halloween hoarder

Yama hama.

That pretty much sums it up.

I've laughed, been horrified, felt sad for many people on that hoarders show but this weekend I felt like one of them.

I've blabbed on and on about my love affair with all things orange, fall, halloweeny, etc for years. I know I've accumulated quite a collection of "fall bins" but this weekend was kind of a sad wake up call. The other day I found some fab treasures at Home Goods (who knew! what off-beat fun halloween things they have) and then picked up a few new must-haves at Taipan. Well on Saturday I thought it would be good to take an inventory of what I have because I don't have 5,000 sq ft to play around with or anything - this decor needs a plan (two months in advance, i know, i know).

Well, one by one Blake brings out bins from the garage. Giant bins. Then I remember some big bags I had stashed away inside. It all came out. And I am certifiably a halloween hoarder.

This might be half of it. It was funny for a minute so I thought I 'd take a picture but then it became a little...awkward.

Blake was mowing the lawn and I felt completely exposed...skulls, black and orange ribbon, pumpkin faces, spider soap dispensers. It had no end.

You know on hoarders when the people start making excuses like "well, what if I ever have a party (said by social misfit) and one of my guests has one arm and...they need this plate that holds a glass" or some bizarro remark that would never happen. Well, in my head I became that hoarder I've laughed at. "Well, I might have a costume ball and these little witch card holders would be great for prize certificates."

Yeah, hoarder.

I managed to unload a few things but really I just rearranged them in my totes because you never know what you'll need.

I'm not going to be too hard on myself though because I probably only have half a tote of Christmas and well, if I run out of room to decorate inside I have a full yard that I can branch out in.

I did however, empty my online shopping cart of pottery barn halloween goodies.

(except some more skull heads)

happy hoarding halloween!

i love...

summer edition...

snow cones, shaved ice, slushees

(preferably any lime flavor)

Lucy asking to go to a 'dance party'

our new backyard and how it's shady, 

cozy, quiet and perfect for talks

when Lucy calls me Codi - it just sounds funny

eating outside

somewhat of a tan

beverages taking on a whole new importance

Lucy's love and appreciation of a pedicure

geraniums - this is my first year potting them and my mom and grandma are right -

 they really are the best

The Real Housewives of New Jersey - pure summer trash tv, but why

did it have to end so soon

our Dis trip is close enough to start really getting excited

Us Weekly in the mail - a little gift each week

Lucy going outside and saying "Nice day! Nice day mom!" you have to 

hear it to appreciate the cuteness

canyon drives

my dad on the 4th of july at 8pm okay 8:30

flip flop tan lines - on all of us

Blake's willingness to bbq - a lot

seeing my brother - home for a week from Alaska and then off to 

Africa

summer concerts - two this week: tonight Death Cab

and Sunday Wallflowers

hope you're enjoying yours!!

our time

So we've had our Mac for almost a year and I probably should have taken

the free classes or at least the online tutorials to use it to full capacity.

Oh well, I didn't.

The point is Lucy and I discovered Photo Booth on the 

Mac today - and well it pretty much was our dream come true.

We had our itunes going (specifically MGMT - Kids) and had a photo/video shoot - 

and a lot of laughs.

Who knew how much fun it was to play with a 

two-year old in front of a camera?!

I love her.

p.s. we'll spare you from our dance video

p.p.s. Blake got Lucy ready this morning - he doesn't do bows

random recap

1 - The biggest news of our week is that Lucy is -thisclose- to graduating from Early Intervention.  She has received services since just a few months after being discharged from the hospital.  The main service she has received is physical therapy.  We knew we were getting close to ending services because the only thing they were waiting on was her walking.  Well, (when she wants) she's walking everywhere!!  The PT came on Monday and said Lucy's walking looks great and that she doesn't qualify for any more services.  She said they will come back in 1-2 months to make sure her walking is progressing and improving and if it is they will have to "graduate" her from Early Intervention!  Lucy's pediatrician and the folks at Neonatal have always expressed to us they didn't really think Lucy needed the help of EI because her delays were not really helped with therapy.  It was just a matter of waiting for Lucy and her little body to catch up in its own time.  But the peace of mind to have someone come into our home once a month to check on her and show me some tools and techniques to help has benefited me probably more than Lucy.  So this is a big achievement and hopefully she will "graduate" before her 2nd birthday!!

2 - A week before Christmas Blake and I took Lucy to the movie "The Tale of Despereaux". It was pretty much a bust.  The movie was dark (in color) and there were no songs or funny lines.  This was Lucy's first movie theater experience and she didn't really enjoy herself.  But today since it's cold, inversion-y and we're sick of the house I thought we'd try another movie.  We saw "Bedtime Stories".  It's very much a kid movie but Lucy loved it!  We had the theater to ourselves and I brought plenty of snacks and a juice box.  She laughed at the jokes I'm pretty sure she didn't understand and loved the cute little hedge hog.  Maybe she's just anti-animation like I am. I really liked the movie too and I think Blake would have loved it. This could become our new habit as long as there are cute kids' movies and yucky air out there.  

3 - Elmo.  Really nothing more needs to be said.  Lucy's so in love with him it kind of makes me jealous.  Every time he comes on tv her face lights up and she squeals (yes, even if she sees him numerous times a day).  The two of us went to Toys R Us last week and there was a wall of Elmo products and I thought she would hyperventilate.  Well, today I booked "Breakfast with Elmo" at SeaWorld for when we go next month.  We'll be sure to have the camera and video camera ready because she will probably go cuckoo.  Oh, Elmo, you're kind of growing on me too! 

4 - (my boring recap).  I got a Sigg water bottle from my brother Coleman for Christmas and it's probably one of my best gifts.  I hate drinking water and have always struggled with getting in a decent amount.  Well, I don't know how but this water bottle is doing the trick.  We all know how bad plastic water bottles are for the environment so we've tried to stop buying them and using reusables.  But my Nalgene wasn't even doing the trick.  Bleh.  Well this supreme-o Sigg keeps water cold ALL day, it has the perfect size opening and doesn't leak when it sloshes around in my purse, work bags or the front seat of the car.  I'm kind of in love with it!  The colors are so cute too.  Mine is silver with snowflakes and I think I'll ask for a cute spring one for my birthday.  Yes, I'm blogging about water bottles, who cares - it's helping my diet coke addiction!!

Happy weekend and try not to breathe too much unless you can get yourself above and out of this yuck inversion!!

BLAST from my past!

Last night was a trip down memory lane.  Memories of: 12 years old and being so in love with Donnie from New Kids on the Block; of Bop magazine and clip outs of the New Kids all over my closet doors; giant pins with the New Kids faces; the first time I saw them in concert with my friend Nikki and crying because we loved them so much; Nikki and I doing voluntary "reports" on the state of Massachusetts (their home state), we'd have charts of the state bird, capital, populations, etc.; and memories of a time when everything seemed like the biggest deal in the world and every lyric to their songs meant SO MUCH to a 12 year old...

Well thank goodness I grew up!  But last night was still one of the best concerts I've been to, really.  When I heard of the reunion tour it sounded fun for a minute but then I doubted they'd come to Salt Lake.  When they announced they were I was intrigued until I saw the tickets were around $70.  I thought I'd bag it at that price but my friend Nikki said we owed it to the New Kids.  Nikki and I have been friends since 2nd grade - we've been through so much together including our infatuation of New Kids.  Well, when tickets weren't selling and the price dropped to $20. I figured I couldn't pass that up.  So we got our tickets and started counting down.  Well a few days ago my sister called laughing uncontrollably saying she got an email that all of the tickets to New Kids were now FREE!  She thought I was ridiculous for going in the first place but she was THREE when they were my everything (and hello Caitlin, but I'm sure you'd pay $100. for lame-o N'Sync).  Since the concert became free and she thought it was funny Caitlin signed up for the free tickets and of course her FREE tickets were the best seats ever and a major upgrade from our $20. tickets - so bonus for me!

The show was amazing!  Kind of cheesy of course and some wonderful people watching but still the New Kids, or NKOTB have such smooth dance moves and their voices sounded really good.  For having to give away free tickets most of the E Center was full and my ears didn't stop ringing until this morning because the screams were so loud.  And I'll admit, I still don't have much of a voice this morning.  

Anyway, it was such a fun night.  Fun to reminisce with one of my closest friends, fun to dance with my sister to songs she's never heard (but she did have a good time) and fun to just not worry about anything for a night and get lost in the craziness of being 12 years old again.  

highlight of the night, Hangin' Tough as an encore and EVERYONE did the arm motions!

thanks for the memories Nik!

still love ya Donnie - even in white pants

yama hama - thanks Jordan

the newly converted fans - Cait & Leslie 

lucky for Caitlin she has a really cool sister

You Got It (the Right Stuff)!!

October sun & fun!

Today we both were feeling better from our colds so we were able to keep our important play-date with friends, lunches and a beautiful day at the park.  Annie and Elliott are two of our favorite friends.  Each time we get together they seem a little closer in age than in size from the time before.  Lucy's not yet up to Elliott's speed and independence but they both love snacking on cookies and watching other little kids.  Annie is such a great friend and whenever we hang out we can just pick up from our last quarterly date!  Thanks A & E for such a fun day in the sun!!

silly girl

Lucy showing a bit of her own independence

such good kiddos - and they both love Yo Gabba Gabba (if you have to ask what this is you just might not be cool enough - Go DJ Lance!)

Tagged: My Favorite Three

I was tagged by Kennan (who I never get to see - let's plan something already!)

3 last purchases...
1. a just be bag

2. Lucy's halloween costume (can't wait!)

3. a white mocha from starbucks

3 last songs i downloaded to my iPod...

1. call it off - tegan & sara

2. today - joshua radin

3. caravan - van morrison

3 favorite movies...

1. garden state

2. into the wild

3. shag

3 things i haven't done yet...

1. organized my pantry

2. got blake an anniversary gift

3. decided if i want more kids

3 things i cannot live without...

1. magazines

2. snuggling my pups and lucy on chilly mornings

3. a good, meaningful conversation once a day (with another adult)

3 favorite dishes...

1. blue iguana enchilada suizas

2. hires turkey sandwich

3. my mom's halloween clam chowder

3 favorite tv shows...

1. the hills

2. jon & kate + 8

3. amazing race

3 last places i traveled to...

1. boise, id

2. panguitch, ut

3. disneyland

3 favorite desserts...

1. sugar cookies

2. chocolate chip paradise pie

3. pumpkin pie

3 things i would buy if money were not an issue...

1. clothes & accessories for luce and me
2. a long vacation for the 3 of us

3. the house i'm waiting to buy once mine sells (which obviously isn't selling)

3 wishes...

1. lucy to live the healthiest, longest, happiest life ever

2. no one I love to get sick

3. to have a very long & happy marriage

3 people i tag...

1. caitlin

2. alisa

3. jackie

Tagged: High School

My sister (who was cool in school) tagged me for a high school tag. This could be fun for some but it my case, a tad sad. But I'll play along anyway...

High School: West High School

1. Did you date someone from your high school: for a minute in 10th grade and then I moved on to Blake and never looked back. 

2. What kind of car did you drive? : I didn't drive anything, I had to get rides from my friends.

3. What is your most embarrassing moment in high school?: I had to give an oral report in French and I wasn't ready so when Madame Hopper called my name I just sat there and said "no, actually I have nothing prepared, I can't do it." And she said "en francais, Codi!!" which means "say whatever lame excuse you have in FRENCH".  So I had to mumble around for about 8 minutes in faux French telling her I wasn't prepared.  My stomach hurts thinking about it.

4. Were you a party animal?: No

5. Were you considered a flirt?: No, not really

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?: None of them

7. Were you a nerd? : Well, even though I mainly stuck to my small core group of friends and wasn't involved in a lot of teams/clubs I still don't think I was a nerd.  Really, I wasn't.

8. Were you on any varsity teams? No teams.  I was on yearbook and in the literary club - maybe I really was a nerd...

9. Did you get suspended/expelled? : No

10. Can you still sing the fight song? : Not the fight song but I still remember the school song which is long and melodramatic - and it has these weird body/sign language movements along with it.  Quite bizarre.

11. Who were your favorite teachers? : Mr. Taylor (sociology) he was SO nice and everything was interesting.  I also loved Mrs. Zuhl, my AP English teacher.

12. Where did you sit during lunch?: During nice weather out on the south lawn and I have a lot of memories of some of us hanging out in the basement halls - creepy.  Oh, and sometimes driving around (obviously not in my car).

13. School Mascot?: Panther

14. Did you go to homecoming and with who?: I went to Blake's homecoming with Blake at Cyprus

15. If you could go back and do it again, would you? : No thanks, it was fun and I really do have good memories and such funny moments but I'm so happy to be past that stage.

16. What do you remember most about graduation?: That it was like 9 hours long and I was sad because when they called your name they would call a guy and a girl at the same time to walk down the aisle together.  Since my last name was at the end of the alphabet and no boys were left I had to walk down the aisle with this giant samoan girl who was wearing like 80 lei's.

17. Where did you go senior skip day?: I think I was home

18. Have you gained weight since then?: Uh, yeah

19. Who was your prom date?: Blake, surprise, surprise.  Oh and he wore white shoes with this awful zoot suit type thing.  

20. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?: Well, sadly it passed two years ago.  I missed it and didn't regret it after I heard a pretty lame recap.

21. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself?: Maybe meet more people and even though I love the outcome maybe I could have gone to some dances, dates with people from my actual school!

Okay, so I tag: Annie (this is your dream come true!), Lacey, and Kennan!  

Volunteer

Tonight I had my first experience volunteering with the Parent Support Group at the NICU.  I started the application process months ago and it took some time to complete everything but I think I had been putting it off for even longer on my own out of fear.  I think I was just nervous that I'd have major flashbacks and be a blubbering mess.  That's okay if I'm like that in private but not when I'm supposed to be "supporting" parents who are actually going through the process right now.  

Anyway, I went and it was such a good experience.  No blubbering at all!  I shared Lucy's story and our NICU experience with the group and listened and offered answers to the parents.  The Wednesday night meeting is a chance for parents to get out of the unit, listen to a topic  and share their story along with other parents.  Our role as volunteers is to share our story, listen and offer support.  Obviously everything shared is confidential but I can say there are some very small babies in the NICU and some families who have spent many days out there.  I can only feel grateful that we are past that point in our lives.  I hope that I will be able to help someone at some point during volunteering as much as I was helped and supported during our experience.

Even though the NICU unit is vastly different at the new IMC than it was at LDS the smell of the soap is the same and walking into the unit so many memories came flooding back.  I noticed the same sign-in clipboard on the counter and a few familiar nurses starting the night shift.  I came home and couldn't help from racing up the stairs to take a peek at my sleeping bug, all snug in her bed, and I felt so happy I don't have to leave her at nights at the NICU anymore.  Then I let the blubbering start... :)

I love...

(I haven't done one of these for awhile)

I love...Lucy's independence. Even though it can be scary (she's a speed demon on the stairs) and frustrating ("no, no, no") it is still so fun to see her becoming her own person. She has a very strong personality and I love it!

I love...dark nail polish. Now that summer is winding down the dark plums, browns, reds and black can come out onto my toes.

I love...Janie and Jack. Yes, I love this store and just found out it's coming to Fashion Place. This is not good for my wallet but at least I can see everything in person and if I just HAVE to have something I won't have to pay shipping. Oh Lucy loves this store too!

I love...eating at the kitchen table. This might sounds strange but I have recently realized how much I like it. Pre-Lucy, Blake and I ate like zombies in front of the tv and up until recently we still ate like that. But now that Lucy is eating big girl meals we are eating at the table. Having some music on and conversation beats the droning of the tv.

I love...The Hills! I know, I just bad-mouthed tv but only during dinner :). The Hills is probably the most glossed-over, contrived "reality" show out there but I cannot get enough. I've watched from day one and am so excited the new season has started. Blake secretly loves it too so it's one of a few we agree on.

I love...husbands who make breakfast on the weekend.

I love...the snort face! Out of the blue a few weeks ago Lucy was looking at me and suddenly scrunched up her nose and started snorting. Thinking about it now, maybe I should have taken offense but it is the funniest, cutest little trick she has. Her tiny lips and nose all scrunch together and then she'll just snort. It's hard to catch on camera but this is the gist of it.

I love...Babycenter.com. I know I've mentioned this numerous times but it's so comforting to get on this site and realize for Lucy's birth weight and circumstances that her weight and size is normal for her. There are so many other tiny kiddos out there who are just as healthy - just lovely and petite!

I love...San Diego. It's not exotic or anyplace new but I love taking trips to San Diego. There is so much to do and it's such a fun getaway. Lately I've been planning trips to SD in my head and have been wishing we actually had one in the works. I guess it's because many years during the fall we've had a Southern California trip planned close to our anniversary (Palm Springs, San Diego, Dis). Maybe we'll be able to go sometime next year and visit San Diego and have Lucy visit SeaWorld - she would love it!

I love...kiddie cones!!

And it looks like someone else REALLY loves them too!!

Memory Lane...

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Favorites - right now!

So I’ve decided to embrace the “tags”. I just never liked them because my answers seem boring but I love to read every one else’s. And sometimes there’s just not that much to blog so why not. Usually I have such a hard time declaring my favorites but this one is favorites - right now.  Not an all-time commitment or anything.  An easy-loungy one!

Favorites - right now!

Food – My menu has been similar to Lucy’s – cheddar slices and crackers.

Drink – With this heat I should maybe try water but it’s still Diet Coke – especially when you can get the giant size at McDonalds for 99 cents!

Fruit – Fresh berries

Ice Cream – Breyer’s peach – real peach slices!

Candy Bar – Red vines

TV Show – Jon and Kate + Eight – we love this show and it’s the only one all three of us can watch together. Lucy loves to watch those cute little kids and Blake and I love to watch the parents argue.

Movie – Parent Trap – the old one. I’ve watched it twice in the past 10 days.

Book – East of Eden.

We had a yard sale last weekend and I came across it when I was going through the basement. It’s not the book I’m reading right now but I’ve been thinking about it and it’s truly one of my favorites. It might have to come to the front of the line in my stack to read.

Sound – Lucy and her new little words. She is doing this talking thing that sounds like she’s saying her vowels aloud..a-e-i-o-u. So cute!

Smell – My honeysuckle is out of control but it smells de-lish right now!

Sight – Lucy’s tunnel crawl – it makes me laugh every time.

Touch – Suki’s fur. He had his birthday last Monday and we didn’t do anything. My loyal pup for 7 years always forgives us when we get too busy for him.

Now it’s your turn! I won’t publicly tag anyone but I’d love to hear what your faves are right now…

Another tag...

Today is cold and not June weather - yuck! Lucy and I had swim but the rest of the day we've hunkered down because of the cold. But the good part is Lucy's doing lots of fun tricks. She's learned to kiss when we say "kiss, kiss" (my mom taught her this). And she's pulling herself up onto everything. She was pulling up on her laundry basket today and almost fell in! Other than those fun tricks not much has gone on so I've accepted another tag. If they bore you skip this post and wait for something more exciting (I assume it will happen!)

1) Do you like bleu cheese? yes, in moderation.
2) What superstition do you "most" believe in? I say "knock on wood" but usually don't knock.
3) Do you own guns? No but my husband does.
4) What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic? cherry limeade!
5) Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Um, yes. I've stressed probably a year or two off of my life because of nervousness before doctor appointments.
6) What do you think of hot dogs? I have to be in the mood but usually like them. Blake has perfected my hot dog: Hebrew National, split down the middle, grilled until it's almost black.
7) Can you do push ups? No and I don't want to
8) Can you do a chin up? No and I don't want to
9) What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring and my Lois Hill necklace Blake got me last year for my first Mother's Day.
10) Favorite hobby? Shopping for house stuff, decorating my house and reading.
11) Ever been in a car wreck? Multiple wrecks none of which were my fault. I was hit head-on and it really made me nervous to be in any car for a few years.
12) Do you have A.D.D? Not unless I'm out at dinner with Blake and I'm trying to eavesdrop on another table, sad I know.
13) What's one trait that you hate about yourself? I'm pretty sensitive.
14) Middle name? Leigh
15) Name 2 thoughts at this exact moment? What am I wearing to Stone Temple Pilots concert tonight and I have to do laundry/pack for this weekend (instead I'm doing another lame tag).
16) Name 3 things you bought yesterday? The new Aimee Mann cd on iTunes (amazing!), an iced mocha and dinner with my friends after work.
17) Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? diet coke, coffee, water
18) Current worry? small random things that will be okay
20) Current hate right now? surprisingly, nothing.
21) How did you bring in the New Year? Alone, Blake and Lucy were snoozing.
22) Where would you like to go? Right now I really want to take Lucy (with Blake too) to San Francisco and walk around and shop for her in cool kids clothing stores and have yummy seafood lunches.
23) Name three people who will complete this? Guess what, I'll tag NO ONE! Everyone else is probably sick of these or has done it already.
24) Do you own slippers? Yes but I never wear them, I'm the bare foot queen.
25) What shirt are you wearing? Black tank top, it's my home uniform.
26) Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No, I prefer a high thread count Egyptian cotton.
27) Can you whistle? yes
28) Favorite color? brown
29) Would you be a pirate? Um, no.
30) What songs do you sing in the shower? Lately it's been "apple-bottom jeans, boots with the fur..." because Lucy loves rap and this song is always in my head.
31) Favorite girl's name? Lucy! But I also love Brynn and Lauren.
33) Favorite boy's name? Jack. I love Asher too but I'll never get to use it because Blake hates it.
34) What's in your pocket? No pockets in these lounge pants!
35) Last thing that made you laugh? TMZ tv show. My guilty pleasure.
36) Best bed sheets as a child? I really don't remember having a favorite.
37) Worst injury you've ever had? When I got bit by a brown recluse spider or my most recent back/leg injury.
38) Do you love where you live? Yes but being by the ocean would be nice.
39) How many TVs do you have in your house? 2
40) Who is your loudest friend? Rebecca..I can hear her at work down the hall! :)
41) who is your closest friend you have? My mom and my sister, my friends at work and Nikki, one of my longest friends.
42) Does someone have a crush on you? Not that I know of.
43) What Celebrity would play you in a movie? I would love Elizabeth Shue since she's Blake's dream girl but I don't think it would happen.
44) What is your favorite book? Last night I claimed it was East of Eden by John Steinbeck so I'll stick with that. I also love My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok and Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.
45) What is your favorite candy? Sadly Peanut Butter Twix, but we lost that beloved treat about a year or so ago when it was discontinued. As Caitlin put it in an email once, RIP PB Twix.
46) Favorite Sports Team? I guess the Jazz or Trojans football
47) What song do you want played at your funeral? This question is a tad doomsday for my liking but I guess The Trapeze Swinger by Iron & Wine, it's sad though and like 13 minutes so people may fall asleep.
48) What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Sleeping
49) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? "It's cold and we're supposed to swim?!"

Tags...

I very rarely respond to the tags because my responses aren't that cool or everyone already knows them. But my cousin Alisa tagged me and my friend Lacey...so here you go!

Tagged from Lis:
10 YEARS AGO: I was 20 and in college. I thought I wanted to become a teacher but that plan changed. I was living at home and not doing much else.

FIVE PLACES I HAVE VISITED: 1. San Diego 2.San Francisco 3. Palm Springs 4. LA 5. Southern Utah - wow, that's a tad depresso, I've been to other states but apparently we do love the Cali. Now I know why I normally don't respond to these - boresville.

FIVE THINGS ON MY TO DO LIST: 1. organize everything for the March on Saturday 2. clean my house before the health department comes a knockin' 3. clean Lucy's closet 4. finish my volunteer stuff 5. be a better/more productive cleaner, cooker, mother, worker, friend.

LIFETIME GOALS: 1. see #5 above 2. chill out and not be in constant worry mode 3. travel with Lucy and Blake and experience new things as a family 4. let Lucy be the wonderful person she will be and hopefully be the best mother I can 5. be dependable to as many people as I can

THREE BAD HABITS: 1. laziness 2. spending way too much $ on Lucy's wardrobe 3. reality tv

FIVE THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME...1. I feel braver, stronger, more confident, prettier, more relaxed (at times) and more complete since having Lucy 2. for being an English major I've yet to read many of the "classics" 3. I still daydream about being a creative writing professor at some green, liberal, artsy college 4. I'm obsessed with news and newscasters - Mark Koebel is my favorite local and I have a mini crush on Anderson Cooper. 5. I really love to dance

Now I tag...Caitlin, Lacey, Annie

Tagged from Lacey:
Love Tag
What is his name? Blake Richard
How old is he? 30
How old are you? 30
How did you meet? in 7th grade Utah history class - and hated each other
How long did you date? Um, 400 years? No, we dated off and on (mostly on) for almost 6 years before we got married
Who is taller? He is, by about 1 1/2 inches
Who eats more sweets? I do.
Who sings better? I do but he'd disagree. Every new season of American Idol Blake tells me with a dead serious face "you could be on the episode with all of the singers that suck". But just ask to hear "Desperado" and you can be the judge of that.
Who is smarter? even stevens
Who does laundry? He does, he does everything.
Who does dishes? I'll usually start the dishwasher but I hate putting dishes away
What is his guilty pleasure? crappy movies on TBS with commercials every 3 minutes
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? In bed - he's on the right. Standing and facing the bed I'm on the right.
Who mows the lawn? He does
Who cooks dinner? He usually does - I know I'm lazy but he's a much better cook.
Who Drives the Car? He does
Who is more stubborn? It used to be me but his patience has worn thin over the years and we're both stubborn.
Who kissed who first? He did.
Who asked who out first? He asked me out.
What was your first date? He picked me up at my house, brought flowers and we saw a laser show at Hansen Planetarium. Then we got ice cream at baskin robins.
Who proposed? He did. I was threatening to end things with him because I thought he was going to propose for over a week and he didn't. Come to find out he was waiting for my ring to be engraved but I ruined the surprise or any chance of a romantic proposal by throwing a fit.
Who wears the pants? I guess him lately
What is your favorite thing about him? Blake can make me laugh like no one else - and that is truly the key to our happiness. I can die of laughter of a face or a comment he makes. We have a very similar sense of humor so I think I make him laugh too. He can be sweet and sensitive but take charge too and he balances our my panic attacks with a laid back everything-is-great attitude. He's the best dad ever to Lucy and that only makes me love him more!

I tag...Sandy, Alisa & Annie

Randomness..

Okay, so I've had some major pain lately. The doctor said I "hurt my back" (uh, really) but Dr. Internet has diagnosed sciatica (sciatic nerve pain). It really has not been a pleasant week but I'm trying to stay optimistic and tell myself how it could be so much worse. I start physical therapy tomorrow and I'm just hoping and praying that it will help the pain so I can walk in our March for Babies walk that is about 10 days away. Since Lucy has been born I've been an advocate for positive energy, optimism and glass (more than) half full stuff. But this week I've been a major Debbie-Downer. Lying in bed the other day I started making a mental list of things I'd rather be dealing with than excruciating leg/back pain. A few that made the list:

-15 mosquito bites on one hand

-being forced to watch all of the Rambo's, Rocky's and Star Wars

-recovering from a c-section (that was cake compared to this)

-strep throat for two weeks

-not being able to get online for a month (I know it's sad it's that important)

-losing a $100 dollar bill - a couple nights ago this got up to $500

Depresso, right? I even feel guilty for typing out such a post. This is nothing compared to what some people go through but maybe expressing it will move me onto the speedy recovery route. Positive thinking right?!

So to make up for my negativity I'm going to steal an idea from my good friend Annie's blog and list some random, happy things I love. I am so excited when Annie has these posts so I might steal the idea for long-term use.

I love...

I love...finding Lucy curled up like a bug on her tummy in her crib in the morning


I love...summer concerts (James Taylor & Jack Johnson lined up so far)

I love...(parentheses)


I love...hearing Blake call out "Code" when he comes home


I love...laughing with my family about really lame stuff


I love...daylight savings (this end of it)


I love...Lucy craning her head to see me when someone else is holding her


I love...on-location news reports for things that happen every year (day after Thanksgiving sales, people camping out before the 24th of July parade, Tax day at the post office)


I love...going to nurseries to look for trees and flowers (just a few more weeks for this!)

I love...when family (sister, daughter, mom, aunts, cousins) become some of your best friends

I love...banana cream shakes

That's all for now, hopefully this has made up for the waa-waa in the beginning.

Help, I've sat down in a chair, and I can't get up...

So I guess it really all goes downhill from here. Next week I'm turning 30. I'm really not too happy about it. I know it's not the end of the world and I'll forget about it a few days later but it still bugs. And to top of the big day next week I've had a preview of things to come with my ancient old woman body. On Monday I was out and about running errands with the bug having a grand day. I was so excited for the forecast for the rest of the week - sunny! So we had planned walks and time spent out of the house looking for signs of spring. But, as we got home from errands I was pulling Lucy and her giant carseat out of the backseat when, aaahhhh, my back gave out. At first it wasn't that bad, I even got to visit baby Crosby (my cousin's new darling baby boy) at the hospital that night. But the next morning I could hardly make it out of bed. Blake had to take Lucy to my mom's because there was no way I could lift her (I know she's only 11 lbs, but still). I made it to work but every time I got out of my chair I would cry out a little and I think I scared some people. By Tuesday night I couldn't do anything. Wednesday morning I woke up and couldn't pick Lucy up. I felt like an awful mother because she just cried and cried and I couldn't get her. I called my mom and then Blake crying not knowing what to do. So Blake took matters into his own hands. He got me a dr. appt. and called my mom and made arrangement for Lucy and me. He came from work and took me to my appt. (strained lumbar, 800 mg ibuprofen) and took us to my mom's. My great parents took care of Lucy and me for the next 24 hrs. We stayed that night because I knew the next morning I'd be the same so I might as well stay with someone who's physically capable to take care of Lucy. Anyway, we came home yesterday afternoon and this morning I think I'm feeling pretty good. Caitlin and Sabrina brought me Coldstone last night and I relaxed on the heating pad watching Lost.

This is a pretty "poor me" post. I just hated not being able to take care of Lucy but as always, my parents were there for us. Hopefully I can still salvage what's left of our sunny forecast and get out for a walk with the bug. And hopefully, 30 won't be as bad as I think.

13 years ago...

So Blake and I haven't really acknowledged or done anything for this anniversary for quite a few years. Obviously our wedding anniversary is more important but every so often when this date comes around I think back on our first date and am amazed how fast time flies. Thirteen years ago today Blake and I went on our first date. We had known each other from junior high but at this point I was at West High and he was still at Cyprus. We had mutual friends and would occasionally see each other in groups but this was our first official date. I don't remember all the details (Blake does) but I know he picked me up in his sweet orange Omega and brought flowers (ohhhh) and we went to laser show (I know, so 1990's) and then for ice cream. It was a fun date. We kept trying to think of more places to go so the date wouldn't end so I think we drove aimlessly across the city.

Since then we've pretty much been inseparable. Like I said, the wedding anniversary in September is the big thing we celebrate but today I knew it was February 4th and realized that first date was 13 years ago. Wow, I'm getting old and time is racing by!

Love you Blake!

p.s. Apparently we rarely took pictures before Lucy bug came around. So this rare gem was all I could find - this was us at Disneyland in '05.

Favorite song?

I hate the question, "what is your favorite song?" For me it is impossible to answer. I have loved music since birth and that is thanks to my parents. Growing up we would always listen to music. My parents enjoyed a variety of music but some of their favorites we listened to a lot: The Beatles, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, James Taylor, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and many others. Us kids would all go through our stages of other current, trendy music and our parents always let us listen to what we wanted. Nothing was banned or told to be turned down. I went through my New Kids on the Block stage, my sister loved Eminem, my brother loved and still loves a lot of different music (even the nightmare that is Daft Punk). Now that we're older we all have our individual tastes but are drawn together by the classics my parents brought us up on.

Concerts are a big deal to us. Blake and I want to keep up our concert going habits but not a lot of great bands have come through lately. But when concerts do come around they usually are a family affair. I remember Blake and I saw Stone Temple Pilots with my PARENTS when we were dating. I love that my parents like the classics but know a lot of current stuff too. James Taylor is a family favorite with extended family too. Many of our Sunday dinner conversations are about bands we hope come in concert or reminiscing about concerts past. I'm glad we have this in common and Blake and I can't wait to take Lucy to her first concert. My first concert was Willie Nelson and I think I was 3 or 4.

So back to favorite songs. I love so much music I could never come up with a favorite. So many songs have meanings at certain times. Some days I'm into Jack Johnson or Bob Marley and others I love James McMurtry and Paul Simon. The Rolling Stones are my mom's favorite, The Beatles are my dad's (specifically John Lennon, every year my dad gives him a mini tribute). Blake loves Oasis, John Denver, Death Cab for Cutie and Depeche Mode. I'm very obsessed with Tom Petty every summer and I love Sarah McLachlan in the winter. So whenever I'm asked my favorite song or band (usually by Blake) I just refuse to answer. I do know though that one song will ALWAYS get me to dance, put a smile on my face, drive happier and I'll belt out in the kitchen for Lucy. This song is one of the greatest songs ever and should be played at every social event or party - because it really gets things started - or at least gets me started! Enjoy.

Witchy poo!

As I've mentioned, I love all things Halloween. That is why I was so easily intrigued by going to Witchapalooza at Gardner Village. Every year I hear about this event and have always wanted to get a group of some of my favorite girls and go. Well, it was very fun and festive and all of us being together and laughing hysterical - more at each other than the show - made it a "ghouls" night to remember!

I hate to make everything so sappy but driving home from this night I thought how much I love the women in my life. So many people have been there for me this past year and being with this group of women, laughing and knowing each of them would do (and have done) anything for me is such wonderful feeling. I love you girls!

Some of my favorite witches in the world!

vc girls and some of my best friends

wanting wizards!!!

Sabrina and Caitlin. I'm stealing Sabrina to be my best friend.

Cute Lis - you can't see her tummy but Baby B is there too. We have to wait and see that sweet boy in February.