MaryDesignz

Cravings

2012-01-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

As most of you know. Baby #2 is on it's way!
This pregnancy is SO different from L's. Almost immediately, once my body knew it was pregnant; I have been nauseated all the time. Things eased up once I hit the second trimester, but even still almost everything I eat gives me a sour stomach. I can't figure out if it is one thing in particular. Like with L it was bread. The smell, taste or even looking at it made me sick. I also pretty much became mostly vegetarian and it is the same for this one. I really dont' like meat, well full portions of meat. I don't mind if it is in something with sauces or something. But chicken in particular I find gross in any form. Beef and pork are ok if they are prepared in the above method. Fish pretty much in any form is fine. I just don't like smelling it cooked.

I've decided to create a list of odd cravings from my pregnancy with L and the current one. I don't think I ever wrote them down with L. And these cravings for #2 are just so crazy that I have to make a record of it.

With L I craved/loved eating:
Weirest: Brazil nuts with milk and hot dogs,
Ate most often: we ate spaghetti at least 3 times a week in my final months,
First few months: Orange Juice, cool ranch doritos, chili from Wendy's

Honestly there really wasn't much craving going on. I remember being kinda disappointed that I really didn't have any crazy cravings my first pregnancy. Well no problem in the craving department with #2....

With #2 so far I have craved the following:
cocktail sauce just by it's self, cocktail sauce in place of cranberry spread for thanksgiving, cocktail sauce on fresh watermelon, orange juice and lemonade (hot dog on the stick has the best lemonade!!!) milk by the gallons, fruit or fruit flavored candies helped ease my nausea, shrimp (with cocktail sauce) crab (with cocktail sauce) sweet and sour sauce on anything chinese, cheese, fish almost always sounds good; I've eaten a lot of tuna, well more than usual and with caution to help keep clear of overdoing the mercery levels, blue cheese! Oranges, cuties, ice cream, juices and vitamin waters.

Also eating too many grains seem to kick in the nausea.

NEVER have I gagged so much in ANY time of my life. Anything remotely gross sounding, smelling or visuals will set my gag reflexes off. Sometimes so bad, that I have to lay down for a few minutes to avoid throwing up. I mean it is so bad that some of the mildly grosser stuff on Mythbusters will set me off. It is pretty funny to watch L while I'm having a gagging fit; she copies the sound I am making and stands next to me with her hands on her knees and head down, while I try and focus on not having everything come up. She says "Mom, I want to throw" meaning she wants to throw up. I was sick on Christmas and had a bowl next to me, which she pretended to "throw up" in.

Regardless of all the wonderful joy's of being pregnant, we are super excited to welcome this new addition in our home. I can't say I am looking forward to the sleepless nights, but here's to hoping the new baby will be a great sleeper right off the bat! L has never been a good sleeper, so somethings got to balance out. Right?

10 years after 9.11.01

2011-09-11T23:09:00.000-07:00

I ment to write this before midnight, so the post date would have the 9.11 date. But I've been addicted to Pintrest lately and got distracted....

As I was thinking today about where I was ten years ago today, I realized I think I have never written down my reaction to the events of that day.

It was my Senior year of high school and my mom and I had just moved back from California, so that I might spend my senior year at West, to graduate with my friends.
I remember we were out shopping the day before, for things I'd need when my Mom returned back to Berkeley to be with my sister. As we left the store, I remember having a weird feeling, the day seemed oddly quiet, I thought it was the just the fact, I was nervous to start again at West and the lack of business was due to the fact school had started and the rush to buy for the new year was over. But I just brushed it off and blamed it on my tendency to get anxiety over loads....

I didn't have to take very many classes to close out my high school career, and I got to skip the normal 7:35 am school bell, so I remember waking up that morning to my Mom running up the stairs. "wake-up! there's been a bombing and thousands of people are dead in New York!, It's horrible" It didn't make sense, it was too extreme. I remember the white wall of bedroom and the morning's natural lighting of the room clashed with the event of the day...my peaceful world in contrast with the horror going on.
I jumped out of bed and ran to my stereo as it was the only source that I could figure out what was going on. I turned it on, knowing if this was really what was happening, any station would be talking about it. The first few minutes listening to it, I remember standing in front of my stereo, thinking "oh my gosh, it is true" It was a reporter, hysterical. I think it was when the second plane hit or one of the towers collapsed. I'm not sure, or maybe it was the fact that since we didn't not have a TV and could not see the images right off, anything the reporters said over the radio sounded much much much worse. I know that is kinda funny to say in describing the events of that day. The thing that comes to mind is, when back in the days of radios were the main entertainment and alien abductions/encounter stories were the thing. If you turned on the radio in the middle of one of those programs it was easy to get your imagination running and think that it was true. I felt the same way, I came in on what seemed to be the middle of this fantasy program and got sucked in...except it was real.

My Mom and I went to the store to purchase one of those little TV/VCR combos so we could have a TV to watch. I don't even remembering picking out the TV, all I could stare at was the wall of TV's with the planes flying into the Trade Center and watching in horror as one of the towers collapse.
I really wish I could remember exactly when and where I saw some of the day's events. I know I felt my jaw drop as I watched a tower fall, but where I don't remember. I remember walking the halls of school, the TV's in classroom on, the school quiet, as we all tried to understand what it would mean for us.

I had Miss Whinn that year, and if any of you other West people know, if you get her talking on current events, you could keep her going for the whole period. We talked about it for three days...I'm glad I had her class, I remember thinking, this was a lot to take in, but now I know a little more of why...

I felt so out of sorts for a week. I wanted to talk on how it made me feel, so I called a friend and I remember being kinda miffed at her as she barely addressed my need to talk it out. How I was trying to wrap my teenage brain around what it would mean for me? Although my friend I decided to attend a candlelight vigil, that was supposed to be downtown a few days after. We must of gotten the address wrong as we couldn't find it, and ended up just walking around with our candles. Which helped, we got some acknowledgement from passer's by as they understood what those candles ment. It made me feel like I did something to show my sadness.

I still have a hard time believing I was alive in such event. It felt like i was reading out the events in a History text book.. Those things didn't happen in modern day America. Things like that happend in my Mom's time, like when JFK was shot or when Jason's Opa was forced to work for the Nazi's during WW2.

In someways in my very small attention span to all things political, I can see how in the first years after 9.11 that it helped, or at least i wanted to see it in that light, bring us together stronger as a nation. But as I look back on the decade after, I'm sad to see and hear stories of intolerance and un-acceptance. In my mind there is so way to be "in-divisible, under God" if we first don't end our intolerance. The main reason why I make this point, is I heard on NPR stories of Muslin Americans, trying to live a normal life after the attacks and hearing one caller's story in particular of how he went to the supermarket just after the attacks and was completely ignored, because his wife was wearing the traditional head scarf of Muslin women. Stories of Muslin children, being bullied at school, still to this day, because of where their families are from. It breaks my heart.

I love where I live, I am so grateful for the freedoms this country provides, it's a beautiful place to be. It is my hope in all the remembrance of the events of today and what happened today a decade ago, that we remember what the US is about. We are a beautiful collaboration of people from all walks of life. We can become that nation in-divisible under God, if we first let it begin with us.

Art Meets Fashion!

2011-07-01T22:45:00.001-07:00

I'm thrilled to announce, that I have been invited to show a 20-30 piece collection at this years Art Meets Fashion event in October! This is very exciting news for me! This last week I have designed and sketched my little heart out to bring to you a total of 25 bridal, evening and cocktail looks. I am ready to start patterns this next week and will be one busy busy girl this summer!

The event is October 15th, I will post links, websites and more information as I receive it.

I am also looking for sponsors, if you or know of anyone who would be interested. Please email me at lilybridedesignz@gmail.com for an official request of sponsorship.

Verdict on THE dress

2011-04-29T23:49:00.000-07:00

Took some time to write down my thoughts on the royal wedding garb.
Scroll down to the blogs I read column on the right and click on Lily Bride. :D

A Bittersweet Day

2011-04-23T14:01:00.001-07:00

Today has been a bittersweet day. Today I celebrate my birthday and the mourn the passing of my Mother's sister, my Aunt Sharon. She had been sick for quite some time and things declined rapidly these last two weeks. She passed away this morning while en-route to spend her last days in the home she loved. The trip was too much for how weak she was and she died.

I feel sad because I didn't get much of a chance to know her as an adult. But I have good memories as a kid spending time at her house any time we visited California. I always thought of her as "the fancy Aunt"; I always admired her for how she dressed and kept her self pristine. I remember her teaching me how to do a manicure and keep my nails nice. Something I still like to keep up on as much as I can. Oh and I was alway jealous of her gorgeous long thick black hair, pretty skin and of course those beautiful long fingers with perfect almond shaped nails that all Lewis siblings have.

I remember her two dogs, Hanz and Lila they were dachshunds. Hanz would eat anything and was always making him self sick.

We once while my Mom had to leave town spent a few days with her. She took us boogie boarding and bought us Disney beach towels. I picked Beauty and the Beast and my sister picked The Little Mermaid. We both still have them.

Her backyard was one of my favorite places, there was a deck and most of her yard was filled with what I called ice plants. A spine-less aloe vera type plant that is a popular ground cover in California. There was always lizards to catch and wind chimes to listen to.

I always loved how she never really treated us like kids, she talked to us like grown-ups and to a 8 & 10 year old, that was really cool. I loved that, it made me feel so grown up.

I loved her voice, a lot of my family on my Mom's side has a certain twang for lack of better terms to describe it. Some of my other cousins have it. But when ever I hear it, it instantly transports me to the times we spent in California growing up traveling city to city visiting my Mom's family. Her's was one of the more stronger accents.

My mom was always good at keeping family up to date with what my sister and I were up to and Sharon took the time to get in touch with me, when we were first finding out about Lily's speech delays. She worked for a Montessori school and was really into the kind of things we were currently working with Lily on. We exchanged a few emails and she sent a few things to me to help out with new games to play with Lily that helped her development. I wish I took more advantage of these few exchanges to get to know her better. And that's why I feel so sad today. I'm glad she is out of pain now and in a better place, but I feel bad I let these chances to get to know her go.

Once again I am grateful that with God's plan, death is not the end. I know I'll get a chance to see and hear her. Yes even in the LDS culture death is sad, but I'm trying to remember that she's no longer in pain and today we are celebrating her life, just as we are doing for me today on my birthday. I also find it fitting that she died the day before Easter Sunday. What a perfect reminder what Christ did for us so that we could live again and death IS conquered.

I also have to acknowledge my Mom for being so brave and really making sure she was able to pass away in peace and comfort. Good job Mom, I'm sure Sharon is very grateful for the effort she put into keeping the peace...love you Mom :D

Well, here's to celebrating life, one's that are still moving forward here on earth and one's to celebrate the next journey after life here on earth.
Love you Aunt Sharon, and thanks for everything!

Can't resist!

2011-02-10T22:54:00.000-08:00

Its been two week since this last post and I'm excited to say that there has been HUGE noticeable improvement with Lily and her speech! I'm really blown away at how much she has picked up just in these two weeks.

Lily is now...
Counting to three!
Using more 2 and three word phrases more often, along with using new combinations.
Repeating more odd words from Jason and I
Her words are more pronounced and said correctly.
Understanding simple one or two direction requests..i.e. "go get a spoon, get your shoes, go in your room and find your sippy"

I know it dosent seem like a lot, but in our world it is....I'm so proud of her and really excited that she is doing so well with school.

Me? oh gosh....the whole dropping off thing, I don't think I'll ever get used to it. It is still just as hard as the frist time. I just hope I'm over it by the time the kids reach High School. No need to embarrass them on their frist day of High School driving away bawling...ha ha! Can't be any worse than the time my Mom picked me up in our 1978 mini toyota motor home with bile green stripes and shag carpet, right in front of the High School while I was talking to a cute guy....total humiliation for a 15 year old right? ( the car didn't want to start that morning, but the motorhome was running! Made her drop me off a block away that morning and gave her a reminder to pick me up in the same spot) So what's a little bit of tears compared to my "embarrassed of your parents" High School horror story???

Any one want to top that story?...I'd love to hear some of these stories before we all realized the reason they did these mortifying things is because they loved us!

First day of school! First day of school!

2011-01-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

And I have to admit I was a little like Marlin from Finding Nemo....uhhh maybe your not ready yet...next year. But its the next step and it will be really really good for her and her speech. And I heard her teacher is in top demand! I'm just so used to having my little baby next to me all day!! I never understood why my Mom freaked out when I started Jr. High and High School....and now I know why, because they grow up WAY too fast!!

Dropping her off the second day wasn't any easier! She really loves it, but we are still doing a lot of catch before she is considered "average" (She is who she is...I don't like the phrase average in regards to learning)

I'm finding it hard in not being so hands on with her learning anymore. And in fear of being "that crazy helicopter mom" I haven't yet talked to the teacher to see what she does in class or what we can do at home to help her out. I hoping that I get a one free ticket in this area, because I'm struggling with the fact I drop her off and that's it. I want to know what she is doing, working on in class and get to know the other students and parents. Maybe its because my school was set up WAY different then a traditional elementary. And while I thrived (I think for the most part) on a more laid back setting, I honestly think Lily needs more structure and that is what her Pre-School class is giving her. I just don't want to be too nosy; I just want to know what she is working on so I can continue to help at home. I guess I am just curious to know what she does in class, I really liked having everything explained to me when we were doing the home visits with early intervention.

I'm an always want to know why person. I don't like being in the dark.

I about cried in front of her teacher Tuesday because she told me was aggressive to the other kids. My sweet Lily!?!? No? But I know why, she gets really frustrated when she is trying to talk with us and we don't know what she wants, usually with us she yells and no no no's us or throws or hits something. But I guess with other kids she gets aggressive, which to a certain extent is a 3 yr. old trait, but add in the can't communicate factor and we've ended up apologizing to other Mom's and kids at nursery in church about biting issues. SO EMBARRASSING! It's just a lot to deal with for her, a new space, new kids, new rules etc...

So in hope of getting her to communicate better her teacher and the in room speech pathologist will be having her use a machine that looks like one of those toys where the kid pushes a button or turns a knob and a character pops out. Its set up the same way, but instead it has little pictures put on the front according to what the teacher wants her to learn to ask and when she pushes that button the machine says somethings like "my turn please" or "can I please" It can be programed to say many things, but there are pictures you can change out so Lily can match the picture up with what she wants to say. Yeah it sounds like the machine will be talking for her and I expressed my concern about that. The teacher said she uses it with several students and has had great success with it. It more helps them see the cause and effect of using words gets you what you want.
I dont' know if I explained that so it makes sense, but we will be able to use it at home, so I will have to post more about that later.
Also I got some adorable pictures of Lily running to the school doors on her first day of school. My mom took pictures of me my first and last day of school and I wanted the same for her. She booked it to the doors she was so excited last Tuesday. And today when we drove up to the school she was babbling away all excited. Unfortunately I took them on my Ipod and I can't get blogger to read them, so until Jason helps me translate them this post will be picture less. I just really wanted to get my first child going to school mommy panic attack/feelings down before I forgot.

I know its the best thing for her and I'm happy she really likes going, its just so different to have your baby right next to you and having to check on her to make sure she is not destroying anything. Her class is only 90 minutes, but still I found my self checking the clock every 5 minutes to see how long before I could pick her up. It was nice to do some cleaning with out having to worry about her, but I missed her!

Lily Update

2010-12-21T21:21:00.001-08:00

I need to be better at writing down things for Lily. I always loved going back and reading the things my Mom wrote down of things I did and said as a kid. So here is a early New Years Resolution! Be better at journaling in any form, scrapbooking, blogging, writing in my own journal or Mothers journal.

Today I wanted to write down the words Lily can say now, not only to keep a record, but in her testing for pre-school they wanted to know how many she can say. I couldn't answer it! She can say a lot now and uses them constantly to communicate which is such a relief to us! Lily also said her first four word sentence this month. "Mom, wahya dowin...frog" which translates to Mom I want to go watch Princess and The Frog, her newest obsession. It was the first things she said in the morning and let me tell you after that I was awake!

Words Lily says or signs

Frog, Dog, Baby, Candy, Cake, More, Hungry, Cookie, Mom, Da, Mama, Nana, Chez (sounds more like "sha" but at least we know she is talking about the dog) Sit, Car, Go, Snow(ing) Going, Cute, Fish, Clay Dough, Movie, Please, Thank You, No, Milk, Nods for Yes, Purple, Kitty, Night Night,

I know there is more, but I can't think of them! I will just have come back and edit as I remember.

She is starting a Pre-pre school this year. It will be a specialized class suited for her needs. I'm still in total disbelief she is going to be three next month. I can now understand why my Mom always complained about us growing up to fast. Because it's so true!
She tested really well on her tests...mostly the low end of average or just below; with of course her language very low. Both of her counselors are very happy with her progress that she has made in the last 18 months. I'm also going to be very sad to lose them, they have become such good friends! especially Carol who is her main therapist, I will miss getting her advice on everything and our chats. She is almost like a second Mom to me! I couldn't of been more happier with the people we were assigned to help bring Lily to the level she is at today.

Oh just a quick update on our family

2010-11-09T21:57:00.000-08:00

I really wish I gave my self more time to post! So many things have happend so here is a quick list of what's been going on here :D

A full load of school for Mary this semester..(and planning the same for next....I want to DONE with school!)

Jason is doing part time school and work and Young Men's

Lily will be tested out of Early Intervention at the end of the year and will be placed into sort of a pre-pre-school program to continue her speech and all around developmental therapies. She is progressing VERY well and talks and uses her signs all the time to communicate with us. I am so glad! While I have mostly been okay in having to deal with her set back, sometimes its so hard to see other kids her age right on que and not be able to have the same experience. It makes my heart hurt to worry about if she will need assistance all her life, I'm sure she will catch up..but still I wonder about what life experiences she will or won't be able to handle or need help with. But I am determined to make sure she will have all the assistance she will need to make it in life, even if I am still doing it in my 70's.

Jason has been very supportive of my crazy idea of thinking it was a good idea to take on so much this semester. He hasn't once complained about the state of the house and what it has been left to as I master my piles of homework.

I am also planning the LA fabric shopping trip with the fashion club again. I have added a third day to the trip and couldn't be more excited for what I have planned! I also have my new collection planned for next year and can't wait to get started on it! Its called Very Victorian. It's full of ruffles, lace, crystal trim, silk taffetas, velvet ribbons, beading, and my favorite CORSETS!

A friend of mine from my theatre days at City Rep asked me to costume a christmas show that he and his brother wrote for Draper Theatre. I took it on even though my plate was already so full because I really wanted to work with them as they have been really into film and have made, produced several awesome shorts and such. Maybe once kids are older I will have the chance to work with them on one of their movies :D Its been kinda fun to be back in a theatre, while sometimes it reminds me why I prefer bridal (bridezillas, brides moms and all) I am enjoying the experience non the less as my friends are wonderful to work with!

Participated in a fund raiser event called Fashion Remix. Where we are teamed up with a small team to create something fashionable out of Interior design materials...like tile, carpet, fabric, 3-form, furniture etc...It was a total blast! our team had fabric and I was the model! I will have to post pictures once things slow down.

I will be showing my Greece Collection of bridal gowns in a fashion show this weekend...I'm kinda excited as this show attracts a lot of people. i am really hoping to get some cliental!

Also can't wait to post pics of the jacket I am making in tailoring! It is turning out SOOOO cool! I am loving the whole experience of learning to classically tailor a jacket!

Well I should probably leave this post at that. I have successfully put off another night of homework, which I know I WILL regret this weekend, but I have been so busy that I am starting to wear my self out. (STILL trying to find my balance in my life and learning to say NO to my self when i want to take something on or I'm offered work) and wasn't able to focus due to some mini migraines that I get every once in a while. regardless of my homework being put off I needed the break. I watched a movie with Jason which is something I have not done in a while, let's just hope the fact I took two nights off will keep me motivated to catch up on everything!

My Pet Peeve and some venting about it

2010-08-31T23:35:00.000-07:00

In effort to present my self as a professional in my sewing career I have tried to be honest in all areas. This is a result of several baptizing by fire episodes over these last few years in trying to build clients among life's other lessons . If I can't do it; or really I should say I'm not ready to tackel this type of project I now try to let the people know first up; or if I have hurt someone's feelings in any way or said or did something offensive I try to take what ever actions to remedy it. I do this in hope of it will inspire people to be honest up front in all situations.

Which leads up to the title of this post. WHY CAN'T PEOPLE JUST TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON!?!?! I seem to run into this problem a lot in all areas of my life. I don't like secrets and this feels likes secrets. It drives me crazy when I feel like I did something wrong and I have no idea what. The solution? I would call it courtesy criticism. For example a client calls to tell me they are unhappy about this or that...oh okay I get it, I know you are not trying to hurt my feelings, you are just letting me know what is going on with your dress and you'd like me to fix it. You told the truth, no covering up to try and make me feel better. I now know what's going on and I can fix the problem.

Simple and straight forward right? NO we (and I think especially girls) have to either try to cover up our true feelings by telling little white lies or brushing things aside. Okay I know that some times its needed to cover a few comments or unpleasant-ness. But really and in the spirit of honesty; I'd rather just take it (keeping in mind you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar) and get it over with and no muddling through this mess of cover ups and "I can't figure out what I did wrong?"

So it is here that I rise to the occasion to be honest in my dealings and feelings (with taste of course) to avoid putting someone else in the "what did I do wrong?" senario....Yes I know I possibly have challenge a head of me to learn to do this right, but its something I feel is important to conquer.

Photo Shoot

2010-08-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

Keep a look out on my design blog as I had my frist photo shoot with my Greece spring/summer bridal collection yesterday. It went great! McCarty talent agency provided the wonderful talent for free and a old friend from my City Rep theatre days took the pictures. We did the shoot at Union Pacific Building early in the morning. From the pictures I saw on the camera's 2x2" screen they look REALLY good and I can't wait to see them edited!!!

Death can be so sudden

2010-07-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

I got a phone call from my mom today saying that a childhood friend lost their Dad suddenly in a scooter accident this week. Death can be so sudden and my heart goes out to this family.

I can't help thinking of how they felt to have known their Dad and then to lose him like that so suddenly; in some ways it makes me feel better to have never known my Father in this life, because I wouldn't have to deal with the pain this family is now experiencing. But then I feel that maybe it would of been worth it. I know now how important it is to have a Mother and a Father in this life; seeing Jason and how he has embraced Fatherhood and having that example for Lily makes me feel like it would of been worth it even for a short time. In some ways I am envious of my older half siblings and that they got to have memories of my Dad.

I hope this family finds peace in this hard time. I'm grateful for the plan our Heavenly Father has set out for us and that we will be able to see our loved ones again. While this family may not know that; I pray for them that knowledge may one day be real to them. I've had the spirit bear witness to me that while death is painful to deal with and is so sudden here on earth, it will not be so after this life. To know I can be with my family for ever lessens my fear of it, to know they (my father, older sister, grandparents) are waiting and watching over me in this life is a beautiful gift from our father in heaven.

The church has said that we can use social media as a way to spread the gospel I have still felt afraid of spreading my faith all over my posts due to the fact that I never like being unauthenic in my testimony. I always wanted it to feel truly from my heart and not just following the motions. Maybe its because I have felt so strongly about this family friend's passing that has brought me to this state and wanting to share my feelings of the spirit and the truth of it.

I always felt I have gone through the motions of the gospel, going to church because that is what we did as a family. I always knew I wanted to get married in the temple and one day understand the blessings of being part of the LDS faith. But I was never too serious about any of it. I am so grateful for where I am now in my life and the path the lord has shown me to understanding the gospel. I know now why I was supposed to be married and why we bought our house at the time we did. I now have those seeds of the testimony that I always wanted growing up, I can feel them growing in my soul and it feels beautiful, and I am so grateful for it. I know that Christ lives and I have a confirmation that he will live again. I am studying the Book of Mormon with my family, I have read it before but now I see it and the truth it bears with each chapter we read as a family and I'm so in love with each words of comfort and understanding it bears to me. I am still learning and growing a testimony and I pray that will continue to be there and only get stronger.

This is quite the step for me in sharing on a more public setting beside church or my own personal journal and I ask those who are not members hold back any negative comments and give www.mormon.org a chance, take some time to watch a few videos or read a few articles.

I just let my fingers and heart do the typing on this post and hopefully the reason why I felt so strongly to continue with my sharing my feelings will someday reveal its self.

My wards blog

2010-06-21T23:27:00.000-07:00

I'll admit I love to cook and bake as long as my kitchen is clean...so since its not always clean I don't always cook ; D

I was called to be the leader of my wards recipe group but since we already had a cooking group we combined them so we have a cooking and recipe group. Its so much fun we get together have a theme and bring something to share potlucks style and stay late talking and eating good food.

I can't believe how many acomplised cooks we have in our ward. I have come away with so many recipes that they were starting to take over my cook book cubard so I started a recipe blog not only for the ladies in my ward who miss that night but for me so I can be more organized. I'm pretty excited about it as I am catching up pretty quick with all the recipes I have gathered over the last 2 years and plan to post all the yummy recipes I find when cooking for my family.

Anyways I thought I'd share, I mean everyone can use new ideas for dinner right?

Click here for the blog

Pics from Raw Couture!

2010-04-26T23:07:00.001-07:00

Hey I finally got a few shots from the photographer that took pictures at Raw Couture. I put them up on my design blog, they are untouched so not the best, I'm working a friend of mine to do a real shoot for my website which is hopefully coming this summer.
Anyways enjoy!
click here to see my design blog

Lily's first instacare visit.

2010-03-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

After we got home and all band-aided up
The cool pink head band while we were waiting for the numbing gel to kick in

Today Lily had her first insta-care visit. After a shower this morning I had taken her out, got her standing and she tripped while trying to climb back in and hit her chin on the ledge of the tub.

At first I just thought that it was a good bonk, but when I saw her chin bleeding I freaked, it looked pretty deep. I didn't know what to do because we weren 't dressed (its so much faster to shower with Lily in the morning as she LOVES baths and wants to stay forever in them...the reason why she was trying to get back in this morning)

Jason was on his way to go cross country skiing with the YM/YW when he had a feeling to call and he called right after it happened, perfect timing because as I said I didn't know what to do first...get dressed, stop the bleeding, get Lily dressed and plus Jason had taken my car and taken the car seat out so plus I had to get that in the other car too. I'll have to admit its not a good way to start a phone call with "she needs stitches!!" I gave him a pretty good scare because she was still screaming.

I'm glad he was so close, that allowed me to get our selves ready and stop the bleeding...once that happened she was fine and didn't remember that she had gotten a bonk.

We went to the Insta-care down the street from us and they put numbing gel on her chin and let it sit. Once we got in the back they cleaned it out with water, Lily did NOT like that at all, I don't blame her. I've had it done to me before. They were going to do stitches because it was deep enough but after the drama of cleaning it out with Iodine and trying to hold a two year old still, they had me lay on the operating table with her on my tummy all wrapped up burrito style in a sheet with the nurse holding her head, me holding her middle and Jason holding her legs; she was getting REALLY upset and once the cut was all cleaned up the doc. thought that it was stright enough to glue it shut and hold it closed with stera-strips...which I was SO greatful for as Lily was really scared. I was pretty okay with it all except I hadn't eaten breakfast and I can deal with blood and guts fairly well as long as I have eaten (not too recently) Jason just hates ANYTHING to do with hospitals, but I have to say he kept it together very well and I think it helped Lily a lot to have him there as she is a Daddy's girl.

After they were done they gave her a sucker and sticker and she acted like it never happened.
The cut is going to heal just fine and its under the chin so the scar won't be visable looking stright at the face. I'm just amazed at the stuff they do now with that kind of injuries. Its kinda cool really.

My Sore Spot

2010-03-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

I just watched "The Business of Being Born" very very informative and really made me think. Its a documentary on the conflicts between natural home births and hospital births.
For as long as I can remember I've always wanted a natural birth. My mom went natural for all her babies and I so wanted the same.

It didn't happen. I'm still struggling with that fact and I am determined for the next one to deliver naturally, I didn't have a horrible birth experience and it went pretty normal as far as a hospital birth, but I HATED my epidural and I never want to have one of those again, the process wasn't bad at all to put it in; two weeks after I had horrible pains in all my joints from where they put the epidural in and I still get bad pains in my lower back.

I cried when they wanted to put me on pitocen, I felt like a failure ( I know so stupid to feel that way, but don't argue with pregnant women s emotions at that time)

I don't know if its because I'm so fired up by watching the documentary but I feel like I wasn't able to relax and slip into the hypno birthing that I practiced so hard at. I listed to the first nurse I had (who I didn't like in the first place) who told me not to get the jazzuzi tub until I dilated a 5...stupid stupid stupid...I practiced my hypno birthing in the tub at home!!! That could of jump started everything, I felt I needed to be altert and sit around and wait for things to kick in, I was bugged by nurses with a million question, I wasn't allowed to eat and after a few hours started to get really hungery and super dizzy when trying to hypnotize my self and had to snap out of it because that's not a good thing. I was never able really to get into the sync of using the hypno and once the contractions started from the pitocen I was 24 hrs into labor and wasn't aware of anything because I had been up with contractions the night before and that night waiting for active labor to start. I never really felt like I was able to get comforitable enough to get things rolling.

Although I am very grateful for the option of an epidural because I felt like it helped me get enough rest to have enough energy to push when it came time and while I slept I was able to relax enough to get to a 10...I feel if I was able to comfortable enough from moment one I could of been able to get to a ten with hypno birthing.

I did take the time to research and learn about some of the types of birth and drugs and I knew what I wanted and created by birth plan and kept in mind yes birth doesn't go always the way you want it to and that's fine, but I hated the feeling of people thinking I was nuts for wanting to go natural. Why are women taught to believe there is one way to giving birth and it can't be the natural beautiful process that our bodies know to do? Why are women taught to believe they can't do it with out modern intervention? Did you know in Europe and Asia 80% of births are at home and here in the states its less than 8% and we have the highest infant and maternal death rate? How can that be for a country so advanced in medical technology? Its because we interfere with something that doesn't need to be. We women are NOT being punished for Eve's transgression and are forever doomed to painful labor, yes it is uncomfortable and hard, but that surge of hormones that your body produces while in labor produces as silly as it sounds a sort of love cocktail that helps you bond with your baby.
The oxytocin (sp?) your body produces is a natural high drug that no synthetic drug can replace, for most women the mix of a pitocin and the medication for the epidural can create a extreme contrast between fast and slow labor that usually ends up in surgery.
But once again there are extreme conditions where that process is needed and is life saving for both mom and baby.

I'm not saying I'm opting out of a hospital birth for the next baby or you should to, I just want to know my options for a safe non-invasive intimate birth where I am comfortable, familiar if possible with my surroundings and I know that there is back-up if I need it. All this ranting is for the fact that I am trying to get women to know what they are getting them selves into with witch type of birth they are doing...look at everything, know the pros and cons of every kind of birth of drug that could be administered, know and print out a birth plan and make sure your nurses know your wishes, its your birth and your bonding moment with your family and I believe every woman should be able to deliver the way she wants WITH OUT having to choose something different because midwifery is illegal (in some states yes it is!) or its not offered on their insurance.
I really liked one quote from The Business of Being Born, one mother said " You know you are alive - you need to experience it, if I can do that I can do anything!" The narrator went on to say basically that when we endorse medical intervention to ease the pain of labor we are taking that I can do anything power from women...and I fully agree with it...nothing demonstrate the true power of a women like giving birth.

If you can watch The Business of Being Born its available through Netflix in the documentary section

And I'm off the soap box

I won!! I won!! I won!!!!!!!

2010-02-13T22:06:00.000-08:00

So last minute at school they offered this Project Runway design contest with newly launched Utah Styleliste beauty and fashion magazine. I wasn't able to at first to do it, but then I could. So I got a last minute grandma babysitter (Thank you Tina!!) and spent the whole day sewing away! The next day we had judging and it was all filmed and will later be featured on Utah Stylelist's web page and I heard maybe the magazine too!! Anyways my team WON! We won $50 to Yellow Bird fabrics Utah's high end designer fabrics store...I'm SO excited! I can't believe we really won it, its sooo exciting. I have been on cloud 9 since friday :D I loved every minute of the drama of trying to rush to get a dress done in less than 24 hrs. It made it so worth it staying up until 2:30 am to finish it!!
Anyways read more and see pictures on my design blog click here and enjoy!!

Lily's Birthday!

2010-01-17T22:19:00.000-08:00

One satisfied birthday girl!
(no she didn't eat that whole cake...I cut off half of it after a few pictures)

I made her her own cake so she could make a mess and have fun since last year she was scared of her bear cake. Mostly she just stabbed and licked off the frosting then smashed the cake after she had her fill.
She got a mini indoor tent from Aunt Shannon and had a tea party with daddy and Grandpa Rino, she thought this was the coolest thing ever!

Grandpa Rino
Trying to fit all of him self in Lily's tent
Lily
loves her barking puppy Aunt Lacy and Uncle Scott made her at build a bear. She loves her animals! She signs "come dog come dog" over and over when she hears or sees a dog...she's also been doing it when she sees a friend to play with or other kids
Four new dresses from great grandma Rino and great aunt Carol Can't wait for her to wear them they are so cute!
Grandpa Rino
Made this toy box for her, it was a request from last's years birthday. But very well worth the wait she LOVES it and was so enamored by the animals on it. I absolutely love it too! Thanks grandma and grandpa!

We got her a mini play kitchen and I mean mini, we don't have a ton of play room here and I wanted something small. She couldn't wait for dad to finish putting it together and she talks on the play phone and puts things in microwave and cook just like mom :D We also got her three different food play sets and the kitchen came with a shopping cart and play boxes of food so she can go shopping. She got so excited when we opened them for her.
I'm glad we decided to celebrate a day early with family. So much fun to see her get excited about her presents.

I can't believe that she is two! These have been the best two years of my life, I'm so happy to be her Mother even with those hard terrible two days. This journey of Motherhood is so worth it.
Happy Birthday Lily!! I love you!

Some of my work

2009-12-25T20:42:00.000-08:00

Above I took the dress about 2 sizes in and added the "Chinese" sleeves. Pleated them to match the style of the dress. We also shortened the train since it was a second wedding and she wanted something less formal.

A custom bolero jacket I made for this bride. Stores can order matching fabric to bridal gowns. Bolero are a stylish alternative to a shoulder fill that isn't as expensive.

I think this has to be my favorite alteration I've done. I loved what the flowers did to add spice to this gown. The bride chose the colors of the flowers to match her wedding colors, teal, brown and off white. She got married in the mountains this summer, perfect setting for an awesome dress!
Another custom bolero, I think this one is my favorite. It fit so well and the lace the bride picked was really pretty.

I finally put on all my pictures from my iPhone on the the computer so I might catch up on some posts since I have all these older photos on a computer finally!

Anyways I'd thought I'd put up some of my alteration jobs on this blog as well as my design/fashion one.

My Thanks

2009-12-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

I love my ward. Its the most fantastic ward I have ever been apart of, the community and caring that goes on in this neighborhood is awesome. I love love love where I live. I finally feel every Sunday excited to go to church, something that I have never felt. I love teaching primary, my class is fantastic. I have learned so much from them and teaching them.

Our ward has all these mini-groups and I am in book group, a leader for cooking and recipe group, and I just went to the first Living the Good Life group. The women that are apart of these groups are fantastic they are all ready and willing to help with anything for any of the families in this ward.

We have one family in our ward that has a son who is dealing with cancer and tumors, the mom is also the leader for Living the Good Life group and today it was wonderful to see when she asked for help that half the women jumped at the chance to lend a hand with what ever she needed. To have and see this kind of service running through our ward is awesome. When we had Lily, I thought that we would get one or two meals made for us, but we had so much food! So many ladies offered to make us a meal, I think I remember I didn't cook for two weeks after she was born.

The friends we have made in the ward have been some of the best! I'm so glad to have met so many fantastic couples who share the same values.

I love my house, it maybe small and still need TLC but it holds us for now and even when it is time to expand I want to try to do everything that we can to expand the house so we can stay here as long as we can! I love that I can walk down main street and experience the small town feel but yet have everything just a short drive away. I love walking to the library, I love all the kids in the neighborhood, such a change from my neighborhood as a kid where I was the only girl my age from age 8 on.

Today I just felt like I had to post and share my love for my neighborhood. :D

My new blog!

2009-11-13T18:36:00.001-08:00

Well I did it. I started a blog about my designs, I hope this will inspire me to keep working on getting my own stuff going. The only dress I have up right now, its from a design contest from Shabby Apple dresses. I didn't make the finals, but that's okay. I'm happy with it and that's what matters right now. The coolest part of the dress is that is reversible! I can't wait to wear it to church on Sunday, and then wear a whole "new" dress the next! he he!
Oh and good news! The school approved the SLCC fashion club's trip to LA! We are going! hurrah! We got approved for the school to pay 40% of each person's cost. A awesome deal! We are going to go to the fabric district to buy fabric for the school show next spring. I can't wait! I'm trying to decide what to do. The school has been doing themes and this year they picked world culture, I can't decide what to do...I've been intrigued by Africa, Greece, and the Middle East. Lots of cool draping and neat patterns. I think I may give ready-to-wear a try, but I am having a hard time designing other thing besides evening/bridal. We'll see what I pick!
Here is the link to my fashion/design blog!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T21:49:00.001-08:00

Lily's loot! half of this is from trick or treating at Jason's work. She got a TON of candy! She loved all the attention and getting candy from Jason's co-workers. The other half is from Jason's aunt and uncle from their Halloween party, Lily chowed down on doughnuts from Banbury Cross (yum!) and apple juice and received lots of candy from uncle Bruce. I don't know what we are going to do with all of it!
Lily's pumpkin that her and daddy carved. Lily had lots of fun "helping" daddy scoop out all the guts, mostly she just stabbed her spoon in and out. She wasn't too sure of it once we turned out the lights and lit the candle inside.

Lily's other favorite auntie!!!
Lily and her OZ glasses just like in the musical when they go the emerald city!!
My little Galinda! I had half the petals sewn on her skirt and decided it needed the silver trim around the edges, so I unpicked them all and put the trim on and sewed them all back on. Since not many people knew who she was right off the bat, I quit correcting them when they called her a princess. She was supposed to be Galinda from the musical Wicked and I was going to make a matching one for me, but ran out of time.
The top of her costume, that's the left over lace I had from my bridal designs I did for my fashion show in 2007. The petals took 3 yard of fabric and the skirt has 4 layers all together. I had to put suspenders on the skirt because it kept falling off since I made it big and it was so heavy.
I love this picture! This is the same face she had when I showed her self in the mirror after I put it on her the first time.
Auntie Jeana! One of my favorite people! Lily gets so excited to see her!
Family shot. Lily looks bored, she is a typical almost 2 yr. old always moving and never looking at the camera! I still had pink in my hair at church today even after 3 washes! Oh and those are feather bits at the end of my false lashes if you cant tell!
Now I've just got to think about what we are going to do next year for costumes!!

Whew!

2009-10-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

So Lily is still soaring in Early Intervention, its been so great!
Last month my specialist brought up concerns for how lily walks, she kinda turns in on her ankles and snaps her knees back when she puts her foot down. She suggested I take her to Shriner's hospital to see if she need ankle braces to correct how she walks due to her low-tone.

We went today and everything is was great, they are so awesome there. Lily got to take home a beanie baby although she had more fun tossing out the ones in the bin than the one she picked out (a fox) They didn't feel like the overcompensation to keep her balance to walk that she does would be a big enough concern to have braces made. Whew.....a relief. I am ready and willing to do anything that I need to to make sure she gets a good start, but I am glad we don't have to go down that road.

Been busy sewing and can't wait to post Halloween. Lily's costume is turning out very well. Lots of work, but its gonna be worth it! Also planning on entering a design contest from Shabby Apple so I will need help voting for my design if I make the finals!!

Lily

2009-09-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

So I thought I'd update on Lily's Early Intervention, since I am past what time I told my self I'd go to bed...good thing its still the weekend!

Lily started Early Intervention this month and I have to say with only one session I can already see improvements!! I think a lot of her delay in language had to do with that she needed to get walking out of the way and that is normal apparently, they focus on nothing else until they figure it out and now that she has I have notice her say "mama mama mama" when she wants something.

Our teacher had us work on simple directions and jaw exercises...how do you exercise a 20 month's jaw you ask? Easy! Lots of chewy foods, day old bagels, red vines left out for a few hours, beef jerky (she didn't like it) Its supposed to help her be more aware of her mouth and help her not to drool so much (yes she still does, because she hasn't figured out to swallow it.) We play the vowel game saying A,E,I,O,U over and over to help get the mouth shapes.
She had me make a box with a slit in the top to have her put things in and out to understand simple directions.
we've also been working on signing and songs with hand actions and she is picking up on them really fast. She can sign mama and milk. She learned the whole hand actions for "open, shut them" for family prayers. (I'll have to take and post a video, its so cute!) I checked out a signing time video from the library, she tried to copy all the signs when they did the review song and learned cheese it was very cute!
I really like the lady who is her teacher, she grew up in Britain and approches teaching in a different way and she really knows her stuff and makes sure I understand all that is happening to ensure I can practice with Lily. I'm really happy with the whole program, and so happy to see results so soon even if its because she got walking out of the way.

My Internal battle

2009-09-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

I've learned some things about my self lately.
I am completely terrified of success.
No really, I am.
I know what I want, I know what I need to do to get there.
But I don't do it.
I sit there and dream about it and see it happening, but I am not taking those steps needed.
Then I see people and peers and other's around me take off with their dreams bursting at the seams in fantastic ways as they come into reality.
And I spiral out of my happy place and mope.
I have really good ideas too!

Here is the quote I read that got me all worked up on this.

" Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us; We ask our selves, who am I to be? Brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually who are you not to be?
You are a child of god, your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you, we are all meant to shine as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of god that is within us, its not just in some of us its in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others"
~Marianne Williamson

Perfectly put for me to realize my issue.
But what the H-E-double hockey sticks do I need to do to make that crossing, what thing has taken away my bridge to reach that personally???

Its soul searching time.

Anybody got some good thoughts on repairing that bridge? I need to cross it, its really driving me crazy.

Lily Update!

2009-08-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

Lily has turned 18 months this last month so I'd thought I would do an update on her since there is a lot to tell!
We have mastered walking finally! She decided it was time when I was at the bank, I was watching her stand next to me and next thing I knew she was taking off after another kid! Its so funny! She walks with her hands stretched out and a big grin on her face or she has her Frankenstein walk, where she shuffles her feet, walks with her shoulders folded in and hums and talks as she walks.
But she does have a normal walk and she loves to walk around the house with toys and try to follow the dog and myself.
She loves to walk with mom and dad a few sunday's ago we took a drive up to Silver Lake at the Brighton resort and she walked a good amount of the trail around the lake between us. She also loved the big moose we saw!!
She loves any animals and gets really excited at dogs and horses and birds..any animal really.

I guess the one thing why I am doing this update is because Lily has been diagnosed with Expressive and Receptive Language disorder. Which doesn't mean much, I had her diagnosed to try and get the insurance to pay for the testing, they didn't cover enough.
So I went through Early Intervention. A state school program to test speech and hearing, her hearing is fine but she did score low in language and problem solving.
E&R language disorder can be caused by genetics, exposure to toxins (which I never was during my pregnancy) But mostly its cause is unknown.
Here is the way I see it. Yes you can avoid a lot of causes of disabilities and disorders, but I believe that a lot of the things we deal with in life we were predestined with. Meaning I don't believe I couldn't of brought her into this world in any other way that would of prevented her from having it. It is her challange and I've had mine to deal with as well. I had and still have my learning disability, which by the way I hate calling it that, its such a crutch. I want Lily to grow up knowing she can. She is able NOT dis-able. I used my learning issues as an excuse way too much and now I see how I could of progressed more knowing its okay to have problems with learning. I am speaking more from my experiance with being in resource my school years. I was afraid of being made fun of, grant it kids will be kids and be mean. But things have changed since I went to school and I know there are a lot of alternative programs out there to boost her skills. And hey! the research I have been doing on the net says the difficulty with language can disappear by school age! Hurray!
She walked at 18 months because she was very floppy and noodle-y as a baby. Babies who are like that ( I forget the term they use) don't like the pressure on their joints; so they put off walking until they gain more muscle mass so its more comfortable for them.
But back to E&RLD some times called mixed E&RLD. It means that Lily is having a hard time understanding spoken language and producing speech. We qualified for Early Intervention and we will be having some one come to our house to show me how to play and do activities with Lily to boost her development.
I'm not afraid of having a child with learning issues (I need to come up with a better term) I dealt with them rather well and felt that I didn't turn out for the worst! (partly due to a mom who was dedicated to make sure I got the help I needed) I am ready and willing and it helps to know somewhat of what she will be facing. But part of me does still say "what did I do wrong?" "Where did I miss that info not to do this or that while pregnant?" To be fully honest I was afraid of getting a smarty pants, because then I really wouldn't know what to do!!!
I am constantly telling my self, in no way is this your fault and you know what to do and you can do it. The best thing I can do for her is to get her involved now so that we don't miss that window of languge development. I love being a Mother, especially now at this age ( Sorry guys not a fan of the baby stage) I love seeing her learn in her way and her constant smiles and laughter brings me out of any bad mood.
This journey has been totally worth it!

I wanted to end with a comment I heard today. I was at Lowe's and had a sales associate ask me how I was doing, I promtly responded the usual "good and you?" He responded "Better than I deserve" It took me a bit for it too click, I took as he was really happy with life and I wanted the same out look...so today things are better than I deserve!

Lessons

2009-06-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

I not sure why I even want to post this on here. I'm still struggling with why I even want people to know. But writing in my journal doesn't seem to help. Don't worry its nothing super dramatic.
See I have this dream and I've had it for as long as I can remember, and I thought I saw it starting to come true. I'm hoping by sharing that it will help me get over it, because I know failure is part of success. But experiencing it sucks.

There are two things in my life that I am seriously passionate about and want above all.
1. A family, kids, and a home to create a safe haven.
and
2. Sewing and to run my own sewing business from home.

I've had #1 going for a while now and couldn't be happier with where I am living, my husband, and my baby girl.
And #2 has really taken off due to my part time position at Mary's Bridal as a alterationist. Now I don't get a ton of work, but enough to keep me busy and feeling like I still working towards my goal.

This June was a challenge and several times in this last week I was ready to swear off sewing all together (100% serious). I took on 14 dresses; 10 bridesmaids, 2 temple dresses and 2 mother's dresses. All to be completed in 6 weeks and all the weddings were with in the same week.
I felt terrific, I was seeing my dreams coming true! I was ready for anything, bring it on baby! Watch out world here I come! is how I felt, I had a intern, I was indestructible.
Except for this little habit of mine that I can seem to break. I say "yes" to everyone. And I know from other's and as well as my own experience that just means trouble.
I ended up loosing a dress and a possible good client. But The 3 other dresses turned out fine.
It's the bridesmaids that I'm most upset about. I wanted sooo bad for these to turn out. I was very excited for them, I love draping and these had a pleated/draped front, A-line skirt with a over lap over the top front. I felt that I got as close as I could to the picture and that they looked great. I will also NEVER recommend or work with Joann's party taffeta again, after working with it for the chosen design I am ready to never see the site of the beastly stuff again. How ever we are not blessed with a fabric district in Utah and did not have time to order a more suitable fabric. The draping turned out pretty darn good in my opinion, the reason why it was so upsetting for both sides is that we were just not able to squeeze in a final fitting to make sure all the last minute tweaks were worked out.
The bottom line is I need to be proud of my self for what I accomplished in what time I had. I continually have to remind my self that out of all the year+ I have been doing this semi-pro; to have only 2 costumers that weren't 100% happy with the end product is very good for someone in my situation.
I guess I wouldn't call it failure, but something in between since I wasn't able to get the last little bugs worked out.
There were a lot of things that would of made a difference to getting them 100% right; extra measurements on time, an earlier start date, not taking on 2 extra dresses, labour help that should of come through, better fabric options, a final fit, and the list could go on.
The career I have chosen is a one that can take many years to perfect and I expected right away to be doing what someone who has spent years doing.
Another thing is the time I spent sewing in costume shops was great, I really learned a lot, but its a whole other world when it comes to couture and I have had to re-teach my self a lot of things because it requires such attention to detail. Already with in the three years since I've quit working for the Ballet my workmanship has improved.
This last part is really for me, I love to sew and I realized that I am not ready to give up working towards this dream, this last month was only a relazation that I still have some ways to go, but I know I can do it. I am glad I didn't give up and that I had another dress to finish, because if it wasn't for it; I'd probably never set foot in that sewing room again. It helped me to remember why I like to sew and how much I want to get better at it. I have this huge hunger to learn all I can about sewing.
Sometimes its so hard because we are in Utah and its not exactly the fashion capitol of the world. But when I look at going to a design school, it doesn't make sense. This career is all about the hands-on experience, yeah degree would be nice, but a client will want to see what I've done and not my diploma. There are a million seminars and courses I can take around the states to improve.
Yes this is important to me, but not enough to abandon my duty as a home-maker, finding that balance is going to be hard but I am willing and wanting to do it.

Watch me succeed...

Getting this out has really made me feel better, I've had this stewing for a week and I felt if I didn't get it all out I would break down.

A Proud Mommy

2009-05-10T20:34:00.001-07:00

Being a Mother has been the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done. I know you hear that from every Mother, but it's true!
Today I couldn't believe joy that comes from this one little person. To see her smile and watch her grow and learn, to see her get so excited to have her Daddy come home and share their time together, which is to eat string cheese together on the couch. I love to see her curiosity when it comes to exploring new things and problems, to see her love for drawing and wondering if she will be yet another creative soul in our family of artists.
Experiencing Motherhood, especially now, where her personality is full fledged, is the greatest thing I have ever experienced. I am so blessed to have this Angel in my life, who has enriched it beyond my dreams.
I capitalized the word Mother every time I used it because I feel it deserves much more than to be shorted to mom. I am disappointed how Motherhood is viewed by most of the world today. It is THE most important thing and Mother's should stand up, drop the "I'm just a mom" phrase and replace it with a powerful " I am a Mother" (Gotta read the book of the same title!)
I felt the need to post this picture as well.
Four generations of beautiful women!
Also to my Mother, a big, warm, loving THANK YOU and all my love!! Thank you for your love and support! Thank you for your concerns, time, and ever caring heart. Thank you for being a taxi, tutor, listener, awesome Ahna (spelling? translation=grandma in Eskimo) Thank you for everything! I love you!

Thanks! But next time...use less soap.

2009-05-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

I had to post this, its just too funny and its what I get for asking for Jason's help :D
This is our roll-up dishwasher and the discoloration on the floor is soap and water. Can you guess what happened?
Hey don't diss the roll-up dishwasher! It sure beats hand washing dishes, some day when we re-do our kitchen I'll have a real one!
Last saturday Jason and I went out to go pick out my birthday present and do some other errands. But before we left I asked him to hook up the dishwasher, so they would be done when we got back. By the time we got going, it had been running for about 10 minutes and I noticed some soap leaking out. Sometimes it leaks water, so I figured it would be fine throwing a hand towel under. Nope, I can home to soap and water all over. Later I asked how full he filled the soap dish, he said all the way. I use liquid detergent and fill it only 1/4 full.
Thanks Honey for the help, but next time...less soap!

My Anne Shirley experience

2009-04-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

I've got to be better at posting again. I've got so many pictures and videos I need to share, so I will start with this week.
It started out pretty uneventful, just the usual being super busy with sewing. I have a wedding party of 10 bridesmaids due by June and its been busy with alterations for all the weddings that month.
I finally got my dress form ordered! It's been SO nice to have one, I don't know how I've survived this long with out it!
So Really all the trouble started Thursday morning. I was feeling moody and decided I missed having my dark hair, so I was going to dye it my self, which I felt was not a big deal considering I always did it my self when I dyed for the play I was in my senior year.
But this time I used Herbal Essence's Color Flirt, which again I didn't think would be a problem since I always used that brand for hair color. No BAD IDEA! Don't ever use it! Its a foam so the color doesn't soak in well.
It looked fine the first hour, but I kept thinking it was the low light we have in our house that made it look so funny. I didn't realize how awful it really was until I got to my fitting appointment that I realized how REALLY bad it looked, I walked in and I saw the face the manager made, she gave the look of "I'm going to be nice and not say anything, because that looks awful!"
I called my mom-in-law right away to watch Lily so I could get it fixed. To describe the shade it was green around the front with a gray/green/black flat tone everywhere else. I didn't take a picture, it was THAT bad. I spent my 25th birthday in the salon getting it fixed. Which I guess wasn't too bad of a way to spend it, I just wish it was for a less dramatic reason and more of a pampering thing. And I wanted to use a different stylist, but I ended up really liking it none the less.
Thank you to Tina and Rachel for watching Lily and to getting me in to their stylist to fix my hair emergency on my birthday..which I guess I'll never forget! You just gotta have one of those kind of birthday's every once in a while. And I'm glad its something I can laugh about and move on.

Birthday Girl!

2009-02-05T21:19:00.001-08:00

I love this picture!
The messy I just finished my cake picture...perfect shot!
Satisfaction!
No she didn't eat the whole thing...I had to cut it up to get her to start to eat it!

Lily not sure what to think of the cake, she kept reaching for daddy. She was afraid of her cake. I made it my self :D

So finally here are lily's birthday pictures. She loved all the special attention she got through out the day. She liked us to sing happy birthday to her, she would smile her big smile.
She was showered with gifts! She loved her I spy quilt and singing cookie jar, her crayons (coloring is her favorite, don't take that pencil away or else.....melt down!) She got lots of cute clothes for summer too. Thanks everyone for such an awesome 1st birthday party! I can't believe that she is a 14 months now where does the time fly? She is learning and its so fun to watch. She loves the dog and points to her and says "Da, da," She can point out where mom and dad's nose and mouth are, she is getting ready to walk but is still really unsure, but everyday her balance improves. I'll soon be in trouble! Lily is such a daddy's girl. Gets really upset when dad leaves the room or leaves for work, she gets so excited when he comes home from work. Its a favorite thing for both dad and lily to have him come home and share string cheese on the couch while mom finishes dinner.
I've got so many things to post about but I need to get to bed.

I've had issues with blogger and posting, its not playing nice with my server (or something like that) so hopefully we'll solve that problem so I can catch up!

Huh?!...Funny!

2009-01-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

Chezabelle, our 5 yr. old Staffie Terrier. We've had her now for two years, basically as long as we have been in this house. Anyways she is the basis for my post today. I had to post a picture so you could see the culprit to my suffering!!! HA! No its really not that bad, I promise! This dog has been the best dog ever!

Okay so before I had Lily I used to get one or two nasty colds a year. It would knock me out for a day or so and I would be back on my feet. Well since I had Lily those one or two colds turn into six or eight colds.
And the funny thing was it would happen every six to eight weeks, like clock work. So October's cold I had enough and went to the Dr's, he said it was just a normal cold and I would have to let it run its course. Nothing I could do about it and he could'nt find a reason why they were one after another.
This time around I was talking to my Mother-in-law who told me how the same thing happened to her dad, who found out it was allergies and a friend who also had the same symptoms said to try a Ear, Nose, Throat Doctor, AND my sister who is a Nurse said to go ahead and go because he would be able to tell if it was allergies or virus. So I went and guess what he said?? It was a virus! and the reason why I got so many was because I now had kids and that just ment I was to get sick much more than people who didn't!!
Okay but explain this? I wash my hands like a OCD (which is why they are so dry right now) I am a stay at home Mother, I do get out, but we are not in places where germs run a muck, i.e. nursery, daycare, playgrounds, gyms etc...So how in the world do I get wiped out with the classic symtops of a nasty cold? You name it, its' there, sore throat, sinus junk, coughing, body aching hoarsness. I totally lost my voice this time. Jason got a good smack in the belly for saying I sounded like an old woman! Thank goodness I am finally starting to sounds like my self again!
The ENT Dr. refered me to a Allergiest who could test for immune defiency. I got that test today. Have you ever had a allergy test done? Its quite interesting. They write 1-42 on your back and then next to the number they scratch you with a consintrated form of common allergens. Then you wait 15 min. and then the Dr. tells how badly you are alleric to something by how badly that little dot swelled. I also got a extra shot of dog essense in my arm, since they knew I owned a dog. The scale is 0-4, 4 being the worst. So I am alleric to the following:
Some types of trees: 3
Crab grasses and popular lawn grasses: 3
Dog and Cat: 3
Stright dog essence: 4+
So there you have it my culprit for all my sick days. My dog! When the Dr. came in to look at my results he took one look at my arm and said "yup, your alleric to dogs!" that itty bitty bit they injected made the spot swelled up the size of a lima bean in 15 min!!
He explained to me that the cold symptoms are my body's reaction to defening off the dog allergens, basically my immune system goes into hyper-drive. (HA! take that Mr. ENT Dr.!!! It's NOT immune definency!) So since getting rid of the dog is out of the question, I now get to go in for immune shots to be unallergic to Chezabelle for the next 5 yrs!! I really don't mind, but I have to go in a lot, that 's the part that sucks...The things we do for the people we love! Its worth it though!
And that my friends is my very long story of how I figured why I get colds so often!

Arrrgghhhh!!! Thar be pirates!!!

2008-12-10T19:39:00.000-08:00

I am soo excited!!! If you can't tell!
Pirates of The Great Salt Lake is FINALLY released on DVD!!!!
This is the first official job I had on a movie, set costumer. My cousin designed the costumes, but she had to go work another job, so I got a baptism by fire experience and learned a lot. We shot the movie in 18 days and worked 18 hr. days. It was absolutely exhausting but we did it and I think it turned out well! I got to see it at the Ogden Film Festival last January. Jason said it was the funniest Utah based movie he's seen. I got a trip down memory lane so I was real distracted about how I felt about the movie. I even made the behind the scenes feature! I thought I would share my top 20 favorite ( or worse! )memories of working this show.
1. Being Kissed on the lips by Kirby Heybourne. I fixed his pants pocket that he ripped at lunch. He kept saying things like "Mary I could kiss you right now!, You're so awesome to fix my pants!, I 'm sorry I ripped them." and a group of us were playing around after lunch and he started play punching everyone. The next thing I knew he grabbed my face and kissed me!!! Scared me half to death, I just thought he was joking! He said he felt bad afterwards. Thought I was going to get after him for Sexual Harassment!
2. My Teva tan that lasted over a year. Yeah, it looked really funny when I wore different shoes, nice big tan square smack on the top of my foot.
3. The something degree burn half way up the back of my legs from standing in behind the sun all day. It blistered and bled and peeled...GROSS!!!
4.The tan that I got for being out in the sun for two weeks. Aweseome! It was the best I ever had! I never tan!
5. Shooting all night at McGrath's in orem, the day after I sunburnt my legs. Wore pants (BAD idea, that's what made it blister! )
6. Rushing to my Neice baby blessing the morning of the all night shoot. Falling asleep immediatly after the blessing. Oooops :S Leaving the blessing lunch early because my legs started to swell and puff from the sun burn to buy aloe vera gel.
7. The comments I got from that lovely burn.
8. That Heavenly Father answers prayers. I lost some rings that were let to us for the shoot. Prayed and cried my little heart out while trying to find them, half way through the prayer my cousin annouced the props guy found them!!! One of the biggest lessons I learned on Pirates.
9. Brine Flies are evil. The only way you can avoid them is to keep moving. They would land on anything that stayed still, and moving is something could'nt do while they were filming! DAA!!! I have no idea how many I ate!
10. Laundry. I can't remember how many dead Brine Flies I would find in the folds of clothes, thank goodness we lived still in our aptartment, where I had access to all 3 washers/dryers at once. Laundry would have lasted much later than 12:30 a.m. if not! And believe me when you get home at 9pm after being in the sun all day that's late!
11. The friends I made. They have been awesome connections for more work! As well as good friends outside the film world.
12. How much I learned in a short time. And that it only drove my love for working film instead of dissolving it.
13. The darn buffalo on antelope island! One remote location we shot at, we had to use ATV's and travel 1/2 hr. to get to it. Had to drive though a herd of buffelo! I was so afraid they would charge the 4wheeler!
14. Talking to the electrican that accually got charged by a buffalo
15. Getting the 4wheeler stuck in the marsh. Which is how my pants got rolled up in the first place and how I got that nasty sunburn.
16. The Rangers getting mad at us for using the wrong path to the beach. (the story was we had two different ways we were told to get to that beach. The marsh apperntly was'nt the one we were supposed to use...oops)
17. Clipping the stories out of the newspaper after shooting on the GSL
18. Getting out of that remote location, removing props, costumes, electical stuff, grip flags etc... in the dark. And the 1hr. ATV ride back to base because the 4Wheeler I was on was so loaded down.
19. The pawn shop that we shot at. The faided painted signs on the front window that spelled "porn good" instead of "sporting goods" and that it made into the movie.
20. The Utah premiere, getting to see cast and crew again. Getting to see my name on the big screen. Just being able to see it!!!
Ok just one more...
21. That my cousin believed in me to do this, I was so nerveous! Thanks Deb for teaching me everything! I'm so glad that you've introduced me to the world of film.

Wow, remembering all that makes me hungery for working on film again!

I've been tagged!

2008-11-16T21:30:00.000-08:00

My friend Michelle tagged me to play this game: Go to your photo's. Pick the 4th file and then pick the 4th picture, post it and write! What fun! I tag the following: Andy, Christine, Melissa,
Heidi, and Rick.
Looking forward to your posts!

Okay The story to my picture.
The empty table is picture #4 but I want to write about picture #3 since there isn't much of story with that empty table.

This is the last day of shooting Yankels, a movie I worked on last summer. It was tradition for the caterer's to lay out a white Linen dinner the last day and serve things like Fillet Mignon and King crab legs. We were shooting outside and all night. Our base camp was a empty parking lot downtown Provo. It was September and surprisingly cold. I remember as we ate dinner at 2 am, we got several honks and stares.."what are these crazy people doing eating a fancy dinner in a parking lot with flowers and candles at 2am?".. I remember being so exicted that King crab legs were on my list of seafood safe to eat while pregnant.

Anyways the main thing I wanted to write about is my friend Natalie who I am pictured with in picture #3. Natalie ran the wardrobe trailer, she was also a good friend who help guide me through another "Baptism By Fire" movie experience for me. I love working on film, and I was so excited when I landed this job. They originally wanted me as designer, but heavenly father knew my limits of what I could handle. Pre-produciton prep time clashed with our trip to Australia..something I was not willing to pass up. So I got hired as Set Costumer.

Natalie was so paitent with me as she taught me how to run a smooth wardrobe dept. the right way. Re-teaching me how to do continuity books, setting trailers, extras, amoung other things. She was a super trooper and took on a lot. I am kinda glad this was the picture that was choosen. Because I feel like I can never say thank you enough to Natalie and Christie who were willing to take a chance on me and try me out.

Yankels was the biggest movie I've worked on and my greeness glowed neon bright the first day. These two girls helped protect me from those who were less willing to be paitent with a greenie and stuck by me the whole time. Knowing I could keep up with the high expectations. I am so thankful for all they taught me and I hope I can re-pay them by rembembering all they taught me in the future films I work on. And Boy did I learn a lot.

So here is another sincere thanks for Natalie and Chirstie...Thank you!

Speaking of movies. I got my frist gig since Yankels. Its just pick-up shots for a small local film. Nothing fancy. Since Lily has been doing super with solids and is at the point were she nurses just for comfort. I felt comforitable leaving her for a full day. Not that it was easy, poor Jason got calls from me every two hours to check up on her. Tomorrow is the last day and she will be with Grandam Rino. I've enjoyed working film again, but I've had a hard time missing my little girl. I got the biggest smiles and giggles from her this morning. Reminding me that the joy of her surpasses any other I've known.

Witchie! Witchie! Screamie! Screamie! Did You Have a Happy Halloweenie?

2008-11-04T14:20:00.001-08:00

Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf!

Uuuggg!! MOM! NO MORE PICTURES!!!

Happy Halloween! I know its late...but I've just now had time to post Halloween pictures. Here is my Little Red Ridding Hood. I made her dress, I wanted to make something that she could wear again...no problem there, the pattern I wanted to use was for toddlers! Tee Hee..That dress will be hanging in her closet forever! Good thing I think its cute!
I didn't dress up much this year. No time to make myself anything due to the fact I was busy making costumes for the rest of my family and planning a Halloween dinner that we totally went over board on, but it was well worth it. We (my friends Jenny and Stephanie) hosted a How to Host a Murder party for 16 people. Anyways I was up until midnight gluing rhinestones on Jason's costume. So all I wore was a Halloween Tee and funky tights and shoes. Next year I am starting in August.
I saved the best for last Jason decided what he wanted to be Thursday and I don't think I did too bad with such short notice. But then again its always the hair that makes his costumes.

Sweating to the oldies! I wish I had pictures of Jason's friend from work, who bought 4x clothes and then stuffed them with pillows.

Grandpa Rino and Lily...Grandpa really wanted to wear Lily's costume.

Daddy and Lily..aww how cute!

Other updates! Lily is now a pro at army crawling and she is fast! She also has 5 teeth and the 6ths is making an appearance. Her dexterity is getting really good, she of course finds all the small things she shouldn't play with. I find my self baby proofing the house all the time.
This little girl has the loudest shriek I've ever heard and she lets me hear it when she is really mad. My ears are left ringing a lot. She still thinks the dog is hilarious and loves to chatter and babble to her self in the mirror. We are also sleeping through the night (knock on wood) FINALLY! It took two nights (one really bad one). She wakes up at 6am (5 now 'cuz of DLS) feeds and then sleeps with us for another 2 hrs. Its not bad but at least its not twice anymore! Now we just have to work on self soothing for naptime (my music now is tired baby screams by Lily Rino on the monitor) That first night I had to call my mom and talk with her while Lily fussed for 45 min. but things went much better after that. I can now lay her down, she'll fuss for a few minutes and she's alseep! Ahhh a few hours of sanity before the next day! As much as I am relieved to have time to my self, I find myself missing her company even if it means I don't get anything done.

Just feelings to get out there.

2008-10-18T21:57:00.001-07:00

Ok first off I just have to say I really don't like election years. I never can keep up with the debates, issues and promises of each candidate. I hate the seemingly endless pettiness of the bickering and put-downs constantly thrown at each other. Its hard for me to look past these issues long enough to study them and choose. I know its important to vote, but all that turns me off. I'll admit I didn't vote last time because it was right after my wedding and for the same issues above. But now that I have a kid, home and things seem to be going south, I should really make an effort this year and get a move on it soon, since its just around the corner. So any one got some good sources put in Lamen's terms for my right brained mind?

My other thought was about this book I am reading. Parenting Inc. For parents I think it is a must read. Yeah I am reader of parent mags, book, sites etc.. But this book is nice balance to help filter the fluff and remember that parenting is about trusting your gut or taking how you were raised and relying on that.

Today's parents it talks about, are all about a product to fix the solution, early education, products replacing the time spent with your children. I'm supposed to be reading my book for my book groups (we are thankfully reading the same book) but I'm really sucked into this book.

The last chapter I read was about how we have all these toys that do things, lights, movement, music, singing. Supposedly meant to entice our children into early little geniuses but in reality it can make our children respond like mindless factory workers "yay! you pushed the right button, you're a brainy baby!" What about the simple toys that inspired the imagination?

Today I was watching my neighbor boys play in the back yard. They were playing some sort of war/action game. Weirdly as it sounds it made me miss those days when I could pull some sort of story like that out of my mind and act on it for hours.

It talked about kids in Dr's offices not wanting to play with any of the toys because they were "too old" and didn't do anything. I don't know what sort of fear I would call this as a parent, but I want my child to be able to take anything and be able to entertain themselves. Besides have you ever walked into a Toys "R" Us and tried to pick out a toy for a 6 mo. old? Its mind-boggling!!! I can't do it, I just get so over welmed. And really the things that will keep Lily occupied for hours are my old necklaces, spoons, pencils, small boxes and baby food jars.

I'm really glad that I am stay at home mom, yeah it was hard at first but being able to teach my child and see the reaction and have her learn from my actions, I know is the best education I can give her. Its nice to know what stage I will be facing next with reading parent media, but I also know that my child grows and develops at her own rate, giving her every single toy to promote that skill to be developed on time is not necessary. Something I felt from the beginning, but Parenting Inc. only helped confirm for me. I'm the best teacher for my kids, not some loud obnoxious toy.

Body World

2008-10-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post about my trip to Body World: The story of the human heart. What an experience! I first heard of this in my anatomy class a few years back. I went on a whim after seeing it advertised its opening week. It was so cool! I thought I would be grossed out. But to see real human bodies was breathtaking. I kept thinking it was some sort of Hollywood trick. The beauty of our bodies is amazing. The difference between a male and female body (besides the obvious) what I mean to say is after seeing the first full female plastination figure, there was a different fluidity to the muscle structure that was very graceful. I'm having a hard time finding the worlds to describe my feelings in seeing this exhibit, so I'll just let things flow.

I've done a lot of thinking after seeing it about the respect God expects to have for our bodies. Its pretty basic. Take care of our bodies and they will take care of us. Its a beautiful place for our soul to be. Again proof for me that he asks very little of us for something so grand. It makes me want to make sure I do the things I need to do to keep my self healthy. After seeing some of the things that can happen to the body if not well loved.

This machine so to say, is capable of so many things, its some thing that I use everyday to express my love to my child and husband through touch, hugs and kisses, its the muscles, ligaments, bones and tendons in my hands and arms that allow me to sew and create, it was the safe haven for my unborn child, the blessing it was to experience the growth of my baby inside was beautiful. To feel her movements and know I was entrusted to protect something so precious inside of me blows my mind. And to see that process from the inside was amazing. To know that my body knew how to do everything it needed to create this little person that is now the best thing in my life. (no, I only saw pictures of pregnant platinationed figures from other exhibits, there was none at this show. Still cool though.)

After seeing some of the hardships that can happen to the body weither pre-excisting or brought on by them selfs was hard to see. There wasnt' a lot of deformities. But to be the person to have to deal with something like Socoliocs, I dont' know how I would deal. And seeing things like the lungs of smoker's and Livers of heavy drinker's made me wonder how could someone decide to bring that damage upon them selves. ( I know I can find someone with their good reasons why they started doing either activity, but we'll avoid that converstaion) Like I said before this made me feel like I really needed to get a move on the take care of this body of mine.

It was facsinating to see all the blood vessels in the shape of hands, feet and heads. (they acomplised that by pumping the vessels with a plastic and then removing the surrounding tissue) voice boxes, the bodies tinyiest bone from the ear, an anthlete's heart next to a normal one, the criss-crossing of ligaments, muscles, bones and tendons in the arms and legs, the power of the stomic muscles in figures that were posed in action, the main organ of the body neatly packed in the torso.

oops. Baby's calling..gotta go. But if you do get a chance to go this exhibit is well worth the price. I have a hard time thinking about the human body the same way, i.e. I went to the Dr's last month and kept thinking about the tiny bones in my ears as he checked them and the lungs as he checked my breathing. Visit www.bodyworlds.com for info or www.theleonardo.org

What a cool thing, these bodies are.

Life's Awesome. Rock on!

2008-10-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

I love having a girl

2008-10-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of our journey to parenthood. I wanted a boy as my first. I always wanted an older brother and I hoped the same for my children. But nope, God had a different idea. And I got Lily. I can't imagine having boy at all! Not that I won't want one when and if God blesses me with one. But there are many things that you just can't do with boys. Like dresses and bows, and clothes...oh my the clothes. I can't help my self. I justify it by saying I had lots of clothes growing up, why can't she? Yeah bad idea, and my Mom doesnt help either. She is just as bad as me! Thank goodness they are kids who will be kids and on a rare and good day we only have to change clothes once.
Anyways I had to post this picture because it's too cute. Mommy has dug out the bows again! 'Cuz baby's got enough hair to put in elastics...I really hope she doenst hate me for this when she is older....watch all these cute girlie clothes and I'll end up with a tomboy...(LOL I'll love her just the same tomboy or not)

"My! Lily! What big ears you have?!!?"

2008-09-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

Friends. I had to post this, even though it is almost two months old. Its just so funny! (thanks H for letting me post it!)
This is Lily's friend Anna, who recently moved 'cross the country. We are so sad! We miss our bench buddies!
Lily and Anna are four days apart and are good friends. My friend and I took these picture while we were having a sewing party. The girls were rolling around and over each other, it was pretty comical. Then Anna who has super good fine motor skills discovered that she could grab Lily's hair and ears. Lily as you can tell did not like it! I had to grab a shot before I rescued her! But even after separating them Anna would still roll to find Lily.
Before our friends moved, it was so fun to have girls the same age. In church the girls liked to stare and coo at each other. Both mommies hoped that they would be good friends! We miss you D&H!!! But way to go on the new school adventure! We are rooting for you!

Long time no write!

2008-09-14T20:34:00.001-07:00

Yummy!! Strawberries!!
Lily now 8 months, is loving eating solids! She is doing really well with new things and mom is having fun making baby food. So far we have tired and loved: Sweet potatoes, Strawberries, Peas, Watermelon, Pears, Carrots, Bananas, Apricots. Lily can make a really good "What the heck is this" face with each first try but usually ends up liking anything I give her. Except green beans...way too bitter! Or she could be just like daddy and HATE them. I've tried several times to get her to eat them but NOOOOOOO...she won't have anything to do with them! I even made them myself and they were fresh from my friends garden!
Lily is sitting up by her self now and has sprouted her first tooth! (bottom left) and one is slowly making its way out on top. She hasn't been too grumpy during the process, which is nice. And she is REALLY good at grabbing now, you have to watch anything you hold because she is fast! She loves to grab at the keyboard and phones.

Lily is a pro at rolling, she now rolls to where ever she wants to go. And she is quick at it too! Its hard to keep her in one spot now, she know she can be on the move and let's me know! Lily plays on the floor in my sewing room while I work, after we are done in there both of us are covered in threads! Me from sewing and Lily from rolling around on the floor!
She has pulled her self onto her hands and knees a couple times now, so before I know it she will be crawling! Its been harder to sew with her since all she does is want to play. But I get my work done. Here are pictures of my first major alteration! I am so pleased with it!

I shortened the sleeves from a 3/4 length, brought up and lined the sleeves, front and back. Re-laid all the lace back down and then re-beaded it. It was a process, but it turned out really well! It wasn't as scary as putting sleeves on a strapless because this dress had sleeves and shoulders already. I was so glad to have it done though! The dress cost over $1,000!
Anyways my business has been going really well. I get a few dresses a week, its nice to have the extra income, which means I'll get my kitchen sooner! It also helps me feel like I am completing my goals while getting to be a stay at home mom as well.

I need to sign off, but hopefully I will be better at posting again more consistently!

Look What I did!

2008-07-31T09:04:00.001-07:00

Ever since I cut off over 20 inches of hair Oct. 2006 I can't stand to have my hair go past my shoulders. I just did this two weeks ago. ( I know, I know...I'm SO behind on my blog.) It hasn't been this short since I was in Grade school. But I love it! Its so easy, grant it that it doesn't look like this everyday. (imagine a slightly poofier version) I am enjoying the ease it brings to my morning getting ready routine.

Zap!

2008-07-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

No I didn't stick my toe into a electrical socket. Its that darn flash on the camera! Makes me go all CRAZY!!!

Lily Laughter

2008-06-30T11:08:00.002-07:00

Having Lily watch Chezabell has been the best way to get her to laugh. Now all we have to do is show her Chez's face and she goes into fits of screaming giggles. It tends to work best when she hasn't seen the dog for a couple hours, I took this video after a full day of quilt store shop hopping with my mom. Jason had sat down to play with her while I was cleaning out the car. I came in to them playing. She was screeching so loud that I could hear her outside!

Shop Hop was a lot of fun! I usually go with with Jason's mom and sisters but with my babe and Shannon's kids we all don't fit in one car anymore. So I opted to go with my mom. For those of who don't know what shop hop is, its driving from Logan to Springville hitting 15 store in 4 days. Its really a lot of fun, each year they do a theme and they give out prizes and play games at the stores. I'm not really a quilter, I have only finished 1 quilt, but I like to go to look at the quilts on display. This year I did get inspired and plan to make a 74" x 85" quilt for my self. We did 5 stores the first day and 10 stores AND the bead show the next. It was crazy! But I had a lot of fun hanging out with my mom.

My Dress!

2008-06-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

This is my Jane Austen tea dress! My friend is the president of the Costume Guild here, and she invited me to a tea party at Elizabeth's Tea House. All the ladies of the guild were planning on coming dressed up to have tea Jane Austen style. I was so excited! I made my dress and tried to do my hair some what period like (it didn't do too well, its too short to do anything fancy) I even had Lily in a dress too! And when I got there I was the only one in costume! Every one was looking at me like I was a polygamist, even though I felt a bit funny I did have a lot of fun and the ladies promised me that they wouldn't let a thing like a sci-fi convention get in way of finishing their dresses for the next one.
Empire waist its one of my favorite period dresses, but I do have to say its not the most flattering after having a baby. Oh well, the front shot of me I look grumpy but the other front shot I look even more chunky. Grumpy....chunky...frumpy...sigh..oh well.
The thing that I thought was cool about the fabric I picked is that I was watching a Biography of Jane Austen and they were showing a lot of shots from the Collin Firth BBC movie and the Lydia character wears a gown almost exactly like the one I made! Am I good or what?

My Monday Adventure

2008-06-24T11:37:00.001-07:00

So I think I am not cut out to run a whole house by myself...I had a very eventful Monday here at the Rino house.
Jason is with the young men hiking the Narrows this week, which I am totally jealous of! I have never been and he has shown me pictures and it looks beautiful! Anyways Monday's are always my busy day, food shopping, laundry and cleaning house. Monday is also a water the lawn day, which usually gets taken care of by Jason. The back yard has 4 Rain Birds ( you know those big spraying ones that go "pfft...pfftt...pfftt" ) and the front you have the big long hose with the sprinkler heads attached to it. Anyways to turn the back sprinklers on there are two holes in our back deck that you have to stick the key down into, which I have done before to let the dog run in them. But this time there must of been backed up pressure because when I turned it on, the head of one Rain Bird ROCKETED up past our huge rose bush followed by a fountain of water. It blew up and all I did was turn it on! It was also the sprinkler that Jason fixed and replaced a few weeks ago. All I could do was stand on the porch and laugh as I watched the water go.
Mind you I still have Lily in my arms. So to water the front I had managed to hook up the hose with Lily, but before I could get any farther. Chezabelle came charging at the gate barking like mad and with her hair all up on ends. Chez is a good dog for people but when it comes to other dogs its not happy. I though she has seen another dog. As I ran to back to her to make sure she did'nt ram the gate open to go chasing after it, which she has done before I noticed what she was barking at. A deer! a full grown deer with a rack!!! I freaked out because I have heard they have charged people before! So I put Chez back in and finished setting up sprinklers while watching this huge deer watch me from across the street. I was glad I didn't see it again last night. But after telling a neighbor about she called me this morning about a friend who lives a few street up and over who had let her dog ( a pug) out this morning and a deer started and attack and stomp on it! The dog is fine. But just proves we all have to be on the look out for Bountiful's mad local deer!

Finally!

2008-06-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to catch Lily when she laughs with the video, but each rare moment she did and pulled out the camera, she of course would stop! So tonight with Jason's help got a decent clip of it. Yay! She is laughing more often now. It sends both of us into fits of laughter our selfs because it sounds so funny. Some of the stuff we have tried to get her laughing is pretty silly. (i.e. what Jason is doing in above video) I just watched another video of me holding her up above my head and shuffling across the living room, she of course before I had Jason film us was giggling like crazy, but pull out that shiny camera and that's the end of that!

Is this cute or what?

2008-06-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Girls are way too much fun! Lily and I went for a walk with a neighbor this afternoon and needed a hat. I found this bonnet in her hat drawer. I about died when I put it on her! She looked so cute! I never thought I would be that mom who would make their daughters wear silly accessories like the bow in below picture.
But I can't help my self. I don't make her wear them all the time. Just for church and special outings. I figure that this is maybe the only time she will wear them with out too much of a fuss. And I do have to admit it is kinda fun to dress her up with accessories to match her outfits.

Lily has grown so much! We had another Dr's apt. Friday. 15 lbs and 27" long! That's a whole pound and 3" since our last visit. We also got more shots (*whimper*) She still is kinda grumpy.
She is starting to roll, mostly when you put her down she tries to, but her arms get in the way. She has also learned to laugh, its so cute! Chezabelle really gets her going, she likes to watch her play outside. I don't blame her, watching that dog streak across the yard is one of the funniest things I've seen.
How funny it is to me that we had to learn these things. Laughing just seems so second nature after I have been doing it for so long. I also think its funny on how excited we get after she learns a new skill, like reaching for toys or my face. Its such a cool experience to watch her discover her world around her and learn to use her body. I can't believe this is my job, I get to stay home and play! I told Jason that I finally have a job I don't come home and complain about for a hour!

Back on track (hopefully)

2008-05-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

"Whatever Dude!! I am like the hottest movie star ever!!!"

"Oh Hello, You handsome young thing! You wanna be my date?"

" Hurrah! Simply fantastic! I am like the hottest movie star ever, have the best date and we're off to my premiere!"

"Wow! a Oscar nomination?? Thank you so much!!!"

5 Reasons why I have not been blogging as much as I used to.
Pick your favorite excuse!
1. I am 4x4 1/2" coloums away from finishing a (aprox) 6x14" cross-stitch I have been working on for almost 3 yrs
2. I found all 3 LOTR 4 disc special edition DVD's at Costco and Jason and I have started a marathon.
3. I am going to a Jane Austin tea next saturday and I'm making my dress, period corset and underclothes, its soo pretty! Will post pictures!
4. (not a reason yet, but soon will be) I am busy altering beautiful bride's dresses for Mary's Bridal...simple alts. though...I still need to learn how to put sleeves in a strapless gown, and other complicated jobs. But hems, Bolero jkts, side seam take in's, shoulder lifts and beading I am you're gal!
5.WiiFit! I got it for Mother's day! I know not the traditional M. day gift, but I love it!! I got it today and played it for almost an hr! This Wii thing is pretty cool, I love how they are really getting people off the couch! If any of you are thinking of getting it..do its sooo worth it. But I think we will be moving our T.V. upstairs, there is no room to do push-ups!

Lily

2008-05-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

Book Worm

2008-05-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

This month I have been a big book worm. Our library is maybe a 15 min walk from the house so Lily and I go a lot. I like to get movies there because its free. The only thing this library has lot of old titles and only lets you check out 4 a time (the Sweet library would let you have 10 and had tons of new stuff to choose from) but check out time is 2 weeks so it kinda makes up for it and I can usually find some interesting titles. I've read some good and not so good books, so I'll do reviews!

"The Princess Diaries" vol. 1-4
Cute, but I've got to stop reading them and then writing (see below blog) I end sounding like a teenager writing. Grant that I don't have the best writing skills but I do try to remember what I was taught about grammer etc.. I like them because they are a quick read and before said, cute. There are like 5 more books still to read...I have them on tape.

"The #1 Ladies Detective Agency" vol.1-2
Really good, I first had to get used to the style of writing because it is very close to the way you would envision people from Africa to talk and tell a story. I liked the visual picture it paints in my mind. Makes me want to go to Africa to meet people like the characters in the books.

"The Sight"
I picked up the sequel first because it was in the just arrived section. "The Sight" is the first book. I had to push my self to finish reading. I have a hard time enjoying books when I can imagine the author writing it as I read. The idea of having a fantasy with wolfs as the main characters sounded interesting. But I felt I was reading a book that was chosen for a book club of those fantasy geeks in high school, the ones who were so in to Dugens (spelling?)and Dragons that they practically lived it? It was hard to keep up with all the made up jargon for the story.
I did read a bit of the first chapter of the second book, not sure if I am going to read it.

"Into The Wild"
Good book. Its about that guy who went into the Alaska wild to try and survive just off the land and ended up starving to death. It was a lot on his out look on life, his travels and how he died. His view of society is interesting, I don't think I could enjoy life the way he lived it, fascinating none the less. The only thing I didn't like much is the author broke off in the middle of the book to write about his own experience and that of others. Interesting but I thought it should of been more about the guy who died. But I guess it would be pretty hard to piece together the entire couple years this guy spent hitchhiking around the west coast, and he wasn't in contact with his family, so they wouldn't of been much help anyways.

"Anne of Green Gables"
Loved it, no wonder why its a classic. Makes me want to watch the movies. I listened to this one on tape and the gal who read it was pleasant to listen to. Books on tape can be ruined if who is reading has awful diction.

I mostly read when I feed Lily, which is quite often so if you got any suggestions. My couch is scattered with books and I can read two at time and listen to a book on tape as well. (look at me go)
p.s. I know its been a while since I have posted Lily pix. I will soon. I got some supper cute ones and I just relazed its Aussie Tues. oops..will have to post that later. I'm not writing anymore I've got a very tired babe!

Two Freak Outs

2008-05-09T10:36:00.001-07:00

Ok so my first freak out was last night when I settled down to watch "Scrubs" Since I can now squeeze it in before Lily's bedtime. If you guys don't know I am a huge fan, I only relgiously watch two T.V. shows "America's Next Top Model", "Scrubs" oh yeah and during the summer its "So You Think You Can Dance" I try not to be one of those all day T.V. stay at home mom's so I pick my favorites and try not to get sucked in everything else. Which itsnt that hard since our T.V. only gets the infomercail, spanish and channels 5,7,11,13,14, and 30 and the picture is pretty fuzzy.
Back to my original story my dyslexic brain flipped series with season. I thought last night was the end of Scrubs! And what a horrible ending to that, even for a season, it all didnt make sense. Why was Dr. Kelso still chief and what was Nurse Roberts doing there thought she died a season or two back? I as so confused...I'm not the only I went on the shows web site to make sure I wans't going crazy and yes they are there for another season and many people had the same questions as me. Anyways so a bit of relief to know one of my favorite things will at least still be here for a bit.

My other freak out happened a few weeks ago and I have been meaning to write about it, but havent gotten the chance.
So I was checking up on the "Pirates of The Great Salt Lake" myspace page and saw they had posted a behind the scenes at the GSL video. As I was watching it suddenly there was my face and I was talking! I had made the behind the scenes video! It totally threw me off guard and I started to squeal and act like I just won Miss America I was that excited! Jason made so much fun of me! But I really didn't expect to hear my self talking let alone see my self in the video. They ask me what its like to take care of all the clothes while shooting at the GSL, which thank goodness I didn't say anything stupid, I think I did a pretty good job. I talk about all the salt water lines all over the clothes and staying up until 11:30 doing laundry, which I know doest sound that late but when you are in the hot sun all day being attacked by Brine flies and you get home at 9 and all you want to do is sleep, believe me 11:30 is late when you have to stay up to do dirty, stinky, salty laundry with dead Brine flies stuck in all the folds of fabric...gross. I was really glad when were done shooting at the lake. If you want to see the video its www.myspace.com/potgsl and its the behind the scenes video...
Its kinda exciting to have a few seconds in the Limelights!

Aussie Tuesday Delayed

2008-05-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys. I got wrapped up in my cross-stitch (I'm almost done! its only taken me like 3 yrs!) and watching the 4th season of "Scrubs" which is one of my favorite shows. I got it for my birthday which was really pleasant by the way, we had family over for a BBQ. Jason was so excited to give my presents that he wanted to give them to me the night before. But I told him he could wait, he did...He gave them to me at 2:30am when Lily woke up to eat...he couldn't wait. I got as said before season 4 of "Scrubs" and season 1 of "Arrested Development". Which we finished watching first because its my most favoritest!
I really wish they didn't cancel it. There are so many people I talk to who enjoyed it as much as Jason and I did.

"This is the last time you're ever going to see these!"
~Kitty

So my Australia post will have to wait until tomorrow!

Thanks!

2008-05-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those who posted in the group blog! Keep posting! It was fun to check it and see that people had left stories! Some of them I don't even remember happening! Who else remembers the coconut?

Teaching

2008-05-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

Lily likes to look at the collage I made Jason for Christmas of our pictures from our Australia trip. I don't know if its just the reflection in the glass or if she is really memorized by the photos. He would point to each picture and tell what it was, it was cute because she was just starting at it wide eyed and attentive. He then pointed to the picture of the Sydney Temple and told Lily and said "This is the temple, its a special place. The temple means that you get to be with Mom and Dad forever and you'll get to go there someday." What a neat feeling it was for me to listen to him tell her what it meant to him. It got me to thinking that we as parents get to teach her the blessings that things like the Temple bring into our life.
I am excited I get to be teacher to her, but on the other hand it makes me nervous, this small person is totally dependant on me to show her what is right and wrong. I've noticed I have become more thoughtful of how my actions can effect those around me. I know soon enough she will be wanting to imitate every thing I do and I want to make sure when she does its not something I would be ashamed of. But then I think about how I don't want to create this being who is so 100% concerned about only making the right choice that she won't allow her mistakes to teach her. Of course I want to do everything to keep her from making choices that will hurt her. Sometimes that can be one of life's best lessons is to let mistakes teach us what not to do next time. Reading what I just wrote makes me laugh, I tend to worry so much about the future issues that I just have to remind my self that I know I will figure it all out when I have to deal with it, right now the only choices Lily has to make is to decide when she is hungry, tired or decides to give Mom the biggest diaper blowout she possibly can.

So Cute!

2008-04-30T15:31:00.001-07:00

This is Lily's new favorite game. Its funny because it surprises her and then she laughs and smiles! I love this age! Its way more fun than the newborn stage, she loves to play especially with daddy Jason always has Lily time after work (and after he says hi to Chez or else she won't leave him alone) Its so cute to watch them play.
Last Sunday while visiting Grandparents, Lily thought Grandpa Rino was so funny! She kept smiling, laughing and cooing for him! So cute!

Aussie Tuesdays 3

2008-04-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

The Taronga Zoo is one of the coolest zoo's I've been to. Its across the harbor, so you first have to take the ferry. Then after you get there and buy your tickets you climb into these sky car things...like the ones at Lagoon that take you across the park, its the same thing, it was really cool to see the whole zoo from above. All the habitats were well designed. The animals were really active too. Something it seems to me you don't get to see much at our zoo. Of course they had lots exotic animals, things like Dingo's, Tasmanian Devils (which I think look and move like the R.O.U.S's from Princess Bride) Kodak bears, Condors, Monitor Lizards, lots of super poisonous snakes and spiders, (another thing I was mad about I really wanted to see a Australian Funnel Web spider but they had taken the exhibit out) Anyways not much else to write about but lots of animal picture to share! (this might take more than one week:) )

A poem I wrote in church

2008-04-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am proud that I smell like baby...as long as it is the good baby smell. Not the sour spit up smell, which is most of the time...sigh...but once in a while like on Sunday I smell like the good baby smell. Soft and warm, those are the days I just want to hold Lily and take it in, because I know in the next 2.5 seconds that could change. (Jason! I need a burp cloth!! or a towel will work too!)

Here's my poem or what ever you want to call it.

Smelling softly sweetly sour.
Blotchy spots upon my sweater.
Such obvious proof of a mother.
This scent of Parfume de Spit-up

p.s. That last part is supposed to be said with a slight French accent. Like those fancy ladies who sell perfume in high end department stores.

Aussie Tuesdays 2

2008-04-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is Marilyn, (far right) Jason met her while on his mission. They have been good friends ever since, she calls and chats with us for hours every couple months. I love it! Even before I met her we would talk for ever, once for two hours straight! I think meeting her was the thing I was most excited about. We went to visit her our second day there. Jason didn't remember which apt. they lived in so we knocked on a neighbor's door, who showed us the right one. And as luck would have it she didn't answer. Jason had emailed that we were coming. We thought we would go to a beach to see if she was just taking her kids to school.
I think we went to Maroubra beach first and then Bondi. Jason has a different memory than me and says this pix was taken on Maraoubra, but why would I want a pix of me there and not on the famous Bondi? Whatever beach it was I think its a cute pix of us.
All the beaches we visited (3) every one was windy, being winter they were VERY empty! We got lots of strange looks from the locals because we were so thinly layered for such a cold winter apparently it was their coldest winter in 20 yrs!....yeah right cold ! 60-70 degrees I kept telling every one there that that is nothing and normal spring weather for us. If they want a cold winter they should of been here a couple years back when we had a huge storm in Feb. '03and the heater at my mom's house went out...yeah that was cold.
Apparently the third time is the charm, Someone was home the third time! She asked who was at the door and when Jason said "its Elder Rino" (Marilyn still calls him that) she screamed! When she finally opened the door she was covering her face and laughing and then shut the door on us! She really couldn't believe it was us! It took her a while to calm down after she let us in and we stayed for a good while chatting. It was really good to finally met this awesome lady. I felt like we had always been friends with how much we would talk over the phone.
It turns out she never got our email, that's why she was so surprised. Her youngest boy was also getting baptized the saturday after we would be leaving, she really wanted us to change our flight so that Jason could baptize him. Jason blessed her daughter while on his mission, so it would of been really cool that he could of done that for her, but there was no way that we could change things around. Also the Saturday that we were there was the wards temple night...yeah and guess who forgot their temple recommend? Me! I was so mad! I had left it home!!! That was one of things on my list of things to do there..a temple session with Marilyn. grrr.....that WON'T happen next time.

Next week: A visit to the zoo!

Remember?

2008-04-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Remember back in the days of Jr. High and High school how we used to brag about how much sleep we didn't get? And isn't it funny that when you become parents you start to brag about how much sleep you got?
What sort of high octane fuel were we running on, and most importantly where can I get some now? I remember doing lot of silly things to stay awake and now its any little trick to get baby to bed, so we can too.

Aussie Tuesdays

2008-04-15T19:59:00.001-07:00

I want to post about our trip to Australia, since many have not seen pictures yet. So Tuesdays are now Aussie Tuesdays!

We decided to go as our last Hurrah before baby came. It was expensive but WELL worth it. We went July 17-27. I know so short for such a trip...but hey at LEAST we made it!
We flew SLC to LA and then LA to Sydney, when we got on the plane to LA we sat on the tar matt for over and hour and never moved! The SLC airport was experiencing micro burst storms and they were limiting the amount of planes taking off at a time. We were the last plane to take off before they shut down the runway! We barely made it for the connecting flight, when we got to LAX we only waited 1/2 hr. before getting on the next plane! Talk about cutting it short!
We arrived in Sydney at 6 am and our hotel room was not ready yet so we went exploring. The harbor was only a 30 min walk, so we went there first...What a thrill to come out of the city and BAM! There's the Opera House. What a rush to see a famous landmark in real life. I had a hard time accepting I was really there. (See above proof, I touched it!) We ended up walking around the city for most of the day and ate dinner at the Sydney Hard Rock Cafe. Where I of course purchased a Hard Rock Tee.

Comming up next week on Aussie Tuesdays...Surprising Maralyn and lots of beaches!

Ten favorite things

2008-04-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

1. Lily, her laugh, smile, and "pheww!" sound after she eats or gets picked up.
2. Jason because he's still nice even after I am a grump.
3. Sitting in my sewing room listening to books on tape, while being creative.
4. Chezabelle because she is so entertaining.
5. Being awake enough to watch "Scrubs" again...its almost like reuniting with old friends.
6. That I can wear normal clothes now! And actually made it back in to my sz 8's!!! No more preggie pants!!!
7. Warm sunny days after winter and going for walks
8. Cadbury mini eggs
9.Watching Jason laugh hysterically at funny things. (right now its the fail blog website)
10. Getting to stay home with Lily and do what ever I want.

Lily's Visit to the zoo!

2008-04-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Monkey see, Monkey do.

Did you know Giraffes are my favorite animal? Such a funny design for an amazing animal, but somehow they move so gracefully. Even running.

I can't help but think of gowns when I look Peacocks, their tails move just like that of train of a real gown..makes me want to design dresses!

We went to the zoo yesterday! It was of course Lily's first and ours in about 4 years. Boy has it changed since the last time I went and since I was a kid, they took out a lot of things and have re-built most of the habitats. It was nice to walk around in the great weather and spend time with our friends, but I find it disappointing when things don't impress you as much as when you were kids..you know all those fun memories you have of all the cool places you've been and then when you go back to visit them they lost their charm? That's what this visit felt like to me.
Lily is still too young to get it but she had fun anyways playing with dad. (watch the cute video!) and slept though most of it. Its nice that admission is so cheap. When Jason and I were in Austraila last summer we went to the zoo and it was like $60 for the both of us! Now there is a real zoo if you ever get the chance to see it.

Thoughts and Mo hocks

2008-04-09T19:42:00.001-07:00

This is my new favorite picture of Lily. I like to give her baby mo hocks after her baths..I think its cute. This was the first day I did it.

An entry from my mother's journal.

Apr. 7th
Today my heart is full of much gratitude for my Heavenly Father that he has blessed me with such a beautiful daughter. I love and cherish (almost) every moment with her. I find that I long for her playfulness after she goes to bed and can't wait for tomorrow's morning smiles that greet me in dawns waking hours, its our time to share smiles and "coos" like little secrets between that mother/daughter bond that has become my life support.

Sniff, Sniff, Whimper

2008-04-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

Lily had her first set of immunizations today. I've been dreading her getting them for days now. But I have to say it went much better than expected. She was really happy at the beginning of the apt. smiling for the Dr. and imitating my "cooing" noises. She is now 14 lbs and 25" long! Way to go kid!
The look of shock that she gave me when the nurse gave her the shots was too much for me! I wanted to cry as hard as she did! Real tears and she clung tight after I picked her up, as well as most of the day, she would not let me put her down! Crying ANYTIME I got her with in 6" of her bouncer or crib. She finally calmed down early evening after sleeping on me, Anya (grandma Hammond) and my aunt Nancy who was visiting all day, we then went to a mom and baby massage class. Lily loved being massaged! What fun to hang out with other mom's and babies. I learned a lot about the benefits of baby massages. Like they of course sleep better, have less separation anxiety, gain weight faster, and offers good bonding time for both mom and dad. It was nice to learn it on a day that Lily really needed extra TLC.

Babies are awesome

2008-04-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

The other day I was feeding Lily while my mom and sister were over for a visit. Suddenly she pulled off and let out a belch that you would think only a grown man could..not a little baby. It was one of those that echo and have that deep crackle sound to it. We busted out laughing.
"Babies are awesome" my sister replies.

Sleep

2008-04-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

I took this picture Easter Sunday, she was out cold. I couldn't resist taking a picture in the middle of Primary... :s

Becareful what you wish for...Last night I was feeling pretty good about being a mom and was so excited for the next day..Lily is always really playful in the morning and her smiles and laughs make the 6:30 wake up call bearable. As I was getting ready for bed I was wishing it was morning so that we could play. Well it came true when I went upstairs to go to bed she was awake...dang it..I've got to be more careful about those things. Luckily she went right to sleep after a minute of rocking. As much fun as I have with her I am VERY jealous of my sleep time...no one messes with it (except for when Lily is hungry...then I am ok with being woken.)
she is starting to sleep more that 6 hours it seems at least once a week. Although its nice, I do freak out in the morning " oh my gosh!!! Lily didn't wake up at 4 a.m. to eat. Jason check to make sure she is ok!"
Lily is a noisy sleeper...snorts, whimpers, sometimes she wakes up screaming for no reason (can babies have nightmares?) which is really sad..tears and everything. I can tell when she is almost out...she laughs out loud, smiles big and then her head falls a slight degree lower with her smile changing to a very serious look. Once in the middle of sacrament when she was asleep she let out one of her long whimper/warble noises in the middle of the prayer..Jason and I had to control our laughter. Every time she does that we have to stop and laugh..its just too cute!

Someone's Special

2008-04-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

I had the camera sitting on the microwave for weeks ready to go on movie just to get this because she always stops when she notices you are watching her. Watch in the middle of her chasing she stops and changes directions.
Once when she was chasing it in the T.V. room she went lopsided and crashed into the T.V. stand. She gave me a very insulted look like I had made her crash into it....yeah someone is special.
Chezabelle has actually adapted very well to baby Lily. She was very curious at first to what the heck was making all those noises and smelled so funny. But now she just ignores Lily and every once in a while will give her a kiss and thats it...Which is nice one less thing I have to worry about.

I am hoping that trying to write everyday or at least once a week will get me in the habit of posting more often.

Baby Oh Baby

2008-03-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Lily on her Birthday
She always wiggles her arms and hands out of her burrito
Big Yawn!
I have a picture of me like this when I was a babe...She definatly has more of me in her face, Jason gave her her ears and feet. This pix was taken 3 wks ago...now she really has her own look and you can see more of Jason there.

Ok so I just spent a hour and a half writing this whole hour by hour story of her birth and then I got to thinking...Most of you have heard it anyways..She's now 2.5 months old, all of that is old news and if you really want to hear the whole story I will gladly email it you!

Being a mom is lots of fun. She really is a happy baby and is really content. She only really gets mad when she is hungery. The time has flown by really fast I can't believe we are already 2.5 months! She is holding her head up for longer period of time and loves to look around, she plays peek-a-boo, laughs and plays with daddy.
My mom's friend said "Kids are the best thing that ever ruined your life" Yeah I don't get to do much of what I want to do anymore..but I don't see my life as ruined. I get to stay home and play with Lily and she let's me sew!!! What could be better! We wake up in the morning, get dressed and hang out down stairs and sew! I've made easter dresses, things for her room, clothes for me. I love it!!

I've learned a lot in these last two months:
Multi-tasking..women seem to naturally master this fine talent but it up-grades to super grade when you have a babe. I can push the foot peddle on my sewing machine, rock Lily in her bouncer with the other, while with my hands sew fast and pin. All while listening to books on tape! When I finish a project I feel really good I've done way more than just sewing project!
Being lazy is ok! I used to feel fustrated when I would sit around and do nothing. Not so with my little one. I have given my self permission to relish doing nothing but holding Lily, playing and watching her...who cares about if my chores don't get done..she's only this little once and I am taking advantage of it.
Patience I find I have much more of it except when it comes to getting her to bed when she is wide a wake. I am firm believer in bed times...8 hits and we start our routine. She was sleeping 5-6 hrs before 8wks! One night last week it was almost 8 hrs! What a good sleeper!
She's her own person. Already she has strong likes and dislikes. I really didn't have a problem learning to love her. I always thought that was funny that you don't automatically love this being that you gave life to. I mean it would seem obvious wouldn't it? Its like making a new friend you have to learn how they work and think to be a good friend.

One of my goals is to write more..I need to be better so I can keep all those who live out of state up to date!

Halloween 2007

2007-10-31T20:08:00.001-07:00

Halloween 2007!!
Disco Stu and The Pregnant Mermaid!

Halloween at our house is kinda slow. We really don't get many tick or treaters (5 this year! two more than last year!!) This year we dressed up but didn't have anyone over or went anywhere. But that's okay we got to at least spend time together and talk! (a rare thing due to Jason's work and school schedule!)
Me? as soon as I put on my costume the trick or treaters stopped coming. ( I had a fitting for a woman I am making a dress for and didn't get a chance to change) I made it for An October Evening a fashion event that is put on with SLCC fashion institute and a local designer. I was the costume judge for the costume contest. I just thought it would be funny to be a pregnant mermaid. I was planning on being a mermaid anyways since I had bought this fabric for that purpose when I was in LA in January. I just wish I got to wear it out more, looks like I will just have to take it in for next year!
oh p.s. being pregnant and wearing stilleto heels don't mix...

Jason only decided what he was going to be last week, I found the jacket at DI and glued all the rhinestones. Jason laughed at me and said I was having too much fun with the sparklies!! Come on how often will a guy let you glue sparkles all over his clothes and will actually wear it??? The back of the jacket says DISCO STU. I think Jason's goal each year is to find a halloween costume that he can fro his hair out. This year it won him $25 bucks at a costume contest at work! He won second place! My favorite is the pants, I took a pair of old tapered jeans of his and made them into bell-bottoms, just cut up the sides and put in the bright green. I wanted to do a 70's flowered print that I had in my fabric stash but Jason vetoed it, he said that I was starting to have too much fun! I wanted to rhinestone the green part that I sewed in but he also said no that...oh well at least he gave me free range on the jacket...but I think he should of let me do more...I mean my work won him the $25 bucks right??...or was it the hair?

Chezabelle

2007-10-16T20:52:00.001-07:00

First sign of trouble

Oh geez....
"what me?? noo...way!"

Meet Chezabelle. Our 4 yr. old Staffie Terrier.
So the story for the above pix. Jason was up in Idaho for work and Chezabelle and I were hanging out at home, when she went up stairs and I really thought nothing of it, a lot of the time she likes to sleep on the upstairs couch but in stead I heard skittering sounds and then quiet. I knew that ment trouble. I came up stairs and found the toilet paper in the hallway and as you see in the bathroom too! That was about half the roll!!!! I found her sitting on our bed giving me that "me? not me!" look. I think she was really confused that Jason didn't come home that night!! She was soo antsy the whole night!
Anyways we've had her for almost a year now! We adopted her last December when Jason made a stop at Petsmart to look at fish. He had always wanted a Staffie since his mission in Australia. He wouldn't take no for an answer either. Which I am totally okay with since she is a total sweetheart!
There are so many Chezabelle stories I could tell...so I will just give highlights.
-Ask Jason how the dent in the T.V. room wall came about...yeah we don't play KONG in the house anymore..she ran into the wall chasing it.
-Ran into the upstairs couch so hard, it hit the wall and gave her a bald spot right smack in the middle of her head.
-Knocked me flat on my back when I tried to kick her ball across the lawn when playing outside.
-Nothing phases her when she is playing, even running into the rosebush...Jason couldn't get her to sit still to pull out the 20 thorns out of her face.
-Favorite things to chase: KONGS, Balls (any shape. popped 2 of Jason's basketballs, and ruined 3 of her own) Snowballs (eats them too) Water from the sprinklers, hose and shower.
I could make the list got on, but I am getting tired and I am ready for some sleep!
Till next time!

Because I Design it

2007-02-24T22:03:00.000-08:00

I picked my name because I design it. I design everything in my life and its fits in a lot of ways. I design clothes, costumes, I am currently designing the interior of my home, as well as things for my up coming fashion show in April. I design how I want to live my life and what I want to make it be about. The mind had the great ablititly to do so and I plan to use it to all its advantages in creating and designing my life.

I like that word "create" for me it means I'm in charge and its my "creation" I again Designed it.

I have to give credit to one of my best friends sister for inspiring me to start this. Ki, I have enjoyed reading your blogs (Andy gave me the links as he was showing me the photo shop headings he did on yours, his own and Heathers) for quite some time. I laugh at the Valor stories (Post more!) your philosophical ones make me think (sarcastically: "was that supposed to be the idea?"...that was funny..laugh!) and I enjoy your style of writing.

I started to write a full blog but found that the lateness of the hour and the many detalings that are involved in telling how our dog came into life is quite a daunting task (that was going to be the first entry), as I think that I really need to get to bed and prepare that sunday primary lesson for the 10 year olds that I teach.
See somehow that last sentence didn't all come together and my brain has offically shut down for the day. I'll just have to try this again later.

MaryDesignz

Cravings

10 years after 9.11.01

Art Meets Fashion!

Verdict on THE dress

A Bittersweet Day

Can't resist!

First day of school! First day of school!

Lily Update

Oh just a quick update on our family

My Pet Peeve and some venting about it

Photo Shoot

Death can be so sudden

My wards blog

Pics from Raw Couture!

Lily's first instacare visit.

My Sore Spot

I won!! I won!! I won!!!!!!!

Lily's Birthday!

Some of my work

My Thanks

My new blog!

Happy Halloween!

Whew!

Lily

My Internal battle

Lily Update!

Lessons

A Proud Mommy

Thanks! But next time...use less soap.

My Anne Shirley experience

Birthday Girl!

Huh?!...Funny!

Arrrgghhhh!!! Thar be pirates!!!

I've been tagged!

Witchie! Witchie! Screamie! Screamie! Did You Have a Happy Halloweenie?

Just feelings to get out there.

Body World

Life's Awesome. Rock on!

I love having a girl

"My! Lily! What big ears you have?!!?"

Long time no write!

Look What I did!

Zap!

Lily Laughter

My Dress!

My Monday Adventure

Finally!

Is this cute or what?

Back on track (hopefully)

Lily

Book Worm

Two Freak Outs

Aussie Tuesday Delayed

Thanks!

Teaching

So Cute!

Aussie Tuesdays 3

A poem I wrote in church

Aussie Tuesdays 2

Remember?

Aussie Tuesdays

Ten favorite things

Lily's Visit to the zoo!

Thoughts and Mo hocks

*Sniff, Sniff, Whimper*

Babies are awesome

Sleep

Someone's Special

Baby Oh Baby

Halloween 2007

Chezabelle

Because I Design it

Sniff, Sniff, Whimper