My birthday was lovely...Thanks all for your lovely wishes, emails, blog comments, and phone messages!

Right now I can hear a heartbeat in my feet... they are throbbing...let's just start from the beginning....

Blake and I drove out to California (Newport Beach) to celebrate my birthday and to give thanks for the condo (timeshare) Blake's grandpa let us use while we are here. We left on Wednesday (my bday) and got to our condo in the afternoon. We enjoyed a lovely game of chess down by the pools...then had a lovely (yet VERY noisy) dinner at 9:30 pm at Yardhouse- yes I was so tired by the time we got back from dinner that I could barely eat any cake. It was a delicious chocolate cake, and was so nice of my nephew to help me blow out ALL of the candles...yes there were many...I received a beautiful array of gifts from the family- my wish list proved to be successful (Thank you Sarah for the recommendation to do that) My Christmas & indie music collection is growing, my perfume collection is growing, and my cute book collection is growing. Thank you so much. My brother Nate lives in North Hollywood and came down for dinner and hung out with us all day today doing what anyone on the planet who is really a natural "child" would love to do....Disneyland, baby.

I will blog tomorrow(land) about today (adventureland). I am so tired that my eyes are seeing Mickey ears, stars from Space Mountain, and the giant Sully (Monsters, Inc.). Plus I've had a cold the last few days and between screaming and laughing from all of the rides, my throat is burning and getting quite hoarse. I LOVE the happiest place on earth!

New Laptop...

So for my bday present Blake was kind enough to let me get a new laptop since my other one died...I love my new one...new keys...shiny screen...no baggage- it's all for me.

Yes...it's a Toshiba and it's lovely. It's got all the bells and whistles...but some neat things include: Label Flash, 200 GB hard drive, DVD SuperMulti optical drive AMD Turion 64x2 Dual-Core Processor, etc. I know... they aren't as cool as iEverything for Macs, but I had a long think and decided having a Mac wasn't worth my sanity this year...it's already been hard enough as it is. Many of you would say "but Macs are the simplest and easiest things to use on the planet!" however I beg to differ... I (somehow) find ways to break Macs or click something I shouldn't be clicking...then BAM....it doesn't work=hours on the phone with tech support or sitting at the Apple store at the genius bar for WAY too long. This is the beginning of a lovely relationship.

these nails....

In my attempt to be the girliest I've ever been in my life and in the new revival of my fingernails I have done this...

I know...don't I look like a whole new person? Ha. I realize these nails look really short still, but I've never had nails this long in my entire life- underneath that polish there is probably 2-3 mm of whites on the end of the nail. A little miracle in my life. Plus I am lapping up the satisfaction of being able to tap my fingernails on any hard service- yes, I pretty much tap it on any and every hard surface... it no longer makes the "thud" sound of my nubbins...it makes a perfectly chipper "clickity click click". I know...it doesn't take much to impress or entertain me.

I'd like to publicly thank "Stop the Bite" for helping me achieve my lifelong goal of no longer biting my fingernails. Quite an accomplishment. My next feat will be "Stop the Binging". Maybe I'll start that in January. sheesh.

Breaking points...

Last night in class (Special Ed and Behavior Issues) we discussed some important points regarding our ideal classroom behavior and how to reinforce that behavior. We also discussed behaviors we detest from students and what we do as parents/teachers to reinforce negative behavior. Now since I'm not a parent and not a teacher (yet) I thought I'd share what others in the class shared as well as myself...

1) Ideal student behaviors in the classroom- respectful to others and self, honest, organized, accountable for own actions, come to class wanting and expecting to learn, positive, open-minded.

2) How to reinforce ideal behaviors- verbal praise, positive expressions and body language, rewards through stickers, extra "personal time", treasure chest, one-on-one time with teacher, contacting parents by phone/letter to give praise.

3) Behaviors I detest in the classroom- interrupting others by talking or distracting movements, disrespectful/talking back, whining, tattling, swearing, name calling, jeopardizing safety.

4) What we do to reinforce negative behavior- raise voice, assume a situation without getting full detail of incident (based off of previous behavior), put our hand on our hip, slam things around, roll eyes, grunt (humf) or exhail loudly, interrupt or shush with hand.

And my final item to look at would be... What is your breaking point when kids/students push your buttons? How do you keep your cool? We all have tendencies to snap in certain situations. Kids know when they are misbehaving- why do they do this? Usually they misbehave because they aren't getting the attention they personally need or are not getting personally fulfilled. The teacher brought up the point that in order for us to be happy educators we must think about those tough situations and how we could remain under control so we didn't do something that might jeopardize our teaching career.

How can we as parents/aunts/teachers in the home keep happy and allow a positive environment in the home so that behavior issues don't happen at school?

The teacher also brought up a good point that we expect kids to sit still for much of the day, however teachers can get up and down at their leisure- but kids get punished if they aren't sitting still. Same goes for the house- we all need time to stretch, move and get our blood flowing. Why do we condemn kids for having energy? Don't we just need to give them options for movement and participation? You tell me...

My handiness...

So, on occasion when time presents itself (which isn't too often) I take the opportunity to use the sewing machine Blake got me a few years ago for my birthday. It is the most basic of machines (which is really good for my ADD-ness) and I actually am very relaxed when sewing. I had about 10 items that had been sitting in my "to fix" pile for about a year so I decided that Tuesday night was just as good as any to tackle that project. I spent about 2 hours fixing things AND even replaced a zipper in a skirt (which I had never before done). What really sucked was the fact that after I spent that long replacing the zipper I tried on the skirt and lets just say it was on the verge of being too small. Guess that Whopper Jr. put my butt over the edge. Sheesh.

After finishing 8 of my 10 "to fix" items, I wanted to work on a project since I had gotten this REALLY cool fabric (imported from Japan) about a month ago and was trying to figure out what I might make out of it... and since they cut fabric in "fat quarters" (20" x 22") and is rather expensive I wanted to make something reasonable- so I made a snuggly. That's just what I call a "mini" blanket for kids or toddlers. It's not big enough to lay on or be completely covered- just big enough to snuggle or nuzzle up to. The material on the back is SO soft- some kind of chenille, now I'm wishing I made an entire blanket just for me.

This little snuggly will go to a good home- my friend Kelly is having a baby boy in January- so I know it'll go to good use! Congrats Kelly! 

The Secret Garden...

In staying with the garden theme I decided when I planted a garden I would read a classic story that my parents used to read to my brothers and sister and I when we were little. I loved "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I am amazed at this work since it was done in 1911...that was almost 100 yrs ago- it's such a weird thought. I finished the book a few weeks ago but I just wanted to add a few excerpts that were beautiful and very real things for me at the moment...

"One of the new things people began to find out in the last century was that thoughts-just mere thoughts-are as powerful as electric batteries-as good for one as sunlight is, or as bad for one as poison. To let a sad thought or a bad one get into your mind is as dangerous as letting a scarlet fever germ get into your body. If you let it stay there after it has got in you may never get over it as long as you live. So long as Mistress Mary's mind was full of disagreeable thoughts about her dislikes and sour opinions of people and her determination not to be pleased by or interested in
anything, she was a yellow-faced, sickly, bored and wretched child. Circumstances, however, were very kind to her, though she was not at all aware of it. They began to push her about for her
own good. When her mind gradually filled itself with robins, and moorland cottages crowded with children, with queer crabbed old gardeners and common little Yorkshire housemaids, with springtime and with secret gardens coming alive day by day, there was no more room left for the disagreeable thoughts which affected her liver and her digestion and made her yellow and
tired."

I just see so much of myself in this...mostly in my quiet moments when I have time to think and drown in self-pity. But when I see all of the miracles around me and remember that things could be much worse I am thankful to be me...thankful for every moment I have to reflect on what life is all about...the beauty of what surrounds my life...a garden that grows, friends and family who genuinely care about me, the opportunity to get an education, to be capable to hold a job and to be married to one of the most spectacular people on this earth.

Little Ms Mandy...how does your garden grow??

So, snow peas...my new favorite. It is any "trying to be a gardener but kill everything"'s best friend. My peas have grown from this on November 1st....

To this on November 10th! 

 They are just lovely. As I've been tending to them I've realized how much I love the little curly locks that grow from the stems- as I've been training them to go up the trellis I have felt a twinge of guilt when I split the plants apart that have chosen to link their curly locks together. Don't they know I am splitting them up to help them grown skyward? I know it's for their own good... but will they revolt like my plants of the past and wither up and die? I hope not. I can't take the rejection... these are my babies for now.

My husband, the entrepreneur...

When Blake gets obsessed about something, he gets REALLY obsessed- usually in a good way. Like being the main contact with our insurance company regarding the condo toilet flooding fiasco. Bless he sweet soul. Who knows if I could really worry about ONE more thing. I am being tested...that is for effing sure.

However, in light of obsessiveness Blake in the mean time has figured out how to unlock the iphone so that people can use it, even if they don't have AT&T phone carrier. He is such a smarty. He's already sold 2 phones in 2 days- I am so proud. He says "I'm an entrepreneur!" I envy his techiness. I'm still learning how to download songs off of the internet.

My new Crocies...

So I know it's lame to be excited about plastic shoes...but my feet are in heaven. This is my 4th pair but I've branched out from the Mary Jane Croc to the Relief Croc. The reason I got the new Crocs was because we are going to Disneyland next week- which was the reason I got plantar fasciitis in the first place 2 yrs ago (partially because I gained some poundage too). My MJs are comfortable, but the Reliefs have more heel and arch support- just what I needed. Hopefully I won't be laid out like I was from 2 days of Disneyland 2 yrs ago. I'm thinking positive.

PS- I don't have those little jewel things that you put in the holes on the tops- they're so childish. ;) Not to mention lame. But seriously, whoever thought of it is a genius- and a millionaire.

NOT my hardest flick...

Ok...so I know this post may disappoint some- but really, it's all about what I think, so here goes...Blake and I saw Pan's Labyrinth (yes it was rated "R"ighteous) over the weekend and let me just say a few words...

1) Way too much gore- pretty unnecessary actually

2) Did they really say the eff word in 1945 in Spain?

3) I've already had nightmares about the guy with the hand eyes (yeah I know, I'm still a little kid)

4) Thank goodness we got it on netflix cuz I had to fastforward it about 4 times due to graphic violence and the chase scenes (I get REALLY queasy with gore, and being chased in a narrow hallway is my WORST nightmare!)

5) What was the final outcome? I don't want to spoil the ending but I don't get it! It just seemed strangely put together.



I'll give it creative and I didn't even mind it having Spanish subtitles. I especially loved the little girl- as an actress she was phenomenal... I just feel like something was missing- like they didn't finish the story or give more details on the idea of the Labyrinth. Did someone catch something I missed? Maybe I missed it in my tiny fast forwarding bouts or when I was closing my eyes...and ears!

Input jack jacked...

Well, Saturday was my niece Indianna's birthday...we had a totally fantastic time...however I am dealing with a devastating moment. All of the pics from the party were downloaded onto my computer and deleted off of the memory card.

My laptop has had some issues with the input jack and getting a full battery charge. We've had to get it re-soldered about 5 times and the last time we took it in the guy said the computer may be trash if it breaks again. Well, it broke again, and I'm trying to get the info pulled out, but still trying to get in contact with the IT guy to do it. So, in the mean time I am FLIPPING out about losing all of my school work, pictures, music, etc. I will DIE if I lose it all! So, WHEN (note- the positive vibe) I get all of my stuff restored I will be including her birthday party pics. The good thing is that I backed up my hard drive, but it was WAY back in January! So much has gone into my computer since then!

Please pray for me! Yes, prayer is appropriate in this case as my sanity could be on the line!

Carving Pumpkins...

I absolutely LOVE carving pumpkins...I decided to get creative this year!

I love scooping the goop...

making pretty toppers...

These aren't scary pumpkins!!

Carving with a pattern is hard too...I mean, look at the cat's left ear- It has elephantitis!

A cute typical Jack-O-Lantern done by Blake

And just to start the season off right, in honor of the Phx Suns...

I actually DID design and carve this one...

Hope you had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! We actually stayed home and handed out candy for the first time since we've been married and it was so much fun! We actually ran out of candy! We loved seeing all of the costumes...the kids were so cute!

* Oh and a little shout out to my cousin Tracy- Happy Birthday!!*

A wish list...

Normally I am the worst person (and best person) to buy gifts for. The reason I bring this up is because Sarah told me I always buy what I want for myself before she can buy it for me- so, this year, I am attempting a more modern approach to gift giving. I decided to do an Amazon.com wishlist, which can be found here...

The other reason why I am easy to buy for is because I am grateful for ANY gift! Gift cards are great...you all know what I like- food, clothes, movies, crafts, etc. I am NOT picky!

My birthday is coming up in the next few weeks- which is, of course, the reason for this post.

The Great Pumpkin...

Did anybody ever watch the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown? I loved that! It's been a long time since I've seen that!

Anyways...my parents in Colorado have an AMAZING garden (which is what drives me to make mine awesome!) and they sent me some pics of their astonishingly abnormal pumpkins from this year. They have never had them grow so big...I wonder what's in the water? The biggest one was 85 lbs! Here are my neices Camille and Callia!
Here is the aftermath of being carved...beautiful job Mom and Dad!

My parents were so proud to see the Kimball Concepts baby line at their local Walgreens so they adorned my neices in the "Got Candy" shirts. Camille LOVED looking like Callia- she said "look Papa, me and Callia are twins!" I think every little girl wishes they were a twin- Katy and I totally did as kids until she got into her teens- then she just threw fits anytime I wanted to wear similar colors!

Whirlwind week!

Yeah- it's been crazy busy- as always! Tuesday we found out Blake's sister Jaime was coming out to AZ from San Diego because they got manditorily evacuated because of the fires. Their apt luckily wasn't damaged- they just needed to get out of the smoke and ashes for a few days since Jax has athsema and Parker is a newborn. It was so sweet to finally get to hold and coddle Parker- he is TOO cute! And he just loved when Uncle Blake gave him loves! And Jax loved being the master puppeteer with Chels

Wednesday I went outside to see a lovely surprise...my peas had grown nearly 2 inches in 2 days...wow, if that doesn't make an amateour gardener proud, I don't know what could!

So, Wednesday night Awake & Alert played at the Brickhouse in Phoenix, and I'm not gonna lie- the sound was amazing and Maya's vocals were spot on- it was pretty phasing. Of course Blake and Spencer and super critical and played at a really cool venue in LA last weekend so they thought it didn't even compare. I met up with Jaime and Chelsea to watch the show and that was a lot of fun- especially since we hardly see Jaime since she lives in San Diego!

Thursday Chels and I practiced a church hymn- "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" that is done in a beautiful arrangement that we'll be singing on Sunday in her singles ward for church. Haven't done a duet in a while but it will be a lot of fun! Pretty song!

Tonight we just got back from a lovely Halloween party hosted by Cami and Molly- and what FANTASTIC parties they throw! Thanks for letting us be a part of it! Here is just a little taste of what we saw...

Yes. I am a "deviled" egg. Clever, I know- can't take the credit though- however I did actually make the egg, so that is fun. It was a lot of fun seeing old friends and new- it was great getting together! I wish I had more time to do these sorts of things!

The Weekend...

Wow. It was weird having Blake out of town Thurs, Fri and half of Sat, but I can't complain...I got a whole lot done. Thursday night I got a bunch of homework done- which really never happens...but it was a tiny miracle. Friday night I hung out with Kaylo, Diana, and Paige and that was a blast. We went to Aloha Kitchen (SO YUMMY- Hawaiian) for dinner and then went to Kaylo's to play Catan. I love playing- it is just so relaxing. Check how HARD O looks in his outfit!!

So, Saturday when Blake got home from their little Awake & Alert mini Cali tour, it was just a whirlwind day. We drove all over the valley to get Awake & Alert situated for the SoCo music festival at Tempe Market Place. The show ended up being a ton of fun- I guess A&A sold more merch than all of the other BIG bands combined! Isn't that great! As always...being the merch lady! Sunday felt like a long day, but really good. I decided to get back into singing with our church choir. I've really missed singing- my poor little alto voice has been rusty. I can't even sing in the shower since Blake's not even awake when I go to work- boo hoo. But one cool thing is that Blake and I got our plane tickets to Colorado for Christmas! We are so excited to go!!! We'll be there Dec 20-27! Back in time for our nephew's 4th birthday!

So, this morning I witnessed a miracle...in two days my new Snow Peas grew from this....

To THIS!!! Isn't that amazing!

It's a confirmation that I REALLY don't kill everything! Neato. However I did notice that the bamboo I had in my house that I cleaned out the jar a week ago- yeah I realized I never put water back in it- what a dummy.

Awake & Alert- 10-18-07 Article in the Get Out section of the East Valley Tribune

So it was pretty exciting to see Awake & Alert's article in the paper today! I had a hard time scanning this puppy so I decided to go digital and just take a pic of it- hopefully it is readable! In case it's not- go here to read the full article! A&A is out in LA tonight playing in Pomona at the Glass House with Facing New York and Cursive. My little bro Nate gets to check the show while I'm home all alone- boo hoo!!

A&A will be playing at the Knitting Factory in LA tomorrow night and then coming back to AZ to play a FREE show at the new Tempe Market Place shopping center at 8:30 pm on Saturday night! Come support A&A! There will be a ton of other bands and from what I hear the festivities start around 2pm. It should be a fun day! Not quite sure yet, but it may be a 21+ event.

Public shame...

I deserve it... I am doing this to teach myself a lesson- I want as much negative, mean, ruthless commentary EVER about this post. Seriously...I've had a lot of time (28 years) to reflect on my habits, and this week marks the beginning of a miracle. Yes, I decided to stop biting my fingernails. It's funny, Blake says he NEVER sees me biting my nails- then how would you explain these....

If that wasn't bad enough how about an even closer shot...
These are what I've lovingly labeled as nubbins. My nail beds look like an infant's- they're that small. So I know that this is both too late for the '07 New Years Resolution as well as too early for the '08 NYR- but lets be serious-I am WAY too old to have this disgusting habit. I hope I don't gross other people out the way Lebron James grosses me out....

So- how will I defeat this habit? The magical polish- HOOF- Stop the Bite!

Why does this sound like I have a TOE nail biting problem?? Gees, great brand name!! Lame! So if you've never had to use this stuff, let's just say it makes vitamins taste like freakin HEAVEN! BLACHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

So, the good thing about this stuff= I won't bite my nails with this stuff polished on.

The bad stuff= don't even THINK about eating a scrumptious bag of Cheetos or a chocolate candy that has no shell because the second you EVEN try to lick your fingers you will be APPALLED at the taste going in your mouth! Putting my fingers to my mouth has never felt like a problem- hopefully it won't take too long for this habit to go away!!

Wish me luck! I'm tackling Satan himself!!

10 MORE CLASSES LEFT!

I can't even say how exstatic I am about the fact that I only have 10 more classes and 4 months of student teaching until I have my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education as of Monday. It sounds short, but I won't actually finish classes until December of '08 then will do student teaching Jan-Apr '09. And that is all barring that I don't switch my schedule or have any major life changing events- yeah right. Plus I have to pass this AZ state exam by September and that is only SLIGHTLY stressful. I am going to try to fit in study time for that between my classes if possible! Another "yeah right".

A delightful day...

So Saturday was incredibly relaxing- yet I got SO much done! I slept a whole 8 hours Friday night and that was just delightful...the first of many delights! (Friday night too was delightful playing Catan with Sar- thanks for the much needed fun!!).

Then Blake and I rode our bikes around the neighborhood and around where we live- the weather was just perfect- the breeze and the beginning of fall coming around with a slight chill in the air- but with the warm sun on my back was just delightful. I can't even count how many times I said "WEEEEE" as we rode bikes...I am so easily entertained.

Then when we got home from bike riding I did my daily garden tending and decided it was as good of a day as any to put up a trellis and get my peas started for the fall! I can't wait to see them grow! My garden is progressing just beautifully! Every vegetable that I planted (except for salad lettuce) has started growing. It is another DEEEELIGHTFUL thing.

We also took some time to enjoy sitting out on our front porch! SO delightful. And watching the bees pollinate the bushes nearby. It didn't take long for me to say "BEE" that Blake fled indoors. My dad had bee hives on our property when I was a kid so I am just facinated by them... however, the sound of bees gets my skin crawling!

As the day progressed we decided to sell our old cell phones on Craigslist and literally within an hour they were sold! How amazing that site is. I really can't justify spending time on that site- you can waste so much time there unless you go in knowing EXACTLY what you want.

Anypoo- we decided to have date night with the money we made from our cell phones so we drove over to US Airways arena and checked a pre season Suns vs Hornets basketball game. We follow the Suns pretty heavily so we were excited to see them back in action. They didn't play their starters much but the game was still exciting! Sean Marks is one of my favorite "benchers". He did an incredible job last night. A few weeks ago Blake and I were shopping at Ikea and saw Sean there and I couldn't figure out for the life of me who he was. I said to Blake "How do I know that guy? He looks so familiar!" Yeah- so if I were to have been standing right next to him I would've figured out right away he was on the Suns since he's like- 7 ft tall!! I do that all the time- recognize people but don't figure out who they are until hours later. Luckily Blake figured it out right away and was pretty phased by it.... he got kinda star struck. He was so close to bro-ing it up with him! HAHA.

Steve Nash is my HARDEST player! Simply amazing!

I LOVE SPENDING DATE NIGHT THIS WAY!!

So today has also been incredibly delightful. Spending the morning at church and this afternoon doing "relaxing" things has been great. A beautiful "SUN"day with perfect weather & being able to read a book out on the porch = DELIGHTFUL.

My new nephew...

So I haven't had a chance to blog about the newest member of our family- Parker Stevens Grant who was born on 9-28-07! I didn't have any good pics to post until today so I wanted to share our excitement to all- Parker is Blake's sister Jaime's 2nd son- and he's just adorable!

And here is Jax as the big brother- he's gonna get good at this "big brother" thing!

What a cute family they have become! We are so happy for you guys Jaime, Jason, Jax and now Parker! Can't wait to come out and actually hold this sweet little boy!

These bitter pills....

My breakfast...vitamins...yummy. Are you getting that taste in your mouth yet? You know...the bitter one of vitamins going down your throat. Yuck. And that is just what I take for breakfast- YIKES!!

Tender moments...

So- I just loved getting to watch/listen to General Conference. I did get to watch the Saturday morning session as well as both sessions today and I just felt like so many of those talks were aimed at me. Little snipits from this talk and that made my heart just swell. I loved the talks from Richard G. Edgley, Spencer J. Condie(my fave), Dieter F. Uchdorf, Henry B. Eyring, Julie Beck, Christoffel Golden Jr., David A. Bednar, Robert D. Hales, Dallin H. Oaks, and of course President Gordon B. Hinckley.

I know I don't say it enough, but I am so greatful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is a beautiful gospel with principles that are good and wholesome in this crazy world. I am thankful to know that we can live again one day with our families after death and see the blessings of our obediance from here on this earth. I love remembering that Christ atoned for every earthly sin and knows us each personally and knows what trials and struggles we go through. I know that I am a daughter of God, born into "my family" for a divine reason and that I am tested every day in choices of the world. Today I needed to be deep- I don't do it nearly enough.

A miracle! Green in AZ

So it seems I DON'T kill everything my hand touches (like King Midas' touch)...just wanted to share a miracle of green even in the brown state of Arizona. This garden is actually proving to be quite therapeutic...many of you know Blake and I have been trying to start a family- I think it will be good for me to get some "relaxation" time in with the garden so as to give my body a break from all of the stress of trying to conceive, work, school, church, and of course a social life.

** Look Sarah- my turnips are growing and you'll be the first recipient once they get crunchy! :)