Sunday, April 20, 2008

I'm with the vampires

In just a few days we will be heading out on a big ol' vacay to New York and Boston, with a stop in SLC both ways. We are beyond excited. Here is what I am using to occupy my time until then.

The Office! HOLY COW!!!! JAM? Oh my goodness, they are so cute I just want to pinch their cheeks and jump in and hold hands right along with them. They are so getting engaged soon...or was that worry that I saw in Pam's eyes? This was a HUGE Kevin episode, he was pretty funny. Watching his facial expressions while describing the 5 big bosses and also being sad when he described breaking up with Stacy. Oh man. I didn't laugh as much in this episode as the last one, but I enjoyed it more because it was more of the simpleton Office stuff. Mundane things like losing your parking space to constructions workers and stuff like that which make me love this show more each week.

I still love American Idol, but did I hear right in that D. Archuleta's papa is a super creepy stage dad? Poor guy. This is the stage in the competition where it starts getting really good! **Wait, I swear I can actually hear Simon saying that last sentence, British accent and all**

I am jealous of my little sister. She went to see Jimmy Eat World in concert. Lucky girl! I am letting you all know that miracles do happen. She finally updated her blog! Her last update was August 15th, 2007. I have been pestering her and she finally caved. I figured it was such a miracle that I should mention it here. My sisters and I enjoy dishing about our latest love: the making of the Twilight movie. If you read the books by Stephenie Meyer and liked them, then you need to see this video. While I love me some Jacob, I am still for Team Edward.

Yesterday was a fun Saturday for me. Matt was such a sweetheart. He took us out for breakfast to Black Bear Diner. Our neighbors raved about the breakfast there, so we decided to go and see for ourselves. It didn't disappoint. The tri-tip steak omelette was pretty great, but I couldn't get over their biscuits. This restaurant is not figure-friendly, by the way. It was a little Paula Deen-ish, deep fried in butter y'all. But it was fun to try anyways. Then I took the train in to see my buddy Jennifer and her sister Jessica, who were visiting for the weekend in San Francisco. We shopped at H&M and ate. Although I don't like seafood, Jenn's clam chowder looked appetizing and she and Jessica ALMOST convinved me that I may enjoy sushi someday...almost. I was the least cultured and had Jamba Juice for lunch. I have some fun pics we took, but I can't find the cord to upload photos on the computer.

The next few days will be busy, with getting ready for our trip and all, so if you don't hear from us in a while, that is why.

LOVE TO YOU ALL!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

My Thursdays are complete

Thursday anticipation is back. You know what I am talking about...that thing you look forward to each week; when something goes wrong, such as when my earring falls down the drain, I say "hey, it's thursday so who cares? I get to watch The Office tonight." Matt and I are also in love with 30 Rock, which falls right before The Office. Thursday night is comedy done right. Thank you, NBC.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Muir Beach

Matt and I discovered this little treasure in November of 2004, 26 days after we moved to the Bay Area. It was the day after Thanksgiving and we were heading to Stintson Beach and saw this one on the way. At first we thought it was Stintson, but soon discovered it wasn't. We hiked up the little hill and took some photos. I dug them out of our archives, so here they are. I look kind of silly in the second one, but the background is breathtaking.
We have gone back a few times since, mostly to lay out and stuff. The water is cold, but that has never stopped Matt...and now, Reagan. This weekend has been one of the most anticipated of the year, with temps being predicted to be in the high 80's. We thought we were so smart and would head to the beach. Half of San Fran had the same idea, though. But it did not take away from the fun. We had a great time and we had to carry Reagan out, crying. She did not want to leave. I had to reassure her that "we are going home to play with Adelaide." That, and tangerines on the car ride home, seemed to make her happy.

We got our new camera and I was so anxious to use it that I took a million photos. I can never decide which ones to post, so I just do a ton.

I love Reagan's new bathing suit. The green really makes her hair color stand out.
There were some people near the water where Matt and Reagan were that just loved watching her. They would smile at us when she ran because she just looks so darn cute, with her chubby legs and cheeks, and that determined expression.
Matt got this photo. HA! I love it!

She couldn't understand why all the sand was sticking to her. She cannot stand when things get stuck to her, so she kept asking me to brush it off. Of course, I couldn't get every granule and she noticed each one, so she kept shoving her hand back at me. Matt would take her down to the water to wash them off, but as soon as they were back up, the sand was stuck again. Welcome to the beach, my dear Reagan! You'll be digging sand out of your ears and nose for the next week.




We were definitely spoiled, but this last week we had so much sun that I am actually anxious for the 20 degree drop. Nothing too bad, just mid-60's (my family would be pulling out their shorts in that), but my face felt almost blistered after the many trips to the park and then Muir Beach.

Oh, by the way, The Office!!??? Jan really is the devil, isn't she?

And Michael John's shouldn't have gone home. Not yet, at least.

Monday, April 07, 2008

Thoughts

Since our camera is out of commission and the new one isn't slated to arrive for another couple of days, I guess I can just post my thoughts for now and let them take the place of photos.

Conference was great. I was so moved when I got to raise my hand and sustain President Monson. I can hear a difference in his voice now that he is the prophet; its like witnessing the mantel in place. It was so neat to see the solemn assembly. I love hearing the general authorities. I know we should never have favorites, but I just love hearing Elder Holland speak. He speaks with such conviction and I loved his testimony in the last session. I look forward to another conference in 6 months!

Kansas just won. I heard them announce that "One Shining Moment" was going to soon come on, so I went and danced in from of the tv to tease Matt. He locked me out on the deck. Those of you who know Matt already understand this. For those of you who are confused, just know that he takes this song SERIOUSLY and would not miss it for the world. The ball is tipped...

Where is the place to be this Thursday night??? Oh, I know, I know!! Parked in front of your television set, watching The Office. I have been reading up on my office tidbits and news and here are some teasers for the upcoming episodes: something kind of big happens this episode and then some sort of secret is revealed about Pam in another upcoming episode. Ummm...I think that Jan and Michael are heading for a break-up and there is rumor that there will be a spin-off. It has been confirmed that SOMEONE, a series regular, will be leaving the show at the end of the season. My bets are on Jan and that she heads for a spin-off. Ratings suicide? Yeah, I think so. Spin-offs rarely work (Joey, anyone?) and I think The Office is just fine how it is. Again, the spin-off is still just a rumor, so hopefully it will not come to pass.

I hope that tomorrow night's American Idol features some interesting songs. I just haven't enjoyed the themes so far. Maybe I am too young or uncultured or something.

Reagan is talking more. She says "stuck" and "please" along with some other words. I love it. Sometimes I think that I am actually having a conversation with her and it is fantastic. However, she is also pouting more and throwing fits. I guess this is payback for all those times I ran to my room, slamming the door and pouted for hours while growing up. My mom will laugh as she reads this last paragraph.

Love to you all.

Friday, April 04, 2008

Road Trippin'

Last week, Reagan and I had the pleasure of crossing the boring Nevada desert to spend some time with family. We went sans Matt, due to tax season. A few weeks ago, Laura asked me if I didn't mind accompanying her and Adelaide on a trip out there so she could be on the YW Broadcast trip. Did I mind?? I thought it sounded like a great idea. We went and it was really fun. Neither of us knew what to expect with two toddlers strapped in carseats for almost 12 hours, but it was not bad at all!! I think it helped that they both had each other as entertainment.

We left early, early on a Tuesday morning. Like, we drove out of Concord around 3:45 AM. Laura was such a trooper. 7 months pregnant and she looked wide awake. And drove halfway there. We stopped and ate breakfast in Reno, before we proceeded to cross the Nevada desert and the thriving metropolis' along the way. Our lunch break was in Wells, which pretty much only had a Burger King, but since we both had to urinate like crazy, there was no other option. We arrived in Utah in the afternoon and my sister was kind enough to pick me up in Salt Lake. We drove stright to Layton, where my parents were having lunch at Jason's Deli. I should pause here and point out that my mom had NO IDEA I was driving out there. My dad did and Lindsey obviously did, but most of the other family members had no clue. So we walked into Jason's Deli and I went up behind my mom and put my hands around her eyes and said. "guess who?" She said "Lindsey!" and then Lindsey walked around and sat next to her. When my mom turned around, she shrieked and was all confused. It was great. I snuck in some of their good soft-serve and we left soon after. I don't know if I will be allowed back at Jason's. Between Reagan dropping an entire glass of ice water, my sneaking to the salad bar and also the fact that I looked homeless from riding in a car for 12 hours, no make-up and all oily, they might just post my pic on the front door with a warning sign. I got to see my bro that night, before he left for Florida on business. I freaked out upon finding out that he has actually met the American Idol judges along with Ryan Seacrest. HELLO???!!! If I ever met Simon, I would totally have to give him one of his own famous winks. If you don't know what I am referring to, watch the next episode, watch him closely and you will see that he winks...often...and rather discreetly.

On Wednesday, we hung out. We, of course, had to eat Cafe Rio's pork salad. Reagan road the motorcycle at the mall (below). Then she took a four hour nap. SOOO nice! I guess she was a little tired from the drive.
On Thursday, we headed over to G-ma and G-pa Rasmussen's where upon opening the front door, Reagan ran STRAIGHT for the kitchen. Not the big people's kitchen, but the one found in the picture below. Reagan loved being with them and playing and they were so kind to watch her while I went and got my hair done. It costs me half as much to get it done in Utah than in California. Reagan got to eat her favorite things: meatballs and chicken nuggets, and also mom's favorite things for Reagan: vegetables.
On Friday, I got to go see my grandma (Reagan's great-grandma) who now lives out in Hooper. Reagan played with a pretty ancient-looking stuffed dog and begged for jelly beans from my grandma. She updated us on family and we talked American Idol. That is when I really perked up...my grandma watches American Idol!!! Awesome.
Saturday was a fun day. We headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Rasmussen's again for a relaxing day. I got the low-down on Boston and New York and spent 3 hours online planning the trip. I was so excited about it that for the first time in 3 days, I did not take an afternoon nap! We ate at Rumbi grill, which was delicious. I got the chicken teriyaki and rice bowl. My sister was right. It was so good.

On Sunday, we went to my parents ward where we spent two hours in nursery. That was hard stuff. Some kids are so sweet and others are so mean. I really hope that Reagan doesn't turn out to be a mean kid. At the same time, I don't want her to be all sissy that cries if I look at her wrong. A nice medium would be great. I got to chat with Loni for a bit on Sunday, since during the week she is either miss social butterfly or working hard at the cleaners. I learned how to text as I pretended I was her and "chatted" with her boyfriend(s). The entire family came over so we could celebrate Caitlin, Lance's and Autumn's b-days. It was loud, crazy fun. Autumn requested that we have burnt hot dogs and Reagan ate one for the first time. We made the Food Networks Ultimate Recipe Challenge winning cake: Chocolate Layer Cake. It was so-so. I guess when you are used to the Betty Crocker mixes, the made-from-scratch ones taste a little odd. It looked really pretty, though! The family modeled my flower bows and Loren (not pictured) made goofy faces. I did not post that photo of him, as he didn't look very "abercrombie-ish" in it. As a vain side note, I look large in this photo and it is an unflattering angle. I swear I still work out.We drove home early early on Monday morning. Another 3:30 AM drive out. Thanks so much to Mom Ras for picking me up at 3 AM and driving me into Salt Lake during a snow blizzard. And Laura was the trooper who pulled through again. Her expertise driving got us out of Salt Lake unscathed and we made it home in 11 hours. We arrived home to 70 degree weather and this beautiful message from hubby below:

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Flowers in her Hair




No explanation necessary other than Reagan truly enjoys wearing flowers in her hair.

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Easter Weekend

Reagan looked darling in her Easter dress. I bought it a little big so that she can wear it over the summer.

We attended an Easter Egg Hunt the friday before and Reagan sure had a blast...until mom had to pull her away from the candy and food. She enjoyed picking up the eggs and such, but when she discovered that they had candy in them...holy cow. It was a chocolate-fest. Her new word for candy or anything sweet is "num-num." She hands it to me, wanting me to open it up. This morning she found a package of batteries that we bought at Costco last night and the Duracell packaging must look like something sweet because she handed it to me and said "num-num." And was not very happy when I put it away explaining to her that eating batteries would be extremely toxic.
We made chocolate chip cookies on Saturday. Reagan enjoyed that quite a bit and I even let her sample some of the dough.
Easter morning was another chocolate-fest. She found her basket and within minutes had consumed a Snickers Egg, a Reese Peanut Butter Egg, and several Cadbury mini-eggs. That's my girl!
We met Jeff and Selly and Selly's parents in Oakland to have breakfast at Fentons Creamery. Reagan did not like having to wait for our food. It was really fun to see them and we enjoyed walking around the Oakland Temple afterwards. They have a really good time with Reagan and it makes me heart leap with joy to see her bonding with family! We really treasure those moments since we live far away from everyone.
Reagan strutted her stuff in her fancy-shmancy shoes.
Matt and Reagan in the streets of Oakland.
Jeff and Reagan at the temple. I am seeing a pattern here! She loves holding hands and walking with guys.

Jeff pointed out that she was carrying her blanket like Lynus. So funny! Jeff and Selly have the cutest pic of them on their blog if you want to see it.

It was a really great weekend and we had some warm temperatures, which was nice for Easter. It was great to see family and we look forward to seeing everyone else at the end of the month!