I finally have something to say!

I usually have something to say, but I just don't take the time to blog. Well, tonight is different. Carter is asleep and Chris is taking a test so I will take this time to write to my countless, adoring fans.

So, since the next time you hear from me may be in a year from now, I'll try and say everything I've been thinking lately.

Positive Influences: Since I can't say this enough, thank you to everyone who has been or is a part of my life. So many people have made an impact on me, and most don't even know it, but I have been thinking about that a lot lately and just wanted everyone to know that even if you don't know someone, or aren't that great of friends, the things you do and say, can still have a powerful impact on them Chances are, if you are reading this, you have had a positive influence on me.





Halloween: I love Halloween. It has always been my favorite holiday. I would try to come up with some exciting, new, inventive costume each year. One that I could be as creative as I wanted. Of course that changed once I hit Jr. High and High School, and the last thing anyone wants is to be creative! That's what get's you teased.

(This is my friend and me dressing up just for the fun of it. I couldn't find any of my Halloween pictures.)

Well, even though I have still enjoyed Halloween every year, this is the first year in a long time that I've really felt the creative excitement that used to be like a drug to me. I really missed that feeling. I can't wait to have the ability (money) to really decorate for Halloween and make it a big deal. Actually, I guess I can't wait to be able to do that for Christmas too.

I guess I could tell you what it was that made me so excited about Halloween again. We had a Halloween party we went to the other night, and I realized the night before that we needed costumes. They needed to be affordable and pretty easy. I had seen cute costumes where people used wires to make it look like they were in a wind storm and thought that would be affordable, easy, and Chris wouldn't have to dress up as something too weird or embarrassing. But what would Carter be? Well, he is always the force that makes everything a little crazier and more exciting for us, so we thought it would be appropriate to make him...

...our little tornado. Let's just say, I was so giddy while planning and making these costumes. Even if we hadn't had a party to go to, that was a very fulfilling night.

(This picture was taken at the end of the night, I'm amazed anything held up!) After a lot of different attempts to make his costume work (it might be more effective to try this with an older child), I just ended up pining the little animals and trees, planes and cars onto his gray clothes. Surprisingly most of the toys stayed on Carter's clothes. (I loved his hair. I couldn't look at him without laughing.)




Fall: Isn't fall a wonderful time of year? It is my favorite season, no matter where I live. There is a different energy in the crisp air. It's still sunny and warm (this is said more loosely depending on where you live), but you can finally where cute boots, pants and sweaters. :) It's a great time to play a little touch football. And of course, Halloween is in the fall!

VOTE: Elections are coming up. I strongly urge everyone to register, research, study (because nothing is clear cut when it comes to politics. You have to pay close attention to every little word), pray and vote. I think everyone should vote, but it does bother me when little or no research has been done first. That's pretty scary. I thought these cartoons were appropriate for this year's presidential candidates and for the crazy sign stealing that is happening in California over Proposition 8.


Donate blood!: I have tried donating blood many times, but have always been getting over the flu or something. This year, I donated blood. It was great, and I finished pumping about a minute faster than Chris (it took me about 3 min & 40 sec.) So I felt pretty cool. Plus, when I had Carter I found out I am blood type O negative, which is such a weird type. I always thought I was A positive or something, and figured tough luck for anyone that had a negative blood type, especially O. So, I am really in for it if I need a blood transfusion. (If there is anyone out there that is O-, give me your # in case of emergency!) Here are some pretty interesting charts about different blood types.


I love my family!: I have always wished for a close knit family, but have never felt like I've really had one. We have always lived far away from family, and are still somewhat spread out from family. We have some family that lives in Utah, yet it is difficult for us to get together often. It would be wonderful if everyone could live in close proximity to family. We have been blessed to be with certain people in our families for a reason. I would hope that more families can notice the special connection and make the most of it. Time goes by too quickly. So family, I love you all very much!

I tried really hard to find a current family picture with our extended family, or even one with our immediate family. No such luck, but I did find this random funny old picture of my brothers and me. Very nice!







Okay, so I just realized I am writing a book now, and no one will want to read this, so I'll add lots of pictures, plan on writing again soon, and stop writing this blog right now.


P.S. Thank you Chris for helping me post this blog!