Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
27 Isn't So Bad
After reading Jenn's post I want to clarify a few things. One, I don’t think 27 is “old,” per se. But it does mean I’m on my way to being old. Two, some of you know I don’t like it when people think I’m younger than I actually am. The answer to this apparent contradiction is simple: I don’t want to be old, but I don’t want to be a teenager either. I want to be treated like an adult, but still be young.
About a week ago I was looking at a picture of my oldest brother, Bret. He was wearing an outfit for Halloween that I will wear this year. At some point, my mom realized that Bret was 27 when he wore that outfit. I am now the age he was then. And now he is 41.
It’s a strange experience being the youngest in the family. As a child, you wish to be as old as the rest of your siblings. But at the same time, you have this ingrained illusion of eternal youth, knowing you will always be “the youngest.” So what does it mean when “the youngest” gets old?
I like the way things are right now. Sure, certain things could be different, or better. But all in all, I’m happy with where things are. Birthdays only serve to remind me that things are still changing. While change can be a good thing, and sometimes the best thing, I’m a sentimentalist, and I like things to remain “ever the same.”
Still... all of that aside, turning 27 wasn’t so bad. There is nothing special about turning 27. But given the way I was treated by Jenn and my family, it definitely felt like one of the best birthdays I’ve had as an adult.
As is tradition in my family, I opened my presents first thing in the morning. Jenn had a very nice display of gifts, balloons and signs. As you can see, I felt very zombie-like as I walked into the family room (I was a little sick). Notice my excitement at the thought of getting my very own crock pot. Sadly, inside the box it was just a stupid arcade-style NES controller to add to my retro video game collection. (Kidding, of course. I was there when Jenn bought it for me.) She also got me two vintage Dr. Pepper bottles, Advanced Wars: Days of Ruin for the DS, Lego Batman for the Xbox 360, and one month of Xbox Live Gold Membership. I was quite surprised how far she stretched the tight spending limit I gave her.
After that, Jenn went to work in the kitchen, making me a sauce-stuffed crust pizza (Frechetta’s sauce-stuffed crust pizza was my favorite pizza until they stopped making it), and a birthday cake. Both were delicious!
Then we went to my parents house for cake and ice cream, which is unusual for my family to do for the adults. But with it being Sunday, and my siblings often visit on Sunday, my mom decided to celebrate. It was a lot of fun. Just the family, sitting together, chatting and laughing. Good times.
So thanks to everyone for wishing me a “happy birthday” with gifts, cards, text messages, Facebook posts, e-mails, and in person. You made me feel very loved, and I love you all!
I guess being “almost 30” isn’t so bad. And I don’t think I will mind that much when I do turn 30, or even 40. After all, Bret seems to wear it well. ;)
About a week ago I was looking at a picture of my oldest brother, Bret. He was wearing an outfit for Halloween that I will wear this year. At some point, my mom realized that Bret was 27 when he wore that outfit. I am now the age he was then. And now he is 41.
It’s a strange experience being the youngest in the family. As a child, you wish to be as old as the rest of your siblings. But at the same time, you have this ingrained illusion of eternal youth, knowing you will always be “the youngest.” So what does it mean when “the youngest” gets old?
I like the way things are right now. Sure, certain things could be different, or better. But all in all, I’m happy with where things are. Birthdays only serve to remind me that things are still changing. While change can be a good thing, and sometimes the best thing, I’m a sentimentalist, and I like things to remain “ever the same.”
Still... all of that aside, turning 27 wasn’t so bad. There is nothing special about turning 27. But given the way I was treated by Jenn and my family, it definitely felt like one of the best birthdays I’ve had as an adult.
As is tradition in my family, I opened my presents first thing in the morning. Jenn had a very nice display of gifts, balloons and signs. As you can see, I felt very zombie-like as I walked into the family room (I was a little sick). Notice my excitement at the thought of getting my very own crock pot. Sadly, inside the box it was just a stupid arcade-style NES controller to add to my retro video game collection. (Kidding, of course. I was there when Jenn bought it for me.) She also got me two vintage Dr. Pepper bottles, Advanced Wars: Days of Ruin for the DS, Lego Batman for the Xbox 360, and one month of Xbox Live Gold Membership. I was quite surprised how far she stretched the tight spending limit I gave her.
After that, Jenn went to work in the kitchen, making me a sauce-stuffed crust pizza (Frechetta’s sauce-stuffed crust pizza was my favorite pizza until they stopped making it), and a birthday cake. Both were delicious!
Then we went to my parents house for cake and ice cream, which is unusual for my family to do for the adults. But with it being Sunday, and my siblings often visit on Sunday, my mom decided to celebrate. It was a lot of fun. Just the family, sitting together, chatting and laughing. Good times.
So thanks to everyone for wishing me a “happy birthday” with gifts, cards, text messages, Facebook posts, e-mails, and in person. You made me feel very loved, and I love you all!
I guess being “almost 30” isn’t so bad. And I don’t think I will mind that much when I do turn 30, or even 40. After all, Bret seems to wear it well. ;)
Happy 27th Birthday, Adam!
Happy Birthday, Adam!!!!
Yesterday was Adam's 27th birthday. Today, Adam is clean-shaven and looks 17.
Adam was having a little trouble these last few months with the idea that he is "almost 30." He began feeling old and didn't seem to like it when he was reminded that he was 26, turning 27.
About a month ago, a guy was knocking door-to-door trying to sell a bug-spraying service. When Adam answered the door, this guy (who was probably younger than Adam) asked if Adam's parents were home. I have used that to show Adam that he LOOKS very young and doesn't need to worry about what age he really is.
Because of Adam's lack of enthusiasm for his Birthday, I decided I would make it a special day. I blew up balloons and hung "Happy Birthday" signs. I shopped at Used Goods stores to get Adam a few "filler" gifts to make his Birthday feel bigger. I wanted Adam to have a "kid's" Birthday experience, so I bought him video games that he wanted, but were also for younger players. (Also, I only put ten candles on his cake, but that was because I only HAD ten candles.)
He seemed to enjoy the attention and gifts and didn't seem bothered about his age at all.
My Adam is such a wonderful guy. I know that you readers expect me to say this because this is his Birthday Post, but if you look back at my previous posts (ie Husband of the Year) you will see that I feel this way ALL THE TIME! I wrote a word-thingy. People seem to refer to it as a poem, but I don't understand why.
A: Adorable
D: Dashing
A: Attentive
M: Meek (in the good, spiritual way)
B: Brave
U: Understanding
R: Reliable
N: Nice
I: Intelligent
N: Noble
G: Gentlemanly
H: Humble
A: Adept (at many things)
M: Mature
There are a LOT of other words to describe my multi-talented husband. He's my best-friend, kind, forgiving, gentle, sweet, selfless, loving and much, much more. If you think of any others, feel free to post them in the comments. :)
I hope my honey understands how much he means to me. I love him more than anybody in the whole universe.
Happy, Happy Birthday my Heart!
Yesterday was Adam's 27th birthday. Today, Adam is clean-shaven and looks 17.
Adam was having a little trouble these last few months with the idea that he is "almost 30." He began feeling old and didn't seem to like it when he was reminded that he was 26, turning 27.
About a month ago, a guy was knocking door-to-door trying to sell a bug-spraying service. When Adam answered the door, this guy (who was probably younger than Adam) asked if Adam's parents were home. I have used that to show Adam that he LOOKS very young and doesn't need to worry about what age he really is.
Because of Adam's lack of enthusiasm for his Birthday, I decided I would make it a special day. I blew up balloons and hung "Happy Birthday" signs. I shopped at Used Goods stores to get Adam a few "filler" gifts to make his Birthday feel bigger. I wanted Adam to have a "kid's" Birthday experience, so I bought him video games that he wanted, but were also for younger players. (Also, I only put ten candles on his cake, but that was because I only HAD ten candles.)
He seemed to enjoy the attention and gifts and didn't seem bothered about his age at all.
My Adam is such a wonderful guy. I know that you readers expect me to say this because this is his Birthday Post, but if you look back at my previous posts (ie Husband of the Year) you will see that I feel this way ALL THE TIME! I wrote a word-thingy. People seem to refer to it as a poem, but I don't understand why.
A: Adorable
D: Dashing
A: Attentive
M: Meek (in the good, spiritual way)
B: Brave
U: Understanding
R: Reliable
N: Nice
I: Intelligent
N: Noble
G: Gentlemanly
H: Humble
A: Adept (at many things)
M: Mature
There are a LOT of other words to describe my multi-talented husband. He's my best-friend, kind, forgiving, gentle, sweet, selfless, loving and much, much more. If you think of any others, feel free to post them in the comments. :)
I hope my honey understands how much he means to me. I love him more than anybody in the whole universe.
Happy, Happy Birthday my Heart!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Snowbird 2009
Last year, Jenn and I stayed for all of "Snowbird week" and did lots of fun stuff with my family. This year, we only drove up to visit on Tuesday and Friday.
On Tuesday, it was only my parents and Kalli who were up there. We didn't do much, other than relax and enjoy the view, the food, and the company. Aside from that, Jenn read and did some cross-stitching, while I fiddled with Karen's laptop.
On Friday, everyone was up there, minus a couple family members, plus a few friends. By my count I figured there must have been 29 people. Good thing the family now has three units for us to spread around in.
Before dinner, Jenn and I broke away to go for a nature walk and took some pictures. Jenn is acting confused in the one picture because a bench swing used to be there, and we have pictures of us on it last year.
We came back for dinner, which was turkey, salad, corn chowder (minus the corn, until Mom realized that she forgot something), and cinnamon rolls. Again, good view, good food, and good company. After that, we headed for home early so Jenn could avoid driving down the canyon in the dark.
So this year wasn't as much of an adventure as last year, but it was still a lot of fun. And Snowbird is still one of my favorite places to be.
On Tuesday, it was only my parents and Kalli who were up there. We didn't do much, other than relax and enjoy the view, the food, and the company. Aside from that, Jenn read and did some cross-stitching, while I fiddled with Karen's laptop.
On Friday, everyone was up there, minus a couple family members, plus a few friends. By my count I figured there must have been 29 people. Good thing the family now has three units for us to spread around in.
Before dinner, Jenn and I broke away to go for a nature walk and took some pictures. Jenn is acting confused in the one picture because a bench swing used to be there, and we have pictures of us on it last year.
We came back for dinner, which was turkey, salad, corn chowder (minus the corn, until Mom realized that she forgot something), and cinnamon rolls. Again, good view, good food, and good company. After that, we headed for home early so Jenn could avoid driving down the canyon in the dark.
So this year wasn't as much of an adventure as last year, but it was still a lot of fun. And Snowbird is still one of my favorite places to be.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Eight Cakes
My brother, Ken came down for a little vacation this month. He has only been off of his mission for a month, but already he is eager to go on with life.
Ken left for his mission from here in Utah, but my parents moved to Colorado before he was finished. When he returned "home" he knew nobody but the family. All his friends were out here. So, down he came for a couple weeks during Conference weekend. I'm sure he kept himself very busy with friends and other things.
On one of the days, we ran him around on some errands. We chatted and caught up with him. After the errands were over, we had shakes at Artic Circle and talked about all the stuff that had changed in two years. It was a lot of fun.
The Saturday after conference, we had an Open House for Ken's return. I baked eight cakes that morning and Adam and I shopped for plates and napkins and things. Ken joined us around 2:30 and we gave him the tour of the house ('cause he hadn't seen it yet) and he checked his email. Adam and I were very happy to have been present as Ken read his acceptance e-mail for BYU. It was a great moment. After that, we headed over to the church to set up for the party.
The next few hours were fun as we had more time to talk and joke with Ken. Mostly family showed up, with a few ward members and one of Ken's mission companions. It wasn't a great turn-out, but the Open House had been announced only a few days before.
Ken got to take home three-and-a-half cakes, and we gave two to Adam's parents to take to Snowbird and share with the family.
It was fun to see Ken. We are very happy that he is home and wish him the best as he adjusts to normal life again.
P.S. Happy Birthday to Adam's Mom, my MamaLlama, Amy, and Tori - who all had their birthdays this earlier month. And Happy Birthday to my handsome hubby, who is having his birthday later this month.
Ken left for his mission from here in Utah, but my parents moved to Colorado before he was finished. When he returned "home" he knew nobody but the family. All his friends were out here. So, down he came for a couple weeks during Conference weekend. I'm sure he kept himself very busy with friends and other things.
On one of the days, we ran him around on some errands. We chatted and caught up with him. After the errands were over, we had shakes at Artic Circle and talked about all the stuff that had changed in two years. It was a lot of fun.
The Saturday after conference, we had an Open House for Ken's return. I baked eight cakes that morning and Adam and I shopped for plates and napkins and things. Ken joined us around 2:30 and we gave him the tour of the house ('cause he hadn't seen it yet) and he checked his email. Adam and I were very happy to have been present as Ken read his acceptance e-mail for BYU. It was a great moment. After that, we headed over to the church to set up for the party.
The next few hours were fun as we had more time to talk and joke with Ken. Mostly family showed up, with a few ward members and one of Ken's mission companions. It wasn't a great turn-out, but the Open House had been announced only a few days before.
Ken got to take home three-and-a-half cakes, and we gave two to Adam's parents to take to Snowbird and share with the family.
It was fun to see Ken. We are very happy that he is home and wish him the best as he adjusts to normal life again.
P.S. Happy Birthday to Adam's Mom, my MamaLlama, Amy, and Tori - who all had their birthdays this earlier month. And Happy Birthday to my handsome hubby, who is having his birthday later this month.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Husband of the Year: Adam!!!!!
I want to take a moment of your time and tell you of the greatest feeling in the world. It's that feeling you have when you know your life couldn't get any better. The feeling that makes you want to sit on the floor in the middle of the living room and cry tears of joy. That feeling you get when you look into the eyes of your beloved.
A few days ago, Adam and I had our monthly anniversary. For a spontaneous gift, he bought me a new copy of "Atlas Shrugged" that matches the other Ayn Rand books I have. We don't usually buy gifts on the monthly anniversaries, so this was a nice surprise for me.
The next day, Mike came over to work on our basement and Adam was down there helping him. I was upstairs reading my book. All of a sudden, my handsome hubby comes walking in and puts a heart made of copper wiring next to me on the couch. He had that adorable, innocent joyful look on his face. The heart was beautiful. It was another spontaneous show of love from my darling Adam. I hung it next to my side of the bed so that I can see it any time I want.
Yesterday, Adam and I had some errands to run. By the time we were done, I had a big headache that was just getting worse. We got home and I took some aspirin, but the pain elevated until I had to wear an eye mask to block out the light, and sit very, very still so I wouldn't throw up. Around that time, we found out that Mike was coming over again that evening. I had Adam help me to the bathroom, where I proceeded to get sick. While I was in there, my sweetheart arranged the pillows on the bed, brought me some ice water and snacks, tissues, popple, aspirin, and my phone. Placing all the items so that I could find them without having to see. Then he layed me down very gently, kissed my head, and quietly closed the door. He spent the evening helping Mike again, coming up to make sure I was alright every once and a while. Not often enough to disturb my head, but enough that I knew he was very concerned.
After Mike went home, Adam asked if I wanted him to go get some Excedrin. This meant walking to Macey's at 10 pm in the bitter cold. I would have said that he didn't have to do that, but the way he asked wasn't, "Do you want me to", it sounded more like, "Will you let me do this for you?" He left. When he returned, he came back with Excedrin AND my favorite Blueberry drink. It is expensive enough that we don't get it very often, but Adam figured that my tummy needed nutrition and a pure fruit drink was the right choice. He was hungry and frozen through and through, but he made sure I had my medicine and drink and was comfortable before thinking of himself.
My husband is the very best. I don't need jewelry, flowers, or chocolates. I have copper hearts and the most sensitive and compassionate man in the entire universe. Thank you, Adam, for all that you do for me.
A few days ago, Adam and I had our monthly anniversary. For a spontaneous gift, he bought me a new copy of "Atlas Shrugged" that matches the other Ayn Rand books I have. We don't usually buy gifts on the monthly anniversaries, so this was a nice surprise for me.
The next day, Mike came over to work on our basement and Adam was down there helping him. I was upstairs reading my book. All of a sudden, my handsome hubby comes walking in and puts a heart made of copper wiring next to me on the couch. He had that adorable, innocent joyful look on his face. The heart was beautiful. It was another spontaneous show of love from my darling Adam. I hung it next to my side of the bed so that I can see it any time I want.
Yesterday, Adam and I had some errands to run. By the time we were done, I had a big headache that was just getting worse. We got home and I took some aspirin, but the pain elevated until I had to wear an eye mask to block out the light, and sit very, very still so I wouldn't throw up. Around that time, we found out that Mike was coming over again that evening. I had Adam help me to the bathroom, where I proceeded to get sick. While I was in there, my sweetheart arranged the pillows on the bed, brought me some ice water and snacks, tissues, popple, aspirin, and my phone. Placing all the items so that I could find them without having to see. Then he layed me down very gently, kissed my head, and quietly closed the door. He spent the evening helping Mike again, coming up to make sure I was alright every once and a while. Not often enough to disturb my head, but enough that I knew he was very concerned.
After Mike went home, Adam asked if I wanted him to go get some Excedrin. This meant walking to Macey's at 10 pm in the bitter cold. I would have said that he didn't have to do that, but the way he asked wasn't, "Do you want me to", it sounded more like, "Will you let me do this for you?" He left. When he returned, he came back with Excedrin AND my favorite Blueberry drink. It is expensive enough that we don't get it very often, but Adam figured that my tummy needed nutrition and a pure fruit drink was the right choice. He was hungry and frozen through and through, but he made sure I had my medicine and drink and was comfortable before thinking of himself.
My husband is the very best. I don't need jewelry, flowers, or chocolates. I have copper hearts and the most sensitive and compassionate man in the entire universe. Thank you, Adam, for all that you do for me.
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