Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A Little Inspiration

Sometimes, I need to put my attitude in check. I have complained too much about things we are going through, when they are so short term. The trials I am having right now aren't so much "problems" as they are "technical difficulties." Yes, B is far away for the moment...but he's coming home. Yes, my body is having some problems, but they can be fixed.

These people inspire me. Their strength, faith, and spirits are amazing. They have endured things I cannot even begin to fathom. To say they inspire is not an adequate enough term for them.

Today, my inspiration is Natalie Call.

Natalie is childhood friend. Last July, she and her husband were dealt an unimaginable blow. They lost their unborn child, Branson, ONE DAY before he was to be born. Her story, her strength, and her clairty of life brings me to tears.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Waiting

I have hit the proverbial wall.

I'm not even allowed to climb over it.

Yet.

I have to sit here and wait.

And wait.

Wait.

Until they tell me its ok.

Climb away.

But for now, its patience, they say.

And could I just "stand there and hold up

this wall?"

This proverbial wall.

Friday, December 12, 2008

What You Really Need Is.....

It's not surprising that some of the kids we get at here at Detention School have chosen to follow, worship, practice, lust after, or commune with various different celebrities, idols, or religions. Some are unequivocally devoted to Tupac or ICP, others pray to different Saints, and other's choose the more magical side of the occult.

Today, during math class, we were making "star graphs." We gave the kids the option to create any kind of star they wanted, so not surprisingly, a few religious symbols appeared. A few made the Star of David, a few did a nautical star....our token Wiccan witch, of course, made a pentagram. Thus ensued a rather boisterous argument over religion and the evils of Christian church's among the entire class.

I was sitting in the back helping a quiet boy who communicates mostly through a series of loud breaths. As the argument escalated, he lifted his head, huffed very loudly, turned to me and said, "These people need Jesus!" And immediately turned back to his own star.

Well, if that wasn't a loaded sentence....

Monday, December 8, 2008

Water For Elephants

This novel is gorgeous.



It's been on my "To Read" list for a couple of years now and I can't belive that it took me this long to get to it.

I'm not sure what it was about this book that struck me so much. The language is gorgeous, the story unique, the characters are complicated and not so easy to love or hate. Maybe a little of everything...

Actually, no.....it was the ending.

Hands down, "Water For Elephants" had the best ending I have ever read. Not the Nicholas Sparks "The Notebook" kind of ending. It was different, but somehow still tender and unexpected, but so very right.

Love, love, love it.

Ode to Nichelle


Oh, Shelf...
Without question
You are one of
My favorite sisters
That I am not actually
Related to.

Oh, how...

I love...

this boy.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Merry Chrstimas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Monday, December 1, 2008

3316 Miles

In the last nine days, I traveled 3316 miles, did a session at the San Diego temple, wedding shopped, ate an 18 dollar tomato, had a migraine, shopped a lot, drank a frozen drink in the frozen rain, went to a bachelorette party, then to the wedding, kissed my husband, drove through the night, saw another doctor, had things diagnosed, cried some sad tears...and then some happy ones, kissed my husband, made some food, ate a feast, sang some songs, chased some kids, confided in sister-in-laws, attempted Black Friday, kissed my husband, went to a hockey game, witnessed a fight, then witnessed another fight, got scared, kissed my husband, played some games, laughed to the point of tears, read a book, drove some more, kissed my husband goodbye, cried a little more, and drove home to Colorado.

I'm just a wee bit tired.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

*Sigh*

It looks like Christmas won't be coming until March.

I feel so blue.

I know that absence makes the heart grow fonder...I just don't know how much fonder my heart can get.

Friday, November 14, 2008

10 Loves

1. 8 balls of purple yarn+1 yellow F size crochet hook= One gigantic blanket.
2. Brand new baby Paisley Price. What a sweet little spirit she is and I'm so glad I'm here to love on her and hold her and learn from the examples of her parents.
3. On that note...Ginger. Her friendship has meant so much to me the last 5 years. What an amazing, inspiring, gorgeous, down to earth, humble woman she is. I love this girl.
4. Guilty pleasures for my TV viewing. (I love Gossip Girl!)
5. Teenagers, who have gone astray, telling me I have made a difference to them.
6. Brandon, Mom, Dan, Kate, Hells, JaLee, Lester, Jessica, Grandma Kaye, Paul,Taunya, Brooke, Tasha, Morgan, Dalton........for making me smile when I'm blue, for funny emails, for likemindedness, for companionship, for family.
7. My BodyFlow class. Tai Chi, yoga, and pilates...kicks my tush every time.
8. Pomegrantes.
9. Mary's chocolate pecan pie. Delic.
10. The beauty of a quiety mind as I lay down to sleep.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

This dust.....

is beginning to hurt my eyes.

I am not a political person. I rarely speak out about political issues. And while I am not taking a stand one way or the other on Prop 8, after this week with all the rioting and protesting outside the LDS Temple in LA, I feel like I need to say something. Comments have been made to me at work about my religion and Prop 8, that we are an intolerable people and we shouldn't have voted in favor of Prob 8 because it shouldn't be anyone's business.

This is not ok with me. So, here are....


The Facts (complied by Kevin Hamilton)

1. Mormons make up only 2% of the population of California. There are approximately 750,000 LDS out of a total population of approximately 36 million.

2. If one estimates that 250,000 LDS are registered voters (the rest being children), then out of a total of 5,661,583 yes votes, LDS voters made up 4.4% of the Yes vote and 2.3% of the total Proposition 8 vote (11,050,301).

3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) donated no money to the Yes on 8 campaign (except for a nominal, and legal, in-kind donation of $2,078.97, to cover the travel expenses of leaders coming from Utah for a meeting). Individual members of the Church were encouraged to support the Yes on 8 efforts and, exercising their constitutional right to free speech, donated whatever they felt like donating.

4. The No on 8 campaign raised more money than the Yes on 8 campaign. Unofficial estimates put No on 8 at $38 million and Yes on 8 at $36 million, making it the most expensive non-presidential election in the country.

5. Advertising messages for the Yes on 8 campaign are based on case law and real-life situations. The No on 8 supporters have insisted that the Yes on 8 messaging is based on lies. Every Yes on 8 claim is supported

6. The majority of our friends and neighbors voted Yes on 8. Los Angeles County voted in favor of Proposition 8. Ventura County voted in favor of Proposition 8. San Diego County voted in favor of Proposition 8. Orange County voted in favor of Proposition 8. San Luis Obispo County voted in favor of Proposition 8. Sacramento County voted in favor of Proposition 8. Fresno County voted in favor of Proposition 8. And the list goes on and on: Merced, San Bernardino, Riverside, Mariposa, Tulare, Imperial, etc.

7. African Americans overwhelmingly supported Yes on 8. Exit polls show that 70% of Black voters chose Yes on 8. This was interesting because the majority of these voters voted for President-elect Obama. No on 8 supporters had assumed that Obama voters would vote No on 8

8. The majority of Latino voters voted Yes on 8. Exit polls show that the majority of Latinos supported Yes on 8 and cited religious beliefs (assumed to be primarily Catholic).

9. The Yes on 8 coalition was a broad spectrum of religious organizations. Catholics, Evangelicals, Protestants, Orthodox Jews, Muslims - all supported Yes on 8. It is estimated that there are 10 million Catholics and 10 million Protestants in California. Mormons were a tiny fraction of the population represented by Yes on 8 coalition members.

10. Though the Church urged its members to "do all [they] can to support the proposed constitutional amendment," not all Mormons voted in favor of Proposition 8. Our faith accords that each person be allowed to choose for him or her self. Church leaders have asked members to treat other members with "civility, respect and love," despite their differing views.

11. The Church did not violate the principal of separation of church and state. This principle is derived from the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ." The phrase "separation of church and state", which does not appear in the Constitution itself, is generally traced to an 1802 letter by Thomas Jefferson, although it has since been quoted in several opinions handed down by the United States Supreme Court in recent years. The LDS Church is under no obligation to refrain from participating in the political process, to the extent permitted by law. U.S. election law is very clear that Churches may not endorse candidates, but may support issues. The Church has always been very careful on this matter and occasionally (not often) chooses to support causes that it feels to be of a moral nature.

12. Supporters of Proposition 8 did exactly what the Constitution provides for all citizens: they exercised their First Amendment rights to speak out on an issue that concerned them, make contributions to a cause that they support, and then vote in the regular electoral process. For the most part, this seems to have been done in an open, fair, and civil way. Opponents of 8 have accused supporters of being bigots, liars, and worse. The fact is, we simply did what Americans do - we spoke up, we campaigned, and we voted.

Members of the LDS faith are not soley responsible for what became of Prop 8. Not every LDS member voted and of those who did, they did not all vote the same, nor are LDS people the only religion, race, or ethnicity to vote in favor of Prob 8.

These are sad circumstances and difficult times and violence (on either side of the issue) is wrong and only makes the situation more difficult for all involved. For all the blame and hate to be focused on one religion, my religion, is also wrong.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Love

Sometimes,
I wake up
in the middle of the night
and find
that my husband
is holding my hand
as he
sleeps.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

I Like This Place


Gosh, my blog is boring lately.


I keep thinking I have nothing to say. All my creative efforts are being focused on much more lofty projects but I suppose I have a little bit to say, an update if nothing else....that only about six people will read...


Firstly...I HEART Colorado. Its so gorgeous here, and so laid back. I was so used to rushing around Salt Lake, feeling utterly frantic all the time, that it took me a good four weeks to realize that here I was the only one doing any rushing and I looked ridiculous. (Looking ridiculous might have more to do with me just being me rather than my rushing but I digress.) The scenery is gorgeous, the people are so nice here, I mean really, really, down to earth nice people. Everyone I meet at church, the gym, the grocery store, the library, is so friendly. I may never leave. PLUS, the get, like, no snow here.


The downers of Colorado right now? Mmm, the last time I got a pay check was the first of August, so I haven't made it back to Utah, or really anywhere beyond a seven mile radius in the last two months. However, I did get a job about three weeks ago, working as a an assistant teacher/secretary at the Detention School here. And yes, by detention I mean jail. I teach remedial math to murders. Seriously. This has been, so far, an incredibly eye opening experience, but not in the ways I'd expected. I'm learning a lot.


Also, Brandon is still in Wyoming. Still....BUT that could change soon. Let's just say I'm thankful for environment friendly laws/companies/weirdos. They are giving me a lot to look foreward to. I'm so anxious for this boy. So proud of him. So love him.



Monday, October 13, 2008

Two of my very favorite people, Grandpa Havolyn and Aunt Leslie, are going through the hells of cancer right now I've been think a lot about them today and wanted to express my love for them. My heart is feeling a little tender and a little heavy and I want to share.
(Haley wrote the post about my Grandpa Havolyn. She says it better than I can)

The Mean Aunt




This is my "Mean Aunt."

My Mean Aunt is so strong. There is nothing she hasn't done, can't do, fix, wallpaper, remedy, find, mend, or heal. She does everything

My Mean Aunt loves so much. She is so selfless, caring, tender, nurturing, and kind. A living Band-aid, but the permanent, water-proof kind.

My Mean Aunt is brave. She does all the scary stuff that no one else knows how to deal with. She fights for the good, the poor, the beaten, the hopeless, the abused.

My Mean Aunt saves lives. Twelve years ago, she saved the life of my dad, literally. She has saved the lives of her sisters, her children, her parents, her nieces, and countless strangers who have had no one else to lean on. She saves, everyday.

My Mean Aunt really isn't so mean.

She is Amazing.

My Mean Aunt has cancer. But I know because of all her Mean Aunt qualities, she will beat this. She comes from a long line of unbelievably strong women, and has been followed by many other women no less strong and amazing. She doesn't have it in her to not beat it.


SDLY

Man of Few Words


He is the most loving, patient, hard-working, tough, quiet, happy, simple, observant, and special man I have ever know. His hands are calloused and his hair is rough. His eyes twinkle, and his voice is soft. He loves to travel and see the world. He loves history and building tractors. He takes great pride in his garden. You never know exactly what he is thinking but if you ask and listen carefully he will tell you. He is never the first to speak up but his words are wise. He his a tough guy with a tender heart. When I sit next to him he will slowly reach over and hold my hand. We just sit there watching everything go on around us and when I look over at him he is smiling. This is how I know he loves me. At the end of a visit as I get ready to leave I give him a hug and he wraps his arms around me and then leans back and says softly and quickly "Now hurry back. Don't let it be so long before we see you again. I love you." I smile big and say "I love you to Gramps. I will be back soon."
Grandpa Havolyn went and had to get more tests done. They are still waiting for the results. Waiting is never easy, especially when the results may be something you don't want to hear.
But whatever they are He is a fighter, I know he will take on whatever battle comes next.
I am so grateful for this man of few words and the great lessons he has taught me and for the love he shows me. I am grateful when I am told that I am the"quiet observer" I like to think I get it from you. I love you Gramps and can't wait to see you soon.


(Written by Haley)

Saturday, October 4, 2008

This is what my husband does....

Here is a nice little blurb from Colorado news. I never know exactly how to describe what it is that he does. These guys say it much better than I can.

http://ww2.nbc11news.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=2989046&h1=New%20Technology%20Could%20Make%20Waste%20Water%20Drinkable&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=132167&LaunchPageAdTag=Homepage&fvCatNo=&backgroundImageURL=&activePane=info&rnd=34780288

Tuesday, September 23, 2008


I think this must be Unsolicited Advice week.

I'm getting it from everyone. And it ranges, from all people, of all ages...

"You really shouldn't be wearing yellow."
"You should NEVER turn your back but TRY to maintain a relaxed demeanor."
"Don't drop you phone. Its bad for you phone. (yes they said "you" not "your)
"Don't read that book. Read this one."
"Maybe you should apply for 'peppier' jobs."
"It's hard. You just need to be thick skinned."

The list goes on and on and becomes increasingly more insulting and more ridiculous. I don't need people to point out the obvious, but for some reason, they insist on doing it anyway.

While I would never turn away really good, solid, helpful if you insist on advising me on the obvious, I just ask that you at least have the common courtesy to be creative and use proper English.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

4 Things Tag

Four Things I Love About My Husband

1. The man can make me laugh. He is proabaly the happiest person I have ever known and is consistently so. It takes a lot to get him down and in turn helps me not get so down about some things.
2. His communication skills. Seriously. How many guys can you actually say this about? He is so open with me, its never a struggle to say what needs to be said. He is so open and this has made that entire aspect of marriage, well, easy!
3. His relationship with his dad. It is the sweetest thing, really. His dad is such an incredible guy, I just adore him. The relationship the two of them have is unlike anything I have ever seen. It speaks volumes about the DeCoria's in general.
4. His perspective. B never fails to paint a clear picture when I am struggling with something. The way he talks about faith, the future, the present, our future children, our struggles, our triumphs, our attitudes, family, EVERYTHING. He is so level headed and sees things so clearly. I love being allowed to see life through his eyes.

Four Movies We Can Watch More Than Once

1. I'll go with Meagan on this one and say the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I watched them all for the first time with him and throughly enjoyed them. It was the first time, but it won't be the last.
2. I might not say this but B would...The Matrix. He loves it. I just kind of smile and blink.
3. We have seen Jumper more than once...but I'm at a loss as to why.
4. I don't think we have a fourth.....

Four TV Shows We Watch

1. Man vs. Wild. This show will terrify, entertain, and disgust all at once. Bear Grylls is one brave guy.
2. Just because I record it...48 Hours Mystery, and honestly, I think it scares us both.
3. Also just because I record it...Food Network Challenge. I like this, I don't think he does but he watchs it because I like it.
4. When The Alaska Experiment was on we liked that, too.

Four Places We Have Been


1. Brazil
2. Mexico
3. Florida
4. Key West...I guess that is Florida, too...

Four People Who E-Mail Me Regularly

1. My mom
2. Blogger
3. School
4. Pottery Barn

Four Favorite Foods

1. Sushi!
2. Crab Ravioli from Market Street Broiler (to DIE for!)
3. Chocolate Cake
4. Popcorn

Four Places We Would Like To Visit

1. Back to Brazil
2. Europe
3. All 50 states
4. Asia

Four Things We Are Looking Foreward To In The Next Year

1. Being debt free! We are on our way!
2. Buying a house.
3. Me graduating.
4. Actually living in the same state as one another.

Four People I Tag

1. JaLee
2. Taunya
3. Ginger
4. Cristi

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Since so many of us hate Go My Son...

For your viewing displeasure....



**Lovingly dedicated to Leslie, JaLee, Lynette, and Lindsey

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The Evolution of Dance

In keeping to my uncoordinated wiggling "dancing", here's a cha-cha tango down memory lane....


Confessions #5

**I just spent the last hour dancing...to Rhianna (!) I know....six feet of white girl dancing to Rhianna. I sure had a fun, but I am super glad no one else was around to witness, especially B. This wasn't a sexy endeavor.

**It still really, really, really bugs me that people don't capitalize the C in DeCoria. Oh man, it really irriates me. B tells me I should let this go, he got over that a long time ago. I maintain that since I am still a "new" DeCoria I reserve the right to be irritated.

**I like coming up with baby names even with no baby on the way.

**I google all my professors. I like to know what kind of weirdos they really are.

**The color red stresses me out.

**There is a song called "I'll Build You a Rainbow" that plays on Sunday's in Utah. It's one of those speech-sing story songs. I swear...this song makes me want to spit nails. It has the same effect as the "Go, My Son" song that the Native American dorm students used to dance to in our high school assemblies. Bleck. Throw it out.

**My closet is color-coded.

**I am way more OCD than I'd like to admit. (Perhaps the closet admission cracked open the door a little bit....)

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Here

My tired husband, already spent from long days and longer nights at work, came home on Monday to an emotional whirlwind of a wife only to pack up evrything we owned and take it all to Colorado. Complications completely out of anyone's control threw a financial wrench into our lives, and we felt that this move would lift burdens off more than just our own shoulders. It is bittersweet, if nothing else, in the truest sense of the word.

With tear stained cheeks, we tiptoed into this sleeping valley anxious and exhausted. We've unpacked our lives in a single room that feels more like home than anywhere else we've lived together. Brandon is still there and I am only here, something that I still haven't embraced, but we're praying that this is easier.

I'm feeling strained but grateful. These imperfections that creep into our lives humble me...to the point of tears sometimes. But this is how we learn, right? And its only for a minute...for just one minute....

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Well...

I'm moving.
To Colorado.
Tomorrow.

I don't have time to explain this right now.
Wish us luck.
We are sad/stressed/relieved/dismayed/comforted/optimistic.

Thursday, August 21, 2008




Grandma Millie Glasses + Husband = Belly Laughs at 2am

I just luff him.

Wyoming Shenanigans

Since we spend so much time in Wyoming, we might as well enjoy what (little) it has to offer! Here's some highlights (and lowlights) from the last few weekends...


Standard-picture-of-the-sunset-from-your-car picture.


Alpine Slide-Jackson Hole...Nothing like hurling yourself down a rocky mountain on a rickety plastic sled...



Yeah, those once were bugs. It's ok to be totally grossed out.


Now you see him....


Now you don't...


*Shrug* What? You don't do this to gigantic bear statues?



Out of all those bajillion fish, B only caught just this one....

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

In the Midst of the Lotus

Things from my past seem to keep haunting me,tangling their fingers in my hair,
defiantly, roughly. The belittling words of my former burdens thunder so loudly in my ears. The weight of decisions I never made have settled on my bed making it difficult to sleep. My empty apartment is uncomfortable and I don't like the sound it makes. Irrational fears trailing at my feet... I'm having trouble understanding the functions of people around me. Their motives seem entirely lost, their conscience cast aside.

It's coming, I feel it. My patience, my obedience, my faith is being taught and tested. My chest feels tight. I feel like I'm counting seconds, ticking the days off on my fingers, frustrated I can't count faster. I'm too anxious. Too anxious for him, for December, for the thousands of Monday's to come, for things to hold, for arms that embrace, for the Woolf to find me, for residential reality, for his laughter, for the warm blanket that he is, for brilliance to emerge off the pages, for things that don't break, for the common ground we thrive upon.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Shift Happens....some food for thought

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

i wonder

i'm feeling better in these lucid blues.
my breaking bones don't seem to notice.
the savage, smart people are taking things
that don't belong to them.
i wonder.
the light seems unsteady, the quiet is
unnervingly falling between the couch cushions.
how can you expect me not to drop it?
you know no exclamation points are allowed.
i wonder.
those mouths have spoiled. those eyes
are much too shifty.
they owe us a loaded apology. hold nothing.
its over. we don't want to play anymore.
i wonder.





(what several days of unnecessary things does to my mind.)

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Wyoming Weekend

Last weekend I made a little trip up to Wyoming. The company Brandon works for was having a company picnic at White Pines Ski Resort. We had so much fun, the company had all kinds of activities to do and we took advantage of all of them. It was a much needed little break for me to recoup before next semester.

We went mountain biking, something Brandon has done and has total confidence in doing. I, on the other hand, have been on nothing more than a stationary bike in the last 5 years. Yeah, the phrase "It's like riding a bike, you never forget" means crap to me. I totally forgot. And let's just say that we learned that when I get frustrated my inner 5 year old really shines through.


We particularly enjoyed horseback riding. Our horses, BoBo and Heidi, seemed to be rather competitive, but we had a blast regardless. Our guide was a soft spoken, real true blue cowboy and it somehow added to the "feel" of the experience.
(Doesn't my honey look cute on a horse?)

This fire in Wyoming is so massive. At that point it had burned over 10 square miles, roughly 7000 acres. But its still blazing, and is much worse now than it was a week ago.

Me and B at the top of the mountain. I just love this guy.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Questions for those who read this....

So, I've been toying around with some ideas....based on some suggestions....Long story...anyway...

If I were to write a book, what would you want to read?

1-Fiction?
2- Children's book?
3- Teen Fiction? (Think the Twilight series, but not about vampires.)
4- Non Fiction? (Something similar to what my blog is like, but much more polished and better developed.)
5- Other? (Be creative here...make a suggestion.)

I'm asking lots of people, I realize people are super busy, but if you can offer feedback, I'd appreciate it.

xoxox

Sunday, August 3, 2008

I am...with my love, loving him, anticipating days to come.
I think...I pray, I know, I am.
I know...I am far more capable than I want to say out loud.
I want...simplicity, beauty, health, knowledge, love.
I have...love, knowledge, health, beauty, simplicity.
I wish...that distance wasn't plaguing all my relationships.
I hate...ignorance, unkindness, darkness, empty beds.
I miss...my husband, I miss my dad.
I fear...things I can't control, things that don't matter, things I already know I will do well.
I feel...adored.
I hear...the quiet, the wind, the crickets.
I smell...the smoke of Wyoming fires.
I search...for the next book, the next inspiriation, ways to avoid the heat.
I wonder...at the strength of those around me.
I regret...not appreciating culture sooner.
I love...my husband's face, his character, his being.
I care...about family, spirituality, broken lives.
I always...wonder if I am doing enough.
I am not...a natural athlete.
I believe...in the power of one.
I dance...rarely.
I sing...with heart.
I don't always...say what i mean, turn off the lights at night, read what I should.
I write...more than what is here, the way I think, the things I see.
I win...but who is keeping score?
I lose...at Scrabble, cards, and races.
I never...thought I could feel this much love, both given and received.
I listen...for the music when there shouldn't be any playing.
I can usually be found...with a book or pen in hand.
I'm scared of...irrational things.
I read...everything, all the time.
I am happy about...my education that teaches me that i know nothing.




*Anyone else?*

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars...

It's 2 am. I'm wide awake. I just can't turn my brain off. Which is bad, cause when it gets late like this I start to get ideas. Things like....writing a book perhaps? Could be fun. But then I think....Aren't writers supposed to like the classics? You know, draw from their influence and really, really love them? I don't know that I do. I mean, maybe I like a bucketful, which is nothing really considering the bucket came from an Olympic sized pool. I really probably have no business being an English major aside from the fact that I can make papers on Shakespeare a bit more amusing than they ought to be...which I kind of think, given his sense of humor, Shakespeare might actually appreciate, but my teachers don't...so maybe, one of them says, I'm in the wrong area of study. But this bugs me because he is just a triple Phd, yoga loving, hippie, with a receding hairline. I mean, really...what does he know, anyway?

Am I having an identity crisis?

No. I am having an academic crisis. I blame Shakespeare.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Julie's iPod

Rebellion (lies)- The Arcade Fire
Billy Liar- The Decemberists
Lars & Margo- David Torn
Till The Sun Turns Black- Ray LaMontagne
Come Pick Me Up- Ryan Adams
Young Pilgrams- The Shins
Saeglopur- Sigur Ros
Pittsville- Sufjan Stevens
The Heart of Life- John Mayer

John Mayer? What? If I were playing "One of these things is not like the other" he'd probably be the odd man out on this list. For the most part, what I listen to isn't on the radio, no one has ever heard of them, and some of their names are a tad challenging to pronounce. I generally shy away from "mainstream" music; my taste is not a conscious effort to be different, it just happens to be what moves me. So how did John Mayer end up there?

About five-ish years ago, while driving around the Garden State (New Jersey), feeling particularly frustrated with my overly sexualized, inappropriate, insane, and insanely demanding boss, I was rummaging around my car for a tissue when I came across an abandoned CD in the glove compartment, left in there by the nanny before me. I rolled my eyes as I looked at the title scrawled in the cutsy handwriting I'd always wished I'd had was "John Mayer Mix," with a smiley face and a heart. But for lack of any better music, I popped it in and thus began my musical love affair with John Mayer.

Somehow, lyrics I would have deemed to cheesy to bother with before made sense to me, melodies comforted me, and seemed to cradle every emotion I seemed to carry. Homesick, lovesick, ecstatic, indifferent, he seemed to be able to nail those feelings exactly. During a particularly rough patch while living in Jersey, I would often lose myself driving on the Jersey Turnpike, shedding a few tears and singing with John. I loved it, I loved him. He understood my every plight. Ultimately, I decided "Yeah, the man has talent." He became my ultimate guilty pleasure.

Just this last week, he played at Usana, and Katie bought me a ticket for my birthday (Bonus! I got to see Steve Lamb, too!). Love, love, loved it. The man did not disappoint. And while John Mayer may not have the "clout" of that of a more underground or indie artist, he will forever remain on the playlists of my iPod.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Sniff, Sniff

So, its the end of the semester.
And I miss my hubby.
And my car is broken.
And the milk has gone bad.
And, of course, I am sick. Again.
So, of course, I am totally on edge.

Sitting through critical theory classes is not my idea of a good time under these (or any) circumstances, but I still go to class, listening bitterly and being annoyed by the guy in back row who has a comment for everything, who just won't be quite, and who is being quite rude, and thinks he is brilliant, but really he is just lame and likes to hear himself talk....(See? Bitter and edgy.)

He is just being so darn obnoxious, and in between all my sniffles and coughs I am secretly making mocking faces at him, very much in the manner of a five year old, and rolling my eyes...a lot, cursing the morning and rude people, and regretting sitting only two seats away from him. But then, something happens.

I sneeze.

He leans over and whispers, "God bless you."

And suddenly, he doesn't bug me so much. In fact, that was down right nice of him. Hey, maybe I even like the kid and his comments seem totally fascinating and I just can't seem to hear enough academic banter between he and the long winded professor!

But then I have to wonder....How did I go from practically hating the kid to completely supporting him whole heartedly just because he said "God bless you" when I couldn't stop sneezing? Is this some kind of chemical imbalance? Am I shallow? Isn't that weird? Wouldn't it just make more sense to keep disliking him because in all reality he is very obnoxious, good manners or not? What does that say about me?

Meh. My head is much to full right now to really try and get to the root of all this nonsense. I'll just chalk it up to being sick and stressed and probably go on like this all week.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Us? Stressed?


Today, my critical theory professor announced that he has arranged for our class to have a private yoga and meditation session to "Calm us the !@#% down."

He said that. No joke.


He told us that we are wound too tight, we need to relax because we, his students, are way too stressed out.For such a smart guy with all his Phd's and credentials, it doesn't seem like it has occurred to him that our stress is his fault. Our burning, bloodshot eyes from hours and hours of reading teeny tiny print, our highlighter ink stained fingers, our severe mental confusion of the incomprehensible material is all his fault. I don't think he gets it. Ces't la vie. A free yoga session from the top instructor in the state instead of 6 hours of dense reading?

Sounds good to me.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Christmas Countdown


You might have noticed, and might be wondering why I started a Christmas countdown in the dead, thick heat of summer. Some things have changed, some things are still changing, and things will still be changing then...

An amazing opportunity has extended its hand to us and we, as a couple, have accepted. So many good things will come of this, so many blessings, so much stability, so much more than we have right now...but it requires a separation of sorts, for the next few six months. B will live there...and I will live here.

I am more than a little sad. B is more than a little determined. We are strong, we are happy, and we will be just fine, I have no doubt. I am just...a little more than a little sad.

By Christmas, the hard part of this amazing change and opportunity will be over. By that time we will be moving forward together, turning a new corner in our happy humble little lives, and a new sense of stability will set in. So I have started the countdown because I miss him already, and he hasn't quite left. But the counting down makes me feel like time is actually passing, I need it to pass quickly right now.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Tagged..

I haven't done one of these in a long time.....

A--Attached or Single? So very attached, so very happy about it.
B--Best Friend? Brandon
C-- Cake or Pie? Cake of the chocolate variety
D-- Day of Choice? Saturday
E-- Essential Item? iPod. It goes everywhere with me, I use it on a daily basis.
F--Favorite Color? Cerulean.
G-- Gummy Bears or Worms? I try really hard to avoid anything gummy.
H-- Hometown? Richfield.
I-- Indulgence(s)? Coke slurpees, the aformentioned chocolate cake.
J-- January or July? Mmm, probably July. The 4th of July is my favorite holiday.
K-- Kids? I take care of them, I get paid for it, I love it, but they are not my own.
L-- Life is Incomplete Without? Family, friends, Gospel, good food.
M-- Marriage Date? March 23,2007
N-- Number of siblings? 2 Sleezas, one step bro, 5 SIL's, and 5 BIL's. Did I miss anyone?
O-- Oranges or Apples? Oranges, oranges, oranges. I hate bad apples.
P-- Phobias or fears? Things that crawl (not babies), and the dark.
Q-- Quotes? I'm suddenly at a loss...um? Probably the quote on JaLee's blog by Gordon B. Hinckley. I should probably post it.
R-- Reason to Smile? My hubby. I just luff him.
S-- Season? The inbetween ones.
T-- Tag 5 People? Steve, Lindsey, Helly, JaLee, and Cristi.
U-- Unknown Fact? The name on my pediatric records is She-ra Pace.
V-- Very Favorite Store? Store? This would imply that I have been shopping semi-recently which I have not. Um, the place I frequent the most? The U's bookstore.
W-- Worst Habit? I have lots of bad habits...
X-- Xray or Ultrasound? I've had both...neither for very good reasons...so, um..I don't know.
Y-- Your Favorite Food? Sushi.
Z-- Zodiac? Gemini.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Confessions #4

** There is a freakishly skinny man that goes to my gym who works out in a tank top and...boxer shorts, and thats it. Think "Richard Simmons" but underwear. And it always seems to be the same pair of boxers. How do I know they are boxers? Well, biker shorts don't have fly's. Totally gross. Whenever I see him there, I sort of follow him to avoid using ANY of the machines he may have sat on or brushed up against. It just freaks me out more than I can describe.

**I DO NOT like Jane Austen. I realize as a lit major I could basically be murdered for saying as much. But in the past six weeks, I have spent indecent amount of time reading all her novels, studying them, being lectured to about them, and writing about them. I feel like I just read the same book six times. I will totally give her credit in saying that she is a good writer, and an important one, I just have come to find her work "disagreeable," as she would put it. (Sarah, I know she hails from your neck of the woods, so very to sorry to express my passionate dislike, I still love your British views though!)

**I am scared of the dark.

**This semester, I feel like the dumbest girl in school...basically just concerning one class, but I am beginning to develop a complex. I used to be the girl who never shut up, but I don't even know how to contribute.

**I'm a mess in the kitchen. B was in Wyoming this weekend, as were my parents. I decided to welcome him home with some fresh baked brownies, only to make the batter and spill an entire glass of water into the batter...Apparently while B was talking to my mom while he was gone, she told him I'd never really been a "kitchen kind of girl" and was happier to run through the grass and flowers in my dresses. I gotta say, at 25, I think I still prefer the latter.

**I still have an obsession with Coke slurpees. They aren't even that good, but I can't help it.

**As much as I want to, I can't seem to stop watching "funny baby" videos on youtube. here are some favorites....




So, I haven't posted in like...a month. I haven't caught up on anyone's blog, including mine. All creative effort came to a screeching halt when summer semester started, but now that six of my 18 credits are now over, I have significantly more free time. Well, free might be a very loose term, but free-er. So..more posts to follow.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Kicked

Some days you just get kicked in the face.

The only day you dress for summer and it only rains and thunders....The only day you don't have your homework done, and the only day it really needed to be done.....The only day people from your past come back to haunt you, the skeletons in your closet just don't seem to remember why they became skeletons in the first place.....The day you really really just want to stay home and snuggle your husband while he plays with your hair is the only day you are up and gone by 6am and he won't be home until 12am....The same day you realize you wildly underestimated your bills, the same day your hubby has been accidentally jilted on his paycheck....The day you just want to curl up on the couch with the movie you rented last week, the same day you realize the movie is overdue.....The only day you really, really need to nap is the same day you wonder what the heck you were thinking when you signed up for 18 credits....Some days you just get kicked in the face.....But only some days.....

Tomorrow will not be a someday.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

High School Musical....at my house?

Ok, so not really...but sort of.

Today I look outside and there are at least a bajillion teens and tweens dressed in all red and white, all making their way to East High School, mere blocks from my house. Girls are zooming by on bikes shrieking gleefully at one another, guys and all have popped collars and and ultra white K-Swiss shoes on, acknowledging one another with jerky head movements.

In my mind I am thinking, "What the? It can't be Monday, can it? *gasp* I've missed my lectures! My participation grade has been docked 1/17th! Wait...no..I went to church today...I don't understand..."

I then I find out....East High is where they film the ultra super hip High School Musical movies, the phenomena I totally do not understand. All these kids have been standing in line for hours and hours to be extras in yet another global sensation created by Disney starring impossibly beautiful and talented teenagers. Apparently, they have begun filming the third installment of the series, and I can observe all the glitz of Hollywood (in Utah) by simply stepping outside.


Like, if I were, like 13, I would like, so like be like freaking out right now!!

But I'm not. I'm nearly 25, and I get to go back inside my air conditionerless apartment and study Immanuel Kant for the next six hours.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

I am...

so on the ball that the ball is actually now flat...

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

We're Going to Disney World!

(The title is supposed to be said in the cheesy, commercial, type tone of voice to receive the full effect of our excitement!)

Me and the hubby are headed to Florida for a little sun, cheeky shenanigans, and lots of laughter before school starts again on Monday. You know, we're good kids. I think we deserve it!

10 Loves

1. My amazingly wonderful, brilliant, supportive family. I don't know how many times I can say it. Immediate, extended, in-laws, adopted or otherwise acquired members, they are amazing. We love them so much.
2. Tithing. I am insanely grateful that we pay it faithfully. It makes all the difference.
3. Pre-made meals by Granny Kaye and JaLee. They sure help this kitchen-challenged wife a whole lot.
4. Game night with friends and people who love cards as much as we do!
5. Nighttime walks with Brandon. Its such good bonding time with the hubby.
6. Other peoples blogs. I am so hooked.
7. When people remember to put a capital C when spelling my last name.
8. Oprah. Could I be any more cliche or any more of a girl? I am particularly loving the Dr. Oz shows. They freak me out and amaze me and gross me out all at once.
9. Our Florida trip! Ok, so technically we don't leave for another 18 hours, but we are so excited about and have SO been looking forward to it!
10. Sore muscles. Proof to myself that I am working as hard as I think I am.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Confessions #3

** I like reading books that make me think. I like reading at the gym. But I do NOT like reading books that make me think at the gym.
** My nose itches a lot and when I rub it to give it some relief it makes kind of a weird honking crunching sound...
** Although I use Ambien sparingly, its starting to make me hallucinate a little bit, humoring me while completely horrifying my husband.
** All reading that will be done between now and the beginning of summer semester will likely be teen fiction, and here's why: 1. A 400 page book in teen fiction can cost up to 15 dollars less than adult fiction with the same number of pages. 2. There is not as much thinking required in them. You will not find a a Virginia Woolf or T.S Eliot anywhere in that section. While I do enjoy the works of both writers they require a lot of focus and attention and most of my leisure reading is done at the gym....see above.
** At six feet tall I often feel like a freak when I have to bend over to hug people. It's awkward. Is this awkward for short people? It makes me feel like a blimp and I wonder why everything in my life seems to be built in miniature.
** I cheat on puzzles, only the really hard ones anyway. After I have done them once, I section them off and put them into little baggies so they are easier to do next time.

Murder?

For the last two years or so my amazingly wonderful friends Sara, Steve, and myself have thrown "How to Host a Murder" dinners. I highly recommend them as they are insanely fun and you get to dress up in very unflattering costumes and throw your virtues out the window for a night! Ok, so maybe we aren't exactly giving them the heave-ho...but anyway...

Our most recent scandal took place a few weeks ago in the thug infested streets of 1920's Chicago and was aptly named "The Chicago Caper." We all had fabulous mob-like names and if you say them quickly, ala Mad Gab, you might get the joke.


From left to right....
Me- Anna Maria Carlotta Sasine (Torchy), Brandon- Ernie "Bet a Million" G. Ambler, Greg- S. Treighton Harrow, Lindsey "Silky" M. Adam, Kimball- Billy "the Kid" Thrower, Sara- Molly M. Awbster, Kristin- Malissa F. Orrthot "Scoops," Steve- Eddie "Socks" R. Gyle.

*Note: I am doing my best Paris Hilton pose here, and also the tallest to shortest height thing is hysterical and so not planned, anyway, I digress.


While these two make quite an attractive couple, Billy is actually a drunken child hater and Molly is one dirty, liquor transporting, girl.


Scoops is playing both sides in an attempt to further her career and Socks there is just far too concerned with apparel.


S. Treighton Harrow claims to be the single pillar of virtue but so far from it and Silky...well, basically she runs a brothel.
(I love a good mock engagement picture, and I think this one takes the cake)


Torchy is a tortured torch singer with a killer past and Ernie has a bad habit of lighting his cigars with 100 dollar bills.


The most obnoxious size of rings ever, but we love them anyway. We can't help it.


After a lot of laughter, shouting, widespread inability to speak English, good food, name calling, and general disregard for the law we find that it is in fact Silky M. Adam, aka Lindsey, who "offed Mr. Hal Cappone."
Such a shame. I never knew she had it in her.

Friday, April 25, 2008

The posts below should have been posted a long time ago...I did them quickly as I am getting death threats from people for lack of consistent updates lately, which I am totally blaming on finals....anyway, more to come soon.

Mexico

Since winter in Utah has lasted something like 8 months, Brandon called me from work one day a few weeks ago and told he was just tired of it and that we were going on a quick little trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

We were kind of concerned about the tone being set for the trip while we were getting ready to leave. We were already on the plane, getting ready for takeoff, when they sent us back to the gate for "mechanical malfunction." )Me and my "magical thinking" issues were going into overdrive) This happened three times and over an hour later we were finally in the air.

When we got to Mexico, the airplane misfortune was made up to us. Brandon had booked us a hotel room, not really knowing anything about it other than it was a great deal. When we got there, not only was it AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL, but the upgraded us to the Honeymoon sweet, including a tub on the balcony, for free.

Everything else aside, basically, we spent the next 24 hours lying in gorgeous cabanas on the beach. It was lovely....

(I'm too tired to put these in any sort of order or even explain them)





(I thought the statues with the big behinds were hysterical)

Mt. Rushmore

Ok, so this might not be a very comprehensive post. My brain is fried from finals and all of my creative energy right now is completely spent.... but anyway....



In March (I think?) me, Brandon, and his parents left a freezing Utah to go to an even more freezing South Dakota. (Seriously, it was so cold our car doors were frozen shut.) Basically, we went just to see Mt. Rushmore, which actually turned out far more interesting than I would have thought. I had no idea the entire thing was "carved" with dynamite. Seems awfully risky, but what do I know?


Poor George...they left a drill bit in his left eye. (It's the black thing in his eye socket.)


Now, just as a warning to all those who plan on visiting South Dakota.....the food, well...it sucks. It kind of made me want to barf. I'm not one to complain about this kind of thing, really...but this was just bad stuff. So if you are planning a trip, pack your own food.

For all you cinema-lovers, remember in National Treasure 2 they found the treasure underneath a lake on top of (or just behind?) Mt. Rushmore? Yeah, its crap. This snowy rock mass thing is actually that lake, its called Silver Lake, and in reality it is actually 12 miles away. Darn Hollywood, always falsifying this kind of stuff.

Anyway...it was fun and interesting, and another place I can say I have been.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

10 Loves (at 4 in the morning)

With all the haste of finals approaching and whatnot, I have remembered maybe 1/8th of the things I normally do. 10 Loves has been one of those things that has fallen by the wayside. But right now, its 4:12 in the morning, I have been up for an hour, thy gym doesn't open for 45 minutes, so what better time than now to catch up?

1. Last night Brandon got some pizza from the Pie and VOLUNTEERED to snuggle up on the couch all night and watch Enchantment, just cause I love it so much. He didn't complain even once, and even genuinely laughed a few times.
2. Jodi Reidthaler! I met her a month or so ago at church. We both realized we were in the same child lit class and equally terrified of the teacher. She is totally a kindred spirit on sooo many things. She is just too darling.
3. The anticipation of Murder. I can see your blank, stunned expressions. But it will be throughly explained, probably on Sunday. (Lindsey, Steve, you know what I'm talking about. My sequins are excited.)
4. I'm loving the scale these days. Our love/hate relationship is definitely on the love side again these days.
5. I've got puzzles on the brain. As part of our anniversary gift Brandon gave me a 2000 piece puzzle of Times Square. We broke it out last week while watching Sweeny Todd (Speaking of musical cannibalism, I advise not going down this road. No disrespect to Burton, Depp, or Sondheim. I adore you all, just not all together) and I have been obsessively puzzling ever since. With all our flying around lately, I have rediscovered my love of suduko and I am mildly obsessed with this as well.
6. Traveling with Brandon. We have been on some little trips as of late and we have had so much fun. I love being able to do this right now. I love going with him, just playing and relaxing. We are taking advantage of these opportunities while we can, and we don't regret it. I will post some pictures soon!
7. My sisters. I've said it before, I'll say it again. The are my best friends. I just adore them and I am so grateful to call them mine.
8. On that note, I love my sister-in-laws! There is just something about'em, you know? They are so fun and entertaining. We can totally plan trips to sneak down to the Twilight movie shoot just so we can take spy like pictures of Edward, and its ok. We don't judge, we're all obsessed.
9. Reading for fun again. I have like, a whole 2 weeks to read whatever I feel like. I don't have to analyze it, close read, or interpret it. I can just ready it, eat it like candy, and savor it. I am thrilled.
10. My mom and Dan. They are just such good eggs. I love them both so much. Dan was handpicked by a certain someone to take care of the Pace women. He does a most excellent job.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Just cause you aren't saying it in English.....

Doesn't mean I don't understand it.

I think women have an automatic translator built into their brains. I think that depending whichever insecurity is plaguing us most about our appearance, we can translate those words without effort. For me, often the words are "gigantesco" (gigantic, Spanish) or "tres grand" (very big, French) or "Mommy, that guhl is beh-we hooge" (Mommy, that girl is very huge, 3 year kid). We can sense the tone, inflection, body language, and precise puncuation and know exactly what it is that is being said. This I am sure of, as I have done it often.

Today, while hangin' out with the SIL's (who are all quite fabulous, I must say) I lamented about how often I am asked when Brandon and I are having kids, telling me when I should have them and how many I should have. This has become something of a sore spot for me. I feel like a lot of questions people have been asking are kind of personal...but that is another blog....

Anyway, so later this evening, we see Brandon's friend who also speaks Portugese. As usual, he and B start conversing in Portugese, like the always do. Quietly observing their exchange, I notice a teeny, tiny sideways glance from his Portugese speaking buddy...and I hear this....

E sua esposa grávida

Translation: Is your wife pregnant?

Awkwardly, I glance down at my blue empire wasted spring dress and wonder what he thinks I'm hiding? Do I look fat? I have even lost some weight recently and somehow I still look like I have a bun in the oven?

I immediately jump to my defense, "I'M NOT PREGNANT!!! Do I LOOK pregnant?" furiously rubbing my stomach to emphasize its none pregnant-ness.

Whatever...I can't turn the translator off...might as well roll with the punches.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Magical Thinking

So, there is the psychological, cognitive science thing (disorder? issue? I don't really know) called Magical Thinking. I know, I know, it doesn't really sound like an official scientific name, but that's what they call it. Anyway, its a thing where you think that your thoughts have more power over certain events and situations than they really do. I'm pretty sure I suffer/have this, here's why.

I don't sleep on planes or in cars if I can at all help it. My incredibly deep fear of flying forces me to reason with myself, when I am on a plane, in ways that I wouldn't normally. If I stay awake and constantly repeat to myself, "The plane will not crash. It will stay in the air," then it won't happen. Same as in cars. If I fall asleep, who is going to will them to their destinations safely? No one...thats who. I think that if I let myself become distracted by TV or cleaning the house when Brandon is on his motorcycle then something will happen to him.

Seriously, I am seeing myself type these things and I realize how ridiculous it sounds. I am aware of this....and slightly embarrassed by it. Surely I can't be the only person I know that has this issue...

Where did this little psycho part of me come from? I could give about a dozen other scenarios like this, but I will spare you my loony-ness and move on, cause no one likes a crazy person who thinks she can control things with her thoughts. That is just absurd.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Thursday Ramblings.....

A few days ago, my little home was insulted. Someone referred to it as a "crap-hole," (they actually substituted "crap" for another choice word) and I haven't really been able to let it go. I am not so much mad as I am just a little offended really. It's hard work being a woman. Oh how trite and old-fashioned that sounds, but it's true. I have spent many years helping to raise other peoples children and keeping their homes running smoothly. I felt, probably more than most, prepared to run my own little home when I got married. I had a decent idea of the work required and all the unseen details that would need attending to, and I don't even have my own kids yet. I put a lot of effort into keeping our humble little place running cleanly, peacefully, and smoothly. Our apartment probably predates the Native Americans that were here before the pioneers (actually, I think it was built in the 1880's) and perhaps doesn't afford us the luxuries of, oh..say...a dishwasher, but inside our purple (yes, purple) our home is clean, its healthy, and most importantly its happy. So, for someone to insult what I do and what I care for kind of offended me. Am I wrong? Is that weird? I don't know, anyway...just needed to get that off my chest.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Easter Weekend

Brandon and I went to Washington this past weekend for some family time and Easter festivities. It was a rather eventful weekend.



Nichelle, Brandon, and I played on the Trampoline with Jessica and Jackson. As soon as Uncle Branodn left, all Jackson would say was, "I want Uncle Bubbs to come back to he can treat me like a basketball." I guess Nichelle and I combined don't bounce him hard enough. We tried convincing them their faces were going to stick that way. They weren't fooled, they just keep rolling their eyes at us, completely exasperated by our stupidness.

Later that night, Brandon, Fred (my father-in-law), and I went to the Americans hockey game.


I enjoy hockey far more than I thought. I kinda like it. Lots of interesting things happen, and lots of interesting people....


Those white things Brandon is banging together are called Bam-Bam's. They are possibly the most annoying things I have ever encountered. You get excited and you smack them together and the make the most hideous banging noise. Even so, when handed a pair you automatically bang them together, you just can't help it.

This is me, a split second before the guy behind me dumped about six pounds of confetti on the rows in front of him. Apparently, he is a mildly obsessed fan and throws confetti every time the Americans make a goal. It was kind of hilarious.

The Father-in-Law. I just luff him.

Ok, so I couldn't flip the picture, but if you can see there is a group of shirtless little boys. At some point during the break the song "Cotton Eye Joe" came on. These kids all jumped up and ripped off their shirts and started swinging them over their heads. I was so disturbed. No one else seemed to be. Within 15 seconds have the men in the audience had followed suit. I just thought it was weird.

The American's won. Such a fun game! I really think I might become a fan.

For Easter dinner we went to Dustin and Andrea's house. The guys decided to build a fire out in back, it was sorta chilly.


And you know men....what started out as a little fire.....


Quickly turned into a massive fire. And of course they all had to try jumping over it. Oh, brother.


Lots of yummy food and playing the nieces and nephews later, we went home. Not a bad day to spend the day, (it was also our year anniversary! But we celebrated yesterday.) We love spending time with the family. I feel like we miss out on a lot being so far away. I would love to be able to get to know all DeCoria's much better than I do now. I know I will get my chance. I just love them