This and That

I bought a walking foot for my sewing machine the other day, which makes sewing thick layers SO much easier. I'm in love with it. It's really loud, which I'm NOT in love with.

Did you get your half price cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory yesterday? You better believe I did.

I've been watching a lot of Food Network and HGTV at night lately. Both make me hungry. For food and for a house.

I started watching Design Star this season. Makes me wish I were creative. I can copy with the best of them, but coming up with an original idea is not my forte.

I'm contemplating taking a yoga class through the city of Milwaukee's Rec dept. Am I crazy? Anyone want to do it with me? If not yoga, some other class?

You know what sucks? Having high maintenance friends.

You know what doesn't suck? Having friends that are awesome. This past week I've been able to hang out or talk with a few of my non-high-maintenance friends, and it made me realize how lucky I am to have them as friends. Moving to Milwaukee was scary. We only knew a handful of people that we had met once. Luckily for us, they have turned into some of our closest friends. Part of what makes me love Milwaukee so much (yes, I did say that) is our friends. I could easily count off more than a handful of girls I could call at anytime if I needed a favor, an opinion, or just to chat or vent. I'm so grateful for that. Having friends like that make living away from family a little easier. I realize this is sappy. I just want my girlfriends to know how much I love them. You know who you are.

Sighting

Overheard at the grocery store the other day:

Woman 1: How's your yard coming along?
Woman 2: Oh, it's great! In fact, I saw a Baltimore Oriole in my tree out back yesterday!


I wonder if it was this one?

Boring

I feel like I have nothing of interest to blog about. Nothing whatsoever.

I could tell you how I was at Wal-Mart doing my grocery shopping for the week today and how I was in line at register 12 and there was one lady in front of me just finishing checking out, and a crazy worker lady told me to "move to 13 and that I would be next", so I move to 13 and there's a lady unloading her cart onto the conveyor. Nice, real nice. The lady in front of me proceeds to unload her large cart, and then have a few price checks, and then writes out her check to pay, all the while I'm watching 3 people back at register 12 pay and leave.

But that's pretty boring so I won't tell you that.

I made a pork tenderloin marinated in chimichurri sauce tonite, and I used parsley that I grew all by myself. It was delicious.

We've begun looking for houses. Again. For like the 5th time. If you know of anyone giving away a 3+ Br/2 Ba home in the Menomonee Falls/Germantown area, you let me know.

I've been making Summer cry it out the past 2 nights. We did that at 4 months and it only took 2 nights before she was sleeping through. Hopefully she does the same this time.

And in an attempt to make up for a painfully boring post, how about a funny picture. This makes me crack up.

It's like the lotto, you've got to be in it to win it.

It's no secret I love the State Fair. The crowds, the animals, the exhibits, the food. Oh, the food. I love looking at the exhibits especially. Every year I see some of the things that win and think to myself, "Self, you should enter something into the State Fair." And every year I never do.

Except this year.

I researched it and checked the State Fair website obsessively until information was posted about how to enter. I decided to start small and just entered 2 photographs. I had to drop off my entries on Monday and the judging was today. From 10-4. Excuse me? That's like waiting for the cable guy. I decided to go later in the afternoon with hopes that most things would be judged already.

Well, I got there and realized the categories I had entered were already judged, and headed to the "Release Table" where you pick up entries that didn't win, while the remaining winning photos are being presented on the other side of the room, by category. They hand me one photo and tell me they don't have the other and that it must have won something. Say what?!?! I tried to ask around but nobody could tell me exactly what place it finished. So I have to wait until we go to the fair and see what kind of ribbon is on it! Oh, and the best part? The cash prize! First place gets....wait for it....12 bucks! Second place gets 11 and so on down. I don't know how many places they award. I don't really care how much money I get....I won something! I never win anything! So would you like to see the award-winning photograph?? Of course you would.

It's Gasworks Park, taken from a Duck Tour boat in Seattle back in September. The other photo, which did not win anything, was also taken in Seattle, at Pike's Market.

So there you go. My amateur photography skills coupled with my even more amateurish Photoshop skills won me something. I wish I had been there when it was critiqued...would have been interesting to see what they said about it. Oh well. Look for it at the fair this year!

How bout that. Skillz to pay....really small billz.

I spy a fake

Does anyone else see what I see? Totally fake.

Hint: Look closely at the fingers on the right as they "hold" the fry. Shameless.

Ut-ahhhh

Being in Utah was so nice. You forget just how blue the sky gets, just how nice it gets in the evening. It's very refreshing. We were able to squeeze in a trip to see Scott, who has recently shrunk several sizes. Summer loved meeting her Uncle Scott, who wasted no time in teaching her how to do the really important things in life. Like playing Jeopardy on Playstation.


Summer loved seeing BYU's campus, and even insisted on looking for a place to live, even though we kept reminding her she still had about 18 or so years to go.



We hit up Cafe Rio, and Summer seemed to like it just as much. Atta girl! (As a side note, I have been very disappointed in Cafe Rio the past couple times I've been. Turns out, I was getting the wrong thing. I used to get the chicken, but thought I was getting the pork, so when I got the pork, I didn't like it. I'm back to chicken and all is right in the world.)

She didn't even seem to mind when her mom was acting like a fool trying to do mastering the moonwalk in the restaurant.

Also, I should mention we had Cafe Rio with Nikki & Spencer and James. I was hoping to see little Miles, but no such luck. :( Still, had a great time with them.


We got to see our friends John & Ashley and their models adorable children. Yes, Ruby is a doll, and is sitting up beautifully while my child lounges back upon a pillow. Heaven forbid she exert any energy.

We also managed to hit up Tucano's and Jamba Juice, and I went to Del Taco and 7-11 for a Slurpee while Derrick had an exlusive siblings-only dinner at Rodizio. I'm pretty sure my meal was better. :)

It was sad to leave, but also very exciting because we knew we could sleep in our own beds that night!

6 months!

With all that's been going on, I'm a little late in posting this. But, she just had her 6 month check up yesterday, so really I'm right on schedule. :)

It's been a busy, busy month for Miss Summer! Besides being a jet-setter, she's had lots of firsts.

First pigtails! I am SO in love with her piggies. She looks like a little girl now!


First time sitting up alone! I think the contour of the sand helped here a little, but she does sit on more sturdier surfaces as well. When she's not being lazy.


First bonfire! Not a fan of the smoke. Who can blame her?


First time eating food! Rice cereal...mmmm....She likes it, I think. We'll be moving on to the harder stuff next week....green veggies.

Current stats:

Weight: 13 pounds flat. Puts her in the 3rd percentile. I feed her, honest I do.
Length: 24 3/4". 12th percentile. Still vertically challenged.

Could this child be any smaller? Doc says she's not underweight, she's just "petite". Hey she's healthy, that's all that matters right? So what if my back and arms are secretly glad she's a midget in training?

She still hates tummy time. She does not roll at all. But she loves to stand. I'd bet she'd stand all day if she could. She's not loving her Bumbo as much anymore, but is enjoying spending time on her farm exersaucer. She's going to have quite the green thumb, I can tell.

She is so fun to be around and has been an absolute joy to raise. I can't believe she's half a year already!

We love you, Summer bug!

Effie Norinne Richards Callister: August 18, 1911-June 30, 2009

Effie Norinne Richards Callister 8/18/1911 ~ 6/30/2009 Effie Norinne Richards Callister passed away June 30, 2009 at the age of 97.She was born August 18, 1911; Salt Lake City, Utah, the daughter of LeGrand Richards and Ina Jane Ashton Richards. Norrine lived most of her life in Glendale, California, where she met Reed Eddington Callister. They were married March 9, 1932, in the Salt Lake Temple by her grandfather, George F. Richards. She was the mother of six children, Reed Richards; David R; Douglas Lane; Paula Kaye (deceased); Tad Richards; and Susan Jane Becker. Norinne's husband passed away in 1989. They were married 57 years. Norinne's life was one of service. She loved helping others and was very charitable, both with her time and with her means. In the community, she served as PTA president at three different schools. She also was President of both her local P.E.O. and H.E.L.P. (Hospital Emergency Loan Plan), and she served on the boards of the YWCA, Red Cross and National Charity League and was Vice-President of the Women's Guild of the Glendale Symphony. In 1978, she was selected honorary California Mother of the Year and was awarded the Utah Heritage Award which stated, "Awarded to Norinne Richards Callister for outstanding service to Family - Church -Community". Norinne enjoyed beautiful art and loved classical music, and throughout her life she had a quest for learning. Her great faith and a strong testimony of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ were the foundation of her life and as a result she treasured the experiences of serving in the Church. Norinne worked diligently in many church callings, which included serving as Primary President, YWMIA President, and four times a Relief Society President, finally being released from that position in her 80th year. With her husband she lived three years in London, England where Reed presided over the mission from 1967-1969. Norinne's greatest legacy was her posterity. In addition to her six children, she loved and admired 35 grandchildren, 107 great-grand children, and recently welcomed her first great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 10, 12 Noon, in the Ensign Stake Center, 135 "A" Street. Friends may call at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Thursday, July 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday at the Church from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 South.

All of Derrick's siblings were able to attend the funeral, and actually, 34 of the 35 grandkids were able to attend. The lone straggler had an excuse as he was in the hospital.

Derrick's g-ma was a pretty sweet lady. Very classy. The one thing I remember about her was she loved to watch the Utah Jazz and referred to Shaquille O'Neill as Shaq O'Neill, which I thought was funny. I call him that still. She was always very sharp witted, even in her old age. Funny gal.

Since she was the daughter of LeGrand Richards and has GA sons, there were lots of GAs in attendance at her funeral. President Eyring of the First Presidency (LDS Church) spoke, and Elders Nelson and Ballard sat on the stand with Elder Hinckley and some others. After the service we met Elder Ballard and he looked at Summer and said, "I saw this little princess from up on the stand!" It was really cute and I'll always remember that.

This funeral was waaaaay more formal than my grandpa's funeral, to say the least. Lots of suits and ties and stiff handshakes and polite conversation with relatives I've never met and haven't seen in awhile. It was still a very nice time and a great service in honor of her long and fulfilling life.

Hopefully that's the last of the funerals for awhile!

Photolicious

Our uber talented cousins Jennifer & Brian Gilmore took 6 month pictures of Summer while we were in Newport Beach. They took our wedding photos, which we love, and I pretty much love anything they do! If you're so inclined, you can check out the proofs here. Click on "Callister Portrait Session" and then enter the password "summer", all lower case. Then feel free to browse other galleries, too...the photos are amazing! And if you live in Southern California, you should really check her out if you need a photographer! Now the hard part: picking which ones I want! Thanks J&B!

Filiberto Barrios, Sr., March 16, 1922-June 30, 2009

Filiberto "Juero" Barrios Sr., a resident of San Marcos, was called to his eternal rest and escorted by the angels to be with our Father in Heaven on June 30, 2009 at the age of 87. Born March 16, 1922 in Mexico, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He is preceded in death by his parents, Filomeno and Epifania Barrios; brothers Felipe and George Barrios and sisters Nina and Margie Barrios and Mela Gonzales. In his country's call, Filiberto Sr. honored his family and country by serving in the United States Army during WW II. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Carmen G. Barrios of San Marcos; sons Filiberto Barrios Jr. and wife Sylvia of San Marcos and Ramon Barrios and wife Juanita of San Marcos; daughters Sylvia Romesburg and husband Mark of San Marcos, Linda Torres and husband Robert of Maxwell and Ana Resendez and husband Edward of Maxwell; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be today from 2 to 7 p.m. at Los Angeles Funeral Home, 300 Cheatham St. in San Marcos. Recitation of Rosary will be this evening at 7 p.m. at Los Angeles Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 6 at 10 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in San Marcos. Rev. Father Enrique Diaz will officiate. Interment will follow in Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Martindale. Serving as pallbearers will be Filiberto Jr., Ramon and Roger Barrios, Mark Romesburg, Edward Rosendez Sr. and Robert Torres.In lieu of flowers, the Barrios family would extend donations to be made to the American Red Cross or to the St. Joseph Mission Catholic Church in Redwood. Arrangements entrusted to the Villasenor Family - Los Angeles Funeral Home, 300 Cheatham St., San Marcos, 392-3676. Published in the San Marcos Daily Record from 7/3/2009 - 7/5/2009

My grandpa, or Abuelo, was the sweetest man you'd ever meet. He was so laid back and chill, just rolled with the punches. He always called me "flaca" and he loved to do dot-to-dot puzzles. I always stole his pack of cigarettes from his front shirt pocket and he always managed to get them back. I never had the chance to live near him so I didn't get to know him as well as I would have liked, but I loved him and he loved me, and I will for sure miss him.

We sprinkled sand on his casket as one last farewell. All the children and my Abuela saying their last goodbyes.

All of the grandkids in attendance. Minus my brother. That superstar didn't show up to anything.

I have a picture like this when I was a baby. I should find it. This is my grandparents' house.

This was the first funeral for family I've had to attend. I've been lucky enough to have all 4 grandparents living up until now. Not that going to funerals are a good thing, but I guess this was a good one to start with. The Mexican culture is very affectionate, and there was always someone willing to give you a hug when you needed it. This funeral was also very laid back, as per the style of mi Abuelito, and the attire was casual, to say the least. (This is a complete 180 from the next funeral we attended last week.) Still, it was a lovely service and a great memorial to my dear sweet Abuelo. We'll miss you.

Overheard on the airplane:

Dude 1: Is it true that if you fell on a cloud you'd bounce?
Dude 2: Yeah, I'm pretty sure.

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

Just a few of the signs I spotted while in California.

Classic Engrish.

Apparently you're not allowed to "empty your bowels" in public either. Bummer.

I love this little dude running from the huuuge wave. Good luck, buddy.

Finally

I've been lusting for Pinkberry ever since I heard about it. Alas, they live only on the coasts ('cept for the one in Dallas) and sadly I live many miles from an ocean. So when I spotted one at the Americana in Glendale I knew I had to have one. Look at how delicious is looked. It tasted just as good, too.

FroYo is definitely my bag, baby.

At the beach....

• We spent lots of time with family, and Summer met lots of new cousins.
  

I love this picture of my nephews entertaining Summer. She loved all the attention.

• Met new friends

• Ate lots of s'mores (and did a little whale watching...)

• Played lots of games

• And generally had a great time

Summer started sitting up on her own!

Gorgeous sunsets...

And equally lovely cousins and their adorably chubby babies.

Even though I was sick the entire time. And despite changing our travel plans to attend two funerals. Still, good times all around.

Still alive!

To all my clamoring fans, yes, I'm still alive! After rough start to our vacation, we learned both my grandfather and Derrick's grandmother died on Tuesday night. So we headed back to Milwaukee a day early on the 4th, then flew out the next day to Texas for my grandpa's funeral Sunday and Monday. We got into Utah last night and will be here for Derrick's grandma's funeral Thursday and Friday. We'll finally be back home on Saturday, grateful to sleep in our own beds again, exhausted physically and emotionally.

So....there are many updates to be made, pictures to post, and just general blogginess to blog.

And hopefully soon!