Sacrifice (and another reason to love serving in Primary)

While teaching a lesson at a primary activity last week I asked the children what they could do to show Heavenly Father that they love Him. One of the Sunbeams raised her hand excitedly and when I called on her she said, "We can sacrifice!"

Clearly, I was blown away by this response. So, mimicking her enthusiasm I said,
"That's great! And what can we sacrifice?"

Her response, "Our bodies!"

(I'm still not sure how I got through the rest of the lesson. )

"I like pie"... AKA, my foray into instructional cooking

I have a boy in my primary class who says "I like Pie" in a funny voice at some point of Sunday School every single week. Apparently, other kids in our primary say it too. I don't really get it but he's a cute kid so it just makes me laugh. (But have I mentioned that I've been teaching him since January? And that this part of our conversation every week?) I swear, I can't think or talk about pie without quoting "I like pie!" But I guess what? I do like pie!

So anyway, that was just a long winded introduction to what we've been up to.

Tonight Regan and I attempted our first homemade apple pie- a caramel apple with a lattice top.

It looks so so beautiful. We can't wait for the fruit of our labors. (Ha!)

We used a Real Simple pie crust recipe from the November issue (found here) and adapted this apple pie recipe (from Our Best Bites) by adding the caramel, which was really Regan's brainchild.

(fyi, I LOVE everything on Our Best Bites . Everything.)

We were so excited about this pie that I even took some video footage. (It is very short- I also made 3 doz rolls and at this point I was only about halfway done making them at nearly 11pm.) I really think we are ready for our own cooking show, don't you? Watch out Paula and Giada!

On the first video at around 4 seconds I start to get really excited but then I reign it in really quickly. Can you hear it in my voice? The second video is pretty much the same thing but it makes me laugh that Regan doesn't talk. Maybe next time I'll actually record something exciting. Like Regan actually saying something perhaps! (But don't count on it).

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

oh yeah, i forgot to mention...

Oops. I was going to post this like a month ago. I'm so over Halloween... and on to bigger and better things now (Thanksgiving!) (Christmas!) but I figured someone out there is probably sitting on the edge of their seat waiting for this...

The resemblance is uncanny, right?

Sneak Peek

Here is a preview of my halloween costume. I went to the Goodwill to try to find a blue dress that I could make work and this (partially) wool one seemed like it would be the easiest to alter. This is my first clothing project so I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out remotely close to how I imagined it. I'm definitely inexperienced when it comes to sewing (I can't even get my bobbin to to wind... so I had to sew it all by hand!) but at least I had fun, right? (Except for now I've got all of these little scratches on my arms from trying it on over and over again while it was all still pinned.) Now let's just hope that people can actually tell what we are trying to be. Have a Happy Halloween!

Before:

After:

Migas with my amigos

Found this post in my drafts... guess I never hit publish. Oops. We are really catching up, aren' we? Looking at these pictures again made me excited for DC with my family in a few weeks!

We had a FUN siblings reunion in DC last weekend. Here is the proof:

(Heh, just kidding. Not sure what I was looking at...)

the highlights (in no particular order):

matchbox mini burgers
walking the monuments at night
getting uber-sore from the "pizza box" with chels
running to get out of arlington natn'l cemetary in the POURING rain
a three hour long debate on... (what exactily was that about?)
sharing a room (and bathroom!) with all four siblings
denton's migas and cinnamon rolls on Sunday morning

These are the mini burgers:

Here I am pretending to listen (I really coudn't hear a thing he was saying...)

Migas. Regan has been telling me everyday since I got back that he wants to have Migas.

We finished the trip off with a trip to the top of the Washington Monument. Here we are at the bottom.

It was such a perfect time to go to DC. The weather was BEAUTIFUL.

"Do not post that picture on your blog"

That is what Regan told me when I took this picture. But I tend to think there is a statute of limitations on those sort of requests. (I don't work at a law school for nothing!) I'll agree, it is a little embarrassing... but its only been about four months and I'm already looking back on those times with fondness.

When we moved to NC we decided to forgo cable. Thanks to our digital TV and a sturdy antenna we figured we'd try our luck with the HD channels that come over the air. That added up to about 8 channels on a good day (4 of which are the local public access channels). Of course, getting that many channels is not a lock. We're only graced with Fox, CBS, ABC, and the CW when it is not too windy or stormy and we put the antenna across the room by the window with the perfect angle/rotation and the blinds are open (etc etc etc).

But sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. And I got REALLY desperate a few months back during the season finally of LOST. And this is what I had to rig up:

(Yes, that would be our antenna on top of a food storage bucket, on top of a laundry basket, on top of the ironing board, in front of open blinds.)

3 years ago today we were on our honeymoon in Boston

AND we were also celebrating Regan's birthday.

This is such a good week, right?

isn't it about...

Time?

So, remember how I've been thinking about getting bangs for like forever? For the past few months I've been talking about it and then chickening out. I would pin my hair to kind of fake the look and then ask Regan what he thought. Let's just say, I wasn't that great at creating the faux-bang look. And, I can be slightly dramatic so I think Regan was afraid that I'd regret it and then be crying over it... I was afraid that he was right. So I kept having Tiff cut my hair and leave out the bangs.

Finally, a few Saturdays ago Regan and I popped into her salon for haircuts. (This was Regan's first Tiffany hair cut.) And while we were waiting I was still practically hyperventilating to Regan about what to do. I really wanted a change but you guys know how I am about making decisions (Or if you didn't I'll clear it up for you: I have problems.) Anyway, I finally decided that I wasn't going to do it... [Yes, I realize that I sound like a freak. Just trying to keep it real. Now you understand how hard my life is.]

Anyway, then while Tiff was washing Regan's hair he told here that I really wanted them but was fear stricken. (Or something to that effect). And I said that maybe I should just do it so I won't keep debating. And she said we were doing it.

And so we did:

Here is a picture after just coming home from the salon. I don't know if its a lacking skill, using different product, or having a cheap walmart straightener, but I can't achieve quite that same sleekness as she can. But, I'm okay with that because I like my hair to have a little more body anyway.

But I am loving the bangs. (And so is Regan!) It took a few days to get used to having something on my forehead but now its no big deal. Not sure why I was such a sissy. Tiff told me they would work well with my hair and now I finally believe her.

Arr Arr 09

We went to Duck, NC again a few weeks ago for the annual Romans Reunion. This year Regan and I were in charge. I was a little worried about the weather but after the first two days the sun came out and it was beautiful. We had a loose pirate theme... hence the title of this post. (Get it? Arr Arr 09 = RR 09 = Romans Reunion o9. ) I think it was really fun all in all but I'm glad I don't have to do it again for a while:)

A few things I discovered:

Going from planning food for two to worrying about food for 21 people for 6 days = not so easy!

Having the kids gather in the basement first thing in the morning (instead of the living room on the top floor above where I slept)= genius.

Hearts= the best card game; Shooting the moon= Regan's new favorite past time.

And now, for the part you really came to see:

The Planners

(before I got my hair cut... with side bangs! Pics to come.)

The whole family:

Just the kids:

The Siblings:

Each family was in charge of an activity. Denton & Marissa planned some water games and got Regan in on the action. First the kids got to stand five feet away and pelt Regan with water balloons... and then madness ensued. Here is Regan with a little too accurate of aim. I feel like its okay to post this picture because despite this he and Ellie could remain friends.

Yep, it hit her. He felt bad. I think she felt worse.

I got hit square in the nose by Felix so I know that had to hurt.

On Friday we hit the beach and had a sand castle building contest + picnic.

Our team made a huge turtle. Unfortunately, all of the kids on our team wanted to be on Uncle Dana, Uncle Denton, and Uncle Regan's team. You can see them in the back ground. They made a huge pyramid (but I can't seem to find a picture of the final product.) We used the buckets that the kids all decorated for Jordan & Melissa's craft time (and once again I didn't get a good picture of the action.)

Chels & Dana did a treasure hunt. I'm pretty sure at least a few of the kids

(and maybe Marissa?) wet their pants when Dana jumped out as a quasi- jack sparrow.

One of my favorite parts of the Reunion I don't have pictures to document but I really had fun with Adult Kids Time. We hung out on the patio listening some cuban music while having orange julius and chips & guacamole. We got to spend about and hour and a half just talking. Meanwhile, the kids had some Grandparents time upstairs.

Also, I really really loved riding around on the beach cruisers everyday. I might just have to dust off my bike and bring it out of retirement in my parents' garage.

So that is the week in a nut shell. Can't wait for the next one!

What the what?!

Any one else having bad flashbacks from this picture? (Don't tell me that the rest of you never went into exams less than prepared...)

All I can say is I'm SO glad that time in my life is OVER. And now I can only hope for the same thing for Regan. He is in the middle of his last final of the year as I type this. YAY! Two down and one to go. (Years that is.) And now: it's time to celebrate!

Now that the dreaded tests are done can some one please slow this aircraft down? Is it always going to be like this? You know what turbulence does to me...

RIP, little friend

My cell phone finally met its demise these week. It only took me dropping it 5 times within three days for it to happen. I didn't do it on purpose... it was like once I dropped it the first time I just couldn't keep it off the ground. It tasted freedom and couldn't go back... or something. This little guy has been with me everyday for the past 2.5 years. I am truly lost with out it. Don't you feel so sorry for me? I'm hoping that when I take it into the Sprint store tomorrow morning they tell me they can pull of all of my contacts and info. Fingers crossed!

we heard rumors of its return. and then the most wonderful thing happened: they came true.

A few weeks ago I heard Regan whisper 'I love you' while we were at Costco. I glanced sweetly up at him only to realize he wasn't talking to me but to this:

Not that I blame him. I feel the same way. Its so so good. (Even if it is soooo bad.)

black or pinto beans...

As you know, I'm ALWAYS on the hunt for new quick recipes. And I think I hit the jack pot on this one from the March Real Simple. It is super easy, delicious, and best of all: CHEAP. Always a recipe for success, if you ask me. You should make it... and then report back!



ps- I left out the radishes/cilantro (because I didn't have them on hand) and didn't miss them.

our claycation in the district

Last week was spring break for Regan. Lucky for us my boss sent me home early a few of the days and we got to enjoy the beautiful weather seeing some of best that Winston-Salem has to offer... which actually didn't take that long... so we decided that I should take a few days off and get outta dodge before the 'finals stretch' approaches. We road tripped it to DC with our friends Tiff & Andrew. We made a brief stop in Richmond for a night to introduce them to my family, show off our favorite places, and of course over-hype Ukrops' (which our friends assured us did not disappoint.)

Regan and I stayed with Clayton once we made it to DC (and he was a most excellent host.) Our trip had a theme: burgers. Clayton treated us to our favorite stop in the district: Matchbox. Man, we love those mini burgers. And Regan fell in love with a new place that Clayton introduced us to called Ray's Hell Burgers. And in case you are too lazy to click the link: (I know you so well...) they are "made from a blend of hand-trimmed prime beef, charred over an open flame and cooked to order". So so awesome.


The weather was pretty dreary most of the time we were there but we didn't let it stop us. I think one of my favorite parts of the trip (besides beating Clayton, Heather, and Regan at Hearts... despite the fact that I was having a really hard time grasping the rules to the game) was going back to where it all began:


This was our first time going back to the Washington DC Temple since we were married and it was really really neat. (And I was a LOT less nervous this time :) I am so glad that we had the chance to go (and that we actually found our way there... eventually.)

In summary, our Claycation (to borrow a term coined by Regan over the weekend) gets two thumbs up. From each of us.

happy day-before-my-favorite-holiday

I just love hearts, pink + red, love notes, {and treats, obviously}. So naturally, Valentines day ranks pretty high up there on my list. I don't care if it is a made-up holiday. If you ask me, its one of the best made-up holidays around.

We are starting the celebrations today. (You gotta spread it out, you know?) Except, I didn't wear any pink or red today. Well, I am wearing my red shoes but I wear those all the time so I don't know that that counts.

And now, for your reading pleasure, a special Valentines Day memory from yours truly:

When I was in sixth grade I had a HUGE crush (as in, like a 4 year crush) on my old neighbor Patrick Judy. My new neighbor, Melissa, was best friends with Patrick and found out about my undying love and she figured I really needed to do something about it. Somehow she convinced me that we needed to walk up to Food Lion across the street and buy some gifts so I could be a secret admirer. She even pitched in and bought half of the loot: cards, candy, probably a stuffed animal... you know how it is.

I teetered on the fence for a while. It didn't really seem like the best idea. Cue her sales brilliant sales pitch: "We'll never tell him, Lindsay. We'll just put the stuff in his locker and he will never know who it was from." Really, what could be the harm in that? (What I saw as the point to doing it still alludes me... )

So anyway, I did it. Each day a new gift, for about a week. And I would hear him talk about it in the halls. And I would hear him ask Melissa over and over again who it was. And I would die a thousand deaths before realizing that it was ok... my secret was safe with Melissa.

Until it wasn't. You know where this story is going, right? Of course.

Melissa called me one afternoon, very upset. Patrick wanted to know. (I guess not telling him was ruining their friendship. Or something lame like that.) What was I to do? I couldn't break up a friendship over it. So, I did what any mature sixth grade girl would do. I said it was okay (though, clearly it was definitely not okay). And then I tried to ignore him for the rest of middle school...but really I just blushed a lot.

Anyway, I love you all (but I love Regan best.)

Muah.

i think there might have been a mouse on my desk at some point this weekend.

The thought of it has been making me feel a little woozy this morning. A mouse? On my desk? BARF. (Last week my coworker told me she thought she saw some "droppings" which is the main reason why I am suspicious today. I too may or may not have seen some evidence.)

When I was in HS I thought I saw a mouse in my parents garage and I stopped going in there unless absolutely necessary... and even then I would run and grab whatever I needed and make a mad dash back inside with a slam of the door. My dad put out mouse traps but that made it even worse for me. Just the thought of it is making me mentally sick.

Problem is, I can't really start avoiding my desk. I'm the bread winner, folks. And I've been stuck here thinking about it all morning. To ease my anxiety, I made this little gem {in honor of my favorite holiday that is quickly approaching}:Aren't you feeling the love? I am certainly feeling much better. I think we could all use a little more clip love in our lives, don't you? DIY here.

this picture cracks me up

I had to steal this picture of my brother and sister-in-law's blog b/c I can't help but laugh when I think of Rocky trying to wear this enormous sombrero.

Hahahahahahahahaha!

Recap

Yoga
Breakfast at Ukrops
Shopping
Bride Wars
More shopping
Dinner at El Paso (with my dad, too!)

I'd say it was my ideal girls trip.

Thanks, Mom!

Got some fancy new purple shoes.

Target = Fancy, right?
Well, anyway they totally accentuate my eyes.
(Or they would if I was that flexible.)

I figured that today was a good day for their debut because I'm heading up to Richmond
this weekend for some girl time.
And girl time definitely = fancy shoes.

where to even begin?

I'm sure any of you regular readers (all three of you) already know this from my previous posts... but I feel compelled to reiterate: My name is Lindsay, and I'm a LOST addict. I'm thrilled to pieces that LOST has returned. It's like I have an old friend back... or something that doesn't make me sound like a loser.

Basically, this afternoon I've resigned to reading blog commentary that Clayton sent me. I can always count on him for obsessive/fanatic episode recaps. I guess I should first mention that I am not a fan in the strictest sense of the term as some of those Losties out there are... but I'm pretty devoted. I try to convert everyone I know to watching. And by watching I of course mean loving. And when someone can't commit? I really take it as a personal scorn. Are we even compatible? So so so glad Regan jumped on the band wagon early on in our marital bliss. (It saved us, it really did.) Not too long ago he even told me that if we ever had twins we should name them Penny and Desmond (Two of his favorite characters... In the running with Charlie and Claire, perhaps?) Haha, its so wrong. I told him maybe if we have dogs...

As more and more people jump on the Lost train I feel compelled to say (or brag) that I was a fan from season one- episode one. I like to think of myself as a purist really. My roommates and I used to go over and watch it with Clayton and his roommates. We had very stringent rules:
1. No talking. Like at all. Until there is a commercial break. Then we're good.
2. No questions. (Until a commercial break.)
3. No lights.
4. No walking in front of the HD receiver (this one doesn't really apply anymore but was critical in the Spring of '06.)

While I was living in DC I used to watch over at Clayton's ghetto row house. Good times but he had a roommate that tried to be a casual watcher and pretty much broke every single rule. (Seriously dude, have you ever even watched a TV show before?) Nice guy, (bless his heart!) but I could have killed him. You can ask Clayton but I think I sent that message loud and clear with my silent but purposefully blank stares.

Last night's episode was just what the doctor ordered. Some people are frustrated by the open ended questions but I'm to the point where I think the wackier the better. I love when you can't help but say "DUDE. What just happened?" at the end of an episode. Also, the creepier Ben is... the better. Plus, any scene with Sayid killing someone with his feet (or a dishwasher with the knives loaded pointing up)... is it sick that it almost makes me giddy?

And really, I think everyone could use a reason to think long and hard about time travel. Or an island get-away.

So yeah, I'm glad I could confess all that...