The Fountain of Youth

Twinners

2012-02-08T19:49:00.001-07:00

We’re very lucky to live close to Mark and Laura and their respective families. Every time there is a minor holiday that requires I make extremely unhealthy food, we invite them over to party.

Last Sunday, Super Bowl Sunday, was one of those occasions. And Tess got to play with her cute cousin, Ava, in matching jammies. They are only three weeks apart, so it is fun to watch them interact.

Tess is just barely sitting up, so she was happy to be off the floor.

Tess is learning to share! Kade will be glad that she has had this lesson.

They are so fun. I can’t wait to watch them grow up together!

Life Lately, According to my Phone

2012-01-31T15:06:00.001-07:00

* Stealing Dad’s hat * Just woke up from a long nap * The perfect reading spot *

* Resting on mom’s bed together * Cute cousin-friends *

* Mini carts. Awesome or Awful? * Happy girl * Pants tucked into boots. Like Woody. *

* Kade falls asleep in the greatest places now that he never naps anymore *

* Two kids in the “Car Cart” at Home Depot. Most exciting part of our Saturdays. *

Six Months

2012-01-24T16:30:00.001-07:00

Wooohoo! Tess is six months old! I love this age. Sitting up (almost), being silly, sleeping ALL NIGHT. It’s great. She recently began being interested in her thumb as well, so that’s nice when she spits out her binkie.

We took both kids to the doctor yesterday, so here are the official stats:

Weight – 19 pounds (95%)

Height – 27 inches (89%)

Sadly, Tess is no longer in the 90th percentile for height. But she is only nine inches shorter than Kade, so she still has that going for her…

The kids, both six months old. Too bad I don’t have a seductive pose of Tess…

13.1–The Best and the Worst

2012-01-22T14:21:00.001-07:00

Well folks, I did it. I finally ran my first half-marathon. And it was awesome/sucky/hard/fun all at the same time. How is that possible? Well, a lot can happen in two hours and ten minutes.

The Worst:

- It was rainy and I had to dodge lots of puddles. I missed dodging quite a few and ended up with soggy socks and wrinkly feet.

- The first 8 miles were basically uphill. Typically if you train in Enoch, you are fine with hills, ‘cause we have a lot of them. But I trained mostly on the treadmill…

- These two dang little kids, probably 14 and 11, stuck right by me the whole time. They’d run up ahead, then stop and walk, then run again and pass me. I could not get rid of them! And then one of them finished before me. Grrr…

- I was also beaten by an old man with a mullet.

- At about mile 10 my hips and knee started aching and cramping. They didn’t let up for the last three miles. I can barely go down the stairs today.

There’s that dang kid!

The Best:

- It was rainy, so I stayed cool the whole time! I was worried about being too warm in my long sleeves.

- The course wound through several neighborhoods, so there were lots of old people and little kids standing on their porches and driveways cheering us on. One family even had their car stereo turned up really loud for us to hear.

- Just after Chad had stopped to see me at about mile 6, he drove past and honked. The girl next to me said, “Was that your husband, awww!” Then she saw Tess in the back seat and said, “Do you have a baby?!?! How old?” I told her and it made me feel awesome.

- This chick was right behind me right at the end and one of her friends came to motivate her and she was trying to get the girl to pass me (I could hear her talking about the girl in the pink shirt.) Heck no, you are not going to pass me! And she didn’t.

- I got all emotional two times: once when I saw a lady stop to give her little boy a high five and he was really excited and then as I was making my way to the finish line and I could hear the roar of the spectators in the distance. Got just a little teary. Awesome.

Still looking happy at mile 6.

Not looking quite so healthy afterwards…

The only thing I learned is that running very far really hurts, but makes you feel really good. Also, I will never run a marathon.

I have to add this little video Chad took of the finish because you can see a couple of old men and that dang kid beating me! Also, I pretend to look happy when I am really dying inside. And outside, I guess, because I felt like I was about to barf.

Winter Crafting

2012-01-20T13:28:00.001-07:00

What is it about this time of year that makes me so darn crafty? Is it because I can’t play outside or do yard work? (I love yard work). Is it because of the fresh start of the new year? (I love fresh starts, too). Whatever the reason, I have been finding myself on the trigger-end of a hot glue gun a lot lately. Here are some of the results:

Chad understood my vague descriptions and built me this beautiful shelf that hangs over our TV in the basement. If I have an empty shelf, I have to fill it up! From left to right: The vase is from DI, with fake greenery; the sign is a piece of barn wood from Panguitch that I stenciled the words onto; the giant B is an idea from Pinterest (and if you’re going to wrap a giant letter in yarn, expect it to take FOREVER); the frame/family photo is a gift from my favorite photographer, Abbey Kyhl; and the lanterns/vases things I made at a craft night, just lacey paper Mod Podged to the glass vases.

This little framed Valentine’s Day lovebirds is also a Pinterest idea. Just scrapbook paper!

Curse you/Bless you, Pinterest. You give me so many ideas and recipes that I just can’t keep up.

January Getaway

2012-01-16T20:29:00.001-07:00

We spent our MLK Day enjoying the cold weather at Zion. Our kids were tough and braved the wind for a little hike, until Kade got tired of riding in the pack. I think his days of being carried are coming to an end. Luckily it was fee free weekend, so we didn’t feel bad about having our hike cut short.

Chad tortured me with a drive through the tunnel where I reminded him that there were thousands of feet of rock above us. He didn’t care, so I just rode along with an nervous tummy. I hate tunnels.

Kade enjoyed his pb & j in his carseat while I changed Tess’ smelly diaper on the front seat. Having kids is so fun! Seriously, though.

Life Lately, According to my Phone

2012-01-10T13:39:00.001-07:00

* Helping Dad build a shelf * Turning 5 months old * Matching Christmas jams *

* Swinging in unseasonably warm January weather * Sleeping on the couch *

* Just being cute in blue * Birthday cupcakes and dinosaurs * A little blowout *

* Loving the swing and sunshine * A crazy boy * Rocking some “vintage” moccasins *

“Free Years Old”

2012-01-03T12:33:00.001-07:00

I can’t believe my boy turned three. It’s such a cliché, but seriously I swear he was just a tiny thing. Now he is a silly kid that goes NON-STOP all day long. No more naps for this boy.

We celebrated Kade’s big day by taking him to a bounce house place. He ran from one thing to the next, but especially liked driving the car arcade games. Luckily he had Grandpa Doug to supply quarters for all his games.

After burning off a lot - but not all - of his energy, we went to Chili’s for lunch then came home to open presents and eat lemon cupcakes with yellow frosting (his request).

Heck yes, he got Whoppers and gum!

What happened to the last three years??

Birthday Interview

2012-01-01T19:12:00.001-07:00

My little Kade turned three yesterday. I’ve seen these interviews around the internets and thought it would be fun to see what Kade had to say. So here it is: Kade’s Three-Year-Old Interview.

1. What is your favorite color?   Blue

2. What is your favorite toy?   Steamroller

3. What is your favorite fruit?   Apples

4. What is your favorite TV show? Gabba Gabba

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?   Sandwinch (spelled the way he says it)

6. What is your favorite thing to wear? Clothes. And underpants.

7. What is your favorite game?   Battleship

8. What is your favorite snack?   Marshmallows

9. What is your favorite animal?   Doggy

10. What is your favorite song?   ABCs

11. What is your favorite book?   Animals and farmers

12. Who is your best friend?   Tell (who he has played with probably once :)

13. What is your favorite cereal?   Marshmallow Mateys

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Kick balls and play baseball

15. What is your favorite drink?   Water and milk and juice and milk and Marshmallow Mateys

16. What is your favorite holiday?   Snow and Halloween

17. What do you like to take to bed with you?   Buzz and Woody and Jessie and Bullseye and Pig and Aliens….

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?   Toast

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?   Cupcakes and sandwinches

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?   A pirate

Our Little Christmas

2011-12-31T16:15:00.001-07:00

This was the first year that we stayed home for Christmas, except for the year Kade was due and decided not to be born for another week. We had so much fun with our little family and it was nice and relaxing, until I got sick and spent four days in bed or on the pot. Wonderful!

We went bowling on Christmas Eve.

Kade really like the slippery floors and pretended to be roller skating. Tess sat in her carseat.

After our fancy dinner, we took Chad’s grandma some food and visited for a little bit.

Then the kids opened their matching jams and we told the Nativity. After bedtime, mom and dad watched Christmas Vacation.

Kade was excited to see that Santa had brought the kids a wagon!

Both kids were VERY spoiled by Santa and both grandparents.

After opening presents for two hours, (not because there were so many presents, but because Kade wanted to open and play with everything after unwrapping it) we went to church, then came home and I crashed because I felt like poop. Chad took the kids to his grandma’s to visit family and I stayed in bed. Merry Christmas!

Five Months

2011-12-22T13:13:00.001-07:00

Tess has turned five months old. Where has the time gone? Seriously. While I am not one bit sad that she isn’t a tiny baby anymore, I’m a little sad to think how much more quickly time seems to fly with two kids.

Tess celebrated her big day by waking up at 4:00 a.m. and crying for almost two hours. The reason? We don’t know. Maybe teething, but I can’t see or feel anything. I guess she was just letting us know that we need to pay her more attention, dang it! She just so darn mellow that I can lay her on a blanket with some toys and get things done. Quite nice.

She only has about one 4 inch strand of her original hair remaining and we have to constantly brush it to the side in a fancy comb-over. Perfect hair-do for a little girl! The rest of her hair is just a reddish peach fuzz. I love it!

Kade and Tess at five months, respectively.

Here Comes Santa Claus…

2011-12-21T12:35:00.001-07:00

Kade had a chance to visit the Big Guy last weekend while we were at my parent’s house. Surprisingly, Kade hopped right up on his lap. Getting him to speak was a different story… If Santa brings what Kade asked for, he’s going to be mighty disappointed with a lot of whines and grunts.

Still semi-unaware of the strange old man.

Yeah, not feelin’ it.

A Little Video

2011-12-14T14:14:00.001-07:00

Yeah, so Tess is almost five months old now. And I just finished making a little video for her! Enjoy:

Coming soon – a video for Kade, only three years late…

Buddies

2011-12-12T20:41:00.001-07:00

Just a couple of cute kids. Tess and her little buddy, Porter.

*Ashley, I don’t think I have your email address! So yeah, give it to me and I’ll send you these photos.

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-08T13:39:00.001-07:00

The boys picked us out a beautiful Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. They even understood my convoluted description of the kind of tree I wanted and came back with just the right one!

Kade found a stick.

It’s a beaut! Little full, lotta sap.

Four Months

2011-12-04T20:38:00.001-07:00

Just a couple of weeks late… my bad. Tess is now four months old and is VERY HAPPY to finally be eating some solids. She’s a mess, but can down that rice cereal like a champ. Oh, and she rolled over.

Weight – 17 pounds 1 ounce (95th percentile)

Height – 26 inches (97th percentile)

Likes – Baths, watching Kade do anything, getting hugs from Kade, mom, being outside, her binky.

Dislikes – Being tired, letting mom get things done, dad sometimes, when Kade gets really loud.

Both kiddies at four months! Poor Kade, all his photos are at unflattering angles.

Holy crap, she’s getting old.

Life Lately, According to my Phone

2011-11-22T19:22:00.002-07:00

Tornado Kade made its way through the house * Cute Tess * Someone likes cookies

Arts and crafts paint by numbers * Bundled up to go outside * Halloween socks

Off to get the mail * Big sneeze = big boog! * Playing Aladdin on the “plano”

Poltergeist? Nope, just Kade * Can’t get enough sleeping babe * Cute kids

Another Fall, Another Photo Sesh

2011-11-17T11:29:00.001-07:00

Yay for new family photos! And yay for a photographer that somehow turns our awkwardness into cute photos! I’ve said this before, but Abbey Kyhl is awesome. And she is basically the Boshell family photographer.

So now you should go to abbeykyhl.com and watch for us to come up on her blog, then you can make a comment and maybe we can get a free print. That would be cool.

Snowy Day

2011-11-07T15:55:00.001-07:00

Kade is so lucky to have at least one parent that is willing to play in the snow with him. And it is definitely not his party-pooper of a mother.

We had a snowy weekend and Kade really wanted to play outside. He was excited, I promise.

Chad was a good sport and pulled Kade all over the yard in his sled.

He only cried once when Chad dumped him into the snow on his face. Then he was ready to go again.

And they made tiny snow angels and a funny snowman. All while I stayed warm inside. How nice!

Halloween

2011-11-01T15:36:00.001-06:00

We had another fun-filled weekend of Halloween celebrating.

We carved pumpkins. Jack Skellington, of course.

Went to the famous sheep parade.

Went trunk or treating.

Went trick or treating around the neighborhood.

And visited a cousin.

Oh, and ate LOTS of candy, too!

At the Farm

2011-10-28T11:29:00.001-06:00

Gosh, I’ve actually had things to blog about lately. This means that we’ve actually been doing things that are somewhat exciting! We went to the farm last weekend with Chad’s brother/wife/son/daughter and his sister/husband/daughter. Ya dig?

This picture of our little family cracks me up because of the awkward hand positions that Chad and I are doing. I think maybe we were both trying to keep from tipping over?

Kade had a blast running from one thing to the next. Like looking at bunnies, then immediately wanting to go down the slide, then sitting on the little tractor, then running around in the maze.

While I failed to take any photos of Kade and Mason together, we did manage one of all the girls.

Kade was so funny in this maze. I would catch him running, then once he saw me with the camera, he would immediately pose and say, “cheese!”. He is so well trained.

And we even got to go on a hay ride to the pumpkin patch. Didn’t I do a great job of keeping the sun out of Tess’ eyes? Go me!

Three Months

2011-10-26T14:08:00.001-06:00

Tess at three months is basically the sweetest baby ever birthed. She sleeps all night, eats like a champ, hardly cries, and pretty much has us all wrapped around her little finger.

I love this photo of her because not only does it show her goofy/funny/cute smile, but it also documents her constantly drippy eyes. Yay for clogged tear ducts! Only the coolest people in the world have them.

I have no measurements of Tess at three months, so we’ll just be general and say that she weighs a lot and is long. That about covers it.

Just for some comparison, here is Kade and Tess at three months:

They no longer look alike to me AT ALL. Also, she weighs more but has less of a double chin…

And here is Tess from the past months:

Gosh, my kids are cute.

Fun Times–Part III

2011-10-24T13:58:00.001-06:00

Just a few more photos to share. Kade got to spend some time playing with his fun cousins, Macy and Shilo. The rode the “wiggle car” and I got to teach them how to make curlies out of dandelion stems. Exciting!

Kade also painted the pumpkin we got from the pumpkin patch. He was very serious about it.

See, he couldn’t even look away from the pumpkin to take a picture.

Fun Time–Part II

2011-10-21T12:50:00.001-06:00

While in the ‘ville, we also visited the pumpkin patch with Uncle Craig and Aunt Amber. It was fun times until Kade ate it into the puncture weeds and Dad had to dig them out of his palms. But, soon enough he was happy again and enjoyed playing in the hay maze.

Look, Tess even came! I just fail at taking photos of my second-born.

Fall is awesome.

Fun Times - Part I

2011-10-19T13:55:00.001-06:00

Our little family had a fun weekend. Because I actually took photos, I will be posting in several parts. Because I’m cool like that.

Chad took a day off and we were able to go to the zoo. And my parents took a day off, too, and went with us. Kade was slightly interested in the animals and very interested in the carousel and the train. Tess slept.

My little monkey.

See, Tess even got to go, too!

It’s Autumn Time

2011-10-13T13:28:00.001-06:00

It’s time for my annual Fall Leaves Photos post.

Don’t worry. It snowed just a few days after these were taken.

Every so often I am reminded that I do, in fact, love where I live.

Hiking with Babes

2011-10-11T20:37:00.001-06:00

I think the days of family self portraits are over. This is the best we could do.

We went on a little hike. It was free National Park day, so we went to Kolob Canyon.

We didn’t go very far. Kade is really heavy. But it was fun!

Me, Me, Me

2011-10-07T14:14:00.001-06:00

These survey things are really quite annoying, but it’s fun sometimes to sit back and reflect upon yourself. For me at least. So don’t read this unless you want to read all about LISA!!

Age: 25. Weird.

Bedsize: Queen. I really want a King.

Chores that you hate: Unloading the dishwasher. And sweeping the kitchen floor.

Dogs: None. Unless you count all the neighbors’ dogs that poop on our lawn that we have to pick up after, so it’s basically like we own a dog without all the fun benefits. Just the crappy ones. Get it?

Essential start to your day: Put on my glasses so I can see.

Favorite color: I really don’t have a favorite color. I pretty much like all colors.

Gold or Silver: I prefer silver.

Height: 5'-7"

Instruments you play: I don’t play any frequently, but at some point in my life I have played the saxophone, clarinet, piano, harmonica (ha), recorder, and the cymbals for a day or two.

Job title: Director of Domestic Tranquility. I’m highly certified to deal with poop.

Kids: Two. Weird.

Live: Out in the kuntry.

Mother's Name: Meesh

Nicknames: Mommy, Mama, Mom, Lis, Weegee once upon a time.

Overnight hospital stays: For a couple babies.

Pet peeves: Excuses (though I am very good at making them), being flakey, having no awareness of others, I really could go on, but I won’t.

Quote from a movie or tv show: Uh… “Hey, Brother.” Just because I have Arrested Development on my mind. If you know what I’m talking about, then you just read that quote in Buster’s voice, didn’t you?

Right or Lefty: I’m the only righty at my house. Unless Tess decides to be cool like mom.

Siblings: Two brothers that are so easy to tattle on.

Time you wake up: On a good night, 5:00 to 6:00 a.m. Then again at 7:00 a.m.

Underwear: Yes. Always.

Vegetable you hate: Onions. Unless dipped in batter and deep fried. But who am I kidding, I would eat a shoe that was dipped in batter and deep fried.

What makes you run late: Nothing. I am seriously OCD about being on time, if not early. Unless I am late on purpose.

X-Rays You've Had: Just on the old chompers. Unless ultrasounds count. Then I’ve had too many.

Yummy food you make: Pizza, lemon shrimp pasta, chocolate chip cookies. Basically all my food is yummy. I am the best cook ever. Just ask Chad. He’ll tell ya. He better…

Zoo Animal: Monkeys are cool.

Big Baby

2011-09-23T14:12:00.001-06:00

Can you believe it? I can’t either. The past two months have flown by. And I won’t really complain because it is my favorite time of year and we are officially out of the newborn stage. I’ll admit it openly, I don’t very much enjoy newborns. But nine-week-olds? Love ‘em. Well, I love mine…

After the official weigh-in today, Tess is tipping the scales at 13 pounds. And she has grown 4 inches is the last two months, measuring now at 24 inches. That means she is in the 97th and 98th percentiles, respectively. I’m so proud of my chunky kid! Just keep on growing, little one!

Life Lately (According to my Phone)

2011-09-19T18:21:00.002-06:00

*Kade’s rootbeer float he earned for peeing in the toilet *Cute Tess *Gladiolas from my yard

*Sweet little sleeping babe *Kade’s fancy bow *Comfy sleeping position

*Really good fashion choices *Tess loves the ceiling fan *Siblings

*Fat girl in a little coat *Kade is obsessed with books *Kindof love this onesie

Dressed in White

2011-09-05T09:44:00.001-06:00

Tess was blessed yesterday, along with her cute cousin, Ava. Thanks to everyone that came! It was a great day spent with family celebrating two sweet girls.

Scout, Tess, Ava and Olivia

The four girl cousins all born within a year of each other. That’s a lot of dance recitals and graduations.

Shilo, Macy, Haven, Ava, Mason, Olivia, Zeke, Scout, Kade and Tess

Ten cousins.

Mason, Zeke and Kade

The outnumbered boys.

Don’t Judge

2011-09-03T13:25:00.001-06:00

I’m going to admit something. But first I need to place the blame somewhere. And that would be on my mother and on Netflix. It’s really both of their faults. It’s their fault that I can’t stop watching Glee. What the??

I never thought those words would exit my lips. I never understood the appeal of the show and might have judged you a little if you watched it. But then my mom told me that she had started watching it. So I thought, what the heck. It’s on Netflix and I guess I can give it a go.

At first, I couldn’t handle the cheese factor. But I liked the music, so I kept watching. And now I’m all invested in the storyline. Embarrassing. And Sue Sylvester is the best.

Here is the song that got me hooked:

Our New Normal

2011-08-30T15:00:00.001-06:00

Things are getting a little bit back to normal around here. As normal as they can be with another human in the house. But we’ve got a new schedule going on and I am somehow managing to keep two kids alive and happy, for the most part. Good thing they’re both so darn cute!

This is their serious pose.

And is that not the cutest pouty lip you ever did see?

Growing

2011-08-22T14:50:00.001-06:00

I am seriously failing at documenting my little girl’s first weeks. The weekly photos that I did with Kade are more likely to be monthly for Tess. But I promise that I love her the same!

Tess likes: being held, naked time, baths, eating and sleeping

Tess doesn’t like: not being held, wet diapers and staying awake.

She weighs around 11 pounds and is growing out of her 0-3 month clothes. In fact, the onesie she is wearing in the photo above is size 12 month. She is a bruiser.

We are getting into a pretty good routine around here and Tess is fitting right in, even if she requires that I do everything one-handed since she doesn’t approve of me laying her down on a blanket so I can get anything done. I’m typing this with her laying on my shoulder, in fact. Talented, no?

Lately

2011-08-13T17:07:00.001-06:00

I am having a little mommy guilt over the tiny amount of photos I’m taking of child number two. I think I took photos of Kade almost everyday when he was just little and this time, things are looking sparse. So here are a few of the few photos I’ve taken lately.

Sibling bonding time. Under a pink blanket.

Tess met her cousin-friend, Ava, who is three weeks older. They will be buddies.

Tess had her first bath and spent time looking cute in the giant towel.

And today we went fishing.

My clones and me.

Perfect

2011-08-05T14:17:00.001-06:00

I’m doing the worst job of taking photos of my poor, neglected second child. So here’s another look at our chunkster’s double chin.

This girl. Let me tell you. She has been nothing but trouble! She scared us while I was pregnant and the ultrasounds showed that there might be kidney problems/congenital abnormalities, etc. I talked about that here and here. Then she goes and scares us again with a difficult delivery. Then she gets put on an IV for low blood sugar. Then she has to sleep on lights for jaundice. Then she doesn’t pass her hearing screening two times.

I keep joking to Chad that she’s going to be a poor test-taker, since she can’t seem to pass any already.

But we heard some great news today. Tess had an ultrasound on her kidney’s yesterday and the results were awesome. Both kidneys look great, just the right size and no dilation or hydronephrosis! The right kidney has an extrarenal pelvis, which the doc said is just a spot on her kidney where urine may collect, but is nothing to worry about. Just weeks ago, the in-utero ultrasound showed that the right kidney was still enlarged. Um. So what happened? When we asked the specialist in St. George if the dilation could fix itself, he said no, not when they’re this dilated. So basically he was wrong and our little girl is perfect.

Now if we can just get her to pass her hearing screening…

P.S. I should stop calling her our “little” girl because she now weighs 10 1/2 pounds and is in the 98th percentile…

Glamour Shots

2011-08-01T14:55:00.001-06:00

Maybe at some point I’ll get back to regular posting (that’s funny because I never do regular posting). But until then, enjoy some more photos of our beautiful girl. These were taken at the hospital. Pretty cool deal.

Settling In

2011-07-28T15:57:00.001-06:00

Kade has been at his grandparent’s for the last couple of days, so Tess and I have been having some quiet mother-daughter bonding time. We’ve been eating, sleeping and taking lots of pictures.

Little girls are so fun to dress up!!

Now that this little one is off of the bili-lights, we get to see her awake and with her eyes open.

She is so sweet!

Little Girl

2011-07-25T20:08:00.001-06:00

Let me start out by saying how much I like reading other people’s birth stories. I really do. But I don’t really think my dad, brothers or father-in-law need to read about my cervix or uterus (Hi, Dad!), so I’m going to leave out most of the nitty gritty that went into welcoming our LITTLE GIRL into the world.

Please welcome Baby Tess!

9 pounds 12 ounces, 20 inches

Born July 22 at 6:34 pm

This girl had a scary entrance into our lives. If you didn’t realize already, she’s a little large. So her delivery was hampered by shoulder dystocia. She had us pretty panicked when she came out greyish and didn’t cry for several minutes. Thanks to the miracles of modern medicine, our little girl soon was wailing loudly and we were able to love on her soon enough.

Looking nice and purplish. Just a little bruised.

Childbirth is so glamorous.

The the girl got to spend a little time in the nursery, hooked up to an IV due to low blood sugar.

Kade came to meet his sister!

Going home!

Buddies.

Helping with bath time.

Meeting some cousins!

All dressed up.

Chilling on the tanning bed. Lame.

It’s nice to be home with our sweet baby girl!

Good Life

2011-07-18T14:43:00.001-06:00

I think things are already getting a little hormonal around here. I was just sitting on the couch, minding my own business, and decided to listen to some tunes. I’ve been liking this song lately, so I turned it on:

And what did I do? Of course I burst into tears. Because that’s what I do. But really because I feel overwhelmed with the “good things.” I am so profoundly blessed with the life I have been given. I get to be married to by best friend, we have this fun little boy that loves us unconditionally, and for some reason we have been trusted with another human to take care of soon, not to mention the families that we both come from that continue to love and support us in everything. And is there anything else that matters?

It really is a good life and there’s nothing to complain about.

Ok, that’s about enough emotional blogging.

Any Day Now…

2011-07-14T14:39:00.001-06:00

40 weeks with Kade and 39 with Baby Numero Dos.

I don’t feel like waiting until next week to do a 40 week photo. I just don’t. So I’m doing it today. I’m pretty proud of myself in that I’m still managing to get dressed in real clothing every day. Even if I have to wear the same shorts over and over because nothing else fits… even Chad’s shorts are too small, dang it!

So if anyone is wondering, here is the situation on when this baby will arrive: anytime it wants to before Friday, July 22. Sooner would be better than later as my belly is measuring LARGE and the ultrasound we had on Wednesday to check the baby’s size estimated the baby’s weight to be 9 lbs. 8 oz., plus or minus a pound. PLUS or minus.

I would appreciate good vibes sent my way to help get this gigantor human being birthed before it ends up like this 16 POUND BABY. No, thank you.

It is fun and only slightly depressing to look back and these photos. I can’t wait to meet our new little boy or girl and get started on our life as a family of four! Gulp…

I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy

2011-07-05T14:54:00.001-06:00

We had quite the marathon three-day Fourth of July weekend celebration. It was intense! And come Monday night when it was time to watch fireworks, we all just wanted to go to bed. And one of us did. It wasn’t me!

On Saturday, we spent a lot of the day bumming around our house while some guys hung sheetrock in the basement. It looks pretty sweet now. Kade enjoyed playing in the dust.

That afternoon, we were able to meet our newest niece, Ava. She is so dang cute and almost makes me ready to have a newborn of my own! Almost…

Sunday, we went to church. As usual. But surprisingly Kade wasn’t crying when we picked him up from nursery. He must have known that the weekend wasn’t over and we still had another whole day to play!

We hung out with Uncle Mark and Aunt Kayla on Sunday night, eating tasty chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches and playing at the park.

Monday morning, bright and early, Chad celebrated his Independence by running in our little town’s 5K, along with basically our whole ward. He ran it in 21:11 and was fourth in his division. Pretty good for only his second race ever. What a jerk. This mostly just made me very anxious to start running again in a few weeks.

Afterwards, we went to the parade, which was so nice because it wasn’t bloody hot for once!

I am the biggest parade party pooper, but I get SO ANNOYED at adults who stand up during the entire parade in front of little kids and fat pregnant women so they can’t even see what is going past. Anyone else have this problem? Also, please control your kids and tell them not to monopolize the candy throwing. That’s my little rant for the day that Chad had to hear during the whole parade.

Anyways, we also went on a pretty drive up the canyon, ate lots, and then lit our own fireworks while it was still light because Kade was about to have a melt down.

Kade especially loved the “flowers.” He thought they were so funny and kept trying to imitate the sound they make.

After Kade went to bed, Chad and I got to stay up to eat caramel popcorn and watch our little town’s firework display, which was given a lot of competition from the now legal fireworks that our neighbors all around us were shooting off.

Flower Girls

2011-07-01T14:49:00.001-06:00

*** The opinions in this post are entirely mine and are not meant to offend. I may be treading in dangerous waters, but I’m going to put it out there. ***

Many of you, my loyal readers, may know that I am not a fan of giant flower headbands on tiny baby heads. I know that they are a big trend and some think that they look super cute. And that’s ok. Everyone thought perms and ratted bangs were super cute once, too.

As I get closer and closer to having this baby and am contemplating what will happen if we bring home a baby girl (not likely), I have been looking online for some headband/bow options that are more my style.

Here are some options that are NOT my style, but if you want to put your kid in these, go for it:

And the poses of these poor babies crack me up. The one on the bottom left looks like a dog lying in it’s basket.

Anyways, here are some examples of what I DO like!

Cute tiny babies with cute tiny bows. But like I said, this is only my opinion. And in all likelihood, I won’t even have to worry about giant flowers. But if I do have to worry about them and I am gifted one, I will gracefully hold off on putting on my child until the head size to flower size ratio is much less disproportionate. No offense, people.

Cousins

2011-06-29T13:13:00.001-06:00

These boys are a little outnumbered, but it’s so fun to have cousin-friends in matching jammies!

Recipe for a Perfect Summer Afternoon

2011-06-27T14:03:00.001-06:00

One bucket of water.

Two awesome sponge ball things to use for “washing” your bike or slide.

One golf ball

And a couple of lime Jello Jigglers.

Can’t beat that.

It’s the Final Countdown

2011-06-23T13:08:00.001-06:00

Don’t pretend like that song isn’t in your head now. Just in case it really isn’t, it will be now.

Anyways, I was going to take a picture of myself this morning, but then I remembered that my brother sent me this bad A phone pic he took at the annual Whatcott reunion last weekend. It’ll do.

36 weeks with Kade (and some chipmunk cheeks) and now with baby #2. And a shotgun.

Lisa’s Library–Bossypants

2011-06-17T13:11:00.001-06:00

Creepy cover, no? But please don’t let it dissuade you. Tina Fey is a genius and I love her. And this book makes me want to be like her even more. I’m already awkward. I just need to work on being effortlessly hilarious and random.

Though I don’t yet have a daughter, this excerpt from the book, entitled “A Prayer for my Daughter,” is so perfect and completely addresses all the scary things that make me never want a daughter. And it is funny. If you are offended by swears, then maybe you should skip this part and be done reading now.

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“A Prayer for my Daughter” by Tina Fey

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half and stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes and not have to wear high heels.

What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers and the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.

“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.

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I know. She is the best.

Art City Days.

2011-06-14T13:33:00.001-06:00

Only the best part of the month of June. Well, the whole month of June is really awesome, so Art City Days just makes it better. It’s so nice to have parents who will put up with us for a whole weekend just so I can eat a scone and judge people at the carnival/parade. It’s a wonderful life.

This year we:

Went fishing! Not really a part of Art City Days, but it was fun nonetheless and Kade got to “dribe da boat.”

Watched the parade with some cute Sweeten girls. And my family, but eh… I’m used to them.

Attempted another carnival ride. This one was successful, until after the third or fourth time around the track.

Then things got a little nervous.

Kade also spent a lot of time playing with Uncle Craig and his awesome iPhone. They are buds.

We also ate tasty pancakes (as tasty as pancakes can be) at the fireman’s breakfast, ate scones of course, ate caramel popcorn while watching fireworks, ate Red Vines while attending a movie, and ate a whole crap load of other food that was delicious and made me happy. And I got cankles.

Three-Day Weekends are Awesome

2011-05-31T13:41:00.001-06:00

First off, I’m behind on my growing belly photos, so enjoy:

Here I am at 32 weeks with Kade and in what is possibly the most unflattering photo of myself with Baby Dos.

So we had a long weekend and it was fun times. We went hiking at Red Cliffs. I hiked in a skirt, because I am quickly outgrowing almost everything I own. That may be exaggerating just a little, but seriously, hiking in a skirt is comfortable. Breezes, people.

Kade is quite the little hiker and refused to be carried.

Kade also spent most of his time throwing rocks in the water. Exciting!

In other events, we had tasty dinners two times with Erik, Laura, Mark and Kayla. We are spoiled to have fun family members living by us. Also, my parents visited and even spent the night on our comfortable air mattress. It was a fun, busy weekend filled with mostly food, like always.

Carnival

2011-05-23T14:06:00.001-06:00

For some reason, there are a lot of random little carnivals that show up in our little town throughout the summer. We spotted one while driving to the grocery store last week and Kade raved about the ferris wheel. I told him that I’d let his dad take him on it, since ferris wheels are the worst. Especially ferris wheels that fold up and are pulled down the freeway every three days.

When we showed up at the carnival, we walked past the Zipper. Kade clung to Chad’s leg, made him carry him and buried his head on his shoulder because he was “cared.” Maybe it was too noisy? Maybe he has the same reservations about riding fold-up rides as I do? Who knows.

We found him a fun little car ride that he got excited about.

Until he had gone around about three times. Then he covered his eyes and started crying. Look for his freak-out and listen for me laughing at him. That’s good parenting, right there.

Since we had already purchased enough tickets for one more ride, we forced him onto the boats. He liked them better since he had a bell to ring.

Notice how straight he is sitting. This is how he started out.

But then we had to walk back past the Zipper again. He was a little more brave this time.

See? He peeked through his fingers long enough to decide that he never needs to ride the Zipper.

In the Kitchen with Lisa

2011-05-20T13:26:00.001-06:00

It’s that time of year, folks. Rhubarb pie time! I’ve written about my pie-making experiences here and here, but today I would like to take you all on a step-by-step journey into the makings of my favorite rhubarb pie. I would give you all the exact measurements, but then I’d have to kill you.

Let’s start with the crust. Here are your ingredients:

Mix together your flour and salt, then cut in your shortening until it looks crumbly. It really helps if you have super cute yellow mixing bowls from Williams Sonoma. Thanks, Amber!

Then you add in your ice water until the dough holds together in a ball, then split the dough in two, wrap it in plastic wrap and throw it in the fridge. Don’t really throw it, that’s just a figure of speech.

While your dough is chilling, let’s make some filling! First, get some rhubarb. This is from some old dude in Parowan. The photo does not accurately show the size of these rhubarb stalks. Think two feet long and about an inch and a half in diameter. HUGE.

I like to peel the outside layer off, otherwise it is really stringy and no one likes a stringy pie. Then chop up your rhubarb. Don’t be mistaken. That is not celery.

Here are the rest of your ingredients for the filling:

Mix them all together with the rhubarb (once again in the cutest mixing bowl you can find).

Then beat a few eggs together. Make sure they’re fresh off the farm. You’ll know they’re fresh if they still have chicken s#!t on them. This is very important, because your pie will not taste good if the eggs you use come from chickens that aren’t happy, free-range chickens.

Then mix it all together.

Now comes the hard part. It’s so hard that I didn’t even attempt to take photos, because I knew if I tried I would screw up more than usual. You roll out your refrigerated dough, put it in your pie plate, pour your filling in, roll out more dough, top the pie and attempt to make it look edible. I did o.k.

Then bake that bad boy! And while you wait, take a break to hang out with your favorite cowboy.

Phew, the timer is beeping! It’s the moment of truth. Success!

Now scarf. And don’t forget the ice cream.

Just Another Baby Update

2011-05-18T11:50:00.001-06:00

In case anyone cares…

(Babies having babies. Looking a little tired…)

We went to St. G yesterday for a follow-up ultrasound. The doc that talked to us this time was AWESOME. The one last time was good, too, but this guy was funny and positive and I left feeling like I actually understood what he was talking about.

It looks like baby’s left kidney is just peachy. No worries there. The right kidney is still dilated, but looks like it is an incomplete blockage and, as the doctor said, will still have plenty of function. There is enough dilation on the right kidney that baby will have to be checked out by the pediatrician (with an ultrasound on the kidneys) about two weeks after birth to see whether surgery will be necessary to fix the blockage or not. I will have one more ultrasound in about six weeks just to make sure the kidneys haven’t dilated more, but that is unlikely.

So basically things look pretty great. Not much to worry about and baby is a little champ, measuring just right (three pounds already!). Delivery will be normal and, unfortunately for me, will not take place any earlier than normal. 41 weeks, here I come! I asked the doc if it looked like there were any other signs of chromosomal abnormalities and he looked at me like I was an idiot. “Nope, everything looks perfect, except for the one kidney,” he said.

Nine more weeks, people. 64 days. Not that I’m counting down or anything…

Fathers and Sons

2011-05-16T13:40:00.001-06:00

While the boys did this:

I did this:

Fair trade, right?

Lisa’s Library–These is My Words

2011-05-13T13:06:00.001-06:00

I haven’t done a book review in such a long time, but this book was SO. GOOD. that I feel like I have to share it with the world. The world being my two readers. I love you, two readers.

I have to start off by saying that I love me some pioneer stories. I have always wanted to be a pioneer, but knowing what a wimp I am, it is better for me to just live like a pioneer vicariously by reading about them, playing dress-up or visiting a museum.

These is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1991 didn’t really make me want to be a pioneer, because her life was HARD! And while this novel is fictional, I’m sure it’s fairly representative of what life was like “back in the day.” Indians, train robbers, sickness, death, heartbreak, all those typical pioneer story themes turn up in this novel, but the best part is the love story. Ah, the love story. And a realistic one at that! No vampire-werewolf-moody emo chick love triangle here. Just a simple love story that is endearing and makes you want to hug your significant other.

And I cried. If a book makes me cry, it is deemed good. So there you go. Also, this is the first of a three-book series, so if you live by me, please don’t go check out the second or third book. Thanks.

Gettin' Big

2011-04-27T11:06:00.001-06:00

28 Weeks with Kade and now with Baby Dos

The Pendulum Test said it was a girl this morning. Hmmm…

Also, why does the world keep telling us women that we are only pregnant for 9 months? B.S. It’s 10 months. If someone can prove to me that 40 weeks equals 9 months, then I might believe you. Because if I’m 28 weeks, then I’ve been pregnant for 7 months, but I still have 12 weeks, or 3 months, left. Lame.

Easter Eggstravaganza

2011-04-25T13:38:00.001-06:00

Oh, yes I did just use that cheese-tastic title. What a weekend we had! Full of festivities, fun and food. Here’s the breakdown.

Dyed lots of eggs, with or without pants on:

Hunted eggs in our windy little town. Got about three before it was decided that the candy was too important to bother with picking up any more eggs:

Gathered all the cousins together to hunt eggs at Grandpa and Grandma’s house. This is what happens when you try to take a group photo of eight kids ages five and under:

Of course, my child is the one in tears.

The Easter Bunny came on Saturday night and left Kade a fun basket and some little piles of bunny poop. Kade was mortified when his father ate a piece of said poop.

Then we went to church, Easter-style.

Having Fun

2011-04-16T21:48:00.001-06:00

To say that the last couple of months have been busy/stressful/a little crappy would be… well, the truth. Chad spent every evening after work studying for his big licensing exam and there was sucky weather and there was all that baby stuff that was just no fun. So when Chad had to finally take his test, we all packed up and got to stay at Papa Dug and Mama Shell’s house for an extended weekend.

The day before the test, Chad wanted to scope out where to park and find out where he had to be at 7 a.m., so the three of us went to SLC and played a little bit.

We went to the Discovery Gateway, and I’ve got to say that that was the biggest waste of money ever. There were about 1,000 smelly kids in this tiny museum where everything was being played with. Kade staked out a spot in the corner to play with the groceries, but I think he was just as overwhelmed as I was. At least we know now and never have to go there again.

This is how Kade looked most of the time. Confused a little?

But he thought the helicopter was awesome.

After the chaos of the children’s museum, we relaxed at my favorite restaurant ever, Buca di Beppo. Kade enjoyed his bread dipped in oil and vinegar. And could not eat a piece if it didn’t have vinegar on it. Whose kid is he?

And then we made a trip to another favorite of mine, Ikea. Then we went back again a few days later… and after the SECOND Ikea trip, I made Chad take me to a donut shop where my life was changed forever. Behold, the Maple Bacon Donut:

Seriously. I want one right now.

So basically we ate a lot, visited friends, spent money, took important tests and had a generally awesome time. Then we came back to real life and realized that Chad didn’t have to study anymore, so life was good!

Update on the Babe

2011-04-11T13:19:00.001-06:00

(Photo via pinterest. This is not me, but it freaks my freak! There’s a human in there!)

I’ve written this post about a hundred times and each time it’s REALLY LONG, so I’m going to try to make it as short and sweet as possible. Also, please don’t be offended if you are receiving this information from the blog instead of from me personally. I suck at passing on important information, as does my husband.

Just a little background: Due to some findings on my regular 20-week ultrasound, we had scheduled a second ultrasound with the Maternal Fetal Clinic in St. George and we had that ultrasound last Tuesday.

It looks like our sweet baby has Prenatal Hydronephrosis, a fairly common birth defect in which there are blockages in the kidneys causing them to not drain well and fill up with fluid. This is something that will be taken care of at birth (either it will go away on its own or minor surgery will be performed to clear the blockages). We will have to have a few more ultrasounds to check on the babe’s kidneys and may also have an amniocentesis to determine whether the problems are linked to a chromosomal abnormality.

We are surprisingly calm about this (surprising because I am a chronic worrier) and we are hopeful that all will be well! We just can’t wait to meet this little one and know that he or she will be perfect, no matter the outcome.

Growing

2011-04-01T12:55:00.001-06:00

24 weeks with Kade and Baby #2

Just a little bit of a size difference. It’s all good. Enjoy my legs on the first day of wearing shorts! It takes a while for a fake tan to show up on nearly translucent skin.

Day Thirty-DONE

2011-03-31T13:33:00.001-06:00

Day Thirty-One – Who cares??

(Photo stolen from pinterest)

Yay for being done and yay for actually following through on something! It was only slightly painful, and I can now get back to blogging every once in a blue. And only when something exciting has happened.

Today’s prompt was something like, “what’s the best thing about being you.” I have to say that the best thing about being me has nothing to do with ME. But it has everything to do with YOU. Because if you read this blog, I probably love you. And you are probably awesome and make my life better and what more can I ask for? Thanks for playing along with me this month.

(I lied. I will probably post tomorrow to show the 24 weeker.)

Day Thirty

2011-03-30T13:03:00.001-06:00

Day Thirty – Your favorite song

This is a REALLY hard question. Kind of like “your favorite movie.” So, once again, here are a few of my favorites instead. These do change frequently, but pick and choose; they are all good.

Kill by Jimmy Eat World

Lovers in Japan by Coldplay

Roll Away Your Stone by Mumford and Sons

Forget You by Cee Lo Green. This really isn’t a favorite, I just like it and have been hearing it a ton lately and I think it’s funny.

Ok, that’s good enough for now.

Day Twenty-Nine

2011-03-29T13:22:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty-Nine – In this past month, what have you learned?

This has nothing to do with today’s post, I just love it.

Um. I’ve learning that blogging seems to be very narcissistic. And can be awkward. All these questions about myself make me feel slightly uncomfortable and braggy. I would much rather write about my cute son or my cute husband. But I’ve also learned that it’s fun to have something different to write about other than what events have been going on in our lives. So that was fun. But it was mostly kind of awkward and I can’t wait for April where I will likely blog a couple of times and call it good.

Day Twenty-Eight

2011-03-28T13:21:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty-Eight – A photo of you from last year and now and how you have changed since then.

Last year.

Today. (Please excuse the dirty mirror and piles of books. Is the husband studying his bum off for a test? Yes, sir.)

Um, I haven’t really changed since last year except for the obvious… Pretty much I’m still as insane as that dork in the comfy hippy dress. But I love that dress even more now because it’s like wearing jammies to church.

Day Twenty-Seven

2011-03-27T09:01:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty-Seven – A photo of where you live

(There’s always a good sunset around here)

If I wanted to, I suppose I could post some photos of the little town in which I live, but weedy yards, farms and prairie dogs are not very exciting or enticing. Instead, I’ll show you some of the pretty places that I am lucky enough to live close to.

I have to remind myself when it’s March and everything is still dead and brown that I do in fact live in a very beautiful place that people travel all over from to visit. It will be pretty again soon!

Day Twenty-Six

2011-03-26T10:07:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty-Six – What do you think about your friends?

What a silly question. I think my friends are the bomb dot com. I have been lucky in my life to have a group of girlfriends from high school that have stayed close over the years, even after I got married, moved away and became a boring old lady. These girls have kept me young, ha.

But I can’t leave out my friends that I have made since then. Friends like Ashley T. who have kept me sane while raising babies. Friends like Wendy, Tawna and Krista who have accepted me into their running posse and made me feel welcome in my ward and neighborhood.

I hate feeling like I’m leaving anyone out, so basically if I’ve ever known you, you are awesome and I’m grateful for your influence in my life!

Day Twenty-Five

2011-03-25T13:20:00.001-06:00

I don’t feel like blogging today, since it’s FRIDAY. So instead, enjoy this song that will be in your head ALL. WEEKEND. LONG. You’re welcome!

Partyin’! Partyin’! Fun, fun, fun, fun! Which seat can I take??

Day Twenty-Four

2011-03-24T13:21:00.002-06:00

Day Twenty-Four – Ten places you want to go in the world and why

1. Greece, because it’s beautiful. And so I can eat Greek food all the live long day.

2. Rio de Janiero, because Chad loved it and we really need to visit. And go to the beach.

3. Paris, because I want FOOD.

4. Italy, also for FOOD. And because it’s beautiful.

5. New York City, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do.

6. China, because it would be cool.

7. Hawaii, ‘cause I need some beach.

8. Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Alps. You get the idea.

9. A Hut on the Ocean, because I want to sleep and eat and swim and do nothing else.

10. Northern California, because I want to go to a winery. And not drink wine, how fun!

Basically, if you take me anywhere, I’ll go with you. I love where I live, but I would love to travel more.

Day Twenty-Three

2011-03-23T13:09:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty-Three – What would you find in my bag?

First of all, is this not the cutest bag that I just got from la Target? I love it. And here’s what’s inside, typically:

- A diaper and wipes

- Chapstick

- My phone

- My wallet

- A little zipper bag full of goodies like Tylenol, pens, gum, Benadryl, mace (heck yeah), etc.

- Toy cars

- Fruit snacks

And often times, a whole bunch of old shopping lists that I’m too lazy to take out and throw away.

Day Twenty-Two

2011-03-22T13:10:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty-Two – Your favorite movie(s)

There’s no way I can list just one, so instead I’ll list some of the movies that I can watch over and over again and never seem to get tired of them.

Jurassic Park. Saw this when I was seven. AWESOME then. AWESOME now.

Slumdog Millionaire. One of my all time favorites. Good music, too!

October Sky. I already addressed my Homer Hickham/Jake Gyllenhaal love affair, but this movie is really good and I like it a lot.

Band of Brothers. Ok, so technically this is a miniseries and not a movie, but I still watch it frequently, probably because Chad likes it, too.

Moulin Rouge. A good, tragic love story with catchy song and dance numbers. Awesome.

Geez, there are a lot more, these are just some I could think of off the top of my head. I just realized that they all have great music, so I guess that is what helps make a movie my favorite.

Day Twenty-One

2011-03-21T13:01:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty-One – A picture of something that makes you happy

(photo via pinterest)

I love pink trees.

Day Twenty

2011-03-20T11:32:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty – Someone you love

Oh come on, this is going to be so obvious. And it will probably make you want to throw up a little in your mouth, but I’m just being honest. Yeah, I love Chad. Tender chunks of chicken. But he is really the best and we go together like bagels and cream cheese. It just works!

Five years seems like a long time, and it has been at some points, but I love the little life and the little family that we have created together.

Enough mushy stuff, it’s making me uncomfortable.

Day Nineteen

2011-03-19T13:36:00.001-06:00

Day Nineteen – Nicknames you have and why

I only really have one nickname and hardly anyone uses it anymore. Sometimes my brothers or dad, but that’s about it.

When I was in junior high or middle school I was outside playing. My dad came out to tell me that there was someone on the phone for me and said, “Weegee, the phone’s for you!”

Weegee? Where’d it come from? Who knows. But after that it stuck at home.

Gee, I wish I had an awesome nickname story, but that’s it!

Day Eighteen

2011-03-18T21:13:00.001-06:00

Day Eighteen – Something you crave a lot

This is what I’ve been craving lately. Gyros. Specifically, gyros from Basilas in St. George. Lots of meat and tsaziki sauce. Oh my. FETA. Love it. And I had one tonight. Yum.

Day Seventeen

2011-03-17T13:36:00.001-06:00

Day Seventeen – Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Now, I know I already talked about my food crush, Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, but seriously, I want her life for a day. Her house is freaking awesome, not to mention it’s in East Hampton, NY. I want to go to there.

Seriously, can someone please pay me to cook delish food all day then entertain my yuppy gay friends at night? Come on.

I’ll wear the denim shirts, collar popped, with the bad haircut if it means I get to play rich foodie. Bring it. I think for my special day I’ll plan a special lunch with my two best gays on the beach to celebrate the fifth anniversary of their floral shop. Sounds like a good day to me.

Day Sixteen

2011-03-16T12:53:00.001-06:00

Day Sixteen – Another photo of yourself

Kade and me on my birthday. Yay!

Day Fifteen

2011-03-15T13:56:00.001-06:00

Day Fifteen – Put your iPod on shuffle and list the first 10 songs

* Please keep in mind that I haven’t updated by iPod music selection in probably two years, and it has always been pretty random.

1. “Give a Little Bit” – Goo Goo Dolls

2. “Long Day” – Matchbox Twenty

3. “Help!” – The Beatles

4. “8 Mile” – Eminem (thanks, Chad)

5. “Your Song” – Moulin Rouge soundtrack

6. “One More Sad Song” – The All-American Rejects

7. “Gravity” – John Mayer

8. “Gone! (Radio Mix)” – The Cure

9. “A Message” – Coldplay

10. “Tiny Little Fractures” – Snow Patrol

Wow, yeah I really need an update.

Day Fourteen

2011-03-14T13:00:00.001-06:00

Day Fourteen – A photo of you and your family

Our little family. And the Pink Weenie.

Chad’s side. This is unfortunately the most recent and most decent photo I have of the B. side. Apologies to Erik and also myself for this slightly awkward photo. It’s the best I could do.

And finally, my side. Yay! All my families are the bomb dot com.

Day Thirteen

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Day Thirteen – Your celebrity crush(es)

Best. Day. Ever. And we’re gonna keep it family-friendly around here, but we all know the reason that Ryan Reynolds is the sexiest man alive and it lies beneath that grey crewneck tee. And really, I’m not going to pretend that I have only one celebrity crush.

Oh Jake. You had me at at October Sky.

R.I.P. Heath.

Funny nerds are awesome.

And one just for Chad.

Day Twelve

2011-03-12T13:32:00.001-07:00

Day Twelve – How you found out about Blogger and why you have one

Well, this is really a lame prompt, but I suppose I’ll answer it anyways. I don’t remember how I found out about Blogger. I started this blog about three years ago, but was quite concerned because I thought blogging was weird. But I had just found out that I was pregnant with Kade, so I figured that it would be a good way to share photos and funny stories with my family. And that’s basically why I’ve kept it up, besides as an outlet for writing and ranting…

Day Eleven

2011-03-11T13:10:00.001-07:00

Day Eleven – A perfect day would be…

Sleeping in, waking up to sunshine, eating a tasty breakfast (donuts would be nice), spending the morning getting ready for the day with no interruptions, followed by a trip to browse an antique market, a quick lunch, clothes shopping, a pedicure, getting dressed up for a fancy dinner and maybe a play or even just a movie, then going to bed without worrying about what’s going on the next day.

Day Ten

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Day Ten – It’s my birthday and I don’t feel like blogging today, so enjoy a photo

Kade loves “pi-ruts.”

Day Nine

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Day Nine – Something you’re proud of from the past few days

My daily point of view

I’ve got to say that the thing I am most proud of from the past few days is the accomplishment of still dragging my bottom out of bed at 6:00 a.m. to run three days a week. Especially since I’m the girl who used to very vocally express my hate for running, the fact that I am still doing it at almost 21 weeks and even still enjoying it is pretty strange to me. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll last, as my feet and back are certainly starting to feel the difference that 15 (yes, 15) pounds makes. It helps that I have awesome friends that motivate me and give me a good reason to wake up and go!

Day Eight

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Day Eight – Short term goals for this month and why

I don’t really make many goals, except for my long-term goal of keeping the boy alive, healthy and happy. So I guess you could say my goals for this month are:

- to stay positive and happy, even when I wake up to snow, AGAIN.

- to work out five days a week to keep from getting GI-normous.

- and to eat slightly less like a pig, also to keep from getting GI-normous.

Day Seven

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Day Seven – A picture of someone or something that has the biggest impact on you

I know, I know. It’s pretty obvious. But seriously, this boy. He changed everything. Every part of my life now includes this stinker and I don’t mind. We basically spend all day every day together and while there are often typical two-year-old vs. mother conflicts that arise, I’d say we do a pretty good job of being pals. I can’t imagine my life without him and I don’t want to. I know Chad feels the same way, as his priorities and focus have changed because of our little guy, too. We can’t wait to find out how our little lives will change with the addition of another crazy kid.

Day Six

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Day Six – Five Favorite TV Shows

1. Modern Family – Ah, Phil Dunphy. Cameron and Mitch. This show has me rolling every week.

2. Southland – I don’t watch many dramas. A lot of them seem so cheesy to me, that I just can’t stand it. But this one does not disappoint. Gritty and realistic, with characters you actually care about.

3. 30 Rock – Liz Lemon. Need I say more?

4. Barefoot Contessa – I watch this show once (sometimes twice) a day. Food porn at it’s best.

5 . Reality TV – Such as the Real Housewives, a little Jersey Shore (can’t lie), Hoarders, Intervention, America’s Next Top Model, the Amazing Race, etc. It’s an addiction.

Just for a little comparison, these are Chad’s five favorites (one of them is the same, so we’re doing good!)-

1. Justified

2. Southland

3. White Collar

4. NCIS

5. Basketball

Day Five

2011-03-05T13:41:00.001-07:00

Day Five – A picture of somewhere you’ve been

Now I’m not very well traveled, but we’ve been on a few little trips in our married life and one big cruise. Our very favorite (at least in my opinion) was our trip to Arches N.P. a few months after we were married. We camped out for about a week and had a blast exploring and hiking around, which is saying a lot because I’m not much of a camper. But I do like to hike and I kind of love the desert, so it ended up being a trip that we hope to replicate someday.