The Results are In

Oso's Before Picture (He's just big boned!)

Oso can't help it that he's fat. He weighs 30 pounds and should weigh about 16 pounds. He was tested for Hypothyroidism and (no surprise here) it came back positive. He has to take medication and should, within a month or two, "be a different dog." I don't care, we're still going to call him Oso. Stay tuned for his "after" picture.

Gone Fishing

Collin and his dad, Gerrit, spent the day fishing. Lucky ducks. (Lucky that they got to spend the day doing something they enjoy, not the fishing part. I am not a fan of fishing). He claims they caught over 20 fish but only brought home 2 pictures as evidence. And for all I know it could be the same fish.

Collin, pointing at his fish.

Gerrit, just holding his fish.

These guys love to fish. They'd fish every day if they could. Even during winter. They are die hards. No matter how stressed they are when they go fishing they come home relaxed and happy. It's like therapy for them... only cheaper.

Don't Forget

I have a really great long term memory. I can remember obscure facts about events that happened in junior high. Not just "Hey, remember when we all had a sleepover at my house?" more like "Hey, remember that time we had a sleepover in my backyard and we made s'mores in the microwave and Joy had her cup upside down when she tried to get water from the water dispenser in the fridge and then Melissa told us that scary story about the Click Clack Man? I think my fingernail polish at the time was navy blue." True story.

But when it comes to remembering to take my lunch to work or to get Sprite at the gorcery store, I'm useless. Enter this:

It's a magnetic white board with the cutest vintage butterflies on it and a helpful little sign above it that says, as you can see, "don't forget." I love it. It's the last thing I see before I head out the door. Perfect place for grocery lists, checks to deposit, and mail to be sent.

A Semi "Seriously So Blessed" Post for Collin

While taking a "scroll" down memory lane via my blog I noticed that I rarely mention the most important person in my life. I've got posts about our family, the dogs, my friends, our kitchen, but not much about the guy I vowed to spend eternity with! Collin. I mean come on, this blog does say "Collin & Rachel" at the top, shouldn't it be about Collin & Rachel, not just Rachel? So I tagged Collin but I am going to answer the questions for him:

1. Where is your cell phone? Pocket
2. Your hair? Brown
3. Your skin? Manly
4. Your Mother? Selfless
5. Your favorite thing? Rachel
6. Your dream last night? None
7. Your favorite drink? Diet Coke
8. Your dream/goal? Family
9. The room you're in? Kitchen
10. Your favorite meal? Dinner
11. Your fear? Loss
12. Where you want to be in six years? Secure
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you're not? Dramatic
15. Muffins? Sure
16. One of your wish list items? Family
17. Where you grew up? Woods Cross
18. The last thing you did? Drove
19. What are you wearing? Clothes
20. Your TV? Off

11. Your pets? Dogs
22. Your computer? Laptop
23. Your life? Busy
24. Your mood? Hurried
25. Missing someone? Nope
26. Your truck? Tough
27. Something you're not wearing? Hat
28. Favorite store? Cabela’s
29. Your autumn? Hunting
30. Like someone? Lots

31. Your favorite color? Blue
32. When was the last time you laughed? A few seconds ago
33. Last time you cried? Never
He might have answered some of these a little differently, but this was my perpective. I love Collin and am really grateful for him. My life with him is closer to perfect than I ever hoped it could be.

Tagged.

Jen tagged me.
8 Favorite Restaurants:
1 Happy Sumo
2 Texas Roadhouse
3 Olive Garden
4 PF Changs
5 McGrath's
6 Chilis
7 Applebee's
8 Subway

8 Things that Happened Yesterday:
1 I got to work at the time I wanted to get to work. I shoot for 8 but don't usually end up sitting down at my desk until 8:30.
2 I got into a discussion on the importance of flu shots with a coworker. He thinks just because he's never had the flu or a flu shot that flu shots are a crock. Is it bad to actually want this guy to get the flu just so I can say "told ya so?"
3 While on a conference call I didn't realize I was being asked a question. I didn't get suspicious until it was really silent. My fears were confirmed when someone asked "Rachel, is your mute button on? We can't here you." Oops.
4 I waited for 30 minutes for a guy to come look at Collin's cello. He said he would be here at 4:30. He never came. Jerk, I hope he gets the flu too.
5 I got stuck in traffic on Redwood. The dogs were in the backseat barking like mad at the construction guy holding the stop sign. Gave me a horrible headache.
6 Spent $250.00 on Marley and Oso at the vet. $70.00 for routine vaccinations and a checkup, $180.00 for a thyroid test on Oso. Apparently it's not normal for a "miniature" Schnauzer to gain 5 pounds in one year. "Don't worry," they told me, "if it is his thyroid the medication isn't that expensive." They also told me the test wasn't that expensive...
7 Watched House. Well, most most of House. I have to close my eyes when they do those really gross shots of blood vessels bursting or hearts stopping. Ew.
8 Went to bed before 10. I think this may be the first time in weeks.

8 Things I Look Forward to:
1 Snow
2 Collin finishing school
3 Starting a family
4 The Office, Prison Break, The Fringe, and X-Files recording on my DVR
5 Books to come in the mail (I just got Sarah Vowell’s new book The Wordy Shipmates)
6 The election GO OBAMA!
7 Christmas
8 Losing 20 more pounds (I’ve already lost 30!)

8 Things I Love About Fall:
1 Sweaters
2 Season Premiers on TV
3 Halloween/Thanksgiving Decorations
4 Pumpkins
5 The way the heater smells
6 Allergies aren't quite as bad
7 General Conference
8 Reminds me that winter is right around the corner (I LOVE winter)

8 Things on my wish list:
1 Children
2 A finished basement (Collin has promised me it will be done in time for Christmas... we'll see)
3 Sugar free, fat free, calorie free chocolate (they can do it with butter. Have you tried "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray?" They need to get those guys working on chocolate.)
4 A Big flat screen TV (I know, it's usually the guy who wants this)
5 A finished backyard
6 Lasik (probably won't happen, I am too freaked out. But it they can figure out a way of doing it without touching my eye, I'm in)
7 Unlimited Barnes and Noble shopping spree
8 Unlimited Tai Pan shopping spree

8 People I Tag:
1 Jenn
2 Joy
3 Cori
4 Sharolyn
5 Debby
6 Linda
7 Anna
8 Tammi

Hanging Out

My mom, Joanne, and sister, Jenn, stopped by tonight while Collin and Jenn's husband, Brett, were at school. After taking a walk on the trailway behind my house, we came back and made dinner.

Jenn was kind of worried that her baby, Alex, would get cold on our walk so she bundled him up really well. Doesn't he look like Ralphie's little brother from a Christmas Story? (Totally can't wait to see that movie. It's one of my favorite parts of the whole season).

The 3 of us,trying to get into the frame. I just realized we all have the same chin.

My mom and me.

I love my mom and sister. They are two of my best friends in the world. They have always been there for me and I am so grateful I have them!

Walking In a Winter Wonder Land

Look what we woke up to! Snow! I love snow. Winter is my favorite season of them all. I've always looked forward to the first day of winter and here it is, in all it's freezing cold glory. Brrr. I kind think of winter as the season that didn't care what anybody thought about it. Summer seems to be kind of a wussy season. Other than heat it doesn't do much else. Kind of a one trick pony. Now winter, there is a season that keeps you guessing. Will it snow? And if it does will it be wet heavy snow or light fluffy snow? Will it snow like this all night or taper off and melt? The only thing I absolutely HATE about winter is driving in it. I'll take a day of driving in the summer over winter any day. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go find my scarf and mittens!

I Sure Will

A few weeks ago the church issued a letter reminding us that "[a]s citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future."

You can register in person until October 20th. Voting day is Novemeber 4th! My calender is marked. I am so excited to vote!

Collin's Elk Hunt/Rachel's Girl's Nights/Cello for Sale

Last weekend Collin and his dad went on their annual Elk Hunting trip. They left Friday and came back Wednesday. While they were gone I had a series of girl's nights. But since he took the camera, the only one to be recorded for posterity was the debate night (last post) because Joy and Em brought their cameras. The first night I went to dinner with my sister Jenn, her baby Alex, and our mom. We went to the Texas Roadhouse out in Kearns. Saturday night, while Jenn's husband was at Preisthood Session, Jenn and I loaded Alex up and went to the grocery store. I don't think I would have taken a picture of that even if I did have the camera. Monday night my wonderful mom-in-law took me to dinner and a play at Roger's Memorial. It was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Tons of fun. Although night after night of girl's nights were fun, I'm glad to have him home again.

Collin and his dad's Camp Collin's dad's elk. Collin didn't get one this year. Better luck next time!

P.S Collin is selling his cello. He bought it after he got home from his mission in 2001 thinking he would take it up again (he played in junior high on a rented cello). He has finally given up hope that he ever will. Anyway, he's listing it on KSL for $175.00 if anyone is interested.

Girls Night

Joy and Emilie came over to watch the Presidential Debate. It quickly turned into a Debate Pajama Pizza Party. We made mini wheat dough pizzas. Yummy!

Emilie and me on the stairs.

Me, the lone Democrat. GO OBAMA!!! Joy, practicing for her Pantene commercial audition. She already knows she is voting for McCain.
Emilie, also a Republican voter. (I didn't get the memo to wear green. I never get the memo!)
Me and Joy, getting our debate dance groove on. If you happened to look out your window around 8 you would have seen this: And this: I totally kicked trash at Hand Up Stands Up (with the help of Joy). Why did we get together again? Oh yeah, the debate. Just a few more weeks until November 4th! Obama/Biden 08!

Until next time! Love you guys!

Jen and Zach

A friend of mine, Kira, dedicated a beautiful post to another friend, Jen, and it has inspired me to do the same. I have this amazing friend Jen who wants to be a mother. Actually, "wants" doesn't quite cover it. Jen, and her amazing husband Zach, have been trying to become parents for years and recently decided to adopt. Everything Jen and Zach do revolves around the knowledge that someday they will be parents. And I mean literally everything. From which kind or dog to get to Zach making sure he has a job that can support his family. I know it hasn’t always been easy for these two. But I am constantly amazed at the faith and love they have for our Father in Heaven. They have served the Lord wholeheartedly in every calling asked of them. I’ve seen them with a class full of Sunbeams who love them and want nothing other than to be with them. Trust me, I know. I’ve subbed for these guys and you wouldn’t be able to find a more disappointed group of 3-4 years old kids when they realized Jen and Zach wouldn’t be there.
You would think the frustration would make them bitter. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am constantly amazed at how positive Jen and Zach are in the face of such a trial. Most people, when they decide to start a family, get pregnant and 9 months later they have a family. With infertility and adoption there is not a time frame. In the face of this unknown, Jen and Zach have been nothing but upbeat and hopeful; trusting in the Lord to bless them.
I consider Jen one of my best friends. I would do anything for her. Not a day goes by that my prayers don’t include a silent plea for her to have a chance to be a mom. As Kira stated in her blog, word of mouth will only help Jen and Zach’s dream of children. Please help my friend and spread the word! The child that is lucky enough to be adopted by these two will be blessed beyond measure.

Zach and Jen at their "second home" in Bear Lake.

Click on Jen and Zach's pic to be find out more about them! I've also added a link to them on my sidebar to help spread the word. If you feel comfortable, I urge you to do the same!

Game Night

Joy and Chris came over and we played some games. Well, we tried to, at least. We played a game called Illuminati that had pages and PAGES of rules. He ate that entire bag of goldfish by the way. Way to go! Collin and me, hanging out.
Joy, going through the rules, trying to determine if Chris is just making them up as he goes...
Chris, probably making up rules as he goes...
Collin, pretty sure Chris just made up a rule so that he wouldn't win...
Me, not caring if he's making them up. I knew I'd find a way to win anyway (which I totally did!).
Marley, falling asleep after she finally realized no one was going to give her any more popcorn... made up rules or not.

Thanks for coming over guys! It was a blast.

Tagged

Megan tagged me! Thanks Megan!

~ Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
~ Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them.

1~ I love reading. Unspectacular, right? But I do. I love reading even when I hate what I am reading. I can think a book is utterly ridiculous and horribly written but I’ll just keep reading it until I finish it. This quirk is how I was able to finish reading Breaking Dawn.

2~ I like to be balanced. My mom said that when I was a kid if I had a toy in one hand I had to have one in the other. She said I was kind of OCD about it. I can see it still in the things I do. It would be a whole lot easier if I were ambidextrous. I’d feel much better.

3~ This one might be related to #2 because it also sounds kind of OCD, but I can’t step on cracks or lines in the sidewalk. I myself did not realize this quirk until I was in college walking on campus with my friend Kathleen and she pointed it out. It was a real turning point for me.

4~ I like to correct grammar, spelling, and word usage. It really bothers me when people use a word they don’t know the meaning of or when they use the wrong to/too. I can usually look the other way on those. But when someone says something incorrectly, like “me and her” or “I’m doing good” I’ll correct them. I try not to do this with people I don’t know well but sometimes it slips. I’ve been known to correct 4 year olds. I also think people use commas way too often.

5~ Needles give me the creeps. I can’t stand them. When I get my blood drawn I have to be prescribed Valium. And when I get my allergy shots (every 3 weeks) I have to give my self a little pep talk. The thing that scares me the most about eventually getting pregnant is the epidural. I hear it’s a really big needle. (Shudder).

6- I like my house to be really clean. And for the most part it usually is. I deep clean every other week and I spot clean the rest of the time. But (for those “Friends” fans out there) I have a “Monica closet.” One of our extra rooms is a horrible mess. I just throw stuff in there as if the room were some kind of black hole that sucked up everything we don’t use but don’t want to throw away. Then I shut the door. Out of sight out of mind, right?

Now I tag Jen G., Joy, Jessica, Emilie, Dana, and Missy. Go forth and be tagged!

Where I Got My Awesome Stamp

http://www.blooming-babies.com/custom-self-inking-stamps.html

I chose the "nicholas" design but was this close to choosing "maegan," "gillian," or "gabby." It was a toss up, really. Maybe I'll collect them and eventually have all 4. I stamped EVERY BOOK I own in my house. I even got a little carried away and stamped some of Collin's books. He didn't like that. Oh well. "What's yours is mine," right?

These Are a Few of My (most recent) Favorite Things

Calling all borrowed books! I know you're out there. I have lent so many of my books out I couldn't possibly remember who has what. I should keep a list or something. In an effort to keep my books from becoming part of other's libraries I bought this neat stamp and stamped all the books currently in my house. If you have a book of mine and aren't done with it, I'd love to just come over and stamp it. It would make me feel complete.

Yet another project made possible by Gretchen's company Vinyl Vixens. The first picture is to show you where I put it, the second is a close up. She does such a great job. Neither picture is true to the color of my wall. It's not as orange as the first picture or dark as the second.

My little sister brought her baby, Alex, over while both our husbands were at school. We laid him on the floor and let him roll around. Oso (who I just realized is looking kind of neglected, not just because of Alex but because he really needs a haircut) loved Alex's toes.

This was the closest Marely got to Alex. She was interested but seemed to realize that although Alex was about her size and on the floor, she was not allowed to play with him. Bummer.

We Swat Flies

Who blogs about swatting flies? Me, apparently. Today Collin grilled some chicken on the grill. He was going in and out the back door to check on it. In doing so he let in quite a few flies. So for the next half hour we were passing the fly swatter back and forth swatting flies. He said "who needs an X Box? Just open the door for a while and have fun swatting flies." We aren't big gamers, but I think I'd rather play a little Guitar Hero over swatting flies. I think he was being sarcastic. He is funny like that.

DIY Photos of the Week

These two switches are not just switches. They are a sign. A sign that soon our basement will be done.

A sign that we won't have to watch TV in the kitchen perched on one of these:
Or curled up here: (I took a picture of the bed unmade to prove a point)A sign that my books will have a home here: (imagine built in book shelves) and will no longer be piled in the laundry room on this bench:
or on my piano:And I can show off the neat craft Jen and I did last night (we stamped the edges of old books we found at the DI, neat huh?)
Those switches are a sign of the ceiling fan that will hang here: (they actually ARE the switches to the ceiling fan)
Possibly my favorite sign is that those switches mean we are one step closer to buying curtain rods for these awesome curtains.
I am so excited to have this room done!

Prison Break

I really wish I could say that I've been a fan of Prison Break since the beginning. But alas, it wasn't until halfway through the second season that this show even registered on my television viewing radar. So, after watching a few episodes randomly, I was hooked. Collin and I rented all of season one and watched them in one weekend (best weekend ever! I love you Wentworth). Then we read recaps of the part of season two we missed. We've been fans since.

Last night was a TWO hour season premier. This is what I started thinking about halfway through: Um, they aren't in prison. Not even Sona. Nothing. It should really be called "Prison Broke" or "We Broke Out, Now What?" or "Sara and Michael Variety Hour" or" How Many Times Can We Get the Same Group of Random Cons Together to Fight For a Common Goal and Make it Believable?" The last one is my favorite. It's a litte long so we can just call it "HMTCWGSGRCTFFCG?"

I am still going to watch this show. The same annoying neurosis I have that forces me to finish books I don't like won't allow me to give up on this show. That's why I went and saw the X-File's movie twice even though I thought it kind of sucked (and I'll buy it and watch it again). It's the same reason I read through the end of Breaking Dawn as well as EVERY Jane Austen book this summer (don't get me wrong, I love Jane Austen; but after the fourth book I was ready for something new).

So Scofield and the Gang have at least one dedicated viewer. That is until Fox realizes how dried up this show has become and cancels it. What do you guys think? Has Prison Break jumped the shark?