Brilla- Bright Light of Life.

Lately I've been in the unwanted habit of waking up between 2 and 3 in the morning and unable to get to sleep.
This morning I was grateful for that.
I woke up on the couch in the back room. I hadn't even made it to my bed- I got up because I can never go back to sleep immediately. I heard Brilla (Bree-ya) whine just a little bit, I had put her on my bed before I fell asleep- intending to let her sleep with me- but now she was wanted to get down. I let her down and petted her as she walked slowly to the water bowl and took a drink. I sat down at the computer reading MLIA. I heard her go out the doggy door. 20 minutes later she still hadn't come back and I was about to go back to bed. I decided to go out and see if she was alright.
I am so grateful that I did- and I am sure that I was prompted too as well.

Heavenly Father knows us so well- and he knew that I would be utterly heartbroken if I had found her in the morning- cold and alone.

She’s wrapped in a sheet that was Grandma Camacho’s. We felt it was fitting. Grandparents Camacho adored her.

She was the best dog. My first dog.

I remember the first time I saw her. 2nd grade, Mum and Dru drove up to Barnett Elementary to see me- Mom had this furry thing behind her neck- I thought Dru had done hunting or something and nabbed a white fox- but it was Brilla, she loved sitting on people’s necks when she was little. Mum pulled the puppy from behind her neck and presented the creature to me. She was so small and adorable. Mum said she looked like a tribble.

They named her Brilla luz di Vida. Bright Light of Life. She was the runt of her litter- but more than willing to take on her brothers. She had the heart of a lion.

One time in Payson AZ, she ran right up to this husky and licked his nose. :] She played with our Great Dane, Chispa- Brilla would hop from furniture piece to furniture piece, while Chispa followed her on the ground in our living room. Brilla even broke her leg playing the yard with the big dogs- but that never stopped her.

I keep looking at that box wondering how it can hold her. She always seemed so much bigger, and it feels like such a little box.

Oh I just remembered the first squeaky toy we got her! We had never purchased a toy with a squeaker (is that what you call it?) and Mum had bought her this little toy bunny- we didn’t know it had a squeaker. When Brilla accidentally squeaked it- she jumped so high and far away from it. So cute! She was scared of that thing for the next few hours- but quickly learned the fun of it.

She was the best travel companion, and my confidant.
I feel blessed to have her in my life for these past 15 years.
She taught me love, loyalty and how to stand up for myself- and I taught her how to climb stairs. Hardly feels fair, but she was amazing like that.

HoneyBee Desert Cottage

If you don't know- my mum and I are making Aprons!

(well honestly, she's doing the sewing- I'm pretty much only cutting fabric (sometimes) and editing the photos)

We have a blog for our Apron selection

We call it HoneyBee Desert Cottage.

http://honeybeecottage.blogspot.com/

Here's some pictures of the Aprons we've been making- feel free to ask us about anything!

We're getting near the season!

This is one of my favorites from our Hostess Apron line.

check out the site for more aprons- there is quite a bit of variety! We even have some dog walking aprons!

Summer

I miss summer.

And I’m not talking about the break we just had for summer- but I miss summer.
Summers in Utah particularly, where it doesn’t get so hot that even 90 degree weather feels refreshing, I miss the trees and the green.

I love that feeling when you get out of school on that last day- feel the sun warm your skin, and you sigh- because you know that you have 3 months of freedom.

So while you walk home, you stroll leisurely, because you have 3 months to get home if need be.

You start thinking about the adventures you’ll have, visiting family, going to the local park every single day, and the local pool, the books you can read without having to write a paper, the days when you can go out and water the grass and enjoy it, playing with your dogs- exploring those undeveloped spaces in your town, running along the creeks- having conversations about whatever with your friends.

and you sigh again- because the world is yours- for three months. It's those other 9 months that can make you truly appreciate this moment of perfect freedom.

It’s one of the best feelings in the world.

Here- I dream about spending my summer inside- where it’s cool, unless I do feel like watering the grass, I dream of wet and wild- and spending the summer at my dad’s where at least the pool is in the backyard, and the beach isn’t too far away.

I miss Utah.
I do love it here though- mainly the people I’ve met without them, I wouldn’t be who I am.

But that feeling of summer ahead in Utah, is something I really truly miss.

iPie!

So if you don't know- one of my favorite things is a TV show called iCarly (A show mum got me hooked on while she was in the hospital (it was the only TV show she liked- besides the home renovation shows)

Hilarious Show- we love it here at the Honeybee House.

Anyway they have an episode devoted to the gang's love of pie-

coconut cream pie made by Gallini- the Best place to get pie in Seattle (in the show)
the icon's ensue.

Anywho- the point of this is that Rob and Laura Walton where in town and visited us while they were here.


And clearly they love us- because they brought Pie!

Marie Callender Pie! We rarely have pie- so it was a big deal. :]

so Since having this awesome Pie- I have decided that there will definitely be Pie at my wedding.

Because Pie is awesome.

hmmm, off to have some Lemon Meringue!

yum!

House Photos

As you know our major demo and house rebuild has been going on strong over this last year. I have finally downloaded the camera and want to share just a few photos. Hope you know how absolutely thrilled and blessed we feel at this time.

Wonder Woman

Over the years I have been called 'Wonder Woman' because of my quick, able and tenacious tackling of projects; but I have to say I think the torch is being handed over. Bethany has really learned a lot of skills in our home construction project. Since the big stuff like framing and cement work is done she has been taking care of the other big projects - painting, laying new floors, baseboards as well as helping me out in my once powerful but now feeble state. My mind and body were just not in sync (my mind was stubborn) and I have learned this over and over through this project. If I had not been blessed with such an awesome daughter we would be in a world of hurt.
So this is dedicated to my beautiful and accomplished daughter. I know this is for her to teach her and come into her own. The Lord has wonderful and wonderous plans for her. I am grateful she is up to the challenge and the blessings. Mum loves you very much Sweet-Pea. Thank you for loving me too!

Fun with Mum

So We got the back room all cleaned, and Mum put our computers back here, and I finished laying down the flooring in the parlor (Three day project- I am So Sore!)

Anyway Mum and I were on the computers and we were talking when started wheeling herself on her computer chair around the room.

Then we started playing bumper chairs. :]
it was a great time, I could not stop laughing! She was ruthless.

The joys of having an all cement floor! We can wheel everywhere.

We're thinking of starting our own little theme park.

Our Main event?

Bumper chairs.

Home Movies

I am currently watching home movies that me Padre sent for my birthday!

Oh by the way- I am now 20!
woo-who!
We didn't really do much for my birthday, We kinda forgot about it until that day- so we went to see Wolverine (Which was good) then last week we saw Star Trek (Which was Amazing!) and that was my birthday- My brother Ben sent me the best card- I loved it! I'll post a picture when things calm down.

the house has been going well- the Sheetrockers left the front room is nearly done- I spent a good 15 minutes in there just singing- because of the new echo :]

The Main Event of Today
was when the sheetrockers handed me a box- addressed to me! From California!

To my Surprise (not really- Dad called and told me :]) there was a bunch of DVD's- converted home video's

so that's what I've been watching all day!
I love it!

I especially love when Adam is directing- He has lots of comments, and they are amusing. Mainly cause Ari argues with him. :]

I'm love seeing this stuff! I can't remember a lot of it, but I can remember snippets of things.

Apparently as I get older I become more of a camera hog- maybe that explains my love of theatre/stage. :] I was/am a crazy kid.

I really do miss the fashion of the 90's, the bright colors, the big t-shirts, the jogging suits.

No chances of me finding that stuff now.

I love my Dad and Cathy's interactions. They are so amusing/cute to watch.

I really love seeing Suzie, I miss her so- she was such a great dog.

Well, I'm going to keep on watching, I'm in 1994 right now, Cathy, Ari and I are making the best Gingerbread house ever. Cathy is leading us, Ari is particular (Ever the artist) I'm super hyper- and Adam is humoring us.
:] good times.

You should check this out.

I love Jon Schmidt.

He's really hilarious to see in concert too. :]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3d6SFcDys

For some reason blogspot is not letting me hyperlink, so just copy and paste the url.

It's worth it trust me.

If you like "Love Story" by Taylor Swift or "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay
you definetely should check it out.

Things that Remind me of Payson

Early Mornings. – They just do. Mum and I had a lot of early morning walks in Payson. Vegas? Not so much

Elk- One early morning I took Brilla up to go to the bathroom, I’m tired, very sleeply, I take her out to do her thing. It’s really early, it’s there is very little light- but enough, I look up- a herd of Elk is running by. Seriously a herd! One Buck stops and stares at me- figures I’m not a threat and runs along. It was awesome.

Randy Travis and Shania Twain – So I would listen to these two all the time in the frame shop. So they make me think of the frame shop and consequently Payson.

Castles – On Main street a guy was turning an old building into a castle for his Grandchildren. For real. It was awesome. So whenever I see one, I’m 10 years old on main street, with some treat from Rose’s bakery in my hand, staring at it.

Mango Salsa – My mum went through this brain food thing, and learned how to make pico de gallo salsa with Mango. It’s delicious!

Bernstein Bears- I read hundreds of those books. Yeah, all in the Payson Library. In the second grade, I read 647 books (they were the Bernstein Bears- but still) I’ve loved reading since birth. Clearly.

Ballet- I had a brief but intense encounter with Ballet. I’m still clumsy- but ballet does remind me of Payson. It’s kinda sad how much I cannot Dance, I knew it even then- I asked to stop. :]

Random Things that Remind me of San Diego

(My Dad, Cathy and Ari really)

So I'm home tonight, up late on the computer and one of my dogs bark, I run to stop her from going outside and barking some more, I run across the room in front of the fan (I just washed them today- it's already getting warm) And for some reason I am back in my room in San Diego, then I proceeded to think of all the things that jolt me back into memories with my Dad&Fam in San D. here they are;

1. Smell of Coffee- since mum and I don't drink coffee, I rarely smell it- but anytime I am in a place with coffee, it's suddenly 7:30 am in San Diego, Cartoon Network is On (Back in the good ol' days when they still had the Acme hour!) I'm on the couch with some cereal, Dad and Cathy in the Kitchen starting their day with some cereal and some coffee. Their coffee always smelled really good, and comforting. :] Ari was up in her room still sleeping.

2. Smell of Salt Water- This one's pretty obvious, it's only with them really that I ever go to the beach, I have this jar that Cathy gave to me, it has seashells that she and I found on the beach, I keep the lid closed tight, so the smell doesn't escape. When I want to relax I open that jar and take a whiff.

3. Sound of Fans- This one is weird, but true! For some reason I associate the sound of fans with San Deigo. I've used fans here at home more than I have in SD- but for some reason it's in there.

4. Smell of Chlorine- Lot's of smells, which is funny because, sight is what makes me remember Payson. Anyway the smell of Chlorine- there always was a pool at Dad&Cathy's- Always. (ok maybe one summer we went without, other than that- Always) So whenever I smell chlorine- right back by the pool in San D. usually it's the latest nicest one. (I still remember Dad&Cathy convincing me that they got a new house without a pool, or room for one. :]) with Mitzy and Milo or Suzie, Ari sunbathing in the lounge chairs, me in the water. Because of this, the smell of Chlorine is a bit soothing.

5. Sound of Seagulls- again like the salt water. The Beach- suddenly I'm there.

6. Smell of Suzie- I still remember how she smelled, Mitzy and Milo smell a bit like that as well. It's a lovely comforting smell. (except for when she got sprayed by the skunks :p)

7. Certain big tall trees- They grew in the parks around and in the barkyard- I have no idea what kind of Trees they wher but when I see something like them, I think of San D.

8. Gingerbread- The only place I ever helped make a gingerbread house was with Cathy and Ari at Christmas. I loved it, and plan on making that a Tradition when I have Children. :] Thanks Cathy :]

9. Old Video Games- I remember sitting for hours with Ari watching her play some game, I think was called Monkey Island. Good times. I kinda still want to play that game. :]]


There you go, a little snippet into my head.
Goodnight!
-Bethany

Beth's Spring Break To-Do List

1. Make our New/Old Picnic Table Pretty. (Painting it, sealing it)
2. Clean up the members on the Fablehaven Fan Forum (i.e. get rid of Spammers!)
3. Get ahead on Homework.
4. Prepare and Record my Video for the Fablehaven launch Party.
5. Clean out my Closet
6. Groom the Puppies.
7. Enjoy my Spring Break!

The Fun Stuff.

So it's been a while, and I thought I'd entertain everyone with a small snipet.

The Scene- Morning (This Morning) the house, 6:57 am- specifically mum's room.
The Players- Me (beth) Mum (j9), puppies- Brilla and Petals, and surprise guest.

Mum: Beth, I'm ready for THE BOOT! (Mum now wears this spiffy moon boot.- we call it "Das Boot!")
Beth: Ok I'm getting it! [Beth grabs a big black strappy boot, along with a shoe, from the living room, she then continues in a fast manner to the Master bedroom]
Beth: I got it.
[Beth sits on the bed, Mum is in her wheelchair, parallel to the bed. Beth narrowly aviods sitting on Petals who is underneath the covers- refusing to get up. Mum holds up her feet expectantly, Brilla moves in underneath said feet- hoping for some foot love.]
Beth: Alrightly lets get it this baby on.
[Beth slides the socks onto Mum's feet. She grabs the boot and starts to prepare it. suddenly she spots something]
Beth:AHHHH!!!!!!!!
[Das Boot flies out of Beth's hands, she jumps, Mum jumps, startled at the niose and at Beth's actions]
Mum:What was that?!
Beth: [catches her breath] Spider caught me by surprise.
Mum: In my boot?
Beth: [Nodds]


That was the start of our morning. :]

I was tagged multiple times.

The Twenty Five Random Facts
[Feb. 7, 2009]

1. I am a funny girl, I'm not going to lie. The better you get to know me, the more I let it out. My sense of humor can be quirky at times, I will start laughing at even the most random thing, and sometimes it just triggers a memory and makes me laugh harder.

2. I am a morning person, I think it must be in my blood- because I had tried so many times to be a night owl- but I cannot do it. I love the morning's anyway, since everybody decides that they hate mornings, it's very quiet and peaceful. I love the sunrise, and that light that seems to make everything crisper, it's just before sunrise. I love it.

3. I like classical music. I love listening to Keane and John Mayer as much as the next person, but sometimes you just need something soothing. Sometimes when I listen to it, one song can speak so much more than all the lyrics on a Switchfoot CD.

4. I will talk to myself. Not really a huge revelation, but I do, it bugged my boss the most.

5. I have all 8 season's of Andy Griffith on DVD and I watch them regularly. I would marry Andy Griffith.

6. I like baking from sratch. Anything else just feels wrong.

7. I will most likely answer to: Bethany, Stephanie, Brittany and Hey You, Tall Girl! Oh and Beth- but not all the time, explained below-

8. I prefer Bethany, not Beth. Only Family and Good friends call me Beth regularly. Otherwise I feel like they/you are talking about Beth Seastrand/Dimick or even someone else. Plus also Bethany was the name of the town, not Beth.

9. I hate having my hair in my face. I think this had something to do with a childhood of bangs in my eyes, and middle and High school spent in ponytails. I don't know how other people live with it. If you see me with hair in my face/eyes, it usually means I've given up, typically by the end of the day I will bobby pin it out of my face.

10. I will read anything by Robert Farrell Smith. (He Wrote: Baptists at Our Barbecue, Miracle of Forgetness, and Bitten)

11. I am a horrible Dancer. I dance alone, a lot- mainly to Keane because you just can't listen to "Bend and Break" without trying to actually bend and break.

12. I will read anything by Brandon Mull. (He wrote: The Fablehaven Series, The Candy Shop War)

13. I had vampire teeth before my braces.

14. I LOVE Nancy Drew games. I'm not a good dectective, but I still love the games.

15. Because I watch so many movies, I know about a lot of actors- Their real name and a list of movies they've been in. I don't actually know anything about them. Some people think that I am that girl who spends her time with the gossip magazines, just becuase I know their names and some movies they were in. I really don't care about their lives that much. Just the other day I discovered that J. Lo had babies- and was married. Who knew?

16. Right now my hands still smell like a mixture of celery, onions and garlic. (We were learning knife skills in my culinary class yesterday)

17. I'm sure you really had a deep burning desire to hear about 16.

18. I had Sondre Lechre's "To Be Surprised" ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yywmhpTvJWQ ) stuck in my head all day yesterday.

19. I now have it stuck in my head again.

20.I saw "He's just not that into you" yesterday. It was cute. I hated the bits with Mr. Skank and his mistress who also was a skank. but loved the Beth/Neil and Gigi/Alex bits. Everything else I probably could've lived without- but then the movie would'nt have made much sense.

21. My dream home would include a window with a bench, a real fireplace, a pantry with room for a freezer and a fridge, and a Loft. (A Secret Passageway to Disney Land, and a secret room- but shh. Don't tell anybody.)

22. I randomly Capitalize words that are not Nouns, but are fairly Prominent in the sentence. It's a curse.

23. When I am listening to music from my mp3 player (Actually any music that I know) I will mouth the words. People who don't understand that I am listening to music think I'm crazy, I'm sure. I also can't help but move to the beat of particularly good songs. Yeah I look quite sane. :p

24. I think "chatspeak"/"textspeak" will be the downfall of the English Language, and I refuse to take part in it.

25. The pressure is on! 2% milk is like a dessert for me. For the past 7 years, I've only had Soymilk immediately available to me- so having regular good ole milk from a cow, is a treat.