Private and Pics

Hey all, as promised I'm posting photos from our vacation below. Before I do however, just in case you didn't read my post about my exciting vacation adventures, you probably didn't see at the end I was thinking about changing my status to 'Private'. This is still the case, SO if you want access to my blog please jot down your email address or send it to me at: jasmine[dot]shorten[at]gmail[dot]com

This makes me tad sad because I'm giving up the whole exciting mystery aspect of blogging. Ya know--who is going to find your blog? Or who already has but is just to chicken to comment on it? (Luckily, it doesn't take away from who's blog can I find but I'm too chicken to comment it, so just because I'm doing it doesn't mean you need to, okey dokey :) This is one of the funner parts about blogging to me, but my reasoning (mainly safety issues) is important too. However, with that said, don't be shy and send those emails people! Because if you like my blog (or me for that matter), I like you :)

Now for photos:

Ryder bathing at Grandma's. He's a little excited he's getting away with breaking the rules (standing in the bathtub).

Fouth of July family photo. Arent' the matching boys so cute!? (I did that).

Ryder and me at Bar J Wranglers. That good lookin' woman on the left is my mom. Woo, woo!

View of Jenny Lake from our boat

A little worse for the wear--me in front of a water fall

This is the best. Ryder fell asleep on our hike--sideways. Phil had to walk 2 miles with his elbow out to support his head. What a good dad.

Ryder swinging in front of our hotel. That kid just kept talking to us and to sum him up, you just have to read his T-shirt, "I'd so rather be playing video games."

The last and final photo ever taken by our retired (broken) camera: my foot and Phil's knees...ah memories.

va-CAY-tion

So after youth conference, Phil, Ryder and I headed out the very next day to Utah. We tried out driving through the night in hopes Ryder would sleep most of the time and unfortunately worked like a gem so we decided to drive though the night on the way home as well. We got home early yesterday morning and think we're almost recovered from our week-o-fun. We arrived at my parents house last Monday and did some shoppin' and chillin' for the first couple of days we were there. Thursday we took off to Jackson Hole for the 4th of July weekend. I have been to Jackson a number of times on family vacations and hadn't been there for years. It was the first time Phil had ever visited the area so I was excited to say the least. Thursday we went to Jenny's Lake first, took the boat across and hiked back. It was beautiful and Ryder fell asleep sideways in his backpack on the way back, so cute. That evening we took it easy browsing shops and getting ice cream. Friday the boys went whitewater rafting while the babes and ladies went to the parade. After the men got home we switched and the girls went to lunch and did some more shopping. That night we went to the Bar J Wranglers dinner and show (very fun). Saturday we went to breakfast and headed home. This was my family's first attempt at a vacation all together (except for my brother and his family, who were greatly missed) with babies and toddlers and it came of as a success! Thanks mom and dad for putting it all together! It was so fun for me to visit that area again. I love, love, love it there. I'm definitely more of a mountain girl. Hopefully, we'll get to do it all again sooner than later. (More photos will come soon...our camera broke while we were there (sad) but here are a few I was able to copy from the website of the rafting trip).

This isn't the best photo, but you get the idea. Phil is the second one back on the left. My dad is behind him and Bro-in-law, Sean, is second one back on the right (this was right before he got thrown in :)

Here is the best one of Phil, but you can't see my dad or Sean :(

Now we're safely back home trying to get back to our routine. I feel like I've been out of my life here for weeks, so getting back into the swing of things will be nice. I have to write a post about Ryder and all of the cute things he has been doing. He does something new every day. And finally, I plan on making my blog private here in the next couple of weeks so get ready to send me your emails! That is all.

Done, Done & Done

Youth conference is officially done. {insert huge tired sigh here} Yeah, Phil and I were co-chairs in planning this year's Renton Stake Youth Conference with our new and very dear friends, Laura and Ben Jex (head-chairs). I haven't mentioned any of this on my blog before because there would be just WAY too much to talk about that I didn't find the point in even starting. It's also the reason I've dropped off the blogging world for the last little while. I almost feel like I've been on a different planet for that last week eating, sleeping, drinking youth conference and only talking to people involved in it. If you didn't know the answer to who was doing what, how many fliers we needed or who was going to speak when, I'm sorry, but you were of no use to me (kidding, KIDDING). I seriously think this is the most work I've ever put into any particular project in my entire life. Even more so than my capstone project in college. It's funny though, because I just kept telling myself by this time (Saturday evening) it will be all be over, as if the actual conference was tossed in the same category as the preparation, but I must say the last couple of days have been a rewarding and joyful experience and totally worth the hours of hard work that went into this. I know this probably doesn't interest many, but since so much of me and people I've grown very fond of have thrown everything they've had into this in the last few days, weeks, months I have to share some of my thoughts...

• Holy cow!!! Have I learned A LOT! A lot about leading, a lot about following, a lot about doing, a lot about delagating, a lot about working with others and team work, a lot about teenagers, a lot about making a gajillion hand outs and a whole lot about how Heavenly Father has his hand in these types of activities organized for the youth of the Church.
• Our stake has amazing youth. I'm sad we only got to work with them for such a short amount of time.
• I have had the opportunity to learn from and watch our wonderful stake leaders who were there the whole time helping us the whole time.
• I loved learning from the youth.
• I loved meeting so many youth from our stake.
• Our service project was such a success and I couldn't be more relieved that it was (and that it's over) I'm very grateful for a very on-the-ball service project specialist, who made my job easy.
• I'm so excited to pay more attention to my baby boy (he feels like he's been just an accessory for the last couple of days)
• I am so grateful for LauraJex :) I really feel blessed to have worked so easily with someone on something like this. We jived...and that's all I can say and I'm grateful for a new friend. We're not quite sure what we're going to do with ourselves now that we don't have to talk to each other a dozen times a day.
• And last but not least, I'm so grateful for Heavenly Father making this youth conference a smashing success. I'd be here all night if I got into all the ways we saw His hand in everything (teachers, schedule, location). I feel bad because I never had the opportunity to bear my testimony to the youth. I think they just thought I was that sister running around all the time telling them what to do and where to go. But if I had, had the opportunity I would have told them that I love my Savior and I know this Church is true. Without a shadow of a doubt, I know it's true. They are a light to the world and that it doesn't stop at finding their testimony and sharing it. It is when you do that you really start growing and becoming that person Heavenly Father wants you to be and you will never know the affect that will have on those searching for truth. That's what I would've said. There is a strong force and power within the youth of this church in these latter-days.

I DID IT!!!

I ran my first race! And not just any race, a 12k (as in a 7.5 mile 12k). No, I wasn't the fastest one, in fact, I wasn't very fast at all, but besides a quick potty break, I ran the whole way. Again, I believe running up some of those wicked hills I saw people walking faster than me, but I did it. As for my final time it was 1:26:12. Now, you may look at that and think. Huh, that's kinda slow. But I look at that and think "Wow, I can run for an hour and a half? How cool is that?" Here are a couple of pictures of Elizabeth and me (my dear friend who I would have never been able to do this without). Oh and a photo of my free shirt, that I've been proudly wearing for the last five days. Ha, just kidding (...kind of :)

BEFORE

AFTER

(Sorry for the edit. My pesky midriff snuck its way into the photo)

THE SHIRT

A Little Poem...

So I've never been into poetry much. I wish I were, because I think people who can recite poems from memory are cool. However, there are a few that have a profound effect on me. So when I like a poem, its usually because I love the poem. Well, I heard one today that I think has fallen into this category. I heard it while I was folding clothes and watching the movie "In Her Shoes", of all places. You know those moments where you look at or think of someone you love and you feel like you heart is going to burst because you're so overwhelmed by your love for that person? Sorry, I keep using the word love, but that's kind of my point. There are no synonyms for love and therefore that tiny little word is rarely enough to describe its monumental meaning. Well, I thought this poem came very close to describing those moments of love that you thought you'd never find the words for. And that's why I like it.

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

--e. e. cummings

Lazy Day

I'm having a lazy day. I don't want to do anything productive today. Well...it depends on your definition of productive. Because something fun like reading, trying a new recipe or rearranging the furniture in my bedroom (again) sound like something I want to do today. Getting ready, cleaning my house, making signs for Youth Conference and figuring out drivers for our primary activity on Saturday does not sound so fun to me right now. (I'm sure it will in a couple of hours, but just not right now). So right now, Ryder and I are still in our pajamas discovering the glorious world of Seasame Street and Elmo (apparently, he LOVES Elmo, I've never seen him so interested in the TV until Elmo was on it). Anyhow, I really am in the mood for something creative, so if you have any great ideas, let me know. I did plant a tree this morning. So I'm not THAT lazy. We named it Ryder.

The Last of the Lamanites

Totally kidding, but isn't this fascinating? A friend of ours sent us this news story regarding an ancient Amazon Indian tribe that still exist, untouched by our modern world, in the jungles of Brazil due to their crazy confined geographic locations. Did you know that? I didn't know that.

The photos of them and their village were taken with a super awesome lens from an airplane by a group called Survival International who are trying to create an awareness of these tribes who (according to SI) are in danger of being destroyed by illegal loggers.

I think it's kinda weird no one has managed to drop in there for a chat in an effort to find out more about these people and their culture, but kinda cool too. I'm sure (according to the picture) they'd prefer to be left alone. But seriously, doesn't this look like something from the set of Apocalypto? Apparently, they looked scared to death (hence the massive bows) because they've never seen an airplane that close.

I was thinking if I could show them just one modern convenience, what would it be? It was a toss up between a toilet, a gun (for food, although I'm sure they're archery pros) and a car. Hard call. What do you think?

Here is the link to the article and more pictures: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24880941/

I "Heart" C.U.

I love Carrie Underwood.

No, I really do. We're friends, in fact. She waved at me and now we're friends. It's simple as that. Let me start from the beginning. Our awesome friends, Derek and Monica scored tickets to see Carrie Underwood (with Josh Turner) in concert in Yakima (yes, we drove 2 1/2 hours for this baby). We were pretty excited because we were on the 14th row, right? Well, we got a whole lot more excited when we were 5 seats deep from the isle, where she stood singing "Just a Dream" right in front of me. This is where she waved to me--TO ME and just me. I giggled like a 12-year-old school girl. If want to get a better feel for where are seat were...let's just say, we were close enough to take THESE:

"Oh, hi, Carrie."

Phil, Me, Derek & Mo

Josh Turner...isn't this a rad photo?

As you can see we had an awesome time. Thanks again Derek and Monica!

Happy 100 Posts!

So it's true, I have now officially posted on this blog 100 times! How exciting. It's not as cool as like 300 or 500 posts or anything, but we're getting there. Anyhow, to mark this great event I decided to share a blog about nothing other than blogging itself. I think all bloggers have thought about the phenom of blogging and so I decided to commemorate this time by sharing with you mine. I actually started this post awhile ago but never finished it, so that's why it's starting from a random place.

I feel as though I always have fun things to blog about, until I sit down at the computer, then they all disappear and I end up saying something lame about Bush' press conference. I could blog about my weekend...but that would involve me telling you about a driving mishap, which was lame. No fun there. I could blog about running...again. Let's wait awhile on that one. Hmmm...I know! I'll blog about blogging. In fact, if I were to write an essay on blogging, this would be my outline:

Blogging is Cool
An Essay on Blogging

My triple-barreled thesis...uh I mean lead, no thesis, just my Thesis:
Blogging is cool because it allows me to take a peep into the lives of my favorite people and while doing so I discover more witty and clever people. It is also cool because of the commenting factor. Commenting fosters conversation, encouragement and joy. However, blogging is not all rosy. It provokes debatable issues including, but not limited to, proper blogging etiquette, unproductive use of time and of course, limiting access, or otherwise known as "going private" or "lockin' it up".

Main points I would include in the Body of my essay, or rather my more extensive thoughts on the topics previously mentioned:

• Like I said, I love blogging because being someone struggles to stay in contact with people, this allows me to do just that. I now know a best friend of mine from high school had plumbing issues this week. I normally wouldn't have known that, and I love that I do because during those rare moments you actually do catch up, the finer, usually far more relatable and interesting situations (like plumbing problems) in her life don't get mentioned.
  
• I also love running across some acquaintance from my youth (like the funny friend-of-a-friend or the quiet girl in your history class) and find that they have become happy, successful, amazing people with beautiful families and wise comments. I love that.
• I love a good blog. Don't get me wrong, I love the pictures and the updates and if I love you, I love your blog, but there are some blogs that have a knack for being particularly insightful, well-written or clever. I love a witty blog.
  
• As for commenting, I appreciate that ability to receive feedback from the thoughts I choose to wear on my sleeve. You know they aren't being sent out to nowhere and that people do read and care enough about your ideas, life, what-have-you, to give advice or encouragement. It's the whole 'love your brother'/'I feel ya, bro' vibe.
• However, there is nothing worse to sit down to a favorite blog you check daily and read "Going Private". When this happens, three thoughts run through my head: 1. No biggy, they know me and will send me an invite 2. Owell 3. Oh shnikeys! I love this blog and now I have to sheepishly admit I'm stalking their blog if I want an invite. I hate that last one. But really, it's my pride, I think it usually makes people happy if you were to ask (See Universal Blog Truths UBT 1). Let me know if you disagree.
  
• I do think making your blog private is a personal decision and if you feel too sheepish to ask for an invite, well then, maybe you are a stalker...Ha! Just joking! Just joking.
  
• As for commenting. I love comments. (See UBT 2) Who doesn't? Well, I guess if they're rude then you don't love them, but they shouldn't be rude (See UBT 3).
• I used to think I was spending to much unproductive amounts of time blogging, but then I started using Google Reader. I recommend it to all bloggers. I now feel my blogging time is productive and efficient.

Conclusion. My conclusive thoughts on blogging.
In conclusion, I feel that blogging is a tool, that if utilized correctly can have positive effects on your personal well-being as well as others. It is my personal thoughts and feelings on the subject that I have come to the following universal truths about blogging. Let me know what you think (as to perhaps them truly universal :)

Universal Blog Truths:
1. Unless you are a weirdo or an actual stalker, I do believe most people are flattered if you read their blog or request an invite. I am, anyhow.
2. If someone frequently and respectfully comments on your blog, I believe the courteous thing to do is comment on theirs. Which brings me too...
3. In the true spirit of blogging, comments should be tactful, encouraging and uplifting. Opinions are cool, but no need to be rude.

HAPPY 100!!!

Happy Mothers' Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you great moms out their, especially my own. Mom, their aren't words to express my gratitude for you. I love you forever.

As for the little dude who I'm grateful gets to call me mom (well right now it's more like bleh-mba-mba-bleh)...a few photos...

(Mom, you're not allowed to look at them until you've opened your card :)

I took these photos for a mothers' day card and in an effort to get the reactions I was looking for, I ended up with a large variety of facial expressions that are so Ryder. I loved them all, but below are a few of my faves.

Summer Dayz

Since last summer was a bit of a wash, being very pregnant with no vacation days and all, Phil and I have made up our minds to have a totally awesome summer. Plus, Ryder is at a such a fun age so we really want to take advantage of this time. So, to kick-off our summer fun--the zoo, of course. Although, Ryder was more interested in the fence as opposed to the animals within the actual fence, we still had quite a bit of fun. Some of the high-lights: Seeing the mama gorilla with her baby, the orangutans, that picture of Ryder with that there snake and oddly enough some of the birds were really cool.

Long Term Goals

So lately I've been thinking a lot about future goals and aspirations and particular things I would like to do in my life. I think it's Spring season that does it to me. It makes me feel all hopeful and optimistic, like I can conquer the world! These goals, however, are looong term goals. Goals that need written down because they can easily be forgotten over time. Anyhow, here they are in no particular order: Scriptorian: I think I've mentioned this before, but I would really like to know the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon inside and out, I know there are great blessings that come with this and I don't want my knowledge of these great truths and my ability to teach them, to be limited because of the relaxed way I chose to study them through life. However, easier said than done. This is one of those goals I have to remind myself of often with the hope I'll be somewhere close to reaching it by the time Phil and I serve a mission :) Hair Stylist: Yes, people, I've always had a secret desire to go to beauty school. So right now, I'm thinking when my children are all enrolled in grade school, I'm going to enroll myself in beauty school. After I gain a clientel, I build a rad little salon in my house, garage, basement (whatevs) and cut hair! And I'll make my own hours! I am excited about this. My mom tells me she thinks I would be really good at this :) Dinner Party Thrower: I have seen or heard of some pretty, stinkin' cute parties in my day and I look at the clever person who came up with the great ideas, theme and creative party favors and I think, "how cute are they?" and I immediately want to be that cute. However, all of my few meager attempts at party throwing have failed miserably. Why? Because I don't have fun. It's expensive, I worry that no one will come, I'm not really equipped with the space to throw a rockin' party and I can't ever think of things that would actually make it cool. It's more like toss the paper plates on the table and with Papa Murphy's buffet style, and call it good. I know what you're thinkin..."Well then maybe party throwing isn't your cup of tea." But alas, the desire is there, so this is what I've decided: No parties, just dinner parties. I love eating and I love the art of fine dining. I would start slow, ya know, parties of 4 for now and as I slowly acquire the means (space, nice dinnerware...fun!, great recipes, etc.) for a great dinner party, I'll fine-tune my dinner-party throwing skills. For right now, I think this sounds fun. One day you'll be invited to one of my awesome dinner parties and you'll be like "Ah look, she did it. And what a fine dinner party it is." Cheers. (if for some reason it's still Papa Murphy's pizza buffet style , you are still allowed to think, "How cute is she?") Food Storage Expert: I have put this off long enough. I have used our current situation as an excuse that a 72-hour kit consisting of water and a lot of canned fruit (I can't help it. Fruit just always looks far more appetizing than that other stuff) is satisfactory. I would be lying if the shaky economy didn't help in spurring this newly found goal, but I'm going more with the attitude I'm doing it because I've been commanded to as opposed to the whole "the world's going to end" mentality. I've come up with a storage system that is going to work for our current situation and I would like to slowly acquire food (get good at the whole rotating thing) that we'd actually like to eat and that we'd actually know how to make while becoming informed as possible on the subject. So--if you've got any great food storage tips--let me know! Those are them, some more practical than others, but there you go.

Grumpy

So I turned on the news this morning (if that's what you call the Today Show) and they had the press conference with Pres. Bush. Did any of you watch it? Was it just me or was he a little on the grumpy side this morning? I felt like telling him to go back to bed, grumpy pants. I mean, I don't really blame him with everything being said about him at the moment...I mean, I think I would be grumpy too if the country was in a downward spiral and everyone thought it was my fault. Anyhow, I was left unimpressed.

Words on Running

If you're the type of person who can do nothing for weeks and then just get up and run 6 miles in 60 minutes with no problem just because you thought it would feel good, then I just don't know if your the type of person who should read this particular post.

So I've been running. I know, I know, shocking. More on this later.

Anyhow, about a week ago, in an effort to encourage me to go 3 miles instead of my originally planned 2.5 miles, Phil said, "Just think, you can blog about it when you're done!"

Slightly embarrassed he knew this would act as an incentive for me, I scoffed and said, "I wouldn't blog about running 3 miles." I mean, really, who would blog about running 3 miles?

However, blogging about running 4 miles? Now, that's something to blog about! This is a super big deal for me. Getting to this point has not been easy, mind you. If you know me, you know I've always hated running (now, it's more of a hate/it's okay relationship). I've always felt it was one of the most efficient forms of exercise, but hated it because it was so hard. Every time I tried to start running, I'd do it all wrong. I'd take on too much too fast or I'd go running with track gurus or marathon runners, who would pull the whole run to the end of the block and run back to get me (and run to the end of the block and run back to me, and run to the end of the block and run back to me) before I finally caught up and we started the whole thing over again. Every time I thought, "wow, running stinks".

...and no, this is not a photo of me running.

Then, I had a baby. If you're like me and had the whole "what's the point" attitude toward exercising while pregnant, then you know all sorts of motivations to get back in shape come after your baby is born. I then, had the fortunate event of knowing two other mothers (particularly one) who just had babies a couple months before me and were starting to run again. It is thanks to their motivation and advice I was able to get to a point where running a respectable distance was an attainable goal. If I remember correctly, I believe, my first day into it I could only do rounds of running 30 seconds, walking 2 minutes. Always, increasing the time, I remember having a pit in my stomach the day before we were going to actually run more than walk.

So although, reaching this point is a big deal for me, I still have quite a ways to go. Because, you see, I have some how managed to commit myself to two runs. A 12k in June and a twelve-man relay in July. My plan? In June, don't worry about my time. Finishing will be a victory in itself. I'll try to improve my speed for July. However, if that doesn't pull through, I'll have my husband, who just happens to have the legs of a Greek god (he's one of those aforementioned readers) there with me to make up for what I lack. Good plan? I think so.

So, I get to blog about running at 4 miles. When I get to 5 miles, I get to purchase myself a swanky running outfit.

A Bit on Appearance & Self-Confidence: Part II

So, my sister, Autumn posted this rather humorous sequel, if you're interested. Enjoy. (because I think you will)

A Bit on Appearance & Self-Confidence

I am happy to say I think I have a healthy self-concept. How I know this? I will tell you. It has been on more than one occasion I have picked out what I think to be a cute outfit then fixing my hair and applying my makeup in a way I can take a final look in the mirror and be quite satisfied, sometimes I even think, "Uh huh, lookin' good...go get'em tiger" (Just kidding, I usually don't think that last part...usually). I will go the rest of my day accomplishing the things I set out to do with confidence. However, it so unfortunately happens that through out these days (I do have my ugly days, mind you) I should come in contact with my reflection in some window or church bathroom with those very honest fluorescent lights and I'm shocked because the dazzling image I had conjured in my head is not being returned in the mirror. I'll notice makeup mishaps, wardrobe malfunctions, misshaped hair, tired eyes or my particular favorite, all of these rolled into one (which is usually the case). Although momentarily disappointed, I figured there is no point dwelling on the negative, decide to avoid all mirrors and happily go back to my previously conceived image of myself. As it is much more pleasant. Anyhow, if you're having a hard time following me (which is good because that means I'm not the only one) it's the whole "If by chance you meet a frown, quickly turn it upside-down" philosophy: "If by chance you're looking bad, think you're pretty so you won't be sad".

So our band played at a Stake Relief Society Conference Luncheon a couple Saturdays ago. A very casual gig to the nicest audience ever. I, as I'm sure most people do, like to think they look good while they're performing, ya know, feeling a little hott, if you will. Well, unfortunately, just like a reflection, photos can burst one's good looking bubble too.

I mean...something like this is what I had in mind:

As opposed to this:
...ah nuts.

Babe Update

...well on one of them anyway ;)

• Ryder is turning 8 months very soon and although we're not sure of his exact weight, we know he is tall. Every time I think I start to see him get a little plump around the edges, a little elf comes and stretches him out in the middle of the night and the next day I swear he is an inch taller. (Just kidding, there is no elf. After I read that, the idea scared me a little).
  
• Ryder got his first haircut the other day. His hair keeps getting lighter and lighter. He has gone from chocolate brown to a light golden brown. We find great joy in giving him mohawks and fohawks.
• As you can see from the pictures, Ryder is well into eating solids and has already formed a strong dislike for veggies (nuts). Thank goodness for sweet potatoes. And yes, dad, he still thoroughly enjoys spitting his food at us. Thanks again for teaching him how to do that. We finally bought him a high chair today. It's one of those that attaches to one of your kitchen chairs...a little less intrusive and utilizes space. We all think it's pretty rad.
• Ryder isn't quite crawling yet (he never liked being on his tummy much) but he still manages to get around by A) Bouncing/scooting his bum. We'll sit him down somewhere within a couple minutes he'll miraculously be two feet closer. B) Rolling. This one gets us into trouble. C) You know the army crawl? Well Ryder does it REALLY good backwards. He reversed right underneath his crib today. It gave me the giggles.
• He also loves to talk...and yell. Lately, when Phil gets home from work, they both engage in an excited yelling match until we're all laughing. I really should get this on camera before the phase passes.
• Ryder is still a great sleeper. Whenever I put him down (unless he is super tired) he will always wake up a little to pull the blankets up over his head before falling asleep, because he finds this and any other type of cloth on his head, to be one of things he just can't seem to get enough of.
• He is also currently at a stage where if he is tired enough, he'll snuggle with me. I encourage this.
• As you can tell, we're crazy about our little guy and feel so blessed to be his parents. I spring cleaned his room today and went through all his clothes trying to get a stash to give away. I got all nostalgic looking at his little newborn stuff that I barely came up with anything to get rid of (which is very unlike me). To say Ryder brings us joy is a gross understatement. There are not words to describe the happiness and completeness he brings into our lives. He is our best little friend.

Now That's a Cupcake

So my friends Elizabeth, Jeanelle and I took a mini field trip to nationally renowned Trophy Cupcakes recently featured on the Martha Stewart show, this last weekend. It was super fun and we got to meet the owner who actually was on the show. She humored us with a photo and pretty much gave us the skinny on Martha and here experience with getting on the show. Anyhow, Jeanelle wrote a much more well-written and interesting post about our adventure. You can read it here. If your curious, my favorite was the triple-chocolate cupcake. However, I'm still daydreaming of the lemon cupcake I decided not to buy. If your in the area, you should totally go. If you're not, come visit me and then we'll totally go. And I'll get the lemon one...

(Click on photos to make bigger)

Late Evening Thoughts

• Do any of you feel like the files on your computer are an unorganized mess? I do. In the process of organizing those.
• Speaking of files, I'm trying to figure out the best way to organize, save and back up digital photos. It's a new age folks. No more boxes and boxes of random photos that need to be organized or put into albums, just files and files of them. I'm working on this as well. I obviously want to back up our photo files every so often. I also want to assign a drive per child to put photos and digital scrapbook pages of them on for them to keep. (ya know as opposed to an actual personal scrapbook or baby book)..to much work? Perhaps. If any of you have thought the whole digital photo storage thing out long-term and have a good system going, please share.
• Speaking of organization, a definite spring cleaning session is needed at my house. It is time for a purge of our clutter to make more necessary storage room in our small area and ever increasing assets (mostly baby assets).
• Speaking of babies, you parents of babies and young children, living in Utah, if you haven't discovered Magical Moon Toys in Logan, you should. It is pretty awesome. My mom showed it to me while I was in there and I couldn't help buy Ryder some stuff. It has EVERYTHING plus these cool wood toys made by a company called Melissa and Doug (wood toys are very durable and last a long time).
• Speaking of all things fun, have any of you noticed the commercials and teasers for So You Think You Can Dance on FOX? I have and that's exactly what they did... teased me. I am so excited for that show. Coming in May, people... in May.
• Speaking of TV, every time I listen to conference, I feel the prompting/motivation/guilt, whatever you want to call it, to watch less TV, and use less Internet. I think one of Phil's BYU professors once coined it as "Screen Time". Yeah, I need less "Screen Time". I keep hearing our leaders telling us make to make our homes a place where the Spirit can dwell and to avoid at all costs letting evil things in. Automatically, I ask myself, how am I letting in the evil things of the world in my home? And almost just as automatically, I think of the TV being a small window where little bits of evil creep in through forms of crude language, liberal attitudes toward morality and well, you know what I'm talking about. It's funny because I will never read books that have such filth in them, but for some reason I have a much higher tolerance when it comes to watching it.*
• Speaking of bad things, why am I still up? Good night.

*From my previous comment, it sounds like I'm a stay-at-home mom who watches soap-operas all day. No silly, I don't do that. Come to think of it, because of my blog, I think all of you are well aware of what I watch :)

Heaven

So I just wanted to write a brief post about Conference. I love General Conference* weekend. Saturday we had recorded the first session while we went about some morning to do's. I had purposely made a batch of potato soup and bread sticks Friday night so we could enjoy the leftovers throughout the weekend. Anyhow, as we sat there for the first session, Ryder had gone down for a nap, and I had just heated myself up a hot, yummy bowl of soup as we started watching it. Sitting there all relaxed with my food watching great things, I told Phil, "I am in heaven right now."


We then watched as Pres. Uchtdorf proceeded with the solemn assembly, which was quite profound and brought tears in my eyes when without question Phil stood, even in our living room, to sustain our newly called Prophet. And then, I of course put down my soup to stand as well :) Besides historical, this was a very sweet and memorable moment for me.

As usual we continued to enjoy the rest of the talks, which always make me excited for the May Ensign. I just want to mention the most prominent thing that stood out to me this conference was President Monson. We all loved President Hinckley so much so I don't think I'm alone in being slightly nervous/ protective/whatever about that sacred position being filled by someone new, even if it was our beloved Pres. Monson. However, if I know anything, I know now that Pres. Monson is exactly where he should be and he is a true Prophet of God. My love for him multiplied as I watched him perfectly fit into his new calling. It was a very peaceful thing for me to watch and made feel that everything was right in the world.


*A weekend where leaders, apostles, and prophet from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather for a world-wide broadcast, to give uplifting and guiding talks.

There is a First for Everything

After being a dedicated fan for some years now, it should go down in history that tonight was the first time I actually voted for someone on American Idol. And probably the last.

Who I'm pulling for (in no particular order):

Brooke White: I love her mellow style, wholesomeness and how she is slightly nerdy. Plus, gotta support our fellow Latter-day Saints :)
Carly Smithson: I love her because I think she is just plain talented. And I think she has a way cute personality.

David Archuleta: I think he is adorable, incredibly talented and I LOVE how he has this innate humility about him. And it doesn't hurt he's from Utah.

Jason Castro: He makes me smile and I think he is hilarious. I totally think he'll fit the next Jack Johnson/Ben Harper bill.

So! Who did I vote for? I know you're dying to know. Drum roll please...

Carly Smithson

Why you ask? My answer is four-fold. (Yes, mom, here it comes*):
A. I really think she has one of those crazy amazing voices that can hit notes that leave you in awe.
B. She was in the bottom three last week. That worried me and I'm doing what I can.
C. She sang and aced, in my opinion, one of my favorite songs, "A Total Eclipse of the Heart" last week. I almost voted for her then, but didn't.
D. Already thinking I needed to right my last week's wrong I almost ran toward my phone when I saw her face drop when Simon insulted her style. She was so happy up until then and if you have been paying attention wasn't feeling so great last week because there had been news reports of her being pregnant. Just what every girl loves to hear. And then, I love how she handled it with grace by making a funny comment about her spanks, but the very next week to be told she needed to pay attention to her wardrobe??? It was very low, very low indeed.

So even though I don't have a real favorite amongst my top 4, I just really felt like Carly needed me tonight. And that is what I think about that.


*So you know how some people have a bad habit of saying "like" a lot? Well, while I was in Utah I picked up this awesome habit of constantly making lists bulleted by the alphabet. My mom and I talk a lot and so she just thought this was the funniest thing...especially because I rarely had a 'B.' or a 'C.'

Have You Seen This?

I could possibly be the last person on this band wagon, but have you guys seen this? While I was in Utah I saw their infomercial and haven't been able to get it out of my brain. Not really paying attention and following into the potholes of common advertising schemes I thought that it originally cost $50. Nope. Five payments of $50. Nuts. And it looks like if you buy it online, it costs a whopping $300. However, this small roadblock does not take away from the fact that I think it's the coolest thing since sliced bread. I'm not a big scrapbooker, in fact, I'm not a scrapbooker at all. But I do like making cards and it totally got me with the whole "And look what else you can use it for" gimmick. I am now utterly convinced my creative self will not be content until I have one. Apparently, they are currently sold out. Good to know I'm not the only person who feels this way. Do any of you have one?

Oh and if you don't know what it is, it is an automatic decal cutter. That sounds lame. Just go to the website. They will tell you all that it can do.

Oh goodie, with some more research, they sell them at JoAnn's for $219! Add a little coupon...much more reasonable.

Home Sweet Home

So the last two weeks I've been in Utah visiting family and friends. It was so much fun. It was so great to see everyone, especially my parents after this whole cancer business (my mom is doing great, bytheway. Thanks for asking.) and my sister's brand-new baby boy. Besides having so much fun there was a specific reason why I was not really enthused about coming back yet. However, I have to say after getting back to my little home, it felt sooo good. I wasn't anticipating that. But it was a pleasant surprise, indeed. Needless to say, I completely enjoyed myself as I put Ryder to bed in his crib, drove my car, took a hot bath in my tiny, but very loved, bathtub and then sat on my couch with my cozy throw, some popcorn and dark chocolate m&m's to catch up on some missed shows.

With that said, I'm back to blogging. I don't blog much or at all while I'm visiting family because that time is very precious to me. But here are some highlights of our trip: (I foolishly forgot my camera, so until those photos from the "will you email me one of those" cameras come in, you'll have to settle for the two photos of the Ryder-man we took while messing with my dad's new i-phone.)

Phil had to leave for a training on Sunday the 16th so Ryder and I took off ourselves to Utah on St. Patty's day. Terrified he was going to get pinched on his first St. Patrick's day, Ryder strongly requested I put him in his most green outfit. We arrived in Utah late that evening.

A little nervous about that whole pinching business:

(we love doing Ryder's do in a mohawk, but as you can see it has taken its toll after a long day)

During our first few days, my sister came down with Gracie and Jared and let me tell you, we played like crazy! There was sidewalk chalk writing with a picnic, multiple games or horsey, cook, camp and car. Whew, if you feel a little envious of our fun...it's probably with good reason. I have to hand it to my mom. Even while in the recovery stages of cancer, she has got to be one of the most fun Nanas I have ever seen. She put both Autumn and I to shame in the creative department. But lets give credit where credit is due. I did come up with 'camp'...well, actually, I guess Gracie gave me the idea when we were walking up the stairs to change Ryder's diaper and she informed me we were 'hiking a mountain'.

On Saturday, Phil flew in from Utah from his trainings and joined us just in time for some Easter festivities. These included a delicious dinner, an Easter egg hunt all topped off with some strawberry shortcake. Phil, Ryder and I just chilled with my parents the rest of the week while visiting, eating delicious food and at one point introducing my parents to our Wii that Phil brought along where I do recall my mom beating me in tennis. I think both my parents did, actually. Hmm. One day my mom and I got to have, what I think is becoming our annual date, where Phil watched Ryder and my mom and I went to Logan for some lunch and browsing shops. My mom showed me the coolest toy store ever. (More on this informative tidbit for parents everywhere, later.)

Ryder Ridin'

Phil and I spent our last couple of days with his grandparents in Ogden where we continued to have more great visiting, chilling, eating and Wii playing. I must give a special thanks to my college roommates and bestest friends for going out of their way to visit me while we were there. You three are some of my most favorite people and only wish we could have hung out a little longer.

Thanks again for everyone who was a part of making this trip so wonderful. We love you and can't wait to see you again!

Notes

So I've been out for awhile, as you can see and although I am still currently detained, I just have to write a quicky because I miss blogging so much. Plus, while I've been away, I've had so many post ideas, but know the second I get back into the routine of things, will forget every idea I had, so for more personal knowledge than anything, here is a list of things I hope to be blogging about in the near future. 1. Flying (on an airplane)...my mind is a whirling dervish every time I go to the airport in wonderment at our worlds' flight system. Perhaps boring to you, rather interesting to me. 2. Date with mom and coolest toy store ever 3. Brief roomate reunion 4. BB&B 5. Blogging, in itself 6. I'm already forgetting my ideas...ahh! 7. Weird dream 8. General Conference 9. nuts, I'm done...my brain is empty, empty as can be W/B/S ("Will blog soon". Not to be confused with the common elementry acronym of "Write Back Soon". No you do not need to write me back soon.)

Phone Home!

I'm a worry wart. It's true. I learned a long time ago to keep this problemo in check with help from my Heavenly Father and Savior and my faith in them. However, I know myself well enough to know the strength I've worked hard to gain to fight this weakness would be tried when I had children. I was right. It makes sense, really. I've worked it out with just myself, but some definite re-grouping is required when you introduce someone into your care whom you love way more than yourself. I look at parents with all their children happy, healthy, fully grown and starting families of their own and the only word I can think of to describe it is 'miraculous'. When I'm foolish enough to begin dwelling on the innumerable possible tragedies that could befall my sweet boy or future children, I begin pulling out the methods that work (for me) to combat these negative, depressing and completely unproductive thoughts. Well, last night I had some unwelcome thoughts going on (which is when I thought of this post) and before drawing on my usual tactics, it was easier to steer my thoughts toward a different route: problem solving mode...prevention. It's silly, I know but I was surprised by the amount of comfort it gave me when I thought of this and after doing a little research, found exactly what I was looking for. Ryder will have one the second he knows how to use it :)

The Verizon Migo! Basically it's a cell phone for kids. There only allotted 4 numbers to call (mom's cell phone, home, dad's cell phone, etc.) plus an emergency button. This is my favorite part. It has a tracking device, so you always know where you child is! And if you pay a little extra, the parent can set boundaries and any time your child leaves the designated boundaries, it sends you a text message! All it needs is a little carabeener clip with a string to hook onto his jeans and put into his pocket so he doesn't lose it and an abductor wouldn't notice he had it.



With that said, I know phone won't solve my problems. And I also know my little family has a variety of trials waiting for us and I know through our Savior, Jesus Christ we'll be fine...better than fine. We'll be molded into what He wants us to be. But I do still have this little thing I always need to stay on top of and hey, if a cell phone helps me sleep better at night, then this cell phone they shall have :)

A Little Selfish Perhaps...

So I go out to run errands for about an hour. As I pull into our parking lot I notice a rather large and red fire truck sitting in front of my building accompanied with a police car. A sight NO one likes to come home to. Panic strikes. I immediately began thinking of a flat iron I possibly could have left on or a candle I forgot to blow out. I couldn't seem to park my car for the life of me and consequently almost hit the fire truck. I get out, grab Ryder, leaving my groceries in the car and quickly walk over to one of the firemen:

Me: May I ask what's wrong?
Fireman: Oh, someone's not feeling well over in that building (not my building)
Me: Oh good, so nothing is wrong with that building (my building)?
Fireman: Nope [smile]
Me: Thanks, this isn't really the type of thing one likes to come home to. [I walk away]

It's about when I get to my front door that I realize what I complete jerk I was. Well, good, as long as nothing was wrong with me. If I were that fireman, I'd have a really low opinion of me. This goes to show that I have absolutely NO relationship with my neighbors. I need to work on that and well, a charitable attitude in general.

I need to go. My groceries are still in my car.

If Only I Weren't So Lame...

So I'm a little frustrated because even though, I'm mostly better, I still have a very annoying cough and a meager amount of energy. I wake up, play with Ryder and clean my house and it's about all I can do to get from Ryder's nap time to nap time. This makes me feel lamo. So if I weren't feeling so lame, this is what I would do: -Get back to running. I was doing so good (well, in my head, I was doing so good). -Blog more. -Care about plucking my eyebrows and other unsightly facial hairs. -Go to Costco and get Ryder 101 Dalmations while it's still out of "The Disney Vault" (or maybe more for me). I'm still very mad at myself for missing Cinderella. -Exchange a hat I bought at Target. I realized I got a color I can't wear with anything. -Take my 40% off coupon to JoAnn's to buy fabric for a new sewing project. -Stop eating this rather large bag of m&m's -Buy Ryder some sweet shoes for our trip to Utah. I feel he is old enough now that shoes should start becoming a necessity on longer outings. -Color my hair -Go on a thorough grocery run to Winco -Work harder on my callings -Write some long over due 'Thank You' cards. I know a lot of nice people. -Purchase some organization items for my bedroom. (I need to stop writing things that involve the words "buy" and "purchase") -Read more All right, so maybe some stuff like reading more and writing thank you cards I can do now. No excuses there. Oooo, this list has been fun to write and has made me excited to get back to normal. An optimistic attitude can't hurt anything. Well, I better go drink some fluids. Later Skaters.

Here's to Good Health

When I was 1 yr old I got ammonia, or that's what I told everyone until I was like ten and learned it was actually called pneumonia. Well, at 24 I got hit with that dang pneumonia bug again (I'm sure my parents would agree a little less traumatic this time around) and the reason I'm so very behind on my blogs. So for journal entries sake, here is a recap of the happenings of our lives from the last couple of weeks.

Phil's 27th Birthday!
Right before I got sick, I was able to pull of a rather cool shin-dig with just a few high-profile guests (Ryder & myself):


Ryder Started Solids!
...just kidding. We started him on rice cereal, not blatant apple slices. Sheesh. He was so excited to finally be entrusted with mommy and daddy food!

I DID get my hair cut!
You all are probably like, finally! Now she can quit talking about her stupid hair. Anyhow, here it is and I love it. It's very fun so far. I didn't include a profile photo because that would mean I would have to post a photo of the side of my face and I'm not willing to do that, but it actually goes pretty short in the back in an A-line.

A little bit of Ryder
Some more photos of the babe: