The Watkins Family

Back to the grind of work and school

2012-01-27T00:49:00.000-05:00

HI!

Remember me......well be prepared to forget me.
I guess I chose for the all-natural beauty the day this was taken.

School has started and my office now looks like this.....

instead of the couch where I read or watched Hulu or played dance central.....which mind you I still do just only in responsible amounts of time.

I am ready to take this semester on! BRING IT!

School begins

2012-01-24T17:12:00.000-05:00

School starts tomorrow.
The break went by so fast!
This is what I did....
Read the following books:

City of Ashes
Perks of being a Wallflower
The Unsuspecting Mage
The Power of Six

Started reading the following books

El Libro de Mormon
We bought a Zoo
City of Glass

Saw the following movies

Mission Impossible 3
Red Tails
....probably some others I cannot remember

and did some really needed and fun shopping.

I am excited for my new courses, especially my web design course.
Since I have the new camera with wi-fi I will still be blogging. :-)

Color Me Mine!

2012-01-18T14:14:00.003-05:00

To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Buck and I had a fun afternoon date since I didn't have to work.

We went to this cute little place in Redlands called Color Me Mine!, there is a similar store in Mesa near the AMC 24 on Stapley and Baseline - the name is escaping me right now. It is a cute painting place.

You select a ceramic piece from the shelves of assortment- seen in the background of the following photo. This doesn't even capture all of it.

We decided to do a vase and a hot cocoa mug. Before painting they have you give the item a sponge bath so the paint sticks better. Buck is cleaning the mug below.

After which you go and pick out the paint you want to use and put it in these cute little trays.

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Here we are concentrating deeply on our soon to be new treasures. :-)

I am so excited to see the fired products.
Buck put a Japanese dragon (freehanded!) on the vase. This will go in our red cubes which I mentioned in a post here

And I painted the mug so I can use it at work. I'm so excited for it.

Buck drew the Librarian- he's amazing.

We get the finished product next Monday- the Lunar New Year! 1/23/2012

The introduction to...

2012-01-14T00:39:00.005-05:00

Ross.....

Now mind you I love Ross! Tonight after dinner I introduced my husband to the fabulous-ness of Ross home decor. We went to Target and bought a bookcase for Buck so he had more room in his nook area. Afterwards we stopped at Marshall's to look for some nick-knacks to go with my fabulous Red wall cubes....we left with socks.

We then meandered over to Ross. Buck went to look for shirts and shoes. No Luck! so I drug him over to the home decor area....which in turn ended up being a fun but large and expensive mistake.

Check out our loot.The following items we not found at Ross (CD's, HP p2, Big Bang Theory, Red Cubes)

and our new Beauty....

This wine rack (which I use to hold my oils and vinegars) only cost my $7! Doesn't it fit lovely?

And look at our beauty in different frames. thanks to my new Camera. which will be the result of more blogging because I can directly upload my pictures from my camera to my photobucket, facebook, etc through wi-fi. YAY!

That is all.

Student Loans

2012-01-09T12:58:00.003-05:00

I am kinda sorta ok ALOT freaking out about student loans.
I just want to pay them off already.
I really want to eat nothing and do nothing and send 50% of my income and pay them off!
I think we can do it too.

Don't use the credit card.
Only pay the necessities (Food, Utilities, Gas, Tithing)
Stay on a strict budget for a year.

Does not sound like fun AT ALL! but then again, neither does being in debt.

Why why why did we choose to go to a really expensive school?! GAH!!!!!!!!!

:freakout commence:

New Years

2012-01-06T11:32:00.003-05:00

New Years Resolutions.
Whitni
1. Read the Book of Mormon... in Spanish all the way through.
2. Increase my visits to the Temple

Buck
1. Get to 225 lbs and maintain it
2. Get the video game going

Wish us luck.

Please Love the picture of our two little ones.

oh and Buck shaved his head.

More pictures to come.

We are 4 now

2011-12-26T13:59:00.011-05:00

Today marks 4 years.

4 years ago Buck and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the San Diego LDS (Mormon) Temple.

Since then we have....
moved 4 times (to CA from VA with in VA and back to CA again)
Graduated from Southern Virginia University
Adopted a puppy Trixie
Attended weddings of good friends
Went to New York City
Bought a car
Moved into a house
Been to Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Six Flags

We have done so much more but the list will take forever.

Instead enjoy some pictures of us throughout time.

2011 Six flags with my family

2010 Halloween @ the Kidds

2010 Trip to North Carolina to visit Jon and Sarah Rabideau.

2010 Memorial Day BBQ with the Burtons

Annie Get Your Gun with Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull

Eating aty Salernos in Virginia with Sam and Emily came to visit

Spring Break with Kevin, the Byrds and the Cluffs (Kaitlin and Brayden) in the outer banks

New York City for Buck's birthday

2011 Christmas Day!

I STILL love Buck with all my heart. He is my best friend; my confidant in all things. He is my wall when I need support. I am grateful for his presence in my life and the growth we have had together.
I will blog probably about what we did today another day.

Grades are In!

2011-12-21T12:53:00.002-05:00

I just received the grade for my last project........100%

I am so proud that I was able to pull of A's in all courses. Especially being that A's are 97% and above.

I can officially relax knowing that I finished with a 4.0 :-)

Hooray! Lets Celebrate....Christmas time!

Libr200- 98%
Libr202- 98%
Libr203- Pass (it is a Pass/Fail course only)

Consider this semester a success.

Aching Heart

2011-12-20T19:18:00.002-05:00

Nothing makes me ache more than when loved ones hurt.
I fret over their lives and wish I could and desire to make things work.

I ache when I see good friends, close friends separate.

I'm quite sad right now.

:-(

Have you seen this blog?

2011-12-14T12:08:00.001-05:00

She has an adorable new layout, you should hop on over and check it out. PLUS! she is having a giveaway that ends tonight @ midnight to hop quick!

Holidays

2011-12-05T14:13:00.002-05:00

Well with my semester coming to a wrap DEC 8 I will have some time on my hands.
168 hrs a week - 40 hrs for work - 56 for sleep - 5 for church (3hrs Sunday, 2 hrs Lesson Prep) leaves me with a grand total of.....

424 hours for FUN ! -mostly

Here is what I plan to do with it:

Read!!!!!! (I have 4 books sitting on my shelf dying for attention and 1 on my nook. I plan to read them all!)
Crafts!!!!
Possibly throw a Christmas party (decision pending)
Decorate for the Holidays - haven't started, its my motivation to finish my term paper dont judge!
Pin items for Pinterest!...only took me 4 months to respond the invite from Heather. THX!
Celebrate our anniversary (plans still undecided)

What do you have planned?!

Thanksgiving Weekend (pictures HERE)

2011-11-28T12:10:00.004-05:00

First off we adopted this adorable little puppy - Trixie.
Yes we did take her on our 4-5 hour road trip to Arizona and she did AMAZING!

11/24 Turkey Day!
We literally walked in the door and loaded up our plates with delicious turkey, pasta salad, rolls, mashed potatoes, and veggies. YUM!

Then instead of being a smart person I stayed up and watched Osmosis Jones.

Come 11Pm we head out for some awesome Black Friday shopping except the stores that normally have rockin' deals had crap deals this year like Wet Seal buy 1 get on 50% off.....really now? Below is my "pirate looking" brother in line...sorry the quality is from my phone with NO flash.

Outline of my Black Friday shopping night/morning:
First stop: Arizona Mills
Second stop: Fiesta Mall
Third stop: Scottsdale Fashion Square
Fourth stop: Tempe Marketplace
Fifth stop: Ihop for some DELICIOUS breakfast (Fresh Fruit crepes.....yum)
Sixth stop: Bass Pro Shop
Seventh stop: PetCo
Eighth stop: Bed Bath and Beyond

then home.....calculated time awake 11/24 6:15am - 11/25 11:10 am.....Just shy of 30 hours I did not know my body was capable of such insanity!

Evening of 11/25
Games and Brownies at Laura and Ken's and miss Naomi. :-)
We started out with Balderdash then resorted to Dance Central on the kinect and ate yummy brownies.
Ended with chatting until 12:15am

11/26
Lunch with Emily Merkley @ 12:00 we went to Del Taco (twice mind you, the first one was closed)
Marshall Peterson's wedding open house @ 1:00, that was awkward.
Dinner with Emily and Andy Pace @5:30 at Genghis Grill in Tempe Marketplace then dessert @ Paradise Bakery. It was heavenly. (picture dedicated to Jacque)

Pictured below is Me and Emily Pace a dear friend I played soccer with in college.

11/27
Sleep....wake up....drive to Cali....hit TONS of traffic due to accidents. 4.5 hr drive turned into 9 hrs. SUCK!

11/28.....work :-(

Awe

2011-10-04T01:27:00.001-04:00

Have you ever come across something so beautiful that you just had to share it with the world?

I did this evening and I wanted to share it with you.

Please go here and view the very last photo, it is breathtaking (in my opinion) but has a very calming effect.

Where was I a year ago today

2011-09-26T00:36:00.003-04:00

It was September 25, 2010 and I was freaking out on my parents front porch receiving advice via cellphone call from my most amazing husband.

My mom had just received the call no daughter ever wants to hear, my grandmother had just passed away. It was very unexpected.

I miss my grandma every day. She was an amazing lady and I am 100% still impacting those around her in the life here after.

I want to be just like my grandma, she had the greatest relationship with my Grandfather. They never fought and I hope I can rise to that standard she has set.

She didn't judge, she loved and accepted everyone for who they were.

She was a convert and I am so grateful for her acceptance of the church which allowed my mother to be raised with the gospel which in turn brought it into my life.

Grandma, I love you. Maybe one day I will be able to get the strength to give you the tribute you deserve, I am just not able to revisit all those emotions.

We did it!

2011-08-28T11:40:00.005-04:00

Buck and I, after 3 stores, multiple trips, lots of prayer, and frustration finally bought a couch.
Atmore - Pewter Collection by Signature Design By Ashley Furniture
It gets delivered Wednesday!

It looks like this:

Ottoman (not the chair but the extra large ottoman)

Love seat.

Large Sofa

All three pieces.

I can't wait to put it up and accent it with colorful pillows. This was a really hard decision but we found something we both like. Its not a reclining (like buck wanted) however we bought the extra large Ottoman (1/2 the size of the couch) so He was okay with that.
We chose this couch because it was extra comfy and could be matched with any colors.

We get new carpet put in on Tuesday (hopefully!)
We are finishing up the baseboards hopefully tomorrow for FHE, maybe accompanied with Pizza and music.

Buck's illness......es

2011-08-27T11:08:00.002-04:00

Here is an outline of Buck's life since February.

March- having a phantom side pain that is excuciating to the point of hospitalization

March- found out that the dentist who did his root canal a couple years ago, accidentally broke a drill bit off in the root area and didn't know so he filled it in.....creating now an intense infection that took 2 weeks to clear and alot of antibiotic induced vomiting

April - go to the dentist to see if they can get the bit out....they can't because they don't have the right tool and thus referred him to a specialist

May - go to the specialist to find out that he cannot do it, needs to get the microscope to see the bit to get it out, come back another time

May- Flu or Food poisoning....not sure which but it was terrible.

I think May - Buck gets a ticket for talking on his phone without his handsfree.....$170

-Mean while he still has the intense side pain that has no reason for existing-

June- go back to the specialist who still cannot get the drill bit out, tried but was unsuccessful refer him to another specialist

**please keep in mind his tooth basically is completely opened throughout this entire time because they go in and then realize they cannot finish the job and then just pack it until next time

July - Gets another infection resulting in a very scary day of buck with no energy and needing to go to the hospital for pain killers and antibiotics since he has another infection in his tooth.

July- we went to Universal Studios and from all the walking up and down stairs Buck pulled a muscle in his calf.

July- Specialist he was referred too cannot do it and referred him to another one......By now we are feeling that the dentists and very incompetent

July- having alot of issues with the Game he is helping develop which is frustrating to us both

End of July- Finally get into the specialist and he fixes the tooth but he doesn't do the crown so they schedule that for a later date

August- gets something in his eye and has a really itchy eye that resulted in going to to the doctor because NOTHING would work - got some medication and it cleared up in 2 days.

August- Buck gets a nasty cold that he is just recovering from but it resulted again in another doctors visit because his throat was getting little sores on it from coughing so much.

August- Gets crown done

August- gets crown checked up on to find out the manufacturer screwed up the crown and it isn't fitting right and they have to do another one

Lets hope for a better fall than spring or summer!

Instead of Homework I updated the Blog

2011-08-27T10:45:00.009-04:00

Well up at 6:30am on a Saturday with the inability to go back to sleep led to a few things:

1. Getting supplies into the truck (we pick up our washer and dryer today - kindly donated to us)

2. Taking the dog for a walk

3. attempting to use my time productively and do homework but getting greatly sidetracked into updating the blog.

ALOT has happened since I have blogged and even before then.

First- I remember mentioning it but I went on a Raw foods diet with my MIL, I lost 10 lbs and she is down 21 lbs.

I loved that our refrigerator looked like this. It made me feel so healthy.

Along with a new adventurous way of eating Cindy and I picked a trunk load of Lemons and Oranges, from a ward members yard.

I just sat down and picked all the lemons I could reach and then I would rotate and repeat. It didn't even look like we made a dent.

Cindy dutifully picking Oranges.

-Thank you Brother and Sister Otis for letting us raid your orchard.

All the pickings resulted to this.....
I think we had 6 gallons of Lemon Juice and 2 Gallons of orange juice when we finished

It turned into a Family activity - minus Buck

Peeling, juicing, jarring.......

Most of the Lemon Juice still sits in our freezer, the orange juice not so much. :-)

Enough Pictures for one post.

Well one more of Buck and our ENORMOUS cat Mauer. I swear he is part Mountain Lion - 20 solid pounds of muscle (the cat not Buck)

Please ignore that we living out of Book Shelves instead of Dressers - living arrangements have been complicated but we are moving soon!

San Jose State University excels in Distant Learning options.

2011-08-07T12:49:00.003-04:00

So I started school Aug 1st. Really it was just one class and I am almost finished with it, I have 2 more assignments to write and then I am completed with the class.
I was so nervous about it at first but now I am obsessed with all the options it offers, especially technology wise. I thought it was going to be hard because I like to interact with my teachers and the students and with distant learning that can be really difficult but San Jose has all these really neat options.
For example yesterday I attended an orientation training session on their software called Elluminate.
Elluminate can host audio and written chat as well as video, it has an interactive white board and emoticons to give feed back, there are all break out rooms - basically private study areas.
You can request a session through this software and it will let you transfer files, do web tours (take classmates to a website you found) and upload power point presentations so you can practice your presentation and collaborate with team members.

There is also this software, that I haven't used yet, called Blackboard IM- I don't know its features but it has high ratings and sounds like it is a messaging system on steroids - like capable of things that "normal" messaging systems aren't.

Then the library resources are aplenty! One thing I was totally impressed and excited by was the fact that for the SLIS (Library Science program) they off ILL but it is to your home since most of us do not live anywhere near the school. This is so awesome because it doesn't eliminate the library resources to us even though we aren't on campus.

Also SLIS offers work study jobs, at first I was like oh it must be only for those who live close by and disregarded any calls for student jobs. Then I was reading further into it and they don't even require you to be on campus for the job, its help with maintaining sites, writing or editing articles, or training students on software. This blew my mind away.

I am ready for this semester, terrified for my papers but so ready. They even offer tutoring that is accessible to us.

Also, I have a couple of posts I need to blog about like
-mother's day and my gift to my mom
-picking oranges and lemons and juicing them
-family reunion
-our animals
and probably a few others I can't think of.

Grad School.

2011-08-01T12:19:00.002-04:00

Today I start my first online course through San Jose State.
I was super nervous at first and even doubted that I should be going to school or even wanted to be going to school.
Because I didn't doubt the bigger event in my life, whom I married. It was a very new experience.
I didn't like the feeling I got and I realized that Satan has been working very hard on me and Buck making me feel like I shouldn't continue to achieve what I want and be happy.

So here's to you Satan! Take this and eat it. I'm starting school and you aren't going to stop me.

Wish me luck!

Becky Burton

2011-07-25T19:21:00.003-04:00

Today is a dear friend of mine's birthday- Rebecca Burton.

Becky is the.....
Wife of Russell Burton
Mom of Luke and Lily Burton
Friend of Whitni and Buck Watkins (and many many others)

A fun and memorable moment between Becky and I.
The summer before Buck and I moved away from the Beev. Our friend Hilary Congdon got us HOOKED to the Bachelorette and we sat and watched the episodes together predicting the next one to leave and which ones we thought the bachelorette was best with, aka whom we liked the most.

Things Becky and I have done together:
Wedding dress shopping, after we were married. :-)
Body flow
Memorial Day BBQ and many other BBQs
Swimming down at Glen Maury together
Mormon Girls Wine and Cheese nights
Late nights chatting away
Halloween parties
Sitting on the floor in her living room having late night chats
Enduring husband's trying out jujitsu moves on us
and many more memories.

Becky- Thanks for being a wonderful Friend and creating such wonderful memories with us. We miss you and Russ dearly.

USA vs Brazil

2011-07-10T14:38:00.001-04:00

This game made me so excited!
Good job USA! Way to come back and show karma to brazil. Way to go Hope for making some incredible saves!

Ahhh this makes me so happy!!!

Post game coach interview.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 2

2011-07-10T13:24:00.001-04:00

Day 2 started out rough. I was being a crazy and getting upset for small tiny reasons like being in the hotel room too long. Which resulted in a very quiet ride to Universal Studios. But once we got in line to get our annual passes I think we got over it. The day was fun.

After the morning fiasco and then getting our passes we grabbed some grub at Buca di Beppo and yummy Italian place that I haven't been to in years and Buck never.

I ordered salmon under A creamy pesto and Buck ordered the Mahgarita pizza.

The day gradually gets better. Now for those who don't know when I get in tiffs with Buck we have very difficult times making decisions because he wants me to be happy so just says you decide whatever will make you happy and I want his input so it can be very frustrating. So deciding in lunch was very difficult but once I had food in my stomach things obviously became less challenging and off to the races "lines" we go.

We spent a bit of time walking around to different rides and then deciding we didn't want to wait in the line and moved on.

The first ride we went on was the house of horrors, basically a haunted house based on different horror films. I liked it. Buck thought it was hilarious.

The above photos were posters that we up was you walked through the line.

Then we went to the special effects show which was entertaining and air conditioned. It was nice to sit down and cool off. No pictures of that show but they did a quick overview of the different ways special effect were done and had a fun improve side to it. It was informative and funny.

We then stood in line for the Simpsons ride. Which was surprisingly for a long line not bad because they played full episodes of Simpsons on displayed televisions to make time go by easier.

The ride was a simulator that took you through a roller coaster. It was a little too much for me but that's ok.

And of course we had to take a picture of the picture because we were not going to buy it. :-)

After that we went to the Shrek 4-D show that we enjoyed.

Of course since I'm the one taking pictures there is never too many of me and alot of buck. But I managed to snatch one of both of us. Granted all these picture were taken with my iPhone.

Shrek was the last ride and then we went to a Brazilian BBQ called Samba.

Buck got the meat buffet and I got the salad bar.

For those who don't know at a restaurant like this they bring all sorts of Brazilian style meat to you and cut it off a sword right there in front of you. Buck loves it! And of course he gets his favorite drink.

To end the evening we watched some live music on the city walk.

This band playing was called chasing avalanche. The opened for alien ant farm.
We will end the post with cool citywalk tribute picture.

Day 1 of a 3.25 day vacation.

2011-07-10T12:39:00.001-04:00

We arrived in Burbank thursday night at our cute boutique, hotel Amarano, look it up you will adore it. Although we didn't have much of a view.

First things first I am not sure there is anything my Buck loves more than room service.
That being said one of the first things we did was order room service. Buck got a Reuben with delectable french fries.

I wasn't all that hungry so I ordered some raspberry sorbet.

After our food we thus ended the evening by falling asleep on our fluffy down pillows atop our king size bed.

Friday was our lazy day. We woke up around 1:00pm and proceeded to get ready for the day. We crossed the street for lunch at Togos.

Where I learned I'm not a big fan of hummus and feta cheese together.
After much contemplation we decided on getting a redbox rental and headed on down the street. Where we soon crossed paths with a shoe.

It was also a vehicle.

The rest of our evening was spent watching I am Number Four.

And eating dinner once again in bed.

I think we paid for enough room service for the year!

Popcorn chicken salad for me.

Bruschetta for the both of us

And a New York steak for Buck.

Thus bringing day 1 to a close.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A tasty reason...

2011-06-27T17:52:00.000-04:00

To love my husband.

He is hands down my favorite. Although there are many times he thinks I'm a lunatic that hates him. Sometimes I am a lunatic but never have I ever hated him.

Yesterday he made breakfast. It made me smile! He made this....

It is homestyle eggs with tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs with toasted whole wheat sourdough bread from market night.

Close up..... Doesn't it look tasty?

This bread, lightly covered with organic sweet cream butter was delightful.

I also am so grateful Buck took the initiative to prepare our lesson for Sunday school. Gratefully we don't have church until 1 so procrastination has some leeway. :-)

Buck I love you! Thanks for blessing me with your talents.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Garden

2011-06-23T22:53:00.001-04:00

I did it! Started my own semi full garden. Planted with peppers tomatoes and onions (3 sorts!)

I picked this today, the first one to come off and we have four more that are almost ready plus 20+ that are still growing.

I am so excited about this growing my own food.

This here is from a couple of weeks ago two tomato plants and a bell pepper plant. The tomato plants are growing so much I had to move the pepper plant.

Ps don't mind the cat basking underneath the plant. She soon later ran away from fear of getting wet.

Yay!!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Random pictures from my phone

2011-06-17T01:44:00.000-04:00

This was out of sheer boredom and me not eating sugar for a month....awww Halloween I hated you!

Hahaha I can't stop laughing about this- I cannot cut onions without having to wash my hand every minute so the chemical reaction doesn't make me weep. So I put my swim goggle to good use. It worked amazing I look obnoxious but you do what works.

Hahah my mom stuffed a whole roll in her mouth at Thanksgiving. :-) haha

Well there you go three random pictures from my phone.

What's on your phone? (said like the capitol one commercials)

I cheated

2011-06-16T00:27:00.001-04:00

Bad days mean desserts for me.
I stuffed my face with lots of practically all non diet food and it was glorious.

We went to Bostons pizza. Funny enough the Stanley cup was tonight and Boston won.

I started off with cactus chips. They were awesome. Sorry no picture. Then this wonderful crispy flavorful pizza made it's way into my life.

Check it!

Ugh look at this marvelous piece ... I ate times 4!

I had dessert but the picture magically disappeared and my night was tragically ruined when I found out someone stole money from my wallet. $20 big ones! Bag!

Nonetheless I'm going to go watch yet another cheesy or not so cheesy romantic comedy that Netflix has so kindly provided for my viewing pleasure.

Wish me luck!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nothing better

2011-06-14T21:37:00.001-04:00

There is nothing better than coming home to little surprises like this.

I love my husband.

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My spot

2011-06-12T21:55:00.001-04:00

A while ago buck bought this rocker chair for when he plays video games.

We recently rearranged our tiny little living space giving us a little area for which I now thoroughly enjoy the rocker chair.

Sundays are our veg day.... Where I sit and munch on nuts and dark chocolate and drink me delicious filtered water from a water bottle while I watch my cheesy romantic comedies that I don't dare ask buck to sit through.

It's been a while since you saw me....not a great picture but I'm content.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Something I missed loving

2011-06-11T19:26:00.001-04:00

The weekend.
I no longer work Saturday's so I have two full consecutive days off instead of only 1 full day. It's wonderful and I want to play.

Who wants to play?

I also love summer.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Food diet

2011-06-06T17:51:00.001-04:00

Well one week has passed and honestly I feel great. Last week was so hard so many cravings for food I was choosing not to eat. Then I was introduced to this.....

Which became this.....

Frittatas a fresco! Fresh tomatoes, fresh thyme, some sea salt and goat cheese and a tsp of cold pressed olive oil and a couple of eggs. It's a cooked entree but still within our diet!

It was delicious.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Im doing it, We're doing it

2011-06-01T12:11:00.001-04:00

Well I am on day 2 of my Raw diet.
This morning was a mess, yesterday I had a headache all day and craved anything and everything I shouldn't be eating.

I will get use to this thanks to a Husband who is AMAZING and willing and interested in taking on this new adventure with me.

I am not doing this diet because I need to lose weight, I am doing it because of 2 points mentioned above.... I am an emotional mess at random and I have been having chronic headaches that have been getting worse.

Here's to hoping for a better life.

Ready, set, go!

Goals.

2011-05-25T11:23:00.002-04:00

Buck and I are starting something new....
No spending for two weeks! Except for of course bills and gas and we budget $150 a month for date nights so we cut it in half and we have $75, I refuse to get rid of our date nights REFUSE! haha.
We are on day 3.
Going strong but I know its going to get hard to resist being lazy and going to lunch rather than making it, except Buck has been very willing to put one together for me the night before.

Its going to be a fun and good goal and help us stick to our budgets.

**On a side note, I am reading this book Delirium by Lauren Oliver and I feel like I am the main character, well was the main character like in Jr high. its CA-RAY-ZAY!

What I am getting myself into

2011-05-12T15:26:00.000-04:00

A dear friend of mine sent me this:

++ Click to Enlarge Image ++

Source: Masters Degree Guide

I find it spot on and really quite funny. Most of you know I start my graduate work toward a Masters in Library and Information Science in August so this is what I am getting myself into. :-)

Thanks Melissa.

What it feels like to get kicked in the Gut.

2011-05-03T17:47:00.002-04:00

I know what it feels like to get kicked in the gut, with a soccer cleat none the less.
It hurts, it lingers and you never seem to fully recover or forget the feeling it gave you of helplessness and inability to breathe.

Today I was metaphorically kicked in the gut. Since I got my job we have been fortunate enough to set aside 50% of my pay check to pay for school in the fall. Its been so exciting watching the account accumulate and grow closer to the goal line of $5000, we are almost to $2000 which is WAY ahead of schedule.

Some may know, Buck has been incredibly ill for 2 months. Today he went in to get a tooth fixed from a big nasty infection, they rescheduled it for next week because it was going to take too long. I was angry they couldn't do it today. However we were able to find out the cost. This is where the kicking comes.....$2000. There went the $$$ for school.

All that work to be socked right out of you and leaving you helpless on the floor, or in my case on my lunch break in my car pounding the steering wheel and wanting so much to scream all sorts of nasty things but know that Satan is winning when you do and I don't like loosing, ESPECIALLY to him.

I was thinking of a way to put this into terms other than sports. How about this:
Scenario: 7 days before the BIG DAY your dress just got back from the cleaners hanging beautifully against the wall.

You have been doing the tailoring yourself since you cannot afford a professional. You just finished it and its ready! You go through the normal daily routine and walk through the front door.

There it is tattered and torn covered in something you don't know what but you know by who, your childhood dog who was there for you to cry on when times were tough or to laugh with when days were great. WHACK! Something you have been looking forward to since you were "accepted" has been swiped away and destroyed.

Yeah, thats what the phone call felt like.

Private Screening

2011-05-01T23:54:00.004-04:00

So... I belong to a book club, we read "Water for Elephants" and I loved it.
When I heard it was being made into a movie and that is was going to be PG-13 I was ecstatic!
My good friend, Traci C., text me the moment she found out and we planned to go see it.

Then one day 4/12/2011 @ 9:07 am to be exact, Buck text me and said "You should look at the daily deals on the living social app"

I first thought, they must have a neat escape deal or something so I take a look.
It was tickets for a private screening to Water For Elephants in LA @ the Landmark for $20 and that came with 2 drinks, appetizers and a code for $10 to amazon. I was stoked!

I immediately text both my friends, Heather and Traci and asked if they wanted to go. Traci had class at the time the show started and we needed to get there before then so she was counted out. Heather was down and I bought the tickets. It was exciting. PS Heather I still need to send you your code, I have completely spaced it, I will send it tomorrow. :-)

so on Thursday we headed down to LA and enjoyed ourselves.

Here we are in the Elevator, right as the doors are opening ha!

We enjoyed our night observing people, as we do not drink because we firmly believe in following the Word of Wisdom set as guidelines and help from our church. We grabbed some soda and laughed at outrageous outfits and silly conversations.

We had some ladies behind us while we were grabbing appetizers tell her girlfriend, "OMG I just found out about a new series that I so want to read. Its call Hunger Games." haha we laughed because the ladies were like moms of 4 talking like 17 year olds, but also because Hunger Games is not new. OH sigh.

It was a fun evening.

Rockin' bookshelf

2011-04-17T13:56:00.004-04:00

So I am trying to figure out how to make a cardboard dresser for Buck's cousin to put her stuff in while she is living here so it doesn't have to sit on the porch.

While looking for stuff and directions I ran into this beauty, here!

I want it I want it I want it!

I think this is the coolest bookshelf ever and such an ingenious idea!

Just something funny

2011-04-13T00:26:00.002-04:00

So at my job there is only 2 sets of restrooms on campus. Now don't worry the campus isn't HUGE or anything but it would be nice if there was a 3rd set.

Because there is so few restrooms people are constantly in and out of them.

Do you ever use the restroom and as you exit the stall to go wash your hands and before you can even leave the restroom someone else goes into the stall you just used....?

Well it happens to me often and every time I am plagued with the concerned thought of
"Did I remember to flush the toilet?", I know 99.9% of the time I do but every time I am in this situation I doubt myself entirely and then freak out that maybe I didn't

Do you ever have that concern?

You would never believe....

2011-03-13T03:57:00.001-04:00

I got a job!

Yay!

its been about 8 months of CONSTANT looking and filling out applications and taking position exams and having interviews. :-\

Here is a recap:

On Tuesday of last week (well this week....last week IDK!) I applied for a Library position on my phone through the Career Builder App, I wasn't sure who it was with but I have gotten into the habit of applying literally for everything with library.

On Wednesday they, Rod with West Coast Ultrasound Institute, called me and set up an interview for Friday @ 10:30AM. Which blew me away because I was so use to not getting calls for interviews until months down the road...or not at all.

On Thursday Rod called around 9:30am and left a VM, saying that they have meetings all Friday morning that he was just informed about and needed to push my interview back an hr until 11:30, no worries gave me more time in the morning to relax and get ready.

Friday rolls around and I get up around 8:30AM. I get ready print off my resume and reference letters and head out the door around 10:30. The job location is 33 miles away.....without traffic it takes 25-30 min to get there if I got 65-70MPH. :-\ I arrived at 11:15, awesome early but not too early. Bruce (who was interviewing me) didn't become available until like 12:10.....so yes I sat there for WAY too long but that's OK I was grateful for an interview and things were hectic there because of some conference. Interview went well, Bruce told me all about the school and we chatted about different degrees like Academic degrees and Occupational degrees. The Rod gave me a tour of the campus, it's a small campus but it fits their needs they have about 480 students.

After the tour Bruce wanted to chat some more in his office and pulled me aside. (Here I get really nervous and don't have any clue what to expect.) He says (in short) "I think you are the perfect candidate and I want to hire you. And we may have you go down to our main campus in Beverly Hills for some stuff." All I manage to get out is, "OK" I was stunned!

He takes me to Alma, the office manager, and she gets me all the paperwork to fill out (hundreds and hundreds of pages!!!! Okay maybe just 80 but still!) and bring it in on Monday (my first day). Then a minute later he comes back and says, "Actually Myra the boss lady wants to do a phone interview with you and is going to call you." I wait oh and hour and she still hasn't called, Bruce gets back from lunch and calls her and she tells him she wants me to fill out all the paper work today and call her at 3.

The next 2 hours include writing, hand cramps, grumbling stomach, confusion and more writing.
I finish and give the paperwork to Alma and then wait until 3.

I call Myra...she's in a meeting so I talk to David. He asks me all sorts of questions and then says well I feel that you are a very good candidate for the job and you have all the experience that we want for the position.

So in short I now have a full time position as a head librarian at the West Coast Ultrasound Institute and I start Monday.

I have pulled out my outfits for the week and bought the food I need to make lunches and I doubt I will sleep much tomorrow.

Wish me LUCK!!

Going through Grandma's closet

2011-03-03T18:22:00.002-05:00

Today I am in Arizona. I came out to visit my grandpa and he asked me to go through my grandma's clothing.

This may seem odd to those who don't know that my Grandma passed away Sept 25, 2010, 4 days from my birthday.

So I have been going through her closet pulling out items that I think Buck's grandma could wear, this has been hard.

Things I have noticed while doing this:
Grandma Mason sorted all her clothes. Dresses and skirts on one side, Pants and shirts on the other and all by color.
She had designated pairs of pants to go with certain colors so she could pair them with multiple pieces of clothing
She was meticulous in keeping her shoes rounded, she has inserts or paper in ALL of them.
This one I knew because I knew grandma but she never dressed down, everything she wore was nice and matched, no jeans and a tshirt or sweatpants for my grandma. If she wore sweat pants she had a cute matching sweatshirt she wore with a turtle neck underneath.
She had favorite outfits, just like me she had a favorite shirt and bottoms or Sunday outfit. This I didn't realize until I saw how many different outfits she had and the ones I remember the most of her wearing.
Although she LOVES the color blue she had alot of different colors in her wardrobe to choose from
She has the most darling shoes, why cant her foot be just 1 size bigger please.
There just enough purses to match every outfit but not too much to overload the closet
*I remember her closet being HUGE as a child, it isn't so large anymore
She always had the most unique and fun jewelry
She kept the items for the Christmas crafts on the top shelf in her closet, I miss those the most.

Doing this is hard, there are somethings that I know Grandma Giannotti will wear but I cannot bring myself to put them in the bag because they are MY Grandma's, I can't just give them to someone else to wear.

I know Grandpa wants all the clothes gone because it is too hard for him to look in there and see all the clothes knowing who wore them and having the constant reminder that brings him so much heartache. One day I will be able to give tribute to my Grandma Mason but until then I just see her in everyday things like shoes she would wear, perfume she wore, hats she liked. I choose to find something in my everyday life that Grandma Mason did or would wear or small things like that. I miss her but She was ready, I know she was and I am grateful I listened to the spirit to call her, I regret not making the trip up to Utah to see her just one last time. I am glad we have the ability to take photos of everything, that way I have photos galore of the things we did.

Grandma, I love you!

If you want to be depressed

2011-02-25T01:34:00.003-05:00

Tonight I am a mess. I am sick and hormonal because of my period who I hate and love to come visit.

I hate but love how much of an amazing person my husband is. He is perfect for me.
I said I hate how amazing he is because it makes me feel bad that sometimes when I am a raving maniac he sees it all.

He is perfect.

I hate feeling the way I feel right now.
My head is spinning, my stomach is in a knot, I feel like I am being tipped out of a seat and yet I am lying on my bed and I feel like I am in an elevator that is moving.

I felt bad that I hadn't blogged in almost a month and now I'm just complaining.
I made my blog private because I wanted to complain and not have anyone mention it.

I am stressed that I won't be able to go to school. I know I need to do all these scholarships so hopefully I can get funding but ugh I am so BLAH!!

ok I'm through with this. g'nite

Most amazing soup EVA!!!

2011-02-12T12:37:00.002-05:00

My very amazing friend Emily posted this rocking recipe for a slow cooker soup.
Since I have been having killer issues with my jaw I have been eating A LOT of soup.
Soup can and does get boring so I am glad she posted this recipe for it gave me something new to try.

Go Here for the recipe, Tomato-Basil Parmesan Soup with DELICIOUS bread bowls.

Let me know how it goes!

Happy Birthday to my Sweetheart

2011-02-06T00:00:00.005-05:00

February 6, 2011 is a day MANY MANY Americans will be celebrating me included but for different reasons, VERY different reasons. February 6, 2011 happens to be the Super Bowl but it also happens to be my best friend and sweetheart/hunny/baby/babe etc.'s birthday!
along with Lauren Brimley (Busy Bee Lauren) and Ronald Reagan.

He turns 28 this year so I am going to post 28 things I love about him.

1. He enjoys children A LOT. They always make him happy and he will play with them whenever
2. His generosity surprises me everyday. He is willing to sacrifice his wants and wishes so that your's may be fulfilled.
3. He knows music. He is my go to guy for music, seriously he knows music like some people know their way home, it just comes naturally
4. I like that he trusts me and helps me learn better how to cut his hair. I had never cut hair before EVER and he let me learn on him. I am getting more confidence in it but I still ask him questions and he answers them always
5. I like his hugs scratch that I love his hugs
6. Surprisingly I love his love for shoes because we can laugh about how many shoes each other has.
7. He reads! Of course our reading selection is very different from each others but none the less he reads and its for fun!
8. He can cook and I mean seriously cook AMAZING food! The meals he does cook are all made up or combined from his knowledge and not a recipe its amazing.
9. He knows the Gospel and I mean KNOWS it. I wish I had the knowledge of the gospel he did.
10. I can always count on him to know where we are going, I get lost easily so sometimes its best that he drives.
11. He has awesome taste in Home Decor. Which we be so handy when it comes to get a home and making it look GREAT.
12. I appreciate his hard work in making me happy and pleasing me
13. His knowledge of photoshop blows me out of the water
14. He enjoys teaching, as long as whoever he is teaching wants to learn
15. I don't know a person who doesn't like him and I know quite a few people.
16. The connection he has with animals he beautiful, he is very compassionate.
17. He acknowledges and accepts me for whatever crazy person I am.
18. I love that he buys me flowers- For christmas he got me an Orchid plant. That blew me out of the water because I said one time that I would love to have an orchid plant and he remembered which leads into #19.
19. He pays attention to what I say whether its deep and philosophical or just me rambling in the car.
20. I appreciate that he tries. There are way too many people that give up way too easily and its frustrating.
21. He has manners and I am so grateful for that. Its something simple but really its nice not to be embarrassed by manners.
22. I love when he holds the doors for people, its always a funny situation because it ends up being for 5-10 people and sometimes I don't realize that he is holding the door until I'm around 10 ft away.
23. I love his concern for me. Really he wants the absolute best for me, its nice.
24. No matter how much his family can really drive him nuts he still cares for them.
25. He gets along and loves my family. I enjoy watching him get along with my brothers since he never had any
26. He catches on quickly to just about anything he tries
27. His athletic ability because I know we can go hike and things like that and he will be able to go and enjoy it.
28. I love that when the time comes and needs be he can dress nice and look very attractive.

Buck, "William Charles", I love and appreciate you so much. I hope that this day is a day to remember.

My family.

2011-02-01T03:00:00.006-05:00

I love my family. When I was younger I remember wishing I was an only child. Now I am grateful I am not. I am getting a small glimpse of what life would be like to be an only child and I think I would have hated it. Of course if I was an only child I wouldn't know anything different but my family is fun. Sometimes we are too loud or disagree on stupid things but we love each other either way.

What I love about my family:

This is my dad. I love him because he's fun. He's silly and He is talented in what he does.

This is my mom. I love her because she is my mom but she has been there when I needed her most. I am grateful for her strength and testimony. She has taught me a lot whether I noticed it or not.

This is my husband: I love him because he loves me, through all my faults. We have been through a lot in the past 3 years, especially the past 6 months. He is amazing and caring. He deals with more than his desired share of drama and still manages to make things better.

This is my sister, Krysta. I have always envied her and her good looks. Over the years she has overcome and accomplished a lot more than most. She graduated from ASU this past summer and is very close to paying of her truck, which is a great accomplishment.

This is my brother, Tim or TJ. He is easy going and I love him for it. We were best friends as little kids and then he went into 6th grade and it was all over for me. :-P He's a talented welder and just got a new job.

This is my brother, Cameron. He's had a rough little time these past months. But he is being strong and getting through it. He is a very talented writer, he writes poetry/song lyrics and has been published which is AMAZING!

This is my new sister Ina. She is from Germany and she is an only child :-). She is living with my parents as a foreign exchange student, she is 19 and a hoot. She loves photography, fishes and horses, specifically Cruiser. I enjoy talking to her every time I visit my family.

This is my sister, Samantha: She looks just like me with a hint of Krysta. She is a talented cheerleader and I hope she gets to go far with it. She is about to turn 18 in 3 days. I'd love to go down to celebrate with her but I won't be able to this time around. Of course I'll see her in a couple of weeks, maybe we will celebrate then.

This is my sister Lili, she is from Brazil and was an exchange student with my parents. She is a soccer player so of course I loved chatting with her from the beginning. I first met her through skype she walked across my parents screen. She is a very smiley child and laughs ALOT.

This is my brother, Collin. He is awesome. He does plays and was recently in Beauty and the Beast, he also wrestles. Well wrestled, he busted his collar bone and it healed incorrectly so they have to re break it and fix it. He also sings and has a beautiful talent with music, he is amazing on the piano and makes me wish I never stopped.

I have an amazing family and I love them dearly

A nightmare for a wanna-be good chef

2011-01-16T12:58:00.007-05:00

Last night my parents and I were the only ones home. The rest of the crew went to birthday parties, friends homes or Super Cross. It was nice because it gave me a chance to hangout with my parents just me and them for a little bit, which hasn't happened for a very long time.

I didn't want to stay home, not having a job or anything to really keep me busy I get "cabin" fever easy. When I have the chance to go out I want to take it. We decided on dinner, Genghis Grill in the Temple Market place. It is a mongollian grill place and quite intimidating.

At Genghis you build your own Asian dish, from Scratch. Literally beginning with the raw meat.

This is the process of creating your dish. Protein, Season, veggies, sauce and starch.

I thought to myself ~~what a wonderful world~~ I'm going to screw this up.

I chose shredded beef and marinated steak as my protein for the evening. This wasn't too difficult of a decision but it was so weird looking at raw meat instead of cooked meat. There was fish, shrimp, crab, steak, pork, beef, turkey, calamari and a few others to choose from, I of course stuck to what I knew.

This was the HARDEST part for me. 12 different seasonings and I didn't know what half of them would taste like on my food. I put in the necessities salt and pepper then I was stumped. "Do I put in garlic salt or do I skip it this time?" I put it in. Was it a good choice? Honestly I do not know whether it was needed or not I couldn't taste it.

This wasn't hard, I knew what veggies I liked and went to town. I put in red and green bell peppers, onions, water chestnuts, bean sprouts and green onions. Piece of cake really. I found out only recently that I like bean sprouts with my Asian food. Who knew!?

The sauces stumped me and I didn't have time to try each and everyone because the place was packed. There were 10 sauces all ranging from mild to super spicy. I chose one that my mother recommended, the 3G. It is like a sweet and spicy sauce, I think it would go good with really any Asian dish. Good Choice mom!

Choosing a starch was not problem for me. I stayed simple, steamed white rice. It goes good with everything. :-) My dish was complete, I set it down on the counter with my tin cup of sauce and waited. They took it.

I went to my table and waited for my masterpiece to come out.

This was the finished product X's 2 (after I took some bites and mixed it with the rice). It turned out delicious!

Yes I said X's 2.....I screwed up the first dish and accidentally put in the dragon sauce which is HOT and it masked over my entire dish with burning flames. They let me try again and what I just explained to you was my second try. I'd like to go again and be more bold on my dish.

A Blog based book club

2011-01-12T11:58:00.003-05:00

Hi again, so many stupid little posts and no pictures I know very boring....sorry

Ok this one is to share the word to my followers about a blog based book club. I was going in and leaving individual comments but that is going to take FOREVER!! so I am going to spill it out here.

I was recently invited to a blog that is dedicated to being a book club, we read a book a month for the year 2011, the first book is Water for Elephants. Check it out here if you are interested.

You can also see the other books that will be read throughout the year.

If you join let me know!

skittles and love!

Blog Privacy update

2011-01-12T02:22:00.002-05:00

I guess when you go private, your followers no longer get an update when you put in a new blog.
I am going to try and make this is easy as possible for you.
I have another blog that I made to post recipes on, but I got behind and couldn't get the drive to do it again, instead of deleting it I will use it to post the update to the REAL blog with the link to the post. That blog is http://buenocomer.blogspot.com/ (Good Eats are my Necessity)

Let me know if this will work please.

Also, thank you to everyone who got me their emails so quickly, you rock!

Loves!

Going Private

2011-01-11T00:58:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone who follows my blog. I made the annoying decision to go private, I know but I feel like it needs to be done at some point and well I guess that point was now.
Send me your emails so I can add them to the list of those who can see and read the blog.

Forgive me of this annoyance but I still thank you for spending time to read into our lives.

:-) I will make it official in one week from today. I figured if you haven't read it in a week then you probably to read it much anyways......LOVES!

Graduate School

2011-01-05T21:04:00.002-05:00

Just a few seconds ago I logged into MySJSU....
Also the Login page for San Jose State University.

This is what it said:

The status of your application is:
The status of your application is:		Accepted-Classified Graduate

Accepted - Classified Graduate
You have been admitted in clear standing to the university and to your Graduate Program.
-You have no conditions or outstanding documents required.

I have unofficially officially been accepted to San Jose State University for Graduate school! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 100th Post!

2010-12-31T19:32:00.004-05:00

Since this is the 100th post of this blog, its only fitting that I blog of something important. My family and one of my Best Friends, Emily Merkley, who is the reason I have the blog in the first place.

While we were in Arizona there was an evening that Dad and Buck went to Buffalo Wild Wings and the girls (Krysta, Sam, Mom and I, Sam's BF Michael was there but I don't have a picture) stayed at home and watched Easy A and ordered Pasta dishes from a place called Vitos. I grabbed my camera and took pictures of us.

The first was of Krysta and I. I love her, she has overcome so much in her life and I really respect her for it. Krysta, I respect you and wish the best for you!

This picture pretty much sums up my little sister Samantha and I's relationship. She is CRAZY! but crazy or not she is my sister and I love her. She is a very talented Cheerleader and I hope she can get a scholarship for that because I know she LOVES it. Sam, I love you!

This isn't the best picture of my mom and I, because Sam ruined it with her silly little fingers. We were being so silly that night, it was nice. It has been a long time since all of us were together doing the same thing, even it was watching a movie. I am glad we got this opportunity to do something together. PS mom I love you!

The last day we were there, I had the opportunity to enjoy a shaved ice with my Best friend Emily. Of course we were crazy for eating it because it was Raining and Cold outside but it was a nice bit of time to sit and chat.
I miss being able to see her whenever I want since we live on opposite ends of the country but fortunately we were in the same place at the same time. Thanks for being a great example and wonderful friend Em. (Emily for her mother)

Eyebrow Threading

2010-12-31T19:23:00.003-05:00

Yesterday- Amber convinced Cindie and I to get our eyebrows threaded. It was really funny because Cindie was freaking out, so we made her go first so she couldn't chicken out after we had ours done and say "aw I'm ok we can go."

In case you don't know what I am talking about here is a video of Amber getting it done.

Here is Amber and the guy that did my eyebrows also.

Cindie had her eyebrows, lip and chin done. If you see in the background Amber is laughing because we were making fun of Cindie

Anniversary: Celebrating 3 years

2010-12-31T19:06:00.004-05:00

It started out with Church. We booked a mystery hotel on Priceline for $60 a night.
We were sent to the Scottsdale Hilton Resort and Villa.

We packed and set out for Arizona, we were going down to see my family so we left a day early for us.
We sat in traffic for an hr....stinking after Christmas day sales. Because arizona is 1 hr ahead of us (and we forgot), we lost an hr and then the extra hr in traffic put us 2 hrs behind schedule.

We didn't arrive to AZ until around 8:00 pm....we were starving Room Service was too expensive to justify and everything was closed except CHIPOTLE!

So for our anniversary dinner we ate yummy delicious Chipotle. Buck had a Fajitas burrito and I had barbacoa salad YUM!

We ended up flooding the bathroom haha again, this happened on our Honeymoon too when we stayed in the famous Del Coronado. So we kept tradition. haha!

Then we topped it off with Brunch at Cracker Barrel. I had the wholesome breakfast sampler - eggs, apple bran muffin and parfait and Buck got the Country Boy breakfast, basically steak and eggs with biscuits and gravy.

Christmas Day in California

2010-12-31T18:35:00.008-05:00

Christmas Time! The time for giving and enjoying family.

We spent Christmas in California. The night before we each opened one gift that we bought for someone whose name we drew. Then Buck and I opened our stockings, which is a tradition we do each year. We spend $20 and hunt for different items for the other person, its always a surprise.

This year we got Grandpa a Helicopter (he had no idea he was getting it) and Grandma a fully touch screen e-reader (she also had no idea she was getting it and really Grandpa paid for it) Videos are First Grandpa and then Grandma....I hope they work.....

I made Cindy a scarf that I learned how to make from my friend Heather.

Buck got all of his gifts earlier in the year (November) so he only opened a gift from Grandma and Grandpa ($$)

Buck and I bought Curly and Lilu pigs ears for their Christmas gift. They enjoyed them, Curly actually ended up eating Lilu's because she would leave it lying around and not protect it and Curly LOVED them. She ate three and ended up throwing them up because she ate too much.

Curly

LiLu

I took pictures of everything I got so I didn't have to write it out.

Cindy got us a Cast Iron Skillet Combo Cooker for Christmas.

And a hand painted and gold plated tea set for our anniversary. It has yellow and green on it which we colors for our wedding, she had ordered it prior to the wedding so she didn't know the colors yet but new I liked green.

This is my stocking and other gifts all in one picture

Traditions

2010-12-31T18:01:00.009-05:00

I love traditions. As a history person I love the idea of passing things down from generation to generation. Well the Giannotti/Watkins family have one that has been passed down and down and down. It is the Ravioli recipe. For Christmas instead of Turkey and Ham and all that jazz we do Raviolis and Prime Rib. We make the raviolis from scratch, the recipe is straight from Italy. Grandma Giannotti doesn't have a recipe really for it she just says do this much of this if you use this much of that then add about this much of this and that and when it starts to feel like this you have the dough ready. I want to learn this recipe well enough that I can do it on my own.

The Workers

ME (dough and Ravioli maker ) and CINDIE (dough presser and Ravioli maker)

Grandma Caroll Giannotti (Egg Cracker, Ravioli Stacker)

First it starts with the homemade meat balls....without those its pointless to make the dough.

Now to begin the dough......MAKE A HUGE MESS ON THE WOOD ISLAND!

I made the dough two different ways, the first few batches were made in the modern way I made one batch the original no bowl, no spoon way.

The no bowl no spoon way was made by creating a bowl out of the dry ingredients and then adding the eggs into the middle of it and mixing it with your hands. I prefer the bowl and spoon way instead.

Then after the dough has reached its optimum density we send it through the dough press. This involves coating the dough with flour, rolling it through the Authentic Italian dough press (hand cranked), folding it in fourths coating it again, sending it though again, adjusting the thickness of the dough press, coating, fold, send....until we reach the width and thickness for the Raviolis.

After all the wonderful long hard fun work we ended up with like 100 Raviolis, which get stacked on cookie sheets and put in the freezer to dry. Then come Christmas day we put them in the pot of boiling Chicken broth and devour!

No I am not giving the recipe out.

Christmas baking

2010-12-31T15:15:00.008-05:00

Beware this post may make you hungry!!

This year Grandma Giannotti and I baked for friends. We created plates full of goodies and topped with a Christmas ornament.

Each plate included:
Pumpkin spice bread
Fudge
Gingerbread Cookies
Pretzels with Kisses and M&M's
Peanut Brittle
Rocky Road cookies
Chocolate Mint sprinkled with "snow" cookies

Grandma did the Pumpkin Bread and it was delicious!

I made everything but the bread and the fudge. The biggest task was the Peanut Brittle. I have never worked with Candy so it was interesting.

It contained Lite Karo Syrup, Peanuts, Butter, Vanilla, Sugar and something other ingredients.

It took forever for the Karo and Sugar to get to the temperature it needed to be at.

But it turned out well! Yay for first timers being successful.

Then there was the cookies.

I believe these are the rocky road ones. Half the chocolate chips were melted and the other half were put into the dough. I left out the nuts so Buck could have some.

The pretzel,kiss, and M&m's were yummy. I learned them from Traci from the Christmas party.

WE made TONS!!!!

All the containers shown are different ones. :-)

These were the mint cookies, they are my FAVORITE!

and finally.....

The Gingerbread Cookies!

That was all our baking, I didn't get any photos of the Fudge but just know that it was good!

Crap!

2010-12-30T16:17:00.002-05:00

So I made a goal, to hit 100 Blog posts before the end of 2010, if you include my 5 posts from the food recipe blog I started but had a really hard time continuing I have 96 posts, which means between now and tomorrow I need to get on top of my blogging and get the next 4 posts out.

If we don't include the 5 posts from the other blog, well I just might not make my goal.

Next dilemma....do I edit the photos or just put them up?

Wish me luck and be prepared for LOTS of pictures in the next 36 hours.....give or take since the day is half gone.

Christmas Party

2010-12-25T21:16:00.005-05:00

About some time ago (2 weeks), and friend of mine, Traci Croft, and I threw a Christmas party. It was fun collecting decorations and deciding on what food to serve and games to play. Traci was hosting it at her place and handling food. We were able to go through all sorts of decorations from Grandma Giannotti and find the ones we wanted to use. I then did some searching for games to play. It was fun.

There was Sparkling Berry Lemonade from Trader joes, it was awesomely delicious!
There also was the little pretzel treats with chocolate and m&m's.

We decided to have some fruits and veggies for snacking and fudge and brownies as well.

Decorations!
The Front room, the mantel was decorated and we had Christmas music playing from some hidden speakers (ignore the TV)

Garland on the staircase

Snowflakes from the ceiling fan (Traci made these, they were super neat.)

Bows and tinsel on the cabinet.

Buck was the Baby Whisperer. He put both babies to sleep with in moments of holding them.

And a double take of a group shot.

from L-R (Michael's arm, Heather, Buck & Caden, Me, Daniel, Traci (host), Jenise & Sean (Caden's parents), and Amber and Nathan Kidd.

Second try:
L-R (Heather and Michael, Buck and Caden, Me, Daniel and Traci, Jenise and Sean, Amber and Nathan)

Wreath Decorations

2010-12-10T19:36:00.002-05:00

Last night for the first time ever I decorated my own wreath. I have made the ones where you push fabric into it but I have never you know decorated with cute little figurines and balls and such before.

I had a friend come over, Traci, and we spent a couple of hours planning and gluing and creating masterpieces.

This is mine:

This is Traci's:

And here is mine on the door.

Yay for crafts.

Decorating for Christmas

2010-12-10T18:13:00.007-05:00

This decorating took place probably a week and a half ago and I just haven't had the desire to blog about it. But I must tell you I had SO much fun! Of course since we still live at Buck's grandparents home I had access to 20+ years of decorations.

(Up in the Attic)

There was so much I had to choose which to put up and that was hard. But I managed and this is how it turned out.

This is the large village. It contains and ice skating rink with skaters, 5 village homes, a bunch of trees, approximately 15 poeple, 3 park benches, and street lamps.

This is the small village, 3 houses, a bridge, about 10 people some bushes and trees and a fence and street lights.

I thought this sled was so neat, its 5 pieces of wood that slide together and make a sleigh. I filled it with pine cones and then later did this. (added a tree top and lights)

This is the top of the piano. It has a sleigh of carolers in the back, a carousel that plays music in the front with horses and a Christmas tree in a glass dome on the right.

This is a set of blocks Grandma Giannotti did at a Relief society activity. It sits on the dining table I think it turned out good.

This now sits on the piano, I turn the light on at night for a special effect. Its a glass nativity scene that sits on a mirror.

Last but not least (although this was the first decoration put up) the Christmas tree.
I am not all that fond of it because it is fake and pre-decorated and electric. You push a button and the tree raises itself. But it is a tree none the less. ;-)

These are currently the decorations in the house.

Job.

2010-12-02T19:29:00.002-05:00

Just got an email from San Bernardino Valley Community College.
The place I have been waiting over 4 months from to hear about a job I applied for.
The job I took an exam for.
The job I had 2 interviews for.

The closed the position, not closed like you didn't get hired, but closed like canceled the position.

I was notified by email. No explanation why.

This is so frustrating.

Help me see the good.

Apple Dessert

2010-11-23T14:47:00.004-05:00

So the other night I wanted something warm and delicious....I searched and found this recipe.

French Apple Dessert

Of course I never do recipes that have BIZARRE or UNCOMMON items in them.
and if I don't have the EXACT item I see if there is a substitute for which I do have.

The substitute for this recipe was the type of apples, it called for tart apples which are usually granny smith. I did a little google search and found that Gala apples (which we did have) would work just as well.

BAKING TOOLS NEEDED
(L-R): 1/4 measuring cup, 1/4 tsp, 1 tsp, spoon for mixing, knife for cutting off 3 Tbsp butter, pastry cutter/blender, 1 measuring cup. Not Shown: 13X9 glass baking dish, 2-3 bowls, cutting board

French "gala" Apple Dessert

Streusel Topping
1 cup Original Bisquick mix (there are substitutes just google it)
1/3 C. packaged brown sugar
3 Tbsp firm butter/margarine
*1/2 C. chopped nuts (optional)

Filling
6 Cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples (I used 5 gala apples)
1 C. granulated sugar
3/4 C. Original Bisquick mix
3/4 C. milke
2 Tbsp butter/margarine softened.
1 'n 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 eggs.

First preheat oven to 350 F then I peeled and sliced the apples.

Next, grease a 13X9 glass baking dish with butter/shortening/cooking spray and lay the apples across the bottom of the pan. (Set aside)

Then in a medium/small bowl make the streusel topping: mix 1 cup bisquick mix, nuts (optional), and brown sugar. Using a fork or a pastry blender cut in the butter until mixture is crumbly. (Set aside)

In a medium size bowl stir remaining filling ingredients: granulated sugar, bisquick mix, milk, soft butter/margarine, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg and eggs.

Pour the blended filling mixture evenly over the apples then sprinkle with the streusel topping.

Finally, bake for about 55 min at 350F, let cool for a little bit (20 min)

(picture taken after everyone dished up their dessert)

Recommended: serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but it is just as delicious served without.

things you don't really pay attention too

2010-11-08T20:17:00.002-05:00

I guess actually I should have titled it THING instead of THINGS.

This post has no pictures....if you want pictures you will have to wait to next time.

The other day Buck and I were brushing our pearly whites and I started noticing that we have COMPLETELY different ways of brushing our teeth.

I wet my toothbrush first.
Then I lay a line of toothpaste on the bristles, not a HUGE line just a line.

I wet my toothbrush AGAIN, I do this so that it impales the toothpaste onto the bristles and it doesn't fall off when I turn the brush as a put it in my mouth.

Yes, I flip my toothbrush upside down as it enters my mouth and smash the toothpaste between my tongue and the bristles. I have a reason for doing this, honest. I smash it/spread out the line of toothpaste so I do not get a HUGE chunk of it stuck on one side of my mouth.

Then I brush the bottom back teeth first, switching between the tops of the left and right side, then outside of the back teeth and then inside.

Then I switch to the top and find my way to the front and lastly I scrub my tongue.

How do you brush your teeth?

Hiking and a picnic!

2010-11-03T20:44:00.007-04:00

Today, Buck and I took a small hike up Forest Falls. It was so peaceful. I have been wanting to go hiking for quite some time now so it was nice to finally make it.

The picture below was of the surrounding area where we at lunch

There was a hint of fall colors around us, I had to capture it because I miss Virginia's fall amazing-ness. We took this picture 3 times because I wasn't smiling "big enough" to shine through the light haha, my mouth was stretched to big by the third time but you can't tell

Before we left we stopped and picked up some sandwiches and drinks to have a little picnic when we got to a stopping point. This picture IS NOT posed, funny though it looks like it was.

After lunch.

And on our way back out.

It was a nice little break and I really enjoyed it. Buck and I have solar powered back packs that we were able to try out it was neat. The weather is really pretty now although it doesn't LOOK pretty, in some places it is.

Halloween!

2010-11-02T15:03:00.006-04:00

This year I went ALL out on the decorations for Halloween. It was fun because I had a porch to decorate and tree to hang stuff from and the decorations to do it all, thanks to Grandma Giannotti,

I spent around 2 days decorating, not 2 full days but it took 2 afternoons.

I hung spiders on the front lights, hung a skull head and pumpkin light from the tree and then a sign that lit up and said Happy Halloween.

I hung up Orange and Green lights, then I strung fake webbing all along the porch and the front gate over the lights.

We had a coffin which I put a stuffed clown mask on a stick in and lit the bottom with skull lights and then draped cobweb over the coffin.

There were spiders everywhere.

We had an animated ghost that was set off by sound or movement and there was also a witch head in a crystal globe that was set off by noise and would light up and move.

Then there was a witch head that I stacked on the Water crates with a black shower curtain draped over it with the head placed on top so it looks like a witch.

There was blinking pumpkin lights placed throughout the porch to provide some more light and then we had a fog machine that we turned on periodically to keep it spooky.

Buck and I were the only ones willing to hand out candy, mainly me and buck kept me company for a little bit.

He even put on his Werewolf mask and some gloves and held the candy bowl like he wasn't real. It was FANTASTIC how the kids freaked out, many of them couldn't tell if he was real or not.

And we put up the pumpkin we carved at the party before.

It was a fun evening. We got quite a few little trick or treaters.
But we have TONS of candy left over.

Party at the Kidds

2010-11-02T14:37:00.008-04:00

Since Halloween was on Sunday, some friends of ours had their party on Saturday 10.30.2010. It was a pumpkin carving party with AMAZING treats. I am sad I didn't get any pictures of the food. There was boysenberry pie pops, caramel apples, cupcakes, decorated cookies, delicious meatballs and vegetables with ranch. Delicious!

Buck and I are very BROKE at this time so our costumes were of characters who we owned the clothing of.
White Blouse, Blue Cardigan, Denim Pencil skirt, Black heels with bows on them and not pictured is a homemade sweater clip. Buck's consisted of straight leg jeans, tennis shoes, long sleeved button up shirt and a black blazer and the famous cane and bottle of pills (not pictured)

Our friends Daniel and Traci were 80's aerobics teachers, Sean and Janeese and Caden were Eli and Payton Manning and a football, Amber (The hostess) was Rosie the Riveter, her brother Tim was Abe Lincoln and her husband was Paul Bunyan (No picture)

It was fun, we carved pumpkins, played ping pong, ate and chatted it up. Oh the boys flew helicopters in the garage.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Halloween.

2010-10-30T16:20:00.003-04:00

For me this Holiday is rough. I love decorating but when it comes to dressing up I am at a loss. For two reasons, I don't want to go spend $50+ on a costume that I may NEVER wear again and I just can't decide on what to go as.

At first, I figured I'll go as a witch again, I have all the costume pieces from last year and I will be good to go. Last year I bought a witch hat and tights and black hair paint to go with a black dress and black heels I already owned. I spent approximately $10.

Then I decided I didn't want to spray my hair again but that was just a pain! So I had to look up characters with Red Hair...Strawberry shortcake, Poison Ivy, Lucy.....Each I didn't have the costume items for and I didn't want nor had the money to spend. :-(

I resorted back to the witch and then it came to me!

I will be Emma Pillsbury from Glee!

It will be perfect. I have the blouse, cardigan, Pencil skirt, and shoes. No need to buy anything!!!!

I will post pictures of the turn out later after halloween

Pregnancy, Not mine but Everyone Else's

2010-10-19T03:19:00.003-04:00

So here is to trying to make the complete list of all my friends that have buns in the oven right now.

1. Emily Merkley (baby #2)
2. Becky Burton (baby #2 - girl)
3. Sara Shafer (baby #1- boy, Oliver James)
4. Alana Funkhouser (Baby #1 - unknown)
5. Ann Taylor (Baby #1 - unknown)
6. removed for privacy
7. Holly Hirt (Baby #3 - girl)
8. Heather Case (Baby #2 girl - Rachel Mae (sp?))
9. Aundrea Mason (Baby #4 - i think)
10. Holli Coats (Baby #1 - girl)
11. Jordan Johnson (Baby #2 - unknown)
12. Elizabeth Laurent (Baby #1 - girl)
13. removed for privacy
14. .... I know there is more but it is late and I can't think of any right now.

One day my name with be on a list like these but today is not the day.

HELP!

2010-10-17T22:42:00.001-04:00

Ok so as you probably have noticed, like my best friend Emily, I have been putting pictures into collages before I post because well its just easier but why do they keep showing up SO SMALL! I want them bigger and they just stay small why!?

A day in the Park.

2010-10-17T21:26:00.005-04:00

I love the park, well actually had you heard me you probably thought I felt parks were disgusting...which in reality they are if you REALLY think about it. Sooo I try not to.

I accompanied a friend of mine and her daughter to a community park in California. I'd be more specific except I am not 100% sure if it was in Mentone or Redlands California, so I'm including the ENTIRE state. HAH!

I had fun chatting and taking pictures of Ella (friends daughter) having fun.

Miss Ella wanted to swing ALOT! (each time for about 30 sec to a minute then she'd say "out")

There were two different playgrounds, one for younger kids and one for older kids. This next picture is Ella on the big kids side - she saw all the other kids doing it she wanted to try.

Fourth of July with Kaitlin and Brayden Cluff

2010-10-12T19:42:00.007-04:00

We randomly decided to go on a picnic with some friends of ours, Brayden and Kaitlin Cluff.

It was really fun. On the way up I witnessed my first real live bear in the wild, it was sitting in the middle of the road!

We drove up to the first spot Buck took me to on the Blueridge Parkway when we were dating.

The Boston Knob Overlook.

Eating time....

Afterwards we took pictures. (sorry they are so small, just click on them they will get bigger)

These are the good ones.

These are the oops ones. Yay for camera timers. haha!

We had fun and we miss the Cluff's.

Murder Mystery Party

2010-10-12T19:17:00.004-04:00

So sometime in July...I think 4th July weekend, my old roommate Ashley Mantel had a murder mystery party. The theme was 1920's. I was a flapper girl, along with 2 other ladies at the party.

I made my costume from scratch. I picked up the dress from Good will and the necklace also. I then glued all the feathers and ribbon onto the bottom of the dress, they were individual feathers so it took a while. I also took a stretchy headband and glued the feathers on that for the flapper headbands, I borrowed fish net tights from a friend as well as the shoes I borrowed from Ashley.

The Flapper Girls!

This was Ashley's neighbors and their daughter.

This is hostess and her husband and really good friends of theirs.
(L-R: Laura, Grant, Ashley (Hostess) and Peter)

It was fun, Buck was a mobster who was killed, I didn't get any pictures of him because I was in character and well Digital Cameras didn't exist in 1920..... AAAAND he left early to go to BWW to save a table for the UFC fight.

Wedding Dress event

2010-10-12T19:03:00.005-04:00

Ok I think I am officially going to post events from the past that I mentioned HERE

Starting with Wedding dresses.

A really good friend of mine, Becky Burton, and I decided one day that we wanted to try on wedding dresses again.

She planned a wedding in like 6 weeks so she didn't get a chance to try on dresses and I didn't spend much time on finding a wedding dress so we thought well what the heck!
(little did we know that we would find amazingly perfect dresses and get depressed about it)

**Disclosure: Pictures in the shop were forbidden, so we hid in the dressing rooms and took pictures of each other the best we could.

Becky!

Whitni
I loved the wrap around of this dress it was just beautiful. Because I didn't think of the idea to take pictures while we were in the changing rooms until I was in there, the pictures were slightly difficult for me.

I loved the dress I tried on but I still love my wedding dress.

Its been a while

2010-10-12T13:05:00.009-04:00

For all of you who do not know, on September 25, 2010 my Grandma Mason was reassigned, because of my knowledge of the plan of salvation I chose the word reassigned over passed away,to a different life. It was unexpected and very hard.

Originally I [Buck had to stay] headed to Arizona on the Sept 24 to spend the weekend with my family for my birthday. It lasted for about 16 hrs.....1/2 of that spent sleeping and then the worst happened, we got a phone call from my Uncle about my grandma.

My mom flew out that afternoon, it was homecoming weekend so Dad, Krysta and I helped get all the kids together. We were hosting dinner and all of my siblings plus the 2 foreign exchange students (Lili and Ina) were attending. Saturday was super busy, thankfully, I did 3 girls hair, set up for the Homecoming dinner, took plenty of pictures for my mom and cleaned up dinner.

Westwood High School Homecoming 2010!

In the bathroom getting their hair and makeup done.

The Girls (Sam, Lili, Ina) of the evening

This was quite entertaining because we made the girls first try and put on the boutonnieres before we would help them. I know we are so mean!

Couples: L-R (Ina and Brady, Cameron and Lili, Samantha and Michael, Collin and Nakonie)

I loved their corsages!

This was dinner. There was 4 couples, they had Salad, Steak, Baked Potatoes, Bread and Tiramisu.

The cook and his boys.....with 1 adopted son (Brady Shreeve)

It was a very eventful evening, by the time everything ended and they headed off to the dance my feet hurt so bad and I was so tired but I enjoyed waiting on them it was fun.

Buck flew in to Arizona on Monday, I was very happy he was able to.

We left for Utah on Tuesday and we were out there for just about a week. The viewing was on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 and the Funeral was Thursday, September 30, 2010. It was set up so beautifully, but due to the picture over load and the sacredness of the event I will dedicate a whole post to it later.

Temples

2010-09-20T23:01:00.004-04:00

There are over 130 temples in operation around the world. Every time I see a picture of a temple I am just in awe at how beautiful/gorgeous/peaceful it looks, even without being in it. I have a select few that I do cherish, its a very small number but they hold a very large place in my heart.

Mesa, Arizona (Dedicated October 1927)
This was the temple I did my first baptisms in and had my endowments done in and attended my best friend's wedding in. Lots of wonderful memories in this temple.

San Diego, California. (Dedicated April 1993)
This is where I was sealed to Buck for time and all eternity, I loved this temple from the time I first saw. I remember when I was young I think 10, I saw this temple and said "THAT is where I am getting Married", fortunately Buck loved that temple just as much. It was designed by Roman Catholic family the Hyndmans who had not stepped into an LDS temple until 1989

Washington D.C. (Dedicated November 1974)
This temple is the only temple that I have only been in to for wedding's only. On bragging note haha I attended a wedding with Orson Scott Card author of Ender's Game. Also, this temple reminds me of the times as a soccer team we stopped by after our soccer games. I loved that reminder of what a wonderful school I went to that allowed us to go to the temple as a team.

Manhattan, New York (Dedicated June 2004)
This temple was a great testimony builder for me. During a Travel Study trip to NYC we went to church and the temple, not on the same day of course but in the same place. It is really a refuge from the crazy rush in NYC. I hope I can develop a home a peaceful as this temple.

Do you have a favorite temple?

Jamba Juice Buy 1 Get 1 Free

2010-09-15T16:20:00.003-04:00

Go here to get it to print it out!

Thank you Screaming Penny for this wonderful coupon!

Windows7

2010-09-01T22:50:00.004-04:00

Hi!

Ok well I just got Windows 7 professional put on "my" netbook. I say "my" because its really my Mother in Laws but I am hoping maybe she will let me have it.

Since I cannot find my camera I haven't really wanted to blog because pictures are a thousand words and I like to share them and look at pictures on blogs...

Well I just noticed that Windows 7 has a bluetooth file transfer program which I will be using because ALOT of my pictures are on my phone for 2 reasons, number 1 stated above and number 2 I ALWAYS have my phone on me so pictures can be taken easily and I won't forget them.

I am trying out the program in the process of this blog. In hopes you will get to see a neat video from time warp, an albino praying mantis and a really cute little girl I baby sat.

IT DIDNT WORK. :-(

A little bit of Random

2010-07-29T04:33:00.006-04:00

In the four years I had been at SVU this is the ONLY picture I have in front of the SVU Knight.

Also the weekend of Graduation my parents and I traveled to Washington DC. My mom took this picture and I really like it. Its at the WWII Memorial.

And last but not least...this was the picture I sent with my grad announcements. Hilarious I know right?
Its almost 2 AM and I am wide awake....what is wrong with me?
I guess I will fill out a job application. :-) Cross your fingers, eyes, toes, legs, arms, hair and anything else you can cross that I will get an interview and the job. One of them would be free tuition for Law School for Buck. We'll see.

On Break

2010-07-23T14:07:00.002-04:00

Hey.
Well if you dont know already we have moved to California.
We don't have anywhere to live so we are staying at Buck's grandparents for the time being

It is really stressful so until we get moved into where ever we are living I will not be blogging.

I know I have alot to catch up on but right now is not the time, between job hunting and house hunting I have no time for blogging.

Signing out.....
Whitni

No Post in 30 days

2010-07-05T12:42:00.002-04:00

sorry guys.
I have LOTS of pictures to put up but there are a few reasons why I havent yet.

1. we have been very busy getting in last minute dates and hangouts with friends
2. we have been very busy packing and planning the move back to California
3. I have not had the chance to load them to the computer yet

There you have it.

Posts to Come:
Memorial Day
Wedding Dresses
Our trip to North Carolina
Fourth of July
Murder Mystery Party

Last Play at SVU

2010-06-05T23:28:00.003-04:00

So Buck graduated with a double major. One of those majors happened to be Theater. Surprising I know.
Well tonight was his last performance of his last show at SVU "Annie get your Gun"
He was: Buffalo Bill
I am not sure how I feel about this being his last show but it is and we cannot change it.
Here are some photos:

the other couple with us are some good friends of ours Brayden and Kaitlyn Cluff.

Sorry so short. Its late. I'm tired. g'nite

HELP! I need an answer

2010-05-26T12:49:00.002-04:00

Hey friends!
Since I am starting this new blog - about food.
I want to create a new playlist for it.
I want input from ALL.

What music do you like to listen to when you cook or bake?
READY.......
SET......
GO!!!!

New Blog!

2010-05-26T10:43:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone!

I have started a new blog.
This one is dedicated to food - recipes, tid bits of information, tips, etc.

Check it out! Click here

Thanks!

Ham slam pizza!

2010-05-25T17:12:00.001-04:00

Tonight I made a ham and Swiss pizza for dinner.

The chef

It contains red bell peppers, green onions, diced ham, Swiss cheese, eggs and a Dijon mustard mayo sauce.

It was delicious!
So far menu cooking is a plus! Saves me $$$ and I picked delicious dinners to cook.

Last nights Glee episode RECAP! (There are spoilers)

2010-05-12T14:09:00.005-04:00

OMG! I completely loved last nights Episode.

the Glist! + Sylvester's "Physical" video posted on youtube = EPIC!
(I do love that she has a sister with DS and she is actually super sweet to her but it def throws of my groove - sue is mean.)
Puck's mom made him shave his Mohawk and lost his popularity so he started "dating" the enviably cool Mercedes. LOVE! *Santana does not like this AT ALL because Puck is her man.
Kurt is completely jealous of Finn because Kurt's dad wants to do everything with Finn because Finn likes man stuff.
Rachel went bonkers when she lost her voice. but her music video totally made me laugh- she pulled a fast one on the boys.
Oh yah Emma called Mr. Schu a SLUT. :-) bahahah loved it!
Finn introduced Rachel to a friend of his who is paralyzed from the waist down, John, because he was tired of her constant whinning totally made Rachel feel like a brat- but for real she is a brat.
Oh BTW John is for real paralyzed from the chest down, not a fake like Artie. AMAZING! (see article about him at: http://www.saratoga.com/today/2010/05/a-life-fully-lived-with-glee.html )
Finn LOVES Rachel - he totally sang Jessy's Girl and it made my heart melt.
Secretly I crush on Puck. :-)
Mercedes lays it all out for Puck and him being a Punk.
Kurt tries to be non-gay and makes out with the stupid blonde cheerleader- totally didn't work he wasn't into it AT all. nad then results into a fit of RAGE singing "Rose's turn" Loved it! SO GOOD!
Ending wonderfully on the note of Rachel and John sing U2's "One"

Moral: Be yourself, Enjoy what you do, Cherish your relationships, and don't rely on just one talent.

Celeb Crushes

2010-05-12T11:23:00.007-04:00

Top Eleven Celeb Crushes- in no particular order: (Inspired by BBL corrected by Bethany Finn :-) )

1.Robert Downey Jr. - Love him as Tony Stark. For real - AMAZING!

2. Ryan Reynolds: He is to die for in Proposal. and really can you resist that Jaw line? Um NO!

3. Matthew McConaghey: Those eyes are stunning along with his amazing curls. :-)

4. Mark Salling: now really, Finn is awesome in Glee, but Puck is my crush. Been crushin since day one of glee.

5. Jim Sturgess: WON me over in Across the Universe. He has this geeky little boy look, totally crushable.

6. Ashton Kutcher: he made it here only because of "He's Just Not that into you" for real. When he showed up to help out with Jennifer Aniston's father....for real amazing and adorable

And by Ashton Kutcher I really mean Ben Affleck (Thank you Bethany Finn)
This Man is beautiful.

7. Christian Bale - I don't need to comment on him at all. We all know why.

8. David Beckham: hair, soccer skills, accent.

9. David Boreanaz: His smile melts my heart. I love him as Agent Booth in Bones. Addicted!

10. Justin Long: he captures my nerdy awkward crush side. Plus his character in He's just not that into was wonderful. :-)

11. Bradley Cooper: He's got the hair, the smile, the bod and the eyes. What's there not to love?

Don't judge me. Just love me.
Don't worry I still love my Buck more than any of these guys.

More on Graduation Weekend

2010-05-09T21:17:00.015-04:00

As I stated before my parents and Buck's mom and grandparents came out for our Graduation from Southern Virginia University.

My parents were here from Friday night until Tuesday afternoon. I loved every minute of it.

This is what we did

Saturday (5.1.2010):

1. Graduation Ceremony on Main Hall steps

2. family pictures

3. luncheon after wards
4. Roanoke to shop for shoes (my Father's decision)
5. Buffalo Wild Wings to eat and Watch the Celtics/Cavaliers game

Sunday(5.2.2010):

1. Church

2. Road Trip to Covington, Virginia to visit a beautiful Waterfall

3. Dinner/Lunch at Quiznos

4. Played Buzztime quiz TV on the PS3
5. Buck and my mom designed Cameron's graduation announcement
6. Dad, Cindy, Gma and Gpa Giannotti watched Bourne Ultimatum

Monday (5.3.2010):
1. My Parents and I went to DC all day (visited: Lincoln memorial, Washington Monument, White House, WWII Memorial, Sculpture Garden, American History Museum, Natural History Museum)

2. Awed at the Hope Diamond: over 49 karats

(It was out of its necklace celebrating 20 years since its donation)

3. Witnessed 3 yucky accidents

4. Took pictures of squirrels and ducks

5. Heard TONS of sirens
6. Enjoyed being tourists

Tuesday(5.4.2010):

1. Mom and I went on a hike that my friend Mikaela Byrd told me about it was beautiful

2.Gave my parents a quick mini tour of the school
(we didn't have much time until they had to be at the airport)

3.Took pictures in front of the SVU Knight (Thanks to Chrystal Pate)

4.Met up with Cindy, G-ma and G-pa Giannotti at Lee-hi's for lunch and said tearful goodbyes to my parents.

My Mom

2010-05-09T16:55:00.006-04:00

My mom is one of the most amazing people I have ever met.
She raised 6 children and we all rock!

As far as I have known she has sacrificed herself for one of us.

I look back and think about all of the wonderful things I was able to do because she was willing to run me around to every activity I wanted to be involved in.

My mom is my true best friend. I love my husband and I love my BFF Emily but my mom was there first
.
My favorite times with my mom include:
1. Grocery shopping - we always had the funnest time grocery shopping
2. Hiking - we recently just took a hike in Virginia it was beautiful and so fun
3. Talking - my mom and I have been known to sit for a long time in cars, on the tramp, out at the pool, on my bed talking about anything and everything
4. Phone calls - because I currently live in Virginia all of our conversations are via Phone Call and because its that we I cherish them even more
5. Cleaning/Organizing - we are experts at it and have fun

Things my mom has taught me:
1. Have faith and pay your tithing
2. Etiquette and dress (I refused to wear 'girly' clothes until I was 16)
3. Be productive in anything you do
4. Love your children and the gospel
5. Do your best in school
6. Know your importance and have standards
7. usually when your child hates you the most you are indeed
helping them the most and they will love you dearly for it later.
8. Enjoy what you do

(If you cannot tell, the sign says Butts only and my mom is trying to sit on it LOVE IT!)
Mom, I love you!
I am so happy you and dad were able to make it to my graduation. Thank you!

Graduation Weekend

2010-05-05T15:02:00.005-04:00

Graduation

Buck and I graduated from Southern Virginia University last Saturday: 05.01.10 Buck graduated with 2 Bachelors degrees: Liberal Arts and Drama (Theater) I graduated with one: Liberal Arts emphasis on Philosophy and History

It was really toasty in those black robes. Graduation lasted approximately 2 hrs, we got to sit in front of our families, only because we were the in the last row of graduates. Yay for alphabetical order...NOT!
We had 4 senior speakers: salutatorian Megan Ondercek, Co Valedictorians Bryce Pendelton and David Haws (They both had perfect GPAs so we had to) and then a nominated senior speaker Ricky Jensen. Ricky's speech related the Karate Kid and Mr. Miagi's rules to having a Liberal Art's education. It was interesting.

After we walked we then took family pictures....or well pictures with Family.

That was all for graduation.

My mom has some better pictures but those were loaded to the PS3 so this is what we get!

Donations..Amputees and 1000 miles

2010-05-05T13:55:00.003-04:00

Hi Guys,

A friend of mine, Sarah his amazing.
Her husband is also amazing.
He, Zach Colette, is walking 1000 miles along the East Coast so raise money for amputees in Haiti.
Most of the amputees are children, what Zach is aiming for is to raise $150,000 so give them a full clinic to serve those amputees in need.

Check out the website: http://www.lengthenyourstride.org

Please donate- even if it is just a dollar. It will make a difference
Pass this along. Or invite others to learn of Zach's story, spread the word.

:-)

Random Feelings - I'm pouring out my head.

2010-04-18T22:48:00.003-04:00

Ok I really need to just vent....Not really though because I pretty content with where I am sitting right now, figuratively and literally.

I have approximately 12 days left of school and then I graduate. I know that we will move to California and that Buck has a great job opportunity but other then that I am so unsure what will happen. In 6 months and some odd days we will have to start paying back student loans.

We both have part time, serious part time, jobs that we love but definitely barely cover the bills.
I am going to miss this small town, only because I am within driving distance of so many national monuments and NYC. (Oh how I will miss that place, maybe Buck and I can make a trip back soon) but also Virginia has seasons. I love the colors of Spring and Fall. I am hoping I can take lots of pictures of the scenery so that I can show my family and children and just have them for reminiscence opportunities.

Another thing which I will miss ALOT is this semester has been so much fun. I have met alot of new people and gotten to know ones I knew before even better. Its been a busy semester but so much fun and I am truly going to miss these fun friends. Hopefully soon I will get a chance to blog about this church group I got to called Mom2Mom. Lots of ladies in my ward are having babies I think like 9 maybe more, so we have this kinda fun group to go to its like a bunch of moms or soon to be moms or want to be moms asking questions and talking about concerns with being a mom and pregnancy and we also chat (girl time) until sometime midnight. I want to try and start one up in California- hopefully.

I am writing this mainly because I do not want to write my history paper but I need to write.

I am unbelievably terrified of the real world. I am so use to and content with seasonal jobs, but I won't be searching for those anymore. Honestly, I hope buck's job takes off and I don't have to work, wouldn't that be lovely.

I want to have kids (soon) but I also want to continue playing soccer, I know selfish of me right. When the time is right, it will happen, until then I am going to enjoy this adventure I am on.

Also, I stopped taking Birth Control and have come to the conclusion that it made my emotions all out of whack, I feel so more chill and relaxed. Either I am learning or I haven't had a big uptight freak out issue all along. (hopefully it is the first one and not the second one because that would stink for Buck having to deal with it when it could have been prevented).

I am looking forward to being finished with school the most because then I will have more time to serve. Don't worry this isn't like a "Saint" situation, I love serving new moms or moms who I know don't get much social life and they aren't much older than me. I just want to help plus it will give me great experience and I love people.

I just am full of all sorts of feelings, i guess I will just have faith in God because he was the one that told us a few months ago that we needed to move back to California. Had he told me that now I may have been hesitant to accept that.

I have written alot of random gibberish here, but I think it will be interesting to read this in a little while and remember it all.
I love my parents, I am terrified of loosing my grandparents - to the point I toss and turn in bed and basically freak out and almost cry from fear. I don't know if the fear is more me or me worrying about my mom and how she would take it. My grandpa is pretty much my hero. He is almost 92 and still drives (a big red truck) builds things and reads ALOT, he knows everything and honestly I don't know a single person who doesn't like him. He and my grandmother have never fought in the MANY years they have been married never. To me thats incredible. I always hear about from friends how they never saw their parents fight, and thats what I want to my children to be able to say. Its a goal for me - - life long :-)

That's all for now

A night with a sick hubby

2010-04-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

So buck has been sick this past week, since like last Tuesday, with bronchitis.

And I had homework all last week and then general conference this past weekend.
Which was amazing!!
So tonight I watched big bang theory with a couple we enjoy, Brayden duran and Ashley Latta. Buck wasn't feeling up to it so he slept.
But then we played a game.

This game is so simple and so fun! Buck kicked my bum.

I couldn't rotate the picture... I'm blogging from my iPhone. But the goal is to play 200 points I'm the solo yellow card, buck played the rest. :-/

It was a fun evening! Yay. Sry I haven't blogged in a while.

Today had alot of good things
Got stamps
Dropped off some grad invites
Got passport paperwork
Finished history hw early
Did a load of laundry
Had Chinese with the hubby
Started my spanish paper early
Loaded Rosetta onto laptop
Got a letter from Emily my bff
Watched big bang theory
Watched dirty jobs and played a game with buck!

What a good day.

The Watkins Family
From the iPhone

Sorry so Short

2010-03-23T15:29:00.003-04:00

Ok, so since my computer died the IT dept at SVU was nice to grant me a loaner computer until I either graduate (in a few weeks) or get a new computer, which ever comes first. Due to lack of ability to DL'd and bog up someone elses computer with photo programs here you get a few pictures of Spring break

Buck and Brayden Cluff had fun Kayaking all day Saturday. On Friday we went to the Wright Museum and this is the stone at he actual landing sight in North Carolina of the fourth flight.

This is pictures of the crews. The Byrds are only in one picture because they could only come up or a day. But it was so wonderful to have them. Friday night we went to the Blue Point restaurant, which was yummy but dinner cost $113 (for 3) WHOOSH!!!

We had alot of fun and enjoyed the sun.

Blessing in disguise

2010-03-18T23:09:00.001-04:00

Ok I need to blog about this real quick. For some of you might know that up a year or so ago our external hard drive broke and we lost all 60+ gigs of work that was on it.
Well some you might know now that my laptop that has been with me all through college died and fortunately the hard drive survived and I was able to extract all data, including my soon to be finished senior paper.
Well as we were extracting the data we found that somehow my computer still had copies of all the work we copied to the dead hard drive.... So I have ALL of my school work from freshman year until now. Which gives me some hope that all of bucks stuff might be hidden on his computer also. Cross your fingers!!!!

Blessings come in all different packages, this one sadly had to come from a death of a loved and greatly appreciated inanimate object, my laptop.

The Watkins Family
From the iPhone

OMG!

2010-02-25T22:24:00.002-05:00

Ok so Buck let me do a little shopping today.

I love and must get the best sale, so of course I am doing this all online.
I go to like 7 different stores [pacsun, forever21, tillys, target, buckle, american eagle, Aeropostale], flip flopping back and forth between screen tabs verifying prices here and there.

I finally [after like 5 hrs] ended up with 2 pairs of jeans
[one skinny one boot cut]

and three shirts all from PacSun each item less than $20.00.

The entire reason for this post is for two reasons:

1. Shopping online is wonderful and dreadfully hard. Why?
B/C you do not know if it i will fit you the way you want it to until you get it which is dreadful.
The wonderful part is well you don't have to fish through racks upon racks you can narrow your entire search with a click. [AWESOME!!!!]

2. sometimes stores have much better online deals than in store deals and you can shop at places you never would before.
For example.
Buckle. I never shop there. EVER! because I cannot and will not justify spending $40 on a shirt that is practically see through. NO WAY! but because i am curious and search on over to the Ridiculously Expensive Store and automatically go to clearance. I search in the women's section. Before narrowing it further.......
I look to see what my options are and there are over
2400 items on clearance starting from $2.60

I never even know Buckle sold things for under $10, at least cute things I'd want to spend ten bones on.

So go shop. Go enjoy. Find the Sales.

Oh yeah little side note....if you google coupons for certain stores you can usually find ones that save you approximately 15%
:-)

obsession

2010-02-24T22:20:00.002-05:00

I am obsessed with skinny jeans!!!

I love wearing flat shoes and skinny jeans will not drag on the ground when I wear them.

I also am digging this awesome vibrant intense patterned shirts.

I want spring to be here so I can do some spring time shopping.

What are you obsessed with?

Celebrity Crush

2010-02-21T14:57:00.002-05:00

Ok so I have never really thought about these Celeb Crushes but today, as I was looking up a hair style Buck wants once the play is over and he can cut is hair and I realized David Beckham is just beautiful.

Check it.

Don't you agree?

I am excited for this new hair cut on Buck. :-)

2010-02-13T22:45:00.001-05:00

Valentines!

My hubby rocks. I love surprises and he isn't a big fan of them so it's hard because I want to surprise him but I know he wouldn't like it. Well he had a late rehearsal today and we had decided we were going to go to Roanoke and have a fun evening! Well I am in the bathroom beautifying myself and he's in the front room looking up places to eat.

I come out and he had this set up on the table....

Please don't mind the hw in the background. But I was so surprised I wasn't even expecting it.
I have been wanting to get all the Disney princess movies on DVD I have sleeping beauty, mulan and Cinderella II. So the snow white was a complete surprise. :-)

And I am stoked about the mug, it's freezing here and I love me some hot cocoa. And the mug is super cute! So excited to use it.

The best part of the entire gift was what was inside the mug. He cut out like 10 little paper hearts and wrote little things on them and I can redeem them for things like a chore or a date!

I thought it was so thoughtful, especially because he cut out the hearts individually.

Once again my husband is amazing!

The Watkins Family
From the iPhone

Chinese chicken boats

2010-02-11T18:19:00.000-05:00

Tonight buck made dinner. He doesn't have rehearsal and he had class so he didn't have lacrosse practice so he did dinner.

We had these....

These would be lettuce wraps with romaine lettuce so it was Chinese chicken boats.

This is what they look like plated. You can see the sauce in the background

I didn't know what to do so buck showed me. (check out the boat look)

Buck indulging the deliciousness!

I forgot to write the recipe ingredients down so um there is chicken, onion, garlic, green onion, rice and a sauce buck made in it.

Buck thinks this is the best dish he has made yet. I say nay but hey it was fab!

That's all for now!

The Watkins Family
From the iPhone

Blessing

2010-01-22T00:32:00.000-05:00

I am grateful for my ability to cook. I am by no means and expert but I'm learning and my food is tasteful. Tonight we had baked potatoes and chili.

The potatoes were scrubbed very nicely on behalf of buck and then lightly brushed with olive oil and dusted with salt, which made them delicious.

The chili was a recipe from mcormick seasonings titled California style chili- contained kidney black and pinto beans onions and a bell pepper diced tomatoes chili powder cumin salt pepper oregano basil sugar and garlic powder and some dry red wine Crisped the veggies in evoo (extra virgin olive oil) for a couple of minutes then added the rest if the ingredients stirred heated to a boil and then simmered for 20 minutes.

It was yummy.

On a side not the airfreshner in the bedroom makes me sick.

Gnite
The Watkins Family
From the iPhone

I totally stinkin' FORGOT!

2010-01-12T17:56:00.002-05:00

I love to write all blogs on center orientation, it reminds me of Poems.
[but that is not the reason for this post]

Right after break, before Buck and I were to take off for California,
Mother Nature decided to visit. It was one of those "a little bit goes along way visit"
IT SNOWED A STINKIN' 20 sumthin' inches.

R U 4 REAL?
[my dance teach would call that writing in text lingo]

Kaitlyn and I playing in the snow forgetting about our worries....of not going home

It was like a stinking blizzard!

I asked Kaitlyn if her and Brayden (husband) wanted to do a breakfast for dinner feast after the last day of finals to celebrate....we did and it was delicious & then the snow came and it came HARD!

Here is the truck after like I think 2 hrs.....there is 6 inches of snow on it 6" / 2hr = 3" per hr

WE had fun, WE got really cold, I took pictures. Here is one for Kaitlyn I told her I'd post for her to steal.

Awww.....

This is a quick snap from the stairwell the morning after.

until next time.