Cute little mommy

Here is Alexa the other night after her bath ironing on her new ironing board. Isn't that thing the cutest?! I bought it the other day at T*rget and had intended to keep it for Christmas but I couldn't resist. Alexa has been home with a cold for 3 days so it was the perfect time. She got out all her doll clothes and it kept her busy for some time.

Update: Her hair is wet in this photo but the haircut update is...just a trim. My friend cut it and really only took like an inch off but it really made a difference in how healthy it looks.

~Cheaper than therapy~

This morning on my hour walk I decided to take some photos with my phone. I figured maybe if I can multitask the time will go faster. Truly I love (well "love" might be a little strong) my solitary walks in the desert. It is my time to be one with nature, suck up tons of dust in my lungs and burn off some snacks from the night before. Today I faced 25 mile an hour winds pushing against me which increased the dust particles I actually breathed in and produced an additional 500 calories burned! I wish!


This is how I start out, down a nice hill, gorgeous views and peace and quiet. I am actually enjoying myself at this point, planning my day and doing some self-reflection.


About a mile into it I, round this corner and get a great view of the Tonto National Forest that we live next to. A this point I am scouting for bobcats and mountain lions and hoping no snakes slither in front of me as I take my eyes off the road. I'm working up a sweat now and feeling good!

After about 2.5 miles, here I am about to tackle this little hill. It is one that I actually like since the view is incredible and I know I am past the half way point. I am thinking about my blessings and how I am thankful that I am healthy and can make this walk without passing out.

And then....I get to the bottom of this beast. I hate this hill!!! It is at the near end of my walk and I have lost my sense of humor at this point. I am sweaty and want to go home and have some coffee!!! And then I think, "Hey, I'll check my emails!" I have to take my phone with me in case of "an emergency" Wow, what a great idea. It is really the only way I can get up this hill. If my mind is otherwise occupied I can't think about the fact that I am dizzy and about to drop. It works! Up I go.

I turn around and look back at what I just did and feel pretty good. I've tackled the beast and am almost back home. The rest is a breeze.

I love and hate my walks. I feel nauseous for about 3 hours after I get home ( not sure why) but feel an accomplishment and more energy for doing it. The Chief says I am releasing 40 years of toxins, and that is why I don't feel well. Nice. I guess my walks are a little like therapy. I have a quiet place to think, I can leave my worries in the dirt, I can overcome hills and appreciate the beauty all around me . Works for me!

" I did It!"

Alexa ran into our bedroom this morning with her shoes tied. She said, "Mom, I did it!" How exciting! I still remember the first time I learned how to tie. I was 7 and I learned on a Dressy Bessy doll. Alexa and I have been casually working on it but I was pretty surprised when she surprised me this morning. What a great way to start the day! She was really proud of herself!!

Is It Time?

Well, even though it is still a lovely 100 degrees here in the desert, I guess it is Fall...is it? I have started to slowly add some Fall elements to our home. If I do it all at once, by the end of October I am ready to chuck it all in the garbage..it gives me nightmares to have all that "stuff" in the house. Even though our leaves don't change, the colors of the desert I guess lend themselves to the colors we think of when Autumn approaches. Certainly the colors of my house do, especially with the Satillo tile we have throughout. I have struggled with this "sort" of house since I moved out here from the Midwest. If I could choose any style home it would probably be a cottage style with beadboard walls and white slipcovered furniture. Out here it is all about the "Southwest vibe". I just cannot go there in my mind, so have tried to find some sort of happy medium with my style. I like all sorts of things and try to shy away from anything "mass produced". I have several paintings in the house that my mom has done, including the two on the background walls. I love to decorate and spend many nights trying to fall asleep wondering what else I can accomplish in the house. Does anyone else do this? What I really want to accomplish is a home that when one enters they feel comfortable and instantly at home. I also love looking at other people's spaces. I am addicted to decorating blogs now and could spend hours getting inspired. Enjoy your Fall decorating ( and your leaves changing!: )

The Hair

Okay, let's talk about the hair. I need some ideas. This is what Alexa's hair looks like in the morning uncombed. It is knotty and unruly. Her hair has always had quite a bit of wave to it but now it is like the under layer has wave and the layer of hair on top is straight. Everyday I put it in a pony tail or braids which we both like and she doesn't mind me doing it. Alexa is four and a half years old and has had one hair cut. I am not kidding, her hair grows soooo slow.

On Thursday a friend of mine who is a hair stylist is going to cut it. My problem is I don't know what to do!! She likes it long and crazy and in her face. I love it all pulled back off her face. I do not want to do bangs because we will never keep up with them. Any ideas??? Also, if anyone has any advice on how to get her hair shiny I would really appreciate it. We have really hard water and it is impossible for it to look shiny and I have tried every product out there. Help!!

Not My Idea of Fun

This is what "some people" think is fun to do on a Saturday afternoon. A neighbor of ours found a Mojave Rattlesnake and brought it over so The Chief could skin it. Here's the kicker...it is the most deadly venomous snake in North America! No anti-venom is available...instant death!! Yes, good times.

The Chief's B-day!

Happy Birthday Honey! You are Alexa's and my hero.
We appreciate all you do for our family. You are Alexa's everything, her daddy can do no wrong!

Thanks for being a great husband. You juggle many roles, wear many hats but will always be my BFF. You make our lives complete, challenging at times ; ) and never boring! Love ya!