Sorry guys- I haven't been trying to ignore you guys. There just hasn't been much to say lately. Although it seems liek I have lots to say today. :)
Last night Dave and I went to the Draper Temple Open House. That was pretty awesome. It was my first time inside a temple. After the LDS Temples are built and before they are dedicated, there is usually an open house. This allows anyone to tour through and see the new temples and all of the detail that goes into them. It just makes me that much more excited for when it is my turn to go through a temple and get sealed to Dave. :) (The following link is a news article that has some pictures of the Temple if you are interested: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=5322959&nid=148)
The other big thing is that Dave and I are going to start looking into buying a house! Well, at least seriously start thinking about it. We'll see.... :) It would be nice to have enough room for people to stay with us when they visit and having a yard for Pookie and for our kids would be so wonderful. We'll see what is in store for us!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
And we're back...
So Vegas was a success. :) It was good to get out of town and enjoy ourselves for the weekend. We did a lot of walking and I did a lot of eating. :) We didn't take nearly as many pictures as I would have liked, but oh well.
Let's see... the drive down was pretty uneventful. We had good/clear weather on the way down- lots of sun. It was fun to see the temperatures rise the further south we went. :) We left 30 degree weather and arrived in 70 degree weather. The other fun part of the drive down was watching all the cars that went speeding by us get pulled over. :)
We stayed in the Venetian- we had a nice, big room and we could actually see the Mirage's Volcano from our window. We saw the tail end of one of the eruptions. Saturday was pretty quiet for us... we walked over to the Planet Hollywood Casino and got dinner at the buffet there (it was recommended to us by one of Dave's friends). There were so many people on the streets that it was hard to walk anywhere quickly. The casinos themselves were also pretty packed. Dave and I opted for a quiet night in our room to relax. We did catch the Bellagio Fountain show- that was just amazing! I wish I had taken pictures, but I don't think it would have come out very well.... The guy next to us proposed to his girlfriend and she accepted, so that was kind of cool. :)
Sunday we walked the entire length of the strip and got breakfast at the Luxor. This gave us a good chance to really see the casinos in the day light (Vegas looks so different during the day versus night!). It was nice because there weren't nearly as many people on the sidewalks so it made it easier to walk and see everything. We headed back to the Venetian and started gambling. :) Dave and I played the slots the most but we really had fun with the video poker. The table minimums were a bit expensive, so we stuck to the machines. :) Dave is quite the poker player and won a fantastic amount of money in a very short amount of time. Good for him! We then walked back down the strip to play at the New York (just for something different) and finished with dinner at the Bellagio Buffet (I was just loving that!). We then finished our night back at the Venetian. On our way up to the room Dave convinced me to stop and play a few rounds of Roulette and I ended up winning about $50! Whoo hoo!
Sunday Dave and I were out the door pretty early- we wanted to get back to Salt Lake. The best part about trips like these is seeing another town and then realizing how much we love home. :) We were happy to be on our way back to Salt Lake.
Over all it was a good time. :) We're looking forward to visiting Vegas again- sometime. Probably not any time soon, but one of these days. I'm not sure where the next place we'll try to vacation is, but I want to try to go Yellowstone, Disneyland, Portland, and some of the National Parks in Southern Utah. Maybe the Grand Canyon too.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Slacker
Sorry guys- I keep meaning to post an update but I don't have much to say!
The 2nd appointment was last week. I still haven't met the doctor. I was supposed to last week, but she ran out for a delivery at the last minute. Oh well- maybe next time. We listened to the heartbeat again! I love that. :) All is well for now.
Tomorrow Dave and I head to Las Vegas. I am so excited about that. This week has gone by so SLOWLY! because we are both so ready for a mini vacation. :) Dave's mom is going to be staying at our place to take care of Pookie (what a relief!). Other than that... a long week is behind us and a 3 day weekend is ahead!
The 2nd appointment was last week. I still haven't met the doctor. I was supposed to last week, but she ran out for a delivery at the last minute. Oh well- maybe next time. We listened to the heartbeat again! I love that. :) All is well for now.
Tomorrow Dave and I head to Las Vegas. I am so excited about that. This week has gone by so SLOWLY! because we are both so ready for a mini vacation. :) Dave's mom is going to be staying at our place to take care of Pookie (what a relief!). Other than that... a long week is behind us and a 3 day weekend is ahead!
Friday, January 9, 2009
End of Week
I told myself I wasn't going to make any new year resolutions this year. But in the back of my mind I was thinking that maybe this year I would try harder to send out at least a card to my siblings/nieces/nephews/etc. But this is incredibly hard! And I've already fouled up (sorry Kenny- your birthday totally snuck up on me). I wish I could send out one massive blast of cards at the beginning (or middle- or end for that matter) of the year and just send everyone's card all at once. It's not that I am not thinking about a person- generally I know when everyone's birthday is, I just fail to follow through. Anyway... if you get birthday cards at random points in the year, that's me trying to let you know I am thinking of you. I guess I could just forego the birthday card and go with a "I'm thinking of you" card randomly throughout the year.
Anyway... this weekend is going to be short and sweet. We're going to be hanging out with Dave's brother Chris tomorrow. That kid cracks me up. :) Other than that, it will be a quiet weekend (isn't that what I usually say?).
I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon. That's going to be the highlight of the day. It feels like this appointment came a lot faster than the first one. I have a feeling that the following will be the same. By my calculations, I think we'll be finding out what the baby is in March. So you'll just have to wait until then. Although it would be interesting to see what you guys think we'll have. :)
Next week Dave starts a Kung Fu class in the evenings. I figure that this is the last time (at least for a while) that he'll be able to take a class like this, in the evenings, so I encouraged him to do it. Plus he's always talking about how he wants to take one. But between that and soccer I won't be seeing him as much (I'm spoiled rotten, and selfish to boot, and I don't care).
Anyway... this weekend is going to be short and sweet. We're going to be hanging out with Dave's brother Chris tomorrow. That kid cracks me up. :) Other than that, it will be a quiet weekend (isn't that what I usually say?).
I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon. That's going to be the highlight of the day. It feels like this appointment came a lot faster than the first one. I have a feeling that the following will be the same. By my calculations, I think we'll be finding out what the baby is in March. So you'll just have to wait until then. Although it would be interesting to see what you guys think we'll have. :)
Next week Dave starts a Kung Fu class in the evenings. I figure that this is the last time (at least for a while) that he'll be able to take a class like this, in the evenings, so I encouraged him to do it. Plus he's always talking about how he wants to take one. But between that and soccer I won't be seeing him as much (I'm spoiled rotten, and selfish to boot, and I don't care).
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Middle of the Week Ho-Hums
Well, the good news is that it is the middle of the week. The bad news- there is just not much going on out here. We've been getting wave after wave of snow storms here (which I'm okay with because at least it seems like there is a purpose for the cold weather). I've already got Spring Fever... I'm excited for Easter and mild temperatures and budding trees, etc.
Wish I had something fun to tell you guys, but really, there is nothing going on around here. The next doctor's appointment is on Friday- I'll be able to listen to the heartbeat again. I think my baby bump is growing. It looks like I have a beer belly (after all my work to get rid of the original). I am looking forward to looking more and more pregnant- I love the bellys. :)
We also got notice that Dave's oldest brother is getting married on the 17th (of January). Congratulations to him and his fiance! Dave and I are actually going to be out of town that week so that is kind of a bummer. But I am excited for them!
Wish I had something fun to tell you guys, but really, there is nothing going on around here. The next doctor's appointment is on Friday- I'll be able to listen to the heartbeat again. I think my baby bump is growing. It looks like I have a beer belly (after all my work to get rid of the original). I am looking forward to looking more and more pregnant- I love the bellys. :)
We also got notice that Dave's oldest brother is getting married on the 17th (of January). Congratulations to him and his fiance! Dave and I are actually going to be out of town that week so that is kind of a bummer. But I am excited for them!
Monday, January 5, 2009
2009
Well, a new year has arrived. (Sorry guys- I don't do internet on the weekends which is why it has taken me so long to wish you all a happy new year). Dave and I managed to stay awake until midnight, but I couldn't stay up much later than that. We have had 2 consecutive four day weekends and this is our first full week of work in a while. It's going to be rough. But at least we only have to do it for a few weeks before we get another 3 day weekend and mini vacation to Vegas. :)
It's been a quiet start to our new year so far. Unfortunately Dave and I were involved in a fender bender on Friday. That was no fun- but we did discover that our Subaru is a tank. :) The car behind Dave and I failed to stop (perhaps even failed to brake?), pushing our car into the car in front of us. The back bumper on the car in front of us was cracked, the front bumper on the car behind us was snapped/destroyed. Our bumpers? A scratch on the back bumper and the little license plate holder on our front bumper snapped. Yup, I love our little tank. :)
Wish that I had more to say, but it has been a quiet start to the year. It's going to be an exciting year though. Dave and I have lots planned for this year- including the birth of our first baby, getting sealed, lots and lots of traveling (both before and after baby arrives), and fixing up the house.
OH YEAH! Dave and I started our first house projects! We put a ceiling fan in our living room (getting rid of this nasty/horrible chandelier), a new faucet on our kitchen sink, and this next weekend we're going to put another ceiling fan in the baby's room (I am still working out how that room is going to look in my head). Next up: I'm going to learn how to tile and redo our bathroom. :)
Anyway, I wish you all the bestest in 2009- it's going to be a good year!
It's been a quiet start to our new year so far. Unfortunately Dave and I were involved in a fender bender on Friday. That was no fun- but we did discover that our Subaru is a tank. :) The car behind Dave and I failed to stop (perhaps even failed to brake?), pushing our car into the car in front of us. The back bumper on the car in front of us was cracked, the front bumper on the car behind us was snapped/destroyed. Our bumpers? A scratch on the back bumper and the little license plate holder on our front bumper snapped. Yup, I love our little tank. :)
Wish that I had more to say, but it has been a quiet start to the year. It's going to be an exciting year though. Dave and I have lots planned for this year- including the birth of our first baby, getting sealed, lots and lots of traveling (both before and after baby arrives), and fixing up the house.
OH YEAH! Dave and I started our first house projects! We put a ceiling fan in our living room (getting rid of this nasty/horrible chandelier), a new faucet on our kitchen sink, and this next weekend we're going to put another ceiling fan in the baby's room (I am still working out how that room is going to look in my head). Next up: I'm going to learn how to tile and redo our bathroom. :)
Anyway, I wish you all the bestest in 2009- it's going to be a good year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2008 (In Review)
What a whirlwind of a year. I don't think Dave and I could have packed any more momentus, life changing events into the year if we had tried. Let's see if I can pick out just some of the highlights....
January
I was baptized and confirmed into the LDS church (what a great way to start out the year!).
February
Dave and I went ring shopping. Dave thought we were just going to go look. I thought that if I found what I was looking for we'd get them. So we got an engagement ring and a wedding band for me and a wedding band for Dave.
I got Lasik done. I can actually open my eyes under water (if I want) and go to bed and get up in the morning without worrying about contacts. I looked great in glasses though so I kind of miss that.
March
Dave made me wait a good long time before *finally* asking me to marry him. :) On March 21, Dave got down on bended knee (well, actually 2 bended knees) and asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes.
April
Pookie and I moved in with Dave (I know, naughty naughty), but it really was a good decision.
May
Dave and I graduated from the University of Utah. What an accomplishment for the both of us! The best part was that we graduated with the same degree so we were able to sit together during the ceremony and then walk one after the other. :)
I started a new job! And I still love it!
July
MARRIED! Mwahahahaha. Dave is all mine. :) And you all came to celebrate with us. Thank you for that.
For our honeymoon we spent a long weekend up at Snowbird. I love that place in the summertime- it is so beautiful. :)
September
Dave's birthday
October
Pookie's birthday
Dave, Pookie, and I take our first road trip together. We headed off to the Oregon Coast by way of Portland for a visit with the family.
November
Deb's Birthday
Five days before Deb's birthday we found out that we were going to have baby number 1!
Our first Thanksgiving together. We joined Dave's family for an awesome feast.
December
Our first Christmas together!
Over all it has been quite a year. What a blessing!
January
I was baptized and confirmed into the LDS church (what a great way to start out the year!).
February
Dave and I went ring shopping. Dave thought we were just going to go look. I thought that if I found what I was looking for we'd get them. So we got an engagement ring and a wedding band for me and a wedding band for Dave.
I got Lasik done. I can actually open my eyes under water (if I want) and go to bed and get up in the morning without worrying about contacts. I looked great in glasses though so I kind of miss that.
March
Dave made me wait a good long time before *finally* asking me to marry him. :) On March 21, Dave got down on bended knee (well, actually 2 bended knees) and asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes.
April
Pookie and I moved in with Dave (I know, naughty naughty), but it really was a good decision.
May
Dave and I graduated from the University of Utah. What an accomplishment for the both of us! The best part was that we graduated with the same degree so we were able to sit together during the ceremony and then walk one after the other. :)
I started a new job! And I still love it!
July
MARRIED! Mwahahahaha. Dave is all mine. :) And you all came to celebrate with us. Thank you for that.
For our honeymoon we spent a long weekend up at Snowbird. I love that place in the summertime- it is so beautiful. :)
September
Dave's birthday
October
Pookie's birthday
Dave, Pookie, and I take our first road trip together. We headed off to the Oregon Coast by way of Portland for a visit with the family.
November
Deb's Birthday
Five days before Deb's birthday we found out that we were going to have baby number 1!
Our first Thanksgiving together. We joined Dave's family for an awesome feast.
December
Our first Christmas together!
Over all it has been quite a year. What a blessing!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
What happens in Vegas....
I'm so excited to say that I just booked a vacation for Dave and I to go to Vegas! We are going in a few weeks (just enough time to get excited but not so far away that it feels like it will never get here). A good friend of mine suggested getting some vacations in before the baby is born- these next few months are the only time that Dave and I will have for ourselves. Dave has never been to Vegas and I have been wanting to go on a road trip and Vegas is the perfect distance (6 hour drive- far enough to be different not so far that I never want to get in a car again).
Anyway, I am just so excited! :) There are so many things that I want to do with Dave- show him all the big casinos and watch the fountain at the Bellagio and the pirates at Treasure Island. And just relax! :) Oh yeah- and buffets. I am already excited for the Bellagio Buffet. :)
Anyway, I am just so excited! :) There are so many things that I want to do with Dave- show him all the big casinos and watch the fountain at the Bellagio and the pirates at Treasure Island. And just relax! :) Oh yeah- and buffets. I am already excited for the Bellagio Buffet. :)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Christmas
Well Christmas has come and gone. And it was a great first Christmas for us. :) I think that Pookie had the most fun out of everyone. Most of our pictures are of Pookie enjoying her toys and unwrapping gifts. Next year it will be baby. Dave and I were too busy opening our presents and enjoying them to take pictures (we got a few in early).
Our Collection. :) Mwahahahahah. :)
Dave opening his stocking (obviously these pictures are not in chronological order).
So Christmas was awesome! I got lots of cooking stuff- including a cookbook of my Grandma's (that she got when she was a teenager). Dave surprised me with a super awesome electric mixer so now I can make bread so much easier (if only I could have had it when I was making the rolls for Christmas Eve dinner). :) I love it! I am going to start making homemade bread all the time now. :)
And we got our first baby stuff! My mom sent us a washing pad (so cute!) and the cutest onesies! My favorites are the ones that say "I heart Mommy" and "I heart Daddy." :)
Dave got a lot of books and camping/emergency gear. He also got some more games so he spent the weekend working on those. :)
The rest of Christmas day was pretty lazy. Dave cooked and I sat back and relaxed. :) For dinner we went up to Xan's house and had some tasty Spanish food- Paella (the really good stuff) made by Dave's mom and Dave brought up Spanish Tortilla. Everything was so tasty! Julie brought her Karaoke machine up and everyone hopped on and sang (except for me- for good reason).
We had been told to expect a HUGE snow storm but nothing materialized all day (or even while we were celebrating at Xan's). However, the moment we got home the skies unleashed a huge amount of snow. It was so wonderful! Dave and I watched a movie that night and watched it snow. :) It was the perfect wrap up to our first Christmas together.
The rest of the weekend was pretty quiet and slow. I have been playing on my DS all weekend. :) And not doing housework like I should have. :) We have another 4 day weekend next weekend and I am so happy about that. But then comes the dreary- no holidays/no sun/no fun period for the next three months.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve
It's hard for me to imagine that it is Christma Eve... at least I have a half day today. And I don't have to come back to work until Monday. Once I get home I am going to start baking. I have some Christmas cookies (and last minute presents) that I want to deliver tonight. Well, more specifically, that I want Dave to deliver for me. :) (mwahhahahaha I love having a husband to run errands for me).
I am also going to prepare our Christmas eve dinner. We are doing a family dinner tomorrow so I want to be able to have a special dinner for just Dave and I this evening. We're going with the traditional Pond-Vogt dinner (Cornish Game Hens, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, etc) menu. I am excited. I had to convince Dave that Cornish Game Hens were really just mini chickens and not some weird alterna-food. I love those mini chickens.
Yesterday disaster semi-struck. I realized late in the afternoon that I had sent a package out but had forgotten to include a present for one of the family members. So basically, everyone EXCEPT ONE person got a Christmas present from Dave and me (and in some cases, people got two presents). Oh my goodness I was so embarassed and felt so horrible. So now I am rushing to try to get a present done and in the mail. With the next few days off I am sure I can get it done and in the mail on Friday or Saturday (fingers crossed).
The pregnancy is going okay. I am not as tired as I used to be, which is a great change. However I have started getting Evening Sickness. Actually I feel pretty sick on and off throughout the day, but by dinner time I don't even want to think about food or even cooking. The good news is that Dave gets to work on his cooking skills. The bad news- my evenings are pretty crappy. I'll be happy when this stage passes too. :) Our next appointment is at the beginning of January (the wait for the second appointment hasn't been as bad as the wait for the first one). We'll meet the doctor and listen to the baby's heartbeat again. :)
Oh yeah... if anyone knows a way to send some Korean Barbecue from Hawaii to Utah (quickly) please let me know. I have been craving (very specifically) Peppa's Korean Barbecue- the Meat Jun and the (red) dipping sauce that goes with it.
I am also going to prepare our Christmas eve dinner. We are doing a family dinner tomorrow so I want to be able to have a special dinner for just Dave and I this evening. We're going with the traditional Pond-Vogt dinner (Cornish Game Hens, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, etc) menu. I am excited. I had to convince Dave that Cornish Game Hens were really just mini chickens and not some weird alterna-food. I love those mini chickens.
Yesterday disaster semi-struck. I realized late in the afternoon that I had sent a package out but had forgotten to include a present for one of the family members. So basically, everyone EXCEPT ONE person got a Christmas present from Dave and me (and in some cases, people got two presents). Oh my goodness I was so embarassed and felt so horrible. So now I am rushing to try to get a present done and in the mail. With the next few days off I am sure I can get it done and in the mail on Friday or Saturday (fingers crossed).
The pregnancy is going okay. I am not as tired as I used to be, which is a great change. However I have started getting Evening Sickness. Actually I feel pretty sick on and off throughout the day, but by dinner time I don't even want to think about food or even cooking. The good news is that Dave gets to work on his cooking skills. The bad news- my evenings are pretty crappy. I'll be happy when this stage passes too. :) Our next appointment is at the beginning of January (the wait for the second appointment hasn't been as bad as the wait for the first one). We'll meet the doctor and listen to the baby's heartbeat again. :)
Oh yeah... if anyone knows a way to send some Korean Barbecue from Hawaii to Utah (quickly) please let me know. I have been craving (very specifically) Peppa's Korean Barbecue- the Meat Jun and the (red) dipping sauce that goes with it.
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.
I hope that you all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas.
Friday, December 19, 2008
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. :)
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. :)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas Decorations amid the snow.
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.
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? :)
Friday, December 12, 2008
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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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....
Anyway... I feel better now that I have those at least started....
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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).
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).
Monday, December 8, 2008
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.
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, December 5, 2008
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.
:)
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.
:)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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!
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!
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