merry christmas

I love this picture. It's pretty obvious how Gwen felt about Santa.

going to hell

So, I'm evil. For those of you who know me very well, you know I've always been the naughty girl (swearing, stretching the rules, the bad attitude, meeting boys on the mission:). Well, I am really naughty now. I am now the new "owner" of a tattoo. Yup, I did it. I got one. It's on my foot. It's a butterfly. It hurt like mad....and I really like it. I've always wanted one, and had told Morgan that a million times, but he always said that I couldn't get one unless he got one. I never thought it would happen. Well, when we went to San Diego, he surprised me. He had researched online, and found a really good place, and got me a tattoo for our anniversary. No, he didn't get one...yet. Oh, but he will.

So, for all of you who are going to post comments about "the Prophet said..." Don't! I know! I've heard it all already. I know what he said. But, I like it. It doesn't mean I'm a bad person. I'm not any less religious for doing it. I'm just a rebel. Always have been....and you all know it. And for any of my fellow tattooed people out there (Mandy, Talia, Jana (haha wouldn't that be funny)), I'm now in the club. Thanks for the inspiration. Hey, who knows. Maybe this will be the first of many. You never know. I could become the tattooed lady, and start performing with freak shows and the circus all over the world. I'll be famous. Head to foot tattoos here I come.

oh Christmas tree

I thought I'd post some pictures of our Christmas tree. I'm quite happy with the outcome.

Close up

Morgan was pretty opinionated when it came to the colors and decorating details. Gold and burgundy is what we agreed upon. We found the ribbon at Costco...and I think that is my favorite part of the tree. Gwen hasn't tried to pull the tree down yet. We'll see if it last the whole season. She does like it though and always wants the lights on. No presents under the tree yet. I'm pretty sure those wouldn't stay wrapped. So, they'll stay in the closet until Christmas day.

and now...what you've all been waiting for

Before

I took this one myself

Morgan took this one in San Diego

Profile

So there it is. The photos aren't great. I'm much cuter in person....yeah....that's what I tell myself. Anyway, I'm liking it more each day, and it is surprisingly easy to do. Love that. I'm still having issues with the non ponytail thing, but this way, I can't be a lazy bum.

San Diego was fun. We took like 5 pictures while we were there...none of us together. So much for creating memories. We were there for 5 days and had a good time just relaxing and doing whatever the heck we wanted. Morgan started missing Gwen the day we got there. It took me 3 to 4 to really miss her. Am I a bad mom? Yeah, I'm not one of those, bring your baby's sheets or blanket with you, kind of mom. Give me a break. Literally. Although, it did seem like she had grown 2 inches (including her hair...the back at least...she has a mega mullet) when we got home. Anyway, we went to the San Diego Zoo. We really liked that. We were able to go out to restaurants without having to entertain or ignore a screaming 2 year old (Gwen is usually allowed to eat crayons at restaurants if it will keep her quiet). We tried to sleep in. We walked on the beach and watched some dolphins jump around. We....um....just hung out. It was great.

So that's it for now. My goal for this week is to get our Christmas cards taken care of. We need a picture first. Some day...maybe I'll send out Valentine cards instead. So it any of you want to receive a card (Christmas, Valentine...maybe Labor Day), please send me your updated address. Even if you think I have it, I probably don't. I don't have an address book. Enough said.

no more hair

So, I chopped my hair. It's gone. Really. I was so sick of my super long hair. I had it in a ponytail everyday, and did nothing with it. I'm lazy, that's all the excuse I have. I've had long hair for so long and have never really dared to do anything very drastic until now. The last time I cut my hair short was when I was a junior in high school and I looked like a boy, but decided to just go for it anyway. I went into get my hair cut, and told the girl to just cut it off. I didn't really know exactly what I wanted to do, but we decided on a short a-line cut. The front hits just below my jawline, and the back is so short she had to shave my neck...I think. Anyway, I'm still getting used to it, so I haven't decided if I really like it or not. Pictures soon to come. I'll let you decide if I look like a lesbian or not.

fall days

Playing in the leaves at Nanny and Babos house.

More leaves.

Owen, Ava, Gwen....before

Owen, Ava, Gwen....after

My dad had raked the leaves into a huge pile and the kids (and adult kids) had fun playing in them. Owen didn't know what to think at first, then decided he didn't like it, then gradually warmed up to the idea and had a good time. Gwen and Ava ran around like crazy. Gwen LOVES Ava and Owen. If I ever have to bribe Gwen, I always tell her that she can play with Rahrah and Owie (in Gwen vocabulary) if she does what I say. When she does get to play with them, she is always so happy. It's fun to see her get so excited. I'm watching them tonight, so I've been asking her all day if she wants to play with them. She probably doesn't believe me anymore. She's probably thinking..."you're a big fat liar Mommy."

what a witch!

Just pictures for now. I'm too tired to write about all of the craziness that was Halloween. Soon to come. Gwen was a WitchAt the family Halloween Party (Gwen with cousins Ava and Owen). Owen did not love his costume!
Crazy hair witch at the Trunk or Treat at the ward
Vampire Gwen
Cute Gwen

Gwen is impossible to get a good picture of. Seriously, she will NOT hold still for more than 10 seconds. So, I'm still looking through all of the pictures taken between my camera and my moms. There are possibly more pictures coming....IF even one really cute picture where you could see all of Gwen costume does exist.

christmas already?

I know it's not even November yet, but working at Tai Pan makes you think about Christmas. All of their Christmas stuff is out, and it's getting me in the mood. Morgan and I have been married for 5 years now, and we have NEVER had our very own Christmas tree. We have always been away from home for Christmas, and have therefore never justified getting one. However, now that we have crazy Gwen, and considering the fact that she's almost 2, is has gotten us to thinking. We need a Christmas tree this year. Gwen, I'm sure, would love it (love knocking it down and breaking the decorations). So with the Tai Pan discount, we are planning a purchase. We are going to buy a tree. Yes it's fake, and for all of you real Christmas tree types, I'm actually one of you, but my mom said that last year they paid $75 dollars for a real live tree. What? So, even though I'm a believer of having a real Christmas tree, I'm also what you could call CHEAP (that's the nice word for it...tight ass might be more appropriate). So, we're going for the fake artificial one. It will be way worth it. Pre-lit, and with the discount...it's too hard to pass up. We have already bought a bunch of ornaments (just the balls - all different sizes) and are working on the details. I just can't resist. So to all of you "Merry Christmas!" Tis the Season!

blank

So Gwen has recently discovered the joys of having her very own silky soft blanket. We've had this blanket since she was born, but she has just now decided to take a liking to it. She drags it around and asks for it constantly (so it's a good thing I have come to know the difference between "bink" and "blank" in Gwen language). Gwen is currently screaming because we are at my moms and forgot the blanket. I've tried to trick her, bribe her, hold her, etc. She just gets more and more furious with each attempt at distracting her. As I write, she is throwing her sippy cup around the room and screaming. What fun. I've just sent Morg home to fetch the blank. Good thing we only life a few minutes away.

heart felt

Heart Felt Designs

So these are my newest creations. I started making these for Gwen a couple of months ago, and people keep asking me where I get them, so I've decided to try to sell them. I'm in the process of getting a little card set up so I can take them to a couple of baby stores/boutiques. The problem is that I don't know how much to charge. They are totally hand sewn (mainly because I don't know how to use a sewing machine) and are made of felt. What do you guys think?
This is what I'm thinking for the card they would be on. I don't really know if this will happen or not, but thought I'd give it a shot. If you guys have any connections, or know of any neighborhood boutiques that I could participate in please let me know. Thanks for listening.

a recipe just for mandy

This is a recipe I discovered a few years back. It's super easy and Morgan loves it, which is surprising considering he doesn't like anything. Try it out. Mandy...happy cooking. I love you (more that Edward loves you even)

Martha Stewart's Asian Pork Chops

5 T. soy sauce

2 T. Hoisin sauce (found close to soy sauce in grocery stores)

2 cloves garlic (Morg doesn't love garlic so I put in less)

1 T. honey

1 T. sugar

Mix together and marinate pork chops (or chicken...and you don't really even need to marinate if you don't have time.) Place pork chops on cookie sheet. Broil for 4 min. rotating once. Flip and cook an additional 4 to 7 minutes. (spoon sauce over when flipped)

Cooking time depends upon thickness of pork chop. Just keep testing it. This is also really good on the BBQ grill. I serve it with rice (and save some sauce for the rice).

tag.....I'm it

I don't know about all of this tagging business, but because Sharon tagged me and told me to do it even if I thought it was stupid, I'm going to do it just for her. Here goes.

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1.Graduating from high school (Cottonwood) My reunion was this summer....not so fun.
2.Thinking I was fat (wish I could go back to that weight)
3.Painting a lot (wish I still did it. I need some motivation...and something to paint. Sharon-have you found a picture for me to paint yet?)
4.Joining a sorority (drinking games...now those were fun! Or not. It was an LDS sorority)
5.Realizing that dating and kissing weren't so scary after all.

5 things on my "to do" list for today:
1. Clean (not fun)
2. Attempt making Gwen's Halloween costume (I'll get my mom to do that)
3. Get Gwen to take a nap so I can read New Moon
4. Watch Americas Next Top Model (I'm obsessed)
5. Pack for our trip to Sun Valley (35 degrees = not so SUN Valley)

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. brownies (the kind from the box)
2. my moms carrot cake
3. diet Dr. Pepper or Fanta
4. slurpees
5. candy from Spain....can't find it here in Utah. Oh I am so depressed!

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire: (I'm totally a budget freak, meaning I'm super cheap. I think I still would be pretty conservative on certain things.)
1. Buy a house (not too big...just big enough)
2. Go back to Spain (or travel in general. I would love to go to South America, back to Roatan, Hawaii, Galilee, Italy, Greece etc.)
3. Hire a trainer to kick my fat butt into shape (and a chef to cook me delicious food) Can I include get a makeover (by Oprah)?
4. Get a nanny (not full time, but for times I wanted to go shopping, or travel, or workout, or be alone.)
5. Invest
6. Buy Morgan a car so he wouldn't have to drive the '97 Honda Accord with no air conditioning. I'd buy him his dream car....a Ford Focus.
7. maybe get Internet

5 bad habits:
1. Swearing...damn it!
2. eating my fingers
3. not cleaning on a regular basis
4. neglecting Gwen when I'm doing this...or reading
5. not working out

5 of my favorite toys: (um this could be hard. I don't own toys)
1. my dream DVR (don't have one, but would LOVE one...if I was only a billionaire I could maybe justify it)
2. Phase Ten
3. Powerbook (photoshop, illustrator etc. - making my own invitations, announcements, etc.)
4. xbox Shrek Super Party (mothers day gift this year....thanks Morg)
5. the Internet (that I don't have at my house)

5 people I tag: (DO IT!!!, even if you think it's retarded...or whatever)
1. Amber
2. Kari
3. Susanna
4. Talia
5. I don't have enough friends. Do it if you want to.

flossing - friend or foe?

creepy lady flossing

So, while on my mission (5 years ago), I served with a senior missionary couple named the Tuellers. Well, Elder Tueller is some world famous dentist (not really, but almost - he was the dean at the University of Pacific or San Francisco or something like that, and currently (I think) teaches lectures at BYU) told us one district meeting that flossing is unnecessary. WHAT? But we've all been told that it's a must. That our teeth would become covered in mold and eventually fall out if we didn't do it. Night after night we perfected the proper flossing technique. We labored so intensively to get that perfect smile, and for what? So it was all a lie? All that time wasted! I felt so...betrayed. 23 years (at that point - 28 yrs now) of harsh treatment to my sweet little gums? Well, was he really right? I thought "He's old, probably senile...he doesn't really remember proper methods of dental hygiene." Wrong! Again it was confirmed to me recently by Morgan's brother Jared (in his 4th year in dental school...also single for any of you looking/available women out there). Flossing is not essential nor necessary. Unless you are specifically prone to getting cavities between your teeth, you do no need to do it. I, from here on out, refuse to floss. Who's with me?

hell-o-ween

It has been hell trying to figure out what Gwen is going to be for Halloween this year. Last year, she was a pumpkin/jack-o-lantern (children's place). I didn't have to do anything for that one because my good friend Liz gave me the costume for a baby shower gift. Perfect!

Anyway, this year I just can't figure it out. I mean, it's not like her life depends upon this decision. She won't be throwing in her opinion this year. I don't have to listen to her pleas to be a princess, or a mermaid, or a naughty nurse (wait, that's what Morgan wants me to be).I just have to force her wriggly, fighting body into some outfit she'll wear for an hour while at the same time devouring miniature sized candies, and getting her costume (that her mother so stressfully fretted over for months) all sticky and stained with sugar. Let's face it, at 19 months, Gwen could care less. It's the adults that get all of the pleasure out of this holiday. I get to dress my defenseless daughter in a costume of my choosing (Morgan thinks he gets a say...but he doesn't), and I get to eat her candy.

So, as far as Gwen is concerned, she gets to be a witch, or a mouse. The mouse would be a costume my mom made for me and my brothers when we were Gwen's age. It fits her perfectly. I would have to make the witch costume myself. My vision is a cute witch with a skirt and such. Morgan, however, thinks if she's going to be a witch, she's got to be a scary witch. We'll see.

Let's not forget that this is the first year she is able to recognize witches, skeletons, and all the other scary decorations being displayed at all of the stores. She is terrified of them all. The other day, my mom and I were at Roberts Arts and Crafts. They have a big display of witches and scary looking skeletons. Well, we were walking by, and one of the skeleton's hands touched her. She screamed bloody murder, and wouldn't stop crying until we left the store. Now she goes around saying "weetch?" "weetch?" and doing the sign for scary. And me and Morgan being the cruel parents that we are find great joy in showing her all of the scary witches just to get a rise out of her. Hey, we're her parents, we get to do what we want.

spud days

Spud Days September 15, 2007

This weekend was Spud Days, and for all of you who aren't familiar with Spud Days, it is the yearly potato festival in Shelley Idaho (where Morgans grandparents live). So, we decided to venture up to good old Shelley for a little "entertainment." Morgan, Matt, Gwen and I, piled into our car and Nate and Dave (brothers of Morgan), Catie (Nate's girlfriend), and 2 roommates of Nate and Dave, hopped in their car. We were ready for a good time, and free spuds.

Morg, Gwen and I had gone last year, and it was fun, but it was so freezing it was hard to enjoy. Gwen was also only 6 months old or so, so she really didn't care either. We thought Gwen might find it somewhat exciting this year.

We started off the day at quarter to 7:00 in the morning when Morgan's grandpa, Dean, screamed down to us sleeping youngsters. We continued sleeping until 8:30 when Dean couldn't handle it any longer. First event? Breakfast at the local Shelley Senior Citizens Center. No kidding. Eggs, pancakes, sausage and hash browns all for $4, and the company of all of those old folks...priceless.

We then lugged all of the chairs possible from Dean and Zola's house, and ran to the main street in Shelley for the Spud Days parade. Gwen LOVED the parade! Motorcycles, dancing girls, loud music, and people throwing candy. How could it get any better? Gwen ran around like a wild woman diagnosed with ADD, gathering all of the candy she could get her sticky little fingers on. Every time I had to pry her hands open to steal her candy she would cry, until the next group of candy throwers arrived. Pretty funny. Just so you know, the highlight of the parade for me was the float entitled "Potatoes of the Caribbean" with potato pirates and everything. Awesome. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture.

Next the fair. They gave out free baked potatoes with butter, sour cream and cheese. Pretty good. They ran out of the spuds after giving away over 5000. Spud Days is a popular day in Shelley Idaho. Next the boys in our group all participated in the Spud Tug (a tug-of-war) over a pool of mashed potatoes. I am proud to announce "Jew Boy and the Minnesota Mashers" (the name of our team...consisting of 1 Jew, and 5 boys from Minnesota) came in second place over all. Next year we're going for first.

So after a long day of spuds (they even threw out stuffed "animals" in the shape of potatoes called "Spuddy Buddies" at the parade), lots of sun, and plenty of fun. We called it a night. We had a great time, and plan to go next year. GO SPUD DAYS!!!

waffles and syrup

I just made waffles and homemade syrup for me and Gwen. I just thought I'd give you all the recipe for this syrup. It seriously is SOOOO delicious! It is very easy to make and quick! My whole family loves it. Once you try this syrup, you won't want to even use the other kind. Give it a try!

Buttermilk Syrup

1 Cup Butter

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup buttermilk

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

In a sauce pan, combine butter, sugar and buttermilk. Heat until boiling. Remove from heat and add vanilla and baking soda. It will bubble and froth up so you need a pot big enough so it won't boil over. Just watch it. (You guys all know how to make your own butter milk right? Combine 1 C. milk and 1 T. vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes or so and there is your buttermilk). I usually half the recipe.

working girl

I got a job. A part-time seasonal job with Tai Pan Trading. I have been looking for a good part-time job for a while, but hadn't found anything that fit or that would work with Morgans schedule until now. I had an interview with Tai Pan today, and they hired me right then. I'll start next Tuesday. I think it should work out well and it should be fun too, not to mention all of the cool stuff they sell there. I am always paranoid about finances, so this extra money will help calm my nerves a bit and as bad as it sounds, a few hours out of the home away from mom responsibilities will be good for me. I'll let you all know how it goes.

christmas? birthday? both?

Kidkraft Pink Retro Kitchen

I've been lusting after this cute little pink kitchen (for Gwen) at Costco (you gotta love Costco). You know how Costco is, one day it's there, the next day it isn't. (Like the other day I was at Costco, and they had the hardback books "Twilight" and "New Moon." Well, I decided not to get them then (they had like a million copies). Big mistake. I went the very next day....and they were GONE!!!) Anyway, I saw this kitchen a few days ago, and again decided against buying it then, thinking that Gwen isn't old enough, we don't have enough room, etc. Well, as soon as I left Costco, I regretted it. I thought about that stupid little (although adorable) kitchen all night, and all the next day. I figured they would be long gone, considering that Utah if full of crazy mormon moms, all looking for a good deal (there were only 2 when I saw them). Well, last night I dreamt about it, so I woke up first thing this morning, waited for Gwen to wake up, then headed straight to Costco. Judging from the way I sped through the aisles, people must have thought I was after some majorly good free samples. I rounded the corner, and there it was with a spot light and heavenly chorus showing me the way. There was one left, and I got it. haha All of you poor mothers also lusting after this kitchen. In your face! So now the question is....Do we really need it? Is Gwen old enough? Do we have enough room? Whatever I decide, Gwen will get it for Christmas or her birthday, or maybe both. Give me a break. She'll be two. She won't know she only got one gift from Santa (with a note saying "Happy Birthday too on Feb. 18th) She cares more about opening the boxes than what's inside. I'll wrap up empty boxes for that matter. Merry Christmas Gwen. My shopping is all done.

what to write

Morgans parents, Mark and Connie, were in town this past weekend (flew in from Minnesota last Wed. night, and left today) for a quick visit. It was good to see them and have them here. We ate a lot, celebrated Nate's (Morgan's brother) birthday, and had a few get togethers for Labor Day. I was sad to see them go today. I feel bad they don't get to be around Gwen all of the time, and watch her grow up and witness her crazy and fun moments. (I know my mom (and especially my dad) would die if she didn't get to see Gwen almost everyday). She was pretty good with them, however, she was also a little bit of a brat (Who? Gwen? MY daughter? Well, she didn't get that from me!). I hope they didn't feel bad that she didn't hug and kiss them all of the time. She doesn't do that with anyone. She is not a cuddly little girl.

After the boys took Mark and Connie to the airport, I've just been picking up and having some time to myself. It was great to have the in-laws here, but it's good to have our house back to ourselves (and Matt). We only have 2 bedrooms, so Mark and Connie slept on the sofa bed and Matt slept on the floor. With 5 adults and Gwen living in our place, and the other brothers hanging around too, it got pretty crazy. Those boys probably went through five 12 packs of soda. Unbelievable! (Have I ever mentioned that when Morgan was at BYU, he found out that you could refill any container at 7-11 that you wanted to? He chose to fill gallon milk cartons). I probably have gained 5 pounds this week from all of the food I have shoved down my throat. I'm not going to jump on a scale though. Gym membership here I come. I'm sick of feeling my belly roll over the top of my pants every time I sit down. Gross!

Well, the house is quite again. Gwen is keeping busy "reading" her books and being amazingly quiet. I am shocked! I was able to go to the library today to pick back up on my reading. I am reading "The Lovely Bones" right now, and have 4 more books in line: Twilight, The Red Tent, Middlesex, and a book called Running with Scissors that I know nothing about but saw at the library, and thought I'd give it a try. Tonight is book club. That should be fun. We're talking about a book called "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan." I recommend it! Well, until something really fun happens (a haircut, a big purchase or a fun announcement....NO I'm not pregnant), I'll write later.

18 months

Today was Gwen's 18 month doctors appointment. No shots thank goodness. Of course the doctor said that Gwen is super smart, the cutest baby he's ever seen, and practically perfect. She measured in at 32 1/2 inches (75%) and almost 24 pounds. I love my pediatrician. He makes me feel like I'm not such a bad mom. For instance, he says it doesn't matter what time she goes to bed or how long she sleeps. Gwen would stay up all night long if we didn't force her to go to sleep. She usually goes down at about 10 p.m. For all of you mothers that put your children to sleep at 7, my doctor says that that's just selfish. Not really, he just says that the time kids go to sleep is dependant upon the needs of the parents...not the needs of the baby. I just figure that if Gwen goes to sleep at 7, I'm stuck at home. I don't like that. So, my doctor is cool.

Anyway, I can't believe that Gwen is 18 months. She went to nursery for the first time on Sunday. She pretty much flung the door open, walked right in, waved and shouted "hi" to everyone. She had no problems. I didn't think that she would, she is a very social child, which is surprising considering the social misfits she has for parents. Really, Gwen is amazing. She is crazy and out of control, but I love it...most of the time (unless we're at a restaurant and she's hitting people at the next table with french fries and silverware). She is so active.

Some things Gwen loves and loves doing:

• She loves watching Finding Nemo (she would watch it 10 times a day if I let her)
• She loves soda pop (Thanks Nanny)
• She does not like going to sleep
• She loves shoes and wearing mommy's shoes
• She loves her cousins Ava and Owen
• She loves her uncles
• She loves candy....PERIOD.
• She loves Signing Times (Bless Signing Times-30 mins. of freedom)
• She loves playing with hair (especially when she's tired)
• She loves fish
• She loves Babo (pronounced bah bow), Nanny (my parents), and Grandma and Grandpa Stanley

And she sometimes loves her parents. She seriously is the best. We love her like crazy! Maybe someday we'll provide her with a sibling...but not yet.

adult acne

7th grade photo

Okay, so I have it. What's the deal? Just within the last 2 or 3 months, my face has decided it wants to be 14 again (since that was a super pretty time of my life anyway...do I need to post my 7th grade picture? (Jana...STOP LAUGHING!! No I don't smell pizza!!)). SCARY! I did switch birth control recently, maybe that's it. I'm seriously considering Proactive or Murad or whatever those TV acne solution products are. I could be the poster child. Just picture it...the before picture would be an almost 30 year old woman with pizza face. The after would be an almost 30 year old with skin that is smooth as a baby's bottom. That's how it works right? Oh boy. I need something, and I need it fast!!

just one of those days

Have you ever had one of those mornings that lets you know your day is going to be a hard one? Well, I am having one of those right now. This morning I went to get Gwen out of her crib. As I looked into the crib, Gwen looked up at me with a face that can only say "I didn't do it." I then see that the crib sheet is COVERED in..um..poop! Gross! I grab Gwen, throw her in the tub, then go to clean up. I then discover that she attempted to clean up herself. I had a couple blankets hanging from her crib, and she had grabbed them and used them to clean up! After I got Gwen out of the bath, I stripped the crib, took the two blankets and anything else she found as a cleaning tool and threw it in the washing machine. Just then, Gwen trips and smacks her face on the ground. I pick her up as blood comes gushing out of her nose. Oh boy. I immediately get sick to my stomach. She was screaming bloody murder as I tried to clean the blood off her face. So now, she's all cleaned up. Her nose has stopped bleeding, it's a little swollen and bruised, but she'll live, and so will I. Gwen is watching some Finding Nemo and I need some time to relax. I'm just wondering what else is in store for me today. Maybe I'll just protect myself and stay inside all day and eat cookies and watch T.V. Sounds good to me!

new roommate

New Roommate Matt

So, Morgans twin brother Matt has moved in with us. He actually got a job with Morgan Stanley, so he's staying with us until he finds a place of his own. To be honest, I was dreading it! But it has now been 2 weeks, and it hasn't been too bad. We don't have a big place (only 2 bedrooms), so for the first week he was sharing Gwen's room. That was not so good. I was paranoid about Gwen waking him up, so if Gwen made the smallest sound I was up. If she started crying, she ended up in my bedroom, which means my bed. We (Morgan and I) HATED that. We couldn't get any sleep when she was in our room. So Morgan finally asked Matt to sleep downstairs on the sleeper sofa. It is much better now. Gwen has gotten back to her normal sleep pattern. I think. I don't actually turn the baby monitor on anymore. If she cries during the night...I don't hear her. Perfect! So anyway, having Matt with us isn't all that bad. He LOVES Gwen, and Gwen loves him, and of course Morgan is happy to have him close by. I am forcing Morgan to go out on a date with me tonight. I need some time too you know. We'll see. Matt might end up going with us anyway. If anyone knows any cute single girls...let me know. Matt needs a date.

i'm a quilter??

1st attempt at quilting

So, I've decided to take on quilting. Weird I know. Yeah, it's artistic, but, do I know how to sew. No way! Connie (my mother-in-law) gave me one of her sewing machines a few months ago, but I haven't tried to use it yet. Yeah, I experimented with quilting a few months back, but today, I went to a fabric sale, and got material for two quilts. Um, am I crazy? Possibly. I don't even make time for painting (something that I actually know how to do) and here I am trying to make time for quilting. I am going to attempt to make a twin quilt for Gwen for when she gets out of the crib. We'll see how it goes. I'm sure I'll be a total natural and have it done in a week, and you'll all be super jealous....yeah right. I'll post the final quilt when I actually get it done (in a few years haha). Wish me luck!

a day in the life of McKelle Stanley

My baby Gwen

In response to the numerous requests I have been receiving (Okay, just Jana), I have decided to create a blog. An ever so informing and entertaining blog that will record my oh so interesting life, and by interesting, I mean boring.

To start, I would like to tell you my goals and dreams in life.

Goal #1: track down those diet pills Jana mentioned and get back to my weight when I was in ninth grade (when I still thought I was fat, was embarrassed by everything and everyone, thought the fact that Kara had french kissed a boy sounded really gross, and wore flannel shirts and baggy pants because I genuinely thought I looked good). Okay, so maybe not ninth grade, maybe wedding weight instead (when instead of hating sex, I was only afraid of it..just kidding, i don't really hate sex:)). Oh, and I want to do this with no exercise involved please.

Goal #2: to actually learn to cook decent food and cook it on a regular basis. No more chef boyardee, macaroni and cheese or dino bites (the chicken nuggets from Costco), or weekly trips to Rumbi, Del Taco, or McDonald's. Okay, so Rumbi might still be happening. It's so stinkin' good. Anyone wanting to supply recipes to the McKelle Don't Cook Good cause, feel free!

Goal #3: um, to paint more.

What am I talking about? None of these goals will happen. I'm too lazy. As far as goal #1 is concerned, I'm going to stick with one of my mission companions philosophies. And I quote "I'm making it my goal to gain weight. I don't know about you guys, but I'm making goals I can achieve!" Thanks Murdogg!

Dream #1: Well, the other night, I dreamt that my house was haunted. Super creepy!

Well, that's all for now. At a later time I will actually post something about today, and how I went to the Zoo with Gwen, my mom, and Ava and Owen. Really hot, but fun. Gwen is out of control.