Sunday

Maybe I'm crazy, but I love Wes Anderson. I love every single movie he's ever made, and could watch them over and over. I highly recommend each and every one, own them all, and will let you borrow them if you don't know what I'm talking about.
He's got a new one out next month (although it looks like it will be hitting Utah in June ...), and I'm counting down the days. It's called Moonrise Kingdom. I shared the trailer a little while ago, but found this little treat tonight: Click on this.

Next: I don't know if anyone else reads this blog: bloggity blog ... but this post had me rolling for at least 10 minutes at work tonight. I wish I was as funny as this girl. She kills me, and she has no idea that I exist and look forward to her every post. She also brings us the best baby names of Rexburg, ID. Every year some newspaper publishes all the names of the babies born in Rexburg (or at least the ones whose parents want to pay for it). She chooses the best ones and shares them each year. Read this, you will love it.
Also, she does texts out of context. I may have to copy her and post some of my own, I have some good ones saved up. Stayed tuned for that.

Today was a really great day. Church was so great this morning. I haven't been to church in like 6 weeks (conference, out of town, working), and I really enjoyed the spirit I felt today. I got to teach Relief Society, which I love, and we discussed the blessings of the temple. What a wonderful topic, and a great reminder to serve in the temple.
I had a super long nap (I'm currently working a graveyard - boo), then we went on a hike up South Fork Canyon to Big Springs. I love Sunday hikes more than life itself. After the hike we went to my parent's house to christen their backyard fireplace. Delicious hot dogs and marshmallows for dinner, then adult talk by the fire while the boys put on a movie.
Does it get any better?

Instagram pics from today (I'm totally obsessed - follow me! mindykane):

1. dogs in the water - hiking
2. Big Springs
3. Brok & his stick, nerd
4. dogs
5. fireplace in mom's backyard

as of late

So far April has kept us pretty busy. But busy in a really great way.

We went on Trek with the Focus program at the beginning of the month. Well, I went for a couple of days and then came home for work. Lucas was the King of Trek, and stayed the whole week. I have to say, I love going on Trek with him. I really enjoy regular camping, but seeing him with those kids is another story. He is totally in his element. Wilderness + bossing kids around (for their safety). Pure genius. I took a bunch of pictures, but they're still on my little camera ... maybe you'll get a separate post on just the camping trip.

Right after coming back from Trek, we headed to the airport - two of my very favorites came to visit! Well, four of my favorites. Ellen and baby Sophi came last Thursday, then Blaine and Olli showed up Friday. We had the best weekend!

We did a little shopping at the new City Creek Mall, had a lovely lunch in Park City with my sister, visited Temple Square (even saw the Mo-Tab live!), and a million other things. It was the best time.

I didn't take nearly enough pictures, but here are a few from a sunny day at Temple Square.

Wow, that's a lot. Sorry, it's just so pretty.

1. Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Music & The Spoken Word
2. from the roof of the Conference Center
3. won't he be a cute dad someday?
4. it's like we're newlyweds
5. cute friends with cute babies
6. temple
7. temple
8. temple

Also, Luke's softball league started last night! He's playing on a team of Journey employees ... they're pretty good.

And one more thing. I don't want to brag, but the greatest thing happened this week. Background: our kids go to group therapy each night for 3 hours ... 2 90-minute groups of varying topics. This week the therapist who teaches Family Therapy told Lucas about a great compliment she heard this week. She had asked the kids about marriage and love and one of the clients said he didn't believe in love. He'd never seen a happy relationship and didn't believe it was possible. Mo spoke up and said that he used to feel the same, but he was really glad he got placed with us because now he knows what love looks like and he thinks he can have a happy marriage.

Ha! We're winning!



PS Thanks Ellen & Blaine for coming, and Blaine gets a double thank-you for bringing a sick baby (who was such a trooper). We love you guys! Come back soon!

some things

Here are some random things from my extra long day at work:

I love the HATCH Collection. If every single item wasn't a million dollars I'd consider shopping here exclusively for when I get pregnant again ... someday ...

I love The Talks - especially Bill Murray. There are interviews with several of my very favorites ...

Have you heard of the Neon Trees? Not to brag, but the drummer (Elaine) used to practice with her previous band in my garage. And, she may or may not have spent several weeks sleeping on my futon. I'm practically famous.
Anyway, they're playing a show in OREM this weekend! Not only that, it's a benefit concert for Autism. We're going to be camping this weekend so we won't be able to go ... but you should if you can! Tickets are only $20! (banner from The Jet Set)

And ... I know I mentioned Instagram last time a blogged ... but I am obsessed with it. Thanks to my dear friend Lorien, I'm participating in Photo A Day April! How fun, right?

And finally, thanks to my dear friend Blaine for this. It's lovely.

PS Blaine & Ellen - 11 days! The countdown is on!!

finally

It's been a long time coming. Luke's phone was just not cutting it anymore. We did it. We are the world's newest iphone owners :)

In other news, we went to check out the new mall in Salt Lake - the City Creek Center. It was fantastic. I love inside/outside malls.

Also, we saw the Hunger Games last night. I liked it, I think. I think it was the perfect amount of detail and story ... but the directing killed me. I felt like I was going to puke the whole time ... I was getting carsick from the camera movement. And I don't get carsick easily. Plus there were way too many close-ups. Other than that, it was great. Recommended.

Lucas and Mojave (proctor kid) are spending the day at a sweat lodge today ... I'm at work of course. I can't wait to hear how it was ... hopefully they don't fall victim to the most common peril of sweat lodging: dehydration.

And, you know when you become obsessed with a song and just want to listen to it over and over? Well here it is. Pink: Glitter in the Air. Be warned: the video is super awesome, it's her live performance at the Grammy's ... however, the outfit gets a little risque ... don't say I didn't warn you.




PS Find me on instagram, it's my new favorite! (username: mindykane)

upcoming

I realize that I haven't posted anything in a month, because I feel like nothing is happening in our lives. However, here are some things:

Reading:

It's good/sad, WWII in Germany book about a mother/daughter relationship. I like it.

Listening to:


and



Shopping:

The Clymb. I love it, they have great deals on (mostly) outdoors stuff, lots of apparel and gear. The catch is that it's only on for a couple of days, so you have to check back frequently.

Watching:

I love it. Kenni & Ashley, I love it. Also, this link, where I got the picture, tells the story of the castle where the show takes place. It's pretty neat.

And, we have a lot going on in the next couple of months...

- Steph & Mike moved to Salt Lake this weekend! They're so close :)

- Lucas gets to go on a director's retreat to the West Desert (be jealous ...) next weekend. I can't wait to see what he brings back from the trade blanket.

- Conference Weekend!!

- We're planning a quick backpacking trip to Boulder the week of April 7-8, if anyone wants to join us ...

- Hunger Games! We're going for the March version of the Hen Movie Club - can't wait!!

- And the crowning jewel: Blaine and Ellen are coming to visit next month!! I can't wait. Any recommendations for things to do with out of town friends?