POOR LIAM

I would start by saying Liam broke his leg last week, but that would be giving false information. Brandon broke Liam's leg last week. There. Much more accurate. It all started with my mom insisting that my dad install a commercial grade playground in their backyard and because that simply was not enough, they had to put in a trampoline. I don't have a problem with playing on things, I am not one of those moms. You are talking to, or reading from... a woman who turns tricks on snowboards, lands crazy jumps and has plummeted herself out of an airplane, Alone. No tandem sissy business. And, would feed alligators... if I could. Point made? Marvelous. So, as I was saying, I don't mind letting kids do their thing, In fact I encourage scrapes and bumps. Can I just say though, I hate tramps. (Both kinds.)

Brandon is probably the best uncle in the world. (He feels terrible, btw) He was just out there jumping with Liam and Vivian (very innocently, I am sure...) when snap, there goes little Li's leg. Tibia Fracture. No good. So now, as if I am not overwhelmed enough, I have a sad little boy who can not walk on his leg for six, that's six... weeks. He is such a sweet little patient though. He never complains or even gets discouraged. He always has a smile on his sweet little face. I carry him everywhere. Would it be the most horrible thing in the world to say that I enjoy when my kids are hurt or sick because it is the only time they cuddle with me? I know... so selfish. Liam doesn't have a choice. Now I get to hold him whenever I want and there is nothing he can do about it. Well, at least not for six weeks.

Don't let the smile fool you. He is drugged.

Brandon appropriately signed the cast "Brandon the Breaker".
Liam thinks it to be the funniest thing in the world.

If you look, you can see where all three of The X96 Radio
from Hell DJ's signed. They love Liam.

People have been asking where my NOLA pics are. They are below my Big Easy post. You have to scroll down the page.

One Big Ass Mistake America

So Tom and I were driving down the road today. It was a pleasant day with not much going on. We had just eaten at a yummy BBQ place on University Ave when we saw this huge jacked up truck with this saying as big as it could possibly be on the back window. So big, in fact, I don't know how this redneck could even see out of it. Probably didn't matter to him. As long as he let us all know how he felt. Seriously? Am I really subject to live a place where people are that lame?

I just want to say to you, guy in the way to big White Ford Truck...
Get over it, you lost. If you even know what you are talking about, you would know that Obama's presidency is exactly what makes this country of ours democratic: the system of checks and balances. So yes, you simple man, you have the right to call our current president names. You can even advertise your infantile opinions on your vehicle, just don't put it in my face.

The only shocker to this tale, it didn't take place in a Wal-Mart parking lot.

From The Big Apple to The Big Easy

Where to start? I have so much to say, so much to cover. I will begin with the motivation of this trip. It was the BYU game. They were playing Tulane at the Superdome in New Orleans and I've never been to The Jazz Capital of the World... The Crescent City... The Big Easy... so why not? Also, this trip would put me in New York City on 9.11 and that was something I could not pass up. Tom and I were accompanied by my mom, dad and my two sweet brothers... All obsessed with BYU.

To say we had fun would be putting it lightly, We always have fun... but this one will go down in the books.

I just loved the city of New Orleans. I loved everything about it. The locals were genuine and so hospitable, I got to meet the most beautiful people. I was truly swept away by the breath taking scenery. The French Quarter put me in Architectural nirvana and riding the old rickety wood trolley to The Garden District stole my heart. The weather? Forget about it! Humid and moist and delicious. My skin finally found utopia. It rained the entire time, But we just danced in it. I was drenched from head to toe, I didn't mind one little bit, why bother with hair and make up anyway? So what did we do? Upon arrival, we asked about Bourbon Street. The locals told us the party started every night around midnight, so we put that on the to do list and headed for the swamp. We took a tour bus to some crazy swampy area where we waited for our swamp captain's arrival. While waiting we got to listen to some swamp music and enjoy some swamp snacks. What an adventure the swamp brought us. We were hoping to spot maybe one or two alligators but instead we saw dozens. Dozens! The captain was feeding them marshmallows and they loved it. I asked if I could kneel down by the water and feed some but he told me they could bite my hand off. I explained that I wasn't scared. Who wouldn't want to tell the tale of a missing limb due to a gator mishap? He was a great captain with all kinds of stories. He snuck up behind me with a baby alligator and put him right by my neck. (A little swamp humor, I suppose...) I was so happy to hold and love little baby Elvis. I didn't want to give him back. Oh yeah, I can't believe that I forgot to mention that we almost lost our lives while on the swamp. Our Swamp captain, whom we assume was drunk, was going full speed ahead when we nicked a concrete poll and were almost thrown into the Alligator infested waters. But we made it out alive, thank the sweet heavens above.

The Superdome was also quite a spectacle. I am not a huge sports fan. But growing up I always attended BYU games with my family. I loved just being at the games, and as my dad would say, "soaking up the ambiance". Everyone so excited, uniting, no matter their destiny to ally together and cheer for the same team. That is what I am a fan of. Of course, it would be the same way in this case. So I was excited to be a part of that. But as we all filed in the building I was imagining something much different. I was picturing the thirty thousand people that were seeking shelter as a last resort, forced to be here under excruciating circumstances. The stories that I had been listening to the locals tell as I would ask them how they were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Their stories were some I would never forget. One guy pointed out the water lines on all the buildings as we passed by them. The devastation was unbelievably real and still very apparent, but the people's spirits were high and I loved that.

We got to see Jackson Square, you know the song by Mason Jennings. Brody played it for us as we walked through. The Mississippi was huge and cool to finally see. Bourbon Street was an absolute party. I didn't realize they celebrate Mardi Gras every weekend there. I even got some beads, I won't say how... Ok, I picked them up off the ground. We did some shopping. I bought a Brad Pitt forMayor t shirt. I will wear it proudly (He is a town hero because of his generosity to the Ninth Ward re buildings). The food? Wow. I know it is back to the gym for this girl. I couldn't say no to any of the restaurants and their delicious offerings. And Of course, While in New York we had to get our dose of Double D's. I wasn't sure if my clothes would fit when I got home. (Attractive? I am sure...)

I loved this trip. I loved being with my family and seeing that beautiful city. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention BYU stomped all over Tulane. But all the fans were gracious and actually congratulated us on our victory. I won't forget you NOLA. You were amazing.

One of my favorite quotes

By Lyndsey ercanbrack

Suppose we took a thousand negatives and made a gigantic montage: a myriad-faceted picture containing the elegances, the squalor, the curiosities, the monuments, the sad faces, the triumphant faces, the power, the irony, the strength, the decay, the past, the present, the future of a city – that would be my favorite picture.

Berenice Abbott

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

By Lyndsey Ercanbrack

..

You are the greatest, most wise and most amazing dad in the whole world! I love you!

YOU NEED WHAT?
.

Yesterday Liam was giving me a list of things he wanted me to buy for him. My kids are all huge fans of lists... Hmm, I wonder where they get that from? So, as he was going down his list of goodies... "and ice cream and a soccer ball, and an Ipod touch, and a new Wii game and oh yeah, I need you to buy me some batteries for my winkie."

I am sure you can guess what his winkie is. (Winkie, boy. Winka, girl.) He is four years old and oh so proud of his winkie. It is his prize possession, and I am sure his best asset as far as he is concerned. He is also full blown involved with potty humor. Normally I don't promote this type of drollery, I can't stand it actually, but since Liam is probably the funniest, most adorable and I have to add, stylish little love I can't help but laugh every time he comes up with these gross little antidotes.

Just thought I would share...

Movie, Anyone?
By Lyndsey Ercanbrack

I have been in cinema heaven lately. I love a good movie more than anything else. There is something to be said about leaving your own life at the door to steel away to another place and time. Here are two that I felt have just swept me away.

The first movie I would like to shine my little spot light on is Sunshine Cleaning. Do not be fooled by this title, there is nothing "sunny" about it. Dark clouds definitely roll through this humanistic, sincere film. It is a well written, well acted movie with an optimistic message. Props to Amy Adams and Emily Blunt. I love them both. And of course, it doesn't get better than Alan Arkin. He was as good in this one as he was in Little Miss Sunshine.


The next movie I would like, no love, to recommend is Inglorious Basterds. There's so much I love about this one, so much that I want to say and discuss but I will restrain myself. Save it for later, so as not to ruin any surprises. It's amazing from beginning to end, and I can't wait to see it again and again. This movie once again proves that while filmmakers will always try to make their films "Tarantino-like", nobody makes movies like Tarantino. Like Kill Bill, it’s a well-wrapped goody, with new delights at each scene. A few puzzles, some of which aren’t answered but are designed to make you think. Yes, it was gory, but if you don't like that, ( I don't) just look away( I did). I will end this post by saying this movie was glorious, indeed.

I loved, loved, loved these movies.

Slow and Steady wins the race?

I guess we will see

This has been a long time coming. When we were finally ready to begin this love child of ours, we ran into a small... large actually... snag. The architect and myself overlooked the building envelope and designed a house that was much to big for the lot. Lucky for everyone involved, I love designing homes more than anything else, so I went back to the drawing board and redesigned the floor plan to fit the lot. Unfortunately for everyone involved, I had to take my sweet time. These matters can not be rushed. So to make a short story long, We had to wait another couple months, but no worry, we are now ready to start.



Yay for the hole and the foundation. The lot took a lot of preparation. It took one week and six thousand dollars just to remove all the dirt. Every time we build a house we swear we will pick out a flat lot, NEVER happens. Flat lots are so dull.

In my mission to improve the ol' blog, I have added more pictures to my Aruba slide and the slide show at the bottom... Just an FYI. Oh yeah, Also, I have finally hired an assistant to, well, assist me. She is brilliant and I am very lucky to have her! Yay for Dolly! And yay for me for hiring her! By Lyndsey Ercanbrack

It's so on

My sweet husband has put quite an enticing offer on the table for me. He has given me a particular challenge, it's not an easy one, but if... just if... I can dominate this fastidious little feat, (and you know I will...) he will reward me with one thousand dollars to go shopping in New York. I have three months to meet this goal of mine, so wish me luck, send me love, good juju, fu, hoodoo, prayers, good vibes and all that. Wow, I love a challenge... almost more than I love shopping in New york! Tom, get my empty luggage ready, I'll book the hotel. My only question is, when can I pick up the check?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDON

You are an amazing brother, friend and protector. You have always taken such good care of me. The kids absolutely love you, you are the most popular uncle on the block! Thanks for always being there for us. We love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIVIAN POLLY

Mommy and Daddy love you so much! I can't believe you are three years old!
Our very last baby. You are so smart and you have such a sweet disposition. You are absolutely gorgeous and your eyes are constantly smiling. Your personality just kills me, You are already quick witted and sharp. You are consistantly making everyone laugh. You have to be the funniest little precious on the planet! Just promise me one thing, you will stay my baby forever.

We love you, princess!

Just a bit of insight...

By Lyndsey ercanbrack

The other night Tom made a comment to me about my desire (or lack thereof) to share my time with others and be social. I wanted to debate and give all my reasons why his allegation was absolutely absurd, but I could not come up with anything. Surprised that I had nothing to say? (That was rhetorical but feel free to tell me if you want to.) He pointed out to me that I have a tendency to draw people into my life and then feel with writhing pain, the consequences because they want to be in my life... i.e. visiting, phone calls and "hanging out". He explained, very gently mind you, I have the ability to be very friendly, but I am not capable of the commitment that comes with being friends. I thought about it for a while and the truth is... he is spot on. I am quite the hermetical girl that he described. It is true, when someone comes to my door, I rarely answer it. I don't like having to entertain, trying to come up with congenial conversation is like work to me. Play dates have never been my style and plans made with me are often times broken. Oh... and just so you know, the "drop ins" nearly kill me. I find that I am perfectly happy living in my own little world and I rarely invite people in to get to know the real me. So, why am I composing this condemning little chapter of my life in my blog... Especially when I am sure all of you have already figured this out about me? (Dang it, I'm always the last to know!) My reasoning is I have been enlightened by my very wise husband. I have never taken the time to realize, this one is on me. I am definitely aware that I have the best group of girlfriends in the world. You guys are patient, loving, funny and always so supportive. No matter what mess I manage to get myself into, you love unconditionally. So my point is don't give up on me, I have great examples to learn from and I will get this... I promise.

***CAVEAT EMPTOR***
Or in this case, readers beware...

I want to say to the English class in Mexico, First off, thanks for reading my blog. This is just a reminder that this blog, in no way imitates what life is like in Utah... or even North America. I am a very abnormal person with a peculiar view on life. Also, although I pride myself on speaking in the correct form of English, don't go off of that either.

So Long Summer

Back to school, Already? Really? The summer is just getting started. If I remember right (and I rarely do) school didn't start for me until September. So, before I go on and on about the summer being over let me just say that I use to love going back to school. The school shopping, (I was on the news once giving a run down on what was in style, like I had any kind of clue...) the organizing of the folders,(ocd remember...) the annual awful perm and even getting the treats for school lunch... my mom would never make us eat hot lunch, that was for the under privileged kids whose parents didn't love them... I digress, we have had a lot of fun this summer. We have traveled all over and the kids have had some wonderful times. Also a lot of boring times, I am sure... I will give them that. Mostly we just chilled and enjoyed Tom being off work( he gets paid to be home in the summers.) So, here are some random pics of us just being us. Playing and livin it up. BTW, the highlight of our summer (besides the traveling) has been the parties at my parents house. My dad's "irrigation parties" have been a smash hit. Oh yeah, he moved to farm country and now he thinks he is a farmer... So cute Dad, I just love you. One more thing, My kids take hot lunch and I love them just as much as the "cold lunch parents" love their kids.

My haircut

BY Lyndsey ercanbrack

Well, I know it's not really dramatic, but it was 7 inches.

Girls Photo Shoot

Our precious Coconut


I grew up in a very non pet friendly household, and that was just fine with me. I don't like pets. Of course, I like animals, (except for cats, gross) I just don't want any of them in my home. I never understood people who loved their dirty little creatures like they were real people. The responsibility, the hair, the germs, and... the germs. (OCD clean germaphob girl, here) Oh, but I do have a major soft spot for all baby mammals and their mommy's. They are welcome to come over anytime...
Anyway, completely not the point of this post. This post is about the very first Ercanbrack pet. Precious Coconut. Garrett had been wanting a turtle since he was about 2 years old. While other kids wanted kittens and puppies, he was researching turtles. He would draw pictures of turtles, make up songs about turtles and he even wrote a book about turtles. It was titled " Turtle fun". (It was very well written and illustrated!) So, it only took me 10 years to realize that this turtle thing was not just a phase. I didn't want any animals... I had no desire to ever own a pet. But Garrett was just so darn responsible and truly had a love for turtles, for his 12th birthday, we bought him a beautiful russian tortoise. When we brought him home (it was almost the same feeling as bringing home a new baby from the hospital) I knew that I was absolutely in love with this little guy.

We bought all the necessities from the pet store, everything the owner suggested and $300.00 later, we came home and set everything up. He was miserable in his tank. It was just so sterile and unlike his natural habitat. So, I designed a beautiful pet palace for him.
Complete with a big window so he could enjoy the view out.

We were only able to enjoy Coconut for one year. When we moved into our rental in March, we couldn't bring him so my mom watched him at her house. She took him out to play one beautiful day in July and he ran away. ( Russian tortoises are famous for being great escape artists, something I failed to tell my mom.) I am sure he is loving his big adventure outside in the shrubs and flowers. He was a wild caught turtle and now he can be free once again!


We Love you Coconut, where ever you are!!!