A Long and Winding Road...

This is my Dad. He turned 62 on the 24th. I did not remember to call him. I am a very forgetful daughter, but I still love my Dad very much.
Miss Boo was dressed for church and looked so grown up. It was one of her rare "smile" moments and so I quickly made her pose 20 times to catch this one of her. She is so magical when the planets are aligned.
Do you see why I love to stare at her? By the way, these are my sunglasses she borrowed because the light was bothering her. I found them in the park so if you lost a pair, let me know...or not..they look good on me and I like them.
Twenty or so years ago, (You all know how old I am but I don't think I should have to repeat it often just to make certain points.) my best dancing, hanging out Buds were Dave and Kirsten. Occasionally we allowed someone else to join, but it never ended well. We all remember Crazy Mel. We always let Dave sit between us because he smelled good. Thank you Polo! Dave was very tolerant of us...and still is come to find out.
We spent the time at Chuck E. Cheese's, by far the Dude's favorite place in the universe. If you look on that TV screen you will see him. Surprising where he shows up sometimes. When we got there, he high fived me and took off. Was fun to see him move around so freely and exploring.
Time in Phoenix wouldn't have been the same without a baseball game to see the Diamondbacks. They didn't win, but I got to spend time with my sisters and didn't really watch the game anyways, so did they really lose?!
We had several trips to Ikea. It was if we had found our "Magic" place. They sold everything! Even chocolate cake that was most delicioso. I had 1 -1/2 pieces. YES! It was that good and the Dude didn't like it. His loss!
Then, we were off to the birthplace of My Beloved Mr. Finn. Bisbee is one of those unique places that would produce one such as him. I don't believe there is much more that I could elaborate on at this moment.
The copper mines have left deep furrows in this landscape. Beautiful yet haunting.
It's funny that cactus is synonymous with Arizona, but I didn't grow up with it in the White Mountains. It is one of those beauties that cannot be denied.
We are finally in New Mexico. We got a slow start with early intentions. We stayed an extra day to rest up, but I don't feel anymore rested, if anything I am regretting the things we will not see because of that decision. Tombstone was a blur in our window as we passed it by on our way to other sights that we had agreed on. We were able to make it to Aqua Prieta, but to our dismay there wasn't a trinket in sight for us. We settled on flutes for the children with the usual disappointment that comes from color disphobia. (I made that word up, I think.)

We are having our adventure of two weeks from home. A first for us and it is going surprisingly well depite everyone's tiredness. I am grateful for the safety we have been blessed with on this trip. Not so grateful for the speeding ticket procured by Mr. Finn in the last leg of our trip tonight.

At least we had this room waiting for us in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The kids were in heaven.

Photo Journey

My Dad calls these "pokers". They are growing everywhere in the White Mountains this year. Anyone know their real name?
Just a touch of the Meteor.
Now, that's one big hole!
Son of a NAU Alumni.
Mr. Finn and long lost cousin Bob.
I am so tired when we finally get in at night that I am having a hard time updating the blog. Maybe when I get home I can regale you with funny stories. Ha!

The kids are off their sleeping schedule so putting them down at night has proven to be a bit exasperating. They aren't going to bed until midnight almost every night. Boy is it every going to be a nightmare when we are home.

We are having a good time, but I believe we are becoming road weary and are ready to bring this journey to an end soon.

Over the River and through the woods...

There is nothing better than a SNOWBALL FIGHT at Grandma's house.





We love you Grandma and Grandpa.

Another Leg Down...

Every trip to Dodge City must include a stage coach ride.
And a Gun Fight. (After the fight was over and we were leaving, Miss Boo says; "I really thought they were dead". Which led to a conversation, lead by her about how guns kill. I had to explain the difference between fake bullets and real ones. It went well...one serious conversation down...too many left to count.
When in Oklahoma...apparently this wasn't uncommon according to the conversation I eavesdropped on. Not a bad thing if you really have to know.
It was 98 degrees in Texas, but it was DRY heat, so of course we didn't feel it.
Tucumcari, New Mexico was our resting place for the night. We didn't stay here (just shoot me!) but I loved how everything here was named for cowboys or indians. Our hotel was very nice. Thanks Holiday Inn Express.
LOOK REALLY CLOSE at the name of the town. Can you say SPELL CHECK Garmin!

I can truly say I have never been to Albyquorgue. Anyone? Anyone!

It's time to bring the work back to the U.S.

It was a pretty good day. The kids were decent. Allelujah!

See you tomorrow at Grandma's house!

First Leg Day One...

Kansas...need I say more?
According to the 3 year old, these are "Abouts"
Aahhh! Serenity Now! (notice where the green and yellow M&M's are?)
Relaxation after a days drive.

We have arrived at the first stop on our looooonnnngggg road trip.

For those that are history buffs, Dodge City is a fun place to be, especially if playing cowboys and indians was your favorite thing.

I personally am here for the "tornado in a bottle". I am completely fascinated with them unless our weather alarm is screaming from Mr. Finn's side of the bed. And then...it wains to annoyance coated with fear. When I purchase this "treasure" I promise to video tape it and put it on here so you can experience the joy of this invention.

Vacation...here we come.

It has been a long year so far in a blinking of the eye sort of way.

We are heading out of this state of Missouri and heading out to Arizona.

Yes, I do realize that Arizona is a DRY heat! Hot is hot, isn't it? It's like the difference between sauna or steam bath. Both are hot and you sweat.

Actually we are going to the white mountains for some of it and the weather there is a bit on the chilly side in the evening, so we will get to experience it all.

It seems a shame to "waste" the weather here by leaving, but it is usually miserable hot by now.

Our not so little Miss Boo gave the closing prayer in Primary yesterday. I am so proud of her. She was so excited that sitting still on the chair proved to be impossible. One of those times when video camera truly tells the true story. She was wiggling and swinging her legs so much it looked like she was on a swing. She made sure to speak clearly and loudly into the microphone. It was priceless. She told me how much she likes talking into it. Of course...everyone can hear what she is saying and is the center of attention.

Yes, I do realize that taking a picture in Primary may be a bit tacky for the mormonly challenged, but I wanted proof that she can do it. (look at those legs.) I would have had one of her praying, but she felt like I needed to be up there helping out. Bummer! And...the Bishop was standing behind me when I took this picture. I didn't turn around to see his reaction, so therefore there wasn't one, right?

We are excited to spend time on the road as a family. We even invested in a Nintendo DS for Miss Boo, so we can all enjoy our time together without, "Are we there yet?". Our little Dude inherited my old iPhone because I got a new one for less than a video game and he enjoys the games more. A little easier for him.

Only in the Finn family would our 3 year old have an iPhone.

I will try to keep up my blog while I am gone, haven't decided whether or not to take my MAC. Hmmmm....what to do?!

Fettucini for the soul

I have been asked to share this recipe. First...I have to clarify. I did not create this dish. I googled it years ago like I do most things I don't have a clue how to do and found this on a British website.

I truly did not know that the Brits could cook. Well...that is.

Creamy Chicken Fettucini

1 Package fettucini pasta

4 Chicken Breasts

1/8 c. Butter

1/4 c. + 1 tb Butter, extra

1- 1/3 c. Whipping Cream

1 -1/4 c. Coarsely grated fresh parmesan cheese

1 tsp Cracked black peppercorn

1 Clove garlic, crushed

2 tsp Dried basil leaves.

Cut chicken into thin strips. Heat butter in pan, add chicken in batches, cook, stirring until lightly browned and tender; drain on absorbent paper.

Heat extra butter, add cream, stir until boiling. Add chicken, cheese (slowly), peppercorns, garlic and basil. Stir until heated through.

Serve over pasta.

Serves 4

WARNING! This is a highly addictive dish. Bears repeating often.

If Only...

I have been sitting her trying to think of something interesting to write. For the life of me I can't think of anything that I THINK you would want to read.

I feel as if I run all day long and the days are too short. I used to try to think of things during the day to write about that would be entertaining in some way. I have come to the conclusion that I am not a writer. It is one of the things that I wish I could answer differently.

I also want to say "YES" to being a singer...a pianist...an actress...the list goes on.

I do though, encircle myself with FRIENDS that possess these qualities and I live vicariously through them.

For instance, Kirsten sings so beautifully that it has made me cry. Actually real tears of joy and pride for her gift. She also acts and I have enjoyed many a play in the audience, if not helping with makeup just to be in the mix of it.

Leisel plays the piano gracefully and makes it look so simple. She has shared this gift with me at mission farewells and returns for instance. She also scrap books with a talent that makes me BELIEVE if even for that moment that I could do it.

Stacey is an entertaining writer and I long for her to write a book with her musings. I would be the first one in line to buy it and would devour each page with shear delight.

MomE can cut hair. Not like I do, real hair styles that I like. She can sing, play the piano and scrapbook. And...she loves my children. She is their Grandmother, but she truly loves them and they KNOW it.

I could go on and on with this list of those that have talents and I don't. Then I realized that my talent is that I discern that of others and bask in their light. That is enough for me. I have my gifts. They are not as discernible to the naked eye, but they are there and I am grateful to have them.

I give thanks to a loving Heavenly Father that gave me what I have and the knowledge to see them for what they are. Friends and their talents, as well as my own.

Dance With Me.

There are just some things in life that make you smile.  Here are two of my favorite.

And the Answer is...

I get questions on my "comments" and I realize there really isn't an easy way to answer them, or I should say, I don't always answer them.  So here goes.  

Is it a long drive to Mt. Pisgah?  It was about 2 hours or so.  Nice drive

Do you have pictures of that room you painted?  Well...of course I didn't when I posted, but here you go.

This is the front of our home.  I love all the color this time of the years and since we are not having typical June weather, we can actually enjoy it.  The rose bush behind The Dude's head is struggling this year and I hope we don't lose it.
The kids planted wild flowers in this pot, but I am questioning which one is the "pot"...I am hoping for some color soon.

I am sorry to all of those that I haven't gotten back to with answers, but will try to do a catch up post at times. 

And this is for you MomE...I told you it was short and it will be again on Tuesday when it gets cut.

Mt Pisgah

YES...there are a few hills in Missouri that can carry the title "MT".  Apparently I stink at geography because we weren't in Missouri!  Happy now, Mr. Finn?

We had a relaxing Sunday drive up in to Iowa to visit the burial place of Mr. Finn's great, great, great, great grandfather.  Not sure if that is the correct amount of greats, but you get the picture.  He traveled with the Saints from Missouri and was laid to rest along with others.  Their individual markers are long gone, but this memorial was erected in their honor.