The Dilworth Experience

THE HAPPY TOURISTS

2012-01-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple more views from the plane from Jackson, Wyoming to Denver, Colorado. We had 2 layovers that day, and 3 total flights. I guess this and the fact that we had to fly on December 24th, were the sacrifices one must make to use credit card miles.

Lily behaved very well this trip. She did her best to keep her voice down when she spoke, played, or sang, (she's always singing). She slept alot too, which gave mom and dad a good break.

The view from the Jackson Airport was amazing! It was like the Tetons just shot straight up out of ground around the city.

One of the benefits of flying on Christmas Eve, was that the airports weren't busy. Our flight from Jackson to Denver consisted of 6 people total, counting the 3 of us. Because of this, we all got upgraded to 1st class and in celebration of the holiday, all of our food and drinks were comped.
Lily got a lot of special attention as well. There was a gorgeous, almost cartoon-like flight attendant named Petra, who loved asking Lily about Christmas. The pilot gave Lil' a captain's pin with the wings, which I didn't know they did anymore. Then toward the end of the flight, the pilot announced he saw Santa fly across the front of plane, which got her so excited, she stared out the window the rest of the time.
When I first booked our flight, I was worried traveling on Christmas Eve would take away some of the magic for Lily. I was pleasantly surprised that what I first saw as a set-back, actually made this holiday even more wonderful.

Side Note: The art on the walls of the Jackson Airport was amazing!! I hope to someday take pictures as breathtaking as the ones I saw that day!

It's funny how people from different parts of the country are so different. We flew out of LAX on this day, and with few exceptions, most of the workers were shouting orders, (on a slow day), abrupt, and at times..even rude. In Jackson Hole Wyoming, everyone we came in contact was friendly, kind, a talkative. One lady joked with us about how people try to buy bottled water in Wyoming, which nobody does. "This is where it's all bottled", she said. "All the Locals drink from the tap". She was right, the tap water was excellent. :)
Anyway, this last picture was taken during our luch at the airport, enjoying the most excellent hamburgers and playfully considering what it might take to pick up and move to Wyoming. Oh yes, a good meal, good people, and excellent scenery can do that to people like us. :)

FAVORITE HOLIDAY PICS

2012-01-04T15:28:00.000-08:00

SCENIC FAVORITES

2012-01-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

MORE SCENIC FAVORITES

2012-01-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

ARCTIC FUN

2012-01-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

Here are just some picks of us enjoying the Alaska lifestyle. Let me just say, it was CRAZY cold up there, and getting colder by the day!! Having just arrived home today, I feel like me house is a Sauna, but for all the fun we had in the snow, I'm glad I no longer have to spend so much time getting dressed, just to go outside. :)

F.Y.I. On the last day of my trip, the temperature was 5 degrees outside. The night before was -3 degrees! BRRRRR!

SNOW DAYS

2012-01-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

Spending Christmas in Alaska this year was phenomenal!

I just got back, and even though I am exhausted from the flight and feel like I've gained a few pounds from the festivities, I feel invigorated to start the New Year off right and grateful for the sweet memories I've just created with my family.

Our little family does our best to see my mom every year. Some years she flys down to visit us, and many times Lily and I fly up to spend a a couple weeks with her. We realized in 2011, however, that we've neglected a couple of things. First, Dustin hadn't come to Alaska with me since 2005. Whether it be because of his work schedule, or just having mom visit when Lily was an infant, he hadn't been up there in a while. Second, we realized that we hadn't visited my mom for a holiday since.... I can't remember the last time. We made it work this year, and I'm happy we did.

Dustin sacrificed alot to make it up there. He's the busiest he's ever been, and with running so many jobs at once, work is hectic and stressful for him, and it'd be easy for him to stay home. My sister and her boyfriend, also did their very best to spend time with the family. They had to compete with their own work schedules and other family commitments, but when they were in town they'd visit most evenings. Knowing how hard it is to get the family altogether now, and seeing how everybody made it work, truly made this Christmas a beautiful experience.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

2011-12-14T20:10:00.000-08:00

OUTSIDE THE WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE

2011-12-14T19:55:00.000-08:00

Just below, I posted several pictures I took showing only the OUTSIDE of the Winchester Mystery House and the surrounding gardens. Right now I'm sure you're asking, "Where's the mystery?" To answer your question...on the inside. Unfortunately, visitors are prohibited from taking pictures inside the house. If you want to know what makes this house soooo mysterious, I guess you'll have to see for yourself. ;)

VERKLEMPT

2011-12-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

I apologize for not posting as much as I should, or even as much as I'd like. The past couple of months or so have been extraordinarily busy for me, even by holiday season standards. To top it off, I find myself experiencing a wicked case of writer's block, probably due to having an ever-growing list of, "things to do before year's end", rattling around in my head. Hopefully I'll be thinking more clearly, come 2012.

At any rate, I thought I'd post some pictures I took of the Winchester Mystery House last month. The trip to central California was for family matters, (it was anticipated, but last minute all the same--I'll try and elaborate later). On the way home, we decided to detour to the Winchester Mansion since we aren't in this area of California often.

I highly recommend visiting the Winchester Mystery House if you get the chance. Again I apologize for not saying more......it's just not coming to me. ;P

Winchester Mystery House

2011-12-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

CURRENT PICTURES AND SUGAR PLUMS

2011-11-10T21:15:00.000-08:00

I just downloaded photos from my phone into the computer tonight, so I thought I'd post them for the blog as sort of a "current event in photos", dealio. :) Most of them were taken within the last couple of weeks, however, the Disney picture is older.

I hope everyone is having fun and getting into the holiday spirit. My mother-in-law and I have been hitting up craft fairs,(one of my favorite pasttimes), so I definitely feel Christmas coming. The red hat pictured was among some of the spoils I took home from tonight's craft fair excursion, The Sugar Plum Festival. It's by far my favorite craft fair. It's so big they show it at the fairgrounds, and of course, the bigger the fair, the more crafty eye candy for me! Some things are pricey, but with a bit of patience you can find some great deals.

The red hat, wasn't an AMAZING price, but $15.00 is pretty darn good I think, for something beautifully handmade by someone local, which I love. Feels good to find something cute, and also support the little guy!

P.S. The last picture was actually taken at the Sugar Plum Festival. No,I did not buy the snowman headband. I simply could not pass up the photo op. ;)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2011!!

2011-10-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Everyone!

This October hasn't been as ooky spooky, so much as it's been icky sicky for our family. We've been sick nearly the whole month. It hasn't dampened our spirits though.

This past Friday we attended our church's Halloween Trunk or Treat party. Dustin and I dressed up as Gomez and Morticia Addams which was a fun. My wig was sooooo BAD, nearly bald in the back, (it was way fun though). Dustin looked AMAZING! The picture was taken after the party, so it doesn't do him justice as his makeup had worn off a little. I was really surprised by the responses we got. That night there were lots of fans of the Addams family....just like we are. One person said we should put Lily in a hand costume, so she could be "Thing". What a great idea!!! Heehee....Maybe next year.

Lily had trouble narrowing down what she wanted to be this year. She picked out a pink cheerleading uniform, fairy wings, and a wand.....so naturally she was a fairy/cheerleader. During the party however, she edited out the fairy wings and simply became a cheerleader. Tonight she decided to scrap the whole original costume, and opted to wear a princess play dress we already own and a Rapunzel Hair extension. The girl is as indecisive as her mother, poor thing. :)

We love you all, and hope this Halloween is a great one for you!!

FREE BIRD

2011-09-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Who knew my kid was a daredevil?

Mike, Dustin, Lily and I were walking through Balboa when we spotted this contraption. The gal running it was a hoot! She seemed to love her job....especially when she was sling-shotting and flipping the kids silly, (she seemed to be getting some aggression out, anyway).

So Lily watched a couple of older girls as they squealed with glee while being ricocheted every which way, and she asked if she could try it.

She met the minimum weight requirement,(30 lbs.), to my astonishment, so we paid the toll and off she flew! Her expression was a mixture of delight and horror, especially when she flew way up high for the first time. The operator was actually really good with Lily. She had her repeat funny phrases like, "I'm a bird", which kept Lily from getting too scared.

After Lil' was done, you could tell she'd been worn out, but she had a big smile and exclaimed to her giggling on-lookers that, "I did it!"

Here's hoping she likes theme park rides as much as she liked sling shots!!! :)

WE LIKE MIKE

2011-09-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

This past week, we got to spend time with our longtime buddy, Mike. He happened to be in Las Vegas for "The World Series of Comedy", (he's a comedian). He also needed a ride, because his flight home was through LAX. We were happy to oblige and grateful to spend time with him. These pictures are of all of us checking out Newport Beach.

THE GOOD LIFE

2011-09-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling prompted to write about a subject that is very near to my heart. It's based on a conscious effort I've made in order to live my, "best life", and it's a subject that I think alot of people struggle with.
It's silly, but the final push for me to write this post was actually because of a dream.
In my dream I was being told by some faceless person that everything that had ever gone wrong in this person's life was my fault. At some point in the past, I had unintentionally wronged this person. In their mind, I some how, "set them up", to make bad choices and, up to this point, live a sad life.
I spent the rest of the dream trying to apologize, and yet this person rejected me, and refused to forgive and/or, be happy.
This is a weird reason to blog, I know, but I think the topic of the dream mimics life for alot of people.

Here are some questions;

1. Have you ever offended someone, and they just never seem to forgive you?

2. Have you ever been hurt by someone, (a stranger, a parent, a friend, spouse or significant other), and you just can't seem to work through it? Do you feel better or worse, for continuing to dwell on it?

Throughout the course of our lives, we all experience, "The good, the bad, and the ugly". When it comes to, "the bad, and the ugly"...we can either be strengthened for having experienced trial or wrong-doing, or we can let those experiences fester within us and stunt our progression.

So yesterday was Sunday, and as many of you know, I go to church. One person spoke about marriage, and forgiving your spouse. They related a past news story that many of you may remember;

On October 2, 2006 in the Old Order Amish community of Nickel Mines, a village in Bart Township of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, gunman Charles Carl Roberts IV took hostages and eventually shot ten girls (aged 6–13), killing five, before committing suicide in the schoolhouse.

Just after the tragedy occurred, the Amish community responded not only by forgiving the killer, but by comforting the gunman's family, who had also suffered a terrible loss.

A Roberts family spokesman said an Amish neighbor comforted the Roberts family hours after the shooting and extended forgiveness to them. Amish community members visited and comforted Roberts' widow, parents, and parents-in-law. One Amish man held Roberts' sobbing father in his arms, reportedly for as long as an hour, to comfort him. The Amish have also set up a charitable fund for the family of the shooter. About 30 members of the Amish community attended Roberts' funeral, and Marie, the widow of the killer, was one of the few outsiders invited to the funeral of one of the victims. Marie Roberts wrote an open letter to her Amish neighbors thanking them for their forgiveness, grace, and mercy. She wrote, "Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need. Gifts you've given have touched our hearts in a way no words can describe. Your compassion has reached beyond our family, beyond our community, and is changing our world, and for this we sincerely thank you."

Despite the unimaginable pain and loss the Amish community experienced at the hand of another, they chose to forgive. Do you think they weakened or strengthened themselves and/or their community by the path they chose?

Some of us do experience terrible tragedy, (like the story I just related). In these cases, additional support may be needed to work through extreme trauma. Most often, however, our struggles are far less significant, if we only let them be.

Every once in a while, I'll run across someone who is dwelling in the past. When they refer to their offender, they'll say things like, "I can't get over it", or ,"I just can't forgive." I find myself feeling so sad for this person. Not because they were victimized, but because they continue to make THEMSELVES a victim.

By definition, a victim is, "A living being sacrificed", or, "One who is acted on." How long do we really want to allow ourselves to be victims? Who suffers more when we dwell on the past, the offender or the offended?

Being a mother now, I tend think in terms of my daughter. When someone offends her or hurts her feelings, I don't want her to resent them. I hope for her sake that she can accept her trials and learn from them. I hope she can forgive rather than place blame, and I hope that I always remember to be an example of that.

LEAF PEEPERS UNITE!!

2011-08-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

If someone were to ask me if our family is the "indoor type" or "outdoor type", I'd have to confirm that we are for sure lovers of the outdoors.

Dustin was, (and still is), an Eagle Scout who grew up, (like me), in Montana. He spent much of his youth hiking, fishing, and backpacking with either his scout troop or his family.

Dustin actually just got back from Yosemite National Park. He and his dad went with a boy scout troop, (as leaders), and hiked Halfdome. The whole hike was 20 miles. It took Dustin and another kid 4 1/2 hours to reach the summit, but most of the troop took 6 hrs. Needless to say, I'm impressed.

I too grew up in a family who loved the outdoors. The men in my family are all avid hunters, (women too, which is common in Montana). They instilled in me a love and respect for the forests and everything in it.

When I was a kid, my grandparents who lived closest to me owned some land that they turned into a shooting range. I'd have to say that my grandpa, (who passed away a couple of years ago), was a pretty amazing guy that I was proud to have as family. As a younger man, he served as an Airborne Ranger in the U.S. Army and eventually helped train the first Green Berets. He was a ballistics specialist in his own right, who knew everything there was to know about guns,(rifles especially). When he wasn't at the target range with either his sons, his buddies, or my sister and I, he was in his shop making his own bullets, (or teaching us how). At one point he even published a book about ballistics.

Most of Dustin and my fondest memories are set in the outdoors. So we do our best to provide those types of memories for Lily.

Lately though, and actually for years now, I've had a slow, burning desire to diverge from our normal evergreen outdoor getaway, and explore a new type of Landscape. A deciduous one.

It's been a longtime goal for me to explore the east coast during the fall season, to photograph and experience the New England landscape as the leaves change. For years I've tried to make plans to do it, but peak season is relatively short, and for one reason or another we are never able to go.

I'm planning to try again this year, but again there is a snag, which means it may not work out for us to go to the east coast. I'll research and stay updated on plane tickets, car rentals, and hotels anyway, in the hopes of escaping last minute if we happen catch a break.If we can't make it, my consolation will probably be to drive north, as Yosemite is said to show some beautiful color in the fall, which would still be a great adventure.

Needless to say, I'm grateful to have a family full of like minded, outdoor explorers.

A TEST OF WILLS

2011-08-16T10:27:00.001-07:00

I can now state with some degree of confidence, that I'm a parent who's been experiencing the, "Terrible 3's", in it's full, un-bridled glory.

I remember the good old days when Lily was 2 and would act out on occasion. Whether it was because she needed a nap, or simply didn't want to share, she'd have burst into tears and I'd think to myself, "This isn't sooo bad."

The words-of-warning from different friends, family members, or even a random passer-by still rings clearly in my ears. On one specific occasion, I remember one kind soul telling me on a day when I was struggling that, "These are the terrific 2's", and that, "This is nothing compared to 3".

Oh, how I wish I'd prepared more for 3.....

Of course, I'm kidding. Life is not so bad here at my house. The little horns I drew on my sweet daughter's picture are not a declaration of demonic possession, and as my dad would say..."I'm not thinking of taking Lily to the used kid store for a trade-in".

I will admit, however, that my 3 year old has some sass in her, and I am surprised, and dare I say....sort of impressed at her creative methods of defiance.

The picture I've posted is from yesterday. It had been a rough day, and Lily was literally crawling all over me. So I told her to go to her room and play with her toys, (by herself), so I could have a break. I left the door open, because I don't want playing in her room to be a punishment. Needless to say, after several jail-breaks I told her she needed to stay in her room. The picture is proof of her interpretation of my directions. She decided to place her chair directly in the doorway of her room, sit down and stare at me, (the orange in her mouth is a toy I've asked her not to put in her mouth numerous times). She did this for 20 minutes.

If nothing else, this picture is proof that my little beauty has a bit of beast in her. :)

If you guys have stories, I'd love to hear them!!

PICNIK AT LONG BEACH

2011-08-06T17:59:00.001-07:00

This weekend we decided to take a few hours and visit the Long Beach Harbor. It was a gorgeous, (and hot), August day. The coast is an excellent place to go in the summer.

I know, I know.... right now you are thinking to yourself, "Duuuuhh!"

What I mean is that the Southern California locals tend to avoid tourist hot spots during the summer. For the most part, we leave Disneyland, Seaworld, and Universal Studios to the millions out-of-staters who flock here. The beaches are no exception....the coastal traffic is awful, there is NO parking, and in our case, there are so many people on the beach that it's hard to keep track of a toddler. Still, I love the ocean and don't want to miss out on the cool breeze and temperatures that are typically 10 degrees cooler during the oppressive summer heat. The Long Beach Harbor area is a good compromise. The lack of sandy beaches keeps much of the tourist population away, but there is still the cooler weather and beachside atmosphere.

So...you may have noticed that I got a little creative with my photo editing this time around. I usually use the Picasa system, (that came with my computer), for simple edits--but I just discovered Picnik for some of the more creative stuff. I got a little wacky, (take for example the star-rific photo of the Queen Mary), but it was an otherwise lack-luster picture so I thought I's liven it up.

My favorite picture in the group is of Lily sitting on her daddy's shoulders, with two figures in the background. The figure on the right is the "Bubba Gump" Shrimp Mascot for the restaurant by the same name. Lily was convinced that the shrimp was following her, and I think you can read the concern on her face. :)

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

2011-07-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great Independence Day!!
Despite making no prior plans for the 4th, we still had fun. Our city organizes a small carnival at one of the parks every year. It's mostly volunteer based, and has things like bounce houses, carnival games, face painting, and lots of other great activities for families. We spent a few hours there, where we found some friends and ended up having a great time visiting with them.
Lil' had tons of fun, but was completely exhausted when it was time to go. Dustin carried her to the car, then he set her down to unlock the door. Feeling a upset that he put her down, she warily declared, "My legs are killing me!" As soon as we put her in her car seat and started the engine, she fell asleep.
As for our evening, it's illegal to shoot off our own fireworks in town, but one of the local High schools does hold an annual fireworks show on their football field. We have yet to go watch the show from the field itself. Instead, we typically park somewhere new around the city and watch from afar. We ended up near a street corner by the public library. The view wasn't perfect, but it was a pretty place for picture taking.
I sure have a lot to be thankful for! I'm so grateful for this country, for our freedom and liberties, and I'm also thankful for the men and women who choose to fight in order to preserve those rights.

COLGATE LICKS NATURE TRAIL

2011-06-27T09:10:00.001-07:00

Colgate licks gets it's name for a couple of reasons.
First, along this trail there are natural mineral deposits that attract wildlife. Second, the Trail was named after a man named George Colgate who was a cook for a hunting party in the 1890's. Heavy snow trapped the group and prevented them from reaching the Lolo Trail on Foot. Insistent on reaching their goal, quickly built a raft to float the river.The Frail craft broke apart in the wild rapids, forcing the group ashore to walk out. Ill and unable to walk Colgate was left behind, and his remains were found later and buried at this site.

Quoted from the site's plaque.

For me, this site had some of the most amazing scenery I've seen. Unfortunately for me, when I reached one of the most breathtaking areas of the trail, the sky dimmed, and most of my pictures came out bluish and dark. Luckily, I was able to salvage a couple of photos. I'm never too distraught about photo mishaps, simply because it gives me a reason to go back.

MORE SCENIC LOCHSA

2011-06-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

LOCHSA RIVER DRIVE

2011-06-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

On our last full day in Montana, my dad and his wife, (Lily's Papa Dale and Grandma Terry), took us on a road trip up along the Lochsa River.
The Lochsa is a river that runs through the north central mountains of Idaho. It's a river well known for Whitewater Rafting. In fact, it's actually rated one of the world's best rivers with continuous whitewater. The day we visited was no exception, the waters were high and tumultuous, which would be excellent conditions for rafting enthusiasts.

On this day, the weather must have shared the river's wild spirit, because the weather would be gloomy and overcast at one moment, then sunny and warm at another. We loved every moment though, well, Lily took a while to warm up to more traveling and picture taking. Once we started goofing around, she was happy. :)

GARNET GHOST TOWN-MONTANA

2011-06-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

Scenic view of Garnet

Pat's family's 2nd home in Garnet, (now an Office). At one point, six people lived in this one room cabin.

Pat meeting with the man assigned to film him.

The cabin Pat's Parents lived in when Pat was a baby.

Ok, so how often do you get to walk through the streets of an old cowboy ghost town, with someone who actually lived there? I can actually say I have, thanks to Dustin's Grandpa Pat.

Although the high point of population for this Gold-Mining town was in the 1890's, there was also a brief revival in the 1930's during the Great Depression. So Pat's father, (Pinky), brought his family to Garnet so that he could try his hand at mining.
As a young child, Pat played in the Streets of Garnet. He showed us the tiny cabin where his parents lived when he was born. He told us about the all the families and different characters that lived and worked in each building. He told us stories about the mines themselves, and how he used to watch his dad prepare to blast in the mines.
He has so much to share, and despite listening intently at the time....I can't remember all of the details now.
That's why I'm glad to say that part of the reason we went up there, was so that a professional could film Pat describing everything he experienced in that little town. A friend of Pat's daughter, (Dustin's Aunt Kristi), was good enough to realize the need for a record of Pat's history, and so he organized the whole thing.
I think it's awesome that this information will now be preserved, and I hope to get a copy, for posterity's sake.

SANTA ON VACATION

2011-06-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to mention that Lily caught up with Santa in Garnet! He stopped and talked with all the kids, and let them know that he and Mrs. Claus, (who followed shortly behind), were vacationing in Montana. He even had cards to hand out for the kids! Lily was absolutely thrilled, and it was really a fun experience for everyone.

FAMILY FUN IN GARNET, MT

2011-06-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

Most of these pics are simply us goofing around in Garnet. The only one that holds a little bit of meaning to us is the picture of Lily in front of the Antler in the tree.

You see, Lily's great-great-grandfather Pinky, (so named because of his pink, Irish skin), put this Mule Deer Antler into a crevice in this tree around 1938. Since then the tree has enveloped this antler and it has become a kind of family legacy. Dustin was photographed sitting on this antler as an infant, and now Lily has contiued the tradition, (not sitting on it, because I didn't want to be the one to potentially destroy a family legacy). :)

ARTSY FAV'S-GARNET, MT

2011-06-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

GARNET GHOST TOWN

2011-06-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

This was the first stop we made on the way up to Garnet. It's an old Cemetery with only five headstones. Weirdly enough, 4 of the 5 people buried there had the first name of William.

CHAD AND FENESA'S WEDDING

2011-06-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

This wedding was the reason for us traveling up to Montana. The Groom, (Chad) is my awesome Brother-In-Law, and Fenesa is his gorgeous and amazing new wife. Let me just admit right now that I did not take my best pictures at this wedding. This was for 2 reasons;

1. I'm not all that good at taking candid "people", photos. I'm simply more comfortable with nature pics.
2. I was a blubbering mess at this wedding. I'm a blubbering mess at most weddings, but of course this one was especially meaningful to me.....so yeah I was blubbering. :)

Thank goodness I wasn't the photographer. :)

The wedding was absolutely stunning. My dad and Step Mom Terry were able to come, and afterwards Terry and I both agreed that it was one of the most beautiful weddings we'd seen. The colors were vivid and lovely, (much like the bride). There was a orchestral band that played beautifully, and the ceremony was amazing. Although the rain interrupted a couple of times throughout the day, it didn't dampen spirits and we adapted, (family in the front row provided the coordinating umbrella).

I'm grateful to have been apart of this wonderful occasion! I'm also so happy for Chad and Fenesa! Congrats Guys!

LILY LYNN, SURVIVOR WOMAN

2011-06-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet 3 year old has been learning what life is like in the Pacific Northwest. Having spent almost a month traveling through Alaska, Montana and parts of Idaho, I think she loved all of the new experiences she's had. This summer, she's experienced the following firsts;

1. Caught her first fish, (Actually done in California despite a couple of tries in Montana).
2. Rode a four wheeler, (Montana-with Grandpa Dale, then Daddy).
3. Shot a gun, (pellet gun- with daddy).

She is a fan of country living, which warms her Montana-native parents' hearts.

THANKFUL FOR FAMILY

2011-06-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

This summer is proving to be a whirlwind so far! I just got back from visiting family in Alaska, and in about a day’s time, I'll be hopping on a plane again to head to a wedding in Montana. I know I know....if common sense had played a part, I would have flown straight to Montana from Alaska. Trust me, there is a long drawn out reason why things worked out the way they did, (the bottom line: Too boring to write about). ;)

Despite the fact that I am running myself ragged, I have no reason to complain. I'm doing everything I love; traveling, visiting friends and family and supporting my photography obsession!

The trip to Alaska was no exception. I am very grateful to my mom and sister, for both supporting my photography habit, and also for driving Lily and I all over kingdom come. I love them very much and hope to see them, (and reciprocate their kindness), soon.

FAMILY SUBJECTS-ALASKA

2011-06-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

Typically when I travel, all I really want to do is shoot landscape pictures. This time around, I found myself feeling more creative about taking pictures with subjects in them. Unfortunately for my family, they became my subjects....and they were subjected to lots and lots of picture taking!

OLD GLENN HIGHWAY-ALASKA

2011-06-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

PIECES OF HISTORY-ALASKA

2011-06-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

ALASKA WILD

2011-06-11T19:13:00.001-07:00

PASSION

2011-06-06T21:12:00.001-07:00

I'm here in Alaska doing my 3 favorite things; traveling, visiting family, and taking pictures!! I can't take credit for these pictures, (obviously), but I loved these pics of Lily and I so much! I had to post them! These pics we're taken near the Portage Glacier in Chugach National Forest in Alaska. The water's unique shade of blue is caused by Glacial silt.

TREE MONSTER

2011-05-24T12:16:00.001-07:00

I thought it would be fun to post these pics in the form of a silent story line. On a recent visit to a nearby park, Dustin spotted a tree with a deep, gaping hole. In an attempt to have some fun with Lily, he begins to tell Lily that this tree eats children, and that the hole is the mouth of the tree. Hopefully the pictures explain the rest of the story.....

TREE MONSTER FINALE

2011-05-24T12:14:00.001-07:00

BLESSING IN DISGUISE

2011-05-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

My recent commitment to a simplified, de-cluttered lifestyle is gradually coming together. The past week I have been able to make home repairs, deep clean and de-clutter. Ever so slightly, I'm experiencing a new more pleasant look and feel to my home.
Did this metamorphosis come to pass because of my strong will and resolve to make it happen? Can I take full credit for the above accomplishments? The truth, not really....no.
Chalk it up to Divine Intervention. My family has been sick as dogs and sharing illnesses for almost 2 weeks now. We've been unable to attend play dates, go to social events, and have only recently felt well enough to leave the house.
Luckily, we are past the worst bugs, but the battle that still has to be fought is Pink Eye, (I know, yuck). This is Lily's first experience with it, and the first one for me since I can remember.
So basically what drives me is not my will, but my lack of excuses and utter disgust with my petri dish of a home. I am thankful for this series of battles, however, for giving me a fighting chance to reach my ultimate goal.

DIY DRYER REPAIR PICS

2011-05-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Lily being a big helper.

Here's another being a less than big helper.

....and here's a pic of Lily completely losing interest. :)

Here's the final picture of the dryer. You may not be able to see the tumble, but trust me, it works!

DID IT WITHOUT MY HUSBAND!

2011-05-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

* Before attempting, disconnect the MAIN power in the back, (no picture shown).* There are 2 clips holding down the lid of the dryer. Simply use a putty knife to pop it open.

This is the connection for the light. It was by far the biggest pain to unhook.

Here's a before picture of the motor, the pulley unhooked, and no belt.

Here's and after photo of the belt back on. Simple, huh?

Our dryer stopped tumbling on the 3rd. It was still giving off heat, and the light would still turn on, so we knew the Dryer Belt had busted. It was a little inconvenient to order the belt online, and also to use the community laundry facility while we waited, (needing to dry every load at least 2 times or more required alot of quarters).

Despite the inconvenience, I have to admit that it's a pretty good feeling to be able to, "do it myself".

I was well prepared, first off. On the same site that I purchased the belt, (www.repairclinic.com), there is also a detailed video on how to install a front-loading dryer belt.

Then, when the time came to get 'er done, I sweated, fussed, and mumbled under my breath a bit, but the machine itself is very simple so I managed.

Yay for DIY!

SIMPLY LIVE

2011-05-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've had a desperate desire to de-clutter. I don't just mean my house, (although a garage sale would really do some good). I'm also talking about the style, pursuits, and overall pace of my life. I have a sneaking suspicion, that I'm not the only one.

This shift in thinking may have come about due to the recession we're all experiencing in one form or another, but I also wonder if our country, having over-consumed and been over-stimulated for so long, is beginning to transition into a culture that values simplicity over excess.

So have we, (as a nation), de-valued luxury?

I think that if someone goes to a concert or sees a movie, they are still inclined to see big elaborate performances, with lots of jaw-dropping special effects. However, I believe that when it comes to our own lives, we find that bigger is not always better, and that basic is beautiful. This has even begun catching up to our media.

We have tried so hard for so long to live above our means, that we now find safety in living within them.

More and more I hear of people choosing to slow down. Is it silly for me to be excited when people decide to have a potluck picnic rather then eat out at a restaurant?

I am thrilled with the thought of a producing vegetable garden, and one day having goats and chickens. And I guess more then anything, I'm hopeful for a day when the "rat race" slows to a snails crawl, and when "keeping up with the Jones' ", refers to people living happily, simply.

Any thoughts?

ROYAL WEDDING CELEBRATION

2011-04-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

Here's Lily calling for her Prince Charming to return to the castle.

She's ready for her parade.

Catherine, if you need Ladies in Waiting, we're your girls!

It isn't very often that a true Fairytale comes to life. Today, however, I was able to show Lily a real life Princess, thanks to Great Britain's marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. Lily loved the televised event, so in honor of this wonderful occasion, she and I fashioned crowns out of vines and flowers and paraded/walked around our neighborhood. ;)

BEACH BUMS

2011-04-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

I knew I couldn't stay away for long!!

We're lovin' the weather down here! The water is still FREEZING, but we packed swimsuits anyway and played in the sand, sun and waves at Laguna Beach.

PARK FUN

2011-04-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

PIONEER PARK WITH DAD

2011-04-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

PLAYTIME WITH DAD

2011-04-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

Dustin loves fishing. Whenever he has a bit of free time, he'll grab his fishing rod, and head off to either go fishing with his buddies, or he'll come and get Lily and I and we'll all head out. This most recent trip, we took Dustin's dad. On this day, the fish weren't biting at all, but we managed to have fun catching some Newts, and exploring by the water.

MOMMY METHODS THAT HAVE WORKED FOR ME

2011-04-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

Like all parents eventually do, I'm coming to the realization that my sweet baby girl, is actually no longer a baby at all. She is now tall and lean. She can carry on a conversation easily. She navigates through most playground equipment without any assistance from me. She feeds herself, she's potty trained, and can even run her own bath, (I'm not kidding....she gets her own toys, takes off her clothes, runs the water at the right temperature and even shuts it off). Obviously I supervise everything, but still, her growth up to this point is amazing to me.

I think many parents who have come to this stage of their children's growth ask the question; "How did we get here"? I find myself forgetting some of the past stages of her development.So now I'm asking the question, "How did we get here?", mostly because I want to remember what tips and techniques worked for me, so if we have more children, I'm not fumbling to remember how to pull off the advanced stuff. :)

1. Language-

I believe that Lily greatly benefited from "Baby sign language", which I started when she was about a year old. Once I began using signs for simple terms like "eat", "drink", "more", and "all done",I rarely got frustrated trying to figure out what she needed, and she seemed happier because she had a way to communicate.

The other tip that worked for me was actually some advice I took from a friend.

She had a daughter who was one year older then Lily who was extremely articulate. She was only 2 and speaking full sentences easily. When I asked the girl's mom what she did to help her language, my friend said;
"I try to answer all of her questions. I try never to ignore a single one. Also, I speak normally to her, rather than "baby talk".

I remembered and implemented my friend's advice when Lily started talking, and I believe it helped a lot.

2.Eating-

Lily isn't always a good eater. In fact, I've found myself nearly pulling my hair out to try to get her to eat many a meal. However, I do have a few fool proof methods of success.

Using a baby food grinder, (before she could eat solids), was excellent. She absolutely hated most pre-packaged baby food. When I simply ground up the steamed veggies,(or etc), I had already prepared for Dustin and myself, she was a happy camper.

Also, Lily tends to not like fruit. The Method I discovered that helped us overcome this obstacle, was simply to juice.

We use a Jack Lalane Juicer. It juices different fruits like apples, oranges, pineapples and etc beautifully, (not so much banana's or veggies, because they aren't really juicy). Also, It separates all the pulp into another container, which you can use later for baking, or simply toss if you don't want the pulp. Not only has juicing benefited Lily's diet, but Dustin and I are eating better as a result of it. Before we started juicing fruits, we were sick all of the time. Now we rarely fall ill.

Lastly, to get her to eat, I have her help me cook. This was also advice given by a friend. Lily has never not eaten a meal she's helped prepare.

3.Potty Training-

I don't have a fool proof method for this one. I can tell you what DIDN'T work, and then I'll tell you when Lily decided to potty train herself.

Buying new toys and/or playing movies while she was on the potty didn't get her out of diapers. What it did do was keep her on the potty, FOREVER. Seriously, 30-45 minutes would go by, and nothing would happen. Then she'd get up and immediately pee.

Transitioning with Pull-ups didn't help. If she found herself in anything that felt like a diaper, she'd fall back on old habits, and I'd have a mess to clean up.

What kind of turned a corner for her in potty training, was when we bought Lily a thicker, more comfortably fitted type of underwear, (not the flimsy panties).

They look like little boys briefs, but they sell them for girls too. When we first put her in them, she loved them immediately. Then as if the clouds had parted, she was suddenly thrilled to pull down her new, "big girl undies", go try to potty, pull them up, and do it all over again.

From that point on she made every effort to use the potty. She had a few accidents, but really, she was trained pretty fast. Also, we put her to bed in underwear right away as well. Again, she had a couple accidents, but we didn't start potty training until she was waking up dry, so we new she was ready during the night time as well.

4. Hitting and other disciplinary issues-

Not long ago, I got my first parent call. On Sundays, we all go to Church. Lily attends a Nursery with other children between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. They get supervised by their leaders, and then the parents get to attend other classes, (for instance, I am a leader for kids from ages 3 to 11 years old).

Anyway, one day, one of Lily's friends was devastated, because Lily had hit her, (I guess this had happened before as well). She went home crying and told her mom, who then called me. I knew Lily had started hitting, (because she was hitting me), and I was attempting to resolve it with her.....but getting no where.

So I confided in my sister-in-law, Taresa, who is a 3rd grade teacher. She thought some sort of chart to earn a privilege was a good alternative to my previous technique, (timeouts when she hit), which wasn't working.

This is what we worked out:

When she hits or behaves badly, she loses a beloved toy. I put it in the closet, so she can't get it. Then she has to do good things to get it back.

So her chart is called the, "I did it!", chart. The rows are days, (Monday, Tuesday....etc). The columns are based on areas she struggles with, (brushing teeth, eating well, playing well with others, obeying parents, cleaning up toys, to bed on time).

When she does something from the chart well and without a fight, she gets a star. After five stars she gets her closeted toy back.
The, item "playing well with others", basically means not hitting or being mean to kids. The enforcement of this chart has eliminated her hitting, and helped with a lot of other problems I was having, which I am grateful for.

5.Bed Time-

This is probably the most unconventional tip I have to offer, but it really did the trick for us.

A few months ago we went on a road trip. One of the evenings, we found ourselves on the road at dusk. While the sun was setting, I asked her what colors she was seeing. I asked her to tell me what the color of the sky was to the East, (still blue), then I asked the colors to the West, (Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple). We continued to talk about the colors until the sun had set and sky was completely black. Then we talked about how the nighttime was bedtime. Now every time it's dark outside, Lily says, "It's bedtime", and we haven't had a problem with that since, (her getting back out of bed is kind of our problem right now....threatening to lose one of her stars usually does the trick though).

Anyway, I would highly recommend showing your toddler the Sunset. Even if it doesn't work for you, it sure makes a great family outing!!

DEFINATELY FEMININE

2011-03-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

Somehow, for reasons that are beyond me, I ended up with a girly girl.

Right up until Puberty, I was a total tomboy. I spent my days out in the dirt. I could either be found looking for salamanders, playing catch with the neighbors, or "shooting hoops" at the nearby elementary school. My wardrobe was almost exclusively baggy T-Shirts and jeans, and I would cry if I was forced to wear otherwise.

Lily, however, is a whole other story. She loves having a wardrobe that includes sparkles and lace. She pretends to ballet dance and sings all day long. When she pretends, her play always involves a princess.

Today we indulged our feminine side. I painted her nails, and put sponge curlers in her hair.

ARTSY FAV'S

2011-03-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

MORE R&R

2011-03-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

DUSTIN'S AFTERNOON OFF

2011-03-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes it's nice to give your mind a chance to re-boot."

This is what Dustin said as he grabbed some fishing poles and bait, and then snatched me and Lily away yesterday afternoon.

He took us to Yorba Lake, which is a little lake that gets stocked with fish in a neighboring town. I opted not to get a fishing license for this trip, and Lil's attention span isn't fit to fish for more than 5 minutes, So she and I went off exploring. Dustin did a little fishing, walking and playing. Most importantly, he got to relax.

A LITTLE BIT WILL GO A LONG WAY FOR BAYLIN

2011-03-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

Some good friends have a family member who could use our love, prayers and support. Please read the passage below, written by my friend Katie Stevens on behalf of her nephew Baylin:

Hi Friends and Family,

Our nephew Baylin was born August 15, 2009. As many of you know Baylin was born with only 5% kidney use. Baylin has what is called End Stage Renal Failure. He has spent his entire life on dyalisis 10 hours a day to keep him alive. The unfortunate thing is the dyalsis has taken his kidney function to 0%, thus causing him to not be ablel to grow, have appetite (he is fed with a feeding tube), and not reach milestones on target, along with countless other complications.

This summer Baylin is going to Seattle Children's Hospital for a kidney transplant. His dad, Brett, will be the donor. Sarah, Brett, and Baylin will be heading to Seattle for a long stay. After the transplant, Baylin will have the ability to grow, eat and function like other 2 year olds.

This is where you and I come in to play. Sarah and Baylin will be staying at the Rondal McDonald House for up to 90 days. The cost is $27.00 per night. The rule with RMH is that if you can pay please do, if not your cost is covered. We would like to cover that cost and take one more burden off of the Etzel's shoulders.

We are asking for your help to raise $3000.00 in Baylin's name. The money will be given to the Ronald McDonald House in Sarah and Brett's account, it will cover their stay, and whatever they do not use will be directly donated to another family in need.

We will be puting together a "Baylin's Angels" book. When you donate you will be put into his book so he can see how many helped him through this experience.

Please contact me at 208-215-1347 if you need more information. When you donate please make checks payable to The Ronald McDonald House Charities, and send to our home...
13015 N. Westwood Dr. Hayden Lake, ID 83835.

We want to make sure that the money goes directly to the Etzel's account. Please pass this along to your friends and family too!
Sarah and Brett appreciate your love and support!

Love and Gratitude,
Katie and Josh Stevens

For more information on kidney disease please go to http://www.kidney.org/
For more information for the Ronald McDonald House please go to http://rmhc.org/

STRIKE TWO!!!

2011-02-21T16:57:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to think that we were never meant to explore Sequioa National Park. Years ago, after just having moved to California, we decided to drive to Sequioa N.P., primarily to see the giant trees that the park is named for, but more specifically to see General Sherman.

General Sherman is the largest tree in the park, and subsequently, it's considered the largest tree, (based on volume), on the planet. In 2002, it was measured at 275 feet high, the vloume of the trunk was measured at about 52,513 Cubic feet, and the age of this giant is believed to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.

So, we made the trip north to see General Sherman. We even made it into the park. However, just a few miles in, we decided to stop for some snacks at a local convenience store. As fate would have it, just a few feet from the store, a couple of girls were giving away a box of kittens. We had no pets at the time and we deeply missed the companionship of an animal in our home. So we picked out the sore thumb of the litter. He was tiny and orange, and we named him Sherman to commemorate the day. Then we bought some snacks and soft cat food and hit the road.

We quickly realized that Sherman was not just small, but tiny, and obviously too young to have been weened from it's mom or eat regular cat food properly. He was also covered with fleas, and he seemed ill. At that point we made the decision to leave the park, (just missing General Sherman), to take our new kitten home and get him some proper food.

This past weekend, we decided to head back up to Sequioa N.P., to hopefully see General Sherman. Unfortunately, our efforts were thwarted again. Since it's winter and there is snow in the park, the Park Service currently requires every vehicle to carry snow chains. We didn't have chains, and didn't realize this before we got within minutes from the park entrance. So when we saw a big flourescent sign that said, "SNOW CHAINS", we THOUGHT we were home free. It turns out the chains were being sold for $200 bucks a piece with an additional, (required), $10 demonstration fee. Apparently the locals were cashing in on this new park requirement, and if we decided to pay that price we would have doubled the cost of our entire trip. So we turned back, hoping to find another store that sold them. When we asked one store clerk about chains, she said, "No, we're not in THAT racket".

So, feeling a little defeated, we headed home. But on the way, we did find some beautiful vistas to explore and photograph. The trip as a whole was a success, we had a ton of fun, and both Dustin and I love the peace a relaxation we feel when we travel and live in the moment. If nothing else, we have a good reason to go back ;).

OUTSIDE SEQUIOA NATIONAL PARK

2011-02-21T16:54:00.000-08:00

CONTINUED.....

2011-02-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

IN THE TRUCK......

2011-02-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

Many times, if I don't mention where exactly I took a specific picture, it's probably because I don't know. Many of the shots I get, are due to my good husband pulling over so I can capture something cool. The little stream I posted is an example of that.

SNOW DAY DRIVING THROUGH SEQUIOA FOREST

2011-02-21T16:43:00.000-08:00

This may look like a different trip altogether, but as luck would have it, we were driving into and out of all different terrains and altitudes, so I got shots of many different climates.

ROAD TRIPPIN'

2011-02-21T16:42:00.000-08:00

MORE BOTANICAL GARDENS

2011-01-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

MY FAVORITE GARDENS

2011-01-29T21:01:00.000-08:00

MORE WONDERLAND

2011-01-29T20:54:00.000-08:00

WONDERLAND

2011-01-29T20:52:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU HUELL HOWSER!!

2011-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

We don't have cable, but what few local access channels we do have, I find myself watching all too often. One of my favorite shows to watch is a show called, "California's Gold." It's hosted by a very animated older man named Huell Howser, and the show focuses on great places to visit in California. Sometimes he spends a whole episode in one popular old restaurant in Los Angeles, and sometimes he explores how a food produced in California makes it from it's beginnings to the Dinner table. The most recent episode I saw was of a Landmark converted to a Library, Park and Art Museum. "The Huntington", (so named after it's original, (and very wealthy), owners), has it all! It boasts a collection of rare books and historical documents, fine art collections, and some of the most beautiful botanical gardens I have ever seen!! If you have small children, it even has an amazing children's garden, where the kids can interact with the landscape. It was the closest thing to a "Wonderland" a kid could get!!

WORKING FOR THE MAN

2011-01-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

When Dustin asked me to help him clean and prep a house he was nearly finished remodeling, I was all for it! Not only am I a big fan of the D. Man's work, but I love cleaning houses, (other peoples houses, that is):). Luckily Grandma Patti was available and happy to watch Lil, so I could go.

This house is an especially good showcase of Dustin's work because it was done for a company who simply gives Dustin a budget and a color Pallette, then lets him design the floor plan and choose everything for the interior. I'm always amazed at how well Dustin can put together a house. I can't wait until he can do it for us, when we get into a place that we plan to be in longterm.

This group houses people with physical disabilities, who need a caretaker. So Dustin's design also had to accomodate wheelchair accessibility throughout the house. If you look closely, you'll see that the shower floors have a low hump to contain the water and still allow for a wheelchair.

Anyway, these pictures are for a portfolio and ideally a website we're planning for future, but I thought I'd Blog it as well.

DILWORTH FAMILY PHOTOS

2011-01-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

As a gift to Patti, all of Dilworth kids pooled their money and purchased a Family Portrait package from Rock it! Photography. These are just some of the pictures I snapped with my camera when I wasn't in the shot. I just saw what the photographers posted on their website, and they got some really great pics of all of us. I'll be sure and post them once I order my own package.

LILY'S 3 CHRISTMASES

2011-01-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

Lily had quite a Christmas this year...make that 3 Christmases!! We celebrated at Grandma Patti's first, as kind of a prelude before the rest of the family came into town. Then we spent Christmas day at home where we opened gifts from me and Dustin, my family, and from Santa of course!! Then, Lily's Uncle Chad and Aunt Nessie came into town and the Dilworth family opened gifts and played our traditional games. It was a hoot, not to mention a whale of a time for our little 2 year old. She made out like a bandit to say the least.

SUGAR, TREATS AND SWEETS!

2011-01-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

For me, part of the fun of the holidays is partaking in all of the sugary goodness that I avoid the rest of the year. This year was no exception. I should feel ashamed, I know. But luckily, my sisters-in-law came into town for Christmas after having moved to Idaho earlier this year. So, if nothing else, I can blame my accomplices for any crimes of indulgence I may have committed!! Muahhahaha!!

PLAYDATE INFUSED WITH CHRISTMAS

2011-01-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind with my Blogging due to all of this year's holiday fun, so I'm doing my best to make up for it now. A couple of friends and I regularly get ourselves and our kids together for some playdate fun. This time around, was right before Christmas. So my friend Tracy planned a special playdate and infused some Christmas cheer. We gathered at a park, brought lunches, and played with the kids. Tracy added Christmas flavor by having the kids sing christmas songs, (and she provided treats as well). The kids had a blast, and it was fun to hang out with the girls before the New Year.

DECEMBER PICS

2010-12-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

DUSTIN'S ILLNESSES

2010-12-11T20:55:00.000-08:00

Dustin, is beginning to realize that his body is not infallable. He had to go to the doctor a couple of weeks ago, for what we thought was a bad case of Pink Eye.

Unfortunately, our perceived simple diagnosis turned into several conditions. What we thought was Pink Eye, was actually Iritis. it's a swelling of the tendons in the Iris, which causes tenderness and pain when the eye adjusts to light and darkness. It also causes redness, blurry vision, and apparently Cataracts which Dustin now has.

If you look closely at the picture I've posted, Dustin's Pupil looks like something out of Science-Fiction. That's a reaction to the medication he's taking to hopefully treat the cataracts. We also found out at this appointment that he needed to be tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Iritis can be a symptom of R.A., and since it runs in his family, he had to tested. We're now waiting, for results. Lastly, we found out he has high blood pressure.

He's been working too hard, under too much stress. Because of his late hours and long distance job locations, he's also been eating out too much. Whether or not his recent illnesses have been triggered by our current lifestyle, we can't be certain. We both realize now however, that we need to make some changes. We are working hard at being good, (health-wise), and we are already feeling the pay off. I'm grateful we have the opportunity to get Dustin's conditions under control at this early stage. I'm also glad that we've gotten the kick-start we needed to eat better, relax more, and hopefully live longer, healthier lives.

**UPDATE: We got Dustin's lab results back. He has HLA-B27 which means that when he gets sick, his body over-compensates and attacks organs and things. So whenever he gets sick and feels additional pain in his body, he has to be prescribed steroids to prevent further damage. It explains a whole lot of weird illnesses he's had in the past. Dustin's happy that it's not R.A., and we're grateful to know now how to help him. :)**

EXERCISING WITH GRANDMA

2010-11-18T22:57:00.000-08:00

JUST FOR TODAY-BY DALE CARNEGIE

2010-11-18T22:53:00.000-08:00

JUST FOR TODAY

1. Just for today I will be happy. Happiness is within. Happiness is a choice.

2. Just for today I will try to adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my family, my business, and my luck as they come and fit myself to them.

3. Just for today I will take care of my body. I will exercise it, care for it, nourish it, not abuse it nor neglect it, so that it will be a perfect machine for my bidding.

4. Just for today I will strengthen my mind. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

5. Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways; I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out. I will do at least two things I don’t want to do. And I will talk to Jesus about my thoughts and my day.

6. Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress as becoming as possible, talk low, act courteously, be liberal with praise, criticize not at all, nor find fault with anything and not try to regulate nor improve anyone.

7. Just for today I will try to live through this day only, not to tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime.

8. Just for today I will have a program. I will write down what I expect to do every hour. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. It will eliminate two pests, hurry and indecision.

9. Just for today I will have a quiet half-hour all by myself and relax. In this half-hour sometimes I will think of God, so as to get a little more perspective into my life. I will read a chapter in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament and think about them and talk to God about them.

10. Just for today I will be unafraid, especially I will not be afraid to be happy, to enjoy what is beautiful, to love, and to believe that those I love, love me.

~"HOW TO STOP WORRYING AND START LIVING" By Dale Carnegie

DELAYED HALLOWEEN REVEAL

2010-11-18T22:41:00.000-08:00

Just before Halloween, tragedy struck. Our main computer crashed. It's sad, I know :(. I was reduced to surfing the internet aimlessly on our newest computer....one we bought because we knew the old one was on it's last legs, and yet never took the time to transfer all of our many files and applications, thus resulting in this sad, sad tragedy :(. Luckily, (and despite our poor choices), most of our info has been recovered from our old computer tower, so here I am posting these delayed Halloween pics.
We had so much fun at our ward's "Trunk or Treat" this year. I was kind of in high stress mode that day, however, because of another instance of poor decision making. Even though I had completed Lily's costume a month early thanks largely due to Grandma Patti, and I had initially intended to dress the family up, a wavered with indecision about actually doing big costumes for me and Dustin. This resulted in me completing my own costume the day of the party, and Dustin, (who wasn't to keen on a costume anyway), simple wore a flannel shirt and claimed to be either the woodsmen from "little Red Riding Hood", or the "Brawny Guy", depending on how the mood struck him.
Rather than just making a choice do these things and simply follow through with it, I chose to deliberate my options endlessy in my head to the point of procrastinating and having to rush at the eleventh hour. This is a behavior I have repeated many times, and even though I knew it was a flaw, I never grasped how often it messed with my happiness. This became clear to me when Dale Carnegie, (Author of "How to stop worrying and start living"), wrote the following in exerpt the above mentioned book entitled JUST FOR TODAY:

" Just for today I will have a program. I will write down what I expect to do every hour. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will eliminate two pests, hurrying and indecision."

Now I have made the choice to be better about making a choice and sticking to it, and so far Ifeel alot less stressed. This book has been very helpful for Dustin and I, so I thought I'd include the entire section of JUST FOR TODAY so you all could benefit as well.

Pumpkin Patch at the Laguna Hills Mall

2010-10-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

The other night, some good friends invited us to go with them to the Laguna Hills Mall's Pumpkin Patch. This event was especially fun for Lily because not only were there pumpkins, but also kiddie carnival rides, games, and even a puppet show. I was especially excited to bring my camera, because going after dark meant that I could practice night shots.

This puppet show featured a creative rendition of "Puff the Magic Dragon" that was fantastic. I only wish I'd written down the name of the company.

Here is a really cool shot I got of someone else's kid. As you can see, Lily is behind this unknown girl, but I was proud of the shot so I included it anyway.

Here is the best shot I got of Lily on the swings.

Just a picture of Lily carrying around her spoils after winning a carnival fishing game, (with a little help from daddy).

Halloween Decor

2010-10-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

Finally after several years of barely decorating for Halloween, I caught the decorating bug. Lily brought it out of me. She's been watching "The Munsters" reruns with daddy, and she loves the "ghosties" and "monster toys" at the grocery store. I'm thrilled to say I've completed her costume, she'll be Little Red Riding Hood with a store bought dress, but I handmade the hooded cape and bloomers thanks to lots of help from Grandma Patti, (pictures to come).
I'm so glad not not feel so rushed through the holidays right now. During previous halloweens, I've been so busy with the day-to-day, that before I knew it Halloween had arrived and I'd have to scramble for a costume and candy. Hopefully I can continue this positive trend through Thanksgiving and Christmas.

FUN DIY HALLOWEEN FAMILY PROJECT, (CHEESECLOTH GHOSTIES AS SHOWN ABOVE)

All you need;

Cheesecloth-(You can get at any craft store)
Scissors
Balloons
White Glue-(the same Elmer's type glue every kid has)
Water

Step 1-Create a stiffener: Mix equal parts water and white glue.
Step 2-Cut your cheesecloth to the desired size and shape you would like for your ghost.
Step 3-Blow up a balloon and tie it off, (small balloon for a small ghost, etc). Dip your piece of Cheesecloth in the stiffener, squeeze out the excess, then drape over the balloon to dry, (you may need to set the balloon in a bowl so it won't roll around).
Step 4-when the entire ghost is dry, you can either pop the balloon or carefully detach the cheesecloth from the balloon, just be careful to preserve the new shape of your ghost.
There you have it!! Lily loved this project and I highly recommend it for some easy family fun!

Saturday at Seaworld Pics

2010-10-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday at Seaworld

2010-10-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't live in Southern California, you may wonder how people that live by Theme Parks can afford to go so often. The answer is simple.... passes. Passes, coupons, and special offers. For instance, around mid-March or April, Seaworld offers consumers the option to "Buy a Day/Get a Year Free". The ticket is slightly more expensive than a normal 1-day ticket, But if you live close by and will likely attend the park again, it's totally worth the investment. This recent visit will mark our 3rd time this year.
Seaworld is always fun. This time around, we ventured outside our comfort zone, (animal exhibits), and visited some of the parks other accomodations. Lily loves the Sesame Street Kid's Zone. This area not only features performing Sesame Street characters like Elmo and Zoe, (Lily loves Elmo), but it also has rides suitable for toddlers, massive rope-climbing jungle gyms for older kids, and also plenty off opportunities to get wet, (the Seaworld Motto, I think). We also saw the 3D Pirate Experience, (you also get wet); and over-the-water Gondola ride, (pray you never manage to get wet); and finally the "Shamu Rocks" evening show, (duh!).

MORE IRP

2010-09-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

WEEKEND EXCURSION

2010-09-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

We had alot of fun this past weekend. Dustin decided to take Saturday off, and the plan was to go on a hike. But when we got to Irvine Regional Park, the Halloween festivites we're already underway. It looked like a blast...so we decided to join the fun. For those of you who live close by, I would totally suggest taking the kiddles this year. They will have so much fun!! Here were some of the highlights for us;

1. Pony Rides- 4 Dollars. There are walking Ponies for children ages 1 to 3, (or 4), and trotting ponies for the older kids. Lily loved her pony Echo and still talks about her.
2. The Children's Zoo- Very reasonably priced and has a variety of animals ranging from snakes to Black Bears and even
a Mountain Lion.
3. Halloween Festivites-Excellent for the whole family. There is already a pumpkin patch which is gorgeous and excellent for pictures, (I've already decided to go again and bring Lily's Halloween Costume). There is a hay ride, a toddler friendly haunted house, (which Dustin would not go in, mind you). There is a bounce house, and kid's tractor race, (ages 5 to 12), Gold panning, train ride, and etc.
4. The Park itself- If you haven't been yet, now is an excellent time to go. But apart from seasonal festivities, this park is also well designed for recreation. Bike, boat and peddle cart rentals will accomodate you if you'd like to explore the vast expanse of the park. There are ponds, play structures, and even the occasional Peacock poking around the yards. It's a great place for a picnic, a leisure walk, or even a hike, (our original plan).

ENTERING MONTANA

2010-09-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

2010-09-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

ROAD TRIP CONTINUED

2010-09-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE

2010-09-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Dustin discovered a slow time in his schedule. We couldn't pass this chance up as it doesn't happen very often, so we planned a spontaneous roadtrip/destination Montana. Typically we rush our drive and take the 15 Freeway through scenery we've seen a hundred times, but this June we had to cancel a trip to Yosemite, so we decided to make up for that as well. We had a blast and thought we'd share!

MORE SCENIC FAV"S

2010-07-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE SCENERY PICS

2010-07-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

I wish I had found a better scenic outlook to take a picture. This valley view from Dixie National forest was MAGNIFICENT!

View from the Devil's Backbone. I don't like steep mountain roads, so having cliffs on both sides was freaking me out!

ADVENTURE AFTER THE REUNION

2010-07-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

After the Reunion, we had about 1 day to play before Dustin had to be back home for work. We decided to take a longer way home, so we headed up the road to Fish Lake, instead of taking the 15 FWY straight home. What a journey it was! Not only did we make it to the beautiful Lake, but we continued on our detour and consequently travelled through several other National and State Parks! In one day, we passed the the following;
1. Fish lake
2. Dixie National Forest, (BEAUTIFUL)!
3. Capitol Reef National Park
4. Grand Staircase National Monument
5. Cathedral Valley
6. The Devil's Backbone, (A road meandering through canyon country, with steep drops on both sides).
7. Bryce Canyon

The drive took about 9 hours. Lily was a complete angel and we loved every minute of it! I have to say, I've never really had a desire to live in Utah, but after this summer's experience, I'm beginning to reconsider!

DILWORTH FAMILY REUNION

2010-07-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

At the end of June, we were lucky enough to be able to attend the "DILWORTH FAMILY REUNION 2010". Dustin's aunt Christine was the organizer this year, so she rented a house in Centerville Utah in which the WHOLE family stayed. There were about 45 or fifty people in total. It was a blast to see everyone, and we enjoyed every minute of the event. Here are just a few photos of the family I thought I'd share.

Slacker

2010-07-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

We're about half way through the summer of 2010, and so far we've been blessed with plenty of work, play and even a little adventure.

We've been so busy, in fact, that I've been shirking my Blogging duties. I'll do my best to fill everyone in.

The first item I should mention--is that my little girl turned 2!!

What a blessing it is to have Lily in our lives. She is full of energy and life, and her sweet giggles and cuddly ways can't help but brighten the day of everyone she meets. We are so grateful for our sweet girl, and we thank Heavenly Father everyday for letting her bless our lives.

FAVORITE PICS OF THE TRIP

2010-05-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

Mom and Lily sightseeing. The wind was blowing so hard that day, that the metal safety railing hummed as though music were playing on the platform of this vista.

Casie and I were in need of some fun girl time, so I gave her a makeover. Look how gorgeous she is!!

I love a good landscape. This one I took in Denali National Park.

Lily is helping mom water the flowers in her yard. Lily didn't always make it to the flowers though.

ANCHORAGE GOES GREEN

2010-05-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be cool to show these 2 pictures together. I spent 10 days in Alaska,(May 12th-22th), and I was just amazed at how quickly everything turns green. These pictures were taken on the same trail in Earthquake Park about a week apart, both showing the City Anchorage in the distance.

SIGHTSEEING

2010-05-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

Pretty Whittier

2010-05-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

I thought that since the pics I took of Whittier didn't do it justice, I'd upload some pics of it off of the Internet. It's best to visit in June or July.
This looks more like the Whittier I visited years ago, before I had a digital camera.

Whittier is considered, "the Gateway to Prince William Sound".

Glacier Bay was the highlight of my trip years ago. It's amazing to float through this area, and watch the huge ice chunks tumble off of the Glaciers!

THE UNIQUE, (AND DAMP), TOWN OF WHITTIER

2010-05-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of days into my trip we decided to take a trip to Whittier. This town is kind of cool for a couple of reasons. It's a port for day cruises around Glacier Bay which has some of the most beautiful scenery around. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to do a day cruise and it was gorgeous. We decided not to take a cruise this year, which I think was a good thing, because the weather didn't cooperate during this part of our trip.
Another interesting fact about Whittier, is that there are no "roads" leading into the town. Whittier is nestled against a steep mountain, and right on a bay. So instead of having a meander over the mountain range, to access the town by car you have to drive through the mountain using an operating train tunnel! Every 30 minutes or so there is a period of time where they allow traffic to enter the tunnel, in between the different trains arrival times. It's pretty cool and it makes for a fun road trip!

Here's the point of access for the tunnel. There are several lanes that you are directed into depending on the type of vehicle you are driving. Small cars enter first, and large commercial vehicles go last.

This is the tunnel from the inside. It takes about 10 minutes. Also, you aren't allowed to stop at all, which is the reason for this less than stellar picture.

Mid May can still be a blustery time in Alaska. This truly is a very pretty area, it just doesn't look like it.

Lastly, I thought I'd post the picture of this apartment building, not because it's anything amazing, but I think it's neat because 95% of the town lives there! There are literally 3 or 4 houses in town, and when we drove by the homes, their driveways still had snow touching the bottom of the Stop Signs.

FUN AND FAMILY IN ALASKA

2010-05-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Casie, Lily and me at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage

Mom and Lily in Earthquake Park

Mom gardening in her yard

Now you know where she gets the blue eyes!

TALKEETNA KARAOKE

2010-05-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

HAMMIN' IT UP!

2010-05-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

PLAYGROUND FAMILY FUN

2010-04-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

FUN IN THE YARD

2010-04-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Lily has recently been bitten by the "art" bug, so we've been spending alot of time drawing and coloring. She especially loves using outdoor chalk. Here are some fun pics of her in our yard after one of her art sessions :).

HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL TAX CODE

2010-03-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

In addition to the information I previously posted, I thought I'd also add this information provided by my accountant who makes sure to keep us informed about changes affecting our taxes. I'd like to emphasize that the information I'm posting is not meant to sway reader's opinions in any way. I just like to stay informed, and I thought others might like to know more as well.

Viewing the historic Health-Care Reform package from the context of the Tax Code, several new taxes and penalties stand out immediately above the rest. Initially, we would advise taking particular note of the following highlights:

· Individuals who earn more than $200,000 for the year ($250,000 for couples) will be paying an additional 0.9 percent in Hospital Insurance (Medicare) tax and an additional 3.8 percent Medicare tax on investment income, starting in 2013;

· Employers with 50 or more employees generally will be required to provide a minimum level of health insurance for their employees or pay a penalty per employee, starting in 2014;

· Small employers with no more than 25 employees are entitled to up to a 35 percent tax credit on the cost of providing health insurance for employees, starting immediately in 2010;

· Most individuals will be required to obtain health insurance or be subject to a penalty tax starting in 2014;

· Tax credits to subsidize the cost of health insurance premiums will be available to individuals earning up to 400 percent of the poverty level, starting in 2014;

· A 40 percent excise tax will be imposed on high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage, starting in 2018;

· Fees will be imposed on the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, starting in 2011 and 2012, respectively; and

· Limits on tax-subsidized medical expenses will be imposed by raising the itemized medical expense deduction floor from 7.5 percent to 10 percent, generally starting in 2013, along with placing a $2,500 annual cap on expenses covered under flexible spending accounts, starting in 2011.

Among a handful of tax benefits provided under the new health-care reform package, two are particularly notable at this time: (1) the ability of parents to cover adult children up to age 27 under their tax-qualified employer-provided health plans, starting immediately on or after March 23, 2010; and (2) the unveiling of a simplified cafeteria plan specifically tailored to small businesses, starting in 2011.

HEALTH CARE REFORM DETAILS SUMMARY

2010-03-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

The passing of the Health Care Reform Bill this past week has churned up considerable emotion and controversy with Americans on both sides of the political spectrum. This is for good reason, because with this reform will come tremendous change that will affect every individual, family and business in the years to come. I know that my family will be affected significantly. Dustin and I have been married nearly 8 years, and we have run the gamut when it comes to Insurance. Currently we are small business owners, and a very large chunk of our income is put toward some form of Insurance, (Bond Insurance, Liability, Worker's Comp, Auto, Homeowner's, Life & Health), with the largest chunk being devoted to Health Insurance. I know that educating myself on this Health Care Reform Bill will help me going forward, so I thought posting some details of the bill will help others do the same. Also, if anyone else finds informational material on the subject, please comment and let me know.

Health and Wellness, National News by Jane Copley
New Healthcare Reform Bill Summary 2010, Facts and Timeline of Health Care Reform Changes
March 25th, 2010

Please note that the new healthcare bill is over 2,000 pages long – we didn’t read the whole thing. This is not a comprehensive list of changes, and from what we understand there are several amendments proposed to the Senate and the President.

WHAT HAPPENS THIS YEAR (2010)

During 2010, adults and children previously denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions will be able to access healthcare. High-risk pools are supposed to be set up for these individuals to gain access to coverage. There’s no concrete information about how, where or how someone can access these pools. The pool is supposed to be subsidized but the legislation isn’t clear on where you can apply for the subsidy.

Lifetime maximums are also a thing of the past in 2010. In addition, your insurance company cannot drop you if you fall ill. Annual limits are done away with as well, helping those that suffer catastrophic illnesses.

Children up to 26 can stay on their parents’ plan. Small businesses offering insurance to their employees can get a 35% tax credit from premiums paid.

New plans written during this time have to offer preventative care with no co-pays or deductibles.

Retirees aged 55-64 are offered access to a re-insurance program, and Medicare D participants receive a $250 credit.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT YEAR (2011)

Medicare must provide plans with preventative care with no co-pays or deductibles, Medicare D recipients receive 50% off drugs falling in a “donut hole”, and health insurance companies will have to justify any premium increases or risk being taken out of a state’s insurance exchange pool.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2014

In 2014, an IRS penalty of $750 per individual or 2% of income – whichever is greater – kicks in for those that choose not to purchase health insurance. No one can be denied access to insurance for pre-existing conditions, and annual caps on benefits are banned altogether. In addition, the temporary high risk pools are now done away with as states will have to have exchanges put in place.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2018

All plans must offer preventative care with no co-pays and no deductibles.

Hopefully this information helps all those out there wondering: how does the new health care bill help me? There is still an uphill battle, as states are suing over the Constitutionality of some of the provisions of the bill, including the IRS fee for those who choose to be uninsured.