another post

Ok so I know this is like my 19th post in the past few days, but I can't help myself. Sam and I made a video today. I am trying to make tons of videos for him so that when he's older he will know how much I loved being home with him.

I've found my answer.

Have you ever asked yourself the question, "If I were going to die tonight, what would I eat as my last meal?" I have asked myself this plenty of times, not because I'm itching to die, but because I love food. I never really had a concrete answer for this question until yesterday when I found my food soul-mate. Let me introduce you to Peanut Butter Pie from La Grande Orange (40th st & Camelback).


I usually get grossed out when people describe their food and talk about it all sensually, but I must go into detail about this pie. It was the texture of cheescake, but not quite so dense. It was the perfect blend of peanut-buttery, cream-cheesy, chocolately heaven I have ever tasted. I haven't stopped thinking about it since. I am limiting myself to one sweet per week, and the past few weeks I've had Reese's peanut butter cups, and I've even taken a trip to Cold Stone to get my fix. Oh if I'd only known I'd been wasting my time!! If you're looking for a fun, new place to go on a date night, go to La Grande Orange. You will not be dissapointed.

Jessica

My sweet Jessica had her baby last week (FINALLY!!!) So Jess, here is your tribute.

I just love Jessica. She has been such a fun part of my life since junior year of high school when we rode the bus to her house one day. She did my hair and then we drove to Mobil in her mom's minivan. While Jess was pumping gas, she locked the keys inside. My first impression of her mom was that I was terrified of her- because she showed up to the gas station angry that Jess had done this (if I remember correctly this was not the first time that had happened).

Jessica is goofy and talented. She loves to sing- especially Mariah Carey...and will even pull over to the side of the road, just so she can concentrate on perfecting every note :). We have our own secret language that not even we understand. We have cowritten many ballads together that are worthy of raido air-play. We both used to love Evanescence. I can still picture Jessica pumping her fist in the air to Amy Lee's vocals at her concert. Haha that still makes me laugh out loud.

Jessica has a strong spirit and isn't afraid to do scary things if she knows they are right. She moved to California (alone) after high school because she felt the prompting to do so. Good thing she followed the Lord's directions, because she got an Ian and two babies out of it!

Jessica is so talented at doing hair. She was a GORGEOUS bride. Every time I think of my own wedding day, I just think, "If only I'd done my hair like Jessica's..."

Did I mention Jessica is goofy???


You are loved, Jessica McDowell!

Barrys and Sprouts

I just love my brother-in-law, Rich. He is one of the funniest people I know because he doesn't try to be. The other night, we were over at the Barrys while Rich and his cute wife, Treslee, were also visiting. I was in the middle of doing something in the kitchen when I heard a snipet of a conversation between Rich and John. Rich was giving John the update on life when he said, "Avacados are on sale 4 for a dollar at Sprouts." John answered with his usual raised eyebrows and, "Oh." Then after a 1/2 a second pause Rich proudly added, "I picked up eight."

End of conversation.

I'm not exactly sure why my brain thinks these little moments are the funniest of all, and I have to admit that I have been reliving that moment at least per a day since. So, dearest "brother" Rich, I just wanted to let you know that I just picked up 12.

You know what's lame about having a name that starts with "A?"

People's cell phones accidentally call you because you're at the top of their phone list.

This happened to me twice today.

10 Months Old

Sam turned 10 months old yesterday.

This is a picture of me at 10 months. I think Sam totally looks like me!


Sam is such a good-natured little boy. He is always smilling. Seriously. Always. We make friends everywhere we go (especially in stores bordering Sun City). Devn and I lay awake at night talking about just how incredible this little baby is.


This is my favorite part of Sam's cute body. I love his little back!

A Video in Honor of...

This past Tuesday night some dear old friends and I gathered at the Reid's home (aka my favorite place in Glendale) to make a video in honor of our dearly departed (to Utah) Selena. Making it was a pretty funny experience. There were 3 babies there, who all chose to be loud when the camera was rolling. There were 6 of us involved, and the funny thing is, we barlely talked to each other without mentioning Selena's name. I guess you can tell what (or who) we all have in common. Last thing: I AM ISSUING A CONTENT WARNING! I know some of my sweet nieces watch my videos, so I want to warn their moms that there is a brief PG-13 moment. In the scene, Bri can't contain her love for Lacey (if you know Bri you will not be shocked in the least). Ok that's it! "Let's watch this crap!!!" (stole that line from Devin)

my 24th year

I am 25 today.

Every year on my birthday, I try to take a look back on the previous year and see how I've changed, grown, etc. Almost every happy memory from this year stems back to one little person: Sam.

Sam has made me patient and selfless. Sam has taught me that I can survive on small amounts of sleep. Sam has shown me that true joy lies in caring for others. He has made me see a side of my sweet husband that is most attractive to me.

I would be lying if I said that the past year has been nothing but happiness and perfection. I miss having girlfriends to hang out with and be goofy with. Having my first baby drastically changed my body and the way I feel about myself. I went from feeling confident and pretty to awkard and frumpy, which leads me to my next subject: Goals.

In my 25th year, I want to rid myself of the remaining 25 lbs. of pregnancy/Sam weight. I want to be a sweeter, more serving wife. I want to be sweeter to my parents and sisters. I want to contribute to our income without sacrifcing my time with Sam. I want to build strong, lasting friendships. I want to have a house of order that is filled with the Holy Spirit.

I remember one time my boss from the scrapbook store up in Flagstaff told me I had a charmed life. That couldn't be more true. I have the cutest little family. We live in a darling little house. I married into a huge family that I actually enjoy hanging out with! I have two sisters who, even though we're not as close as I know we could be, would defend me to the death if I asked them to. I am so so thankful to say that I am happy and optimistic.

Massel Tov to myself for 25 years!!!

Somebody Call 911

We made a video with the elders Friday night. Devin and I were telling his parents all about it when we were out to dinner for Brooklynn's birthday. When I asked if I should put it on the blog, John said, "Probably not." In my and Devin's world, what John Barry says goes. We think he is the supreme authority on right and wrong. BUT, the elders personally gave me their permission to post this, and actually requested that I do so, so that their parents can watch it. So, without further ado, I give you The Hungry Missionaries.