spike and mari

The Secret to My Success...

2012-02-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

Oh my 80's magic.

First off, let's just agree on one thing. Michael J Fox is pure 80's. His movies are jammed with all of the goods. I am particularly fond of the ever-constant "never give up" underdog themes they have. I mean, Teen Wolf? Are you serious? Who doesn't love that.

Tonight, in my singlewifelifehood Netflix did me proud by suggesting

"The Secret to My Success"

with no other than the big MJ himself. (big is a relative term)

I am beyond entertained. The excessive use of keyboard medleys at just the right moment, the one liners like "I believe in myself. That has to count for something!" or "I didn't buy a roundtrip ticket. When I come back to Kansas, I will come back in my own Jet" Go get 'em MJ!! I love the fact that the older rich woman has a perm and wears turbans...Or the scene where the main girl is getting a drink from the drinking fountain and it's set up to be a MONUMENTAL moment. Oh gosh, I laugh so hard I cry.

So tonight friends, I recommend you find yourselves

a cheestastic 80's movie and enjoy every moment of it.

avoiding the shower for no good reason

2012-02-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

You know when you KNOW it's time to shower? (don't lie, I know you know what I'm talking about!)
Those times your hair permanently separates and looks an entirely different color at the roots (this was my 'surgical recovery look' for 3 weeks), or those times you look in the mirror and wonder, "how did I go out in public today?", or like today when my legs stuck to the toilet seat because I worked out 6 hours ago and now they are sticky....IT'S TIME TO SHOWER. (TMI?)

Yet, here I am, on the couch. Sticky legs & in no hurry to do anything about it.

Chris is out of town, if you hadn't already guessed by my being in no rush to shower.
(and he will most likely gag and then tell me to delete this post with some sort of "why would you write something like that" discussion)

You know what? I miss him while he is away. He is a pretty swell chap. He serves so many wonderful purposes around this house, his absence is deeply missed. For one, he is the human heater. So there's that. He also provides me with musical entertainment (for those of you privy to this, you understand it's priceless value), as well as doing the dishes and taking out the trash.
Oh and he's pretty cute too.

But having him gone has it's perks.
The heater is at a solid 80degrees and won't budge until he comes home and violently complains as he switches it to 65.
I can blend green smoothies at 5am before work, which is something he refuses to allow.
(it may seem extreme to have the blender going at 5am but is it so much to ask him to support my healthy lifestyle? I mean, come on.)
The house stays clean. Sigh.
And lastly, the chick-flicks flow abundantly & free of ridicule!

Is it just me, or do I seem to always blog when he is away? Hmmm.

BTW---I love 'THE NEW GIRL' on Fox. And i love Tivo. And I love Sprinkles cupcakes but am limiting myself because I've got Hawaii to think about and although it may appear small under clothing, there is a round-mound pale white in all it's glory hiding under my layers.

A girl at work once told me I describe things in the most disgusting ways imaginable. I think I got that from my father. We Carvers, we tend to be a bit....dramatic. For the record, I really do see/think the things I say....so if I say it's a round-mound of pale white glory...I really do think of it that way.

I watched "Chocolat" for the first time last night. I know, I know. Late bloomer.
I know what you're thinking, Johnny Depp is a fox. And that woman, she is beautiful. But what I was thinking was "I really want some chocolate!!". THE. ENTIRE. MOVIE. If it hadn't been so late, I probably would have driven to the store just to get some.
Fear for me if I ever get pregnant.

But the movie was amazing, happy there are still good movies to resort to since all of the new ones suck mucho.

Then I watched Bridget Jones. OMG. I LOVE HER. Even if she looks incredibly awful during that entire movie, I just love her in it.

Next post, photos, I swear. Far more entertaining!

Mari+Chris+Mas(k)

2012-01-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas card this year was so much fun to make, but even more fun to get the pics from everyone as they received them! I think that was my favorite part.

I realize Christmas is over, but wanted to share a few of the pics I received!

"it's the holiday season, so whoop-de-do & hickory dock"

2011-12-27T21:54:00.000-08:00

Our December went by in a flurry. We tried to fit in as much fun as we could in between the long hours of work. We were blessed to spend the holiday with both families & see some snow (although, next year I'll be sure to ask Santa ahead of time for MORE snow). We went to Disneyland, decorated gingerbread houses for the first time, decorated our tree (and I bought a mini tree for Anthro...HAD to!), made presents, bought presents, sewed for the Beehive Bazaar, celebrated birthdays, and so on. We are so grateful for the wonderful life that we live, the thousands of blessings God has given us, and are looking forward to making next year our most memorable year yet. We hope you had a wonderful holiday season too!

And if it wasn't already clear, I find that photos tell a better story than I ever could. Hence the overload. And don't mock me for my excessive outfit photos...some people don't have cute babies to photograph, okay!? ;) And don't mock me for starting every sentence with "And".

Thank you, we love you. Good night!

my birthday according to my iPhone

2011-11-20T21:58:00.000-08:00

Turning 26 was underwhelming.

I had my mini mid-life crisis on my 25th bday, so 26 didn't feel so strange. 27, however, sounds very scary. I hope this doesn't become a pattern for me.... But I must say, after looking at all of these pictures I had a pretty sweet kick off to my 26th year.

Even if my husband called me an "old hag" (true story!!).

My birthday was beyond special. The weekend prior we went up to LA & spent the evening with the Spiker fam. Ashley & Joey came, as well as Jacque and her family. It was so much fun! We made homemade pizzas (delish!!) and just hung out. Chris' grandma Rita gave me 2 old vintage turquoise rings which I LOVE.

Ammon was also in town just a few days before my actual birthday. I love when he extends his trips a day or two to hang with me! We always have such a great time laughing and being dorks.

Plus, he makes me work out super hard which is good :) The morning he left, he gave me a card with $$ to buy something for my birthday...so sweet! I bought an amazing pair of oxfords (see below). I'm so lucky to have such a generous and kind big brother.

As you know, we went to San Francisco. We had debated this trip for some time. Chris & I decided after an extremely hard year of work and other personal trials that we needed a break.

Of course we are trying to save $$ so a trip isn't great right now...and of course our work schedules are crazy who knows if we could even do it.

But there comes a time when you just HAVE TO GET AWAY.

Our sanity became priority numero uno.

My Birthday proved to be the perfect excuse. So we planned a road trip up the coast.

Alone time. Quiet time. Relaxing. No stressing about our present or our future. No work. Just us and the beautiful California central coast.

The drive was probably my favorite part...well, that and the food. I snapped a million photos with my iPhone and documented our trip via Instagram (so many of you have already seen these photos).

It was unreal how stunning this drive was. If you have not had the opportunity to do this, you MUST. We made several stops along the way, we spent our first night in Monterey, then the remaining days in San Francisco.

We hiked the big redwoods on my actual birthday which was PERFECT. I love nature, I love hiking, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE trees. It was heaven.

I wish we could have stayed in a cabin there for a week. I want to go back!

San Fran was beautiful! HUGE, filthy, strange, quirky, and the food was out of this world.

We ate and ate and ate.

The highlight was on my birthday, we went to an incredible restaurant called "Foreign Cinema".

YOU MUST GO if you are ever in San Francisco.

They play old foreign films and have the most delicious menu.

Because my birthday is so near Halloween, they were playing

"Shadow of a Vampire"....How freaking cool is that?

We rode the trolley, saw the BEAUTIFUL bridge, went to Sausalito and loved it's charm. We barely shopped at all (shocked?! haha), we just soaked up the city and all of the food it had to offer.

Oh and a major highlight, I was able to wear high heels for the first time in almost two years. FINALLY!!!!

The best part was just spending time with Chris. I know it's cheesy...I'm sorry.

But we needed this trip so badly. Or maybe I needed it, for us. Whatever the reason, it was exactly what the doctor ordered. I feel so lucky to have such an amazing man as a husband.

Taking me on that trip just showed me again how truly great he is.

The night we got home from San Francisco was October 30th...so, naturally we HAD to carve pumpkins!! Halloween is one of my favorites and Chris is always happy to oblige.

Again, I'm so lucky.

Oh hello there

2011-11-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

I know you've probably been wondering how franken-feet have been doing.
Here is their latest pic (taken while laying in bed this morning).

In other words, they're awesome. Okay, so not awesome. Still healing & hurting yatta yatta. But worlds better than last time, which is all I could have ever wanted.
I am still crossing my fingers to finally be able to fit into a certain pair of heels....sigh.

Speaking of Christmas presents that weren't meant to be.
I had the secret hope this year that if I was a REALLY good girl that Santa would bring me a very ridiculous bag (which shall not be named).
Alas, we have decided to be responsible (bleh! that sounded gross!) and have a budget this year. I had a moment to mourn the loss of what could have been an epic addition to my wardrobe.
Although being ...ahem, responsible...ugh... is not always fun,
I am happy when I exercise self-control. :)

But don't be surprised if you come to my house and see a big jar labeled:
"Please donate, for a good cause" that cause being my purse dreams.

In other news,
Chris-the-boss-man Spiker just hopped on a plane to the lovely Denver, CO where he will most likely freeze his ka-tooshka off while working like a maniac for the next four days.

What's that?? EXACTLY.

SINGLE WIFE LIFE, BABY.

My big plans are oh-so-exciting, I am not sure if I can share for fear you many be super envious.
I plan to go to the gym, clean the apartment, do laundry, have dinner with Lindsay & meet her with Ashley in LA to have a girls night (okay, this part is actually really fun).
Then I plan on working, working, working (it's a pretty big week for us ladies at the Anthro establishments)
Hey, I may even throw in a sewing hour or two in there..possibly a few errands!
Who really knows, the sky is the limit if you think about it ;)

Clearly I need more sleep. Sorry 'bout that spout.

So anyway, I am planning on catchin' this here little journal/blog up with the latest from our lives which will include our wonderful weekend in San Francisco, my birthday, etc.

Life According to my iPhone

2011-10-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

oh my gosh I love October

2011-10-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

HOORAY IT'S HERE!!! 

I just love love love October.

Year after year I say it, I blog about it, I go on and on about it...

I can't help it, it's my absolute favorite!!

This October I plan to do the following:

-Turn 26 (that's a pretty easy one, I can't really help it)

-Make 1 of my favorite soups each week

-Decorate + carve pumpkins 

-Give my true love a big fluffy sweater so we can be sweater twins and force him to wear it

-Make Caramel Apple Bites

-buy my plane ticket home for Christmas

-pretending I am spending my bday weekend in SF instead of working (I'll just pretend that there is a real autumn here and make the most of it!)

-most likely I will envy every single person who lives near or in the mountains, daily.

-Show my co-workers (even if they don't want me to) all of the "ohmygosh" adorable photos of my nieces and nephews in their Halloween get-up

-Go to Disneyland!!

-Cook yummy fall meals that include roasting chicken, veggies, and fall salads with butternut squash cubes....mmmmMmmmmMmm!

-hear good news from my podiatrist about my foot recovery (I plan on this!)

-drink about 5zillion vanilla/pumpkin steamers and apple ciders

...anything else I am forgetting? Let me know!

 I love this month and all of the things it brings. I can't help but feel nostalgic whenever October comes around....I think about my wonderful childhood and my sweet mother making this time of year so magical. After all, I am her autumn baby. 

I hope you're celebrating the fresh new season and spoiling yourself with a sweater or a favorite soup....even better if you live somewhere that the leaves actually change go enjoy being outside for me!! (boo, hurts my heart!)

Happy October Friends!  

the Greek

2011-09-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the Fleet Foxes & the Walkmen concert at the Greek theater @Griffith Park in the heart of LA. Originally I invited my sexy spouse to join me, but alas he was unable to join so I made other plans with some lovelies.

I had never been to a show at the Greek, and let me tell you...Wow. GORGEOUS. I cannot wait to attend another show there, it was incredible.

The two bands performed their hearts out and it was amazing. I was able to go with my fav girls...Jackie (super spaztic amazing) and we met up with Lauren & Meg. Those girls are simply the best. During the show the air felt crisp and the stars were out....made me so unbelievably home-sick. Gosh, this time of year I sure do get the autumn-blues. During the concert, while the oh-so-lovely music was filling the air and the setting was just right I took a long deep breath and reminded myself that my life is pretty incredible. Trails and all. It was perfect timing after the disaster day before. Gotta love the way things work out like that. <3

vent-sesh

2011-09-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Today i am feeling a little...off. I often hesitate blogging on days like today because I don't want it to be A) an invitation for "I can solve your problems with X, Y, & Z"....or B) a pity party. I think it's fair to want to write about things going on in my life without people assuming that's what my intentions are. Sometimes a girl just has to vent. Ya know?

i have this hole, a hole which used to be small but is now getting bigger
i try to fill this hole with things that distract me...clothing, work, hobbies...but no matter what I do, the hole remains.
i don't like it when people assume/comment on the things I do to try fill my hole..but I guess they may not know that I'm trying to fill a hole. I just don't like when they just assume.

there are days when it doesn't hurt so much and days when it does
there are days when I think I can live with it and days when I want to give up

people try to talk to me about it. sometimes it helps.
most of the time it doesn't.
I do my very best to ignore this big, giant hole...
but like the elephant in the room, ignoring it doesn't make it go away.

I consider myself a very happy person but this silly hole has made me feel sad, unmotivated, and irritable...sometimes even depressed. I hate that it's doing that. I hate that I'm letting it. I hate that I have no control.

most days I do okay. today isn't one of those days. (which usually means I go straight to retail therapy...not a good reaction!!)

Anyway, other than feeling off and venting about what a mess I am, things are relatively unaltered 'round these parts. Same old same! We recently found out that Christopher's work life is only going to get busier for the remaining months of 2011 (can we say trial-crazed-mayhem?) And thus my life of single wife-hood will return. (although I know much more respectable and admirable ladies who deal with the SWL 24/7 and handle it better than me! (ahem SabrinaLaurenKatieetc) I will have to reach out to them in moments of oh-my-gosh-I'm-going-to-kill-you to help level myself out again ha!)

Amongst all of this I must say that I am truly grateful for my faith, as it has been the only source of comfort during these challenges. I am reminded that there are others who face harder things and have bigger holes to fill. Although it doesn't make it easier for me, I am humbled and found counting my blessings. I only hope to continue to grow through this (and to survive it, because today I feel like I most certainly will not). :(

Love & Marriage

2011-09-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

Today (Sept 2nd) is our anniversary! I cannot believe it has already been five years. Where has the time gone? We have had our ups & our downs. We have had our arguments, our trials, and our adventures. We have survived a lot and have grown together more than we could have imagined. And although there are bad days, the good days far outweigh the bad ones....and the great days erase them completely.

All in all, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

"I’ll follow you into the park, through the jungle, through the dark
Girl, I’ve never loved one like you

Moats & boats & waterfalls, alley ways & pay phone calls
I’ve been everywhere with you

That’s true

We laugh until we think we’ll die, barefoot on a summer night
Nothin’ new is sweeter than with you

And in the sticks we’re running free like it’s only you and me
Geez, you’re something to see."

Happy 5 Years Christopher. I love you!

a collection is born

2011-08-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why people collect things? Be it coins, baseball cards, etc..
I have.
I never understood it. Why in the world would you want to have SO many of one thing? Clearly these people needed a new hobby.

Then I met Anthology. (not to be confused with anthropologie)

I fell in love with issue #2 of this quirky little magazine when it first arrived at anthropologie. I was caught reading it on the couch in the middle of the store...in the middle of my shift! I couldn't help it! I adored it's size, aesthetic, and content.

A month later issue #3 arrived. Bam! Purchased. Done & Done.
Wait....
Where was issue #1? I have never seen that. Weird...Ill call all the anthropologie stores in CA & have them ship me one...
"Oh you don't have it? Weird. :( Okay, thanks for checking."

There sat issue #2 & #3 stacked neatly on my coffee table, longing for their missing sibling.
How could I deny them this?
And the search began...

Luckily, it was a fairly simple one. Found Anthology on Facebook and asked them to help me locate a copy of issue #1. To my horror there were only 2 stores in the US that might have any copies left, but they couldn't be sure.
I called these stores right away only to find they were sold out.
GAH!

Poor issues #2 & #3...

Then little miss tiny-shop owner in Oregon happily called me back & left me sweet news that she found a stack stashed away in the back and would ship me my copy right away (oh! make that 2 copies, I had also gotten Erica at work hooked).
Hooray!

My first experience collecting, I can somewhat see the fascination with having a 'complete' set. (let's just hope it stays with practical collecting & not lawn gnome collecting..)

Issues 1, 2, & 3. What a happy little family!

If you haven't had the chance to read this lovely mag, you should. Issue #4 debuts soon! If you subscribe by midnight August 12th your subscription will begin with issue #4!

Trust me, you'll love it too!

Fun in the Sun

2011-08-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to spend some of my recovery time at home with my family (while my handsome husband worked way too hard :( ). I enjoyed every second of it & found it to be the best way to spend my recovery time---constantly entertained by these crazy Carvers!

this 'n that

2011-07-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

So many possibilities to mix & match!

This skirt with..

these...

Jewels that would go with all of the above!

How many cousins do YOU have?

2011-07-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

I have 49 cousins...on my moms side! Growing up I didn't get to see them very often, but when I did it was always the highlight of my year. With so many cousins, each kid had at least one buddy at family gatherings...we would pretty much run wild & drive our parents crazy. The posterity list below can be credited to 2 amazing people.....my grandparents! My dear grandpa passed away about 6years ago and my sweet grandma is still happy and alive, and recently celebrated her 94th birthday. When I stumbled upon this list (last updated Nov. 2010) I wanted to share. And yes, they have 133 (and counting) great-grand children. Amazing!

I am so proud to be their granddaughter and to be apart of such a wonderful (and huge!) family.

The VLC posterity list 11/08/10

Grandchildren
1. Kathleen Mathews 8/1/59
2. Michael Irvin Mathews 10/19/60
3. Nathan Alan Mathews 5/4/62
4. Sheldon Lee Loar 6/10/63
5. Sherwin Von Loar 10/19/64
6. Shane Merrill Loar 4/12/66
7. Keri Lynn Christensen 9/1/66
8. Kristeen Mathews 12/11/67
9. Kay Lea Christensen 2/20/68
10. Shaun David Loar 1/5/69
11. Eric Stephen Christensen 2/1/69
12. Marvin Todd Christensen 8/18/69
13. Shannon Mark Loar 12/29/69
14. Amy Lucinda Christensen 12/15/70
15. Lisa Ann Christensen 1/2/71 ( deceased )
16. Shalynn Kenneth Christensen 12/13/71
17. Jennifer Mathews 1/3/72
18. Chantel Christensen 4/21/72
19. Bridget Ann Christensen 11/2/72
20. Jae Myung Christensen 12/15/72
21. Kevin Jay Christensen 1/23/73
22. Sherri Ann Loar 8/6/73
23. Teresa Marie Walko 8/18/73
24. David Brian Mathews 9/17/73
25. Creshel Christensen 11/26/73
26. Anne Mariah Christensen 11/1/74
27. Jill Yung Ah Christensen 1/21/75
28. David Aaron Christensen 5/7/75
29. Cim Windsor Carver 8/20/75
30. Brandon Kenneth Christensen 4/17/76
31. Joshua Lee Carver 8/1/76
32. Michael Cardon Christensen 8/3/76
33. Chalonn Christensen 5/8/77
34. Chelise Christensen 11/8/78
35. Annika Hea Keun Christensen 2/22/79
35. Crystalynn Ann Carver 2/7/79
36. Jenna Elene Christensen 3/22/80
37. Robert Bryan Wyeth 5/29/80
38. Lauren Irene Carver 12/17/80
39. Chenae Christensen 8/3/81
40. Jeffrey Shaun Christensen 11/18/81
41. Ammon Scott Carver 2/13/82
42. Benjamin Neil Wyeth 4/2/82
43. Candra Christensen 3/25/83
44. Alyssa Christensen 8/9/84
45. Parley John Carver 8/24/84
46. Nicole Wyeth 12/11/84
47. Natalie Wyeth 12/11/84
48. Devin Alan Christensen 4/24/85
49. Matthew Collin Christensen 6/13/85
50. Mari Elizabeth Carver 10/28/85
51. Bradley John Wyeth 9/2/87
52. Kendall Halden Christensen 4/12/88
53. Nellie Wyeth 2/22/90
54. Noelle Wyeth 12/27/91
55. Colton Mark Christensen 9/1/92
56. Naomi Wyeth 11/3/93

Kenneth and Linda Christensen
Jenna Mason (was sealed to Ken)

Stephen and Candace Christensen

1. Clyde Eugene Baum 8/9/65
2. Michael Shane Baum 4/13/67
3. Eric Todd Baum 7/7/68
4. Jonathan Paul Baum 12/22/71
5. Jesse Quinn Baum 6/3/74
6. Joshua Aaron 11/25/75 (deceased 11/26/99)
7. Jacob Ryan Christensen 8/21/77
Kayliegh Christensen 8/17/00

7a. Jacob and Thulan
a.Trishelle Quynhlan Christensen
b. Tierra Bach Mai Christensen 5/8/09
8. Rachel Baum
a.Abigail Mischke 5/4/99
b. Bailey Christensen 5/21/03
c. Joshua Christensen 1/4/07

Great Grandchildren

1. Aaron Pickett 4/27/79
2. Jason Pickett 11/2/80
3. Stacilyn Pickett 6/14/84
4. Heather Dawn Loar 5/31/86
5. Sara Pickett 7/7/86
6. Kayla Nicole Mathews 5/21/87
7. Justin Shaun Loar 12/18/87
8. Janda Maureen Loar 8/30/88
9. Aubrey Ann Mathews 10/28/88
10. Loralyn Church 6-29-89
11. Brendon Elliott Carpenter 3/17/90
12. Connor Elliott Carpenter 3/17/90
13. Joshua David Loar 5/25/90
14. Devin Robertson Mathews 6/30/90
15. Holli Anne Loar 9/9/90
16. Kathryn Marie Church 11/7/91
17. Nickolas Todd Christensen 2/8/92
18. Mitchell Shane Loar 5/1/92
19. Wesley Kenneth Walko 7/9/92
20. Brittany Elizabeth White 8/9/92
21. Heidi Nicole Loar 10/30/92
22. Jared Taylor Mathews 11/18/92
23. Lynsey Mariah Carpenter 12/30/92
24. Christopher Jacob Church 2/3/93
25. Andrew Vaughn Walko 8/4/93
26. Jordyn Lea Loar 10/12/93
27. Hannah Noelle Morris 11/27/93
28. Kiley Marie Merkley 3/24/94
29. Zachary Scott Christensen 8/22/94
30. Maren Kristy Loar 9/14/94
31. Alexa Ann White 10/10/94
32. Kaitlin Lea Carpenter 6/16/95
33. Kieran Von Allowitz 10/20/96
34. Kaleb Robert Merkley 11/24/95
35. Ella Gabrielle Morris 7/1/96
36. (Tex Joseph) T.J. Johnson 1/21/97
37. Sabric Joseph White 2/7/97
38. Aaron Taylor Krieg 5/24/97
39. Mackenzie Church Loar 6/9/97
40. Morgan Christensen Loar 6/9/97
41. Shanelle Marie Mathews 7/25/97
42. David Taylor Christensen 11/5/98
43. Kendra Marie Walko 12/14/97
44. Karigan Allowitz 12/29/97
45. Kendyl Brooke Loar 1/14/98
46. Madison Amelia Joy Loar 6/3/98
47. Mairin Elise Strauss 7/16/98
48. Skylar Irene Christensen 9/25/98
49. Kimball David Allowitz 1/19/99
50. Eden McNeil Morris 3/17/99
51. Emily Anne Christensen 3/28/99
52. Caleb Winsor Carver 6/29/99
53. Kylee Michelle Christensen 8/17/99
54. Cade Tyler Loar 9/17/99
55. Regan Anne Johnson 10/22/99
56. Ella Marie Strauss 1/5/2000
57. Loaryn Elizabeth Merkley 6/13/2000
58. Mason Shannon Loar 7/28/2000
59. Aislinn Amelia White 10/11/2000
60. Haeley Beth Christensen 12/8/2000
61. Noah Kevin Christensen 12/10/2000
62. Caitlyn Carver 7/3/01
63. John Henry Church 8/17/01
64. Aubrielyn Noelle Haacke 8/23/01
65. Luke Andrew Merkley 9/22/01
66. Lynzie Irene Lewis 10/4/01
67. Jacob Lee Carver 12/20/01
68. Kailah Irene Wright 1/14/02
69. Joshua Hunter Strauss 3/13/02
70. Jacob Aaron Christensen 5/11/02
71. Kara Joy Brady 5/27/02
72. Kelsie Lynn Loar 7/11/02
73. Maci Elizabeth Johnson 11/15/02
74. Dylan James Lewis 2/14/03
75. Justin Christopher Haacke 3/16/03
76. McKay Heber Redd 5/20/03
77. Sydney Irene Christensen 7//03
78. Molly Alice Christensen 11/28/03
79. Olivia Kathryn Christensen 12/17/03
80. Jackson Steven Wright 1/29/04
81. Gavin Jeffrey Davis 4/15/04
82. Ian McKinley Johnson 5/15/04
83. Carter Shay Loar 6/18/04
84. Zane Alexander Brady 8/12/04
85. Evelyn Joy Wyeth 10/23/04
86. Lillian Ariella Christensen 12/15/04
87. Kaialani Madison Christensen 1/7/05
88. Ian Michael Strauss 2/22/05
89. Kaley Marie Carver 3/16/05
90. Carter Bradley Wyeth 6/24/05
91. Joshua Gary Carver 8/22/05
92. London Redd 2/9/06
93. Andrew Jae Christensen 3/23/06
94. Logan Scott Haacke 4/12/06
95. Landon David Christensen 5/31/06
96. Cardon Vaughn Merkley 8/29/06
97. Zoe Diantha Christensen 9/14/06
98. Alex John Carver 10/26/06
99. Jackson Cardon Duerden 11/10/06
100. Hannah May Wyeth 12/9/06
101. Elizabeth(Ellie) Carver 1/9/07
102. Isaac Benjamin Holladay 3/19/07
103. Vaughn Thorwald Christensen 4/12/07
104. Madelyn Christensen 4/17/07
105. Addilyn Saige Wyeth 5/31/07
106. Blake Matthew Backus 8/11/07
107. Landon Knight Carver 12/13/07
108. Kalem Eric Baird 2/27/08
109. Lily Elizabeth Wright 7/5/08
110. Halia Hayashi Christensen 8/19/08
111. Samuel Morse Holladay 9/16/08
112. Tyler Robert Backus 9/22/08
113. Liam Dudley Probert 10/13/08
114. Isaac Mads Christensen 11/09/08
115. Gage Cameron Davis 12/04/08
116. Olivia Grace Woolley 1/5/09
117. Ezra Daniel Elledge 1/8/09
118. Carter Aaron Christensen 1/21/09
119. Dylan Vaughn Carver 2/1/09
120. William Benjamin Wyeth 2/20/09
121. Avary Jeanette Christensen 3/9/09
122. Layla Jane Duerden 4/21/09
123. Braden Alan Christensen 6/4/09
124. Preslee Ann Wyeth 8/1/09
125. Jonah Hyrum Christensen 9/17/09
126. Paxton David Baird 9/30/09
127. Liam Michael Christensen 3/30/2010
128. Maxwell James Carver 5/3/2010
129. Halle May Redd 5/11/10
130. Hailey Jayne Haacke 5/17/2010
131. Lacey Nicole Backus 5/31/2010
132. Graham Danger Davis 9/8/10

Great-Great Grandchildren
1. Emma Lyn Pickett 2/3/2006 (deceased)

2. David William Jackson 6/22/2006
3. Tyler Aaron Pickett 2/13/2007
4. Gracie Emma Pickett 5/12/2007
5. John Adam Jackson 4/24/2008
6. Valerie Marie Pickett 12/30/2008
7. Sienna Marie Pickett 5/20/2009
8. Jack Logan Christenson 12/19/2009
9. Garrett Ivo Larsen 7/25/2010

family photo

2011-07-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

We have family photos coming up, I want them to be light, happy, summery, and fun.

I found some outfit inspiration on the web, I could probably find about a bizillion more!

I love to layer (which is probably apparent) and I love accessories! (belts, hats, jewels, etc.)

The photos are inspiration for color ideas, patterns, mixing prints, outfit ideas etc.
What do you think? Good colors for a family picture?

Cinespia!

2011-06-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

Summertime in LA means a lot of things. Hiatus, Tourists, Bikinis (well, more of them anyway), Disneyland Blackout dates,

and....Cinespia!

A few friends & I decided to partake in this lovely LA ritual (before my recent foot reconstruction). It reminded me of going to the drive-in. We used to do that all of the time as kids, and I LOVED it. I remember begging my parents to take us & I'd always fall asleep by the 2nd movie. I loved packing up the back of the truck with blankets and pillows, smelling the warm summer air, and looking up at the stars.

Anyway, back to Cinespia...It's outdoors in the old Hollywood Cemetery, you bring picnics and blankets and chairs while you watch old movies through a projector. We drove up to Silverlake & stopped at the oh so delicious Forage to grab ourselves a picnic. Lauren brought the drinks, Kathleen brought the macaroons, and Megan & I brought the blankets and chairs. We had a hilarious night of laughs while we each experienced "Harold & Maude" for the first time. (we still aren't sure if the film was intended to be funny or not, however we thought it was funny regardless)

The food was delicious, the girls were adorable, and I highly recommend everyone experience this at least once! I wish I could go again this summer, but these gimpy feet are holding me back!

If you're able to go on July 3rd, they are showing Ghostbusters! In a cemetery...c'mon, totally awesome.

Where there's a will, there's a way...

2011-06-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Don't doubt me for second. If I have my mind set, it's happening.
Okay, that makes me sound a little...controlling. Let's try again.

When a girl has to pee, she has to pee. A bladder can only hold so much, for so long....ya know?

Picture this:
A crippled, helpless beauty (like that?). Stranded on the couch, unable to walk. After drinking much H2O in her efforts to counter act the poisonous pill popping she needed to pee. Badly.

Meanwhile two bedrooms and a conference call away worked her handsome professional arguer (how 'bout that?) deep into important conversation.....In other words, it wasn't a good time to take me to the loo.

Did I mention he has to CARRY me to and fro? It's a mixture of humiliating and (admittedly) damsel-in-distress-esk.

Back to the full bladder.

After much waiting, leg crossing and uncrossing, and attempted distraction I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Supplies: Pillow, hideous black velcro shoes that protect my recently cut open tootsies
Plan: lower myself off of the couch, scoot my way across the small patch of carpet to the kitchen tile, place myself on the pillow and slide/scoot my way through the house to the bathroom.
Estimated Time: as fast as possible before I pee my pants

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Although I did get scolded by Chris & was told he would be happy to put them on hold so I don't risk hurting myself (awww!). I am still patting myself on the back, I have officially confirmed I can survive in the wild.

THE END

I've Dreamed of You

2011-06-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

we were so young

2011-06-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

this photo was taken 2 weeks before our wedding day, it's amazing how different we look after only 5 years!

New York, New York

2011-06-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

Concrete Jungle. Empire State. Big Apple. City that Never Sleeps.

Call it what you may, I simply adore it.

Fortunately for me, I have a very generous brother who always lets me come visit whenever I want. I decided to come out this time because Britney had never been, and she HAD to see this place that I am so in love with.

(although I think if she could have seen it during the fall she would have had the FULL experience!)

We did SO much.

We were GO GO GO the entire time, and I'm pretty sure we are still exhausted from our 5.5 day adventure. Ammon & Carlo made us laugh, took us to beautiful places and delicious restaurants. We wandered, shopped, and experienced new things at every turn. (some unpleasant & shocking, some amazing....ALL one of a kind!)

We had dinner and went out with Carlo's brother Rodrigo & his friend from Brazil, Alexander. It was probably the funnest night of the entire trip for me, I loved getting to know Rodrigo better & running around the city all night long.

But to be honest, every night was amazing!

It was a great way to kick off my "summer on the couch", especially because I'm so tired I probably won't mind being on the couch for at least the first week ;)

I heart you NYC. 'Til next time!

We took some video documentary of our trip, super random for the most part, but with the occasional great comment!

blah blah blah

2011-05-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

How is it that I got home from work at 4:30pm and haven't moved off the couch? I had all of these grand plans of going to the gym, cleaning the house, and making a delicious quinioa dinner. Yet, here I am, exhausted.

Here's the thing...mornings aren't really my style.

However, sitting here on the couch apparently is my style. (afraid to even consider what this means for my future)

So, as I muster up the energy to complete my checklist and try to forget waking up at the disgusting hour of 4am to go to work, I find myself being sucked into a new obsession.

Pinterest.

If you know it, you can relate.

Anyway, I'm also currently obsessed with The Submarines: 1940 Remix. And have you noticed I have been blogging a lot about clothing/shopping. I'm going to attempt to post a few times without mentioning those items...just to prove to myself that I can! Yeah!

Also, yesterday at the nail salon the chick giving my pedicure told me I have "meaty calves" ummm what???? That was a first.

Have you seen Bridesmaids? Chris & I went on our traditional mid-week date last week & he let me pick the movie. I totally loved it. Kristin Wig is one of my favorite comedians of all time.

Next week I am heading out to the big apple to spend some lovely time with Ammon, Carlo, and Britney! I am pretty excited about it. Brit has been through so much this year and I think it will be so good for us both to go have a little fun. We may be a little ambitious on our checklist of "must do's" but, can you blame us? Brit has never been. And Ammon is already texting me phrases like "it's going to be everything. trust" lol! I hope B is prepared to witness the spazticness that is Ammon.

Should I be embarrassed that I really want to pay someone to come give me a blow out every other day? Obviously finances restrict such a wish, but I can't deny that I would jump at it if given the chance. I mean seriously, having fab hair ALL the time? Best. Thing. Ever.

Chris is still not committing to seeing Harry Potter with me when it comes out this summer. I can't understand WHY! I still have a few months to work on it tho, I have a feeling he will cave.

Is it better to receive crappy flowers every month or two, or amazing crazy beautiful flowers once a year? I'm still trying to decide.

I'm still sad I lost the Tiffany's necklace Chris gave me for my last birthday. I just keep hoping I will magically find it. I feel sad because it was beautiful and perfect, but also because it was from him. He picked it special for me. And it's gone. :(

Okay, time to get up. These abs aren't going to work themselves!

Railroad Revival Tour

2011-05-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

Wonderful music, lots of crazy people, and one great night out with my man.

The tour featured Old Crow Medicine Show, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros ,

and Mumford & Sons.

I definitely recommend you download

"Home" by Edward Sharpe

if you haven't done so already.

RAGNAR RELAY 2011

2011-04-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I ran the SoCal Ragnar Relay with 11 fabulous friends. Our team was a combo of LA girls & OC girls---of all ages. Our team name/theme was "Feel the Burn" and boy did we feel it! It was 202 miles from Huntington Beach to Coronado Island (San Diego) for almost 48hrs straight! With basically no sleep we had to rely on our sense of humor & spaztic sides to keep us from collapsing or giving up.

We totally took the spaztic to another level....

Leotards were a staple, as well as our trusty side-kick THE BOOM BOX blasting authentic 80's aerobic mixed tapes (Jamie's actual ones from when she taught aerobics in the 80's.. lol). We were a HIT at each exchange! We had group aerobics as we waited for our runners and dance circles! It was a NONSTOP PARTY!!!

My feet were sore but I have ALWAYS wanted to run this race so I decided to pop some pills and tough it out. (my poor liver!) I ran farther than I had in almost 2 years and really pushed myself physically. I am so happy I did too! Although it was very challenging and painful, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I know a BIG part of that has to do with the fact that my team was amazing :) It was also refreshing to have 12 females have a fun, drama-free weekend. I'm so lucky to know such awesome ladies.

For just a small moment after the race, I was a little emotional. It had taken me over a year to get to this point where I could run like this. And in just a couple of months I will have to start that journey all over again.

It's a hard fact to swallow.

The surgery effects my life in every way.I realized at that moment that this was my last "Hoorah!" for a long time. I was sad the race was already over, but extremely grateful I had the chance to do it.

Sigh.

On a side note, if you're not my friend on facebook you should be, so you can check out the video I took of Jamie rockin' it out in the parking lot after one of the exchanges. Classic moment!!

...... News other than RAGNAR....
CHRIS...
Chris is working his tooshie off (and if you know him, you know he doesn't have much of one to begin with!) & being the amazing attorney that we all know and love.
He recently spent all of his birthday money at one store, and on non business CLOTHING!!!! Is anyone else as shocked as me? Seriously. THIS IS BREAKING NEWS! When we walked out of the store he said "You've ruined me..." Psh! As if!
He is also pretty decent at Words with Friends, doing the dishes once in a blue moon, and carrying me when I'm too lazy to move from the couch to the bed after I've fallen asleep.
Have I mentioned that he showers for 45 minutes?! Its not only killing half of the life that lives in the sea, it's kind of ridiculous. Just sayin' ;)
Basically he is just as swell as always! I'm a pretty lucky gal.

After thought.....
Spring is totally in the air here and I couldn't resist purchasing these two lovely items, because they make me completely happy! A hot pink maxi skirt? Um, YES PLEASE! And, what is that? I'm sorry, are you seriously offering handpainted picnic plate baskets with...wait, a little NETTING option to keep your food bug-free? I'll take 4 please! Oh Anthropologie, how you know my heart so well!

Feliz Cumpleanos Guapo

2011-03-29T23:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Chris turned 29!

He is devilishly handsome, witty, smart, and pretty awesome.

We had a great time, the weekend was full: Laker game, lots of yummy restaurants, beach, more beach, movies, and family time! My brother Josh was in town for work earlier in the week & extended his trip-- It was so fun having him here. He & I have never had hang out time just the two of us...ever! So, it was obviously a blast :)
The Spikers came down from LA to celebrate Chris' bday, & we had such a great time & laughed the entire night long.
Happy Birthday babe!

Pix of all the fun

**Yet again, I didn't take very many photos. I really am in a slump! I think it's because I have this new fancy camera & don't really know how to use it (to it's full potential) so I never bring it. Tsk! Tsk! I just need to find someone to teach me...I miss taking lots of photos. Anyone know a good photographer who would be willing to teach me??

We are excited for Spring & the fabulous weather it brings. Hopefully Chris won't have to work too hard & will be able to enjoy it!

Is it October Yet?

2011-03-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Everything is better in October.

Lately, all I can think of is that lovely month where the cool breeze & vibrant colors fill me up with a fuzzy feeling....

Plus, come October, I should be healed from my SECOND (*%&$*#&$*!!) foot surgery! Taking place at a beach community near you this June 2011! Feel free to kill me now...

Barf.

On a happier note, guess who is turning 29 in just two days? Isn't he just the cutest? I heart him mucho. He is terribly handsome with his early onset stages of salt & pepper hair, green eyes, and his (freakishly) perfect nose.

Happy Birthday Babe!

Anyway, I think it goes without saying that I'm borderline depressed about the upcoming surgery & the limits it's going to put on my life AGAIN. I know there is a positive side to this, somewhere...

Until I find it, I'll continue to daydream about October.

current anthro lust list

2011-03-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

I'm a Lucky Duck

2011-02-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

See this guy above? That's my brother Ammon.

He surprised me this year for Christmas with a trip

to NYC to go to fashion shows & to play in the city with him.

I was beyond excited!

I LOVE NYC!!

Ammon, Carlo, & I had the best four days!

We always laugh, spaz out, and create a million memories when we are together. Ammon went out of his way to make me feel special & spoiled all week long. We went to the Broadway Billy Eliot, ate at the most fabulous restaurants in the city, ate Carlo's famous ribs, shopped, went to the Guggenheim museum, I met more of Ammon's friends & most importantly I was finally able to meet Carlo's brother! Although half of the time I was freezing to death, we never stopped having fun.

The highlight of the trip was, of course, the fashion.

I know people think I'm bizarre for how interested I am in all things fashion related, but I can't help it.

So, from people watching in the street---to models & fashion shows--to after parties--

I had my fill of fashion!

Marc Jacobs has always been one of my absolute favorite designers. He is so talented & so inspiring.

When we were at his show I got chills, as cheesy as it sounds, I totally did.

It was amazing, like a dream. Being surrounded by it consumed me.

After the fashion show we went to the private after party.

A sit down dinner with Marc Jacobs & Robert Duffy, their closest friends,

& key people on their teams and in the industry.

The party was amazing. Beautiful. The Scissor Sisters played live.

All was perfect & I was still pinching myself.

Then...

I had the opportunity to meet the designer himself.

"Marc, I'd like to introduce you to one of my good friends...this is Mari"

I practically passed out!

SERIOUSLY!?! AM I MEETING MARC JACOBS?!

Luckily, I kept calm & had a short but amazing conversation with

MARC FREAKING JACOBS!

Are you dying? Cuz I am still dying over it!!!

It was, without a doubt, one of the best nights of my entire life.

That's the condensed version of the trip. It was wonderful & I still can't believe it happened.

I feel so LUCKY!!

Thanks to my big brother Ammon, I was able to have one of my life-long dreams come true. I love you Amms, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Amms doing my hair for the fashion shows...I love the expression on his face! Such concentration!

The Marc Jacobs after party

shopping in SoHo

Look at his cute Bow-tie!

After Party Dinner

Guggenheim Museam

We take a pic in Times Square every time I come to visit, it's a tradition!

More of the after party

a place pretty to rest our heads

2011-02-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

This year for Valentines Day Chris & I are giving each other a gift that keeps on giving. A new bed! We are overdue for a new mattress & since the one we want is a bit pricey, we decided to have no gifts this Vday and instead get a bed.

Call us old & boring, but we are pretty excited about it.

I have been trying to decide what new bedding to get! Below are the ones I've narrowed it down to, I like all of them. I like them by themselves, I like them mixed together (all of those lovely sheets mixed with the solid quilts!).

Give me your vote, tell me what you think would be cute together.

I want your help!

I love the idea of an all ivory bed, I also love throwing in color & mix 'n matching.

Decisions, decisions.

This one can be found here for more photos/detail

click here for more photos/details of this style

and the sheets.....

I heart my job

2011-02-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

The best part about my job? The people. Hands down. They are talented, funny, creative, and inspiring. I love how everyone is unique & brings something completely different to the team. Outside of work they are a second family. Last week the Irvine Anthro Team & the Newport Team joined forces and threw a big bash. We had reps of AG fly in from NYC (AG....you know, the most amazing denim brand out there?) & 160 RSVP's...a fashion show full of spring looks and key AG pieces, a champagne bar, waiters carrying trays of lovely goodies, and a DJ. The event was a blast & it was so great spending time with all of the lovely ladies from both stores. I have had the privilege of working at both stores & getting to know the girls (and guys!) at both. I LOVE them all. (Of course I forgot my camera, so these are pics from others & my cell. ) The night was great & the event was a huge success. What can I say? I love my job.

These are photos of the current anthro window display, inspired by fashion & art.

They are made from paper & hangers, that's it. Amazing, right?

Seeking New Music!

2011-02-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

I am tired of my current playlists. I

love it if you would comment with 5 or 15 of your favorite songs to work out to!

(you may also add non-work out music if you so wish:) )

I am trying to keep my goal of working out a minimum of 3x per week & music is what gets me through it!

Please help! Share your tunes!

Dreams Do Come True Ya Know!

2011-01-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

A boy once said that to me in Jr High, actually, he shouted it...but that's beside the point. Sometimes dreams DO in fact, come true.

Rewind one year ago today. I was on my couch, drugged, most likely texting something crazy to one of you, and still under the delusion that I would be recovered in 6 to 8 weeks.

I also thought I'd be flying to NYC to live a lifelong dream of going to Fashion Week. (insert heart breaking sound here) And I thought I'd be healthy enough to run the Ragnar Relay, a race I'd been dying to run, that coming April. (insert you-really-thought-that?! here). ...I was oh so very wrong to believe these things would happen so soon after my surgery.

BUT...

MY DREAM IS STILL COMING TRUE!!!!

Thanks to the good graces and gosh-darn-good-freaking-lucky-life of my brother Ammon I will be attending Fashion Week in just two short weeks! Will I cry? Possibly...Will I pee my pants because I'm so excited? Wouldn't surprise me...Will I be so cold I will want to die? Definitely.

New York, I love you. I can't wait to be together again. I'm just so excited!!

As for the Ragnar Relay...well, I wouldn't go as far as calling it a dream...more like something I really wanted to do....hmmm, for lack of a better word let's just call it a goal. I have signed up with a team of ladies here in SoCal to run this crazy 180mile relay race this coming April. I am TERRIFIED!! I am excited too. I can barely run a mile, obviously I have got some major work to do.
I am so happy to feel like I'm finally going to DO IT!

So....Here I am, a year later, in the same place but with a totally different view.

(and hopefully a totally different outcome!)

Ba-nanas!!

2011-01-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

Squeeeee!!!

These ladies arrived on my porch today! Aren't they just lovely?

And they don't hurt my feet.

GASP!

I know right?

It was fate.

Worst Blogger...Ever?

2011-01-16T23:46:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Mari. I'm married to a wonderful man, his name is Chris.

Have we met?

Oh that's right, I have this blog, I am supposed to use it as a journal...you know, because keeping a journal is good. (I really wanted to type journaling right there, btw) Keeping a journal is great for so many reasons. We keep a blog because it's easier than whipping out a pen and paper, also because pictures are cool.

So this ~~journal~~ blog it's mostly for us....you're (our friends and family) just icing on the cake.

So, why am I such a slacker?

"Only the shadow-man knows" (that's what Chris would say, betcha ten bucks)

It's 2011, January in fact, seems to me like a great time to re-commit and repent.

So here it is...my quick, condensed, catch-up-to-date post.

I sky dived, it was awesome and equally terrifying. One of the best experiences of my life. We went for Ash's bday, and let me tell you...it was a MEMORABLE experience. The entire time you're asking yourself why in the world you are doing this...and then after you think...oh my gosh, that was awesome, but also very very scary. haha.

Christmas came & went. We spent this lovely holiday season with the Spiker side. Christmas Eve was filled with Spiker fun at Grandma Rita's. Christmas Day was spent with Peterson fun, we made cookies and everyone gushed over sweet Lucy.

Apparently living at the beach doesn't mean you shouldn't travel away to a different beach. Which is what we did. Dec 26th came and we were off to the sunshine in Cancun, Mexico. We spent one lovely week there. Chris didn't work (gasp!) and it was relaxing and fun. Chris' parents and Luke were there, and we missed the rest of the bunch :( Luke was hilarious the entire time. Linda & Steve were as sweet and fun as always. Chris and I actually got to hang out. Amazing. It went by far too quickly, we had a ton of fun, and ate way too much food. Do I even need to say that packing up was difficult? We didn't ever want to leave! We celebrated the New Year and came home the 2nd of January to a very rainy CA. It was a perfect setting for our "back to work & back to reality", boo!

Talking just to Talk

2010-12-09T18:06:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like I'm just talking to talk. Like when I don't see Chris for 2 days and I just ramble and ramble when I see him.

My last conversation with my husband consisted of me talking and him reading his blackberry saying "Uh huh" and me saying "You're not listening" ..."Yes I am"....he wasn't. lol.

So I blog.

You know when you know something to be true, but you don't want it to be, so you just ignore it or avoid it? I've been doing that. It eventually comes to a head ya know....it's true. Its been happening to me for the past 2 days. You should prepare yourself. It's not very fun.

Remember those little lifesaver Christmas books that came with all of the lifesaver packs/books around Christmas time? Not the candy book, but the little story book on the back of it? I loved them. Probably because they were mini. I kept mine every year. ( freak flag waving high.) I still have them, about 12 of them or so...in a box somewhere in guest room closet. I adored them when I was little and kept thinking, "one day these will be collectors items!" haha. Oh man.

So my house is 90% decorated for Christmas. The remaining 10% is my tree. It's up, tree skirt & all. Light? Nope. Ornaments? Hah.

It's going to be a very Anthro Christmas this year, I hope people don't get sick of their Anthro goodies. If you are just tell me and I'll keep your gifts for myself! Okay, not really....well, actually...

I often call my friend who lives two states away to help me with my homework.

Is that weird?
(you can be honest with me Jeni...)

I haven't been to the gym in THREE WEEKS and I feel disgusting. Oh and Cancun is in 2 weeks? Awesome time to fall off the wagon. Barf.

Chris keeps asking me what I want for Christmas, I keep telling him the same 3 things:

1. An amazing craft room.

I have it all planned out in my head. It is going to be fab. Ah, one day.

2. A baby

3. A puppy

He then tells me, "Think of other things."

I purchased Chris a fly Marc Jacobs suit for Christmas this year. It's so rad. He looks handsome and oh-so-stylish. Don't worry, I've been saving since May for that lol. Why do I feel sad that he doesn't have anything to open on the actual day?

(he opened it early because he is going to Boston for work next week and wanted to wear it)

Does my sarcasm come through when I type? I always wonder that.

The other day a girl at work told me her biggest pet peeve is when people say the word "like" all of the time. I've been very self-conscious around her since! I'm always talking slow to make sure I don't say it and it's actually REALLY hard for me!

I really wish I could type my French papers while taking a bubble bath...

Anyway, if someone has a chance to come clean my house, do my homework, paint my nails, and decorate my Christmas tree give me a ring. Rates are totally negotiable.

FREEZING THANKSGIVING 2010

2010-12-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving came & went already? Huh? Oh yeah, I forgot I'm 25 now and I should expect the rest of my life to flash before my eyes. Got it.

Highlights (& some lowlights) of the trip back home:

We were able to meet our newest niece Lucy, who is truly adorable!

Chris missed two flights, was stranded in Vegas for 5 hours

Harry Potter

Amazing Thanksgiving Feast with *almost* my entire family (we missed you J & J!!!)

Authentic Texan Fried Turkey!

Chris went to the Laker Game w/ the Spiker men

Arriving in Long Beach with our car in the OC due to Chris' mega-flight-mishap

Betcha can't guess which ones are lowlights! (I'm aware of my total misuse of that word btw) Anyway, the trip was wonderful and went by WAY too fast, as usual. I always have a list of people I am dying to see and usually barely skim the top of it!! Ah, what can ya do?

It was a WONDERFUL TRIP!!! Even if it was next to Zero degrees the entire time!! I love going home and since I get to only 2-3 times per year it always flies by! Boo!

watching football.. Meeting Lucy!

Lauren and her youngest, Lily

Uncle Ammon flew in 2 days early to babysit Lauren's kids while she & Patrick were in Hawaii. Lily formed a very special bond with him!!

Cooking with my little chef-to-be niece Kailah

My oldest brother Cim & his beautiful wife Katie

Patrick's friend, Dustin, from Texas came up for the holiday, he made us an authentic Texan turkey...fried and everything!!

Lauren and her best friend, Lori

I love these crazy kids

Crystal and her youngest, Hailey!

PJ & Rena...look how big Alex is getting!

We went to a place called Jump On It....basically a huge place full of a million trampolines...the kids & adults had a blast. The adults got a little crazy...Ammon, Patrick, and Chris all twisted their ankles!

This picture makes me so happy! Look how hilarious they are!

I wanted to save these for last, because as unflattering as most of them are, they are hilarious. Ammon decided that taking several shots in a row would be the sure way to get at least one great picture of my sisters and I. (blame it on his photo shoot experience lol). These pics pretty much describe the typical interaction between the 3 of us.

Happy Holidays!

In case you were wondering...

2010-11-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

Dear ~~Journal~~, ~~Diary~~, Blog...

I should be studying right now, but I'm not. I have three finals tomorrow & literally zero motivation. Chris is MIA. My house looks like a Giant came and lifted it up, flipped it over, possibly gave it a good shake or two...then set it back down. It's been one of those weeks if you know what I mean. Where is my motivation? I certainly wish I could find it....tonight!

Aren't you excited it's the holiday season? I can't wait. I've already planned when we are going to buy our Christmas tree (clearly I'm Type-A)...Guess what Chris said when I told him?

Mari "Yay! I can't wait to buy our tree! I want to do an entirely different theme to it this year!"

Chris ...long pause....(watching TV)...."We aren't buying a Christmas tree, we will be in Cancun"

Mari (gasp!....as in dramaaaaatic gasp) "NO!!!We ARE! We don't leave for Mexico until the 26th!! We HAVE TO HAVE A TREE!!! IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!"

Chris (attention now on me...small laugh) "Fine"

Well, at least I'm getting a Christmas tree. Even if Scrooge is anti :) I've been singing him the theme song to the Grinch...I need to memorize all of the words, that song is actually hilarious. You can read the lyrics here if you so please. Last year I gave him Grinch pajama bottoms...he really is the Grinch! I'm telling you. I don't know how he stands living with me, I'm the polar opposite of that.

(OMG! I just threw my computer because a spider crawled on ME!!!! I am glad it didn't break, that was terrifying!!!)

Wow, sorry 'bout that.

Anyway, see how I'm putting off studying by rambling on and on? I'm actually busier than ever this week and here I am, typing a way.....it's actually therapeutic to think about something other than boutiques, orders, work, school, messy house...

I'm pretty excited to go home for Thanksgiving, I secretly wish it snows while I'm there. I won't have a white Christmas, so I'm hoping to get a taste of it while I'm home.

Working at Anthro is amazing. Everyone says "Oh I wouldn't be able to work there" "How do you do it? I bet it's so hard" (implying that the discount must be evil)...and I actually couldn't disagree more. Sure it's "probably" a bad thing to have a discount because it encourages shopping...But in my eyes, shipping=good, discount=awesome, discount at your favorite store=super awesome. I do have a budget I must stick to, of course---but I think the discount is a great thing :)

My grandma (mom's mom) is 96! She just had a bit of a scare last week because she had a pretty severe staff infection...When she went in for her check up this week the Dr took off his glasses and shook his head & said, "Well Irene..I don't know how you do it, but you've come through! I thought I was going to have to put you in the hospital with a bad ending"...she replied "Well Dr, everything is in the Lords hands!" (said with a big grin of course) How cute is she?!

I'm so glad she is okay. I admire her more than anyone on this planet. I love her so much.

I want to move to NYC desperately. Just for a year or two. I think it would be such an adventure. Then I want to settle down in a neighborhood and home much like the one Ina has on Barefoot Contessa. (which BTW is one of my favorite shows ever)

I've rented a Christmas movies every week for the past 4 weeks. If you have any suggestions send em my way, I can't seem to get enough! (so far I've watched: Christmas with the Kranks, The Santa Claus, It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone 1 & 2, that dumb one with Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon.., and The Holiday).

I'm trying to hunt down Miracle on 34th street...

Some of my holiday must have's courtesy of the lovely & talented people at Anthropologie:

for the wee ones..

Usually my tree is silver, gold, champagne etc...but this year I want it to be quirky and colorful.

Ok this rambling fest must come to an end, it's time for me to hit the books.

Someone tell my husband to please come home soon! :(

Come to the Market!

2010-11-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

I've been busier than ever lately. Work, School, and working on Mari Elizabeth Couture & Autumn Dame. I'm happy to be busy and grateful to have hobbies that bring me so much satisfaction! I've been working extra hard lately to prepare for some fantastic boutiques that I sell at every year. I adore these boutiques. They sell the absolute cutest things and I feel flattered to be apart of them. If you're in UT this weekend be sure to stop by the Bijou Market! If you're in UT the weekend after Thanksgiving, Dec 2nd-4th be sure to stop by the Beehive Bazaar!

I always find great Christmas gifts (as well as something for myself if I'm being honest) at these events.

I'll be selling autumn dame clothing & some fun accessories!

I have hand knitted chunky infiniti-scarves, big loop infiniti-scarves,

and some cute holiday packaging ties (so adorable! I want to keep them all for my wrapping needs!).

The Beehive Bazaar

The Bijou Market

Come! Support! You won't regret it!

A Celebration!

2010-11-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

My 25th Birthday was full of surprises! My husband shocked me this year with his lack of procrastination & his ability to trick me! I know I say this all of the time, but I really do feel so lucky to be married to such a wonderful man. He makes life amazing and I couldn't be happier.

I was a well loved girl this year and I couldn't have felt more blessed!

We kicked off my day with a "birthday eve" present! I think we'll have to make it a tradition! :) The day of my birthday I woke up to another gift from Chris (so sweet!) and then had to go to class, boo! However, I opted to ditch Math halfway through and I went for a run in the sun on our lovely little beach and treated myself to a pedicure. I'm confident I made the right choice!

That night Chris & I had dinner plans, so off we went. Much to my surprise & delight we walked up to a table full of friends! They completely tricked me! Seeing as it was Thursday and we live all the way down in Newport, I never even imagined anyone would come down. Surprises are now officially one of my favorite things ever! It was the BEST! I literally couldn't stop smiling all night! Totally made the day! I couldn't believe they would fight all of that traffic just to be there with me on my birthday. Like I said, I'm blessed!

(I didn't get a clear photo with Chris, which I'm sad about.)

Ash was the brains behind the operation. She is one of my very best friends and is like a sister to me. I can't even begin to describe what a generous and thoughtful person she is.

The Boys

My old EM team!

Love Birds

Sweet Lindsay Lou Lou & Ash. I wish I could hang out with these two all of the time!

All the girls. Jami, Janae, and Jessica came down too!

The next three days were a continuation-celebration! I always love when birthdays spill over onto other days, it's so much more fun!

I received some lovely packages in the mail (thank you!) and Chris and I spent the night carving pumpkins (more importantly we spent time together, such a rare thing these days!).

Saturday we met up with two of our favorite people, Trevor & Shelby for dinner and Phantom of the Opera! I was SO excited!! A real birthday treat! I brought my camera, but forgot to take pictures! Dork! It was such a blast hanging out with them and we loved the show.

Sunday we drove up to see Chris' family! We live only 2 hrs from them but feel like we never see them! Linda was so awesome & prepared the most amazing birthday feast for us! And of course we loved seeing Marali, Grandma, and the rest of the family too.

It was an amazing birthday.

25th you came, you went, & you were fabulous.

wee people

2010-11-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

Are you kidding me? One of my very favorite places to shop now makes kids clothing? and the name?! could you just die!? HOW ADORABLE!!!!

click HERE to view & shop!

As if I didn't already want a child bad enough ;) Hooray Free People, you've done a girl proud!

When I Grow Up..

2010-10-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Remember saying that? I do. I thought being "grown up" was always SO far away, always a never-going-to-happen-to-me moment. Ever hear those women complain about getting older and wonder why they care, it's just another year? Then find yourself totally relating to those women? Oh, is that just me?

Ahem....

Welcome to 25 years old Mari. You're officially a Grown Up.

Things I thought I'd have accomplished by the time I hit the big 25: Graduated with a Bachelors (I had no specific degree in mind...which is probably why it never happened lol), traveled to Europe, be Tri-Lingual, lived on the East Coast , *If I was married* I was certain I'd have one child by now...ETC, ETC!!

Surprisingly, getting married wasn't on the list until 28yrs! Working retail at 25? Nope. Am I totally happy with being married? OF COURSE! Best. Thing. Ever. (seriously) Am I in love with Anthropologie and completely content spending 40hrs a week in that lovely environment? Definitely. Do I love to cook, sew, and create? YES! I never would have pictured myself doing these things to this extent...ever! I would be so sad without them now, they are parts of me I never knew could bring so much joy!

Life takes interesting turns. Friends you ~~thought~~ were sure you'd be close with forever are not the friends you speak to everyday. Dreams you once had have turned into new ones. Always expect the unexpected, things never go as you "plan". I have to keep reminding myself this every time I ache for a little one, every time I wish I had been more focused on school (like my very studious spouse), or anytime I find myself wishing for a re-do. It's a bit gooey of me to say, but it's not too late. I can reconnect with lost friendships that I value & miss, I can learn a new language, I can still travel!

Conclusion: Life is good, regardless of whether or not my plan has been perfectly executed.

Am I still having a mid life crisis? YESSSSSS!

Give a girl a break, 25 is a BIG milestone!

Missing you, like whoa..

2010-10-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

Chris is gone. Again. Work, of course. Single Wife Life to the rescue I suppose. He is such a hard worker, I am one H of a lucky lady. I just miss him. Fair? Fair.

It's fall, my very favorite. In fact, it's OCTOBER! My abso-freaking-lute favorite. Sure, having a birthday in this month doesn't hurt the cause....but it truly is the BEST. Amazing weather, amazing clothing, amazing everything. Blah, blah, blah...I'm obsessed...blah blah.

So work is fantastic. I've never had a job that I love like I love this one. It doesn't hurt that I'm surrounded by amazing product, clothes, smells, sounds, and fun girls. Anthro is seriously a great company to work for, it's like no other place I've ever worked.

The downfall? I miss my friends. I miss free time. I suppose this is what being a "grown up" is all about....which is super lame. I am torn because I do LOVE my job, but I also love my friends/family. I'd have traveled to NYC, UT, and WA by now if I hadn't accepted this promotion. It's a tricky thing finding balance, I'm still working it out.

...and THEN there is this whole school nonsense....let's just put it this way: I love that I'm going, I hate that I waited because getting back into the swing of things is less than pleasant.

I miss running. I miss wearing cute wedges.

On a side note, these are pretty cute: this, this, & these.

But this is prettier....

Hello lovely Boston & Central Park, I've missed you...

I am happy, but ready for the chaos to slow down a bit.

People and things that I love...I'm missing you like whoa.

Miracle of Life

2010-09-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Josh are parents! Yesterday Courtney delivered their first baby girl, 6lb 13oz! We are so happy for them & are so sad we couldn't be there. This little angel is beautiful! I love how much hair she has too!

Congratulations to the new family! We couldn't be more happy for you. We can't wait to meet our new little niece!

R.I.P. Ruby

2010-09-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

"Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby Soho"....have you heard this song by Rancid? I'm not entirely sure I've even heard the entire song, but I used to sing this line when referring to my lovely ride.

Ruby. A not-so-red-not-so-much-pink-either automobile. Aptly named this when first purchased in High School (because everyone knows you name your car in high school...) The very first car that I purchased all on my own. She was a 2 door stick shiftin' warrior. Or survivor. Depending on your opinion of my driving.

1 year ago today, she was taken from us. In the middle of the night. A miraculous occurrence considering she had been rather moody (not starting whenever she felt like it). It was tragic, shocking, hilarious, and a godsend.

Our first thought....Really? My car?? Apparently her worn state and inconsistent behavior didn't bother her kidnappers one bit. They wanted her for her parts, I call it "Dexter-style death".

True, she was a little ugly. A little worn out. But she was the car that I drove when I ditched class to go shopping, the car that taught me to drive a stick shift, the place for my best musical performances, the taxi for my friends, the car that took endless trips up and down the canyon to longboard, see the leaves,etc. She was the car that took me to some of my most memorable concerts, to the places I probably shouldn't have been going to eat at 1am, and the car I packed up and moved out of my parents house in. She was the car that moved me from my single life in little Orem, UT--to the exciting and scary land of big California.

RIP Ruby, you were a good little car.

.............BUT, I'll admit....

I love my new ride more! Thanks for being stolen & making it possible!

IN MEMORY OF RUBY, THE HONDA CIVIC THAT COULD.
1996-2009

Sundace

2010-09-09T01:01:00.000-07:00

Chris & I celebrated our 4th Anniversary in a cozy little cabin in beautiful Sundance! We had an amazing time. We napped, read, hiked, slept in, played horseshoes, and most importantly we had ZERO interruption from the blackberry! HALLELUJAH!! Spending time in the mountains is probably our #1 favorite thing to do together--from the trees & fresh air to the hot cocoa & slippers...ahhh I wanna go back already! Needless to say, it was a much needed & much appreciated time away.

Lucky little me flew in a little early to spend some quality time with the family. I wasn't exceptional with the photo taking, only because I was having so much fun! I felt lucky to see a few of my amazing friends while in town and it always makes me even more homesick...I wish I could hang out with them all of the time!

I know I don't have kids of my own, so I won't fully understand this feeling until then..BUT..I can't stand how fast my nieces & nephews are growing up! It's so hard for me to miss so much of their lives...ugh, I only see them (most of them) 1-2times per year...NOT ENOUGH! They are the cutest ever.

Isn't family the greatest? I wish Chris' family & my family lived in the same state, so we could see everyone all of the time! I am so grateful for the time we had up there, it really recharged our batteries and gave us the boost we have been needing.

'Til next time Sundance, you were a dream!

Zooey

2010-08-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight Chris is working. I'm spending far too much money on iTunes..& I just can't get over how much I love Zooey Deschanel. I know she was all the buzz when 500 Days of Summer came out, but I am still buzzin'. I love her music {She & Him}, her style, her bangs....she makes me want bangs like it's nobody's business. The Twilight concert series going on back home in SLC is seriously amazing and She & Him are on tonight, so wish I could be there...

Summer is ending. Next week Sundance to celebrate 4years, then returning to full time work combined with starting school again. I'm happily welcoming fall & all of it's busy distractions. Anyway, you should download some She & Him, good stuff.

So Long Summer...

2010-08-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Summer is almost over! How very sad! Although our summer has been all work no play (our first summer where we haven't gone on a trip! boo!) it's just sad to see it go. But I have to admit, I am already excited for Christmas. What?? Yup, Christmas. Anyhow, back to August...I registered for school! Wohoo, look at me! I am equally happy as I am unhappy about this fact. Happy because I have been wanting to complete my associates degree (I know, it's almost too embarrassing to admit that I don't even have that done) for some time now & unhappy because well...homework! I am taking a few classes, including French! Eeek! So excited to learn another language! Classes start beginning of September.

Chris is currently ~~exhausted, never home,~~ working. Ahem, in other words he is making the term 'single wife life' into something entirely new. I am being understanding &; supportive, but man oh man do I miss him. Lucky for us we get to have a little rendezvous for our 4th anniversary the 1st week of September...I am considering banning his Blackberry from this, not sure how he'll take that tho...

So it's Back To School time for me! I guess this means I need to have some new back to school outfits, darn! ;)

Baby Shower & Beach Goers

2010-07-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

This past week Chris' entire family (aunts, cousins, parents, siblings, etc.) all came down to spend a week here in Newport. I, of course, requested the week off & was ready to play! We started the week off with a baby shower for Courtney (I feel like her pregnancy has flown by!)--Lindsay, Ashley, Linda, and I threw the shower. We always have so much fun throwing showers, but tend to get a little crazy (as you can see below!).

THE SHOWER

The next day, everyone headed south! The week was full of beach, pool, yummy meals, laughing and just enjoying each other. The problem was, Chris was not able to join. Like, at all. He spent like 15 min one night and caught a dinner with us on the next. That's it. No beach, no sunshine, no nothin'! I had a great time this week, but I couldn't shake how guilty I felt. Chris has been working 8am-11pm roughly each day for the past 10days...he hasn't had a day off (yes, he works weekends). He looks tired and worn out. I know this past week would have been just what the doctor ordered...but no such luck. So here I am, enjoying his family and playing in the sun everyday...while he is working his butt off at this job. I missed having him there and I hated having fun without him. :(Ah, it was the worst!!

The week was full of nice, beautiful weather. I love LOVE LOVE where I live, and I love it even more when family comes into town to enjoy it with us!

NEWPORT 2010

4th of July Weekend

2010-07-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

Chris didn't have to work!!! (well, not until Monday) We went to the beach together for the first time in ages, which was fantastic. We soaked up the sun, went to a friend's pool party, & just enjoyed not having to work. Newport has amazing fireworks over the water, so we set up a blanket & had ourselves a little picnic under the fireworks. They were beautiful ( fireworks make me so happy!) and watching them over the harbor made us both feel so blessed to live where we do (and that Chris was finally able to enjoy it!). We are both so grateful for this beautiful country, for all of those who serve, and for the freedoms we enjoy. It was our first 4th of July without either of our families, it felt weird but we still had a great weekend. Our summer is flying by, we can't believe we have already lived here 9.5months! Now we are just crossing our fingers that Chris gets a few more weekends like this one soon!

TGIF

2010-06-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

C.S. Lewis

"I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love."

The Beatles

These pictures made me happy.....

Budget, Ewwww...

2010-06-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Chris & I have decided to be grown ups. I know, it's a little late.
Due to this a budget was born, a strict budget. (gag)
It's important, we know. But this doesn't mean we have to like it, right?

As Chris so aptly put it yesterday, "I hate this, I just want to spend my money on what I want when I want"---ahhh, now I know why we haven't been saving a dime.

So the fun days are behind us, the serious adult-saving days are ahead. Oh joy.

There are no fun pictures on my blog lately, right? Lately I haven't been myself with my normal picture taking ways. I don't think I've taken a photo of Chris or myself for a while. We've had BBQ's with friends, beach days, family get togethers, etc....all of which I would have normally photographed. Why am I not taking photos? I am sure Chris is enjoying the break :) It made me sad when I opened iPhoto & there are no recent "events". I am in a picture taking slump. I hope I snap out of it soon!

I want to be a Dancer when I grow up...

2010-06-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

Dancers have the. best. bodies. Can I please have a body like that? Please? I also think dancing looks fun...Every time I watch SYTYCD I want to be a dancer--problem, I am totally uncoordinated. However, a girl can dream.

So, I am looking forward to a summer of awesome dancers on one of my favorite shows--

I am so happy it's back!

I also love the host, Cat Deely, Chris thinks she looks funny but I think she is so pretty. Plus I *almost* always love her outfits.

Sunday Walk

2010-05-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

Chris & I take walks almost every chance we get. Today was beautiful, so after church we went for a stroll. I grabbed my camera to snap some shots of our very springy, colorful neighborhood. There are flowers EVERYWHERE! In trees, on roof tops, gardens, telephone poles, etc.

I love where we live! Newport rocks.

Notes to Self

2010-05-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Note to self: When trying to walk downhill alone, without a railing, and you have very unstable and sore feet...Don't wear flip flops.

Sorry for the gross picture

Fact: I was carrying my camera during said stumble & a man yelled "Save the camera, then yourself!" It was as equally embarrassing as it was funny.

Note to self: Lunges involve a LOT of toes, don't try them unless you plan on taking your first step and not being able to move (then having to tip over to the side to get yourself back up).

Myth: Everyone at the gym knows you had foot surgery, and they understand why you fall over when trying to do lunges...

Note to self: Never put a lit candle on the carpet, not even if it's on a plate....

Note to self: Don't get car washed & waxed and then park under a tree that is dripping sap. Your husband won't be happy.

Myth: Sap is good for car paint

Note to self: When feeling particularly hormonal/baby hungry/single wife-y avoid ALL television. No matter what it is, you will somehow find yourself tearing up.

Fact: I've had at least 6 television induced tear ups this week alone.

Chris is probably wondering what he's got himself into...
ps. this post isn't meant to be a downer, it's funny! don't be sad for me!

Group Recipe Project: Spring Green Risotto

2010-05-11T17:05:00.001-07:00

Okay, the Quinoa was AMAZING! Seriously, I love my other Quinoa recipes but this one is my favorite for sure! The best part about it is that it can be served hot or cold, which makes it a great lunch for the next day.

I know many of you have tried versions of Quinoa like I have, it's such an easy base to add whatever you want! But if you haven't tried this recipe specifically, I suggest you do so. SO YUM!

For any of you who missed it, here is the link to the previous post: Black Bean & Tomato Quinoa

The next project I've found for (us) myself is a Risotto. Compliments of Ina, whom of course is one of my very favorite cooks. You should definitely record Barefoot Contessa! It's my favorite.

I have to confess, Risotto intimidates me! I am always worried I will royally screw it up! I am hoping that Ina has simplified it enough that it will turn out well. Fingers crossed!

For the recipe click below:
SPRING GREEN RISOTTO
Cook By: May 23rd

THE CHOCOLATE

2010-05-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

I am back in Utah visiting my family. I love being home. The babies & the kids always giving kisses and hugs (even when the kisses are wet and slobbery!). My sisters making me laugh. I love family time, even when it means doing absolutely nothing but chatting in the living room. I haven't taken very many pics this week, I've been so busy prepping for the Beehive Bazaar and trying to spend as much time with LaLa before she flew back to TX. I hate when I don't take more pictures! I always regret it! Ugh!
Anyway- my Dad has been telling me about this cute little dessert shop that recently opened up here in my hometown, Orem--
'The Chocolate'.
Of course, we HAD to go. Yum, Yum, Yum. I loved that it was an old house that they turned into a cute cafe style bakery. They had so many delicious treats--I am now even more sure that I can't wait to start working out again after that little trip. (I spent $15 on desserts, and yes, I ate everything)
Totally worth it. I am a huge fan.
Thanks Dad!
Looking forward to my last few days here in UT- I get to see my brothers, spend Mother's Day with my mama, hopefully meet baby Hailey, and if all goes as planned make one last stop at The Chocolate :)

Dear Patrick..

2010-04-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had to say goodbye to one of my very favorite people, Patrick. I cried.

(Chris says goodbye in 2 weeks, but I'll be out of town)
Patrick will soon be Elder Spiker, serving in Argentina. He goes into the MTC on May 12th.
On Sunday Patrick gave his farewell talk in church, which was excellent. It was hard to picture him as a missionary until that moment, and it just sunk it and felt so much more real watching him up on the stand.
Patrick has a special place in my heart. Being the youngest I've never known what it was like having younger siblings--Patrick & Luke have both been sort of my "adopted" younger brothers, and I love it. Patrick has this charm about him, that is so endearing and makes you want him around all of the time. I am sure this trait will helpful on his mission. Chris admires Pat and has a lot of confidence in him, he always tells me how smart & talented Patrick is--he is a proud big brother. We love having Patrick around.
He is a good boy.
(I am sad I left my camera in OC and didn't take any pics from this weekend. :( )

We are so proud of Patrick's decision to serve the Lord, and know he will be an incredible missionary.
See you in 2years Pat! We miss you already!

Body Bugg

2010-04-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Working out {okay, mostly cardio} has been on my mind a lot lately. I really miss it! I love how it clears my head, gives me energy, and makes me happier. I am cleared to work out starting May 15th, and I am desperate for that day to come! I know it won't be easy, since my feet still ache often and swell up constantly. I just keep hoping that over the next few weeks I will see huge improvements {in other words I hope that the pain goes away by May 15th}.

Surgery ain't a breeze, I know that now.

On another health related note: My two oldest brothers, Cim (34) & Josh (33) have both been using the BodyBugg. I have never heard of it before now, but I have to say it sounds like quite the little contraption! Cim has lost 42+lbs using it & Josh has lost 35+lbs in two months! I am inspired by my brothers pursuit to a healthier, more fit life. Good job boys!

You can grab yourself a BodyBugg, by clicking here.

Feels like Summertime

2010-04-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

I love our little, old, apartment. I love that it's 2bdrms. I love that we don't share walls with anyone. I love that we are so close to the beach and that I can walk to the grocery store. And I love that we have a cute little patio.

This past week my parents came for a visit, which was lovely. The weather was awesome- 70-80's. We went walking a lot, went to Balboa, saw movies, ate yummy food, and laughed constantly. It was really nice to have family here. My brother & his family joined us for a beach day too! Chris hung out whenever he could, which wasn't much- he has been so very busy with work lately. But I am happy he could hang out even for those small bits. While they were here my Dad & I hung lights over the patio--they turned out so cute! Here are the before & after pics.

I still need to get some fun colorful pillows for the back of the chairs--but isn't it so cute? I love it. Now that it feels like summer here I know we will be eating out there all the time. You're invited if you ever want to join us :)

Here are some pics from the visit with the familia:

My dad & I went on my first bike ride since surgery. We wanted to see how hard it was for me {on a scale of 1-10 it would have been a 7, a 9 on the uphill parts}. It was a lot of fun. My dad is one of those people you have to understand to enjoy. He can be completely off & strange, but if you understand him it's fun! It's hilarious! You can fully enjoy hanging out with him if you take things a little less seriously. As a teenager--I didn't quite grasp this. I am so glad I've seen the light now--he is a great father, and I wouldn't change one quirky thing about him.

I also am just cracking up at these photos. They perfectly portray his personality.
Yes, my father is pretending to smoke a joint in one of them.
My mother will die when she sees that I posted it on my blog!
I am looking forward to more bike rides, walks, and sunshine!
Hooray for warm, sunny California!

Meet Julie

2010-04-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

Doesn't she look nice? I think so. Let me tell you how I came to find this lovely lady.

Being in my particular predicament I have been unable to get a job, go to school, etc. --which has led to me to seek out pattern making lessons.
I love clothes {obviously}. I thought, 'Hey, I have the time--why not see if I can find someone to teach me to make patterns?'. Then I searched.
And searched.
And searched.
Apparently if you'd like to learn how to sew there are several people out there who'd like to help you. But to learn pattern construction? Not so many.

Then I found Julie.
Hello expertise. Hello experience. Hello nice, friendly face. :)

Ms. Julie has mad skills. She taught pattern making for years & has made patterns for many designers. She took a few years off when she became a mommy and is now getting back into teaching. She plans to open up a shop in the future where you can learn to sew, pattern make, etc.--but for now she is teaching private lessons from her studio.

Yes, please.

Lucky little me found Julie & jumped on the opportunity.

I drug my swollen feet & tired self to her studio and have enjoyed every lesson! I am learning so much! I have completed Pattern Making 1 & plan to take Pattern Making 2 soon. She does group or private classes. The thing I love most about her is that you can choose what she teaches--you tell her what you want to learn/what your goals are & she will set up a class schedule catering to that. If anyone wants to take Pattern Making 2 with me {learning to make a dress!}, I would love it! You don't have to take Pattern Making 1 to take Pattern Making 2.

Here is my first completed top {side/back view}, it's a slouchy fitting tee, perfect for leggings and skinny jeans. It's not perfect because learning to use an overlock machine (aka serger) was no picnic. And don't judge the color, I just used left over fabric I had laying around.

If you are in SoCal & are interested in some sewing/pattern making type lessons you can find her here: Sewing Parlor.

Group Recipe Project: Black Bean & Tomato Quinoa

2010-03-31T22:54:00.000-07:00

Hola chicas! (if there is a chico out there hello to you too!) It's time for a new adventure!

But first...
Recap of last week's lovely recipe, the Apple Dumplings:

I made a few adjustments, I bought premade dough (gasp!) because I've been a sewing diva lately & needed to save time. I bought the "even flakier" dough from Whole Foods & it did not disappoint! I made them mini because, well, it's me. I also used walnuts instead of almonds. Chris had 5!! The dab of homemade whipped cream was the PERFECT touch!
We loved them.

{2 out of 2 Happy Spikers}

I discovered this lovely recipe that I've chosen for our next group recipe!

BLACK BEAN & TOMATO QUINOA
Do you know why Quinoa is so fabulous for you? It's yummy and super duper healthy. See here for some lovely Quinoa facts.

Let's give ourselves 2 weeks for this one, hopefully you be able to try it!
Good luck! I hope it's yummy!

Also, I just tried this recipe tonight that I L.O.V.E.D.
Compliments of my girl Barefoot Contessa.

Capellini with Tomatoes and Basil

Oh, and sad day for Mari. The buyer who bid on my lovely pillows backed out!
So, back on the market are these pretty little pillows. BRAND NEW.
18x18- set of 3. I paid $70 for them, but I'll sell them for the best offer.
Email your offers to: missmariliz@yahoo.com

Birfday!

2010-03-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

Christopher turned 28!
He is adorably sexy with the gray hairs popping up on his head and his cute lawyer outfits. (skinny ties & Ted Baker slacks, say what?!)

I think he is so very handsome.

This boy celebrated his big day at the..... office! (insert sad "aww" here) He was so swamped he couldn't even take a lunch break :( He has already billed 195hrs this month (and has two days left). For those of you who aren't familiar with how lawyers bill their hours, it's not actually how many hours he is in the office, it's only the time he spent on the projects/assignments/cases--so he was in the office for MUCH more than 195hrs... :(
After he got off work we went to dinner in LA & saw a late movie--low key & relaxed, just how he wanted it to be. My big plans of having a swanky dinner in Beverly Hills had to be canceled because he got off work too late. It's hard to spoil someone when they can't ever plan anything. He is such a hard worker, I just hope he enjoyed his day.

His family came down on Saturday, along with our good friends Trevor & Shelby to celebrate with us! Lindsay's boo, Curtis, had a birthday this week too! So we also celebrated his. Here are some pics from that night. Our waiter fed Chris his dessert, it was awkward & therefore hilarious. We always love having family over, and miss living close to them!

Chris has had quite a BIG year! He graduated Law School, passed the California Bar Exam, started a new job, moved to a new city, lost 30 lbs, and has been an amazing husband throughout it all. He is excelling quickly at his firm, learning a lot and becoming quite the working professional :) He is still his quirky self, still the best breakfast cook in the house, and takes the world's longest showers. He is doing his best to juggle everything he has going on, and I think he is doing a great job! He may be an old man now, but I still think he is exciting & fun as ever!
And despite his lack of water conservation, I am proud to call him mine!

Happy Birthday Big Boy!
I love you!
*still a boy at heart, even if you are OLD now!