Targeting the Problem

Lately, since I graduated, every time I go to Target to shop I get stopped by these Primerica insurance people who want me to quit my job and sell insurance to low income families...basically get involved in their pyramid scheme so they get more money. I know it is a pyramid scheme because so many people I know have tried to get involved in selling them...they've even tried to sell Trine & me insurance. 

The first time I was stopped I tried to be polite and say "I might be interested" but the guy didn't tell me who he worked for. But after the second, third, and twentieth time I am short with them and walk away as fast as I can...kinda like people did when I was a missionary in GA. Trine even witnessed it today.

These people always start off with the same questions, "Hi, cute baby I have one myself." "Are you going to work today?" "Where do you work?" "I think I know someone who works there (then they drop a common name like Matthew)." "Do you know Matthew?" "So, you have a counseling degree?" "That's cool." I get so tired of it. I am to the point where I don't want to shop at the Target anymore because I know I am going to run into some freak who wants to use me for their own gain. (Apologies if anyone reading this blog sells Primerica).

So the questions that I have are: What about my appearance screams "I am a sucker who will fall for a get rich fast scheme?" For real, why me? Do I quit shopping at my favorite store? Or do I tell the store managers that there are solicitors in their store that need to be kick out? What you you guys do?

A Good Read

I've been thinking a lot about trials and why life is never what we expect it to be. Basically, I've been having a pity party for Christmas. This morning I stumbled upon this post on a blog I frequent. What a helpful reminder that no matter how much our hearts hurt that we really aren't alone. There are always people who need to be loved and shown kindness. It's so easy for me to just shut down and want to hide when things become difficult. Aaron says I'm constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. How do you find ways to pick yourself up, move forward, and not dwell on things that are out of your control?

A Lifetime of Decembers

The month of December has always been an interesting month for me. The first thing that happened is obviously my birth which happens to be on Sunday. Because my birthday is so close to Christmas, I have always gotten the short end of the stick when it came to celebrating the moment I entered this blueberry of a planet...I didn't get parties growing up because everyone was with their families, and many years all I would receive was a jazz CD from the used rack at the local music store. Some years, I remember sneaking in to see the mother load of Christmas gifts that my parents hid poorly and ended up getting one of the presents on my b-day.

I was baptized in December when I was 8 yrs old. I don't really remember the day, I just remember wearing a baby blue pinstriped suit with a pink tie. I was even styling back then in 1990. If I remember right, the girl next door to me called a radio station and dedicated a Boys II Men song to me on my birthday one year. I never heard it, but she told me about it. Yeah, I was quite the ladies man.

I received my mission call to the Georgia Macon mission in December in 2001. I remember thinking that I was going to a hole in the earth that still used cans on a string as telephones. I even have a journal entry somewhere about my feelings. It turns out I wasn't that far off...more then half of the people we talked to did not own a phone.

I was accepted into BYU in December 2003 and was confused whether I needed to stay on my mission or come home early for school. After much prayer, talking with the mission president, and a companion telling me I was going to hell if I went home early several times a day (oh, and I was bringing damnation on myself and all those people I could have talked to during those last six weeks) I decided going home was the best decision. My plane touched down in SLC on 12/19/2003. So if I had a mission plaque it would seem like I only served a year (Feb 2002-Dec 2003) despite it being one transfer early.

In December 2005, Trine and I got married in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. I was glad we actually made it to the day we had planned for despite almost eloping several times prior to the date because of the family stress. For those who might be thinking that December weddings are glorious, think again. Well, the actual day was good but the stress of the holiday is not. Anniversaries are hard to plan and actually follow through with in December...for us something always goes wrong on that day. This year we are just hitting up a dinner and a movie, something we haven't done in two years.

I graduated BYU on December 20, 2007 with a B.S. in Psychology. I was proud that I graduated a semester early (3.5 years) thinking I was going to change the world one soul at a time. It sucked being jobless during the following two months after graduation. I finally landed a job at Provo Canyon School and quickly realized that I probably wouldn't change any kid's life in the time that they are living there.

This year I will be the big 2-6 and is looking back at all the surprises that December has given in my life. Despite having some pretty crappy Decembers I have had in my life there were some pretty good December months. I think the best one happened in December 2005 when I married my best friend. Happy holidays everybody.

Joy to the World

December is seriously the busiest month of the year in the Nelson household. Not only do we have the usual holidays that keep everyone busy, but we also have several family birthdays and our anniversary. This year, much to Aaron's dismay, I didn't really want anything for Christmas. I eventually gave in and we decided to get a family gift we could enjoy together. We don't need more stuff. Does anyone else ever feel that way? I'd much rather give to a Sub-for-Santa or an Angel tree.

I'm not writing this to be a Grinch. I am very grateful for the blessings we have been given. The other night by 14 year-old brother asked what I would wish for if I had one wish. His was that he would own one of every instrument in the world and be able to play them professionally. Band geeks unite! My wish would have been for everyone I love to be able to be happy and kept from harm. Oh to be fourteen again. Back then I would have wished for world power or millions of dollars. Now I know that you can never really ask for more than to have the ones you love to be protected and happy.

The Greatest Christmas Movies

Aaron and I have now rearranged our netflix queue so that we will be able to watch all of our holiday movies in December. Most holiday movies that I love are ones from when I was a kid. So I thought I'd do a post dedicated to the movies I love.

Our first Christmas together we watched Babes in Toyland as we built a gingerbread house. I remember that we search all over town to find this show and finally found it at the library. I had called about 15 minutes before closing and then made Aaron speed over there so I could get my fix. I hope that this comes in the mail soon it's listed as a long wait.

The Muppet Christmas Carol has to be my absolute favorite. I love all the Muppet movies. The songs are so catchy. Aaron read A Christmas Carol last week and had a difficult time because he kept imagining the songs from the Muppet's. We have the original version of this show. The anniversary edition is missing a love song that always makes me laugh. Perhaps they took it out because instead of being a poignant moment it leave you with the giggles. Not because of the lyrics but because the woman singing has the best facial expressions. Seriously though, how poignant are the Muppet's supposed to be?

Finally, what movie post would be complete without a mention of Elf? According to Netflix, this is the most rented holiday movie. For me, this is the best Will Ferrel movie. The soundtrack is great and the humor isn't crass. This movie also reminds me of the trip I took to New York with Sandy four years ago for her birthday. (HAPPY 29 SAND!!) All the tourist attractions were decorated and it was just a really great time. We also saw Wicked, but that's another post.

What holiday movies do you love? I'm always looking for new things to put on the queue.

Tagged

7 Things...

7 Things I Plan To Do Before I Die:

1. Hike Timp (it's sad really).
2. Visit The Louvre.
3. Move out of the ghetto neighborhood that we live in...I just don't like the wannabe gang living next door.
4. Finish the Avatar: The Last Air Bender series...I know it sounds nerdy but it is so good.
5. Sky Dive
6. Have an actual career.
7. Pay off our car, then pay cash for every car purchased after that one dies.

7 Things I Can Do:

1. Completely tune out kids throwing temper tantrums (they don't even phase me now).
2. Play just about every sport decently.
3. Cook a mean grilled-cheese sandwich.
4. Decipher the cries of Asher...It might sound dumb, but it cuts down on the crying.
5. Speak ASL...actually last night I dreamed in ASL, weird.
6. Still rattle off the old missionary discussions.
7. Buy cheap books & video games on half.com; most are $.75.

7 Things I cannot Do:

1. Buy books full price.
2. Go skiing or anything else outside in the winter...I freeze, what do you expect I grew up in AZ?!
3. Read quickly
4. Watch TV for longer then an hour...unless it is a sporting event.
5. Be around clowns...they scare me pretty bad.
6. Watch Pride & Prejudice...or pretty much any Jane Austin movie.
7. Stand entitled people.

7 Things That Attract Me To Trine:

1. Her personality
2. Her eyes
3. Her smile
4. Her intelligence
5. The fact that she questions everything and wants to establish her own opinion.
6. Her mothering skills
7. Her kindness to others

7 Things I Say Most Often:

1. "What's up little man?" (Asher)
2. "Man you stink" when Ash has a dirty diaper
3. "Ash Man"
4. "Okay CUBYE"
5. "Take a chair" used at work to calm kids down
6. "Class II" used as a punishment at work
7. "We're the girls on the run, we're the girls with the diamond dolls..." from Chipmunk Adventure.

7 Celebrity Admirations:

1. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jollie
2. Bono
3. Jerry Lewis
4. Jesus Christ...although he is not technically a celeb, he is known by everyone.
5. Pretty much anyone who donates money to people who need it (Numbers 5-7).

7 Favorite Foods:

1. Chocolate
2. Veggie Burritos
3. Indian Food
4. Blizzards at DQ
5. Bean Tacos
6. Salad
7. Fruit

7 People Who Should Do This:

1. Anyone who would like to...I just like lists (Numbers 1-7).

Future Cheftestant

I really enjoy cooking. Asher and I cook together on occasion. That's us making a lasagna. My ideal home is one with a large, fully stocked kitchen. William's Sanoma is one of my happy places. Mandy, one of my best friends, is probably the best cook I know. One day I will have her skills! Seriously, the woman doesn't measure. She just pours and it turns out beautiful. Lately, I've been making an effort to add two new vegetarian meals to my rotation of meals each week. I haven't gotten brave enough to cook with tofu yet, but I'm become more skilled with beans. This weekend I made Thai Peanut Noodles from the Best Bite blog and added more veggies.

Aaron and I usually look forward to Hell's Kitchen in the summer, the contestants don't have any amazing skill, but Gordon Ramsey is semi-amusing. However, during one of my six hour bouts of false labor I discovered the greatest show...Top Chef. It's a show for people who can actually cook! Aside from the reality show aspect, it was exciting to watch the cheftestants complete all of the challenges. My favorite was how two teams had to cater a whole wedding a 24 hours. Since we don't have cable I'm happy to discover that Bravo now has episodes online. Yippee!

Happy Holidays

As the holidays are steadily approaching, I have become overcome with Christmas spirit. Now when I say this, you have to understand that normally I HATE the holiday seasons. I dislike Christmas music because every artist has to release a "new version" of the same holiday classic, and the artists put out new Christmas albums periodically with a "new Christmas classic". I dislike shopping during the holidays because of the commercialism and the rude people around me. I dislike decorating Christmas trees because it takes so long, and my hands always come away with more scratches then the whole year proceeding the decorating.

However, for some reason this holiday has been different. My attitude has some what changed this year. I still hate the commercialism that our culture has chosen to sponsor. When it comes down to it, I have done more things "Christmasy" this year than in previous years. I have secretly been listening to Christmas music in the car to and from work --not everyday but at least twice a week. I watched "White Christmas" last night by myself while Trine was at girls night. And I secretly have been counting down the number of days until I can put up the tree--secretly hoping that I won't get cut up this year.

So, today I was thinking of past Christmases that have been memorable, Christmases where Trine & I did something good. These examples have kind of helped change my attitude about Christmas.

1. Trine & I spent Christmas eve working at the "Family Support & Treatment Center" two years ago. During that holiday season, we housed two difficult children who where driving their parents crazy. Trine & I had them help us on the Gingerbread House that we were completing for a contest with my family. My family decided to do "cereal houses" because you could mold it better than Graham crackers. We did not win that year because the only other entry was my nieces & nephew's. Trine & I made "The Black Pearl" from Pirates of The Caribbean. Yes, everything was edible; seaweed for sails, coco krispies for the boat, slim Jim's for poles, blue jello for water, and fruit roll-ups for cabin windows.
2. Last year Trine & I decided instead of spending money on ourselves we were going to provide Christmas for Trine's fourteen and sixteen year old brothers. Sure he wanted a new video game system, all the Star Wars memorabilia he could get, a new IPod, and the complete series of "The Series of Unfortunate Events." But if we were providing we were going to do something that would strengthen his mind. We decided to buy him the complete book series in hardback. However, to make it special I made him a wood shelving case for his books. It was nice, but come Christmas morning he still complained that he didn't get a new Xbox 360. Oh well, we tried.

Baby Tas

So thanks for the input on Aaron's Christmas survey. I think we are going to go with the wii.

As he mentioned in his post the flu hit our home last weekend. I was already trying to get rid of a cold with Asher so in order to keep him from getting the flu too we sent him, overnight, to my parents house. While there he learned a new little trick. When he's hungry he has a cough/cry thing he does. Well, my family thought that was so cute that they would do it back to him and now my son has learned that it's funny so he does it ALL THE TIME! My hope is that now that he'll get bored with the sound in a few days. It really sounds like a puppy pant/fake cough.

Needless to say, this new development made church a little difficult. We have an afternoon, meeting schedule which rolls right through nap time. Ash is a very active baby and who will really only sleep in a quiet room. Trying to get him to sleep with a congregation full of people is just not going to happen for us. I'm resigned to this, but yesterday it was if my happy baby was replaced by a Tasmanian devil. He was so squirmy and empowered by his new noise. Our Sunday school teacher even asked at the end of the block of meetings when we were going to get our baby trained. I'm not sure if he was joking, but it hurt my feelings. We try really hard to keep him entertained and to not disrupt but there's only so much I can do especially on the weeks I'm by myself. I look at all the other mom's who have babies who play quietly in their laps or drift off to sleep and I get jealous. I love my baby and am happy he's active, but I don't know how to handle that with church. Any suggestions? He's only 4.5 months so I'm not sure he's old enough for anything.

Sick & Not So Tired

So, here it is 12:30am Friday morning and I am still not asleep. On top of that, both Trine & I are sick...we both threw up about three hours ago. I don't know about her, but my stomach is doing something fierce. I cannot sleep because of these reasons; 1) every inch of my body aches and I feel I need to see a chiropractor in order to feel human again, 2) I feel super thirsty but I don't want to drink a ton because then I will experience that slushy feeling on top of a bad stomach ache, 4) I am not tired, 5) I have a fever of 100.5 and cannot find a comfortable temperature to fall asleep in (except on the bathroom floor, which is where I am now). 

This sickness induced insomniac post is not without reason. In fact, one of the things I was planning on doing to past time was some Christmas shopping. Trine & I decided instead of buying each other things we were just going to buy one present as a "family gift." Trine & I decided it is down to two things. One, a Wii complete with a few 'mover & shaker' games. Or two, an elliptical for downstairs.

So I pose the question to those who know us pretty well. Should we go for the Wii or an elliptical? Both come out to similar prices and both allow for some exercise. Your opinions will be greatly appreciated. 

Rice, Rice Baby

Asher has been such a busy boy recently. Here are a few updates on our big little boy.Ash and his Auntie K celebrated halloween by watching Charlie Brown and coloring a pumpkin just his size.

Ash sitting on Santa's lap. Santa is his best buddy Reed. They also had their first sleepover together that weekend.

Our first attempt with cereal. My hope is that by eating solids he'll gain a little more weight. He weighs 12.6 pounds and is 24.5 inches. He loves to be where all the action is and getting better at sitting up all by himself.

8 Things...(in no particular order)

I found this one on a friend's blog...I am a sucker for stuff like this.

8 Shows I Like to Watch...

1) The Daily Show

2) The Colbert Report

3) The Office...although not my favorite season thus far.

4) Pushing Daisies...it's just a different kind of show.

5) College Football

6) How I Met Your Mother...I love Barney (aka. Doogie Howser M.D.)

7) The Wire...I can only recommend this if you don't mind profanity, for me I hear worse at work daily (usually directed to me).

8) Arrested Development...doesn't matter how many time I watch this I always feel better after it.

8 Things That Happened Yesterday...

1) I saved two stray kittens from work...they were 3 weeks old; I took them to the Animal Shelter for adoption.

2) I got my conference Ensign...I had to work that weekend.

3) I finished my college vita

4) I was a part of American History...OBAMA 08!

5) Trine & I bought Obama hoodies...for memorabilia of course.

6) I tried mixing songs using GarageBand on my mac...I couldn't figure it out though.

7) I was called a *&^$ at work.....have fun figuring that out.

8) Wiped poop off of Asher's foot...he stuck it in it when I was in the middle of wiping him down.

8 Things I am Looking Forward To...

1) My five day holiday from work.

2) The "Bang" Party Trine & I are throwing with friends on Friday.

3) Pushing Daisies tonight.

4) The "changes coming to America"

5) Asher waking up from his nap...he is one of my favorite people in the world...just so dang cute right now.

6) College football this weekend.

7) Thanksgiving...just to see how much meat people eat, I am amused easily. And seeing if people will try my vegetarian dishes.

8) To go to the gym with Trine tonight.

8 Favorite Places To Eat...

1) Bajio...they have fantastic vegetarian salads & burritos.

2) The Bombay House...an extensive veggie menu

3) Betos...cheap veggie burritos; great if they get your order right, they always struggle with mine.

4) My house

5) Costco...not just their cheese pizza, but sample day also rocks my socks off!

6) Shoots...Trine likes China Lilly better though.

7) Arctic Circle...not really for food, just cheap ice cream.

8) Chili's is good...they have a good black bean burger, but over priced.

Workin' in a Coal Mine

I have been back at work for a over a month and things are going well. My co-workers are good women and I enjoy their company. Remembering policy and the basics of the job have been more difficult then I thought they would be. It's shocking to think that this spring I'll have been employed here for five years.

Keeping things running at home are tricky, but I think we are starting to get into a routine. Aaron is working hard on his applications for grad school so Lump* is spending some more time with his Nana to give Dad uninterrupted time before work. My mommy guilt really doesn't leave a ton of opening for babysitters. I'd love to go to the gym, but I'm horrid at getting up early and so I'll have to make do with Billy Blanks and Jillian Michaels.

Aaron and I voted yesterday in record time. We waited in line for two hours during the primaries and decided to take advantage of early voting. So those of you in Utah who are registered have until Friday before you are doomed to waiting in long lines!!

* We've had people ask why we refer to our son as Lump. When he was born Ash developed a HUGE lump on his head from delivery that hung around until he was eight weeks. So I just started calling him Lump and babies are just kind of like lumps.

Asher Takes Control of Laptop

This is too cute to pass up. Yesterday while I was typing up a letter of intent for graduate school Asher started getting fussy...he is getting over a cold. So, I picked him up and he imediately noticed my laptop and stared leaning towards it. I decided it would be a fun experiment if Asher could feel the texture of the key board, and take some pictures while he is doing it. It was a fun 30 mins...He had some how figured out how to print my list of songs on Itunes, quit a bunch of programs, and rename some files I had on my desktop. He had a great time. So without further ado, the pictures of his experiment.

Aaron's Turn to be Tagged

So I found this one on a friend's blog. Trine did the last one so it's my turn now.

• I am-- extremely tired. Lump has been awake since about 3:00am this morning.
• I think-- applying to grad school is way too complicated.
• I know-- diet mountain dew is bad for me, but oh so good.
• I want--to take a shower.
• I have--a new hoodie on this morning.
• I wish--for three more wishes...isn't that what I am suppose to say?
• I hate--waking up in the middle of the night.
• I miss--chicken...it smells so good to me.
• I fear--dying by choking on my own bodily fluids.
• I feel--cold...well my feet are cold.
• I hear--Jason Mraz's "Live Acoustic Album" it's amazing.
• I smell--the crisp fall air outside my window.
• I search--for the next book to read.
• I wonder--what I am going to be for Halloween. Lump is a wizard, I can't top that.
• I regret--renting "The Boy Who Could Fly" I haven't watched it yet, and it's due today.
• I love--when the kids at work are not yelling at each other...lately they are all jealous of each other because they all "love" the same girl. Oh, and the girl is totally playing all of them.
• I care--about our next president even though I know where our electoral votes are going.
• I always--have a new book to read.
• I am not--as outgoing as I was in High School.
• I believe--college sports are superior to professional sports.
• I sing--when I listen to my ipod.
• I don't always--read my scriptures like I should.
• I write--in a journal everyday...eight days straight!
• I win--at Guitar Hero.
• I lose--my hair...even my sister-in-law noticed it...sad.
• I can usually be found--at Provo Canyon School-Sommerset Campus.
• I'm scared--that what I get Trine for x-mas will not be what she wants...she is very difficult to shop for.
• I read--lately, lots of psychology books...right now I am reading about Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD).
• I am happy about--my dollar raise at work, and another $.50 raise coming in January.

My Day Book

I saw this on another blog and thought it would make a fun and easy post.

I am wearing black pants and a turquiose shirt. All my clothes fit post baby, but my body is strangely different.

I am reading too much political news. My name is Trine and I am an addict.

I am hearing noise from the office and cars passing on the street. One of my favorite sounds is actually typing.

Learning all the time about how to manage the family schedule to make sure that everything that needs to be taken care of is. Also how to remember that Aaron and I actually spend time together that isn't waking up and going to bed.

I am thankful for a spouse and family that are so helpful.

I am hoping that one day I'll be a homeowner. I love looking at model homes and at real estate postings. The Parade of Homes is my favorite date night with Aaron.

From the kitchen tomorrow comes a new corn and bean salsa. Fingers crossed that it'll be as delicious as it looks. Check out the Best Bite for the recipie.

Bringing beauty to my home by breaking out all of my fall decorations this weekend. I love the pumpkin spice wallflower from bath and body works. Not only does our apartment look cute, it smells like I actually make good food too!

Around the house is baby gear. Seriously, we are being taken over by a kid who doesn't speak or eat solid food.

Outside my window it's a lovely fall day. I'm excited to go home for a bit and take Lump for a walk.

I am thinking about Aaron applying to graduate school for next fall and the exciting news that my good friend is coming to visit next month. I'm also thinking about dreading my morning jog tomorrow.

One of my favorite things is eating cookie dough and talking to my good friends. The cookie dough will kill me...it sad that I ate a bunch while watching The Biggest Loser. Self defeating.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Tomorrow is a GNO for some women in my ward. I've never done anything with this particular group, but I'd like to become a little more friendly with my neighbors. Also date night this week is take-out and the presidential debate. We are such a wild and crazy couple!

If I like puzzles does that make me a puzzler?

Aaron and I have gotten back to doing puzzles again. I know this sounds like an activity we should save to enjoy in our twilight years but we've got shuffleboard scheduled for then. Lump has even gotten in on the fun. Puzzles are great because not only do they keep my mind sharp, Aaron and I can still talk while we relax with one.

In other news, we've just been enjoying our baby. He's such a good boy...even with the insane amount of spit-up he produces. Currently he weighs 11 pounds and is 24 inches long. He's pretty much sleeping through the night now, which makes everyone very happy. The night before I went back to work he decided to remind of the old days and was up almost every hour starting at 2 am. Good times. Good thing he's so cute.

Ten Days

My summer at home is coming to an end.  I've really enjoyed being home with Lump, he is such a good baby.  A lot of people ask how I feel about going back to work, I usually respond by saying, "Fine, he'll mainly be with one of us so that makes it alright." This is true, but what I really want to say is, "It doesn't matter how I feel about going to work, it's just what's going to happen." Since, most people who ask are just trying to be nice that response accompanied by tears might be a tad alarming.  

I know I'm not the first person who has to work while they have kids and I won't be the last.  The fact that Lump will be with Aaron most of my time at work is very comforting. My, unfounded, fear is that my baby won't really love me.  This is silly since I'll only be gone 32 out of 168 hrs in a week.  Hopefully we'll be able to develop a good routine with our schedules so we'll be able to make the most of our time together, especially when Aaron and I have time off together.

Withdrawl

Our cable and internet went down on Friday and I'm finally back online. What a sad thing that  72 hrs without them were so difficult. Just me and Lump hanging at home.  We did go visit Mandy and her cute family, so it wasn't all awful. I should find a hobby or read more. Baby Lump and I had a photo shoot the other day.  He would only smile once I moved the camera away from his face. I did manage to get a few good pictures. 

 Lump at two months old!

Go for the Gold

The olympics have kept me occupied at night for the past week. I have always enjoyed watching the games and learning about the athletes. (My new favorite is Cullen Jones.  Not only is he a cutie, he also started a great program for inner-city kids. He's the second from the left. )  Swimming is my favorite to watch. Michael Phelps is an amazing athlete.  Having said that, I wish the reporters at NBC would realize that there is a whole team that have worked just as hard as Mr. Phelps and they also have proud parents!  I hope he gets his eighth medal tonight, mainly because I don't want to hear about what a "failure" he is for just getting seven gold medals and one silver.  

The men's gymnastic team (that picture is hilarious to me.) did a terrific job too, especially for not being considered medal contenders after the Hamm twins were injured. The joy they had at placing third was wonderful. Especially in comparison to what happened the following night with the women's team, which was also plagued with injuries.  A silver medal is nothing to be ashamed of! I wanted to hurt the reporter interviewing the team after the competition. I applaud Alicia for not breaking down in tears with those questions. Those girls have worked hard and sacrificed quite a bit (their bodies and social lives) to compete at this level.  

Trampoline is a sport....who knew?

Track and field started and I've now found where all the Black people were hiding. I've decided to grow my hair out naturally so this is a good time to study hair and scout out a new do! I'll write more about my hair in another post. Here's a preview from the latest experiment.

Huff and Puff and Stuff

So, I was sitting in church yesterday and our congregation never ceases to amaze me. I decided to w take notes on things that I observed during the last twenty minutes of sacrament meeting. Baby Lump and Trine were pacing the halls.

1. One speaker stated that if we teach our children to serve than they will become more "inwardly focused"...Interesting, I thought the goal of service was to help others, not to become selfish. It must have been a mistake, but I was amused.
2. A teenager in the front row licked his whole arm; from his shoulder to his fingertips in one motion...I wonder how that tasted considering he was picking stuff off the floor just prior to this long taste test.
3. The hymns are meant to be sung loudly, even if you don't know the words. Apparently, if you don't know the words the word "something" can be used for every word you forgot.
4. The crying baby chorus starts up at about 15 minutes to the hour, and continues until the meeting lets out (15 minutes late).
5. Long, boring talks consists of lots of reading, no looking up, and no dialog to relate to anyone.
6. How come the Bishopric always looks bored? Just a question.
7. I had an epiphany about a little girl in the ward, she always kind of gave me the creeps. I figured out why...She looks like Mr. Jingles from Stephen King's It.
8. The second speaker said, "If we keep the commandments we will become a power house of energy." Power house huh?...Someone must really be into the Olympic Spirit. I am too, we are trying to decide what to push Baby Lump into so we can bask in his olympic glory. Bob Costa has taught us that this glory is only achieved through gold medals...silver is just not that good. 
9. You know in the hymn book, each song says how to sing it (i.e., with power, cheerfully, or energetically). Well, in our ward to sing cheerfully means to sound like a funeral march.
10. Why is it that baby girls have to have HUGE bows/flowers on their heads? They look like extra appendages. They look like girls if they have on a dress...Unless, of course, the parents are starting cross-dressing at a very young age, and if that's the case I have never seen a drag queen with a Huge flower headband.
11. If you need a hymn book, it is easier to reach across the pew ahead of you and take it. Don't mind the people sitting in the pew...No joke this really happened to my pew. I did not quite know how to react to the lady taking my hymn book.
12. During the closing prayer, all the babies in the audience start "cooing" about the same time. This cooing sounds a lot like speaking in tongues. 

Blessings, Buddies, and a Book Review

This post is going to be pretty disjointed, so bare with me.

Today we blessed Asher.  It was a pretty low-key event, which is what we wanted. The best part, other than the blessing, was that Ash didn't cry and saved spitting up until we got his bib back in place!  His buddy Reed was also blessed today. Last week we tried to have a photos shoot of the two boys and here was the best I could do.  

I would also like say thanks for everyone who left a comment about baby gas. All of your ideas were sooo helpful!  I think we've got a system now that keeps it pretty under control and gives us a happier baby.  Here's the latest picture of our little clan.

Yesterday I read the last installment of the Twilight series. I know that a lot of people really like this series. For me, I just needed to have closure. Kind of like how I've read the dragon books, (Eragon and Eldest) I really dislike them, but I'll read the third one just to see how it finishes. Breaking Dawn was a fine book, if a little predictable.  Perhaps I've just need to enjoy reading or watching movies as they go along instead of trying to work out the endings way before they happen. The Young Women in my ward love this series because of the romance.  I found the romance in this edition a little mature for the YA crowd. Anyone who reads this is free to disagree with me. 

I'm not really uptight about sexuality or anything, I was just a little caught off guard with where the story went in that direction. There was nothing explicit but I was left feeling uneasy.  The girls I work with at church and at work already have unrealistic expectations about relationships and I found myself feeling this would just fuel those expectations even further. However, figuring out that life isn't what you've always seen portrayed in the media is a rite of passage.

Below is a picture of the release party we drove by. Aaron thought I was insane, he offered to let me go in and really participate in the madness, but I declined.  There are limits. 

The Exciting Times of Aaron

So, I thought it might be nice to give an update on myself, Aaron, because I never post on this blog. Exciting things are happening for me right now. First, last Saturday night at work a kid tried to stab me...I restrained him and took him down pretty hard. Nobody was hurt, and now the 250 lb fourteen year-old respects me a little more. 

Second, being a new dad is good; I enjoy it quite a bit. Baby A is getting more smiley, I understand that most of them are not controlled but it's cute anyway. 

Third, Trine lets me sleep though the night until 6:30ish because apparently I have turrets syndrome in the middle of the night if I am woken up...I don't know where that comes from...I can't help it.

Other things happening in life right now...I have been doing a lot of research on becoming Vegetarian, a personal decision that kind of came out of nowhere. I have a coworker that has done vegetarianism for two months and says that he has lost a lot of weight and feels great...so I started doing research. I haven't eaten meat in about three weeks. Don't worry, I am not going to get preachy about this.

I have started looking into graduate schools again. It's funny, our schools of choice have changed more often then Dennis Rodman's hair. Right now we are looking in Wisconsin, Ohio, Flagstaff, Iowa, Virginia, and Nebraska; a lot of these places we would of never considered before. I am starting to study for the dreadful GRE again, I need to raise that score by about 100...I hate that test more than anything in the world.

That is about it...here are some recent pictures of our happy little boy. Peace out Yo!

Special Request

I'm thinking of making our blog private, but thought I'd start by asking anyone who has linked to our blog please list us as Trine and Aaron, instead of using our last names. Thanks so much!

Memory Lane

The instructions are as follows:1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Coming Attractions

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

I put this video up yesterday in hopes that it will tide you over until I have the presence of mind to post about politics. Enjoy. In the mean time does anybody have any wonderful solutions to help a REALLY gassy baby?

Funny Stuff

My sister showed me this video today.  I just love how the little baby is so smiley about inflicting pain on his brother.  

Things here are going well. Asher continues to be a great addition to the family.  So far getting up at night isn't awful. I actually like the time to chat with him while he's eating. We don't talk about anything in particular.  One good thing that Ash has done is lessened my obsession with the upcoming election. I actually turned NPR on in the car today and realized I have no idea what's going on in the world right now.  I just know that gas is expensive still and the olympics are soon. Oh and apparently a bunch of celebrities had babies that probably aren't as cute as mine. So I'll take this opportunity to thank my baby for breaking my addiction...at least until the conventions. 

One Week

I thought that the lack of sleep was supposed to be due to the baby wanting to eat all the time?  It seems this week that I am the only one in the house who isn't sleeping for one reason or another. Bothersome hormones.  

Adventures in Grilling and Bathtime

Last thursday, thanks to inspiration from Kevin and Rhiannon, we decided to make kabobs for dinner. They were delicious.  The best part was when Aaron, Master of the Grill, set the lawn on fire! Awesome.

 In other exciting news for Aaron: During Asher's first bath at home he decided spit up each  time Aaron washed each side of his body.  Then, in a final act of dominance, Asher pooped all down Aaron's front after Aaron surrendered with the bath idea.  We tried again later and were more successful, but the faces of both my boys was so funny!  Here's the little devil wide awake.

Asher Thomas

Everyone please give a warm welcome to Baby Asher!  

I woke up at 2:00 am on the 27th with contractions. When we arrived at the hospital at 4:00 I was dilated to a four.  The only thing that really helped me make it through until I got my epidural at 7:00 was having the score of The Little Mermaid running through my mind.  I don't really enjoy that cartoon, so I was mildly amused that the music would be running through my head at that particular moment. We pushed for two hours and Ash decided to make his debut at 11:01 am.  He weighs 7 pounds 9 ounces and is 20.5 inches long.  

Maternity Leave

Yesterday was my last day at work until September.  I'm really nervous about leaving and not having a baby to stay home with yet.  When I went in yesterday I was having contractions that were about five minutes apart, I made it about three hours in and decided I was lame for leaving my apartment.  So I spoke with my supervisor and decided that I would just call it good and go home to wait for baby.  I hobbled to my car and went home. The contractions continued until about seven that night and got to be about every 2-3 minutes....THEN THEY STOPPED!!!!!!  This also happened two times last weekend.  WHY?!?!  Today is a little better, they come and they go, but nothing to regular. 

So now I'm left to wonder not only when my little boy will decided to grace us with his presence, but was it dumb not to try to tough it out and work for another week?  What do you think?

Bye Bye Countdown

I had to remove the baby countdown. It was taunting me.

What happens at the Summerfest...

After having some pretty intense contractions for two days, Aaron and I decided we would walk to the Summerfest. Desperate times my friends. Since, it's been such a mild spring in Utah I haven't really dealt with the whole overheated pregnant woman phenomenon. Saturday was my introduction to that club. Not only was I overheated but my little trek just kept the contractions coming.

It was a great to spend time with Aaron we ate a Navjo taco and had an Original Texas Twister. One thing I forgot about carnivals is that the food is pretty expensive. Our drink was six dollars, BUT we could get refills for three dollars for the rest of the day! Lucky us.

Then, in what can only be described as an act of love, Aaron won me a dollar squirt gun for the walk home. I've always wanted someone to win a prize for me at a carnival.

After all of that, still no baby, but at least there seems to be progress. I'll keep this updated.

Disappointing

I was looking at my baby ticker and realised that it was off by two days. Sad. Things are going well right with the pregnancy. I told a friend on Saturday that this is probably the best I've felt the whole 38 weeks.

Aaron and I are trying to keep busy getting little odds and ends ready. I plan on starting my maternity leave when I have the baby or July 1st. I've gone into nesting overdrive trying to get things squared away at work and at home. I'd hate to leave suddenly and leave people holding the bag on unfinished projects.

This weekend is the Summerfest. I love going to local city celebrations and eating the unhealthy food and looking at the booths. We also have Father's Day. Aaron's family is making homemade ice cream which is his favorite.

Secret Shame

I guess this won't be so secret after I post it for the world. We don't frequent buffets because Aaron thinks they are pretty disgusting. However, I have been DYING for a potato bar my entire pregnancy. I just didn't want to go to all the effort of creating one at home. So last month I was finally indulged...twice! The first time I went with my friends Rhiannon and Annie during the Priesthood session. The next time was a few weeks later for my birthday. It was delicious.

While I was there with Aaron, the family at the table next to us got into a big fight. The climax was the grandma telling her grandson, "I wish I wasn't your grandma." Good times that just reinforced Aaron's poor opinion of the GC. It's just part of it's charm! The problem is, I'd love to go back again, but Aaron says the only way he'll go is if I'm overdue. Evil.

Craving Chronicles: Strawberry Pie

As promised, here is a picture of the delicious strawberry pie I made a few weeks ago. I've made one more since then, but I wasn't too pleased with the recipie...and I ruined the crust. Since, this is a long weekend I believe I'll try this again and see if I can get it to be a little less jello-like.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/4 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons package strawberry flavored gelatin mix
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 quarts strawberries, hulled
1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked

DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan, combine water, sugar and cornstarch. Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin. Allow to cool slightly.

Arrange strawberries in the pie crusts with the tips pointing up. Pour gelatin mixture over, covering the berries.

* In this pie I actually did a cream cheese and powder sugar mix to put at the bottom of the crust so it wouldn't get soggy. It turned out alright, I'm still playing around with what could have made it better.

** You also can't eat this pie without whipped cream! Unless you have dairy allergies...or just don't like it. :)

Update

It's about time I updated this bad boy. Usually, I have posts mulling around in my head, but then I forget to actually post them. By the time I remember to post they feel like old news.

Things are going well right now. Baby F is still very content having me as his host. It's good to know that he's doing well. My fingers are crossed that he'll make a timely debut and not be fashionably late. We feel pretty prepared for his arrival...essentials have been purchased and we just finished our prenatal class. Here's me at 34 weeks.

Aaron has been really busy with work lately, which leaves me with a lot of time by myself. I'd like to say that I'm being really productive with that time, but I'm not. Right now I'm listening to "Showtune Saturday Night". Don't worry, I know that makes me a geek. I'm not allowed to exercise right now, so sometimes I get around that by going to "float" in the pool at the gym. Most of the time, however, I watch movies.

Last night I watched Lars and the Real Girl. It was very different than what I expected. The premise was what would happen if we treated episode of mental illness with compassion instead of shying away from those who suffer. Has anyone else seen this movie? What did you think? I'm still trying to form my thoughts on the subject.

20 Things I Love Right Now

1. That human pregnancy only lasts for ten months. Poor elephants have to suffer for twenty-two!
2. Chicken Curry...I admit that I've had some every day since last Thursday.
3. My Mando for coming down to have a Girl's Day!
4. Tulips are officially blooming everywhere. Hooray for spring.
5. Strawberries being abundant so I can continue to perfect my pie-making abilities...post coming soon!
6. The fact that I bought a Cinco De Mayo shirt from Old Navy and will be wearing it with pride on Monday...even if it doesn't fit correctly.
7. The idea of not having to do my hair for the next few weeks. Braided extensions are the best.
8. The fact that Aaron is excited about Baby F and is the one who pushes me to prepare for his arrival. He does most of the work...I sit in the rocking chair and oversee.
9. Reconnecting with old friends.
10. NPR
11. That I will not be at work for 3 months after the baby is born.
12. My one-hour prenatal massage tomorrow!!!!
13. Fruit slushes and frozen lemonade. I should just say Happy Hour at Sonic.
14. Aaron...He's a pretty good guy.
15. My heating pad
16. The Office and How I Met Your Mother.
17. Weekends
18. Reading blogs
19. The fact that I have finished most of the Thank You notes from my shower.
20. I only have ninety minutes left at work.

Favorite Things Around My House...for Wendy.

My favorite thing in the kitchen is... My mini food prep processor. That thing is amazing! Especially now that my nesting has translated into cooking.

My favorite thing in the bathroom is the toilet...We've become very good friends over the past seven months. I won't be sad to say good-bye once this baby is born.

My favorite thing in the bedroom is the heating pad. I would normally say my bed, but I've started to wish I had a king size mattress instead of a queen.

My favorite thing in the bedroom closet is my yoga pants. I would wear them everyday of the week if I could. Maybe I should talk to my supervisor about changing our dress code.

My favorite thing in the living room is the couch. I consider our couch set my first adult purchase...other than my car.

My favorite thing in the pantry is nothing. I really need to go grocery shopping, but usually food doesn't sound too appealing to me. I do like the fact that I've cleaned out some space to store non-food items.

My favorite thing in the "office" is that it's my bedroom. We have converted the office to the baby room. I sure do love our computer though...probably more than I should.

My favorite thing in the baby's room is the pictures that Aaron painted for the wall.

I'm tagging Janae, Alexis, and Helen.

Ode to Incompetent Ultrasound Techs

How we love planning our day around seeing the growing babe inside.

We love taking time off from work to wait in the waiting room for thirty minutes before being ushered in.

And who doesn't love cold KY Jelly all over the tum-tum?

And the tact of the technician to say, "I can't find its brain, I will be back" as the door is slamming behind her.

Oh, how we love incompetent ultrasound techs.

Who can forget the classic gender percentages for the naughty bits?

65-70% sure it's a boy at 16 weeks.

85-95% sure it's a girl..."look a textbook shot" at 25 weeks.

And at 30 weeks..."They told you it was a girl (pause) oh yeah I see it, but the clitoris is enlarged and the vagina swollen."

Enter in, the second opinion (at week 30; and the lady who needed to find the brain)...

"How could you tell them it's a girl (pause) that's a penis, no questions asked."

So which incompetent ultrasound tech is right? 

Or are they all wrong together?

You be the judge, because the one who told it about "the clitoris being enlarged and the vagina swollen" tried to lie to us "to not ruin our weekend"

I don't know about anyone else here, but I would rather have a hectic weekend while the baby is still in the oven rather than out months later.

But that's my opinion incompetent ultrasound technician.

No that is not its cranium.

But That is...welcome to earth (well almost) Finnley Patrick, or maybe he's an Abrham Joseph...only time can tell.

A Blast from the Past

Confession: The first concert that I went to was New Kids on the Block. I was in the fifth grade and desperately in love with Joey MacIntire. My parents scrounged up a ticket for me to go to the sold out event, only to have me hate them inexplicably two weeks later. I'm not sure what happened, but everyone else hated them so I went with the crowd. There's no amount of groveling that can make up for the betrayal of my Joey.

Over the years I've kept track of the whereabouts of the New Kids. I admit to skipping a class in college to watch Joey and Jordan's TRL music video debut. One of the top reasons I watched and loved Band of Brothers is because of Donnie and his, now receding, hairline. Jonathan and Danny basically faded into boy-band obscurity. I even braved Dancing with the Stars while Joey was a contestant. My friend Sandy and I were ESTATIC to find out that when we saw Wicked in New York Joey was male lead. After the show the cast held a charity auction. Several audience members pooled their money together and for 5,000 Joey did a NKOTB dance. It's probably bad manners, but I cheered like an eleven year-old girl back at the Marriott Center.

Needless to say I'm excited about their reunion. Aaron thinks it's silly, but I told him that if they tour anywhere in this region I am going to be in attendance. Here's a look at the boys then and now.

Craving Chronicles: Pasta Salad

Here is the recipe for the delicious pasta salad I've been eating for days now. The cravings started last week and I finally gave in on Friday. The beast within is satisfied....for now. Enjoy!

Dressing:
1 Large garlic clove, minced

1/3 C. Mayonaise

1/3 C Sour Cream

1/3 C Buttermilk

3 T Rice Wine Vineage (you can use 2)



Pasta Salad:

2 T salt

12 oz Bowtie or any kind of pasta you like.

8 oz trimmed asparagus, cut into 1-inch lengths

2 cooked chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces

8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved and lightly salted.

14 oz can artichokes, cut into sixths.

3 green onions, thinly sliced.

1/2 C pine nuts, toasted until golden.

1/4 C pesto (homemade or refrigerated prepared)



Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl; keep chilled until ready to toss with salad. Store in jar or bowl with lid.



Cook pasta and add asparagus the last 1 minute, until just tender. Drain and let chill while preparing remaining salad ingredients.



Place all salad ingredients (except buttermilk dressing) in a large bowl or transfer to a gallon-size zipper bag. When ready to serve, add dressing; toss to coat and serve.

Introducing the beast within at 27 wks.

AZ 2008

The days of fun in the sun are done. Meaning, our vacation to Anthem, AZ over Easter is officially done.  Too bad, because it was nice to get away from the Arctic temperatures of late in Utah. Here are a few pictures from our trip for all of those who are looking for an enjoyable, warm, quick get away. Enjoy!

 

On Saturday, Aaron & the guys hiked Gavelin Peak which overlooks the suburb. The hike wasn't the Lord of The Rings Trek but a fun hike none-of-the-less.

This is New River, AZ...apparently the ghetto...funny it looks nice to me. This is a view from the top of Gavelin Peak.

"The Guys", Aaron's brother-in-law Greg and his two boys Andrew and Jordan (striking the Backstreet Boys Pose). 

This is Aaron's version of art with the element of perception. This is Aaron's favorite picture that he took; they kinda look like little Hobbits don't they? The theme song to LOTR's plays in my mind when I see this one.