BG-isms

• Everything is now her favorite. Her favorite game, toy, CD. She will grab it and exclaim "Dat my favwit!"
  
• She has started telling me "I love you mostest". It's adorable and warms my heart every time.
  
• She loves to point out big trucks while we are driving. This morning she spotted one and said while pointing "Dat big twuck! Wight thewe, Wight thewe!"
  
• She also loves yellow cars. She will occasionally point out other colors, but if she sees a yellow car or truck, she gets very excited.
• She understands the concept of too loud. Her new piano has a volume control and I tell her to turn it down. She looks at me with the most inquisitive look and asks "Dat too loud?"
  
• Anytime I call something big, she tells me it was actually little. If she coughs and I say "That was a big cough!" She will say "No, dat little cough."
  
• She is very concerned about others eating her food. If she leaves the room, she has to make sure to tell Mommy or Daddy "Don't eat my soup!" Sometimes it takes some reassuring that Mommy will not eat her soup.

Christmas Gifts

This year for Christmas, we decided to go light. We only gave gifts to the children in the extended family, and cards to the parents. (Merry Christmas, here's a picture of us!) We went light on gifts for each other and only did a few things for BG. We figure she is small enough that she won't really know or care if Santa brings one gift or 100.

At least that was the plan. I stuck to it. I bought JM a few small things. He is really into running right now so I bought him some running accessories. He, got me this...


An iPod Touch! It really is the perfect gift. I have been playing around with it and it is fabulous. I am on the hunt for a new cell phone and we have been debating on a smart phone vs. a regular phone. I really wanted a calendar feature but don't need a data plan (more $$) or all the other bells and whistles. So JM got me this, which has everything I need. Now I can get a simpler (aka cheaper) phone and still have everything I need. Thanks honey!

BG got spoiled by family. I knew she would (another reason to limit gifts from Mom, Dad and Santa). My SIL gave BG a keyboard similar to this.


I had been hesitant to open it because it looks noisy. Finally I broke down yesterday and she loves it! It comes with a microphone and makes all kinds of sounds, drumbeats, and rhythms. It is noisy, but lots of fun. I'm hoping it will inspire her to take piano lessons someday.

She also got a laptop from Grandpa. Another toy she loves. It's actually nice because it's small enough to transport but still has plenty of games and activities to keep her busy while we, say, go shopping at after Christmas sales.


Speaking of such sales, did anyone else try to go to the mall on Saturday?! It was so busy! I'm not sure these people got the message that we are in a recession. The mall was packed. The crowds rivaled the pre-Christmas shopping crowds. Had we known, we would not have gone. But we did. We barely survived.

Digital Photography

I love the digital age. I love that I can take as many pictures as I want and not worry about wasting film. I love that I can see my pictures right away. I love how easy it is to alter my photos, remove red eye, crop, etc. I love how easy it is to upload my pics to any number of photo sites to get them printed.

What I DON'T love is that this process seems to take me days. How do you choose which photos to print when you take 100 at every occasion? Once I do finally narrow it down and actually get them printed, I'm still not done. I still have to find the time to scrapbook them. For this reason, I typically end up printing pictures once a year. And it's always after Christmas. I get excited because "Look look! Walgreens is doing 4x6 prints for only $.10! I can't pass up only ten cents each!"

So that is what I have been doing for much too long today. And that is what I will be doing all day tomorrow. Uploading, cropping, and debating how many prints I need of BG carving a pumpkin. Then I have to decide which pictures I will need for the next 12 months. Which ones does JM want for his office? Which disc has the family photos on it? Why do we not have more pictures of us as a couple? Will I really scrapbook the two pictures from the one afternoon that BG looked really cute, but there was no story behind it? But if I don't print them and memorialize the moment, why did I even bother getting out the camera in the first place? Should I wait to scrapbook until I get prints from the pictures my mom took? Will that ever happen?

AAAaaaaggggggggghhhhhh!!! Now I remember why I only do this once a year. It's too exhausting. Does anyone have an easier method for this chaos?

Merry Christmas!

We have had a great Christmas. It included all the Christmas necessities - family, food, and presents. We had a great time. Here are a few pictures from our holiday. I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas as well!

BG was very meticulous about opening presents. She carefully tore the paper one little piece at a time. She did really like opening presents though. She was so excited to get new toys and even the clothes. She clapped her hands and was so happy. The hardest part about Christmas is having to put down one new toy to open another.

BG and Daddy hanging out, opening presents at Grandma's house.

BG got this necklace from her uncle and loved it. She wore it all day long.

Grandma made these great aprons for all the girls this year. BG loves her and it is so adorable on! We had to bribe her to take it off for nap time. Thanks grandma!

Even though Christmas gets so materialistic, I appreciate the chance to remember the birth of Christ. He is the reason for the season and it's a time to remember Him. He truly is the greatest gift of all.

Pregnancy Test

Don't get too excited now. No, I'm not announcing that I'm taking pregnancy tests. Just that I saw one for sale. At the Dollar Store.

I may be crazy, but I don't think I would buy a pregnancy test from the dollar store. In the end, it wouldn't be saving me any money. Because if I bought one from the dollar store and took it, no matter what the result, I wouldn't trust it. This would mean I would have to go to a non-dollar store, buy another one, just to double check. So I would be buying the higher price one plus that dollar version, making my dollar wasted.

Plus it was in line at the check out. You know, were all the last minute items are that they are trying to get you to buy on an impulse. It was sitting there next to the candy, gum, batteries. A pregnancy test! I'm not sure how many women are standing in line waiting to buy their dollar wares, see the test and think "Wow, I have been meaning to take a pregnancy test, I just haven't had the time." Just saying, I don't think a pregnancy test is really an impulse kind of purchase.

I hate winter

Is it cold and snowing and miserable where you live? It is here! It even snowed in Las Vegas, which apparently hasn't happened in a zillion years.

In my neck on the woods, it's not only cold, it's really really windy. I don't like cold but I REALLY don't like cold plus wind. We're not talking little gusts either. These are huge, hurricane-force winds that practically blow you off the sidewalk. In fact, when walking from my car to my office this morning I stole BG's blanket and used it like an old-lady head scarf. It was that bad.

I took the liberty of downloading some local pictures so you appreciate the weather here right now.



Sure this first one makes it look like a beautiful winter wonderland, but just scroll down a little. You'll see what it actually looks like outside right now.




Yep, that pretty much sums it up. This is the view from the local news camera of the valley. I want to go home, sit by the fire and drink some hot chocolate. *sigh* At least it's Friday.

Work Christmas Party

JM's office Christmas party was on Tuesday. I was actually excited to go. It's a rare occasion that we get to go out for a nice dinner without BG for. free. What's not to love?

Besides that, I get to dress up! Yes, I'm all girl and I like to dress up and look pretty. Sometimes I like to wear smokey eyes, but I can't exactly wear that to work. I would get some pretty strange looks. So I use this office party as the perfect occasion to get myself a new top, wear smokey eyes, and eat a free meal with yummy dessert.

I told JM I wanted to take a picture (to blog obviously) and he laughed. I told him we could either take pictures at home before we left, or at the party. So he graciously agreed to a picture at home. Sorry it's a bit dark, we don't have great lighting in our front room.


How bad is it that a goal in dressing up is to look hotter than all the other wifes? Yeah, I'm pretty shallow huh? I'll hang my pefect hair and smokey eyes in shame...

It's Been How Long?!

I hate it when you discover three hours later that you have a leftover bit of green lunch stuck in your teeth. How embarrassing! Why did no one tell me?

At least Jon Voight knows how I feel. At least I wasn't photographed with the offending broccoli. There is a bright side!

Holiday Shopping

This year we are going really lean for holiday shopping. We have informed all the relatives that we will be spending less and what we are spending will go to other families who are in greater need than ourselves. After all, do I really need more sheets or another sweater? We have been incredibly blessed and would rather help those who are having a difficult time this year.

Having said all that, we are still getting BG some gifts. I'm not so cruel to not give a child any sort of Christmas. With all the talk of how horrible the economy is and people losing their jobs, I'm curious what all of you are doing this year. Is the economy creating a pinch in your holiday shopping plans? Take the poll on my sidebar. My answer is we'll be spending less than we did last year.

Sorry Ladies, He's Taken

This is my cute little brother. He is a good Mormon boy who has been home from his mission for, count them, three years without getting married. In any other world, being single at 24 is normal, but not in this culture. He is the last in our family to get married and has patiently waited for the right girl. (BTW, little bro, I found this pic by googling your name. I was surprised how quickly you popped up.)


Last night he was officially taken off the singles market. He propsed to his girlfriend and she kindly accepted. The proposal scene looked something like this since it happened at the temple.

So for any of you ladies who had an eye on him, you are too late. The lucky winner of this boy is a California girl with curly hair and a sweet smile. The happy couple will wed in April. Congratulations little bro!

On an unrelated wedding note - any Office fans see it last night? I can't believe that Angela is going to have to tell Andy! Do you think he'll stay on the show?

The Dreaded Dentist

All my childhood, I saw the same family dentist. We all saw him for years and he was all we ever knew in a dental experience. My parents developed a friendship with the man and they even vacationed together. My parents assured us he was a great guy, but we all knew better.

We knew that he was really the dreaded dentist the took pleasure in our pain. He savored the idea of poking, pulling, and prodding our poor, sensitive child mouths. He deliberately befriended my parents so they wouldn't take our sides.

I hate needles. Always have, always will. Any shot is bad, but a shot in the mouth is downright traumatic. I used to (and still do on occasion) sing/hum to myself to get through dental visits, shots, and anything other than your basic cleaning.

I vividly remember one particular visit. I couldn't even tell you what I was there for, but it required shots. It must have been a filling at the same time as a regular check-up because I was not prepared for any shots. Dr. told me I would need shots and lifted up the syringe. I asked if he would give me a minute so I could mentally prepared myself for what was coming. He denied my request and immediately shoved a needle into my sensitive gums, resulting in tears. WTH! Really?! He was in such a hurry he couldn't have given me another 30 seconds to process the situation?! It was horrible and I have (obviously) not gotten over it.

It wasn't until I went away to college and had to find myself a new dentist that I learned not all dentists are so cold and uncaring. In fact, a visit to the dentist can happen without fear, dread, and tears. My current dentist is great. So for those (many) family members in dental school, please be one of the good ones. I know kids don't always understand or have the most patience, but you can prevent a lifelong fear of the dentist.

Join Mama Kat's writing workshop by clicking here.

Great photo

When we took our family photos, the hubby took this great picture of BG. I love that it shows her motion and her enthusiasm.

Christmas Cards

Does anyone have a good suggestion for where I can get super cute Christmas cards that ship quickly and are dirt cheap? That's right, I always want it all. Oh, and since you're on the computer anyway doing research for me, send me your address so I can send you a Christmas card. Otherwise, you can consider this your Christmas card.
Merry Christmas!

Papa's Goats

We went to Papa's house for Thanksgiving. Papa has goats and BG was so excited to see them. When we actually got there, she wasn't so sure about the goats. She didn't want to feed or pet them and required her Daddy to stay close by her.
Notice the look of fear and scepticism in her eyes? Even after all the talk of the goats, actually seeing them was unnerving.
Apparently goats eat everything. Papa is beginning to regret buying the goats. Oh, and they are LOUD! They assume any person walking within eye shot means they will get fed and they start crying for food.
This is Papa trying to convince BG to feed the goats. He was trying to get her to hold the oats, but she wouldn't have any of it.
This is the closest she got to the goats. I thought it was kind of funny since she loved the goats at the petting zoo. Not sure why, but I guess this was different, and not in a good way.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

The Big Man paid a visit to BG's school at their holiday party last week. I bribed her in line with ice cream if she sat on his lap. When it was our turn, she ran right up to him. Not sure if that was due to the bribe or that she is just really friendly. Either way, she was happy to tell him she wanted "toys" for Christmas.
She had no problem telling Santa what she wanted for Christmas.
I was lucky to get her to look at me and smile. I have half dozen other pictures where she is giving the camera her classic blank stare.

New Friends

After yesterday's depressing post, I thought we all needed something upbeat. So, I have to tell you about a great new friend I made! I think we can all admit to blog stalking and following people we have never actually met. Well, I met one of those stalking relationships and she is so great!

I have been stalking/emailing Annike for a few months now. She was coming into town for Thanksgiving and we set up dinner. I was so excited and nervous! What if she didn't like me? What if I wasn't witty enough? What if we didn't have anything to talk about? It was like a first date. The funny thing was, she was asking herself all the same questions and we laughed about it together.

We met, ate, and had a great time! She is super cute, down to earth, and all around fabulous. We talked about life, marriage, kids, blogging, all the things you would normally discuss with a girlfriend. We chatted for several hours before my hubby started texting asking if I was ever coming home.

I, of course brought my camera. I told The Man that I had to take a picture of my bloggy friend, so I could blog about it. He rolled his eyes. But when I got to the restaurant, I had a camera with no card. So, Annike took this picture (because she too had a camera) and sent it to me. She how much fun we are having?! Oh, and this is just a testament that the lighting at Rumbi's is anything but flattering for anyone. If you haven't met Annike, go check out her blog. She is great!

Test Results

It didn't go well. I left crying and it took all I had to actually send my scores to the schools I have applied to. I'm sure after the drudgery of viewing hundreds of applications, they will appreciate the good laugh my scores will induce.

I'm not being dramatic here either. My scores are below the range of accepted scores for the schools I wanted to attend. When one school says "We rarely accept anyone with a score below X", my score is below X.

It's really disappointing that I don't even have a good reason for why they are so bad. I studied hard for months. I feel like I really did what I reasonable could to prepare. I didn't feel overly nervous while taking it (other than knowing I was doing poorly).

For those of you who know me, know that I am a bit of an overachiever. I just want to be the best at everything I do. Is that too much to ask for? Wait, it is?! Well I refuse to accept that. I'm annoyed that I've never been a good test taker. My scores do not adequately portray my abilities. I'm sure everyone who scores poorly says this, but I really believe it! It's unfortunate that those scores are what I will be judged on.

So my confidence is down, along with my scores. I've shelled out hundreds for study books, practice tests, the actual test, and application fees. My confidence about getting into school is down. I suppose there is still a chance, but it's only that - a chance. I'll let you know in February what the schools say. (sigh)

Test Day

Today is the big day! Today I take the GMAT. I have studied for 3 months and we'll see today how it pays off. I didn't sleep too well last night; I was nervous. I must be anxious because I woke up at 6:20 am Sunday morning, jumped out of bed thinking it was test day. It took me a few minutes to realize it was Sunday and I went back to bed.

This morning I was telling BG how it was a big day for mommy. She responded by telling me it was a little day for BG. How cute! Keep your fingers crossed for me. I will take any good thoughts or prayers that you want to send my way!