Christmas

I am waiting for the family to wake up. This Christmas has come and gone by so fast. A combination of being older and so busy means that I haven't had much time to think about it.

However, I hope everyone doesn't get so wrapped up in presents and food and forget why we even celebrate Christmas.

We give gifts to symbolize the greatest gift we all received. Because Christ gave up his life, was buried, and rose on the third day we can all live again. We have the gift of salvation.

Read this if you need something to help remember how special this day it.

Tracking Santa

This is where Santa is right now.

Weather

Here are two weather forcasts for December 23.

While those in Utah will be having a White Christmas, I will not. Magnolia Texas will be 60 degrees, and that's cold enough for me.

Santa Claus

This is a spoiler. Don’t read on if you are under 10.

I was 6 years old when I stopped believing in Santa Claus.

At school, we were talking about Santa Claus and this boy had the audacity to say, “My dad told me there is no such thing as Santa Claus.”

Imagine 30 first graders grasping in disbelief. “No! That’s not true. Your dad’s a liar!”

When I went home later that night, I recounted the story to my parents.

“This boy at school said that Santa Claus wasn’t real!” To which my dad replied, “He’s not.”

Everything was downhill from there.

Now while I know Santa Claus isn’t a real person, I believe in the spirit of Santa Claus. Each of us can be the Santa in someone’s life. Either through secret Santa, participating in food drives, or offering up service to the people we know.

I don’t think having kids believe in Santa destroys them, or gives them unrealistic expectations about life. Anyone can take time this Christmas to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas and how we all can exemplify the person this celebration is for.

Out of the Mouth of Chris

Chris was very talkative this morning. And by this morning I mean while he was still asleep.

Chris "I assume that this is going to cost $2000?
Me "What?"
Chris "The environment."
Me "The whole environment will cost $2000?
Chris ...back to sleep...

More Hat

I have been practicing a lot on these hats trying to perfect them and get the sizing down. I really love crocheting and I am about ready to branch out to other things.

But here is my latest creation.

A Christmas Miracle

I have lost my ipod nano twice since I got in 4 years ago. The first time I found it 4 months later in my sister's glove compartment. And now I had lost it again. I think the last time I saw it was around February.

Well, it turned up on Friday. In our glove compartment. I swear that both Chris and I have looked in their several times in the last 10 month, but I just opened it on Friday and out it popped. Headphones and all.

It is just a Christmas miracle!

American Crafts

Remember this?

It is happening again this year. Last year I remember hearing that it opened a day early for friends and family. So I searched so blogs and one of the designers for American Crafts confirmed that. Well, I don't know anybody there, so I though will they really kick me out if I don't really know anyone?

Well, I went during my lunch. I work like a mile away, and they did not kick me out. Then I went back tonight with Chris and Charleah. This is basically my Christmas present from Chris.

I'll post pictures later, but if you scrapbook you should go to this sale. I will probably go back again.

And this is one of four reasons I will miss Utah.

Black Friday

Black Friday was a good day for Chris and I. We went to Walmart, Target, Michael's and Best Buy. We added 20 DVD on TV to our collections. We finished our collections of Friends, The Office, and Supernatural. The best thing is we spent less than we saved.

And Chris got this for me as an early birthday present.
Except mine is in black. I love it so far and it does so much more than the normal Cricut. Too bad I have to spend all my time packing after today and can't use it until Christmas.

Only 19 more days until we move!

Card-Making Kick

I have been making lots of Christmas cards lately. It is a lot a fun and takes a lot of time. Here are just two of the ones I made.



Also, since it is now after Thanksgiving, I can start celebrating Christmas. I wish I could make all these Christmas crafts, but I have to start packing. Less than 3 weeks now until we move. I can't believe it is that soon.

Waffle Crisp

I love cereal. And I love waffles, pancakes and french toast. Who knew this existed?!
When we went to the grocery store last week I asked Chris to pick out a cereal and he said "I haven't had this in forever!" and we brought it home. WOW. It smells so good and I love it. I really like making new food discoveries, even if it is cereal.

I think is article is funny

Legislation inflation grips GOP

Thanksgiving Turkey

I just took my 17 pound turkey out of the freezer to start defrosting it. Talk about leftovers.

I am so excited for Thanksgiving.

I only have to work 16 hours this week, but will get paid for 40.

We are going to watch Elf and White Christmas on Friday.

This is going to be the best week ever.

Hash Browns

I don’t really like McDonald’s hash browns. Chris loves them. Before we met, he would order an extra hash brown.

Now, whenever we eat at McDonald’s he eats my hash brown.

It’s like the Olive Theory from HIMYM.

Spoilers

I think that if someone if going to post spoilers on their blog, they should warn people.

Or wait a week after said thing happened. I have Tivo and can watch things later. And usually do. I don't know who got kicked off some show or that some character died.

Jack Bauer or Sydney Bristow?

Sydney Bristow. No doubt.

She could find and disarm a nuclear bomb in just one episode. And beat up anybody who stands in her way. Which she actually did.

Newsweek, Stupid Move

I don't normally agree with Sarah Palin. I kind of think she is a little bit crazy. But I do agree with her on this. You might have seen the story on Yahoo today.

Newsweek is using this photo as the cover as its magazine and Sarah Palin called it sexist. And so do I. The picture was originally used as the cover as Runner's World, which actually makes sense.

This is what the Newsweek editor said,

"We chose the most interesting image available to us to illustrate the theme of the cover, which is what we always try to do. We apply the same test to photographs of any public figure, male or female: does the image convey what we are saying? That is a gender-neutral standard."

Does that even make sense? No. Would a picture like this of a male political figure ever be on a national news magazine? If there is one, show me. I just don't think one exists.

I hate it when...

people run read lights.

Not just obvious red light runners but also people who try to sneak in and be the last car through the light even when it is red.

My goal in life is to see someone do that and then get pulled over by a cop.

WICKED!!!

Sing that title.

Chris and I went to San Francisco the first weekend in October in order to take some tests for teaching. That fell through and we couldn't take the tests, but we had already bought tickets for WICKED, so we decided to go for it.

I have been waiting to see WICKED since I first heard the music 4 years ago. I am pretty sure Chris and I were the last people in the world to see it and I we both loved it.

And... it is going to be in Houston next July. And guess what? We will also be in Houston next July, or at least in Texas so we'll be somewhat close. I am already excited to see it again!

Recipes

I was browsing the Internet looking for Thanksgiving recipes. I found one for rolls; and then I got sidetracked by this website. Our Best Bites. Everything on there looks delicious, and I want to try it all. But it is 10pm on Saturday night...so I can't do it now. Since my blog is the best place for me to keep track of my stuff on the internet, I am going to list all the recipes I will try here.

World's Best Dinner Rolls
Pie in a Jar This looks awesome!
Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls
Poppyseed Muffins
Cookie Pie Bites
Lime-Cilantro Dressing
Key Lime Tarts
Creamy Corn Chowder

I can't look anymore because I am getting hungry. But I can't wait for Monday.

Waking a Sleeping Chris

Chris and I work together at the same place. It might be the only time in our life we get to do this and I really love going to work together and leaving together.

Because we work at the same time, we wake up at the same time. If anyone has every tried to wake Chris up, you'll agree when I say it is not easy.

But it can be funny. Here are some conversations we have had.

Me: Chris, you need to get up.
Chris: I can't.
Me: Why?
Chris: Because Randi said I'm not supposed to.

Another morning
Chris: (sitting up) Her name was Betty.
Me: Whose name is Betty?
Chris: (pausing)...I don' t know

One more.
Chris: Why did you say that Gwyenth Paltrow spends $150 mkaing fake eyelids?
Me: I didn't say that.

So every morning can be a little adventure and peak into what Chris is thinking about. I don't know who Betty is and Chris had some explaining to do. j/k

I'm a Winner!

I was the 10th caller on Mix 107.9 today. And guess what I won!

Two tickets to The Box


So, it isn't the most exciting prize, but I have been wanting to see this movie. Except I have to go up to Salt Lake to pick up the tickets in the next 30 days. Whatever.

But, I won. Its the first time I have ever won on the radio!

My Issue

If I felt like typing up something about this, I would. But I am too tired. I just wanted to share these articles and I will share my thoughts later.

When Getting Beaten By Your Husband Is A Pre-Existing Condition

Rape Victim's Choice: Risk AIDS or Health Insurance

When Chris first told me about these articles, I almost threw the bread I was eating Outback and threw a tantrum. But that wouldn't do any good. Reading these titles still makes me really angry that this happens.

I don't care if you are liberal or conservative. Something has to be done about health care and it has to be done soon. But more later.

Edit: Chris informed me that the grammar on this post was "atrocious." I think I got it all. I said I was tired and when I am tired, I don't think.

Glee

If you aren't watching Glee, you should be. I like baseball live, so when it comes to Glee and the World Series... I would rather watch Glee.

We listen to the songs all the time. I think this is my favorite.

TEXAS

Chris and I are moving to Texas in 45 days. We are kind of taking a leap but we both know this is the right step for us.

We have both been in Utah since August 2004. 5 1/2 years! I miss Texas. There are so many things we will have at our finger tips!

Our families
A snowless winter
Double and Triple coupons at Krogers
We can buy a house! (Becuase house prices are cheaper)
Blue Bell Ice Cream- The best ice cream ever
Real Tex-Mex with queso, Jack-in-the-Box, Whataburger, CiCi's Pizza, Freebirds, Popeye's Chicken. Basically, so much good food! I am going to gain all my weight back.

I am sure there is more. Chris and I think of something everyday. We get to do this in Texas! Or we can have this in Texas! We are super excited.

Wind Chill

On Saturday night we stayed in and watched scary movies on Lifetime.

This was one of them.

It wasn't scary at all. If you ever want to watch a non scary, scary movie, watch this one. There was no climax and I was waiting the whole time for something to just happen.

Then we watched this.


Which was suspenseful. And a little scary.

Basically the moral of the story that Lifetime was trying to tell us was never leave the interstate. In both movies the people took a shortcut off the interstate and got into trouble.

We didn't dress up for Halloween. That is because we are of the opinion that unless we are under 12 or have children under 12, then there is no point in celebrating Halloween. Maybe next year. But I will carve pumpkins and watch scary movies.

I made this

And I really like it. Actually LOVE it. It is not perfect, but I have been practicing a lot and learning some new stitches and my beanies are getting better.

Right now all I want to do is craft. Sometimes I wish I could just quit my job and craft all day long. But I might get bored with that so I will just have to settle with doing it at night.

Thanksgiving...

is in one month. And I am super duper excited. Last Thanksgiving didn't go so well because the stupid oven decided to turn off for 3 hours while I thought it was cooking. But there will be no mistakes this year. The only thing that might be a problem will be if our landlord doesn't fix one of our burners.

Salivate over these pictures.

I am not OCD

I am not OCD, but I am compulsive about somethings. Especially when it comes to traveling.

I have to check and double check lists I make, sometimes only in my head.

But the worst is flying and making sure I have my driver license with me. I check about a thousand times to make sure I have it. This is my brain process.

"I have shirts and pants for four days. I need to check that I have my license in my wallet. I should pack my wallet right now so I don't forget it."

30 minutes later: "Oh my gosh. Where did I put my wallet? If I don't have it I can't get on the plane. Frantically searches. I packed it. Good. Is my license in there?"

Loading up the car. My wallet is always in a bag that I keep at my feet at all times in the car, airport and plane. "I need to check my wallet before I put it in the car. Is my license in here? Good."

Bag in the car, loading up everything else. "Let me just check my wallet real quick."

In the car, driving to airport (remember the bag is at my feet for a reason) "Did I get my license? Yes". This happens several times.

Getting out of the car at the airport. "Okay, one more time. Do I still have it?"

It is somewhat annoying. But I can't help it. If I don't have it, I can't get on the plane! And this time a whole other element is added with mine and Chris's temple recommends. If we don't have it, we can't go into the temple with Adison- so until Friday night, I will be checking my wallet.

I'd love to stay and chat, but I need to make sure I packed my wallet.

I've been meaning to post about San Francisco, but I haven't found the time to finish an entire post. Maybe soon.

The Book of Mormon

Sometimes I get caught up in going through the motions of daily scripture study and prayer, without sometimes thinking too much about it.

But I know that daily prayer and scripture study are a few of the keys to happiness. They help get closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon is the word of God. No one could ever convince me otherwise. It speaks of Christ, love, the atonement, prayer, priesthood, prophets, faith, repentance, charity, family... any gospel topic you can think of.

Chris and I were just talking about this. And he said how sad is it that some people just dismiss the Book of Mormon because they think it is about Joseph Smith. Even if it was, how much are they missing?! I wish everyone could feel the power this wonderful book can bring into our lives. And they can, they just have to read it with and open heart.

This conference, my favorite talk so far was Elder Holland. His testimony was so powerful. I have already listened to it a couple times and I am sure I will again. Read it here. But this is a snippet. I wish I was as eloquent as him, but I agree 100% with his words.

"Now, I did not sail with the brother of Jared in crossing an ocean, settling in a new world. I did not hear King Benjamin speak his angelically delivered sermon. I did not proselyte with Alma and Amulek nor witness the fiery death of innocent believers. I was not among the Nephite crowd who touched the wounds of the resurrected Lord, nor did I weep with Mormon and Moroni over the destruction of an entire civilization. But my testimony of this record and the peace it brings to the human heart is as binding and unequivocal as was theirs. Like them “[I] give [my name] unto the world, to witness unto the world that which [I] have seen.” And like them, “[I] lie not, God bearing witness of it.”

Pushing Daisies

I think one of the greatest travesties in television history is the canceling of Pushing Daisies. It was such an odd wonderful show and I miss it. I always hope those tv people who cancel shows will see the error of their ways and bring the good ones back. I am keeping my fingers crossed for this one.

He is Superman

Adison got his mission call on Friday and the family had a 4-way phone call while he opened it. He was being a card and was taking FOREVER to open it.

He was called to serve in the Cordoba Argentina and will report to the MTC on January 27. It is far away, but I am excited to see him at Christmas and in two weeks to go through the temple with him. He will be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ for 2 years. I will miss him so much, but this is the most important thing he can do in his life right now.

Adison is an amazing person and brother. Sammie has already written a tribute for him and she is a much better writer than me and mine wouldn't sound better. He is hilarious and will always make everyone around him feel happy and better. I know he has grown a lot in the past few years and I know he will make the best missionary. Everyone says that about their brother, but it is true with mine.

Stranger Danger

I did something today I hope my children NEVER EVER do. I took candy from a stranger.

Seriously? What was I thinking?

I went to the UVU Career Fair today to recruit people for where I work. (Sounds more important than it really was, trust me.) The guy in the next booth over ask if I wanted some gum. The only reason why I almost said no was because I was going to eat soon. But I took it.

It wasn't until 5 minutes later that I realized I took it from a STRANGER. What if he laced it with some drug? So far it I haven't seen any symptoms, but its only been 8 hours.

Oh, and Happy 100 posts to me. It only took me 1 1/2 years.

Dan Brown - The Lost Symbol

I will be reading this book today. I almost didn't want to. This is a test for Dan Brown. You see, I have read all of his other books. And I might be a little slow, but by the time I read the last one, Digital Fortress, I could see his pattern. It was obvious from the first part of the book who the villain was. And all four of his books are practically the same.

He is an excellent writer and his stories are captivating. But I love being shocked and surprised and seeing stories turn into things I could have never imagined. And I don't think I can get that from Dan Brown anymore.

(This last part could be a spoiler, although I hope not. Highlight to read)

(And my hopes have not started very high. I read the book jacket, and I think I have already figured it out.)

Ruminations

I stayed home sick today. I feel very unproductive. But, I did find this website with random thoughts from people. Here are some that I have thought also.

The idiocy of humanity is well documented in YouTube comments

I find it incredibly unnerving when a customer refers to me by my first name and catches me off guard. Yes, I have a name tag on but please do not use it to make me into your instant friend.

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you
realize you're wrong.

I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't
work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically
fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all
know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards
or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and
suddenly realize I had no idea what was going on when I first
saw it.

I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than
take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron
test is absolutely petrifying.

Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart",
all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod
and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I
know how to get out of my neighborhood.

I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the
shower first and THEN turn on the water.

Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty,
and you can wear them forever.

Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their
profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got
the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if
I do!

Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't
want to have to restart my collection.

There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are
going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle,
then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still
not know what time it is.

It is physically impossible to get back from class and not take a nap. It doesn't matter what time of day it is. The second you get through the door, it's like you've been awake for a week.

Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

One of the most boring and lonely jobs must be working in a campus book store after the first week of the semester. (It is.)

If my milk expires on the 15th, it's definitely fine at 11:59PM on the 14th, but at 12AM it turns rotten and I know it. I know it because the expiration date says so. Thank you, America.

Sometimes I can't handle the pressure of having to be the person to think about what we're going to eat every day.

I wonder how many cars and cash prizes I won from a soda bottle cap but was too lazy to enter the code online.

Box set DVD's are where entire weeks go to die.

Please don't turn off the TV while I'm asleep. I was watching that.

I wish my textbooks had a "Search" function.

For some reason I've always had a strange feeling that even numbers are "good" and odd numbers are "bad".

It is impossible to run with a backpack on and not look like a fool.

Good News x2

#1 I did another weight in this week and I have lost 2.2 pounds. Yes, I am happy with it.

#2 Our insurance finally got approved, which means that this is on schedule. I should do a rant on how stupid our insurance agents was and how annoying it was to have to wait 6 weeks after we originally signed up to get approved because she didn't send in some final paperwork fast enough. But I won't because I am too happy.

Crafts I Want to Try

Here are some crafts I found that I would like to try someday. There are a lot of them. This is mostly a list where I can keep track of everything. Notice a patter?

Hair Bows
Reversible Head Band
Jean Skirt from Old Jeans
Gathered Skirt
Diaper Wipes Case
Diaper Case
Fabric Pumpkin
Onesies
Table Runner
Bib
Repurposed Skirt and Leggings
Car Seat Cover
Clothes Pin Magnet
Centerpiece Blocks
Owl Applique
Quilted Frame
Scarf
Jack-o-laterns
Ribbon Belt
Christmas Stockings
Wreath
Rose Latern
Twirly Jean Skirt
Stuffed Owl
Stuffed Owl 2
Onesie to Dress
Knoted Scraf
Fabric Bookmark
Name Blocks
Ruffle Onesie

The Time I Bought Maternity Clothes

Actually just a shirt. And it was on accident.

Shade Clothing had a warehouse sale in August and I went. Everything was kind of crazy and some clothes were in plastic bags and some weren't. I opened a plastic bag and it was a white long undershirt. I didn't want an open bag, so I picked up another bag in the same box without reading the label.

When I got home, I realized it was a maternity shirt. So yeah, I guess the universe it telling me something.



On a some related note, I am scared of maternity clothes. I don't want to look frumpy, and I don't want to spend so much money on clothes I'll wear for no more than 5 months.

First Day of School

This year is the first year in 18 years where I did not go to school. I am surprised that I am not more sad, but I am a little bit. It's weird that my whole life I have been defined as a student first and then whatever else I was doing. Now I have to decide what I want to be defined as. I know it is not a Senior Team Lead. A mom, teacher or photographer. Right now. A mom for sure, the others might change.

One thing is for sure, I want to continue to be a student. It might not be the first thing I am defined by, but I think it is good to continue learning.

So, I will be taking a class from BYU Independent Study. But I don't know which one. I think I am going to take on of these two:

The Expansion of Europe, 1400-1800
British Government and Politics

I wish BYU Independent Study had a larger history and political science section. I just have to decide by the end of this week.

Blog Changes

I am trying to make my blog look cooler. The first thing I did was got rid of the blue bar at the top of the blog.

Here is the tutorial on how I did it.

I am trying to make a customer blog header, which may or may not be up later today. Well see if I figure it out.

SLC Temple

I took this picture on Monday night and then used Photoshop Elements again. The texture I used was downloaded from the Coffee Shop Photoshop Blog.

Weigh-In

Since I last posted my loss, I have lost 3 pounds. I haven't done very well at all at eating well or exercising with moving, unpacking and family visiting. But at least there was loss. I only have maybe 17 days until I am supposed to be at my wish weight.

Photoshop Elements

I have had Photoshop Elements all summer, and I have been trying really hard to do something amazing with it. I could figure out to do stuff that I could do on free software- like Picasa. And I know how to do something that Photoshop is known for- like removing and replacing objects in photos. But there was a certain style that I was trying to learn. I finally found an AMAZING blog, when this lady doesn't charge to give tips, free downloads, tutorials. I am in love with it. CoffeeShop.

Tonight, I downloaded some textures and did this to one of my wedding photos.


I really love the look of it. Chris doesn't it like it too much, but he just doesn't get it.

So let me know what you think. I know it isn't perfect, but that is why I am practicing.

Loss?

I have started avoided my blog because I had to put up my weigh-in results for this week. It was 0. But, in July I did lose 5 inches all over, most of it in my thighs. Which is why you might see me hike up my pants, they keep falling down. but I won't complain about that too much.


I did have one of these tonight. But I worked out yesterday...

1st WI (on this blog) and Twilight

I don't like writing "weigh in" in the subject line. I am weird.

I lost .8 pounds this week. Not very much because I ate dessert everyday.

And I am sitting here fighting the urge to eat milk and cookies. It is getting really hard.

Here is a post by my sister Sammie. She sums up her feelings about Twilight- and I happen to agree completely with her. She just says it in a funnier way than I could.

Dessert

One of my employees brought me this brownie this week. It was a two layer German Chocolate brownie. Oh. My. Goodness.

I am actually trying to not eat sweets, but I could not say no. So I took a bite, and then another. And before I knew it, it was gone.

But I am going to use this blog to hold myself accountable. No dessert this week. I need to lose 10 pounds by Sept 15. (You can read why at Chris's blog.)

I weigh-in every Sunday and take my measurements once a month. I'll report the loss here. With everybody who reads my blog (all few of you) maybe it will make me work harder. Only pressure make me work, and 44 days is a lot of pressure.

So, say it with me: "No more two-layer German Chocolate brownies!"

Sisters

I was going through my temple bag tonight and found this lost gem. Charleah read this to Chris and I the night before our wedding at Rancho Grande.

It will be so different now
That you are being wed
But we will never forget coming down
Or how we never went to bed.

Sammie's so called scabs in her nose
And Adison drowning in the river
Me not knowing where Alaska goes
And you never getting a spanking...ever

Randi I have always looked up to you
You've been my sister and a friend
Who has always helped me thru
Chris I know you will take good care of my sister
And love her more than any other mister

I have one last thing to say
In this corny little poem of mine
Remember to hold to the gospel
And stay true to each other
And you will be happy for all of time
I love you both and I wish you the best of luck in your happy marriage.

Faith

When I was younger, I had warts on my knee. (I know, gross.) My mom tried everything to get them to go away but they would always come back.

When I was 9 years old, the only thing left was to get a Priesthood blessing. (You can read a description of what that is here and here.)

My dad gave me a blessing and within a short amount of time the warts were gone. It's been 14 years and they haven't come back.

I have always had a testimony of the power of the priesthood. For some reason, I remembered this story the other day and it got my thinking. How wonderful is it that we have a Heavenly Father who blesses us and helps our testimonies grow based on our capability to understand? I was 9 years old, and wasn't going to understand some complicated answer to what I was asking for. But I was showing God that I had faith that getting a blessing would get rid of my warts, and it happened.

Also, how great is it that Heavenly Father loves us so much, and me as a 9 year old girl that he answered my prayer, even when it might have seem superficial. He gives us opportunities show our faith and then helps us grow. Even little girls.

I hope that I can give my children opportunities to show their faith and then help them see answers to their questions so that their faith can continue to grow.

Snow Cones

Here is that place I posted about before. I still don't remember the name of it, but here is a picture of the snowcone. It is as big as Chris's head. The place is on Canyon Rd in Provo.

Bridal Veil Falls

I finally convinced Chris to go hike Bridal Veil falls yesterday. It was a very short hike, but it was really fun. While Chris went not really wanting to go, it turn out he had lots of fun. I think we will be going back.

Knowing

Worst movie. It was laughable. The acting was horrible. The plot was stupid. The writing was disgusting. I can't believe this film even made it to theaters.

Chris hates Nicolas Cage, but I usually like the movies he is in. Not his one. Where did his acting skills go?

If you want to laugh, watch this movie.

Snow Cones and Lines

Chris and I went to get Snow Cones tonight. We when to this place that is across from Helaman Halls. The snow cones are HUGE and so good.

We got there and stood in the pretty long line that was already there. Then this girl comes up and asks "Are ya'll standing in line?" I turn around and say "Yes." The guy who's with her says, "No, they are all just standing here staring." Then she says, "Well the line was curve, so I wasn't sure." We were curved so we weren't standing in the street!

People shock me sometimes

Jonas Brothers

I went to a concert last night that every little girl dreams of going to. Including my sisters. This post is for them. I want them to know how close I was to Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas. (I think I can finally tell who's who.) I took these with my camera. Even though I didn't know all the songs, it was still fun.

There was a downside. There was a girl behind me who screamed practically the entire time. I could actually feel my ear drums vibrate.

(Click the pictures to enlarge and get a better Jonas Brother experience.)

Freedom Run 5k

I did it. I wasn't sure if I would be able to. I woke up the morning of wondering what I had signed myself up for. But, I got up, ate some toast, drank a glass of OJ and ran.

I did better than I had ever done before. This was technically the first time that I had ran the full 3.1 miles.

When I compare it with other times, it might be embarrassing. But I am glad I am doing it. The next one will be September 5th.

Here are my stats.

What I Hate

"Previously on...(Fill in TV on DVD show name.)"

Seriously. I am watching the whole season of the show with hardly any breaks. Why on every episode? I don't need the DVD reminding what happened last episode... The one I just watched.

Gilmore Girls doesn't have it. The Office doesn't have it. Early Edition doesn't have it. And neither does Friends.

I wish there was an option to turn it off.

P.S. I like are the ones in front of Supernatural. Because they play good music and get you excited for the episode.

People

If you don't want people to think you are pregnant, don't say you have morning sickness.

Example:

Girl #1: "I have had morning sickness all week long."
Girl #2:" OMG, are you pregnant?"
Girl #1: "No, why?"

If you are sick in the morning, it's not morning sickness unless you are pregnant. Or at least in mine and lots of other peoples minds.

LOST

I have debated for 4 years now whether or not to watch Lost. My roommate watched it a few years ago and I got a few episodes, it was so confusing that it turned me off.

However, we needed a new TV show to watch. We have already watched Alias this summer and LOVED it. Alias was created by J.J. Abrams (Cloverfield, Star Trek) who also created Lost.

I think Chris and I have watched almost every show that has been on network television in the past 3 years. Except CSI, Law & Order, and similar cop/detective/forensic shows. I guess it was only a matter of time before we got to Lost.

Well, we rented it last night. I am not sure yet. I usually don't get into show until the second season. I like it enough to keep my attention, but it is taking forever to find out what really happened! I think there is only one more season left, so I guess that is good, I won't have to wait forever to find out stuff.

Microwave

I walked into the breakroom at work the other day and heard an interesting conversation.

Two guys were at the microwave heating up their TV dinners.

"Dude, this is taking so long. I wish we had one of those microwaves from (some movie) where it cooked food super fast."
"Dude, wouldn't that be awesome. It make cooking food so much faster."
"Of course if I was using it, I wouldn't put it on full power. That would just be freaky. I would put it on low power."
"Yeah, that would make sense."

That wasn't the exact conversation, but it was similar. TV dinners take 5 minutes, at the most. Really, that is too long to wait? It reminds me of the Brian Regan Pop-Tart sketch.

"And then they have microwave directions, you can microwave a Pop-Tart that just blew me away, that you could do that. How long does it take to toast a Pop-Tart? A minute-and-a-half if you want it dark? People don't have that kind of time? Listen, if you need to zap fry your Pop-Tarts before you head out the door, you might wanna loosen up your schedule. And I swear, it says, "Microwave on high for 3 seconds" That's all. I don't think I wanna wake up and be eatin' in 3 seconds, you know the alarm goes off. "AAAAA" Now! *shoves Pop-Tart in mouth* Oh, that's right! I gotta get out of here!! If your wakin', eatin', and haulin' in 3 seconds, it's time for a change of lifestyle."

Resume

I was going through some old resumes at work and I came across a really special one. It was less than 100 words (including his contact information.) It included one job experience and his responsibility at that job was to help "fulfill his needs."

Here is the best part:

"Qualifications: My personality is more than amazing. Communicating with people is a breeze for me, I know not only will I benefit from this job, but I can help this job with a ton of saves."

Amazing. I think he would be an amazing employee, who would do an amazing job, and would help our company be amazing.

BTW, I don't know what a save is or how it relates to our company.

He goes to UVU, I am sure they have people who could help him with his resume. Or once again, maybe a simple google search on "Resumes."

Health Insurance

***This might be a little bit of a rant.**

Shopping for health insurance is frustrating. I would really like to get on group health insurance somewhere. My job won't offer it to me unless they take $2000 out of my paycheck every month. (I think that it is an exaggeration because they don't want to offer it to my department.) Chris is looking for a job that will offer group insurance. We don't care how much it pays, as long as we can get insurance.

Individual health plans suck because they don't cover maternity very well. (Not an announcement.) The deductible is $6500 and doctors visits associated with maternity aren't covered!

I am waiting for Obama to reform health care. I don't like universal health care, but I do think our system can be reformed to make health care more affordable to everyone.

Pain and Blood

Yesterday I learned just how freaked out by blood and pain I really am.

Chris was turning on our dining room fan when the light fixture fell. As he tried to catch it, it shattered on his arm giving him a couple of cuts. One which obviously required stitches.

(I am feeling faint just typing this.)

Chris asked to me look inside the wound to see if there was any glass in it. I about died. And then we switched roles. I am normally the one who will do everything to stay away from a doctors office, while Chris is the opposite. (Luckily, we haven't had to go to the doctor for emergencies since we've been married.) But I knew that if we didn't go to the doctor, I would have to do something to clean it and that was not happening. Chris was like "Do I need to go to the doctor?" He was imagining putting some butterfly bandages on it and leaving it at that.

We went to the Riverwoods Urgent Care Center instead of the ER. I am glad we did, because we were out of there within 40 minutes. The dinner we had left behind was still worth saving.

He only needed 3 stitches. The doctor put on a gauze wrap and an ace bandage over that and told him to leave bandage on for about 24 hours and then check for infection. 3 hours later, Chris decided he needed to check for infection sooner. So he unwrapped it. Right next to me. I didn't look at it, but I was cringing the whole time.

I wrapped it up again, without looking the stitches. He wanted it a little looser this time. Then we went to sleep. At about 4 am this morning, I think I bumped his arm which woke him up. At that time we discovered the bandage had moved down exposing the stitches and there was blood. Chris hurried to the bathroom and I started waking up.

When I went into the bathroom to help, I saw what I had been trying to avoid for the past 9 hours. His blue stitches were staring at me in the face and all the blood rushed out of my head and I felt faint. (I haven't felt like this since I got my last tetnus shot, where I actually fainted.) Not wanting Chris to worry about me falling and hurting myself, I went and sat on the couch with my head between my knees while he assessed the damage.

Then we went to Smiths and bought some more bandages. I successfully helped him clean it and re wrap his wound without looking at the stitches again.

But now, I keep relieving the experience. And I know Chris is in a lot of pain because the shot they gave him has worn off, plus they gave him a tetnus shot in the same arm! And those hurt a lot afterward. Because Chris is in pain, I am having sympathy pain.

Both Chris and his step mom asked me what I am going to do when we have children and they get hurt. I. Have. No. Idea. I don't know if I am going to be able to handle it. Glenda (Chris's step mom) said that I need to keep calm at first, and then freak out later. I might need some practice for that, although I don't wish for more opportunities to practice.

Couponing Queen

I went to Albertson's yesterday and spent $95 and I save $125. Plus I got a free redbox rental and a free thing of ice cream.

And in today's news paper, there were Alberton's Double Coupons- so I'll be going again tomorrow.

I am almost addicted to grocery shopping- but only if Chris is there with me.

Harry Potter

This is so much better on the big screen, but I am so excited for this movie. Only 49 days left!

Why Chris and I were meant to be together

Both Chris and I took the ACT twice and the SAT.

We got the same exact score. Every. Time.

For reals.

Brownie Edges

Here is something I don't get.
Do people really only like the edges of brownies? I don't. I eat the edges last, or I give them away. Sometimes I feel guilty about it, but if people really just like the edges, then I won't anymore.

Yes Poo

It didn't last very long. Today would have been 5 days without using shampoo. This morning I tried to rinse my hair with baking soda. But it didn't really work that well. My hair was gross and looked like I hadn't showered in forever. So I shampooed, and my hair looks so clean.

I think I still want to try it eventually. I know that it usually takes at least two weeks for the oil to stop building up, but I didn't want to wait that long. Maybe if I didn't have to go out in public or if I could wear a baseball cap everywhere.

No Poo

There is a new phenomenon going around. People are going without Shampoo. So forever, others just limit their "poo" usage.

People who have tried it say it especially works on curly/wavy hair. I have curly/wavy hair somewhere. I just have never been able to get it curly without it being really short or have a professional do it.

Well, I am thinking about doing it. I already only wash my hair every other day. So it wouldn't be so hard. I would still rinse it everyday, and rinse it with baking soda or apple cider like once a week.

I figure this weekend is good to try since it is longer. If I hate my hair by Monday night, I will wash it.

SYTYCD

Which stands for "So You Think You Can Dance?

It starts tomorrow. I suffered through the worst season of American Idol ever to finally get to this day. The SYTYCD premiere is tomorrow. I cannot wait to see who will be riding the Hot Tamale Train.

In honor of SYTYCD, here are my favorite dances. My favorite season has been Season 3, and my favorite dancers are Sara and Neil. Hopefully this season will be as good as Season 3.





And I hope they do more Bollywood this year. I think they will, especially after Slumdog Millionaire.

Couponing

I have been half attempting to coupon for the last month and a half. I haven't been very successful. Mostly because I went to the store with 4 or 5 coupons that I was determined to use, just to find out that item was sold out. (Because everyone else in Utah County is trying to get the same item.)

Well, I went to Albertson's on Monday with a list and all my coupons. I walked out with $219 worth of groceries for $105! That over 50% savings.

And, I am not wasting them. In the past week and a half, we have only ate out once. And that was for Chris's Tucanos birthday meal. With all the food I have in the kitchen, I bet I could make it 2 weeks without going to the grocery store (except for milk.) However, then I would miss out on all the deals at Albertson's this week.

Also, we are slowing building up some food storage. All we need is a can opener and we would have plenty of soup to break out.

Fail

This picture made me laugh out loud.

American Idol Live

Ryan just announced that Chris Allen will be in the final 2 for American Idol!

Is Danny going home?

I thought for sure it would be Chris but....

Danny is going home! Yeah! Now I am actually a little bit excited about next week's finale.

Oh, and we are not saying goodbye to "one of the bests."

(Oh, and what's with my triple posts per day?)

Parallel Parking

I parallel parked for the first time on Saturday. I went to the Provo Farmer's Market and couldn't find a parking spot where I wouldn't have to. I usually don't go places where I know I have to parallel park without Chris, but he was at his GRE prep course, so I had to brave it on my own. and I got it on my first time! I pulled up next to the car in front, turned the steering wheel a hard right and straightened out.

As you can tell, I had plenty of room, but it doesn't seem that way in the rear view mirror. I'll have to practice so that I can someday fit into a smaller space.

Disappointment

Today has basically been a day of disappointments. First work and then laundry. But to top it all off: Smart Cookie.

For some reason, Smart Cookie (an ice cream place) is closed for the summer. We drove up and all the lights were off and there was nobody there.

We had to go to the stupid creamery for ice cream and mine tasted a little bit like Fig Newton. Why?

So, I am boycotting Smart Cookie for the summer. Who's with me?

5k

Chris and I decided that we were going to run a 5k. I haven’t run more than a mile at once my whole life, so this will be a new thing. I also haven’t run a full mile straight since high school. I always stop and walk a bit.

We have both started working out at least 3 times a week and our workouts include the treadmill. If I were to do a 5k today, I would finish it in about 45 minutes. More than double the amount of time I think it should take. I would like to get it down to 30 minutes by the time out first one would be.

I picked the Freedom Festival 5k on July 4th as our first 5k. So we have a little less than two months to prepare.

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate running? I can hardly stand to do it. The only way I get through it now is on a treadmill watching The Office on our Ipod touch.

I would like to get to the point where I love running or can at least tolerate it. It is such an easy exercise- meaning that I wouldn’t need equipment to do it. Just my legs. So that is the main thing I hope to accomplish by the time we have to run the 5k.

Danny Dorkey

***This is for Charleah, to test if she really reads my blog.

I am watching American Idol right now and Danny Dorkey is preforming with Chris Allen, and he sucks. I like this song and I do not want to listen to him sing it.

And the song reminds me of Supernatural- which is one of the best shows on TV.

(Photo from Vote for the Worst)

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays! Mostly because I associate it with eating lots Mexican food- which is my favorite.

In elementary school we always had a pinata, which are so fun.

In junior high and high school I was always in a Spanish class so there was always a potluck.

To celebrate, Chris and I had Cafe Rio. Although, it is not as good as Texas Mexican food, it was still okay. Just 24 days until Texas and Rancho Grande!

How I Met Your Mother

I love the show How I Met Your Mother. I love stories where everything has to fit together so perfectly and a lot of events that happen are vital to the story line. Plus it's funny.

I am so excited every time there is an episode that talks more about how the main character met his future wife and the mother of his children.

A couple of seasons ago Ted (the main character) went to a club. When he left it was raining and he took a yellow umbrella that was left behind. It turns out, that yellow umbrella belongs to his future wife. Well, in last night episode, Ted got that umbrella out. Throughout the entire episode the narrator (future Ted) talks about how one small change in life could lead us down a completely different path. The choices he had made within the past week had influenced where he was walking to and how long it took him to get there. He says that if those things hadn't had happened, then his kids would have never been born.

At the beginning of the episode he has the yellow umbrella and a girl taps him on the shoulder. I'm thinking "Yes! We finally get to see the future Mrs. Ted Mosby!" Then at the end of the episode they show her face.

Who is it? Stella (Sarah Chalke)- who is one of Ted's girlfriends and who left him at the alter. Totally anti-climatic! I like Sarah Chalke in Scrubs- but she is not the Mother in How I Met Your Mother. I will be so disappointed if it is her.

And I don't think she is. Future Ted never says to his kids "You would have never been born, because this person is your mother." My guess is that meeting up with Sarah again is just another step in the ladder that he needed to met his wife. Like maybe she knows the former owner of the umbrella, or her new receptionist at the doctors office.