I became a mommy so I could...

become frustrated by fictional characters in cartoons.

So here's the big question...

How many more times does George have to ruin the Man in the Yellow Hat's personal and professional life before the guy drops him off at the zoo forever? I can't stand it anymore! Get rid of the chimp...he's holding you back Dude!

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Misty Watercolor Memories

Not sure how I feel about how the treatment on this picture turned out.
It's kind of water-color-ish.
Anyway...here's Fifi at 6 months.

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At least she's honest.

Took this tender photo of the girls together last week.
Thinking how great it is that they love eachother so much.
The very next day Ella said in a very nonchalant voice,

"Mommy, where's Eva? I want to hurt her."

How delightful.
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The Birthday Lowdown

Sorry it took me so long to post the birthday fun, but hey...I was busy being 30. The day was fabulous, yet included a funny melee of activities. Let's go chronologically, shall we?

9:00 am Wake up to Matt serving me breakfast in bed. the best kind of breakfast of all. Fatty, high cholesterol, artery clogging, McDonald's bliss. For me this would be a bacon egg and cheese bagel and hash browns. Delightful. the best part? We spread it out on the bedspread and had a picnic with the whole family. Heaven.
10:00 am Matt leaves for school. I put in a load of laundry. Put oil in the car. Clean the toilet. Glamorous indeed.
11:30 am I begin cooking for my friend, Alison, whose condo had a fire earlier in the week and they lost almost everything. And in the same way i fight cancer, I fight fires. I made them 1 pan of Chicken Enchiladas, 2 meatloaves, 10 baked potatoes, 12 chicken pillows, 1 Beef Tamale casserole, 1 Thanksgiving Casserole, 5 dozen chocolate chip cookies, 1 carrot cake. Take that FIRE!
11:55 am Knock on the door. A beautiful vase of flowers from my dear friend and fellow girl-who-is-kinda-too-loud, Heidi. Really made my housework better.
12:00 am Phone call from Heidi. Chatting away the afternoon, laughing about dysfunctional families, sharing Mommy tips on touching less poo, solidifying our BFF status.
1:00 pm Fight Ella about taking a nap.
3:00 pm Give up on trying to give Ella a nap.
4:15 pm Phone battery begins to die. Switch phones and keep talking to Heidi.
5:30 pm Get off my phone call with Heidi because Matt comes home with a huge bundle of gorgeous wildflowers.
6:00 pm Drive to our friends house to practice a musical number for church on Sunday.
6:30 pm Drop off the girls with my MIL and head to dinner at Corbin's Grille. Delicious. I ate my weight in spinach artichoke dip.
8:00 pm Head to Coldstone Creamery for my free birthday ice cream. Ask if I can come behind the counter and mix my own ice cream because it my birthday. Completely rejected.

It was a fabulous day! And now....the photos.



Breakfast of Champions. Fatty Fat Champions.

Ella LOVED the picnic.


Creepy dimly-lit restaurant self portraits of a 30 year old.

Blurry self-portrait of the happy couple. (pssst! He's still in his 20's. Is she a creepy cradle-robber or what?) .

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da-da-da-da-da-dum...you say it's MY birthday!

Details tomorrow on how my big day today was!

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Saying Goodbye to my 20's

Well, it's my last day as a woman in her 20's. This prompts me to consider the decade. It's been crazy and tumultuous and action packed. But when I really look back on it I realize that my life was very transitional during my 20's. You're still finding out who you are and your role as an adult and finding a comfortable and correct path to how you are going to navigate this life.

During my 20's I served 2 missions for my church, dated a lot, got my heart broken, found Mr. Right, married, became a mother, took a stand against a lifelong injustice, learned how to have truly healthy and meaningful relationships on every level, learned to love myself more than ever, solidified my religious convictions, filled my life with positive and genuine people, learned the liberation of admitting I made a mistake, never had a traffic ticket, fell in love with Project Runway, took up oil painting, sold my paintings, learned to value and treasure female friendships and the list goes on and on.

But the point of the retrospective introspection is this. As I sit at my computer, typing this, Evangeline is taking a nap, Ella is dancing naked in front of the mirror in her playroom, Wonder Pets is playing in the background, my house is a mess, my craft table is covered with scrapping supplies, we are completely poor and I have never been more happy in my entire life. I have never felt more content with where I am right now or more hopeful for whatever life brings. Because during 30 years of being me I have finally learned who I am. I don't know it all, but I do know what I believe, what I love, what I will not stand for, how to cope with life's challenges...how to be me. And I love this "being me" business.

And so I say, in a triumphant voice,

Bring it on 30! BRING IT ON !

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Prognosis Positive!

Went to the doctors for Eva's test results yesterday. The doctor is sending us to a Pediatric Urologist at Primary Children's Hospital, but the good news is that Eva will not be needing an operation. Hooray! Just in time for this good news we captured this video of Eva laughing her face off at Ella showing her a picture of an apple. What could be more funny than a picture of an apple?



P.S. Bragging rights to the first person who can tell me what the title of this post is from!
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the list {da-da-dum.....}

Matt and I have gone through the list of all of the fellowships available in the upcoming year. One of these states will be our new home next Summer.

Connecticut, Oregon, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Tennessee, Massachusetts
California, Idaho, Utah, Virginia, Maryland, Wisconsin, Ohio, North Carolina


It's a bit scary to not know. I am a planner by nature so this state-side lotto is difficult for me, but it's also exciting. A new adventure with new wonderful friends to make and new cities to explore.

I have only lived in Washington, Utah, Iowa and Nebraska so there is a lot more US to discover. Anyone have any votes for the above states? Any useful information? Please let us know!

And now the application process begins. Bring on the stress!

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Emmy Award Lowdown

I think you know by now that the Acadamy Awards are my Superbowl. And it's all about the fashion. I don't really care who won, I only care what they were wearing. So that made last night's Emmy's my NCAA final. Here's my take on the hits and misses of the fashion scene on last night's red carpet.

Best Dressed Woman: Heidi Klum
She looked amazing and the hair, makeup and jewelry were perfection.


Worst Dresses Woman: Jenna Fisher
This saddens me since I love "The Office" and she is very beautiful. But I think everyone can see where this went wrong. Very very wrong.


Best Dresses Man: Patrick Dempsey
Classic, dreamy, flawless. And I love that hair.


Worst Dressed Man: Zachary Quinto
Looks like he dressed for Sunday dinner at Grandma'a, not the Emmys.


Weidest Hair: Ellen Pompeo
Enough said.


Biggest Improvement: Christina Agulera
Yes..the dress could be better, but have you ever seen her look better? Baby bump and all. Remember the days of the crotchless chaps? You've come a long way christina.

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Food Facts by Emilie

I have two things to remark about food today.

Food Fact #1 : You really CAN have it all

Last night we made lasagna using the whole wheat pasta recommended by America's Test Kitchen (which most of you know Matt and I have an unhealthy obsession with). Now, let me say, since turning healthy there are some health products which are definitely detectable. But it's worth the slight taste modification for the health benefits. However, these Ronzoni lasagna noodles were absolutely undetectable as being healthy. There was literally no taste or texture difference from regular white pasta. A triumph for healthy eaters everywhere!

Food Fact #2 : Swiss factory workers are gross

Last night I treated myself to a decadent little piece of Lindt Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar and put the delightful little square of heaven into my mouth. Instead of delicious melting chocolate, I felt something resist against my teeth. I assumed I had mistakenly left a small piece of foil on the chocolate and pulled it out of my mouth. Imagine my disgust when I discovered the resistance was caused by a human fingernail. Yes, blog readers, it's true. A human fingernail, nicely clipped, was inside my Lindor truffle. I have 2 witnesses to this event and I shudder even now to think of it. Should I write an angry letter to Switzerland?

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Natural Affection

It doesn't seem fair, but I have about a million avant garde tender photos of Matt with our kids. Maybe it's because I always have the camera.

This photo is completely natural and unposed and I love capturing these moments between father and daughter. Having had a very abusive and now estranged relationship with my own father, seeing Matt with our daughters, filling their lives with love, makes me as happy as anything else I can think of.

This look on Evangeline's face is priceless. Awww Dad! C'mon! Stop kissing me! I hope to see this scenerio many times in our future.

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Cheap Chicas Unite

Just heard about this amazing deal and wanted to spread the love. Yeah...I've got your back!

A company called E.L.F. (eyeslipsface.com) has just been bought by Nordstroms and is liquidating their entire stock. these make-up products are professional quality and are made by the same manufacturer of MAC cosmetics (which, let's face it, I will probably NEVER have the money to buy MAC).

Right now every single piece of make-up is $1.00 Yes....$1.00 AND if you spend $20 and use the coupon code carolina you get $10 off. The shipping is just $5 no matter how much you order. Here's what I just ordered...

6 lipglosses
3 nail polishes
bronzer
highlighter
3 professional brushes
4 eyeshadows
tweezers
eyeliner
brow gel

All for $16.00 including the shipping.
Ummm.....what are you waiting for?!
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Autumn

Yesterday was perfection.
Could I live in an area that was perpetually Utah in early Fall?

The smell in the air has changed.
The leaves are blowing down the street.
My birthday approaches.
The new school supplies are in the stores.
And I am happy!


and Happy Birthday to PJ...you rock kid-o!
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Cooking for Cancer

Some people aid in the fight against cancer by doing pivotal medical research or contributing large sums of money to the cause. I bake stuff.

Last week was CRAZY! SO much was going on, but the main accomplishment was that I made a gazillion home-made freezer meals for my sister and her family (a husband and 4 kids) the last them for the next 2 months while she does cancer treatments. We did it all in 2 days and I even wore a hair net (hair still falling out from Eva's birth)

Here's what I cooked up...

3 meatloaves
2 pans scalloped potatoes
24 twice baked potatoes
48 cheesy bread twists
2 pans chicken enchiladas
2 pans beef tamale casserole
2 pans thanksgiving casserole
2 pans cheesy chicken and rice casserole
15 chicken pillows
12 individual servings of taco soup
2 pans three cheese pasta bake
9 individual servings of beef stew

And then we ran out of room in our stand up freezer. We delivered the food after I picked up my Mom from the airport on Friday morning. Now that our freezer is empty again we begin phase 2 of the cook-fest.

This week we will make and freeze...
2 beef pot pies
8 dozen turkey meatballs
12 dozen chocolate chip cookies
2 dozen cinnamon rolls
orange almond shortbread cookies
2 pans sticky buns

By the way...today is National Swap Ideas Day. So why not try out cooking meals to freeze ahead of time like I did this week? Try making your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, scooping them out with a small cookie scoop and place them close together on a cookie sheet (sprayed with cooking spray) and throw them in the freezer. Wait 4 hours until they are mostly frozen, remove the cookie dough balls and throw them into plastic freezer bags. When you want fresah homemade cookies just place 12 on a cookie sheet and bake as usual, but add 3-5 more minutes onto the regular cook time. They'll be perfect!
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Fly Baby, Fly!

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Retro Post:11/21/2006 {In Case You Missed It}

Last week I was working around on the top floor of our house. I could hear Ella playing quietly in her room. I heard her say, "book...book!" like she often does when taking books off of her bookshelf to read. But then I heard an unusual follow-up. A terror stricken little voice muttered, "Uh-oh! Uh-oh!!" Now, there's the "uh-oh" like I dropped my doll and then there's THIS "uh-oh" like I'm injured.

I couldn't imagine what had happened!

She ran into the living room holding the book "The Giving Tree" and saying uh-oh repeatedly. When she got to me she pointed at the back of the book and muttered "uh-oh!" as if asking me to stop the pain. This is what she was pointing at...the scariest children's book jacket photo of all time!

I said, "Oh honey, it's okay....Heavenly Father makes people look all different so that we can have a beautiful world!" She wasn't buying it...she was just terrified and can you blame her?

Honestly....the publisher could not find any better picture than this? It looks like they have set up Shel for his photo shoot facing a blazing hot sun (for shifty, squinty eyes) and he has just finished drinking a pint of children's blood (the gaping mouth with the stained teeth). The sinister crooked smile doesn't really help his cause. Seriously, even Stephen King has friendlier looking book jacket photos on his horror novels!

We try and teach our children about different kinds of beauty, but I think Ella's got a point...I'm just wondering why no one in the publisher's office said their own "uh-oh" before this book went to print!

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Things that I love that everyone else finds annoying

Angie made an excellent comment to my post the other day. She said I should make a list of things that I love that everyone else finds annoying and I have to say....I like how this girl thinks!

Well this is easy...

Infomercials I seriously LOVE them. Especially the Magic Bullet
Pee Wee's Big Adventure It's gold. I about laugh my butt off every time.
Repeat play on the CD player If I like a song...it's playing over and over until I know the words.
Home shopping networks I don't know what's wrong with me. It doesn't even matter what they're selling...I watch!
ABBA If you read this blog you know I know every word to every song on the ABBA Gold album.
Lenny Kravitz Some may be bugged by his weirdy boa-wearing, cross dressing ways, but I think he's hotter than hot, baby!
Being a high-maintenance foodie No one is worse than me. Observe my order at Burger King: I'll have a Whopper with cheese, but make it plain, but then add mayo, extra lettuce and onion rings instead of regular onions on the burger. And I need a packet of Ranch dressing. (This is why we laugh so hard when we watch When Harry Met Sally)
Technotronic leaving the 90's didn't damper my love for them. Can you say Pump Up the Jam? Okay, you can say it, but can you stop yourself from shaking your butt to it? Not likely.

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Things that everyone seems to love...

that I find completely annoying.

Everybody Loves Raymond not funny
Grey's Anatomy too smutty
Johnny Depp okay...I was in love during the 21 Jump Street years when he was still real, but this new fake humility kills me. "A sex symbol? Moi? That's ridiculous Oprah!" (read: I am so deep and above labels.)
Leggings why are they back? not flattering in the 80's and they're not flattering now.
Harry Potter Mania I don't mind the books and I love that they have encouraged children to read, but just love the books people! I saw a liscence plate today that said NOTAMGGL...the man driving was in his late 40s.
Black Eyed Peas I find their music completely talentless. My ladylumps? Seriously?
Diet Coke yuck
Victoria Secret "Pink" Sweatsuits I have never ever seen one woman whose thighs did not look HUGE in these...even the skinniest of the skinny.
Lime Green Sparkle Tipped Manicures I just don't get it.

Now...don't be offended if you like and/or participate in any of these trends. Remember I called this post things that everyone seems to love, meaning that I am the minority. Like what you like and do what you do and I'll do the same and we'll all love eachother!

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