"dwell in possibility"

Until now...

2010-01-25T14:37:00.004-05:00

So, it has been awhile since I updated my blog, and I could make a bunch of excuses but I won't. Since my last post, we have celebrated Halloween (Finn was both Superman and a zebra this year); in mid-November I found out I was pregnant (I'm due July 27); we spent Thanksgiving with Daniel's family in Mississippi; and we spent Christmas with my family in Memphis. I can now play the guitar pretty decently and have started piano lessons. I have read Anna Karenina and David Copperfield (both excellent books that you should read if you haven't already) and have started on Atlas Shrugged. I don't know why I have wanted to read books that are over 700 pages long lately. I have bought girl's clothing for the new baby even though I won't know the sex until March 10th. I just couldn't resist. They were on clearance and so cute, but I can still return them if it's a boy. Finn is talking and talking and talking and also got to build his first snowman at the beginning of December. I'm doing great now that I'm at the end of my first trimester and am no longer nauseated. The holidays weren't so great though, as far as feeling sick goes. Oh and Daniel gets to go to Italy for work at the end of April, and I'm so jealous. I'm happy for him because he has never been out of the country before, but oh how I love Italy. It is one of my favorite places on earth. Also, I wanted to be the one to be with Daniel on his first adventure on foreign soil and especially his first Italian adventure! Oh, well. C'est la vie. I can't complain though. Life is good, and I have a lot of fun things planned for myself before the baby gets here.

Summer Fun

2009-09-16T21:02:00.005-04:00

Since the days of summer are fast coming to an end, I've been reminiscing about the fun we've had this summer...

attending the weddings of three of my dear friends

finding our inner artist

making some noise

making even more noise

picking blackberries

and more importantly eating blackberries

learning to drive at the lake

communing with nature

whipping up dinner for our friends and family

and of course sleeping at the end of a long day (or in the middle of it).

Yes, I enjoyed my summer.  It was filled with family, friends, and adventure.  But I'm not sad to see it go.  Autumn is my favorite season, and I look forward to it every year.  Bring on the cool weather, corn mazes, colorful leaves, and pumpkin pie - I've had my summer fun and I'm ready for what autumn has in store.

So it's been awhile....

2009-09-08T14:13:00.004-04:00

I did not realize that I have not blogged since July! Where does the time go? First, I guess I'll fill you in about what I have decided in regards to my previous post. I decided not to go for the job because I don't think I would have been happy working those hours. Also, we are planning on getting pregnant soon, and I really don't think I could work those kind of hours pregnant. It's probably a good thing I didn't go for the job at Magpies because I would want to eat everything n sight! I also decided against the cross country road trip. I really want to see my friends who are scattered everywhere, but I just don't think Finn would enjoy being on the road and away from his dad for a month or more. I am still going to Dallas to see Laura (yay!), but Finn will only make it to Mississippi where he will stay with Daniel's family. Although I will miss Finn and Daniel, I'm excited to spend a week with my friend and not have to worry about changing diapers and nap times. Since I last wrote, I've been to Nashville for my friend Whitney's bridal shower, spent time with my family at Weiss Lake in Alabama, and spent time with Daniel's family here when they came for a visit. I'm heading to Nashville again this weekend for Whitney's wedding. It's been a busy summer. My guitar lessons are going well. Maybe in a few months I'll be decent enough to post a video for ya'll. Also, for any of you out there in Knoxville, this past Thursday was the first Books and Blooms program at the UT Gardens. Finn and I went and had lots of fun. Last week someone from the zoo was there and she read stories to the kids and had animals for them to see and touch. Finn loved the animals. He petted each one - the rabbit, the rooster, and the huge skink. So, you should check it out if you have nothing else to do on a Thursday morning. Finn and I will be there, and we would love to see you! Now, I've got to start reading everyone else's blogs and catching up on what you guys have been doing. Hope you've had a wonderful summer! I'm so excited for fall!

One fun weekend and two crazy ideas

2009-07-22T18:48:00.002-04:00

I had a lot of fun this weekend in Memphis. My old high school choir teacher and some alumni arranged a choir reunion and I loved it! I got to see some old friends and just had a great time hanging out with them and reconnecting. I also got to sing with a big choir again which was great. I really miss singing with an 8 part choir. The money for our performance is going to a scholarship for seniors from our high school who want to major in music. I look forward to next year's reunion and concert!

Now for my crazy ideas on which I would like input from all of you. Idea #1 : A cross country road trip with just Finn and I. While I was pregnant with Finn I had grand plans to visit friends and family I rarely get to see once Finn was born since I wouldn't be working (at a 9 to 5 job that is) anymore. However, that hasn't really happened. So, I thought it's now or never because we want to get pregnant again soon and I really don't want to go on a trip by myself across country with two kids under the age of 5. My question to you: any ideas on how to keep Finn occupied and make the trip the most enjoyable it can be for the both of us? I plan on going to Texas, Colorado, Utah, possibly Idaho, and then back to Tennessee. Is this feasible or am I crazy?

Idea # 2: Getting a part time job at my favorite bakery. The catch? My hours would be 1am - 9am on Thursday and Friday and 1am to 5am on Saturday. Has anyone worked these kind of crazy hours before? I haven't and have no idea what to expect. The extra cash would be nice and I've been wanting to work there. And honestly what other time am I going to work if I don't want to send Finn to daycare?

I would love to hear your thoughts and any experiences you've had that might help me decide what to do with my crazy ideas. Thanks!

Odds and ends

2009-07-05T19:03:00.008-04:00

June has just flown past. It was a huge month for Finn - he started walking all on his own! I was so happy. I really don't know why I was so impatient about it. I mean, it only took him 20 months to do it. Although, I still have to carry him most of the time while we are in public because he seems to think that anyone who looks at him or talks to him is going to run off with him. That's good I guess. I've also learned that I say the phrases "Oh boy!" (as in "Oh boy that's a lot of yogurt on your shirt") and "There you go" (which I seem to say every time I give him something) a lot. I know I say these a lot because Finn says them now, and it's really cute. However, I'm learning a huge lesson right now - I have to watch everything I say now because he will repeat it. I'm not too worried because I don't think I say anything objectionable. Guess I'll find out if that's true.

I also took some trips in June. I went on a three day backpacking trip with some old friends of mine the Hydes and had a wonderful time. We went along the Noland Creek Trail in the Smoky Mountains. We started at Clingman's Dome and went to Bryson City, NC. We got rained on some but fortunately not while we were hiking, just while we were at camp. I couldn't have gone on this trip, though, if it weren't for my wonderful friend Ashlee who volunteered to watch Finn. Thanks Ashlee! I also went to Memphis for my friend Amber's wedding. I have known her for a long time - probably longer than anyone that I still keep in touch with. Her wedding was beautiful and simple - it was just a few friends and family in the backyard of the house she just bought a few months ago. I loved it. I also got to spend time with my family and see a friend come home from his mission.
We also spent a day at Ijams hiking. It was the first time we had gone with Finn in one of those kid backpacks. He cried when we first put him in there, but then he enjoyed it. After hiking, we ate our picnic lunch and watched Finn venture out walking on his own for the first time. Daniel and I enjoyed it also. We hope to go again soon.

So what else...I've also been doing some sewing and have started taking guitar lessons. I really enjoy the guitar lessons. I'm taking them from the very talented Jill Andrews (check out her website) . If any of you in the Knoxville area want to take guitar lessons, I would highly recommend her. I've also picked out the book I'm going to read for the summer (or what's left of it). I'm going to read The Grapes of Wrath. I've been wanting to read it for a long time. If any of you would like to join me, I was thinking about getting together the last Thursday in August to discuss it. Just let me know if that works for you. Hope you are all having a wonderful summer!

Summer reading and free floats

2009-06-02T15:43:00.004-04:00

Last year a few friends and I tried to get a book club going. We met once and had a wonderful time, but soon after the holidays came and well we haven't gotten together since. I'd like to pick a book to read that others would also like to read this summer so we can all meet for refreshments and discuss the book. I'm not sure what to read. There are lots of books I want to read that I haven't gotten around to yet. Some I'm considering are Grapes of Wrath, Moby Dick, Anna Karenina and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, but I'm open to anything. Is there anyone else interested in doing this? If so, let me know and give me your book suggestions. Maybe there is one we can all agree on. I'd like us to meet sometime near the end of July.

Also, Sonic is giving away FREE rootbeer floats from 8pm to midnight tomorrow, June 3, or at least they are in Fountain City.

Appalachian Trail Part 2

2009-05-27T10:18:00.004-04:00

Yesterday's post told the story of our adventure in the Smokies. Today I just wanted to share some more of the photos we took because I just think nature is beautiful and thought you might enjoy them. So here they are.
On the parkway heading to Gatlinburg.
Between Clingman's Dome and the Siler's Bald Shelter.

The two pics above were taken near the Spence Field Shelter where we stayed on the 3rd night. It was my favorite shelter and one of the prettiest parts of the trail.
Fontana Lake

We saw lots of wildflowers, especially on the Eagle Creek Trail.

Appalachian Trail

2009-05-26T15:35:00.005-04:00

Last Monday, Daniel and I started our "vacation" together. I put that word in quotations because, although we had a lot of fun, it was a lot of work! We spent 5 days backpacking in the Smokies. We were supposed to stay along the AT the whole time, but Daniel hurt his knee Wednesday and we thought it would be easier on him to take an alternate route on Thursday. We started at Clingman's Dome and ended at Fontana Dam. It was 32 miles overall. We hiked the AT until we got to the Eagle Creek Trail. On Thursday we hiked all the way down the Eagle Creek Trail to Fontana Lake. Friday, we took the Lakeshore Trail (which, despite its name, does not offer views of the lake) around the lake to the dam.
This is me on the AT near the beginning of our journey in the higher elevations. There were some beautiful views from the ridge up there.

Daniel is holding a MRE (meal ready-to-eat). These are what we ate for lunch and dinner everyday. Soldiers eat these when they are in the field. They are actually pretty tasty. We wouldn't have chosen to take them because they are kind of heavy for backpacking purposes, but they were free and saved us from spending a lot of money on dehydrated meals.

This is me on the top of Rocky Top on Wednesday. And, yes, we did sing Rocky Top while we were there. Go Vols!
This is what a shelter on the AT looks like. Nothing fancy but they keep you out of the wind and rain (Fortunately, we did not have any rain the whole trip. The weather was quite perfect.). We stayed in these the first 3 nights.

Inside the shelter.

Every shelter had bear cables where you could hang your bags away from the shelters and out of reach of the bears. We saw one bear on the trail on the second day. Fortunately, he ran the other direction as soon as he heard us. That's my kind of bear. We also saw deer, wild turkeys, a red squirrel, lots of cute chipmunks, millipedes and various other insects, butterflies, and a few birds.

This is me on the fourth day in Eagle Creek. The decision to take this trail instead of continuing on the AT turned out to be a good decision - Daniel's knee didn't bother him at all on this trail. When the trail was actually on land, it was quite easy - gradual downhill for the first 4 miles and pretty flat for the last 4 miles. The only catch was you had to cross the creek 21 times. It had been raining a lot the week before, so there was a lot of water and some fast currents. Some of the crossings were a little scary for me. Only the last crossing had a bridge.

At our campsite on the fourth night trying to dry out our stuff that got wet during the creek crossings.

Overall, we had a wonderful time and hope to take more extended hiking trips in the future. It's nice to really get away from it all sometimes. It was really peaceful and quiet. There were no cell phones, no cars, and very few people. The people we did meet were very friendly and I enjoyed talking to them over the campfires at night. I also have a greater respect for the people who spend 4 - 5 months hiking the whole trail. That is quite an accomplishment. I hope to hike the whole trail, but in bits and pieces over the years. The hard work is worth the beauty and peace you can find on the trail.

South American Adventure - Part 5

2009-05-25T16:10:00.005-04:00

On our last day in South America, Desi and I went to the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires while we waited for our 8:00pm flight. We spent most of our time in the cemetery there where everyone who was anyone (and Catholic) is buried. I guess buried is not the right word - there are no tombstones anywhere or grass for that matter. Everyone here is housed in a mausoleum.
It really seems like a city for the dead. There are cobblestone pathways not grass and the mausoleums all next to each other look like a bunch of houses in a zero lot neighborhood.
The mausoleums themselves are works of art. They are by no means plain. Each one is unique. I loved all the statues. The one above was my favorite.
A lot of them had windows, whether plain or stained glass. Although overall they were well maintained and beautiful, some of them seemed to lack care - caskets would be partially hanging out or a door would be gone and you could just walk inside (we did not walk inside any of them for the record).

This is where Evita was buried. It was the only one covered in flowers.

These two pics are Desi and I enjoying our last bit of Argentinian gelato. So delicious. I fell in love with everything made with dulce de leche, whether it was gelato or the all too wonderful alfajores that I'm so glad they do not sell in the U.S. (or at least not in Knoxville). Soon after these pics, we were on our way to the airport, and I was already beginning to plan my next trip to Argentina.

South American Adventure Part 4 - Colonia, Uruguay

2009-05-15T14:07:00.007-04:00

We spent Saturday and Sunday in Colonia, Uruguay. It is a small town on the Uruguayan coast across from Argentina. It was were we got to relax. We never needed a map and it was so beautiful just to stroll around the old city and to look out over the water. We enjoyed the slower pace and were glad to spend 2 days here.

On the coast at sunset.

A lot of the houses here had flowering trees and shrubs like these around the doorways. I wish I could do this around my door. Most of this post will be just pictures. We basically walked and ate all day (and shopped some too).

This is the building for the small branch in Colonia and where we went to church on Sunday. Everyone was so friendly - maybe it was because they thought we were sister missionaries! All the women came and kissed us on the cheek and they tried to talk to us even if they knew very little English. It would be nice to serve a mission in this area. I would love to get to spend a few months in Colonia. The Branch President and his wife were actually missionaries from Utah or Idaho, I forget. Maybe Daniel and I can serve here someday...

South American Adventure Part 3 - Tigre

2009-05-14T13:52:00.005-04:00

On Friday, we were ready to get out of the city. Desi and I both prefer to be in smaller towns and more rural areas. Since we only had a week, we couldn't go very far unfortunately. I really wanted to explore southern Argentina, but a flight was too expensive and a bus took too long. So, we decided to head to Tigre, which is just north of Buenos Aires and the gateway to exploring the beautiful Prana Delta. After getting a place to stay, we headed out on a canoe trip of the Delta. Our canoe is pictured above. The people who run the canoe tours build their own canoes and they are beautiful. I wish I could have bought one, although I doubt they'd let me take it on the plane.
While on the canoe trip we explored what everyone refers to as "the island". Its the land mass that lies across the river from Tigre. There are no roads here - just waterways. Everyone who lives on the island has to use a boat, canoe, or kayak to get around. I loved paddling around the waterways. It was so quiet and peaceful. It was a nice change from Buenos Aires.
This is a picture of Desi and I after our canoe trip. Our guide Rogero took it. The building in the background is the yacht club. Looks nice, huh?

Next, we headed over to the art museum in Tigre. Getting to explore the building itself was worth the price of admission to me. It was old and big with huge windows and ceilings painted with various scenes and figures. It also had a spiral staircase with granite steps. I love old staircases like that. The landscaping outside was also gorgeous - very open and green with colorful flowers - and it was right on the river.

There wasn't a whole lot of art too see because they were preparing to open a new show in a few days and that area was closed off. However, I enjoyed the work I did see. The painting above was one of my favorites.

The bed and breakfast we stayed at was wonderful. The lady who ran it, Ali, was an artist and she had her artwork hung everywhere. She was also very nice and helpful. The whole place was just peaceful and beautiful. Desi and I would have been content to stay here the whole time, but we really wanted to see Uruguay. This picture is the view from our balcony - the pool and pool house - which was all part of the bed and breakfast.

South American Adventure Part 2 - Buenos Aires

2009-05-13T17:03:00.004-04:00

Before I went I had been told that Buenos Aires was the most European city outside of Europe. I believe it. This statue is just one example. This statue was at the zoo. Not exactly what you'd expect to find at a zoo in Buenos Aires, but I think that's why I enjoyed the place so much. I would expect to see a statue like this in a European art museum and in fact, a lot of the statues were replicas of statues I would find in Europe. I loved all the statues and took lots of pictures. I also loved all the wonderful bakeries and candy shops like I remember from France and lots of pizza and gelato like in Italy. Needless to say, Desi and I ate a lot.
This is Hotel Chile where we stayed. Great price, great location, and a very friendly staff. The guy who gave us our room seemed to really like us, but I didn't know how much until we stepped outside and looked at the building. See the huge balcony at the top there? That's the room he gave us, and the view from the balcony was magnificent!
There was a huge international book fair going on while we were there so we stopped in to check it out. Lots of books, mostly in Spanish of course. I did buy Finn a beautifully illustrated book in Spanish. I also learned that Star Wars and Elvis are truly universal and can be found anywhere.

This is me at the Botanical Gardens. I wish we could have been there in the Spring! It was beautiful without a lot of flowers, but I would love to be there when all the flowers are in bloom.

There were also lots of cats at the gardens running around everywhere. I guess the piles of cat food left for them on the sidewalks in the gardens keeps them hanging around.

South American Adventure Part 1 - Buenos Aires

2009-05-13T16:27:00.004-04:00

I have so many pictures that it is really hard to choose which ones to include in my blog. Desi and I spent Wednesday (We had an overnight flight that got in at 7:30am on Wednesday. We were so tired, but we did get to fly first class!) and Thursday in Buenos Aires. These pictures are actually from our second day there when we went to the zoo. The zoo was the most beautiful zoo I have ever seen. It was so open and green and had beautiful old buildings everywhere (I love old buildings). The pictures just don't do it justice. The above pic is just one of the many gorgeous old buildings there.

The zoo was also huge. They had every animal it seemed, except my favorite the red panda. Knoxville has that going for it. They also let you feed most of the animals with special food you could buy, so the animals were always at the fence where you could see them.
There were also just random animals running around free like peacocks, nutrias, and some animal that looked kinda like a miniature kangaroo. Neither Desi or I could figure out what it was.

This is just a random statue at the entrance to the zoo that I found amusing. I don't know who that guy is supposed to be (maybe the founder of the zoo?) but he looks a lot like Colonel Sanders.
This is a picture from our first day. For the first day we pretty much just walked around and saw the sights. This is the Plaza de Congresso. Most monuments and fountains were behind fences so you couldn't get to them. I assume this was to protect them from vandalism because any statue not in a fence had graffiti all over it - kind of sad.
In this picture we were standing in the Plaza de Mayo looking at the Casa Rosada. This is where Evita gave her famous speech. There were lots of protests here and in the Plaza de Congresso during the days we were there.
This is the Avenida 9 de Julio - one of the widest streets in the world. Oddly enough, this is also almost the exact same place where, 2 days later, 2 ladies would attempt to steal from Desi and I using an elaborate scheme involving bird poop. I was the unfortunate one who got pooped on, but fortunately the "poop" was only lotion.

My newest obsession

2009-04-19T21:47:00.003-04:00

For all of you who have been looking at this post for weeks wondering why there is not more too it, I'm finally here to explain. I was trying to post something to my blog via my newest obsession - my iPhone - when I realized that you have to have a special app to post to your blog, which I didn't have. I had already written the title (which is as far as you as get without the app) so, I thought I'd just close the window and that would be the end of it. I didn't realize the title had posted. I don't remember pushing post at all so I' not sure what happened, but the title did post with nothing to explain its meaning. So, the wait is over - my newest obsession is my iPhone. I love it and have found it useful in so many ways already. Daniel got it for me as a gift before I left on my trip to Argentina. Thanks Daniel!

Ah, Spring!

2009-04-14T21:35:00.005-04:00

I love living in Knoxville during the spring. It is so beautiful to see all the flowering trees everywhere. I love the dogwoods and redbuds. However, my favorite bloom of the season is just beginning to show itself. I love wisteria. Heaven for me includes being surrounded with wisteria. I love the heavenly scent that drifts from its blooms. My friend lives across the street from a house with a big tree in front that becomes covered with wisteria every spring. It is my dream tree. Any dream house of mine would include this tree. I plan to make many visits to this tree since its owners are so kind as to share its wealth with others. So, if you are looking for me this spring, just follow the wisteria. I'll be roaming among the blooms somewhere.

Finn

2009-04-09T15:56:00.003-04:00

Finn helping himself to a snack

...chowing down on an apple

...hanging with Ally (he sure knows how to get the pretty girls)

...being silly

...getting a start on his college reading

Busy (but aren't we all?)

2009-03-30T22:52:00.005-04:00

I have really been a blog slacker lately. I finally have caught up on reading everyone's blogs and am finally updating my own. I just haven't seemed to have the time lately. Nap time is the only time I seem to get anything done. So lately I've been spending that time cleaning (we seem to be entertaining people a lot lately), sewing (I want to open an Etsy shop and make quilts for my friends that are getting married), or learning Spanish (I leave for Argentina in 3 1/2 weeks. Yay!). However, tonight I vowed to stop neglecting my blog, and I also wanted to know how all of you were doing. In all this catching up, I found that my friend Laura had tagged me, so ....

Here are the 8's
Rules:
1.) Post rules on your blog
2.)Answer the 6 "8" items
3.)Tag 8 of your friends

8 favorite shows: (Hopefully canceled shows count)
The Office (of course)
Seinfeld
Lost (Sayid killed Ben! My head is spinning at the paradox that has just been created. )
Ugly Betty
My So-Called Life
Pushing Daisies (So sad it got canceled)
The Facts of Life
Fraggle Rock

8 things I did yesterday:
Went to church
Made a key lime pie
Cleaned the kitchen
Gave someone a ride to church
Had dinner with my mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, and of course, Finn and Daniel
Ate yummy zucchini bread my visiting teacher gave me (thanks Kristie!)
Ate yummy Challah bread that Kelly brought me (I was a very lucky girl yesterday)
Conducted Primary

8 things that I look forward to:
Argentina!
Hiking 40 miles of the Appalachain Trail with Daniel in May
Finn walking
Grad School...not any time soon
Having another baby someday
Opening my Etsy shop
Going to 3 of my friends weddings in the next few months
Going to the temple

8 favorite resturants:
Tomato Head
Chez Guevara
Stir Fry Cafe
Pizza Kitchen
Mellow Mushroom
Rosepepper's in Nashville
The mediterranean restaurant in Oak Ridge (can't remember it's name, but so delish!)
The French Market

8 things on my wishlist:
An iphone or blackberry
To learn to rock climb
To have time to do all the sewing I want to do
Unlimited texting
To learn as many languages as possible
To travel to every country or at least as many as possible
To have all my kids embrace the gospel, get married in the temple, and endure to the end.
To serve a mission

8 people to tag:
Desi
Amber
Lindsey
Beth
Katina
Marla
Eliza
Kristie

Since my birthday...

2009-03-12T15:48:00.002-04:00

... Daniel built my shelves and put them on the wall in my sewing room. I also got my rotary cutter, mat, and rulers, but more on that later.

I've been working on a few projects. This table runner is one of them. A very simple project using a fabric remnant I got when I visited Lotta Jansdotter's studio last summer.

Finn and I have been going to the zoo on the days it has been warm here. He loves the animals, especially the red panda (it's also my favorite). I assume he likes the red panda best because it looks a lot like a cat, and cats are Finn's favorite things.

WARNING! Do not scroll down any further if you have a weak stomach. The next picture shows what happens when you are not very careful while using a rotary cutter.

Yea, so within 2 weeks of getting my wonderful rotary cutter, I slice a part of my finger off. They couldn't stitch it up because there was no skin to cover it with. No, that piece of skin wound up on my cutting table. So, the doctor cauterized it with silver nitrate to stop the bleeding (I had been applying pressure to my finger for 5 hours by the time this was done and the bleeding had not slowed one bit) and then covered it with Dermabond. It was really great to hear my doctor ask another of the ER doctors if he had ever tried that method before. He hadn't. My doctor informed him that he had read about it in a journal and that it is supposed to work really well. Let's hope so! The doctor also reassured me that he didn't believe he had used too much silver nitrate on my finger. Why does that matter? Because if he used too much, my finger will be black for the rest of my mortal life. That's not too bad. I'm sure Finn will think that is super cool in a few years. How many other moms have a black finger? And if this happens to you, don't believe the doctor when he tells you that it won't hurt at all tomorrow because he has covered up all the exposed nerves with Dermabond. He's lying to you. It not only hurts the next day, but the next 8 days (yea, I kept count). Also, you cannot speed on your way to the ER unless the person in the car with you is on death's door. Fortunately, the cop who pulled us over only lectured us instead of giving us a ticket. My favorite part was when the cop asked me, after Daniel told him why he was speeding, if I needed an ambulance. It was funny because I could see the hospital from where he pulled us over. I didn't need an ambulance. I just needed him to let us drive a few feet further to the hospital. The cop was really nice though. Everything is well now. Besides looking really gross, my finger doesn't hurt. I'm just glad I only cut off a little piece. I feel awful for people who lose whole fingers, hands, or limbs. I cannot imagine what that pain must be like, and hopefully I'll never know. I still love my rotary cutter though. I finished cutting my fabric that evening when I got home from the ER.

My wonderful weekend

2009-02-18T12:41:00.005-05:00

What's behind this door? Only the best birthday present ever - my sewing/craft room!

This is my sewing table...

and this is my cutting table (sorry, it got put in the post turned the wrong way and I'm too lazy to fix it). I'm so excited! Now whenever I want to sew I don't have to drag everything to the dining table to do it. I just love it! Thanks Daniel! I also have a rotary cutter, mat ,and rulers that should be arriving any day now. Yay!

I turned 30 on Monday and it was a wonderful day. One of the best birthdays ever. Daniel left me a card that he designed on the table to greet me when I awoke. Then I had lunch at the Pizza Kitchen (one of my favorite places to eat) with Desi, Ashlee, and Natalie and all of our kids. It was so much fun! Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures.

Then, I got a wonderful surprise in the afternoon. Two of my dearest friends, Whitney and Kavita, drove all the way from Nashville to spend time with me on my birthday. They are so awesome! I've been friends with them for almost 12 years now. We became instant friends when we all met at freshman orientation at UT in the summer of 1997. They are the best. The picture above is one of the gifts they brought me. It's an iguana punchball. Who comes up with this stuff? Although I have to admit, it's probably the most unique gift I've ever gotten.

Here's a picture of Kavita, Whitney, and I at Chez Guevara (another favorite place to eat). We went there for my birthday dinner.
Finn, Daniel, and my brother Daniel were there also. All in all, I had a wonderful day spent with friends and family (and a cake from Magpies). It was the perfect birthday. I had so much fun turning 30. I also had a wonderful Valentine's Day. My very wonderful friend Kristie babysat Finn and actually kept him overnight! Thank you Kristie! So, Daniel and I got to go out and do what we love to do most on a cold, winter evening (or really any evening) - the always exciting dinner and a movie. We ate at one of our favorite restaurants, Stir Fry Cafe, and then went to see Coraline in 3D. We both enjoyed it and were impressed with the new 3D technology. I always love going out with Daniel because I always have so much fun. It doesn't matter what we do. I just enjoy his company so much and am so glad to be married to him. Yes, I had a very wonderful weekend.

Kids and art

2009-02-11T11:45:00.002-05:00

I found this great post about how to teach younger children about creating art. I can't wait to try it with Finn when he is a little bit older. For those of you with 3 - 5 year olds, I would be interested to know how the lesson turns out if you decide to try it.

More books I want

2009-02-10T13:18:00.003-05:00

I really have to stop looking at the craft books in Borders. I find more I want all the time. I did, however, get one of the books from my previous list - Denyse Schmidt's Quilts. I couldn't wait until my birthday and just went ahead and bought it. I'm excited to get started on my first quilt. I'd also like to learn how to make my own books. Does anyone have any suggestions on good books about making books?

Changing pad with pockets

2009-02-06T09:30:00.003-05:00

I used some of my new fabrics to make this for a friend of mine that just had a baby. I have one like this that I bought on Etsy a couple years ago, and I absolutely love it. It's one of the most useful baby items I have. I hope my friends will enjoy theirs also.

Feeling loopy

2009-02-05T10:26:00.002-05:00

I've had a sinus infection for the past week and a half and haven't been sleeping well. When I went to the doctor she prescribed me some tylenol with codeine to help me sleep. At first I took one pill before going to sleep, but I would still wake up coughing. On the bottle it said I could take 1 - 2 pills every 6 hours. So, last night at 10 pm I decided to take 2 pills. I'm still feeling it over 12 hours later. I can barely type this post. My mind feels really loopy and relaxed. Who can take 2 of these every 6 hours? I think I'll stick to just one pill tonight.

Favorite thing: Green & Black Chocolate

2009-02-04T10:51:00.004-05:00

I love chocolate and Green & Black chocolate is some of my favorite. I'm telling you this now so you can start dropping hints in time for Valentine's Day. You can buy it at some Kroger stores, Whole Foods, or Earth Fare. And while we are on the topic of chocolate ... for those of you who live in the Knoxville area, Magpies is having their monthly cupcake tasting this Friday night from 4 - 7. The flavors this month are Chocolate Covered Cherry, White Chocolate Strawberry, and Red Hot Chocolate. Hopefully, I'll see you there! (Did you know that in the new issue of the Rachel Ray magazine she names Magpies as one of the best places to get cupcakes in the entire nation?!)

Who needs a vampire?

2009-02-02T11:40:00.002-05:00

Since I know a lot of you are Twilight fans (myself included), I thought I'd share this with you. In case you've talked too much about Edward and the greatness of vampires, here's a valentine that will remind the special guy in your life that you can love regular guys too. You can get it here.

Lots and lots of fabric!

2009-01-29T17:28:00.003-05:00

I just got the fabric I ordered from The Fabric Bar. I'm so excited to start sewing! I'm completely ready for all the wonderful craft books I'm going to get for my birthday. Just so you know, The Fabric Bar is having a wonderful sale right now on lots of Amy Butler fabrics - 50% off. I've got a link to their site on the side bar under "Sites I enjoy".

Books I want

2009-01-28T19:03:00.006-05:00

I've been feeling crafty lately and these are some of the books I would like to get crafty with. Fortunately, my birthday is in a few weeks and these will be on my wish list. Unfortunately, the Lotta Jansdotter book doesn't come out until April.

Yummy granola!

2009-01-16T12:26:00.006-05:00

Daniel and I gave some of our friends and family a bag of super tasty Maple Nut Granola as part of their Christmas gift this year. We like it so much that we now make a batch of it every week.

The Ingredients

5 c. old fashioned rolled oats
1 c. coconut chips or flakes
1/2 c. sliced almonds
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. light brown sugar
1/3 c. unsalted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1/3 c. sunflower seeds
1/2 c. maple syrup
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. canola oil
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. raisins

First, preheat oven to 275. Then combine oats, coconut, nuts, brown sugar, and seeds in a large bowl.

In a medium bowl, mix together the maple syrup, water, and oil. Then pour the mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well combined.

Next, spread the mixture into a large (12 by 15 inch) roasting pan or large rimmed baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes and remove from oven and stir. Then bake for another 45 minutes. Stir in cranberries and raisins and enjoy! It is so easy to make and so good to eat. I got the recipe from Eating Well magazine. If you've never checked it out before, I highly recommend buying the magazine or checking out the website for recipes. I've liked every recipe I've tried.

2009

2009-01-13T08:34:00.005-05:00

I am not a very organized person. I'm getting better as the years go by, but I've still got a ways to go. One of the only ways I stay organized is to write on a wall calendar hanging in my kitchen. Last year Daniel's parents gave us a photo calendar, which I loved. However, at the end of December, of course, the calendar stopped. I began making plans, but had no where to write them down. I started to worry. I thought I would start standing up friends for lunch, miss visiting teaching appointments and presidency meetings, and get kicked out of Finn's doctor's office for missing too many appointments. I needed a calendar fast. I was going to just go out and buy a calendar, but I don't want to spend $15 on a calendar - Daniel and I can go to the movies for that. So, I decided to make a calendar myself. I'm not particularly crafty, but I like the way it turned out - simple and easy. It's kind of minimalist, but I like that. I just used some card stock, binder rings, photos, and fabric scraps. I really like the texture that the fabric gives to the calendar.

A few of Finn's favorite things...

2009-01-12T22:23:00.003-05:00

the piano, or really any musical instrument

his blocks

cellphones, especially blackberries

anything he can climb on

and, of course, his stuffed animals, especially the bunny

Beware the CPSIA

2009-01-12T12:54:00.004-05:00

Maybe I'm the last one to hear about the mess that the new law Congress passed a few months ago known as the Consumer Product Safety Information Act (CPSIA) has the potential to create. At first glance it appears to be a good law - it requires testing of all toys and any products used by children for lead and pthalates by Febuaray 10th, 2009. Any not tested will be considered hazardous waste and cannot be sold unless you want to incur a big fine. This rule applies not only to toys made after Feb. 10 but also all that are on the self. Not only do toy makers have to do testing, but apparently the sellers of toys must test what is on their shelves. This is fine for the big toy makers and stores - they can afford it, but what about the small handmade toy companies and stay at home moms who make and sell children's items? They will probably have to go out of business. Testing is very expensive if your a small company - each test can cost $500, and if you have to test a batch of each item you make, that adds up very quickly. What's ironic is that a lot of these small businesses and moms started making toys and other goods for children because they wanted safer options for their kids. Now they'll be out of business and the only option will be to buy from the big toy makers who are the ones who caused all the problems to begin with. So if you like to buy toys from small businesses or on Etsy or if you make items for children and sell them yourself, you should get involved. If you want a little more info, here are some links to news articles here, here, and here. There is also a lot of information on the Mothering Magazine website. They also have some ideas for sample letters to write your senators and congressmen/women. It is also a good idea to call them. I buy most of Finn's toys from small businesses that sell or make toys. I do this because I like to support the little guy and because the toys are of better quality and made by companies whose main objective is to make great toys for kids with natural materials and dyes. I don't want Finn to grow up toyless, but I'm not going to start buying plastic toys because that's my only option after Feb. 10 (Sorry, I don't mean to offend any of you who do buy plastic toys, but I prefer wooden toys. I think they are nicer and last longer, and they're made from a natural material). I guess I'll have to take up woodworking myself.

Favorite thing: Virgil's Root Beer

2009-01-09T10:03:00.005-05:00

I've never been a big root beer fan, but I cannot get enough of Virgil's! It has been a great find since I'm trying to eliminate high fructose corn syrup from my life (no more Dr. Pepper :( !). It is filled with wonderful natural herbs and spices like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, wintergreen, and anise and no caffeine. I highly recommend it. (By the way, it is really hard to do a blog entry while holding a 15 month old.)

I'm back!

2009-01-07T20:04:00.008-05:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've blogged, as you may have noticed. I can't believe it's been a whole month almost! However, I'm now well rested and ready to return to the world of blogging. For my first post, I'll be playing catch up. We brought in the new year with our dear friends Manasseh and Lachelle. We miss them so much and wish they didn't live so far away in a land called Utah. Also to bring in the the new year , we decided it was time for Finn to get his first haircut. Daniel was his stylist.

So, Finn is now clean cut and no longer has the beginnings of a mullet. He was starting to look a little scraggly, but I kind of miss shaggy Finn.

Here we are at the Red Robin in Chattanooga on our way home from spending Christmas in Lucedale, MS with Daniel's family. He loved that balloon.

This is a picture that Daniel's sister Carmen took of Finn and his two cousins Ladner and Taite. She takes great pictures. This one is one of my favorites just because it makes me laugh.

Here's Finn cracking up at his cousins' shenanigans (is that how you spell that?).

My two sleepy boys on Christmas morning.

Here's Finn at the Ader's house playing around while I try to get pictures to send out in Christmas cards. Valerie and Ben did a great job trying to help me get Finn to smile. I don't know why he didn't want to smile. He's always smiling. This is the second year in a row that the Ader Christmas tree has been my background because we haven't put up a tree of our own. We have a fake tree and plenty of ornaments, but I haven't seen the need to put it up when we just go out of town for Christmas every year. Also, I didn't want to keep Finn out of it every day. Maybe next year we'll put it up since Finn will know a little more about what's going on.

I just thought this picture was cute.

Pre-Christmas: Since there was no tree to get into, Finn has to resort to playing with his favorite blocks (Thanks Ashlee!).

So, now we're all caught up. I hope all of you had a wonderful time during the holidays. Next on my to do list is to read everyone else's blogs to see what you guys have been up to, so I'm sure I'll read all about your holiday experiences then!

Work Christmas Party

2008-12-09T14:20:00.006-05:00

So, I know I don't work outside of the home anymore, but I still refer to my old place of employment as "work". Today they had their annual Christmas party, and Finn and I crashed it (not really, we were invited). Of course Finn cannot stand still, so I was chasing him all over while trying to eat. I tried to keep him from discovering the stairs because all he wants to do is climb stairs if he can find him. I was successful in that endeavor thank goodness. However, he did get into the big ice cooler. I found him playing in it - picking the ice out of the cooler, placing it on the floor, and then putting it back in the cooler again. I'm sure they just cleaned the carpet, right? Although I can't vouch for the cleanliness of Finn's hands... He was also putting his hands all in the cup they had put in the ice to use as a scoop to keep everyone from putting their dirty hands or cups into the ice. One of my work friends saw this and said, "Oh it's ok. It's just baby hands". I'm glad at least she felt that way because I didn't stop Finn from playing in the ice - it was keeping him busy while I hit the dessert table. I figured he was cute enough to get away with it.

Weekend

2008-12-08T15:54:00.007-05:00

Finn bundled up and ready to head to the Christmas parade downtown. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the parade. When we got close to downtown and saw all the traffic, we were grateful we had a kid who couldn't talk and beg to go. We turned around and decided we would go next year and arrive earlier.

Here's Finn drinking some milk at the free cupcake tasting at Magpies. My favorite cupcake was the chocolate peppermint, while Daniel liked the gingerbread. Finn didn't get a cupcake but he liked the milk. They also had delicious coffee cake and cheesecake for tasting.

Here we are at the Holiday Homemade Craft Show. We got some presents for ourselves. We both got a mug from the pottery place in the picture. Daniel also bought me a Christmas present, but he couldn't wait to give it to me so I got it when we got home. It was a handmade zippered pouch. I love zippered pouches. They help me keep organized. I also bought some Christmas cards for my friends and some blank notecards from the BirdDog Press. I really like their designs and the fact that the cards are letterpressed. The craft show is going on this weekend and next. So check it out if you haven't already and support our local artists.

Jill Bliss

2008-12-08T15:46:00.005-05:00

I discovered Jill Bliss a few years ago and really enjoy her whimsical designs. She sells paper goods, posters, and fabric goods along with some magnets and pins. If you're looking for unique gifts for people on your Christmas list, check out her website.

Weekend Happenings

2008-12-04T19:33:00.005-05:00

Sorry this is kinda last minute, but I just found out about these events myself. First, tomorrow night, Friday, Dec. 6, there are free cupcakes, a homemade craft show, a free concert, and a parade. The free cupcakes can be found at Magpies from 4 - 8pm. From there, you can mosey up the street to the Holiday Homemade Craft Show, which takes place from 4-9pm. Then, you could head downtown to hear a free concert at the WDVX studios in the Knoxville Visitor's Center on Gay St. starting at 6pm. At 7pm, you could step outside and watch the Christmas Parade. After which you could go back to the visitor's center and hear more music. If you follow my plan, you will have a fun evening without spending a penny. Well, unless you buy something at the craft show, but you would probably only be buying a gift for someone else who you were going to spend money on anyway, right?

Nubbins

2008-12-04T09:05:00.007-05:00

If you need a laugh today, listen to this. It's a story that was told on the NPR show This American Life awhile back, and I still think it is one of the funniest stories I've heard, although it is a sad commentary on our society. It was actually the last story told on the show that day, so you can skip over the beginning stories if you want. It starts at about the 41:00 minute mark.

Hope you like to color...

2008-12-04T08:52:00.003-05:00

Daniel showed me this color you own wallpaper last night, and I just had to share this. It's a cool concept, but I think my eyes would hurt after awhile. It's a little busy for me. I actually like it better uncolored. If you want to find out more about it, go here.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T12:34:00.003-05:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Memphis at my parent's house this year. I ate way too much, but the food was so good! We also exchanged Christmas presents with my family and we got a new digital camera (finally!) with which these pictures were taken. Finn got to eat his first Thanksgiving turkey and he really liked it.

This is Finn on the Memphis to Nashville leg of our return home. I wish I had that set up!

I took this picture outside the Quizno's near Crossville to document the snow, but you can't see any in this picture! I promise that if you were there in person you would have seen snow on these trees. It was actually quite a beautiful site. Hello December!

Finn has amazing bed hair. The top one was taken on Sunday in Nashville at my friend Whitney's apartment after he awoke from a nap. The bottom one was taken on Monday after waking up from his first nap after arriving home.

Lotta Jansdotter

2008-12-02T11:16:00.006-05:00

I had to put up at least one post on my blog about my favorite designer - Lotta Jansdotter. I was fortunate enough in June to go to a launch party at her Brooklyn studio for her new book, and I got to talk to her and her family and the members of her very small staff. They are all very kind (and very creative) people. I absolutely love her stuff and would buy everything she put out if I could afford it. However, she has published two fabulous books, Simple Sewing and Lotta Prints, that teach you how to make beautiful things all on your own. If you are looking for a gift for someone or yourself, checkout her website. Happy browsing!

Oh, the places you'll go!

2008-11-25T11:54:00.003-05:00

To participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. Happy discoveries!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23.Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie/tv show
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Give it a try!

Weekend, Part 3

2008-11-24T12:11:00.004-05:00

Saturday was really busy. I left the house at 8:30 and went to the gym for a couple of hours. Then, I met some friends at Tomato Head for lunch in preparation for the big event - Twilight. After eating, we saw the 1:00 show of Twilight and I loved it! We were all ready to see it again right after it ended. A lot was left out, and it felt rushed at times, but the two hours were over before I even realized it. We all agreed that the movie should have been 3 hours long. After that I got a haircut and then headed home. I didn't get home until 6:00! What a day! I have to give a big thanks to my wonderful husband for watching Finn all day so I could go have fun. Thanks Daniel! You're the best!

Weekend, Part 2

2008-11-24T11:54:00.005-05:00

Sam Beam of Iron and Wine

On Friday night, I had the pleasure of taking Daniel out for his birthday (it's a little late but I don't control when bands are scheduled to play). We ate at Nama first and then headed to the Bijou to catch the Iron and Wine show. They are another of my favorite bands. Sam Beam is super talented and a great songwriter. I love the beautiful melodies he comes up with. Two nights in a row of great music! Blitzen Trapper opened for them, and they also rocked the house. I was basking in musical glory the whole night!

Weekend, Part 1

2008-11-24T11:34:00.004-05:00

Sam Quinn and Jill Andrews from the everybodyfields

I haven't posted in awhile because I have been super busy having super fun. I had been looking forward to the past weekend for over a month. So, my weekend got started a little early. Thursday night I had the pleasure of going with Taylor to see the very wonderful the everybodyfields. They are from Johnson City, although most of them now call Knoxville home, I think, and they create beautiful music. One of my favorite bands, especially live. The two acts who opened up for them, Katie Herzig and Erick Baker, were pretty good also. All in all I was very pleased to spend 4 hours at the Bijou listening to great music.

I wish I was a Waldkinder

2008-11-19T15:44:00.004-05:00

I was reading my copy of Mothering magazine the other day and came across an article on waldkintergartens. Apparently, it is quite common in Germany and Scandinavia and sounds way cool. The kids that attend are anywhere from 3-6 years old. They meet up with their teacher every morning at an indoor location and then head out into the woods for the rest of the day, even in rain or snow. They spend the time exploring and observing nature and learning about animals, plants, cooking, building fires, sharpening sticks, and other outdoor skills. I wish I could have gone to one of these. I wish they had them here now so I could send Finn to one. I think kids spend way too much time inside and hate to think of Finn spending every year after he turns 5 sitting inside behind a desk all day. Maybe I'll have to start my own waldkindergarten. Here's an article that the Telegraph did about waldkindergartens. Don't you wish you could have spent your first years of school outside?

Gratitude

2008-11-19T10:36:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to put a link to this story here to help us all remember that we are very blessed to live the life we live. Sometimes we can get so caught up in our own lives that we forget that there are others out there who are really suffering and need our help. So if your having a bad day, complaining about your life, or throwing yourself a pity party, read this and start counting your blessings.

Last night

2008-11-19T10:29:00.003-05:00

The book club last night was great fun, although it did take us an hour and a half before we finally got around to discussing the book. It was good to just get together with the girls (Ashlee, Mandy, and Desi) and chat and eat cupcakes. I'd also like to give a big thanks to all the husbands who watched the kids. We couldn't have had our fun without your help. We are tentatively planning to meet next on Dec. 18 at Desi's house. Our next book - Wuthering Heights. Start reading!

Book Club tonight

2008-11-18T16:56:00.004-05:00

Tonight I am getting together with a few friends to discuss Northanger Abbey. I'm excited about starting a book club because I often read a book and want to discuss it but don't know anyone who has read it. After we meet tonight, I'll post and tell you what the next book is. If anyone is interested in reading it and joining us for a discussion, just let me know and I'll tell you when and where we're meeting. We will also be eating Magpies cupcakes and drinking tea (herbal of course)!

Making faces

2008-11-17T18:48:00.005-05:00

Daniel took these photos of Finn during dinner a few nights ago. I never knew he made so many different facial expressions in such a short period of time!

Free Godiva Chocolate!

2008-11-17T16:41:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that on Thursday, November 20 from 1pm-3pm Godiva is handing out a free truffle to anyone who stops by. I just might have some shopping to do on Thursday...

Tag...You're it!

2008-11-14T13:45:00.008-05:00

So, I got my first blog tag! What an exciting day! You can thank my friend Laura for this next post full of things you probably didn't know about me (and maybe don't care to know). However, I will warn Desi, Natalie, Mary, Katy, Sara, and Laura C that question 23 asks me to tag more people, and well...tag you're it.

(Sorry, Laura, I stole some of your answers, but they are exactly what I was thinking. Great minds think alike)

1. Do you like blue cheese? No. Blech.
2. Do you own a gun? Um, no. But I do have a funny video of me shooting a gun for the first time a couple of years ago. I'll have to post it.
3. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? None. It just ruins the taste of the Dr. Pepper.
4. Do you get nervous before doctor Appointments? No
5. What do you think of hot dogs? Veggie dogs are good.
6. Favorite Christmas movie? The Christmas Story.
7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? water
8. Can you do push-ups? If I must.
9. Age? 29
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring
11. Favorite hobby? Reading
12. Favorite Actor? I don't know, but I was absolutely in love with Keanu Reeves when I was 12.
13. Do you have A.D.D.? no
14. What's one trait you hate about yourself? It's hard for me to make decisions.
15. Middle name? Elizabeth
16. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: 1-I need to put the clothes in the dryer. 2-I need to stop blogging because I think Finn just woke up. 3- I need to stop blogging.
17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday/today? A present for Jula's baby shower, fruit, gas
18. 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Izze, Dr. Pepper.
19. 3 Current worries? Getting everyone's Christmas presents...that's about it. I don't worry about a lot.
20. Favorite place to be? On a beach
21. How did you bring in the New Year? Asleep - I had a very small baby this past new year.
22.Where would you like to go? Anywhere I haven't been already.
23. Tag three to six people... Desi, Natalie, Mary, Katy, Sara, Laura C
24. Do you own slippers? Nope.
25. What shirt are you wearing? White tank top under a brown cardigan sweater.
26. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I've never done it before, am I missing out?
27. Can you whistle? Used to. Not so much anymore. Wonder what happened there.
28. favorite color? Blue.
29. Would you be a pirate? Absolutely. I would love to sail in the open ocean. Though, the stealing and fighting are downsides for me.
30. What songs do you sing in the shower? "Aeroplane" by the everybodyfields
31. Favorite girl's name? boy's name? Boys: Finn. Girls: Dylan, Cedella
32. What is in your pocket? One penny
33. Last thing that made you laugh? A story Daniel told me about his childhood antics. It involved melting a GI Joe.
34. Best bed sheets as a child? Strawberry Shortcake.
35. Worst injury you've ever had? Car accident - Hurt my hip and couldn't walk right for over a month. Or any one of my three broken bones I incurred throughout my childhood.
36. How many TVs do you own? 1
37. Who is your loudest friend? Laura Newton
38. How many dogs do you have? One. His name is Pi.
39. Does someone have a crush on you? Daniel
40. What is your favorite book(S)? The Fountainhead and Jane Eyre
41. Where were you born? Nashville
42. What is your favorite candy? Chocolate with almonds
43. Favorite Sports Teams? The Vols!
44. What songs do you want played at your funeral? I have honestly never thought about that.
45.What are you doing at 12 A.M.? Sleeping
46. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I need to pray.
47. Do you live away from your home town? Where are you currently? Not too far. Memphis is my home town.
48. Do you like to celebrate the holidays? Absolutely I do.
49. Do you own/use exercise equipment, if so what kind? Free weights.
50. What do you think of this long list of questions? I've just wasted a lot of time.

Hola!

2008-11-13T10:47:00.003-05:00

Costa Rica

Argentina

Buenos dias, mi amigas! So, for those of you who don't know, I love to travel. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do much of that over the past few years (money, work, kid). However, since I'm turning 30 next year, I'm rewarding (or consoling) myself with trips! I will definitely be going to Costa Rica with my lovely husband. I also plan to go to Argentina and possibly another short trip with some friends I met in college. Anyway, to prepare for my trips I am trying to learn Spanish and have found a wonderful website that has free beginner courses in quite a few languages. The courses are supposed to be completed over a 12 week period. The site contains audio, video, and various activities to help you learn. So far I really enjoy it. If anyone else wants to learn Spanish, let me know so we can get together and practice. Hasta luego!

Things I take for granted

2008-11-12T18:52:00.006-05:00

I know that most of the time I take for granted the wonderful life I live and that I don't even recognize half of the things for which I should be grateful. One thing I realized today that I take for granted is that when I send my child to school someday, I expect that the school building itself will not fall down on him. I feel really sad for the families in Haiti that are dealing with the collapse of two schools within a week. I love to travel and visit new places and learn about new cultures, but I'm glad that I live in the USA. It's not perfect - no place is - but it's still a great place to live.

Finn's Birthday

2008-11-11T19:47:00.002-05:00

I wasn't blogging when Finn had his birthday on October 6th, so here's the classic "I'm one and I have cake on my face" pic.

Homemade Pizza

2008-11-11T19:29:00.002-05:00

... well sort of. I love farmer's markets. I'm kinda addicted. Luckily there are only 2 farmer's markets (instead of 6) going on now since the season is coming to a close. At the one on Fridays at the Laurel Church of Christ there is a lady who makes wonderful breads, granola, muffins, and pizza dough. The name of her business is Hillside Bakery. I bought some of the pizza dough this past Friday for the first time, and Daniel and I made pizza with it tonight. It was fabulous. The dough is not cooked. You just freeze it if you are not going to use it within the next day. She has whole wheat and regular crust. I got the whole wheat. It's great for those of us who do not have time or do not want to take the time to make homemade dough but still want homemade pizza. It was very yummy. Finn liked it too. Go check the Hillside Bakery out at the market, but go soon because all the farmer's markets end this month and will not be back until April! What will I do!

Weekend...

2008-11-10T22:05:00.002-05:00

So, I can't believe I went all weekend without blogging! Well, actually I can. Daniel's family was in town for the weekend so we were busy with them, and I actually got sick this weekend and did nothing but lie around in bed after dinner on Saturday. I would have laid in bed all day Sunday, but it was the Primary program in our ward and, since I'm in the presidency, I wanted to be there to support the kids. But I was back in bed right after church. Today I'm feeling better, thank goodness! Being sick is the worst! However, lying around did give me the time to finish Northanger Abbey and I also started and finished Pride and Prejudice. I now understand why the latter book is so popular. I really enjoyed it and it is my favorite Austen novel that I have read so far (the others I've read are Emma and Northanger Abbey). However, I still prefer the Bronte sisters. Anyway, I did get to go to the Magpies grand opening. We took Daniel's family there after dinner and it was delicious! Sorry, to all of you who missed it. For all of you coming to the book club next week, I plan on serving some Magpies!

3 Rakes, 2 Boys, 1 Girl and a Leaf

2008-11-07T11:29:00.003-05:00

While I was walking my dog Pi last night, I passed a house where 3 kids were outside raking leaves in the yard. The girl was the only one doing any actual raking while the two boys were using their rakes as swords to fight one another. The younger brother then started to hit the tree branches above him with the rake. The older boy said, "Stop doing that! You'll make more leaves fall down!". It's nice to see that the older boy was so concerned about his sister that he did not want to make her rake one extra leaf.

Free happenings around town

2008-11-06T10:11:00.003-05:00

When I started this blog 2 days ago, I did not know how addicted I would become. I have started another side bar that lists free events for families around Knoxville. If you have any questions, just leave a comment on a post with the question and I'll get back to you. Also, if you know of any free events I don't have listed, please let me know. Free is the new black in this economy.

Good Reads

2008-11-06T09:27:00.004-05:00

Since I've had Finn, I've been a voracious reader. On the side bar, I've started a list of books that I've read and recommend. I would love to hear from any of you about books you would recommend. I'm always in search of another great book to read.

Yummy and free!

2008-11-06T07:14:00.002-05:00

Magpies. If you have never had the pleasure of eating any of their cakes and cupcakes, wait no longer. They are having a big grand opening for their new location tomorrow night and they will have free sampling of their yummy treats. There will also be a band, face painting, balloon animals, and a fun table (whatever that is). It's from 5-9. I am so sad that I will not be able to go. Daniel's parents are coming tomorrow afternoon and I think we will be too busy visiting them at the cabin where they are staying (which is not close to Magpies). I hope some of you can go so I can live vicariously through you. If you go, you will not be disappointed. Go eat some cake!

Excitement all over

2008-11-05T09:49:00.004-05:00

The whole world seems to be excited about the Obama presidency. Maybe now we can make some improvements in diplomatic relations that have suffered over the years with some countries.

Obama wins!

2008-11-05T07:13:00.004-05:00

I was excited when, at 11:00, NBC announced that Obama had won the election. Although, as I mentioned earlier, I believe both men to have been good candidates, Obama does give me the most hope for the future. I thought McCain's concession speech was very gracious and showed him to possess excellent character. I really wish he could have gotten the nomination eight years ago. I probably would have voted for him then. I also was glad to hear Obama talk of the challenges facing this country. It reassured me that he recognizes the difficulties he will face as president. My impression of him is that he is an optimistic realist, and I think that is an important quality for the president to possess at this time. So, I hope he will continue to inspire hope and that the next four years will be better than the previous four.

Finn

2008-11-04T12:22:00.005-05:00

... discovering life as a dinosaur

... enjoying a fall day

... taking a sip

I Voted!

2008-11-04T10:43:00.001-05:00

I just got back from the polls. I got there just in time. I didn't have to wait, but when I had finished casting my vote for Obama, there was quite a line. If you haven't voted yet, vote soon!

Election Day!

2008-11-04T08:20:00.000-05:00

Election day is here and, for the first time since I have been able to vote, I'm excited about it. I honestly feel that both candidates are good men and would serve our country well. I do have one I prefer but, no matter who wins, I feel the country will be in good hands. I have not felt that way in the two previous elections. In fact, this is the first time I will vote for a major party candidate for president. I hope all of you out there will be voting also. As soon as my son wakes up, I'll be on my way to the polls!