My Infernal Journal

Ethan's Run 2012

2012-02-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

Ethan's Run is a benefit to raise money and awareness for Congenital Heart Defects. It is so named for a baby boy named Ethan Skidmore, who lost his battle with a heart defect just like my little Ella did. His family organizes the run each year to help families who are facing the same war.

That's why their children are called "Heart Warriors."
The ones who cheer them on from heaven are our "Heart Angels."

This was the second time we participated in the Run. Last year, two of my sisters ran their first 10k at Ethan's Run. (NOT an easy course! Lots of hills.) This year, one sister, a sister-in-law, and a friend of ours ran the 10k. (Other sister would have too, but she just had a baby :) Next year, right Jess?)

The rest of us did the mile walk/fun run.

"Team Ella" with our Ladybug Shirts.

Chicken fight with the adorable Nephews.

Another nephew with his stinking cute faux-hawk. He called it a "flo-hawk."

Sister Jen (facing us), friend Rachel (to the left), and Sister-in-law Kierstie (to Jen's right, in the blue) getting ready for the 10k

Me, my sister Alyssa, and my dad cheering on the flo-hawked Nephew running the mile.

Niece running her heart out during the fun run!

Me and large, bald older brother Rick during fun run (or in our case, walk). He's awesome.

Sister Alyssa pushing Nephew in the stroller, Rachel's cute daughter, my Niece, and my Mom in the lavender sweater during the fun run/walk.

Jen and Rachel at the finish line for the 10k! (Jen did her first half marathon a week before this and Rachel has done a full. A 10k was cake!)

Kierstie's triumphant arrival at the 10k finish line!

SO proud of her!!

It was a fun day. Lots of love, lots of smiles, and a feeling of contentment among the bittersweetness of looking back and missing our Ladybug.

Next year, I'm running the 10k for her.

It came!!!

2012-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Ordered three books and a movie from Amazon. Saved a TON! (Love that free shipping option even though it means a longer wait...)

Sorry about the sideways pic, but here's what came today:

Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theater version... all 228 minutes of it. LOVE!!)

and

MIDNIGHT IN AUSTENLAND!!!

Now if you'll excuse me, I have loooots of reading to do.

*EDIT*
And about an hour later, the rest of it came!

Here's all four:

I wasn't expecting the rest of it until Thursday! Now I have Forest Born, final book in the Books of Bayern series (with the gorgeous artwork and hard-bound cover) and a book I've been waiting forever to read: Risen, by Britney Jensen... who happens to be a friend of mine and fellow member of Typelings writing group!
Can't wait for an autograph. :)

Back to reading...

The cutest little Storyteller

2012-02-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

This is the Harry Potter Story, as told by my niece, a brand-new five year old! Happy Birthday, little B!

Just to see their faces.

2012-02-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

We find out in three weeks if our baby is a boy or a girl.

We also hope to find out that the baby's heart is healthy and functioning properly. (I still have to get a fetal EKG even if everything looks good on the first ultrasound. My gosh, I'm not looking forward to that. Just hoping and PRAYING that the results are good and I can finally feel like we're really going to have a baby.)

Once we know if we're to expect little Beetle or little Butterfly, *smiley* I know the number one question (after 'when are you due?') is going to be:

What's the baby's name?

I've always wanted to come up with crazy names to tell people. Just to see a reaction. A blank stare, a fake smile, a clamped jaw in complete flabbergastment before they say something like:

'Oh, that's interesting/unique/original/nice!'
'Is that a family name?'
or
'Hmm.' with a completely ingenuine nod of approval.

And then I'll laugh and say what names we're really thinking of.

Definitely Albus.
Or Hermes.
or if it's a girl,
Ocarina.

Liebster Award

2012-02-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

The German language is somewhat dear to my heart because my husband speaks it fluently. Liebster is German for ‘dearest’ or ‘beloved’-- but it can also mean ‘favorite’. The Liebster award was created to give some attention to those blogs with less than 200 followers. So when I found out that I won the Liebster Award from Carrie at The Rowdy Stroudy's, my heart just giggled.

In accepting the award, you are supposed to follow these rules:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

2. Reveal your five picks for the award and let them know.

3. Post the award on your blog.

4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogshare-other bloggers.

5. Finally and the best rule of all………have fun and spread the love!

And now here are my 5 faves that follow the guidelines for the award so you can check these lovelies out:

Darci, the Page Traveler.

Mandy, at Dash it All.

Jamie, at What I did Today.

Saimi, at Archie and Family.

Meredith, at Haute to Sew.

It was SO HARD to choose these people among my favorites. I had to find people who didn't already receive the award, people who had less than 200 followers, and I had to leave out family (even though I love their blogs too. I couldn't just pick one.)

All of these people are either funny, insightful, creative, inspirational, or all of it rolled into one!

Thanks for the award, Carrie. It made me happy. :)

Yep, I'm blogging at 5:00 am

2012-01-28T04:23:00.000-08:00

I don't sleep well in the early morning. I just say to heck with it and get up. Course, I pay for it at night when I fall asleep at 7 pm. I missed out on Moneyball last night. I need to rewatch it.

But in my early-early mornings I do get stuff done.
Like today, I'm going to blog.
And make muffins. Delicious ones.
And hopefully a load of laundry before me and Bret head out to Mesa for the weekend. The only underwear I have left are the ones that don't fit very good.

And I guess I owe all of you a preggy picture.

Awe......
14 weeks.
It's cute until you see my face, which is un-make-up-ed (hello, people, it's just after 5 am!) and chubbied.

Heard a good, strong heartbeat yesterday. Always a good feeling.
Everything's ok so far, aside from my problems with asthma and migraines.
We won't know if the baby is 100% okay until after the next ultrasound and a fetal EKG.
NOT looking forward to that one but ready to know for sure.

Excited to find out if our baby is going to be Beetle or Butterfly though. :) (No, those aren't the real names we've got picked out.)

To be honest, I'm still terrified. I'm so, so grateful for this new little one who has already helped to heal my broken heart. It's just... hard.

***And I had to come back and add this: (not in my original post) After finishing my blog post, I went cruising Pinterest and I felt a tiny pop in my belly that I KNOW wasn't gas. Not the first time I've felt the baby move, but still, I had to share it.***

Reading Machine

2012-01-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

In the last month, I've read four books. What's more... none of them were from the genre I typically read.
Which is YA fantasy fiction.
Because I like to write YA fantasy fiction.
So it's like homework.
The fun kind.

But this last month I've taken a break from my norm. sudden allusion to the television show cheers. Norm!
Anyway, I've been reading my brains out and have discovered complete GEMS!

The first

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I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. My sister advised me on that. The movie was a fantastic adaptation but I'm SO glad that I read the book first.
In my limited experience with racial issues and civil rights (I love and have respect for all hard-working people, whatever shade of lovely they wear on the outside, but I'm not much of an activist.) I have to say this book was eye-opening, heart-breaking, and beautifully written. I loved it and I'm so glad it was gifted to me so that I can have it always. It's such a great book to have on my shelf.

The second:

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A friend let me borrow this book. A little bit of mystery and yumminess mixed in! I love the Josi Kilpack books. They're suspenseful and fun this one especially was a page-turner. I find myself wishing I was the main character, Sadie Hoffmiller's friend or neighbor. She's got spunk. This particular book is the fourth in the Sadie Hoffmiller culinary mysteries. They just keep getting better and better!

The next, naturally:

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My friend let me borrow this one too. She wasn't finished reading the latest book, Pumpkin Roll, but that one is definitely on my list and hopefully she'll lend that one to me too! (Thanks, Barb!!!)
This next installment in Sadie Hoffmiller's adventures was just as delicious as the previous. A lot of heart, a lot of questions that kept me wondering WHO-DUNNIT, and recipes I am dying to try as soon as I get over this pregnancy-induced nausea over anything that smells too much.
I just love that adorable Sadie!!

And the one I just finished today: (also borrowed from Barb)

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Oh. My. Goodness!!

At first I had a hard time getting into it. The book is made up completely of correspondence letters between writer Juliet Ashton and the various people in her life. At first I wondered who the main character was, if Sidney was a guy or a girl (he's a guy, Juliet's editor), who Susan and Sophie were, and was this book ever going to go to normal format? Then with an onset of migraine headaches, I was afraid to read for a couple of days.

But then I got into the rhythm of the letters, got to know who was who and where they were from, and came to love the characters as though I was a member of their society. I was hooked and it became a quick read.

There's a lot of history in this book even though the characters are fictional. I found myself rooting for the good guys, feeling sorrow at their losses, and cheering with them at every triumph. Like the Help, this book gives a new perspective, sometimes a raw and sad one. But it was a beautiful book. Another I would one day like to have on my shelf.

Want to see what's next on my list??

Of course you do.

I'm way too stinkin excited for these next ones to arrive in the mail to not share it with you.

This one is written by a friend of mine and she has promised to autograph it for me as soon as I can get it to her. Yay!!

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Aaaaaaand, *squeeeeee!*

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Sequel to my favorite book of all time, Austenland! Ohhhh I can't WAIT!!!

I ordered these on Amazon a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, they won't send Risen without also sending Midnight in Austenland and the latter won't be released until early February. Ugh. I hate to wait.

In the mean time, I'm also working on reading Book one of the Belgariad Series by David Eddings. (Thanks, Darci!)

Whew!! Hope all this reading reawakens the WRITING bug in me.

BLR soundbites

2012-01-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

In all this political storm, sometimes it's serious. But sometimes I think it's taken too seriously. It's nice to laugh once in a while.

These are my three favorite Bad Lip Reading soundbites.

laughing. out. loud.

As requested...

2012-01-14T05:45:00.000-08:00

The cinnamon roll recipe.

I got it from allrecipes.com via pinterest. I've made a few changes because the original recipe tells you how to make it using a breadmaker. If you have a breadmaker, definitely do the allrecipes.com version. (Just so you know, I'm not a brilliant baker. The instructions sans breadmaker were on the all recipes website in the comments.)
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/clone-of-a-cinnabon/detail.aspx

If you don't have a breadmaker, you can use this recipe:
Makes 12 cinnamon rolls

Ingredients:
1 cup warm milk
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast (can use rapid rise if you want)
2 eggs room temperature
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
4 1/2 cups bread flour

Cinnamon filling:
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, softened

Frosting:
1/2 8 ounce block of cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla (I accidentally put in a whole teaspoon but it was fine)
1/8 tsp salt

Directions:
-Dissolve yeast in warm milk
-Mix in eggs, butter, salt, and sugar
-Add flour slowly and mix well
-Put in a bowl and let rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size. (I preheated my oven to 200 degrees, then turned it off and let my dough rise in the oven.)

-Just before you roll out the dough, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter filling. One thing I wish I would have done was cook it on the stove until the sugar and butter had all melted together. I'm not sure how to do this, I would probably just wing it. But I'd say maybe cook it in a small pot on medium, stirring constantly until smooth? *shrug* You can do it either way. Sprinkling it all onto the rolled out dough, mixing it together and spreading it that way, or cooking it first.

-Okay, now roll out the dough to about a 16x21 inch rectangle or until the dough is about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick.
-Spread your cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over the dough.
-Carefully roll it up.
-Here's a cool trick my friend taught me to cut the cinnamon rolls: Use a 12 inch piece of dental floss. Place it under the roll of dough, bring the ends together, and pull around the roll, tightening the loop until the floss cuts the roll. VERY handy and your rolls come out lovely and round.
-Place in a greased pan side by side and let rise another 1/2 hour to an hour.

-Bake rolls in preheated oven (400 degrees) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

-Meanwhile, mix up your frosting, beating all ingredients together until smooth.
-Spread frosting on hot cinnamon rolls so it gets all melty and delicious.

-Enjoy! They're best while still hot and the brown sugar is still gooey.

A rare foodie post featuring the compona.

2012-01-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

This morning, Bret was making his lunch for school. He does it a little differently. Instead of making an actual sandwich, he puts everything he needs into separate containers (like lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo, bread, lunch meat, etc.) so he can "make" his sandwich right before he's ready to eat it.
Keeps it from getting soggy, see?
He's kind of a picky eater that way.
So as he's putting it together, I asked him if he was making a ham sandwich.
Conversation. You know.
And he said "Just making the components."
I thought he said "Just making the compona."
As though it was the official name for a ham sandwich or something.
After finding out what he really said and having a small laugh about it, I think we may have to call ham sandwiches componas from now on.

I had to tell that story after first googling compona to make sure it didn't mean something vulgar. Like butt crack in Italian or something.

AND....
I made cinnamon rolls today. For the first time in my life (on my own). I used a recipe I found on pinterest, which is supposedly similar to Cinnabon.
I just tasted one....

and I am in transports of taste-bud delight. It DOES taste like Cinnabon!!! I think I've just invited a little bit of savings and a few extra pounds to my future.

Aren't they pretty??

A few things I've learned...

2012-01-09T05:48:00.000-08:00

1. Never blog in anger
2. If you ask for an argument, you're going to get one.

For these two things, I apologize. I should have had more compassion and a lot less pride.
As an appendage to my last post, I've decided to explain something:

Why the gospel of Jesus Christ makes me happy:
1. Obedience to the commandments keeps me safe and free.
~"bogged down" or "fenced in" is one way to think of it. But the truth is, I'll never be "bogged down" or "fenced in" by an addiction to drugs or alcohol, I've never had to worry about an unplanned pregnancy or unwanted disease, and I don't have to fear the police or the law. Except when I speed. oh come on, nobody's perfect.
2. I have knowledge of the afterlife.
~Please don't argue with me on this one. The death of my child a year ago is something that still hurts and will haunt me the rest of my life. But I know where she is, I know she's always my daughter, and I know that a merciful God in Heaven and His Almighty Son Jesus Christ have made it possible for us to be a family even beyond death.
3. I have opportunities to serve others.
~Christ has commanded us to love and serve one another (in my haste to defend my faith, I missed the mark and had lots of contempt in my last post). I am allowed to say "no" when I'm unable to help out when someone is in need, but whenever I do take the opportunity to serve someone, it brings a wonderful feeling of satisfaction and peace. Those who serve and those who have done the serving are both lifted, brightened, and strengthened.
4. I am able to gain further knowledge.
~The Lord has encouraged me to gain as much education as I can. Though I know I am nowhere near my potential, or where He wants me to be, it has become a goal of mine and I hope that I can abide by that guidance. I know that if I follow the direction given to me by the very God of Heaven, He will help me obtain it.
5. There is camaraderie and sisterhood.
~I have some dear, darling friends I have made because of the church. I do have friends who are not of my faith too. There's always someone to laugh with, cry with, shop with, eat brownies with...
Even women I don't know. When I'm in the temple, I try to look on every person there as my brother or sister. Everyone equal, everyone loved. This should extend to women on the internet as well.

Please understand, I'm not trying to come across as "holier-than-thou" or self-righteous. I can't stand people like that. I'm explaining my reasons why. These are only a few of them. And I do not ever mean to diminish the pain of others or magnify the pain that is my own. No one escapes the hardships that come with this life. And for some people, prayers and faith and fasting just aren't enough. My only hope is that all of us can realize that, like I said in my last post, all wrongs will one day be right. Endurance will one day be worth it.
Because of Christ.

I have been humbled and taught, but also lifted by your comments. All of us are in this together, whether you're a Mormon or a Catholic or an Athiest or a Jew.
And I love that.

2012-01-06T06:15:00.000-08:00

Found this link to Mormon Mommy blogs from my friend Heather. The wonderful Sister Julie B. Beck, President of the Relief Society women's organization for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (or Mormon Church) is going to have a question-answer meeting in which ANY questions will be answered.

You can read them yourself here, if you so desire.

http://www.mormonmommyblogs.com/2012/01/julie-b-beck-and-mormon-mommy-blogs.html

I was astonished at what some of these questions were. Women with issues about only men holding the priesthood, women asking about certain talks given by Sister Beck and if she would change them if she could, and other issues that surprised me. Some things didn't surprise me at all and were completely legitimate, as well as heartfelt and heartbreaking questions.

But some of them made me angry and I just have to vent for a moment.

Heaven forbid you have trials.
Heaven forbid you have hardships with your children and marriage.
Heaven forbid your life as a mother is so boring, routine, limiting, stifling....
Heaven forbid your Family Home Evening/scripture/family prayer efforts are not perfect.
Heaven forbid you are not called to certain leadership positions (all the while complaining that you have "too much on your plate and don't know how to handle it all.")
Heaven forbid the general authorities and auxillary leaders say something you don't like.

I wanted to reply to some of them and say, "My gosh, people, get a grip! Sometimes life sucks! Sometimes there are hurts that run so deep it feels as though your entire life has been good for nothing. Guess what?
Chances are someone else out in this crappy world we live in is hurting more than you."
I'm not talking about myself here, guys. I'm including myself in this. I'm not the only one with trials. I'm not the only one with doubts. I'm not the only one who has had to face suffering and pain.
But you know what?
I'm trying. I'm learning. Sometimes I screw up, but then I try again. And learn some more.
In the eternal scheme of things, all that matters is obedience. One day, all hurts will be healed. All unfairness will be made fair. All the answers will be given and all that was wrong will be made right.
Just not in this life.

And so help me, I will be forever faithful to my God in heaven and His Son. In the end, Christ is the head of my church and my life. People aren't perfect and they never will be. Not the prophet, not the Relief Society president, not my loved ones, and not me.
But Christ is.
I put my trust in Him. Always.
And no amount of devils advocates, pot stirrers, or rabble 'rousers is going to change that. Period.

*quick breath*
That may have been a little harsh.
I just had to get it out.

Oh, and one more thing, even though most of my readers believe as I do. Here's something my dad taught me if I'm ever faced with someone who likes to try to make me question my faith. This is his response, as well as mine:
"The gospel makes me happy."
Argue with that. I dare you.

Gotta post mine.

2012-01-02T05:08:00.000-08:00

First, I have to say Happy Birthday to one of my best friends, my sister Jessica!!!! 26 years old. Love you, sis!!! Go get a pedicure. I hear foot massages stimulate labor. :) She's very ready to have her widdle girl. Any day now!

So it's a brand new year. I say farewell to the old one like I say goodbye to a hard class at school.
"Thanks. Learned a lot. I'll always remember. And I don't care to ever come back."

Everyone's posting their Resolutions. Most of the time in cute, subway-style art or in adorable pictures they painstakingly snapped, uploaded, and arranged.
Maybe one of my Resolutions should be to quit being such a blog-slacker.
*shrug*

So here are mine:
~Eat more healthy.
Isn't that on everyone's Resolution list? Bret's on board too. That'll make it easier. Even though we've broken that one already. Baby steps, right?
~Set aside time every day (but Sunday) to write!
I have two manuscripts I want to finish by July. This is because once the baby is born, I'll have NO time to write. I want to at least get the rough draft written on these things. Basic outline is mostly there.
~Re-read the Book of Mormon
I got a really great idea on how to approach this from my cousin, Patrice. She said that every time she reads the Book of Mormon, she reads it from a different perspective. Like on parenting, or marriage, or faith. With that different perspective in mind, you get different insights as you read.
~Have Family Home Evening every week.
I know we won't be perfect on this one. But we did better last year than the year before and that is my goal for this year too. Plus, I got a really neat-o calendar from my Mum for Christmas that I intend to use as for Family Home Evening purposes. Jot notes on what we're up to, discuss the week's schedule, make it a journaling type thing.
~Be a better person.
Give more service. Fill my heart and soul with charity. Stay away from things that aren't uplifting like certain movies and music. And cut back on addicting Facebook games that take up time and are worth zero. Love my family. Work on being a better wife and becoming a good mother.
~Get back up to 5 mile runs and more.
And though this goal won't come into play until after this summer, I want to hit the pavement again. My fabulous older sister Jen just hit the 10 mile mark and I'm like... hello awesome! Plus there's Ethan's Run 2013 that I am determined to run the 10k. This year's run I'll only be able to do the mile walk. :) Or I might be painting faces. Hopefully!!

This is going to be a good year. Full of changes and healing and happy times and learning.

One Year

2011-12-29T04:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, my precious Ella.

Last night I woke up just after midnight. I wonder if my body knew it had been exactly a year since we held you during the short moments of your life. I stayed up as though to keep vigil, remembering, glancing at the clock, knowing I had little time. I kept wondering what you'd want me to be doing, then decided you'd want me to be sleeping. Like Daddy. So I turned off the light at a quarter past two. I don't know how long it took me to drift off.

This year is one I'm ready to leave behind, but I never, ever want to forget. On your birthday, I should be giving you gifts. Instead you've given gifts to me:
Deeper faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and in His gospel.
Greater love for your daddy and the rest of our family.
Peace. I no longer look on the concept of death with fear or dread. And I anticipate the second coming of our Savior with eagerness.
A more profound appreciation for the blessing of temple ordinances.
Greater faith in myself and my own personal worthiness.
The knowledge that I have a daughter who is pure and perfect; an angel to guide me along, to watch over me, and to encourage me when times get rough.
And though I don't always understand God's will, and sometimes I still have to work on trusting Him, I have grown in my knowledge of His infinite mercy and love for me.

I learn so much from you and I know I always will, for I still have so much more life to live and an unbelievable amount of things yet to learn. I hate that you're gone. I despise the memory of leaving you behind at that hospital. Sometimes I do not endure well. I have irrational fears when it comes to my future children. I become embittered easily, angry, and sometimes live with a false notion that everyone else lives perfect lives with their own healthy children.

And yet, here we are. On what would have been your first birthday. Though I wish beyond everything in this world that you were here, I wouldn't trade the gifts you've given me for anything. I love you so much and miss you every single day.

I wish I was buying you presents for your birthday. Something like a new outfit, a fun toy, and a ladybug birthday cake. Instead, I'll have to do other things that would make you happy where you are right now: I'll be a little nicer, a little more loving, a little more pure in heart, and a little more devoted to our beloved Savior.

Still... I do have a little gift for you. One that is tangible, though it won't show up until next July.

Around the 24th, I think.

Though you've known for a while, I'm sure.
And I'm terrified and ecstatic at the same time to actually say it out loud.

How would you like a baby brother or sister?

Happy Birthday, my Angel.

Love,
Mom

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

I can't read this without tearing up. I miss my baby. Especially at times like this.

But I take comfort in knowing

That she's spending this Christmas safe in the arms of our Savior.

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.
This sight is so spectacular please wipe away that tear.
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description to hear an angel sing.

I know how much you miss me; I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away, we are really not apart.

So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
For after all "Love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

So please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I cannot count the blessings for the love he has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas, and wipe away that tear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

--Author Unknown

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Saimi

2011-12-21T05:09:00.000-08:00

Pronounced Sigh-me.

This lady is just cute. I like her blog because it makes me smile, makes me laugh, and makes me wish my husband liked horseback riding.

And she's a lovely commenter, so if you'll be her friend, she'll help to feed your ego. :)
BTW, Saimi, I keep trying to comment on all your adorable recent posts. The re-cap of 2011 was just too cute, I loved it! For some reason, blogger is acting weird and won't let me comment on your blog. Hm. Just know that I am reading and enjoying them!

She tells the most hilarious stories. Sometimes about her job, sometimes her family (which includes her dog and horse.) Her blog is very anecdotal and fun.

Facts about Saimi:
~She loves horseback riding (in case you didn't catch that)
~She's an accomplished quilter.
~She has a wonderful sense of humor
~She works at a preschool. Sense of humor comes in handy.
~She knows how to rock the blonde!
~She's a wife, mom, and great storyteller.

Thanks for making me laugh, Saimi! And for being my friend. :)

Serene

2011-12-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

I just have to start by saying this girl his HIL.AR.I.OUS!!!!

And she's real. The only sugar-coating on this blog is when she confesses her endless need for chocolate.
And let's face it... who doesn't have an endless need for chocolate?

Serene is my name, not my life! is one of my favorite blogs to read because she's just so dang funny. And her funniness is mostly because the stuff she writes about is so relatable and true. She has a way with writing her posts that make it feel like you're having a conversation with her.

Another person I wish I had as a neighbor.
And not just because she always has chocolate.

Things I know about Serene:
~She's an exceptionally gifted artist
~She has a husband and 5 very cute and entertaining children
~She loves shoes and chocolate. did I mention that? Another reason I feel I can so relate to her.
~She's also a gifted writer. Seriously, have you ever written a book, Serene??
~She has a fabulous sense of humor. Instead of glossing over the messy parts of life, she'll admit defeat, hide, or find away to laugh at it.

Do yourself a favor and check her out. Her blog is always great for a giggle.

Jamie

2011-12-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

Another friend from the PNW. I get jealous of this gal when she talks about the greenery and beaches near where she lives. I'd LOVE to visit the Washington/Oregon area someday.

So, about Jamie.

I don't remember when I started following her blog, What I did Today. I don't remember how I found it or who led me to it. All I know is I love it. I love how she writes what she did "today." Like a journal. It could be something big and exciting, or it could be something little, like "I went to a girl's night. Had a blast. Up too late. Going to bed" kind of thing.

Jamie is another one of my blog friends who I feel like I know. She's so funny and creative, such a good wife and mom, and one of my fellow Pinterest addicts. You can't help but want to be her friend.

Facts I know about Jamie:
~She has 2 ADORABLE little curly haired girls (#3 will be here soon!)
~She's married to Tony
~She comes from an amazing family. Beyond amazing. She has more than 20 siblings, many of whom are adopted from 3rd world countries. (Right, Jamie? Am I getting that number wrong?) Seriously! That is just fabulous.
~She served a mission for our church, something I totally look up to.
~She's good at cooking for special dietary needs and gives good ideas for recipes.
~She loves to read. (including my story blog. She's one of my heroes).

Jamie, thanks for being cool. And for reading Chapterhouse Lane. I love ya.

Carrie

2011-12-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

This woman is a rock star.
I love following her blog because she's someone I can totally admire and relate to. And I can still love her even while I'm jealous of her talents and taste. :)

Carrie, I stole these pictures from your blog because they're so beautiful. I hope you don't mind. If you do, let me know and I'll take them down asap.

A few facts about Carrie:
~She's a photographer (as if you couldn't tell)
~She lives in the Pacific North West
~Her husband (another rockstar!) is almost done with his Master's Program. Yay!
~Her two children are her life. She's an awesome mother.
~She's a wicked good party-planner. Like the kind you'd find all over Pinterest.
~She's an accomplished pie-maker. Someday, I want to go to to one of her pie parties.

Here is someone who has been through the fire and come out refined. Here is someone who doesn't try to sugarcoat her life, but looks for the sweetness in it. Here is a lady who has counts her blessings and her trials and teaches everyone to embrace them both.

I tell her all the time in comments that I wanna hug her.
She's just that type of person.

Meredith

2011-12-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been slack-a-lackin on the spotlights.

Today's is about a lovely girl who is the cheapest person alive. In a good way.
Her blog, Yours, Mine, and Ours, is always cute, often hilarious, sometimes introspective, and never without smiles.
She teaches me about fashion on a dime and how to love the life you got and love it out loud. She shows you how to put outfits together and how to see the potential in the pile of polyester you picked up at Goodwill.

I've never met Meredith in person, but I hope I do someday. She's the type of person I can imagine laughing really, really hard with.

So because Meredith and I have never had the pleasure of meeting, there are few facts I know about her. But here are the things I do know:

~She's a twin (how cool is that??)
~Her hubby is in law school
~She just got a new camera (I have the same one and they're seriously righteous)
~She has a very cute little boy
~She owns a pink washer. Pink, people!
~She can pull of outfits I'll never look cute in from thrifted and free-piled stuff.

Stay awesome, Meredith. Hope this post does justice to your greatness.
And hurry up and come to AZ, will ya??

Jessica

2011-11-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

Oh boy, do I have some excellent blackmail pictures of this girl.
But I won't post them.
Because I'm a nice sister like that.

Soooo tempting though....

Ahem...

Anyway.
My younger sister Jessica is one of my best friends. Which is funny, because when we were little, we almost always hated each other. I didn't like it when she'd come play with me and my friends (but of course it was perfectly okay for me, the bigger, older, cooler sister to tag along with her friends) and I was always whining if she wouldn't let me borrow her clothes.
Sister of the year, I was.

Today, I am so glad to say that our warfaring past is behind us and we celebrate an awesome relationship. Her blog, The Secret Life of B's, has lots of wonderful recipe ideas (she's a chef, people. A CHEF.), tons of silly pictures of her extremely cute and endlessly entertaining 2-year old, and all around fun stuff.

(I'm the fat one)

So cute!

Some facts about Jessica:

~Born on January 2nd even though she was due Christmas Day

~She's not a morning person

~She's organized

~I used to call her Arwen because she looks like her. Why'd I let that die out? That was fun.

~Married her hubby six years ago... baby #2 on the way!

~Graduated from ASU with a degree in Nutrition

~She has the best victory dance ever. Wish I had a video of it. Picture a cross between Napoleon Dynamite and the Elaine dance from Seinfeld.

Love you, Jess!! You're the best. Can't wait to meet your new little one in a few months!

Darci

2011-11-28T05:39:00.000-08:00

Otherwise known as The Page Traveler

Darci and I have known one another since our ballroom dancing days with Del Sol, the dance team we were both on. One of my favorite memories of her was when our teachers told us to go back to the beginning of our performance number and she said, in a perfect imitation of Inigo Montoya from Princess Bride:

"You tol' me to go back to da beginning!"

I still giggle about that.

Nowadays, I am so happy to have found a bond with Darci through our love of writing and of Harry Potter. We formed a writing group called the Typelings and we meet once a month to discuss writing and other topics that amuse us. (Now accepting new members!)

Darci's blog, The Page Traveler Tales, is like an online book club. She reads, reviews, gives solid opinions, makes me think, and often makes me laugh. We have similar opinions on just about everything. I love it!

A few facts about Darci:
~She's married and has an adorable son
~She and her husband met while on the Del Sol dance team (he's a buddy of mine too!)
~Her birthday is on November 5th.
~She loves stars. Like, the shape, or the ones in the sky. Not necessarily movie stars. Although I'm sure she'd probably wet her pants if she were to ever meet Emma Watson.
~Darci served a mission for our church in Temple Square, Salt Lake City.
~She and her husband make and sell magic wands, in the style of Harry Potter. They are SO cool.
~And, incidentally, she was in Slytherin house. An odd thing for a Gryffindor like myself to have such a good friendship with a Slytherin. But she's an example of the best of them. :)

Yes. We're obsessed.

And so, to conclude today's Spotlight, I give you a video I found on Pinterest that I think Darci would highly enjoy.

Personally, I find this video utterly and completely awesome in all its particulars. I actually had the idea to make a Harry Potter montage to this song... seriously, I did. But someone beat me to it. With magnificent results!!

Mom

2011-11-25T22:27:00.000-08:00

For my first bloggy buddy spotlight, I've chosen my Mom.
Because she is one of the most important women in my life.

Isn't she beautiful?

Think she'll forgive me for hijacking her photo collection?

A few things my Mom loves and is good at:
~Being a good friend to her kids and grandkids.
~Gardening
~Speaking Spanish
~Serving others at home and at church
~Making quilts and other assorted lovely things
~Typing (she's like 150 thousand words a minute or something. She's good at it. Whether or not she loves it remains to be seen.)
~Using all-natural stuff like Essential Oils for everyday ailments
~Eating healthy and making it delicious
~Cooking. (again, does she love it? I don't know. But she's good at it. Very good.)

A few more facts about my Mom:
~Born on November 13th
~She has learned Spanish on her own through classes and practice
~She has given birth to 7 children. 3 of them... including me... without the aid of epidurals
~She's been married to the same guy for 35 years
~She has a talent for dancing, having been on the pom squad (or whatever those things are called), a folk dancing troupe, and other performance groups in her earlier days.
~She was sitting in a Lazy-boy chair at the hospital when she gave birth to me. This is a story that has been retold over and over in my life.

My mom is the best. Today, I salute her.
She's the one who got me into blogging. Her blog is fun, funny, instructive, and inspirational.
You can find her blog on the side bar under Mom, or at The Merry Misadventures of a Matriarchal Madwoman. I made up that title. :)

Spotlights

2011-11-23T15:19:00.000-08:00

I love being "spotlighted." It's so fun.

So I thought, in the coming weeks, I would spotlight some of my bloggy buddies, ones I know in person and ones I don't. These would be the ones I have on my sidebar, the ones I follow and frequent. Some of them I don't know well... some I've never met. And some of the posts may be short.
But each of them will get a spotlight.
I apologize in advance if a lot of these posts say similar things.
Like:
Hilarious!
or
Beautiful!
or
witty and fun.

Cuz honestly, most of the people I follow are hilarious, beautiful, witty, and fun.
So I'll try to make each one unique. All will be from the heart.
Watch for yours!!!

2011-11-21T04:48:00.001-08:00

Dear Asthma,

Stop it.

Love,
Ames

Shameless bragging

2011-11-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

if I may....

28 years ago my best guy was born.
As a tribute to my awesome companion,
I made this video of one of his talents.

You've seen a similar one before, but this one is
all him.

Yow!

I'm losing it.

2011-11-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

Facebook has its virtues.
For example, a friend of mine posted on my wall "Haven't you forgotten to post something today??"

I thought... did I? No. I always remember to post on Chapterhouse Lane. I very much enjoy rewarding my readers' anticipation.
I checked back on the blog.

And I forgot to post! I couldn't believe myself.

I must be going nuts.
So anyway, I posted this morning. I should post twice. Yeah, I really should. Inexcusable.

I may, one day, be able to plead my case.

I also had a test in Bio last night. I don't think I did very well. Major brain farts going on. Seriously, STP stands for Short Tandem Repeats, not Short something-that-starts-with-a-T Replication!!!
I remembered that this morning at like five-thirty. Ugh.

Love, Ames

2011-11-14T05:31:00.000-08:00

Dear England,

I dream about you sometimes. The dreams are always pale, disjointed, and not at all like the reality but they make me happy nonetheless.
It's been five years since my visit. I think of you often and how soon I can return.
I love your history. I want to study it.
I love your literature. I want to study that too. Especially John Ronald, James, Jo, Jane, and Jack. And some Will and okay, maybe a little Geoffrey. Just a little. Uncle Geoff, you may be a distant relation, but your stories are weird.
Is it completely mental for me to say that I miss your cities and countrysides, England? That I think back on your twisting, maze-like streets, your ancient hills, and your cute-as-a-button bed and breakfasts with longing comparable to homesickness?
I can't pick one favorite place. I loved it all. York was so wonderful, I had to use it in a story. Lacock was absolute enchantment. I wish I would have walked around that place more. And I'm still kicking myself that I went all the way to Oxford and forgot to ask where John Ronald used to work. Really!? At least I got to go to The Eagle and Child where he and Jack and their other mates got to hang out.
Next time I come, England, I want to go to more castles. Like Alnwick Castle. And pass through York again. I'd love to ride the train and visit other historic sites in London. I want a picture by the statue of Peter Pan. I want to talk to more of your people, visit your LDS temples and churches, see and feel and breathe in every moment.
And I'd love to fight the temptation to do a spirited impression of Robin Hood in the movie Men in Tights when he arrived on your shores: kneeling on the ground, arms outstretched, exclaiming "Home! Home! England!" then bending down and kissing the ground.
But that would be undignified.

Give my regards to William and Kate.

Love,
Ames

11/11/11

2011-11-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

Five years ago today:

I woke up early. I couldn't sleep.
I went to Dillards to get my makeup done.
The lady who did it was over the age of 60.
I was nervous.
She did fabulous.
I bumped my head on the makeup counter. It hurt.

I got my hair done. Half up. With curls.
I put on a pencil skirt and suit jacket.
I felt like a lawyer.
I went to the church to inspect decorations.

I was scared. I sat on a bench in front of the temple.
Then I saw him walking toward me. I smiled. The fear lessened. He took my hand.
We went in.
When we came out, we were an eternal family.

Five years ago I married the sexiest man alive.
Perfect for me.
My best friend.
Hilarious.
Smart.
Hardworking.
Kind.
Supportive.
The love of my life.
My friend, my companion, my partner.
And the father of an angel.

What a guy.

Love, Me Monday

2011-11-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

Dear snow,

I miss you. I've lived in Arizona for 99% of my life and I've only lived where you fall for two winters. I miss that giddy feeling when I first notice your flurries in the air. Like a little kid I'd squeeeeal, run outside, and try to catch you in my mouth.
I miss seeing you gather in thick blankets in the yard, in grimy clumps on the side of the road, and in the branches of trees. You turn everything into a Christmas card and make every day a hot chocolate one.
You even gave me a day off from school once. I was on my way to my least favorite class when the radio guys announced that the college campus had closed. The song "Beautiful Day" by U2 followed that announcement. You can imagine the perfection of that scenario as I turned around, went home, and watched Home Alone 2 while drinking hot chocolate and gazing lovingly out the window to watch you fall and collect.
I remember skating on the frozen blacktop in the Wal-mart parking lot. I remember laughing my head off while watching one of my friends attempt at making a snow-angel chain. I remember the misery of freezing to death when I unwisely left my thick coat at home (because I thought it made me look fat) when we went tubing down the snow-covered hills. Seriously, who does that?
I remember the time when I was a dance teacher, rehearsing in the warm dance studio with my girls. We were all sweating. We saw that it was snowing. We had to go stand in it. And then we had to dance in it.
So we did.
We turned up the music, left the front door open, and rehearsed the performance number. In the parking lot. Among the falling snow. It was glorious!
I love the glitter of diamonds when the sun shines on your calm, frosty surface. I love the tiny, delicate design of lacy snowflakes that I tried to see before it melted in my bare hand.
I love seeing you on the Superstition Mountains. A breathtaking image in the middle of a desert.
Yes, you're hard to drive in. I almost rear-ended someone because of it and I've slipped and slided (slid?) over the wintery street when you covered the road. Luckily, I never hit anyone. And yes, you make it freezing cold outside, you make every extremity on my body go numb with cold, and you're easy to get sick of when you're piled several feet high.
But oh, darling snow.
Wish you could visit me down here.

Love,
Me

Two things that have no relation whatsoever.

2011-11-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Good news! My thumb is all healed. I cut it while carving my freaking awesome Halloween pumpkin.
Which, by the way, DID win an award for the contest.
Prizes were a big tin of popcorn, some Halloween candy, and 50 bucks off our next month's rent! NICE!

Guess what? I'm doing NaNoWriMo, which is short for National Novel Writing Month.
50,000 words in 30 days. That's a little less than 2,000 words a day if I don't write on Sundays.
I'm a bit stoked.
And a little in over my head.
Is it cheating if I use large portions from the previous, unfinished draft of the novel that I'm going to write in 30 days?
Hopefully not.
Cuz somethings are better the first time.

She's with me when I need her

2011-11-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

I don't go to baby showers.

Doesn't matter who, when, or whether it's a boy or a girl.
I don't like them. So I don't go.

My sister Jessica, who is one of my best friends, is having a baby girl right around the same time Ella was due. Even though it's not my beloved sister's fault for the way these events have unfolded, it is still salt on an open wound. I hope she'll forgive my honesty.
Her shower was last night.
And I was expected to go.
I didn't want to. I didn't want to be the one sitting in the corner, holding back tears, watching everyone gush and coo and awe over all the pretty little girl things she was bound to receive. I didn't want to be the one everybody had to tip-toe around and wonder if Amy's about to explode.
During the drive out to Mesa, I thought a lot about my self-pity.

Sometimes I imagine that Ella is beside me, somewhere nearby, offering me words of encouragement during times that are especially difficult. I don't know if these musings are the truth. I hope they are. I feel like they are.
In the car I had one of those moments.
I dried my tears.

I was not going to allow my grief to ruin this happy occasion for Jessica, who hurts for her big sister and also mourns Ella's loss.

Still, I arrived at my mom's house (the venue for the event) with a bad attitude. But by and by, the longer I was with my family, the more time I spent with the people that mean so much to me, I felt my mood lift.
Not only could I hold it together, but I could even have a good time.

I'll admit I cast a few jealous looks at the girl who brought her 10 month old daughter. And I still felt like had an obvious mark on me, the "baby widow." But I was treated normal, which was what I wanted. And my fears of completely losing it were completely unfounded. I was able to smile.

I skipped the present-opening part. I lounged with my brother in the other room watching tv and playing Angry Birds on my phone. And I was content.
After everyone left, I went to get some food with my friend, who is also a friend of my sister's and a guest at the shower. She said I needed a pick-me-up. In all honesty, I felt totally fine. I wasn't moping or crying or even sad. But we went anyway. I got some onion rings and had a lovely talk with her.

Afterwards, I chatted and laughed too loud with my mom and sisters. It was fabulous. Fabulous people just make for fabulous moments, it's a scientific fact. The night ended up a happy one.

I feel like Ella was with me last night. Even if I was talking about something else, or thinking more about passing another level on Angry Birds, or laughing with my family. I had fun. I didn't cry. I got through it.
And the most important part of all: my sister had a wonderful party and got lots of lovely things for her sweet girl.

My girl isn't here.
But she's mine.
And she's perfect.
And she'll always be here when I need her.

Love, Me Monday

2011-10-31T08:48:00.000-07:00

My fellow writer, member of Typelings, and good friend the Page Traveler gave me this idea. An idea I should have put into practice a long time ago.
It's a letter from me to whoever or whatever I feel like writing to. I decided to copy her and make it my Monday blogging theme.
Check back every Monday. Maybe there'll be a letter to you!

ahem....

Dear Halloween,

You've always been great. You're the start of cooler weather, the kick-off to holidays, and the one night of the year we can all be something we're not. How delightful!
You're the excuse to carve a pumpkin, to watch scary movies, to read spooky stories, and to be something I'm not.
My heart chuckles with glee.
I eat food I shouldn't, be sillier than I ought, and be something I'm not.
I mean, seriously, what's not to like about you?
I get to be something I'm not! For a whole night! Sometimes several nights, as was the case during my young single adult days.
I remember when I dressed up like Super-girl as a kid. Fun.
And the time I was a jogger that got bit by a vampire. Creative.
I've been a cat (or a mouse, don't remember which), an angel, a rock star, a princess, a mermaid, and Princess Leia.
Twice.
Don't forget the times I was a Lord of the Rings elf. I say times because it was more than once. And more than twice. I'm not sure of the total number. Three times? Four? I dunno.

So thank you, Halloween. Thanks for the memories. Just so you know, if Ella were here, she'd be a Ladybug. Naturally. I sure miss her. Especially on days like today. But you're still great, Halloween. And you always will be.

Cheers.

Hogwarts

2011-10-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Some things bring me joy.
Harry Potter is one of them.
Winning contests is another.

Our apartment complex is having a jack-o-lantern contest tomorrow.
I'll be in Mesa all day because of an appointment and work.
So I carved the pumpkin today and Bret will display it on our porch tomorrow for the judging.

I decided to carve Hogwarts Castle.
Because I knew it would be as my brother would say
disgusting.
or, freaking awesome.

Here's my process:

My ~~victim~~ pumpkin. 4 bucks at Wal-Mart

I think it was cross-bred with a spaghetti squash.

Really, I'm serious. The inside had the exact same texture. Annoying.

My ~~weapons~~ instruments.

Yes, those are old dental instruments.

Don't worry, they're clean. And invaluable with carving details.

Sketched in my design with some dry-erase markers.

Easily wipes off.

Partway through the carving process

Sorry it's so dark.

And finally, the finished product.

Disgusting.

There's an HP carved backwards on the back of the pumpkin to achieve the cool spotlight effect.

And only one casualty...

Think I'll win?

So I checked up on my followers...

2011-10-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

And I realized they've multiplied! Holy canoli, I've got 45!

Now, for you folks who have 100+ or even 1000+ (um, jealous) that might not seem like such an exciting number. But it got me thinking, Wow! I need to blog more! And blog better.

Because someone out there likes me!
That puts a nice little bloom of happy in my heart.

Ok, so here we go.
Remember how I despise Biology? Well, in case you didn't know that, consider yourself informed. I can't stand this subject. My brain just doesn't get it until after it's explained to me the way you'd explain it to a nine-year-old. Pretty sure people younger than that don't have to learn biology.
So glad my husband was a Bio major. He's a genius at this stuff. Blows my mind.
Can't wait till I can write essays.
Anyway, we got our last test back yesterday. The teacher sent us an email before the fact saying that the class average was 71%, ten percent lower than our previous test average. He said he was going to provide a worksheet to help us boost our grades up.
I was worried.

Got my test back.
91%

Um.....
booyah!
Happy dance.
You know the one, Jessica. Wish I had a video of that one.

Glitter Toes!!

2011-10-25T04:20:00.000-07:00

Broadcast Bloggers is awesome.

They give me sweet deals.

And I can hook you up.

By clicking on the link below, you can get a kit for Glitter toes for 65% off! Retail is $111.50 but you get it for 39 bucks! And this includes shipping.
You get:
12 colors
brush, file, base, bond, and seal (The bond and seal are an added bonus)

These glitter toes last about six weeks and you can do this yourself at home!
Save some major moola....

Like it says on the picture, the deal ends on the 29th, so hurry and order yours!!

http://www.broadcastbloggers.com/deal.php?i=104&a=1069138

Guess I better post

2011-10-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Just so you know, I'm holding off on the self-publishing. Hero London will happen one day. Just not now.

Just reviewed my "Before I turn 30" bucket list. Here's what I've done so far:

#2. Read the Book of Mormon cover to cover. Our bishop challenged us to read it in 90 days. I did it!
#6. Start a new book. Well, I guess I can count this. Mostly I re-started a book that I lost a good portion of when my computer crashed. It was in terrible need of a re-write anyway.
#9. Repurpose a piece of furniture. Remember my kitchen hutch? *squee!* It's so pretty. I love it!
#10. Read a classic I've never read before. Just finished Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Interesting read. Glad I read it. Will I ever read it again? Probably not. But a good one.
#18. Make a movie. Vacation video. Bret dissecting a grapefruit video. Brother's mission video. Check, check, check.
#21. Go back to school. Taking Bio 101! Do I give a rat's butt about ribosomes? Not really. But I'm learning a lot.
#24. Take a dance class. Does Zumba count? If not.... put it back on the list.
#25. Work up the courage to cut my hair. Done and done. Growing it out again. he he he.

That's 8 things done. Out of 29. Better get my rear in gear.

Self-publishing

2011-10-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about going the indie route.

I've sent my writing to publishers and agents and all I get are big fat No's.

I got some advice from my new friend Britney Jensen, author of Risen.
(If you also follow Chapterhouse Lane, forgive this redundancy.)

She published her book through createspace.com. It only cost her the isbn number.

So that's very little investment on my part.
And to tell you the truth, I'm not in it for the money.
Okay, maybe a little.
I'd love to earn enough money to support my family while my husband is in school. Or to earn enough to pay down his student loans after he graduates.
Or to, ahem, go back to England.

But getting rich isn't my whole motivation. Nor is fame.
In fact, if I do get published, you'll never actually see my name on the book. I'll have my picture on it, but it'll be a vague picture. Yeah I'll do signings if it were to ever actually come to that, but as Hero. Not as Amy. No, I'm not doing the Hannah Montana thing. No disguises.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I just want to write books and maybe have some success at it.
Not J.K. Rowling success or even Stephanie Meyer success.
Maybe Shannon Hale success. :)

Anyway, so it's looking like self-publishing is my only option. Through createspace.com, I could publish my books online so you could purchase then for a Kindle or a Nook reader, etc. And if you wanted it in book form, you can buy it from createspace in a paperback.

This feels like a good decision. I'll be in charge of my own product. No agents or publishers ever pressuring me to "spice things up" in my stories.

What do you think?

Ohmygosh Ohmygosh

2011-10-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Awesome giveaway happening over at
The Page Traveler Tales

Definitely, DEFINITELY go check it out!!
A signed copy of Risen by Britney Jensen is one of the prizes!!
I really hope I win.
I get to meet this author TOMORROW!!!! WAHOO! So stoked!

Coupla things:

2011-10-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Because of school, I write stuff in outlines a lot. So here we go.

1. I missed a lot of conference.
~I'm very sad about it.
~Planning to catch up on all the talks via internet.

2. Biology is both amazing and unmerciful.
~Reading from my textbook makes me feel like an imbecile
- i.e. "In incomplete dominance, the heterozygous phenotype is intermediate between that of either homozygote." -Human Genetics by Ricki Lewis
- um, what?
~Then again, the complexity of the human body testifies to me that there is indeed a God in Heaven.
- I wonder how can people not believe in Him with this information in front of them.
~Biology even helps you learn about British History. awesome
- Learned all about a disease King George III had.
- Found it fascinating.
- Doing an extra credit term paper on it.

3. Lots of crafting/writing projects.
~some have blown up in my face
- never sewing without a pattern AGAIN.
~some have turned out so utterly cute!
~my friend has a weekly "Pinterest Party" so we can actually get some of these cool ideas DONE instead of just pinning them to a board.
- can't wait for tomorrow's party.
- working on Halloween decorations
~just finished chapter 5 of a new story.
- liking it a lot!
- will need polishing. What story doesn't?
~still working on a sequel to my story Fathom.
- meh. Coming along. sorta.

3. Sometimes life really sucks.
~even my Mom said so. In those words.
~I won't go into detail. Just know that I'm doing fine.

4. Prayer works.
~Gets you through the crappy things.
~There's ALWAYS an answer. There's ALWAYS a reason.
~God wants to bless us. He's waiting to bless me for just the right time and season.

Ever have one of those days?

2011-09-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Where you just want to neglect everything....

your friend's blogs.
your own blogs.
your projects.
The dishes in the sink.
Even reading Harry Potter?

Yeah.

I'm having one of those weeks.
Sluggish.

But on a brighter note, my baby brother is now a Return Missionary!!! I wish I had a picture. He's such a stud. It's so nice to have him home. I've missed him during what has probably been the longest two years of my life.

WINNER!!!!

2011-09-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

Through random.org, I randomly received a number.

And that number was 15.

Which means the winner is

LEIGH!!!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to everyone who participated. I love you all and wish I could give prizes to all my lovely, wonderful, great, fabulous fans. I hope you enjoy the new story on Chapterhouse Lane. It is one I'm rather proud of. :)

The first post is up today. http://chapterhouselane.blogspot.com/2011/09/fathom.html

Leigh, let me know your t-shirt size and which design you would like.

Giveaway!

2011-09-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

To celebrate another beginning on my story blog, Chapterhouse Lane, I am having another GIVEAWAY!

First, the prizes:
1. A Chapterhouse Lane tee-shirt. You can choose one of four designs:

2. Some very special nail polish, exclusive to the story Fathom. You'll know why it's so special after you read it.

it looks way better in person, trust me.

3. This beautiful book. Gives you a rather large hint of what Fathom might be about.

source

4. And because no giveaway is complete without something to eat, you'll also be getting a bag of dried mangoes. Random? No. Read the story and you'll see.

All these prizes are being provided at my expense (along with a generous donation from Amber Martin) so PLEASE spread word and give your support!

To Enter:

Leave a comment on THIS blog for each entry!

1. "Like" Chapterhouse Lane on Facebook. Or, if you already "like" it, comment about this giveaway. Don't forget to include a link!

2. Follow Chapterhouse Lane on Twitter @herolondon. As with Facebook, if you already follow the Lane on Twitter, tweet about the giveaway.

3. Follow Chapterhouse Lane on blogger.

4. Post about the giveaway on your blog.

5. Subscribe to RSS feed.

Open to U.S. residents only, please.

Winner will be chosen next Monday, September 19th. Same day as Fathom's debut!

Guest post!

2011-09-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

I got to do a guest post over at The Page Traveler today about September 11, 2001. Hope you'll go see her, follow her, blog stalk her, travel with her, just plain love her. Cuz she's fabulous.

And stay tuned for next Monday when I post about my next Giveaway!

Have I lost it?

2011-09-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a complete and total rewrite of one of the stories I've written. Serious overhaul.
Cutting characters.
Changing scenes.
Even giving my main character's personality an adjustment.

Because I didn't like her at all. And that's a bad thing for your main character.
Seriously, would you admire someone who kept dating a person totally wrong for her, who is actually quite foppish and annoying, while a very cute, very smart, very Scottish dude was pursuing her? Me neither.
So anyway, I'm starting basically from scratch. New opening. Almost new everything.

And I have tons of time to work on it. But I'm stuck already.

First chapter moves too fast. I'm almost liking my old chapter one better. Ugh.

I'm worried. Have I lost it? Is my writing talent finished, as far as novel-writing goes? Is it over for me? I know I've had lulls before. I had to take a huge hiatus while I was pregnant. And it took me a while to pick it up again after Ella passed away
But I almost feel like I can't write. It's not coming to me. It's not working. I totally stink. The writing stinks. I don't know how to fix it.

Any writers out there? Any advice? Cheats? Techniques? Help!

One week

2011-09-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

I'm announcing this on my personal blog for those who aren't aware of my story blog.

If you are, and are sick of my talking about Chapterhouse Lane, disregard this message and take with you my disappointment.

So, as I was saying, in one week the contest will come to an end and The Streets of Elangard will be deleted. For further information, visit www.chapterhouselane.blogspot.com.

And look forward to my next giveaway!

Pretty good with a scalpel

2011-09-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

I've had this video forever, just haven't had the chance to edit and post it yet.

So here it is now. My darling husband, who is now in his second year of dental school, demonstrates with a grapefruit and a kitchen knife how to dissect a human brain.

It's actually quite compelling, but if you're squeamish, I probably wouldn't recommend you watching it. Only because of what we talk about, not because of what it shows. It's perfectly non-violent.

The voices you'll hear in the background are me, my mom (who makes a brief cameo appearance), my sister, and her little boy.

Isn't he adorable?
Yeah. I get to sleep next to that guy every day.
Love him.

Kate shoes

2011-08-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

I wanted to re-do a pair of shoes I had. Got the idea from pinterest.

The idea was to put fabric around the edge where the feet go and add a bow on the side. So cute!

So I decided on gray. I just finished a new gray skirt, so gray shoes sounded good, right?
Wrong.
Ugh.
Painted them gray. The gray fabric didn't match.

So I tried to mix the paint so they would match.
Still couldn't do it.
Frustration!!!

Ok. New color.
White.
White is good. White goes with everything. I have white fabric. This'll work.
Wrong again.
Fabric was too white.

FRUSTRATION!!!!!!!!

What to do? What to do?

Ok fine.
Beige.

I wanted some beige shoes. No fabric things. I didn't have fabric to match.
So they're just going to be beige.
And now I have
Princess Kate shoes!
Oh yes.
Like in these pictures:

source source

Ah. So happy to have Kate shoes.

Here they are:

The before:

I cut off the strappies.

I don't have a picture of when they were gray. Sorry!

Here's after I painted them white. I know, they look fine. I just didn't like them.

And here they are beige:

I love my new Kate shoes.
All I did was sand them so the paint would stick well, paint them with acrylic paint, then seal them with glossy mod-podge. (I did have to re-sand, re-paint, re-podge, then re-sand, re-paint, and re-podge again because of the stupid color).
Because they're already well-worn in, I don't think I'll have problems with them cracking. I just have to be careful.

Ella's headstone

2011-08-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's finally finished.

We went to see it on Saturday. Even though I knew what it looked like because I designed it, it still killed me to see it in stone.
I posted a picture of it on Facebook. I don't really know why. Maybe to remind people that she's still out there? Or remind them why I don't come to their baby showers or gush and coo over their baby pictures? That's probably it.

They have their pictures, I have mine. Sometimes bitterness wins out and I foolishly try to humble the world, when really I need to humble myself.
Everyone said "it's so beautiful." "I love it." "It's so perfect." "You did a great job." or, my favorite, "dang!" yes. That was a real comment.

Yes, I think it turned out beautiful. But I hate it. I hate that I don't get to use this beautiful name I have loved for so long for a daughter I have longed for my whole life. Instead, this name is on a headstone and my baby is in heaven.

I know what you're thinking. I know I'll have her one day. I know she's mine forever. I know she's perfect and I'll get to raise her. But you know what? I don't have her right now.

And that really, really sucks.

Shopping. So bad, yet so good.

2011-08-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

I went yesterday with my new friend Camille.

That's right! I'm making new friends out here in our new city. It makes me so happy! There's a girl's night tonight too and I'm totally stoked to go eat too much sugar and hate myself tomorrow morning.

Anyway, we had so much fun. We went to Ross and Target and some other store whose name I can't remember that sold designer jean knockoffs for cheap. Nice!

I bought three things at Ross. well, four, but it was for the house and doesn't count: I got a gray and white-stripped cardi that came with an adorable black belt that goes around my waist, a dark denim pencil skirt that is so hot, and a pair of skinny jeans that are just stinking cute.

Spent less than forty-five bucks.
But had to tap into my savings. Dangit.

And today, my Mother came to visit me!!! I was so excited to have her come and hang out and show her around Glendale. We went to Nordstrom Rack.

ooohhh, that place is DANGEROUS. I found two shirts that I adore. But unless I take more money out of my precious savings, they're not going to come home with me. Dangit. I might just say phooey on savings and go back to get them.

Then me and Mum went to Freddy's for lunch (tasty) and then I showed her where they're building the new Phoenix, AZ temple, which is just a few minutes from where I live. Can't WAIT until it's finished.

Ah, shopping. How I ~~loathe~~ love thee.

Thanks for coming, Mama! I had so much fun. Can't wait to see you rock your new duds!

It's finished!

2011-08-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry, Mom.
I know I promised to post this last night.

But here it is!
Our final product.
After hours of priming, sanding, painting, and putting-back-together.

With much pride, garnished by bouts of aggravation, many trips to Home Depot, and a lot of sweat, I give you

Our new kitchen hutch!

We bought it off of craig's list for 80 bucks.

Here is the before:

Here is the during. Pictures complements of my hubby.
Oh how attractive am I. Sarcasm implied.

Use of garage complements of our amazing cousins. Love you, Heather!

Primed

Sanded.
Some of it.

Painted.

And painted.

AND painted.
And painted some more.

Putting it all together

aaaaaaand, TA-DA!!

i love it.
We spent probably the same amount on paint and supplies as the hutch itself cost.
But we have extra storage and a gorgeous piece of furniture.
It isn't perfect.
There are paint blobs and streaks and one drawer that sticks.
But I love it.
And I did it! And Bret helped of course.
And Phil and Heather too. They let us use their garage AND their truck.
That's awesomeness in human form.

Sorry it sucks.

2011-08-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

I'd love to make money writing.

And I'd love to have a secret identity.

An identity that sets my regular self apart from my writing self. In which case, should someone find out about it, they'd be shocked to find out "you're Hero London???"

I'd love to have Hero London and her stories adored by millions of fans. I'd love to pay off my husband's dental school debts with book royalties.

Problem is, sometimes my writing just stinks. And I don't know how to fix it.

I know I have talent. I'd be selling myself short if I didn't admit that. But I also know I'm not perfect. I'd be delusional to claim it.

It's funny though. I'll get lots of compliments and wonderful reviews, all kinds of encouragement and support.

And one or two bad reviews.
And that's all I remember.

"Annoying."
"Contrived."
"Bad characterization."
"Moving too fast."

Of course, it's all meant to help me. But I can't help thinking: This just sucks. Pardon my french. And I want to say "I'm sorry it's awful. I'm sorry I didn't get it right. I'm sorry there's so much imperfection and screw-ups and annoying, contrived scenes that lack motivation and move too fast."

Makes me wonder... what would John Ronald, Jo, Jane, and Jack do?

Probably just keep writing.

Lake Trip

2011-08-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

More playing with iMovie.

I'm not in any of this video because I was behind the camera.

Plus, I never wakeboard. I only humiliate myself.

So instead, you can enjoy my very talented hubby

and our relatives.

I've got a dream

2011-07-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

So, chaps, I'm going back to school. Hooray!
I'm still a few classes off from getting my associates... yeah, MAJOR slacker over here. I regret not taking more classes (yes, Mom, I'll admit you were right) back before I worked full time and my parents or federal grants were paying for my education.

Back then, all I cared about was being on my parent's insurance. So I just took classes that caught my eye and fit my schedule. Things like ceramics, music appreciation, and of course creative writing. I did do some serious ones, like psychology, history, and English, but mostly I just goofed off.
So now I'm starting again, with a lot of classes under my belt but a bunch of yuckies still to do. Like math *SHUDDER*and a couple sciences.
But I tested out of reading!! I took the test today and scored a 111 out of 116. A 92 would have passed me out of reading. I did it! I wore my ladybug locket and charm bracelet for good luck. *smiley face*

We'd had a discussion on what I want to do with my life.
Here's the answer:

Be a mom.
and yes, I do still want to be an author, of course.

But when I'm at a point where my kids are old enough, I'm going to finish my education.
One day, with a PhD in British History and Literature.
And with that degree, be a college professor. And with that paycheck, buy a house.

In England.
when I'm like, sixty of course.

Yep. My new dream.

I'd like to wake up with a crossword
In London, York, or Oxford.
By neighbors who use words like cheers and blimey.
In a country cottage pretty
Or a flat down in the city
To visit once a year or more or many.
I got a dream! I got a dream!
I'd just love to see an English sunset gleam.
And as every year goes by
I'll get it done instead of try
Because, my barmy chums, I've got a dream.

Anyone ever seen Tangled? If not, nevermind.

July 22, 2006

2011-07-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

I gave a similar post last year. But my friend Leigh is documenting her trip to Africa on her blog in a similar way. So I thought I'd be a copycat.

Then I read the journal entry I wrote five years ago today. It was really stupid. So I'll just say it differently.

Five years ago today, I was in England. First, we went to a place called Beale's Park and ate lunch. Larry Ivy, (last name sound familiar, heroes?) our tour guide, told us a story about a game a grandmother taught her grandson: imagining he was a bird and being able to soar high overhead, feel the wind, experience the thrill, see the world, all through his imagination. Larry's hope was that we would be able to do the same. See the world, feel the rush, experience the thrill of being in a new world and creating a place for that world in our hearts.
"Did you play the game?" The grandmother asked.
"I did, Grandma. And it was wonderful."

Did I play the game?
You bet your left big toe I did. Only it was real. And it was wonderful.

Pics of Beale's Park.
Doesn't do it justice.

I've been busy!

2011-07-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

LOTS of refashioning, crafting, spray-painting, and picture hanging!
I've got more pictures to show, but to start with, here's a tutorial.

You know those lovely canvas/wood pictures with the witty phrases, Parisian cities, and/or other assorted wording on them?

I decided to save money and make my own. Plus, I got to customize it!

Materials needed:
Canvas (any size)
Black acrylic paint
Paint brush
computer
carbon paper
colored pen
PATIENCE!

Step One:
Make a design for your canvas using lots of different fonts. I chose to do cities in the world: ones we've been to and ones we'd like to visit. Here's my mock-up:

Step 2: Print out the words the exact size you want them on the canvas. Using photoshop is a HUGE help because you can get the proportions right.

Step 3: Tape carbon paper beneath the printout. Make sure every layer is securely taped! You don't want the print out to move on you. It will make life very hard.

Step 4: Using moderate pressure, trace around the letters using a colored pen so you can see where you've traced. Make sure you don't forget to trace the inside of letters too! (I kept forgetting the inside of the letter a).

You can see how it looks traced.

Step 5: Double check you have everything traced before you remove the paper. Here's the canvas before I started painting.

Step 6: using a SMALL paint brush, fill in around the traced letters with black paint. This is where the patience part comes in. A lot more detail than I first thought.

The finished product!!

All I have to do now is hang it on the wall! When that is accomplished, I'll post pics.

And cuz I know you'll ask, the cities that either myself or Bret have been to are London, Berlin, Oxford, Avebury, and Dresden.

I went, I saw, I wept

2011-07-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge Harry Potter fan.
I was sad I didn't see it at midnight.
But me and the Man went and saw it today.
I cried three times.

The film was amazing. Wonderful. A brilliant ending to a brilliant cinematic attempt at capturing such a well-beloved story.
With minimal disappointment as far as missing one or two of my favorite lines.

In honor of the triumph, I'm posting a short story I wrote a few years ago. It's what we call a Harry Potter fan-fiction. I like to write stories about the wizards of Harry Potter from the point of view of "muggles" who may have come into contact with them.

And since Chapterhouse Lane is booked up with The Streets of Elangard no pun intended I thought I'd post the story here. Hope you enjoy.

Lemon Drops

The store was completely empty. I gazed over the counter and leaned on one elbow. The fingernails of my other hand drummed pointlessly on the polished wood, breaking the agonizing silence. Not that I expected customers at this time of night, since most of them were under the age of twelve, but it did get a trifle boring after nine pm.

I had the shop ready for closing; the floor was swept, the windows had been washed, and the toffees, bubble gum, jelly beans, chocolates, lemon drops, and tins of treacle fudge had all been restocked. But Biddle’s Sweetshop never closed until ten, on old Mr. Biddle’s orders. I made a face at the thought and gazed around the shop with half a mind to dust the rows of brilliant candy jars behind the register counter. Again.

I moved over to the window beside the counter. The Bungalow Street shopping lane of Little Whinging was always desolate long before this time of night. Why couldn’t Mr. Biddle just close the shop at eight, or even nine? There were a million other things I could be doing right now. I’m sure it won’t make the slightest difference in revenue if we closed an hour earlier. I didn’t know anyone that would want to shop at a candy store after dark but moody mothers with chocolate cravings.

I sighed at the clock. It read 9:38. In twenty minutes’ time, I could finally lock the door. Twenty minutes always felt like such a long time to me. I almost wished Mr. Biddle hadn’t gone home for the night. The sound of his shuffling feet and the sight of his rosy, balding head and crinkly eyes would at least break up the monotony.

It wasn’t as though it had been a bad day. It had actually been a very good one; well, a very entertaining one at any rate. We didn’t have many customers other than our usuals, but the strangest things kept happening. Not in the store, but outside on the lane…

People walked up and down Bungalow Street, tugging their children impatiently away from the succulent front window of the candy shop. Well, that was all well and good; I was used to little ones plastering their widened eyes and round cheeks to the front window. But I couldn’t help noticing a few people in the foggy autumn background, beyond the faces of the passing patrons. They were strange people…different. Weirdos, if I may venture. They weren’t as weird as the owls though. I had never seen an owl on Bungalow Street in my life, even at night. But that afternoon, I counted no less than twelve sightings.

Perhaps I just wished for something extraordinary and the slightest abnormality was a welcome treat. But the people I saw...

I shook my head. What was so interesting about people in cloaks? Nothing whatsoever. Still, I couldn’t help remembering the energy I had felt emanating from them; not so much like feeling the heat on my hands from the furnace, but a strange happiness. These people had stood out from all the others and I admit I had a peculiar desire to leave the candy counter and join them.

Ah well, it was likely nothing. I was just suffering from another mundane routine at the candy store and had felt desperate for any liberation.

I picked up the feather duster from under the counter and turned to the glittering candy jars. I looked at the clock again. It was 9:41. I rolled my eyes.

As I swept the duster over the silver lids of the jars, I heard the bell at the door of the shop ring. The duster paused. A customer? At this time of night? I looked towards the door, but the customer had already disappeared down an isle. It was probably Mrs. Thomas looking for respite from her six children. I moved to the back of the store to get her usual bar of Swedish chocolate and readied myself for the nice long “woe-is-me” session from Mrs. Thomas.

But as I came back through the isles, I spotted the Figure. He was looking at a shelf and thoughtfully drumming his fingers on his bearded chin. At first I was alarmed, but my fear soon faded to interest. What a curious old man!

He wore high buckled shoes…now I haven’t seen those but in history books. His shoes, however, were not the strangest thing about him. He wore dark purple robes beautifully embroidered with golden stars. He was holding a purple hat of the same design in his left hand. His hair and beard were long and silvery white. He looked like how I pictured Merlin from the tales of King Arthur to look. I took a step towards him.

He turned and my step faltered. He looked at me over half-moon spectacles and smiled. At least, I think he did. His beard moved a little. His eyes…bluer than I had ever seen, were positively piercing, but in no way malicious. I couldn’t help but feel my intrigue deepen.

“C-can I help you, sir?” I stammered.

“Yes, young lady, I was in a bit of an uppity mood and thought I’d nip in here for some lemon drops. You know, sort of the icing on the cake, or the froth on the butterbeer if you know my meaning.” His voice was deep. It caused all apprehension to leave me. His nose was crooked, but it only made his appearance all the more likable and fascinating.

“Of course,” I said, though I had no idea what butterbeer was, and walked to a different isle. I found the yellow boxes of lemon drops, selected one, and brought it to the counter. He followed, taking slow steps. Who was this man? The thought kept biting my insides.

“And how much do I owe you?” he asked, pulling a few coins from a pocket inside his cloak.

“That’ll be one pound and fifty pence, sir,” I replied, typing the buttons on the register. He sifted through several strange coins in his palm, finally selecting the correct change. I accepted the coins and handed him the box of lemon drops.

“Thank you indeed.”

“You’re welcome,” I replied, plinking the coins in the register as he put his remaining money and his lemon drops back inside his cloak. “Might I ask what puts you in high spirits this evening? Strange things are about.”

“Oh?” he said, his eyes twinkling. “What kind of things?” I felt a sense of satisfaction that I had his attention as if he was an old but deeply admired grandfather.

“I saw owls; flying in daylight,” I looked out the window to the dark, empty lane. “And there were people on Bungalow Street…dressed somewhat like…like you.” I looked down at the counter.

“Ah yes. Owls in daylight…strange people…an outlandish old chap coming to your store to buy lemon drops. Must have been quite a day.”

“What do you think is happening?” I asked. The old man’s face softened. He must have been smiling again. It took him a moment to answer.

“In the world we live in, things do happen, don’t they? Both good and bad. Some rejoice while others weep,” at this, he looked down, his face dropping in wistful recollection; then he brought his gaze up again. “But I would advise, should you continue seeing daylight owls and strangers on the street over the next few days, that you do not worry about them.” He leaned forward a fraction. “And though you may not know why…rejoice. Always choose to rejoice, Tiffany.”

My heart began pulsating so loud I was afraid the gentleman would hear it.

“How did you know my name?”

He only smiled again.

“I’m sorry to cut our talk short,” he said, as though he had been by for afternoon tea, “But I must be off now. I have an appointment. Thank you for the lemon drops.”

“Er, come again,” I muttered weakly.

He bowed his head, then turned to leave the store.

“But what is your name?” I asked, wanting him to stay around longer, but not wanting to make him late for his appointment. The old man stopped, half in the store and half out, poised with one hand on the open door. The wind tossed the folds of his purple robes.

“Dumbledore. Albus Dumbledore.” He inclined his head again, and then departed. I hurried to the window to watch him go, probably looking a great deal like the children who so often peer at the sweets inside Biddle’s front window. The old man… Albus Dumbledore... was gone.

The clock struck ten. I jumped at the sound of the chime. Gathering my wits, I moved to fetch the keys for the shop beneath the counter. I opened the drawer and picked up the key ring, then went to the door and locked it. As I turned back with the intention of turning off the lights, I heard a knock behind me. I whirled around.

Mrs. Thomas, looking disheveled and forlorn, was standing there. Back to reality. I shook my head with a smile, unlocked the door, and went to retrieve Mrs. Thomas’s favorite Swedish chocolate bar and a stool.

I never forgot the old man who came to buy lemon drops that late evening. Even years later, when I no longer worked at the sweetshop, I would walk down Bungalow Street of a night, hoping to see Albus Dumbledore again. But I never saw him. I suppose he only came to me because he was what I needed that night—a night when I failed to appreciate a few things about ordinary life.

Still, every now and again, if I chance to see an owl flying, I glance over my shoulder to see if, perhaps, there is a friendly stranger nearby. Sometimes I would even carry a box of lemon drops.

iMovie

2011-07-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

They say once you go Mac, you don't go back.

I wonder if that has anything to do with iMovie.

And all its serious fun-ness.

I made a trailer, yes a TRAILER aka preview, of our recent family vacation.

I defy you not to laugh.

Meanwhile, as this thing uploads, I'm going to go peruse pinterest.

wow, that didn't take very long.

Enjoy!

Happy Fourth!

2011-07-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day everyone! Happy Birthday America. Love you to bits.

I'm on vacation right now too, so you won't be able to hear from me for this next week. But I'll post about it when I get home.
In the mean time, Chapterhouse Lane is still being regularly updated (hooray for post-dating!!) so drop on in if you're so inclined. Tanks.

And the winner is.....

2011-07-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Amy!!

No, not me.

Amy from Sunshine on my Mind!

All the way in AUSTRALIA!! Yay, go Aussies!

Her blog is always so positive and fascinating, since she's going through winter right now while "I'm baking like a toasted cheeser. It's so hot here!" in the summer.

Thank you everyone who participated, spread the word, and were such a huge support to me as I launched my story blog. I call you my heroes on Chapterhouse Lane and that is truly what you are!

Heroes!

I love you guys. Really. Thank you so much.

When The Streets of Elangard is done, I'll have another giveaway when the next story, Fathom, is launched.

Amy, make sure you send me your address on an email, along with your favorite treat, unless of course you want the gummy "bookworms". :)

Six Months

2011-06-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Ladybug,

That's what I called you. Ladybug. Ever since the beginning, even before I knew you were a girl. "If it's a girl, I'm calling her Ladybug whenever I talk about her online." We didn't officially settle on your name until the day you were born. We couldn't agree on your middle name. We didn't have time to decide. So you don't have one. I'm sorry about that.

I know it's pointless to tell you I'm sorry. I know you're in a place so much more beautiful than this awful world. I know you're happy, safe, free, and with people who love you. But I have to say it anyway. I'm sorry for your broken heart. I'm sorry we couldn't hold you longer. I'm sorry you weren't as healthy and ready for this world as all the other babies I see, especially those who would have been your bestest friends. And believe me, Ladybug, there's a lot of them.

You would have been six months old today. There have been some changes. The weather got hot and we got a new place. I can't begin to tell you how much I wish you were here, kicking and smiling and even fussing. I wish Daddy could come home to both of us. He misses you too. You are absolutely the light of his life. Forever his girl.

I miss you so much. I think often about the little time I got to hold you, to stroke your hair, to grasp your hand between my fingers and kiss your head. I think a lot about how unfair it is that we didn't get very much time with you. You were so energetic inside me, kicking and punching and moving around like any normal baby would.

You've done a lot of good, you know. There are many people whose lives you have touched. Even people around the world. Your Great-Aunt Linda even said there were people in her mission in Wales that were inspired by you and your story. Everyone in your family, your cousins, aunts, uncles, Grandpas, and Grandma and Granny, all of Mommy and Daddy's extended family and friends, even total strangers have prayed for you and look up to you. It's my hope that everyone who knew you will remember you and want to be just a little bit better.

I love you so much. Eternity has so much more meaning for me now. The covenants we made in the temple are among my most cherished possessions. I cling to forever with all my heart and look to the day when I can pick you up just as I laid you down.

I love you, my Ladybug. My perfect girl. My angel.

Always.

Mom

I tried, really I did

2011-06-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

AAARRGGHH!!!

No, that's not a pirate noise.
It's an aggravation noise.

I made a video of the apartment, as promised, and I tried to upload it and it wouldn't work. Either I take the video on my phone, or on our new camera which has video capabilities that I don't think blogger will work with. *another growl of frustration*

So I guess I hafta do pictures.

The family room. We just got the rug. Hasn't been set up yet.

Bedroom. The mirror will be put over the dresser (not pictured). Someday.

Kitchen. Complete with full sink of dishes.

Sparse dining room. 'Cept for the teeny tiny table and oodles of boxes still to be put away and pictures to hang.

Closet. Exciting.

Master Bathroom.

Guest Bathroom

And . . . so cool . . . I have a sewing closet! It's awesome because when I'm done with a project, or need to take a break in the middle of one, I can close the closet and forget about it and no one has to know how disorganized I am.

So there you have it.
Like I promised.
Sorry it's not a video.
Technology. Hmph.

**Don't forget to enter the giveaway! Winner will be chosen this Friday. Don't make me beg.

Something better

2011-06-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

I did promise pictures. . .

But pictures of our new apartment are going to be put on hold.

Instead, how about pictures of something better?

How about a nice, juicy

GIVEAWAY!!

a few examples of what's in store.

To promote my new story blog, Chapterhouse Lane, I'm having this little giveaway in hopes of bribing you all into spreading word, following, and hopefully reading the stories on the blog.

The theme of this giveaway is "Writing, Hero London Style."

Here are the goods:

A hard-bound journal with a magnetic closure and a lovely new pen.

because you never know when inspiration will strike.

A gift card worth $25.00 to itunes.

I used to always listen to music while I wrote. Sometimes I still do. Especially when I need to set a certain mood.

A bag of gummy "bookworms" or another treat of your choice.

I LOVE to snack while I write. It's a terrible habit that has bitten me in the rear. Literally.

Your name in a Chapterhouse Lane story.

I sometimes use real people as inspiration for my characters. Your character can reflect your appearance and personality if you like. Who doesn't like to see their name in print?

How to enter:

Leave a comment on THIS blog (not on Chapterhouse Lane) for each entry. Please be honest! I can verify it, you know.

1. Follow Chapterhouse Lane on blogger

2. "Like" Chapterhouse Lane on Facebook

3. Do a wall post on Facebook extolling the greatness of Chapterhouse Lane. Unless of course you despise the stories. Then this giveaway is probably not for you.

4. Post about Chapterhouse Lane on your blog
5. Post the Chapterhouse Lane button on your blog

Winner will be chosen on Friday, July 1st, so hurry and enter!

Thanks for helping me spread the word, everyone. This really means a lot to me.

Not having internet really bites.

2011-06-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

That's the thing about living in someone else's house.
You tend to take certain things for granted.

Like light bulbs.
And TiVo.
And the internet.

Now that we're in our own place, we have to go to the clubhouse, or as I have just decided to call it, the "Common Room" to use the internet. The internet doesn't always work in here and there are no Gryffindor pennants. Frustrating.
On that note, for those of you that are local, there is an ENORMOUS Harry Potter party going on in Mesa on Saturday, July 9th at 5:00 pm. Drop me a comment if you want details, I'll get back to you.

Sorry again that there are no pictures. I promise I will post some on Friday. Maybe even a video! Bet you can hardly contain your excitement.

Until next time...

We're in!

2011-06-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

After a long, hot (it was 104 today), exhausting day of moving things that are WAY too heavy, using muscles I didn't know I had . . . .

We're are officially living in our brand new apartment!
Loving the new carpet/resurfaced countertop smell. bleh

For Chapterhouse Lane fans, forgive me, the post is going up shortly. As aforementioned-- it has been a busy day.

If you don't know what Chapterhouse Lane is, click on the Chapterhouse Lane button to the right of your screen.

For non-Chapterhouse Lane fans-- I hope you will soon change your ways and come to the light. The view is spectacular.

Quick and terrible story about our adventures today:
Our stuff has been sitting in a garage for the last year and a half, since we were living in my aunt and uncle's fully furnished home.
As we're unpacking kitchen stuff, my mom hands me my great big stew-pot, and crawling around inside is an alive and well
scorpion!
As in, the grand-pappy of all nasty arachnids. DIS.GUST.ING!!! I live in Arizona, I know we have scorpions. But that did not stop me from screaming like a little girl and dropping the pot on the just-newly finished surface of the countertop, upon which we weren't supposed to put anything until tomorrow morning.

There are scuffs in the finish. Just small ones.
And a dead scorpion somewhere far away from my apartment. Courtesy of my much braver, much bigger younger brother. (Bret was gone hauling furniture).

Shhhhuuuuuddddeeeerrr. I hope there aren't any more. Scorpions, that is.

So, I've got a story blog to update and a butt-load of boxes to unpack, so I gotta run.
Pictures to follow.

As of 6/13/11

2011-06-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

I have run 100 miles.

I did it!

Holy crap.

And, unless this scale is WAY off....

I'm back to pre-pregnancy weight!!

I think I'll celebrate by going to Charming Charlies or buying a new pair of skinny jeans.

*I'm not at my ideal weight yet* but I'm going to do some Kenpo X in a few. Let's get this party started.

Blog Challenge Day Seven

2011-06-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

So not motivated to blog.

We went and got Ella's gravestone marker picked out today. It's going to be beautiful. Pictures will follow as soon as it's done.

As always, the people at Falconer Funeral home were magnificent.

They have always done so well at helping to make difficult things go smoothly.

I can't say enough wonderful things about them.

But anyway.

Blog Challenge Question #7: What was your last dream about?

Uh. I can't remember last night.

I know I dreamed about monsters the other day. Drippy ones.

And I recently had a dream about finding these way cute white high-heels at the grocery store.

My hilarious friend Meg dreamed about flying Harry Potter style, which is my personal favorite thing to dream about.

Dreams are great. What was your last one about?

Today is the day

2011-06-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

If you're thoroughly sick of hearing me talk about my new story blog, I have to teach you a concept I once learned about at a writer's conference.

It's called Blatant Self-Promotion.

As in, shameless.

So, Chapterhouse Lane begins today with The Streets of Elangard. I would love it if you would check it out and tell your friends to check it out and tell your friends' friends' friends and their moms to check it out too.

Blatant Self-Promotion.

I like being creative beyond the literary construction of a novel. I make book cover designs, poster designs, movie previews (using other movies of course), I pick out actors who I think look like my characters, and my friend even makes me soundtracks.

I made this a couple years ago. It's a poster for The Streets of Elangard. No, that's not me (I've been asked that before)

I love fun.

Chapterhouse Lane. Give it a try? I'll be your best friend.

You guys are the best

2011-06-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks for letting me unload, you guys.

You listened, you encouraged, you gave me some love, and you did it so gracefully that I came up with the conclusion:

I have the BEST bloggy friends ever!!

New friends, old friends, followers, stop-by-for-a-peek-ers, all of you just rock.

Thank you so much.

I try to come by your places and be a good commenter {my sister says I'm the best. :)} But sometimes I get busy. Specially now cuz we're kinda in limbo between homes.

Bottom line, I love you all and I am just tickled fuschia that you read me!

Tired

2011-06-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Packing is exhausting.

But that's not what I'm tired of.

Today I have to rant.
Just a little. I haven't done a ranty post in a while.
So I hope you'll forgive me.

This is why I'm tired:

I'm tired of people who don't deserve to be parents, yet they are.

And even though I have nothing but love for my mommy friends, it's very hard to see their complaints about their babies. How they cry, cost lots of money, poop, cry some more, or don't sleep.

Do they know I'd give anything to hear my baby cry? To have a sleepless night because she kept me up with her colic instead of her absence? To pay a hospital bill that saved her life instead of a funeral bill to have her buried?
Even to change a million diapers??

And for those who don't deserve their children . . .
I'd love to take them by the hand to the place where my child lies. Before I shove them into a vile pit of pig feces. Or shark infested waters. See Blog Challenge Day #11

But I can't. So I won't. And my Ladybug wouldn't want me to behave like that anyway.

Sorry for the anger.
It's not nice.

Sometimes it's just hard.

Break from the blog challenge

2011-06-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else getting sick of this blog challenge? *raising hand*

I wanna blog what I wanna blog. Not that the blog challenge is a bad idea, there's just other stuff going on that I would rather ~~brag~~ tell you about. Maybe I'll do normal posts and then tack on a blog challenge question at the end, unless it's a really cool one, then I'll devote an entire post to it.

Sounds good to me.
All in favor? Aye!
All against? . . .

Good, glad that's settled.

So guess what?
Me and the Man are moving out. The packing has started. The shifting of furniture has commenced. The list-making of stuff we can't leave behind has begun.
For those of you who don't know, Bret and I live at my aunt and uncle's house while they're serving a mission for our church in Carmarthen, Wales. (My kinda place). My grandpa also lives here, so we take care of him and the house while Auntie and Uncle are gone.

Welp, Auntie and Uncle are coming home in 3 days. Yes, my friends. 3 more days. We can't get into our new apartment until the 17th, so we're staying at other family member's houses until then.

It's been a year and a half of living here. Probably the hardest year and a half of my life, I need to admit. We've had some wonderful blessings and terrible trials. I am grateful to have had this time with Grandpa to get to know him better as he is nearing the final years of his life. (He's 92 and remarkably well for a guy his age).

But I am ready to move on.

Blog Challenge Day Six

2011-06-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

A celebrity crush and why.

K, just so we're clear, I am MADLY in love with my husband, people.
The only reason I have celebrity crushes is because I know they are silly and unreachable . . . that's the way I like them.

I don't necessarily have crushes on celebrities, just the characters they play. Makes it all the better, since the guy doesn't actually exist.
Which is probably why he's so perfect.

So, ahem. Celebrity crush #1 yes I have more than one

Jim Halpert from the Office.

source

He's just too cute.
Oh come on, you know you only watched the show to see if Jim and Pam would actually end up together and wanted to throw something at Pam when she (at first) said no to him.
Now they're married with a baby. Makes this guy all the more attractive.

And #2:

Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell

source

SO corny, I know. But I can't help it. I've had a soft-spot for this blonde troublemaker ever since I was ten years old. Mark-Paul Gosselar has a new show starting which I sorta wanted to watch, but the show looks pretty vile so I think I'll pass. Plus, he's not Zack Morris.

So there you have it. My celebrity crushes. They're cute and charming . . .

But they got nothin' on this guy.

I love you, baby!

Blog Challenge Day Five

2011-06-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

A place you'd like to travel to.

I love travelling. There are a lot of places I'd like to visit: Hawaii, France, Washington DC, Boston, Greece and I'd love to visit England again.

But here's a big one on my list: Umbria, Italy

Oooh, lovely. I saw it on an episode of House Hunters International.

Blog Challenge Day Four

2011-06-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

A habit you wish you didn't have.

One word, people:

CHOCOLATE

On another note: "Fathom" got the most votes for my new story blog (see THIS post). However, I sent it to an agent a few weeks ago and I need to wait for a reply from them to see whether or not they want it. Chances are, they'll say no. Meh, I'm used to it now. If they say yes, i can't publish it online. If they don't, I can do whatever I want and you lucky people will be able to read it for free!

If you'd rather read something else, put in a vote!

Blog Challenge Day Three

2011-05-31T07:04:00.000-07:00

The worst movie you've ever seen.

Oh this should be good. I've seen a lot of doozies.

One of them was called "Driven." It was a Sylvester Stallone movie about race cars and it had the guy from "Remember the Titans" named Sunshine in it. We kept singing Sunshine! the whole time. It was the only entertaining thing about the movie. Seriously. Awful.

source

Another terrible movie: "Timeline." I don't know why the movie was so stupid, the director is good. On the other hand, this movie is also hilarious. It doesn't mean to be, it just is. Really, you have to rent it and just laugh your head off at the horrible acting, lame cast, and ridiculous lines.

source

That's all I can think of for now. Oh, wait, yeah... there's "Babes In Toyland" with Drew Barrymore in it. Talk about a cringe-fest. And I fell asleep in the movie theater during "The Hulk" with Eric Bana. Oh! And another good one to watch just make fun of it is "The Canterbury Ghost" with Neve Campbell. Ha ha ha ha! Wow.

**Don't forget to check out my last post and vote. Help me out!**

Blog Challenge Day Two

2011-05-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

Why I got a blog.

That is a very good question. Why did I get a blog? My first blog was Reflections of London. It was a writing blog. Nobody that didn't share my DNA really cared about it. It fell through the cracks.

My second blog was the Dental Infernal Journal. I told funny stories about what really goes on in a dental office. You'd be surprised how many imbeciles went through that place.

The Dental Infernal Journal evolved into just My Infernal Journal. I guess I have this blog to feed my ego, work on writing, entertain, enlighten, inspire, make new friends . . .

Hm.

I started another blog over a year ago called "Letters to Lizzie" which was a story blog about a teenage girl named Kadence who wrote letters to Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. That one was good for a while, started getting some followers, then I got pregnant and just couldn't do it anymore.
I made a big ole grandiose announcement that Letters to Lizzie was starting again but fans of Kadence, I'm so sorry, I don't know if it's going to continue. Please don't curse my name Chessie and Marie.

I've thought about taking one of the novels I've already written, but haven't been able to publish, and turning that into a new story blog. What do you think?
Should I do "Warriors of Galroth?" ugh please heck no. That's my first book and will probably never see the light of day.
How about "3124?" second book. a time travel piece. kinda teenie-bopper.
There's "Amaranth." ha ha. Not that one please. I wrote that one out of retaliation for Twilight.
One of my favorites: "The Streets of Elangard." of the fantasy genre. somewhat autobiographical. The setting is based on the city of Old York.
And my latest completion: "Fathom." contemporary fantasy. It's about mermaids.
There are others I've started and haven't finished yet: a sequel to "Fathom," a modern retelling of "Phantom of the Opera," and others.

So followers maybe I'll start calling you Hero's heroes. Hero London is my pen name . . . which one would you most like to read?

Blog Challenge Day One

2011-05-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

15 interesting facts about my life so far.

Some of you may already know some of these things. I hope it's still interesting.

1. I was born in a lazy-boy chair. My mom was sitting in it at Graham County hospital. I was ready to come before she could move to the bed!
2. I was allergic to EVERYTHING as a kid. Milk, peanuts, soy, uh... what else, Mom?
3. I've been making up stories ever since I can remember. It started with Barbies and playing house. It evolved into pen and paper and has now turned into full-fledged novels.
4. The first time I held hands with a boy was at Skateland when I was 11. It was a "partner's" skate, he was very cute, and felt sorry for me. His name was Scott.
5. My first date was three months after I turned 16. Yeah, at that age, that's a long time to wait for a date. His name was Scott too. Not the same guy.
6. I have eaten worms. It was in junior high. Long story. They were cooked in a pizza by the home-ec teacher. Yes, I knew what I was eating. It was dis.gus.ting.
7. My favorite animal is the lion. Probably because of Aslan.
8. From age 18 to age 21 I was a dance teacher. Mostly jazz and lyrical, some ballet. I did it for two years. It was one of the greatest jobs I've ever had. Right up there with face-painting.
9. The first concert I ever went to was N'Sync when I was 17. I was pretty much in love with Justin Timberlake at the time. I screamed myself hoarse.
10. My first boyfriend's name was Kyle. I was fifteen. We never went on any dates. We never even kissed.
11. My first "real" kiss was when I was 19. His name was Hyrum. I didn't know what I was doing. Awful.
12. I graduated from Mesa High, class of 2000. Seriously... can you think of a cooler year to graduate?
13. I have never eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in my life. No really. I haven't. I'm allergic to peanut butter.
14. I like teeth. After dental assisting for seven years, it's hard not too.
15. My first car was a Jeep Cherokee. It was an '89. Red. I think I named him Stanley.

I am.... the most interesting woman in the world.
I never drink beer.
not even dos equis.
Stay thirsty, my friends.

Blog Challenge

2011-05-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

I've been silent for a few days. Sorry guys. Not that there's a lot going on, I just haven't been all that inspired.

So here's what I'm going to do now.

My friend Darci over at The Page Traveler is doing a blog challenge. Since imitation is the highest form of flattery, I thought I'd copy her. *grin*

Since it's the month of May, the month of my birth, I'll start this blog challenge now. I realize I should have done this at the start of May instead of at the end, but this is my infernal journal and I'll write when I wanna.
So . . .
Here's the challenge (with some modifications and only 29 days of it)

Day 01- 15 interesting facts about your life so far
Day 02- Why you got a blog
Day 03- Worst movie you ever saw
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you want to travel to
Day 06- celebrity crush and why (supply picture)
Day 07- what was your last dream about
Day 08- akward obsessions
Day 09- something that ticked you off, that normally shouldn’t tick you off
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- out of anyone in the world, who would you put in shark-infested waters
Day 12- pet peeve
Day 13- A letter to someone who has made your day
Day 14- one amusement park that you would burn to ruins
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future (Since I'm already married, I'm going to post about the man I chose to marry)
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/purse
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- current wish list
Day 29- who are you?

There were 30 questions originally, but Darci said one of them was really stupid so she deleted it. What was it, Darci? Now I'm curious.

I hope I don't bore all of you. I hope it's fun. And I hope I get a few chuckles or a few deep thoughts.

Things I learned from my run

2011-05-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've said it before, I'll say it again.
Pandora online radio is THE BEST.

So here's what I learned today:

~ Adding a new station to Pandora online radio helps my run. I got my best time today!

~ My new station, Pirates of the Caribbean; Dead Man's Chest, rocks my world. It's fun to try and play "guess that movie" with every song. Sometimes I actually get it wrong. Shocking, I know.

~ Indiana Jones is fun to listen to while running.

~ I actually liked the soundtrack to Avatar. Who knew?

~ "Duel of the Fates" from Star Wars Episode I is also very fun to listen to while running. Makes me feel like a jedi. oh don't laugh you know you'd do it too.

~ If you're having a hard time with motivation, buy some new running clothes. You can get 'em cheap at places like Ross or Marshall's.

Goodish run this morning. Learned some new things. And I went farther and faster than I thought!

Sunshine in rain

2011-05-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stood in sunshine and rain at the same time? It's a peculiar feeling. Thick clouds, pouring rain, but it isn't dark . . . it's sort-of like when you find yourself breathing underwater either with a snorkel or in a dream. Two things that shouldn't be able to happen at once.

One year ago today I found out I was pregnant. Finally pregnant.
I remember the joy.
The fear.
The anticipation.
The hope.
The oh-my-heck-I-can't-believe-this-happening.
Smiling for no reason.
Barfing for no reason.
Crying for no reason.

And that little heartbeat.

Being pregnant with Ella was like standing in sunshine and rain. At last I was experiencing the incredible miracle of carrying a sweet little daughter. With the dark clouds overhead as we found out about her heart defect, I tried so hard to face the sun. While the rain poured down, we could still see small rays of light, small glimmers of hope.

Now that she's gone, life is the same way. Sometimes the storm is greater than the sun. Other times the rain is just a memory. Sometimes they go on simultaneously. But I've realized that no matter how cold and ruthless that storm is, the sun is always above it. I don't always feel it, but sooner or later,

it will shine.

It would seem that we shouldn't be able to breathe underwater, or fly while we're falling, or feel the sun's rays as the clouds burst their guts, or even be happy when life, or death, takes so much from us.

But the Son is still shining.
And with or without the storm, He always will.

source

Starting an etsy shop . . .?

2011-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

I adore making money from painting. I could face paint all day (even though my back would hurt). I never get sick of it.

I tried to start a custom art/mural business on the side but I never advertised for it much and since my pregnancy, it has sort-of gotten lost . . . like when you drop something into your purse and it falls into the vortex of no return with all the ear-ring backs and matching socks.

I've got some paintings I'd like to sell. So I thought, why not start an etsy shop?
Hmm.
I don't know what it is about this that has me so hesitant. It's like... a ten cent investment. Stand back, Oliver Warbucks.
Maybe I just need some encouragement from those who have started an etsy shop of their own. (Jamie??) *smile*

I love Disney, so I thought I'd do paintings of a more non-traditional, out-of-the-way kind. Here are some pictures me and Bret took at Disneyland. The first one I've already started painting:

this one is just gorgeous.

I love the sign with the castle in the background.

This one is so iconic America. Bret took this picture.

So what do you think?

I didn't run alone

2011-05-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Today I participated in my very first 5k race. It was Dayton's Dash, a race put together by Spencer Zimmerman for his Eagle Project. All proceeds went to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Below is the link to Dayton and Spencer's beautiful story.

Dayton's Legs

(watch with a box of tissues.)

My running buddy had a sick little girl, so I was on my own. I felt so dumb standing around. I didn't really know anybody, not even the people who sponsored the race Ok I did know one person but not that well and I hadn't seen her in years so I didn't talk to her. I was by myself, and I had never run a race like this before.

Fortunately I brought my earphones.

I turned on Pandora a runner's best friend

And my cardio trainer app so I could get my time

And I was off.

I'm not a fast runner. I was getting passed my people pushing strollers. Dayton and Spencer, of course, left everyone in the dust.

But still I ran.

And as I ran, right in my path, I spotted

a ladybug.

And I knew then that even though I was by myself, I wasn't alone. I couldn't help the tears from falling as I continued on.

Never stopping.

It was hard. It was hot. But she was with me.

A 5k is a minimal distance if you compare it to a 10k, half or full marathon, but I got to run with my Ella by my side. And that is worth so much more to me than any ache, pain, or drop of sweat.

Enjoy?

2011-05-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

I enjoy being a girl?
Um....
when I'm getting facials, shopping for a pretty dress, and getting the door opened for me, yeah.

But when guys don't do anything for their appearance,
they still look fine.

Women, on the other hand...
If we don't
exercise
put on makeup
remove our calluses
tan our skin
style our hair
cut our hair
color our hair
remove unwanted hair all. the. time. shave tweeze wax ouch! nair shave shave shave
and otherwise "get ready"

we look like disgusting slobs.

After running these complaints by my husband,
his reply was a big, whopping
"sorry."
He went on to say more stuff that sorta dug the man I adore into a deeper hole that I chose to ignore because if I didn't, I'm a moody, angry, pms-y GIRL. oh don't EVEN get me started on that whole messy biological business.

I vote for a free National Ugly Day in which we can completely let ourselves go and our husbands still have to tell us we're beautiful.

Dear Cliche',

2011-05-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for having no place on my blog. For realsies. Thank you for allowing my words to ring with true wit and awesomeness. Can you say. . . . I heart this?
*Sigh*
Love it!
OMH, I am so glad I'll never have to hit up the cliche secret vaults then twist the words up pretty-like so all my readers will be all peanut butter and jealous of my blog posts. lol! Anyhoo, I just want to ~~entertain~~ enlighten my readers with lots of uber cute posts that prolly go straight to their ~~crazy bones~~ ~~trash bins~~ hearts. So cliche, I am telling you now that you are not welcome on my blog.
Just sayin'.

Sincerely,
Me

And to all my ~~adoring fans~~ ~~avid readers~~ bloggy buddies, I have to say I sooooo adore you. I hope you'll continue to visit because I just told cliche to take a hike.

You're welcome.
*hugs*

ok seriously. I hope no one takes offense to this blog post. I just sometimes think it's so funny how we try to come up with the most witty phrases to be the most entertaining, the most silly, the most quirky. I'm as guilty as any of us. Making people laugh is a great thrill to me. I hope I did this time.
And keep up those silly phrases.
Cuz you rock.

Shoot me some comment love and gimme your favorite bloggy cliche.

House hunting

2011-05-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite shows to watch is "House Hunters." Sometimes the people are nit-picky and annoying, but other times it's fun to find out which house they pick and how they make it their own. (House Hunters International makes me want to buy an Italian Villa or an English Row house to renovate for vacations.)

Me and the Man will be moving out of my aunt and uncle's house on June 7th when they come home from their mission in Wales. So we've been "house hunting." So I thought I'd turn a blog post into an episode of "House Hunters."

We looked at lots of different places. Here are the three we narrowed it down to.

House #1

It's in Surprise, AZ, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, about 1,300 square feet and $850/month in rent.

(Our budget is between 800-900/month)

The inside was nice, all new carpet and tile flooring, double sinks in the master bath, all appliances included.

But the yard was hideous and we'd have to take care of it ourselves.

The neighborhood was nice, lots of jogging paths and families.

But the commute to Midwestern University is about 25 minutes in good traffic.

House #2

Also in Surprise. It's a 2 bedroom+den, 2 bath with about 1,200 square feet. The rent is only $825/month (cheap!). The outside is cute, the neighborhood seems quiet, and there's a ton of shopping within walking distance. Appliances all included.

But the carpet was kinda nasty and the house felt cramped. Also, the commute to Midwestern was about 20+ minutes in good traffic.

House #3

Apartment Building in Glendale with 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, and about 1,200 square feet. All appliances included, also has a pool and gym. I never saw the inside of the apartments, but the Man did and he said they were really nice. Rent is about $900/month, so it's at the top of our budget. But the commute to school would only be about five minutes. We'd save a fortune on gas.

We'll also be closer, or at least more central to where all our new dental school friends live.

So which one did we choose?

House #1 Nice interior, nice neighborhood?

House #2 Close to shopping, cheap rent?
House #3 Apartment building, close to school?

We chose...

The apartment in Glendale!

Not what you expected? Exactly what you expected?

I'll tell you it wasn't what I originally wanted. I'd hoped for a little more elbow room, especially since we've gotten so ~~spoiled~~ used to a bigger house.

But we felt a lot better living closer to the Man's school. After budgeting all our rent costs/gas/other bills, it came up cheaper with this place, even though the rent is more expensive.

After making the decision, I felt good about it. With the other houses, I just didn't feel like I was "home."

It's going to take us a while to make it our own and we can't move in until June 17th (yep, that means 10 days of living in limbo. Not looking forward to it) but as soon as I feel it's blog post worthy (uh... will it ever be? I dunno) I'll do an update like they always do on "House Hunters" and you can see exactly how we adjust and decorate our new little place.

Can't wait.

29 things....

2011-05-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the last of my twenties. Oy. Happy Birthday to me, my friend Rogue, George Clooney, and Gaston Leroux. In case you were wondering.
So on this lovely 6th day of May, I've decided to write down 29 things I'd like to accomplish before my roaring 20's are out.
Ahem...

1. Get pregnant with a healthy baby. That's a no-brainer.
2. Read the Book of Mormon cover to cover again.
3. Bring at least one soul unto Jesus Christ.
4. Finish writing a book.
5. Land an agent/publisher.
6. Start a new book.
7. Visit the Harry Potter Theme Park.
8. Choreograph just one more dance.
9. Repurpose a piece of furniture.
10. Read a classic I've never read before.
11. Meet a bloggy friend in person.
12. Start an etsy shop.
13. Eat a meal at The Melting Pot. fondue = yum
14. Have a complete Harry Potter movie marathon.
15. Hike a trail in Sedona, AZ.
16. Complete a 10k race.
17. Get a makeover.
18. Make a movie.
19. Spend more quality time with my parents
20. Go to a real English tea party. herbal tea of course.
21. Go back to school.
22. Buy a brand new car.
23. Lose ten more pounds
24. Take a dance class
25. Work up the courage to cut my hair
26. Be an extra in a Hollywood film.
27. Attend a temple session in a temple other than the Mesa one.
28. Ride the Phoenix Metro Light Rail. I still haven't done that, can you believe it?
29. Go see a Broadway Musical. one I haven't seen before... like Wicked or Lord of the Rings.

Some of these things will be super easy; some of them are even in the plan. But some will be harder. Some may not happen. If it doesn't, it's not the end of the world. Just the end of my 20's.

And I wanna go out with a bang.

Heart Warrior

2011-05-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

The man's cousin has a little boy still recovering from surgery for his heart.

He doesn't have the same defect Ella did, but he's still waging a major war and he's winning!

Please remember him and his family in your prayers.

http://ourgunnellfamily.blogspot.com

P.S. May the 4th be with you.
Happy Star Wars day

Guest post

2011-05-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

This week, Carrie over at roudystroudy.blogspot.com (Her button, "All that is Sweet in Life" is on my sidebar) is doing a series of posts on how each of us define motherhood. I was invited by this lovely woman to do a guest post on her beautiful blog, for which I feel extremely honored.

I've never been a guest blogger before.

My post goes up today, I hope you'll check it out.
Then I hope you'll continue to follow Carrie because she's amazing.

She's funny.

She's SO talented (seriously, check out her party planning posts. They'll make you drool.)

Her photography is gorgeous.
She's passionate about doing good and keeping it real.

She's just fabulous.

Final installation of British Invasion blog posts

2011-04-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

HA HA HA!

I'm turning you all into AMERICAN BRITS!!

And if I haven't yet.... here's some more motivation: all things awesome that happen to be English

Need I say more?

source

Robin Hood
Quintessential Englishman

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Peter Pan
I didn't take this picture. Wish I did

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The Aston Martin.
James Bond ain't so bad either.

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Fish n Chips

Maybe I'm really hungry right now, but this looks soooo good.

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. . . and some more from my own experiences:

Phone Booth in Avebury, Wiltshire

translation: "No Littering"

Castle in Durham
Whether you're a princess or a pauper, castles are just cool.

A street in York called "The Shambles"
we called it "Diagon Alley"

And here's some video of my favorite foreign country.

Thanks so much for tuning into my tribute to all things British! If you missed my last posts, I'd love you to go see them. They might not taste like rocky road ice cream but at least they don't bite.

They know how to throw a party.

2011-04-30T00:02:00.000-07:00

source

AWE!! I think I said that, like, eight times.

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Isn't she GORGEOUS???

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Wills can seriously rock the red coat.

And I celebrated right along with them

With a tea party

and my peeps

and my hat

and....

The Mini.

A genuine '75 mini cooper owned by my husband's aunt. Steering wheel on the right side and everything.

She let me borrow him.

I named him Piccadilly.

Their history and architecture

2011-04-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

I've never seen it's equal. bonus awesome points if you can name that movie.
All pictures were taken either by me or my friend Rogue (R. Marie Cluff).

Stonehenge

Gloucester

The College at Oxford

Me outside the Eagle and Child Pub.

if you know much about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, you know about this pub.

Clock tower outside King's Cross Station

Tower Bridge

Tower of London

And a video of the interior of the York Minster.

York was one of my favorite favorite places.

Thousands of years of history. We stayed in a hotel older than our country.

Amazing.

Their Authors

2011-04-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

All my favorite authors come from England. As an aspiring author myself, I get a lot of influence and inspiration from these people who have written some of the most beautiful pieces of literature of all time.

One of my dearest friends, R. Marie Cluff, is also an author. She and I went to England together in July of 2006. We agree that there has to be something in the air or maybe in the fish and chips that makes the works of English authors so magical.

My favorites in no particular order:

Shakespeare

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The man himself. Wherefore art thou so brilliant, Mr. S?

C.S. Lewis

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Great man and author of Chronicles of Narnia. His insights on faith and Christianity are truly inspired. What is it about Oxford Professors being such amazing storytellers? Which brings us to my next one:

J.R.R. Tolkien

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Oh, I am in awe at this man. His genius, his depth, his imagination... truly unparallelled. It took him 15 years I think to write Lord of the Rings. And it is, in my opinion, the greatest epic fantasy series of. all. time.

J.K. Rowling

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Yes, I'm going to go there. Harry Potter just rocks. Period.

and

Jane Austen

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that every woman of a certain age and disposition must be absolutely crazy about Jane Austen.

I got two words for you: Fitzwilliam Darcy

Today I give tribute to British Authors. Because they aren't only good

they're jolly good.

Smashing.
Wicked.

Ace.

Brilliant.

Yep.

Their humor

2011-04-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

This week, in honor of the Royal Wedding (YAY!) I've decided to do a tribute to

the Brits.

source

Now you'll probably get sick of me saying how much I love England, but hey... this week I get to celebrate it. You are free to either look the other way, roll your eyes and grudgingly read my posts, or pull out your inner Brit and celebrate with me.

Today I pay tribute to British Humor.

Very dry. Very random. Very quirky. Very funny.

Plus, everything is, like, 100 times more hilarious with an English accent.

Seriously. Tell a joke. Then tell it with an accent.

Way funnier, right? I know.

Here is a good example: from Monty Python's Flying Circus. I seriously almost pee my pants every time I watch this. the video is very clean, no worries.

Easter

2011-04-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Please follow this link and watch this video.
The message is too beautiful to miss.

http://eternallyhappy.blogspot.com/2011/04/his-sacred-name-easter-declaration.html

Keep Going

2011-04-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

I started running as soon as I was able to after recovering from the c-section. I've never really been a very good runner so it's taken me a while to build up to where I am now.

I'm at about 3 and a 1/2 miles in 45 minutes. My goal is 5 miles.

and I love it.

I didn't think I would like running so much. I used to hate it with a passion. But with music from Pandora, which gives me a TON of variety, some success with weight loss and tummy shrinkage, and a little angel cheering me on, I've fallen in love with it.

On my run today, along my normal route, I came across this sign:

Sweet!
I don't now why it was there. It might be for a garage sale or some other event... but it gave me a great big smile and I did exactly what it told me! Keep going.

Some more faces

2011-04-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post about this cute family who had me come paint at their daughter's "orangetastic" party.
Orange paint was in abundance. *thumbs up*

We had a ball!
These kids were the coolest. They made me laugh so hard. Sometimes I couldn't paint because me and the kid I was painting were giggling too much. After this picture was taken, and before the evening was over, I even painted a few mustaches on some of the girls. Mustaches on the girls and unicorns on the boys. Go figure.
They were hilarious!

Thanks for a fun evening, kids. You rock!

Falcor

2011-04-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

During my run today I found a doggy named Falcor.

And last night, I dreamed that I got to meet Prince Will and Princess Kate. And we really hit it off! It was the coolest.

I probably dreamed about it because of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY0OHQwhiq8

Love you, Will and Kate!!

You got paint on your face.

2011-04-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

I paint faces on the weekends.

Face painting is a blast.

Confucious say "Find a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life."

I love looking forward to going to "work."

If I could do this full time, I would.

But I have to tell you

I can't claim this one ---->

That particular design was done by the lovely Dani Williams, who I work for & with.

click on her name for our website.

do it.

The rest are my handiwork.

The only ones that are my original designs are the two on the upper right. Others were based on other designs.

Special thanks to my sweet niece-y poo

Miss B,

my SIL Annette,

myself,

and a little girl at a frozen yogurt event who agreed

to let me take her picture.

Thanks for being my canvases.

Yep. I'm in there. Can ya spot me?

Oh, and I redid my blog layout. Again. I'm like the blog-redoing-junkie or something.

Ella's Story

2011-04-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Blog posts dating from October of 2010 to February 2011

Before Ladybug was born

Finding out about the heart defect

Thoughts I had during the trial of being pregnant with a sick baby

Ladybug's diagnosis

Hospital Visit #1

Bed rest begins

All I want for Christmas is you

A tour of Phoenix Children's Hospital

The shower

Hospital Visit #2

Wondering what a normal pregnancy is like, Hospital Visit #3

After Ladybug was born

Dec. 29th, 2010; the day she came and went.

In the hospital

Healing

Loyalty

Planning the services

Forever my daughter, forever a family

My Ladybug says hello

Holding my friend's baby girl

Finding comfort in the oddest places

Learning to Fly

The story is, by no means, over. Grieving for my girl will be a lifelong process. Each day gets a little easier, some moments take me back. We look to the future with hope and longing. Ella will always be my cherished little girl, my ultimate inspiration, and "the best thing that has ever been mine."

"Now that it's over, I just want to hold her. I'd give up all the world to see that piece of heaven looking back at me." from the song "Lucy" by Skillet.

Here comes the smolder....

2011-04-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

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Hahaha! Doncha just LOVE this movie?? I do. Rapunzel is my new favorite Disney Princess. And not just cuz she's the newest one.
~She's spunky and adventurous (I am too)
~She's got blond hair and green eyes (like me!)
~She falls for a brown-haired-brown-eyed hottie (ditto)
~She's got magic hair that glows when she sings (okay, I don't have that, but I LOVE my long hair.)

My friend Darci has a blog called The Page Traveler Tales where she wrote an AWESOME review on this fantastic film. Go check her out! And if you read the comments, you may find a little bit o me. :)

Do it. You know you can't ignore the smolder.