Well, I just don't know if I could ever move back to Utah. I'm a little too low-maintenance. On the drive from Rexburg back to AZ I spent a couple days in Utah County with my brother- and sister-in-law for one last cousinfest before cousinfamine.
We had a picnic at a Lehi Park and no kidding it looked like everyone there (me and progeny excepted) had just come from family pictures at Kiddie Kandids. The little girls were all abloom with giant flowers on their heads that perfectly coordinated with their outfits, bracelets, and toenail polish. Despite the fact that the boys had come to climb trees and throw sand on each other, you might think they had jumped off an Old Navy ad. It was clear all attending moms had recently showered, preened, and accesorized with great care before daring to step outside. And go sweat at the park.
I was suitcase-shabby and frumpy. My flipflops didn't match my shorts. I haven't worn earrings on a weekday in months. It hadn't occured to me to style either of my daughter's hair much less attach a sunflower to them. I didn't look but most likely Young Padawan's shirt was on backwards. We stood out like poorly-manicured thumbs.
It made me grateful that I live in a town that allows me to wear sweats to the grocery store if I want to. I love the freedom of choosing to neglect eyeliner before heading to ward playgroup at our park. Sure, I don't always choose to don sweats on my grocery runs (and have been spotted gussied up at the local Fry's). It's nice to have the option.
So I've been wondering what it is that makes Utah County this way. Ideas?
12 comments:
Wait a second, did you just write all that just so we could answer your question at the end and give you some material for your next article? TISK TISK.
Well to answer your question, mormons are extremely competitive, so much so our homeward back in Rexburg got rid of the sports program. I do remember a few fights ensuing after a couple of games, but it did bring a lot of the inactives to church so that was a plus, right? Anyways Jumping back to the question, having that sense of competition rooted deep in our culture moms in Utah county compete on a daily basis for the "cutest kids at the park day." It is in their nature. What can ya do? Ya know what I'm sayin?
You forgot the moms who die their hair blonde, have great boob jobs and drive shiny black SUVs. Ya, I noticed.
LOL...I'm with you....can't move there. I like my non-competing Vegas area.
You don't know exactly what it's like to 'dress down' to go to the store until you've been to the Pocatello Walmart on a Friday night! At first, I thought it was extremely strange and a little frumpy, but I've adapted just fine!
I have no idea what makes the mormon mommies so darn cute, but I gave up on that about 3 kids ago. Oh well.
And...you have a Fry's??? How is that fare?
I've been in Ut. this past week and have been wondering the same things. I told Mont yesterday that I don't know if I can make this move. I've been good about styling the girls hair but not adding ribbons or bows. Mike IS dressed but always ready to play. As for me, I don't think I've worn earrings in months. I did fix my hair yesterday because I felt the pressure of the moms here.
I don't know where they get the energy to be "perfect" or have perfect kids. It's a mystery to me!
Hi guys i made a blog a while ago and every time my mom leaves a coment it is left from my spot tell every one hi
tell claire to listen to he could be the one by hannah tell me what she thinks
pocornand icecream is tea merrell
Sorry, I was too busy primping my hair...what were you writing about?
Not all counties in Utah are alike. I'm lucky to get out of my weeding pants and dirty shoes when I run to the store (even when I wasn't doing any yard work). Come to the Cache and you'll feel right at home!
p.s. the mormon moms that you describe are "exactly" how I've heard them described in the mesa area. I'm just sayin'.
Mormons are preppy. Haven't you attended BYU???
So.....we are feeling left out on your passing through picnics and gatherings.
Glad that wasn't my Utah County neighborhood. If it was, those well heeled and well coiffed villagers would be at my door with pitchforks gleaming and torches blazing ready to drive out the unfashionable heathens within.
That is exactly why I had no desire to go to BYU. It's so true! In Cali, I told Brad about the difference in people there vs. here. Interesting....
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