No Fairweather Fan

Both BYU Football games that I have physically attended this year have been losses for the Cougars. Nick went with me last night and was fuming over the awful play calling by the offensive coordinator. (The picture above was taken prior to kickoff. So we were still optimistic at that point).
Even though it was a terrible game the company was nice, and Nick and I indulged ourselves in a pre-game lunch at Happy Sumo.

Me and my girls! What's up?! Heather and Jenny. Thanks for suffering through the game with me. At least we were all snuggled next to each other on the bleachers so we weren't cold.

One is Silver and the other Gold

My life has been so enriched by the girls I am fortunate enough to call friends.

My three best girlfriends are so wonderful, I sometimes forget we aren't blood relatives!
Lindsay, Kris and Jeanne; what would my life be without you?


Lindsay and I have been pals for a decade now. We went from being the wild and crazy single chicks, to very responsible (but still hot) Mommies. If my wedding had been a more formal affair, Lindsay would have been one of the two girls I would have had as bridesmaids (my sister, being the other). One of my biggest regrets is that I didn't scrape together the money and insist on taking time off of work to attend Lind's destination wedding. Lindsay and I have truly seen each other through the good, bad and ugly. Lindsay is one of the most classy people I know. I still learn so much from her and I know we'll be friends forever.

Not the most flattering pic of me (it was taken when Reagan was 3 days old). As always, Kris looks great. I learned so much from Kris professionally (she was my boss for many years) and just through every day interaction. Kris was the perfect foil to my quick temper. She is one of the main reasons I would think about moving back to the Seattle area someday. Considering how much we did together (we went out to eat at least once a work-day at different restaurants- for years!) I am surprised that this is the only picture I could find of the two of us! We'll have to change that.

Jeanne. Maybe it is a good thing we didn't know each other when we were young and single, we are so similar that I am sure we would have been too much to handle! I am grateful that I got to know her while our husbands went to school together at UW. Jeanne threw me a fantastic baby shower when I was pregnant with Reagan AND took good care of me right after Reagan was born. She was the only person that brought me dinner after I delivered Reagan. We both hated Seattle- at first. Then, we loved it and didn't want to leave. Jeanne came back to UT too, after our husbands graduated, and she is the one person I can always call to commiserate with about how much we miss the Pacific Northwest; and about how we wish someone would pick up a franchise opportunity and build a Zupas close to either of our houses!

Thank goodness for modern technology! Without which, I wouldn't be able to be as connected to you three.

In fact, the world of blogging has done so much for my social life. I have made new friends, reconnected with old ones and been able to see more detail on the lives of friends who have always been there.

I want to give a "shout" out to my other friends, in the blogging world! You guys are special enough to have the link to your own blogs; posted on mine! Here's to you (in the order that your names appear on the sidebar of my blog!):

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Anna: (Seattle Friend) Another one of the "trooper wives" that made it through the rigors of having a husband in the pharmacy program at UW. She was the first person to babysit Reagan; I trusted her that much. Nick and I can't wait to make a trip to AZ to visit!

Janetta: (Seattle Friend) Janetta does it ALL. Literally. She has so many talents and ambitions. Also, she and I became Mommies within a week of each other. Her blog evokes such strong emotions from me. Happiness/Laughter, Determination, Thankfulness....

Kensey: (Married to a Fellow Pirate) I don't know Kensey too well, but I know she has to be a cool girl, otherwise Austin never would have married her.

Ruthann: (Fellow Pirate) Thann and I hated each other for a while in H.S. (we were dating brothers at the time). Then we fell in love. ha ha. We ran cross country together and both put in half-hearted efforts (I think we both joined for the social scene, more than anything). Ruthann is the only person I have ever shared a bedroom with, besides my own sister. Yes, we eventually became such good friends that we were roommates in college. Ruthann is a phenomenal cook and mother.

Catherine: (Married to My Cousin) Catherine is in a similar boat that I am/was. She just had a pretty baby girl, and is living away from family while her husband finishes Law School.

Tiffany: (Fellow Pirate) Tiff and I have been buds for a long time (she was in attendance at my fifth birthday party). She and I were the only two kids who's parents pulled us out of school when our sixth grade teacher (who is current in prison for child molestation) decided to show a controversial film in class. We ruined one of her Mom's plates one day, because we melted jelly beans on it in the microwave, trying to make jelly. Tiffany has to be one of the nicest people alive. In all the years I have known her, I don't think I've ever heard her say a mean thing about anyone.

Emily: (Former Co-worker: TWICE!) Emily and I probably spent more time laughing together when we worked at Staples, than working. Emily is one of those friends that you can be away from for quite a while, but the next time you see each other things pick up seamlessly. In person, and through her blog posts she CRACKS ME UP! In conclusion, two words: Barbie Backpacks!

Haley: (Fellow Pirate) Haley is brilliant. For as long as I have known her she has put her smarts to use, and been very outspoken (in H.S. a few editorials that she wrote to the newspapers were so well written that they were published in the newspaper). Haley and I have had a longstanding, albeit small, wager on the BYU vs. Utah Football game. What do you say, Haley?! This year: loser buys the winner lunch?

Jeanne: See Above

Heather: See Previous Post

Julie: (Cousin) I have a LOT of cousins on the paternal side of my family. Julie is actually my sisters age, but I was allowed to hang with the two of them also. Every time I hear a Beach Boys song I can't help but think of Julie (we would always play the my Dad's Beach Boys record, when Julie slept over). Julie gave me chicken pox when I was little. Don't worry I haven't held a grudge. The words that Julie said at church at her own LDS missionary farewell are still something I remember. Her conviction to our beliefs were such an example to me.

Britany: (Another Cousin) Britany and I didn't see too much of each other growing up. It wasn't until Nick and I moved to Washington that I really got to know her. When we first moved to Seattle Britany invited us to do stuff with her family on several occasions. She is one of my only older cousins, and I adore her.

Dawn: (Fellow Pirate) Dawn was always the sweet one in our circle of High School Friends and I was "the meanest of the nice" or the "nicest of the mean". I got to be friends with Dawn our 9th grade year of school. Fun memories: organizing outings to Haunted Houses, ever year in October. Freaking out in the backseat of Brennan's car when the boys took us (very unwillingly) to Hobbitville. Sending up-to-the-minute updates (twitter didn't exist yet) about our daily activities to each other via email, when we both worked for Zions. Good times.

Kim: (Friend from LFP) I met Kim through church. She attended the same one that we did when we lived in Seattle. Kim is so genuine and loving. Even though we don't live near each other anymore she still looks out for my best interest and gives me ideas about what I can do to decorate my house. Kim has so much potential, and I know she is going to meet the perfect "prince charming" someday!

KLynn Photography: Korie's business. I'll post a personal note on her, below.

Kristy: (Fellow Pirate) Kristy is one that I have re-connected to through the blogosphere. Kristy turned me in to the shopaholic I am today. We would have our Mom's drop us off at the mall (typical teenage girl activity) and I mostly remember shopping for dresses to wear to the regional dances. Kristy, my credit card company thanks you for efforts in turning me in to a faithful patron of Banana Republic, Nordstrom and Aldo. LOL

Laura: (Forever Friend) Laura lived in my neighborhood growing up. I think our experiences of the early 20's were probably pretty similar. We also got married a little later in life (at least, according to Mormon standards); and both of us are starting down the path of "new mommyhood" as we approach 30. Laura also ended up in Davis County. Laura, I saw you driving when I was out and about the other day, I was going to honk and wave; but I didn't want to look like a gomer.

Sheri: (Fellow Pirate) Sheri, Sheri baby. How many times was that lyric shouted out by our guy friends in High School? Sheri and I met each other in 5th grade when they changed the boundaries for our elementary school and Sheri ended up in my class. Sheri had a role in nearly all of my happy Junior High and High School memories.

April: (Friend from LFP) April is one of the trendiest Mom's I know. It was like we were friends from the moment she introduced herself to me when we lived in Seattle. I am pretty sure we bonded over her shoes (she and I both like pretty shoes).

Korie: (Wife of a Friend, and now my Friend) Korie married Spencer. Spencer and I started being friends when I lived in Cedar City, UT; my freshman year of college. Over time, Korie and I have made our own little friendship. Korie is my go-to-person when I need beautiful pictures done. She always makes me laugh, and we can talk like we have been friends for ages.

Jamie: (Childhood Friend) Yay! Jamie is one of those people I have re-connected with, through blogging! Jamie contributed to my love of literature. Growing up, she would lend me the most awesome books.

Jacki: (Fellow Pirate) Jacki lived down the street from me my whole"growing up" life. We didn't really become friends until we were graduated from High School, and then we were DOUBLE TROUBLE! We had so many awesome adventures, to say the least. I've reconnected with Jacki through the blogging world also. Thank goodness we both grew up and became happy mothers and wives!

Mia: (Former Co-worker) We both dreaded the workplace where we met each other, but at least we had one bright point in the tedium of the workday: our friendship! Mia is drop-dead gorgeous; and she has the nicest personality. I was so grateful that I got to know her.

Melissa: (Friend from LFP) Melissa and I got confused for each other ALL of the time. She was my Visiting Teaching partner for 3 years in Seattle. If I ever needed anything I knew I could call her. It's sad that she doesn't live just down the street from me anymore.

Kari: (Wife of a former Co-worker) I have fallen in love with Kari's blog. I sat next to her husband when I worked at Zions for a few years. I have never physically met Kari; but I know she is awesome! Our lives have some parallels, and I always laugh because I feel like we are experiencing the same things around the same times. Both Kari and I owned Nissan Maxima's when we got married. Both Kari and I got married a little later than most LDS girls. Both Kari and I "pulled up stakes" and moved away from our families, so that we could support our husbands. Both Kari and I have 1 year old daughters that are adorable! Love it!

Leona: (Childhood Friend) Leona's Mom, and my Mom are & were best friends. So, Leona and I did a lot together growing up merely because our Moms did a lot together. Never fail, our mom's would load all of us kids in to the car and take us to MAGIC WATERS at least a few times a summer. I even remember a camping trip our Mom's bravely put together (sans spouses/our Dad's). Nowadays, Leona is my insurance agent, and still my friend. We share a love for Name Brand purses and Shoes.

Wendy B.: (Former Co-Worker) Wendy was also employed by Staples (the second most fun job I ever had). Wendy, what has happened to your blog?! You never post anymore :( Wendy has such a bubbly personality, it is impossible not to like her.

Wendy L.: (Childhood Friend and Little Sis of Tiffany) Wendy is Tiff's little sister. Just as sweet, but a little more feisty- I'd say.

That concludes the little bio's on the girlfriends from my blog.
I do want to acknowledge a few other girlies that have laughed with me, been my confidante and been everything a friend is defined as.

First and foremost:
Jill. When we were four years old our Mom's set up a playdate for us, and we spent the entire time fighting. Years down the road... we learned to fight on the same team and we were unstoppable. We single-handedly (double-handedly, because there were two of us?) put together a letter-writing campaign in high school to have our English Teacher appointed the role of AP English Teacher- we won! I learned so much about NOT "resting on your laurels" from her. Jill has to be one of the most intelligent people I know. I always appreciate her common sense and advice.

I won't take up much more writing space, because I don't know if my other friends even know that my blog exists. But I am absolutely grateful for: Michele, Emily E., Kathleen, Jenny,Tanya, Tannia, Tierney, Amanda, Emily C., Camille, Aimee, Erika, Katie S., Katie W., Katie L., Karin, Lee, Melinda, Suzanne and Sylvia! Hope I didn't forget anyone.

Jobs

I thought I got away from "office politics" when I quit my day-job. But the whole delay in UT Albertson's being sold to Associated Foods is driving me just as batty as if I worked there myself. Last week, Nick came home and told me that his employer is pushing the purchase date back for the FOURTH time. Argh.
Speaking of jobs... I was "fired" from teaching Sunday School at church. Joking. In reality, this past weekend they asked me to do something different at church. I will now be helping out with the primary-age children as part of the primary presidency. Reagan can't go to Nursery class until January, so it may prove for some interesting worship services (especially on the Sunday's when Nick has to work) but we'll manage.

Every Girl Should Be So Lucky as to Have a Sister

• Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connections can supply... ~Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

If you would have told me, when I was growing up that my sister would be my best friend I would not have believed you. In elementary school and Junior High we were very nearly mortal enemies.

Maybe we don't look like it in this picture, but we did fight a lot. I still have a scar on my thumb from the time she threw a spoon at me (with super-human force), and it cut my thumb open. I wasn't nice either, a lot of fights ended with me yanking her long blonde hair out by the roots.

I am so lucky to be blessed with numerous BFF's, but Heather, my sister, is at the top of that list. We have been through everything together...


And almost everywhere together. Here we are in Hawaii. (PS- I have a little brother too. He is also great- but he doesn't read my blog; and until he starts doing so, I am not going to do a lengthy post about him. Ha Ha).

We've been there for each other through:
Break-ups, in the pre-marriage days for both of us. Thank goodness we had each other to lean on.



Break-outs. Heather has done my makeup on many occasions, and is a whiz at hiding imperfections of the skin. In fact, she came to my rescue on my wedding day and did my makeup so flawlessly! The makeup artist I had booked an appointment with canceled at the last minute. That is one of the most memorable moments of my wedding day. I was sitting in the chair at the salon with the hair-stylist doing my hair, and Heather sat across from me applying my makeup.


Break-throughs. Heather and I do not "sugar-coat" anything when we are speaking to each other. Heather deserves all of the credit for saving me when I was pretty lost. She "called me out on to the carpet" for my bad behavior, and told me to straighten up. She was my only friend for a long time in my mid-twenties. But we had a lot of fun together.


Here we are at the Keith Urban concert.

Breaks- In General. Since moving back to UT Reagan and I eat dinner at Heather's house at least twice a week, on the nights that Nick works late. Heather is amazingly domestic! She could give Martha Stewart a run for her money. Sadly, I must admit that the only home-cooked meals Reagan and I get are when we eat at Heather's house. I am so lucky Heather is generous and gives me a break on nights when I would otherwise be giving Reagan a TV dinner or easy mac.
Also, Heather came to Seattle after I had Reagan and I don't know how I would have survived without her. I was such an inept parent (I was going to say: "at the time"... but most days I still feel pretty "green"). Anyway, Heather showed me so many helpful things when it came to caring for a newborn; and I will be forever grateful.


Brakes (or, lack thereof)- One time Heather was driving my car after a rainstorm. I was in the passenger seat and was egging Heather on; telling her to "gun-it!" through the large puddles in a parking lot. She didn't want to. But she did finally give in to the peer pressure and she floored-it through a gigantic puddle. Water went everywhere, and as we were driving through the puddle I noticed that there was an old man walking between two cars (so we hadn't seen him). The old guy ended up being on the receiving end of most the water Heather sent flying upward. He was soaked. We were adults at the time and clearly should have known better. Heather felt bad, but I laughed like a Hyena, at how the whole thing had turned out. Heather always has been a tad more responsible than me; and she is the YOUNGER sister.


Break-points- we both love a lot of the same things (watching tennis, being one of them). One summer, when I was unemployed she and I spent the majority of our time watching every episode of Dawson's Creek. I can't believe I admitted that! But it is something that is really memorable for me. Thanks for all of the great memories, Heather. I know there are many more sister memories to come!

• If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child. ~Linda Sunshine

• Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. ~Amy Li

• What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it? ~Jenny DeVries

• Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship. ~Margaret Mead

• I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones. ~A 4-year-old named Lauren

Black Island Farms & Gardner Village

I am dreading the onset of winter because I think it is seriously going to curtail activities that Reagan enjoys. She would live outside, if she could.
However, the snow is not flying yet and we are still enjoying the outdoors.

Lance's pre-school went on a field trip to Black Island Farms, and we were invited to come along!


We rode the hay-ride, that wasn't (there was no hay).


Reagan picked out a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.


Reagan was ready to be done with the "hay ride" by the time the tractor pulled us back to the farm.


She found a cat in the barnyard, and proceeded to pet it. One of the employees of the farm noticed Regan petting the cat and said to me: "that's a wild cat, but it loved kids; every morning it comes here so that the kids can pet it". As she concluded her sentence the cat proceeded to flip itself over and tried to bite Reagan! I was FREAKING out. "Loves kids", my a*#! More like: loves to give kids rabies! Fortunately, the sleeve of Reagan's jacket was doubled-up and the cat's teeth didn't penetrate the thick fleece. Dodged a bullet on that one.


Nick took Reagan on the hay bale slide. She loved it!


She rode the train twice (once with Mom, once with Dad).


It was a fun outing. Thanks for including us, Heather!


Later in the week....
A childhood friend of mine and Heather's; Reagan's "Aunt" Katie- invited us to Gardner Village for the afternoon.



That I can remember... I have never been to Gardner Village before. It was very cute and quaint. But a bit confusing? The stores and specialty shops were oh, so NOT kid-friendly! So many breakable objects within reaching distance for children! And no strollers allowed inside the stores.
But they have a petting zoo on the premise. Do you see the problem here?


Reagan loved the petting zoo. The animals were all so tame.


But outside the petting zoo enclosure someone had to be holding on to Reagan at all times, so that she wouldn't shoplift or break an item from one of the overpriced boutiques.
My conclusion was that Gardner Village would be an enjoyable "adult only" outing. Next time I'll just have to see if the Goats at the petting zoo will be up for babysitting Reagan while I go shopping! Just Kidding.

Fall

I think it is interesting that: in addition to being the name of the Season that ushers in change "Fall" is also a verb/action word that describes movement. In our house the two definitions have been synonymous with each other. The time of year when the leaves start changing colors has also been the the time when we relocate. We moved to Seattle, WA in the Fall, and last year we moved back to UT in the Fall.

That must be the explanation behind the urge I have had, lately, that it is time to be on the move again. Of course, we aren't going anywhere. We only just bought a house, and Nick is still under contract with his employer. But I have had one bad case of homesickness for Seattle. I am pretty sure Nick is having similar "pangs". Wait. Strike that. Nick has had a perma-case of homesickness ever since we moved back to UT.
Normally, it would be the time of year for Nick to be starting a new quarter at school, the intramural sports would be putting out a new schedule and the pharmacy team that Nick belonged to would be dominating!


Here is a picture of the Intramural Pharmacy Football team. Last year they were the champions, and they got to play the championship game at Husky stadium!

For me, I would normally be pulling out my umbrella from the closet. Enjoying the fact that the temperature was getting colder, so that I could slurp down bowl after bowl of Ruth's Chris Lobster Bisque! And getting excited at the prospect of vising UT for the impending holidays.


Obviously, a lot has changed in a year. We no longer live in the Top of the Lake Apartment complex.
And...
I don't have to worry about excessive precipitation in UT. The closest Ruth's Chris to my home is an hour drive away- and they don't serve lunch!
Nick now has the drudgery of having a full-time job, rather than the enjoyment of going to school and messing around with his pharmacy buddies.

What's that, you say? The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence?
Don't I know it! I spent so much time in Seattle anticipating the start of "Real Life": ie- a home, Nick having a job, etc...
And now, here I am pining for the days past when we used to live in Seattle as starving students.
Point taken. I'll just stop right here.
I am a happy girl, and I should be thanking my lucky stars that I have a roof over my head, a loving and handsome husband, and a gorgeous daughter. Still.... if only I could find myself some good seafood. Ha Ha.

"one liners"

Lot of appreciation to everyone who commented on my last post. The answers were exactly the sort of information I was looking for!

We have had a busy few days. I really only have the energy to re-cap it all using short sentences.

1. I drove to Vernal, UT and BACK- in one day. In the little "mouse-motor" Toyota that has no cruise control. It was to support my BFF Jeanne (the occasion was the blessing of her baby daughter). Worth it, in the end. Randomness: for all of you that grew up in Magna with me... Jacob Romney is in Jeanne's ward. I said a quick "hello" to him after the worship service concluded. Small World.

2. I have had three different Fireplace companies come out to give me a quote on updating our fireplace. It has been exhausting trying to keep the house in a clean state for the visits of the Fireplace technicians. Literally, I spend most of my time following two steps behind Reagan, undoing all of the messes she makes.

3. 5 months after I submitted the amendment for our 2008 Tax return to the IRS, for the New Home Buyer Credit- I received... NOT THE CREDIT. But instead, a letter stating that I needed to send in more ridiculous paperwork to prove that we bought a house. They say they will send the credit 6-8 weeks after they receive the completed packet. That is what they told me when I sent in the original amendment. Since this is a short post I'll refrain from going in to a long and bitter diatribe about the awful state of affairs our nation is in.

4. Reagan got a new toy. She put her baby in the stroller all by herself. Impressive, don't you think?

*Click on the photo to enlarge, if you cannot tell from this small pic that the baby was unceremoniously dumped in to the stroller seat headfirst.

5. Nick bought a car off of eBay. The Mini Cooper Convertible is being sold at a dealership in Plano, TX. We are going to have the car shipped to UT. Here is a picture.

Quick Questions

I'm tossing these questions out to the blogging world. For all of you "blog stalkers" who view my blog and never comment... PLEASE leave your anonymity behind for once, and help me out here.

#1: Does anyone have updates about when the bloggled website will make the "blog to book" feature available? I really want to have my blog printed in a book form. www.bloggled.com says that their "converting a blog to book" service will be available Summer 2009. Last time I looked, Summer 2009 had passed.

#2. Any ideas on how I can get Reagan to learn to drink from a straw? The kid is 15 months old now, for crying out loud! I don't always have a spare sippy-cup with me, when we go out to eat; and while she can handle drinking from a regular cup it still turns in to a wet mess by the end of the meal. Help!

#3. Tile vs. Slab. I want to get granite countertops in my kitchen. Granite Tile, installed would be a lot more cost-effective than slab granite. But I am wondering if there is a downside to doing Granite tile, rather than a Granite slab?

#4. What hair styling devices hold up well, and do a good job? I have two Chi products. The Wet-to-Dry flatiron, and the Rocket hairdryer. Both of them do an awesome job (ie- my hair looks great, and they cut down on normal styling time). HOWEVER, they don't seem too well made. Literally, I just had my 2nd Chi Flatiron stop working, so I am on my 3rd Chi flatiron IN A YEAR'S TIME! And I have gone through 4 Chi hairdryers in the past two years.
I am not a hair stylist. Sometimes, I don't even use them on myself on a daily basis. So, I know they aren't "dying" from overexertion. I had a Helen of Troy curling iron that I DID use every day, that faithfully warmed up every morning for over 10 years. Is it too much to ask for my several-hundred dollar appliances to make it through one teeny year without giving up the ghost? I don't think so. Hence, my reason for wanting to switch brands. Now, I just need to find out which brand I want to switch to. Usually, the saying: "you get what you pay for" rings true. But I am questioning its truth when it comes to Chi.

Let the comments begin! :)

Vegas Baby!

For Months, Nick and I had been planning a trip to New Mexico to visit our friends; the Sims'. It was supposed to take place last weekend. However, at the last minute we found that we weren't going to be able to make the trip happen. I was bummed out, to say the least.
When I called to cancel the hotel room we had booked for NM, the Marriott associate that was helping me happened to mention that they had rooms in Las Vegas on special.
Vegas, why not?! I booked a room for two nights.


Nick and I drove down to Las Vegas and ended up having a great time!
Our dinner at McCormick and Schmick's was heavenly. How come landlocked: Las Vegas, NV can get excellent seafood, but SLC, UT cannot?


We went shopping @ (OK, actually.... truth be told, I dragged Nick through) the Outlet stores.
We did window-shopping on the strip. The Miracle Mile and the Forum shops. I found a Coach watch in the Movado store that I fell in love with, but couldn't justify the price.


We attended the Cirque De Soleil show: KA. I had actually wanted to see either: Lion King, or Love but Nick wasn't thrilled about either option. My friends: the Nash's posted a review of KA on their blog and it sounded like something that both Nick and I would like. It was, and more!


Our second night there we tried the Bellagio Buffet. I went back several times for the Duck Risotto, and I probably ate my weight in the different desserts they had available.


You would think, after gorging ourselves on dinner at the Bellagio, we wouldn't want to eat again for a week. Wrong. We ended up making a midnight-run to In N' Out burger (always a favorite!).
Gluttonous, I know.

In fact, I'd have to say we probably committed 5 of the 7 deadly sins. For example: my Greed lead me to loose $40 at the slots. Could have been worse, I suppose.

While Nick and I had a great time on our mini-vacation; I did realize that I wasn't looking forward to bringing Reagan to Las Vegas for the upcoming trip we had already planned for November 2009. We talked about my concerns on the drive home, and Nick agreed with me. We decided to change things up. Instead of Las Vegas in November, I switched our flight destination and date (Don't you love that Southwest Airlines is so flexible!?!) and we are going to be heading to San Francisco, CA in December! It has been years since I have been to the "Bay Area". Any suggestions from my friends as to what family friendly activities we might enjoy? Of course: Lombard Street, Pier 39, China Town, and The Rose Restaurant are all "musts", but I am open for suggestion after that.

More Good Stuff From the Side of the Road

I am finding a new love for secondhand items that are in good shape.

This week I acquired two things.

#1. An amazing rocking-horse elephant that is just Reagan's size. I used the upholstery attachment on my carpet steam cleaner (still LOVE this machine!) to freshen up the fur and it looks as good as new.


Not to mention that it fits the safari nursery motif to a "T".


#2. A quit display rack.


Reagan's Grammy Kay handmade the quilt that you see on the quilt display. I was so happy to find a quit display to put the beautiful quilt on! Nick's Mom is so humble about her talents. I have found that anything she designs/decorates/crafts looks very professional. Thank goodness Reagan's Grammy Kay is so generous with her time and gifts.