Viva Las Vegas

Steve and I took a quick jaunt over to Las Vegas.

For 3 days and 2 nights!

It was a nice needed break after this LONG winter.

We stayed in the Romanesque mausoleum known as Caesar's Palace. I absolutely loved the Roman influence everywhere. And, if it hadn't been surrounded by the garish lights and the jingling of slot machines, it might even have been elegant.

The pool was a whole attraction unto itself. I found it amazing and dreamed about the amazing parties that could be had there. For poolside comfort, the resort had cabana's and day beds that you could rent.

Here was the view from where I sat:

Then when Steve arrived--he had been getting things settled for his spa day--we found this secluded alcove:

Where we sat under these palm trees:
Which reminded us of Jamaica. Can I just say that after being in Vegas, I truly now realize what a deal our all-inclusive Jamaica trip was. For example, the drinks that we loved soooooo much in Jamaica were $13 a piece in Vegas.

The room was nice enough. The bathroom however was amazing! Although I don't know why a resort would spend so much money on the bathroom only to skimp on the towels and toilet paper. (I guess one of my pet peeves is cheap towels and toilet paper.). I mean the pool bathroom had nicer toilet paper than our hotel room. Crazy, right? Back to the most amazing feature of the bathroom...first, it had a separate toilet room, and who doesn't't love that? Also, I loved and put to good use the makeup mirror. I also loved two things about the shower: the dual shower heads and the seat. Aahh the seat, as a girl who shaves everyday, it sure made that chore much easier... but the best feature of all had to be the tv in the mirror! Yep! Awesome! I could so get used to listening to the news while I put on my makeup. (Did that just make me sound old?). Or better yet, watching tv while soaking in a hot bubble bath.

Did I mention that our room was arctic cold? We couldn't figure out how to get the air conditioner any higher than 60 very frigid degres! But I loved it! Truly! Every time we were in our room we curled up like two bugs in a rug! And it made our bed so comfy and warm. It also felt like it was the two of us against the cold. I love snuggling! I love it even more when the outside air is so cold. So we stayed in our little artic corner of Las Vegas.

We were able to indulge in a few fun activities in Vegas. Steve opted for some spa treatments: a massage and a facial. He loved them and came back so relaxed! It was just what the doctor ordered for him. I, on the other hand, wanted to go shopping. I thought that I could make it an "experience" if I wasn't so focused on making my money stretch. I C.O.U.L.D.N.'T do it. Shopping at designer stores ( Dolce & Gabbana, 7 for All Mankind, Gorgio Armani, etc.) isn't for me. I kept thinking, "For that price I could....". It just seems foolishness to spend that much money on one item ($178 for a dress I loved or $139 on a purse.) Also, just because I "spend" that much money on a dress doesn't make it fit any better. It just makes me look like I am wearing an expensive dress that doesn't fit...sometimes you can't even tell the expensive from the inexpensive. I am not a Kate Middleton, a fashion icon. It really doesn't matter who I wear. What matters is that I spend the time finding the right styles for me, that look good on me. In the end, I found some cute clothes at The Gap, a place I don't normally shop. Should I mention that everything was 40% off or more?

Las Vegas was all about the food for us! It surprises me that such reknown chefs don't have restaurants in DC. They should be there too. Anyway we went back (click here for first time review) to Iron Chef Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill and it was as good as the first time. It was like a party of flavors in my mouth. We both ate what Steve had there the first time, a 22 oz Bone In Chipotle Glazed Rib-Eye with Red and Green Chili sauce. So delicious!

The second night, we went to Iron Chef Mario Batali's restaurant, the B & B Ristorante which has exquisite Italian food. Overall the food was amazing and you need to remember that.

The only picture of us together from the trip:

Although it was amazing, because Italian food isn't my favorite, I was a little lost on the menu. We were trying to make the Phantom of the Opera, so we decided on the pre-theater menu. Wanting to try something new, for the hor d'ourves, also known as the Antipasti, I ordered the B & B Salumni. It was basically a glorified meat tray. It was okay. For my main course, or the Secondi, I ordered the 'Brasato al Barolo' with Horseradish Gremolata which to me tasted like the best post roast ever served with Polenta. For Dolci, or dessert, we ordered Grappa Panna Cotta Brown Sugar Strawberries. Eewwww!! First the strawberries had been soaked in something so they were mushy! And, the little flan like thing--the panna cotta--that came with it was made with alcohol. Such a strong flavor and a bad aftertaste. I had no idea. Needless to say, it was left on my plate. I guess Grappa is an alcoholic beverage. Now I know.

ANTIPASTI

SECONDI

I do have to say that I love, love, loved the topping to this dish. It was celery leaves with lemon zest, and a few other things. Delicious!!

DOLCI

Overall the experience was a little disappointing. Our waiter also had an accent so it was hard for me to understand him. So, between the waiter's accent and the unfamiliar Italian terms it was hard for me to know what I was eating let alone ordering. Oh well. It's all an experience and I am grateful for it. I learned.

This trip didn't work out at all like we planned. Almost nothing in fact. From delayed planes, (coming and going,) to canceled shows to same price shuttle and taxi rides.

We didn't get to see Phantom of the Opera because they had canceled their Thursday show due to Memorial Day weekend. Very disappointing, especially because their web site said nothing about this. Oh well. We had a Plan B. We walked over to the Wynn to see La Reve. We got there only to find out that they don't have shows on Wednesday or Thursdays. That's okay. Plan C, we strolled around hand-in-hand, back to our resort room, changed into more comfortable clothes to go get a more fulfilling dessert. Something chocolate!

I love walking with Steve. Every time I reach for his hand, his hand is already reaching back for mine. It's a small thing, but it makes me feel so loved. I would walk hand-in-hand anywhere with him. And, we got to see these amazing sites:

This picture was actually taken of the ceiling in the Bellagio on our walk. I thought the umbrellas were beautiful!

This statue was very tall! I think if I were standing beside it I would have been waist tall.

The Pass of All Passes

The Pass of all Passes is going to save my sanity this summer. The pass allows us access to a water park, and two activity centers. With the amount that we have used it over the last month, it has already paid for itself.

We get to keep busy with fun things like:

GO CARTS

I'd be scared too Laney, he doesn't have a license.

My kiddos aren't actually big enough to drive the go carts yet.

BUMPER BOATS

ROCK CLIMBING WALL

Even though this is the hardest wall, it's the one Ty always goes for. I think he wants the accomplishment of doing the hardest wall.

Even my littlest one wants to conquer the wall. I don't mind until she ends up here...

LASER TAG: BATTLE FOR NEW YORK

We have paid for our passes alone with the number of times we have played laser tag. It is by far our favorite thing there. We went with our cousins, who have the same passes, over Spring break and it was so much fun! I love Lee's face in this picture.

Occam's Razor for the t-rex

So, for those who don't know, Occam's Razor is: the simplest answer is usually the right answer.

Okay, well, that's the lay definition for Occam's Razor, but not the real one. But, if you say that term, that's the one people know. Anyway...back to the t-rex.

Turns out after numerous appointments, numerous tests, and numerous thoughts of what it could be, the t-rex is general anxiety. I am so ready to accept this as the answer. In the beginning, I think it would have been harder for me, but now, after all the fear, and ironically the anxiety over what this could be, I am at peace with this.

Steve was watching a documentary on GAD and we are basically following the road that so many others have. It's a little reassuring. But, we are in the stage now of, okay, it's anxiety! We know your symptoms don't mean you are dying. Let's move on!

We are not going to let this define who we, who Steve is. Neither of us want that. I think we are getting there, but it sure is a process. A refiner's fire.

We are so lucky to have the gospel during this hard trial. We have felt the reassuring love of our Father in Heaven through the gift of the Holy Ghost. And through members of our ward and families! We have truly been blessed.

My Bread and Butter

"Bread is the warmest, kindest of all words. Write it always

with a capital letter, like your own name."

-from a cafe sign

I have always loved baking.

Sweets are heaven on earth to me.

But, now, I have a new found love of baking bread.

I know I cheat when I make it, but baby steps here.

Eating a slice of fresh, homemade bread is an experience everyone should have. I didn't have my first slice until about fifteen years ago.

There is something so divine about freshly baked, homemade bread. And, the way your house smells...mmm.

This wheat bread is really easy to make.

I just place my ingredients (warm water, yeast, sugar, wheat flour, gluten, dry milk, salt, vinegar, and oil) in here:

Let my Kitchenaid do the work. (This is how I cheat.)

Let it rise once:

Roll it, shape it, and let it rise in here:

Ready to bake:

Anyone wanna slice?

We have all the toppings you could want with it: butter, honey, honey butter, cinnamon, sandwich fixins. What's your pleasure?

Eureka! We Have "Gold" at Our House

GOLDILOCKS

Laney had her "goldilocks" chopped. About 5 inches to be exact, but it's hard to tell with the curl.

I had bangs cut. I usually tend to over do (ha, no pun intended) hair cuts and go way shorter than I intend (like Laney's hair), so it still isn't the way I truly want.

BUNGALOW GOLD

We painted. It's amazing how a bottle of paint can totally change the look and feel of a room. I love it!! We decided to go with a Tuscan faux finish technique to enliven our plain, ordinary walls.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Why don't you come see for yourself. Things look better in person. Just let me know when and it's a dinner party.

GUESS WHAT

We liked it so much we painted the bathroom too.

I just happen to have before pics too. (Actually that was for another post.)

Isn't it pretty?

When the Cat's Not Looking...

...the mice will play!

While we were at a fun center today, I was with Laney waiting in line for the rock climbing wall, when Tyler comes rushing over to me.

Tyler told me that he had invited, I mean dared, Ethan to climb through this hole to touch the yellow M&M inside "The Claw."

But of course Ethan wouldn't do something like that. I mean, we've spent countless hours teaching him better and to think through things.

He really wouldn't do it.

He did it!

I am the worst mom because all I could do was laugh once he was out of there. And, all I could do when he was in there was assure him that everything would be okay.

The workers at the place were there before Ty had even pulled me over there. They were quick. Ethan spent no more than 3 minutes in there.

While he was in there I could tell he was nervous and scared. And, when he escaped his see-through prison he was visibly upset.

I felt like the natural consequences had taught him much better than anything I would say.

I don't think he'll be doing that again.

"Spring" will Come

I need "spring" in so many ways.

"Winter" is lingering.

As I write this,

snowing is falling and swirling in the cold wind. I physically need spring to be here. My little tulips are poking their heads above ground and I want to see their full splendor in a few more weeks.

And, I have not been able to get warm this winter, my fingers and toes are perpetually cold.

Metaphorically speaking...

Dear t-rex, what art thou?

We are still being chased by the t-rex. We are hopeful that a resolution will be found soon, but it seems like "winter" is lingering with us.

And, did you know that I have had plantar fasciitis for six months. That means no running for six months. No real exercise for six months. No heels for six months. Ugh. I think my foot is almost better. But, I've thought this before. Just because, I chose to exercise three times since Monday. I wanted to see how my foot would do. It's tender. I am not sure if that means I should stop or not. Ugh. I have only been able to exercise (usually walking on the treadmill) once a week while Laney is at gymnastics.

I want to train for another half marathon so badly...which ironically is how I got into this mess. Only this time, I've learned my lesson. I wouldn't over train. I would be careful. I will make sure I am stretching.

I know the "spring" will come, but it sure seems like winter is hanging around for a long time.