The Christmas Letter that Didn't Get Written

Christmas Break has started and I am beyond excited to have my family home and snuggled with me for the next two weeks. This December has been crazier than most, but I bet everyone could say that. It seems to be the pace of our lives these days. As I kept slipping behind on my to do list, I finally gave up on 'doing it all' and skipped a Christmas letter to our family and friends. All our attempts at a family picture failed miserably and time just ran out to try again. Christmas picture fail #1: Lila manages to pull down her headband without anyone noticing. Brady's face is also worth noting.Fail #17: Lainey's crazy smile.
Fail #923: Lainey's crazy eyes. Brady's smile...

It was the one thing that just didn't get done in time. Tyler and I talked and we both felt that nothing much happened in 2010 so we wouldn't have much to say in a letter anyway.


Some time passed after this conversation, and Tyler said, "Well, Lila was born."


"Yeah, that is big news!" And oh, how we love that little angel!! She's 7 months old now and chows down on baby food and crawls (YIKES!) all over the house. I want to say she's a serious little thing, but that's not exactly true. She is chatty and playful, but reserves her smiles for those she loves most (Mommy, Daddy, Lainey and Brady!). She is a joy and a wonderful baby despite her reluctant smiles. My heart could burst from love for this little cutie!
And I had to include this one, because it was the best smile we got out of her at our little photo op:

So after Tyler's comment, my brain kept clicking along. And I said, "Tyler, your new job is big news."


Yep, Tyler got a promotion. There were a few months there where we didn't know what was happening and a move seemed likely for us. We've been in the 'burg for 2 and a half years and that seems to be our average length of stay in one place. An opportunity for Tyler to become publisher/president of the local paper he's been working at came up and he got the job! We're excited to stay and plan to buy/build a home here in 2011. Between his new job and his calling in the Young Men's group at church, we don't get to see him at home as much as we'd like, but we're learning to cope...


And Tyler reminded me that along with a new baby this year, I got a new calling as Primary President that has kept me extremely busy. To say that I am humbled by this responsibility is a gargantuan understatement. I tried to find a cute picture from the Santa Breakfast we (the Primary) put on, but every shot I'm in, I'm a blur because I was in constant motion. I've served in the Primary in this ward before Lila was born, so I know these kids and LOVE them dearly.


And since we're gushing about my family, I better mention my other 2 little darlings.


Lainey is in 1st grade. She is a fantastic reader and a great student. At her parent teacher conference her teacher said she could go a whole day without hearing Lainey say a single word. I don't know that that's true anymore because I've spent some time in the classroom which has helped her warm up some and her amazing teacher has really helped Lainey come out of her shell more. She LOVES to draw and write. My goodness, the girl has written on so much paper that she's probably single handedly used up a whole forest of trees! Her stories are always creative, cute, and hilarious! And recently her artwork was selected to hang in a local art gallery. She felt so special! She is growing up so fast and I love spending time with her older self, but miss dearly her days as my little girl!


Brady has only 9 or 10 more months until kindergarten. We're very excited to have him off to school. We've been doing a preschool co-op this year and I have had such fun watching him when he interacts positively with his friends. Of course, watching him interact negatively takes its toll as well. Unlike Lainey at this age, he wants to do everything himself. It can sometimes take him a long time to get it done, but he doesn't want help. He is very meticulous about his artwork and always spends time on the smallest details. Since this isn't a letter, but a blog post, I'm going to be more honest than I would a letter. Brady has been challenging this year and he continues to be. If you know any ways to motivate a four year old besides normal methods (bribes, loss of privileges, fear, positive encouragement, etc.) PLEASE let me know. I'm hoping to understand him better in 2011. I love him dearly and his spontaneous hugs and kisses when he's happy are a delight!


So 2010 wasn't as uneventful as we initially thought, I suppose. We are, as always, mindful of how we've been blessed this year. Wow. It's overwhelming just thinking about the numerous blessings we've received. We are thankful for this wonderful life we've been given. Can't wait to spend this holiday break reveling in it!!!!

Merry Christmas!

A name and a blessing

The Lady of the hourHow do you buckle all that lace?

The fam...

Mommy and her favorite child (just don't tell the others...)

The kiddos...

Lovin' on Lila

Cousins born just days apart. Betcha wouldn't of guessed that Shayne came AFTER Lila! Such cuties!!!!

Cousins being silly

Papa and Shayne

We had a great weekend. Love having family over. We ate LOTS of good food, played, and chatted. Not pictured above (darn it!) were my mom and dad. Gotta get some pictures of the kids with them!

Lainey had her first tardy today. She wouldn't tell the school secretary her name. She was too afraid. I don't think she's ever talked to her before.

Brady and I were 35 minutes late to our meeting this morning. It was either take a shower and be late or be on time and probably not get a shower the rest of the day.

I made it to school in time for kindergarten pick up, barely. I left Daddy babysitting Brady via cell phone in our running van while I ran to get her from the pick up line.

Brady was late getting dropped off for an afternoon playdate.

I was late getting to Cub Scouts, where I'd volunteered to substitute. I had to leave early to get Lainey to ballet.

But she was late to that, too.

Which meant that I was late picking up Brady from his play date.

And then dinner didn't get on the table in time because my clock has been behind all day, so when the financial planner showed up for our scheduled appointment, we were still eating our dinner- eggs and toast.

And then, finally, I sat down and was allowed to feel the angst, anger, frustration, and aggravation I'd been feeling all day. And it all came out. In snide, rude, short comments to Tyler in front of the financial planner. I'm sure that guy thinks I'm the witchiest wife in the Burg. And while some of my anger was correctly aimed, most of it was just me lashing out about my day.

So now I feel a little guilty- okay, a lot guilty. Tomorrow will be better, right?

I should've known where this day was heading when I left for my morning walk...

10 minutes late.

A journey of a thousand miles...

I've done some really smart things in my life. Earned a place at a good college. Married a great man in the right place. Listened to my mother when she told me not to pick my nose. I've even been blessed with the strength to do a few amazing things. Like have 2 adorable children. Like lose 86 pounds.

But a week and a half ago I did something not so smart. Something I didn't have the strength to do.

I ran. Outside, on a trail. I was going to go for a little over an hour. It was a Saturday. The air was crisp, but not bitterly cold like it had been. I had very low expectations. I was prepared to slow to a walk at at least one or more points during my first outdoor run since high school.

Tyler knew the length of my run wasn't wise and warned me. But I knew I was in great shape, knew I'd be using different muscles, but thought my leaner, more toned body could handle it. I passed other runners and felt a sense of camaraderie that comes from finding someone else doing something that few people actually enjoy. I listened to Abba sing their greatest hits and pounded the dirt while Kelly Clarkson belted out a ballad.

I didn't stop to walk until my turn around point. I was doing great. I walked part of the way home, but I was okay with that. I ended up turning around later than I thought, but that was okay because I felt great. Part of the new me is this crazy part of my brain that tells me to keep going and going and going and going. And while I'm going, I feel pretty good.

The kids were dressed and ready to go when I got home to cool down and stretch. Tyler even got the Christmas lights down (finally). I was so proud of myself. For like 3 hours. You see, I could still walk for the next 3 hours, but the 10-24 after that, I could hardly keep one leg swinging in front of the other. That Saturday happened to be a day we were heading to Seattle to run some errands, like at a mall or two.

I have never had muscles so sore in my life. I couldn't hardly lift my leg into the car. The people bustling around me at each stop must've thought I had some serious medical problems because of the awkwardness in my gait and the stiffness in my legs. Needless to say, it was the longest shopping day of my life.

I admit it. Not the brightest bulb in the bunch here. I was sore for like a week. And I hurt my ankle. So now I can't exercise at all which is driving me totally bonkers. Why the public admission of stupidity? I dunno. So all you experienced runners can laugh at me. So someone else doesn't try what I did. So next time I'll be more careful. To say that I did it and because of the results may never do it again. And even though it hurt like heck I'm still in some crazy way proud of myself for running that long. Even though I may never do it again.

Ever.

Okay, friends. You can't leave me feeling like the hugest idiot ever. What's the stupidest thing you've ever done?

Resolute.

New Years has come and gone. I've given nary a thought to the resolutions I made last New Years, mostly because I can't remember them. It's funny to me that the one big thing I did do this year probably wasn't something I resolved to do this past year on January 1st, 2008. It doesn't matter that I don't remember my list, because I'm sure weight loss wasn't on it. You know how I know? I always thought losing weight would be too hard. Just too much work, too time consuming, too life changing in a way that I wasn't ready for. Too impossible for me to even attempt.

I guess I was wrong.

Most people gain, on average, 10 pounds over the holidays. In the month of December, I lost 10 and 2 days before Christmas hit my final goal. I've lost 80 pounds. I've lost 34% of my former self. I've lost my double chin, my fat face, my fat body. If I wanted to be crazy I could keep going and lose 15 more pounds to get to my wedding weight, but I'm tired. A good tired. An accomplished tired.

It's been a good year. And as I sit here and think about what 2009 will be, I'm excited to find out with my new me. Not my new body, because that's just the outside. I'm talking about the new me on the inside- the one who accomplished a huge thing. The one who saw something about herself that she didn't like and changed it. The one who got up off her toosh and got to work. The one who kinda feels empowered. The one who feels like maybe resolutions made on a New Year's Day can be achieved.

It's about possibilities. I see so many more now than I did before my latest achievement. So many that aren't even about physical things. I see possibilities in every aspect of my life just because I set a goal, a big one, and I accomplished it. That means, to me, that all those other things I've thought I just couldn't do because they were too hard or things I thought I couldn't do because my personality just wouldn't allow it to be so are possible for my 2009.

I think the biggest lesson I learned from losing weight wasn't that eating healthy is good or that exercise makes you feel good or anything like that. I think the biggest lesson I learned was on the mornings I didn't feel like getting on the elliptical, the mornings when I muttered a prayer that went something like, "Heavenly Father, I don't want to do this. Do I have to workout today?" I think the biggest lesson I learned was in the moments following that prayer. I learned more surely that Heavenly Father gave us a cheerleader- the Holy Ghost. Not new information, but I learned just how loud this cheerleader can cheer. If someone would've told me on January 1st, 2008 that the Holy Ghost would help me lose weight, I wouldn't disbelieve them, because with God all things are possible, but I wouldn't have jumped right on the bandwagon. But I know better know. Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit's holy cheering!

2009 is gonna be a good year. I've got big goals, personal goals, and for the first time, I feel hope. I can do this. I feel resolute.

How do you feel about 2009, friends?

And I promise this is my last post about weight loss.... probably.

A new do too!

New short and sassy a-line cut.

Merry Christmas to me!

And just because I love it,

Our family Christmas picture.

Coming to a mailbox near you... maybe.

Ta Da!!!!!

After looking like this:

I decided to use this:

And I lost this much weight:
50 lbs of rice + 5 lbs of flour + 2 10.5 lbs boxes of canned veggies= 76 lbs

Or, for another visual, this much weight:

A 31 lb Brady + a 45 lb Lainey = 76 lbs

And now I look like this:

Sorry, Gabrielle. No fashion show, but here's one more picture just for you!

No, I'm not a size 6, and probably never will be, but that's okay with me!

Since maybe someone somewhere asked...

I haven't been quiet about the fact that I've been slow to make friends in the 'Burg. Can't quite capture the hearts of the 'Burgians as I've captured yours. My hours of exercise at sometimes play-date prone hours might have something to do with it, but whatevs. Someone asked me how my GNO to Twilight went, and so here goes. It was awkward, but mostly fun.

Let's start with the first awkward fact. 5 women, first in line, two hours early to see a movie made for teenagers. So early, in fact, that it was just us and the 5 teenagers behind us for like an hour. We live in a town of 25,000 (if you count the college students). Its not like a major metropolis where large crowds gather. Even if every 'Burgian showed up, we just wouldn't be a that large of a crowd. The need for such line waiting was beyond my comprehension, but I really wanted to make some friends, so the lips stayed zip.

Awkward fact numero dos. One of the gals I went with was/is obsessed with the series. I don't mean that lightly. Please don't underestimate the power of the font size and slant of the word obsessed. She picked me up in her minivan and proceed to blast and sing along with the soundtrack she already had memorized. Then, when she ran to get cash, she noticed a magazine with Twilight actors on the cover and just had to buy it. And read in line. Out loud. And she even interspersed the magazines facts with ones she'd read on fan sites and in other magazine articles. (She really is super, SUPER nice. I really mean that. Just a very obsessed.)

Awkward fact #3. The young women from our ward were there. We were like 50 people ahead of them in line. They thought this meant we were cool. I thought this probably meant that we were weird, especially when looking down the line and seeing exactly zero other adults there. They came up and asked us if we were with 'Team Edward' or 'Team Jacob'. I had no idea what they were talking about. There are teams? Didn't Edward win? But what did he win? This excited fan stuff is so hard for me to follow.

Awkward fact #4. More like a moment. We ran from the line, down the hall to the theatre. The kids behind us weren't running, but we had to get the best seats? It felt weird. And very, very wrong. I'm twenty something, not twelve. I guess when in the 'Burg, do as the 'Burgians do, right?

Awkward fact #5. Here comes the part that'll draw out the comments. The next awkward fact was the dialogue. I said to the girl next to me as we laughed through a supposedly romantic and witty line that some things must not be meant to be said out loud. Maybe some lines are meant to be enjoyed only in the recesses of our romance seeking minds. The adolescent girls behind us certainly did not appreciate the giggling old ladies in front of them.

Awkward fact #6. Edward's acting. Sorry, Rob. You just aren't that great of an actor. Or maybe acting like you can smell someone's blood and want to suck it, but can't allow yourself to do so is just asking too much from a skilled actor such as yourself. Apparently, the line "Hold on, my little spider monkey" was some ad lib by Rob himself. Wow (that's not a good wow.). And now you understand my problems with the dialogue and hunky Rob's acting.

Awkward fact #7. Actually, another moment. More like 10 minutes. We were the last to leave the theatre. That's not necessarily awkward, but we took so long to leave because my new BFF was crying. The ending wasn't particularly sad, but she was. The movie was over. She just wanted it to go on forever and ever. Not having a clue what to say to a crying woman is always awkward, even if you yourself are a compassionate woman with somewhat active tear ducts yourself. Take my word for it.

So 7 awkward facts does not an exceptional night make. But 7 awkward facts mixed in with a lot of laughing, some insightful female conversation, and a little bit of feeling like belonging does make a fun night. And I will say, the Linkin Park song on the soundtrack was actually pretty awesome. And if I hadn't been there 2 hours early I wouldn't have gotten to know the ladies that I went with. Chatting about nothing and everything is a great way to get to know people. And even though Edward's acting left something to be desired, I thought the rest of the casting was right on the money. Bella was a much better actress than I thought she would be from the trailers, so that was great. And if I hadn't gone with the friend who was totally obsessed, I never would have seen Stephenie Meyer's cameo or known that it was filmed in Oregon or a lot of really interesting albeit pointless facts. It really is always fun to see a book you've read and imagined in your head interpreted by someone else.

Haven't gotten called back for a second date, so maybe it wasn't as good for everyone else as it was for me. Or maybe they've just been busy. It is 'the holidays', right?

And yet another post related to weight loss...

Life in the 'Burg is probably somewhat Mayberry-esk. Local people, local shops, local life filled with local chatter. And while we love the Mayberry, we don't love the lack of retail. And by we, I, of course, mean me. There is literally no where to shop in this town. We have one Maurice's that carries, on average, one size of each shirt, pants, skirt, or sweater. And we have our Fred Meyers- which is a life saver on late Thursday afternoons for baby shower going women who've forgotten to pick something up while visiting a larger city offering more retail options. But I digress. There is also the Goodwill, but in a farming/poor college student community such as this, you can guess how many have picked over the limited selections there. So as we trekked over mountains and hills to Grandma and Grandpa's for our Thanksgiving feast, I prepared mentally to shop. Till I dropped.

I'm not a huge fan of crowds and really hate Black Friday, but seeing as how it was the only day I had available to indulge myself in retail glory, I braved the crowded mall and drug my shopping-hating mother along with me for the trip. A girl's gotta have back up for a spree like I wanted to have. We bobbed and weaved through the crowded mall and searched high and low for things befitting a mostly nonexistent wardrobe. Stacy and Clinton sat like little personal stylists while I browsed every rack in Macys and hunted through rows and rows of denim in JCPenneys. We walked past Lane Bryant and I paused to bid a fond adieu to all that great style in sizes for people who couldn't get it at a 'regular' store. I thought of all the nice people I've chatted with over sales counters in various Lane Bryant stores. Some of the best customer service I've ever had. I'll miss that.

And then I fell. Not literally fell. But I fell back into the Gap. Glory of glories. It was my first time in there in 6 years. This is were half my high school wardrobe was purchased with money earned with my own blood, sweat and tears. This place was were I knew my Daddy loved me (okay, of course I knew before that incident I just linked to, but I've gotta hype up the drama here so you get the momentous-ness of the event). I actually tried stuff on- not the $75 jeans, because a mother of 2 in a single income household has gotta have her limits, but other stuff. I touched the stacks of knitted wool. I oohed and aahhed over the colorful, striped, 'perfect for Christmas gifts' sweaters stacked neatly on that standard white table in the center of all the Gap-i-ness. I fit into these clothes again. Thank the heavens! My world is back in its correct orbit! And then I walked out with. . . nothing. Which was actually quite liberating in and of itself. I could walk into the Gap and tell that retail giant that they didn't have anything this girl with cash burning a hole her pocket could want. Maybe next time.

Mom (did I mention she really hates shopping?) and I were still going strong, still out-striding all the other bargain hunters. We walked into the next store and I fell in love. Until that day, that moment, I'd never been to an Ann Taylor Loft. Good gravy that store is awesome. I tried on a sweater, opened the door to show Mom (who still hates shopping, by the way) and said, "I've gotta have this sweater." Deep purple, feminine. Love it! And the $6 shirt I scored off the clearance rack was also a little gem.

I went home after spending a few hundred dollars feeling like a million bucks. And I'm still floating on that high every time I slip into one of my new articles. I forgot how much I like shopping. Or maybe this was the first time I did actually like shopping. I can tell you that this is honestly the first time I've liked my body. Sure, I've got a lower tummy that just won't flatten and thighs that will always be more thunderous than thin. Sure, Heidi Klum will always look better than me walking down a runway in nothing but her unmentionables and some fancy wings even after she's had two kids just like me. And maybe I'll never get catcalled by randy men cruising down the street while I chug up a hill with my stroller filled with children, but I think I actually like myself enough not to care about those things.

When I weighed this weight 6 or 7 years ago, I hated my body. When I was 25 pounds lighter than this 7 or 8 years ago, I still didn't even like my body. I was so busy comparing myself to others, so busy wishing I could buy a smaller size (probably at the Gap) that I took for granted that I actually looked good. I didn't listen when my then boyfriend/fiance/soon-to-be husband told me I was beautiful. Now, I not only believe it, but you might actually hear those words come out of my mouth as I gaze at myself in the mirror (usually fully clothed, still look like I've definitely had two kids if I'm not clothed and that just ain't pretty). I catch myself staring at my toned calves and love them! People, I love my calves! I love them not only because they look good, but because I did that. Those muscles, I made them with my sweat and determination.

My body may not be perfect. You may always be skinnier than me, but I look dang good. And that's okay with me.

So, now you know I'm in love with my calves and to honor everyone who likes themselves just as they are, I really wanna know, what do you love on that hot body of yours? Eyes, lips, arms, toosh??? What is your favorite feature on you? This means I'd like you to comment, because blogging is nothing if not narcissistic and I wanna know that someone, somewhere actually read my entire post.

And I know you all want a picture. Can't you just wait for 8 more pounds? Seriously though, our computer is dead. Dead dead. And we're in the process of having some highly skilled professionals rescue the data on our old hard drive. I need that data. I can't have an after picture without a before. Hang tight. Pictures are coming to the blogosphere soon!

And can I just say that everyone needs a blog just so they can feel the love that I felt when I read all your comments. Seriously, your congrats to me on this monumental triumph mean more than these words I'm typing can say. I appreciate the support and encouragement from everyone, those who've never seen me heavy, those who've never seen me thin, those who've never seen me at all, and especially those who've been there through the whole thing.

Milestones...

So I've never done Weight Watchers, but I'm a huge fan of their program. I know from others that have done WW that they always tell their clients to have smaller goals on the way to the bigger goals. I've totally survived this weight loss effort by keeping that in mind. As I'm getting very near my goal (I've added 5 lbs, so now my goal is 80...) I've been thinking about my benchmarks of success for these last months. Just for my own remembrance, here are a few of my favs:

• 20% of my body weight lost. That was the first one. It felt like such an accomplishment. Now it seems so small!
• Getting back to my pre-Brady weight. Still very big, but it felt like I was taking the years off. I kept thinking that if I went back to Colorado, no one would recognize me anymore!
  
• Getting back into the 100s. This is very hard for me to admit publicly, but the day I was less than two hundred pounds felt like a small miracle. This was about the time that I realized I was skinnier than I'd ever been when we lived in Idaho!
  
• Hitting my pre-Lainey weight. Gosh, that felt really good. It only took almost 5 years, but at least I got rid of the baby weight eventually! Now if only the body looked pre-baby, too! This also happened to be the weight were I had lost 50 lbs total. Another huge milestone for me!

Today I hit another milestone. Besides hitting my weight goal (when I do), this is probably the biggest milestone of all. According to my bmi, based on my height and weight, I am no longer considered overweight. I'm 'normal weight'. I'm healthy, people! After all these months and months of work, I'm finally feeling like I've accomplished something important! I still feel chubby and like I could lose 20-25 more pounds, but I'm committed to just worrying about these last 8 lbs and then taking a breather. I've got other big goals I want to accomplish. I've got reasons I started this whole weight loss, reasons that I need to attend to. Maybe I'll tell you about those some time.

In the meantime, I'm patting myself on the back and can't wait for these last 8 to go away forever!!

The truth comes out.

I have a secret.

Has anyone noticed I haven't been blogging much since summer started? No?? How could you not notice? Oh, that's right. The world doesn't revolve around me. Duh. Well there is a very good reason for my lack of interesting blog posts. I've been keeping busy and haven't been sharing.

No, I'm not expecting. Let's just get that out there right now. But I've been doing something else pretty incredible.

I've lost 55 pounds. And counting.

All that leading up work just to tell you that. I know. So melodramatic. But it feels pretty huge to me. I bet you're wondering why I haven't told you. Well, frankly, its embarrassing to have that much weight to lose, number one. And I'm not even done yet. I have MORE weight to lose. Even more embarrassing. Some of the people who read this blog haven't seen me in years and remember me as fairly thin. I didn't want to shatter any one's illusions of me. Number two, I'm well known for starting something, then quitting if it gets to be too hard for me. You want a list? I could give you one. Let's see: I dropped out of college, I have a box of crafts I've started and haven't finished, I have a whole quilt I've started and never finished, I started piano lessons last year but don't play anymore because I don't have a teacher as flexible as my last one.... and the list could go on. Just ask Tyler. I'm the queen of quitting. I didn't want to announce a goal and then fail. Failing doesn't feel good when you're the only one who knows about it, much less a bunch of your friends and family.

So now you're wondering why this means I have less to blog about. Frankly, dieting and exercising are about all I think about besides feeding my children occasionally. So if I don't want you to know I've got this huge goal, I can't really talk about what's on in my mind can I? Because diet and exercise are (almost) all I think about.

So yay for me. I've never worked so hard for anything in my life. And just because I know someone will ask how I'm doing it, I'll tell you. Sweat. Determination. And a whole lot of portion control. I work out A LOT. My friend, Gabrielle, has been my biggest motivator and inspiration. When we moved to Colorado in 2006, 2 other friends left our little community, too. And Gabrielle found herself a little lonely so she decided to fill her time working out and lost 75 lbs (which happens to be my final goal, too... give or take a few pounds). When we moved to the Burg and I found myself friendless, without a calling, and with a lot of free time, I decided to follow her lead. I didn't do a special diet. I provide meals for 3 other people. Its just not feasible to change our lifestyle that much. Plus I wanted to eat in a way that would be easy to maintain. So I eat more fruits, veggies, and whole grains (well, actually, just less grains altogether, but whole ones when I do) and I don't eat refined sugar (usually). And it's working! No programs, no systems, no nothing. I just make sure I expend more calories in a day than I take in.

And your next question is: can we see a picture? And the answer is not yet! I've got 20 more pounds to lose, then I'll shock you all with a picture of me!

Now if anyone is feeling particularly generous and would like to donate to the "Carrie has absolutely nothing to wear that fits her (even her pants fall off, literally.)" fund, we would greatly appreciate it, as a whole new wardrobe doesn't come cheap.

Memories...

So since we all live on 'planet look at me, look at me' (bonus points if you can name the movie!) let's have another fun post all about ME and a little about you! I've seen this tag or meme going around and I thought it would be fun. Play along and let's let the good times roll.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see what people remember about you!

Simple enough, right? So to get you thinking, here are a few ideas.

Adrienne, you could totally write about that one time we went to TP you-know-who's house in the dead of winter while the roads where covered in ice and it was totally NOT safe. We ripped like 10 rolls square by square because its SO much harder to clean up that way. Then we got there and that dog started barking so we threw the big ol' pile of tp in a heap on the lawn and high tailed it outta there. I still laugh about that night.

And Megan, you could totally tell everyone about the time that you and Ian gave me a ride to California... with ALL your stuff. And the fish died... or did he live? I don't remember.

Oh, and Jeanine, you should totally tell everyone about the good times we had dancing on our kitchen table in our apartment with whisks in hand, singing our lungs out. Or the fajita nights, or the 'hump day' breakfasts, or St Paddys day breakfast.

Or maybe Lori should tell about some of those, since she was there, too. But maybe, Lori, you'd rather tell everyone about how you use to wake me up for school (yep, she was a roommate. We were in college. She woke me up for class. Love her.) by singing those adorable songs your mom use to sing to you.

Shan, I'm sure you're going to mention that I played Barbies with you till I was way too old to be playing with them. Or maybe you'd rather tell everyone about all the fun times we had playing dress up with Grandma Banks' old clothes.

And Taya, I know we don't really have any memories together, but just ask your Tyler about some. He could tell you about how he use to try to drown us in his pool. Or about the time he picked me up at a stake dance and swung me around. Embarrassing. To. the. Nth. Degree.

Gabe, I have the perfect picture in my head of standing outside Heidi F.'s house and telling you I was preggers with Brady. You were so happy for me! And watching that scary movie with you. Why did we torture ourselves?

Speaking of having babies, I'll never forget the night I drove you to the hospital, Tammy. Our husbands at the basketball game, and you in labor! And demanding towels to sit on in case your water broke! As if I cared!

And even though you don't comment, Betsy, I think you would tell everyone about the time we hoarded candy for weeks so we'd have a special treat for our drive to Disneyland. Or about all the help you gave me making the cheer squad. One memory I love is working out with you at the Y. I loved going to the stupid gym with you!

Okay, so now that I've got you started, start your typing! I can't wait to see what you remember!

It would be lovely if we could share happy, nice, Carrie-is-super-awesome memories and not those ones that totally demonstrate my ultimate stupidity. But you guys all love me, so I don't have anything to worry about, right?

No, I didn't select who I'd share my own memories about. Just typed the first ones that came to mind. If I didn't single you out, don't worry. It means nothing. Can we still be friends?

Hiatus Dos

We're headed to see this sister (Tyler's) and this city. My blog will, once again, be uneventful until my return.

We've had a CRAZY week. The house has been for sale for a week and we've had tons of showings. Anyone who's sold a house knows how tiring this can be. I'm tired. Picking up after my kids could honestly be a full time job if I kept my house this clean all the time. Seriously. I'm so glad we'll be gone for a week so the house can just stay clean! We do have some buyers coming for a third showing on Saturday, so keep your fingers crossed!

We've had some happy endings this week, too. Lainey finished her school year both with speech group and with preschool. Our regular computer is out of commision for a while, so I can't show you the adorable pictures of her preschool graduation, but I can honestly say it was darling. Our beloved Miss Kelly had each child say their favorite thing at preschool and although Lainey was too shy to say her favorite thing, she did proudly pronounce to me once in the confines of our car that her favorite part of preschool was Miss Kelly! (I hope you feel loved, Kelly!!)

And I've had one very bittersweet ending this week. I was released from Young Womens. I am sure going to miss those girls! I have loved serving the Young Women! They are amazing! All of our 12 Laurels and 2 of our 3 Mia Maids have all given away at least one Book of Mormon and they are always telling us about the amazing gospel discussions they're having. Such great examples. My Mia Maids are the sweetest girls in the world. I wish so much to watch them become great women. I hope you girls keep in touch with me!!!

Well, lame post... I know. Sorry. See you in a few weeks. Hopfully when I get back I can report that we have sold our house!

PS Shout out to my new niece who is all of 19
hours old approximately. What's her name guys???
Hope you are all still doing well!

If you have pent up anger...

Go ahead and sock the left side of my mouth as hard as you can. It's totally numb. Top, bottom, tongue, cheek, jaw, and everything in between.

Now that you've released your anger, can we discuss the ridiculousness of dental insurance? Why did I pay 1200 bucks for dental insurance for the last year only to have to pay 370 more to get the work done that I needed? Seriously. Aggravating. Grrr.

And while I'm complaining, my tongue is going to hurt bad when the numbness wears off and I feel the bruise I've caused by accidentally biting it repeatedly.

And I would just like to ask that dentists everywhere pay more attention to their patients' lips. Only half of mine were numb and she kept pushing on my lips or pulling them too hard over my teeth. It hurt. Bad. Dental work has got to be bad for the skin. I shouldn't rub my eyes because that will encourage wrinkles. What about stretching my mouth wide enough for like 3 hands to get in there? Won't that cause a few wrinkles too?

The ironic part of this is that I usually anticipate a horrible experience, but this time I tried going in with a good attitude. Lot of good that did me, 5 cavities later. Hmpf.


I hate dentists.


I hate cavities.


I'm hungry...

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Floss people! To avoid unwanted wrinkles, bruises, and bills floss daily.

The Mother of all Posts! -or- Still feelin bloggy!

I've hit 100! Me and this bloggy blog have had 100 little conversations with you! In honor of this milestone, I give you

My hundredth post extravaganza!

(this is either going to come off as very narcissistic, or kinda fun and yes it does require some participation...would you expect anything less from me? Please participate! I'm needin some comment lurve!)

First up, vote for your fav post from the last 100 posts. Here are the nominees (nominated by me, of course. Titles below are links and write ins allowed in the comments to this post):

Jesus' little Sunbeams

I did it!

The puffy blue coat

St. Paddy's Day Limericks

Letter to Elbow Grease

(Another option, leave title in comment section)

Vote to the left! (I warned you this would be narcisstic. Just humor me, okay people?)

And now here are some blog stats:

• Number of Posts: 100
• Number of labels/tags: 25


• Label/tag with most posts: Happenings


• Number of posts with ellipses in the title: 25 (love ellipses...don't know how to use em)


• Number of posts with exclamation points in the title: 24 (love exclamation points, know how to use em!)


• Number of posts with question mark in the title: 8


• Number of posts without a picture: 43


• Number of posts ending in a question to the reader: 22 (obviously I care deeply for your thoughts and opinions)


• Number of children ignored while Mom spends valuable time thinking/writing/creating blog posts: 2 (at least... maybe 3 if I included the hubster)

And lastly, to bring on some more rhetoric Carrie style, and to rid my brain of its severe writer's block, any topics you'd like to see in a post here at L.I.C (Stands for Lost in Colorado. Who's a clever girl, eh?)? Any ideas for post one hundred and one?

Don't forget to vote...

Thanks for humoring me.

Compassionate Service

apparently now includes pedicures. One of my sweetest of sweet Mia Maids and her mom bought me one and babysat so I could do something nice for my feet. Meals, babysitting, driving Tyler or Lainey to school/work, now pedicures and get this- the YW Pres. told me she would come iron Tyler's shirts when I told her I was sick of doing it. I told you before, people have been offering to do the strangest things for me. I've gotta quit complaining out loud! I'm running out of ways to say 'Thank you, but not necessary.' I feel loved by many and that is a great feeling.

It has also sparked some controversy at our house. Controversy not about the love, but the service. I've been thanking people for offering meals and such, but have declined all but 3 meals (which actually sounds like quite a lot of meals...so maybe this whole post isn't necessary.) We got 1 the day we went to the dr. and weren't home till after 6 or something like that, right Heather? One the next day when I was kinda a basket case while they built the ramp in the garage, and one from a good friend who literally would not take no for an answer. Tyler's dad was here for almost 2 weeks and we really didn't need any more help for that amount of time. And this week has been Spring Break so we've had less on the calendar than usual. But now that we're on our own and our schedule is set to resume next week, getting dinner on the table requires more organization and planning than usual since I am Tyler's chauffeur to, from, and during work hours as well as a mostly single mom to our kiddos. But really, its all stuff I can handle.

Tyler's not so sure.

But I think I AM handling it.

Tyler thinks we should let friends bring in meals.

I still say no.

Tyler says I'm prideful.

I say I won't take help unless I need it and I'm just not there yet.

Tyler says they're all offering to do ANYTHING to help and I should just let them help.

I say I've been called to take a meal and/or babysit, know what it's like, and don't want to be a burden to my friends. (not that I always consider making meals or babysitting a burden, but no one can deny that these things can sometimes be a bit stressful)

Tyler says maybe I wouldn't be so stressed out if I just accepted help.

I say maybe so, but my stress is all in my head. Since I obviously have time to write a blog post my life can't be that out of control.

Tyler says if that is the case then why did I spend half of church hiding in a bathroom stall (the one by the baptismal font that has the bench to sit on) crying. (before you feel bad that I was crying, quickly continue)

I say if you were PMSing and feeling the spirit with minimal sleep the night before because you chose to stay up late and read instead of go to bed at a decent time, then you might be a little closer to tears than usual too. (Did you see those 3 letters up there- PMS, isn't that reason alone enough to justify a little 'letting it all out' session? Mine just happened to occur at an inconvenient place and time. I'm actually embarrassed about the whole thing... I was majorly overreacting)

Tyler says I need to be more humble.

I say he needs to be more self-reliant and not accept handouts just because he can.

And now, what do you say?

And what would you do? Just in case what you say is different than what you'd do. Pretty sure it would be for me if this was happening to someone else.

Tomorrow...

is the big day.

Who will be next to be 'auf'ed?

Can Jillian survive the stress?

Will Christian impress the judges once again?

Can Rami pull the win from his heiny?

My predictons: Yes, No, No. Obviously I'm Jillian's #1 fan. She pretty much rocks. A lot.

No idea what I'm talking about? Click here. Too bad I'm gonna have to stay up till midnight to watch it... On the off chance I don't make it till midnight, don't tell me who wins!

See you on the Runway!

GO JILLIAN!

I {heart} you!

Everyone is posting about Valentine's Day. Weeks ago, I thought of this post idea and thought I was being SO original. Yea, right. Too bad for you. You have to read another V-day post anyways. (Or I guess you could just not read it, if you didn't want to)

I love my funny valentine. He's great. And with each passing Valentine's Day, I love him even more. Time does that to you, I guess... binds us closer and closer with each shared trial, triumph, and experience. And to honor our special day (because let's face it, Valentine's Day is all about me and my sweetheart!) and get some personal history recorded, I found this cute little 'he said/she said' ditty. Do it on your blog, too. I'd love to see what you and your sweetie have to say!

1. Where did you meet your husband/wife?

He said:I like to think we sang and danced in the clouds in Heaven- Feelings of Forever.

She said: He was my boss... my first day on the job, he had called in 'sick' to go snowboarding which according to my new coworkers was a regular occurence. I'm happy to report that he never missed another day of work at that job, and I assume to this day this is because of the cute little number that just got hired.

2. What was the first thing you said to your husband/wife?

He said:I believe I was singing 'Let's Make Love' or it might have been 'Would you like fries with that?'

She said: Seriously, who remembers that stuff? Um, "How do you make a burger?" or maybe, "Let's make some fry sauce." Who knows. I do remember thinking, "How am I ever going to play it cool around such a good looking guy? I'm working with ketchup and ice cream here. I see extremely embarassing moments in my future."

3. Who asked who on the first date?

He said: She wanted me, it was obvious. So I thought I would get the ball rolling.

She said: This is my favorite part of 'our' story. We flirted like crazy for weeks. Seriously, it was disgusting. And SO fun. Ask our coworkers. I think a few of them will admit to puking because of the disgusting-ness of our flirting. Finally, one day my dear hubster, then boss, happened to burn me with a fry basket covered in 400 degree cooking oil. And after an exhausting and futile search for burn cream, he decided that instead he needed to take me to Applebees to make up for the scalding burn on my once perfect arm. (And dear friend who's hair I was suppose to do up for the all important Heritage dance that night, I still feel guilty about my tardiness, but at least I was tardy for something important, like celestial companionship... Wouldn't it be so much harder to forgive me if we hadn't ended up getting married?) To drive home the fact that my arm was painfully burned, he also baked me a cake in the shape of an oven mitt that said 'Sorry I burned your arm' with a depiction of a fry basket to one side. I can just picture all you ladies swooning over the cuteness of my man.

4. What was your first date?

He said: Our life together has really been one long wonderful date that stated by dancing at the Creamery. The “official” first day was doing Carrie’s roommates hair, but they are still waiting for us to get there.

She said: Well, if you don't count Applebees which was more of an apology than a date, I think our first date was dinner at his apartment. He called my parents (stalker-net, for all your friendly stalking needs) and asked them what my favorite meal was. They had no idea I was even dating a guy, so the 'rents must've been pretty shocked. Spagehetti. That was my fav and he made it for me.

5. Where was your first kiss?

He said: On the lips- where should it have been?

She said: Our back stoop at Fugal (anyone who knows Fugal, knows about the back stoop), after a post-Priesthood session bonfire in the Canyon. Chaste and long over due. He must've been scared of me or something.

6. Did you have a long or short engagement/courtship?

He said:Longer than some…shorter than most. It’s not like we got engaged or married after a week. We waited 3 months to get engaged, and another 2 before getting married.

She said: Short courtship, short engagement. When it's right, it's right. Plus, school only leaves so many windows for weddings. My kids will probably think we're nuts when they hear this story as young adults.

7. Where did you get engaged?

He said: In the land where dreams come true- Trafalga.

She said: Funny story. Trafalga. Photo booth. After some great fun three leg miniature golfing. Easy way to get close to your lady (or man...).

8. Where did you get married?

He said:Under the eyes of heaven- in one of those MINI temples in Spokane, Wa

She said: Spokane Washington LDS Temple. My mom swears we were laughing at each other across the altar, but apparently happy tears can look a little like laughing, I guess. It was a beautiful day, perfect weather, maybe a little hot, but definitely managable.

9. How was the honeymoon?

He said: Wonderful…we went to a place where there was nothing to do, and for the first time in my life we did nothing.

She said: You've been on one. You know. We stayed at a cottage on the beach. It was really fun. That's all you're gettin outta me.

Happy Valentine's Day, LOVERS!

I'm it... again

I was tagged for the Seven Things by my cousin, Megan.

The rules are:

-Share seven random facts about yourself, in your blog.
-Include these rules.
-Link back to the person who tagged you.
-Tag four more people and list their names & blogs. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged.

Here are seven random facts about me:

1. My knees make a clicking sound when I go down our stairs, especially first thing in the morning. It's kinda funny, but probably not a good thing.

2. I hate long toe nails. . .actually, I hate medium length toenails. The only kind of toenails I like are short, SHORT, SHORT! I'm always clipping them. Sometimes until it hurts. Another 'probably not a good thing'.

3. I'm like the Princess and the Pea but it's crumbs on my floor rather than peas under my mattress. I can't stand crumbs under my feet. In fact, I've been known to make my dear husband sweep and then, after I walk on the floor and feel the crumbs, I make him pull out the vacuum, too.

4. I don't like potato salad. It grosses me out because of two ingredients that I dislike even more than potato salad: mustard and hard boiled eggs. Yuck!

5. I have one of everything as far as siblings go. I have an older brother and sister and a younger brother and sister. I think it's pretty cool. Thanks, Mom!

6. I've never had my eyebrows waxed or seriously plucked. I'll yank out a few here and there, but I've never shaped 'em or whatever you call it. My eyebrows are all natural and I'm starting to wonder if that isn't the norm.

7. If I had one wish I would create an edit button for the things that fly out of my mouth, or a rewind/undo/redo/rephrase/try again button. I say the stupidest things sometimes. I would love the chance to try again on some days.

Four people I'm tagging:

Laura (I already know at least one random fact about you- how are your hiccups?)

Becca

Danner

Tammy