So, it's late. And I took a nap today, which I know better than to do, but I did and here I am...awake. And feeling that wanderlust creep in...every couple of months I start to crave it.
That may be my only regret to settling down. I love to travel...I love new things, new people, new places but my body craves the security and comfort of being at home...and having a home. literally.
And as I've gotten older, been married longer, had Paisley...we've travelled less and less. I haven't seen an ocean in 2 years!!! We're talking about doing Mexico in the spring...but it's scary with what is going down, and leaving Paisley scares me-mostly because I worry that something could happen to us and she would be parentless!
But as I look at pictures of friends around the world a bit of envy spreads over me. Friends that haven't put down roots yet, still free to roam the globe. We just finished watching the "Long way round." If you haven't seen it, do. I was already loving Ewan McGregor and now I just love him all the more! And so amazing to see what they did!
Really if we ever relocated I think we'll leave the country. It's a tie between Ireland and Germany. We love being close to family and friends, but we've moved before...at the same time, I'm grateful because I feel a strong tie to St. George-like we're where we're supposed to be. And Jon loves his job, and really we're not that far from the ocean...
Hmmmm...I need some adventure I think...
12/27/10
{secrets}: for you
A couple of life secrets for all:
- Buy a clear shower curtain. It's wonderful-it looks cleaner and allows me to see what my child is getting into without having to get out of the shower. Totally worth it. And after watching too much CSI and whatnot, I'm no longer worried someone is going to sneak up on me...
- Gel nail polish. MIRACLE. seriously. I've had mine on for 2 weeks-no breaks, no chips, no fake nail-ness to them. Just perfect red nails that look like they were freshly painted.
- Couch covers. Most people that come into my house for the first time typically make some remark about what a moron I am for having a white couch. Well, its IKEA, and it's covered (but fitted so well you would never know). After a soak in the Oxy-clean and a bit of Clorox II, it looks like brand new. Chocolate, Strawberries, Tomato Sauce, yes my couch has seen all of those and survived triumphant!
- Christmas Goodies. I have not gained a pound over Christmas or Thanksgiving this year. Why? I stopped telling myself no and just enjoyed. I'm nearly positive it was guilt that was causing me to gain weight-not the actual food. And believe me, I've eaten. And all that fudge was SO good.
- Mr. Clean magic erasers. As if these weren't the best thing ever, they now have them in mop form!! Saved my life. Speaking of which, please raise your right hand and solemly swear that you will never, EVER allow me to put white linoleum in a house I own!! PROMISE ME...its bad...so very, very bad.
12/23/10
{holidays}: thanksgiving
I couldn't stop taking pics of all the food it looked so good!!
Pie, Pie and more pie. Oh, and the best chocolate milk on this planet...seriously.
Overall, it was a fun holiday. We started at Denny's with Jon's Dad and Ilene, then we went to Wendy's house with her family and Jon's Mom and Stepdad, and then we ended up at my house with my family and a couple of my brother's roomates. Unfortunately we were sick a good portion of the time that we were there, but I am so glad that we went! It was so fun to see all of our family and enjoy the wintery weather (although I am glad to be here in warm STG for Christmas!) It was a wonderful Thanksgiving
12/22/10
{gifts}: quiet
I had a VERY rare and aweseome experience yesterday, and I kind of want to share:
I was on Temple Square shooting a wedding yesterday and it was snowing-wet, slushy snow that kept even the hearty inside. I like to scout out which steps are going to be the best for the day so I walked around to the backside of the temple and found myself alone. Alone. Absolutely no one in sight. Not a single human being. And with the snow blanketing the noise, I was very quietly alone. On temple square. At Christmas time. Some of you may be saying 'I do not see what the big deal is...' but this is a big deal. The best part? As I stood there, under my orange umbrella, enjoying the short second of peace away from a wonderful, but chaotic wedding, the tabernacle choir began to play (because of the nativity nearby) and I was able to have just one moment of much needed peace.
I was on Temple Square shooting a wedding yesterday and it was snowing-wet, slushy snow that kept even the hearty inside. I like to scout out which steps are going to be the best for the day so I walked around to the backside of the temple and found myself alone. Alone. Absolutely no one in sight. Not a single human being. And with the snow blanketing the noise, I was very quietly alone. On temple square. At Christmas time. Some of you may be saying 'I do not see what the big deal is...' but this is a big deal. The best part? As I stood there, under my orange umbrella, enjoying the short second of peace away from a wonderful, but chaotic wedding, the tabernacle choir began to play (because of the nativity nearby) and I was able to have just one moment of much needed peace.
12/17/10
{nostalgia}: it was fun while it lasted...
It's official. My sweet, darling little girl officially now uses and understands the word "no." She uses it quite well and frequently too. For Example:
Me: Paisley, come here and give that to me.
Paisley: NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!
Or: (whilst running at another child with hands wildly in the air)
Paisley: NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!
Or: (another child is playing with one of her toys, or just any other toy, or looking at her)
Paisley: NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!
She has also started getting sneakier, and stealing things from me more. And if I take them away, down the the floor she goes, screaming the whole way. What happened?
And don't you all say I told you so!
Me: Paisley, come here and give that to me.
Paisley: NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!
Or: (whilst running at another child with hands wildly in the air)
Paisley: NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!
Or: (another child is playing with one of her toys, or just any other toy, or looking at her)
Paisley: NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!
She has also started getting sneakier, and stealing things from me more. And if I take them away, down the the floor she goes, screaming the whole way. What happened?
And don't you all say I told you so!
12/11/10
{hilarious}: undeniable truths for mature humans
I totally stole this from my friend Jessa's blog-I was laughing so hard I just had to share!
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!
24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!
24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.
12/8/10
{foto}: business cards
My new business cards are here! I couldn't decide what to do and I had one of those late night inspirations that was a bit silly...and you'll notice that nowhere I put "swimmer" but I'm underwater, swimming...oh well. So much fun ;)12/6/10
{grateful}: paisley snuggles
I know I'm supposed to post about being thankful at Thanksgiving...but it's all been simmering in the back of my head for the last month and is only now finally coming together...
I'm so grateful for my sweet baby girl. I don't know how I ever got so lucky. I just adore her. I look at her sometimes and wonder how I will ever love another child as much as I love her. I'm really enjoying being a mother. I don't ever want to paint the picture that we don't have our strifes and our stuggles, but overall I am so happy with my little family. Seeing her eyes light up at everything that is new in this world is so much fun-I cannot wait for her to grow and learn, but at the same time I just want to keep her..just like this.
In Relief Society our new theme that we chose for next year is Christ. I know that seems broad and simple, but we're focusing on one of Christ's attributes for each month. To kick off the theme, we taught a lesson as a Presidency and I was chosen to share the First Presidency's Message from this month's Ensign, called "Can we see the Christ?" I love it because it is all about seeing Christ in your life which is one of the strength's of my testimony. The reason I love to share it and want people to have the gospel is because I love looking for and seeing Christ in my life. I see him in the blessings we've received, I see him in the love that we have in our home, and I see him in Paisley.
And I love that husband of mine. This may be the first year he has decided to buy my Christmas presents, which makes me giddy for Christmas morning. I like the milestone that we have reached in our marriage. We still like each other, we don't need to yell like we(I) used to, and overall we're happy just to see each other and hang out when we can. It's comfortable, and nice, and I love him.
Overall, through all of the roaming sickness and travelling strife we've suffered, we're well and happy. The delicious smells of Christmas Tree and Cinnamon make our home warm and cozy, and I'm happy to stay we're just staying here for Christmas-something I always thought would make me sad, but I'm actually very happy for.
I guess I'm just feeling very, very blest ♥.
I'm so grateful for my sweet baby girl. I don't know how I ever got so lucky. I just adore her. I look at her sometimes and wonder how I will ever love another child as much as I love her. I'm really enjoying being a mother. I don't ever want to paint the picture that we don't have our strifes and our stuggles, but overall I am so happy with my little family. Seeing her eyes light up at everything that is new in this world is so much fun-I cannot wait for her to grow and learn, but at the same time I just want to keep her..just like this.
In Relief Society our new theme that we chose for next year is Christ. I know that seems broad and simple, but we're focusing on one of Christ's attributes for each month. To kick off the theme, we taught a lesson as a Presidency and I was chosen to share the First Presidency's Message from this month's Ensign, called "Can we see the Christ?" I love it because it is all about seeing Christ in your life which is one of the strength's of my testimony. The reason I love to share it and want people to have the gospel is because I love looking for and seeing Christ in my life. I see him in the blessings we've received, I see him in the love that we have in our home, and I see him in Paisley.
And I love that husband of mine. This may be the first year he has decided to buy my Christmas presents, which makes me giddy for Christmas morning. I like the milestone that we have reached in our marriage. We still like each other, we don't need to yell like we(I) used to, and overall we're happy just to see each other and hang out when we can. It's comfortable, and nice, and I love him.
Overall, through all of the roaming sickness and travelling strife we've suffered, we're well and happy. The delicious smells of Christmas Tree and Cinnamon make our home warm and cozy, and I'm happy to stay we're just staying here for Christmas-something I always thought would make me sad, but I'm actually very happy for.
I guess I'm just feeling very, very blest ♥.
12/2/10
{recipes}: leftover turkey
I never know what to do with leftover turkey (turkey sandwiches can only go on for so long) so I tried this dish last night and it was delicious! I love quiche anyway, but this really was good. I substituted whole milk for the half and half and it turned out a wee bit runny-so I think I would have just used a little less next time. I thought I would share!!
Turkey broccoli quiche recipe with Swiss cheese and eggs and a little curry powder.
Ingredients:
•1 9-inch pie shell, unbaked
•3/4 cup chopped fresh broccoli
•2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
•1 tablespoon butter
•3/4 cup chopped cooked turkey
•1/2 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
•3 eggs
•1 1/4 cups half-and-half
•1 teaspoon curry powder
•1/2 teaspoon salt
Preparation:
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook broccoli and onion, stirring frequently, until tender. Drain.
Sprinkle broccoli and onion, turkey, and cheese into prepared pie shell.
In a medium bowl, beat eggs slightly; beat in half-and-half, curry powder, and salt. Pour egg mixture over turkey and broccoli mixture. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325° continue baking for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
I should have taken a pic because it was pretty too, but oh well. Yummmy.
Turkey broccoli quiche recipe with Swiss cheese and eggs and a little curry powder.
Ingredients:
•1 9-inch pie shell, unbaked
•3/4 cup chopped fresh broccoli
•2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
•1 tablespoon butter
•3/4 cup chopped cooked turkey
•1/2 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
•3 eggs
•1 1/4 cups half-and-half
•1 teaspoon curry powder
•1/2 teaspoon salt
Preparation:
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook broccoli and onion, stirring frequently, until tender. Drain.
Sprinkle broccoli and onion, turkey, and cheese into prepared pie shell.
In a medium bowl, beat eggs slightly; beat in half-and-half, curry powder, and salt. Pour egg mixture over turkey and broccoli mixture. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325° continue baking for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
I should have taken a pic because it was pretty too, but oh well. Yummmy.
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