Perfect

I don't know why, but posting seems to take SO much effort. I think it is because I've neglected this blog for so long that I feel like I should update on everything that has occurred since I last posted. Well, those of you who know, obviously know where I have been and what's been going on, those of you who don't - just ask. I'll tell. Instead of all those um, let's call them "details," I wish to post about the really important stuff, like Britney got married, Birthday Cruises and Oh yeah, I'm not fat - I'm pregnant.

Yes! Britney got married! I was privileged to be there for all of it.

Bridal shower(s), girls nights and bachelorette party, endowment, sealing. And all the days in between too. The staying up late and talking about love and the fuzzy feelings you get when you know you've found your soulmate. The photo shoot where I get to chew the gum for the bride and change her shoes and touch up her makeup after every shot, and adjust her dress and hair. Taking notes at the showers getting so excited for every gift that was received. Giving advice that was from the heart and learning new things along the way. Dreaming about the future and getting excited about the little things. The flowers and the food and the tiny minute details that nobody would know about. I got to see all the hard work and dedication and love that went into making this day so perfect. I am so grateful I got to spend that time with Jilly and Brit.

Only James could bring this out of the beautiful bride on her perfect day.

Many tears were shed at this moment. Perfect.

Last Dance. The Mr. and Mrs.

The reception was the perfect party. Flawless. I sat and soaked it all in and enjoyed it. Such a happy feeling was there - the perfect celebration for a perfect start to a new life.

During my stay, my bff Tracie had a landmark birthday. The big 3-0. I kept telling her that 30 is the new 20, o we decided to Birthday It Up {BIU} in style. I was so elated that I was asked to be Tracie's BIU guest. We had the most fabulous time, the elation that was felt was overwhelmingly elating! I will just briefly recap some of the most elating highlights of the trip. There first was the drama of obtaining my birth certificate. Thank you to James for handling the drama with such quickness and speed - only to find out I have been celebrating my birthday on the wrong day - my ENTIRE life!?! Hello, Mike and JoAnn? I digress. There was the migraine scare, the shade cutting off circulation, the lovely Vagabond Inn complete with late night Internet searches and DIY waffle breakfast. Then, the boat. The Elation.

Our beds were amazing. More amazing were the pillows, and more amazing were the duvets. On the Lido Deck, the food - perfect. The fruit? Plentiful. 24 hour room service? Definitely used. Our dining experience was quite interesting...there was our waiter John Wayne, and our table mates Edgar and Irma, and his incessant inviting us to take photos in our "Cruise Elegant" attire. Cruise Elegant. 'Nuff said.

Yes, we ordered cheese for dessert. And me, well fruit at every meal.

Our towel animals provided hours of entertainment and I will stop there. Did I mention 24 hour room service? Oh, the time spent on the Lido Deck - elating.

Laying out, and more laying out. Sleeping, eating, laughing, eating, sleeping, eating, laughing, being Cruise Elegant - it was all so much fun! Thank you Trac for a perfect time!

YES + its true. (I took 2, just to be sure) I am not getting fatter. Well, actually, I am. But it is not because of the cruise or the wedding or some natural disaster. We are expecting our first baby! We could not be more excited for this - it has been a long road for us to finally get pregnant, and actually keep the pregnancy. My doctor has assured me that things are moving along perfectly. My due date is December 18th. We heard the heartbeat last week and it was amazing, and perfect. We don't know what we are having yet, Britney's bffer Natalie has affectionately named it babyweinerdog until we know. We are jumping out of our skin waiting for that ultrasound so we can find out what we are having. We are so excited for the privilege to become parents and can't wait!

Last but not least. Lucy and Pete are now bffs. They both had to adjust to not being around each other. Poor Lucy, she has no idea what is in store for her in the coming months. Maybe I should let her watch 'Lady and the Tramp' to kind of ease her into the idea of a new baby.

Whoot-y

I am kind of obsessed...

What do they symbolize?

It is believed that a magical "inner light" gave Owls night vision. Owls symbolize wisdom, the ability to see things that are hidden, stealth, swiftness, darkness, freedom, dreams, shape-shifting, secrets, omens, clairvoyance, astral projection, magick, deception, observation, total truth, night, death and misfortune.

Creepy? I think not. I kinda like 'em.

Prepare yourself...

Words can't describe the joy...Bono, I will see you soon. Very soon.

Baked Creation

I have been on a journey of self-discovery as of late. Maybe that is why I have neglected the blog, because I haven't been ready to write about it. I have had so many thoughts swimming in my head, forming into new ideas and new beliefs, dispelling the dusty, old worn out ones that have only been used because I didn't realize that I could create better ones. These cupcakes are part of my journey. I have a special relationship with them, even though they have long since been devoured and enjoyed. As amateur as they are, these cupcakes brought things to me that I haven't seen in a long time. They brought me the knowledge that I can, and I will. They showed me my potential in all things. They made me realize that it doesn't have to hurt to dream, and it is better done if you 'dream out loud.' They put into perspective what is really important, banishing all insignificant viewpoints that were previously held. They took me all the way back to July 21, 2006 - a day in my life where I truly believed it when I said "I can do anything I put my mind to. I am good enough, and I am the best at what I do." I love these cupcakes. I wish I could have one frozen in time, not just in my memory, so I could keep it in my fridge and look at it daily to remind me of the catalyst its creation was in my life. I guess I'll just have to keep baking...

P.S. These are red velvet (from scratch) with cream cheese frosting. If you want some (or any other kind for that matter) I would leap for joy at the opportunity.

Root Beer Burger Run 2009 "RBBR"

Ok, so there are many blog-worthy things that have happened lately, but this is the most blog-worthy of them all...and frankly, I have just beeen lazy about the other stuff. We went to AZ on Valentine's Day weekend for Elder Cotter's farewell, and for the First Annual Root Beer Burger Run. I am going to refer you to Carli's blog for pictures and explanation of the rules of the competition. I am just going to post the video. There is no audio because of copyrighting issues wih YouTube, but I think you will get the idea. I am SO proud of my husband, and my family. They truly know how to represent.

Newport Beach

Our trip to Newport Beach was fantastic! We went with Jill & Kirt, well we met them there. We stayed at the Marriot Newport Coast Villas. We had some rain, and some cold, and some beautiful days. We did a LOT of relaxing and reading and sleeping and eating and shopping. Brit and Jess came for the last part of the trip and we spent a magical day at Disneyland! I love love LOVE Disneyland. It makes me feel like a kid again. It was so fantastical all decorated for Christmas and the CASTLE...need I say more! It was the perfect getaway vacation. I think James and I made up for our not-so-romantic anniversary! We had Christmas with the Petersens and it was so much fun! Check Britney's blog for more pictures! It was so much fun I can't wait to go back!

Update-y Matey

The past month has been way busy (and fun) for us. We have had a lot going on and I have decided not to blog about it all individually, because that would be too EASY...So, here we go...

Jan came to visit us a few weeks before Thanksgiving. It was so much fun to have her in our home. We relaxed, ate good food and played lots of games. We played a lot of Ticket to Ride, and James finally discovered his strategy, which made it more fun to play. It was great fun. We love you and miss you, Jan. Come back soon, please!

We went to AZ for Thanksgiving. It was so much fun to be with everyone. We all just hung out and enjoyed each others' company. James and I got to spend some time with Trac which was super fun. I miss Trac. Sometimes I want to switch out my current roommate for her again...just because we had so much fun living together. I miss all the good times!

See if you can spot poor Jenessa squashed under Brand...she is there!

Jan made a super cute fruit turkey. He was my favorite.

We went and had a RED SOFA PARTY with Britney and Jesse. It was so fun to meet him and hang out - he is a great guy and we had a great time laughing. Of course, the best part was the girl talk til the wee hours in the morning after he left...I'll never tell... :]

She's so HAPPY! I love it!

I put up our tree before we went to AZ so we could enjoy it when we came back. It is nothing exciting, but I am excited for next year when I can really decorate it. Stay tuned.

I failed to mention that most of us got the stomach flu that weekend. James and I both got it and spent two days miserable in bed. It was such a bummer to be sick a) not in the comfort of your own home, and b) to be missing out on family stuff. It was horrid and I don't want to talk about it anymore.

We had my dad over for his birthday last weekend. I made super yummy dinner and we sang and had candles despite his protests. It was a good time.

I made FROM SCRATCH, people - German chocolate (Girhadelli Chocolate, mind you) cake for my dad. It was so amazing, even James liked it. I was so proud of myself. The frosting was so delightful I wanted to put it as a topping on all my food.

Also, last weekend I took James to see Michael McLean's The Forgotten Carols. James had never been and he loved it! He is a huge Michael McLean fan, and James was so excited to meet him after the show.

I always love going to this show at the beginning of the Christmas season because it brings in the spirit and the true meaning of Christmas so strong into my heart. I love this season and the spirit of giving and love that is in the air. I know it is cliche, but I wish that we all could feel this every day of the year. I am thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ and all that he has made possible for us in this life. I love his message of Hope and Love, and I love Him!

Oh yeah, Lucy went to AZ with us and she loved it. She wishes you a Merry Christmas.