Six exciting years.

What kind of people get married on December 30?

Crazy BYU students who are just too in love to wait until a more reasonable date.
That's who.

(BYU really needs to get on board with Spring Break.)



But why wait when you can start having the time of your life RIGHT NOW?

Thanks for six fabulous years, Dill. Here's to forever more.

[Insert lovey-dovey mushy baby talk here]

Finally got brave: skinny jean saga.

Well, I never finished the 30 for 30 Challenge, did I? If my memory serves me right, I never even got beyond Day 28. Dang it.

Oh well. Moving on.

To start, you must know that historically, I have despised skinny jeans. I have seen them worn correctly by a few fashionable women, but often, they just hug people's bodies in all the wrong ways. Every pair I ever tried on was met with frustration -- too long, too low, too tight (but the next size up was too baggy). I really did want to give them a good, honest try, but why would I pay for misery in the form of pants?

Anyway, on Christmas Day my 14-year-old sister was wearing a darling pair of dark wash skinnies. I asked her where she purchased them and she told me, "Wet Seal." Ok, for those who don't know, that is a teeny bopper store, meaning nothing within its walls is meant to fit voluptuous, stretched out mom bodies. But then, she mentioned they have a bunch of different styles of jeans that are meant to fit different body types. I was skeptical, thinking this could only mean "skinny" and "very skinny." But good for them.

The day after Christmas, I ventured to the mall to do some shopping. I passed Wet Seal and thought about my sister's recommendations. What the hey. I'll try some on; if I hate them, then I'll know skinny jeans are not for me. I walked in, promptly found the exact pair she'd been wearing the day before and took them into the fitting room.

Blessed day! They fit me perfectly. I barely even had to shimmy to get them on.

Here's what I like about them:

1) Mid-rise. After having two babies, my hips aren't what they used to be. Low-rise jeans don't cut it anymore -- this mama needs a higher rise. Mid-rise jeans are PERFECT because they are slightly higher in the back, but still have the cute low-rise look in the front. The jeans I got from Wet Seal are meant for curvy bodies and are constructed with -- you guessed it -- a mid-rise.

2) Short length. I'm not particularly short, but my legs definitely are. As such, if I put on regular-length jeans of any kind, I have to figure out what to do with about 6 inches of fabric. It's frustrating. I adore clothing retailers that carry short or petite pants. Wet Seal happens to be one of these. WINNING (it's still 2011, so I can say that without sounding dumb).

3) Dark wash. I've decided that everyone's first pair of skinny jeans should be dark wash. It's slimming, looks dressier and is easier to get used to. These jeans from Wet Seal are the perfect wash. I could describe it to you, but why don't you just look for yourself?

4) Price -- only $20. I can totally handle that.

So there you have it. Mom, the Intern has graduated to skinny jeans. I've found a pair that not only look decent but also stinking cute. And they fit me.

Good job, Wet Seal! I'll be coming back.

Christmas hangover.

This is about how Christmas was for us. Too. Much. Fun.

Maaaaaaannnnn. I've been totally zonked the past few days. So many people in town, so many get-togethers, so many early mornings. SO MUCH CANDY.

I was so out of it this morning I tripped on my own pajama pants hem and sprawled across the floor like an elderly woman. I only sustained minor rug burn on my knee, but the fall was so traumatic and unexpected, I went back to sleep for another hour afterward.

I have no idea what the kids were doing during that time. Probably causing mayhem.

Anyway, now I'm up and at it. We're back to reality here. Dill's at work and I'm teaching 2 1/2 hours of piano lessons this afternoon. Got loads of laundry to wash and bathrooms to clean.

(Sigh.)

I decided to put off these inevitables by editing some Christmas pictures and posting them for you. Enjoy.

We had church at 8:00 so we attempted a few Christmas outfits shots before leaving. Look at my sassy daughter. Smush was totally uncooperative, as per usual.

I was brave and wore my hot red vintage dress. Bubby's outfit is from The Children's Place. Major Black Friday score there!

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Smush peeking into his stocking after church.



Santa brought Bubby this Barbie dog grooming Wii game, which has been a huge hit around these parts (Santa told me he got it for $15 on Black Friday).

Smush got a wooden puzzle that makes car sounds. Vroooooooom!

All in all, Christmas was a pretty big success. However, I expect the recovery to take until about January 10. That's when Bubby goes back to preschool.

What did YOU (and/or your kids) score for Christmas this year?

Scenes of Christmas.

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday. Enjoy these Christmas images from mi casa.

Happy Christmas, everyone!

2011 Timeline.

This is what we've been up to all year. Click to enlarge (you know you want to).

No, we did not mail these out, as cool as that would be. I could use the noble excuse of wanting to save trees, but in all honesty,
I'm just cheap.
Not a shocking revelation to those who know me.

But look on the bright side -- one less card you have to feel badly about throwing away.

Cheers!

Christmas cuteness.

This is a MUST WATCH VIDEO. Seriously, it's the absolute cutest thing I've ever seen. I had to watch it again. And again.

Definitely squee-worthy.Watch to the end!



Filmed by Devin Super Tramp.

Musical stuff and hairrrrr reveal!

I went and got my hairs did this weekend. I know you're dying to see what I chose!

Here are a couple of before pictures. First up, the girls I sang next to all semester for EVMCO. They're the best!

Aaaaaannnnnnd ... me with the amazingly talented Brandon and Brett Stewart, the mastermind brothers behind MCO. (Sorry it's so blurry and small -- phone pic. One day, I'll remember to bring a camera to important events).

Last week, MCO's Messiah in America album was released and let me tell you, it's phenomenal. Superb. Perfect. Every gushing adjective you can think of. Go here to learn more. Anyway, the above picture at the launch party last Thursday, before I morphed into this:

WHOA!

Let me just tell you, I have done a double-take every time I've passed a mirror. I feel like I am wearing a wig because my hair looks so different! I haven't been this blonde in ages. But I am LOVING it. So fresh and fun. I'm all about drastic hair changes to make life more exciting. More sensible than running off with the circus or something like that.

Another look, with specs (since this is how I have to roll these days):

Thanks for your input! And thanks to Rebecca South (that link is her e-mail) for an amazing cut and color job!

Hair input.

A confession: I haven't had a hair cut since February. I know, right? Almost a year. It's because I've been trying desperately to get it to grow. But I've recently determined it's time for trim at the very least.

Here's basically what I look like right now. This was two months ago, so it's a bit longer today.

I'm finally seeing my fabulous hair girl Rebecca this weekend and I need your input. These are some styles I'm digging lately:

Exhibit A: Emma Stone's Blondeness with Bangs

I'm thinking if I'm not going to hack all my hair off, I need to do something drastic with the color and go back to blonde. ALL blonde. I've been dying (no pun intended) to do it for a long time now. Not platinum ... just very bright and buttery. I don't want to scorch my head.

My hair's about Emma's length right now ... so basically, I'd just be trimming it up, getting bangs, and going way lighter.

Exhibit B: Michelle Williams' Bright Blonde Pixie

I know ... waiting all this time just to chop it off again? Yep. I really loved the ease and cuteness of super-short hair. I kind of miss it. So this option is definitely on the table. I'd want to go super-blonde like Michelle's, too.

Exhibit C: Bangs + Red

For this, I'd basically keep the length (just trim it up), get those cool straight hipster bangs that everyone has these days (Zooey Deschanel, anyone?) and go red instead of blonde. I like this strawberry blonde color; it's basically the color I already have, just a little softer and brighter.

One thing's for sure: This five-head needs bangs. So that is definitely happening.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thank you thank you thank you

I cannot express enough gratitude for your generosity. Seriously, I have the best readers! The auction was a HUUUUUUUUGE success. I hoped to raise at least $500 and we topped that by a long shot. The auction itself brought in $678.00, plus I have received additional cash donations for Stacy, bringing our total so far to $765.00.

Wow. I'm speechless.

In all this, I have learned something about the power of the Internet community. Ten years ago, if I had set out to host an Internet auction like this, I would have been lucky to raise even $100. But thanks to Facebook, Twitter, blogs, message boards, PayPal and the general convenience of Internet communication, we were able to multiply that nearly eight times! Not to mention, without the Internet, I would have never met Stacy and so many of the generous donors and bidders who have contributed to her cause.

A little update on Stacy: she has begun her radiation treatments and is feeling pretty crummy, to say the least. She is receiving them twice a day -- once in the morning, once in the afternoon. Her husband is not with her because he is taking care of their children, but she says the staff and patients are very kind and supportive and are looking out for her. Also, a Hope Lodge sponsor generously provided Stacy and her family with a trip to the South Carolina Aquarium, so she was able to make some wonderful memories with them over the weekend.



Thank you all again. Words cannot express my gratitude, nor Stacy's. She has sent me a few messages about how moved she has been by your generosity toward her and her family during this difficult time.

Also, if you bid on Stacy's Auction, please go check it out and see if you won. If you did, I already sent you an e-mail. Please respond ASAP so I can the earnings to Stacy right away!

The beard paid off.

Thanks so much for all your generous bids on Stacy's Auction! We've raised quite a bit of money already, but let's keep this going. So many awesome prizes to bid on. If you haven't checked it out, get over there!

On Sunday night, we went to my parents' house for Sunday dinner. That night, our Church leaders and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir presented a Christmas devotional which was broadcasted on BYU TV. Pres. Eyring announced the debut of some of the small clips Dill filmed in Utah a few months ago (you know, with his big ol' beard). Of course, at this announcement we all freaked out (read: the girls squealed) and gathered closely around the television to see if we could spot him.

The videos are gorgeous. They cast the roles perfectly. The CG and the natural scenery look amazing.

Finally, the video of the three wise men seeking Jesus appeared on the screen. We waited anxiously -- this was one of the scenes Dill was in! Sure enough, as the wise men bowed to present their gifts to the toddler Jesus, there was Dill.

Can you spot him in the crowd?

 

How about now?

So anyway, Dill's a star! Ok so not really. But hey, he wasn't expecting to make it on film at all so this is more than we bargained for. And even if it's only for three seconds, he's immortalized in a church film forever. How cool is that?

See the rest of the stunning videos here (more are on the way). See if you can spot Dill in motion.

Charity Auction for Stacy Lewis -- AUCTIONS CLOSED!

 Last Friday, I told you about my friend Stacy.

I met Stacy on an Internet forum way back in 2007 -- at the time, she was living in Georgia and I was in Utah. A handful of kids and a few moves later, we still communicate regularly through a private message board with about 15 other Internet friends we call the Pirate Girls.

(It's a long story.)

Stacy is an astounding woman. She was a sheriff’s deputy for 8 years and taught drug prevention to the youth in public schools. Above all else, Stacy is a dedicated wife and mother of four beautiful children, ages 2 – 14, and one angel baby who was born still in October 2008. She is a strong woman and a fighter.

Almost six months ago, Stacy was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer called sarcoma. She has a large and painful tumor blocking her kidney and pressing on her main aorta, making necessary surgery nearly impossible. Sarcomas do not usually respond to chemotherapy and radiation, but since Stacy’s situation is so precarious, her doctors are treating it with extremely intense chemotherapy and radiation in an attempt to shrink it before attempting surgery. And because the cancer is so rare, Stacy has to travel 2 1/2 hours to receive treatments.

To top it all off, Stacy’s husband, also a deputy, was let go from his job just weeks after Stacy’s cancer was diagnosed.

Since her treatment began, Stacy has suffered multiple close calls due to infection. She is away from her kids a lot and she misses them deeply.

Our little group has been through a lot in four years -- several miscarriages and still births, family deaths, loss of employment, divorce and struggles with infertility. But one thing we can always count on is the other Pirate Girls' support through our tough times. Stacy has always been a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on many times for others as well as myself. She is giving, insightful and kind. So when I found out Stacy was in need, I wanted more than anything to help.

It came to me as clear as day that I should do an auction on this blog to raise funds for Stacy and her family. One thing about blogging is it instantly connects you to hundreds of talented and resourceful people all over the globe. Many of my blog friends, lots whom I have never met in person, have generously contributed to this auction. I have been amazed at the response. To anyone who says all hope is lost for the world, I say no it's not! Just look at the outpouring of donations I have received for this cause!

Auction Rules and Stuff ...

Below, you will see a list containing each item/package up for bid. Click on the link(s) to the item(s) you are interested in. At the end of each auction post, you will see the rules of the auction: item value, starting bid, and minimum bid amount. There is no cap on how high the bids can go.

If you wish to bid on an item, simply leave a comment with your bid amount, plus your e-mail address if it is not linked to your Blogger profile. Please only leave a comment if you intend to bid on that particular item.

Bidding for this auction will end on December 11th at 11:59 p.m. Arizona (Mountain Standard) time.

At that time, I will be contacting the winners via e-mail to procure your Paypal information so I can first collect payment on behalf of Stacy. ALL PAYMENTS WILL ME MADE TO ME VIA PAYPAL. Once I have received payment, I will immediately transfer it to Stacy via PayPal. Then, I will send each winner the contact information for the donor of the prize they have won.

I hope that we can raise a good chunk of money to send Stacy's way just in time for Christmas. Speaking of Christmas, a lot of these items would make fabulous gifts for family and friends, don't forget!

Your generosity and support is appreciated. Let's give Stacy and her clan something to celebrate!

Auction Items!

Five pre-made 12 x 12 scrapbook layouts from Erratic Elle (s)
Custom cupcakes from DeKadent DesignZ (AZ) (s)

Custom cupcakes from DeKadent DesignZ (AZ) x

Thirty-One "I'm a Hoot Owl" All-in-One Organizer and zipper pouch x

Red poppy pillow cover from Pics-o-Andrea x
Arizona photo shoot with Jessica Drew Photography x
Utah photo shoot with Heidi Vawdrey Photography x
Crotchet blanket from Yarny Goodness x
Crotchet red infant elf hat from Yarny Goodness x
Crotchet green infant elf hat from Yarny Goodness x
3 months large ad space with Busy Bee Lauren blog x
3 months ad space with Yours, Mine and Ours blog x
Haircut, color, deep condition and style package from Rebecca South @ Blossom (AZ) x
Haircut and style from Kate Page @ Studio Salons (Utah) (s)
Haircut and style from Kate Page @ Studio Salons (Utah)
Green and yellow stone chunky necklace from Blossom Boutique x
Handmade daisy flannel baby blanket from Heather x
Handmade animal flannel baby blanket from Heather x
Personalized silhouettes from Brittany (s)
Personalized silhouettes from Brittany
Customized hair accessories from Lacey J. x
Customized hair accessories from Lacey J. x

Happy Bidding!

Auction Item: Customized Hair Accessories from Lacey J. (2)

The winner of this auction will receive one custom-made hair accessory/headband from Lacey Jones.

THIS ITEM IS VALUED AT $10.00. BIDDING WILL START AT $4.00 AND INCREASE BY A MINIMUM OF $1.00 PER BID.

(go here for Lacey's first auction.)

Auction Item: Jade Green and Canary Yellow Chunky Necklace and Earrings Set

I mentioned Blossom, the salon where I get my hair cut in downtown Mesa, is also a boutique, right? They have the CUTEST stuff in there. I always try to show up early to my hair appointments so I can browse through all the unique and adorable jewelry, accessories and clothing they have to offer. There's something for everyone! If you're ever downtown, be sure to check them out.

Brooke, the owner of the boutique, has generously donated this stunning jade green and amethyst yellow necklace and earring set for Stacy's auction! Thanks a ton, Brooke.



This jewelry set features chunky teardrop stones on a silver chain that won't tarnish. When worn, it falls just below the collarbone. What a great way to dress up any outfit!

The winner of this auction will receive the above pictured necklace and earrings via postal delivery.

THIS PACKAGE IS VALUED AT $25.00. BIDDING WILL START AT $10.00 AND WILL INCREASE BY A MINIMUM BID OF $1.00 PER BID.

Auction Item: One Dozen Cupcakes from DeKadent DesignZ (1)

Remember how Bubby had a totally sweet princess party a few months ago? Remember the AMAZING cake and cupcakes my friend and neighbor Jen from DeKadent DesignZ whipped for the occasion?

I sure do. And I don't think I'll be forgetting them any time soon. Because hello, not only were they GORGEOUS but they were the tastiest, most moist and fluffy cakes I've ever eaten. EVER.

And I eat a LOT of cake.

Not only are her treats scrumptious, but Jen is an artist! She can do whatever you want, and I mean whatever. She's a regular culinary genius!

Jen is so generously donating two dozen cupcakes to Stacy's Auction. Thank you, Jen!

(Check out more of Jen's work on her Facebook page!)

The winner* of this auction will receive ONE DOZEN cupcakes, customized to their liking. There is a second auction for another dozen here.

THIS ITEM IS VALUED AT $12.00 BIDDING BEGINS AT $5.00 AND SHOULD INCREASE BY A MINIMUM OF $1 WITH EACH BID.
(go here for the second cupcake auction)

*DeKadent DesignZ does order for the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Auction Item: Twin-Sized Crochet Blanket from Yarny Goodness

My friend Brittney, who also knows and loves Stacy, really knows how to work a crochet hook. I mean, REALLY. Her crotchet items are gorgeous, as you can see in the above picture. Many moons ago, she crotcheted a darling blanket checkered for Bubby. She's been doing this for years and it's obvious how skilled she is. Plus she only uses the softest yarn for maximum cuddleability. (I just made that word up.)

Go here to learn more about Brittney's business, Yarny Goodness!

For Stacy's Auction, Brittney has donated a twin-sized crotchet blanket in the colors white, teal, plum and gray.

Here is a sample of the colors and pattern of the blanket:

Ooh la la, right? I'd like to wrap myself up in that on a chilly day!

The winner of this auction will receive the twin-sized blanket via postal delivery, courtesy of the donor.

THIS ITEM IS VALUED AT $60.00. BIDDING WILL START AT $24.00 AND WILL INCREASE BY A MINIMUM BID OF $4 PER BID.

Auction Item: One Dozen Cupcakes from DeKadent DesignZ (2)

Here is the second auction from DeKadent DesignZ. The winner of this auction will receive ONE DOZEN cupcakes, customized to their liking.

THIS ITEM IS VALUED AT $12.00. BIDDING BEGINS AT $5.00 AND SHOULD INCREASE BY A MINIMUM OF $1.00 WITH EACH BID.

(go here for cupcake auction #1)

*DeKadent DesignZ does order for the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Auction Item: Haircut and Style from Kate Page of Studio Salons (1)

It's Kate!

Kate is an awesome mom friend of mine who has two darling children and likes to run and do athletic crap I can't do. But she's still awesome! And if I lived in Utah, Kate would be the only person allowed to touch my hair. Kate is a hair guru/stylist at Studio Salons in Fort Union, Utah. She is expertly trained in cutting edge (pun intended) hair cutting, coloring and styling techniques. She also maintains her education and keeps up her skills by attending classes on the latest in color and style trends. Plus, she's a no-poo expert, and she's the one who got me on that bandwagon before!

Kate said this about being a stylist on her blog:

"I feel so lucky that I do what I do in my life.  I feel lucky to make people look beautiful, I really hope that I make them feel beautiful, and the best part is I get to make such great friends out of my clients."

Now, there's a woman you can trust with your hair.

Here's some of Kate's fine work:

Kate is also a friend of Stacy's and she has generously donated TWO haircuts for Stacy's Auction. Thanks a million, Kate!

The winner of this auction will receive one hair cut and style from Kate.

THIS PACKAGE IS VALUED AT $40.00. BIDDING WILL START AT $20.00 AND WILL INCREASE BY A MINIMUM BID OF $3.00 PER BID.

(click here to go to Kate's other auction item)
P.S.: If you want to book a hair date with Kate, e-mail her here.

Auction Item: 3 Months Large Ad Space from Busy Bee Lauren

Please tell me you guys read Busy Bee Lauren. I love Lauren's blog! She's funny, candid and real. Plus she's a great photographer, a fashionista and an Iron Chef (ok, so I've never had her cooking, but her food pictures look divine!). Lauren's blog is extremely popular (169,000+ hits per month!), and for good reason. She captures her life in such a unique and interesting way, it's no wonder she draws in so many readers.

Lauren is generously giving away 3 months of large ad space (200 x 200) for Stacy's Auction. Thanks, Lauren!

If you're a blogger or a small business owner looking to increase your readership or drive traffic to your business, your ad NEEDS to be on Busy Bee Lauren. I've sponsored Lauren before and let me tell you, she is great to work with! You will get TONS of new visitors and hits on your site the moment your ad is on her sidebar. She'll also include you in a group giveaway with other business owners if you wish!

So what are you waiting for? Start bidding on this amazing advertisement package!

THIS ITEM IS VALUED AT $120.00. BIDDING WILL START AT $50.00 AND WILL INCREASE BY A MINIMUM BID OF $10 PER BID.

Auction Item: 3 Months Ad Space from Meredith Tuttle

I don't remember how I stumbled upon Meredith's hysterical, whimsical and insightful blog, Yours, Mine and Ours, but let me just tell you -- I haven't stopped reading since! This girl is my kind of people. She's so down-to-earth, I feel like I just went camping after I read her blog. In a fabulous, marshmallow-roasting-but-I-get-a-warm-shower-afterward kind of way.

The coolest thing about Meredith (besides her awesome little boy B) is the fact that she can transform literally any piece of clothing into something chic and wearable. Girlfriend rules on the sewing machine. She even digs clothes out of the unwanted bins in her apartment complex's laundry rooms and makes them totally FAB. I am not kidding! She even has a name for it: freepiling. Is that not genius?

For Stacy's Auction, Meredith is donating 3 months of ad space (200 x 100) on her blog.  

Yours, Mine & Ours has over 1,000 Google followers. I have sponsored Meredith and I got a TON of visitors clicking over from her site. It's pretty awesome. Plus, she'll make sure to give you some love on Twitter during your sponsorship as well (did I mention I heart her tweets, too?).

Small business owners and bloggers -- you NEED your ad on Meredith's site! Trust me.

THIS ITEM IS VALUED AT $30.00. BIDDING WILL START AT $10.00 AND WILL INCREASE BY A MINIMUM BID OF $1 PER BID.

Auction Item: 1-Hour Photo Shoot with Heidi Vawdrey Photography

Heidi is another Internet friend of mine and I am a better person for knowing her. She's a mother, an avid runner and triathlon-er and critical care nurse in Utah. In her spare time, she is a volunteer photographer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, an organization which provides photography for parents of angel babies. Heidi, a mother to an angel baby herself, also runs the site Angel Babies in order to provide helpful information to bereaved parents who have lost little ones.

Seriously, Heidi is an angel among us. Not only that, but she makes a kick-butt loaf of bread. Remember?

For Stacy's Auction, Heidi is giving away a 1-hour on-location photo shoot in the Salt Lake City or northern Utah County areas, including a disk of 30 full-resolution edited images.

Heidi's pictures are GORGEOUS. Take a look at this maternity/family shoot she just did. Breathtaking.

Her photography style is clean and colorful. I dig it! I only wished I lived in Utah so she could snap a few photos of my family.

Check out more of her stunning work here. The winner of this auction will NOT be disappointed!

THIS PACKAGE IS VALUED AT $100.00. BIDDING WILL START AT $40.00 AND WILL INCREASE BY A MINIMUM BID OF $8.00 PER BID.

Auction Item: Red Poppy Pillow from Pics-O-Andrea

Do you guys remember Andrea, the fun and talented girl who did my awesome Mesa Temple watercolor? Well, not only is she an incredible artist, but she makes the cutest darned pillow covers I've ever seen! Behold, the Red Poppy Pillow Cover:

This handmade pillow cover fits 18" x 18" pillows. It is made of durable gray cotton blend and has an envelope closure in the back.

Dress up any bed, couch or bench with this shabby-chic beauty! Super cute!

The winner of this item will receive it via postal delivery.

THIS ITEM IS VALUED AT $20.00. BIDDING BEGINS AT $8.00 AND SHOULD INCREASE BY A MINIMUM OF $1 WITH EACH BID.