Merry Christmas!

Well Christmas has arrived and once again this year I am humbled by the people I am surrounded with. I have realized that I am surrounded by generous, wonderful people who bring a whole lot of good to this world. You all have changed my life (for the better) and I am so grateful. Thank you for your friendship and love. :)

I hope that you all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas.

Christmas Memories

Lately I have been reminiscing about Christmases while growing up (and in my "adult" life). I've learned the hard way that the only way to spend Christmas is with family- it makes all the difference in the world. :)

Here are some of the Christmas memories that stand out in my mind. They may not be my favorite memories, but they add to my appreciation of Christmas with loved ones. (Caution: my memories may be different from what actually happened, but because this is the way I remember them- this is they way they are being told):

In the 3rd Grade I decided that I wanted a white Christmas and started praying/wishing for one. I remember that the day school let out for the holiday break (we were taking our cat to the vet), it started snowing. And it kept snowing. It was amazing. We had snow on Christmas. I don't know if the technical description for a "White Christmas" is that it has to snow on Christmas Day, but there was a lot of snow on the ground and that was good enough for me. That was also the year that our pond froze and we skated around on top of it. That was fun.

My parents had Santa come on Christmas Eve- it was amazing! He handed out our gifts and we got to eat cookies with him (I think).

I remember the last Christmas where there was all six of us kids. I think it was the first Christmas in the Brookside house (it was so long ago). I loved having Lara (Leanne), Molly, and Matt with us. It was always a treat for us little kids when the big kids came to visit. :)

I remember the first Christmas I spent alone (in Utah- after going away to college). It added to my appreciation for every Christmas after that I was able to spend with family.

Last year I flew down to California to spend Christmas with my mom, dad, my sister Molly and her family (and also Mickey Mouse). Mom and I walked along the beach in the morning and we saw dolphins playing in the waves. It was the first time I had ever seen dolphins in the ocean like that. A few days later we went to Disneyland and saw their Christmas Parade. We also saw Cinderella's Castle covered in snow and The Haunted Mansion done up like the Nightmare Before Christmas.

I remember Christmas at my Grandma Pond's house. Grandma had this little statuette of the three kings that would play "We Three Kings." I always had to wind that up when we were decorating the Christmas Tree- or watching the Christmas tree get decorated.

I remember my Dad's apartment by Peacock Lane. I specifically remember this one Christmas where we all bundled up and walked over to the grocery store lot to pick out a Christmas Tree. It wasn't a special tree, but this memory just stands out in my head. And then we all dragged the tree (thanks Dad!) back to the apartment and decorated.

In conjunction with that memory- we would bundle up and walk through Peacock Lane which was right behind the apartment building. Peacock Lane was a street of houses where each of the houses would put up lights or displays and there were horse drawn carriages and hot chocolate vendors. People would line up to drive down the road and we had the advantage because we lived close enough to walk through.

This isn't really a Christmas memory, but it is a winter one so I'll include it. There was one year that the ponds in Westmoreland Park (by my Grandma Pond's house) froze over and everyone was skating on them. My Dad bundled us up and took us out there. The thing that I remember the most was when my dad would bundle us up he would have us wear his socks. And these socks were so big on us that they would cover us right up to our thighs. :)

A Christmas tradition that was started after my mom and dad (Tom) got married was that we would go cut down our own Christmas tree at one of the many Christmas Tree farms in Oregon. The one we went to had a train that we would ride out to the middle of the farm. We'd hop off and start searching for a tree. Once a tree was chosen, Dad would cut it down and drag it back to the train where we'd load it up and put in on the car. I remember that we always left the tree farm with a candy cane. :)

There is also the first Christmas I spent in Hawaii after moving back in 2004. We woke up and walked along the beach in Kailua. I can still feel the sun on my face that morning. :) I remember being so grateful for being there and being with my family.

And finally- I remember the Christmas Buns that my mom would make on Christmas morning. We would wait year round for these tasty treats. :)

And this year. Well, this year is the first Christmas that I'll spend with Dave. We're going to be able to create our own family traditions from now on. It kinda makes me tear up (stupid hormones). :)

I wish you all joy and happiness during these holidays and in the coming year. You are all in our thoughts this Christmas. :)

Spilled the Beans

I was going to try to surprise Dave this Christmas with just a small present. So far Dave has already figured out everything that I have picked up for him (even his stocking stuffers!) I figured this would be one last chance to try to sneak something in.

Yesterday afternoon we arrived home and there was a package waiting by our door- Dave's present. I tried to scoop it up without Dave noticing (I don't honestly know what I expected- how was he not going to notice this good size box that had suddenly appeared in my hands?). Dave was curious and I tried to hide the box so that he couldn't even try to guess what it could be all the while saying it wasn't for him, that it was mine.

Anyway, so I hid I the box of goodies (after opening it and double checking that everything had arrived) and Dave threatened to to sneak a peek. This morning when I woke up I noticed that the door going to the room I had hidden the box in was open- and that it had opened sometime during the night. So I stalked into the bedroom and accused Dave of sneaking a peak at his books. And I realized a moment too late that I had spilled the beans. I hoped against hope that Dave wouldn't catch on to the magic word but he did.

And so it is another Christmas where I was unable to surprise Dave. Oh well- maybe next year.

Christmas Decorations amid the snow.

I finally took pictures of my Christmas Decorations! Whoo hoo! Okay- kind of. Not shown are some garlands that I have draped on the table and in the kitchen. Also, we have Christmas lights up around the sliding glass door and in the living room.

This weekend was a super-lazy one for me. Except for early on Saturday morning and late Sunday evening I did not leave the house. A big storm blew in over Friday night... early Saturday morning it started snowing and did not let up for a good portion of the day. (We got more snow on Sunday too). Over all, I would say we probably got about 6-8 inches of snow. Now imagine trying to walk a dog about 10 inches tall in that stuff. :) Once Pookie figured out that it was snowing out, she refused to leave the stairs.

Anyway, I spent Saturday baking Christmas cookies. The only batch that turned out well was the chocolate chip cookies. I got a bunk recipe for Chocolate Crinkles so they were all pretty crappy (Note to everyone: Do NOT use the Joy of Baking recipe for Chocolate Crinkles- they are little dough balls of nastiness). I have to do more baking this week (Snickerdoodles and real chocolate crinkles).

Sunday, I moved from the bed to the couch and that was pretty much it. I napped on and off all day- Pookie was a lazy dog and curled up next to me. She's a good little cuddler.

Last night we went to a Christmas Program with our friends the Woodburys. It was such a good time. :) I love that family.

Anyway, back to work this week. I can't believe that Christmas is next week! What happened to the time? :)

THE BIG NEWS!

Well, I have been holding out on you guys, at least superficially.... most of you already know, but I'm pregnant. :)

This morning was an exciting one for Dave and I... we had our first doctor's appointment. After going over medical history and all of those health questions (as well as my own questions for them), the nurse determined that she thought it would be a good idea for me to get an ultrasound done- to make sure the baby was doing okay. (This was quite alarming for us!) But on the other hand (after a few deep breaths), it was kinda cool that we got to do an ultrasound so early- normally we would have had to wait for a few more months. I guess we weren't even scheduled to hear the heartbeat for the first time until our next appointment- next month!

Anyway, so for your viewing pleasure are some really crappy pictures of pictures of our soon to be baby! Baby is roughly 8 weeks, 2 days old now with a tentative due date of July 18, 2009 (our first anniversary is July 19, 2009).

Baby. :)

The pattern below it is the heart beat (approximatley 180 beats per minute).

Blurry Baby.

Christmas Cards and Presents

Okay, so I think I am almost there- I think cards and packages are going out tomorrow. I hope. I have them somewhat created and most are addressed too. Now I just need to get Dave to sign them and then have him take them to the post office. The cards aren't as fancy as I had imagined them in my head (probably a good thing), and in most cases I used premade cards (I feel kind of dirty saying that).

Anyway... I feel better now that I have those at least started....

Slacker (on the photo thing)

So I carry my camera with me everywhere I go. You know- just in case I see something cool. Like this one time I saw elephants walking along the street outside of my office (at work). That really did happen (the circus was in town and apparently they still transport animals via train). Anyway, I tried to take pictures of the elephants but by the time I could, they were too far away.

So I was going to spice up my blog today by just posting a random picture from my camera- even if it isn't very current. But then I realized that I have pretty much posted all the good pictures already. I have pictures going all the way back to September on my camera (I'm not very good about uploading pix to my computer apparently). So tonight I'm going to make an effort to find something good to take a picture of just so I can put it on the blog. More than likely I'll finally remember to take pictures of my Christmas decorations (including the wreath I made).

That's pretty much it. I got my oil changed today and I feel pretty good about. Otherwise I am tired- Pookie woke me up last night and it took me 2 hours to get back to sleep. 16 Days to Christmas. Significantly less days to the mailing deadline (I'm working on it).

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Well it is finally snowing again! It's only been a month.... :) I was worried that we wouldn't get any snow before Christmas but here we go. We've got some melty stuff going on right now (lots of snow flakes, but not so much sticking). We are getting another big storm this weekend though. :) Just in time for Dave and I to hang out at home and relax.

The weekend was a good one. We went to the baptism and blessing (I was all emotional). It was good to sit down and talk with family and just relax. Sunday was a pretty lazy day as well. I am trying to get the last of my Christmas presents ready. I have been seriously slacking on the Christmas cards. YIKES! I hope I can get my act together.

Friday!

This week actually feels like it went by pretty quickly. :) I don't know how that happened but okay. This weekend is going to be pretty quiet. I am going to try to clean our carpets tomorrow and just do some major house cleaning. That's the mood that I am in right now (we'll see what kind of mood I am in tomorrow).

Tomorrow our nephew, Jake, is getting baptized. His little sister Sophia is getting blessed. We ventured out to find Jake a baptism gift (we got him these pictures you put in your scriptures to sort of illustrate the stories). There was some book signing at the store so our 5 minute leisurely trip actually turned out to be anything but. I hate crowds so much. Anyway, It's going to be a good family day tomorrow. After that I think I am going to make Dave take me to see the lights at Temple Square (I was after him to take me last year but that didn't happen).

I've started reading the Chronicles of Narnia again. I love that series. :) If you haven't read them, I highly recommend them.

:)

Something in the water...

It's Thursday and I am loving it. Christmas is less than a month away (three weeks away!) and it doesn't feel much like Christmas- it is dry and sunny and not that cold. I am almost looking forward to snow!

Dave managed to get me to go the gym last night (it has been way too long since I last went and now I am lazy). It was great though- I feel so much more energetic today. I walked around the indoor track (thank goodness for that) for about 40 minutes and it's made all the difference. I even went home afterwards and cleaned up the house a little bit (I have been really lazy lately).

Anyway, life has been wonderful lately. It has been an interesting week. Two of my close friends called me within a few hours of each other to let me know that they are having babies. WOW! It seems like everyone is having babies right now!

I'll admit that I am lazy

Sorry guys- I have totally dropped the ball on this whole "blogging" thing. I remember promising to write every day. In the past month I have hardly written at all.

Right so let's move on to the updates....

I quit working at Michaels. It is no more. It just finally got to be too much for me- the straw that broke the camels back. I think a few weeks of rest and recuperation and I'll be back up to speed. The only bad thing about this is that Dave says that now that I have all this free time I have to start going back to the gym. :( So much for just being lazy.

Thanksgiving went great. I made a whole lot of desserts and no one really ate them (not a surprise- especially after a tasty Thanksgiving meal). I have a pumpkin pie and a cheesecake sitting in my fridge right now. I don't think they'll be eaten.

Dave and I are ready for the holidays. I have the house decorated and lights put up. And Dave and I have our Christmas shopping all done. The presents are even all wrapped up. :) I'm pretty proud of that. We have a 1.5 foot tall fake tree that we have the presents propped up against (all of this is on our dining room table). I think next year we're going to have to get a real tree or get a bigger fake tree. At least Pookie can't chew on the tree this year.

And there we go- all the updates I have for you guys. Still no snow around here. It's actually been pretty warm. I was hoping for some snow before Christmas (it's the prettiest when it's Christmas).

This next weekend Dave is going to take me out to see the lights at Temple Square. I am so excited. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well I wont have a chance to post tomorrow so I thought I'd better send my Thanksgiving wishes to you all today. :) I hope that you all have family and/or friends to spend the holiday with and that you have the chance to relax and enjoy yourself and think about all the things you are thankful for.

As for me- I am patiently waiting for the chance to go home. Tonight I am finally going to see the movie Twilight. I'm excited. After that I am going to go home, turn on some holiday music and start baking. I am going to be making cheesecake, pumpkin pie, and apple crisp to go with our dinner tomorrow. And because the only thing that looks good to me anymore is salad, I'll be doing that and veggies w/ dip.

I am really looking forward to this holiday season. Tomorrow Dave and I will be going up to his sister's house to celebrate with his family. There are going to be about 20 of us there. It has been a long time since I have spent a Thanksgiving with that many people. I am going to enjoy it.

After Thanksgiving it is open season on Christmas decorations, so I will be coming home and working on those. :)

Other than that, life is just swell. :)

Wishing you all the best. :) Happy Thanksgiving!

Giving

There's a quote that I read somewhere that has stuck with me... it goes something like "The American people love to donate a turkey during the holidays- even if there isn't an oven for it to be baked in." Okay, that's a really horrible paraphrase, but I wasn't able to find the quote online because any time I entered "turkey" into the search string I got recipes and Thanksgiving horror stories. So you get my paraphrase.

Anyway, the point is that we all love to donate around the holidays but we often think only about donating specific things- and not necessarily the most needed thing at the time. I think the rest of the quote goes on to talk about how a jar of peanut butter or school supplies in August could go a lot further than a Turkey at Thanksgiving, but that's beside the point I am about to try to make. Back to the point....

I'd like to suggest some alternatives to the ubiquitous turkey donation... (if you already donated a turkey- kudos to you! You've probably just made a family's holiday complete). I'm going to guess that the needs of people around the country are pretty similar... here's a wish list for some of the homeless here in Salt Lake City...

*Sleeping Bags
*Blankets
*Backpacks
*Hand Warmers
*Gloves
*Coasts, Jackets, Hoodies
*Underwear (for men and women)
*Socks
*Hats and Scarves
*Deoderant (for men and women)
*Lighters or matches
*Batteries
*Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss
*Tents
*Tarps
*Flashlights
*Bus Tokens
*Fast Food Certificates
*Baby Clothes
*Diapers and Diaper Wipes
*P-38's (Military Issue Can Openers)

Sometimes it's the small things that make all the difference- the ability to clean up or having a fresh pair of underwear and/or socks to change into. Maybe this will give you something new to think about- in addition to that turkey. And remember- canned or dried food items are always welcome as well.

Wishing you all the best.

Birthday

Well it has been a good day. :) My boss took me out to a yummy lunch and tonight Dave is cooking me dinner- an authentic Spanish dish. :) I am so excited. Thank you all for your best wishes. :)

Some of the ladies at work decorated my office for me

Halfway through the week

I am already ready to have this week over with. It's just a slow quiet week and the hours pass so slowly at work. Yikes. I just really want to run off and have an adventure somewhere.

Exciting weekend

Well this weekend was pretty exciting.

Saturday, Dave, his mom, his brother, and I went to the Lion House for lunch and then went to this museum exhibit called "Body Worlds." The Lion House was awesomely good food. :) I would go back there any day. Body Worlds (http://www.bodyworlds.com/en.html) is a whole bunch of real dead people that have been plasticized or whatever and are put on exhibit to help show people different aspects of the body. Sounds incredibly morbid yeah? I wasn't sure I wanted to go but it wasn't too bad. It didn't really feel like I was looking at a whole bunch of dead people. I'm sure I would have felt differently about the exhibit if it felt like I was looking at corpses. It was fun to have Dave's brother, Chris, with us because he would reminisce about his own days in med school and explain the intricacies of what we were seeing. That was an awesome touch. And thank you Chris for the wonderful day! It was so much fun to hang out with you. :)

Yesterday (Sunday) was much more exciting, but that's a story for another time. It was good to hang out with Dave's family- they are feeling more and more like home for me. :) Other than that another weekend has gone by so quickly. This week should be a good one. My birthday is coming up too. :)

Time for some good news...

I was going to write a long rant about the state of the world today and my disappointment in the actions of some people. And I was putting together what I would say in my head and how I would counter every argument. And it occurred to me that no one needs to hear any more complaining. I think it's time that every one heard a few good words and something optimistic.

I know I am a little bit early, but I guess this is a good time to write about what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for:
*My family. My husband, parents, siblings, in laws (even though I don't differentiate in laws from the rest anymore), my sole remaining grandparent, my cousins, my nieces and nephews, my aunties and uncles, etc, etc etc. They add so much color to my life and enhance every day.

*My friends. More than I can list- close, far, ones I haven't seen in years, those that I talk to daily. I have been blessed this year to be able to reboot some old friendships. I have been blessed to find new friends. I have been blessed to really focus on making some friendships stronger. There have been some pretty big changes in my life this past year and it has really helped me focus on the friends I want to surround myself with.

*My dog. She's like a living teddy bear. And she cracks me up even when she annoys me.

*My faith. I know that I (and my loved ones) am going to be okay no matter what. Life is never going to be what I expected and I am okay with because often it is much better than I could have expected and more wonderful than I could have imagined, even if the road is a little bumpy and I get off track.

*Stormy weather. It's nice to mix things up everyonce in a while. It helps me to appreciate the good weather more too. Plus stormy dark clouds are just awesome... so much potential. Also storms make me glad for my warm house and the ability to watch them pass by.

*Having to work for a living. I have learned to appreciate what I create and take pride in my work. I have also learned to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I've learned that I can't have everything that I want and sometimes it's better that way- I just get the best of what I want and leave the rest. :)

*Having a job (makes sense if I enjoy having to work for a living). I feel like a part of something and that I do a little bit to make the world run.

*Learning. In the past year I have taught myself to both knit and crochet (with the help of Youtube and a completely unhelpful "teach yourself to knit book"). I have also learned a lot (I really mean a lot) about accounting which helps me at work (and actually in other areas of life as well). I have also learned a lot about people and relationships and God and myself.

*Reading and books and stories. I cannot emphasize how awesome a good book is. Or even just a good story. I still remember stories that my parents told me when I was young. There are books out there that I will read over and over and over again because their stories touched me.

*Seasons. See storms. I love the changing weather. I love watching for the first orange or red leaf of Fall. I love trying to find the first bud on the tree in Spring. I love the heat of summer and the snow in winter (but only until January, after that it should just be spring again).

*Change. I like that every day is different and that I am not quite sure what to expect. I love that I have stopped trying to guess what is going to happen because the most likely outcome is the opposite of what I would have predicted. I'm grateful that change happens regardless of whether we are ready for it or not and that we grow because of it.

*Mt. Dew. In small increments. In a can (versus a bottle). Makes my day. :)

*The ability to write this. For the internet and for the knowledge and that there are enough wonderful things out there for me to sit back and just be grateful.

*For you reading this. It means that you're around and I like that. :)

So there's probably a billion things I could add to this and I am sure that I have missed the painfully obvious ones (like my health, a home, etc) but I really just wanted to point out that there are wonderful things out there and the world isn't all gloom and doom. Just look past it at the wonderful things in your life. You're going to be okay. So will I. :)

Happy Friday.

So proud of myself....

This might sound silly but I am so proud of myself right now. :) I have been craving hot wings for the past week. And last night I finally did something about it... and I actually cooked them myself! :) It was definitely not a healthy meal, but it was so tasty. I fried up the chicken wings myself and then created my own hot sauce. :) Just in case my hot wing sauce didn't turn out I bought some back up buffalo wing sauce. Dave and I both preferred the homemade hot wing sauce to the premade stuff.

Anyway, I am just a little pleased with myself.

Pookie in a sweater

So Pookie is a pretty small dog. And she's really thin so when it gets cold out she really starts shivering. After Wednesday's wonderful snowy day, I decided it was time to get Pookie a sweater. Last year I bought her a coat/cape thingy and she ate it. So this year I am getting her a pull on sweater and I'm not going to let her chew on it.

I love it. It makes me giggle every time I see Pookie bundled up in that thing. I think she likes it though because she doesn't fight me when I put it on her and she's fine to just run around the house in it.

Does it look like November out there?

This is the weather we've had all day....

It was kind of hard to take a picture of the snowflakes falling (white flakes + white/grey clouds = invisible to the camera). But it is coming down pretty good. At lunch a group of us in the office walked five minutes to a restaurant just a block away and we were all covered in snow. It feels more like Christmas than it does the beginning of November. I am not complaining though- I am enjoying it (mainly because I am inside and warm). The only thing that could make this better would be to wrapped up in a blanket at home, watching the snow fall with some soft music in the background, and maybe a cup of hot chocolate. :) But then again, I think that last scenario makes any day better...

Go out and vote!

If you are reading this, and it is still Tuesday, November 4, go out and vote!

Arts and Crafts

So I started working on my Wedding Scrapbook this weekend. I have been compiling cards, pictures, ideas, stickers, etc etc etc until I had collected this bulging book. So last night I finally decided to do something about it. And it's been pretty fun so far so I guess that is good. :) I know I'll be proud when it is all done.

I also started working on Christmas cards and gift ideas. And I have been trying to knit some scarves like mad in addition to making Dave a blanket for Christmas (I was going to try to make it a surprise, but he already knows). I've been enjoying it a lot. And it was pretty easy to sit down this past weekend because of the storms that have been blowing in- good weather for staying indoors.

Oh and tomorrow and Wednesday it is supposed to snow in the valley. :) The snow and stormy weather just makes it that much easier for me to sit inside and work on my various little projects. Now I just need to convince Dave to let me listen to some Christmas music (after 5 years working at a bank, where the Christmas music started the day after Thanksgiving, Dave hates Christmas music).

Anyway, it's just going to be that kind of week for me.

Happy Halloween

I for one have spent most of my day reading creepy ghost stories (one of my favorite websites invited everyone to post their own ghostly experiences).

Tonight I won't be handing out any candy but I think I am okay with that. To be honest I can't remember the last time I handed out candy to trick or treaters, but I am sure I have. I guess there is always next year. :) Dave is on candy duty tonight- if I can convince him to answer the door. I think Dave is going to sit at home and play scary games in the dark.

Not too much planned for this weekend- more work and then Xan's birthday is on Sunday so we'll go up there to help celebrate. Sunday is also the dreaded day to change the clocks. I don't mind the fall back bit, it's the spring forward that I hate.

Anyway, so I started out this week knowing that it would be a good week and there is some awesomely fantastic news- McKenzie got a great job! I am so relieved/excited/happy. :) This is awesome.

I hope you all have a wonderful evening and weekend.

PS: Only three weeks until my birthday... 27... is that still mid twenties or will I graduate into my late twenties?

New Projects Around the House

So I have been digging around on the internet the past few days and I have come up with a whole list of projects for me to do around the house... to the house. :) I'm going to work on spicing up our apartment... slowly. :)

I've got a whole bunch of ideas from repainting everything (not just accent walls) and recarpeting/reflooring (last) to changing the light fixtures and completely redoing the cabinets in our kitchen and bathroom. Exciting!

My mom told me that ikea is a great place to look if we were thinking about redoing our cabinets and I have seen some pretty awesome things that I can't wait to do. And it will cost maybe 1/2 or more of what it could have come up to. So much fun! And the best part is that it will require me to learn a little bit about how to be a handy woman... always a good thing.

And it's Monday again...

Seems like we get back to Mondays all too quickly. This weekend was good. Pretty quiet though. I just tinkered around the house and worked. Dave got this new video game called Dead Space for the PS3. We started playing it last night but I could only watch for about 1/2 hour because it was too scary. It's pretty fun to watch though except that I am a horrible back seat gamer- I'm always telling Dave to do something or run faster. Oops.

Otherwise things are going pretty well. I'm a pretty chipper mood- I think that it is going to be a good week. On Wednesday Dave and I are going to the wedding reception of one of Dave's closest friends, Tracy. I don't really mind going to weddings anymore. :P

Anyway, my halloween decorations have been up for a few weeks now, but I figured it might be a good time to post some pictures of them. :)

This is our table. I wish I could have taken a better picture of the skull and pumpkins lit up with the orange lights (it looks cool).

This is my happy/friendly jack-o-lantern.

And this is the other jack-o-lantern that greets everyone at our front door.

This one makes Dave laugh every time he sees it.

Reading

I'm one of those people who cannot put a book down once they have started it. Right now I am reading a book that I am not finding particularly interesting and it doesn't look like it will get much better. But I feel committed to finishing it because I have started it. Oh well.

Tonight Dave and I are going to a Halloween party at my friend April's. It is going to be a lot of fun. I would be more excited but I'm pretty tired.

Oh and Dave did the most wonderful thing ever last night. I had these brownie treats that I needed to make for the party today. I wasn't going to be home until late last night (working) and Dave knew that I was tired after a long week and not looking forward to more cooking. Anyway, Dave (my knight in shining armor) made the whole treat with the topping and everything! It was the best surprise and such a relief.

Dave shaved his beard

Dave finally gave up on the beard last night and shaved it off. I think I am okay with that. :)

I am already buying Christmas decorations. It's not even Halloween yet! (Although I did get a screaming deal). I made my own wreath too! Well, I guess I should say I decorated my own wreath. It's pretty cute if I say so myself (I'll post pictures later). It definitely looks like an amatuer decorated it though. I told Dave that I wouldn't put up any Christmas decorations until December 1 so I have to put everything in a box until then. And this starts our collection of holiday decorations! :)

Oh yeah and we watched Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. Man that movie was crap! When did Indiana Jones turn from an archeologist to James Bond? It wasn't so much adventure as it was stupid. And aliens? Come on. It's like the writers weren't even trying. My favorite part is where Indiana Jones escapes/avoids an atomic bomb blast by climbing into a fridge. Of course the fridge goes launching into the air and Indiana Jones tumbles out just fine. It reminds me of watching the end of GI Joes when I was young... a whole bunch of kids are running around a junk yard playing hide and go seek when one of the kids tries to climb into an old abandoned fridge. Mr. GI Joe stops them and lets the kids know they shouldn't play in abandoned fridges or else they might get stuck.... Now you know, and knowing is half the battle... Anyway, I'm amazed Indy survived the fridge.

Overwhelmed

This morning I am feeling just a little overwhelmed. I don't know if the feeling has been building or if I've just reached my capacity for doing anything and to add any more is the straw that broke the camel's back. Even just going out for "fun" stuff seems like too much these days. Oh well.

And we're back...

(Haystack Rock)

Dave and I went to the Oregon Coast expecting/hoping for rain and clouds and wind and general storminess. Instead we got what was probably the most beautiful day I have ever seen on the Oregon Coast. Warm temperatures, clear blue sky, no wind... it was beautiful!

(Pookie did not like the cold water)




Friday, Dave and I loaded up the car, grabbed Pookie, and started on our way to Oregon. The drive there was pretty relaxed and went surprisingly quick. Pookie slept pretty much the entire way. She has claimed the driver's seat as her own- it doesn't matter who is sitting there, Pookie will be in that person's lap. We got into Portland, unloaded our car full of stuff for Kenny and Doss and then went out to dinner with Dad, Pam, Kenny, Doss, my Uncle Tracy, and his new wife. It was good to catch up with everyone, but it went way too quickly. We stayed Friday night in a hotel room that didn't allow pets so we had to sneak the Poo in. :)

(Dave sneaking Pookie into the hotel room. He zipped his jacket up over the bag but Pookie's nose would pop out every few feet.)

Saturday morning, after breakfast with the family, Dave and I headed towards the Oregon Coast. I almost got us lost in Portland, but managed to get us back on the right track. :) The drive down the coast was beautiful, but we didn't spend as much time driving along the ocean as I had expected. We stopped in Cannon Beach and in Tillamook and finally got down to Newport in the late afternooon. As Dave and I were walking along bayfront Newport, trying to figure out what to eat, we got a phone call from McKenzie. Probably the most confusing phone call ever because it was so unexpected.

(McKenzie and Doss at Mo's Annex)

As we were walking by Mo's Annex (good chowder) McKenzie called and asked what we were doing. We told her we were trying to figure out what to eat fo dinner and she suggested Mo's Annex and said that they were there. It took me a little bit to figure out that McKenzie and Doss were also in Newport and eating dinner in the restaurant we were walking right by. :) It was a great surprise. So we ate dinner with them and walked along the bay front and watched some sea lions.

(Sea Lions chilling on the dock. Kinda looked like the were doing Yoga)

Our hotel room sucked (it was too loud and we couldn't sleep very well) and the clock was set wrong. So Dave and I were up and out the door an hour earlier than we thought it was. Due to the early morning hour (and my crankiness) we decided to take our time and head back to Utah on Sunday. We took a different route that would take us by Cascadia- a favorite camping spot of mine. That was awesome! We made the Poo pretend to swim (held her above the surface of the water so that she would doggy paddle). And the rest of the drive took forever.

Anyway, that was our weekend. In short, Dave and I spent the entire weekend in the car and only half the day at the Oregon Coast. PS: If you look closely you can see the beard that Dave is trying to grow!

The self portrait. :)

It's like my Friday

Well, my week is finally coming to a close. It has been a long, exhausting week. I will be glad to finally get home this evening. It was one of those weeks where it seemed like everything came with a struggle- nothing could go quickly, or easily. I would have to go back and forth and fix mistakes (mine and others) and it seems like I have spent most of the past few days just trying to find these errors. Boo.

Anyway, we are off to the Oregon Coast tomorrow. I am so excited (have I mentioned it enough already). On a side note, I got a bonus! :) Right in time for our trip. What good timing. I have lots of packing and cleaning and getting ready to do this evening after I get home from Michaels. I have a bunch of bananas that are prime for banana bread so I am going to make the effort to bake that up to take with us.

I remember when I was younger that my mom would always try to get the house clean before we went on vacation and I never understood it. Why clean the house when we are going to be gone? Well, I'm going to try to clean the house before we leave. It will be nice to come home to a clean home. :)

Anyway.... I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Yikes....

Ten minutes until the first part of my day is over. Today went so quickly! :) If only more days could be like today. Wish I had more to say, but I remain boring (sorry guys). On the other hand, Dave is thinking about growing a beard. :) He has one started (I'll take pix tonight- I hope). But he's already getting annoyed with it. We'll see how long it lasts.

Other than that... tomorrow is like my Friday. I am so happy for that. :)

Randomness

It's Tuesday afternoon and nothing especially notable is going on around here. I am finishing up the book Ender's Game. I don't know how this book was under my radar for so long- I have really enjoyed it.

The weather is warming back up around here (by warming up I mean it should be around 70 by Saturday). It is definitely, finally, autumn. :) I am even more excited about the trip to Oregon now. So close! Just two more (long) days until we go! It is going to be so much fun. :)

I hope you all have a much more exciting day planned for yourselves. :)

SNOW!

Well, it snowed this weekend. I didn't think it would actually stick, but it did. Sunday morning Dave and I opened our eyes to see 3 inches of snow on our balcony and more falling. It was a pleasant surprise (especially because we were snuggled in our warm bed).

Pookie isn't ready for the snow yet- we have to get a her a sweater or something. When it drops below 40 we literally have to drag her outside the condo for a walk.

The weekend was good otherwise. I worked at Michael's Saturday morning- the Christmas stuff is starting to come in. Maybe I'll get my act together and come up with some cute house decorations. By the way- I went to my friend April's house and she is on top of things with the decorations. I am so jealous! I would buy the stuff she makes (hint hint). Anyway, there is a link to her blog (the wilde ones) if you want to check out what she made.

Saturday evening Dave and I went over to our friend Nate and Kayleen's house and played some Scene It (I totally won). It was so much fun! :) And then it started snowing- made Dave and I glad about our decision to buy a car with AWD. :)

Oh yeah, and yesterday was April's birthday. :) Happy Birthday April!

Today it's back to work- it's going to be a long/short week for me. I am working at Michael's every evening this week (until Thursday). Which is nice, but will make for a really long day (I don't get out of Michael's until 9.30 PM). Friday, Dave and I will head West to Oregon for the weekend. I am looking forward to seeing everyone. :) And I am looking forward to seeing the Ocean!

Ouch

I pinched a nerve in my neck Wednesday night (in my sleep). I woke up yesterday morning in an incredible amount of pain and I couldn't turn my head, or sit up, or sit down. It was very frustrating. I was also frustrated that it was the middle of the night (well, 5AM). I also felt bad for Dave because he had to get up and comfort me.

Anyway, long story short, I pinched a nerve in my neck and spent all of yesterday looking down over my left shoulder (no, I did not go to work). Today I can turn my head from side to side with less pain, but am still not comfortable. It totally sucks.

Annoyed

Today I am annoyed with everyone and everything. I started out in a good mood, but now I am just ready to go home. I am so glad it is Wednesday. It's amazing how much faster 4 day weeks go by than a full work week.

I feel like spending lots of money today.

But I'm being good. Plus, I know that there's nothing I really want. Although, I am starting to look into things that I can do for Christmas. I think I am going to try to be a little bit more creative about Christmas presents this year. We'll see. (Notice, how I am always getting ahead of myself- it's not even Halloween yet and here I am talking about Christmas).

The weekend was pretty fun. The weather was cold and rainy (and it looks like it will be that way again next weekend). My mom came in to town so we were able to hang out and just relax. Sunday we didn't stray far from the house as it was General Conference. Even my mom listened in. :) Monday, my brother, Jamieson came into town so we hung out a little bit last night. This morning, Jamieson and Mom were out the door and on their way across the US. (I'm still a little bit jealous- I love road trips). Yesterday I stayed home. So today is kind of like my Monday (but it seems to have gone by faster).

It's the end of the day and I am excited to get home. I need a nap something fierce.

The weekend

Has finally arrived... again. This seems like such a repetitive post for me. But oh well.

In a bit of a last minute surprise, my mom is coming into town for the next few days. She'll get in tomorrow afternoon and then she'll drive with my brother, Jamieson, to Minnesota. I am excited to have her here with me. (I'm hoping she can help me decorate the place for Halloween and for fall.)

It's also General Conference this weekend. It's going to be a rainy, stormy weekend- perfect for lounging around the house and watching the Conference.

Tomorrow Dave is supposed to help the Woodbury's with their final motorcycle race of the season. If the weather ends up like its forecasted, I'm expecting the race to be cancelled. We will see.

Wish there were more to say. Tonight I am going to try to do all the things I haven't been doing this week. And I am going to try to decorate (that will be fun).

H0pe you all have a fun weekend planned. :)

I am so glad it's Thursday...

It seems like it has been a really long week. I am looking forward to this weekend already (I think I have been looking forward to it since Monday). Today is the last of the 80 degree weather here. It should start looking more like fall now. This weekend it is supposed to rain and be stormy- it will be perfect for my mood!

Now I am just counting down the minutes until I go to my next job.

The Hook

A young couple out on a date parked along an old country road to be alone. They were listening to the car radio and talking. Suddenly the music was interrupted by a news bulletin. "A convicted murderer has escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane. The man was mutilated in a car wreck following a high-speed chase and is missing his right hand. A temporary hook has been attached to his right arm, which will make him easier to identify. The criminal's name is ..."

The boy turned the radio off. He leaned over to his girlfriend, expecting that the frightening news flash would make her snuggle. Instead, she was so scared that she wouldn't even let him get close to her."I'm afraid," she said. "Let's get out of here."The boy tried to convince her that they were in no danger, but she refused to listen. He decided that maybe she didn't like him as he had thought, and was just using this as an excuse.

The girl reached over and locked her door as the boy angrily started the car.Just at that moment, they heard a thud on the passenger side of the car.The boy slammed the car into drive and spun out onto the road. The girl screamed and held onto the boy as they sped off down the road. On the way back to town they both calmed down, but the girl still held on so tightly that the boy decided he was wrong about her after all.

As they came closer and closer to her house, he tried to think of a way to impress her.They pulled up in front of the house and the boy said, "I'll make sure it's safe first." He left the keys in the ignition but locked the door as he got out. He came around to her side to politely open her door, like a hero.For a long time he just stood there, looking down at the door. At first the girl couldn't figure out what was wrong; then she realized that her door was still locked. She smiled and unlocked it.The boy still just stood there.The girl looked puzzled and rolled down her window. Then she saw that the boy was looking down at the door handle. She slowly looked down herself. Hanging from the door handle was a bloody stainless steel hook!

Randomness

So I have been doing pretty good so far as far as not drinking soda. Although today I caved in to a McDonald's craving and got myself a kids meal (I tried to compromise) with a little soda. The good/bad news about my McDonald's cravings is that I only eat it once every six months, then I feel sick all afternoon and vow to never eat it again- repeat cycle. So at least I don't eat it very often.

Not too much going on here really. The week has been pretty quiet. Work at both VOA and at Michaels has been going well. I like them both for different reasons. :) I have to get used to the night job thing- I don't have as much time for the house stuff as I used to so the times I am home, I try to make the most of it.

My sister and brother in law moved to Portland on Sunday/Monday. I am excited for them, but haven't had much of a chance to talk to them aside from determining that they made it safely to the mainland (with their turtles). I'll see my brother next week sometime as he drives from Oregon to Minnesota. I'm excited. :) And only a few weeks until our trip to the Coast! Whoo hoo!

I'm going to start thinking about Halloween costumes. I am thinking about going as a prom queen (it's easy to do) but I would love to do a "couples" costume. If anyone has some good suggestions please let me know.

To put you in the appropriate mood...

How about a little scary story?

There was an old woman who had no family still living. Her only friend was a little white dog who went everywhere with her - with one exception. The dog loved the fireplace in winter, and after the old woman went to bed he would sometimes go and lie in front of the warm coals. Usually though, the dog slept at the very edge of the bed on a throw rug. The woman wouldn't allow the dog on the bed with her, but if she became frightened or had a nightmare, she would put her hand down to the little white dog and he would lick it reassuringly.
One night the woman was reading her newspaper just before going to sleep. She shivered and pulled the comforter up around her as she read that a mental patient had wandered off from a nearby hospital. No one knew if the patient was dangerous of not; he was a suspect in the murders of several women who had lived alone. The woman turned out the lights and tried to sleep, but she was frightened, and tossed and turned fitfully. Finally, she reached down to where the little white dog slept. Sure enough, a warm, wet tongue began to lick her hand. The woman felt reassured and safe, and left her hand dangling off the bed as she turned and settled in comfortably. She opened her eyes for a moment and looked through the open door into the living room.
There in front of the fireplace, sat her little white dog, gazing at the coals and wagging his tail. Down beside the bed, something was still licking her hand.

Halloween is upon us!

Tonight I am going over to my friend April's house and we are going to start planning a halloween party! April already has a lot of great ideas for activities and games and I am already thinking about the food. :) We'll both figure out the decorations. I am so excited for Halloween.

Actually, from October 1 to January 5 is my favorite time of year. The colors, the holidays (my birthday), just everything about the next few months is great. And then there is the great BLAH (also known as January through March).

It doesn't help that I recently got a job at Michaels (which I am enjoying) and I spend the whole time looking at decorations for these fun holidays. I have an incredible shopping list racked up in my head right now- Dave is already worried. :)

It's Fall!

Okay, yes, it's obviously fall (being that the first day of fall was last week) and also because the leaves are starting to change colors! The mountains are starting to turn yellow, orange, and red! I love it!

It's always so amazing to me how one day the leaves are all green and the next day it seems like they are all orange. :)

Tour Guide

I love playing tour guide to people who come visit me. It doesn't matter where I am- I love trying to find unique or special things to show people to help share why I love where ever I am so much. This weekend I am going to try to change my friend Manu's mind about Utah. So far he hasn't been having the most fun (it doesn't help that the hotel they are staying at has crappy service!)

I think I am going to take him up to Park City (a town that still kinda knows how to have fun), snowbird, and then maybe to This is the Place Heritage Park (mwahahahaha). Oh and maybe the Olympic Park while we are up in Park City.

Anyone have good suggestions on where to go?

Friends in town

I'm going to meet up with my friend Manu and his wife this evening. I am more excited to see them than I expected. :) Dave and I are going to go out to dinner with them this evening. They will be in town until Sunday so hopefully I'll have a chance to show them around the valley a little too!

Is everyone moving out of Hawaii?

Where are we going to stay when Dave and I finally make it out there for a visit? Who are we going to visit? First it was my family and now it is my friends...

I guess I shouldn't complain too much because everyone is moving into states neighboring mine! :)

Busy Schedule

Holy Cow! I have something planned for every night this week! Do you know the last time I had a schedule this busy? I don't. I'm sure it's only a hint at what is to come, but dang!

Last night I did my very first visiting teaching. Visiting teaching is where two women will go visit other women in the ward- usually carrying a message from the Ensign. (Usually specific companions visit specific women- it's all assigned.) I really enjoyed myself last night. So I did that last night and then I have a few more visits this evening as well. I am enjoying this, but I'm glad that it only happens once a month.

My friend Manu, and his wife, is in town for the week. So I'll probably end up seeing them on Thursday and showing them around a little bit. That will be good- I haven't seen Manu since I moved 2 years ago (!- I've been in Utah now for 2 years and 1.5 months). I've never met his wife, so that will be interesting as well.

I got a part time job in the evenings as well so that will be taking up even more of my time. I'm going to be working at Michael's a few evenings a week. It was an opportunity too good to pass up (and hopefully I'll pick up some more craft tips!).

At some point, I have to get together with my friend April so that we can plan a Halloween party together (I'm so excited- I think I'm going to go as a prom queen this year).

And finally- Dave and I are on the Activities committee so we have all the going ons that are associated with that one!

Sunday we are triple booked- There's a family part to celebrate one of the nephew's birthday, dinner with the Woodburys, and dinner for the activities committee.

Last week I went from being a homebody to wondering when I'd ever get home! This will be interesting, let's see how long we can keep it up.

Pumpkin

Okay, so I just discovered the joy of pumpkin... I had a big can of it and home and knew I wanted to attempt to bake something with them... especially pumpkin bread and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. And now I am a fan! And the bonus is that Dave loves pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. :)

Anyway, so the only size can that the store had was this super massive 29 oz can of pumpkin. Most recipes call for about 1/2 that much at most. Anway, with this one can of pumpkin I made 3 (!) loaves of pumpkin bread and about 4.5 dozen pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. The good news- the cookies are so awesome! I'm not much of a cookie eater these days, but I've been averaging about 8 cookies a day. And everyone at Dave's work has been benefitting as well.

I love cooking for people- it's just so much better when there are people to enjoy my cooking as well.

Elephants!

I just saw elephants walking down the street. Apparently the circus still uses trains to transport their animals.

Before and After

Sorry guys, I didn't post yesterday. My goal to post everyday (Monday-Friday) has been ruined. I'll try to make up for it by posting extra this week, but I know it's just not the same. :)

This weekend I learned a lot about painting. And I learned it the hard way. I decided to paint an accent wall in our living room and kitchen (I picked the wall that wrapped from our living room into our kitchen). Dave and I had decided to do a nice bright green to spice up the living room and kitchen a little bit (well, I decided on green and then Dave and I agreed on the shade).

I learned:

*that just because you use painters tape, it doesn't mean that your lines will come out strait or that the paint won't seep below the tape and get all over the place;

* that there really is such thing as too much paint on the roller (and no matter how much rolling you do, it will still drip);

*that paint takes a while to dry- a long while;

*that dogs are very curious about paint;

*it is not nearly as much fun as it looks.

Next weekend I have a lot of touching up to do (mainly along the ceiling- got to fix those lines).

In other news... My siblings are moving the mainland this weekend! McKenzie, Doss, and Jamieson are all flying out on Sunday, September 28! How exciting! Jamiesion is going to be driving from Oregon to Minnesota so he's going to stop and stay with Dave and I the following weekend (October 4). We are so excited to have him stay with us!

Little Sneak...

So my bad habit (I've actually narrowed my "bad habits" down significantly) lately has been my love for soda.... sweet, carbonated, caffienated soda. The sight of a Mt. Dew can fills my tummy with warm thoughts.

Well, the thing is that Dave thought I had given up soda months ago and was so proud of me. Until last night. The truth came out.

At work we have a ready supply of cold Mt. Dew and Dr. Pepper for $0.30. That's awesome. And it's just a few feet away so it's almost impossible to resist. All morning long I can hear the echo of soda cans opening as my coworkers indulge themselves. So most days, I do too.

Dave noticed that the pile of change in the car was diminishing and asked where it was going. I tried to play it non-chalant and avoid having to answer (it is completely impossible for me to even half lie or tell "half truths" to Dave). Finally I admitted to having hundreds of sodas- at least one a day.

Sigh.... So if I seem grumpy next week, it's me giving up soda again.

I wrote a post in my head....

On the way to work and I have completely forgotten it. I remember that it was funny and witty though.

I have to go back to the dentist today. Yesterday the whole side of my jaw hurt so incredibly bad (the side where I had my crown lengthening done last Friday). So I called the dentist last night and he prescribed me stuff to get me through the night and I'm going in to see what's going on. Hopefully the pain will pass quickly or it will be easily fixable.

Dave rode his motorcycle to work today. According to the weather report today is going to be the last of the nice, warm days we'll have for a while. That means the motorcycle is going into storage for the winter.

It's going to be a quiet weekend, I think. We don't have anything exciting planned for ourselves. I hope you all have something fun to do. :)

A Calling...

So Dave and I got a calling yesterday. We were asked to join the Activities Committee at our ward. So we're going to be helping out with that. :) As far as callings go, that's a pretty awesome one! We'll have a chance to meet a lot of the people in our ward. The first project we are going to work on is a young married couples get together and then comes the Trunk or Treat for Halloween.

I'm pretty excited!

Katydid and Emergencies

So I walked out of our condo this morning and saw the coolest bug ever- a Katydid. It looked like a leaf attached to the wall next to our door. It was so awesome.

Otherwise it has been a slow, quiet day. I did the recertification for First Aid and CPR so now if there is an emergency, there is a higher likelihood of me being able to assist you. One cool fact- there has been a major update to CPR- It's called Continuous Chest Compression CPR and it only involves compressions- no more assisted breathing. I remember my brother, Jamieson, describing this to us a few months ago and everyone was like "you're an idiot" that's not how you do CPR. I guess it's one of the ways. (You'll have to take a CPR class yourself to get all the details about when it is appropriate to use it though).

Anyway, I guess it's a good time to send a reminder that it's always a good idea to have a 72 hour kit for each member of your family. (If you don't know what that is, look it up, because they are very handy). And if you are into that thing (especially in these times), it's an even better idea to have some food storage set up.

David's Birthday Extravaganza....

David is now 29. :) And what a celebration we have had. :) Saturday was the big day for celebrating (it's funny how work can really interfere with birthday celebration plans). We woke up early and went out to breakfast at our favorite breakfast place (Cracker Barrel). Dave's mom and brother, Alex, joined us. Then we were off to Snowbird where Dave got pampered and massaged. It was a beautiful day up at Snowbird- I think it was warmer on Saturday than it ever got when we were there for our honeymoon. I sat outside in a spot of sunlight and read my book and worked on my crocheting (I'm getting a lot better- almost all of my lines are the same length now). After Snowbird, when Dave was so much more relaxed, we went back to town and rented some movies and ate out our favorite Indian Restaurant (Royal India in Bountiful). I love how even though we were celebrating Dave's birthday, I feel like I was spoiled that day too! So we wrapped a good day with some relaxation. Sunday was more of the same, just relaxing and kicking back- oh and going out to dinner with my friend Katie at another of Dave's favorite restaurant's- Thaifoon. (Wow- he really got spoiled this weekend!).

And yesterday was the big day itself. Unfortunately it was a Monday too. Dave's coworkers decorated his cubicle and then took him out to lunch (how fun!). Dave requested Pot Roast and cupcakes for his birthday dinner and I swear it was the best pot roast I have ever made. I don't know exactly what I did, but I hope I can do it again someday- it was fantastic!

Last night when Dave was at his soccer game I snuck out and got some decorations to surprise him with. So it wasn't much, but it was a good wrap up to Dave's birthday. :) I hope that Dave enjoyed his birthday (I know I did!).

Katie

Last night Dave and I picked up my good friend Katie and we all went out to dinner at Thaifoon (one of Dave's favorite restaurants). It was so much fun (even Dave enjoyed it!).

I think the last time I saw Katie was about a year ago. It was so good to catch up with her and hear about her life in Washington, DC. And she finally got to meet Dave and hopefully get to know him a little bit better. It would have been good to see Matt (her husband) as well, but he'll be coming out for his own visit in the next few months.

I wish that we had more time to spend together, but it just means that Dave and I will have to plan a trip out to Virginia to visit them (that's okay with me). :)

Happy Birthday David!

Whoo hoo! You're 29! :) I'm so glad that you are in my life Dave, you are such a wonderful blessing. :) I love you so much. I love celebrating your birthday with you and trying to make this day as special and as wonderful as you are. :)

Hurrican Ike

My sister in law, Sima, and her family lives in Spring, Texas, which is about 10 miles north of Houston, towards which Hurricane Ike is headed directly. Should be interesting. The news doesn't sound good for people in that part of the country (what a big storm!).

My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family (although I'm not particularly worried and it doesn't appear that she is either). Sima, we love you!

Need more pictures (soon).

So the big thing about me starting a blog was that I wanted to put a whole bunch of pictures up so that people would remain interested (yes I was planning on bribing you all to come visit my page by using cute/pretty pictures). But I haven't really had much to take pictures of. Except Dave in his pajamas and Pookie sleeping. Or me being sick. So really, I was waiting for a good opportunity to take a bunch of pictures. Like this weekend.

So yes, this is another blog post without pictures (though I am tempted to put some of Pookie up, despite the fact that it might make me look like one of those weird dog owners).

This weekend is going to be good. Saturday we will celebrate Dave's birthday. That's going to be fun once we figure out what we are going to do. :) And I'm sure there will be lots of pictures on Monday to chronicle the event. :)

On Sunday I am going to meet up with my friend Katie. Katie and I went to High School in Hawaii and then came to Utah together. We went through college more or less together (although she graduated a few years before me- I took a lot more breaks than she did). And now Katie is living in Washington, DC with her husband. Here's a fun story for you- Katie's husband, Matt, is pretty much the very first person we met after moving to Utah. He was living in the dorms as well (in the building next to mine) and we all stopped to chat. And look where that got them. :) Anyway, Katie will be in town for a short bit and I am excited to see her on Sunday. (Yes, more pictures).

Unfortunately, before I get to the weekend I have to make it through tomorrow. Tomorrow I have to go in and get oral surgery done. Back in January or February I broke one of my back molars on a bagel (yes, really). When the molar broke, it broke below the gum line so the crown that we put on has pinched the gum ever since then. I just thought crowns were always supposed to be uncomfortable, but my recent trip to the dentist told me otherwise. Anyway- Friday afternoon I am going in for "crown lengthening surgery" which means they are going to make my mouth fit the crown better (I'll spare you the details).

Last Minute (I'm so bad)

Okay, okay, okay... I'm really really bad at this stuff. Dave's birthday is Monday (He's going to be 29) but we're going to celebrate on Saturday. I was going to get him a massage/pampering thing up at the Snowbird Day Spa, but Dave isn't quite sold on that idea. So I need help. I want to do something wonderful for him for his birthday and I don't really know what to do. I just want to make him feel special... so if you have any good ideas, please, please, please let me know. (or any ideas at all).

Sorry ladies...

But I have married the best guy that is out there. Yesterday I stayed home because I was too sick to get out of bed. Pookie loved having a warm human to cuddle up to all day but I was in pretty bad shape (stupid cold). Dave was so wonderful to me and took really good care of me- including giving me most of the bed so I could toss and turn, making midnight runs to get me water, and making sure I was comfortable. And he brought me flowers when he got home from work to cheer me up. :) I am so lucky. :)

Sick... blah

I caught Dave's cold (who's surprised?). This cold sucks so much it makes me feel bad that I wasn't nicer to him last week when he was sick. Oh well. Now I get to suffer this week.

The weekend was pretty quiet- went to the Woodbury's Endurance Motorcycle Race on Saturday. It was a 4 hour race- nice day, mid 70's, Dave and I didn't bring any sunscreen so we got so sunburned. About three hours into the race the chain on the motorcycle broke (no spare) so the Woodbury's were out of the race. Such a bummer to ride for that long only to end the race prematurely anyway.

Yesterday was another beautiful day out here- low 80's, little bit of wind, clear blue sky. I have noticed that the intensity of the blue sky depends on the temperature. On warmer days the blue looks more intense and on colder days it looks a little bit more watered down (a little paler). (I promise I have not been chugging cold medicine this morning just in case you were wondering).

Did the church/family thing yesterday. Had a chance to sit down and talk to two of my sister in laws that I don't talk to very often (Steph and Darcie)- that was so much fun. Nick and Darcie have decided to move to Arizona at the end of this year (December) so there's that.

It's going to be a pretty quiet week. Dave and I have to get back into the habit of going to the gym (this should be interesting with a cold).

I've got nothing

It's Friday afternoon and the end of the day can't come soon enough. I think I am getting sick from whatever Dave had. We'll see. Tomorrow is another motorcycle race to go to. If I'm sick then I won't go, but otherwise, it could be fun. It shouldn't be too hot so that makes standing by the raceway a lot easier (the first race we went to it was like 100 degrees out there- blah).

Last night I went out with my friend April. It was the first time we've hung out in like a month (sorry April!). I guess I'm finally starting to feel like going out again. We had lots to catch up on and she's always so much fun to be around. I think we're going to throw a Halloween party together and I am pretty excited about that. It will be so much fun. I think my sister is going to send us her Halloween costume from last year (she went as a bear). If it fits, Dave is going to dress up as a teddy bear... mwahahahahahaha. :) I'll definitely have lots of pictures of that.

I just wandered over to the Clark Planetarium to look at Telescopes. Dave is big into astronomy and it could make for some nice romantic nights out under the stars. I just got a crash course in the various types of telescopes (refracting uses lens and reflecting uses mirrors) as well as what to look for in a beginner telescope. So I've got some ideas brewing. I also learned that bigger isn't always more expensive...

I can already tell that this weekend is going to be too short. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Forward Thinking

Today I just can't seem to live in the moment. It's only early September and I am already thinking/planning of things in October. I just seem to be getting ahead of myself...

The most exciting thing about September is that Dave's birthday is on the 15th (he's going to be 29!), which is a Monday, so we'll celebrate on the 13th. We're going to spend the day doing what he wants and we'll spend the afternoon up at Snowbird. (I have a massage booked for him). Oktoberfest is also going on up at Snowbird so it will be fun to wander up there and see what is going on.

Other than that my mind is already well into October- I'm looking forward to our trip to the Oregon Coast and to Halloween (one of my favorite holidays). I want to decorate our place and carve jack 'o lanterns already (but I'm holding out until October). As much as I want to decorate I have a hard time committing myself to it- it's only Dave and I that would see it and I know that Dave won't care. I guess that decorating will have to be something I do for myself. And Halloween costumes- yikes- I have to start planning those! McKenzie and Doss always have the best halloween costumes (I'm jealous) so I know I won't be able to top those.

I don't know- I must have a case of fall fever or something. I am so excited for the leaves to change colors, for the air to have that crisp edge to it, and to smell smoke from wood stoves in the air. It doesn't help that this week has been pretty cool- hovering in the mid 70's (if that).

Anyway, that is where most of my thoughts have been all day. If you have some fun Fall/Halloween decorating ideas, I'd love to hear them.

I'm a nerd, but I thought this was cool

So I was digging around on the internet for nutrition information (I have decided that Dave and I need to start eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat) and I came across this: http://www.mypyramid.gov/

It's a personalized food pyramid/menu planner. Looks pretty awesome. :) Anyway, if you are into that stuff or merely curious- it's kinda cool.

Never mind...

I was going to write about how Dave and I met with the Bishopric last night but it occurred to me that no one will find that particularly interesting. So now I am at a loss as to what to write. (On a side note it turns out that our home teacher-who we also had a chance to meet last night- is one of our next door neighbors and I think that's wonderful).

Dave is sick (sore throat) today. No good. I tried to be the good wife last night and ran to the store in my pajamas to get him some sore throat stuff to help knock him out. We discovered at about 3 AM (when Dave still wasn't asleep) that I had bought the daytime/non drowsy version. Oops. So Dave's tired as well as sick, but at least he could take the medicine again this morning. :)

I love three day weekends because this week is just flying by. It feels like a Tuesday but it's really Wednesday- how awesome is that?!

Our Weekend

This weekend was a breath of fresh air, let me tell you. Sunday a good sized storm blew in and hung around until Monday afternoon. There was wind, lightning, thunder, and so much rain. I really enjoyed myself. :) And I learned that Pookie isn't afraid of thunder and lightning. The storm blew in about an hour after church let out on Sunday (about 5 PM). Dave and I opened up the curtains and the windows and just watched the clouds and the rain come sweeping in. That night we had some spectacular lightning. It was a good storm. :)

This weekend for us was a pretty lazy one. I think that Dave was really happy to not have to get up and go to class or study. We just hung about at home and rented a lot of movies.

Yesterday we got a phone call from one of Dave's mission companions. Dave served his mission in Birmingham, England and one of his companions was John Connolly from Dublin, Ireland. We were more than excited to meet up with him and his family. :) Dave hadn't seen John for about four years and this was the first chance I had had to meet one of Dave's mission companions.

It was a great time- lots of good stories and laughter. I heard so many stories about Dave's mission- about the areas they worked, the people they knew, and some of the mischief that they got themselves into. And the good news is that someday when Dave and I finally make it out to Ireland we have people to see! :)

Hope you all have a great week. :)