:: MY FAVORITE KID ::


It is only 9:00 am. We've watched Bakugan and Christmas with the Joker (old Batman cartoons from my childhood). We've had breakfast. He played Bakugan while I checked my email. We've played with and cleaned up the play-dough. He dressed up as Batman. Now he's getting his pirate ship and island out for the next round while I write this blog. Wow - we've only been awake since 7:30. I'm ready for a nap and he wants to go to the zoo.

:: WANT A NEW PRINTER? ::

I sure do! MommyCoddle is giving one away!

I also want a digital SLR, so if you find one laying around or something send it my way. :)

:: MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008 ::

So, I just wanted to share the two highlights of our Christmas celebrations. I can't determine which is funnier. So, watch the videos and you decide.

The Sessions...
This is Pops and Grandma Dough-knee (my parents) performing a song from High School Musical on the Wii. Notice Pops making up his own words and Bean (my 7-YO HSM-obsessed niece, Rebekah) trying to get him to do it correctly.

The Van Wagoners (actually Latteiers)...
This is the Nativity Scene performed by the 5 great-grandkids that were in attendance. Cohen was actually Joseph, although he wanted to be a Sheep -aka Shepherd- and Mike's brothers kept trying to get him to "baaa". We are irreverent.



*Disclaimer* Yes, that is me in the background of both of the videos laughing.

:: PROJECT #2 - PETIT ELEFANT KNITTING TUTORIALS ::


Whew... I've been in a frenzy this last week getting all of the loose ends tied up for the knitting tutorials and patterns that I'll be posting Petit Elefant all of this week. Today I just made a list of basic knitting items that you'll need to know to complete the projects.

Here is the schedule:
Monday - Knitting Basics
Tuesday - Leg Warmers
Wednesday - Cap
Thursday - Sweater (plus blocking and crocheting the edges)
Friday (I think) - a GIVE AWAY of all of the products needed to create these items.

HAPPY KNITTING!

:: PROJECT #1 - PANTRY CLEAN OUT ::


Nothing like starting the New Year off with not only one but THREE clean closets. Yesterday I went through the laundry/scrapbook closet and organized my ever growing stash of paper and glitter and Cohen's crafting stuff. This morning we got up early (thanks Cohen) and started breaking down Christmas right away. I purged and got my Christmas decor down to only three big Tupperware bins so it will all fit in our entry way closet. I cleaned off all of my Primary stuff from the shelves in there and made more room for games/puzzles/flashlights.


As I was folding laundry in my bedroom (read: lying on the bed looking at the ceiling), I heard Mike (I love his Christmas Beard this year) rustling in the pantry. I went to the kitchen to see what he was doing and he had pulled out everything from our pantry and was on his hands and knees mopping the floor. I decided to help since this was one of the 50 projects on my list. The goal was to fit all of the junk - pictured in the first picture - into our little pantry.

The above picture is the 1/2 way point. Our pantry shelves have so much height to them, that a lot of space was being wasted. I didn't want to invest in a permanent solution, since this is an apartment that I pray we won't live in forever. I bought these shoe racks at IKEA for $10 a piece to utilize our shelf space. We can now stack our cans three high without all of the toppling over.


Another handy and cheap organizational tool is using an old CD holder to keep all of the flavor packets and mixes organized.

A utility hanger (KMart for $5.99) and a plastic bag holder (IKEA for $0.99) keeps everything off of the floor.

VOILA! Here it is all done. After getting rid of a lot of expired food and seeing what we really have in there, I've come to realize we need to get more food storage that we'll actually eat. But that will be a project for another day.

:: IF I MAY BRAG ::

Well, I think this is the first time in my life I've actually accomplished what I said I would as a New Year's Resolution. Last January (2008), I decided I would read 50 novels this year. I finished another book today which brings my total to 68 total. WAHOO! Now, I understand a lot of these books were young adult novels, but they still count. There is just too much smut in a lot of adult fiction. I'm learning how to weed them out and who to trust as sources (as a general rule, NOT Oprah!).

As I was going back over my list of books, I realized I don't remember many of the stories (just the really good ones). I'm grateful that I have recovered my love of reading. I'm also grateful that I have actually conquered a goal that I set out to accomplish. Mike made the statement that maybe I should only make resolutions that involve something I enjoy (ie. not dieting or mopping the floor). Does that take the purpose out of resolutions? I don't think so. I still have to push to accomplish things I like.

Which brings me to Resolution 2009. I've decided that my "Work-in-Progress" pile is WAY too big. My "To Do" list is WAY too long. I have so many 1/2 finished projects haunting me that I need to get them out of my head. In the spirit of "I Can Make it", this year I am going to complete 50 usefull projects. They will range from sewing to knitting to organizing to refinishing furniture. Stuff that needs to be done that I have been putting off. I purposefully wrote that I am going to "complete" these projects. I have 7 projects currently started that I must finish first (UGH!) before I can start counting new ones. I'll keep a running total on my side bar just as I did with books. I'm also going to be offering tutorials of things that I think you might like to do. We all win.

Good luck with your resolutions. Have a safe night tonight. As for me, project #1 starts tomorrow. Wahoo!

:: HAPPY HOLIDAYS ::


We're on our way to Las Vegas for Christmas and a cousin's wedding. I'll be back next week to let you in on a little secret about my 2009 New Year's resolution. Woo!

PS. Yes. I know what holiday is only 2 days away. This photo was taken last week at the Zoo while waiting for the "12 Days of Christmas" light show to start. Maybe I'll make him a Santa costume next.

:: UTAH WE LOVE THEE ::

Does anyone out there know the Utah state song? I lived in Nevada in 3rd grade (when we did NV history) and Idaho in 4th grade (when we did ID history) so I never learned it. I just remember my mom singing that part but that is it. Maybe Utah should make that be on a test for people trying to gain Utah residency. It sure would have beat paying an entire semester for out of state tuition (thanks Mom and Dad!)... Anyway, I digress...


One benefit of apartment living is that we are not responsible for our snow removal. However, this year we are in charge of Grandma L's snow removal since we only live 1 1/2 blocks away. Cohen loves it because we let him put on his snow pants and moon boots and play while we (read: Mike) shovels.


Here I am hiding in the garage after pouring rock salt on the fronts steps. I dyed my hair brown. I really should have used Photoshop on this picture this picture. Look at that zit in between my eyes staring at you like a bulls eye. Yikes!

We're going to Las Vegas for Christmas this year. I wish people would stop singing "I'm Dreaming of White Christmas" south of Cedar City. Maybe Al Gore is playing "global warming" Santa again this year. Take a look at this. I hope it is gone by the time we get there.


I love Utah's distinct four seasons, even the cold snowy ones. In fact, the cold snowy season is the reason I moved here. I just enjoyed it a bit more when I was working in the bagel shop in the morning, snowboarding in the afternoon/evening, and only paying $133 a month in rent. Ahh - the glory days. Again... I digress... I just pray Cohen still enjoys shoveling snow this much when he is 15. That is how he can earn his snowboarding money to fully appreciate the "Greatest Snow on Earth." Seriously, that is what my license plate says. Let it snow!

PS. This post makes no sense. I just wanted to show you my snow pictures and my brown hair (and OF COURSE the bulls eye zit!).

:: YOU WILL NEVER EAT RAGU AGAIN ::


RECIPE
1 medium onion, chopped (I always use large)
2 cloves garlic, crushed (the bigger the better)
1 cup chopped parsley or flat-leaf Italian parsley (this ingredient is key)
5 mushrooms, finely chopped (or the entire little blue crate you get from the store)
1/3 cup olive oil
1 (28-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, or 8 large tomatoes (fresh is better, but the can worked great during the off season when you don't want to pay the extra bucks)
2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
1 1/2 cups red wine or beef broth (I've used both, I prefer the flavor of the broth over the wine)
1 cup (or more) water
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons each dried oregano and basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper (or to taste)

Saute the onion, garlic, parsley and mushrooms in the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat for 3 - 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender.
Add the UNDRAINED tomato paste. Bring to a boil and stir in one cup of the wine (broth). Reduce the heat to low and add the water, sugar, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.
Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes (or more), stirring occasionally. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup wine (broth) and simmer for 10 minutes longer or until the desired consistency.

If you want to add ground meat or meatballs, do it at the end right before you serve it. For our small family of 3, this is 3 meals worth of sauce. It freezes fantastically!

:: HOW MANY MORE DAYS? ::

Are the rest of you sick of this question yet? Back on the 10th, Cohen asked me this question for the 101st time and I almost lost it. Rather than losing it (he's just THAT excited), I figured out a solution. A paper chain. We've all made them at school, church, and other places. But in case you never had, I offer you a little tutorial. I jazzed it up a bit to match my decor.


Materials:
Scissors or paper cutter
Glue or tape
Marker
Scalloped punch or stencil or Cricut or whatever shape maker you'd like
Circle punch or stencil or Cricut or whatever shape maker you'd like in a smaller size than the larger scalloped punch
3 coordinating pieces of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper
1 piece of coordinating 12 x 12 heavy card stock
A kid that needs to practice writing his/her numbers

Step 1: When Cohen asked "How many more days?", there were 15 days left. So, using that math, cut five 1 1/2" strips from each sheet of coordinating paper

Step 2: Punch five 2 1/2" scallops from each piece of coordinating paper (it will take all of your leftovers)

Step 3: Punch 15 2" circles from the card stock


Step 4: Glue or tape the strips into a chain, alternating paper pattern.


Step 5: Have your kid practice writing his numbers on the card stock circles.


Step 6: Glue or tape the card stock numbers to the scallops.


Step 7: Glue or tape numbers on the chain. Make sure a different color of scallop goes on a different pattern of the chain. (Wonder where the kid is and why you're finishing this craft on your own.)


Step 8: Admire your craftiness, feel good about the educational part of it all, and enjoy the question-free rest of the wait until Christmas.

:: KNITTING FRENZY ::

Remember these??


I finished them and they are really great. They almost make me want a pair of legwarmers myself (but - legwarmers would look lame on my chunky legs).


I'm going to be doing a series of knitting posts at Petit Elephant in the next few weeks and I thought I'd try out a few patterns before I committed. A simple pair of baby legwarmers (only one is pictured here). These were not knit in the round. They were knit flat and I sewed them up the back. I needed to practice my seams for the sweater I am about finished with.


Then I made this little hat. It is nothing special, but I finally got the sizing correct. I've made a few hats for Cohen but his big head (and my inaccurate measuring) has turned them into yarmulkes (Happy Hanukkah).


A view from the top.

And... for my Weber State Wildcat loving (and employed) mother, a simple scarf. This yarn is called "Lumpy and Bumpy" and wouldn't show any pattern I tried, so I just did a strait knit (garter stitch).


Up close view. If I had to review this yarn, I think it is way too expensive ($18.00 for 133 yards) for what it does. I don't even know what else I could make with it.


I've got a few more knitting projects to finish before Christmas. I now know why knitters start their Christmas gift projects in March. Sheesh! I'm way behind. Oh well... I've watched a lot of Christmas movies on the Family Channel's 25 days of Christmas movies. Wahoo!

:: NO MORE! ::

Dear Crazy Lori -

Until you finish ALL projects (including the laundry), please stop looking at crafty blogs, flickr, Anthropologie.com, Ravelry.com, and any other online sources for crafty goodness. You've only got 13 days until Christmas and that afghan (what were you thinking?) isn't going to knit itself. You have enough felt ornaments. You have enough wreaths. You have enough garlands. The entire floor is covered in glitter. Your family wants to use the kitchen table for dinner again. You must stop starting projects and start finishing them. I promise you'll enjoy yourself better if you take my advice.

Sincerely, Sane Lori

PS. Clean up your crafting corner (aka War Zone) while you're at it. I stepped on a knitting needle today and broke it. Sorry, but it is totally your fault.

:: STILL HERE ::

Hey old friends. I'm still alive. I've just been swamped with a million little things and Thanksgiving and ya' know... stuff. Life happens. Christmas festivities and crafting (well - knitting) have begun and we're ready for a slow few weeks before December turns crazy. We've been blessed and I am so thankful for everything that has come our way in the last two weeks. So, here is what I am thankful for.

1. Friends & Family - man, I have so many awesome friends and acquaintances and family members that I wonder what I've done to deserve them all. As soon as I announced I was having a girl, little girl gifts started flowing in the mail and showing up at my door step. As soon as people started finding out that we'd had a few things stolen, I found money in the mailbox and messages on my voice mail asking us what we needed. I cannot imagine what would happen in real tragedy (I don't want to find out, I just know you'd all be great). Awesome!!

2. Church - I was released from my Primary Presidency calling last week and I am relieved. I love those kids and the simple lessons, but I'm really excited to be teaching the 14/15 year old Sunday School with Mike. Actually, I can sit there and make sure we don't get sidetracked or go over time while Mike teaches. He is so excited about it.

3. Scientific Advances - I'm grateful for modern medicine (even though I think it shouldn't cost so darn much) and the things it is capable of doing. I have friends that have been trying to have babies forever and are now having them. I can get my ugly moles and warts (I've just had one on my chin frozen off) removed. Sore throats can be cured. Feet can feel better. Nausea can go away. Bones can be mended. It is all amazing.

4. Books and Movies - I love losing myself in a book or movie almost anytime. Isn't it fun that for a few hours, we can remove ourselves from the mundane, stressful, crazy things in our lives and run away with Mr. Darcy, Edward, Wolverine, or (let's think of a woman here.....) um..... (still thinking to avoid criticism).... well, you get what I mean. It is fun.

5. Savings - This year Mike and I have really tried to limit spending and extras to get a little more financially secure. This economic recession doesn't seem so bad in our personal lives. We have had several friends lose jobs this year (and we pray for you daily), but it is nice that we've come out more ahead than we ever thought we would. We're buying a house next year... I can feel it.

6. Mechanics - Growing up in St. Anthony, we had a very reliable mechanic. He was a rocket scientist - really, he quit his job at NASA to move back to Idaho, or so the story goes. As reliable as he was, he was S-L-O-W. He worked out of a potato cellar in Parker. It would take 2 weeks to get a timing belt fixed. On Monday, my car puttered into the auto shop near my house and they got me right in. Unfortunately, the repairs were extensive and expensive ($1000 - Merry Christmas to us, but see where "Savings" comes in), but I was able to drive my car home 4 hours later and get on my way. Love it. Now I can spend Christmas in Vegas with the family.

7. Preschool - ahhhhh, I can't say enough about the benefits Cohen's preschool has had on him. It is so awesome to take him somewhere loving and safe where he feels comfortable learning and playing. They've taught him general life skills that I just don't think about (like putting on his coat. Usually I am in such a hurry to get him out the door that I do it for him). He even has started cleaning up his toys. Unreal. Plus, I get 3 hours every morning to use as I please. I can work, shop, clean, exercise, sit and knit. Whatever I choose.

8. Yarn Store Connection - Thank you Sue and crew for letting me work at your store enough to get yarn for my projects. I've really started enjoying knitting this year. I've finished so many projects this year, including a little sweater for the little Miss. I love beautiful fibers and I love learning new things all of the time.

9. Fabric - So pretty. I haven't been sewing much lately, but I am in the midst of purging my craft & fabric stash (want some?) and I am amazed at the beautiful patterns that these designers come up with. Quilting cottons are so soft and amazing. I just got a package in the mail today with 4 yards of beautiful stuff (I'm supposed to be purging... I know) that I can't wait to do something with.

10. Food - I am finally feeling well enough to start wanting to eat again. Not everything is disgusting anymore. Yahoo! I am thankful for good, healthy (and Jr. Mints and Nerds and Cinnamon candy) food that helps my body grow and function. I think it is pretty amazing that I'm growing a person in my gut and food is helping the little Miss become healthy and strong.

There are many more, but I'm sure you're bored. I love this time of year. The bad things don't seem so bad. People are kind (except 4:00 am shoppers at Wal-Mart the day after Thanksgiving) and generous and go just a few steps further for mankind. I love it. Cohen is so excited for Christmas which is making it so awesome. Today everything feels perfect - part of that is because I am leaving in 10 minutes to get my hair done - and I wanted to let you all know that.

:: I BLEED RED ::

I'm not talking about vampire movies (although I can't hardly wait!). Sorry Cougars. GO UTES!


Side note: Although I would love to see the Utes go 12 - 0 this season, more people I am directly associated with take BYU losses personally. If you are the wife of one of those people (Jenny, Lindy, Stacy, etc... you know who you are), may God be with you. :)

*The picture is a repeat from last year. Ironically, it is the son of one of the above mentioned "takes is personally" men. After Mike smeared the U over the BYU, I feared for this kid's life.

:: DO YOU HAVE YOUR TICKETS? ::



I just spit all over the computer screen. HAHA! This is so worth watching. Viva la Twilight!
(FYI: My tickets are for Saturday afternoon. I'm not crazy enough for a midnight movie.)

:: HOLY SMOKES ::


After 12 Van Wagoner boys have been born in the last century, out comes a girl. I'm still a little in shock and don't quite believe those "three white lines" mean little miss, but nothing else was there indicating a little mister, so I'll take it. HOLY SMOKES! My new official due date is March 28th.

:: BEAUTIFUL YARN ::


I got this HUGE skein of yarn yesterday. I'm making leg warmers out of it (which is totally random, I know). They are not for me. Maybe they are for you... oh, don't you wish you were so lucky. But this is 350 yards of beautiful wool blend and it has been a joy to work with. The yarn store got several new colorways in last week and I want one of each. I love it. I don't love double points, though. I feel quite clumsy working with them.

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

:: ANOTHER GREAT GIVE-A-WAY ::

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

For this reason, I need this little baby inside to be a gal!

:: IT SNOWED TODAY ::

... So I made Christmas crafts. I whipped a few stockings to donate to The Festival of Trees gift shop. I can't believe it is already that time of year again. I opted out of being on the actual committee this year, so donating a few things to sell is the least I could do. I love doing it, but maybe next year. They are all tagged up and ready to be turned in.


I turned 30 yesterday and it was rather anti-climatic. Cohen bought me a book and Mike gave me a gift certificate to use at Sego Lily Spa. Ahhhh... I can't wait to get a maternity massage, whatever that is. I know it will be blissful. I also voted, shopped for new jeans (maternity... but still... they are new) and shoes for snow, worked, went with Mike to vote, ate a gyro (hello heart burn), renewed my temple recommend, watched The Hulk, and watched Obama win... in that order. Mike's mom made me dinner on Sunday and I am going to out dinner with my family tonight. I was just happy to leave the last few weeks of my 20's behind. It was a rough few weeks and my 30's are already looking up.

:: ATTENTION UTAH BLOGGERS ::

The fantastic blog, Petit Elefant (link on my side bar), is having a FANTASTIC give away. Enter for a chance to win a family photo shoot with Nicole Carman. It is valued at $175. Enter by November 10th. Head over there NOW!!! What would it hurt?

:: ONE MORE THING ::

I just got my new Scentsy in the mail today from my lovely distributer and old neighbor, Kristen Klingler. Ah... I am enjoying the Snowberry now. I wish my house looked as good as it smells. She'll ship anywhere so visit her site and share the love. I think this would be a great Christmas gift for anyone.

:: BUZZ KILL ::

Question: What happens the day after you sign a new lease on your apartment?
Answer: All of your stuff gets stolen from your porch and storage unit.

I am not happy at all. BRING MY BIKE AND STROLLER BACK, LAME CROOKS!

We were 99% sure we were not going to sign a new lease. We got really excited about moving. We looked a few apartments that weren't quite right. We can't buy a place just yet. It was nearing midnight and we had to turn in our "30-day notice". We buckled under pressure and signed the new lease.

Lesson to be learned: Follow your gut feelings and get the hell out. Sorry for the cuss.

I just got done talking to the police and the apartment manager and I am in a fowl mood.

Don't forget to vote tomorrow.

:: I'M SICK OF CANDY. COHEN IS NOT ::


Aside from Nerds and Taffy, I am so sick of candy. I'm kind of Halloweened out already. It seems like Cohen has dressed up about 50 times already. He loves it. Maybe I should dress up and get a little more into the spirit of it all. He has been so excited for the actual Halloween day (today) because he wants to watch the Halloween episodes of Dora, Diego, Wonder Pets, and Backyardigans (read:: It frees up my morning), he wants to ride the train to Mike's office (for Trick or Treating), and he wants to go around the neighborhood. He can barely contain himself.

We started two weeks ago (as Dash from the Incredibles) at the Nestman's house. A group that used to be in the ward still gets together a few times a year for a BBQ, Halloween, and Christmas. Sadly, they have all moved on and Mike and I remain in the apartments. Anyway, Liz set up a fantastic little "carnival" in the basement and all of the princess and super heroes played all night.

Next was the ward Trunk-or-Treat (as Link). More candy and fun. He could not get enough of the McDonald's orange punch and pumpkin bowling.

Yesterday was his preschool Halloween party (as Dash). I was helping in the classroom, so I didn't get a chance to sit back and enjoy the little program they put on for the parents. Therefor, no pictures. Lame. But again it was more candy and games and he came home with another bag of stuff. Again, SO MUCH FUN and he wore his costume the rest of the day.

It is 8:00 am and he is dressed as Link. We'll see what he decides to be later in the day. Happy Halloween. I hope it is nice and spooky and filled with lots of sugar.

:: I CAN NOW FOCUS ON HALLOWEEN ::


The Primary Program* is over and I can honestly say it was fantastic. It ended a few minutes late, but the kids were all well-behaved and cute while saying their parts and singing their songs. Even more than being grateful for a well-behaved Primary, I am so glad that it is over. Ahhhh. Now I can enjoy Fall and Halloween and all things that come my way until dreary January sets in.


Cohen and I made these pumpkins a few weeks ago. I found some paper mache pumpkins in the Michaels dollar bins and snatched the rest of them up. A little Elaine's craft glue and Martha Stewart glitter made them quite the centerpiece for a Fall table. Seriously, so easy. I was in charge of smothering glue and Cohen poured the glitter. I would have been easier without the kid, but he was great. (Another reason I am thankful for preschool. He's become a much more controlled crafter.)


The Link outfit has not come off in 3 days. We didn't let him wear it to church today, but it has been everywhere else. He was eager to get it on as soon as we walked in the door. I should be grateful that he loves it so much. There will come a day when he will no longer appreciate my handmade goodies.

Boy, these photos are junky. We have not reinstalled Photoshop so I did not edit the pics, but honestly I thought I was a better photographer than this... sheesh! Enjoy your week.

*For those of you who may not know, the Primary is the children organization at church. I am in the Primary Presidency, meaning I help this organization function (scary, I know). Each Fall we put on a little program in Sacrament meeting where all of the children speak and sing the songs they've been learning all year. It is definitely a highlight of the year as much entertainment can be obtained, but as a leader, it is STRESSFUL. I have the acne to prove it. Til' next year!

:: EXCUSE ME, PRINCESS ::


A conversation with Cohen at 5:00 pm on Thursday while old Legend of Zelda cartoons were playing in the background.

Lori:: What should I make for dinner?

Cohen:: Um... Let's go to Subway.

Lori:: What do you want at Subway?

Cohen:: A cheese sandwich and chips.

Lori:: I can make you a cheese sandwich and chips here.

Cohen:: You could make me a Link suit.

Lori:: A Link suit?

Cohen:: Yeah. It is green and brown with a hat and boots and a belt and a sword holder.

Lori:: Okay. *digs through stash and finds just enough brown and green fleece*

One hour later Mike walked through the door from work to find Zelda (me) and Link (Cohen) saying, "Let's go to Subway." It is by no means fancy, but he thinks he looks so tough. Plus, I'd way rather sew than make dinner. :)

:: INCREDIBLE ::


I just had a really good day yesterday. It all turned out fantastic. These are some of the things that made me happy.

:: I got Cohen to school on time - he's usually the last one there.
:: I wasn't nauseous all day - ALL DAY - HOLY MOLY!
:: I went to JoAnn's and everything I needed was on sale.
:: I went to Heartland Paper and they had a die cut of a skeleton tree - 3rd scrapbook store I tried.
:: I got all of the stuff on my list done - except clean the house, but that never really counts as done even when I do it.
:: A few mailboxes in our building got broken into and ours didn't.
:: I took a small nap.
:: I am still reading Frankenstein and LOVING it.
:: The weather is perfect and I had to wear socks and a sweater all day and never got hot. WAHOO!
:: I worked for 3 hours and Cohen self entertained the entire time.
:: It only cost $29.98 to fill up Mike's completely empty gas tank - seriously, I sputtered into the station.
:: I won a fantastic scarf and gloves and slippers and hot chocolate and candy at Bunco.
:: Steph put out a bowl of cinnamon bears at Bunco - my absolute favorite candy is chewy cinnamon anything.
:: My hair is finally long enough to start crimping again - and it looks great.
:: I bought a body pillow with a very soft pillow case.
:: I slept with said body pillow ALL NIGHT LONG - I haven't slept more than 5 hours at night in weeks. God bless 8+ hours of sleep.

Good day. Good day. Here is to another one.

:: THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF PRESCHOOL ::

I know these pictures are a bit late, but I wanted to show them anyway. Cohen has been in preschool for two months now and he just loves it. His school is in a local elementary school and he goes Mon - Thurs from 9:00 - 12:00. Theoretically, I could get a lot done in twelve hours, but really I've just sat around and enjoyed the quiet.


Outside of his classroom there is a bulletin board of all of the kids in his class. Each day when I drop him off, he shows me where he is and who his friends are that day.


I went with his class on a field trip up Millcreek Canyon. He was so excited to ride a school bus for the first time. He is here with his buddy Noah. They are two peas in a pod.

These are some little buddies on a hike. The had to gather Fall items to make a wreath out of. Of course they mostly picked up sticks and we had several Star Wars reenactments.


He is so happy at school which makes me so happy. I am so glad that we're both enjoying our time away from each other. This is just another thing to add to my list of why I am pro-education.

:: 1.2.3.4. Chickens Just Back From the Shore ::



Cohen doesn't even know what Sesame Street is because it is on way too early. Maybe I should start watching it a little more.

:: HAUNTING SEASON ::


Hot Diggity... the computer is fixed! Mike is my IT Guy in shining armor. He came through. The computer involved reinstalling the entire operating system. Now that everything is reinstalled, we're just doing the little stuff that you forget you've downloaded in the past... Flash, Adobe Reader, Java... you know, those little plug-ins. But I am so happy to be writing this post from my PC. Sorry Mac lovers.

I also love this time of year. I wish I was feeling a little better in the evenings to get out and go for a walk. I love when my nose is cold. Cohen and I have been doing some fall crafting and it has been fun. I've pulled out the glitter again. The Halloween decorations are out, Cohen's costume is purchased (he wanted to be Dash from The Incredibles), and now I can sit back and eat a bunch of Nerds and Skittles.

I've caught the knitting bug again. I am finally understanding everything and don't have to ask for help on every other stitch. FINALLY. Working at the yarn store has helped, along with the Oracle. The Christmas Art Inside Boutique has been canceled so I have more time to sit and knit now that the pressure to sew a billion bags isn't weighing so heavy.

I've also slowed down on reading. I only read one book last month. Wowzer. I am currently reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and I must say it is a RAD book. I am even more curious about her crazy premiscuous life (for the 1800's) and what must have been going through her mind to write a book like that while so young and before so many modern inventions. I've made a mental note to self to be a little more deep in my thought processes (read: yeah right).

Anyway, off to get some work done. Happy candy eating.

:: 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.