It's Double Time At The Gilberts

Never Never Land

2010-06-03T16:07:00.018-06:00

Before I had kids I had a mental "I will never" list that I promised myself I would abide by. Let me just say Never Never Land is not never anymore and here are my top ten reasons.

#10 rule broken- If I had daughters they would always wear headbands or bows (especially at church).

Keeping headbands on two babies is impossible. If we can just make it through two hours of church, headbands or not, I feel like my Sunday was a huge success.

Jill, my sweet niece, Charlotte, and Norah

#9 rule broken- Going out to dinner with babies I thought was not fun and a waste of time and money.

Getting out of the house doing anything is better than staying in with bored babies.

Dave keeping Norah busy while I ate my b-day lunch at Maddox.

#8 rule broken- Moms shouldn't go running and let their babies cry the whole time. They should find another time to go.

Norah cried the last two miles of my run a couple days ago and I had no qualms about it. Norah will cry if I look at her wrong. She definitely is already my little drama queen.

#7 rule broken- I hated hiking and told Dave I would never go with him. Also if I did go with him he would have to carry everything.

Since a lot of things (such as movies) came to a quick end since the girls came I had to alter my way of life. Reluctantly hiking has now made it into the picture since we can do that with the girls.

#6 rule broken- I never would turn to the TV so I didn't have to deal with my kids.

Let's just say Baby Einsteins is on at least twice a day. Hey... a girl's got to get a shower sometime.

Norah and Jill mesmerized by The Mozart Festival.

#5 rule broken- I would never drive my babies around for nap time.

I let myself have one day a week to drive on the open road with a Diet Pepsi in hand for nap time. It's the break I need in the week from fighting the two little bambinos to take their nap instead of playing in their cribs.

Jill and Norah playing in Norah's crib.

#4 rule broken- Never would I have a snotty nosed kid.

I try to constantly fight the snot. I swear it's a battle I will never win though I will always keep at the battle.

Jill

#3 rule broken- I never would be the wife that handed off the baby when her husband came home from work.

I wish I could be that wife but come on I have two babies. Plus the girls follow Dave around anyway when he gets home.

Dave and Norah

#2 rule broken- I would ALWAYS get my girls dressed for the day. None of this staying in their sleepers all day or even worse, just their diapers.

With a bout of the flu hitting our household hard last week the girls stayed only in their diapers for about three days. I was done washing stains out of all their clothes.

Jill trying to eat Norah's diaper

#1 rule broken- I would NEVER, NEVER, NEVER have my baby wear a sleeper and put shoes and a jacket over it. I decided that a couple weeks ago when I saw a little boy at the park around 2:00 in the afternoon wearing that exact thing.

Dave and I woke up early last weekend to work on the yard. I broke the #1 rule and brought my girls outside looking as trashy as it gets. The sad part is I documented it.

Me and Norah. Norah fell in the dirt making it even trashier.

Dave and Jill

Doin' It!

2010-04-18T13:09:00.010-06:00

Yesterday was the Salt Lake City Half Marathon that I have been training for. I wasn't sure if the training was sufficient enough or if my ghetto booty could handle the 13.1 miles of jiggle. After a some anxiety all week about this half I decided I needed to just dig in and do it.

Well I did it! I was hating life around mile 10.5/11 and told myself then that I would NEVER run a half again. Although around mile 12 I changed my mind and decided I loved running and was glad I had done it. I think the change of heart was due to my feet finally numbing up a bit. Now today, after having time to think about it, I can't wait to run another one even if I am a little sore.

The best part about the half yesterday was having my sis, bro and bro-in-law do it with me. They all killed it big time out there. Especially my bro-in-law, Rex, who did all of his training at sea level in Cali and came here to average an 8 min. mile at Utah's high altitudes.

Loren (bro), Rex aka Karate Kid (bro-in-law), Maria (sis), me

Dave forwent the half to watch the little bambinos. He made sure the girls were at the finish to cheer me on.

The Waiting Game

2010-03-26T12:39:00.007-06:00

Feeding my two little bambinos their solids sometimes becomes a task when one of the babies is digging the food. Screams of protest came today out of Jill's mouth when I fed Norah every other bite. Unfortunately, Norah (like in everything) got the shaft while I catered to Jill's ravenous appetite (and attitude). Norah dealt with the waiting just like her mom would, a nap!! Smart girl.

They Were Inspired

2010-02-18T19:44:00.020-07:00

The twins have been watching the 2010 Vancouver Olympics with Dave and I and have been inspired to step up their game.

They started to eat like the athletes with lots of veggies, fruits, whole wheat cereal, and protein.

Norah has been practicing her eye-hand coordination none stop.

Jill has been adding height to her jump.

Both girls are trying to master the roll-over.

Norah

They have added a little upper body strength training by pulling toys from each other.

Norah has doubled her tummy time.

Both girls decided to do a little outdoor time also.

In stepping up their game, the girls love to show off their bods (herniated belly-buttons and all).

Norah

Jill

The worst part about all the intensity is the crankiness and exhaustion.

Jill cranky

Norah exhausted

If the twins could talk they would say, GO USA!

Daydreams

2010-01-06T22:24:00.010-07:00

This week I have been daydreaming big time about packing my swimsuit, shades, some sunscreen, and flip flops. Of course my dreams also include some board shorts for Dave and teeny tiny swimsuits for the twinners. In my dreams I am packing to leave this winter garbage hole

to go to Bora Bora

or maybe Hawaii

or potentially Greece.

I would even take San Diego

or even put away the swimsuit for a jacket and take Seattle.

If only my daydreams would come true in Utah's January and February.

Top Nine Of Aught Nine

2009-12-31T13:51:00.012-07:00

Even though I was the size of the Titanic pretty much this whole year I still can say it wasn't a complete waste. Here are my top nine things that happened to me in aught nine starting with numero nine.

#9- Dave and I came to our senses and started watching Scrubs (old school series not the crappy new one). TV and our DVR got a lot better in '09.

#8- Huntington Beach summoned Dave and I to its beaches at the end of May. Our last trip together before our glory days ended of being free of children. Also, we got to be there with my sister, Sarah, for her 30th birthday.

#7- My dad made it home in February from 14 months in Afganistan safe and sound. I tried to make a production out of meeting him at the hangar to get on KSL news. I guess other families had better welcome home signs and tears because there wasn't even a glimpse of me that night on channel five. I tried.

#6-I became a stay at home momma. I really didn't mind my job and truly miss laughing with my friends I worked with everyday. However, I sure love being home and doing whatever I want or I should say what the girls want.

#5- On my birthday Dave surprised me with the Kitchenaid mixer of my dreams. I am proud of Dave for paying attention to my oh so not subtle hints of desperately wanting one. I feel like Paula Dean now.

#4- On my birthday weekend I went with the girls in Dave's family to "Time Out For Women". I wasn't sure about it since I am not into that kind of stuff, cheesy stuff. It ended up being an amazing weekend with the girls and not a lot of cheese.

To top it off they surprised me with an Edible Arrangement to snack on for my birthday while we were there. Unfortunately the only pic I got that weekend is of me opening it up.

#3- Call me vain but I almost cried the day I got back into my "before I was pregnant jeans" after having the girls. It was a momentous day this year.

#2- My mom has quite the stoic personality so when I showed her my ultrasound picture of finding out I was having twins I expected her to smile and her not to say much. Instead my mom looked at it, saw the two little beans, and screamed. Her reaction was priceless. I will remember that moment forever.

#1- Labor Day was the best day for me in '09. Jillian and Norah decided to grace us with their presence that day. That day my whole life changed for the good, bad and ugly.

Two Little Birds

2009-12-17T09:49:00.006-07:00

Last night was rough! Having twins can sometimes be difficult especially when they both are ridiculously picking in the way they want to be held and rocked while trying to get to sleep. This twins phenomenon happened last night to my stellar husband while I was at the gym. The girls ganged up on him for an hour last night with screams that can drive anyone to insanity.

As I walked in from the gym I saw a man who had clothes that were tousled and a crazed look in his eye. I realized the hand off needed to happen before something disastrous happened. After running three miles, lifting to work out my biceps and triceps, and doing a kajillion lunges holding two babies in crazy positions while trying to keep two binkies in and bouncing around as if I was on hot coals isn't an easy task. My muscles were already sore and worn and being 9:00 at night I was done with the girls. Another hour went by of this cruel and unusual punishment until they both decided to give up the good fight and finally doze. By this point I didn't like them anymore and neither did their dad.

I wasn't sure last night if they could ever redeem themselves. It was going to take a lot smiling, cooing and a minimal amount of poopy diapers for a long time.

Around 3:00 in the morning while snug in my bed the baby monitor started to blink little lights of red. I put my glasses on and waited to hear the shrieking cries of hunger over the radio frequency. I didn't hear two babies crying, I heard two tiny little birds chirping back and forth as if in conversation. Were these my babies? I had to go check to see what was going on. As I tip-toed into the nursery trying to be invisible the night light showed to little faces with moving lips. The girls were chirping to each other wide awake. I am sure they were discussing how to apologize to their parents for the rough evening they put them through and how to get put on Santa's good list again.

As I leaned over the crib to pick them up for their nightly feeding I saw that both girls had managed to free themselves from their straight jacket swaddles and were ready to play. As soon as they saw me four tiny little feet started to kick as if pedaling a bike in the Tour de France. There also were two tiny smiles a mile wide that melted my heart. I usually try not to talk or interact with them in the middle of the night so they know it's sleeping time and not play time. Last night though I had to talk to them, and kiss them, and squeeze them.

They had redeemed themselves. Somehow with a simple smile they were able to get me to love them again.

Jill smiling a couple weeks ago. Last night there wasn't a camera readily available.

Sidenote- They again redeemed themselves this morning with a long nap. Long enough for me to take a shower and get ready, do the dishes, and write this blog. Oh how I love my girls!

All I Want For Christmas And A Little More

2009-12-09T21:05:00.016-07:00

When I looked like this

I committed my sister into running 13.10938 miles with me in this.

She not only agreed but was so excited she talked my brother into smoking me in the race. So for Christmas I decided I needed this for some brutally cold training.

I also decided the girls will be getting these under the tree on Christmas morning.

Hopefully the snowsuits can help them be more bundled than this.

My running shoes are a bit worn so I hope Santa brings a pair of these

and maybe an extra set of these.

With my training I decided I will treat myself to this

and this on Christmas morning and other mornings to follow.

All I really want for Christmas is a christmas miracle to get me through this.

Smallville vs Bountiful

2009-11-01T12:15:00.006-07:00

I love Halloween and my favorite part is coming up with costumes. Dave gets annoyed because starting just about in February I start thinking of Halloween costumes and asking his approval. Of course the costumes change month to month and come October week to week. This year however my mind was on two other little things so the costume ideas weren't flowing. About a week before Halloween while watching the latest episode of Smallville I decided the Clark Kent and Lois Lane costumes were are best bet. They were easy and had NO face paint. Dave and I won't do face paint anymore after some face meltdowns in prior years. The costumes weren't great but this is what we got.

Dave came up with this so other party goers didn't think I mistook the Halloween party for church.

Our kryptonite for that night was knowing there were two little babies terrorizing their awesome Aunt Maria who was babysitting.

The babies decided partying isn't their style so they just dressed up on Halloween in these little numbers but just stayed home and passed out candy.

Jillian

Norah

In order, Norah and Jill

Girly Girls

2009-10-13T16:02:00.004-06:00

The girls' actual due date was October 8th, last week. I think I would have literally exploded and died if I were pregnant those last 5 weeks. Thank goodness the girls decided to not make me suffer too much and came early. This past week they finally outgrew their premie clothes and fit into the newborn size, so with size they meet their actual due date. I swore I never would be a mom that was sad to see their "babies" get older but I am sad to see the tiny premie size gone.

Now about blogging, I also swore I wouldn't post about my children every post. I will try to blog and live by that but as of today I realized I hadn't posted since their birth. Being the proud mom I am, I wanted to post some pics of my twins. Unfortunately my battery in my camera ran out so some of these ghetto pics are from my hubbies iphone.

Happy "due date" birthday to my girly girls!

JILLIAN

4 WEEKS OLD

NORAH LOVES TO BE BY JILL. AS SEEN, JILL COULDN'T CARE LESS TO BE BY HER AND ALWAYS TRIES TO SQUIRM AWAY.

DAVE AND THE GIRLS (JILLIAN, LEFT AND NORAH, RIGHT)

NORAH, 5 WEEKS OLD
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JILL, 5 WEEKS OLD

THE GIRLS, 5 WEEKS OLD

It Was Expected

2009-09-16T20:13:00.010-06:00

From when I can remember I always thought that when I got married there would be a difference in me. I am not sure if I thought that meant I would automatically be a domestic goddess or a cheesy Relief Society President. I did think something would change in me though. As magical as it was, my wedding day came and went. With the marriage didn't come the change in me. I still didn't know how to cook anything except microwaving a hotdog. I didn't automatically convert my music preference to the Motab. I still loved to roll my eyes and loved to be sarcastic. It was weird, I was still me.

It dawned on me about a year into marriage, Dave married me. He didn't marry the domestic goddess or the cheesy Relief Society President I thought I would automatically be. He loved me for me and didn't care and probably didn't want me to be what I thought I would turn into.

For me deciding to have children was a bigger leap of faith than to get married. It was scary for me, especially after six comfortable years of marriage. Then when I wanted a child and got children and I cried when I found out. How was I supposed to take care of two babies? From what I learned when I got married is that even though a life changing event happens to you, you don't change. You are still you.

I have been asked multiple times in the past week how I feel now being a mother. I already knew how to love so that didn't change. It's just a little stronger and a little more instant. I already knew that I was no domestic goddess and it wouldn't be easy for me to take care of two babies. I already knew that me and Dave's spontaneous nights of sushi and the movies would become a strict schedule of changing diapers and feeding milk to two needy things. My expectations were real this time.

With this major event in my life I already knew I would stay me. Being a mother is being me but now I have a respectable title and I get a day in honor of me. Also I now absolutely and unconditionally love two little things that I didn't before.

Being a mother is exactly what I expected. I expected me.

Bring It On

2009-09-13T08:56:00.009-06:00

Two premature babies in the night

+

prepping six fresh bottles

+

Six feedings

+

Six different burpings

+

Four poopy diapers (three thanks to Jill)

+

Three more juicy wet ones

+

Two outfit changes

+

about eight wake up calls for a binkie

+

Four more wake up calls for some snuggling

+

Two runs to the bathroom for mom in between needy babies

=

Two happy babies at 6:00 in the morning and one tired new mom with some crazy hair.

It Literally Was Labor Day

2009-09-08T17:18:00.002-06:00

Dave and I welcomed Jillian and Norah yesterday, on Labor Day! Norah is 4 lbs 13 oz and Jill is the heavyweight, weighing in at 4lbs 15 oz. I was able to push the girls out in 11 minutes flat so they don't have too bad of cone heads. HOORAY!

Let me just say that not even 24 hours into this I realize I am already a dairy farm but don't care.

WOW!

2009-09-05T11:13:00.001-06:00

I promised a picture so here it is. Needless to say I am ready for these girls to be out.

Freak Show

2009-09-04T02:36:00.010-06:00

I have been asked multiple times if I have had random people at the grocery store feel my pregnant belly up. My answer to that is, not really, amazingly. I don't know if it's because people are finally starting to get some manners or I just give off the freak show vibe instead. I would say it's the latter. With that said, I have been getting some odd comments though that are so off the wall that I can't possibly be offended.

For instance, the other day at the grocery store I had a man ask me if my belly was real or if it was a fake. And as he said it he laughed like a shy nervous hiena. Seriously? Did he think I was smuggling watermelons out of the store under my shirt? I explained the freak show under my shirt wasn't a large watermelon but twins girls. All I got after that from him was a "wow".

I also get a lot of these looks while in public.

When I see those faces I just pretend I am a celebrity and imagine the people are just starstruck as I waddle myself by. It makes me feel important!

Best one is yesterday, while making my usual mosey around Target trip, a girl stopped me and said she never asks girls about their pregnancies and knows better but she had to ask if I was having twins. Right on the mark, bingo! She didn't think my belly was fake! Normal question, right? It was until she said she had to ask because when she had her twins her belly was just as "misshapen and freakish" as mine was so she just had to know. At that moment I realized I was no celebrity strutting around but was a little more similar to this guy.

Baby Ruth?

By the way, I will take a picture this week sometime and post it of me aka Sloth.

The Big Screen

2009-08-09T07:34:00.012-06:00

Eating a bucket of four dollar popcorn, sipping on a large Diet Coke, and kicking it in stadium seating is my ideal way of watching a movie. For me it's all about the big screen. Opening weekend may be a madhouse for the what may be a blockbuster however I thrive on it. I love the emotions in the air with a theater packed of anxious movie goers. Everyone is there to be equally entertained and enjoy the exact same experience. However with massive crowds come some annoyances. Here is my list of the top 6 things to NOT do at the movie theater.

#6- I can't stand when one person is sent to save seats for about 30 people. Actually it's a love hate thing. I love watching that single person ward off the masses from their prized seats. It's a struggle and a fight for that one but it serves them right and I love to watch it. My major annoyance comes though from watching this family reunion sized group of thirty mosey on into the theater five minutes after the movie has started.

#5- I have been told I have a nose like a hound. Sometimes that's good, sometimes bad. Some movie theaters here in Utah allow their food court food in their theaters. This is a bad for me. Do people realize how stinky their Panda Express to go is? It's nasty!!! Leave the food and stank in the food court and just grab some popcorn and a drink to fill up on.

#4- I do know that popcorn and drinks are just as much of the magic making experience of the big screen as the movie. They go hand in hand. However, just because a movie goer broke the bank by buying their four dollar ripoff of popcorn doesn't mean they have the right to chew like Bessy the cow. Keeping the chops shut while munching on the popcorn is a must.

#3- Dave teases me because I have one certain movie critic I like to listen to on the radio. I enjoy his opinions of the latest movies in the quiet rumble of my car as I drive to work. I don't like and I don't think anyone likes an amateur movie critic in the middle of a movie they just spent ten dollars to get into to. Shut the yapper please.

#2- I think everyone gets that it is a major faux pas to answer and talk on the ole' mobile during a movie. And if you don't, you deserve a drink thrown at your head. However, I don't understand why it isn't a faux pas to text. A phone light is as bright or brighter than an interrogation spotlight when turned on in a dark theater. Annoying!

#1- Bringing babies and toddlers to a movie at night. I can totally understand bringing children to a matinee or even maybe in the early evening. But why torture your child in their tired stupor and every other movie goer to see a film at night. The kids tired, mom or dad don't even get to see the whole movie because they are messing with the fussy kid, and movie goers get to watch and hear the chaos instead of the movie. GET A BABYSITTER or rent!!!!!!!

See you at the movies!

Lifesaver

2009-08-01T07:29:00.005-06:00

My great friend, Wendy, is a genius. Actually her and her sisters are. They came up with and patented a little piece of fabric called The Belly Button Maternity Band. I totally have to push this for them because like I said it's a genius idea and a lifesaver. I fit into my "skinny" jeans forever in the beginning of my pregnancy with these little puppies and no one ever knew I was wearing it. It looks just like a laying tank. BRILLIANT! I would even tell people it wasn't a layering tank and they didn't believe me until I showed them that my jeans were completely unzipped and by bulging belly was comfortably hiding behind my Belly Button Band.

The idea behind it is the same idea as a rubber band holding your normal non-maternity pants together while pregnant. Instead though The Belly Button actually buttons to your own pants with an elastic band so you don't have to worry about a breaking rubber band. Like I said it also looks like a laying tank too with the elastic and buttons behind it. Conveniently you can change the size of how wide you want your pants to open but still feel comfortable.

This week The Belly Button Maternity Band premiered on overstock.com. Here's the link!

link

I am totally going to be wearing my Belly Buttons after I have my girls. I will do anything to get out of my maternity pants. All I want back are my skinny jeans even if I have a doughy belly.

Sidenote: For some reason blogger won't let me put links in as words. Does anyone know if there was an update or something I missed on blogger?

Bullseye

2009-07-26T08:04:00.007-06:00

One of my favorite past times is to mosey around Target. It doesn't have the hustle and bustle of the mall or the annoying teenagers. I never end up spending as much money at Target as I would other places when I wander aimlessly. Also I usually leave Target with some grocery shopping done and a divine treat in hand that didn't cost me an arm and a leg.

A couple weeks ago I was drawn to the summer BBQ essentials area by a colorful and delicious looking display of overly frosted sugar cookies. Staring at them is just like tasting them, right? After the mesmerism of the sugar cookies wore off I saw a red and yellow bag of candy that looked something like this.

What, could it be true? Did it really say FaveREDS on the cover of the Starburst bag? I read the flavor choices over and over again until I heard the heavens start singing. Bullseye, I really did have it in hand, a bag of all red Starbursts!! That day I decided, since the bag was in the summer BBQ essentials area, that there might be a possibility of a barbecue and I needed large bowls of FaveRED Starbursts to adorn the tables. So of course I bought a couple bags of these bad boys. Who was I kidding? In my preggo state I don't have the energy to throw a barbecue but I do have the energy to unwrap tiny square red candies out of a wax coated wrapper.

I have since made my way to Target a couple more times. I get a sense of anxiety every trip thinking the FaveREDS won't be there any longer. They still colorfully sit on the shelf in the BBQ essentials area. I dread though the day that they switch that area to the Labor Day or Halloween foods. I hope this FaveREDs thing is permanent.

Rekindling The Flame

2009-07-25T07:27:00.010-06:00

This week I finally took the deep dark plunge of feeling sorry for myself for being pregnant. I have taken so much pride the past seven months for not being hormonal and having a somewhat cheery attitude towards carrying twins. Might I add, The Big Cry of 2009 when I found out I was having twins and thought my world was over doesn't count. I was allowed the big cry for therapy purposes to cope. This week though the plunge happened and I am embarrassed.

Why did the plunge happen you might wonder?

1. I am HUGE and I realized I still have two whole months to get bigger. Though some may say I look cute (and thanks for the compliments) I don't feel like it.

2. I was sick this week and pregnancy means pretty much no medication to help the congestion and coughing. And by the way, I don't think I hate anything more than having a plugged nose while trying to sleep. It's gross to sleep with my mouth open.

3. I know this is totally vain but for a girl who has tree trunk thighs and a ghetto booty I pride myself in having skinny ankles. It really is all I have going for me. With that said Utah's temperatures this week have come mighty close to the sun's temperatures meaning my calves, ankles, and feet have swelled to be the same size as my log-like thighs. I love wearing heels so this one has been hard for me.

4. I don't know what kind of fool I was for thinking there was a possibility I might not get stretch marks (maybe because my doc told me my skin looked great at my last appt). The Gods are laughing at me now though because they showed up this week in all their glory.

5. After the last LONG winter we had all I wanted was for summer to come so I could enjoy the outdoors for at least a couple months. There is a reason this year for my skin being an extra pasty color and that is because I am not allowed to be in the heat. It puts me into contractions. I have realized summer has come and is going by right in front of my face while I sit and watch reruns of Arrested Development and Saved By The Bell. Soon winter will be knocking on my front door and that is depressing.

6. I thought I would enjoy pregnancy because it would give me an excuse to not go to the gym everyday. Little did I know I loved exercising and being active. I feel lazy and like Bob the Blob. Any muscle tone I used to have anywhere in my body is almost to the point of looking like Jello Gigglers. I want to eat Jello Gigglers not look like them. By the way I tried exercising through my pregnancy but it puts me in contractions which could induce labor and put me in bed rest. I wasn't about to forgo these to little tykes for some gym time.

7. Everyone is blogging and talking about their fun vacations or planning them for this summer. What have I been planning? I have been planning what kind of breast pump I should get and where I should get it. (Don't worry I found one.)

8. My hips throb throughout 90% of the day. The song from Aladdin "Make Way for Prince Ali" comes to mind when I think of my widening hips. Just replace Prince Ali with something about me.

9. Pregnancy acne. Enough said.

10. I miss sleeping next to my husband and in my oh so wonderful bed. Thank goodness for our recliner so I can get some sleep but I just want my bed back and sleeping on my stomach.

Me, yesterday at 29 weeks preggo. All my congestion is making my eyes swell up.

Okay, I know this blog has been the BIGGEST pitty party of the century. Again
I am even embarrassed for taking the plunge into the depths of pregnancy despair this week. I usually try not to let myself start feeling sorry for myself. One thing I have learned from my mom is feeling sorry for yourself isn't going to do a dang thing so get over it. So as I cried this last Tuesday night in my woeful sorrows of pregnancy self pity I smacked myself and thought I needed to get a grip. And as a side note, the girls started going crazy in me as I cried to myself. It couldn't have been better timing for them to move because it made me realize what this is all for, two healthy babies. Cheesy but true.

I got a grip that night and decided to solve the problem. I needed to feel like me again. How could I accomplish this? From the list I made you can see a lot of what I look forward to isn't available. Then it dawned on me that I needed to rekindle a flame that hasn't been around for months. And no you pervs, not the relationship with my husband. I needed to light the flame again with my blog. I love blogging and have forgot that I did. It's my escape. It's me. It's not me with a big belly or me with swollen ankles or me with throbbing hips. It's just me and whoever wants to hear me out. I don't care about a fan base I just care about saying what I want and having to be creative and think.

So here is to rekindling an old flame.

Sidenote: This blog isn't here for sympathy or milking it from any readers. It's here to show my revelation of how to get over my two year old pity party.

Monster vs. Aliens

2009-06-27T09:30:00.009-06:00

MONSTER

Battle tactics

-Drinks a lot of Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi and if needed Caffeine Free Diet Coke.
-Wears pajamas the minute she gets home from work and has the shades down, unless she has to leave the house. (Don't worry the monster isn't that frumpy)
-Sleeps with about 4 pillows. One pillow looking like a cheese wedge that the monster wants to devour in the middle of night because of crazy hunger.
-Wakes up in the middle of the night to eat bread so she can sleep.
-Doesn't do yard work anymore due to the neighbors thinking her husband would be a schmuck if she did.
-Goes to bed at 6:30pm a couple nights a week from pure exhaustion.

ALIENS

Alien #1 aka Jillian

Alien #2 aka Norah (This alien doesn't want to be seen so she has her hand in front of her face.)

Battle Tactics-
-The alien's disguise to defeat is being cute and tiny. It is impenetrable.
-One alien punches the monsters bladder to create an embarrassing situation for the monster.
-Another alien swings on the monster's ribs.
-Both aliens simultaneously stretch their backs in opposite directions to stretch the monster's belly into oblong shapes.
-Both aliens are very healthy and thrive off of the monster. They have grown to be the size of singleton aliens and are big. This threatens stretch marks which the monster despises and is afraid of.

After 25 weeks of battle there are only about 11 or 12 weeks to go. After that the actual war begins!!

Welcome To The World Of Being Preggo With Twins

2009-05-13T16:25:00.004-06:00

I know I have been a big huge blog slacker. To be honest, life isn't necessarily crazy however I am having more fun shopping online on my free time for baby stuff.
For those who don't get to see me all the time I thought I would post my first and maybe last (depending on how disgusting I get) pregnant belly picture. I popped out the last two or three weeks and am HUGE now.

Drum roll..........

People tell me all the time how cute and tiny my belly is, then I say it, the devastating news. I AM ONLY 19 WEEKS ALONG. Then and there I see a glimpse of pity and horror in the eyes across from me. I know what they are thinking "Poor girl, she is going to be a whale soon". My thoughts exactly. Welcome to the world of having twins!

Pairs

2009-03-31T19:43:00.016-06:00

There are some things in life that always come in pairs. Things such as:

Gloves- Unless you are creepy Michael Jackson it is a must to wear two gloves when donning them.

Bonnie and Clyde- How could Jay-Z have written a song titled "Bonnie and Clyde" if Bonnie and Clyde weren't the ultimate duo? He couldn't have!

Bowling Shoes- When I bowled my perfect 300 in Mtn. Home, Idaho I was wearing not one but two stinky bowling shoes. Stinky and not so comfortable but effective!

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen- I like to remember them in their better years. It was a sad day when these girls stopped saying "You got it dude".

Brad Pitt + Angelina Jolie = Hollywood unstoppable powerhouse. Without each other they would be nothing except of course beautiful.

Cuff links- Wearing only one cuff link is embarrassing and sloppy. A must when it comes to pairs.

Mickey Mouse and Minney Mouse- Anything Disney isn't Disney without these two lovebirds.

Peanut Butter and Jelly- Needless to say, this is the perfect sandwich duo and if you don't think so you live in a sad world.

The Gilbert Twins- They are at a mild yet strong 13 weeks of age and are due to grace us with their presence on October 8th (but probably a lot sooner). I think they are the cutest pair of all on this list.

Side note- The twinners are 9 weeks old in this ultrasound. And yes, I know I am going to get HUGE.

Fat Tuesday

2009-02-21T08:29:00.011-07:00

Every year I see the words Mardi Gras on the calendar printed on the bottom of some Tuesday's box. Seeing this each and every year brings to pass a nostalgic feeling that wishes me back to my childhood in Mississippi. Mardi Gras is such the big deal on the Gulf Coast that those southern crazies let out school for a week of partying (and sobering up). It's great!

Fortunately there were parades for families and children earlier on Fat Tuesday that weren't adorned with inebriated perverted men dangling beads for old women saggy boobs to be shown. Those perverted men and bare chested women sat next to me and my family completely sober and responsible with their children in tow cracking open their first beer of what would be probably a hundred on those lovely Fat Tuesdays. My memories have a hint of a Budweiser smell but are oh so innocent.

I loved the beads. In my eyes, I thought the longer the strand the better. My barbies loved them too.

Doubloons were next in line to the beads as a prized possession. The fatty kid in me loved the faux doubloons with a chocolate core.

The Mardi Gras masks were kid heaven. It was the best thinking I was being inconspicuous donning those masks, so super heroish.

Of course the tiny frizbees, candy, and all the other tiny trinkets that made our house a mess and annoyed my parents were great.

Pretty much for me Mardi Gras was bliss if I came home hoarding tons of crap.

The best thing of all during the week of Mardi Gras was gorging myself on King Cake. Of course if you got the piece with the baby in it you had a years worth of luck too, which was always a bonus.

I think I am going to try making one this week for Dave and I in honor of Mardi Gras being on February 24th. I am hoping my memories don't let me down on the deliciousness of it however it will be minus one plastic baby and a cracked tooth.

Here in Utah, I think we need to spice up Pioneer Day a little. Pioneer cake with a pioneer hidden inside? What do you think?

Lackluster Blogging

2009-01-27T08:48:00.004-07:00

I feel shame for the lack of blogging in the past month. Believe me life hasn't been so boring that I don't have anything to write about. Contrary to that, life has me doing a little of this except with brown hair.

Work, school, Young Womens and running to get in shape for the half marathon are what are keeping me busy and ridiculously crazy. Sadly, the running HAS to take a back seat, along with blogging, to the other three things.

I haven't said good riddens to the blog. It's just on the end of the list of priorities right now.

You're My Boy Blue

2009-01-15T08:31:00.017-07:00

It's Dave's birthday today so there is no other way than celebrating it than learning 29 things about him on his 29th birthday.

#1- Dave isn't embarrassed to say he enjoys cheesy music. One of the first times I got in his car the song "Barbie Girl" was on and he was thrilled I would listen to it with him.

#2- Dave has an addiction to chocolate worse than any woman I know.

#3- Every little kid in this world loves Dave (except for Sarah'
s kids when they are babies). Don't worry Dave isn't a creep.

#4- Dave can't drive in a car longer than 3 hours without going mad. He hates road trips and won't go on vacation unless he jumps on an airplane.

#5- Dave is a brutally honest person in action and word. If he is bugged with something he can't hide it.

#6- Dave's friends from high school are considered family and he wouldn't have it any other way.

#7- B movies such as "Fast and The Furious", "Stomp The Yard" and "Drumline" are Dave's favorites. He makes me go to the movies to watch them with him but in exchange will go see my chick flicks.

#8- Dave's allergy doctor says Dave has the worst allergies he has seen in his 20 some years of practicing. Dave got Claritin-D in his stocking this year.

#9- Dave is obsessed with the end of the world. If he can pick the topic he has to speak about in church he always picks something about the signs of the times.

#10- Dave wrote on his mission papers that he didn't want to speak spanish. He got his call to Brazil and speaks portuguese but now wishes he spoke spanish.

#11- Dave preaches "what you reap is what you sow" and has no sympathy for lazy people.

#12- Dave has a man crush on Bear Grylls and Clive Owen.

#13- This one is for all of his friends who read this blog. Dave claims he hasn't ever pooed in the shower and squooshed it down with his toes.

#14- Dave can't hike or walk really anywhere without being the first one to get to the destination. It's subconsciously a competition for him to get from point A to point B the fastest.

#15- Dave loves the challenge of finding new restaurants to try that aren't well known.

#16- Dave does not read fiction. He figures he will wait for the movie to come out.

#17- Dave is a natural born runner. Even though he is a runner he says he will never do a full marathon. According to him, triathlons are now his thing.

#18- Dave loves to go shopping and is a clothes horse. We can't go to the mall without stopping at Banana Republic.

#19- Dave claims his first real kiss was when he was 5 years old.

#20- Dave doesn't understand traditions and holidays. He says there is no point and could do without all of it.

#21- Dave comes off as not being social and a little arrogant when in fact he is really a little shy and doesn't like big groups.

#22- Dave prides himself in being extreme. He loves to push himself to exhaustion when it comes to outdoor sports.

#23- Dave is convinced that when we have kids that on his command they will stop crying. He vows to not put up with crying and whining. We'll see about that!

#24- Dave, as a child, thought when someone told him he was the best at something that he was really the best. He said that in his sophmore year in high school reality hit him and he realized it was all a lie.

#25- I have asked Dave if I were to die what would he do. He tells me he wouldn't mope around and be depressed but he would travel by himself around the world. Sounds like a sappy movie.

#26- Anytime we see a Mercedes g500 Dave expresses his love and dream of having one someday.

#27- Dave would eat a Nielsen's Frozen Custard everyday if I didn't stop him. Nielsen's only takes cash or check which I am the distributor of.

#28- Dave always looks for the good in everyone. Even if he finds faults he always looks at their potential and treats them as if they have met it.

#29- Dave always laughs at my jokes even if they aren't funny. Usually it is just a courtesy laugh but it is his way of showing me he loves me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!

Her Name Was Molly, Not Marley

2009-01-06T23:07:00.006-07:00

She had the look of a show dog but wasn't the dog that all families looked for in personality. Molly was my kindred spirit. She had a gusto about her that I loved and felt so similar. I saw that she wanted to truly be good but had a rebellious heart thumping ready to rip open the neighbors garbage and chew threw dirty diapers. She was my dog and I loved her.

On this hot humid summer night in Biloxi, Mississippi I knew Molly had had enough of the air conditioned base house. She needed to get her legs moving in a Forrest Gump type of way. She needed to run and run for a long time. This nightly walk wasn't going to just be around the block. It was going to wear my eight year old body out so I grabbed my orange banana seat bike hoping this would help me endure her energy. Along with the bike I grabbed Molly's massive nylon leash that forbid her to rip out of my tiny little hands.

My kick-stand was up and Molly's leash on, I was ready to go. Molly and I started slowly down the street and began to pick up speed. I rode the banana bike on the sidewalk and Molly on the street. She liked it that way. I looked down and saw air flowing casually underneath Molly's long floppy ears and I knew she was in heaven.

We both were free and enjoying each others company until up ahead I saw a telephone pole. The telephone pole was a dilemma that I didn't know how to handle. The pole dreadfully stood between the sidewalk and the street. It was a split second decision I had to make. Did I keep holding to Molly's leash and crash? Or did I let go of the leash and lose Molly for the rest of the night while she ran like a mad dog? The decision was made. I would hold on for dear life to sacrifice myself so Molly didn't get the smack down of the century when she finally returned from her leashless adventures after escaping out of my grasp.

The telephone pole approached as Molly kept running without any clue of the pole. The leash hit the pole at mach speeds letting my banana bike rip right out from under me. The pole offered up a bunch of splinters to my face and the cement sidewalk ravaged my knobby knees but I held on. I saved Molly from the misery of her smack down if she got out of my grasp. I had done it, of course not without pain to my own body.

After the incident I got back on my mangled bike while being lead home by Molly. She was such a bad dog however I was glad that night to sacrifice myself to that pesky cocker spaniel who was as loyal as could be.

2008 Was Good

2009-01-01T09:52:00.020-07:00

Christmas Day 2008

I am celebrating the start of a new year with 20 reasons why 2008 was good to Dave and I.

#20- With the postponement of Harry Potter's 6th movie until July '09 I was crazy bummed. The geek in me however was overjoyed to see Twilight got moved up to Nov 21st for me, Dave and my sister's ultimate viewing plessure. 2008 was good with a little more Edward!

#19- Dave finished all of his condo projects that had been going on since Noah was floating around on his boat or maybe even from the time the earth was created. Who knows when they started but they are done!!!

#18- Dave and I were SO grateful there was a not so hot Costa Rican surfing by Dave when he lost his surf board to some killer waves that almost took his life. Mr. Costa Rica came to Dave's rescue!

Mr. Costa Rica and Dave

#17- With my bad-a M-16 carrying dad spending a majority of the year in a little war zone called Afganistan it is great to see 2008 end with him alive and safe. We are knocking on some dang hard wood and crossing our fingers for two more months of safety until he returns.

My pops

#16- In a home that is a century old and has ginormous beautiful trees, 2007 brought a disgustingly poopy sewage backup that lead me to have one massive gag reflex. 2008 brought nothing but flowing poo to the street with no backups in tubs or sinks. 2008 was definitely on our side.

#15- Dave and I were able to pay our cars off. The ole' Escape and Civic might not be the ideal to have a valet park but they are paid. WOOHOO!!!!!

#14- We were able to see Dave's little bro off on a mission to Kentucky! I'll admit Dave and I aren't the best letter writers but we are so happy he was able to go.

#13- The Box Elder bugs decided not the take up their residence in our Box Elder tree this year. It was nice not to have those obnoxious bugs doing suicide divebomb missions in my hair everytime I stepped on the porch.

Bugless porch.

#12- 2008 was good to us in that we only had to see Dave in his speedo shorts only once this year. Dave trained for the XTerra triathlon and finished it in July. I think we are in for some more super tight shorts and speedos and getting to know Dave a little more (if you know what I mean) from here on out. Prepared to be grossed out.

Yes, Dave was eating mud pies that day.

#11- I finally took my Escrow insurance tests and got my notary. I am a notarizing fool now. And for all who need something notarized I charge by the hour and only take Sushi gift certificates as payment.

#10- The 2008 season of Lost was incredible, possibly the best ever! Dave and I finally soaked in some good TV this year and it's about time.

#9- Dave and I finally stopped being the recluses we can be and got to know our neighbors this past year. We somehow scored with having great neighbors who are now more so known as our great friends.

#8- This year I decided to get my huge rear end moving and lose some weight. I lost 30 lbs throughout 2008 and can actually run without having near death experiences.

#7- I can say in the economic crisis we are in I am eternally grateful to Executive Title Insurance Agency for a job. Occasionally I want to say good riddens to that place but I am probably really PMSy on those days or my boss is.

#6- 2008 has been good to us in that we have had tons of family around to spend time with this year. Sometimes Dave might not act like it but we are glad to live so close to some of mine and his family. I especially love that Maria lives a mile away!

#5- Dave and I along with my sis and our close friends went to Costa Rica in June. We battled over sized bugs, fought of White-Faces monkeys, and bathed in pure Central American sun. Pretty much 2008 gushed all over us with this trip.

Waterfall in Costa Rica.

#4- This past year I somewhat concurred my fear of heights with a husband that pushed me to snowboard and mountain bike. Although I have had some crashes that have brought the words "I want my mommy" out of my mouth I am glad Dave pushed me this year to not be as much of a pansy.

The mountain owned me that day.

#3- 2008 was good to us in that Dave became Elders Quorum President and know is acting a little more righteous. It's about time he got his act together.

#2- I found two gray hairs on my 25th b-day this year, pulled them out and haven't found them again. Life is good!

#1- Dave and I were married 5 years this past year. Even though we give each other the death stare occasionally and bark at each other we are still madly in love.

Dave and I in love!!!!!

We're In But I'm Worried

2008-12-14T10:51:00.007-07:00

Dave and I and a bunch of our friends signed up for the Canyonlands (Moab) Half Marathon. It was a lottery pick so we weren't sure we would get in and to be honest I was kind of hoping we wouldn't. If we didn't get in I wouldn't have to do this half marathon and I would still have my pride and dignity while I blamed the lottery for the fact that I didn't have to run. Alas, last night I checked my email after a blissful wintery Saturday and saw that we had got into the half marathon. Destiny is calling us to this race.

After reading the news of getting into the race the sky seemed to begin to blacken and churn, my throat started to swell shut and really life as we know it just about came to an end. CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I, Christine Omer Gilbert, have to run 13.1 miles amongst the elite of Utah's runners. I run on a treadmill at Golds Gym with a movie in front of me and an iPod in my ears, not in races.

On Saturdays I call my run the "enduro run" which is only 6-7 miles on the treadmill. I am going to have to kick the "enduro run" up a knotch by March 21st. Kicking it up a knotch means I am going to have to take away the controlled temperature of Golds and endure this while I run.

My front yard this morning.

Along with the wicked temperatures that are going to freeze my ears and face off I am going to have to endure running now in the bleak cold dark nights. Don't be surprised if you see me as the newest road kill on the streets of Bountiful. Heroes, Chuck, The Office, and The Bachelor are going to have to get used to seeing the ole' Tivo light flash red. Again life as we know it pretty much came to an end last night.

All I have to say is I better lose 10 pounds off my fat a@# by the end of this.

To all our friends running this, Good Luck but I am keeping all of my prayers for myself.

My Buddy and Me

2008-12-11T19:52:00.007-07:00

Dear Blankie,

I wanted to express my gratitude for the constant companionship you have shown me since birth. I am sure my mom always thought that you would disappear with my aging but you didn't. You have always been there. Your appearance has made radical changes over the years because of the way I brutally treated you. However you never cared that I dragged you across dirt ridden floors, wiped endless snot on you, wrapped you around shedding cats, or spilled pretend tea on you while having a picnic with my barbies. You always were my buddy.

Tigger, our favorite cat, died leaving me with a poignant memory of you. The three of us played together ever since I could remember. I was always the mom, Tigger was the baby and I swaddled Tigger with you. I was embarrassed to cry when Tigger died because he was really only just a cat but I loved him. So when I cried I wept only into you at night so no one would hear me. I soaked you with my tears but you didn't judge me because I cried over a dumb cat. You just let me cry and that was what I needed to heal at the ripe age of twelve.

I was a military brat and had to move from house to house on a more than regular basis. The smells always changed in each of the different base houses we moved into. I needed a constant and that was you. You brought the smell from our old home with you. I kept you by my nose always to remind me that I was home with my family and with you wherever I was. You made moving easier as I clung to you.

As I grew into my teenage years I became embarrassed by you and wouldn't bring you into the public eye. My family members were the only people who knew of you and I threatened them to keep it that way. Even though in high school I acted as if I didn't have you the minute the bell rang at school to go home I would rush home to veg out in front of the tube with you. We would watch hours of Saved By the Bell, Friends, and Fresh Prince of Bell and sometimes you even acted as a pillow when I was too lazy to find one. You were especially nice to cuddle with when I was too tired to watch TV and just needed to nap.

Now as an adult you share my bed with me and my husband in our slumber. You occasionally make it into my husband's arms when I am not there but that is rare. You sometimes act as my robe when I can't find it. You wrap around my shoulders and head and in an embarrassing type of way, like a turban, but only to keep me warm. You still have that consistent smell that I need. Still you let me sometimes shed my tears into you that I don't want anyone else knowing about, only now I leave two big black marks of mascara on you. Though there is still no judgment at my silly hormonal tears.

You have been called blankie all my life. My teenage years have passed and I am okay stating I have a cherished blankie that I love. I have been told to get rid of you and was tempted but I am glad I didn't. I hope some day when I have children they will have a constant buddy like I have had. They will, I will make sure of it.

Thanks,
Beano

My blankie today chillin on my couch.

On To The Toilets and Floors

2008-12-06T12:55:00.004-07:00

Dave and I have been dreading washing our huge windows at our house this year

so instead we just replaced them.

Now on to the toilets and floors!

My Belated Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T07:01:00.008-07:00

This year I realized my three favorite things to eat on Thanksgiving were pumpkin "CHEESE"cake,

Homemade by the my sisters and I. And it was fabulous.

my mom's scrumptious "CHEESE"ball,

which was finished off before Thanksgiving dinner began,

and last there was the cream"CHEESE" strawberry jello.

My plate was 2% ham and stuffing and 98% jello.

My belated thanksgiving is my membership to this place so I can ooze and sweat cream cheese for a week on the treadmill.

One Year Older and Wiser Too

2008-11-20T21:25:00.008-07:00

Today is my big sis's birthday. Happy Birthday! To celebrate Maria's birthday she gets to bear 15 things that I love about her.

#1-Maria is my big sister but she is physically my little sister. I have always been bigger than her therefore people always thought I was older. For some reason as a child I always loved that. Unfortunately the tables are turning now with age and it is working in her benefit.

I have documented that Maria does eat.

#2-Maria is as loyal of a friend as you could get. Once you are her dear friend she will have you as a friend for a lifetime.

#3-I once thought it would be funny to kick Maria for no reason while she had a fork in her mouth. (Lets remember I was 9 or 10 years old.) She forgave me just because I was her little sister. She always would forgive me for stupid things I did to her because I was her cute younger sibling.

#4-Maria loves her nieces and nephews comparably to how much their own parents love them. That love is reciprocated even more!

Maria tickling Kate, Christmas 2006

#5-Maria keeps an immaculate car. I admire this, I think this is my biggest struggle in life.

#6- I would have to say Maria is someone I can just talk and talk with and she just listens. I love that she listens to my useless bantering without any bias.

#7- We were taught as children to be independent and to try to problem solve on our own. Maria took this to heart and is the queen of this. She will try to fix anything in her house, car, or on any gadget before she asks for help or hires someone to do it.

Maria being my big sis and teaching me to walk.

#8- Maria, Sarah and I will laugh at the stupidest stuff together. I love laughing with my sisters and could not imagine it any other way.

#9- Maria is resilient. She doesn't let life get her down. If a bad day comes she picks right up the next day.

#10- I admire Maria for finding a career that she loves. Not many people have the passion for their work that Maria does.

The Omer girls. We are dumb together.

#11-Even though Maria is naturally rail thin she still cares about health and nutrition. She is such an example to me of what health is.

#12- I absolutely love that Maria takes every Tuesday night, no fail, to watch Biggest Loser with me. She missed one week watching it with me and it sucked.

#13- Maria has beautiful feet. I wish my feet looked like hers in sandals.

Maria, a southern belle. Halloween 2007

#14- Maria is the best example of someone who sticks up for what they believe. She does not budge on her beliefs or morals. She truly is what a little sisters needs.

#15- I love that Maria lives a mile away from me. If she moved away or I did I don't know what I would do. I can honestly say I have shed big alligator size tears over the thought of it happening. Now me and Maria's mission is just to get Sarah a mile away too. Someday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I Needed a Camera Phone

2008-11-17T19:39:00.014-07:00

It was a feat that I will only do once and it was pure luck. I scored a 300 while galactic bowling but for some reason my fifteen year old mind didn't record the amazing act so it is lost in history.

I got strike after strike and won a couple of these for me and my friends

along with a bunch of these.

Of course the excitement of getting free food summoned me away from any emotion of the pro-like scoring I pulled out of my butt that night. In my mind I thought this happened every galactic night at the Mountain Home AFB Bowling Alley with every fifteen year old.

Ten years later I am continuely trying to convince my doubtful husband that this actually happened. How I wish camera cell phones were available then. My shining moment in life would have been documented for the world to see or at least for Dave to see.

'Tis the season to be merry. That's my name.'

2008-11-14T10:15:00.010-07:00

According to me the holiday season is in full force with Thanksgiving just around the corner. I always kick off the holiday season by watching a little movie called "Christmas Vacation". I have been known to watch it two or three times over the whole season. The holiday's just aren't right without it. It's about time to pull it out and wipe the dust off to kick off the 2008/2009 holiday season.

Best Christmas movie, hands down. What are your favorite Christmas movies that HAVE to be watched every year?

I have included a few of the many lines that are my favorites from this movie.

Clark: Oh, I was just smelling - smiling. I was just blouse - browsing. I, uh, heh heh. Well, I guess it just wouldn't... Oh hee hee, it wouldn't be the Christmas shopping season if the stores were any less hooter than they - HOTTER than they are. Whew. It is warm in here, isn't it?

Mary: You have your coat on.

Clark: Yes, oh do I? Yeah, it is a bit nipply out. I mean nippy. What am I saying, nipple?

----------------------------------------

Clark: Since this is Aunt Bethany's 80th Christmas, I think she should lead us in the saying of Grace.

Aunt Bethany: [turns to Lewis] What, dear?

Nora Griswold: Grace!

Aunt Bethany: Grace? She passed away thirty years ago.

Uncle Lewis: They want you to say Grace. [Bethany shakes her head in confusion]

Uncle Lewis: The BLESSING!

Aunt Bethany: [they all pose for prayer] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands/ One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Clark: Amen.

----------------------------------------

Ellen: Oh Aunt Bethany, you shouldn't have done that.
Aunt Bethany: Oh dear, did I break wind?
Uncle Lewis: Did the room clear out, Bethany? Hell no, she means presents. You shouldn't have brought presents.

Cozy!

2008-11-09T09:02:00.008-07:00

I was not a pajama person until a couple years ago I realized a great set of pajamas is the difference between a crap load of sleep or nightly bliss.

If I could buy every set of these pajamas in every color from Victoria's Secret I would be in sleepers heaven. I have one set and absolutely love it.

I hope if I get these for Christmas I wake up looking like this from now on.

Reasons I love them:

-They are a light thermal. These pajamas don't create a heatwave in my bed but they still keep it warm. If I need a heatwave there is always Dave to cuddle with.

-I hate anything flannel and these pajamas aren't flannel. First, flannel is too hot, even for winter. Second, I hate how flannel sticks to all other cloth so when I turn in bed (which I do a lot) all the blankets go with me. This ultimately leads to me being called a "blanket hog" and then the tug-a -war starts.

-The arm band and leg bands are tight around the body. In the morning I don't look like I am wearing pajama pants for a diaper. I've been done with diapers since I was three and don't want to be wearing them again until I am ninety. I am sure Dave doesn't dig the diaper look either.

-The t-shirt style shirt doesn't wrap around me with every toss and turn.

-I feel cute in these pajamas

These PJs are not so much my favorites.

Not my fav PJs but still wish I looked like this in the morning.

Reason I am not a fan:

-These are flannel. Enough said.

-There is no band around the leg to keep them from riding up on my legs. Cold knees=bad.

-With my height the pants and sleeves are ALWAYS to short. I don't know if that is a pet peeve but it is super annoying and I am constantly pulling on the sleeves.

-The top twists and constricts around my torso like a snake trying to kill its prey. No bueno!

-Those buttons are HUGE. When I sleep on my stomach they rub into my sternum. I watch Dr. 90210 and therefore I know everything about anything medical. Doctors rub their patient's sternum to wake them and according to Dr. Rey it doesn't feel good. With that said my buttons wake me at night because they mimic Dr. Rey's techniques.

I sure hope Dave reads my blog for christmas ideas. The VS thermal pajamas already feel so warm on me Christmas night.

The Mish

2008-11-08T08:22:00.014-07:00

James, our old fart of a missionary at the ripe age of almost 23 left on October 22, 2008 to go on an LDS mission. He was able to turn in his papers to serve a mission this summer after battling losing his eyesight over the past 4 years and having two cornea transplants. He is going to the Louisville, Kentucky spanish speaking mission.

The fam on the night of Jamy's farewell at Debi's house.

Debi and Alesa are Jamy's biggest fans and supporters. They will from now on be referred to as Fan 1 and Fan 2 by Dave and I. For christmas I am getting them a big spongy finger that is customized with the words "Jamy's The Best" or "Jamy is the #1 missionary". Something like that.

Jamy's great mom aka Fan 1

Jamy's awesome aunt aka Fan 2

The women in Jamy's life that he will miss the most, his sisters. (He will miss Britnee and Carlee the most, not me.)

Britnee, Carlee, Me, and James

I am just on the look out at the MTC for people for James to teach. Didn't find any. I am sure Jamy can do a better job than me in Kentucky.

A big thanks to Carlee for all the pictures since our camera decided to take a day off.

A Time For Change

2008-11-05T21:07:00.006-07:00

Today I have been contemplating what President-elect Obama has in store for us these next four years. I am hopeful and excited to see what will come of this government and nation. My thoughts narrowed today from the grand plans the President-elect has for this nation and its future to me and my future.

I took a minute to stop where I was and let it sink in that so much in my life has happened in the past four years. I wondered in awe what four years could do and where I would be at the end of Obama's first term as president.

I believe that as citizens of this great country we live that we need to exercise our freedoms that have been divinely given to us. How can we expect the politicians and government of this great country to carry us through the thick and thin of life? It is a democracy and we as citizens are the rock that this nation is based upon. What and who we are is what the nation as a whole is. We have the ability to better our personal lives and the nation with the goals we set for ourselves, a little perseverance and an abundance of hard work. It's the beauty of America.

I decided today that with this new president and leadership come expectations for a better future for the nation. Along with that, I decided how should I have such high expectations for them if I don't have as high of personal expectations for myself? Even if we are improving ourselves in the smallest and simplest of ways aren't we improving the nation we are blessed to live in? I decided to make a four year plan or set goals to better myself as a United States citizen and as an individual.

My four year plan (goals):

-Studying and reading the Book of Mormom twice (my brother-in-law, James, already challenged me to do this in the next two years). Along with that I would like to study and read the Bible.

-Becoming a mom of at least one.

-Letting the little time-bomb called my temper learn some patience.

-To only speak and think kind words of other people.

-Learning and knowing to have fun doing the simplest of things. Finding the joy of the simplicity of life.

-I don't want to move. Selfish, I know, but I HATE moving and losing close friendships.

-Being more sympathetic to everyone's different trials. If something doesn't seem hard to me I don't understand why it is hard for others. This is my downfall in life and biggy for me to work on.

-I hope to almost be done with my bachelor's degree in four years. HA!

-Being able to keep up with Dave running and to be able to run with him. Dave is a gazelle so I am being quite ambitious with this one.

-I want to make it a radical habit to eat healthy and not to be tempted with food, my addiction.

-To think of my husbands needs before mine.

-Sharing my testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints through example and word and not to be scared to do so.

Come back in four years and we'll see what Obama has done for this country and what I have done with myself.

Get Off Your Butt

2008-11-04T14:46:00.001-07:00

If I can do it, you can too.

Keep The Doctor Away

2008-11-03T19:58:00.007-07:00

I have never been an apple fan. Yes, I know, an apple a day keeps the doctor away and that is why I eat them. I used to try to smother my Fuji apples with peanut butter but with age I figured out that was defeating the healthy purpose of the fruit. I usually try though to go for some alternative fruit that is in season and readily available on the produce isle at Smiths.

I love these and could spend my lazy summer days with peach juice dripping down my chin.

However peach season came and went, FAST. All I can ever find at the store these days are Fuji apples, Honey Crisp apples, Red Delicious apples, Granny Smith apples, Gala apples, Pink Lady apples, apples, apples, apples and more apples. Ugh.......apples......... Where did all the other fruits go?

Today while being hypnotized by the apple circus in front of me at Smiths I noticed something that was kind of like an apple but a little more skinny on the top. A pear, the alternative!

Pears are now my favorite treat for this season. Yum.

A Towel For a Baby

2008-11-01T09:06:00.003-06:00

Dave and I had a halloween party at our home last night. Juno and Paulie Bleeker made an appearance along with some chefs, Buzz Lightyear, a banana, two three hole punches, Capt. Jack Sparrow and his pirate chick, Spiderman, Ariel, a monster, and the list goes on. It was a star-studded affair to say the least.

Juno and Paulie Bleeker

Halloween's Evil

2008-10-28T13:12:00.008-06:00

For the past month everytime I go the grocery store I encounter something that looks like this.

Of course I have to walk down the isle drooling as I think of what candy I should pass out on October 31st. The kicker is we only get about 3 sets of kids at our home on halloween night so the leftovers go to Dave and I and our fat butts.

Picking out the candy for those pesky little trick or treaters turns into picking out Dave and I's favorite candy selection. I thoroughly love the bags of candy that come in mixes so that we get a wide variety of sugar to thicken up our thighs.

Though everytime I try to choose the "best" bag of candy for Dave and I's taste I end up wishing it wasn't a pre-made variety pack and that I could make my own variety pack of candy. For some reason candy makers through out the world teamed up and made a rule that one crappy candy has to go into every sort of variety bag. That crappy candy tortures my pantry for months while I decide if it would be best to throw it away or to not waste and keep it. Ultimately I end up throwing the despised candy away. What a waste!

These scrumptious candies would be in my $6.99 large variety pack:

Snickers

Reeses Cups

Kit Kats (for Dave, cause I love him)

Skittles

Swedish Fish

Almond Joy

Hopefully this year we get a crazy amount of trick or treaters so this isn't even an issue.

Fettish

2008-10-26T08:48:00.005-06:00

I have a card fettish.

These ones are going out to my nieces and nephews this week for Halloween.

Now It's Just A Waiting Game

2008-10-25T16:00:00.008-06:00

Dave introduced me to snowboarding about 3 years ago. I loved it the minute I got on the mountain, unlike skiing. I am scared of heights so it holds me back a bit from throwing myself directly into snowboarding. Dave made an agreement with me which was as soon as I could hold my own on the mountain and knew I would do it for the rest of my life he would get me a new board of my very own and of my own picking and bindings to go along with it.

Last year I finally was carving like a pro by the end of the season and could go a whole day without falling. I would have to say that is holding my own on the mountain. So with the improvements in the snow Dave decided it was time for his bad-a snowboarding wife to receive that promised gift.

So this is a farewell to my old snowboard and ultra ghetto bindings. My bindings aren't going to be taking my whole day up getting jammed anymore. It's time to cruise.

My new Rome Blue 155 and some sweet Roxy bindings and me.

Now it's just a waiting game for the snow to start falling. This year I can't wait to ride!

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

2008-10-24T20:59:00.007-06:00

Tonight I went with some friends to see Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. I absolutely loved it! I don't know if I am just completely sick of hearing about the downer economy and the upcoming elections but this movie was a breath of fresh air. So different.

I loved that Nick and Norah weren't "beautiful people" and seemed so real. I loved that these kids drive around the city while trying to occupy their time in their old beater cars that they cherish. It reminded me of my care free days in high school driving around fulfilling useless adventures with my friends in the old Chevrolet Caprice Classic boat I drove. Doesn't it seem that all teenagers seem to bond with music and identify themselves with what they listen to? This movie quintessentially captures that part of a teenager's life. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is fresh and simple and I absolutely recommend it.

If you see it let me know what you think.

Call Me Crazy

2008-10-21T15:07:00.010-06:00

Is it blasphemous to live in the 21st century and say I hate cell phones? Because I do.

My phone. The world would be a better place without it.

The idea that anyone in this world can get in touch with me at anytime or anywhere annoys me. I have thought about it and am assuming that when whoever out there started thinking of the first concepts of a cell phone they were thinking that it would be for the convenience of the actual cell phone owner/user. It you flash back to Saved By The Bell do you see Zach Morris ever whipping out the ole' cell phone to answer calls about the stresses of life? No, in all my Zach Morris memories I only remember him using his cell phone for his very own conveniences such as using it to set up dance gigs at The Max, consoling Kelly Capowski, or pranking Mr. Belding.

Why is it that it has turned into a faux pau to not press that little green button when our phones start ringing the newest popular tune? I know texts are sweet and simple but do those have to always be answered on moments notice? I have heard probably 12 bazillion times a phrase that goes something like this, "Why do you pay for a cell phone when you don't ever answer it." My answer, "Non yo bees wax". Probably rude but I wish my cell phone would get flushed down the toilet so I don't have to explain my annoyance for cell phones.

We live in an impatient world with people who want instant things, including me. I have ignored many calls, by-passed many voice messages, and not answered texts because I need to take a break from the world. Though when that someone who's call I ingnored asks me if I saw they called, what do I say? Do I lie? No, not worth my integrity. However if I am honest I get the stink eye. Why can't the world just be okay with the words "I saw you called but I just didn't want to talk. Really I just wanted to veg out from a hard days work and fry my brain with some lame TV".

What I am trying to say is a world without cell phones was great. I need a cell phone vacation. It's about time I conveniently lose it again.

However don't stop calling or texting. I promise I will get back to you, just let me finish my TV show or this blog I am writing.

This Is Why I Run On The Treadmill

2008-10-16T11:05:00.016-06:00

Halloween is one of my favorite events of the year. The fatty in me absolutely loves all the parties thrown with all the yummy appetizers and food to snack on while mingling with friends. So in saying this I honor my favorite Halloween pot luck foods.

-Seven Layer Bean Dip- This has to be made with fresh, homemade (I prefer) guacamole.

-Pumpkin Roll/Bars - Pumpkin = heaven.

-Bacon Wrapped Chestnuts-Greasy and good!

-Buffalo Chicken Dip- Might sound gross but believe me it's to die for.

2 cans of chicken

2 cups Colby Jack Cheese

10 oz. ranch

Franks's Hot Wing Sauce-almost entire bottle

8 oz. Cream Cheese

Mix all this crap together in a crock pot and heat up. Bingo, it's time to start dipping.

-Lemon Bars

-Veggie Tray- I know it's not anything fancy but any get-together has to have a veggie tray in my opinion.

-Cupcakes- I love cupcakes that are decorated for Halloween.

-Caramel Apples-

-Chex Mix-MMMM.... Candy Corn

-Little Smokeys-

In second grade I had a homeroom halloween party that all the moms were putting on. My mom was working that peticular day so my dad took the time to come and help. I appreciated having a dad who was involved when my mom couldn't be BUT instead of making goodies like the ones listed he brought carrot sticks. Oh... the embarrassment! That day I sat at my desk and vowed when as a mom I would never bring carrot sticks to a homeroom party. I pictured goodies covered in sugar and dips laden with cream cheese . So again I vow when I have children these are the sort of things I will bring to their parties.

What are your favorite Halloween treats?

Plain Jane

2008-10-09T09:22:00.020-06:00

How I wish I could be on a makeover show where someone would tell me how to wear funky clothes (of course in a classy way), don smoky eyeshadow, and tell me what to do with my drab brown hair. Though of all things I wish so badly to be able to pull off and don't think I should even attempt is the bright red lipstick. My feeling is the red lipstick can go either trashy or trendy. Ultimately I want to be the trendy but when painted on in the confinement of my own home with no one to watch the red lips only come across trashy in the hooker sort of way. I desperately need Clinton Kelly.

Audrey Hepburn screams classy with those red lips. She is my fashion idol!

My sis-in-law, Britnee. She can pull anything off and is beautiful, especially with the red lips.

I wish I could pull of this look.

Nie Nie. This picture is already amazing however I think the red lips add something that wouldn't be there without them. By the way check out her story at nieniedialogues.com.

Impatience

2008-10-03T13:26:00.007-06:00

For anyone who knows my husband he is extremely impatient in the fidgety type of way. He can't sit too long or else his head will explode. Really it will. Yesterday was the U of U/Oregon game and we were able to make it to Rice Eccles Stadium to watch it. We made it for three quarters of the game until Dave's timer started going for his head to blow off. So with 3 minutes to go til the game ending we left.

Freddie Brown catching a touchdown pass at the U of U/Oregon game.

If you watched the game you realize we are the biggest suckers in the world. The whole game happened the last 2 minutes of the game. The U came back to beat the famous OSU in like the last second of the game. I don't know the play by play those last two minutes cause Dave and I were sitting pretty at PF Changs waiting for our dessert. Dave and I were stuffing The Great Wall of Chocolate Cake in our faces while all the U fans stormed the field.

This could have been Dave and I. We suck!

Next game it looks like Dave's head will just have to explode. I am not missing another ending like that again.

Go UTES !

"London, Paris, Rome, Moab"

2008-09-28T20:46:00.009-06:00

Dave and I hightailed it out of the Wasatch Front this weekend with our neighbors/friends to Moab. It couldn't have been better timing in going due to the fact that the weather was spectacular, crowds were at a minimum and I needed a break from the everyday monotony of life.

Dave and I hiking to Delicate Arch.

Dave and Kent underneath Delicate Arch.

Moab is the mountain biker's heaven. For me that meant it was time to be back in the saddle again after my last spill with the mountain bike. My injuries were healed so there were no excuses for being a pansy. With that said Dave and Kent decided this morning that Shanlee and I were going to experience Slick Rock and enjoy it. I wasn't aware I was going to be biking this morning so the attire was a bit off but I made it and did not only enjoy it but LOVED it. My fear for heights yielded me from going down some of the extremely steep hills but I sure was proud of myself.

Shanlee and I killing it on Slick Rock.

Everytime I make it down to Moab I am surprised at how many foreigners are there. Come on, really, thousands of dollars for Moab? All I ever imagine while in Moab is Bear Grylls trying to survive in the bleak hot sun attemping to find some water so his tongue doesn't fall off. However this weekend I was able to look past the deady desert and see beauty. And it was breath taking.

Our ghetto camera would never do the red rock justice.

This weekend jaunt was what the doctor ordered.

The Sunday Usual

2008-09-22T12:02:00.012-06:00

As a child I was always a step behind all my siblings in maturity. When they were in high school I was in my awkward buck-toothed pudgy stage enduring junior high (ugh...). When they were in their awkward junior high stage prancing around with caboodles and make-up I was still cute and collecting polly pockets. However Sunday was our day as children to bond together, maturity levels set aside, by playing hide and seek.

Obviously things were pretty boring around our house until I got a little older
to plan the famous Sunday hide and seek.

This is the way it went. My mom and dad after church every Sunday would claim they were taking a nap. As an adult it has donned on me what a "nap" was. GROSS!!!! As soon as the parent's nap started us Omer children would converge. First, we designated where home base would be, always the bathroom. Then as youngest child I would always have to seek first though I didn't mind. My oldest sibling and only brother, Loren, would have the guts to hide somewhere dangerous such as the laundry dryer. Maria would always find a tight place that her twig like body could fold into an accordion. And in all my memories Sarah would flatten herself into a pancake under our bunkbed and breath in dust bunnies while waiting to not be found. My personal favorite hiding spot was underneath the laundry pile. At my young innocent naive age I thought it was a brilliant idea and couldn't understand why I was always found.

Me (in the corner), Sarah, Maria, and Loren looking oh so innocent before the Sunday hide and seek started.

The consensus among the four of us was that once one of us was found and touched we were out. Though if seen but not touched we had the ability to make it to home base without being out. It always became a game of chase. Once at home base the first person would hold on to something in that bathroom and stretch their body to the extreme limit down the hallway. That person's body was now dubbed home base, be it a leg, toe or even a toenail. Next person to home base would link on so there was a chain of children stretching home base down the hall to save the other siblings from being out. We were a big long worm grown together by the worry that we couldn't save each other from the doom of being out.

Maria, Sarah and Loren, my siblings.

This game would go for hours upon hours. We wreaked havoc through-out our home on Sunday afternoons while our parents napped. Couches sometimes would be overturned in the pursuit for home base, clothes in closets thrown out to make room for hiding spots, and loud squeals of horror were wailed through-out the neighborhood because someone had been found. Though it might have been a mess to clean up it will be something I will remember for all the rest of my years. I bonded with my dearest friends, my siblings on those lazy Sunday afternoons. It's a wonder what hide and seek can do for four bored kids.

The Wiz

2008-09-20T21:53:00.010-06:00

I made it through a "thaifoon",

got a red pair of slippers,

walked on some bricks at The Gateway,

unfortunately didn't run into any of these little guys,

and fortunately dodged this little number

made it with Dave to Dave's Emerald City aka Ben's Cookies,

Note: Dave's in line at the doorway.

then on to my own personal Emerald City aka the movies,

after this dreamy date I got in a 2003 Honda Civic, clicked the heals of my red shiny shoes and made it home. There is no place like home.

What a date!

Arrrrrrr..........

2008-09-18T12:03:00.006-06:00

For all you lubbers (land lovers), tomorrow is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Here are the top ten pirate pickup lines for all to use tomorrow.

10 . Avast, me proud beauty! Wanna know why my Roger is so Jolly?
9. Have ya ever met a man with a real yardarm?
8. Come on up and see me urchins.
7. Yes, that is a hornpipe in my pocket and I am happy to see you.
6. I'd love to drop anchor in your lagoon.
5. Pardon me, but would ya mind if fired me cannon through your porthole?
4. How'd you like to scrape the barnacles off of me rudder?
3. Ya know, darlin’, I’m 97 percent chum free.
2. Well blow me down?
And the number one pickup line for use on International Talk Like a Pirate Day is …
1. Prepare to be boarded.

By the way don't think you are above this because if you don't talk like a pirate tomorrow you are totally missing out. At least get an "Arrrrrrr" in, that's all I can do.

The Find

2008-09-15T15:26:00.007-06:00

Today I found one these

and one of these

in my pant pocket. Hooray! Karma is on my side today.

It is sad to admit I purposefully planted the money a couple months ago in the pants so I could be surprised later on. Though it was posed there by myself for my own joy it sure was a good surprise this morning. I might have to do that more often.

Sidenote: Winter coats are the best place to stash wads of cash for a surprise attack later on.

Where Were You?

2008-09-11T09:24:00.011-06:00

On September 11, 2001 I woke up that morning to get ready for institute at Utah State University. While in the community showers at my dorm, The Towers (ironic, i know), I heard a girl talking about the first plane hitting the first tower in NYC. I thought this sounded like a good suspenseful movie. So wanting to know what movie it was I leaned over and asked her what it was. Of course it wasn't a movie it was happening in real life right then.

I hopped out of the shower and ran into my dorm room to wake my roommate up and turn on the TV. Two minutes after turning on the TV the second plane hit the tower live. I was thinking this all had to be an accident until that second plane hit. I was speechless and tearful of this intentional horrendous destruction going on.

For some reason with all this turmoil unraveling around us I was concerned about being late to institute. So while watching the TV out of the corner of my eye I managed to get ready and then walk over to the institute. At institute I offered the opening prayer which said something about the current events that were happening. No one in the class was aware of the happenings so our institute teacher turned on the TV and we watched NBC for the rest of class.

Every Patriot Day from that day on out I will always remember and have remembered where I was and what I was doing while our beloved country was being attacked.

We Bleed Red

2008-09-06T22:07:00.007-06:00

Dave and I enjoyed an evening out at the U of U first home football game of 2008. What a blast it was to be there eating hotdogs, sipping on Diet Coke, taking in the crisp almost autumn air, and screaming my guts out as the U crushed UNLV. Might I add it was even better because Dave was by my side doing all the same things. I tried to go in for a chest bump with Dave after a touchdown but I considered that was a little over the top so I stuck with the usual high fives.

Dave and I not only loving the Utes but also dressed for the occasion.

Opposites Attract

2008-09-05T23:58:00.014-06:00

Thanks to Paula Abdul and some cartoon cat we all know that opposites can attract. I would have to put Dave and I in the "opposites attract" category only because I can think of more differences in us than similarities.

Dave and I being opposites.

Our list of our opposites.

-I indulge in salty and spicy foods. (Fries, chips, buffalo wings, etc.)

He indulges in anything sweet.
(Brownies, Juice, Cookies, Etc.)

-I love naps and resting my eyes.

He loves going nonstop until falling over
from needless and endless exertion.

-I milk injuries and sicknesses as long as I can for the sympathy factor.

He will be on his death bed before admitting to pain or sickness.

-I love things to be organized even when I can't see them.

He finds no need for organization when you can
shut a door and not have to look at it.

-I love cats.

He loves dogs.

-I love to sleep with straight, tight, nicely tucked-in sheets and blankets.

He claims the only way to sleep is to be burritoed
in a mass of heaping blankets.

-I say fruity candy.

He lives for chocolate.

-I think having a blog and checking my email daily is tech savvy.

He says that my idea of being tech savvy is
child's play.

-I despise TV shows like One Tree Hill and The OC.

He finds unrealistically rich kids running around
drinking unlawful amounts of alcohol
entertaining.

-I like to be loud and obnoxious.

He thinks before he speaks.

-Kids run from me.

Kids run to him.

-I love fiction.

He loves self-help and informational books.

-I find bathroom humor funny.

He finds it disgusting.

-I like miniature golf.

He likes 18 holes on true golfing greens.

-I love feel good movies with happy endings.

He loves B grade movies with explosions and
bad-a guys running around saving the day.

-I eat corn on the cob like a typewriter.

He eats around the cob in circles.

-I am the last to say I am sorry.

He is always the first.

It Is What I Am

2008-08-30T15:39:00.008-06:00

There are two things that I am completely NOT and that is graceful or coordinated.

Dave and I went mountain biking this morning. It was good times until I hit a root on the trail while going fast down the mountain. I completely flew off my bike and literally Supermaned onto the trail then skidded as if I were going into home base.

Thanks to my helmet for helmet hair and a non road rashed face.

Along with the nasty scrape is an even nastier bruise underneath. It freakin hurts!

Waking up from my recovery nap with my battle wounds.

After it all happened Dave and I jumped back on our bikes to ride the rest of the way down and Dave asked me why I didn't tuck and roll or do something a bit more graceful (he asked while laughing). My only answer was that I am a daughter of Ken and Audrey Omer and we are born this way. We are born to stay on stationary bikes and run in straight lines.

Mystery Solved

2008-08-24T08:54:00.006-06:00

Since the Olympics started two weeks ago I have been wondering where the heck Michael Phelps dad was in this whole thing. I found an article telling the cover up story that Michael Phelps wanted everyone to hear though I don't think it's the truth.

There is no doubt Michael Phelps is half human and half dolphin. I think the truth is that his dad is located out in the Atlantic Ocean and is named Flipper.

Anyone see a resemblance?

Get Ready Ladies

2008-08-21T10:41:00.009-06:00

Last season we all saw on The Bachelorette Jason getting the complete shaft by DeAnna aka BRAT. I tried to look on the bright side of her choice to be with Jesse and excepted it.

But now some news!

Drumroll............... Jason will be THE NEW BACHELOR starting January 2009. I usually hate reality TV and even sometimes The Bachelor (don't mistake that for The Bachelorette) because the girls make complete fools of themselves. Though with Jason in the loop and knowing he is not some schmuck looking for some TV time or some booty I am pretty excited for this next season. Hopefully he won't fail all of us dedicated viewers by picking someone like that Shane Lamas chick.

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b24922_bachelorette_castoff_jason_embraces.html

(I know this linked weird on the blog, it won't let me link it any other way right now.)

XTerra

2008-08-17T08:13:00.023-06:00

For the past 6 months Dave and his friend Justin have been training for the XTerra Triathlon. This triathlon encompasses their love for the outdoors, adventure, and sweating.

Yesterday was game day. The XTerra includes one mile of swimming at Pineview Reservoir, 30 kilometers of some intense uphill mountain biking to Snowbasin Ski Resort, and a then 10 kilometers of mountain running in the mountains by Snowbasin.

Justin and Dave showing off their tats and farmers tans.

The swim at Pineview Reservoir. Dave had a bit of post tramatic stress syndrome from almost drowning in Costa Rica so he only did half of the swim. I would rather him do only half than die from freaking out in dark water. Fortunatly they didn't disqualify him for that so he just kept going. Justin pulled through with the breast stroke and side stoke and managed the full mile.

Dave in transition one getting ready to bike in the mountains.

Dave running off to the mountains to hop on his bike.

Justin after transition one from the swim to bikes running to get to the mountains to be a mountain goat on his bike. From what I hear Justin was made for biking.

Dave rolling in from the mountain biking.

Justin made some good time with the biking.

Me, Britnee (Dave's sis), and Helena being the cheerleaders and camera crew.

Dave getting one last adrenaline rush to run the 10k off into the mountains. Dave is a natural born runner and killed it on this part of the race. He made some really good time on the run.

Dave coming in at the finish. He came in at 4 hours 13 minutes. (If he had done the full swim it would have added another 20 or so minutes on to that.)

Everyone coming in at the finish was caked with dirt and sweat.

Justin finishing strong at 4 hours 35 minutes.

Justin and Dave. From what they say this will be an annual thing for them.

Sidenote: The guy who won this whole thing was from South Africa. He did it in 2 hours 20 minutes. The top ten who placed weren't even from America.

Spinning Around

2008-08-04T20:56:00.008-06:00

Today I started to do this

because of it I did of lot of that

then a drank of lot of this

I drink G2 and started spinning because I do of lot of that

Hopefully one of these days my buns start looking like this

and hopefully one day because of this class I can be as bad-a as Dave at that

I guess we'll see!

The Barn

2008-08-03T19:17:00.004-06:00

You might think that Dave and I have some livestock in our backyard because of the little shack in our backyard that resembles a barn. No, it's not a barn just a shed. I will add too that when we shopped for homes this little shed won this house over for me. I was truly sick of having our mountain bikes in our dining room at our apartment.

Since this faux barn won me over I thought it deserved a little TLC. Saturday it was and no buts about it we were going to give this little shed what it deserved. With temperature topping out at about 103 degrees I had second thoughts on being outside but I grabbed a cup of water and headed out.

Me trying to not be in a bad mood painting the shed while it was ruthlessly hot.

Our little barn looks so good that I think I might try to stuff a couple cows in there just to see how it would look. Anyone know where I can get a cow?

I know the yard looks totally white trash. My next project is to spruce up the backyard. Fortunatly no one can see it past our fence.

Livin Life in the Fast Lane

2008-07-23T10:57:00.009-06:00

The past 5 years my life has been filled with hours upon hours of commuting. Commuting doesn't just involve tires rolling on pavement going to and from work and me listening to the radio. It involves swerving from deer, cats, dogs, children, road bikers (ughhhh), random citizens with death wishes, construction workers and their tools and occasionaly crazy suicidal birds. Also along with those hazards that we commuters swerve from there is UDOT.

Anyone living in Utah gets shivers down their spine at the term UDOT (especially in the summer). The minute the ground thaws from the tumultuous winter construction starts on anything that wears pavement. My commute isn't only dodging unsupected things in the road but now I have to put on my thinking cap on how the H. E. double hockey sticks I will get home from work with all the roads closed for construction. Along with the unwanted wasted time for an unwanted detour comes also more miles for me to have to pay for gas.

I don't know about the rest of the world but I love summer. However this year road construction is putting a BIG FAT damper on it. This summer I would have to say I am living life in the slow lane.

The Suit Man

2008-07-20T08:00:00.001-06:00

Dave has made a self proclamation that he is not a suit man. He only does slacks, a dress shirt and a tie.

The Man Before the Suit.

About a month ago the stake president asked us to go to his office on a Wednesday night. After a brief moment of shock and awe Dave accepted his new calling as EQP aka Elders Quorum President.

The Man After the Suit

Dave's self proclamation fizzled that late Wednesday night as he realized he had to look serious and look the part. Thanks to Nordstrom's Rack and a gay salesman who taught Dave how to fit and wear a suit Dave is a suit man now. Dave just got sustained and set apart last Sunday. I heard from various ward members this past week that they knew something was up with Dave and a new calling as soon as he donned a new suit 3 weeks ago. I guess the cat was already out of the bag.

#143

2008-07-19T08:37:00.003-06:00

I have been out of the loop these past couple weeks on getting my daily running/exercise in. It's been consistently sporatic. So for a little motivation to make myself exercise I signed my neighbor and I up for the Handcart Days 5K race.

I aka runner #143 wasn't the fastest but I thoroughly enjoyed the sweat, the sunrise, the free t-shirt, and the best of them all, the complimentary Jamba Juice at the end. Number 143's motivation is back.

Good or Bad Choice?

2008-07-16T09:37:00.009-06:00

The Bachelorette has finally come to its ultra cheesy conclusion and drumroll.........DeAnna picked Jesse. I think I am with everyone else who watched this show in saying that Jesse wasn't my first pick. However I do have to say after much pondering and prayer I have determined I like the pick she made. Here are my reason for any of you Bachelorette watchers.

Anyone who can wear a T-shirt that says "Hello My Name is Jesse" under a suit jacket and thinks it comes across as classy has to be a real person.

The fact that Jesse wasn't ready to jump DeAnna's bones the minute she looked at him showed that he was respectable.

Jesse could carry DeAnna as he snowboarded. What a Bad-A.

Jesse didn't live in a posh home that had a view of some big city. His home showed he lives frugally but still with some class. Obviously he isn't the showy type.

His parents seemed like the sweetest, most honest people who weren't at the family dinner to be in the camera's spotlight. How could they have raised a schmuck?

Jesse didn't try to win DeAnna's heart with an announcement of a parent's death or any other manipulation. He was himself and didn't throw his baggage on her right of the bat for some sympathy.

Last Jesse was always extremely sweet and looked at her like he genuinely cared about her feelings. He was down right sweet.

By the way I know this post is a little late but I had to voice my opinion.

Watch Out, It Might Dance

2008-07-09T09:19:00.009-06:00

This monstrasity showed up on my neck this week and it is nasty. It is casting its own shadows, grew its own vascular system, basically I am a freak show. I don't want to be hauled off to the circus tomorrow so I went to the doc today and they said it has to be cut out. We'll see how that goes.

I am praying every night that what happened in Spaceballs at the diner doesn't happen to me and my neck before this sucker gets cut out. It would be hilarious though if that thing on my neck started dancing with a barber shop hat this next week.

I Made It

2008-07-06T09:10:00.004-06:00

On the morning of the 4th of July my family decided to sweat out a 5K to show our patriotism and love for our country. We had a great time!

Me, Maria , my mom, and Loren. Rex ran but he had to get home.

The Whos from Whoville

2008-07-06T08:18:00.017-06:00

My sisters and I decided to throw an Independence Day BBQ for all of my extended Omer family. The Omer family resembles the Whos in Whoville in the fact that there are a TON of us, and I mean a TON. We Omers have our strength in numbers. The BBQ went off without a hitch and it was a blast!

Loren, Dave, Me, Sarah, Rex, Maria and baby T-Rex.

Grandpa sporting his cane he whittled out of his peach tree.

Rex and Dave

Two of my many cousins. Stefanie and Rebekah.

My cousins. Laura, Katie and Amy.

My brother, Loren and his wife, Bryn lighting their sparklers.

Ultimate Frizbee in 100 degree weather. Crazy, but it was fun.
Dave, Grant, Haven, Ben, Uncle Ted, Rex, Gavin, Uncle Mark.

More cousins. Emily, Olivia, Katie, Jenny, Laura, and Eric.

Ros, Aunt Sharol, Aunt Julie, and my mom.

My brother-in-law, Rex, had all the grandkids and great grandkids chanting U.S.A as they spun around on this thing in the park. Only Rex can instill such rabid patriotism into children.

Great-Aunt Millie and Aunt Sharol

Closet Listener

2008-07-01T12:31:00.018-06:00

I have come to realize after writing my last blog that I have quite a few guilty pleasure songs. I'll admit I am a closet listener with music and don't necessarily always let my husband even know that I like some songs due to my pride and embarrassment. As you can read in my last blog one of those is Lee Greenwood's Proud to be an American. Cheesy, but I love it. Here is a list of my top 15 guilty pleasure songs that I am coming out of the closet on.

15. Kris Kross- Jump, This is on my Ipod gym playlist. After 20 years it still gets me pumped up.

14. Mariah Carey- Dreamlover, I had the Music Box Album in tape form to listen to in my walkman as a kid so to me this is a classic.

13. Bryan Adams- Have You Ever Really Loved A Women.

12. New Kids On The Block- Summertime, This is a new release and I want to hate the new New Kids On The Block but the song is so catchy.

11. Mormon Tabernacle Choir- Showtime Album, I almost bought this on i-tunes but got embarrassed that Dave would see it so I didn't.

10. Gwen Stefani- Challahback Girl, This song is annoying but I can never seem to turn the station when it is on the radio. Who knows, I guess I subconsciously like it.

9. Neil Diamond- Coming to America, I feel like I should be 60 when I rock out to this, if you can call it rocking out.

8. Disturbed- Down With the Sickness, This song is way too hard core for me to listen to especially when I am the kind of person who doesn't take myself that seriously. With that said I have to admit I still listen to it and enjoy it.

7. Tupac feat. Dr. Dre- California Love.

6. Garth Brooks- Unanswered Prayers, I love this song because it brings me back to my hillbilly days in Mtn. Home, ID. Singing Garth Brooks songs around the campfire was our favorite pastime in high school. Now I get embarrased when I pull out any of my old country music that I used to worship.

5. LFO-Summer Girls, I think this has to be a guilty pleasure song for everyone. Who wouldn't like this song?

4. Eminem- Lose Yourself, I pretend to act like Eminem's music is trash but Lose Yourself is a GREAT song, especially at the end of a work out.

3. Kenny Loggins- Footloose, I want to kick off my Sunday shoes when I listen to this.

2. David Bowie and Queen- Under Pressure. Don't confuse the beginning of this song with Ice Ice Baby.

1. Mariah Carey- Hero, I hate anything to do with Mariah Carey and her music but for some reason I can't help but listen to this song, ALONE.

WARNING- You may have to listen to these ridiculous songs in my car if you get in.

The Patriot

2008-06-30T14:33:00.012-06:00

My ALL TIME favorite holiday is Independence Day. I love the United States and especially celebrating our freedoms. There is a song by Lee Greenwood that I love and gives me chill bumps everytime I hear it no matter the time of year. By the way this song is a total guilty pleasure song because it is so extremely cheesy but I still love it. The lyrics in this song describe exactly how I feel about our blessed country.

And I’m proud to be and American,

where at least I know I’m free.

And I wont forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

next to you and defend her still today.

‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA

Lee Greenwood

God Bless America

and

Happy Independence Day

Me & Tucan Sam

2008-06-11T14:58:00.003-06:00

Here is a picture of me and a Tucano Bird. More to come when I get home stay tuned........

Pura Vida

2008-06-11T07:17:00.012-06:00

Life is good in Costa Rica. With three days left here we already have some great highlights from the trip.

Dave, Me, Maria, Lisa, Ben, Justin, and Helena.

Dave got saved by the lifeguards at Dominical Beach. He says he saw his life pass before his eyes. Dave we are glad you are alive.

Lifeguard who saved Dave

Helena about to go into labor on the crazy Costa Rican dirt roads driving into dominical.

The Entourage. The dirt roads are a pain down here. Literally for Helena.

Justin screaming like a little school girl when a mega spider jumped on his back. I had a pic of the spider but it was deleted. The spider was ENORMOUS!!!!. It must have been on steroids.

Ben and Lisa kissing in every picture to show all the Costa Ricans they were still in love after I think 7 years of marriage.

Ben and Lisa. I couldn't find a picture of them kissing so they must be all on their camera. I am sure Cooper and Cambelle are going to be grossed out by the pics when they are older but it is so funny.

As for me I got crazy burned at the beach yesterday. Unfortunately though from a botch sunscreen application my back looks freaking weird.

Fried. No bueno!

Another great highlight here in Costa Rica was the family of monkeys at the house in Mal Pais. I thought the momma monkey with the baby on her back was going to go spider monkey on us for a second. She did not like us looking at her.

Monkeys in the trees at our house. They were right above us.

Sunset looking out from our balcony in Dominical.

I Can Conquer

2008-06-03T11:34:00.011-06:00

There are two things in this world that scare the CRAP out of me, heights and leaving the beautiful United States of America.

In approximately two days we leave for Costa Rica and my fear of leaving the freedoms we have in the US is manifesting itself. I rarily have nightmares and for the past 2 weeks my sleep has been disturbed each night with crocodiles nibbling at my body, 3rd world jails (I don't know why in my dream I was in jail), Helena having her baby, and never being able to see my family again because I am stuck in Costa Rica. I woke up a couple nights ago screaming my sisters name. CRAZY! I have always had night terrors since childhood but those terrors usually encompass the idea that bugs are in my bed, thinking Dave is an intruder in my bed, or just walking in my sleep. Those night terrors aren't nightmares like I have been having about Costa Rica. Along with the sleepless nights I have been super anxietal this past week for no reason. Yet again another manifestation of my fear.

This week while in Costa Rica I am hoping my fear of leaving the US will be conquered. I knew one day I would have to deal with this especially since I like to travel. So as of June 5th my sleep will get much better, hopefully.

About my fear of heights, Dave has helped me try to conquer that with snowboarding and riding the lifts. I love snowboarding now so it looks like heights haven't conquered me. I have conquered them! Booyah!

Happy Freaking Birthday!!!!!

2008-05-31T08:48:00.012-06:00

So today is my sister Sarah's birthday. She is going to be 29 today and almost an old fart next year in her 30's. To honor her last year of being in her 20's she is going to have to endure 20 cheesy things that I love about her.

#1- Sarah is the best mom ever! I really haven't ever heard her complain how hard it is to have kids she just does it.

#2-Sarah wore glasses basically her whole childhood. She looked completely nerdy but she owned the look the whole time she wore them.

Sarah, her glasses, Maria, and Loren

#3-Though I am 4 years younger than Sarah and probably was the most annoying little sister ever she always would let me tag along with her and her friends. Even when she was a senior in high school (I, in eighth grade) she always loved me enough to let me follow her around and didn't seem embarrassed by it either.

Maria, Sarah, Loren

#4- One of Sarah's trademark moves is wiping her hand across her running or stuffy nose, which she always seemed to have as a kid. That running nose is probably to blame from our family cats and her allergies but no one thought that it might be allergies back then. Don't lose that move Sarah it's classic.

#5- Sarah can make a friend in a heartbeat. She always has great friends and is the last person to judge them. Somehow even through all the moving around we did as a family she always holds on to those friends, cherishes them, and keeps in touch with them.

Seven Peaks, Provo. It's the only pic I could find with her best friend Alyssa in it.
Some girl, Alyssa, Me, Sarah, Rex, Maria

#6- Sarah can burp the best out of anyone I know. She has proven this to my family multiple times with the alphabet or any song sung in a continuous burp. Even better I usually get a prolonged burp weekly in mid conversation on the phone with her. I know we are adults but it still after 29 years always makes me and Maria laugh.

#7-Though Sarah is always extremely chic she is not a high maintenance girl. I always looked up to her for being able to pull that off.

#8- I love that Sarah and her daughter are spitting images of each other. The only difference I can see is Kate has red hair and Sarah has brown. Sorry Rex!

Kate and Sarah

#9- Sarah always would forgive me immediately no matter all the pummelings I tried to give or crazy fights we used to have.

#10- While growing up if my mom and dad had to work or were gone Sarah always turned into the responsible sibling. She would make sure the house got clean and would assign chores for Loren, Maria and I. What a suck up!!!!

#11- After having two kids Sarah looks fabulous in a size 2. She always works at eating healthy and exercising. I only wished I looked like her now even when I haven't ever had kids.

#12- I love that Sarah and her husband (Rex) are two peas in a pod. They got engaged after dating I think for two weeks and I don't think they could be any better for each other. She adores her husband even if she rolls her eyes at him a lot.

Sarah and Rex. Graduation Day at BYU.

#13- Sarah and I basically share our birthdays. As a family tradition my mom would always cook what we wanted on our birthdays for dinner. Some years those meals would turn into one to make it easier on my mom. I remember everytime Sarah would be completely selfless and let me pick what we were going to have for our birthday dinner.

#14- Sarah is a GREAT cook. Her favorite channel on TV now and growing up has always been The Food Network. She can cook anything and it always tastes great! I will never pass up a meal at her house.

#15- In my opinion Sarah doesn't like to jump on the bandwagon when trends come along and everyone is doing them. However somehow she always gets sucked into to doing them. For example the Twilight books have been out forever and she has been told she should read them just for the heck of it. Of course she didn't want to jump onto the wagon but her friend MADE her read them and now she is. By the way Sarah you will like them even if it's the trendy thing to do right now.

#16- I love that Sarah is sarcastic. Sarah can always make anyone laugh.

Sarah's idea to do an action photo with the cannon.
Me, Sarah, and Maria

#17- Sarah could sleep through a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, or who knows what. While growing up she ALWAYS took naps through out the day. The best part about dinner at night was scheming up a way to wake her up to come down to eat. The end result was her usually pretty ticked off when she woke up. HAHA!!!

#18- I love that Sarah is really smart. She always got good grades in school and graduated from college. I always looked up to her and my other siblings for their brains.

Maria, Me, Sarah.

#19- Sarah loves our family and the Warners very much. She would do anything for anyone in her families and wants to make them happy!

#20- I LOVE that Sarah is just my sister!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUTTHEAD!

The Essentials

2008-05-29T13:46:00.008-06:00

Tis the season for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories of bigfoot (or Cain) around a camp fire.

Dave and I usually go camping with our friends once or twice during the summer and this year I have Girl's Camp too with my Young Women. It is always great times around the camp fire until I realize I have left a camping essential at home. There is a list of camping essentials that looms in my head prior to a camp out but it never gets on paper so consequently I always forget something. So... here we go with that list and please feel free to let me know of any essentials that are missed or feel free to use it.

TOOTHBRUSH and TOOTHPASTE. Fuzzy teeth and stinky breath are disgusting!

POCKET KNIFE. Can be used for making kindling, a cooking stick, or killing bears.

PILLOW. Whoever said sleeping while camping was supposed to be uncomfortable?

HOT DOGS and BUNS. Hunger + Camping = Ornery

CAMP CHAIRS. Though sitting on logs seems like an easier way to go it's not fun having a log knot up your butt while roasting a hot dog.

FLASHLIGHT. Waking up in the middle of the night to pee is pretty scary without a flashlight. Who knows what is lurking out in the trees just beyond your manmade pee hole.

RED VINES. Please don't confuse Red Vines for Twizzlers.

BABY WIPES. Yes it is a ghetto substitute for a shower but if it helps the camp fire funk it's an essential.

TOILET PAPER. Guys may say this is a not an essential but then again I have never seen any guy squat to pee. I would dare say this should be item #1 on the list.

BUG SPRAY. Eating hot dogs and smores is great unless you are getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.

SMORE INGREDIENTS. The kids on Sandlot know how to do a overnighter camping. It's all in the smores.

NEWSPAPER. Newspaper is an essential for starting a fire. Thanks Salt Lake Tribune!

MATCHES. I recommend not being cheap and only bringing one of the books of matches from a hotel. It may take 30 matches to start a good fire.

WATER. Dehydration + hunger + camping= Crazed lunatic.

CHAPSTICK. Camping is not a time for lip gloss and looking pretty. A camp fire can dry lips out to the point of bleeding.

SLEEPING BAG/MAT- Sleeping without a tent happens but sleeping without a sleeping bag is brutal.

BANDAIDES. Tripping over something at a campsite is a guarantee. Blood everywhere from scrapes is no fun for fellow campers.

HAT. Bed head doesn't always work its way out even if brushed. A hat is essential just for some self confidence while camping.

HAPPY CAMPING!

Reformed Nagger

2008-05-23T14:07:00.013-06:00

I think every wife to every husband in some way or another is a nag. I would like to pride myself on not being "the ball and chain" or a "nag" but finally after 5 years of marriage I am realizing that I am. It's life, women are nags and always will be through out the future of the world. Like it or not.

This week something dawned on me. That revelation is that though some things may annoy me that Dave does there are probably even more things that annoy him that I do. The catcher is he DOESN'T nag or get mad at me about those things and potentially that is out of fear I will freak but still he doesn't. So I have made a goal to stop nagging as much as I can and just try to work on the things that Dave would nag me about if he were a woman.

Here are five things that I would nag myself about if I were married to me....

Picking and hanging up my clothes is not one of my strengths. I have about 3 wardrobe changes while getting ready for the day and unfortunately I don't have a personal assistant to hang those clothes back up for me. This leads to a constant pile of clothes that is on the floor for Dave and I to always trip on. After tripping over it a couple times that pile migrates to the corner of my room. This bad habit I have could drive Dave to his grave if he wasn't so chill but he is so he will live for a bit longer.

The notorious pile of clothes

For some reason I like to make annoying noises or talk really loud especially in the morning when Dave is still sleeping. Subconsciously I think I do it for attention from Dave (which he does give enough of). I will try to stop this annoying habit but I think it is funny. Like I said I will try.

I always like to have a drink of cold water with me whenever I am at home. Instead of just having a Nalgene bottle or any water bottle I have to use a new cup everytime I need a drink. If any of you have seen the movie Signs (with Mel Gibson) I am like the little girl in it with her cups of water. At the end of the day there are cups ALL OVER the house. However who knows how many germs could have cultivated in those cups since 5 minutes ago when I first drank out of them. The idea of drinking germs gets to me so hopefully I can get past that and only use one cup a day.

Ever since the day I started wearing shoes I have been leaving them around the house. My shoes get kicked off wherever I am standing at that moment. This drove my mom and dad crazy and I know it drives Dave bonkers. I even annoy myself with this bad habit when I can't find my favorite pair of heels and have to scour the house. Unfortunately this also turns into Dave's problem in the morning to find my hidden pair of shoes and then to get me to work on time.

My shoes all over the house. Sorry Dave!

There are expiration dates on food for a reason and I am a HUGE believer in them. A good gallon of milk gets thrown out if the date is nearing expiration and my hands get on it. I don't want to risk me or Dave dying over some rancid dairy products. I know that's a bit dramatic but you never know. Of course Dave eats anything until it is on the verge of spoiling. For Dave's sake I could push expiration dates out a little longer.

Exp. Date-May 25th, This is in the dumpster today.

Hopefully I can someday call myself a recovering nagger. In any case I am glad Dave isn't always nagging at me about all of my "bad" habits but because of my new revelation I am trying not to do them anymore.

Walking

2008-05-20T21:37:00.010-06:00

There is one word to describe downtown Bountiful and that word is nostalgic. I love main street in Bountiful with all the old local shops and restaurants. We live just a couple blocks from there in our old home and I absolutely love it. Sunday night we took a walk because the weather was so nice and stumbled across so many other families walking too. It felt so cozy and quaint, a place I would love to have a family grow. Also there were chalk drawings all over the sidewalks for some art festival going on. The drawings are amazing! I wish I had an ounce of the talent these people do.

Chalk Drawings on Main Street. Pretty neat!

Of course there always has to be action photos. (Cheesy for a Sunday afternoon walk)

Killer

2008-05-20T08:44:00.002-06:00

Just a quick update on the prior blog. I have forgot to water my flowers for TWO whole days. The lady at Home Depot said I needed to water them twice a day. Last night while stressing out about life while I was trying to fall asleep I even made a pact with myself that I would wake up 10 minutes earlier every day to water my flowers. Did that happen this morning? NO!!! All I could think about was what I was going to wear this morning. Thanks to Dave they got a drink after I left for work. Hopefully some Miracle Grow will prove to help me in not killing these helpless beauties. So far I haven't been so good on having a green thumb.

Any ideas on how to keep these things alive????

I Am No Mrs Green Thumbs

2008-05-18T09:37:00.011-06:00

Last year I bought hanging flowers for our front porch and they died within two weeks. I don't know a thing about flowers except how to kill them. This year I am attempting putting flowers on our front porch again. The lady at Home Depot was so nice to tell me how to keep them alive so we'll see if her words of wisdom work for someone who doesn't have a green thumb.

I did have some tulips come in for the past couple weeks without my help. If I would have tried to help them they would have wilted over in a second.

The great thing is Dave is a pro at yard stuff especially our ghetto sprinkler system. He can always figure out how to fix anything on it. Thanks to him we now have water spraying on every part of the yard. I don't know what I would do without Dave saving our yard on a weekly basis because I am sure I am not really any help.

President's Fitness Test

2008-05-14T17:43:00.007-06:00

There were three words that I dreaded more so than any others in school. Those words were the dreaded "PRESIDENT'S FITNESS TEST". I was one of those kids who never was into athletics not because of choice but because there was absolutely no skill level in my genes.

The President's Fitness Test haunted me every year that I did PE from elementary school to high school. I think this test consisted of a mile run, sit-up, and pull-ups. It was always SO utterly embarrassing for me to even try the pull-ups. I don't know any girls who can do consecutive pull-ups for 30 seconds but as for me I absolutely can't even pull myself up an inch. At the time of the test all I can really remember is having the whole class watching me as I attempted to achieve the impossible (so I thought) of all the requirements. I think it was my 6th grade year and we had the test for pull-ups. I remember my PE teacher told us if we couldn't do a pull-up that we should just hang there with our heads squished between our arms and our hands holding onto the pull until the time ran out. So I just hung there watching all the other kids watch me for 30 seconds until the time ran out. I think I attempted to pull up but it looked more like a fish out of the water flopping around. How embarrassing, especially when your middle school crush is there seeing you in this supposed test that is actually a real test of how you can handle embarrassing situations.

5th Grade, Jeff Davis Elementary. I got PE student of the year which I know I got only because of my effort rather than skill.

Today I stumbled across an article on CNN about how there is a President's Fitness Test now for adults. If you want to check it out click here. The first thought that came to my mind is that this was my worst nightmare. When I graduated high school I walked across the stage thinking that I wouldn't ever again have to do this treacherous test that shows me how genetically incapable I was in athletics. Now I see this????? What is the world really coming to? My worst nightmare has come true (by the way I do have nightmares about this stupid test). I then read the article and it said the test for adults included running or walking 1.5 miles, doing sit-ups for a minute, and something about push-ups. I could do that but still fortunately in order to be an adult US Citizen you don't have to take the President's Fitness Test in front of all the other citizens of the US. Can you imagine the anxiety that would cause me? Hopefully for you readers the President's Fitness Test hasn't haunted you at night like me but if it has sorry but there is now a test for adults too.

Blockbusters

2008-05-12T18:27:00.005-06:00

Summer is great especially when it comes to the movies. There are so many blockbuster movies that are available on the big screen that it seems like Dave and I go to the movies in the summer weekly. I think this year we won't as much due to house and yard work along with who knows what else will take up our time. Though there are three that I am really excited about. They are......................

1. Batman: The Dark Knight

Okay I have to say this is a pretty creapy poster and I think The Joker looks freaking scary in it. Though any movie with Christian Bale as Batman is going to be great!!!! Good thing Katie Holmes isn't going to be in this sequel, she is such a downer ever since that Tom Cruise thing happened to her.

2. Sex and The City

Honestly I don't think I will go see this because of how scandalous it potentially could be. However the TBS edited version of this show got me addicted and I am dying to see if Big and Carrie really get hitched. Also I heard Charlotte might get pregnant on the movie even though she's adopted. Please if anyone sees it let me know how it is.

3. Indiana Jones

I was born in the 80's therefore I love Indiana Jones. I don't care that most people think Harrison Ford is too old for the part because I still think he will be able to fight off those embarrassingly naked tribal people. I am a bit skeptical of Shia Lebouf in whatever role he plays but he hasn't failed us so far in most of his past movies (Disturbia, Transformers, Holes) so I guess we'll see May 22nd.

Five Years Strong

2008-05-10T10:05:00.012-06:00

Today is Dave and I's five year anniversary. It doesn't seem like time could pass that fast but I guess it has. We have learned in the past years when to pick our fights and when to say we are sorry (that is the key to marriage happiness I think). In honor of 5 years I thought I would tell the blogging world 5 things that are potentially unknown about us.

5. Dave and I are Sushi freaks! We love it and could eat it everyday if it wasn't so expensive. The raw tuna and who knows what else that is raw are our favorites. Dave would tell you though I HAVE to get edamame with all sushi.

4. We both aren't big NBA, Pro Football, ESPN and you name it fans but.... we both love the Atlanta Braves. We have been to a couple games at Turner Field together while in Atlanta. Little known fact we both can do a killer tomahawk chop.

3. Gross I know, but Dave and I both blow our noses in the shower. We can agree that it is the only way to get those sinuses thoroughly cleared. Needless to say that is never an argument for us.

2. Though Dave and I met at Utah State we both are not "True Aggies" and are proud of it. Sorry to any of you who have displayed too much affection on the quad up in Logan but Dave and I always thought it was a ridiculous tradition and pride ourselves with keeping the kissing in the bedroom at 12:00 pm on whatever night it was that you were supposed to kiss.

1. We both were in choir in high school. I am pretty sure we both like to sing but were there more for social reasons (Dave more so). With that I would like to say for some reason ever since we have been married we make up songs about each other and sing them EVERY morning while we get ready for the day. Dave's usual is a rap with my nickname "Beano" that goes something like this B, B, B, B, Beano, a real bad dude and then of course whatever I am doing at the time in the morning is the rest of the verse. Gay I know!

Happy Anniversary to us!!!

The O.C.

2008-05-08T19:12:00.003-06:00

No wonder living in the O.C. is so freaking expensive, it's GREAT down there. The weather, beaches, and shopping are ideal. Some Southern Californians might argue the traffic isn't worth it. To that I would tell them to endure the winter of 2007/08 in Utah and see where they would be then.

This past weekend I was able to go to Huntington Beach to visit my sis and her family. They were so more than nice to let me and my other sis ambush their house, fridge, car, and anything else that was accessible to us. We had the BEST time! I always laugh my big fat butt off when I am with them. While we were there my brother-in-law, Rex, the posh guy he is somehow scored VIP passes to the AVP Pro Volleyball Tour going on down there. It's beach volleyball central, AWESOME!!!!

AVP Pro V-Ball
Phil Dalhausser is the guy on the right back. Hopefully we will see him in the 08' Olympics.

My sisters and I kicking it on the beach.

It was fun going down to the O.C. but I missed my husband while he was in Utah thawing out from the May 1st snow. Hopefully we will be able to go see my sis and her fam again soon. I LOVE seeing them and of course living the O.C. life for a couple days.

Chubby But Born Again

2008-05-05T21:51:00.003-06:00

So as I have probably said before I have some goals for losing weight. So far I have lost about twenty lbs in the past couple months. I have been completely motivated by the thought of getting back into my size 6 pants I used to wear in high school and college (I know that is fat to half of you out there but it's pretty dang good for me). This motivation includes eating a pretty strict diet and exercising EVERY day, except for Sunday of course.

This past week though I completely fell off the motivation wagon. I for some reason wasn't feeling inspired anymore with that size 6 pant that I have hidden away in the abyss of my closet. I forced Dave to bring me out to eat and get ice cream one night and didn't think once about the calories I was inhaling. Then from Thursday to Sunday I was in Huntington Beach on vacation. Though my sisters were trying to inspire me again I just couldn't bring myself to eat healthy or care about what I ate. (I did run everyday though while in HB.) To be blatantly honest it is hard to care when I know that I have to work SO much harder at being skinny than a lot of people I know. Why not just give up and have fun, right?

Today though I weighed myself and saw I gained like 2-3 lbs just in 4-5 days. I am such a FAT-A!!!! At that disgustingly low point on the scale this morning while I was wallowing in my little two year old pity party I realized I couldn't give up. I have worked so hard to just lose twenty pounds. Maybe I will never look good in a swimsuit but does that matter when I am 50 and am just content that I at least have my health. Throughout my life I am always going to have to watch what I eat and exercise (that idea is hard for me to digest). It will always HAVE to be a part of my life, like it or not. I don't naturally love veggies and rice cakes but they will have to do. This blog isn't here for a pat on my back but more of a motivation for me to hear myself say I can do it.

So to all of you out there. I CAN DO THIS!!! Someday I will be in a size 6 again and if its not next month it will be the one after that. I am still pushing forward!

Words of Wisdom

2008-04-27T09:22:00.005-06:00

I went over to my grandpa's house a couple weeks ago and talked with him for awhile. It was actually quite fun. We took a field trip down to the cherished basement of his house where all of us grandkids used to play and where so many memories were made. While down there we talked about food storage and the depression and why we should always be prepared. (Note the prior blog on food storage.) Gramps and I opened a can of his wheat that he has had for 30 some odd years to see if it was still good. After that he showed me how to grind it into flour. Grandpa then proceeded to ask me if I wanted to make some bread with him with that flour but I didn't have time to let yeast rise so we didn't go that far with our little adventure.

Dave and Grandpa at his house on Christmas 2006 (hence the ribbon on grandpa)

While at Grandpa's he told me that there were three things that I needed to do to be "successfull" in life. Since he told me these things a couple weeks ago I have pondered them and realized my Grandpa has experienced life and is wise. I thought I better get these words of wisdom down before I forget a wise man's advice.

The three things are:

Always stay in good health. Without good health you can't help yourself or anyone else.
Whatever my vocation be, career or mother, try your best and always strive to be better. Along with that make a good name for yourself by being honest and noble.
Pay my tithes and offerings always to the church. Without this we can't be blessed the way we need.

Grandpa on Halloween 2007. (His costume is always the changing of his hats)

I absolutely love my grandpa. I am so glad I still am able to get insight from him on life and of course the occasional long winded story. By the way for some reason I only have silly pics of him at my house. I think maybe that is the way I will always remember him.

Trends

2008-04-26T13:48:00.010-06:00

I have lost some weight lately and am fitting into my smaller size clothes from high school and the Utah State days. With this weight loss and fitting into those older clothes I have been thinking about trends, how long do they last, and do different people try to keep them going for convenience?

The leggings trend started from what I can remember back in 2006. Is this still a trend and has it really held up that long? To be honest I am not sure. By the way I have some and do wear them. Though am I holding onto this trend purely because it is a modest choice for the short dress and mini that is in right now? Potentially. If any of you know if they are still in please give me the heads up. I don't want to be a walking faux pas.

Kate Bosworth and SJP in their leggings

Skinny jeans are also a trend I don't understand. Why, why, why would anyone want to wear skinny jeans or waist their hard earned money on them? First off anyone who has a body like mine (pear shape body) has to agree this is the worst possible trend for that body type. Ya I might have skinny ankles but those jeans aren't doing me any favors when my hips are 1000 times the size of my ankles. Even those people who have twig bodies shouldn't be wearing them. Who is anyone kidding, they are ugly.

Skinny Jeans

Heals are a trend that need to stay and I am hoping it will for awhile. I will ride the stiletto heal train until its last stop. It's a definite for work and church attire which means I wear them 6 days a week. I will suffer through the ankle and toe pain for better looking legs. On the other hand there are ballerina shoes, hmmmm. I don't know how I feel about these. I question, do we wear the ballerina shoe for fashion and looks or for the comfort of them? Yes I have ballerina shoes and when I do wear them my feet don't ache but they make me look stubby. I feel like a flat footed monster in them. Do women claim they are cute just so they really have comfortable shoes other than hidious tennis shoes or crocs? Let me know.

Heals are GREAT!

Ballerina Shoe

I am no fashion expert. I just question some of the trends, if they are still in and sometimes why they are still in. With my weight loss I hope some of my older jeans I am wearing are still in style because I don't want to hang onto some of the older trends that are no longer.

A Valued Possession

2008-04-24T22:03:00.003-06:00

So we are told that it is a good idea (essential) to have food storage. My mom and dad have always had a ton of wheat and a other crap all of our lives and being in a military family we've had to move it everywhere. ANNOYING, especially when us kids were my parents personal movers. Though now as an adult I think I take life a bit more seriously and am basically aware of what is going on in the world. In November Dave decided it would be a great investment to just buy a years supply of food storage from this company in Idaho so we did. I am not disciplined enough to build it up, use it and then stock up again.

Part of our food storage in our basement.

Today my sister called me at work. This is our basic conversation:

Sarah- Did you hear about the shortage or rice and wheat?

Me- Ya

Sarah- Here in Cali, Costco is starting to ration the amount of flour people can buy. I am going right now to buy a bunch of crap.

Me- That's probably a good idea maybe I should go to just to be safe. Though I already have food storage. What do you think?

Sarah- Maybe you still should. Gosh, why did I wait til there is a shortage to buy this stuff we have been told way before this.

So I am sure you get the general idea of the conversation. Obviously prices of bread, rice, and basically everything else is going to go up. Of course with the economy the way it is I get a bit stressed out about it all and I feel like I am not alone. Therefore I am very thankful Dave and I invested in food storage and didn't wait even if it is for my peace of mind. I can sleep a little better every night.

Disclaimer: My sister is very prepared she was just making sure she had a little more. She has so many things ready in case of an emergency that I should get.

Warm Weather Needed

2008-04-24T21:37:00.003-06:00

This week has seemed like the longest week in the world and to top it off it even freaking snowed. I think my impatience for this week to be over is because I know I will only have to work 3 days next week and then HUNTINGTON BEACH!!!!! My sis lives in the OC and is living the OC life (so I think with how warm it is there). This means I get to kick it on the beach all weekend and shop my guts out with my sisters. I am soooooo excited. Also to top it off I get to see my extremely cute niece and nephew. I have my bags packed so hopefully time will fly by a little faster.

Van Gogh Needed Glasses

2008-04-19T09:56:00.005-06:00

My mom once told me (as a joke) she thought Van Gogh probably needed glasses. If any of you readers out there wear glasses look at his paintings and tell me if his painting look like the world without glasses in a small way.

I just had my eyes checked yesterday and of course they are getting pretty bad. I didn't wear glasses or contacts until me senior year of high school and then my eyes after that went down hill fast. The optomistrist was sitting at his desk wanting to chat while I had my contacts out. Did he not know that I couldn't see a face or even him? It was so awkward as we talked because all I could do was look down and not interact due to lack of eyesight.

I did get a new prescription, two new pairs of glasses, and a years worth of contacts. It is quite invigorating to be able to see leaves on trees again, smaller street signs (like the ones that say STOP, yikes, I hope I didn't cut any of you off), and the normal size text on the computer.

Sarah, my sister, once said on a home video when she was 6 or 7 that her favorite thing in the whole world was her glasses. Smart girl! I will have to agree with her on that one. Maybe I will call her today at the age of 28 and see if that is still her favorite thing in the whole world. I am suspecting she will say her kids but without those contacts or glasses she wouldn't be able to see their pretty faces or Kate's monster tantrums :) Life is good with corrective lenses!!!!!!

Miss Independence

2008-04-17T20:42:00.012-06:00

Dave is leaving for a business trip this weekend and then to Moab with the boys the next weekend which leaves me to be Miss Independence. I am not the type of person who hates to be alone. To be frank I really enjoy it from time to time. So for these two weekends I have high hopes of getting quite a bit done. Here is my list of hopeful achievements:

-Spring clean the house. It really needs it.

-Make it to the gym everyday. (That is a must even when Dave is around. It's just easier to make it when he is not here.)

-Prepare a killer Sunday school lesson for the teenagers Dave and I teach.

-Make sugar cookies for the Sunday school kids because they love Dave and I need to win them over somehow when I have the upper hand.

-Mow and edge the lawn and finish some of the projects we started in the yard this past weekend.
(Note the prior blog)

-Go to Target and wander around for 2-3 hours and do some grocery shopping. (Dave hates wandering around anywhere and won't ever let me do it so without him here I am going to.)

-I need a couple new pairs of shoes. In this case I will hit up the mall. I LOVE going to the mall by myself and don't know why.

-Hopefully I can find a good book at Barnes & Noble to read and dig in to. (If you have any ideas let me know.)

-Finish my portfolio that is due at the end of the semester (next week). It's a big grade so I will be giving it a lot of TLC.

Of course I love Dave and want to spend time with him doing everything, however when Miss Independence comes out it is kind of fun too.

A Night or Life at the Movies

2008-04-16T21:12:00.004-06:00

I love to watch movies! It's a two hour escape from the real world for me. It is sad to say though there are two movies I could watch a gazillion times (and probably have already watched a billion times) without being bored of them. To be honest a gazillion times doesn't even do it justice. I am sure you get the idea. Both movies are equally great so I can't say which I like better. Anyway if any of you girls out there are looking for a couple GREAT chick flicks, here you go.

"You've Got Mail"

This movie is predicable and plain but maybe that is what is so spectacular about this flick. The thing I love about it are the scenes when it is fall in New York and they talk about bouquets of pencils and books. There is something about autumn that I love and this movie seems to bring out that feeling in me whenever I watch it. Though I have watched it many many times I still continuely get concerned on whether these two people from different sides of the world are going to figure things out and realize they are destined for each other. I love cheesy crap!

"The Parent Trap"

I have loved this movie since I was 5 years old and have probably watched it once a month since then. It has to be the 1960's version, not the one with slutty Lindsay Lohan. I always have wished I could go to such a cool camp in the summer and meet my twin. (That never happened at Girls Camp unfortunately.) Also how fun would it be to switch lives with someone and trick everyone else. I really don't know why I love this movie SO much especially since Hailey Mill's hair is hideous. I highly recommend it though to anyone who can't find anything else to watch on a boring Saturday night.

Maybe one of these days I will get bored with these movies. As for now I even get excited when they are showing on TV even though I own them.

Landscaping Duty

2008-04-12T21:11:00.002-06:00

With spring comes some serious yard work. Dave and I spent about 7 hours working on our landfill of a yard today. The people we bought this house from told us the yard had a bit of work but we didn't realize we would be breaking our freaking backs pulling weeds all year long. The previous owners had high hopes of having this yard look like botanical gardens but we shot those down. We just have hopes of controlling the yard to look descent rather than it controlling us.

Dave and I dug up the monstrous flower bed that lined our driveway. We had to dig down to the sprinkler system and plug it up. Still tonight it looks like a big pile of shiz but hopefully this week we can get to the nitty gritty and put down the rock. Hooray, no more weeding.

Before (The picture doesn't do it justice on how bad it was.)

Our front yard "landscaping" was horrendous. Of course it is a constant battle with the weeds and grass growing up into the dirt. Fortunately we were able to dig all that dirt up with all the intruders in it, spray the area with weed killer, lay that plastic stuff down that doesn't let weeds grow, and then put mulch on top that has weed killer in it too. It may be a bit overboard on the weed killer but I hate pulling landscape duty so if there is anything I can buy to prohibit weeds it was purchased today.

After (Looks better than the picture lets on.)

We still have to put curbing or a border in sometime, however around 4:00 this afternoon I was beat and so was Dave so that has to wait until another day.

Rosa Parks

2008-04-04T17:57:00.007-06:00

I would never think of myself of being as dignified as Rosa Parks. Her boycotts stood for so much and changed America for the better. I won't ever have the liberty to say that, but I do have a couple places(or products) I do boycott and it means something to me.

FIRST...

CRACKER BARREL

Cracker Barrell lost my business forever in the summer of 2002. I won't suffer you with the long story but they offended my mom and I. Then one of their managers went on to say that they were wrong but didn't need to apologize. She didn't even offer up a free meal or anything. I of course on that imfamous day told the lady she had lost my business FOREVER!!!!

SECOND...

My other grievance is with LA-Z-BOY. First of all what a DUMB name for a company but I can look past that. Though on the news yesterday I was reading that they are shutting down their American factories and sending the work to be done in Mexico. In just Tremonton, Utah 700 people are losing their jobs because of this. That's basically the whole town. Also I am quite aware that many companies are doing this but LA-Z-BOY always tries to portray themselves as your hometown furniture store. WRONG!!!!! They are posers. Plus on another note their furniture is UGLY (sorry to any of you who own it) so that is another reason I wouldn't buy it.

LAST...

I hate WAL-MART! I can't say this is a true boycott because sometimes I find myself there but I wish I wasn't. Wal-Mart ruins small towns. The minute it comes to town everything else shuts down. I have even witnessed this with my own eyes in Mountain Home, ID where I used to live. It was so sad to see family owned business's that had been around for ages go out of business for this commercialized POS. Also Wal-Marts are always cluttered (no matter how clean or new they are) and that is annoying. If they have groceries the produce is a waste of money and they never seem to have any sort of meat. So when I can I choose not to go to Wal-Mart.

Bad to Better

2008-04-03T21:47:00.006-06:00

I strongly feel that a good haircut can be worth a million bucks. Every man and woman needs one and should dish out the money for it.

2003, The big break up with Dave and I. Of course with the break up I had to chop my hair off. Needless to say the lady basically took a weed wacker to my head to cut this. I had a bad hair day for 2 years after this.

The better haircut. (Watch out my eyes might possess you, haha)

I will never say I have great hair because I don't and I know it, but as you can see a good haircut makes a difference. I am so grateful for finding Jenny at Nicholls Salon to cut my hair. She may be a bit expensive but its worth having consistent good hair days and a little confidence.

I am really not that cool.

2008-04-02T18:02:00.007-06:00

I have always thought people who wore sunglasses when it wasn't sunny were pathetic. Did they really think they were fooling anyone? Not me, that's for sure. Then I heard that Bono (from U2) had a disorder and that is why he always wore them (not just to be rock-star cool). Still in my mind I thought did most of those pathetic people have the same disorder. Of course not, so my opinion still stood.

(Bono, probably doing some event for AIDS awareness.)

As I drove home today I noticed I was wearing my shades even when there was a lack of sunlight. Instantly I threw them off my face into the passenger seat in disgust at myself. Then I realized a nagging headache started to set into the front part of my skull. Long story short, shades went straight back on. So to all of you pathetic people out there that wear their sunglasses in the bleakest of days, I apologize. I know some of you still think you look cool with them on but maybe there is a headache looming in your head too.