GOODBYE SUMMER

So while I hear people lamenting over Summer's end, I usually just keep my mouth shut when truly I want to yell, "See ya, Summer! Welcome, Autumn!" I love Fall with a passion. I love it's the season that ushers in school and the holidays, I love wearing cute sweaters and turtlenecks, I love hot coaco and cozying up in blankets, I love the colors, I LOVE IT ALL! However that's not to say we didn't go out of Summer with a bang! Here is end of summer/September recap: (I'm trying to get better and do a group of digi scrapbook pages for each month...we'll see :)

{click on pages to enlarge}

WORRIED

Are any of you as worried about the current economic state of our country as I am? I don't know about all of you, but we're feeling it. Mostly because we know we want to sell our home within the coming year. I'll spare you the details, but it does make me concerned as to what decisions are being made in Washington. Will pumping $7oo bagaillion dollars really help? Or will it just hurt us more in the long run? I think there is really something to be said about everyone learning their lesson, but I'm greedy and I want our, my, needs met right now. I do think something needs to be done. I don't know about a $7oo billion something, but perhaps a plan that prevents all of main street from hitting rock bottom. Anyhow, so much to be said. Crazy world.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR....AGAIN

I don't know if you read my first encounter with froggy season, but it's that time of year again. I was abruptly reminded of this when the other morning I ran the garbage disposal (which is a frightening business within itself) and right when I flipped the switch, something in the opposite drain flew up. I jumped thinking it was a piece of lettuce or something, but didn't scream until I realized it was a bite-sized froggy. I quickly hopped him into a plastic cup and hopped him right out the door. And well, let's just say, I found froggy from last year....

(He has a little lint on him...seriously though...where did he come from?)

In all honesty I don't think this was Mr. Froggy from last year. At least, I hope not because I don't know why he would just appear on my kitchen floor like that. I suspected he liked the coolness of the fridge. Anyhow, if it was Mr. Froggy from last year...well, I think that's a little creepy.

I NEED TO STOP WATCHING OPRAH

In just this last week I've managed to convince myself Peanut was dry drowning at least once, that Suze Orman yelled at me for reasons I still remain unsure about and that I'm beginning to like Jenny Mcarthy and Jim Carrey???

NEW ADDRESS

Dear Invitees... I'm going unprivate...or in other word's I'm "open it up!" But before I do so I'm changing my blog address to: Don't go there yet because there isn't anything there. I'll make the switch over next Friday, September 26. But make sure you change the link you have for me now to my new one up there before then. Does that sound good? I hope so. Also, I've seen other bloggers do this and I think it's a good idea. Every member of their family is given a nickname and thereafter ask people not to use their reall names. So blog roll goes as follows: Me: Jazzy Ryder: Peanut (it goes way back) Phil: Mr. Man

The Protect Our Children Act

I just wrote my senator!!! Why? I'm glad you asked. To request the pass senate Bill 1738--the Protect Our Children Act. I don't know if you watched Oprah yesterday, but within the first 5 minutes of the show I was sobbing. I was overwhelmed and disgusted with the wickedness of this world. I could only watch a few minutes before having to turn it off. I thought to myself, "what can I do?" The only thing that came was to make my home a light. A refuge. So when my kids learn and see what I see, they know there is safety and peace that exists too and teach them to pass it on. I did watch the rest and fortunately found out there is something else I can do and you can to. Write your senator. Seriously, it took me 2 minutes. Super easy. Here is the link all ready for you along with a pre-written letter, if you choose to use it. If passed this bill will:

• Authorize over $320 million over the next five years in desperately needed funding for law enforcement to investigate child exploitation.
• Mandate that child rescue be a top priority for law enforcement receiving federal funding.
• Allocate funds for high-tech computer software that can track down Internet predators.

Here is the link to yesterday's show if you want to find out more. So thanks Oprah, for bringing this up. Now, if you could only make the connection between this and many other of the things you support, or choose to ignore because its not popular, we'll really be getting somewhere. P.S. I don't know if this worth mentioning and it's been something I've been guilty of in the past...let's just say I'm never, EVER putting any sort of slightly n@k3d photos of my children, no matter how cute or how young, on the Internet ever again.

For He's a Jolly Good Fellow!

Congratulations, Tyler Jay!!! Way to go! Woo! Woo! You're Amazing! Yahooo! Oh, yes. My brother found out today that he passed a little test called the Bar. I am oozing pride. He just graduated this last spring from Law School in Syracuse with his Juris Doctorate and passed the Idaho State Bar Exam on his first shot. Kapow brotha!!!

Let's Discuss

So before I post about our last week's happenings, I've been having some thoughts...

• I feel like I'm in a funk. I went home for a visit and it was FANTASTIC and it was just what I needed, but I get home and I'm having such a hard time putting my new motivations into actions. I'm so easily swayed, lately, into not being my best and I don't like myself like that.
• I have just caught myself up on all the NieNie news and that whole story is another inspiration that is causing reflection.
• I feel like a very boring mom. I don't think Ryder saw the sun the whole day yesterday and today is shaping up to be not much different. I think a visit to the park is desperately needed. Any other ideas out there to keep a curious one-year old occupied are more then welcome.
• We are trying to figure out how and when to sell our condo. This stresses me out greatly. The economy is so bad and I'm not blind! I see things around me not selling! If you know anyone who wants to buy a very loved 2 bed 1 bath condo please tell them to give me a call. Or any advice in the real estate area? Again, give me a call.
• I'm thinking of going "un-private". Can you do that? Is that against the blogging rules? I hate to be blunt, but private is boring. I will fully admit one of my favorite aspects about blogging is the dialogue the oppotunity to meet a friend of a friend's sister's cousin's friend. All that diminishes and I'm left with people like my sister who tell me that they just never think to check my blog anymore (when your private, you're not eligible for Google Reader, Blogroll or any other feed reader options). Or maybe I'm the one that's boring now...Oh no!! That's it isn't it!?!!....shoot.

Ryder's Birthday Party

These last couple of weeks have sped by as we have been up to so many things...some of which have been stressful, others fun. Where I've had a rather difficult time getting out of vacation mode, I'm now going to finally start putting together some accounts of what we've been up to. First, off: Ryder's Birthday Party! A huge hit. He enjoyed the company, loved opening his presents...although difficult to get him to move from one to the other :) and had a hay day with the cake (video below). When people ask me how old he is now, I love saying, "he's one". A whole year! No more of this silly month business.

Eating Chocolate Cake...

Thanks Nana and Pompa!

Hey Mom and Dad, Here's a little somethin' to show you how much Ryder loves his new birthday present! Really. He LOVES it.

Talent

With all this Olympic craze going on, it has made me think a lot about people's talents. I look at these amazing athletes and can't help but think that if they were born into any other circumstance than they were privileged to, they may not have discovered they were crazy talented in a given area. For example, what if Michael Phelps never encountered the coach who discovered his potential or for that matter, never had the opportunity to take swimming lessons? They showed feature stories on him over and over about how his abnormally long torsoed/short-legged/long fingered body making him as close to a fish as one can humanly get. This makes me wonder if every individual in this world could be a gold medalist at something. Whether its building skyscrapers or playing the violin, I think every person, if given the opportunity to discover it, and the mentors, and the education and the money, could be spectacular at something. Obviously, that's not realistic because on one had you have those who lack opportunity, or are lazy and on the other hand you believe in balance and wouldn't be happy pursuing perfection just because you could. So with that said, these thoughts have offered me the following...thoughts that are a bit more applicable to me.

• Share your talents. Obviously, it's a commandment for a reason. I believe Heavenly Father wants us to find joy in what we love and become good at it. I think it's an aspect of humanity that will come into play big time in the eternities.
• As a mother, I hope I can provide opportunities for my children to find talents they love.
• Is it to late for me to become a gold medalist at something? Seriously. The athletic route is out, but all my life I've been a dabbler. I dabble here, I dabble there...Jack of all trades--master of nothing. But lately my secret desire has been to become Amy Butler or Heather Bailey. Stop laughing. It encompasses everything I love and I could maybe make money at it one day (on a much smaller scale...I'm thinking like Etsy.com is all) Anyhow, is it too late for me (considering I got my first sewing machine at Christmas)?

As for the 2008 Olympic round-up: I hate to admit it, but I'm a little relieved to see the Olympics come to an end. Ya know, all things in moderation...too much of a good thing. Don't get me wrong I love watching them, but toward the end the staying up late, the ups and downs, scores, competition...it's starting to get repetative, plus I feel like the best stuff is over. I'm not really in to the teams sports that are finishing up right now (soccer, softball, basketball, etc) so I'm ready for that closing ceremony. I was a little annoyed by how we knew everything before we actually saw it...but my favorite things to watch were...

• Michael. He puts on a good show.
• Nastia taking all around gold.
• USA men's gymnastics team taking silver.
• Misty and Kerri. I love them.

Family Photo Session...Yes, we actually had one

I know, can you believe it? These are our first official family photos! Notice the coordinating outfits and everything! And finally, finally, we got some photos of our little guy. His official one-year old photos! I didn't have them done right when he was born, but I figure better late then never. My plan is to do his once a year and who knows how often we'll do a full-fledge family photo shoot...I'm so bad at these types of things. Anyhow, their random placement is because they files were to big to download so this was the quickest and easiest way for now for me to get them online for my mom to view :) So here you go mom! These are all our favorites. I'll show you the rest when I see you. If you click on a group of pictures it will make them bigger so you can see them better.

The Whole Family

Just Ryder

Ryder and Me...and Phil

Happy Birthday Ryder!!!

Ryder turned one today!!! We celebrated his birthday yesterday with Phil's family and I think it was a success. He seemed to enjoy himself quite a bit. I'll post photos from the birthday festivities later. Part of me can't believe he is already a year old. While I'm very happy he's a healthy, energetic baby boy, a little bit of my heart breaks to see him growing so fast. Oh how I love him. He brings Phil and I such joy and I can't imagine life without him. Here is a little look back on his first year...

Oh we love you little boy!!!

Baby Face

So lately, I've gotten enough comments about my age, that the randomness of them aren't becoming random anymore. I'm beginning to think I really look a teenybopper.

• The first one was in the airport in February. I went to go grab a treat for the plane ride and the lady was shocked I had a baby and in her Indian accent mumbled something about how she thought I was 14. I had recently gotten my haircut, so I blamed it on that.
• The other time was sometime in June when my friend Elizabeth and I were eating lunch at a restaurant in Tacoma and some lady came by and was cooing at our babes and was baffled that one was actually mine. She clocked me at 16. I was wearing a hat, so I blamed it on that.
• Finally, I was in Home Depot yesterday buying spray paint and a woman asked to see my ID. More surprised by the fact you had to be at least 21 to buy spray paint than the lady asking to see my ID, I easily handed it over and assumed this was normal protocol. She then sat their taking a long look at my driver's license and after seeing birthday did the calculation in her head and slowly said, "...sooo that would make your 24?" Mumbled something about people looking younger than they are, apologized and told me to enjoy it while it lasts. I wasn't wearing any make-up, so I blamed it on that.

Keep in mind for every single one of these instances, Ryder has been with me. I'm beginning to wonder whether or not I should take it as a compliment that people still think I look like a teenager (a troubled teenager for that matter). Hmm..or a I guess I should just enjoy it while it lasts. In other news...

• I cried for Alicia the other night. Not because she messed up, because I felt so bad she felt so bad. I later heard Shawn and Nastia stepped outside the bounds too. That made me feel better, but for some reason my DVR cut that part off.
• I'm wondering whether or not to leave both my boys for a quick trip to Utah. Leaving Ryder makes me nervous.
• Speaking of which he's up, so I gots to go!

Beijing 2008 !!!

Da, da, DA, DA, DA, DA...(Olympic theme music playing in background) Are you ready for the Olympics!!! Woo hoo! I'm so excited. I've been watching the Today Show coverage and Phil and I have been good about watching all the trials, so we are up to date on Team U.S.A. along with all the heart felt stories and athletes that make me smile. Here are a few I'll be looking out for: Women Gymnastics: Shawn Johnson, Nastia Lukin, & Alicia Sacramone. Of course, this is the sport I've followed the most. I love that Shawn just seems to get pure joy out of it all. You never feel as though someone locked her in a gym, stripped her of her childhood and made her eat, drink and sleep gymnastics and even if they did, she would be as happy as a clam. I believe that Nastia is the gymnast who I get the most joy out of watching. Her unusually long, extended lims make everything she does exquisite. I also love Alicia. She is kind of the 'if at first you don't succeed' story and I think she is cute and funny. Everytime she gets on camera she makes me laugh and I love that she doesen't take thinks too seriously. Women Weight Lifting: what? I know. But local, Melanie Roach, a mother of three including one autistic boy, is who I'll have my eye on. I sound like I'm writing a news story. Apparently, she was doing awesome but gave it all up for ten years to be a mom and now she's back at it and predicted to do really well. Back to you, Matt. Swimming: Of course, Michael Phelps (what is with the stash he's sporting?). I think he'll do pretty good. And there are a couple of girls I'll be watching, although I can't remember their names. (side note: you know people who know everything about sports, name, stats, it's really quite impressive...I'm not one of those people.) And finally, I have to say something about the medals. They did a cover story on them this morning and they are B-E-A-Utiful!!! The Chinese wanted to add a little somethin' somethin' of their own to the design so they all have an embedded ring of jade in them. The bronze has dark green jade, the silver has light green jade and the gold has white jade, which, of course, is the most rare. I want to buy one for whatever multiple amounts of grand they are worth and wear it as jewelry. Yeah, so for any of you athletes that care about fashion-this is the year you really want to win one of those puppies. (If you get second...its okay because you may have, indeed, won the prettiest medal...) If you haven't been in the loop, hopefully, this post gets you jazzed and updated for the Olympics. Opening Ceremony tomorrow night: Friday, 8-8-08! (Check you local listing for times :)

Retainer

Oh, my retainer. Oh, my teal retainer with silver glitter and stars that I still put in my mouth every night after I brush my teeth. You have been with me a good number of years now and what a vital piece of plastic and metal you are to me in my life.

I know it's pretty common for people my age, who have had braces, to still own their retainer. However, the difference between me and them is that most people just need it every once in awhile and can go for long periods of time without wearing it, particularly for occasions where not having to worry about your retainer would be helpful...like camping. Not me though--I'm like a 13-year-old--if I go more than two nights without wearing my retainer I can feel my teeth move and can barely get the thing back on. Why is this? I don't know. I blame it on my wisdom teeth that still currently reside in my mouth.

This isn't a big deal, but it is annoying. For example, the times you go camping and you wake up take it out and look at those handy little side pockets of the tent and think, oh that looks like a convenient place to put your retainer...only to pack up go home, realize you don't have it and then, have to call your in-laws to ask them to search the tent they let you use to see if you can find their daughter-in-law's retainer. Hmmm...you think think this would make me embarrassed, but what I was most concerned about was if I had lost it forever. What would I do!?! I'd have to go to the orthodontist, that doctor guy who I haven't been to in over 10 years, and get fitted for a new one? Then, the fear that by the time that happened my teeth had gone every which way? Awful, awful. Luckily, this didn't happen and they did find it. Whew!

I tell ya, I hadn't had an experience like that since I was in 8th grade and I went and dumped my lunch tray in the garbage can and my retainer was still on it. I have to say calling my in-laws was far less humiliating than searching through the trash for a very aforementioned reason in front of my fellow adolescent peers.

Success!

We had a successful first camping trip with Ryder. He slept through each night, except for getting up at 6 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. for the day. But, hey, that's fine with me! We also discovered a few tricks for handling the heat...LOTS of sunblock and letting the little dude take his naps in this stroller with a fan propped up on his cup holder (we had electricity, thankfully). Most of the action happened on the river and in the pool, so here are some photos. Thanks everyone for the advice, the pack and play truly is the ticket!

Me skiing on one! Not to be confused getting up on one, however. I still have to kick one off and I still don't dare get in the water without a wet suit. Brrrhhh!!!

Ryder driving the boat...in a rather carefree manner :)

Ryder with dad tubing for the first time (at about 5 mph!) Isn't he adorable in his bite-sized life-jacket...he hated it, unfortunately. But he loved the tubing!

Ryder taking his morning nap on the boat.

Ryder in his floaty Speedo suit in the pool with Phil and Grandma. This was the first time he could actually get IN the water (the river was too cold). He was a little apprehensive at first but thoroughly enjoyed counting to three and jumping of the edge (while being held, of course!)

A Few Firsts

• We're taking Ryder camping for the first time this weekend. Wish us luck! I've very nervous about how he'll sleep in a tent and if he'll get too hot. If you have any good 'camping-with-baby tips' please let me know.
• First time going private on my blog. I don't know if I like it. I feel like no body is out there. Hellloooo!!! [echo] [[echo]].
• Ryder took his first steps a few weeks ago. We have a walker! I didn't know he'd progress this fast from a couple steps to clearing whole rooms. He walks with his hands in the air with a slight yell. Phil calls it his E.T. walk. The cutenosity level is off the charts.
  
• I'm in the process of sewing my first apron. Yikes! I'll let you know how it goes.
• This whole last week Ryder has slept every night (8 p.m. - 7 a.m.) with out a peep. We're hoping the consistency means it's here to stay!
• I had another 'first' I was going to mention, but now I can't remember?? Owell, wouldn't be the first time! (mwah, mwah)
  

Sweater

I just got back from Target where a female stranger asked me where I got my very favorite, 6-year-old, button-less sweater (keeping them all on was too hard to maintain so I took them all off). After I told her it was like 5 years old, she told me how cute she thought it was. How nice was that. I wanted to kiss her. Don't worry, I didn't. Anyhow, it's just nice to know my favorite, old ratty sweater is still hip and happenin', that's all.

Jasmine: The flower

I saw and smelled one for the first time the other day. I'm sure I've done both of those things before without realizing it, but my in-laws had one in their yard and pointed it out to me. The blossoms are much smaller than I had originally envisioned, probably because the pictures I saw were of the blossoms only. Anyhow, I've always wondered and now I know. My flower is quite beautiful, if I do say so myself.

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.