Here Comes Christmas

Les's amazing cousin Jen posted this on her blog a few weeks ago.  I loved it.  I am in the process of planning our Ward Christmas dinner as well as the usual family Christmas planning and I keep going back to this message.  Whether you donate money or food or love or time, let's make this year one that is meaningful and one that we will remember. 

P.S. I want to know... what are you going to do this year to make Christmas more meaningful?    I need some ideas.

The Gas Station

A couple days ago I was filling up my gas tank at the local Smith's.   I, along with most of the people there, probably don't understand why the cost of gasoline is going down so drastically (anyone want to fill me in?)  But regardless, I dare say most of us there were in a good mood to be filling our tanks for 1.91/gallon.  (Smith's cost today is $1.85 - I can hardly wait to fill up again)

There were about 3 cars using the pumps, 5 pumps still available, when a suburban pulled up across from me and began waiting for a very old & slow gentleman to finish.  He was having trouble trying to get his Smith's discount to process.  The woman waited.  I looked at her and grinned a kind of - 'what are you doing' grin.  She rolled her eyes in response - like I might be understanding of her frustration.  Did I mention there were 5 pumps available?  She waited another few minutes and then made an audible huff and turned her car towards another pump.   Aren't people weird? 

Iron Man

Les and I finally watched Iron Man last night after so many people recommended it highly. I honestly wasn't sure if I'd like it or not....turns out I LOVED it. Les said at one point in the movie I was standing on my chair and yelling. I'll probably go ahead and make this picture my computer wallpaper.

It is really hard for me to not constantly write about our sweet little 2-year-old boy. But I figure this blog is really for me and only those that choose to will read this stuff...so, I can sneak one more little thing in about him, right?

Now that Gus has been talking more, Les and I have discovered that Gus is a very kind and considerate boy and here's the proof.

Example 1:
Whenever someone sneezes or even coughs - especially Les or I - he responds "Bess you, Mama" or "Bess you, Dada." Sometimes when I forget to 'bless him' he'll quietly bless himself, "Bess you, Gus."

Example 2:
Gus kisses all my boo boos as well as moles, headaches, made up owies, and he even tries to kiss away sleepiness. Actually, when either Les or I is acting sleepy he'll fetch a pillow and blanket and tuck us in wherever it is that we're sitting.

Example 3:
Gus likes to make sure we are well fed - when I'm done eating he'll ask in a concerned voice "Mama, More? Yes? No? Mama, Full? Mama, Bite?", offering me some of his food.

Example 4:
Gus is very liberal with his 'sorrys' and his 'thank yous'. It makes us feel bad when he says sorry when it's Les or I that owes him a sorry.

I'll guess we'll keep drilling that Thingamajig book, it seems to be working.

Diaper Boots

I love my 2 year old

Yesterday Gus and I were cruising down the road and I was singing loudly as I usually do to that "Almost Paradise" song from Footloose. From the backseat Gus says to me "SSSHHHHHHHHH".
I laughed a little and asked him "you want me to stop singing?"
Of course he said, "yes".
"Do you like this song?"
"Yes."

We kept driving down the road and I was really trying to hold back on some of the best parts of the song (I know, I'm sick). I started to kind of hum/sing really softly.
"Mom." small pause "No." again came from the backseat.

Humbled, I stayed quiet the rest of the song.

(Oh maybe the best part of the whole story was when Gus exclaimed "Colby and Amy" as the singers of Almost Paradise. He loves Colby's music and is always able to identify one of his songs. I'm glad he at least recognized it was a duet.)

Yearbook

(sorry about the poor quality - I just used photo booth. This picture is missing Adrienne & Amy)

It's probably a girly thing to do but I love pulling out the wedding video, old photo albums, or an old note from a friend and oozing over old memories. Last night I pulled out my yearbook from my Senior year at BHS to show a picture to a friend. I couldn't put it down. I got all nostalgic and scanned through the photos and read the cheesy notes for over an hour. It was awesome. I want to share a few good ones. (This will mainly be enjoyed by those I went to high school with.)

Thanks for being such a cute friend. I will always remember you.

Josh Hansen

(yeah, this came from a guy - weird. and funny. I noticed he was voted most likely to retire at 30...and, it could actually happen)

Here we are at the bridge of life. The times together are forever imprinted in my brain, from the short love affair to the silly fights and heated conversations. I will miss you while I'm gone. ..It is weird how things turn out over long periods of times. Although our friends aren't as tight as they used to be and some almost non-existent I will always consider you one of the best friends I have... It has been a high school to remember. I love you always.

Lucas

(he was leaving for boot camp in a few days. In person- really funny, in print - very serious)

Have a great summer.

Dede Hughes

(message #1)

Christy, You are so great! ... I really did appreciate the times I had with you. Hopefully, they won't stop here. I went to a XXX bar last night and it made me realize how much I like you. I think I'm a lucky guy to be this close to you. In all seriousness, I treasure the fun times that you were a part of. If you hold me, I'll hold you back and then some. Memories are good but you know what's better? Hamburgers and Hotdogs. Thank you baby.

-Tyler Sorensen "Stallone"

(maybe the funniest guy i know. currently in medical school)

...I thoroughly enjoyed the times that we shared, especially when we were sucking face. (*didn't happen) When I wasn't with you, I was always thinking of you. Please do not water balloon me or start a fire in my house. However, you can come to my window whenever you need a friend. Heart, Reese

(also in medical school. he was so fun to play tricks on - like the time we spelled REESE about 20x40 in the snow in his backyard - in the middle of the night)

Bateman -

You are hot! I love you!

Heart, Dede

(message 2)

I love you.

Heart, Dede (your best friend)

(message 3 - there are more)

How come cannibals can't eat people like you? Because they can't keep a good woman down! Thanx for being my buddy.

Roane

(sweet sweet seminary president)

Bateman -

You and me in study group were like mashed potatoes. It is likely that we were meant for each other since 9th grade. I wish we could be on the same team next year. Keep in touch -k-

Pimps forever.

Love, Sean Mawhinney #32

(not one of my immediate group of friends. smart guy, baseball guy as you can see)

Christy-

We've been through a lot of s--t together. I'll always consider you one of my closest friends. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I love you man.

DJ Rosevear

(great guy. good thing he wants to be my friend since he married one of my best friends)

Big City Girl

It seems like everyone I talk to or read about is taking a summer vacation. I'm feeling jealous. We're not taking our big vacation until November, so I feel like I need to reminisce about a past vacation to make myself feel better.

In January 2007 Les gave me a trip to New York for my Christmas present. New York was thee place I had always wanted to visit. I love big cities. I'm not really a beach vacation person. I like to be walking/traveling around seeing things. We saw Central Park, China town, Ground Zero, The Statue of Liberty, The United Nations Building, A Broadway Play, The Museum of Natural History, Time Square, The Museum of Modern Art, Lots of Subways, Rockefeller Center, Ellis Island, H&M about 8 times, and more. This was probably my favorite trip ever - even if the temperature was below freezing most days. We have several great friends living in New York City that I was able to site-see with and catch up with. It was dreamy. Honey, let's go back.

Here's a comment

My mom sent me this email which she said she would have posted as a comment(s) on my blog if she knew how.  After reading it I forwarded it to Les for his enjoyment.  His reply was "Let's be honest.  Your mom is amazing."  I agree.  

Oh my gosh, I just watched that Matt thing with the wigmen on your blog. I was laughing so hard. That was so I don't know what? Funny and amazing. The wig men were sure good-natured about the whole thing. Just looking at them you'd be afraid they were about to come after you with spears, but they were just laid back and cool, like yeah, whatever. I loved it. I'm editing right now, but then I want to watch the others. Where do you find these things?
Your pictures of the things you did last week (or the week before?) turned out great. I'm glad you could tell in the picture how cool those centerpieces were. Sometimes pictures don't do things justice, but that picture was nice. And the pictures of Gus of course couldn't do him justice because it would be impossible to capture his cuteness. Les looks so young. But then he is. Thirty is very young! What a week you had, Lady!
Oh, now weren't you supposed to tag some people after you met Alicen's challenge? (Good fears, by the way. Hey, you wuss, who's afraid of falling out of roller coasters? Certainly not me.) This isn't a hint for you to tag me, by the way. I don't want to talk about my fears, thank you. Who has that much time? It's just that I noticed you hadn't tagged anyone.
I would have put this comment on your blog, but I didn't know how. It's too long anyway. Love you mucho, Mom.

14 months, 42 countries

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

I'm a huge fan of impromptu dancing. This video put me in a good mood.

Event #2

The day after my work luncheon I was to carry out the Ward Campout. Our campout last year was my first activity being in this calling so it was pretty simple - not a lot of fluff. So, this year I tried to amp it up. And I might have gone overboard a little bit. Thank goodness for a forgiving committee. We had a chili cook-off for dinner, a game after dinner, we brought a projector and showed the Princess Bride, and then we had canoeing the next morning. I think I'm learning that the food is the main thing that people care about. Everything went well. No bear attacks. The campsite (up Weber canyon) was really beautiful. It was nice to spend some time in nature.

Gus scoping out the canoeing

Gus and Les hanging out in our tent

Our dope ward

Event Planner

The last week of July I was a busy girl with 2 big events to plan/carry out.  On Thursday the 31st we had a luncheon for work.   My boss wanted to impress several of the Realtors that bring him business regularly, thank them, and hopefully get them refocused on their yearly goals with the year being half over.  Crazy thought - 2008 is half over.   With a theme of FOCUS I bought and wrapped a pair of binoculars for all of the attendees.   At the last minute I realized I needed some centerpeices so I ran to Costo the morning of and threw these together.  Luckily they turned out really nice.  And we raffled them off after the lunch.  

Tag

My mom reminded me that I'd been invited by Alicen to participate in the following tag... so, here it is.

3 Joys:  Hanging out with Gus when he's in a good mood.  Hanging out with Les when he's in a good mood - just kidding Les is always in a good mood.  Having a good conversation with my parents.  I guess life is best when it's simple.

3 Fears:  Losing Les or losing a child.  I don't know - being tortured, or being in a pit full of snakes, being attacked by a bear, falling out of a roller coaster,  stuff like that.  It's dark, I know.

3 Goals:  I've always wanted to be able to identify trees, flowers, and maybe even some birds like my grandma can.  I'd like to have a successful interior design business.  And I'd like to raise good, nice kids. 

3 Current Obsessions:  Studying up on Landscape Design to try to make my yard beautiful... I'm still pretty stumped (I'd love any tips).  Cooking healthier.  So you think you can Dance... dance...dance...dance.

3 Surprising Facts About Me:  I refuse to read Twilight (at least for now).  I watch the Disney channel - Raven and Hannah mostly.  I sound old over the phone.

Thanks to several friends who loaned us the gear, Gus and I were able to go out for a bike ride yesterday morning.  I'm pretty sure Gus had a good time (he was silent the whole ride except for 2 blurts of "Fun, Mom").   I, however, had a super amazing time.  I felt like my childhood came rushing back as the wind blew in my face.  When it was about that time to return the bike trailer I passed right by Steph's house and did one more ride around the block.  I really didn't want to be done.   

So I guess I'll be buying a bike trailer.  Oh... and a bike.  (Thanks Hannah and Melanie and Steph for letting me borrow)

We've had a busy summer.  I have a lot I want to write about.  It'll come one of these days.

I needed a new side table in my dining room so I took a $10 table from TJ Maxx and a leftover piece of my back splash.  I had some green paint left from the downstairs bathroom and then I rolled on a little brown craft paint.  Kind of cute, right?  

Summer Project #1

I've talked about our bathroom project several times but I have never really showed you how things turned out... So here is a step by step of the progress of our sweet little bathroom.

Here is how it started out.  Aint she a beaut?

Here is after lots of demolition as well as some jack-hammering

We had the water heater and water softener moved to create more space

Pretty big jump here but this is after dry wall hung, and tiling started

Here is the final product!  We are so happy to finally have a 2nd bathroom!

What's for dinner

I have recently rediscovered the salmon at Costco.
I offer you 2 great & healthy salmon meal ideas.

1) Compliments of Colby - Rub and drench the salmon in pesto (costco). Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes until it begins to flake a bit. And that's it. Enjoy. (Did I do okay, Colby?)

2) Mix 1/4 cup butter (or substitute olive oil), 1/4 c. soy sauce, 1/2 T Worchestershire sauce, 1/2 t garlic powder and add 1.5 lbs salmon (1/2 of bag). Coat well. Cook on BBQ grill on heavy duty aluminum foil. Baste occasionally with leftover sauce. Cook until juices are white or until salmon starts to flake. Les and I coated it with pepper when it was done, which we thought made it taste just right.

Both are great served with steamed asparagus.

Go Jazz!

I better write this soon before the game tonight... we have Loved watching the very intense Jazz games this last week.  The Jazz are 2-2 with the Lakers and tonight's game is in LA.  Yikes!

On Monday night Les and I decided to go to the Gateway for some errands/dinner.   I was just browsing around Urban Outfitters when I happened to run into Kyle Korver.  In the past I have proven to be very un-cool around "famous" people.  So I am trying to overcome this flaw.  I non-chalantly walked over to him and said: (conversation almost verbatim)

       "I have a question - are you Dutch?"  

He said "Yes, I'm part Dutch."

"I'm Dutch too, and my Grandma told me that in Dutch your last name means 'basket-maker'."

He laughed and said "Yeah, it does."

"Good, because I've been telling people that, and sometimes my Grandma is silly and I don't know if she is being serious." Small pause  "Nice to see you."  And then I gave him my number and walked away.  not.

By the way, isn't this picture of him pimp?  And do you think he took it himself?

I'm sad that Gus wasn't with me.  At that moment Les had him in a different store.  Gus would have freaked out to meet an actual Jazz player.  He is obsessed with basketball - in case you haven't already seen the video.

P.S. On our way home from the Gateway we noticed that the marquee of The Depot read "Kobe is in town, hide your women."  

 

Saturday night and I ain't got nobody

On Saturday night Les went to a UFC event so I decided to find myself a project.  From midnight to 3:00am I was making this sock monkey.  Gus's latest obsession has been monkeys so I thought he'd enjoy it.  When Gus woke up Sunday morning (at 5:00am - great night sleep) the monkey was sitting in his bed - he adopted it immediately.  He gave it lots of kisses that first couple hours.  He decided to name the monkey - "two" (or is it too, or to?)

This is the 2nd sock animal I've made.  First was the horse Les name gluestick; I made him while I was pregnant.  I'm already kind of anxious to make more - an elephant perhaps or a giraffe?

HGTV

I watched Design Star on HGTV last season and I voted for the cute and sassy Kim Myles. And I know my vote counted because she won. I quite enjoy her show Myles of Style. I haven't loved everything she's done but she has a very accessible style. Here are two projects that I thought reflected some genius.

This mantle was made out of a dining table. I love this idea! I want to try it.
This second project was a family room/ media room. I love the spicy orange walls with the bold lime green. Check out the way she organized the books by color in the bottom photo.



By the way, I am really disappointed with the changes on HGTV. I'm sorry to say the designers we see don't come close to the rooms of those fabulous Canadian designers Debbie Travis for heavens sake, Sarah Richardson, My Parents House. I also loved Kenneth Brown. Where did they go?