Emily's Thought Blog

WISDOM in POTTY TRAINING

2012-02-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

After a failed attempt to do so last summer, three weeks ago I began to potty train my 3 year old daughter. The first week felt like a total loss. The second week I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. And this week has been literally accident-free!

During the last few weeks, I have done a lot of reading about the best way to go about training my daughter. And to be honest, I took a little bit of advice from various sources, but ultimately I had to rely heavily on my intuition as a mother and the fact that I know my daughter better than any "expert" before I really started to see results.

This has been a huge learning experience for me. I feel like I can accomplish anything right about now, and I still have a ways to go before I feel like my daughter is completely trained. So, I decided to share the wisdom I have gained, and hopefully it will be of some help to any parent that may be reading this.

ATTITUDE

I believe potty training is only as successful as your attitude. I dare say the majority of your success is based almost entirely upon your ability to remain calm and cheerful and patient. In order to do this, you must be prepared for this process to suck. Even if it isn't as bad as you think, it is better to be pleasantly surprised than hopelessly discouraged. The sooner I made up my mind to just embrace the horribleness of it all, the easier it was for me to accept accidents and the sweeter the pee looked in the potty.

COMMUNICATE

Your ultimate goal is to teach your child how to recognize the feeling of needing to use the potty and then going to the potty to do so.

After a week full of accidents, I realized my daughter wasn't connecting the dots, and it dawned on me that I never communicated to her what she was suppose to do. I thought I was by rushing her to the potty every time she started to pee, but the verbal communication was not there.

I started to ask my daughter, "Where do you go when you need to pee/poo?" At first I had to tell her the answer, but eventually she easily answered, "The potty!" All day long, every few minutes or so, I asked her this question so she cognitively understood what this entire process was all about.

I believe most problems in life arise from a lack of verbal communication, and potty training is no exception.

DITCH THE UNDIES

During the first week of training, my daughter pranced around our house in a T-shirt and underwear. I had read virtually everywhere that this was good training attire. At the beginning of the second week, two people told me to ditch the undies, and even though it seemed weird at first, it worked. I immediately saw success, and I attribute it to my daughter having one less thing to do before she went potty. Instead of quickly pulling down the undies and quickly sitting on the potty, all she had to do was sit. Ditching the undies simplified the process.

It was at this point in time that I decided to

DO THINGS IN STAGES

Stage One: No undies and potty always in the same room

Stage Two: Undies on and potty always in the same room

Stage Three: Undies on and potty in the bathroom

Stage Four: Undies on, pants on, potty in the bathroom

This may seem excessive to some people, but for my daughter taking things slow and giving her time to master everything one by one has really helped her be successful on a regular basis. And, I'd rather take things slow and be successful than push my agenda on her and have accidents every day.

BEING IN PUBLIC

Of course, mastering the art of peeing in the potty at home is one thing. Not having an accident in public is another. Everything I read said to not do anything for a few days, and to be hermits until your child is trained. Well, because my daughter wasn't completely trained in a few days, I had to interrupt the process every once in awhile. And when we were out in public I put my daughter in a diaper, but the minute we got home she was back to her undies {or no undies depending on the stage}. So long as I was consistent when it came to being at home versus not being at home, I felt okay about the interruptions.

Now that we're on stage four, I'm attempting to take her out in public with her undies on. We'll take short drives or go to a restaurant and order our food to go. All the while, I am asking her if she needs to go potty, and because our trips thus far have been short, if she expresses the need to go I always tell her we're almost home.

Another hurdle with being in public is public restrooms. My daughter is currently using her own potty, so one of the things I am going to introduce to her soon is the big potty. Because she does such a great job of letting me know when she needs to pee, once she is willing and able to go on the big potty being in public won't feel so daunting to me.

Any advice about being in public?

BEDTIME

I let my daughter wear just her PJs or PJs and undies to bed for a week, and she consistently woke up wet. So, after a lot of thought, my husband and I decided to have her wear Pull-Ups at night until she starts waking up dry. I don't refer to them as Pull-Ups. I call them her underwear just like I do her real underwear. I honestly don't think she realizes the difference because one morning she told me she needed to use the potty shortly after she woke up and was still wearing her Pull-Up. If she thought it was diaper, she would've just gone in the Pull-Up. I know Pull-Ups have a bad reputation for deterring the entire process, but for my daughter it works.

REFUSING TO GO

Because we had been down this road before, my daughter fought potty training with all her might. She didn't have an accident or go to the potty AT ALL until 2:00p one afternoon. She held it in FOR HOURS just so she wouldn't have deal with the change. One stubborn cookie I created let me tell you!

What did I do? I began taking things away and turning things off. No TV on. No toys out. And, the thing she hated most: no yellow blankie. I learned that as soon as there wasn't anything to distract her from going potty, the sooner she would go. The idea to turn things off and take things away was inspiration from above because it worked like a charm. Within minutes, she was going potty and I immediately gave her back her things because I wanted her to associate losing privileges with not going potty.

REWARDS

What did I reward my daughter with? Hershey Kisses. She loves them, but rarely eats them. In fact, before our potty training began I think she had only had one her entire life. In other words, getting a Kiss every time she peed in the potty was a big deal.

I learned that I needed to make the reward as enticing as possible because I have a smart kid, and she knew a crappy bribe when she saw one. No pun intended.

MAKE IT A BIG DEAL

Each and every time my daughter had a success, it was a BIG DEAL. We clapped, we hugged, we looked at the pee in awe. And, most importantly, we called Dad at work to let him know about the good news. No matter what kind of mood my daughter was in before she had a success, she was ELATED afterwards.

And, don't worry about having to fake through this being a big deal. It IS a big deal and if you're anything like me, you'll be just as elated as your child if not more so.

BE EASY ON YOURSELF

I can't tell you how many times I felt like a complete and utter failure. After reading story after story about parents whose kids were potty trained in 3 days and knowing my daughter would be nowhere near trained in probably a month, I often wondered what I was doing wrong. I constantly had to remind myself that things were okay and that everything would fall into place eventually. My husband was a great support, and always told me what a great job I was doing. He always told me how proud he was of me. And pretty soon I stopped beating myself up because, in the end, I was doing the best that I knew how.

Ok, there's my wisdom on potty training. I hope it helped someone out there. And, please do share any tips or secrets you may have because the more wisdom I have the better!

INSTAGRAM wednesday: the RULER of the HOUSE

2012-02-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

This little contraption has been the source of many emotions for me lately: joy, stress, happiness, complete and utter despair. You name it, I've felt it.

It's amazing how something so small can have such influence!

{This post is linked up with iPPP}

GUEST blogger: EMMY MOM

2012-02-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

One of the things I enjoy blogging about is photography. It's amazing how pictures have the ability to transport us to different times and memories. They are so important! They are the reason I started my weekly INSTAGRAM wednesday posts. It's also why I included photography as one of the topics someone could write about when I put out a call for guest posters.

Insert, EMMY MOM.

Emily is a very talented photographer and I was thrilled when she offered to write about her experiences. Thanks so much, Emily!

...

I am so happy to be guest posting on Emily's blog. Anyone with a name like Emily has to be awesome right?

I am a professional photographer, a very very part-time hardly-works-at-all photographer, but hey it's a start, and really it's perfect for me right now. When I graduated high school my parents said they would buy me any camera I wanted. I looked at all the cameras, the small ones that could almost slide in your pocket (it was film days still they could only be so small) or the big ones that looked like professional cameras.And that is what I wanted. Not really sure why. I think I thought it would make me look cool. So I picked the Canon Rebel G-- film camera.I loved the way the pictures looked but I think I mostly kept it safe staying in auto mode.Time passed, digital came around and it was awesome just being able to shoot, but my digital camera was slow and would take a few seconds before you could snap the next shot, which does not work when trying to photograph kids. So my husband and in-laws pooled together and got me a Canon Rebel G Xti- digital.

The first few days I had it I shot over 500 pictures. I was hooked.

(one of those 500 pictures I took that first day)

I went to the library and checked out books. I watched tutorials online. And finally I started switching the dial over to the M on the camera.There were a lot of flops, a lot of times where I wondered what I was doing.

But the more I shot, the more it clicked and the more I loved it.

Then I offered to take a friends family picture. My heart raced and I shook the first ten minutes of the shoot. I even "cheated" halfway through the shoot putting in the camera on automatic mode as my nerves won out.

But I kept at it and then I stopped shooting for free and started charging- which in itself felt like a huge leap, saying- yes my work is good enough that you should pay me for it.

But I love it. When I get out there and engage with the clients, working with the different personalities, the different wants and wishes and when I come back and show them a product that they love and are so happy with, it feels good.

It is why I do it.

And now, with little ones and having recently moved to a new area I have put it on the back burner a bit. And that is okay as I don't want it to become something I have to do, but always be something that I love to do.

You can find Emily on her blog

At her photography website Emily Kathryn Photo

And on Twitter @Emmymom2

MUSIC mondays: my DAUGHTER'S {current} FAVE

2012-02-20T10:01:00.001-07:00

My daughter goes through stages when she absolutely loves certain songs, and right now that song is

BARKING AT THE MOON

by JENNY LEWIS from the BOLT SOUNDTRACK

She can even sing the chorus word for word:

"There is no home like the one you've got 'cause that home belongs to you."

This song is on repeat often in our house, so thankfully it's a pretty decent song for me to listen to as well.

Be sure to check it out, bot the movie Bolt {which is a great movie for kids} and Barking at the Moon.

SUPER STALKER sunday

2012-02-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this week's SUPER STALKER SUNDAY hop!

WHAT IS SUPER STALK SUNDAY?

Glad you asked. Super Stalker Sunday is a weekly blog hop hosted by

April of Mama on a Green Mission

Emily of Nap Time is My Time

Mariah of Formula Mom

and Bri of Eco Baby Mama Drama

As you know, blog hops are a great way to meet other bloggers, socialize and gain followers. We created this hop as a way for you to connect with other bloggers via RSS Feed, Google Friend Connect, E-mail Subscribers, Facebook Fans, Twitter followers and the new Google+.

HOW TO SUPER STALK

Follow each hostess at least one way. Remember to leave a comment too. As hostesses, we're committed to returning the follows, but please be patient with us as we are busy mamas. It may take us a few days to return the visit and follow. Since all hostesses use the same linky, you only have to link up once, but your link will appear on all our blogs.

After you follow the hostesses, follow the featured blogger and at least four other blogs listed above you on the linky. Of course, you're welcome to follow more than just four if you'd like.

Keep in mind that many bloggers will be phasing out GFC in the coming weeks, so be sure you're following everyone another way as well.

Remember: You will only get as much as you give. The more blogs you can visit, the more visits you will gain in return.

While we encourage sharing our button to spread the word on this fabulous blog hop, it is not required. However, it is appreciated. :)

THIS WEEK'S FEATURE BLOGGER IS

{In other words, ME!}

Thanks to the ladies that host this great blog hop. I am so thrilled to the featured blogger of the week and hope I can meet some new people and find some great new blogs to follow.

If you would like to be a featured blogger, being shared with more than 32,000 combined followers between the hosts of this hop, please link up! At the end of each week we will select a blog via Random.Org to be the featured blog for the following week. The featured blogger will be emailed by Tuesday morning. Please be sure to check your spam folders! This linky will remain open until 3:00PM EST on Monday! Go ahead, stalk up a storm!

SUMMER camp

2012-02-17T16:40:00.001-07:00

I think it is really easy these days to stay inside. With the all the advances of technology, it seems as though one can take care of almost anything without stepping foot outside.

I've never been a real outdoorsy person. I don't like that about myself, so I'm hoping I don't pass that trait on to my daughter. So far, I think I'm doing just fine as she adores being outside. Then again, she did ask me the other day if she could check her e-mail. She's three.

When I heard about the summer camp giveaway at Catalina Island Camps from the SITS girls, I was immediately interested. Not only was it a generous giveaway (valued at $3000), but the chance of a lifetime for any child. The activities involved in this camp {which is located just 22 miles from LA) include kayaking, power boat activities, outdoor cooking, gardening and composting, group activities and photo journalism.

All of these activities {believe me, I just named a few, there are tons more}, promote health and exercise, but also practical skills like learning how to cook outside and gardening. Exposure to activities like this will surely stay with a person their whole life and hopefully encourage healthy, eco-friendly living all the time.

After reading over website, I decided I really wanted to enter this giveaway, but then I realized that I didn't have any child/tween/teenager in my life that fit the age requirement (the camp is for boys and girls entering 2nd - 11th grades), so figured I couldn't enter the contest. I was then informed by the lovely ladies at SITS that I could still enter and if I won, the prize would go to an underprivileged child in the LA area.

I'm so excited about this giveaway. Thanks to the SITS girls and Catalina Island Camps for this amazing opportunity!

be MEAN {sometimes}

2012-02-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

There are many things that go on in my life that make me remember my unofficial motto:

"Choose your battles wisely."

More often than not, I will let annoying things that other people say or do just go because when all is said and done, it doesn't matter. I have been taught my entire life to be a nice person, give service when needed and to treat others the way I want to be treated. And, in general, I truly believe more people need to be tolerant of differences and overall more friendly.

But, there are exceptions to everything, including being nice.

I read a blog written by a girl named Lisa that is dealing with infertility issues. Lisa and her husband recently moved to a new area, and she made the decision to keep her infertility to herself when she meets new people.

One day, while reading this blog, Lisa wrote about an experience she had when she had to completely hold her tongue. She had just met a new girl in her neighborhood that made the remark that her life {meaning Lisa's life} would be much better if she had children.

Lisa chose to just nod her head and let the remark slide.

As I read what this perfect stranger had said to Lisa, I was appalled. I was floored that someone would make such a suggestion to anyone, let alone a person she just met.

I was also floored by the comments the post generated. Everyone was praising her behavior and that she made the right decision by not saying anything

First of all, saying someone's life would be better if they had children is just a dumb thing to say. A statement like that can only be said by a person that is completely void of any knowledge of life existing outside her own. News flash Fertile Myrtle, just because you do the deed, doesn't mean you plant a seed.

Second of all, it was a mean and inconsiderate thing to say. And because she chose to say it to a complete stranger tells me that she's learned she can say things like that and get away with it. And, one of the primary reasons why she gets away with it is because people let her by not saying anything to the contrary.

Can you imagine how this girl would've felt had Lisa explained that she wants nothing more than to be a mother, but that she is unable to conceive? Yes, she'd have to share some personal details of her life in order to put this girl in her place, but at the same time she could have taught this ignorant girl a valuable lesson in manners and open-mindedness.

I'm all for being a good, nice person, and like I said before I let a lot of things go. But, for crying out loud, when people say something that is down right wrong or offensive or just something they shouldn't say at all, call them on it. Standing up for yourself does not mean you're a bad, awful, mean person. If you don't say anything, people will continue to behave the same way, and you will continue to have to put up with it.

Obviously, everyone sees battles differently. This is a battle I would've fought. Lisa chose not to.

What do you think?

INSTAGRAM wednesday: DINNER

2012-02-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the look out for easy dinners, especially the kind that include a lot of veggies.

Potato bar for dinner? Yes please!

{This photo is linked with iPPP}

GIFTS from MY DAUGHTER

2012-02-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Exactly three years ago today, I woke up at 7:00a. As I looked around the room and noticed it was light outside it hit me: I had slept through the night. I frantically sat up and looked at my 4 week old daughter sleeping soundly in her bassinet just a short distance from me.

On that day, my daughter gave me the greatest Valentine's Day present of all by sleeping through the night. And, once I knew she was breathing and totally fine, I was able to lay back down in bed and enjoy a few more hours of bliss.

My daughter gave me two other great presents for Valentine's Day this year. On Sunday, we went to church {I was tempted to skip, believe me} and we decided at the last minute to sit in the chapel. As church began, my daughter sat quietly on her daddy's lap and I was able to keep her entertained with books and treats all throughout the meeting. She was so well-behaved I almost couldn't believe it.

Yesterday, we started week two of potty training. My daughter is fighting the change with all her might. I sincerely believe she knows what to do, she just doesn't want to do it. This is totally in character for her, and I knew she would not be one of those kids trained in a few days.

Anyway, Monday morning rolled around. I put her in just a T-shirt and waited for her to have an accident so I could quickly run her to her potty. I've learned that putting her on the potty every 10, 20, 30 minutes only leads to a complete meltdown, so our strategy is to catch her in the act and go from there. After hours of being awake and no accidents I knew my daughter was getting close to not being able to hold it anymore. As I watched her cross her legs and look completely rigid as she walked around the house, I wondered when she was going to let it go and stop fighting the change.

Then, as I was cleaning up after lunch, she said, "I wanna go potty." I said, "Ok." She then sat on her potty and went. She was so excited, and I was so excited. We hugged for a long time. It was great progress, another milestone. We called my husband at work to share the great news, and for a split second, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Because Valentine's Day is all about expressing love to those you care most about, I find it ironic that my daughter chooses this time of year to be at her best or to hit certain milestones. I can't help but love this holiday more and more.

Happy Valentine's Day!

MUSIC mondays: TIM MYERS

2012-02-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a very kind and loving aunt and uncle that bought her the movie twice {the first copy was stolen}, my daughter went through a Hotel for Dogs phase. She seriously couldn't get enough of the movie, and I appeased her probably more than I should have by letting her watch or at least listen to it almost every day.

During that fun phase, I learned that Hotel for Dogs had some pretty killer tunes in it. So, of course, I had to do some research to find out who sang my favorite song in the film.

After a brief Google search and a few clicks in iTunes, I was the proud owner of the song

A BEAUTIFUL WORLD

by TIM MYERS from the album THE GOOD LIFE.

The song plays during your typical montage movie scene, when you see the characters doing various things. It also is playing during a good time for the characters, when things in their lives are starting to click or fall into place.

It's a very happy song with fun lyrics that remind me that there is beauty all around.

What do you think of the song?

my PERFECTLY POSH review

2012-02-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile, you have to be a bit shameless. I kicked my shame to the gutter last week when I e-mailed my husband's cousin Andrew. Andrew is part of a team that started a new company called PERFECTLY POSH. In my e-mail, I {shamelessly} asked Andrew to send me a few of his favorite Posh products so I could try them out and eventually review on my blog.

Just a few days later, my Posh products arrived, and the minute I opened my perfectly packaged products I was immediately impressed. Everything smelled so wonderful. I also LOVED, LOVED the design of the products. Everything had a very modern, whimsical touch, and exactly up my design alley.

Before trying out my products, I looked over the website and did learn that they do not do any animal testing, which is very important to me. Major bonus.

The website in general is very visually appealing, however a bit wordy, especially when you look at certain products. While it's important to see what ingredients are used in products, I don't think it needs to be all there, especially on the product's home page. If were up to me, when a customer clicks on a product to view, I'd list the major ingredients {the things that make the product POSH}, a brief summary of what the product is, how it is used, etc., and the price.

Speaking of prices, I had to look at the catalog to view any prices. The catalog is set up so it functions as if you were looking at a real catalog. I had to do a lot of zooming in and out which made for a lengthy experience.

Okay, now on to the FUN part of my review....

Here's what I received:

{All pictures below are courtesy of Perfectly Posh}

The HEALER {$12}

I found this product really interesting. I'd never seen shea butter packaged like a lip balm. I immediately liked this product because I have very dry skin and constantly have to carry lotion with me. I liked The Healer because it's packaged in such a way that it is easy to carry with me in my purse and I don't have the worry about it accidentally spilling.

CHUNK! {$9}

Or, a huge-a bar of soap in the Feng Shoap scent.

Again, loved the packaging. It was a struggle for me to throw it away.

So far I like this bar soap. I am used to the super cheap bar soaps I get at the store, and my skin always felt dry when I got out of the shower. Um, not so much with this soap. It is very moisturizing and this scent isn't too girlie, so my husband has no problems using it. I will admit that the soap is a little bit too big for my taste. Despite the fact that I have abnormally small hands, I think most people would find that they drop the soap at least two times. Or, maybe it really is just me.

HANDLE {$12}

in the Tart Tootie scent

This is lotion that looks like a round bar of soap. I absolutely have never seen anything like this, and I thought the product was ok. It was a little greasy on my hands, but that may have been because I used it like I would a bar of soap and perhaps put too much on my hands. Overall, as a person that loves to find new things, this product is definitely up there in uniqueness. As a consumer, I just don't see the point and don't think I'd ever buy it. Any Posh customers out there wanna tell me if they like this product?

SLATHER {$17}

in the Lemon Rice scent

I'm a huge fan of body butters, but I rarely use them in lieu of body lotion simply because they are so greasy. But I decided to totally go for it when I first tried Slather by using it in replace of my after shower lotion. I was utterly floored with how much I liked this product. My hands didn't feel greasy at all. I was seriously amazed. I absolutely loved the scent. I'm a huge fan of citrus scents, but know they can sometimes be overwhelming. The lemon rice scent definitely has citrus in it, but the rice balances it out, making it bearable for me to smell all day long. Plus, a little bit goes a long way, so one jar will last me awhile. Major fan of this product!

the BOMBINATOR {$9}

in the Whip Me Up scent

Okay, I'm not a bath person, so I wasn't super excited about trying this product, but went with it anyway. First impressions is that is smelled FANTASTIC - both while it sat on my counter before I used it and during my bath. My skin continued to smell great hours after my bath. Major bonus. The size of the ball itself is pretty big, and the packaging says you can break it up or use it all at once. I found wanting to break it up {otherwise, you only get one bath out of it}, but didn't like how it got crumbly and a bit messy when I broke it into pieces {not to mention it wasn't too easy to break in the first place}. So, I would prefer to see this product a bit smaller, maybe sold in 3 or 4 pieces. Overall, I did like this product!

Last, I got a Lovey Dovey Gift Set {$29}.
It came with a heart shaped bombinator, a massage mud and three heart shaped soaps. Okay, I'll admit, I haven't used the massage mud because I haven't bribed my husband into giving me a massage yet. But, I'll keep you posted. The heart shaped soaps are just too cute to use, and I'll probably use them for decoration in my daughter's bathroom. I did use the heart shaped bombinator, and it had a very musky scent. I'm not a fan of musk scents, but if you are, I think you'd like this product. I was impressed with the fact that my body was still soft and smooth hours after my bath {and yes, I did take ANOTHER bath in preparation for this post}. I was also impressed with how long the scent lasts. I smelled like musk all day long, no joke! The scent definitely lasts, and that is a major bonus in my book. And, probably what my daughter liked most about it all, was that it turned the bath water completely pink. I seriously looked like I was bathing in Kool-Aid. Overall, a fun, romantic gift set that couples could enjoy on those special occasions.

To sum it all up, I really enjoyed these products. I was pleasantly surprised by most of them, and will continue to use what I {shamelessly} received til the last drop! And, I'm really grateful to Andrew for sending them to me and for being open to this review.

I'm really curious to know what my readers think of this post, and the products in general. Would any of you be interested in purchasing from Perfectly Posh? What do you think of the prices? Have you visited their website and have become intrigued?

Because Posh is a multi-level marketing {MLM} business, you have to purchase the products from an independent consultant {which I am not}, and some people aren't into those type of businesses, or don't like not being able to buy products online or at a store. I relate to feelings like that, but also am very inspired by people that are their own boss, and like how MLM businesses give that opportunity to so many people that otherwise wouldn't have the chance.

Definitely leave a comment. I'm curious to know your thoughts!

Q & A: on ADOTPION

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Meet my cousin Alicia, and her husband Steve and their two sons Jack {right} and Kaleb {left}.

For the past year, this sweet, young family has been through all the ups and downs that go along with wanting to adopt a child, and I decided I wanted to share their story.

Here are the few questions I asked Alicia about her family's adoption journey.

...

What circumstances in your life brought you to the decisionto adopt?

On January 8, 2008, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy afterbeing on bedrest for 3 months. During both of my pregnancies I was restrictedto bedrest, but this pregnancy was more strict. At 6 months I was dialatedto a five and was given two choices: lay on my left side until 38 weeks or get sewn up! I was able to keephim cookin until 37 weeks, and we were so blessed when our healthy, 8 lb babyarrived.

After the pregnancy, however, I experienced terriblebleeding. At my baby’s four month checkup, I realized I shouldn't still bebleeding so much. Soon after, I had two surgeries that were suppose to stop thebleeding, but unfortunately didn’t. After two more surgeries, I learned the placenta had growninto the uterus while I was on bedrest. I was told I needed to have a hysterectomy. After a lot of prayer andsupport from my family, I went through with the hysterectomy at age 26.

How long haveyou been in the adoption process and what has been the biggest challenge?

We have beenactively trying to adopt for a year now. A lot of prayers and personal reflection went on as a couple and asindividuals before we decided we wanted to go through with things. Oneof the hardest parts about adoption is that there are no guarantees that youwill ever get a baby. When we planned our pregnancies there was so muchimmediate joy and satisfaction that we could bring new lives to our family.

The biggest challenge has been with finances. It is soironic that there are so many babies/children that need good homes, but it costsanywhere from $20,000-$40,000 in order to bring those children into good homes.We are going to have an a silent auction and comedy show in the spring to raisemoney.

Do you have any preferences in terms of gender, race,ethnicity, etc.?

We would like to adopta little girl if it is possible, but would be so happy to bring any healthybaby into our family! We do not have any preferences when it comes to race andhave been told by private adoption agencies that Caucasian adoptions are themost expensive.

Have you felt support from your family and friends in yourdecision to adopt?

We have awesomefamilies! Both of our extended families as well as friends have been sosupportive of our decision. Some family members have expressed that fundraisingmay not be appropriate for our adoption costs, but Steve and I feel good aboutit.

What advice would you give to people wanting to adopt?

I think the firstthing I would advise is to communicate with everyone you know that you arewanting to adopt. We have been told by many agencies that the majority ofadoptions happen from people who know people who are pregnant or who want toadopt. For Steve and I it has beenso important just to have faith. We have had many manifestations to us thatadoption is right for our family. Through all of the emotional hurdles we havebeen through this has been what keeps us going!

...

Thanks Alicia for your answers. Adoption has always been something I thought I may do at some point in my life, so it was good for me to read your thoughts about the entire process. I do hope you are able to find a happy ending to this long, emotional journey.

I am excited for Alicia and Steve's upcoming silent auction. I am going to donate custom invitations/announcements. If any of my readers would like to donate or participate, please let me know.

INSTAGRAM wednesdays: PEN PALS

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I got a letter from my friend KAREN in the mail. Her out of the blue letter reminded me how much I enjoy getting handwritten letters in the mail. I suggested we start writing to each other via "snail mail" every once in awhile. She thought that was a great idea.

Here's my first letter to my new PEN PAL.

{This post is linked with iPPP}

FRIENDSHIP written by ANONYMOUS

2012-02-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by someone who wanted to more or less spill her guts, but wanted to remain anonymous. And I was more than happy to host her thoughts on my blog.

...

I've always wanted a sister. I figure the closest thing to a sister would be a best friend. You know, a BFF. Everyone's got one, right? Not me.

For some reason I've always struggled in the friend department. I've always had friends. Friends as in a group of girls that I got along with and we did things together all throughout high school. Friends in college that I always hung out with. But never a true BFF that I couldn't go more than a few hours without talking to, told everything to, or went on trips with. Stuff like that. I have friends from high school that I still get together with and it's like time hasn't passed and it's as fun as ever. I have friends that I've met in the last few years that I hang out with and it's fun, but I'm still waiting for that BFF. Someone that won't make fun of me for being stupid, or will make fun of me for being stupid but still love me for it. Like a sister would. Someone that never gets sick of me and will call just to say hi and that they miss me.

My husband has 4 sisters. When we were engaged I kept thinking how I couldn't wait until we were married because I'd automatically have four sisters! People who would be my friends, that I would always hang out with. That's what sisters-in-law are for, right? Not so much. For whatever reason they never really took a liking to me. Here we are almost 11 years later, not to mention a total of 15 kids between us all and you'd think we'd all be closer. I couldn't wait for my kids to have cousins to play with or for me to have a babysitter that I could always count on. I figured since I was in the family that's the way it would work. That's how they are with each other! Their kids are always playing together, and they're always watching each others kids. In the meantime, I'm always searching for someone to watch mine. For some reason, we're always left out.

Our kids all go to the same school and my kids are always asking why so and so got to play at so and so's house and they didn't. I hear about trips they've taken together, skiing weekends, or night out at the movies that they've done together that we're never invited to. Then there's the field trips during the summer, days at the pool and picnics at the park. I'm not asking to be invited to EVERYTHING but don't talk about it in front of me like it's not going to bother me.

I could be to blame. I'm not the most social person. I might even come off as being unfriendly at times. But it's only because I'm so self-conscious that I don't dare say anything to anyone. Ever. I'm always wondering what someone is thinking of me while I'm standing there talking to them. What do they think of my hair? My clothes? My shoes? My face?! Heaven forbid I actually say something because then I'll have to worry about what they think of what I said! But, despite those feelings, it's nice to be invited to things. If not because they want to include me, but because they want to include my kids. Their neices and nephews, right? It's one thing for the sisters to talk about things they're doing without me, but for them to sit and talk about things that their kids have done together when my kids haven't been involved really gets to me.

So, my question is, what is it about me that has made it so I can't really seem to ever find a close friend? Am I too self-conscious? Trying too hard? What is it about someone that makes them BFF material? I'm really starting to wonder what exactly I'm missing, or what I'm doing wrong. I'm so over-anxious to have a true friend that I'm over analyzing my every word!

When you're married with kids, it's hard to find friends. Or at least it is for me. I'm always wondering if my husband will get along with her husband, will my kids get along with her kids, etc. I want to make sure that my friends don't take too much time away from my family, but a girl needs friends, doesn't she? I know I should just be myself and not worry about what everyone thinks, but it's easier said than done.

...

Thoughts?

MUSIC mondays: EVERYWHERE

2012-02-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to EVERYONE who entered the My Memories Giveaway. I'm happy to announce that the winner of the My Memories Suite Software is BECKY HAWS! Congrats to Becky!

Now, moving on to my usual Monday routine.

Every once in awhile, I'll stumble upon a song that I absolutely LOVE and can't seem to stop listening to. A few months ago, that song was

EVERYWHERE

LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE from the album 8 SONGS.

Everywhere has such a sweet melody and I love the lyrics.

I think it would make a great addition to anyone's music library.

Be sure to check out Lucy.

Want me to feature YOUR favorite song, musician, band? Let me know. I'm always in the market for new music!

my {P}INTERESTS

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love Pinterest? I sure enjoy browsing and repinning every now and then, so I thought I'd share a few of my most recent repins.

On my board {HILARIOUS}

My comment, "On the days you want to look like a pie."

On my board {IF I COULD SEW...}

Pinterest has definitely inspired me to want to sew. It seems like such a useful skill and my bed is in major need of some decorative pillows.

On my board {WISDOM}

A quote from my favorite comedy TV show 30 Rock.

On my board {ISC, INC.}

I think decorating my daughter's {aka ISC} room with her own drawings is the best idea ever.

On my board {LOVE AT HOME}

I took advantage of these freebies and downloaded the ROLL WITH IT picture in an 8x10 and had it printed at Costco. It's now in a white frame and hangs above my kitchen sink.

On my board {FOOD}

Made these for dinner and they were delish.

So, there you have it. A few of my {P}INTERESTS.

HAPPY {RE}PINNING!

...

Enter my GIVEAWAY. Don't miss out!

in my SHOPPING CART

2012-02-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Whenever I get any extra money {including birthday and Christmas money} I tend to think about what I should spend it on rather than what I want to spend it on. When I told my mom I spent the money she and my dad gave me for my last birthday on a medical bill she about died of laughter.

But, that's just how I am. I gravitate towards things I need rather than what I want.

Just take a look at the exciting things I bought last week using an AMAZON gift card.

I'll bet you wish your AMAZON shopping cart looked as fun and exciting as mine does!

...

Enter my GIVEAWAY. Don't miss out!

INSTAGRAM wednesdays: LUNCHTIME FAVE

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

My latest favorite lunchtime meal.

Love BUTTERNUT SQUASH pasta sauce!

who DOESN'T like FREEBIES?

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

With January rapidly coming to a close and Valentine's Day just around the corner, I know everyone is frantically trying to figure out what type of cards they want to send out.

{Ok, maybe not.}

But, just in case you are in the market for something fun and creative to do for Valentine's Day, I have three FREE pre-made card templates thanks to MY MEMORIES that are available for 14 DAYS.

These are compatible with any type of software, all you have to do is download the file {which is provided below each example}, add a photo and wording. What could be easier?

Download Freebie Kit 1

Download Freebie Kit 2

Download Freebie Kit 3

I personally like Kit #3 the best.

What?! Don't have a software program you can use to customize these freebies? No worries! Enter my giveaway to win the MY MEMORIES software program for absolutely free! You have until 11:59p MST on Saturday, February 4th to enter.

To make things even easier, here is a TUTORIAL so you can see how to customize your card using the MY MEMORIES software program.

Not a giveaway person, but want the software program? Be sure to purchase the program HERE using my promo code to receive $10 off the software and $10 off products.

My promo code is STMMMS14377

I hope you find these freebies fun and useful. I will be sharing more with you as often as I can.

HAPPY DESIGNING!

MUSIC mondays: FREE MUSIC

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know iTunes has songs you can download for FREE?

It's true! Every week they have a SINGLE OF THE WEEK that you can preview and/or download for absolutely no cost to you.

Usually, the free singles are from bands/artists I have never heard of, which makes it even better for people like that are always on the look out for songs that don't pollute the airwaves. At least, not in Utah. Maybe these bands are more popular in areas like LA or Seattle.

Anyway, these are the last two singles I've added to my iTunes collection via the Single of the Week.

First, EMMYLOU by FIRST AID KIT

I think this song is just cute. I love the lyrics and love the shout outs to legendary music couples like June and Johnny. Although the album is listed under the genre of alternative and pop, this song definitely has that country swing sound to it. Give it a whirl!

And second, I BELONG IN YOUR ARMS by CHAIRLIFT.

When I first saw the title of this song, I thought for sure it was going to be a slower paced song. To my surprise, it has a little bit of a beat and, had it been around at the time, would've been a theme song to one of the many 80s movies Molly Ringwald was in. It has Pretty in Pink written all over it! If you're an 80s music fan, or like fun, upbeat songs about love, I think you'll enjoy this tune.

...

You still have 5 days to enter my GIVEAWAY. Don't miss out!

the MY MEMORIES giveaway

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, how to get your pictures and other fun memories from your camera to your computer to "in the flesh" is a struggle.

Thank you, MY MEMORIES SUITE.

This fantastic digital scrapbook software offers it all by giving me CHOICES.

When I want frills {and The Husband is on board, of course}, I have access to ready-made templates for all occasions.

{Photos courtesy of MeganFisherPhotography}

When I want to unleash the creative beast inside me, I can create templates from scratch with the help of dozens of digital paper options, embellishments and fonts. This includes custom calendars!

And, when I just want a photo book {no frills, no embellishments = HAPPY HUSBAND}, I can make just that.

This program helps make my need to document my life less stressful by being compatible for both Windows and Mac, being completely digital {which is important for a person like me who has no room for scrapbook supplies}, giving me access to pre-made templates so all I have to do is add photos, and encouraging my creative juices to flow by making it so simple for me to design my own templates.

What could be better? Well, how about the chance to win the MY MEMORIES SUITE?!

That's right! This software is your key to creating one of a kind memories that you and your loved ones will cherish forever. Best of all the software is a download, so no waiting weeks to receive your prize. You could be designing away just minutes after finding out you're the winner!

Here's how it works.

MANDATORY ENTRY

All you have to do is visit the MY MEMORIES WEBSITE, browse their digital paper kits and leave a comment telling me which one is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRIES

Following the My Memories BLOG

Follow/Like My Memories on FACEBOOK

Follow My Memories on TWITTER

Follow my BLOG

{Already a follower? You'll get this entry since you can't re-follow me}

That's a total of up to 5 ENTRIES per person.

Don't forget to tell me which sites/blogs you've followed.

The Giveaway begins today and goes until Saturday, February 4th at 11:59p

The winner will be selected AT RANDOM.

But, wait, THERE'S MORE?

Not a GIVEAWAY type person? Don't want to wait designing your memories? All of my readers are eligible for $10 off the MY MEMORIES SUITE software. There's more! Any readers who purchase the software will also receive an additional $10 coupon for the store.

Just use my PROMO CODE: STMMMS14377

Have FUN and GOOD LUCK!

INSTAGRAM wednesdays: INDULGE

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been to Red Mango yet, GO.

I recommend the coconut yogurt with fresh berries. DELISH!

GUEST blogger: SUZE'S CORNER

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to be posting my very first GUEST BLOGGER. Suzanne was nice enough to volunteer and talk about my January guest blogger topic: RELATIONSHIPS. But, it's with a twist and also focusing on another hot topic for many, many women out there.

Thank you SO MUCH Suzanne for sharing your thoughts on my blog. I look forward to continue reading your blog and getting to know you.

...

Hi there! I'm Suzanne over at Suze's Corner, happy to be guest blogging for my fellow blogger, Emily.I have been married for almost 5 years to my wonderful husband, Boss. He is currently in school at Arizona State Univ full time.

A year after we got married, we were blessed to welcome our first little baby into this world. She was born May 2008 and goes by the name Petey on my blog.

16 months after her birth, we welcome our second baby into this world. He was born October 2009 and goes by the name Spidey on my blog.

This is what our cute family looks like now. Two parents, a 3 year old, and a 2 year old. Last April, we decided we wanted to try for our next baby. We secretly tried for 4 months before changes were happening in my body that I just knew in my mind meant pregnancy. But I was wrong. I took 4 pregnancy tests, all negative, so we made an appointment with my doctor.

The next thing I knew, I was being scheduled for blood work and ultrasounds to help diagnose the problem. I was given the diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in August of 2011 and we started fertility treatments shortly after that.

Many times in those next few months, I blogged about my heartache. You can go back and read it if you'd like but today, I'd like to focus on what this did to my relationship with my husband.

I believe trials in our lives can either bring us closer or move us further apart, depending on how we decide to look at it. I've searched for peace ever since my diagnosis and my husband and I have had many deep conversations about this change in our lives.

You see, my PCOS doesn't just affect me. I now deal with hormonal imbalance every day of my life (mostly due to my fertility drugs but also somewhat from my PCOS) and can go from happy to sad in a split second.

My poor husband, right?

But he has grown up just as much as I have and has continued to support me throughout all of this.

Yes, we fight. But we fought before. :) If anything, we fight less now because we both feel supported by the other person. We listen more, remember more, and care more. This is something we should've been doing from the beginning of our relationship but it's never too late to fix something that is important to you.

My husband is my best friend and I feel lucky that I am going through this trial with him and not just on my own.

and the WINNER IS....

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

ROBERTA

{who just so happens to be my mother-in-law, but I swear everything is complete legit.}

Congratulations, Roberta. I hope you enjoy your thank your notes.

And thanks again to everyone who entered. And, please keep visiting my blog because I will be hosting another giveaway this week. I know, I know, maybe it's too soon to have another giveaway, but I just couldn't wait any longer.

It's going to be a fun week!

MUSIC mondays: FRANCES ENGLAND

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

I know I have a lot of mom's that read my blog, so I thought they would appreciate hearing about my favorite children's music artist.

FRANCES ENGLAND

The reason why I love Frances England so much is because her music is appropriate for children and tolerable for adults. Because I want my daughter to adore music just as much as I do, it was very important for me to find songs that we could both enjoy.

England's songs include fun topics like visiting grandma, eating ice cream and tea parties.

Seriously, what's not to like?

My favorite album by England is FAMILY TREE.

So, if you're a mom {or dad} out there that wants to expose your children to great music without sacrificing your sanity, be sure to check out Frances England.

You won't regret it.

a BIG WEEK

2012-01-22T09:59:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all who entered my very first giveaway.

I'll have the results in tomorrow.

In addition to announcing the winner, this week promises posts from my very first guest blogger, the weekly INSTAGRAM wednesday WITH a working GRAB BUTTON {thanks, K-Lo}, AND another GIVEAWAY.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

happy birthday, SHANNON

2012-01-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

I spent most of yesterday recovering from the non-stop fun we had the last few days celebrating our daughter's birthday. To accommodate everybody's schedules, we had three different parties and it was FUN but tiresome. Even the little one was done by the end of it all.

But, this post today is not about that. It's about another birthday our family celebrated this week for my sister-in-law Shannon, who would've been 36 on January 19th.

Just as a brief reminder for any new readers, Shannon {whom I've never met} was killed by a drowsy semi-driver 14 years ago. She was only 21 years old.

Marrying into a family that had experienced such a tragedy was a bit of an adjustment. I wanted to learn all I could about Shannon, but wasn't sure what I could ask and what were too sensitive of questions. I enjoyed seeing pictures of her, hearing funny stories that involved her, but I never quite felt a connection to her like everyone else did.

And, since I never met her, I figured this was perfectly normal.

Then, years after my wedding, I recall one evening being at my in-laws house and being overcome with a sense of loss. As I spanned the house and saw all of my family, I became distinctively and overwhelmingly aware that there was something missing. Someone was missing.

I realized for the first time that I missed Shannon. In my mind's eye I imagined what our family gathering would've been like were she still alive. I imagined it being a little louder, definitely more nieces and/or nephews running around. Whatever it would've been like, for sure it would've felt more complete.

I wish I could describe the feeling I carry with me everyday of missing someone I have never met before.

Fortunately for me, I have a firm belief that Shannon is still alive and is watching over our family.

Death is not the end by any means.

I have no doubt that I will meet her one day.

And while I am in no rush to end my life here on earth and move on to the next phase of my existence, I can say with no reservations that I am excited for that day. Not only will I be reunited with loved ones that have passed before me, but I will get to meet Shannon.

In the meantime, Happy Birthday, Shannon.

I miss you!

INSTAGRAM wednesdays: LIGHT

2012-01-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Our dog Tod loves to relax in the light.

He will sit almost anywhere, so long as he can feel the heat of the sun directly on him.

I find his want to always be near the light a little inspiring.

Share your photos! Link up!

{P.S. GIVEAWAY is still open.}

a VERY important DATE

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today is a good day because it's the anniversary of two very important events. First, it's the third anniversary of the day I became a mother. Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea. I love you.

Second, it's the seventh anniversary of the day Dustin and I got engaged.

Details? Okay, here's the juice.

To understand the full story, I need to back track to a few weeks before January 17, 2005. I believe the date was December 23, 2004. Dustin and I were out to dinner with a friend of ours, Ashley. Things had sort of "happened" with Dustin and me. And when I say happened I don't mean in a sexual way, just in a way that one day he was just my friend and I thought nothing more of him to all of the sudden one day, out of the blue {literally} I knew I was meant to marry him.

During dinner I half jokingly said we should all go look at rings. As in engagement rings. And, of course, Dustin and Ashley were on board. So, we hit up the mall and checked out all the different jewelry stores.

I have unusually small hands. And, because I've played the violin since I was six years old, I bite my fingernails. In other words, I have ugly hands. Because of this, I've always been weary of wearing a wedding ring, and always knew I wanted to pick out my ring because, if not, I was afraid I wouldn't like how it looked.

Luckily, Dustin entertained my weirdness and didn't have any preconceived ideas about surprising his future wife with a ring HE and ONLY he picked out. I know some guys like that.

Anyway, after looking at a few stores I was getting frustrated at the thought of never finding a ring I not only liked, but that looked good on my short and stubby fingers.

We decided to look at one more store before heading home. We walked in and said hello to the salesman. Dustin and I started browsing, our heads down looking inside the display cases, when all the sudden we both stopped and pointed to a ring and said "Let's look at that one."

True story.

I put it on my finger and I just knew it was the ring. It was everything I wanted. It was simple with a touch of a vintage/antique look, but not boring. Best of all, it was custom made which meant no one would have one just like it. It was absolutely perfect.

Then reality set it. My mind was racing with thoughts like, "Crap, I found the ring of my dreams and I'm pretty sure I'm suppose to marry Dustin, but I haven't quite figured things out yet." And, "What happens if we walk away from this ring and then when we are ready to get married it's gone?"

We left the store, but didn't get too far before returning. Dustin bought the ring that night. But, there was a catch. The ring just had a CZ. Dustin said he would buy a real diamond later and propose when he felt it was right.

As the weeks went by, I tried my best never to ask to see my ring. It was so pretty, that whenever I was at his house, I couldn't help but ask to wear it.

Then, one night {January 17 to be exact} Dustin and I were chillin' at his place when I asked if I could see the ring. He said yes, and went into his room to get it. He came out and handed me the ring and said, "You can look at the ring, but this time I don't want it back."

I looked at him and smiled and probably said something like, "No way!?" Then I'm pretty sure he asked me to marry him, and my oh so romantic response was, "Of course I will, ya geek!"

He then told me about the night he went back to the jeweler and bought the diamond. It was the same night my friend Karen and I went out to dinner and a movie. Those two were so sneaky. After he bought the diamond, Dustin drove to my parents' house and asked my mom and dad if he could marry me.

We were married six months later.

{P.S. Enter my GIVEAWAY here!}

MUSIC mondays: the DANDY WARHOLS

2012-01-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

My brothers always joke that the music I listen to is depressing, and it's true I'm definitely not a heavy metal type of girl.

According to iTunes, my genre of choice is 'singer/songwriter.'

However, that doesn't change the fact that I do like music with a good beat and totally rockin'.

Insert, THE DANDY WARHOLS.

Awesome, awesome group with fun songs, fun lyrics and overall really great to listen to whether you're cleaning your house {me} or going on a road trip.

My favorite Dandys song is We Used to Be Friends, so I was pleasantly surprised when I realized it was the theme song for Veronica Mars. It made the show THAT much better.

{Side note: I'm not including the remix edition of the song they did in Season 3. I'm pretty sure messing with the Dandys song was the reason the show was canceled. You just don't mess with a Dandys song}

Anyway, check out The Dandy Warhols. They are a great band and I absolutely LOVE their music.

{P.S. Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY and REFER your friends to my BLOG!}

just CHECKING IN...

2012-01-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Is everyone excited that it is the weekend? I sure am.

Today starts a few days of celebrating as my daughter will be celebrating her birthday on Tuesday.

We have family coming into town today for a party.

We have another party planned on Monday.

And then on Tuesday, just the three of us will be celebrating her BIG DAY.

Needless to say, I'll be a busy bee over the weekend, and will be neglecting my blog somewhat; however, I did want to thank all those who have entered my GIVEAWAY. It's open for another week, so anyone and everyone should enter.

And remember...

The winner of my GIVEAWAY is not luck of the draw. It will be determined by how many ENTRIES you have. So, please remember to REFER your friends to my BLOG and tell them to leave a comment.

Good luck to all the participants so far!

the GIVEAWAY of the CENTURY {maybe}

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Now that Christmas has come and gone, it's time for people to start sending out thank you notes for all the many wonderful things they received.

So, to encourage people to do this, and in conjunction with my latest INSTAGRAM wednesday post, I am hosting my very first giveaway.

The prize: EIGHT THANK YOU NOTES

FOUR designed by yours truly

and FOUR from my own store bought collection

Entering is EXTREMELY easy. The only requirement is that you leave a comment telling me who you will write a thank you note to should you win this giveaway.

This one and only requirement for my CURRENT followers is worth 3 entries.

{This is Sarah. I love your blog, as usual, and was a follower as of Thursday, January 12th at midnight. I will send a thank you note to my dad = Sarah +3 entries}

But, wait, there's more!

You can earn additional entries by referring your friends, family, and fellow bloggers to my blog. If they leave a comment telling me YOU referred them, you will receive an additional entry.

{Hi, my name is Megan. I was referred to your blog by Sarah = Sarah +1 entry}

But, wait, there's more!

If your referrals FOLLOW ME, you will receive an additional entry.

{Megan is a new follower = Sarah +1 entry}

Now, for any REFERRALS/NEW FOLLOWERS

You are eligible for the prize too! If you leave a comment telling me who would you send a thank you note to, you will receive 2 entries.

{My name is Megan. I am a new follower thanks to Sarah. I will send a note to my mom = Megan +2 entries}

If you refer people to my blog and they leave a comment telling me YOU referred them, you will receive an additional entry.

{My name is Laney. I was referred to your blog by Megan = Megan +1 entry}

If your referrals FOLLOW ME, you will receive an additional entry.

{Laney is a new follower. Megan +1 entry}

And then Laney can enter herself by telling me who she'd send a thank you note to, she can send referrals, and so on and so on and so on.

Pretty simple, right?

The giveaway closes on Saturday, January 21st at 11:59p.

Whoever receives THE MOST ENTRIES will be the winner.

I will announce the winner on Monday, January 23rd.

Good luck and enjoy!

{p.s. coordinating envelopes included}

INSTAGRAM wednesdays: many THANKS

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

My mom always taught me to write thank you notes.

why we SKIPPED CHURCH {and loved it}

2012-01-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks have been pretty busy for Dustin at work. Even though both were only 4-day weeks, we're pretty sure he worked 50+ hours each week. He also worked when he got home and received quite a few late night phone calls from employees that needed help.

That didn't leave much time for us as a family to be together.

On Saturday, I had the weird thought that we shouldn't go to church on Sunday. Instead, we should just spend the day together. I thought it was kind of weird to feel so good about skipping church, but I really did.

I thought, if we didn't go to church we would miss so many things...

We would miss the usual tantrum of getting our daughter out of her PJs and into a dress.

We would miss the short, but always frustrating, walk to the church because the little one refuses to hold our hands.

We would miss not sitting in the chapel during sacrament meeting and finding our usual spot in the foyer.

We would miss trying to keep our full of energy sweet pea quiet and from running around the building during what always promises to be the longest 70 minutes of my week.

We would miss the usual fight going to nursery, and (because if there is an opportunity to be difficult, why not be?) the usual fight leaving nursery.

And, last, but not least, we'd miss the fun walk home because, again, our lovely bundle of joy won't hold our hands and insists on walking every and anywhere but the sidewalk.

After weighing my options and thinking about all the things we'd miss by not going to church, what to do ended up being a pretty painless dilemma.

We totally and utterly and shamelessly skipped church.

And it was probably the best Sabbath day I've had in a long time.

ART {or something}

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Is this art

what happens when my daughter is playing with my camera?

You decide.

P.S. A giveaway is in the near future

MUSIC mondays: TORI AMOS

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Some of you may wonder what happened to "What the..." Mondays. I'm discontinuing it because I'd rather focus my posts on things that I love rather than things that bother me.

No worries, I'll definitely still post about things that drive me nuts, but more on a sporadic basis, not a weekly one.

With that, I introduce MUSIC mondays. These posts will range from giving a shout out to a favorite artist, song, album, etc., or sharing a story from my life that involves music.

I also hope these posts will inspire people to share their favorite music with me. I'm always in the market for new tunes to sync to my iPod.

Today I'm going to talk about one of my all-time favorite artists: TORI AMOS.

I first discovered Tori when I was in junior high, so mid-nineties. I didn't know many people my age that liked her music, but I listened to her anyway. I bought as many of her albums as I possibly could and listened to her all through high school and into college. Her music just made me feel good.

One such experience was when Tori released a new album called Scarlet's Walk. I was at home doing the dishes and listening to the radio when all of the sudden the song came on. The DJ introduced it as Tori's new single, and I quickly pressed the record button on my stereo. I kept an empty tape in my cassette player for just these type of situations. The song was called A Sorta Fairytale.

As I listened to this song, I fell in love with it. When I heard the chorus, chills literally went all over my body. It was such a beautiful song. I remember just standing still in my kitchen, listening to the song and enjoying it so much.

I'll never forget that night.

And I hope you take some time to check out Tori's music. She is one amazing artist.

2012 = IMPROVEMENT

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

It was January 2010. I had just welcomed in the new year and had put together a fun list of 65 things to do in 365 days. I was looking forward to my list. It included minor things like organizing the photos on my computer to seeing a play or going to a baseball game.

Then February came, and Dustin and I decided to put our house on the market. Our plan was to pack up our house and move to a different state so we could be closer to family.

And my list basically went out the window. Suddenly, I found myself more concerned with the condition of my house and making sure it was "sellable" than doing much of anything else.

I spent my days making sure our house was presentable at {almost} all times just in case a realtor called wanting to show it.

What felt like an eternity in reality was only five months, and we found ourselves accepting an offer. The next month was spent packing, moving, settling. With a sudden change in jobs {after just one month of being hired}, we found ourselves packing, moving and settling again the following month.

I learned during 2010 that no matter what I planned on, things could change in an instance. Sure, I had a lot to do with all the change that took place in my life that year, but despite that, ever since I've sort of lost interest in resolutions. Part of me feels like it was pointless to do my 65 in 365 list when, just a few weeks after I put it together {and, trust me, it was not easy coming up with 65 things to do} a lot of my priorities changed.

Most of 2011 was spent recovering from 2010. Both were pretty tough years on so many levels. Now that we're a week into 2012, I'm still up in the air about making any resolutions. Karen does an awesome 52 Project that is such a great idea. Then there's making just a few, big resolutions.

Then there's the idea of just being better. Improving. Be it a better mom, a better wife, or a better neighbor. I think improving and striving to be better fits my lifestyle the most. This way, as things come up, when life throws me a sudden curveball, I can still maintain my general goal of improvement.

Works for me!

the MOTHER of the YEAR AWARD goes to...

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

It was a typical day. My "something-month" old daughter and I were at home while Dustin was at work. It was bath time for my little one, so I turned on the water in the bathtub while I gathered up the soap, towels and, of course, my baby.

I gently began putting my daughter in the water. Her back touched what was in the tub and the water that was still running from the faucet. All of the sudden, she screamed. It was a scream I had never heard before. It was loud and I could tell by the look on her face she was frightened and in pain.

I quickly lifted her from the tub. I looked at the faucet and realized I had forgotten to check the water. The water that touched my child's body was hot. Extremely hot.

I wrapped a towel around my daughter's shaking body. Despite what I had just done, all she wanted was for me to hold her. I held on tight to my little one, holding back my tears and being so grateful that she was not more seriously harmed. By this time, I'd noticed her back was free from any burn mark.

We skipped the bath that day.

I'll never forget the sound of my sweet daughter's voice and the look of terror on her little face. I felt like not only a horrible mother, but a horrible person in that moment.

But, at the same time, I felt grateful that in her moment of need and fear, my daughter held onto me with all her might. I knew that day that she trusted me and knew I would care for her.

As my daughter grows and matures and ventures off on her own, I hope she will always remember that I am here for her. I hope she knows that she can hold onto me when she is frightened or sad.

I'm not exactly sure how to make sure she knows I'm always here for her other than just always being there for her. So, hopefully that works.

I am so grateful to be a mother.

my PROUD MOMMY moment {PMM}

2012-01-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

Here we go. I'm participating in a new meme for the first time today because it sure is fun to share some of the details of my day that include my daughter.

I don't have one specific experience, but I do recall a few fun things that recently came out of my daughter's mouth.
{When I came out of my bedroom on Sunday after I got ready for church} "Pretty Mommy! Look at pretty dress!"
{While we were relaxing in my bedroom one morning} "Pretty hair, Mama."
{Completely random and out of the blue} "I love you, Mama."
{While reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear and on the page with the children} Me: "Who's that?" Daughter: "Friends."
{First thing she said this morning}"Christmas Eve?"

i WANT YOU...

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for guest posters.

Anyone interested?

Here's the catch, I want it to cover the topics I talk most about on my blog: parent/motherhood, relationships, general observations {i.e. customer service experiences, people you see in public, etc.}, music, and photography.

I'm hoping to have at least one guest poster a month. In January, I want to focus on relationships, so if you have any wacky relationships stories {i.e. bad first dates, bad break-ups, unforgettable moments, etc.} you'd like to share, I'm ALL EARS.

I look forward to hearing from any interested people.

INSTAGRAM wednesday: REJUVENATION

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

I recently redecorated my bathroom. I was going for a spa look. It's simple, but I love it. I chose this photo as my first "Instagram Wednesday" post of 2012 because spas represent cleansing, recharging and rejuvenation. And that is exactly how I intend 2012 to be for me.

Join me with INSTAGRAM wednesdays. Link up so we can all see your photos.

welcome TWENTY DOZEN

2012-01-01T11:07:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I have yet to meet anyone who is upset 2011 is over. Apparently it was a rough year in general.

I'm going to spend today and tomorrow with my family before getting back to "normal."

Enjoy yourselves!

LIFE thru a LENS

2011-12-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do when I visit my parents' house is to browse through all the old family photo albums. It's amazing how fun and entertaining looking at old, crazy photos really is. As much as I despised having my picture taken constantly by my mom (I still do, actually), she is very quick to remind me that her consistency with taking pictures has been the source of much fun and laughter all these years later.

As an adult and a relatively new mom, I can appreciate my mom's persistence, and realize how important it is to document my life via lens. So, I try to take my camera with me wherever I go because a great picture can literally be anywhere.

I definitely don't have the best camera or lens out there. I'm not a pro at Photoshop. I don't lack complete inspiration, and usually know a good "photo op" when I see one, but I'm by no means a professional when it comes to photography. And, I'll admit, sometimes that makes me a bit discouraged.

Then I heard about The PEN Ready Project. Thanks to the good people at Olympus, over 1,000 unsuspecting people in 6 different cities were given a brand new Olympus PEN E-PM1 camera to show how easy it is for normal, everyday, non-professional people to take amazing pictures. What's even better is you can see all the pictures that were taken here.

What a fun project!

It definitely helped me remember that it's not about being the best photographer or having the most expensive equipment, but just about taking pictures in the first place.

After all, the most difficult thing to replace is yesterday.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Olympus

my ROOTS...

2011-12-23T14:03:00.001-07:00

As this year comes to a close, and we welcome 2012, I feel inclined to make some changes to my blog. I'm working on organizing it and focuses my posts on the topics I love most: relationships, parenting, every day observations and pictures. In all honesty, my blog won't change too much, but I feel the more consistent it is, the more "theme-ish" it is, the better it will be.

I've also spent some time reflecting on why I began this blog to begin with. Examining my roots, if you will. I was inspired by this video, which is where I got my blog description, "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul." The message from this video, which is based on an address specifically written for women, is that we all have an inherit need to create. I have felt that need before, and this blog has helped me feel more fulfilled, more creative.

I absolutely love this video and I hope you will take the time to watch it. You have less than 2 minutes to spare, right?

I hope I can continue to invite readers to my blog and that you can learn from my experiences and that I can learn from yours. Let's be creative together!

INSTAGRAM wednesday: CANDY CANES

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Her decoration of choice this Christmas season is for sure candy canes.

last WEEK...

2011-12-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

My week off was great. In fact, I had so much fun that I keep forgetting Christmas is still yet to come. Here's a look at what we did last week.

Attended two different events: First, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir & Orchestra at Temple Square Christmas concert.

Being creative with our stockings since we don't have a fireplace.

Visiting our old house that we sold a little over a year ago.

And enjoying all the Christmas cards we've received from friends and family.

Now that things are back to normal, and my husband is working his usual late night shifts, I relish the time, late at night, after my daughter has gone to bed, when I can sit by the Christmas tree and look at the lights and just think.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

a little VAY-KAY

2011-12-14T19:35:00.002-07:00

I meant to post this on Monday, but I am on VACATION!

Well, not really, but my husband has this entire week off from work, so we're soaking up all the extra time we have and trying to do as many fun things together as we can.

Before I sign off completely though, I should thank Karen for her lovely Blog Awards post. I am happy to announce I won for Most Thought Provoking Post. Haven't read the winning post? Check it out here!

Don't forget: Boycott Arby's and NEVER drive drowsy.

CHANGE is USUALLY always GOOD

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

My daughter received a very generous gift from her grandparents a few months ago: Rapunzel pajamas. She fell in love with them INSTANTLY, and it has been rather difficult to get her to wearing anything else ever since.

So, this week I decided I was done seeing her wearing her PJs 24/7, and have enforced a new rule that she must be dressed during the day and only wear her PJs at night.

And, it has been a challenge. Days one and two were successful, but today was a different story and I ended up letting her wear them because I just didn't have the patience to endure another tantrum.

As I watched my daughter prance around the house in her beloved PJs, I decided if I was going to make her give up wearing them all day long, I needed to sacrifice something too. So, I'm going to limit my time on the computer and iPod to only when she is asleep. This gives me nap time and bedtime to catch up my e-mails, blog and to post whatever irrelevant status I need to on Facebook.

I hope to accomplish two things. First of all, I hope my sacrifice helps me be more patient with my daughter. If I can relate my wanting to be "on the net" to her wanting to wear her favorite piece of clothing, I imagine I'll have more patience with her when the tantrums and the whining begin.

And second, I hope to spend more quality time with my daughter. Too often we'll be in the same room together, but we're doing two different things. Sometimes I'm folding laundry and she's playing, but too often I'm wasting time on the computer while she's playing. Sure, often times I'm doing legit things like paying bills, but when all is said and done I should be playing more with my daughter. My time with her is precious, and I should take advantage of every minute I have.

Wish me luck!

INSTAGRAM wednesday: stability

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is hanging in our entryway. It means "Always Stable." My husband bought it when he was in China. I absolutely love it, and hope I can always provide a stable, comfortable home for my family.

Monday means "What the..."

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

What happens when the wind gets mad.

Really mad.

Seriously, What the...?!

Watch out for the wind!

you LITERALLY can't make this STUFF UP

2011-12-03T19:47:00.001-07:00

I have a love/hate relationship with the local news in Utah, specifically the news on KSL. I love watching it because some of the stories they consider Top News or Breaking News is just insane. And I hate it for the exact same reason.

The other day, I learned about a man that had been shot in the butt by his dog. It was the Top Story on the KSL website. Little did I know, a major windstorm was heading in my direction, and nowhere did I find a front page article about that. But, that's besides the point.

Anyway, as I read this article, I was reminded of my favorite TV comedy show, 30 Rock. In the episode 2.6, "Somebody to Love" Jack (Alec Baldwin), who is a staunch Republican, falls for a Democratic congresswoman, C.C. (played by guest star Edie Falco). After a spontaneous evening together, Jack learns C.C. originally got into politics after her neighbor's dog shot her in the face, requiring her to have many reconstructive surgeries. He also learns that her "getting shot in the face story" was made into a Lifetime Original Movie called A Dog Took My Face And Gave Me a Better Face to Change the World: The Celeste Cunningham Story.

Hilarious.

If you're not watching 30 Rock, which could be because NBC is playing Whitney (gag) instead, the new season starts on January 12th. If you're a fan of shows like Arrested Development or New Girl and aren't already a fan of 30 Rock, you'll probably like it. Give it a chance. If How I Met Your Mother or Mike & Molly is more your style, I don't think you'd like 30 Rock. But, you never know. Give it a try!

After all, their episodes do mirror real life events.

Here's a video clip of Jack watching C.C.'s movie.

my DECEMBER birthday

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today is December 1st which means it's 16 days until my birthday. Some people may think having a birthday one week (technically 8 days) before Christmas would suck, but I love it. I've ALWAYS loved having a December birthday, and here are my top 5 reasons why.

5. It's during the school year

I don't know about you, but on some level I think having a summer birthday and never being able to go to school on your big day (when, oddly, YOU have to bring treats) seems like it would kind of suck.

4. It's hoodie season

I'll be honest, I don't put make-up on everyday. I'm not completely vain that I can't stomach the idea of people seeing me looking "less than" in public. I just don't care. I probably should, but I just don't. This all stems from my constant need to be comfortable. I'll admit, I will put fashion over comfort sometimes, but 9 times out of 10, if I'm not comfortable I change. Hoodies are the epitome of comfort as far as I'm concerned. No, they sure aren't flattering but they sure are cozy!

3. Deals, deals, deals!

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Hello, everywhere you turn there is a sale in December which my gift cards and/or cash presents go a lot further!

2. There is SO much going on!

December is a busy time of year. In fact, I have four things I absolutely HAVE to go to on December 10th. I'm not hte kind of person that needs to be doing something at all times. I definitely have "home-body-ness" in me, but the fact that I have options rules!

1. Everyone is happy!

Sure, the holidays tend to bring out the worst in us, but that usually goes away when once we've exited Wal-Mart, or the mall or aren't driving. I've always loved my birthday in December because people are generally really excited and happy.

So, there you have it. The reasons why December birthdays are so fab.

Do you like when your birthday is??

INSTAGRAM wednesday: COMFORT

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Nothing can replace the comfort of a blanket.

i'm a FINALIST!

2011-11-29T10:55:00.001-07:00

I'm a finalist in two categories on Karen's blog. Check out her post and vote for your favorite blogs! Even if your favorite blog isn't mine, still go vote. :)

my TOP 10 CHRISTMAS songs

2011-11-29T08:29:00.001-07:00

10. "Christmas is Calling"

I have my husband to thank for introducing me to this song. It's just sweet.

9. "Christmas Song"

I first heard this song by Dave Matthews back in high school. A different Christmas song, but beautiful nonetheless.

8. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

I love The Carpenter's version of this song. If I had to pick a romantic Christmas song, this one would be it!

7. "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

Love Mannheim Steamroller's version (as Veni Veni). Perfection!

6. "Carol of the Bells"

I grew up listening to Mannheim Steamroller's version of this song. I also saw them in concert. Amazing. I also sang this song in my 9th grade choir. It's a fun, energetic song!

5. "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"

This is such a fun, holiday song. Every time I hear it, I think of the scene from Home Alone when he is fooling the robbers into thinking there is a house full of people.

4. "O Holy Night"

"Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel's voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born." I love the lyrics to this song, and it's powerful melody brings tears to my eyes. While Josh Groban is a close second, I think Celine Dion takes the cake on the best version of this song, EVER. (I'm expecting a rebuttal, Karen. Haha!)

3. "Hallelujah Chorus"

Handle's Messiah is absolutely amazing. My very smart mother took me to a Messiah Sing-In with the Utah Symphony when I was still quite young. It had an everlasting impact on me. I can't not listen to the Hallelujah Chorus without getting chills, and I love this version of the piece.

2. "Happy X-Mas (War is Over)"

Whether it's the original by John Lennon, or Sarah McLachlan's cover, or this French Canadian dude's version, I absolutely love this song.

1. "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful"

I began taking violin lessons when I was just barely six years old. One violin teacher I had gave her students the opportunity to make a Christmas album in a recording studio. It required a ton of work, usually 8+ hours in the studio, often recording/playing the same song many different times. During one such recording session, I found myself recording Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful. As I played each note and listened to the lyrics of the song in my mind, my heart became very full. My eyes blurred and swelled with tears. The message and spirit of this song touched my young soul in a way I can't articulate, but the feelings I had have remained with me all these years later, making this beautiful Christmas hymn by far my favorite song of the season. Surprisingly, I have yet to find a version of this song I absolutely love, but this piano solo rendition is very lovely.

Monday means "What the..."

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Nearly three years ago, my daughter was born. I was so excited to have a little girl. Both my husband and I had wanted a girl, so when she was born, healthy and perfect, we were thrilled.

A few weeks after her birth, I was going to take her to church for the first time. But, of course, she needed to be dressed for the occasion. My husband and I set off to find a cute dress and something for her hair.

We found a dress with relatively no problem, although I was surprised at a lot of stores lack of inventory when it came to dresses for newborns. Everything was too big, by a lot!

Next, came the task of finding a bow. I thought this was going to be a breeze. After all, everywhere I turned I seemed to always see a mother and her daughter with a huge-a bow in her hair. We're talking, the bow the size of the kid's entire face.

I searched and searched and searched for a freakin' bow but couldn't find anything I liked, or that was big enough. Where were these mom's finding all the gi-normous bows?

I felt like such a failure when my daughter made her spiritual debut wearing a size appropriate bow.

When she should've been wearing something like this.

One day at church, I asked a mom that was your quintessential "mom with the daughters that always have huge bows in their hair" about where she got her bows. She proceeded to tell me she MADE them.

"What the..."?!

This was not what I wanted to hear. This was suppose to be easy. I was suppose to go to a store, buy a huge bow for my daughter and be done with it. Not make the bow. That requires craftiness and I'm just not crafty. Put me in front of a computer and I'll take care of anything, but put me in front of a sewing machine or anything like that I'm completely lost.

Needless to say, my daughter still doesn't have any cute hair bows, but I'm determined to change that. If you know of any good stores, local or online, that sell awesome, yet reasonably priced hair bows please let me know.

one THING i am THANKFUL for

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

It was a few months ago. I was out grabbing a bite to eat with my daughter, brother and sister-in-law. My husband was at work, doing his usual late night shift. I had gotten used to him being gone during the evening, and missed having him around when I went out to do fun things with friends or family. However, this night, I was more missing his help with our cute, energetic daughter.

My daughter is definitely a home body. She loves to be at home, in her PJs, playing with her toys or watching her favorite shows. It's stunning how she turns into a different person when we go out in public. She gets really cranky and whines to go home constantly. Her behavior makes doing anything outside of the home exhausting.

On this particular night, I gave my daughter my iPod in hopes of calming her down while we ate dinner. I had given her my iPod plenty of times before and it usually worked. Nope. Not this time! Instead of scrolling through her favorite apps, she threw the iPod onto the hard, tile floor, shattering the face instantly.

My brother just looked at me in shock. We love all things Apple in our family, and when one of them gets ruined it's a sad, sad day.

I managed to keep my composure. I put the iPod in the diaper bag, told my daughter that I loved her, gave her a hug and went on enjoying my dinner.

A few days later, I scheduled an appointment with someone at the Apple store to see what could be done. I was basically told it couldn't be fixed, but that they would give me a brand new one at half off. I was disappointed it couldn't be fixed, but really surprised they were willing to give me a brand new one at half price, especially considering the fact that Apple was in no way responsible for the condition of my iPod.

I ended up declining on the offer. Half off was a great offer, but we just couldn't afford it. After all, I had learned that despite all the cracks, the iPod worked just fine. And, amazingly, my daughter never asked to see it. She used to love playing with the apps, but after it broke she lost interest. Lucky for me since I wasn't about to let her use it anyway in fear she'd cut herself.

Now, months later, we're still using our shattered iPod just as much as we always did. I'm so thankful that is still works. I know that may seem silly, but I love my iPod. I absolutely love to listen to music. Music affects me in ways I can't describe. I love putting in my head phones while cleaning the house, writing in my journal or just while I lay on the couch after having a long day.

So, instead of saying thanks to all the many people in my life that do so much for me (I already did that, anyway), today I am saying thanks to my iPod for still being there for me.

Looks can be deceiving.

P.S. My most recent iTunes purchase can be found here. Love the song No Other Plans.

INSTAGRAM wednesday: the PUPPIES

2011-11-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

I hope that some of you have noticed my efforts in updating this blog a lot more often. It's been tons of fun, actually, but I still struggle with what to write about it. Because of that, I'm going to give myself a break one day a week by having an "Instagram Wednesday." Basically, it's a way for me to get in a post without actually writing anything.

Here's some more info about these pictures. The top one is Tod gazing sweetly at Isabelle as she ate her mac and cheese at the table. It's very obvious he wants her to share. The second one is the dogs in time out. I love how their little bums are touching. Classic!

Don't know what Instragram is? Check it out here! It's fun and free.

Monday Means "What the..."

2011-11-22T13:04:00.001-07:00

The other night, my friend Becky e-mailed me a link to post she had read that she thought was just unreal. She wanted my take on it, and even suggested I use it for one of my "What the..." posts. I was more than happy to read the post, and was even more thrilled that she was helping me keep up my weekly goal of posting about my "What the..." experiences.

Anyway, you can read the original post here, and then the follow-up post here. In a nutshell, the blogger writes about a disagreement that her friend and her friend's husband are having. Becky didn't tell me about the post because of the disagreement itself, but rather the fact that this blogger would post about someone else's very private matter, a matter that has absolutely nothing to do with her. Whether this blogger got permission from her friend to do so is unclear, but I'm going to assume she did.

Another aspect of the post that was interesting was that people were commenting on it and giving answers and solutions with absolutely no other information than was given in the brief post.

My initial reaction to this post was that it was pretty bold for someone else to blog about it, rather than the people directly involved. But, then I thought maybe this friend didn't want to blog about it herself, but did want the advice from other people. Mind you, advice from what very well could be complete strangers.

I eventually e-mailed Becky back and said it was a little "what the..." that someone would choose to blog about her friend's marital problems, and that I thought it would've been a much better post had the people involved been the ones to blog about it.

But, I also said that perhaps this post had done some good for someone out there. Not so much the couple themselves, but another reader that was going through a similar situation. After all, blogs and the Internet in general have become a great source for people to know that they are not alone in this world and that there is almost always someone else who understands what you are going through.

I think the most "what the..." about this entire situation is that people were so quick to comment about it. Sure, I posted about a situation that had nothing to do with me, but it had nothing to do with the state of someone's marriage. Do you think as readers, we should be less quick to offer our two cents, especially when we have extremely limited, very one-sided information? Are we adding fuel to the fire by commenting when, in all honesty, it really isn't any of our business?

And, yes, I appreciate the irony that I am informing you about a situation that I have basically deemed too personal for the Internet. :)

giving THANKS

2011-11-20T20:10:00.001-07:00

I spent the majority of my childhood celebrating Thanksgiving at my grandparents' house in Idaho Falls. It was a time of year I always looked forward to, and, now as an adult, I can look back at it with fond memories.

It was the same thing every year. Thanksgiving dinner, typically held around 1:00 in the afternoon, was at my grandma's sister's house. The crowd wasn't usually that big - our family and a few of my dad's cousins and their families.

When we arrived at the house, all dressed in our Sunday best, the majority of us (the men and kids that were too young to help) all sat around, made small talk while listening to a football game in the background. My grandma, her sister and a few others were busy in the kitchen finishing up dinner.

Once we were finally ready to eat, the youngest kids all found their seats at a small table reserved just for them while the adults and older kids sat at "the big table." We all ate on very nice china and it was always a very elegant, classy occasion.

Later that night, my dad would always take us to see a movie. This was always a fun tradition for me, and I recall one year being so excited to see Disney's Aladdin. Much to my dismay (the whole town's dismay, really), the newspaper had misprinted the starting time of the movie, and we were all forced to leave (and risk not getting a good seat and/or ticket) or stand around for what felt like HOURS until the movie actually started. My dad, being the awesome guy that he is, decided it was best to stay. So, we waited and waited and waited for the movie to start. Good thing Aladdin was actually a fun movie, especially for a pre-teen like me.

At the end of the week, our family would pack up and head back to Utah, but not without being extra excited to return just weeks later to celebrate Christmas.

This year, I am more excited for Thanksgiving than I can remember in a long time. We'll be with my husband's family in Wyoming, so I'll be able to travel away from home for the holiday just like I use to as a kid. Traveling during the holidays (mind you, I'm talking driving, not flying) always makes things more fun for me.

And while I won't be in my Sunday Best (which I am NOT sad about) or hit up the theater to see a moving on Thanksgiving evening (not a tradition my husband is crazy about carrying on), I know I'll have a great time. After all, it's all about being with family, enjoying good conversation and eating, eating, eating!

I have a lot of things to be thankful for this year. My husband is such a great guy and treats me so well. He is a hard worker, a wonderful father and overall kicks major ass (language, I know, my bad). My daughter, while trying at times, makes me a better person, makes me laugh and the reason I have so much hope for the future. My parents and in-laws are extremely supportive and always there for me when times are tough. I'm thankful for their example of hard work and service. My little brothers are the COOLEST people since forever. I've really grown to love and admire and appreciate them this past year. I'm so happy they both have awesome wives that bring such awesome cooking (Aubrey) and spunk (Brittney) to our family. I definitely scored in the sister-in-law department. :) My nieces and nephews are so adorable. They love my daughter and are always willing to play with her. They say the most hilarious things EVER and are always willing to give me a hug (the nieces) and a "pound it" (the nephews) when ~~I make them~~ I'm around.

Those are just a few things I am grateful for this year.

I hope everyone has a fun Thanksgiving holiday!

YES, I was THERE

2011-11-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night, roughly around 11:00 PM, my sister in law and I strolled into one of the many theaters in Utah doing a midnight showing of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1. Thanks to reserved seating, we didn't feel the need to be there super early which was nice because sitting around for hours waiting to get a good seat for a movie is SOO early 21st century (think Lord of the Rings).

When the movie started, my hopes were high. Obviously, the first Twilight movie was a bomb. The second, New Moon was actually pretty good. The third, Eclipse, was pretty good too. In a nutshell, it seemed that as each movie progressed the better they got. So, naturally, Breaking Dawn - Part 1 was going to follow tradition.

Um, ya, no.

I can basically sum up the movie in four phrases.

1. Jacob was the best part of the show. Taylor Lautner actually seemed to know how to act in this film.

2. Bella wasn't as annoying which could be because she wasn't in every single scene like she was in the other films. Or, maybe Kristen Stewart's acting skills improved too.

3. Edward had really awesome hair. But, as an actor I think Robert Pattinson still has a ways to go in terms of ever proving he was the best pick to play the part of Edward Cullen.

4. And last, they did an AWESOME job at making Bella look horrible during her pregnancy. It was completely believable that her "baby" was literally sucking the life out of her. The make-up and visual effects in that respect were stunning.

As I sat and watched this movie, I laughed more than I expected. I got bored, which was a huge surprise to me. I about DIED of "what the..." during the werewolf scene. Those of you who have seen the movie known what scene I'm talking about. And, I overall began to wonder what the heck I was doing there in the first place.

After all, I couldn't get through the entire book of Breaking Dawn. What started out as a fun read with Twilight turned into just weirdness in Breaking Dawn. So, perhaps the movie sucked because the filmmakers really didn't have much to work on. In all honesty, a movie based on a book is only as good as the book, right?

If you're on the fence about seeing this movie, I'd skip it. If you're seeing all of the films just because, don't go in with high expectations.

Who knows, maybe Breaking Dawn - Part 2 will be better, but considering it has the same director I'm not counting on it.

If you saw the movie, what did you think?

P.S. What the crap happened to the sparkles? There were vampires and there was sunlight, but no sparkles! Movie mistake or did the producers just want to overlook that tiny detail to make the movie, uh...better?

and the NOMINEES are....

2011-11-18T16:16:00.001-07:00

I am so honored to announce that my humble little blog has been nominated for three awards over at

A Peek at Karen's World.

The categories I was nominated for are:

Best Kept Secret which is a category for blogs with 200 or less followers. Thanks to all my awesome 26 followers!

The other category was "Most Thought Provoking Post" and the two of my posts were nominated. The first is the post about Arby's blatant disrespect for the dangers of drowsy driving, and the other is a post I wrote about being a mom.

Thank you Karen for putting this together and to those who nominated my blog in the first place.

Be sure to vote if you are interested!

according to INSTAGRAM

2011-11-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

My life according to Instagram...

concert ETIQUETTE

2011-11-17T01:00:00.001-07:00

My first year at Weber State University was back in 1999. I was almost 19 years old. That year, I was attending school on a music scholarship. I was a member of the Weber State Symphony Orchestra and also took private violin lessons.

I learned very quickly that the conductor of the orchestra was very serious about music. He expected prompt, well-prepared, well-behaved students, and he let you know if you were walking on thin ice.

Being completely out of my comfort zone that first year, I wanted nothing more than to be on time to orchestra every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I did not rock the boat at all. After all, I was attending school completely free thanks to my conductor. He didn't deserve anything but my best efforts.

During my first year, my conductor learned of a few health problems I had. He preferred if students let him know ahead of time if they were not going to be in class, so whenever I had to miss class I let him know. Without fail, the next time I was in class, I was warmly greeted by the conductor. He asked if I was okay and always seemed happy that I was back in class. Even though I was one of many violinists in the class, I knew my attendance mattered to him.

I took the following year off from orchestra. I was not planning to major in music, but between learning pages and pages and pages of symphonies, private lessons and so forth, I spent a good amount of time playing my violin, often at the expense of my other general ed classes.

The summer before my third year of school, I decided I wanted to be apart of orchestra again. Because I made the decision a few weeks before fall semester was to begin, I thought it would be a good idea to inform the conductor of my decision as he requires students to audition before registering for his class. As expected, he was happy I was going to be in orchestra again and even offered me a part-tuition scholarship.

I learned that summer that my conductor, while strict and serious, was also kind and genuinely interested in his students and wanted them to succeed.

This week, my local news reported that my conductor, the man that was easily one of the best professors I ever had, demanded that a mentally ill person leave the audience during an orchestra concert.

According to the article, the conductor stopped the performance twice, glared at the audience and then reminded everyone that children were not allowed; however, it was soon discovered that the noise being made by the audience was not from a child, it was from a mentally ill person. What illness this person had was not made known in the article, but it was reported that he/she and his/her family left the performance early.

Of course, now, a few days later, everyone is in an uproar about it calling the conductor's behavior appalling and ridiculous.

Well, not everyone. I read a lot of comments posted about the article and a lot of people are siding with the conductor saying he had absolutely no idea that the person disrupting the concert was mentally ill. Which is 100% true. How would he know? He doesn't greet the audience when they walk into the building. He's backstage. All he knew is that someone was being loud and disruptive while he and his students performed Beethoven's Symophony No. 9.

I've thought a lot about this story. I feel really sorry for the conductor. This has got to be a total and complete nightmare for him.

Or, was he really in the wrong for what he did?

I know that had a non-mentally ill person been disrupting the performance, no one would've thought twice about the conductor putting an end to it.

We get annoyed when people play with their cell phones or talk during movies.

I am constantly glared at when my daughter is acting up when I'm at a store.

I've read articles about stores having "no children" hours.

And those are public places. This was an orchestra concert. These students were performing a piece that they had spent hours upon hours rehearsing.

We're taught to treat everybody the same no matter our condition. No matter our mental or physical capacities, everyone is equal. Right? So, why is everyone all up in arms about him doing just that - Treating this person as an equal? Or, is the issue that he demanded a respectful audience and people just can't handle that sort of honesty?

keep ME in your THOUGHTS

2011-11-16T13:56:00.001-07:00

I did this note on Facebook and thought I'd do it again as a post. It's pretty funny. I answered the questions by putting my iPod on shuffle. Whatever song came on was my answer.

Give it a try.

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY?', YOU SAY...?

Save it for Later - The English Beat (Kingpin Soundtrack)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

Taste of Blood - Mazzy Star

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY OR GIRL?

I Didn't Understand - Elliott Smith

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

Tear in Your Hand - Tori Amos

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

Sullivan Street - Counting Crows

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

Lie in Our Graves - Dave Matthews Band

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

Tell her This - Del Amitri

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Rollover D.J. - JET

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF VERY OFTEN?

Just Like Heaven - The Cure

WHAT IS 2 + 2?

All Possibilities - Badly Drawn Boy

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

High Speed Train - R.E.M.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Straight Lines - Silverchair

WHAT DO YOU WANNA BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

40' - Franz Ferdinand

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Kelly Watch the Stars - Air

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

Bring Me Some Water - Melissa Etheridge

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Uphill Battle - Sarah McLachlan

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

Anything but Ordinary - Avril Lavigne

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?

Happiness is a Warm Gun - Tori Amos

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?

Loco Man - The Folksmen (A Mighty Wind Soundtrack)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

One Week - Barenaked Ladies

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?

Keep Me in Your Thoughts - Stephen Kellog & the Sixers

Monday Means "What the..."

2011-11-14T23:01:00.001-07:00

I went to Primm, NV over the weekend to see Melissa Etheridge in concert. She is my husband's favorite musician, and I LOVE going to concerts and am usually game to see anyone. In fact, we saw Melissa earlier this year and she put on such a good show we wanted to see her again; hence, our trip to Primm.

For anyone who has ever been to a concert knows, especially a ROCK concert, that people typically stand up, dance, sing along, cheer, yell, wave their hands in the air, etc.

I am one of the many people that do just that at concerts.

To my surprise though, the crowd in Primm, NV was not.

Seriously, the crowd sat during almost the entire thing with the exception of the people in the very, very front. Our seats were off to the side. We weren't on the floor.

One of the best parts about a concert is when the artist comes on stage for the first time. It's typically a time when everyone gets up on their feet and cheers. Like normal people, my husband, our friend and I all stood up when Melissa first walked on stage. It was awesome, and I was really enjoying her opening song.

While I was getting into the groove, I noticed my husband and friend talking about the people behind us. I didn't realize it at the time, but the guy behind my husband started to yell at him and eventually punched him in the shoulder and told him we needed to sit down. My husband just looked at him and said, "Really?" as if to suggest "Really, fat ol' man, you want me to sit down...sit down at a rock concert?"

"What the...!"

We eventually did sit down because the alcohol was flowing all around us and the last thing I wanted to do was get into a big argument with someone.

But, I made up my mind while I was dancing to the beat (sitting down) that I would stand up at the end, after she played her last song and into the encore.

And we did just that.

And it was awesome.

I took the time to glance behind me and once we stood up the people behind us left.

What nerds.

Okay, so the moral of the story is, if you go to a rock concert you cannot except people to sit down the entire time. It's a rock concert. If you want to have a nice, relaxed evening go see Yo-Yo Ma.

Monday means "What the..." (On Thursday)

2011-11-03T17:10:00.000-06:00

There's a commercial for Arby's on TV these days that inspired my "What the..." for the week. It starts out with a guy falling asleep at the wheel because he's apparently not getting enough Arby's.

Some of my readers may know that over 14 years ago my husband (then 16) was in a horrible car wreck. He and his sister were driving along a two lane highway in Wyoming when a semi-driver fell asleep at the wheel and hit their car head on.

While my husband escaped the crash with minor injuries, the impact of the crash killed his sister, Shannon, immediately.

Our society spends so much time cautioning us against the dangers of drinking and driving and now texting and driving; however, drowsy driving seems to be getting the shaft, so much so that companies like Arby's think it is okay to use it as a marketing tool to sell their over priced, not so great sandwiches. I mean, can you imagine any company making light of drunk driving to sell a product? It's absolutely appalling, and the same standard should be set for drowsy driving.

Not everybody drinks.

Not everybody texts.

But, everybody gets tired, making drowsy driving extremely dangerous and completely under rated.

My mother-in-law is boycotting Arby's until the commercial is off the air. I will be doing the same. If you or anyone you know has been the victim of drowsy driving, please consider writing Arby's a complaint. Or, share this post on your blog, or on Facebook.

Let's make the streets just a little bit safer by demanding smarter advertising.

"What the..."!

P.S. I couldn't find a video of the commercial to post here, so if anyone can find it, please let me know!

Monday means "What the..." (on Tuesday)

2011-10-25T15:46:00.000-06:00

This week's "What the..." was a no brainer, and the reason why I'm a day late posting about it.

Yesterday, our car was broken into. The SOBs broke our back door passenger window and stole our portable DVD player and some DVDs.

The portable DVD player was a generous gift given to me by my in-laws for my birthday last year.

And, the DVDs that were stolen? Oliver and Company, Baby Beethoven, Baby Monet, Hotel for Dogs and Merry Madagascar. Notice a pattern? That's right, they're all movies for kids.

The freakin' idiots that decided to steal from me didn't actually steal from me at all. They stole from my two year old daughter.

This is the first time I've ever been robbed, and I realize things could've been a lot worse. I, along with my daughter, can live just fine without the DVD player, and all the DVDs can easily be replaced.

No, the worst part really is that I looked over my shoulder all day yesterday. I double checked all the windows in my house because going to bed. I kept lights on in the house when I wasn't using them.

I doubt this crime will make me a paranoid person, but the fact that they stole from my kid AND made me change my behavior just a little bit really makes me mad.

What the...!! is all I have to say!!

MONDAY means "What the..."

2011-10-17T16:18:00.000-06:00

In an attempt to update my blog more often, I am going to start doing a weekly theme post. Out of all the themes I could choice from, leave it to me to choose to post about something that bugs me. The point is not to be a complete Debbie Downer. The point is to just vent for the sake of venting.

I'm calling my weekly posts "What the..." because I say that phrase basically daily and it just sums up the point of all this fun-ness so perfectly.

So, here we go.

But first let me start with a little bit of background so we're all on the same page.

As stated on my side bar, I'm a Mormon. Or, I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Or, I'm LDS. Like other Christians, I go to church every Sunday; however, my Sundays are a bit different than other Christian churches I've been to in that I go for three hours. Yes, three hours. Within those hours are three different meetings, the last of which is called Relief Society. Relief Society is an organization just for women. On Sunday, in Relief Society, we have lessons on a variety of different topics. We also sing hymns. And, we also have a chorister to lead during the hymns. My calling (my job in the church) is to be the chorister.

As far as church callings go, this one is a cinch, especially when it is widely known by all members of the LDS faith that NO ONE, seriously, NO ONE, watches the chorister. Their heads are usually glued to the hymn books.

I'm not 100% comfortable leading music, but I have a musical background, so the process makes sense to me. Plus, no one will be looking at me, right?

Well, actually, there is one person that should be watching me. That is the pianist. After all, I'm the one leading the song; therefore, she should be watching me for the tempo, right?

Well, not so much. And here comes the "What the..." portion of my post.

I learned the hard way that the pianist doesn't watch me, but everyone else does. So, instead of leading the music, I'm essentially following the pianist trying to make sense of her less than steady tempo. Instead of waving my arm in a seamless, perfect stride, it's going all over the place in less than a desirable way.

All the while everyone who is NOT suppose to be watching me is watching me.

Yesterday, after church, two elderly women came up to me and told me I was getting so much better at leading - that I was finding that "down beat" almost all the time.

I know with all my heart that they didn't mean absolutely any harm and that all they wanted to do was compliment me on my apparent progress of (unbeknown to them) "following the piano." It took all my strength not to correct them, to tell them I knew exactly what I was doing and if the pianist would follow me I would be on the "down beat" every single time.

But, I didn't. I wished them a happy day and then vented the crap out of my husband about my adventures in piano following.

This is SOO not how it's suppose to be.

WHAT THE...!

my SOUNDTRACK

2011-10-04T10:48:00.000-06:00

I felt like making a mixed CD tonight, so I asked Karen if I she would like it for her blog swap package. She accepted, so I began the fun task of choosing only 18 of 2487 songs for what I am now referring to as my Blog Soundtrack. You can even preview it here if you're interested. Most of the songs are available for a 30 second preview.

I hope whoever gets my CD loves it.

currently.....

2011-09-28T21:46:00.000-06:00

My friend Karen once suggested I write a "currently" post. At the time, I thought it was a great idea, so now, at least 3 months later, I'm getting to it.

CURRENTLY.....

Reading:
Wicked. Yeah, I'm a little behind the times when it comes to reading popular books. I'm enjoying it, but I'll admit I'm excited to finish it and move on to my next book.

Listening to:
My most recent iTunes purchase was "When I'm With You" by JJ Heller. It's a cute little song, and my daughter loves it and has already started to memorize the lyrics. She's 2.5 and loves to sing.

Watching:
We don't have cable. No, we're not those kind of people that think TV is bad. We don't have it because it's expensive, especially when you pay for 200 channels but only watch 3. We're thinking of getting it again, but for now we watch all our favorite shows via the Internet or Netflix. Anyway, our current queue is filled with seasons 1 of The Middle and Modern Family. Great shows!

Addicted to:

Farkle. The oh so exciting dice game that has a free app and allows me to play with complete strangers as often as I want. It's a game of complete chance and virtually no skill is needed to win, but I still feel great when I'm the first to reach 10,000 points!

Drinking:

Water and Dr. Pepper. Oh, who am I kidding? I get the water from the Dr. Pepper.

Loving:

That my daughter was just invited to her first ever friend birthday party, cooking dinner, and being unemployed by choice.

Looking Forward to:

Seeing the play Sleepy Hollow, my brothers wedding and seeing Melissa Etheridge in Nevada. These are in chronological order, by the way. For sure I am MOST looking forward to the wedding.

Surprised by:

How busy I am. Luckily for me, it's all fun things like going out to eat with my friends, bridal showers, baby showers and birthday parties.

In desperate need of:

New clothes. I choose comfort over looking good almost always, and I imagine my husband would love to see in me in something besides jeans and a t-shirt. There's gotta be more comfortable, yet fashionable clothes out there, right?

Thankful for (besides the obvious of family, friends, jobs, etc.):

The changing of the seasons. Not only do I not have to use my A/C anymore (hence, a lower utility bill), I get to enjoy the beautiful fall colors. It's the best time of year!

Wanting to change:

How many times I log into Facebook. It's sort of losing it's appeal, isn't it? Who's with me?

Favorite time of day:

8:00 pm - my daughter's bedtime. Enough said.

Wanting to buy:

A computer desk. We're currently using a night stand because we haven't been able to find a desk we like. The limited room on the night stand is starting to get old. IKEA, here we come (hopefully)!

Hopeful for:

That I can jump start this blog again and get lots of comments!

the INEVITABLE BLOCK

2011-09-27T16:29:00.000-06:00

My goal for this blog has gone horribly, horribly wrong. I rarely post and when I do post, it seems as though my writing lacks "umph."

I've decided this all stems from the reason why I began this blog to begin with. I was living in Idaho, a new(ish) mom, and I remember feeling this need for "more."

So, I started this blog in hopes of finding "more."

And, now, over a year later, my life is a lot different. I'm in a new state, a new house, new friends, closer to family, etc., and it seems as though my need for this blog is no longer there.

I've expressed interest in closing the blog down completely, but a few people have encouraged me to keep writing.

So, to my 1 or 2 readers, I need help. Help me decide what to write about. What sorts of posts do you like? Does my blog need a theme, or are random thoughts good enough?

Any advice or thoughts are appreciated.

that one SPECIAL DAY in JUNE

2011-07-03T17:42:00.000-06:00

My husband and I tend to take a "less is more" approach when it comes to holidays.

Father's Day was pretty easy, breezy this year. We made plans to spend the day with Dustin's side of the family who live two hours away from us. On Sunday morning we woke up early, got ready and then hit the road. Before we left, though, I gave Dustin his present. It actually ended up being a two-for-one because I ended up getting somewhat of a gift too.

I bought Dustin 'Fierce' from Abercrombie & Fitch;. It is an awesome cologne that, I swear, The Gateway (an outdoor mall near our house) pumps through the vents so it can be smelled all throughout the greater Salt Lake area because it haunts me every time I am shopping. I tried my best to resist the temptation to buy it. I really did. But, eventually, it's awesomeness won, even at the risk of losing my hearing (it's so loud in A&F, seriously!) which means it's that good of a cologne.

Dustin loved it, and now he and our house smell so wonderful. It's like heaven in here!

But, wait, it gets better. When I left the store carrying my first ever A&F purchase, I walked out of the store with this bag. It was WAY too big for my little cologne box, but it had cloth handles which made it both cool and ridiculous. Cool in that how often do you get bags with cloth handles, and ridiculous because, hello, cloth handles? What a waste of money!

No, the best part is not the handles. It's the bag itself. I mean, seriously, how often does a bag with this type of picture on it come along? Forget that this is a bag from a clothing store and the picture is of a half-naked man modeling a swimsuit that isn't really even on his body, begging the question, "Does A&F really even like their clothes? They don't advertise people wearing their them."

Just forget all that nonsense. Sometimes we all just think and analyze too much. Just look at the bag. The bag, in all it's glory.

Ya, the bag was my present.

P.S. Dustin, I love you so much. And one of the reasons why I love you so much is because you can appreciate the humor in this post. :)

CHOCOLATE, anyone?

2011-07-02T01:29:00.000-06:00

The day before Mother's Day, my in-laws came into town to take me out to dinner. I live in a suburb just north of Salt Lake City, and Salt Lake is the home of the Hatch Family Chocolates store. Some of you may know this store from the show "Little Chocolatiers" on TLC.

My in-laws wanted to buy some chocolate at this store before heading to dinner. I wasn't aware of the detour until we were basically at the store, so I didn't really have time to think about what I would do or say if I saw the famous chocolate makers. I think part of me thought they wouldn't even be there. Another part of me realized I wouldn't even know who they were unless someone told me as I had never watched their show or had been to their store at all. The last part of me was tired because I had just gotten off work.

We walked into the store and much to my mother-in-laws delight, the store owners, Steve and Katie Hatch, were there. He was doing computer/paperwork and she was walking all around the store doing "her thing."

As my in-laws browsed the store, my husband and I stayed in the back trying to keep up with our toddler who had discovered the water fountain. We took turns trying to get her attention elsewhere, but it didn't work too well. My lack of energy and her extreme excitement for new things clashed brilliantly. Needless to say, I cleaned up a few puddles of water while I was waiting.

In between water spills, I couldn't help but notice how awesome the store computer was. It was Mac. I LOVE Macs, and this one was awesome.

As I watched Steve, from a short distance, work away I wanted to ask him about his computer. I guess I'm a nerd that way. But I caught myself before saying anything too dumb. I mean, here I was in a fun, popular store known for it's chocolate and I wanted to talk to the owner about his computer. Lame!

I was proud of myself for not putting my foot into my mouth, but unfortunately my victory was short lived. Yes, alas, Steve started talking to me. He said I looked "thrilled" to be in the store. I chuckled and told him I had just gotten off work and was pretty tired. He asked me how long I had been at work. I told him and then felt even more stupid. It had only been 6 hours (mind you, all on my feet and in a fast paced environment), which is probably seconds compared to how many hours as day he works. Ya, I felt like a douche. Big time.

We eventually left the store. My in-laws with their celebrity sighting and chocolate, me with another embarrassing story to share.

Ya, my name is Emily and I tried to get a "little person" to feel sorry for me...in a chocolate store no less!

Thoughts?

the OTHER DOG

2011-07-01T13:13:00.001-06:00

Today's thought is about my dog Tod.

Back in 2006, Dustin and I figuratively found Tod at our front door. We had just come home from work and Tod was running aimlessly around our neighborhood, staying unusually close to our house. He seemed to be okay, so we didn't think much of it. Later that night, however, he was still close by, and he didn't seem to want to go home. Because of his dark fur, Dustin worried if he stayed out all night he would eventually get hit by a car. So, we brought him into our house for the night and planned to find his owners the next day.

Amazingly, Tod (we called him just "the dog" at the time) hit it off with our own dog Sammie. The two acted like they were separated at birth and got along very, very well.

That night, we put Tod and Sammie in our kitchen and closed the doorway off with a baby gate. No sooner had Dustin and I gotten into bed, we heard a noise coming from the kitchen. It was Tod. He had jumped the gate and came into our bedroom. And jumped on our bed. Apparently, he wanted to sleep with us. It was so hilarious and we were pretty stunned he had the ability to jump the gate like that.

So, Sammie and Tod slept in our bed that night. Just the ONE time.

(And every other night since then).

The next day, after work, Dustin drove Tod to the humane society to see if they could tell him if he had a microchip or give us any sort of help with how to find the owners. Apparently, you're not suppose to do that, at least that was the impression the lady with the humane society gave Dustin when she slammed the door in his face when he tried to enter the building.

Okay, on to plan B.

Next, we put together fliers and hung them all around our neighborhood and at the local businesses. We also took Tod to the vet to see if they could find a chip in him. But, unfortunately, he didn't have a chip and no one ever called us to claim their dog. It was really frustrating, especially since we were planning to move out of state in just weeks.

Eventually, we decided to keep him. We worried about his other owners and wondered if Tod really even wanted to be with us. But, we wanted to do what was best for him, and in our mind this was it.

We figured we needed to give him a name. After all, calling him "the other dog" wasn't the best name. We thought and thought about names, but nothing felt right. Then, one day, Dustin said, "How about we name him Tod? You know, as in The Other Dog. T.O.D."

It was the perfect name!

One day, not long after the decision was made to keep him, he got out of our house. I was home alone and as soon as he got loose I started to chase after him. He was so fast that I lost sight of him almost immediately. I was panicking and did everything I could to find him, but he just seemed to vanish.

Shortly thereafter, Dustin came home and I told him what had happened. He started to roam the neighborhood too, but I was losing hope that we would find him.

Then, to my surprise, Dustin found him. He was on the soccer field at a school near our house. Dustin saw him from a distance and simply called his name and Tod literally ran right to him and jumped up into his arms.

After that, I didn't worry about Tod being with us against his will. He was meant to be our dog.

Thoughts?

Being a MOM

2011-03-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

The other day I heard someone say, "I love being a mom."

It got me thinking about whether or not I have uttered those 5 words in the two years I have been a mother. And, in all honesty, I don't think I ever have.

I talked to Dustin about it. I asked him if he had ever said, "I love being a dad." He didn't think he had either.

I went a little further and asked him if he thought loving your child means you love being a parent. We both concluded that the two are not one in the same.

I love my daughter with all my heart. I am so glad she is a part of my life, and I cannot imagine it without her. I know Dustin feels the same way. We love her so much. She is hilarious, smart and so adorable. It is stunning to watch her grow physically and cognitively and emotionally.

We are three peas in a pod. We are a family. We fit together.

However, my love for my daughter does not equate to loving all that comes with being a mom. I think that's sort of a given. But I'm not just talking about the tantrums, the sleepless nights, and constantly changing diapers.

I don't like it when people walk into my house and act amazed that it's clean. Am I suppose to have a dirty house because I am a mom?

I don't like being categorized as a "homemaker" on applications for credit cards, mortgages or even tax return forms.

I don't like being asked if I "get" to stay at home or if I "have to work." I also don't like the looks I get when I say, "I have a part-time job because I like to work." Are my interests and other goals in life suppose to disappear once I am a mom?

I don't like it when people, especially people who are not parents (like Oprah), say being a mom is the hardest job in the world. It's almost like they want to make you feel better about being a mom and not some hot shot executive. I also think it is sexist. It's difficult sometimes to be a dad.

I know there are a lot of women out there that want nothing more than to be a mother. I know there are many women who have a difficult time getting pregnant. I imagine some of my statements make me sound like I am a horrible, ungrateful person. I know I take the fact that I had no trouble at all getting pregnant for granted.

But, from the minute my daughter was born I went from being identified one way to being identified in a completely new way. It's been a struggle for me from the beginning. It continues to be a struggle. And every once in awhile, things I hear other people say, like "I love being a mom," brings all those struggles to the surface and I just have to get them out.

Thoughts?

TWO-for-ONE

2011-03-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

"His name is Toofer because with him you get a two-for-one; a black guy and a Harvard guy."

-Jack Donaghy, 30 Rock

I grew up in Salt Lake City. I traveled enough to know that Salt Lake was probably not considered a big city, at least not when compared to New York, Chicago or LA.

In late 2006, I moved to Idaho Falls. I grew up visiting Idaho Falls a lot since my grandparents lived there. As a child, I loved Idaho Falls. I spent most of my Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays there. It always had a special feeling to it.

I just assumed I would enjoy living there. And I did for the most part.

But, as the years went on, I started to feel like I was suffocating. It dawned on me that I lived in a small town and I didn't like it. I especially didn't like feeling as though I was downtown New York whenever I would visit Utah and walk the streets of Salt Lake. I knew for sure I was in a small town if Salt Lake seemed HUGE to me.

After 3.5 years in Idaho, we decided to move back to Utah. Besides wanting to be close to family, we wanted to have access to more things - concerts, plays, sporting events, an international airport, etc.

We've been back in Utah for 6 months now, and I've tried to take advantage of all the many more things I can do in Salt Lake than I could in Idaho Falls. One of which was last night.

It all started when I logged onto Twitter on Tuesday. I'm not a huge Twitter fan, but I created an account just to see what all the buzz was about. Anyway, whenever I log in, I see tweets from Joshua Radin, one of my favorite musicians. He said he was going to be in Salt Lake on March 2nd.

I immediately went into overdrive. How did I not hear about this concert sooner? Was it sold out? I had to get tickets! To make a long story short, I bought 2 tickets (one of me, one of my husband) an hour later. I was so excited. This would be my first concert since 2005.

But then I started to feel guilty. Would our daughter, "I" be good with a sitter? Could we really afford to do this? Maybe we shouldn't go.

I shoved all those thoughts aside, realized this was someone I always wanted to see in concert and to just enjoy the opportunity.

When we got to the concert (and remembered I forgot my good camera), I walked through the doors and I immediately flash backed to my days as a high schooler/young college student. I used to go to concerts all the time with my friends and being back in that environment, the loud music, the shirts and posters for sale, etc., brought back all the fun memories. I wasn't expecting to feel that way, but I loved it.

The concert was amazing. There weren't any seats, everyone just stood around. It was a rather small venue and the stage was really close to the floor. It was a lot more intimate than what I imagine a Lady Gaga concert would be like.

When Joshua Radin came onto the stage the crowd cheered and screamed. I managed to find the perfect spot to stand where I could see his face and upper body perfectly. He played so well, he played some of his new stuff, but also a lot of his old stuff. It was awesome! He even played a song that I put to a video I made about my daughter....which almost made me cry.

As we left the concert, I told my husband how happy I was that we went. We reminded each other that this was why we moved back to Utah - for more opportunities. And, to top it all off, I was reminded of my good ol' days with my friends. It was definitely a two-for-one night. Here's a video of one of his encore songs, Winter.

For any of you that haven't heard any of Joshua Radin's music, here's a video. This was one of the first songs I heard by him. Enjoy! And when you're done, go out and do something new.

a CLASSIC book

2011-02-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

"Mocking birds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

-Miss Maudie Atkinson to Scout, To Kill a Mockingbird

I recently finished reading the book To Kill a Mockingbird. I had always heard good things about this book, and, looking back, am surprised I didn't have to read it in high school. Regardless, I knew it was something I needed to read.

I now understand why it is considered a "classic." It was absolutely amazing and the best book I have ever read. I dare say it is my favorite book. I completely loved it. I am not one to read books more than once, but as soon as I read the last page I was tempted to start reading it all over again.

As I'm sure most people know, this novel is about a young girl living in the South during the 1930s. I loved that the book was told from her point of view because her attempt to make sense of her world, the social injustices around her, was very enlightening and profound.

The book is written beautifully, the characters are strong and unforgettable. I will be surprised if another book tops this one.

Read it if you haven't already!

i'm an AMERICAN

2011-02-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

When I was 19 years old, I had the amazing opportunity to go to China with the Weber State Symphony Orchestra. I played the violin (still do actually) and was attending college on a music scholarship. The trip was scheduled for March 2000, my second semester at college; however, I found out about the trip months before I even began going to school.

When I heard about the trip, my initial reaction was not to go. I didn't know anyone in the orchestra (yet) and worried I wouldn't have a good time because of it. Thankfully, my mom, in all her wisdom, told me I should go. So, I went.

When the trip finally arrived I had made some good friends, and while I was nervous to travel so far from home I knew it would be a good experience for me. The 15 hour plane right wasn't that bad, but traveling with one of my most prized possessions, my violin, made things somewhat complicated.

The plan was to stay in Shanghai for 8 days. We had three different concerts scheduled in that area, one of which was combined with a Chinese orchestra. Due to limited stage room, only half of my orchestra was able to play with the Chinese performers, and fortunately for me I was able to play.

After our stay in Shanghai, our plan was to fly to Beijing and tour the area. No performing. We planned to see The Great Wall and Tiananmen Square just to name a few.

Shortly after arriving in Shanghai, it was evident that us Americans stood out, especially those of us with blonde hair. Young people, probably college students, who spoke English would run up to us on the streets just to talk. People were so excited to see us, were so curious about us for no other reason than that we were from the United States of America.

My best memory of China was along these same lines.

I was walking around the streets of Shanghai. I was not alone, but I don't remember who was with me. A Chinese man and woman approached me. There was an obvious language barrier, but the man pointed his camera to me, so I assumed he wanted me to take a picture of him with his wife. As I reached for the camera, the two shook their heads and I soon realized that they wanted a picture of me. I stood next to the man, his wife took one picture of us together and another of us shaking hands. And that was that.

They wanted a picture of me because I was an American. As long as I live, I will never forget that moment.

My trip to China was amazing. Not only did I see and experience amazing landmarks, I gained a greater appreciation for being an American. I was grateful for my freedom and was happy I didn't have to live in a city flooded with soldiers carrying machine guns.

It is really easy to get caught up in our differences. There are so many sides to each story. Tolerance for different opinions and lifestyles is steadily decreasing.

But, hopefully, no matter what, we, as Americans, can always appreciate what we have.

SOCIAL networking

2011-02-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

"Whether in rekindled romances facilitated by Facebook friendship or outraged ventings of opinion on a blog, offline selves are being influenced by online personae in ways society has yet to fully comprehend"

-Carol Haggas

I went to Barnes & Noble last night to waste some time. I wandered around until I found my favorite sections: Psychology, Relationships, Dating/Marriage. You get the idea. I skimmed over all the titles until one caught my attention: Virtually You: The Dangerous Powers of the E-Personality. I was immediately drawn to the book and started to read the preface. Unfortunately, I was only able to read a few lines before I had to leave the store.

I thought it was interesting I saw that book at that time because for the last few days I've been thinking a lot about social networking and technology and how it has impacted the way we interact with one another, how we portray ourselves and how we respond to the portrayal of others. I'll warn you, my thoughts on this are crazy, so this might be a long post.

How We Interact
The ways in which we interact with one another has completely changed thanks to the Internet and cell phones. With the help of e-mail, we can take care of business, personal issues or even just say hello without uttering a single word. And, to get around not hearing fluctuation of voices which can usually signal when someone is upset, being sarcastic, or joking, we've improvised by using smiley faces :), winks ;), TYPING IN ALL CAPS, ending sentences like this....., ~~using strikethrough~~, and a variety of acronyms like LOL, my personal favorite. Thanks to cell phones, we now have the ability to do all of this and more in the palm of our hand.

While all of this is technology is wonderful and useful in so many ways, is it costing us in others? I think the video above illustrates my point exactly. Are we completely incapable of having meaningful, face to face, one on one conversations? Are we so wrapped up in our gadgets that, if we lost it, we, ourselves, would be lost? Do we even memorize phone numbers anymore?

Personally, I hate verbal confrontation. I'd rather do anything than confront someone and talk about something uncomfortable (wether it's delivering bad news or even expressing my feelings) regardless of how important it may be. I'll admit, I am guilty of using e-mail and text messaging to interact with people about subjects that really should've been talked about in person. Not only would it have avoided miscommunication (because of no voice fluctuation), it also would've been a good experience for me to get over my issues with confrontation. Plus, depending on the situation, it most likely would've brought me closer to the person I was talking to.

How We Portray Ourselves and How We Respond to the Portrayal of Others
I first started to dissect my thoughts on this matter after I reconnected via Facebook with an old friend I met during college. It had been at least 10 years since I had seen or heard from her. I browsed through her pictures, learned that she was married, and had one daughter. Her husband had even started his own business. Her pictures varied from family gatherings to trips to Hawaii and Central America. I thought to myself, "Wow, she's doing really great." I envied all the many things she was doing and compared it to my own life. Was I traveling enough? Was I too cautious? Was I not exposing my daughter to enough fun and new experiences? Why couldn't I look like that, dress like, etc.?

Her husband's business interested me, so I visited the website to learn more. I later sent her an e-mail via Facebook to congratulate her on all his success. It was then that the rose colored glasses came off, and I learned more about her life, specifically that the business was very slow and her marriage was very rocky. Overall, she was unhappy.

For some reason, I was really shocked by this news. I wasn't shocked because her profile portrayed a very happy life (because we all know people only post their best foot and only their best foot on Facebook). I was more shocked, despite my knowledge, that I had fed into it. I didn't once wonder that she had to have some sort of issues. I took what I saw and didn't think twice about it. And worst of all, I let her seemingly success and happiness question my own life, my own happiness, my own success, etc.

I really should give Facebook a break, the same "happy-everything-is-great-in-my-life" personae can also be said for blogs. People document their special days or everyday doings for their friends and family to see. And I really think it is a great way to stay in touch with people, especially if you live far away from loved ones. In addition, we can blog hop and view posts written by people we don't even know - people that are friends with a friend who is a friend of my cousins. Like Facebook profiles, viewing blogs and blog hopping has more than once second guessed my own life. It made me envious, sometimes even jealous even when it came to the dumbest things like the blog layout: "Where did they get that fun font?" "Why doesn't my blog look as fancy as this one?" And so on.

One thing I have noticed with blogs is when people divert from the typical "this is what I did this weekend" posts and write about something more serious, like their faults, difficulties or feelings, they apologize for it. They apologize because they think it probably wasn't an interesting post, or it was a downer post or a boring post. I personally find those posts more interesting than anything.

On the Flip Side
I could be taking a mole hill and making it a mountain. It is very possible that the things I described aren't the norm, and that I very well could be the only person that reads too much into blogs or profiles. I tend to overanalyze things - a lot.

It's also possible that people aren't quite as candid online because they don't want to be. They aren't necessarily hiding things, they just aren't sharing things that they deem too personal. I have certainly omitted things from my online self that just wasn't anybody's business.

To Sum It Up
What do you think? Is social networking is getting out of control? Do we need to be spending more time in person together? Are people's online personae's influencing how we see ourselves to a point where it could be dangerous, even damaging to our own self-worth?

Thoughts?

BLISSFULLY ignornat

2011-01-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

In May 2008, I found out I was pregnant. It would be my first pregnancy of all time. When I read the test, I just thought to myself "Ok, I'm pregnant." Since I wasn't surprised to see a positive result, I called my husband at work and gave him the news. He just said "Really? Ok. Well, I'll see you when I get home." I've since wondered why our response to the news was so casual. I guess it could be attributed to the fact that it took no time at all for me to get pregnant (and for that I am extremely grateful), so I don't think we really had time to decide how we would handle things.

Because this was my first pregnancy, I really didn't know what to expect. All I had ever learned or heard about was from other people, so in a way I just assumed I would have the same experiences. I started reading "What to Expect When You're Expecting" but to be perfectly honest I got bored with it. Everything I read was not happening to me. I decided I would use the book more as a reference when I had a question rather than fill my mind with what could happen.

Within weeks of finding out I was pregnant, we learned that three other girls in our family were expecting too. We were all due within weeks of each other. One of my cousin's blogged all about her experience and it was while I was reading her posts that I realized how different our pregnancies were. She was going through things that never once happened to me. She felt sick all the time. I never had morning sickness. Those sorts of things.

As my pregnancy progressed it continued to be really easy. I was amazed and shocked. Sure, there were moments of discomfort, but that was only when the baby had her leg in a weird place and as soon as she moved I was totally fine. I slept better than I ever had before. I never threw up after eating. I never had heartburn, etc.

The few things that were annoying happened as I neared the 9 month mark: my blood pressure was high, so my doctor told me to take things very easy; my ankles, hands and feet swelled; and one of fingers was constantly numb.

Six days before my due date, my doctor decided to induce me because my blood pressure continued to increase.

Like my pregnancy, my labor and delivery was a lot less dramatic and painful than I anticipated. Our daughter was born 5 hours after we got to the hospital. I think I pushed two, possibly three times. And the 22 pounds I gained quickly vanished just weeks later without me doing anything.

Now that our daughter is two, my husband and I have started to think about thinking about having another baby. As I contemplate what it would be like to have another child, the thing that scares me the most is being pregnant again. I think I was almost too lucky with my first experience that I'm due for the complete opposite the second time around. All the difficulties that come with having the actual baby in the flesh doesn't scare me quite as much because I'll have my husband to help me with that. But, I'm on my own during those first 9 months.

Back in 2008, when we decided to have a baby, ignorance was blissfully on our side. This time, I'm much more cautious. Even though I know everyone's experience is different, I'm curious to know who have been pregnant more than once if they were similar. Was one really easy while the other just a nightmare?

Thoughts are appreciated!

GIRL 1 vs GIRL 2

2011-01-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

"The purpose of psychology is to give us a completely different idea of the things we know best."

-Paul Valery

I studied psychology in college. It was my minor, in fact. I remember during one class, my professor proposed this scenerio:

Girl 1: One girl gives a guy her phone number. He tells her he'll call her at a certain time. And he does.

Girl 2: This girl gives a guy her phone number. He tells her he'll call her at a certain time. But so far she hasn't heard from him.

This goes on for days.

The question is: Everyday, which girl do you think is waiting for his phone call?

Thoughts?

top 10 SONGS

2011-01-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

"Without music, life would be an error."

-Friedrich Nietzsche

I've read a lot of posts about music: Top 10 songs of all time, top 10 songs of 2010 and so forth. There really isn't any way for me to narrow down the songs or musicians that I like. I really don't think I could ever do it.

Nevertheless, I wanted to get on the musical post bandwagon and thought I'd list the last 10 songs I purchased via iTunes.

1. Supermassive Black Hole - Muse

Interesting fact about Muse: If any of you are fans of the Twilight books, you may be familiar with the fact that author Stephenie Meyer thanks the band for being her....muse. Apparently, she listened to their music a lot while writing.

As a result, there is at least one Muse song on each of the Twilight soundtracks. I personally think Meyer's tribute to Muse has catapulted their music. Without Twilight, I doubt any tweens would be listening to them today.

I've known about Muse for awhile, but just recently began appreciating their music.

2. Light on My Shoulder - Susie Suh

Does anyone ever watch the TV series One Tree Hill? I used to, but then I grew a brain.

Despite it's over-the-top-ness, One Tree Hill definitely has some of the best music ever during the episodes. In fact, there is an entire website dedicated to listing each and every song played during every single scene of every single episode. I have the website bookmarked. I look at it frequently when I want to find some new music, and that is where I discovered Susie Suh.

3. Emily - Stephen Fretwell

Whenever I find a new artist on iTunes, I pay attention to the section that says "listeners who bought this, album also bought this." I find that very useful, and I know that is how I found Stephen Fretwell. When I saw he had a song titled Emily I just had to listen to it. Not too many songs are named Emily and since Emily is my name I feel it is my duty to love and appreciate the song.

As it turns out, the song isn't about some wonderful girl named Emily. In fact, she kind of sounds like the type of girl that rips out hearts, stomps on them and then walks away. But, I like the song anyway.

4. Coffee and Cigarettes - Michelle Featherstone

Michelle Featherstone is another artist I found via One Tree Hill. I tend to gravitate to songs about love, break-ups and other depressing things like that. My brothers tell me my taste in music is "slit-your-wrists-ish." I wouldn't go that far, but I see where they are coming from.

5. Kill - Jimmy Eat World

Every now and then, I'll revisit an artist I really like to see if I can find a good song I may have not noticed before. That is how I stumbled upon this song, and it was a good find.

6. Uprising - Muse

Not too long ago, I heard this song on the radio. I know it wasn't the first time I heard it, but on this particular day I liked it more than I had before. Does that happen to anyone else? I hear a song billions upon billions of times and only start to like it once pretty much everyone is done and over with it.

7. We Are Man and Wife - Michelle Featherstone

When I bought the song "Coffee and Cigarettes" by Featherstone, I noticed this song was her top song. I thought the title was pretty cheesey, so I didn't think twice about it. But, then I went back awhile later and listened to it. It's a beautiful love song, and not cheesey at all (well, maybe a little bit). I wonder at how many weddings this song has been played.

8. Hole in the Middle - Emily Jane White

Do you remember what I said about songs titled "Emily"? Same goes for artists named Emily.

9. Paper Gown - Caroline Herring

While I don't like country music, I adore folk songs, especially female folk singers. They just seem so tough.

10. What If You - Joshua Radin

Joshua Radin is by far one of my most favorite artists of all time. I don't know all the details, but he apparently was discovered by Zach Braff, star of the hilarious TV show Scrubs. I've listened to Radin's music for so long that I've forgotten how I first heard of him. Even though I've heard his songs on a few different TV shows (House, for example), he doesn't seem to be super, urber popular - popular to the point where his music is overplayed on the radio. At least, that is the case in Utah. And, in my opinion, that is a good thing.

Well, there you have it. The last 10 songs I bought off of iTunes. I hope you like some of them.

NATURE vs. NUTURE

2011-01-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

Last year, in lieu of a few big resolutions, I put together a 65 in 365 days list. It was more like a bucket list - things I wanted to do that year. They varied from organizing the photos on my computer to putting together a puzzle to reading so many books that year. I was really excited about my list and had hope I would accomplish most all of them. After all, they were simple.

Then February came along, and we decided to put our house up for sale. My priorities changed drastically and the small things I put on my list suddenly seemed so totally ridiculous.

At the end of the year, I reviewed my list and did accomplish more than I expected, so that was good.

This year, I decided to pass on the lists because there really is one thing I really want to accomplish. I want to change my lifestyle. I want to be more active.

I am not the type of person that naturally loves to get up in the morning and go for a jog. My nature is to sit down and write in my journal while listening to music. That's just me. And for the longest time I hated that about myself. I always wondered why I wasn't born with this innate desire to run marathons, go hiking or play sports.

But after awhile I decided not to beat myself up over being me. What is the point in that? I'm happy with who I am. I love myself. I think I'm a decent person. On the other hand, I don't think I'm born without the ability to change or be influenced by my environment. If I want to, I can learn to enjoy new things.

I've narrowed my goals to two things: spend more time outside and do yoga.

Is it cliche to do yoga? Regardless, I've always been drawn to it. The few times I have done it, I've really enjoyed it. The idea of putting your body into certain positions as a source of relaxing and reflection is very appealing to me. So, I'm going to find a good yoga DVD and give it a whirl.

I once read a blog about people who were trying to lose weight by walking outside everyday. To make things interesting, they each carried a camera with them and took a picture of something they saw while walking. I thought this was a great idea because it keeps the focus not on walking and losing weight but watching out for something beautiful. So, I'm going to give this idea a whirl too.

My ultimate goal is to learn to love life in a different way, to try to extend myself, but not put too much pressure on myself. I really believe the more I try new things the more those things will naturally become apart of me.

Thoughts?

POST a WEEK

2011-01-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

I started this blog not too long ago because I wanted to document all the crazy thoughts that enter my mind everyday. I also hoped to meet a few new people along the way and to learn about life from their perspective.

Unfortunately, if I don't write a post, I don't accomplish either goal.

So, I decided to take part of a challenge given by The Daily Post. I am committing to writing at least one post every week in 2011. I am starting the challenge late, so to catch up I will be posting 3 times this week, not counting this post.

Luckily for me, The Daily Post also suggests topics which will help me out SO MUCH as I struggle with what to write about from time to time.

I hope by keeping my blog more updated I'll get more readers and comments. I'm a comment junkie. They keep me motivated.

Wish me luck!

a NEW DECADE

2011-01-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

Jack: "Lemon, I want to thank you for showing me that I could have a pleasant

evening with a woman my own age.

Liz: "I'm twelve years younger than you."

Jack: "A woman your age then."

-30 Rock

I turned 30 years old in December. It's hard to believe that my years as a twenty-something are over. So many things happened during those 10 years:

Moved out of my parents house

Graduated from college, earning a Bachelor's degree

Met and dated a lot (well, not a ton) of really great guys

Fell in love for the first time

Lost loved ones

Lived by myself

Got married

Sold a house

Moved out of state

Bought a house

Had a baby

Quit jobs

Started new jobs

Lived as a stay-at-home mom

Sold a house

Moved again

While my birthday itself was not one big party, I did spend a lot of time reflecting upon the last 10 years of my life. I felt very glad for all the experiences I had. Some were great. Some were heartbreaking. Some were surreal. Some sucked big time. But, when I look at my list I realize I have done a lot of things some people in their 20s may not have. And, as a result, I feel very empowered as I venture into the next decade of my life. I am taking so much knowledge and experience with me that I know will help me as a thirty-something person.

Sometimes it is difficult for me to comprehend that I am no longer this care-free high schooler or a sleep deprived college student or a single girl looking for the perfect guy. Those were the days...in my 20s.

On the other hand, I still have plenty of time to experience things that will eventually be "those were the days" experiences. And for that, I am excited.

Thoughts?

the MAGIC of CHRISTMAS

2010-12-15T23:04:00.000-07:00

By his own admission, Dustin is a bit of a Scrooge. He's one of those people that likes putting the Christmas tree up on December 24th and taking it down by noon Christmas day.

And then there's the issue of the radio stations playing Christmas music right after Halloween.

And then there's the complaints about how Christmas has become too commercialized.

And then there's the hum bug about how Christmas shouldn't always be about getting presents.

Ok, so I'm exaggerating things a bit. Big emphasis on the word "bit."

I, on the other hand, love Christmastime, but over the years have gotten used to his less than jolly attitude.

This year, however, things have been different.

One day, while driving around and listening to the radio, Dustin said, "You know, I'm not going to let the Christmas music on the radio bother me this year. I think I'll view it as "holiday music." This way, I won't get annoyed when I hear it before Thanksgiving."

Another day, he said, "Even though Christmas isn't all about getting presents, gifts are apart of Christmas. While they shouldn't overshadow celebrating and remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, it's not a bad thing to get excited about opening presents on Christmas morning."

The sudden shift in attitude has been great, and I was really surprised to hear him be more upbeat about and more welcoming to the holiday season.

Why the sudden change in attitude? That's simple. Our daughter. Having our Belle has reminded him of the magic of Christmas. We have plans to make cookies and deliver them to our friends. We watch at least one Christmas-ish movie or cartoon a day, just the three of us. We're starting new traditions and thinking of new ones all the time. It's been great.

And, I couldn't ask for a better way to end the year and bring in the new one.

Merry Christmas everyone!

my SOCIAL NETWORK

2010-12-10T22:57:00.000-07:00

"In my day, seeing pictures of people's vacations was considered a punishment."

-Betty White's thoughts on Facebook, SNL Monologue

When Belle is napping, I tend to get on Facebook and waste time. I read status updates, play Bejeweled and sometimes browse through other people's pictures.

The other day, I was looking at pictures posted by a girl I knew in junior high. We weren't friends in junior high, so naturally it made sense that we were "friends" on Facebook. After a minute or two of clicking from one picture to the next, I started to get envious of this girl's life. It seemed so much more luxurious and interesting than my own and I guess I got a little jealous. And that made me mad. Why was I letting myself feel this way? This girl was nothing to me. I hadn't seen or talked to her in 15+ years. The three years we were under the same roof for approximately 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, we never talked to each other. If there was ever a person who could bring me down, this was definitely not the one.

I stopped looking at the pictures and went to my list of friends. I scrolled through all the names and one by one, I started deleting people. I deleted people that I had removed from my NewsFeed - people that I had removed from the feed because their comments annoyed me, so why be friends at all? - and so forth. I ultimately deleted over 100 people.

Now as I glance at my list, I feel it is much more accurate. They are people I know and have seen or talked to in the last decade. They are family members, old roommates, close friends from school, etc. They are people that I genuinely want to be in contact with and who I don't mind see the pictures I post of myself and family.

So, to you my readers, do you ever find yourself looking at photos on Facebook and getting envious? Are you friends with people you really do like, or were you like me and just accepted (for the most part) and ol' request that came your way?

Thoughts?