I Salute You Cheesecake Waitress, I Salute You

Hey guys, I just discovered heaven. It's name is the Cheesecake Factory. I am just like every other nerd that raves about that restaurant. It's true. Oh Cheesecake Factory, you were kind of expensive, but you made my little heart sing. And something else I found cute? The waitress brought Maddy out a plate of sliced bananas and bread without even asking. You bet she got a great tip! Why don't all restaurants do that??

I salute you Cheesecake Waitress.
Oh and yes, I did save room for dessert. I'm SO smart!
This is possibly my lamest post yet. Maybe. But you have to admit you laughed at the waitress picture....come on...admit it! :) Soon to come? Lots of pictures from upcoming photo shoots! I know you're all excited!

Magic Eight Ball, I NEED You

I had some hot cocoa tonight with some marshmallows. Somehow it warms your insides and makes you feel cozy too. That's a lot of magic in one little drink.
I'm thinking a lot of things over tonight. It has been a full week, and I have a full month ahead. This is probably the calm before the storm (a fun storm though it will be).

So until I get some thinking done and some things figured out, this will have to be my Sunday night post. Honestly, it's times like these I wish I had a therapist so that they could figure out exactly what I should do in my life (Lucy up there would probably do great, and she's cheap too!). Oh wait...I guess that's not really what they do. lol. What kind of person would do that for me? Is there such a thing as a Life Planner? A Professional Decision Maker? An Equalizer of Emotions? I would pay seriously good money for someone like that right now. Feel free to apply!
Or maybe I just need one of these!

Darth Ma and Darth Pa

You guys are great. Sorry about my pity party. Well it didn't feel like a pity party to me, but I always feel a little silly posting that sort of thing. So thanks for being so nice about it.

You know, while I was thinking about the whole thing, two phrases came to my mind. The first is something I learned in Honduras. It's kind of funny because I remember asking my companion to teach me a sort of proverb or saying in spanish. You know, like "A stitch in time saves nine" sort of thing. You know, an aphorism. This is the saying she thought to teach me:

Yo no soy una moneda de oro para caerles bien a todos.

Which means this: I'm not a little golden coin that everyone loves. Basically meaning, not everyone is going to love you all of the time. This is a phrase I should remember. It's okay if not everyone loves me. Because I know that honestly, I'm a golden moneda on the inside. Oh yeah. lol.

Second thing on my mind is a poem. I think it's called Solitude. I always remember these few lines (forgive me if I'm getting them a little wrong, I'm reciting them from memory):

Laugh, and the World laughs with you,
Cry, and you cry alone,
For the sad old earth
Must borrow its mirth,
but has sorrow enough of its own.

I usually take this part of the poem to be kind of sad--saying that people don't need your problems, so keep them to yourself. But today I'm looking at it as a sign to be grateful for all of you my friends that let me borrow a little bit of "your mirth" today (to put it poetically). That poem isn't always right--sometimes you are surrounded by enough good people that they can let you lean on them for a little while. Thanks for lifting up, instead of being bored of my second moody moment this week. You are the best.

So anyway, I don't want to talk about gloomy skies anymore for a while. I'm not saying forever, because I have a little too much Eeyore in me to promise that, but for a while. (But who knows, this might be the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies talking right now, but let's hope for the best!)

So new topic. What should it be? How about this scintillating topic. My doctor thinks I might have sleep apnea. How sexy is that?? lol! Sorry Mom, don't read the word sexy. I meant...cute. But seriously, I've been avoiding taking the test because I don't want to wear one of those masks. But I've been so stinking tired lately that I am going to give in and be tested--with one caveat. I'm making John get tested too. If I have it, then I am sure that my sweetheart (who snores just a bit...) has it too. So wish me luck in convincing the doctor to test us both, and you might want to feel sorry for Madeline who might have to start calling us Darth Ma and Darth Pa. So so sad. Shudder.

Weak but Willing

Just a short post. I think I'm a little sleep deprived lately, and because of that I've been feeling a little weak/vulnerable this past week. It's also been a week that I just keep feeling like I'm saying the wrong thing to people. You know the feeling, right? You think you're coming across as teasing and then you look at the other person's face and they look a little offended. Yikes, I've been having one of those weeks where I have offended and maybe even felt a little bruised myself. But I want to be over it. SOO soo soo over it. It's not a fun place to be. So if I've been a little harsh with you lately, or offended you, could you accept this as an apology? That would be great.

Also, in the midst of feeling a little blue lately, I came downstairs (John was home a couple days ago) and Madeline gave me the biggest smile. I just couldn't help but feel better. That's when I realized that I just need to refocus myself. I also need to not care so much what other people think. I realize this, it's just hard to do. In fact, I was talking to one of my friends about this the other night (you know who you are silent stalker, and thank you again) and she tried to give me some of her courage to just get over it, but I'm not feeling that strong yet. I really think I used to be, but I think I'll snap out of this. I think it's a phase. Brought on by that lack of sleep I mentioned, and from this new calling that is throwing me way out of my comfort zone. Anyway, like I said, looking at Madeline and seeing how happy she is and how much she loves me, made me realize I need to seriously chill out. So after seeing a slide show that my brother and his wife recently made, I decided to make one. I have recently been thinking about the song that is over the top of it (I mentioned it in another post a while back) and it's just what I need to hear right now. So even though it's mostly for me, I thought you might like to see it too. Just keep in mind that I just grabbed a bunch of random pictures of Madeline (with a few of John and I interspered) with some music. The end pics are some that I took today of Miss M. coloring so there are lots of those (too bad I didn't get some inspiring shots of me catching her guiltily biting into one of the crayons too lol!)

So there you go. This post isn't pretty, but it's the truth. That counts for something, right??

Travels and Travelers to Come

It feels like all of my friends have fallen off of the updating their blog wagon. Which of course makes me feel like I'm not in touch with my friends, which is ridiculous because reading someone's blog doesn't mean you're in touch, but you know. :) So I'm updating my blog because I'm bored of not being able to read yours! (Okay, not all of you...)

I actually have lots to tell that I keep forgetting to tell. First, two of my companions from my mission are coming to Utah to stay with me and have a blast. One, Hermana Stoneman--okay her real name is Amy, but I'm used to her as an Hermana. She is from Canada and so this is a big deal for her to come. My other companion, formerly Hermana Farley, now Jamie (and married with a new last name) is coming from California. They are both coming over the Conference Weekend (that's a big Church wide meeting for my non-mormon friends), and for our mission reunion, which I have never been to, but this year have pledged to go. I'm so excited to see them. There is something that cannot compare to sharing a country like Honduras with someone. You can truly only understand it if you've been there with someone and commiserated over being sick, riding crazy buses, and learning another language.

Then, overlapping this visit, my Mom and Step Dad are coming to visit as well. Gordon (my Step Dad) is coming because on of his professors is retiring (from when he got his Ph.D I think) so that's pretty neat.

And even though this post is already extremely long, I've got even more exciting news that I haven't mentioned yet. One of my very best of friends Meredith is getting married this coming month as well. I'm so happy for her. She's found a wonderful guy (from all accounts, I've not yet met him in person) and they are having a very short engagement and getting married October 25 (or is it the 24th?) in Rochester, New York (in the Palmyra Temple, as pictured above). And even though it's expensive to head out East to my old stomping grounds, I wouldn't miss this wedding for anything. I always told myself I would go to to Meredith and my friend Anne's weddings, no matter what. (Which is why you're NOT allowed to elope Anne). Why? Because I love them both, and they have both been put through the dating wringer and I have longed to see them happily married. (Did I mention we were all roommates at BYU? That bonds you together in dating sadness forever!) lol.
Anyway, so I am heading back East and have decided to make it a full trip with a visit to my Mom and Step-Dad Gordon and all of my favorite places in my hometown of Eldersburg, Maryland.
You have NO idea how excited I am. It's been over three years since I've been back home for a visit, and that's way toooo long. So we'll (we just found out John can come with me thanks to some early Christmas presents and some website work!) fly out to Baltimore a week early and hang out with my Mom, maybe site see, even though I've been most places. Surprisingly I haven't seen Monticello, so I think we might try to go there!

Then after that week of fun, we'll be driving up with my Mom to Syracuse New York to visit my little brother Bryan and his awesome family. From there it's just a short jump over to Rochester to go to my dear friend's sealing and reception. She has fabulous taste and I know the wedding is going to be an event to remember! We might also catch some Church sites while there too (which I have visited before as well, but you can never get tired of those!). We'll then fly home out of Syracuse. Doesn't that sound like fun? Well to me it does!
Anyway, here's what I need from you. I mean it. I really need your help. I'm worried about taking our little bundle of energy (namely Madeline) on a six hour flight. Have any of you done it? What did you take to help keep your little one still? Are you still not allowed to take liquids on flights? If so, how do you take milk and juice for your little one? How about the car seat? Anything I need to know about taking it?
Basically, give me ALL of your traveling tips. I think the best thing I've seen is this onesie. It might just be worth it to buy one of these....

Low Key Lovely Weekend

It's that time again. Time for the Sunday Night post. Ahh, my favorite. :)
We had a great weekend. We got to go to the temple on Saturday thanks to my sister babysitting Madeline. Sometimes I forget how nice it is to get away for a few hours with just your honey. I probably enjoyed it too much. But it has been a long while since we've gone out for that long. It's also been a while since we've been to the Temple, and it was such a beautiful and peaceful day.
We also indulged in some of those caramel apples I was talking about earlier this week. It was such a perfect day. (With the cinnamon sugar and white chocolate it tastes a little like its name: Apple Pie. I don't even like white chocolate--as in hate it--and I still LOVED this kind. Yummy!)

We also had my friend Anne come to visit which was also quite fun. And today we had the usual sister and family over to dinner. Tonight I made a lovely thing I found on stephmodo.com's site. It was easy, looks fancy, and was quite yummy. In case you wanted to try it, here's the link. It's called Chicken with Mustard Cream on Watercress (we used normal lettuce). It was good, and not very many ingredients! I also enjoyed beating the stuffing out of the chicken. I highly recommend that for stress relief.


Lastly, I keep forgetting to mention that Madeline has reached a milestone early. You ask, "Is she talking in sentences? Is she climbing trees? Reciting sonnets?" Better. She's officially in Nursery. For my non-mormon friends, this means that Maddy can now go into the little kids class that is usually reserved for 18 month olds, but because I work in the Primary Presidency, she gets to go in early because both John and I are busy helping in Church. This has been great, and the sad/good thing is that she doesn't even look back when we take her. No tears, no anxiety. Just pure toy lust. She sees those Nursery toys and walks away without even a qualm. It's pretty funny.
Oh and for the grandma's that might read this, I'll have to get a picture soon, but I bought Maddy a little purse at DI (with a pearl handle) and she carries it everywhere slung over her shoulder. It's adorable. Don't worry, pictures to come!
So it's a low key night. The Mulled Cider candle from Walmart is glowing and smelling up the room with autumnal spiciness and my sweetheart and I are relaxing. I love Sunday nights. :)

My Photography Guru!

Hey, I just found out that my good friend Missy started a photo blog too! I really am excited for her. Ever since I've known her (which isn't really that long, but a lot can happen in a year!) she has been my photography friend. She showed me how to do quite a few things in photography, and we have taken pictures of each other's families. Now we are both doing our little businesses and while some of you might feel a little torn, I just want you to know that Missy and I are both fine about it! Pick her or choose me, we don't mind at all! We're both supportive of the other person because seriously, we're just both so fabulous. We can't help it. :) lol!
http://xpphotography.blogspot.com/
Go visit her blog--I know I am bookmarking it! (Aren't the two top pictures to die for?)
Thanks for being my photography guru Missy!

You+Me= Good Pictures (I think...although I've never been good at math....)

Thanks everyone for their comments. They made me feel much better about things. So a brief post (which I will post on my other blog as well). I have some time free this coming week to do a photo shoot if anyone is interested. I'm a little concerned about my amount of available time in October, so if you were wanting a photo shoot next month, give me a call as well and we'll go over some dates. Also feel free email me at eyefulphotography@gmail.com for more info!

Can't wait to hear from you! (And maybe I'll wear pearls to the shoot just like this stylish lady! ha!)

Braggy, but Sad too

Quick post. In case you haven't been able to tell by my couponing posts in the past, I am trying to be ultra frugal in terms of our groceries lately. So I had to do a slightly braggy post. Will you mind? If you do, please don't read. I don't want you to think less of me certainly. But I love reading when other people have good deals, so if you're like me, read on.

I bought the following food today (on rainchecks from past bargains): 4 toaster strudels, 2 Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs, 4 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls. Total Cost: $2.10. I split the amount above with my sister (because even we can't eat that many toaster strudels, nor fit them in our freezer), so total out of my pocket was $1.10.

Now I know that some people might say that these things aren't terribly healthy for you. Or maybe you would say that you don't eat those things normally. Well we don't usually either. But when it breaks down to pennies per item, I'll eat just about anything, especially if it includes either bread or frosting. :) I'm just learning to be flexible and try new things if they are cheap.

Oh, and you might also be interested to know that chicken breast is 1.39 at Macey's which is beyond great. So there's my little schpeal.

Lastly, do you ever feel like your blog creates more animosity than friendliness? Or that people are judging you harshly? I've felt like that recently. Maybe I should take a blogging break. How do you feel?

Little Fires and Little People

Hey guys, have you ever wanted to know how you can tell when you should clean/buy new stove top drip pans? Take a lesson from me--if it starts on fire, it might be a good time. Don't ask. Okay, I'll tell you. Mine started on fire. While I was in the bathroom. I luckily (or maybe unluckily for any passerbyers) had the door open because Maddy screams if I close it all the way) and I saw some smoke, (which was normal because I told you it was a little dirty) but I wasn't TOO concerned....until all of the sudden I saw the orange glow. Yeah, not my finest hour. But at least I saw it before it burned anything important like my bread sitting next to the stove. Yowsers.
Next, so that I don't seem too uncool, I did another project the other day. The cost of this project was almost free. I got the peg board for free from my little sister, and I found the frame along the side of the road in SLC. I then bought some hooks and voila, my very own necklace organization board. It makes my heart (and overloaded jewelry box) happy.

Lastly, had a fabulous time at Book Club. Heidi had some of these all cut up for refreshments, and now I have a MAJOR craving.
Okay, not all of these. Just the caramel apples. YUM! I've never had any from this particular company (Rocky Mountain Candy Company) but I assure you, it will not be the last. I will make that solemn vow.

Lastly, I have to tell you that I was realizing today how big my little girl is getting. It's making me sad! Look at this picture, and tell me that your heart is broken just a little bit! Mine is! She's so cute, but she used to be so very small...awww! I don't know why it's hitting me tonight, but it is.
Sunrise, Sunset! Where does the time go. My little baby cupcake. Sorry to get so sentimental on you guys, but I only have one baby, and she's getting so big. Look at this picture. It's like the before and after makeover pictures.
She's so big. But this picture makes me smile and be glad that she is my little playful and fun girl. The end!

One of those hodge podge days

So you'll have to excuse me, but as I went to get the pictures I was going to post today, I realized that there were a few pictures I've been meaning to post. So you get a mixture of happy pictures and stories today. Lucky you. :)
I finally finished my chalkboard project (though it isn't hung yet), and Madeline had a fabulously fun time coloring on the chalkboard. The funniest part is that of all the colors that she could have picked she kept choosing pink. Seriously is that genetically ingrained or something??
Here is our own little Chef Pisghetti (from Curious George of course). My Mom has a picture just like this of me when I was a baby. It would be hilarious if I could get a copy of my pic and post it to see if Maddy looks like me at that age.
This picture makes me laugh even now because of the story behind it. Yesterday I was going through my linen closet looking for a sheet that I bought to make into curtains (which you will see in the next pictures) when I found this coat I bought for Madeline last year at DI in hopes that it would fit her this year. It's from Old Navy and very cute, so I was hoping it would fit. So I decided to try it on her. It fit, and then I told her, "I'm sorry honey, Mommy will stop torturing you now and take off the coat." However, it seems that in the five seconds that I had it on her, she and the coat bonded for eternity and she started screaming when I tried to take off the coat. LOL. It was seriously hilarious to see her running all around the house wearing this winter coat. She wanted to eat lunch with it on. Everything. Finally I got her to take it off (too hot for this time of year still) but she insisted on carrying it around like some sort of blankie. She is such a funny girl!
Finally I'm posting pics of my room because we switched all of the furniture around because I like change, and because I wanted to bring up the small t.v. we have to our room. Not for us to watch, but in hopes that I'll someday convince Madeline that she can watch a movie while Mommy takes a shower. This would seriously be a miracle.
I moved my vanity so that I could get better light from the window too. It used to be my side table. And the curtains were those DI sheets I told you about.

So it was a full day yesterday. So I'm hoping I don't get any crazy schemes today. There's a lot to be said to low key days, wouldn't you say? :)

The Banker Says He Likes You

Today we had some fun times at my sister's house. We had the usual delicious meal, and then we played their new board game Deal or No Deal. For anyone that has never been to an arcade with me (which would probably be all of you since I rarely go) you might know that I am obsessed with playing this game at the arcade. And now I will be obsessed with it as a board game. I don't know why I love it, except I like to pretend I'm a psychic and make predictions about the numbers and when I get close, (like I'll guess it's $75, and then it will be $750,000--which is so close if you really think about it LOL) I like to brag about my psychic abilities. Which everyone promptly ignores.

But most fun of all was the fact that we used a baby play cell phone to "call the banker" and then make the offer. Seriously, it was hilarious. Especially when John would pull out all the stops and say in his best Howie Mandel voice, "Well, Kelly, the banker said he likes you."

It also just so happens that I also recently saw a Sesame Street sketch that made me laugh really hard that has to do with this same topic. So enjoy my friends, enjoy!

It's Almost my Favorite Time of Year

So I just started thinking about fall and getting REALLY excited. Way too excited. But I don't care, I only get autumn once a year and I like to savor it. So to celebrate my excitedness, here are some of my favorite things about fall, including a favorite video, and lots of pics! What's your favorite season?
I love sweaters and coats. Isn't this one cute from etsy?
I LOVE to go to the pumpkin patch. The best one that I've found in Utah is in Santaquin. We drive all that way because it's worth it for the hayride, and for the next picture.
That's right...apple cider doughnuts. This is something we always got when I was younger and a tradition I am happy to carry on!
I love to eat turkey. I don't love turkeys. I've been attacked by a turkey before (and they are mean son of a guns) so I never feel sorry for the turkeys.

The fall leaves! Oh the colors!
Halloween. LOVE it! I picked this picture because Maddy is going as...drum roll please...Madeline for Halloween. I know! I'm so clever! lol
My Mom has this picture in her house and I always loved it. I love Thanksgiving, but I also love remembering all of the blessings we have.
Hello! How could I post about fall and not mention these beauties? Gotta buy them every year.
So I'm noticing that many of my favorite fall things are food, but I'm okay with that. Speaking of which, anyone have any good fall recipes?? :)

Honduras Needs You!

Hey, my friend Jodi wrote about post that the Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple (where I served my mission, she served hers in the Comayaguela Mission) is being set back due to the city not wanting the temple site to "take away" from the cathedral there. So please keep it in your prayers, because people currently have to travel to Guatemala at huge expense (like once in a lifetime maybe expense) to go to the temple.

What is so amazing to me about this announcement on my friend's blog is that I had this intense desire to read my mission journals last night before knowing this. I laughed and cried as I re-read some of the moments. So in the spirit of this announcement, I want to share a couple of quick things from my journal that I had forgotten and LOVED so much about my mission. Feel free to keep reading, or if you're bored, feel free to zone out, but I'm picking the best stuff, so I don't think you'll be bored! (Plus I'll try to do the reader's digest version).

1. I forgot this tidbit. I'll take this straight from the journal since it's fairly short.
"Someone stole 500 Lempiras fro me which is only about $30,, but a lot of our monthly allotment (I think it was someone who lives in the house to which our room is connected). But anyways, I didn't know what I was going to do because I didn't have moneyt and it was only the middle of the month. When a miracle happened because this same week a birthday card from Grandma and Grandpa Larson showed up with $20--almost exactly the amount that had been stolen! I was amazed because it's only the second time that anyone has ever sent me money in a letter since I've been here! So it was sincerely a miracle."

2. Next thing I forgot was when my comp. and I were looking for a few inactive members in a new neighborhood that we had never been too. We were just walking along chatting when all of the sudden I felt a huge wave of FEAR come over me and the distinct idea come into my head, "You need to get out of here NOW." I was so shocked by it (nothing like it had happened to me before, even though you might think Honduras sounds dangerous, I rarely had issues) that I stood there for a second confused. At that same moment my companion stopped talking and turned to me and said, "We have to get out of here now!" We both literally were so scared that we ran out of that neighborhood. We stopped and tried to get ourselves together and tried to go down another road in the same general neighborhood, but again got the same impression. So we left.
Later we were talking to a member and we casually (without mentioning our experience) asked him about that neighborhood (he was a police officer there). He told us that we should never go there because it was a well known area for growing and selling drugs and very dangerous.

3. This one will be straight from the journal too because it's funny.
"We went to the home of an inactive member and his non-member mom for the first time. We as we were getting acquainted, Hermana Cornejo asked the mom what her name was and she replied "Bienvenida"--which means welcome. The funny thing is right before Hermana Cornejo asked her name she had told the mom that we were both new to the area [note: we were opening the area in a sense after two sisters both went home at the same time], so when the mom asked "Bienvenida" Hermana Cornejo only replied, "Thanks--but what did you say your name was?"To which the woman replied, "No, my name is Welcome (Bienvenida)!" We started dying laughing, and couldn't stop in all the road home."

4. This will be the last one, and I think I lied--this will be the opposite of reader's digest. This one I have to write from my journal too. It just expresses it better. This time it's spiritual. One of my most personal/amazing experiences.
"I don't think I've written anything about the miracle of the conversion of Onan and I hate myself for that! We found Onan (Hermana Lopez and I) contacting him El Eden. The first charla (discussion) was so positive that we both left and were super-excited. We started teaching him but he didn't go to Church until we finally got out his doubt--one of Hermana Marta's sons had always been really mean to Onan [note: Hermana Marta and her son were local ward members] and so he didn't want to go and see him there. Well one day I was readin the a Conference Ensign and I knew that we had to read an article called "Forgiveness turns Bitterness to Love" with Onan. Well we did and the next week he showed up for Church! He then ended up having to go far away to his Grandpa's finca (farm) around this point which was sad because we were still trying to get him to committ to baptism by really praying and asking God if the Book of Mormon is true. Well he always read the assignments we left with him but he never would do the specific prayer nor committ to baptism.
So anyway, he left and I thought I would never see him again because I was sure I would have changes (transfers) before he got back [note: he said he was going to be gone for four months, and since I had been there longer than my companion, and was going home in three months, I was doubtful I would still be in the area, or even in the country by the time he returned]. But in the meanwhile I had a really amazing dream while we were still teaching him (Hermana Lopez and I). I told her my dream too. What I dreamt was that Onan was getting baptized, but I was with a gringa I had never seen before and we were doing the baptism in front of President Wilson's [my mission president] house because I was about to leave to go home.
Well when I woke up I told Hermana Lopez the dream and jokingly told her, "Well you're going to have transfers and I'm going to be a trainger of a gringa, because I still have to see Onana get baptized." The idea seemed so ludicrous that we both laughed and thought nothing of it. But-- :)
But then 2 weeks ago Onan came back from his grandpa's farm and showed up to Church by himself! I was so excited to see him and he asked when we were going to his house to teach him! We started the charlas with him again and he remembered everything. But this time when I challeneged him to pray, I told him that he had to do it because it was time. He promised me he would. When we went back he told us, "Hermanas, I read and I prayed, and I felt something here (pointing to his chest) that I can't explain. I know now tht the Book of Mormon is true." Well obviously I just about started bawling right there on the spot!--But then to make sure he understood the importance of his answer he had received, I asked--"And if the Book of Mormon is true?" to which he looked me in the eyes and said, "Then I have found the only true Church on the earth."
I will never be able to describe how I felt on that occassion. I felt like my heart was so full and emotional that I couldn't speak. I just sat there a moment trying to gain my compsure and not start sobbing in front of him! We taught him the next charla and he accepted our baptismal challenge and told me that he would do everything in his power to be ready to be baptized before I left.
Can I be more blessed? Could Heavenly Father have given me more blessings? I am sure that He couldn't have. I just pray that I may see his baptism, but if not, I know he WILL be baptized shortly after I leave."

What else is cool about this story? What I didn't mention, because I would have mentioned it before in my journal, was that I did indeed get a gringa to train named Hermana Pugmire.

And best of all? On my very last day in the mission, Onan was baptized. It was one of the happiest days of my life.

Well I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. I had to share with all of you. That's why I'm asking for your prayers for the Honduras Temple. It is a country very near and dear not only to my heart, but to the Lord's as well.

Ever had one of these kinds of days?

I have. Today was it. Luckily my sister came over to cheer me up. We made banana bread and ate it while it was still warm. That definitely helped. I think I should get Madeline this onesie for days like today. Then I might be able to laugh while it's happening. Maybe.... :)

But all is well now. But I sure am tired. Anyone else?

Not to bore you but..... :)

Hey, not to bore you all. But you might want to check out my photography blog. I just finished a great one today!
So that's what I've been up to today. Tell me what you think! (My favorite was the chalkboard picture...the idea came to me when I woke up and I think it turned out great!)

Rub a Dub Dub, I Love that Grub

First, I have to thank all of you my friends who were so supportive and kind about my new photography blog and business. It has made me feel like it's not a completely ridiculous endeavor, and I have already started to get some requests for photo shoots, which makes me feel great! So thank you times a million!

Next, I have some sad news...remember our new little family member? The one named after a nut? Yeah, well it turns out that we were wrong about Madeline not being allergic. :( So we had to give up our little kitty, which was actually quite hard. It's even harder and sadder when Maddy taps on the bathroom door (where the kitty would sleep and go to get a break from Madeline occasionally) and looks at us expectantly, as if to say, "What did you do with my kitty??"
But we found Pistachio a new and loving home, and I guess that's a good thing after all is said and done because we at least rescued him from being put down. Who knows...maybe he'll be the next kitty president, and all because of us. :)

In other non-related news, I have discovered my new favorite thing as of late. It's called having my sister over for Sunday dinner. Why? Because we can! We now alternate fixing Sunday dinners (one person fixes dinner, the other brings dessert), and it's great! It's hard when there are just a couple of people in your family because you want to make delicious meals, but you don't want to make too much food. Hence our dilemma is solved and we're all eating wonderfully on Sundays. So thank you Kelly, my Sundays will never be the same! (I hope!)

New (and nerve-wracking) Endeavours!

Hi friends,

Just thought you might want to know that I have officially started my little "business" of taking pictures. In honor of the momentous occasion I have started a photoblog. Please check it out and lavish on the praise so I don't feel too silly about taking this giant (for me) step. And even better, feel free to schedule a fabulous photo shoot with your loved ones! (And at the advice of my Mom, I need to add the following comment: "The banner below is a link to my new blog.") :) Thanks Mom!

Oh, and check back on it often since I'll be updating it pretty frequently! Yay!

Just Another Ordinary Miracle Today!

I had to tell all of you a story of a miracle. A resurrection if you will. What came back to life?
Let the following pictures tell my story for me.

Yes, that's right! My computer, miraculously (and I mean that in all seriousness), and without explanation turned on today. I just decided to give it another try (mind you, I've done this several times before) but for some reason it worked. I am so very happy. Thank you super computer!

And speaking of miracles, I have been thinking about some other people that could use a miracle. They've been waiting a while for their miracle. And I just barely realized that maybe this blog could help them. You never really know who reads these and who could be just the person you need. So having said that, let me tell you about this family.

This family consists of a mom, dad, and little girl. These parents have been trying to adopt for several years now through LDS services, but have not yet been successful. I think part of the reason why may be because they have one daughter, and people may not be as apt to pick a family that has a child versus one that doesn't have any children, which I can understand why they might think that. But if they knew how wonderful these people are, they might change their minds.

The mother is not only wonderful, kind, and one of the most patiently loving people I have ever met, but she is a registered nurse to boot! Who wouldn't want that for their child? The father is also loving, attentive, hilarious, and kind. Their daughter is an adorable five year old (I'm pretty sure she's five, she might still be four. She just had her birthday but I've forgotten). They have not been able to have more children because of health concerns, but they desperately want to add more children to their wonderful family. And yes, in case you haven't been able to tell, I am indeed related to this family. It happens to be my brother and his wife and daughter.

The reason I'm putting this out there is because the number one way that people are able to adopt through LDS services is by someone knowing someone and putting them in contact with the potential family. While my brother and his family remain hopeful, I know that this has been a struggle for them. If you know anyone, please let me know and I can put you in touch with them. They are a faithful, hardworking, fun-loving LDS family.

So here's to past miracles and hope for future ones!

Our newest family member

I'd like to introduce you to our newest family member. Her name? Pistachio. Her favorite pasttime?'[[[88[4eeyuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuy3km (typing, as evidenced right now, and actually discovered right now). She is very cute, and very mellow (except when playing which is just right). If you haven't guessed, this is what Pistachio looks like:

She's a kitten. We have been thinking about getting a little cat for a while now, but we're a little hesitant due to a bad experience with our previous cat (Sushi, aka the devil cat). We were also concerned about how Madeline would react (or if she would be allergic etc.) So now that we knew she wasn't allergic and saw how she loves them and tries to pet them anytime we see one even remotely close by, we decided to give it a go. We got Pistachio from the animal shelter. We were afraid that she would have a hard time adjusting since most kittens do, but she has been hilarious. She is already exploring our house, jumping up on couches that are five times her height, and chasing the laser pointer. Hence we have to post a video. I have never seen a kitten get so comfortable so quickly. So we pretty much love her already.
Maddy didn't get a really long time to interact with her (it was her dinner and bath and bedtime) but the time she did get to spend with her she was absolutely enchanted. She kept giggling and trying to pet her. So cute! Anyway, just thought you might like to meet our latest family member. Tashio for short.