good things today.

- denten returned from his morning run with a box from doughnut central. oh, baby, you know what I like!

- all of my bathrooms are "sparkling," as cooper says. and he helped get them that way! yes, four-year-olds can clean toilets quite well!

- catching up on the tour over lunch.

- getting into a great book poolside. "the anatomy of peace," recommended by ashlee. I am not finished, but already recommend it to mom, dad, katelyn, lindsay, david, patria and kari ann.

- a nap.

- denten cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom, remembering surfaces and corners that I seldom give attention to. is there anything better than a perfectly clean kitchen?!

- the prospect of a new website design. if only I could make a decision!

- an afternoon in the pool where there were endless rocket rides, where beckham learned to jump in fearlessly with his mouth wide open and where seneca wanted to kick, kick, kick.

- a good sweaty run.

- a very clean garage. if there is nothing greater than a wonderfully clean kitchen, a clean and organized garage is a close second.

- a previous guest room converted to play room where all toys, games and book have at least a temporary organized home.

- finding beckham on the couch with a stack of books, thoroughly enthralled in one about cars. i love that he loves books.

it was a good day. I am signing off now to enjoy a movie and a doughnut. to kate and wade: I plan on getting a glass of milk, sitting down and eating the whole thing. yes, I do.

senny, the tour and clarification.

if you happen to actually know my daughter, you may be aware of her impressive volume. when she has excitement in her, it comes out LOUDLY.

we were hanging out after lunch watching the boys ride on versus today and seneca, after glancing at the tv, explodes with, "Go, dad! Go!!" clapping her hands and jumping up and down. put a guy in a jersey with a time-trial helmet on his head and it may as well be her dad. it was hilarious. beckham, the little parrot that he is started cheering for his da-da as well.

sister, to clarify: I didn't say I liked contador. I just said he was fast. those are not the same. and you're totally correct. lance is lance because of the arrogance running through his veins, and as we've discussed before, nobody is that good at anything without an impressive amount of self-confidence.

cooper has expressed his interest in racing his bike in the tour. he would choose black racing shoes and the thing he's looking forward to most? riding through the time trial tunnel. yes, that would be so cool. I would totally be there to take a picture.

and in this little boy's eyes, lance is just that much cooler because he's going to be doing triathlons next year. wahoo!

le tour de awesome

sometimes when I lie in bed at night there is running commentary in my head. I am very good at writing blog posts in my head and only wish they were half as good when I try to recreate them the next day.

I realized last night as I tensed up under my blanket on the couch while watching le tour that I hadn't included it in the things I like post. I quickly forgave myself rationalizing that it deserved a post all its own.


I mean, come on. lance's catch-up ride in stage 16 and then yesterday?? my dvr can hardly contain itself holding such fantastic material. towards the end of the stage yesterday, a commercial break came on and denten started to fast-forward. I exhaled. he looked at me and asked if I'd been holding my breath. well, yes. and I am also mentally telling my muscles to relax. it's like a great suspense movie, I said. I can't help it. The climb they had to make yesterday was unbelievable to me, and they were pushing it the entire time. I could just feel their thighs burning.

and then there are the wrecks. man, is it awful that I rewind to watch each one? jens smacking his face on the pavement, fracturing his cheekbone... that was something. the rain has made the steep course even more treacherous. I hold my breath for lance, I really do.

speaking of the cycling god himself... well, actually, I don't know what to say. except that every time he explodes and takes off, I find myself cheering out loud. I'll give contador his props, he's one fast little spaniard, and andy schleck has had some impressive moments (not such a fan of frank, not sure why), but when my man lance rides, it's simply thrilling. I think I'm impressed as much with his mental strength as his physical, seeing as I can not fathom what he tells himself sometimes when plowing up some of those climbs. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. I simply haven't developed that kind of mental stamina and yet, if the thought of not giving 100% all the time has ever crossed his mind, you'd never know it.

the scenery is breathtaking. it's completely gorgeous. I told denten if he ever wanted to ride in the tour, I'd probably be happy to go support him. I mean, we could hang out with lance and johann and I could breathe in those mountains. maybe wade would ride too. It would be great. I would even write messages on the road for them (dent and wade and lance). although I would not stand in the middle of the road waving a flag. those people are hazards. I know it's part of the race, but I'd consider barriers, I mean really. They are riding for their lives and have to dodge idiots trying to grab at them. dangerous, I say. one little slip and down the cliff you go. that would be a bummer.

alright, there it is. my love le tour, documented in all its glory. time trial today. that means super fast and cool bikes. let's have a watch, shall we?

stuff I like right now.

I'm debating whether to say I recommend the following... I guess it depends on who you are. I'll just say that these are a few of the fun or useful things in my life this summer.

1. love and logic. if you are my friend, you probably already know I endorse this parenting style. it keeps me from yelling, it eliminates the need for threats and lets consequences play out without me being the bad guy. bishop miller said it best when we were first learning about it. he stated that this is the way Heavenly Father parents. He kindly and patiently teaches us what we should be doing and then lets us have agency to make our own choices. when a poor choice is made, there is a consequence that follows, but it is always accompanied by sincere empathy. when I am consistent, my children respond really well, even down to little beckham who knows when he hears, "uh-oh," that he stops what he's doing and heads for the stair for a little time out. I'm not saying it works perfectly, but I like to have guidelines and these ones work great for me.

2. diapers.com. with two little ones in diapers, we go through them quickly. running out and having to make an unexpected trip to the store with tired kids is not fun. this site has lots I haven't explored, but the need it fills for me is that it carries my brand of diapers at a competitive price in very large quantities. I just click and they show up at my door. fantastic. oh, and shellie earns a credit every time I purchase because she referred me. so if you use them, please use my name so I can earn credits too!

3. I have adopted an "au natural" philosophy this summer in regards to my face and hair. I think I've worn make-up twice all summer and probably used the blow-dryer that much as well. the one product I'm faithful about is sunscreen on my face. I spent too many years thinking that avoiding it would help me get a tan and blocking out any warning my mother kept giving about sun damage. stupid stupid stupid. my skin has paid the price and while it would have been smart to listen sooner, better late than never. I use a cetaphil moisturizer every morning with spf 15 in it, but if I'm going to be out in the sun longer than an hour or so, I use neutrogena ultra-sheer dry touch sunblock. it's light-weight, not greasy and it works. found at any drugstore. also recommended by real simple.

4. lime ricki. this one isn't for everyone, but it's been great for me. it's a line of swimming suits developed for teenage girls with modesty in mind. two things: I like my tummy covered and I have zero breast. these are small enough on top that they are not gappy on me and long enough to give me the coverage I need. I own three different styles, and can attest that they have great customer service when it comes to returns and exchanges and they are completely reasonably priced.

5. sonic pebble ice. perhaps mild addiction is present when I know I'm leaving town and I have a moment of panic knowing that my destination does not have pebble ice dispensing from the freezer! I seriously snack on this stuff all day long. yes, I know it's a problem and yes, I am working on it. really. it's on my list to get the whirlpool guy here to fix my ice dispenser. oh, but it's so good.

6. my sister's keeper by jodi picoult. this is a great summer read. it's powerful, but not heavy. it prompted lots of thoughts for me as well as great discussion in my home. I haven't seen the movie yet... if any of you live close and are interested, let's go!!

7. speedo goggles. they are the only brand that I have found not to leak. found at costco in a super-priced 3-pack. stock up!

8. car seat backpack. I don't travel with a stroller, but I often travel with a car seat. and three children. and not often a husband. this can make for an airport adventure! I take a car seat on the plane so I can keep one of the two little ones contained. This backpack is heaven-sent for mamas like me. it keeps my hands free as we navigate the airport scene. when you happen to find yourself in an airport three times in a month, it's totally worth it! I didn't have it on one leg of our journey and I realized just how much I needed it!

9. fresh and easy vanilla almond granola. it helps me get out of bed in the morning. seriously. I have to go to kick-boxing after I eat it, 'cause it's that good for me, but still... yum.

10. sytycd. as in the tv show. no, dad, it's not an obsession, but this season has some serious talent and it's fun to watch and critique with dent. tabitha and napolean are my favorite choreographers.

11. southern brand. this site has some fun stuff, especially if you have a brother who is part LDS missionary and part cowboy... oh, that's just me? anyway, still fun stuff... go buy yourself a cute shirt!

there you have it, the randomness that I currently enjoy. what are your summer favs??

how to take the guilt away:

last night I made ooey gooey peanut butter fudge brownies. they were wonderful to eat, but came with a little guilt seeing as I made them myself and knew to what extent the were not good for me. you see, it's much easier to eat stuff like this when say, shellie, makes them for me. then I don't have to know what's in them, I can just enjoy them.

so I thought about how I could recommend such an indulgence last night as I lay in bed and I have a few suggestions for you. whether these particular suggestions have been tried and proved in this household is not for current disclosure.

- you could get up at the gosh-darn crack of dawn, hop on your treadmill and run for your life until your children wake up and think they are starving to death.

- you could put all possible children in a stroller, others on their bicycles and race around the block about 57 times. add in 105 degrees and you sweat a few more calories.

- you could turn on fantastic music and dance like a crazy woman in your family room until you simply can not jump around anymore.

- you could have sex like six times in a week. 'cause let's face it...this happens to be an endorsed method of burning calories by both my current and previous bishops.

I'm just saying, do whatever works for you so you can enjoy ooey gooey goodness guilt-free. 'cause it's good.

BJB

He is:

truth

pride

aggravation

compassion

sincerety

depth

heartache

hard work

rural

willing

honest

strong

curious

carhartt

uncle and brother

elder

elder boogs, I can't express the amount of admiration and pride I have for you.

thanks for making decisions that are worthy of my children following in your footsteps.

portland doesn't know what's coming.

knock 'em dead. leave no regrets.

love,

sister numero uno

mighty mud mania

my children were not so fond of the mud pits and obstacle courses, but it's the pool we go for anyway, and despite the increasing crowds each year, it was a good time. so good, in fact, that holding still for 5 seconds for a photo just was unacceptable.

red, white and BANKS!

and you thought the adventure posts were over...

the banks family reunion was a smashing good time, what with hiking, dinner in the canyon, a day at the park city resort, swimming with cousins and the much-anticipated banks family triathlon... it's enough to wear three kids and their mama right out! and yet, we're still pulling out of the funk that has settled over being home.

this is my tired hiking partner

who decided it was worth a smile.

after bex signs "please," he assumes this position, waiting for grandpa to fork over something delicious!

bex and tessa- wagon rides by aunt lindsay. she's the absolute best.

oh, except for maybe auntie kate...

coop and harrie on the alpine slide

cooper receiving instruction before beginning the swim portion of the triathlon

finishing his bike leg

and rounding home on the run.

AB and aunt marge

a multitude of fun cousins, gorgeous weather and super activities. ah, summertime is lovely.

summer retreat.

being reunited with denten. hyatt regency, tamaya. hidden away. no cell service.

thank you, rothstein.

adjoining rooms= big bed and quiet room for mom and dad.

splash pad. 95 degrees. multiple pools. water slide. biking through the bosque. pony rides. room service. all day in the sun. bright blue sky. omlettes made to order. life-size checkers game. pool-side drinks. dr. pepper ribs. salmon. nice attorneys. goodie bags. dum-dum suckers. seneca's endless kicking in the pool. burning feet on the cement. 5 minutes with eyes closed on a lounge chair.

wishing it would last forever.

heaven, 2009

afternoons on the beach, digging, playing, swimming. hiking. ice cream ally. fireworks from the boat. cooper reading to gram. the new boat. really, a sweet boat. sourdough pancakes. a really good book. 4-wheeling in the jeep. tandem bicycle rides. mint oreos. a surprise visitor. missing wadey. seneca's volume. late night movies. mom's ribs. hot tub conversations. falling asleep on the back of the boat in the sun. water-skiing. boarding. tubing. for real, it's heaven.

dad still rips it up

katelyn still entertains

I can still get up

dent can still hang on the longest

andy showed us what the tower on the boat is really used for



bex

boogs and the colonel (the jeep)



aunt harrie (everyone should have one)

uncle/elder ben with those who look up to him most

the girlies

seriously, does life get better than this?

Reality Check

it was 104 degrees outside when I left my house at 9:30 a.m. to go run errands. I think our high is supposed to be around 112 today. after hitting REI and fresh and easy, I questioned whether I had actually showered this morning. and I did, for the record. denten has been making a push for a move out of phoenix and I think his timing is strategic. good thing I function better in heat than cold. well, at least I complain less.

on our way home from our sweaty jont this morning, seneca chose to throw a major fit in the car. I've gotten pretty good at ignoring when necessary, but she is also incredibly persistant. I calmly pulled the car over, got out, went around to her side, put her shoes on and removed her from her seat. As I removed seneca, a concerned cooper asked if he could walk home with senny. No, seneca is the one disrupting our happy car, I replied. "But she will go in the road and get scraped!" It is nice to know that when it really counts, he looks out for her. you know, like when her mother looks like she is going to abandon her on the side of the road. also, it should be noted that this method of discipline is effective with a two-year-old. I was a little worried she wouldn't care one bit and would wander away. thank goodness she likes us. she immediately stopped crying and said, "I coming, mom!" after agreeing to be a pleasant child, we were on our way.

the rest of my reality is an ever-growing list that I must quit ignoring. I may or may not figure out how to blog about mccall today. too many pictures. ok, now I must go call delta. they charged me an extra $150 to check bags that I didn't actually check. ugh. speaking of charging to check bags, what in the world is that all about? if you need to charge, just add it to my ticket please, so I don't have to know. good grief. wish me luck.

culture. heritage. tohatchi.

The Bitsilly Family Reunion, 2009

camping in the desert. the family fun run. a toad in the tent. uncle drew. an intense downpour. the smell of the desert after the rain. exploring the mud. grandma. squirt guns. photos at window rock. blue ribbons and a dollar. driving the quads. bubbles. fireworks. s'mores. barrel races. the limbo. musical chairs. shawl dancing. lots of dancing. mutton stew. fry bread. playing with cousins. braiding seneca's hair so she looks like the native that she is. naps in the hogan. new jewelry. the flea market. pin the tail on the donkey. hula-hooping. shooting hoops. playing catch. digging in the dirt. meeting new extended family. priesthood blessings. the raffle. loving every minute.

home.

I'm overwhelmed. I think I said that when I left a few weeks ago. We've been to four different sleeping locations in three different states in the last two weeks and are finally home. Interestingly enough, none of us were ready to come home yesterday and cooper said it best when he teared up at bedtime last night. "mom, are our adventures over? I don't want to come home yet." honestly, denten and I felt the same. the last leg of our journey was incredible and went way too quickly. I've got an abundance of photos to sort through and experiences to record, but it will take a little time. There are a few "real life" things that need attention today, so we'll see how far we get. I think Cooper has discovered that being on vacation is better than our ordinary life. As we got ready to leave the resort yesterday, he said, "I just want to live here, mom!" I guess I need to do better at creating adventures at home!

more to come as my head clears and time opens up.