The Adventures of Us

taylor swift, heatlamps, photography, and more.

2012-02-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

1. Our house has heatlamps. It's nice to have a lot of light since we're a basement apartment, but really, they give me headaches and make my hair hot if I'm standing underneath one for just 5 minutes. Really, they're floodlamps, but floodlamps and 8 foot ceilings just don't go together.

2. I was thinking yesterday about how if I actually bought all the songs I loved, I'd have a lot more songs on my itunes. But who wants to pay .99 when I can listen to the songs on youtube/radio for free? Also, I wish I was Ludacris and said my name everytime I started rapping in someone else's song. Random, but true.

3. I've been going through my photography portfolio, making a "best of" and trying to figure out how to start up a business here in Boston. So. much. to. do. (ps. If anyone is interested in doing couple's pictures, hit me up. I'm focussing on couples/family shoots and would love to give you a discount/free shoot)

4. I bring in way too many groceries into the house at once. I'm super surprised that I haven't induced labor already by carrying way too much weight at once.

5. The checkout guy at Trader Joe's asked me if I was excited for parenthood as I was checking out today. I've been complaining to Ry a bit each day about this and that, and doing research on things to get before he arrives, but sometimes I forget to pause and remember the awesomeness that is inside me. Heck yes, I'm excited for parenthood!

6. Some friends of ours recently announced they're pregnant, after years of infertility/miscarriages. I am excited for them beyond belief and know they will most definitely be amazing parents.

7. I miss Provo. I miss Macey's soft serve. And BYU's Graham Canyon ice cream. And our spacious two bedroom that we paid less than half than what we paid for now. I don't care that it was cinderblock. I would like to transpose that apartment here, thank-you-very-much. And all our awesome friends.

8. I love my job. I love that I'm using my degree. And working with crazy kids. I was in an 8th grade health class and when a boy asked me if I was having a girl or boy, after I answered boy he gave a loud, yeaeaaaaah. Crazy kid. I'm pretty sure the same kid, as I was saying a little "about me" spiel and said that I was from Texas, said a "hyeahh" like he was riding a horse. Oh, this kids know so little about the outside world. But it's entertaining nonetheless.

9. Julie is hosting a baby shower for me this weekend and I'm thrilled. Well, I'm upset that Boston's first snowstorm is that day, but hopefully it'll die down by that afternoon/evening. I've met some awesome ladies here and I'm so grateful they're so kind to me.

10. Oh and what does all this have to do with my awesome parents? First of all, my mom will be here in less than a month, which is super awesome. And my dad's even going to try and come up for a weekend. And then both sets will be up for the blessing. And then what if Ryan gets the Columbus internship? I try not to think about it so much because I know he's a long shot, but I can't help it. My family is rad. I wish everyone loved their family as much as I love mine. For real.

Baby-prepping.

2012-02-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ryan put together the crib last weekend and I took the carseat out of the box. The final preparations are finally coming together. We've been slacking in the baby bump documenting as of late, though. Well, I've taken some pictures here and there, but nothing like the first few weeks I started showing. So for your viewing pleasure (and mostly for my family, aka Kaylea) here are a few from this week.

In related news, stretch marks arrived sometime last week or so and Braxton Hicks contractions arrived in full swing today around lunch time and were pretty much all day. I understand that my body would like to practice a bit before the big day, but really, I don't think it's necessary. On the upside, I love this little one more and more everyday and am super glad that I get to experience all of this. With all the random things that are happening to my body, I can't help but always say "good!" when someone asks how I'm doing. Because really, this is pretty dang awesome.

Oh law school.

2012-02-07T13:07:00.002-07:00

Ryan has been sick since late Sunday. At first we thought it was the dreaded stomach flu that's been going around Boston like wildfire. Ugh. But now we think it was more like the 24 hour stomach bug or just a bad reaction to fasting all day and then eating large amounts of party food (aka Superbowl food). I'm thinking it's the former and Ry is really hoping it's the latter so that he won't get me sick.

Either way, Ry is feeling better today but still a little weak. Healthy enough that he can eat a bowl of cereal but sick enough that he can't read his textbooks and concentrate.

The statement below shows just how sick he is and how cute my law-loving husband really is.

Ryan: busy doing nothing...

me: nice

Ryan: ahh, I can't believe I'd rather be studying/stressing in law school right now!

Those are definitely words that never came out of my mouth when I was an undergrad... I had to marry up in the educational world, that's for sure.

Camera photos.

2012-02-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

As of late: cutest rompers ever, a failed attempt to retrieve a package, zac efron + HSM2, Stephen's hot chocolate, my favorite little BYU onesie, christmas decorations that are still up today, homemade refried beans, smoothies for lunch, bunker hill + the freedom trail, my desk (aka my second crafting area)

We're off to Costco and then a youth activity (we're playing human fooseball, I'm pretty pumped).

Have a great weekend!

Sounding the alarm.

2012-02-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

I got home today to find that our apartment building's fire alarm was going off. It's not the same fire alarm we've heard before, and this time it was coming from right outside our door. It was this high-pitched, annoying sound that I thought I'd record to give you guys an idea of what exactly I heard from 2:30-7 pm tonight. No joke, it was on the entire time. I even put earplugs we had from when Ryan took his finals and I could STILL hear that high-pitched noise. I tried Dixie Chicks, Law and Order, but nothing worked.

Boy am I glad it's finally off.

I'm not getting my hopes up.

2012-01-31T15:09:00.002-07:00

BUT.

Ryan found a paid internship this summer. In Columbus. Ryan keeps telling me not to get my hopes up, but I told him that I can't really do that right now. My hopes are up [huh?]. It's a long shot, especially since his connections are his in-laws. But I just told him to name-drop my dad (He's a big deal, just FYI. Even met with VP Biden earlier this month, nbd) and he'd have it in the bag.

Ok, not really, but it's exciting to think about it either way. The plan is to stay put this summer, so that's probably what will happen. And I promise not to mention this again until we have a more concrete plan ahead. But still. It's so hard to keep exciting "what ifs" to myself!

Also, when Ryan was applying to law schools this time last year we had no idea where we would be. But then we knew we'd be wherever that place was a solid three years. But with internships it kind of feels like last January/February all over again. We definitely live in constant motion around here.

EDIT: Just in case anyone was confused, Ryan found out about an internship opportunity available in Columbus that he'll be applying to, but he hasn't gotten it. Also, I am now not allowed to post anything about this summer until it's a done deal. That's what you get for marrying a boy who's in training to be a lawyer though--very explicit rules :) haha.

Friday.

2012-01-27T12:08:00.001-07:00

I'm finally on the up and up and getting over this darn cold. On Wednesday my package finally came and I shared a few pictures via twitter. I'm ridiculously excited about the BYU onesie and can't wait for our little one to wear it and wear it out, maybe even share it with a sibling if it lasts that long.

I was doing a little blog-surfing while on my break and came upon this awesome video of a flautist beatboxing. Maybe I need to do a little less blogging and a little sewing/crafting/singing..SOMEthing.

Also, for my birthday Ryan gave me an awesome Camelbak insulated waterbottle that I'm in love with. I also just got back from an Elementary school in which I left it last Friday and was crossing my fingers that it was still there. I had just decided that if it wasn't I was just going to buy another one and not tell Ryan so as to not look as irresponsible as I really am... Thankfully it was there. And now I've got a death grip on it.

Mailtime.

2012-01-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge fan of getting mail. Especially when you order something online and you can track it to know just what day it's supposed to arrive. Especially when you've ordered some super presh baby clothes online and just want to see the dang things in real life! Especially when you're an emotional wreck and NOT getting those things would make you break down in tears.

The other day I found a key to our building just hanging out inside the key lock. Meaning anyone could just walk right into our building. No good, right? So I took the key out and put it on the ledge right inside the door so whoever the key belonged to could find it.

We haven't been getting any mail lately, which isn't a huge deal since really all we get are Netflix dvds and the once a month electric bill, so I didn't really think anything of it.

But the aforementioned package was supposedly delivered on Thursday of last week and on Friday there was no sign of it. No good. So I called Fed Ex, then USPS and found out that it was at the USPS place near BU. Awesome. Ry could pick it up after school, right? Wrong. A letter and my picture ID are necessary for him to pick it up. Cool.

Finally, today, I decided that my one venture outside (I took a sick day and totally have a head cold, runny nose, sneezing…fun stuff, right?) would be to go to the Post Office and pick up that package. I even took Instagrams on my walk over there. I was totally pumped. the plan was to then proceed to take a bajillion pictures of what I ordered and then wash them tonight so just in case this little boy was born tomorrow, he'd have some adorable clean clothes to wear.

Wrong again. I get to the Post Office and there's no sign of my package. They may have tried to re-deliver it, they say. Cool. I walk out of the Post Office with tears in my eyes because hey, I'm sick and pregnant and I just wanted that dang package. Then I sulked my way back home. I walked into our building and lo and behold there's a note from the mail man right outside our door that says "lost key to building. can't deliver mail. call bu."

So it was our MAIL MAN that left the key in there and now WE have to call BU to get our mail. Cool, right? Of course, I can't even call BU today since I left my cell at work yesterday and thought I'd get it today but then called in sick.

All I wanted was my adorable package. Is that just too much to ask for?

Geez, this kid of mine is going to think his mom is crazy.

Instagrams.

2012-01-20T13:06:00.001-07:00

I haven't been feeling too hot for the last two days. Just a sore throat so nothing major, but I took the last few hours off work since I just want to be home, cuddled in a blanket and drinking soup and eating ice cream. I taught three classes this morning and headed home afterwards.

Ryan and I are participating in a spelling bee tomorrow (Jealous, aren't you? I'll write all about it next week) so I'm hoping to have a super chill night tonight so I can win, or at least just not get out in the first round, haha.

Before I head off to take a nap and then watch a bajillion hours of Law and Order: Criminal Intent I thought I'd leave all my lovely readers a few pictures of what we've been up to lately, via Instagram:

1. Ryan chatting with his parents on the banana chair (thanks again Drew and Jennifer--we can't thank you enough!)

2. We bought a car-seat!

3. One of my co-workers gave me some baby toys including big legos, a soft book and mailbox, a singing cow, and an awesome wooden book. Ryan is already a bit tired of that cow, but I just can't wait to play with them!

4. We went to a crepes place a few blocks down for us for a date night last week. Nutella and Strawberry crepes? Yes please. Their savory crepes looked super-good too. Also, I'm wearing the cowl-neck that my mom so graciously let me steal from her and some super cute felt rose earrings from Amanda the magnificent.

5. A sister missionary wearing Uggs. Love it. She's definitely a missionary after my own heart and I'd totally be doing that too if I went anywhere remotely cold.

6. A not-so flattering picture of the bump. We're down to long shirts or maternity shirts only these days to cover up the fact that I just wear jeans and don't even try to button them---just wear a long enough shirt and we're good to go. The shirt in the picture is too small (there's a bump-draft going on, as you can tell) so it's Target maternity v-necks + a cardi to the rescue.

Have a great weekend! Stay warm!

A winter welcome.

2012-01-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

New England has finally decided to buck up and become winter. We've had such a mild winter, but this weekend especially it got COLD. We ran errands in the cold Saturday morning and braved the Babies R Us, Target, Costco, and (seriously awfully designed but cheap supermarket) Market Basket crowds and then spent the rest of the weekend avoiding the outside as much as possible.

Due to our budding socializing we did leave our home (which I would like to say is cozy, but seeing as we live in a basement apartment and BU controls our heat, it can get a bit nippy) both Sunday and Monday night to eat and play games and socialize with some friends and on Monday night we left the Mildenhall's and right into a budding (it's a good verb!) snowstorm. It started sprinkling us with snow when we walked outside and by the time we were halfway home the snow was definitely falling horizontally and straight towards us.

Although it was super-cold, I kept thinking how awesome winter is; how beautiful the streets looked as fresh snow fell all around us. It was Boston's first real snow of the season and as both my mascara and nose ran uncontrollably I didn't really care at all as I walked beside Ryan the whole time home and soaked it all up. Welcome, winter!

Mormon Messages.

2012-01-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

I don't think I can watch a Mormon Message these days without crying. Anything to do with family, temples, life and/or death...really, any topic at all, I just start to cry. (edit: even when I described the video to Ryan after watching I teared up...) The messages are so beautifully stated. Simple and touching and I'm super grateful that wherever I am I can get a boost from my Heavenly Father as I watch one of these videos.

I watched a video today on the dedication of the El Salvador temple as told by youth who lived there and participated in the celebration. One girl talked about how she couldn't wait to be in the bride's room with her mom and I lost it. I remember being with my mom there, and being sealed to Ryan and boy am I super grateful that I lived my life worthy of temple blessings and what a great motivator to continue living so that I can go to the temple again and again.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday and continues to have a terrific week. Here's the video if you haven't already seen it.

More of what we've been eating as of late.

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

I realized on Wednesday that we hadn't eaten meat with our dinner since…maybe last Thursday? and while recipe blog surfing (it's my addiction, in case you didn't know) I found that we had all the fixins for Mel's Sloppy Joes. And man, they delivered.

Ultimate take-you-back-to-bein-a-kid food. Also, I think of "It takes two." The Mary-Kate and Ashley movie where they realize they're twins and switch and then one of them gets adopted…her last name becomes Butkiss. Y'all know what I'm taking about and you're smiling at all those rad memories, I just know it.

I always think of that part where one of them tries sloppy joes for the first time (even though it's the orphan twin's fave food) and she gets it all over her face, she's chowin down so hard.

Oh, and remember that part where one of them says "crystal" or something when her step-mom says, "Do I make myself clear?" and she puts escargot in her champagne glass or something like that? Man, I need to watch that movie again.

Also, these are pretty dang good sloppy joes and there's no "sloppy joe mix" or anything. I think I may do a little less soy sauce next time (which is funny because I could eat rice with soy sauce that becomes something more like soy sauce with a bit of rice..) but other than that not change a thing. I love that when you know how to make a good sauce you can change it to whatever your own preference is, you don't have to make it exactly like the recipe. I feel like such a grown-up cook when I do that.

i love my job

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons I love my job. Watching Sesame Street videos about cereal is definitely one of them. Also, because they're parody-ing Madonna's "Material Girl." Super catchy. Watch it a few times, you'll be hooked.

Also, when the muppets say "give it a whirl" at the end and spin in their little circle--super cute.

another recipe winner.

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe I just posted yesterday about a good recipe, but whatevs. I made this soup last night and am so ticked that I didn't make it sooner. It's one of my pintrest recipe pins and man, do I love pintrest, along with the awesome food and food blogs that I find through it. Mmmm.

But back to the recipe.

The name? Broccoli Potato Soup with bacon on top. Come on, doesn't just saying that name want to make you make it? Wintertime means eating this soup.

It's totally comfort food, super easy and pretty simple and quick. Dive in please. It's totally calling your name.

Brocoli Potato soup with bacon. From Dana made it. You should make it too :)

PS The blog also has some adorable sewing and craft tutorials that I love (and really, someone could make them for me too, I don't HAVE to make them myself…): these cute diaper covers (a little boy can wear them too, right?!), this acorn wreath (inspiration for my own lima bean wreath), crib/toddler bed sheets (I can tell you the dimensions for our crib mattress in a few weeks…), adorable hot pads with tutorials on bias tape included, this faux chenille blanket that was the tutorial for the awesome blanket we received from my first BYU roommate, Megan (THANKS MEGAN!), and this super cute paci clip. Just to name a few.

recipe winner.

2012-01-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

I love when you make a recipe and know that it belongs on your "make again" list. We actually had the first "I don't think I really want to make this again" dish last week and it was me who didn't really love it. I tried out kale and maybe I messed up the sauce or something, but it wasn't my favorite pasta dish. I'm bound and determined to make dishes with kale in them though because hey, I'm a nutrition teacher, I should know how to use this awesomely nutritional leafy green veggie.

Anyway, we've been experimenting with our "meatless monday" dishes (aka vegetarian dishes, since we rarely only make them on Monday, I'm cheap and healthy like that :) and made these babies last night. We also have some vegetarian friends and I was stoked to try out a new dish for them. We ate this plus fresh fruit and I really loved it. It was like fish tacos but with roasted sweet potatoes instead of fish. Holey cow they were fantastic. I highly recommend them, especially since they're pretty cheap to make and super fall/winter friendly.

Sweet potato and black bean tacos via Joy the Baker. Enjoy!

The Holidays.

2012-01-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we've been back in Boston almost a whole week. I was talking to Ryan and thinking how being with my family for a week and a half seemed so long ago already and he was thinking about how it felt like just yesterday. Either way, we had so much fun and have some fun pictures to show for it. I feel like I never take enough pictures during the holidays, but I think it's because with my family, we have so much fun just being around each other, cooking together, watching Modern Family together, and talking together. Not exactly "picture-worthy", but definitely memory-worthy. I can't wait until March when I get to see my parents again. I seriously never feel like I get enough. BUT, I am proud to say that I didn't cry at the airport this time. The first time I haven't cried as I've said good-bye to my parents.

Ok, ok, I totally was fighting back tears, and my eyes got watery multiple times that day, but thanks to the pickles I took on the plane and the Perrier that I drank before we got to security, I made it back to Boston in one piece. Thanks mom and dad for everything!!

Lots of baby Gus, reading and watching college bowl games, great food--both at home and going out (awesome italian and bbq) and awesome family. Ryan and I can't wait to see everyone again and have some come visit us here in Boston!

Service is the Rent we Pay

2012-01-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

Pulling myself out of bed each morning is a task, especially when the high that day is below 30. Nevertheless, I got up early this morning to volunteer at an American Red Cross Food Bank in South Boston. I bundled up, caught a bus for the first time since coming to Boston, nervously examined every stop to make sure I wouldn't miss mine, still missed it, walked anxiously up and down the street, and fortunately stumbled upon my destination.

Peter, one of the directors, wasted no time directing me to the assembly line. He offered no "hello, how are you? What made you decide to come visit us today?" Instead, he rushed to show me how to restock the bins of frozen meat, yogurt, hummus, and fruit. A little nonplussed, I jumped right in. Thirty minutes later I realized we were understaffed. We had little time to prepare food packages for people waiting outside in the very cold I feared when I awoke this morning in my warm, comfortable bed. After the initial rush, I spoke with several other volunteers, who were all very kind and outgoing. Two of them even invited me to lunch, and one of them even paid for it!

I found this opportunity through Boston Cares, an organization that works to coordinate service projects in the city so ordinary people can give back. Shirley Chisholm said, "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth." I could not agree more.

new year's resolutions 2012

2012-01-03T19:58:00.001-07:00

*boston's public garden, august 2011*

I still can't believe that it's really 2012. That Ryan will be completing his first year of law school and we'll be in Boston a full year. That we'll be celebrating 3 whole years of marriage. That we're going to be adding a third member to our family. So much will happen this year! So, without further ado, our new year's resolutions for 2012:

Emily
1. Be better at writing in my journal and write at least 30 days in a row some time this year.
2. Complete a "101 in 1001" goal at least once a month. There are a few goals that take a bit of time, and I really want to make a special push to complete more this year.
3. Have baby and lose the baby weight by eating well and working out consistently. It's all about lifestyle changes and although the baby/body kind of forces you to change, I'm hoping that with this change I can add a healthy change to our life, too.

Ryan
1. Index one Sunday a month (hurray for learning more about family history!)
2. Write one blog post a month (I'm (emily) super pumped about this one. Ry said this year he'd make it "our" blog instead of "mine" :)
3. Read to baby everyday. (Ok, I'm even more excited about this. What a good daddy.)

Really, Ryan has a bajillion goals/resolutions, but I just picked a couple especially cool ones. We're super pumped for this year and hope it's a great year for all of our friends and family.

Happy New Year's Eve!

2011-12-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. While taking a much needed breather from studying for finals, a classmate argued vehemently that Thanksgiving trumped all other holidays; it included no stressful shopping, late night partying, or church service. Thanksgiving consists of just cooking, eating, family, and football. Taken individually, I think any holiday can make it's case for being the best. Seeing the holidays holistically, however, helps me appreciate how special the season is.

Each holiday has its own tradition and meaning. Thanksgiving involves copious amounts of food and football. Yet Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. We take time to count our blessings, whether they come in the form of family, friends, health, or relative prosperity. Christmas is a bit more hectic with shopping and decorating; but, at its heart, Christmas shines the spotlight on Jesus Christ: His birth, teachings, and atoning sacrifice. For one special day we are reminded of Christ's invitation to repent, come unto him, and be perfected. Finally, we celebrate New Year's Day with tired eyes either because we stayed out late at a block party or stayed home and passed the new year with Dick Clark. After celebrating we generally take a moment to write down a few new year's goals aimed at improving our health, habits, home, or hobbies.

Isn't it something? We start the holidays recounting our blessings; then we focus on the Savior; finally we determine how we can be better. I love the holiday season not just for the delicious food, gift giving, and recreation. I love the holiday season because they slowly transform us into something better.

I owe this observation to a Bishop I had in Provo. I am grateful for his leadership and guidance. Hope you all have had a wonderful holiday season! Happy New Year!

Pick up your pen

2011-12-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I are still at my parent's home, eating way too much, watching football, and playing with baby Gus. We're having so much fun just relaxing and reading and not being too adventurous. Still, I thought I'd update the blog and link up to a blog post and message that I love.

Jasmine Star is a photographer I admire and I love the inspirational post she wrote today about following your dreams, overcoming obstacles, whatever they may be. It's a short little post on how we can choose to believe the doubters or believe in ourselves.

Her message goes really well with the First Presidency message from the Jan. 2012 Ensign that Pres. Monson wrote. With the new year coming up, with new situations and challenges arising, I love that there are so many positive words and messages out there that can sound louder than all the negativeness the world brings to our front door.

Happy Birthday, Rybear*!

2011-12-27T07:30:00.002-07:00

Ryan and I are officially not the same age anymore. Each year, for one week, we're the same age, but today, he's 25 and I'm 24. Even though he doesn't know what time he was born (I thought everyone knew that!), we'll say he's officially 25 anyway.

Happy birthday to the best husband ever. We're at my parents' home with my family this Christmas and I know that it's hard for him to be away from his family, but he's such a trooper and does so many things to make me happy. I'm a super lucky girl. (Oh yeah, and I'm 29 weeks this week. About 7 months. So in roughly two months we won't be a twosome any longer. Crazy crazy.)

*Rybear is used courtesy of Kaylea and Brynn. Thanks for making up the best nicknames for Ryan. I use them all the time and I'm pretty sure our friends get a kick out of them too.

28 weeks.

2011-12-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted a picture in a while, or taken one for that matter, so for your holiday-viewing pleasure, here I am (This was taken this morning, and I must admit, I didn't know I looked so tired in the mornings!).

I can't believe I've officially hit my third trimester. I feel a bit large and this baby kicks like crazy, but Ryan and I are exceptionally grateful for this experience and we wouldn't have it any other way.

We had a good (read: great, exceptional, amazing, etc) friend lose her baby last week and it sent a shockwave through our home. I think when I was younger I just though that because my mom never had a miscarriage they were super rare and no one I knew had one. We have been deeply touched by the strength of our close friends who struggle with getting pregnant, and staying pregnant, and our thoughts are continuously with them. My sister was telling me that she used to pat her tummy, like you pat a baby's bum, while Gus was in there and I have been tapping this little one more and more as I give him extra hugs and kisses from his daddy and I. For all the unknown out there, we are grateful for this little one in our lives and the experiences (albeit a little strange -- like seeing your skin move or feeling like multiple ping pongs are rattling through my stomach) we have had and are yet to have. The phrase about today being a gift has always seemed a bit corny to me, but especially now I see the beauty and truth in that statement and I am grateful for all that I have and all that is to come.

Bonding.

2011-12-13T13:00:00.001-07:00

Baby Gus and our little one have already started bonding. Kaylea took this picture over Thanksgiving break and I'm so excited for them to bond even more over Christmas break. This little one has been jumpin and jivin these past few days and I have a feeling he'll be even more excited with cake and ice cream and holiday food come his way very shortly. Here's to babies, cousins and family awesomeness.

Wreathmaking.

2011-12-08T17:08:00.001-07:00

This may just be my favorite year of holiday celebration yet. I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my parents and some siblings for the first time in 6 years and I get to see them again over the Christmas break. They never seize to make me laugh and smile and just plain relax. Ahh, I love it.

Over Thanksgiving break the girls there (me, my sister Kaylea, my mom and my grandma) made felt wreaths and I absolutely love mine. It's mostly cranberry red with a little stripe of green. We made one for my mom and just put a few red "berries" in a corner of the wreath, and with Kaylea's we put the red "berries" all over the wreath. I love that all of us have a wreath in our house, that we made together, that are all a little color-coordinated. I don't know how my grandma decided how to make hers since she waited until going home to assemble it, but I just love that we got our creative on and made something pretty while we were there. Good idea, mom!!

Also, last night I went to the Cambridge 1st ward's annual wreathmaking activity and made my first live wreath. They had a cute program with a few musical numbers in the chapel first and then a dinner and wreathmaking activity in the gym afterwards. I ate the best beef and rosemary stew (which reminded me of one that I ate at Station 22 earlier in the year, mmm so good) and made a wreath too so our home smells a bit like Christmas. I haven't attached the bow yet, or officially hung it up, but I'm just too excited not to make a post. Also, we decorated a bit for the Christmas shindig we co-hosted at our place last weekend, so pictures to come.

Have a great almost weekend!

Visitors (and chubby squirrels).

2011-12-05T16:55:00.001-07:00

On the weekend before Thanksgiving we had some friends from our BYU days come and visit us! We lived in the same ward as Doug and Charisse the whole time we lived in Provo and even met up with them when we were in Italy this summer. Now they live in North Carolina, but since they're both from New York and Boston is the temple the went to, we get to see them when they come into town for weddings! Someone's cousin got married that weekend and they spent an extra day here and hung out with us! They even got to test out the futon (we slept in it before our movers came, but they're the first guests to do so) and said that it was comfy. No one ever said that about sleeping on our old couch, so hopefully we can move up in the guest department.

Anywho, we watched Law and Order, traipsed around the North End (our Little Italy) and walked through the Financial District to Boston Common for a bit of history. I mostly wanted to eat some good food with them and since we know Doug loves pizza, we figured the North End would be a success, and it totally was.

First off, check out this GINORMOUS squirrel? We definitely know how to feed 'em here in Boston. Instead of loading up on nuts he's taken to Funions and Cheese Whiz.

Also, we didn't get any pictures of the Vandys, but Charisse took at least one, I know, so I'm patiently waiting for that post :) We also figured it was one of the last "fall" pictures we'd take so heres to the end of fall and the beginning of birthday/Christmas/winter/family season!!

a date night movie.

2011-12-03T07:12:00.001-07:00

Last year we decided to make Netflix our Christmas gift to one another and let me tell you, it has not disappointed. We've loved making our date night movies picks from our queue and watching awesome tv show series like 30 Rock, Arrested Development, The Cosby Show, and Law and Order (Original, SVU, and Criminal Intent). In fact, when Ryan and I were dating, or maybe right after we got engaged, we filled out a questionnaire and one of the questions was "What TV show would you watch together?" We both wrote down Law and Order. We're classy like that.

Last night we watched True Grit (it's rated pg-13, just fyi) and I super-highly recommend it. I must admit, the only other western-type movies I have seen are Butch Cassidy and There Will Be Blood, but I loved them both and now I can add True Grit to that list. There's a bit of gun violence (read: it's a western, so that's a given) and even a semi-questionable seen after Matt Damon bites through his tongue, but you don't see anything (thank goodness), just squirm in your seats for a minute.

But for real, you should watch this. The 14 year-old who plays Maddie is a spit-fire and I love her attitude. Also, throughout the whole movie they never use contractions and dang, it sounds so classy, even with their crazy Arkansas accents. Netflix or rent this movie pronto, we loved it.

Also, Ryan kept complementing her knowledge of contract law (yes, it is indeed finals season so he's up to his eyeballs in all that law-loving knowledge), so you learn a thing or two!

a memorable quote

2011-11-29T15:12:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the second short post in a row. I think I'm especially realizing that my life is actually really busy/the Christmas season is upon us when I can't even watch a whole movie ("Where the Heart Is"…it's on instant Netflix. And it's a Dalby family fave, so, ya know, it's amazing.) in one sitting. We're on day two and I watched a bit yesterday after work, a bit after dinner, and a bit today after work. Maybe it's just that I can't multi-task as well as I should, or maybe it's just that my pick of movies is amazing and I should pick movies that I'm less interested in. It's funny how you can watch a movie so many times, and you know what's going to happen, but I still don't want to put it in the background, I want to watch it with my whole heart and soul in it (example number two: Little Women..sigh).

But back to the original point of this post. Let me just remind you, kids really do say the darndest things. Yesterday, as I was passing out papers, this is how the conversation went down with an 8 year old girl asking me if I was having a baby.

Her "Is there a baby inside of you?"
Me "Yes."
Her "When are they going to take it out??"
Me "…in March."

Is it just me or does it sound like I have some cancer inside of me or something like that? Or that I have a fully-formed child inside of me that I'm just hanging out with until March just 'cause? Anyway, the girl was really cute and I knew what she meant, but the way kids ask questions sometimes….wild.

my nephew.

2011-11-26T07:26:00.001-07:00

Check out my adorable, cute, sweet little nephew. I took a few pictures with my camera to show off his cute outfit. I seriously cannot wait for Gus and our little one to match in little onesies.

kick, kick, kick.

2011-11-21T18:15:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that this week I hit my 24 week mark. I love that every Sunday I get to add another number to our little babe's age.

About a week ago I put the title of this post as my facebook status and it's really the best way of putting everything that I feel into words. Whenever I'm at home or at school sitting and relaxing and feel his little kicks, I put my hand where I think he'll kick and just sit back and enjoy these little thumps for a few moments. He's still fairly little and although I did experience heart burn for the first time a few days ago and thought I was having a heart-attack and going to die (maybe all my public health classes do more hurt than help with things like that) his kicks are still gentle enough that I can feel them without uncomfortableness. As I read more baby books it becomes a bit more real every day and I am so grateful for this experience. For every day that I get to grow a little babe inside of me.

This week I was called to be a Young Women's Laurel Advisor and as I was set apart (a little blessing so that I can (hopefully) do a good job) the blessing talked about helping these 16 and 17 year old girls, being a good influence on them, and as I become a young mother, helping them understand the importance of motherhood. It really hit me how important motherhood is, how grateful I am to all the mothers out there who sacrifice their time and their bodies to help the next generation. It's interesting how, being pregnant and having a baby has become more real, even becoming a mom, but the word motherhood--it's such a powerful word. And I feel so blessed that I will one day soon be able to attach that word to me. I know that technically I can be a mom now as I nurture this babe in the womb, but I feel a bit more superstitious these days, and will wait until this little one comes out before using such an amazing word.

As I get to know the girls and women in my church ward (congregation) and surround myself with amazing moms I can't help but love that wherever you go, you can find amazing people, who do amazing things and who constantly push me to be the best I can be.

*I took the picture on Sunday because I just had to show that even though I look ridiculously pregnant, you'll see a few pictures from the day before and I look much bigger here. Even today, I think I look smaller than this. Oh empire waists and built-in slips with dresses. And I'm sure the bright colors attributed somewhat as well. Also, pardon the dirty mirror.

Classes

2011-11-16T19:13:00.001-07:00

Here's a bit of what I do (and you can scroll for a 23 weeks picture at the bottom).

I work as a nutrition educator in the Boston Public School system, and I have a pretty cool job. One, I pretty much make my own hours. I work with the teachers at a couple of schools at a time, they sign up for which hours/days work best for them, and then I create a schedule. I just started teaching on my own last week (Ok, so I was teaching on my own before that, but my supervisor came too to observe, and now it's just me.) and I'm having a blast. It's a little stressful at first making sure I have all the materials and that I've prepped enough, but I'm loving it. I teach 45 minute classes and this session (they're once a week for 6 weeks) I'm teaching a couple of K2 (they call pre-k and kindergarten K1 and K2) classes, two first, two second grade classes, two third grade classes, a fourth grade and two fifth grade classes. Twelve total. And a normal schedule is 14, but I had some teachers back out on me last minute and Tracie (my boss) said it was ok. I teach at least two, if not three classes a day so I don't have a full office day to prepare, but I get in at 7 and leave at 2:30 and so I usually have three hours in the morning to finalize my classes and prep for the next day or two as well.

I guess that's all logistics, but y'all wanted to know, right? On a more fun note, the kids are pretty fun and the teachers are really great too, which makes my job a ton easier. The K2 classes are always entertaining because when they're on the rug and I'm asking about different fruits or veggies their hands shoot up, and then when I call on them they can't think of anything to say. Crazies. There's also a little boy, Christopher, who, whenever he comes up to me and asks a question he puts his hand on my arm, so cute.

The lesson with a second-grade class today was how pumpkin grows from a seed to a pumpkin and then to pumpkin pie (hurray for Thanksgiving!). I do the lesson with a jack-o-lantern for October and thank goodness I brought in a plain pumpkin, there was a girl who was a (I assume) Jehovah's Witness and she told me that they didn't celebrate Halloween and so she couldn't put a jackolantern at the top of her plate. Today, we were doing the same activity but with pumpkin pie and there was a boy (different school) who, when he saw my example with a jackolantern at the top, said he couldn't do it, but I explained how we're using a pumpkin pie instead and not a jackolantern and he seemed confused at first, but I talked him into the fact that it was a pumpkin activity and not a jack-o-lantern one. Whew, who knew this activity was so complicated! The things I'm learning…

I'm teaching some third graders and fifth graders tomorrow about fruits and veggies and some of them will even try some prunes. Hurray for nutrition!

we live on a dead end street above the train. i hear rust is classy these days, right? also, you can't really see the babe here, but you CAN see that my hair fits into a pony tail. with multiple bobby pins.

Thanks to Pinterest

2011-11-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight I made some Nutella Hot Chocolate. For dinner. Ok, ok, we also had acorn squash. That totally balances it out, right??

It's going on my list of favorites for fall/winter. Nutella, cocoa, and some milk. Delicioso.

Other dishes made recently include BLT Wraps (with sundried tomatoes instead of fresh) and Macaroni and Tuna Salad. Neither of these are precise recipes, and they were both super delicious. Sometimes it's nice to just make something different, but not necessarily fancy. I forget that even if I haven't planned dinner for the night, with some fresh ingredients, I can make awesome food that's simple too. Not just pasta or fried rice.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and I can't wait to write a few posts with the free time I have tomorrow (I get Veteran's Day off, wahoo!) and post them this weekend/early next week. And I can't wait to stay in bed and read all day. And get up to walk Ryan to school. Go out (or stay in and drink nutella ho cho) and enjoy the fall/winter (whichever season your state decides it is :)

*taken from a few weeks back when I went on a library rampage and grabbed all these books, even though I only read 5 out of the 10 in a 6 week timespan. a girl can dream, right?*

22.

2011-11-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, 22 weeks already.

Ryan comes home every evening around 5 for dinner and then goes back to campus from 7 until 9 or 10. I've been watching Netflix/Hulu, crafting, or reading, but today I added prenatal yoga to the list. I first did yoga as a sophomore with my roommate Ashley and I really fell in love. Even tonight, although I'm not as flexible as before, as I took breaths only through my nose, I felt so much peace. And so much love for my body and the little one growing inside.

Ryan took these pictures Sunday after church and we realized that with daylight savings time, we're going to have to start taking pictures before church instead of after. That sun is gone before you know it! Before it left us Ryan took this picture of me in the middle of Beacon St. Don't worry, there's a median in the middle so no one would have hit us. I love that our street is off to the right and that you can see the Citgo sign (the white square with the red triangle) behind me.

Whenever I'm driving and I can see the sign, I know that I'm not far from our home.

I made something!

2011-11-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

So even though I've had my mom's sewing machine since we've moved here to Boston, and even though it's now placed in the living room strategically so I'd see it all the time, I haven't made anything, until now.

I've been seeing a ton of DIY tutorials for infinity scarves so I thought I'd try my hand at it. I got some fabric at a clearance fabric store near my work (I saw that there was a Dollar Tree in this shopping center so I pulled in to see if they had some arts and crafts paint or glue or something crafty and I found out there was a fabric store in the same shopping center--score!) and made the scarf while catching up on some Biggest Loser on Hulu.

Sidenote #1: I've never watched Biggest Loser until now. I love it and I'm totally kicking myself for not watching more of it. It's awesome, and I cry almost once an episode--so inspirational!

The scarf is definitely not perfect (definitely used tan thread because…it's the only thread I have), but I love it and can't wait to sew more projects. Any suggestions on what I should do next?

Infinity scarf tutorial found at this blog. Also, I used a dark blue lace/solid fabric combo and it's just a single circle but I can't wait to make another scarf that's a figure 8. All I have to do now is find a cute/cheap print that I love…

Sidenote #2: You can't even really see the scarf, but I took the picture more-so because even though I can still hide the bump pretty easily with more of my clothing, wearing a t-shirt totally gives me away. And this is my first pregnancy so I'm totally enamored by my crazy changing body, so bear with me, please and thank you.

Cheeseballs.

2011-11-05T15:32:00.002-06:00

I've been such a blogging slacker lately. I was just ~~complaining~~ talking to Ryan today about not doing a lot this week…but we really have. So more posts on there way, promise.

Tonight we're going to a couple's appetizer party get-together with some other young (and child-less) couples in our ward. I hope we can all still be friends in March and that they'll still invite us! I made two kinds of cheeseballs for the occasion and I'm pretty pumped. One is a chocolate chip cheeseball (a dessert cheeseball) and one's a classic cheeseball. I've made the dessert one before and know it' good, and judging by my unstopability to lick the paddle-attachment clean of the classic cheeseball, I say that one's going to be pretty bomb too.

Hurray for friends and parties and appetizers and dressing up. Also, on this special occasion neither Ryan or I will have showered today until hours/minutes before the party. Unfortunately, the cashiers at the store only saw grungy/look like you just worked out Emily, but don't worry, we put on a good face for our friends.

:)

Hope you've enjoyed the weekend! And extra sleep tonight! WAHOO!

Week 21

2011-10-30T18:11:00.000-06:00

21 weeks. 21 weeks?! I can't believe it. I know that there's a ton more things that are going to happy in the next few weeks and months, but I can't believe I'm *more* than halfway there. That's crazy talk!

Well, it got really cold this weekend, so Ryan and I only ventured across the street today to take a picture. Actually, we were about to, but some friends from church were getting dropped off. I was super embarrassed so we went into an alleyway and took a few "urban" pictures, but then the alleyway was at the back of one of our friends' apartments, so either way, someone saw me bein a dork. I guess I just can't hide it! We went back to our original spot and took a few more pictures. Also, let's just say that none of my skirts fit anymore, so it's dresses to church from here on out. :)

a take in meal. also, just a really good meal.

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000-06:00

I should really make chicken more often. Too bad sometimes it's just not that cheap! We're more of a cut-up-the-chicken-into-really-small-pieces-to-spread-it-out or use ground beef or just omit the meat altogether kind of family.

But as I was thinking of ideas to take to a family who just had a baby last week AND they're moving to Cali on Saturday (talk about a whirlwind few weeks, but get this, he got a job with Google. I think that's rad) I wanted to take them something not only good, but also a little healthier, seeing as usually when you move you don't have a lot of fresh ingredients on hand, since you're giving them all away. Thanks to everyone who gave ideas via fbook and twitter. I really want to make spaghetti and french bread now :)

My mom suggested baked chicken with a fresh veggie and I knew that was what I wanted to make. After trying to decide if I wanted to make BBQ chicken, italian chicken, bruschetta chicken (the possibilities are seriously endless) I settled on "skinny chicken parm". AKA really good and simple chicken parmesean. I used Christy's, from The Girl Who Ate Everything blog, recipe and it was a hit. I made extra for Ryan and I to eat after we delivered the goods and it was great. I served it over angel hair pasta and some fresh, steamed green beans with a little sea salt. I even made these Pumpkin Brownies that I pinned weeks ago that everyone else in my family has made but me. They were awesome as well.

The meal + dessert came together in a little over an hour and I can't wait to make it again. I made this chicken parm from Simply Recipes last summer in DC and it was mega-good too. A little more work and a lot more calories, but I really love both and highly recommend them. Try 'em out!

Leaf-peeping

2011-10-25T19:20:00.001-06:00

Leaf-peeping. Isn't that just the strangest word? It's what New Englanders call going to look at the fall leaves. We joined Julie and Oliver and headed up to Mt. Auburn cemetery, near Harvard, and it was beautiful. We only had a little over ten minutes until sunset and a little less than thirty minutes until the cemetery closed (aka we didn't know it closed that early and we're definitely going back soon, in the winter, and in the spring to look at everything start to blossom), but it was beautiful. I didn't get too many pictures, but here are the few that I got. The cemetery is more of a garden/park/cemetery and is over 100 acres. We didn't walk too far, but you can definitely get lost in there. New England is so beautiful in the fall, but it's definitely turning into winter. There's even a prediction for flurries in the next few days. Boo. Can we go back to the beginning of October please?

No week 20 pictures since we were having too much fun and then it was dark and I'm not a huge fan of on-camera flash, but hold your horses, I took some mirror-vanity pics on Monday just for my admiring fans. I really liked my outfit too. Black long-sleeved tee rolled up, three-quarter sleeved grey cardi, and free scarf ala my sisters. Also I took pictures because my camera rocks and I kindof love any excuse to use it. Ps, I felt baby m. move, officially, this week. Last Sunday I think I felt him, but it was quick. Now I can feel him at least once a day. Very cool.

Getting ready for the weekend.

2011-10-21T06:39:00.000-06:00

I'm so ready for this weekend. It also helps that I only have to work a half day today, which will make my Friday even better than normal. In light of this awesome fact I thought I'd post a few of the funnier behind-the-scenes pictures taken from our Sunday walk. Most of the time our roles are reversed and Ryan is the one taking pictures of me, but I like to make sure that he gets a few in there too. Also, Ryan and I are both dorks, so both of our pictures are of us with semi-awkward poses laughing or before laughing because really, if you're in the camera for long enough, you'll get a funny picture.

a new look.

2011-10-19T08:48:00.000-06:00

Here's the thing. Ryan met Chase when they were both at school at the U of A. They became pretty good friends. Then they went on missions and didn't see each other for two years. Then they both transferred to different schools (Chase to ASU and Ryan to BYU). Then Chase married Annie. I married Ryan (I don't know who came first though and I don't really feel like researching it now, although Annie can clarify that for me in the comments).

I've only "met" Annie through her blog, through her photography and Fbook, but pretty much we're like soulmate friends who have never met. Also, she's a bomb artist and super creative (and busy, so I even more-super commend her) and happens to own Illustrator. Actually, I have a few friends who own that program. They may or may not be included in my Christmas present gift-giving because I may or may not coral them into making prints for me and my sisters/mom... Anyway, Annie made some awesome headers/posters for my blog/home a little bit ago and since I love them so, but haven't made it to the Costco printing section yet, I decided to put one of my favs as our new header. It's a bit large, and I don't really care, because it's awesome.

Thanks Annie, you're the best! And Chase is automatically included, don't you fret. I can't wait to print this and one of the LOVE prints (I can't decide which one is cuter though, so it may take me about forever) and put them in our home!!

The esplanade on a Sunday.

2011-10-18T18:12:00.003-06:00

First of all, I'm watching Modern Family. Catching up on a few episodes actually. And I love it oh so much. If you have not seen "Phil on Wire," you absolutely need to right now. Cam and Mitch's story line is THE. BEST.

So my idea for going around Boston for different maternity should take us on an interesting ride this winter. Get ready for a lot of pictures of me with some kind of jacket or coat on. For real though, it's what I'll be wearing, so it's what everyone sees, so I feel like it's more "real life" than taking a picture in a bathroom and wearing something tighter just to get a better view of the baby. Also, our bathroom lighting is terrible. So either way, here's to experimentation, let's hope this works!

Ps. I'm betting a lot of pictures will be taken right after church in our car parking lot or right across the street from our apartment, so they're different parts of the city, but they may not be all over the city. But my goal is to go all over as we go on Sunday walks and drives, so we'll see.

Here's to week 19. Almost week 20!

We walked on the esplanade of the Charles River on Sunday and there's a bridge right off BU's campus, near the law school building that gets you there so it's just a hot-skip away from our place. You can kinda-sorta see downtown Boston behind me, too. It was a bit windy for most of the walk, but really, October in New England has been so good to us. Here's to the rest of fall and the start of winter!

18.

2011-10-15T10:00:00.000-06:00

I'm a tad late on this one, but last Sunday Ry took some 18 week pictures as we went for a walk around the Riverway. It's a long path that we didn't do all of that's pretty much between Brookline and Boston. If that means anything to anyone, haha. Either way, it was a beautiful evening.

You still can't really tell that I'm pregnant with most of my shirts, unless I wear a shirt that's more form-fitting and then I just look like I have a big-ish stomach, unless I do that classic hand-posed pregnancy pose. I've got a few shirts from my mom (thanks!) and I'm wearing the preggo pants she gave me and can I just tell you that my tummy looks bigger, or the same size as my behind (which is not very small, in my opinion)… and that's just weird.

No text-on-picture this time, but I'll probably edit it sometime in the next few weeks/months.

All-in-all, this pregnancy thing is pretty rad. Other than the mild sciatica that I have in my left leg and sometimes in my right, all is well and being on my feet for work hasn't been bad at all. Let's keep our fingers crossed it stays that way.

Can we go back to this weekend?

2011-10-11T20:28:00.000-06:00

Ryan and I had Columbus Day off and thoroughly enjoyed our three-day weekend. Nah, we didn't go crazy, but we did:

- Watch My Fair Lady (It was my first time, don't judge me, I'm sorry!) and loved it. Man, musicals make me happy.
- Trapse around Trader Joe's and walked out with a super-ripe and super-good pineapple. Just a pineapple.
- Walk to JFK's birthplace from our house. It took like 30 min. to walk. We're THAT CLOSE to history and I love it.
- Walked down Newbury St. (a swanky neighborhood area near Boston Common)
- Tried Pinkberry for the first time while walking on Newbury and really liked it. And really liked the fresh strawberries we added. MMM.
- Walked the Riverway near our house and took some preggo pictures. The walk was so nice, but I'm starting to feel like an old woman and walk a little slower.
- Go to a bomb birthday party for Oliver that his wife Julie hosted. Ate super-amazing soup and creme-brulee as well. Didn't get to eat the mouse since it had under-cooked eggs. Just one more think I get to relish after March.

This weekend was awesome and although it's hard to go back to work and school, I taught some terrific first and fifth graders today, which help make the week a little better.

bouncing baby boy

2011-10-04T19:37:00.001-06:00

I couldn't keep it a secret any longer and had to make a tweet a few hours ago, so I thought I'd make a quick post as well. The ultrasound went great this morning and everything looks good! I still have a doctor's appt. later this week to double-check everything, but so far so good.

It seems like all our friends who have had babies this year have been boys, and with my sister and other friends having boys in the next month or so, it's only fitting that we join the cool group with our little one too. My grandma had just bought loads of pink stuff at a garage sale, so I'm a little bummed she doesn't get to send it that way, but I think it's more that I'm a sucker for a good sale than my desire to have a boy or girl. We're thrilled beyond believe and can't wait to start really prepping to have a baby boy this March!

And isn't Ryan just the cutest as he folds the teeny little onesies?! Also, they were on sale at Target for $3.50, so I just had to get a "i love daddy" and "i love mommy" onesie. so we're even :)

the bump. at 17 weeks.

2011-10-03T18:09:00.000-06:00

I decided to pause my reading of "The Witches" by Roald Dahl to try to figure out how to make my first baby bump picture look cute. I must admit, it took a little longer than I thought it would. I graduated from college and even interned with an awesome photog. You'd think I'd be able to put some text on a picture!

Ryan and I ventured to Fenway Park on Sunday and took some pictures outside the stadium. The master plan is to take a baby bump picture every week or so at a different local around Boston. They won't all be as historic as Fenway Park, but since we live 10 minutes away, I figure, why not?! I haven't quite figured out what I'll do when it's terribly frigid outside, I may well be wearing the same coat in every picture for a while, but I'll try to mix it up. This week was the first week that I really felt like my stomach was looking more like a pregnant belly and although I know I'm really small, it feels so much bigger!

Keep tuned in to see if Baby M. cooperated at the fetal survey ultrasound and that we know the sex. Because that would be super awesome if I just knew already.

Recipe update

2011-09-28T13:00:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd post some of the things we've been eating lately, since I feel like our lives are a bit on the low-key side these days…wake up, work/school, dinner + netflix show of choice (lately: mad men or arrested development), ryan goes back to school, emily plays around on the internet, reads a bit, then goes to bed with or without Ryan, usually right when he comes home and he's still got some things to do around the house before he goes to bed.

Boring, no?

Here are some recipes to spice your dinner up a bit:

Fish Tacos. No real exact recipe here, just some tilapia (we get frozen fillets from Costco, then thaw them and use the george foreman + whatever spices float our boat, grill them and then chop the fillets into bite-sized pieces), red cabbage, monterey jack cheese, lime, and the best sauce ever (aka a 1:1 ratio of mayo and plain yogurt, with a little bit of lime juice and dried dill and cumin). I got the recipe from Jen, Ryan's cousin, and she just uses mayo-yogurt for the sauce but I liked it jazzed up a bit with some extra flavor. Really, you can do, as PW says, whatever makes your skirt fly up.

Tortillini Soup (from Annie's Eats). Holey moley this stuff was SO GOOD. So much flavor. So good. I didn't make any changes to her recipe other than using regular spinach instead of baby spinach, since that's all I could find. I highly recommend this stuff. So good and I can't wait to make more of it this fall/winter.

PW.

PW's Tomato-Cream Pasta. Simple and delicious. Also, there's cream in it. So it's tasty. How could it not be??

Honey Lime Enchiladas (Sister's Cafe). I cannot tell you enough how much I love love love these babies. If I had a weekly rotation of favorite meals these would be on there. Along with Broccoli, cheese casserole.

a weekend review

2011-09-26T18:07:00.000-06:00

This weekend was suuuper lazy since I got a head cold that started on Wednesday evening and finally let up early this morning. Ryan went to CVS early Friday morning and got me some Robitussin and Tylenol and the fancy Kleenex with lotion before I went to work and I was ever-so-grateful. Also, it was a super chill day at the office, thank heavens.

I actually didn't leave the house all day Saturday and only left on Sunday to give a talk at church. Ryan and I both talked in church about King Benjamin's address and even though I think I said "uh" or "um" more times than I or my mother would have liked, I think it was a success!

Ryan even made Sunday dinner, shepherd's pie, all by himself! What a guy! I went to bed to take a nap right after church ended, woke up for dinner, then promptly went back to sleep around 7:30 or so and didn't wake up until 7 this morning. Needless to say Ryan make dinner, did the dishes, talked to both his parents and even my mom all while I was sleeping. I did mention before I went to sleep that I wanted him to call my parents since I was feeling like a terrible child not having talked to them in a week or so, so I just told Ryan to be witty like me and chat it up for a bit and he totally did! What a doll.

Apple Crisp

2011-09-20T17:15:00.002-06:00

I'm sure there are a ton of things you can make with apples. Come to think of it, I've made these amazing apple/caramel/cheesecake bars from Mel's Kitchen Cafe and I've always wanted to make PW's apple tart, an easy apple pie-like dish, but the first thing that came to mind was apple crisp so apple crisp it was! You can't go wrong with a topping of oats, brown sugar and butter. Mmmm.

all-recipes pic.

I used this all-recipes.com recipe and it was definitely a winner. We ate it sans ice cream since I usually vote popsicles>ice cream. I rely on good friends to provide us with ice cream every once in a while since my self control is zero. haha.

Have I mentioned I love fall? I think fall in the East is the best. I don't think I ever thought of fall as my favorite season, but I think it takes moving to the East to realize this. Friends and family, come join us, this is awesome.

apple-pickin

2011-09-19T18:45:00.000-06:00

I just realized there are a billion pictures from when we first got here that I haven't posted. But no one really comments on new-but-old posts so I'm just going to pretend y'all are just shy and post them anyway because you want me to.

In other news, we went to Smolak Farms this weekend, in North Andover, MA. It's about 45 minutes north and just a few miles from the New Hampshire border. Sometimes I forget how ridiculously far north we are until Ryan reminds me. I'm so excited for the fall in New England though and that we were able to go on a little Saturday morning date to go apple picking! Also, I hear you can go to the cranberry harvest on Columbus day somewhere in MA/NH and get a tour of the bogs. It'll be like living in an Ocean Spray commercial, I'm so excited!!

Back to the apples. It was a lot of fun and even though they weren't the cheapest (20 for a peck) we got to pick them ourselves and eat quite a few bites as we tried all the different varieties they had and see which ones we liked best. It was so fun to roam the rows and try to get the ones high on the tree. Johnny Appleseed was even there and the little kids listening to the songs and stories were absolutely adorable. Everyone had these sweet Red Ryder wagons they were pulling there kids in, too. That was even more adorable.

We also had some amazing apple cider donuts. They were cake donuts with a hint of apple cider and were oh so tasty. They also had some ice cream, but we were stuffed from munching on too many apples, so we'll have to come back for more amazingness. They also had some maple syrup, but I think we'll get some when we go to Vermont, whenever that is, just to make it even cooler.

We're loving the fall here in Boston and though I'm still nervous for the winter, we're excited to make a few more trips around Boston to see fall in New England and have happy thoughts as we're drowned in the NE snow.

A vote!

2011-09-15T17:12:00.005-06:00

If you haven't noticed, I've put up a little poll on the right side of the page, near the top, so everyone could notice…

I'll find out if it's a girl or boy at the beginning of October, so I figure, let the votes begin! It's totally cheesy, I know, but I figured why not? Since we don't live in close proximity to my parents and didn't do one of those picture videos for our receptions (people had mixed reviews and I decided it was too much effort anywho) I don't have a picture of Ryan or I as a baby, or else I'd totally do a little post on that right now, but that'll just have to wait until Christmas, until I can get a picture (and, Ken, could you find/fax a picture of Ryan when he's a newborn/few months old by sometime in December too???? Please and thank you.). Come to think of it, I've never seen Ryan as a baby, just as a 3 or 4 year old toddler. Mind you, I look nothing like I do when I was a baby, but still. A girl has a right to know, right?

Well, I still have no clue what this baby's going to do and he/she keeps giving me mixed signals of "Hurray, no more sickness feelings for mom" and "Let's make mom throw-up her breakfast so she'll never want scrambled eggs with basil ever again."

This should be an interesting journey, but I journey I could not be more excited for. It's so crazy how a person's body can slowly change over 9 months and I'm so excited for all my friends to be able to experience this for themselves or through others, now or until the time is right for them. I am continually grateful for everything we're blessed with and so grateful for all my friends, and family, whom I love so much.

tunic love and winter inspiration

2011-09-12T18:58:00.000-06:00

Ryan and I went shopping on Labor Day (I ate the best lunch of my life: Chik-fil-A) and I was in search of a shirt. I really don't have many flowy/loose-fitting shirts, which I've heard is all you really need for most of pregnancy, or at least when you first start showing but you don't really need 'maternity' clothes. Anyway, we finally found a button-down at AE of all places, it's blue and white vertical stripes, which I think is my favorite pattern on earth. I have a dress from Gap that I love love love and it's got the same design.

Anyway, before I found that gem I found this, and it's sister in a cute pink pattern, which I can't find online. We were in Sears and they had a Lands' End section with the most beautiful tunics I have ever seen. I fell in love. I put on a 6-8 or something and it fit like a gem, perfectly roomy for the next 6 months. Unfortunately it was 49 bucks (this one's only 45), and out of our price range, but oh, it was so cute and comfy, love it. Anyway, just thought you all should know of my shirt-envy. With Lands' End of all places. It makes me feel like I'm old, but whatev.

I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it.

-name that movie

In other awesome news, I just read Cup of Jo's blog today about motherhood and I loved it. It's all about taking your kids outside, no matter what the weather, and just dressing them appropriately. I love the Scandinavian expression she says:

"No bad weather, just bad clothing"

Even though I won't be a mom until the end of the winter, I think it's a good expression to have if you're a mom or not. I'm scared to death I'm going to freeze and have a big belly and no clothes to fit and keep me warm, but if I prepare for the weather and I'll that jazz, I'll have nothing to worry about. Here's to keeping warm this fall/winter!

shakespeare in the park

2011-09-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

There is a different Shakespeare play each summer in Boston and the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company performs in the Boston Common and it's free. This year they performed Alls Well That Ends Well and Ryan and I were able to see the last performance, about a month ago. Actually, they were supposed to have one or maybe two more, but it stormed the next two days so I don't think it happened. Lucky us!

We got some Chipotle before we went (we were still furniture-less…let's not talk about those dark days) and headed there with our camping chairs in tow.

It was AWESOME. The play was a bit different. Neither of us had seen it before and I think it's a lesser known of the Shakespeare plays??, but man, Shakespeare humor cracks me up. It makes me feel like I'm a super mature adult when I can understand Shakespeare humor. Like I'm finally a grown-up.

Julie and Oliver came to the play and sat next to us and I felt like I was constantly laughing at the wild humor (it was a sarcastic kind of humor) and they weren't. I'm pretty sure watching 30 Rock and Parks and Rec has helped me learn to recognize this humor.

So maybe I'm not really an "adult" per say, I just think sarcastic/biting/witty humor is hilarious. And people being rude to each other is funny to me?

Thank you, NBC, for allowing me to understand Shakespeare and making me feel cultured. I don't care what anyone else says.

I can't wait for next summer.

Mango Quinoa Salad

2011-09-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

via ourbestbites.com

Last night was one of our meatless dish nights and we had this AMAZING dish. Actually, I had a list up of all the dishes I was going to make this week and told him that he could pick whichever dish he wanted since it was his first day of school meal, and he picked this one. I'm pretty sure this one had the most produce in it out of them all. He even came grocery shopping with me yesterday (note, don't go grocery shopping on holidays, parking was redic) and with this dish, a few others that needed produce, and some things for school lunches, Ryan mentioned that he thought this was the most produce he'd ever seen in our cart. I take it as a compliment, especially since my number one goal with this whole being pregnant thing is for Ryan not to gain weight with me. Not that it's be a terrible, awful thing if he did, but hey, it's one less person who has to lose weight afterward.

I digress.

We had this salad and loved it. We just ate it meatless, but Our Best Bites put some grilled chicken with it, which looks divine as well. The nice part too is that I had a bowl full and Ryan had two but it's not super heavy and you feel the perfect amount of full-ness. The only bummer was that our mango wasn't super ripe, so I added a can of drained mandarin oranges to it to make it a bit sweeter. Also, I used a green bell pepper, cause sometimes I'm cheap like that, which I'm sure would have added to the sweetness a bit. Oh, and we added not as many green onions. So go with it and made additions/substitutions as you go, The dressing was fabulous and as Ryan was eating this he said to me, "We're making this again." Love when that happens.

Also, this was our first time eating quinoa. I know, you'd think we'd have eaten it ages ago, but really, couscous and arborio rice was as fancy as we had gone grain wise (other than white/brown rice). It was a cinch, so quick and easy. I just cooked it in water since there was a dressing on the salad, but i'm sure beg/chicken broth would be even better. Also, I didn't rinse the stuff, but go ahead and do that if you want. Mine came in a fancy little organic bag, so I didn't feel the need, but if I got the big container from Costco or something, I'd probably rinse them off just to be sure. Sara, from our best bites does a quinoa tutorial too, and cooking it takes 15 minutes, tops.

Ew, coconut. I hate coconut.

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

*We had found out we were expecting less than a week before we packed up and headed our to Boston. Also, we were at the All Star Game in Phx. I think that's why we're so happy in this picture…*

I keep wanting to have every title be "mangum update" or "baby m update". Those sound so lame though, so in keeping with all things Corrina, Corrina, I'd go with part of my fave Percy quote.

Because even though I actually really like coconut and feel totally bad for all the picky eaters there who are missing out (btw there's this great place in downtown/old town annapolis that has the best coconut ice cream I've ever eaten, I dream about that stuff)…but I digress.

The point is, pregnancy can really stink sometimes. And my heart just breaks a little bit when I get nauseous looking at the pintrest food section too long. Sometimes I get nauseous when I think about food too long as I plan our weekly menu.

I think I may just have a slight addiction to looking at food/buying food/making food that baby m apparently has a problem with. If he/she is even slightly picky, I just don't know what I'll do. At least like coconut, ok????

Other than the bit o nauseous-ness we're doing pretty great on the home front. I could sleep for hours and hours, which isn't too much different that my normal love for sleep is, and I've only barfed twice, so I'm feelin good. Oh, but now I have the bladder of a 6 year old and have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I guess I'm preparing to get up with an infant in the middle of the night anyway?

I'm not showing at all, and I think I lost a bit of weight on our road trip out here because I way less than I have in like a year or something. Don't get me wrong, I want to gain weight so our little one can grow, but seeing as it weighs an ounce or something, I'm glad I haven't gained quite yet. I'm sure my body will have no problem gaining weight in the next 6 mos, don't you worry.

Also, I'm not craving anything, who knows if I will, but you know how pregnant women are supposed to crave pickles and weird stuff? What if craving pickles is a totally normal thing? Like, even not being pregnant I wish we had 5 huge Costco containers of whole dill pickles so I wouldn't feel bad about eating almost the whole container in one day...

Anyway, there's an update. I'm off to eat an otter pop, because they rule.

btw.

2011-09-02T06:21:00.000-06:00

nope, this is not a test. not a joke. it's totally real. and totally awesome. we're havin a baby! we feel so blessed and grateful to be able to add a little one to our family and become a family of 3!

Copycat. My Current Fave.

2011-08-31T10:00:00.000-06:00

I have this friend named amanda. She posted yesterday about her latest fave song. So, I decided that since my blog has lacked a little music-loving lately, I'd post my current song I love putting on repeat.

Joshua Radin. Ryan thinks he whisper-sings, but I just love it. It's just so pure and simple to me and it feels both calming and empowering. Like I could do anything. I love about all his stuff. At least one song was surprisingly parental-advisory (Ugh.), but this one's not it. You should give him a listen. It's not the official video, but it's an awesome song.

...

2011-08-28T09:28:00.000-06:00

Alternate titles for this post were "lately", "as of late", "boston update", "update", etc.

Since church has been cancelled due to the storm, it's the perfect time to blog! This weekend has consisted of movies, tv shows, wii, and off brand otter pops, so really, there's been plenty of time to blog for a while, but mad men was just too engaging last night for me to not press "next episode", sorry.

This weekend, other than bein' lazy, consisted of us going on a double date with some new friends in the ward, Collins and Shantel. Collins is going to BU law with Ryan and they live literally right around the corner from us, too. We walked down to Brookline (JFK's stomping grounds, and the neighborhood right to the west of us) and went to a place called Shawarma King. It had good reviews and cost under $20 for the two of us, always a plus. It's near Coolidge Corner, an awesome and well-maintained area of shops and cute houses, so I think Ryan and I will be back to scope it out even more. I think there was an independent movie theater or something and I saw a review for a cheap/good pizza place nearby. Score.

In picture news, there's an awesome park to the southeast of us that Ryan and I have walked around a few times. I think we're going to make it a regular habit. And with a downtown view from the park like the picture below, who could resist, right? There are basketball courts and a huge softball field, open area with turf that's really nice and Northeastern's campus is across the fenway (this area of water/fens/pond-ish place) so we walked around there as well. Since I had my fancy-pants camera with me I took a picture of Ryan and he took a picture of me, but since I think you guys still know what we look like, I forgoed those pictures for today. Also, his picture of me is better than mine of him. Hm. We just won't talk about that.

Recipes

2011-08-23T14:15:00.000-06:00

Here's a list of my tried and true favorite recipes. I've put many of them on the blog already, but with cookbooks, pintrest, and a bajillion other online food blogger sites, I thought I'd post the links here and add new links after making and loving new dishes. You can find all the dishes (I think) I've posted in the food section, along with other random food-loving posts, but this is where I'll put the cream of the crop.

Also, as a little disclaimer, I don't always follow the directions to a "t". I may use button mushrooms instead of fancy schmancy ones, or an onion instead of a shallot, or 2% milk instead of whole. But I may be a big spender and decide to actually follow the directions like they say. I'd say just about 100% of the time, those small substitutions work out amazingly. It's taken me a bit of time to figure out when I can substitute what, but with a little help from google, mom, and some friendly food bloggers, you can figure it out too.

And, I don't know everything. It's obvious, but I just wanted to point it out.

Jamaican Rice and Peas
Fusilli alla Caprese
Gorgonzola Cream Pasta
PW's Greek Salad
Broccoli Salad
Black-eyed Pea Dip
Our Favorite Salad
Craisin Salad and Apricot Chicken
Banana Bars for a crowd
Spike's Village Fries (deep fryer needed)
White Chocolate PB&J Muddy Buddies
Nutted Wild Rice (aka Fancy Rice)
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Honey-Lime Enchiladas
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Chicken Cordon Bleu Bread Bowls
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Hawaiian Haystacks --the best ever.
Mediterranean Salad
Herbed Chicken Tenders (I haven't made the sauce)
Mushroom Risotto

The city.

2011-08-18T11:00:00.000-06:00

I've been terrible at blogging lately. Mostly, because I feel like our lives haven't really started in Boston yet. Mostly because we contracted the worst movers ever. Mostly because we have a roach/ant problem because we live in a basement apartment by the T.

But really, we like it here, we really do. Ryan and I went on a walk last night and as we were walking around this awesome park in the Fenway area, with beautiful astro turf, watching a company softball game, a soccer game, and a pickup game of street basketball--those guys are good. And a little harsh. But so fun to play. Anway, as we were walking I realized I should have brought my camera. There's a beautiful shot of the city and park I can't wait to take.

We were walking and I was thinking about how even though I miss Provo--I miss cheap rent, how BYU maintenance was amazing, quick, and great, how grocery shopping wasn't such a chore--there are things that I love about the city. Like beautiful parks within walking distance, having a MLB team right in our backyard, and these crazy cool accents, and I'm so grateful to be here. I love walking everywhere, and being so close to the river, so I can see beautiful scenes like this whenever I want.

park city

2011-08-16T09:45:00.003-06:00

Also in June…maybe July? we went to Park City for a little outlet shopping and some Fat Kid pizza. Both experiences = awesome. The v-neck shirts that I bought I wear all the time. They're my new favorite. And I still think about that amazing pizza. I wish we would have gone back to do some of the awesome outdoor summer activities PC offers, but the day was still an awesome success. The pizza is from Maxwell's and it was awesome. Really, really, really good. Also, that regular sized pizza box has three super large pieces in it. It's big.

These entries are slightly depressing, seeing as we may never really be back in Utah for long enough to go to all our fave places, but hey, all you Utah kids, you better take down this advice. You'll be grateful, I promise.

hayden in provo

2011-08-15T09:15:00.000-06:00

I'm a terrible first-cousin-once-removed-in-law. Whew, what a mouthful. Anyway, Hayden (Ryan's cousin Jen's son) came to Utah early in June to go to EFY and we were able to hang out with him the weekend before he went. We tried to be cool, hip, young college grads, and hopefully we succeeded. At least kinda?

We went putt-putt golfing at Cascade and then went to Terra Mia for dinner afterwards. We tried to think of other places to go, but we knew that his whole family loved Terra Mia after I took them there while they were in town for lunch on their way back from their spring break vacay, and I just really wanted to go there anyway. Success. I highly recommend their pizzas and pastas. I would venture to say it's the best Italian food for a good price in the Provo/Orem area.

We had a ton of fun and I can't believe that we may not see the Dilles for a whole year. Let's just not talk about it.

jamaican rice and peas.

2011-08-13T12:00:00.001-06:00

A long time ago, in our apartment in Utah…maybe two months ago? It seems like forever. I made a recipe called Jamaican rice and peas. Which is amped up beans and rice. And it was awesome. I didn't take a picture, sorry. I got pretty lousy at that when we started moving and packing and our house looks…well, like it does now, I guess.

Back to the rice. It was awesome and not really hard at all. I highly recommend eating it. You could serve it as a side, but we made it as a meatless main and it's a full protein with beans+rice so it's a win-win (both cheap AND healthy).

via simply recipes

Click on the link and make this dish pronto. Two things that we did differently. One, I used chicken broth instead of stock. Two, I used a jalapeño instead of a scotch bonnet pepper, since Macey's doesn't carry them. The nice part is that whatever you use, you don't ever put the seeds in the dish, you just get the flavor of the pepper, so it's not too spicy. We loved it with the jalapeño pepper though and may just stick to that, since we know it isn't too spicy.

adirondacks. pt. 2

2011-08-12T11:00:00.002-06:00

Remember that glorious picture of the chairs outside my parents new place?

Turns out my little sister took it.

I edited it, and she took it on my camera so I told her that I have the rights to it.

Which technically I do.

But I just thought you should know.

My sister can rock a camera.

I'm going to say that it was with a little help from me…

And my rockin new camera.

Credit: Brynn Dalby.

new addition.

2011-08-11T12:20:00.002-06:00

Ryan and I are seriously loving this ottoman.

I have a feeling that more teal will be entering our home as well.

Get ready.

*picture taken with my mac. I know it's terrible quality, I just had to get a picture up pronto, to show my undying love.

a rainy day.

2011-08-09T10:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we went to the grocery store to begin stocking up on a few things. We went to Aldi, the German chain, to stock up on cheap-o off brand staples out in Medford and it was a total success. Also, we bought popsicles. A summer staple that I had yet to eat while slowly melting in the New England Heat.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. It had sprinkled earlier that day, poured the day before, but for some reason, Ryan had decided that we shouldn't pull up to our apartment, unload, and then park. He decided to park, unload, and then walk the two blocks to our apartment.

The only problem with this is that is started to POUR right when we got 20 feet from our car.

POUR.

I promptly sandwiched myself as close to the building wall as possible, stole the umbrella, and made Ryan take the groceries back to the car. Then we both headed to the car, were soaking wet, and drove the .2 miles to the apartment, unloaded, and I put the stuff away while Ryan parked, and walked back soaking from head to toe.

Seriously, it was POURING. And it had just been sprinkling earlier. You can't tell, but Ryan was totally drenched. It was pretty bad. And all of our groceries had rain on them, or the paper boxes of cereal and pasta were totally soaking.

We promptly stayed inside, watched some netflix tv and a movie, and pretended to eat popcorn, since that's what we would have done if our microwave was here.

Amy.

2011-08-06T08:51:00.001-06:00

Two Saturdays before we left, Amy came down to Provo for a little breakfast and farmer's market-ing. We tried out the Awful Waffle (it's right across the street from JDawgs (just saying JDawgs makes me drool and be jealous of everyone living in Provo right now…)), a cute little bfast stand, and we liked it. I think it's time that Provo had somewhere else to eat other than Kneaders, which isn't even in Provo.

EDIT: Ok, there is one is Provo, but I always think of the one on University Parkway in Orem, my bad.

Anyways, the Provo Farmer's Market is fun, everyone should check it out at least once, and they always have good-smelling food vendors too. I always seem to have eaten before going, but if you go around lunch-time you should definitely hit one of the mexican/el salvadorian/crepes/you name it, they have it places and eat up. The stuff always looks so delicious.

And the handmade crafts and local produce are fun too. Maybe I'm just a huge proponent of outdoor markets in general (and currently upset that Boston's famous one is on Sunday…grrrr), so check it out if you're in the area, then go up to SLC's the next weekend. Hurray for summer, farmer's markets, and good friends.

Amy, I miss you already! Did you buy that hair wrap at the market? Never stop tweeting please, or else I don't know what I'd do with myself.

the new place.

2011-08-04T11:36:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, our movers won't be here for another week. Ugh, I don't want to talk about it. Hopefully, next weekend we'll get some serious unpacking done, and maybe even a few things hung up, but in the mean time, here are some pictures of our new apartment.

When you first walk in the door you walk right into the kitchen. For now, it's a little discombobulated, but we've bought some dish towels and soap and things since this picture, so it looks better, promise. In fact, more of our house looks better than when I took these pictures, and looking at them makes me want to organize it more after I'm done typing this up…

Right by the kitchen is the bathroom. Odd, but what can you do. We like it, and the fact that we can store things below our sink. And that it came with a new shower curtain.

A hallway, but not just any hallway. It's got some built-in storage. Which is much needed now that we're in the city.

And then you come to our bedroom. More of a camping room these days, but we're super grateful to the Johnson's for letting us borrow their air mattress in the mean time and I'm just glad I don't have to live out of a suitcase anymore.

Our living room. More built-in storage, which I'm a huge fan of, and we've even got a place to put our tv, so I'm super glad we got rid of our tv stand back in Utah. Again, kinda looks like we're camping, but whatev.

And a super cool part of our little place is an extra room! I think we'll end up putting most of our pantry food and clothes and storage in here. Love it, and that we can close the door, so it doesn't have to be that pretty, really.

Also, the paint is some kind of eggshell white or something, which is nice that it's not all white. Love it. Who wants to come visit soon?!

adirondacks.

2011-08-03T10:00:00.006-06:00

*I want to make posts about all the travels and fun things we did on our way from Provo to Boston, but I'm afraid I'm going to jumble them up. Some pictures are just too cool not to share, I guess it depends on how well I like the pictures at the moment that decides what gets posted when. Ah, the mind of a woman.*

I can't get over this picture (you should click on it immediately and make it your computer background pronto).

I took it at my parents and I love it so.

It reminds me of my dad, and how much he loves the adirondack chairs they bought for their porch.

It reminds me of my mom, since the last tie I talked to her she was sitting on the chairs, reading a book, and still in her bathing suit from being at the pool earlier that day.

It reminds me of summer and the amazing happiness that the sun brings into my life.

And it reminds me of vacations and how relaxing and calm they should always be.

Goodbye Wymount

2011-08-02T08:09:00.000-06:00

Before I post pictures of our new place, I thought I'd post a formal sendoff of our old place. It's more for posterity's sake, really. Also, I had just gotten my new camera and man, it can make any place look pretty darn great.

Dear Wymount,

I won't miss those white cinderblock walls, or all that grease that got stuck in the crevaces behind our stove that didn't have a vent, but I will miss our awesome quad, our friends, and constantly reminisce about all the awesome memories that we had in our home in Provs.

Love, Emily

Ah, big pantry how I will miss you! Here's to moving to a bigger city and smaller apartment :)

Friends. And more updates.

2011-07-30T09:00:00.001-06:00

[It's a long post, but a much needed thank you to all our amazing friends in Utah]

With so much to say about our lives this past month, I thought I'd start with some pictures of our friends. We tried to do our best to see our good friends still in the area before we left and even though we missed some, and didn't take pictures of everyone [[Stacie, that picture we took ended up not really taking since our sd card decided to go crazy on us that day. Boo.]], that doesn't mean we don't miss y'all. I'm getting sad already typing up this email, our friends are awesome!!

*also, Amy, your post is coming up*

We were able to see Ryan's TA buddies from work/school at a Sunday pizza-making party (Alissa, that pizza was out of this world, I need to get the recipe stat. :) and were able to meet up with a few more again later that week at Pizzaria 712. The food was great and the company even better.

We were also able to see the Doxeys and their sweet/adorable/cute/handsome baby boy, Declan. It was so fun to chat with Chelsea and watch the boys playing whiffle ball and hold the babe for a while. Even Ryan held him for a long time. Looks like he's warming up to babies afterall.

We also saw the LeMeistre's on the 4th of July! I can't believe I didn't even post about that. And Miriam had baby James just yesterday! Ah, I'm so excited for them. I can't believe we're not stairwell neighbors anymore, but the grilling skills Ryan learned paid off in Albany this weekend and they're just the best. Also, that Caesar salad that Josh made from scratch was waaaay good. Way.

On the Sunday before we left we walked to the Matheson's new (to them) place and were able to eat some awesome dessert and chat it up for a few hours. Their babe is getting bigger and bigger and he looks just like 'em. I ended up not getting a picture of us all together, but I think this picture is adorable. Hurray for dads and their boys. We had fun talking about everything they were up to and our plans for the upcoming trip and move.

On the day we left my awesome visiting teachers came over to help move and so did some kids from the ward. We were super appreciative and they even took some things we still had in our fridge and other random things we were giving away to save us a trip to DI (and thanks to the Hellewells for making that trip for us!!). Amanda and Dave also came by to help and since our movers were a tad late we were able to hang with them all afternoon. We grabbed some Cafe Rio, went to their garden, and watched He's just not that into you. I'll admit, I felt a bit lazy as they did real work while we just hung out, but it was so nice to be in a cozy, cool apartment while we waited. This picture is from a few days earlier, when we had burgers and homemade popsicles with them since our camera decided to be weird that day and not take pictures (we need/really really want a copy of the one Shanna took, Amanda!). Oh yeah, and we played just dance on the wii. I'm not ashamed of my ridiculous dancing.

*and Dave, I've still got that video of you and Ryan. It's on my desktop. I watch it from time to time.*

Have I mentioned we have awesome friends?

We're finally getting the swing of things here in Boston and get to move in to our apartment Monday morning! Our movers won't be here until a few days later (hopefully Tuesday or Wednesday), but I trip to Costco and Aldi will help us eat a bit better (cereal for bfast, lunch and dinner actually sounds fantastic). Also, I'm still job hunting, but I'm loving all the jobs I'm applying for. Cross your fingers for me please!

my amazing little sis.

2011-07-26T19:48:00.002-06:00

Last week Ryan and I were able to stop by Louisville for a quick visit before coming to Boston. That visit included seeing my adorable and pregnant little sister, Kaylea and I couldn't wait to snap some pictures of her. Since it was vicious outside we just took a few, but I love the glow she's got about her and I'm so excited to see my niece/nephew when they arrive this November!

Kaylea, you are beautiful.

Half Birthdays!

2011-07-06T08:33:00.001-06:00

Birthdays are always a good time, but are best enjoyed when no other holiday encroaches. Emily and I both have December birthdays (the 20th and 27th respectively), and while there are many positives, such as always being surrounded by family, there are also a few negatives, such as high stress environments and the classic two for one gift ("Happy Birthday/Merry Christmas!"). In a childish move to make ourselves feel better, Em and I have started celebrating our half birthdays in order to overcome our self-imposed, self-diagnosed complex.

For Emily I found a handbook to cheese according to Murray's. It is full of delicious cheeses that I am positive most people would do their best to avoid, but for those with more a distinguished palate, like Emily, it is a valuable instruction book for directions on properly consuming over 300 dairy delights.

Recently Emily surprised me with Amazing Grace! This movie easily falls into my top ten list of favorite all time movies. It tells the tale of William Wilberforce and his lifelong struggle to abolish slavery from Britain and her colonies. It may be slow for some, but I love it.

That's it. No big birthday cakes, streamers or balloons. Fear not; although Emily and I have started this little tradition we still defer to our true December birthdays. In some ways I have to blame Amazon.com for all of this. How can you not find an excuse to buy such amazing gifts for no more than $10?

A week of awesome meals.

2011-07-06T08:32:00.000-06:00

Last week I made a ton of things I've been wanting to make for a while now. Thanks to pintrest (look me up: emsmangs) I can better remember the things I want to make, and how delicious they look.

Sunday: Roasted Garlic Chicken Pesto Pizza with Garlic Cheese Bread
Monday: Southwestern Cobb Salad
Tuesday: Mushroom Risotto and House Salad
Wednesday: Settebello in SLC
Thursday: Hoisin Chicken Rice Bowls
Friday: House salad plus a million other salad ingredients out of our fridge
Saturday: Mediterranean Pasta

Also, I made some homemade hummus. It's a bit garlic-y, but I have a feeling I'll be making homemade hummus from here on out. You can add a little extra of whatever you'd like to make it just how you like it--garlic-y, lemon-y, whatever!
All I can say is, I highly recommend them all. I can't believe our moving date is in the single digits!

the italian cooking bug has bit again. fusili alla caprese

2011-07-02T13:06:00.000-06:00

It's no surprise to any of my friends that I absolutely love me some good Italian food. I made Mel's Fusili alla Caprese (she got it from Giada). And I want to eat it every day of my life. You should too. It's served warm, so it's not necessarily a go-to summer dish (I love me some cold pasta salads), but it's quick, meat-free, and so darn fresh!!

mel's picture--but mine looked like this and seriously tasted out of this world!

Fusili alla Caprese (thanks Melanie!)

1 pound fusilli pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (about 1 1/2 pints)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced (about 1 1/4 cups)

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta into a large bowl and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.In a medium skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. As the tomatoes cook and soften, smash them with a fork. Continue to cook until the tomatoes make a chunky style sauce, about 4 minutes. Transfer the tomato sauce to the bowl with the pasta. Toss to combine. Add the basil leaves and mozzarella. Stir to combine. Add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the pasta is moist. Serve.

cleaning and moving

2011-06-29T12:00:00.000-06:00

taking pictures after Ry's graduation just two months ago!

I don't normally make posts in one day, but this morning I decided to do some deep cleaning of our bathtub, oven top and sink and even though I'm coming to love cleaning (my family will attest that I'd much rather organize than clean, and even then, I have a hard time going through with big organizational projects in a timely matter…) it's made me think about moving and it's sad! We've had friends over pretty consistently this past week and we're constantly thinking of places to go and food to eat before we leave and all the friends we want to see and it's a little heart-breaking. I'm excited to move and start over. To get more creative with our living space and to organize and get rid of our junk before we move, but I'm also sad to leave everything that I've become so familiar with these past 5 years! I never thought I'd be in Provo this long, and I never thought I'd be so sad about leaving, but I really am.

Here's to all the happy memories, all the awesome friends we've made, and all the memories and friends we'll make in the future!!

Also, we're moving in about 12 days, so hit us up if you'd like to do something fun. And if you're in the Phoenix area, San Angelo area, or Columbus area, we'll be driving that as we slowly go to Boston, so let's hang out!!

Grand Canyon!

2011-06-29T10:50:00.000-06:00

We've been trying to be especially adventurous lately as we approach the two week mark before we leave. It's a little crazy that after 5 years of living in Provo I'll be saying good-bye, but we're so excited as well. Also, now we can cross off another thing in our 101 in 1001 list!

So two Saturdays ago we left super early in the morning and went on a day trip to the GC. I know, it's a little crazy, but we only have so many days left!! I'd never been and I can't wait to go to the south rim so that I can say that I've seen both sides!

can this be my backyard, please?

Ryan got so nervous about how close I was to the edge on this one. What a cutie. I dared him to go too so we could have matching pictures and he obliged. Maybe I'm not the best influence sometimes…

And on a side note, this ridiculously slow car made our trip at least 30 minutes longer than it had to be. It was like the driver thought he was driving a hummer and didn't know how wide it was and put it's breaks on at every curve, every time a car drove by… please don't let me be a bad driver when I'm older...

I can sew!

2011-06-27T09:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I know I kept telling Amanda this over and over again (bear with me again, sorry), but I totally feel like I'm in young women's all over again when I sew. I feel like I don't really know what I'm doing and someone has to guide me through it all.

Thankfully, Amanda was there all the way and now I feel a bit more confident in my abilities. Since my mom is gracious and amazing and fantastic, she's agreed to let me take her old sewing machine. She's got a fancy embroidery awesome one now and I'm so excited. Thanks mom! I figured that maybe I should get starting now instead of being alone in our Boston apartment (while Ryan is studying ridiculous long hours I'm sure) and not knowing what I'm really doing.

So, today I made a onesie, a burp cloth and a bib, thanks to Amanda, and I'm loving them. We got the onesies and material from Wal mart (I'm really in love with it and may just go back one more time before we leave to get more) and she already had the terry cloth.

Look ma, I can sew!

I'm seriously in love with that little airplane onesie… good thing I have friends who are having boys! But really, the possibilities are endless…I have a good feeling about this new hobby of mine...

FLORENCE!!

2011-06-24T08:22:00.000-06:00

I'm ridiculously sorry this post has taken forever. But here's the rest of our awesome, amazing, fabulous trip to Italy. It's a long one, but I'm afraid if I don't get this thing up, it'll never happen. Also, I love re-living everything we did. It was so bomb.

After the early train trip, the first stop was the Duomo! It was rad. And totally looks like pajamas (there are green and white stripes along the facade…it's so colorful it almost looks fake!).

Right across from the Duomo are the Baptistry doors. They're sweet and made out of real-life gold! Ok, actually, these are replicas. The real-life ones are in the Duomo museum, which were getting restored when we went (it's where we went next…after snacking on some dill-flavored spitz sunflower seeds and making all the birds think they were actually getting food…I know, we're mean)

The museum!

Ry looks just like the statue, no?

Uh…we totally forgot what Ryan was doing in this picture…Apparently we took it so we wouldn't forget and then promptly forgot.

[edit: Ryan just remembered for me. We was the finger of Philip and the tooth of St. Gerome. Ahhh relics. I love 'em (read: think they're rediculous but secretly wish I was Catholic so I could have them all around my house and see them all the time)]

Yes, I'm awesome.

Ok, this gelato place is A. MAZE. ING. For real. Grom. In Florence. I highly suggest it. They keep the gelato in metal tins instead of out like at an ice cream place. And they have to almost lather it up to get it out because it's so darn creamy. Also, they had the best lemon and grapefruit gelato ever. I'm telling you, grapefruit. gelato. ridiculous. bitter and creamy. Seriously, I can't brag more about this.

Also, thanks to our friend Rick Steves, we found Dante's house! Ryan also told me all about Dante. In a video. That I recorded. It's the cutest thing in the whole world.

Next up, Piazza de la Segnora. Here's the statue called "rape of the sabines." Ok, so it's not the most uplifting thing ever, but it's sweet because a) it's the origional (and even has rad wires all intertwined so that it'll shock and kill any bird that tries to touch it and b) you can see the imprint of the guy's hand on the girl's behind. Literally, there are indentions in the marble. It's sweet and I'd never be able to create anything as cool as that in a thousand years. Go marble statues!

Michaelangelo's "David," ever heard of it??? Actually, the statue below is a replica (we saw the real deal on day two…can you believe we're still on day one? Sorry to exhaust you guys. Maybe take a little water break now and get on with you lives, you can come back tomorrow and finish it and there won't be any hard feelings or anything.) Anywho, the statue below is a replica outside of the Medici Palace. There was a raid or something and someone threw a rock out of one of the windows and it totally broke off David's hand (don't worry, they put it in a cast for a few weeks and now he's fine, thanks for asking!).

After this, we were now right by the Arno River, so we ventured over the awesome bridge (Ponte Vecchio) and decided to make our way to a little mini hike so we could see an awesome view of the city. And an awesome view we found.

It looks like it came straight out of a painting or something!! So rad. We took a billion and one pictures. And each one is awesome. And when we get to Boston, we're framing it. Florence is the classy Rome. You can quote me on that one. I dig it. And can't wait to go back.

Also, quick shout out to Rick Steves. And the Provo City Library for letting me check out this book and take it all the way across the world. We made sure not to write in it or doggy-mark any pages, promise.

The view was awesome and I'm seriously the luckiest girl in the whole wide world. The view was also sweet because below us there was a sweet cafe playing chill songs, like adele and awesome coldplay covers so you could just stare and have awesome music playing. Awesome (sorry, I can't find another word to describe it right now.

After our hike we ventured around the piazza (the one with the fake david and the awesome (and terrible all at the same time) rape statue to find the leather shop where Ryan got his wallet two years earlier. It was rad. I even tried on a leather jacket just to see what it felt like. Amazing. But sorry sir, even with the fake student discount, $300 just isn't up my alley right now. Or in the next 10 years. Or 15. Maybe 20.

Brief interruption: I had to use the bathroom and saw this sign while washing my hands. It reminded me of the Ellen skit about washing hands with automatic sinks and lookings/acting like a racoon. I laughed out loud and took a picture so I could remember it forever.

One last look at the Arno before we headed back into the city. It's so beautiful. And there's a private yacht club that's at the bottom of the picture. We totally saw men there lifting weights the next day. In nothing but little European shorts. Ridiculous. But we were in the Uffizzi museum and you're not supposed to take pictures so I refrained. You're welcome.

After this we went in search of a pizza place and found one! For 5 euro they made a fresh pizza for us. It was like a Hot n Ready pizza but a bajillion times better.

The next day we went to both the Academia and saw David and the Uffizi, which had really awesome Reneissance paintings. Unfortunately you couldn't take pictures at either one, but it was such an awesome experience, to see all that history and art…ahh.

For lunch we went to this tiny little place…not a restaurant because you could only sit outside, and not a stand because it was totally built into the wall…either way the panini were amazing. I got one with goat cheese and arugula and proscuitto, and Ryan got one with sundried tomatoes and something else (obvo mine was super duper amazing, since I remember it to a "t"….)

See??? So tiny! And so good...

And last, but not least, we rode the train! I know, I already talked about riding the train, but here's a little more evidence.

WE RODE THE TRAIN! A REAL LIFE TRAIN!

We went back to Rome, got a quick bite to eat and then stayed up all night so that we could be awake for our 3:00 AM taxi to the Rome airport. That's a story for another day though…

Anyway, we had loads of fun and whew, you made it to the end of the post! For that, I congratulate you. And myself for that matter, and for finally getting it done. :)

I'm a guest post-er!

2011-06-16T09:15:00.005-06:00

You know when your favorite bloggers go on vacation or have a baby and they have people write guest posts while they're gone? I always thought that it'd be pretty sweet to be one of those people.

Well, ladies and gents (to the three of you out there…ha) that day has come! While interning last night I wrote a post for Whitney Lewis Photography about a shoot I went on and it'll be on her blog today. In fact, it's there RIGHT NOW. Check out Whitney's blog, please.

Check it out, write a comment, or just come back here and write a comment. Which reminds me of the Flight of the Concords "hiphippopotomus vs rhymenocerous" rap. I do believe there is a line in there that says something about "be more specific with your feedback" and it totally cracks me up each time.

Have a good day, and that Florence post is coming….sometime. Check back, it'll be the next post for suuuure!

An update from Emily

2011-06-14T07:47:00.000-06:00

Ok, so now not now not only am I busy with work, but sick with some sort of dumb summer cold. I know, it's terrible. Also, I'm a wimp. Either way, I've got loads to share, not only of Florence and our trip back, but some awesome family pictures I was able to take a few weeks ago, and just random updates that have been happening as well. Since Ryan is staring me down that we have to leave for work NOW, I'll leave you with this picture of Tuscany. Ahhh, I can't wait to go back!

I'll be back soon, promise!

Rome Day 5: A day of surprises

2011-06-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Sunday in typical Italian fashion: go to church, eat too much, and go home. Nevertheless we ran into a few surprises along the way.

We got to church early that morning and even ran into another BYU couple that was traveling across Europe. They flew into Constantinople only to spend six weeks backpacking Europe with the goal to somehow catch their flight back to America from Paris. That would be one fun trip. Anyway, the members in Rome treated us very graciously, helping us feel as comfortable as possible.

Things became tricky, however, when a BYU study abroad group showed up for Sunday School. Suddenly our class doubled from about 40 to 80 students with only half understanding Italian. With the missionaries tied up in the gospel principles class, they called on me to do the translating! I stood next to the teacher, and after every few sentences I would interpret. It went very well for the most part, save a few comical mistakes on my part. For example, instead translating the Italian word "pastore" to "shepherd," I simply referred to Christ as a pastor. Even better, the teacher at one point called Christ an "Amico" with a capital "A." Naturally, in my translation, I explained, "Christ is our Friend with a capital 'A.'" It took everyone a little while, but they got the message.

After saying farewell to the LeMaistres and Vanderwerkens (they flew home that evening), we headed back into Rome to meet up with Tobia. Here is where a little background could be useful.

Tobia is from Northern Italy -- Piedmont, to be precise -- and lives in Rome where he studies tourism and works as a waiter. His boss has a sister who works in the Italian department at BYU and generously offered Tobia the opportunity to live in Provo for a few months to polish his English. While in Provo, I met Tobia in several of my classes and invited him over for dinner. We discovered that we would be traveling back to Rome at about the same time and Tobia told us that, if possible, he wanted to treat us in Rome.

The possibility became reality.

So after church on Sunday we met up with Tobia and his parents. He took us all to the restaurant where he worked. It is near the Spanish Steps on a street that is just off Corso. By the way, do I not look like a giant compared to these people?

There, Tobia was treated like a king. If you ever thought while watching the Godfather, "do Italians really treat one of their own so friendly," you were correct. Every single worker, including the boss, approached Tobia every few minutes to greet him. As we sat down several platters of various cheeses and meat were placed on our table, followed later by a sampling of various Italian desserts. Mind you this restaurant has over 200 fresh cheeses everyday and certainly was not in our budget! Thanks to Tobia's connection, however, the meal was completely gratis!

To accentuate how lucky we were on this trip, the weather, which had been perfect all week long, suddenly took a turn for the worst on Sunday. As we made our way from the Metro to the restaurant it began to rain. As soon as we sat down to eat, it poured. As we walked out to head home, the sun broke through the clouds and all was well.

That night Emily and I did a little laundry, meaning we filled our sink with detergent and tried to wash a few shirts etc. We repacked for Florence and got a good nights rest for the next journey. I know you're thinking, "where is Emily and why is her husband lowering the quality of this blog?" I promise she'll be back soon!!

Rome Day 4: Wrapping things up in Rome

2011-06-11T10:00:00.002-06:00

Exhausted from our long walk home from the night before, Em and I decided to sleep in a bit on Saturday. The sleep felt wonderful, but we ended up with a bit of a late start on the day. We quickly rushed over to a church near the central train station that has one of the most beautiful sculptures by Bernini that you will ever see, the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. Sadly a kind old Nun informed us that the church was closing for mass.

Instead, we rushed over to St. Peter's where we thought we could check out the underground tombs of past popes under the Basilica. We ran into enormously long lines and decided to abort our plans. We did, however, send off some postcards!

Sadly, the Vatican has a much more reliable postage system than does Italy. On a side note, I remember that almost ever letter my mom sent me in Italy was torn on the side. Mailmen apparently recognized the neat, feminine penmanship from the States and decided there was a good chance something valuable was inside. Too bad all they found was treasures of wisdom written in English! I digress…

After the our semi-failure at St. Peter's we went back to visit St. Teresa's. Before the church opened back up we went by a bar (trust me, they don't exactly resemble bars in America) and bought a Magnum bar and chatted it up with an old Sicilian gentleman who told us a woman stole his heart and convinced him to move up to Rome.

Just around the corner Emily and I went into the National Museum of Rome. It is a little treasure that many tourists often overlook because there's just so much to tackle in the Eternal City. We loved it especially because the museum had air conditioning and lots of comfy seats for us to rest on (by this time our feet were swelling from our long days of walking). Of the many sculptures we saw, we liked

this sculpture that looks like the thinker, but he's actually a Greek boxer,

and you have to love the discuss thrower. Nice form.

Emily bought this maxi dress especially for our trip. I think she picked out a winner.

The day was starting to wind down, and Emily and I didn't quite know where to go. Em read somewhere about having a picnic in Italy and really wanted to do it, so we set out to accomplish that goal. On the way we took a quick break and enjoyed some Coca Cola light (see prior Italy post) and Chinotto. I love that drink. I love it so much that I took a picture of it right next to a Fiat 500!

Shortly after that we stopped in at an alimentari (grocery store) to get some grub. We had stopped by before and gotten to know the owner a little bit. We spoke with the butcher and explained to him that we had 15 Euro to spend on dinner and we needed the nicest assortment of salami and cheese possible. While he sliced up our dinner of antipasti I found out that our butcher was an NBA basketball fan and loved Mike D'Antoni (former coach of the Suns). He lauded D'Antoni's intelligence (to which I politely disagreed).

We finally found our way to Piazza Navona and ate our delicious meal. Below is a video in which Emily summarizes the evening picnic. I figure since she can't blog she can at least make an appearance this way!

Rome Day 3: The Vatican

2011-06-10T09:00:00.003-06:00

Day three - time to visit the capital of Christendom. We got up early and met our good friends, the LeMaistres and Vanderwerkens at the Vatican Museums. Our friends found a primo apartment right across the street from the museum and right above some of the most inexpensive, yet delicious gelato you can find in Rome. If you really want bang-for-your-buck gelato, that's the spot.

After waiting in line for a short time, we entered the Vatican Museums and collectively decided that Rick Steves, the author of the tour book Emily and I brought with us, should provide us with enough of a tour to bypass the guided tours offered by the Vatican.

The Museum was breathtaking. I had been before with my mom, but we had only seen the Sistine Chapel (I use the word only as if we had somehow been cheated?). This time around we saw art from ancient Egypt, Laocoon, tapestries, the gallery of maps, the Raphael Rooms and much more. Of particular note we were entranced by works much like the one below.

Believe it or not, that is a 2D image!! Maybe it doesn't come through well in the photo, but it was pretty surreal as we tried to figure it out ourselves. Amazing what kind of technique the ancients had! Here are Josh and Miriam taking a look at the Gallery of Maps! Miriam was six months pregnant at the time -- what a trooper!

We eventually made it to the Sistine Chapel where we studied and read about the famous works by Michelangelo. Although it has always appeared smaller than I imagined it, the artwork is remarkable. It amazes me that Michelangelo did not consider himself a very good painter. I'm not sure if he was aware of it, but he did all right for himself in that field.

After the Museum we all went out and had lunch at a small restaurant a few blocks away. It felt like a typical Italian dining experience: servers lackadaisically attended us, but the food was quite good.

We went back to the Vatican to walk inside St. Peter's. It is the largest Basilica in the world. What made the trip that much more memorable was that Pope John Paul II (or PJP II as we called him in high school) had just been beatified. All around the square stood giant posters dedicated to recounting his life story. Inside St. Peter's and immediately to the right we found this breathtaking beauty: The Pietà.

No wonder Michelangelo didn't consider himself much of a painter when he could sculpt like that. St. Peter's swallowed us up with its larger than life sculptures and monuments to past pontiffs and popes. While we were there they held a special mass for newly ordained priests (these are not to be confused with awkward 16 year old boys; rather, they are men those graduating from seminary training in the Vatican).

After we perused the Basilica we traversed up the Cupola to get one of the best views of Rome you can find. Below are the Vanderwerkens and a few shots from the top.

Doug and Charisse right behind us during the climb. Too bad they had to leave Wymount so early!

Bernini designed St. Peter's square to resemble the "outstretched arms" of the Church.

Notice the protruding white figure in the view? That is the monument built by Mussolini to honor King Victor Emmanuel II. See a prior post for details about that monstrosity.

After taking in everything that day, we gave ourselves a deserved rest. Suddenly I found myself enjoying one of my most treasured moments of the trip. Just underneath the row of columns that constitute the "outstretched arms" there is quite a bit of shade with a few steps that substitute nicely for benches. The six of us sat down and rested our feet, chatted about our journey in Rome as well as what life had in store for us afterwards, all the while soaking in the ambiance of the crowds, the culture, and the history.

Based on a recommendation given to Doug, we walked to the Trastevere district of Rome to find a small restaurant on a small street hidden from the beaten path. The food was outstanding. I don't think any one of us walked away disappointed with our meal. Not only that, the chef came out to speak to us and our server was as cordial as can be.

The only downside that evening was walking home. Rome is currently building a new Metro line, so our line shut down at 9 pm. We walked for over an hour back to our apartment. On the way we passed by Campo dei fiori where Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake. We also managed to buy some gelato and had perhaps the best pistachio flavor we've ever eaten. We got home utterly exhausted, but completely satisfied. More on Day 4 later.

Inside St. Peter's. Emily managed to look remarkably cute the entire trip, as evidenced here.

Rome: Day two. PM

2011-06-09T16:08:00.008-06:00

So these posts are long overdue, but Em and I have been pretty busy lately making preparations for a guest and for our big move. I also apologize that Emily doesn't have time to write these as she finishes her work with Whitney Lewis Photography, but you'll just have to be patient with my matter-of-fact retelling of our trip!

After we wandered around the Colosseum and the Forum, we worked our way over to the center of Rome where a plethora of historical sites awaited us. Trajan's column particularly caught Emily's attention. The column itself recounts the conquests of Emperor Trajan. It was constructed some time about 100 CE. Hard to believe a structure like this only got one star (out of three) from our guidebook!

Just across from Trajan's column we say the monument of Victor Emmanuel II, also known as the cake topper. Mussolini built it during his regime in an attempt to foster national pride (and later use that for military endeavors). Sadly Italian consensus has always found the monument gaudy and showy. Thus we have spared you of it here. However, we did find the Pantheon!!

While Emily models in front of the Roman structure, let me give you a few fun facts about the place. It was originally built for Roman gods but later became dedicated as a Catholic Church. It now acts as the grave sites of both King Victor Emmanuel II, King Umberto and his wife, Margherita (as in the Margherita Pizza), as well as the painter Raphael.

At this point we were famished and, although we forgot to take pictures, Emily and I found a delightful little restaurant with the BEST carbonara dish I have ever eaten. The sauce was creamy, cheesy, and delicious. Emily ordered a minestrone pasta which came with a side dish of the "fluffiest parmesan cheese" ever; it was all she could do not to pour all of it over her meal.

After bumping into our good friends the LeMaistres and the Vanderwerkens (more on our activities later), Emily and I worked our way towards the Spanish steps! A crowd mobbed the nearby fountain, "La Baracaccia" and Emily and I decided to take a peak at the Gucci, Armani, and Coach stores on the connecting street. Unfortunately we didn't quite budget for those stores, so we resorted strictly to window shopping...

From the Spanish Steps we walked to Piazza del Popolo and then back towards Piazza Navona. On our way Emily stumbled across a Coca Cola Light (aka Diet Coke) vendor and had to try it. Why can't Diet Coke be as cute in America? These are answers I'll never have.

That night we walked past a number of other sites, but rather quickly. We ate a few panini at a place near Piazza Navona and headed home. Exhausted, we got ready for Vatican City with our friends. But enough for now, you'll have to check back for more on that adventure!

Pinterest.

2011-06-03T17:00:00.001-06:00

It'll ruin your life, I promise.

It'll also make you want to re-do your house and sew all your future children's clothes and cook every good-looking item on the internet, and want you to buy everything in Anthro and get a new closet and new shoes and buy a bunch of prints and be artsy….

I love it.

Here are a few of my favorites as of right now:

{via}

Best (and worst for you) Pasta Ever: Fettucini with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce.

2011-06-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

After getting home from Rome (more to come soon!!) all we wanted to eat was fresh food. We've eaten the best margharita pizza and some great summer pasta too. We've also eaten this amazing and creamy pasta. We had the best gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce when we were in Trastevere (a little neighborhood west of the Tiber river) with the LeMeistre's and VanDerwerkens and when we came home I knew we just had to make it.

Mind you, it does have bleu cheese as the ingredient that makes it bomb, so it's totally ok if you don't make this. Just know, you're totally missing out.

Oh, hey steamy, creamy and peppery and cheesy and spinach-y deliciousness…

Fettucini with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce

1 pound fettucini

2 T butter

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2T flour

1 c chicken stock

1 c cream

8 oz (2 4 oz. containers) gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

a few leaves fresh sage (we sprinkled some dried rosemary instead)

pepper

4 handfuls baby spinach

Cook pasta until al dente, drain.

Heat butter in a large pot, add garlic and cook two minutes. Then whisk in flour and cook one minute. Then whisk in chicken stock, cream, bring to a bubble and stif in Gorgonzola. It'll take a couple minutes until it's melted. Once melted, stir in the sage/whatever spices you want and cook three more minutes.

Toss the pasta and sauce in a big serving bowl and add the spinach to wilt in. Add a little pepper and you're good to go!

Best video ever.

2011-05-31T10:53:00.000-06:00

This is adorable. Watch it like 5 times. And think of your childhood. And laugh.

I think I'm going to watch it again…

Can someone say BOSTON?!

2011-05-30T10:15:00.001-06:00

Ok, so Ryan should totally be writing this post, but I'll do the honors and he can write a follow-up.

We're going to BU this fall!!

For those of you who don't know, Ryan was accepted to Boston University Law a few weeks back and we've decided to pack our bags and head to New England this fall. It's a bit crazy and a little surreal, but I'm excited for a new adventure and for new opportunities.

Here's to 7 more weeks in Provo, a little family vacay in July, and then moving to Boston (even though I've never even been and we're not going until we're moving…we're crazy and cool, we know)!!

nbd, just hanging out at St. Peters...

Hero

2011-05-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

Story time.

When I was in a group called "Singing Boys and Singing Girls" (original, no?) in 6th grade, we went to a contest in San Antonio, I think, and me and all the girls in the car (while my mom graciously volunteered to drive) decided to listen to Hero, by Mariah Carey, practically the entire way there.

No really. We put it on repeat and after a couple of times she'd make us listen to another song in between Hero, to break it up a little.

Well, I heard the song on the radio the other day and I thought of that trip and how I was a crazy, dorky, pre-teen and then thought of me raising pre-teens one day…shutter.

Ha, ok, I wasn't that bad, but man, my mom was so good to us! Hopefully I can be as cool as her.

And for your viewing entertainment, I bring you, Mariah Carey.

http://youtu.be/0IA3ZvCkRkQ (Turns out I can't embed it, but this is probably the best one out there. Oh, and you'll thank me for this lovely flashback to the late 90's so trust me, you've gotta watch it:)

Rome: Day two. AM

2011-05-27T10:01:00.000-06:00

Thursday was our day in Rome that we pretty much did and saw everything we could in 24 hours. We wanted to get as much done as possible since we knew the next day would pretty much just be Vatican City and then we could do whatever we didn't get to on Saturday.

We started at the Colosseum. Holy Moley, it was so cool to see it in person! It's definitely not as big as it was in it's prime, but it was still so cool. Did you know there are so many holes in it because people used to loot the metal from it to save money and re-use resources? Kinda classy and environmentally friendly…and cheap and sad too, but what can you do. We bought a tour as our first day in Rome extravagance and learned loads. We bought our tickets and went to Palantine Hill first, went to our tour and then saw the Roman Forum all in a few hours. Can someone say coolest ruins ever???

I think my favorite part of Rome was just seeing history at every turn. I mean, you can walk down the street and there are just discarded columns and stone from who knows when?! Rad.

Happy Birthday Kaylea!!!

2011-05-27T08:47:00.000-06:00

My sister is absolutely amazing and today's her birthday! I can't believe that she got married and she's about to have a baby all in the same year! I'll take a wild guess and say that this is probably the best year of her life :) I'm so stoked to be an aunt and I'm so grateful that I can call Kaylea whenever something arises and she totally has a listening ear and gives great advice too.

Happy Birthday little sister! You really are the best.

Trevi Fountain (Day One)

2011-05-23T21:53:00.000-06:00

After leaving Provo in the am on Tuesday, we arrived in Italy at our B&B Wednesday evening, around 6 (don't even get me started on how I wish I lived in London so Italy could only be a three or four hour plane ride away…) and then set off for Trevi fountain.

[[ps, we actually got some pizza at a restaurant near our B&B but it was awful. They had sausage on it that was mostly pink and not even cooked, and I was not about to get food-poisoning on our first night in Rome, so we don't really count that as our first meal.]]

Turns out, the Trevi fountain is Ryan's favorite place in all of Rome, and at night it is so pretty! Flocks of tourists just sitting on the fountain's steps, listening to the water gushing out and eating their gelato. Lovers taking pictures of one another, of themselves, and everyone just basking in the light of the fountain. It was absolutely beautiful and the best first-memory of Italy.

Want a picture?

At the fountain, there's a little saying about throwing coins in. One for luck, two for love, three to come back. Naturally, I threw in three. I've already got a pretty sweet husband, and an awesome family and super rad friends, so I'd say I'm pretty lucky, and very loved. Here's to coming back to Italy!!

After Trevi fountain we found some gelato, since I just HAD to have some on my first day in Italy, and let me tell you, it did not dissapoint. Some of the best coconut gelato ever. Oh and another picture to tell y'all just how excited/happy/pumped/joyous we were?

Um, don't judge my lack of make-up, we'd been traveling forever and I totally looked cute as we left SLC Tuesday morning, but we took these pictures Wednesday night. Yeah, calculate that little fact in your mind right now…

The next day was fabulous, I can't wait to post more and relive the awesomeness!!

Saturdays are awesome and you should eat this greek salad right now.

2011-05-21T15:07:00.000-06:00

Don't hate me, but this isn't an Italy post. I'm super behind in just about everything right now, but I just wanted to post something that's actually happening (aka not having to schedule a post for while I'm at work or scheduling recipes I made weeks ago that I completely forgot about).

As we get ready for the big move across the country, today and yesterday we cleaned out a ton of stuff ang gave 5 or 6 garbage bags to DI of random clothes, Kaylea's duvet cover that we've had for way too long (remember that orange and white one and the matching orange body pillow? yeah, totally still had that) and old clothes of Ryan's. The sad part is that our house still looks exactly the same. Ha.

Also, I menu-planned yesterday and I must say, we're eating some rad meals this week. We went shopping this morning and the only packaged things we bought were saurkraut and some pitted kalamata olives. Oh yeah, this week will be so good. I just can't get italy out of my head and all the fresh food we ate. We've got some packaged foods like soups and rice a roni to eat before we leave, so we'll try to eat that, but I just can't make myself buy that stuff anymore. We'll see what happens when we move and our expenses increase, but hopefully we can stick to fresh foods > packaged foods in our diet.

Oh and I just made PW's Greek Salad. I highly recommend it. Like, right now. It's beautiful and sunny outside and eating this salad totally completes this summer day. Plus, I think Ryan and I will be playing a little whiffle ball and going on a run lated today. Man, this weekend rocks. Oh, and just to show you how good this salad is, and since no post is truly complete without a picture:

Italia

2011-05-19T15:33:00.003-06:00

We're back from our one week vacation to Italy! We had a blast and were very fortunate to have so many things go well for us. This is just a teaser post, unfortunately. More will come with lots of pictures. It's good to be home, but there's a part of us that wants to go back and enjoy that Italian sunshine and the beautiful view from Piazzale Michelangelo...

Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Mel's Kitchen Cafe-style)

2011-05-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I've already blogged about sweet and sour meatballs before, but as I was looking for a recipe to use up our ground beef, I came across Melanie's sweet and sour meatballs and decided to give them a go. We really liked them and they were pretty quick to put together and bake too! Melanie said that they were a go-to favorite meal that her husband requests, so I knew I just had to make these babies.

photo via Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Another hats off to Mel (NOTE: Maybe I should be in a fan club of hers, really, I may need some therapy or something. Sometimes I go to her website and look at the pictures of the meals and desserts on her sidebar and I want to make them all, seriously, she's my go-to blog. If you haven't gone over to her blog yet, go. I guarantee you can bookmark 5 recipes (for example, I want to make: this, this, this, this, and these) in a matter of minutes.)

No really, you have to go now.

Asian Chicken Wraps

2011-05-04T10:24:00.001-06:00

Another hats of for Mel and her delicious recipes. Ryan actually made these babies and they were scrumdillyumptious. Furreal. So make these soon, or have your man make them, he'll be so proud of himself.

Want proof? I was licking my plate, literally, since these babies were messy and delicious and wonderful. Ryan totally didn't approve. I don't lick my plate in public, so licking it at home is ok, right?

Our kids will have some great manners thanks to me, haha.

You can find the terrific recipe here.
update: I posted the link, sorry about that!

Here's a picture just to start your saliva juices flowin. :)

Ryan's a graduate!

2011-04-29T10:00:00.002-06:00

Ok, so really, there should be a bajillion posts on last weekend. Ryan's parents came into town and I think we all took a combined thousand pictures. Or something like that. There were some long speeches involved, but it was all for a good cause: Ryan's a graduate! For real! ((Also, grades came back and he totally got straight A's his last semester--including his capstone class where I paper he wrote was worth 50% of his grade! I married a smarty-pants, that's for dang suuure.))

Without further ado, a few of Ry's dad's stalker-pictures (In a good way, of course, Ken. And I didn't delete any of them, I promise!) of Ryan. He's such a stud! Don't worry, there are more. But that would require a whole 'nother blog post. Also, I took some professional pictures of him as well so I'm excited to edit them and put them on this blog and my photography blog. Oh, and maybe soon Ry will post about his summer adventures. Geez, that kid's lucky, with no work or school for two whole weeks, then a trip to Rome!

**Also, do you guys read my photography blog? I've been reading loads up on photography blogs and branding and even though I'm completely overwhelmed, I'd love a little love from y'all on how you like it, and what I can do better. Please and thank you!**

STUD.

Also, this is the current background of my computer. I think we're super cute.

The parents!! We're so happy that they could come up, spend time with us, and stuff themselves silly at Tucanos.

Oh, us again? How silly of me. But isn't Ryan just a cutie? Not biased at all.

Orange Chicken with Broccoli

2011-04-23T14:32:00.000-06:00

Remember how I've made a bajillion recipes from Mel's Kitchen Cafe? Seriously, I love that food blog. Bur for any non-believers out there, here's another recipe I recently made for Sunday dinner with two other couples. They all loved it, so I'm thinkin success. I really loved it too. It wasn't super heavy, and I made a salad, some glazed carrots, and a heaping amount of rice to finish the meal off right. I doubled the meal and added some sliced onions that I sauteed with the broccoli, and I used a mix of fresh broccoli and frozen (that I warmed (read: nuked) in the microwave for a few minutes to thaw them).

Orange Chicken with Broccoli
from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Cheese! ...and rambling on and on... and summer plans too...

2011-04-21T09:33:00.000-06:00

We've been a bit busy lately, with Ryan finishing up school (and graduating this weekend!) and me working and interning long hours, along with doing photoshoots of my own (Mal, I'm so excited for you. I seriously love so many of your pictures, it's hard to pick my favorites!), but don't worry, we'll be back next weekend with PLENTY of pictures to share. Ryan's parents are in town and we hope to do some fun things with them in Ptown while they're here, and I've got more shoots scheduled in the next month, and we've got a trip to ROME to plan and then we're off to Italy for a week...be still my heart. I can't help but ramble on a and on right now, there's so much going on and I love it so much.

A few of my goals for this summer: take more pictures, learn more italian, sew a few skirts for me, and make things for our home, print more pictures, design and print our wedding album, read 5 books... any other suggestions on what I should do? It'll be our last summer in Utah, so we also plan on doing some cool stuff here, but we're not exactly sure yet.

Oh yeah, and the original reason for this post: cheese. I seem to be on a kick these days. Seriously, I love cheese so much. Good thing Joanna Goddard loves cheese too. Check out this cheese-y post if you haven't already. I'm already planning a party with a cheese plate. Oh! I should add that to my summer list...

Making a Difference

2011-04-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

Hard to believe that my undergraduate studies are almost over with! This Tuesday I sat through my last day of classes. I was impressed by the last lecture given by Ilona Klein. She is one of the Italian professors and she has proven to be one of my favorites. She is a very engaging teacher who demands a lot from her students, yet her grading style is remarkably fair.

This semester I took her Honors 303 class, Voices and Legacy of the Shoah. The class is devoted to studying what took place in Nazi Germany and "giving a voice" to those who were persecuted under Hilter's regime. We read many wonderful biographies by Elie Wiesel, Primo Levi, Gerda Weissman Klein, and several others. I recommend all of them if you ever have the chance. Their courage not only to survive through the Shoah but to be a witness of it inspires me.

In fact, Professor Klein teaches the course to motivate students to evade feelings of indifference. She encourages us to find an issue we are passionate about and to act on it, whatever it may be. Even if contributions are small individually, they add up to a much larger and impressive whole.

As I reflect upon her message, I find that I have done little in the last few years to give a voice to the voiceless. I have not volunteered my time nearly enough nor have I joined admirable causes that are in desperate need for help. I need to identify what it is I care about and then act on it.

So, what are you doing to better your community?

Cheese Please.

2011-04-15T12:04:00.001-06:00

Um, yes. For 12 months you can get three cheeses a month for only $775. ONLY. Ha, ok, so maybe that's not really in our budget right now, but the next time we go to NYC we're going to Murray's. And when I'm feeling wealthy (read: a cheese fund is now being put in place. donations for birthdays and christmas are currently being accepted) I'm all over the cheese of the month club, if only for 4 months.