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1 year ago...

2011-04-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sadie baby is 1 year old today. I almost can't believe how fast this last year went. It's been 6 months since I've posted on this blog and haven't really had the time to keep up with it, but wanted to tonight so I could write my 2nd "milestone letter" to Sadie and am not organized enough to put it on paper in the baby book yet.

In the last 6 months, we've had so many firsts- Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day and now finally Sadie's 1st birthday. We did our best to not go overboard, especially since people point out that she won't remember it anyway. But her firsts are also firsts for us, so I want to make them special for us all. We had a little BBQ birthday party with her today. I made too many cupcakes ;) and I made Sadie her own little smash cake to eat. She ate/smashed it all. It was cute and funny. She partied hard as you can see in this picture. :)

Dear Sadie,

You are 1 today. You are a smart, precocious and funny little girl. You love books. I love that you love books. Your daddy and I read many books to you everyday. You point at the pictures and lift the flaps and turn the pages. You love to eat. You love to feed yourself with a spoon or with your fingers. Sometimes that gets very very messy. Just yesterday you dumped a half cup of squash on your head. You still love your green foods. Green beans, spinach, peas- always a hit. You even eat meat too. You love cheesy eggs and your daddy cooks you one almost every morning. You have had chicken and turkey too. You definitely have a sweet tooth, and we let you have small tastes of the sweet things that we eat, because we love you and so we are willing to share. And good thing we are, because when you want to eat something- oh boy, watch out. You have been known to swipe a whole slice of pizza off our plates if we aren't watching close enough. You love to dance. You love music and shaking your little booty to the beat. When you hear a song you smile and you dance. You are standing up all by yourself now. You've been able to do it since you were 10+ months old, but just recently you are getting more brave about it. You took your first steps about a month ago, but last night you walked more all by yourself without us getting you started. I bet it will be just days before you're running all over the place. You can say lots of different words but you definitely know these- Dada, mama, dog, duck, ball, bird. If you hear a dog bark or see a picture of a dog, you'll say "dog". Maybe someday we will have to get you a dog since you love them so much already. You are sleeping much much better now, which makes your daddy and I very happy. Sometimes you still wake up at night, but most of the time you sleep from bedtime all the way until morning. You have two top teeth and 4 teeth on the bottom! You give hugs, you wave bye-bye and you blow kisses at your daddy when it is time to go night night. You are a very loving girl and enjoy playing with other kids, especially your cousin Haven and your friend Jude, who are the two you see the most often. You are very social and will laugh and smile at all the people who talk to you while out and about.

You are still and always will be my sweet baby, but now you are growing into a beautiful little girl. You fit perfectly into our little family and I am so proud to be your mama.

Happy first birthday Sadie B. Your first year was filled with love and health and fun and many happy memories. I wish you many many many more to come.

I love you forever and always,

Mommy

6 month Wrap-up

2010-10-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

After almost 6 months of maternity leave and 2 5-week long trips to Illinois to hang with family, I have crossed over and become a working mom. It was a big adjustment to resume the life I'd led before Sadie entered my world and then again, it wasn't. The night before my first day back, I slept only a handful of hours. Sadie woke up constantly, and I woke up constantly. My anxiety about being away from my girl longer than ever before must have rattled us both. But no matter what, that morning came. And after loads of advice and planning to Caleb and lots of kisses, I got in the car and drove to work. I walked in the door to hellos and welcome backs and was it hard to leaves? and with tears in my eyes, said yes and thanks and that was that. And Caleb fed her green beans at 10am, which was not in our plan (at all), but that was okay too, because the torch had been passed and he was in charge now. I think that was the hardest part of it, the relinquishing control... the knowing that things would happen that I would not be there for... that I didn't get to spend every moment with her, leading her through this world and experiencing it again through her eyes. But I do get to do that, just lunch hours, nights and weekends. The work part wasn't hard, it was like riding a bike. I've had that job for 5 years, it was a part of who I was and so it was not difficult to reestablish as a part of who I am. I am glad that I didn't have to start a new job, because that would have been REALLY hard. And I've been busy with lots of casting and shows and projects and movies and so the days go pretty fast. And I've had some run ins with some big celebs on set. I do like my job, but I'm not going to lie- I wish it was more balanced. Maybe someday.

I still can't believe how fast time is going. My girl is 6 months old today. I used my mad cake decorating skills (I took a class while I was home in Illinois, note- not really that great of skills, but I'm trying haha) to make her a 1/2 birthday cake. CB's in Europe on tour again, and my mom is coming tomorrow to visit. I have no idea what to have us be for Halloween and the holidays seem to be practically upon us.

I thought it might be nice to write a little letter to Sadie on her milestone birthdays and put them in her baby book to read when she's older, so she can see what she was into and doing, etc. I don't have pen and paper readily handy and this day is almost over, so I'm sticking this one on here, that way I can transpose it later. Warning, it will probably be cheesy.

Dear Sadie,

Today you are 6 months old. Your Daddy and I love you so very much and are so glad that you are a part of our family. You make my heart smile just by looking at you. You are very smart and very strong. You can sit by yourself, you scoot (almost crawling) all around a room, oftentimes backwards, you drink out of a cup, you roll both directions. You've always liked to stand and are starting to pull yourself up, when there is something to grab on to. You like going to the park to swing and to play in the sand. You are eating solids and always want to hold the spoon yourself. You've eaten rice cereal, carrots, green beans, peas and bananas. I think your favorite is green beans, but bananas are a close second. You are not as fond of carrots. You love taking baths and you will kick your feet and splash your hands. You like to chew on your rubber ducky. You like to chew on most things actually. Probably because you have 2 teeth already. You love music, listening to and dancing with, singing, playing the tambourine with daddy (*video below). We call you Sadie B, Princess of the Flowers, Sadie Potatie (your cousin Stella came up with that). You are a happy baby and are full of smiles and giggles. People constantly stop us while we're out and comment on how beautiful you are and your eyes, especially, and you always have a smile for them. You are very photogenic, which is good, because we take lots of pictures. You love your kitties, especially grabbing their ears, or a fistful of fur. So far, they like you too and tolerate quite well this occasional tug. You sometimes put up a fight when you're sleepy and you still wake me up every couple hours all night long, but we're going to work on that. You are very loved by so many people. You are a very special little girl and I'm so glad that I am your mom.

I love you forever and always.

~Mommy

(wow, I've never signed anything Mommy before... weird!)

Here's the video of Sadie playing the tambourine.

Sadie lady

2010-07-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

Today was an awesome day. The 3 of us went down to the get some free stuff from his record label's clothing store and it's about an hour drive. Sadie slept all the way there, and slept all the way back. The girl that hates her car seat at times- was an absolute joy to travel with! We started thinking road trips... probably we'll just do the plane ride to Illinois and the short car rides involved with that and call it a day. haha No need to press our luck.Anyway, so we had time to sing in the car and talk and laugh and act a little like our former selves and it was great. And the label was pretty generous and I was able to get some jeans called Sadie lady skinny jeans. And they fit amazing (obviously still a size larger than before, but I'll take it for now) and are a color I don't have in my post pregnancy closet yet.

We're almost all settled into our new place... just in time to leave again. haha We're heading back to visit family again and then CB will be starting a new tour in a couple weeks. This one will be a challenge because I'll actually have some time in LA on my own with the babe for the first time... and he'll be out for my birthday this year. He's been around for my last 12 birthdays and I'm a sap and can't imagine not having him there, but it'll be fine and go quick and soon enough he'll be home, right?

And a quick update on my own little Sadie lady:

She turned 3 months old a week and a half ago. She's overall a happy baby, but as I mentioned before definitely hates the car seat sometimes. She's laughing a lot now- especially if you lift her up over your head. She has also rolled over several times. The first time was last week on July 6th (date for me to remember to add to baby book later) and that day she rolled belly to back 4 or 5 times in a row. Then I got out the computer to video it and she started watching herself on the screen and no more rolling. Today she rolled again a few times for the first time in a week. I finally got her rolling over on video, but it was only in like 3 steps and not at all smooth like she was doing, so I won't post it (3 steps took like 45 seconds for the whole roll! haha). She's nowhere close to rolling back to belly, but I figure that seems like the harder one, so no worries there. She likes to take baths and she'll kick her feet in the water. She doesn't like getting dressed after the bath at all and will almost always scream and cry until she's totally dressed and in your arms. We are trying out a "flexible" schedule routine, which basically means: Wake and eat, play time, nap time. This is definitely easier to do at home when I can drop everything and feed her, but we do our best and I watch her cues and go with the flow.

I still look at her and think sometimes- Wow, you are really real. And you are mine. The connection I feel to this little girl is so intense and so real and so surreal, it catches me off guard all the time. If you haven't tried this motherhood thing yet, I highly recommend it... but just be ready to be blown away (or maybe it's just me).

I took some pics of Sadie on the day she turned 3 months old. She was giving a lot of love to the camera that time- very cooperative.

Sadie on the 4th of July- She was going through a "squealy" talking phase. That's the face she's making- "aaaah"

Our little fam.

(I think it's hilarious that we're all doing "big eyes")

It's late and I'm too tired to re-read this and see if it makes sense... Hope so!

Milestones

2010-06-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Lots of changes going on over here...

Sadie is growing growing growing! She's grown more than 5 lbs since we left the hospital. We had her 2 (and 1/2) month checkup on Monday and she is now 11 lbs 4 oz. and 23.5" long. She is in the 76th percentile for length and the 45th percentile for weight. If you compare her weight to other girls her age that are also her height, she's in the 5th percentile. She is our little skinny minnie I guess. But she's growing really steadily (about an ounce a day!) so I'm thinking the height part is just a fluke. I mean, how did CB and I produce a tall baby ? haha

The other change is really great... but also bittersweet in a way. The pediatrician said that we can turn back in the apnea monitor that she's worn every night since we got home from the hospital. At first the monitor was a source of frustration for us. Sadie doesn't have sleep apnea (thank goodness!) but she was born with laryngomalacia, meaning the cartilage in her neck/throat/larynx area was immature and too soft. When she'd cry really hard, the cartilage would collapse and she wouldn't be able to get a breath in, causing her to turn dusky blue in the hospital. So in order for the hospital to discharge her, they required that we go home with this apnea monitor (and the guy was really really late delivering it, which is why we didn't get home until midnight!). So anyway, the doctors told us that she would just eventually grow out of this as her cartilage grew stronger, probably by the time she was 18 months. So the monitor was frustrating because it was set to go off if she didn't take a breath for 20 seconds, or if her heart rate was to go down past 70 bpm, and we knew that neither of those were her problem. Because she was small (6 lbs 5 oz) when we left the hospital, we had to use these sticky electrodes for the first month, which would become unstuck and cause false alarms (and really really loud too) off and on throughout the night when her foot would catch one and she'd kick them off. Once she was 8 lbs, we switched over to the belt and the false alarms went away. Around then, I realized that this monitor is actually very comforting. I know that she is breathing, all night long, when she is hooked to it. I don't wake up and check her like I've heard lots of other new moms do (or if I do, I just glance and make sure the monitor is on and working, rather than stare at her belly). Last night, for the first time, I didn't put the belt on and I woke up to check her a few times, but I made it through and slept decent enough, I guess. So I am ecstatic that my baby is deemed "healthy" enough to get off the monitor, but can't help but be just a little nervous about not having my safety alarm.

Sadie hooked up to her monitor on her sleep wedge. She always kicks off her cover too, it's really funny. (She is not using the wedge anymore, since she is starting to wiggle more at night)

The last change is we're moving apartments. We found a 2 bedroom just down the street that allows cats and is only $50 more a month that what we pay now. It isn't super fancy, but does have dark hardwood floors. It is exciting and bittersweet too- we've lived in our current apartment for 4 years - that is the longest I have lived anywhere since graduating high school. I'm excited to decorate Sadie's room and we'll have a dining area!! We haven't had a dining table since we moved out of Hollywood. I'm looking forward to family dinners with Sadie in her high chair and us at the table. Yay! I'll post pics when we get all moved in.

Fairy Princess baby doll

2010-06-08T00:28:00.000-07:00

I seriously teared up when I saw this picture for the first time.

Makaya went above and beyond on this one. She found the doll bed. She found the perfect spot in my mom's backyard and made it resemble something out of a storybook. She burned her finger hot-glueing ribbon rosettes when I cluelessly handed her the headband and shrugged my shoulders (sorry about that, kaya :( ). And she also warned me just in the nick of time that Sadie was waking, and I was able to dive and catch her as she rolled off the back of the bed.

I plan to blow this one up big. There are a couple more here.

I totally am jumping ahead here... but spending the last few weeks at my mom's has made me think of my mom when she had little baby me and how someday Sadie will be in my shoes, looking at her childhood memories. I looked at my baby book (wow, I need to get on Sadie's... all we did so far was a footprint stamp), looked through my newborn photo album (she is a pretty good mix of the two of us, I'd say), and went through all the clothes that mom saved of mine. ...Anyway, I can't help but think that future Sadie is going to love this picture and that makes me very happy.

Want a new cardi?

2010-05-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

My friend Mari (who I collaborated with last fall, so many of you have met her/seen her gorgeous stuff) has new designs for spring and this cool cardigan is being given away.

All you need to do is visit this blog and leave a comment.

Good luck! I hope I win... but if I don't, then I hope you do! :)

My baby story

2010-04-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Sadie Magnolia.

April 2nd, 2010. 2:57am. 6 lbs 14 oz. 19 in long.

Pretty much nothing went as expected. And that is now my advice for any pregnant friends- Don't try to plan anything... be ready for it all.

Caleb cutting the cord

Brand new Sadie

Bright eyed baby

Sadie and me on going home day

Family picture

Primped up for the hospital photo shoot

3 weeks old and

wearing the dress I made 1 1/2 years ago

These pictures are from last night.

Our attempt at tummy time

Seriously this kid has huge eyes

We love her!

Mother's Day Giveaway!

2010-04-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a long couple weeks. I am now a mom. I will have to post pics of the baby and the story of these crazy last couple weeks later, maybe after a nap- HA! But for now, I HAVE to post about a giveaway that my sister in law, Harmony is taking part in. (The button on the left for LaDeLi designs will take you to her etsy if you want to see what types of products she has)

But this giveaway is awesome. It is on Natalie's Sentiments, which is a blog that I admit, I've peeked at a few times. Natalie is a friend of Harmony's from when she lived in Tennessee and from what I've seen of her blog, she has great style and really cool ideas. I'm also loving the yellow and grey- which our the colors of our car seat/stroller system :)

Anyway, there will be 3 winners of 5 different prizes. Go enter for really cute prizes. I love the bird and nest necklace.

Waiting for baby...

2010-03-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Since "Sadie" is now 4 days late (and counting) and my Dr's appointment today was cancelled (so that she could deliver someone else's baby) I have decided it is best to think positively. I am finally going to get a post up here about how lucky I am to have such great family and friends that I had 3 baby showers thrown for little miss (stubborn). ;)

They were all very different from each other and just perfect. The first one was a tea party shower with family and friends from Illinois back when I was visiting at Christmas.

The next shower I had was an awesome surprise~ I knew there was a shower that night, but didn't really know that much about it. Well, they threw the coolest theme shower I'd ever been to. It was held in the super cool lounge area in an apartment building downtown. I'm not very quick and was pretty nervous, so I didn't catch on to the theme, haha. There were top hats everywhere and stars and bunnies. Then Alli told me it was a magic theme. Uh, I LOVE magic. Perfect

Star cookies that Johanna made, they were delicious.

The food (all vegetarian!) was really tasty. And the set up was fancy

There was a cool candy/ cupcake bar set up. Yum

The cupcakes had bunnies and card shapes on them.

Then in walks a man in a suit and I'm thinking... why is there a GUY at a baby shower?

Until it hit me~ He's a MAGICIAN!!! Wow, wow, wow!

The show started and seriously, he did tricks I could not figure out.

Here he is with his magic rope. (You can also see how many of my lovely friends showed up to celebrate this baby girl)

Some of his other tricks included picking and correctly guessing cards, lighting money on fire and then bringing it back (a hundred dollar bill too!). I can't remember some of the other ones he did, but they were pretty cool and even being that close- I couldn't figure it out.

My friends spoiled her rotten with lots of presents.

Unfortunately I am not a good picture taker, so this is the one I'll post. I made a really goofy face, consistently in every picture when posing with each gift. Consistently. The same goofy raised eyebrow-uncomfortable-with-attention face.

After that magical evening, I had yet another fun party in store that weekend.

On Sunday afternoon, my friends from work threw me a great shower with lots of games and prizes.

I was given a crown "New Mom to Be" and a ribbon to wear

This was probably the best tasting cake I've ever had. They got it from Pavilions. It had strawberry/whip cream filling and whipped icing. Seriously delicious.

Sandwiches, fried chicken, chips and salsa, veggies and dip. So much to eat and drink.

I stood by the food for probably 45 minutes just snacking :)

Jami, Tanya, Lauren and Karen

Leslie, Lilly and Mariann (2 of the hostesses) me and Lauren

Cute little Lila wearing my crown.

Lila is the granddaughter of Laura (the other hostess) who opened up her house for us.

I didn't get very many pictures (and even though I tried hard not to make a goofy face in the present pics, I mostly did, so I'll be avoiding those again too) but there were so many sweet girls from the office there. And we played game after game after game. Clothespins, memory, bingo (which I won! haha), chocolate poop diaper guessing game. It was great!

broken machines

2010-03-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Grrr. What's that old saying- Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...

Anyway, yesterday (during day 2 of housewife-ness) I decided it was a good time to wash the rest of the baby stuff - particularly the outfits CB picked out for her going home choices, so that I can finally pack our hospital bag (I mean, she's due next week right? haha)

So I pack a light, but still pretty good size basket of clothes and walk it down the stairs with my brand new roll of quarters. And the washers are not in use. Perfect.

I have all these motivating ideas of laundry and cleaning the bedroom as I load 4 quarters into the first machine. Shut the lid. Nothing. I check the plug. Well, my motivating ideas are turning into- I just don't want to walk this back up the stairs 9 months pregnant... So I load 4 quarters into the other washer, close the lid- Nothing! By this time I'm frustrated. $2 lost. Laundry down the stairs. I use my phone to call the repair company and file a work order.

They don't know if the repair guy will be by this afternoon, so I begrudgingly walk the basket back up the stairs. But not before I go get post it notes to mark that they are broke, so that no one else has to fall victim to the same misfortune I did.

Flash forward to last night- CB gets home and we decided to go across the street for Thai food. As we are passing the laundry room, we see someone in the room with clothes, so we think, wow- they came to repair it fast. So this morning, as Caleb is leaving for work, I have him carry the basket down the stairs and into the laundry room. The note is on the left washer still, but the right one is noteless, so I think, oh- I guess this one is working. Load in my $1 in quarters and shut the lid- NOTHING!

I can't believe that it got me again! And the hospital bag is STILL not packed. A lot of people requested/predicted that I would have the baby today, but I would rather not, so I'm keeping her in. haha

The Talented Ms Larson

2010-03-15T16:18:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago, my sister-in-law came to visit with my niece Stella.

We did Disneyland (which was definitely a different experience this pregnant! haha) We ate donuts. And we fit in this photo shoot. What Makaya did in about 30 minutes from 8:30-9am before I had to hop in the car to go to a set- was amazing. And some of the most real pictures that CB and I have ever had taken together. I'm so thankful to have these pictures of "just us" taken mere weeks before our lives will be forever changed.

Anyway, the point of this post is that Makaya has just launched her new website- www.makayalarson.com

Check it out- Her work is beautiful and has real emotion. Congrats on the new site Kaya!

I'm beyond lucky to have her in my family and I can't wait for her to capture our babe. Hopefully she is more photogenic and less whiney of a subject than I am ;)

And just for fun, here's one she took of me on Christmas eve, in the drizzling rain about 20 minutes before she packed up the car to drive 5 hours to her in-laws.

Finally!

2010-03-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

We've tried it out for a few weeks. It's been a long road coming, but we finally decided- Unless she comes out looking completely different, our little girl will be named Sadie Magnolia. (Sadie was Caleb's suggestion and one that I'd liked from a book I read as a teenager. Magnolia is one I suggested while he was in Europe and since then I just knew it had to be part of her name somehow.)

It is March. She's coming THIS month. That's unbelievable. Saturday I'll be 37 weeks and she'll be full term. The doctor reminded me this past week that she could come anytime now. I think she'll hang in there for a bit longer though. She's pretty good at minding us already. She flipped when we asked her to get back head down. She stayed in when we wanted her to wait for Caleb to get home. I'm asking her to let me get through my last week of work and I expect her to stay put at least another week or two.

The sweetest thing though- she started moving a lot the first night CB was back from his tour, especially when he'd talk to her. It hit me- she missed him. How adorable. She's already a daddy's girl.

Just a few Confessions:

2010-02-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

Whenever I hear the song "Empire State of Mind" by JayZ and Alicia Keys... I want to move to New York City. I have always kind of thought that I would live there someday. Whenever I have pictured it though, I have kid(s) that are a little older- like 5.

I haven't done dishes since Caleb left on Saturday. I will have to crack and wash them tonight though... I'm out of clean drinking glasses and I have to make a salad for a work potluck for tomorrow.

I'm excited for the baby to come but I think being excited for my 5 month maternity leave to start is a VERY close second. She is due 4 weeks from Saturday! This pregnancy has flown by and I really don't see it slowing down anytime soon.

My tolerance must be down...

2010-02-20T22:36:00.000-08:00

Day 1 of Caleb's mini-tour and I already miss him...

Guess I've been pretty spoiled having him home for the last 2 months!

At least it is a short one- only a week this time.

I think my melancholy is also due to not getting enough sleep last night.

I'm sure I'll feel much better tomorrow.

He played at an Indian reservation tonight. I hope he finds a cool pair of moccassins for the baby!

Genius Shopper Part 2

2010-02-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

Today I stumbled upon a great deal! I had received an email from B.R.us saying they were offering free shipping today only and thought... we should really take advantage of this to buy our dresser for the baby. I went online and even though I'd picked one out in the past from there, nothing today was catching my eye. Still, free shipping is a good deal on something as heavy as a dresser, so I didn't quite want to give it up yet. We had talked about looking at the unpainted furniture store down the street from our place, so I decided that I'd run check there really quick to make sure there wasn't something better, before settling on one online. The unpainted furniture store is right next door to a baby store that I'd already looked at and written off as way too expensive. But as I passed by there today, I noticed that they had some discounted pieces on the sidewalk out front. LO AND BEHOLD- the most perfect dresser was right there, marked 50% off. It was everything I wanted for her dresser: dark colored wood, drawers on the left/door with shelves on the right, flat top where we can put a changer AND it was some things I didn't know that I wanted: silver knobs, smooth sloping lines (rather than a box with drawers), 2 small top drawers instead of a 3rd bigger one and SOLID WOOD. With the discount, it ended up being the same price as the lower quality model I'd nearly bought online from Target a week or so ago since tax and shipping was factored into that. CB loaded it up in the van, drove it home, his friends that are visiting helped carry it up the stairs and I filled it with her things this afternoon.

I'm just slightly jealous of her fancy dresser (CB and I have the Ikea style that look like boxes with drawers), but I'm glad she has such a nice piece of furniture (and I'm going to make her use it forever). Here's a picture of the dresser I took from the website. There is a matching crib but we're probably not going to get that until we move to a bigger place.

Which style dresser and which car seat/stroller have been 2 of the biggest decisions we've had to make with picking out "her gear". I've been looking online and changing my mind back and forth since October. It is such a relief to have those decisions made and carried out... not to mention 2 big checkmarks on our 3 page to-do list (typed!).

PS- And good thing about the genius shopper part... because we spent A LOT of money this weekend! Oh well... doing our part for the economy right?

I am pretty much a genius shopper...

2010-02-13T23:26:00.001-08:00

That is what I came up with earlier.

A week ago, we got an ad in the mail from Babies R Us saying that if you bring in your used baby items (car seat, stroller, playpen, high chair or bassinet), you can get 25% off a new item (in certain categories/brands). Here I am thinking... I don't have any used big ticket type baby items. How can I take part in this great deal? So yesterday, I started looking at Craigslist- thinking if I could get a cheap something I could trade it in for our travel system. I didn't see anything super cheap on craigslist or not convenient enough to go get. I drove "the long way" to babies r us this morning to pass by as many yard sales as possible to see what I could find. I thought I hit the motherload when I saw a yard sale with 2 car seats and a bassinet. But they were in pretty good shape and nice brands and priced at $50 and $60~ not going to work for my $55 discount. I run into the thrift store and there it is~ a pink dingy car seat priced at $10.99. Woohoo! Standing in line for the cash register I see that Saturday is 30% off used item day!!!! Meaning I got the car seat for $7.70! Sweet! So for my 15 minutes of searching and my $7.70 investment, I saved $55!!

Here it is in all it's glory, our new travel system...

Since the box was kind of heavy and bulky, I got it up the stairs (Caleb was out of town for the day) by opening the box and taking it up the stairs piece by piece. I'm sure I looked hilarious. Once I got it up the stairs, I put it all back in the box- haha. Not quite ready to have it out and about yet, but it does feel responsible to have it. Maybe because having a car seat means we would be allowed to take her home from the hospital.

6 weeks from today is her due date. It's still going really fast.

FYI- Pregnancy = baby

2010-02-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had our maternity tour and pre-registration at the hospital. Right before we left, we walked by the postpartum nursery and saw a few of the new babes in their bassinets... and it hit us right then- Wow. We're going to go to the hospital some time in the next 6 weeks and when we leave, it will be with a baby. Funny that we reacted the exact same way in the same moment. It's getting very real.

The more items we check off our to-do list (it's 3 pages long- TYPED!) the more excited I get for her arrival. We did our 8 hour long all in 1 day birthing class on Sunday. I feel just a teensy bit more prepared for that part, I guess. My biggest job right now is to keep her in. Caleb is doing a mini tour from February 21- March 1st and she is NOT allowed out until he gets back. We have an ultrasound scheduled for a week from tomorrow, so hopefully that would indicate any complications that would throw a wrench in these plans before he leaves. (KNOCK ON WOOD) But I really feel like I have had a "by the book" pregnancy so far, so I figure I'll probably not have her until the week she's due.

I'll try to think of something else to write about for the next time... this is turning fast into a pregnancy blog... boring.

wow. just wow.

2010-01-31T18:11:00.000-08:00

So every now and then I've been setting up the laptop to take a pic of the belly to send to my mom so she can see how much the baby's (I've) grown...

I saw this one in the file from early on and couldn't remember how far along I was when it was taken. I was thinking 8-10 weeks or something. I just checked the date in the info from the pic... OCTOBER 16th! I was already 16 weeks pregnant!! So this is how much she grew in her first 16 weeks...

And this is how much she's grown in the 2nd 16 weeks...

here we are in all our bumpy glory.

8 weeks left. How much is she going to grow now?!?

It already feels like I can't get much bigger.

Another Wrap-Up

2010-01-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

This was a really busy week for me work wise. I put in more than 50 hours- yikes!

Here's a little run down of how it went:

Early Monday morning I had a production meeting for a new movie I'll be working on. It wraps 1 week before I intend to start my maternity leave, so it is really good timing. The movie is starring this guy. He wasn't at the meeting so I haven't seen him yet, but I will definitely be dropping by the set sometime, so it is in the works --I'll let you know how it goes down Sarah ;)

Then Tuesday, another early production meeting for this TV show that I work on.

I just finished reading scripts for episode 17 and 18 and I am definitely hooked.

Then Wednesday and Thursday were devoted to reshoots for this movie.

Wednesday casting and Thursday visiting the set.

Pretty much every available moment in the evenings of the last week have been spent catching up on Season 5 of this show. Man, I wish season 3 would've been that good, we would've never slipped away. We have the 2 part finale left and that is it. Excited for season 6!

Also on Wednesday, it was officially 2 months until this little girl's estimated arrival of March 27th. Which sounds like more than it is, because if you remember, one of those months is February... which is really a fake month of only 28 days (no offense February, but seriously)

I'm 32 weeks now and the other day I looked down, saw my stomach and thought, what?! I never imagined what this would be like. This is by far the most amazing, intimidating, miraculous, uncomfortable situation I've ever experienced.

The past few weeks I've had some REALLY random dreams... storms, horses, driving cars inside toy store/restaurants, killing zombies, setting zombies ghost ladies free (that one was after watching Coraline... definitely a direct reaction). I had the most saddest dream that the baby was born and they told me she had died (in hindsight, I saw her and she was not dead, she had her eyes open and opened her mouth and looked at me- but that's what they told me) I woke up and sobbed for probably 5 minutes while Caleb just held me and assured me that it was just a dream, but it was just soo sad anyway. I dreamed that she was a hispanic baby with tan skin and brown hair. I dreamed last night that she was a boy baby (but fair skin and hair and eyes again). Crazy crazy crazy dreams. I've always had vivid crazy dreams (even night terrors as a kid), but now seriously weird and a lot more often.

This is what I know about her:

She gets a lot of hiccups. And she likes James Taylor. And she does not have a name.

Our next ultrasound is 3 weeks from yesterday. I'm excited to see her again.

The Betty Draper Evening Gala Gown GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-01-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

The Betty Draper Evening Gala Gown GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

I don't think I'd have a real occasion to wear this style dress... but if I were to win it- I'd totally have Makaya take pics of me in it and they'd be awesome! Plus I love Mad Men!!

To Move or Not to Move

2010-01-09T23:50:00.000-08:00

Currently this is what we keep going back and forth on. But today we decided... not to move. Well, unless we find the perfect place. We saw 5 different apartments today and realized that we either encounter a great (small) building/neighborhood with a crappy apartment, or a great apartment in a crappy building. I don't want to live in a building that looks like a hotel or nursing home! So we're staying put for now. I like our apartment, even with it's shortcomings. This is the longest I've lived in one place since I moved out of my mom's house 10 years ago- it feels like home now. The stairs up to our landing really suck, it's only 1 bedroom, the layout isn't ideal for once the baby becomes mobile, and the parking spot is ridiculous (I'm almost too big to get out of the car now when I drive- that's how close we have to park to the wall), but it is ours and it is pretty reasonable rent. And a huge thing for me- I'm comfortable here. Whenever CB has to leave for touring, I feel safe. So we're staying put... and keeping one eye open looking for the perfect next place for our little family. After all, she'll be in our room the first few months anyway, so the way I see it, we could be fairly comfy here for the next 6-7 months (and that is a lot of extra rent money we'd save). Which means we have a long time to be picky. We don't want to settle (at least not at this point) and I think that eventually the right place will find us.

The end of 09- Time for a wrap up!

2009-12-31T20:48:00.000-08:00

****I had to break up these posts, because I find blogger to be really hard to use with more than 6 images in a post. I get really impatient with it and having to move them one by one.

We just got home from visiting family in Illinois and yes, I did say "WE"! Caleb's back! Woohoo! After an entire 4 weeks apart- our longest yet, we were finally reunited. And of course, because there is travel involved, and it is us... there was of course a snag.

I flew in to St Louis Thursday (Dec 17th) late at night, landing just after midnight and set to stay with my dad. Caleb was to land in Chicago the next afternoon and then drive the 5 hours to Carbondale to meet up with me. He lands and all is well... except the car they're driving in breaks down on the side of the highway in Chicago! After an hour of calling rental car places, we discover that no one will rent a car for a one way trip. Boo. He ended up having to take the Amtrak the next morning arriving about 18 hours later than expected. But we were FINALLY back together! He did have quite a bit of jet lag and ended up falling asleep at 6pm that night and waking me up at 4 in the morning though! But I missed him so much I didn't care at all! He was surprised to see how big the baby had gotten and felt her kick for like an hour in the middle of the night.

While I was in Illinois, Makaya and I ran out for a quick last minute photo session for some maternity pics. I can't wait to see them and will post them here or link to them when I can.

We both ended up catching colds. I'm just almost over mine now.

We then both ended up catching the stomach flu- luckily it was 24 hour variety, but unluckily- CB came down with it on the way to the airport before our 7am flight. He threw up in the backseat of my dad's car, so we called Southwest- cancelled our tickets and rescheduled for the next morning. We went back to my dad's and spent the day hanging out (on opposite sides of the room, since I was still trying to not get sick) and watching Food Network. At about 10pm and an entire day of quarantine, I threw up too. So we got back on the phone with the airline and rescheduled our tickets for a few hours later in the day, cause there was no way I was going to get up at 4:30am not knowing if I was still sick. Love that Southwest doesn't charge fees- just makes you pay the fare difference. By that time, we had already paid the max, so no additional fare for the 2nd change. But it did mean that our boarding order was reset to the C group. Boo. We had been in the A group. She said we could pay $15 to upgrade the ticket the next day to business class to board first. We woke up feeling pretty good, so we decided to make the flight. BUT when we got there, she couldn't upgrade one ticket to business class. I mentioned that I was 6 months pregnant and not wanting to sit separate and the lady said they'd let us pre-board- Just like that! Woohoo! We got seats together for both flights. I felt a little bit guilty about pre-boarding, but considering all that we'd been through the last couple days, I decided to get over that guilt. I guess pregnancy is considered enough of a disability to allow for pre-board.

We finally make it home and at some point, checked our bank statement to see the holiday damage and start planning our maternity leave budget... We then discovered that someone had gotten my debit card number and charged 14 different purchases at various gas stations in Southern California for around $75 each!!! We got had for $1049 total! After about 30 minutes on the phone, Caleb got the ball running on getting the money back and I faxed in the affidavit saying they were fraudulent charges and we hopefully should get the money back in a few weeks. Bummer, but it was money we were saving for my maternity leave anyway, so as long as we have it back by the time she's born, I'll be okay with that.

All in all it was a great trip home (pictures follow in the next few posts).

We had an amazing 2009. The band had a lot of awesome opportunities- which also meant that he was gone a lot though. I was top booker at work- casting about 22,000 people- I wonder if that is a record. haha We also had some sad times in 2009- both of us having a grandmother pass away in August.

Looking forward to an amazing and life changing 2010. Our baby girl will shake things up in a way I don't think either of us can even fathom yet. I'm also really looking forward to taking some time off work when she comes. The band will be releasing their first full-length album in the late Spring, which we will be awesome too.

Happy New Year everyone!!

2009-12-31T20:45:00.000-08:00

Illinois Baby shower pics

Mini Cupcakes made by my mom

The decorations-- wish the color exposure was better, but they were shades of pink and ornaments hanging from the ceiling over the table set with china and tea cups.

The hostesses - Makaya and Harmony

My mom with her tea cup.

Being a tea party, everyone had to wear hats,

and my mom was a very good sport to wear a flower on her head :)

My niece Stella (no longer will be the only girl! yay!)

Caleb's sister Rachel and me seated at the table

Me and my friend Shaina who I haven't seen since I moved here.

She knew me before I started dating Caleb and there aren't many who can say that anymore.

My brother's wife, Annie and I- bump to bump (She's due in May)

Wish I'd thought to hold my dress in a little under the stomach so I didn't look so huge. haha!

2009-12-31T19:53:00.000-08:00

My family's Christmas Eve tradition is to hang all our stockings,

pose for a family picture and then each open one gift.

Thomas started us off...

Tom helping Thomas

(I didn't actually get one of Tom with his own stocking)

Then Me...

I told CB that my arm looked fat in this picture- so he retook it...

And this is how he "fixed" it- by cutting my arm completely off

Steven's turn

Then CB

And Annie

Here are our group pics

Our dog, Joby, stood up

and walked into the picture. haha

Then Christmas morning, we open our gifts under Mom's tree and head up to St Louis to visit with family. We spend a couple hours with my mom's side of the family, then go to meet up with my Dad's side.

Aunt Mona, Aunt Marcia and my Mom

Opening up all the presents- haha

My Dad has decided to try his hand at hockey again-

He was a goalie when he played in college. The day after Christmas he put his gear on, we headed down into the basement of his new house and took turns taking shots at him :)

CB's turn

Never was one to let the boys have all the fun.

It snowed off and on the whole time we were in the midwest.

This day the snowflakes were really big, but they didn't photograph very well at all.

I was FREEZING without my coat on. Brrrrr.

2009-12-31T19:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas with CB's side of the family

Stella, me and Rachel posing on Christmas Eve

"Family picture"

CB was a really good sport and posed for a few pictures

even though he was still getting over a nasty cold.

The annual group photo... constantly growing

I didn't want to post a lot of early morning Christmas pictures with everyone's bed head and pjs... but kids are fair game.

Here is Levi standing in front of the huge stack of gifts.

Stella had the best reaction

CB and Ashton got cool presents from Harmony-

these shirts have a detachable amp and really play music.

Every year we make gingerbread houses out of graham crackers, icing and candy.

Caleb's are pretty much always a master creation. This year, Mason asked him to make a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse- here's the work in progress.

And the finished product

2009-12-31T17:08:00.000-08:00

Jasper turns two!

We then had a birthday party for Ashton's son Jasper.

Of course there were party games-

Levi and Jasper playing Hot Potato

Stella helps Levi pass

Mason and Oliver

The game is played until someone starts licking the potato... haha

What's a party without dancing? :)

We danced to Christmas songs and Miley Cyrus of course

Jasper opening presents in his new Toy Story saucer chair

Sampling

Make a wish buddy!

And finally, because we got a new camera to play with... here's a little photo shoot of Jasper

Lots of pictures, but there were sooo many good ones, and I want to make sure the family gets to see them all

2009-12-31T16:49:00.000-08:00

Candy Cane Hunt

The next day was Monday and CB's family decided to do a "candy cane hunt" on their family's property. This involved a snow trail (fake snow) with candy canes hidden in the path and in the branches of the bushes nearby. The trail led up to a big banner of Frosty with Snowballs for a treat.

Assembling all the kids for a photo and pep talk is a tricky thing!

Harper (the youngest- until ours arrives)

love that single leftover tear. So sweet

The hunt begins- Jasper, Ollie and Levi (face hidden under the hat) carry their stockings to fill with the candy canes

Stella mid hunt

Stella and Mason spying Frosty at the end of the trail

Frosty and his snowball treats

CB eating a snowball

The Milk and Honey Maternity Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-12-31T14:53:00.000-08:00

The Milk and Honey Maternity Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Rather Uncomfortable...

2009-12-11T23:44:00.000-08:00

Do you think I could remove my bottom ribs? I'm starting to get incredibly uncomfortable. I'm just now almost 6 months pregnant and getting really claustrophobic thinking about the next 3 1/2 months and how much worse they are probably going to feel. I'll be sitting at my desk at work and will just start feeling like all my insides are being pushed into my lower ribs. I don't really want my ribs to expand (they haven't yet, but I hear they do)... but it is really suffocating to feel like there isn't enough room in there for both the baby and my vital organs. And I'm sure that this isn't really that bad yet-- ultimately the thing that freaks me out the most. If anyone wants to comment that the last three months actually get better/easier/more comfortable,etc- that's fine. I need to hear the lies.

Also started having the Braxton Hicks contractions (well, was just recently told that that's what was happening anyway)-- I think it freaked Caleb out a little bit when I told him over Ichat about it. But I assured him that they don't hurt and are just a clenching-ish type feeling and then my stomach feels super hard and are totally normal, etc etc... Poor guy, he's already worried about not being here with me, but now I tell him something that automatically makes him think - uh oh!

The number of people who have felt her kicks (besides CB and I of course) is now up to 5. I'm sure the number would be higher- if it wasn't a little weird to me still to have people press their hand to my stomach for up to 15 seconds at a time without moving it haha- because she really kicks so much. She's back to being the hulk baby.

And for the good news- One week from right now, Caleb will be back in the good ol' US and we'll be together. Hooray! This has been a LONG one. Today is 3 weeks since I've seen him. Add in the intense time zone differences, the spotty internet service, and the $1 a minute phone rates, and this has been the least we've communicated in the past 11 1/2 years... I'm doing pretty good though, considering everything. I haven't had a major cryfest breakdown, which I usually have at least one during his tours. I did have a few tears fall yesterday, but they weren't too bad. And considering the pregnancy hormones that make me cry during the Biggest Loser (ok, I admit- I cry during that anyway), I'm pretty proud of how good I've been :) I check weather.com everyday to make sure that St Louis and Chicago will have good enough weather and no flight delays to keep us apart. My Mom and Aunt Marcia are in town to visit me until Tuesday afternoon, so we have a busy weekend planned and they're going to help me get ready to fly home in less than a week. I am sure the time will fly by.

PS- He's in Scotland right now. That's so rad.

Holiday decorating

2009-12-08T22:34:00.000-08:00

I think the saying goes...

When life gives you dead oranges, make a Christmas Tree!

Or at least that's what it should be when dead orange tree is too heavy for you to lift out of the window and your mom is coming to visit...

Free shirt and kitty poo

2009-11-30T20:02:00.000-08:00

Who likes free stuff?

If you want to try for a free shirt I'm giving away on the hiphandmaids blog,

click here and leave a comment.

Thought it'd be funny to post a pic of me in the protective gear my mom sent me to protect the babe while cleaning the litter box. I feel like I'm on Dexter working a crime scene haha!

Here are some pics of the band and CB at their Thanksgiving show in the Netherlands. I got the pics off the internet, so I'm not sure who to credit the photos to.

Custom band shirts... I finished them the night before he left. :)

Random Musings...

2009-11-29T15:55:00.000-08:00

I've had lots of little thoughts lately, that aren't enough to post about, but just might make a enough of a post strung together. Here they are:

Caleb's in Germany today. I'm wishing I was there. I was an exchange student in Germany 10 years ago and haven't been back since. Next time I have to go.

Time Zones. Wow, it is really harder with such different time zones. Usually the biggest difference is east coast- west coast and he'll be finishing a show and going to bed right when I am, and it's perfect. But 9 HOURS different is crazy. He's going to bed and it's like 4 or 5pm here.

Sewing shirts. I've been sewing shirts like mad, preparing for the markets I'm selling in next week. I pulled out all my fabric the other night and was inspired and started cutting out sleeves from this fabric I had in my bin and I get about 3 shirts worth cut and realize... I cut into the fabric for our BEDROOM CURTAINS. oops. I dropped the scissors, ran into the bedroom with the tape measure and after measuring 3 times, realized phew, there is still plenty of fabric left for the curtains.

Housework. I'm totally not into it. I got really spoiled while Caleb was home for two months straight and with me being pregnant- Not having to clean the catbox or take out the trash. None of the dirty work. Luckily I have a face mask and gloves to protect me from the litter, but I will be way glad to hand those jobs back to him when he gets home.

Netflix watch it now. It's awesome. I've had the same movies sitting on top of my tv waiting to be mailed back for the last 3 weeks (something about taking them to a mailbox makes it so much harder to get done) but now that we can watch instantly online, I at least feel like I'm getting some of our money's worth.

TV seasons. What I am watching now is tv seasons. This is good, cause you can give them half attention- say like while sewing- and still be able to follow the story line. Also if you have a lot of alone time as I currently do, you can watch a marathon of them. I've almost finished watching Dexter Season 1.

Working Overtime. How much is our free time worth? I think about that often. Like ok, during my regular job, I make X amount of dollars per hour. And in an hour of work I think, ok, I just paid for a dinner out or I just made enough to buy a shirt or whatever. But then free time, hmmm... It makes sense that you should be paid time and a half (or more!) for cutting into your free time. It does seem more valuable. But why? Maybe because you've allotted yourself the 40 hours/week or the 8 hours/day to be at the office. I've been on call this weekend, and I had to work 7 hours yesterday and was really frustrated that I didn't get a lot of other stuff done because of it. But then afterward, I thought about what 7 hours of overtime would equal to and it didn't seem as big of a deal... Either way, I'll be glad when this weekend is over and I'm not on call anymore- Crazy to say that, I've never wanted a weekend to be over before. :)

TGIW !?!

2009-11-25T22:03:00.001-08:00

Yay for a 4 day weekend!

I am so excited to not go into the office tomorrow or Friday (Technically I'm on call and will have to work on Saturday and Sunday for a few hours, but at least it's not all day long). I have sooo much sewing and housework to do, it'll be nice to have a couple days at home to get stuff done! I may even brave the stores this weekend to try to get some names crossed off my list (anyone want to join me?)

In the past, I've posted a few times about my crazy travel stories... well Caleb and the band have officially topped most all of them in the last two days. This is what he told me last night: They were supposed to fly from the Chicago airport yesterday around noon to Atlanta where they would transfer to the flight to Amsterdam. They get to the airport with plenty of time and found that their flight was delayed about 30 minutes. Worried about the delay causing them to miss their connection, the airport lady switched them onto a direct flight on another airline. Nice, right? Well, no. Her supervisor came over and wouldn't allow it, because their luggage could no longer be removed from the original flight. So they were switched back to their original flight. Which has now started to board. They discover 2 things- 1. The delay was caused by a funny gas smell in the cabin which after being investigated, was found to be nothing problematic, except really smelly. and 2. They had been bumped to the end of the boarding line and by the time they got on, there was no overhead bin space available and so the 3rd guy, jon's saxophone had to be taken to the back of the plane. So at this point, they were delayed 30 minutes and would have roughly 40 minutes to board their next flight. But no.... at that moment Atlanta airport was blocking all departures and arrivals due to a computer glitch. So now, they are sitting on a plane in Chicago that smells like gas for an hour and a half, knowing that they will absolutely for sure miss their connection.

So they finally land, Ashton rushes off immediately to get in line to get a new flight for them, while CB and Jon wait for the plane to empty so they can get the saxophone from the back. Ashton gets them a flight through Copenhagen, he heads over there (a shuttle to a different terminal) and arrives right at the end of boarding. He lets them know that two more are on their way but they close the door anyway about 1 minute before CB and Jon arrive. Is that strike 3 then? So they get in the REALLY long line (if you can imagine that there is only 1 desk with 2 people serving everyone involved) and wait to get to the front. They are told (probably at least 1-2 hours after landing) that there is a possibility of flying standby through London in a couple hours. So they wait at the airport and when the flight time nears they go back to the desk. At some point in the last couple hours, the 10 spots that had been available have now been shrunken down to 2. The lady at the desk actually tried to make two of them fly the standby to London and leave the 3rd to wait until the next afternoon. How horrible is that? They explained that they are a band and can not travel separately (who would seriously ask someone to stay behind an entire day with a 9 hour flight involved?!) and right in front of them she called the next people and said- you lost your chance. Strike 4 then? And that was the last cross Atlantic possibility for the night, so they are given Delta airline t-shirts and toiletry kits (to make up for no luggage), some food, beverage, headphone, hotel and internet vouchers and sent away. How exhausting. Here's hoping the rest of the tour goes WAY better. It can only go up from there, right? Today's travels went off without a hitch and he should be landing in Amsterdam in about 2 hours.

Time for a Recap...

2009-11-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

So, I'm sitting at my desk at work, waiting for a call from the wardrobe dept of that movie I just started and figured it's time for a recap of what's been happening with us.

This last week was a lot of preparing for Caleb's trip. He left yesterday afternoon to head to Illinois. He's met up with Ashton to run the set a couple times, then will drive to Chicago tomorrow and fly out Tuesday to the Netherlands. I don't know all the places that this tour will take them, but I do know that they'll go to the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland (bet they'll wish I was there to speak German for them!), then Paris, London, Scotland. I think they might even be going to the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Wherever they end up going, it's an amazing opportunity and I'm really excited for them. Cross your fingers that they figure it all out, because they are renting a van and DRIVING themselves! Yep, once they get to the UK, they'll have to switch over to the other side of the road. Thank goodness for GPS, at least they won't have to rely on translating maps on their own.

So that means- I'm a single wife again. For 4 weeks. We'll meet back up in Illinois when I go home for Christmas and he flies in. I wonder if I'll be as big as a house next time I see him. I think I'll be about 6 months pregnant then. I'm very lucky that my mom will be flying in with my Aunt Marcia to visit me the final week of my lonely time. That will probably save me, because I know she'll help me get the apartment ready, pack and finish up Christmas presents and she's even going to take one of the suitcases home with her, so I will only have to lug one to the airport when I leave two days later. Not to mention just having a fun visit to look forward to helps a lot.

I sewed a new set of band shirts for the guys to take with them. CB left the last set at a club they played at in October in the back room and the original green set has been missing for awhile. I probably shouldn't keep making them shirts if they keep losing them... Well, either way, their saxophone guy is coming with, so they needed to have 3 matching anyway. This time I used some fabric I found on the $5/yard table at Michael Levine's. It was a pink and green striped fabric that has different width stripes all throughout it. Which turned out kind of neat when sewn up with the different pieces. I didn't get a picture before he left, so hopefully he'll take one eventually. For some reason, they turned out kind of smaller than the last ones (even with the same pattern...) so I hope they'll fit the other two guys. Otherwise, CB might just have 3 of the same.

I went and saw New Moon last night with a couple of friends. It was (in my opinion) much better than the 1st one. The first one I thought of as a long inside joke, but this one was actually more like a real legitimate movie. Not an Oscar winner for sure. But not nearly as comedic. Also just want to say- Thank goodness they cut Jacob's hair. Ick. That wig was nasty.

Thursday was the finale for Project Runway... AND GUESS WHAT?!?! The girl I voted for WON! YAY!!! She wasn't always the nicest, but she did produce some great clothes. So much better after last year- when I was the 2nd person out in our contest. 3 of us voted for her, so that means that we will split the prize three ways. This means that I will win a lot of fabric. I haven't seen the prize fabric yet, but I bet there are some great stuff in there. Maybe I'll even be able to make a quilt for baby girl with some of it.

On that note... We still do NOT have a name for her. We do have a couple of front runners, maybe I'll reveal them at some point, but we've kind of tabled the "naming process" until Caleb gets back from Europe. He's a one thing at a time to worry about kind of guy, so unless I wanted to name her Paris or London, he was not going to be very helpful this last few weeks.

I am very into my annual Christmas movie watching. I pretty much watch movies all weekend long (especially while I'm sewing- which I'm doing a lot of prepping for these holiday markets and making Christmas presents). I've already watched Home Alone 3 times and the Family Stone 2 times. I have some others in my personal collection, but was thinking of filling up my netflix queue with just holiday movies. Anyone have any suggestions for good ones?

Welcome Christmas...

2009-11-15T23:04:00.000-08:00

Fah who for-aze! Dah who dor-aze!

Welcome Christmas, Come this way!

To kick off the Christmas season, we went to see the Grinch musical this evening. It was pretty good, but nowhere near the original cartoon (which I watch at least twice every year). I wish I had been able to take some pictures of the stage, but CB was worried that the ushers would bust us, so I left the camera in my purse.

This weekend really went by way too fast... Not only will I have a busy week at work (starting a new movie and booking a big wedding scene on another show) but when it's over, CB'll be heading off for his Europe tour. Yep, this Saturday he'll head off to Illinois to meet up with Ashton, get in a little practice, and then fly over to Amsterdam to start the tour. They have 18 shows lined up in more than 8 different countries in about 3 1/2 weeks. The pregnant part of me wants to say- sounds exhausting. The jealous part of me (the part stuck here at work) wants to say- sounds exciting. It'll be a long 4 weeks until we meet back up in Illinois the week before Christmas. I've definitely been spoiled having him home the last two months!

Aunty Ollie $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

Aunty Ollie $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Very cute stuff!! Fingers crossed that I win! :)

Going to the Market

2009-11-06T19:33:00.000-08:00

So I'm really really nervous tonight! My talented and uber-creative friend Mari and I are participating in a market tomorrow called Bijou Market. It is in a town in Utah- so I'm obviously not going to go. This is the first time I've been involved in something like this. I only have 2 designs in this market. But I'm still SOOO nervous that no one will like my shirts and I will not sell even 1!! But I guess we'll know tomorrow.

Next month, (Dec 5) we are participating in another 2 markets- another in Utah and one here in Burbank! The one in Burbank is called Hip Handmaids, and my friends Kate and Michelle are organizing and running it- which is amazing. There is a blog for Hip Handmaids where they feature the vendors and do giveaways. Check it out this weekend for a yummy giveaway! Also a good place to get ideas for Christmas shopping etc. Hope if you're around you'll come out to the show!

And just to put a good ending on yesterday's no good very bad day- Caleb felt the baby kick last night for the first time. It was probably just really good timing, but I like to think she was performing for him. Within about 10 seconds of putting his hand there, sure enough she kicked hard enough for him to feel it! And boy was he skeptical beforehand, but his eyes opened up wide and he gasped. Very cool. Good girl. :)

The No Good Very Bad Day

2009-11-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

Well, it could have been worse (obviously) and already being at home and relaxing, it's looking up already. But...

I had a dentist appointment. And I have a cavity. This whole being pregnant makes me barf while brushing my teeth, so I rush through it while gagging the whole time thing has finally caught up to me I guess. It isn't a huge one- since it doesn't hurt or anything, but I have to wait 6 months to deal with it, so I'm going to try to give up soda and sugary candy for the most part and try my very best to keep it from getting worse.

I had to work with pretty much one of the most loathed clients ever today (I only have 2 on my list really). But this one. Wooo boy. Awful. Can't admit she's wrong about anything. Asked me for the name of the "referee" that worked on a specific day and when I gave her the name of the only one listed- she insisted htat wasn't him and there was another one. Nope, there isn't. Flash to hours later and we figure out that she needs one of the "coaches" back. When I figure this out and email her back, her reply was that FYI- in our world a ref and coach are the same thing and then basically commented that I should have just told her, blah blah blah... HELLO?!!? No they are not the same thing! Grrrr. This seems like something that isn't a big deal but the history with this person- is that she is never wrong and everyone else is an idiot for not automatically knowing. What takes 1 hour to finish for anyone else, takes 5 hours for her. But at least I am just covering for someone on vacation and this is only temporary.

Then just as I am finishing up, I call Caleb to tell him I'm headed home. He's just found out that the airline that they are flying to Europe for their tour charges tons of extra fees for 1st and 2nd checked bags and since they have to bring lots of their equipment, guitars, etc. They will rack up at least an additional $130 each for baggage. He was already stressing about this tour, so that just adds to it, huh?

Lastly (hopefully), I'm pulling into our parking spot and my headlights hit... well, they hit where his bike is supposed to be. His bike was STOLEN! I almost didn't want to tell him. His bike that he had tinkered with and sanded and painted and adjusted and enhanced until it was just perfectly what he wanted. STOLEN! Jerks. They left my bike. They left our dumb wake boards. Seriously?! Who steals a bike with a kryptonite lock on it!?! Jerks.

We're going to just going to stay in and eat frozen pizza and then hide under the covers and hope that tomorrow will be another day and a better one :)

She does exist!

2009-11-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

Here she is.

We are 95% sure that we have a baby girl in there.

And now that it's been confirmed (95% at least) I can say- I knew it!

I had 3 dreams that I had a baby girl- and the most recent one was of our ultrasound appointment. The Doctor had said "I don't see a weiner, so it's a girl!" and I had said back to him- "Well, I already knew that." Plus, my overall feeling when I think of her was, you are a girl. I'd refer to her as "she" so often, that Caleb started calling her Caleb Jr, just to balance it out a bit.

All in all she is a healthy little baby. She has a heart with four chambers that is functioning appropriately. (They even color coded and showed us the blood pumping through) She has a stomach and kidneys and arms and legs and feet and hands all where is appropriate. We are so lucky.

So this picture is of her little face. And her big belly.

And then she arched her head back and we got this little profile with mouth and chin too!

And this one makes me nervous. Here she is facing the camera- head is now on the right (She was doing flips and twists and turns the whole time!)

She looks like a puppy or a jack-o-lantern to me in this one. I am guessing that what I think are puppy ears are actually her arms up by her head, but who knows.

The rest of the details that I can remember- She is about 11 oz. She is normal sized.

They did not change her due date.

Now off to break this spending slump I've been in!

I'm up.

2009-11-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well, this whole time change thing has messed my schedule. My alarm is set for 8am, and I think I woke up at 6:45 and finally gave up and got out of bed at 7:15.

Today is our ultrasound. I'm mostly excited and a little anxious about it. I'm 19 weeks now, and as long as our baby is in a showy mood, we should find out today if it is a boy or a girl. It's in the afternoon and before I get to do that, I have a meeting with a director of a new movie I'm working on. I read the script last night, and hmmmm, I'm definitely too old for this movie. I think it's geared towards 9 year olds?? The only thing I'm worried about is that I'm a super honest person, and I will have to tighten my filter for this meeting and not say something like- Worst script ever!

Today is also my official start to the holiday season! (Even though I technically watched 2 Christmas movies last weekend...haha) Yay! I'm really excited for the holidays, although, they can last as long as possible! (I feel like time is flying by! I could really use as much time as possible to get ready- particularly these next couple weeks before CB leaves for his Europe tour.)

Speaking of Caleb's band... they've been soooo busy the last few weeks. They spent a week rehearsing, a week in the studio, a week mixing, but now their CD is close to being finished- well, maybe wishful thinking, I am sure there is tons more to do on it before it goes to mastering. It will release in the Spring sometime after the baby is born (hopefully at least a month- haha- since that means a tour to support the release will follow)

I went and visited them in the studio one night while they were recording and snapped this funny picture of Caleb at the mic. Doesn't it look like he's singing "Heal the World" or something like that?

Alright, alright. He wasn't singing here- It was posed... but see- that's how honest I am... I'm totally screwed for this meeting. :)

One more thing...

2009-10-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

CB comes home today YAY!

(I really got used to him being home again- so I miss him already.

My tolerance must be down for band tours!)

Anyway, one of the last things he asked me before he left was to put away the clean clothes we had just washed. Well nothing like waiting until the last minute, but I finally put them away this morning. Yes, I'm a procrastinator, but it also has a lot to do with the long hours at work lately. When I get home, I just feel like eating and sitting on the couch. I find that I am much more motivated in daylight hours!

So I was inspired to reorganize my closet-- get rid of the clothes that no longer fit me and more specifically probably won't want to wear once they will again. I finally separated CB's clothes from mine again and got them back in the order I prefer:

Organized by sleeve length and color.

This is the only thing I took out of the experience of working retail for 6 months in college.

I also discovered I have a lot of black short sleeve tops- like 10.

Next step- getting matching hangers, so that everything is uniform. haha

I probably should've smoothed some shirts so that it looked better before taking the pic. :)

Good things this week

2009-10-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

I got a new laptop and learned how to Video Chat.

I was able to talk to Caleb (who's in Illinois this week), my brother, his wife and my nephew.

My sister in law, Rachel and CB's mom - I even sang Happy Birthday to CB when he blew out the candles of his early birthday cake they had for him. His birthday is Monday.

Video Chat will definitely save me from going insane when he tours Europe next month.

I felt the baby move this week for the first time.

I wasn't sure at first, but after a few days of consistent moving- I am now.

Yep, there's a baby in there!

My office surprised us with PIE on Thursday.

I filled my plate with (small) portions of french apple, chocolate french silk, and key lime!

I'm a big fan of pie. Yum.

My girl (Irina) is still in the running for Project Runway.

If she lasts the longest, myself and 2 other girls that voted for her win the big prize of fabric!

I think she has a really good shot. Cross your fingers!

Playing Catch up

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

Wow, how quickly a month goes.

I'm not sure I can remember all the stuff that has happened in a month- so I'll start at this week and try to work my way back.

I'm 16 weeks pregnant now. I think that I woke up with a tiny baby bump yesterday, because it never went away all day and is in fact, still with me today - unlike the sporadic "food bump" I've been sporting the past couple weeks- you know, the one that isn't there when I wake up, but gets a bit bigger after lunch. The one that everyone at work reaches out to touch, and I say- "that's a not a baby, that's a sandwich. The baby is hiding somewhere else"- it's supposed to be the size of an apple or orange or softball, depending on what book or website, and I can't figure out where the heck that could be hiding in there.

We made our "fancy" ultrasound appointment that we should hopefully find out boy/girl at.

November 2nd which is 3 weeks from today.

I made the appointment in the afternoon (which is not as convenient with my work, but i just couldn't rationalize waiting until the next morning which would probably be a little easier for work- I seriously sat there and thought- I'd have to wait an additional 18 hours. Um, No way! It'll be my lunch break, right?)

I do not know what makes this one "fancy." All I know is the doctor said that everyone's insurance get's them one fancy one and we have to go across the street to the hospital for it.

Last pregnancy comment- My doctor told me at my last appointment, to stop sleeping/laying on my back (which according to my reading is a little early, but now I'm almost there anyway)

I'm so bummed on this one. I wake up in the night and can't get comfortable on my side. So I flip, nope. Back to the middle. Augh, can't lay on my back. Switch to the side. I've never been a tosser or turner before. I feel like I was hit by a truck this morning. My back is so sore. Ok, that's all the whining I'll do (at least pregnancy related)

These past few weeks were very very busy for me at work. I have less projects than usual, but one of them is particularly demanding. I will not name the project- I'd probably be breaking confidentiality agreements in some way, but I think most people know what tv shows I'm working on right now anyway. So they're shooting two episodes at once, and both episodes involve travel to Asia. Let me just tell you, in the extra's casting world- Asian men and women - especially if you try to get a specific ethnicity, for example Japanese- are among the most challenging groups to book on any day. Well, last week and this upcoming week, I've had to book Airports and street and restaurant scenes, and have needed about 400 so far. Crazy!

Outside of work and pregnancy stuff, my friend Mari and I are participating in a few craft sales with our shirts. We went downtown to the wholesale marts and bought shirts and tanks to use. I thought it was a cool experience- going into the big warehouse like shops and picking out the right cut, color and fabrics of the shirts we wanted. But now comes the hard part- actually making them. Our first show is in early November

but we need to have the inventory done by the end of October. Lucky for me (looking on the brightside here) Caleb is going to be out of town for a few days and then busy with recording their first full length CD when he gets back for the next few weeks. So I should have plenty of time to work on the shirts. I got my serger repaired and just have to take it out of the plastic and start going!

Also, I was contacted by a lady with a boutique in Canada who was interested in wholesaling my bowties. She needed them quickly, so we started with a small order- thankfully- because I'm not sure I ever want to make a bowtie again after that mad rush to get them there. Plus shipping to Canada is PRICEY! woah. Who'd have thought? Anyway, Makaya took some more pictures for me, so hopefully pretty soon, I'll get some more up in the store. And because wordy posts with no pictures are boring, here's a sneak peak of adorable Ollie.

If I give birth to a smurf...

2009-09-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

It may be because while dyeing some clothes today... my gloves leaked a little today and my fingertips are all blue.

oops.

I also am able to recommend not taking on a project such as dyeing fabric with no paper towels in the house- I have blue grout in the kitchen tile floor now. Hopefully Mr Clean Magic Eraser will work his magic once more!

It all started with a corn...

2009-09-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

If anyone has checked out my sister-in-law's photography site, you may be aware that she does a series called "Fruit of the Womb". In August, while we were home, Caleb and I participated in our first session with her and a piece of corn.

Yep, I'm pregnant. Due March 27, 2010

The corn pics were 3 1/2 weeks ago and this ultrasound was from 2 weeks ago.

We went again yesterday to the doctor and the little baby doubled in size! Woah. Not only that but she (he) was moving her little arm and kicking her feet. I was kind of freaked out, but also very touched. We also could see the heart fluttering in her (his) chest. But we didn't get a new picture this time. Bummer!

And for fun, here's another pic of us. This is what Caleb would look like without a moustache! haha Thanks Kaya! Also, another one of the shirts I'd made.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TWINS!!!

Harmony and Makaya are 29 today! Love you guys!

Ollie turns 2!!!

2009-08-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

Another Belated Birthday Post

(Sorry Ollie, it's been a crazy week)

Happy 2nd Birthday to you!

One of the best models I've ever had.
You and Paul Simon sure know how to sport a bowtie!
I love those big eyes and soft curls.

Little brother and Big Brother all at the same time.

Obviously I must credit Makaya with taking these amazing photos.

Playing Catch-up!

2009-08-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Alright, now that Caleb is finally back home- it is definitely time to play catch-up and get some posts up that are past due. Here are the pictures and recap of my trip to Dallas and the show I caught while there. This was about 1 week into the tour.

Front row tickets!

Ashton and Levi messing around in the dressing room before the show-

It was one of the smaller ones, but they had their own bathroom, which was nice.

The three brothers

Makaya used one of the all access passes to take pictures of the show.

How awesome is this!?

Rocking out...

And Again...

Ashton on drums

For a couple of songs, they are joined onstage by their friend John, who went on this tour with them as an additional driver and special guest musician. He plays the flute for a song, and then the saxophone as well. Caleb got the headress at the Indian reservation they visited in Arizona or New Mexico a couple days before. A lot of their songs are either about space or Native American culture... so it is very fitting.

Close up of John

The whole crazy bunch of us hanging out backstage

And since a few of my friends requested that I post a pic or something to show the shirts I made (one which I'm wearing in these pics above, but unfortunately- don't model it well) here you go

a little sneak peak-

My friend Mari had a brilliant idea to collaborate with me on an adult women's clothing line. We had a lunch with our inspiration books, set a deadline to have a few pieces done and started sewing. This is one of the first tops I did. Mari's are awesome as well, but I'll wait until we have more to show to do any additional unveiling. Mari has a friend, Christine Olson, who is an amazing photographer and she had already scheduled a session with her for her new necklace line. So we sent our tops and here are a couple pics of the one I'm wearing above.

Remembering Our Queen Mum

2009-08-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, my grandmother passed away. I was lucky enough to have just visited with her a couple days during my trip to the midwest the week before. So with a heavy heart, I quickly made plane reservations, turned around and went back to be with my family for the services.

The weekend was full of hugs, tears, laughter, more tears and wonderful memories. The pastor gave the opportunity to share some words and memories with everyone and although so many things ran through my head, I just wasn't in a state to share them at the time. But I wanted to express them, so here are the glimpses of rembrances that I will always hold in my heart.

Going to Grandma's suitcases. Tire Swings. Daffodils. Climbing trees. Playing scales on the piano. Hanging sheets on a clothes line. The Lord's Prayer. Monkey Bread. Breezeways.

Steak and Shake and the little creamer cups filled with tiny amounts of coffee. Ice cream trucks. Cold glasses of water in the refridgerator. Psalm 23. Twisty straws. Teeny Jello Molds. The most amazing handmade doll house. Dresser Drawers. Tissues. Little lipstick cases. Holiday dinners in the basement. Tiny dog ornaments. Putting on eyebrows. Clap On Lights. Stuffed Lion.

So many memories from my childhood, just glimpses. I will see her in so much of the world around me. And my memories are just a small part of her 91 year life. She had a fascinating life and saw so many amazing changes come to this world.

In the last few years, as her health started failing, she became more of a quiet observer at all our family events. She was always a people watcher, but I imagine her kids and grandkids were her favorite to watch. I liked to think of her as our very own Queen Mum, keeping a watchful eye over us all.

Although I knew somewhere in my head that this day would eventually come, I guess my heart would never fully be prepared for the loss of our Queen Mum, my beloved Grandmother. You were so loved by all who knew you and will be missed.

Travel Story

2009-07-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

It seems like my journeys to meet up with Caleb on tour are always blogworthy. If you've forgotten May's excursion in the brown limo, you can find it here.

A little background info before the story- I worked late Friday night, got home around 9:45, ate dinner, did the dishes, packed my suitcase and finally settled in for bed around 11:45 am, setting my phone alarm for 4:50. I had a 7am flight and thought, if I'm out the door by 5:20ish, I'll be set.

I wake up to my phone alarm- ah, geez time to wake up already!?- I notice that Caleb had sent me a text in the middle of the night, then go jump in the shower. I don't reply, because he would obviously be sleeping. He often texts me when they get to the hotel, so I know he made it safe.

I jump in the shower... I shave my legs, I wash my hair. I get out of the shower, less sleepy than before. My plan is to put in my contacts and do my makeup on the plane after I'd slept for awhile... But I am going to a concert tonight, I am seeing my husband for the first time in a week. So I decide to straighten my hair. I check the time on my phone. 14 minutes after the hour. I have about 6 minutes before my allotted leave time. Yikes, got to move fast. I start blowdrying. I finish fairly quickly, but know that there is no way I'll leave right at 5:20, I start to think 5:30 won't be bad. I could still make it ok if I left at 5:30... Obviously no traffic. I go to work with the straightener. I get my hair pretty straight and then all of a sudden my mind goes clear. I got to hit the road. I zip up my bag, throw the rest of my makeup and stuff in my purse, yell a goodbye to the cats and head out the door. When I'm almost to the stairs, my heart starts racing, I haven't check the clock in awhile, I don't know how long it took my to straighten my hair- what if there is a problem at the parking structure? What if the shuttles are late? I could miss my flight. I start to get really stressed out. Even though it is pitch black, I'm racing down the stairs. I round the corner, throw my suitcase in the back, get in the front seat, hit the garage opener, start the car... not wanting to see how late it is. The whole time saying, Please God, don't let me be late, over and over again. The radio station is showing instead of the time on the clock. Delaying the inevitable- I think I wanted to feel like I was on my way, before I checked to see how late I was... I start to back out- but then I hit the button to switch to the time. 1:36. Huh? I think, did the battery die? How'd the clock get reset? I get out my phone. yep, 1:36am. What?!?! I pull back forward. I stop the car, grab my purse and exit the car. How am I 4 HOURS EARLY? Didn't my alarm go off? No, it's still set. I check the time of the message for CB. 12:57am. Yep, sounds about right. In my exhaustion of waking up and the stress of the trip, I had convinced myself that my ALARM had gone off, instead of just the single beep, beep,beep of a text message. WHAT?!?! I got completely ready. I shaved my legs. Washed my hair. Blew out and straightened my hair. CHECKED THE TIME. all on just one hour of sleep and 4 hours early!!!!!! I trudged back up the stairs and got back in my pjs. Got back in bed and wished for sleep. Although, now that I was completely ready, I reset my alarm for 5:10... might as well get an extra 20 minutes, huh?! Crazy!

Wish I were there...

2009-07-19T21:06:00.001-07:00

My husband, the rock star

Tonight was the first night of the tour we're calling

"The Arena Rock Tour"

Thanks to Rachel for taking some pics and to Harmony for letting me steal them off your blog.

Caleb called me before the show from the locker room of the Utah Jazz. crazy

Almost feels like you're there, huh? haha

In case you couldn't tell how HUGE this place is in the previous picture. Wow.

Less than a week before I get to see them in Dallas. Woohoo!

Updates and Belated Birthdays

2009-07-01T19:59:00.001-07:00

I've been pretty swamped at work the past few weeks and so I haven't had much time to update on my blog. Don't let my boss know, but I do my best blogging at the office. Just kidding ;) Caleb is visiting in Illinois working on writing the new album, so I have the place to myself for a couple more days. When he gets back, we're going to paint our bedroom and living room and do a minor redecorate! I'm pretty excited. We rarely redecorate because we usually move first, but being here for a few years- I'm ready to mix some things up!

Since my blogging has taken a backseat to my working- I've missed some birthday shout outs.

My older brother, Tom turned 29 this past Friday!

We looked a lot alike as kids... but now I don't see it as much. Maybe it's the beard.

Anyway, Tom, his wife Annie and Thomas are coming to visit us next week and I'm pretty excited! It's their first trip out and it'll be fun to take them to all the cool hotspots- the beach, Disneyland, Hollywood, etc

Also celebrating his birthday on Friday- is my brother in law Micah! 28! Woop woop!

(I don't have a picture of Micah on the new laptop yet, but hopefully CB will bring back a camera full of pictures!)

And to wrap up the weekend-

Happy Belated Birthday to my mother-in-law who celebrated her day on Saturday with a family birthday party that CB got into town just in time to attend. I always feel more left out and homesick when our families get together without us there- but I'm really glad he made it.

I love you guys and miss you! Hope you had great days!

Wishing you a

2009-06-21T15:04:00.001-07:00

Adorn your hair

2009-06-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago, I posted a little game on my blog. I had seen it on my friend Mari's blog and had to participate knowing that in doing so, I'd get something fantastic from her! She signed up on mine too... so we recently exchanged our "gifts" and I finally have pictures and am able to post them up here.

Without further ado, here is the gorgeous headband she made me!

Where can I get one of these, you ask??? Well, this headband named "Kissing Kate" is available on her website along with so many other great styles. Mari is one of the most creative people I know and I am so inspired by her. Not only is she selling custom and couture headbands online, but her line is also for sale in a New York City salon boutique! You Rock Mari! And thanks for this great headband!

Oh, and family back home- I guess this is the first you've seen of my hair color- Back to blonde... Well, almost.

Trophy Day!

2009-06-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

This spring, our nephew Haven played TeeBall. He's been a baseball fan probably since birth, so it was really great to get to see him learn the game and play on a team. Yesterday marked the end of the season and the Trophy Ceremony. Haven's parents, Mick and Schae, signed up to volunteer at the beginning of the season and ended up with their own team. They were fantastic coaches. They were so enthusiastic and encouraging to every kid on the team.

The coaches were recognized first at the ceremony and here they are waiting for their plaques. (those 3 kids weren't really supposed to be there, but they stood up there the whole time! It was really funny)

Then Mick and Schae took the trophies back to their team and handed them out 1 by 1. Mick would give a little intro to each one. I haven't seen Haven so excited before. He was smiling sooo big and was fidgeting nervously. His first trophy.

This video is of Mick announcing Haven's trophy and also of their "team chant" which they'd do before and after every game.

Haven posing proudly with his trophy.

The parents went together and gave Mick and Schae a few gifts. One was a photo collage of all the kids on the team. Another was a golden glove trophy. Finally they gave them a game ball signed by all the kids on the team.

Haven watching Mick open the gifts.

Haven signs the team ball.

Haven and Mick with their trophies.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SEASON!!!

Haven at bat. 1 strike and then a single to 1st! Video cuts out before he gets there, but he really did make it all the way!

My favorite part of the game

Haven and his best friend Gaby

Happy Birthday Annie!

2009-06-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

The BIG 29!
WhoooP!

We hope you have a great birthday and year! Can't wait for you to come visit!!!!

Snowmen in a Blizzard

2009-06-12T23:06:00.001-07:00

First off, Thank you to everyone for your prayers and concern. My dad made it through surgery yesterday and today he was up walking about and in pretty good spirits. I wish I could've been there to support him through this, but I did send him one large, obnoxious singing balloon. In my defense, I really had no choice- the balloon sings "Don't worry be happy" and my dad used to sing us that song in the car when we were kids. It was fate. He should be allowed to go home on Sunday and will hopefully be good as new before too long.

I've had a busy week with work. I'm doing the sequel to a Summer blockbuster I was credited in last year (you may remember hearing about it). I can't actually say anything about it though, due to the 14 page confidentiality agreement I signed. Let's just say, there is only one more month left of production- and I'm ready for a break!

Did anyone else procrastinate and watch their tv go to snow one channel at a time today? We have been anti-cable since 2006, when I watched an entire summer of Sweet Sixteen and felt my brain melting, and never made a decision about buying a new tv or cashing in our converter coupon... which is now expired. I find it really hilarious that we don't have TV, by the way. I guess we'll live on netflix and tv on the internet for a few days to see which direction we should go. I think I'll miss my mornings with Regis the most...

Becoming an Adult

2009-06-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

I'm sure there are many events that happen in our lives that make us feel like we are finally an "adult". Usually the next event will come and we'll realize that we were in fact, not yet the adult that we thought we were.

The events in my life have been:

Signing the lease to my first apartment (I was actually only 17, boy was I not an adult yet)

Graduating college

Getting Married

Moving 2000 miles away from my home

Turning 25

Not moving in more than 3 years

Finding out that my Dad isn't invincible.

I don't know if it's a daughter thing, but I never imagined that my Dad could get sick. He's having surgery tomorrow morning. If you pray, please say a prayer for him. That his surgery goes smoothly. That his recovery is quick. That once it's gone, it stays gone.

I know that he is going to be fine, but I believe in the power of prayer, and every little bit helps. Thanks.

Wow

2009-06-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

I just ran a mile. Straight through. No stopping.

I haven't done that since high school.

I'm exhausted. Time for bed.

I heart Craigslist

2009-06-07T19:48:00.001-07:00

Now that Caleb is home, we are taking care of some business. And today, we paid our final payment on our credit card! Woop!

As a reward to ourselves for this hard work (we've been carrying that credit card debt since before we were married!), we set aside some extra money to get a laptop, since our computer has been crashing. It's a Mac too, I thought those weren't supposed to crash. Anyway, we kept looking on Apple.com, and trying to budget it in... but then Caleb found a cute little laptop (in our neighborhood!) for less than half the price of a new one! It is a couple years old, but the guy had just had the newest operating system reinstalled- so it's good as new! Our new laptop has a built in camera and a fun program photobooth. Here are the highlights from this afternoon.

Regular Black and White- bored

Pop Art Style - probably one of the better pics of me ever taken-

Thank goodness for overexposure! ;)

Comic Book Effect-
I think I was trying to look upset or frightened like those comic book girls

Photo Booth Effect

Another craigslist success story- Yesterday we got a water cooler! We had been noticing the tower of empty plastic 2 1/2 gallon jugs in our kitchen waiting to be recycled and we thought- yeah, it's good that we recycle, but it'd be even better if we could reduce. (Our old apartment building has rusty pipes, so drinking the tap water is out of the question) We found the water cooler for $40 and it was in Studio City too! We have two jugs to drink and then we'll head off to the recycling place with the last of the empties, and make the switch completely!! I'm not looking foward to carrying the big heavy bottles up our stairs, but at least we'll have to do it less often, and I can switch to the smaller size while Caleb's on tour. Also, our cooler has on/off switches, so we can turn off the heat side during the summer or when we don't anticipating needing hot water as often. I'm glad for that feature, it's way more energy efficient.
This girl is looking forward to quick and easy hot chocolates this winter.

Mi Amor Verdadero

2009-05-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

11 years ago we had a date. 6 years ago we had a wedding.

We were young (looked even younger), in love and

had no idea what the future had in store for us.

And although the path we've walked has not always been an easy one, we found our way and hand in hand will continue. Just as we started, 6 years ago.

Happy Anniversary my love.

Birthdays, links and dolls

2009-05-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today is my Grandma's 91st birthday. She was born in 1918.

This picture with her father was taken 80 years ago (can you imagine?!)

at my Aunt Ione's wedding.

This is my Grandmother and her two older sisters, Ione and Millicent.

My grandma is on the right. I love this photo- the style of it is amazing.

My mom sent me this pic from their birthday celebration today. I got my eye color from my Grandma. Our eyes are really light and change colors. Sometimes blue, grey, or green.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

And links... Just 3 left!

Caleb and Ashton are in Seattle and will be, after tonight, heading back down the coast towards home! Only 3 days left! Considering what we started with, he's practically home!

The tour has been going really well and they've added 1000 new fans on myspace in 5 weeks.

Awhile ago, my friend Christina taught some of us girls to make these cute dolls. They are made out of a man's white athletic sock and some stuffing with yarn for hair. I decided to make my doll for Stella. I gave her blonde wavy hair and brown button eyes. Matching dresses was the final touch. Thanks for taking the pics Kaya!

Top of the dress with the contrast lining.

There's no crying in softball

2009-05-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Even when you lose horribly- 2-10 Yikes!

It was pretty brutal, but we played a team of cops and firemen, so... I think we did pretty well. Most of their runs were scored in one horrible off inning. I played 2nd base for the first inning, then right field the rest of the game. I didn't see too much action on the field- and could've done better when I did. Oh, well. It is just the start of the season.

These pictures are actually from the game 2 weeks ago, but here I am in my cute uniform with my assistant, Lauren. Do you see my rad pink addidas stripe cleats! They are pretty much the most comfortable shoe I've even worn. Like walking on clouds!

Here I am playing 2nd. I think they had just walked someone. Usually I'm a little more "ready"

Here I am batting. I've never struck out (knock on wood)

Last night I got two singles, but never got to score.

And just for fun, my mom dug out my grade school softball picture.

My glove is bigger than my head! I am guessing this was the summer between 3rd and 4th grade, based on the bad perm!

Aloha!

2009-05-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I went to a hula and watched two of my coworkers perform.

Abby and Nikki are the two in the front. (Sorry for the blurry pics.)

At the end, all the groups came onstage together.

A teenage group of girls dancing with bamboo sticks.

The teacher was the old guy with the long white hair singing and playing the ukelele in the middle there.

All of the young girls had the same long hair extensions.

I'd like to see how I would look with that hair! haha.

Also, wish me luck- My first official softball game is tomorrow night (the game with my notorious slide was considered "preseason" I guess) If anyone would like to come by and cheer me on in person, the game details are below:

Game Time is 7:30 PM

Location: Gross Field #1

Address: 2814 W. Empire Avenue

Burbank 91504

(Go beyond The Empire Center and just past Buena Vista)

He's a cutie!

2009-05-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

The package I sent to Lisa's new baby Ryan arrived yesterday- FINALLY!

Here are some pics she sent me of him enjoying his new stuff... haha

I like to call this one... Ryan in a box!

All the goodies sent, including his quilt, a matching taggie blanket, and a wipe case that I made and some other items that I found for great deals!

Ryan posing with his goods

I made the quilt a little more "boyish", rather than "babyish", hoping that he'll like it for awhile.

Ryan's name stitched in a teal blue to match the minky chenille backing of the quilt.

Lisa- Thanks for sending the pics, I can't wait to meet him!

I heart NY

2009-05-12T13:08:00.001-07:00

I'm back from my long weekend trip as a groupie.

I had a great time in New York, plus it was really nice to see Caleb.

We went to Brooklyn, ate Indian food, they played a show.

We went to Manhattan, ate Indian food, they played a show.

That's actually a run down of the first two days! haha

And then on his day off on Monday- we went to the Statue of Liberty. We decided to take the ferry over, and I'm glad that we did. I took this picture with my phone camera. I have a roll of film to develop and then I'll post some more pictures up here.

Caleb and I went to see the Broadway musical, Rock of Ages, which actually turned out to be pretty funny and entertaining. Even though it was pricey, ($62 each at half price!) I'm glad we went. You can't really put a price on culture, can you? Rock of Ages is an 80's rock musical starring American Idol's Constantine, but we enjoyed it inspite of him. He's even up for a Tony.

The band had a great response in NY, a lot of people came to see them again (since they were just there last month). I'll see him again in less than two weeks- I'm going to fly up to Portland/Seattle for Memorial Day weekend and meet up with him again there.

And now for a funny story of my arrival to Philadelphia:
Personally, I've never really been into animal prints. They just aren't really my style. (Well, that's not entirely true- Caleb and I did this horrible matching leopard print look for Senior Homecoming when we were on court. I mean- wow- that's probably one of my top 5 worst outfits of all time and it's in the yearbook for all to see for years to come) So anyway, Caleb had already taken our other luggage filled with merchandise (tshirts, cds and records) to Illinois at the start of the tour. They had reordered some of the shirts and sold out of records, so he asked me to bring some out. Sure, I can handle that. I ask around the office for a medium sized roller bag and this guy says sure, he has a wife and two daughters= plenty of extra luggage. So Thursday morning, he tells me- I'm going to bring you one of my daughter's suitcases. Oh, thanks! That's Awesome. And he says "It's girly too, I think it's zebra print". I gulp (beggars can't be choosers) and think- you know- I've seen a lot of zebra print lately, it's probably in style, that's not too bad, sure. When he comes back with the bag that afternoon, he says, nope he was mistaken, it was leopard print. (Once again, nothing bad with leopard print bags, just not my personal style... considering the above horror outfit story, I have probably been traumatized against the print for life) Thanks! That's awesome! Ok, fast forward to Philadelphia, where I've landed and am now grabbing my bag off the carousel (definitely easy to spot) and heading to the ground transportation desk to inquire about the cost to take a cab to West Chester (a suburb- where the band was playing that night). While I'm waiting for the answer to get radio'd back in, this cabbie looking guy approaches me and asks where I need to go. He talks to Caleb on the phone to get the feel of where this place is and tells me that it'll cost $75. The guy at the desk confirms- $70 plus or minus a few dollars, so I think, ok sure. The "cabbie" (Greek I think) tells Caleb "Ok, I will bring your wife" and slides closed the phone. Caleb called me back a few seconds later saying that he was freaked out that he heard a man say that and then the phone line went dead. He said that he freaked out and thought "I'm never going to see Claire again"

Anyway, so the guy is wheeling my leopard print bag and leading me to his "cab" which turns out to be a 1980's brown stretch limousine. I gasp again. He is putting my bag in the trunk, telling me that I'm getting a deal since he's charging me the cab rate and not the limousine rate, but all I'm thinking is that I'm going to step out of an old brown limousine with my leopard print suitcase in front of the little dive bar where they were playing. HAHAHA What a diva!

One purple left

2009-05-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

Which means I see Caleb tomorrow night! woohoo!

I know you're on the edge of your seats...

2009-05-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

Well...

WE WON! 12-10!!

I was sooo nervous but it ended up being okay. First inning I played 2nd.

I got a hit in the 2nd inning and made it to 1st base. Unfortunately

the next batter hit a pop up to just behind 1st base... so I had to wait to run- and then once it was dropped I took off to 2nd. Well, I knew the play was coming

my way... I could see the guy getting ready, so I did it- I slid into 2nd... but still got out. I must've learned to slide from Harm and Kaya (or from Haven haha)... because it was totally automatic, I just did it. Ouch. Here is a picture of my battle wound right from the dug out.

WARNING- not for the faint of heart ;) If you look at the sock pulled back, you can actually see the skin that scraped off stuck to it. Yuck!

And here is my wound now, in better lighting.

But yeah, it was a great game. I never got to cross the plate, but I hit every at bat. I got out at 1st once, out at 2nd once, and out at 3rd. Gee whiz... I guess I should work on my base running! I'll be in NY with CB next Monday, so I have 2 weeks til my next game. Maybe I'll start running in the mornings again. hmmm

If I get pics tomorrow from the other players or fans, I'll put them up here so you all can see me in my cute uniform!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-05-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a quick shout out Birthday wish to my mom!

I wish we could be there to celebrate with you!

(sorry no picture, but the one I wanted wouldn't scan in)

But you can see pics of my lovely mom here and read about how she inspires me to be a better person here.

Love you Mom!

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

What I'm up to

2009-04-26T15:57:00.001-07:00

So... the band is off again. CB and I had such a fun week together hanging out before he left- eating out nearly every night, going to the beach, taking walks on the bike path- preparing for this time apart.

*I've been asked to post this part, but warning- it is really nerdy** The morning he left, we made this paper chain. (I had made one for him when I went to Germany for my high school exchange trip, so it seemed perfect to make one now) Each week is a different color to help me see the passage of time. As you can see, I've nearly finished week one- there is only one yellow link left!
The white links (kind of hard to see but there are two, the first one is in the center) represent the days that I'm planning on visiting him.

I'm really looking forward to the trip to NYC (the first white link- and now about 12 days away). I haven't been back since we went 5 years ago. And that trip... well, let's just say I had the premier NY experience- I ate delicious pizza, got robbed (well, thieved at least- my purse was stolen by a guy in a big puffy coat) in Macy's of all places, the subway had some sort of explosion and we were evacuated (ashton, their old drummer Tim, and I) and had to walk for probably what seemed like 200 blocks, and then once it reopened- we got lost wandering around Brooklyn trying to find our way back. That was my experience- CB spent the entire three days in a basement recording studio. But even after all that, I still have good thoughts of the city, and so I'm very excited to get some time in NY above ground with CB, hopefully keeping my purse in hand--- I've definitely learned my lesson.

More news- I'm on a softball team! My office has decided to join the Burbank leagues, and I'm on the team. I got some good practice time in with Caleb before he left and he gave me some pointers on how to throw better, so hopefully I won't embarrass myself... but in case you'd like to come see if I do embarrass myself- games are Monday nights, starting May 4th in Burbank.

Here is my jersey, I really like how they turned out. The executives surprised us by buying the hats to wear- they say casting director on back- haha I bought my cleats (Adidas with pink stripes!! Woohoo!) and now all I need are my baseball pants and tall socks- and yes, I am planning to wear them. If you're going to do something... might as well go all the way, huh? :)

Mates of State Concert

2009-04-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Last night, my friend Mari and I went down to Hollywood to check out one of my fave bands, Mates of State in concert. I don't think I could have been more excited (or overdressed... oops- didn't have time to go home and change after work)

Caleb has our digital on tour, so Mari was nice enough to snap some pics of the show for me. I took some with my still camera, but we'll see if I ever get those developed. haha- I am constantly finding roles of undeveloped film!

Pics from the show

And another

And another--- Ikea lamps never looked so cool

After the show posing in my just bought band T- yep pretty nerdy, but I was soo excited- did I mention how inappropriately dressed I was?

Happy Birthday Dave!

2009-04-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

Happy 6th Birthday, Dave!

You are one cool dude and we love you and miss you!!!

A little memento from your wild days...

(oh, uncle bb and his photoshopping skills!)

Happy Birthday Thomas!

2009-04-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

You're 2 Years Old Kiddo!

Hope you're having a great birthday and lots of fun!
We wish we could be there to celebrate, but we'll see you soon.

I just love this picture cruising in the Escalade.

What a great buddy Bella was.

Love Auntie Claire and Uncle BB

Makaya Larson Photography Giveaway!

2009-04-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

To all my midwestern readers...

My very talented sister-in-law, Makaya, is hosting a giveaway on her website.
Just follow the link to her site and leave a comment to be entered to win a free photo session. She's picking the winner sometime this week... so hurry to enter!

All cute boys need cute bowties!

2009-04-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Spotted this Easter in high fashion bowties:

Levi looking dapper

Ollie, Mason and Harper straight out of a Gap ad

Handsome Thomas with his new haircut

And adorable Jasper

Dave is unfortunately not pictured, since I hear he was a little under the weather and did not wish to have his photo taken.

I have received a couple requests to sell these, so I just might add these to my "store" haha!

4 days left!

2009-04-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

Today I got a unexpected delivery all the way from Caleb. He gets home on Sunday morning.
PS- My desk is a MESS! The center was only cleaned off because I pushed stuff aside to eat my delicious Olive Garden lunch YUM. Olive Garden and Flowers, today is looking up!

Congratulations Lisa!

2009-04-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Ryan
Born April 2nd.
8 lbs 4 oz
What a surprise!
(I was totally calling a girl)

Congrats Lisa and Dave! We can't wait to meet him!

Swap Done Part 2

2009-04-03T10:30:00.002-07:00

I received my part of the swap last night! Because I am not preggo, I was pretty general as far as what could be made, since I wasn't sure if I'd give away, or save what I got.

I was soo excited to come home from work and find the box at my door. It was pretty big, but really light- Here's what I got:

2 burp cloths- the other side is a soft white flannel.

a pair of soft shoes

a chocolate brown boppy pillow

a brown felt hat

Aren't these so adorable?! I love owls and I love that they are easily boy or girl

I like the shape of these burp cloths - I will definitely try making these shoes too!

In conclusion... I will most likely not be giving any of this away.

As I held them, I was thinking, "These will be for MY baby"- Someday.

Then I had a weird dream last night, that I had a baby (it was a girl), but that I was a horrible mother. In the dream, I chalked it up to not having read What to Expect when You're Expecting... and so (in the dream) I went to the library to get the book. Weird, huh?

(**** I am pretty sure that I had that dream, because my cousin Lisa, had her baby last night!!!! It's a boy! Congrats Lisa! I'll post a picture up here soon***)

Swap done!

2009-03-31T11:37:00.001-07:00

I belong to this craft website, craftster.org. I thought it would be fun to participate in a "swap" where I make items for a stranger and they make items to send to me. I thought I'd start easy and go with what I know for my first one- so I picked a baby items swap.

These are the items that I made...

An owl onesie that uses both paint and felt

A diaper wipe case

A burp cloth and matching reversible bib

A taggie blanket- my first ever and surprisingly quick and easy!

I mailed it all out this morning. I hope she likes them.

Our lunch date

2009-03-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Monday, Caleb and I grabbed sandwiches at this little Burbank park. We noticed pretty quick that we were not alone. This cute little guy was watching us, and getting closer and closer. We tossed him some bread and he gobbled it up in the squirrely way. I took this picture when he was standing in between our feet. I wish we could train one as a pet- he was really fun.

(I don't have a zoom on my camera phone... he was seriously this close)

Valuable Lesson

2009-03-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight I learned rule number one of karaoke... Choose a song that you actually know more than just the chorus. But Pour Some Sugar on Me really sounded like a great idea! Thanks Arlene and Michelle for braving the stage with me on that one! haha! We totally rocked the chorus though. Happy Birthday Pam!

Here I go again on my own...

2009-03-15T18:31:00.001-07:00

(Why Yes, I am quoting a whitesnake song for my title)

Caleb and his brother left yesterday for SXSW Music festival in Austin TX.
Last night they played a show at an Indian Reservation in Arizona... It sounded like it was the perfect kick off to their spring tour(s).

I'm trying to be very motivated and productive while he's gone this time and to keep me on track I signed up for tadalist.com. I am a list maker by nature- To do lists, Shopping lists, Pros and Cons lists, etc. Having an online list is a little more fun- and obviously more green, No paper!

This past week, our friend Elise came into town and brought Ella-Jean. Elise is moving to Arkansas next week. So this lunch was both a catch up and a farewell.

Caleb, me and EJ... Note the shirt I'm wearing-- yes I did make that :)

Ella-Jean was sooo good and cute and fun.

Good luck Elise, we'll miss you guys!

This picture was left over from my mom's trip out here. We went to the Getty and took the garden tour. It's really cool when you take the time to appreciate all the thought and symmetry and movement and flow that goes into something like this:

"Unfortunately, Claire..."

2009-03-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

I saw this on another blog and tried it myself... it was funny.

Google "Unfortunately, _______" but put your name instead of the blank (making sure to use the quotation marks). So for me I put in "Unfortunately, Claire" and this is what I got back.

*Unfortunately, Claire has no toys.

*Well unfortunately, claire can't die (stupid healing powers). *(I don't watch the show, but I'm thinking this one is about Heroes)

*Unfortunately, Claire's mood swings were too much for Fletcher and the pair broke up.

*Unfortunately, Claire became angry and reclusive, adopting a Goth-like lifestyle.

*Unfortunately, Claire played terribly the next day.

*Unfortunately, Claire did not fair well with the advent of talkies.

*Unfortunately, Claire makes the mistake of telling her teachers about SuperJail as soon as she goes back to school. She is sent to a mental hospital.

And last but not least:

*Unfortunately, Claire is diagnosed as "trifurcate" (possession of three cervixes—a "mutant" woman) and incapable of bearing children. ...

If you guys try it, leave your funniest response in the comments.

Watch out World!

2009-03-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

I'm cranky this week.

Is it because I had to work both Saturday and Sunday and haven't had a day off in 10+ days (and counting)?

Is it because as of Friday afternoon, Caleb will be leaving for another tour and I will once again become a "single wife"?

No, the real reason, according to Glamour Magazine's Horoscope section:

It is because "aggressive Mars has entered into my relationship house and is causing me to be cranky". So there you go. My alignment is off- I can't help it.

And speaking of Glamour Magazine...

Last spring, I worked on a series of 3 short films Glamour does each year where prominent women in Hollywood get their directorial debut. The movies are up on the website.

If you have time (and Itunes) check them out.

That is how I met with her

(alas we are still not the close friends that I was hoping we'd become)

Thoughts? Opinions?

2009-03-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that I've been toying around with the idea or

having a store someday and selling my wares (haha)

A big challenge I've been facing is coming up with a great name.

Caleb and I made up this one last night... and I think it's a keeper:

Bitsy Sprout

What do you guys think?

Seamstress for the Band

2009-02-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

Last month, Ashton requested that I sew up some matching shirts for him and CB to wear for one of their big shows coming up. I didn't really think he was serious, until he mentioned it again, the week before the show. I had this vintage pattern that I got at a thrift store for a man's shirt that had these flaps that made them more unique then just a regular dress shirt. He picked out some fabric that I already had too, so I thought why not try? I'd never made a man's shirt before, but with a pattern it couldn't be that hard right? Well, it was and it wasn't. Turns out, I had just enough barely of the fabric to cut the shirts. Attaching the sleeves were pretty tricky too, they just didn't seem to line up perfectly. And I swapped out the buttons (and buttonholes-maybe next time haha) for easier snaps. But I finished them just hours before the show and here they are in action.

On stage at the Fonda

The view from the balcony. It was a pretty packed show.

Ashton Drumming

CB strumming

And both backstage modeling the shirts after they played

(don't mind the finger in the shot- oops)

Anthropolification Boyer Cream Cardi GIVEAWAY!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-02-27T13:49:00.000-08:00

Anthropolification Boyer Cream Cardi GIVEAWAY!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-02-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

Happy Birthday Huck!

2009-02-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

Dear sweet Levi Huckleberry,

You just turned 1 and we love you so much!

You have always been so smiley and cuddley with us when we come visit.

We wish we could have been there for some birthday cake.

I can't wait to see how good you are at walking. We'll see you soon.

Love, Auntie Claire and Uncle BB

PS- To Makaya- Of course, buying his present 2 weeks ago, would ensure that it would be sent late. We'll send it off today or tomorrow along with presents for you and Stella.

Busy Weekend!

2009-02-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

** Caleb accidentally posted this before I'd written anything- haha, so I've added words now **

This week my mom and Aunt Mona came to visit. It was my aunt's first trip to LA so we made the rounds to the usual touristy spots.

The Observatory

Here is my mom while we were waiting in line for the upstairs telescope.

The upstairs telescope usually has a very long line, but on Thursday night, it was pretty reasonable. I do, however, recommend going to the telescopes on the front lawn. We saw an amazing view of Saturn from one of them.

Here is the three of us goofing off inside the planetarium show waiting for it to start.

I think the old man behind my Aunt Mona is asleep.

I took probably 15 pictures of us in the eerie twilight waiting for the show to start.

Here we are suited up and waiting to fly (at CityWalk) in the indoor skydiving tank.

This is me... I went even higher than this. I'm glad my face skin wasn't flapping too much, and that I got a good smile in- because at times it was pretty scary but exhilarating.

This is my mom flying in the tank. It was her idea to do it, and we had a lot of fun.

Adventures in Mei Tai's

2009-02-18T11:17:00.001-08:00

Last October, Harmony put me up to a major challenge:

She really wanted a mei tai carrier for Christmas and hoped that I could make it for her.

I had never actually made a Mei Tai before-- I actually had never even seen one in person.

She sent me this link to show me the style she liked and I found this tutorial to get the general idea of how it'd come together.

The pre-Christmas sewing rush included finishing this quilt, and so I had to bring all the Mei Tai fabrics with me to my mom's hoping she could help me tackle this beast of a project. We got a great start on it, and I had enough of it done by Christmas to give it to her with an IOU to finish it and mail it back. And to celebrate Harper's being one month old, I actually did finish it and sent it on.

Today I got a lovely email with these pictures. Without further ado...

My interpretation of the Mei Tai

(modeled by Harmony- looking hot mama! and Harper)

I'm thinking it will be big enough to grow with him,

and may even fit better once he does get a bit bigger.

Bird's Eye view of Harper all snuggled up

Surprise!

2009-02-15T00:46:00.000-08:00

My friend has this on her blog, and in order for me to win some curiously awesome prize from her, I must do this too! (one must give to receive). I normally don't do this stuff, but I think this could end up pretty funny!

Here it is, and I plan on carrying this through. Lucky you! The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My Choice. For You.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It'll be done this year (might be a little while)

4. You have no clue what it's goign to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or maybe even some creation I haven't even invented yet. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5. I reserve the right to do soemthing extremely strange.

The catch?

Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

*** Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!***

There comes a time...

2009-02-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

in every woman's life, where they recognize in themselves that they are a lot more like their mother than they originally thought. I had this experience today.

I was on my lunch break at work today, and my coworker was driving me over (in the rain no less) to my favorite sandwich shop on Olive in Burbank. This shop uses punch cards and mine was filled up, which entitled me to a free sandwich, bag of chips and soda. As we were pulling into the parking lot it shares with the 7-11, a homeless man walked in front of our car. We parked and I noticed that this man was reaching into the trash can and pulling out a coffee cup.

I asked him if he was hungry and he said yes. I asked him if he would like a sandwich and he said yes. I told him I'd be right back. I went and got my sandwich and ordered the combo for him. I picked Turkey, plain potato chips, and Pepsi- turkey's safe, right? I brought him out his sandwich, handed it to him, returned to the car.

My coworker looked at me shocked- You gave him your sandwich! No, I told her, my sandwich is in my bag. I got him an extra one. Then she said- Your mother does that, doesn't she? And she does. My mom is the one, who goes to Downtown LA, (on one of Caleb's infamous tours of the city- he takes visitors to see Skid Row and Santee Alley) where she sees the homeless men without shoes and socks and she goes to the store and buys a pack of socks to hand out as she walks. She's the one who sees a guy standing in the parking lot with blood stains on his shirt and without intimidation, gets him a hamburger. These are the memories that stick with your children as they grow, the memories that will become motivation for them to follow in your steps.

And so I write this tribute to my mom, the day before Valentine's Day, to thank her for being a wonderful mom, a great example, for showing me how to care for people. I am who I am today because of you, and if I do say so myself, that's pretty darn good ;)

...when one must grow their very own citrus fruit. For me, this time has come. During my period as a "single wife" last week... I saw this picture on the internet and had to, absolutely had to, try to recreate this:

I found the drawf orange tree at a small nursery in Burbank. I had never bought a tree before (except of course of the Christmas variety) but I felt like I got a great deal for it. But I couldn't find a bright orange pot in a big enough size to save me. I finally decided on this green one (yes, the thumbs up is cheesy, but don't you love my gardening gloves!?)

And here it is in its windowbox. Yes, it is rather large... but I can't bring myself to prune it. All over the branches, there are little buds waiting to blossom into flowers and then ORANGES! It seems cruel to cut any of them off. Fresh squeezed orange juice anyone...? I'll let you know in a couple months when it's ready!

...when one does a idiotic thing like breaking their car.

Yep, I did this. Scraped it against the pole in our parking spot, until it bent backgrounds and cracked off. This picture is 2 days old, it just hangs to the side now. Oops.

Have you seen this man?

2009-02-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

Missing:

1 husband.

This is an old picture, but I imagine him to look this tired.

Last spotted:

Several miles south of Canada- Note on Map below

This is the farthest away that he goes on this tour,

and starting tonight after their show, he'll be making his way home to arrive mid Monday.

Yay!

Which means I have just 2 1/2 more days before he's here and only 2 1/2 more days to finish the to do list I gave myself.

I did make one more dress- this one 3T... maybe for Stella ;) - with plans to start a 2nd one.

I DID finish (FINALLY) Harmony's Mei Tai carrier. I am going to have to get a decent picture of it before I mail it out tomorrow.

I did clean up the mess and put away all the clean clothes (plus did additional laundry!) but I promptly remade the mess with completion of above dress and carrier... so back on the list.

I have watched 4 episodes of Gossip Girl and I am hooked!

I have watched and learned several steps from the dance... but it is proving a little more difficult than I originally anticipated. This will probably take many more "sessions"

I have not attempted a skirt for me, so that's still on the list too.

The Aftermath of the dress

2009-01-31T12:33:00.000-08:00

*** HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!!!***

Last night I finished this dress for a friend's baby shower. The color doesn't come up well, but it's green and light pink. I like the fabric because it is either pink diamonds on a green background, or green circles on a pink background depending on how your eye sees it.

And this is what happens when you are a "single wife" and don't feel the need to clean up after your projects when you finish at 1am, or put away your clean laundry or groceries. Yikes!

This is a close up of my "sewing space"

Someday we'll have a room just for creativity where I can sew and

Caleb can paint or draw or make music, etc. I can't wait to get off the floor

Living the "single wife" life, was introduced to me by my friend Mari in this post and I've done it before when Caleb went on tour for 6 weeks last fall.

But this time, I'm going to make a plan and try to get some stuff done and not be so lazy.

This is what I want to accomplish in the remaining 9 days before he gets back:

1. Clean up above mess and put away those clean clothes- alas already wrinkled.

2. Make a few more dresses like above dress using all the great fabrics I got shopping with my friends Tanya and Michelle

3. Finish Harmony's Mei Tai!!! I'm going to do that this afternoon- I promise!

4. Learn this dance and if it's good enough, maybe I'll post it! haha we'll see...

5. I also have plans for a skirt for me from a pattern out of this book I recently got and love.

6. Watch the first season of GG on DVD- I've had it for 2 weeks and haven't watch a single episode yet. I'm having my friend Brittany over to watch with me next week, so if anyone would like to join us, let me know.

6 things. That's doable I think.

Oh. And a final flossing update-

It has been a full month and is now officially a part of my routine.

yay! for resolutions that actually work out!

Do these people live under a rock?!

2009-01-30T20:26:00.000-08:00

I am so bewildered by the show Wife Swap.

I turned it on while I was posting those last pics. I just can't believe how upset these people get at the rule change ceremony. Don't they see it coming? Can't they see it coming a mile away? Before they sign up even? I mean- if you are a family that exercises, eats only organic and has a clean house- won't you be placed with a family that thing riding on 4 wheelers is cardio?!?

Geez.

I really should just turn it off, but I am now sucked in and want to see if they learn anything.

Christmas Sewing

2009-01-30T20:07:00.000-08:00

Here is the last of my Christmas crafty presents.

This is an apron I made for my cousin Lisa.

She's due in March and so I added a little bib for the new babe.

I didn't have a pattern, just kind of winged it.

Here is a close-up of the bib.

The other side of the bib is the same green cupcake fabric as the apron

so I guess it is kind of reversible.

And cutie Stella with her skirt with a kangaroo pocket

(thanks Sarah for letting me borrow yours for sizing!)

Christmas Quilts

2009-01-30T17:25:00.000-08:00

With the upcoming arrival of Harper, this year I planned ahead and actually finished a quilt BEFORE the baby was born and gave it to Harmony for Christmas.

Here is Harper modeling his quilt

And a close up of the name

And Harmony said that when Harper uses his quilt, Mason and Oliver go get theirs and here is a great pic of all of them. I feel like I get better and more creative with each baby...

so by the time I have one- I'll be pro!

And in honor of my quilts, and since I never posted one of Thomas with his-

here's a cute butt in the air sleep pose.

I really am surprised and touched when I come visit and they are actually in use.

If you are interested in seeing more "auntie claire quilts"

you can see Levi's here, Jasper's here, and Stella's here

Christmas Hats

2009-01-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

Better late than never I always say. Without further ado...

Stella's hat-

My first felting project ever. Originally knit for Rachel but accidentally felted to Stella's size. I added the cute cluster of poppies (I did not make the flowers).

I totally took this picture off Harmony's blog- I love it though! Such sweet brotherly love, and it shows Mason and Oliver's hats so well.

I made Mason's hat with one stripe and Oliver's hat with two because that is their order.

I have plans for a third hat for #3 with obviously three stripes. haha.

I love the snow covered hat in this pic!

Definitely some snow angels or something going on.

Thomas got green and blue and just 1 stripe.

And here the hat in use on a cold winter's day...

And finally my sister in law Annie's hat. I did hers different than the others.

There will be some revisions to the pattern and redo it for next year-

maybe with a pom pom! ;)

I Just Ruined a Batch of White Chocolate Blondies-- BOO

2009-01-27T22:47:00.000-08:00

My melted white chocolate chips, butter and sugar was overheated into a lump of thick chocolate in a pool of butter-- instead of "creamy and smooth".

I have now abandoned the baking for tonight and instead decided to post on my blog.

This year has started off with a bang. I'll try to give a quick run through as to what's been going on with us and around us.

Starting with the most recent:

Caleb left today with his band to go on a 2 week tour. They play in Vegas tonight and tomorrow night. He just called and said they are staying at Circus Circus for $39 a night. I think that's amazingly good deal, but mostly I'm just glad they're safe and warm.

I met with my learner tonight for the first time in over a month. We had completely opposite vacation schedules this winter, but it was good to meet again and hopefully we'll buckle down and get through the program quickly.

My newborn twins (not mine actually) worked today on this show and I'm relieved that it worked out!

This part is especially for Sarah:

Here are the up close encounters I had with celebs in the last month- either at set or in meetings:

Her:

These two:

Him:

Who is best known from this role:

I actually introduced these two to the newborns that will play their baby on the above show.

All these encounters signify that a Huge amount of time was spent on set and working, which explains the 125 hours I put in during the last two weeks! yikes! that's a lot of work. How long until retirement? ;)

Speaking of retirement... Caleb and I started this financial program late last year and recommend it to anyone who's wanting to pay off the past and begin saving for the future- Sounds cheesy, but makes total sense.

And yes... I am still flossing.

I can't remember now if there is anything else I was going to mention, but it's late and I have a meeting in the morning, so I'll call it a night and post more later if I think of it.

Also- I have a huge sewing/knitting/crafting post coming up- just waiting for 1 picture and to finish one project.