The Kings

Ruby Jane

2011-08-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

I've been in such disbelief over poor baby Ruby Jane Taylor that I haven't even blogged about it yet. But, its just, I have so many feelings, I just need to share. I wish I could bake a cake filled with rainbows and smiles and everyone would eat and be happy...

I don't even know where to begin. In H.S., Ani Bewsey Taylor and I would talk about our hopes and dreams for our one day children. Ok, who am I kidding? We'd talk about our hopes and dreams for our future hot husbands. Then, we were each others bridesmaids when we married those hot husbands we dreamt of. Ani (the early adopter and trail blazer) had a perfect baby girl (Kate) a couple years ago. Then, when I found out I was pregnant and I called and told Ani before I even told my previously mentioned hot husband. Ani found out she was pregnant too and we were due 3 days apart. We'd email, text, or call about how it was going and then Ani threw me a baby shower out in CA at her parents home. I talked to my mom on the phone the night Archie was born (she wasn't able to make it on time; Eddie barely made it on time) and she told me she was talking to Ani's mom and that Ani was in the hospital, too. Maybe it was the hormones but I FREAKED OUT. But then, I found out it was a false alarm. So close! But a couple weeks later (Archie was a little early) Ruby Jane was born to Matt and Ani Taylor to be a little sister to Kate.

I'll make a long, but incredibly touching, story short (but I DO suggest you read up!! Go to Ani and Matt Taylor's blog or just google Ruby Jane Taylor). When Ruby was a couple months old they found out she had a serious liver problem and that she would need a transplant to survive much longer. My thoughts were that there was no way this would be a problem. Its freaking 2011 and everyone loves that family anyways. There would be a million livers. Then, in the middle of June, when the problem still hadn't resolved, I made a quick trip to CA with Archie to stay with Ani and Ruby while Matt and Kate were out of town. Before this trip, I'd seen pictures, I knew it was bad, but I wasn't prepared for how I would feel when I looked in Ruby's eyes. One morning, when I was already up with out of control Archie and Ruby was still enjoying her beauty rest, there were 2 times she woke up and I went in her room to make sure Ruby was Ok so Ani could get some sleep. I'm so happy I did. It gave me a second to be alone with Ruby and to feel her spirit. Although, I do sort of feel guilty for stealing that time from her mom.

The day I left CA, I'm fairly certain Ani and I both understood somehow what would happen. Leaving was so hard. I was even tearing up on the airplane. Maybe it was because I was flying JetBlue (TOTALLY KIDDING! I LOVE Jetblue! I'm just trying to cut the tension. I feel uncomfortable with my emotions).

Things quickly started getting more intense and serious, so I called the hospital to volunteer my liver (they needed someone who was small enough that an 8th of the donors liver would fit in a baby. I thought maybe 100 lbs would do it). The coordinator said she didn't want my liver because I'm "not in perfect health" because of my brain injury. Should I be offended? Because I am. I'm pretty sure I barely even get colds. If that makes me feel very inadequate, just imagine what Ani is feeling as Ruby's mom because her liver wouldn't work. Anyone whos got at least 1/50th of a brain knows that its no ones fault that Ani's (or my) liver wouldn't be a perfect fit. I just think Ruby would prefer my questionable liver right now.

So after way too much of a trial thats anyones supposed to deal with (think Job), baby girl Ruby Jane passed away on Aug. 11th.

You know how people say when they recieve bad news they are "numb." Yeah, it totally happened. For 30 seconds there was no feeling what so ever. Then it hit me. I didn't sleep that night. I don't think there are many people who understood how hard it was on me. A) A baby died. B) It was my best friends baby. C) I'm certain I could have helped. D) Can you say Guilty? Archie, same age, is perfectly healthy in every way.

So I went to CA for the service. Stayed with the "other Everson's" in Newport Beach (my Dad's brother's house). Tuesday I went to the service, and I lived another stereotype. You know how people say they can't talk when they're overcome with emotions? Theres a first time for everything, even for this girl who loves to run her mouth. I saw Ani for the first time since everything happened, and we just hugged, and cried. I tried to say "Hi" or ask how she was doing but all that came out was one little squeek. And then saying something seemed too hard. And it seemed so inadequate. What could I say? Apparently a photorapher caught this moment because this showed up in a newspaper article.

Its still tough on me. I know that this baby's work here was done, because there is no way that this would have happened if God wasn't trying to make it end like it did. There were way too many people trying and willing to donate their livers and too many options that were so close to being a match. This was God's plan. Well, part of God's plan. Theres a lot more that I'm sure will still happen, both in this life and in the life to come. Its not like God stepped out for a minute and there was some sudden freak accident he couldn't see coming. This was set in motion since before Ruby was born. I wrote Ani a letter and in it I said that this was a lesson only Ani, Matt, and Ruby could teach. I don't think I emphasized that enough. If it was me, I would lay down in bed and proceed to guilt people into paying for my medical bills. Ani continues to amaze me. Did you know they're starting a bloody non-profit with the goal of "promoting organ donation awareness, enacting legislation to enable families to make informed and educated decisions regarding organ donation, and to raise money to support the cause." I know I signed up to be an organ donor really quick.

Like "Bows for ruby" on FB and bid on the booties I donated:

All proceeds go helping the Taylors pay for Ruby's medical bills.
Go here to donate directly to the family.
Her foundation page is here.

The toughest thing thats happened to me in my life really dims compared to this. Taylors, you have everyone you've ever met (and many you never met) supporting you on this. Love you.

When?

2011-05-19T20:55:00.001-07:00

I'm wondering when I became this way...when I started being anxiety ridden and out of control? I have some stress issues. I am completely and utterly addicted to stress. And its not like it takes a lot to get me buggin'. Everything seems SO daunting. Not that I would say that I am "paralyzed by fear," I really will do anything but I will definetly be a little too worked up over it.

Take, for example, finances. I don't even remember checking my balance once when I was in H.S., and I call my bank to check my balance pretty much every time I go to the grocery store now. Not that Eddie doesn't do a great job of providing for me, I just think if I don't check my whole world will come crashing down on me. I did have a job in H.S. (riding horses!) but I really don't remember what I did with that money. Its gone. I must of spent it. I honestly believe I could have a million dollars and I still would have second thoughts about buying myself McDonalds. Who knows what will happen on the 21st of May, and I better be careful!

Maybe it's a control thing? Is that why I have NO TRUST that someone will be somewhere at a certain time? That must be why I have to worry about bringing stuff to do in case who knows what happens.

When did this happen? Poor Archie's mom is going to have a heart attack before...well, before too long. I need to learn that, honestly, what I do really doesn't change much anyways, and there is NO REASON to freak out. Maybe I should learn that being nervous won't change a thing, so why give myself an aneurysm in the mean time?

...Deap breaths...

Look at ME!

2011-05-15T16:23:00.001-07:00

I did so good. Here is a before picture:

And AFTER!!!:

Who reupholstered our chairs blue? I did! All by myself. Also, who put a vase of very fake flowers on our table so it looks like we have it "together?" I did! Next time you think we have it together just remember, its probably fake.

Breatfeeding Cycles

2011-04-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

I'll have one day where breastfeeding gives me some very negative emotions. I've heard how breastfeeding is suposed to release hormones in your body (I think endorphines) that are supposed to make the mother feel attached to her baby. So I know it does something to your hormones, and I believe its just doing the wrong thing! I don't know; some wires are crossed. Seriously, I get so angry. If there were toothpicks laying around to jam under your finger nails, I'd probably do it. Poor Eddie won't even be in the room with me, and, naturally, I usually pump and feed Archie a bottle because of course I don't want to have those feelings about anything he's doing. And so this is how my day will be with me finally yelling this: "EDDIE! I'M DONE! I hate breastfeeding and we're never having any more kids because I refuse to pay for formula." And I give him some already pumped milk from the fridge or freezer, and I go to bed. And the next morning I'm thinking "I can do this. I'm being dramatic. Breastfeeding is great. I can handle the pain." And the cycle begins again, with each progressive day I want to hurt myself more and more until I blow up again. Only to start the breastfeeding again the next day.

So "blow up day" was saturday. Guess whats happening right now? My nipples are being repetitively sucked through a tube and milk is being pulled out in the most unnatural manner. I'll show you a picture if you want to puke.

Anyways, saturday I decided that it was not worth it and knowing this cycle would start again Im trying very hard to not get sucked in. So here is my compromise: I will nurse Archie first thing in the morning and for his late night "dream feed." Thats when hes out of it and tired enough to just eat quietly and pleasantly. Then I will pump 1 time in the middle of the afternoon. Then if he's hungry at any other time (which he will be!) I'll just give him formula. I'm thinking that way my boobies will get a bit of a rest and not feel so overworked. Hopefully, that way, they won't hurt so darn bad all the time. And doing both won't be a problem for Archie. He'll eat whatever you put in his face. He really doesn't care.

Lets also talk about a pet peeve of mine: people saying they "can't" breastfeed. I think the number of people who actually can not is very low. Can't people just admit "I'm opting out." Because thats what I'm doing. Just sort of throwing in the towel. Sometimes I think "Archie is the best. He deserves the best." Then I realize he can really only have the best of one thing: the best most inexpensive milk or the best mommy, who doesn't have a breakdown each time hes hungry. And obviously I'm not going to be a perfect mommy, so I might as well do whatever I can to make myself better.

So as of now, thats what we're doing. Half and half. You just ask me in a couple days what we're doing. It will probably change.

Also, people, I'm not making any claims about the differences between breastmilk or formula. The main issue I've been struggling with is mainly financial. Also, a bit pride. We all know Bree doesn't do much, but what I do do, I finish. And my pregnancy and labor were so easy I feel like I need to deal with something that is bad. Hopefully I can stick with my program. Last night when it wasn't on my schedule to pump, I had to force myself not to because I know how it will end, and its not pretty.

Here are some Archie pictures, so everyone can see how perfect he is. He deserves a happy mom! And, yes, it does make me feel selfish. That, I am good at.

New Project

2011-03-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

Eddie asked me to make him the star apron with matching gloves.

...pictures...

2011-03-09T18:57:00.000-08:00

To say we are bored tonight is an understatement...
Fun with photobooth

Babywise, or Babyretarded?

2011-03-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

First, I must say that I am so blessed with a very "easy," incredibly patient, so-cute-he-makes-everything-worth-it baby. I was all geared up to be up all night walking my kid all over the house until I could walk no more and then put him in the car to drive. Nope. None of that. Actually, I pretty much flat out refuse to stand up with my baby if that is what he'd like. Call me Rosa Parks...I expect to sit where and when I'd like. Not to mention he seemed to get it on the first night home that NO ONE MESSES WITH MY SLEEP, and if I don't want to be woken up, it usually takes some effort.

When I was expecting baby, I started getting educated in the raising of infants. I read 2 books. Thats enough, right? One was "The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg and the other was "On Becoming Babywise" by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam (funny that they are both guys). I started out trying the Baby Whiperer routine, but when questions arose and things got more complex, there just weren't enough resources. So, at about 1 month, Archie and I made the switch to Babywise. Didn't hurt that they are very similar concepts. But, even though it seems that there are lots more people around that implement Babywise and with the constant research I do on the Chronicles of a Babywise Mom blog (which is SO helpful!) I always seem to have some questions. Is there any one out there whos like a Babywise Pro, that I can bug with all sorts of silly questions? Like running errands with him asleep in the car seat...does that count as a nap really? And I think I'm doing it right, but should my baby really be sleeping this much (like mother, like son. He loves his sleep)? You know the people who like to tell you how to raise your kid...They think that its "unhealthy" to sleep this much. Wrong! Right? I need some reassurance that I am "on the right track."

Here is Archie's little routine that we aim for:

7:30 AM Up Feed
9:00 AM Nap
11:00 AM Feed
12:15 Nap
2:30 PM Feed
3:50 PM Nap
6:00 PM Feed
7:30 PM Bed
9:30 PM Feed (right to bed)
11:30 PM Feed (right to bed)
7:30 AM Up Feed

I understand that 7:30 AM is too early to wake up for most "normal" people, but I'm hoping he gets in the habit of getting up early because, although I don't take advantage of it myself, I feel like early morning time is a productive time to, say, go to the gym, take care of your chickens, finish projects...

Heres how lovely my Archie is.

Calling All Mothers

2011-02-20T12:22:00.000-08:00

I was wondering: When do moms stop watching trashy TV and listening to music with questionable lyrics? Because this I know for sure-- my mom wouldn't watch those shows or play that music. I know how it is for me. When Archie isn't in the car with me its like "Hallelujah! No censor!" and Eminem goes wayyyy up. Within the weeks following bringing Archie home I sat down on the couch once while he was napping and turned on "The Challenge" on MTV (the episode I was in the middle of watching when I realized I needed to go to the hospital) and my mom just sort of laughed to herself. I've wondered, are moms closet Jersey Shore watchers? When does it stop?? Because there must come a point. My mom NEVER blasted Katy Perry.

Then I realized, I believe its just because society has changed. My mom wasn't kidding when she said she'd watch "I love Lucy" as a kid. When I say I watched "The Simpsons" as a kid, I guess its the same thing. That music that she'd get excited over that was SO TAME was really what she listened to. When my parents say they love Pink Floyd, that was a little rebellious. I guess me being excited over watching The Bachelor or Desperate Housewives is similar to my mom watching "her soaps" during the day when her kids were at school. So maybe that is why my mom seems so much more mature in her media choices.

So that brings me to my next question: How does my generation handle it? You friends of mine who are moms to older kids than I, when will it stop? When the kids can start repeating it? When your daughter can ask if she can wear clothes like the Bachelorette?Or does it ever stop? Because I really don't want it to. Are you just excited for your kids to go to school so you can turn on the ridiculous show? Because I'm thinking thats the best option.

Lets Clear the Confusion

2011-02-09T17:50:00.000-08:00

Yayyy!!! There is some confusion, but yes, Eddie did win the Doritos Super Bowl Commercial Contest. Sometimes this is forgotten because we did not win a million dollars (a sort of unrelated prize) but Eddie still had a commercial shown in the super bowl to be seen by about 120 million people. That is HUGE. When Eddie's commercial was shown it was such a high, we were all so thrilled, but when the results were tallied up after the game and we didn't win the million, this depression settled when everyone forgot about the original big accomplishment. We only got a couple hours of excitement and I couldn't even talk to Eddie then! They took everyone's cell phones away in the box at the game so no one could find out the current results of the Ad Meter and know if any of the winners would also win the million.

There seems to be this sadness hanging around, this dark mist, because there's no million dollars. I feel like we forget that Eddie and his buddy were the winners of a contest with about 4,500 other entrants. To be honest, when we're talking rationally, we realize that winning a million dollars this way would bring with it SO many problems. Already, some "true colors" came out just from this small amount of publicity that we'd hope would never show up. I could only imagine how difficult things could be if money was involved.

Lets Talk

2011-02-01T15:46:00.000-08:00

Ladies, can we talk about breast feeding? I need to say that whoever says its "beautiful" or "wonderful" is smoking crack. Eddie says he thinks its beautiful because it shows how willing I am to sacrifice for Archie and it shows how much I love him. I thought when I shoved a square through a circle I was showing my willingness to sacrifice. I know I'll be sacrificing for this cute guy for my whole life, BUT COME ON! Can we stop with the physical pain?? When can I be done proving my love?! And in those few moments where it really doesn't hurt, which are actually getting pretty frequent (I'm a dramatic person), its just the most obnoxious thing. I feel like its akin to Chinese Water Torture, just something repetitive and so .... dang ... annoying. Not to mention when this yanking is going on there are most likely dishes in the sink that you can't stop thinking about how they need to be put away. Please, tell me it will get better! My baby is 6 1/2 weeks old, will it ever completely stop hurting or will I ever feel like my life revolves around anything besides my breast pump again?!?!

But then he looks at me with these eyes and I stop my complaining.

Superbowl!!!!!

2011-01-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to post this when its almost too late to ask for everyone's help with it, but I figured I should at least write this down. Eddie made a commercial that he submitted to a commercial contest to be played in the superbowl for Doritos, and his add was chosen as one of the top 5 finalists out of about 4000 entries! 3 of the top 5 will air during the superbowl, so our chances are pretty good. He filmed it with his buddy, Tyler Marshall, who was the Director of Photography while Eddie did the Directing. They are so talented! So the judges picked which entries would be the top 5 and now they are free to be voted on. No one can see how many votes any of them have, but we can see the number of views, are currently we're about 8000 ahead of any other contestant in number of views. That might not correlate with number of votes, but we'll take it! So voting ends at midnight of the 31st, and every person can vote once a day in two different ways: On your computer and from your mobile. The links are
Online: http://bit.ly/htjMOp
Mobile: http://bit.ly/gsUVDR
No matter what he gets to go to the superbowl and they have some big party planned for all of the finalists. Hes going for a whole week, then all of the finalists go in a private box together to watch the game and commercials, and the people whose commercials play durimg the game win and the other people just go home sad. I think thats mean, but what are you going to do? So we're really proud of Eddie. We got the phone call letting us know he was a finalists just a couple days after we brought Archie home from the hospital. Talk about a good week! We love Archie! Hes the best. Here is the link to Eddie's commercial:

http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/#/?finalist=1264

And for your viewing pleasure, here is a picture of Archie that my cousin Jefra Linn took. Personally, I don't like this picture, I think it makes my baby look like a washed up old rock star, which is how I feel long hair makes any guy look. But most people like it. I'm sure the same people who are encouraging my husband.

Since that makes my baby look...ehhh...lets see if I can find a more "cute baby" type picture.

I've Been Preoccupied by Baby Archie

2010-12-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

I figured I better write this down before I forget, and we all know I can forget. I just don't think I can forget this night though. But I've realized its when I think I won't forget and don't take precautions to remember that my memory fails me. Also, better blog it before it becomes old news.

Thursday, December 15th I just went about my business. I went to the mall; I went to WalMart (WalMart can be even more miserable than it already it. Just try going there when you're in labor and don't even know it.) I felt like I was having more contractions than before, but I've been having contractions for months and had started dilating for at least 2 weeks, so I didn't really think it meant anything. My friend came over for a little bit. She just had a baby and she said she went to the hospital when her contractions were so bad she couldn't breath and she still had enough time that things were still under control. So I figured I clearly wouldn't be having a baby any time soon. So I sat down on my couch to knit and watch "The Challenge" on MTV. Within about 1 minute I had to get up and go to the bathroom. There was lots of blood involved (TMI, I know, get over it) so I was concerned something was not right. I texted Eddie who was on a photo shoot for work about 20 minutes away (It was about 8:30 now) and told him I was going to start packing for the hospital. I figured he'd be home in about an hour and we'd leisurely go to Orem Community. I could hardly get upstairs to pack because all the sudden I was being torn into a million pieces. I tried to pack, but its hard to do when you feel like you're dying. I tried to measure my contractions but its pretty much impossible. "Hold on body, we just need to write this down real quick, then you can shatter."

Eddie didn't get my text for about 15 or 20 minutes, but when he did he made record time getting home. He called his parents (who live close) to pick me up and take me to the hospital. They all got here at the same time. Eddie's packing involved him grabbing a handful of unfolded laundry, throwing it at his dad, who stuffed it in my half packed bag, and we ran out the door. Eddie did his best to time my contractions in the car but its kind of tough to do. Best he could figure they were 2 minutes apart. He pulled in to the hospital (I didn't let him park) and we went to the front desk. We had pre-registered, but Eddie was giving them basic info, like my name. I was busy having a contraction. All the sudden, my water broke, all over my pants, shoes, and the floor. That JUST HAPPENED. I looked up and told the receptionist. She looked over the desk, said "yup, I think you're staying" and got a wheel chair. Then a nurse or something (I don't even know) checked my cervix (which felt like she was counting all of my baby's fingers and toes; Very painful) and said I was 9.5 cm. dilated. They called the anesthesiologist, but it was too late for an epidural. So he gave me a spinal block. I believe its just faster moving. Faster to start working and faster to wear off. 30 minutesish later my midwife showed up, she "checked" me again, and said it was time to start pushing. This went on for about an hour and a half, with lots of tearing and all that lovely stuff. My midwife asked if I wanted an episiotomy, I declined the offer, but she eventually said there just wasn't enough room for him and I gave the Ok. I gave one 2 second push, and then he was here. Should have done it sooner. He was perfect. Eddie was and still is perfect with his son. It made me cry a little. Partially out of jealously because Eddie got to look at and play with baby Archie while I got sewed up for an hour. He came before midnight that night of chaos. I'd so much rather it be a bit too fast than too slow, staring at the walls for a whole day wondering when he'd come.

I think if you read that whole post you deserve some pictures. Either Eddie or Tyler Marshall took the pictures (he was a star, coming down after cleaning up the photo shoot and hanging out at the hospital until we were ready for visitors.)

Forever!

2010-11-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hey readers, sorry its been so long. I feel like most girls, when they are pregnant, their blogs blow up with posts. Me, not so much. I've been way too addicted to Solitaire to use my comp for anything else.

Eddie made a nerve-racking point this morning: I could have this baby in 3 weeks and he wouldn't even be considered early or premature. What? 3 weeks? I'm not ready for that. Just because, well I like EVERYTHING to be set up and ready completely, or else I get overwhelmed. If I had it my way, I would have everything set up with the car seat in my car by a couple months ago, just in case, but Eddie is a last-minute, live-your-life-on-the-edge, kind of guy, which really unsettles me. I knew what I was getting into though. When we were dating I actually made him a cross-stitch that said "I live my life a quarter mile at a time," which is a quote from his favorite movie "The Fast and The Furious." Paul Walker said it, I think.

I'm watching my stomach move right now; He's a little feisty. He's going to tire me out, I'm sure. I can more than feel him, I get to watch him. Every time he moves its magic. Sting, I love you.

On to less random things. For this part of the post I'm going to copy much of it from Ty and Kumari Marshall's blog. Partly because of laziness, partly because Kumari is so efficient! Love her! Ty and Eddie work together along with Tyler Dixon for the commercials that they shoot. To start, they submitted commercials for the Quiznos and Sports Authority contests and won them both. So they started a production company called Robot Formal (don't ask me). They shot 3 commercials for a Go Daddy commercial contest, one for the Doritos Super Bowl contest and another for the Pepsi Max Super Bowl contest. So the way the super bowl commercials work is it doesn't matter how many views they get or anything, the super bowl people decide on 10 ads, which are announced in beginning of Jan, and then people vote on their favorites, and the top 6 are played in the super bowl. So if we get top 10, we'll be knocking on your door asking for votes, but until then, don't worry about it! Their plan is to keep doing commercial contests to build a portfolio and a name for themselves and then move into doing bigger assignment work like music videos and commercials. We’ll post more videos as they shoot more.

Super Bowl Commercials:
Doritos Commercial
Pepsi Max Commercial

Go Daddy Commercials:
FLASHMANCE

BTW-- This one got DQed or I really believe it would have won and we'd have a little more money.
LARPING

Quiznos Commercial

Sports Authority Commercial

TTYL

Busy Couple Days

2010-09-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

From thursday the 16th until monday morning the 20th, Eddie shot 3 commercials for a commercial campaign for a competition. Of course, it was all very good and we had lots of fun. Well, I had lots of fun, Eddie got thrown in gravel repetitively for his superhero commercial and got a couple battle wounds. Heres a picture of Eddie and his buddy Paul as superheroes.

When you've gotten over how hot my husband is in spandex, notice how good my pregnant skin is!

One of his spots involved LARPing (LARP = live action role play). Guess which talented girl sewed the main character's outfit for when he wasn't very professional. Then he becomes a very successful LARPer. So I sewed the before. 2 sems, and I cut a hole for his head. TAKE THAT! And Andrea Faulkner Williams and I sewed Eddie's Princess Leia robe for his Ke$ha video, so if you want any costume design, come to me! I am sooooo capable.

His 3rd commercial was about Paul becoming a professional dancer. Here he is setting up his website to promote himself.

And then, naturally, he becomes an excellent dancer. Here is Paul with a group of Jazz dancers who played the girls who helped him become so successful.

Now he just has to edit his 3 commercials...go Eddie. For the next little bit I'll be taking the role of a widow, or maybe the wife of a hermit, while Eddie sits in his office editing and I'm either down stairs watching Oprah reruns or sitting on my bed playing solitaire. If you want to do something, call me pleasssseeee.

It Begins

2010-09-11T17:06:00.001-07:00

The decorating of the baby boy's room started today (I mean a couple days ago; Blogger wouldn't let me attach pictures so I had to wait a bit for it to be working again)!

Eddie always thinks I should "have a plan" before I start decorating stuff. I've tried to get him to understand that I don't work like that when it comes to putting a look together. That is why he is responsible for most of the decorating in our home. Remember when I decorated our master bedroom as a "surprise" for when Eddie got home from a 2 week work trip? The real reason is that I just wanted to start and see what happens, and he didn't want me doing that, so that is just what I did when he went out of town. It totally worked out.

So, moral of the story is, he isn't as concerned about my methods for decorating MY nursery. So, I'm just starting and we'll see what comes up. I just know I want to paint it gray. I think gray is the greatest neutral. I love it. What color doesn't go well with gray? Plus, I had almost a gallon of paint left over from our master bedroom, thats why the paint looks familar. This way, if I want to use the nursery again for if I have a girl next, I can just throw in some pink accents if I don't feel like painting.

Just so everyone knows what crib I want, this is one that I love. Its just so functional.

And its only a meager $1,600. Ha! Eddies going to have to win a couple more commercial contests for that! So that one won't work out, I'm thinking maybe having a capable, cheap carpenter make a replica, I really don't think it will be cheap enough to make it affordable even on craigslist. Ikea will probably be a more realistic option, less of a streatch, but a girl can dream, right?

Cake

2010-09-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

The day after my last post about loving dessert I felt the need to make this following cake:

I took a picture because I wanted to show you how good of a baker I am. It took me almost all day...the dough had to rise and blah blah blah. It was a process. I was going to tell you all how good it was and how you HAVE TO MAKE IT, but, to tell you the truth...it wasn't good. I have a feeling it wasn't the recipe, it was just how I made it, so if you come across some cake recipe that looks delish...it probably is. I don't get it...I followed the directions! It looks just like the pictures in the tutorial! Oh well...I'll just stick with the just add water cookie and cake mixes...

Cheeseburgers and Sugar

2010-09-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

Guys, I'm considering getting off my butt and making myself chocolate chip cookies. Let me tell you about today-- I made a great little meal for dinner tonight. I made spaghetti squash and brussel sprouts and it was pretty wonderful. Eddie loved it. He ate his whole plate of food and got a second plate too. I, on the other hand, ate 3/4ths my plate, and told him that I was stuffed and that I couldn't eat any more. After that I got up and got myself a bowl of ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Then we started watching a TLC TV show about this guy who was addicted to cheeseburgers. He made such comments as "Cheeseburgers are ruining my life," and we laughed and decided Eddie was going to make up an addiction to something like Vagisil just to get on TV. But then I told him that part of me got it; I literally feel sick if I eat very much "real food" and don't get what I really want. I actually feel completely full, like I'll be sick if I eat one more bite, but then I get dessert. There is something wrong with me. Then the next show came on and it was about this woman who has an addiction to sugar. I watched her, with my bowl of ice cream, and thought "at least I'm not that bad" because she doesn't mess around. Its sugar every hour of every day, and nothing else. But I also realized that I didn't think it sounded that horrible. I really feel withdrawals if I don't get dessert. And dessert with everything, including breakfast. The good thing about my eating habits, which I really believe makes me okay (tell me if it doesn't), I am always willing to try other food, and if I don't have to cook the food and clean up after it, I usually love the food and I'll eat a normal amount of it, as long as I can get dessert in. Do I have an eating disorder? I know that in some ways I am obsessed with food, which I do know is one of the symptoms.

And the worst part is that I am trying make sure my baby is healthy. But I do always buy Breyers natural ice cream. Partially because I can almost always find it half off, but mostly because there are about 5 ingredients, while still remaining VERY good. That way I don't feel too bad about myself for eating ice cream for breakfast. Cuz really, its just milk, right? My baby...they like milk, right?

AND I ATE LIKE 5 BRUSSEL SPROUTS! And a couple tomatoes from my garden and some spaghetti squash, also from my garden. I DESERVED THAT BOWL OF ICE CREAM! Am I normal?

The Talented Husband

2010-09-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of Eddie! He shot and editted two commercials in about a week and a half and for two different commercial contests at poptent.net and he won them both! I'm always amazed at how his mind works. He says how his eyes are so important and they are what make him different, but I think its his mind. He comes up with these commercial ideas in two seconds.

Here's Quizno's

And here is Sports Authority. You might have seen this one on TV if you live by a Sports Authority, they play it lots!

HypnoBirthing/Mongan Method

2010-08-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

Maybe I've lost my marbles. Maybe that horse scrambled my circuits. But for the first time in my life, I'm actually considering not taking as many drugs as legally feasible when I have Jr. Eddie. Am I crazy? Actually....if you think I can't do this, DON'T TELL ME, because apparently positive thoughts are a necessity if I do go through with the HypnoBirthing/Mongan Method. I have 2 main arguments of the debate going through my head.

Natural side-- I am the result of thousand of years of natural selection. If all those mother ancestors before me we're successful in birthing their baby without drugs (because everyone from my grandma back wouldn't have had access to this medical pain relief), then I wouldn't be here today. And of all my known ancestors, my body would appear to be most like my Dad's mother (I was the only grandchild that had no problem fitting into her wedding dress (thats what grandma told me, but I recall a picture of my cousin Jefra wearing that same dress), I am her height, I look sort of like her) and that woman gave birth to 6 healthy children and was nicknamed "Two-push-Barbara" because she would get those kids out so quick and easy like (this is what I've been told, maybe I should ask her about it...) If they all could, why couldn't I?

Not So Natural, Pain Relief Side-- Some dude invented the technology to get us Americans to the moon. We went, didn't we? We used that technology. It would seem that Al Gore invented the internet, and it would appear that I'm using that technology right now. We have the drugs, and I'll still get into heaven if I use them in this scenario, so maybe I should just use them.

This is an eternal debate that I don't have the answers to. I'll write a book if I figure it out.

This is getting more and more fun...

2010-08-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Just so everyone is up to date, braxton hicks contractions started up this weekend. At 21 weeks. It was definitely manageable, not too painful, and Eddie, being so great, was telling me to relax and practice my breathing, and I told him "Eddie! I don't even know if I am supposed to relax! Maybe this is a bad thing! Maybe I should be going to the hospital, not relaxing!" But I called my midwife this morning, and she told me its fine, as long as it doesn't get too consistent or the pain doesn't go away and as long as I can still feel baby move. I knew this sort of thing was normal, but that it usually didn't start up so soon, especially with a first baby. At least I know he's there, messing with my body like babies are supposed to. My tummy gets so rock hard, I didn't even know my muscles could do that. I think there is a money making idea here...if you could take some hormone stuff that does that to your abdominal muscles when you are at the beach, well I know I would pay good cash for that. But it has to happen when you still have a flat stomach. Someone look into that.

Things Are Changing Around Here

2010-08-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

It all started with two chickens...and let me tell you. Those are more responsibility than one would hope for. But Eddie and I better get used to it, because in case you didn't get the memo already, we've got a baby boy coming on dec. 29th. I'm 20 and 1/2 weeks today. Which is more than half way to baby coming. We really couldn't be more excited for it! We just love him so much already!
Theres a couple pregnancy thoughts I want to share with you. Stuff no one told me.

1. Your skin and nails get so much worse before they get better (still waiting for that). I just kept hearing about how your skin and nails get so good during pregnancy, and before I even got married I was taking "magic hair growth pills" (prenatal vitamins) and they worked great, up until I was in a coma and they took me off everything I was taking, and I never found them or started again. Anyway, they are not having the same effect when I'm actually pregnant! My theory is that the baby wants all those vitamins for himself. If it means he's healthy, he can have it! The breaking out and chipping nails have GOT to STOP!!

2. Whoever says that throwing up during morning sickness doesn't make you feel better is just trying to look tougher because they like to use how it sounds gross to get more sympathy. Let me tell you, there was no worse feeling than laying in bed needing to throw up so bad and not. For a couple months, there was no better feeling than how I felt after I threw up. Maybe thats different for other people, but I know I feel so much worse for the poor girls who just have take it. That part, when I wouldn't throw up, was the worst. I just wanted the relief, which luckily, I got every so often.

We deff. weren't trying or anything, and so I didn't keep a calendar, and didn't realize how it was all glaring at me the whole time. I should have taken a hint when I kept waking up to pee, couldn't make it through the day in Baltimore without coming to the hotel for a nap that seemed to take up every day from about 11-3, and would actually eat my entire plate of food and then be starving again an hour later. But all this started pretty much the day I got pregnant, and so I figured it out around the same time I possibly could have. I'm wondering why I've never real someone's blog who says these things, and I'm wondering if its TMI, but I really don't think it is. Maybe its because I lake a sensor...?

My mom and I went shopping yesterday and I'd like to share a few of the treasures we got.
Its going to be the middle of winter when he's born, so he'll need this:

And this will be for next winter:

And in case you weren't sure, Eddie and I's baby is going to be tough:

The Birthday Egg

2010-08-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

I just went outside to check out our chickens and guess what I found......AN EGG!!! An egg for Eddie's birthday! They must have know that it was a special day and planned their egg laying calender around Eddie's birthday. August 8th is a special day. I'm not sure which one it was, but I was proud of them both. Its just like a normal egg but it is much smaller. It will make a very small omelet, but its still an EGG from our very own chickens! I should have taken a picture when I found it on the ground, but I was just too excited to remember. My mom said "now you know what its like to be a mom" and I said "I'm going to eat this."

1 million

2010-08-01T21:26:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that Eddie's Kesha / Star Wars video hit 1,000,000 views today! Good job Eddie. If you haven't seen it check it out here.

Sorry No Post...

2010-06-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

I have been SUCH a blog slacker. And let me tell you why. I haven't had my BYU RB job so I haven't had time to waste at a computer. Well, for now, I am back, at least until august 9th. Let me show you some of my main life events. Notice, not all of my life events. Some of you know what I'm talking about. If you don't, just ask me about my biggest life event. I'll tell you. Actually, I really like to talk about it, so PLEASE ask. I just don't think its a good idea to share my private life with the world wide web yet, for some other reasons.

We planted a garden. We're trying the idea of growing and nourishing things. We better be good.

Let me tell you what we've got: A tomato plant, lots of pepper (bell, banana, jalapeño...), 1 carrot (the rest died), cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, 1 cantaloupe, and 1 spaghetti squash. We also have basil and chives.

Eddie also built me a chicken coup.

For a while we would just let down Miley and Mariah's ramp and let them eat bugs all over our yard. BUT, they started pestering around in our garden, so we caged them in. Unless sometimes I can go outside and watch them while they run around. So, Eddie put chicken wire around the bottom. He did such a good job. There are wheels so we can easily move it, and a handle on one side, and both sides open up for easy access to clean their roosting area.

You can pull the string so their ramp goes up. We put their ramp up every night and close them up because we have 'coons in our neighborhood and we couldn't handle something happening to our little chickies. Its really pretty fancy for our chickens. They keep me occupied...

I'm A Big Kid Now

2010-06-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

I was realizing that when I was little (about 5) I had two big measures to tell me if I was big. I've long since passed them up, so clearly, I am a big girl. Here they are:

#1 When I was big, my butt would cover the entire hole in the toilet seat when I went to the bathroom. I bet my little bum was so cute then.

#2 When I was big, I could sit in my dad's firebird in the back seat with my back all the way against the seat and my feet could touch the ground. In case you're not one of the lucky ones to have driven that car, I'll give you a visual of the Firebird.

That car is my dad's firebird. He bought it from his big sister when he was 16 and its still sitting in his garage now. That car is the one material thing that has always been in my life. Now, I can't sit in the back seat of that car without hitting my chin with my knees. I'm not sure when I could start touching the floor, but I can!

Let me tell you about going to seminary in that car. Its cold outside. Its like 5 in the freakin morning in southern california. Freezing, I tell ya. Then you get in the Firebird and you are toasty warm by the time you get down the block because it has two big heater vents, one on each side for the passenger side and drivers side. That car is so small that it doesn't take much. An unparalleled heating system!

Its so precious to me that I can remember trying to reach my feet all the way to the floor on my way home from church with my family when I was 5, going to seminary in that car, and I remember being the first one to crash it on my way to go see my horse, Khya, and here I am on my wedding day. That car is so special to me.

Safty First

2010-05-27T11:09:00.001-07:00

I got this in an email, and instead of emailing it to 10 other people or else I will die, I thought I'd just put it on my blog, because I thought some of these tips were good. Not to mention, I need all the help I can get with these things.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy...The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their chequebook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR , LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE... If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ...RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.

While We're Talking About Things To Eat...

2010-05-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have a suggestion for everyone out there! Recently, Eddie and I made a little addition to our cupboard. I didn't realize how much I needed it until I got it. Strawberry flavored milk mix. Like the Nestle kind? I forgot how amazing the fake strawberry flavor is! Speaking of fake fruit flavors, how about banana candy? Like the chewy runts? It doesn't even taste like banana but somehow it just makes me smile!

I NEED Some Empty Calories

2010-05-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

I have a problem and I think you guys can help me with it. I started this cooking class at BYU (another one) and we made this broccoli salad thing. I thought it ended up being DELICIOUS. I actually really liked it, and I thought "hey, I should make this for dinner and Eddie will be so impressed with my nutrients." But right after my broccoli salad lunch, I started to feel pretty nauseous. This is the question that arose in my mind: Can your body get nauseous after eating too nutritious foods when you're not used to eating that way? This is not the first time I wondered this; I think maybe my body just isn't cut out for "real" food. I felt the exact same way as I did freshman year when my aunt gave me these New Skin daily women's vitamins, which I promptly stopped taking (and when I told my aunt she said "oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that. They make most people nauseous at first.") So is that vitamin thing what is happening here? Maybe instead of getting my nutrients though New Skin woman's vitamins, they're coming from food, and my body doesn't know what to think.

Anyways, to continue my story, I went home and made that broccoli salad anyway for dinner. Maybe if I force it, then my body will get used to it? Its about time I eat a more "balanced" meal. So I told Eddie it was making me sick, and he asked what I felt like eating, and I told him "empty calories."

career path...

2010-04-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

Halleluiah for my college education! I told my parents the kind of job I would be happy with and they said “are you kidding me? You put all that time, energy, and money into it for that?” Yes. I did.

What sort of job would I be pleased with? Stocking shelves at Gap. Selling cupcakes. Unlocking doors for locked out college co-eds at 3 in the morning. What kind of job do I have? I HAVE NO JOB! Thanks, expensive monthly car break downs and darling sun dresses, for reminding me of that.

I think its time for a confession, in case you didn't put 2 and 2 together. I volunteered somewhere for 9 MONTHS (Heritage), loved every minute of it, and then got turned down for a job. Do they really think that I wasn't expecting anything in return for giving my time? The worst part is that when they hired someone else I was told “Sorry, we decided to go in a different direction, but you should apply for other positions that open. Maybe we'll hire you.” I'm sorry, I don't live my life on maybes. Maybe a horse will kicked me in the head. Clearly I didn't think that one through. Also, they acted like they were really considering hiring me, like they hadn't already made a decision. HELLO, they already knew me. Also, when I asked “what can I do differently,” they really didn't give me any direction, and OBVIOUSLY I could do stuff different if they'd hire someone else. I would so much rather make some adjustments than not be helping to my fullest capability...sorry...this whole situation kind of killed me...I really wanted a job there...

So, point of the story is: I NEED A JOB. Not something that requires me to talk on the phone too much (the phone makes it harder to understand me). I'm in the Provo area, and I plan to stay here for a couple more years. If you know of a job, PLEASE tell me about it. I really do want to work. I'm not very good at sitting around at home. Please, I feel so desperate...Then we've got my husband saying “don't sound so desperate.” Easy for you to say, Mr. Got-A-Good-Job-Right-Out-of-College-and-Didn't-Have-to-Deal-With-A-Recession.

More Graduation Pictures-- thanks Jamie!!

2010-04-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some more grad pictures! I am so proud of myself. I guess you could say I am prideful!

This is my brother Bret and I.

And Eddie and I

And its only right to celebrate graduation with your cousins, right?

Some Things Are Meant To Be Finished

2010-04-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Your college education is meant to be finished, and thats what I did! I am very proud of myself and I know so many other people are too. I am so happy. I was just completely wired about the whole thing. I couldn't really sleep, I would just wake up very early and think about how I am DONE!
Here are a couple temporary pictures. I really don't have many, right now, so here are a few. I'm getting more pictures from other people who took some. But for now, this will have to do.

From left to right, this is my cousin Jamie Everson, me, and my cousins in law Patrick Pfou and Mallory Green. Love them!

And of course, here is Eddie and I. Again, why do I have a double chin thing?

Also, to make graduation even better, BYU just came out with an article about my lovely life (the past couple years of it, anyways) in the BYU Alumni magazine. There isn't a copy of the article online yet, so you'll have to get a hard copy. However, what is online is this video they made for YouTube (funny, because all campus internet blocks YouTube...). You can find that HERE. It has all been so great!

Also, here are some other pictures I'd like to show you.

Where did the time go? How did Miley and Mariah get so freaking big so fast?

I love spring in Utah. Here is a tree in my backyard with its pretty little blooms. I don't even know what kind of tree it is. You probably do.

Good morning BALTIMORE

2010-04-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

When I first thought of Baltimore, I thought of that little cartoon of chipmunks talking about Baltimore and apple cores, and then I thought of Tracy Turnblad and segregation. The Baltimore I imagined was a little "ghetto" (no offense, Tracy, thats just what I've been told). But I'm not one to turn down a vacation of celebrating, especially one that was a gift. So I was VERY excited, and I couldn't wait to get away for a weekend. Guys, I LOVED it! I LOVE BALTIMORE!
I remember when I was a freshman at BYU and my cousins, Jordan and Karli, and I would lay awake and play "truth." We'd tell each other what we truthfully thought about such important topics as "what will the guy I marry look like" (he def wasn't 5'5") and "where am I going to live when I grow up." My cousins said I would live on the east coast, which honestly made the west coast girl in me a little sad. But every time I visit the east coast, I want to live there more and more. About that truth, they might have been right.
Also, remember I am incredibly (more than you could imagine) forgetful, and for that reason I really don't have many pictures. In addition, we don't have a good camera for me, and Eddie knows I won't let him take his work camera-- why not is a separate blog post. Here I am again apologizing for it because SOME people might complain.

Here was our hotel room! I do have a dark picture of that. How I have that and not a basic pic of my family and I in front of a Baltimore sign, I don't know.

This was the view out the hotel room window. Baltimore is "B" for beautiful!

Whats up with these trash people? Eddie knows more about what it was. Some transmodern art thing. It was a recyled stuff. When we walked out to the pier we were a little confused until we asked.

Where She Belongs...

2010-04-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

The dichotomy of my feelings for my car are incredible. The way that car can make me feel...The pure joy and love I feel when I'm driving my car makes me almost forget the absolute hatred and disdain I feel when it drains my bank account and it makes me wonder how much I could get for it. But my thought process is like this: I've spent SO MUCH MONEY on making it good, and there is no way I could get all of that back if I sold it, so I think its gonna be fine for a while, and I might as well keep it. And then a couple days later, I'm driving it, and I feel like its the best experience I've ever had, and I'm kicking myself for even considering selling it.
This picture was taken on Friday afternoon after a emergency trip to SLC to my favorite mechanic for a new secondary air pump. On Friday morning, when I was real busy at my BYU job, I was checking out dresses and shoes online for graduation. I am SO excited to graduate finally, and I feel like I deserve to reward myself, after 7 years of HELL and unexpected obstacles. But guess where all my money went instead?

SUCK IT, AUDI

Smells?

2010-04-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Is it weird that I really enjoy the smell of bleach. It makes me think of CLEAN. Sometimes, in the summer, I open the bathroom window (close the blinds of course) and put of my old BYU bathing suit, pour some bleach in the shower, and get in and scrub the whole thing (in the winter, I just put some cleaner on the shower floor and bush it hard). I do this just to keep the mild dew and soap scum from building up, but strangely enough, that really reminds me of going to the community pool in Irvine, CA when I was a kid. Why? Because there were so many damn chemicals in that water, and thats how it smelled. And you can hear the birds outside, and the wind, and its so sunny. Not to mention, I'm in a one-piece bathing suit. Oh how bleach takes me right back to my childhood. Or maybe its because I learned to clean the toilet around the age of seven- guys, I'm real good at that. I've got it down.

Another strange thing my senses like....pancake batter. Like bisquick and water. Love it.

Is there anything that you like that no one else seems to like? Sauerkraut DOES count for me.

True Love

2010-04-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last night Eddie and I were sitting on the couch each holding one of our chickens. We held them in rags so they don't poop on us. I had Miley, Eddie had Mariah. I said to Eddie "They're pretty ugly these days, molting and all. They have half of their feathers, and half their baby fuz. But you know what? I still love them. I love them. Thats true love." Eddie agreed. Some of us have babies to love, some of us have baby chickens.

Eddie talked me onto his "I'm not ready for that kind of commitment" side.

***I KNOW I'm being ridiculous. Just let me have my chick fun and let me make the most of my childless days.***

Nests

2010-03-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm taking both floral design and this cooking/meal preparation in the family. So that's two classes that are more homey and wifey related. Funny because for both classes I've been offered extra credit for cooking dinner and taking a picture to prove it to my teacher. Cooking dinner? Really? For my university education? Whatever, I'll take it. I cook dinner already most nights sans credit from school. So thats....great.

In my cooking class last night we made home made marsh mellows (which turned out great! Eddie asked me what kind of food I want for food storage and I told him marsh mellows!) to make into peeps and we were supposed to make white chocolate Easter Baskets to put our peeps in. HA. I said "supposed to" because I didn't. I failed miserably. This home eq. stuff is not so easy always. Last week we practiced folding napkins...also not so easy. Anyways, I couldn't make the basket and the marsh mellows got too stiff before we could form them into peeps, so we just made marsh mellow lumps. And my basket broke, so pretty much I did nothing right. Its ok because no one in the class could do it. But someone did do better than me, so I took a picture, so you could get an idea of what my education is turning into.

Go ahead and send those graduation checks...

The Next Best Thing!

2010-03-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

Guess what I got today?! You'll never guess. I texted Eddie about how I get to be a mommy starting today. I was almost shaking I was so excited. I put the box in the car and drove home so carefully.

Here's the box:

I opened the box to find these:

I reached in and held them and loved them and then put them on the floor to take more pictures.

I would blog more but I'm not hearing any cheeping down stairs. I better go check on them...Mariah (shes black) and Miley (shes red).

wonderful SUN

2010-03-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

I feel like yesterday and today were the BEST days. People are so happy now, its amazing. The time change seemed to coincide nicely with this very warm weather, and I love it! Its like all the sudden everyone is so happy, and I think its because it stays light longer and they can wear t-shirts and flip flops. I want it to stay like this forever. I hate that uncomfortable, scorching, billion degree summer that will be here before we've had enough of this "don't have to wear a coat but I'm still happy to wear a long-sleeve shirt" weather. Which is GREAT. We don't get much of this weather, and before you know it horseback riding lessons will be canceled because they don't want death from dehydration.

fiverr.com

2010-03-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

Fiverr.com is probably one of the best websites i've come across in a long time. You can sell whatever you want for $5. Some of my favorite things for sale are:

I will settle your arguments for $5
I will answer any baking questions you have for $5
I will change your voicemail greeting with my extra sexy voice and say anything you want for $5
I will analyze the nutritional value of a recipe for $5

SO MANY OPTIONS!!

So the big question is, What can I sell for $5? Maybe a simple knit headband? I guess if I wanted to sell more intricate things I could always start an etsy shop, but this is so much more fun.

Handsome Men Club

2010-03-11T16:17:00.000-08:00

Handsome Men Club
We've been a little carried away by youtube for the last little bit. We're having a real hard time breaking the ½ million mark so I check about 10 times a day. But this way you come across all sorts of fun things. I think this video is SO FUNNY. Just watch it. Trust. But I must say, its about 10 minutes long, so get in your lounge chair and grab some popcorn. I think the first half is most funny though, maybe because after 5 minutes, I can't even think to remember my own name.

Best Week EVER

2010-03-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

I had a blog post about the day Eddie and I turned on the TV and saw a picture of him on Best Week EVER (a VH1 show that really is pretty darn funny). I was so happy. I love that show.
Well I love that show again! The video is on bestweekever.com and that makes me happy again. Love it!!

Hopefully...:)

2010-03-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

Hopefully no ones about to die. Maybe the death of socks counts as the bad thing I swear is coming...

My Night and My Socks

2010-03-04T08:55:00.001-08:00

Here is a story for you! Possibly the worst night of my life at the time, but its kind of funny in retrospect. This will be a lot of writing but thats how long my night was.

Sunday night Eddie and I were going to our friend's, Jenny and Lasse's, house for dinner. We were supposed to be celebrating their purchase of a home about 1/2 block away from us! But Eddie was trying to post the video before the cut off time, so I was going alone. I was bringing dessert, but I burnt the frosting and I didn't have another box of powdered sugar, so I called Jenn and she said just to come over and I could use hers. I put on the pair of stockings that I just finished knitting and went out the door. I took a paper Anthropologie bag and put a bottle of vanilla in and some cocoa. I pretty recently bought the vanilla and I broke the cap before I even used it the first time, so it had a precariously placed cap of aluminum foil. In my hurry, I didn't even think about the danger.

I was driving over, and then I heard Neon Tree's Animal on 101.9 The End, and I almost died! Not only are they a Provo band who I've met, but Animals is also my current favorite song. I was SO excited I almost died and I started looking for my phone (don't tell Oprah) to call Eddie, but I must of forgotten it. Then I almost died again for agony. But, big deal, I can cope without modern technology. I can do anything in my car. I told you I don't need technology.

I get to Jenn's apartment complex and realize I'm not sure where I'm going, but I don't have my phone, so I'd have to figure it out. I parked, and I put the Anthro bag on my lap and getting everything else together. Then I started wondering what was wet on the seat. I look down and realize I'm COVERED in vanilla. My socks I just knit...all brown. I threw it out the door (I left it there.) and went to what I thought was the right apartment. I left the cake in the car, I didn't care anymore. Not Jenny or Lasse answered the door, so I asked if they knew where they lived. They were in the same ward so they knew. Their 2 year old said it smelled funny...it was just vanilla...GET OVER IT!

So I found Jenn and Lasse, and I was so close to tears. No husband. No phone. No cake. Everything in my car was sticky. I smelled funny...the little girl said. And worst of all, my hard work knitting was ruined! I almost just drove home in shame to cry...

So here are some pictures...Screen grabs from a wedding Eddie shot...

It was a big lose. I had only have them for about 2 weeks. It was pure vanilla, so its in there for good. I think I'm just going to dye them a darker color. Plus, it wont take me as long to knit them now that I've done it once. Just prolly a week or two.

Ke$ha spoof: Star Wars/Star Trek

2010-03-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

This is the man I chose to marry. You know, the one in the dress wearing princess Leia buns. We had the best time with this.

Sweatpants?

2010-02-25T22:45:00.000-08:00

I just had an interesting rule just instigated at work. So I work in the Woman's Issue Room in the Richards Building at BYU. Thats the PE building. All of my co workers are all majoring in something related to health or human performance or something of the sort. I, on the other hand, am majoring in Psychology, pretty much not related to the locker room. Already, I have a bit of a complex about this, right? When I'm walking around in my jeans and high heals, I just know everyone else is thinking "what's up with that girl? She clearly doesn't do anything athletic ever. How did she get this most desirable job on campus even though she didn't even know this place existed?" You want to know how?! I WAS IN A COMA! And when I told this very religious, do-the-right-thing, university that I couldn't do much else one year later, they made a spot for me at that job, and I've had it ever since.

Anyways, my point is that now I can no longer wear sweatpants or workout clothes to my job. I need to look nice-casual. Ok, I'm alright with that. Easy enough. However, I just figured out how to fit in. I just need to dress the part. Otherwise, if not dressed like I know how to move my body, I go to badminton and people wonder "Whats with this girl in jeans whos swinging a racquet around?" Instead, they think "Oh, this girl who obviously dumped a whole bucket of bleach on her head is dressed like she's trying to do sports, so because she's repetitively trying to hit something, she must be playing a game." Otherwise, I just look crazy.

So in my athletic-type locker room job, I liked to wear athletic-type, locker room clothes so I could blend easier. It was my little tarradiddle. Thats word of the day. I'm trying to expand my vocabulary. Look it up and then use it.

Thats all I want to be.

Happy Life!

2010-02-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

I feel like things are going so well. So well I'm afraid we're revving up for something really bad happening. Does that make sense to you? Can you talk me out of my worrying?

I don't know if I've ever been happier. Oh just kidding, I've had a great life, except for that one instance were my whole life plan got messed up, and if you don't count the fact that I can hardly stand up without tipping over. But really, you can't beat life behind the orange curtain. I think the only thing that can get better is if I had a really pretty horse.

I'll be going to Abu Dhabi and Dubai the end of this year (thats been a dream of mine for some time), my knitting is all turning out great (and I think I found my hidden talent. I gotta show you some pictures), and there was something else GREAT but I forgot it. Thats not so great, special thanks to the previously mentioned life altering event. OH!! I remember! And it totally relates. The BYU Alum. mag. is doing an article about head injury recovery and they recently took a picture of me! That's fun.

I'm graduating in April, my job prospects at my first choice job is looking pretty good (you can usually get your dream job if you don't have any expectations or require much money), I LOVE my volunteering (teaching horseback riding lessons at a residential treatment center), I couldn't be happier with my home, and when I don't have to shell out cash to the tow truck because I'm sitting on the side of the road, I love my car too. You know how they say "If the wife ain't happy, no one's happy. If the husband ain't happy, no one cares"? Yeah, well, in my family its backwards. Well Eddie is doing some great things these days, and he's happy, so I'm happy! Really, I'm a very simple person. You give me some See's Scotch Mallows and I can hardly contain my joy.

Anyways, back to Eddie's great things. He's making a film right now, and its hard to explain. When he's done editing it I'll post it here. But for now I'll show you some "screen grabs."

You might recognize some of the actors/resses. Again, I'll fill you in more when he's done filming and editing.

Please tell me someones not about to die.

We Are The World

2010-02-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

Eddie found this (he spends more time finding cool things that I) and I really like it. Its a bunch of people who recorded this in there own homes and they put them together in a movie. I think its just great. Maybe even better than the real one?

tik tok

2010-02-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

Eddie is in the shower singing Ke$ha loudly and I don't think its weird at all... normally I would.

Space Ship

2010-02-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

This is the first picture I have of something to come...

Drama

2010-02-10T22:04:00.000-08:00

I decided that its about time to let it be known-- I can be a bit of a drama queen. I will admit it myself, and so if you are gossiping about it---zip it! I KNOW!!

I have a thing about dairy. I've been known to throw milk away before the expiration date because I think it "smells funny." It smelling funny would be a justifiable reason if it really did smell funny, but usually it smells fine, I just think all milk "smells funny." The other day (tuesday) I poured a bowl of cereal and then never ate it because I decided I didn't like the idea of the milk, which still hadn't expired. I even went so far as to try it and ended up dry heaving into the sink. I'm 98% positive the milk was fine, just my mind gets carried away.

ANYWAYS, I went to cooking class right after the episode, and our recipe included using heavy cream. Of course, I was naturally concerned about its status, so I made the teacher look at/smell it. I then informed the entire class that I had a ""'thing' about dairy, and that I was leaning over the sink just a short while ago." Then I started to pour the cream into the measuring cup and CHUNKS started coming out. I SCREAMED. Then the teacher told me to get over it, so I put it in my recipe, which I might add, was very good. Any tips on surefire ways to know if your milk has gone bad? Not involving smelling, because I have a way of converting all normal smell into rotten smell.

Tone Deaf?

2010-02-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

Earlier today I kept saying that I wanted to google a tone deaf test to see how that went. So, I finally did it, and I got a 61.7%. I really don't know the last time I got a "D" on any sort of test, but to be honest, I was surprised I did that well. According to the test, above 60% is "low-average." Really?? Me?? To be clear, I thought my score would be somewhere around 17%.

I watch Glee these days, and I was complaining to Eddie that the show made it seam like everyone has some musical talent if they try a little, and how I thought that that was a lie. It went right along with "honey, you can be anything you want to be." Ha. So Eddie's positive response was "Well, people can sing if they just really give it a try. You're the exception though. You couldn't." The best part is that that is not a result of having my motor skills screwed up, which messed with the muscles in my throat. Thats just how I am....how I've always been...how I'll always be. 61.7% That was a little miracle. Either that or my super good testing skills are returning after a 5 year hiatus. I would like that. That is what got me through Dr. Kearl's econ. class with flying colors. Yay for 61. Take the tone deaf test here and let me know how you did.

I Knitted a Bird

2010-02-02T19:26:00.000-08:00

I knitted this bird. I needed something to break up the monotony of my other knitting project, which I am very excited to show you. I'm 1.5 % done with it. Soon as I finished the second half of the second one, I will share it with you. But until then, I share with you my birdy. This might look like a little project, and thats the problem, its little. Little pieces are hard to attach to another little piece of a different color. And I think we all know that my fine motor coordination is not so hot (to put it kindly for my own benefit). This was from a pattern to make a mobile, and I was planning on making multiple for ornaments or something. However, I'm not so sure there will be any more. If there is, well, then we all know how good my college education is. By that I mean if I have anything else better to do I won't be making more, and I would consider a real job something better to do.

I present to you...my bird!

I happened to hang it from my home made jewelry display thingy. I guess that shows how much time I've been putting into my previously mentioned college education. Thank you, tax payers, for making it all possible.

"The Boss"

2010-01-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

I have got something for you! I found a great snow shovel, and if you are unlucky enough to live in a location with the white accumulations of freezing, I suggest SnoBoss by True Temper.

If you're in Provo, you would know that it hasn't snowed for some time. We bought this after the last snow and we've been expecting it to snow any day. Eddie bought it at Liquidation Team in Orem for about $15. Liquidation Team gets the returns to Costco, so they have all sorts of good stuff that people paid the full Costco price for and then decide they don't want it for whatever reason. So I woke up this morning and it had snowed. Then I went to floral design class and by the time I got home, about an hour later, most of it had already melt. But I wanted to try it anyway, so I tried it out on half melted snow. Also, we share a driveway with out neighbor, which happens to be my cousin, BISHOP Scott Slater, and his family, and the way our driveway is placed, the snow never melts all the way. I liken it to Mt. Timpanogas, its just we don't have to hike it. So we had a pretty thick layer of ice with a 1/2 inch or so of snow. The SnoBoss handled it quite well. You can put both hands on the handle and then put your foot on a spot near the head to get to the ice. And in has a sharp edge to pick at the ice. Oh it was a great show shovel experience. However, how could removing such little snow not to wonderful?

My Husband, the Director

2010-01-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

Eddie was involved in the creation of two videos recently that are on YouTube so I thought I'd share them. For your viewing pleasure...

This one was for Zumba commercial for a zumba commercial competition. By the way, they won. They had 3 days to get the shoot together and film it and then edit it. It makes me wish I could try Zumba without having the teacher come ask me if I'm alright. I'm just a little bitter about when that happened at a 24 Hour aerobics class. I'm sure the instructor would be especially concerned about me at a class like this.

This one is a Lisa Loeb cover that a group of people in Provo put together. They are calling it "Reliving the 90's." Someone else edited it, Eddie just filmed. Drew Danbury is heading the project and coming up they will have a "Boom Boom Boom Boom" by Venga Boys cover. I've seen the un-edited film...it's funny.

love/hate, best/worst, good/bad

2010-01-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

The other night when Eddie and I were getting ready for bed I was thinking about my favorites and least favorites of every day things. If you can't tell, I think about really deep things. I figured maybe we can get to know each other better.

SO

Favorite daily household chore: Vacuuming. K, maybe not daily, but still something you do lots.
Most hated daily household chore: Tie between checking the mail and hand washing pots and pans.

Favorite getting ready for bed duty: Taking my vitamins. I get the chewy adult ones from Costco and they taste like a drop of heaven.
Most hated getting ready for bed duty: Brushing my teeth. I always have Canker Sores and I always brush them accidentally and it makes me want to die. Either that or eat one of those sore throat lozenges that numb your whole face. Those are another recent guilty pleasure, right up there with gummy vitamins.

Favorite make-up application process: Foundation. It makes my skin feel good.
Most hated make-up application process: Mascara.

Favorite knitting "move:" Anything with a cable needle.
Most hated knitting "move:" Purling. Its not natural. I think sticking needles in yarn and making a design is supposed to be natural.

Favorite current school class: Floral Design. There is just so much to be done in class. I need to knit lots of projects and the high score on brick breaker is up there.
Most hated current school class: Badmitten. I struggle making direct contact with that shuttle cock.

Why don't you tell me your favorite/most hated breakfast food. Thanks.

More Crafts

2009-12-29T21:13:00.000-08:00

A certain special someone has been gone all day at work (he won't be home until about 1 AM--- I married a hard worker) so I decided I was going to do a little craft. I have lots of time on my hands when I have NO work and NO school and NO husband. Not to mention, NO kids. Eddie gave me some horse head hooks for christmas, and I have been needing some way to hang my necklaces so they don't get all tangled. So I decided to make the following:

I need to tell you that I didn't notice how "rustic" it would look (with the chicken wire and horse heads and all) until I was almost done with it. I wondered how I wouldn't pick up on this earlier, but then I remembered that I spent about 5 years in 4-H while I was growing up. Long enough to even hold an office--- I think I was the VP? And I was a happy child. I had horses and rabbits. And I'm getting chickens in the spring!! But not with 4-H. I'm in my 20's. That's RIDICULOUS!

Also, I realized it doesn't hold much jewelry. Where am I going to put my young women's medallion and fake peals I got when I was 10??

Christmas Time!

2009-12-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

Here is ALL of my christmas decor, literally, ALL of it.

Craft time with Bree! I made this at work. I'm a GREAT employee.

My Mom made these for me! She's amazing.

Borrowed this tree from my in-laws. I made the garland, with the intent of buying a small tree. But then Eddie's parents let us use there HUGE tree, so here is my little garland obviously not fitting on our big tree.

Did You Just Say That??

2009-12-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

I'm going to say something shocking. Its something that no ones going to believe, so I'm just going to say it. Ready? THE CHRISTMAS BAKED GOODS THING HAS TO GO! I'm not saying I don't appreciate it, I really do. I really appreciate it. Thats the problem. People bring me some baked goodies, and I want to eat it all before it goes bad. So here I am, trying to eat all the baked goods my lovies bring me before they go bad. You know what this is a recipe for? A girls feeling like shes going to BARF. Because I don't eat anything else! I just try to eat all the yummy things. And, trust me, it hurts to see it thrown away. Thats what makes me sick really quick. And I contributed! Next year, its official, I'm not giving anyone anything with sugar. I'm coming up with another little gift.

ikea

2009-12-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

I was noticing...Ikea is the only place I've seen thats actually lowering instead of raising prices because of the economy. I think thats really cool. They think about us. They think "Oh, things out there are not so good. Lets lower the prices so they can afford our kind of junky furniture." I prefer that to "we're not making as much money as we used to so lets raise our prices." Because then no one shops there. I really think ikea is pretty great, partly because the sell meatballs.

Oh look at me---being all concerned with the status of our nations economy...This is coming from someone who really doesn't understand our voting system (and doesn't even care to figure it out).

Heidi and the Headband

2009-12-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

At my everson family reunion, my really hot cousin, Heidi Haglund, and my photographer cousin Jefra Linn, took some pictures for me of my headband. Here was my thought process-- I need to stop taking pictures with my camera phone. So my first option is to take pictures with my real camera, except remember how I said my battery died? Well I wish my battery was dead. I wish I had a battery to die! I thought the reason it wouldn't turn on was because the battery was dead. Turns out the battery fell out and I have no idea where. So then I just had my lovey couz take some for me. Now are you going to expect this of me every time? Professional pictures...
Here's my headband.

Eddie's Adventures

2009-11-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

We need some pictures from Eddie's travels from this month. Well--End of october till middle of november.

First- An announcement. My sister, Kelsie, got her mission call to a place that Eddie was driving through while Eddie was on his cross country trip while Kelsie opened her call. He took a picture while he was driving.

Any guesses? You guys are all wrong so I'll tell you. Ohio. She's serving in Cleveland and in the visitor's center in Kirtland. She's reporting to the MTC on Jan. 6th. If you don't know what I'm talking about and you'd like to know, why don't ya leave me a comment and I'll tell you about "another testament of Jesus Christ."

They shot the Lincoln Memorial at night.

This is the sunrise over DC

Eddie wanted to show me his plate of pasta...

Here is some bridge in NYC. I don't even know what one but its pretty!

Eddie went to Moab yesterday (monday) morning till tonight (tuesday.) I miss him. I just like to look at his shadow in this picture...

Here is Eddies coworker (the video photographer dude, Tyler Marshall) shooting an "arch within an arch!"

Headband

2009-11-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

So I told you guys that I'd post a picture of my headband that I knit. The problem arises here--- the idea of posing for a picture alone is kind of creapy to me. I would feel like a FREAK dolling myself up for a bad picture. And I feel pressure to make it good if its something that can be good. If I just take it with my camera phone, then thats the excuse. Its a camera phone. Thats why its bad. Not to mention there is lots of pressure for me to be a capable photographer, with my husbands job and all. I feel like everyone and there mom is a capable photographer except me. Thats just not my thing. Knitting is my thing. KNITTING! So here was my plan to get a picture but not feel like it had to be good. I was going to bring my camera to my friend Shannon Cornelius' baby shower and take a group picture there. Keep in mind that Shannon already had her baby. Thats how late I am. Also, I got there (see! I really tried to use my camera, not just my phone!) but my camera was DEAD. Therefore, we still get a phone camera shot. You really can't tell what is going on. Here's a brief synopsis. There are girls standing around the beautiful shannon cornelius. Thats it. I'm in the front row kneeling down.

I'm going to CA for the whole thanksgiving week starting on Saturday. I'll going to bring 3 things. My camera, my computer, and my headband. THATS A RECIPE FOR SHOOTING PORNOGRAPHY! Guys I'll bring other stuff, but I'll bring those things for sure so you can see what my headband looks like from the view of other states.

What I REALLY Did...

2009-11-01T16:23:00.000-08:00

I'll show YOU what I really did while Eddie was gone.

I wish I had taken a before picture, because you'd never believe it. It was like an HGTV "reveal." I sort of wish I have videoed Eddie seeing the room the first time. My SO amazing cousin, Karli Haglund, helped me design this little place I like to sleep in. Its not like its really done, it could use some more furniture here and there, but it will do great for now.

I also finished knitting that headband. I'll post a picture later when I'm presentable enough to wear it for you guys. Pressures on! I've actually need to be cute now that I've raised your expectations.

I organized a little Halloween shin-dig. Andrea Williams and Alison Faulkner and I threw a little couples dance party. I feel bad because I swear I did nothing but rent a hot chocolate machine and stuff and they did so much. Eddie pulled in to town a couple hours before we needed to get ready and I sat him down to do his hair before our party. I'll show you some pictures from what he did while he was gone later, but this is a bigger deal.

Andrea and Brian Williams were Little Bo Peep and Woody and they also provided a GREAT location!

Here is Alison/Lady Gaga and her husband Coach Eric Robertson.

My brother, Bret Everson, was like a war hero and his girlf Kellianne was his woman who was waiting for him to come home on the pier. This was actually our great grandpa's suit. Don't they look smashing?!

It was a great time!

Since You've Been Gone...

2009-10-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

That's my Kelly Clarkson shout out. Just for Eddie--- he loves that Kelly!

Eddie's been gone since Oct. 14th, thats over a WEEK ago. He's been driving with his coworker across the US to shoot the next promotional video for SVU, and while they're driving that far on assignment they're shooting stock footage for their company while they're at it. So today, he's finishing up shooting in D.C. and then going up to NYC tonight.

So thats what Eddies up to. Let me tell you what I'm doing.

- I have restarted the knitted headband (below) 6 times.
- I started and finished the below baby booties.
- I've freaked out while showering 3 times because I start thinking about how a murderer could break in and I couldn't even hear it. I'm still figuring out what I would do.
- I've started the process (it should be done early next week) of getting my transmission replaced. I'm surprised my first born child and all arms and legs will make it through this situation. However, I'm thinking it would probably be cheaper to get a prosthetic...
- My student (at Heritage) learned to post the trot! The rest have all got it but one was having a hard time grasping the concept. I finally found a good way to explain it! Im THAT GOOD of a teacher.
-I made it to church on time!
-I got my free bagel (on Friday) from Einstein's, and just because I'm mad at the manager there, I didn't even buy butter! I took my bagel home and put my own damn butter on it, thank you very much. THEY COULD HAVE MADE $.50 OFF ME!

And what I haven't done:
-I haven't had to take out the trash once! I'm not wasteful.
-I haven't really cooked once! Eddie wants the complete meals, I just want cold cereal and Top Raman. And Easy Mac.
-Because of the no cooking, I haven't ran the dish washer once! Love it.
-I haven't really made the bed once! I'm happy with just having in straightened out.

This isn't a complete list. He's still gone for one more week. In that time, I plan to do other things as significant as turning in my HW.

So what have I been doing with all the time saved while not cooking? Well that is a surprise for Eddie, and although he never posts on here, he occasionally reads, and he does have computer access, so I'm not going to tell you. I'll just tell you this: Its good. Real good. I'll post pictures when Eddie has already seen it. Oh wow, I'm looking at it right now, and I just have to say I'M GREAT!

So until his return, I'll just have to rely upon this:

My sister-in-law, Brynn,sent me that. She found that picture on AOL. Thanks Brynn, for sending me that.

Well I'm going to go check the mail. I HATE that task. What comes in the mail? Bills and Geico adds, neither of which I want. And those newspapers that you get guilt tripped into looking for the coupons in because you feel like you should take the time but you aren't really positive its worth the $.25 coupon.

Distractions...

2009-10-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

I'm making that headband (below), I really am. I just got side tracked and I had to finish another project. It was a project that had a time limit. So I'll show you what I did.

First point here. Like how I actually tried to make this a good picture? I put it on a white piece of paper to cover up the dingy counter top it was on and laid my knitting needles on there to make it look good. HA! My art director husband would laugh in my face. I then proceeded to take a picture with a very high quality camera-- you know.... the one that comes on your phone. OMG guys, I'm cute.

My friend was having a surprise baby shower (shes having a girl if you weren't sure) and I've been wanting to do this project. So yes, these are my booties that I knitted. You want some don't you? They're THAT darling. I will knit you some custom ones if you'd like for the low price of $12. You just tell me what color you want and what kind of ribbon and I will do it. Just shoot me an email or leave a comment. Loves.

Did Patrick Swayze Die?

2009-10-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

My friend, Jenna brought it to my attention that she isn't sure is Patrick Swayze died, so I did a little very confusing research and just so I'm not lying to my readers, I'll try to keep everything clear. According to his wiki page, this man is dead. But according to BumpShack, he's alive. And, guys, these are both very reliable sources.

DON'T BOTHER ME, I'M KNITTING.

2009-10-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

This is what I'm knitting:

It said it was a pattern for an Advanced Beginner. I decided I qualify as an advanced beginner. The website said it was also a quick and easy pattern, so I though "HEY i'm really into instant gratification!" So I started, expecting it wouldn't take me too long.
Guys, its been almost a week and I've done like 2 inches. Not quick, not easy. Also, my phone just vibrated at me reminding me of some appointment I made, and I have no idea what its talking about. I'm hoping it was an accident....sorry, I just want to make sure that no one expects ANYTHING of me. Man...I hope it wasn't something really important...

what?

2009-09-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

We all thought that below picture of Patrick Swayze was just beautiful, right? Well heres a better one.

k thats fuuny.

Patrick Swayze

2009-09-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

According to the news feed I have on igoogle, Patrick Swayze died (of pancreatic cancer if you didn't know thats what he had). How would I know about the pancreatic cancer? Well, two reasons. 1. I love dirty dancing. 2. He had this really cool horse that I really liked, so by association, I really liked Patrick. I was THAT kid....the one who would go come to HS with horse crap on her shoes. The one who had a subscription to Arabian Horse Time AND Arabian Horse World. The one who joined 4-H because that was the only way she could ride.

So, on one of my many journeys through an above mentioned Arabian magazine, I saw this horse, Tammen, and I thought he was pretty cool.

I know what you're thinking: "Bree, you really just like Patrick's hot back muscles."

Not even true! I saw some other pictures of Tammen that I liked and then just now, upon further research, found this picture, and I thought "HEY! Thats cool!!" So I wonder where Tammen is now? Who did Patrick leave him to? Thats my biggest concern...

district sleeps alone tonight

2009-09-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

We went to DC over Labor Day weekend to see Eddie's parents before they leave to ABU DHABI! We really had the best time possible. For Eddie, food was the big draw. He really missed that. So we intermixed food and site seeing for me, since I hadn't been to DC since I was about 8. And we did a little visiting of Eddie's Virginia friends. Here are some pictures:

When we got there we pretty much went straight to the Crab Market.
The next day we went to what Eddie called "The Mall." Thats not the usual kind of mall that I go to.

I think this was at the Korean War Memorial? I'm sure I knew what it was then...I was so sad...

Then we got the BEST burgers with Aubrey and Joe at a place called Rays Hell Burger. We forgot to get a picture.
Then that night we went to the white house and that was fun! We had to go late that night because we went on an West Wing tour and we could only go when the President had left for the night.

Our tour guide, he was the man, let us take a picture in front of this seal even though we weren't supposed to. The security guards got mad at as.

They said that during the day there are 2 guards standing at this door so Eddie and I thought we were really funny reenacting it.

We went to the Smithsonian and this is pretty much the only thing I wanted to see...The Hope Diamond. They call it the Hope Diamond because every girls hopes she can have a diamond that big.

We got Eddie some hot wings from a place called "The Wing Factory" I think? He loves wings.
The day we left we went to the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. It was really special. Its one thing to go to memorials of things that happened before you were born and another thing to go to a memorial of something you swear happened yesterday.

Have you seen enough pictures? What? you don't think I should post more?

Transmission

2009-09-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Remember that car that I thought was so wonderful? Well the car guy said that the transmission in crapping out and my only option is to replace my transmission or get a new car. This is all a bit of a surprise seeing as it has less that 83,000 miles and I only bought it like 8 months ago and we took it to a car place and they said the car looked totally fine. They actually said it was an extra great car.

To be honest, that car makes me feel so good. I couldn't imagine a better car. Plus, well....its just an overall incredible car. I don't want to loose it. Yesterday, when the mechanic told me this, I got in my car, and drove away, and almost cried. I feel like every time I get in it, its just one more time I drive it until its gone. Like I'm driving in to its car grave. I guess thats true with any car though. I think it would be worth it for me to just get that transmission fixed. But, according to the one mechanic, it would almost cost the same amount as it did to buy the car. My dad said that that was a ridiculous quote, and I looked it up on google, and those sites told me how ridiculous that mechanics quote was. I know all you readers are probably girls like me and you wouldn't know, but maybe you've had to have your car's transmission fixed or you wouldn't mind asking your wonderful husband how much it would cost. Presuming your husband is all up in the car biz.

So yeah, a transmission for a 2002 Audi Allroad. I don't know if it matters but it has less that 83,000 miles.
HELP ME! Maybe I should post this question on Yahoo Answers too.

I am CRAFTY

2009-08-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it...maybe I am crafty. The proof is glaring at me. Look at my house? And I am in the process of knitting my 3rd tie. This one for the incredible Bishop Dicou. Eddie and my brother already got one. Also, look at the bunny I knit!! If thats not crafty I don't know what is! But you know what I'm not? Creative. Dictionary.com says that to create is "to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes." What have I done thats unique? I'm just a really good copy-cat. I do have the natural talent to pick out what is pretty dang cool and do it myself. Look at my ties for example. I take a tie I like, and knit it. Easy as that. And my "unique" home decor, I really just look at pictures or pick what wouldn't go and do that.

So lets look at my most recent crafty, but not creative, project.

I painted it. Its going in my "craft room." Notice its straight black. clearly nothing original.

Salmon and Chicken.

2009-08-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Remember how in 3rd grade it was a big deal to not eat under-cooked chicken, fish, and eggs. And then when you turned about 20 it seemed like all those rules when out the door. People eat sushi all the time. I eat the rolls that my asian husband tells me contains cooked fish or shrimp. Plus, thats usually in a restaurant, and if you get sick thats what I call a law suite. I will gladly get food poisoning to get some money. What about when people eat fried eggs and the yoke is all runny and they dip their toast in it? I can't get over the rules, I eat around the yoke. I can not get over the rules. You tell me the last time you saw me consciously break a rule, and the wild part of me will stop having desires to make a risky decision. I MIGHT try illegal drugs or spend all my money.

This no rule breaking becomes a problem when cooking fish and chicken. I ALWAYS over-cook it and its just not good. Well not just "not good," its pretty much disgusting. I will not eat the chicken and fish I cook. Red meats I have no problem with because I was always taught a little blood isn't a problem. I've learned that having your red meat warm is totally sufficient. But when I cook fish or chicken I'll go to check if its done after the recommended time, find no problems (as in it looks done), and I'll leave it for 5 more minutes to MAKE SURE its totally charred.

I have to get over this if I'm going to be an ok cook for my husband. Someone with experience in fighting this urge tell me what to do.

Go To Bed By 12.

2009-08-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm going to share my really effective ideas with you. I wish we had tried this sooner. Here's the deal: Eddie and I have a REALLY hard time going to bed at a normal hour. Like we never do. So here is what we came up with, and it works! We can't watch an episode of Chuck (it would work with any show that you're currently into) on my laptop in bed unless we get in bed by 11. The reason this is so great for me is because I just want to sleep. Always. I'm a very good sleeper. I'm out once I'm horizontal for approximately 5 seconds. This is a good compromise because Eddie is a night owl. So, to be quite honest, its sort of a bribe to get my husband in bed. Then I can just watch it the next day if I want. Eddie knows I will throw a fit around 12 and say its time to go to bed. But we have to shower first and then its around 1 went we make it to under the covers position. GUYS thats not dirty. Keep in mind we watch TV on my laptop like every night.

Why do we like TV so much? Really, I can get addicted to any and every show. On my friend Liz's fitness blog theres an article about ending your obsession with chocolate. But how do you end your obsession with TV? I get exercise, I really do, but we have to sacrifice our sleep time. Its like a vicious cycle, you stay up late to watch Chuck (or gossip girls, or ugly betty, or 24, or hereos, or whatever is on HGTV, or paris hiltons new BFF, you get the point...) and then you have to sleep in later, so you have to stay up later to fit in the TV. It goes round and round. But this new rule we have instated makes sure I'm asleep by 12 (because you know how TV shows sans commercials are about 40 minutes) and that leaves a minute to do sudoku if I'm not already out. Try it! It gets you to bed, even if your husband really believes he needs to be up until 2 every day.

Birthday Fun!

2009-08-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

Eddie's birthday was on 8/8 (saturday) and we had a good time. We started the day off by going to the Mt. Timpanogos temple (we are THAT good of people) and the started our day long date with Brian and Andrea Williams, which was oh so fun. We went to Cafe Anh Hong in Salt Lake for dim sum, because Eddie says its pretty legit there. I wouldn't know. I just trust the Asian to know what good Chinese food tastes like. Then we went to The Gateway for a little shopping before going back to Provo. Then, we all drove up to Sundance for the Haglund/McMillan wedding. It was really beautiful, we had the best time. Thanks Chase and Emily! And the best part is the amazing tie I knitted for Eddie for his birthday! All by myself! I knitted it! Let me know if you'd like a little tie knitting help.

I told Eddie I wanted a picture of his tie so I could brag about it and this is what I got. I told Eddie it would do and then about 10 minutes later I thought "Hey. His tie isn't even in that picture." So I tried again. This is what we've got:

I'll leave it up to your imagination. Its a good tie.

Eddie's Music Video Debut

2009-08-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

The company Eddie works for, Anderson Studios (no, not Rubberball any more), was filming a music video for the band Location Location, and the guy who was supposed to "ride the bike" for the shoot couldn't make it so Eddie got to play the roll. I was going to post the picture that Eddie sent me from his camera but it turns out my friend Jessica was the still photographer for this shoot so -- thanks Jessica. Your pictures are grreeeaatt!
So here he is. I told him I don't this he should rock this look for fun.

The concept was that he was riding a bike and the guy from the band jumps on for a lift so he could get to a show he was playing.

I really like that picture. I'm excited to see the video.
Eddie's friend/coworker Isaac got dressed up like a bum and I'm really impressed with it. He turned out totally believable!

Things I Want

2009-07-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should name the title of the post "things I don't want" and it would be shorter.

Today I was driving and I looked around me on the road and thought "remember when I really wanted a black mercedes SL convertible?"

And then I thought "do they even make those anymore?" You know why I have no idea? Because I live in Utah and I never see them. Remember when I live in "the OC" and you'd look around the freeway and you'd see 10? Oh how things have changed. But I must say I'm not sure I could be happier with how my life is going. So yeah, black Mercedes SL...actually, you know what, like I said...things have changed. Maybe a 2 passenger speedy little car isn't for me now that I have a very fragile brain and far off dreams of being a mommy. Maybe I should realize that I DO have my dream car for right now. Nothing beats the Audi Allroad.

Another thing I want.... K this one is a bit of a stretch. Get ready for this...Oh wow I'm kind of embarrassed to admit...

Sid Vicious. Is it so weird that I have this unexplainable crush on him? I think its a legitimate thing because he's dead. There's nothing bad about liking a dead guy because nothing can ever happen. Plus, its like the strange crush you have on some boy in HS because he's the bad boy and you've never done anything bad in your life. And you really don't want it when it comes down to it and you only want the good boys. Why would I have a crush on the skinny white boy who obviously has drug problems?

I am SO honest in this blog. Ever since my injury I've developed a serious honesty problem. I know it would be better to not even say some things you think. One of those things would be: I have a silly crush on Sid Vicious. whatever...I know you're all thinking the same thing. Who do you have this unexplainable weird crush on? You'll feel better when you admit it. I know I do.

wish list

2009-07-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

I really want this, and I don't even mow the lawn! But you know why I want it? Because I have heard enough gripes about how mowing is so horrible. I would do it, but, well, it's a man's job. And I agree with my Dad when he said that its "weird" when women folk mow. It is NOT like voting! We don't fight for the right to mow. I'm sure it took a lot to get the men to believe that women can't do it. I'm sure THAT was hard work!

Anyways, I digress, this is what I want:

They're making these automatic lawmowers, most of which are solar powered. They're like the roomba vacuums (another thing I want, but I vacuum and I don't whine. About that at least.) Theres this electric fence thing that you install (kind of like the dog collars that shock when they leave you're yard) so that it doesn't get carried away and mow its way to the next county. Let me know if you'd like to donate to the fund!

Gymnastics

2009-07-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Eddie helped with a gymnastics film shoot in Lindon. He also helped with another one a couple weeks ago. I want my girls to do gymnastics. Well, of course, I prefer that they ride horses, but I intend to give them lots of options of activities, and I think gymnastics will be one. The little girls who were in the shoot were all so skinny and buff and flexible. They could do THE SPLITS! I'm serious when I say I try to do the splits about once a week, and of course, I can never get anywhere close to doing it. So I just stretch for a little bit, so that next week when I try I'll be all ready to go. I'm not kidding. Its a never ending cycle. I just think the splits are so cool. I'm just very naturally inflexible, in so many ways.
I did gymnastics I think when I was around 5 for one year I think. We just got to the point where we were working on somersaults. I wish I had gotten pretty good at it and that I kept my stretching up. Eddie's pretty flexible naturally. I wish I had taken some pictures of the shoot myself. I won't see anything from that shoot for probably atleast 6 months.

Its Official

2009-07-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

I took the blood test at the Dr. and I'm NOT pregnant. Not that I ever thought I was, its not like I would have blogged about it if I thought there was a chance I was. Sorry guys, I'm not THAT open. So we've reached a real problem...whats wrong with me? Boys, its not gross. Its just my health we're talking about here. My Dr. obviously wasn't too concerned, he had other patients to get to. So I'm having to turn to the internet to answer my medical questions. I'm pretty sure this is EXACTLY what Dr.s don't want you to do. Maybe I'll find my way to a gyno cuz its not the family Dr.s thing. I do want babies SOME day (eventually)-- I don't want to find out I have uterine cancer or something bad and dramatic when its too late...

freedom

2009-07-05T20:06:00.001-07:00

I thought Provo's Freedom Festival deserves its own post, cuz you know...I've lived here for 5 years, and especially because its one of Utah's biggest festivals.
We live right off center street, and its a pretty big deal for "downtown" Provo. At the corner of University Ave. and Center Street they have this carnival thing, with your typical fair food and carnival rides and such. People are running around like crazy, with stupid drivers and lots of J-walkers. I'm surprised I didn't kill anyone on accident... And they have some run, which just by the name you know that I'm not involved, and at night they have the stadium of fire. This year, we only went to the fair thing and had some good food and walked around. There is also this big parade that goes around Provo, including right down center street. Tons of people camp out for their prime parade watching spots. We hate parades. People would ask what we were doing on the morning of the 4th, and we would tell then that we were only doing things on our side of center street; there just is NO way to get past security and parade chaos all morning. This year we used a car to block our drive way and last year, durning building, we spray painted a sign to keep people from parking on our lot. Apparently on some streets people would park like it was a parking lot all down the street so no one could drive. People don't mess around when it comes to the parade. I just don't understand the draw.
But despite all the hassle that comes from the parade and all other festivities, it feels good to be a part of this. I love this country, and I really love seeing a pack of 50 motorcycles driving up and down the street.

Also, thanks for all the support with the BMI. I think my old boss, Ashleigh Smith, was the only one that believes me when I say that I am NOT pregnant, and that it must be another problem with my body. Thanks Ashleigh, for being a believer.

period.

2009-07-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

This blog is about to get personal. REAL personal, REAL fast. Girls, I've got a question for you. My period is 2 1/2 weeks late. I know what you're thinking-- I am NOT pregnant. First Response told me that. And also, well this blog is personal enough, I'm not going to tell you the other big reason. So that leads me to this problem: there must be some unhealthy reason why. I might make a dr. appointment, but he'll just tell me that I need to gain some weight. Let me tell you the 2 huge problems with that theory.

1. GAIN WEIGHT?! are you kidding me???
2. Remember when I was in a coma? I got my period then, in that state. Which- lets talk about that- is DISGUSTING. I asked Eddie if I had my period in the coma and he said Yes. I asked what they did about it and he said he didn't know. "The nurses took care of it." So I googled it and it looks like no one wants to talk about it. Its that gross. And then the next month, when I was still in the hospital but not in a coma, I had it again, even when I was 20 lbs. lighter. Thats not a good look for anyone. I have not missed my period once in my life, no matter what I weighed. Plus, Nicole Richie got pregnant. Period.

So heres my question for you: Can a girl have her period fine, and then one day her body decide its BMI is too low? Its 16. I know thats low but it was 16 before and I had my period.

I only eat when I'm hungry and it's convenient, which probably doesn't happen as often as it should. Not to mention I have chronic canker sores, and eating only hurts them (and makes me want to die). If a dr. wants to help a girl out (which they never think is a real problem), I might gain weight. But until then I'll remain on my diet of Costco berry smoothies and marshmallows.

If you can let me know about the period/BMI thing, please let me know. If you have no idea, well thats fine. Just bring me some Peeps.

Pictures

2009-06-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

My wonderful cousin, Jefra Starr Linn, took some pictures of me. To be honest, they make me feel pretty.

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These are my beautiful cousins...I know you cant tell through the blur but I'll tell you. Left to Right: Karli Haglund, Jordan Green, Jamie Everson, me, and Berit Green. My cousin Jefra was taking the picture and I'm pointing at a flyer for a show from my sister's (Kelsie Everson's) band.

Yay for cousins!

3 years

2009-06-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

At the risk of sounding like Im trying to convince myself and everyone else that I even like my husband (not that you do, its just pretty easy to sound that way), I'm gonna do the obligatory anniversary post. 3 years down and I love Eddie! Its been good. 3 years ago today I think I was currently at my wedding luncheon at Ken and Pam Everson's in Newport Beach, Ca. I had just made a covenant that I was and still am and always will be thrilled to keep. I love you, Eddie!

knitting and cuteness

2009-06-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

I need to be busy, or else I feel like a complete looser. I need to be running, or late, to feel like I'm doing anything. I will purposefully not give myself enough time to get ready to go or whatever so that I'm running. I don't know of this sort of lifestyle will be good to my heart...

Anyways, my job is such that I get paid to sit here and do NOTHING. So I can only be so productive at work. I can't cook dinner, I can't clean my house, I can't organize my craft room. I can't even shave my legs. So what can I do? I can blog(which I'm doing now), I can watch movies on the computer, I can pluck my eyebrows. But I needed MORE. So I picked up crocheting and knitting. I'm going to share my first completed knitting project with you.

We SHOULD have a competition to see who could guess what animal that is. The winner WOULD get a limited edition knitted stuffed thing from me. But that seems like a lot of work, so I'll tell you what it is. ITS A RABBIT! Can you see it? They're going to get better, I promise. I'm going to be a knitting fiend. I told Eddie that I'm going to get real good at knitting so I can knit cute sweaters and stuff for our first baby. That makes him real happy because he thinks it will take me VERY long to be able to knit well enough for our baby to wear it, and he hopes it will be a while before I really bug him about the baby thing. And with my track record...I kind of stick to what I start. So, yeah, I'm a knitter. We'll see where this goes.

Just so you know where this resides in my house, its in Eddie office on his desk. He really likes it. He thinks its so cute/pathetic. He thinks I'm cute for doing it. WE LOVE IT! :)

A Tragedy...

2009-06-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

Eddie showed me this. I thought it was so funny but I figured only horse people would get a kick out of it. But then he emailed it to his fam and they thought it was good, so I figured maybe it really is funny?

Gymnast Shawn Johnson Put To Sleep After Breaking Leg

"her hindquarters were so strong"

huh?

2009-06-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

I was driving today and I saw this bumper sticker:

Love those camera phones. In case you can't read it, this big sticker says, "If you died tonight, would you go to heaven or hell?" Huh? Really? "Thanks for asking, are you planning on telling me?" First off, I'm not sure I care to think too much about dying. But, if you want to, I get the idea. I've thought "where would I have gone had I died while in the coma?" Instead of waking up. The issue here is I think its sort of elitist to ask that. If you pose such a bold question, does that mean YOU think YOUR coming out on top. So could I answer it like "HECK YES! I'm making the cut"? I think its just supposed to make you feel bad about yourself.

Things I'm Doing

2009-06-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

I started watching Ugly Betty and Gossip Girl, and let me tell you, it has been life changing. First, they both give me this desire to move to NYC, just in time J and K. Welcome to Utah. Also, Gossip Girl makes me really want to be Beautiful and Dirty Rich. But then I realize (from the show...its that educational and insightful) that people with more money than God are pretty messed up. And I don't care to be that messed up or have my kids feel that unstable and messed up themselves. K, to be honest, I feel like girls who say "they don't want that big of a diamond cuz it doesn't look good." What they really mean is "I'm not in a position to get a huge rock." But I must kind of want it! I listen to Lady Gaga sing about how its good to live expensive and I drive around all fast in my Audi. Then I notice that I can't drive over 40 and its a wagon (like a mom). Its also covered in crust from the last time it rained. Or last 50 times, cuz I never wash it. Then I pull down the visor and look at myself in the mirror and notice that...oh, thats right, I forgot to brush my hair this morning and I sure passed on the make up. Then I take a big sigh of disappointment and on the inhale I realize that my boots are covered in horse poo (you know, the smell). Thats because I've been volunteering at Courage Reins, its a riding stable for disabled kids. Do we really think Blair or Serena are volunteering?

Speaking of life changing, THAT has been life changing. Those kids, they're amazing. I will shovel horse poop for them. Please, if you know anyone who could use that sort of thing, get them there! Go to the website and get more info. Its really wonderful. It makes me feel more useful. Maybe you should come work there with me?

On another note, Eddie said he thinks I should change my blogs address to livingwitheddie.blogspot.com. Thats how I always get him to stop doing weird things. "Eddie, this is SO FUNNY. If you don't stop, I'm going to have to blog about this." One time I got out my Flip to video it but he didn't like that idea. But I never tell everyone. Because he stops and I want to keep my word. But I will tell you this, because its not incriminating nor embarrassing. The other day he kept telling me how his legs were SO HEAVY and he couldn't move them. He needed to call the doctor. That was on sunday. On saturday we were signed up to clean the church. I just got up and went around 9:45, and Eddie told me to let the people who were in charge know that Eddie was going to be late because he "had morning sickness." If he gets up before 10 in the morning, he's sick. It sounds like we hate church, but we really dont, thats just how common Eddie's silliness is.

Well, besides my new TV shows, not much is new. The TV and I are really close, if you can't tell.

xoxo,

b

PS I thought about starting Provo's own gossip website, but then I remembered "The Provo Push." People didn't think that site was very funny. And plus, I'm not plugged in to the singles scene anyway.

Global Warming

2009-06-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

For all of those concerned about global warming and the like, you should just come to Provo and check it out. Its cold and rainy and in the middle of JUNE. Also, the 10 day forecast. There's hardly any hope for sun.

While I'm on the topic of global warming, I have a question for you. If there was some burnt toast, would you blame the bread?

Party Time!!!

2009-06-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

We hosted my dad's 50th birthday and I think I did a pretty good job. Check it out!

You might recognize these lanterns. They made a previous appearance at my wedding (the one on June 24th, 2006 in CA! Yes, we've kept them that long and brought them that far!). However, in the past they were blue and orange. We spray painted the orange ones navy blue. They turned out pretty good, huh? And, yes, we haven't gotten around to taking the ones in the tree down yet. Much too hard! Also, it looks really pathetic, like no one was there, but this was before the party started!

Here is Lasse with his beautiful wife, Jenn, who really were saviors. First off, they dressed up appropriately for my dad's retro party. They were so much help. Lasse grilled the J-Dawgs and Jenn kept the food and condiment table stocked.

Eddie had one of rubberball's video cameras. When I edit that video maybe I'll just have to show it to you.

We had our record player going. We listened to all sorts of fun stuff!

Here's the birthday boy! You can tell he's having a blast!! And we even drank COKE! Also, as you can tell, in this family we love wagons! Mine and my parents silver wagons are in the background. Like my parents, Eddie also drives a Suberu Outback, but his is green. Oh wagons...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! Nevermind that we were a little late.

Hair ADD

2009-06-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

I felt like it was about time for a little more change. I realize and accept that my hair doesn't grow, so its not really an option for me to grow my hair longer. Therefore, a change of color was really all I could do. One day I'll shave my hair clean off, but until then...So I decided it was time to go blond. I was pretty blond when I was a kid and while living in CA because I was outside in the sun every day. Sometimes people think I dye my hair dark. Not true. Well I have done it a couple times, but it fades out eventually.

I felt like this was a big deal. Its interesting how you think that you're life is so much more important to other people than it really is. Maybe thats just me. I spent about a half hour with my Dad before I finally asked "do you see anything DIFFERENT?!" And he said "you just dyed your hair back to how it was."

I think next time its going to be all bleached. I'm just all about the dramatic changes. I figured Im not getting any younger and I want to do stuff with my hair. Soon enough it will be a fux paux. However, I feel like at the same time it makes me look older. Like 1/2 my friends moms from my home ward. Thats kind of weird.

Peer Pressure

2009-06-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

I often really just do what other people want me to do. Luckily, I've never tried heroine. I don't give in to peer pressure THAT easily. However, I think I need to toughen up a little. Which is very strange because I have a tenancy to be a bit tougher than most 100 lbs. 5'2" girls. I need to stand up for what I believe in. I would hope that I wouldn't kill myself just because someone tells me to, but we have evidence that says otherwise.

Today I was driving, with my brain (that has been knocked off its steady equilibrium and is susceptible to more injury) and all, and someone honked their horn saying "You should turn into that oncoming traffic and kill yourself" and I said "If you insist." And let me tell you: His horn was insisting!

Sorry, here's what happened. I was making a left turn at a stop sign, and I hadn't even been at the front of the stop sign line for long, and I saw a car coming but it went behind another car or something, so I decided to wait because I knew it was behind a blind spot. THEN the JERK behind me honked. I thought "Maybe this guy knows something I don't know, maybe that car has turned" so I pulled out. Soon as I pulled out into the middle of the intersection I realized "OH I WAS RIGHT" (if I wasn't right so often I would have an easier time admitting when I'm wrong) and thats when I realized how blessed I am to have a fast car. Injury avoided.

Oh my gosh, such a jerk idiot. Why did I do that? I'm serious when I say it could of killed me.

And despite my injury I consider myself a pretty aggressive driver. Born and Raised Californian. I'm mad at that person for telling me to do a dumb thing. No, actually, I'm more mad at myself for listening. For taking that message away from his insistent honk. Why did I listen?? NO MORE! Next time I'm going to remember that I am usually right so if someone tells me to do something, they're wrong.

How did I get that message out of someone honking?

THE 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR ONE PERSON

2009-05-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit reluctant to share this with you. Why? Because it really isn't that good. Then why would I tell people about it? Because it takes 5 minutes to make a little cake for you in the microwave!!!!! Also, I'm telling you because I LIKE CAKE. And thats all it takes. However, if I really wanted some good chocolate cake I would be going to Dew (right next to campus plaza in Provo on 800 North) and I would be getting the dark chocolate one (I don't even like dark chocolate-- but its not like bitter dark chocolate) with the hazelnut (I don't even like hazelnut) but its THAT GOOD. Its kind of this molten cake and its to die for. On our honeymoon to San Francisco we went to this restaurant (I forget what it was called) and we got the (bare with me...its a different language..) meulu chocolat (thats why I stick to english). Then, we went to China and then we got stuck in San Fran while coming back to the states for one day exactly one year after our honeymoon! If thats not cute I don't know what is. So we went back to our favorite restaurant to get that chocolate cake. But thanks to Dew, I don't feel like I need to go to San Fran to get an incredible cake.

Anyway, I digress...I prefer to use my "I was in a coma" excuse to explain why I can't stay focused...

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..

Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

I made one for Eddie, and I thought it looked over done, so I microwaved mine for 2 minutes 15 seconds, and I thought that was still over-cooked, so next time I make it I'll be cooking it for more like a minute. But I would way rather eat some cake batter over some over-cooked cake. Thats just me. It really is perfect if you just want a little something sweet (always for me!) and you don't want to go to Dew and you don't want to get any dishes dirty. Maybe just try it and you'll realize it really is the easiest thing EVER.

My Kitchen

2009-05-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

I realized that I've never shown you a picture of my kitchen. Its pretty great, and it will be even more great after we find some blue velvet to re-do the chair cushions with. You'd think that would be easy to find; its not. We can never find the right fabric. Also, we have this tiger rug/tapestry thing that we eventually want to get framed so we can hang it on the back of the dinning room. That will be daunting. You come in our home and there's a tiger hanging there. If only we had a stuffed moose head hanging in the living room...

Notice the guitar cases on the ground. That's Ryan's (eddie's brother whose on a mission in new zealand). We need to find that a home. He'll be gone for another year... But its pretty clean, right?

OMG

2009-05-27T21:03:00.001-07:00

thats how much I don't know about it...star TREK!!!

Star Wars

2009-05-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

About this movie...we've made some valiant efforts to see it. It just hasn't happened. I'm starting to think its not in the stars for us. Which, really, I'm ok with because I don't think I've ever seen one episode of Star Wars. Although, I must admit, I want to see Syler (from Heros) because I think he's the most interesting character. But, alas, we haven't seen it. BUT this is what I did see!

There was this Star Wars thing at Costco the other day. There were about 10 people in very professional costumes and you could pay I think it was $5 to take a picture with them. I told Eddie "Man, I'm kind of scared of some of these Star Wars look a likes. They're pretty good." And Eddie looked me in the eye and said very seriously "Bree, it's not the mask you should be afraid of. Its the man behind the mask."

Encores

2009-05-18T16:17:00.001-07:00

I think encores are silly things. Really, I kind of have a problem with them. Sometimes I don't care for an encore but I feel peer pressure to clap. Its just...everyone else is doing it. And lets face it, if I was preforming anything, I would hope people liked me enough to clap for me to come back. I do like it, I just don't want to clap that much. And also, serious ADD here. I just want to get in bed and do sudoku.

Another thing, you know they plan for it. They have it on their set list. Don't believe me? Lets talk. They expect it. So what if you don't clap, are they just not going to come out again? I doubt it. Its their plan anyway.

Also, its like a tip. If you don't do an encore, someone will be angry. Or if you dont clap for an encore. Oh the pressure goes both ways. Why don't they just play the extra songs and save the drama and chapped hands. Just cut to the chase- we live in a busy world and everyone has things they need to do. Like sudoku.

Speaking of encores, we went to see The Flight of the Concords. REALLY funny. But you know me, I tune out in about 30 seconds, tops.

You guys are going to think I'm lying...
You're going to think I didn't have fun...
BELIEVE ME!!! It was great!!!

I Was SO Worried

2009-05-14T19:04:00.001-07:00

I was thinking: "What am I going to do with my day when the Hills is over?" Not that its at all time consuming, its only 30 minutes every week. But I need stuff to do while Eddie's gone. And the last Hills season just ended. What NOW??

My husband, the always up to date Eddie, emailed me, from WORK, and sent me a link to an article. Apparently, the Hills will not end. Apparently, another Laguna Beach star (a show that was only mildly interesting despite knowing a star or two. Maybe that made me realize their lives weren't so glamourous. Maybe thats why I liked Lauren, because I never knew her.), Kristin Cavallari, is going to be the new Lauren, now that Lauren is moving on.

Ok, mixed feelings. I find the Hills very entertaining, but I just don't know if it will be the same. And she catches the bouquet at Heidi and Spencer's wedding? I just don't know about that. I guess we'll see.

!!!

2009-05-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

AND I SOLD MY COUCH!!!!!!! Thats been in the plans for since August, and we finally got around to it. We just had to have it sitting in our living room with our other 2 couches for us to get to selling it. All the couches made it look like a college boys bachelor pad. YAY!! Simple pleasures...

silly silly

2009-05-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

This man is from Wales, so he has an accent, which I find so charming but in all honesty, I just cant understand it. But anyways, heres a video for ya. Its pretty funny.

I read it might be a hoax. Do you think its a joke? I'm not completely convinced he was kidding.