like mother, like daughter

Last night was a long one. Which automatically makes for a long day... but today, instead of going back to bed, I got to go to the Christmas Idea House with my dear mother. Even though we missed the first bus, ate runny (albeit tasty) quiche for breakfast, and browsed through a crowded house full of not-as-fancy-as-to-be-expected decor, we had fun. We always have fun together. And we came home exhausted.

Why do I feel like I've been up since before dawn?! Oh, that's right... because I have been! Elsie's hardly slept in the past 24 hours, poor thing. She was acting kind of fussy last night, and it steadily got worse. Only her brother could distract her from her ear tugging and restlessness. Poor baby. But man, does she LOVE her big brother! And sibling bath time. So cute :) Anyway, after much rocking, singing, and other such useless attempts at distracting, we called for backup: a Priesthood blessing. Thank Heaven for good friends who answer desperate late night phone calls! Little miss got her blessing and was able to fall asleep in her mother's arms. Cuddling a ball of yarn.

I love my mom. I love my daughter. And I love that I'm both. *B

tonight's forecast: star weaving

it may be sunny outside

But there's a hint of a chill :)
There's not much better than crafting up a Christmas storm! And I haven't even started on the homemade gifts... I better get crack-a-lackin'. But for now, I'm seeing stars! *B

truly random

*If it's true, this is my 365th post. That's a year's worth of posts over three years...
*Had a rough week this past week... even though it was the week of thanks, I had a difficult time focusing on what we have and unfortunately focused more on things we don't have. Like a job. Or a house. Or just our own place with our own furniture would be nice. Passing the CA Bar would have been even nicer...
*I've been throwing myself into crafting. It's a happy distraction, at times. I really want to make these. And I'd really like to get my Christmas quilts quilted. I didn't quite finish my Thanksgiving cross-stitch, but maybe, just maybe, I'll finish my Christmas stitchery on time ;) I'm also dreaming up a Christmas granny square pillow, made out of some beautiful brick colored Alpaca wool I got for my birthday (thanks Mom!).
*After hours of agonizing and comparing apartments, we've decided that maybe buying a condo/townhouse might be a smart investment... because a two bedroom townhouse is cheaper than a two bedroom apartment. True story. So maybe we'll live in a condo for a year or two, get our life back in order, and then rent it out when we eventually move up in the world. We'll see. We did place a bid on a rather nice townhouse close by. We'll see. It's funny though, because I swore I would NEVER buy a condo. Never. And now we just might. I'm trying not to think about it, because it makes me mad that I'm not moving into a (4 bedroom) house. I'm also trying not to think about it because the thoughts of having our own place again (even if just a condo) just seems too good to be true, and I'm tired of having my heart broken...
*I need to cut my boys' hair. Wishing my little girl's hair would grow a bit more... especially since every now and then I catch a glimpse of strawberry blond curls.
*I wish I could be happy for others and their miracles, but more often than not I'm left feeling bitter. I hate that.
*I'm tired of crying. Lots of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth going on over here. I hate it.
*I love Bing Crosby. And Ella Fitzgerald. And Frank Sinatra. And Christmas music. I love Pandora! I also love Hulu and Netflix. They've saved us from Cable withdrawals.
*Am I really the only one who thought that sending a M.A.L.P. through the Narnia wardrobe was hilarious?! That's embarassing, haha.
*Saw New Moon (with my baby brother and my clueless father) and liked it. It was definitely better than Twilight. But it was still lame... because let's face it, the books themselves are lame. Reading cheesy fantastical romances is hugely different than watching it. That being said, how inappropriately hot was Jacob?! Wow. If I weren't such a vampire fan - a love and obsession long before the Twilight saga - I'd be team Jacob. If I were Bella, I would have ditched Edward a long time ago... the only thing he has going for him are his looks, and being a vampire. In my book, the latter characteristic is key. Like I said, I'm a sucker for vampires! But if anyone were to sway me from my weird devotion, it would be that wolf boy ;) Maybe I'm team Volturi... Italian vampires? Yes please.
*Little Miss is crawling!!!
*As much as I love nursing, I've been going back and forth on whether or not I should continue with it or give up. You see, I'm really worried about my health. Physically and mentally. And I can't really do what I need to do to help my health without it affecting my milk supply. But then again, I feel like nursing is the one thing I've triumphed over this year...
*I love going to the temple. I wish I could go every day and all day. I am constantly craving the peace and strength that comes from visiting often.
*Anyone interested in an online quilt group? We could share projects, organize block exchanges, talk stash, sew on and sew forth ;) It could be fun! Please tell me you'll think about it.
*Really wanting to relearn how to knit, applique, and embroider. I'd also like to try my hand at rug-making... there I go, preemptively throwing myself into crafts again!
*Since the past few Octobers haven't been the best, I might have to change my favorite holiday from Halloween to Christmas. Red and green are my two favorite colors, after all ;)
*If I could choose one word to wear around my neck or to hang on my walls, it would be BELIEVE. I love that word. It's filled with hope and magic.

How's that for random??? *B

funny is as funny does

I thought I'd use Fridays to post about things that brighten my day(s). And as this particular Friday happens to be a somewhat stressful/sad day, this sure did bring a smile to my face :)


What has you smiling? Anyone have a funny story/joke to share? Because I'd love to hear 'em! *B

kinda blurry

published in 1968

I scored this little gem at our local Goodwill. It caught my eye... I quickly glanced around the room and then quickly grabbed it for my own! It will go absolutely PERFECT in Elsie's room (when she has one). See, it even matches her bedding ;)

It's full of sweet little pictures, songs, stories (with morals!), etc. I love it oh so much and it makes me so very happy. *B

a day in the life of

crafting at night

Bad lighting, but boy do I love me some cross-stitch! Hopefully I'll finish it before Thanksgiving... my track record isn't too great, seeing as I just finished my Halloween needlework yesterday. True story. Don't judge. *B

almost famous

A couple of days ago Brad came across this article. Naturally, he thought it might interest me ;) So, I dutifully passed on the information to the Lex. As in the Twilight Lexicon. And then, they mentioned me! Yeah, when they say "TY to Beth for pointing it out" that's me! I'm Beth! And I am oh so cool now.

So I started thinking about all of my encounters with the famous. The Black Apple mentioned, and linked, me on her blog once. That was pretty awesome. And Heather Bailey came and visited my little blog and even left a comment! That sure was exciting, too. And then there's all the people we chanced to meet while living in Malibu, CA: Pamela Anderson, Denise Richards, Jay Leno (driving one of his fancy cars), guy from Burn Notice, Fred from Buffy, Wesley Crusher (real nice guy) and Data from Star Trek, Dr. Klopeck from The 'Burbs, and of course, our personal favorite, Richard Dean Anderson, aka. Jack O'Neill from Stargate SG-1, also known as MacGyver. I feel like I'm missing someone... anyway, fun times in the Golden State!

And there you have it! My brief brushes with fame. Maybe someday I'll meet Stephenie Meyer. She lives here, you know. *B

faith in all things

Today in Relief Society the lesson was on faith. Go figure ;) Anyway, the lesson was great in and of itself, but the comments shared were equally enlightening. As some women briefly shared their struggles, I stopped and counted how many serious life-changes I've had to deal with this past year. I came up with at least seven. But, it is good to know that I'm not alone. Not that I would ever wish any of my hardships on another, or hope that someone else has a rough time with life. However, it is nice to know that I'm not the only one struggling.

We talked about the destructive path of doubt, the antithesis of faith and hope. And how miracles do not promote faith, but they come as answers to faith. I realized that we all feel the same during our hardships, too. We all feel that "why me?" at some point(s) in our lifetime. For me, it's "but it was such a good plan," and I've had to stop myself and remember that it's not about my plan, it's about God's plan.

A couple of weeks ago I was reading a chapter from President Eyring's "To Draw Closer to God". The chapter is titled "Trials of Faith" and in it he promises that 1) there will be trials of your faith; 2) there will be opportunities to serve others, and; 3) we will see God again. As I sat in church today, with tears running down my face (and no tissues!), I remembered his words: "Please find out what it is the Lord would have you do, believe he has prepared a way for you to do it, and share what he's given you with others. As you do that, you will feel his love and you will become more like him. You will find joy and consolation, you will become sanctified by the gospel, and then you can go home again."

I must admit, I am feeling better about things. Not because things are easier. They're not. We lost the house, we're still looking for extra work, and Elsie insists on waking up at least three times a night... but our Savior has suffered more, and He has lifted the weight of my burdens from my shoulders. They're still there, and I don't know how long I have to endure them. But I do believe I've been given the strength to carry them. I am exercising my faith. *B

more blogging

Is it just me or does it seem like all of Blogland is slowing down? I mean, unless you're a somebody, hardly anyone visits (let alone comments) on your blog. Now don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining about this latest trend. It's just that I've heard a lot (and felt the same) about feeling pressured to be popular or go private.

I didn't start blogging just because everyone else was doing it. I started it for me. I've talked about it in the past, but I really do want this blog to be mine. To be a journal of sorts. But a journal worth sharing. I want it to mean something to me, my family, and my friends. Some of those friends are real-life best friends. But more often than not, those friends are acquaintances reconnected or friends that I've met through various online communities. The start of these friendships does not matter so much as the relationship... and I am always up for making, and keeping, friends!

Anyway, I started wondering why I read the blogs I do. And I started thinking of blogs I admire. There's Clarissa for her consistency, Camille for her creativity, NieNie for her strength, Heather for her tenacity... and the list goes on. And I realized that I want to be that kind of a blogger. For me. And for you (the reader). Not because I want to be the next big thing, or because there's an assumed responsibility, but because I want to be better. I want to write down my thoughts, hopes and dreams, to reveal my struggles and celebrate my triumphs, to share my crafts/projects, to show off my cute kids, etc. I want to post it all and I know at least someone out there wants to read some of it.

So, I have an idea. Really, it's my game plan... I have a nifty little trick that helps me plan meals day after day and I'm going to try and apply the same concept to my blogging. And that, my friends, is the secret of themes. Call me lame, or just plain silly, but I think it just might work! I'm going to at least try it and we'll see what happens ;) For now, I'm thinking of having Random Mondays, Creative Tuesdays, Wordless Wednesdays, Thrifted Thursdays, Funny Fridays, and Sacred Sundays. Maybe I'll throw in a Sharing Saturday, haha. Basically, there may or may not be a brand new post every day... it will just depend.

I want to be a better blogger. I think it's good for me. It's what I need, for now. *B

love this day

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
The Summers Family

behind the Summers' smiles

The Summers (oldest to youngest)

THE HUB
Goes by: Law-school grad, patent agent, breadwinner
Addictions: anything on the computer and watching movies with commentary
Color: green

ME
Goes by: B, Buffy, Bethers, Bethie-Poo
Addictions: anything to do with fabric, needle, thread, yarn and vampires
Color: red

THE BOY
Goes by: Monk, Bubba, Buddy, Willie
Addictions: board/video/computer games
Colors: orange and yellow
Food: scrambled eggs, cheese, bread, and juice
Song: Knights of Cydonia by Muse (seriously)

THE GIRL
Goes by: little miss, munchkin, Boo, Elsers
Addictions: mom, waving hi, clicking her tongue, and spitting
Colors: Blue, only because she looks so good in it (hello eyes)! Also pretty in pink...
Food: milk a la mom and pureed carrots
Song: Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree

I love my family! They make me happy. They make me smile. *B

my kids just might be the cutest things ever

And I can say that because I'm not prejudiced.

Ok, maybe I am. But, just a little bit. *B

the house

We still don't know if we'll get the chance to actually live in it, but for now we're still building... since the future isn't looking too promising and we don't know if we'll have the pleasure of calling it "our house" for much longer, we (aka. I) now refer to it simply as "the house." Yesterday we headed out to check on the progress of the house, and I must say, it's looking good!

I love the floorplan (I'm really picky when it comes to floorplans). I love the location. I love the lot. I love the cabinets, carpet, tile, and even the linoleum...

Yes, we're still trying to figure out a way to make "the house" our house for good. Wish us luck! But really, we're asking for a miracle. We'll just have to see what happens! *B

PS- HAPPY OCTOBER!!!

a whole lot of perfect(ion) going on

Like many others, my heart is feeling a wee bit on the heavy side nowadays. It's amazing how one day everything seems to be clicking into place... we had the perfect job and in two months, we'd be moving into our perfect little dream house preparing for our first perfect Christmas in our first perfect home. And then the very next day, we find ourselves (in a now seemingly pointless one-bedroom apartment) with an unsteady future; our perfect job may not be so perfect and our perfect new home now looks more and more unlikely. I couldn't be sadder. I couldn't be lower. One day I was engulfed in the happy planning of my happy life. The next day I was engulfed in doubt, despair and discouragement.

And then I remember that that's life. And I'm not scared. When Brad was preparing for the CA Bar he worried... What if his studying wasn't enough? What if he didn't pass? The list of fears went on and on. But I assured him that as important as this test is, it does not define him. And so I remind myself, as I reminded him, of what does define us: our family and the gospel. What more do we need?

Last night, after I cried myself silly, I watched this (that Nie has uncanny timing). And today I read this, and this. I acknowledge the fact that life is hard. My life isn't perfect... But, my life is good. And I'm here to be perfected. God is perfect and God is good, also. And He's given me three reasons to smile:

And so I do. *B

pampered much

That's what happens when it's your birthday! Whether you happen to be turning 29 or the big One-Eight, you're never too old (or too manly) for a pedicure ;)

I believe they enjoyed themselves... and while they left their calluses and cuticles behind, their manhood remains intact. *B

someone got older today

My little boy is now a big boy. And he has one of the sweetest, and funniest, faces I know! Love him. Happy fourth Mr. Will! *B

seriously

and finally!!! It's my turn to get my house :)

I wonder if it has any super incentives I'm unaware of... like an underground lair. That would be cool. Pictures and details to come! *B

the point of no return

We're here. Me and the Missy and the man of the hour. Six hours, to be exact. For three days, to be more exact. Yes, the time has come for Brad to take the California Bar. If you're the praying type, please pray for him. And all other good vibes/energy/thoughts, etc. is needed and gladly accepted! *B

while the cat is away,

the mice will play!

And this little mouse
lives in this pretty house
(for now)



And plays with fabric, yarn and strings,
and other such non-kitty things




And she has the best of playmates!
Yay for cousins, Nana, and this little face
(happy 4 months to my missy!)

All while Mr. Feline goes to his books,
with tired sighs and forlorn looks...
(only 2.5 weeks to go!)*B

this weekend

consist(s)/(ed) of mostly this

and a little ho-hum homemaking.
All in the comfort of my pajamas.
I should at least shower...

More often than not, I don't.

Turns out my weekends are the same as my weekdays. *B

anyone interested

in this (the bedding, not the belly)? If you're even slightly tempted by a Pottery Barn Pinwheel Bumper pad, email me! It's brand new, never been opened. I'm going in a different direction with miss Elsie's bedroom. That is, when she has her own bedroom, instead of this very chic, very cute bedding

it'll be this very sweet, very retro-ish and handmade bedding

Little miss isn't even in a crib yet... but she will be! When she has a room of her own, in a home of our own. For now, she's plenty comfortable taking naps on Nana's bed and sleeping (through the night!!!) in her cradle in the game room, across from Bampa's pool table :)

Which reminds me, I'll have to get some pictures up of our temporary home... aka my parent's house. Anyone interested in seeing where I grew up? *B

mostly finished

He did it!
We did it!

Bradley graduated from
Pepperdine's School of Law
on the 22nd of May, 2009.

Halle-freakin'-lujah!!!

It was an absolutely beautiful day with family and friends. While Brad walked, I sat there beaming and crying. I was honored to hood him and am so proud of what he's accomplished. And besides our massive amount of school debt, the four of us made it through relatively unharmed :) Now it's time to hunker down and study for the bars (CA & AZ). Then, we will be finished. *B