[vacation: Arizona State Fair]

Last night, we ventured out to the Arizona State Fair. I had found "things to do" in Phoenix and was so excited to find that this fair was running - so we all voted *sort of* and decided this would be a fun thing to do with the kids.

The best part? Mattias. Oh my WORD.

We got him a "day pass" wrist band which allowed him to go on as many rides as he wanted and he went for it! He started off with the Giant Slide, which he had gone on at our own city's Fair. So that wasn't a big surprise. Then, he went on the Bumper Cars ... again, not a big surprise since that was his favourite ride at Disneyland this past spring. But what WAS amazing was how he started braving bigger, faster, spinnier rides ... all with jumping up and down and laughing.

He loved the kid's rollercoaster. There were 3 of them - all "scary" in their own way. And he just LOVED them ... my husband was equally thrilled with Mattias' new sense of adventure.

The boys ate the Fair food - which was greesey, sugary and basically really bad for you - and both stayed up WAY past their bedtime. Which ended up being too much for Tias ... he threw up today, and spent most of his time on the couch - napping on and off. *smile*.

Poor kid ... partied just a little too hard.

Tomorrow? Well, we're packing up and heading home - so sad to leave. But hey - we're off to Miami & the Carribean next week ... but that's another story.

Here are some pics of our time at the Fair...

[vacations: Still Away. Still Lovin' It.]

So - this condo is "home away from home" for us. I know where the best shopping is, where the yummiest brick-oven pizza is, and what my favourite Cold Stone Ice Cream concoction is. Does that make me a Phoenix pro?? No, no, no ... but I love discovering new things in this city and tomorrow - we might just venture out to find ourselves a local lake. Tuesday? We're off to the Arizona State Fair ... Wednesday - not really sure. And Thursday - oh, well - I'll be getting that manicure/pedicure my GFs got for me before we fly home late that night.

I struggle with how lighthearted or how substantial my posts should be. I like to think - and blogging gives me a way to communicate some of the big things on my mind. I like to know what you think too, and learn from that. But for today - I'll put my political, ethical, spiritual and whatever-ical thoughts to rest. For today, it'll just be about our vacation *smile*.

Here are some pics ...

[talk: My Silhouette Isn't Me. Is it?]

Do you ever wonder what you look like? I mean, REALLY look like? After being in Phoenix this past week and a bit, I've been constantly reminded of what I think I look like and how I feel about that.

I did "The Biggest Loser" a couple months back, and have sadly gained a couple pounds back *sigh* and it totally taints how I feel about myself. What is WITH that??? When I walk into a store and eye a top I'll think "Hmm ... I'm pretty sure those sleeves will cut the circulation off of my heifer arms," or "Nope - you have to have a chest to put it that one ...". And I don't try things on based on my vision of what I think I look like.

Now - it's true - there are things about each of us that we don't like. Maybe even things that we would all agree arent, well, attractive. And we cover and disguise those flaws as best as we can. We feel GOOD about ourselves when we master those disguises, and even brag about them: "Oh this top?? It magically covers the hairy mole that dangles from my shoulder." Ok. Well, maybe not exactly THAT. But you get the idea.

I saw something on t.v. a while back. This lady, who lost a bucket load of weight, had a distorted view of her body. So the host asked her to draw a life-size outline of what she thought she looked like. Then, he laid her on it, and sketched the TRUE outline with a different colour marker and had her stand up and evaluate it. The comparison was shocking. She saw herself so differently than what she really was.

Isn't this the case? Bad skin, stretch marks, small feet, big feet, honkin' nose (oh, I know all about that one) - whatever it is - how do others see you? I'm sure it's different than how YOU see you ... and most importantly, it's not how our Father sees us.

So, tomorrow, when I put on that shirt that is 2 pounds too tight because I chose to have dessert 3 days ago (ok - and a few other things too ...) I am going to chose to see myself the way He does. And when I put on my makeup and get frustrated with the crooked face (oh yes, it's crooked) and do my hair that separates in lumps if I don't wash it daily, I will choose to see myself the way He does.

At least I'll try.

Tomorrow - I'll post some pics. I've got some super cute ones, but it's already almost tomorrow *11:40pm* so I'd better post THIS one now ... so I can post that one tomorrow *grin*. Did you get that??

Nighty night friends. And if you have any thoughts on this - would love to hear them. Wisdom from many brains is better than just one *wink*. That is, if you consider any of that grumble wisdom *wink wink*.

[talk: Anyone Else Nervous??]

Are you wondering what your future is going to be like? Your children's? What a teetering time we're witnessing right now ... with the markets declining before our eyes, the US Elections causing such division and anger among our neighbours to the south.

I'm watching, learning, coming up with my own conclusions. And I encourage you to do the same. Just because we're "only" mothers doesn't mean we shouldn't be in the know. IN FACT, I feel just the opposite. In the famous passage of Proverbs 31, we are encouraged to know about buying and selling and the state of our finances of our homes. We are to be responsible and knowledgeable. So, if you don't have an opinion regarding our government, foreign policies and such - I encourage you to do so. Not for intelligent conversation, but to make wise decisions for your home and your children. And their children.

Ok. So - I'm still in Phoenix ... my family is here and we're having a really great time. What did I do during those "alone" hours before they arrived? Well - I did some of the little leftover housekeeping - put some sheets on the bed, folded some towels, emptied the dishwasher. I watched a couple of movies (THAT was a luxury ... especially watching what I wanted!!). I did a massive grocery shop and prepared/put things away. I went to the fantastic mall that's a bit of a drive away - and meandered around with all the time in the world. It really was great - and although it started with tears and felt really lonely, near the end I was actually feeling good about it and myself. That was really special.

And now? Well - we tend to do the same things around here on a daily basis ... the park, the pool, the stores ... but here are a couple of pics I've taken. I really need to bring the camera out a little more often around here ...

Hope YOU'RE having a "good one".

[talk: A Girls Weekend to Phoenix - and now, Silence]

If you're reading this - then you're probably friends with friends of mine, and you'll probably read all about this a few times over *grin*. But - for those of you who haven't heard, I'm currently in Phoenix and have just said "good bye" to a few of my girlfriends - and now am alone listening to the dishwasher.

I had planned this "weekend away" (although, it wasn't actually the weekend), a few months back. My parent's joint condo sleeps five ... so I invited five friends and I slept on the floor. No, no, no, it was REALLY comfortable *seriously* and tonight I have the king bed all to myself *grin*.

We left on Wednesday morning, and arrived at the condo before supper. We got our groceries and made our way to the Cheesecake Factory for supper. YUM!! We even splurged and actually HAD cheesecake *grin*. What a concept *bigger grin*. It took us a while to unwind, I think, but by the time Thursday morning came - we were ready to SHOP.

After a morning by the pool, I took the girls to the Outlets that are close by. We left a 12:45 and came home *cough* at 10:30pm. Serious, serious shopping. I mean, some girls even got some of their Christmas shopping done *laughing*. Then, yesterday, we went out to another set of outlets and shopped our little hineys off there too. For dinner? A FANTASTIC Italian restaurant that even my in-laws approve of *wink*.

Today was spent by the pool, with everyone alternating turns with the washer and dryer for their sheets. Before we left for the airport, the girls gave me the most touching card and a gift certificate for a pedicure and manicure at a spa across the street. Yes. There were tears. I was so touched that they would do that for me.

We stopped at Cold Stone for ice cream and then I drove the girls to the airport. There were more tears from me, as I said good bye to my friends and drove off by myself to the condo. My family is arriving tomorrow - but these last few hours have been the STRANGEST for me.

Alone. Not a word I would use very often - but it's a strange place to be. It's quiet, and honestly, I don't know WHAT I'm going to do with myself tomorrow ... I'm not picking up everyone until 6:30pm. SOOOO ... I have thoughts going through my head. Insecurities rising up, scenarios going through my head ... which is SO strange, b/c I used to be so independent. The mere fact that being alone here for 30 hours rattles me - well, that just makes me wonder "who ARE you???". I am not who I used to be, that's for sure *grin*. Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe not ...

So - I may do the pedi/mani tomorrow. Maybe I'll sit by the pool. I should probably restock the groceries for my family. I have some sheets to put on the bed in the spare room. Maybe I'll sleep in. Have a bath. Spend time with the Lord. Digi scrap. *shaking my head*.

It's all just so strange.