It's Just Me

24 Days of Christmas

2009-12-07T19:13:00.005-07:00

My amazing Mom is doing the 24 days of Christmas for my sisters and I this year. She’s been working on it all year long and it’s so fun opening them each day. They are technically for the ‘family’ but since I’m my own little family I don’t have to share! I love the boxes a few of the days came in. They will be fun to decorate with next year.

My Dad delivered days 1-6 to Susie at her office and her coworkers couldn't believe it. Susie simply described my Mom and how she plans these things and they were jealous!

Day 1 - Vinyl Christmas Countdown. I'm going to mount mine on wood so I can use it over and over again.

Day 2 - Christmas Blanket

Day 3 - Cookie mix and cookie cutters

Day 4 - Christmas book

Day 5 - Manger to remember the true meaning of Christmas
Day 6 - Wooden Shoe and candy like the kids in Holland get to celebrate Sinterklaus Day

Thanks Mom!

The Pioneer Woman

2009-11-04T14:19:00.003-07:00

Ok, I have found my new favorite blog. I stumbed upon Ree's blog via another blog I read and I'm in love. It's about Bree, a city girl that fell in love with a cowboy and how her life changed. It isn't so must just a blog as a full blown website now. She just wrote a cookbook and I can't wait to get it. I just got a tweet today saying she is in Salt Lake tonight to do a signing....maybe I'll have to go. I kinda feel like a stalker going so I'm not sure if I will! If you get a chance go to her site The Pioneer Woman and check it out. She wrote a short story about her journey called 'Black Heels to Tractor Wheels'. It's amazing. I laughed till I cried, cried from sadness and from the romance. It's only a 2-3 hour read and well worth it! All I can say is where is my Malboro Man!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-30T20:18:00.005-06:00

I had a couple days off and I spent the last one off with Roo. We had fun hangin in bed watching tv, going to visit her Mommy and Grandma at work and then we were off to the patch. It was really windy and chilly but we both had fun. She was fascinated with all the pumpkins and couldn't keep her eyes of one pumpkin in particular. Therefore that's the one we left with!

Grandma Nelson

2009-09-28T21:09:00.005-06:00

Mom and I spent this last weekend down at Grandma’s. We decided on the ride down that we where going to get her out of the house. She’s been couped up since January in pain and since her surgery last month she has only lef the house for doctor appointments. She was so excited and wanted to go for a walk. So with Mom and I on each arm we were off. We went up the road some and back. I’d say she did about a block. I know it doesn’t sound like much but for what she’s been through it’s a huge milestone. We had the sun behind us on out first walk and we could see our silhouettes. After all she’s been through she’s worried about her figure. She’s looks great and her waist is tiny!

After her walk we went to Mt. Pleasant to get groceries and for a ride. She did great and we even went on another walk later in the evening. Mom took her for her follow up with the surgeon today and he said she is doing amazing. Grandma was worried she might have moved wrong and screwed something up but he assured her that all is well and that she needs to keep moving. I told her next time I come down we’re going for a jog. She laughed and said maybe one day. I’m so glad she is feeling better.

Utah State Fair

2009-09-28T20:32:00.010-06:00

I love this time of year and I know fall is almost here when we go to the fair. We go every year and it’s a lot of fun. Friday night I met Susie, Will and Roo and we went through some of it while visiting with Dad at the DWR booth. It’s cute to see him with the little kids and seeing DeAnn and Santa. On Sunday Mom, Susie, Roo and I went back to see everything else and to go through the buildings and booths. The weather was perfect and we had a lot of fun. Roo went on her first pony ride and I happened to get her Christmas present there (I now have all but Brooklyn’s gift!). Best purchase was my sheets as I’ve become a high thread count snob. We all got some at a smoking deal and I scored and ended up with 2 sets (Will hated the high thread count so Susie gave me theirs!). Now to get my new dryer (mine caught on fire!) so I can try them out. You just can’t go into fall without a fair corndog, snow cones and seeing the butter cow!

Yummy junk food!

Roo's first pony ride

Dad working the DWR booth

The famous butter cow

An American Saturday Night

2009-09-28T20:11:00.013-06:00

My family and I all got tickets to see several concerts this summer at USANA. Brad Paisley was the last of the three and a great way to end the summer. Susie and I went early to get our place in line and again Susie ran her heart out and got us our spot. Jimmy Wayne and Dierks Bentley opened for him. Dierks was great but Brad proved why he was the headliner. Hands down one of the best entertainers I’ve ever seen. Through the heat and rain we had a blast!

Sleepover

2009-09-28T19:31:00.012-06:00

I love to have sleepovers with my nieces and nephews. This was my first with Roo and her first night away from her mommy. Roo was just fine with it but her mommy was a nervous nelly and missed her tons. I had her most of Saturday so we shopped and played at the park. She is so funny and I love her personality. She reminds me a lot of Cody when he was that age. Everywhere we went people would stop and tell me how beautiful my daughter was. I wish she was mine!

But since she's mobile now she gets into things and anyone who’s been to my house knows it’s not baby proof! I would follow her around to make sure she wouldn’t hurt herself and get into something she shouldn’t. She loved pulling the baskets out of my coffee table and dumping them out. I finally made one of them hers with all her toys and she was a happy camper. First thing on Sunday she went straight for her basket and giggled when her toys where there, including her favorite WCW westler doll. I got this when I worked at the E Center over 10 years ago and had found it in a box so I sat it aside for when she comes. She loves it! We both had so much fun and I can’t wait for the next one!

Wanna Buy A Rope?

2009-07-26T17:19:00.011-06:00

First off, it you know what I mean by my title then kudos to you! Mom, Dad, Susie, Will and I all went the the George Strait concert last weekend. Susie was awesome and got there early to ensure that we all got a great spot. It was a lot of fun before the show started and even more once it did start.

The show began with Julianne Hough, then with Blake Shelton and then the most handsome man ever George Strait. The man gets better with age!

If you look close you can see Susie and Will running to get our great spot!

My Dad getting a manicure!

Susie had purple nail polish with her and she painted my nails while we were waiting for the show to start. Dad was so jealous he joined in on the fun!

The girls

Susie and Will

4th of July

2009-07-26T16:55:00.009-06:00

Susie and Roo met me in Provo for some shopping early in the day (Susie had a blast at the Disney store!) and then Mom and Dad met us at the Freedom Festival. It was a lot of fun...even though it was in happy valley. We then met Will at the 'Hot Stove' for dinner. Thanks Dad for humoring us with our love of the Stove! We all then headed north to Riverton for fireworks. We go there every year and every year they are better than the last. It was a great day!

Most of my pictures have Roo in them and Susie prefers pics of her to not be posted on a public forum. Check Susie's blog or either of our Facebook profiles for pictures of Roo.

The girls

Me and Mom

Me and Dad

Susie and the 'rents

Roo playing peek-a-boo

Will at fireworks

To Swine or Not to Swine....

2009-06-20T23:07:00.003-06:00

Well I possibly have the swine flu. I tested negative but my doctor thinks I'm part of the 30% that get a false negative as I have all the symptoms. I got it from a girl at work who got it at church. Be careful, it's everywhere!

If you're healthy and get it you'll be fine. People are freaking out too much about it. It's the people who have health problems that need to worry. Since my doctor also sees my Mom she knew that I shouldn't be be around her or Roo because she is an infant. 10 days without Mom and Roo....not my idea of fun!

I've been working from home since Tuesday and stayed in the house. I'm about to go nuts. Needless to say by Monday I will be excited to go to work!

I had pneumonia for Mother's Day and now the flu for Father's Day. One might think I don't like my parents. NOT TRUE! I feel really bad about missing both days.

Mom and Dad went to dinner and brought me some yummy salad from Midvale Mining (well, they left it on my doorstep). Talk about heavenly! Thanks, it tasted so good and I ate every last drop.

So I will leave you with one bit of advice....wash your hands often!

The Three Stooges

2009-06-01T12:34:00.003-06:00

Saturday night Mom, Dad, Susie, Will, Roo and I went to the drive in to see Night at the Museum. Cute movie and I highly recommend it. It was so much fun with Roo there...she is always entertaining. She growls now and it's the funniest thing ever. Susie put a video on her blog but it's dark and you can't see her face. Her face scrunches up, she opens her mouth real wide and then the growl. At one point I was growling back at her and we had a thing going. People around us thought I had lost it but we were having fun!

As usual I took many pictures and there just had to be some self portraits. Susie and I have perfected it and we got this one of us and Mom. I'd post more pictures but I forgot my camera and I need Mom to send them to me!

80 and Still Kickin!

2009-05-27T00:50:00.000-06:00

Grandma Nelson turned 80 today! The things she has seen, done and experienced is amazing. Grandma has 5 kids, 9 Grand kids (14 with the spouses) and 12 Great-Grand kids.

I'll never forget the 'shopping sprees' when we would stay with you in the summer growing up and then the fashion shows Grandpa would have us put on with our new clothes. You always make us feel special and important. You ALWAYS have ice cream in the house and you make the best spaghetti and sloppy joes known to man. You're so talented and love so strongly. Stay strong and healthy and Happy 80th Birthday Grandma!

Decoration Day

2009-05-26T12:39:00.009-06:00

I still call it Decoration Day instead of Memorial Day. It's what my Grandpa Nelson called it and it stuck with me. Mom went down to Fairview on Friday to help Grandma get her flowers from the florist but the weather was too bad. Dad, Susie, Will, Roo and I came down on Saturday. Susie and her family camped up in Milburn in their trailer. Crazy if you ask me, I hate camping in the rain.

Other extended family was there and we all visited and caught up on gossip in between trips to the cemeteries. I always know I've made it to Fairview when I come around the bend and see the cemetery up on the hill and Grandpa Nelson's tree. It's not really his tree but it's next to their plot and he kept his tools in it for when he would visit to clean and water their area.

I came home on Monday and stopped by Camp Williams. I love going there seeing all the flags. After all the traffic, construction and slow drivers it was worth it!

Overall it was a great weekend but it makes me sad. I've lost 3 Grandpa's, 1 Grandma, 3 Uncles and an Aunt. Not fair if you ask me...I miss them all so much!

Aunt Mary

2009-05-03T17:18:00.012-06:00

May 1st.....the 18th anniversary of Mary's death, the day we laid my cousin Kathy to rest and now Uncle Evan's service. I'm not a big fan of May day! Driving home from the service I though lots about Mary and how much I miss her. There are so many things every day that remind me of her. I'll see, hear or smell something and I think of her. Here are a few...

Microwave popcorn
Chlorine
Alabama (the music group)
Peep toe heels
Yahtzee
Mac'n'Cheese
Bubble bath
Frito's
Masking tape
Backscratchers
Anything yellow
Carnations
Alcohol swabs
Cookie dough straight from the tube
Lady and the Tramp
Tab

It's hard to think that you've been gone 18 years and I only had 12 years with you. You were the best aunt and backup Mom and girl could ask for. I talk to you almost everyday and sometimes people think I've lost it but it helps me. There are times I feel you with me and I treasure those moments. I love you dearly and miss you terribly.

Uncle Evan

2009-05-03T17:07:00.002-06:00

My great uncle Evan passed away recently and Mom, Dad and I just got back from his service in Las Vegas. He was such an amazing guy. He worked for the church most of his life and definitely lived for his family and the church. His service was full of everyone talking about what he always did for everyone else. What a great guy and I'm glad he passed so quickly. If he had to leave us I am glad it was so quickly for him.

Unfortunately funerals are sad but they tend to be a great time to see family. Aunt Joanne came from Florida, Uncle Lewis came from northern California and we also got to visit with Aunt Etta and Aunt Susan from Ivins. Seeing Evans wife and kids and everyone there was sure fun.

Mom, Dad and I did Vegas and the funeral and were back in 29.5 hours! I don't recommend it if you don't have to.

We'll all miss you Evan!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-04-03T23:37:00.002-06:00

For Dad's birthday we went to the 'Jakanese' place for dinner. He loves this place! He did end up on Susie's list that night though....we caught him giving Roo Pepsi! The best part was how much she liked it! Isn't that a Grandpa's prerogative?!? I love teasing him that he is now a senior citizen!

Happy Birthday Dad! You're the BEST!

Sisterly Love

2009-04-03T23:09:00.004-06:00

Since Roo came along Susie and I don't get as much time together as we used to. That's ok...she is home being a great mommy. She is so patient and loving to that little girl....even after 8:30pm (inside family joke).

We used to take self portraits all the time being goofy but since Roo came along they're all off Roo or with Roo. I got this great shot of us at Dad's birthday dinner last weekend. Love ya!

Blurry but Beautiful

2009-03-27T13:53:00.005-06:00

Mom tells me all the time that she has never met anyone that takes more self portraits of themselves than me. While at Mom and Dad's last weekend I took this of me and Roo and I simply love it...even if it is blurry. I love playing with her and making her laugh. But who wouldn't with as cute as she is. See Mom I got a good, although burry shot!

Later that night I was babysitting and we played and laughed until she fell asleep. Susie called me the next day asking what I did to her child. I panicked and thought, "Did I feed her too much, not enough, did I forget to burp her, etc?". Then she informed me that she was so tuckered out she slept through the night. Maybe that will encourage Susie to let me babysit more often!

Flowers in February

2009-03-12T20:37:00.003-06:00

This year I decided to get out of town and enjoy myself for my birthday. I planned a trip to LA and since you get into Disneyland free on your birthday I thought why not. I was treated like a queen and didn't have to wait in lines! I was there less than 6 hours and had seen and done everything I wanted. When you don't have to wait in lines you get through it fast!

I then spent the rest of the weekend in town having fun and spending time in Santee Alley. I brought some new friends home with me as well. Louis, Jimmy, Chloe & Burke!

The weather was absolutely beautiful and brace yourself....hot! It was 89 degrees and I was prepared for 70's. Oh well, it was a trip to remember.

A 16 Month Wait.....And Well Worth It!

2009-02-23T16:00:00.004-07:00

After waiting 12 months for the actual show and a cancellation/rescheduling another 4 months, Mom finally got to see Celine Dion. I got tickets in October 07 for her that Christmas knowing she would have to wait until the next October for the show but I knew she would love it.

Talk about an entertainer! She has more energy than any toddler, more facial expressions anyone I've ever seen and a voice to die for. Hands down this was the best show I have ever been to. Mom and I couldn't get over how great she sounds live.

Mom's friend Marsha and her girls came up also and we all had dinner before the show. Too bad we weren't sitting next to each other.

Watching Mom I think she enjoyed it. I was a lot of fun to take her even though she had to leave Grandma to do so. Grandma was quite jealous!

Today was my Friday the 13th

2009-02-16T18:24:00.004-07:00

This morning I packed up and went down to my garage to head to the the hospital to see Grandma. When I got in my car I started it and realized I could hear outside. I looked back to see that my car had been broke into and my back window was missing. What the $&@#!

When the Sandy police officer arrived he looked at the damage and couldn't get over how they used a crow bar and tried to pry open my back window and not just break a window. When they did that the window shattered. I hope it shattered in their faces!

And what did the jack@%&'s get? My emergency kit.....that's it. They grabbed the emergency kit and took off. I took it in to the body shop and it's going to be a while before I get Maggie the Mountaineer back. When you first look at the car it doesn't look too bad but they screwed up the whole back door, fenders and bumper of my car.....ugh.

Now my insurance will go up and I get to pay a deductible just because someone else felt more entitled to my emergency kit. I work hard for my things and they need to as well!

The cute kid at the rental car company felt bad for me and didn't want to put me in car that insurance would pay for. He talked to his manager and got me a Nissan Frontier (4x4 truck) instead of a Kia Spectra for the same price. Such a sweet guy!

All I can say to you thieves out there is KARMA. It will come back to get you! THIEVES SUCK!

Yet Another Tag!

2009-02-05T16:55:00.003-07:00

I've been tagged and am now tagging you! Copy and paste these questions on your own 'note', replacing my answers with yours, then tag 25 or so people to do the same thing. Remember to tag me back so I can see your answers!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last night, thanks for listening Mom!
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Do shoes count?
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sometimes
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Yes, I learned it from my Dad
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? NO!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Frosted Flakes
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Butter Pecan, thanks to Grandpa Nelson
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their hair….weird I know
15. RED OR PINK? Pink
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? No telling
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST ? Mary
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? Yes. I like to learn about my friends, but no pressure
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Jeans & brown shoes
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Brittni Black…check her out!
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Black
23. FAVORITE SMELL? Pomegranate
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Ken, a client of mine. He’s a drunk so you never know what he is going to say!
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? None
27. HAIR COLOR? Depends on the month. Right now a chocolate brown
28. EYE COLOR? Blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Used to
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Toss up between Italian and Chinese
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Juno
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Tan
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer, no question!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs, Cody’s are the best!
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Susie
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Don’t know
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? A Pretty Fat
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don’t use one
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? I worked on emptying my DVR...so many things
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? A babies coo
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Neither
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Florida
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Yes
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Salt Lake City, Utah
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Mom’s
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? Not married
49. IS THE CUP HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? Depends on the day
50. IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN TO DINNER WITH FIVE PEOPLE WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Grandpa Graham, Grandpa Nelson, Elaine (Grandma Nelson’s sister), Abraham Lincoln & me in 20 years

Minus a Couple Chompers

2009-02-02T21:21:00.004-07:00

On Thursday I had my top wisdom teeth out. I had my bottom ones out when I was 18 so I thought I was out of the woods. Dad took me and was dead convinced it would take longer than it did. From when we walked in to when we got back in the truck was only 40 minutes. Gotta love general anesthesia! I loved waking up and having it over and done with. Dad was so sweet and stopped and got me some things I needed and my prescriptions. How cute is this little guy?!? He brought it out and said it was for me to hug.

Mom came over after work and stayed with me that night as you're not supposed to be alone for 12 hours after going under. She babysat Roo at my house on Friday and we both got to fawn over her. It wasn't too bad as it was only the 2 of us as normally we are fighting over her.

I healed amazingly with only a sore jaw as of now. If anyone is in need of good oral surgeon then call David Smoot. He is the best!

Mom and Dad are so good to their spinster daughter!

Another Tag

2009-02-02T21:13:00.003-07:00

In your senior year of high school. . .

1. Did you date someone from your school? No

2. Did you marry someone from your high school? No

3. Did you car pool to school? No

4. What kind of car did you have? Isabella, my Mitsubishi truck

5. What kind of car do you have now? Mercury Mountaineer

6. Its Saturday night...where are you now? Quilting, I need a life!

7. It is Saturday night...where were you then? Probably working

8. What kind of job did you have in high school? Started at Reams and then worked at a card dealership

9. What kind of job do you do now? Project Manager

10. Were you a party animal? Ah...no

11. Were you considered a flirt? Ah....no

12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? No

13. Were you a nerd? Kind of. I doubled up on some classes to graduate early.

14. Did you get suspended or expelled? No but I did make a good enemy with my guidance counselor.

15. Can you sing the fight song? No

16. Who was/were your favorite teacher(s)? My sophmore history teacher....can't remember her name. She looked like Cruella DeVille and noody else liked her. I took a class from her as an elective as a senior.

17. Where did you sit during lunch? Had left for work....so probably in my truck on my way to work

18. What was your school's full name? Kearns High School

19. When did you graduate? 1997

20. What was your school mascot? Cougar

21. If you could go back and do it again, would you? NO!!!

22. Did you have fun at Prom? No, I dumped my boyfriend right before Senior Prom

23. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with? Occasionally

24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion? No

25. Do you still talk to people from school? A couple

26. School Colors? Green & Gold

27. What celebrities came from your high school? No that I know of

Tag I'm It!

2009-02-02T20:59:00.003-07:00

TYPE ONLY 1 WORD ... IT'S HARDER THAN YOU THINK!!!!

Here's what you're supposed to do... and please don't spoil the fun... copy and paste, delete my answers, type in your answers and send it to a bunch of people (tag) -including me.

Where is your cell phone?..Couch

Your significant other?…None

Your hair?... Brown

Your mother?...Diane

Your father? ...Neil

Your favorite thing?... Family

Your dream last night?... Work

Your dream/goal?... Motherhood

The room you're in?... Office

Your fear?...Alone

Where do you want to be in 6 years?...Married

Where were you last night?... Bed

What you're not?... Skinny

Muffins?... Yuck

One of your wish list items?... Entrepreneur

Where did you grow up?..Utah

The last thing you did?...Yawn

What are you wearing?...Pj's

Your TV?... On

Your pet(s)?...Birds

Your computer?... Laptop

Your life?... Progressive

Your mood?... Tired

Missing someone?... Cody

Your car?... Mountaineer

Something you're not wearing?... Socks

Favorite Store?... Many

Your summer?... Hot

Your favorite color?... Yellow

When is the last time you laughed?... Friday

Last time you cried?... Tuesday

Who will/would re-post this?...Susie

Four people who email me?... Mom
... Dad
... Susie
... Liz

Four of my favorite foods?...Peas
... Brocolli
... Pasta
... Peaches

Four places I'd rather be right now?... Bed
... LA
... NYC
... Future

Four people I think will respond?... Mom
... Susie
... ?
... ?

Grandma in the Mountains

2008-12-26T18:03:00.005-07:00

Grandma Nelson was here for Christmas this year. She usually comes up and it wouldn't be Christmas without Grandma. Christmas Eve Grandma got Sydney and that was it....she was in heaven. The other great-grand kids were vying for her attention as well. Brooke was so worried about Grandma in the Mountains and where she was and what she was doing. It's always fun having Grandma around!

A Kid Christmas

2008-12-25T20:09:00.007-07:00

Kids make Christmas so much fun! Here are some fun pics of my nieces and nephews this year!

Braden (12) dodged the camera all night

Cody (9) hammed it up for the camera

As did Brooklyn (4)

Sydney (3 weeks) slept and slept some more!

A Warm Christmas

2008-12-22T14:35:00.005-07:00

I made Sydney a blanket (my first ever quilt) and Brooke wanted one too. I asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she said her 'special blanket'. Mom had Brooke and Cody one afternoon before Thanksgiving and they met me at Joann's to pick out fabric. I had promised Brooke a shopping trip so she could pick out the fabric herself. She picked the stars.....something I would have never picked!

While we were shopping Cody asked for a blanket as well. He wanted a soft hockey blanket. He picked the flannel for the top and I later got the fleece for the back. Fleece is a bugger to quilt on!

I think they turned out pretty cute. I did them both pretty basic as they are growing so quickly and I didn't want anything that they would grow out of too fast.

I Hate Feet!

2008-12-08T09:28:00.006-07:00

Mom and I went to Kamas on Sunday on our way home from Fairview to see Sydney. We couldn't believe it when we first saw Susie. She was in pre pregnancy jeans! We took them to lunch at the diner in Oakley and mmmm it was yummy. Cute place with the best homemade potato chips.

Mom and I fought over Sydney the whole time we were there. I hadn't seen her as much and Mom is going up today and tomorrow so I took my time with her. I tried changing a diaper but got freaked out over her hip. I didn't want to be the one to pop it out. Then the girl peed on me....now we have officially bonded.

When I was changing her diaper I did the most unexpected thing, I kissed her feet! As much as I hate feet and I was kissing them. Boy she must have a hold on me!

Sydney is Here!

2008-12-04T21:09:00.008-07:00

Sydney Verl Dugdale decided to make her entrance into this world last night! Susie did great and had a very smooth labor and delivery. All the nurses couldn't believe how well she did. Both Susie and Sydney are doing great. I swear I am not biased but this little girl is perfect! She is so dainty! She weighed 6.1 pounds and was 20.5 inches long. I can't wait to get to the hospital again and hold and smell her. There is nothing better than holding a new baby. When I first went in their room you would have wondered who the baby was as I was 'crying like a baby'!

Their first family photo

How cute is this!

Roo and her blubbering Auntie!

Yes, I'm a Twilight fan...

2008-11-09T21:29:00.004-07:00

About a year and and a half ago my coworkers were talking incessntly about these vampire books. They kept at me to start them but continually pointed out that they were written by a BYU graduate which wasn't the best selling point. All I could think was how good can it be? A Mormom writing about vampires? A few weeks later when I couldn't stand it any longer I started reading Twilight so I knew what the heck they were talking about. Boy was I wrong! I started just before Eclipse came out so by the time I got through Twilight and New Moon it was there waiting for me. In the last year I have convinced many people to read them and they too are hooked. When Breaking Dawn came out a few months ago I was just as anxious as Braden was the night the last Harry Potter book came out. The movie comes out on the 21st and everyone pray that Susie isn't in labor....she's my date!

Susie sent me the link to do the quiz that tells you who you are most like from Twilight. She is like Bella and I am Esme. Who are you?

Think Pink!

2008-11-08T18:58:00.016-07:00

Last night we went to the Grizzlies game I won tickets to earlier in the week. Mom, Dad and I met at Chili's to grab a bite before the game and then Susie and Will met us there. Believe it or not it was a lot of fun. There was a couple good fights and lets face it, what is a hockey game without a good fight? Seeing grown men fight in pink jerseys on pink ice was pretty ironic!

I thought Mom was going to strangle the 2 pre-teen boys behind us. They were quite rude and so what the adult with them who didn't seem to care. Funny thing was that Mom thought the one was a girl. The Aerosmith song 'Dude Looks Like a Lady' has never been more true!

My first though was to take Braden, Cody and Brooke but they had plans so I decided to have an adults night. Turns out it will most likely be Susie's last night out without the baby. She went with me to the bathroom during the game and about gave some patrons a heart attack. She was waiting for me and squated down against the wall to rest while waiting. Some women came in thinking she was in labor! When I came out I could see why they thought that....too funny.

Sorry if the pictures aren't the best. I left my camera in the car so these were taken with my Blackberry.

O Happy Day

2008-11-04T21:10:00.010-07:00

My day started earlier than I like....I left the house at 8am! I wanted to vote before work to avoid the long lines. I was in and out in no time at all. I didn't have to wait in line, in fact, all the volunteers were chomping at the bit to help me. It was nice to have the chance to vote. I feel that people that don't vote don't have the right to complain or disagree with decisions our lawmakers make. So vote!

Last night I was watching Good Things Utah just as I do every night and saw that the Tuesday Trivia was for Utah Grizzlies hockey tickets. So of course I entered for the chance to get tickets and take Cody. I was excited when Nicea called me this morning! I won 6 tickets for this Saturday's game. This game is the 3rd annual Pink Rink game. They color the ice pink and the players wear pink jerseys to raise money for breast cancer.

The best part about winning this contest was that I didn't have to be on tv. The best part of me was on tv though....my name! I've been kind down lately and this was a great pick me up!

Good Things Utah

2008-10-17T17:40:00.004-06:00

I have a few days off for deerhunt so Mom and I went and saw a taping of Good Things Utah today. It was our second time being at a taping as we went once before for Mom's birthday a couple years ago. It was a lot of fun! After the show the producer came out and played trvia with the audience. He had 8 items and Mom and I both won one! Mom ended up giving the movie she won (Step It Up 2) to a teenager behind us and it totally made her day. I won the collector edition of the Nightmare Before Christmas. I was excited because I have wanted to see it (I haven't seen it yet...yes I live under a rock). We made an afternoon of it and went to lunch and shopping. We tried to go to Gardner Village but there were about a million people and kids there so we high-tailed it out of there quick! We shopped til we were tired and then went home and relaxed. Fun day!

A Blankie for Roo

2008-10-13T14:11:00.006-06:00

Since Sydney (Roo is my nickname for her....as in a baby Kangaroo) is almost here and will be living in the arctic I thought I would make her a blanket. I didn't want just any old blanket, it had to be sassy! I also didn't want to do a 'baby' blanket. I hope the she will use it longer after she's a baby.

This is the first quilt I have made. I've made tied blankets before but have never hand quilted a blanket. It was a lot of work but so worth it. I think I found a new hobby! Now I just need my own set of the pvc quilting frames. Too bad you can't buy them any more!

Busy Weekend!

2008-10-13T10:48:00.013-06:00

This was quite a busy weekend. Saturday was Susie's baby shower and Cody's 1st hockey game/birthday party. It's a lot of fun to see Susie fat! I tease her that she is fat but she looks amazing. She really has only gained weight in her tummy. She made out like a bandit on the gifts! Her shower was fun and a lot of people came. It's always fun to see family and friends!

Cody's hockey game was tons of fun. He did such a good job. I know he loved having all his family there as well as his Great Grandma Nelson and cousins Jody and Brian. Jody and Brian are always fun to have around. After the game was a little pizza party. The kid looked exhausted! I was tired just watching him. Cody had asked me to make him a cake but we didn't sing Happy Birthday or serve the cake. Kinda weird....

On Sunday Mom and I took Grandma home to Fairview. We detoured through Kamas so Grandma could see where Susie lives. I sure hope Grandma starts to feel better soon.

Here are more pictures from the day...

(Look how cute Jody is. She really got into it!)

35 Year Together

2008-09-11T11:37:00.004-06:00

Holy Moley, Mom and Dad have been married now 35 years! All of us (the girls, spouses and grand kiddies) took them to dinner to celebrate. It was a lot of fun. Congrats!

The Declaration Of Independence

2008-08-18T16:07:00.007-06:00

Mom and I met Mandi, Troy and the kids on Saturday to view a copy of the Declaration of Indepence. It was a long, hot and sometimes boring wait....all 3 hours and 45 minutes but worth the 30 seconds we got to see it. Someone at the capitol was smart and put together a bingo card (we used it more as a scavenger hunt) and word search for the kids. That killed about 30 minutes!

Evolution of a Cake

2008-08-16T23:25:00.001-06:00

I've found something else I LOVE to do!

Sleepover

2008-08-06T12:20:00.006-06:00

Mandi and Troy left town for a night and I got the kids. We had a lot of fun. It started with shopping....Susie don't read this part....for stuff so the kids can devorate Susie's car at the wedding. Then we shopped for the picinic and hit the pool. Grandma and Grandpa came and joined us but would get in the pool. The kids had just finished swimming lessons and have all turned into fishes. We had races across the pool and goofed around with Nemo, who of course was a huge hit. When a storm rolled in we headed home. Later we sacked out on my bed and watch the 3D Hannah Montana concert. We got bored quick as the kids saw her show live so once the popcorn was gone so were we. We topped off the night with a movie and treats. It's fun to be an aunt....we get to have the fun with none of the responsibilities!

Posing for Grandma...

The big race...if I remember right Braden won

Brooke and Nemo racing...Brooke won

Braden perfecting the Dead Man's float

Posin'

Cody at his finest!

The President's Volunteer Service Award

2008-08-06T09:43:00.012-06:00

Last night Dad was honored by Dubya and awarded The President's Volunteer Service Award (highest level...whoot, whoot!) for all his hard work and time he has given to the State of Utah. He has over 4,000 hours (Dad is this correct?) and it's well deserved! The award ceremony was during the Fire and Ice Festival and was held at the Olympic Speed Skating Oval. They had various booths and different law enforcement there. It was a great night and was a lot of fun. Looking at the pictures makes me laugh because I call my Dad an old man and I think he was the youngest one to be honored! I wish Ray and Rocky were still around as this is something they also deserved. I do have one big question though, when is Dubya going to give me an award for being his biggest fan?

http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/

Tote Gote'n

2008-08-04T17:02:00.001-06:00

Hi Mary!

2008-07-01T11:13:00.001-06:00

It's 11:13. How are ya?

An Oldy But a Goody!

2008-07-01T10:51:00.009-06:00

While I was job hunting due to my lay off I got to spend a lot of time with Mandi and the kids (especially Brooke). One day I was heading home and got a call from Cody. He was with Brooke and his Mom and they had just passed me on 90th south. After a few minutes I decided I needed some Cody time, with just Cody. So I met Mandi in West Jordan and picked up the Codster. We had so much fun! It was the day I was offered 2 jobs so I had a lot of decisions to make. Troy helped me out a lot in doing research on both companies and helped ease my mind in my decision. Although, if Cody hadn't have been there I probably would have gone nuts! We had tons of fun emailing the two companies as they both really wanted me and both accepted my counter offers. Cody was so happy for me he was bouncing off the walls (of course the Pepsi didn't help!). He asked if he could shake up a soda and spray it everywhere when I finally accepted a job. Not long later he got the chance. He is too cute!

Ready....

Set....

Go!
Victory!

Elfy & Galinda

2008-07-01T10:30:00.009-06:00

A few months ago I decided to buy me a friend. I got Ed. Ed died in less than a week. Good thing my friend had a warranty and I could replace him. When I went to pick out a new friend I decided that my friend died of loneliness so I bought 2 friends. Little did I know they were lesbians (sorry Mom)! My birds are the funniest things, my 2 female birds love to make out! I had them in the cage that was that made for 1 bird and finally found a cage that I liked to upgrade them. I found the cage at DI for $8. People kinda pointed and laughed at me when I spotted it. I practically ran to it and threw it in my cart all the while squealing with excitment. I love a good find!

After I cleaned it good and spruced it up I moved the girls last night . They still aren't quite sure about it. They are probably just not used to going from a starter home to a mansion! I still need to make a skirt to cover the base but there are only so many hours in the day.

The Starter Home

The Mansion!

Ok, It Didn't Work!

2008-07-01T10:26:00.005-06:00

My A/C froze up again! I am so tired of worrying about it working or not, especially when the temerature is now in the triple digits. So I finally called a repairman. Hopefully it won't cost too much.

UPDATE.....the repairman came and I was low on Freon. I have the best HVAC people. If you need someone good call American Appliance. They get their quick and don't charge you an arm and a leg!

Self Absorbed

2008-06-26T10:37:00.014-06:00

Me? Never! I met a guy recently who told me I am too self absorbed. After much thought and asking everyone I encountered (I know, how self absorbed of me!) I decided that yes I am and that it's ok! I'm 29 and single and who else do I have to worry about? Donald (my cousin) agrees with me. As much as we both want to be with someone we both LOVE to be on our own. Things are always were you leave them, the dishwasher is always loaded right, etc. Over the years I have really gotten to know myself and yes I do like myself. So if that makes me self absorbed than so be it!

Queen of the Self Portrait!

Mom & Grandma don't seem as into it as I am!

Ice Ice Baby!

2008-06-26T09:50:00.004-06:00

Who would think that a hair dryer could fix your air conditioning! I called Dad yesterday complaining that my a/c wasn't blowing very well. He came over after work and after much debate as to what website to look at to find answers (we found it on MY search not his!) we discovered that my coils and other parts were covered in ice. I swear it had to be 3/4 of an inch thick! So after having dinner with Mom & Dad I sat down to thaw out my a/c. I was surprised as it only took about 45 minutes. I fired it up and what do ya know? Lots of cold air! Needless to say I am praising the a/c gods....and Dad too!

Oh Baby!

2008-06-04T11:05:00.005-06:00

Christmas is coming early this year! Susie and Will are giving me a new niece or nephew the first part of December. Mom, Dad and I are so excited to have a little one around!

And don't forget to wear these....your safety glasses!

2008-03-19T16:00:00.000-06:00

If you know who says the line in my title then I am impressed! He is the coolest guy on Saturday afternoon tv!

So my Dad, the coolest Dad ever, bought me a router! I have been dying for a plunge router for some time and he got me one. It was like Christmas in March! Now I am searching eBay for a killer bit set so I can get to work. I have a whole list of things I want to make with it....when I get the bit's and start working I will have to post pictures.

Woo hoo!

Tragedy....

2008-03-06T12:07:00.002-07:00

Tragedy stuck Susie last night. Her house burned to the ground. She lost everything that was in the house except her dog, laptop, camera and their handguns. I can't believe that she thought to grab the guns...I probably would have grabbed shoes! She was so calm, almost too calm. She called Mom saying she needed to talk to someone because her house was on fire. Mom called me and told me what was going on and I insisted that I go up there with them. We all met at the hockey store and got to Kamas as soon as we could. It felt like an eternity to us and her. They talked to the fire department and they allowed us down her street to get to her. They had it completely blocked off because it was so bad. I will never forget the feeling of cresting the hill by her house and seeing the massive clouds of smoke. It was surreal and scary at the same time. When we pulled down her street she was standing there in her pj's (thank goodness she had a coat in her car) watching her life burn. It was heartbreaking. You hear of the word and meaning of heartbreak but other than a death I hadn't felt it until last night. What do you say to someone in a time like this? Well, me, I hugged her and told her she stinks! What a thing to say! But she did because the house had filled with smoke so quickly. On my way to meet Mom and Dad I called Mandi and Troy. Troy called John, his employee, that lives nearby and he went to check on her. They wouldn't let him down the street but he could see the damage and could talk to people to make sure everyone was ok. I feel really bad for Will's parents. Will's Dad grew up in that house, his Mother had grown up there and died there and now he had to watch it burn. Thank goodness they had gotten most of their momentos and photos out prior to the fire. They did loose some painting from the master bedroom but at least nobody was hurt. I am so glad his parents were right there to help Susie. I cant help but think....what it the fire would have broke out after she went to bed? We could have lost her. I feel sick thinking about it. Susie hadn't moved everything to her new house yet....which was a blessing. Her scrapbooks, childhood memories and cedar chest were still at Mom and Dads. She also still had some clothes there. She will probably always think back to something she lost and want it but we are just so glad she is ok. Will isn't doing ok. He is stuck in Ohio and can't get home. The earliest he can get home is Sunday. I can't imagine the feeling of knowing your house is on fire and being so far away. Mom and Mandi took Susie back up there today (I brought her down the canyon and to Mom and Dad's for the night). I am on pins and needles waiting to hear from them....

Happy Birthday to ME!

2008-03-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

Well I am 29 now....and I'm not happy about it! Although my birthday was great. It started with dinner at Mandi and Troy's on Sunday for Mom's birthday. This was her 26th anniversary of her 29th birthday. The Hootons gave both of us the best gifts....food! Mandi made freezer meals for us. I love to cook, just not after a long days work! On my actual birthday is was very low key. Nobody at work knew it was my birthday and I kept it that way. Susie, Cody and Mom called me on my day. Dad forgot and called when Mom reminded him. Then I went home and cleaned house. What a grown up thing to do on your birthday! Mom and Dad had a chinese themed party for me on Friday and we had "american food with soy sauce" as Braden would say. We have Panda Express....yum. Mom doesn't like real chinese food but does like Panda. After dinner Mom and I started on her basement. Boy was there a lot of stuff down there! We worked for a couple hours and then resumed early Saturday morning. We got done by 2:30! Dad took a load to the dump and his truck was overflowing! I made Mom get rid of stuff she hasn't used in years. Although, if I liked it still she could keep it! My goal was to not have anything on the floor but that just isn't possible. What is on the floor is pushed up against the shelves and on the opposite side of the furnace, water heater and breaker box.....hope Dad is happy now. After that we showered and met Susie at The Cheesecake Factory for my birthday day with Mom. I know how much Susie likes that restaurant so I wanted her to come too. After dinner Mom bought Susie and I the cutest fairies to start as a collection. Mine is a little fairy sitting on a chinese take out box....fitting! Susie's is a girl scooping huge scoops of ice cream. Both are so cute. It was snowing hard when we left the mall so Susie went home and Mom and I went to our Angel Lady appointment. I wish I could afford to see Chantel monthly. She told me that I have 3 great avenues coming in my life. 1 - My career and the move was the right one. 2-will happen right after the first and will happen in late spring. She mentioned a relationship. 3-family relationships. The first and third already happened. I job my job and Mandi and Susie are working ont heir relationship! So cross your fingers that my angels send me my dream man!

Working or Not Working...

2008-01-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

So I was layed off on Monday...boy it sucks! The company I was with had promised me severance through the end of January. They ended up just paying me through the 17th, not allowing me on their health insurance as promised and will not give me the letter of reference they promised. Boy am I miffed! So now I am on the wonderful job hunt and am going crazy. I have sent out many resumes and now I have to sit and wait for the calls. Cross your fingers for me!