love when you make that," one of my sons might say.  Although it is routine and consistent, I find satisfaction knowing they are aware of the foods I make.  Cooking takes sacrifice and preparation; it's nice to be appreciated.  On the flip side, they love to eat.  I want them to be healthy, so I slip zucchini in homemade breads, shredded cauliflower in spaghetti sauce and spinach in enchiladas.  Meal time is one thing, but they associate my seashell cookies as celebration.

Seashell cookie recipe

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 white sugar

Cream together

Add 2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream together again.  This is when it gets fun.

Add 2 cups oatmeal

1 cup crushed corn flakes

1 cup crushed golden grahams cereal

1 tsp soda

1 1/2 cups flour (white or wheat, depending on your preference)

1 cup chocolate chips

Stir together.

Bake at 350 for 12 minutes.  Prepare to fall in love.

Remember to pick up your Fall 2013 edition of Seeing the Everyday magazine.  Available at Barnes and Noble and online.  

Benefit Yard Sale for Aaron Rodenbaugh

We want to help raise money for Aaron Rodenbaugh’s funeral expenses

and you can help.

We are having a benefit yard sale and bake sale with all proceeds going to the Rodenbaugh family.

Where:  Laura Lofgreen’s home

When: Friday December 6 and Saturday December 7

Time: 8:00 to noon

*  It’s a great time to de-junk your home in preparation for the holidays.  Even little donations help.  Please set you’re your stuff aside, as donations can be dropped off Wednesday and Thursday, December 4 and 5.  Please drop off donations in the back carport of Laura Lofgreen’s home. Even if she’s not home, you are welcome to leave your stuff.

*  If you would like to donate to the bake sale, please drop off goods Thursday or Friday night.  The sale runs for two days and we can use baked goods both days. 

*  If you would like to help during the sale, make signs or distribute flyers, please contact Laura for information.

Email: mydeartrash@gmail.com

Junk In The Trunk This Saturday!

We'll be participating in the Junk In The Trunk Vintage Market on Saturday- stop by and see us- space #81.  Love, Kelly.

When in Jerome!

15 years of marriage plus 5 children equals extreme difficulty when planning an anniversary get-away, but the counselor pulled it off with flying colors.

 He said he wanted to take me away.  He did all the research and booked the hotels.

We started out in the heart of Sedona.  We walked into this little shop and on the radio was John Denver's "Annie's Song."

I've sung this song to our children for years, so naturally, the counselor and I started dancing and crying.

I have so many memories when I hear "Annie's Song".  I first memorized the words while at ASU in an advanced public speaking class.  I actually sang the song at the end of a speech I gave about the environment (I was brave back then).  I've been singing it to our children ever since.

The hummer ride up a Sedona mountainside was the counselor's idea.



The drive and the sounds of the hummer reminded me of the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. 

Here's kissing rock. Awe!

Our tour guide pointed out this Merry Go' Round vortex.  

Ironically, there was a wedding party taking sunset photos.  

This was amazing to me, because the ride up the mountain was one of the bumpiest rides I've ever been on. Like teeth chattering, back-breaking, hold onto the rails while looking over a canyon raven praying you don't drop off below.  Clearly, this couple is about to start out on an adventure of a lifetime.

It was beautiful as we rode up the mountain.

The wind in the trees reminded me of another John Denver song.

Our tour guide said this tree growing in the rock was named Will.  "Where there's a will, there's a way," he said.

Our first night we went to a restaurant in Sedona called Sound Bites Grill.  The counselor loves jazz and to our surprise, the lovely Trish Hatley was performing.

She was amazing and it was so much fun meeting her.

The next day we traveled to Jerome, about 20 miles out of Sedona.  On our drive up the mountain, we stopped by this old abandoned store.


It had paint-chipped doors and story-telling views.  I asked a gentleman checking out the store if he would take our picture.  He told us he was a professional photographer and suggested where we pose.

He was awesome, so thank you professional photographer stranger who was so kind.  You gave us a wonderful anniversary present.

The counselor and I visited Jerome 14 years earlier in the summer of 1999,

(here's a photograph I pulled out of an old album of ours)
so it was a walk down (or should I say up considering it's built up on a mountain side) lane.

Here's a photo I took 14 years ago.

Here's something I took last weekend.  Same stairs, different decades.

Here's a view from the top of the hill looking back towards Sedona.  It's very Grand Canyon like, flirting with dramatic colors and elevations.

There is a park in Jerome where the counselor and I hung out 14 years ago.
I was pregnant with our first child, Chandler. I had horrible morning sickness, but I was so excited for the family we were creating.  I couldn't wait to be a mom.

Here, the counselor took a photo of me at the same park last weekend.

The rock wall is old and gorgeous. When is Anthropologie going to be shooting there next catalog here?  Seriously, so many amazing photo ops in this ghost town.

The people and shops are enchanting.

It's an artist town, so everywhere you turn there's something beautiful to see.

The next day we took it easy at out hotel in Oak Creek Canyon.

The canyon was alive with color.

The wind was blowing and the sky was full of fluffy floating clouds.  

The sun would highlight certain areas just for a moment.

I certainly saw the light shining down on this guy.  I love him.

We ate lots of wild Sedona apples, but later we went all out and ate chocolate-caramel apples at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for lunch.

I hope we don't have to wait another 14 years to get back.