Anniversary

I am so behind in the blogging world, and I hate it! I will have to do a fairly quick recap now and fill in the gaps later.
First of all, Timm and I had our 3 year anniversary on Tuesday. IT was fairly uneventful as we have no money and I made TImm promise not to buy me anything. I was very skeptical as to whether we would keep this promise, since he usually schemes for months in advance to get me wonderful and thoughtful gifts. He is very good at this! (Remember my birthday extravaganza?) Timm came home early at about 4:30 and we hung out at home and watched a movie. We ordered in pizza as a treat, and then after Bella was in bed we went to see Pirates 2! So good! (All of the food and movie turned out to be free. Long story, but that's the only way we could afford to do anything!) I love Pirates, I love Johnny Depp, but I digress...This is about how I love TIMM.

This is the most beautiful and perfect bouquet ever created. Of course, it was created by my mom. It was exactly what I wanted for my wedding, and I loved it.

This is Shell and I on my wedding day. (Her hair is so short! I loved it when it was short, but now that it's long, I prefer it long. I hardly ever prefer people with long hair.) All of the pictures I have on disc of TImm and I from our wedding day, he looks like he's either drunk, or beat up. It's true. He looked so good that day, the best I've ever seen him, but the pictures don't do him justice. The candids anyway- the ones Marc took turned out well, but I don't have them on disc.

So here is a picture of us from my birthday last month.
Timm is the greatest husband I could ask for. He is the perfect balance to my neurosis and spastic tendencies. He is even-keel, hard working, good-natured, a wonderful father, sweet, thoughtful, patient, a Sneelock in training.. I could go on and on. Unfortunately I am in a rush.
My Imaginisce meeting got postponed to today and I am leaving in about half an hour. I need to go compile the things I am bringing to show them. Wish me luck! I will update later!

Random

I have nothing of import to say today, but then again, I rarely do. And now for everyone's favorite kind of post: Random minutiae of my everyday (homebody) life.

• Remember my weird psychiatrist? I thought of something else funny that she said. She told me I looked tired, and I had been feeling pretty good lately so I was surprised. I asked her what made me look tired, and she replied that it was my pale pallor. Um, has she seen my family? I guess that's obvious-no, she hasn't. I could bask in the sun all day long (though who would want to do that? So hot! Not to mention pesky skin cancer.) and still have no tan to show for it. And since when does being well-rested result in a darker hue? I've never woken up from a particularly good nap with a great tan, have you? I should know, I nap all the time. But then yesterday, a woman came up to me in Relief Society and told me that if it appeared she was staring at me, she was. (I have to sit in the from now for all to see me.) She said that she couldn't help but notice the last 2 weeks what "a beautiful peaches and cream complexion" I had, and that the pink sweater I was wearing was a beautiful color on me. Yeah! In your face Dr. Davis! Ha. Reminded me of the time a Dr. in Denver asked Timm and I if we suffered from allergies. When we told him no, he told us we had the "tell-tale shiners." Okay, I guess we do have allergies. Who are we to argue with the experts?
• I sent out some good mail on Friday. It is local, so I was anticipating the recipients getting it on Saturday. (part of the excitement.) No deal. Then I was bummed because it is a (state) holiday today and I figured I'd have to wait until Tuesday for them to get it. Then I was excited when I got mail today because I thought my recipients would too. No! They did not. U.S. Postal Service, why are you toying with me?
• I did however, get a little package from Denise that has already been dismantled and is not in a photographable state any longer. It had a note from her and Sarah (Complete with photos cut and pasted) and a cute notebook from Emily! Oh you know how I love a good notebook to alter in something even greater!
• Mondays are my (un)official recoup day. Every Monday I stay in lounge clothes and clean the house. Because there are only 3 of us, in all honesty our house doesn't get very dirty. (Lara, your comment about this cracked me up.) I am ever vigilant about picking up, so I instated a different kind of cleaning schedule. I alternate weeks of doing a really good, thorough cleaning, and a perfunctory one like I did today. Today I just dusted, wiped everything down, swept, vacuumed and mopped. No toilet or tub cleaning today. I like to spend my Mondays staying grody at home and preparing for the week ahead. In other words: don't count on me doing anything fun on Mondays. And if you drop by, just expect me in a ponytail, cleaning clothes, and no makeup. And possibly the odor of sweat mingled with cleaning products. This only presents a problem when I actually have money to spend and need to go to Pebbles for double-punch Monday. Sacrifices.
• My life is like a little musical that nobody would actually watch. I sing a little song about everything to Bella. The tunes are very simple, sometimes boring, and the lyrics are usually weird. I don't know why I do it, but I have a feeling I may stop once I have kids that are old enough to mock me and not be entertained. I would call my musical "Domestica."

Good Mail

Today is the best kind of day- I have received good mail, and I am also waiting for others to receive my own good mail sendings. Michelle sent me this special issue of Simple Scrapbooks. Jill blogged about the copy that Shell gave her yesterday, and I would assume that she has probably sent it to others of you also, knowing her. I love special issues, and I rarely have the money to spend on them myself. (Not that she does either!) Thanks Shell :) It came in perfect time for an album I am making about myself which I am planning on starting right away. She also made me this cute journal about a month ago and I forgot to blog about it! She probably thought that meant that I didn't really like it, but so not the case! I love the design, the colors, the theme- everything. I love hand-made gifts. Especially from one as skilled as Michelle. Yay!
Today is also the best kind of day because I can be lazy without feeling guilty or making excuses. I have been relatively productive all week. My housework is done, my laundry is done, my cooking is done...All I have done today is read, nap, laundry, read, fold laundry, and start an album I am making. Delightful. We also had a rollicking good time at game night last night which we moved to Diana's house for the night. She and Lou were a wonderful addition to the typical game night crowd, as evidenced by our 1:30 am arrival home. Yay again!

What a Champ!

{Warning: This post is about Smegel, thus it contains multiple images of him. But know this, this is your last warning. It should be said as a basic rule- If you read my blog, you also take the risk of seeing pictures of my cats. I'm sorry to say, they come hand-in-hand. So make your decision now,and show yourselves- will you continue to read and frequent my blog, or will you prove yourself to be a fair-pet friend and discontinue due to what some may deem images meant for mature audiences?}
In the last week I've babysat twice, something I try to keep to a bare minimum, but due to the need of friends, and my dislike of being selfish, I sucked it up and did the deed. I babysat. Twice. But these aren't your average kids- they're not bratty, or rude, or dirty. As far as babysitting goes, these kids are okay by me. They may actually be great.
I don't know if I would have made it through without Smegel- he is a real trooper, as I shall now demonstrate. Here are several incidences of love (abuse) being lavished on Smegel.

This is my neighbor and friend Mona's daughter Kaeli, holding Smegel in everyone's favorite position- on his back.

Yes, she's holding him around his neck.

This is Bridget's adorable daughter Elise- She is petite and beautiful like Bridget, so I just had to throw this one in here!

Apparently it is an unspoken rule that if given the chance, everyone will hold Smegel on his back. He takes it like a man. A man kitty.

He allows Bella to pull his tail, while simultaneously being held on his back by Elise.

And finally, he's had all he can take and he's braced and ready to run. This is after Joey repeatedly laid on top of him. It was the first time I've ever heard Smegel hiss at anyone, I think.
Typically, I let the kids have at Smegel as long as he is not being (visibly) hurt. I try to encourage them with words like, 'soft, soft', but mostly they fall on dumb ears. The kids also don't seem to understand that their repeated screaming and lunging at Mister isn't making him come around any faster. I think Mister has suffered enough psychological damage to fear kids for a lifetime. Let's just hope he doesn't avenge it on my laundry.
Everyone has a limit, right? Smegel just has a very high threshold and tolerance for annoyance. Unlike me. Which is why he is my babysitting pogner(partner), to help shoulder the burdens. Isn't that what we do in families? That is why Smegel has earned himself a place in the family, and that now it goes without saying again that I will feature pictures of him on my blog.

Calling all Bargain Hunters!!!

{sorry for the distracting blur- I still haven't taken my camera to get cleaned, and since my car is in the shop it won't be getting clean any time soon.}

Run, don't walk to your nearest Old Navy!!!

I would assume that this same deal is nation-wide, but all of their clearance stuff is 50% off of the already reduced price until the end of the week. That's right- you heard me- 50% off of the already reduced price!

Hannah and I opted out of going to 7Peaks with all the girls today for the first time this summer, but I dare say, sorry girls, it was worth it. I was disappointed not to be able to go, and it would have been a perfect day, but judging my the swarms of people who were already picking the store apart, it would not have done to wait another day.

Now Timm and I really don't have money in the budget to go on such a shopping spree, but I talked it over with him and we decided it was really a sound financial decision. Bella will inevitably, albeit slowly, grow out of her clothes and need new ones. Most of the things I bought were for her to wear next summer, but I bought TImm and I a couple of things as well. There was a great selection of baby clothes. As always, I only wish I had more money (actually, any money whatsoever) so I could stock up on baby shower gifts or buy an entire first year's wardrobe for my next child who is destined to be a boy. (Mark my words, I know my stuff...) SO I only spent $55 and I got 14 items- for those of you who lack the awesome math skills that I have (okay, my computer has) that's less than $4 per item! Better than shopping at a resale shop, but it's all brand-new! My, I am mighty pleased with myself.

*So RUN, don't walk to your nearest Old Navy because with prices like these, time is running out!*

Other random tidbits:

• my car died. It was an eventuality, but came sooner than we would have liked since we are still trying to invoice one of Timm's bosses so we can pay rent next month. I guess 'died' isn't really the correct term since it can be revived, but not for less than $500 I'm guessing. And it left me stranded at Smith's with melted ice cream yesterday and Timm had to come rescue us with a push-start. (The miracle of a stick-shift!)
• I went to see my psychologist yesterday. (I have a psychologist and I'm proud of it, baby!)I like her because she really seems to know her stuff when it comes to meds, unlike my last doctor who temporarily dried up my milk supply by prescribing the wrong birth control. However, I suspect she may have diagnosed one too many people. Whenever I talk to her, she infers all kinds of crazy meanings to what she thinks I am actually saying. Mind you, I am not in a therapy session, as I don't need those any more thank you very much! I am just getting a re-check for my meds. For instance, the first time I went to see her, we were talking about whether or not I was assertive. I thought she suspected I might not be, and I quickly corrected her saying that I have no problem being assertive- to which she replied, "But do you stop all over people's hearts and feelings?" hmm. I hadn't thought so, but I left her office with the distinct impression that I had been living all these years as a heart-stomper without knowing it. Then yesterday I was talking about how I don't take Bella to the child-care place at the gym anymore because the last few times she's cried and they've paged me to come get her. My doctor's natural response was to say "And then you think-'You're ruining my life!' (referring to Bella) and then you hate yourself for thinking that." Hmm. I hadn't thought so, but then I find myself thinking, maybe she's right- I mean, she is the expert in this situation. But no- that's not true- I've never once thought that Bella was ruining my life I am proud to say. I'm saving that all up for her teenage years.
• Two days ago Hannah brought me a delightful little package that she had inadvertently tried to mail sans my address. It contained several treats which I cannot photograph because I presently lack self-control. (no, the cute journal is not working.) But the best part was a kitchen timer! I have been living without a kitchen timer for at least 5 years now. I don't know how I've done it, but those days are over. It's like a brand-new invention to me. I've already used it to put a time-limit on my cleaning endeavors to inspire me to clean faster and get it over with. Thanks Hannah, I love it!
• I took Bella to the doctor this morning for a yeast infection, and she is officially on the growth charts! She actually weighs 19 1/2 pounds and is in the 10th percentile! She shot up like 20 percent! I don't know where that came from as she is still wearing 3-6 month pants as of this very day, but I think she might be bigger than Eva now! Miracles do happen.

I have Returned...

I too, have become a Prodigal Blogger. I apologize, but I have been in akind of a funk lately. Funk, and busy.
Let's not waste time discussing the funk, rather let's move forward. However, it must be said: I apologize to anyone and all who have possibly felt neglected by me as of late. Possibly the worst part of depression, albeit minor (read: funk) is that it turns you completely inward. You are incapable of seeing other's needs or being able to meet them. I offer this not as an excuse, but an explanation of sorts. It is my life's journey to learn to conquer and overcome and live with my depression. I'm getting better and better. Anyway, about that moving on thing...
Right now I am very pleased because I cleaned my fingers to the bone yesterday and I am now enjoying a sparkling house that I guard like a rabid dog after such a cleaning event. Poor Timm, you can ask him. I hover around him making sure he doesn't 'misplace' something or leave his dishes in the sink, or his clothes on the floor. I just can't bear to see my efforts unravel so quickly. I must bask in the glory that is cleanliness.
I am also thrilled because I finished all my layouts for Imaginisce on Sunday and started uploading them to the pertinent blogs that were requested of me. You can see them here:
and here
and here
and here
Lastly, and least here

I love all but one of them (The Christmas one...) As you can see, Imaginisce might have a contrived name, but they have some cool supplies. Their website will be up later this week so you can take a peak and see what they have to offer. The best part is, I am getting paid for the layouts I created, which I get to keep, and already received free product for. But really the BEST part, is they sent me an email asking me to come up to SLC and meet with them next Wednesday when they return from CHA! I have no idea what this means or what they want with me, but it's got to be good! The work I just did for them could have continued indefinitely without ever meeting, so they must want something more from me! I can't thank Jenn enough, since she is the sole reason I got this opportunity! THANK YOU THANK YOU JENN!! I'll keep you guys posted.
p.s. I tried commenting on several blogs and kept getting error messages. I'm sorry,but I just don't have time to go back and recomment right now! I love you all anyway :) Forgive the Prodigal Blogger.

Scrapping Schitzophrenia

Does anyone else suffer from this? I thought I had finally developed my own unique style, and was pretty psyched about it. I created all those layouts for Hall of Fame, and at the time, I really loved them and thought they should win. Now I don't like them anymore. I always do this and it's so irritating! How could I *LOVE* them 6 months ago, and now I am either ambivalent, or I actually dislike them? Because I'm a weirdo, that's why.
For instance, right now, I am so loving Ali Edwards. (But who doesn't?)I think I want to emulate her, but when I try to speak 'Ali', it all comes out 'Elsie'.
I have made 3 of my layouts for Imaginisce, and so far I really like them all. But check back with me in 6 months.
I'll let you guys know if any of my LO's get published.

Back in the Saddle Again

I am so excited to be scrapbooking for myself! I haven't done so in longer than I would like, what with Lola's Legacy consuming my time for a while. I wish I could scrap a little everyday, and then maybe I would be 'caught up', but alas, I don't live in a fantasy.
I have been dealt an amazing opportunity, thanks to Jenn. I really can't thank her enough! She recommended me to a friend of hers who's in 'the biz' and is launching a new product line this month. She called me while I was in Charleston, and once I got home I emailed her a portfolio. Since then she has sent me oodles of free product, and asked me to create some layouts to submit to create a buzz for the new company for it's debut at the CHA show later this month. I am of one 6 people they have asked to do so, and it could warrant further design opportunities if they like what I do. (Fingers crossed!) The pay initially is just free product, which I'll take any day. If any of my layouts are published in any of the 10 sources they have asked me to submit to, they will pay me a small sum in addition. I'm really excited to have this opportunity, and even if it doesn't go any further than this, I'm still thankful. I have one layout done already, and am working on my second. I have to finish them all by Monday, so between that and the duties of my new calling, I'll be a bit busy. In other words, please forgive me if I am notably scarce for the next little while. I will try to continue to participate as much as possible though. You can check out this company's website, but they probably won't have anything up until after CHA at the end of this month. I'm excited about them! They are called Imaginisce. (Think Imagine + reminisce= Imaginisce.)

80 Days

Remember my 30-day Challenge where I challenged myself to be strict on my Points for 30-days straight? Well, that became the 24-Day Challenge followed by 3 weeks of riotous eating, which I blame on my birthday. My birthday was the beginning of the end- I allowed myself license for that weekend since Timm and I went out to eat, and then had the leftovers. Therein lies the mistake- apparently I thrive on consistency and the building of momentum. By that day 24, I was starting to feel the groove, like it was easy. Then I broke my stride with my birthday, which was closely followed by Charleston,a nd you can see where this is going...
So I issued myself a new challenge:

To be diligent for a whole mini composition book. I just need to build the momentum and not look back. I foolishly thought that the only thing keeping me back was a new, cute journal. If only I made one, then dieting would be easier. It would be simple to record my daily eating if only I had a cute NEW journal to start over in. (If this really was the case, and all I lacked for success in my life was a newly covered journal, wouldn't I have set the world on it's ear by now? I mean, I have no shortage of journals, yet I still struggle with the same issues. My thinking may be flawed- but then as Shell said, "It can't hurt, right?")
Then I decided, in order to make myself more accountable, I would do several things:

1. I would make it cute enough to save for posterity sake. Do I really want my children to see that I ate a box of Girl Scout cookies for lunch?
2. I would create and insert 'Report Cards' for each week to report how many pounds I lost.
3. I also am writing down my exercise for the week, as well as our family prayers and scriptures successes. (Or failures.)
   

(Sorry for the blurred pictures- When I took those extreme close-ups of Bella doing Peek A Boo, she reached out and grabbed the lens with a Mac N Cheese hand. Yikes!)

This book was also the inaugural use of several products that Shell gave me for my birthday: The circle stamp (Love it! and coveted it forever...) And all of the little letter stickers.

Anyway, we'll see if this helps to keep me on track any better. But like Shell said, having a cute journal can't hurt.

My New Calling is...

2nd Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency.

(Feel free to scroll down and look at the pictures, bypassing all this pesky text!)

Now some of you are probably thinking, what's the big deal? ( That, or what the heck is a 'Relief Society'? I know, it sounds strange.)

For me it is a big deal for several reasons. Timm and I have had a rocky few years- Rocky, but wonderful as well. I wouldn't even trade the bad times.

{Brief Timeline of events:}

• Married civilly July 25th, 2003
• Got pregnant 3 months later-inadvertently
• Lola Jane stillborn at full gestation June 27th, 2004
• Buried Lola on July 2nd, 2004
• Got pregnant 3 months later
• Sealed in the SLC Temple November 23rd, 2004
• Isabella Grace born May 20th, 2005

So we've packed a lot into our 3-years of marriage. Anyway, my point is that at times it's been a little rocky, and sometimes winding path back into full church activity for both of us. Even when I was active, I've never had a calling that required more than intermittent effort, like an Enrichment Counselor or Activity Committee. (Which were my two previous and simultaneous callings.) By the way, I'm sorry for all the foreign jargon for any of you who are not LDS. (Mormon.. More jargon! I should compile a glossary of terms.)

I feel like this calling is really inspired, and that it is coming at a great time for me. I am simultaneously overwhelmed, humbled, and excited. I don't know that I will be the best for the job, especially among my incredible ward, but I think the calling will be the best for me. The things that will be best for me will also be hardest for me at times, which I'm sure is no coincidence. It will draw me out. I am a self-described extroverted recluse. Anyone who knows me knows I am not shy int he least degree- I am animated to the point of being obnoxious, but I also love to stay home and be by myself. I could easily see myself becoming an eccentric recluse, letting myself go if enticed into a debilitating depression again. I'm not kidding. This calling will ensure that if I am faithful, I will go outside myself far more than I would choose under normal circumstances.

The last time I felt that my calling was truly inspired and meant for me specifically was sadly, about 10 years ago. Not that I don't believe my other callings have been inspired, but just not to this degree. When I was 16 I went to Girl's Camp like I did every year. I was not active in church, but I always relished the opportunity to go to camp. That year I felt the Spirit so strongly and resolved to make changes in my life. At the end of that week at camp, I was called to a Stake position to be in the Young Women's Presidency in charge of planning the next year's camp. It was a huge calling, one I was not worthy for, and one I enjoyed so much. I was in awe, and it was perfect. It have me a focus for an entire year while I made changes in my life. I gave us old friends who were bad influences, and gained new ones in the stake. I grew by leaps and bounds that year, and my calling was largely to thank.

I feel similarly now, though not to the same degree. I am not returning to activity in the church, but refining daily habits and choices. Again, I do not feel worthy of the calling, but feel that the Lord will make me equal to the task and that I will be blessed. I look forward and dread the business that will come with this calling, but feel grateful and humble for the faith that the Lord and members of my ward have entrusted in me.

Wish me luck!

Last week in Charleston:

• the beauty of the vacation was over, and we began the horrendous trip home
• I was missing everyone already
• I was planning what pictures to post!

I love the rippled effect int he sand- this is the makings of a tide pool!

Our last night on the beach. I was heard to utter this warning to Bella: "Last Beach!"

Turns out you can take great cloud pictures from your plane window!

*Happy Birthday to Jill!!! She deserves the best day for the most wonderful kind of friend she is and example of generosity and thoughtfulness. Hats off to you! *

Freezing Protocol.

Due to popular demand, I will explain my Cook & Freeze process. Although I have to admit, after Elisa's comment, I was even more intrigued by 'My Girlfriend's Kitchen' and other such companies.
I had been interested in that idea before, and is basically where the concept for my own cooking came from. (It was my mom's wonderfully insightful idea-) I was interested, but had reservations, such as the Point-Worthiness of such menus, whether it was cost-prohibitive, whether they would be good, etc. So after your comment Elisa, I looked them up online, and at least 2 of my concerns may have been unfounded. Get this- they actually point it all out for you, and it's not bad! And it's not that expensive- but probably still less expensive for me just to do it myself. But now I want to hear from you Elisa- what your experience with them has been like, and if anyone else has ever done one of those prep- and- take home meal assemblies. Please share.
Anyway, my cooking frenzies came about because I am a spaz. I have a great character flaw that is I am an all-or-nothing kind of girl. If you know me at all, you know this is true. I don't believe it necessarily has to be a flaw, but unfortunately with me, it tends to be. I believe it is my mission on this earth to achieve balance! Anyway, I want to provide healthy meals for my family, but I can't stand cooking everyday. I used to love it, but I think I got out of the habit and now it's just a chore. I'm also a neat freak and can't stand to have the kitchen a mess and clean it up everyday. Thus, the conception of the idea to do a hellish day of cooking that would last us for a couple/few weeks. I've only done it a handful of times, so my technique could use some refining, but I'm learning as I go. My latest version is like this:
Day 1: Make menu plans and grocery list. I also go through the recipes and write out all the prep work that needs doing per meal, like 1 chopped onion, 1 diced pepper, as well as for all of the meat.
Day 2: Grocery shopping. That night after Bella is in bed, I do all the prep work of chopping etc. Then I put them in separate containers for each recipe.
Day 3: Mega cooking. Then I try to clean it up that night.
Previously I have done all the cooking and prep one day, and cleaned the next, but it's too much. This is my latest tweak, to do the prep work ahead of time and take advantage of Bella sleeping.
It is a bit of a commitment, but for the next couple/few weeks I am so glad I did it, and Timm is ecstatic- Right, Timm?
I have found that most things freeze well, with some notable exceptions, rice being one of them. It tends to lose all flavor and merely maintain it's texture. Usually I make the entire meal, cooked and all, and then dish it into 2 servings per container, since it's just for Timm and I. The day before I get out whatever we're going to eat the next day and let it thaw in the fridge for 24-36 hours. Sometimes if I make a casserole or something similar, I assemble the whole thing, and freeze it uncooked. It just depends on what I'm making, and the whole process has been experimental. I just make it and freeze it, and note if it turns out okay. Usually it does.
My main problem is all the parameters I have to deal with. First of all, it has to be Point-Worthy, so I draw on either Cooking Light or Weight Watchers recipes (which are surprisingly good!) Then It has to be low, or gluten-free. Timm has siliac-sprue and cannot digest gluten, so I try to eliminate any pasta, wheat etc. or at least keep it an infrequent part of our meals. I'm pretty easy as far as ingredients, but Timm doesn't like any kind of squash and isn't fond of broccoli, corn... SHeesh! Sometimes I just make it and he has to pick around. It's too hard to work within so many parameters! I have started to keep a list of good recipes we both like that freeze well so the planning stage isn't so excrutiating for me.
I would like to know if anyone else has any experience with this and can give me some tips!
p.s. I know there is a book about doing just this at Deseret Book, but I don't know the name. My neighbor has it, but I haven't gotten it due to the diet factor. My fondest wish would be if Weight Watchers would put one out. If I published one I would be rich. Alas...

Decompression

Today I cleaned up after my Mega Cooking, and that's about it. This whole week I've allowed myself the luxury of decompressing from a wonderful vacation. I've actually been pretty productive, but have allowed myself to stay at home and be productive in the comfort of lounge clothes in a state I wouldn't be caught dead outside of my house in. Oh, my lucky, lucky husband. I suppose I'm soaking it all in because of a new church calling that will be made official on Sunday. There won't be a whole lot of rest once I officially take that on. I will update on Sunday as I have a couple of ward members that read my blog and I can't spoil the surprise/confidentiality of it! I have only known for about 48 hours and am still trying to wrap my brain around it.
Tonight Bella started playing Peek A Boo all by herself for the first time. She does it with blankets and stuff occasionally, but this was the first time with just her hands. Luckily, and to Timm's chagrin had he been here, I thought to grab my camera immediately!

Nevermind the fact that she looks nasty covered in snot and food and has fingernails that haven't been trimmed in I don't know how long! Love the close up!

Last Week in Charleston:

• we were at the beach
• I was starting to dread coming home
• I was starting to realize my pants were getting ever tighter
• I was loving life
  

The best dad with the best little girl.

Bella making a dive for the camera!

I LOVE this picture! 2 of my all-time favorite people: My mom, and my grandma who is like a mother to me as well. Just think of the scrapability of this photo with those ideal colors! Couldn't have composed it better myself. It doesn't hurt that they couldn't be cuter. Seriously, how many people envy their mother's and grandmother's style and cute factor? Not many, but I'd take theirs over mine any day. How sad for me. And fortunate too.

Feet. Hurt. Tired. Getting Dumber...

This post will have to be short because it is getting very late (for me). Ever since I became a mother, my capacity for staying up even remotely late has waned- nay, I say stopped dead in it's tracks. How I ever pulled all-nighters while in school, I'll never know. Nowadays I like to be in bed by 9:30, and asleep by 10. Apparently that is a sign of old age, as well as using terms like 'Nowadays.'
In any event, I am very tired because I did my first 'Mega Cooking' toady in about 3 months. I got slothful and lazy as I am want to do, but pulled myself up by my bootstraps and made myself do it again. My feet are killing me because I have various bone problems that are real or imagined. The pain is real, the diagnosis' are self-invented, and having no formal training in podiatry, may be completely false. Nevertheless, my feet hurt. Timm refuses to rub them.
Bella was great 'help' today as I cooked, and I let her go through several kitchen cabinets I usually discourage her from in an effort to keep her happily occupied.

Today I made: Chicken Stir Fry, Chicken and Chickpea Chili, Orange-Crumbed Baked Chicken, Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs, Spicy Meat Loaf, Regular Meat Loaf, (A recurring theme- Timm is a big fan.) Pork Chops with Pineapple Chutney, Honey Mustard Pork Chops, and Beef, Bean, and Corn Bread Casserole.

Whew!
I'm finally getting back into the swing of things after returning from our trip... If you have called or emailed and I haven't gotten back to you, please bear with me. I'm getting there, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! I'm almost back in control, which is essential to happy frame of mind.

Last Week in Charleston:

• I didn't have to cook 9 meals by myself with a crying baby clutching my legs
• I was about 5 pounds thinner.
• We played Scrabble, board games, and cards.
• I ate too much good food. (Hence the 5 pounds heavier now...)
• We went beach-combing.
• We went swimming.
• I didn't watch tv because of the good company.
  
  

Some favorite shots of Bella from paradise...


Timm reading to the girls: Bella & Eva.

(L to R: Mom, Emily, Michelle and Eva, Denise, Me and Bella, and grandma.)
4 generations of marvelous women. Incidentally and ideally, these women are also those whom I most love, admire, respect, and seek to emulate. How fortunate. I loved being gathered with all of my favorite people in the world. Our constant refrain was " Why can't we all live closer??" I miss them all. Even Michelle, and she only lives 5 or 10 miles from me. It was fun to see her everyday. We talk on the phone everyday, but it's not quite the same. I can't wait until we can all have our compound in the Celestial Kingdom- That's enough incentive for righteousness for me!!
(That and the whole truth of the Gospel thing.)

More Vacation remembrances

Today is another day that I wish I were still in paradise. Since we have returned home, Mister has peed in our laundry at least once, and twice in Bella's drawer under her crib. Once of the cats has pooped in her room behind her beautiful ultra suede green rocker. I don't know who, but I have my suspicions. Apparently Mister is trying to get back at us for leaving him for so long without our affections. I am not enjoying being a pet owner today.
Also, my jeans are too tight- the only bad reminder of my otherwise joyful vacation. I had much too much riotous eating that set my weight-loss goals back a few steps. Time to get back on the wagon. I hate the wagon. Actually, I don't really hate the wagon... I hate getting back on it. I love it when I'm on. That's the key- don't fall off! Okay, enough with the AA analogies.

Warning: If you do not want to see more pictures of my perfect vacation, move onto another blog.
Because I do not have a SmugMug account, I can only post my favorites to my blog to share with you all. Bear with me- This week is the Charleston Remembrance Week. I will be posting pictures all week long.
Also, for all you fellow bloggers out there, I feel there is too mcuh for me to try and 'catch up' on, so I will just start commenting on currents posts. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Here is Eva giving Bella a nice 'pat, pat' on the beach in their matching suits.
Luckily, we didn't have any of the episodes that plagued the end of our trip to Philly with the babies. Remember when they kept setting each other off? Eva would 'talk' to Bella, thereby scaring her, so Bella would start crying, then sending Eva into tears. It was a strange and vicious cycle. Not so this time, luckily for all.

Bella enjoying splashing at the beach.

I'm sorry for all the rest of you out there, but I have the cutest grandparents in the world. Period.

Bella trying out walking on the beach, if not a little precariously. I LOVE the reflection!

{insert whiny voice- i.e. my typical voice-}

Last Wednesday at Charleston we were:

• eating too much wonderful food
• playing Scrabble, cards, and board games
• lounging
• beach combing
• swimming
• shopping
• loving
  

Prelude to a Recap

Well, we made it home safe and sound after 17 hours of travel each way. The travel days were somewhat hellish, but definitely worth it for the fun we had. We got home around 10:30 last night, and slept the sweet sleep of the exhausted, that is unmatched by anyone who has not traveled such a distance with a baby in tow. I was thinking it's a good thing I wasn't a pioneer because I would have been far too whiny.
As I was preparing to make a post highlighting the trip, I was having a hard time deciding which pictures to post, and where to begin. So more for my good than yours, I have decided to go slowly and savor it. I will post a few pictures everyday, and in the torturous way I have become accustomed, remember what it was I was doing a week ago that day in Charleston.
This is a picture of the house we stay in each year. I have many more pictures of the interior, but from previous years and they are not digital. Alas, I do not have a scanner. It is a beautiful house as you can see, and finely appointed since it was my mom the designer who outfitted it. It has 6 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths over 3 floors. It is only one house from the beach which is the ideal location for insurance against hurricanes. You are close enough to walk to the beach in just a minute, but you have a 'buffer house' to shield you from those pesky hurricane winds and rain.

The beaches are beautiful because we stayed in a private resort called Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms. The beaches are pristine because they are private and securely maintained. This means clean and sparsely populated for your beach-going pleasure. This is the 3rd year that we have gone to the same beautiful house in the same luxurious location, and also our last. For anyone interested, the house is selling for merely $4 million. Have at it!
As you can see, Bella clearly enjoys the beach as much as the rest of us.

She loved to just crawl right into the surf, mouth agape for whatever salty surprise would greet her. We had to keep a close eye on her because she wouldn't stop crawling straight out to sea. We both loved it when there were tide pools that she could play in. Tide pools are created when the tide goes out, but due to differences in the elevation of the sand, a pool of water is left behind. They are perfect because they're generally not deeper than waist-high, and fairly small. The babies could just crawl/walk in and out on their own accord. We dubbed them the 'baby pools' of the ocean. More to come tomorrow. For now, in keeping with the torturous exercise I practice:

(this should be said in my whiniest voice, which if you know me, is pretty whiny.)

Last Monday in Charleston:

• Might have been the best day because it was our first full day there. We knew we had the whole week to enjoy, and could savor the knowledge and anticipation of each day.
• We went grocery shopping for a few meals.
• We played cards and games.
• We ate too much great food.
• We went to the beach.
• We lounged.
• We enjoyed the company of those we love most.