SOME RISKY BUSINESS
Man alive, I'm struggling in the blogging area lately! I've been a little overwhelmed with everything we've got to get done before we move, plus moving that I only have lame, to-do items on my mind and by-all-means not much I would consider blogworthy (which isn't a high standard to begin with).
But! I have been meaning to post this little video for a couple months. We got the idea when Ryder took a nap one Sunday in his white shirt and socks. I don't think it will make a Guitar Hero commercial anytime soon, but you get the picture.
*note Phil in the reflection of sliding door & ignore that annoying voice ahootin' and a hollerin'. I have no idea who she is.
SWEET, LITTLE DORRITT
So have any of you been catching the Masterpiece Theater of "Little Dorritt" by BBC? Sooo good. I crave each Sunday when one more of it's five parts is added to my DVR. Apparently, it was book first written by this author named Charles Dickens.
But seriously, if you're not into the BBC Masterpiece Classics, you should be. For the following reasons:
- I think they're aired on you local PBS station so they're easily accessible to every one.
- If you're like me and haven't read many classics, these movies are here to inform you of such famous plots and perhaps even interest you enough to read them...perhaps.
- They have great actors with great acting skills, like Matthew Macfayden or Colin Firth
- Granted some stories are better than others, but the good ones are really good.
- They have interesting little bios about the author at the beginning of each part given elusively by Laura Linney or Gillian Anderson. I like their elusivness.
DEAR OPRAH, UNCUT
Ya know, I don't really like to voice my strong opinions on my blog very often, but today is one of those times.
If you know me, you know I watch Oprah. If you know me really well, you know she has really gotten on my nerves lately and although I don't watch her show nearly as much as I use to, I am always threatening to give up her show completely. Well folks, it's time. After her show last Thursday I was pushed over the edge and my mom, sister and I vowed to never watch again. Let's just say I felt the same way watching the latter part of this show as I did watching her show on child p*rn*gr@phy. The only difference was that Oprah was in blatant support of the ideas mentioned in Thursday's show. So I'm done.
I felt strongly that is was only fair to let the Oprah Winfrey Show about this decision as well. Although, this letter probably won't get past the entry-level employee whose sole job is to filter fan mail, it is really all I can do to fight for what I believe to by right.
But I didn't want my hard work to go to waste, so here you go--my letter to Oprah, uncut.*
*The email slot to oprah.com only allotted me 2000 characters so some of it had to be cut. FYI, there are some adult terms used in this letter.
{Click to Enlarge}
FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT
*WARNING*
There is a gross amount of photos in this post, particularly of myself.
So back in January before Phil's little sister, Jaimie, left on her mission, we had a little family photo shoot....or a large one, rather. We hit a variety of poses with every family combo possible and ended up with a lot of great shots to choose from. But I believe my favorite part of the whole process was the photographer's insistence on each of us getting individual portrait shots. I found it a rather funny (see below). I mean, who wouldn't jump at the chance to feel like a senior in high school again?
Then it was my turn...
...and ended up feeling a tad bit like a fish out of water and for the life of me couldn't quit laughing.
But don't worry, guys. I warmed up.
I totally managed to pull it together in time to get my real estate agent shot and my album cover...
And of course, a little somethin' somethin' for Phil to frame and put by his bedside...
Grhhh!
Oh. And there were some other people there besides me. Here are my favorites from everyone together, followed by just our little family and of course, the true model of the hour, Ryder Roo.
THOUGHTS...SPIRITUAL ONES
So another General Conference weekend comes and goes. I have to admit I didn't partake of this conference, as much as I'd hoped. It was a combination of things that left me rather distracted, and due to no one's fault but my own, I was left unable to revel in those sweet words as much as I'm used to doing. I found the feast over and I only got a few bites.
One bite I found most delicious to the soul was Elder Holland's talk on the Jesus Christ and loneliness. I was riveted. Feeling so drawn and understood by the Savior, I also loved how he chronologically took us through the events leading up to His crucifixion. When Elder Holland bears his testimony, it awakens my own.
Another talk that struck a chord with me was Elder Hales' talk on living providently. But more specifically concentrating on things we don't really need. And how those things can become addictions and can prevent you from feelings the Spirit. Although I can think of a number of cute and clever responses to my husband asking me if I wanted him to buy me a fancy coat. I can't imagine myself ever saying "Where would I wear it?" and turning it down. Especially where he points out much of her time was spent with needy families. The part about this story that hit me was that she couldn't think to wear something in front of people that might warrant their envy. I mean I don't know if she even thought about it that deeply, but wow. I say wow, because that is SO the opposite of how I think!!! I mean I don't go around consciously deciding how I can make someone feel lesser than me, but I know their is a c
ertain level of trying to obtain the approval and, dare I say, the envy of others? I mean, I don't think its working, but that's beside the point. I know it's a simple concept. Yes, Jasmine we're not supposed to desire the envy of others...but if it just happens to come our way, well then, we can't help it we're that cool. Right? That's how I think a lot of us subconsciously look at it. It's a new concept to me to prevent it and another perspective as to why living modestly is important. Anyhow it made me think.
One bite I found most delicious to the soul was Elder Holland's talk on the Jesus Christ and loneliness. I was riveted. Feeling so drawn and understood by the Savior, I also loved how he chronologically took us through the events leading up to His crucifixion. When Elder Holland bears his testimony, it awakens my own.
Another talk that struck a chord with me was Elder Hales' talk on living providently. But more specifically concentrating on things we don't really need. And how those things can become addictions and can prevent you from feelings the Spirit. Although I can think of a number of cute and clever responses to my husband asking me if I wanted him to buy me a fancy coat. I can't imagine myself ever saying "Where would I wear it?" and turning it down. Especially where he points out much of her time was spent with needy families. The part about this story that hit me was that she couldn't think to wear something in front of people that might warrant their envy. I mean I don't know if she even thought about it that deeply, but wow. I say wow, because that is SO the opposite of how I think!!! I mean I don't go around consciously deciding how I can make someone feel lesser than me, but I know their is a c
ertain level of trying to obtain the approval and, dare I say, the envy of others? I mean, I don't think its working, but that's beside the point. I know it's a simple concept. Yes, Jasmine we're not supposed to desire the envy of others...but if it just happens to come our way, well then, we can't help it we're that cool. Right? That's how I think a lot of us subconsciously look at it. It's a new concept to me to prevent it and another perspective as to why living modestly is important. Anyhow it made me think.
SWEET SUITS
So I'm in the market and have been for the last year or two for a new swimsuit. I've put it off and put it off because, for some reason, trying on swim suits doesn't leave me looking in the mirror saying to myself, "dang, girl, you are fine!"
Plus, past experiences have proven tricky to find cute, modest swimsuits. However, a new day has dawned, ladies! In fact, I just don't know which to choose. Here are the stores I know of featuring some of my favorites. Let me know what you think...
Modbe
I actually liked their 2008 line better then this years, so I was a little disappointed, but who is to say you aren't going love some of their new designs?
Shade Clothing
These guys had a lot of great options with basic designs and colors. I'd like to show you a picture of my favorite, but I think it's sold out already. I hear they're going pretty fast.
Layers Clothing
This is my favorite! Their 2009 line is so fun! I can't decide, but for right now my favorites are:
How charming, with a little vintage design? Okay.
I love the print and colors. It also ties cool in the back and I think this would be funner to accessorize with.
Lime Ricki
And then today I came across these guys ! And kind of liked these here...
I love the color and pattern on this one. However, I don't know if it would be that flattering on my hot bod.
Look they made Audrey Hepburn a swimsuit! I like the classiness of this one.
This store also carries these boy shorts in black and brown. But beware, I voted for these babies when I was a cheerleader in high school in lieu of the traditional bumpkins and they ended up accentuating my thighs quite a bit more. But in theory and perhaps on someone other than me, they are a great option!
How charming, with a little vintage design? Okay.
I love the print and colors. It also ties cool in the back and I think this would be funner to accessorize with.
I love the color and pattern on this one. However, I don't know if it would be that flattering on my hot bod.
Look they made Audrey Hepburn a swimsuit! I like the classiness of this one.
This store also carries these boy shorts in black and brown. But beware, I voted for these babies when I was a cheerleader in high school in lieu of the traditional bumpkins and they ended up accentuating my thighs quite a bit more. But in theory and perhaps on someone other than me, they are a great option!
IT'S TIME
I don't know if you've noticed, but I haven't been posting as much as I usually do and when I ask myself why, I have a hard time coming up with a good reason. Well, after a little self-reflection, I know the answer! Procrastination. I've lost you, haven't I? Lets back the trolley train up a bit.
You see awhile back Phil and I made a 'to-do' list longer than my arm with all of the things we need to get done to move this summer and go back to school. Well, depending on the task, I marked it with a 'P' (Phil) or 'J' (me) for whom that task was designated. It just so happens the tasks,
- post rental ad on Craigslist
- create rental blog
~SIGH~ OF RELIEF
Just in case there is the smallest chance the Boogy Man is listening, I don't like to blabber around to the WWW when my man, my PRO-tect-OR, or in other words, the other half of this marriage delegated (by me) to sleep with a baseball bat under his side of the bed, is out of town. Which is why this post is after the fact and why I'm breathing a sigh of relief to HAVE HIM HOME AGAIN (I didn't want there to be any confusion).
Phil just happened to have a business trip that took him out of town for five day followed by a training the next week that took him out of town for 4 days. In defense of my independence, we managed just fine and I only had like one or two woe-is-me episodes :) But seriously, I believe people adapt to their situation and so were just got used to our daily routine without him. That sounds sad, but now that he's home, what used to be the norm, is now totally extra great and nice and allows me to do stuff like just sit here and blog while Phil feeds and bathes our babe. Not to mention we missed him like crazy. Truly, it's quite the spectacle around here--Ryder and I both vying for his attention...it's really not much of a competition. Anyhow, I wasn't really looking forward to these last couple of weeks, so I'm quite glad they're over.
In other news, we're also breathing a sigh of relief to finally have a plan for this fall. {drum roll please} We will be attending:
for the next two years while Phil completes his MBA program in Organization Behavior. Wahoo! In considering our options there were so many pros to this program that it moved quickly to the top of our list. Oh, and anyone who knows me knows I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited (ecstatic) to be moving closer to my family. It also goes without saying how sad we'll be to leave too...but, more on this later. Right now, it just feels so great to have a plan and know where we're going. So at this point, hopefully, everything goes according to plan :)
And there were are.
Phil just happened to have a business trip that took him out of town for five day followed by a training the next week that took him out of town for 4 days. In defense of my independence, we managed just fine and I only had like one or two woe-is-me episodes :) But seriously, I believe people adapt to their situation and so were just got used to our daily routine without him. That sounds sad, but now that he's home, what used to be the norm, is now totally extra great and nice and allows me to do stuff like just sit here and blog while Phil feeds and bathes our babe. Not to mention we missed him like crazy. Truly, it's quite the spectacle around here--Ryder and I both vying for his attention...it's really not much of a competition. Anyhow, I wasn't really looking forward to these last couple of weeks, so I'm quite glad they're over.
In other news, we're also breathing a sigh of relief to finally have a plan for this fall. {drum roll please} We will be attending:
BYU
Marriott School of Business
for the next two years while Phil completes his MBA program in Organization Behavior. Wahoo! In considering our options there were so many pros to this program that it moved quickly to the top of our list. Oh, and anyone who knows me knows I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited (ecstatic) to be moving closer to my family. It also goes without saying how sad we'll be to leave too...but, more on this later. Right now, it just feels so great to have a plan and know where we're going. So at this point, hopefully, everything goes according to plan :)
And there were are.
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR VISIT TO UTAH
Oh, hey you. Yeah...still here...
...with some more holiday photos! Booya!
Promise, that's all. Really.
Promise, that's all. Really.
OH, RYDER
{I bet you never thought of using your Caboodle like this}
ETSY PICK OF THE DAY
During Ryder's nap time today I was browsing Etsy.com and came across these cool, funky letters made from either copper or aluminum. I think I prefer the copper myself. Anyhow, I want to get an eclectic collection of significant letters and numbers (ie. P, J, S, R, '05 ) to mix into one of my main wall hangings one day. For only $20, this one might be a winner...
BEST MOLASSES COOKIE EVER!
It all started when I moved to Seattle and visited my first Starbucks. I never really had a need to visit Starbucks being the non-coffee drinker that I am. But you move to a place where there is one every 20 feet, and naturally you're bound to hit one for lunch every once in awhile. You become accustomed to their hot chocolate, caramel apple cider, steamed milk and other sans caffeinated beverages. They also have a decent spread of pastries and sandwiches and on this particular day, I waddled my pregnant self in and saw a brown molasses cookie the size of my head staring right back at me. What joy. It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Well, now I don't run into many opportunities to do lunch at SB anymore, being a stay at home mom 'n all, so a few weeks ago I googled Starbucks molasses cookies and viola! (how do you spell that?) Up came the recipe. Man, I love technology. And the best part is...they really taste like the real thing. Chewy on the inside, sugary crisp on the out...ahhh. Anyhow, I love it when you can make some favorite item from the restaurant right in the comfort of your own home and usually for a fraction of the cost.
POST HOLIDAY PHOTOS
I'm not going to sit here and pretend all of you haven't been just waiting with excitement to see some more of our holiday photos, which is why even in February, late is better than never, right?...maybe? {crickets}
Anyhow, here are more snow pictures...and yes, I promise this is the last time I'll say it, it snowed in Seattle A LOT over Christmas. Notice how I didn't know how to wear a beanie that day...it's like its just lightly hovering over my head...
Next we have Christmas day, which was pretty great. We opened presents. We ate...a lot. We took absurd amounts of photos in our Christmas jammies. Ryder had more toys than he knew what to do with and I surprised Phil with skis after sending him on a rather clever scavenger hunt, if I do say so myself.
And finally, the best for last: Our what-would've-been Christmas card, had I been on top of it this year. The weekend before Christmas Phil and his grandpa made this really grande snow dragon. We, of course, took some more photos and ended up with this beauty--which was totally Christmas card worthy.
Next we have Christmas day, which was pretty great. We opened presents. We ate...a lot. We took absurd amounts of photos in our Christmas jammies. Ryder had more toys than he knew what to do with and I surprised Phil with skis after sending him on a rather clever scavenger hunt, if I do say so myself.
And finally, the best for last: Our what-would've-been Christmas card, had I been on top of it this year. The weekend before Christmas Phil and his grandpa made this really grande snow dragon. We, of course, took some more photos and ended up with this beauty--which was totally Christmas card worthy.
Don't worry, Ryder's aunt Carly is hiding behind the third hump to make sure Ryder doesn't fall off.
{Click on images to enlarge}
{Click on images to enlarge}
HEAVY, HAPPY HEART
My thoughts today are with my dear sister (in-law), Jaimie--as she enters the MTC!*
Woot, woot!!! I am so excited and anxious for her as she starts this amazing journey. There is a definite spirit and blessing that comes to having a missionary in the family and I'm grateful I get to be a part of it. There is no doubt she is going to change lives for the better. Those lucky Slovenes!
I sure will miss her.
*The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Training Center
I sure will miss her.
*The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Training Center
DOMINO MAGAZINE
Woah, talk about blogger's block! Sorry, I just don't know what to say. Really...get it? Ha!
Anyway...
I owe a lot to my sister, Autumn.
Who got me my job at Taco Time when I turned 16? Autumn!
Who helped make cheerleader in high school? Autumn!
Who then, got me yet another job in college? Autumn!
Who won me $100 in a radio contest because she got to enter in a friend's name along with her own? Autumn!
And last, but not least, who, as a Domino magazine subscriber gave me her free guest subscription? Autumn!
Man, I love her.
It's such a cool interior design magazine. So many different styles and it makes me want to be all sorts of creative. Unfortunately, I hear it's going out of print, but I shall enjoy the issues I do get!
It's such a cool interior design magazine. So many different styles and it makes me want to be all sorts of creative. Unfortunately, I hear it's going out of print, but I shall enjoy the issues I do get!
OH, YES, THE HOLIDAYS
Since I'm taking forev-a to getting around to our holiday photos, I thought the best way to show you our Christmas and New Year festivities before July would be in bits and pieces, or a play-by-play, if you will :)
We spent Christmas at Phil's parents' house this year. We started out the festivities by welcoming in one of Northwest's biggest snow storms ever! (Well I don't know if the biggest one ever, but it was pretty stinkin' big.) His whole family was there and we had a grand 'ol time hanging out and making the best of all that snow--as you can clearly see.
We spent Christmas at Phil's parents' house this year. We started out the festivities by welcoming in one of Northwest's biggest snow storms ever! (Well I don't know if the biggest one ever, but it was pretty stinkin' big.) His whole family was there and we had a grand 'ol time hanging out and making the best of all that snow--as you can clearly see.
HOPE
Was what I felt today. I've felt and thought a lot of things about President Obama lately, but I'm happy that today, I mostly felt hope. There is no doubt in my mind that today was one of the most monumental days in our nation's history. I also have a hard time remembering when I've ever felt our country so united and willing to fix the problems laid at our country's door. Mr. President, you and I differ on a lot of issues but I'm grateful for the unity and confidence you have offered our nation during a time we've needed it most. I'll give you my support until given a reason not to. You'll be in my prayers.
Other random inaugural thoughts:
Other random inaugural thoughts:
- Michelle's dress. HELLO! Georgeous. Beautiful woman. Not many ladies could pull off what I heard was "lemon grass yellow"
- I got really angry at all the "Arrest Bush" signs. I feel it's rather hypocritical to be there supporting the incoming president, his position, this country and yet at the same time showing such disrespect for outgoing president of the same country. You may not agree with his point of view, but he deserves the graciousness that serving our country for two terms deserves.
- I really think President Obama should stop smoking
- I love seeing the Obama's daughters. You have to admit the first family is pretty good lookin'.
- I am so over the "Anybody Who's Anybody Loves Obama Celebrity Clique". I seriously sometimes feel like today's celebrities are a larger reflection of a nasty middle school flashback where the popular kids have the ability to make anything cool ranging from being immoral to going green to endorsing a president just because of their social status and money.
- I love the new hope and unity going on, but I do get slightly concerned about those ready to erect statues of a president who hasn't even been in office for 24 hours.
ANOTHER FREE DAY
Ya know, I had been thinking I was stubbing my toe a lot lately. I was even bending over and nicked my forehead on the corner of a kitchen cupboard the other day (I still have a scab and a bruise). What's my problem? You'd think I was going thru puberty all over again or something. My mom always said I was graceful (love her), but I feel as though I'm repelling any such vibes these last few days. And then today, I was being a good wife, mother and all around member of society by trying to manage my finances and pay my bills, when I realized I needed something in my bedroom. Not wanting a certain little gentlemen to come throw around my strategically placed documents and invoices like it was New Year's confetti, I quickly (wish I could say gracefully) ran to the bedroom. I had just barely rounded the corner when: WHAM! the corner of Ryder's door frame hit my foot. It was the doozy of all toe stubs. After yelling "Ouch" enough times to see I was alarming Ryder, I proceeded to cry for the next 15 minutes about the pain...and well every other little thing that was or could potentially go wrong in the next year with a smile on my face, repeating over and over again to him, "Everything's fine, everything's fine". It's like the flood gates just opened! (It was kind of releasing, actually). But man, it hurt. In my woes, I called Phil for some good sympathy who, like any good husband should, asked me to take a picture and send it to him. I willingly agreed. I then thought, why should I deprive the rest of you from seeing my owie...
...I'm really hoping this is just a phase.
...I'm really hoping this is just a phase.
2009:12 / ME:3
Good thing there aren't any officials keeping track of my New Year's Resolution's scoreboard. On this day of days, witch just happens to be my birthday, I thought I'd tally in my points so far from my first 15 days of the game, or year, rather.
The first fifthter (as opposed to quarters) of the game was still spent on vacation, so of course, I lost out on those days. After getting unpacked the 2nd and 3rd fifthters of the game were spent on my bum. All these new motivations and goals and I just couldn't do anything productive to same my life. The 4th fifthter was spent doing tasks I had procrastinated in a rush and stressed manner. But the 5th fifthter...I've got to hand it to myself. I mean, I don't like to brag, but do the words visiting teaching and organizing closets mean anything to you? (tongue in cheek) That's what I thought. But seriously, someone needs to light a fire under my tooshy, preferably sometime in the month of January...because I can't just have barely-there sparks for the rest of 2009. I mean, I've got things to do!
So, wish me luck and a maybe a happy birthday. Fortunately, I get today's point no matter what.
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