It's His Birthday!! (He doesn't feel like crying.)

Today is the birthday of my sweetest man-faced husband ever!! I know it's also Christmas Eve, but I won't be celebrating that until 5pm tonight. Christmas Eve isn't a real holiday. Nothing happened today. Well, my husband was born some even years ago (*cough* 26 *cough*). I'd say that was something. To get you through this day without Chris, I've included some pictures of my husband pie-pants from this year. Tell him HaPpY bIrThDaY!!!!

ThanksGibling

It’s that time of the year.  You know: the food, the family, and the shopping.  A time for gratitude blogs and facebook updates.  On this day, there’s this tradition: expressing gratitude for the blessings in your life.  This happens one day a year, and it’s all based on a twelve letter word marked on the Calendar.  The fourth Thursday every November…

Gratitude is not something I’ve had an issue with.  My issue has always been expressing that gratitude year-round.  Chris and I often need a reminder, or a little slap-in-the-face to show our appreciation for the abundant blessings in our lives.

Well, I’m not perfect (Chris is pretty close), but while this is on my mind, I’m going to list the blessings in Chris and my life for a year.  Hopefully, as I read this blog in the future, I’ll get a nice nudge to give thanks.  There are the standard ones, which always come easy.  As the list progresses…. Well, I’ll just say, this could get interesting…

Marriage to the sweetest man in America (I don’t mean to ruffle any feathers.  I’m just stating the facts.).

Chris and I both have well-paying, full-time jobs which allow us to live comfortably and avoid the poor newlywed horror stories…. (And this is where something bad happens…)

Two well-running cars, allowing us to read point A to point B in less than a week.

The restored gospel on the earth which allows Chris and I the fullest happiness we could have.

The Book of Mormon

Amazing friends who help us laugh and make memories.

Emmi.  She always does the craziest thing.

Healthy food that allows my body to be strengthened and nourished (yes, even donuts).

Donuts.  Oviously.

Trees that produce Oxygen (yup, all of them).

Trees that produce shade.

Trees to be cut down and used to build homes.

Modern homes with built in heating and cooling systems.

Indoor plumbing. 

Double stuffed Oreos

Fantasy football

Fantasy football victories.

Dr. Pepper

Forgiveness/Mercy

Crockpots because I am the epitome of lazy

Curtains

Color printers

Kleenex with built-in lotion

Sore throat spray

Speatmint gum.  Could there be a tastier gum

The fact that there’s no true negative impact on your body when you accidentally swallow you gum…

Hot water heaters

Gloves

Cleaver people who created slippers that look like shoes… Especially on days like today.

Fashion geniuses who decide that sometimes, modest really IS hottest.

Cardigans.

Cardigans.

Cardigans.

My family.

Chris’s family.

White Christmas lights.  So pure, and classy.

Toe stocks.  Don’t judge me.

Touch screens.

Technology that will soon allow me to simply THINK, and it will obey my commands.

Elf.  The movie.  For comedic relief.

Can openers.  Can you imagine how terrible it would be opening cans without a can opener?  Yuck.

Doctors who are either brilliant or insane.  One is great for advice.  The other is great to make fun of.

Paper plates.  Sometimes we just don’t want to wash dishes.

Drugs.  I mean over the counter.  Not Meth. 

Health insurance

A president to run the country

Extension Cords.  This makes location so much easier!

Conditioner.  My hair is also grateful.

Hair that will grow back after an awful haircut.

Pintrest.  I lack the creativity to know these things on my own.  I have a real problem

Fans.  All of them.

Coozies.  They’re just fun to play with.

Vanilla Steamers from Starbucks.

Hair dryers.  For cold feet.  And for hair, I guess.

Car Insurance

Airbags

Seat belts

Mugs with handles.  Such sophistication.

PBS.  I love Big Bird, too, Mr. Romney.

Insane people. Best.

Insane asylums.  I like to laugh, but I also like safety.

Blue Ray.  My eyes have never been so happy.

Double-sided tape.  Yes, please.

Fudge.  Don’t mind if I do!

Baby clothes.  Because they’re cute.

Zoos.  They allow me to learn about animals.

Public schools which will likely teach your children nothing, but will make them some tough cookies.

Picture frames.

Paint brushes.  Can you imagine trying to paint without one?  (Your children can.  Finger painting.)

Babies.  They make the world a cuter place.

Fun socks.  Keep your feet warm AND easily pair those bad boys up on laundry day.

Piano

Beginners’ Piano book.

Fire places

Candles

Scentsy.  Because I live with a man…

Vacuum.  Might as well keep everything clean.

Caves

Secret tunnels

Pillow forts

Kitchen Aid.  Again, lazy.

Hulu Plus.  So much cheaper than cable or satellite.

Post offices

Disney movies

Music in Disney movies

Walkie Talkies

Carpets

Hard wood floor

Area rugs

Speedy computers

Traditional Thanksgiving meals.  Why on earth is there an unspoken rule that Pumpkin pie can only be made this time of year?  I would like to spit directly on that rule.

Education

Pop rocks

Jennifer Stewart. 

Cell phones

Solar powered calculators

Dead bolts

Paper towels

Charmin Toilet paper

Double-Ply Charmin Toilet paper

Swiffer Duster

Platypus

Walrus

Nasal Spray

Wrangler Jeans

Black Friday Sales

Metallic wrapping paper

Mistletoe.  Of course.  

Shower curtains.  When I shower, I do not enjoy being watched.

Kids who say the dardest things

Nail polish remover

Infinity scarves

Malls.  Of all sorts.  So convenient.

Window screens.  Stay out my house, bug.

Adam Sandler

Story Time:  My cousin (technically, Chris’s cousin), Megan, and her husband, Jason, are curreclty in Hawaii.  They have a little man, Jack, who is a year and half.  Jack was getting away, and his parents were calling for him to come back, “Jack!  Jack!  Come back here, Jack!”  They heard a stranger say, “You don’t have to listen to them, Jack.”  They looked up, and it was Adam Sandler.

Had it been anyone else, I’m sure I would have been really grumpy that a stranger would give my child that permission.  Adam Sandler, though… No more anger.

Jon Header

Bench Warmers, the movie.  I can relate.

Bench Warmers, the life.  I can relate.

Napoleon Dynamite, the movie and the person.  Go make yourself a dang case-a-dil-la!

Quesadilla

Quesadilla makers

Flowers.

Madden 13…

Deviled Eggs

Baby whimpers.  Lets me know we’re still needed.

Turkey-day football

Dishwashers.  Especially after family gatherings.  And every other day.

Soap

Hair gel

Power tooth brushes.

Floss

Listerine.  Spearmint.  Obviously.

Water.  Liquid, Solid, and gas.

Caylee

Ryan

Christmas Trees.  Fake ones.

Weather.  Depending.

Diamonds.  Obviously.

Train sets

Credit Cards.  When used responsibly.

Door Knobs

Bath tubs

Hammers

Screw Drivers

Airplanes.

Military

Dancing

Dolphins

Clear Ocean Water

Also, dirty Ocean Water

No longer dinosaurs.  Try waking up to one of those bad boys in your living room…

Women’s rights

Banned Books List.  Makes for an intriguing read.

Fertility.  You’re welcome, America.

Happy Stars.  The exercise.  Not an actually burning balls of gas.

Counting

Numbers

Milk

Here is a Thanksgiving Intermission... You may laugh.

English

Spray tans

Vietnamese women who chose to touch nasty hands and feet all day for a living

Sippy cups.  Both adults and babies need them.

Sledding.  But only pair with a hill and snow.  They’re otherwise useless.

 Cocaine bread.  This is bread that is addicting, not bread with cocaine in it.

Powdered sugar

Loofa

Washing Machines

Hollywood little people

Massages

Back tickles

Working from home

Finishing school eventually

Clap on lights

Mirrors

Curling Irons

Santa Clause.  And other forms of tricking children into obedience

Buggers.  Otherwise… it may or may not get stuck in my lungs.  This fact is currently being debated by Caylee and Ryan.

No Shave, November

Don’t shave, December

Just a few more months, January

Mustache March

Giraffes

Chapstick.  ‘Cause my lips hurt real bad.

Holidays

Trick-or-treating

Maps

Naps

Saps

Parties.  Also known as “Fiestas”

Kate and Leopold

Bubbles

Commet.  The cleaner and the shooting star.

Glasses.  For the safety of every driver… and pedestrian.

Pilots.  To control the planes I am grateful for.

Lamps

Lamp shades

Swing sets

Wrestling mats.  Not for me.  For wrestlers.

Art teachers

Precious Moments.  The brand and the moments of Preciousness.

Being grateful for 200 things

Stairs.  Much easier than climbing a rope to make it to the 2^nd story.

Recycling

When the first person to fall asleep at a slumber party or regular party is not me

Warm sleeping bags

Tents

Camp fires

Parades.  I would much rather sit perfectly still to view floats than have to walk around to see them.

Internet

Microphones

Pillows

Lotion

Face moisturizer

Lanterns

Food storage

Comforters

Heating blankets

Ladders

Shingles.  Without them, the rain, snow, and wind would ruin my home.

Financing

Alone time

Party time

Hot Chocolate

Warm blankets

Nail polish

Hair stylists

Therapists

Taxi Drivers

Police officers

Firefighters

EMTs

Hugs

Hoodies

Kisses

Passionate people

Sewing Machines

My mamma

Chris’s mamma

Water proof hiking boots

Laptops

Wireless technology

Tortellini

Hot air balloons

Gasoline

Mechanics

Coats

Life jackets

That Chris and I were not on the Titanic

Penguins

Monkeys

Cupcakes

Pies

Pies

Pies

Frozen yogurt

Power windows

Power locks

Children’s books

Marbles

Board games.  Also, bored games.

My dad who is always around to listen when I need to cry

My dad who gave me the best advice I will have ever received in my mortal life

My dad who hurts my side making me laugh

My brothers who have made me wet my pants.  Numerous times

My sisters who will vent to me, and allow me to vent to them, even when I’m clearly being emotional

Windows 8

Beano, Pepcid, Tums, are we catching a theme.

Birth control.  This was Chris’s contribution…

Microsoft Office

Glitter.  The STD of crafts

Talk Shows

Court shows

Ellen Degeneres

Live with Kelly (and whoever else she’s with now…)

Wise grandparents

Chefs

The American flag

Tall buildings

Elevators in those tall buildings

Bicycles

Water filters

Sun rises

Sun sets

Gummy worms

Girls’ night

Guys’ night

Sulking

Laughing

Teeth

Common sense

Reasoning skills

The knowledge to budget for the future

Calendars

Hilarious YouTube videos

Hilarious commercials

The way babies smell

Disposable diapers

Recliners

Chit chat

Sniggling.  This was not a typo.  It’s very similar to Snuggling, but with an “I” instead of a “u”.

Inside jokes

Ping pong tables

Indoor gyms

Daycare centers

Nannies

Paychecks

Hot dogs

Catsup

Hot dog buns

Eye sight

The ability to hear

Muscle to function every day without struggle

Holding hands

Stories of my parents in the past

Magazines

My blankie

A full night’s sleep

Fire wood

The song of the Crickets

Pinocchio.  He teaches great lessons.

Brooms

Coasters

Windex

Lysol

Lysol Disinfectant wipes

Baby gates

Grapes

Nerf Guns

Legos

Tickle time.  I hate being tickled, but I love watching other people squirm in discomfort.

Dominos

Public Transportation.  In Europe.

Animals dressed in human clothes

Humans dressed like Animals

Men in a crisp suit

Wilfred.  The dog from the TV show.

Flannel

Fleece

Light bulbs

Dancing

Pointe.  (Ballet with the special shoes.)

Opera.  Sometimes.

Contacts

iPads… I don’t have one, but I love them

Freedom to sing randomly in public

Thrift Stores

Consignment stores (There is a difference)

Backpacks

Running shoes

Mr. Fox.  He’s the fox outside Chris’s grandparent’s home.  They feed him hotdogs.

Food drives

Freedom to practice religion any way I want

Public parks

Organizational bins

Comfortable boots

Jewelry.  Obviously.

Scarves.  All of them.

All of the amazing people I’ve been surrounded by all day

Nerves.  So I can appreciate the texture of my blankie.

Restaurants

Towels

Spontaneous dates

Peanut butter

Apple butter

I am so grateful to have 365 things to be grateful for.

Ahhh!!  You somehow made it to the end!  (Although, let’s face it.  We both know you read the first couple, maybe read a few in the middle, and read the last couple.)  I know there are things on this list that seem insane to bring attention to.  They seem so small and insignificant.  Most of these things are often over looked, and taken advantage of.  That's a big problem with my gratitude.  I am so used to having most of these things around that I don't think about it.  Without tissues with lotion built-in, my nose would be a gross mess! 

There were definitely times when I was stumped, but there are so many other things I could easily fit on this list.  I am so grateful for the abundant blessings I have, and have determined to make an effort to notice one new thing that made my life a little easier each day.

HaPpY tHaNkSGibLiNg!!! 

 (And good luck shopping on Black Friday!  May the odds be ever in your favor…) 

Bye Buddy, Hope You Find Your Dad!

For Halloween last year, Chris and I went as Mario and Princess Peach. I sewed Chris's overalls based on a pair of pants he has that are too big for him, and prayed for the best. He. Looked. Awesome. I am so sad now that I don't have a SINGLE picture from that night. :-( What was I thinking?!

This year, I was not even going to dress up. We moved into a new ward the same weekend most wards have their Halloween parties. We have no children to trick-or-treat with. Chris and I gave up raving parties weeks ago. (That was a joke.)

On Monday, I was asked to work in the office to train new employees this week. OtterBox takes dressing up very seriously, so I was not about to try ducking out of the biggest dress up day of the year.

Problem: I found out I needed a costume on Monday. Halloween was Wednesday. I have a track record of not going in a typical costume.

Chris and I went that night to gather supplies for our costumes (I would never exclude my hubs from the fun!) at Arc, Kohl's, and JoAnne's.

Long story short: I started on my costume the next morning, but didn't have much time (or motivation), didn't have much time that night, and again, not much time the next morning.

Between 3 short periods of measuring, cutting, pinning, and sewing, I completed our costumes.

Chris's costume is a graduation robe. My skirt had a tail on it. If you don't know what movie this is from, come out of your lonely box, and watch Elf. You will thank me.

(I can't add a video from my phone, so follow this link, and cry laughing: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=OQ1a9LhkIoQ&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DOQ1a9LhkIoQ)

Too Young to Die

I have been working later the last few weeks, but I work at home, so it's no big deal. However, I've been training at work this week, so I've been leaving at 8:15ish by myself when the building is scarce.

It's not bad enough that I'm walking to my car late at night as a pretty girl, but this is what I got to see last night in one of the world's sketchiest elevators... I would have taken the stairs, but that's just as bad in my mind (how do you outrun a pyscho in the stairwell?!). I spent the entire time praying the bag would not start moving.

Mysterious Ways

An example of my husband's stupid brilliance/pure luck (and that God still works miracles):

Chris woke up yesterday remembering he was to have finished a book (that looked to be about 350 pages) before yesterday because he was to be tested on his knowledge that day. A book he hadn't even started. He has classes in the morning, so he definitely did not have time to read an entire book. Boy, was he ever in a panic!

His solution: he looked up online the theme and summary of the book (cliff notes, basically) and while WALKING to his class, he opened the book randomly to one page so that he would have a specific example he could draw from the book.

When the test was passed out, here is what that man was tested on: the first four questions were about the theme and summary of the book. The fifth question was a specific example taken out of the book. The very example he opened his book randomly to that very morning. What's worse? Those who had actually read the book were completely confused because they had read the entire contents of the book and could not remember this specific example.

Are you serious?! Granted, I said a little prayer for him because he was so worried, but I NEVER expected him to Ace the test. The Lord helps those who help themselves, and this man hardly did anything in the way of preparation... Oh, well. Counting my blessings. :-)



Also, on a completely different note, here is Christopher petting my sister's cat, Luke. We called this guy Louie because we could not remember his name. This is why we are never getting a cat...

It's Autumn Time

I forgot to tell you a few months ago, I was released from my calling in Nursery and asked instead to be the Primary Chorister (singing with the kids ages 3-12).  Um, hello?  Have you met me?  OF COURSE I WILL THE PRIMARY CHORISTER!!  Could this be any more perfect for me?  Kids + Singing + Fun activities = Every day of my life (ideally...).  Unfortunately, this lasted a quick second  because Chris and I moved out of the ward about 2 months later.  Sadness all around.

The calling may be gone, but those songs have been with me my whole life (thanks, mama), and will stay with me the rest of my life.  I love each of those songs.  With living right near Old Town in Fort Collins, and seeing the gorgeous trees, I have one song in particular stuck in my head a lot lately.

Cheesy, I know.  But if this is what you got to see every day, you would fully forgive me making you listen to that song.  (We both know you listened to it twice.)

I don't care for the cold times one tiny bit.  Not one bit.  I do, however, love the vibrant colors.  I love the days when the temperature is just warm enough to wear fall clothes without a jacket.  I love winter clothes.  I love that the holidays are just around the corner.  I love the decorations, the smells, the feeling.  I love autumn.

Another thing I love is making new friends.  Anyone who isn't behind me in the interest is a liar.

Last semester, Chris took a Marketing Class where he made a new friend.  A fellow Mormon.  Through discussion, he found out that Calvin was to be married soon.  Jackpot.

Yesterday, Chris went to his usual Saturday football game, but managed to drag me along this week.  I was there to watch, but my friend Brittney and I went to Target instead as our hubs ran around the Oval with a football.  

After the game, I finally met the infamous Calvin, and Chris had made plans to sit with Calvin and his new bride at the adult session of Stake Conference last night, where we made further plans to get together.  Chris hates dinner and board games to get to know people.  So Mormon.  I actually love it, but Chris just feels so awkward, so instead, we made plans to carve pumpkins.

This is too perfect for me.  We had a great night laughing, carving, and attempting to bake pumpkin seeds.  I can't get enough Fall activities, and it's always so much better with friends.  (And we didn't even have to use our safe word in case they were lame, so that's always good.)

This just makes me want to hop on Pintrest and go nuts!!  (Maybe this time next year when I have a home.)

It's Autumn time, it's Autumn time!

Que Sera, Sera

I love consistency.  

I love knowing what my game plan is and where I'm going.  I plan everything, and put events and reminders in my beloved phone daily.  I love knowing that I work Monday through Friday, 8-5.  I love knowing who I will see at work, who I will speak to, the challenges I am likely to face, and how my evening will lay out (working on my laptop in bed, catching up on my favorite shows while Emmi naps on my legs-- I'm a bit of a workaholic.).  I love knowing when Chris leaves and returns from work, his class schedule, and quite frankly, when he might need to take care of his business. (Sorry, you simply minds.  Everybody Poops.  Check it out sometime.)

I am a planner.

Lately, I have spent most of my time dreaming and trying to plan for the future.  It.  Is.  Frustrating.  I have no doubt that my planning is most frustrating for Christopher, who has to deal with my whining and complaining when life doesn't head the way it was supposed to.  I don't handle unplanned change very well, and I don't handle not getting my way very well.  (I'm a bigger person for admitting it.)

Plans for my life have had a couple changes so far:

Age 12-  Live in my parents' basement for the rest of my life, unmarried, of course

Age 16-  Serve a mission for my church when I turn 19 (about a year and a half)

Age 18-  ???

Age 18-  Take a few years to just figure out life while trying to avoid marriage as long as possible

Age 18-  Attend Oklahoma State University for Music Education

Age 18-  Attend the University of Northern Colorado for Music Education

Age 19-  Grow up a little Emotionally (pfff...) while still trying to avoid marriage

Age 20-  Marry Chris.  Whether he likes it or not.  Have kids immediately.

Age 21-  Buy my first home with Chris

Age 22-  Wait a few more years for kids.

Age 22-  Live happily ever after...

Chris's life is a little more flexible:

Age 18-  Join The Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints

Age 21-  Serve a two year mission for the church

Age 23-  Get hitched

Age 15+-  Get a good job.  Figure it out as it comes

He's doing better than I am.  Thanks for the reminder.  I just have to have plans.  And if they change, they change because I say so.

Well...

As life usually does, we've been thrown a few curve balls.  (You might remember me saying something along those lines right here.)  There is not much I can do in the way of making a plan.  Luckily, I'm great at problem solving (when I'm not instructed to be by Chris).  Clearly, if I make one game plan, I'll probably end up with another life altogether.

Solution:  I am going to list a few game plans, so when one falls through, and another seems more logical, I can pretend that was the goal all along.  (Some people call this a back up plan, but each of these scenarios are Plan A, so how can one be a back up?)  Here goes.

PLAN A

Chris will graduate college in may 2012, and we will immediately move to Milwaukee, WI where he will obtain a job at the Corporate Office of the company he has spent the previous three years working.  Housing is much cheaper than it is here in Fort Collins, so with low living expenses and Chris's (obviously) high income, I can stop working and become a momma.

We will likely live in this house.  6 bedroom.  Cheaper than a 1 bedroom house in Fort Collins.
Four car garage.  3100 Square feet.  This is true happiness.  Obviously.

These are the newly remodeled guts of our future home,
so I won't have to do anything.

PLAN A

Similar to the previous PLAN A, we will move to Wisconsin, but we may live in another home.  Still incredibly cute.  That is non-negotiable.  I will continue to work for OtterBox forever while I'm a mamma, but in another area (or possibly the same one if I'm able to move my equiptment.  Hint?).

PLAN A

Chris will get a job in Denver, and we will live there.  In an apartment high above the town.  Cool view, cheapish rent, temporary until we need a safe place for kids to play.

PLAN A

I'll have a happy surprise, and we'll bust chops to get by in our tiny 1 bed room apartment (or the basement of Chris's parents' home).  Luckily, I'm going to have freakin' cute kids.

PLAN A

Neither of us will work, I'll probably be infertile, and we will go around with a traveling circus.  I'll grow out my ginger facial hair and Chris will turn into a balding cartoon clown who juggles whatever we happen to have in the trunk of our car when the show starts.  I will likely develop diabetes.  And Chris will have lost all his teeth.

PLAN A

Chris will get pregnant and I'll be the breadwinner.

PLAN A

Yeah...
It's not ideal, but I'm really trying to plan for whatever could happen.

PLAN A

I'll stop being so stubborn and just trust Chris to get it figured it out.  There are too many Chiefs in my marriage, and not enough Indians.  

Que Sera, Sera.

What will be, will be.