The Laughing Place

Downton Abbey

2012-01-30T17:47:00.000-08:00

I thought I couldn't love Downtown Abbey any more, and then I saw these gorgeous pics. I wish I could pull off Mary's lovely porcelain skin. {Sigh.....}

Happy MLK Day

2012-01-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to have a kid that has no concept of "different" skin colors. Race makes no difference to her. The beautiful innocence of a child. I love that we live in a place that gives her plenty of exposure to all kinds of people and I'm so thankful that we live in a time that crazy laws and crazy people don't prevent these friendships.

Girl Heaven

2012-01-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

I don't know who was more excited that AJ got an American Girl doll for Christmas, me or her. We got her the doll and a few accessories and her grandparents gave her a gift certificate so she could pick out the rest. So off we went to Dallas yesterday to the Mecca of girly delight.

It was CRA-ZY! Because they were introducing the new 2012 doll (McKenna - she is really cute!) they had a scavenger hunt-type challenge set up where she would stop at different stations and complete a craft or activity. When she completed them all she got a little prize (a gym bag for her doll, a mirror and a poster).

Then, we headed upstairs to the doll salon so she could get her doll's ears pierced. In contrast to AJ's ear piercing, there was very little anxiety and no tears. :)

Everything was a bit overwhelming, but it was a wonderful day - especially for AJ. She got lots of great stuff, including some matching clothes and pajamas for her and her doll, a pet dog and some sunglasses. Thanks again Grandma and Grandpa! She was still so excited when we got home that she couldn't sleep. She said "I just can't stop thinking about the American Girl Store!" She started back to school today and needless to say, it was hard for her to get out of bed and even harder to have to leave her doll behind. It's gonna be a long day for her...

Eh, I Had A Kid, Whatever

2011-12-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

Apparently even the birth of a child wasn't motivating enough to for me to write a blog post. It's been a strange year, maybe because I spent the majority of it in bed. I'm sure I'll look back on 2011 as "The Phantom Year" since I have little record that it even existed. (Except for the little person I grew and delivered.) But 2012 is going to ROCK! I can already feel it. And since it will be so fabulous maybe I will even blog about something now and then. Maybe. In the meantime, check out my new little person. I love her. LIKE. A. LOT.

Ava Victoria

Born September 16 (4 weeks early)

6 lbs. 15 oz.

I made this before and after print to hang in her nursery. The "before" pic was a week before she was born:

Happy Columbus Day

2011-10-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

Operation: Sticker Therapy

2011-07-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Saw this blog post today and thought I could help. I am gearing up to clean out my scrapbook room anyway.

This is Abigail, who is undergoing cancer treatments. She also loves stickers.

Operation: Sticker Therapy is putting together sticker kits to help distract and entertain the kids as they undergo their treatments. If you have any stickers you want to donate - any kind are great, I would be happy to ship them with mine. I will be sending a package out in a couple of weeks. Or if you would rather mail them directly, shoot me an email and I can give you the address. Thanks in advance to anyone who wants to help.

Dear Craig,

2011-07-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

That pretty much sums up the week, don't you think? XOXO!

So Close I Could Almost Taste It!

2011-07-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

I might have actually beat Craig at bowling, but I choked on the last frame. Someday, victory will be mine...

Fourth of July Weekend

2011-07-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

We finally upgraded my old iPhone to the iPhone 4. I know the 5 is coming out this year, but I couldn't wait anymore. My piece of junk kept freezing up, among other issues and was driving me crazy. Craig finally saw the light and decided to switch over from the droid too. Now that everything is up to speed, I'm realizing how bad my old one had really gotten. It's so nice to have things functioning normally. I downloaded some new stuff too, and I am LOVING the Instagram App. I used it to document all our patriotic activities this weekend. We had a great time - hope you did too!

Saturday, AJ wanted a star in her hair for watching fireworks that night.

She completed her look with a patriotic manicure.

What's a holiday weekend without a nap?!

We have been getting snowcones almost everyday. There is a place around the corner from our house that has the best EVAH! It's too dang hot to eat anything else!!!

AJ and I made Red, White and Blue Popcorn for her and her friends to munch on during fireworks. It was yummy. Recipe HERE.

Amy and AJ - I overheard them saying even though AJ would have a sister soon, Amy doesn't have a sister so they have to be best friends until they both DIE!!! This conversation was immediately followed by how to coordinate their outfits for the next park day. These are their big concerns. I love the simple life of kids.

Glowsticks are always a hit with the kids.

Great fireworks.

Today, we did a BBQ by the pool with Craig's brother Paul and wife Jess. It's been fun having family down here to celebrate with.

It's also fun to swim when it's a billion degrees outside. Did I mention how hot it is?!

The ever-charming snorkel mask.

AJ loves scary movies. We all went to see Super 8. I was worried it might be a bit much for her, but she did OK. After it was over, she told us the scariest part was the fake zombie movie the kids were filming. She wasn't even scared of the alien. I thought the show was pretty good - kind of like a next generation Goonies (but set in the 70's.) And just FYI, much like the Goonies, this one had a bit of bad language.

We wrapped the weekend up with dinner at BJ's. They have a pretty good gluten-free menu, for anyone out there who has a super-fun gluten allergy like me.

What a great weekend! I love Independence Day and am so thankful for the freedoms we enjoy. A big salute to the men and women (and their families) who defend those freedoms and make sacrifices so I can enjoy days like these. Happy Fourth everyone!

Photo Fun: Day 10 - Animal

2011-06-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

Dixie

She's such a cuddler. She just wants to live on someone's lap, all the time. She really has become part of the family. We love her.

Photo Fun: Day 9 - Fresh Fruit

2011-06-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

Although berries will always be my first love, I have been craving lots of oranges since I got pregnant.

Photo Fun: Day 8 - Sunset

2011-06-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

Photo Fun: Day 7 - High Angle

2011-06-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

Apparently High Angle = Huge Stomach and Midget Feet

My prego physique does look bad in real life, but not this bad. Yet.

Photo Fun: Day 6 - Books

2011-06-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

We always have a bag of books checked out from the library. This is our current stash. 10 for AJ, 2 for me.

My rule for AJ is to always have 10 books checked out. Even if she doesn't want 10 while we are at the library (though that rarely happens), I grab a couple extras until we get to the magic number. That way, I always know how many I need to round-up on the due date.

Photo Fun: Day 5 - Breakfast Today

2011-06-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

I had big plans for homemade gluten-free waffles this morning, but A.J. woke up throwing up, poor thing. So this is what I got instead:

Photo Fun: Day 4 - Clouds

2011-06-04T12:49:00.001-07:00

Since there's not a cloud in the sky today, I have nothing to photograph. So I'm cheating a little. I took these photos last week when we were having crazy tornados. These were right above our house, you could see the clouds spinning. A few tornados touched down in the area, but luckily we escaped without any damage.

Last Day of School

2011-06-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Today was A.J.'s last day of Kindergarten. WAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! Not because she's home. In fact, I am ecstatic that she's out and we can spend the Summer together. I've missed her! Plus, this is the last Summer it will just be the two of us, so I want to make the most of it. But I can't believe how quickly the year went by. My baby's growing up WAY too fast.

First Day of Kindergarten:

Last Day of Kindergarten:

Pics from her graduation program (for grandma and grandpa): Her class sang "You Are My Sunshine" and the whole grade sang "What a Wonderful World". I feel like I've already sat through my share of boring, cheesy programs, but this one was actually really cute.

A.J. and her teacher Mrs. McGinn:

Photo Fun: Day 3 - Hands

2011-06-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

It's already so hot outside! I have a feeling we'll be going through lots of these this Summer.

Photo Fun: Day 2 - Your Favorite Shoes

2011-06-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

Who said I have to have one favorite? I would say this is my favorite ROW of shoes...

Photo Fun in June: Day 1 - Self Portrait

2011-06-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

I rarely follow-thru on anything, especially when it comes to my blog. So I thought I'd try to change it up a bit and see if I can complete this 30-day photo challenge. We'll see.

Here's the list, you can join too!:

Here we go: Day 1 - Self Portrait (Whenever AJ hears a camera click, she magically appears and insists on being in the photo. In this case, I think she improved it, especially since she was wearing magical gift wrapping bows which give her special powers.)

Outnumbered

2011-05-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

He's a boy

I'm a girl

She's a girl too

Even she is a girl

And today we found out...

IT'S ANOTHER GIRL!

Craig doesn't stand a chance. ;)

And I was like Baby, Baby, Baby Ohhhhhh

2011-05-24T11:17:00.001-07:00

Wow. Four months since my last post. I can't even do quarterly. Shameful.

HOWEVER, this time I feel like I have a legitimate excuse. Exactly 8 days after my last post, I found out I had one of these growing in me:

It took precisely 7 more days before I turned into this:

Throw in a few early complications which = short-term bedrest and I could have posted four months of "What I Wore Wednesday" that look like this - everyday:

But that doesn't make for good blogging now, does it? I am slowly staring to feel good again- a little better everyday. I still have the occasional really bad day. Mostly I'm just queazy and run-down. And moody.

However, today is monumental for me - 20 weeks! I am officially halfway through my pregnancy. I wasn't sure I would even survive this long. Don't get me wrong. I am thankful for the opportunity to have another baby. After a trying miscarriage and a year of random health issues (more on that another time) we weren't sure this would ever happen for us again. That said, it's been brutal. This little kid inside me has been slowly poisoning me, and took me to the brink of death. Then maybe it realized it needs me so it can finish growing, so it has started backing off a little. Can't wait to see the tortures it brings once it's out. Thank heavens for my supportive husband and wonderful friends who rallied to help me through. They brought flowers, cooked meals, even cleaned my house. A.J.'s been a little trooper too. I'm sure she misses her old mommy. Love you all!

PS-Since the baby was uncooperative at our last appointment, we still don't know the sex. Hoping we will be able to find out tomorrow - stay tuned.

Chalkboard Vinyl

2011-01-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, we gave AJ this chalkboard vinyl decal for her room. BEST GIFT EVAH! She loves it, and spend lots of time in her room "practicing her sentences". I love the delightful little artwork she creates when she thinks no one will see it. Like this:

Did you know...

2011-01-26T14:08:00.000-08:00

...you can have happiness delivered right to your front door?

It comes in a box that looks like this:

It's wrapped in heart tissue paper:

My heart is pounding:

{{is it just me, or do you also hear a chorus of heavenly angels?}}

Back view - yum! {Plus, it draws attention away from the rest of my backside ;)}

Even the bottoms exude joy:

Happiness, in fresh supply here.

Problem Child

2011-01-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

AJ got in trouble at school today. She came home from school with a note from her gym teacher, Coach Barber. The note included - and I quote - "lack of self-control" and "excessive talking".

As part of her standard punishment, (yes this has happened before) I make her write an apology letter. Check out the awesomeness:

Try to enforce consequences after a sweet apology like that! Sometimes being a parent is hard.

Too Cute To Eat (almost)

2011-01-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

Do you like those little Baybel cheeses? They are a favorite snack around our house, but I never thought to cut the wax into little hairstyles. I thought these were too cute!

Found here.

It's a Book

2011-01-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

This is funny. In a world where technology has completely taken over, I am glad my daughter still likes to read.

Craig - This does NOT mean I don't still want a Kindle for our anniversary. I love real books most, but I wouldn't mind a book I have to "charge-up". :)

Hell Has Frozen Over

2010-12-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

This is the post I never thought I'd write. We got a dog. Me. A dog owner. I swore it would never happen. I am not an animal person. I am definitely not an animal-owning kind of person. I think the best pet is a neighbor pet. And even then it's iffy because they can still bark and crap on your lawn.

But AJ begged - for years. She and Craig would take trips to the local shelter to visit. And on one particular visit in September, we found a great dog and I relented {gasp!} And now I have to admit, she has even charmed me. The non-animal-loving-semi-germaphobe-I-am-not-picking-THAT-up me. And I love her.

Her name is Dixie. She's a long-haired Chihuahua. She is just over a year old. She fits in my purse. (Although I'm not the crazy carry-your-dog-in-your-purse-lady...yet)

The first night we brought her home, she snuggled up with AJ and slept with her all night. AWWWWWW...

In the morning AJ was anxious to give her a mini-makeover. Baths are easy since she fits so nicely in the kitchen sink:

And of course, what makeover is complete without a manicure?

Notice the matching polish...

I really can't complain. She's not a yapper, as most little dogs are. She just wants to sleep on your lap all the time. And she lets AJ drag her around like a stuffed animal - poor thing. But I have to say, I'm glad the newness hasn't worn off for AJ as it often tends to do. She still can't wait to get home from school and see her and wants to play with her all the time. I think that little dog was just the extra dose of love we needed around here.

Costume Caper

2010-12-02T11:35:00.001-08:00

Dressing up is AJ's number one favorite thing to do. We don't buy her toys, we buy costumes. But what I find so funny is that she will put on a costume, and then go about her day as if nothing's out of the ordinary. Here are a few things I've caught her doing:

Dusting as Batman (I think?):

Working on the Computer as "Spiderman":

Crocodile browning hamburger for dinner:

And just so CPS doesn't come a knockin', she LIKES to do all those things. I am not a child slave driver. Maybe if I could figure out a way to have her take a bath with a costume on, it wouldn't be such a chore!

Happy Tunesday: Hereafter

2010-11-30T14:47:00.001-08:00

I thought the movie was OK, but the soundtrack is beautiful. Very relaxing and great background music. The acoustic guitar is fab.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2010-11-29T12:14:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend; we sure did. Rochelle fed us dinner (athankya) and on Friday, we avoided the shopping crowds and took AJ to see Tangled.

She has been watching the trailer everyday for almost 6 months (note the barely-containable excitement on her face)

and I must say, it did not disappoint. It was sweet and funny and Craig and I may or may not have cried at the end.
We enjoyed some yumminess at j.raes bakery. Cupcake frosting is INSANE...

We also just happened to be downtown for the Parade of Lights.

We took in the festivities for a while and then spent the night at the Omni Hotel.

We got the hookup with a corner room which had floor to ceiling windows on two walls which gave us an amazing view of downtown. We didn't take any pics, but we also stayed there last year at Christmas time and I don't think I ever posted those pics, so now seems like a good time.

Nice hotels are most famous for:

super-bouncy beds, right? (Hey AJ - crack kills!)

Pristine game-playing surfaces:

Wrestling matches:

And spa robes. AJ made herself comfortable for her favorite part - milk and warm cookies sent up at turndown.

Thanksgiving was great - Bring on Christmas!!!

Nice.

2010-11-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

Just what every parent hopes their daughter will wear to her 18th birthday party.

It's time

2010-11-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

I have missed you blog. It will take me a while to catch you up. It's been a busy 7 months. Let's just start from here on out, with the occasional backdated post.

Halloween Recap

2010-11-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

Decorating Cookies:
A.J. swears she wasn't snitching the icing. I guess those black teeth are from all the tobacco she's been chewing.

Fun at the school carnival:

We attacked her with silly string. We thought it was much funnier than she did.

Dressed up as "Pinkalicious" for school Storybook Character Day:

Trick-or-Treating with best friend Kenzi:

Craig and I went to our friends' annual Halloween Party. It gets a little crazy trying to come up with funny adult costumes each year. This year, we went as the Geico Caveman and Flo from Progressive.

My costume was pretty easy, but for Craig we ordered a facial prosthetic online. It was quite the experience, both the application and the removal. But it was a hit - we even won the costume contest!

Jailbreak - Not your average date

2010-09-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Last year, Craig ran in the Warrior Dash and has so much fun, he talked me into joining him for the Jailbreak. It is a 3.8 mile mud run and obstacle course. And I mean mud - you wade through it, crawl through it, slide down it and into the river. No way around it, you're gonna get dirty. All proceeds go to charity, so he tried to appeal to my conscience as well. Can't believe I said yes. Can't believe I did it. Can't believe I actually had a great time.

We parked at Texas Motor Speedway and then they bussed us into the race site, "prison style". Notice how nice and clean we are?

This is us after the finish:

So much for my manicure:

'xcuse me mam? You have something on your face...

Once upon a time, these were white socks:

Your shoes are pretty much trashed after an event like this, but you can donate them and they clean them up and send them to countries where they are desperately needed. There were three other piles like this, and it was only the first day of the race:

Doing some good in the world, getting a little exercise, and breaking out of the dinner-and-a-movie routine. Not a bad date after all!

Easter Countdown Days 5-1

2010-04-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Day 5: Visit the Easter Bunny (I have this, instead of a picture of AJ with the Easter Bunny. Criminal! Our cheapness won out.)

Day 4: Color an Easter Picture

Day 3: Have An Egg Hunt

Day 2: Color Easter Eggs

Day 1: Jerusalem Dinner (We doctored the menu a bit. I think someday we may even do an actual passover dinner, but for now we wanted food that AJ would actually eat. I quite enjoyed it myself.)

Her favorite was the olives.)

Menu: Gyro Meet
Flatbread
Hummus
Cheese
Olives
Dates
Apricots
Pistachios
Raisins
Grapes
Pomogranate Soda (Which turned out to be white instead of red - bummer!)

Happy Tunesday: Mr. Lova Lova

2010-03-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a playlist to help get you "in the mood" (if you even can get in the mood after THAT picture):

What I've Been Waiting For by Brian McKnight
Crazy Love by Michael Buble
Sex Therapy by Robin Thicke
Edge of Desire by John Mayer
You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
You Make It Real by James Morrison

Easter Countdown Day 6: Read an Easter Book

2010-03-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Easter Countdown Day 7: Watch An Easter Movie

2010-03-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

Easter Countdown Day 8: Easter Cards

2010-03-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Mail Easter cards to people you love. (This can be done while wearing a Spiderman costume.)

Easter Countdown Day 9: Do An Easter Craft

2010-03-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

A.J. picked out a ceramic bunny to paint from Hobby Lobby.

Easter Countdown Day 10: Eggshell Artwork

2010-03-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

Think glitter made out of crushed up eggshells...

Easter Countdown Day 11: Jellybean Bracelets

2010-03-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Jellybeans, Stretch Magic String, Large Needle, Scissors.

Sort your beans by color

Carefully poke needle through beans

And pull onto string

Eat plenty as you go

Tie off string for a finished product. (Make sure to follow knot-tying instructions on back of string package. A square knot WILL NOT WORK! You will have to restring your beans AGAIN and profanity will likely be used. I'm just sayin'.)

Pose for silly picture to model your new jewelry

Rock On

2010-03-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

The rock collecting is getting out of control. This was already on the shelf:

This is what I found in her pocket when she got home from school:

This was in the other pocket:

She is so proud. Calls them her treasures.

I call them:

-the things that rattle around in my washing machine
-the reason my purse randomly weighs 5 pounds more than usual
-what half the vacuum tube at the car wash is full of
-the reason every 15-minute walk/bike-ride takes 45 minutes

I'm aware, that someday I'll call them treasures too.

Easter Countdown Day 12: Confetti Eggs

2010-03-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

The best $2 you will EVER spend!

Easter Countdown

2010-03-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Saw this cute idea featured on Tip Junkie and decided to run with it. I was lazy and Sharpied the numbers on instead of using cute rub-ons. (But that will make it easier to toss it in the trash after Easter!) I am a total sucker for a good countdown. It makes everything so much more exciting. And I'm glad that A.J. shares my enthusiasm.

Each egg contains a Veggie Tales Chocolate and an Easter activity for us to do together. I am (hopefully) going to document each day with a photo of our activity.

The Mouth Of Babes

2010-03-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

I present to you, another installment of A.J.'s deep pondering wisdom:

A.J., trying to stall falling asleep, calls her mother back into her room for the third time.

AJ: Mom, where does Heavenly Father gets his power?

Mom: Uh, He's always had it. (???)

AJ: So He can do ANYTHING?

Mom: Yep.

AJ: Like he could even help me get dressed if he wanted to?

Mom: (Thinking the magnitude is lost on her) He could even pick up a whole mountain and move it somewhere else if he wanted to.

AJ leans forward, eyes wide with excitement and understanding.

AJ: So, you're telling me, He could even take out His own eyeball and put it back in?!!??!?

Mom: Ya, I guess if He wanted to.

AJ: Goodnight Mom. I'm gonna have to think about this for a while.

Batgirl

2010-03-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

There's been a Batman obession at our house lately.
This is AJ & Morgan playing Mariocart on the Wii (her other obsession):

To AJ's sheer delight, she was invited to a Batman-themed birthday party last week. I found an adult Batman shirt on clearance at Kohl's ($4 - yeah!) and refashioned it into a dress for her for the party:

And what's a dress without a matching hair flower:

They made capes and masks at the party, which pretty much haven't come off since.

In fact, she fell asleep with them on. We removed them before we went to sleep, only to wake up in the morning and discover this:

Obsessed much?

No Envy Here

2010-03-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

I have a deep, deep love of good nail polish. Next to shoes, it's one of my favorite things to buy and I like having lots of choices on hand. And because of this little miracle called Sticky,

my manicures last at least a week, sometimes two. Since I have an hour to kill each week while waiting at A.J.'s dance class, it's become my nail-painting time.

Another mom was sitting next to me as I started applying the Sticky basecoat, which looks green in the bottle but goes on clear, and said "Phew, I thought you were painting your nails green!" She chuckled, obviously relieved to not be sitting next to some freaky punk.

I sheepishly pulled out my (green-indeed) polish and tried to explain that my daughter wanted us to both do it for St. Patrick's day. She just said "OK" and casually moved to another seat. She's obviously jealous. It takes a classy lady to pull of "Green-wich Village".

Happy Tunesday: Back to The Gym

2010-03-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

I'm hittin' the gym again - hoping to "have a little work done". I fell into quite a slump there for a while, and I'm paying the price. Here are a few new tunes to get you going:

Tik Tok by Kei$ha
Hey, Soul Sister by Train (I SO LOVE this song)
Who I Want To Be by Everday Heroes
A Lifeless Ordinary by Motion City Soundtrack
Dollhouse by Priscilla Renea
Hot Mess by Cobra Starship
Rockstar by Prima J

It Won't Be Long Now...

2010-03-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

It's been about a month since I was called as Young Women's President in our ward (hence the lack of blog posts for the last month.) Now all I can do is warn others to stand back and wait for my head to explode.

I am going to attempt to catch up, as I've been doing lots of exciting projects around the house. In the meantime, here are some pics for the grandparents:

Silly Sock and Sunglass Day (learning the letter S):

Pajama Day At School & Mommy-and-Me Breakfast:

Child Slave-Labor:

Posing for the camera:

Dear Al Gore, suck on this

2010-02-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, we received record-breaking snowfall. Growing up in Salt Lake, this shouldn't have phased me, but I realized how quickly I became a softie living down here. Plus, we don't put up with the super hot-and-humid summers for nothing. We do it for a mild winter. But I can't complain too much. AJ has been in heaven and now it's all melted, save the gorey remains of what once was our snowman. Here is a boring video I uploaded for the grandparents to watch:

Red Umbrella

2010-02-12T06:16:00.000-08:00

How my heart aches, because it can't convince my brain to spend $175 on this:

Valentine Crafting

2010-02-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Each year, I like Valentine's Day a little more. Not because of the romance and junk, but the pretty colors and decorations are so cheery. It really feels like love in the air.

I was always amazed at how much money people charge for homeade banners. They seemed easy to make and I figured I could do one quick and cheap. But now I know. Lots more time than I thought. Still worth the effort, I think. This is it:

I didn't take into account the space between each block, so it hangs a little lower than I wanted. I'll know better next time.

AJ has been obsessed lately with dressing up in dance clothes. I made her this valentine shirt so she could feel like she's wearing a tutu and still be allowed into school. Saw the tutorial here. (A.J. was clearly in rare form while posing for these pics)

And what's a new shirt without a new flower to go with it?

And while I was at it, I figured my niece in Utah might like one too.

Now I'm trying to decide if I have enough left in me to make Valentines for all my friends...(doubtful, but I love you all anyway!)

300th Blog Post

2010-02-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

Wahoo! I don't think I've ever done 300 of anything. (Except I probably ate over 300 pieces of candy this week, but that's not something to blog about...)

10 YEARS!!!

2010-01-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

How can it be?! Ten years ago today,

I got all dressed up

Met up with this guy

Joined a handful of family and friends

And made it official.

(No great photo with the temple in the background, as Main Street was under serious construction - boo!)

10 years. TEN YEARS OF MARRIAGE! I really can't believe it. It's been a pretty great ride so far and I'm looking forward to the next ten...million! Happy Anniversary Sweetie. Love you!!!

New Bed

2010-01-28T06:26:00.000-08:00

Today I am getting a new bed. Saturday we were out and about in Southlake and stopped in at Weirs Furniture. They were having a great sale and we scored on a new bed. We have been waiting forever to find something we liked. For the past, ahem, several years, we have been sleeping on a mattress and hidden bedframe, like white trash. No rails, no footboard, not even a headboard. Needless to say, I am psyched! This is the beginning of FINALLY getting our master bedroom decorated. This is what it looks like, only we got it in cream instead of black.

I am going to punch out the dotted panels and add padded fabric panels instead, just as soon as I decide on curtains and bedding. {giddy}

Happy Tunesday: Spring Cleaning

2010-01-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

I know it's not technically Spring yet, but taking down the Christmas decorations always gets me in the mood to do some house cleaning. I am in the process of reorganizing my bedroom closet, among other things, and this is what's keeping me motivated.

Blessed by Brett Dennen
Yesterday Morning by Nina Storey
Wake Me Up by JT Spangler
You Are The One by Meritxell
Love Is by Scott Klass of the Davenports
Sky and the Sea by Lauren Molina
Lucky Day by Erinn Allison
Reasons To Love You by Meiko

Nic Cage As Everyone

2010-01-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

Saw this website over at Mindi's blog (love that chick)and laughed till it hurt. Too good not share. You should check it out for yourself, but here are some of my favs:
Nic as Zac Efron

Nic as Willy Wonka

Nic as Vanilla Ice

Nic as Suzy Ormon

Nic as Michael Jackson

Nic as Hurley

Nic as Friends

Nic as Elian Gonzalez

Nic as Buzz Lightyear

Nic as Blossom

Nic as Bob Ross

Nic as Bella

Nic as Baby

Nic as Amelia

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T18:10:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to the Nutcracker Ballet at Bass Hall with friends Joan and Chad.

When people saw our mad skills, they thought we were IN the play. I don't blame them - we're that good.

Today is Christmas Eve, so naturally we had lunch at Whataburger.

And...are you ready for this... it's SNOWING. We are going to have a white Christmas after all.

Considering the fact that it was in the 70's yesterday and we had the air conditioner on, this really is a Christmas miracle.

I'm off to roast marshmallows in the fireplace and nestle my child all snug in her bed so the sugar plums can start dancing. Merry Christmas to all!!!

Merry Tunesday

2009-12-22T06:21:00.000-08:00

So last year, I bought this Christmas album and it was totally my fav. Still enjoying it (rather a lot actually), but I've added to it.

This year, I've added picks from this (awesome!)and this. Here is the playlist I keep on repeat:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Barenaked Ladies w/Sara McLachlin
Someday At Christmas by Jack Johnson
Song For A Winter's Night by Sara McLachlin
Oh Holy Night by Avril Lavigne and Chantal Kreviazuk
The First Noel by Leigh Nash
Maybe This Christmas by Ron Sexsmith
Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer by Jack Johnson
All That I Want by The Weepies
No Christmas For Me by Zee Avi
Blue Christmas by The Perishers
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Hem
Guadete by Mediaeval Baebes
Silent Night by Zach Gill
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Martina Sorbara
Green Christmas by Barenaked Ladies
The Man In The Santa Suit by Neil Halstead
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear by Sixpence None The Richer
Sweet Secret Peace by Neil Finn
Christmas Time by ALO

Christmas Cards

2009-12-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

They are a beating. I don't know why I do it. Lots of work. No one send me a Christmas card. Seriously. We got one this year - from Craig's Aunt. Now I totally know what Charlie Brown was talking about. But all of mine should have been received by now, so here it is.

Front:

Back:

No...

2009-12-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, this really is the restaurant they just put in by my house. Lovely.

Hallelujah!

2009-12-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

I think I've reached a point in the season where I finally have time to update my blog. Christmas cards have been sent, the last gift packages are shipping today, presents are bought, decorations are done. Besides neighbor gifts, I think I only have to sit back an enjoy the rest of the month (and blog). I hope someone still reads this!

BTW - I am back-dating my posts for the last two months for my own journal keeping.

The Nativity Exhibit

2009-12-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Every year, the Colleyville Stake puts on an AMAZING Nativity exhibit. This year, they had over 900 Nativities on display. After we toured the exhibit, we watched the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional. A perfect way to kick off the Christmas season!

Bell Helicopter Day at Six Flags

2009-12-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

Instead of a Christmas Party, Craig's work has Bell Day at Six Flags. Not my choice, but no one asked me. So there you go.

And since we paid for our tix ahead of time, we went even though it was FREEZING. But we bundled up and made the best of it:

Santa in front of the chopper at the main entrance:

Hot chocolate with the Looney Toons Gang:

Waiting in line to see Santa:

The big guy himself:

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

We started the celebration early, going bowling the night before. And remember the flamin finger from last April? Well, I rocked it again. While playing around in the bowling alley arcade, I hit the ticket motherload. And that's the 2nd time in a week I beat the flamin finger, believe it or not. Last Saturday, Laurie, Lisa and I went to Etsy Dallas and while waiting for dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse, you guessed it. Beat the Flamin' Finger AGAIN.

I think I've finally found my spiritual gift.

For Thanksgiving dinner, we joined Rochelle and her family - scrumdidilyumptious! More friends joined us for dessert,

the guys watched sports,

the ladies chatted,

and the kids roasted marshmallows in the backyard.

It was a pretty perfect day. I'm thankful!

New Moon Movie Premier

2009-11-20T10:12:00.000-08:00

I camped out with a bunch of my crazies for the midnight showing of New Moon. I enjoyed the movie (better than the first movie, still not as good as the book), but I think I enjoyed the hours leading up to the movie even more.

AJ's Thankful Harvest Program

2009-11-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

I feel that I have officially entered the realm of parenthood, now that I have sat through a riveting preschool singing performance. AJ mostly stood there NOT singing, and trying to avoid making eye contact with me.

After the program, we had a delicious feast of cold chicken nuggets and baby carrots. Yes, I am truly a mother now.

AJ, Kenzie & Brooklyn

Game Night

2009-11-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

Buffalo Wild Wings is always a fun place for dinner.

Sometimes AJ really gets into it.

Halloween

2009-10-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

Craig & I went to a Halloween party dressed as "Indians". I was a dot-indian, he was a feather-indian:

A.J. wanted to be Tinkerbell (from the Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure movie - which came out 4 days before Halloween and 2 days before her class party?!), leaving me little time to construct a costume. She was please with the results, which was all that mattered. I think it was the glitter, ahem, "pixie dust" that sold her.
This is what I had to go on...

This was the result:

We did easy dinner this year - a pumpkin shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's and "witch potion".

Dry ice is always a hit at our house.

Of course we needed to carve a Tinkerbell pumpkin to go with her costume:

After the trunk-or-treat, AJ's friend Aimee and Geoffrey joined us for some neighborhood trick-or-treating.

What a haul! I'm ashamed to say that even this much loot didn't last long at our house. I do love candy.

Family Night Out

2009-10-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

We had a fun night at Color Me Mine, a ceramic studio in Flower Mound. AJ painted her own plate, (wish has subsequently made dinner time better for her.)

After we finished painting, we went to dinner at Babe's for some of the best home-cookin' you can find. Oh, my mouth just watered.

Good times!

Her Name Was Lola...

2009-10-26T09:45:00.001-07:00

She's my new perfume.

Marc Jacobs has done it again. Ooo La La. This is MY fragrance. It's like it was made for me. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Plus, how can you pass on the fantastic bottle design?! Makes me happy, yes indeed.

Elementary School Fall Carnival

2009-10-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

AJ won't actually go to this school until next year, but we have friends on the PTA who invited us. We had a blast.

Pumpkin Decorating

Face Painting

Duck Pond

Beanbag Toss

Pumpkin Roll

Wiiiiiiinnnnnnnnerrrrrrr!

Digging for Gold

Musical Chairs

AJ's favorite prize (yay for me...)

5K

2009-10-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

Craig ran in a 5K last Saturday in support of a local youth getting his Eagle Scout Award. He did great - ran it in 30 min. Way to go honey! AJ and I waited at the start/finish line sipping hot chocolate.

Once Craig finished, AJ decided she wanted to run too and took several laps up and down the sidewalk.

Bliss

2009-10-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

Book Orders - one of the highlites of my childhood. When the teacher would pass out the flyers, (and grouchily tell us to immediately put them in our backpacks) I would anxiously fidget until I could race home and spend hours combing through them with my trusty highlighter. The only thing better? The following Friday when I would enter the classroom and find a stack of glossy new books waiting on my desk. True bliss.

Even still, coming home with a heavy bag from Barnes and Noble tops my list. So imagine my shear delight when A.J. came home from school with her first book order. And I may have been a little teary-eyed when she whipped out a highlighter and started circling.

Happy Tunes: Lady Antebellum

2009-10-20T06:26:00.000-07:00

I think this album is fantastic! If you like any kind of country, give it a try. If you don't, give it a try anyway. It may surprise you.

Breakfast of Champions

2009-10-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Because of this handy device,

I can literally have a breakfast sandwich, with bacon and cheese, in under 90 seconds. No joke.

And because of this lovely purchase,

I can accompany it with one of my favorite seasonal beverages, the caramel apple spice.

It almost makes me look forward to waking up early. Almost.

Primary Temple Trip

2009-10-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

Today the primary kids all got to go to the Dallas Temple. A member of the Temple Presidency came out and talked to the kids in the foyer and the kids all sang primary songs. It was fun for AJ to be able to go inside. It's something that's talked about a lot in our house, so it was good for her to be able to see it for herself.

Mostly, she was just excited to hang out with her friend Aimee.

And it was funny to watch 3 dozen kids try to smile without squinting in the sun!

More Utah Tourism

2009-10-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

I think I'm getting close to the end of our summer posts. I rock! I mean, it's only October?!

The ever-exciting Bingham Copper Mine:

Craig thinks you should always teach your kids to follow the rules:

Our favorite curry spot in Downtown Salt Lake:

We attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house:

Ate chinese for dinner that night - AJ was diggin' the giant fortune cookie:

Went camping, aka slept in the motorhome in Grandma's driveway:

Went shooting with Grandpa Nielsen at Eagle Mountain:

AJ tried her hand at throwing pigeons (didn't work out too well):

And shooting was a "bit noisy" for her:

She truly had most fun collecting "treasure" (discarded shotgun shells):

Toward the end of our stay, I escaped to attend BYU-Idaho Education Week with friends:

And also spent a few days in Mesquite, NV with my mom and her friend. (No pics because this is all we were doing):

You've Got Supper

2009-10-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

So check out this fantastic website! Simply give them your email address and they will plan out your dinners for the week, recipes AND grocery list. This will save me at least an hour a week. That's 52 hours a year. Just think what you can do with 52 hours...

This Lady Is Amazing!

2009-10-14T11:56:00.001-07:00

Have you seen this blog?

Last year she made this - AND GAVE IT AWAY! Go look at the photos, seriously.

This year, it's this.

Amazing. Wish I had talent like that.

A Jolly Holiday With Mary

2009-10-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went to the Mary Poppins Broadway Musical. It was really great. This was AJ's first theatre experience, and she loved it. I think she was a little ancy at the end, but that's a long time to sit still for a four-year-old. But when it was over, she wanted to see it again. She also insited that she would fall over dead if she didn't have the Mary Poppins umbrella and since her umbrella just broke, we caved (SUCKAS!). Can't say I regret it. It hasn't left her hands since.

Happy Tunesday: Chillout

2009-10-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

Rock and Roll by Eric Hutchinson
Sunday Best by Augustana
Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Tangled and Wild by Oh Susanna
She Is Love by Parachute
Closer To Love by Mat Kearney
Other Side Of The World by KT Tunstall
Don't Believe In love by Dido
Sleeps With Butterflies by Tori Amos
Big Jumps by Emiliana Torrini
Say by John Mayer

Holy Crap

2009-10-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

Truly, there are no words. (Maybe because my mouth is full)

BTW - Why are the best treats always "Limited Edition"? It's bunk!

Texas State Fair 2009 (Or the day we ate Fried Butter)

2009-10-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Texas State Fair last week. AJ's favorite was the Bubble House, which she did twice. Plus, I am a sucker for fair food. Remember? My favorite this year, Fried Peaches and Cream:

We also gave the Fried Butter a try (how can you not?):

It was actually pretty good. Nevermind that you increase your risk of heart-attack by 5000%

The Bubble House

Feeding the animals

Craig nearly got his eyes pecked out by this ostrich

Little Hands On The Farm

AJ got picked to go up on stage for the puppet show

Me and AJ with Big Tex

Check out these creepy photos! Craig and AJ went on the scary funhouse ride, but these pictures look scary, don't they?!

The view from the skyway that goes over the fair

And lucky us... we get to do it all over again this weekend after Mary Poppins.

Not That I'm Complaining...

2009-10-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

because I'm not. The mild Texas winters are one of my favorite things about living here, but I'm wishing I had a reason to buy this. Isn't it lovely?

Happy Tunesday

2009-10-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

My playlist today consists of:

Smile by Uncle Kracker (I LOVE THIS SONG!)
Take It Home by White Tie Affair
Dance by Lady Gaga
I Run To You by Lady Antebellum
How You Love Me Now by Hey Monday
Fireflies by Owl City
Don't Stop Believin' - "Glee" cast version (DON'T JUDGE)
Tell Me What To Do by Metro Station

Zoo Passes

2009-10-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

We FINALLY broke down and bought season passes to the zoo. We went 3 times in the first two weeks. The weather will be getting cold soon, but I think we'll be getting a lot of use out of them this year.

AJ being a penguin.

Lunch at the pizza place. It was a cool, cloudy day and we had the whole place to ourselves. Perfect!

We love the train!

The Invention of a Crappy Movie

2009-10-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

Craig and I went to this show on Friday. We were so excited to see it. I think Ricky Gervais is hilarious and I thought this was a great concept for a movie. It started out funny, but tanked about half-way through. What they don't tell you in the preview, is that the big "lie" he comes up with is that there is a God, a place we go after we die, etc. etc. It is very offensive to anyone who is Christian - in fact several people got up and walked out. Just a heads-up if you are thinking of seeing this film, it's not what it's promoted to be.

Fall Fun at Calloway's Nursery

2009-10-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

We took a quick break from watching conference to decorate some pumpkins

and plant flowers.

Popcorn and treats to be had for all, plus I found a great cinderella pumpkin and some cool apple gourds.

Timpanogos Cave

2009-10-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

While we were in Utah this summer, we hiked up to Timp Cave with A.J. She was a trooper and did most of the hike herself (she did hitch a shoulder ride or two). The hike is only 1 1/2 miles each way, but you gain over 1000ft. in elevation. She was a little nervous at first going into the cave, but she calmed down pretty quick and we had a great time.

The view on the way up

At the cave entrance (The little hole above our heads was the original entrance when the cave was first discovered)

A.J. had her hood on most of the time because she kept getting dripped on

In front of "The Heart of Timpanogos", the largest stalactite. (Note A.J.'s tribute)

They call this one "The Chef". Can you see it, with his fat tummy and chef's hat?

More pics of the cave - which really don't do it justice. It is pretty magnificent. I recommend it if you are ever in the Salt Lake area.

And as soon as we started driving home...

Boots - It's a Love/Hate Relationship

2009-09-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

I love boots. So so happy they are in this fall. On the OUTSIDE of your jeans, so you can love them in all their leather glory. But finding the right ones? It's safe to say that the perfect casual brown boot has become my nemeses.

I bought a version of these about 5 years ago, justifiying the cost by saying that it was a staple, a classic look, THESE will be a lifetime in my closet.

So I ordered them. AND THEY KILL MY FEET. I now only wear them when I don't have to walk more than 50 yards in an evening. Which is pretty much never.

So this year, I wanted a more casual brown boot to wear over my jeans. When I saw THESE online,

I loved them, but didn't want to pay even that much, unless I had to. So I looked around - ALOT. Couldn't find anything. Finally resigned myself to the idea of spending more on brown boots and went to buy them. Walked in, saw them sitting there - as beautiful in real life as in the catalog, tried them on and...

they looked ridiculous. My feet looked like little round knobs. I don't know if the toe was too round or what, but the ankles were baggy - everything was just WRONG. And these were my back-up boots. My go-to-if-I-can't-find-any-other-boots boots. Then I was really perturbed.

So I finally settled for these, which I like a lot,

but they don't make my heart thumpity-thump.

Also picked up these which I think are fun.

Target is always my trusty friend.
Have you seen any great boots out there I should know about?

Happy Tunesday: Mika

2009-09-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

This new album is GREAT! Buy it now and spunk up your fall today.

2009-09-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

I am LOVING these napkin rings.

Something I'll Miss About Summer...

2009-09-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Snowcones.

Ouch!

2009-09-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

I saw this on TV at the gym yesterday and about fell off the treadmill.

I'm In Love

2009-09-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

With my daughter.

(A.J., self-portrait)

Is it weird that my child is quickly growing into my best friend? I don't know when it happened, but she suddenly stopped being a drag to take everywhere and now I actually LIKE shopping with her. I PREFER her. She is fun and makes me happy and actually has pretty good taste, for a four year old.

After I picked her up from preschool, we spent the day today perusing around antique shops and browsing boutiques.

We even stopped for some refreshment at a charming cupcake shop. (A.J. had strawberry; mine was chocolate with mint buttercream icing and crushed Andes mints on top - SO GOOD!)

It was a fantastic day. I love that little girl. I am grateful to live such a blessed life and that she's part of it. Check out my great finds:

2 frames for A.J.'s room (yes it's STILL in the works)

Some fun new jewelry

And my new favorite thing EVER...

I have been on the never-ending-lookout for something new to hang my necklaces on. They were getting too jumbled on my current piece, plus to take one off, sometime you would have to take 5-6 off from in front of it. NOT ANY MORE - YAHOO!

Before:

After:

Each necklace can hang on its own little leaf. Plus it has a bird. Ya, I'm still on the bird thing.

Laughter - The Best Medicine

2009-09-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

We have had a pretty rough weekend around here. But somehow, AJ can get us laughing no matter what. Tonight, Craig took her on a quick motorcycle ride. The conversation went something like this:

DAD: Make sure you hold on tight.
AJ: Don't worry Dad, I'll just hold on to your fat.
DAD: (Akward silence - thinking "did she really just say that?")
AJ: So Dad, why are you so fat?
DAD: Well, I guess because I eat too much.
AJ: But you were fat before dinner.
DAD: (More akward silence - only the sound of self-esteem being crushed by a four year old.)

FANTASTIC!!!

2009-08-29T10:11:00.001-07:00

This is one of my most favoritest books EVER! I'm so excited. the movie reminds of the Neverending Story Movie, which I also love. Can't wait for this - I hope AJ likes it.