My Latest Project...

I'm so excited to share my latest project!! I started making jewelry and hairpins. It's been so fun to have a project, something to look forward to, figure out, and spend my evenings and naptime hours on!


Ironically, I spend more time trying to figure out how to photograph the things I make...something that I'm not very good at, but thanks to Carol for sending me her extra lighting equipment from her latest project, and very helpful and useful photography friends that have great tips and ideas and knowledge and wisdom to share, I survived the bulk of the learning curve. :)


Special thanks to Heather, who designed my header and button and avatar. Thanks Donker!

Oh, and next week I am SO excited to post my newest earrings, Mini Cameos! I've been anxiously waiting for the supplies to finish arriving so that I can make and photograph them. They are my favorite earrings ever, and I'm excited to share them with my shop customers!


So if you have a chance, and are interested, head on over and let me know what you think!

UPDATE: Since everyone is dying to know, I named the company RyanAmelia because when we were pregnant with Ryan, before we knew he was a boy, my coworkers would call him RyanAmelia. The name kind of stuck, even after we found out Ryan was a boy, and I think it has a nice ring to it, right??

Fourth of July!

The three of us were so excited at the last minute chance to get out of town for the 4th! We drove down to Newport Beach yesterday, grabbed some Cafe Rio on our way down, and checked in at a hotel across the street from the back bay. After an afternoon at the pool and a nice rest, we went to dinner at True Food Kitchen. Oh my goodness, it changed my life. I was SO excited to try EVERYTHING. Indulge me for a minute....it was AMAZING! Their Hummus...incredible. They chop up jalapenos really really small in it, and somehow it makes it burst with flavor without being spicy. Ryan loved it. Mmmm, and the spaghetti squash casserole? Divine. And the Summer salad?? YUM. Best dressing ever. We even splurged and got the Almond Olive Oil Cake with greek yogurt and blackberries, and I have to say I L.O.V.E.D. it. Mmmmm. Yum. Can't wait to go back, next time we're getting the pizza!

After dinner we went back to the hotel, got ready and strolled up the hill to the golf course to watch the fireworks! We prepared Ryan a lot beforehand, telling him that the fireworks go "boom boom boom!" (While we made the popcorn popping action) so Ryan kept walking around going "boo! Boo! Boo!" and was SO excited for whatever was coming. He was so happy to not be going to bed, he was such a ham.

Couldn't get him to hold still!!

Giving papa "Eskimo" kisses.

We were just far enough away from the fireworks that they weren't too loud, and Ryan thought they were awesome. He kept his hands like this the whole time, and when the fireworks would die down, he'd sign "more more more."


You know, it was kind of one of those nights where everything just is perfect. I had imagined watching the fireworks this year over the ocean, and kept holding on to the idea that it might somehow happen. So many different things could have prevented it, but it was one of those moments where things just...work. I am so happy I got to spend the holiday with the family I have, at just the right place doing just the right thing! :) Look at that happy (tired) family!

And, in full disclosure...the rest of the night was less than completely ideal. We were laughing this morning when we were driving back that we should have taken more pictures in general, and more with the camera (instead of camera phone), so that we could remember the perfect evening instead of from 10pm-6am, where the family of three tried unsuccessfully to share a kind size bed :) I had a killer headache, so Seth took care of Ryan a lot of the night, and was so great to help out. The good news is that Ryan went down early to bed, and we'll hopefully be able to do the same!

She's just not that into you...

...but that's not going to get him down!




We had a fun-filled day today at Travel Town with Heather & co today! Heather snapped some adorable photos that I just had to share!



Look at that little hobo. (Perfect description, Mom!)

Ryan loves his "choo-choos" and the conductor with a "hat! hat! hat!" on, and especially being able to run around in wide open spaces with lots of rocks and "trees!" everywhere. (I have to put the exclamation points after his words because he raises his eyebrows and his eyes get all big when he looks at me to tell me about all the things he sees...it's freakin'adorable.)

He looks slightly anxious about his upcoming train ride, but don't be fooled, he loved all that Travel Town had to offer!

Reflective

Tonight Ryan was a little too excited for bedtime, and was acting way too cute for me to let him cry, so I told him that if he stayed on the big boy bed for a few minutes, I would set up the couch into a bed and he and I could watch "Up" while he finished his milk from his sippy cup. He was so excited about it, and kept yelling "Mama. UP!" the whole time I was setting it up in the other room. I went to get him, brought him out on the couch, and we started our show.

Ryan was acting like a complete HAM. Jumping up and down with excitement when the balloons came up to lift the house, putting on his "explorer" hat (AKA a green rubbermaid container!) on and off, making me try on his "hat" again and again, and going into fits of giggles whenever I did. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly the most reverent and effective way of calming him down for bed, but it was too cute to put a stop to.

I finally gave him one more chance to settle down, and he came over and laid his head on my shoulder, sipping on his sippy cup, and turning to look me in the eyes and comment on the show every few minutes. And, of course, that's when all the nostalgia started creeping in, along with mama tears (shocker).

18 months. It's hard to believe it's been a year and a half. Probably today is slightly nostalgic anyway, since it's the first day since he was born that he hasn't nursed (I know, I know... Yeah, I know.) It's a new phase of life! And let me just tell you, 18 months ago I wouldn't have ever guessed we'd just be moving to this phase!

Today at the park there was a little boy with blonde hair who was about 4, playing with a tennis ball. Ryan sat and watched him for a good 15 minutes, intrigued. He finally got up the nerve to walk up to him, saying "ba! ba! ba! (ball)". The little kid was SO nice, and played catch with him for a bit, and then started throwing the ball and letting Ryan chase after it and bring it back to him. It was like watching a little Ryan play with a Big Ryan. It made me excited to see how our little guy grows up, and it made me hope that he will be as nice as "big Ryan" was to him.

And then I look at "little" Ryan's papa, Seth. And I have that exact same hope--that little Ryan can grow up to be like his papa. A few weeks ago a statue that was REALLY sentimental to me over the years got broken, and I told Seth how sad I was about it. Seth went out the next day, figured out what statue it was (based on VERY limited clues), realizing I wouldn't want a replacement, but still wanted to do something for me. He found a charm bracelet with a picture of the statue on it and bought it for me. It was the smallest thing, but I can't tell you how much it meant to me, on so many levels. I realize I'm not always as thankful as I should be for the man standing next to me for eternity. Moments like that help me keep that in mind. (Also, moments like this morning when I ask Seth to delay going into work so I can go running since the running stroller is broken, and he selflessly lets me, help, too!) I'm humbled and thankful and blessed.

I know this won't be the last of the nights of nostalgia and reflective moods. I think for that I'm most grateful. Keep 'em coming, world. You know I'll never run out of tears for nights like tonight ;)

A day of Miracles + Out with the Old

Yesterday was such a wonderful day--I received word of so many GREAT things happening for people around me, and felt my faith renewed in so many ways! I'll post more about them soon, but I just have to express my gratitude at the hand of God in things small and big.

Also, on an unrelated note, I finally decided to retire my running shoes, and for Mother's Day, Seth got me a new pair.

And by a new pair, I mean I convinced him since both pairs were on sale, and the total price equaled the original price of one, that I could get both--one for speed work and technique training, the other for regular/long runs.


Can you guess the old pair? Ha. Unbelievable how dirty a shoe gets.

I took the middle (orange) pair out for their inaugural run this morning, and I think they need to be named something that relates to speed--fastest 2 mile run yet!!! (No, I won't tell you how slow that is, sheesh!)

Also, Amy, you'll be happy to know that the guy at the store coached me in "Beginning chi running" since apparently my general technique is HORRIBLE. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Thinking tonight about all the women in my life that have made such a difference. Moms, sisters, cousins, roommates, friends, teachers. I count myself lucky!

And Mom, you're the best! I'll bring your real present when I see you, but if I could bring these on a plane I'd bring them all!

This is how we roll...

So, remember how all my other races I go on and on about the catharsis of running? Well, it seems I've changed my tune for this race! This was all FUN, FUN, FUN!

Back in January Elizabeth got us all excited to run a trail race with her, and then followed through and actually got us to sign up! Best decision ever. This was so hilarious/funny and awesome to run. Who can get tired when there's gummy bears on a trail with laugh out loud funny friends around?

Oh, Yeah. We totally planned our outfits and were matchy matchy stripes and shorts friends. We sang through the canyons and let Malibu know that we meant business. And by business, I mean, that we are serious...oh i mean Seriously awesome runners.

If you don't believe me, you better watch this video. Elizabeth put it together, and it is awesome. If my bumpy video skills don't induce nausea, perhaps our vocal renditions of Bon Jovi will.


Disclaimer: The clips may or may not have been taken out of context. Don't believe everything you see on reality TV, people!

Side Note: Did you SEE that king snake on the trail? Because let me tell you, when I nearly ran over that dead King Snake on the trail and instead jumped a good 5 feet in the air, SHRIEKING at the top of my lungs, i might have thrown up a little in my mouth. And had a panic attack. And had vivid recollections of my Ricks College preschool teachers making me carry the boa constrictor to the other class while I broke out in a cold sweat. If it weren't for friends, I really might not have made it through the next 47 steps it took me to pull it together. Phew. What are friends for? :)

Ryan was REALLY excited to see me at the 1/2 way point, and subsequently REALLY mad I left. Then he was REALLY excited to see me at the finish line, and then REALLY mad that I stunk so bad. I tried to bring him across the finish line with me on my back, but he couldn't handle sweaty Mama and opted for a cleaner fresher scented Dada.

Our supportive audience got to have both the mountains and the beach to add to their entertainment during the time we were running. After they met us at the half-way point to watch us run for the porta-potties and pig out on treats for the trail, they got to take off for the beach (which I was highly unprepared for--one pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt for my baby boy to play at the beach in? Wow, i'm awesome...)

Then they found pretty flowers to pick in the mountains:

Shelby is just about the cutest thing ever. She kept saying the whole time we were gone. "Mama, Running, Dirt." This is her shortened sing-song version entitled "Mama, Running". I think it's coming out as a single on itunes in July.

We made it to the end hardly even out of breath, which may or may not be a good sign for a "race" but if the race was for who had the most fun, we totally totally totally won!


Post race awesomeness.

I am pretty sure I'm ready for a 30K!!! Woohoo!

Los Angeles Flower Market

If any of you saw that celebrity-filled obligatory go-see Valentines Day, you might remember seeing the Los Angeles Flower Market!

After deciding that I need to really start liking things about Los Angeles, I started putting together an LA Bucket list. Seth sent this as a suggestion this week, and I could hardly wait for the weekend! My good friend Emily came with me early early in the morning, and we adventured out to the wholesale shops. It's $1 to get in, and then you have access to the beautiful smells and sights of flowers and vases galore!


This little beauty of a plant was $2.50, and I just couldn't pass up the beautiful vase...Emily got a matchy-matchy one with me so we'll always remember our trip!
It really is a brilliant vase. I am in love with it. This picture does not do it justice!

Beautiful Gerber Daisies, and the lovely orchid! The pot for the Orchid is also a favorite!
And...these lovely tulips for $7.
We really needed some flowers to cheer up the house today! I think these were just the trick.

I wish I could send all these lovely bouquets to my friends, family, mothers, and mothers-in-law next week.

One little word 2011

I know it's not, like, January or anything, but I have been trying for the past four months to think of my one little word (reference origins: One Little word 2009), and it wasn't until General Conference that it came to me:

Purpose

I know that probably wasn't the theme of any talks, but as I took brief notes throughout the talks, that's the word that kept coming to my head (Along with Priority and Direction, the two close runners up for my word). And I'm SOOOOO excited that I finally found it. I have set a lot of goals and resolutions for 2011, but I wasn't sure where they were going until now. I would like to live my life with meaning, with a purpose, and give reason to the things I'm doing.

Meaning, I'm not just running several 1/2 marathons. I'm healing my soul and putting effort into something that I've found meaningful for my spirit and emotional well-being. I'm not just trying to eat and promote a healthier diet for us all, I'm setting patterns for our family and our futures. I'm not just learning how to bake and cook better, I'm gaining a valuable skill that I can put to use daily. And I'm not just studying my scriptures and earning my Honor Bee, I am seeking a greater relationship with my Heavenly Father. I'm working to become the woman I want to be, and to develop the family that we want to have!

I'm not sure that I can even come close to summing up my One Little word 2010. Balance. Oh, how I REALLY needed that word last year. Last year I wrote "Balance in life, balance with family, balance with church callings, balancing my emotions, balancing nutrition, health, and exercise with everything else I need to work on."

Oh, last January I was a mess, a hot mess! We're still so amazed, looking back, at how blessed we were with our circumstances (Seth being unemployed and studying for the bar AKA caring for his ailing wife and 3 month old son.) I feel so humbled by the circumstances we were in, and how much I learned. I was so embarrassed to have to rely on others so readily, but there was no getting around it, and I believe we learned balance in our little family as a result. (We also learned that we have angels all around us, helping in so many ways!) While some might argue that my emotions are always a little on the edge, they are in MUCH better control now than ever. Thank goodness.

I really think we ended up doing well with achieving a greater balance in our lives, and now I'm excited to move forward with purpose in this next year, finding a greater meaning in our lives as we structure it with (and on) PURPOSE :)

Just some thoughts

*When I'm cleaning up Ryan's toys at night, I'm a little obsessive about organizing everything and collecting "similar" toys and grouping them. My mom gave Ryan a cute sports bag with four mini balls (baseball, basketball, soccer ball, football). I'm always missing the basketball. And you know where it always is? In "Ryan's Garbage can" (AKA not really a garbage can, just a new garbage can that he uses to put things in). His bigger basketball is usually in there as well. I guess he likes to really play basketball! Guess we better get him a hoop at some point.

*I recently purchased Physique 57, and even though I've only done the complete workout 3x and the 1/2 hour express workout 1x, I am in. love. with. it. My legs are literally shaking like crazy half of the time, and yet I'm still motivated to keep going. I like the method and the way they integrate everything. Makes me feel like I'm working toward something real. It at least gets me by when I can't go running!

*Ryan gets so sad when little Julia (the baby girl I watch 3x a week) gets sad. When she wakes up from her nap and is fussing, he runs to her door and yells her name "Ju-weee-ah! Ju-wee-ah! Bay-Bee!" and knocks on her door till I come open it, and then he runs in and pats her hand with such concern. It. is. cute.

*I've been experimenting with different yogurts/granola/fruit combinations for breakfast, and I think I've finally settled on 3/4 plain greek 0%, 1/4 vanilla (TJs) nonfat, Ancient Grains granola (until I start making my own...I'll get there!), and either Strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or blackberries, or some combination of the above. Some days I put milk in, other days I do a "parfait". Until green smoothies hit me again, I'm loving this breakfast!

*I remember when I used to work full-time and get back to emails, stay up on facebook status updates, read every blog, and return phone calls on my commute. I also remember when I couldn't figure out why some people couldn't do it! Turns out....I don't sit at a desk the majority of the day, and I don't have a commute any more...so sometimes I fall behind on all these things. Luckily my smart phone helps me stay in the loop because I can catch up on it while I'm putting Ryan down, but one handed typing on a phone isn't always doable. I LOVE reading blogs, it's just hard to comment. It's really easy to LIKE a status, not always easy to make a comment. I text now and again, and that's certainly easier to get something quick across than trying to return a phone call! Sigh. I guess what I'm trying to say...is that I'm so sorry if I seem distant. I guess in a way, I am. Our little family is working to make some big life decisions this year--from jobs, to location, to finances, cars, and fashion(just kidding) (kind of). Sometimes I guess I'm lost in my own thoughts. I hope that comes across more "introspective phase" than "selfish phase".

*I think in the past three weeks I've had a massive paradigm shift. Things that used to bother me suddenly don't. And my foggy brain is starting to think through things better, easier, and more clearly. Phew! THAT only took 17 months! (errr....or 17 plus 9, maybe. I wasn't the best pregnant person, either). That might seem like a direct contradiction of previous bullet point. Um, so take what I just said with a grain of salt. ;)

*Ryan likes to play with a pile of rocks we have in a box on our porch. Every time he brings me a rock, and I say "ohhh pretty rock!" he starts "rocking out" and dancing. I love the connections their little brains make!

*This is random, but I just thought of it because Sokel just resigned. When I worked for a investment fund in Washington, DC, I was in my boss's office with my bestie Lauren. We were talking about rich financial gurus, and me, trying to sound smart said "Oh yeah, like that singer guy!" My boss was SO confused, and asked for clarification. I said "Yeah, you know, that singer guy...oh yeah. BUFFET!" ....Lauren paused and then inserted “You mean Warren Buffet?" Me: "YEAH, Warren Buffet! (pause) that's weird that he's a singer if he's so rich." Lauren: "Um, Jane...I think you mean Jimmy Buffet. Jimmy Buffet is the singer, Warren Buffet is the investor." a.w.k.w.a.r.d. Seth and I still laugh about it at least once a month.

*Ryan's little curlycue: (this picture is old, it's lots longer now! Also, Ryan needs a haircut...) * I am completely and 100% infatuated with Trader Joes. I get sad when I have to go to another grocery store. When we look for places to move, I look up where the closest Trader Joes is and center my housing search around where it is. It's a big deal. For one, they don't have any MSG or high fructose corn syrup in any of their products, so its worry-free and easy shopping. And then...the fresh taste! Can't beat it. I've come to realize that people either 1-love it 2-hate it or 3-haven't shopped there enough. ;) (and seriously, why the hate, people? I'd really like a logical response to this one!)

*And I'm loving these two cuties that like to sit on the chair to drink their milk together: