Master Bathroom and Bedroom Remodel Update

Why have we not posted lately? We've been busy. It has been a month and we are back in our bedroom, slowly piecing things back together. Thought I would show you all how things were shaping up this weekend. What's new:

• Natural Walnut crown molding
• Slate tile floor
• New Walnut stained doors and trim
• Ralph Lauren Gray paint and Candlelight glaze (which when looked at in the right direction at night, shimmers--not like it does under a flash).
• New red and beige paint
• New walnut bed
• New lamps (to replace the ones we bought at an estate sale when we were newly weds)

Remember the old bedroom/bathroom? It has been fun to work with Joe and learn new skills. We built our own shower curtain (large, "L" shaped one out of closet parts) on Tuesday night. Every day doing a little more. Aren't you glad you're not in a remodeling project!

Thoughts on Memorial Day

Memorial Day 2009 This year we had the family BBQ before going to the graves. Of course, on the way to three cemetaries, Hannah lets out a gasp and hits herself in the forehead. (This is after a long week-end mind you). "Oh, I just remembered! My big project for bookclubs is due tomorrow and I have to make all the scenery and finish the script for pictures of hollis woods!" Memorial Day this year we will continue the tradition of years gone by: meet at noon with extended family at a pool party, BBQ. Before the party, often on Sunday, it has been wonderful to remember why we celebrate and who we remember on this holiday. Joe was writing his nephews (the two sons of his deceased brother, LJ today). After writing my thoughts of him, I began perusing photos to find his grave at Provo Cemetery. My brothers are interred in Mapleton Cemetery, and sweet Susan T'chien from China is at East Lawn. We remember you. We remember your life. You are not forgotten. From last year (May 25, 2008)

Live a Thousand Lives...

"Live a Thousand Lives...Read a Thousand Books." I can't seem to live without a book (or books rather). I have books in my room, car, and on different levels of my home. Currently, I am reading Love, Stargirl (the sequel to Stargirl) by Jerry Spinelli. (I used to read Maniac Magee to my Sixth Graders, a great read about an unusual boy). Stargirl is like Maniac Magee in that they both increase my perception for unusual people who have something to teach us about humanity.) I've updated my Books Read 2009. We watch hardly any tv. I've cut out mostly all news except NPR. I'm so grateful I can live a thousand lives because I enjoy the one I'm living, as well as the others I live vicariously!

A Day in the Life...

A day in the life of the Campbells... Awoke and got children off to school. First thing, Rebekah's Class Program on Friendship. (Rebekah forgets her lunch). Rebekah calls, "Umm, Mom and Dad, you know the program my class is doing I told you was at 9:00? It is starting now!" Frantic dress of little children and off to the school gym-- to sit and wait for other parents to arrive and Rebekah's class finishes their rehearsal. (Jonathan very squirrely during program). Jonathan's end of year Kindergarten test at 10:00 a.m. He knows all of his numbers, shapes, counting, words, except "is" and the number 21. "Iss? What is that? It, it, iss? Ohh, iz!" Who needs the number 21 anyway! The only three other questions missed were about money. Out of a penny, nickle, dime, and quarter...Jonathan knew a penny and everything else was a quarter. He score 205/210. To the local market for a reward of $1.00 (and lesson on using money). What to buy--so many decisions! Three Airheads Taffy and a Whistle pop and change to boot! What a rich boy! Painting, staining, and off to Hannah's contact appointment. Hannah is so excited she must practice taking them out and putting them in--even in a car with wind blowing all around her. Home for dinner. Is it really dinner time already? Out to take Rebekah to get a long awaited haircut. Donations for hair are now 10 inches. She gets a cute somewhat A-line bob (hold the styling gel and stiff hairspray, please!) Home. Girls go to cousins to sleep over. Joe, Julie...Susie and Jonathan sit to watch Bridewars (before the Redbox due date at 9:00 p.m. whew--made it by two minutes!). Joe and Julie check e-mails on the computer. Mom takes Jonathan's watergun away because he is shooting Susie with it--water drips down her hair. Jonathan cuts Susies' hair..."to make her laugh?" (Mom is not laughing...). Short scriptures and prayers. Children to bed. Joe and Julie burning the midnight oil put finish stain on wood doors (X3), doorways, and trim. Julie applies "candlelight" glaze to the bathroom walls...Hmm, Joe this "gray" is green! Wash, bathe off paint, in bed by 2:00 a.m. Tomorrow's another day: plant vegetables starts (withering on porch) in garden, do laundry, clean house: dishes, toys, etc. for a combined Family Dinner on Sunday.

Happy 11th Birthday!

Hannah's current "favorite" animal Super Piggy. For Hannah's Birthday this year, she was going to get breakfast in bed (Milk, fried cheese scrambled eggs with Mrs. Dash--just how she likes 'em, and sweet rolls). Just as the tray was loaded up, she came into the kitchen and caught me. She suggested we call the other children, and she eat and open presents before school. She got a Gymboree (size 12) clothing birthday in preparation for this summer and the coming school year. Rebekah was very gracious at the table and patiently watched Hannah open all her presents and said "thank you." What a nice sister. After school, Hannah asked if she could have friends, Caroline and Tiffany, over for cake and a movie, Bridewars (edited by moi, of course). The cake was chocolate (without "yucky" frosting), real cream, and Gummy Melons. It looked beautiful for less than two minutes and then began it's slow crawl off the cake plate. (Yes, she is my daughter--even though my face never tans and hers is this tan in May!)

How to Be Beautiful: Wikihow

1. Seek beauty around you. How do you define beauty? As you go through your day, try to make note of things and people that strike you as beautiful: art, the sky, someone's freckles. If you can, write them down. Try to understand what makes them beautiful to you. They may not be beautiful to others, but that's why beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
2. Recognize the beauty in yourself. Look in the mirror and search for beauty. By now, you've probably noticed that the most beautiful things in life are often subtle and hidden. The same goes for the beauty you hold. Maybe you have smooth, well-proportioned hands, or a flawless forehead, or perfectly-shaped shoulders. Whatever it is, it's yours--revel in it.
3. Enhance your physical beauty. Looking beautiful is all about emphasizing those features in you that are already beautiful. There are millions of ways to do this, as there are millions of potentially beautiful features on a single body. The important thing is to experiment with accentuating that beauty until you can look at your reflection and feel like you've given your beauty the representation it deserves.
4. 

   

   As beautiful as ever.
   Develop your inner beauty. There are plenty of so-called beautiful people out there who lie, cheat, steal, and even kill. Their beauty never lasts, but yours can. By finding yourself and building your character through integrity, you can be beautiful both on the inside and on the outside. Better yet, your inner beauty will always emanate and never fade, wrinkle, or turn gray.
5. Create beauty outside of yourself. Now that you see beauty and you are beautiful (as you always have been, but now know it), it's time to make beauty. Art is a very popular emulation of beauty, but it's possible to inject beauty into everything you do (your work, how you interact with people, and the way you decorate your room, for example). This is an extremely satisfying pursuit that will not only make the world a more beautiful place, but it will also bring your quest for beauty full circle.

[edit] Video

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People discuss what they think is inner beauty.

[edit] Tips

• Even though what is considered beautiful varies from person to person, there are a few broad characteristics that most people seem to agree on:
  • Health is beautiful. There's nothing beautiful about destroying your body, even if you do it slowly by neglecting your body.
  • Character is beautiful. Think of the most beautiful people you know; now imagine them spitting on a homeless person. They're not very beautiful anymore, are they?
• Tell yourself every day when you wake up: "I am beautiful. No one can take that away from me."

[edit] Warnings

• Being fake (a form of deception) is one of the ugliest things in the world. Don't think that in order to be beautiful, you can't be yourself.
• Many people have terrible judgment and don't recognize beauty when they see it. They may say things that can hurt you, but don't let their ignorance ruin your happiness, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
• Beware, some people may also overemphasize inner beauty as the only area one should work on enhancing. Do not believe making "adjustments" to your outer beauty is being fake. As long as you are comfortable, you are good to go.

Stein Eriksen Lodge

Susie is eyeing Joe's Filet Mignon. We enjoyed another vacation at the Stein Eriksen Lodge (in Park City) where EMIA had another Executive Retreat. The children enjoyed this little get away so near the end of the year. Sweet Hannah helped clean out the car and get the little ones lists of things to pack. Rebekah helped Jonathan pack and get his suitcase and stuffed animal down to the breezeway before school. What great helpers I have! We arrived in time for dinner: chicken fingers and fries for the little ones and Filet Mignon and Sea Bass for Joe and I. (No gritty mushrooms and root veggies for me this year!)(Whew! I am sure glad we didn't have to foot the bill for dinner and dessert. Joe mentioned it was almost as much as the rooms for one meal). The kind valet mentioned that business has been slow since the ski season closing. We were given a room upgrade and it was the best suite we've stayed in. ( It made me feel a little bit like the Princess and the Pauper, with us being the paupers in the Palace). Hannah enjoys SE's Creme Brulee and Pound Cake with Susie. Whiteout! A SE original dessert with a tangy lime meringue over Asian Pear Fruit and coated in a sweet ball of crunchy meringue with soft meringue on the side. Jonathan's Crispy Snowman and ice cream (which became sweet mud as he swirled it together). Adventurous Rebekah ordered the Carrot Cake (which came crumbled over a cream cheese filling with Pineapple sorbet on the side). The children helped to show you around our suite. This is Hannah demonstrating the use of the children's bathroom with characteristic humor: Rebekah choose to be seen looking at the beautiful sunset over the still snow capped mountains. This is me modeling the gorgeous kitchen: The children were excited about the fireplace. (I believe they were turned off but the children lined the pillows up to "get warm by the pilot light" before bed? Fun dresser with watercolor: Master suites dressing room (with real flowers): Master bedroom jetted tub and clear shower came in handy after the jacuzzi on the balcony. Master bedroom and fireplace. Joe and I took a walk while the children thought Disney channel was the greatest thing ever. Joe is marveling over having found "where the sidewalk ends"! Joe and the Stein Eriksen skiier! (Aren't the flowers pretty, tulips and daffodills everywhere!) Jacuzzi! Children thought the captain chairs very cool! In the morning, Jonathan became the photographer (self portrait). We had to finish the Disney movie Dadnapped about an author who was kidnapped by fans and then was really kidnapped with his daughter to write and finish his final novel to sell. (An innocent, messy kid rescued, detective story all about a daughter learning about the work her father does because he loves her!) Next Hannah gave the camera a try! It was great to sleep late. Joe smuggled us up some fresh fruit and later wrap sandwiches and cous cous salad. The children loved getting toys (esp. for them from the little red wagon at the front desk) and mini water bottles and green or red apples for the ride home. A fun family getaway.