Simons Hot Dogs

A few weeks before we went to Sedona I had been thinking about it and planning it out. I opened the newspaper and the food page (that I always read) talked about the best places in AZ for hot dogs. One was listed in Sedona. I knew had to call my sister, a hot dog lover and see if she was up to a hike in Sedona with a good Hot Dog reward!

It was a great hot dog! Fresh made bread that was just the right texture, Nice firm sausage dog with a nice juicy bite, and some unusual toppings. I went the boring rout and had "The Cowboy" a chilli dog, There was a cuban dog that had pinapple and a Mexican dog that had a jalepenos and sour cream.

It was super yummy and a good ending for a good day!

Sedona, Arizona

I grew up visiting these red rocks, but never realy appreciated thier beauty.

It is September and still over 100 in Phoenix and thought the idea of heading north a bit to appreciate the red rocks of Sedona, and some cooler temperatures.

It was still hot 90 in Sedona and 106 in Phoenix. After a rather sweaty hike along the red rock area we went a bit farther into Sedona and visited the red rock national park. Nice cold water and moss covered rocks makes for a natural water park!

The kids had a great time!

Paige had been talking about being excited to collect red rocks. She loves rocks, all kinds of rocks. It shouldn't have surprised me when we were pulling into the parking area for the hike and she looked through the front window and said..."That's Bell Rock" I learned about it in school. She knows her rocks!

Beautiful!

Another Home Project

When we first moved into this house, we started here, in the garage. It was a mess and we wanted it clean before our goods arrived. We just didnt know all that we wanted to do. We did the obviouse. Cleaned up the spilt paint, tore down the rotted shelves, and re-painted.

As time went on we realized there was more we could do. If we put in the time and effort it could be like an additional room in our house. Without a basement for "basement" type things we could adjust our garage.

I had several estemates and we decided I would acid wash the floors to totaly de-grease and de-paint them. Then we had a storage company come in and put in these cabinet...which I love.

I totaly re-organised the garage so there is a place for everything and everything in its place.

Well....with the exception of a "Few" box's.....

We are going to shift bedrooms around when Logan leaves for college and the den (which is now acting as Seth's room) will become Dan's room to store all of his collectables. So about 6 more months and it will be perfect!

Another check on the "to do" list and we keep marching along!

The newest Strode

Please meet: Chives

Paige had been promised a dog when she quit sucking her thumb, once she saw these baby turtles at her cousins house she decided it would be better than a dog. (Dan and I agreed) and now we have a baby turtle named Chives (She named it on her own!)

Aunties

Luci and I had a unique oportunity to have an evening to ourselves. My 4 kidos were off with other cousins and she said she wanted a cheese burger and frys...we found the closest 50's burger place and added a chocolate shake to her dinner!

I have some of the best Aunties. My Aunt Ellen was always kid focused and toted us kids every where and would be willing to chase down ice cream trucks while 5-6 kids were hanging out the back of the stationwagon.

I have Aunt Debbie who always had some special treat up her sleave, weather it was a toy, or a special resteraunt she always could creat the spark of surprise and excitment.

Of course I have my Aunt Arlene who no matter what I did was always so proud of her name sake and like to take me to her art shows and theater productions.

I can't forget my Aunt Paula who was always a cross between another mom and a cool older sister.

So with these great examples of "Auntihood" I have a lot to roll into one amazing Auntie. I am so glad for the chance to be here in Arizona (for however long that lasts) to work on my auntie skills!

Love

It's September 11th 2011, it is ten years after the tragic attack on our country. This whole last month there have been documenteries and news reports, newspaper articles and stories of loved ones lost. There have been as many stories of those who acted heroically in those days, and months to follow. Much gratitutde and also some regret has been expressed on a national level. Our lives have changed drasticly as the "happy go lucky" country we were. However we have become more careful, loving, family oriented. We have matured.



Thomas S Monson:


"If there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from our experience that faitful day, it may be that we owe God faithfulness... It should not require tragidy for us to remember him, and we should not be compeled to humilty before giving him our faith and trust. We should be with him in every season.

I had a friend when I was young who always said "I love you" to her parents when she left the house. even to go to the mail box. I found it odd and asked her about it. She told me you never know when you arent going to see them again. This friend died when she was 18 in a car accident. The life lesson she taught me was invaluable.

My heart goes to friends who have suffered loss of loved ones, from all sorts of situations. Those who I know who are suffering loss now and I pray for healing in thier hearts. I pray the same for those I do not know who have suffered on my behalf, who have sacrificed thier family members to keep threats from our door, nieghborhood, country. Most of all I pray for thier faith in God to be strengthened.

As I listen to the many stories of those who lost on 9/11 I think of striving for continual strength and faith in the Lord because I know as a personal fact he lifts you up and eases the blow. I also wamt to always tell my loved ones how much I love them. No matter how "too big" my kids get for it or how "corny" my husband thinks it is!

I will not let an oportunity by to appreciate what I have, and recognise where it came from, be it a gift or born of trial. I love my life, and I love my family; and as I sit here this Sunday I am reminded of how blessed I am .

The Children's Culinary Institute Begins

The dream takes flight.......

I have 3 classes a week with 10 kids.

I need to triple that by January to be able to open a store front....

I labored on Labor day!

Look right past my brothers friend here and see the confetti mosaic tile around the fire place. Dan and I weren't so in love with the 80's inspired look, what to do, what to do??

Take it down of course....like it was never there.

Well, there was some work involved!

I had fun plans with my friend, but she got sick. So I looked around and picked up a putty knife and a hammer..... wala...no more ugly 80's confetti around our fire place!