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?

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)

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:

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!

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.

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)

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.

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)

Joyful

I am feeling full of good feelings (somewhat redundant but also true)
I found this quote at this blog, which I highly suggest.
I found this wonderful little video that was filmed from a cell phone. Enjoy.