so the thing is... (a pinterest post)

preface: i really like using picnik.com for editing my photos. it works great. but i don't care enough to upgrade to the premium and pay however much a month for a few more things, so i just use the basic stuff. and i just now discovered some cool collage things. so i went a little crazy with it. and i used it as a way to post about some of the prettiest things. pinterest has this way of always making me feel awful about myself, but also, making me laugh out loud, get curious, and admire unique things. plus also? i find a lot of pretty things on there. and here are some of them:

5 things

1. let me tell you a story: Devin always leaves for work about half an hour before me, but we wake up at the same time. Today, after he left, i noticed he forgot his phone (which doubles as his work phone. which means he uses it a lot throughout the day). so, i finished getting ready faster than usual, skipped grabbing any kind of fuel (usually apple cider or a granola bar), and headed down to his office early enough that I could still make it to work on time. I was much faster than i thought, and there was hardly any traffic on the freeway, so i got to sandy with about 20 minutes to spare. the other thing about commuting to work on the freeway every day is that you can never tell what traffic will be like. Some days, crashes will slow it down from Murray all the way to Lehi. other days, there are hardly any cars on the road. It generally takes me almost exactly 30 minutes from my house to where I nanny, but I often get off the 114th south exit 5-10 minutes early, and just take the long way to the house to kill time. Since i didn't grab anything to eat this morning, i decided i might as well kill time somewhere, rather than just drive around wasting gas and getting frustrated in traffic. I had noticed Daylight Donuts before, just in passing, but it came to my mind. It is morning. And donuts are breakfast food (to me, at least. best breakfast you could ask for?!)

The result? 96 cents TOTAL for a delicious original glazed donut. Probably the best I've ever had. And I didn't even had to feel embarrassed about never having cash/change, because the cashier ran my debit card anyway! Some places have a minimum amount you have to reach before you can use a card. Maybe that's for credit cards? I have no idea. I'm always too embarrassed to try, so I will either get more things, or scrounge for change. But also, i had no idea it would be so cheap in the first place! Great discovery nonetheless. I'm thinking this might become a regular thing...

2. The Rockstar Diaries has done it again! She posted about this foundation, and the wonderful people behind it. We've all heard of The 5 Browns, right? amazing piano siblings? They are not only amazing, but they have an incredible story, and what they've gone through has inspired them to help others in similar situations, and spread the word about stopping abuse. Like them on facebook!

3. Finding this gem:

4. pretty things

5. hilarious things: (I would never really call myself a harry potter fan. i didn't read the books (unless you count that one time i tried to read the first one like 10 years ago but don't recall doing so), i've seen some of the movies. i love them, but i'm not crazy about them or anything. but THIS... this is just hilarious. or maybe it's just me. i get a giggle every time. OMG, Malfoy. You act like I even care... bahahahaha

today is hard

my day started with the news that my husband hit a very large deer in the Provo Canyon on his way to Park City for a work call. He is fine, just sore from the impact, but his work truck took the hit pretty hard.

this is ironic, because (if you can recall) last year, on this very same drive, this very same week, he was in an accident. in the very same truck, even. that time, it was an out of control truck, sliding on the slippery, snowy road, sending him in circles, and then into the median. 

so glad he hasn't been hurt either times! what a day for that poor man :( 

my afternoon was spent writing a very hard email while the kids napped. i had to tell Jamie that after February, i will have to start looking for new work so i can support devin through school. he will be starting full time and i will hopefully find a job as a dental assistant. it's what i've wanted to do for awhile now, and i can't wait to start. 

but it breaks my heart to leave this family. they have been a huge blessing. i can't begin to say how much they all mean to me. coming here each day puts me in such a good place. i love spending my days with these 2 little rascals, and Jamie and Alex are model parents. i have been so lucky to be such a big part of their lives. to watch their children learn and grown, and to help a little along the way. Jamie responded quickly, saying she completely understands, she's been here, too, they will just be sad to see me leave. probably not as sad as i will be to go! i am doing my best to find them a good fit to replace me and have my eye on a good childhood friend. i just couldn't stand leaving them without a new nanny, and it means the world to me that it is someone great. because they all deserve it. 

these past 3 months with them have been so many things. i have laughed and cried. i've cleaned up every kind of mess. i have seen it all, i think! we've had adventures and long talks. we've had dance parties and movie days. we've made craft after craft and took a million pictures along the way. 

this family will always be a huge part of my life. they have changed me for good! i feel like i have learned so much so far, and honestly? i will probably be a better mom for it. 

so i'm grateful for the screaming. for the endless tears and noisy nap times. i'll shake my head and laugh when all aria wants to eat is cheese and carter asks for 30 chicken nuggets at lunch. i will continue to struggle with helping carter learn to read and write. to learn the differences between p, d, b, and q. and i'll continue to revel in the small successes each day that make me feel productive and worthwhile.

3 more months to go with them, before i have to leave, and i plan on soaking up every moment of it. and also, most definitely, staying in touch.

leaving will be hard. but nothing matters more to me than my marriage, and i will support devin's every move. i can't wait for him to get into the Rec program and really get going on what he is passionate about. His goal is to be a Recreational Therapist, and I couldn't think of a better man for the job.

today i'm wishing

you wouldn't think that i'd be so out of touch after a long weekend, but i am definitely off my game today! not every day as a nanny goes smoothly, and it's only noon, so things definitely have time to turn around. hoping a trip to the aquarium is in the cards for us, just to get out of the house for awhile and let the kids be a little crazy. but man. what a day so far. 

i keep daydreaming about what i wish i was doing. it involves lunch at communal, and a quick evening getaway to a cabin with a fireplace and hot tub, mint truffle hot chocolate, and a good new movie. and my husband. and some (a lot) of snow. and nobody else. and quiet. and no cell service or wi-fi. 

i think that if we get to a point where we could afford a grown up toy, it would probably be a time share for a cabin, or maybe a condo in st. george. i love the idea of always having a place to go to when you need to get away. maybe in.. oh, 15 years? 20? never...? haha.

i can dream though, right?

and the countdown officially begins

we finished off our Thanksgiving weekend with my family. Since we all had so much going on with so many other people (devin and I had stuff with his family, kelli and sean spent thanksgiving in brigham city with the morris', kayla had to work, and the only dinner we had was with my mom's extended family). So we wanted to make sure we all got together. We also invited my dad's dad to join us, but he had to cancel at the last minute because he has a terrible eye infection. Nonetheless, it was so great to all be together.

i hate that kelli and sean live in layton. it's really not that far, only an hour away, but it's just far enough that we can't see them whenever we want. kelli and i have become so close the older we get, and getting married 2 weeks apart kind of put that bonding speed in full gear. we talk all the time about the similarities and differences in our lives, while we are experiencing the exact same phases. it has been the biggest blessing. (i say that so much on here). it was great to see them. they are also probably the most hilarious people ever. literally.

my dad had soaked the turkey over night in some kind of brine something.... stuffed it with onions, applies and oranges, and then seasoned the outside with all kinds of spices and rubs. and then? he smoked it in our trager grill. i want one! holy cow. it was seriously the most delicious turkey i have ever had! most turkey gets overcooked and a little dried out, but it was so juicy and flavored and i was literally picking at it until everything else was ready like a vulture!

also? we had stuffing from a box. which i love! my aunt made some amazing stuffing for the family dinner that i loved, but i love the box kind, and i can always count on my mom to make it! haha (she's a "cook from a can or a box, or don't cook at all" kind of mom. which i find hilarious. and hey, it worked! i have decent cooking skills, so i think it was just fine.)

we spent the rest of the night sitting around the table eating pumpkin pie sharing hilarious stories, mostly coming from Sean's crazy mission in Peru. electrocution, tear gas, you name it, it probably happened on his mission! i haven't laughed that hard in a long time. i love my family. when we all get together, we get a little crazy. we share the funniest stories, make hilarious jokes, and laugh for hours. i love that as we've all gotten older, we've just grown closer, and family get togethers have become so much fun.

when we left, my mom gave us my box of my christmas ornaments. they've always been sentimental to me, just because i've grown up with them meaning something, so i have a box of about 40 ornaments, all with a story or a meaning to me. my grandparents give all of us an ornament every year, and i've kept all the ones i ever got as gifts (mostly from young women's), and the ones i made in elementary school as a child! although i don't plan on putting any of them (except for one that is it's own story) on our tree this year, it was fun to look through the box and remember them.

speaking of our tree this year, it's been up for 2 weeks now. i just couldn't wait! i love christmas, and it is the most happy, loving season, so why wouldn't i want it to last as long as possible? nationally, yes, christmas music should wait until after thanksgiving, but personally? i'm going to listen to it whenever i feel like it! which isn't really often. i haven't found a lot of great christmas music that i love, but when i do, i listen to it pretty regularly.

this time of year, the time leading up to thanksgiving, and lasting all the way until christmas seems to be all about words like: give, cozy, love, warm, calm, wonder, gratitude, share... i don't think there is anything in particular about this time of year that any person could pin point and say "that's why". i think it's just a feeling. and it gets into us all. like a very fortunate plague, that seems to affect every single person. the world is a little bit of a better place in december.

anyway, our tree. i haven't posted about it yet because it wasn't finished until this weekend. and it's still probably not finished. i think i'll make a few more ornaments for it. but i have put all my efforts into making sure this christmas is a little extra special since it's our first christmas together. i'm making our stockings (which i will finish next week) and i made all the ornaments, except for a box of 24 small gold balls that i bought to just fill it out and make it look less like a little kid's art project. i used a lot of pearls. a lot of book pages. and a lot of scrabble tiles, and it worked out perfectly. now that we have the tree topper (which could be better. but i'm over it), i think my work is done.

here are some of the ornaments on the tree, and a few other things:

the "merry christmas" banner found a home.

the reason i no longer have finger prints. gluing these pearl beads onto stryofoam individually was well worth the trouble caused.

silky ribbon stuffed in clear ornament balls. i was running out of ideas, and it actually worked out!

the book page spheres are my favorite.

pearl garland. i love it.

yes. my wonderful husband has written all the tags like that. (it says "for my wife!") oh i love him. 

the whole tree! i realized i didn't have one, so i just barely took this really quickly. i didn't try very hard, so it doesn't look too good. but i promise it's a cute tree! now we just need the perfect burlap tree skirt!

i cannot wait for christmas!

today

we've been married for 6 months today. 

not sure why he's not sick of me yet. mostly amazed. 

we slept in, but got right up and headed out for some shopping. even though it was only 11:00 a.m., we stopped at The Pizza Factory for lunch, which was surprisingly delicious, seeing as how I'm never usually very impressed (but today i was). 

then we headed to salt lake. first to the pier 1 imports at south towne. only to find NO TREE TOPPERS. well, at least none that we liked. or weren't giant. 

then we went to REI. and didn't find anything worth buying. it was fun to look around though. i love that store.

next we headed to Ikea. I don't think we've ever left Ikea without spending at least $50. it's a little addictive. you don't realize how much you're spending, but you just keep grabbing things that are under 10 dollars. 

we got some awesome glasses (i have thing for cups and glasses. we already have plenty. but they were cute. and cheap... sigh), some funnels (99 cents? for a 2-pack? don't mind if i do), a tall lamp that we actually went for, a steamer insert for a pot that we actually went for, a cute red blanket, light bulbs, and.... a $2 TREE TOPPER.

sure it's plastic. looks a little funny on the tree, but we finally got it to stay up, it matches the ornaments. and i'm satisfied. it will do for now. maybe i'll have better luck next year. 

we came home just late enough into the oregon/oregon state game to fast forward through all the commercials and half time, and plan on hunkering down inside for the rest of the night. ideal. 

black friday.

I swore I wouldn't go shopping on Black Friday... but when you go at 5p.m. it doesn't really count. 

Devin and I mostly just wanted to get out of the house.

First, we went to Kohl's. Saw Devin's mom, working like a mad woman! Scored major on a memory foam pillow for me. Devin has one and he loves it. He can't sleep without it, and the past few weeks I've been having some serious neck pain. One night, he very selflessly lent me his pillow, and I slept so much better, so we finally got me one. 50% off.

Next, we braved the mall. It wasn't that bad! The parking lot was packed, but it didn't seem too crowded. We browsed around for awhile, and then Devin said he wanted to walk through Macy's since he never had. He didn't know that there were 3 floors. He didn't know they had the kitchen ware and furniture on the top floor. He was amazed! He is also beginning to talk me into getting a Kitchen Aid (and by that I mean that he's talking about it enough that I'm almost to the point of saying "fine. let's get one.") There are a few things about them that I have some quips with, and I know everyone that has them loves them, but I'm not entirely sold yet. But then I saw the Tiffany Blue one. And the Mint Green one. And I got a little closer.

We ended up getting a 10 piece set of serving dishes. They're super nice and we've wanted them for awhile. We had seen them at Kohl's on sale for $80. We got them for $30!

After that, we stopped in the food court and shared some Hibatchi San (best noodles ever). And went into Sports Authority. We got Scott ski goggles, buy one get one free, for $55! 

I was surprised at how good the sales were. Every store had awesome deals, and I love the mall at christmas time. I don't know why. It was so fun though. Not to mention the people watching! haha

So I guess I've learned the trick. Shop on black friday... just wait until later in the afternoon! It was definitely worth it. We spent all day looking for a tree topper though, and have yet to find the perfect gold star! Any suggestions? 

myself

I have today off of work, I think it's to recuperate from yesterday, and I've decided to take that recuperation to the next level and pamper myself today. 

I spent awhile online comparing different recipes for hair and face treatments. 

I massaged about 2 tablespoons (it was probably less) of E.V.O.O. into my dry hair. It kind of felt and looked gross... but I was assured by multiple sites that it was good for your hair. (Because the internet is never wrong... right?...) Then, I wrapped my hair up in a damp, hot towel, turban style. 

Leaving it in for about 30-45 minutes. 

Next I made a face mask. I mixed brown sugar, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, milk and a little olive oil until it was a pasty consistency and applied it generously all over my face. It smells delicious. I'm leaving it on as long as the hair treatment.

I also had a C.O. Bigelow lip treatment (it's discontinued, sorry!) so I put some of that on while I was at it. 

When I get in the shower to rinse out my hair, I will also use a body scrub. Similar to the face mask, but make sure it is more course and not as pasty. Lots of brown sugar, equal parts honey, some olive oil, and a little lemon juice. 

If you have an hour to yourself, this is all definitely worth it! 

A lot of the sites I looked at recommended to moisturize your face with coconut oil after you wash the mask off, but I don't have any. If you happen to, rub it all into your skin generously, and then rinse it out and apply your actual moisturizer. It will leave your skin really soft and glow-y. 

Happy Friday! 

Snickerdoodle sandwiches with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting

Thanksgiving. 


When you're first married, this means at LEAST 2 dinners. Well, I guess only if your entire family lives around, like mine and Devin's. What else does this mean? At least 2 food assignments. Because as soon as you get married, you are now eligible to bring a dish. 


Do I mind? nah.


More baking!


And the best thing about being an avid baker, married to an avid cook? We've got it all covered.


Lucky for me, we were assigned 2 desserts and 1 side dish. 


SO. Devin is going to tackle cooked carrots. It sounded lame when we got assigned to bring a vegetable to my mom's side's (yes. my extended family still celebrates all major holidays together. hence the recent addition on grandma's house.) party, but once we decided on a vegetable, it was easy to get creative. I came to Devin with the idea of baking the carrots with olive oil, some spices (like thyme and italian seasoning) and then dousing them with a little more oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Sounds delicious, right? Devin's idea is way better. He plans on boiling them and then baking them with onions in a brown sugar glaze. Mmm! Genius.


My extended family is also a little weird. And I say this because... we have thanksgiving DINNER at 2:00 p.m. Maybe that's normal. But I always thought it was called dinner for a reason. Whatev. 


It turned out okay though, because later than night (after a convenient gap between parties that just happens to be the perfect amount of time for a food-coma nap), we are headed to Devin's parent's house for desserts. There is just too much going on with the Ashby's to try and mix in a huge thanksgiving meal in there! Desserts was the perfect compromise. I love it! I'm just hoping Vicki will make some of her delicious wassail! 


And finally... my mom is doing her own thanksgiving dinner with our own Johnson family (plus my grandpa (dad's dad)). And I was put in charge of dessert again. 


I knew that if I didn't involve some kind of fall/thanksgiving themed dessert, it would be a major fail. I couldn't show up to Thanksgiving dinner with my parents with a chocolate pie (as good as that sounds right now. no seriously...). If anything, it would have to at least be pumpkin pie!


But I found a perfect solution. Snickerdoodle sandwiches with Pumpkin Cream Cheese frosting! The frosting has all the normal thanksgiving tastes in it, and the cinnamon in the cookies counts (to me). Bingo!


I just finished making 60 cookies. All from ONE BATCH of dough. That's right. That has never happened IN MY LIFE. I made them pretty small. Like... I actually made the balls 1 inch. Instead of... 2 1/2... 


Also? The batches came out in even numbers! I made 4 batches of 15 cookies! THAT happens even LESS often! I feel complete. 


Anyway. The frosting has been a challenge for me so far. I think it's because I didn't let the cream cheese soften enough. But that is an easy enough fix, and i'm sure my lumpy frosting will be perfectly smooth in time to frost the cookies tomorrow morning. 


SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES:


1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
cinnamon sugar for rolling


Cream sugar and butter until fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
Stir together dry ingredients in separate bowl.
Add to creamed mixture.
Chill for 20-30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Roll 1 inch balls in cinnamon sugar until coated evenly
Bake 8-10 minutes, or until light brown and soft.


so simple.


PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:


8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup white sugar
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp vanilla


Beat until smooth.
Chill at least 1 hour.


also very simple. 


My cookies, as with all snickerdoodles I've ever made, get a little dry and crunchy fast, so I'm going to keep them in a tupperware over night with a couple slices of bread to soften them up. Then in the morning, I'll let the frosting come down to almost room temperature and sandwich a big heap of it between 2 cookies. And it will be delicious. 


Happy Thanksgiving! 

in the news

SO. I've been on the look-out lately for some awesome new blogs to follow, and I have found a handful that have benefited me for sure.


FOR EXAMPLE, rockstar diaries. ever heard of it? this lady is amazing. she lives on capitol hill, has a beautiful baby girl, and an awesome life. last Sunday, she was featured in the Washington Examiner, talking about her faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the impact her religion has on her marriage and motherhood. You can read the Q&A here. (I recommend it! It's short.)


I really loved this article. It's awesome to see members speak openly about what we believe, and have it viewed in a positive light. I think she did a great job of representing the group of us that is "Mormon mom/wife bloggers". It was done so tastefully, on both Naomi's end, and the reporter's. I'm impressed!


With everything going on in the political campaigns with the members who are running, and the negative light that has shed on the church and it's members in some cases, it's nice to see that it's not all bad. There is some good out there, and it's really good!

for granted.

Lately, I have noticed so much sad news. So many friends and neighbors have been overcoming some pretty big trials. So many losses of loved ones and friends, and countless other setbacks. Noticing this has certainly caused me to reflect on my blessings. That, and I always get very nostalgic of the good times around the holiday season.

I have a healthy husband. This is such a huge blessing to me. Devin has a great job that we both love, an ever-growing education that he works hard for, and we have an incredibly strong marriage. Not every couple has all of those things, so I feel so glad to know that we do. 

Our family and friends are also happy and healthy. We love enjoying their successes and hearing all the good news. All of our friends seem to be advancing to such great places in their lives. Landing amazing jobs, getting signed to record labels, having the most beautiful children. It doesn't seem to end! We hear good news almost every day!

Not only to I feel like we are blessed, but we have just been down right fortunate. We've been lucky to have it so easily, even with all our hardships, which believe me, we've had our share. I'm glad to know that Devin and I can mutually approach our challenges with an optimistic attitude. It makes handling the troubles so much easier, and we are much more efficient that way. I also think that is one of the things that brings us closer. We have been married for 6 months, and have still never fought. No arguing, never yelling, although we regularly disagree. I am glad we handle it the way we do. It makes our days run smoothly, along with our marriage.

One recent story, though, has seemed to strike me in particularly hard. When we started attending our current ward 6 months ago, I noticed that one of my high school classmates was in the same ward. Except now, just 2 1/2 years after graduating, he is in a wheelchair. I later learned that he was in a dirt bike accident about a year ago, which left in paralyzed (I think...). 

This blew my mind. 2 1/2 years? Things happen so fast. Your life can completely change, irreversibly, in a matter of seconds. So it shouldn't be taken for granted. Not in the good times, or the bad. We should appreciate every minute of it.

Last night, after tithing settlement, Devin and I were visiting with a member of the bishopric who said he was in the process of making a go-cart for my old classmate. He asked Devin if he would be willing to photograph this process, since it is such a sincere act of service (of course Devin said yes).

But it has just left me thinking, along with all the other stories I have heard lately, that life really is too short to not enjoy every minute of it. The trials are there to make us stronger, to test our faith and strength and abilities. They are not placed in our lives to overcome us and defeat us. They are here to prove our worthiness and trust in the Lord. 

I have definitely not been one to flourish in the bad situations, and I could definitely do better. I hope to just remember these things the next time a trial comes my way, which won't be long now. 

I guess it's just nice to hear about the good stuff going on in the world. It seems like the media can only stand to focus on the bad, and it seems like us as a society are all so socially involved, only focus on the media. 

It has been an incredible couple of weeks. And in light of Thanksgiving this week, here are a few things I am feeling especially thankful for these days:

1. said wonderful husband. In all his health and hard-work-ed-ness. and handsomeness :)
2. my amazing family; all so supportive and loving.
3. seat heaters in my mazda.
4. pearl jam. and their 20 years of rocking of this world.
5. my burly, grown up kitty milo. even though i never see him.
6. our awesome ward, and adorable nursery kids.
7. my nanny family. they have become some of my closest friends, and i love those kids so, so much!
8. slatkin & co. candles.
9. Stephen's hot drink mixes, getting me through every morning drive.
10. the 24+ episodes of Friends on my DVR, for my own endless, mindless, unwinding entertainment. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Probably the most classic cookie ever. I have been craving them for days now, so after several recipe comparisons (i'm learning to read recipes before trying them, and noticing the differences when i compare recipes to each other, and it's made a huge difference in my baking), I settled on this one. (I lost the link! :( sorry dude). 


I made a few changes to my baking style, and they definitely worked for my benefit. What did I change? I followed the directions. I highly recommend this. It works. 


Again, I used my wonderful Kitchen Aid hand mixer. And it proved once again to be my favorite kitchen appliance (next to the cocoa motion, of course). It got a little tricky after I added the flour, but it still didn't let me down. Worked like a charm, as always.


Bad news? My sister was putting her beater attachments into the mixer while it was plugged in, and it turned on and completely smashed her finger! This thought has always crossed my mind every time I put my beaters in. I'm terrified it will happen to me! So please. Always make sure you have your mixer unplugged before you put your beaters or other attachments in! 


Ingredients:
1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour
3/4 tsp coarse sea salt (or 1/2 tsp. table salt)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
chocolate chips (recipe recommends 2 1/4. i think i did about 1 1/2. i didn't measure. i don't like too many chocolate chips in my cookies. i know. i'm crazy.)


1. Preheat over to 360 degrees.
2. Cream butter, sugar, brown sugar until fluffy. (it will combine and become a smooth texture. it takes about 2 minutes. this is an important part! if you aren't sure if you creamed it enough, just keep going. i don't think you could mess it up.)
3. Add eggs, vanilla. Beat 2 minutes. (but seriously. 2 full minutes of beating.)
4. Add soda, powder, salt, flour until well combined. (i think i might have done a little more sea salt than it asked. i didn't measure it. devin did comment that they were more salty than normal cookies, but i liked the difference it made. it gave them a little bit of a different flavor. sooo good.)
5. Add chocolate chips.


put 1-inch (smaller than you think. but really. 1 inch.) balls onto a greased cookie sheet and bake 12-14 minutes. (any time i recipe gives me a time frame, i always pick whatever time is exactly in the middle. so i baked mine for 13. it worked perfect. they could have gone to 14 to be a little crispier, though.)


leave on sheet 2 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.


I recommend you eat them while they are warm with a big glass of ice cold milk. 


This has definitely become my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe. This batch made me 30 cookies! So good!

Brad and Lexie's Wedding Day!

This morning, my cousin Brad was married in the Provo Temple to an awesome girl names Lexie! Devin and I were so glad to have been invited to the sealing. I love any excuse to go to the temple.

[Rewind]: Remember how Devin and I got married on a Thursday? And because of that, my great uncle, Elder Christofferson of the Twelve, couldn't be our sealer, because the Quorum meets with the Presidency in the temple every Thursday? Even though we offered to kick out a few family and friends to make room for all 15 of them in the room, and just take a quick break from their meeting and come seal us? (haha).

Well today is a Saturday. So Brad and Lexie were sealed by Uncle Todd! I've only been to 3 sealings (including my own), but it was so amazing. It was so personalized to Brad and Lexie and I am so glad that we were able to be a part of such an incredible time in their lives. So many amazing things were said, and I hope I never forget them!

It is always such a good reminder to attend sealings, and do them in the temple. It makes me think of my wedding day, the covenants and blessings, and the things that were said, and the way I felt. I love it!

Last night was our first snow fall of the season, so it was a pretty cold morning at the temple, but it was beautiful! The bride and groom were so happy, even in the cold! So happy for them. I only snapped a few pictures of the day, but here they are! 

As we were waiting around outside the temple while pictures were being taken and talking with Uncle Todd and Aunt Kathy, we noticed some girls come up behind Uncle Todd and get sort of giggly and nervous. It was so sweet! They just wanted to shake his hand. I love that members of the church can be just as excited to see an apostle as they would be to see a celebrity. 

Devin also pointed out how lucky we are to be so close with an apostle of Christ, when millions of members might never have the chance to meet one. There is a huge respect for those men, and the reverence that surrounds them is further confirmation that they really are apostles of the Lord. I love Todd and Kathy. I love that out of thousands of people around the world that have met and know and love them like I do, they still make me feel like they are a big part of my life. They know me and what I'm up to, they are amazing people and great examples. I love to be able to call them family. I don't know how many people have the privilege of this, and I certainly hope to never take it for granted. 

  

Last night, one of devin's friends gave us tickets to the BYU basketball game, and we didn't have any plans and decided to go! We drove down with Devin's parents who have their own season tickets and didn't realize until we found our seats that we were only 7 rows up from the court! It was awesome. I haven't been to a BYU game in years, and I guess I forgot how much of a spectacle they make it! It was a pretty big deal. The cougars won, it snowed on our way home, and we had a great time! 

It's been a pretty great weekend so far, and it's not even 2:00 in the afternoon yet! 

more ramblings + photo dump friday

i decided i like to blog this way. so you'll probably see more of these kinds of posts.

i've reached a point where if i go more than 3 days without seeing a spider in the house, I know i'm overdue. I constantly scan the walls and ceiling, shake out my clothes and shoes, and promptly move the bug killer to somewhere more accessible. I also make sure Devin is within yelling distance at all times.

I think I have classically conditioned myself by watching several episodes of the office in bed before we fall asleep. now, every time i see or think about it, i get tired and start yawning incessantly. (altoid, anyone?)

I realize that when i blog, I am randomly selective about what i do and don't capitalize. but i don't really care.

my side of the closet could probably eat Devin's side very easily, yet I still complain daily that I have nothing to wear.

why does my netflix choose not to work the moment i discover breakfast at tiffany's on instant play? this event was weeks ago. and it's been sitting on my instant queue forever now, but i still haven't watched it...

Devin's favorite episode of the office is "Safety Training" (season 3: episode 19), which has resulted in both of us having the entire 21 minutes and 21 seconds memorized. We watch it at least every other week.

sometimes, Devin and I quote ourselves. Because we're just that funny. especially devin.

did you ever realize that straws are good for your teeth? the up & up brand straw box says something about how straws help prevent acidic content of soda and other elements that are harmful to your enamel by reducing the contact between your teeth and the liquid. makes sense, right? but awesome. plus, straws are more fun. and allow even more laziness. i can now drink while laying down.

you know how children are always the sweet, innocent ne'er - do - wrong - er's? then why are the always the creepiest part of scary movies?

Devin and I will think of one comment or scene of the office (that is totally insignificant and unrelated to the plot of the episode), and go nuts until we find out what episode it's from. (usually thanks to google and strangely worded search phrases...) most recently? when dwight talk about how he could have been growing mushrooms and puts his hand practically on the floor to show how high they'd be by now. (season 6, episode 9: double date). Found that one out by luck.

I think our wedding was the only wedding ever to not serve chocolate covered strawberries at the reception. I feel like I let everyone down. and now i'm craving some. good think my cousin is getting married tomorrow.

it's the middle of november. we sleep with our window open, and still complain about being too hot. all other times of the day at home? we're FREEZING.

a few weeks ago, i asked devin if he knew his family's plans for christmas this year. he said he didn't know, and didn't want to ask, because then he'd be put in charge. my mom called me earlier this week, and after our conversation, i asked her if she knew what our family's plans were for christmas. she put me in charge.

we went to staples yesterday. i haven't been in there for years. i immediately started scanning the store for Dwight Shrute. Too much office? never...

ALSO. i realize i didn't do a photo dump last friday. that's because i had the day off of work, which usually meddles a little with how and when i blog, because it's not my normal, daily routine. so maybe i'll just have to do photo dump friday on the fridays i work. we'll see. anyway...

and surprise, surprise, they're all of c-train and aria. i didn't take hardly any pictures. these are all from the same time...

carter woke up from his nap wearing BOTH of his spiderman suits (he has the original and black ones). and when he took the black one off, he asked aria if she wanted to wear it. which of course, she did. they crack me up.

 

there is one other picture. from earlier today. carter is off on a play date with is friend, xander, and aria went down for a nap. she's been doing this thing lately where she will just randomly burst into tears, and it's not just normal crying. it's terrifying. it sounds like she is hurt or someone scared her. but she just says she wants her mommy or misses her mommy, and i try to explain to her that mommy's at work. she knows this. she's also been doing this thing lately where sometimes she won't take a nap unless i hold her until she falls asleep.

today was a combination of both. and there is something so peacefully satisfying about carrying a limp, fast asleep two year old up to her room and laying her in bed. she's adorable.

I supposed I'll learn some day...

Why do I even bother trying to think of what to make for dinner when I know all we need is fresh batch of muddie buddies, and that is without a doubt, what we will end up eating all night??

ramblings of a bored nanny

i tend to be opinionated and insensitive. which when combined, is pretty dangerous.

i appreciate good style and fashion. i know what it is. but i still find myself wearing the boring stuff in my closet. because it's easier than getting dressed up. and when you work as a nanny.. you don't want to risk getting sticky kid messes (all of them you can imagine) on your cute clothes, right?

i think i have separation anxiety from my husband. whenever i'm not with him, i miss him terribly. i will admit to watching holmes on homes and cops by myself when i miss him. even though i can't stand holmes on homes.

i love to bake. but not really in a creative way. just in a cupcakes from a cake mix box with the easiest frosting recipe in the world. "experimenting" in baking, to me, means flavoring and coloring the frosting. i still think i'm good at it though. i just play it safe.

for the first week or two of being on pinterest, i was endlessly entertained. now i last about 15 minutes. i think i get headaches from scrolling through all the pictures, and i feel like i've seen every pin on there now. it's all just repeats.

i've started using pinterest over google. talking with my friend, valeri the other day, we decided that pinterest is like the crafty girl's google. you can google a recipe and get some mainstream online magazine version, but if you search it on pinterest, you get some awesome stay-at-home-mommy blogger's recipe, which is always much better. sewing tutorials? diy projects? cleaning tips? pinterest.

why hasn't it snowed yet?

right after i wrote that, i clicked over to my other tab that's open (pinterest, ironically enough) and the first pin i see says "stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight" -- it's a metaphor by President Hinckley, but still. hahaha i guess i will enjoy this weather a little longer. even though it's trick-weather. you look out the window, and the sky is blue and the sun is bright and huge, but you go outside and it's actually only 40 degrees. fools me every time.

if i had to run for my life, i would probably die. i mean, my adrenaline would keep me in the fight for a good mile or so (or less. most likely less.), but i would give up way too easily.

i am more than ever wishing i could spend the next few months traveling the world with devin. if money grew on trees, that's what i would spend it on. (i've never been on a plane, let alone left the country, and i want to travel the world. i think i'm getting ahead of myself?!)

i got so carried away with blogging/ watching hulu / pinterest / twitter / email that i just now realized the kids have been sleeping for 3 1/2 hours. nice.

putting a load of laundry in the washer before i start dinner or dishes or some other housework, makes me feel like a great multi-tasker. even though i'm only really doing one job. but it makes me feel so good, in fact, that i put a load in almost every time. because when you do laundry, you have definitely accomplished something. (my mom's best marriage advice to me? "just realize now that laundry is never DONE. you will ALWAYS have laundry. you never "finish" it. ever." thanks mom. it's too true.)

aria's hair in the pictures below is curled. from curlers. about an hour after this, it was back to stick straight.

now that it's holiday season, my nights at home are not complete until the christmas tree is lit and a candle is burning. and there are warm muddie buddies on the coffee table... :)

dear mr. officer

sorry i pulled to the left shoulder of the freeway when you flipped your lights on me. i feel like if i would've tried to work my way to the right, it would look more like i was running away. i know you'd disagree. but i had about .5 seconds to decide, and i don't do well in these situations.


thanks for apologizing for your "attitude" and for dropping the f-bomb on me because of the situation above, and i know i nodded and acted like it was fine. but i don't forgive you. a little uncalled for. and definitely unprofessional. i think we should have just called it even at that. you could have let me go.


also, thanks for picking me. one little black mazda, out of all, oh... 40 other cars around.... to pull over for going "over the speed limit". I don't know how long you've been doing this, but even though the construction zone signs say the speed limit is 55... you know nobody actually does that, right? actually, i KNOW you know, because you TOLD ME YOU DID. i specifically remember you saying "i know nobody pays attention to those signs, and treats these areas like a normal stretch of highway..." um yes.


and when you questioned me, i said i was following the flow of traffic, the mini van in front of me, for instance, that had moved over just before you flipped your lights, to go faster... you admitted to knowing that HE WAS GOING FASTER.


so even though the cars in front of me, and next to me (including those 2 semi's) were all going 70, some even faster... thanks. i appreciate your rotton cherry on top of my spoiled ice cream of a day so far.


also? thank you for issuing a "warning" for following too close. no, i was not aware that any time you are going over 35 mph, you are supposed to have 160 FEET between your car and the one in front of you. maybe you should inform EVERYBODY ELSE ON THE ROAD. it would probably be helpful.


thanks for cutting me off mid sentence and walking back to your car. i guess i'll just figure out the answers to my own questions, since you didn't come back.


and thanks for having that other officer pull up behind us, making me feel like i was about to get searched. that was awesome.


you have a nice day, too.


**it has not been my day. why can't i get pulled over on days when i am in a good mood? that way, it wouldn't really be a downer as much. the only other time i've ever been pulled over (over 3 years ago) was also on a crap day. do they do that on purpose? i think they might. i appreciate the law and everything. i am a huge supporter of officers, and doing their jobs. but it just sucks when it's me! out of EVERYONE ELSE it's me.


good thing today is over. the not-good part, at least. because my husband will be home soon (not soon enough) and we will have a great night with friends. and that will fix the problems.


that and traffic school...