My musical past

I consider myself a musical person. I love to sing, I like tinkering on the piano (my mom taught all of us kids the piano for years), and I have played a couple woodwinds in the past. I played the flute for about three years in jr. high, and when I didn't make it to the symphonic band and didn't want to stay in the concert band for another year, (I like to blame it on my nerves during tests. I always did terribly in high pressure tests. Don't even ask me my 1st and 2nd ACT scores.) my teacher said that if I learned the bass clarinet over the summer, he could use me in the higher band. I liked the idea of learning another instrument so I took him up on it. It was almost as tall as me, and I had to deal with those gross reeds, but I really gained an appreciation for the bass line of music-which is totally different from playing the flute.All through that year, I continued with the flute in private lessons. Melody also played. We even had matching flute cases. We LOVED playing duets. I know there are numerous pictures of us with our instruments, but of course they are in Utah. I need to get my hands on those. Anyway, when we got into high school we became interested in other extracurricular activities and quit our private lessons and the school band, all the while playing for various church things to keep up with it. I am sad to say that my flute hasn't hardly been looked at for about 5 years. I do remember playing in sacrament meeting a little before I moved to Maryland, so it doesn't seem that long ago if you think about it that way. I've often thought about that talent I had and today for some reason (probably the fact that since my babysitting was canceled due to sick kids, I watched Netflix online movies all day and was getting a little bored) I decided to take the brave step to take my beautiful instrument out of it's case. I think I've been postponing this reunion since I wasn't sure how much I would remember. I would be so ashamed if all those years of learning was for nothing. I put it together like I did so many times before, I blew in it a little to warm it up and tried a scale. To my surprise, it didn't sound too bad. It really took me back. My mouth muscles were very tired, and the high notes are very sharp. (Those used to be my strong point back in the day. That's what I get for not continuing to learn. I'm an amature again.) I recored a primary song on the keyboard we have and played the melody with the flute while I let the song relay. This is what I used to do to practice at for lessons and I really enjoyed myself. I think the next time I'm in Utah, I'm going to dig up my old beginner books and brush up. A skill like this should never go to waste.As for the bass clarinet, I enjoyed the year I had with it. I think I was even first chair at some point. There were five of us, so that isn't saying much. I gave it back to the school when the year was over, as it was school property, but I 'll never forget carrying that thing to and from school everyday. It was quite a work out.

Seemed fun

I found this on a couple people's blogs, and although I was not tagged, I felt like being nostalgic. It's time I got this on record anyway. I actually had to reach into my journal for a lot of this. I'll quote some of it for proof.

1. Where did you meet your husband?
In the University Park Singles Ward in College Park, MD. I had just been terribly dumped by my boyfriend and KC and his roommate Joe walked into sacrament meeting. (It was actually the week before this, but it took me a week to record it in my journal) September 2 2004, "I met a couple of guys at Church...they were very nice...and they got my number and everything." I remember watching KC as he walked from the door all the way to his seat. I was a little annoyed when I saw another girl talking to him and I didn't know why. I was also bugged when Joe seemed a little more interested. He was more behind getting my number than KC was. This is KC, Joe, and me only a few months into our friendship. KC was getting a little cuddly, don't you think?
2. What was the first thing you said to your husband?
"So you went to BYU," or something like that. He was holding the door open, so I had to say something. We some how got around to our ages, and when he said he was 27 and I was 19, I thought that was it. No more getting to know KC. He was just too old. But mostly, I thought he thought I was too young, which he did at the time.

3. Where was your first date?
We hung out a lot, but not usually on official dates. Our first alone together was my work party at the Park Hyatt Washington DC. It was supposed to be the previous boyfriend to come with me, but when he didn't call to confirm (surprise, surprise) I asked KC. It was actually two parties in a row. First, my bosses Christmas party at his house, and then, we went to the Hotel. My co-workers kept giving me the eye, meaning they liked KC. I was still stuck on the loser boyfriend at the beginning of the night, but when I was dropping KC off after a fun evening together, I was sad to see him go. December 19, 2004, " He was the perfect gentlemen- very talkative and so sweet. I just loved all the time we had together." He really showed me how a girl should be treated. He didn't even let me walk on the street side of the sidewalk. I was quite smitten, although it took many months to start really dating. This is at that very party.
4. Where was your first kiss?
In his car in Cami's parking lot ( I lived there at the time). In my journal I wrote, "He actually kissed me... I can't stop thinking about [it]...the next day he told me it was hard to focus at work." It was funny because I had harshly rejected him a week earlier. I told my mom and sisters I would never, never, NEVER like him. I really thought I was telling the truth. A few days later after a date with him that I was not looking forward to at all, it just hit me that I would not want to be without him. When I decided that I was ready for a relationship with him, he gave this whole spiel on how we should be smart and take things slow. Them he promptly leaned in and kissed me (disregarding his own advice). He also texted me about 5 times after he left the night we kissed." Wow", "Really, Wow", "Really Emily, you are freakin' rad". There were a couple more, but I don't want to embarrass him too badly.

5. Did you have a long or short engagement/courtship?
I would've had it happen faster, but KC is a think-through-er. He likes to take his time. We were friends for about 7 months, dated for about 9 months, and were engaged for 2 months. In Mormon standards, this is a long time, but to my friends here in the east, we were crazy for moving so quickly.


6. Where did you get engaged?
In the foothills behind his house in Provo on Christmas morning 2005. He had the ring for about a month before he gave it to me and promised that we would be engaged before we went to Utah. I was pretty mad during that month, especially when we got off the plane and there was still no ring on my finger. but I really learned to trust that he knew what he was doing. I guess he had many years to decide how he was going to propose so he wanted there to be a little bit of surprise left. He played the guitar and sang "The Luckiest." (Skip about 2 1/2 minutes ahead on the link to hear the song.) Journal entry-" I can't believe I get to be with him forever... I couldn't choose better...I love him with everything in me." A little corny, but very true. I am the luckiest, for sure.
7. Where did you get married?
Mount Timpanogos Temple, March 4 2006. That's night, we are coming up on two years, and I can hardly believe it.

Man, that took me back! I found myself reading old emails, and so caught up in my journal entries from when we met. He has really brought me to a happy place in my life and I am so glad to be here with him now. He's a wonderful man.

I guess I should've left this for our anniversary, but whatev. I can love him year-round, right?

I tag Melody, Mom, Amber, and Cami (Lili, I have a feeling you'll have a lot to say on this topic soon, so don't feel left out.) Or anyone else that wants to. That's what I did.

Whoa!

I was just watching Sesame Street with the kids I babysit and I noticed something. I haven't really seen this show for many years, just snippets here and there and I noticed two of the muppet characters (I can't remember which ones) were playing some game with Gabi-Maria and Luis's daughter. One episode that really sticks out when I was younger was the one where she was "born". And now she is an adult and part of the cast. That is crazy to me. I know it's not the same girl they used as a baby, but it just means that much time has actually passed. I'm feeling so grown up all of the sudden.

It's a very creative show. They just used break dancing to teach the letter O. And sketch called Desperate Houseplants. They really keep up with the times.

One year older and wiser too.

Well KC has become the ripe old age of 31. It's funny to think that he is into his 3os now. When I ask him how it feels, he just keep aprehensively repeating "It's crazy."Anyone you ask would think he is 25. He may look that way, but he has the wisdom of a man beyond 31 years. He teaches me so many things everyday from Rubik's cube tricks, to technical computer advice, to spiritual eternal principals. I often remember how lucky I am to have found him. He's the most humble, honest, patient, and sincere man I know. I can't wait to celebrate many more birthdays with him.
Happy Birthday Honey. I love you!

This may gross you out

I was merrily wiping a shelf in my fridge when I hit my thumb on the other shelf and this happened.Yes, that is my fingernail split pretty far down. And I had just trimmed my nails to avoid such a catastrophe. What am I supposed to do with that? I don't want to clip it all the way. It actually doesn't hurt so bad but it's pretty annoying to have this on my right thumb. It's amazing how such a small things can alter the day. You never realize all you do with your right hand until it is damaged. I'll have to up my vitamins so that is grows really fast.

Carrollton Ward Chili and Pie Competition

Mandarin Macaroon Pie:

Rotisserie Chicken and Basil Chili:

No prize.

Unexpectedly alone

When KC went back to work on Monday, they sprung an opportunity on him to do a presentation at a conference in Atlanta on Thursday. It's always good to get your face and name out there at conferences for future job prospects (it's always the same people at these conferences, so making friends is important), but here I am for a night with0ut him. This normally wouldn't be so bad, but last week I was with him 24 hours a day so that's what I'm used to. He'll be here again by dinner time tomorrow, so I'll just try to keep myself busy and get a lot done until then.

"I Love it when we're Cruisin' Together"

Note: If you have already seen Cami's blog, you may think this is identical with the layout being the same and all, but it's not and I had this idea all along, so there.

It feels like we just left for the cruise, and at the same time feels like we've been gone for weeks. I guess that's what happens when you spend every waking (and when you are supposed to be sleeping) moment doing something eventful. It was a truly luxurious vacation and we were so happy to have been able to spend it with the Turpins. There was so much to do on this trip so I took notes each day and will list them here with the pictures for that day. I didn't write in the journal at all about this so this is my record. Sorry if it's boring for you. But it might give you some ideas for future vacations. It is perfect for kids and Disney Lovers, but if you are not a fan or Disney and you don't kids there are things that you can do where you would've even know it was a Disney Cruise, but just a nice relaxing vacation. I'll never cruise with anyone else again. Read on if you need convincing.

DAY 1:

• Had a pretty good flight and got our bags quicker than ever before.
  
• We were greeted at almost every door throughout the entire cruise by a crew member handing out hand wipes to clean our hands. I LOVED this being the slight germaphobe that I am. They are all over the boat.
  
• We started with an enormous and beautiful buffet.
  
• We toured the ship, went to the safety talk, and then did some swimming.
• We had the late dinner so we justified a "snack" of pizza, fries, wraps, and fruit, collectively.
• We left the kids in the free kiddie place where they were always sad to leave when we came to get them.
  
• Dinner was in Triton's this night. Throughout dinner the colors change to look like your under the sea. I wasn't afraid to order two entrees for dinner every night. It was duckling and sirloin steak this night. Each meal was four courses. The appetizers were things like goat cheese and zucchini quiche. We ate very well.
  
• We saw an amazing Hercules show. I was seriously awed at the talent and energy they put into these shows.
  
• KC and I managed to stay up for a 10:45 pm showing of Dan in Real Life. I've really been wanting to see this show and was delighted to see that they were showing it in the Buena Vista Theater. I had to drink some Diet Coke for that night.
  

DAY 2:

• Cami and I worked out at 7:00 both the mornings. We started in the fitness center for 3o minutes to watch the sun rise, then we went to the luxurious spa to shower and let our feet get massaged on a chaise lounge in the bath robes provided. Probably my highlight on the boat.
  
• We ate a huge buffet breakfast and then left the ship to visit Nassau in the Bahamas. We did light shopping and took a taxi to a beautiful private beach that would've cost $15/person if the lady made us pay.
  
• I didn't need chapstick or lotion from the humidity in the air. I'm usually addicted to these things.
  
• We dropped off the kids again and watched National Treasure two, where Jake made a run to get everyone ice cream and chocolate chip cookies from the deck.
• We were waiting to the Golden Mickey show to start when we spotted Jeffy and Jake on the big screen being interviews on the "red carpet" before the show. He was so cute.
  
• When we were getting ready for dinner, my pants were significantly tighter.
• We played a little Wheel or Fortune in the lounge. Jake is really good at that game.
  
• We ate another huge dinner in Animators Palate. All over the walls the pictures start as black and white and eventually become colorful.
• We didn't party too much at the huge pirate party on the deck, but they have an AMAZING buffet that I took a million pictures of and was first in line to try the desserts. I was already stuffed, but managed to try a few things.
  

DAY 3:

• We did our work out again. I just loved it.
  
• My breakfast was a buckwheat crepe with eggs, tofu, and spinach inside. Cool, eh? I also had a mango yogurt and granola parfait. I want it right now.
  
• We disembarked and headed for Castaway Cay, the Cruise's private island. It was like you were still on the boat with all the amenities like free food, and free shuttles. We could even drop off the kids at the beach so we could spend some time alone at Serenity Bay, the adults only beach. We floated around pretty much all by ourselves. It was paradise.
  
• We ate a pretty amazing barbecue lunch, and picked up the kids to go to the family beach.
• KC took initiative and rented some snorkel gear. I'm usually a little frightened of this, but I bucked up, and loved it!
• We just chilled on the hammock and had a wonderful time on the beach.
• We got back on the ship, walked the decks at sunset, checked out the teen loft which was awesome, and then got ready for dinner.
• Dinner was at Palo, a reservation and adult only restaurant. We reserved right when we booked the cruise. It was so so so delicious and we again ate a lot of amazing food. It was true luxury.
• We saw our finale show, Disney Dreams. I loved singing along to all the songs. We are putting all the shows on our Netflix right aways. I'm so in the mood to see them all.
  
• We were so tired every night. KC and Jake went to see a football game in one of the lounges, and I fell quickly to sleep.
  

DAY 4:

• We woke up, packed, and headed for our finale breakfast. It was sad to go but were glad to be able to go home where we weren't forced to eat constantly and be entertained from sun up to way past sun down. Okay, okay, we would've loved to stay, but it's good to leave wanting more, right. The kids were pretty tired by this point, making everyone a little relieved it was time to go.
• We had a different flight than the Turpins, so we said our goodbyes, and after a couple hours of waiting to board the flight, and an hour waiting to actually take off (luckily I slept through this) we made it home safe and sound. (Don't worry, this slide show it much shorter.)
  

This vacation would not have been possible with out Cami and Jake and we couldn't be more grateful that they took us with them. We are the luckiest aunt and uncle in the world!

Now if I can just get used to not eating 5 HUGE ready-made meals a day. I guess I have to go grocery shopping sometime as soon as my food shivers have subsided.

I'm swaying a little

That's what KC has said often since we got off the ship. Yes we are home and had a fantastic, luxurious time. The actual post will take me some time to write and contain a lot (and I mean a lot) of pictures. We had three cameras going around-our small one, our big one, and Cami's. I have yet to organize them, so I just wanted to say that we are back and stay tuned. But I am warning you, you might want to start saving up for a Disney Cruise very soon after you see the pictures. It doesn't get much better that this.

Play Time

While babysitting today I thought we really needed something productive that didn't involve eating. We usually bake, but I have a cruise figure to keep. So thanks to Corrine for posting this play dough recipe, we had a great time making and playing with it. We did leave out the Kool-aid though. I remember my mom making this with us kids all the time. I think we even gave it as birthday gifts to friends. I loved that it was something that we could just make whenever we wanted and we didn't have to go to the store to get it. He was very creative making rocket ships. train tracks and anything else a 5 year old mind usually thinks of. Can you tell this picture of me is from his point of view. He loves taking pictures.

We also spent a while out of doors since it is seriously over 70 degrees outside. It is really gorgeous, but I'm the type that the likes the weather to stay true to the seasons. I like the winter to come hard if it means it will leave sooner. But since I have no choice on the matter, I'll just pull out my flip flops and enjoy it.

Date Night

Well we don't have regular date nights like the title might suggest, but we had a great time on a date tonight. We went ice skating at the National Gallery of Art in the Sculpture Garden. It was the most beautiful night and we hardly needed our jackets. When we got off the Metro it was so quiet and peaceful on the National Mall with a practically warm breeze blowing . Only a few runners passed us but we were pretty much on our own to enjoy the beautiful scenery that was 360 degrees around us. The Washington Monument and the Capital stood out so amazingly all lit up against the night sky. We arrived at the charming skating rink and were happy to see that there were people even more timid than us. Neither of us have skated in years. It almost felt like we were on a cheesy chick flick as we passed the National Archives while we skated. We had so much fun together and had a great time reading old text messages on the metro ride home.



We just took our little half broken camera, otherwise we might have gotten better pictures of the buildings and monuments.

I never thought I would say this...

...but there is one video game type thing I approve of. I have always said that I hate all of them and would never allow them in my house. I have said they are a waste of time, space, and money. While most of that is still true in my opinion, I have really enjoyed playing Wii. I don't think I would've ever tried it if some friends of our's hadn't forced the controllers into my hands assuring me that I would love it. Sure enough, within minutes I was hooked and working up a sweat. And I was sore the next day. In fact, every time I play it, I feel sore in places I haven't been before.

So, turns out I am pretty good at Wii bowling. And I am giving full credit to my score or 224 to this signature stance.
I was playing a game with Jefferson and Cami on the weekend and he was desperately trying to get a better score. He is an observant little boy and kept making poses and asking "do you do this, or this?" It was so funny and I wish I took his picture. But it was pretty accurate to mine. He'll beat me in no time. I'm sure. I am also a fan of doubles tennis, and boxing. Although boxing is pretty intense and tires me out pretty fast. I guess not ALL of the video games are complete wastes of time. Doesn't mean I'll give in to having them in my house. We'll just keep mooching off the Turpins.

Cruise prep

Well Cami and I just returned from a luxurious and relaxing pedicure. I always wonder if it's worth it to go and pay the money to have it done when I could very easily do it in the comfort of my own home and not have to walk around in the winter with flip flops while they dry. But as soon as I sat in that massage chair and my feet and calves were getting a rub down, all doubts went away. We were seriously enjoying ourselves and had a great conversation with the cute Vietnamese ladies doing all the work. I always wonder what they are saying to each other. One main topic that kept coming up was that they all thought I was 17 years old. One girl even guessed I was 15! Sheesh. When I told them I'd been married almost two years that thought that was crazy. I actually get this a lot. I don't mind. I should want to look young I guess.

Well the cruise is sooner than I keep thinking it is. We are sooooooo crazy excited and can't wait to spend a few sunny days with the Turpins. And to fill ourselves with so much food we can't stand it.

A quiet ring in

This year was a very mellow New Years celebration for us. We don't usually party all night, but we at least find some way to be festive. We had a couple parties to hit, and then KC unexpectedly became ill and spent Sunday night throwing up, poor guy. He weakly went to work on Monday, but did not feel like going out for the night. I was actually a little relieved at this since staying up until midnight is not a strong point of mine. So after chicken pot pie and several episodes of Twilight Zone, we turned in Early. He was feeling a little better in the morning so I decided to copy Melody and make crepes for breakfast (see Emily's Experiments) We tried to find a skating rink that was open and decided that we'd try to go on the weekend due to KC's continues weakness and closed rinks. We did manage to go see I Am Ledgend, which was very cool, a little weird, and a lot to think about. We called up the Millers and they were up for games and pizza so we spent a couple hours with them and their very cute and very chubby little one. I made a cake out of the rest of the crepes and we all had a great time eating and playing Hoopla. Happy New Year all! Whether it was quiet or involved lots of noisemakers.