Hawker Family

$9 Gold Pouf Creation Using Rub N Buff

2012-02-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

$200 Version

$9 Version

I found this at DI for seven bucks and instantly grabbed it when I laid eyes on it. I've been wanting one of these forever, but my frugalness wouldn't let me splurge on such a small luxury. The nasty, tan vinyl;however, was not in my design scheme.

No problemo, thanks to Rub N Buff. I used my 40 percent off coupon at Hobby Lobby and puchased it in gold leaf. I think it's my new, favorite product. I would have preferred to use Grecian Gold, but they didn't carry it. I'll have to order some online for my next project.

All it took was a soft cloth and an episode of Biggest Loser to cover this baby.

Here is a comparison of it with and without. I love how it picked up the grain of cheap vinyl and made it look more like leather. Also, I still have a ton left in the small tube. It goes a long way!

Natalie and Elmo like it too.

A Warm, Winter Day at the Zoo

2012-02-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

Since it has been more like summer here, when Julie was in town for the holiday break, we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and head to Hogle Zoo.

When we arrived at the primate exhibit, they had just introduced the male gorilla to two females and they were fighting and chasing each other. It was so fascinating for me to watch and I could have sat there for hours. My heart would start to race every time the huge male gorilla would come running at the glass. I was sure it would just give away from his powerful force. Unfortunately, I was so entranced I didn't even take a pic.

Natalie wanted to catch the peacock.

Although the animals were amazing, Natalie liked the playground just as much.

Going up the huge slide all by herself. That girl has no fear!

My Friend Rhino

2012-02-06T10:26:00.005-08:00

Have you ever been thinking about wanting a particular item, but don't know quite what it is until you find it? This is exactly how I felt about this little guy. The top of my hutch desperately needed something different, but I'm not really into owls or horse heads. I was at Ross and saw this and died! The size is perfect and it's an animal, but not too trendy.

Once I finish the design of it, I'll show you pics. For now, here is a sneak preview

Isn't he handsome?

My House is a Circus; Meet My Contortionist

2012-02-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

Or small child who still has her flexibility and small limbs. As of late, pots and the small cabinet space on the fireplace are her top choice.

Living Room Color Scheme

2012-01-31T22:04:00.000-08:00

I finally figured out my living room. My couch color has been throwing me off for ages. Then, the two lovely shirts came around. I purchased them last week and when I got home and put them on the couch for a second I was like, "Oh, my gosh!" They looked so good with the rust of the couch and the wood floors. I'm throwing in the emerald because I love that color and it's my birthstone, so that settles it.

The shirt pulls a little more yellow in the picture. Think more chartreuse and less yellow. Can't wait to get started. Goodbye traditional, boring brown!

By the way, sold this vintage swag lamp today. I so wanted to keep her, but didn't have a place for the beauty.

Rewind: 18 Month Photo Shoot

2012-01-27T23:36:00.001-08:00

I was going through old photos and stumbled across these and realized I never did a post for them. Looking back, I miss all the little nuances there were at that stage. Ugh, I'm so emo right now about how quickly Natalie changes.

If You Leave Out a Tube of Lipstick

2012-01-24T21:12:00.000-08:00

Then you might have a naughty, little girl like this

I can't stay mad for long her face is too cute!

Crocheted Heart Garland

2012-01-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

Besides Halloween, Valentine's is one of my favorite holidays. I had so much fun decorating for Cristi's shower I decided I needed to step up my heart-themed house this February.

My first project was this heart garland. Go here for the instructions on how to make the hearts.

The red one I followed the instructions except for these three changes: the crochet hook size was bigger as well as the yarn, I only used five stitches instead of six around the outside and when making the top; instead of doing a slip stitch in the stitch I did it around the post. I felt like it made the middle come down and make the actual heart shape more pronounced.

For the pink one, I again used a bigger hook and thicker yarn. The pink yarn is an organic cotton by Lyon Brand and I love how stiff it stays to show all the detail. The other two differences from the original pattern for this one was that I added another row so I ended with eight stitches instead of seven and when making the arch of the heart, on the second double crochet, I added a slip stitch to give it a little more height.

Once I had made six red hearts and five pink hearts, it was time to attach them. I tried a few different ways and this was the best method for me that held and didn't change the shape of the heart. On the back of the heart, I would slip stitch around the post and then do 4 chain stitches in between the two posts-red ones only three.

The back looked like this

There were fifteen chain stitches in between alternating colored hearts.

All done and ready to hang.

Natalie wouldn't get out of the shot, so don't mind her little head.

Can't wait to get started on the rest of my list. By the way, it is once again snowing today. Lovely.

Thrift Store Find: White Wreath

2012-01-19T20:40:00.001-08:00

This thing was hideous and the big, ugly bow just added to the montrocity. Look past the nasty christmas faux wrapping; however, and you have an amazing wreath. This thing was huge and made of tree branches. I also liked how it had been painted and over time worn off in certain areas so the wood showed through. It feels very Pottery Barn to me and I love it and the fact I got it for a mere seven bucks.

I haven't quite decided how I want to use it in my house, but I already used it once for the baby shower. Sigh.

Cristi's Baby Shower Decor

2012-01-19T20:27:00.000-08:00

I had such a fun time with Sara and Erica decorating and putting on this baby shower. It turned out so fabulous thanks to those gals!

I made the cupcake toppers with my Cricut and they were much easier than I thought they would be

Sara wanted to do a Secret Garden theme so there was moss and pink flowers everywhere. It looked amazing.

I bought this set of lanterns at Walmart awhile ago in the wedding section for 10 dollars and they were so worth it. I have used them many, many times for decorating.

Erica did book wraps in the color scheme and I loved them

Isn't the mushroom to die for?

Fave's from the Holidays

2012-01-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

2012-01-13T13:02:00.001-08:00

New Year's

2012-01-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

Master Closet: Floor Update

2012-01-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

After 3 hours and only $50 in labor our master closet is so much better. The wood was leftover from when the previous owners did the main living area and we couldn't have even rented the tools to do it for that cost. This was definitely one of those things where I would gladly pay that much to do it again.

The closet was one of my major bugs of the house. With the nasty carpet it just always felt dirty and dingy to me and smelled musty from the dampness of the shower that is next to it. Now, it looks fresh and clean.

Nasty, right?!!

I ripped up all the carpet and padding myself to save a little bit. All ready for our wonderful installer to get busy.

Ahhhh, I feel like singing.

Watch for future posts for a few more updates I'm doing to this space.

How to Create a Chandelier Swag Lamp

2012-01-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

I found this awesome vintage chandelier along with a few others at an estate sale awhile back. I sold all the rest of them and was saving this one for my SIL as a gift, but then she ended up buying one so I decided it belonged in Natalie's room. The only problem was that I felt it wasn't big enough to be the main light. Instead of leaving it as a light fixture I converted it to a swag lamp!

I don't know why a crystal is missing in the pic, but they were all there. There is no reason to even mention it, but the pic just bugs me. Unfortunately, it's the only one I had before the transformation so it will have to suffice.

Buy a swag lamp kit from Lowe's

String the cord provided in the kit through the chain. I would skip two loops and then put it through the third loop.

You then splice the end of the light fixture and attach the two strands from the light fixture to the two strands on the cord provided from the kit.

Remember the electrical tape I mentioned from Natalie's bike? Well, this is why I originally bought it. Wrap electrical tape individually around the metal portion where the strand of the light fixture and the strand of the cord is attached. Once you have done this twice, you will then wrap the now connected strands together.

Next, I took silver spray paint and sprayed it in a plastic bowl and painted it on the white electrical tape so that it blended in with the rest of the silver hardware.

Sorry there aren't more pics for the steps. My SD card was having issues and formatted them wrong for some reason.

Get your FIL to drill a hole to hang the hook in that will hold the swag lamp. This part was what scared me the most but it ended up being super easy. Make sure when you hang it that only the chain is attached to the hook and not your cord.

Plug it in and enjoy!

It was the perfect finishing touch for Natalie's reading nook.

My Little Reader

2012-01-03T22:35:00.001-08:00

Ever since Natalie was a little baby, I have read to her and it has paid off. Books are one of her favorite "toys" and book was one of her first words.

It has also been fun to watch her go through the different stages with books. As an infant, she would just stare at the colorful illustrations. As she got older, staring progressed to page turning. Sometimes us reading a book consisted merely of her flipping through every page.

Then came the day when she realized that we were actually reading them and she started pointing at things and asking, "What's that." We would be sitting in the living room and I would say, "Natalie go get a book." She would go to her room and come back with one.

Now, I'll here Natalie's voice coming from her room and will go in to see her reading outloud to herself. I say reading, but really it is just ramblings since she has no idea how to read the actual words. I guess that will be the next phase we will enter soon.

Right now, one of her favorite books is The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear. I'll ask her what book she wants to read and she'll say "Strawberry".

I love that she has a love for reading as much as I do!

Christmas Cookies

2012-01-03T22:29:00.000-08:00

Natalie's Christmas Bike Makeover

2011-12-24T13:53:00.000-08:00

I hope Natalie's as excited to open this as I am for her! Steve wanted to get Natalie a bike for Christmas, but I thought heck no they are like 60 bucks and she'll just grow out of it.

Then...I spied this one at DI for 5 bucks!!! I was so excited. Steve wasn't as thrilled, but I looked past the weathered stickers and dirt. Like usual, I told him to just wait and see and in the end he agreed it turned out great.

There was definitely a reason it was so cheap.

Look at her now! I like it better than if we had bought a brand new one!

I used my Cricut to cut out all of the vinyl decorations and right now since Roberts is going out of business I got the vinyl for practically nothing.

A big H on the front for Hawker and I used white electrical tape I had from one of my other projects to add stripes to the wheels.

Total investment was eight dollars and worth every penny. Ho, ho, ho Santa is coming tonight!!!!

I Love Babies!

2011-12-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Hales family finally had a grandboy after a long line of girls and I went and visited the darling baby in the hospital and took some pics. Lacy, if you are seeing this I'm almost done and will send you a cd. I hope you don't mind, but I just had to share :)

The Tree-2011

2011-12-11T21:24:00.000-08:00

As most of you already know by now, Steve insisits on having a real tree. So every year we go to the same little Christmas tree lot and enjoying searching for the perfect tree.

It was fun having Natalie run all through the trees and smell the pine and actually engage in the experience this time.

Bundled up and already to go

Natalie forgot all about the tree and was enjoying the tootsie pop they gave her

...

2011-12-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I am definitely not pregnant and if you have fb then this is old news, but I got my braces off!! It actually ended up happening a couple days earlier than expected too. If you're not that thrilled, sorry, maybe next time my news will be more interesting but I'm LOVING being braces free!!!

Elemente

2011-11-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

If there was an award for best vintage consignment store ever, these guys would take it hands down. I love perusing through this store and peek in every time I'm in downtown Salt Lake.

Every now and then, I even take some of my own treasures there. If you haven't experienced this amazing shop and love everything vintage, you should definitely check it out!

Kate and Teresa are great and they have the neatest items!

Alpine Loop/Sundance

2011-11-26T22:08:00.000-08:00

Before the weather got to cold, we made the annual trip of taking the Alpine Loop to Sundance. We were a little late this year, so some of the leaves had already fallen, but it was still beautiful. It made me miss when I worked there and every day viewed the beautiful canyon during the fall.

Waiting to go eat at the Foundry Grill. That restaurant is soooo good!

We got suckers from the Deli after and Natalie loved them

In fact, she was so happy she was jumping for joy everywhere

Ah, I love that place!

Dec 7 2011, The Countdown has Begun!

2011-11-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

For what? I guess that is just my little secret and you'll just have to wait to see :)

Shoes...Yes, please

2011-11-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

Remember this post where I took down the open shelving in my craft room? I decided some of them would work perfectly in my closet, so I repurposed them into shoe storage. I am so glad that my shoes are no longer on the floor of my closet.

These are one of my newest pairs. Aren't they fabulous. I got them from the DI for $6 and think they are from around the 80s. My obsession for vintage furniture has translated to shoes.

Love Me Some Tomatoes

2011-11-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

I don't think there is anything better than a garden-fresh tomato and Natalie agrees. Grandpa Hales knows how much she loves them and sent some cherry tomatoes with my sister from their garden.

I was sitting on the couch and Natalie brought the bag to me and said "nother one" which means she want some.

Yummy!

Cornbelly's

2011-10-31T17:30:00.001-07:00

This place is awesome! We live so close to it and had no idea it even existed. Our original plan was just to pick up some pumpkins but we ended up staying for a couple hours. Natalie loved it-especially the bounce house!

Thrift Store Find: Clock

2011-10-30T17:38:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it was only $2 and it works. I put a battery in just to make sure. Every little thing from the numbers to the petals is hand-stitched.

I can only imagine how long it took to make this. Don't you just love the attention to each little detail?!

I think I'll paint the wood frame this awesome green color

California Trip: San Diego

2011-10-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

While we were in California, my sister who is doing her residency there had a Saturday off so we stayed with her for the weekend.

Baby Ruby is the cutest! I swear she is a little mexican baby. She has the tannest skin ever!

We ate at this really yummy Hawaiian style joint. Don't judge us from the pics. We were headed to the beach and didn't get ready.

Love them!

Mission Viejo Beach

For some reason, we thought it was going to be cold so we didn't wear our swimming suits. Booo, we were wrong and wish we would have worn them.

Ruby loved the peach ring gummy candies her momma kept feeding her.

Playing in the hole they helped Steve dig.

Ruby loved to have the waves hit her on the shore.

You are Loved Wall Hanging

2011-10-26T13:31:00.001-07:00

From my wall project I had some leftover paneling and decided to make this as a baby gift for my friend. First, I cut the pieces to 12 inches wide and used wood glue in the grooves to hold it together. Once it dried, I whitewashed the wood and cut the lettering out with my cricut.

I painted over my letter stencil I made with the green and peeled it off. Unfortunately, it bled way bad and looked crappy. I decided to just add a lot more paint to the wood to make it thicker and tried to manually fix the letters as best I could with a small paint brush. Once it dried, I pulled out my sander and leveled out the letters and added some distressing to the wood.

I found this cute, wood applique to use. I painted, distressed and glued on to finish the look of it.

A few coats of poly to bring out the wood finish and some hanging hardware and it is done.

California Trip: Beverly Hills/Hollywood Sign

2011-10-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

Oh, so exclusive!

Steve insisted that we had to drive on "rodeo" drive, so here is his moment.

Family photo op in front of the Hollywood sign. There was actually this cool trail that I wish we could have hiked further on, but we weren't appropriately dressed for it. Also, I swear we the only Americans on it. Dang those foreigners!

Natalie had enough and decided to just roll around in the dirt.

Craft Room Makeover: Walls

2011-10-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Definite arm twisting occurred in order to get this wall started, but I'm so glad I stuck it out and convinced the hubs it would look good. Now all I need to do is put up the crown molding and I can get started on the whole wall of shelving!

This is what my craft room looked like before. When we first moved in three years ago, I added the open shelving and blue paint but it was just not very functional. Cute and fun, but not capable of holding all my craft crap. There is also no windows, can you say dungeon?! That's why I knew that I had to do white paneling as accent walls to brighten the space.

All the hardware down and ready to get a face lift.

I got this pine paneling free from the parents. Being free was part of the reason I wanted to do it, but it had been in storage for awhile so it required a spray down to get rid of all the cobwebs and dirt!

Isn't he handsome! I love me a man who can work a power tool.

I got rid of the dreary yellow and put up this gorgeous gray blue instead.

Almost done. The last one wouldn't quite fit, so we had to cut it in half lengthwise before popping it in. My FIL actually liked the look of the pine. I did too, but not for the space. At first, I just did a whitewash to it so I could keep the wood detail but with the awful lighting in there the wood pulled a weird blue color. I gave up and just painted it plain white.

Caulk is my favorite friend! I ran it along where the wood ends met the walls and in the corner where the wood came together. It gave it a more polished look. If I had left it whitewashed, I probably wouldn't have done this step.

See where the dark comes through, no good.

Much better, right?

I personally love it, but what are your thoughts on white paneling?

The Book Thief

2011-10-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Read it! You can check out my full review here on our book club's blog.

Proud as a Peacock

2011-10-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Natalie is being a peacock for Halloween and I finally finished her costume! I love the colors and how it turned out. Now, I need to get started on mine.

To start if off, I found an awesome faux velvet blue dress at DI that had nasty Blues Clues characters all over it. Those were the first things to go.

Next I ripped my material into 3 inch strips and then cut them 15 inches long. I used some polyester satin that I already had purchased awhile ago for our masquerade ball costumes.

I layered them a different color every other one so when she moved you could catch sight of both the green and the blue.

I pleated the strips and pinned them directly onto the dress in a straight line (don't look too closely I eyeballed it and it's not quite even)

A quick straight line stictch to hold the material in place and we're good to go. I did this in the front, back and under the sleeves of the dress.

I got some peacock eyes from Joanns (they came in a two pack and are on sale right now so they ended being about 4 bucks for two packages) and glued them onto the front and made an adorable headband to match.

Halloween, we're ready!

Venice Canals, CA

2011-10-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

I read online about this place and decided we had to stop when we were in California. It was sooo charming and beautiful. There were all these small canal ways with the homes built right on the edge and I was in love! We got there a little later and when dusk came, most of the homes had cute lights that came on. My favorite was this huge tree that hung over the water and it was strung with mid century modern light fixtures. it was to die for! After strolling through, I definitely want to take a vacation just to Venice and stay in one of these adorable bungalows.

The blue one was one of my favorites

My New Witch

2011-10-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

The first year Steve and I were married I painted this witch and decided it was time for a change.

A couple coat of spray paint and already she was looking better. Have you used the new Krylon Fusion? It is amazing! Normally, I'm not a huge spray paint fan, but this stuff is legit. The best thing is you don't have to spray with a primer first. I went a little black crazy with my Halloween decorations this year once I got a taste of it.

My Mom had some shattered glass that I used modgepodge to adhere to the witch. With the first try, the fine glass dust was the only think that stuck to the glue so I sieved it to get to the bigger pieces.

A new ribbon to match and she's ready to go.

I think her feet are my favorite part. They remind me of Dorothy in a Wizard of Oz.

Disneyland

2011-10-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hoover Dam

2011-10-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

On our way home from Pirate's Cove we decided to stop at the Hoover Dam since I had never been. They built a huge bridge across it a couple years ago and you can really see how big it is from up there.

Pirate's Cove

2011-09-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

Steve's regional manager rented out this awesome place for a weekend at the beginning of September. It is located right by Lake Mead in Boulder City. The whole resort was pirate themed and we had such an amazing time playing in all the pools, going down slides and jumping of platforms. Here are some pics from the fun. Thanks Vivint!

I am a Child of God Plaque

2011-09-26T11:04:00.001-07:00

My sil is having a baby boy in October, so I decided to make this for her. It is a cabinet face that I had and I fixed it up.

Here are the steps:
Paint
Distress
Cut out lettering from fabric (next time I think I would use paper instead)
Glue lettering to wood
Put polyurethane on to seal it (maybe mode podge would work better because the poly kind of yellowed it)
Had Steve drill holes for knobs
Installed knobs

Let There Be Light

2011-09-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Love the schoolhouse cover

Is there anything in your house that drives you crazy and you hate it every time you look at it, but do nothing about it? That is how this lighting fixture over our dining table was for me. Call me crazy, but I swear the previous homeowners switched it out when they moved because when we moved in I thought, "How come I don't remember that awful light?"

It's not that the fixture is really that hideous, the silver just does not go with the other rubbed bronze finishings on the cabinets and it feels way too fancy.

Finally, it is gone! Steve and I even did it without electrocuting ourselves so I am pretty impressed about that feat. The new fixture I picked up at a thrift store in Illinois for $7 which makes me love it even more!

Farming with my Dad and Pickled Beets

2011-09-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

Like my sexy outfit! I helped my Dad out while I was home and I remember why I vowed to never marry a farmer. It was good to get outside and work though since it was only for one day.

Grandpa and Travis pulling sunflowers

Colter didn't want to help out so he just watched. That definitely wasn't an option in my day.

Dug these out of my Mom's garden. I love pickled beets.

Hideous picture I know, but I don't really get ready when I visit home and I have to at least document me doing it once. Is it just me or does anyone else go into lazy mode when they go home to the parentals?

My Mom's special brew for pickling. The secret ingredient: cloves. I guess it's not a secret anymore.

They're not everyone's cup of tea but I think they are delicious! Every time I eat them they remind me of my Grandma Hales. She loved pickled beets and always had them.

Just Call Me Martha

2011-09-11T21:27:00.001-07:00

I've been being so domestic lately I don't know what to do with myself. We picked 80 peaches off of our tree this year. Crazy I know! I couldn't believe it myself. I made jam from half of them and made 3 quart bottles and some fruit leather. Here's my jamming process.
Doesn't that look delicious!

Peaches getting their "hot" bath

Next their "cold" bath so the skin will peel off. Have I mentioned how much I love my big basin sink?!

All peeled and ready to go

I personally don't like chunky jam, so a few pulses in the blender and they're perfect

Tipped on their lids to self-seal

When life is the pits...

Make yummy peach jam!

Girl Toddler Shirt Refashion

2011-09-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

I got his adorable tank at TJ for $1 and vamped it up for Natalie's 18 month photo shoot. I used $1 ribbon, $3 gold buttons and some old shoulder pad covers (have to be resourceful).

Added gold trim to ruffle front and bottom trim of shirt

For the sleeves I just tucked it up for more shape and added a little gold bow where I sewed it

Steal!

2011-08-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

$1 for this adorable little suit

The pants already fit her and will look so cute with a girly top. The jacket is still a little big which is perfect for the fall and I will probably switch out the buttons and "girlify" it.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

2011-08-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, this book was definitely interesting! At times, it was hard for me to read on because I was so disgusted by some of the things that she did and said to her daughters and at other times I caught myself mentally agreeing with some of her philosophies. Have you ever wondered why there are so many smart Asians? Read this book and you'll have the answer to your question.

After reading it, I came up with some of my own personal conclusions. While I will be strict with my children and push them to strive for excellence and not mediocrity, there is no way I would ever force them to focus so intently on one avenue or start so young (like having them start a musical instrument at three and play for hours a day for the rest of their childhood). I just believe it is too intense and does not lead to happiness. Yes, with that kind of dedication you will be highly skilled at something, but what happens when the next protoge comes along and you are kicked to the curb and have spent no time developing your other talents and hobbies.

Throughout the book, I just kept wondering what is the point. Her way of parenting seemed like a worthless struggle. What is life worth living for if what you're daily striving for makes everyone in your household miserable?

I also firmly believe that childhood belongs to the child. Why force children to grow up so quickly? If that makes me a weak-minded, western sap parent than so be it. But, I don't believe it does. The author was a bit pretentious in her book and at times annoyed me in her arrogance on thinking she was right. Take her husband for example, he was raised completely opposite of her and could be arguable more successful than his Asian counterpart.

In the end, I believe it all just depends on what type of adult you consider successful. If you want some one-niche wonder that is socially awkward and doesn't understand reality and can relate to society than I think her way works. If on the other hand, you want a well-rounded and socially adapt adult who is not only a benefit to their employer but also society I think how I envision raising my children is a better way.

When It Rains

2011-07-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

It POORS!

Normally I'm pretty good at keeping up the blog, but Natalie knocked our laptop off the couch and the screen will not turn on now so I'm out of the game as far as pictures go. This was like the gazillionth bad thing to happen and I almost had a melt down when I couldn't get it to work.

Aren't bad things only suppose to come in threes! This summer has been ridiculous. I'll keep my woes to a minimal and only list the major ones so I don't bore you with the details too much.

To start off with, in the past three months I have moved like seven times and a couple of those moves have been back and forth from awful motels! If you follow my life at all, I'm no longer in Charlotte and we have now made our way to Missouri (actually I'm in Utah for the next week and a half and Steve is in Missouri).

Then, we had the awful hailstorm in Charlotte that dented up both of our vehicles (which we still need to get fixed). Luckily, our insurance will pay for it, but we still have a $500 deductible each which actually means will be forking out $1000, Ouch! If it would have happened a few days earlier only one of the vehicles would have been affected.

Next, I lost my wallet and my driver's license expired. Utah no longer does online renewals (was anyone else surprised by this when they had to renew?!) and said it would take 90 days to get one by mail and North Carolina wouldn't let me get a new one without documentation which I didn't have because of losing the wallet. Ugh! I hate stupid protocol. Actually, I'm grateful because it keep the illegals out.

Let's not forget the awful birthday that Steve got food-poisoned on and then from all the stress of what's going on with work he forgot our anniversary. Sad days I know.

Then, we had more car trouble with the Mazda. The alternator went out which we had already replaced six months ago. Didn't we fix all of that crap before so we wouldn't have to worry about it during the summer? Anyway, that was another couple bills down the drain.

As no surprise to many of you since I didn't respond to your texts, my phone broke. This time I was the one who dropped the stupid piece of technology and the image on the screen cracked in half and went black. I just got that phone a year ago and I hate phones so I refused to buy another one. I tried to manage for a few days with half a screen and finally gave in and realized I'd have to get another one. Being my stubborn self, I went to Walmart and paid 10 bucks for a GoPhone and put my sim card in it instead. Word of caution: Never buy a GoPhone! Thankfully, Steve had a spare one at our home in Utah that I got to take over once I got back.

Last but not least, the Jeep needed new tires before I drove back to Utah.

So far, that has been the end to our troubles and I'll end my rant, but oh what a draining couple of months we've been through. All I can say is that the Universe better send me some good karma like winning the lottery (I guess you have to buy lottery tickets to win money, but you know what I mean).

Don't think I've gone off the deep end. I know what's important. We are all healthy and Natalie is a beautiful, amazing daughter which is all that matters. Steve and I just think it is crazy and somewhat comical like, "Ok, what's going to go wrong next!"

Life is good though. The end.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T13:49:00.001-07:00

Birthdays

2011-06-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

HERS

Steve took a half day on my birthday and we went and ate at McAllister's for lunch, shopped for my gift and then took Natalie to see the fish tank at the Bass Pro Shop (kind of like a Cabellas).

She ate our two side pickles and loved them!

I don't know if you can see that huge fish behind us but it was gigantic! The manager said it weighed 110 lbs when they first put it in the tank seven years ago.

Later that evening, Cora threw me a fun birthday party with the girls.

Mmmmmm, doesn't that look good. It actually wasn't a cake but this amazing s'more dessert Whitney made. You know you're getting old when one pack of candles doesn't have enough in it for how old you are; hence, there are only 24 flames. Maybe I'll always stay that age :)

Don't you just love my crown Cora made me wear!

HIS

Poor Steve, it was his 30th birthday and we didn't really do a whole lot to celebrate. We were going to take Natalie to the zoo and on our way a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the area so we turned around. Next, we went to the mall and walked around until it was time for dinner so we could eat at Cheesecake Factory. Unfortunately, Steve got food poisoning so he threw up all night and we decided to not do cake with our friends. What a great 30th, huh! We decided when we get home we'll throw a party instead to make up for it.

Natalie loves to run away from us whenever we go places. I think she's trying to play chase with her Daddy like we do at home.

Piggies!

2011-06-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

I refuse to cut off Natalie's mullet-it might be the hick in me coming out or the fact that without it she would have no hair at all-and it's finally long enough to put in little piggy tails. They make her look so grown up it makes me a little sad. She is no longer a baby :(

She has a strange obsession for cotton swabs

Natalie's Quiet Book Pages 1 & 2

2011-06-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to make a quiet book for Natalie to play with during church for awhile and finally started on it. Here are my first two finished pages. I have a feeling the whole book is going to take awhile!

PAGE 1

Velcro-backed cordoroy letters to help her learn how to spell her last name and develop motor skills taking the letters off and putting them back on

PAGE 2

Felt flowers to show her how to do and undo buttons

Any suggestions on products that work really well to write on fabric? I do not want to be hand stitching all the lettering!

Our Secret Garden

2011-06-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

This place was so neat! Right in downtown Charlotte amid very urban space a man purchased a piece of land and turned it into this fantastic green sanctuary. About an acre of land was covered with beautiful roses. Paths covered in vines and trellises wound through the gorgeous flowers and sculptures creating the feeling of being in our own whimsical garden. The smell was amazing too!

Yes, I realize Natalie is wearing this outfit in like every outing we go. I guess I just like it a little too much :)

Amazing colors were everywhere

Fabulous Pot Holder

2011-06-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

My new friend Whitney wanted me to teach her this pattern and since I haven't crocheted for awhile I decided I would brush up on my skills and make one myself. It will also help in saving a couple trees since I forgot to bring any out and have just been using paper towels.

My yarn was a little thicker than the one the pattern calls for so I didn't get as many rows in and the petals don't lay as flat. Next time, I will use thinner yarn, but isn't the flower so fun!

I added some of my leftover chevron material to the back and I love it.

Bon Appettite

Quack, Quack

2011-05-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

By our apartment is a small lake lined with a "boardwalk" that is awesome. Natalie and I love to go walk around it and feed all the waterfowl (except for the geese because they are mean and hiss at us). There is even a closed in play area that Natalie loves to go in and play with all the kids. I wish we had one of these by our house :(

I don't know what kind of ducks these are but they look funky.

Natalie is getting over being in the stroller and now tries to push her way out of it. Good thing for the buckle!

She also hates her shoes and is constantly trying to take them off.

She loves playing with all the kids.

See ya later

What is Better than a Goodwill...

2011-05-20T13:29:00.001-07:00

HOW ABOUT A GOODWILL OUTLET!!!

Never heard of one before? Well, neither had I and I didn't even realize it was one until I pulled up and saw the sign. Happy thrifting here I come. As if there aren't already amazing prices as these thrift stores, I found an outlet one. Imagine it: Clothes are a $1.39 a pound (that's right they are sold by the pound) and ticketed items are an additional 50 percent off.

I know your minds are racing about the endless possiblilites and money savings. At first, I was kind of put off by the bins that were filled with clothes and the shopping carts that were trash cans-trash cans with wheels I might add. Natalie had a great time being pushed around in it though. But after I understood the price was per a pound and not per an item, I dove right in and began the hunt.

This beauty was only 2.99

I can't wait to use this for Natalie's playroom to house all her books. I'm thinking I'll paint it a bright, cheery blue. And what was the cost you might ask, 99 cents. Basically, it was free.

My poundage of clothes added up to $25. A lot of the items I'll use to do refashion or I bought them just for the fabric, but the awesome white skirt I love and it just needs a little bit of tailoring to be perfect.

I already refashioned one of the skirts and will show it off later.

Most of the brands of the sweaters were high-end too, like J Jill, Banana Republic and the Loft. I have some awesome ideas for most of them.

Lovely green table cloth that works great on our table now, but will serve a higher purpose later.

Can you say SCORE. It was a good day :)

Children's Chevron Inspired Clothes Revamp

2011-05-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

Like the hundreds of you out there, I am in LOVE with this pattern. However, I cannot find it anywhere in the stores and I don't like buying material online (refuse to pay $20 a yard for fabric). Anyway I saw this tutorial on how to make a chevron pattern pillow-which I will be doing when I find the right stripes-and decided to apply it to some of Natalie's refashions I made.

Originally, this was one of the nasty 80s dresses that had the lace bib and was horrid looking. I just cut that off and instantly it looked a million times better. I then added a chevron-made trim and decided to leave the lace on the bottom to keep it a little romantic looking.

Natalie's Fourth of July dress. Don't try this unless you are willing to sacrifice a ton of time! This was the first time I tried sewing the chevron pattern and Steve and I thought that the back side looked more interesting than just the regular chevron. I decided to flip it around and then sew down the edges to give it a more finished and durable look.

I think the velvet, ribbon bow is one of my favorite parts. It finished off the dress so nicely and gave it the pop it needed.

Luckily, the material already had the pattern on it and at 40 percent off I couldn't pass it up. This adorable skirt will be making it's way to one of my little relatives who is having a summer birthday.

I just love the juxtaposition between the bold, modern yellow print and the vintage, gray lace.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

2011-05-17T18:18:00.001-07:00

The Gardens were having a Mother's Day special that allowed all moms in free. It's about time I got something extra for that labor! Natalie and I went on the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend. Steve missed out because he was working, but we had a wonderful time admiring all the beautiful flowers, fountains and greenery.

Beautiful cacti arches in the orchid greenhouse

Natalie kept wanting to pick the flowers

The outdoor section was just as gorgeous and fun

This fun fountain Natalie kept running under and cooled down in the process

Amazing stained-glass ceiling

Natural is Better

2011-05-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

As Natalie and I ate a nice, fresh mango I contemplated the decline of food in America. I’m not some crazy granola, but on the other hand I do believe there is truth and common sense to the organic, natural craze that has taken over our more eco-friendly citizens. The proof is in the quality of the product. I think in the industry's quest to satisfy the consumer's desire for cheap, they have given us a cheap product that costs less. Why do we settle for processed foods that taste like crap when we can eat the real thing that is better all natural!

Sometimes I balk at the price, but in one case I am willing to pay it is with meat, poultry and fish. Have you ever bought organic chicken? If not, you should try it and you will be amazed. I am not saying you have to go to Whole Foods or anything either. I actually have purchased mine at different grocery stores and lately Walmart. I know, I know the most evil of the grocery chains, blah, blah, blah. But it is less expensive and the one I shop at has good quality chicken and hey I’m not a millionaire so I am going to try to save a dollar where I can.

It is crazy how much different the actual meat appears when you slice into it. It looks like flesh. It doesn’t resemble some plump grape as your knife cuts in because of all the liquid they have pumped into it. Not only does it look more appealing, it also cooks much better. The finished product comes out almost the same size and is nice and succulent. While, the aforementioned product looks more like some shriveled down raisin because all the water cooked out of it.

Anyway, that is my one-minute rant on why I think all of you should consider a little more about what you purchase from the store that will eventually make it to your mouth. We should hold our food suppliers more accountable and refuse to eat second-rate food!

Fun Times in April

2011-05-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

Story Time with Dad

Hanging Out at the Pool

Easter
Natalie eating her Easter cupcake!

Egg Time

Kelly and cute Owen!

Natalie holding on to her eggs for dear life as some boy tries to swipe them out of her hands

A Day at the Beach

2011-04-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

Myrtle Beach

Change of Plans

2011-04-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

So, I know a lot of you have been wondering about what happened and I'm sick of telling the story over and over again. That being the case, I'm just posting it here and then I can stop talking about and getting all upset every time someone asks.

Anyway, we are no longer in South Carolina anymore. We were there for about two weeks when our manager decided to just go home. We were left scrambling trying to decide what to do with the rest of our summer. Going to an office in Charlotte, NC where we knew some of the sales reps and the manager seemed solid was the best option for us.

In a way, we feel a little like Job in the New Testament. At first, we felt like we lost everything, but the Lord really has been watching out for us and blessed us two-fold. The apartments we are living in are a MILLION times better and the area we are in is so much nicer and urban. I actually feel like I am in a place where I would choose to live and not some run-down dive. We also live right by a University so there is plenty of restaurants, shopping and outdoor areas.

It is also great because almost every rep is married and has kids so there will be plenty of opportunities to bond with new woman and playmates for Natalie.

Another blessing is that even though we were tired, we ended up going to Myrtle Beach last week before all this happened so we got at least one beach trip in for the summer. We almost didn’t because we kept thinking we have all summer no reason to rush, but we did anyway and I’m so glad. We had so much fun. Pictures to come...

Natalie's Walking

2011-04-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

Overnight, Natalie decided that she was old enough to walk. It is so crazy how quickly babies catch on to things. One night, she decided to take a few steps and the next day she was cruising everywhere. She is funny because she loves to carry stuff in her hands as she waddles around. Her favorite items so far are clothing of any kind and pens.

We Made It!

2011-04-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

After 15 hours of traveling and 2 layovers we are here! Now if only I could find my USB cord to upload my pictures.

Best Invention Ever

2011-04-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the cheesy picture, but our camera got packed so I couldn't take my own "before and after" pics.

So, you all pretty much know that we move all the time and I absolutely HATE packing. This year, I decided to use these for our bedding and clothes and I am kicking myself for waiting so long to buy them. They are freaking amazing! I was a little skeptical that they would do what is promised, but they are awesome. It is even kind of fun to suction them with the vacuum and watch your pile shrink down.

We saved so much space in our vehicles. I keep thinking we forgot stuff because there is so much more room than before. When we come back I am definitely using these and going space bag crazy!

Perfect Pop of Yellow

2011-04-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I am obsessed with this color! Maybe only once or twice :) I found this awesome end table with and decided with its modern, clean lines it was begging to be painted this hue of yellow.

I love it and want to keep it, but Steve says we have to much furniture, so if you're interested you can find it here on KSL.

All this cane took forever to cover

I absolutely adore the little drawer on the bottom

California Trip

2011-04-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Picture Overload: Watch Out!
Steve and I decided to take a trip out to California before we headed out for the summer and we had such a great time.

Grandma Hawker bought so many fun toys to play with

Steinhart Museum

All tuckered out

Playing with Grandpa and Grandma Hawker

Baby Einstein

Japanese Tea Gardens

Block tower with Grandpa

Spaghetti!

Happy Hollow

They had a petting zoo that Natalie loved

Santa Cruz

Natalie wanted to give the pigeon kisses

Drapes are Up

2011-04-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that one of the most difficult decisions for my master would be the drapes and hardware. I'm too cheap and was not settling. I wanted the expensive look without the price and found this to be very difficult. While on the hunt, I finally found this gorgeous white, silk dupioni drape clearanced out at Downeast for $50. It was super wide and long and perfect for what I needed. Some would look at it and think it wouldn't work, but you have to think outside the box. One straight cut down the middle and I have two perfect drapes.

They are still a little long and I will hem them up once we put in our wood floors. Maybe I can make an adorable skirt for Natalie from the remnants. I also still need to hem the one edge, but that will just have to wait until after we get back from the summer. Also, If you don't know how/like sewing a lot of times on HGTV they just buy hem tape that you iron on to get a perfect hem without the hassle of thread.

Restoration Hardware had the rod I wanted, but after buying all the pieces needed it would have been like 200 bucks! Um, no thank you. Bed Bath and Beyond had this one on sale for $25 and it looks almost the same. I actually kind of like it better because it is in the black silver.

Love them! It is crazy how much more polished a room looks with drapery.

Visit to Delta

2011-03-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

Steve decided he wanted to participate in the goose hunt in Delta this year. I was just glad to go down and visit and was happy for the opportunity.

Natalie and I went down a day early, so I could do her one year photos. I still haven't had the chance to edit them yet, but they turned out super cute with my parents old tire swing.

The reason we went. Bright and early Saturday morning all ready to go hunt.

Natalie didn't really care and was just happy to be eating her cereal.

While the boys were out hunting, my parents and I took Natalie to the park. It has been so cold, I haven't really been able to do this sort of thing with her yet and it was so fun to watch her explore everything.

Going down the slide with Grandpa

Playing peek-a-boo with Grandma

All done and ready to go home

Love that face!

Latest Creation: Distressed Headboard + Picture Frames

2011-03-19T19:15:00.001-07:00

I originally bought a pair of headboards at a garage sale for the top of my entertainment center (which still is in the works since I have not had some nice, sunny days in a row so I can paint it) but it looked busy with this on top.

My Relief Society is throwing an auction next week to celebrate the organization's anniversary and I couldn't decide what to contribute. Then I remembered I had these and thought it would be fun to refinish one for the event. I love how it turned out and I want to keep it. Does anyone do that? I get way too attached to the things I make. Anyway, we have no place for it and hopefully whoever gets it loves it too, so I'll part with it.

I still have the other one, maybe I'll refinish it in a similar manner and sell it. It will mostly depend on how much I get done before we go for the summer.

Even though I haven't finished the entertainment center yet, I have been able to make some cute frames from the back cabinet doors.

Joyce saw mine and decided she wanted to do one for her one year anniversary. Wow! That seems so long ago for me.

Lovin It!!

2011-03-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

So, did I mention that my church basketball team is stake champions. Yes, you read correct I am am champion. Ha, ha anyway from that team I met this amazing chica that gets together with a group of girls once a week and play. Can you say PURE excitement. So, today was my first time getting to go and it was a blast!!! Made possbile by a group of amazing, athletic woman that all know how to and are very good at playing basketball. Where have they been all my life?!

Some may not be that impressed, but I definitely am and get this-their weekly basketball night has been going on for eight plus years!!! I'm so glad to finally meet a group of ladies that love playing as much as I do.

Labor of Love

2011-03-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

Introducing Sofie: My allover wall stencil

You may be asking yourself, "Sandra, why would you name your wall?" Trust me, if you had done this you would think it deserved a name too. This was by far the hardest DIY thing I have ever done. I consider myself a pretty handy/crafty person, but this just about did me in. It took sooooo long and was not as "easy" as people claim.

When I first started, the edges weren't as precise as I wanted them. I am not a perfectionist either in case you were thinking that. The paint kept bleeding through even though it supposedly shouldn't, so I started over i.e. sanded down my half-finished wall, repainted it white and then started stenciling again. The second time I used the spray adhesive and the more expensive Aura paint by BM and it worked better. I think part of my problem was the detail in the stencil. I probably should have got a more plain one that didn't have so many corners to it.

After all is said and done though, I am in LOVE with it!! I knew that I wanted something like this in our master as an accent wall. Originally, I wanted to do a faux brick that I saw in a girl's home, but Steve put a stop to that idea. When I came across this stencil I knew this is exactly what I wanted and from what I had read on all the DIY blogs thought it wouldn't be that hard.

In all honesty, I probably would have a half-patterned wall if it weren't for my extreme stubbornness and the vision of how amazing it would look done. Now, I just need to finish the rest of the decor and our bedroom will be finished!

If my pic has motivated you to do it, I'm sorry. I wish that torture on no one.

Talented Women

2011-03-06T15:58:00.000-08:00

I know some pretty remarkable woman each with their own amazing talents. Recently, some of them have started blogs devoted to those abilities and I decided to share them with you. I want to keep them all to myself, but my Mom taught me selfishness is not flattering.

Adria: Mrs. Dairy Free

https://sites.google.com/site/mrsdairyfree/Home

I have never tasted anything that she has made and haven't thought, "I need to get this recipe!" Lucky for me (and you) she decided to post all her wonderful knowledge into an easily accessbile web page. Maybe she was sick of me bugging her for recipes.
The other wonderful thing about her food is that it is always healthy. If you are sick of all your recipes and going through a slump, I would definitely recommend heading over to her site for some inspiration. You will not be dissapointed.

AnnaRose/Hailey: Tweed and Harper

http://tweedandharper.blogspot.com/

These are my fantastic cousins who are into fashion. Check out their site for your next style inspiration. They enjoy designing on a budget and will share some of their tips and tricks with you. I have never considered shopping at Savers for clothes, but after some of the posts, I've decided I am missing out. They have high style without a high price.

Erin: Tattered to Flattered

http://tatteredtoflattered.blogspot.com/

Who doesn't love turning something old and ugly into a beautiful creation and that is what these girls do to furniture at this fun blog. This is one of my favorite pasttimes as well and I love to see all the gorgeous pieces they create. Erin is such a beautiful person, both inside and out. I am always sad she is down in stupid St. George and not up here by me so we could hang out more. Maybe it is not sadness but jealousy. Warm weather is sounding really nice right now and I have been trying to convince Steve we need to move there.

Julie: LDS Women Converse

http://ldswomenconverse.blogspot.com/

I have previously mentioned this site, but decided I did not want to leave it out in this post. Repetition is a good thing; supposedly, so enjoy. This blog is dedicated to women of the LDS faith and is full of uplifting posts in relation to the Gospel and how we can improve ourselves. Ariane recently wrote a post about carrying on that is worthy of your time to go read.

I love these awesome women and hope you enjoy their blogs as much as I do!

One Year Anniversary

2011-03-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

MOTHERHOOD

Ever since I was a little girl, I loved little kids-especially babies. My mother had twin girls when I was five years old and they were my little dolls. I'm not saying it to brag or say hey I'm better than you, but I have just always appreciated and cherished the joy that children create in our life.

I can't believe it has been a whole year since I was blessed with the opportunity of having my own little child. Children are amazing and what they teach you is amazing. True love is not fully comprehended until you look in the eyes of a newborn you helped to create.

Not only is motherhood richly rewarding in love, but I have also learned so much more about life and myself. Things that I thought use to matter don't anymore and I have gained new perspective on what is truly important. I am a much more calm and understanding individual-one of my nicknames was Rage in high school. It's hard to believe I know :).

Waking up multiple times in the middle of the night, changing numerous blowouts, dealing with craziness that you think you'll never get through has tempered me in a way that no other life experience could. My love for my daughter has enabled me to more freely love those around me because of the patience it has given me.

Motherhood is wonderful and I'm so grateful for my little Natalie!

Handmade Silk Dress

2011-02-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

This was one of my never-ending projects and it's finally done! I originally started sewing this dress in Mississippi to alleviate the boredom and had to stop due to technical difficulties-Ok, truthfully it was because I hate patterns and I suck at reading them-fortunately I have a mother who is a wonderful seamstress and she fixed it for me in December.

Today, I finally finished the masterpiece with some gorgeous green/gray/bluish ribbon I found at Emporium. I crafted it into some rosettes and a hair accessory to complete the look perfectly.

I absolutely LOVE silk. I love how the fabric hangs, how it catches the light and has that luminous sheen to it. It just appears so luxurious and rich! Most of the time, I only add it as accents because with the look comes a price.

Lucky for me, I found this wonderful material clearanced out for $6 a yard and I practically peed a little when I saw it. I bought enough to do the dress and a matching jacket, but I think the remaining remnant will be saved for something else. By the time this fits her, she will not need a jacket and I think I overestimated my sewing skills when I got the pattern.

My little girl probably doesn't appreciate the beautiful dress quite yet. In fact, it will probably be a pain trying to keep it clean since you know I won't be putting it in the washing machine. What is the old adage? Beauty has its price...

And in my mother's words, "She will be wearing a shrug over it?!" Yes. Those sweet, bare shoulders will remain covered when she goes out in public. Thank you for the lesson on modesty.

It will be the perfect summer dress for her.

Perfect Piece

2011-02-25T15:34:00.000-08:00

So, we already have a wonderful entertainment center that we purchased when we first moved in. However, we did not have parent foresight and there are no glass fronts on the cabinet. Now our playstation and dish receiver have become Natalie's favorite play things.
I have looked everywhere for something that would work and just have not been able to find what I have been envisioning for the space at the right price. That was until the other day. Then I found this cabinet on KSL for $25. Isn't it amazing...well, maybe not yet but it will be. It was one of those pieces that had glass doors on both sides, so we'll add a back and some paint and like magic this ugly, unused cabinet will become the perfect entertainment center. I'll post pics after the transformation.

San Diego- Coronado Beach

2011-02-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

Notice those hot men running in the background? The seals were out training so they wouldn't let us go further down the beach.

Natalie loved playing in the sand!

Then she decided it looked tasty.

The new, little family we visited. We had so much fun!!! Thanks Kevin and Liz!

Random Tidbit- Phone Phobia

2011-02-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

I am the most horrible person when it comes to returning phone calls. Shocker, right?! To most of you, it is probably not because you endure my awful friend quirk (Thanks!). In my defense, it is not because I am lazy, flaky or forgetful. It is because, for some strange reason, I absolutely HATE talking on the phone.

Maybe it is the whole awkwardness of the situation that I detest. There are the pauses, you know the ones. Where you don't know if you should say something or wait and then you do say something at the same time they do and cut them off. Then you are back to square one all over again. It also doesn't help that you can't SEE them. You have to go completely 100 percent off of what they say. There are no body language cues, no facial expressions to judge from. Just that voice coming through the receiver.

I also never know how to end the call. I'll feel like they are sending cues to end the convo, so I do and then they act offended. Or when I need to go I'll make statements like, "I'm glad I go to talk to you." and it goes on for another 15 to 20 minutes.

I'm not like that with everyone though. There are a certain number of family members/friends whom I talk to where the conversation flows freely and is not forced. It is almost like we are face-to-face. If only all phone calls could feel that way. But just like the more I know the person, the less I feel that way, the less I know the person the more anxiety I get.

I can't stand making appointments or any other obligatory phone calls. Sometimes, I almost get to tears when trying to manipulate Steve to make phone calls for me that I don't want to. He just says, "Come on it's not that bad!" and I'll reply with "Yes, it is. Come on I'll do the dishes if you make this call." Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't and he makes me be a big girl.

Maybe I need to take some kind of course: Phone Conversations 101? Or perhaps, it is like Steve says and I really need to just grow up...

San Diego- Aquarium

2011-02-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

The babes are ready to go and all dolled up with their bows!

Playing in the tide pools

Daddies and their girls. This is my favorite of Kevin and Ruby!

I have never met an aquarium I didn't like :)

San Diego - Day 1

2011-02-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

My sister had her little baby girl and I was fortunate enough to take a quick trip down to visit. Can I just say that I love San Diego! I would totally consider living there. The weather was amazing and it was wonderful to be able to do so much outdoors. The first day we left at two in the morning (we are crazy I know) and so we got there in the afternoon and were able to get some sight-seeing in at what Liz called the "seal" beach.

Don't be too critical of the pictures. I got a new lens for my camera that I am so excited about, but still learning how to work with.

Here are some pics of the gem. Her name is Ruby and she is a cutie. I can't believe Natalie was ever that small!!!

Charleston, SC

2011-01-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned that this is the area for the summer!! So excited!

Meet Frosty

2011-01-02T22:47:00.000-08:00

One of the many snowy mornings we've been having lately, Steve decided he was going to build a snowman for the first time. He got his boarding clothes on and headed out. I decided to stay inside where it was warm and cozy.
Natalie and I were watching from inside.
Then she decided to venture out...

Of course, our snowman had an APX hat.
Steve's first snowman, I'm impressed!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoy celebrating our Savior's birth as you join family this year.

Pregunta

2010-12-21T16:23:00.000-08:00

So, I found this fabulous chair that I'm going to put in my guest bedroom. The decor is purple and gray, but I don't know what color to paint the chair--black, gray, white...Suggestions Please!!

Animal Lover

2010-12-19T21:46:00.000-08:00

Natalie LOVES playing with animals. Our cat Charlie used to run from her and she would chase him all over the house. Now, he just plops down and she plops right on top of him. As she rips out fistfuls of his fur, he actually purrs. Can you believe that!

Zach and Cristi's dog Tiger is her other favorite. He is more intimidated by her than Charlie and sometimes gets a little territorial. He has good reason though. She always steals all his toys and thinks they are hers.

DI Find- $2

2010-12-16T21:35:00.001-08:00

Isn't this awesome! I found it and had to have it. Not because Steve and I attend so many formal functions that he needs a cummerbund and a bow tie, but because of the endless possibilities.

With a skirt

With jeans

And the bow tie is perfect as a new hair (or lack thereof) accessory for Natalie

Christmas Tree 2010

2010-12-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

New Do

2010-12-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

Isn't it funny that as woman we are soooo attached to our long hair. The ironic thing is that the more I thought about my long hair the more I hated it. In all honesty, I probably only did it once or twice a week. All other days it was pulled back and even when I did do it, it just felt so blah. Same style, same look, so interesting, not!

I haven't had this short of hair for a long time and it was freeing to just chop it all off. I feel much more fresh and edgy now. I'm not saying that in a few years it won't be grown out again, but it is nice to have a change. With a new hair style I'm a brand new woman!

Little Natalie doesn't even need hair to look pretty :)

Kitchen Facelift

2010-12-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

When we went house hunting granite was number one on my want list, but I fell in love with a home that didn't have granite...of course. After two years, I finally have my granite. It actually ended up working out better that way because then we could pick the granite we wanted. We also swapped out our black appliance set for stainless and I got my deep basin one-bowl sink that I wanted!!

After this experience, I think I will never build a home or do a fixer-upper. It was stressful enough just picking just a few items that were cosmetic. We were worried that maybe certain items wouldn't go together or what if we commit all this time, work and money and don't love it in the end. I can't imagine thinking about a whole house!

It was definitely hard but I am so glad we did it. I still walk into my great room and think, "Wow, I love it!"

We love the movement and colors in this stone. There was probably a good 20 hours spent on searching for what we wanted and we ended up getting the first one we saw. That is so typical of us!!

Steve and I retiled the bottom row of the backsplash. We are becoming quite the handypeople.

Check Out This Blog

2010-11-30T15:30:00.000-08:00

http://ldswomenconverse.blogspot.com/

Hogle Zoo

2010-11-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

In all the years Steve has lived in Utah he has never went to Hogle Zoo! I couldn't believe it and decided we needed to go pronto and ended up going on the best day. The weather was perfect and we had such a good time being outside. Natalie's favorite animal was this creepy snake that was following her all over the glass.

Classic photo op-I remember standing in front of this when I was little and now I have my own little girl who can, crazy!

Her first taste of fry and she likes it. Fast food nation here we come, not really!

Check out my hot hubby

"I like turtles" ha, ha, ha

Snow Canyon Half

2010-11-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

I am definitely not a dieter and wanted to lose the last of my baby weight so I decided to turn to running again. This race was my motivator and I'm so glad I did it.
Don't be fooled by the pics. We ran through beautiful Snow Canyon State Park and only the last lap was on the track. It was such a good experience even if they changed the course so that the last two miles were all hills!!! There were so many times at the end that my body wanted to give up and I would think "Who cares if I just stop and walk the rest of the way. It doesn't matter as long as I actually finish." I kept going though and was glad because I would have been dissapointed in myself afterwards if I would have walked at the end.

This was right after I finished. I could barely hold Natalie up. She felt like she weighed a ton.

My friend Erin ran it too. This was her first race and she did AMAZING!

Natalie and Nash had a fun time playing. I wish they lived closer.

Yeah! It's over :)

Los Hermanos

2010-11-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite casual restaurant. I ate here for the very first time right before I started college with some of my friends and I've been hooked ever since. It's funny because I rave about the restaurant, but I have actually only ordered one item from the menu. The only food I can vouch for is the small dinner with a cheese enchilada and the chips, but those are free :) Depending on what mood I'm in I may also order a peachy rico. It's delicious too!

We took Natalie for the first time and she is their newest fan.

Give me food! She loves to pound on the table with her hands.

Don't mind Steve's bug eyes. He kept closing them when I was trying to take the pic so I told him to just force them open.

Yum!

Pumpkin Time

2010-11-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

Guest Bedroom Decor

2010-11-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

After being in our home for two years, my guest bedroom finally looks how I want. I was going for a vintagey-modern vibe. Steve thinks it looks to girly, but oh well.

The bright, lime green wall was the first thing to go and was replaced by the same beautiful taupe color we did in Natalie's nursery.

I found the headboard and night stand for $30 on KSL. I painted them, of course, but they were a steal! The bedding was hodge-podged together from a variety of different places. The fun lamp was from my most favorite store TJ because I'm a maxinista, ha ha.

Aren't these watercolors perfect! My grandmother painted them back in 1940 and all I had to do was frame them.

This dresser was from some of the hand-me-down furniture we got when we were married and I brought it back to modern day. The knobs were a pain to find, but IKEA came to my rescue and they were super cheap. Even better!!

After I painted them all yellow, I decided they looked kind of drab. This wonderful gray accent on the top and border gave them the pop they were lacking.

My great-grandmother stitched the design and crocheted the edge on these pillowcases.

Ta-Da!!

Bellingham, WA

2010-10-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I come from a very large family. I have nine siblings, seven of which are sisters. One of my sisters moved up to Washington a few years ago and I haven't had the chance to visit her yet. I found a killer deal on a plane ticket and pounced on the opportunity. I had such a wonderful time and love it there.

Birch Bay

Digging for clams. We actually found quite a few. Travis is an expert clam digger.

The tide was coming in and Colter was having fun playing in the water.

We actually found a dead jelly fish on the beach.

Whatcom Falls Park
This gorgeous place is right in the middle of town. It's only a five minute drive from my sister's home. Can you believe that!

Guilty Pleasures

2010-10-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

In no particular order:

Trash Mags: Who cares about the latest outfit some celeb wore or the most recent star to get busted, divorced etc, right? For some reason, though I LOVE looking at these stupid magazines. Mostly, I only actually buy them at the airport when I have a long plane ride, but I am definitely the chic browsing through them while waiting in the long lines at the grocery store.

Sleeping with Natalie: I know, I know I'm a horrible mother but I can't help it. After her 6 am feeding I usually bring her back to my bed and snuggle with her until she wakes up again in a couple hours. She is not a cuddler in the least bit except when she's asleep and I'm so happy holding her and breathing in her smell as we drift to sleep.

Diet Coke: I shouldn't drink caffeine, I shouldn't drink soda, aspartame is bad for you, blah, blah, blah, blah. I'm well aware but mmmmm is that stuff delicious.

Biggest Loser/America's Next Top Model: Normally, I don't like tv. I think it's a waste of time and a black whole that sucks precious amounts of time out of people's lives. However, these shows I watch habitually. I enjoy witnessing the people change in the Biggest Loser and mostly watch Top Model for the photo shoots. The outfits, hair and pics are amazing!

Picking Zits: Eww, gross! Should I really have even put this one up? It's true though. I cannot stand it when Steve has a zit or blackhead on his body and insist on getting rid of it. After five years of marriage though he runs when he sees the "look". Same for others. Not really picking theirs since that is even disgusting to me, but instead I think, "Umm take care of that."

California Trip-Cruising the Sacramento River

2010-10-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

It was so fun to boat down the Sacramento River and experience something that I had never done before. We were on the boat for almost a day and Natalie absolutely loved being rocked the whole time. There is a quirky boating culture we were thrown into and it was neat to drive through the marinas and stop at some of the docks. I guess we didn't quite fit in very well because for some reason people kept yelling at us. Amateurs...

Our final destination on the river was Old Town Sacramento where we walked around and ate at a yummy restaurant on the water and then turned around and headed home.

Captain Rick

Natalie's favorite thing to do

This is the straight jacket life vest that stayed on for all but five minutes

So much fun

California Trip- Wicked

2010-10-14T08:59:00.001-07:00

One of the main reasons we went to California was to watch the last showing of Wicked playing at the Orpheum Theatre. I have wanted to see this musical for sooooooo long and was excited to finally get to see what so many have raved about.

Steve's parents watched Natalie and it was weird to be together and away from her. While we were driving to San Francisco, we realized that was the first time it was just us without her since she was born! It is crazy how children become such an extension of you.

Before Wicked, we went and ate at a restaurant on Fisherman's Warf and it was a beautiful day in San Francisco. The sky was fog free and a beautiful blue which is probably the first time I can remember seeing the city like that. We had such a great time and it was so neat to get to watch the final production! What a great way to celebrate our fifth anniversary.

California Trip-Monterey Bay

2010-10-09T22:13:00.001-07:00

Daddy's little girl

Getting ready for a stroll on the boardwalk

Amazing restaurant where we ate

Solids!

2010-08-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

Steve took a crack at it for awhile and then it was my turn.

On Sunday, we started Natalie on her first solids! I can't believe she is 6 months already. She didn't seem to like it very much, but at least she is sleeping through the night better and doesn't seem to still be hungry after feeding during the day.

I knew being a Mom would be amazing, but you also hear about a ton of negative associations with it-the lack of sleep, life changing, no longer having your own time. Even with all that and more the past 6 months have been so fun and we love her very much!

There is nothing more precious than peering around a corner and having your baby grin the biggest smile at you.