Morris Manor Musings

2 Years Old

2012-01-24T18:26:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to me how fast kids grow up, especially now that I am a mom.

I swear the next day after Madeline turned 2 - she began changing into more of a little girl, instead of my baby girl! It's sad and exciting.

I love her little sassy attitude and her super tight hugs that she gives that smother the receiver and make her shake with excitement!! Right now she is into anything Disney Princess, Curious George, baby dolls & the movie A Bug's Life. She likes to get Moshi to growl and chase her around the house. She loves to put DVD's into the DVD machine, close it and then steps back to see if it will show up on the TV. She loves to dance and swim. How she likes to fold her arms when we pray and then after a minute she raises her hands and goes, "YAY!" or how she says "shhhhhh", she doesn't put her fingers on her lips and say it, she says it and puts her finger on her teeth! haha...

We discovered at Christmas she is a cookie monster! My mom always makes a large platter of different cookies for the holidays and that kid, I swear ate most of them. I'm still trying to get her to potty train - I was hoping to have it all done before the new baby came, but I'm thinking it might not happen until I am home on maternity leave (sigh...). BUT even though it drives me crazy, I love how she will follow you into the bathroom and sit on her potty chair (or sometimes put a baby doll or barbie on there) and say "pee-pee, pee-pee" (or makes the sound of pee dribbling into the potty) BUT won't for the life of me, go pee on the dang potty!! She doesn't like the potty chair, she only wants to go potty on the actual toilet (but won't even do that on most days). I guess that is a good thing...but???!!! haha... And most of all I love when she still reaches out for me in the middle of the night or cuddles close and hugs my face (yes she still sleeps with us...sue me!). There is so much more, but I'll leave that for her baby book.

We love this little girl and don't know what we did to deserve such a beautiful and fun little girl!

Happy 2nd Birthday my Beautiful baby (you will always be to me) girl, Madeline Helena!

Mele Kalikimaka

2011-12-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say
On a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
That's the island greeting that we send to you
From the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way
To say "Merry Christmas to you".

Madeline and I were lucky enough to accompany Dustin to the 2011 Honolulu Marathon! We took a nice little break to Oahu and although it was wonderful, it was surely TOO short of a trip to the islands!

Honolulu looks so cool at Christmas time! All the palm trees, that line the roads, are lit up in Christmas lights and giant snowflake lights flash up and down the road. There is a giant Santa that stands on top of the Ala Moana Mall and on King Street there are a giant (Hawaiian, mind-you) Santa and Mrs. Claus giving the shaka and dipping their toes into the pond...along with loads of other lit up Christmas structures.

And every town has their own Christmas parade (one town even has an electric parade). HOWEVER, this time of year SUCKS when it comes to travelers. TOO many people! I mean, Honolulu is usually too busy for us anyways, but this time of year (along with the 23K peeps running the marathon and all their entourages) made Honolulu, serioulsy, unbearable. We stayed out of town as much as we could (also due to weather, Waikiki was rainy and very windy every day - Ko'Olina sunny and just right!), but no matter WHAT time we tried to come home, to beat traffic, we got stuck in it!!!!!! Every night at least 2 to 3 hours of waiting in traffic to get to our hotel in Waikiki. Insane! I think the only way I would come back this time of year is if we stayed out of Honolulu and away from the insane crowds and traffic!

Dustin did an awesome job on his marathon! He finished in 5hrs 13mins!

The marathon ran on the street in front of our hotel - along with one of the race police officers blowing a conch shell to help encourage the runners (thank you Mr. Officer - you woke me up at 5:15am!). I was able to go out on the lanai and watch for an hour or so while Madeline slept (the race began at 5am with fireworks!). I couldn't get over ALL the people running - Japanese news crews everywhere.

We also etched out a little time to meet Santa while in Hawaii! I was little bummed to find that the Santa they had this year was a regular looking Santa - in the years past (that I had looked up) they always had a Hawaiian looking Santa, but not this year! :( How cool would that have been!? I found Madeline a red and green Hawaiian dress to wear in her picture.

She sat on Santa's lap and looked at him, gave him a side smirk and then as soon as we moved back, she burst out into tears! haha... She's scared of my MIL's husband who is a big dude with a white beard, so I think she just associates all men to him. haha... Oh, well... She may never like Santa - but that's okay, we love her and her crying pics anyways! She did enjoy using her candy cane from Santa to eat her dole whip afterwards, so it wasn't ALL bad. haha...

We love her and can't believe that next year we'll have TWO kiddos to prop up on Santa's lap and get a picture of them screaming! YAY!

We hope everyone is having a very happy holiday season!

Mele Kalikimaka

My Bed Bug

2011-11-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

Madeline is almost two years old - time really does fly by when you are having fun!

She is starting to really turn into that little girl instead of my itty bitty baby... and it is so much fun seeing her discover, talk about and do things that are so "grown up".

First thing I want to remember is her getting-up in the morning ritual:
Now granted this little girl gets up at 6:15am every morning... so I feel for her little body, but nonetheless, we have to "go-go-go" (Mad's on-the-go wording) so we can all get to our places on time in the morning!

I'll go in to the bedroom and turn the light on and she buries her head into the bed covers. Next I go and sit down next to her and say "Madeline time to get up baby girl...." And then rub her back or legs and she starts squirming and she starts flailing about and so on... I'll again say, "Madeline we need to go so you can see Grandma..." and it's another buring of the face into the covers and me having to rip her from her cozy warm bed.

She's so like me, it's scary! haha...

Second thing I want to remember is her going-to bed last night (11/20/11):

Last night I went to bed alone, I was exhausted and she will sometimes stay out in the living room with her daddy (he always stays up late). So I went to bed, and a few minutes later she came looking for me. She came to my side of the bed, trying to get up - so I pulled her up. And she laid next to me (yes, she still sleeps in our bed). She tossed and turned, tossed and turned - made a grunt sound and got off the bed, went to the door and closed it - climbed up on the other side of the bed, got back into her postion on the bed, sighed and went to sleep!

I always close the door to keep the sound of whatever Dustin is doing out in the living room/kitchen out and the light. Well, apparently she has picked up on that and needs that now. She is so funny, I just love her to pieces.

And third thing I want to remember is her waking up in the morning on non-work days (aka sleeping in):

She always wakes ups, rolls over, grabs my face with both of her cute little hands, gives me a big smile and then hugs my face!!

I LOVE THAT GIRL. I don't want her to ever grow up and move away! haha...

Growing Too Fast

2011-05-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

Our girl is growing too fast! But oh, how we love her!

Life is good. I guess I should blog about it. :)
I'll try to update (for realsies) soon!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

2010-12-20T10:09:00.001-08:00

Its Madeline's 1st Christmas and she'll, apparently,
cry if she wants to!

Haha... Merry Christmas Everyone!

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You...

2010-11-23T16:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay - we are alive, but busy...just haven't had time to update the blog!

But I'm working on it and it will be up and running again, so very soon.

Until then......

MY LUVS

Happy New Year

2009-12-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

Holy Moly!
This year has FLOWN by...so much has happened this year, we are truly blessed.

Jolly Ol'St. Dustin...bringing some Holiday Cheer your way...

It's hard to believe that with this new year - Dustin and I will have a new and enormously GRAND adventure ahead of us!! Our little girl will be here in less then two weeks and we couldn't be more excited! I have truly been blessed and very grateful for the very "easy" pregnancy I have experienced.

I know I have days where I am in a complainy mood and just wish it was over, but I really have nothing that I can truthfully complain about. I have had a very healthy and wonderful pregnancy and I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for letting me have this experience...truth be told - I'm gonna miss having that little booger in there; where I know she is warm, safe and happy! :)

These last couple of days have been very trying, no doubt (I have been in the WORST mood and poor Dustin has been enduring...Kinda... haha...) - but I know it's just a sign that our little girl is just that much closer to being here! I still have a few things at work I would like to tie up before I head out of here for maternity leave and there are a few things in the baby room that I would like to prepare/complete before she comes home, but over all we have been blessed with everything we need for her (or at least what we think we need for her...this far, I guess we'll see when she comes home), have great support around every corner and a midwife Dustin (I think secretly has a crush on) adores! :)

I have an itching feeling that this little girl is going to be late, though - I'm thinking she'll be here around the 15th or 16th (I'm due the 11th) -- but we will see. I know (or at least think) I'm ready for this...BRING IT ON! haha...

Okay - well, that is just a little update about us and the babes...

Dynamic Duo
(don't they look thrilled to be together!?) - Rosie & Moshi
Rosie has been staying with us while her "parents" are back home in Oregon...it's been a rough stay for Rosie this time around -- she "partied" too much on Christmas and was sick for the first few days of her stay...
Poor Rosie! I don't think Moshi knows what to think of Rosie... :)

Hope all have a safe and happy New Years!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Dustin & Moshi (and Me)!

2009-12-17T09:26:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS
from the two cutest, most important 'creatures' (my adorable hubby and my cutie pie puppy...and apparently Santa too) in my life!

Isn't this cute? Dustin went and got their picture with Santa to surprise me yesterday! It turned out SOOO good! :) I love them both bunches!!

This has been a very good year, even with all it's ups and downs - it's crazy at how fast it sped by! I'm so grateful for everything we have been blessed with- I'm especially grateful for a wonderful, loving husband and a puppy that always makes me smile and of course for the mini miracle that continues to grow within, our little girl, that is ALMOST here!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!

Moshi's 1st Birthday...PARTY!

2009-12-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

Our little pup MOSHI turned 1 years old (or 7, however you look at it!) on Dec. 10th, 2009!
And as crazy as it sounds and makes me look - we had a birthday party for her on the 11th. I don't care what anyone says, we all had a great time - lots of laughs and fun!

Due to lots of Christmas parties that day - not all the pup-guests were able to come, but we did have fun and LOTS of cake, for both the humans and the dogs! :)

Before the party Jorie and her puppy, Buttercup, were able to swing by have a couple early cupcakes and brought Moshi a gift - Moshi got a green squeaky ball with legs and a pink poodle squeaky doll or "baby" as we call them. I think those had to be her favorite gifts of the night!! :) Good Job Buttercup and THANKS!

Our other guests included...

Osa and Ty

Grrma & Papa East

"Mom & Dad" (Tammy & Dustin) were there too, but due to me being 36 weeks prego right now, sooo not in the picture taking mood! haha...I kinda regreat it now, but oh, well! :)

Moshi looking like a conehead in her party hat and getting tummy rubs (her favorite) from "Papa" John.

I went online and was able to purchase a doggie cake mix. After baking it, it was more like a muffin, but the dogs loved it (as you will see in the pics down further). It had apples, parmesan cheese, and all sorts of stuff in it! I made the frosting with lite cream cheese, honey and yogurt (and color paste, which is safe for dogs). With dog-friendly soy dogbone sprinkles.

Moshi checking out her cake, while we sang "Happy Birthday"
(...and while we all tried to control our laughter...)

A little help blowing the candle out!

YUM! Doggie-cake & Doggie-Ice Cream
(freeze dried vanilla ice cream)

Osa and Moshi couldn't get enough of the cake and ice cream.

They each had two helpings themselves!!

:) I love this photo, Moshi in her party dress and hat...having a good time!

Everybody got to enjoy some cake...I made cupcakes with (my favorite) cream cheese frosting for the humans - that matched the cake INCLUDING the soy dog bone sprinkles (they tasted like marshmallows). They were yummy!

And no party is complete without party favors.. each dog got a little favor bag with their own treats, ball and chewies according to their size!

MOSHI AND HER PARTY SWAG
Moshi made out good for her birthday! She got some new hoodies (and her new birthday dress), a new toy bin (for al her many, many, many, many toys), peanut butter bubbles, and squeaky toys!

(I just included this one, because I love her face...
she looks like she is irritated we are taking, yet another picture! haha!!)

Next year, I may not do a "party" - but I think I will do a cake for her each year. I mean, how many days in a dogs life do they get to have cake AND ice cream? She loved it and I think that's a fun treat to give her each year on her special day!! Don't you? :)

LOVE YOU MOSHI, so glad you are part of our family,
I don't know what we did before we knew and loved you! :)

SNOW, SNOW GO AWAY!

2009-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately the snow has finally made it's way to Anchorage and it looks like it's staying! :( We got like 2-6 inches last night and we're suppose to get more over night (have I mentioned I HATE snow!!)!! I hate the winter time... the cold, the dark and the wet snow. BOO on it all.

However, Dustin did get a cute shot of Moshi up on the hillside (before it snowed at our place Sunday) on Saturday, playing in the snow...or as Dustin said "Moshi getting reacquainted with the snow!" Yea, she doesn't love it as much as she did when we first got her - Dustin had to carry her much of the way on their little winter-wonderland-walk- but she'll come around...or not...which will make for some interesting potty breaks.

Your Daily Cuteness

2009-11-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

Moshi's new winter jacket!
All Pink & Fancy!!
Isn't she the most adorable pup, eva??

Halloween Party and Fun

2009-11-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

We held our Annual Halloween party this year on Friday, October 30th. We had a good turn out - but for some reason (to me) it just didn't have the same vibe, people did seem to have fun, but I was a bum. I'm thinking it was because I was SOOO tired. That has to be my ONE BIG complaint about being pregnant... I HATE BEING TIRED and no fun!!!! :(

Can you figure out what I am??? (Me on my chair, being tired...)

I was so proud with myself - getting all the decor up (simply this year) with some help from Dustin and even doing all the food myself (normally this is Dustin's job) AND I even got to go to lunch and just hang the afternoon before the party, but by the time 7pm rolled around and everybody started showing up....I was ready for bed! :( I just sat in the chair, hoping that everybody else would have a good time (sorry guys)!

And on a different and personal note, I'm getting kinda sick of the same ol', same ol' - I need to come up with something really different for next year. Maybe I'll really save and rent a hall and have a "dance" party with a DJ or maybe a murder mystery... Who knows...but we need a change (And PS to all those out there that think just because we're having a kid it's gonna change the party next year...NOT! - it's still gonna be adults only. Mom's and Dad's need breaks and fun too!) :) haha... Okay enough about my hum-drum....

The party did turn out nice - we had a good show of peeps and AWESOME costumes this year! :) Everybody looked awesome. We had a food contest this year and the dishes brought were so much fun!! I truly hope everybody had a fun!! (Always my biggest worry!)

Ronald McDonald, Hamburglar & our little Chicken McNugget
(My mom made us some AWESOME costumes this year! Thanks mom!!)

Okay onto the fun....here are some pictures...

Dustin made it over to McDonald's that night with Justin Hurst...but the peeps at McD's didn't seem to impressed, especially after Dustin asked the kid behind the counter "What's good here?". They did, however, have one little girl come up to them and ask Justin "Are you his agent?" pointing to Dustin... Justin and Dustin said they just laughed.

Doesn't Dustin look creepy?? haha... That has to be one of the scariest costumes ever! haha...Especially when he took off the red wig and was walking around with Tin Man (Dan Gallagher's) ax...SCARY!

Ben & Rhea Cardwell as Gomez & Moritica Addams - They didn't win for best couple costume, but they were my favorite of the night! They looked AWESOME!

Our "master" costume designer - Carol East aka "Mom" - she crashed the party for a sec to see all the costumes! I love this pic of Moshi, she's so freakin cute -trying to get "mom's" pigtails!

**COSTUME CONTEST WINNERS**

You would not believe how many votes Miss Moshi got! haha...she won two different catagories....haha...crazinesss!

SCARIEST COSTUME
JOHN FOLLETT (or as we were all calling him "Dee Snyder") haha... after winning John says, "I wasn't going for 'scary'" haha...

MOST ORIGINAL COSTUME
Anne Hill - "Facebook." Her costume cracked me up - she kept updating her status on her faux "facebook" it was so funny!

FUNNIEST COSTUME
Lizzy & Alan Skinner - the sick/sleepy duo!

BEST COUPLE COSTUME
Erin & Dan Gallagher - Dorothy & Tin Man (2nd year in a row!)

BEST OVERALL COSTUME
Tracy, Melanie & John Follett - they never seem to amaze us all!
Tracy was killing me, I wish we had a photo of her in her bad ass high heel boots, craziness - plus she did this move to make her sequins fall off her shirt so they would be all over for us to remember her...they are by far some of the best and funniest people ever and TOTALLY deserved this!!

I'll make another post of everybody else -- coming soon!

HALLOWEEN DAY

We slept in a bit and then went and saw THIS IS IT - it was actually really good. And it would have been an awesome concert to see. Too bad he died too soon. Then we headed over to City Diner for lunch...

Came home slept for a bit and then I carved our little pumpkin I was suppose to have carved for our party...hehe.. Moshi kept growling at the pumpkin, it was very strange. After I got it all done with I tried to pose Moshi with the pumpkin, but she wouldn't come near it, so all my shots of her with the pumpkin are at an angle to make her look like she is SOME WHAT close to the pumpkin! :)

I love this picture of Moshi - one, this is the closet she would get to the pumpkin and two, I like how she looks like she is grinning! My cute little chicken! :)

I had to put some grated cheese down for her to get this close, but it actually turned out cute - she looks like a little chicken pecking at her food! :)

Later that night we headed over to the church for Trunk or Treat (nice and freezing), stop by the my friend Becky's work (doesn't she look cute as Hannah Montana, especially with the liquor and smokes behind her! haha...) and then we headed over to the Hurst's for way too many treats and some of the new season of The Office. It was a nice relaxing Halloween, I wish Halloween landed on Saturday every year! :)

I'm gonna end this post with some puppy cuteness...

I'm sorry and I know I'm biased, but one puppy has to, by far, be one of the cuteness little things out there!! :) Here's Moshi in her Chicken (McNugget) costume!! Can't wait till next year, when I can dress both her and our little girl! YAY!
HAPPY (belated) HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

New Favorite Quote...at Least for the Week!!

2009-10-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

We watched this new show last night called, "Modern Family" -- it wasn't as funny as the commericals, but I'll give it a chance since it was their first episode.

The chubby boyfriend (on the bottom of the poster), took his boyfriend to Costco for the first time, ever. His boyfriend didn't like Costco at first (was icked out)...but after he started seeing stuff he wanted there, he went CRAZY shopping. Well, they compared the shopping trip to their meeting and how they began to date (he didn't like the chubby dude at first, but after seeing what he had to offer he fell for him).

So the chubby boyfriend says,

"I'm like Costco; I'm big and not fancy,
but I dare you not to like me!"

I couldn't stop laughing. I thought that was great! haha...ahhhh...!
Check it out, I have say the gay couple is by far the funniest on the show! :)

General Conference Weekend

2009-10-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is how we watched General Conference this October...

haha...Yep, we have an awesome little cord that connects our laptop to our TV and we watched it that way!! Even though it stopped a couple times to buffer, it was still nice to be able to be in our OWN home and in our PJ's just lounging and listening to conference - just the 3 and 3/4's of us (Moshi, Dustin, baby girl and Me).

It was so nice to hear all the talks... Elder Jeffrey R. Holland had to by FAR have one of the best talks of the entire conference... He spoke so passionately about the Book of Mormon and testified of it's truthfulness. It was great.

Jeffrey R. Holland

My other favorite had to be Pres. Dietier F. Uchtdorf during the Saturday session. I love listening to him talk, period.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

It was a great conference...Till We Meet Again :)

The new MIDWIFE!

2009-10-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

****BABY UPDATE****

I have finally moved over from Dr. Richey's office to ANMC on Tuesday, October 6th.

I have a new midwife, her name is Lisa Westin and she is awesome! :) I still miss Dr. Richey, but he was good in different ways! I think this transition was for the best - not only will we have a completely "free" baby, but I can walk on over to my appointments (which is nice, now that they are every two weeks...Hello! Third Trimester) and she is very personable -- which is nice to have when things are changing so much and so quickly right now! She even gave me her email to contact her whenever I have a question - which is nice! I had that with Analee over at Dr. Richey's office, so I was worried I wouldn't have an 'inside track' when I moved over...but it's all good! :)

My only hesitation was when she walked in she looked like someone I don't care for much, that married one of my parents! haha...Oh, well. :)

She was going through my records that were sent over and she goes, "OH! You had a twin pregnancy that ended with one not making it! I had one too! You know they say - now this is an old Indian wives tale - that if you conceived twins, but lose one and the other one makes it, it takes on the lost babies spirit! They also say that their is possibility that your baby will be born with double cow-licks, which is more proof of them encompassing the other spirit!! My daughter had two cow-licks and she has more personality then one person can handle!!" Then she sat there and laughed and reassured me she wasn't crazy - she just thought it was a neat story, especially since her daughter shows those signs! haha...

So yea, she's fun. She was very helpful in giving me info on my diet (I've only gained 9lbs thank you - and I'm thinking that may be a bit more then I have ACTUALLY gained, I had my Dansko's and my jacket with all my crap in the pockets on when I was weighed that day...soooo hehe...), since these next months are when you can gain a lot. She went right into - what are you plans for birth? Go to Providence for your birthing classes... etc. She was impressed with how "strong" I was when I got up off the exam table and she said "That's great! BUT these next few weeks your back and hip bones will be getting softer and I can't have you spraining either of those - so try rolling to the side and pushing yourself up with your arms!" haha... She said I was a very healthy person - with me saying "yea, just heavy though..." and she goes, "That's okay - you can work on that afterwards!" haha... Nice to not hear the usual - Your a fatty, McFatty!!

I told her my baby was very active, always moving - as she was trying to find the heartbeat (which took a bit, since lil miss thing thinks it's fun to move when you poke her) and she would find it for a second and then we would hear this big "WHOOSH/THUD" and she would go "OH!! Did you feel that!? That was a big movement!" and "OH, OH! That was another one! WOW - She is sure is a busy baby!" - she also got excited for the heartbeat count - "Man, she's all over 135, then 150 and then 145!! She's going crazy in there!!" Like I said, I love this woman - she's like having an excited mom taking care of you during your pregnancy! haha...

Anyways - so yea... healthy, crazy-moving, baby! I measured a bit big for how along I am, but she said it wasn't too much more, so not to worry. (But it would be nice if this little girl decided to come the very end of December...just sayin!)

So that was my appointment. Next appointment is Wednesday, October 21st. I'm super excited for the baby to be here (however, in a weird way will miss being pregnant), but am stressing about work-life after baby comes. Need the money, but not sure if I can keep my current job of 10 years. :(

But I can't think of that now - we have so much more to do before she comes; nursery decorating and such!! I can't wait! Hopefully we'll get one last sonogram before she comes for me to post...

On a different note....
Halloween is just around the corner and I have SO much to do for our Halloween Party!! AHH!!

Usually, by this time I have been planning and prepping for our Halloween party since August, but this year has been a bit different. I at least have the Save-the-Dates out...still working on my invites and this year, since I figured I have so many decorations (I have like four ginormous Rubbermaid tubs of Halloween decorations - that truthfully never get used) that I'm going to revamp (spray paint and glitter) for the party this year. I'm challenging myself to not buy any new decorations and to a VERY small party budget this year. So we'll see how it goes!!
I'll keep you updated on the Halloween Party progress!

And on a FAR, FAR different note...

Just cuz' it's hot on my brain every day, when I see the weather of 88 degrees on the morning news...I really wish we could be here...
(been daydreaming every day about the beach and the sun...)

So incredibly bummed we aren't going to Hawaii next year! :(
I Miss You MY HAWAII!!

That Kermit - made me giggle!

2009-09-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

For some crazy reason today (maybe I'm super tired or it's the early morning...) this article/interview with Kermit the Frog had me sitting at my desk giggling! haha... I, for some reason, really thought the part about him getting really good at "not letting anyone else grab the mic" was super funny.

Ahhh...yes, I'm weird. But I thougtht it was a cute interview to share...enjoy! :)

Kermit the Frog: I'm Not Dating Lady Gaga
By Michael Y. Park
Originally posted Thursday September 17, 2009 08:45 AM EDT

Lady Gaga and Kermit the Frog at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards
Photo by: Kevin Mazur / WireImage

When Lady Gaga rolled up to the MTV Video Music Awards, the world was agog at the identity of her high-profile date – America's Frog Next Door, Kermit the Frog. After all, the movie and TV star, singer and former pollywog had long been linked romantically to frequent costar Miss Piggy. Had he gone from mild-mannered Muppet to amphibian Jon Gosselin? Not at all, Kermit insists. He fesses up about his date with Lady Gaga (who called him, not vice versa) and his relationship with a certain pig, dispenses advice to Kanye West and hints at why you haven't seen him and Fozzie Bear out on the town together, in this special Q & A with PEOPLE.com.

PEOPLE: So how'd this date with Lady Gaga go down, exactly?

Kermit: Well, I wouldn't really call it a "date" – at least not if I don't want to end up as a coat for Miss Piggy. Y'see, I just gave Lady Gaga a ride to the VMAs, and when Lady Gaga left her credentials in the limo, I had to bring them to her. (On the off-chance security didn’t recognize her. Hey, it could happen.) Of course, after Lady Gaga and I were seen on the red carpet together, well … Miss Piggy got a little jealous. But I definitely did get a ride home – in the trunk!

PEOPLE: So let's get down to brass tacks. Does this mean you and Miss Piggy have called it quits?
Kermit: Miss Piggy and I have not called it quits, and that's because we do not have that kind of relationship. We are colleagues and close friends. Sometimes too close. Waaaay too close. We still work together all the time. In fact, in early December, you can catch us together singing with Andrea Bocelli on the Andrea Bocelli & David Foster: My Christmas, a new holiday special for PBS. Piggy was jealous I was going to sing with Andrea ... until she found out Andrea is a guy. And a handsome guy at that. Then, I got jealous!

PEOPLE: How'd you and Lady Gaga get on away from the cameras? Is she a good kisser?

Kermit: Lady Gaga is a wonderful person. In private, she is very down to earth … which is where I spend most of my time. As far as kissing Lady Gaga goes: she is a very good kisser, but it was not a romantic kiss. It was a kiss for good luck. Kissing a frog is good luck for the person giving the kiss – but bad luck for the frog if his pig finds out.

PEOPLE: Your average guy would probably be creeped out by a woman who'd just been photographed wearing a dress made out of, well, him (or close relatives). Yet you didn't seem to have an issue with that Kermit dress she wore in Germany in July. What are your feelings about that outfit of hers?
Kermit: Actually, no actual amphibians were harmed in the making of that frog coat. In fact, after she checked the coat, she gave those frogs the rest of the night off. As for what she was wearing to the VMAs – I was just happy it wasn't made from anyone I recognized.

Lady Gaga at german interview, kermit attire

PEOPLE: If Lady Gaga hadn't asked you to the VMAs, who would you have liked to have gone with?
Kermit: Taylor Swift. After years of working with Miss Piggy, I've gotten really good at not letting anyone else grab the mic.

PEOPLE: Did you confront Kanye West after the Taylor Swift incident?

Kermit: I didn't see Kanye after the incident, but I would have told him to do what he's been doing: apologize. It's not that easy being wrong, but if you own up to your mistake, you'll almost always be forgiven. There are exceptions, but I won’t mention her by name.

PEOPLE: Are you and Lady Gaga going to be seeing each other again?

Kermit: We don’t have anything planned, but I'm sure Lady Gaga and I will run into each other again soon. That is, unless Miss Piggy gets that restraining order against her.

PEOPLE: Coincidentally enough, Lady Gaga was photographed wearing a black Marc Jacobs dress in September that Miss Piggy had been photographed wearing in August. Who do you think wore it better?

Kermit: I have to say Miss Piggy. That isn't necessarily my answer, but since she's standing over my shoulder, it's what I have to say.

Miss Piggy and Marc Jacobs

PEOPLE: We haven't seen you hanging out with Fozzie Bear, Gonzo or the rest of the gang in a while. Should people be concerned that there's been a falling out? Will we see the Muppets ride again soon?

Kermit: We're together all the time and we've been very busy. You know how Hollywood is: It takes forever to get projects off the ground – especially when you’re working with frogs, pigs and bears. Anyway, our Emmy-nominated special A Muppet Christmas: Letters To Santa will be out on DVD on Sept. 29, and it will air on NBC on Dec. 15. And I'll be singing "I Believe" in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Tiffany Thornton from Disney Channel's Sonny with a Chance. And, as for 2010: it's going to be even busier … at least it will be if Miss Piggy ever lets me out of the trunk.

Thinking Pink

2009-09-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

***BABY UPDATE***

Seems like forever since I last updated! I'll try to catch up.

I got to feel the baby first move (TWICE) on Saturday, August 15th! It's a very strange feeling...unlike really anything I can explain, I guess. Well actually, my mom explained it perfectly...it's kinda like how you feel when you go down in an elevator and "lose" your stomach for a sec. Totally what it was like. Both times I was getting into the car and buckling myself in and then BOOM it would happen! Since then, I have felt the baby move pretty much everyday. It's the coolest feeling...and I can already tell, I'm gonna miss it once my little one is no longer in there! :) It's been frustrating for Dustin...he really wants to feel the baby move, but soon enough, I'm sure he'll get to feel kicks and such!

The baby loves to move in the morning around 9am or so...usually like a "feed me mom" kinda move and then I get lots of movement after lunch has been eaten (baby moved like CRAZY after I ate Subway one day...crazy, crazy movement) - my happy, fed little baby - and usually right before I go to bed. This morning the baby moved big time when I (in my sleep) rolled onto my stomach, trying to get comfortable in bed. The baby did NOT like me on my stomach...and it made it very known!! :) The baby is a little ball of energy - ALWAYS moving (which I love!).

Speaking of sleeping...it has become a chore! For a couple weeks in August I had a terrible time trying to sleep. I would be SUPER uncomfortable every which way I laid in bed I wouldn't be able to sleep, I would be burning up and I would be SORE beyond belief. I would have leg cramps AND for a week I had the WORST hip pain I have EVER experienced in my life. I could barely hobble around the house -- oh and on top of it I got "flat foot" (from the shift of how you carry your weight) in my left foot. So yea...I would wake up crying because I was exhausted and miserable.

As of today, the hip pain has subsided (unless I walk A LOT - yea, the day after the fair. Not my best day.) and my foot is feeling "normal" again (thanks to acting quick and putting arches in my flats and wearing my trusty Dansko to work and around the house, which has been tough - I love to be barefoot). I think I have the sleeping down (I haven't had insomnia in a few weeks), I found a pillow that fits perfectly between my legs (not too big and not too flat) and helps me wake up in ease without hip pain! And I only sleep with a sheet (no more hot flashes in the night) and Moshi tucked under my arm! YAY! I would have to say my only complaint would have to be, when I move just the slightest, I have to pee. So I get up a lot in the night. Yup, fun, fun - but I can deal with that. (Oh and the "growing/expanding" skin - yea, it's HELL - I itch ALL the time...I'm going crazy!!)

OKAY - now onto the really exciting news!! We got to see our baby again on Tuesday, September 1st with the she-Dr. Richey for the detailed sonogram (she can see if everything is developing correctly) and 3D sonogram pictures. AND we found out we are having a healthy BABY GIRL!!!

I am so happy!! And actually, I have been calling the baby a 'her' and "talking" to 'her' since I found out I was pregnant. I always had a feeling it was a SHE and it was true! :) When the doctor told us we were having a girl, I turned to Dustin and go, "HA! I told you!" And he just sat there with a little smirk and shook his head. haha... I guess you never can underestimate a mother's intuition! :)

I think Dustin was a bit bummed that it wasn't a boy, but he has most definitely come around to it. He has already started calling her "Daddy's Girl" and his "little Princess" - so I think we are good! I'll have to get a picture up of him and his 'Daddy Makes Me Smile' onesie I got for the baby, for Dustin (if that makes sense). He got me a gift too...it's this super soft blanket that's pink and brown for the baby. So cute. Oh, yea - she'll be spoiled in no time.

Dustin thinks she looks like him in this picture...

Since our little ball of energy wouldn't stay still for the 3D pictures we only got one that is somewhat decent of her...and even that is of her stretching her neck out. In that photo Dustin thinks the baby looks like him (and as he said, "so obviously cute") and the other one that was somewhat decent, I think she looks kinda like my mom. haha...little booger.

I think she looks a hint like my mom in this picture...

She kept moving about and putting her little hand in front of her face. She looked different then I imaged (I'm a terrible mother, but she kinda looked like a little alien), granted the fat of the baby hasn't grown yet and we're still only half walk through "making her" (as a friend of ours said recently)- but I know when she comes into this world - she'll be gorgeous! :) And even though she was looking like a "weird little alien" to momma - I still wanted to hold her and have her wrap those little fingers around my big finger.

The doctor told us she weighed exactly 1lb. that day.

I am so excited to have a daughter. I cannot tell you how excited I am to have her here with us. I love that little girl more then I ever thought I could love another human being!! Love, Love, Love her! :)

Now, we just need to figure out what we are gonna name her...Hmmmm?

I've Come to Realize That...

2009-08-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

I've come to realize that my toes...
are kind ugly. :)
I've come to realize that when I'm driving...
I love to bring my pup with me, everywhere!
I've come to realize that I need...
to finish unpacking the extra room to prep the baby room, before I stop feeling so good!
I've come to realize that I have lost...
my mind. I cannot remember hardly anything, anymore. Arrr.
I've come to realize that I hate it when...
I can't get comfortable at night to sleep and just lay awake for hours.
I've come to realize that money...
is something we all need and never have enough of.
I've come to realize that certain people...
are extremely annoying and they like to share it, ALL THE TIME!
I've come to realize that I'll always...
be a chubby girl.
I've come to realize that my sibling(s)...
and myself never see eachother enough.
I've come to realize that my mom...
is one of my best friends and shopping buddy.
I've come to realize that my cell phone...
is expensive - need ideas for a less expensive, internet phone.
I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning...
I needed to use the restroom and take the dog out.
I've come to realize that last night before I went to sleep...
I should have worked on my baby book, instead of watch TV.
I've come to realize that right now I am thinking...
of how truly blessed we are.
I've come to realize that my dad...
has a crazy-ass wife, and I miss being around him.
I've come to realize that today...
is going to be another slow day at work.
I've come to realize that tonight...
I have to actually do dishes (boo) and I'm determined to work on my baby book.
I've come to realize that tomorrow...
I need to unpack some of that room and get Dustin a fair ticket.
I've come to realize that I really want to...
quit my job (but still make $$), stay home with my baby & pup
and learn how to cook, real food - so my hubby can have real dinners made by me!

I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is...
probably no one.
I've come to realize that life...
is full of surprises.
I've come to realize that this weekend...
I have my mom's AVON Open House to attend on Saturday and
I teach my first Sunday in Relief Society!! (Scary!!)
I've come to realize that marriage...
gets better as the years go on & your love grows more too!
I've come to realize that this year...
I have A LOT of saving to do!
I've come to realize that maybe I should...
be more open to Relief Society (I hate going right now).
I've come to realize that I don't understand...
why I work at a place I hate so much.
I've come to realize that I'm totally terrified...
of giving birth.
I've come to realize that my life...
is very good!!

Everybody's Working for the Weekend...

2009-08-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was so much fun!!!

Friday: Dustin took me on a date (been soooo long)...it was so funny, he said he was going out to the car to clean it out...but within a couple minutes he was back at the door, ringing the doorbell to pick me up for our date! It was so cute. He came inside to wait for me to finish getting ready and then he led me outside to open my door and help me in. :) We ended up going to Lucky Wishbone (I've been craving their fries ALL week!!)...YUMMY! And then we were planning on going to a late night movie, but due to Dustin's new work schedule we are both up at 5:30am most mornings getting ready and with being prego - I just can't stay up that late anymore. So instead we opted for some rental movies and a living room campout (we've done this since we married, so much fun!). It was nice to have a "date" with my hubby, it's been so long...we have a "double date" planned for this Friday. Should be fun!

Dinner + Movie + Living Room Campout = G8 D8 4 ME & D

Saturday: the rain clouds FINALLY drifted away and we were left with pretty blue skies and SUN!!! So Dustin and I packed up some yummy food and Moshi and headed down the Seward Highway to Hope for the day.

We planned on walking around the small, quiet town checking out my grandma's old place (I love Hope, makes me think of my grandma, the lilac bush by the church, camping with the family, etc...) and having a little fire pit-picnic and playing in the water. BUT instead we get there and the town is FULL of people!! It was insane! I have never seen that place so busy...the streets are tiny, so driving around with everybody was CRAZY and almost impossible. We drove down by the cafe/waterfront and overheard some peeps saying they were having a motorcycle rally (in Hope!?)....so we made a U-turn and headed back out of town (*Just as a side note and reminder to myself...they got rid of the old "haunted" house, across the street from my grandma's old house - that my bros and I used to run past and throw rocks at. The car is still there, but not the house...now some huge McMansion sits further back on the property...so sad!). Instead of calling it a day and just pulling off on some rest area along the highway to eat - Dustin pulled out of 'downtown' Hope and then did a right at Resurrection Road.

Just some pics of my cute puppy! Luvs her!!

We drove ALL the way down the road and FINALLY came to this cute little camping area along a river. We found an open spot, parked and settled in. You should have seen all the fish in the river by our site - granted they were nasty humpy salmon - but they were ALL over in the river. You could have seriously grabbed at them! It would have been fun just to catch and release...but no pole - maybe next time!

All the Humpy's EVERYWHERE!

Soon Dustin had a fire going and we were cooking our food over the fire...We sat around talking, taking pictures and just enjoying the warmth from the shining sun and watching Moshi have a grand ol'time in the dirt.

My strong man - he make fire!

Above: Waiting for the coals to burn down...isn't it pretty there?
Below: Famous foot picture, AK woods style! (Dustin's foot is there too!
It's there on the ground...LOOK!)

At home, Moshi always takes her chewies and hides them...it's so cute because she pretends to cover it with dirt - she even does the motions...but out here -- she got to do it for real and she was soooo excited. I think she dug up a hole, placed the bone and buried it (and then undo it) in like five different locations that day! It was too funny. Towards the end of the day she even had dug this ginormous hole that could have swallowed her whole!

Moshi with her "I'm gonna dig to China" face!

Digging...Digging...Digging...

Almost there...(her little bum is so cute, she is so determined!!)

Nice & dirty for the ride home! YEA!

Moshi was having a great time. She even loved the water and checking out all that was in it. She is definitely an Alaskan dog. She loves the outdoors, any season (except the rain, I've learned) and all that comes with it!

Moshi we are so happy you are part of our family!

We had such a great day together, hopefully we can squeeze more in before the summer comes to an end. Sadly my camera died and I was unable to take pictures of Dustin in front of all the WELCOME TO signs (he's starting a new scrapbook of him in front of all signs he encounters). So maybe we'll be able to go back down the road and get them soon.

Till next weekend...Dustin's Elder's Quorum Marshmallow Roast!

Talkeetna

2009-07-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

Dustin and I were sitting at home bored out of our minds last Friday night trying to think of something to do, since it feels like the summer has hurried on past us and we have done nothing!! Granted it doesn't help that our lil' babe made me very very tired the last couple of months -- finally coming out of that, thank goodness...it's was a drag having no energy and only wanting to sleep, especially during the lovely HOT & SUNNY days Anchorage experienced last month!! :(

Anyways - so Dustin and I decided to take a little drive on out to Talkeetna. I've only been there one time when I was in jr. high which actually wasn't a visit, we flew past the town (in the dead of winter) as our train made it's way to Hurricane Gulch and Dustin's only been there at night (???) and only went to the Talkeetna Lodge...so we thought it would be fun to explore this little town.

So the next morning we packed a picnic, got Moshi ready and headed on down the road.

When we got there a train had just pulled up and let off a HUGE crowd of tourist. So there were people (*cough* old people) EVERYWHERE. We parked the car and walked around. Such a little tourist trap. Talkeetna was nothing like I had imagined. Just one little street that turns into another small street and an open park/field, small river front. That was it. And talk about the WRONG place to bring a picnic, that town is nothing but (yummy smelling) restuarants! If we ever go back, we're eating there - forget a picnic!! It actually really didn't matter, heartburn struck me as we were walking around, so I pretty much had Tums for lunch. Yum, not! :(

All in all - we did have fun. It was nice to walk around, be with my adorable hubby and our pup (speaking of, I have never seen so many yorkies, they were everywhere in Talkeetna...and I'm proud to say my puppy was the best behaved! I'm so glad we trained her to not bark, how annoying is a yippy little dog? Ugh!) exploring that little town and having a fun little picnic as we watched some squatters (we think...locals maybe? hehe...) roll their own cigarettes and drink beer! :)

Hopefully the rain we've gotten all week will finally lift and we will be able to go out and explore again next weekend....till then!

**BABY UPDATE**

Oh a side note, we had another baby appt on Monday, July 27th (16 weeks) - we didn't have a sonogram like we thought we were going to, but we got to hear the heartbeat again. Such a lovely sound. Doc says baby sounds nice and healthy! YEA!

On Sept. 1st we get to go in for our next appt, which will be a detailed sonogram (they can actually see the baby breathing and it's bones and see if there are any problems, very impressive!). We'll get 3D/4D pics and get to finally find out what our little babe is!! I can't wait!!! Dustin wants to start taking bets and then have a unveiling party! haha...so we'll see! :)

The 4th and Exciting BABY NEWS!

2009-07-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July this year -- Dustin and I lazed around on Friday and then packed up Moshi and headed out to Houston to buy some neon sparklers, traffic was crazy - but didn't take TOO long to go and come back! :) Later that night we packed up all sorts of goodies and chairs and we went to our annual firework show in Eagle River on the 3rd with friends and family (with our handy 3-D glasses to make the show "groovy")! On the 4th we slept in late, lounged around and had a great BBQ with the family - lots of good food, conversation and sparklers! :) It was such a nice long, relaxing and HOT weekend. I wish we had those kind of weekends EVERY week! :)

Dustin also got a new calling at church this week...he was called and confirmed our wards new Elders Quorum President! I'm so excited for him and this new calling -- he's a real go-getter and is passionate about the gospel and I know he will do good for the men and families of our ward! Way to go Pres. Morris!!

Dustin and Moshi on the 3rd in Eagle River

Now on to the Exciting NEWS!!

Dustin and I are expecting a baby!!! :) We are three months along and are due on the 9th of January (or the 11th, baby measurements keep changing it!)!!

We are so overwhelmed with happiness! You have no idea how long and hard we have tried to accomplish this...and the funny part about it all, is we were actually on a "break" with the fertility stuff and miraculously got prego!!! :) Actually it wasn't that miraculous...my doc said the meds didn't work exactly like how he wanted them to, but instead of going forth with the procedure we were hoping we would be able to do -- he advised us to take a break for a month from all the meds and just have a nice vacation in Hawaii...Well, it WORKED! haha...

Our chubby-cheeked January baby...side profile, 12 weeks/1day.

We had a freaking awesome time in Hawaii, and then when we got back I got some new meds I was suppose to start, but for some reason I just kept "forgetting" to take them. Well, two weeks pass and I call Dustin from work to tell him I was just not feeling "right" and he picked me up and I couldn't stop crying. I felt gross, but I was hungry, but nothing sounded good. So I just laid around all night. The next morning, on a whim, I took a prego test (I hated taking those, they never held good news for us) before I jumped in the shower, but as I was hopping into the shower, I noticed something different on the test -- It was POSITIVE SIGN! I jumped back in the shower and just stood there...was it real? Was I really pregnant? Or was this just a false?? I was so excited, but didn't want to get myself worked up and it not be real. Once I finally got out, I couldn't hold it in and ran to the bedroom and woke Dustin up..."Ummm...Dustin I just took a test and it said it was positive." That woke him up. haha... He was happy, but he too didn't want to get disappointed. So we agreed I would take one more test the next morning before I called to take a test at the docs. Well, I guess you can figure out what happened the next morning... POSITIVE!

Head on view of the babes, 12 weeks/1day...those are the baby's eyes and nose and mouth and hand!!! :) I'm sorry and I know I am biased, but that is a freaking cute baby, already! haha...j/k!! :) And doesn't it look like a girl *wink* say that to Dustin and see what he does! HAHA...

That week we went in and my blood test indicated that my levels were VERY high I was either very far along or carrying multiples. AHHHH!! :) The doc wanted to see me right away, I indeed did have two sacs (twins), but one was not developing, which was VERY normal...my levels were probably high because of that...but mostly because we were 7.5 weeks along! haha... I can't tell you how nice it was to find out so far along. Dustin and I would have gone crazy keeping it a secret for more then the month we did!! (I was being a bit cautious about telling others..I wanted to tell everybody after my first trimester was over.)

I always told Dustin I wanted to tell him I was pregnant in some elaborate, fun way...well, that didn't happen, so I surprised him on Father's Day with a spaghetti meal and this Prego sauce...he thought it was cute and that's all that mattered! :)

So yes, we are prego and SUPER excited!! We're FINALLY going to be a mommy and daddy, we are so blessed and grateful. Everything has been going well for both me and the babes, no morning sickness - only extreme heartburn and tiredness, and of course nausea when I don't eat on time. But that can all wreck havoc on me, because I just can't wait to meet the little person and I would do anything for that little one to be here!! :) There is a HUGE baby-boom in our ward right now, we are all due around the same time...our babies will all have so many friends at church!! YEA!! YEA!! I'm sorry, I'm just so happy and excited!!! :)

I'll keep you updated along this lovely journey!! Till then...

Rock-A-Bye Moshi

2009-06-16T09:28:00.001-07:00

I've been putting together a baby gift this week and Moshi got a hold of one of the items intended for the gift and of course, claimed it as her own (like she always does)...

She's been chewing on this pacifier all weekend long - flipping it around so she can chase after it. But last night Dustin put it in her mouth as she was falling asleep in my arms (yes! like a baby, I've held her like this since we got her) and she fell peacefully asleep with it in her mouth!

She is too funny and so freakin' adorable!! We love you Mosh!

Happy Anniversary Babysmacks!

2009-06-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today - Dustin and I said "I Do!"

I am so grateful to have married my best friend. Although we can get on eachothers nerves, like nobody's business (we are both bull headed, always thinking we are right and LOVE to prove it) -- I still love him more then anybody else! You're my most favorite person in the world!! :)

The road we are on, may be bumpy at times and have a few unexpected (and incredible) turns and swirves, but there is no one else I would want to experience it with.

I love you so much Dustin!!
Thanks for being my eternal buddy & hubby!!

*SMOOCH*

Waiting and Waiting...

2009-06-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took a couple pics of Moshi while we waited for Dustin to get off of work.

She's so freakin cute - that's seriously the only reason for my post.
Pure Cuteness!

Waiting and waiting....

Where is he!?

'What'u want Mama!?'

Ten Things I Love about Alaska

2009-05-26T17:26:00.001-07:00

I saw this on another blog and thought it was fun...I hope you do it too! :)

Regardless of the reason why you live where you do...there are always a few things to love about it (even if you rather be somewhere else).

Here are: 10 Things I Love about Alaska

#1. Smoke Salmon (Salmon Jerky or Squaw Candy - as my family calls it)

I love when my family would go fishing and my dad would cut up the fish in the backyard, mom & dad would treat it and then smoke it...I LOVE the smell of salmon smoking! I don't care for the soft smoke salmon (which is okay occasionally) - but I really like when it's tough like jerky. Omigosh - now I can't wait for us to go fishing! YUM!

#2. The Ocean (Turnagain Arm/mud flats)

I couldn't seriously live anywhere without an ocean - I feel lost without it. It's calming and makes me think of home! Ahh....so pretty!

#3. Sunsets
Alaska has to have some of the prettiest sunsets EVER! Both winter and summer sunsets are gorgeous - they bring out all sorts of colors; usually pinks, oranges and sometimes purples.... Gorgeous!

#4. Summertime
Sure lots of those guys (motorhomes) are everywhere...but it's so pretty here in the summer (ESPECIALLY this summer). My favorite part is having daylight ALL day long. I remember staying up ALL night, once when I was babysitting for my coustin, and the sun actually never really went down, completely -- it got a bit dim outside but then within an hour the sun was back up and this was at like 3am in the morning. I LOVE THE SUMMERS IN ALASKA! I wish we had daylight like this ALL year long. It would be awesome!

#5. Mountains

Another thing I couldn't live without - if I were to ever move... They hug the Anchorage bowl and I can't imagine looking out my window or driving down a road without seeing them!! Again, they are comforting and make me think of home - plus they are absolutely breathtaking. I've been places that have no mountains and I think to myself, "How can you handle all this flat land, how BORING!" (Texas, I'm thinking of you in particular)...OR in places where they call their "hills" mountains -- that just makes me laugh! :)

#6. Lucky Wishbone
Some may differ with me, but I think Lucky Wishbone has, by far, one of the best burgers in town (and french fries with mayo -- weird family thing). I LOVE this place -- I've gone their since I was a kid and have ordered the same thing since then too! :) Total comfort food... if and when I ever move, I will miss my Lucky Wishbone...Oh how I love thee! (That was a total fat girl comment, but you know what? I totally don't care! YUM!)

#7. Hope, Alaska
I don't get there much nowadays - but when I was a kid we went here a lot. My grandma grew up in Hope - the house she lived in with her 12 sibilings is still standing and the school she attended is still there as well. My grandparents met at the town hall dance (my grandpa came in from Seward - he was a military man, came to Hope to check out the local ladies) and the rest is history! :)

I remember going there often to camp with my extended family; Grandma would always pick a few lilacs from the tree in front of the school, us kids thinking the one semi-demolished abandoned house was haunted and throwing rocks at it (and walking fast past it), walking the streets and hearing stories of "back when", jumping over the rocks in the stream while checking out the Dolly Vardans (and calling them Dolly Pardon fish), meeting my grandma's sisters in town & having a grilled cheese at the cafe, our older cousins walking us down the beach (when the tide was out) while making sure the wild horses wouldn't get us, playing at the school play ground, and freaking out because we were walking into town from the campground and their was a huge moose at the entrance/exit and grandpa yelling at us to just step it up - because the Moose wasn't going to get us! haha... Good times. I miss them... Grandma & Papa Crosby...they always showed us a good time! :)

#8. Alaska State Fair

I know, it's not as grand as other states fairs...but it's ours.

Many a good times at the fair while growing up; riding the rides all.day.long., walking around with the family, staying the entire day, eating lots and lots (yum! Caramel apples, pizza hut pizza -- crazy, right?--, cotton candy and buffalo chips), seeing the animals, getting our yearly photo button, working all summer (by babysitting, or the boys doing yard work) so we could have as much money as possible to spend, having lots of friends go with us, buying junk and (when I was younger at least) seeing free concerts! The fair is always fun, even if I'm older now and can't understand how we used to stay ALL DAY LONG!? hehe... Even still it's a fun way to end the summer.

#9. Dipnetting

Now, I remember fishing at the Russian/Kenai more then dipnetting as a child - but I HATED normal fishing (and seriously still do). We always ran into bears or something wild while at the Russian or Kenai AND I would end up having to watch the two young boys (babies at that time) and I started refusing to go when I was younger. However, I do remember dipnetting when i was younger and sitting on the wide-open beach (no bears) and hitting the fish on the head and throwing them in the cooler we sat on (as they flipped flopped around). NOW that was my kind of fishing!!! You get lots and not much wildlife! WOOHOO! So when Dustin wanted to start dipnetting a couple years ago, I was totally for it! We had so much fun; driving all night long to get there, praying our car wouldn't get stuck in the sand, hanging with good friends, eating and gabbing and catching lots of fish! So much fun, I can't wait for this year!

#10. Camping

We don't it so much, which I hope we can change, but I truthfully LOVE camping. I love getting everything together, sleeping in a tent, hanging with friends/family, sitting by the fire, being stinky -- so much fun...I hope we'll get to do some this summer!

What do you love about where you live?

My Buddy

2009-05-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

Last night, after we had a BBQ at Mom's house for Memorial Day - we went over to the Hursts. We had a great time sitting in the sun and chatting it up with some awesome peeps.

Moshi had a great time too - Ben and Rhea Cardwell brought over their dog Rosie (FYI: Rosie is actually the reason why we have Moshi). Rosie can look intimidating - but really she is the sweetest, big girl around - I just love her to death!! Moshi and Rosie became instant buds. They quickly introduced themselves to eachother with a few sniffs and then they ran around the yard after each other. It was really funny - poor Rosie had to take breathers after each lap!! :)

(These are some inbetween breather shots)

They (the pups) had a great time & so did we! Thanks Hursts for having us all over!!

Official NEW MOON Poster!!

2009-05-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

The official NEW MOON poster has been revealed!! Not exactly what I thought it would be, but with an official poster that just means it's getting CLOSER to the theatre release! YEA!

The MTV Movie Awards on May 31st will show a ONE MINUTE trailer for the new movie (presented by Rob Pattinson, Kristen Stewart & Taylor Lautner). I'm so excited!

Only 184 days left until the theatre release -- can't wait to start planning for that party! WOOHOO!! :)

The Wind in My Hair...

2009-05-14T09:59:00.001-07:00

Miss Moshi loves feeling the wind on her face while we're driving...it's new to her and she loves it. She loves just laying her head on the door and feeling the wind on her face. She doesn't like it at fast speeds, but at about 20 mph you won't be able to keep her little head inside the car - she's a happy pup!!

Sleeping Beauty

2009-05-12T17:39:00.001-07:00

Excuse YOU, I was sleeping!!

Ummm...excuse me... That is NOT my puppy!!!

2009-05-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

With the change of the seasons & summer rolling in... and with tons of leaves everywhere from last fall and twigs and dirt abounding -- I decided it was time to take Moshi in for her first cut (I was sick of all the dirt and twigs tagging along with her when she came back in).

I told the Yorkie "expert" to just trim her up, keep her underneath kinda short so she wouldn't drag the whole outside, inside and try to work out the snarled hair on her front paw (due to her cast). She said no problem and I left, THINKING I was leaving my precious baby in the hands of a master yorkie stylist (it was Petco, I should have KNOWN better!)...so I come back about 5 hours later and she tells me Moshi did great, blah, blah, blah -- I pay and then come back in to get her and this is what I got (sorry pics are not very good, from my phone)!

I took one look at her and go, "Moshi is that you?? Did they steal my puppy and replace her with you!???" I was so upset. I could not believe she SHAVED my puppy!!!!!!!! She is completely shaved except her poofy head. She kinda looks like a mini lion. I'm not loving it, at all. I want my little mop back!! :( She looks like a little old lady. :*( I seriously hate the cut. I am so mad!!!! She is NEVER getting a cut again!!!! BOO and I'm getting a REAL dog groomer next time, if AND when she ever gets cut or trim again. That "expert" over at Petco was trying to get me to set up a reoccuring appointment - HELL to the NO! She is never seeing that woman again!!!! :(

Thankfully since the cut on Saturday it has grown a little bit and has made Mosh look a bit more like herself (hopefully that is a good sign her hair will grow super fast)...I'll have to take another picture for you to see... My poor puppy -- she kept hiding all night after I got her home, like she was embarassed (that or she was cold!).

I miss the black hair, I wonder if I can dye her??? haha...just kidding! :) It will grow, I know -- I just miss it!! :(

Favorite Childhood Toys

2009-05-05T17:31:00.001-07:00

Got this from another blog and thought it might be fun!

This week the question is:
What are the top 10 toys that remind you of your childhood??

Barbie:
My all time favorite toy ever. As far back as I can remember, I have been playing with Barbies. I have a incredibly large collection (thanks to my grandma & mom)- and if I could get away with it, I would probably still play with them occasionally - I loved dressing them up and doing their hair!
Legos

My brothers had a HUGE bin of legos and I loved making houses and lawns for the little lego people.

Cabbage Patch Dolls

I remember my first Cabbage Patch Doll - she had bright red hair and was adorable. I think we had matching outfits...? My little brother Kameron had a little boy one...hehe...

Rollerskates

My mom used to rollerskate/dance couples at the Royal Roller Rink when she was a teen - so she loved taking going to the roller rink with us kids...we went every Monday night with all our family and all our little friends. I had skates that were light pink and purple with pom-poms, my grandma spoiled me, what can I say??

WWF Wrestling Ring & Figurines
I grew up with all brothers and two young uncles (they are only a couple years older then me) -- so it was either enjoy playing with what they had or be bored! I had the biggest crush on the Ultimate Warrior & Bret Hart, I used to read the WWF magazine at my grandma's house (my uncles mag) and we watched all the WWF shows and Wrestle Mania's. Good times... :)
Magic Nursey Baby
These were the coolest dolls! I remember seeing the commerical on TV for these dolls... This doll came with a cloth pouch that you put in water so that the cloth would dissolve. Enclosed was the baby's "papers"; it would tell you if it was a girl or boy and if it were twins or not...(you got to mail in to get the other doll if it were twins). I had a little brunette one and I named her Andrea. When you kissed the dolls cheek, the warmth from you would make a little heart appear on their cheek!
Popples
I had a little one, not like these big ones...it was a little yellow one and I named it Chip.
Chip ended up being demolished once we got our family dog/puppy, Princess.
Princess loved Chip to death, literally... :*(
Diecast Cars
Again, I grew up with all brothers...they had toy cars, I wanted to play too!
My Child Dolls
I remember my grandma got this kind of doll for me and my cousin, Jeni, when we went to California for a family vacation. These dolls had skin that was made of like felt or something, and they made them with any hair color, eye color, etc...so they could be just like you - hence, MY Child.

Talk Boy
This is the same gadget that Kevin McCallister from Home Alone had in the second movie -- My brothers and I and my best friends at the time, Veronica & Angel, would play with this all the time! We make "mock" interviews and then would record it in fast-mo and slo-mo...and laugh and laugh. So much fun...

Bonkers
Although not a toy, one of my favorite memories growing up. I remember going to Safeway and choosing a candy from their candy bin and I always wanted GRAPE bonkers...so good, i wonder why they stopped making them??

***What are some toys from your past????

Best Place on Earth, Part FOUR (Final)...Hawaii Vacation

2009-05-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

So this is the last post about our trip to Hawaii (I promise)...

Our last morning in Hawaii we got up and tried to take some nice pictures of us all...this is what we got (they're okay...I love the color though)

I like these of him and I around the tree...just don't know which one I like better?

Our famous Hawaii foot picture I take each year, this time we did something a little different.

Later that day before we had to head to the airport we went to the Annual Spam Jam on Waikiki. They had all sorts of different foods made by all the restuarants in Waikiki, with Spam. It was pretty cool. Dustin tried almost everything it seemed. Oliver was hot and my foot had a lovely blister on it from the walk the night before...so him and I planted our behinds and Dustin brought us the local fare. The best thing I think we had there was the Volcano Nachos with Spam from Jimmy Buffett's Restaurant. Soooooooo gooood!!

Spam Jam Waikiki 2009

I loved this shirt

Dustin eating Spam Lettuce Wraps from PF Changs

I didn't get any pictures but after our spam eating frenzy - we headed back to our jeep to get to the airport. When we got back to the car Dustin realized he did not have the keys!!! So we had to call our rental place and found out that it was going to take almost 2 hours for them to be able to open our car (all our stuff was in it and by the way the jeep was a hard top)!!! By the time Dustin was done arguing with the company and the "tow/unlock" guy it was almost 7pm and our plane left at 9pm!!! Finally the one rep from the car place called us back "off record" and told us to break into our car (since it happens all the time there) to retrieve our stuff and get a cab to the airport (we had full coverage) -- we felt bad about it...but we had no choice; so John's nephew came to our rescue!! He called a friend to bring down a screw driver to break the lock (I was looking for a rock to break the damn window!) and once the screw driver showed up - he had us in our car in little less then thirty seconds! It was incredible and kinda scary at how easy it was to break into our jeep (won't rent that again) -- so if you ever get locked out, I totally know how to break in now! hehe...
Artie and his girlfriend then took us the back way to the airport (since all of Waikiki was congested due to the Spam Jam festival in the road) - oh he showed us where Real World Hawaii's house is, coolio - and got us there in no time. We got to the airport with plenty of time. I can never thank them enough!!! :)

Whew -- so that wraps up our Hawaii trip of 2009. I can't wait for next year, because then we'll be looking for a residence...yea!!!

Westchester Lagoon

2009-05-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend was so pretty!! We took Miss Moshi for her first real "walk" at Westchester Lagoon. She did such a good job, especially considering, there was so much for her to see and so many peeps to check out too! Good Job Moshi!!

Dustin & Moshi

Moshi checking stuff out

Always on the phone... :)

It was a gorgeous day -- I hope we have more and more like it, this summer -- we deserve it! Especially after last years poopy summer!! YEA for SUNSHINE!

Tita's Jr. Prom

2009-05-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year...and I love it! I love prom; the dresses, tuxes, flowers, accessories, dates, dinner -- everything!

My mom makes corsages and boutonnieres each year and this year we got to make some for Tita and her date Hunter, Anu & his date Yuki. They all looked so awesome!

Hunter & Tita

Anu & Yuki

And no prom would be complete without being PROM'D - my mom and my cousin Jeni started this tradition at my prom and we have continued it ever since!! Hunter's car wasn't very fun to decorate -- not many places to hang stuff from! I complained to his mom later that night!! haha... But it worked!!

Best Place on Earth, Part Three...Hawaii Vacation

2009-05-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Continuing on with our awesome trip to Hawaii...

What trip to Honolulu would be complete with hanging at Dave & Busters for an afternoon??
We always look forward to getting to play at the 'adult Chuck-E-Cheese' when we are in town! :)
I usually get stuck at the Black Jack Machine...but this year, I couldn't get away from Deal or NO Deal (neither could Dustin).

Me and my D&B Card

Dustin winning big at the Deal or NO Deal machine!

John's nephew Artie lives on the island and we met up with him and his girlfriend Lynn one night at Sam Choy's (It has a full size boat in the resturant - you can even reserve the table on the boat to sit at, kinda cool!). The food was actually very good, I had Mahi Mahi - yum!

Oliver outside of Sam Choy's waiting for valet

Oliver & I at Sam Choy's

Dustin & I at Sam Choy's (You can kinda see the boat behind us)

One of our last days Dustin, Oliver & I walked across from our condo to the golf course. They have little ponds all over and we decided to feed the birds. They had all sorts of random birds in the ponds, along with GIANT Koi fish.

Black Swans are everywhere in this resort and the bird up front we weren't sure of what it was, so we called it a Chinese duck. haha...

Dustin feeding the birds and the Koi fish (see the white thing in the pond?)

Dustin looking like a China-man, throwing his shaka

View of our condo and a waterfall, at the golf course

Dustin in front of the Ko'Olina Beach Club sign

Oliver and I on our way back from the golf course

Then that night we tried to take some cool pictures in front of the sunset -- but it moves quick and we were not quick enough! So here are a few pics of the family in front of one of the Lagoons at the Ko'Olina. Isn't it pretty??? I love it there!

**Last post of Hawaii to come soon...look for part 4!

Best Place on Earth, Part TWO...Hawaii Vacation

2009-05-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

Continuing from the previous post...

Mom, John & Oliver (little bro) finally showed up that Saturday April 18th-- we went to the lagoon at the Ko'Olina pretty much every day. It was so nice! :)

Mom & John

Dustin & I

And yes, this is NOT photoshopped or an illusion -- I did indeed in get in the ocean and swim! Ta-DA!!!!! It has only taken me four years...I had so much fun and you DO float in the ocean! Awesome!! I can't believe I've wasted all these years not getting in!! :) Now, as long as I could keep everybody from telling me what they saw while they were snorkeling in that same spot...ewww...

Me in the ocean...finally

We took them up to Waimea so they could hopefully see the big waves we always see each year (and my mother has NEVER seen each year she goes)...but mom proves to be bad luck. NO waves!?? WHAT THE HECK!?

Oliver & Dustin at Waimea

And since we were up on the North Shore we stopped in at Cholo's in Halewia for lunch and you will NEVER believe who works there???? Alex from MTV's Laguna Beach 2!!!!! She sat us and I gave Dustin a look and said, "I know her from somewhere..." And Dustin says to me, "I thought the same thing...Didn't we go to school with her?" hahahaha...No my dear...I finally figured out where I knew her from and asked our waitress if it was indeed her and it was! So we got a photo with her after lunch.

We then headed up to the Dole Factory so John could get his fave sweet treat, a Dole Whip. So yummy!! You can also see the nasty clouds behind my mom and John --that was the only day it poured. I have never experienced rain like that in Hawaii before! It was kinda scary. Dustin was tired and made me drive back to our hotel (the long way, may I add & in a jeep that has so many freakin blind spots!!!!) from the McDonald's in Laie...and I couldn't see anything because it was coming down so fast and the streets were washed out. I finally pulled over and told him he HAD to drive that stupid jeep - we got out to switch seats and I was drenched, I looked like I had just jumped into a pool! Craziness!!!!

Mom, John and the annual Dole Whip!

Dustin enjoying his Dole Whip

Me & Oliver at Dole

We also stopped at Shark's Cove so mom could see some "big" waves, they were nothing grand like I've seen before...but it was something!! :)

Dustin & Oliver - Shark's Cove

And before the massive rain storm set in - we stopped in Laie, so we could go to the vistors center at the temple. My mom, John & Oliver had never been there all the times they had gone to Hawaii...so we figured it was a nice stop - especially since the sun wasn't shining!

They have the temple completely gutted and stripped of it's white paint. They are remodeling and repainting. The remodel is much needed - Dustin and I went through a session one year, and it's very old - neat, but very old - so I can't wait until we can return and go through in the remodeled version!

Laie Temple

All of us in front of the Christus at the Laie Temple Visitor Center

Dustin & I in front of the waterfalls/pond in front of the temple

**More to come...Part 3 is happening!!!

My Best Friends Wedding

2009-05-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

My best friend, Jorie, got married while I was in Hawaii! She and her new hubby flew to Vegas and got hitched!

Here's an article that was published in a Las Vegas magazine about them & (further down) a picture on the wedding day at The Hollywood Wedding Chapel.

I wish I could have gone!! :( But NOBODY went with them...so it's all good!

Congrats Jorie & Ronnie Greenman!

Best Place on Earth, Part One...Hawaii Vacation

2009-04-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

We have gone to Hawaii every year we've been married and it just gets nicer and nicer each time we go. This year was so beautiful - it was super hot, the sun shined every single day and we did NOTHING! :) hehe...We hung on the beach(es), swam in the pool & ocean, and ate waaaaay too much!! It was so much fun - I seriously had the hardest time leaving this time around. I didn't want to come home...Dustin has been trying to get me to move there for the last couple of years, and this time he may have FINALLY convinced me! :)

Here is a few pics of Dustin and I our first few days on Oahu, before we met up with my mom, her husband John and my littlest bro, Oliver for the remainder of our stay.
We stayed in Waikiki (my least favorite area of Oahu) for the first few days...but's pretty at night...

Here is our view the night we got in...So pretty....

(Me excited to be in Hawaii and away from the coldness that is the AK)

Here is the same view with Dustin the next morning (he went down and got his favorite breakfast after this picture...Spam, Eggs & Rice with ketchup from McDonald's)

The morning after we got in, we circled the island -- took the H3 to the North Shore (dustin's favorite highway with it's racecar roads)...

(cheesing it up for the camera while cruising on the H3 in our jeep)

(Dustin happy listening to Bob Marley in the country just past Turtle Bay)

...went into Mililani and had lunch at Zippy's (YUMM), after that we headed back up to the North Shore, but stopped in at the Dole factory first...and then we headed back to Haleiwa and hung on the beach there.

(Heading back to Honolulu with the top down, Haleiwa marina behind Dustin)

On our way back into Honolulu, we stopped close to Sharks Cove.... It was so pretty, I love this place... ONE DAY we WILL call this place home...

The next day we headed out to Kapolei, to the Ko'Olina Beach Resort (my mom and John's condo where we were going to stay at for the remainder of our trip...) - we had never been to that side of the island (close to Waianae if you know what I'm sayin...), but it is VERY warm and sunny! It's the desert side of the island (I prefer the North Shore to anything, but it was nice, don't get me wrong). The Resort is GORGEOUS, much different then anything Dustin and I have ever stayed at on the island, that's for sure -- below is the entire resort, kinda dated (the middle undeveloped area NOW has a resort on it and they are also building a Disney resort in the middle...which will be FUN when it's done).

We stayed in the resort on the top of the picture. The building at the bottom is the JW Marriott Hotel -- WAY gorgeous, it's like $600 a night. I want to live in that hotel AND work as their party planner (they have an ENORMOUS outdoor hall...) - anyways, I'll have more of the resort in another post...

Anywho -- while waiting for Mom, John and Oliver to fly in we hung out at one of the Ko'Olina lagoons for the day....SOOOOO pretty and relaxing...

(ahhh...this is the life!)

**More to come, stay tuned for Part Two...

Free (and Hairy) Woman!

2009-04-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Moshi got her cast off...FINALLY! I didn't get to take a picture before we left for Hawaii, but here is a picture of my girlie the day we got back. She's doing really good and is walking on it completely -- the first couple days after she got it off she ran around with the foot up...but she's doing great now!

I swear she grew an inch and her HAIR grew like a wild woman, while we were gone-- omigoodness, she looks a scrounge mutt!

I can't get over how it grew like crazy -- my poor pup can barely see!! Hehee...time to call the groomer!

5 Senses

2009-04-28T15:11:00.001-07:00

Got this off another blog- thought it would be fun to do....it's asking us what our favorite things are for each of our five senses.

Here are my favorites!

Smells I Like:
1. After it rains and an early morning on a beautiful day.

2. Pinesol (weird, I know...)
3. Puppy breath.

4. Bacon cooking in the woods when camping.

5. Anything citrus. Loves it.

Dislike: Body Odor - gross! And dirty, stinky mouth!

Things I like to touch:
1. Chubby baby arms & hands...so soft.

2. Water

3. Sand
4. Dustin's face

5. (this is weird, but...) Freshly painted and dried toe nails. They are so smooth... hehe...

Dislike: Having others touch my neck. It's a NO-NO! hehe...

Sounds I like:
1. Ocean

2. Rain on the rooftop

3. Standing in a bridge while a train goes over
4. Silence
5. laughter

Dislike: People who have been there and done that - always having to top your story (so annoying)! And lisps....for some reason that serioulsy drives me nuts! haha...

Tastes I Like:
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies

2. Brownies with walnuts

3. Orange ANYTHING

4. Pizza (anytime, anywhere)

5. Diet Pepsi

Dislike: Bok Choy and Rosemary! Gag!

Sights I Like:
1. Moshi when I get home - she's so excited! Or when she is sleeping. So cute.

2. My hubby when he is genienly excited and happy.

3. Beach - sand, surf and sun!

4. Anything Japanese (especially Hello Kitty)

5. Halloween stuff

Dislike: SNOW!

*******
There you have it! All 5 Senses covered: Good and the bad! What's your faves...??

Celebrity Crushes

2009-04-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

Also got this from another blog, let's try it out! They are talking about our celebrity crushes. Here's my list...

{Clive Owen}
Dark, handsome, and those eyes! *swoon* OH and he has an accent.

{Rob Pattinson}
Okay, it MAY be the fact that he plays Edward in one of the most romantic books series...but he's a cutie. He's got that smoldering sexy look, can sing AND he has an accent. :)

{Adrian Grenier}
Again, dark and handsome and those eyes! And I love his goofy smile.

{Hugh Grant}
Now, I don't find him attractive in the normal sense, but I find him adorable in most anything he is in. SO witty and fun - which makes him cute in my book. PLUS (I bet you can guess it...) he has an ACCENT! :)

{Jon Bon Jovi}
Of yes -- I've had a crush on him since I was a kid and the man has just gotten better looking as he's gotten older - plus, he's in my favorite band!

************
So who's at the top of your list? To join in the fun list yours for other to see..

Catatonic Bunny

2009-04-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

A chipper Moshi before THE costume...

We had a nice Easter this year - we went to church, then stopped by Dustin's mom's house for some lunch and then came home for a nice long nap (which was much needed after our crazy, early/late, busy weekend). After that we went to the Hurst's for brinner (breakfast for dinner) - which was yummy! Then capped off the evening by chatting and playing cards with Crystal and Justin.

Moshi had a nice Easter morning as well - the Easter Bunny was very good to her!! She got a plush bunny, gourmet doggie treats from Alaska Wild Berry Products (Peanut Butter covered AND smoke salmon biscuits), new collar (since she seems to think she can chew all hers off), a lamb (or sheep) squeaky toy, gourmet puppy meal, and a Moshi size bunny costume (thanks to the Porters).

This was Moshi's 1st Easter!

She of course HATED the bunny cosume once it was on. She loved chewing on it, however. She went catatonic on me once the costume was on her!! hehe...She's too funny.

We're losing her...

Going...

Going...

GONE! We've lost her!!!!

Here's a cute pic of the back of her costume she hated (the only reason she is up moving about with that 'thing' on her, is because she's nibbling on a PB treat).
Ohhh Moshi, how I'm happy you joined our family.

Happy Easter!

New Moon starts filming (YUM-O alert!)

2009-04-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Just your daily dose of vampire hottiness!!

Photo courtesy of People.com

New Moon, the second book in the Twilight Saga, movie began filming this week and Edward is looking hawt! Can't wait to see it and have an awesome New Moon party to celebrate it's release!
YEA!

Royal Roller Rink

2009-04-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Last night we went roller skating for our YW/YM activity! It was actually a lot of fun - just chatting and yelling (playfully) at the kids, since the last time we went, I got on skates and could barely move -- not like when I was a kid, that's for sure! Funny how gravity is different when you get older and heavier! BOO! Anywho - it was good times for all! I love the activites when we are all together as YW & YM.

When I See You Smile

2009-03-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

My smiling pup!

Such a cutie...luvs her!

Twilight DVD Release Party

2009-03-31T12:08:00.001-07:00

Last Friday, Crystal Hurst & I had a Twilight DVD Release Party with just the girls! It was so much fun. We all ate way too much and laughed too hard!! It was great and we had a good turn out too!

I had lots of fun decorating, getting prizes and making favors (Twilight Soundtrack copies & personalized Twilight bracelets)....

(we forgot to take a picture once everybody brought their Twilight themed treat to share and to enter into the 'contest', dang it!)

Crystal made a kick-butt Twilight Jeopardy game and board (how awesome is she?), quotes for decor & was an awesome MC for the night...it turned out so good!!

WINNERS: Team Jacob won the Jeopardy Game....

("Vampires like baseball?" - Bella. Claudia, Baseball & sunflower seeds)

("You smell so good in the rain." - Edward. Peggy, Poncho)

(His lips & hand were like marble. Rebecca, Marble Brownies)

(His eyes are like golden butterscotch. Wendy, Butterscotch candies.)

("So the lion fell in love with the lamb." - Edward. Anne, Lamb chocolates)

LOSERS: Team Edward (Sarah, Analee, Jonnett, Erin & Rachel) good sports though...kinda.... ;)

We also had a Twilight themed treat contest....of course I didn't get picture of those ladies and their creations (sorry) - but they were FAB! We had two winners though: Rebecca Clerc brought a black forest trifle with a full moon and Erin Gallagher brought shimmery-sparkly candy apples...they were gorgeous!! :) These ladies also won fun items that of course went along with our Twilight theme! Heres a pic of the apples...

I also cut out Bella's face on a movie poster, so every lady could take a picture with Edward *swoon* -- here are a couple of my favorites of the night (I've made the pictures look like real posters, with photoshop)...

And OF COURSE - no post is complete without my Moshi!
I made her a shirt that said TEAM JACOB (even though I fully support Team Edward...but she's a dog and I figured...they stick together.... :)

We're already looking forward to our New Moon movie release party on November 20th! If we happened to miss you this time around -let us know! We had a hard time finding out who were Twilight fans!!

Thanks ladies for coming and making the evening so much fun! It was a total blast!! :)

10 Things I LOVE!

2009-03-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

Saw this on a friends blog...thought it would be fun to do and to see what everybody LOVES!

10 things that I love
************************
1. Oahu, Hawaii. Everybody knows my love for this place!! I can't hide it! :) I wish we could live there, but for now I will suffice with going back every year and enjoying my favorites when we are there; Zippys (Mmm..their spaghetti chili!), North Shore, Waimea Bay (my FAV beach, I could spend all day - every day there), Leonards (malasadas - yummy), 88 Tees (so cute),tanning AND SO MUCH MORE (not to mention the eye candy...)!!
I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!

(opps! how did he get in here...?)

2. Burts Bees, Beeswax Lip Balm. I LOVE the peppermint in it that makes my lips tingle! In MY head the tingle makes me think that the lip balm is at work soothing my lips! haha... (AVOID: Burts Bees HONEY Lip Balm has the WORST SMELL - gross....so not good.)

3. Whirly Pop, Popcorn Popper. This stove top popper, makes THE best popcorn! Not only is it delicious, but it pops EVERY kernel in just three mintues!! A MUST HAVE.

4. How I Met Your Mother & 30 Rock. These have become my favorite shows over the last couple of years. The Office has been sucking BIG TIME lately -- so I'm grateful I had others to watch and make me laugh! If you haven't seen either -- TUNE IN!
HIMYM is down right AWE (wait for it) SOME and 30 Rock deserves EVERY award it's ever won!! I love Kenneth!! :)

5. Twilight (both book series & movie). Yes, I have become somewhat obsessed with this whole Twilight thing -- but I don't care. It's so freakin good!! :)

6. Hello Kitty. Cute, pink & comes in anything you could ever want. Need I say more?

7. LesportSac Bags. Forget Coach or Dooney or whatever everybody else is carrying...I love the colorful bags I've been getting for years. They are so much fun! :)

8. Lady Gaga. She's something different...visually and musically. PLUS all her songs you can dance too. Luvs her!!

9. Etsy.com - you can find ANYTHING on that site. Too much fun stuff to look at!! :) You can even find these adorable hats that my sister-in-law makes (isn't my niece a cutie?)!!

10. My hubby & Moshi. I love these two with my all my heart. Couldn't imagine my world without them! (Aren't they sweet, taking a nap together?)

I have so many more, but I'll post more on a different date! :)
I can't wait to see what's on your list!

St. Patty's Day Pup

2009-03-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

Moshi celebrated her first St. Patrick's Day in style! She got an awesome little St. Patty's Day t-shirt that says, "One Lucky Pup" (she looks so cute in her little tee!) AND in a new splint! (Her last splint started falling off - my mom had to hurry her over to the vet for a new one! Vet said she's healing very well, regardless of the stupid first splint! YEA - Moshi!) Her new splint is a bit smaller so now she thinks she can sprint around the house and jump up higher now!! Dang pup! hehe...

I had the darnest time trying to get her face AND the t-shirt, so this is what I was able to come up with! Happy St. Patty's Day!

Poor Puppy

2009-03-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

My poor puppy's got a broken paw!!! All four of her long bones in her paw were fractured!! :(

Tuesday night we rushed her to Pet ER, the ER vet was telling us she may need surgery to pin together her little broken bones, which was freaking me out - but luckily we saw our normal vet yesterday and he said that the splint the ER put on Moshi had aligned the bones perfectly and that they would heal naturally *whew!*, the vet also said they couldn't do surgery anyways, because her bones were too tiny and he didn't want to open up her paw and expose her to unnecessary infection, so double *WHEW!*

Moshi after she got home for Pet ER (I cried so hard that night -- they gave her so much pain meds she was out of it and drooling all over - it broke my heart!)

So now she's confined to sitting around (kinda) - although, she escaped my clutches last night and did a victory hop around the living room and kitchen (little stinker!) and when Crystal stopped by she hopped from Dustin and tried to jump onto the couch with Crystal (AHHHH!!). It's going to be an interesting next few weeks.

We go back to the vet for a check up on the 20th to check her paw and for her shots -- so lets hope everything heals nicely (and quickly), so she can be out of the splint before we leave for Hawaii next month and she stays with the Bettridges!!

Poor Moshi, she's going to go crazy not moving much - I'm afraid I'm going to catch her 'escaping' occasionally and hoping around the house for "freedom" laps! haha... We'll see...

Moshi after her "victory lap" around the house and feeling better -- apparently her injury isn't going to her slow her down (or so she thinks!).

FANatic!! (I need a life...)

2009-03-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

I know I'm like WAY behind the times when it comes to this, but I am OBSESSED - yes, obsessed with Twilight!! The young women at church were like, "Umm...Where have you been?"

Last Saturday, Dustin and I went with the Hursts to Bears Tooth to see Twilight - Dustin saw it when it came out with some friends (while I was in Seattle) and complained about how stupid it was and how lame and B-rated and on and on. So I believed him...but I still kinda wanted to see it! I just didn't get what all the fuss was about!? I tried reading the book before and got through the first chapter and was BORED and stopped reading, but after seeing the movie -- I fell in love with the story (and Edward)! I HAD to read the books now!! I wanted to know everything!!!

Poor Crystal was so excited (on the brink of tears) to see the movie, but in the end she hated it!!I'm sure, had I read the book first, I would have been disappointed too.

At church on Sunday, I was sitting talking to Analee and Crystal about the movie and how much I loved it and ended up with a crowd of ladies talking about how much they enjoyed the books/movie as well and who is on Team Edward or Team Jacob. hehe...

I feel like a giddy little school girl when I think about my excitement for the books/movie (I'm pathetic, what can I say?!), but I am so loving everything about it. I want an Edward (I still love you Dustin :)!!! I've only gotten through the first book, well, close to....but I'm already thinking about having an at home Twilight movie release party soon (March 21st, baby!!). More to come on that...Maybe Crystal will be my partner in crime for this (P.S. I'm blaming you for this new found obsession!)?? :)

Oh and here's a picture of Edward from the movie Twilight with that girl that's in the movie too. (hehe...) When the movie was coming out and all the young women were excited for the release they were talking about how hot Edward (in the movie) was...I didn't see it at first, but now, after seeing it, I get it- HOTTIE! Dustin says he looks like an "Huge-forehead, Asian vampire." Who cares. Yum. ;)

Little Rat

2009-03-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

Moshi got her first bath at home!
Yes, she had just gone to the groomer last Monday, but between going out into the wet snow (nothing worst then 'wet dog' smell) and a major poo-meets our bed fiasco, she needed another one ASAP! Did you know they make Bed Head shampoo for dogs? How crazy!!! You can get ANYTHING for a pets!!!

She looked like a little, wet rat when we bathed her! She did really good -- a bit squirmy, but over all, she was a very good girl! haha... She's so cute, I'm so happy we have her!

BEFORE: Cute, but stinky!!
(cottonballs in the ears so no water got in)

DURING: Who knew she was so scrawny!?
AFTER: Dried, happy and smelling fresh!

My Pretty Little Pink Sugar Cookie

2009-03-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Miss Moshi got groomed for the first time last night!

It was long awaited (I had to wait until we had her 11 week shots done before I could have her groomed), she was a smelly little dog!! She looked so pretty when I picked her up, all washed - smelling like sugar cookies, blow dryed and combed looking fluffy and soft. She looked so cute! They even put a little pink bow in her hair!!

HOWEVER after I picked her up, I took her out to go to the bathroom and what is the first thing she does?? She jumps face first into the big snow bank!! That puppy is ALL about the snow! :) The deeper, the better. LUCKILY - she stayed pretty fluffy looking & sugar cookie fresh until we got home, so Dustin could see!! Whew! Little stinker!

Here's a couple pictures I took of her last night (I need a faster camera, she's moves too quick!)...

When I said, I do...

2009-03-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow bloggers, I got this from my friend's blog and I thought it was super fun. I want all of you to post your favorite wedding and engagement photos or whatever photos you have!

Answer the following questions and pair them with a photo if possible. Please share your cute lovey dovey pictures. We'd love to see them.

1. Wedding Date

2. Where did you get married

3. How long did you date / were engaged

4. Were you a Bridezilla

5. Wedding colors

6. How many bridesmaids

7. Where did you honeymoon

8. Where was your reception

9. Is there anything you regret or would like to redo

10. Did you save your cake top and eat it on your first anniversary

11. How long have you been married NOW

1. June 10th, 2005
2. Brayton Chapel - Relief Society Room. Anchorage, Alaska

3. We "dated" for about three months, engaged for 2 months. 4. No, I don't think I was a bridezilla -- I just wanted it to be over with (I was a bit stressed about BOTH my parents being there so soon after their divorce- as you can see...nice, HUGE zit on my chin... so awesome...)
5. Yellow and Aqua-- So ugly. Not the colors I really wanted... oh, well...6. No bridesmaids - very small wedding. Jorie would have been my maid-of-honor, though! (I hate this picture, by the way -- I look uber cheesy! Jorie was crying and I was laughing.)
7. We had a belated honeymoon a few months later, to Oahu, Hawaii. The best place ever!!! 8. Our "reception" (if you can even call it that -more like a family dinner) was at La Mex. LAME! Yes! It was that exciting, can't you see the enthusiam on our faces!?? :) 9. I regret that we didn't put more into the wedding. I wish I would have had a real gown, better hair style, a wedding cake, invitations, a photographer, wedding party and a RECEPTION!! We had no first dance... just so sad. I wish we would have done this all. Maybe one day I'll have an anniversary party where I can finally do all this! :)
(This is a picture of us on our 1st anniversary)10. We didn't have a wedding cake (see above), but here's a picture of us happy on our belated honeymoon in Hawaii -at that point, not caring if we had a cake or not! hehe...
11. We've been married for almost 4 years -- feels like a lot longer!! Crazy how time flies and how much your love grows! :) I couldn't imagine my life without Dustin, he's my best friend!
I love you Dustin! Smooches!
(P.S. I look stupid in this picture, but I love this picture of Dustin - so handsome!)

I've Become One of THOSE People...

2009-02-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

OMGoodness! I have become one of those people...the ones that dress their dogs and take tons of pictures of them and display them everywhere! I always thought the docs here at work, that did that were crazy! NOW I AM ONE OF THEM! haha...

Oh, well, she's too darn cute to not post about! One day it will be a baby -- so just consider this practice for me! :)

Here's Moshi in her new puffy vest. I got her this so she can go to Fur Rondy events with us!

She always gives me this "Are you kidding me, lady?" look when I put her in clothes...and then she gnaws at them and inevitably crawls right out of them. At least I can snap a few pics before she does so! This is her in her 'Sunday Coat' as Dustin and I have dubbed it. She looks so fancy in it. I even got a collar and new leash to match -- OMG! See I HAVE become 'one of them'!!!! hehe...

Jen, Lily and Brenna Porter brought over an adorable gift for Moshi last night; bunny ears, St. Patty's Day collar, personalized frisbee toy and 'Beware of Attack Dog' sign. See Dustin--I'm not the only one that thinks it's fun to dress her up! Now Moshi's all ready for the holidays!!! I'll post pictures of those later. THANKS PORTERS!

From Me to You

2009-02-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

Saw this on Crystal's blog -- thought it was cool! :)

The first 3 people to leave a comment on this will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise.FIRST- you need to post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you’re in. Yep, you have to do it too. So hopefully you are in and I will let you know if you will get something in the next 10 months!!!

Best Birthday Present EVER!

2009-02-19T10:26:00.000-08:00

So Dustin spoiled me and bought me the yorkie/silky puppy, I had been eyeballing for a while now, for my birthday last week!!! Isn't she cute!??! Her full name is Moshi Moshi Sushi Sushi - her name is pronounced Moo-she Moo-she; it means "Hello" in Japanese when answering a telephone.
I was a bit hesitant to have her but she's so quiet and tiny - I thought she couldn't be any worse then the annoyingly loud brat our wallmate has!! PLUS we are looking for our own place anyhow - so we'll be okay! (Hopefully...if all else fails there's always mom!)
I got to stay home from work with her the first week to house break her (and while Dustin was living it up in SLC & Vegas for his birthday) and she did AWESOME - she's a natural at going potty outside! YEA Moshi!!!
Here's a few pictures the Hurst's have taken of her and one picture of Moshi's first Valentine's Day:

This is Moshi a couple days after we got her...

Moshi with her tiny size tennis ball...this is a week after we got her, look how her face is filling out... so freakin cute!

Moshi's first Valentine's Day (and first hoodie)!

We've Arrived!

2009-02-02T16:24:00.001-08:00

Yea! We're finally setting up a blog! We were feeling left out of the loop!

Not sure if we have anything exciting to add to the blog world, but we'll give it a try!!