Self Portrait Tuesday

Embrace your Geekness!

Oh, boy, was this easy for me! I'm a geek, through and through. As I wondered what exactly to take a picture of, I was flooded with ideas. Finally, Sean brought Google Earth to my attention. This is my latest geekness. I get sucked in. Bad. So, I thought it fitting to do a picture of me in front of the computer with Google Earth by my side. So geeky.



Other ways in which I am geeky:

1. I wear the same clothes day after day. Really.
2. I was surfing the net in bed on my BlackBerry last night.
3. I enjoy many late night shows on Geology, Space, Volcanoes, Earthquakes, etc.
   
4. For some reason, I remember useless factoids about things. Like the Hoover Dam was built in Black Canyon. And Yellowstone Lake is 600 feet deep, and hides an old steamer ship that is now used for scuba diving adventures. Random crap.
5. I use words like "factoids".
   

So there you have it. Don't judge me.

Self Portrait Tuesday

This weeks Self Portrait Tuesday/Thursday:

Yankee Doodle Dandy!

We spent the 4th of July in Sun Valley, Idaho with our friends Rob and Laura. I had never been there, but now, it ranks on top of my list of places to return. It is so beautiful up there. The mountains, the little "downtown" of Sun Valley, even Ketchum was a fun little place.





We rode the ski lift up to see the valley below, and it was worth the 25 minute trip. Despite this picture from the summit, I am not pregnant. I'm not really sure what happened there.


On our way back into the Salt Lake Valley last night, we were able to see fireworks from Brigham City, North Ogden, Weber, Roy, Bountiful, and one that we couldn't really agree on. I thought they were coming from Willard/Farr West area, but Sean was sure it wasn't. Either way, it was cool seeing all the shows. It was like our own little welcome home party.

Self Portrait Tuesday

This weeks Self Portrait Tuesday:

Hello!



I am: Keli Clayton
I live: in Utah
I love: my family, friends, laughing, swimming, golf, summer, food, traveling, saying the first thing that pops in my head, anything fun!
I hate: having my picture taken, boring people, politics, watching what I say.
I need: a housekeeper, a cook, better self-esteem, to watch what I say.
I want: a new car, my kids to be happy, summer to last all year, to be more social, to be less judgmental, to always have fun!

That's pretty much me in a nutshell. Enjoy the heavily retouched photo.

Self Portrait Tuesday

This weeks self portrait Tuesday included having a loved one take a picture of you (or me, in this case), and tell you (me) what they love about it. I've decided to pass on this SPT. Not a surprise for those of you that know me. I hate, hate, hate having my picture taken. I know the camera adds ten pounds, but why does it seem like I must have dozens of cameras on me? Maybe I can scrounge up something I'll actually not be disgusted by and put it up, but it's doubtful. So stay tuned for next weeks SPT. Sorry to disappoint.

Self Portrait Tuesday

Sorry, I'm a day late. Crazy day yesterday.

Self Portrait Tuesday:
As American as apple pie.

Oh beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain. For purple mountain majesty, above the fruited plain.

These are beautiful mountains that sum up to me what America means. Strength, freedom, majesty, recreation, and life-giving.

Self Portrait Tuesday

This weeks Self Portrait Tuesday:

The colors of your world. I think it was more of a task to find a favorite color, but I just love color. Most colors. And I'm not afraid to show it. I'm pretty sure this is the most colorful stairwell I've ever seen.

Self Portrait Tuesday

What's in your wallet?

Well, I don't really carry a wallet, per se, but more of a large duffel bag. Shall we play a little game of "I Spy"?

1. Wipes.
2. Diapers.
3. Purple first aid kit.
4. Glasses.
5. Burp cloth.
6. Bib.
7. Wallet.
8. Hand sanitizer.
9. Pen. (which by the way, I can never find!)
10. Knife. (that has been overlooked by many an airport security camera, and not on purpose!)

And the white thing next to my wallet is a sock. 1 sock. With a sticky purple star shaped earring stuck to it. Not really sure how that ended up in there, both the sock and the earring. And I'm certainly unsure of where the other sock is!
So there is my life in a bag. I feel so.....free.

I think that about does it.

Self Portrait Tuesday

Wow, Tuesday already. This is shaping up to be a good week. This weeks challenge was for Mother's Day. Pay a tribute to your mom in a special way by showing what she has taught you throughout the years.

This is what my mom has taught me. The power of a good family. She has done so much to keep us all together. She has us all (count them, 6 grandkids, sometimes 6 second cousins, and 3 of us kids plus our spouses, totaling 18!) over to her house every Sunday evening and happily makes brownies, cakes or whatever to keep up happy. We have great conversation knowing that we can say whatever is on our minds without being judged. We celebrate our birthdays, any holiday, and she cooks us turkey dinner for Conference Sundays. We do everything together, thanks to her. When we think of going to dinner, on vacation, or just hanging out at the pool, our family automatically comes to mind. I think part of this unity comes from the fact that my mom has worked with (for?) my dad for the last 38 or so years. Everyday. All day. And they are still married. From this she has taught us all patience, and long suffering. ;)

So thanks, Mom. Because of you we will always be friends. We would be even if we weren't family. You've taught me well. I hope I can teach my kids the lessons you've taught me and in such a good manner.

Self Portrait Tuesday

I'm trying something new. I found a website where each week she gives you a theme for a self portrait. This week was "Cinco de Mayo", and was pretty much whatever you are grateful for. the catch is that it has to be smaller than a deck of cards. This is what I decided on. My mouse. I'm very grateful for this little guy. Because of it, I feel like I have connected with family that is far away and I would probably never know otherwise, I have discovered many ways to organize my home, parent my children, survive pregnancy, whiten whites, heal cracked heels; I've found a dog groomer, a skin care specialist, and many many other services and people whom I feel have made life easier for me. So many times we hear how the internet can be so evil and bring horrible things into our homes, and yet I feel it has made my home a better, more organized, calmer, cleaner place to be. So thank you little mouse, you are wonderful.


Have you ever tried to take a picture with your left hand? Tricky.