A New Life

I'm Still Here!

2012-01-31T06:13:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry I'm so terrible at this all of the sudden.

I don't mean to be...please forgive me!

I will say though, I don't really have a whole lot going on. I've really just been doing the whole life thing, ya know?

Work, school, kid.

But there is one something that is quite amazing...

I finished school!!!!!

Last week was my last day at school, I passed my practical test yesterday, and now I just have to get through my written test and we will be golden!!!

Back to It

2011-09-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

So here we are...2 months, 3 weeks, and 1 day later.
I feel like I'm getting into the swing of things. I'm back to work now (for 3 whole days), and I feel like all in all it was good time off.

Since Ryder was born, we have had quite an adventure. Here's some pictures to keep you interested.

(they are pretty much ALL phone pictures, so please excuse the quality)

We've had:

Cousin Visits

That is my then 4 month old nephew Carson and Ryder at about 2 days old

Trey and Ryder

Treyton just turned 10 on Sunday...Happy Birthday!

A finally finished nursery!

A trip to the hospital
Me and Ryder were at the hospital for 5 days. He had a UTI and wasn't gaining weight because of it so he had to go and get better. It was the most heartbreaking thing I've ever had to deal with. And I mean that.

A photo shoot

Gang Signs

A smilin' fool

Once he realized how, he didn't stop!

2 month shots

Exhausting days

More Smiles

Baths

I used to just have him in the shower with me and he loved it, I'm not sure what he thinks about the actual tub.

For the most part, things are good. I'm still trying to get myself in order. Slowly, but its coming along.

I promise to be better now. And hopefully not only have phone pictures to post!

Ryder Richard Culligan

2011-08-05T00:11:00.001-07:00

My baby love was born on July 6, 2011 at 3:24 a.m. weighing in at 4 lbs 8 oz. He was just a little guy which was nice for me, but a bit scary at first. He was perfectly fine and I will never, ever forget anything about that night. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe it.

First off...I had him at home. It was planned, yes. People think I'm nutty, yes. But it's what I wanted and what I felt comfortable with so that's how I did it.

My due date was July 28. Didn't quite make it there.

I started having contractions at almost exactly 8 am on July 5. It seemed the second I sat down at my desk, they started. They started at 7 minutes apart and weren't really a big deal pain wise. They stayed that way until about 7 or 8 that night. Then they slowly got more intense.

More and more and more intense.

I stayed at work all day. Went to my school (I had already started my leave) and got lasered. Met Kevin for dinner, breathing through contractions the whole time. Then we went to Kevin's softball game at 9.

And then they started to get worse.

By the time the game was over, I was almost not able to just quietly breathe through them. I got out of there just in time. I drove home and started getting a bath ready. I let my midwife know what was going on. She told me to take my bath and then try to get some sleep. If I couldn't sleep through them, to let her know and she would come down.

That was at 10:37

I got in the tub and was in there for about 15 minutes, but our tub isn't very big and my only option was on my back. Wasn't gonna fly.

I got out and got ready for bed. That's when the contractions got bad. I was able to lay on my side for a big and groan through them. Then I couldn't lay down anymore.

I got out of bed and was leaning over it, rocking back and forth. That helped quite a bit. Poor Kevin wasn't allowed to talk to me during them. He was only able to hold my one hand or he got smacked. I felt bad for him...then another contraction came and I got over it.

Finally, at 1:45 Kevin quit listening to me and called my midwife. He let her know that we hadn't slept at all and that the contractions were 2 minutes apart and pretty intense. She said she was on her way...

She lives in bountiful and we live in american fork...do the math.

All throughout the 2 am hour, I was getting more and more nauseous with each contraction an just kept saying "I don't want to throw up" over and over. At about 2:45, that didn't work anymore and told Kevin to get me something. The closest thing was the garbage can in the bathroom and he barely got it to me in time.

I knew that throwing up means your transitioning to the actual birth and then I started freaking out because Camille wasn't here yet. Kev called her again at 2:55 and she said she was just getting off the freeway.

While that phone call was happening, I started pushing. That whole "need to push" thing is real. I had no control, it was happening. I had moved from leaning on the bed to the floor on all fours because that's where I landed when I was throwing up.

At 3:05, Kevin went to help Camille and her assistant get their things into the house and I was on the floor, pushing, by myself. When Camille came in the front room I heard her say, "That sounds like pushing to me!"

I groaned at that comment and told them to come back. I needed Kevin more than anything, and he wasn't in there at the moment.

Camille came in the room, and realized that I really was pushing, not just making noise. She grabbed my shoulders and told me that I had to take deep breaths between pushing so that the baby was getting enough oxygen. Before that I was just kind of freaking out so my breathing was a little crazy.

I took deep breaths, and pushed. Deep breath, push. Deep breath and push.

I could feel the baby coming down with each push, which is actually my favorite part of him being born. At first, I was kind of afraid to push all the way because that meant his head coming out. And all that meant was pain. I was holding back a bit in the beginning.

Then I had a little chat with myself and said that the only way this was gonna be over was to just do it.

2 more pushes and he was out.

Camille handed him to Kevin through my legs (I was still on my hands and knees)...and here is the craziest part.

He was born in his sack. Meaning my water never broke. More on that later.

He wasn't moving or breathing, but because he was still in the sack so he didn't need to be. Camille got it off his face, and at exactly one minute old he started screaming.

Camille wrapped him in a towel and handed him to me. Kevin leaned over to us and kissed me on the forehead. And Ryder opened his gigantic eyes and looked up at us.

I have never been so happy in my whole life. Words can't even begin to explain the emotion that was happening.

Camille and Kimberly got me up onto my bed and got us comfortable. We didn't cut the cord for almost an hour. The three of us were just laying on the bed, in awe of each other.

Then Kevin cut the cord and cuddled his baby boy while I delivered the placenta and got cleaned up.

I got back in my bed and Camille and Kimberly cleaned up everything. They started some laundry and got me some food. Kimberly actually had to run to the store to get quite a few things because we had nothing. We weren't expecting a baby just yet.

And then, just as quickly as everything started, it was over. Camille and Kimberly got their stuff and left at about 5:30 or 6. And our new little family was left alone to get to know each other.

Kevin passed out rather quickly because he had some hard days and very little sleep leading up to this. I was on the phone with people and was cuddling the new love of my life.

I had originally planned to have a water birth but because he was three weeks early, I didn't have the tub yet. And because he came so quickly, we didn't have time to set it up when Camille got there. But, I wouldn't change a thing about how it happened. It was so perfect.

Now, babies who are born in their sack (its called 'born in the caul') are said to be extra lucky, extra intuitive, and almost supernatural. There is also some crazy stuff floating around about these babies not being able to die by drowning...I don't think I'll test that theory but I guess it's nice to know. And I guess we'll see how lucky he really is.

A Few Things**Updated

2011-06-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

First of all...

34 weeks today!!!

Anyone else shocked by that?? I know I am!

I don't have a picture at this exact moment, but will put one up...probably tomorrow. But just be warned...its CrAzy!

It's been awhile, I'm so sorry. Nothing too amazing has been happening up until this last week so I haven't really had a whole lot to talk about.

Now, lets jump back to last Wednesday.

I'm sitting at work, feeling normal. Then I start to get uncomfortable sitting at my desk. Then things start to get painful. Like bad.

I felt like my right hip was pinching something against my ribs. And no matter how I moved or stood or whatever, it wouldn't go away. I tried to just deal, thinking it's just my stupid back that hurts anyway, it just hurts worse today.

Then it turned into, I can't really breathe because this is hurting so bad. So I finally went home at about 11 thinking I would take a bath and get my heating pad on it and I would be fine.

Not. So. Much.

I was in the bath for a total of 7 minutes before I couldn't sit there anymore. It felt like there was a knot in my back that I couldn't rub out and sitting made it get squished, I'm assuming, and it hurt!!

I laid in my bed for awhile, laying on my left side hurt because my belly pulled on that sore spot too much. Laying on my right side meant laying ON the sore spot so that was kind of out too. I ended up flat on my back, which is not good, but that's all I could do for the time being.

When it started getting worse and worse, and never better...I finally decided to call my midwife. I had an appointment with her the night before, but everyting was fine so there was nothing to talk about then. I knew it could be kidney related, being on my right side...but that it could also be some pre-term back labor going on. She had Kevin push around to see if it was my kidneys, and it definitely hurt more when he did that so she said we need to head to the Dr. because if its an infection, we would need antibiotics from the Dr.

To the urgent care we go...after walking, sitting, crying in the waiting room for over an hour, I finally got back to see the Dr.

They said no infection but it could possibly be kidney stones just talking about it. He did some more poking and prodding, then said that stones wouldn't hurt from the outside but found that that muscle (remember the giant knot??) was pretty tight when I wasn't using it, and rock hard when I was. He finally said I probably pulled a muscle, which isn't hard to do when you're pregnant, and with the weight of the baby being positioned just so perfectly it was just making it that much worse.

He put me on loritab, told me to take it very easy and get a brace for my belly to keep it from pulling and maybe give my back a chance to heal. But he also said that it was possible that it wouldn't feel better until the baby was born.

So I missed work, and school for a couple of days because, as hard as I tried not to, I couldn't deal with that pain without the pain meds which meant I couldn't drive anywhere. And finally on Sunday, it felt better!!! I could walk normally again and didn't have to take any more of those pills! I got my belly brace, which makes me feel and look like an idiot but it's helping A LOT!

Now I just have to continue to take it easy so that it doesn't come back, because no thank you!

That turned into quite a long story, sorry about that. This is the most interesting thing that has happened during my pregnancy, which is a good thing, so I just had to report it!

Stay tuned for a picture of the giant baby belly!!!

One Love 2/6/45 - 5/11/81

2011-05-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Oh Bob...There are no words.

Except...

Calm

Inspiration

Love

So much love in fact, that my second child will be named for you. The first, will be named for his father.

Your music inspires me in more ways than I can count.

Bad moods disappear.

I feel sad that your music stopped inpiring the world long before I came around, but I'm glad that it's here for me to enjoy now.

30 years ago today...You are missed.

Rest in Peace

What a difference a month makes!

2011-04-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Here I am.

In all my bellied glory.

(I don't think that's a word...)

Remember when there wasn't a volleyball under my shirt?

Remeber when, just 4 short weeks ago, I looked like this?

Quite a difference, huh?

That's because my boy is getting HUGE!!

And he's started this new game of pushing as far out front as he can. It gets heavy, and is definitely not the most comfortable thing ever.

But, I can deal :)

Some positives thus far...

*I have yet to find out what heartburn feels like

*I can still wear my one pair of non-maternity jeans

*My mid-wife says things are looking great in all areas!

*Me and R play games all day when I'm sitting at my desk, it makes me feel special :)

*The nursery is painted..now we wait for carpet

*Only 13 weeks left...eek!

Some not so positives, but still not so bad...

-He hurts me sometimes when he plays his new stick-out game

-Kevin's schedule has been a complete suck-fest lately, so I feel like he's missing stuff. Including my growing belly

-Hungry, full, hungry, full...its a viscious cycle

-I have had several dreams that "It's a boy!" until he is actually born and it turns out "It's a girl!" Very unsettling.

-Only 13 weeks left...eek!

I just can't wait to meet my little guy!

Real Quick...

2011-04-12T09:38:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to say that my new, very favorite thing in the whole world is watching my baby kick my belly.

Yes, I said watching.

On Sunday, I was sitting on the bed folding laundry and watching tv, I leaned back to give my back a rest for a second and just happened to look down right when a spot on my belly popped out for a split second.

Then it happened again, and again.

Now, I just catch myself staring at my belly for who knows how long, waiting to see it again.

I can't believe how unbelievably happy I am right now, looking down at this...

23 Weeks

2011-03-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

Here it is....in all it's glory...the belly!

This is technically my 22 week picture, but I haven't posted in awhile so, I figured this would do.

Just so you know, it hasn't really changed.

Some Facts...for those who care...

How Far?: 23 Weeks, 17 Weeks to go

How Big is Baby?: An ear of corn apparently, 8.5 inches, 1.5 lbs.

Total Weight Gain or Loss: I'm not exactly positive, but I'm gonna say about 6 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: I'm now down to one pair of normal jeans that work with this belly, and only my camis and cardigans fit as far as non-maternity tops go. Everything else is from the mama section

Movement: He kicks me pretty much all day long, it just feels like tickles unless I'm laying down...then it's more punchy.

Kevin felt his first ouward kick about 2 weeks ago, and then again last night we were messing with him go get him to kick.

Symptoms: I only get sick if I haven't eaten in awhile, or if I'm eating something amazing and end up clearing my plate...and the table...

I feel non-stop exhausted, sleep does NOT help.

My lower back hurt anyway, now it hurts more...I can deal.

What I miss: Putting my own socks on. I don't wear socks that often, but we went to the REAL game on Saturday (yes, I finally saw my Becks, in the flesh!) and it was cold so I was going to wear socks...I had to have Kevin come in and do it for me because I couldn't reach :(

Sleeping through the night...example: I got up 3 times last night to pee

Cravings: Anything spicy, whether it hurts my tongue or not...I NEED SALSA!

Popsicles

Water, I cannot drink enough water

So, that's me and little R in a nutshell.

In other news, still baby related...because unfortunately (for some), that's all I feel the need to talk about...We got the crib and the dresser!

I just love them...they are still in boxes because we haven't painted yet....but this is them!

We are painting, then getting carpet, and then they can have a home. I'm just so excited!

Carson MacKay Youd

2011-03-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

Sister (FiNaLlY!!) had her baby! He was being stubborn and didn't want to come out of his momma apparently. She was due on February 22nd and nothing, nothing, nothing...

So she finally had to be induced yesterday. She got started at about 10 a.m. or so, and he was born at about 7 p.m. But we did find out why he wasn't coming out...he is a big boy!!

8 lbs 9oz
20 inches long.

Poor sister had quite a tear, but I think she's okay with it. I'm so proud of her!!! I love my sister so much and now I know what I have to look forward to!

Thank you for letting us be a part of it Kait!!!

It's a...

2011-02-11T08:36:00.001-08:00

My cousin Tiffany works at an OB's office, and was able to get me in for an early ultrasound on my BIRTHDAY!! It took all of 2 seconds to see what the little guy was. I wish that I could have seen Kevin's face when it came up on the screen but he was sitting in a chair in front of me so I couldn't. He kept saying he didn't care, but I know he really wanted a boy first and he is pretty excited! We went to the mall right after to try to find some Atlanta Braves stuff for him, but they didn't have any.

Last night, Kevin really wanted to take a picture of my belly. Comparing this one, and the one down below at 14 weeks...I'm thinking I was having a fat day on the 14 week picture because I feel like I look a lot bigger in that one than this one, but this one looks more like a baby bump.

Here is a picture of his cute little face! He was so curled up in my belly and wouldn't show us his face, so the tech started "beating" my belly with the wand thing to get him to move and he flipped right over and gave us that amazing profile.

I am so in love!

We have picked out a name for him, but I'm gonna keep that quiet for a little bit. I'll put it out there when we get a little closer.

Just know that RKC is coming, and we can't wait!!!

Oh Baby!

2011-01-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

14 weeks!!

I can't even believe that! It feels like it was yesterday that I found out I was even pregnant...And that was clear back in November!

I am starting to feel a little better, nausea wise. But sometimes, I still would just like to die it gets so bad. But with the second trimester, it definitely feels like it is tapering off....kind of.

And here's my list...

Size of the baby: Navel orange; 4.5 inches long; 2-3 ounces

Total weight gain/loss: As of my last appointment, I had lost 2 pounds. That was 2 weeks ago, but I still feel like I've felt bad enough that I haven't been eating as much as I probably should (not by choice, trust me)

Maternity clothes: I so far am still in regular clothes, but almost broke down last week because my jeans were hurting me. I'm down to one particular pair of regular jeans, and my stretchy black pants. Alternating days of course :)
I also have yet to get a bigger bra, but fear that won't be the case much longer...'YOWZA!' is all I have to say in that department.

Movement: **I haven't felt anything yet, but sweet pea is definitely moving around in there. Some days my belly is so sore, I feel like I've been working out! **

The above was written 2 days ago...I have since felt the baby move twice!!! Just little flutters but they were definitely something.

Symptoms: Sick, Sick, Sick!!! I've been super effing tired, but sleeping is only getting harder and more uncomfortable. The girls are still super sore, and it makes me want to cry some days. Randomly sore muscles, and shooting yet fleeting pain in my lower abdomen if I sit up too fast, or sneeze, or...ya know...move.
Also that whole baby brain thing is real. And it sucks. I randomly forget things that I know I knew at some point. Misplace things like a glass of OJ at work, that I was sipping not 15 seconds before. Weirdo.

Cravings: I don't feel like I've been craving anything too crazy yet. Most things just sound too grody to even care about. I have been digging carrots and scrambled eggs (not together). The eggs mostly because they are the only thing I have found that I don't immediately throw up if I'm feeling gross but need to eat. I have not bee craving potato chips though, which if you know me at all, you know that is the craziest thing in the world.

What I miss: Getting free treatments at school (I'm down to the basics now, i.e. facials, pedicures...), energy, feeling normal, not crying every 2 seconds, and a good margarita. Miss that one very much.

Boy, Girl, ?: Don't know yet, but we scheduled an ultrasound for 16 weeks with my cousin...which happens to fall on my birthday!! So hopefully we get something good out of that. I need a girl, he definitely wants a boy...so we'll see how that goes.

Best moment this week: When my belly popped out overnight...really. I was just looking a little chubby last week, then over the weekend I was excited because I LOOKED pregnant. Then on Tuesday, I was quite amazed to see that it was even bigger! Its cute though :)

The Wait is OVER!!!!

2010-12-27T10:04:00.001-08:00

That last post was really mean, and I'm so sorry...but I just couldn't help it!

I was too excited to say nothing, but it was too soon to say anything so you got what you got.

Kevin and I have some great news to share!!!

After a year and half of waiting and hoping...and waiting...we are finally pregnant and expecting our little one July 28th!

I am about 9 weeks along right now, and so far have been feeling CRAPPY! I didn't think it was possible to feel that gross, constantly, but it is. And it sucks!

But I'll take it!

My, Oh My...

2010-11-18T13:26:00.001-08:00

That's is all I have to say on the subject.

I know...SupER teAsER, but I just can't resist. For now anyway!

But don't worry...

Eyelashes

2010-10-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

Did that eyeball freak you out?? :)

So sorry.

Anyway...

I signed up for a course through my school to get certified to do eyelash extensions!!

I was worried I wasn't going to be able to because of the cost, but it turned out that the school owed me money from a down payment match they do so it actually didn't cost me a thing, and I will still get some money back!

It worked out so perfectly!

The class starts on November 20th and I will need a model that day, and then other models to practice on and certify with on a different day. If you're interested, let me know!

I am so excited about this! It's one extra thing that I can add to my resume when I'm done with school, and even before I'm done with school! Woohoo for progress!!

Speaking of school, I'm done with orientation this week. Friday will be my last day in that class and then I'm on to intermediate and start taking appointments in the spa. Yay!!

I'm not sure what my spa schedule will be yet, but I will let you know!

All you peeps should come down and see me!

I've posted the spa menu and such over on the side there so you can check it out. At first I can only do facials, manicures, pedicures, glitter toes and gel nails. But I will be certifying in more things soon and will update that little side blurb to let you all know.

Well, hello there.

2010-10-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a long time.

I'm sorry.

Can you ever forgive me? Please??

To say my life has been crazy since we spoke last would be the understatement of the century. Seriously. Things have been nuts.

In a nutshell:

started school
had to have 3 biopsies for cervical cancer (OWWW!! btw)
have been rocking school
have been waiting and waiting for something that I didn't think I would need to wait for
have been spending as much time with My Love and my family as possible

Let me now start by saying that only one of my 3 biopsies came back with abnormal cells. The Dr. didn't seem too concerned about it at this point and just said I'll have another pap with my Midwife in March and then we'll go from there. That was the worst 3 weeks ever. Too much waiting, not enough knowing. But when I got the call that just said to check on it in 6 months, that was a good day. So, no need to worry about Chels. It's all good in the hood.

I started school on the first, and It. Is. Amazing. !!.

I love it...so, so much!! Its been a hard adjustment with these super long, full days but I'm starting to get into a routine and getting used to pretty much being tired all the time.

So far we have learned: facials, manicures, pedicures, did glitter toes last night and will be doing gel nails tonight. I forgot how much I loved doing this stuff. It makes me happy.

My new schedule consistes of Work from 8-4:30 and school from 5:30 to 9:30..I leave my house at about 7:30 and get home at 10. Its long, long, long and hard, but its only until Next November, so I will not complain too much. My only real adjustmet has been to not seeing Kevin hardly at all. That has been the hardest. Because his schedule was kind of crazy to begin with, we now have even less of a chance to spend time together. Which makes me sad. But we're dealing.

Other than that craziness, life is just life. Working, schooling, playing. Over and over again.

Me and Kevin are heading to Vegas this weekend for a little trip, just the 2 of us and I can't wait! My mind is already in vacation mode and its only Tuesday. We don't leave until Friday, so that makes it bad for my working situation.

I'm hoping to get back into a groove of blogging soon, so hang in there peeps!

Much love!!

It's time...for an announcement.

2010-08-31T07:21:00.002-07:00

Okay...here it is.

I am officially starting school again. Tomorrow. September 1st. At...

I'm super excited, a little nervous, but mostly ready to get started so that I can be finished and have a career...finally!

It will be 15 months of part time-ness, Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9 and then every other Saturday, except this first month will be Monday through Friday for orientation.

Wish me luck!

Times, they are a changin'

2010-08-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Okay...not really, but they need to.

I'm needing a change in my life. Nothing too spectacular, just some new scenery.

I've been trying to talk Kevin into getting transferred to St. George so we can move down there. At first I was just talking, got a bug in me that I needed to live there. Now its becoming more and more of a possibility.
(No one freak out yet; nothing is decided, or even anything more than just talked about. But, it turns out that there really may be an opportunity for this to happen. Seriously, please don't freak out...it's really nothing more than a distant possibility at this point.)

Anyway, a change. Maybe a new job, maybe just a hobby. I don't know, but something. I'm working on figuring that out right now. I'm looking at some options, and am going to pursue them and see how they turn out.

In other news:
Me and Kevin are working on getting into an exercise routine. We both need to lose some weight. Its starting to get out of hand :)

We were supposed to start on Monday; full on, get-with-the-program starting. That didn't actually happen but we are still working towards that. The problem is that we don't actually have any space to do said program, so we are having to make space. The only space we have is the second bedroom that is currently just a crap room with a computer in it. So we have to clean it out, re-organize some things, and probably get rid of quite a bit of stuff. As soon as that's done though, it's on! And I think it will actually work this time. Because Kevin is fully on board with me now, which means motivation for both of us....and if we get too lazy, one gets to flick the other one's ear!

But since we haven't been able to start officiallly, we are taking this time to get more active before this thing kicks our ass(es). We got bikes and have been riding them at night, we play tennis on occasion. There is a lot less sitting on the couch all night now.

Also, I have become a vegetarian!

It's only been a week, but I already feel better. Seriously! I'm not going to really get into the why's, but here's the basics: For the most part, meat grosses me out. It actually takes a lot for me to eat it. I started thinking about why meat grosses me out, and came to the realization that its because its meat! It's the flesh of another living thing, that is now dead and you could technically say rotting. Yuck! And it's healthier not to eat meat. There are plenty of other ways to get the vitamins and minerals and protein you need, without adding cholesterol (that you absolutely don't need, and is completely extra) to your diet.

But, yes, it's been a week and I'm still holding strong. It kind of amazed me how much meat I actually do eat, and didn't even realize it until now. I will miss some things, but I think the benefits will greatly make up for that.

I'm still working on a post about our trip to Washington, with pictures. That's why it's taking so long. I can only do it pictures at home, and sometimes I just lose track of time after I get home from work and then suddenly its time for bed. Its coming though, I promise!

Yesterday...

2010-07-19T08:06:00.001-07:00

..we had a going away BBQ for Kevin's sister Heather...she's heading out to Florida. Moving to Florida...starting some much needed FReshNeSS!

Heather was saying how Becky and Kellie would need to start updating their blogs more because she wanted to see how the kids are doing and what everyone is up to since she will be so far away. Then it turned into a back and forth...

"...well you need to blog too!"
"What about you? You haven't been keeping yours updated lately either."
"...if I do it at work, I'll have to take my camera and if I wait til I get home..."

And then there was some talk about an Anti-blogging Blog...I don't even know how it happened.

But the point is...Heather doesn't care about mine and Kevin's slightly boring lives at the moment. No offense to be taken, but she doesn't. But at some point, hopefully very soon, we will be having a baby. And she will want to know what's going on with that baby and hopefully that baby's parents.

Now this has nothing to do with keeping family updated but I'm trying to be a better blogger...like I used to be and have slowly gotten out of the habit of.

I found this little list...written by Guest blogger East Side Bride and her husband on Unruly Things.
It made me giggle and I wanted to share it with you.

10 Reasons why Being Married is Just Better

1. When I take money out of his wallet, I don’t have to pay him back. (Warning: This works both ways.)

2. He makes the coffee 63% of the time.

3. When we have a really crazy, stupid, screaming fight, I never have to think, “Oh my god, are we going to break up over this?”

4. Wrangling our finances has made me a more responsible person. I.E. I no longer buy $800 leather pants I can’t afford just because I hate my life.

5. Planning meals for two encourages me to eat better meals. Let’s be honest, it forces me to eat meals period. I mean, I can’t let my husband eat a jumbo bag of gummy sours for dinner.

6. He/she puts up with my crazy family. (Downside: She/he reminds me at inopportune moments how much I am like them.)

7. Her hatred of clutter inspires me find more creative places to hide my crap. (Note: The bedroom may not be considered a “creative” place to “hide” an effing enormous cardboard box.)

8. She has a long-term plan for my personal style. (Downside: She also has a short-term plan for my personal style.)

9. He can actually tell me which outfit looks better. (Bonus: He’s learned to keep his mouth shut during the delicate pull-everything-out-of-the-closet-and-throw-it-on-the-floor phase.)

10. She makes me come to bed before the birds start tweeting.

I just love it.

We'll miss you Heather!! Have a safe trip and keep us updated on where you're at on your freakn' long drive!

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

The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware...joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware." -Henry Miller

Who can even guess how in love with this quote I am?? Anyone?

Anyone?

It makes me happy just seeing it! All the different images that pop into my mind when I read it...makes me giddy!

******

We are going to Washington next Tuesday to hang with the family, on a beach in what is perhaps my second favorite place in the world. I haven't been up there in probably 5 years and I miss it so much!

And the best part...I get to ride all the way up there with Sister!!

I am so happy (dare I say BLeSsED ??) that me and Sister get along so well! I love that we have that kind of relationship, and that she is my best friend in the whole world. Super, Super LUCKY~!

smile...things could be worse!

Sister

2010-06-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Oh sister...

I love you!

Happy Birthday yesterday...and you make me smile!

Love you, Love you, Love you!

:)

Man, oh man!

2010-06-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

I have a dilemma.

I went to the school last night to check it out and talk with the guy.

It's amazing! It's very green (not the color), they are incredibly environmentally conscious as a company, and the curriculum and learning styles that they teach--unheard of! There is the standard esthiology textbook, but they also give you their own textbook (which is actually a binder, because it lasts longer...because you can can change and re-change pages as you like rather than the whole book) and DVDs to go along with the text they give you so you can take it home and learn some more!

I have a problem though.
There are no night classes for esthetics yet...and won't be until the demand is high enough.

Now, there schedule is only three days a week...Monday, Tuesday, Friday from 9:30 to 5:30 p.m. which is again, UNHEARD OF!

Here comes the problem.
In order to make this 3 day school schedule work, I would have to change my work schedule. I have to work as much as I do now, and make what I do now. That can't change. But to keep my hours at my current job, this is what my life would look like.

***I put my Wed, Thu hours wrong...they were supposed to be 9 hours not 10. I fixed it now***

Monday --School 9:30-5:30

Work 7p-11p

Tuesday --School 9:30-5:30

Work 7p-11p

Wednesday --Work 7a-6:30p

Thursday --Work 7a-6:30p

Friday --School 9:30-5:30

Work 7p-11p

Saturday--Work 6a-6:30p

First, I'm not sure if I can deal with that kind of schedule for a year. I'm not made for it. And second, it's so specific that I'm not sure my employer can accommodate me. They are very good at working with people's school schedules, but I feel that that is too much back and forth and there isn't a place for me to work those hours in the position I'm currently at.

Because of this, I think that it will be best for me to wait to go back to school. At least until we are at a place financially that I can cut back my hours a bit. Right now, there just isn't a ton of wiggle room in our budget for me to be making any less than I do now.

Now, you may ask....Why don't you find a school that offers night classes and go there? That way you can get going and get it over with and still keep your current schedule at work.

My answer to that...I really love this school. I've looked at other schools, and even attended one of them and this one surpasses them all. By far. And I would rather hold off and be able to attend the school that I want to attend, rather than just go to some school because its there. I did that before, and we all saw how that turned out.

I'm still thinking about it, but I have to turn in all my stuff by next Tuesday in order for me to start the July 12th class...that's not a lot of time for everything that needs to be done.

I'm really sad about this, but I think that right now its for the best. I hope that I keep this momentum until the time is right for me to go back, because I'm really excited about this.

So...I guess we'll see.

Randoms

2010-06-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

A few things really quickly...

1...My sister-in-law is pregnant!!! That makes me happy for a myriad of reasons.

*Jer and Tell make the cutest babies you've ever laid eyes on
*Shantell makes a very cute pregnant lady
*They are great parents
*This means I have another baby to play with
*!

2...I wanted to show you my favorite kitchen item. Ever

I'm in love with my red dutch oven! Its holding some tasty chili on top of the stove as we speak :)

3...Remember how I said I was going to go back to esthetics school? Well I officially found the school I want to go to, and it isn't the one I was talking about in that earlier post. Its a different one. But its amazing. But apparently the application process is pretty much like applying for a job. It isn't just a fill out this registration information and give us your money. There are essays, and references, and power point presentations...oh my! But its a really great school, so I'll be okay with doing that kind of stuff. And if I get in, I'll tell you more about it. If I do get in, I would start on July 12th.

I've been an awesome mood all day!

Love it!

Nothing much going on

2010-05-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

My life has been a little bit boring lately, blissfully boring, but boring nonetheless. Which means that I haven't seen any good reason to update you all on...well, nothing.

I've been in a bit of funk as of late as well. Certain things have turned out not to be as effortless or as easy as I had hoped they would be. Because of this, my mind has naturally and immediately gone to a bad place. Poor Kevin has had to put up with it, and I love him for it. I've tried to look at the bright side, and tried to be optimistic...but anyone who knows me, knows that that is nearly impossible to achieve.

I have been feeling better the last few days, so that is a bright side. Me and Kevin cleaned out the front flower bed and began planting some things yesterday. We only planted some grassy kind of shrubs, but little by little...we'll get some pretties in there too. I'm shooting for mostly, if not all, perennials; planting new stuff year after year gets too expensive and frankly, I just don't want to deal with it.

I have missed the sun lately, so yesterday was good and made me happy. Plus, it was the last time I will actually get to see Kevin until next Saturday (in my book being asleep when he gets home from work doesn't count). He closed Saturday and last night; then closes tonight, Tuesday, and Wednesday. But wait...he then flies out early Thursday morning for bowling nationals in Reno and won't be back until Saturday afternoon. I miss him already.

I wasn't kidding about nothing to report...so this is it for the moment. Maybe in the next little while there will be something more interesting, and not so downerific for me to share with you.

P.S.

Happy Syttende Mai everyone!

Today, Norway is celebrating their 196th Independence Day. Festivities will happen here in UT on Saturday May 22 from 11 to 2 at the International Peace Gardens in SLC.

More Pictures

2010-05-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

I think this is all...thank you for your patience :)

March 15, 2010

2010-05-05T06:13:00.001-07:00

I know, I know...serious slacker here! I'm sorry.

Can you forgive me?

I hope to make it up to you today...because I have something for you all.

Something great....in the form of a million pictures.

Please notice the kick-ass hair.

Thank you.

Rockin' cake!

My niece wanted to dance with everyone, GTO was the only one her size.

The people on the bottom...courtesy of my niece

Frosting went up my nose

I love, love, love this picture.

My shamrock garter :)

Me and my Meggy

Don't ask. It's probably better that you just don't ask.

I will get to work on getting the formal shots up from that day...they are amazing!

Thank you Stacy for being amazing!

Obsessed

2010-03-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

Now I know what you're thinking...this is not Part 2 of the honeymoon. But...I haven't really been at home (at all) since I did that last post and since that's where the pictures are, I kind of have to be there.

It's coming though...I promise. Now back to the point.

I've heard about them since they came out.
Intrigued.

I've seen them once or twice.
Curious.

My brother got one for Christmas...with rave reviews from the beyond-tech-savvy eldest Kirk.
Jealous.

Research
Research
Research

Then we went on our honeymoon which, naturally, meant a whole lot of people watching at various aiports. It seemed like they were everywhere. People sitting there, rubbing it in my face: I have one and you don't.

Did they know they were doing it? Probably not, but that's alright. Pleae just let me wallow.

Facebook peeps probably already know where this is going, because I've been talking about it already this morning and felt it warranted its very own post!

I'm talking about the Kindle. This beautiful, handy, wireless, book downloader/reader for the person who loves to read. Books, magazines, blogs...it's insane, the possibilities! And you don't have to hook it up to your computer to get the these things, like an ipod. You search for them, buy them (only $10 a pop for most books) and download them, wirelessly, in basically the blink of an eye right on the little guy.

AMAZING!

I HAVE to have it! I've been staring at it all morning on the computer and trying to wish it into my hands, hasn't worked yet.

Who has one?

Let me know what you think about them.

Our Wedding and O'ahu

2010-03-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

So, for those who didn't know...Me and Kevin got married on March 15th. It was the perfect day and it honestly couldn't have gone better.

Absolutely perfect.

I only have a couple of pics from the wedding for now, all courtesy of Kevin's sister, Heather and her phone.

Thank you Heather, I hope you don't mind me using these. They're all I got right now.

Kevin's brother-in-law, Wes, married us.

I'm still not sure if he understands how much that meant to us.

He did make me cry which was uncool, but I think under the circumstances I can let it slide.

Wes making his speech :)

The rings

**The Kiss...Heather's comment made me

notice that I forgot to put this one up!! **

Cutting the cake, which was made out of

fruity pebble crispy treats.

My little surprise for Kevin.

I'm not sure why this one is so small

and the others aren't, but that is us

kissing after the cup-cake smash.

Kevin and his boys.

Kevin in back, then Ty, Bronson, and John.

Now, I don't know if everything really went perfectly, or if I was just too euphoric (I don't know if that's correct, but oh well) to notice, but either way it was a great day.

I'll put up some more pictures from Stacy when I get them back.

Now for Hawai'i.

I'm not putting up a lot of pictures because, well there are a lot and it would take forever. But...

Our first glimpse of O'ahu after that too-long-of-a-plane-ride.

Our view from breakfast in the morning.

We went to Pearl Harbor which, coming from a former Marine wife who has seen her share of military/US history, was absolutely amazing. One of the most serene, solemn places I've ever been to.

I'll put up some more in a different post...its too hard to keep moving the pictures down further and further.

Stay tuned for "The Honeymoon; Part 2"

2010-03-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

I got my bridals back.

All of them.

I am in love.

Kevin doesn't look at my blog...so don't worry.

I'm totally digging this one....and looking at those shoes, I'm sad that I "shouldn't" wear them to my friend's wedding tomorrow.

"They're just too cha-cha for words!"

"This is goin' in the hair-do hall of fame"

I think I need to watch Steel Magnolias. Everything that can be commented on today, gets a comment from that movie.

One more for good measure

THANK YOU STACY!

There are no words

2010-02-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

So, if any of you wish to see an amazing example of "man-love" in a team setting please just hop on over to Kevin's, softball team's blog. This link will take you to the post/comments I'm talking about. A beautiful illustration of complete jack-assery.

I'm pretty positive that isn't a word.

This conversation has been going on since the 23rd and it's starting to get out of hand. I'm gonna start slapping people.

No, seriously though...if you want a good laugh, just head over there and scroll through those comments.

Boys...I know you all really do love each other so I want to start seeing some positivity over there.

K?
Great, thanks!

Happy, Happy day

2010-02-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

Pictures are working on blogger again...

That makes me happy.

When I open my blog and our feet aren't there at the top, I get sad because I...

EffInG LOVE tHaT pIcTUrE

!

I am in such a good mood today, its a little bit ridiculous. I'm sure its because I realized we are in the home stretch for this wedding and I can barley contain the squealing!!

Just wanted to share it with you all!

Mesquite

2010-02-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a taste of what I was up against this weekend!

I was the official team photographer for All Day Softball, well, I like to think I was anyway :) And I got over a hundred pictures for the team's website...All Day Softball

I'm pretty proud of myself actually....they turned out pretty good for the most part.

It was cold.

It was wet.

But they played anyway.

The first game I was at was fairly dry, the second and third games however...well, that's what the pictures are from. It was pouring rain for both of them! It stopped in between of course. But let me just say, it is hard to take pictures and hold an umbrella, effectively, all by yourself!

It was a good weekend, I had a lot of fun (maybe too much fun on Saturday night!), and I sincerely hope those boys don't mind me tagging along for their games because I always have a good time when I do!

Thanks for a good time boys...I'll post some more pictures later on tonight!

Slow Dancin'

2010-02-05T11:34:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here, "Swayin' to the Music" of Johnny Rivers, waiting for the clock to tick over to 3 so I can head to Mesquite with my guy.

This day is taking forever...

I already ate my lunch...

My apple and caramel dip is gone...

And it is a super slow work day...

Super bad combo.

We are heading to Mesquite this afternoon for a softball tournament that starts bright and early tomorrow morning. We went down last year as well, but I was so so sick and didn't really care about anything except sleeping and not coughing my lungs up.

That was gross...I'm sorry.

Anyway...not much is happening right now...just excited for this trip and just counting down the days to March 15....there are 38 by the way.

I can't WAIT!

I am ready for it to be over with for many many reasons. There is one big, fat, ginormous reason...but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

That is all for now...just wanted to say hey. Well, I wanted to say that I was swayin' to the music. I was on hold with a pharmacy and that was the song that was playing. I felt inspired.

Inspired to do what...I just don't know.

Shhh...Don't tell Kevin!

2010-01-30T23:34:00.000-08:00

(From Here!)

Here is a little look-see at what Me, Stacy, and Sister did today.

Stacy posted a few more on her blog at http://stacymariephotography.blogspot.com/

Check it out!!!

Thank you Stacy...You're amazing!!!

Ideas...Thoughts...Ramblings

2010-01-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

So some of you may know, some of you may not, that I went to school to become an esthetician awhile back. I only did the basic course (600 hours) because I was moving to California at the time and didn't see the point in getting a Master Esthetician license in a state where it didn't exist. Anyway, I finished my hours, moved to California, took my test in LA, and didn't pass the writeen exam.

That was the end of it. I never scheduled my re-test, I lost sight of my goal, and haven't really though much about it until recently. I even had myself convinced that that wasn't what I wanted to do with my life. I have a sneaking suspicion it had something to do with certain ~~people~~ things in my life at the time, but they have since been upgraded :)

Like I said, I have recently started thinking about it again. I re-evaluated, and realized that me hating my job is never going to change unless I do something to change it. If I don't go to college, I'm never going to get a job that I love.

So, I decided that I am going to start over.

I have decided that I am going to go back to esthetics school.

Last time, I didn't really do any research as far as what schools there were and what they offered...I kind of just picked one and went. That was a bad idea, and because the school I went to wasn't amazing, I feel that may have contributed to me not loving it. There wasn't a lot of structure, the instructors weren't awesome, and it was in a basement of a random building.

I have been looking into Elase Academy, and so far I'm loving what I see...and hear. A girl I work with started there in December I think, and she said that she loves it and only had good things to say about it.

My favorite part of that school is that Elase is a medical spa, meaning lasers, botox, things like that. So at Elase Academy, that stuff is a part of the curriculum. It isn't extra, it isn't a special course, its just a part of it. That means that the opportunities for work don't stop at a day spa, you can work in Dr.'s offices, medical spas, things like that.

That's what I'm talking about!

I've looked into the tuition, the scheduling. I can go part time Monday through Thursday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9-5 a.m. and it should only take about 15 months. Which means I can still work full time, and just over a year is not that long. Plus, because I have done it before, I won't be nearly as lost.

There is a girl that I went to high school with, who is married to a guy a went to high school with, and I read her blog. She started in January at Elase and she has been posting weekly updates with pictures and everything...that's when I really started to miss it. The last post she did was them doing manicures and pedicures and I wanted to cry because it want to do that again.

Because its been so long since I was at school, I will be starting over. But I am okay with it. I definitely won't be starting until after the wedding. They have a course starting May 4, so I might look into that one. Or wait until the summer is over.

Once the absolute decision has been made, I will let you all know...but, in the mean time, wish me luck!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-04T07:11:00.000-08:00

I know this is a little late. Everyone's new year posts have come and gone.

I guess I'm just a slacker like that.

2009 was the absolute worst year of my life. I've gone through some crappy things in my life, but never as much or as often as in 2009. It started crappy, it kept getting crappier.

Crap.

2009 was the absolute best year of my life. I have never felt more loved or needed or appreciated in my life. I've had the best times of my life with the person who I know I'm supposed to be with, and he has put up with a lot of residual crap from the crappy side of 2009.

Oh, how I love him for that!

As a general rule, I don't do the whole resolution thing. Mostly because I don't want to let myself down when I don't stick to them. Yes, I said when. And because I feel like I should be striving to be a better version of myself all the time. Not just on January 1st.

This year is a bit different. There are things coming up, (in 70 days BTW...*gulp*) that I need to be ready for. Meaning, I want to look good in my dress. Its completely backless and I want to look good in a completely backless dress.

My "resolution" started on December 26th. I started Shredding!

I now feel completely lame that I just called it that...but, oh well :)

I asked Kevin to get me Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred for Christmas. And he did. And I love it.

I am on Level 1, Day 7...and I can actually keep up now. I did miss 2 days, which is why I'm not on day 9, but I had valid reasons. Not excuses. I'm feeling good about it. I'm not doing it to lose weight so much as to tone up. And its working. I like my body (for the most part), and do I wish that I was back in my size 6, 120 lb. body? OF COURSE! But I was in high school when that was a reality and I just don't have the will power or the want to do what it takes to get back there...Let alone stay there.

I'm also doing this because, after wearing said backless dress, I will be in Hawaii for a week. I will be in a bikini on the beach in Hawaii for as much of that week as I can manage, and I want to look good doing it.

Conceited? Probably.
Do I care? Not so much.

I took some before pictures, and if I make good progress, with a noticable difference, I may let people see them.

But probably not. I will just let the wedding pictures and honeymoon snapshots speak for themselves :)

Now, I just need to get the rest of our engagement photos back so that we can get the invites sent out.

Engagements

2009-12-21T08:39:00.001-08:00

So me and Kevin had our engagement photos taken last week and she said to give her 3 weeks to get them back to us.

But...

She gave us a little sneak peek on her blog!

Our few pics are at the bottom of that post.

Go see!!!

Thanks Stacy for these great shots...I can't wait to see the rest of them!

Sister

2009-12-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

This is for you!!

Hello!

And...

2009-12-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

I have just fallen in love...with a song.

Snowfall-Ingrid Michaelson

I want a snowfall kind of love,
the kind of love that quiets the world.
I want a snowfall kind of love,
'cause I'm a snowfall kind of girl

I want the snowfall kind of love,
that lights up the sky from below.
I want the snowfall kind of love,
that brings people to their windows.

Won't you bury me in your quiet love?
Oh, bury me in your quiet love.
Bury me in your quiet love,
and we will blow away.

I want a snowfall kind of love,
the kind of love that keeps you
in bed, all day.
Oh, I want to look through with you,
and watch it all melt away.

Won't you bury me in your quiet love?
Oh, bury me in your quiet love
Bury me in your quiet love,
And we will blow away.

A New Favorite

2009-12-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

I was just reading an article about President Obama accepting the Nobel Peace prize, and with all the flack that he is getting (and the commitee is getting for choosing him), I think the speech he made was amazing...And I'm happy that he let everyone know what is up!

Here are a couple of my favorites from the article-

The head of the Nobel Committee, defending their decision:

In the past, the Nobel Peace Prize had "not just been used to honor specific achievements but also to give momentum to a set of causes. The prize can thus represent a call to action."

Bits from the President's speech (that I loved!):

"I ... cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people. For make no mistake: evil does exist in the world,"

"To say that force is sometimes necessary is not a call to cynicism — it is a recognition of history; the imperfections of man and the limits of reason,"

Now, I'm not into politics, at all...I don't vote, and I have my own reasons for that...And I'm not telling anyone what they should think about the President.

But...in my opinion...

The President is the President. I don't have to like him, or like the decisions he makes, but he is the President, and that demands a certain amount of RESPECT.

I'm not a fan of war...I've seen first hand what it does to the people who fight it, but I do feel that war is sometimes necessary. I think until we all heed Jimi's words: When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace...We are just going to have to accept that war (sometimes) is a horrible part of life.

I will leave you with the best thing that I have read in awhile, and will probably be up at the top where my quotes go (and that I just realized doesn't have my Jimi Hendrix quote over from my other blog) in just a bit.

"Let us reach for the world that ought to be. We can understand that there will be war, and still strive for peace."

It's going to be a good day.

Let's have a party!

2009-11-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

So I couldn't sleep on Saturday night because I kept thinking about everything that still needs to be done for the wedding and how it just keeps getting closer and closer. Funny how that works, huh?

Anyway, I decided that it was time to quit procrastinating and get to work on some of the scheduling things that need to be done still.

So, I emailed the photographer that I fell in love with at the Bridal Show in September...

And she is AVAILABLE on March 15th for the wedding!!!

We are meeting on Wednesday to get our engagement session scheduled. She said that she has some availability in December so hopefully we can get that done really fast because the pictures are a part of the invites so they need to be done before we can even put those together.

I have my fitting scheduled for December 13th and then that will be done so I can schedule my bridals. Probably not until the end of January or February.

Then me and sister will get to work on the invites. I was hoping we could start this weekend but then I remembered that I have something on Friday night and all day Saturday....so maybe the next weekend. I'll have to talk to sister.

I found the bridesmaid dresses that I wanted but they didn't have the right sizes so we had to keep looking. Then sister found some super cute ones so I need to get those ordered.

I should probably make a list so that I don't leave anything super important to the last minute, but I think for now I'm doing pretty good.

Oh, and...We booked our trip to Hawaii!!!!!

Woo Hoo! 7 nights on Oahu...

And this will be the view from our hotel...not our room because we got the Mountain View (which is okay because the mountains in Hawaii are beautiful), but that is how close we are to the beach!

Can't wait!

~~~

2009-11-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

It really was amazing!

The only bad thing that I can say about it is that I wish it was longer...And it really was better than the first one.

I like Twilight, but I didn't love the director so that took away some of it. But Chris Weitz is amazing and they had a bigger budget. They fixed some things that were weird in the first one and are much better now.

And I'm freaking excited to go see it again tomorrow with my sister.

Favorite line of the whole movie is when Jacob calls Mike a marshmallow.

Yeah!

New Moon

2009-11-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

So...just so everyone is aware, I will be seeing New Moon tonight at 6:00 p.m.

!!!

"That's crazy" you say?

Yes it is crazy, but I am freakin' excited!

I have a feeling that it's going to better than Twilight, mostly because of Chris Weitz directing (I don't love Catherine Hardwick)...and from everything I've seen, it's going to rock!

I'll let you know.

And the winner is....

2009-11-18T06:42:00.001-08:00

Oh yeah...that's all I have to say!

One year ago

2009-11-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

One year ago (k..a little over a year ago) my life turned into complete shit:

Well, I've basically been having an awesome life that everyone should be jealous of.

Thursday 10/23: Found out my husband was questioning our marriage; whether or not he wanted it anymore

Monday 10/27: Started sleeping at my mom's house to give him room to decide

Thursday 10/30: Got laid off from my job

Sunday 11/2: He said, "Its over."

Just f*ing awesome

I posted that on November 3, 2008...the morning after I was back at my parent's house for good.

I can't believe that it's been a year. Some days, it feels like it still so fresh and so sore. Some nights I still wake up, covered in sweat and tears, from a dream of laying in that bed where it all started, crying harder than I thought was possible. Unless you were dying.

Maybe I was dying

I think a part of me was anyway. A big part. A 5 1/2 year, can't live without, suffered through 2 deployments, dealt with the issues that come with said deployments, kept my mouth shut about most of those issues, building a life together, never be without you kind of part.

I can't even describe what I was feeling when he came home the very early morning on October 24. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't see, I couldn't shut my head up. I felt so out of control. Like the entire world was torn out from underneath me and I was left so alone in the cold, damp, darkness with nothing to hold on to but my profound grief. Profound longing.

Longing for me to wake up from this crazy nightmare. How could this possibly be happening? How could the only thing I've ever known since I was 16 years old just be gone? It isn't real.

Don't worry, you'll wake up soon. Then you can go on with the life you wanted. The life you were planning. When you wake up, no one has to know what just happened. They don't have to know that was in your head. Just put it behind you.

That's what I was telling myself that night. Rocking back and forth on my bed with the husband who didn't want me anymore holding onto me tighter than he ever has, trying to calm me down. But what do you say to someone who is in so much pain because of something you did, are doing?

There are no words.

Only a few people in my life know what I was truly going through, know the dirty details of what was happening during that time in my life. I'm sorry to say that I'm ashamed to say some of those feelings out loud. But the people who know them, know why. To a point I guess.

And then, on what ended up as a beautiful Tuesday (Nov. 18th), I reconnected with a beautiful, beautiful person. He saved me. He pulled me out of what was turning into a very dark and scary place. I didn't know how dark it was, until I came out of it. Then it scared me to realize where I was headed. I didn't know I was capable of being that person. But I was. So, so was.

Kevin is the only reason I am okay. Well, mostly okay. I still have my moments. I hate that I do, but I'm only human. He understands, and let's me deal in the only way I know how. I love him for that. More than words can even come close to expressing. He has dealt with a lot of crap from me through this whole thing and I can never begin to thank him for it.

2009-11-07T19:34:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting here at one of Kevin's softball games down in Vegas, rockin some Muse. The weather has been beautiful and it makes me miss my desert in CA! A lot! That is completely random, i know, but I've been sitting here for too long by myself and i just got to thinking.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T20:20:00.001-07:00

Happy (late) Halloween!

This is the only full shot of my Pin-Up Girl costume...the rest of them are me and sister being nutty!

Anyway...I hope you all had a great night!

Me and Kevin are headed to Vegas next weekend...I'm hoping to get some pictures since we have...1 of the last trip there.

Have a great week!

NieNie

2009-10-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

So...I watched Stephanie and her husband "Mr. Nielson" on Oprah a few weeks ago. I was smitten. She is so amazingly strong, and her husband is the sweetest guy ever.

Then my friend here at work told me that she reads her blog NieNie Dialogues, and again...smitten. I just love it.

You should go read it.

You'll love it too.

Today I was catching up on some posts, and there was something that made me laugh out loud.

"I was downstairs and overheard Mr. Nielson upstairs
attending to two screaming girls in the shower.
Then he said:
"Oh girls, guess what? The devil called and said you guys were doing awesome."

I laughed and was glad the day was over."

I really think that you should all go read her blog. It's amazing.

Really Quickly...

2009-10-21T09:46:00.001-07:00

I am so in love with Kevin...

I can't even handle it!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

2009-10-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Okay...Me and Kevin went to Squatters on Friday and we met with the event guy, Daniel.

He let us in on a little secret, we could get the way bigger (and much more AWESOME) room for not that much more money, but not if we are doing it on a thursday. If we did it on a Sunday or a Monday, he could give us a killer discount on the room, because they don't seat that space for the restaurant on those days so they don't need to make up the cost of not seating that space.

Which brings me to the biggest change of all...

March 15, 2010

Is now the date of the wedding. That's a monday, if you didn't want to look at your calendar.

I'm so incredibly excited about this. Mostly because now we can invite a lot more people and the room I was thinking of was really small in person. Really, Really small. If we filled that room to capacity, it would be way too crowded and I would be in claustrophobia induced panic all night.

Not a happy thing.

Plus, the big room is upstairs, and its A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I love it up there...the ceilings are incredibly high, 2 of the walls are windows, big windows.

I am just in love.

One more thing, Kevin had on his work shoes this morning, and I had on my pink slipper shoes...I don't think my rockin' shoes will make me taller than him. I underestimated his height with shoes on.

Woo-Hoo!

2009-10-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ........

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a feeling of control over her destiny...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship....

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over....

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more....
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .

whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

I love it!

Couch!!!

2009-09-28T08:35:00.001-07:00

I forgot to show you all the new couch that we finally got...AMAZING!

The picture is a little grainy because its from my phone, but you get the idea. Its perfect!

My Invitations

2009-09-26T19:43:00.001-07:00

*disclaimer* the red square in the middle will be our engagement photo when we get them...I just realized that it really looks like crap with a big red square in the middle of the maroon.

So me and sister made my invitation designs tonight...and all we have to say is THEY ROCK!!!

It only took us about 5 hours to get the mock-up of the invites and the template for our envelopes done.

That's all...No biggy.

We made the biggest mess you could imagine, and we only have approximately 60 left to do.

Which is all of them, if you didn't know.

But we got the idea of it down which is what we were trying to do, so that's one step closer to being done.

A bit of a change

2009-09-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

So me and sister (that's my sister for those not in the know; that's what I call her) went to the bridal show at Thanksgiving Point on Saturday and it was awesome.

A lot of progress was made and some decisions were made as well. First of all, sister is on board with helping me make my invitations. I drew up the perfect invites and I'm super excited to get them going.

Secondly, remember the post when I said, "Remember the shoes? Well now they are new shoes!"
Consider this the reprisal.

Since the vibe of the wedding has changed, I could no longer wear the summery sandals that I had (secondly) originally planned on. Yes I did buy them, but who ever said you can have too many shoes? It certainly wasn't me! I have been searching for the perfect shoe to replace said sandals, but I wasn't having any luck. They had to have the perfect vintage feel, while not completely disregarding my style. It was a toughy!

But then I found them....and they are PERFECT!!!!!!

I am in love ~*swoon*~

I also found my photographer and she is also perfect.

Ya'll can find her at Stacy Marie Photography

I have been a little bit worried about the money for the wedding...Mostly I wasn't sure that there would be enough for the things that I wanted to have. Not like bridezilla things, but things like a kick-ass photographer and an equally kick-ass place to have the party. But things have come together quite perfectly and I found out this weekend that its all gonna be just fine.

Plus, I found a rockin' deal on a honeymoon....Hawaii anyone?

6 nights, car rental, and roundtrip tickets for both of us for under $2,000.

I am "freaking out" kind of excited about it!

anyone see this last night???

2009-09-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

F*ING AWESOME is all I have to say. Brought tears to my eyes and gave me chills. I am still so, so sad that he is gone, but it was amazing while we had him!

Janet Jackson's Tribute To Michael

September 11, 2001

2009-09-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

Because I am at a new site, and I just re-read it and it still gave me chills...I am doing a flashback post from last year...Thursday, September 11, 2008

I was sitting on the couch in the family room, eating a bowl of frosted cherios, watching tv. Whatever show I was watching just stopped, and the "BREAKING NEWS" flasher showed up on the screen. It showed a building I'd never seen before smoking and burning. And then they were both smoking and burning.

My mom came in and told me my ride was here. I got into the Gayheart's green van with captains chairs and rode in silence all the way to school.

I didn't know what was happening, I didn't know what those buildings were, or what it meant. Didn't know what it meant, except that everything in the world would be completely changed forever.

We got to school, said goodbye and thank-you to a silently crying Ann Gayheart, and walked along with everybody else into the school. The hallways were different, not silent obviously because they were full of 7th 8th and 9th graders, but different. Walking past the office, the ladies had the Channel One tv on watching CNN. The same picture playing all the time.

Then I got to my 9th grade Geography class, Mr. Voorhies' class. He was just sitting at his desk; not crying neccesarily, but subdued, reflective, staring at the tv. It was his birthday and his only sons first birthday, and he said because of this day, it would never be the same for him.

After the bell rang and we were all sitting at our desks staring at the tv as well, he turned it off and started talking to us about everyhting that was happening. What he thought it meant, what 'they' thought it meant, what those towers were and what they meant. I didn't understand half of it, because I was never interested in that kind of stuff, but I was listening intently.

The rest of the day the tv's were in on in every class, and I'm not sure we did any work the whole day. I remember when I got to fourth period, Sewing 1, our teacher asked us if we wanted to tv left on or if she should turn it off. We all wanted it on. And its a good thing we did because I think it was then that another plane hit somewhere, I can't remember which one it was, and we were all in shock. It just kept happening, and nobody knew why.

That day changed everything, everywhere. Countries that didn't neccessarily like the U.S. before became supportive and were grieving with us; people who didn't feel particularly patriotic suddenly realized how close they were to losing it all and what that would have meant for them; these generations witnessed what would become a new chapter in history books, our generations' "Kennedy assasination" so to speak.

I remember one commercial that was just a shot of a street maybe in San Francisco, or Virginia, somewhere. With houses on either side of the street. It said "When they brought down the towers they wanted to change America forever." The shot changes to the same street with red, white, and blue everywhere you can see, and the voice said, "Well, they succeeded."

"Today marks the seventh anniversary of the day our world was broken. It lives forever in our hearts and our history, a tragedy that unites us in a common memory and a common story ... the day that began like any other and ended as none ever has."
~Michael Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City, September 11, 2008

I didn't know what any of it meant at the time, no. But, I definitely found out. I will never forget where I was, what I was doing. The feelings that came around not long after.

And I never want to.

I want to be able to give my children my version of what happened that day. When they come home from school one day, after learning about it in their history class, and ask me if I remember.

I'll say, "Always."

mark.

2009-09-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

I am officially a mark. representative!

(that's one thing crossed off my list...!!!...by the way)

I put a little link over there ---> so click on it if you want to buy some awesome make-up, clothes, or jewery.

101 Things in 1001 Days

2009-09-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

Get a passport
take one big trip to a country at least an ocean away
Go to Disneyworld
Get the "name change" process started no more than 45 days after the wedding
Try at least one new recipe a month
Have a baby
Plant a garden
Go to 3 concerts
Go on a road trip with no set destination
Get most debt paid off (Kevin's student loans, truck, best buy)
Read 100 books from best100novels.com
Check out all 100 books from library
$1 savings for every book read
Leave a note inside every "100" books from the library
Take Kevin to Palm Springs area
Call in "sick" to work and do nothing
Go to an Atlanta Braves home game
Go to Oktoberfest at Snowbird
Watch " The Godfather"s
Eat at 5 new restaurants
Put $1 in savings for every task completed
Take 3 trips with just Mom and Sister
Create at least one set of decorations for the Wedding
Watch all 3 versions of "A Star is Born"
Learn to ride a motorcycle
Go to the Drive-In
See the Atlantic Ocean
Get back to 120 lbs
Get a recipe card box
Put all recipes on individual cards
Go camping in the backyard
Go to the Harry Potter Theme park
Go to a movie alone
Have a picnic
Take a train trip
Get rid of clothes I don't wear, every 6 months
Host a scary movie night
Go snorkeling
Complete 3 puzzles
Re-create senior trip with Alyse June 11, 2010
Do yoga at least 3 times a week
get another tattoo
Learn to bowl better
Find my perfect little black dress
Wear that dress somewhere with Kevin
Learn to snowboard
Star using re-usable shopping bags only--NO MORE PLASTIC
Get new bikes for both of us
Find art for the bedroom
Get couch for the living room
Host a Halloween costume party
Start P90X
Stick to P90X
Drive to Colorado
Go to the beach with Kevin
Watch the sunset on that beach
Tell my brother how I really feel
Build a sandcastle
Send a message in a bottle
Find the best Nail and Toe polish for the wedding
Teach Kevin to drive my car
Splurge once in awhile without worrying about it
Set up a savings plan
Buy a helmet for Kevin's scooter so I can ride it
Ride the scooter
Have ALL bills paid automatically (that can be)
Put $1 a day for 1001 days in envelope for a trip/splurge
Make sure I do "The Hair" (or a variation if its not quite long enough) for the wedding
Book Squatters before December 2009
Take at least 1 picture a month of Kevin and I
Plant snap dragons in the yard
Take Kevin on a date mor often
Try to build a 3 month buffer in savings
Order dessert first occasionally
Get a couple's massage
Buy cloth napkins
Use cloth Napkins instead of paper
Try to stick to my daily cleaning schedule as much as possible
Drink more water!
Buy a new camera
Make my own granola
Commit to having my oil changed every 4,000 miles...PERIOD
Start making jewelry again
Start selling Mark cosmetics
Let Kevin take me golfing
Go to bed before 10 every work night for 7 nights
Send Christmas cards
Take Christmas card picture
Go to every Race for the Cure I can
Have another baby
Move to a bigger house if the second baby happens
Plant flowers in the window boxes
Continue meal planning every week (very helpful)
Take Kevin to my uncle's in WA
Make Christmas gifts for friends and neighbors
Start some sort of collection for my kids (movies, books, etc.)
Give Kevin that thing I wrote that I said I would give him eventually
Make my wardrobe "grow up"
Send flowers to my mom, just because
Send flowers to sister for the same reason
Make our own Christmas traditions

Here it is...for the world to see.

Scariest Theme Song of all Time???

2009-08-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Um yes...I do believe Halloween (the movie, not the holiday) takes the cake on this one.

If you disagree with me, you should probably listen to it again.

I love the Halloween franchise. Old, yes. New...EVEN BETTER!

Rob Zombie could not have done a better job with the remake of the first one, and guess what's happening tonight?

Halloween 2 is here!

Can't Wait!

Update

2009-08-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

I have added a blogging page to the Wedding Site. I'm working on getting some more stuff on there for you guys to look at.

Ther is only just the one post right now but there is a picture of a beautiful dress on there.

My dress.

My wedding dress to be exact!

Woo Hoo!

My List

2009-08-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

First, a confession...

I am a blog ~~stalker~~ traveler.

I ~~stalk~~ travel to blogs all the time. People I knew, people I know, people I would like to know, people I have never heard of or met ever and probably never will, no one is safe.

In my defense, its not creepy ~~stalking~~ traveling. Its mostly informative; to fill my curious mind with the things people struggle with, acomplish, and think of every day. I love reading, I love learning new things, and I love learning about people in general. I think its interesting to know how other people live there lives. In other words, people fascinate me...enter the ~~stalking~~ traveling.

The point of this?

Well, throughout my blog ~~stalking~~ traveling, I have been seeing quite a few of these lists. They are long lists. Very long. And after so many times I have become intrigued...and then envious.

I want one.

(from dayzeroproject.com)
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

The countdown, directly above the bloggy area, is my countdown.
1001 days starting September 1.
That means I have until Septemer 1 to finish compiling my list and get it posted for all to see. Probably over there somewhere --->

I have already thought of a few things, but from reading over others' lists, I can already tell that the thinking part of this is going to suck.

Anyone want to join me?

A Few Things

2009-08-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

So I might be getting my wedding dress this week...I'm not sure when but some time...CAN'T WAIT!!!

These came in the mail last week so I am excited to try them on with it!!! YAY!!!

Me and Kevin cleaned the house yesterday, we got all of the boxes out of the kitchen (all non-kitchen related mind you), bought rugs for said kitchen and put all the junk that was all over the counters away!!! It looks like a house now, and its wonderful.

We had our first visit from certain types of neighbors that I would much rather avoid altogether, but they were nice and she made good cookies for us to enjoy so thats cool. They also brough their little tiny dog with them. She was super cute.

And speaking of dogs...we got a new one! Her name is Roxie and she is the sweetest thing ever. She is a border collie/lab mix, she's 5 and she's adorable. She just likes to relax, and she follows me all around the house. If I leave the family room to put my cup in the sink, she comes too, then turns right around when I go back to the family room. We love her, including Ace (Kev's dog), he thinks he's got himself a brand new girlfriend and he's totally diggin' it.

Me and Kevin are going to go the Squatter's soon to check it out i.e. Menu, location, prices, etc. I've never eaten there but it looks like a good time from everything I've seen on the rooms and such.

Who wants to hear my random thought today? Now this thought wasn't actually born today, it was born a very long time ago the first morning I took the belt route to I-215 to get to my old job at Founders...

Why does that spot when you are curving and almost on 215 smell like coffee and burnt Eggos??

Anyone, Anyone??

*crickets*

Everyday I drive there, and everyday I wonder this same thing because everyday this is what it smells like. I have no idea why. Its not like there is a restaurant right there that makes breakfast every morning, its just some hot tub store.

Anyway, super random but oh well...Its been bugging me lately and I wanted to put it out there.

That is all for now...see ya!

An Unveiling of Sorts

2009-08-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

We got the bedroom painted yesterday and I am so in love! The walls are still naked but with this picture you get the idea of where it is headed.

Are you ready?

Here it is!

And yes, it is a comfy as it looks. Be jealous :)

We also bought a dining table from Ikea and it rocks...the chairs are lovely!

We got our first picture to hang in the front room, but we haven't hung it up yet...Probably tonight.

I'm just so happy because it actually looks like a house.

Now, if you'll bring your attention to the right...

2009-07-30T06:47:00.001-07:00

**UPDATE**
To view the wedding site you actually have to go to it and do the login instructions...It will send me an email to approve or deny the request and when I accept it, it will email you back and let you know that you can come and see.
Sorry if I wasn't clear enough on that earlier!

Some of you have already noticed, but for those who haven't, notice the link over to the right with the words "Our Wedding Website". That is, just as it says, our wedding website. Now I know that I don't have to say this (I hope anyway) but people who are in any contact with D-bag what-so-ever, NOT ONE WORD!!!

I have made the website private, so if you would like to look at it just do the whole "add me" thing. If I like you, you can come in. If you are some random person, then your chances probably aren't too high.

There isn't much there right now, mostly because not a lot of planning has happened. But there will be, so stay tuned!

So...

2009-07-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

So those of you who were readers of my private blog, do you remember these?

I guess now that I am engaged I can tell you what they were for...I found these because they were the perfect wedding shoes for me! But then I waited too long to get them and the are no longer anywhere to be found.

Bummer.

But the entire theme of the wedding has changed since I found these shoes so it doesn't even matter that they aren't around for the wedding's sake, but they sure were amazing.

I just purchased the shoes I am going to wear officially. They were way cheaper than said amazing shoes and they will work with the wedding a lot better. Think beachy, caribbean, fun...

I'm in love with them, and I really would love to show you my dress but there aren't any good pictures I can snag online so it might just have to wait until it has been purchased and is at home with me. But, trust me, its beautiful!

So far we have: March, Squatters, night time. Thats about it.

On a different note, the house thing is going great! We aren't all the way moved in yet because of painting and re-finishing the floors but we are working on it. I only have one picture so far...it was taken on my phone so excuse the quality (or lack there of) of it.

That is the front door the dining room (nook), and the shiny, shiny hardwood because the varnish was still wet. It is dry now and it looks amazing with the wall color. LOVE IT!

We have slowly started putting things away in the kitchen but it is slow going because it seems things have been non stop since last monday when we started moving in. But the good news is the messy part of this whole thing is over. There is no more sanding so I can actually start cleaning and keep things clean.

The master isn't painted yet because of the floors and then we went to my family reunion and when we got back on Sunday we had to get things from a million different stores, and then yesterday Kevin had a softball tournament so he didn't get home til about 7:30 and neither of us felt like doing anything but relaxing. We have decided to look at his schedule and find time where we can actually plan to paint the bedroom. Hopefully this weekend but we'll see.

Thats just about all the updates I have for now. I know you can't believe it because this post wasn't long at all...Once things are set up I will have some more pictures of the house to share but for now, that one is it.

Moving Day and Some News

2009-07-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

So we started moving into the new house today, and it will take the rest of the week I'm sure since Kevin and his dad want to re-finish the hard-wood floors before we get all of our stuff moved in.

We are both mega excited and can't wait to be in and settled...I'll put up some pictures of the house when I remember to take some.

As for the news....Me and Kevin are...

Engaged!!!!!

As of Saturday night....and we are both so happy. Everyone is happy: My family, his family, our friends.

I can't remember the last time I was this happy, and it feels so good!

The First (real) Post

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

Not that Sadie's passing is not considered real news, because it most definitely is, but I wanted the a first post besides my welcome to be something exciting and not cryptic or sad.

But thats okay, because I have some news now.

Some good news.

Some very happy news.

Me and Kevin are moving in together! He has been trying to get into a house since we got together and the bank finally accepted his offer...the closing date is supposed to be Aug. 16th but we're hoping they will be okay with going sooner.

I can't wait! We have been waiting for this since May and almost had it, but then it got moved, and delayed, and moved...

I'll put up some pictures of moving day when we get to that.

There is also some other news, but I'm not talking about that yet.

Let's spread these things out kids...come on!

Up next, my best friend's wedding!

Goodbye Sadie

2009-06-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

The bravest little girl I've never met passed away this morning after trying her hardest to kick a brain tumor's ass for over a year...Although I never met her and her family, I am incredibly touched by this and am going to miss her dearly...

To the Huish family,

You are in my thoughts during this hard time and I hope that you will come out of this stronger than you could have realized was possible. Sadie touched so many lives because of this tumor and everyone who knew her story is going to be forever changed because of this.
She will be missed immensely.

Love you Sadie!

http://sadiehuish.blogspot.com/

Starting Over

2009-06-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

I'm creating a new blog to go with this new life I'm starting...I can say, with 100% certainty, where this new life is going...but until I have some more details to share, this post will be it...

But, I am am expecting some new details in the very near future starting with a big move!

Stay tuned!

A New Life

I'm Still Here!

Back to It

Ryder Richard Culligan

A Few Things**Updated

One Love 2/6/45 - 5/11/81

What a difference a month makes!

Real Quick...

23 Weeks

Carson MacKay Youd

It's a...

Oh Baby!

The Wait is OVER!!!!

My, Oh My...

Eyelashes

Well, hello there.

It's time...for an announcement.

Times, they are a changin'

Yesterday...

Sister

Man, oh man!

Randoms

Nothing much going on

More Pictures

March 15, 2010

Obsessed

Our Wedding and O'ahu

There are no words

Happy, Happy day

Mesquite

Slow Dancin'

Shhh...Don't tell Kevin!

Ideas...Thoughts...Ramblings

Happy 2010!

Engagements

Sister

And...

A New Favorite

Let's have a party!

~~~

New Moon

And the winner is....

One year ago

Happy Halloween!!

NieNie

Really Quickly...

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Couch!!!

My Invitations

A bit of a change

anyone see this last night???

September 11, 2001

mark.

101 Things in 1001 Days

Scariest Theme Song of all Time???

**Update**

My List

A Few Things

An Unveiling of Sorts

Now, if you'll bring your attention to the right...

So...

Moving Day and Some News

The First (real) Post

Goodbye Sadie

Starting Over

Update