:: HANG IN THERE ::


I understand... this blog is totally lame lately. I have not forgotten it, I just haven't had the time or energy or PC to maintain it. I've been getting sick at night and that has caused a major lack of sleep. I don't love feeling groggy all day, but I get so anxious at bedtime because I know it is just a matter of hours before I wake up and it is 2:00 am and I have to run to the bathroom. LAME! Don't get me wrong, there is no other state I'd rather be in than the state I am in now (and I'm not talking Utah), but COME ON!!! It is month four... shouldn't I be feeling better by now? I had a great appointment today. My body is doing what it is supposed to, baby's heartbeat was beating perfectly, and I haven't gained a pound this month. Wahoo! My big ultrasound is scheduled for the second week of November and we'll figure out if this little dude in my gut really is a another little dude. I'll put money on it.

We had a great weekend at my parents house in Ogden. The entire family was in town. Conference was fantastic, the kids all love playing with each other, and my mom made her delicious cinnamon rolls. My SIL Heather (Jeff's wife) announced that she is with child and is due just a few weeks after me. Yahoo!

Are any of you out there IT guys/gals or married to one that might be willing to come and look at our PC. I NEED IT FIXED NOW! for my sanity. You'd have to be willing to work for cheap... like say... a plate of cookies or some Chicken Masala.

Oh - the picture above is my high school graduation. Oh boy, mom, we look lovely! My ol' buddy, Josh Abegglen is in the background. He is one talented artist... check out his portfolio.

:: NINJA HAIR ::

L to R:: Risalyn Baker Heggie, Julie Thurgood Summerhays, Angie Davenport Jeppesen, Emily Meservy Christensen,
Jodie Chandler Edgington, and Lori Sessions Van Wagoner with the hair whips

Sorry for the lack of posts. I've been laying on the couch a lot, working a lot, working on Primary Program a lot, and not cleaning my apartment. I really don't have much to write about, but I thought I should write something.

The picture above is of moi and my five BFFs from high school. This picture was taken outside of the movie theater in Rexburg, Idaho circa 1997 probably. If it was taken with my camera, it had to have been after Christmas 1996 because I remember taking so many pictures like this with my handy new remote. This is a great group of gals. We now live all over the place, but we still try to get together once a year for a weekend of reminiscing and uncontrollable laughter. We are all married and between the six of us we have 15 kids + one on the way. This February we're headed to Las Vegas sans kids, except Angie's newborn and the one growing in my gut. It will be a great time as always.

I forget that my hair was ever that long even though it was that long from 1994 - 2001. It was magic ninja hair and my security blanket. I didn't cut it (besides trimming) for over 10 years. It got so long while I was on my mission that I was actually sitting on it. Gross. I cut it to my shoulders two weeks before I came home. It was so weird and a bottle of shampoo lasted so long. Anyway, this post is digressing. Thank heavens for good friends.

:: HOT DOG ::

Did any of you receive this Christmas card in 2001? I borrowed this hot dog suit from my ol' pal Doug to use for Halloween. I had just returned from my mission. This picture was taken on the way home from SLC to Idaho for Thanksgiving (as I was returning the costume). I was driving with my sister Lyndsey, and I swerved and pulled off on the side of I-15 to take this picture. I got a lot of honks. I'm happy to say this photo is still displayed on one of my parents walls. They must have been so proud of their daughter. Har! Har!

:: MARTHA MARTHA MARTHA ::

Did you watch the Martha Stewart episode this week about blogging? Now is your chance to get your blogs featured on her site. Mine has NO CHANCE... but yours might. :) Read more about it here.

:: I'M A LOSER ::

I got an email from an Internet friend asking how I was doing with the family weight loss challenge that I wrote about last June. I did okay. I did not make my goal and did not earn my $100, but I'm still pleased.

I lost 20 lbs by September 1st. My goal was 30lbs. BUT... I also managed to get myself 3 months pregnant during that time period. My doctor is encouraging me to continue my exercise routine and diet and last month I lost 4 more pounds.

So that is the update. I'm doing okay. For those of you who watched The Biggest Loser last night (I love it), I am rooting for the yellow team. I want that dad to lose weight. He's such a cute old man.

:: I HAVE A REASON FOR BEING SO ABSENT ::



So... what do you think about that? After 3 long years of waiting and wondering it is FINALLY my turn! I've been sick and lazy but still... Yahoo! I'm due March 23rd, which is soooo far away, but at least I won't be pregnant in July again. I had the most fantastic ultrasound yesterday and my little bean with a heartbeat finally looks almost like a kid.

Other excuses:

• We're also having some networking technical difficulties. All of my pictures are on the other computer that for some reason is not locating our wireless network right now.
• Mike has been working 10+ hour days, plus using public transit, and hasn't been home a lot... therefor, I'm waiting on my IT guy to fix the network. I'm a dummy.
  
• Cohen has started pre-school, which he still isn't too sure about.
• I'm writing the Primary Sacrament Meeting Program for church.
• I've been laying on the couch a lot and not doing a whole lot of anything... which I don't think is really worth blogging about.
  

Other news:

• Art Inside Boutique is on December 6th from 10-4 at the previous location. Add it to your calendars.
• Kim B. had another successful home birth this week and has another girl. This is her 4th child and 3rd girl. I wonder if I'll ever have my 1st...girl that is? We're on Generation 3 of all boys in the Van Wag family.
  
• Poppyseeds is having a birthday and is offering free shipping today.
• It is September 11th. Hug the people you love today and tell them you are glad they are with you.
  

:: TOP 3 ::

Per Eric G.'s request, I am listing my three favorite books read this year. Talk about pressure. It really is a toss up between a few, but I'll name the 3 I thought of first... These are not in 1.2.3. order. These are just the top 3.

1. Pride & Prejudice - I know most people have read this by the time they've reached my age, but it took watching the newer Kiera Knightly version (and that sexy new Mr. Darcy... whoever he is) to want to read the book. This book started off our AWESOME book club.
2. Princess Academy - You know I can't say enough about the sweet writing of Shannon Hale. I just love her book writing formula and how she is always rooting for the underdog.
   
3. Middlesex - A very unlikely choice, I know. Especially because it has a big "OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB" sticker on the over (blech). I don't know what it was about this book. I loved the writing. Loved it. The story in itself was tragic and a little more adult than I am usually fond of, but I couldn't help but feel my heart breaking for this poor character as she/he went through her/his first 14 years as a girl that didn't fit in, to continue to live her/his life as a man that could never be 100% honest in relationships. The history and the secrets of the family were almost too much. Also, the author did a fantastic job of making this story seem like a true to life biography because of the lacing in of historical facts.

Honorable mentions: Count of Monte Cristo, Eclipse, Time Travelers Wife, & Austenland

A few weeks ago I started going through all of the music I've collected over the years. I thought, "If I could only listen to 100 songs for the rest of my life, which ones would they be?" This list is taking a lot more thought and I will share it once it is complete. However, I will say that Beastie Boys, Buddy Holly, Cat Stevens, Uncle Tupelo, Kingston Trio, Weezer, and Rancid are all very high on the list. It is working up to be 100% random.

Apart from the list, I am working on a few knitted items. This cooler weather is putting me in the mood to craft. YAHOO! I love fall crafting. I am going to have to start listening to more books on tape.

:: HAPPY RAINY LABOR DAY AND A WINNER::

I love the rain. LOVE IT! It makes me want to sit around and knit or hand sew or something like that. We have a pretty mellow weekend. My brother Tim has been staying with us for the last few nights. As for the winner of the book and tote, I just shouted out to him as he walked by, "Pick a number between 1 and 14." He picked 8. That is you, Nicole. I'll email you and get your address and either drop it by or put it in the mail this week. Sound groovy?

Enjoy your day off!

:: I've Read 50+ Books GIVE-A-WAY ::

I made a goal at the beginning of the year to read 50 books by December. I thought it would be harder than it was but then I was introduced to the joy of Young Adult Fiction and I was whipping out a book a day (read: neglecting my housework and letting Cohen watch excess of Spongebob). I was excited to reach my goal a few weeks ago, the idea was to give away the 50th book I read. However, book #50 was LAME so I kept reading until I found one to give away. After a few duds, I decided I'd give away one of my favorites of the year instead.


I loved the Shannon Hale series of Goose Girl, Enna Burning, and River Secrets. I thought they were fantastic and cannot wait to share them with my children in the future. WONDERFUL! So, because I love it so much, I want you to love it, too. I am giving away Goose Girl, the first book in the group. It is not the version posted above, it is just the paperback but it is brand new and still in the Barnes & Noble bag.


And... it will come wrapped up in this cute little book bag tote that was made by moi. Lucky you.

If you are interested in this stuff, just leave me a comment below with your name and your favorite book (besides the Twilight Series) that you've read this year. If you have a suggestion for more books, I'd love to hear it. I'll pick a random winner on August 31st.

I'm glad my love for books has been resurrected, and I am glad Mike is supportive with it. You can tell a good man when he says, "I'll take Cohen to the park so you can read your book." Love you babe!

:: Puttering Around ::


So, I realized it has been awhile since I've written here, even though I've written LOADS in my personal journal. Right now I just like the feel of ink on paper. We've been pretty busy just puttering around and watching the Olympics. I don't even really have much to say. We did visit Central Utah for our friends Sam & Andrada's wedding. I've never really been through the part of Central Utah that is not along the I-15 corridor. If wasting gas is ever in our budget again, maybe I'll go explore more. I hear there is a lot to see off of those back roads. Anyway, until I am ready to post something more blog worthy, here is what the happy couple would look like if they were a neon sign in Las Vegas.

(I think this is one of Photoshop's most random Filter options.)

:: Man... I Miss That Hair ::

I was just going through some old pictures and found a bunch of Cohen with his long hair last winter. I sure miss that hair. I just asked him if he'd like long hair again and said, "It is too itchy." Do you think he really knows what he is talking about?

:: The End ::



So - I am sure that most posts in blogland today will be about this stupid book. :) My thoughts are that I thought is was pretty good. There were a few too many "Are you kidding me?" type moments, but at least I only found about 3 typos (compared to the first book... yikes!). I thought it ended very sweetly, especially the last two pages. The last chapter is very appropriately named "Happily Ever After". I don't want to give anything away for those who haven't read it. It didn't end the way I predicted, but at least Meyer kept the vampire/human/wolf conflict going. I was glad to see that didn't end. But, it is always a little sad when I anticipate things almost to an obsession and they end. I think that is the worst part. What are your thoughts on it? Does anyone know of a good series that I can read?

:: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ::


Holy 6 years, Batman! It has been a fun 6 years being a Van Wagoner. Mike is the best. He is letting me spend my day reading Breaking Dawn. Love that man.

:: And He is 4 ::
I start this post how all mothers start birthday posts... "I can't believe he is already (insert age here)." Really though, has that much time really gone by?!?


Cohen couldn't decide what kind of birthday party he wanted. First he suggested Build-a-Bear. We looked into it... No thanks. Then he said Transformers. Fine. I bought Optimus Prime plates and napkins. Then we went on a hike and decided he wanted a "Walking" party. Fine. I can lead kids on a "hike" around the neighborhood. Then he decided he wanted to have a swimming pool cake. Fine. I left that up to Mike, though.

When Tim (my now 25 year old brother) turned 6 or 7, my mom planned a "hobo" themed party for him. It always stuck out in my mind as a pretty funny idea. I decided Cohen was a good age to go gallivanting across the great wide open (read .19 miles from the church parking lot to the little park around the corner) and live the life of a hobo (for 1.5 hours with plenty of processed snacks and parental supervision).


We packed up our lunches in rucksacks (look at how confused the kids all are in that picture) and started out on our journey. I thought that herding 8 4-year-olds wouldn't be too hard, but my niece Bekah, Mike, and my neighbor Nicki all had to help make sure they kept up. It was a fun time, but they were so ready to dive into their lunches after their long trip. My nephew Rhett (in the yellow shirt) said to me, "That sure was big hike. I sure am thirsty and hungry for Chips."

I'm so glad that Mike took the day off of work to help me out. I underestimated my powers. The boys happily ate their lunches... of course Mike had to challenge them to the a "Biggest Bite" contest. By the way, have you ever tried Uncrustables? DISGUSTING! They have as much fat and calories as a McDonald's cheeseburger. Blech!


Mike was better than any other entertainment I could have possibly come up with... at least for a bunch of 4 year-olds. Seriously though, I cannot even express the gratitude I had for him that day.


Cohen got his "swimming" cake. Mike decorated it to look like the deck of a pool, complete with floaties. AKA sour apple rings.

Overall I think it was a success. Cohen got to take his friends on a hike, eat lunch at a park, eat his swimming cake on Optimus Prime plates and wipe his dirty face with Decepticon napkins. He couldn't have been more thrilled. However, in the future, I don't think I'll be as accommodating.

:: We Pulled It Off ::


In January my siblings started having a conversation about how much fun it would be to throw my parents a party for their 60th birthdays. Plus, my mom was graduating with her Masters degree and my dad was talking about retiring. We thought we could roll it all into one big shindig. Little did we know that when we put our five Sessions heads together we'd come up with such an elaborate plan.

We picked a date. We figured out how we would all get to Ogden on the same weekend (including my brother Tim who lives his summers in Alaska). We set a budget (and went over it). We made a guest list. Then, we decided to make it a surprise party, especially because my parents aren't big on having people dote on them.

My sister Lyn (with the help of Aunt Shantal) found this amazing pavilion that was FREE for use and shady and pretty and easy to find. It didn't need much decoration... just a leaf blower and my crafty touch.

(I have about 35 of these cans and globes. If you are in the SLC valley and need a quick decorating from something, these can be yours. Just email me.)

Lyndsey and her MIL, Brenda, put together an simple, yet not at all low budget, picnic spread and served our 100+ guests buffet style.


Mike designed invites and my brother Jeff hijacked my parents address book and sent out about 150 invites to old friends and family. My parents have lived in many cities so it was interesting to see who came from how far. There was at least one representative from almost every town that we've lived in. Because Tim was flying from Alaska for the weekend, we wanted to let him hang out with my parents for at least a full day, so we decided to surprise them in the morning rather than at the actual party.

We all met at the church parking lot down the road and started trickling into their house one by one. I went first (we used Cohen's birthday as an excuse to visit them that morning so they were expecting me) followed by all of the grandkids and then my siblings. I don't think my parents knew what was going on until Tim walked in holding a video camera and started explaining why we were all at their house. I don't know if they were more surprised or embarrassed, but the moment was priceless and lots of tears were shed (mostly by me and my dad... we have overactive tear ducts). It was fantastic and I hope it made up for all the years that we weren't the most wonderful (except Lyn... she's always been the good one) children.


This is my oldest brother Jeff, the master party planner behind it all. He is my oldest brother and lives in Boise, Idaho. AKA the address book hijacker and link to my parents last 34 years. He remembers EVERYBODY!

This is my older sister Jenny (and her chubby cheeked son Austin). She lives in Las Vegas, NV. I had to use this picture of her because I cannot believe how much she looks like my mom in this picture. Jenny was our accountant and time line keeper. Every time we'd slack a little, she'd cracker her bull whip and we'd be back on track.

This is the amazing Lyndsey, my younger sister, who lives in Ogden, Utah, and is sweeter than all of my siblings put together. She put together an amazing menu and booked and amazing venue and did it all with a smile on her face (at least in front of the curtain... she was probably a little frazzled behind the scenes).
And, my youngest brother Tim, who joined us from Skagway, Alaska. Having him there was the icing on the cake. My parents could not believe we got him home for 2 days. Being the youngest, of course he has to be the best at all things electronic. He put together a fantastic tribute to my parents that left the audience laughing and crying at the same time (0kay... again, it was only Pops and I that were really crying).


It was a success. My mom's outfit even matched the decorations. Everyone had a good time and it was so fun to see so many old faces. I could not believe the distance some of the guests drove. My parents are truly loved by most they come in contact with. It was an excellent time had by all.

This picture pretty much sums it up. We've been looking forward to this party all summer and now were are all so relieved that it is over. Thanks for the good time.

:: The Oracle ::


No, I am not talking about The Neverending Story (although, since I mentioned it... once I made Mike rent it for me because I remember it being SO RAD. After almost 20 years of not seeing it, it was no longer so rad. But, I still think that wearing a necklace on my forehead is a good look). By "oracle" I mean YouTube.com. I used to think it was Google, but YouTube has treated me well in the past few weeks.

On July 3rd, I spent the day watching the Expert Village segments on how to make balloon animals. Mike volunteered to tie balloon animals at our July 4th neighborhood breakfast and I felt like contributing. Cohen was in heaven as I was throwing animal after animal his way. Our house looked like a fun house for a few days.

Then last week as I was beginning this blanket, I decided I'd learn to make a bias binding the correct way. WOWZER!! It was awesome. I also learned how to connect it correctly and do a perfect mitered corner. And then, I learned how to connect the two loose ends of binding so that it was invisible. Thank you Internet Gods!

I can't believe how much better this plain little blanket looks. Then as I moved on to a new project, I needed my Even Feed Foot for my sewing machine. Of course the manual is nowhere to be found. But YouTube to the rescue. I typed in my machine model and make and "walking foot" and VOILA! There is was.

God Bless You, YouTube! Now, if only I could watch YouTube to figure out why the dress I made myself last Saturday looked so much like a MooMoo housecoat. Anyway, I am pleased with this blanket and have started working on the other one that needs to be done by Thursday morning. Sheesh! Everyone I know is pregnant.

:: Star-spangled Banner ::



I meant to post this on July 4th, but I forgot until now. What is better than Gogol Bordello playing the Star-spangled Banner? If you have not see Everything is Illuminated, I recommend you get to your local library and check it out. I believe it to be one of the best movies EVER!

:: WISHING FOR A FUNCTIONAL AIR CONDITIONER ::

I have been in work mode and I seriously have not even stopped to check my email... unless it pertains to a certain thing coming up this week (more on that Monday). It has been so fun and I think my sewing machine is delighted to get back into shape. I have one more baby blanket that I need to make and then I'll rest for a week, or two.

Mike took a few days off last week (for our canceled Disneyland trip) and we did a bunch of errands. We first met with a lender and confirmed that we are indeed poor and can buy the shed in your back yard. It was a little disheartening, but I'm over it. Maybe next year we can buy a home. It was very nice to have him home. We got new glasses and went on a hike and ate at Gandolfo's and cleaned the house. I have so many pictures to show, but I have not been able to sit down and download them all from the camera.

For the above mentioned "thing", I did have a chance to go through my pictures and laugh for a few good hours. I want to share two of my favorites.


This photo is my mom and my Grandma Seegmiller. They are making cinnamon rolls on the morning of my mission homecoming report. My grandma's hair was always done before anyone saw her in the morning. I wonder if I'll ever get succumb to the "get it done every Friday" hair do? I have had a little orphan Annie perm before (given by Grandma Seeg), so I can totally picture it.


This picture is circa 1986 or 1987. I was in the Sierra Sunset Baton Corp and here we are marching down Main Street Reno, NV in the Nevada Day Parade. I can't believe it was that warm at the end of October. I'm the blondie in the front with the excessive bangs. But is what I wanted to really want to show you is how much gas was that week. One can only dream. I have a feeling there are going to be a bunch of flashback pictures on the blog this summer. I think they are so funny.

Oh... and about the post title... our air conditioner and furnace are the originals and are 30 years old. Most of our apartment is west facing and at about 3:00 pm, the sun is glaring right in our bedroom and living room window until sunset. YUCK! I haven't opened the curtains in weeks. What is most sad about this is that our AC can't keep up. Therefor, our apartment is SO HOT! I try not to turn it on until 4:00 pm, but sometimes I cave in. I am not eager for the power bill this month. Last July it was over $200 to cool our 900 square feet. RIDICULOUS! Best yet, the maintenance swears there is nothing wrong. Lame.

:: GOD BLESS AMERICA ::

I had a fantastic holiday weekend. I got way too much sun, spent too much time outdoors, stayed up too late, ate too much, and had SO MUCH FUN!

While I recover from the sunburn and belly aches, I'll pretend these sweet "Voyces" are singing just to me.

Ah... I found myself tagged on Steph's blog. That is what I get for wasting time on the Internet instead of cleaning my house.

:: TAGGED ::

{This is me}

Ah... I found myself tagged on Steph's blog. That is what I get for wasting time on the Internet instead of cleaning my house.

5 Things on my list to do today:
1. Take Cohen to swimming (did that already)
2. Sweep & Mop Kitchen floor - (see above paragraph)
3. Finish July 4th breakfast centerpieces
4. Call all of the people who volunteered to slice fruit for July 4th breakfast
5. Fold laundry

{The nectar of the Gods}

5 Snacks I enjoy:
1. Diet Dr. Pepper
2. Rice Krispy Treats
3. Laughing Cow cheese
4. Cheese Sticks
5. Skinny Cow Ice cream cones

{This is when I won a gun}

5 Things I would do if I was a sudden Billionaire:
1. Buy a house
2. Pay off the rest of Mike's student loans
3. Go to Italy with my mom, Sally, and Lauren again
4. Buy books to fill up my library
5. Buy a lot of new fabric and yarn (would I really need to save if I was a billionaire?)

{The Trevi Fountain}

5 Bad Habits:
1. Not hanging up my clean laundry, and letting it sit in a stack too long. (Amen Steph... I have a pile on my bed right now)
2. logging into the computer 1st thing in the morning
3. buying Diet DP at the checkout when I have a 12 pack in my cart.
4. letting Cohen play a little too long on the computer while I am engrossed in a book
5. convincing myself that I need a new item of clothing EVERY time I go to Target.

5 Places I have lived:
1. Forest Hill, CA
2. McCall, ID
3. Carson City, NV
4. St. Anthony, ID
5. Sandy, UT

{This is Lyndsey, my little sister}

5 jobs I have had:
1. Pizza Villa/Big J's Delivery Driver (trained my sister Lyn...her first job ever)
2. 411 Operator
3. Waitress/Hostess at Lamplighter (my first job ever... trained by my sister, jenny)
4. 1-800-Patches
5. cutting fabric and sorting stuff at Piece Goods

5 things most people don't know about me:
1. I over schedule almost every day
2. I can't say no
3. I hoard craft supplies
4. I love Folk Music and can sing all Peter, Paul, & Mary and Kingston Trio songs
5. I cannot fall asleep when I am reading a good book.

PS: I need to get more photos of myself on my hard drive. I am always behind the camera. I'll have to scan in a bunch of oldies (but goodies) someday. Then you'll really learn "5 things you didn't know about me".