REUPHOLSTERING 101

I need to learn to reupholster furniture. . . one day. . . after I learn to make jewelry. I have a friend, Jen, who changes the look of her house in amazing ways because she can reupholster. She makes it sound so easy too! I just love the 3 rd chair (and all of them for that matter). There are so many cool antique chairs at secondhand stores that only need some reupholstering loving care!

Getting Well

We had a rough few days but things are looking up. We knew Soren wasn't well when became permanently grouchy after his nap the other day. He had a fever and then got the stomach flew. That led to a sore throat and he may be coming down with a mild case of Chickenpox! He was in contact with two different friends before we new that they had the chickenpox. We'll keep you posted. . . He has been well all day today and only wanted the cheese on his pizzetta and some Brussels sprouts for dinner! Yep, Brussels sprouts. He's our champ eater.

We've been really happy with the health care here and that may be the subject of a future post.

WHY I LOVE PRIMARK

Primark is a fabulous store in Glasgow that is actually cheap if you were to convert your cost into dollars! Red corduroy pants for Soren-- 50 pence ($1), sunglasses-- 2 pounds ($4), shoes--4 pounds ($8), and just about everything else you may want for dirt cheap, cute and trendy!

FOUR SEASONS IN A DAY

Right now we only have complete darkness for a couple of hours during the night. It is very surreal to wake up in the middle of the night and see light outside. The sun has been shining more these days with clouds coming and going as they please and yesterday was a particularly lovely one (. . . or so it seemed). When Jason got home from school we slowly but surely got ready for an evening walk we had planned. We went down Sauchehall street to walk through the shopping streets and have a look. There are some really fun, trendy and cheap stores that we appreciate (you would love Primark). We managed to arrive just as the shops were closing (they stay open "late" on Thursdays--8 pm) so, we just walked around a bit and then did some small grocery shopping.

As we headed for home we felt a bit of rain (which is completely normal for Scotland) but then it got harder and harder and we eventually got soaked! Luckily Soren's stroller is a secret space mobile for the rain. Everyone has them--the complete plastic rain cover for buggies. Before moving here from sunny California I thought the sun umbrella on most strollers was for the rain! Such a California girl thought.

The above photos are the evidence. I need windshield wipers for my glasses! Oh, and check out the cute mini behind Soren and Jason--Soren loves them and always points them out while we are on walks.

A FAMILY FAVORITE- Bonnie Prince Billy - Agnes Queen of Sorrow

We loved this video as soon as Charla shared it with us. It has only gotten better with time, especially because Soren has grown to love it as well. He has even fallen asleep to it on some hard nights when it was almost impossible to get him to bed (watching it over and over and over again). My friend Vicki, after seeing it, was pretty sure that the artist is Glaswegian! Such and awesome and simplistic video and song (it's like an Indie Baby Einstein video for Soren). Enjoy.

Some other tidbits:

Two of the reasons I love Glasgow are-- the daring, experimental and thought provoking art and the wonderful support that they provide for aspiring artists. I enjoy the unique collaborations and the informal and formal forums that lead to discussions, awareness and connection. I was told that the artist in the above video created discussion about whether his work was to be considered art as well. From instillation art to classical and contemporary dance you can find what you are looking for and enjoy the fruits of the art world in Glasgow.

WHAT IS ART TO YOU?

I think it is good to express what we like and don't like because it helps us find out more about ourselves and the culture and world we live in. It is also good to say "why"--it makes for fun discussions with others and ourselves.

MY BABY GROWING UP

I love these photos of Soren and I imagine Jason looking a lot like this when he was younger. We went to the Museum of Transport today and had a good time with some friends. Soren loves all the the trains and basically anything that has wheels. I love being a mom.

ODE TO JASON ON FATHER'S DAY

J-J-DIDDY
A-AWESOMELY AWESOME, LOVING, GIVING, FUNNY
S-SUPER SINGER, SUPER STYLE, SUPER DAD
O-OUTSIDE OF THE MAINSTREAM IN A GOOD WAY
N-NO FRILLS--ALL MAN

MY VISUAL DNA

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Charla avoiding the paparazzi

By Francie

NEW HAIRCUT AND OFF TO AUSTRIA

With our camera and a new haircut (that he did on his own), Jason was off to Austria for 4 days. There was a conference where he presented a paper on poverty alleviation according to Buddhist scripture. Such a babe!

He brought home Austrian truffles to die for!

Books

I love finding good children's books to read with Soren but some can be such a dread to read over and over. When Soren has picked (in my opinion) a not so great book the word "again" can be a bit cringing. Since we've been in Glasgow Jason and I have become acquainted with some books for kids that we all love to read (even over and over). One of the authors is from Glasgow and happens to be our favorite at the moment. Here is a list of some of the new finds. . . .

By Julia Donaldson (Glaswegian)

The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo's Child
Room on a Broom

By Tony Ross

I want my Potty
I want a Friend

By John Kelly and Cathy Tincknell

Guess Who's Coming for Dinner (This one is really funny and clever)

Yes, I could live in Utah. There, I said it!

I just came home for a quick trip and it was so wonderful to see my family that I love sooooo much. All of my sisters were there and my brother too! Bridget's garden has become the "Secret Garden" with lush flowers and herbs growing with life. As a California girl, Utah has become my second home and at first I really didn't appreciate the natural beauty and community charm. With time and also having moved back to California for a while, I've realized that I really love it and miss it. . . and yes, I would love to raise my family there. It's not the only place I'd like to live, of course, but it is a good one and I'm realizing that more and more these days. It is good to go away from places for a good while and return with new perspectives and different understandings. Bridget has just moved back to Provo and being at her house was like coming home for a while. If the store Anthropologie were a woman or if they had a woman that embodied their fashion and shabby chic feel it would be Bridget. She has been selling her luscious foods at the Farmer's Market and her blackberry tarts are a must! If you know Bridget, you'll know what I'm talking about. Jason has always loved Utah and likes the thought of moving back there some day as well. Michelle is right, there is this weird love-hate relationship with Provo ( but like she said " not really that dramatic" ) and I'm feeling the love- ha ha. It also helps to know that we have family there on both sides and living far away has helped me to appreciate that.

Posted are some photos of my sisters' children. Our nieces and nephews on both sides of the family are so beautiful and sweet and I'd love for Soren to spend time with them! On the Monson side he has 2 cousins just about his age! I'm missing my family!