DODO

As I was driving home from work I noticed a big sign in the old Harry's building. To my pleasure it says "The Dodo Restuarant, coming soon." Which also means outdoor eating in the summer, I can hardly wait, I just think food tastes better when it's eaten outside.
I also had to say, WELCOME, to my friend Keri who has entered the blogging world.

Thanks for such a happy thanksgiving! It was a blast to have my shopping buddy back. I can hardly wait for Christmas!!

Save your blog

Tiff and Annette have asked me about this so here it is. So you spend all this time blogging your life and it is an scary to think of losing it all, not to worry. Your Heart out blogged about it click here... Blurb It has software that allows you to print your blog, it looks excellent.

FREE Chipotle

If you are one of the lucky few to check my blog tonight, you will find out that tonight until 8 pm Chipotle is giving out free food and drinks. SWEET!!

Family Foto

This is our family picture. We are not that impressed. What has your service been like with Swensen photography.

For Sale

I have been to The Children's Hour and Whimsy countless times and seen their earrings displayed in great frames. As if their earrings were art. I love the concept, so much that I had to make it myself (because they are not sold.) If you have noticed that same clever organization and would like one I am selling them for $10. I hope some day to sell them at one of the aforementioned shops, but until then email me at chelsealorimer@yahoo.com.

Happy Halloween

This is Pat and I at Kate and Dereks party. Thanks guys it was a blast.

We will make sure to pass the trophy on next year.

I have 2 amish friendship bread starters if anyone wants one. I would just drop them off to people but I feel like I am asking unwilling people to bake. If you would like one you get a premade muffin to go with it.

Farewell

Thanks for the absolutely wonderful week. I don't think we could have squeezed one more ounce of fun in.

Summer Vacation

I have had lots of friends ask how school is going. Honestly it is going wonderfully. I have been asked to be a math lab classroom (only 2 first grade teachers in the district get asked), and I am getting 2 student teachers. The students are being wonderful now that they know how to show some respect:)
I wanted to post pics from the trip P and I took in August but he has already done so. Please check out his blog @ http://www.patlorimer.blogspot.com or "My Hubby".

Decline in respect

Starting this new school year has been a challenge for me. Not only because I no longer get to do as I please during the day. But because the students I have this year are the epitome of disrespect. When I give the silent signal they continue to talk. When I begin explaining what they are to do they begin to talk right over me. Well today I had had it, and in my moment of desperation I told all of my students they had to respond to me with either "yes ma'am" or "no ma'am." As I was saying this to my students I thought yeah right like this will work. But as they day went on I noticed that they became conscious of how they were talking to me. I have come to the conclusion that the decline of respect in society is not the fault of the youth but rather the fault of those who don't demand it. The lackadaisical attitude that turns the other cheek when someone misbehaves is rampant. Be the person that stops an injustice. If I see it I call it like it is, and I never allow disrespect to continue. Phew, I thought I would feel better but I don't, promise me you will do your part to stop a child from getting picked on, stop a grouchy salesperson with a smile, and vote for crying out loud.

Coupons

One of my students' mothers works at Michaels, and she gave me several "25% off entire purchase" coupons. It can only be used Sept. 13-15. I have four so call me or email me if you would like one.

Try these Martha Stewart Treat bags.

Also I am a member at 24 hour fitness and I received a coupon for a free 90 day pass (that's worth at least $100). Call me or email me if you would like it!

Trip Pic

This is the one of the geysers in Yellowstone called the Dragons Lair. It really looks as thought the steam could be coming from a dragon inside it. I loved all the geysers, it was fascinating how the water could be hot enough to boil. Pat just called it stinky steam.

on holiday

Pat and I are on our first real vacation in two years! So far it has been great. Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Couer D'Alene, now Seattle. We have several more stops and then will be home on the 17th. We are in civilization so I thought I would put in a post and let y'all know we didn't get eaten by bears.

Girls just wanna have fun

Jessica is getting married soon and therefore needed a bachelorette party. On Friday my nearest and dearest friends packed up their swim suits and toothbrushes, said goodbye to their husbands (at least for the night) and took off for Park City. We went to a great dinner at Red Rock then to see "No Reservations," which was equally enjoyable regardless of the woman sitting in front of us that asked as soon as the previews began "Would you be quiet! Are you going to talk through the entire movie?!" All I could think of is, "You need quiet while the hot dog is singing?" (From my all time fav, You've got mail.)

After that we stayed up til 4 talking. Pat asked what about and I didn't know what about, it was just good girl-talk. Then we got up at 9 to go boating. It wasn't without trials though. The first thing that happened when we got to Deer Creek was Mar's 4runner hitch didn't fit Car's trailer so we paid someone to put the boat in, but before we could put the boat in we had to charge the battery cause it was dead and gas it up. We were 6 girls determined to have fun, and we did. Thanks BFF's for an awesome getaway.

Beautiful Bride

Today I got to accompany my bff Jessica on her bridal shoot. She looked absolutely gorgeous. It was her lucky day because we got plenty of shots outside before the storm clouds rolled in. Don't you love summer storms!

White Pine Lake

Last Friday, Pat, Courtney (my sis), and I packed our bags and drove up Little Cottonwood Canyon. We choose to hike White Pine because Pat had done it before with a friend and he knew there was great camping. So off we went on the 9 mile (round trip) hike. We got to camp about 7:30 and set up everything. We had a delicious dinner of rice and salmon steaks (the ones that come precooked in a bag). We then played some card games as the sun was going down. Just as we were saying goodnight, I heard a song in the distance that I thought only our family knew, "Plant a watermelon seed upon my grave and let the juice slurp through..." I was so surprised that someone else knew the song. Until I realized it was my mother singing! She had hiked all by herself so that she could be with us. So to all my friends that I have told, "I think my mom has mellowed out," nope she is just as wild as ever. I love you Ma.

Here are the shoes I used to get the job done.

Our weekend

Friday started out great, Pat & I rode our bikes to Dog Lake in Millcreek canyon then got Barbacoa for dinner and went swimming with his family at their house. Saturday I tried to go hiking with my mom but I was so sick I had her take me home, I slept the rest of the morning until I got a phone call from Pat and the first thing he said was "I am going to the emergency room." He had been mountain biking with his dad and 2 brothers in law, and went over a log and fell off his bike scraping up the whole right side of his body including a huge cut on his palm that resulted in 4 stitches. His favorite part was that the PA gave him all the tools they used. Later we saw Transformers, for those of you who haven't seen it don't waste your time, the crude humor overwhelms what little plot there is. Sunday Pat & I played Ticket to Ride with Ma and Courtie which was a blast. Later that night my Mother in law had to go to the ER because she stubbed her toenail and it had to be removed. Not the weekend I had planned, but a great weekend anyway.

Happy Birthday KT and Jess

Last week was Katie and Jessica's birthday. I am such a lucky girl to have such great friends! Hopefully we will get together this week. Any unique restaurant ideas?! By the way I noticed "Chipotle" is going in on 21st, should I be concerned that this is going to put my dearest eatery (Barbacoa) out of business?

{This is a pic from Kelli's bachelorette party last summer}

4th of July

We celebrated the holiday beginning in Millcreek Canyon, having a big breakfast of eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and french toast, playing by the creek, and playing card games. We got home just in time to have a "jello fight." On the left is before on the right is after. If you are wondering what is on my head...I was concerned about the jello dying my hair so it is covered by a garbage bag. We then hosed off and got in the pool, I am thankful for chlorine otherwise my skin would still be red and green. We ended with a huge BBQ and watched the old flick "Independence Day." Thanks Fam for such a great day!

What would the world be like if we all rode a bike?

My new bike was ready for me when I got home from YC yesterday! It was so exciting, I haven't had a new bike since I was probably 9 years old. Because Pat is so into biking and I am always trying him to do something active that I want to do (hike, tennis, run...) I decided it was time for me to try what he likes to do. I have been going to cycling at my gym at least 3 times a week so I hope I am ready for whatever crazy rides he has in store. Bring it on babe!

Happy Anniversary

Last Monday 6-25 was our 2nd anniversary. It's amazing how time flies! We had a great date. Pat picked me up with 2 dozen roses and took me to a new restaurant Fresco's Italian Cafe (I love new restaurants).

He had great plans for a date after, but I managed to disrupt them because Natalie Blomquist was in town with new baby Cohen and I just had to see him. Thank you my love for being so patient with me. We had a great dinner together reminiscing the best moments over the last years. Some that topped the list were Sunday morning breakfasts, Sugarhouse park picnics, dragging each other to the Fieldhouse in the snow, and countless hikes.

To my sweet: I love you, I always will, You are unique in every way possible and I will always be attracted to you because of that. Thank you for always working your hardest at everything you do and always being reliable. You are my match in every way.

Book Club

So the book club book was going to be "In the time of the butterflies" but it got to graffic for the sweet old ladies in my ward. I have chosen a great replacement through the advice of an old friend (Heidi). The book is "Peace like a river." I am about half way through it, and it is wonderful. Add it to your list of books to read.

Youth Conference

I'm off for the next few days for stake youth conference. I guess this is what I reap because I sowed soo many years as a youth ditching conferences like this. Wish me luck!

Book Club

My book club began with three women and for this book we had 8! It was wonderful. This was a wonderful book about a man who was a secret agent for the US in Russia. It was filled with his many adventures and struggles. I was lucky enough to have my visiting teacher from Bulgaria come and share what it was like growing up in a communist country. It made me truly grateful to live in a free country. I highly suggest it. Our next book is "In the time of the butterflies".

Baby Savvy

Savannah is going to fit perfectly in the family.
This is her still smiling after several hours of
shopping with Auntie Dani and Momma Tiff.

Courtie Pie

I am so proud to say that this is my baby sister. She is amazing! She is doing a service study abroad in Guadalajara Mexico. She lives with a native family, goes to class in the morning and spends the afternoon at this school with these beautiful children. She's in the red tee. Courtie pie you are missed and we can hardly wait for you to be home, but enjoy it while you are there. Friends who have studied abroad, please comment your most encouraging thoughts on what those studies abroad have brought to your lives.

U-pick Farms

I didn't know that Utah had "pick your own" farms. I was so excited about the idea when I read it in Cooking Light's May issue. The idea is that you go to these farms pick your own fruit/veggies and pay about 25% less because you cut out the middle man. You can check out pickyourown.org to find a farm near you, or click here if you live in Utah. What an awesome summer time activity!

New Dessert

In this months Cooking Light there is a great new recipe for caramel lovers. It is called Caramel Layer cake. It is delish, how do I know? there was none left.

Memorial Day

This past weekend was a much needed break for Pat and I. Friday Dani and I ventured to IKEA, my fav purchase was white ceramic pots for some plants. Saturday Dani and I dusted off the bikes in the garage and rode to Bakers de Normandie to get some breakfast and treats then to the Morgan's. Then Dani, Barrett, Pat, and I went on a bike ride in Millcreek Canyon on Pipeline. Not the best choice for novice's but Dani and I made it out alive.

Sunday we visited gravesites, and marveled at the knowledge we have that we will be together again. Later we had a game night, Catch Phrase, Scrabble, and Boggle.
Monday we had a huge family breakfast, hiked Granduer Peak (3.5 hrs, the trail was packed!), went to Pirates of the Caribbean 3, BBQ'd and watched the sad Jazz game.

Thanks fam, for a perfect weekend.

Vacation in SLC

I have loved having my sisters visit. It is as good as being on vacation. I really started to look at Salt Lake in a whole new way. I often think, I want to go someplace warm, go hiking, swimming, eat good food, and be with my family. Then I realized I can do it all in my own backyard. The following is our "vacation" in SLC.

Here is Branden, Tiff, and Savannah on our hike to Donut Falls (a classic family hike). Even for the non-hiker, both Tiff and Dani were in skirts.

We even tried to create a synchronized swim, it didn't work because none of us have rhythm.

We had a great BBQ at the Morgan's followed by an intense game of whiffle ball. Who knew whiffle ball could be so fun and easy?

When Tiff and Branden left we had to enjoy Settebellos together. Thanks for coming everyone it was wonderful to be together.

Sisters, Sisters

"Caring, sharing, every little thing that we are wearing." We never did that but I am so excited to have my sisters home! Danielle arrived today and hasn't even seen me because of her devotion to her angel Kate. Tiffany and Savannah come tomorrow! I can hardly stand the anticipation. You would be eager too if this was your niece!

I can't help but sing the "Sisters" song from A White Christmas.

9 Days as Parents

Sunday night Pat and I said goodbye to our two nephews. It was definitely sweet sorrow. What I have decided I will miss the most is putting the boys to sleep. Maclane gets so excited as soon as he sees his bottle and blanket, as soon as the blanket touches his body he inserts his thumb in his mouth. As I fed him his bottle he would slowly doze off until he finishes the entire bottle, then he would fall asleep. Carter was fun because I would get to sing old primary songs just before he went to sleep. In reflection, it was an amazing experience. I am so glad Matt and Liza trusted us enough. They sure have raised wonderful children. Thanks Matt and Liza!! And yes, they are soaking wet because we let Carter hold the hose, like I said, we learned a lot of lessons.

Makeover

I feel like I need a summer makeover. So the blog gets one too. I got a haircut and color at my favorite place (Le Studio). Now I just need some good wedges and jewelry. Wedges are not my specialty, so here are my options, please tell me which ones are cuter.

Left is Michael Kors, Right is Target.

This week

It has been one wild week having two little boys in tow. However my week hasn't been as crazy as Pat's, who has been home all week. He has endured impossible naptimes, a million "Why, Uncle Pat?", 3 am wakeups, and last but not least a flooded basement. He is amazing, because we were still able to go swimming with the Jermans, go shopping in Park City, and eat at Barbacoa. You mothers out there that are able to cook and have little children ought to be commended for the feat (definition: a deed notable especially for courage)!!

Meals for the week:

Steak Salad (for the Mama on her day)

Baked Ziti

Falafel Pitas

Boboli Pizza

Baked Chicken and Grilled Zuchinni

If on this beautiful Saturday you are wondering what to do. Check out the Banana Republic Outlet there is a huge sale, 40% of sale items, and other discounts. I got this wrap dress for $15 normally $128

This Week

For 9 days (2 down 7 to go) Pat and I are watching our adorable nephews, Carter & Maclane. Because we are at the mercy of their sanity, meals will be simple this week.

White Chili (a family favorite)

Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Burgers and potatoes

Homemade Pizza Boboli

I tried the sweet potato corn chowder recipe because I love the soup at Citrus Grill. I made it when we had Miles and Emily over. Thanks for coming Em, it was great to have both of you!

Rescue of the Lost Lamb

Being in the Young Women presidency I get to do a lot of things that I wouldn't normally do. For example tonight we drove to Provo to see the Beholding Salvation: Images of Christ exhibit. It was wonderful. Some of the art was saddening because it symbolized the crucifixion, while most was beautiful and moving because it depicted His miraculous life. If you get a chance, it is worth the trip. This is my favorite, it is called Rescue of the Lost Lamb.

Paisley Pomegranate

I am always looking for a new shop with unique products. This shop is called Paisley Pomegranate. There was one originally in Park City and now there is one in Sugarhouse. It is two doors east of MaggieMoos. There you will find some great shoes, jewelry, dishware and great accessories for the home. However beware of limited hours 10-6 M-Sat.

manger

I am always curious as to what people really eat on a daily basis. Is there anyone out there that still cooks, or has cooking (one of lifes natural therapies) gone the way of face to face conversations. Well I cook, and Pat cooks, and we enjoy it. Each week I am going to provide my dinner menu for the upcoming week. I rarely choose what day I will cook which meal because of different things that go on at night, so I just choose meals. Tiff and Dani this ones for you.

Grilled chicken, filafel, and cucumber pitas

Dredged Tilapia with couscous and asparagus

Grilled chicken and zuchinni with roasted potatoes

Beef stroganoff with grilled vegetables

Fruit for the week: Fresh tarocco seedless oranges from Italy

31 cent Scoop

On May 2nd Baskin Robbins is commemorating the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation by offering ice cream scoops for 31 cents! Check it out between 5 and 10 at any location.

Happy Birthday Pat!

My philosophy on birthdays is that they should last up to a week. This is a good thing because today is Pat's 24th birthday and he has to study. We'll get dinner tonight, but that is a far cry from anything I would have liked to do for him. I guess the life of a student is never glamorous. Well sweetie, happy birthday, thanks for being such a 'hard worker.'

WaaaHooo!

It's not very often that something makes me go waahoo. But today I received my letter saying that I passed my comprehensive exam and it made me say, "Waahoo!" I danced around and sang for a good half hour after I opened the letter. I know it's hard to imagine, but it happened. It felt really good too, you should go waahoo. So I ask you to reflect, What's the last thing that made you go WaaHoo!?

Congratulations Courtie

Congratulations are in order for my amazing little sister who was chosen by her Math department at BYU as the "OUTSTANDING Sophomore Major." Way to go Courtie Pie, this cake's for you.

Life is good in 1st grade

Pretend for a moment that you are six years old and you have never heard of a "Venus Fly Trap" before. Click on this link and enjoy the wonderment of this plant. It truly was a hit today at school. It amazes me every time how life's simplest things can be so awe inspiring to a child. Venus Fly Trap Film Clip