(6) Tue Jan 06 2004 14:42 It's not fair: I never knew that when you are pregnant you have to eat this much. A cruel irony is that when you are pregnant the thought of food makes you nauseous, but you are supposed to eat all the time to keep from getting sick. Great. Just when I can eat whatever and whenever I want without feeling guilty, nothing sounds good!

(1) Fri Jan 09 2004 13:50 I love baby showers: I went to a friend's baby shower last night. It was really fun to see the people in my old ward again. It was so funny because out of the 12 girls in the room, like 4 weren't pregnant. Those who weren't pregnant had babies already. Ok, 2 girls had never had kids, and they weren't pregnant, but it was hilarious. Gotta love BYU married wards.

Anyway, one girl that was pregnant with her second was telling me about how she got acupuncture for her second pregnancy right when she felt the morning sickness coming on. With her first pregnancy she was very ill all the time till she was 7 months!! So with her good experience, (and she is not the type to try the fads and gimmicks) I am going to have acupressure done. I am doing the acupressure just because my insurance covers chiropractors, and all the ones in my network only do acupressure. I hear that it is the same effectiveness though.

I am really excited to see how this works for me, because although I could be sicker- why suffer? Plus I am into the holistic healing and stuff. I'm a believer.

Fri Jan 09 2004 18:41: By the way, I thought you all might like to know that I did see Lynnette- my very good friend from South Africa, while I was in Texas. It was very nice to catch up with her. She is the type of friend where you could be with her all the time and never get annoyed with her. You don't find many friends like that, and when you do I plan on hanging onto them.

Tue Jan 13 2004 14:11: I just love the dollar theatres here. They are so clean compared to the ones in San Antonio. This weekend Aaron and I went with some friends to see Secondhand Lions. It was really good. There were some very cheezy acting parts a la Haley Joel Osment, but he is just a kid. Overall, it has a good message. I wouldn't buy it for my DVD collection though.

Wed Jan 14 2004 13:08: Getting acupuncture today. Hopefully the beginning of a new me.

(7) Wed Jan 14 2004 18:40: One of my biggest pet peeves is when you go to a doc appt and you sit in the waiting room forever, waiting to be seen. I think it is ok for 5-10 minutes maybe 15 when they are super busy, but it is just flat out rude when you sit there for 45 minutes past you appt time. Do they not think that you time is costing you money too? I just think it is very rude and inconsiderate to make patients wait. Why schedule the appt at the time when they don't show up till later. Can anyone clarify this for me? I quit going to my past gyn because I waiting a whole hour for her once, not only that, but at least 30 minutes in other appts too.

Anyway I did go to my chiropractor appt, and although it started off poorly, the acupuncture did go well. It didn't hurt really at all. He stuck 8 needles in me, one on each knee area, ankle area, wrist, and hand. I am thinking (and praying) it works, and I am no longer sick.

You guys probably are sick of hearing this from me, "waah, waah, I'm so sick" and that is why I haven't been writing in my weblog much, because that is all I feel like writing. I wish it were just morning sickness. Try morning, afternoon, and night.

Alright, alright. Not a peep more about it from me.

peep

doh

Fri Jan 16 2004 13:13: My doctor also told me to stay away from sugar and milk, and cut down on my yeast. I am beginning to believe him since I threw up yesterday after I ate a yogurt and a licorice.

Sat Jan 17 2004 15:15: I have had it with this weather. Please give us a break, and warm up please! 20's are way too cold, burrr.

(5) Sat Jan 17 2004 15:15: Anyone seen any good movies lately?

(10) Tue Jan 20 2004 17:05: Well, I have been sick all weekend. I am still optimistic that the acupuncture will help though b/c the doctor said it could take from 1 week to 2 weeks to kick in. Yesterday was Aaron and my 2 year wedding aniversary! We celebrated with take-out from Winger's. I love their 'Winger salad'- it is the best. It wasn't fancy, but I threw up twice and I didn't feel like leaving the house. I guess it is a sign of the year to come.

Also, Jake- Aaron's twin, is dating a girl named Erin. We need to figure out a nickname for her, because if Jake marries her I don't think I can handle another duplicate name in the family.

(6) Wed Jan 21 2004 17:45: Aaron's brother Booner, who just got off his mission in Oct, is going to be living with us. He will be flying in on Sat which means I have to clean my house before then. The guest room is ceiling high with junk that we haven't put away yet. :\ At least now that I am forced to get it done, it will be done and over with. I seriously need to make a couple trips to D.I. Who has enough clothes to mound over the whole bedroom floor 2 feet high and the closet already full? Oh. Me.

I also checked out at the library the fifth Harry Potter book on tape. I was on the waiting list for 3 months. Sheesh!

(2) Fri Jan 23 2004 15:13: My dad called today to tell me that he is getting married on Jan 31st. I am invited to the wedding this time, which is good, but it is in Twin Falls, ID. We will see how I am feeling. I do want to go but Aaron and I will be the only family on his side there, making it a little awkward. Plus it is 3 1/2 hours away. I know I should go to support him. I get to meet his fiance tomorrow. I hear Jan is a lovely person.

Tue Jan 27 2004 17:14: Last night we went up to Jon and Sharon's for FHE. It was very good food and fun. We were in good company with Richard and Pam Oman, and David and Ellie Oman- and 3 of their kids Josh, Andrew, and Aaron. We got to meet Alyssa's fiancé Corey. He was interesting, and it was great to see Richard and David say "tell me all about your life."

Also, Jon is making home improvements to say the least, and everything looks amazing. There is a whole other floor. Plus he was showing off his banjo's that he made. Jon is a renaissance man. In fact all the "Call" men are pretty amazing guys.

Thu Jan 29 2004 15:19: Today is Joseph's birthday. Happy 24th! He and Louise are leaving tomorrow for a trip to D.C. I am so jealous. They are going to speak to some congressmen about blind issues and for Louise's National Federation for the Blind convention. Someday I'll go to D.C...

Fri Jan 30 2004 14:26: I just got a 33 cent raise! Wahoo

(1) Fri Jan 30 2004 15:36: I am in a good mood. I had a very good breakfast made my Aaron- eggs and bacon on an English muffin. And I don't feel sick. I haven't thrown up for 30 hours! After 3 treatments of acupuncture, I believe they are beginning to help. At least I am optimistic.

Also, it has "warmed" up today which always puts me in a better mood. I remember when I lived in Alaska in the wintertime when it would reach freezing temperatures it was a 'warm day'. When you get into the single digits it really does make a difference between 10 degrees and 30 degrees.

Fri Jan 30 2004 20:00: Ah! Life is much better now that my belly is fed.

Fri Feb 06 2004 00:28: For some reason my work put a new filter on the network. For no good reason the filter won't let me access crummy.com. The "material contained is not acceptable." Well Leonard, what kind of a show are ya running here?! In the meantime, I think I will be granted access here shortly.

(2) Fri Feb 06 2004 17:51: Everyone needs to watch Regis and Kelly next week all week. They are having a lost loves reunion once a day- and I aided in that. I work at MyFamily.com and we put together the reunions shows for them for Valentines week. So check it out and let me know what you think.

Fri Feb 06 2004 18:20 Spam Haiku:

"Roseate pork slab

How you quiver on my spork!

Radiant light, gelled."

L. Sheahen

"SPAM, too, needs a wife.

What consort for my Pork Prince?

Ah! The Velveeta!"

John Mitchell

Mon Feb 09 2004 20:08 Whew!: I believe I am past the miscarriage phase. I heard after 12 weeks it is very rare to miscarry. What a load off. I had a dream though the other night that I got a sonogram, and my baby was mutated and deformed and it wasn't going to live and I was mad that I was sick for nothing and wasn't going to have a baby. I guess people are more shallow than usual in their dreams?!

(4) Tue Feb 10 2004 12:14: Today Aaron and I got to hear our baby's heartbeat. It was very precious and cute. All the sizes are "normal" so I guess we're not having twins. My mom said that she wanted twins so bad, and she kept trying for them but never got them. I guess that is why she had 7 children?!

Wed Feb 11 2004 18:24: I think I am going to go to bed early tonight. I am so tired. I hope that I feel better Fri morning to go to the wedding. I just hate this.

My mom is coming into town and I don't feel like driving up to get her in SLC. Maybe Joe will do it.

(2) Thu Feb 12 2004 15:15 DRAMA: Can someone tell me why Clark would drop out of the race, if he was quoted off the record stating "Kerry will implode over an intern issue." If he knew about this alleged affair of Kerry's, why would he drop out? Supposedly that is why Howard Dean has not dropped out, because he thinks that he can beat Kerry now?!

(2) Wed Feb 18 2004 15:57: This past weekend was very fun. It was great to socialize with extended family. I love weddings and having everyone get together. I bet you are jealous Alyson, that you weren't there. We missed you though. I felt very special that Frances came to my house to hang out Sat night. Luckily Susie and John went out for V-day. I don't know if it is me being pregnant or Aaron and I being married for 2 years that we just didn't have to do something romantic on Valentines Day. Or us being poor. Take your pick. By the way I loathe the Xbox game Halo. I think it is of the devil.

(4) Thu Feb 19 2004 12:36: Today I feel very excited and brave to take on motherhood. This is probably due to my ignorance of it, but I want to be the best mommy to my kids. I hope I don't get burned out and this lasts the next 25 years. I think it is possibly because today I feel great and I haven't felt the urge to throw up my breakfast. I can't wait to have my life back and to be productive again.

(4) Mon Feb 23 2004 18:25 I never thought this day would come: Aaron has actually gotten sick of the mess around the house and has started to clean it himself! I was so happy this morning. Being pregnant, sick, and tired all the time I haven't kept up with most chores. Aaron actually cleaned up and vacuumed among other things. I didn't think he would ever get to this point. it's not that he doesn't help around the house because he does, but not usually without being asked to help. What a breakthrough.

(2) Fri Feb 27 2004 20:36: What kind of a world do we live in that people feel the need to buy/sell MATERNITY thongs...and I am not talking about the sandals.

(5) Wed Mar 03 2004 08:14: I finally rented Bend it Like Beckham. It was funny and cute, but I think I could have done without Keira being in a sports bra for half the movie. Spellbound is playing at the Varsity Theatre. I think Aaron and I may go and see it. We haven't been to a movie since I have been pregnant. On the weekends, I always seem to be sick. Part of it is I don't have to be somewhere so I don't leave the house. I take that back, we went with friends to see Miracle. Good movie, kinda long though. I want to see Pride and Prejudice at the dollar.

(1) Fri Mar 05 2004 19:48 Welcome back to the land of the living: Well, I feel well enough today that I can go to dinner and a show. Dinner at Brick Oven, (don't ask why I have been craving it, b/c I don't know) and Hildalgo the movie. Viggo Mortensen, here I come.

(10) Mon Mar 08 2004 18:19 Caution: Don't read unless you want to hear some venting: Every time I tell people that I am starting to feel better, my body proves me wrong. Friday I felt great and Saturday too, until I ate this nasty burrito and then took a nap. I woke up from the nap with a massive headache and just feeling queasy. Aaron and I did go to Chevy's with Aaron's brothers and family, and we went to see P&P only because I got the tickets before I was feeling bad. After the movie I came home and threw up in the bath tub b/c Aaron was using the toilet, and I couldn't wait. Then I ate something and threw that up too. By this point I was scared to eat anything else so I decided that if I was going to throw up something it might as well taste sweet and not spicy, acidic, or whatever so I ate a rice crispy treat. Luckily it stayed down and I went to bed before my body demanded more food.

I guess I threw up so much this weekend because Sunday when I finally looked into the mirror after lounging around all day I saw that I had broken the tiny blood vessels under my eyes. I had one noticeable one and several red spots that you could see up close (a foot away). Plus I am getting these massive headaches and I don't know if it is from throwing up till my eyeballs almost pop out, or if it is just from pregnancy stuff. I think it is both b/c I get them when I don't and I get them worse when I do throw up.

Now I have a cold (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, sinus headaches) worse than the normal congestion I have had since I can remember being pregnant. Argh. Imagine having snot that you are constantly hacking and blowing out, and when it runs down the back of your throat it makes you gag. That is what the past 3 months have been like for me. I feels good to vent, sorry about all the nasty details. I will be good now for awhile so please don't stop reading my blog.

Enough said about that. I have to say the P&P was not as good as I expected, but better than some of the Mormon genre movies. I didn't like the first 30 mins of the movie at all. They have to throw in those stupid Mormon clichés that are exaggerated, and some unfounded in the first place. Why must these movies contain them??? Furthermore, the girls in the movie all had the pouty lip thing going on. It is Julia Roberts trademark, where you talk like you want your lips to be noticed so you pout them to look sexy, when all you look like is that you are really trying to pout your lips. I think it looks goofy an unnatural. The story is cheesy, but kinda gets the hopeless romantic in me at the end. The acting is better than most of the other Mormon movies I have seen, and it is b/c only 2 characters were actually Mormon. The director I found out is Mormon, but he got all the actors from LA. Yes, it was lame, but the film had some redeeming qualities. Darcy's character was messed up though b/c they make him all rude at the beginning, and for no good reason I add, and then he miraculously changes into the opposite. It is unbelievable and poor character development if you ask me.

Hidalgo, on the other hand was excellent. A good clean film that has a very good message. I thought it was funny, had some good action, and some purging of empathy and sadness too. Viggo's acting was very good I think and so was everyone else. Hidalgo gets an A to A+, and P&P gets a C+ to a B-.

(6) Tue Mar 09 2004 13:04: Shame on Booner for giving me his cold! I wonder how I got it from him though...ah well, it isn't his fault.

I have a question. At my job when I am screening stories I have to ask their description. It is so funny b/c some people don't know what Caucasian is and so when I ask them "are you Caucasian, African American, Asian, or Hispanic, etc." there is dead air like they're thinking "I am none of those" and then they say "I am white" or "I am American". I remember filling out cards on the bus I rode in elementary school marking that I was Caucasian. I can't imagine these people have made it so far in life without knowing what Caucasian meant. Also, for some reason people like to add that they are part "Indian" too. They don't know how much, or where it came from, but they just know they have "Indian" in them. I think this is hilarious b/c even if these people have "Indian" in them, it is probably so minuet that why do they bother even telling me. It is like everyone's claim to fame or something. Furthermore, and correct me if I am wrong, but "Indians" don't refer to themselves as "Indians". I thought they called themselves "Native Americans". Isn't that the politically correct way to say it? And if you were true Native American, wouldn't you know that it is an insult to be called "Indian"? I am not an expert on this topic by all means, so if anyone else has insight on this I would like to know. On that note, it feels like in society today that it is socially acceptable to also refer to African Americans as black. It seems like in the news and stuff that it isn't politically incorrect to say black anymore. With people throwing around terms like racist though, I am still too scared to say black in fear that I will be labeled a racist. So does anyone else know the latest about that issue as well?

(7) Thu Mar 11 2004 16:20 Nostalgia: I remember when the Richardson's came to visit, and it was Halloween. I don't know why they came in Oct, but maybe it was just the girls- I can't remember. Anyway, Frances had made this beautiful Snow White costume for Susie to wear. I really liked the costume. Well, Susie threw a huge fit and didn't want to wear it, and refused to put it on. So I got to wear it, and I went to our neighborhood party at the community pool. I was only like 6yrs old, so the whole family was there. Anyway, my hair was sprayed black and I had red lipstick to look more like Snow White with the cute dress on. I won a costume prize for it, and got this huge lollipop. I think Alyson was jealous of me though, b/c I remember her trying to weasel me out of the treat. :) That is just a funny little memory I have of Susie.

I also have a memory of Rachel when our family went to Arvin, I think it was, on vacation. I believe it was during the 4th of July week. We were playing in the tree house, and I know Susie, Rachel, and I were there and I want to say Alyson and Joe or David. Some tiff arouse and Rachel got out of the tree. I think we were playing with her doll stroller and she wanted to play with it so she got down to go tell or something. Susie and I threw her stroller out of the tree and parts of it broke or fell apart. She went in to tell her dad that what we had done, and somehow we weaseled our way into having him believe it was an accident. Sorry Rach! It's kinda funny though how kids act.

That same trip we were swimming in the pool and Frances got in with shorts and a sports bra on. Even then Frances was a renegade...said in admiration. Back then we thought "bikinis" were a no no and I for one was in awe that an adult could and would wear just a sports bra. Frances is still turning heads!

Again on the same trip, we were going for a drive in the Richardson van through hills and trails. Leonard said something smart and so Roy had him get out and was pretending to leave without him. Leonard was running down the hill and all the kids were cracking up in the car. It was a riot. Actually, that story sounds bad on paper, but I remember it all being done in good humor. One of those "you had to be there".

Then I remember when we were setting off fireworks, Roy had bought the neatest ones. It was the first time I had seen fireworks that wasn't part of a huge display. We got some big ones, and I thought Roy was a neat dad lighting them all and putting on a show for us. It was a fun night. Anyway, it was pretty novel to me b/c my dad was always to cheap to buy good fireworks. Sorry dad, tis true.

My memories aren't as good as some of y'alls. Do you guys remember these? Did I get them right? Sorry if I brought back some painful memories like me breaking your stroller Rachel. ;)

(1) Mon Mar 15 2004 18:50: I wonder when Aaron is going to read my weblog?! This weekend was good. I actually went to all three blocks of church and I cleaned the kitchen and did some laundry. I feel like I got a lot done.

(5) Tue Mar 16 2004 13:57: It is announced that a movie of Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe will be made by the director of Shrek. I wonder how they are going to spin the religious symbolism of CS Lewis into a Hollywood movie. I wonder if it is going to be a "Hollywood" movie. There were rumors that Nicole Kidman was to play the white witch, but those were just rumors I guess. She would be fantastic in the role.

Speaking of Nicole Kidman, I am very curious to see if Stepford Wives is going to be rated R. I want to see it, having seen the older version of the show and really liking it. I am always weary of those "Hollywood" productions though. BTW, what's up with Ben Affleck kissing that guy on was it Saturday Night Live?

(3) Thu Mar 18 2004 19:26: Aaron and I never had cable in our old place and so we never watched TV. Now our new house has cable, and we don't even pay for it. At first we thought they would cut it off after a month after they found out that the other people weren't paying for it anymore, but it has been 2 1/2 months since we have lived there and it still works. I don't know if free cable is a blessing or a curse b/c I know if we had to pay for it then we wouldn't have it. But since we do have it, and when I am home I am usually lying on the couch feeling sorry for myself, I watch TV now. Oh no! I do feel guilty about it b/c I could be doing better things with my time, blah blah, but since I have been pregnant I really don't think I would be doing those things ie cleaning, and making dinner. I sound like such a baby.

Anyway, that brings me to my point. I have discovered Law and Order: SVU. I never was a primetime TV watcher, just the news and Simpsons and Seinfeld reruns maybe, but never had to watch "my show". But while flipping the channels I came across on USA Law and Order:SVU every night at 9:00 usually. I figured they were reruns b/c sometimes they would show a movie instead of the show. I don't know why, but I love that show. I watch it every night now, and am mad when they don't have it on and they have some stupid movie instead. I think they have new shows on NBC too, but I am not sure of the details since I have never caught it on. I think that the main detectives are really good actors, and no matter how hard I try I can never predict who did the crime in the beginning. That is a good sign to me that the show isn't predicable, at least for me. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I like the show, and it is now "my show".

Sat Mar 20 2004 15:30: My latest craving is Einstein's Bros Bagels- the asiago cheese bagel with plain cream cheese "shmear". It is soooo good. I don't normally care for bagels b/c they are sometimes dry and if not that then rubbery, but Einstein's bagels are so moist and tasty.

On a different note, my hanging plant is doing much better in my new house than the basement. It is so green and is actually growing. It is nice to have an abundance of sun.

I also got a badly needed massage today. I have been getting headaches lately that won't go away with Tylenol. Yesterday I had 3 Tylenol at 4:00 and another 3 at 8:00, and it still didn't go away. She worked on my neck and head, and she said she could feel the tightness. Plus, I am having growing pains all over and a good massage was needed. She was dang cheap too. $15 for a full hour! My other massage therapist, who is my friend, charged $50 per hour, but gave me half off. My friend is actually better than this girl in my opinion, but for $15 I don't mind. I also tip them about 5 bucks every time just to be safe b/c I don't know massage etiquette. Is tipping expected amongst massage therapist?

(5) Mon Mar 22 2004 14:58: The weather has been so beautiful lately. It is nice and warm, but am afraid if it is perfect in March then June- Aug is not going to be perfect= really hot and miserable months. I am not looking forward to that. Yesterday, Aaron and I went to Aaron's brother's house for a b-b-q. It already feels like summer. So it was a big family dinner with his 3 other brothers, one's wife, children of that brother, and girlfriend of a brother. It was really fun, and very good food. My brother in law makes the best roasted garlic mashed potatoes and gravy. And I had a semi good steak. It has been so long since I have had a meal like that. It really hit the spot, and I can't stop thinking about the mashed potatoes. (To be fair, I don't think I have ever had or can remember having your roasted garlic mashed potatoes, Alyson, but I know you probably make a mean batch.) Aaron topped off the night by playing video games with his brothers till 3:00 am. I went to bed before then.

Lately I have been sleeping really bad. I always wake up laying on my back, but I am not supposed to be on my back. I never used to sleep on my back when I wasn't pregnant, and I loved sleeping on my side. Now that I am supposed to sleep on my side, my body is messing it up. I think it does it on purpose to bother me. Strange.

(1) Tue Mar 23 2004 12:15: I was reading What to Expect When You Are Expecting this morning, and at this stage my baby has developed his/her ears. So they can recongnize sound. I better watch what I say now!

(1) Mon Mar 29 2004 20:30: I can't really think of anything interesting to write in my weblog except maybe that I am wearing only maternity pants now. Not very exciting or flattering. I can still get away with some of my shirts and I wear Aaron's smaller shirts. Pretty exciting, I know. Also, my appt for the ultrasound is April 13 and we will find out what sex the baby is. I can't wait to find out so I can start planning. This is so fun. I am starting to feel much better. I still throw up in the mornings like every other day, but it is weird b/c I am not really sick before or afterwards. I am pretty much home free I hope.

Aaron and Booner planted flowers last week in our front yard. The old renters' garden bloomed a little too. I love daffodils, and I think there are some tulips there too but they haven't blossomed yet. There are other little flowers that are really pretty. I love spring, but I can't decide which is prettier here: fall or spring. The fall is gorgeous, but so is the spring. Also I put in a Mary Kay order, and it was huge. A bunch of women from work are ordering and my sister-in-laws. I, however, gave them all 50% off retail so I could get a big order in for my mom while she is in DIQ.

(6) Wed Mar 31 2004 15:01: Tonight I am going to watch "The Missing" with Aaron. We rented it from Clean Flicks, and I have been waiting for it to come out finally. I am also going to make tacos for dinner. I am actually starting to cook again, yay. I can't believe it is almost April. Aaron's semester is almost over. It has been the shortest and longest semester ever. Longest b/c I was sick for so long, and shortest b/c I was oblivious to everything going on around me. If not at work, then at home lying on the couch. All the days just melted together so it didn't really feel like 3 full months. Just a blob.

I made Albacore tuna with pickle chunks and celery chunks on a wheat pita with mustard today for lunch. Soooo good!

(2) Thu Apr 01 2004 14:24 The Missing: Let's just say it was less than expected. Aaron has been getting these wicked canker sores. I feel so bad for him b/c he can hardly eat. They are huge too.

Aaron and I were bad and splurged on PF Chang's take out for lunch today. Oops. I am going to clean my grandpa's house tonight.

(4) Fri Apr 02 2004 14:46: For some reason the PF Chang's take out did not sit well. I ordered the orange chicken, but it was not how I had it before. Maybe I ordered a different dish than that, but I specifically remember that I felt bad I wasn't "trying something new" at the Chinese restaurant. I am pretty sure I ordered the orange chicken. They may have accidentally given me a different dish though b/c the service was horrible that night, and we had to ask the waitress where our food was half an hour later.

Anyway, this dish I ate yesterday had a ton of garlic and it was pretty strong. I threw up last night b/c I had a sour stomach and I think it was from the garlic. Yuck.

Some more woes I want to talk about is this morning I stubbed my middle toe on our couch, the bottom wooden part. It hurt so much and it started to bleed. I was whipping off the blood and I know part of that nail is loose but I didn't want to investigate it further b/c I don't want to see it move. Loose nails sick me out for some reason. I called Aaron right away to tell him about it and get some comfort and sympathy, but he was taking a test so he didn't answer.

I am definitely feeling the pregnancy hormones b/c just last Saturday Aaron, Booner, and myself were going to the store and it was wet outside. I totally biffed it, and fell hard on my knees, scraping one really bad and the other was bruised the size of a plum. I had jeans on so the scraped knee was like a rug burn and a scab. I started bawling and I had to go home b/c I couldn't gain composure. Aaron had no idea what was going on and was scared to say anything. Poor guy, I didn't know what was going on. It still hurts really bad and I can hardly bend my knee too much, thus I walk with a slight limp. Now with a busted toe I hobble around even worse. Also, when I was throwing up yesterday I could hardly kneel at the toilet b/c my bruised knee and my scraped knee.

I am such a poor soul.

(6) Tue Apr 06 2004 12:52: I was wanting to know if anyone had any recipes using the green chili curry paste??? When you buy it, it comes in a tub that lasts forever, and I wanted to know if there were any other recipes we could use it in besides the one that we already know with bell peppers, chicken, and coconut milk. That one is yummy too, but we can't use all of it just making that once a month. Alyson, I seem to remember you have a chicken pineapple recipe, is that right? Anyone that has a good one please let me know!!! With a family of chefs...Frances, Susie, Leonard, Sumana, Alyson, and Rachel-do you like to cook? I know at least one of you guys has one. Thanks.

Wed Apr 07 2004 16:12: I am thrilled! Aaron folded the clothes and cleaned the room. That made my day.

(1) Wed Apr 07 2004 20:06: I kinda bothers me when you are IMing someone and they never answer a question that you typed a couple times.

(1) Thu Apr 08 2004 13:44: I went to the midwife again today. I got to hear the baby's heartbeat and also we could hear some kicking. It is so strange though b/c I still can't feel the baby moving. I couldn't even feel the kicks even when we could hear it. We found out some more things. I have A- blood and Aaron had to get a blood test done in case he has positive blood. We will have to probably do the RH factor thing- Alyson you had to do it too. It is no big deal really. Also at 20 weeks the uterus is suppose to measure at 18-22 cm, and well mine is at 24 cm. A little bit high. I am probably going to have a huge baby or it is also possible that I am just carrying higher than the norm. What's the norm anyway these days.

So we went to go get Aaron's blood test at the hospital. He hates needles and the whole blood thing sicks him out. He will have to get over that if he is going to be a dentist. He was whining about the tiny prick though. I just find it humorous that he was so concerned with his prick. Yeah, I can speak for Aaron that he could never have a baby.

Mon Apr 12 2004 18:12: This weekend Aaron and I went to see Big Fish. It had great acting. The story was good but it is something you have to be in the mood for. Kinda moves slowly. Also, we had Easter dinner with Aaron's brother and fam. We went in on a spiral ham from Costco and also served caesar salad (in the salad kit bags from the grocery store, you can't beat those), Jell-O salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, and corn. It was a very good meal, and we have left over ham, yum.

We didn't do anything really for Easter though, like you do when you are a kid. I won the expansion version for Settlers of Cattan on ebay. I love that game. My work moved locations, and I am so happy about it b/c instead of taking 20 mins to get there, it only takes like 6-7 mins. It is right by my house. It makes it so much easier to have Aaron take me to work if he needs the car, and if I need to go home for lunch it won't take 40 mins in driving time. Not to mention saving $ in gas. Now I can sleep in later. ;)

Also, this weekend Joe's wife Louise was in LA to renew her passport, and it was their first time being away from each other in almost a year since they married. Joe was lonely, poor Joe. We went to Divine Comedy at BYU on Friday. It was best of the semester so the show was hilarious. It was all sketches, no improv, but regardless- it was a riot. There was only like 2-3 sketches that weren't funny in the whole 2 hours. Needless to say, I was impressed.

On a sad note, Aaron's grandpa is probably going to pass soon. We will probably drive down to Mesa, AZ for the funeral. I don't know if I can last that long in the car, but we will try. That is if he dies. Tomorrow morning I find out the sex, HORRAY!!!!!!!

(10) Tue Apr 13 2004 13:08 IT'S A GIRL!!!: And I couldn't be happier. Now Aaron and I just have to agree on a name.

Thu Apr 15 2004 15:06: Aaron and I went to Target to get some more maternity clothes. It is fun to have new stuff but at the same time I only have 6 outfits. I really need more tops b/c then the outfits can be mixed and matched.

Last night Aaron was making dinner and he sliced his thumb open. I felt so bad b/c I had asked him to make dinner b/c I wanted to watch Law and Order: SVU reruns on USA. So I ran to the store and got some super glue. I knew it would work b/c Aly said they used it at the hospital so his thumb is fixed. I got super glue all over my fingers and hand though. It is slowly coming off today.

I have been able to feel the baby move in the past couple days. It was crazy on the ultrasound we could see her move and kick but I couldn't really feel much and all of the sudden I felt something and I could see what she was doing so then I knew "ahh, that's how it feels". So now I am recognizing yesterday and today all the moving and kicks. It is so fun, but in the evenings I feel so swollen after being out and about all day. I feel like I swallowed a ball and my stomach just gets in the way sometimes. Just when I feel some slack and not stretching all the time, the next day I feel as if I am going to bust.

(10) Fri Apr 16 2004 16:26: I just finished listening to Anne Frank: A Diary of a Young Girl on tape. I don't understand why they named it Anne Frank when the way the reader pronounced the name was Anna. Why would they Americanize a name in a real person's diary? Also while listening to the book, it reminded me of what Frances said about Harry Potter on tape on her vacation to TX. It was like there was a 15 yr old boy in the car and got annoying. Some parts of her diary reminded me of the worst phase a girl goes through. You know that really emotional phase that starts about a year before they start their period and last about 6 mos to a year after? Man, growing up with sisters I can distinctly remember that phase, and Anne had it bad. Some portions of her diary were so melodramatic I just had to laugh at some of her interpretations. I don't want to make light her of her situation of being in hiding, but her crush on Peter was just amusing and slightly annoying. Some parts I zoned out b/c it was so flowery.

Mon Apr 19 2004 15:45: I just read in the news about the winner of the Boston Marathon. I can't believe it is humanly possible to run 26 MILES in 2 HOURS and 10 mins. WOW!

Fri Apr 23 2004 12:58 YAY! My first present: My soon to be sister in law, Carly, stayed with us on her way back to Des Moines for the summer. She brought me a gift for the baby. It was a precious fleece Winnie the Pooh blanket that she made, a hoodie towel (I LOVE those) with cutie ducks on it, and a very cute and soft teddy bear with a pink bow. Ahhh! Not to mention Carly is a doll herself. She will make a great sister in law, and will fit in perfectly with our family.

Last night Aaron bought the DVD Master and Commander with Russell Crowe. I wish he would have consulted me first. The movie was ok, but not something worth adding to our collection. I didn't watch all of it though b/c I just can't handle the blood and body parts anymore. I did get some laundry folding done though. Haven't done that for awhile.

Tomorrow we were invited to go to Saviour of the World concert with Jake and Erin up in Salt Lake. It should be fun I hope. I am sick of Salt Lake though.

(5) Tue Apr 27 2004 14:18 Free Ice Cream: Today Ben and Jerry's is having a free ice cream day till 9:00pm. Since today is my half day, I bet Aaron and I will stop by and hopefully the line won't be too long. Tomorrow Baskin Robbins is doing the same thing. Are you jealous Alyson? ;) I wonder what flavor I am going to get.

This Sunday we were in a rush, so I didn't get a snack to big to church. Aaron wispered during Sunday School, "I brought you a snack. Do you want it?" As he takes out this Little Debbie chocolate chip creme pie thing. Those things are nasty, and it probably takes your body a year to break them down. Sure Aaron, thanks for bringing me a snack.

(3) Thu Apr 29 2004 14:16 3 wishes: I really wish I had a sewing machine so that I could make some receiving blankets. I also really wish I knew how to make blankets. At a baby shower this girl made some burp cloths with a special sewing machine that put tulips boders around. They were so cute! I really need to clean out a space in my room so her stuff can fit. I have way too much stuff, ahhh. Also, my cousin Ben is getting married in LA Aug 14th. Don't these people know nobody can schedule their plans in Aug?! Oh well, I don't think Aaron will let me go so close to my due date. I wish I could be there though.

Thu Apr 29 2004 14:17 3 wishes: I really wish I had a sewing machine so that I could make some receiving blankets. I also really wish I knew how to make blankets. At a baby shower this girl made some burp cloths with a special sewing machine that put tulips boders around. They were so cute! I really need to clean out a space in my room so her stuff can fit. I have way too much stuff, ahhh. Also, my cousin Ben is getting married in LA Aug 14th. Don't these people know nobody can schedule their plans in Aug?! Oh well, I don't think Aaron will let me go so close to my due date. I wish I could be there though.

(2) Fri Apr 30 2004 13:35: "I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenck's lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived." -- Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Tue May 04 2004 11:44: This weekend Aaron and I went to Eats A Pizza (cheap buffet) and saw Secret Window at the dollar. It was one cheap date. I liked Secret Window until the end when it became evident that it was definitely written by Stephen King. He always puts in these ridiculous and almost comic scenes of violence that are so sick and disturbing. It actually reminded me of Peter Jackson a little b/c in the extended version DVDs he talks about how he loves the old horror movies with really bad effects and blood spraying everywhere.

Aaron's brother bought a paintball gun, and the last week he has been going up by the mountains in some woods and they have been shooting each other. It sounds like zero fun to me, but they love it. Since Aaron has his own gun, it is actually not expensive for him to go. I am just glad he uses all his energy so I don't have to try and keep up with him. This weekend he went and there were actually a group of male nurses from the cardiac dept of the hospital, so they joined them. It seems ironic that anyone who works at a hospital would enjoy inflicting pain on someone, but I guess boys will be boys.

Thu May 06 2004 15:57: I had an appointment this morning. Everything was well. The baby's heartbeat was so loud this time. After that, Aaron and I went to Burger King and got breakfast sandwiches with our free coupon. Mine was soggy, yuck. When I got home I had to take a nap before going to work. I have been staying up way too late these past couple nights and can barely make it through work without leaving early.

(3) Thu May 06 2004 19:39: Can you believe that Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are fraternal twins?

(3) Fri May 07 2004 17:30 Chocolates, chocolates, chocolates: I got both moms a pound of See's chocolates for Mother's Day, and while I was there the lady was so nice. She kept handing me samples of this and that saying "You have to try this one" and "Oh, try this one". By the end I had to just save the last couple b/c it was just too sweet. You can only eat 3-4 chocolates in one sitting without getting sick. Also, for spending a certain amount I got 3 free See's candy bars. When she put my items in a bag and handed it to me she said, "I slipped in a sample of our Peanut Brittle too" and she winked at me. Now that is what I call customer service!

Tue May 11 2004 16:27: I love Tuesdays b/c it is my half day at work. I can relax, or just get stuff done. Today is Enrichment, and we are making a painted wood craft. (How original) It should be really cute though. I am starting to really like my ward. It is an older family ward but there are young couples too, it reminds me of my old ward in San Antonio. I hope I get some clothes folded to and the bathroom clean...we'll see about that.

Wed May 12 2004 17:09: I wore a white shirt and khaki's to work today. When I wear white I feel like the Marshmellow Man from Ghostbuters with chubby cheeks. And I feel like I sound like him walking down the hall. Aaron has a softball game tonight. I hope it doesn't rain on me.

(4) Fri May 14 2004 15:21: BTW, it rained on me, but Aaron won his game. Yesterday was Aaron's b-day. He got a shot gun from his parents. He loves it and is so excited to take it out. I gave him a George Foreman grill that was super cheap from Costco, and a new barrel for his paintball gun. I also got him the cutest outfit for our girl that says "Daddy's little girl" on the chest. It is adorable.

I am so glad that I took yesterday off too. It was such a nice break. I made Aaron breakfast: French toast with fruit topping and cool whip, and lunch: enchiladas. We went out for dinner to Fuddruckers with his twin brother and his girlfriend Erin. The evening didn't end well though b/c the Spurs lost by one point on an amazing last second shot by the Lakers.

***Also, Susie and John: If you want my company is offering a special for Seven Peaks passes. I know John will be gone but it is $30 for the whole season which is a steal and even if you only go 2 times the pass pays for itself b/c the normal admission price is 15.95 I think. If you want to deal, let me know. :)

(5) Mon May 17 2004 05:26: My fingers, and pretty much everything else are so swollen. I had to take of my wedding ring b/c it was cutting off circulation to my finger. I am sad, but it feels so much better.

Wed May 19 2004 15:27: This weekend Aaron and I took a trip to Park City outlet mall. I bought a pink blanket at Carter's, but that is it. The blanket is the softest thing on earth. I really hope the doctor is right b/c if we aren't having a girl, I will have some stuff to return. Speaking of her...today she was kicking and kicking and it is the first time I was able to just barely feel her outside of my body with my hands(instead of just the kicking inside). This means Aaron gets to feel her when she moves now. Yay! So exciting.

(2) Wed May 19 2004 19:23 Problems with having only one car: Aaron now is working on fields that are off campus and the bus route is unfamiliar to him. He needs to be at work by 5:45 and I don't get off till 7:00. I should make him look up the other bus schedule, but I feel bad b/c I am the one with the car all day. Although I don't like leaving work early to take him to work and coming back to finish an hour left on my shift...waste of time.

(2) Mon May 24 2004 05:03: I haven't had morning sickness for about a month and a half now. Sometimes though I swear I get little bouts of it. When it was bad it would go in cycles of really bad to bad to really bad to bad and it would be about 4-5 days of each. Now that I feel a lot better I think I am still experiencing those cycles still though. I feel really good for 5 days then just good for 5 days. This weekend was a little below good though. I wasn't necessarily sick, but my stomach felt sour all weekend. At least I have the good days, but every time I think to myself "This isn't too bad, I could do this a couple more times," I feel a hint of what I went through for 3 months and remember how miserable it was and how could I ever forget how bad it was. Needless to say I am not excited about more pregnancies, but I am very excited to have a baby. I have been kinda nervous lately about the responsibilities though. I just hope it doesn't last till August.

(3) Fri May 28 2004 11:54 Congrats!: Julie for graduating today!

(4) Fri May 28 2004 16:48: Sometimes I can feel Lily kicking and see my stomach moving through my shirt, and my heart skips a beat.

(3) Thu Jun 03 2004 17:46: Susie inspired me to make crepes yesterday, but by the time I got home from returning some stuff at Wal-Mart, my ankles were the size of tree trunks. So Aaron made them and they were very yummy with fruit topping and sour cream.

This Tues morning Aaron's grandfather passed away. He was about 95 yrs old, and if you can believe it, it is the first death that Aaron and his family have had to deal with. No one else has died in the immediate and semi-immediate family from grandparents to aunts and uncles, and so on. Not bad if you ask me. I can name a handful of relatives who have passed. About a year added onto my age and my mom had already lost her mother, and then her father a little over a year after, was it? So this weekend Aaron and I get the pleasure of driving down to Mesa, AZ in a Ford Expedition rental car (provided by my in-laws) with Aaron's 2 single brothers, and his married brother, his wife and 2 kids (3 1/2 yr old and 15 month old). I am really praying that I don't get car sick, because I have been getting that in my pregnancy. Usually if I drive I am ok, but I can't since it is a rental and you have to be 24 or something. I was watching the news this morning and it is 110 degrees in Phoenix, AZ right now. Yippee! We will be back by Sunday night. I am excited to see family, so it should be fun even though it will be hotter than Hades.

This past Memorial Day was a blast. We went camping Sunday night in the Uinta National Forest. It was gorgeous. Even though I have been there several times, I love going back and the fresh scenery always is breath taking. We made yummy foil dinners for dinner and corn on the cob that we cooked in the fire. In the morning we forgot the Coleman stove for breakfast, so we had to make due with cooking our scrambled eggs, bacon, and chorizo- Jake's idea, over the fire. It took a lot longer but turned out fine. I slept great b/c the day before I bought a cot and took a thick air mattress to sleep on. Now that is what I call camping. Everyone else wasn't as comfortable as me, and it was a tad cold. After breakfast, we went to the lake to go fishing. I didn't fish b/c I didn't want to buy the $25 fishing license b/c I don't plan on going much this year. The boys caught a couple rainbow trouts, and released them. Afterward, we went to the park and had watermelon and threw a frisbee. I just watched, and got a little burned.

On our way home we got a message from Uncle Jon about meeting at the gravesite of G-ma and G-pa, Roy, Aunt Jeune, and Sharon's mom. We missed that but were able to meet at Chinatown and have dinner with them and the family. John and Susie were there. It was good to catch up on stuff with them. Alyssa and Corey moved to NM, which surprised me, but at the same time it didn't.

After that I took my other grandpa to get flowers and visit Grandma's grave. It was a very busy holiday, but very fun. I am so thankful for families.

(3) Mon Jun 07 2004 14:52 Home hot, er sweet home: We got back last night after driving forever from Mesa, AZ. I really need to learn patience. My niece, who is almost 4 is such a drama queen and her favorite thing to say is "watch me" so you know she has to be center of attention. After being in the car with people for 22 hours plus over 3 days it can wear on ya, but it was really fun despite the little things.

The funeral was lovely, and I love learning about people's lives. Such impressive things people have done that you didn't know about until occasions like these, b/c you were too young to remember or where never told. It is nice to feel apart of the family although you are a newcomer. I am glad that Aaron is tight with his family and siblings like I am with mine.

When we were there my feet and ankles got soo swollen. I can't wear my shoes anymore, but if I wear sandals my feet get worse b/c there is no support. It looks hilarious. My toes look like little sausages. When I walk, I can feel and see the tops of my feet jiggle like jelly. It looks as if you take a pin and prick the skin, water would burst out. I have what the Smith's call cankles, (where your calves and ankles are the same size). At night though it is the worst b/c the house is super hot from all day and I just can't sleep. We need to get out swamp cooler fixed and working again. Also, Joe and Louise have a window AC unit that they will sell to us, so I want Aaron to install it in our bedroom. I didn't know it would be this bad. Luckily we are going to Seven Peaks tonight for family night.

Tue Jun 08 2004 14:59: Yesterday Aaron and I went to Seven Peaks waterpark. We cruised the lazy river and got in the wave pool. The water felt so good. We only stayed about an hour, but that is the good thing about having passes is that you don't feel like you have to get your money's worth every time, because it is the same price anyway. My face and arms are actually getting some slight color which hasn't happened for over 2 yrs now. I am still wearing SPF 45 though.

(6) Thu Jun 10 2004 13:43 Cherries: Does anyone have any kind of award winning cherry recipes?

Thu Jun 10 2004 14:42: Aaron is so sweet, he made me *homemade* muffins for breakfast.

Today is also Booner's birthday. Happy Birthday.

Fri Jun 11 2004 12:39: Happy Birthday to one of my two favorite nephews...Atticus. I can't believe you are 4 yrs old already! I love you.

Mon Jun 14 2004 15:13 3 in a row: Julie's B-day was June 12. So I have 3 family members who were born on consecutive days. So once again, Happy Birthday Julie.

(4) Wed Jun 16 2004 12:28: This weekend was fun. Aaron and I went to see Harry Potter. It was a lot better than the last two for sure. They seemed to be flying through the movie, like I kept expecting more to happen but I guess there is only so much you can show in 2 hours. The acting has improved as well.

Yesterday, we rented The Last Samurai from Clean Flicks. I was very impressed with the movie. It was still violent, (what do you expect) but I thought it was better than Gladiator for example. I just thought that the morals and values in this movie were very noble and the acting was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the film.

Aaron and I are leaving for separate trips this weekend. I am going to visit Alyson in Kansas, and Aaron and his brothers are taking a fishing trip to Alaska for 10 days. Aaron is in for some amazing experiences, charter boat fishing for salmon and 100 lbs + halibut, backpacking through some of the prettiest scenery in the world, (Alaska is absolutely breath-taking) camping, fishing for meals, and hopefully bringing home yummy fresh fish for me! Preferably the halibut, it is excellent. Not to mention all the glaciers he will see and rivers and sea life in the Resurrection Bay. I love Alaska, and Aaron and I would love to live there for a few years after dental school (no plans hammered out or official), but if we do live there, anyone is welcome to visit and partake in this kind of fun. As much fun as that sounds, I think I will have just as much hanging out with my two favorite nephews and my sis, and Dave if he has time to play. I can't wait to leave on Sat for my vacation!!!

(2) Mon Jun 28 2004 17:01 Lawrence: This weekend Aly and I went to see Supersize Me. I enjoyed the film and found it educational. I have been missing Aaron, but he sent me some pics of his trip, one of which is of his brother with the 60lb king salmon he caught. It is an amazing picture and fish.

So far we have seen some church history sites, went swimming a lot, shopping, and sight-seeing. I am so grateful the weather has been super nice and mild. All have been fun, plus Aly's wonderful healthy cooking. Today is also Dave's birthday.

(1) Fri Jul 02 2004 17:15: How does one contract a cold in July? I am all stuffy and runny these past 2 days. Please go away, cold. I think it might have been from the climate change in KS to UT. My throat is all dry.

(3) Tue Jul 06 2004 13:44 Fourth of July extravaganza: On Sat Julie, Michelle, Lorna, Dad, Jan, and 2 of Jan's friends went to Stadium of Fire. I think last year was better. The fireworks were weak this year. Reba was good in concert but it was short. It was fun to be with the family though. This week has been spent at my dad's house a lot. So far we have been to Seven Peaks, Park City to do some shopping, and the movies. We saw Spiderman 2. I don't mean to be such a critic, but I though it was good but not like movie of the year. It could be b/c I am huge and sitting that long is uncomfortable and it was the 10:00 showing and I was a little tired. Or it could be b/c the script was a little cheesy. It is definitely worth seeing though.

Most of you know Booner has moved out last month. Julie is planning on moving in for a few months now. She will probably find somewhere to live by the time Lily is born. It will be tons of fun to hang out with her in the meantime. We have already benefited by her rearranging our family room to look cuter. I am happy to have more of a female touch to the house since I was outnumbered for so long. She is going to bring out all the cuteness she has. Plus, hopefully the house will be cleaner.

My mom has announced that she and Ben Taylor are engaged. I am so excited for her and wish her all the happiness in the world, she deserves it.

It is a good thing my sisters are in town b/c Aaron has a new full-time job studying for the DAT, the entrance exam for dental school. This month is going to be busy for him as he studies all day and works nights. I will see him the same b/c I am gone all day and he has always worked nights, but at least I won't be tempted to take him away from his studying as much with company around to do fun things with. He has been faithful so far studying a ton, and I hope he doesn't get burned out too much. If we don't get into dental school this year, it won't be the end of the world for us, although I am very ready to move on to the next phase. We will just hang out in Provo another year and Aaron can retake some classes, and maybe work more. Maybe I will be able to take some classes myself.

(6) Wed Jul 14 2004 12:04: Julie is here to stay, at least for a while. Her room is way cuter than I could have decorated it. Plus, she has helped tremendously around the house cleaning- things that are hard for me to do at this point and that Aaron could care less if it was done. I can't believe how fast I run out of gas now. I have been doing errands and shopping with the girls, and I can only be on my feet for an hour and a half before my feet start throbbing. They aren't used to supporting all this weight gain. I can barely fit into shoes if at all. Just yesterday I wore Aaron's sandals to his softball game (btw his team won, and Aaron hit a home run).

And sleeping has become quite a challenge trying to get comfortable with this huge stomach in the way. Not to mention trying to switch sides every 2 hours in the night, and trying to roll myself off the bed to use the restroom a couple times a night too. You wouldn't think it would be that much trouble gaining those inches to your waist, but it really does make it harder to get around and do simple things like put on your socks and tie your shoes. All in all, I prefer this part of pregnancy any day to the first 20 weeks hands down. What misery. I am slowly adding to Lily's clothes stock. I have a ton of pink onesies. I think I need to branch out a little b/c all her clothes look the same- Carter's yellow duckie onesies and pink stripped onesies. I need to look more into purples and greens and blues and something other than onesies. I did get two really cute outfits in KS from a second hand store that were in excellent quality and adorable and cheap.

Tue Jul 20 2004 11:57: On Frances advice, I went to see King Arthur. I wasn't going to see it until she said she had gone twice already. I thought surely there is something there if she has seen it twice and it has only been open for 2 weeks. So I went with the family to see it. I was impressed. It was up there on my list. I am not saying it is the best war movie or the most moving show I have ever seen, but there is a lot to appreciate about the movie. I really like the character twists of King Arthur, Merlin, and Lancelot. I have never seen a movie about "King Arthur" been done like that before. I don't particularly care for Keira Knightly's character, in fact I think her part was pretty laughable in most scenes, but that is mainly Hollywood for ya. I recommend you see this movie, but it can wait for the dollar theatre as well- but a must see there.

(2) Wed Jul 28 2004 14:18: It seems as though the weblogs have slowed down this week with the exception of Leonard and Sumana. I guess everyone misses Frances. :( Hope you come back soon, we miss you.

Wed Jul 28 2004 14:38: Last night I watched Trading Spouses on Fox. The week before was the first episode and last night was the final episode for the two families that switched mom's. I saw the first show by accident while babysitting and it was on when I got there, otherwise I don't think I would have decided to watch it on my own. Since I saw the first episode, I couldn't stand the suspense and had to watch the final one.

I could not believe Tammy, one of the wife/mom's. She was out of this world with denial and narcissism. Wow! I didn't know people like that really exisit. Of course people act differently while on TV, but it seemed to me that she really thought she was coming into this family's home and making a difference, when all she was doing was ordering them around and having them do things for her and her way. On the other hand Amela, the other wife/spouse was so down to earth and warm and kind. The differences were night and day. I guess this show appeals to the quidnunc in me/society, but some people are interesting to watch. Having said that, I don't really agree with reality shows in general, so I am just confessing of my hypocrisy.

Also, my baby has the hiccups right now and it feels funny.

(4) Mon Aug 02 2004 18:58 HOT, HOT, HOT: I am so HOT! All the time. And I mean that in the temperature way.

Wed Aug 04 2004 16:51 realization: I can't believe that in about 3 weeks I will be responsible for another human being. I hope I don't screw up.

(5) Mon Aug 09 2004 18:30 CONGRATS AARON!: It's official. Aaron took the DAT and he got a 22! Which is an amazing score. He is in the top 96th percentile. His 8 weeks of studying straight for hours a day paid off. (Not to mention his $1000 Kaplan course.) I am so proud of him and his hard work. I was very impressed with his dedication. Now we wait and see if any schools accept him in their dental program. Hopefully we can go to San Antonio for school, but we'll take anything. YAY, Aaron. Love you.

Fri Aug 13 2004 18:16: My boss is in town, and she gave me the day off on Wed after having been there for 1 hour. It was so nice to be able to go to lunch with Aaron and hang out during the day with him all by ourselves. It is rare when we get to do that since pretty much ever since we have been here I have the schedule of working all day and he has school then at night he works. So during the semester we really only see each other from 10:00pm-10:00am. Most of that is sleeping time.

Anyway, we used our gift cert we had from Sizzler and I had a tasty salad and steak. Well, I have had better steak, but the salad bar was good. I keep thinking of all the things we will no longer be able to do once we have Lily. I am glad Aaron is done studying for the DAT and work season is over till the fall, so we have time to spend together before school starts again.

Tonight we are going to see The Village. I have heard bad things about it and I hope I am not disappointed b/c I loved Signs. Also, another note: Julie found a really cute apt across the freeway from UVSC. She will be living with Carly- David's girlfriend come fall semester. I am so excited for her to start this phase in life, as mine was a blast. Single and living on your own with friends. Fond memories there.

(3) Fri Aug 20 2004 15:14: Today is my last day at work until I come back mid-Oct from maternity leave. I will be working part-time at that point (and we will be living with the help of some student loans). This lady in the break room was like "Oh my gosh, when are you due?" I am due in like 4 days, and she was like "I can tell. You're huge." Well, thanks. Of all people, WOMEN should know you don't tell a person that is pregnant they look like a cow.

It is still weird to think about though that I don't have to work for a while. I have been working full-time since Aaron and I have been married, and before that I worked a lot but not quite full-time. I am not nervous about having to work part-time in a couple months because I think it will be good for Aaron and any dad to have sole responsibility of their child for long periods of time. He can taste what it's like to be home and the sole caregiver of a child, along with me doing the same while he is at school.

I really bugs me when I hear about men never changing their child's diaper, or ever putting them to sleep or rocking them while they are inconsolable. I am glad that Aaron will have the opportunity to bond with Lily like I will have. I know he is going to be a fabulous dad, and I can't wait to see him with her.

Fri Aug 20 2004 15:20: I forgot to give my movie review of "The Village". (I know I need to memorize how to do the italics, b/c I am too lazy to look it up.) I liked the film, and I kinda knew what the twist was before I watched it from reading reviews and stuff. It wasn't my favorite M. Night Shamaylan film. I thought it would be better, but I am glad I saw it.

Aaron on the other hand really liked it, which suprises me b/c he usually doesn't go for shows like that.

Fri Aug 20 2004 15:23 One last time...: Also, for those who care, Aaron's twin Jake is officially engaged to Erin Gift. She is the sweetest and I can't wait for them to get married Dec 18th. They make the cutest couple.

(1) Thu Sep 09 2004 22:17 I am sure you have all heard by now...: I had my baby on Aug 27th. Her name is Lillian Bree and she was 8'02 and 20" long. She is the cutest baby, and so good. She hardly every cries and sleeps pretty good at night. Having said that watch my luck change. It is so nice to be able to stay home with her and hold her. She is the best snuggler. One of these days when I can, maybe Leonard can tell me how to post a picture. You can leave your email address though and I can send them to you that way, if anyone wants to see her.

My mom left last Tues and my mother in law leaves Sat, so I will be forced to real life after that. It has been so nice having all the help.

(1) Sat Sep 18 2004 21:37: Things are going great with Lily. I get to stay home with her all day. It is really nice and relaxing, and I love getting to know her better. Today I went to lunch with my sister Julie at Red Lobster. Aaron and I also went to see I, Robot. It was better than I thought it would be. Basically, I am just loving the downtime I have right now.

Aaron leaves this Thurs for a few days to go to Dallas for a dental school interview. He then is driving to Houston for another interview and coming home Monday night. maybe Julie will want to spend the night a couple nights so I am not alone all that time. He is also going to San Antonio Oct 4th for a few days to interview too. All in all it is worth the sacrafice.

(4) Fri Oct 08 2004 18:56 First Day Back: It is my first day back at work. I have been here for three hours and I already miss Lily. She's soooo CUTE!

(1) Tue Oct 12 2004 20:03: I was going for a walk with Lily in her cool stroller yesterday morning. I love this time of year when the leaves start changing colors and the mountain looks like it is on fire with all the golds, reds, and oranges. The weather is perfect, and the air is crisp and clean. Utah has great Falls. Something about this time of year also reminds me a lot of Harry Potter. I just I have fond memories reading the books and it was in the Fall when I first picked them up. I read the first 4 in under a month. Maybe is is because JK Rowling describes in great detail this time of year a lot in her books like the Halloween feast, etc.

News on the home front: Aaron went to 3 Texas dental school interviews. He said they went well. Now we wait until early Dec to find out which schools accept him. I guess we'll have to wait but I am not too stressed about it b/c I have a feeling we will get in at least one.

Yesterday when I got home from work Aaron was making dinner and holding Lily. I went to hold her and he said, "she's all yours." I get some satisfaction that Aaron is learning to appreciate what stay at home mom's days are like. Hopefully he will rememember when he is working lots, and he won't question what I do all day like some men do to their wives. I learned quickly that it is not easy caring for babies. So Aaron said that she was fussy the last 2 hours and I asked him when the last time she napped was. She was completely exhausted b/c when I held her and snuggled her, she fell asleep. I guess Aaron has to learn like I learned that babies that young can't really stay awake for more than 2 hours at a time. At least not Lily. They are maybe awake for 8 hours in a 24 hour time period. So hoepfully today goes better for him now that he knows he has to help her go down for naps after being awake for over an hour and a half. We'll see how it goes.

Aaron and I rented the edited version of "Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind." It was a pretty cool movie. Very bizarre at first- one of those artsy films. It left me with feelgood fuzzies though. A sweet movie I recommend.

(3) Fri Oct 15 2004 16:17 Feeling sorry for myself: Now that my hormones have stabilized it is mid-Oct, and I am looking back at where the time went. I am now 23, and a birthday has passed, but it doesn't feel like it b/c it was 3 days after Lily was born. It went over-looked it feels like, and I guess I better get used to it from now on b/c Lily's birthday will always be 3 days before mone. Is life trying to teach me what motherhood is about? Maybe my hormones haven't stabilized.

Fri Oct 15 2004 17:27 Atticus story: When I was in KS, Atticus said something funny. We were in the car and I said "Oh my gosh!" and Atticus said, "Kristen, you shouldn't say Jesus' name. He doesn't like it when you said his name." Sooo cute. You have a good little boy, Alyson.

(3) Tue Oct 19 2004 18:22: I am listening to Angela's Ashes on cd while walking with Lily. It is very interesting, and I really like listening to the author's voice and his impersonations and accent. I think this story is better listened to than read.

Wed Oct 20 2004 17:01: Lily was so cute yesterday. She is starting to interact with me, and yesterday I was talking to her and she was smiling at me and cooing. She was even looking in my eyes the whole time. It is so fun to see her be able to develop. It is kinda sad on the other hand that my baby is getting big...she no longer fits in her newborn sleeper. When we put it on yesterday her legs couldn't straighten all the way. They grow so fast. I am going to miss seeing her in her cute little flower sleeper that she is so snuggly in.

On a sad note, I was putting Lily in her swing yesterday and she was sitting on her blanket that was all bunched, so I lifted her to straighten it out and I accidentally lifted her too high b/c I bonked her head on the bar holding the chair. I felt so terrible, and she started bawling. Poor baby was so sad. That was the first time she has cried out in pain like that. Poor little Lily.

(10) Wed Oct 20 2004 19:31: My tail bone still hurts bad since I gave birth. Especially when I sit too long and always when I stand up. I wonder if this will ever end. I have seen the chiropractor three times already.

Fri Oct 22 2004 15:43: I was folding Lily's load of laundry this morning while she was taking a nap. All the clothes smelled like her, like baby, and they were such cute outfits that she looks adorable in. I started to miss her and was hoping she would wake up from her nap so I could hold her and kiss her. Then I thought, am I crazy? I need to get this load folded and put away before she wakes up from her nap.

(4) Fri Oct 22 2004 15:46: Aaron and I rented Ladykillers with Tom Hanks from Clean Flicks yesterday. It was a clever show with a dark side but pretty good. I recommend it for a nice change from romantic comedies or whatever.

(5) Mon Oct 25 2004 21:14 Vegas, baby, Vegas: Aaron and I just got back at 4am this morning from Vegas. We went b/c Aaron was doing service for the Bush Campaign. He had to have 20 hours service with the elections for his American Heritage class. We went with his brother Jake and fiance Erin. It was fun but I was definitely ready to leave. Erin and I did the strip and also the outlet malls while the boys worked hard. I got some cute clothes for Lily and an outfit for my friend Roxanne who is about to have a baby boy any day now. All four of us hit a couple buffets too. The strip I had seen before a couple times. The casinos are neat, but walking the strip there are sleazy things everywhere. Lily was good the whole way there and back. I am relieved b/c we are traveling to San Antonio for Thanksgiving and I wasn't sure how she would do. Hopefully she is an angel again as I am flying by myself, and Aaron is driving down with Joe and Louise.

My sister-in-law Hailey gave me a ton of outfits for Lily to borrow. Some of them are the cutest things. It has been fun dressing her up the past few days with new stuff. I will miss the outfits when I have to give them back to Hailey. It seems like I need a picture of Lily in every outfit she owns to remember how cute she is in it. I am such a weird new mom.

(5) Tue Oct 26 2004 19:09 Doctor Visit: I went to the doctor today for Lily's 2 month check up. She had to get 4 shots today, poor thing. She only cried until it was done and stopped right away. I was suprised, but then again she is a really good baby. The nurses said she had muscular thighs. That is from Aaron b/c he has large muscular thighs. Also, her height is in the 75th percentile and her weight is in the 25th percentile so she is tall and skinny- also like Aaron. At least she has my eyes and chin, maybe mouth. A lot of her body is Aaron though including her long arms and long fingers. I have such a cutie! I also got a flu shot b/c the nurse suggested I should. It didn't hurt at all.

Fri Oct 29 2004 19:22: Same thing happened to me as what happened to John. :(

(1) Fri Oct 29 2004 19:24 I love baby's breath!: Today I looked at Lily in our bed laying on top of a pillow top mattress and 320 thread-count sateen sheets with a down comforter covering her up, and I thought 'she is so spoiled, and I love it!' (Or are Aaron and I so spoiled?)

Anyway, she has been sleeping so great this past week. Yesterday she slept 6 hours, the day before 7 and the day before 5 hours. And when she gets up I feed her and she always goes back down for another 3 hours after that. I think I can handle waking up once a night. I have such a good girl, and she is sooo cute.

(4) Mon Nov 01 2004 18:33: My friend Roxanne had her baby boy. Michael and Roxanne named him Ethan Michael, and he was 8 lbs 7 oz. Her water broke on a Monday at 5:00 pm and she didn't have the baby until Tues at 9:00pm. After having a 10 hour labor, I can't believe she had to go though labor over 24 hours! Thank goodness for Whitney genes.

(7) Tue Nov 02 2004 18:12 VOTE: This weekend was fun. It was Lily's fist Halloween. We had a little baby bag (a really warm sleeper type outfit for going out in the cold-kinda like a jacket for the whole body) that looks like a sheep outfit with little ears on the hood that we dressed her up in. Then she got hot so we took it off and put her to bed for a nap. For the first time in my life, I passed out candy- I feel like an adult. It was kinda lame b/c we got a bunch of kids that didn't dress up. They had on outfits they wear to school, just regular street clothes. Aaron carved a pumpkin in like 10 mins flat. It was a pirate and it looked so cute I took a picture. He also made pumpkin pie from scratch (bought a small pumpkin, boil it and made the filling with it). The crusts were shallow so we got 3 pies out of it. The pie was so good. We also rented "Billy Elliot" from Clean Flicks. It is an English film, but I think it was set in Ireland b/c the accents. It was very good, and I highly recommend it. A good quality film.

Julie and I also got to hang out together. Aaron let me have a break and watched Lily while Julie and I went out to lunch and movie. We saw Cellular with Kim Basinger. I was actually surprised. I liked it. Some bad acting, but not very predictable like I expected. A great action thriller for when there is nothing else to rent.

Lily is starting to cry real tears. It makes me sadder when she cries. She is getting so big and cute. I can't wait for my family to see her during Thanksgiving. Everyone will love her. She is also starting to know me and prefer me. It is so flattering and sweet.

There is lots of drama going on lately. Julie got burned last night from cooking. The oil splattered on her chest, arm, and neck causing second degree burns. She went to the hospital last night, and got painkillers. I know how she feels. Last summer I got second degree burns on my chest, arms, face, and upper back. It is the most painful thing in the world. My sunburn was so bad my shoulders were one giant blister and it oozed saline all day down my arm. I had to put a paper towel under my elbow at work to catch the solution. Now I have so many freckles on my arm from it, and my skin still isn't the same. All rough and bumpy. I took a picture of it b/c it looked really weird and cool, but Aaron threw it away b/c it grossed him out. I wish he didn't do that.

Anyway, I feel like a hypocrite with my title. I have a confession: I didn't vote today. I didn't change my address in time, so I don't know where my venue is... whatever. Plus, Aaron has been at school all day and I didn't want to stand in line with Lily and risk her getting sick. So there. Sue me.

(12) Wed Nov 03 2004 20:08: I went shopping today and picked up groceries for when we have John and Susie over for dinner. I was looking for swim diapers for Lily b/c we wanted to take her swimming at the Orem Rec Center since we have a membership there until Jan. I just want to see how she likes the water. But apparently Walmart doesn't carry swim diapers- they said it was a seasonal item. I guess they think that children only go swimming in the summer. How nice.

(2) Fri Nov 05 2004 19:15: Last night I made Portabello mushroom fajitas with homemade guacamole that was so good. It was fast, easy, and healthy.

(1) Fri Nov 12 2004 15:56 Baby Blessing: Lily is going to be blessed at church this Sunday (Nov 14th). Anyone in the area who wants to attend you are welcome. Sacrament starts at 9AM. I think there is a lunch afterwards at my brother-in-law's house around 1:00.

(3) Fri Nov 12 2004 19:29 Pink Elephants (inside joke with Aly): My in-laws are in town. They are on their way down to Mesa, AZ b/c Rick just retired from the Air Force and that is where they are moving. They gave us a nice set of their old pots and pans, and also brought down the table that we bought while living in Alaska but could afford to ship it. I suppose we are giving our old table to Jake and Erin when they get married, and I handed down the pots and pans that Alyson gave me to Julie. All in the family. Anyway it is really cool to get *new* to you stuff. Also, grandma gave Lily the cutest pink elephant from Gymboree. My little girl already has her first elephant. She is going to be Republican. hehe j/k

(3) Tue Nov 16 2004 21:32 Sleep at last: Lily has been so good lately. She is my little sleeper. She has been sleeping for at least 7 hours straight for the past few days. I can totally handle this. Waking up around 4:00 or 5:00am to feed her and then again at 8:00-8:30. It is the constant every 2 1/2 hours that wears you out. I hope she doesn't regress, but it looks as though I will be having really good night's sleep until she is older, and then I will be having even better sleep when she sleeps for 10 hours straight. I am so lucky to have such a good first baby. Especially since I am working part-time and things are complicated enough. I just love my daughter. She is perfect.

Does anyone know how to post pictures on the weblog? If I can you can see her in her blessing dress which she looks gorgeous in.

(1) Wed Nov 17 2004 19:38: Last night Aaron and I went to bed a few hours after Lily went to bed. Aaron climbed into bed with one of Lily's soft blankets to snuggle with b/c he missed her and couldn't hold her. Precious.

Fri Nov 19 2004 18:40: Has anyone seen that Brawny Papertowel commercial with the Brawny man cleaning up after himself while preparing a romantic night with his "special someone"? I love that commerical. It is so funny to me for some reason.

(4) Fri Nov 19 2004 18:47: Last night I made Eggplant Parmesan. It was really good and pretty simple. Just a little time consuming. The best part about it is Aaron really liked it. It is nice to be appreciated.

I am leaving for San Antonio tomorrow for a week to visit my family. My brother David just got home from his mission, and it will be the first time meeting all of my new family as mom's new husband, Ben's kids will be there too. I am a little nervous traveling by myself b/c Lily has never flown before and I hope she is good. People, if you fly on the same plane as a baby and they cry the whole time don't get mad. The baby, or the mom, can't help it. Sorry in advance to those in my plane if Lily cries.

(5) Fri Nov 19 2004 21:29 Woe is me: I seriously broke my tailbone. I don't care what anyone else says. It hurts when I sit, it hurts when I stand up, and it sometimes hurts when I lay down and walk. I also can hear and feel a popping (accompanied by a sharp pain) when I shift positions. I guess I can be grateful to the fact that I did not feel it break while Lillian went through the birth canal.

Sun Nov 21 2004 21:41: We arrived saftely in San Antonio. Aaron, Joe, and Louise drove straight through. It took them 18 hours and they got in at 5:45AM. Lily was pretty good on the flight. The second leg from Phoenix to SLC we had the whole row to ourselves and I laid Lily on the seat so she could get a real nap. It was a lifesaver that the flight was not full. Now it is play time, and time for everyone to see my new baby.

Mon Nov 22 2004 23:01 It's raining, it's pouring...: Here in TX not one leaf has fallen. It is very pretty outside. The trees, shrubs, and grass are a vibrant green. It is so nice to be home. Every time I come back I am amazed at how humid it is here. I hardly noticed it growing up.

Last night there was a big thunderstorm. When it rains, it pours here.

(7) Wed Dec 01 2004 18:51 HE DID IT!: Aaron got into dental school in San Antonio. Looks like we are on our way there this summer early July. He starts July 20th. Our bags are already packed!!! Congrats Aaron! You worked hard, and I am proud of you.

(2) Mon Dec 06 2004 20:30: Things are finally starting to settle now that I am back home. Thanksgiving was fun in San Antonio, but I am sure Lily is happy to be back on a schedule as is her mommy. I really liked getting to know Ben better. David is same ol David and it was fun to see him back from his mission. I also had a chance to hang out with Michelle more than I had in the past.

While traveling back home my flight was delayed and overbooked. The cool part is they offered 4 people a $200 flight credit to travel 4 hours later. I took it and luckily mom was at the airport still so we ran errands and she dropped me back off at the airport to catch my flight back home. It gets better, instead of $200 flight credit I got $376. I paid $283 for the flight so I made out really well I think.

Aaron has heard back from Baylor (Dallas) and UT (in Houston) as well, and he has gotten in those schools as well. We are going to stick with San Antonio unless they offer Aaron a scholarship he can't refuse.

After reading a post from Sumana about books she read, I remembered I had been wanting to read East of Eden b/c Alyson recommended it and also it was on Oprah's book club list. I rented the book on cd from the library to listen to during my daily walk with Lily- (she usually falls asleep after 5 mins). I enjoy it so far, but I am only on Ch 7.

I can't believe that in 2 1/2 weeks I will be heading down to San Antonio again. Not to mention that we will be checking out housing to live in! Exciting stuff. I do kinda wish though that my vacations were spread apart so to break up the boring parts of the year, but I'll take what I can get.

Mon Dec 06 2004 20:52 Pictures: Also, Leonard added pictures of Lily. Just go to the thumbnail 'pictures' to the left. Thanks Leonard!

(1) Tue Dec 07 2004 19:39: I actually went running for the first time in like 2 1/2 yrs. I haven't felt parts of my body jiggle that much while running. I used to be slender and in shape in my former life (HS). At least I completed a mile, wahoo, no matter how long it took me.

(1) Wed Dec 08 2004 20:56: I have had a constant headache for the past week. Aaron says he thinks it is from central heating. I guess the fake heat is drying out my sinuses. Whatever it is, I am out of Motrin and have been using Tylenol. Tylenol sucks and doesn't do anything on me. I love IBproufen.

(5) Fri Dec 10 2004 16:40 Christmas: Tonight Aaron and I are going on our first real date since Lily was born. Booner is babysitting, and we are going to Sandy for my work company party. I am hoping that I get a door prize (last year they gave DVD players and other electronics, and hotel stays at the Mariott, ect.) I think the food will be good too. Last time, the food was terrible and everyone complained.

Yesterday was nice. Aaron and I went Christmas shopping together. It is rare for us to be able to spend time during the day, or anytime really before 8:30pm with our schedules. I picked out some of my presents- a red peacoat on sale for $34 at Old Navy and this way cute black and white bouclay skirt from the Gap that is sooo cute. The skirt was on sale too. I also got Lily this red velour skirt that is so cute that she will wear on Christmas. I wanted to get the matching onesie that had a tiny holly, candy cane, and Christmas tree on it but it was a little expensive and she could only wear it in Dec. I practiced self discipline not to get it b/c I really wanted to get the festive outfit that she would look so cute in, but you can't buy everything. Oh well, that is what grandmas are for.

(1) Mon Dec 13 2004 15:54 Weekend: This weekend I regret going to my company party. I seem to say that every year yet I still go. They always have bad food and it is always a ways away. It took Aaron and me 1 hour and 15 mins to get to a place that is usually 30 mins away b/c of traffic. I didn't win a door prize either. I wish I could take it back and do something else with that night since we even had a babysitter that we paid with a very nice steak dinner. (We had Booner over for really good quality steaks, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and Costco pumpkin pie. It was the best we could do without actually giving him cash.) So I didn't even feel guilty for asking someone for free, and we could have done anything alone, so I feel kinda gypped. Oh well.

Aaron and I saw Friday Night Lights on Sat night. It was ok, but I decided that I really have to be in the mood of not being entertained with shows like that and Radio, and Remember the Titans. All those football movies give you a nice warm feeling at the end, but during when they do all that football stuff I find myself watching the clock wondering when it is going to end. I also went to the bridal shower for my future sister in law Erin. That was fun but it was all the way up in Ogden (1 hour and 15 min away). Seems like everything was far away this weekend. Her family is cute. It was at her grandma's house which was covered from ceiling to floor with Christmas decorations; so I shouldn't have been surprised to see her get for her shower a lot of Christmas decorations. I thought it was kinda random but the family is very festive apparently. That is what you get when you get married during Christmas time. Also she only got one piece of lingerie, and it was from her grandma of all people. It looked like a napkin it was so tiny. I am very excited for Jake and Erin, and I can't wait to have all the Smith family together this weekend. It is always fun to visit with family. I just love weddings! Whoever doesn't like them is crazy. They are just like family reunions.

Last night we had a gift exchange with my Dad and Jan at their house. It was fun, and nice to be at a house in the Christmas spirit. Jan was burning candles that reminded me of growing up and the scents in my old house mom used to burn. Dad sure does love Lily. She is just so cute.

Anyway, this is a good week b/c it is finals, and with everyday Aaron will be completely done with a class that we will never have to worry about again.

(8) Tue Dec 14 2004 16:08 Movie Night: Whenever Aaron finishes a semester and isn't on a school schedule, he really likes to relax and do a lot of nothings he doesn't get to when he is in school. This starts on finals week since he isn't one of those that spends 8 hours a day studying. So last night he talked me into watching two, yes count them two movies in a row, back to back. I didn't want to, but I often say no to things and I just didn't want to disappoint him by saying no again. So we watched first on Clean Flicks 'Man on Fire' with Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning. It was still too violent for me, and an ok movie, but not really if you think about it, but if you think about it more it was bad but not that bad...one where you can't make your mind up about liking. Then we watched 'The Punisher' on Clean Flicks too. Aaron loves comic book movies so he rented this one of course. It was a lot like 'Man on Fire' in that all the killing was all about revenge. It was cheesy and violent for me too. John Travolta plays the cheesiest bad guys I think i.e. Broken Arrow, and some others I can't think of off the top of my head. So anyway, I can look forward to seeing 'Shakespeare in Love' tonight I'm sure b/c Aaron rented it last night with the others. Can you tell we like Clean Flicks? I also want to rent Fahrenheit 9/11 on Clean Flicks because I am curious. It will be edited so it won't be the full Michael Moore experience. I will take it with a grain of salt, and will let you know my review of it once I see it.

(4) Tue Dec 14 2004 17:44: I don't know what I was thinking in my last post. Tonight I am going to buy Extended Version of LotR, and we'll watch that.

(10) Tue Dec 14 2004 18:49: While we are on the subject of movies, is it just me who thinks the casting of 'Beyond the Sea' with Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth is just wrong? I mean why is a 21 yr old actress playing opposite of a 45 yr old actor? That is just disgusting and there is nothing romantic about it. Kevin Spacey creeps me out. That is just Hollywood/society for you. If it were an older woman with a younger man everyone would be turned off, but it is ok the other way around. I mean he is over twice her age. It is just wrong.

Thu Dec 16 2004 16:17: I am pretty tired today. I spent all day yesterday and today cleaning and getting our house ready for visitors. Josh, Jenni, and Caden (Aaron's brother, his wife, and son) are staying with us for Jake's wedding. They come in tomorrow, but Rick and Sherry (father and mother-in-law) and staying with us tonight. I am pretty happy to have them. Sometimes, it just exhausts me to keep everything spick and span all the time. I try to keep up on the big things like laundry and keeping the kitchen clean. It is just annoying that you have everything really nice and clean (I'm talking chemical clean, not just tidy up clean) but then yourself or others go and undo all your work within a couple days. I didn't even get to pulling all the dead flowers out of the bed in front of our house with Aaron. They look pretty bad. Mainly, I just love how things are when they are deep cleaned, but I wish it could stay that way longer or even better, forever.

Fri Dec 17 2004 16:06 She did it!: Lily rolled over. The first time was last night in the middle of the night. We moved her crib in our room b/c we have visitors staying with us in her room. I heard noises and crying and when I got up to get her she was facing me and I could see her eyes looking around. (She sleeps on her tummy). I thought wow, she turned over, but I was so tired to really go further than that. This morning when she woke up and she was all feed I placed her in her crib on her tummy to see if she would roll over again so I could see. I called Aaron and we stood on one side encouraging her and cheering her on. She first got on her side and was lying on her arm. Then she nudged herself slowly and finally got on her back. It was so cute. Kinda scary now, we can't just leave her on the bed to get something or the couch. I am glad her first time rolling over wasn't off of one of those places. Her 'in pain' cry makes me sad.

(9) Mon Dec 20 2004 20:56 Doctor's Waiting Room: Today Lillian had a doctor's appt. She had her shots today. Four of them. She was super tired, and on top of that she has held down and got two shots in each thigh. It was so sad. I can honestly say that she has never cried that sad in her life. She was so hurt and sad, and even after it was over and I hugged her and cuddled her she was still bawling. Her 'in pain' cry is the saddest. She was weighed and measured too. 25th percentile for weight, 75th for height, and 25th for head circumference. She didn't get tall and skinny from her mommy.

Sherry and Jenni and I went to lunch at Cafe Rio. I haven't been there for at least a year. It was very tasty and fresh. I got the chicken fajita salad. I must saw their cilantro dressing is excellent. We also went to Target to get new wipes and Infant Tylenol. Now I am so tired here at work, and ready to go home.

(1) Thu Dec 30 2004 17:41: Christmas was great. We got some fun things like a subscription to Netflix, gift certificates to the mall, and Aaron got me these fabulous boots. Lily got some cute things too, but she fell asleep halfway through opening gifts. Cutie. It has been fun here in San Antonio. I went to the outlet mall today with my sister in law Jenni. Aaron and I have also been looking for housing for dental school. We are looking at buying a house, but we will see. I am not getting my hopes up yet. I just don't want to have to rent an apt, but I could rent a house or duplex. I don't want to revert back since Aaron and I have been in a house already. I know, we got spoiled.

Lily was sick for the first half of the trip. She is kinda on the tail end of it thankfully. She just hasn't been herself and it makes me sad. She didn't smile for 2 days. You just feel so helpless when they are sick, and this is her first time. She has slept a lot, and she hates her medicine. Also she has been breathing out her mouth b/c her nose is stuffed up. Poor girl. I am just glad she is getting better. We head home on Sat back to Provo. Hopefully this time we won't get stuck in a snow storm. Argh!