Whobilation

Warning...this is a long blog with a lot of pictures....

I am on activities committee in our ward (and alex is unofficially). The committee had talked earlier in the year about each picking one activity to be in charge of, and I picked Christmas with the brilliant idea of doing a Whoville theme. While it was brilliant, it was a lot more work than I had planned. A couple days before the big day my dad asked me if I had "bitten off more than I can chew." I told alex later that I could in fact chew it, but it turned out to be more like chewing over-cooked steak when I had expected fall-apart-in-your-mouth salmon.

It really really was really fun to do, make, and plan. Not going to lie...it was just nice to be busy and involved with something creative and time consuming. The party included: breakfast, decorations, and a program (requested by bishopric). So I figured: bright colors and fun shapes, and the Grinch play...which was previously done in the Foothill Ranch Ward back in CA.

Breakfast was planned and taken care of by our friend on the committee, and I took on decorations and putting the program together. Decorations were easy, fun, and simple. But the play was another story. I might have gone overboard for a ward party Christmas program. Considering the only stage experience I've had is a couple of stake roadshows, I was nervous. But time, work, and some stress made it all work out. Here's what went down......

Decorations:
Pretty much just focused on the tables. I planned, got supplies, made samples, then let committee members make different crafts.


-Tinsel trees from Dollar store, hot glued glitter star on top, dipped brads in paint then glitter for tree ornaments.
-Candy Cups. I got clear plastic cups from the grocery store, dipped rims in paint then glitter, filled with rock salt and stuck in colorful candy canes (also from dollar store).


-Table runners. Cut wrapping paper into long strips. Size and number per roll will change depending on the amount of paper (and size of it) on each roll. With this paper I got 12 out of each roll. Each runner about 13in x 6ft long.

-Whoville-tree shirt at Target, just for fun
-Heart Ornaments. One for each family. Made dough with 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water. Cut with heart cookie cutter, poked holes for ribbon, baked at 325 degrees for 20 minutes until hard, but not brown. Then painted, stamped with darker red for design, and added tag that said "Welcome Christmas, while we stand, Heart to heart, and hand in hand." Someone from the committee explained the hearts to audience, said something about service and making ourselves grow through service, etc... (sorry picture is bad quality and not rotated)
For the Play:
-2 backdrops, one "Outside scene" one "Inside scnene." We projected the Grinch movie onto 2 rows of butcher paper taped together. We'd pause the movie on the cave, paint, pause on the trees, paint, then the village. Same with the inside one's archway. And we definitely improvised a few times.
-Props like fireplace, sleigh, heart reader, roast beast
-Grinch costume. Green sweats, socks, and gloves. Furry green yarn wrapped around wrists and neck. Face paint and hair spray color. Santa costume red long sleeve t-shirt with white fluffy fabric sewed on openings. Hat $1 at Walmart.

A few Christmas Miracles that came with this event:
-We did a read through once mid-Novmeber, then one run through Friday night which was a mess considering it was our first time through it. So we met Saturday morning before the breakfast to practice again and it went amazing. Absolutely. Then the actual program was just great. Amazing. Still kinda can't believe it pulled together.
-We have a lot of sky lights in the cultural hall so I wasn't happy with how the lighting wouldn't be as dramatic, etc...but the sky that morning was dark and overcast, and it snowed...for the first time after a few weeks of bright sunny days. Definitely set a nice mood for us.
-I am sure there were other ones along the way, like finding sales, getting a free small christmas tree and wrapped present props from work, etc.

I really couldn't have done it without our ward members that participated. The only actor a part of the committee was Max the dog. Also, Alex for all his help and support and for holding me when my hormones/stress got the best of me. Thanks Alex.

(We're trying to figure out how to do video....so stay tuned)

Baby Drake is....

A BOY!

We went to my Aunt Jen's house last night for dinner and took a quick trip to her OBGyn office to see if we could get a sneak peek. At first baby didn't cooperate, but after some poking around, we found a shot looking up at the bum. She said it looked like a boy, it could be the cord she was seeing, but she was 90% sure so she kept looking. Eventually we found a few more shots and saw the same thing... and the 90% turned into 95!

We also saw the heart pumping. We saw him flip, and kick, and move his legs. My favorite part, we saw the bottom of one of his feet and it was so so so cute.

I am soooo thrilled! I thought it would be a girl, I had a bunch of cute ideas for girl bedding, and clothes, etc. But then yesterday at church I started getting ideas for boys, and this weekend hanging out with Alex and his brothers I enjoyed being with all the boys, so I think a small part of me knew it would be a boy. Plus, I always wanted an older brother, so this way my girls can have one! (I am still holding out hope for a girl, a little worried because Alex is from all boys!) Alex said he was impartial and is excited, but I think he's really excited.

This pregnancy thing is kind of crazy. When we got the positive home preg test it seemed unreal yet really real at the same time, then I get used to the idea. It seems like that's the pattern; I get used to the idea, then something happens and it's unbelievable again. Like the first time I went to the doctor, my first ultrasound, hearing the heartbeat, then finding out what it is and seeing his feet! It's unreal again, I can't believe we're actually having a baby! I can't stop smiling, it's so crazy.

Well, here's the picture. We didn't get a good profile shot because after we saw he was a boy, he flipped face down and hid from us. But here he is:


I'm about 17.5 weeks. We have the official, fancy 3-d one December 8th! I am finally feeling better! This last week has been really good, I think I can eat pretty much whatever I want, and I actually feel hungry occasionally! Just in time for Thanksgiving!

Today was...

...one of those days where you can't help but be happy. I woke up and it was SO SUNNY outside, and it made me happy. My shampoo smelled SO GOOD, and it made me happy. My belly is starting to stick out just a little bit which means baby is growing, and it made me happy. I got a CD of new music from my mom, and it made me happy. I HAD A CAFE RIO SMOTHERED BURRITO FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 3 MONTHS, and it made me happy. Now Alex is getting off work any minute to come home to me, and that makes me VERY HAPPY.

It's good to have days like today.

Ode to Sophie

Prettiest cat ever, right? She even matched our apartment.

We had a cat and her name was Sophie. She made little bird noises when talking to us, she loved to cuddle, she'd follow me around in the mornings, and she wasn't scared of visitors. At night when we went to bed, I'd put my arm up by my head, she'd curl up there for 10 minutes, then go sleep in her own bed.

She was a stray kitten that roamed around our apartments. We had her for a good 8 months before she fell weird on her leg, broke her thigh, and we had to put her to sleep. :(

I admit, I was never ever a cat person, in fact, I feel weird posting about this little animal, but here it is. People around us keep getting little cats and it makes me (and Alex) want another. But, instead we are holding out for our Kiddy in April who will be more cute, more cuddly, and more fun. Then maybe, maybe we'll get a Sohpie 2.0.

Why Can't I?

Or, Why don't I?

This is about a post I found while blog stalking. It's all about being able to make the mundane, everyday things more exciting and enjoyable. Check this out right now.

Why don't I take the time to do things like this?

Because I am not a scenic-route person. I try to do everything fast and efficiently, just to get them done and over with. It's one of the many differences and frustrations between Alex and me. For Alex, for little Bean-on-the-way, and for me, I want to refocus my energy from efficient to enjoyable. I'm giving myself these next 5-6 months to get into the habit of making the "normal, or even less-than-normal things something more."

PS if you have time, check out the rest of the Katie Did blog. She is absolutely amazing. Chrissy, check out the clothes she makes for her girls!

Oh and...

1) New music for the month of November (Look! -->)
Also, there are always songs not available on playlist.com, so I created a list below my playlist so you can check them out on itunes. They are worth it.

2) I sold my chair (here). I couldn't get the smokey smell out, we didn't really have room, so...it's gone. We sold it for what it cost us to fix because we couldn't charge a lot for a stinky chair. Sad, but definitely worth having something to do and be excited about!

3) I found this picture when loading the Halloween ones onto the computer. These are pillows I made with Alex's cousin Jenna! Cute huh? All her idea! I want some. Add these to the list of reasons I want a girl (ok, at least eventually??)

A Happy Halloween it was.

October was fun. We started the month out with my mom's Pumpkin Bread and a visit from them Conference weekend! We got together with friends, made caramel apples a few times, carved pumpkins, AND Alex watched Halloween movies with me!

We are on activities committee and helped plan the ward Halloween party which featured soup and bread bowls for dinner, and a carnival for the kids. Of course we dressed up... Alex was a good sport.

Ken

and Barbie

(These are for the girls. Remember the plastic peg rings and
earrings you would stick in the hole in their finger or ears?)

Now I can get excited for Christmas!!!!!!!

Bottles, Blankies, and Binks...Oh my!

Or maybe... Sickness, fatigue, and Vitamins...OH my....

I think most people have heard by now, I'm PREGNANT! I am 12 weeks, due April 28th...Joel's birthday.

I am mostly tired and nauseous, but luckily don't lose food every day. I think being tired is the hardest part because I have a hard time getting things done around the house; even little should-be-fun things, like looking at my magazines, seems daunting! Pregnancy fatigue is also what I'm blaming for my lack of blogging. By the time I get home from work all I want to do is lay on the couch. I don't know how you moms do it, being pregnant WITH KIDS already.

Food wise the only things that are consistently eatable are Del Taco, frozen yogurt, and veggie trays. Things I used to love, like Cafe Rio and pizza, make me want to gag just at the thought of them. I have been taking the Unisom + B6 combination at night and that seems to help with the sickness, as far as losing food goes. Unfortunately the nausea has gotten worse the further along the pregnancy goes, but my fingers are crossed that as first trimester is ending I'll start to feel better.

Since we've been married Joel has been bugging us for a "bean" or baby, giving use spare change for our "bean fund." So Bean has been our family's name for the little baby and judging by our first ultrasound, Joel isn't far off.

The Bean: 9 weeks

This Is Halloween!

All of September I was SOOO excited for Halloween. But now that it's finally October the stores have brought out their Christmas stuff! I have struggled to stay in the spooky mood, tempted to move on to the Christmas spirit. THEN last night I went to a dance show put on by Utah's Odessey Dance Company called Thriller. It did the trick. With their dark and edgy dancesI am back in Halloween ready to enjoy. In my efforts of enjoying this holiday I replaced the normal blog playlist with some of the Carter family favorite Halloween songs. Hope you enjoy the hallowday.

My Favorite performance
Frankenstein & Bride danced to Theme from Romeo and Juliet

Updates

1. Added a few new songs onto our music list! Check them out! One that isn't available yet on Playlist, but IS on iTunes is Hey Soul Sister by Train. Definitely check that one out! I have to give credit to Alex for finding this one.

2. I've finally started working at Flower Patch! I absolutely LOVE it! The first few days I learned to make "wraps" (flowers in celophane) and to clean roses, plus the normal cash register and clocking in type stuff. BUT TODAY I finally got to learn to make basic rose arrangements (in vases)! It is so cool! And seriously, time goes SOO FAST at work. There is NO WAY this should be considered a job!

Keep watching... Still to come: Island Park & more Decorating/Refinishing projects

Yay Tulle

In an earlier post found here I expressed my love for Tulle clothing, and specifically this skirt. Well, good news. Tulle had a huge sale today and that skirt was more than 50% off! So... I ordered it. It's in the cream color and I am SOOO anxious for it to get here. Like my mom says, good skirts are hard to find so you have to get them while you can.

Pride & Joy

JOY
Because I LOVE LOVE LOVE refinishing/decorating projects.

PRIDE

Because I can't lie...I'm very proud of this piece and it is my favorite thing right now!

Here are the before and after pictures of a wing back chair I found at the Rexburg DI while visiting my friend Kelsey.

D.I. Chair

(Ignore the Duct Tape)


Back panel of fabric thrashed by cats I think. The bottom corners were torn and falling off.

and now...

Presenting...


Pretty Chair


Re-upholstered back panel done by myself and Alex


Matching pillow for the front


Now I just have to find a place for it!

A Job to Love

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. ~Confucius

Some exciting news for me... I got a job at the local Flower Patch floral shop! I found out a week and a half ago and I start training tomorrow. I am so excited! I will still work at the furniture store part time, then work this job part time. I don't know for sure yet, but from the few times I have been there I think I'm going to like it! I'm excited to be doing something new, creative, and with my hands. The other employees are ladies and some teenage girls, which will be like my days at the Timeless Treasures (scrapbook store) in CA. It will be fun to work with and get to know them. Really what I'm thinking and hoping is that I'll go to work (at the furniture store), then in my free time I'll go enjoy my new "hobby" at the floral shop. I'll let you know how that goes...

M*U*S*I*C

I finally added a playlist! So click the play button and enjoy!

Sweet Nestings: Favorites

There is a good chance that my "Apples of My Eye" (see post below) interest lists could be forever long and filled with countless photos of interior decoratings that I love and am inspired by. SO, I am starting reoccurring category-posts of the things I believe would make for sweet nestings. For this first one, i'll start with some of my all time favorites. It isn't very often that one of my crazes or infatuations linger. But, these ones have stuck.

1. These chairs are on my long-term love interest list. I want some sooooo bad. Because they are clear, they take up minimal visual space which is so needed sometimes. I've really only seen the plain, clear lucite, but I am loving the colored variety.

2. I have really loved mirrored furniture this past year. I don't have any, but desperately want some. Again, like the lucite chairs, they increase the open and airy feeling in rooms, reflecting light and visual space.

3. I love all of Athropologie's sofas. I saw one like this at the Salt Lake store and fell in love. They also have it in a greige (greyish beige) color, which I also love. I love the femininity, the simplicity, and the details on the legs and the tufting! Maybe someday...
4. Floor length sweeping drapes. I love how elegant and soft they make a room. These are on the Someday List for me too.

5. All time favorite decorator, Genevieve Gorder. I saw her first on Trading Spaces, now she has an HGTV show called "Dear Genevieve." Her style is clean, elegant, simple, pretty, and if I had to pick anyone to design my house, it would be her. Definitely an inspiration.

Apples of My Eye

These are some of the lovely things that are making me smile right now. Some of them I have, some I just crave, covet, dream of, or yearn for.

1. Have: My new hat from Urban Outfitters. Perfect for summer, feminine, shady, and goes with everything. Find one here.
Another cute one for a friendlier price, and next on my wish list, look here.


2. Also on my wish list: I saw these at Target and think they would look soooo cute in a bathroom. I love the pretty bottles and tubes they come in! Find them here.

3. Wishlist Item: The romper. This short-shirt one piece would be the perfect bathing suit cover up this summer. This one from Anthropologie is my favorite of the ones I've found. SO pretty.4. Have it! Revlon's Pink Chiffon #911. On my nails it's girly, light, soft, and makes my feet look SO tan. I love light colors during summer.

5. David Babaii Bohemian Beach spray. I've been using it for the last little while and am loving it. The best part may be the smell...coconut, beachy, yet clean smelling. It gives my hair texture, little bit of wave, and the just-been-to-the-beach look. I got mine at Sally Beauty Supply.


6. Tulle clothing. It has the simple, yet feminine detailing that reflects Anthropologie clothing, but is a little more affordable. Find it here.
I love this look, especially this skirt!

1 Year Down...A lot to go!

As of yesterday, Alex and I have been married over a year! While it has gone fast, it seems like it was just yesterday. Crazy how time flies when you're having fun! This year has included an apartment, a pet, tennis, school, more school, work, more work, play, more play, lots of good and bad food, and everything else you could ask of your first year.


For our anniversary, Alex took the day off of MCAT studying. He went RC flying with his dad in the morning (yes, I'm a good wife) then met me at the movie theater for Wolverine. Then we met up with his cousin and her husband who is a massage therapist. He taught us the basics and demonstrated with free massages! SWEET. Then we went to the drive-in and saw Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. It was my first drive-in experience and it was SOOO fun. I think year number 2 will have many more :)

Ok...now for the cutest part. I told Alex he didn't have to get any presents or anything. All I wanted was for him to find a song that had meaningful lyrics about me, or us, or whatever mushy cute stuff he wanted. This guy went above and beyond and burned me a whole CD! It's amazing. Here are some of my favorites!

I'd Give You the Moon - Jake Coco
You and I - Ingrid Michaelson
Colors - April Smith (my song to him)
Lucky - Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz
Question - Old 97
Angel - Jack Johnson (our first dance)
Gotta Have You - The Weepies
Lullaby - Jack Johnson and Matt Costa
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
The Minnow & The Trout - A Fine Frenzy
Bleu for You - Jake Coco
Stick By You - Andrew Lipke
Waiting On an Angel - Ben Harper

I love you Alex! Thanks for a perfect first year!

If life gives you lemons...give them to me!

I am currently obsessed with lemons! Last night I had dinner with Kelsey Jones at Cafe Trio and I had their Lemon Chicken Salad. Pretty good! Today I had Yoplait's lemon yogurt...SOOOO good. I think it's my new favorite! Then all today I was attracted to anything yellow. I had to write something, went for the yellow marker...picking an undershirt, went for the yellow.

I haven't always liked lemon, I think because cleaning products are always lemon scented. So I don't know what has changed now, but bring on the lemons!

25 things about Alex

Some of these might have gone from informative, to just me bragging...
1. When he is picking a random number, he picks 12. For example, "I'll be home in like 12 seconds."
2. Will eat any kind of food...unless it has onions, tomatoes, peppers, or pickles.
3. Watches chick-flicks. One time I had just bought "Runaway Bride," he noticed it but didn't say anything. Then a few days later he came home and found out that I had watched it and said, "Hey, I was going to watch that with you!" That's when I knew I wasn't the only reason he watches them. Love his tender heart.
4. Alex does all of our laundry and most of our dishes.
5. Alex is a total detail guy. He asks questions about everything and researches everything before buying, etc. It was only frustrating when we were looking at rings. I found the one I liked the first day we looked, but he had to keep looking just in case, to make sure it was the right one. I got my way.
6. I have NEVER heard Alex yell.
7. Alex has a little bit of the Rasmussen concaved chest.
8. Sunflower seeds are his vice. He always has some handy.
9. Alex remembered that owning a hammock is on my list of things to do in my life. So when he was on study abroad in Costa Rica a couple of summers ago he bought one for me and brought it all the way home.
10. If he could master an art form it would be music, especially guitar, piano, and singing.
11. He keeps a box in his car to put things in so his car doesn't get messy.
12. He has given local anesthetics and pulled teeth, all by himself.
13. Alex knows how to relate to and be friends with anybody.
14. He has a silent laugh, no matter how hard he is laughing. Guess it's good because he compensates for mine.
15. Popcorn is one of Alex's FAVORITE snacks! He always gets some when we go to movies, and makes some when we watch movies at home.
16. Alex frequently leaves notes for me around the apartment.
17. Alex decided he wanted to be a doctor when he was young while accompanying his dad ski patrolling at Powder Mountain.
18. Alex's favorite pop-tart is Cinnamon and Brown Sugar, toasted.
19. His celebrity look-alike is Christian Bale.
20. Alex is generous with compliments.
21. His "planner" system... He prints out calendar spreads for each month, then keeps 4 months folded in his pocket at all times.
22. Along with his calendar papers, he always has chapstick, eye drops, gum, and his phone in his pockets too.
23. Alex grew up working construction for his dad.
24. He is EASILY distracted, especially when it's on the computer or at the desk.
25. If Alex could have any super power it would be flying. He loves planes and his dream job is to be a pilot.

25 things...

What it's like to be me...

1. I am barefoot any chance I get
2. I sing "Alouette" to myself while waterskiing. It started when I was learning and trying to keep myself concentrated on staying tucked in a ball and leaning back on the rope.
3. I rarely call Sophie (our cat) "Sophie" except for when I am calling for her. The usuals are: kitty, animal, pet, "cheeky bull" (See Australia the movie), and little cat.
4. I like to think I'm always right, and Alex plays along.
5. I think and talk in analogies. I am not always good at putting my thoughts into words or explaining things, so I turn to analogies. The make sense most of the time.
6. I have kept most of my textbooks. Alex thinks i'm crazy, but I actually use them!
7. I cut Alex's hair. Not because I want to, but because he is cheap.
8. Ways I'm like my dad: I let the gas in my car get pretty much empty before I fill it back up; I love eating fish, waterskiing, being in the water, and figuring out how things work; I am good with my hands; I need people to like me; Del Taco is my idea of cooking
9. Ways I'm like my mom: I don't like scary movies, unhappy endings, of anything to do with death; I like shopping; I am a good listener; I love finding new music; I love sales; I get cold easy and like being warm; we love talking to each other, even if we don't have anything to say
10. My feet are a mix between both my mom and my dad.
11. I can pack lighter than Alex for vacations.
12. I could live off Del Taco. Right now the favorites are chicken soft tacos or spicy jack quesadillas
13. My mom asked me whether my major (Marriage, Family, and Human Development) and the things I've studied have made me more or less patient with people. I think I am more understanding of a person's behavior based on their background, but generally speaking I think i've become less patient with adults and more patient with kids.
14. Soprano is too high but I struggle singing Alto. Dang.
15. I can shower, wash my hair, dry my hair, and be totally ready in 30 minutes...when I have to.
16. I have a hard time voicing any emotion without crying. I can be happy, sad, or even just frustrated...especially when there is confrontation involved. It is both embarrassing and annoying. Thank heavens for Alex. He's learned to just laugh at it.
17. I love the fast-forward button on remotes. I fast forward through painful parts of movies and TV shows. Sometimes I wish I had a remote for real life.
18. This one has to do with 16 & 17. When someone is doing something painfully embarrassing or awkward my eyes start to tear up. Sympathetic-embarrassment maybe?
19. I have crazy dreams. I used to always be a "victim" in them; running, hiding, escaping from people. Now they are all about doing things with people I know. What would Freud say?
20. I live for the familiar. I enjoy restaurants I know I like better than experimenting, and I almost always get the same things. I like going to vacation spots I've been to and enjoy and where I know my way around a little. I do things my way, the way I've always done things, even if Alex shows me a better way.
21. My bacon has to be crispy and my eggs fried over easy.
22. Alex and I love slow dancing
23. I have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to electronics and computers
24. One of the top 5 reasons I love Alex is because of his height.
25. Favorite thing about Michael: his example, Joel: his humor, Rae: her friendship

Right back where I started from

A couple weeks ago Alex found some AMAZING jetblue tickets! So one week from today I will be in sunny CA! I am only there from Tuesday morning to Friday morning, so it'll be short, but so fun. I anticipate a lot of hang time with the mom...reunited at last. We haven't really made any plans, but that's how I prefer it. Oh and Joel wants me to take him to lunch.

Old photo, but one of my favorites.

You know, when I am away long enough I start to think, "ok, maybe I could eventually cope with living somewhere other than California...." But then I go home, and I am reminded
"There's no place like home."

Home Sweet Home

Things I'm looking forward to:
Hanging out with my family
Beach
In-n-out
Quality girl time with my mom
Playing my piano
Maybe Confessions of a Shopaholic
Maybe some shopping myself
Ditching school
Getting out of Utah
Driving the Jetta
Seeing how Joel and Rae have changed

Wearing shorts and rainbows
My mom's cooking
Get out of the dry-ness
BerrySwirl/Golden Spoon

Things I will miss:
Alex
Maybe Sophie the cat

Thanks for sending me home Alex! I love you!!!!!

Writing

I am taking a Language Development class this semester. I don't really enjoy it, but it was one of the few major classes offered at the Salt Lake extension. Today while I was reading my text book, I found an explanation for my hatred of English and writing. It says, "Writing offers a different challenge [than reading]. The writer begins with ideas, morsels of meaning, and must decide which symbols in which combination will best represent those ideas." A-Ha! THAT is my problem. Not only with writing, but with speaking. It feels like I have ideas and images in my head, but have a hard time trying to decide and construct a way that clearly depicts what I am actually thinking. Sometimes I wish I was an artist and could just draw what I "see" mentally instead of trying to find the right words.

Isn't it crazy how much is involved in writing? Forming your ideas and message, considering different word choices, deciding what words to use, constructing sentences with these words, etc... It's crazy how many different ways there are to say one thing, by using different words and combination of words. What's even crazier is that we can do this automatically in a conversation, without effortful thinking or analyzing! Amazing. It is because of this that I am amazed I get myself to blog!

I salute you English majors.

Value

In my psychology class tonight, my old and quirky professor was talking about finding a companion and getting married. He said that choosing a spouse is like saying, "I value my association with you." Haha. So simple! So for the record, Alex, I value my association with you!