Life just got a lot Fuller

Two weeks

2010-11-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

I used to think that if I were given two weeks to live I would spend it rushing around the world seeing everything that I ever wanted to see, doing everything I always wanted to expirience and eating nothing but cakes and cookies (no vegetables). But now things have definitly changed. If I were given two weeks to live, I would spend it doing exactly what I am doing now (minus the working part). I would wake up and cuddle my baby, I would spend the day eating cheerios, climbing the stairs, singing songs, and eating up every last moment I possibly could with my sweet girl.

I know this seems like a random blog post, but it isn't. I have been blessed with good health, but I know there are others who haven't. I know of two distinct people who are going through this right as we speak. My heart aches for them and their families. I hate that there is nothing I can do or nothing I can say that can take the pain away. So instead I pray. It has caused me to take a deep look at my life and how I live each day. It has caused me to look at my loved ones a little differently today. I challenge you to do the same- each and every day. It's times like these I am grateful that I have a testimony of this gospel, that Christ lives and loves us and died so we can all be together again as families. That is the greatest blessing.

To be in the world but not of the world Part 1

2010-10-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

What does that mean to you? I’ve been thinking a lot about that lately. Especially now that I raise a child in a world that is quickly and rapidly changing. I remember what it was like for me as a kid in junior high and high school. Do I really want her to go through that? And isn’t the world just completely unsafe? Should kids be able to explore the world as we did as kids? I remember being able to walk to Taco Bell with my friends a good mile from my house. Am I going to be able to let Sadie do those things?

I have come to terms that I hate the media. They twist and mold and skew our perception of everyday life. Do you know that this country is actually SAFER then it was in the 90’s? That crime is actually down??? That there were only 115 child abductions in 2006? Your kid has a one in a million chance of being abducted by a stranger. (Not trying to talk anyone out of teaching thier kid about safety here- It's very important!)

Did you know that there is a new term called helicopter parenting and it’s coddling our kids and not letting them make decisions and become independent thinkers? What are we doing to this new generations of kids who can’t tie their shoes because they use Velcro, or can’t figure out simple tasks, or decide for themselves if it’s ok to eat gummy bears for dinner. How about the fact that the over-use of antibacterial agents are actually causing us to become sicker because our immune systems have had no practice fighting off bacteria.

Maybe we need to step back, let our kids play and eat some dirt, walk to the park by themselves, and make decisions. We need to have a little faith in our kids. We need to teach them to be in the world but not of the world. We need to teach them how to stand up for their beliefs, how to kick and bite people tring to stash them in their creepy vans, and then teach them how to actually talk to strangers so that if something does happen they can get some help! But most of all we need to give them the opportunities to grow and experience life. Give them the opportunity to express their beliefs. No matter how much we coddle and shelter them, at some point we have to let go. Letting go will be much easier if they have been given the opportunity to be independent and flourish.

What are your thoughts? If you want to read more into this topic of helicopter parenting- I suggest you check out http://freerangekids.wordpress.com/

Her favorites

2010-10-10T14:59:00.001-07:00

Friday the 8th was little miss Sadie's 1st birthday. We had celebrated her birthday the weekend before with all of her grandparents, some aunts and uncles and some friends. So this day was just a laid back enjoy Sadie day. The perfect type of day in my opinion. Since it was her day, we focused on doing her favorites all day long.

I spent the day climbing up and down the stairs with her, eating goldfish crackers, singing primary songs and dancing super silly, and there was lots of the very hungry caterpiller readings. That night we had cheese pizza, apple juice, and strawberries for dinner followed up with a chocolate cupcake. I even let her pick out some birthday balloons at the store (she chose the princess one, go figure right?).

I can't believe my little angel is one. I'm pretty sure it's not fair how fast that time goes by. I can say without doubt that this was the best year of my life. I have learned so much about me, Reid, and even the gospel. Love her, love life, and love you!

What morning looks like

2010-10-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

This is what our mornings look like. A sleepy eyed but usually happy Sadie...

And some really cute bedhead. I love my little bug.

Ps. I'm really not that great of a person you might think I am (not that you do think I am a great person). Sometimes really stupid and pointless things annoy me. But I promise I am working on that.

a little embarrassed...

2010-09-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

That is has been 6 months or so since I last posted. Every time I go to post I'm just so annoyed with myself and don't know how to catch up. So here we go, I'm doing it now!

In the last six months:

Reid went to Peru

We went to Washington DC

We had a family reunion in St. George

We went on an Alaskan Cruise

Sadie got teeth, learned how to crawl, says words (kinda),waves, high-fives, and a bunch more

We went to Japan

Reid is running a marathon with his sisters in Ireland to raise money for cancer (read about it here: http://www.fiveintraining.com)

Reid got a new job!

And much much oh so much more! Life is crazy. Definitly not perfect. But yes so tender! We have enjoyed every little infant moment we've had with Sadie and are preparing ourselves in a few weeks to say good-bye to infant Sadie and hello to Toddler Sadie as she turns one! I have learned so much about myself in the past year, and I can honestly say it has been the best (and hardest) year of my life!

Confessions of a WAHM

2010-04-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

WAHM stands for work at home mom. And I have to admit that often times being a WAHM is glamorized as this wonderful mesh of being a stay at home mom and having a career- you know being able to have it all. But you can't. It's hard, wonderful and frustrating all at the same time. I really wouldn't have it any other way- well unless I could be a stay at home mom sans the working.

Here are some of my confessions, as awkward as they may be:

Most days I don't find time to eat till at least one or possibly later.

Yesterday my baby was still in the pjs that she was put in the day before, after her bath.

I'm often distracted from work by the piles of laundry, dirty dishes, dust and of course that gorgeous baby making the cutest sounds.

Some days I am so stressed by work and everything I want to curl in a ball in cry.

It's rare when I actually get "dressed"

I don't have work hours so I usually work more then someone who actually goes to work.

I often am talking to clients as I am changing dirty diapers or wiping up spit up.

I love not dealing with the commute or waking up early to do my hair.

I love taking a break from work to roll on the floor with my baby.

Oh it's hard, really hard- but when I think of the alternative I remember how blessed I am. Even though I went back to work a week after Sadie was born, and it's been a whirlwind ever since, I like my job and I'm happy to help support my family.

Just a warning, if you happen to come over to my house unannounced, you will likely find me in stretchy pants an oversized t-shirt and hair stashed in a pony tail. Unfortunately, this is what Reid comes home to everyday.

Last Garbage Bag

2010-04-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

Last week we used our last garbage bag. Is that a weird thing to blog about? Perhaps. We bought the box of garbage bags the week we moved into our house. That was two years and one month ago. I guess we are not a big trash family. That's got to make you feel good right?

Anyways, we are still busy. Sadie turns six months this week. She is rolling around, babbling, giggling, eating rice cereal and fruits and veggies. She is so happy. We love her. Last month we went to Las Vegas to visit Grandma and Grandad (my parents), Reid tried to get to Argentina and Peru (took a red-eye to JFK then an early morning flight to Atlanta to meet our brother in law who couldn't make the flight to ATL and then he turned around and came home to SLC) but it didn't work so he will try again this month, had our friends from Minnesotta come visit for a weekend and we took them snowboarding (two awesome days in a row), had Desi and Elliott and Reid's mom over which helped distract me from the crazy tests they were doing on me to determine if I had Crohn's disease (I don't thank goodness).

Now it's Sadie's first Easter and we are celebrating it in Southern Utah with Reid's mom! Sadie didn't really understand her easter basket but she loved playing with the grass! Here are some random pictures to enjoy:

The view from my desk while I work and Sadie plays

Sadie playing in her exersaucer

Sadie get's so excited when daddy comes home from work. Even if she's crying, hungry or tired- the second Reid steps in the door she's giggling and wants NOTHING to do with me anymore ; )

Sadie in Grandpa's (Reid's dad) truck

5 things we have been up to lately

2010-03-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

Somedays my life is so busy I forget to eat. Life is busy right now but good. So much fun to be had and work to be done. This is what we have been busy with lately:

1) Traveling and blogging here. Travels have included: Fresno, North Dakota, Las Vegas, Arizona, Hawaii and more- which is just the beginning of this year's travels.

2) Work. I am still working from home as a social media consultant and copywriter. Reid is still working at Skywest as a multimedia developer (programming e-learning training for pilots and flight attendants).

3) Kissing this cute girl. As well as the accompanying copious quantities of dirty diapers. She has started rice (although we do multi grain) cereal and LOVES it. She sings while she eats it.

4) Side projects and businesses. Reid is working hard with TriMutiny and my blog is keeping us busy as well as freelance writing, and Reid's freelance designing and programming.

5) Reid is in scouts, in which he chases around ten year old boys trying to help them earn merit badges.

Although we are busy- we love it, love life and love each other.

Keep on keeping on!

Shameless Plug

2010-02-24T16:48:00.001-08:00

I have a travel blog- did you know that? Check it out! Learn it, live it, love it. Visit often. Toodles!

http://www.dottingthemap.com

Post Script

2010-02-22T10:33:00.001-08:00

Reid read my Hello Sunshine blog post and said I was creepy. And I had to agree with him a little. Maybe that's what becoming a mom does to you? Makes you a little creepy?

In other news... I have become a crotchety old lady who waves her broom at teenagers. Not really but sort of. The other day me neighbor- who's mother must not have been home, although it wouldn't suprise me if she was- had some little hoodlum friends over and they were climbing all over the roof, yelling and being obnoxious. In all honesty I would have been annoyed normally because I live in condos and we are all so close we need to have mutual respect- but because my baby was sleeping I was even more annoyed. PLUS if one of the little hoodlums would have fallen and cracked open their skull not only would I have to see the blood everyday I go to check the mail- it would be the HOA that would be responsible. So I did the only thing I could think of in which a normal mature adult would do- I opened my door, stood there with my hands on my hips and yelled for them to get off the roof or I would call the cops.

WOW! What on heavens earth has happened to me? I swear it was yesterday it was me that was up to no good. My how times have changed.

Hello there sunshine!

2010-02-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

I haven't really posted on this blog much because I started a mommy journal. I figured people would get sick of me gushing about my baby all the time. I do plan on sharing some of my entries on here though. So reader beware it's going to be a gush fest today.

Dear Sadie baby,

Those crystal clear blue eyes and ginger hair are perfect but nothing compared to that smile and those giggles. If I lost my house, my computer, and everything else but was still able to see and hear those giggles I could be happy. Being a mom is really hard and someday you will understand that, but if I’ve had a stressful day and then you giggle it’s all out the window. Someday you will also understand how much I love you, but only when you have a sweet little girl (or boy) like you, will you get it. I know you don’t love me as much as I love you and that’s ok. My life changed the moment they set that warm baby in my arms, changed forever. I could barely even see you through those tears of joy. I felt like a piece of my heart was missing before but was filled when you entered my life.

Tonight I held you while you were sleeping. I tried to put you down but I couldn’t. I wish I could freeze time. I’m afraid if I blink it will be your wedding day. Please know you mean the world to me. Please know you are never alone. Sometimes when nothing else works to get you to sleep I lay you in your crib and you fuss a little but quickly fall asleep. You may not know that I’m sitting in your room, but I am. I know the world is scary and hard but I’ll be there- sitting in your room, even when you don’t know it. I love you, little princess.

Love and kisses,

Mommy

Random thoughts and happenings

2009-12-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

I love being a mom. It's the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love ever minute of it and having Sadie in our lives has brought so much joy and happiness. She loves to smile and when she smiles I can't help but smile.

The past couple of weeks have been crazy. Crazy with a capitol C. It all started two weeks ago which was the week of tests and dr. appointments for Sadie. These tests I had been dreading since I was 32 weeks pregnant and found out Sadie's kidney had blockage and she would probably need surgery to correct them. Well the time had come and we carted Sadie into primary childrens for tests. I cried as I loaded her in the car and said a quick prayer that she would be comforted as these uncomfortable and invasive tests took place. I had no idea the tests would take an hour and felt like the worst mother ever as my hungry baby was given an IV and stuck with a catheter. She screamed and I cried again. Reid grabbed my hand and told me it was for the best, but I just wanted to pick up my little baby and run the heck out of there! We watched on the screen as they pumped radioactive material into her little kidneys and could see one kidney noticably larger. Sadie was a trooper and though her little legs and arms were pinned down she closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.

Two days later we went to the pediatric urologist and got the results from her tests. Her kidney is swollen and retains the fluid but eventually drains. Which was the best news I had ever heard in my life. This meant no surgery for baby Sadie. I really tried to fight back tears but they overcame me as they always do. Months and months of prayers from not only us but family and friends for her little kidney and it turned out to be ok. If that's not a testimony builder than I don't know what is.

That weekend Reid blessed Sadie in our ward, surrounded by friends and family. She is one loved little girl. It was a beautiful blessing and a great day. Stressful times with the multitudes of family and our house has a few bruises but completley worth it.

This past weekend we went to MN to watch Chris and Lisa get married (Reid was the best man). It was a beautiful ceremony- fitting for such a beautiful and sweet couple. We wish them all the best. Sadie did amazing on her first flight, which is good because she will be doing a lot of that.

It's time to get back in the swing of things for only a week before we head to celebrate Christmas with my family in Las Vegas. It's good to be here and to be alive. I'm grateful for all of our blessings.

I was tagged on FaceBook

2009-11-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

What are your middle names?

Cameron and Leigh

How long have you been together?
five and half years

How long did you know each other before you started dating?
three months

Who asked who out?
It was all Reid... I wasn't about to chase him around

Whose siblings do you see the most?
Reid's definitly.

Do you have any children together?
yup the cutest baby named Sadie.

What about pets?
No, if it were up to me I would but Reid hates animals.

Did you go to the same school?
Yes we went to the same college that is how we met.

Who is the most sensitive?
I'm definitly the most sensitive in this family.

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
We don't really eat out. Unless we are on vacation.

Where is the furthest you have ever traveled as a couple?
the Bahamas and Alaska

Who has the worst temper?
I wouldn't say neither of us have a temper we just definitly lose patience with one another.

Who does the cooking?
Me. But since the baby was born Reid has taken up two nights a week "cooking".

Who is more social?
Neither of us. With work, our businesses, baby, church and traveling we don't have that much time but it's totally a cop out.

Who is the neat freaks?
Reid more so than me but we both like a clean house.

Who is the most stubborn?
We both are and about different things.

Who hogs the bed?
Depends, ususally Reid but when I was preggo the bed was mine.

Who wakes up earlier?
Well.... do you mean for the day? If so Reid but I wake up at 5 am for Sadie to feed so...

Where was your first date?
Spiderman 2 the movie.

Who has the bigger family?
Reid- he has four sisters. I have one brother and one sister.

Do you get flowers often?
Never. Reid knows I would rather have sweets.

Who eats more?
Reid although I rivaled him while pregnant.

Who sings better?
Me.

Who does the laundry?
We both do

Who's is better with the computer?

Reid is a computer genius although I'm not too bad myself.

Who drives when you are together?
Always Reid- he can't stand my driving.

Who picks where you go to dinner?
We share that task.

Who is the first one to admit when they are wrong?

Whoever is wrong at that particular moment, and we share that pretty equally.

Who wears the pants in the relationship?
I'd say we both have one leg in the pants.

Who eats more sweets?
We are both guilty of that, but I buy more and bake more sweets.

Who cries more?
I've seen Reid cry like four times total. I cry everyday.

What's your best day together?
Our wedding day used to be our best day but now it would be Sadie's birthday.

Where did you honeymoon?
Cabo San Lucas

Favorite date night?
what's that? haha I wish we had more time for such things... but probably temple night.

Favorite TV show to watch together?
The Office and 30 Rock

Couple I imagine us growing old like?
uhhhhh

I tag everyone! Your turn!

Reflections on motherhood...

2009-11-11T13:37:00.000-08:00

Leaving the hospital after Sadie was born was hard…really hard. More than that it was surreal. It had all happened so fast and I couldn’t really get a grip that she was here and I was a new mother. I was expecting Sadie to come late. Her original due date was October 10 and I expected her to come on October 18. She was born two days early. So my nesting wasn’t quite complete and I wasn’t all that ready to not be pregnant anymore. I loved being pregnant. I wasn’t one of those woman that complained of the pains and not being able to sleep. I loved feeling all of her movements and I felt secure knowing she was safe in there.

But all of a sudden, it was time to leave the safety of the hospital and become a real mom. It was too much. So I cried. I cried a lot. I cried as I packed up my belongings, I cried as we changed her out of the hospital clothes into her going home clothes, and I cried as Reid carried her in her car seat out to the car. I was a mess.

The real problem was that to me leaving the hospital was synonymous with her turning eighteen, going to college and getting married. I figured if this all happened so fast then her growing up was going to happen so fast. And I loved my little baby. I had never felt anything so powerful before and it really frightened me. To look at something so pure and innocent and know I was responsible for teaching and guiding her? Yikes. She had just come from being with her Heavenly Father and I brought her into this scary world, how could I protect her? How could I make sure she would be able to get back there? It was all too much.

It doesn’t help that everyone tells me to enjoy the newborn phase because it goes by so fast. I don’t want it to go by so fast. She is beautiful and I love her being so little. So I have made sure to enjoy every little newborn moment with Sadie. When I change her diaper I kiss every one of her newborn toes. During our night feedings after I have nursed her and she has fallen back to sleep in my arms I take that extra time to stare at her, kiss her and cuddle her. Because someday when she does turn eighteen and I’m dropping her off at college, I want to remember that I took the time to admire and adore her as my little baby. I have the rest of my life to sleep. For now all I want is my newborn cuddles.

Sadie Grace's birth story

2009-10-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

I love reading other people’s birth stories. I find them to be inspiring and beautiful. I decided to share Sadie’s story only because I feel it necessary since I read so many others. I do want to throw caution to the wind and inform you I write this not as a horror story because there was nothing horrific about the way Sadie Grace entered into the world. It was spiritual and perfect in every way. Just like her. I also do not look for sympathy because if asked to I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. The biggest thing I learned is nothing happens according to plan.

It all started on Tuesday morning around 3 am when I awoke to what I was sure was my water had broken. I waited around a few hours then called my midwife around five. I told her I wasn’t sure- but I think my water had broken. She asked if I was having contractions and I said no. She mentioned I should wait a few more hours and then head to the hospital to be checked out. I awoke Reid an hour later and let him know. We packed up all our stuff, took a shower and headed to the hospital. After a little bit of paper work, my midwife and another nurse ran a few tests. The tests were inconclusive. Meaning that half said my water had broken but half said they didn’t. My midwife gave me the choice to either be induced or go home and wait for real labor. I really wanted my labor to be as natural as possible and since I wasn’t strep b positive and she could feel the bag of waters still in tact- we both felt ok waiting it out.

About two hours after I got home contractions started. They were mild for the most part, never increased in intensity and were never consistent. Because of this we decided it was false labor. I talked to my midwife that night when she called to check on me and she said it could be because of the tests irritating things. I was able to fall asleep Tuesday night but was woken up on Wednesday morning at 3 am with contractions that I couldn’t talk through. I worked through them on my own and timed them thanks to my iphone app. They were strong but still inconsistent. At 5 am they woke Reid up and he helped me through them for the next couple of hours. I told him I was going to take a shower to see if they would go away and lied to him that they did so he wouldn’t stay home for another day of false labor. The contractions continued all day and were intense but inconsistent going five mins apart to seven to thirteen and back to five. Because I was told to wait until they were 3-5 minutes apart I thought I was still in false labor.

That night they got more intense. I would say on the pain scale of at least eight. Though they never became regular. I labored by myself that night downstairs because I didn’t want to wake Reid up. Going on my third night of no sleep I drew myself a bath until I couldn’t last anymore and called out to Reid to get my phone. I talked to the midwife on call and told her what was happening. She said it was obvious I was in pain and to head to the hospital and I would probably be surprised at how far along I was. Reid, his mom and I got ready and jumped into the car. After getting settled in a room the nurse strapped me down- which was awful because I labored much better standing up and rocking- and checked me. I was devasted to find out I was only 1 cm- which I had been for a week. The first nurse was kind of rude and acted like I was a wuss for coming in in such pain and only being at a 1. Luckily it was shift change and a nicer more understanding nurse came in. She moved me to a room with a Jacuzzi tub and let me labor in there for awhile. The midwife on call came in and said that since I had been in labor for 44 hours and wasn’t progressing I could either go home and take meds, or I could get an epidural and have the baby today. I burst out crying because neither of the options were what I wanted to hear. I couldn’t bear the thought of another day of labor that didn’t go anywhere. But I really desired a natural birth. After talking it over with Reid we decided to go with the epidural and have the baby.

An hour later I got my epidural, my wonderful midwife Sandae came in (on her day off!) and checked me and broke my water. An hour later she came back and checked me and I was at a five. Because I was progressing they kept me on the lowest level of pitocin. Two hours later she came back and said if I wasn’t at a seven then they would up the pitocin. She checked me and I was a ten and said time to have the baby! I remember looking over at Reid and he looked pale like he couldn’t believe it was already time. An hour and a half of pushing my sweet baby girl was laid into my arms and for the first time I got to look into my baby’s eyes. Per my request they did the initial pediatric exam of Sadie while she was laying across my chest. It was beautiful and she was beautiful.

Later while they were cleaning up a nurse leaned over to me and said- you are lucky to have Sandae as your midwife. Most doctors wouldn’t hesitate to cut an episiotomy but your midwife took great care of you. I knew that going into it and because of my midwife I only had four small stiches. My recovery was quick and not painful. I want to mention to every woman out there that you have options. If you take the time to write a birth plan and choose a provider that will honor them, you can have birth the way you wish. I wish more people would give midwifes a chance. You don’t have to go to an OB unless you are a high risk pregnancy. Midwifes offer better care, are more personal, and will stay with you while you labor and can I mention a lot cheaper. Had I gone naturally without medication my midwife would have labored with me. What doctor comes in on their day off to deliver your baby and take great care to make sure your wishes are fulfilled? I challenge you to do your homework. Even if you don’t want a natural birth.

Although things didn’t happen the way I wanted them to, Sadie’s birth was perfect. And even though I didn’t get the full natural birth I wanted (even though technically I went through three natural births with 44 hours of unmedicated labor) I can’t remember the pain because now I hold my sweet baby girl and realize I would do it all over again.

Reasons you may not have seen me lately

2009-10-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

So... I wish I had more to blog about. Seriously, I do. I pretty much don't leave the house anymore. I mean why bother? I work from home, which is almost as awesome as it sounds except I do get lonely sometimes. I guess in about a week or so the loneliness will turn to crazy sleep deprived mom with an uber cute newborn. Whatever.

It's really good I don't leave my house though because none of my clothes fit. I don't say this to solicit sympathy it's just a fact. Maternity clothes are too small and I do try to snag my husbands clothes every now and then when I must leave the house to take out the trash or go on a much needed walk. Although pretty sure I won't allow that to happen ever again because one day last week it was pretty late and Reid and I headed out to get a little fresh air and I looked filthy with some mismatched outfit that consisted of one of Reid's shirts that don't worry was too small for me, some nasty blue pants, and pink and white sneakers. In my head I thought- noone will be out at this time no big deal. Wrong. Everyone and thier dog (literally) were out. And it's not bad enough that these people are my neighbors but hello, I live in Utah so they are in my ward too. Of course they were nice and polite but secretly in their heads they wondered where I stashed my spaceship. Oh well, you win some you lose some!

In random news: here is a nasty picture of my foot. I was about to go around the neighborhood posting signs for my missing ankle but this will do. The really awesome part about this is my other foot was completely normal!

Hooray for Fall!

2009-09-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

I seriously cannot believe that Fall is here! Which is both scary and exciting all at the same time. Baby is due in two and a half weeks. We had a crazy summer that was both busy and fun and now we are just settling down to hibernate for a few months with a brand new baby. It should be a nice break but I'm excited for spring when we can get crazy again and travel, although it will be different traveling with an infant.

Summer revolved around traveling, hockey, working, swimming, boating, getting bigger (much bigger), and surviving.

Surviving has been key and I only guess that it will continue to be the case for the rest of the year. We have faced many challenges this year as a little family but our faith has remained strong if not grown. I'm so grateful for the gospel and the blessings that come from being a part of it.

P.S. still no baby name. I guess with only two weeks left we should probably get on that right?

Four Years

2009-07-02T12:43:00.001-07:00

Are you kidding me? Where has this time gone? Yesterday we celebrated our four year wedding anniversary. So in tribute of a loving Mr. F here are some photos.

This is what we looked like five summers ago when we met:

Ignore Jill and the fact that I look 12 (I was really 19 and he was 21) and the fact that we didn't always look like this- it was warped tour and there you have it.

Then Flash forward to this summer five years later and we look like this:

Yes, quite the difference. Almost comical.

And now for the quintessential wedding picture from four summers ago:

I didn't even look at our photos or video this year. It's hard to look at yourself as a size two being whatever size I am, which I don't know because preggo pants don't come in numbers. I do love my Mr. F. He brought me home four chocolates and told me to savor each one just as I did the years we were married. I told him I can't wait till our 25th so I get 25 chocolates.

It's the happenings

2009-06-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

I probably should update this more often but really what am I going to write? All my posts would be my belly is getting bigger, none of my clothes fit, I want fast food all the time and I cry during hallmark commercials. Now that's not really entertaining is it? If you want that there are thousands of other blogs you can read with those statements and they get really old after awhile right?

But I can tell you I had a blast at Disneyland with Jill two weeks ago, I'm loving my contract/freelance work (still looking for more), and Reid started hockey again! But hockey is more fun this time because I have more people to cheer for and with! Brandon is playing so I get to see Lesley and Drew weekly, and Chels and Alex came up to watch a game (hopefully not the only time that happens) and even my parents went to one of his games! Who will be the next to come and support #23?

Lets see, we are going to Kentucky this weekend to visit April, which should be awesome, as usual.

As for this baby in my belly? I know she's there because she likes to kick and roll around. I definitly am starting to look pregnant not just fat. So that's nice. I'm officially six months last Saturday and freaking out that crap- at the end of this I really do get a baby and really do become a mom. Can I really be a mom? We shall see...

An update on our lives...

2009-06-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

May has been a great month. First off we had Chelsie and Alex's wedding which was fun to spend the day with them and the family.Reid and I went on a press trip to Redondo Beach earlier this month where we were treated like kings and queens. We ate great food and met some really interesting people. We had a blast. Then it was my birthday- I turned 24 which for some reason feels really old to me which only people my age seem to understand. Reid did a great job taking me to Benihana's for lunch, surprising me with fun gifts throughout the day and while I was at my social media club meeting "built" me a cake. It was really sweet. Then over memorial day weekend we chilled and relaxed and went on a hike and had a picnic. We also taught sharing time in primary. Another great thing about the month was we finally got started on our backyard! We had a concrete patio poured and had sod put in- well Reid did it.

Then last week we found out we were having a baby girl and we were really excited. Then the bad news I was laid off from work. I thought I would be more upset but I know it's all part of the plan and I felt really underappreciated there (obviously) and am ready for something new. Instead of looking for a full time job at five months pregnant I am looking for contract and freelance work. I need a break from the 9-5 and think this will be a better option for when the baby comes. I already have some contract work with an agency and they are paying me way better than my old agency. So I feel good about my lay off and now that it was all part of Heavenly Father's plan.

Lastly, last weekend we went to St. George with Chelsie and Alex to spend time as a family doing our most favorite thing! That's right we went out on the boat. Right after we had dropped the boat a huge storm picked up and it started white capping- just our luck right? We decided to ride out the storm and just spent the time talking and laughing. Then just like it came- the storm went away and we had glassy water! The sun even came back out! Chelsie, Reid and Alex all took turns wakeboarding. I'm not going to lie I was pretty jealous. I reallllly miss wakeboarding but being on the boat soaking up the sun was good enough for me!

Anyways, now I am off to southern california for the next two days to spend time with Jill. We are going to Laguna Beach and Disneyland. Then Bianca comes on Friday! It's like best friend week or something! I promise to take pictures so this blog won't be to boring.

Is having a girl!

2009-05-29T10:27:00.001-07:00

And I'm super excited!

Summertime.

2009-05-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

Last night as I watched Mr. F water our already dying grass I thought how grateful I was for it to be summer and how blessed we are. I thought back to a few summers ago- the summer of 2004. THis happened to be the summer that we met. I thought how easy it would have been for us to have NOT met. What if Christine hadn't forced Sarah and I to move in with her at dumpy birch apartments. What if Reid hadn't decided to go to school in the summer since he was on the Fall/Winter track and had no intentions of going to school in the Fall. What if he hadn't chosen to live at the apartments in our student ward. If just one of those things had changed would we be married today? Then I think what if he hadn't taken the time to get to know me. I in no way was willing to chase a boy when I was too focused on playing with my friends. Where would we be today? Maybe we wouldn't be married and I wouldn't be pregnant with his baby and who knows where we would be living. But I'm grateful that we are together and I'm grateful for that summer. That summer has led to many great summers- and I am hoping that it will be no different this year. Our last summer together babyless.

Happy Easter Everyone!

2009-04-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

I love easter- it's always been one of my favorites (ok there really isn't a holiday I don't like). Anyways our plans had been to go to Tennessee to be with Desi and Apey but things didn't quite work out- so we headed down to Las Vegas for the weekend to be with my family instead. It was a really short trip- left Saturday morning and came back this afternoon. But still it was fun to be with family.

We got in and took our nephew Riley to an easter egg hunt that we were late to so we created our own at Grandma's house. After our Easter lunch of ham (so delicious) we went to the premium outlet mall to attempt to find a dress for Chelsie's upcoming wedding. It's pretty depressing going shopping right now. I'm bigger than my normal size but not quite ready for maternity clothes and it's hard for me to spend money on a dress I know I will only be able to wear for a month or so. Nevertheless the only dress I found that I liked- found out April had already bought it. So I left empty handed. Not too big of a deal since I need to go shopping this week for some "fun" stuff for Chelsie. Still I've always found dress shopping very stressful.

After shopping and hanging out with family, Reid and I headed out to get dinner (Tommy's- I know how classy are we?) and then off to see Mystere! It was our first ever Cirque du Soleil show and it was seriously awesome!!! Acrobats, dancers, aerialists, clowns and while it was kind of weird at times, I would definitly recommend it. We had a blast.

Another short trip this weekend, a short trip last weekend, and the possibility of Saint George next weekend- I don't know when we are going to have another "normal" weekend at home.

OREGON!!!!

2009-04-08T08:35:00.001-07:00

So last weekend we went to Oregon. We flew into Portland and our plan was to drive the coast starting from Cannon Beach up to Astoria and around. First I convinced Reid to drive up to Vancouver, WA which is where I lived from first to fourth grade. It was definitly a trip to see our old house, neighborhood and old elementary school. It's sad to admit that I don't have too many memories of this town other than the house and the school and even that is a strain. But it was fun to show Reid a little bit of my history.

We then headed to Cannon Beach and walked around and ate clam chowder and then headed up to Astoria because Reid was dying to see where the Goonies lived. That was an awkward situation. Anyways I don't want to talk about the trip too much because you will find more information on it located on my travel blog: http://www.dottingthemap.com/

Two years!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today I was having the most stressful day of my life- no not my wedding day (suprisingly no stress there) but graduating college! Four years of anticipation brought me to this day where I got no sleep the night before, woke up early to walk and accept my diploma, and stressfully deal with parties and families. This is sadly a day I would never want to relive again. But it was a good day too. We had the coolest graduation cake ever- got lots of presents and the happy feeling of packing up our house and leaving Rexburg for good!

It was fun to be able to graduate together. We were both communication majors (so you would think communication in our marriage would be impecable) and so we were able to walk together and be there to support each other as we both graduated. It was a fun and unique expirience.

I'll admit somedays (most days) I really miss Rexburg and college life. Things were so much simpler then. Didn't really worry about money and mortgages, had fun with friends and skated by easily through school (come on it is BYU-Idaho). But at the same time I'm grateful where I am right now in my life.

An apology to Utahns' everywhere

2009-04-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

So it’s safe to say pregnancy cravings and aversions are something that I have definitely been experiencing. One of my more unique cravings has been french fries and fry sauce. This is where the apology comes into play.

I have only lived here in Salt Lake City for almost two years. I grew up mostly in California (after a stint in Washington). Ever since I moved here (and Idaho) I have snubbed my nose at fry sauce thinking Utahn’s were weird. But this baby growing inside me must be a true Utahn because all he or she wants is frys with frysauce. So I apologize for being stuck up and have now seen the light.

Blah

2009-04-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

All I want is to feel better!!!! As the days go on I just keep hoping to feel better but it hasn't happened yet. I'm so tired that I crash at 9:30 at night. I want to cook for my husband but I'm to tired and sick to do so. I lay like a slug. I'm sorry sweetie. I promise I want to take care of you but I just haven't gotten my energy back.

13 weeks pregnant and I have already gained- 8 pounds. Boo.

Just keep reminding myself I get a baby out of this....

The truth of our existence

2009-03-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

I’m pregnant. (Please check out this link.) If you don’t believe me- here is the test to prove it.
I’m 12 weeks along and that has been a great feat for me. Reid and I both are very excited, nervous and perplexed. I know Reid will be a great dad and I’m hoping I will be a great mom as well. In order to avoid a barrage of questions that no doubt follow an announcement like this- I will answer them for you here.

How far along are you: 12 weeks. Hooray- I have made it through the
three worst/best months of my life.

Have you been sick: Yes. Very very sick. I didn’t know it was possible
to feel like this 24/7- why do they even call it morning sickness? I
looked around my house today and almost cried at how things have just
fallen by the wayside. Normally my house is spotless but it all could
use a good scrubbing. I have the best husband who has taken up a few
new responsibilities temporarily and has for the most part been very
patient.

Was it planned: How rude of you to ask. But since you did- yes this
was planned, as much as you can plan a pregnancy.

Are you going to find out the sex: Yes. Although I do love surprises-
this is one I feel I’d like to prepare for.

Do you want a boy or a girl: I want both. Normally I believe people
lie when they say that- but here are my reasons. Pros for a boy: Reid
is the namesake. And I don’t mean in just Reid’s family- but his
entire family (no pressure) so having a boy would relieve a lot of
pressure. Pros for a girl: I want a girl.

Are you excited: No not at all. Of course we are!!!

Have you been to the doctor yet: No. I’m not using a doctor- I’m using
a midwife. Call me crazy but I want a personal birth experience and I
believe this is the best way to obtain it. But I have been to see our
midwife and we got an ultrasound and the baby waved. I kid you not.

Where are you delivering: LDS Hospital

Will you work after having your baby: Of course I would love to be a
stay at home mom- and someday that will happen for me- but for now
Reid and I have dreams and goals we are striving to achieve and that
will require me to continue working after the birth of our first baby.

Have you had any cravings: Well I had cravings before I was pregnant
but now they are magnified. Some of my cravings have been: waffles,
Taco Bell, KFC, mashed potatos, spaghettios, thanksgiving dinner,
fruit and fruit flavored candy- and anything gummy (specifically gummy
froggies), and many other random things.

Have you had any aversions: Ha. Any time I am going to eat I have to
stop and think- could I eat that? And if the thought makes me want to
barf then the answer is no. But my weirdest aversion has been homemade
cookies- or really any cookies for that matter. And chocolate. Which
has been a bummer since I bought ten boxes of Girl Scout cookies and
can’t really eat them.

Well, I think that’s it for now. It’s nice to be able to tell people
now. I kept it a secret for a long time- even from my family who we
told at 10 weeks, because I was scared and superstitious. It’s an
exciting time in our lives and something that has brought us closer
together. Our relationship has definitely changed since we found out
we were having a baby and definitely for the better- not that it was
bad before. This is something neither of us have ever experienced and
I’m so grateful to be going through all this with him.

A little update on our lives

2009-03-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

So the past month has been Crazy with a capitol C!!!!!!! It started off great with the first weekend of the month taking a trip to PHX to catch a pre-season game and check in with the grandparents. That was a quick trip but a blast nonetheless. We saw the Dodgers play but was very sad to see no Manny.

Then things went a little crazy when we found out what we had thought was a stroke was really a heart attack and Reid's dad needed an emergency triple bypass. Reid jetted (literally) down to St. George and worked from Skywest's headquarters for a few days to be with his mom and family and I joined him on Friday morning. While we were all worried and concerned for Buff it was a nice excuse to see April, Desi, Mark, Chelsie, Alex and kids. Buff is doing well and came home from the hospital this week. Reid also went down this past weekend to help his Mom prune the trees to get them ready for all the delicious fruit to come this summer. Can't wait to play peach baseball again!!!!

Then there was the migraine. It just wouldn't go away!!!! So I stayed home from work yesterday and was bummed and really sad and just not doing well physically and emotionally. Who comes to my rescue??? Of course my lovely hubby. He suprised me and came home from work with a package of gummy bears and had rented me the movie I had been wanting to watch: Nick and Norah's infinite playlist.

Things are a little less crazy here at the Fuller household but knowing us- not for long.

3 things I will do before the month is through

2009-03-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

1. Make a new friend (any suggestions)
2. Come up with a new business idea (any suggestions)
3. Eat a hot dog

Mr F's (Reid) new glasses

2009-03-04T12:51:00.000-08:00

Doesn't he look super cute and sophisticated?

Surviving...

2009-02-24T09:51:00.001-08:00

Lately, days have been a little harder. The only thing that gets me through the day is knowing I will be able to cuddle with Mr. F when I get home. I really do love him.

Survey says....

2009-02-20T15:11:00.000-08:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? middle name- after my Grandma

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?Uhh like an hour ago?

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?I could take it or leave it

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?salami

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? nope

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?I think so...sometimes I can get so obnoxious I annoy myself.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? I don't use it as often as I used to

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?Sure do.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? no

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cinnamon life

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No.. I'm too lazy

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK? Cherry Coke

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Any and all

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? thier shoes

15. RED OR PINK? Pink all the way

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORlTE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?My ADHD

17. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? meh

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?Blue jeans and white shoes with blue polka dots

19. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Reid

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? people typing on thier computers and talking on the phone

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Green

22. FAVORITE SMELLS? slurpees

23. DO YOU PLAY ANY INSTRUMENTS?the piano- but not well at all

25. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?hockey and football

26. HAIR COLOR?brown

27. EYE COLOR? hazel

28. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? I have them but I never wear them

29. FAVORITE FOOD? right now it's Pei Wei

30. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings

31. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Rocker

32. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?green

33. SUMMER OR WINTER? Both- I love to snowboard so winter rocks, and I love to wakeboard so summer rocks

34. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs. I love being hugged.

35. EARLY MORNING OR LATE NIGHT?Late night for sure- in no way am I a morning person

38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Blogging your way to a six figure income

39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?I don't use one. I do have a spongebob one sitting in a drawer at home- anyone want it?

40. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? I didn't- I zonked out

41. FAVORITE SOUND(S) the ocean, Reid's laugh

42. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?...neither?

43. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? The Bahamas or Alaska whichever is further

44. WHERE WERE U BORN?California

45. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?Everyone's.

46. BIG WEEKEND PLANS? Dinner and Hockey game with friends, and then hanging out with girls on Saturday

47. DOGS OR CATS? Both but I love kittys!

Cheetos

2009-02-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ate a whole bag of cheeto puffs....by myself

Got to love Valentines day...

2009-02-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

Valentines day started off with Reid and I driving around the neighborhood picking up food drive donations for our ward. We were the only one in our neighborhood to donate. Reid then played basketball with the ward while I cleaned the house. I do need to point out that I did make him breakfast in bed (scrambled eggs and berry muffins). Then after we cleaned the house we realized neither of us had made each other our Valentines yet. We have a rule/tradition that we do not spend money on gifts for Valentines day. It's true- neither of us go all out for this holiday- we save that for our anniversary. So we made our Valentines and then I made hot pink cupcakes. They were delicious. THat was pretty much the extent of our Valentine celebration. Although we did go out for frozen yogurt later and watch Breakfast at Tiffanys together.

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

Love,
Hermione the Hedgehog

80's Movie Fridays

2009-02-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Reid (or Mr. F since he prefers to remain annonymous) and I have started the tradition of 80's Movie Fridays. Every Friday we hang out just the two of us (it is date night after all) and a delcitable cheese 80's movie. Sometimes we preumpt the movie with dinner out or sometimes we had to our favorite fro-yo shop and grab some yummness to go beforehand. Anyways- here is the past picks for our movie nights.

1. This past week: Say Anything- almost unbearable at parts how cheesy but overall entertaining

2. Week before last: La Bamba: my gosh I sobbed at the end. I was angry at Mr. F for not ruining the end for me so I would now what was coming!

3. Three weeks ago: Dirty Dancing- yup had never seen it before. How sad. Now possible obsessed with it

I love the feel of my toes in the sand...

2009-02-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

Our cruise was fantastic. Please promise me to someday make it on a cruise. I promise you will not regret it. I loved everything about it- the food, entertainment, sun and sight seeing. It was nice to get away and forget all our stresses and troubles at home and focus on us. If you want to see even more prettier pictures from our cruise that Reid took visit my travel blog: http://www.dottingthemap.com/

But now we are back and busy as ever. We have work, our own various business endeavors, church callings, house work and many more on our plate. We returned to a life that has no promise of slowing down in the near future. I promise to keep you updated.

The best part of being married...

2009-01-20T10:58:00.001-08:00

Is you can embarrass your spouse and they are stuck with you! hehehe

That'll teach him to take goofy looking pictures and send them to me at work!

In one week....

2009-01-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

I will be boarding this awesome boat! That's right peeps- I'm going on a cruise! And I'm super excited. It's a short cruise to the Bahamas- just a three day. Nonetheless it's three days in paradise where I don't have to work (except be doing stuff for my travel blog). I shall miss you all but will be thinking about you when I am sipping pina coladas on the clear blue beach.

If any of you lovely readers have ever been a cruise I'd love to hear some of your advice and recommendations!

This is what we like to do in the winter

2009-01-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

It is so cold outside! But since I grew up in Northern California and used to think freezing cold was 40 degrees, I have adjusted to life at a chillier climate. I mean c'mon it just gives you an excuse to snuggle at night right? I love it when I'm at work and it begins to snow. Everyone around me starts to grumble and make alternate plans on getting home. I just smile. I smile because I know the harder it snows the better it will be. When I refer to it- I mean snowboarding. Have you ever gotten to the resort first thing in the morning after a huge snow storm and gotten first tracks? As my friend Scott puts it- it's a zen like expirience. I prefer freshly groomed trails personally. The smoothness of the ride is heavenly.

So that is what we like to do in the winter. Wake up early and go snowboarding, come home make hot cocoa and cuddle. How can I complain about that?

Our First Date...

2009-01-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had our first date in a very very long time. After work we met at our favorite downtown restaurant Squatters- which is a block away from both of our works- right in the middle- and had dinner together. At dinner we tried to figure out the last time we went to dinner just the two of us at a sit down restaurant and realized it has probably been about a year. So sad!! We go out all the time but usually with friends or family. We vowed to start doing it at least once a month.

Afterward we went to our favorite frozen yogurt shop that is very close to our home and owned by Reid's co-worker's dad. It's so good! It's called yogi berry. I'll take you sometime.

Anyways- I made it through the first work week of the year! Happy Friday everyone!

What's for dinner Mr and Mrs F?

2009-01-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was "hump" day. Now before you run to pervertical (I think I made that word up) conclusions, this simply means it was Wednesday and that we were over the "hump" of the work week and now onto the downward slope into blissful weekend. So what that usually means in my household is we either have a special homemade treat or good dinner to celebrate. This week however Mr. F was treated to both.

We had delicious homemade mini pot pies (recipe below)

and chocolate sugar cookies (recipe also below)

Super easy to make mini pot pies:

ingredients:
1 cup peas
1 cup chopped cooked carrots (easy tip: I usually just use a drained can of peas and carrots!)
1 large can chunk white chicken (drained)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 ounces of softened cream cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pack of 8 jumbo buttermilk biscuits

Directions:
Combine all ingredients except biscuits in a large bowl and mix well. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Separate biscuits and cut biscuits in half. Press one half of the biscuit into a muffin pan bottom and sides. Spoon equal chicken mixture into prepared muffin cup. Cover with other half of biscuit sealing sides with top of biscuit. Bake until golden brown 25-30 minutes.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies- This comes from my madre- at christmas time we would make cut out cookies (usually of stars) and put melted chocolate on the bottoms! Soo good! I made them for my primary class and neighbors this year at Christmas and got rave reviews. This way they are still good but not as much work (not spending an hour making stars).

Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe (or the one below) and bake them. Let them cool completely and melt your favorite chocolate (I prefer Guitard dark chocolate) using the directions on the package. "Frost" the bottom of the sugar cookies with the chocolate and let stand. Enjoy!

Basic Sugar Cookie Recipe:

2 1/2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine dry ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. Cream together sugar and butter using a mixer. Add egg and vanilla and mix. Then slowly add dry ingredients. Drop spoonfulls on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Secretly you wish this was you!

2009-01-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

Haha I was going through my pictures today on my work computer and found this gem that my co-worker Hannah had so lovely taken of me at an event we did called Subway for Santa this past December. Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?

From my KitchenAid to yours....

2009-01-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

I have a pink KitchenAid and I love it. It brings me great joy. It also brings my hubby's tummy great joy. I love chocolate chip cookies but I try to spice things up a little bit here and there with new cookie recipes. I found this one called hidden treasure cookies- where it's a basic peanut butter cookie with a snicker bar tucked inside. They are so good! They do turn out really big so I would suggest using the smaller bars instead of the fun size bars. Here is the recipe- enjoy!

Hidden Treasure Cookies:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 fun size snicker bars

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F

2. Combine sugars, butter, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy.

3. Add flour, baking powder, bakng soda and salt to creamed mixture and mix well.

4. Shape about 1/4 cup cookie dough evenly around each candy bar covering completely.

5. Arrange cookies 4 inches apart on baking sheets.

6. Bake until golden- about 14 minutes. Cook on baking sheets for about ten minutes and trasfer to wire racks to cool completely.

If you are using the smaller snickers I would cut cooking time to about nine minutes but watch it.

10 Things I Am Grateful For!

2008-12-23T07:34:00.001-08:00

1. A warm robe and fuzzy slippers
2. My husband's green eyes
3. My cocomotion and little candy canes
4. It's Christmas in two days!
5. My job and my co-workers
6. The gospel
7. Neices and Nephews and thier hugs!
8. Chocolate chip cookies
9. My primary class
10. Pillows!

Tis The Season

2008-12-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog post to my online diary. I also have a travel blog at http://www.dottingthemap.com/ which chronicles my travels. This blog will be just about me in general and the things I love and my day to day life.

I love Christmas. I love the spirituality of this holiday and how it brings families and friends closer together. It's funny because this whole month I have been obsessed with turning on the tree, turning off every other light in the house, and making Reid slow dance to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with me. Lame and cheesy you might think- but it's been a tradition of ours every year we have been married- and this year I just seem to need that comfort more and more lately.

This Christmas will be spent in Hurricane, UT and we both are very excited to see his entire family including 5 neices and nephews that I am sure are just waiting to smother us with kisses and hugs. We leave Christmas Eve afternoon (hopefully) and will get back Sunday. Although we expect little sleep we are excited to spend the much needed time regrouping with family. I'm excited to spend quality time with my sister-in-laws. They are such great examples to me.

I also must admit I am tired of making cookies. In the past week I have made 15 dozen cookies to share with co-workers, neighbors, visiting teachees, and Reid's co-workers. I'm a girl who loves her cookies but it will be awhile till I bake a batch.