"Lost in the Woods... the adventures of Shavrek."

Go Hat

2011-12-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

My sister Sharon http://sharon-c-thats-me.blogspot.com/ is going to be having her third baby any time now (if she wants my opinion, I think she should have him on December 29th...) I wanted to make Baby Boy Carpenter a hat to keep his little head warm in the cold Idaho winter. I came across this one on ravelry and thought it was so cute. I didn't buy the pattern, "Go Hat". Instead I just figured it out. I thought it turned out pretty well. I can't wait to make on for Samuel too. It might be a smidge too big on him initially, but then again, Sharon will feed him well so he will quickly fit into it ;)

Congratulations (soon) Sharon!

Random Samuel pictures

2011-12-20T11:10:00.000-08:00

Ah, my sweet little boy. I love this picture, but I wish his ear wasn't bent... I just want to fix it everytime I see it!

All dressed up for church. He looks so handsome in his church clothes!

He has recently discovered his thumb and the joys of sucking on it. I adore seeing him suck on it, but am trying to make myself make him stop. I have seen how difficult it can be when they are older to get them to stop so I'm trying to forget the cuteness and be more disciplined in stopping it and encouraging the pacifier. It's been hard. Last night we put socks on his hands, besides swaddle them tight by his sides and he managed to loose his arms, and get that sock off. I found him contentedly sucking away on his thumb in the morning. Little Houndini!

I just love how alert and engaging he is in this picture.

Christmas Stockings

2011-12-20T10:53:00.001-08:00

After 6 Christmas's together, I finally made us some matching stockings. There were many different types I thought about doing, like crosstitch, felt, sewn, knitted and lots of variations within them. I asked Derek what he wanted. I really tried to impress upon him that this was going to be what we'd have for THE REST OF OUR LIVES, and that our kids would hold fond memories of them, and want to take them with them when they got married, etc. He didn't seem to be as invested in it as I was. "I don't know Babe, what do you want to do?" was his frequent reply. And, with Sam here the pressure intesnsified to have it done. I wanted to have matching stockings from the very beginning with him. As you can imagine, it was a big decision. ;)

I really thought about making some knitted ones, but just couldn't decide how I wanted them, and in the end, the sewed ones just were easier. SO, here they are:

I really liked how they turned out and think it will be fun to pick out new patterns and Christmas fabric as our family grows. I will probably add our names at some point. I asked Derek if he thought we should have the same stocking every year, or put our names on them and have assinged stockings. He initially said to keep them unassigned and we could choose each year.... I'm not sure I'm a fan of that, but we'll see for now. Mine is the middle one :) I'm happy with them and now we have coordinating stockings!

Christmas crafts

2011-12-01T16:23:00.001-08:00

Today, Sam took a 3 hour nap. So I picked up some stuff around the apartment and made these two onesies. The hat I finished a few weeks ago.
I put little Christmas lights that I found in the button aisle on for the decorations. I was so excited when I found them!

The gift onesie I saw at a craft fair and thought I could reporduce it. The Christmas tree I made, mainly to use up the little pom poms that I had originally gotten for the hat.

Poor Sam was pretty patient throughout the photo shoot! Hopefully we'll be able to get our tree put up today. I love Christmas time and love December!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-30T14:05:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. We had my parents, my sister Rebekah and her boyfriend John, and our friends Amber and Aaron over for Thanksgiving dinner. The food was awesome and plentiful, and the company was excellent!

I didn't have any special Thanksgiving clothes for Samuel, so I made one up real quick the night before. It's pretty cheap, but I actually ended up liking it quite a bit.

The back of his onsie says, "Gobble 'til you Wobble"

On the front I drew a goofy turkey. It wasn't my best work, and I'm not an artist, but I liked it. This picture I think is funny because Derek caught Sam right when he was spitting up. And I didn't realize until I took a closer look that it was RIGHT when he was spitting up, as in you can see it in the picture by his left cheek!

These next few pictures Derek took of him remind me of the comic strip Calvin & Hobbes where it has a bunch of goofy close-ups of him making alot of faces. At the end of the strip you see his parents looking at what turned out to be his school pictures! haha, I love Calvin & Hobbes!

haha, they crack me up!

Misc. pictures

2011-11-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm trying to catch up a little with my blog and so there is going to be alot of pictures added (and on facebook, so you can look at those too if you're interested). Of course, we have taken a Bajillion pictures of Sam, so I just chose a few to show.

Here he is in another before church picture. I think he looks so dapper! I had my finger in front of the flash, so the lighting is goofy, but you can still see all the cuteness! This is when he is about a month old and just starting to give smiles.

He's gonna hate these pictures, but he's got new parents that think everything he does is cute, even just sitting there in too big clothes, or naked in the bathtub! Sorry for the overload of new mommy love, can't help it. ;)

Lovin' his bath, and modestly covered...

Another costume for Halloween- a little monster. Very cute and warm for when we went outside. It wasn't that cold so he didn't get to wear it very often :(

Halloween costume

2011-10-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

I came across this picture a few months ago and thought it was the cutest thing, so I decided I would try to make this for Sam for Halloween. I looked and couldn't find a pattern, so all I had to go off of was the picture. (disclaimer: This a very cute baby, I don't know who it is, so I hope they don't get mad that I put their baby on my blog).

This is the results. I made most of it before he was born and it was hard to guessitmate the size so it turned out a little big still for Samuel, but I think I did a good job reproducing the candy corn outfit. I think he is so cute!! Now I can't wait for our Ward's Chili feed/Trunk or treat night to show him off :)

First Sunday...

2011-10-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Well, acutally I mean the first Sunday at Church. We don't have any suits or many other clothes that fit him yet, but we had this onsie with a tie on it. He is dressed a little casual for church with the jeans, but his heart is in the right place ;) Unfortunately, he only had this on for about an hour covered up by a blanket, before he had a major diaper blow-out and had to be changed. Fortunately, I had some pajamas in the diaper bag otherwise he would've been in just his diaper!

Otherwise he did great during church: didn't fuss any, and was very calm and just looked around for the most part. I navigated the whole feeding thing out in public for the first time and got inducted into a new club: the mother's lounge club. I have to say that I like this new social hang out spot! We have alot of nursing babies in the ward at this time and I talked to many sisters that I've wanted to get to know but somehow never find the chance to talk to them before... its because they're in the mother's lounge! haha

Anyway it was good to go to church again, feel the Spirit and fellowship with other people. I have been a big homebodie and its nice to start being more active. I can drive again, and I have been taking walks every day and feeling great!

The Delivery: Part 1

2011-10-03T11:20:00.001-07:00

Here is the story of Samuel Robert Wood's birth:

This little baby boy had been in breech position (butt down) pretty much from 28 weeks on, so I was having my doubts if he would be able to be turned. Around 36 weeks we had an ultrasound to verify his position, and he was indeed breech. We were referred by our Midwives to see an Obstetrician to talk about out options. We chose to see a Dr Silverstein. She is one of the OB's that I work with on a regular basis at the hospital, so I was very confident in her abilities and judgement. She evaluated my baby, uterus, and reviewed my history and deteremined that an External Cephalic Version (trying to turn him manually by pushing on him from the outside) wouldn't be an option in my case. Sooo, we scheduled a cesarean section to be done 2 weeks later. I asked for it to be done in the evening, so it could be done by my night shift co-workers and she was fine with that. So, we had the date set for Thursday, 9/22/11 at 7:30 pm but only told our families. We still wanted to suprise people with the birth. It was actually nice to have the date set, so we could get everything done beforehand, and that last two weeks went by really fast! It was so exciting to think that we would be having him soon!
So, this is me just before we are going to head over to the hospital to have our baby. I was 38 4/7 days along, and measured about 46 1/2 inches around, and had gained about 25 pounds.

At the hospital I had so many well wishes from my co-workers, day and night shift. I felt so cared for. Zibby was my check in nurse and got me all ready (Oh, I should have gotten a picture with her!) and then Jackie took over because it was scheduled for just after change of shift happens. I really have fabulous people that I work with!!

Us, just before getting wheeled to the OR.

This is Lauren, one of my midwives. She came to be there for the birth.

The handsome Papa waiting to be called back.

Here is a great shot of the surgical team. On the left side is my good friend Erika, in the middle is Mimi, and on the right is Dr Silverstein. Erika and Mimi are fabulous Surgical Techs! This shot is just as they are entering my uterus and had just punctured the bag of waters.

Just

about

Delivered!

It's a Boy at 7:43 pm!

This was them holding him up for me to see. He was way cuter than I ever imagined!

Derek cutting the cord... or "trimming" it, I should say.

7 lbs, 11 oz

19 1/4 Inches long

Apgars 9, 9

My first moments holding him and touching him... It still maks me cry when I look at these pictures and think about that moment. I already loved him before he was born, but it is still amazing how bottomless the love is I feel for him. It started the instant he started to cry, before he was all the way out of me, to feeling his weight on me, right as they pulled him out, to first seeing him under the warmer and then being able to touch him finally. I feel so honored and humbled to be this little boy's mother.

The Delivery: Part 2

2011-10-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

While they finish with my surgery the NICU nurses usually take the baby to the transitional nursery for some vital signs and observation. They have dad carry him and go out the main hallway so that any family that is waiting can see him. Then they put him under the warmer and do their assessment. Derek got LOTS of pictures while waiting for me.

Sucking on dad's finger. He was wanting to eat!

After 45 minutes or so, I was back in recovery. I was a little groggy for the first 15 minutes or so, but then I was awake enough that they asked if I was ready for him... Of Course!! Jackie, our nurse was so great and gave us some time together with just the three of us for some bonding time. After a little bit, we let the others in. They hadn't had a chance to touch or hold him yet.

Here's Grandma and Grandpa Wood

Here are my fabulous co-workers that took care of me. On the left is Erika, without the mask and the right is Jackie, my nurse. Again, I can't say enough on how well I was cared for!

I recieved many gifts while in the hospital, but this one I have to give an honorable mention to Joanie (another great co-worker)... First off, it was a gift that was addressed to Derek, and second, it was a perfect gift. Anyone that knows Derek, knows that he loves cars. Joanie had taken the time one night when I was hosting the my work's knitting club to get to know Derek more and had a good talk with him about cars. She's always remembered that and will occasionally comment on it, or send stuff his way about cars. She got Samuel some T-shirts that Dad would appreciate: Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Shelby Colbra. She really nailed it!

Grandma and Grandpa Weber holding him.

Dad and his little buddy....

When we came to our room, this banner was hanging up for us. Thanks Tanya!

This was the day we were discharged to the hospital, and Samuel in his going home outfit.

A Blank Canvas...

2011-09-16T00:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I had three fabulous ladies come over: My sister Rebekah, and her two daughters Baili and Kristen. We had a belly painting session! They brought the paints, I brought the belly, and we had a good time.

They didnt' know what to paint at first so we gave them the idea to paint a rainbow, and some people. Kristen is painting the rainbow and Baili is painting the little figures down below.

The first work of art... It's a rainbow, a butterfly, raincloud, and two headless people... not sure what hapened there!

They were already out of ideas so someone suggested they do handprints. They're pretty cute girls and are getting so big! I love that they came over to do this :)

Now its Rebekah's turn. She went with a pumpkin as you can see. I love that she put my due date on it and of course signed it!

Next up, we convinced Derek to come add his mark. He believes that less is more.... I sure love that man!

My belly skin was slightly sore after all the scrubbing it got, but it was alot of fun! I don't have much longer left to play with the belly, so anyone else have other ideas? Even though it is getting hard to move, sleep, bend, stand, get comfortable, etc I love the pregnant belly and to feel my little man moving around like crazy. I want to celebrate every moment!

Hail the Conquering Hero! (Picture heavy)

2011-06-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

I can't even say how proud I am of Derek for graduating. He graduated with his Bachelors in Psychology. He really enjoyed the program, and even thought that he might have pursued a career in counseling, if he hadn't had his heart set on being a police officer.

Here are some pictures of the big day:

It started out raining off and on while every was getting their seats. When we left Spokane it was sunny and bright, so I didn't bring an umbrella or anything to protect against the rain but as we drove to Cheney, it started sprinkling.... I got seats on the bleachers off to the side and it had a puddle of water all the seats. I stood for awhile while waiting for Derek's family to arrive and rescue me with something to dry the seats and umbrellas because I had called to warn them.

I like this picture though, and partly because of all the umbrellas that are opened.

The banner for Derek's department. They are all filing in, and we were able to stand by if we wanted to get pictures of them as long as we stayed off the very distinctive Red track.

Here he is! Next to him is a good friend of ours, Aaron Hamilton, that is also graduating in Psychology. His wife, Amber, and I are due two days apart, and both of us having boys. It's been fun hanging out together.

Aah, aren't they cute?

Walking up to get ready to receive his award...

Congratulations Derek!!!

Bob Wood (Dad), Cheryl (mom), Derek and I.

We all are so proud of him! Now, on to life's next great adventure: Parenthood, and (hopefully) a career in law enforcement...

Fiesta and Hoarders...they DO go together!

2011-06-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to make a post real quick re-affirming my love for Fiesta dishes. I love all the bright colors, I love the fun combinations you can make. It livens up the table in such a fantstic way.

We had Derek's family over for dinner and so I got to use more than two plates at a time. I think for the first time I had enough pieces to use complete fiesta ware for everything. Maybe it's kind of silly to take a picture of our dinner, but I was so happy with all the many colors that I had to.
We had BBQ chicken, grilled corn, potato salad, and homemade bread. Oh, we also had a salad but it was being made at the time...

Here are some of the boxes that I have kept for awile that the fiesta dishes came in.

I finally decided to throw them away. Derek and I had just been watching an episode of Hoarders. In it this guy had his lot full of junk that he couldn't throw away. He was saving some of it for metal scrap, or to recycle, or for other Just-in-case purposes but he had received so many warnings to clean it up from the city that he would have to go to jail if he didnt' have it cleaned by the deadline 3 days away. The Hoarder's crew was trying to help him but he would say something like, "Don't throw that plastic box away, it is a good box..." or whatever for all his stuff.

Anyway, Derek and I were cleaning out our storage closet off our porch and I had all these boxes. He wanted to throw them away, and I said, "Those are really good boxes, I might need them for something!" ... then I realized what I said, and who it reminded me of. We immediately threw them all in the dumpster. Yes, they could be used for something, but I have collected them for the last 6 years as I have been given fiesta dishes and haven't used them once. It's time to let them go.

I highly recommend watching Hoarders everytime you want to do some deep cleaning!

Birthday's

2011-06-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

My Awesome sister, Rebekah had a birthday a bit ago and we celebrated by going to Polka-Dot Pottery. I had seen at a craft fair in December a Birthday plate and got this idea to do something similiar and start a tradition in my own family. I wanted to make a birthday plate and then who's ever birthday it is gets to use for the day (obviously we'd wash it alot that day). Rebekah also thought it was a fun idea so we each created one.

Here is Rebekah, looking so cute :) I realized I didnt' get any pictures of myself in this activity, but I was there!

This is my plate, Before

My plate, After.
Rebekah's plate, Before.

Rebekah's plate, After. Sorry the picture quality isn't super great.

It was interesting seeing the color difference of before and after. Everything was so pastel and they stressed the importance of doing three coats of every color to get it to show up fully. It was lots of fun, and I only wish it was more affordable to do everyday!

Quilt for (Little) Mr. Wood

2011-06-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a quilt I've been working on for the little man. My mother-in-law, Cheryl had given me a a kit of material for making a small quilt, and some patterns to choose from and I couldnt' decide for the longest time which pattern to do. I'm really glad I chose this one, and really liked how it turned out. I love these colors together!
For the machine quilting I just outlined the blue zig-zags all the way. It was a bit tedious, but I'm glad I did, because it turned out to well.

2011-06-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Here are a few ultrasound pictures. It's so cool to see him on ultrasound and to get that little glimpse into what's he's doing and how he is growing!
Here is is at 8 weeks, confirming the pregnancy. He looks just like a little gummy bear.

Oh My! Look how he's grown! In this picture he is looking right at you, and yes, I'll admit he looks kind of alien-esque.

Hi!

He wasn't shy. He was proud of being a boy and wanted everyone to know it!

Here is a 4-D image of his face. I think he's cute, though I know it is kind of a wierd image. He has his foot and his hand up by his face. These pictures are when he was 18 1/2 weeks.

Updated Pregnancy pictures

2011-06-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, here are some overdue pregnancy pictures. I just haven't liked how they have turned out so I haven't been good about putting them up. But, I do want to show the progression of the Belly, so here are a few decent ones.

19 Weeks. Just after we found out we were having a boy.
Here I am at 22 weeks, after church.

This picture is taken about 6 days later, I am about 23 weeks. See how he has grown in just that small amount of time!

Actually, now that I'm looking at them again maybe you won't think there's that much difference, but believe me, he is getting bigger.

I have been feeling great. No real pregnancy complaints. Life is good :)

16 Weeks, or 4 Months

2011-04-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I reached a new month, and am loving it. I am 16 weeks along now and starting to have a more prominent belly. I especially feel in the last week that it has really started sticking out more. I am still wearing regular clothing, but just a little bigger in size to allow for that inbetween regular clothing and maternity clothing stage.

I feel good. I dont have any nausea anymore. Just sometimes I'll lose interest in what I'm eating, but I don't get sick. And more importantly I am wanting to eat just about everything again. So unfortunately sweets are back on the menu. I'm really trying to moderate it though... somewhat!

I first felt the baby move on the day I turned 14 weeks, at 8:24 am, actually. The reason I know the exact time is because I has just rolled over to look at the time to decide if I wanted to get up then to go to the bathroom, or sleep in a little longer, depending on the time. Then I felt a little flop, and a little wiggle that felt totally foreign and realized the baby had just moved! It was soooooo cool and made me so happy :) I haven't felt it everyday since then, but every few days I'll feel it again. I have to be really paying attention (I think of it like trying to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost... very subtle and if there are other things going on, you might miss it).

In two weeks I have another appointment with my midwives and at that appointment we will get to schedule the ultrasound to see how the baby is doing and find out what we are having- Yay!

Pregnancy pictures: 12 weeks

2011-03-23T17:01:00.001-07:00

Ok, I am finally updating my blog. I am 12 weeks along, a few days from finishing my first Trimester and starting to feel a little more normal. I am interested in food again, and I don't feel so much like slug anymore. This is just the start (hopefully) I'll blog agian soon to expound on the last few months.

In the meantime here are some pregnancy pictures at 12 weeks.

My jeans are getting tight and my stomach feels very chubby. Actually, this shirt must suck me in more than I thought (and I'm trying to stand with good posture ;) becuase usually I have a more prominent pooch.

Overall it's been very exciting :)

A roomful of Tramps...

2011-01-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago my I hung out with a few of my siblings : Ian, Rebekah, and Nancy. Ian suggested we go to a place that just opened up and that he had been to, called Sky High Sports-

A place full of trampolines! I had just seen an commercial about it and and looked fun, so we got there, all dressed in work out clothes like Ian had suggested. Here is us in the car, about to head out. My brother is a little crazed looking in this picture, but I assure you that he is sane...

It was extremely busy and full, so we had to wait about 20 minutes until our time slot opened up, so in the meantime we took some pictures.

The Sistas'

This was suppose to be a goofy picture,but I guess I forgot to tell the others...

Next are some action pictures. There were three different sections. One area was a big section with about twenty trampolines all connected, like in the first picture. Another section was for dogeball and had about 10 trampolines (the last picture) and just below shows an area where you can jump into a giant foam pit. All were equally fun, but there's something about jumping into a pile of foam squares...

Ian was definately the best and did the most interesting things, but I think it was just because he had been there before (no, just kidding, he just always is that way!)

Trying to climb out of the pit was impossibly hard! You have no idea

Nancy, practicing some sweet skills

Bekah, as always is hilarious and has the best facial expressions!

Fly on the wall!

As you can see, I was pretty awesome and adventurous at it...

I like this picture because it looks like I'm the last one left against the other team, and like I"m super athletic, haha!
Below are two videos of Ian, who really is awesome!

Keeping Nancy's neck warm...

2010-12-31T15:44:00.000-08:00

I was late in getting my little sister Nancy's Christmas gift done in time, but finished it yesterday, and will give it to her today (today is also the day I will get to meet her new Fiance, Trevor... It's weird that the baby of our family is now engaged!) I made this to keep her pretty little neck warm as she is braving the winds of Rexburg Idaho at BYU-I.

The pattern is: Cashmere Neck Warmer from Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders. I have alot of single skeins of yarn, so this is a nice book to try to use them up. I liked the stitch pattern alot.
This picture is a little goofy because Derek was gone to work so I had to take it myself. I added the buttons so it would stay put.

The Cowl, in action...

An up close picture of the stitch pattern. I was happy with how this turned out, and may have to make one for me!

Christmas Crafts, etc.

2010-12-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know its been a long time since I posted anything, but here is what I have been working on- Christmas presents! Now I can post about them. This is a heavy picture post!

First, Derek and I had my brother Ian, and his wife Karissa for Christmas this year, and it was their first Christmas together since they've been married. I wanted to do something special for them, and that hopefully they can use for many Christmases to come so I made them Christmas Stockings:

Next, for my mother-in-law, Cheryl I made linen and Christmas napkins. She always has such a beautifully set table (see end of post) and usually has paper napkins so I thought I'd make her something fitting for her table.

Christmas Tree napkins.

For my mom I made a felted hat. She had asked me to make her one a long time ago. This was my first time making a felted project and it was very funny (and a bit worrisome) to see how giant you make it, then it shrink/felts in the washer. Here's Derek modeling the pre-felted hat:

Look at how big it is compared to his head!

I forgot to get a picture of it on my mom, but here is a pic I took with my cell phone to show to my sister.

I made ornaments for my co-workers and friends. I thought they turned out cute!

Then, maybe my craftiness wore off onto the Husband, because he made this Awesome cookbook for his mom, with no help from me. He took her favorite and most used recipes and crafted this:

He went to Michael's and picked out the supplies, and got to work printing the recipes onto pretty paper, and cutting it down to size, gluing, and inserting into the page protectors. He did really well (though I'm not gonna lie- he left a big mess...) and was happy to make his mom tear up when she opened his present.

Here is the table set just before Christmas dinner. Isn't it pretty? The Wood's have invited my family over for Christmas dinner several years now, and its great to be able to celebrate with both my families.

I got a picture of my niece Baili making a hat for her sister with a Nifty Knitter loom that she got that morning for Christmas... Makes me happy to see another generation crafting away!

Last of all, here are the new Fiesta dishes I got from Derek and his mom. I love all the bright colors, and the variety!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones!

Slumbering Spiders

2010-10-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

Last night my wonderful Mother-In-Law, Cheryl dropped by. She had made us some Halloween pillowcases and couldn't wait to give them to us. Once I saw them, I couldn't blame her for her eagerness. I love the choice of fabrics but my favorite part...

is the spidery fringe she added to it. Isn't it great? I can't gt enough of the little beasts and can't wait to get them on our pillows. She makes the best pillow cases!

Bet you wish you too had spiders crawling around on your pillow ;)

Books and More Swap

2010-10-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

More on Ravelry... I joined a 'Books and More Swap'. It's kind of like receiveing a care package from a mysterious pen pal. It is an anonymous swap and each package had to include a knit/crochet book, some yarn, and something with the theme which was Back to School. You filled out a questionnaire beforehand so you had an idea what each other liked. I had a lady from Minnesota, and the lady that had me was from California. I just got my package today, and I love it! Everything in it is awesome and I"m super excited to start planning my next project.

Inside: One Skein- 30 quick projects to knit and crochet by Leigh Radford, 3 skeins of Knit Picks yarn in a beautiful green, a picture frame, a sweet notebook, mechanical pencils, post it notes (perfect to use on my patterns) some yummy treats, an adorable re-usable bag (masquerading as a strawberry!), and some sweet stitch markers.

And this fun bag to hold it all. Thanks Jenna!!

Did you know...

2010-10-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

That October is "Socktoberfest"? A Blogger by the name of Lollygirl began it a few years ago and it has caught hold in the knitting world. Socks are knit all year long, but in October many knitters focus their attention on contructing socks. I've mentioned that I joined a Mystery Sock Knit along (KAL) and wanted to show the first part. Tomorrow we get the next clue to the pattern which will probly be the leg. This is the cuff, all that we've gotten so far. I love how it squggles! I'm really enjoying being part of this and can't wait til the finished product! Here is the link to Through the Loops blog that is hosting the mystery kal:
http://throughtheloops.typepad.com/through_the_loops/2010/09/mystery-sock-2010-clue-1-the-cuff.html

For those that are intersted I'm using ShiBui Knits yarn.

I thought I'd add this picture, just for fun, of my cats. They are racing around and staging a mock fight as I type this.

2010-10-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

The Lost Blogger

2010-10-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have been feeling guilty about not updating this blog, and now I"m starting to get hassled about it, so here you go! I've taken the summer off from knitting (mostly) and am just now feeling the knitting fever again so I have all kinds of projects planned. But during the summer I was working on some scarves. For Young Women's we were working on a service project and our goal was for each YW and leader to knit 5 scarves each to donate to a shelter in the fall. We don't have a very large YW's group but we were able to make about 45 scarves of all shapes and sizes (I'm at work, but just realized I'll have to edit this post and add that picture later). It was pretty great how had they all worked on accomplishing this goal. Now we are teaching them to crochet baby hats for the hospitals.
Right now I've got a few projects in the works that I can't show yet because they will be Christmas presents but I'm working on a mystery sock Knit-Along. "What's that?" you're saying? Well, I go to this website called ravelry.com (probably as often as I do facebook) which is an online community for knitters/crocheters/spinners, etc. There are patterns and forums and more and recently I've discovered some fun groups. One is a Mystery knit along for a sock pattern. You get only part of a portion of the pattern each week, and you don't have any idea what it will look like so I'm just starting the cuff. I'll post some pictures to show the progress.
Anyway, that's a little bit of what I'm up to these days. I'll try really hard to be more regular with my blog posts!

Celebrities at my local gym...

2010-04-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

I thought it was time to update you all on the progress of my running plan but before I do, I want to mention a couple fellow gym members.
First up is a guy I like to call "Biff". For those that have seen "Back to the Future" (LOVE those movies!!) you'll remember a character by that same name. He reminds me of an older version of Biff. He's always lifting very large weights and wears small biker shorts...

Next is a character I just saw today. At first I thought of the "Caveman" in the Geico commercials, but as I serripticiously stared at him some more, I think he more resembles Forrest Gump in his running days. He has a long brown beard to his chest, and his hair is also long and just to his shoulders, and he's in his running shorts and sports tank top. As its been a very chlly windy last few days, I guess he traded the road for the treadmill.

Anyway, I'm back to my training schedule. I had to start over due to different things that got in the way, but I am halfway into week two. Today I walked 10 minutes, alternated running 1 min and walking 1 min for 12 minutes, then walked 3 minutes. I do my workouts on the treadmill right now, and like how i can watch the time easily to do my transitions, and it is much easier on my knees. I would get really achy knees when I was running on the streets. I'm hoping that my legs and joints will get stronger so that when I do make more ventures to running in the streets (when the weather gets warmer) it won't set me back.

I'm also thinking of blogging about another thing I have trouble with, but I am having a hard time committing: Sweets! I was thinking about blogging daily about the sweeets I eat, as well as my workouts so that hopefully I will be able to cut back on sweets, and build up the running... thereby getting into better shape. Ahh the constant battle! But I'm a bit too embarassed to expose how many treats I eat...

A Peck of Hats...

2010-03-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Many know I've been trying to knit up some baby hats. My sister Sharon was asked to host a booth at a baby fair in Idaho Falls. She has sewn all kinds of adorable outfits for babies, and she asked me if I wanted to make some hats that she could sell for me. It was a very nice offer, so for the last two months I've been a knitting fool. I wanted to have 40 hats made for her, but alas, life has gotten in the way and I only made about 23 of them. I might still try to squeak out a few more before the fair, which is April 10th, but this is the main batch that Bekah will take down for me when she visits Sharon next week. It's been fun coming up with different ideas, or finding fun patterns to make.

Sideways pictures... grrr!

My only last question is I have those little labels that I posted about a few months back:

http://allaboutshavonne.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-new-labels.html

I don't know if I should tack them on, and if I should make them visible, or put on the inside. Or, if I should just have them tied on with a ribbon so they can be easily removed. What do you think?

Week one is finished...

2010-03-17T17:00:00.001-07:00

I guess I couldn've waited till Monday to start my running program, and made it easier to figure the days, but I figured it was best to get started while I had the motivation. So, that brings us to the final day of week one. Today I walked 6 minutes, then for the next 12 mintues I alternated 2 minutes of running with 2 mintues of walking, then walk 2 minutes. I was actually suprised how quickly the two minutes of running went by... but it certainly helps when you go with a friend who distracts you with conversation. My friend, and co-worker, Erika meets with me three times a week and we workout together. Admittedly our workouts aren't that heavy as we spend most of the time chatting as we are on the ellipticals, or treadmill but it does get us to the gym.
Anyway, One week down and 5 more to go till I am a runner...

Rest Day, Day 4, and Day 5

2010-03-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

Been a few days, but I have still been going at it. Sunday's are my rest day, then yesterday I did a weight training workout:
Dumbell chest press
dumbell flys
modified pull-ups (c'mon, like I can do real ones!)
bentover rows
plank on bosu ball
squats on bosu ball
mountain climbers
dead lifts on bosu ball with a barbell

Then today I did:
Walk 8 minutes,
Next 10 minutes alternate running 1 minute and walking 1 minute,
Walk 2 minutes, stretch.
I almost didn't go today, I was dragging my feet after I got up. I hung out with Derek, and by then it was 4:30 and I have to leave at 6:30 for work. I usually reserve the 3-4 hour for working out on my work days, and when that passed I started with the excuses... Don't have time, don't want to, I'll just do some squats and sit-ups here... BUT I'm trying to follow the program to a T, so I finally got my shoes on and left. Anyway, glad I did. Aren't we always glad we do? If only you can bottle up the "Done" feeling and take it before we go, is sure would make working out a whole lot easier.
As an aside, it is a GORGEOUS day today!

Day Three

2010-03-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, for today my little chart said to:
Walk for 10 mintues, Next 8 min alternate running 1 minute and walking 1 minute. Walk 2 minutes, stretch.

I did this (whoa, 4 minutes of running!) then a weight routine for another 20 minutes. It was a good workout. By the end of 6 weeks I'm suppose to be able to run for 30 minutes straight... Hmm, we'll see! Thanks for everyone's support!

Day two

2010-03-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

Well, on Day two of the running program it says "strenth training". I have a full day today, so I just finished a Pilates video here at home. If I have time tonight, I want to get to the gym to do a real strength training workout, but it's probly not going to happen. Derek's brother returned home from his mission last night, and this weekend is pretty full of things with the Wood family. As for today, I am going to a felt party at Bek-Bek-Bekah's (my sister) then the rest of the day is devoted to the Wood's: We're going to the Temple, then Devon will be released from being a missionary, (Go to mormon.org if you have any questions) then a family dinner. Should be a good day.

Runner's... High?

2010-03-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

To me, the runner's high is kind of out there, like Big Foot, or the Loch Ness Monster. Not something I've ever experienced, and hard for me to imagine. I think only marathon runners get it, after they've run for like 5 hours... then I think it's really delirium.
I've often wished i was a runner. It seems like an easy, and effective way to exercise. By easy, I mean convenient, cheap, and available. But I've never gotten very far in my quest to be a runner. Anyway, once again I decided to give it a go. And I've decided to blog about it in hopes it will keep me accountable. For the last two months I've been working out 6/7 days (Sundays off) but not much has happened in the body department (partly because I'm inconsistent in my workouts, and partly because of what I eat...) so in the constant effort to look better, I found this training schedule:
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/run-walk-program
It's a running program for beginners that seemed doable. It starts out nice and slow.
For Day 1 (today):
One Walk 10 minutes. Next 6 minutes alternate running 1 minute and walking 1 minute. Walk 4 minutes. Stretch.

Alright, so I've got day one down. I'd appreciate any kind of comments and support to keep me on. If all goes well... in 6 weeks I'll be a runner!

Our "Kids"

2010-02-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, here are some pictures of our most recent kitten: Snoball. She is a very loving, and dependent little thing. She would sit in your lap all day long if you would let her. And although this is nice when you're sitting there, when you're just sitting for a second and she jumps on your lap its a little bit of a nuisance. She is also VERY vocal! She meows loudly (must be the part Siamese in her). She meows when you're petting here, she meows when you stop, she meows when she's playing with Mitch... You get it. And, once they got used to each other, they are now BFF's.
Keeping my vest warm for me... Caught You!

Here you can see a little more why we called her Snoball. She's like dirty and clean snow all mixed up together. And you can't see it, but she has very light blue eyes.

Being a princess. BTW this is the pillow my little friend Mary made for me. We have the same birthday and we always give gifts to each other. She is mentally disabled, and gives the best gifts. This one she embroidered everything on the pillow, and I know she worked hard on it.

Don't worry... he was being supervised while playing with this bag. I love this picture of Mitch.

My new labels!

2010-01-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

Again, don't know why it came out sidways, but here are my new labels for my knitted items I just got. I was wanting something to label them, and in case someone wanted to contact me after seeing one of my knits the information would be there. I ordred it off Etsy from "Remember Wynn" and I LOVE them!!! They were very affordable, and you can personalize them by color, font, size, shape, etc. I am super excited to use them and recommend Remember Wynn, she had great customer service.
www.rememberwynn.artfire.com

Vote for Ian!

2010-01-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor/casting_call/video_player.php?vid=2604

This is my brother Ian's Survivor submission video, and it is AWESOME!!! I totally think he should be chosen, and not just becuase he's my brother. Watch the video, tell me what you think-- it is HIL - arious!!!

Go Bud!

I'm posting... Shocker!!

2010-01-21T01:19:00.001-08:00

Ok, I know it's been forever since I've posted but here are a few projects I've done. And I want to apologize for the sideways pictures... don't know why they uploaded that way.
The first is a scarf that I did. I wish it had been just a bit wider, but I still like how it turned out. It was a pretty easy pattern. I used two yarns, a big chunky yarn, and a small golden one to give it a little sparkle, thought I don't think it shows up in the picture. The pattern can be found here: http://stitchdcblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/cabled-scarf.html

It's late, otherwise I would've gotten Derek to take a picture of me wearing it. Instead you get it modeled by the computer chair.

The next project was a commission. My sister's, step-Mother-in-law's, Daughter's theme is sock monkey's for her daughter (get that?). She saw my sister Sharon ( sharon-c-thats-me. blogspot.com ) knitting a sock monkey hat which I had made for her daughter Jayne and wanted one for her daughter, but Sharon referred her to me. I got the pattern at Knitty.com. This time I made it in the original colors, but I've made them before in pink or blue depending on the gender of the baby. Anyway, if you are interested let me know and I'll make you one too. I charged her $28.

I had some extra yarn leftover so I made a second one, but smaller. More a newborn thru 1 year.

I've been really into knitting lately, so I'll try to keep up with the posting :)

The Epilogue

2009-12-13T12:28:00.000-08:00

The perfect thank you to a hand-crafted gift is to see it in use... in whatever fashion!

Muggle Quidditch

2009-12-06T23:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, I just had to do a posting about this. It's a longish article, but for those Harry Potter fans out there... you won't want to miss this! Can you honestly say you aren't a little curious to watch a game?

http://www.inlander.com/content/arts_culture_friends_and_family_muggle_quidditch_tournament_comstock_park

My Commission...

2009-11-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

I went and visited my sister, Shaina the first part of October and while I was there she gave me a challenge... more like a knitting plea. You see, when she got married she recieved from our boss of the Roxy (best place to work ever, a small town movie theater...) two hand knitted Christmas stockings, personalized with her and Heath's names on them. Gladys was the name of our boss from the Roxy, and many of us Weber's worked there, but Shaina was the first, and always was the favorite of Gladys. With each child that joined their family, another stocking was sent to them, with the name at the top from Gladys. She had a friend that made them for her, to give to Shaina. Well, Shaina has 6 stockings, all matching and personalized for each member of the family.... then she became pregnant with little Kimble. Here is where the trouble starts. That sweet little old lady that knitted all her stockings had passed away, and now Shaina will be without a special stocking for Kimble.

Enter Shavonne, a sister that knits. Shaina asked me if I could make an identicle stocking for Kimble, but the problem was there was no pattern! I made no promises, because I knew it had to be just right. We called our friend Gladys to see if she could ask the daughter of the lady that made them if there was a pattern she used. In the meantime, I studyied her stocking she let me bring home with me. I counted stitches and rows, and copied the reindeer picture and made a prototype pattern. I got started on it, feeling pretty confident that I had figured it out. I had to go to three different stores to find the right shade of green and brown, which I couldn't find the exact color, but it was very close. When i was about halfway done with the stocking I recieved a letter in the mail from Gladys. She had gotten a copy of the lady's pattern and sent it to me. I was pretty cose in my calculations, and I was pretty excited about that.

Anyway, I finished it, blocked it, seamed it up together. I was thinking it looked pretty darn good, until I laid Shaina's next to it... It's Ginormous compared to hers! I think it was the yarn choice because I couldn't get the exact kind because I was pretty much right on in terms of the stitches and rows.

So, anyway, even though its a bigger stocking than all the rest, I don't think anyone will begrudge him that. Afterall he is a special boy with a special heart.

Now, I don't think I'm all that with knitting. I still have alot to learn and do, but I do have to admit that I am pretty proud of myself in mostly figuring out this pattern...

Blocking, and setting the picture and before I seamed up the side. I will admit that knitting the reindeer was the most tedious kntting I may ever have done. I had about 5 strands of the different colors hanging down, and trying to keep them from getting tangled was very annoying. I was very glad to finish with it. It was a quick knit before and after that part.

All alone it looks good...

Next to the others it looks so big! Haha, oh well. Merry Christmas to you Shaina (and Kimble)!

Random Pictures of Mitch

2009-11-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I'm one of those people that post pictures of their pet, but really, he is pretty cute! Here are a few random pictures of our cat, Mitch. He loves bags of any kind... I think its the noise they make. Don't even think you will be able to put a gift bag together, or something into a grocery bag without him jumping in. It's funny or annoying, depending on if I'm in a hurry or not. If you are doing anything (like trying to layout fabric to sew, knit, fold laundry, grab socks off the floor... etc) he thinks you're trying to play with him and will try to attack it. Again, it is either funny or annoying.

AND if you're on the computer it is a constant battle to shew him off the desk, or away from the monitor. I liked the picture above where he climbed up Derek's back, up on top of his head!

(No kittens were suffocated while playing with a plastic shopping bag...)

Another funny thing about Mitch is that he will play fetch. He will bring a toy mouse up on the couch where I'm sitting, and then I'll throw it, and he will run after it and grab it with his mouth. then come running back to me and I'll throw it again. This will go on 6-7 times until he tires (yay) and then falls asleep. We're trying to train him to fetch the remote, or our slippers, but no luck so far.

A new purse

2009-11-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday I spent the afternoon making a purse with my Mother-In-Law, Cheryl. I was blessed to marry into a great family, and we like to do crafts together. We made a new scripture case/bag but I like it so much, I may use it for my everyday purse!

Mitch has a strange fascination with bags of every kind. If there is any bag around he has to be in it. I'll show more pictures of that later. I was just picking up my bag so Derek could take a picture, and Mitch jumped in. Well, he's going to show off the inside, I guess. You can't see as well (with a cat in the way) but there are alot of pockets, which I love.

I love the button on it. I found one that matched just perfectly in my button stash. Also, you can't tell, but I quilted the bottom. I'm not very practiced in that, but thought I did a fairly good job! I really like how my bag turned out.

New Widget

2009-10-27T22:58:00.001-07:00

When I started my blog I put in a widget listing books as I've read them. I like to reread books, so it was something to remind me of those books I've really liked, but sadly it was erased one time when I was changing my background. I kept meaning to start it again, so now I am. Hopefully it will be a place that you can reference if you're looking for a new book to read. Hope you enjoy it :)

It's Done!

2009-10-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

All right everyone, here is the finished product for my sister's recipe book to help support 'Baby K' (We don't know his name yet...) Here is the link to my sister Shaina's blog,
http://just-because-i-am-me.blogspot.com/
and here is a copy of her post introducing her book. I'm so excited to buy a copy, she is an amazing cook! I know you will very much enjoy it. Thank you everyone for your support!

"My Recipe Book!!
I just finished my recipe book today!! I sent it through to Blurb and ordered a few copies for myself. So as of today, my book is now for sale! The book is about 8x8 square, and is a soft cover. It has all of the recipes that are posted on my sidebar, plus many others. The book has 98 pages and almost 100 recipes. It includes many color pictures, but not every recipe has a picture. I tried to include as many recipes as possible, without having the book get too expensive.The book is available through BLURB and here is a direct link to the book! The book is priced at $25.95.
(If anyone knows how to make a button that would use the above picture as a link either to my blog, or to blurb, could you let me know!! I'd love to be able to advertise this as much as possible.)
Also, if you click on the blurb link on the right-hand column of my blog, it will direct you to the blurb site to buy the book.
Also, I'm looking for some short testimonials, for those of you who have tried my recipes. When I get the button link set up, I'll make a more detailed post about the recipe book, the recipes contained in it, as well as comments from you, so more people will buy the book. If you are interested in helping me with this, email me your comments at kamyrensmiles@hotmail.com
Thank you so much!! "

Help for Baby K

2009-10-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

My sister is going to have a baby and he is going to be a very special baby. He has a congenital heart defect, in that the right chamber of his heart did not grow, and recently they learned that he also has a cleft lip. Obviously he is going to need alot of surgeries and special care. He is their 5th baby, and already very much loved. His birthday is planned for Nov 4th.
If any of you know my sister, or ever been to her blog, she has posted alot of recipes and all of them yummy. I have never had a bad outcome from her recipes. Sooo, she is making a recipe book that will be out soon, to benefit and raise money for her special Baby K. Please see the follwing link to familiarize yourself with her book, and stay to enjoy her blog. She is very amusing and crafty. Please think about purchasing this recipe book when it comes available as it will go to a very special cause! Thank you!!!

http://just-because-i-am-me.blogspot.com/2009/10/80-recipes-and-counting.html

Feast or Famine

2009-09-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it feels like I've read all the good books out there already, and I can't find anything to read. Then, other times, I've got stacks of books that have been recommended to me by family, friends at work, and friends out of work. I'm in the land of plenty, at the moment.

Plus, I've got a few more titles of things to read after I go through this stack. I'm loving it!

In case any of you were wondering, "The Year of Flowers" project is still in full force. Derek has not let me go longer than a week without flowers. This is the latest bouquet. As you can tell he's trying very hard to not do the same flowers : ) Aren't the little pumkins and peppers so cute?

Mutton Bustin'

2009-09-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Derek and I went to the Spokane County Fair yesterday. We had a good time looking at all the fruit, grain, veggie, animal, and even the craft entries on display. My favorite parts are the quilt and handiwork items, the photography, and the animals. It's also fun to see the giant pumpkins and try to guess their weight. It was still early in the fair, so not all the animals had been submitted, but this this year came early enought that we got to see everything, including the horses. I think they are such beautiful animals! One of the horses was so giant, his back was taller than Derek's almost 6'0" height, let alone what his head was up to! He was the top winner.
Well, one of the activites that we saw for the first time this year was the "Mutton Bustin". Maybe all of you have already seen this, and its no big deal to you, but I thought it was the cutest/funniest thing! You have these little kids (complete with PPE-Personal Protective Equipment) that are hanging on for dear life on top of a sheep as it runs out of the pen, and the goal is to hang on the longest. The winner of the overall Fair time got $5,000 in a savings bond!

Here is a picture of it what it's suppose to look like.

Below is a video we took, I hope you can watch it. This first video is a 3 year old.

This little Cowgirl lasted 8 seconds, the record for this session. It was so fun seeing these little kids clinging on a running sheep!

Case Closed.

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

Well, I thought I'd put up some projects that I have finished over the last year in case anyone was interested. I think I'm always suprised by how well my knitting projects turn out. I taught myself to knit, and to read patterns, so it's still kind of amazing to me when they actually turn out, and that I do it right. I think its something I need to develope more, but I'm not good with follow-up. I start alot of crafts but then get a new project, and get distracted by that (I know you all know what I'm talking about!)
So, to try to prevent that I like to do alot of small things. I've been told I do alot of baby things and there are three reasons for that: 1. They are small and quick projects, thus more likely that I'll finish them. 2. I hope that someday I will actually be able to have children... and so I like making stuff for them, and there are alot of cute baby/children things out there. And 3. I know alot of people that are pregnant/having children so it makes for good gifts!
Ok, so on to the things I've completed.
The first few pictures show things I've done with a certain kind of yarn, which I LOVE!!! I love the colors, I love the way it knits up. If I had a group of colors that identify me, these are probably them. They are the colors I wear most often, the earthy colors. The only bad things is that I think this yarn is discontinued, so it is getting harder to find... : (

Some mittens for my sister Nancy, last year for Christmas

This is the yarn: Zitron Ecco Aquarell Yarn color 204. This is an awful picture of it, it so doesn't do it justice, but I wanted to show the a project I still need to finish. It's called the Dream Swatch Head wrap and all you have to do is google it and the pattern will come up.

Just a cute hat, again sadly the colors aren't as brilliant as in real life. From this website that has a pdf for about 10 very cute hatshttp://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://static.flickr.com/3236/3146352181_5b0b557afd_d.jpg&imgrefurl=http://bloggybabybumpers.blogspot.com/2009/01/buzzbee-hat.html&usg=__J6NyFkh-a-t1PtJhicWUKkmj2YE=&h=375&w=500&sz=122&hl=en&start=13&um=1&tbnid=tcjjn47Bq8lyXM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwooly%2Bwormhead%2Bbaby%2Bhats%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26rlz%3D1T4GGLL_enUS343US344%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

This one is called Sweet Baby cap: http://grosblog.wordpress.com/2007/05/16/sweet-baby-cap/

And here is the Babbette blanket I started on "Our Grand Adventure" if you remember my endeavor. I decided a baby blanket was just fine with me, instead of the full size (See, I've gotten smarter. For now, the little projects are what works for me. I don't have alot of time with work, and my church calling with the Youth). I loved how it turned out and the colors!

And lastly, here is a "Green Living tote" from Lion Brand Yarn (free pattern, you just have to sign up) that I made for Sharon for her birthday.

So, there ya go, and if you have any questions about the things I've made, just let me know!

A Cameo Appearance...

2009-09-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

I have always like cameo pins and old fashioned brooches. It started with the mother-of-pearl star shaped brooch that was my Great-Grandmothers, below. She died when I was 6, or 7 and all the grandchildren got to pick out something of hers, and this is what I chose. I don't wear it very often, I don't really know how to wear brooches, but it has always been special to me because of who's it was. Then I got a velvet-band choker necklace with the cameo pendant that is the bottom middle on it from my parents, when I was about 14 (and that type of necklace was in style). Those types of jewelry has always interested me, and it is just recently that I've decided I want to start collecting them. I love all the different forms and styles of the cameo design, all the different beautiful silhouettes there are. I also like the idea and style of brooches. Now it seems that the term "Vintage" is casually thrown around, and instantly adds to the price of any item, like those found on ebay, but it is just that Vintage look that I love. I don't like the cheap and flashy costume pins and brooches. Anyway, I've been thinking alot about cameos and brooches since I went to that cheater/joke of a jewelry shop that shrunk my ring (I think most of you are familiar with that irritating situation...) and saw some beautiful things from estate sales that I'd love to add to my collection, but they way overpriced them. Now I'm planning on keeping my eyes open, and attend more estate sales and pawn shops. Some people collect beanie babies, some collect pez dispensers or cuckoo clocks... I collect cameo and brooch/pins. I also collect interesting wedding cake toppers... Hmm maybe another post if people are interested?

The top two are recent acquisitions from ebay. they are pretty silhouettes, but made out of cheap material... then the middle is a pretty pin my sister Sharon gave me (where did you get that and what made you decide to give it to me? I don't think you knew how much I liked it). Then, the lower right cameo is something I found at an estate sale, and is probably my favorite next to my grandma's pin. I am so glad I went back for it; whenever I watch The Antique Roadshow I always want to ask them about this pin/pendant.

Introducing... the newest member of our family:

2009-09-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

Well, finally I have gotten a cat! We always had at least one cat around growing up, my mom loves cats. Now all of us kids are very partial to cats too, except maybe Sharon who's allergic to them. A home isn't quite complete without a cat around. I have been wanting to get one since we moved into these apartments and they said we could have a cat, but we had to pay a pet fee. I finally decided that it was worth it. I looked in the ads and found a tabby kitten up for grabs! He is just about 8 weeks old and very playful. He is still getting use to us, but is warming up and very cute. I love the little kitten pounces and hopping around they do! I didnt' realize how much I missed a little feline friend. Anyway we named him Mitch, and right now he is cuddled up in Derek's lap taking a nap (I foresee that he soon will be Derek's little cat...)

I think he's a cute little thing, and the best looking of his litter! Now you can prepare yourself to see pictutes of him occasionally to supplament my posting subjects... hope you don't mind!

This picture is from when we were at Pig Out in the Park for labor day weekend (just like it sounds, food booths everywhere) and a couple was getting married on the stage! I thought it was cute, but very strange to get married in front of thousands of strangers eating ribs, cheesecake, hot dos, etc. I guess you certainly have the witnesses covered! I don't know if you can see it but she is wearing a white top hat. Anyway, congratulations to the happy couple!

Another Funnie...

2009-08-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

In high school I had this Biology teacher who was weird, quirky, creative, strange, and funny. He was one of my favorite teachers, and he deserves a post all his own (maybe Shaina or Kim could more fully describe him...) His name was Dr Wendle. This is one random (there were many random stories and things he would do!) letter he read to us one time, and I made a copy because I thought it so funny. Here it is for your enjoyment...

A Letter from the Smithsonian

The story behind the letter below is that there is this nutball in Newport, RI, named Scott Williams who digs things out of his backyard and sends the stuff he finds to the Smithsonian Institute, labeling them with scientific names, insisting that they are actual archaeological finds. This guy really exists and does this in his spare time!
Anyway... here's the actual response from Smithsonian Institute. Bear this in mind next time you think you are challenged in your duty to respond to a difficult situation in writing.

Smithsonian Institute
207 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20078
Dear Mr. Williams:
Thank you for your latest submission to the Institute, labeled "93211-D,
layer seven, next to the clothesline post... Hominid skull." We have
given this specimen a careful and detailed examination, and regret to inform
you that we disagree with your theory that it represents conclusive proof
of the presence of Early Man in Charleston County two million years ago.
Rather, it appears that what you have found is the head of a Barbie doll, of
the variety that one of our staff, who has small children, believes to be
"Malibu Barbie." It is evident that you have given a great deal of thought
to the analysis of this specimen, and you may be quite certain that those of
us who are familiar with your prior work in the field were loathe to come to
contradiction with your findings. However, we do feel that there are a
number of physical attributes of the specimen which might have tipped you
off to its modern origin:
1. The material is molded plastic. Ancient hominid remains are
typically fossilized bone.
2. The cranial capacity of the specimen is approximately 9 cubic
centimeters, well below the threshold of even the earliest identified
proto-homonids.
3. The dentition pattern evident on the skull is more consistent
with the common domesticated dog than it is with the ravenous man-eating
Pliocene clams you speculate roamed the wetlands during that time.
This latter finding is certainly one of the most intriguing hypotheses
you have submitted in your history with this institution, but the evidence
seems to weigh rather heavily against it. Without going into too much
detail, let us say that:
A. The specimen looks like the head of a Barbie doll that a dog has
chewed on.
B. Clams don't have teeth.
It is with feelings tinged with melancholy that we must deny your request to
have the specimen carbon-dated. This is partially due to the heavy load our
lab must bear in its normal operation, and partly due to carbon-dating's
notorious inaccuracy in fossils of recent geologic record. To the best of our
knowledge, no Barbie dolls were produced prior to 1956 AD, and carbon-dating
is likely to produce wildly inaccurate results.
Sadly, we must also deny your request that we approach the National Science
Foundation Phylogeny Department with the concept of assigning your specimen
the scientific name Australopithecus spiff-arino. Speaking personally, I, for
one, fought tenaciously for the acceptance of your proposed taxonomy, but was
ultimately voted down because the species name you selected was hyphenated,
and didn't really sound like it might be Latin.
However, we gladly accept your generous donation of this this fascinating
specimen to the museum. While it is undoubtedly not a Hominid fossil, it is,
nonetheless, yet another riveting example of the great body of work you seem
to accumulate here so effortlessly. You should know that our Director has
reserved a special shelf in his own office for the display of the specimens
you have previously submitted to the Institution, and the entire staff
speculates daily on what you will happen upon next in your digs at the site
you have discovered in your Newport back yard.
We eagerly anticipate your trip to our nation's capital that you proposed in
your last letter, and several of us are pressing the Director to pay for it.
We are particularly interested in hearing you expand on your theories
surrounding the trans-positating fillifitation of ferrous ions in a
structural matrix that makes the excellent juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex
femur you recently discovered take on the deceptive appearance of a rusty
9-mm Sears Craftsman automotive crescent wrench.
Yours in Science,
Harvey Rowe
Chief Curator-Antiquities

Is Hell exothermic or endothermic?

2009-08-28T00:27:00.000-07:00

I was going through some of my papers tonight since I got a LC (Low Census: if we dont' have the enough patients then they call off some of the nurses, and we all take turns). I usually tear out the pages that interest me in the magazines I subscribe too so I only have a few pages, vs a full magazine. You can imagine how quickly it would take up space if I kept all the magazines over the years I subscribed too. Well, its a good idea, but after a while the loose pages of magazines then start to cause a problem. What do I do with all them? If anyone has an idea let me know...
Anyway one of the sections I have in my papers collections is of random funny stuff. I thought I'd share some of them with you over the next few days, and then I don't have to have those papers anymore. I will then have it in the blog book I'll do eventually! here's the first one:

Is Hell Exothermic or Endothermic?
As you study for exams, remember its not the quantity it's the quantity. And remember there is no substitute for pure unadulterated bull
Dr. Schambaugh, of the University of Oklahoma School of Chemical Engineering, Final Exam question for May of 1997. Dr. Schambaugh is known for asking questions such as, "why do airplanes fly?" on his final exams. His one and only final exam question in May 1997 for his Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer II class was: "Is hell exothermic or endothermic? Support your answer with proof."
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law or some variant. One student, however, wrote the following:
"First, We postulate that if souls exist, then they must have some mass. If they do, then a mole of souls can also have a mass. So, at what rate are souls moving into hell and at what rate are souls leaving? I think we can safely assume that once a soul gets to hell, it will not leave.
Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for souls entering hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Some of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, then you will go to hell. Since there are more than one of these religions and people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all people and souls go to hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in hell to increase exponentially.
Now, we look at the rate of change in volume in hell. Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in hell to stay the same, the ratio of the mass of souls and volume needs to stay constant. Two options exist:
If hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter hell, then the temperature and pressure in hell will increase until all hell breaks loose.
If hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until hell freezes over.
So which is it? If we accept the quote given to me by Theresa Manyan during Freshman year, "that it will be a cold night in hell before I sleep with you" and take into account the fact that I still have NOT succeeded in having sexual relations with her, then Option 2 cannot be true...Thus, hell is exothermic."
The student, Tim Graham, got the only A.

I must be the favorite daughter....

2009-08-27T01:02:00.000-07:00

Ok this post will be "dedicated" to my sisters. They will be very interested in the contents of this box: There were a few items that we all remember playing with as kids. Now that we are older, and having families of our own we want to have the same toys for our kids to play with. The only problem... there are 7 girls, and one set of toys! There was some question as to who had those prototypes, because my mom didn't know where they were. The problem is: were they lost in storage, or where they being hoarded by a sister? Well, the mystery is solved. This last week I asked several of the sisters if they had these particular wooden dolls. All said no, and that they wanted to make them. Today I went to visit my parents and did a little investigating with the help of the youngest sister, Nancy, and... Voila! The "lost" dolls were found!

I nabbed these little beauties so I could take pictures for posterity, and so the other sisters would know how to make them (BTW I found a paper pattern for making them so I'll make some copies for you girls...) I know they will all be so glad they are found again!

See how cute they are? The clothes are made out of felt, and the underwear of the dollies has some velcro to help them stick. We used to have alot of fun with these!

As another little tidbit, I also happen to be in possession of the finger puppets too. These are the original versions our mom made. See Shaina's post here about them: http://just-because-i-am-me.blogspot.com/2008/09/no-worries-puppet.html

Mom gave me both to "take care of" for a bit... Looks like I'm the favorite daughter!

What could be better than S'Mores...?

2009-08-06T00:08:00.000-07:00

How about some S'Mores cookies! I ran across this recipe and immediately decided to make them. They looked so good, and they are just as good in real life! The recipe is a Martha Stewart one, and its easy. Just a tip though, you might want to undercook slightly because when you broil it it makes them a little crunchy. Anyway, enjoy!

S'mores Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 cup whole-wheat flour (spooned and leveled)
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup light-brown sugar
1 large egg
8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, cut into 30 squares
15 large marshmallows, halved horizontally

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, pulse oats until finely ground. Add flours, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; pulse to combine. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, scraping down side of bowl. With mixer on low, beat in flour mixture just until combined.
Drop dough by tablespoons, 1 inch apart, onto two baking sheets. Top each with a chocolate square. Bake just until lightly golden, 11 to 13 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Remove sheets from oven; heat broiler. Top each cookie with a marshmallow. One sheet at a time, broil until marshmallows are lightly browned, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

4 years old, already

2009-07-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post real quick about our anniversary that we'll celebrate next week. Four years ago on July 16, 2005 I married the best man in the world. He has made me so happy, and I love every minute we spend together. We married in the temple so that we can be married not only until death, but after death also. What could be greater than being with your family forever? Anyway, here's to four years and still going strong!

Our engagement picture

I wore my mom's dress, which I thought it was very beautiful. It's something I'll cherish. Sorry I didn't show a better picture of the dress.

I guess this picture shows some of the dress, but I was posted it so one of my co-workers could see how my hair was done, we were having a discussion on it. My sister Courtney did a swirl-frenchbraid. Very painful for my sensitive head but worth the look. Thanks Corks!

Happy Birthday Husband!!!!!

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

Today is Derek's 26th birthday, and so I wanted to post about him. Unfortuantely, we both had to work and because of our upcoming cruise (5 more days!), neither one of us wanted to ask for more vacation days. So we had an abbreviated celebration. Last night we had his birthday dinner, Steak (of course. This man craves steak at least once a week!) and grilled veggies and I made him a cake. It was suppose to be a suprise to have it last night. I made the cake the night before while he was at work, and was working on assembling it after cleaning up after dinner, when he got curious what I was doing and came around the corner of the kitchen while I was lighting the candles still. Oops. Then this morning, I got up early and made breakfast for him, and was going to give it to him in bed, when again he woke up and wondered what I was doing, when I was just about to finish. So much for the suprise!
I started uploading some of his pictures growing up, because as with most of us those pictures are in boxes. I wanted to have a record of those pictures, so his mom was kind enough to lend me whatever I wanted. Well, there is not an easy, or quick process to upload pictures, its actually quite tedious, so I only have done a few so far, and here they are. I think he's a very cute kid, and makes an even cuter man (that's right, I said CUTE!)

he's playing with star wars figurines... the Leah one looks like a colored Oscar at first!

Such a cute picture- the balls bigger than he is!

He's the one in front

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, on his shirt and cake... think he liked them?

Yesterday. I didn't have enough candles, so it is the outline of 26. Happy Birthday, Babe, I love you!

A Word of Explanation...

2009-06-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

For those that might not have read the last post, or understood, my little sister Sharon had uploaded some pictures and typed for me, as I was busy rocking it out on Guitar Hero, but wanted a quick post. She was so kind to do it for me, and took some creative license with it... I seem to have acquired a picture of her daughter on my blog sidebar... and that is not the action shot of Kick-Ball I would've chosen. I would've gotten one a bit more flattering, and graceful looking. But, I am grateful for her to do that for me, and I had a wonderful time on our reunion. I will post more about it, and try to do it soon...

Weber Family Reunion

2009-06-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time of year again friends... "What time is it? Family reunion time!" Derek and I have been in Utah since Thursday, we left from Spokane at 2:00am to get there, what a drive! We set up our tent in the backyard of my brother's house, and got ready for an awesome weekend. We went up to "the canyon," and it was so pretty, I can't even describe it, I also got a little burned... but totally worth it. Then on Saturday we had a chance to go to the temple together, take a swim, and have a talent show! (I made up a pretty good stage crew, I was in charge of bubbles, and made a special appearance with my sister Rebekah in her talent) Then today we took some family pictures, went to church, made dinner, had a gift exchange (I won the bag I wanted), had a great family discussion, and played some guitar hero, I ROCK! But the best thing about the whole weekend was seeing my little sister Sharon, she's awesome! (Kidding, Sharon is actually typing this... with little to no supervision from Shavonne) anyways, enjoy the pictures, and I make a vow to update more often, maybe after our cruise, or the summer, or Christmas... for reals!

an action shot (I was playing kickball)

Going to the temple

The whole family, minus a brother and family

Giving Derek "the look"

My sweet husband and me!

Those shorts are so cute!

2009-06-16T17:45:00.001-07:00

Never say that to your husband... about his shorts! Derek got some new shorts yesterday at American Eagle, and when he showed them to me, I blurted out, "Those are really cute!" Not a macho thing to say, so he threatened to return them, as he wasn't into cute man stuff. I immedately ammended my compliment, and told him how manly they were, and I may have said Dude. Anyway, be sure to keep your head enough not to say to a guy that anything about him is Cute.

Seattle, May '09

2009-06-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ok, here are some pictures from our last Seattle trip. Since we have been there often, we had a relaxing, do whatever kind of trip. It was a GORGEOUS weekend. We spent some time window shopping at all the stores, seeing the sights, and eating... and eating some more... It's a good think we walked everywhere, as we had major calories to burn.

The next few pictures are of the downtown Seattle Library. I know, its wierd to go sightseeing to a library but it was on the list of top things to do in Seattle, so we were curious. And were impressed! This building looks like it was created by 5 different architects with wildly differents tastes, and stuck on top of each other. Each floor was unique, and it was like walking in an M.C. Escher picture because the floors were staggered.

This level, I'm not sure what the point was, other than for asthetic appeal, because I didn't see any books. I felt like I was in a blood vessel!

Looking down to the main lobby area.

There was a bright green/yellow escalator that went up straight about 6 stories tall and on either side were the levels full of books. This is were it was staggered like a split level home. The right side would be higher than the left side. Weird.

this would be a great reading area.

Looking down from the top story.

This was at H&M store. Purple cut-off sweat pants, Orange hoodie, plaid shirt and converse? I guess I"m not hip enough in fashion to think this looks good.

We ate at Ivar's, on the Pier, and of course got Clam Chowder. Such a beautiful day!

At Pike's place... How do they do that?!

This was an awesome place to eat, they had amazing little cheesecakes. I got a PB chocolate one, that was sooo good, and Derek got the Classic NY cheesecake. Yum!

Of course, we had to get flowers at Pikes.

At our hotel, Derek spent like 15 minutes in the bathroom taking pictures... this is what he was doing. He was getting his pupils to look square. We have like 10 different pictures in varying degrees of closeness of the square pupils. It makes me think the book, The Host by Stephenie Myer

Catch up

2009-06-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures I've been meaning to post, so I'll just try to catch up the last couple months. They uploaded in reverse order, and I didnt' feel like moving them all, so just skip to the bottom and work your way up...

Yay for parades and family!

I'm thinking Arby's! Can you see it?

I liked this car. You couldn't get away with this flamboyancy in real life!

My brother Ian is an awesome DJ, and this is his call name, or business name: DJ iWeb.

this is one of my favorite pictures, an action picture of Baili playing Hopscotch. Ah, a return to the old school games, and not needing an video game to entertain ourselves!

On thing, I love about parades is the sense of community, and how its like the rest of the world stops. I love being able to walk and play on the streets. It's like having the rules lift for a time, like you're doing something wrong, but not really.

Kristen with her butterfly. I think she got tired of pictures, because she started hiding her face from the camera.

The girls went and saw their dad, who had a face painter. Baili posed so well, I love the pictures of her with her face painted. You can see the button the "Princesses" gave her.

Ian, Kristen, and his fantastic girlfriend, Brianne. She's a sweetheart

We saw some princesses from Davenport, and the Girls went crazy of them! It was so cute, Kristen kept wanting to touch their dresses. they were sweet enough to take pictures with them, and they gave them a button with their pictures on it.

Speaking of Lilacs, the rest of the pictures are from when Rebekah, Nancy, Ian, his girlfriend Brianne, and Rebekah's two girls and I all went to the Lilac parade. It was alot of fun, and great to be with my family. Of course, whenever I can get someone to go with me, I try to go Letterboxing, and there were two at Riverfront park. So we took the girl's "Treasure Hunting". Here's Baili pulling out a box we found.

I love the Lilac bushes as they start blooming. they are so pretty, and smell so good.

The flowers are called Pocketbook Flowers. don't they just look like a cute purse?

Last month, in May we took some pictures of the blooming flowers at Manito park. Here are some of them.

On an overlook about to leave the park. We stopped here to find a Letterbox. YOu can see some of rock formations of GOG, and in the back is Pike's Peak.

It made me want to go rock climbing, which I"ve never done.

This is from the Girl's weekend we had in April (see, I"m way behind!) where most of the girls in my family came together, plus Bethany, our good friend. Shaina has already done a good job at posting what went on that weekend, so I'll let you go here to get the full info: http://just-because-i-am-me.blogspot.com/2009/04/weekend-pictures.html We are hiking in The Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, CO. It was a beautiful park, and I'm glad we got to go. Sharon (& Jayners) and I stayed a few days extra, with Shaina's family.

We're being invaded by Aliens!!!

2009-05-31T17:41:00.001-07:00

You know how its fun to find shapes in the clouds? This is what I saw as we were driving the final few blocks home from our Seattle Trip (which I'll try to post about soon). I"m glad we had our camera, because I thought this was a great picture to get.

What looks like the eyes, and mouth are just smaller clouds, in a lower layer. I'm not a meterologist, so I don't know their names. Anyway, Beware... the Aliens are watching us!!!!

Ask me again at the end of the summer...

2009-05-27T03:44:00.000-07:00

The Travel-Bug has striked again. Derek and I get an itch to go traveling every few months, whether its a big trip, or a weekend getaway. Maybe its because we rarely have the same day off, and never more than one day. And our schedules are so opposite I work nights, he works evenings. The only way we have a few days off together, is because we've schedule that time off. Well, we haven't done anything since last fall when we went on our roadtrip, but over the next month and a half we're making up for it...

This weekend we're going to Seattle for a few days. We always enjoy going there, and one of the fun things we're doing is going on a self-guided "Food Tour". We had talked about joining an official one, but they had places we wouldn't eat at, such as coffee spots, and wine tasting. So we decided we'd compile our own (with ideas unknowingly supplied by their website). What's not to like about going around Pike's Place Market and sampling great eats? Other than that we're going around and hitting our favorite spots. I'll try to take lots of pictures.

Then the end of June we're headed down to Utah for a Weber Family Reunion over the weekend. This is the first year in who knows how long that all the siblings, and spouses (and kids) will be there. It will be a complete reunion complete with our parents, 10 kids and 8 spouses, 1 girlfriend, and 24.5 grandkids (Shaina's bun in the oven...) It will be totally chaotic but lots of fun.

Then, last of all Derek and I decided to go on another Cruise to celebrate our 4th Anniversary. We're going on the Carnival Cruise line, to the Bahamas and Key West. It's going to be so much fun, I've been wanting to go again since our first one. We're definately going to become those people that have been on like 20 cruises by the time we're in our 50's. I keep imaging how it will feel to be back on a Caribbean beach with Derek, soaking up the sun. As you can see I tried to put up a widget, but it was meant for myspace. Even though its just half a widget i liked it better than the plain clock blogger ones I've seen.

Anyway, its going to be a super busy next couple months, with work, YW, Trips, (and working out to look decent in a bathing suit!) but it's all going to be so much fun!!! Woot, Woot!

Can you Top that!

2009-05-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

Just a funny picture I found the other day. There was a time when my brother, Ian wore big furry hats, and we all borrowed them, so the next Christmas I remember getting one from mom. Here are all the girls, but Kim. Obviously we scrambled to find enough hats, as my mom is wearing a scarf quickly wrapped around her head. I love my family!!

My how she's grown!

2009-05-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through some pictures that my sister Shaina had uploaded from my mom's picture horde. We used to not be able to touch the chest that had all of our pictures in it, as my mom didnt' want them lost, or taken, or put out of order. Well, since it was off limits, browsing through the pictures when mom wasn't looking became the thing to do. Especially looking for pictures you were in. One thing my mom had done was a school picture of all the kids each year. I'm sure it was quite a cost to get yearly pictures, for 10 kids, but I'm so glad she did because it is alot of fun to look at yourself and siblings through the years. We went even before we were in school. My sister spent the time uploading alot of pictures so they could be preserved, and a few Christmas' ago she gave us all a power point presentation of old family pictures, and the rest on a disc. It's been really great to have. I hope we can get the rest onto disc format so they can be preserved. Anyway, here are my school pictures, though I think there might be a year or two missing. Hope you enjoy the seeing the process of me growing up (please excuse the awkward years.... we all go through them!)

My Senior picture... taken by my dad: Simply Photography

Another picture taken by my dad, as part of his photography business, in Manito Park. This was done instead of at school.

I don't think I knew it was school pictures day in this one.

Love the side bangs...

I hadn't grown into my front teeth yet...

Snaggle tooth :)

Oh man, I think this picture is so typical for an 80's picture: The experimentation with the double image, and of course, bangs that never stop.

I think this might be my favorite.

The original coloring was awful in this picture. It looked like the picture was dropped in carrot juice. Or that my blanket, and I were both extremely jaundiced. It is so much better in black & white. I must have been stressed in this picture. I'm so glad for the advancements of picture clarity!

Shavonne Wood... or Molly Ringwald?

2009-05-12T02:07:00.000-07:00

My sister Kim used to tell me all the time growing up that I looked like Molly Ringwald. Often I would get that from other people too. I think she's a beautiful actess, and especially love her in Sixteen candles, so I always liked it when people said that. But, its been awhile since someone has likened me to her... until just last week. A patient I had told me that I reminded her of Molly Ringwald, but the funny thing was that she was like 20. Not the age I would've expected to be knowledgeable about her. But now that I'm typing this I'm wondering if it was the older version she is talking about...hmm, I hope not!

A funny memory I have is when Kim and I went to Disneyland about 6 years ago she came up with the idea to try to pretend I was the real Molly and to come running up to me like a huge fan wanting an autograph to see if anyone else would believe it. Well, we walked about 30 feet away from each other, then she started running towards me yelling, "Molly?! Molly Ringwald?! Is that really you?" I couldn't help it, I started laughing really hard and ruined the whole master plan. Everytime I think of that, I can't help smiling.

Anyway, here is an ode to Molly Ringwald, who I may have once looked like her, and the Trailer for Sixteen Candles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWjRiFrKdYs

Donut..think you can eat just one!

2009-05-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

I made some donuts today and thought I'd share this totally awesome recipe of homemade donuts I got from my sister Kim. I got this recipe from her like 9 years ago, and it has ruined most store donuts for me, but that's ok. They're worth it. Here are some pictures, and then the recipe. Thanks again Kim!
I dont' know why but some of the pictures uploaded sideways despite my attempt to right them...sorry.

I use a glass cup, and a pill bottle to make the shapes. I like to have the donut holes too.

All ready to be fried!

Yumm-O. I like the glazed ones the most, but also like the cinnamon sugar. My sister also makes them with chocolate frosting and nuts. It's good anyway you like it! I make mine in a bread machine, which is the best way, in my opinion, but if you don't have one, then mix and rise in the usual fashion for making bread dough.

Donuts

¾ cup milk
½ cup hot water
1 egg
3 ½ cups flour
¼ cup sugar
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons yeast

Place all ingredients into bread machine, on dough setting. When dough is finished rising place on floured surface. Heat oil in a pan to fry donuts. While oil is heating roll dough out on lightly floured surface and cut donuts into whatever desired shape. Fry donuts in oil until lightly browned. Coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture, glaze, chocolate, powdered sugar, etc.

Glaze:

Heat 2 tablespoons milk and 2 tablespoons butter together. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and powdered sugar until reaches desired consistency.

Live...In Concert

2009-04-29T02:47:00.000-07:00

This last week I got to go to a concert of one of my favorite artists: Brandi Carlile. This is the second time I've gotten to go to her, and I'll probably try to go everytime she comes to town. The fortunate thing, is that she is from Seattle, so I think she makes frequent trips to spokane.

Derek, and I went, with my sister Rebekah to the Fox theater, where she was accompianied by the Spokane Symphony. I have to admit, I was a little wary about this, because I didnt' know what kind of concert it would be. I do like the symphony, but I came to hear Brandi sing! I was definately not disapointed. It was such a good show that it even made me forget the guy's BO that was sitting in front of us... until he moved and stirred up the, ah aroma, again.

Oh man, I can't even tell you how much I loved it. She is not well known, but has had several of her songs play on Grey's Anatomy, the most well known was, "The Story". Anyway I don't have pictures becuase they didn't really turn out but here are a few song samples. These are my two favorite songs.
Turpentine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzXhoMOn90Q

and The Story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y72jRaoRvHs

2009-04-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

Orange Tulips! this is the third attempt to take this picture. I wish now I had saved them to show the progress... I asked Derek to take my picture with the latest flowers. The first picture I looked stoned, according to him, which I agreed with him. The next picture he told me to widen my eyes more, and (Rebekah, you know what's coming...You should make a post about it!) I looked like a deer in the headlights. this is taken of me laughing from the last picture. Its the best one. Anyway, once again, I am loving, "The Year of the Flowers!"

Cupcakes

2009-04-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

I am slacking in the exercising department. Today I was dragging my feet, as usual, to go to the gym. I got changed and was almost out the door, when I thought about these cupcakes i wanted to make. Well, as I had the butter sitting out on the counter all night so it could be room temperature, and everything ready to make it, I stayed home from exercising and decided to make cupcakes instead. Could you blame me? I also had the excuse that I couldn't exercise AND make the cupcakes, as I work tonight. Anyway I am finally making another post, and here are the cupcakes i made:

I used a recipe from Marth Stewart for Vanilla cupcakes:

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=2665542a0780f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

Then I used another recipe from Martha for Strawberry Meringue Buttercream. It was suppose to be fluffier, but I guess I didn't beat the egg whites enough. I can never get that just right. I used the strawberry freezer jam that I made last fall and still have alot of. It tastes really good:

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/strawberry-meringue-buttercream?autonomy_kw=strawberry%20buttercream%20frosting&rsc=header_2

I ended up with a cupcake that tasted like a really pumped up strawberry shortcake. Yumm-O!

You might ask if they were worth it, for the extra calories they provide, and that is not being worked off... I'll just say they're pretty darn good!

Flowers for a year: The Daffodil chapter

2009-03-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

The current flowers from Derek are daffodils. He brought them as closed up tight little buds and it wasn't more than 24 hours before they were blooming. We have two bunches: one on our dining room table and one in our bedroom. It's a happy little reminder of spring and I love them.

See how happy they are?

Family Movies

2009-03-10T01:55:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about something my sister, Rebekah posted in her facebook "First" about the movie Mr. Boogedy, and decided I would reminisce about some of the movies my family watched alot growing up. That was back before all the TV shows, and video games (not that my family had any anyway. The only video game machine we had was an atari, for a little bit). Every Sunday night there was the Disney movie on for the week that we watched together. Part of me misses those simpler days, where we actually played outside as kids, and together.
Anyway here is a list of some of the movies (any of my sisters can supplament this list, I'm sure I didn't think of them all)

Mr Boogedy
Back to the Beach
Back to the Future
Pete's Dragon
Savannah Smiles
Making Mr. Right
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
the Princess Bride
Happiest Millionaire
Babes in Toyland
In Search of the Castaways
The Swiss Family Robinson
The Wilderness Family
The Parent Trap (1, 2 & 3)
Superman
Star Wars
Oliver
Annie

I remember one of the chores I hated was having to organize the movies. The first 30 were easy because they were numbered, then it became a little dicier. Usually there were about three movies recorded on each VHS.

Here is a sample clip of one of the movies: The Happiest Millionaire. It's a scene me and my sisters acted out several times.

Happiness:

2009-03-09T02:38:00.000-07:00

This picture makes me think of sun, and warm days, so I just wanted to put it up and wish you all a great day! (My most recent flowers from Derek- I love my husband!)

A Science Experiment?

2009-03-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

Nope...I'm just about to cut onions. My eyes are super sensitive to the onion fumes and I can't see anything when I do, and my eyes sting for hours after unless I use Derek's lab goggles. Derek always laughs at me when I don these bad boys, but hey, it gets the dinner made.
Oh, and what do you think of my new widget: The Human Calendar? I think it rocks!

Follow the trail of....Earplugs?

2009-03-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

This is a common site around our home:

I was doing laundry the other day and noticed about 3, or 4 of these ear plugs lying around our house in random places. These earplugs are what I use to sleep during the day (espcially in the summer when the pool is open, which is right outside my bedroom window... or when the lawnmower guy comes around.. etc) So you can find them all over as they have fell out of my ears and into the folds of my clothing, or out of my little pillow where I keep this essential sleep kit:

the mask and the earplugs. I have this little pillow that my mom gave me one year, as she had left if behind when she had stayed overnight with us. It was the perfect size and now I can't hardly sleep with out it. In it are several pairs of earplugs and my mask so I am always prepared.

As you can see it is half the size of a regular pillow. Derek has started to demand that he can't sleep with out it, or its really his pillow. It has a baby pillowcase on it, but it gives the perfect height for the neck, or as a pillow to hug.

Anyway, if you find an earplug, follow the trail and you'll find either this pillow, and/or me!

Before and After

2009-02-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

My sister Rebekah stayed with me last night and we went and got out our hair cut. Here are the before and after pictures.

Us, sad that we had bad hair. The Before

Us, happy now that we had new haircuts, styled! The After. We both got bangs, though mine are gaping a little. I wanted something that even if I pull my hair back, that it will still look styled. And Bekah's hair looked really good. New haircuts are so much fun!

Makes Scents to me!

2009-02-20T00:35:00.000-08:00

So the reason behind today's post all began with yesterday. I went in to get a massage (Derek's wonderful insurance covers like 14 massages a year, so I'm trying to take advantage of that...I know, it's great!) and had a different person. I had gotten a crick in my neck, and didn't want to wait until next week so I had the other person, Ashley. In walks a five foot nothing girl, and by looking at her you would never have been able to tell that she can turn coal into diamonds by the strength of her hands! She was a little more hard with her massage than I like, but it still felt good.
Anyway, in the room was an intoxicating scent that I gripped me right away. I asked her what it was and it was a tester scent of Archipelago Botanicals Pomegranate Citrus. I just could not get enough! It reminded me of when Derek and I were staying at Trump Tower (super discounted price of Hotwire...) when we were in Las Vegas this last fall. They also had a scent I couldn't get enough of, and this reminded me of that.
The best thing was was that they didn't have any more of the diffuser scents, so she sold me a tester candle for $5, rather than the normal candle price of like $20.
So, anyway it was a good day yesterday: I got a massage, though somewhat on the brutal side, and I found a scent that just resonates with me. Yay!

Stargazer Lilies...

2009-02-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

The next flower in, "The Year of Flowers" is the Stargazer Lily. It is a very pretty one, and smells sooooo good. Our whole house is filled with their perfume. I love it. Thanks, Babe!

Speaking of Reality TV...

2009-02-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

Many of you are, I'm sure, excited this past week because two Fav shows started back up again: Survivor and The Amazing Race. Derek doesn't usually watch either shows, but I convinced him it would be more fun to pick people and root for them, and because he would be competing against me, he agreed.
Usually when I pick people for these kind of shows I try to analyze if they're going to win purely from looking at their faces. I like making the totally blind picks. I don't even want to know their profession, because then it can sway my decision, like if they are a fireman, or a "gamer". So of course many of Derek's choices were becuase a girl was "Hot".
So, here are our choices:
Amazing Race-
Derek- Cara and Jaime (Professional Cheerleaders...), Jennifer and Preston (first to be voted out!)
Shavonne - Tammy and Victor, Lakisha and Jennifer ( I picked siblings, they usually know how to work things out)

Survivior:
Derek - Erinn, Tyson, Benjamin (Coach), JT
Shavonne - Candace, JT, Brendan, Carolina (First out :( I thought it so lame she was voted out instead of Sandy. First, Sandy is just wierd, and two, she's right, they do need a shelter! First rain they all will be complaining about being wet! But i'm not biased...)

Anyway, it should be a fun season. Derek said it was much more fun to watch when you're rooting for someone. I was glad one of his was out in Amazing Race, to make up for mine in Survivir. But I know you all are on my side, right?

The Spokane Inheritance...

2009-02-07T09:37:00.001-08:00

Meet: The Cozy Corner Chair

It has been owned by four different siblings in the Spokane area.

It all began with Shaina giving it to Rebekah when they moved. Then, Bekah gave it to us sometime along the way. Now, we are passing it on to Ian.

We didn't have it tied to the bottom piece, so you always had to be careful when you sat in it. You could end up on the floor.
One time we had Bekah's kids over and since we dont' have any toys we were trying to be creative in our play. One game we played was, "Caged Animal". We took the cushion off the bowl part and turned it upside down over them on the floor. They liked it for about 5 seconds, then wanted to come out. I wish we had taken a picture, it was so funny!

So long Cozy Corner Chair!

Meet our new chair....

We have been talking about getting a lazy-boy type recliner off and on for the last few years. Well, we were wondering around in Costco and this one called to us.

It is Sooooooo comfortable. We really like it. It is our first real furniture purchase, other than our mattress (also from costco).

Me, breaking it in. Yup, it's gonna work out just fine!

I also wanted to show this little guy off. I just finished knitting this up, and thought he turned out pretty cute. The name of the pattern is Bobbi Bear http://blueskyalpacas.com/pattern_detail.php?patterns_ID=2
(notice it's on the cozy chair!)

Weekly Update

2009-02-01T03:50:00.000-08:00

Quatro: that's how many times I worked out this week. Just reporting to all my peeps! But I will admit that today I did only half of my workout. I usually go through it twice, but I didn't have alot of time. I allowed myself to sleep in a little more since I would be up so much longer. After working a 12 hour night shift, I won't be able to sleep right away bcause of church at 9. anyway, another week ahead of me, and I'll do my full workout!

Random Facts about me

2009-01-30T02:41:00.001-08:00

I put this up on my Facebook, but thought I'd put it up here too. Hope it doesn't freak you out to much!

1. I recently gained a not-so-secret Identity: LaFonda.
2. I rarely read the newspaper, or watch the news. Consequently I usually find out about things after it has become old news. I don't mind.
3. I love to have everything clean and organized, but I am not good about keeping it that way. So my place is messy 75% of the time.
4. I am becoming more and more forgetful. I seriously think I'm going to get alzheimer's and am afraid of how it will hurt my family.
5. I make an Amazing apple pie but no one knows about it because I usually eat it all myself, breakfast lunch and dinner! Derek might get one peice of it.
6. If you were to make a suprise visit to my place 9 times out of ten I would be wearing my bathrobe on over my clothes. I'm always cold.
7. I have to sleep with my ears covered. I can't fall asleep if they are exposed because I have a phobia something will crawl in. (Thanks to Kim!!!) I usually pull some of my hair over my ears.
8. I am just realizing I am not as good of a cook as I thought I was. For example, just today I burned my cheese crisp, which is not uncommon for me to do. But I am good at baking, especially goodies.
9. I love Reality TV shows. I have been known to watch: The Bachelor/ette, Survivor, America's Next top Model, Project Runway, Beauty and the Geek, and even (sadly) Farmer Wants a Wife.
10. I LOVE TO READ. Nothing can compare to being totally absorbed in a book, to the point of obsession.
11. I love doing crafts of all sorts. Once a coworker in college nick-named me "Pioneer Girl"
12. During the winter I usually take a shower in the morning, and a bath at night. Not because I am exeptionally dirty, but I when I get cold I'll take a bath. This is when the bathrobe is not quite cutting it. I usually will read in the tub (Favorite way to relax too!) and have often fallen asleep.
13. I am quiet until you get to know me, then when I get comfortable most people are suprised when I speak up and crack jokes.
14. In the 6th grade I couldn't decide between wanting to be an astronaught, or a "Greek Mythologist". For those of you that don't know what that is (I think I made it up), I wanted to study Greek Mythology as a career.
15. If I like a book, I will read it over and over. I have many books that I have read (or listened to) over 10 times.
16. I have my 14-digit library card number memorized. I don't, howerver, have my husbands social security number memorized.
17. I am addicted to the video game The Sims2. I have all of their expansion packs, and can't wait until The Sims3 comes out (Feb 20th!)
18. I wish my hair was redder. One of my fears is that my sister Courtney took all the red-headed children allotment for our family, and I will have none.
19. My dream car is the 1967 Mustang.
20. I won't touch food that has been in the fridge longer than two days, even if it is still good. 21. I have no knowledge or interest in Politics, though I know I should.
22. I am a squirmer. I will fidget, and wiggle for 5 minutes straight then I will let out a sigh and fall instantly to sleep. I can't sleep unless I get all the fidgeting out.
23. I have the best husband. My favorite thing in the world is to be with him on a road trip, or a cruise, or any vacation. He is my favorite person to be with.
24. Sometimes I'll squeeze the toothpaste tube from the top on purpose because it buggs my husband so much (love you babe!)
25. I am very blessed in my families. I come from a large family of 10 kids and we are all the best of friends. I married into a wonderful family that treats me like a daughter and I don't have any hesitancy to call them mom and dad, and my brothers. I married a special man and love the family we have created, and I can't wait until we can add children. And I have collected wonderful friends from church and work that are my extended family. I love you all!

The Year of Flowers

2009-01-28T20:56:00.000-08:00

For my birthday you may remember that Derek got me flowers, oh excuse me, I mean the lady at the store just "gave" them to him when she heard it was my birthday, so he says. Then a few weeks later, one night I came home early from work, and after being home for half an hour he finally pointed out to me that he had gotten me some new flowers since the others had started to die. I hadn't noticed the 2 foot tall yellow Lily bouquet right on our mantle! He said he wanted to have a continuous bouquet of flowers for me to have, so when one bouquet was about to be thrown out then he would get me some more. Now, I think this sounds fantastic, but didnt' know if he would remember this plan. But, sure enough, last night I had just thrown out the Lily's when he brought me home these tulips. He told me that he had declared this the "Year of Flowers" and that he meant it. I think it is very sweet of him, and of course love seeing a beautiful bouquet of flowers on our mantle. I hope it continues! I'll keep you posted!

Biggest Loser

2009-01-25T16:53:00.000-08:00

Well, the elusive postI put up a few days ago about needing help will now be explained. One of my goals before I turned 30 was to try to get into better shape. Now, it is always tricky bringing this up, because people usually say I don't need to. But for me, since I have been married I have been putting on weight, and my clothes don't fit me. I wore the same size from 16-26, but since I got married I have gone up several sizes, and it has been frustrating. It is a change for me, and I want to go back the way I was, plus I've never really been that strong, or had muscle definition.

So I hired a trainer, and I have my last meeting with her tomorrow. For twelve weeks I have been regular about working out and I dont' want to lose what I've gained, and put that money to waste. The reason I got a trainer was that I needed someone to be accountable because on my own I would give up. I have for the last two years been trying to go regularly and it hasn't worked.

So I just want to do something like a weekly post telling how many times I went that week, or something. I usually go about 4x/week. I want you all to get on to me if I start to slack off, because it works for me to be accountable to someone. I want to continued to get stronger, and healthier.

Anyone want to take up the role of guilt-tripping me if I start to slack? It's open for the taking!

Sha-Bling!

2009-01-25T15:51:00.000-08:00

When I was a teenager I used to make beaded necklaces, mostly with seed beads. I've always been interested in making jewelry, but just more recently got back into it because of a gift I got from my sister Shaina. She gave me a beaded bracelet. I liked it so much I wanted to make some more, with different colors, so she told me where she got her supplies and gave me some tips. Since then I have been making them and expanding on those basics, and occasionally giving them as gifts. Many of my co-workers saw my bracelets I had made and were interested in buying them for themselves. I was trying to think of a fancy name, in case I made it big (Castle in the clouds!) and one of the names Derek suggested was Sha-bling. As in,

"What is that fabulous piece you are wearing?"

"Why, it's Sha-Bling, of course!"

Ha, I like that name to play around with, but settled on Beads-G0-Round. My Father-In-Law does Graphic Designs and made me a little label with my "Business name" (Thanks so much!!!) I have sold little of my stuff, mostly to my co-workers, but not enough to start claming a home business or anything. But it's nice to see them happy with stuff I've made them.

Anyway that is a little random background on this post. I wanted to show some recent jewelry I made.

My most recent pieces are with Swarovski crystals. They are very sparkly and pretty, but they are expensive! So I need to find some inexpensive websites to buy them, or some good imitations. Thanks to Shaina, and her fabulous friend that have given me some new woven patterns to work on, that's my fav at this time. the above pattern is from a class in a bead store. The owner was not helpful. I asked her if I could buy the pattern from the class since most of them are when I'm at work, or sleeping. She replied, "I keep the pattern in my head" In a very snooty voice. Well, I added that actually, because it annoyed me how unhelpful she was. But, by looking at her bracelet very closely I figured it out, so there!

I also made more for Chistmas presents, but didn't take pictues. I wish I had, I really liked them. Anyway, hope you enjoy and if you want to buy any Sha-Bling, formally known as: Beads-Go-Round let me know!

Out with the Old!

2009-01-20T01:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, finally I was able to change my background- no more Christmas tree! And I changed my title too- thanks for the great suggestion Sharon! I will post again soon, I need some help from all my peeps, so check back!

Splinched

2009-01-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

I was trying to change my layout to a more appropriate theme now that Christmas is over and for some reason it has half the new layout and half the old layout. I'm sure you can guess which is which. I don't know how to read all the computer language: *>>,/body..-+* I usually choose a blog from: http://cutestblogontheblock.blogspot.com/ but it is temporarily under construction and chose an alternate. I just copied and pasted and it will show the right background for 2 seconds, then changes to green. Weird. Anyway, hope you enjoy the splinching of my layouts, if you didn't know I was trying to change it you may not have noticed the discrepincies!
Speaking of moving on to new seasons we just got rid of our Christmas tree and now we have a trail of pine needles showing the path we took. I guess I should go clean that up....

Oh, and I changed the name of my blog, because I was thinking that, "All about Shavonne" seemed a little conceited. And for those wondering, "Shavrek" is the blending of our names and the user name Derek usually chooses when he plays a computer game, or has to think up a name for a character.

I'm Defective, I guess...

2009-01-07T21:58:00.000-08:00

That caught your attention! haha, I was just reading some stuff about how working out supposedly gives you more energy and thinking, "That's a bunch of crap!" So I decided to post about it and see if it really does give more energy to the average person. By average person, I mean just everyday people that try to work out, and do it ok, but not crazy-workout-animals. I am not in that category, and so it wouldn't help me. I've been working about about 4 times a week for the last 9 weeks and I do not feel any more energized. It is frustrating being tired all the time, and I was hoping it would be magically dissapated by being more active. I'm sure nothing can break through the "Working-Nights-Hangover" it's worse than cryptonite to superman! Anyway, any of you actually felt more energy from working out regularly?
Thanks for listening to my little rant, and hope your New Year's resolutions are still going strong!

Homemade Pasta - It's easier than you think!

2009-01-05T01:58:00.000-08:00

I think I mentioned for Christmas that Derek got me a pasta maker attachment for my kitchenaid. We used it tonight with fabulous results! Actually Derek already "tested" it out for me a few nights ago while I was at work... so he was my tutor tonight. It was so easy, and really good! It took about three minutes to mix together, then you roll it out a little, then do the rest on the attacment, like so:

We made spinach pasta, which was just fresh spinach that we blended in a food processor, then flour, eggs, and a little bit of water. And Voila! Pasta! I didn't think it tasted any different from the pasta Derek made plain, than with the spinach, but it was alot better than that dried stuff. It made enough for 6 portions, so we froze the rest of the dough balls, to be used another time.

It kind of looks like a salad with the green pasta. We boiled the pasta for about two mintues, then I made pasta "sauce". I don't really like marinara sauce, to Derek's disapointment. He always wants me to make spaghetti, or lasagna for him, and I dont' as often as I should. Anyway this is one of my favorite toppings, and its really easy also. I just chop up some tomatoes, mince some garlic, fresh chopped basil, olive oil and ground salt and pepper. I don't really have exact measurements. It makes a delicious mixture. Sometimes I'll eat just this with some fresh mozzarella like a Caprese salad. Yummy

Our Christmas (Out of Order...)

2008-12-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas. It was a great Christmas, and I am such a little kid when it comes to Christmas! We had some of my family come up and stay with us Christmas Eve, and then we went over to Derek's Family for dinner, all of us. It was wonderful! The first two pictures are from us hanging out before hand.

It was fun having some little kids for Christmas, I forgot how cute it was. But we had to get up earlier Christmas morning than we usually do. My husband does not like to wake up early...

those two little dollies in front of the tree Bekah made in like one day for Kristen and Baili. They turned out so cute!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-12-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday was my 30th birthday. All year I have been a little bummed about turning 30, but now that I am (and can't avoid it anymore!) I think I'm ok with it. It also helped that it was a great day for me.

I had so many well wishes from friends and family all day long, that it really made me feel good. some of my sisters made a special post about me in their blogs and said such nice things, I feel so grateful for my wonderful family.

Here a a few highlights on my day and I did.

This is the present Derek got me. I actually opened it Chistmas evening because he was to excited to give it to me to wait for my actual birthday. Many of you have heard me mention my favorite bath and body store: Lush Cosmetics (lush.com) Well, he got me the motherload! They have different gift packages, and this is the biggest with the most variety in it. Many of the items I have never even used before. I was so excited about it!

Here is the cute husband making me a cake. He likes to make the double round cake to show off his culinary skills. I chose funfetti this time.

Another gift from Derek. He "claimed" that the florist at Safeway just gave it to him because she heard it was my birthday! Funny guy. After he finished the cake we went out on a date. We went to a nice place to eat, then hung out at Barnes and Noble until it was time to see our movie, "Marley and Me." I have read the book and I would recommend it to all of you to read. It is well written, and I thought they did a perfect job adapting the movie. It was just as I pictured it. I really enjoyed it but, maybe bring a tissue.

On they way to the mall we saw this bus. Who do you think rides in this bus?

Well, now I am embarking in my 30's. Someone at work said, "thirty, flirty, and thriving" Well, here I come!

Thanks again to all of my wonderful friends and family for thinking of me!

I delivered a baby!

2008-12-20T07:55:00.000-08:00

Last night something pretty awesome happened: I delivered a baby by myself. Now, many of my coworkers have delivered a baby before, it occurs often in the job of a labor and delivery nurse but in my three years it hadn't happened yet... until last night. I like to think that I'm pretty good at getting the doctor there in time. An hour before the patient delivered I called the provider to let them know the patient was ready to start pushing. Then 30 minutes later to see if they were on their way because she was doing so well. Then, just as we were going to wait until we saw the provider because it was close...the patient got sick and started throwing up. Well, that did it, and I barely got gloves on in time, and delivered a healthy baby girl all by myself, with two of my wonderful coworkers that came just in time to help after she was born. It was so smooth, and I did things automatically like I had done it before (I guess all the times my eyes saw it transferred it to a physical memory). It was such a rush, and I couldn't stop grinning afterwards.
One of the midwives is always hinting and nudging me to go back to school to become a Certified Nurse Midwife, and though I have been hesitant to go that direction, this was an experience that has gotten me thinking...maybe someday.

As a ps on the weather it is suppose to snow another 4-8 inches both Sunday and Monday. And on top of that it is still FREEZING!!!! The "high" today is 3. I think a White Christmas is in the bag....

Snow Day!

2008-12-18T23:34:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm sure many of you have heard that Spokane has received some snow....yeah, try two feet! The roads are terrible, because there is the deep layer of snow, and underneath it is a sheet of solid ice. But, it is really pretty to look at. We both had the day off, so we took some pictures. We got one we both liked to make into a card, that hopefully we'll get out sometime in the next few weeks.

My mom gave me this hat a few years ago, and it makes me laugh.

It comes to just above my knees!

When Derek fell back the snow caved in on him. You can see how it is still several inches above him when he is lying flat.

Some kids came over and started throwing snow at him while he was lying there. Derek retaliated. I think he got the last word...

Spouses and Christmas Trees

2008-12-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning out my purse today and found a newspaper clipping that I meant to quote with the last post about getting our Christmas tree. I thought it funny, so here it is (This is quoted from "The Slice" section of the Spokesman Review):

"A slice reader noted the similarity between Christmas trees and spouses.
'Both look incredibly good when you first see them and it isn't until you make a commitment (both financially and emotionally) and get them home that you begin to notice the flaws. the only thing you can do is try to turn the bad side toward the wall.'"

Haha, I thought it was cute. Hope you enjoyed it too!

Catch-Up

2008-12-10T23:42:00.000-08:00

All right everyone, here are some pictures, that don't really go together, but different things we've done in the last few months. I took the pictures, intending to blog about it before, but hadn't gotten to it. Well, now I am!

Here are a few pictures from the fall when we made caramel apples. When we go to Seattle we stop a chocolate store that makes these incredible caramel apples with all kinds of gooey, yummy extra layers and here is us trying to duplicate a few of them. They turned out really good, but don't look as pretty as the ones we buy!

We learned by trial and error that the caramel is really, really thick and sticky and even though we had wax paper down it stuck to it like crazy so we had to pick it off. Very tedious work! And we'll make our caramel next time. This time we reheated the little caramels.

My husband is better at putting up with me taking his picture for the blog's sake.

Our finished products: all have a caramel layer, then some have were dipped in oreos, some half white/half dark chocolate, white chocolate and toffee, and then just chocolate.

Next of our activities has to do with a Men's Health Magazine subscription. Derek has recently taken a subscription to it, and I like it because he sees recipes like this:

and wants to make them. This is just one of the many recipes he has cooked for me since reading that magazine. All of them are pretty healthy, and very good. some other meals were fish tacos (actually they were really good!), and some shrimp stir-fry. This meal was called the Big Kahuna burger. The recipe is here: http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=guy.wisdom&category=mh.weekend&conitem=e18ab3b874664110VgnVCM20000012281eac____

This last weekend we went out to get a Christmas Tree. I love December because of Christmas and family time. I admit that I am like a little kid when it comes to Christmas morning. I love getting together with the family and all the many things to do leading up to it. I love especially the wonder of the Savior coming to earth in all the humility of a newborn baby, born in a manger. It is a special, wonderful time. And it also happens to be the month of my birthday. So, anyway back to our Christmas tree shopping. We went to Greenbluff, to a tree farm. there wasn't a lot of selection, but we found one that worked for us. It still needs to be decorated, but I'm hoping we'll do that tonight, and i'll post some pictures when we do.

We dont' have any snow yet. It was a beautifully sunny, but cold day.

this was facing the sun. I had my eyes closed until just before we took the picture and I could barely keep them open for that few seconds. Too bad the shadow is in the way...
As you can see these trees aren't quite ready yet. They need a few years yet.

Found one! It is tall enough, but just barely... I supervised.

A few days ago I came out of the gym and everything had a pinkish look to it. I thought about that phrase, "...through rose-colored glasses..." I hurried to grab my camera. No special effects, this is really what the sky and everything looked like!

Stay Tuned...

2008-12-09T00:16:00.000-08:00

I have a whole bunch of pictures that I plan to post and update you all on the Wood Household. So don't give up on me yet, and stay tuned...

Black Friday

2008-11-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

The last few years I have looked forward to the day after Thanksgiving for all the sales. It started when my sister Rebekah got married and we had all the family together for Thanksgiving, because their wedding was the next day. Me and my other sisters looked at all the ads and planned our attack for the next day. Friday morning, before it dawned bright and early, we were rubbing the sleep out of our eyes and hitting the stores. I went to Joann's mainly because you could buy flannel material for $.99 cents a yard. I think I went to best buy too and got a mini DVD player. That was when they were first starting to come out. Anyway, since then I have been interested in going out on Black Friday. The lines and crowds are crazy and sometimes aggressive, but it is also fun to do. And since texting got big also me and my sisters (and my brother Ian now too) keep each other company in line where ever we may be.
One of my favorite things to get though are the seasons of TV shows. Normally for a set it will be $49.99, but after Thanksgiving you can get them for $15-20! I started getting the show 24 and have branched out to other shows. If you haven't seen 24, you should, but beware... it is addicting! You will want to spend the next 24 hours in real time to watch it because you have to find out what happens next. It's way super good, and Keifer Sutherland is awesome in it.

Here is the preview for the first season. It makes me want to see it again just watching this preview!!! Oooh, it's so good!

Update...

2008-11-13T02:56:00.000-08:00

Just to let you know there hasn't been any snow yet... So much for my prediction!

Ring around the Moon

2008-11-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

I went out to get something from the car this evening and I looked up to the almost full moon and saw a ring around it. I dont' know if any of you have ever seen one, but they are pretty neat looking. I've always been interested in the night skies, in fact when I was in 6th grade I wanted to be an astronaught. I never lost that interest in it even though I pursued other paths. I have seen very few, this was only about the third time I've seen one, but I always look for them. It has pretty much only been in the fall that I"ve seen it. The thought is that it indicates a change in the weather.

Here is the theory behind them:

"A Ring Around The Moon
The ring around the Moon is caused by the refraction of Moonlight (which of course is reflected sunlight) from ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. The shape of the ice crystals results in a focusing of the light into a ring. Since the ice crystals typically have the same shape, namely a hexagonal shape, the Moon ring is almost always the same size.
Less typical are the halos that may be produced by different angles in the crystals. They can create halos with an angle of 46 degrees.
Moon Ring Weather Folklore has it that a ring around the moon signifies bad weather is coming, and in many cases this may be true. So how can rings around the moon be a predictor of weather to come? The ice crystals that cover the halo signify high altitude, thin cirrus clouds that normally precede a warm front by one or two days. Typically, a warm front will be associated with a low pressure system which is commonly referred to as a storm.
It is believed that the number of stars within a moon halo indicate the number days before bad weather will arrive. Give it a try the next time you observe a moon halo."

Well, I didn't see any stars inside the ring, but it was pretty bright with the almost full moon. I will then predict snow in the next 24 hours (but at least by this weekend...). I'll let you know if the snow flies!