mi casa es su casa

k, so my big plans to host a housewarming party for us are clearly never going to happen. I am lame and just want to chill for a minute. Catch my breath because for some reason life has been crazy lately, you know? There will be no party. But feel free to invite yourself over anytime & check it out. I will give you the tour & if you plan it right, we might have something nummy in the fridge. Who knows? I am in love with our new furniture/flooring. Totally worth the flood. I would recommend it to anyone. Five stars.
Now on to the tour.
Let's start in the basement. Here is our lovely super-comfy sectional and darling storage ottoman. (They look better together in real life. I think. If they don't someone, please, let me know.)We haven't used this much because we are still waiting on the flat screen. (Stacey? Wanna put a bee in Ryan's bonnet about that? jk, it's fine, whenever.) If you look behind it, you'll see my cake kitchen complete with fancy new swively bar stools and uncomplete with appliances. Soon. Soon.
This here is the little console that will go beneath our tv. For storage of DVDs and the like, you know. That kinda junk. It is much prettier in real life. And here is Matt's manly man-chair. Super comfy recliner. Manly, no?
This is the bookcase that Costco gave us as a welcome home present. Aren't they nice? I just kinda love having all my books out rather than in nasty Tupperware bins and boxes in the garage. (who can spot the Twilight series? You win a prize!)Now let's venture up the stairs. Over our stairs hangs this big ol' beauty. I was kinda nervous about getting this guy. We aren't remotely Wrangler wearers. But guess what? Horses are without a doubt the most beautiful animals on the planet. Ever. I love love love this painting. However, Matt & I are having a disagreement as to what to name him. Since Charlie isn't there to greet us anymore when we get home, I kinda of really need someone or something to say Hi to, and this guy fits the bill. He's shiny & sexy like Charlie, but with less allergens and doesn't have such a violent tail wag. I think his name is Cooper. Matt does not. What suggestions do you have? Don't forget to leave them in your comment.
Here is a good shot of our fancy new upstairs flooring, and the new arrangement of our bedroom. It makes it seem so much bigger. I love it! I also love knowing that after I vacuum, that there is NOTHING still lingering in my fuzzy carpet fibers. In fact carpet kinda grosses me out now. 'specially the kind we used to have. bleeh.Here are Wes, Berk, Matt and Dave being big fat super-nerds tonight. Fantasy football is probably on the equivalent of playing video games online with prepubescent Taiwanese kids in my book. But underneath them are our beautiful leather sectional, lovely rug & fancy lift-top coffee table. Not a very good picture, sorry. And now for the my personal favorite! The dining room. Sexy, right? I have actually had a nap on the bench/settee thing. (RC Willey calls it a bankette. Whatever that is.) I am in complete love with this thing. It's tons bigger than our last table, but because we can squish it into the bay window, it makes such a roomier room, which is great. Oh, and notice the cool new tile. It looks like a topographical map of the ocean. I really love it.
Anyway, there's the house. I still need to post about our trip to Cedar City, watching the Parry kids, my birthday (can you say iphone looming in my future?), the trip to the cabin, and all sorts of junk. But I'm tired. Goodnight.
p.s. please give me horse name suggestions, Cooper is great, but I'm open to alternatives.

I'll get to all that in just a second...

I have major updating to do, but I just stumbled upon this little gem, and am kinda in awe.
I have ALWAYS wanted to go to South Africa. When I was in junior high, my sister & I were pretty much obsessed with the movie The Power of One. I pulled up the trailer on YouTube to see if I was crazy to be in love with Stephen Dorff or to think that their accents were WAY sexier than British accents. Here it is in all it's cheesy glory. Old habits die hard I guess, because I still love-double-love it.

Wow, I'm getting way way off track. Africa. Right. I want to go to there. One time I dated a guy from Zimbabwe just because he had the accent. And a freaking rad scar down his whole face. He said he got it from a lion. Looking back, I dunno, but he was a (verified factual) safari guide over there, so who knows? Anyway, when I saw this hotel/airstream trailer park's website in Cape Town I just about peed my pants with renewed desire to go to South Africa. REEdiculous!
You have to click on the airstream penthouse trailer park link & check out how cute they have decorated these airstreams. It's crazy. Yeah, like Liz Lemon said "I want to go to there."
When does 30 Rock come back on?

Hey Baby, what's your sign?

K, so my birthday is Saturday & I just saw a link to Virgo Fun Facts on msn.com. I always think its awesome how astrology sometimes gets things dead on. Or maybe I've come to think of myself in certain ways because of what I've read about Virgos? I dunno. What do you think?

With an acute attention to detail, Virgo is the sign in the Zodiac most dedicated to serving. Their deep sense of the humane leads them to caregiving like no other, and their methodical approach to life ensures that nothing is missed. The Virgo is often gentle and delicate, preferring to step back and analyze before moving ahead.

Friends and Family

A Virgo is a helpful friend to have indeed. They are excellent at giving advice, and they really know how to problem-solve. You'll find that a Virgo will remind you to take good care of yourself as health is a focal point for them. And when the meal is done, they'll be the first to jump up and start the dishes. Loving and dedicated to family, the Virgo is also first on the scene when care is needed. When someone reaches old age or is ill, the Virgo will be there doing all that is needed. The Virgo is not known for showing feelings. They would prefer to show through deed than by word.

Career and Money

I analyze is the key phrase for the Virgo personality, while practicality is the keyword. Industrious, discriminating, and scientific by nature, the Virgo really knows how to get to the heart of the matter. They are exceptionally methodical and do well in jobs that require organization. If there's anything out of order, set a Virgo to the task!

When focused on a task, the Virgo will push it to perfection, leaving no stone unturned. They are exacting and take great pride in a job done to the absolute best of their ability. When they feel their talent falls short, they'll turn to the books to learn whatever they need to improve. Careers suited to this sign include being a doctor, nurse, psychologist, teacher, writer, and critic.

Virgos are excellent with their money. They generally keep a strict grasp on what they spend and strive to put away as much money as they can. They plan well in advance for expenditures, and when it comes to shopping, they aren't apt to overspend. Every now and then, the Virgo can be seen buying something of beauty, though. They love the arts and enjoy decorating their homes with taste.

Love and Sex

It's important for Virgo lovers to feel needed by their mates. Outside of the bedroom is where the majority of foreplay is going to happen for this sign. Tactile, methodical, and willing to take as long as is needed, they make excellent lovers. Even though the Virgo won't express many words of love, they will show their affections in the bedroom. Virgos prefer to have a few strong connections rather than many partners. Life partners are chosen based on how important and needed the Virgo feels they are in their lives. They are dedicated spouses that love to live on the wild side once in a while.

VIRGO TIDBITS

Health
Each sign has a part of the anatomy attached to it, making this the area of the body most sensitive to stimulation. The anatomical areas for Virgo are the intestines, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, lower plexus, and the upper bowel.

Ruling Planet
The ruling planet for Virgo is Mercury. Representing intellectual urges and the avenue of expression, this planet rules reason, rationalization, words, awareness, and communication. Its action is quick, and it also deals with travel, speaking, writing, trade, and emotional capacity and technique.

Colors
The colors of choice for Virgo are green, white, and dark brown.

Gemstone
Virgo's star stone is the sardonyx - the reddish brown variety. Jade is also lucky.

Lucky Numbers
Virgo's lucky numbers are 2, 5, and 7.

Compatibility
Virgos are most compatible with Capricorn and Taurus.

Opposite Sign
The opposite sign of Virgo is Pisces.

The Perfect Gift
Virgos are picky and hate others making a fuss. Take them out to eat at their favorite restaurant. Buy them some of their favorite spirits. Good-quality blue agave tequila is generally much admired. Virgo women cannot resist flowers.

Likes
Cleanliness, animals, healthy foods, books, nature

Dislikes
Taking center stage, rudeness, asking for help

House
Natural sign of the Sixth House. This house focuses on health, perfection, service given, skilled work, and pets.

Famous Virgos
Michael Jackson, Beyonce, LeAnn Rimes, Pink, Jada Pinkett Smith, Keanu Reeves, Tommy Lee Jones

Best travel destinations
Greece, West Indies, Uruguay, Paris, Boston, Heidelberg

Strengths
Practical, loyal, hardworking, analytical, kind

Weaknesses
Worry, shyness, overly critical of self and others, all work and no play

Charismatic marks
A certain, reserved manner marks the classic Virgo. Virgos are generally medium to slight in build.

Best environment
Virgo is most at home in the company of animals and close to nature. Virgo likes power and enjoys being the sidekick or indispensable assistant.

oh my back, oh my neck, oh my neck & my back

I feel lame that I haven't any pictures to add lately. But since this blog is clearly all about being a place for me to vent & not much else, I shall go on anyway.
OH MY GOSH MY BACK HURTS SO BAD!!!
OH MY GOSH MY FEET ALSO HURT ALMOST AS BAD!!!!
There, now I feel better. Nope, never mind, I don't.
I smell like lysol (barf) and cake (very unbarfy) but the combination thereof is quite barfy. I haven't had a shower today, and at this point, there's really no point, is there? I was making myself work my brains out today with the promise of a very long, very nice bubble bath in Becky's aMAZing bathroom, but honestly, it's 11:13 & I'm too tired to bother.
Today I:
Baked 3 12x 18 layer cakes
Made 3 recipes of buttercream
Ignored my daughter almost completely (don't worry, she was pretty fine with it as she had 5 cousins to annoy all day.)
Did probably 18 loads of stinky football boy laundry
Fed 4 hungry football boys and all their huge Polynesian football friends copious amounts of food
Did probably 3,425 loads of dishes due to combined feeding frenzies & cake making
Swept & vacuumed the entire upstairs
Wiped down all the cupboards in the kitchen
Reorganized & cleaned the Tupperware drawers, phone book drawer, candy drawer, plastic utensil drawer & the cereal drawers
And most importantly, thoroughly enjoyed the (hilarious/thought-provoking/deep/silly/stupid) conversations I had with my niece & nephews as they went about their crazy days.
I felt like the eye of the storm there in the kitchen, and guess what? I loved everyminute of it. I want a whole passel of teenagers more than I can express. They are the most awesome human beings alive. Everything is available to them at that age; they're right their on the precipice of real life. It is so cool to hear the way they see things & what they think & feel. These kids in particular are extraordinary. (btw I think that extraordinary is a really stupid word. Technically it means lots of ordinary, but that's not what it means. Dumb.)
Anyway, I get a little miffed to think that I will probably never have a whole passel of teenagers. Sawyer will more than likely be 5 or 6 years older than her sibling, and who knows how many kids that kinda spacing will set us up for. So I guess I'd better enjoy it while I can, huh?
Don't worry I do.

Oh, also, I think I've about had it with not having a dog. Sawyer constantly plays some variation of either "puppy-puppy" or "dog-dog" all day long. (these are names she's made up for trotting around on all fours like a dog). She wants to go to the pet store every time we're out & about. She is obsessed with Animal Planet. She freaks out if I don't let her meet every dog she sees on the street. This girl needs a dog in her life.
Anyone have bad dog allergies & know of a breed that might work? I'm thinking poodle right now, but frankly I've always hated them for some reason.

Today Sawyer came up to me with a drawing she had made on waxed paper. It was of her jumping off a building. I kinda freaked out in my head at first until she explained that it was part of the ballet that she was doing down at the bottom of the paper. It was a really good drawing, just kinda disturbing. I don't think she has any idea that jumping off a building might not be a good idea. 5 minutes later she came in with the left over crusts of her sandwich on a plate. She had torn them into little pieces & offered one to me saying: "just take one & think about Jesus."
I figured that even if she did have suicidal tendencies, at least she also has an appreciation of the atonement, right?
Good night.

Bandslam Movie Review

K, so we are babysitting my sister-in-laws kids this week, and last night Caroline & I went to see Bandslam. Mostly for the New Moon trailer, honestly. That was worth it by itself, but the movie itself was definitely a big bonus. I kinda thought it would be a Disney channel cheese-ass flick, what with Vanessa Hudgens in it an all, but it turns out that she isn't just a gorgeous head of hair. This movie was totally delightful. Totally. Good music too.
I wish I knew if I liked it so much because I had zero expectations or because it was actually good. But I might just be easily entertained. But yeah, it was super cute. Nice to go to a show with my niece & not worry about sex & swearing & crap like that. I wish I could find a clip of the kiss scene, I think I peed myself a little bit laughing my face off. Anyway, its good clean fun.
can you tell I'm trying to not talk about the dog? The last few posts have been big downers, but really, life is good. I miss my girl, but life is good.

want a good cry?

I'm sitting here, not planning my young women's lesson, (again) and weeping my eyes out looking through petfinder.com. No, we are not looking for another dog. Getting another dog right now would be like going from a Lamborghini to a pinto. It would really not be fair to the pinto. It might be the best pinto in all the land, run great & get you from point A to point B with zero problems, but guess what? It's not a Lamborghini. Charlie was our family's version of a Lamborghini. Perfect dog for us. Anyway, the good cry is for the fact that there are sooooo many beautiful & sweet animals out there who are headed for euthanization. I cannot comprehend WHY everyone seems to be so fond of going out and paying hundreds of dollars for poky little purebreed puppies when there are a bajillion that need good homes. Oh my goodness, if I didn't have this stinkin' allergic girl, I would adopt five or six of them. It killllls me. I think Michael Vick should be shut into a room with the dogs he mistreated. grrrrrrr.

I may not have a dog, but I do have a retardedly cute kid.

The lovely & talented & giving Laura Dugovic, one of my dearest friends that I hardy ever get to see because she has chosen to live way too far away from me (where are her priorities, right?)...um, where was I? That was a bit of a run-on sentence. Anyway, yesterday we got together & Larua took THE most cutest pictures of her darling Kort & my sweet Sawyer. I think that they are a bit smitten with each other, and I am about to make the betrothal official, if Kort could just stop being a boy for long enough to eat so that he would grow a little bit. He's got the genetics, it's just that he's five and she's three and she's maybe 2 inches shorter than him, and for sure outweighs him. Anyway, it just happened to also be the first day that Sawyer actually requested straight hair, and let me get within 2 feet of her with the flat iron. I'm not really a hair-do-er, I kinda suck at it, but I think she looks soooo cute with straight hair. Go here & here to check the cutest part of our day out.

addendum: here are more. yay Laura! I heart you!