THE LOOP SCOOP

Lately...

2011-07-15T03:03:00.000-07:00

Multitasking.

Fell asleep mid-toy grab

These two melt my heart.
Nobody can get Henry laughing better than his buddy Will.

Who couldn't love this baby!!!

Hi y'all,

I know I have been slacking lately. I'd like to say that it's because I'm swamped to the moon with this baby thing, but that just wouldn't be fair to Henry - 'cause he's easy. I'm pretty well convinced that I got the most easy-going baby possible. He wakes up at nine with a giant smile on his face - which he basically keeps up throughout the entire day. He takes catnaps during the day, which would bother me if he didn't go down at night...But every night at 9pm, I lay him in his bed and after 2-4 minutes of fussy whining, he zonks out - for 12 hours. Sure, he totally wears me out all day, consistently demanding my full attention be on him. Generously providing me with a seemingly infinite number of opportunities for diaper changing, feeding, holding, playing, bathing, wiping, soothing, snuggling, washing, watching, rocking, singing, & smiling - but all of it is manageable after a night of uninterrupted sleep (the fact that he's so cute probably helps as well). I use to think I wanted 6 kids - but I told Brett the other day that I'm scared to have more kids because I fear that my next one will be a hellion... Just to even the score.

My life has been pretty uneventful of late, but here are some of the "high"lights:

-I am redecorating my living room - and I am very excited about it.
-I am designing a photo wall collage for our heretofore mentioned redecorated living room
-I have spent way too much time organizing and re-organizing my photo frames 1,000 different ways...And I still can't get it just right.
-I am obsessed with the color palate of my new living room. Everywhere I go I find something that I feel could be somehow incorporated into my design, simply because it bears the right hue.
-I will post pics in 38 years, when I finally complete the photo wall & finish the room.
-Henry rolled over last Sunday - He probably could have earlier, but I always forget to do tummy time. #lamemom
-My little sister gets married in less than a month!
-I'm also obsessed with her wedding colors.
-I FINALLY wiggled my way into my pre-pregnancy jeans. They don't fit like they once did, but hey - they're ON.
-I find that even though I am almost back to my pre-baby weight... It's TOTALLY distributed differently. I don't so much care for that.
-I am carb-free, and therefore, ornery.
-In case you didn't know...Everything good in the entire world has carbs in it.
-I miss mashed potatoes
-I love SYTYCD - it's the highlight of Brett & I's week (is that sad?)
-I unintentionally talk like a baby to adults on a regular basis.
-Will beat me at "Go Spidey" (Spiderman "Go Fish") 3 out of 3 games today, and I didn't even let him win.
-We went to the Circus Gatti on Tuesday. I''m just medium about the Circus (not sure why) It turned out to be a really fun family outing, and watching will get excited makes it totally worth it.
-Everything is more fun with excited little kids by your side.
-Ok, not EVERYTHING
-August is going to be a month of vacations and driving. Utah, then Coeur d'Alene, then Lake Chelan. Here come the Griswolds!
-I made freezer jam with my MIL & SIL's. It's the best jam ever. And not carb-free.
-I made a Google+ account. I loaded a picture of myself 6 days ago... that's pretty much it.
-Will & I are looking to be successful gardeners this season. Our flowers are beginning to bloom!
-It would certainly be discouraging if they didn't bloom, as I purchased "Guaranteed to Grow" flowers that prefer shade & moisture - Which we pretty much have every day here in WA.
-I want a Kindle.
-Henry talks gibberish all day long. It used to be really cute...Now it's evolved into this constant high pitched screech. Like a bird being tortured. It's not extremely pleasant, but ok...still a little bit cute.
-I've been doing AbRipper every day (almost every day) (most days) (often).
-Laundry is my least favorite thing to do. I love clean clothes. I hate folding them.
-But I'll tell you this about my dreaded chore...though they are rare, every once & a while I have the good kind of laundry day. The kind of laundry day where my domestic goddess emerges & I successfully complete ALL the laundry steps (washing, drying, folding & putting away) in the same day - I like these days. I feel GOOD. Productive. Unstoppable. (Such an exciting life I lead) On domestic goddess (DG) laundry days I find myself making comments to my family members like "Hey, was it hard for you to choose a pair of socks with so many choices before you?" or "Wanna smell your sheets? I'll come with you, lets go smell your sheets" or "Oh man, I can barely shut this drawer because it's so jam-packed with freshly washed shirts". My family (knowing the joy I get from having a very productive day) always lovingly humor me... I appreciate that.
-Yesterday was one of these DG days. So, yeah... I'm feeling pretty good. Fresh towel, anyone?

I'm tired of typing.
Farewell...

The "801".

2011-06-28T20:08:00.001-07:00

Henry & I went to Utah last week. My beautiful little sister, Katie, is getting married in August & I was named "Maid-of-Honor"... So I threw her a Bridal Shower. They are the most good looking couple I have ever seen, and I am so excited for them to reproduce & have freakin' gorgeous babies - but I guess i'll let them focus on the wedding first. It was a great time with my family, even my sister Christie came, it was so much fun having all of us together. Even though I have a wonderful baby, who smiles non-stop & is rarely fussy, I still am not a fan of traveling by plane with an infant. I especially hate airport security. I hate that I have to wake my sleeping baby, take him out of his carseat, take the car seat off the stroller, fold up the stroller (while holding a very chubby baby, mind you) remove both my shoes, and his shoes (really? You think I can hide something in those teeny little shoes?), put the stroller & carseat on the conveyor belt, along with the rest of my personal items & walk through the scanner... Only to have to reassemble everything once I get through, put junior back in his carseat, and hope he falls back asleep for the duration of the airport wait time, due to a DELAYED flight. But anyway... moving right along... Utah was really fun. Henry was totally spoiled by his grandparents & aunts & great grandmas & friends & of course, his first cousin - once removed (hehe). My step-sister, Katie gifted Henry some BABY TOMS. How adorable is that? I can't wait for him to fit into them. As a result of the spoiling - when we returned home, my baby would not let me put him down - He was used to being held all day, every day - passed around & played with non-stop. It took us a day to ease back into life at home, but it was worth it... Henry LOVES his Utah peeps, and so do I. Here are a boatload of pics from the trip.

Happy boy swinging with G-ma & Aunt Christie

SISTERS

Me with my little man

Henry & Auntie Katie (Bride-to-Be)

Cuddling

Sara aka the baby whisperer (Henry fell asleep in her arms every time she held him)

My cousin Amanda & her "Lil' Mac"

The future Mr & Mrs. Locke. Love these guys!

Miss you Ang :(

My not-so-little-anymore sisters. Aren't they gorgeous?

Love you Brooky! Wish you lived by me :(

Henry, Johnny & Charlotte. The 3 most adorable babies in the world.

Henry loves his Grandma

Henry got to spend a whole day, without mommy, with his Grandpa Steve & Grandma Donna, he sure is loved!

That's all there is...there isn't anymore.

pics from Henry's blessing day.

2011-05-08T01:40:00.001-07:00

I'm a slacker... I know.

Here are some pictures from Henry's Blessing Day. He didn't cry, or have a blow-out. That made for a great Blessing day & a happy mommy. My Mother-In-Law MADE his adorable Blessing outfit. I absolutely LOVED it.

Content.

2011-05-02T01:34:00.000-07:00

As I sat on the couch last night with my not-so-jazzed-up-to-go-to-sleep-on-this-particular-night-even-though-he-is-a-wonderful-sleep-thru-the-night-dream-normally baby, I didn't feel frustrated, or impatient, or tired, as I would have perhaps expected to. I felt content. I just looked at my wee little one as I have thousands of times since the almost eight weeks since he made his {fashionably late..ahem} arrival into this world, and just smiled. I put on my Moby Wrap (which I just barely took the time to learn how to use and it is frickin' awesome, get one!) and let my baby have some skin-to-skin with his momma for a while. And there he remained for several hours. There is something so calming about a sweet little babe bundled close, asleep on your chest. I didn't want that moment to pass. I keep wondering how I got so lucky to get this little peanut... I am completely smitten. And I don't know what I did to deserve it...but he thinks i'm pretty awesome too. (Or maybe he's in it for the milk...)

Motherhood is awesome. And I am so glad I joined the club. I like to think I took the express course, as a little over one year ago, I had zero children (and a much smaller pant size - but I won't get in to that) and now I have two. Zero to two is not exactly how I planned it in my head when I used to daydream about my future- but it certainly is the absolute only life I can picture for myself now. I feel lucky to have an awesome step-son, who is hilarious, and incredibly smart - I think he knows more facts than I do - I KNOW he knows more facts than I do...I often feel the need to pretend I know what the heck he's talking about - just to feel better about myself -you know, because he's FIVE...and I am not five."William, Of course I knew that a male duck has a green head, and a female duck has a brown head, so she can camoflauge herself and her eggs, duh... doesn't everyone?"

And i'm luckier still to have a new little cuddly & cool bebe boy, who I can't believe I ever lived without. Life is not always easy...Ok, it's rarely easy... But it's funny how much easier and more enjoyable it is when you are surrounded by little ones. There are few things that bring me more joy than being around little fingers & toes, finding teeny weeny socks in my endless laundry-to-fold-and put-away-only-to-wash-fold-and-put-away-again-in-two-days pile, hearing little prayers, kissing chubby cheeks, receiving giant bouquets of dandelions picked at preschool, watching little milestones, finding a clean shirt in my closet that miraculously doesn't have milk on it, pretending to laugh like crazy at the "funniest joke I ever heard" (and then trying to keep laughing at each attempt he makes to actually tell the joke correctly...usually that doesn't ever happen), snuggling a freshly washed baby, mashed potatoes (not on topic, but brings me joy nonetheless), and just feeling needed- I love being a mom.

I guess i'll wrap this rambling speech up already...sorry, my readers (aka, Mom)
Happy Monday... I best be getting started on that heap of miniature laundry... Or actually maybe first i'll eat a box of Charelston Chews, then laundry... Wait, no...Charelston Chews, then watch the Price is Right, then laundry.

Maybe I better just reschedule laundry for Tuesday... I wouldn't want to overdo it.

Cheers!

brotherly love.

2011-04-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

rain.

2011-04-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

It won't stop raining. I actually like rain. I love it. It is one of the many reasons why I love living in the beautful Pacific Northwest. Rain never bothers me, even this constant rain. That is, it never bothered me until I became a mom to a 5 year old. ...A 5 year old who loves gardening, and going for walks, and catching bugs, & having stick races in our creek, and just even going to get the mail. And who can blame the poor kid? So rain?... I love you, but please take a hike - a little boys sanity is at stake here.

My baby at 10 days old.

2011-04-01T02:57:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast this all goes. My baby is almost a MONTH old! But on the up side he is getting some pretty yummy, adorable chub under his chin. I also have this going on ... but it's not quite so "adorable" on me... Thank goodness for photoshop. Here are some photos taken by my SIL when Henry was 10 days old. I love that little tongue. it's always out. I am proud to say that my son inherited my ridiculously long tongue. Perhaps he will be able to touch his nose with his tongue like his mother. Because everybody needs a useless talent. p.s. Happy April Fools Day. I have never pulled an April Fools Day prank. I know, right? The truth is I'm just not the pranking type. I am a wimp, a peacemaker. a don't-rock-the-boat type gal. Non-confrontational, if you will. I'm the one that spoils the pranks almost immediately. I can't stand even the slightest human suffering. I feel the intense need to let that individual know that it's a joke. Even though I know a person will only be temporarily in-the-dark, I still get anxious for them. I can't help it, that's just me. I'm a prank ruiner. I will ruin your pranks.

"Please, no more pictures..."

He smiles nonstop. Usually when he is falling asleep or has gas. But it makes me squeal everytime. I love it.

See what I mean about that tongue? Snake-like. I couldn't be more proud.

the best day of my life.

2011-03-17T00:07:00.000-07:00

My Henry,

I thought that one day you may want to hear the story of your birth day:

On Tuesday (March 8th) I had an appointment with my OB. I was over 41 weeks and anxious. My mom had flown in from Utah the previous Wednesday and we were all just (im)patietly waiting for you to decide to make your appearance. My OB let me know that she had scheduled my induction for the next day (Wednesday) at midnight (So I guess technically Thursday). Ugh. I was still hoping to go into labor on my own, but I was making absolutely no progress. Dilation at zero, and no signs whatsoever that labor was imminent. At the end of my appointment my OB decided to quickly do an ultrasound scan to be sure everything looked good. She discovered that my amniotic fluid was a little low. This changed our gameplan... I was told to go to the hospital to be admitted immediately.

I called your dad, who was at work, and told him to meet me at home so we could head to the hospital together. I quickly packed up a few things, checked that we had the carseat & suitcases in the car, and said a prayer. When dad got home we excitedly drove to the hospital, holding hands the whole way. It felt a little strange to be heading to the hospital to have a baby, when I wasn't actually in labor - it wasn't exactly how I pictured this experience to go. I was so excited, I began crying. Dad squeezed my hand and told me he loved me.

Once we got to the hospital (around noon) I was taken to my labor/delivery room. We had taken a tour a few weeks prior so I was excited because I knew there was a jacuzzi tub in the room and I looked forward to utilizing it - Something I never got to experience... But i'm jumping ahead. I got into a hospital gown and they put in my IV. The hospital was busy, so within an hour period I had 5 different nurses checking on me. The first thing your Dad did after we settled into our room was order from the menu (We both were allowed 3 meals per day) The food was pretty good. After a few hours my contractions started, and I immediately felt grateful that I hadn't experienced a contraction earlier. They are NO picnic. as time went on they got progressively more intense. At around 6:30pm, my doctor came to check me for dilation & to break my water. Well, I was still at a zero, which meant she couldn't break my water. I was frustrated. After my doctor left the room, Dad decided to go get some Taco Bell. We both felt justifiably safe about him not missing anything. But about 5 minutes after he left... my water broke on its own! I remember lying there thinking "Oh my gosh, I just pee'd my pants" I was really embarrassed. But then the fluid just kept coming and coming and I finally realized this was not me peeing my pants. I was relieved ;)

After my water broke, my contractions got really bad. And suddenly they began to shift from my front to my back. I remember thinking "this can't be normal". The doctor explained to me that I was experiencing back labor. It was brutal. I reacted a lot differently than expected. At first I cried and moaned through each contraction...I repeatedly said things to my nurse like "Please, if you don't help me, I will die". And at one point I remember telling your dad that I was all done - that we coud just pack up our things and head home because I wasn't able to handle this. Clearly I was talking nonsense... Your dad had to remind me that simply leaving the hospital wouldn't make the pain stop...You were still going to come! :) I wasn't able to get an epidural since I was only dilated to a 1 at this point, so eventually I realized that the only way I could get through the contractions was to stay completely still and silent. I got on all fours (since my labor was in my back) and began to concentrate and breathe through each contraction. And for the next 4 hours I went into a state of silent meditation. I was a bit frustrated because I know that your dad thought I was asleep. While really, I was very much awake, and experiencing the most pain I have ever felt in my life.

Around 3 or 4am I was in so much pain, I began mumbling incoherently about how I needed an epidural. The nurse told me that even if I were dilated enough to receive one, there was no anesthesiologist available at the moment. Around 7am though (now dilated to 2 1/2) a man came running into my room, an anesthesiologist! I think I told him I loved him. He told me that he had literally 5 minutes before he needed to be back up in the OR for a c-section, but that my nurse had been pestering him so much that he came to my room on his way. I could have kissed my nurse! The epidural was really painful for me, since I was laboring in my back, but once I had it, I was in HEAVEN. After that, things started to progress quickly - I think it was because I wasn't under so much stress.

At around 10am I was checked and I was dilated to a ten! My nurse said she could feel your head! You were really COMING! We quickly called your grandma Laura, who was at my aunt Linda's house. My nurse told me that we could start pushing within the hour. She left the room to go get my doctor. Right when she left, I felt a sudden strong urge to push. I buzzed for the nurse. She came back in smiling and told me that since this was my first baby, I probably would be pushing for an hour or two. But I just knew I wouldn't be. I felt such strong urges to push. I knew you were close, that you were ready, that this was IT! My doctor came in and confirmed exactly that... And jst like that, I began pushing. Grandma Laura got there just in time to see the pushing. I pushed for only about thirty minutes. As strange as it may sound, I LOVED the pusing part. I felt empowered, and excited. The feeling of you leaving my belly and entering this world was indescribable. It was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced in my life. I think I did about seven rounds of pushing and then there you were. Born at 10:49am. I heard that little cry and just melted with relief and joy. Your Grandma Laura cut the umbillical cord. I had so many emotions overwhelming me. Immediately after you were born they put you on my chest and I just stared at you. Your dad cried. I was crying too and shaking so hard. I think I was in shock. I remember being afraid to hold you because I thought I would drop you. The rest seemed like a blur. They swooped you up and measured & checked you. It didn't feel real to me, I felt like I was in a dream... Like I was watching something incredible happen from somewhere else. I don't think reality truly set in until they wheeled us into our recovery room. They put my sweet, swaddled baby boy in my arms and I just cried. I felt so grateful, and I couldn't believe how much love I already had for this little life. I couldn't stop staring at you. I still can't stop staring at you.

And that was the best day of my life.

worth the wait.

2011-03-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

Henry Steven Hodson
Born March 9, 2011 @ 10:49am
7lbs 9oz 20in

Later I will tell you all about my labor (ugh), the delivery, and my sweet Henry's first hours of life. But right now I am too busy giving him eskimo kisses.

So for now, here are a few photos...

Humph.

2011-03-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

I logged on fully intending to blog about something else entirely... But then I glanced at my Baby Boy Hodson countdown button to the right. And I frowned (aka cursed). Listen BabyNamey.com... Just because I have reached 40 weeks does NOT mean that my baby is "one day old". He is still in my belly. And my back aches, and my feet hurt, and I am exhausted, and my husbands coat doesn't even fit around my belly, and I miss my feet, and people keep asking me all day long if he is here yet. And he isn't.

My countdown methods have turned on me. They used to to be fun. I logged into my What to Expect IPhone countdown app and in place of the usual countdown number, look what is now says:

That's right..."Today is the day!" That's just cruel.

And that's all I have to say about that.

I love you baby boy. I know you'll be here soon. You wouldn't be my son if you didn't live by your own agenda... just like your momma. <3

anxious.

2011-02-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

I know he will get here eventually. But as I have shared with (whined to) friends and family (and anyone who will listen) a part of me can't help but feel like he will never come. That he will shrink back down to a little embryo, then disappear altogether. And doctors will be baffled and will study me and exclaim that they have "never seen anything like it." It's hard not to feel like that at this point. At my doctor appt today, my OB let me know that I have made zero progress. I know, I know... It can happen "like that" and he will "be here before I know it". But I'm ready now! Baby clothes are washed, sorted by size, folded and put away, crib is up, diapers/wipes are stocked, car seat is buckled in, jogger is assembled, & mom is sufficiently fat.

Come on Baby Henry... Momma wants to snuggle you.

love.

2011-02-15T00:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day to my sweet Hubby & best friend. I don't know where I would be without this man. But I know I need him, and I can't help but feel like the luckiest gal in the world to have him. I love having a husband that is never the source of my stress... But is the remedy. I love that I get butterflies every time he calls or texts me. And I love that I count down the minutes until he gets home at the end of the day. I love you B. Thanks for being mine.

On another note entirely... Anytime this baby would like to make his appearance he would be most welcome... I'm ready- to say the least. :)

10 to go...

2010-12-21T15:43:00.000-08:00

Today I am 30 weeks. I can't believe I am going to have a baby in 10 weeks. There is so much I want to get done before the baby gets here... But at the same time I can't wait to meet my little man. My favorite thing to do these days is to lay or sit and just watch my belly move. It's an incredible thing to experience. I feel so grateful to have this little life inside of me. I love you, my baby boy.

a blog post.

2010-12-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

Oh, hey...you're still there?
I know, I have been a sucky blogger lately. Since I am now a stay at home woman preparing for full time mommyhood - one would think that I have ample free time to blog about all the wonderful things I am doing lately. Well that is half true- I do have ample time. I choose not to blog, because, um... well because (thinking of excuse) Got it, my hands are retaining so much water that it is painful to type. No good? Well that's all I can come up with.
The truth is I just haven't felt like it. Yeah, I said it.

The "wazzup" in Lisa Land:

I am retaining a lot of water... that wasn't technically a lie. My wedding ring won't fit...Like at all.

I sweep my floor 3 times a day. The downside to a house with zero carpeting.

I watch a lot of HGTV. Then I look around my house, realize I have no eye for style and keep on watching. I'm hoping one day the design tv watching will have a creative effect on me... But all it seems to leave is a fat effect...on my rear end.

Besides DIY home shows, I hate reality television. Yeah, I said it. Jersey Shore, Wife-Swap, Keeping up with the Kardashians?... It's out of control. I actually saw a commercial for some type of car salesman sell-off competition show. REALLY? Who the freak cares?

I love that my tree is up. At night I turn off all the lights, plug in the tree, put on my Snuggie (it's true) sip hot chocolate, and sit perfectly content & cozy.

I went to the doctor today & junior is right on track.

Baby boy likes to kick the most between 1am and 4am. I'd like to tell you it bothers me, but it doesn't. No matter how uncomfortable I am all night, how much my back aches, how often I have to pee (which is roughly 8-10 times per night) or how sleep-deprived I feel... That feeling simply doesn't get old. Feeling those little kicks & movements is the best feeling in the world. I am so in love with my baby.

Today I went to the library to read a book and there was a group of rowdy teenagers chatting loudly for the full 2 hours I was there - Whatever happened to the librarian that went around shushing people?

My stockings are hung by the chimney with care.

I talked to my friend Kate today, and it made me really, really happy.

Thanksgiving was great. I'm pretty sure I gained 23 pounds. give or take 20.

I can't wait for December 23rd. We are driving home to see my family. Yes...DRIVING. 14 hours in the car + one emotional pregnant lady = thank goodness I married a patient man.. But I am so excited to see friends & family. :)

I really want a pet turtle. Sometimes I go to the pet store and look at them. Then I think about B's reaction when I brought home a wild bunny Will & I found...then I go straight home.

Yesterday William told me that he and his friend Elijah aren't really that close anymore because Elijah doesn't have matching coats with him anymore, Elijah wears a different coat. haha... Oh to be a small child :)

We have a house elf that visits our home every day in December until Christmas. He then reports back to Santa at night. There is no greater joy than watching Will search for that elf each morning, and chat with him all day.

That's all for now.
I love you, my friends.
Cheers!

In 5 days...

2010-10-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

In five days it will be:
a) my 24th birthday
b) B & I's 6th month anniversary
c) a Sunday

boys.

2010-10-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

I love these 2 boys. And I can't wait to add a third.

19 weeks

2010-10-06T13:58:00.001-07:00

I am 19 weeks and feelin' fine!
Life is good. great. wonderful.
I love my baby boy.

Cinco.

2010-09-30T08:08:00.001-07:00

On Monday, William turned 5.

When I first met this little boy, he was 2... Just a few days away from his third birthday. B & I's very first date, in fact, was spent making a Finding Nemo themed birthday cake for the wee little one.

Those first days & months and even year were difficult at times. Those were the days when I sometimes felt the need to bribe him with candy to get a smile aimed in my direction. As he, I'm sure, wondered why I was around all the dang time. It was a lot of adjusting & a lot of change for both of us.

Those harder moments are {happily} past us. But it is definitely bittersweet... he is growing too fast. I miss being called "Weesa".

I am so grateful to get to love such a sweet & caring, smart & witty, little boy. I can not imagine a life without him. I don't know what I ever did before I had Brett & Will in my life. I love you kiddo... Thanks for continuing to love me (rather than pretending to not know me) when I sing too loud in public, pick you up from preschool in my pj's, sleep with your baby brothers ultrasound picture clutched in my hand, accidentally let your Red Robin balloon fly out the window, or step on your "pet" banana slug. & thank you for being my buddy.

It's a...

2010-09-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

On Friday (while in Utah) I went to Fetal Fotos in Murray to see my little babe with my mom & two sisters. I cried throughout the entire ultrasound. I just love that little baby so much already, that seeing those teeny features again made my heart so happy. What a miracle. The tech was fantastic. She made me feel like she was genuinely excited about MY baby. She kept saying "Oooooh, look how cute!" She commented how cute my baby's nose was... Which was nice to hear, since on the first ultrasound, the nose appeared gigantic, due apparently to an arm right in the view of where the nose is ;) Darn ultrasounds can be deceiving. It was a great experience. When it came time for the reveal of the gender, we all shut our eyes. I threatened my mom & sisters with their lives. The gal sealed this info in an envelope so that we could go back to the house and Skype with B & Will to all find out together. Let me tell you... That 3 hours between getting the envelope & B getting home from work were the hardest of my life.

Since the day I found out I was pregnant I was positive it was a girl. I had little doubt. I had already named her. Had had dreams of her on several occasions.

And guess what?

Momma is wrong as usual.

It's a BOY!

I did a double take when I looked at the ultrasound picture, as if I perhaps just couldn't read. But whether or not I can read is irrelevant because the proof was right there in front of me... No mistaking the teeny little "indicator" on that ultrasound.

I am thrilled. WE are thrilled. I have been smiling for three days. I can't even sleep... All I can do is think about my little one. And talk to him. I love you baby boy. I can't wait to meet you.

15 weeks

2010-09-13T14:47:00.001-07:00

15 weeks pregnant.

In other news:
I love this little guy.

funnies.

2010-09-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

Demetri Martin makes me laugh.

some jokes:

The thing about glitter is, if you get it on you, be prepared to have it on you forever cause glitter is the herpes of craft supplies.

“I like fruit baskets because it gives you the ability to mail someone a piece of fruit without appearing insane. Like, if someone just mailed you an apple you’d be like ‘Huh? What the hell is this?’, but if it’s in a fruit basket you’re like ‘This is nice!.’”

“I wanna make a jigsaw puzzle that’s 40,000 pieces. And when you finish it, it says ‘go outside.’”

I'm so excited to have a baby...

2010-08-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

...That is all for today.
Dismissed.

love note.

2010-08-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

B,
I love you.
Thanks for being you.
~Your wife

Charlie.

2010-08-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

My best friend, Angie, had her beautiful 6lb.4oz.19in baby girl, Charlie, yesterday.
I haven't even met her, and I am totally in love with her.
So homesick right now...
I can't wait for September when {Auntie} Lisa heads to Utah to kiss those wittle cheeks!
Love you Ang!

update

2010-08-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, since people have been telling me that my updates are not helpful in regards to actually knowing whats going on in my life, I will attempt to list a few things. (Though it really doesn't stray far from Otter Pops & hot weather...as I have heretofore mentioned, but whatever)

A list:
It has been in the nineties. In Seattle. Madness.
Our side of the duplex stays shaded and cool, unfortunate for the nice fellow on the other side.
I find a lawn chair in the creek offers much relief from the heat.
My morning sickness has gotten very mild.
I am incredibly emotional.
I teared up in the produce aisle yesterday because the nectarines smelled so good.
I got choked up on Saturday while explaining the story of The Lion King. But, who doesn't?
I am itching to start 'Catching Fire'. In fact, I think I will go pick up a copy today.
I talked to my sister Christie for 1 hour 38 minutes last night.
I talk to my sister Katie about 17 times per day.
Sara should call me more...
I can't stop thinking about potential middle names for small baby.
Baby craves cake a lot... Or is that just me?
I eat 10 Otter Pops per day.
I miss William when he's not around.
Angie's baby is almost here & I can't wait.
I go to Utah in exactly one month!
I really need a picture above my mantel.
I love mashed potatoes from scratch.
We have had mashed potatoes from scratch 3 times in the past week.
I have made no effort to think of boy names.
Boy names are hard.
I feel 100 lbs heavier, but have gained only 4.
I have my 2nd OB/GYN appointment on the 25th.
I am 12 weeks today.
I miss Lagoon.
I almost called the cops on our loud neighbors last week.
We live across the street from a retirement community and I am the one calling the cops?
There are officially no more fruit flies in my home. PEACE.
I'm am completely obsessed with Criminal Minds & watch at least 2 episodes per day.
My hubby makes me laugh like nobody else can.

Ok, a scatterbrained list of randoms...but an update of sorts.

Cheers!

one track mind.

2010-08-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

This is what I am thinking about.
This is all I ever think about.

P.s. Just spent the ENTIRE afternoon Saturday reading The Hunger Games.
And it was sooooo good.

fun/hot week in pictures

2010-08-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad! (late post)

2010-08-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to my dad. Happy birthday Daddy. I love you & miss you SO much. I couldn't ask for a more supportive, reliable, understanding & loving father. Thank you for being there for me always... Even when I was a punk teenager :)
love, your favorite daughter - Looper. :)

WOW, August already?

2010-08-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

These pictures serve no purpose. I just like them.
I can't believe it's already August.
I feel sick. Really, really sick. All the time.
I know, I know... It's for a good cause.
I eat a lot of popsicles & ice-cream lately.
I have a calm & patient husband.
I have a witty & hilarious step-son.
I am incredibly emotional & clumsy.
My tears fall without warning, and often, without a known reason.
I really miss my dad, mom & sisters.
I am not good at quilting.
Fast food commercials make me throw up lately.
Sugar-snap peas do not.
I have at least two flies in my house, and that drives me batty.
I don't think Seinfeld will ever get old.
I have a calm & patient husband (did I mention that?)
I love my swing out back by the creek.
I have a wonderful life.

I'M PREGNANT!

2010-07-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

...That's pretty much it.

holla!

Ocean Shores

2010-07-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

Brett worked a ton of overtime last week. So when he text me on Friday afternoon and said "Let's go somewhere this weekend" I knew it needed to happen. And when he suggested camping on the beach, I was definitely excited. I had been to the Oregon coast, so I had an idea of the difference between the hot, busy, sunny CA coast and the cold, frigid air that welcomes you at the Washington coast. To be honest, I prefer it. It's so beautiful.

Anyway... we went. And guess what? We chose to leave at 5pm on a Friday night... Can you say traffic? It took us 4 hours to get there. (vs. 2 hours to get home) We recently got Will a car dvd player for long trips, and that may have been the best money we have ever spent. Looney Tunes saved us from hearing "Are we there yet" nonstop. Though, I may have heard it a few times :)

Despite the traffic and arriving at 9:30pm, we had a great time camping, telling scary stories in our tent, driving our car onto the beach, trying to skim board down sand dunes, and ME watching the boys freeze to death when they chose to strip down to swimsuits and get into the water. Meanwhile, I was bundled in a sweatshirt and wrapped in a blanket. But someone had to take pictures, right?

ticket home

2010-07-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

Just bought my ticket to Utah for my trip to visit in September. 'Cause all my friends keep havin' babies! And they need to meet Aunt Lisa!

And 'cause I am missing my family :(
Like... really, alot.

Give me some sugar... I am your neigh-bor.

2010-06-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

Anyone know what song this lyric is from? I'll give you nothing if you get it right, so don't worry about trying.

Anyway, I heard this song come on this morning on the way to work, and decided that, though I totally love this song, it falls into my category of lyrics I call: Good-thing-the-beat-is-so-rockin-cause'-the words-are-whack.

I get the joke, cup o' sugar. And I really like the song. I just can't help but try to incorporate it into real life. Maybe it's just me. "Give me some sugar... I am your neigh-bor". Can you imagine if a guy actually came up to you with that line? ..."So what buddy? The short distance between my residence & yours in this neighborhood in no way entitles you to any of my "sugar"... And no, I will not come home with you. And I think that's your Schwinn being towed."

I'm a lyric listen-to-er. Er... I listen to lyrics. When a song comes on, I listen to the lyrics over the melody. I have one talent, and that is memorization. I memorize songs from the first time I hear them. And I remember them forever after. Every lyric, beat, pause, (even remembering the dances I made up for some songs during my middle school years...you know you all did it)

Anyway, that really isn't my point. My POINT is: Because I am a lyric person, I have a hard time enjoying a lot of songs... Cause when you listen to lyrics, or read them, without the funky beat... They can be creepy, illiterate, whacked out weird, or down right disturbing.

Now, there is good weird and bad weird.
I like to think of myself as "good weird", but thats not really what we are talking about.
And i'm probably in the "bad weird" category anyhow.

Certain lines stick out to me, and I think "I'd love to hear someone say that in real life."
But the song that can sum up "bad weird" for me best at this current time is...Drumroll...

"Bedrock"
A few lines from the winning song:

"She got that good, good, she Michael Jackson Bad" ...huh?

"And now we murderers, because we killin' time" ...My favorite.

"He on my low scrunch, He on my Echo Whites" ...Huh? Scrunchie?

"I'm that red bull, now lets fly away" ... Oh dear, why can't someone say that to me?

"I race for your love, Shake n' Bake Ricky Bobby" ....sigh

I'd go on, but there are very few lines I feel comfortable sharing on my little family blog.

Ok, that's all. I'd say I've sufficiently rambled on, no doubt.
I am a lyric person... Now you know.
The end.

Thing I shouldn't eat, but want to, and will... #7

2010-06-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

These are really good.
That's a shame...

Dentist: Me vs. Will

2010-06-15T18:18:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I just got married, as you all most likely know by now. What you may not know is that I hate the dentist. Loathe going there. Really, really no likey. Unfortunately for me, my husband doesn't share my hatred. And unfortunately (only for me) I married into full dental coverage. Therefore, I had to make an appointment...and go. I also made an appointment for my 4 year old step-son. I have compiled a Will vs. Me list, depicting the differences in these two appointments:

Will- Totally stoked to go after only 4 years of his little life
Me- Haven't been to a dentist in 10 years

Will- Couldn't stop sharing his excitement for his upcoming appointment.
Me- Having nervous fits for the 15 days leading up to my appointment.

Will- Woke me up at 6am asking when we could leave for the dentist appt at 9.
Me- Called the dentist beforehand to request Valium to calm me before I got to my appt.

Will- Agreed to let me accompany him back to the dental chair.
Me- Begged my sister-in-law & husband to come with me for moral support

Will: Realized his appointment was almost over, and frowned.
Me- realized that there is no laughing gas is present at this particular dentist office. And cried.

Will- Happily agreed to pictures taken of him throughout his appointment.
Me- Threatened my sister-in-laws life if any photos were snapped.

Will- Got to pick out of the Treasure Chest after his appointment
Me- Got to pick up another appointment card after my appointment

Will- No cavities!
Me- Not telling... :/

The Seattle Science Center....

2010-06-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

Last week Will & I went with some of my friends & their boys to the Seattle Science Center. I had never been there, and it was really fun. Especially the girl time, which I don't get a lot of. The last picture is my favorite :)

Productivity.

2010-06-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of our place. Surprisingly it took all of 2 days for us to unpack & clean the darn place. The motivation mainly being William, and wanting some consistency for him after SO MANY changes these past few months. It was a LOT of work. But it feels gooood. Good to be home :)

...Now it's time to decorate!

Outdoors. Finally.

2010-06-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

We LOVE our new backyard. Brett doesn't actually say so, but I know he loves having a yard to tend to. Will & I love our garden & creek.

Now if it would just FREAKING stop raining we could enjoy it...

Saying Goodbye.

2010-06-15T17:49:00.001-07:00

Goodbye #3. This apartment is where Brett & I had our first date, where I met William, where I was carried over the threshold...and where 1970 got to keep it's style.

Goodbye apartment. We WILL miss you :(

On to bigger & better (and less pale yellow) things.

What I LOVE MOST about having a backyard...

2010-06-09T08:52:00.001-07:00

ps... For anyone freaking out right now... We are definitely putting up a safety fence at the beach of the creek very soon.

Who wants to trade me?

2010-06-07T08:05:00.001-07:00

Ok, so my house doesn't look quite like this anymore... But I still don't wanna do it.

a caution to whiny four year olds...

2010-05-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

...If you tell me you are "soooooo bored" and whine in a high pitched voice that only dogs can hear... I WILL give you a job to do.

And said job may or may not involve you sorting my life savings into respective piles.

Compensation for your banking services will be: 2 quarters, some old ChuckECheese tokens & some valuable math practice, right in the comfort of your own home. Who can put a price on that?

btw... This employee's work 'shift' (attention span) lasted long enough to sort: 6 dimes, 3 nickels, 2 buttons, a Peso, 10 pennies & 5 quarters (two of which he kept)

Not bad.

fog.

2010-05-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

Look how foggy it was this morning!

...And on an unrelated note, but also visible in the photo, look how crummy my current gas mileage is.

My Wedding ~ April 17th, 2010

2010-05-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

My wedding was perfect. I loved it. Every detail.

I loved my dress (minus the headache it was).
I loved my shoes, even if I couldn't walk the next day.
I loved my little sisters willingness to get up at the crack of dawn to beautify me (for the second time in our lives ;)).
I loved my two families coming together to support B & I in our excitement for that day.
I loved how everyone just got along (or seemed to...maybe I was just in another world :))
I loved the beautiful Spring flowers outside the Seattle temple when I got there (I may have cried).
I loved walking in the temple doors and seeing my sharply dressed sweetie. ( I may have cried)
I loved knowing that within moments I'd get to marry him & he'd be mine... Forever (duuuun, dun dun dun, Mwahahahaha).
I loved walking out of the temple, and being met with a big hug from my new stepson, who I adore.
I loved all the hugs and happy tears from family & friends.
I loved the photo shoot on the Temple grounds, feeling like Brett & I were in our own world.
I loved how everything I had dreaded could go wrong, didn't.
I loved William & Owens matching suits.
I loved how I didn't feel one ounce of stress.
I loved that Brett made fun of me for uploading a picture to Facebook right after we left the Temple.
I loved kissing my Husband for the first time.
I loved how William had his hands in his pockets for half of the day, just to be like his cousin.
I loved how quick and painless pictures were, Thanks Shannon
I loved knowing that Shannon is a whiz at Photoshop
I loved the food at my aunts following the ceremony (cilantro chicken, yuuuum-You rock Nicki!)
I loved seeing my family all together, together for me.
I loved that right when conversation was winding down, my cousin pulled out his electric guitar and started taking requests. Just at the perfect time to keep the luncheon fun & comfortable for everyone.
I loved walking into my In-laws house, and being overwhelmed at how beautiful the reception was.
I loved the way my mother-in-law, amidst the jumbled, ever changing mass of ideas, details & illustrations I had for my wedding, saw my vision, and perfectly reflected it, down to the last detail.
I loved the polka dot balloons leading up the driveway.
I loved incorporating polka dots into my wedding, I love polka dots.
I loved the candy bar, especially the giant jar of Mike n' Ikes.
I loved the creme puffs.
I loved the little (ell, and big) girls, all dressed in matching colors.
I loved the coral dress overload, and the wedding-color-related string of emails.
I loved the looks on peoples faces when we left the reception really quick before it officially started to go buy William some allergy medicine... Especially since that's really what & (all) we did.
I loved seeing so many people, and feeling so much love & support.
I loved when people complimented my veil. 'Cause it was really, really cute.
I loved how many people saw me struggling to walk in my shoes, and told me nobody would care if I just took them off.
I loved how I was convinced I couldn't remove them, they completed my outfit.
I loved very little, the blistered feet I woke up to the following morning.
I loved the cupcakes, decorated in my colors
I loved that the 'L' came before the 'B' on the monogram stuff.
I loved this only because Brett was so distraught about it.
I love the things that get B upset (sorry honey), because they are not only very few and far between (i'm talking maybe once or twice a month), but they are random & unexpected.
I loved when my cousin walked up to one of my guests, a total stranger, and told him of a bet going on with some of my family members (then pausing to point out a huddle of people across the room), a bet on how tall he was.
I loved that my red face quickly regained color, when without missing a beat, he responded "For half of the winnings, I'll match your answer." Funny people are refreshing.
I loved how many people complimented me. I wish every day were my wedding day.
I loved how many "now you're in the ward, prepare for a calling" remarks were made.) And how quickly I DID get a calling ;)
I loved when one of the guests asked me if I was a bridesmaid.
I loved the framed photos displayed & the small, pretty flip photo book of engagements from my photographer/sis :)
I loved the gorgeous flower arrangements, and bouquet my MIL made for me.
I loved (and hated) the large amount of leftover candy, still plentiful in my cupboard.
I loved telling B it was time to get the heck outta here, when I realized we were creeping up on 6pm.
I love that it started pouring rain as we were waved away and made quick dash for the car (awkward and unhelpful were the shoes).
I loved that my father-in-law hopped in the back seat, as if he was coming along. (we needed to drop him off at the parking lot down the street)
I loved driving away from the reception, kicking my bloody shoes off and gazing at my hubby, smiling as we drove to our hotel in downtown Seattle.

FAST FORWARD to the next morning... (you're welcome)

And then began the first day of our new life ...

to be continued... ('cause life just keeps goin'!)

CHEERS!

~Mrs. Hodson

wedding reception

2010-05-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was scrap booking last night and going through pictures, just remembering how cute my reception was. It was perfect. Exactly what I had dreamed up :) I love having that image to remember forever.

obsessing

2010-05-24T07:57:00.001-07:00

We are moving! Yipee. We found a great house in Issaquah and are moving in June 1st. I am so excited, mostly because this house has a back yard, and a creek! Will is thrilled to have room to play, and I am pumped to finally have somewhere to garden and have fun with.

With the new move coming, I will finally be able to do some decorating. I have been itching to do so for some time, but there was little motivation in Brett's apartment, since none of my decor ideas involved puke yellow carpet, brown seventies-inspired plaid linoleum, yellow chipped countertops...you get the idea, right?

So it begins... These are my new kitchen colors. I have wanted to use this retro color duo for some time now, so this has been a fun project! And I'm obsessed with them. Another thing I am obsessed with? Thrift store & amazing eBay finds. And that is where these all came from.

The only thing more fun than decorating. is doing it at an amazing price with diy projects & secondhand "treasures". Much more to come, I'm on a bit of a high.

-Aqua cake stand: $6 at thrift store
-Bronze three-tier rack: $5 at thrift store (painted red, my mother-in-laws great idea!)
-Red salt & pepper shakers: $10 online
-Aqua vintage style kitchen timer: $3 ebay win!
-Aqua dishes: 49 cents a piece at thrift store, and I got the whole set!
-Red vase: free! (took from a former co-worker that didn't like the color)
-Oven mitt: $10 on amazon
Not pictured:
-Vintage inspired red kitchen clock: $10 ebay
-red dot rugs from IKEA: $5 a piece!

Happy Monday!

wedding pictures

2010-05-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have totally been neglecting the blog lately. I promise I am going to be better. Very soon I will go into great detail about the days leading up to the wedding, the wonderful day-of, and the honeymoon (ok maybe not in too much detail about this one) but not now. Now you just get pictures. It was a PERFECT day.

accident prone

2010-04-15T06:35:00.001-07:00

The title sums it up.

I am accident prone. No matter the setting, circumstances or activity, I will find a way to spill, knock-over, bump-in-to, trip, drop, throw or break something. In the past week I have stubbed my toe multiple times, spilled a full Dr. Pepper all over my Fiance (for the 2ND time unfortunately... honey, you are a patient fella), stepped on and broke an earring, spilled my juice, spilled my water, spilled my __________ (fill in the blank with any beverage & I bet you I probably spilled it.), ripped a beloved t-shirt after dripping chocolate sauce on it, burned my arm with the iron (while simultaneously knocking over a beverage. double fail), tracked some mysterious black ink onto my work carpet, poured Diet Coke down my shirt, (I apparently missed my mouth), tripped in public & awkwardly began skipping, so people would think I was skipping, rather than thinking I tripped. As if a 23 year old woman skipping while in public is more socially acceptable than tripping over my shoe. Shoulda taken the tumble with pride, knowing that at least I hadn't been caught skipping for no apparent reason.

Anyway, I am accident-prone. And I can't help it. The scary thing is, I have gotten better! Baby steps to being a normal-functioning, careful, cautious adult. One who does not require a bib. It was ok to be clumsy when I was young, blame it on my age & my awkward, lanky, growing body. But that only lasted as an excuse for so long. At some point you realize that you are responsible for more spills in your house than your four-year old step-son. Is it ok that I secretly blame him every once and a while? Ok, I'm kidding, I'm way more mature than that. WAY. Am so!

But seriously, I need to work on it. I refuse to one day hear from one of my children "Mom you spilled again?, do we need to get you a sippy cup?" or "Mom, how many times do I have to tell you to not run in the house?" I can see it now.
Then I'd say "you're not the boss of ME! "
Then I'd threaten that I was going to ship them to boarding school to keep them quiet.
Then i'd cry hysterically and hold them to my chest and tell them I didn't mean what I said, buy them an ice-cream cone & tell them they were my favorite. And give them $20.
And then, when Brett came home, I'd probably blame the spill on one of them. Just because I can. And because I really spill a lot, so I think Brett will appreciate it if I switch up the culprit, to avoid a repetitiveness in spill-related scolding. Aren't I thougtful?

And that is how that will all go down in the future. Any questions?

I'm a loser.

Welcome to adult life Lisa. We hope you enjoy your stay.

3 days

2010-04-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

I am getting married in 3 days!!!

I LOVE YOU BRETT!!!!!!!!

U-U-UTAH!

2010-04-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, the Starburst Jellybeans post wasn't all for today...

I just remembered that I did not post about our trip to Utah. We drove to Utah last week so that I could go through the Salt Lake temple surrounded by my peeps. It was an amazing experience, and one that I SO loved sharing with my family, friends, and my sweet B. Thank you to all of you who came to support me, and supported me from outside also :)

Life is really, really good. And I'm getting married in 11 days! I wore my wedding dress & hot pink pumps around Brett's apt again yesterday. Watched cartoons with William for a bit. He didn't ask why I was dressed up, he just smiled at me, as if he already knew I am weird & crazy. And I liked that :)

We also got to go see my little sister's most recent play. "Dancing at Lughnasa". She is a great actress and I am so proud (and jealous) of her!!!

i like starburst jellybeans.

2010-04-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

That is all for today. Class dismissed.

An Easter equation.

2010-04-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Baking fun

+ great company

+ Easter egg hunts & sack races

+ An Easter morning surprise!

+ one homemade kite

= one worn out kid. And one GREAT Easter! :)

cupcakes (short-lived, and sweet)

2010-03-22T11:03:00.001-07:00

Ok, I know this is my 3rd post today, but home girl has a lot to share, ok?

Over the weekend I made some cupcakes for a Baby Shower I was throwing. I spent hours on the many many cupcakes, lovingly decorating each one uniquely. Then guess what I did? I stopped short (in my car that is) And that perfect mixture of hot sun and brake sensitivity sent my lovely cupcakes toppling over one another into one HUGE sticky hot mess. And sent me speeding to Safeway for some last minute cookies to take to the shower. Waaaaahhh.

But weren't they cute? :)

me & B :)

2010-03-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Photos taken by my wonderful future Sister-in-Law, Shannon http://www.luckyredhen.com/

torn.

2010-03-22T07:37:00.001-07:00

What do you do when you have love cilantro & garlic, and your significant other cant stand them?
Do you sneak them into dishes and hope for a change of heart? Or do you (sigh) ...learn to enjoy food without these delectable additions?

Or do you come to a compromise?

I can eat c & g if he can eat onions. We don't kiss on compromise nights.

:)

my mood swing medium

2010-03-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

I woke up today after a horrible nights rest.

Today's sleep-deprived delight of a woman has been brought to you by the following sponsors:

Our first sponsor:
1. Allergy season is approaching... Wanna know how I know? Here, listen... (*a nose in distress is heard, an unattractive and distracting wheezing escapes with each breath for dear life* too dramatic? ;)) The allergy supplied not one, but 2 stuffed nostrils. I have prepared the following equation to help break this down:

1 stuffed nostril + another stuffed nostril = zero correctly functioning nostrils remaining.

... That involuntary whistlin' tune coming from my nose is slowly causing me insane. I'm slowly slipping away. I remind myself of that annoying kid on Hey Arnold who used to lurk over Helgas shoulder. Anyone know what in the heck I am talking about?

"Jam Factor of 10 is the severity of my nose traffic. (Brett that was for you :)

Ok, enough about my stuffy nose, my this is an exciting post.
Moving right along...

Sponsor #2, come on down:

That *time* of the month is here. Waaaahhh.
Must I elaborate any more on that? Cause I'll punch yer lights out if I am asked anything further. (Whoa, sorry, I didn't mean that...)
How come my once-a-month payday takes what feels like decades to arrive each month, and leaves before I can even prepare myself for another months wait, While my *time*, who's visits are identical in recurring frequency to my monthly paycheck somehow show up 50 times faster, set up camp, and toss any evidence of my pleasant self in a closet to make way for a crazy heap of mood swings that are consistent in only one way: There will be crying involved.

I miss my nice self when shes gone. She's off being pleasant somewhere, no doubt enjoying clear nasal passageways, a stable mood & a bag of cheetos.

So, the two-fold list of negatives I have shared above, were very much active this morning while I was getting ready for work. I was whistlin out my nose and yelling profanities at my mean self for no apparent reason. It was just one of those mornings that you know leaving the house is not in anyone's best interest, as society would not benefit from your participation in this particular day. But, unfortunately for society, I have to go to work so that the aforementioned paycheck will continue its scheduled arrival that I so eagerly await each month. I lead an exciting life, I am aware.

So I threw on the first outfit I saw, which didn't actually go together, but as I said it's been one of those mornings. Plus, I struggle with things like fashion, color coordination, the ability to determine a cute outfit from a "what not to wear" worst outfit winner. And I'm ok with that because a well styled look is not expected of me. And why rock that boat? It gives me an excuse for why I am wearing what I am wearing today. And I am not asked for an explanation, because one mismatched out fit today is no different than the odd pairing yesterday, or the sandals, skirt and sweatshirt look that I graced Monday with.

Am I still talking about this? Moving on... I walked out the door, feeling lousy and fully ready to punch Thursday in the forehead, when I saw a little bag of candy and this sitting on my car seat:

And I punched myself in the forehead and laughed.
A quickly written, unexpected, straight from the heart note
And just like that, everything was right with the world
And society is safe once again.

I really like my Fiancee. Like, like. Like more than a friend. He is my mood swing medium... the only one who can bring me back to center, simply by being himself. And that is one reason why my life is really, really good.

check.

2010-03-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

invitations stamped and addressed? check.
temple scheduled? check.
trip to Utah planned? check.
fam booked Seatte tickets? check.
desserts/candy purchased? check.
dress arrived from China? check.
dress way too small because I am a dope? check
appt. with a wonderful seamstress to have said dress taken out? check.
super cute pink pumps? check.
birdcage veil? check.
polka dots, and lots of them? check.
Williams adorable suit purchased? check.
honeymoon booked? check.
new swimsuit? check.

Everything is coming together QUITE nicely... If we we do say so ourselves :)

Have I mentioned....?

2010-03-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

That I am totally in love with this man!!!
37 days until I marry my best friend :)

Vancouver

2010-03-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

I forgot to blog about my quick trip up to Vancouver. I live about 2.5-3 hours from the Canadian border, so my aunt and I had the fabulous idea to hop in the car and head up to Vancouver for a day to get a little of the Olympic experience. My uncle Steve was there doing some filming, so we stayed with him. It was a totally unplanned trip, but it was a blast!

dear boots.

2010-02-27T00:10:00.000-08:00

Dear John Fluevog yellow-round toe-perfection-in-a-boot-boots I saw up in Vancouver last week,

I miss you. I think about you every day. Do you think about me?

The way you felt in my hands, on my feet, hidden in my purse (just kidding).

I see a lot of shoes, and I know there will be many more to come. But when I saw you, it was different. It was an immediate love. I just knew I had to have you. I knew nothing could ever keep me from you. I knew that I had found the shoes that I was going to spend the rest of my life with. Period.

Oh, Then I saw your price tag.

...And I choked on my gum.

Then I curled into a ball & sobbed until I was ushered out of the store and onto the curb lined with weepers. shoe-less, heart-broken weepers . And we cried together.

Ok, maybe it didn't go just like that, but it was darn close. I'm sure that happens all the time in the John Fluevog store, right?

As I left, I took one more look at you behind the glass window. Then around the store.. and no offense my boot beauties, but I fell for every single one of your cousins as well.

I love you John Fluevog. You creative & unique genius, you.

Must. sell. kidney. for. shoe. money.

-Lisa's lovesick feet.

glancing back, but running forward.

2010-02-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

I was looking for a picture on my aunts computer the other day when I came across a file labeled "Lisa's Wedding" in my cousins picture folder. Oh great, I thought. But I must say I was a bit curious, since of course, I have not held on to any of my own pictures from the day.

So I clicked... And I will tell you this:
Though I lived the experience, though I planned it, and bought the dress, and mailed the invites - I realized in once glance that I could not remember actually being there. The feeling, the details, or the woman in the dress. Particularly the woman, she was unrecognizable to me. (And not just because of how much heavier she was :) She was just... Not me.

When I look back on my life choices up until now, I can't help but feel grateful. Grateful for experiences that hurt me, challenged me, broke me, and ultimately those that saved me. The experiences that eventually awoke a strength in me that I had never known was there, and that I needed desperately to find. And the choice that brought me to where I am now, led me to become a person I love, and shaped me for a future I have always known I have wanted deep down. And, of course, it brought me to my B... where I belong.

Life is good, and it just keeps getting better. :)

"Run Forrest, Run"

2010-02-05T01:42:00.000-08:00

So....... I hate running.

I have never understood why people enjoy running. And to be frank, I judge runners. Clearly it is coming from a jealous place inside of me, but I still judge them. It makes me feel better about myself (and the pint of Dulche De Leche ice-cream I regularly eat). What would possess a human being to lace up their tennis shoes and just ... run?

I have not always been immobile. I have ran before. I vaguely remember 9th grade. Running around the grassy soccer field 5 times was equivalent to one mile. The coach would time us. Wanna know what I ran it in? I have no idea. I can't remember, because I HATE RUNNING. Wanna know what I do remember? braiding my friend Jessica's uber long hair, And dominating at grass haystack contests, And discussing my "top ten" list (a list of our top ten male crushes, in order of hottness).

So that was then, and this is now. And not much has changed in the attitude-towards-running department. When I go to the gym I do the stair-climber & the elliptical & ANYTHING else besides the treadmill.

With all of that being said, the next part of this post may seem a bit... out of sync.

On Sunday, my dad texted me. I love my Daddy. We do the "hi, whats new" "Nothing new here either" "yada, yada yada..." Then he proceeds to tell me that he is thinking of signing up for the Ro ck n' Roll Seattle Marathon in June, to run the 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles). Now normally I would have reacted the same way I always react when others share athletic-related goals or activities they are taking part in with me. I have a somewhat standard response. "Wow, that's awesome. I could never do that." I say that not because I genuinely wish I could do whatever the person is participating in, But because it's what you say. On the inside I'm thinking "Sucks to be you, that sounds horrible." So... that being said, you'd think that the next moment of my life, the one after my dad announced his 1/2 marathon plan, would have gone much like that. Well, it didn't. Do you know what happened next?

...I, for some unexplainable reason quit texting and called my dad. When he answered I blurted out. "I am going to do it with you!"

"WHOA GUUURRRL?, whatchu talkin bout?!", I immediately said to myself. Did I, Lisa Nicole Best, 2000-2001 Albion Middle School grass haystack champion, just willingly agree to run? Not run out of necessity or panic. Not run away from the cops. Not run to class to avoid a tardy. Not run to the bathroom when I really have to go. But run for...for fun??

I don't know why I said it, I don't know why I suddenly felt inspired to, not only run, but train for the next 5 months for a 13.1 mile race. But I said it, it wasn't a dream. And as if that weren't unexpected enough, before I could even get out of it and try to take back what I said, B said, "I'm going to do it with you!" (Reality has sunk in for him as well no doubt, because since then I have heard statements from him such as "We aren't really doing this, right?" and "So Lisa, while we were running today, breathing in exhaust from passing vehicles, I realized that I really, really don't want to do this") :)

We are, however, doing this. And we have both agreed that we are just going to do our best. Prepare ourselves as best as we possibly can in the next five months. Whatever result that means, we will just have to wait and find out.

So there you have it. A goal has been born. A really, really, really sucky, hard goal. But I must say... IF I can do this... IF I am able to awaken the discipline that I know has GOT to be chillin' somewhere inside me & really, really do this, I will be beyond proud of myself. And that seems worth trying for.

For the past few days B & I have been running. I am ashamed to call it running, since it's such a short distance at the moment, but it is, in fact, the act of running that is taking place. And as I was running tonight (alone, since B was about 1/4 mile ahead of me), I suddenly felt excited- (yes, I was running and feeling excited simultaneously). I suddenly felt like this was going to be a really good thing. For two 'lounging experts', as I'd like to call us, B & I are not incredibly active. I work out, but I never run. So for a couple of NON-runners who dislike running to the extent that we do, I have concluded that there could not be a better challenge for us than this. There could not be a better way for us to grow closer. There could not be a better way for me to whip my body and my mind into shape. And there could not be a better way for me to get to know myself, and my limits.

These conclusions are what will keep me going. ...Even if I can't move my legs at the moment.

Wish us luck! Or at least wish that the race gets canceled.

:)

"B"

2010-01-27T12:31:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to publicly state how much I love my man. Cause it's a lot. Often when I get to thinking, I become overwhelmed with gratitude for where my life has taken me. Where I have been, and where I am now...Physically, spiritually, mentally & emotionally. What are some things about my sweetie that I can't get enough of?

He listens. ...And I talk. A LOT.
He cares about my feelings, and my well-being.
He is an amazing daddy.
He makes me dinner almost every night.
He makes mashed potatoes from scratch, in a pressure cooker.
He owns a pressure cooker.
He always washes his socks together, so there are never any flying solo.
He kisses me on the nose when we sit in church.
He always gives me his jacket, even when he reminds me to bring one and I don't.
He pretends to care about my scrapbook finds
He remembers what I have planned and asks me how everything went.
He tells me I am appreciated.
He surprises me.
He knows me.
He texts me all day long.
He misses me when I'm not around.
Every day he tells me he can't wait to marry me.
He lets me complain.
He rubs my feet.
He likes to kiss me when I am doing the dishes.
He is a good person.
He can always make me laugh
He makes me want to be a better person.
He makes me a better person.
He puts up with my weird antics.
He laughs at my jokes.
He gets along with my family.
He is always willing to help anyone, at any time.
He is practical.
He would do anything for me or his son.
He lets me have "me time" when I need it.
He tells me he misses me during "me time"

I love you B :) Thanks for being you.

Hi. Remember me?

2010-01-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

It's me, Lisa. I use to write on this blog.

Here are things I have been doing with my spare time lately, instead of blogging:

spending hours online looking at ideas for the wedding
cleaning my mans apt, because I'm swell.
putting on my bare minerals make-up because I love it
finally deciding on a wedding style & colors.
dreaming of Diet Coke, and drinking water.
changing my wedding style & colors.
making a final decision on the wedding colors.
watching HGTV.
starting 187 projects I wont finish.
changing the final wedding colors.
baking stuff I am currently not allowed to eat.
finally seeking advice from my (soon-to-be) MIL & REALLY deciding on wedding specifics.
missing my fam.
meeting some new fun peeps.
starting 3 new scrapbooks.
losing 11 pounds.
trying to figure how all of my belongings will fit in B's apt.
trying to figure out how I will keep my sanity when it comes time to make my 7th move in the past 2 years.
dreaming of being married.
becoming incredibly antsy for out paperwork to show up.
learning some exciting news from a good friend.
24. for hours on end.
crying. in a good way.

Giving up Diet Coke : Attempt #2,456 and a half

2010-01-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome to

"The Diet Coke Can"
The never-ending story of a woman with little to no self-discipline, and an undying love for carbonated beverages"

Take two... Er...3....wait, take 6....Oh, forget it.

Ok but seriously though...I have been soda-free for 4 days. I have replaced the soda with water, have you heard of it? Apparently it's quite a bit better for you, and you can get it pretty much anywhere. I think i'm on to something big here:)

These are my current symptoms:

1. Headaches. Duh.
2. Like reeeeally bad Headaches.
3. Like an ACME-stone-fell-on-my-head type of the headache.
4. Potty breaks every 10-15 minutes. Geez water. Cool it.
5. Outbursts of rage when that "Phshekk" sound is made in the distance. You know...the sound of the can opening. I like that sound. Well not any more, now I hate that sound.

Perhaps I should just not be a failure and stick with it this time to avoid these things. We shall see.

Lisa Best "likes this"

2010-01-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

I really love my Bare Minerals make-up. Like reeeeally love it.

yo, yo, yo, Happy New Year.

2010-01-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

What is that, you say? ...I have a blog?

Hello readers (translation: hi mom),

Where to begin?

We went to Utah for New Years. It was really fun to introduce Will and spend time with friends and family for a few days. Here are some pictures from our vaca.

I love this life.

christmas fun.

2009-12-29T09:53:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. I am a no-good, rotten blogger this month. And I have no excuses so let just move on...

Before I share a few photos from Christmas festivities I wanted to tell you all about the band I went to see a little while ago. RailYard. They rock! You can listen for free to a few of their songs on their blog. '10 Feet Under' is my favorite song. Check them out!

http://railyard.wordpress.com/

Ok... Christmas.

I spent Christmas in Washington this year. I missed my family, but B, William & I are going to Utah for New Years in a few days so it all will work out well. I can't wait to see you guys!!

I introduced William to my 'Elf on the Shelf' this year. For those who have no idea who this creepy looking elf is, I shall tell you. The Elf appears sometime in November or so and starts keeping an eye on the kids behavior for Santa. Then each night he reports back to the North Pole with the good OR bad marks :). Then each morning, he reappears in a new spot in the house, for the little one(s) to go on a hunt for when they wake up. The kiddos can talk to the elf, but he can't talk back. I had SO much fun watching Will talk to the elf about what he wanted for Christmas. And I will admit, it is quite a helpful tool "The elf is watching, remember to be nice!"

The boys were VERY excited to open their Wii from me! Maybe too excited. Speaking of them... I haven't seen either of them since I gave it to them. It wouldn't surprise me if they were still exactly like this:Okay, I'm kidding. But not much.

I've never really gotten to experience Christmas morning with a little kiddo before, at least as an adult :) SO it was a lot of fun... Aside from having to get up at 6am to be sure I was over at B's house before Will woke up!
Will left after we opened presents to spend the rest of the day with his Mom, so B & I went to his parents for lunch & then to my Aunts for a little Beatles Rockband! It was a great Christmas.

Of course I got a Diet Coke mousepad... Didn't you?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Gulp.

2009-12-15T06:49:00.001-08:00

Well... It's true. I'm gonna be a step-mom.

WHA? Oh dear.

Don't step-moms have horns and fangs and giant warts? Aren't they old and wrinkly and mean? (Or at least older than 23?) Don't they slap aprons on their step-children and give them orders with threats of boarding school?

Wait... I guess MY step-mom didn't do any of that. I guess I'm just thinking of 'It Takes Two'... & 'Cinderella' & my nightmares.

But what about the MOM part of step-mom...

Aren't moms REALLY smart? Don't they have eyes in the back of their head? Don't they have a vast knowledge of baking, and keeping house, and cleaning scrapes, and curing ailments, and chasing monsters?

Aren't they responsible? Don't they always remember where their keys are? And never leave things on the tops of their cars when they drive away? And aren't totally scatterbrained? And wear shoes when they run outside in the dead of winter?

Or do they just really love their children? And the rest just works itself out?

I hope so...Because I REALLY love this little guy. I love being his buddy. I love diving for make-believe turtles off the side of B's bed, and baking cookies, and learning about every insect we pass by, and watching Berenstein Bears, and hearing little prayers. And I love that he lets me be a part of it all.

:)

i want my hair back.

2009-12-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

thats all...

:(

the proposal <3

2009-12-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

I'm ENGAGED!!!!!!

Saturday afternoon Will's mom, took Will for a few hours to have some pictures done. The second they left I said "Let's eat, I am STARVED!" I began shouting at B to hurry and slip into his boots so we could go only to find him cleaning out the closet. WHA??? "Why are you cleaning out the closet right now? This is not the time... I am sooooo hungry!" I have never seen him clean the closet before and simply could not understand why it had suddenly become such a priority. I continued to state how hungry I was as I grabbed the handle of the front door to usher him out. I whipped around to find my honey down on one knee with the most beautiful ring I had ever seen.

In a shocked voice and at a totally unlady-like volume I believe I shouted: "ARE YOU ASKING ME TO MARRY YOU?"
To which he responded: "Lisa Nicole Best, will you marry me?"

I immediately burst into tears and tackled him to the floor with kisses. :)

He later mentioned that in my excitement at the moment, I had not actually answered him, but don't worry, I said YES!

That was Saturday. On Monday I was heading to B's after the gym. When I got there all the lights were off. Hmmmm. I unlocked the door and opened it up to find a homemade meal and tealight candles in the shape of arrows leading me back to Brett's room where he was on one knee, yet again. He said "This is how I was going to ask you" I asked why he had done it Saturday if he already had this planned for Monday and he said "I just couldn't wait"

And I cried.

Even cuter than the romantic evening of candles and dinner, was that simple statement. That he couldn't wait.

I love you Brett Edward Hodson. Thanks for choosing me. I can't wait to be your wife :)

Decoratin' the Christmas Tree :)

2009-12-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

We let William decorate the Christmas tree and ended up with several little bunches of ornaments throughout :) It was just too cute to redo.

that darn blinker.

2009-12-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

Generally I feel I am somewhat of a laid-back person. I didn't use to handle stress well, so I have taught myself to not let things irritate me, especially things out of my control. I try to deal with things in the moment, then close the file and be done with it. Sometimes I am successful, sometimes I cry for a while, then I am fine. So most situations of stress in my life are quickly diffused. But of course, there are still those little silly, stupid things that bug me for no apparent reason. Things like: people who don't open doors or are disrespectful to their elders, being shushed, socks with sandals, etc. Silly things to let bug me, yes, but I suppose they are just little things my mind uses to release my frustrations and help me keep balanced :)

But wanna know the silliest one?

When I make a left or right turn in my car sharp enough that a blinker is necessary... But not quite sharp enough that the blinker turns off by itself once the turn is made. I find myself jerking my wheel way harder than is necessary to make the small turn, to trigger the automatic shut-off... As if it would be much too difficult to just lift one finger and shift it up and off manually.

Does anyone else have any silly OCD-like things in their life? Please share to make me feel better about myself. :)

That is my man.

2009-11-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

B & my cousin Noah went to pick up the Christmas tree yesterday before we ate. My aunt had originally purchased a 12 foot tree, but after a careful look at the wittle tree stand, we decided it was much too small to accommodate such a large fella. The boys came back with a 9 footer.. that'll do just fine.

B came prepared. I love this man :)

Brett's mom made these adorable edible turkeys! So cute.

Gobble Gobble. I be thankful.

2009-11-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for so much. I am extremely blessed. But instead of sitting here and typing it all out for hours, I am going to let you take my word for it and go cuddle next to this man :) Because he looks cozy, and cute, and I love him.

Wedding.

2009-11-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

These two good lookin' people are Jason & Amanda GATES!
I was proud to be (co-)Maid of Honor. I love doing wedding stuff and I had fun helping with my sweet cousins wedding. It was a gorgeous wedding. With a gorgeous bride.
So happy for you guys!

And... it was AWESOME to have my family in town!

spuds <3

2009-11-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

I really like potatoes.

Like like.

...Like more than a friend.

And that is what I'm thinking about today.

Mmmm.

Ou-eeeey... I want my mommy.

2009-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am a sorry excuse for an exerciser. I was the one in gym class walking the mile run. Or making grass haystacks. Or braiding somebody's hair. Or actually... Hightailing it over to the Merkley's house, who shared a backyard with my school. I'm pathetic. And I have always been out of shape. I love ice-cream. and I love sitting. And I don't love strenuous workouts. But all of that negativity aside, I have begun to turn over a new leaf. I have lost about 20 pounds in the past few years and am trying now more than ever to become -not necessarily skinny (though I wouldn't be hatin' that)- but HEALTHY. It actually feels good. Who would have thought?

But this was TOO much. I am crying just reliving the experience I am about to share with you.

Sniffle. Deep breath. Ok...

On Saturday I awoke early. For some reason I thought, this is the day. This is the day I begin a workout routine. I bounded out of bed (and became immediately lightheaded) and said aloud to a few stuffed animals and pictures of estranged friends: Today I will go to Pilates! Nobody responded, but that didn't stop me. Nothing would stop me now. Not today.

Oh crap. Where is my Yoga mat? It's gotta be somewhere....Among cobwebs, no doubt. No problem, I shall borrow one from my landlord...For nothing will stop me today! And on I went.

When I arrived at the gym, I noticed nobody else was holding yoga mats. Hmmmm, perhaps I haven't worked out in so long that they no longer use them for Pilates? Probably. I slyly put away my mat and copied the other peeps in gearing up with two towels and a water bottle.

Who would ever need 2 towels? This was my first sign that something was amiss.

Suddenly the door opened and the women were all ushered in.... Women started setting up their step benches, and I realized I was not in a Pilates class. I set up my bench in what I thought was the very back row. No biggie, I thought. I can handle a silly step class.

Wait, why is that woman putting 4 blocks under her bench? And that one, and her too? And OMG... The stage is this way, I am front row center!

....This is when I noticed the lack of flab in the room. In fact...The only flab in the room seemed to be hangin' off of yours truly.

Oh crap, oh crap, OH CRAP.

And then I heard the instructor shout this "HEY LADIES! WHO IS GONNA BE THE ENVY AT YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE!" ...And in unison "WE ARE!!!!!"

Oh my gosh, I am gonna die.

And for the next hour, I died.

My instructor at one point said something like "Looks like we have a new girl!" to which I replied "I thought this was Pilates" There was an uproar of laughter and I heard her respond "OH HONEY!!!"

And let me just tell you this: After class, I collapsed on the ground. And I haven't moved since. And I may never move again.

memory.

2009-11-13T22:43:00.000-08:00

Tonight William asked me if I wanted to play Memory with him. Personally, I hate Memory. I choke. I forget. I am too scatterbrained to play. But I thought perhaps I could handle playing with a 4 year old. However, I soon found out that none of this mattered, because this is how it ended up going down:

Will: "Lisa, wanna play Memory with me?

Me: "Sure, go grab it"

Will: "Got it... Will you help me set it up?

Will has 3 memory games combined and insisted on setting up all 70+ cards

(After I spend way too much time setting up the game)

Will: "Actually, I know i'll get way more matches if I just play alone, ok?"

Oh snap. I have just been played.

That kid is smart.

A new do.

2009-11-09T20:43:00.001-08:00

After 10 years of long, flowing (slightly dry, damaged, horse-like) locks... I chopped it!

bow ties

2009-11-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

This little guy came over and hung and watched Robin Hood with me on Tuesday night.

I had to share with you the conversation we had while this photo was taken...

William: (totally out of nowhere, while munchin' on a butterfinger) : "Wisa, did you know that sometimes boys wear bow ties when they get married?

Me: "You don't say, really?"

William: "Yep, they wear em'."

Me: (now laughing) "So is it called a bow tie because it looks like a bow?"

William: "No. A bow tie is exactly the same as a regular tie except its weally harder to tie."

lol.

Me... doing what I do best.

2009-11-04T00:58:00.000-08:00

What do I do best you ask? Well I'll tell you.

I, Lisa Nicole Best I, daughter of Steven & lover of mashed potatoes, am the absolute best at being consistent. A fine quality, right?

wrong.

For, I... I am the best in the way I consistently seem to create embarrassing, idiotic, poorly planned, sporatic, "oops", irresponsible, well-that-was-dumb, Lis, time-wasting, & completely disorganized situations and moments for myself on a daily basis. All things that I believe would be avoidable if I were... not me. But I am me. I don't know why I am this way, it's not easy being the best...

Do you think it's easy to spot a Diet Coke dangerously close to the side of my dresser, right above a freshly washed pile of clothes, only to spend more time thinking "Nah it'll be fine"...than it would have taken to get up and move it? ...And then to witness that aforementioned beverage finally meet its inevitable fate, soaking my clean linens instantly.

...Linens that didn't belong on the dirty floor in the first place--Which only surfaces yet another consistency I feed. A constant cycle of neglect (with a dash of laziness) to put clean clothes away, and eventually, re-washing everything in sight... And so goes the cycle.

My room is made up of a bed, that is, the majority of the time, halfway taken over by hundreds of miscellaneous scrapbook tools & supplies, a vanity dresser holding rarely-filled drawers & displaying jewelry, make-up and 5-10 1/2 empty pop cans. And about 5-6 piles of clothes making up the carpet in the room. Piles that do in fact have some order to them, but order that would not be at all visible to the untrained eye. Despite my "order" in place, I often find myself digging through these piles to find a certain item, like a pair of pajama pants, for example. & I have, on occasion, looked for ridiculous amounts of time before finding my missing pants in the PAJAMA DRAWER. You begin to fully understand the seriousness of your negligence towards organization when the last place you think to look for an item, is the place it actually belongs.

I am well known to "halfway complete" any task. Like shutting the fridge door, putting the toothpaste cap back on, rinsing the sink of my make-up and hair (I hate shedding), putting that stupid plastic clasp back around the bread, rinsing the dishes thoroughly before they are put in the dishwasher, and the list goes on. I just get focused on the next task or thought that my brain dishes out and any prior focus is immediately abandoned. He is an example of this:

About a month ago I was going to paint my nails in the car on the way to lunch, so I slipped my favorite polish into my purse and hopped in the JEEP. Yeah, you can imagine my nails didn't look that stylin' being painted while bouncin' down the road in a Jeep Wrangler. I managed to get one hand painted by the time we pulled into Taco Bell. (I'm only semi-decent at painting one hand, the other I usually paint, remove paint, re-paint remove again, and finally give up and drive to the nearest nail salon for fakes.) Anyway, as were were walking into TB I was still holding my polish, which was dangerous since I now had a new focus...FOOD and the sudden urgency to pee. I went to carelessly drop my nail polish into what I thought was the opening in my purse, as I bolted for the ladies room... and all in one motion, the polish missed the opening, fell to the ground, and broke in an explosion of hot pink disater. I reacted like I always do in these situations...which are becoming all too frequent. I froze. I looked down at the huge hot pink, fume omiting mess splattered very non-discreetly across the Taco Bell front lobby. I looked up at B, then looked back down, as if it may disappear. But there it was. As pink and blinding as it was at first glance. I was feeling that embarrassing/panic feeling coming over me. The one where I make uneasy jokes to keep myself from bursting into tears. It had only been about a matter of seconds since the initial disaster and a quick glance at the only employee in sight, informed that she somhow had not noticed what had just happened... and I, for a split second, considered just hightailing my clumsy, one hand painted self outta there. And then, though being the worst possible moment to selfishly mourn my fav polish, I thought Shoot, I only painted one hand and now have no polish.. I wonder if the label is legible. Then, someone brought me back to reality...It was B. And I was back to staring at the mess, contemplating the best thing to do. I politely approached a Taco Bell employee and sheepishly explained what happened, which should help to clear up any confusion in regards to the sudden woozy state of customers seated in the restaurants newly named fume-section. The lady didn't seem to speak English well and kept telling me it was fine. To leave and and she'll mop it up later. MOP it up? If you could just mop it up, then I wouldn't have been grounded nearly as much as a kid. I begged her to let me go get some remover and clean up my mess, but after three no's I said "okay". And the worst part? I now had to order and eat! Woe is me.

I hope the detailed examples of my consistent, and 100% self-inflicted stresses have helped to make you grateful that there can only be ONE best in this category. And her name is LOOP. I have, however, made tremendous progress in the past year to be less me-like and more normal-like... And one day I hope to step down and accept a the lesser title of 2nd or 3rd best, or perhaps one day, even average.

Average... Sounds so glamorous.

Hello.

2009-10-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

I am going to be a better blogger, I swear. You will see... One day you will log on and I will have 15 posts up, documenting in detail all the many things I have been doing lately. Really. Just not today. But I will give a brief update:

1. Happy Birthday to my sister Sara! The most independent & original 16 year old I know. Sara, you continue to fascinate me. Each time I see you, I learn of another talent you have. From theater to photography, to who knows what...You do your own thing. I'm glad to be a part of it :) And proud of you!

2. I love this girl (and her fella) and her shower was delightful. And the wedding will be wonderful. And I am so excited for her :)
2. Thriller was awesome! Best birthday present ever to get to go with my heee-larious sister, Katie. The only person in the world that shares my weird humor. The sole person I know I can look at when I snort out a laugh only to find her doing the same. Because she sees humor where I see humor... And it's subtle... Like noticing among the hundreds of people in the theatre...a gal breaking down during the finale Thriller dance because it was "just too painful to watch" with the recent passing of Michael Jackson. Thanks Katie, for "getting" me. For being that person who I know will find those subtle, funny things going on in a quiet, inappropriate, or seemingly unfunny situation... For having a laugh that is so contagious that thinking about something 4 weeks later can have me rolling on the ground, peeing my pants. And for taking me to Thriller. :)

4. I have lost 12 pounds. I am proud to say, I currently do not have to do the make-my-jeans-fit-squat with any pair of my jeans. You ladies know the squat I mean? It's not pretty. Who knew that eating healthy and working out would have this effect? What a concept. If I had only known :) Onward.

happy birthday to me!

2009-10-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend. Mostly because it was my birthday weekend!

I was spoiled by this guy: Hehe...I love this picture of B. Lil Scout :)

Brett & I had fun together this weekend. On Friday night he gave me the CUTEST fitted DC jacket. He has great taste! (Better than me I think, waaaahhh) We then went to see Couples Retreat, which I thought was pretty funny! On Saturday he took me to The Keg (a yummy steakhouse) where I cheated on my diet. ...SO! I can on my birthday!... Then lots of cuddlin'. Plus all weekend Brett let me have the remote to watch "Say yes to the Dress" and "Snapped" since it was my birthday weekend :)

Sunday was nice also. Church, dinner at B's parents house, then hung out with this little guy:
He wanted to watch 2 movies, and ONLY 2 movies:
1: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
2: Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

I felt like I needed to be making fudge, wearing gloves and a scarf, the whole dealio in order to watch Christmas movies in October... But turns out I love them just as much in Oct. than I do in Dec. (Plus I can't get enough of the wannabe dentist in Rudolph singing "Misfit")

We made cookies too... Mostly for ERIN DRAPER'S BIRTHDAY!!! :) (Love ya girl!)

Happy Birthday to me. 23 down... Undetermined number years to go...

i love life.

2009-10-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

I feel so good. Happy, and blessed, and good. I love my life. I love the rain we are getting; walking in it and smelling the fresh air it leaves behind. I love my B, who is such a strength and example to me. I love my mom, and the constant support she offers without an ounce of judgment cast. I love the people who inspire me, teach me, and help me to grow. I love the innocence of little ones, and the simple outlook they give me. I love my sisters, and the closeness we share. I love finding others who can find humor in most all situations. I love life. And I love YOU!

a second attempt.

2009-10-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

I have not been blogging as often as I should, I know. And I DO have plenty to blog about: Brett & I's one year (dating) anniversary, pre-wedding prep for my cute cousin, my recent move between apt's, etc, etc, etc... But I haven't had the time!

This post, however, is simply to state that today I am beginning the South Beach diet again. I did pretty well the last time, I just didn't keep it going. So... Here I go again. I stocked up on food, so there is no turning back now... Ready, GO!

Touched.

2009-10-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

Brett's sister-in-law, Shannon, posted on her Facebook to "watch her friend Stephanie on OPRAH", a Mommy Blogger, telling her story of surviving a plane crash a little over a year ago. Knowing nothing of Stephanie (Nie), her family, or her blog, I went to her page... I spent at least the next 3 hours reading through teary-eyes - entries both pre-crash and post-crash. The unconditional love Nie and her husband share is incredible. What an amazing, inspirational woman...A devoted mother & wife, with such strength. And an undeniable, unwavering faith in -and understanding of- Gods Eternal plan. I am so touched.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Wittle Wimpy Wisa.

2009-09-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

I will begin with this: I am a wimp. I am cautious and hesitant to participate in any activity in which injury is a possibility. I am delicate. I bruise like a peach. Growing up I never understood how some of the girls I knew were so tough. Like my friend Shannon who would wrestle with her huge Golden Retriever as I sat horrified, biting my nails safely behind the doggie-gate. Or Katie, the girl that could take a punch to the nose and hop right back up to sock the kid who did it. I never understood how these "tough girls" got so tough. Why did I earn the nickname of "mom" by the third grade for my scaredy-cat "g...g...guys, be care-ful!" catch phrase?

Why? I'll tell you why... I had seven sisters.

When I got into a fight with one of my sisters...I didn't wrestle, or punch or kick. I tore their homework in half, poured bleach on a prized article of clothing, or ripped the head off of a beloved Malibu Barbie doll.

I never had someone toughen me up. Therefore, I grew up wimpy.

I missed out on this...

p.s. I hope Bridgette doesn't mind me posting these pictures, I just couldn't help it. Cutest little face ever.

me through the years.

2009-09-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here I am back in 1992.And '76.... Crazy year, man.
A cleaner-cut me in '74
A short Disco-period in 1970
Way back in 1960... Those were the days.
Tee hee... I love YearbookYourself.com

And I have way too much free time...

So long friends.

A Weekend in Review, Written & Photographed By: Lisa Best

2009-09-13T22:09:00.001-07:00

This weekend I did many things. Below is a brief rundown of some of them...

I watched William catch a frog and hold it so tight it's eyeballs popped out.

(ok I am exaggerating...But not much)
I built a Lincoln Log cabin.
I had dinner at a restaurant that smelled like a bathroom with my mother, B & Will.

I acted my "normal" strange self around people I love...Who seem to love me regardless...score!
I spent a scorching hot day at The Fair. Why did we do that again? ...hmmm

Side note:
After Admission to The Fair complete with ice-cream, kiddie rides, petting zoo, kitty displays, monster trucks, elephant ears, foot massager fun....And T...T...T..TIRED legs....I asked William what his favorite part of the fair was...

His answer was two-fold:
1. "The man dressed like a giant coffee cup." (as we were EXITING the fair)
2. "The part where {his} Daddy (B) was afraid of the cows."

I ate Chicken Soft Tacos at Del Taco, because they have one in Federal Way. WOOT WOOT!

I laughed at the shoulder pad look of this sweatshirt at Wal-Mart.
I watched 3.5 consecutive hours of Medium because it's the best show EVER.

I made snickerdoodles for the first time.

I watched Groundhogs Day.

I cried - also a two-fold:
1: mommy leaves at 4am tomorrow on a jet plane
2: I am taking her to the airport.

I'm obsessed.

2009-09-11T08:39:00.001-07:00

Took a little venture to Ben Franklin last night... Not really a good move for me. I can't go into that store without leaving with bags of stuff I reeeeally don't need, but "can't live without."
My mom wanted to hit up a scrapbook store that she had never been to. My mom is the QUEEN
scrapbooker. You can see her book "Scrapbooking your Family History" on her website HERE.

Anyhoo... I just have to say how awesome scrapbook stuff has become. I love all the cute paper and accessories you can find to use. It has become an actual OBSESSION of mine. I find myself finding the paper and theme for a page and then thinking "Ok, now I need a picture to scrapbook" Ha ha, how backwards is that?

Question... Who has a Cricut? I want one so bad. I have this weird thing about using only sticker, stamped, or die-cut letters in my scrapbooks. I hate handwritten stuff. Maybe I just hate MY handwriting. (I am left-handed, therefore I can't write ANYTHING without leaving a trail of smudges to the left of everything) Anyway, I do have a point... I was looking for the Cricut machines last night to drool over the machine, new fonts, and other related gadgets that I can't afford & I couldn't find it. Instead I saw this:

Who has heard of "The Slice"? Does anyone know if it is better or worse than the Cricut? Not that I could afford it anymore than I could the Cricut, I'm just wonderin'.

I have also seen a lot of peeps get into Digital Scrapbooking, The idea seems really cool to me. A lot more freedom and a lot less cost. But giving up the organics of paper? die-cuts? little buttons? Ribbons? What programs is best? Digital scrapbookers, if any are out there... Share your wisdom.

While wandering last night I found some really cute paper and whatnot. Some I purchased, some I snapped pictures of for my pocketbooks sake. I posted some pictures.
I love Cosmo Cricket designs. Very cool colors and designs. Vintage-housewife looking (my own made-up word to describe them :)

I loved this alphabet one. So cute for a childs first day of school. Now all I need are some children...

...See what I mean about planning my pages WAY before the photos are taken!? I have a problem.
I loved this simple design.
My favorite one. I love the colors.

This is Cosmo Cricket: (most of the stuff I posted is)

This reminded me of some dishes at Target that I loved.
Lisa, you want to scrapbook dishes now? I need help.

breakfast... needs a little work.

2009-09-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday for breakfast I had:
1 handful of my homemade caramel popcorn
1 Root Beer

Today for breakfast I had:
4 Red Vines
2 slices of leftover pizza

Breakfast of champions?

p.s.
Music on my morning drive to work is a crucial part of:
a) waking me up
b) deciding my mood for the day

This morning I listened to "Doin Time" by Sublime. That song is so wonderful. It ALWAYS puts me in a good mood.

Um.....Wow.

2009-09-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

http://peopleofwalmart.com/

Need I say more?

:)

What to do?

2009-09-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today B & little Will left me and headed to sunny California. Waaaaaahhh.

What am I supposed to do with myself for the next four days?

What was that you said? ...."Watch The Phantom of the Opera for the 786th time while in my jammies eating a pint of Dulce de Leche Haagen Daas?"

Alright, alright, I'll do it...Geeeeez

Utah trip.

2009-08-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Amy's Wedding. 08.21.09

Amy was my boss at Utah Mountain Title, before I moved here. So I went to Utah for her wedding, which was awesome! I LOVED my job...UMT is the best, and I loved all my co-workers. We had so much fun seeing eachother again. Although, I think I was the only one having sober fun :)
The UTM crew!

The happy couple. Gorgeous.

It was really nice to have all four sisters together for the weekend. I was missing these peeps.
But the BEST part of going to Utah, and what I had been looking forward to for 5 months, was meeting THIS little (big) guy :)
This is J.D. Walton. My friend Brook's chubby-legged sweetheart. My heart has been aching to meet meet him and kiss him and smell him and love him. (check. check. check. check.) He is the cutest!

It was so good to see my Brooky again, but it really was sad to watch them leave... Brook is one of those friends that know you so well, that no matter how long it has been, or how your lives have changed... You just pick up where you left off. Brook has seen me at my worst, and at my best and has always been there for me. I feel a little homesick when I look at these pictures. I miss you Brook! And J.D., my love... don't grow up too much before I get to see you again.
This was last night. I just love these two pictures :) Kodak moment.

The end.

funny:)

2009-08-18T05:45:00.000-07:00

While I was getting my nails done last night I was watching the news and saw this picture pop on the screen. It was a clip from the Today show. You may have already seen this picture. ..Husband and wife, Jackson and Melissa Brandts, had timed their camera to shoot a family picture of themselves at Banff National Park in Canada when this little squirrel popped up right in front of their camera. What an amazing shot! I thought it was the coolest picture ever, so I had to share it with peeps who perhaps have not yet seen it :)

Home.

2009-08-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Heading to Utah, my hiz-ome, on Thursday for a much-anticipated, & much needed visit.

Dear Utah, I am excited to see you. I know I abandoned you, I am sorry.

Signed, Sorry in Seattle

In conclusion... Some photos of things I miss...

baking project.

2009-08-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found this recipe online, one of my favorite baking sites! They looked like something that would be really quite simple for William to help with so I decided to stop at the grocery store on the way to the boys house and pick up what we needed to make them.

Will is really quite helpful in the kitchen, and enjoys to help me bake, so it was really fun. I will admit, I am a perfectionist. I have a hard time when people want to help me do things, fearing that it won't turn out exactly as I imagined it in my head. So when I met Will, not having had many little ones in my life prior, it took me a while to stop constantly saying "Here, I'll do this part for you". This project, I decided I would let him completely take the reins, that's what makes baking so fun anyway...Creativity!

I showed him how to do the first one and then gave him a tray of pie crust circles, and he was off! I was so impressed with how well he did all on his own. He kept saying things like "Wisa, on this next step I am going to just press the dough really gentle"

Scooping a little chocolate chip cookie dough into the center of each pie crust circle.Almost done! Such focus!

Folding over each top and pressing "gentwy" with a fork to seal
Applying egg white & sugar to the tops
Once we popped these babies in the oven, Will and I turned on the oven light and sat by the oven to watch our pie cookies progress and munch on the leftover cookie dough... so by the time they were done and out of the oven, neither of us really wanted any more sweets. I did try one, and I'll admit, they weren't the yummiest treat I've ever tasted. I think next time I'll need less pie...I couldn't really taste the cookie. But it didn't matter, we had a great time making them... Will was beaming with pride and insisted that we put them in a tupperware right away to give to him Momma on Sunday. He was so excited to tell her that he had made them all on his own. Perodically throughout the baking process he'd say "My Mommy is going to WOVE these cookes I am making her because I made them all by myself"

Fun times :)

Life is good.

2009-08-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

For those of you who did not know this already, In addition to my current job as an Administrative Assistant, I recently began a second job a few nights a week working in a group home for people with developmental disabilities. This is something I did for a few years in Utah and loved, so I was excited to find this new job.

A couple days a week I work 6-3 at my first job and then go straight to the group home where I work 4-10. Yesterday was one of these days. In addition to my busy work schedule for the day, my back has been KILLING me the past few days. And on top of that, some other things popped up yesterday that helped to add unwelcome stress to a normally stress-free gal... therefore transforming me into a miserable, whining loser of a woman. My night job, as I knew from past experience, does well to help me forget any issues I may be having in my own life. It's just that kind of work. But I was exhausted yesterday.

After my 16 hour work day I headed back to my aunts to spend the night with my cousin & braid her hair. On my way I called B to say goodnight...No answer...hmmm...Very rarey does that happen. His son was at Grandmas for the night, so I figured B had fallen into a deep slumber already...Which is exactly what I was planning to do very soon.

Once I got to my aunts, I walked through the front door armed with Cheetos & soda and ready to braid. As I yelled out to my cousin "WHY IS THE DOOR UNLOCKED!?" ...my sweet B came around the corner. After I screamed from the shock of a man being there... I realized it was my man:) My man who planned with my cousin earlier that day to be there when I got there, parking his car around the corner so I would not know he was inside. To surprise me with flowers on my stressful day. And hold me and give me a kiss that I desperately needed. It was so sweet and totally made my day, and all it's stresses melt away. I love you Brett!

Life is good.

pie pops

2009-08-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

I had been obsessing over these Pie Pops I saw here. So on Friday, I made them. I really don't even particularly like pie, these were just so cute! Mine obviously did not turn out as cute as Luxirare or Bakerella... But they were super easy to make and fun also. I didn't have a round cookie cutter, so I used the bottom of my Diet Coke can :) ...See? I recycle. Reduce, Reuse Recycle! Gold Star to moi.

I loved making them, so on Sunday I brought more pie crust over to my Aunts, and my Cousin and I made more of them. This time we used actual cookie cutters, well kind of.

So there we were... Up until the wee hours of the morn, listening to rap and bakin pie... Who doesn't do that?