Writers Block

Ok Fran, I haven't wanted to post (or even look at a blog) since you tagged me. 7 weird/strange things about me this would require thought and that takes time, something I'm grossly short on these days. The hardest part was trying to think of a picture to go with my post. Alas I have it figured out, and just remember somebody asked me for this.

1. I forbid my children to ask me for help with their MATH homework... I believe there is a math gene, and I didn't get one.

2. The older I get the more I love to have a stay home in my PJ's kind of day. Where I don't have to spend ANY time trying to make myself presentable because I know I'm not going anywhere and then grant myself the freedom to tackle whatever project grabs me.

3.If I could take a pill to satisfy my daily food requirements, I would soooo do it. I hate to cook and if your ever invited over for dinner at my house I will tell you now, the compliments should be directed to my better half. He actually loves to cook! Lucky me.

4. I enjoy pulling weeds. Not that I'm happy that they grow, but I just feel very satisfied with how much better it looks as soon as I'm done. In contrast to using a chemical spray that takes days to work and you have to watch the weed wither and die and eventually blow away.

5. When I was 16 and had my first "roadkill" tragedy, I couldn't get the image of that poor opossum out of my mind so I drove my little sister back to the spot and made her pull the dead carcass out of the road, so it wouldn't get rerun over anymore.

6.Clutter makes me CRAZY! Put it away, put it away, put it away. If I can't figure out a place to put it then I would rather just get rid of it. In my house I am happiest when "everything has a place and everything is IN it's place".

7.When I lived in Oregon my friend and I skipped school and drove my crappy little car to California "to prove that it could be done" in one school day. I was correct in my perception of time and distance, however I still question my judgement about taking my car? This was before cell phones and my car broke down ALL the time.

*8. Bonus* I like to surprise people but I'm not so into surprises for myself. I was famous around my house for opening my Christmas presents (very carefully with a knife and rewrapping, using the same paper, and taping over the exact same spots that I had sliced open). All this so I would know exactly what I was getting for Christmas.

Now if you are still with me, here are 2 of the strangest/weirdest pictures that I have ever created... or as I call it what photographers do for fun.

I will refrain from tagging anyone and just leave it open to anyone who wants to play. Leave me a comment with this post so I can go enjoy your strangenesses!

IKEA

Just a reminder that this blog is called Random Gustiness, thus giving me full permission to take you on adventures of my choosing. I dedicate this post to Gretchen and to Davis (hows New York BTW?)... 2 of the biggest IKEA fans I have ever met in my life. There are many others of you who are also passionate about this store. Some of you love it, some of you hate it but the best part is that this song totally covers it. I have such fond memories of the many hours I have spent there over the years. Not always fond memories of the hours assembling furniture from there... but at least I've never had the experience of a 2 hour drive back to the store to pick up the parts that weren't in the box (poor Reni). enjoy

The Whole Enchilada

Or um Christmas Card. Thanks to your responses I have come to a decision. Here is the final version in it's entirity (thanks Kristin for letting me share it). And thanks to my friends for playing along.

Alternate ending

Hey guys I need your help. I can't decide which color or picture I want on the back of this Christmas card. So I thought it would be fun to leave it to someone else... YOU! I need a decision by Monday. thanks

(remember you can click on the picture to make it bigger)

Ashcroft Family

I just had to share this cute family with you guys. Meet the Ashcroft extended family. They have 5 girls! Can you imagine the bathroom scene going on for this family during the teenage years? I enjoyed this family because they were totally relaxed and easy to work with. This shot was an afterthought. We were done and everyone was headed back to their car walking along the traintracks. I said, "wait, wait everyone stop and just turn towards me, you look like your having so much fun!" It turned out to be one of my favorite pictures!

Excuse Me, where's Fall?

Are you kidding me? This is NOT funny. What happened to all those beautiful yellow leaves and no need for using the heat or air conditioning? Come on, go back, do over, or whatever... I'm not ready for this.

Last Hurrah

Before Quinn left we wanted to go do one last thing with all the kids. We decided that Wheeler Farm would be perfect. When we got out of the car we were all struck with the beauty of the fallen leaves. They were everywhere and more still falling. Without saying a word the quest began. Every child knew exactly what to do. Collect and gather and pile. Higher and higher the mound grew till several kids could be lost in it at one time. We had soooo much fun! What a time to remember.

Halloween 2008

My Darling Monsters

Jeffrey, Quinn & Tyler

Kira the Asian Princess

"Confucius Kyle & FrankenJames"

Spiderlicious Kali

"Mr. Bling Bling" Chris

Two goofballs that still like to dress up

playing with the talking pumpkin head

Laura, Corbin, Kali, Jenica

Being chased by a scary monster!