Racquetball!

Ever since I started my job as a b-day party coordinator for the Y, Regan and I have been trying to take full advantage of our free memberships. Last Friday night we attempted to learn to play racquetball. (Regan already knew how to play but he had to teach me the rules and then attempt to play against me.) He's says that while he might be the better player, I am MVP for most improved. Nice, huh?

Anyway, I think I could really get into this, guys. We've played twice so far in five days. Surprisingly, I even work up a sweat (and sadly, my forearm was sore after the first game.) I don't really like to play for points b/c after he's up by like 6 it is not as fun. I think he has caught on to that though and starts to take it easy on me after he proves his skills... probably because he doesn't want me to quit playing. Either that or I really have improved!

Although I am loving racquetball, I wish there was a place for us to play badminton. I think I will always love badminton the most. (Mainly because the birdie doesn't come flying at my head nearly as fast...)

I'll try to remember to take some pictures one of these times... you wouldn't want to miss me in all of my goggle glory!

I can weather this storm...

Yesterday, Regan experienced his first stay-home-from-school (even though there is less than 2 feet of snow) snow day. Fortunately, like most snow days in the East, there wasn't much snow. There really wasn't much of anything besides some slush followed by quite a bit of rain. And the rain wasn't even turned into ice. Imagine our surprise when, after first finding out there was a two hour delay, we realized we had the WHOLE day off!

Even though Regan still had work to do, and a snow day means that I don't get paid... we had a nice day all in all. We took time to apply for some jobs for Regan over the summer and even had a little lunch date, followed by some quick errands (or was it the other way around?) Anyway, it was fun while it lasted (and good for the drought) but I'm not hoping (or wearing my pajamas inside-out) for any more any time soon.

Hope the rest of you have a pleasant long weekend!

PS- Happy Birthday Jessica!!

happy birthday!

You are now looking at the newest addition to the YMCA family. I recently started a five hour a week position as a Birthday Party Coordinator. Biggest perk of the job is that Regan and I both get free memberships to any of the Y's in the metro-triad area... also the main reasoning for applying for the position. (And what better way to start off the new year... besides actually using the memberships to go to the gym, heh.) So far I haven't done much for the job other than watch THE MOST BORING 2 hour training video of my life (I now know MUCH MUCH more than I cared to know about the history of each YMCA in the metro- triad area) but I will be sure to keep you updated on the fun, fabulous parties that I am sure to coordinate.

Sew happy

We are so lucky to have a quilter extrodinare in the family... I realize this especially after my little stint at sewing over the break. Regan's mom crafted this wall hanging for us for our Christmas present.



I think the wall hanging did wonders for our bedroom. It really gives it a more complete look don't you think? It looks SO professional... she has an unparalleled attention for detail (which brings me to the sad reality that I don't and therefore will never become a master seamstress.)

On that note, here is the aforementioned sewing stint: my apron. It started off with me repeatedly telling my mom that we needed to be very precise and then took a turn for the worst. After I un-picked some nasty mistakes (twice, consecutively), I sort of threw in the towel (and threw caution to the wind) as I furiously tried to finish as fast as I could. Despite all that, I think it turned out quite nicely... especially from a distance. heh.




And despite(/because of?) all this Regan does not agree that we should tackle reupholstering our couches. Go figure.

here it comes again...

After a lovely, long hiatus I have been forced back into the real world, and therefore back into the blogosphere. Sorry for the prolonged absence.

We had a really nice vacation... I'm sad to see it go. We spent our break in three states and four cities (a week in UT, and week in VA, a night in DC and another night in Raliegh) and despite starting the whole thing off with a nasty cold I consider it some quality down time that was much needed (more so for Regan than for me).

And now its time to get my nose firmly back to the grindstone. Happy New Year!

Almost over...

As I type this Regan is in his fourth an last final. And I am so nervous for him! He has been studying SOOOO hard and put a lot of time in... so I know that he will do great. His test is 3.5 hours (he's about an hour and a half into it right now) and I think I will finally be able to breath when its over. Then start the celebrations. I'm not sure when the last time was that he had a whole three weeks off of work and school so we have lots of fun things planned for our extended vacation.

The weather outside is... DELIGHTFUL

By the by, it was a balmy 61 degrees today. And it is only getting better as the days go on. I can't believe that we'll be in the 70s next week... how will we ever have a White Christmas?! I told Regan that our trip to Utah was going to be a rude awakening only because we have totally been spoiled by this mild weather. Although we both agree that it will feel more like Christmas to see snow in the mountains. I'm all ready planning to pack my snow pants for sledding!

I didn't really get to enjoy the weather today- other than the walk from my car to work and back (but let me tell you, that was niiice). Yes, that's right I had to work today. Finals are in full swing at the law school, so obviously my skill-set is in high demand. I can trouble-shoot a computer with the best of them, heh. It wasn't bad though... no 1Ls cried today (not even regan) so I think it went smoothly. Working on a Saturday is not as bad either when you know it's OT. (yeah yeah!) I'm trying to get in as many hours as I can because after next week Regan and I will be on a little 3 week vacation.

The newest edition to our Chistmas decor

Regan's mom just made me this for my birthday and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. She picked out such cute fabrics. I told her that they were ones that I would have picked out. I think it looks very "Lindsay" (don't you?) Apparently Regan's little brother, Ben, thought so too, haha. When we were deciding where to hang it I suggested to take down our picture hanging over the kitchen table and replace it with the wall hanging (because it is a good sized, white wall that would have given it the prominence it deserves)... although Regan didn't think that it was prudent to take down a picture of Jesus during Christmas. Good call on that one, Reg. So instead we used it to cover the ghastly hole over the fire place (which is really just a tv nook)... I think it fits quite nicely. Thanks, Ann!

1 down... 3 to go.

This is my semi-sophomoric attempt at being supportive. The sign was made with good intentions... but it really didn't look as great at a thought it would. It lasted for about a night before I decided to take it down. I think Regan appreciated it (and was immensely inspired to persevere?) so I guess it was effective all in all. HOORAY for Regan though for finishing his first law school final. I think I will be almost has happy as he will be for him to be done next Thursday!

Got my hair did.

Again. I don't normally get my hair cut this often but I guess the shorter 'do calls for it. I think I mentioned before that my friend Tiffany cuts hair. I have to tell you that she is SO talented. I know this because the pictures I'm posting were taken just a few minutes ago at almost 11 pm... after I had run my hands through it all day, gone running, fallen asleep with it in a sort of up-do, and then tried to smash it down a little... and I STILL love it and think it looks decent. (I realize in these pics it looks a little whacky in back... maybe I should have waited until the morning to take pictures? Oh well, you get the point.) For some reason it looks a little more curly now which must be from the running and pony tail holder because I actually purchased a straightener after she told me that I needed one the last time I got it cut. (I bought this really cheap one at Walmart but I think it works great.) If any of you come to see me in Winston-Salem you should definitely have me schedule you an appointment. She is like my human root-booster (which is what I've been looking for because I always want my hair to have more body). Ok, I'm going to stop because it is a little embarrassing that I just made a whole post dedicated to my hair.

Cheeseburger Soup

This recipe I'm about to share has been handed down for generations and generations. Ok, not really unless you count it going from Regan's mom to Regan to me. (Regan I are definitely from different generations, right? Or was it planets? I'll have to ask him...)

Anyway, my neighbor just had a new baby so me, being the dedicated super-server... Okay, okay, I can't lie... I may have gotten around to it eventuallly but if it wasn't for Regan's brilliant suggestion I wouldn't have called on my lunch break, offered to make something after I got off work at 5pm, or let him to run to the local (strike that. insert: ghetto)Food Lion during the middle of his reading days. I'm sure I would have had good intentions... but he definitely got that ball rollin'.

So, I offered to bring dinner and then I was thinking out loud as I looked in my cupboard... what in the world am I going to take? (I feel like I am CONSTANTLY buying food but it just keeps disappearing! What's the deal?!) Regan suggested soup. Brilliant. This is one of his favorites (i'm 95% positive that his number 1 fav is Zupa Tuscana... but it is kind of spicy and I wasn't sure that that would fly with a new mother, if you know what I mean) Perhaps he was just glad that we weren't having one of the 3 different meals that I have put into rotation each week, haha.

1. Our rendition of Cafe Rio Salad or tacos
2. Wheat pasta with chicken and pesto sauce or
3. Some other variation of chicken and broccoli (and FYI, I know my mom is probably going to post a comment about how she taught me to eat broccoli.)

So here is the recipe y'all are dying to try by now: (btw, we usually leave out the celery b/c I don't typically have it on hand and I hate buying a bundle of it and then not eating it. It is not exactly Low Cal... but its Mmm Mmm Good.)

Cheeseburger Soup
1/2 lb ground beef
3/4 c chopped onion
3/4 c shredded carrots
3/4 c diced celery
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried parsley
4 tbsp butter or margarine divided
3 c chicken broth
4 c diced peeled potatoes
1/4 c all-purpose flour
8 oz Velveeta -- cubed
1 1/2 c milk
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 c sour cream

In a 3-qt. saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside. In the same saucepan, saute onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about
10 minutes. Add broth, potatoes and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Add flour; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly. Add to soup; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from the heat; blend in sour cream.

ps- baby and mother seemed to be doing well. I thought he looked tiny... then I found out that he was 9 lbs. Not so tiny. Haha, and after holding him for like 5 minutes my arm was ALREADY getting tired! Guess I need to pump some iron more often...

pps- I'm just now realizing that it was a good thing that I left my rolls for Thanksgiving at home... I just pulled them out of the freezer and they were ready to go. I've been kind of a Nazi about the rolls but I even let Regan have one. (I say I've been a nazi but some how we are down to one freezer bag when we started out with two...)

ppps- do you like have I've been slipping a few "y'alls" into my posts? I must think I'm Paula Dean or something with that and the Velveeta. But it has been fun to try and slip back into my fake roots now that I'm in the South again.

Love Feast

On Sunday I went with some girls (uh, ladies?) from church to a Moravian Love Feast at Wake Chapel on campus. From what I understand, the Moravians are an early Protestant church that started in what is now the Czech Republic. The founder rejected the Roman Catholic Church and wanted to return to "simpler practices of early Christianity: liturgy in the language of the people, having lay people receive communion in both kinds (bread and wine), and eliminating indulgences and the idea of purgatory." The Moravians are pretty big here in Winston-Salem so I have been interested to read and learn a little about them.

I kept calling the night a Love FEST, cause I thought it was funny, but was quickly corrected by some who were slightly less irreverent than me. Oops! Here is a little snippet from Wikipedia about love feasts:

A Lovefeast service is a service dedicated to Christian love, and is most famously practiced by, but not limited to, the Moravians. A Lovefeast seeks to strengthen the bonds and the spirit of harmony, goodwill, and congeniality, as well as to forgive past disputes and instead love one another.
The Lovefeast is based upon the Agape feast and the meals of the early churches described in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles, which were partaken in unity and love. Traditionally for European, Canadian, and American Lovefeasts, a sweetened bun and coffee is served to the congregation in the pews by dieners (from the German for servers); before partaking, a simple table grace is said.
The Lovefeast also concentrates on the singing of hymns, and listening to music which may come from the organ or choir. The songs and hymns chosen usually describe love and harmony. Many churches also have trombone choirs or church bands play prior to a Lovefeast as a call to service.

All in all, the night was really neat. There was a brass band that played some prelude music, an organist, a handbell choir, and even interpretive dancers. The dancer was a little over the top for me at first... she was dramatically lighting the first candle while dressed in black with no shoes. But at the end they turned off all of the lights and each person had a candle to light. It looked awesome... and when more dancers joined in it didn't look quite as odd. It felt very Christmassy with all of the lights and music and was definitely interesting to see something that another faith does.

I realized after saying that I would go to the Love Feast that that meant I would miss out on the First Presidency Devotional. Don't worry though. Luckily, thanks to BYU TV online, I can watch it for Family Home Evening tonight. I just can't get enough of Christmas...

O Holy Night

So, I realize that I am getting a little Christmas crazy... but I come by it naturally (anyone who has been to my mother's house during the first week of December would already know that)

Anyway, I thought I would share a little Christmas experience with y'all. As I was driving in my car today, listening to my holiday cd that my brother gave me last year, O Holy Night came on. I have plenty of versions of this song but this particular rendition was by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I hate to admit this but usually I'm not the biggest fan of the MoTab. I can appreciate them as a very talented and inspired choir... but I often opt to listen to other artists in my collection. Today, however, this particular song really stuck a chord (if I may be so punny).

This version of the song starts out with just the women singing in a semi soft sort of way. Then the men join in with this almost booming, amazing sound. The song is so powerful. I love any song that you can really feel the emotion in and so this one definitely inspired me today.

Why the song hit me today when I've listened to it a million times before? I guess it reminded me of last December when Regan and I went with his parents and little brother for Family Home Evening to see BYU's Museum of Art exhibit, "Beholding Salvation: Images of Christ". One of the first paintings as you enter the exhibit was one that depicted the birth of Christ. At first glance I thought it was kind of odd looking but it quickly became my favorite (not necessarly because I thought the art was amazing but because the idea behind the art was something I hadn't really thought of). The picture was acutally a full-sized mural and was filled with paintings of people surrounding Mary and family. The tour guide told us that it was a depiction of spirit children witnessing the greatest miracle ever. I thought of myself being there and the feeling of hope that I would have had. The the lines, "A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn," brought this image back to me.

I don't think I can elloquently write the feeling that came over me but I was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and why we have reason to celebrate in the first place. It is easy for me to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and decorating. And even though I am usually trying to do nice for others during December, I wonder if I really remember the Savior as much as I should. Maybe I'll have to listen to this song more...

(this is one my favorite manger scenes.

I couldn't find the one I mentioned)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Well, I've definitely decked them halls, so to speak. On Sunday I finally got to put up our Christmas decor. I'm trying to soak up every moment of Christmas that I can this year.

I set up our tree and a few other things on Sunday night while Regan was studying. I blared my Christmas mix while I trimmed the tree and made a mental list of some of the things I'd like to do to make the season bright. Once Regan was done studying for the night I popped some popcorn (I had to just do it in a pan on the stove because we gave our whirly popper to our neighbors. We didn't think that we had room for it on the moving truck) and we watched a Christmas movie (and I folded a little laundry). I didn't tell Regan that our Christmas movie was Little Women until I had tricked him into leaving whatever sports he was watching and following me into where I was taking the popcorn. About 5 minutes into the show he reminded me that he hated chick flicks... but he was still a good sport and I thoroughly enjoyed the night.

I have to be careful to not celebrate too much yet because Regan is in the midst of prepping for his finals and I don't want him to get too trunky, yet. So I celebrate while he is studying and then I get serious when he gets home... haha, ok not so much but I'm trying.

Weekend Highlight: listening to Regan's "Arther Miller: On Civil Procedure" cd's during the drive back from Richmond. hahahaha, psych- that sucked. Luckily Regan was driving so I didn't have to worry about dosing off. Good thing too because after about 2 min I was dead to the world.

Here are three of my favorite decorations:

1. My tree. You might notice that the top third is not lighting up... the company was supposed to send a replacement piece LAST NOVEMBER and after calling multiple times this summer they finally sent it... to Regan's parents house. Oops. So hopefully we'll have a whole lit tree NEXT Christmas. Also pictured is our table runner made by Regan's grandma... I love to put it up. (Sorry for the fuzzy picture. It really doesn't do it justice)


2. Last Christmas Regan did the 12 Days of Christmas for me. (This was day 8 maybe? Which came right after day seven's gift: Regan opened the car door for me and said "Happy 7th Day of Christmas!" hahahaha.) You'll notice the chip on his nose... must have happened during the move. I'm trying to convince myself that frosty just got a mild case of frost bite. No biggie, right?
3. This is actually the first time that I have gotten to hang this... Chels made it like 4 or 5 years ago but I never took it with me to college. It has a bunch of Norman Rockwell paintings (who is actually my favorite artist) and then on the bottom of each picture is part of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas: Romans' Style" that Chelsea crafted. I love this and am so excited to finally be able to hang it.

Thanksgiving, my bday, etc...

Despite not having my delicious homemade rolls Thanksgiving turned out to be a success. (About 40 minutes outside of Winston-Salem I remembered that I had left them in my freezer.) Regan and I stopped by Walmart on our way into Richmond and got a couple of bags of Rhode's Rolls... they were great.

We had such a fun time at my parents. Some highlights:
Playing 'big-booty', the paper strip game, and POP FIVE, with the fam.
Shopping with Regan and going out to breakfast.
Watching the BYU-UTAH game.
Hearing Leo give her first talk in Primary
Going to see Enchanted with my mom
Eating my FAVORITE birthday cake from Ukrops (thanks chels!)
Taking Christmas pictures

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday great! Here are a few pictures. I always forget to bring out my camera but at least I got a few with Denton's family.

Why I've never opened a bakery.

I volunteered to make the Turkey, rolls, and mashed potatoes for my family's Thanksgiving.
On Sunday night I made my RS President's recipe for the best crescent rolls and they turned out great. At least I think they did... Regan kept wanting to snitch some so figure they have to be okay. I made about 5 dozen, I think. You would think that that would be enough but we have a lot of people coming... and who doesn't love rolls?

Last night I thought I would make another batch of a different kind of rolls to have for left-over turkey sandwiches. It took me like 3 hours when you add in the time to rise, bake, clean-up, etc. While they were [supposedly] rising/raising (I never really learned that grammar rule so I just make it up as I go along) I went to help Regan at school my making copies of practice exams. I should have clued in when I got home an hour later and the dough was the same size. But I did not. I baked them anyway, thinking the heat would puff those suckers up. When I pulled them out of the oven there were no rolls: only flat pieces of nastiness. I'M SO MAD. Regan came home and still ate like 4 of them... so I am now second guessing my first batch.

I love to bake (most of time) probably because I love yummy treats... but I'm so bad at getting my dough to raise/rise. There is a science to it that I have never really mastered. (This is also why I probably hated Chemistry in High School). So, I may not make anymore not. I'm waiving my white flag. The only way I will be persuaded to try again is if I have Regan there to supervise... he follows recipes much better than I do.

My pop culture consiglieri expects some blog-praise for all his tireless efforts to get me to watch/read/listen to quality stuff

Over the years my brother, Clayton, the ambassador to pop culture, has introduced me to some quality pieces of work. Let's go back a few years, shall we?

In 1993, Clayton and I flew to CA with my mom to visit my Grandparents. I must have been about 9 at the time and was very bored on the plane. Luckily, my consiglieri was there to teach me the first 20 lines of "None of your business" off of Salt N Pepa's "Very Necessary". Let me remind you that Clayton is only 3.5 years older than me. And for the record, I can still recite this... I actually did it for Regan the other night on our walk home. His reaction? A mildly weirded out face followed by a "Where did you come from?"

Later on in elementary school he introduced me to "Lois and Clark: The Adventures of Superman." When I was in middle school I, too, got attached to Fred Savage on 'The Wonder Years' and I'm pretty sure that I've seen every episode of 'Charlie's Angels'. WHO could forget the Charlie's Angel's days?

He's also the one that got me my first (and only) radiohead and CAke cd's. [I have to give credit to Jordan for the Brandy cd, hahaha]

Fast forward a few years and you can see that he has gotten me hooked on all of my favorite tv shows*: Alias, LOST, VMars, and Friday Night Lights. I used to drag my feet when he'd recommend a show to me but I've slowly learned my lesson. Now if only I could convince him to watch more TLC...







So here's to you CLAdogg, for enhancing my media choices.

*He missed out on getting me hooked on The Office. That one was purely Regan.

Wake Wives

I should have posted this right after it happened back in October... but I wasn't the faithful blogger that I am now. And I didn't have my steady following yet (thanks, mom) so that's why I'm a little behind.

ANYWAY, One of the wives of one of Regan's fellow classmates started a wives support group back at the beginning of the semester. I like to call our group "Wake Wives". Regan calls us the First Wive's Club... funny reg.

I volunteered to host our third meeting... and perhaps got a little party happy. The theme was "Favorite Things" based loosely on the idea of Oprah's annual favorite things episode. Each person was supposed to bring an apetizer and some great new thing they have discovered to share with the rest of us. I also conned my new friend Tiffany to give some make-up tips at the end. (Tiffany does hair and make-up professionally. She even worked on the set of HS Musical... and various other movies. So she knows what she's talking about. On another side note, Tiffany gave me my new haircut that I LOVE.)

I emailed invitations that I made on PAGES. I've really been getting into it and so any excuse to build my fake portfolio is reason enough for me. (I will have to post my Evite later.) I thought the party was a success... at least I know that I had a great time.

PICTURED:
a. In the first picture is my table before there was any food on it. Looks a little scant, if you asked me but my options were limited.
b. In the second is almost everyone that was there. (From left to right: Me, Crystal, Meghan, Tiffany, and Anna)
c. Third picture is just after we showed our fav. things and are begining the make-up demo. (Crystal, Janet, and Anna)
d. This is Tiffany and our demo model, Meghan.

Edit: Here is my invitation that I am so proud of: (sorry, had to black out my address. my fans are just getting a little too crazy)

Thank you for my...

mmm...best turkey ever!!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving (and since we are only a week away) I thought I would make a list of some of the things that I am thankful for this year. I'll try not to be too cheesy or overly mushy.

1. The Gospel. My life would not be nearly as happy or as meaningful with out the knowledge that I have of the Restored Gospel. It brings countless blessings to my life, daily. I am especially grateful for prayer and my testimony that my prayers will be answered. Today a simple prayer was answered for me and even though I know that my prayers can be answered I am still amazed when it happens so directly. Also, you may be surprised but I'm grateful for my nursery calling... it can be challenging some weeks but it has made me aware of the sacrifices that sometimes come along with service.

2. My husband. Marrying Regan was the best decision I have made in my life and probably the best I will ever make (second best decision you wonder? probably my green coat...haha, jk) He is my best friend and I don't know what I would do with out him. He cracks me up, he continually supports me, and he encourages me to always strive for the best. I know I am a better person for having him in my life. Oh, he cooks too, folks! Could I be any luckier?


3. My parents. They have done so much for me, my whole life. My mom
almost ALWAYS answers my calls... no matter what time of day I'm calling or where she happens to be at the time. My dad is who I turn to whenever I need to find out which mile marker has the cheapest gas or if I'm lost and need directions. More than that both of my parents gave me the foundation that has led me to where I am today. They have always been there to support me (they even came to every one of my church b-ball games!)

4. Family. My family has always been important to me. Being the youngest in my family I have always looked up to my siblings as examples and have turned to them many times for advice. Before getting married, I wouldn't have thought that I would have the same feelings for another family... but I married into a great family as well. I couldn't have picked better in-laws. I am so grateful for the love and acceptance that Regan's parents and siblings have shown to me since I joined the Adamson family. And I can't forget my cute nieces and nephews on both sides... they are so much fun and are constantly cracking me up.

5. Life long friends. I'm the kind of person that likes to have all of my friends know each other and I like to mix my different social groups. That is because my friends are important to me and I want to share them. I am grateful to have the kind of friends that I know will always be there for me. I don't think that I will ever be as good of a friend as some of the friends that I have.

6. My job. I am SOOOO glad that I am no longer on the job hunt. (That was the worst ever). I love working at the law school. I love getting to know some of Regan's professors and getting to feel a little more involved in something that is such a big part of his life right now. I enjoy running into Regan in the hall and getting to take lunch breaks together every once in a while.

7. Health. Emerson says it best: "The first wealth is health."

I guess these things are fairly basic...but usually the most basic are the most important, too. And now, a few of the less than basic:

8. Technology. This past General Conference Regan and I decided to attempt to watch via the internet connected to our TV. And it worked! The whole time Regan kept saying, "Technology is so awesome, " and I just kept laughing but really its true. I think I'd be lost with out it. My cell phone, email, even 'The Office' are all blessing in my life, heh.

9. Costco! It's sad. It really is. But, I just enjoy a good $.50 diet coke while I walk around and buy large quantity items. Regan and I have gotten into the habit of going each week to get our staples of pineapple, romaine, and a grilled chicken salad for me and a slice of pepperoni for him. Sound ghetto? We learned it from our parents!! But, costco represents something a little bit more than just wholesale prices to me. PS- I'm specifically thankful for Costco strawberries because they are the BEST. For sure.

10. My car. Anyone who has ever seen my car is probably reading this with raised eyebrows. Its not the kind of vehicle you write home about... but it is my car and it has been great. I started driving it when I was 17 and it has been old-faithful to me... just a few glitches here and there- nothing major. The paint is wearing and the carpet is a bit stained, but I am still proud to call the Dodge Stratus mine. (Don't get me wrong, I'd give it up in a heart beat if I was choosing cars with no monetary limit- or even a more lenient budget. But, I am really grateful for the car that I have.)

hmm, 10 is probably a good start for today. THANKS FOR READING!

On to my next goal...

I have been looking at a lot of aprons online (because I have a fetish and I want to learn to make them) and it has made me think of of my Grandma Sodergren. I love this picture of my Grandma and had to post it.

I think my fetish for aprons started a long time ago when I could go to her house and pull out one of her half aprons from the drawer by the sink. She had some really cute, vintage-looking ones (actually, I guess they really were vintage) and I loved to put them on and then take people's lunch orders. I think every little kid likes to do that at some point. From what I hear from my mom (and anyone else) my Grandma was a hostess and entertainer extraordinaire.
My mom (who was quite the little seamstress in her former life) has agreed to help me learn how to make these while we are in town after Christmas. I am SOOOO excited. Check out this link for some of the really cute aprons that I want to attempt to make. Maybe if I get really good I can sell mine, too.