CHRISTMAS

I have so much to blog and not enough time. BUT, I did come across this quote tonight and thought it was very appropriate for this busy time of year:

Christmas, my child, is love in action.....
Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
~Dale Evans Rogers

I know a lot of times for me I lose focus on what Christmas should be about. I get caught up in the gifts and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I'm thinking now that some of the bigger stuff is out of the way (Christmas work parties, etc) I need to take a deep breath and enjoy the season for what it is. Merry Christmas everyone!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2010

It's that time of the year again! The Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert was last night and was WONDERFUL as usual! It ended up being a girls night due to the bub's getting sick (he and I usually take my mom for an early birthday present). I got a call at work about 10:30 or so from the bub's saying he was throwing up. No fun! Everyone is sick right now with this nasty flu bug, so now it's his turn. Poor guy! I didn't want to waste an expensive ticket, so I called my very cute sister-in-law up and asked her if she would like to go with us. She mentioned a couple of months ago (when I first purchased the tickets) that she loved going but couldn't get my grumpy brother to go with her (he went once and wasn't super impressed with it). I didn't know if she would be able to go so late minute, but she seemed excited and said she would make it work! I'm so glad she did, too, it was a TON of fun!(sorry - this picture is a little blurry. I asked the kid sitting in front of us to take it!) It was a little different this year (after this first part, of course. They do this story first every time). Usually it's a lot of Christmas music, but this year they ended up playing some of the new stuff they are working on and then just some random songs. I actually liked it quite a bit better! I also loved that it was held at Energy Solutions Arena so we could park at the Gateway and just walk over. Much easier to get to the venue and much easier to get OUT of the venue! Thanks gals for a very fun night out! Even though I feel bad about the bub's being sick, I'm glad things worked out the way they did! Also, big thanks to Jeff for watching the girls so we could steal his wife for the night! Love ya big bro!



(Don't ya just love all the pics with the poor bald guys head in them? I just noticed that!)

THRILLER & MURDERY MYSTERY FUN

As you may, or may not know, we have a tradition of going to Oddessy Dance Theatre's "Thriller" every year. If you live in Utah and haven't been, you really need to. It's so much fun! So, little embarrassing mishap for this year, though. I originally bought tickets to a show closer to us a couple of months ago. The bubs was going through the tickets on our fridge (because we had just gotten our Warrren Miller tickets in the mail) and happened to open the Thriller tickets. Yeah, we totally missed it. I didn't put it on the calendar and for some reason I thought it was later in the month. Not so much. It was the first part of October! I was SOOOO bummed (not to mention a little upset at myself for wasting money!) I didn't know how long Thriller played for, but ended up finding seats down at Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake and this time we even made the performance (with freakin' awesome seats!) I wanted to get a pic with some zombies, but this will have to make do!

The little girl zombie kept stealing candy from a couple sitting behind us and then would bring it over and give some to the bubs. It was pretty funny! It was such a fun date nite with the bubs and I'm so glad we were able to go to this one!

One of my "unofficial" jobs at work is to come up with a monthly activity for office that helps with team building. I've been a huge slacker this year. With everything going on and added responsibilities, it's been hard. So, because it was Halloween, and I heart this holiday, we had a murder mystery lunch which turned out to be so much fun! I purchased the game a while ago, but me being me (hey, I'm busy right now!) I waited to the last minute to actually see how the game was played. In fact,I ended up reading it Thursday night while waiting for Warren Miller to start! There are three rounds to the game: appetizers, dinner and then desert. I just bought everything from the Olive Garden (because really, who has the time to make everything?) which turned out perfectly. I was the host of the game (as I already knew who the victim and the murderer were)so I got to sit back and just watch everyone interact. I have a lot of great people I work with and we get along pretty well. But, it was fun to see everyone enjoying themselves and playing their characters. I told the bubs next year we were going to have a Halloween party and do a murder mystery. I'll also have to post a pic of my costume. I ended up being a witch (hey, if the broom fits, ride it, right?) because it's one of the least skanky Halloween outfits I could find. I swear, people use Halloween as an excuse to dress up skanky because on any other regular day, it would look, well, skanky. It's so hard to find something that is semi modest that doesn't show the goods to the world! Okay, off the soap box now! Happy Halloween everyone! Hope your weekend was "spoooktacular"!

BIRTHDAY DINNER FUN!

For the bubs birthday, he wanted to go to Tucanos which is a Brazilian grill that's down at the Gateway in Salt Lake. He's a member of the "birthday club" and while watching people eat a bunch of meat isn't really my thang (ya know, being a vegetarian and all) it was his birthday and therefore I made the sacrifice. Aren't I a good wife? Kidding! They actually have a really good salad bar with lot's of yummy foods, so I wasn't too deprived! We invited my little sis and her hubby to come along with us and decided to take Trax down instead of driving. This was my first time taking Trax and it was pretty fun!We were at the restaurant for a good couple of hours watching the bubs eat (it's actually kind of amazing seeing how much the guy can take down. Well, amazing and a little disgusting). The employees also sang happy birthday to him using drums and all that kind of fun stuff. I didn't get a chance to take a picture of him jammin' with the tambourine. Oh well, maybe next time! Thanks Lou & Isaac for going with us!Aren't they so cute! Dang Isaac...I can never get a good pic of him. He's either doing a cheesy smile or a freaky face. Punk!

GOODBYE & GOOD LUCK!

One of the very cute ladies I work with, Carla, was offered another position and decided to accept it. I seriously adore this lady. She started with the company about two months before I did, so we've kind of learned everything together. She has such a fun personality and was kind of a work "mom" figure to me. I wanted to do something special for her as a going away gift and after thinking it through realized she had two loves: wine & chocolate. I have a candy dish in my office that's always full and she would always complain that I was making her fat by filling it all the time. I also hide specific treats for work friends that I know they like. She loves peanut butter M & M's, so there was a huge bag down there for her and others that liked them. So, I put the two together and came up with this:I saw these floating around blog land last year some time and in fact bought the boxes last year. I happened to remember about them and thought it would be perfect. Then I just headed out to the store and picked up the rest! I thought it turned out pretty cute...Again, I have to apologize for the quality. I took the pictures really early in the morning at my office. Not the best light to begin with! I think she liked it - good luck Carla! You're going to be missed lady!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUB'S DEAR!

Okay, so the bub's birthday is "technically" not until tomorrow (the 19th) but I wanted to give him a BIG birthday shout out tonight. Not sure if I'll have time to post tomorrow or not! He probably won't read this (the blog is sorta my thang) but I love you bubbies and hope you have a great birthday! I know it sucks getting older, but you wear it so well! Love you babe!

MORE HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS

I need help. Seriously. Do they have a program for craftaholics? I went to get some things to start (yes, start. Should have started working on Christmas projects a while ago!) on my Christmas crafts and ended up getting more Halloween instead. But, this is it. I promise. Well, at least for Halloween that is! Anywhoo.....just a couple more. For some reason I can't get enough of the letters. They're just so much fun and you can do so much with them!
Oh - and speaking of Christmas. Here's what we did today to my bosses office while he was out of town on business!


This took a while, but will be so worth seeing his face!

OFFICE FUN

At my office we're huge on pulling pranks on each other. Especially when we know others will be gone on business trips. A while ago I ordered some packing peanuts because we were shipping things to our different locations. They must have been on back order because they didn't come and eventually I forgot about ordering them. Well, a couple of weeks ago they were finally shipped to me. When I got the bag I coulnd't believe my eyes - it was as tall as I was and FULL of packing peanuts. Someone (who shall remain nameless) opened the top and every day when I would come into my office there would be packing peanuts all over my desk. One day the bag completely disappeared which made me a little nervous as I'm sure this person was up to no good. After some snooping I finally found the bag and into my car it went. This particular person was going on a business trip and I was planning on getting my revenge. He knew what was coming and kept asking people to watch over his office - to no avail. I have my sources. So, here's what the office ended up looking like after I was finished with it (with a little help of course!)

And finally - the cleanup (with a shovel which totally cracks me up!)I of course helped to clean up -after all, I created the mess. It took forever but was so worth it! I'm now waiting for the retaliation, but in the meantime am thinking of others ways to continue the war!

GOING PINK IN OCTOBER!

Notice the ribbon to the left? That's right - it's October. Which not only means Halloween fun, but breast cancer awareness month. You all know the subject is near and dear to my heart! In fact, since I've now turned the big 3-0 I get to start going in for mammograms. Yeah for me! Since my mom has had breast cancer, I'm 50% more likely to get it and have to start my mammograms earlier than everyone else. Anyway, just a quick shout out to remind everyone the importance of self breast exams (and mammograms) and being aware of your body. So, ladies (and gents) pull out some pink and wear it proudly. Tis' the season after all!

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN DECOR!

Okay, I should be going to work right now. But I'm not. I'm blogging. Go figure! This decor actually isin't so spooky, but it is pretty dang fun! I LOVE Halloween! It's actually my favorite holiday. What's not to love? Dressing up, treats and really cute decorations! Speaking of which, I've been working on this little gem for the past couple of days for my office doorI think it turned out pretty cute - even if it was a little confusing at first to put together. It's an advent calendar for Halloween (if you couldn't tell!) You put on a number every day leading up to Halloween. It actually came in a kit from Heartland Paper Company. I seriously heart that store. I just wish it was a little closer to me. Maybe not, though. I'd probably spend even more time and money there than I already do! Anywhoo.....this is kind of a dry run for a project I'm working on for Christmas. I was so excited on Monday night to actually put everything together! Then I got a call from my mom last night saying she had been "ghosted" at work. Ya know, like when you were a kid? You put a ghost with a saying and a treat on someone's doorstep, ring the doorbell and run like crazy? Ahhh, to be a kid again. So, I was already at another craft store (shocker, right?) and started looking for ideas so she could pass the ghost on to someone else. I saw the vinyl for this little numberfound some paint, a board, my distressing ink and viola, a really cute Halloween decoration. In fact, I liked it so much, I'm going back today to get more vinyl to make me another one for my house and maybe my office. Oh the possibilities! Okay my lovelies, off to work I go. Hope this inspired you to make some spooky decorations of your own. If so, I'd love to see them!

KIDNEY STONES AND RUNNING

Well, bright and early Thursday morning found me at the OB's. Again. For some reason I keep getting what I thought were UTI's. I'd get over one just to turn around and have another the next day. What the? It was actually kind of starting to worry me a little. I mean, I haven't had problems like this since I was first married. But, when you have four UTI's in just two months, hmmmmm. So, I sat patiently in the nurses office waiting for the results to come back from the lab. Thursday was probably the worst one I've had in a really long time. I woke up at two in the morning in pain and couldn't go back to sleep. At that point, all I wanted were the meds to make it go away and the nice little sample pills they give you that calm everything down. After a while the nurse comes back in, sits down and proceeds to tell me that the UTI came back negative? WHAT? She also told me that the last couple had come back negative, but because of high levels of other things they put me on a round of meds. After looking over the results to show me which levels were high (don't worry, I won't go into too much detail!) she told me it looked like I had kidney stones. Um, can I have the UTI instead please? So, they put me on another round of meds and told me when it flares up again to give them a call so they can refer me to an urologist. She also told me if my back started to hurt (I've had a kidney infection before, so I know what that feels like. So not fun. Actually, probably one of the worst pains I've ever had in my life!) and my fever spikes to head to the nearest instacare immediately as I was most likely going to pass the stones and I would need pain meds asap. Nice. So, here I sit. On meds and waiting for my back to start hurting. But, I have to say, it is all my fault. I did a little research on kidney stones and found out dehydration is probably one of the biggest factors. I don't get enough water and am also a Red Bull junkie. Completely addicted to the stuff. Some people drink coffee in the morning for the caffeine hit. Me? It's Red Bull. Red Bull doesn't necessarily give you the kidney stones. It's the caffeine that wipes out the water in your body as caffeine is a diuretic which causes dehydration. So, I've officially been Red Bull and caffeine free for three days now. And, my head is REALLY feeling it. As you can imagine, right now I'm not such a happy camper and pretty grouchy. Hopefully the caffeine withdrawals will start to edge soon and I can go back to not cringing every time a child cries or the bubs turns up the radio to one of his favorite songs. Speaking of which, the second day of no caffeine he left me a new CD in the car to listen to on the way to work. Stone Sour. The same guy sings for Slipknot. Yeah, wasn't thrilled when I turned on the car and it freakin' BLARED through the speakers. I almost threw up right then. But, I do have to say, it's kind of a blessing in disguise. I knew I needed to get off the caffeine and that I was addicted to the Red Bull. I've tried to wean myself off other times but just went right back to drinking it. Now I can honestly say that I really don't have the desire for it, just for the caffeine. The lack of caffeine can also only be a helpful factor in the whole fertility scheme of things as too much caffeine can lead to infertility. I've also signed up for the full Ogden marathon in May of next year which means I have a little over six months to train. The bubs has graciously offered to run with me and help me train as my form is sadly lacking (his words, not mine!) I'm actually pretty excited about it. We're spending time together and exercising - it's a win, win. Maybe the whole kidney stone thing is what I needed to get my butt up and going!

SO.....WHYDDA THINK??

Would you sign up to make these at a Super Saturday?
Sorry, the lighting is absolutely horrible (I took the last one with a flash hoping to show the colors a little better). I need a new camera! Hmm.....Santa? I'm helping a friend out with her Super Saturday for her ward and this is one of the crafts I came up with (we needed a few smaller crafts to keep the costs down. Joy is short, sweet and to the point, right?) I needed to put a sample together today so she could take it to church tomorrow to show the ladies. I thought overall it turned out pretty cute...especially for throwing it together in a couple of hours. So, whaddya think? Yeah or nay on making them?

PICTURE FUN!

The bubs and I had a mini photo shoot the other night and ya know what? It wasn't too bad! I normally HATE pictures, but these didn't turn out too bad and were a lot of fun to take. A very cute lady I work with was sweet enough to take these last minute for us. I needed a pic of the bub and I for a picture class I'm doing in a couple of weeks but couldn't find one that I liked. So, Janet to the rescue! Thanks Janet for taking these! You did a great job and were AWESOME for doing it soooo last minute! These were just a couple of our favorites!




So, out of curiosity.....are there any pictures you like better than the others? I'm trying to decide which one to use for the picture I'm making!