March 28

Chris sold a house! YAY! He is so excited and so am I. He also might have another bid that could be accepted this week. It has been a tough couple of weeks. He has put in several bids that didn't get accepted, but he got on. All his hard work this week has paid off. And it is such a blessing.

March 27

We went to Chris's Grandpa's birthday party today. We spent a lot of the time looking at pictures of Chris's family which I need to scan when I get a working scanner.

But, notice the coat rack Chris is holding. Those are real deer hoofs. Gross and creepy. I showed my mom the picture and she said cool. Um, no.

As we were leaving, we got to ride the horses. I haven't ridden one since I was like 15 and Chris around the same time. It is fun. I was scared that I was going to get bucked off. The horse I rode actually bucked off Chris's uncle after I rode him. But that was because he was being mean to it. I would never do that.

March 26

I pulled out my violin this week. I haven't played it since University Orchestra 3 years ago. How horrible is that? But I have some free time so I figured I can practice. I am so surprised at how much I remembered. I still have the tape on the violin to tell me where to put my fingers for the notes. But I don't really have to look at them but I have to have them for security.

Also, there are my bangs. They are fine when I have a ponytail, but they seem choppy next to the rest of my hair.

March 25

I cut and dyed my hair. I have bangs now which Chris and I might have tried to fix a bit. (Charleah, they aren't as bad as yours.) There wasn't really anything wrong with them before, but they were very thin and hardly there. So, my bangs are pulled back here. And don't worry if you didn't notice my hair dye. That's the point, right? Although I can totally tell.

Also, remember when I said I never plan haircuts? Well, that is what happened. I woke up Thursday morning sick of my hair and I needed to cut it pronto. So three hours later I went to my appointment.

Also, I like my new hairdresser (even if we tried to fix the bangs). She confirmed what the last person who did my hair told me. It has been thinned out too much. Unfortunately, some hair dresser once told me that my hair was so thick it needed to be thinned often years ago and this is the first time someone told me why it wasn't good. Because I have naturally curly/wavy hair, too much thinning makes it impossible for my natural curls to be the curliest they can be.

Yea for haircuts!

March 24

My craft of the week. A rosette headband. This is an actual craft that I can use and wear frequently. They are also fun to make. Yesterday I made a gold and purple one.

March 23

This is a sight I have seen several times this week. Kali just wants to be outside so bad. However, I have things to do inside. So instead of watching her freak out, I opened a window to tease her. And she would just sit there looking outside longingly.

She got to go outside later in the afternoon for my runs. Kali ran at least 6 miles this week. As soon as she knows I am going outside, she starts freaking out. Running in between the back door and the front door trying to decide which one I was going out.

March 22

My obsession right now is fabric remnants. It's when there is only less than yard left on a bolt and they take it off, roll it up and offer it for cheaper than the normal amount. One was 33 cents. You can't do much with this, but since I only buy fabric in 1/2 yard increments anyway, it is perfect for my projects.  In the last week I have hit Joann's, Hobby Lobby and Walmart. And I am so excited to use it.

Also, see that fabric with the blue flowers. I think I could make skirt out of it and would only cost me $2.40.

March 21

I didn't realize this was such a horrible picture. I'll have to take a better one later.

Today I played for choir for the first time ever. I love playing the piano and I love playing it for primary. And I can even play it all by myself just fine. But I have never wanted to play for a choir. All the choir pianists I have know have been amazing. They can play anything that is put in front of them. It is a bit intimidating.

But in our ward, there are few piano players. Right now the pianist is the bishop, who is also a bass. The bass section has like 1 person in it. I am an alto and there are like 9 altos. So it seems logical that I play piano so the bishop can sing.

And I committed to playing one song. I have practiced for weeks and I finally felt ready enough to play Sunday. I only messed up a few times, but I don't think it was noticeable. We are singing the song the week after Easter, so that gives me a bit more time to practice.

March 20

I built these. Dad helped a bit, but it was mostly me.

Just kidding. It was the other way around. I mostly used the nail gun to nail things in place. (Really.) And then watched Dad cut the wood. Either way, I can one day tell my children that I helped build these stairs.

And for those not here who want to know where these are. They are at the very top of the existing stairs where the bookcase used to be. Right below where Dad's leg went through the ceiling.

March 19

This is me planting the garden. To all those haters who didn't think it would last, look at me now. We planted pumpkin, cantaloupe, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, jalapenos, cucumbers, carrots, something else and corn. With more to come.

Dad said that the corn wouldn't grow, but I couldn't not plant it. Our backyard has some trees and corn needs full sunlight. But I put it in the sunniest place in the yard and I'll try my best to make it grow.

March 18

I know I took a picture today, but I can't remember what it was and I must have deleted it. So now you get an old one.

This picture was taken at a stake dance right before we left for college.

Chris don't hate me. You already ripped up on picture of yourself this year, so you can't get his one. But I don't think it is a bad picture. Yes your hairstyle is different, but you are still Chris.

Here are some reasons why I love us.

1. We are and have been best friends for 9 years (minus those 7 months.)
2. We have similar interests so we usually don't have to drag each other to things. (Except golf and craft stores)
3. We both love TV and can watch an entire seasons in a weekend.
4. We can both support each other in what the other wants to do.
5. We don't usually argue. (There are some who don't understand how we work and think we are arguing, but it is all in good fun.)
6. We can push each other's buttons and still be good.
7. We both consult each other on purchases and big decisions.
8. We can talk about things. And we can sit without talking and it be good.
9. We are good at making compromises. He will always mow the lawn and take out the trash and I will always do the laundry.
10. We are just awesome. You can't really argue with that.

March 17

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, how about some yellow pine pollen? It's that time of year in Houston where everything outside is covered in this stuff. And it can make some people sick, like me. I've been outside so much gardening that I have breathed in so much of this stuff. But it will only be around for a little bit more.

March 16

Chris is famous! His name is up on a sign in lights! Minus the lights. The house that this sign is in front of is a great house, so if you know someone who is looking in Northwest Houston... It's a really good price for a really nice house.

March 15

I chopped a chunk out of my thumb off today cutting an onion. I know that I can't crack an egg, but I can usually chop vegetables without chopping myself.

Don't worry, the food was okay. No blood got on it.

March 14

Yes it's what you think. Unless you aren't thinking that Chris is vacuuming Kali, then it is not what you think.

It is getting hot here and Kali is shedding all over the place. We came home from church today, Kali looked guilty and we noticed that there was dog hair all over our bed. So, Chris vacuumed Kali to get all the loose hair off her. She did not like it at all. You would think she would since it's like she is getting a massage.

March 13

This is the grossest picture of me ever. I swear I do not have a double chin (see March 9) but I had my head pulled back.

Here's the story. Chris came home last Saturday and declared that he wanted to run a 5k every Saturday (not necessarily a race, just the distance). He said that it would force him to train during the week for it.

At first I didn't want to commit to it. But I decided to hold him to it. So I woke Chris up Saturday morning and 1 1/2 later he was out of bed and we were running. I mapped out a course for us on Map My Run.

We had to run through a trail a bit to get into another neighborhood and I wasn't sure where it started so we actually ended up running 3.62 miles (instead of 3.1). This is the furthest distance I have ever run at once. If I calculate my time for 3.1 miles based on my speed, I shaved about 1:30 minutes off my race time from last July. I am pretty excited about that.

Second Run: This Saturday. I want to shave 2 minutes off this time.

March 12

Chris and I love games. And there are some young couples in our ward and on Friday we went over to their house for dinner and games. We played Settlers. I think it is the fastest game we have ever played of that. Either that or I was kind of not paying attention so when Chris said Justin had 8 points I was so surprised. But it was still fun.

March 11

It's garden time. I have wanted to have a garden for a long time now. And now we (my parents) have a yard big enough to do that. They already have boxes set up and space designated for a garden. But it had tons of weeds in it. Also, I think there were plants left over from last year so there were things before I had never seen.

Here is my before and after picture. I have three boxes left to clear out and then on Monday we will start planting.

March 10

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I have missed it the last five years living in Utah; there was no way we were going to miss it this year.

This was my first time going to the actual livestock show. My favorite part of that was the pregnant animals and new born babies. The top right picture is of piglets who were just born the same day. Aren't they adorable?

Then we went the rodeo. My favorite part is the calf scramble. Twenty kids from 4-H and FFA line up to catch 10 calves. It is the funniest thing.

Our performers for the night were Rascal Flatts. It was my first Rascal Flatts concert. Well, let's be honest. I haven't been to many concerts. I count them on one hand. (Reba, Clay Walker, Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, and Jonas Brothers).

March 9

This post is dedicated to me:

1. My favorite non-food smell in the world is scotch tape.
2. I like tearing along the perforated edges.
3. I am already getting gray hair. It is my mom's fault and I will have to dye my hair for the left of my life. 
4. I LOVE LOVE LOVE appetizers. 
5. I am mean when I am tired. I try not to be, but I guess I can't really help it.
6. I kind of seem like I am shy. My problem is I can't think of things to talk about to people I hardly know. You can't always ask if they've been on a cruise.
7. I don't break the rules. I cannot do it.
8. I usually hate showers. I just take them really fast.
9. Showers put me to sleep; so I usually shower at night.
10. I am not allergic to anything.
11. I freaking love TV.
12. I hate taking out the trash and mowing the lawn. So much so that Chris and I made a deal when we got married. He would always do those things, and I would do the laundry. 
13. I wish I was a better writer than I was.
14. Sometimes I completely fine talking in front of people. Other times I freak out and sound like I am going to cry. 
15. Parallel parking is fun.
16. I don't have a specific side that I like to sleep on. I try them all out.
17. I hate arguing and disagreeing. It makes me anxious. 
18. Calling people on the phone or answering the phone makes me anxious. 
19. When I was younger, I wished I had braces or glasses. Now I am glad I didn't have to have either. 
20. I haven't thrown up since homecoming 2003. Vomit free since 03!
21. I don't carry a purse. I did for about 8 months before. But really, what's the point? I have pockets for my cell phone and keys. And I'll carry my wallet.
22. I don't like taking medicine. I don't like the way it makes me feel.
23. I have always wanted long hair. But I get impatient with it and chop it off.
24. I don't plan my hair cuts. I wake up one day and decide that I hate my hair and have to get it cut now.
25. I make pro/con lists.
26. If I am tired enough I can sleep anywhere. I once slept on the tile in the first floor in the SWKT with my backpack as my pillow.
27. I cannot stand the show The Bachelor.
28. When I sleep I have to have a blanket on.
29. My life's goal is to be translated. 

March 8

Today I organized all my scrapbook stuff. Again. But Chris and I finally got our bed and I have taken over a corner in Adison's old room for everything. Doesn't it look so pretty? And everything is so close and orderly. I am not a neat person at all, except for my crafts. Everything has to be in place. When I scrapbook with Charleah, I almost have panic attacks because she messes it up ;).

March 7

I said I have had a craft week. I made these today. They are ipod cases. I really like them. I messed up a bit on the first one; I think the stitch is a bit too much or the thread is too dark so all the mistakes stand out. I forgot to write that for the owl pillow I made the pattern myself. If anyone know me, they know that I cannot draw. But I stand down determined to make it work. I also drew these patterns. It takes a lot of concentration, but I make it work.

March 6

Sometimes I wonder what I am going to take a picture of on a certain day. And then Dad goes through the ceiling. I was just seconds too late to catch his foot going through. According to him, he meant to do it. Which I guess is possible. No one is freaking out like someone in a normal house would because ours is under construction.

March 5

I had my first experience subbing this week. One Thursday I subbed for a math class where the classes just watched a movie. On Friday I subbed for a physics class that had to take a test.

Seriously, so many students tried to cheat. But I stopped it before they could. Mostly they tried to sneak their review sheets onto their desk or under their chair- but I just picked them up so they didn't have them. I am such a mean sub.

I am supposed to be at the school at 6:45- but I was afraid there would be traffic so I got up even earlier. I was so tired on Friday that I went to bed at 7pm.

Also, I didn't got to Magnolia West; I went to Magnolia. But the high school is laid out almost exactly like Magnolia. So it felt like I was in high school again- which I don't like.

After this experience, I am so glad that I have the option of teaching elementary by passing the test. Not that I wouldn't like teaching high school. If I had my own class and I would establish my own classroom rules and procedures. But elementary kids are so much cuter and don't really know how to give you much attitude yet.

March 4

Today was Megan's 19th birthday. Chris and I went with his family to The Olive Garden to celebrate. This is Megan and her boyfriend Austin. It was fun. I do love spending time with his family. It is great getting to know them better.

March 3

I had a very crafty week this week. I made this pillow for Chris's sister who birthday was this week and is obsessed with owls. I am very pleased with how it turned out. Thankfully my mom was nearby to help me with the sewing machine. I know how to sew, but I never do because I don't have the patience to figure out the machine. I always mess up the bottom bobbin. I think there will be lots more sewing projects soon.

March 2

It was primary election day here in Texas. Um, I don't really like politics like Chris does. I am so glad it is over. I don't like have every other commercial being about why I shouldn't vote for a candidate.

This was outside the library which was a polling place and had TONS of signs out in front. I didn't pick a good angle to get them all. They're just annoying.

March 1

I didn't take a picture today. But isn't this one of the best?

Charleah loves big books. Last Christmas Adison didn't know what to get her. We said, get her a big book. He didn't believe us, but look at her face. It definitely tells all.

February 28

This is my mini-desk. When we lived in the smallest apartment ever, I would use it as my make shift desk. And I still work on it now. I guess out of habit. Plus, it is good to cut on and stamp on and paint on and not actually get anything on the table I am working on.

February 27

My new recipe for the week. It was a Shrimp Pasta from The Pioneer Woman website. It need some more spice, but it was really good. You can't really go wrong with shrimp and pasta and sauce. Yum.

February 26

I decided to take pictures of some of my scrapbook pages and put them on flickr. So here are all the pictures I took today. They were my favorite layouts. And some didn't make the cut because they sucked. But I am really loving this hobby right now.

February 25

Dad is not really cooperative when it comes to pictures. But today is his birthday! Sammie and Charleah already wrote why they loved him. I decided to take a different route.

Things I've learned from Dad:

1. Have Family Home Evening every week.
2. Ask for help- even if he isn't the best example of that
3. Keep the Sabbath day holy
4. Babies don't need pacifiers
5. It's not napping. It's resting your eyes
6. Fast for 24 hours
7. To fear pain
8. If Dad doesn't like it, we don't have to eat it
9. McClellan's are honest people
10. Early? No. On time-ish
11. Sometimes, it is okay to fart in public. (Although I would never do that.)
12. How to have a farmer's tan without being a farmer
13. Remember what Christmas is really about
14. Don't watch inappropriate movies.
15. Always have a dog
16. Don't eat out too much
17. Drive Everywhere

Happy Birthday Dad! You don't look your age at all.

February 24

STEAK!!!!! I love it. And you can't eat steak without lots of mushrooms and onions or a baked potato. Last summer, I wanted steak almost every single day. Hence, Chris and I got pretty good at cooking it without a grill. You know your food is good when it is better than something you can buy at a restaurant. Outback has got nothing on my steak. Surprisingly, Chili's has a pretty good steak that I haven't beat yet.