*cricket....cricket*

we had the missionaries as guests for dinner tonight. It was painful. I cracked jokes. Jimmy told mission stories. No response. I think they were nervous. I swear, it was the longest hour of my life.


on the up side, I finally perfected a caramelized apple tart.

Does anyone else...

• only turn up the radio in even increments
• have their dvds arranged by color so they look good from far away
• dry off from the shower exactly the same way every time
• want all the bad guys to die on tv, because that would be the easiest way to write them off a show
• have an extraordinary talent for boggle
• have to finish a book even if it is absolutely terrible
• rip their bra off as soon as they get home... unless company is expected
• eat weird food combinations (meatloaf + applesauce)
• have an unnatural obsession for wedding shows
• remember life's moments as: cartoons/musicals/ movie moments
• have a real problem reading soft cover books
• etc

???

I hope I'm not the only crazy one out there.

The touch of the Master's hand

Last night, as I was preparing my seminary lesson, I had the prompting to show a video. The video is on Netflix instant streaming, so I watched the video to time it and see what I remembered. I still got the feeling I should show this video, even though it was a little 80's cheeseball. After I had picked up Ashley this morning, we went straight to the library to get the video. Reaching up for the video, I came to the realization that the particular clip I was looking for was not on this video. Hmmmm.... So, Ashley and I continued to search for the video. We looked high and low. I wondered out loud why I would get a prompting for a video I could not find. So, instead of giving up, I just chose another clip to show. Ashley and I grabbed the nearest tv cart, until I decided against it. I would rather use the nice tv, so we moved all the carts in front of it to get to the flat screen. On the flat screen cart was a video. Can you guess what was on that tape?! Ashley scanned down the list of clips and said, "Here it is! It's number 7!" We pushed the tv cart to the classroom and I prepared to cue up the clip. I turned on the tv and vcr and what do you suppose? The clip was already cued up to the point at which I needed to start it. It is small moments like these that make me realize there are no coincidences and that there is a loving God that is keenly aware of us individually. How grateful I am that I was able to share this special moment with my sister Ashley, what a testimony builder!

Quick Fix

Jimmy and I watched an episode of Bones last night...
that show is what we call "diet tv"- there is no way to eat (without yakking) while watching. Forget exercise. I am all over sitting on the couch for another episode!

Poignant

Many years ago someone said this and it changed me.

"Those that are the hardest to love are those who need it the most."

Montagues & Capulets

Jimmy and I need to buy two new computers, on the account that our laptop and desktop died within two days of eachother. I am planning on a Macbook Pro and Jimmy is planning on an HP.

When I told my dad of the prospects, he responded,

"Oh, so you're a divided relationship?"

And my brother Kyle's response?

"So, does that mean you'll be making fun of him in a year when his computer breaks?"

Oh, the life of a star-crossed lover...

A modern day fable

After going to the doctor's office, my Mother-in-law and I went to Panda Express to grab some lunch. We each got a Panda bowl, yum. As I was eating my food, I pushed the orange chicken to the side to eat the rice first. I always do that with my food- save the best for last. I had just finished most of the rice and was ready to stab into that first piece of chicken. Just as my chopstick went into the bowl, it lost balance and tipped over... all.over.the.ground. Argh!

Moral of the story: don't save the best for last because you may never get to it OR make sure there's a fro yo shop next door to sop up your sorrow with multiple toppings.

Kaitlin: Chip

Me: Ol' Block

Translation: I like to go shopping at Ross because it is awesome.

Hangover

I'm starting to think it was a bad idea to stay up until 2:30 watching Prison Break.... then again, maybe not

Things that I didn't blog about but want to remember

• doing four events in seven days- a true record
• the Ramies' wedding and Stephanie's red, red, red hair
• celebrating Kaitlin's birthday with the family. She chose bowling and Squeeze Inn, I'm so proud
• starting seminary, gosh I'm tired... but very spiritually fulfilled. Can't forget Haley's face when the dawn of recognition appeared with the answer to a prayer or JP realized I care.
• fabulous 9th anniversary day to be celebrated when I can cruise the town without crutches.
• thoughtful friends and fabulous family
• panic attack over the auction with peace following because comfort of a good cry on God's shoulder
• lots and lots and lots of blood tests to see if having a baby is ever possible again
• Larry's
• helaman 4:13

I have so much to be grateful for, I just wanted to use this post to remind me. For the most part, it is a all jibberish to anyone but me. But, hey, that's who this blog is for. I am just glad I got some of it down before I forgot.

pity parties are not allowed at our house

even if I'm the one that chooses the color scheme and sends the invites.

1 1/2 weeks ago I fell. I got hurt. I'm still on bed rest.

You'd think after sitting with my leg elevated and driving privileges revoked, that my blog posts would be flying through the lines of the internet like a banshee on fire. But, alas, that fate was not to be. Netflix had taken me hostage. My blog finally paid the ransom required and here I am!

So to catch all 3 readers up with the circumstances, here's the story:

I went to a Time Out for Women conference with all the girls. We left early Friday morning to do some vital shopping before dinner and the first speakers that night. I was fueled to spend, dude. I had a large wad of cash just sitting on it's haunches, waiting to attack. At Nordstrom's I took a dent out of the cash and was giddy with the designer jeans and fabulous tops I had acquired. After a round of the mall, we were heading out for an early dinner. Carla and I made one last stop at H&M before leaving. At H&M, baby Blake (Carla's sweet nugget of joy) was getting a little fussy. So I went around the front of the stroller and picked him up. As I picked the baby up, the weight of our shopping bags pulled the stroller backwards. Instead of just letting it fall, I lunged forward to catch it. What's unfortunate about that situation is that my foot ad knee wanted to stay put while the rest of my body did not. So, my knee twisted and popped, causing my knee to buckle under my weight. I fell while Blake was in my arms! I know without a shadow of doubt that there were guardian angels there right at that moment. I literally remember him floating comfortably down onto my chest while I fell. He was completely unharmed. It was as if there were invisible hands that nestled him down onto me after I fell. There are no other words to describe it.

When I tried to stand up, my leg could not bear weight. So, I limped over to a lounge outside the store. As I was sitting there, I just kept praying. And I kept feeling that I really needed to go the hospital. But the internal conflicts started to rise up and fight for air. I can't ask these girls to skip dinner and take me to the ER!...maybe it's not that bad.... I have to make lunch for tomorrow...what about the girl talk tonight?... and on and on it went. I knew that I desperately needed to go to the ER. So, when Kelly and Carla came out of the store, I let them know what I needed. They took me back to the Hotel lobby to wait for Jimmy to pick me up. When he got there, I had come to terms with leaving for the night, but had fully expected to return for the following day.
After a night in the ER, I did not think it possible to return- especially because Saturday's plan involved a lot of walking. The AMAZING women left at the conference took care of lunch the following day for me. They called to see how I was.
I am seriously touched by all the help and concern I've received because of this accident. There has been an outpouring of love and service that I am truly grateful for. My family has helped so much as well. although it would have been nice to attend the whole conference, I do not regret anything that happened. I may get frustrated at times because of the stupid crutches and imbecile brace I'm required to use, but it has afforded me a much needed break from life. Recovery has been slower than I expected, but I'm okay with that... for now.

We haven't even had Summer weather-

but we're going back to school?!

Goodness, the Summer went FAST!

Here's to a fabulous year of:

• early, frantic mornings
• lost shoes
• bed head
• stinky, stinky lunch pails to clean out
• every bleed you dry fundraiser available
• thousands of tiny papers/projects coming home

and, drumroll please......

• six whole hours of peace and quiet

Hunting

When we went to Utah last month, the dog slept on the couch. Dog sleeping on the couch= Stephanie's late night-red eyed-never ending search on Craig's List for a replacement. We've already flipped the cushions, that's not an option anymore.

One thing I need to say about Craig's List- people's definition of, 'nice' are verrrry different.
On my hunt for the perfectly priced sofa, I have been led through all kinds of scary postings making me wonder a few things:

1. Why must every picture be taken in terrible lighting?
2. Who ever decided that forrest green was a good color for leather?
3. What makes people think 'comfortable' and 'attractive' are synonomous? If it doesn't work for shoes, it won't work for couches.

It's been a fun journey looking through other people's cast offs... but when it's time to finally buy a couch, it will be new. And then I will make the dog sleep outside.

Days like today help me understand why some species eat their young.

I am still getting the cringe worthy feelings deep in my stomach. I hate those feelings... the ones where I think of something I said or did to embarrass myself. I am sure that most people do not remember the stupid things I say or do, but I seem to hone in on the negative things that are part of a great moment. One event I did ran perfectly smooth except for the fact that one guest wanted their meat more well done. It was so embarrassing. All I could think of was that feeling when I thought of that particular event. Otherwise, the clients loved the food, raved about it and gave a hefty tip to show their gratitude. It's so hard for me to think of mistakes I've made without being super hard on myself.

Today I have been uncomfortable with those cringes. Kaitlin has a friend from preschool and swim that came over with her mom for the first time. We have been friends for over three years and I was very excited about their visit. I spent lots of time planning a great lunch and my friend brought a tie dye kit. We had a great time until it was time for them to go home. The girls went outside to play while we talked and shared some great laughs. My friend put her younger daughter in the car as I went to get the girls. They were nowhere to be found. Hmmm... I looked in the trailer behind the house and didn't see them. I looked in the backyard and couldn't find them. In fact, we couldn't find the girls anywhere. My friend was starting to get worried, so I yelled out for Kaitlin with no response. We live on 40 acres in the middle of nowhere. There is no way someone could have taken them. However, my mind wandered there sometimes in the forty minutes we spent thus far looking for them. The neighbor kids were enlisted in the search. I screamed for the girls until I was hoarse and my friend was in near hysterics. How would you feel if you visited somewhere for the first time and lost your child in an expansive wilderness?! We stopped to say a prayer. Jimmy came home to help look. It was getting to the point we were all in tears. When the searching hit 50 minutes, one of the neighbor boys saw our girls. I ran to them very concerned. They were playing hide and seek. I said to Kaitlin in a near yell, "Didn't you hear us calling for you?!" She responded with, "Yes, mom, but we were hiding."

ARGH!!!! Does this child not know when the crazy mommy voice comes out?!?! Because that is what I was using when I was calling out for the girls! Fortunately they're safe.... but I am still cringing. And good luck with my friend ever coming back to visit.

A Rose by any other name...

I have so many nick names for Kaitlin. I never really noticed how many things I called her until one of her cousins heard me call Kaitlin, "Bubba". The cousin looked perplexed and said, "Why do you call Kaitlin 'Bubba'?" Hmmm... I don't know the answer to that. I do know that is only the tip of the iceberg, though. Here are Kaitlin's many names:

Kate

Katie

Ramona

Bubba

Bub

Little Bit

Little Bean

Kidlicious

Little Miss

Sweetums

Precious

Presh

Sweetie Pie

Burrito

Baby

Baby Girl

Precious Little

Kitty

The Girl

Little Ham

The funny thing is, each one is said in a specific way/voice and some are in a specific setting. For example: Little Bean is said when I am opening the door for Kaitlin. I always say, "Hop in, Little Bean!" I don't know how it started, but I seem to say it automatically now.

What names do you use for your kids?

Submitting myself to torture...

...of the cheesy, overly dramatic type.


After a hiatus from Beverly Hills 90210, I decided to start the seasons from Netflix where I left off. I cannot get over the terrible music, hair, acting. I cringe during every single episode. Why do I continue to torture myself, you ask?! Because I wasn't allowed to watch it as a kid. The rebellion is just manifesting itself years later. Darn peer pressure...


*p.s. I am still in love with Dylan McKay, he's a stud.

Joys of Summer

Goodness, has it been awhile. I know you missed me! Our Summer has flown by faster than a jack rabbit on a date (gotta love the obscure movie quote-name that movie!). With all the many experiences and visits I have truly felt what it's like to be blessed. Enough mushy stuff... I've had a tear jerker video on the top post for ages! So, on to a fun story- one plucked from the many fun times we had this year. Our family went to Utah to attend a blessing for my newest niece. We had a great time. What a joy it was to see all the cousins together with their different personalities. All the girls loved playing together. Rebekah threw every ball in sight. Baby Gunnar was a gentle giant of a baby.

It was so fun to meet with my sister in law's family and enjoy the company. In the basement of their home, there is an awesome den with vintage board game deco and a real live Jelly Belly machine- if Kaitlin had an income, it would've all been spent one bean at a time...

As Kaitlin, Courtney and I were downstairs milking some more beans from the machine, we heard, "thump, thump, thump, CRACK!" coming down the stairs. All I could think of was how we would revive whatever child just rolled down the stairs. My first aid training came rushing back to me. I just wish it had come back in accuracy. The good news is that when I rounded the corner to see which child would suffer my lack of first aid skills, we saw a large, juicy watermelon smashed into bits. I peered up the stairs and saw Rebekah standing at the top of the stairs pointing with a sweet declaration, "ball". Once it dawned on me that there was no child in need of faulty first aid, I turned, looked at Courtney for a social queue. You see, it was her house. Was I to peal into hysterics like I wanted, even though there was sticky watermelon guts on her very beautiful carpet? Or, was I to look at dismay at a total mess? Luckily, Courtney I seemed to share the laugh at everything gene and we burst out in laughter that brought sweet tears.

Now, that's the kind of memory I like to take away from a family get together...

Buying stock in kleenex

I've been hanging out in the refiner's fire lately. I have to say... it's not all bad. This past week has brought more amazing blessings and experiences than I could have imagined. I have such gratitude for Heavenly Father's knowledge- he knows where I am, what I'm doing, what I need. The only problem hanging out in the fire is that I am so emotional- I cry at the drop of a hat.
Exhibit A:

If I were a Disney character...

yesterday would've been accompanied by singing forest creatures and background village peasants harmonizing during the chorus. I had a day straight from the heavens! May I explain?... It's my blog, of course I can explain!

Once upon a time there was voluptuous and kind princess named Stephanie. She woke up one morning to the sound of a beautiful ringing noise. "Oh dear, she thought, that must be the sweet maiden Cammie calling from a distant land! I must go to her!" So princess Stephanie rose from her chambers and gracefully prepared for a day at the nearest castle. After dropping her child off at 8:30 in morn, Stephanie went well on her merry way to Castillo de Amorosa.
At the expansive castle, Princess Stephanie was able to give dearest Cammie a squeeze and continue up the turret steps. At the top of the winding stairs, a local of the castle dweller showed each room while the princesses listened in awe. Princess Stephanie and Princess Cammie thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the fabulous features... except for maybe the torture chamber. Seeing an authentic Iron Maiden gave the princesses the serious heebie-jeebies.
Although the princesses were not accepting of the castle's grogg, the famed Capri Sun sufficed. After a wonderful and informative meeting with the castle dwellers, The princesses attended a mid day feast at Boskos. There, they enjoyed lemon and herb grilled artichokes, garlic bread, field green salad, the best ever pasta with marscapone and fresh tomatoes- a feast fit for a king! The princesses were not sufficiently stuffed, and the local frozen sweet shop was calling just as a dove cries for her mate.
Princess Stephanie and Princess Cammie heeded the call of the shop in the form of quite possibly the best ice cream ever! Strawberry and vanilla swirled ice cream with white chocolate hearts and strawberry filled dark chocolate hearts. It was then that Princess Stephanie bid Princess Cammie adieu to continue on her pleasant journey!
Having such a wonderful mid day jaunt provided Princess Stephanie with the energy and enthusiasm to continue on with some other princesses in the area. After a 13 minute primping ( I know the princess is phenomenal!), Princess Stephanie met up with her fellow princesses- April, Lynette and Amy for trip to the largest kingdom in all the land, San Francisco!
With stunning scarf (she pulled it off), brazilian earrings and sparkling shoes on her feet, Stephanie joined the other ladies in partaking of her second feast of the day at Frachino's Ristorante. The second feast of the day from the far away land of Italy! Upon the princess' plate was insalata capreses, bruschetta, freshly made pappardelle, leeks, prociutto and mushrooms. A feast that was sopped up with crusty italian bread!
The court jesters extended an invitaion to the ladies and they accepted. So, onto the presentation of Beach Blanket Babylon! There, the princesses enjoyed themselves thoroughly. There was music, laughter and crazy big hats! If an Italian feast a show by the jesters weren't enough, the second ice cream cone of the day for Princess Stephanie made it nearly complete. A cafe around the corner provided our heroine with hazlenut biscotti and grasshopper pie ice cream.
During the dessert course of the feast, the princesses were excited to hear of the new prince to be born any moment. after a thrilling trip to the far off kingdom of San Francisco, the princesses stopped at the castle Kaiser to visit Carla in the midst of her child bearing.
There, Princess April coached sweet, strong and amazing Princess Carla through the journey to become the mother of a son. The experience was asacred and special one for all. Stephanie sincerely appreciated being there to be part of a miraculous and beautiful occurence. It was a highlight of her life and especially precious because she will never get to experience for herself again. What an amazing day in the life of a princess.

And they all lived happily ever after!

Look what I made!

Still working on Kaitlin's room... slowly but surely. The last thing to do is the headboard. Once it's all done I will post multiple pictures. But for now, I want to show off this handy work.

This Little Red Reding Hood silhouette will go in Kate's room alongside a Jack and the Beanstalk silhouette. I will post pictures when I finish- goodness, I really need to get crack a lackin'!