Geometric Yellow Shapes

Sunday, November 6, 2011

3 Weeks Ago

Michael Renee Rodriguez died. I'm sorry I've somewhat disappeared, I just didn't know how to say what I was feeling, how to adequately honor this amazing man. For starters, I can't sum up his life any better than his beautiful obituary, which you can read here.

In January of 2010, he was diagnosed with colon cancer, and for the past year and nine months had battled it. He always tried to show gratitude whenever we came, even if he was feeling a lot of physical pain. I'm so grateful that we have lived close enough that we were able to see Mike almost every weekend. He was the patriarch of this family, and everyone is feeling the loss of his presence. He was the one you called for advice, I even called him a few times about issues with co workers, and he always gave me the best advice without making me feel insignificant or silly for asking. I made a habit of sitting with Mike for the first hour or so when we arrived at the Rodriguez home, as he was often in his office and there was a comfortable chair I could sit in. We would talk about anything, ranging from Disney theme parks, a new soundtrack we had purchased, or movies that moved us. Mike was a dynamic man who appreciated beautiful music, and meaningful media.

He loved all things Disney. I remember when my husband first got to know me he told me I was not the biggest Disney fanatic he knew. I of course could not believe him, but upon meeting Jon's father, I knew he was right. In December of 2007, one month before Jon & I began our courtship, he took his entire family to Disney World. Once I joined the family in August 2008, he began plans to take Jon & I with them to Disneyland. I remember how he began watching Disney World documentaries on the Sundays we came over. Telling me over and over how wonderful it was. When he finally popped the news, I could hardly contain my excitement! But, it was obvious from his face that his joy was greater than mine, for he had given me this trip.


The 3 of us on the bus on our way to Disneyworld

Jon & I began to do yard work for Mike in the spring & summer of 2010. It used to drive Jon crazy because although Mike couldn't get on his hands and knees to work like he used to he would still dictate what needed weeding, where to plant the lilies, where to seed the poppies, etc. Mike referred to himself as a "Master Gardener" and told us how he was preparing us to be like him. We were his apprentices in his own little patch of Heaven. I never knew someone who took more pride in their yard. While we have continued doing the yard work, preparing it for winter, and intend to continue working this coming spring, it will never be the same without him to oversee us. The garden will become just as beautiful, but we have lost the Master Gardener's vision and guidance.


A perfect example of Mike working in the yard with us

I wasn't sure how to adequately write this post. No words can truly express what an amazing man Michael Rodriguez was, or how our lives have changed forever with his passing, but I know that I am grateful to have known him. I know that I will see him again, I know that we are connected as an eternal family. Someone told me that they thought he was probably up in Heaven, playing with his grandchildren that have yet to come to earth. I don't know if that's true, but its comforting to think that my children may already know their grandfather, although they may never know him on this earth. We love you Mike.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Haunting Decorations

These are my SPOOKY decorations, 90% of which have come from the Dollar Store! The Dollar Store makes holiday decorating possible, doable, and can be done tastefully all on a budget! For extra help with decorating with the help of this $1 wonderland, go to this site!




Also, I found these wonderful paper cut out PDFs online at the Disney Family Site. So I cut, glued, and enjoyed these Hitchhiking Ghosts. You can download the PDF here!

Friday, September 30, 2011

Happy October!

Ok, so tomorrow begins our countdown to HALLOWEEN! I think it's probably my second favorite holiday next to Christmas. I've already begun my decorating (which I will be posting shortly) but in the meantime enjoy these helpful hints for Halloween Costumes:

Save yourself from these embarrassing Halloween Costume Mistakes – brought to you by Halloweenandcostumes.com



Halloween Costume Mistakes Infographic by: HalloweenAndCostumes.com – Your source for Sexy Halloween Costumes and More.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Infograph

My husband gave me this Infographic about Disneyland. I think you'll find it fun & interesting. Click on the image to enlarge.

The Magic of Disneyland

If you want to post this onto your blog, go to this link & copy & paste the embed code.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Let's have a Laugh

Its fun to laugh. It releases endorphins, which as Legally Blonde explained "endorphins make you happy." So, I had some laughter this weekend, and need to share.

This first clip is Dave with our dogs (taken a few weeks ago). Their weekly routine is that Dave gets the hose (of course to fill their kiddie pool) but ends up spraying them, in the face, for the next hour. And the dogs go nuts for it! Especially Capone. And it makes Dave happy. Its a win win all around.


This clip is when Jon was searching his parents pond for their turtles (they seem to have gone missing). Its not very long, but you'll want to have the volume up for this one.


And finally, some extra fun. Who doesn't adore babies laughing, and baby hummingbirds? Trust me, if you have a moment you should watch these.


Friday, September 16, 2011

Illustration

So, I have been posting some great art I've been doing recently on my Doodle Blog, but in case you've missed it. Here are a couple of the things I'm most proud of:


This was for Illustration Friday's theme: Mysterious


This is Illustration Friday's theme: Mesmerizing
To see all my Illustration Friday submissions or comments on my art click HERE

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Visit to the Dentist

So, I recently visited the Dentist to have a cavity filled, but after it was filled the pain returned which meant that... I needed a root canal!!! Dum Dum DUM! So I prepared for the worst and was pleasantly surprised at how reasonably fast and comfortable the procedure was. I know, not a very exciting post without stories of fear or later regret & embarrassment at your bizarre reactions. However, I can grace you with one photo of me post root canal. They injected me twice, because I wasn't completely numb, and it resulted in my entire left side of my face to be temporarily paralyzed, including my eyelid (which would not close completely throughout the entire procedure).


P.S. I have had instant relief. So if you've got headaches, tooth pain, and/or sensitivity to hot or cold but are afraid of the dentist my suggestion is to PLEASE just go. You'll feel 10X better after, promise.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Inspiration?

I am needing some help! Ok, nothing major, but I really could use some input. This weeks IF theme is:

Mysterious


Now, before reading any further in this post, think about the first thing that comes to mind! Got it? Ok, continue reading. Because see the first thing I think is that nothing is more mysterious than a woman, and a woman's true thoughts & feelings. But before I start drawing, I want to hear your thoughts... so lets hear it! Whats the first thing you think of, and why?

O, and I have posted some more art on my new blog so check it out!


Saturday, September 3, 2011

Sick Boy

To win a free t-shirt from sickboy.com all you have to do is enter a photo of your tattoo which reads "sickboy." Well, there didn't seem to be any rules about it being real, so here is our submission. Note: the tattoo is an ambigram, so it'll say both sick & boy depending ont he angle you are looking at.


Please notice the detail we took to even put the red around the edges to make it appear that Jon had just been "inked"



You can see the last tattoo I did on Jon here!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Mint Chocolate Cookies


So Jon & I made some delicious cookies tonight. They are one of my favorites, and a recipe by yours truly. Here is the recipe and some photos of the baking process! Enjoy!

MINT CHOCOLATE COOKIES RECIPE
Prep Time 15 Min
Cook Time 10 Min
Ready In 30 Min


Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 2/3 mint chips

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter & sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
  3. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt separately; stir into creamed mixture. Fold in the mint chips. Drop rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.
  4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until cookies are set. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.






Credit Card

So the other night Jon & I were up a little later into the night. Well... when it gets late I get one of two ways: Fun or Grumpy. So I was in a more fun mood (but you never know I could turn at any second) and was laughing and having a good time, when Jon gets up, I seize the opportunity and give him a credit card. Which is not the nice shiny card that buys you hearts desire but is essentially this:

But when you give someone a credit card use your hand to swipe. Anyway, to retaliate he rubs back and forth between me wee bum. Needless to say I scream out
"You're giving me butt burn"
short for an Indian rug burn between my cheeks! Jon bursts out laughing and told me if I didn't post this I could look forward to further pain. So I apologize for anyone who reads this post and is offended, but it was a risk I had to take!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Family Weekend

Jon & I got to be with Daniel & Heather & their beautiful children. They are simply beautiful and just the sweetest kids. I'm so glad when they come to visit from Colorado. Things have been a little crazy, from Jon's birthday & our anniversary happening this weekend, to our sweet niece breaking her arm at the pool. I apologize for my neglect, and I will update you more fully, but in the meantime. Enjoy my darling niece & nephews!

Monday, August 22, 2011

IF - Influence

I know this is early, but Jon reminded me that if I didn't finish this weeks Illustration Friday theme, I probably wouldn't be getting it done later this week. Which is most likely true as these are our up & coming events.
  1. Jon's birthday is on the 26th!
  2. We're going out to dinner with Jon's folks during this week
  3. I'm taking him out to dinner another night this week
  4. We're having desert with my brother Michael & his wife Brit
  5. Jon's brother Daniel is flying into SLC with our new nephew Lucas
  6. Sunday is the baby blessing of said nephew
  7. Sunday is our 3 year anniversary
So to say the least, it was better to get this done early than to neglect it all together! You can see this weeks Illustration Friday art at my new blog Doodle Draw Done which will be dedicated to all my art. Happy drawing!

2011 Ride for Fallen Officers

Jon & I have a Harley, and we love it. Once in a while we'll also participate in the local Harley Timpanogos rides. This one is the ride for officers, police, fire, etc. who have died while protecting us. All proceeds go to the families of these officers. We rode from Lindon to the capitol in SLC. Here is a bit from that.







Sunday, August 21, 2011

Handy Man Husband

On Saturday Jon & I went to Mike & Derin's home for the weekly yard work. However, we had quite a different task to complete. Jon's parents have the most beautiful pergola, and they wanted it decked out (no pun intended) with lights. Jon spent all day splicing lines, and cutting the cords to make the most perfect lighted porch. It looked like Disneyland.


Now my spouse will forever have to to put up lights, because you know that I'll be wanting them.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Illustration Friday

Illustration Friday is a website that releases a theme once a week. This weeks theme being: SWELL. So I decided to draw a mermaid riding a swell. Enjoy, and hopefully I will remember to do these every Friday.

Love

My husband recently sent me an email with things he had learned in the past year. It was about what Mike, Jon's father and his ongoing struggles with cancer has taught him. He wanted to express how he had come to realized that "it seems easier to appreciate and really love those around you without feeling strange, awkward or weird by telling them of your feelings." It was most of all a simple testimony of love. Jonathan has always been so good with words, able to convey so much in very few. He is always able to make you feel loved. This is his list:

1. Life is fragile.
2. Never miss an opportunity to tell others of your feelings for them; whether it be of love, admiration or a compliment.
3. While life is fragile it is we who must be strong.
4. The frailties of life mustn't destroy our happiness.
5. Beauty, love, happiness and peace can be found all around us.
6. Often times, to recognize those listed in #5 we must sit back, and look with our hearts rather than our eyes.
7. God's love for us, his children is evident in every event that occurs in our lives.
8. Our family is a forever family
9. Beyond what I originally had been revealed to me I have come to realize more of David's healing and comforting power given him by Heavenly Father
10. My father truly loves my mother (and doesn't care who knows it)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Nerd Alert!

I have a confession to make

I am a nerd

Wait... WHAT! You already knew this? And here I was trying to be open & honest with the internet world! Well then, I guess my next confession wont be all that alarming either.

I wear glasses

That doesn't surprise you either?! Good grief.
I got myself some new glasses. I wanted you to see the before & after shots because I go from dorky girl who resembles this woman, to mature young lady... drum roll please... and UNVIEL!


Wait, are you implying that both glasses are dorky, regardless if one is less so than the other? Tough luck, a girls got to see and I quite enjoy 20/20 vision!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Weakling

I am weak. When I came home my husband kissed and complimented the location of the birthday gift out of me. (It was hiding in my purse) So it appears that we'll have to wait until next year to truly keep the secret hidden from him. Maybe then I'll grow a spine & be able to lie to him more convincingly. Too bad my only wish is to make him happy. Which, as you can see from this video, is what I did rather successfully. So happy early birthday handsome, it wont be so easy next year!

SOLD?

My husband's birthday is on August 26th and I have gotten him a great gift. And I have successfully hidden it for the first time ever! Now the beautiful lamp he made me was a part of my Anniversary Gift. So in exchange he wants me to give up his birthday present. When I refused he told me "I can hear the light bulbs being returned as we speak, and the screws are unscrewing themselves." When I still refused he sent me a subtle link which took me to this image on KSL ads:


I told him he was a stinker to which he responded with this:


Still, I refuse to give him his present early... but I really love that lamp. What to do?!?!?!

Monday, August 15, 2011

I Love Lamp!

My husband is SOOOOO cute. So, I think I might've been the last person on earth to know what Pinterest was, but my husband paid attention to mine as soon as I got one. He watched the things I posted, not at all surprised at my Disney collection, and even commented on what clothes I repinned & the style of house I seemed to want. He even noticed one of the pins I posted which was this:


It was a DIY stacked book lamp!

So Jon went to work creating my HGTV inspired desire and look at what he's made!




I couldn't be more in love with it! And let me tell you, its much more difficult to create this than the tutorial makes it seem. But he didn't give up until he had made it perfect, and I couldn't be happier. Love you honey!

And I love lamp!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Clothes Exchange!

So my cute sister-in-law Brit was giving some clothes away & invited me over to pick through beforehand. I walked away with some trendy sandals, moccassins, flattering tops, and mustard colored tights. I don't know why I picked up those tights, I think I just loved the color & felt that I could definitely make those work. So here are some of the possible outfit combos I have considered:



I'll post when I wear my own mustard fashion statement!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Happy Unbirthday!

So things have been crazy & I haven't had time to post, however I found this today & felt the need to share!


Re-post this if its your Unbirthday too!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Weekend Recap

This weekend was really great in a lot of ways, and not so great in others.

The Good News:
My mom, dad & Brandon were here for the week. It was SO fun! On Thursday Jon & Brandon went long boarding down Provo Canyon, then that evening they played PS3 Black Ops with Michael online. It was a great boys evening. On Sunday we all got together and we had "match box rocket cars" and eventually went long boarding (on our butts) down the street.

The Bad News:
Friday night we had spent some time with the family until... Jon's face began swelling & causing him horrible pain. After a trip to the ER and a late night we discovered he had peri optical cellulitis. Which turns out isn't fatal, but VERY painful and you need lots of antibiotics to get rid of it. So, for the past weekend we've been making daily trips to the Hospital for IV Therapy. I am happy to report that Jon now only has mild swelling below his eye and will be going to a primary care physician to finally get rid of it. On a side note, I also got pink eye this weekend (we're thinking they were related) and both Jon & I stayed in on Monday & Tuesday of this week to recover. Luckily, we have amazing jobs that allow us to work from home. I plan to post videos of our Match Box Rocket Cars & the Long Board Race (in which I bump into Jon & he falls but makes an amazing save) a little later on!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Blog Book

So my blog has somewhat taken the place of my journal. Now, don't get me wrong there are some things that will never be seen the eyes of close friends or family (let alone the internet world) so my journal has not been entirely replaced. However, I felt the need to get a paper copy of my blog posts. SO I began working on some books at HeritageMakers and here is what I have labored to make:

Blog Book 1
Blog Book 2

Only after I had finished my second book did Brit tell me there is a site that INSTANTLY makes your blog into book form. All you have to do is select what dates to put in the book. Urgh... o well whats a girl to do?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Monday's Photos

So, as planned Brit came to Provo to kindly take our photos (for which we paid her in toasted coconut marshmallows) and everything was going according to plan. That is until we began taking photos a wind storm blew in, throwing dust into our eyes and under my contacts. Resulting in only two images coming out. So enjoy! Another family photo shoot is in the works.




Just a glimpse of what the weather was like (and most of our photos were like this)

Monday, July 25, 2011

Photo Shoot

Just around the corner from our home is an open field where our dogs LOVE to play. There are huge cement cylinders that running on top of & through. And when they get hot, there is a little creek that they cool off in. This field also has a beautiful abandoned truck near it that we are planning to take "family" photos at tonight. Our lovely sister in law Brit will be taking these beautiful photos. Here is a glimpse of what it may look like:



Thursday, July 21, 2011

Young Love

So as you know I fell in love with my husband at the ripe old age of 18, and was engaged & married by 19. While being married so young may seem alien, weird, and just plain dumb I have a few opinions about this topic:
  • First of all, physical age doesn't define a person, its their decisions, disposition, maturity, etc that age you. Thats why you can be "forever young," and "wise beyond your years." So before you judge me, keep in mind that I was ready.
  • Second, by "ready" I do not mean that I wasn't naive. It just means that I was ready to make that meaningful commitment. Yes, I was very stupid. I had never had a full time job, never lived on my own, and had never paid for rent, car payments, insurance, etc. There was obviously SO much that a few more years on my own would have prepared me for, but that doesn't mean it wasn't the best decision I ever made.
  • Third & most importantly, I was completely and irrecoverably in love. And if you say that I was too young to know what love is, refer back to #1.
our engagement photo
Jon & I are coming up on our 3 year anniversary. And in memory of that, please enjoy this Q&A my best friend Anna Milne gave to Jon in preparation for my Bridal Shower in 2008:

How/where did you guys meet?
We met on the 14th of January of 2008 in our physical science lab at about 5:30 p.m. (Specific, I know, but I am kind of a nerd) I was in class and I noticed that this beautiful woman with the most amazing curly hair was looking at me. I would look over at her and she would look away. It happened a few times. I was really starting to like it though. It so happened that that day we were doing an experiment that required that we get in groups and I waited towards the back so that I could be in her group. Once we were in the same group she came to me and asked me if she knew me from somewhere. I didn’t recognize her from anywhere but went along with it, because it’s not every day that a gorgeous girls says that she recognizes you. We introduced ourselves and then she told me that she was from California. Towards the end of class I was hoping to walk her home when I saw another man waiting at the door for her. He talked with her in such a way that I thought that they had been friends for a while. I was a little bitter, but I figured that I had until next week, and facebook was always a possibility.

What was the first thing Jon noticed about Savanna?
I looked over from the desk that I was sitting at and I saw this girl with the most amazing hair. It was long and curly and had a reddish tint to it. Her hair was covering her face, but I did notice that she was dressed to impress and laughed kind of loud (you don’t have to tell her that).

What was the first thing Savanna noticed about Jon?
You know what, I am actually not sure! I think that she saw a tall, handsome man that was flirting with her a little bit and she kind of liked it.

If you could pick a dream vacation, would you go?
I personally would probably go somewhere cold, but I know that Savanna would go to a warm place. But wherever Savanna goes, I will follow. She is always cold and I am always hot, so together we make a pretty good couple.

What is Jon’s favorite color?
Green

How many kids would you want to have?
I think 5 would almost be a good number, but as many as Savanna can take we are having!

When/where was your first kiss?
On Sunday night (27 January) when I arrived back in Provo we went out to watch The Princess Bride in a park nearby in my car. The movie was playing, but neither of us was really focusing. I just wanted to kiss her soooo bad! So I stopped thinking about it and just went for it. She then recoiled her head and started laughing! She didn’t think that I was serious! So a few minutes later, I gained the courage up and went for it again. But this time, she didn’t move back and I kissed her.

What kinds of movies does Savanna like?
One of Savanna’s great characteristics is that she can watch and like any type of movie. Almost any Disney movie is already going to be on the top of her list. Peter Pan may be one of her all time favorites.

What is Jon’s favorite type of music?
I love just about any type of music; I like country, rap, alternative, dance, some oldies, just about anything.

What is Savanna’s favorite food?
Sushi, In and out, Orange Works and Arby’s

Describe your first date.
We went to Starbucks on the 16th of January at 7:00 p.m. where she consistently beat me at several card games as if I had never even picked up a deck of cards before. We were sitting at a table next to these two old guys that started talking to us. One was talking to me and the other was talking to her. I was getting frustrated because I felt like these guys were wasting my time. I didn’t want to be rude so I just sat there waiting for them to stop. Then out of nowhere, she interrupted both of them and said “guys, we are on our first date and we want to get to know each other.” I felt super small like I should have been the one that said something. We kept on playing cards and I was constantly looking for new ways just to make contact, by bumping her knee or shaking her hand as she shuffled the cards.

The date went well. I was taking her home and as a missionary would do, asked her when we could go out again, trying to get her to commit, exactly like a missionary. She then answered by telling me that she was already busy that weekend. When a guy hears that the only thing that he thinks of is that she isn’t interested, and that’s exactly how I took it! So I didn’t ask her out for a few days and then she kind of asked me. “Hey, so didn’t you say that you and I would go play some pool? When are we going to go?” When she said that, my heart jumped because, I knew that she was interested too!

If you could have a dog or cat for a pet which would you choose?
I would totally choose a dog. In fact, if I had a choice, I would choose a dog exactly like Peanut. I guess I would change one thing; I would want a dog that loves me too, and not just Savanna!

Does Jon like polo shirts, t-shirts, or button down shirts?
I would say that I rarely just ever wear t-shirts. I like wearing polo’s a lot. I wouldn’t be able to say which I like more between button up shirts of polo’s.

Is Savanna more dressy or a jeans and t-shirt type of girl?
Savanna is so varied. She likes to just relax in some jeans and a hoody and look amazing. On Sundays when she dresses up my heart completely stops. So most of the time it’s just jeans and a shirt though.

What sports or activities did Jon like to do when he was little?
I loved baseball and soccer when I was younger.

What is an embarrassing story of Savanna’s?
She has told me a few stories but unfortunately I don’t remember the embarrassing things. However, there was one small one that was pretty funny. It was after class and we walked back to her apartment. I was just dropping her off and while I was walking away, I turned around as she was going up the stairs and she tripped and nearly ate it on the stairs. I turned around and acted like I didn’t see it, but it was pretty funny.

What is Jon’s favorite subject?
Savanna. If I had to choose one I would say business, or perhaps art.

Where did you guys like to spend most of your free time together?
There are a few places. The library, Barnes and Noble, either one of our apartments and the temple grounds.

What is Savanna’s favorite flower?
This is embarrassing! I am not exactly sure. I have brought her roses before, but I think she liked the other flowers that I brought her which were just a bouquet of spring flowers. Anything with a lot of color strikes her fancy.

How did Jon propose to Savanna?
That’s quite the story! I came down to California on the 2nd of June to come and see her, The next day, we went to Disneyland. Savanna had made me the cutest most creative map that I have ever seen with a set of clues. Each clue led me to a different part of the park. They were all very well thought out and it was obvious that she has spent a lot of time of it. The last clue led me to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Towards the end of the ride in the treasure
room, she handed me the last clue, which actually turned out to be a very sweet poem that said

“I may not glitter
And I am surely not gold
But if you let me be your treasure
I’ll be yours ‘til we’re old
If you ask me that question
You know what I’ll say
Please ask me quickly
Don’t make me wait all day.”

I had the ring in my pocket so I took it out and slipped it on her finger. I just held her close and she whispered in my ear “are you going to ask me?” My heart was beating a million miles an hour and I asked her, and she said yes! Not very romantic, I know. I was actually planning on asking her on the train. I was going to try and wait until night, but the ring was burning a hole in my pocket!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Overcoming!

I am overcoming my fears! Slowly, and with much encouragement & sometimes chastening from my sweet husband who is always thinking of me. Last August, for our Anniversary he purchased me a kit of brushes, oil paints, and canvases so that I could do what I love: ART! Only, little did my thoughtful spouse know that I have an insane fear of trying new things. I'm sure mostly because I'm petrified that I will stink. I'm perfectly content with mediocrity if that means that I will be completely sufficient at it. But to try something new means that I may very well be completely untalented, and the fear of that is just something I couldn't face. Until... this weekend.

I painted my first oil painting EVER! And while I'm no Van Gough, I am feeling fantastic. Thank you Jon for the oodles of compliments, and although I roll my eyes and say its not that good, deep down it means a lot to me.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Swollen

Last night Jon & I joined our lovely sister-in-law Brit to paint a bedroom in her house, while her husband (my brother) is away at an Internship with Sony working on Men In Black III! What started out as an evening of chatting, taping, painting, and wearing white Home Depot hats ended with quite the shock. We had brought along our two boxer pups, and had been intermittently checking on them as we worked. Around 10pm I went out to check on them and came back inside, face concerned. I told Jon & Brit that I wasn't sure what happened but our dogs had either been bitten by hundreds of bugs, or they were having an allergic reaction to something. We brought them inside & sure enough, they were covered in 100+ bites. Their muscular legs and back dotted with bumps where the hair had been pushed upward. We apologized to Brit for leaving so suddenly and took our pups home, glad that we had Benadryl waiting for our dogs and that we knew how much dosage they could take. After the short 20 minute drive we unloaded the dogs from the car and I was further shocked to see that our 9 month old pup had gone from looking like a bumpy boxer, to a full blown shar pei.
Her face was so swollen she could hardly see out of her eyes, and both cheeks and above her black nose were enlarged. After Benadryl and a good nights rest I am glad to report that she is looking much improved, however her right eye is still a bit swollen. Gia seems completely recovered. Still not sure if it was bugs or a reaction to something.

(My vote is those ding dong mosquitoes, Jon doesn't agree)

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Why do I love Mermaids?

I have loved mermaids for as long as I can remember. But the other day, as I felt completely enthralled and brimming with childhood adoration as we rode The Little Mermaid ride at Disneyland, I wondered when it all started. So I began reaching back into my memories.

Pacific Sea-Maid by Tony DiTerlizzi
  • I believe it may have all started with The Little Mermaid, which came out the year I was born, so I was raised on this Disney film. However, they had it come out in theaters a second time in November of 1997 when I was 8 and I remember watching this in theaters and being completely in awe of it, especially seeing it large scale.
  • Around this same time my Dad lived on Lido Island right on the beach. It was wonderful to walk out of his little pad and take a few footsteps before feeling the sand between my toes (a wonderful feeling to grow up with). Living so close to the home of the creatures I fully believed in and idolized let my imagination run wild!
  • Next door to my dad lived Pam. She had a huge crush on my dad and I think that was in part why she always let me come over. Her one bedroom apartment was a shrine to my mermaid friends. It was covered with shells, whimsical art adorned her walls, and every book had something to do with the sea maidens. She even looked like a mermaid, long blonde hair and blue eyes. She also had a costume she wore every Halloween complete with sea shell bras & a fish tail. I remember the day she let me try it on. I about died of happiness.
Media that made me fall deeper in love with Mermaids (click on the titles for clips from the films):
  1. The Little Mermaid (1989) Movie
  2. Splash (1984) Movie
  3. Mr. Peabody & the Mermaid (1948) Movie
  4. Neptunes Daughter (1914) Movie
  5. The Secret of Roan Innish (1994) Movie - technically about selkies, close cousins to the mermaids
So share on your blog, facebook pages, or maybe just your journal what your favorite childhood passions. Not just fanciful creatures, but hobbies, dreams, etc. Or leave a comment! I'd love to hear about it!



Vampires of the Animal Kingdom


THE MOSQUITO

I hate hate hate mosquitoes. Although the bible says that most creatures on this planet are for our good, I most definitely believe that mosquitoes are not one of those creatures. They are here to cause grief & insanity from their perpetual itches.

Case in point: On Sunday I was feeling very trendy. I had slipped into my slimming pencil skirt & printed top, feeling ready to take Relief Society by storm (you know that girl everybody thinks is stylin'). So I continued to get ready, all the while in our dimly lit bedroom as my husband slept in. When I got a chance to turn the light on to admire my ensemble I was distraught to see that I had three mosquito bites on my leg. These were no ordinary mosquito bites however, it was as though my leg had had an allergic reaction to the onslaught of fuzzy needle sharp noses. My leg was a swollen pink stub. Off came my cute dress and on came the frumpy maxi, comfy but certainly not transforming me into the trendsetter I wanted to be. Sigh* I guess there is always next Sunday.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Task 1:

When you were a child, how did you express your creativity?


Based on the date I was 3 years old.

When I was little, I really loved arts & crafts at school. And luckily, I had very supportive parents who encouraged and nurtured that talent. Even before I started school I had begun drawing. I always believed that I was gifted & loved to doodle. One of my moms favorite crafts I ever made was the book I wrote "My Room is a Mess" in 3rd grade where each picture had me looking up into the thought bubble above my head. My eyes were huge, and my mom laughs every time she sees it. I'll have to figure out a way to scan that in someday. I used to get entered into Art Shows with the school & I remember when I received a blue ribbon for this bird collage. I was really proud.



This is me and my pet cat: kittypurr. I was not very creative with names.

I love how on the bottom right I drew Nightmare Before Christmas


Aside from my drawings, I also loved music, singing, dress up, etc. I love these photos my mom sent to demonstrate my darling little creative side:


I loved having blankets, towels, and frequently my brothers pants draped across my head because to me it felt like long hair. I think that its quite clever to drape pants over my head!

My mom made me this darling little play dough doll, and as you can see I came from creative roots.

Finally, I really loved to sing. Unfortunately I don't know how to play an instrument, one of my biggest regrets. (I know Mom, I'm sorry about those Piano lessons that I wasted)