Rod & Jazz Crumpton

Celine's Talent Show - Make You Feel My Love

2012-02-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Poem

2011-12-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

I see the countless Christmas trees, around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear.
For I'm spending Christmas,with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs, that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare,with the Christmas choir up here.

For I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I can't tell you of the splendor, or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas, with our Savior, face to face?

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,

But I'm not so far away, we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear,

And be glad I am spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

Please love and keep each other, as the Father said to do,

For I cannot count the blessings, or the love He has for you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,

Remember I am spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

Pura Vida

2011-12-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone once in awhile, an opportunity comes along that you just can't turn down. That was the case with our recent Costa Rica trip. To say this past year has been "rough" would be an understatement...so we justifiably rewarded ourselves.

On our way with "Sunshine" in tow. (Anais & Chad sent Cannon a care package while he was in the hospital and this lil' turtle was included...it wrapped around his ventilator and we now use it as a special reminder.

On 1 of our 2 attempts to find and feed some monkeys! Failed both times...but atleast the scenery was nice!

El Avion - literally a giant plane converted into a restaurant/pub on the side of the mountain in Quepos...Gibson is always willing to take a pic with us!

Palm tree on our beach that happened to be crawling with ants...still made Rod climb it to snap a pic! :~)

Vista Los Suenos Canopy Tour - AWESOME!!! Yes, I had to wear a man's harness :~(

So happy to be zip-lining!

What a view!

Quepos National Park- complete with sloths, anteaters, monkeys and iguanas.

Little Mermaid reenactment.

Typical Costa Rican cuisine in Jaco.

My main squeeze with fresh squeezed pineapple juice.

Little crabs and snails ALL over our beach!

Gibson and Lennox demonstrating our morning ritual

Griffith Park flashback...except that was over 20 years ago and involved enclosed rings and much smaller horses. I guess there was a language barrier when we told them how long ago we had ridden...bc that got us a pretty advanced jungle/beach tour. But we survived!

Cinderella and Luna (daughter & mother duo)

Rode to Tres Amigos

See that white house in the background...see the beach...yeah that's how close we were.

Fresh coconut water everyday! Delish and so good for you!

Wish I could just walk out in my skivvies and it be this cute, but it wouldn't be - so I didn't.

Thank you Kara and Q for inviting us! We had a BLAST!!

Sporadic thoughts

2011-10-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

I am surrounded by men and women who never cease to AMAZE me. My heart aches for those who endure trials that I don't know if I could face myself. Which further proves that God only gives us what we can handle.

I cry when I think of all the wonderful things ppl have done/said to us these last few months. I am stubborn and way too independent and it has forced me to be humbled in ways I didn't think I could be. Rod is amazing. And that's an understatement. I am genuinely happy for women in my life who are pregnant and I understand why it's hard for them to tell me b/c I would think the same thing! Being a mother is the greatest feeling in the world. What kind of person/friend would I be if I were to be upset by someone being able to feel that?!

I was at Hobby Lobby the other day and a mother and her 3 kids were in the next aisle over and the mother was being VERY hard on one in particular that was crying. I instantly had a rush of emotion come over me when I hear her say with hate in her voice, "Ugh, I'm so sick of this!!!" Don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to feeling that way, and I understand words come out that we don't mean - but it def. gets me thinking about the words I say when someone else could be listening. How would she have felt if she only knew a mother one aisle away had just buried her 4 month old son? I'm such a weirdo that I was very close to offering to hold her young child so she could finish her shopping. HA!

Side note: Russ & Erin and their 3 kids are moving to AZ this weekend. I am SOOOO excited!! Hurry up and get here Crumptons! :~)

Called to Serve

2011-10-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Elder Blake Aaron Julander
Washington D.C. North Mission - Spanish Speaking
He'll be reporting this Wednesday to the Provo MTC. What a stud right?! So excited to have another missionary to write...(It's been awhile)! I sure do enjoy sending and receiving a hand-written letter every once in a blue moon. At his talk yesterday, he shared this scripture:

Doctrine & Covenants 35:13

Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit.

Love that...

Here are some fun pics we took a few weeks ago

Good luck Blake!!! You'll do great! Thanks for being a great example to your friends and family! Love ya!

And a scripture for my own lil' missionary :~)

Doctrine & Covenants 138:57

I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.

The designers side...

2011-10-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a book entitled, "Angel Children" by Mary V. Hill. I have a feeling I'll be sharing parts from this book over the next few months. Here's the one I needed today.

Marvin J. Ballard shared this story:

"I remember going to a carpet factory where they were making beautiful rugs. I approached from the seamy side. The shuttle was flying back and forth and the warp and woof were being made but there was not any design there. It was all ravelings and ends. It was just like life. When I stepped around on the other side it was another picture. It was the same operation - the same things exactly, only this was the design side. The color was blending; the figure was developing. There was not any failure there. We look at sorrows and we think they are tragedies, but we are only looking at things from the seamy side. There is another side to the picture, the designers side - God's side. And there are no blunders there.

Some day we will see it. Some day we will be able to say, "The Lord liveth! The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Look at this boy...is it any wonder why Heaven wanted him back!? :~) Love you Cannon.

Blessed

2011-09-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

It would literally be easier to scan the pages of the journal I wrote in and put em up here, but seeing as that I've written more in my journal in these last 2 months than the last 2 years...it'd be a little lengthy!
It's been 2 weeks since our sweet Cannon left to go to Jesus' house (cute lil Leah's words). It feels like a blur really...the hospital stays, the procedures, the docs and nurses - it doesn't seem like it even happened. I can't help but feel like I'm in a dream sometimes.
It's no secret that our darling boy has been nothing short of a complete and utter miracle. Here's very short synopsis from his Life Story that I shared at his funeral:

We were blessed to have had him home from May 15th- July 15th. What a happy lil’ man he was. A few things he loved: a full tummy, his green binkie, mom’s pillow, watching ESPN with daddy, being read to, warm baths and the blowdryer. He had the most kissable cheeks, he cooed and smiled when you told him how stinkin’ cute he was. He LOVED being snuggled and could rarely be put down without getting fussy. I would jokingly ask if it was normal for a baby to want to be held as much as he did! I’m grateful for this b/c I now realize he wanted US to hold him as much as possible.
He had been going to his cardiologist to monitor his heart function. They found thru EKG halters that he was having arrhythmia issues 20% of the time & also 3-4 second heart pauses and therefore needed surgery to correct this issue. I do not question if the surgery could have been postponed for a time because he was having these issues with hardly any noticeable symptoms and could have very easily passed at any time if it had not been addressed.
On July 20th, Cannon underwent open heart surgery at Phoenix Children‘s Hospital. Because of the massive amounts of chest tube drainage following that, he also had to have 2 other procedures to try and help stop the draining. Cannon’s recovery process was a constant battle - but you could always feel his strength when he gripped his tiny hand around your fingers. People who came to visit would tell us how overwhelming his spirit was when they walked into our room. He had an amazing medical team of doctors and nurses who genuinely cared for him. After 41 long and hard fought days, he departed this world peacefully back into the presence of our Heavenly Father.

I read "Oh! The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Suess from the pulpit. There is a book cart at the hospital that comes around and I had always loved this book...but I couldn't help but interpret it differently reading it to Cannon this time. It pretty much summed up my feelings exactly. I hope I didn't ruin the book for everyone!

I can't even begin to thank everyone who has reached out to us, visited us in the hospital, brought us meals, sent us flowers and heartfelt cards. We are overwhelmed with feelings of love and appreciation. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Anais sent me this quote that I shared, The Prophet Joseph Smith said,
"The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again."

Cannon's Services

2011-09-01T14:35:00.001-07:00

Funeral Services:

Friday, September 2nd, 2011

Viewing will be held from 9:00AM-9:45AM

Services will begin at 10:00AM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1911 N. 24th Street

Mesa, AZ 85213

Crossroads McKellips & In-between Gilbert & Lindsay

Our Sweet Angel

2011-08-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most of you have heard by now that our darling baby boy peacefully departed this life this morning at 7:33AM.

He will forever remain in our hearts & thoughts as we strive to be worthy enough to be with him again someday.

Thank you for your love, support and prayers. They did not go unnoticed.

We love you Cannon!

Cannon's candids

2011-06-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a little preview of the shoot C had with my talented friend Brittney. Check her out HERE. He was wide awake the entire time and she was so patient with us! :~) Thanks again girl - you're the BEST!

LOVE

THIS

BOY

The Green Ugly

2011-05-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

His NICU bink and I have a love/hate relationship. I always said I wanted a binkie baby, guess I should've been more specific!

Always has those lil hands by his face

First bath - still couldn't be submerged in the water til his lil manpart was healed so he HATED it. Loves 'em now - PHEW!

Carseat check before we left NICU (the first time)

Snuggled up in his NICU bed

Very first family picture. 4 days old, still on CPAP and being fed thru a tube.

Being bottle fed by daddy! He did sooo good! Never doubted this kid would have difficulty eating...it's in his genes!

love me some chunky arms

The first of several NICU quarters for him - he got moved 3 times for bullying the other babies.

First Easter - hated that tube in his mouth! My poor sis Kara actually had to help the nurse hold his arms down so she could reinsert it after he pulled it out! UGH!

Daddy holding Cannon for the first time. So cute!!!

Well I was gonna update in more detail but Cannon is awake now. Hopefully soon!

2 hours and 40 mins

2011-05-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Cannon's Birth Story

I went in for a routine OB visit on Tues, April 19th at 3PM. Did my NST (non-stress test), went over our "Birth Plan" with the doctor and got my routine ultrasound. The doc told us they wanted to admit me to the hospital to monitor me and baby - they saw some fluid in his chest on one side that they had not seen the week before (or atleast didn't notice it). And there was a little bit of fluid around his heart that had reappeared.

We were admitted to an L&D room shortly after arriving at 7:30PM.They hooked me up to the EFM, the doc examined me and said I was already dilated to a 4 and 70% effaced. They kept me on the EFM until 2AM and FINALLY took it off of me so I could get some sleep, so I got about 4 hours total.

The next morning they did an echocardiogram - he still had the fluid but was doing well as far as heartbeat, movement, etc. The OB came in and said that we would probably be able to go home, we just had to wait to hear back from the cardiologist. This wasn't the first time we heard this either so I was excited to be able to go back home! We'd been doing our Bradley Method for 10 weeks and I knew if they had to induce me...the chances of natural birth would be rather slim since they'd be augmenting my labor. We WAITED forever and the cardiologist gave us the news...baby was safer out than in. They basically said they weren't sure why the fluid was there or how much faster it could accumulate and there would be nothing they could do for him unless he was in their care. I cried...this was NOT part of my plan but I was not about to risk the safety of my baby. The next step was to get me started on pitocin but I asked them if we could wait for a little so I could "prepare" myself.

My bro-in-law Quinton went and picked some stuff up from our house since we had only packed to stay 1 night, Carrie stopped by to visit and Kara came and worked on my feet for me. We stalled for quite some time, we went to eat, walked around the hospital, curb walked...just to see if I could put myself into labor :~) haha! (Stubborn I know). When we got back the nurse said the nurse midwife from my OB office stopped by to break my water for me. Say what? That was not presented to us as an option before! With the help of Kara, Q and our Bradley teacher...we decided breaking my water would be the most natural approach. I would still be able to move around, wouldn't be hooked up to an IV, and the doc said my cervix was nice and ripened so they thought it'd be pretty successful.

5:10PM - OB breaks my water - 15 mins later I felt my first contraction. I had 4-5 min breaks in between so it wasn't too bad. We figured we'd go walk around the hospital but that didn't happen b/c they started coming hard and fast. The only breaks in between were to change positions or have the nurse readjust the stupid EFM that I wanted to rip off of my body!

6:45ish - Nurse checks me and I'm at a 7 - contractions are 1-1.5 mins apart. Rod was incredible...he was there with me the entire time helping me relax and encourage me. Couldn't have done it without him!

7:15 - I got in the shower and that's when I went into transition...it was short lived b/c a few contractions later I felt like I had to push. They moved me to the bed and I was at a 9! Not being able to push WHILE trying to relax was so frustrating!!! Talk about cancelling eachother out! HA! They checked again and I was at a 9.5 and that's when the room started getting prepped. I had 2 awkward pushes - I felt like I was going to break the stirrups off the bed and I didn't quite know what to do. 3rd push baby crowned...4th he was OUT at 7:50PM.
They put him on my tummy b/c the cord was too short, he wasn't changing color fast enough so Rod cut the cord and they took him to NICU where Rod was with him the whole time.
3rd stage was not ideal...I had cord detachment/placenta retainment. Basically meaning if they didn't get my placenta out quick - I was going to bleed out. Unfortunately for me that meant i wouldn't be able to deliver it on my own...the doc physically had to retrieve it! This is the part that hurt...I may have been screaming just a little bit - which I'm quite embarrassed about now! :~(
I realize there's no gold medal given to anyone who delivers naturally, and I don't think epidurals are bad...but with everything our little man was already having to deal with - I didn't want anything "extra" getting to him that wasn't necessary. I can't put into words what a miraculous experience it was. Rod was utterly amazing and is the cutest daddy ever (which I knew he would be).
I can't seem to get the pics off of my camera for some reason - so I'll have to attempt that again later. Cannon is a trooper - we are so in love with this little boy! Thanks for all the prayers on his behalf, we are truly blessed!

Nursery pics and update

2011-03-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Well here we are at the 33 week mark...I don't think it's hit me just yet. Actually - it HASN'T hit me. I am still feeling great minus the sciatic nerve but I'm not complaining cuz it could be worse! Baby is chugging along - stumping the doctors and I love it! They said I have to meet with the neonatologist this week but I'm not sure what we'll be talking about b/c everything that was an "issue" before...is pretty much nonexistent! They don't even look at/measure the back of his neck (nuchal fold) and the heart's still thicker than they'd like to see but overall it looks great. The ped. cardiologist uses the word "beautiful" quite often when he does my ultrasounds which cracks me up! So my kid is THICK - thick neck, thick heart, thick skin...what of it?! :~)

We have been taking a birthing class for 5 weeks called The Bradley Method. It's a 12 week course, every Wed for 2-2.5 hours and I love it! I took it for a couple reasons but I wanted to have Rod semi-prepared (he had been making some rather uneducated comments and it was starting to worry me) and since it focuses a lot on husband coaching, it was my best bet! With everything that's happened, I wanted to know my options b/c I'm sure there are quite a few ppl if they had been told what we were told...they would've terminated their pregnancy long ago - based on the doctors opinion. I'm not saying I'm smarter than a doctor - obviously I'm not...but I didn't want someone telling me I have to do this or that during labor! Last time I checked, it's my body and my birthing experience. Do I sound crazy yet?! :~)

The nursery is still coming along but I had to show off Rod's skills. He spent 3 Saturdays taping, painting, measuring, sawing, nailing & caulking and here are a few pics. I LOVE IT! He also installed the chair rail and painted the dresser & assembled the crib and the storage unit. I taped some and painted the last coat on the top of the dresser just so I could say I touched it. But the credit goes to my handy hubby.

Sometimes doctors don't know jack....

2011-02-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

I like things to be chronological so I will just start at the beginning. I should also make mention that I am in no way looking for sympathy b/c I have it a lot easier than most. This is for me to document and to let others know that I am more than willing to lend an ear, give a hug or take a trip to Sonic. Oh and I don't have links to all the medical jargon b/c that would take me HOURS!

I have already miscarried twice. Once at 5 weeks and again a few months later at 6 weeks. The first one we didn’t know what happened b/c we were relocating back to AZ and we were in TX & had no doctor. The 2^nd time I went in right away – confirmed the pregnancy and got my blood taken. The doc called the next day and told me my progesterone was at a 1.3 and I should’ve been at atleast a 14 so she was getting me a prescription and having me pick it up the following day. Well before I could get the progesterone into my system…I started miscarrying again. I was relieved b/c now we were closer to figuring out what the issue was.

Fast forward to Aug. 22^nd – I was about to give my 2^nd talk in our ward and was freaking out that it’d be just my luck to start my period at the pulpit So I took a test…and there were those 2 pink lines! I took my progesterone immediately – even tho the directions said to take them at night b/c they cause nausea. Great so now I’ll just be puking at the pulpit…genius Jazz…genius.

I got the pregnancy confirmed, my blood taken & my progesterone was at a 13! WOOHOO! They asked me to come in at week 8 for an ultrasound b/c of my previous miscarriages. This is where it’s gonna get kinda confusing so I will try to explain the best I can.

Week 8 – Normal OB

Tech tells us she sees a “swelling” on the back of baby’s neck. PA meets with us and tells us they think it’s a cystic hygroma and starts giving us information on Downs and Trisomy and invasive testing we can do. Refers us to a specialist for level 2 ultrasound.

Week 9 – Specialist

Ultrasound done – we are in a waiting room and the doc asks us to follow her into her office…not a good sign. She confirms the cystic hygroma – but then informs us that it’s from the top of baby’s head to the end of the spine. She tells us 99.9% it’s a girl and the best case scenario, if the swelling goes down, she will have Turner’s syndrome…and she’s seen the swelling go down twice. Worst case – the swelling would continue, make it’s way into the body cavity/heart and the baby would have congestive heart failure, ending in pregnancy loss.

Week 12 – Normal OB

The ultrasound tech tells us the swelling is pretty bad and keeps apologizing to us. (Annoying) Also mentions that she notices the baby has a hypo-plastic lung (not compatible with life and the baby would never take a breath) – apologizes for that too. Said we probably didn’t want to hear it but that she’d seen a woman that had a baby with a cystic hygroma that carried until 26 weeks. Asks if we’d like to know the sex of the baby…we tell her we were already told it was a girl b/c of the Turner’s assumption...she doesn't deny it's a girl.

Meet with the PA again – more testing info and now termination is brought up and quickly squashed b/c I told her unless I’m dying…it’s not an option.

Week 13 – Specialist

Swelling is still there – but they measure it smaller than the normal OB had. I tell our tech that the other office tech told us the baby had a hypo-plastic lung. She explains they are not hypo-plastic, but they may appear highlighted b/c of the fluid around them. Still not great but I that was drastically different than what we had thought before!!! Doc comes in and takes the wand and says, “This is not Turner’s…” And there it is on the screen – a manpart!!! I just looked at Rod and laughed! Now the doc says we are looking at Downs or Trisomy again. Sched another appt with them to get an amniocentesis done at week 18.

Week 14 – Normal OB

Just a fetal heart check this time…doppler finds it no problem. We meet with one of the Nurse Practitioners we’ve never met before and she’s very nice, introduces herself and tells us she’s read over our records and then asks, “Where would you like to proceed from here?” Weird question…so I ask what she means by that? She mentions how she noticed we had talked to the specialist about such-and-such (I don’t even know what she said b/c I’d never heard it before) so I ask what that was for…she then informs me that it’s where they inject something into the baby’s heart to make it stop beating. Wow. I’m here for a fetal heart check am I not??? I told her that must’ve been a misunderstanding b/c we had never discussed that b/c I wasn’t going to be terminating. She apologized and made sure we knew how important it was to have a good support system and how it was normal to feel angry towards other pregnant women. It was one of the weirdest appointments ever!

Week 18 - Specialist

Get our ultrasound done and the swelling has gone down!!! Heart and lungs are looking great and it’s still a boy – they checked again to make sure he hadn’t morphed back! :~)

Met with the doc again and now it could be Noonan’s syndrome. But they really aren’t going to be sure until the baby is born. They recommend we transfer my primary care to them so I can deliver at Banner Desert for the NICU. They ask us to see a genetic counselor. We do, he draws up a graph of our family history including our grandparents, parents, siblings and their children. Wow – sure enough, no links to anything they’ve mentioned previously! I basically told the genetic counselor I wasn’t planning on doing any kind of testing anyways, we had already heard pretty much everything he told us and it didn’t change my mind one bit. The consultation was a complete waste of time in my opinion.

Week 22 – Specialist

This baby is getting some quality camera time! I swear I was on that table for over an hour! The nuchal fold was there but they didn’t measure it or even really pay attention to it at all…which I thought was strange b/c that was the whole focus these past 5 months!!?? They were really looking at his heart…couldn’t get a good shot of it tho b/c the baby was face-down the entire time! STUBBORN! (Don’t know where he gets that from!?) :~) They wanted to make sure the blood was entering and exiting all 4 chambers correctly and sched us to meet with a pediatric cardiologist.

Week 24 – Pediatric Cardiologist

Ultrasound went well, the doc said the valves are pumping just fine and all of that looks great. However, his left and right ventricles are somewhat thickened and that was their main concern. Right now he’s safe b/c there are extra holes in his heart to be able to pump blood – it’s after he’s born they will have to keep a close eye on it. They think the thickening could be caused by:

Gestational Diabetes
Noonan’s Syndrome (he mentioned there are usually other indicators but he doesn’t see those manifesting in the baby)
Some random genetic issue (my personal favorite – NOT!)

Overall – the appt was more optimistic than anything else, the baby is safe in utero so that’s the important thing.

Week 26 – Specialist

Another ultrasound…standard procedure for a high risk pregnancy. I’ve now had 9!!! Doc said everything looked fine – his heart was pumping great they said. They think he’s measuring about 2lbs 11oz…that’s a month ahead of schedule – so they want me to do my gestational diabetes test sooner than later. They did take my blood sugar right there at the office and it was 92 – normal they said. I’d rather him be big instead of measuring too small tho…usually if there’s a heart issue they don’t progress like they should so I’m fine with him above average! He’ll make a great football player! :~)

Glucose Test came back NORMAL! No GD for me! Woohoo!

Week 28 – Pediatric Cardiologist

Told them my GD test came back normal so that’s out. They aren’t sure what’s causing the thickness and they won’t until he’s born. They did say it hasn’t gotten worse and the valve that pumps out of the left ventricle has improved by 50% so it’s not having to pump as hard as it was last time! YAY! The doc was reassured he’d be fine – just going to keep monitoring it and they’ll be able to figure out more after he’s born but he let us know we’d have time and it wouldn’t be something they’d have to rush so that was a relief!

Our trip to the land of milk and honey

2011-02-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

Utah I mean. More like the land of snow and Subaru's. I'm not kidding - within a 10 min. trip to and from Sonic...we counted atleast 7. Ridiculous.

We stayed with Anais and Chad in their cute apt. and had so much fun visiting with them and my cousin Winnie & her hubby Chad! We played our new fave game "Ticket to Ride - Europe", ate at a few Utah hot spots including Tucano's and Kneaders (man I want some french toast right about now), registered for baby stuff, played in the snow and the boys enjoyed sharing their favorite YouTube videos with one another and laughing like little school girls. Ok that was not that fun for me, but I'm sure it was the highlight for them.

Soooo glad I didn't have to take this ride...sorry for the fuzzy ending - wish I'd brought my FLIP to film this one!

My hottie & I at the golf course near Chad's parents house in Elk Ridge.

Anais and I enjoying the scenery

This was after Chad's family fed us a GIANT Sunday meal so I think it's mostly food baby

Had to take a belly touching pic after Non's baby shower. She just had her baby early this morning actually - here he is!!!

Baby Noah...totally has his momma's cute nose!

25 weeks...I wish some of this bump would make it's way to my backside and even things out a bit!!!

Baby bump(s)

2011-01-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

Here are a few belly shots for your enjoyment...for the record I HATE taking pictures by myself.

This was taken 2 weeks ago at Rod's parents house. We spent Christmas in Odessa, TX and had a great time! Games, movies, pedicures and plenty of good eatin'! Including a few trips to Rosa's...where I somehow managed to eat red meat for the 2nd time during my pregnancy. Ronnie and Elaine were amazing hosts and spoiled us rotten!

I've had very little cravings so far - for 2 weeks all I wanted was a pot full of crab legs. More food aversions than anything else. Ground beef or any thought/sight/smell of red meat makes me wanna gag. Lucky for me I can always pound a giant bowl of cereal. :~)

I am still working on typing up my pregnancy "drama"...that's really the only word that comes close to defining it. I don't want ppl to think I'm whining about it, I just know there are plenty of girls out there who get discouraged or may be in a similar situation and I think it's important to share our experience thus far.

All in all, I feel great - I'm happy and healthy - and I can still button my jeans.

We're half way there...livin' on a prayer

2010-12-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

Excuse the Bon Jovi song...it's stuck in my head and it seemed appropriate.

Please...don't be offended I didn't tell you sooner. We have had a rollercoaster of a pregnany so far - I will post that story at a later date. I told my Young Women today so before any comments hit my facebook - I figured I'd better announce it myself!
I'm 20 weeks today and due May 1st! I'm feeling great and it's a BOY! We have a few names in the works...which I won't post on here b/c there are way too many ppl having babies before me! (Not that I think THAT highly of my names that someone will steal them...you know what I mean tho!)
Pics to come.

Georgia on my mind....

2010-11-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

A year ago today we had our Penske loaded up, our snacks and Sonic in tow, as we headed back west. I've been thinking about Georgia A LOT lately, so I thought I would highlight a few "What I'm missing most" like I did awhile back about AZ when I was freezing my tail off!

Fall. As in Autumn. You know, the season that barely shows it's face here? It's cooler for sure, but that's the only indication we know it's upon us. Granted...it's 88 degrees today. Fall in Georgia is incomparable!

Dinner/Game night with our friends. We miss spending time with their cute kids, eating a fabulous meal - rarely, if ever, prepared by moi...which is why it was always delish and playing Settlers or Sequence or Speed Scrabble til late! Ok, did any of the games we play start with a letter other than "S"???

Driving in the country. I'm a city girl at heart, always have been, always will be. But every once in awhile I wish I could take that 2 min drive from my apartment where there was nothing but vast stretches of green fields and tall trees. I do not miss the roadkill tho. Ew.

Extended Hoodie season!!! I own more than the average Arizonan I think. Unless over 25 isn't alot? I always had an excuse to buy more b/c it was colder longer!

GA home architecture. If i could load one up and bring it over here on a flatbed, I'd do it right now. I can't think of seeing a single house that had an ounce of stucco on it! Love love love!!!

Southern hospitality (totally real), thick accents and having someone end your phone call with, "Have a blessed day!"

Ray Charles pretty much sums it up for me right now:

Georgia, Georgia,
The whole day through
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

I'm sayin' Georgia
Georgia
A song of you
Comes as sweet and clear
As moonlight through the pines

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you

I said Georgia,
Ooh Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you

Georgia,
Georgia,
No peace, no peace I find
Just this old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

I said just an old sweet song,
Keeps Georgia on my mind

Brand New

2010-06-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

I've finally gotten brave enough to add pics back onto my computer. The majority of these are not edited, I'll never post if I have to take the time to Piknik them!

New House

Rod picked it out all by himself - didn't he do fabulous?! These are pre-decor photos obviously.

Love my house, love the neighborhood and LOVE my ward.

New Puppy

I've literally been obsessing about getting a Great Dane for almost a year now. Rod went back and forth on it with me but I was determined! However, my wise young friend Andrew Peacock once told me, "If you keep on asking for something, you'll always get what you want." (hehe!)

Introducing - Chief Kane Crumpton
(Yes my dog has a middle name, we also went rounds with his name but that's a whole other story!)

7 weeks - 13 lbs.

11 weeks - 28 lbs.

To die for right?!

New Unions

April was wedding month
My old "236" roomie Dano Bigler married Conley Rogers. Rod and I just played on a co-ed softball league with them and it's obvious they are head over heels in love with eachother!

Square and I at the reception

My cute cousin Winnie was next - she married Chad Groscost on the 29th. They had a beautiful sealing and the rest of the wedding/reception was gorgeous as expected!

Meghan, Stoney and baby Penny looking all matchy-matchy!

Cheeks...love em

(Almost) New Bro-In-Law

Anais and Chad are getting married July 10th. Here are a few of their engagements...

And even tho these pics have some pretty amazing backgrounds - I'm still not a fan of Utah. Just saying.

I'm done for now - this made me feel somewhat caught up so I'm calling it good! Oh...and one more thing!

Is that a repeat three-peat I smell coming on???

Pampered Chef Party

2010-03-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

Come for the food, bring a friend and have some fun!

Please join us for a
Pampered Chef Party!
We will be making:
Fast and Fresh Fajitas with Homemade Salsa
in the Deep Covered Baker!

Hosted By: Jasmine Crumpton
Thursday, March 25th at 7pm
(I will email you my address) :~)

So that we have enough FOOD,
please RSVP by Wednesday the 24th.

BRING A FRIEND (or an order) and receive a FREE gift!
Bring TWO (2) Friends and get FREE shipping!!
Presentation by Ashlie Leavitt
Contact: 480-747.2356 or mailto:ashleavitt@hotmail.com
Place an order online by typing in Ashlie Leavitt: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/leavittcookin

March Guest Special: FREE Bamboo Spoon or Spatula Set with a $60 purchase!

Wipe out

2010-02-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

Last week I looked at my external hard drive and thought it'd be a good idea to get some stuff loaded onto it. Well my computer must've heard my thoughts and decided it'd be funny to get stuck in a boot-loop, causing Rod to do a system recovery...basically all my pics, docs, and some of my programs are GONE!! Lovely. We already took it to see if the computer nerds could salvage anything and it's been overwritten!!
Welp, that's it for now - I haven't loaded any other pics on here but I'll put new ones soon of the new house!

Mixed Emotions

2009-10-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

I have em. I really do. I admit I cried countless nights the first couple of months here. I had just gotten married, moved across the country and didn't know a soul! Oh, did I mention I don't like change? I can't pack up, ship out and have the time of my life without a plan or a friend in tow. Props to ppl out there that have the courage to do that. . .that just ain't me.

Here I am, a week away from driving back across the country to a new house and all things familiar…and I’m sad! Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally excited to be going back to the AZ but these past few years in GA have really been AMAZING! I have made some wonderful lifetime friends. I’ve lived and traveled to unbelievably beautiful east coast places. There are some great memories here that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Most importantly, living in GA was probably the greatest thing for Rod and I. Everyone said it’d be so great to get away from everyone and everything and just “BE US”. I didn’t know what that meant, but looking back I see…that if I had gained nothing else out of this experience – THAT alone would’ve been worth it. I remember getting into a little scuffle with Rod a few weeks after we got here, snatching up my keys, slamming the door and hurrying down to my car. I started the ignition and then it dawned on me, “I have nowhere to go.” Awesome…turned the car off, went back upstairs and worked it out. I’m not gonna get all blog-mushy about my hubby, but he really is the most kind-hearted, level-headed, unbelievably perfect man I could’ve asked for. I know I didn’t do anything to deserve him...so the only other logical explanation is that he must’ve done something horrible to end up with me. Either way…he’s all mine! Mwahaha!

To my GA friends: I love you, I’ll miss you, please don’t forget me…I promise I will NEVER forget you.

To my AZ friends: I love you and I’ll see you soon…who’s meeting me at Sonic?

Baby Shower Invite Etiquette

2009-10-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

I may regret this post later, but for now - I'm letting my Asian bluntness take over!

My sister Kara and I have chuckled for the past few months as we've shared stories of the untactful ways of LDS women. I realize we are in no way perfect, so this is not a "holier-than-tho" moment by any means. I'm also aware posting something like this is def. going to offend someone but please be aware - it's not about anyone that will be reading this. (I would've made my blog private if I were worried about that!) :~)

I received an email last week for a baby shower. Ok, no big deal - an emailed invitation is acceptable in my book. Postage isn't cheap. I totally get it. But please tell me WHY it's ok for someone to use the Relief Society list that's intended for RS announcements, etc. - for an email blast for a baby shower?!?! Not only did I not know the woman they were honoring, I didn't even know the person that was throwing the shower! Am I the only person that finds this absolutely ridiculous?!

I'm fully aware that some women that have multiple showers are more often than not offered by someone in the ward and instead of declining and offending that person, (which happens way too often in the Church) they accept. I'm fine with multiple showers, especially if you're having a new gender. But if you already have 3-4 kids and the oldest if of babysitting age. . . you probably shouldn't be having/expecting someone to throw you a shower. (True Story)

Someone's offended huh? I love us Mormons. . .

THE CHURCH IS TRUE!

So long sweet summer...

2009-09-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

ARIZONA TRIP

Jeff and Non tied the knot July 24th! It was a beautiful wedding...so freakin hot though!! They are def. troopers for still looking absolutely dashing on their big day!

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Lamont Porter

The Porter Family is very musically inclined and they put on a lil' show for us at the luncheon. Jeff sang 2 songs that he wrote just for Non and I got a little teary-eyed from his heartfelt performance - seriously adorable!

Here's my girl still lovely as ever! Love you Nonners, thank you for letting me share your special day with you as your M.O.H.!
Side note: Non's sister Amanda and I kept trying to figure out if "Maid" or "Matron" was the correct terminology. I was decidedly named the Matron and Amanda the Maid - apparently b/c I'm married and matronly? :~)

Can't get enough of this curly-haired cutie!! I spent any time I was home with this guy! I was so scared he wouldn't remember me...imagine my surprise when I walked in the door fresh off the plane and he comes right up to me and gives me a hug! AWE!

Sisters at Sekai

Ok so I realized I took hardly ANY pictures in AZ! Man that's annoying!!! Thank you to everyone I got to see, and to those of you I didn't - don't feel too bad, it won't be long! :~)

A special and GIANT THANKYOU to Square who made the most delicious dish for Non's shower! They were a HIT and I can't begin to thank you enough for doing that for me! And to mi madre for helping cut up all that fruit! Couldn't have done it without you!

So after I got back from AZ, Russ & Erin were in ATL for a visit. We had a BLAST with them! We did some shopping, went out to eat and had fun going night swimming too! First time in our complex pool! HA! (They always have parties going on and I hate sharing a pool with strangers and a bunch of eye-wandering old geezers.) Thanks again guys for comin' to see us - we miss you already!

1st Annual Ronnie & Elaine Crumpton Family Reunion
Port Aransas, Texas

The original plan was to have all the boys get together for a fishing trip, but then they realized how boring it'd be without their women and kids!!!! Ok...we all know the REAL reason we were invited but just humor me here. Rod and I spent hours finding the perfect place for 18ppl to stay and found a super sweet beach house right around the corner from the water! It was Elaine's birthday that weekend too so we surprised her with a cake, some bday gifts, went and got our nails done and had everyone write down something they loved about her and put it in a pink balloon for her to pop! (Idea credited to Rod.) The ocean water was wonderful, it was hot outside but I LOVE the beach and coulda stayed out there all day long!! The trip was wonderful and we can't wait for the next one!

Lack of pics once again - thanks Ronnie for sending these ones so I have something to show for it!

Rod and reel - BAHAHA!

He makes fishin' look good.

Ronnie Paul, Bryant, Russ, Robert, Rod and Ronnie

Thanks again Ronnie and Elaine for a FABULOUS time! We love you!

Stone Mountain

The Peacocks have a family pass and told us they were going, so we decided to invite ourselves! :~) As we are walking up to purchase our tickets, a lady offers us an admission that they said was an extra one that they didn't need. SWEET! We tell the lady in the booth we need one more adult pass...she looks at the ticket and noticed it was for a 2-day entry so she just gave us the other ticket for FREE! We saved ourselves an easy $50 - not including the parking fee we would've had to pay, and the lunch that Kristin made for everyone too! Wow...what do we contribute to this friendship!?

Top of the mountain with downtown ATL in the background.

Rod and one the goats at the petting zoo.

Hard to tell but that's a giant crevice I managed to squeeze myself into.

MUAH!

Thank you Peacocks for helping us cross this one off the list! We had a blast and also loved going to Outback where the entertainment continued! HA! :~)

Why I married a pest control boy...

2009-07-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I had seen some weird black things on the garage stairs but didn't really pay much attention to them. I pointed them out to Rod one day and he noticed there was a hole in the side of the top stair and figured they were mouse droppings. Ok...just a few mice - no biggie. WRONG! I really wish I had taken pics of our repeated attempts to catch them! DO NOT use the white sticky pads - they are completely ineffective! Every morning they were moved, chewed, or were covered with hair b/c the mouse had gotten stuck but always managed to get away! I swear we had mighty mouse living under our stairs!
Anyways, I wasn't too bothered b/c I knew they were in the garage and atleast they weren't in my apartment! That is ofcourse until one Sunday I was cleaning up after dinner and turned around and saw something scurry across the floor and underneath the kickboard of one of our cupboards. OH HECK NO! Rod immediately set up snap traps loaded with peanut butter...one inside and one in the garage. Next morning we woke up and found the mice had helped themselves to our PB and the snap traps didn't' SNAP!!!! UGH!!
That's when we decided we had to bust out the big guns...The Catchmaster 48R's. Complete with peanut butter and just for fun...a half-bitten mini Snickers bar. (Rod's idea)

Finally - SUCCESS!!! Yes, they are babies and I felt bad ok?

We have set these 4 times...and have caught a total of 7 mice!!!!! Usually in pairs which we thought was weird?! Rod did make a good point...he said, "You'd think they'd be able to communicate with eachother a little better or atleast give eachother some warning to stay away!!" HAHA!

We think we've caught all of them - who knows. Unfortunately we have some pretty unkempt neighbors downstairs that I'm blaming for the problem so we'll see!

So today was a FIRST for the Mondays!!! That's right...a snake decided to pay it's favorite pest control office a lil' visit. The office complex we are in has some wooded areas so it's not surprising but I've never seen a snake in this type of setting before!
Sorry Carrie - I'm about to one-up your snake story...

This bad boy was atleast 4.5 feet long - CREEPY lookin' huh?!

Rod decided to be brave and touch it...no one was expecting that thing whip around as fast as it did! So after he almost got his hand bitten off, I decided to Google it and found out it's a Black Rat Snake - not poisonous (good thing I checked that first right?) and emits a foul smelling odor when threatened. Lovely.

If you can't stomach watching some real life road kill - do not play the video below. Infact, after videoing this I had to go inside and sit down b/c I really thought I was gonna lose it. DISGUSTING! Please excuse the ANNOYING commentary - I was needless to say a little anxious to get this thing taken care of...

FYI - Bulwark DOES NOT condone this type of "treatment". We don't even treat for snakes so this was strictly...experimental!?!!?

VIDEO HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR THE TIME BEING -SORRY!

What? Did you think I married a Bug Boy for his money?!?!?! :~)

Oh they say when you marry in June...

2009-06-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

Just a line from one of my favorite musicals - has nothing to with this post. Wow - June has come and gone, can't believe it! A LOT has happened...here's the not so condensed version of my month.

Girls Camp - went up for the last day/night and had the luxury of sleeping in a pop up camper. If you wanna know my REAL feelings on camping, my sis. Kara posted on the matter and it pretty much sums up my thoughts perfectly. Check it out HERE. This picture was captured while we sought shelter from a freak thunderstorm that rolled in after it had been sunny and HOT all day! Gotta love that GA weather! Enjoyed the car rides there and back with the Sonic stops in between. We had lots of fun in the short amount of time. The girls are fabulous and have such sweet testimonies!
Oh... our ward was split last week and Rod and I are in a brand new ward. I absolutely LOVED the girls and the women I worked with. I can't talk about it too much b/c it makes me sad but I know it had to happen - needless to say I will miss them terribly!!

Dad came to ATL for business and it was fun having him here. We drove up to Greenville, SC one day and had dinner at Saskatoon (a restaurant franchise we usta rep). Edmund (the owner) was so good to us! We ate all kinds of wild game - it was tasty! Def. not a place for a vegetarian tho!

Kara and Q stopped in for a few days on their way to Key West. We had to go to Hard Rock b/c Kara is a VIP member and I thought they'd shut the place down for us but apparently she hasn't reached that status just yet... :~)
Kara and I got pedicures & did a little shopping while the boys played XBOX (lame). We also got together with our friends to have Father's Day dinner and played Settler's...always a treat!

Traditional pilsner glass complete with a chocolate shake

Love him

JAX came to visit!!! I had to take her to a GA Sonic or it just wouldn't be right! There's just one face missing here...we missed u Jenna!

Braves Game!!! FINALLY!! Lived here for 1.5 years and just now going to a game...pretty pathetic I must say. Ofcourse we had to get our Chipper Jones jersey's to make it official! Had good seats, ate the stadium served cuisine, cheered for the home team (Jax is a retired cheerleader so she really knows what she's doin) and had a BLAST!

Jones is the man

I had Jackie teach me to make her famous cinnamon rolls and how to use my Bosch that I got from my mom! I'm pretty sure it's a sin to have one and not use it on a regular basis. I'm quite embarrassed about it myself! It was tricky finding enough space to roll out that dough but she's a pro so we got it done. Ofcourse we had to wear out matching aprons!!! Jax and her mom made them - aren't they adorable?!

The aftermath...YUM! Totally worth the pile of dirty pans...

We played Settler's at night, Jax caught on real quick and did so good! There were some words exchanged but we're all still friends.

Thanks for the great company we've had thus far!!! Russ & Erin - we can't wait to have you guys out here in a few weeks!

It's the little things in life

2009-05-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

At work today I took a quick run to Sonic b/c I was in desperate need of "a fix". My coworker Dana and I will usually trade off making Sonic runs and as I've expressed in previous posts, it pains me that everytime I pull in, I'm nothing but a stranger to them. As much as it hurts - I have come to terms with it and try not to expect any form of recognition from the staff.

And then today...it happened

I pull into the drive thru and before I even begin to speak - I hear this magical question thru the speaker:

"Just a Vanilla Dr. Pepper today?"

My mouth dropped open..."Did I hear that right?" It took everything in me not to scream out in sheer joy!!!!!

I get to the window and the girl that hands me my drink said she recognized my car so she knew what I ordered - as if she was defending herself b/c she thought it may be weird...she was soon to find out that I was def. the weirdo! At this point, this girl was my new best friend and I couldn't hold it in anymore! I told her all about my "good ol' Sonic Days" and when I heard her say my drink order over the speaker it TOTALLY made my day!

It was the best tasting Vanilla Dr. Pepper I've had since living in Georgia.

(No need to post a comment about what a loser I am that I'm actually blogging about THIS...I'm well aware ppl...WELL aware.)

SISTERS COME TO GEORGIA!!!

2009-03-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted my sisters to come and visit Rod and I for a few reasons, but when I found a really good deal on flights I decided - WHY NOT!?
They had to see how we roll in the dirty souf right?! :~) Just kiddin guys...just kiddin.

Highlights w/o pics include but are not limited to:
*Volunteering Celine to sing in church - she did AMAZING!! Except now ppl think I can sing like that! Whoops!
*Getting pulled over by a cop on the way back from Sonic - got off with a warning! PHEW!
*Watching "She's the Man"
*Playing games at night
*Going shopping
*Beautification Day - haircuts, manis and pedis.
*Having ppl to yell at/with....lovingly of course! :~) (If you've been to the Durney residence, you know we communicate rather LOUDLY!)

These are in no particular order obviously and I'm too lazy to copy and paste chronologically

Chateau Elan...right after Danna inhaled a blue coconut slush from Sonic

Took the girls to World of Coca Cola - Rod loves getting the bottle of Coke at the end so it was worth it!

On our way to Tallulah Gorge - picture pit stop

Rod and I forced to sit on a bench - this time by Anais

Wearing her slammin' new shades indoors

Danna's faces are priceless

The woven basket walkway at Six Flags

Didn't hike it - but we took pictures to prove we were there!

Mellow Mushroom in downtown Atlanta
Danna informed us after about 15 mins of being there that this statue was "starting to really freak her out". None of us had seen it b/c we all had our backs to it except for her. HA!
(Credit and thanks to Jenna for introducing me to MM when I visited you in NC - memories.)

In memory of Kara and Anais' 1996 white Toyota corolla wagon - R.I.P.

First night in ATL - had to hit up the Varsity!

This is what happens when the Coca Cola lady asks who's been to the Factory before...and you raise your hand.

Whatta bunch of "Posers" - (the way Kristin would say it) :~)

We arm wrestled...repeatedly. It was embarrassing.

What they thought of being in Georgia with me!!!!

My house...isn't it lovely? :~)

We love our roller coasters...well, all of us but Danna.

Coca Cola Couch

Best sushi this side of the Mississippi - literally!

Aren't you jealous that Rod got to spend ALL week with US!?!?!

Anais' idea and by far the greatest picture of the entire trip!!! Man those kids were heavy!

Love you guys! Hope you had as much fun as we did! :~) We missed you Kara!
Rod says it's so quiet now - he's right - COME BACK!!!!!

Valentine's in Savannah

2009-02-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

I will start this post off with the fact that I'm a very hard person to surprise. I don't even like surprises all that much b/c it means I wasn't "in" on something - yes I'm fully aware how ridiculous that sounds. I am way too observant and I ask too many questions which makes it impossible. I'm not being puffed up about it...it's just the truth. Well, off to work I went a few Saturdays ago and I come home to this!!!!

I felt like I was being asked to a school dance again! Right after I left Rod got up and washed our brand new sheets and made our bed with our new comforter set, blew up 72 balloons and filled each of them with a slip of paper with something that he loved about me. MELTED MY HEART! I was sad I had to pop all of them b/c I totally woulda left my room like this for the day! :~)
Thank you so much sweetie - I love you!!!

I wasn't supposed to know about the Savannah trip Rod was planning but he hadn't said anything about our Valentine weekend plans! So...I took it upon myself to plan something for us! I was looking up hotel rates and Rod happened to glance at the computer, I tried to hide it but he caught me and asked what I was doing. He wasn't too thrilled to see I ruined his surprise - (SEE! Sometimes I don't even mean to!!) His best buddy Jon hooked us up with a sweet deal at the Marriott on the Riverfront and it was AMAZING!!! That is def. one thing I don't mind spending a lil' more money on - a nice, clean hotel!!

Our friends suggested we eat at a place called the Crab Shack while we were there so we decided it would be our V-day dinner. This place was literally...a shack! It was so awesome! We got the seafood platter and I couldn't believe how much food their was!! Crab legs, crawdads, shrimp, oysters, sausage, potatoes, and corn. I LOVE seafood but I have never actually had to crack, peel and shuck my own before so it was quite an experience! I admit, I couldn't do the crawdads myself b/c they still have their beady little eyes on them and I felt so bad! It was sooo good and def. a place we will be going again someday!

We went downtown a few times and Rod had a goal to find the Forrest Gump bench and get a picture of him eating a box of chocolates while sitting on it waiting for the bus. Ok maybe not the bus. That dream was killed when we found out the actual bench is in a museum! I made him sit on several benches to take pictures anyways! :~)

Rod's mom told us about the Paula Deen restaurant that was in Savannah so we thought we could just roll up and score ourselves a seat at this downtown eatery. WRONG! They have a waiting list and they take reservations at the door starting at 8 or 9 every morning! Couldn't believe it! This is a line of ppl waiting to make their reservations.

Rod decided we'd try anyways so he dropped me off and I walked up to the hostess outside and asked her how long it would be to get 2 ppl seated for lunch. It didn't look promising either but she asked for my name and after I told her she said, "Hey - I'm Jasmine too!" Pretty sure that's what sealed the deal b/c we were up on the 3rd floor in 20 mins!

After enjoying our Lady and Sons southern cookin'! Yum!

Forsyth Park - once again wearing sandals and yes it was cold! We are such tourists...

Rod dawg LOVED these trees!!

Another forced bench picture...

There are TONS of old houses in Savannah and I decided this is the one I want. It's sad to think I will have to tell the ppl that live there that they will have to move out b/c I will be residing there when I retire. Atleast I'm giving them some notice!

Had to go and check out the historic Confederate Army fort - Ft. Pulaski!

Afterwards, we drove to check out the beach but it was soo cold and windy and I was NOT feeling well! We went back to the hotel for me to take a nap. A few hours later I felt well enough to head downtown for our last night to have dinner at this scrumptious New York style pizza place!!

Before we left, we walked down River Street and took a pic outside of the hotel to try to get a shot of the sweet view! I was pretty annoyed that I was still feeling sick b/c there's nothing worse than being sick on a vacation!

All in all - beautiful lil' city with lots of fun memories! Thank you babe for everything! Can't wait to go again!

Being this cold makes me miss my AZ!

2009-02-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

This is my "missing AZ therapy session" - I'm extending apologies to ppl hoping for an update worth reading...this my friends, is not it.

I miss my Sonic on Lindsay and McKellips, where everyday I would pull into Stall 6, and one of my buddies would walk my drink out to me w/o me even pushing the button...yes they knew my car and pretty much the time(s) I'd be arriving....sad I know.

I miss streets that ran perpendicular and freeway exits only being a mile or 2 apart, that way if u accidentally missed it, you could flip around and you'd be right back on it! I drive at least 10-12 miles if I miss my exit here, it's brutal.

I miss wearing summer clothes and sandals - IN THE WINTER!! I now face the monthly decision..."to pedicure...or not to pedicure!?"

If you've ever been here - you already know what this is...
I miss my Costa Vida. Their sweet pork goodness that is my latter-day manna. Do you think they would overnight?!

I miss those west-coast sunsets...they are unlike any other. I don't know what it is but I just love them!!!

My Sunday Drives - (usually Las Sendas Mtn or Lehi Road) - my moment to roll down the windows, blast my music, drink my pop and totally revamp for the next week. Best stress reliever EVER!

Naturally, I miss all of my family and friends who have most likely forgotten about me, but what I wouldn't do to get my hands on this cutie...

Just to clarify...THIS cutie! :~) Jk Anais...jk!

Husband Post

2009-01-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

Husband Post per Jenna's request, and I love her too much to let her down! :~)

Whats your husbands name? Rodney Lowell Crumpton

How long have you been married? 1 year 1 month 27 days - I counted

How long did you date? I love this question - we FIRST dated Nov. '03 and AGAIN in Mar of '07

How old is he? 28

Who eats more sweets? Probably me but he has quite a sweet tooth! He always likes to get candy he knows I won't want so he can have it for himself

Who is a better singer? Me - but he knows lyrics to lotsa songs and will sing in the car for me

Who is smarter? Rod is WAY smart, but I think we are equally intelligent

Who does the laundry? I do - he tries to help but I hardly ever let him

Who pays the bills? Bank of America BillPay - I usually write the checks

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does

Who mows the lawn? the apartment landscapers - but do they HAVE to come at 6AM!?

Who cooks dinner? I do most of the time but he has a few dishes he likes to cook

Who drives? Both - and I'm a backseat driver too, he LOVES that

Who is the first to say they are wrong? Rod...I am rarely wrong :~) but when I am, it takes me a LONG time to admit it!!

Who kissed who first? He kissed me, we were watching Zoolander and I fell asleep and he started kissing my forehead to wake me up and when I opened my eyes - BAM! ...sneaky sneaky!

Who asked who out first? Hard to say - he got my # but we hung out with the same ppl so we never really had to set anything up at first

Who wears the pants? That'd be me...Rod stop shaking ur head

I tag anyone willing to share!

Rod's Bday and Baby Leah!

2008-12-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

I'm late but I wanted to give my hubby a shout out for turning the big 2-8 on the 15th!!!

15 attributes I LOVE about my Rod dawg
1. His laugh - this has prolly been my favorite thing about him since I've known him. Especially when he's talking on the phone with his brother Russell...Erin u know what I'm talkin bout.
2. His sense of style- even tho he's super picky, I appreciate that he doesn't dress like a frumpster.
3. He's athletic and knows a ton when it comes to sports - I've always liked that in a guy.
4. Rod can cook! If I ask him to cook something, he willingly whips something up and it will taste good too!
5. His hugs and kisses - the best in the west...or I guess east now! :~)
6. His patience and calm demeanor - I don't know how he does it!? Especially being married to me!
7. He is super funny - most ppl don't know this about him when they first meet him b/c he can be rather quiet...but his best friends/family know he is hilarious!
8. Rod is Mr. Handyman - he has such a vast horizon of knowledge when it comes to "man stuff" and I am so impressed by his abilities!
9. His loyalty to his friends - he would do ANYTHING for them. Lucky for me I'm his BEST friend!
10. His work ethic...I'm never worried that Rod will always work hard and will succeed in whatever he does!
11. He's a worthy priesthood holder - 'nuff said.
12. His spirituality and gospel knowledge - I still can't get him to write my talks for me tho!
13. How much he adores his nieces and nephews - it gives me complete confidence he will be a great dad someday.
14. His subtle surprises - I'm nearly impossible to fool but he still manages to sneak a Sonic trip when I least expect it.
15. The love he has for his family - I have never heard Rod speak poorly of anyone in his family, he is so forgiving and has the utmost respect for all of them.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this pic of him....how adorable is he?! PS he tries this face now...not the same effect as it prolly was then. haha!

So here's to my birthday boy - I LOVE YOU BABE!!! Ur the BEST and I'm thankful to call you mine!

Alright so our friend Kristin is quite the baker - I'm not just saying that either just b/c I know she'll read this. :~) Everything she makes is fabulous. Well Byron (her husband that Rod and I work with) gets this bright idea to have Kristin construct a birthday cake ESPECIALLY for Rodney....it's not what ur thinking ppl....

Those of you who know me rather well are aware that I HATE several words in the english language. This picture below is a replica of the one I despise the most!

Yup...starts with a P ends with an OOP. I had to call it "Turd Cake" or "Crap Cake" b/c I physically can't bring myself to say the word.

Her fecal matter smorgasbord...impressive right?! A big thanks to Kristin for her willingness to actually make Byron's sick, twisted vision into a reality - and still making something so vile, so delicious! Rod especially appreciated it! :~)

Ok I know this deserves it's own post but wanted to give a shout out to Carrie and Loren who had their beautiful baby girl - Leah Bee on Dec. 6th!!! She's a DOLL and I can't wait to meet her!! Love u guys!

Well I better get packin' - Rod and I are off to Texas for Christmas in the morning. Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holiday! 'Til next year!

Giving Thanks...Arizona Style!

2008-12-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

We got to go to AZ for Thanksgiving...this was the year all my cousins would be in Mesa (except for Jeremy who's at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio). Rod & I flew in and shared a plane ride with the UofA basketball team! I'm thankful I don't face half of the discomfort they do trying to squeeze 6ft. 8in. into a tiny airplane seat for the 4.5 hr flight! Phew!
After our flight we got our Costa Vida fix...I'm thankful for sweet pork tacos. Coldplay was that night and I thought they were playing at Dodge Theater in downtown Phoenix. We were already an hour late (on purpose) when we arrived at a DARK and EMPTY Dodge and realized it was at Jobing.Com arena in Glendale...another 30 mins away! I'm thankful Coldplay waited for Rod and I to show up...the show was grand, and they played "The Scientist" in the audience...acoustic style - I couldn't have asked for more from them.

After the concert we had planned on meeting friends at Sonic. I'm thankful for my friends that waited over an hour in the cold just to see my ugly mug. U guys are the BEST!

Next day was Thanksgiving!!! I'm thankful for my loud/crazy/hilarious family and a home cooked meal that I had nothing to do with.

After our feast...it was time for KICKBALL!

The family kickball game has been a decade long battle between boys vs. girls. We've had injuries...screaming fights...and several of us have been on the verge of disownment. But it's by far one of the funnest things we do as a family.

Girls Team...we make kickball look good.

Boys team...a couple suffered from Turkey bowl accidents - including 2 broken ribs and a major foot trauma. Still killed us 17-3. I'm thankful Rod wants to stay married to me after witnessing his first Julander/Durney Kickball match. :~) It gets real ugly sometimes...

That night all the girls in the fam...and Blakey went to see Twilight. Why all the haters...yes it was low budget but I thought it was charming. Ok I didn't like Jasper who reminded me of a blonde version of Johnny Depp in "Edward Scissor Hands"...weirdo. But I'm thankful for Edward Cullen personified. :~)

After Twilight Anais and I went with Jax and Jamie on a "Sunday Drive"...on Thursday. (Thanks for pointing that out Jam) :~) I'm thankful for QT being open on Thanksgiving b/c a Sunday Drive is not complete without a vanilla Dr. Pepper.

Guns. My grandpa has tons of em. So we drove out to the desert for a little shootin' trip. I'm thankful my grandpa can still bust out a .357 MAG and take down target after target with one hand. What a stud.

The big girl cousins...we love eachother (and hoodies)

Anais and Danna lovin' on Rod dawg.

I tried to spend as much time with this lil' guy as I could. I'm thankful my nephew doesn't cry when I go to pick him up even tho I'm a complete and total stranger to him!

Gibson absolutely LOVED Rod...it was seriously the cutest thing ever. I was somewhat jealous but how can you feel anything negative towards these 2?!?!? AWE!

A few other highlights that unfortunately I don't have the pictures to prove:
*Birthday dinner and party for Buddy Nick
*Happy Hour at Applebee's with the old gang
*Karaoke night at Native New Yorker
*Shopping with Care Bear Square Hair
*Getting to see friends and family (not everyone unfortunately) :~(
*Breakfast with the girls and our husbands/soon-to-be husbands at GIANT HAMBURGER
*Beating everyone in Settlers & getting to write my name in the box (more gratifying b/c I stomped Kara & Q at their own game) HA!
*Dinner at Sekai Sushi

Well I thought I'd finish my posting bc Rod's away at a campout...yes he's now an advisor in Young Men's! I have no problem being alone at night, but I def. don't like the fact that the bugs can sense when my husband is away!! I just killed this...

Say hello to this filthy creature better known as the House Centipede...creepy huh!? It almost makes me miss scorpions...but not quite!

Anniversaries!

2008-11-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

One year of MARRIAGE & one year in GEORGIA!

I know this is so typical but I'm gonna praise my husband here for a minute...he really has been the most patient, kind, and loving man I could ask for and I find myself very undeserving of him a lot of the time! Moving all the way to Georgia was REALLY difficult for me...those of you who know me are aware that I don't like change and I avoid it if at all possible. I have come to find out in this last year that change is GOOD and even sometimes NECESSARY! So thankyou to all my friends, family and ppl that may not know they've even helped me thru this transition...I appreciate your patience and understanding with how ridiculous I can be! Ok...done with my rant.

Here are some pics from the last few weeks...

We kidnapped Sydney - our newest Beehive and headed over to Chick-Fil-A for breakfast/milkshakes. They are crazy...and I love em!

We've got 2 out of 3 concerts down.
Weezer was classic. Dashboard was amazing.

Oh, but Chris, we paid to hear you sing...not to give every-other-song-electoral-vote updates on Obama. Lucky for you...those prodigious pipes of yours help me see past ur political frailties.

Rod and I stayed in downtown ATL at a nice hotel and ate Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for our anniversary dinner - pricey yet delicious. Atleast they gave us a complimentary dessert! YUM!

My hunky lil' modernized cowboy...he wore his Steve Madden boots to Ruth's Chris to get away with wearing jeans. A cowboy can ALWAYS get away with jeans...hehe!

Our year anniversary in GA we decided to head up to Lake Lanier and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL fall landscape. It was MUCH colder than we had anticipated. Rod's face says it all.

This is one of my FAVORITE trees by our office-love love love the red!! Notice how we are STILL sporting our sandals! I have actually invested in some closed-toed shoes...I learned my lesson last year when it snowed! No promises the trend will stick...

Getting out the Vote!

2008-11-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

For my sister Kara that is! Her fabulous obsession with Shabby Apple Clothing has provided her the rare opportunity to possibly win a friendly lil' competition they have going to feature their vignette on the website as well as winning the outfit itself! The mere fact she was a finalist AND had the owner vote for her should speak for itself...but being the good sister I am, thought I'd help tip the voting scale. (Not ACORN style tho)! Voting ends Nov. 19th so if you would be so kind as to submit a vote for her at the link below - we'd appreciate it!
Click Here to Vote for "Times Square Countdown"

Feel free to read the story behind her creation...I think we can all relate somewhat to needing a lil' "pick me up" after a relationship gone sour. I choose a different way to "deal"...

Dear Sonic, I love you.

Short update...but an update nonetheless

2008-10-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well first of all - I am excited to announce that I received a new calling, I am now the 2nd Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency! I was a little shocked/nervous at first and felt guilty for somewhat "abandoning" my sweet lil' nursery kids that I've grown to love, but I am so stoked to be working with the YW! I've only known the other women in the Pres. for a short time but they are amazing!! Rod and I haven't been released from Nursery yet so I am doing both for a few more weeks which is kinda nice b/c it'll be easier for me to phase out. The kids will mostly miss Rod tho, I can admit he's the obvious favorite! (I think b/c he'll sit at the table and eat snacks with them, they must think he's just one of the kiddos) :~)

Rod and I hit up Six Flags over Georgia a few weeks ago and it was FABULOUS! I think the longest we waited was 45 mins for a ride and all the rest of em were 15 mins or walk-ons! It was beautiful weather outside and we had a blast! And it was by far the cleanest amusement park I've ever been to! (Always a PLUS in my book! )

Last week for Columbus Day we decided to take a lil' trip on the MARTA. It's basically Atlanta's metro transit system and it seems to come in very handy - especially for us "tourists" who still have a little trouble navigating around downtown! We visited underground Atlanta, took a stop to Little Five Points and checked out some random shops that you def. don't see in the mall. We ate at this place called the VORTEX and they had some amazing hamburgers - Rod ordered one called the Coronary Bypass...sounds healthy right? We walked a few miles from the MARTA station and back so it may have burned off a few of the 2 million calories...ok- who am I kiddin?

Waiting for the train - doesn't look too dirty from this view...

And then you look near the tracks...a freakin rat. Sick.

Today we went to the Tanger Outlets and did some winter shopping - the weather was perfect so we had to get outta the apt.! My fave item was my new Matix jacket/hoodie that was marked down from 70 to 20 bucks!! Suhweet! We ate Outback for dinner and now we're watching the TX Longhorns WAIL on Mizzou...(sigh)....today was a GOOD day.

Kŏn'sûrt lŭv'in

2008-09-24T19:14:00.001-07:00

I LOVE concerts!!! Some of the most memorable times in my life thus far were b/c of a concert. I don't need to explain myself any further, if you've been to a good one - you already know. The friends, the venue, the sing-alongs, the all-over ambiance. Strange as it seems...Rod and I have never been to a concert together. Naturally, we had to make up for it.

Angels & Airwaves

I've never seen "them" but have been to see Blink 182 so it 1/2 counts right?

Panic at the Disco!

Saw them 2 years ago along with Jack's Mannequin with Daner...they are def. a bunch of weirdos but put on one of the best shows ever!

COLDPLAY

We'll be seeing them in AZ the SAME evening we land for our Thanksgiving trip. We're crazy...for Coldplay that is.

Weezer

Haven't seen them since they played with Dashboard years back - excited to be reunited once more!

Dashboard Confessional

Saved the best for last...this will be my 3rd time I get to hear this tattooed wonder of a man serenade me...uh I mean, the crowd. I guess I have way too many connections/memories/meanings of songs that are sung by him NOT to be a little bit infatuated. 'Scuse my moment of emo-ness. :~)

Month Late Bday and NASHVILLE!

2008-09-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

My birthday was Aug. 1st and I had a wonderful day - a little work celebration, lotsa phone calls and texts, some shopping and then dinner at the Cheesecake Factory with Rod. It was a lil different b/c I've had my last 3 birthdays with atleast 15+ friends and my fam at whatever restaurant of my choosing but I really appreciate ALL the wonderful cards and gifts I got from everyone - it helped make up for feeling a lil lonely! You guys are the BEST and I love you!!!

Outside the Cheesecake Factory

Well being on the east side of the country has it's pros and cons.

Cons - Hurricanes
Pros - being close enough to drive a few hrs to meet up with your cousin and her husband for a fun Labor Day Weekend!

We drove about 4.5 hrs to Nashville, TN better known as Music City to visit with Meghan and Stoney for the holiday weekend and we had SO MUCH FUN!

Our first night we got freshened up and went out to eat at Texas Road House - Stoney had never been and it's Rod's favorite so we figured since they drove they should be rewarded for their efforts in getting us there safely! :~) We actually stayed in Brentwood which is south of downtown about 15 mins so it was the perfect location and our hotel was BEAUTIFUL!

Meghan and Stoney

Me and Rod

The next day we headed off to see the Parthenon. Yes, the REAL one...just kidding (that will hopefully be checked off our list in the near future) - but it was actually pretty cool to see. It was built in 1897 and is a full-size replica of the original in Athens.

This was a GIANT 42 ft. replica of Athena Parthenos - it took the sculptor 8 years to complete and is currently the largest indoor sculpture in the Western World. This thing was seriously huge.

There were a bunch of art pieces and sculptures throughout the building - not sure which one this was but Rod is just too cute not to post.

Meg and I outside the Parthenon

Meghan was on a mission to get a pic sitting on one of these swings – she chose the only one in direct, penetrating sunlight. Stoney was noticeably thrilled. It did turn out to be pretty cute tho Meg - way to go!

We saw this train caboose on the way back to the car...

Naturally – boys will be boys and they both HAD to climb it and take a pic

Rod demonstrating how to disregard the spray-painted notice

The next stop was the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum in downtown

They had all sorts of memorabilia in there and it was pretty cool, even tho I had never even heard of a lot of the artists…I’m a little new to the whole Country Music thing so I still have a lot to learn!

We went on the RCA Studio B tour and even tho our “guide” was a little more informative then we would’ve liked :~) it was cool to see Elvis’ favorite recording studio and all the original instruments in there.

We headed to the Grand Ole Opry the next day…there weren’t any good concerts going on but we had to atleast prove we had been there!

Embarrassing story: I was at Cosmo's (the salon) visiting 2 of my roommates where they both worked in 2004. They had a TV on in the front lobby and I sat down to watch and something came across the screen about the Grand Ole Opry. Like I said before, country music stuff is pretty foreign to me and I had never even heard of this place. I said (out loud unfortunately, and pronounce it just like I have it spelled) “What is the Grand Olay Opree?” They all immediately laughed and made fun of me! (Which I deserved bc I'm usually the pronounciation stickler!) My only defense - being a Mountain View Toro, there's a part in the fight song where it says "Olé" - and that's the only thing I had to go off of. Regardless - I will forever be mocked for my ignorance.

Rod and I infront of the GRAND OLAY OPREE :~)

The theater was right by the Opry Mills Mall so we hit that up and decided to eat and play some games at Dave and Buster’s too. Here's Meghan waving thru the bubble…Rod’s face was too serious so we were forced to lighten the mood.

My biggest win of the night - my first card swipe on the Wheel of Fortune Game-BAM! 300 tickets!

I made Rod fold them up for me so they would all fit in the cup…don’t worry - I gave him 5 tickets for his hard work!

It was such a fun trip - never a dull moment. From the late night Taco Bell run, Mansion shopping, the hotel's breakfast nazi, or the glass elevator ride that made Rod a hero...we had a BLAST! Can't wait for our next trip! How does New York sound?!

My somewhat "Political" post

2008-08-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Go ahead - click on this link and listen to this idiot.

Barack Obama - I don't want my daughters "punished with a baby"

Wow.

I've been watching the SaddleBack Forum on YouTube for the last hour too...and I will probably be up late b/c of it. If you've got some time - I invite you to watch a few of the clips. I'm no guru on this stuff...but I try to have an open mind and learn what I can. I realize McCain is far from perfect, but Obama is a buffoon. End of story.

If you wanna learn more - These guys are bomb....Sean Hannity & Bill O'Reilly

What a patriot right?

McCain '08

Jenna's Wedding, Pink Eye, 4th of July in Houston, Rod's folks visit ATL and Dollywood...yep that about covers it

2008-07-16T19:26:00.001-07:00

ARIZONA

I've been going non-stop since June 18th when I headed off to AZ...I was soo busy with the wedding I didn't get to spend hardly ANY time with some of my friends and unfortunately didn't even get to see a few of you! Hope you know I would've done ANYTHING to see you and I still feel terrible about it!

Jax, Matt and Chad at the reception -
aren't the boys so good at matching!?

Decorating the toaster - yes those are our Sonic cups...mostly mine and Jax's

Jax, Jenna and Brooke - she still looked absolutely fabulous on her 116 degree wedding day!!!

Me and Gibson-he spewed on me atleast 3 times that day...and I still think he's freakin cute

HOUSTON

Well a week before our 4th of July trip, I was fortunate enough to contract DOUBLE PINK EYE! Ofcourse it happens to me b/c I'm the clean freak and I wash my hands constantly!!! Rod took me to Urgent Care the next day to get a prescription and we were there for 2 hours! The actual doctor was only in the room for about 2 mins, looked in both my eyes, told me what I already knew, said he'd get me a presciption and then left. And we just paid him HOW MUCH?! Anyways, it was terrible...I looked like a drug addict and/or victim of domestic violence.

Rod's older brother Ronnie Paul and his wife Stacy were sweet enough to open their home to us along with several other family members. We had 15 ppl all staying under one roof and I thought we'd go crazy but it ended up being absolutely perfect! Stacy is def. one incredible hostess!

Yes I wore patriotic colors for 4th of July...you don't?? :~) Notice the pink eye...this was pretty much the last day of it thankfully!!

Please disregard how unhappy Rod appears to be in this pic, his expression may be caused by the fact he's holding this adorable chunk of a baby Caleb! (Ronnie Paul and Stacy's youngest)
I have NEVER seen a baby with knees like his, they dimple when they're bent!!! He was such a good baby though - only whimpered when he was hungry or tired and grinned the rest of the time!

Here's Rod again with Russ and Erin's youngest Brasser playing at the food court in the mall. The whole gang went but the boys didn't last too long, they ended up taking all the kiddies home and the girls stayed and shopped, got our nails done and went out to eat at Pappadeaux's! We had a blast together!

And here's the entire Crumpton clan! Oh and isn't it sick how freakin tall I am compared to the other super cute, petite Crumpton ladies!! Thank you RP and Stacy - we had SO MUCH FUN!

GEORGIA/TENNESSEE

2 days after flying home from Houston, Rod's parents came to visit us in Georgia for a week!

They are the first ppl to actually fly out to see us in the 9 months that we've been here.. not counting Carrie - your missed flight counts in my book! So I guess I need to stay away from AZ longer to make ppl miss me first! :~)

We took a 1/2 day from work on Thursday and went to the Georgia Aquarium. Ronnie and Elaine taking a pic in front of the BIG TANK!

Friday morning we headed up to Tennessee thru the Smoky Mountains (no "e" in Smoky). The

scenery was GORGEOUS! That is def. one thing I really like about the south - it's so green here!

We stopped in Gatlinburg, TN to eat lunch and came back a little later after getting settled into our hotel to take a ride on the SkyLift!

Gatlinburg in all it's teeny tiny glory

No caption needed - Rod's face says it all

Dollywood!!! Yes it's a REAL place, yes they have a few impressive rollercoasters and YES there were the most redneck/white trash ppl there I've ever seen in my life! Just replace the asians at Disneyland with hillbillies and there's Dollywood for ya!

Thank you so much to Ronnie and Elaine - it was SOOO fun having them with us and they treated us WAY too good! Since I've never lived close to them, it was a perfect oppty to get to know them better and they really are amazing parents/grandparents and ppl in general! I'm so fortunate to have them for my in-laws!

Lakers vs Celtics

2008-06-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Down 3-1 in the finals...and I'm getting a little nervous. I have to admit, Pierce is just freaking good!

And now look at this fruity little pic of Bird and Johnson - not exactly the rivalry like nowadays...times have changed I would say! Why the shorts? Seriously...

Honestly...the only thing I really was hoping for came true, thanks to my Lakers!

Russ & Erin - I wish we were sitting on the couch together like we were last year when this gem of an event went down...haha!

Splish Splash

2008-06-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law Quinton sent me this video of Gibson and I had to share.
You can hear Q explain. It's kinda slow on Blogger but hopefully you get the idea! Enjoy!

Isn't he soooo stinkin cute!?! I love him...

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-27T17:38:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was wonderful...(except for the fact that the Spurs beat the Lakers, not gonna get into it right now.) Rod and I decided we would actually go and DO something in downtown ATL! It's about 37 miles away and traffic here is HORRIBLE so we haven't really had a reason to be down there except to go to the airport. We decided to hit up the World of Coca Cola on Monday & to our surprise it wasn't super busy! PHEW! It took about an hour & 1/2 to get thru the 20-acre complex and most was self-guided which was nice bc I'm not very patient.

Rod imagining he's taking a cold one from the pharmacist that made it all possible- John S. Pemberton himself!

I want this thing in my house - it's a super old soda fountain made of solid marble. Atleast that's what I think they said - wasn't paying attention, I was daydreaming of being able to have this thing filled with crushed ice and gallons of vanilla Dr. Pepper....

They have these different fountain drinks you can try with different Coke products from around the world like Europe, Latin America, Asia, etc. I'm here at the African station sampling their "Stoney" - this pic is for you Meg! Most were filthy...but Rod and I enjoyed watching the foreigners gather around to sample the United States fountain drinks! HAHA! We did get a bottled coke at the end but Rod was a little disappointed when he found out they didn't have the cane sugar bottled coke like you get in Mexico...what the?!

Afterwards we walked down to the CNN center to get some lunch and ate at this place called Don Juan's. Mexican food is few and far between in these parts. There is no such thing as Filly-B's here, Gecko Grill is a foreign concept and Costa Vida never seemed so far away either!

We took a nap when we got home and then went and saw the new Narnia too. And what better way to end a day than with a Route 44 VDP from Sonic...the perfect ending to a pretty perfect day.

I cried during American Gladiators

2008-05-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, you heard me - I cried during American Gladiators yesterday. John Siciliano competed yesterday and I had so many mixed emotions over this guy last night! Background - he was in a car accident when he was young and lost his leg b/c of it. They didn't go that easy on him in the events, but the Gladiators were nice enough to help him up to get help get him going again.

I didn't watch the beginning of the "Eliminator" b/c I knew there were some tough obstacles to get thru and I wouldn't have been able to handle my emotions...but I watched the end and oh my gosh, I just started bawling! So inspiring watching his determination to finish this event that ppl with TWO legs have a hard time doing! Just had to share...def. the best American Gladiator episode I've ever seen.

This pic is awe-inspiring...love it.

Care Bear Square Hair Turned 22 Yesterday!

2008-05-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well this post is a day late but I had to give a shout out to my girl CARRIE ANN for turning 22! I will share a few of the MANY things I absolutely LOVE about this fine lady...

classic Applebee's bathroom photo op

mall photo booth

TP'ing Jenn's truck

Bachelorette party in Vegas

Meeting up at the ATL Airport

*She is by far the BEST shopping partner I've ever had! Our mall routine is an art! We always know exactly what store we are going to and in what order. We may go our separate ways in the store but always meet up at the dressing room to try things on, give our HONEST opinions, and then check out. Beautiful...

*Carrie makes ANYTHING fun...it doesn't matter what we're doing, who we're with, or why we're even there....a fabulous memory is ALWAYS made!

*I love going to visit Carrie at the salon. We always get Rosati's or Capriotti's for lunch and I know I'm gonna walk outta there with the hair color/style I was wanting! She is always so good about working with my sched to get it done - even if we end up being there til midnight!

*She has an AMAZING voice...one of the thing's I miss most is being in the car with her and singing whatever song we had on at the top of our lungs!

*We can, and usually DO, finish one another's sentences. And if we can't use words...we always have "the nudge". haha!

*If we go out to lunch or dinner, and there's spinach artichoke dip on the menu...we're getting it. No doubt.

*She is super creative! Always has some idea on how to make something...or how to "enhance" it!

*Without fail, if she goes on a trip - she will bring something back for me! From toothpick holders, to fake birds perched on petrified wood, to dinosaur statues made completely of seashells to D&G purses..my list of random goodies is unimaginable.

*I love that she names her personal belongings...her car, her iPod, the dangling crystal that hangs from her review mirror...and it's normal to us!!!

*Carrie is there when you need her, & she knows exactly what to say or do to make you feel better and can always make you laugh! I am so thankful to be able to call her my friend...I don't know what I'd do without her!

You're the best babe! Love and miss you like mad!

Our "Suwanee Ward" Debut

2008-04-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

So today Rod and I spoke for the first time in our new ward. We've been there for 5 months & we thought we were totally safe! They threw us into Nursery pretty quick so we were able to "hide out" for quite some time. Well 2 weeks ago...Rod decided to go find a member of the bishopric to give our tithing to cuz we had the kids eating their snacks and we always have a tough time finding someone after church to give it to. He was gone for 5 mins...and he came back with the 2nd counselor by his side...yep, busted. There are so many new ppl moving into the ward so we were only "new" for about a week!
Anyways - I guess it was inevitable. My talk went well...I always get really nervous for some reason and I'm pretty sure my voice was a little shaky the entire time, but I got the congregation to laugh twice during my talk which helped me relax a little! PHEW! Rodney did amazing! He acts so calm and his words just flow so elegantly, kinda makes me sick. :~)
I guess the good thing is we won't have to give another talk until we move back to AZ! YAY! And don't worry...we are still believers in paying our tithing...but we now recommend MAILING it instead!

My trip to Jacksonville, FL

2008-04-23T17:13:00.002-07:00

This past weekend I hopped on a 48 min flight and headed down to Jacksonville to meet my pals Shannon & Amanda Gillespie for a weekend in Florida! A guy named Gil that Shannon taught on her mission was going thru the temple for the first time and that event was pretty much the main reason we went out there. Orlando is the closest temple to Jacksonville and is only a few hrs away from where we were staying. It was an AMAZING experience and it was so cool to see the excitement & happiness in his eyes.

There were a lot of supporters there, some that drove almost 4+ hours to get there! Even his best friend who is a recent convert himself, drove 2 hours and was outside to greet him as he came out of the temple. So after lots of hugs and about a million pics, all 18 of us headed down to Olive Garden to celebrate!

We visited Gainesville - the home of the University of Florida GATORS, which was Non's last area of her mission. I went to the single's ward with them and tried my best to blend in! It was pretty nice outside - so we decided to walk campus and see some of the sights. The campus is HUGE and they are pretty hardcore there...there was a gas station completely painted blue and orange to represent the school colors. Talk about school spirit...

Everything there was pretty spread out, we spent a lot of time driving to get where we needed to but it was def. worth it! One of my fave places we went was Fernandina Beach. Met up with a few more converts that Non taught and WOW - they were probably some of the nicest ppl I've ever met! Some haven't even been members for a yr and you could tell they had rock solid testimonies! And what was even more amazing is they were in a branch - and it blows me away how devoted and faithful they are even when the majority of ppl around them are inactive or not members. It made me feel a little disappointed that I haven't really considered what a blessing it is to have been born and raised in the church!

Monday came around and it was time to head back to our respective homes...for the first time in my LIFE of flying - I heard the words that no one wants to hear in the security line - "BAG CHECK". They scanned it twice and the guy had to take me over and check the contents of my backpack which contained a book, my iPod and my purse with all my crap.
Carrie - guess what they were suspicious of...MY OVERSIZED D&G PURSE ZIPPERS! Had to laugh about it though...I guess that's the price you pay to own a sweet purse! :~)

The trip was a success, made life-long memories and that's the most important thing. So what better way to end a trip, than in a random rocking chair at the Jacksonville Airport.

Early April Fool's!!!

2008-03-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Rod and I just got home from our SURPRISE Easter Trip to AZ! Thank you to my extremely resourceful brother-in-law Quinton, who managed to get us buddy passes 2 days before so we could be there for the holiday and Gibson's blessing!
We surprised ALOT of our friends and family and the trip was so fun! It was especially nice to be in 80 degree weather for a change!! Not too many pics were taken...I decided I really need to be better about that! I will try and get some from my fam of Gibson in his 5 piece suit he wore for the blessing...ADORABLE! We got to go to the Easter Pageant too where my sister Danna is a multitude child and my dad is a Roman soldier as well as the "over-actor" blind man! You can always figure out which one he is b/c he's the only Roman that wears his bluetooth before the show starts and
right after it ends.

We had a BIG EASTER FEAST after Gibson's blessing with all of our family & friends and it's always fun to play our very competitive family games later that night...I think we may take it a little too seriously at times. Especially me.
Oh and since our first stand-by flight was overbooked and we had to wait 2.5 hrs for the next flight, we'd like to send a big thankyou to the "O'Neal family of four" who missed their connecting flight from ATL to PHX - you don't know us but my husband and I occupied your seats and we are forever indebted to you! :~)

New Job...New Gym...New Trend???

2008-03-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

It's def. been awhile...I have no new pictures that I can think of and Rod is in the other room playing "Call of Duty 4" on Xbox Live w/ his brother that's in Texas...so I'm in here...trying to pass the time. A couple of new things that have happened since getting back from AZ:

I started working with a new company....and it just so happens to be for....

That's right - the same company that has employed my husband for almost 7 years now! It's really close to our apartment, the office staff is small - like 4 of us and I get to see Rod ALL DAY LONG! haha! Some ppl may not think this is such a good idea but I've successfully worked & lived with ppl simultaneously and never had a problem...I'm hoping for the same this time around! :~) He may be the boss at work...but we ALL know who's boss at home!

So after a LONG day at work - together ofcourse...what better way to spend the evening than at

!!!!
It's true - we joined a gym and it's about dang time! We drive by it every day so we figured it was meant to be. I was and still am very intimidated by the establishment they call a gym...but I feel much better knowing that Rod is there too. They have super nice raquetball courts and we took advantage of that tonight. This weekend we bought the raquets, the raquetballs and goggles...yes...goggles. I wear gas permeable lenses...aka "hard contacts" and if that ball comes back and hits me in the face, I will basically have an imbedded contact in my eye....no thanks. So as flamer as it looks to wear protective eyewear...I'm gonna sport it. Besides...there are plenty of other ppl that use them. Balding, middle-aged, tanktop loving men mostly but I'm willing to start a new trend! :~)

And Carrie, I know you requested a picture..but my camera battery is dead - soon enough my friend...soon enough.

Trip to AZ - Part 2

2008-02-15T19:00:00.001-08:00

It's good to be back in Georgia with Rod! The 2 1/2 weeks in AZ were WONDERFUL! I didn't get pictures of everyone and everything but it's probably b/c I was too wrapped up in the moment(s)!

Some of my favorite:
*I got to see and spend time with my Grandpa J. and the rest of my Julander cousins!
*I had lunch/dinner dates with a friend pretty much every other day
*The fabulous Sonic crew at Lindsay & McKellips welcomed me back w/ open arms :~)
*Even though it's months early -Carrie, Jenna & I held our traditionanl birthday breakfast @ The Good Egg.
*Failed attempt at star searching in Scottsdale, getting harrassed by and then exchanging some choice words with a Ukrainian bike-cart man and then meeting your friends outside the big tent party that they somehow managed to sneak into and retrieve VIP passes for - good times.
*I had Costa Vida a total of 6 times while I was there...sounds a little much but we don't have ANYTHING like it out here!!!
*My mom's cooking - I don't even care what it was, it was fabulous b/c I didn't make it.
*Spending time with my younger sisters/family - probably more than they bargained for but I enjoyed it!!
*The warmer temperature & getting to wear sandals! YAY!
*Had the chance to play with my old Bunco group - and was a sub for another group too!
*The chill nights with the girls - we don't have to be doing anything in particular and it is ALWAYS fun!

A few pics:

The proud parents - Kara & Quinton

One of the outfits I got for him - look at that lil' face!

Tempe Town Lake - we missed Boys Like Girls but hoped Counting Crows would deliver. We were wrong.

The fireworks were FABULOUS! Better than any other show I've seen!

I think we love going to Sonic mostly to confuse anyone that takes our order:
Diet Dr. Pepper ~ Dr. Pepper w/ Vanilla ~ Regular ol' Dr. Pepper

I miss AZ and everyone there but I missed Rod too! I had so much fun & couldn't have asked for more. Being far away def. helps me appreciate all the ppl in my life more then ever! So for now...it's back to the dirty souf. Miss & love you all! I'll be back soon!

Trip to AZ - Part I

2008-02-05T17:07:00.001-08:00

Rodney and I came out for a few reasons:

1. He had business meetings and since corporate is in AZ - I naturally tagged along!

2. One of my best friends Shannon Gillespie got home from her mission (the same day we landed at Sky Harbour!)

3. Kara and Quinton had their first baby!

4. I missed my friends and family a ton! But I guess that should be a given!

My Grandpa Julander and his one and only great grandchild

Nallie, Non and I at the Open House

Cuddling with my baby nephew Gibson Quinton Jones. Why is he so much tanner than me?!!?

I made these for his room - pretty sure I did it the hard way but it got done! Thankyou Natalie Ballantyne for the inspiration! :~)

I'm still here 'til Feb. 9th so I'll be posting more of my extended stay!

Rod - if you're reading this - I love and miss you! :~)

It's rain...it's flurry...it's SNOW!!!

2008-01-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

I know...not that big of a deal but when you've lived in Southern California and Arizona your entire life - this stuff is an anomaly!

I took these pics from my apt. balcony and there were a few ppl walking to their cars prolly assuming I was a tourist or just a sheltered idiot.

Either way...I can't believe I live somewhere that it snows! UGH!

"Update your blog for heavens sake"

2008-01-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

...that was the text I just received. Everytime Carrie tells me that my blog is slacking - I HAVE to take action! I've got a lot to update on but I'm on the couch with the laptop so I will only have the patience for one topic right now.

The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown

Yeah, yeah I know - this book is old news and yes they've already made a movie about it...but let me preface this plug on the sheer fact that I am by no means "a reader." I've only just recently realized that pretty much everyone I associate with enjoys a good book on a regular basis. It didn't hit me until my good friend Jackie said bluntly that if you didn't read - you had no imagination. Ow.

Well after plowing thru the Twilight Series...I was in need of another read. So Rodney suggested this fine piece of page-turning literature. We went to Borders and picked up the illustrated edition b/c I'm a "visual" kinda person...and I couldn't put this thing down! I went to bed at 4AM the 1st day I started reading it and finished it the next! Rodney would sit and play XBOX and I would read - talk about quality time together! :~) We watched the movie right after I finished b/c I'd never seen it...I vote the book. Go get yourself one...and I'll be working on my next project:

Honeymoon Cruise

2007-12-09T18:23:00.001-08:00

Well here are some pics from our FABULOUS cruise! I have to admit...I was TERRIFIED at first to go b/c of the whole Titanic thing. Yeah I know I'm an idiot but I can't help it, that event and movie seriously made me so nervous! But I woman'd up and went for it! We drove about 6 hours to get Jacksonville, FL. We were treated like royalty...we had VIP check in and stayed in the biggest veranda on the boat! And fine dining every night, I'm not that kinda girl usually but it was nice while it lasted. :~)

Here's our boat! The Carnival Celebration! Our room is on the same level as the life boats!

Our big comfy bed! Rod was prolly watching TV during this pic!

This was formal night - ok I don't do "formal" so I wore a skirt and Rodney forgot to pack slacks so he wore jeans! Whoops!

My favorite towel animal of the week! AWE!

Here's the HUGE bridge we had to take to get to Paradise Beach. Not intimidating you say? OH YEAH??? Try taking one of THESE bad boys over it...

HAHA! So in the Bahamas there are 3 traffic laws. Don't obey the speed limit - weave in and out as often as possible - and DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD! Needless to say I was pretty nervous but Rod did such a good job!

The Bahamas! The beach was beautiful - gotta play in the crystal clear water and I think I saw a fish that could easily kill me but all in all - we had an AMAZING time!

Georgia "Firsts"

2007-12-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd post some pictures of our first week in Georgia! It's not much bc most of the time we were moving things in, unpacking and arranging.

So this is first thing I saw every morning while we drove across country...

Our first traffic jam - this was actually a relief to me knowing that it was a BIG city!

We ate Olive Garden for our first night in Buford - it was FREEZING!

My first REAL autumn! There were trees with leaves as red as my car!

You knew it was coming - SONIC! You gotta get on the freeway to get there but it's only a 20 min. roundtrip - and well worth it!

And our first home cooked meal on our first dining table! (Don't worry we have a real one now...)

We got married...and moved to GEORGIA!

2007-12-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

I gotta throw something up here b/c Carrie said she's sick of lookin at my "boring blog". Ouch. So to catch you up - we got married on the 9th - packed up a moving truck and started our journey eastward on the 11th - drove thru New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama before arriving in Atlanta, Georgia, all in about 5 days time! WOW...talk about a road trip! haha! For half of it I drove Rodney's car behind him in our big Penske truck and car tow. The only thing that kept me alive was my music, and those oh so delicious David's Sunflower seeds!
Most of these are from Anais' camera...
What's this? A sonic trip on my wedding day - naturally!

Ok so this beast of a cake is the "Groom's Cake". I along with other ppl I'd asked, had never heard of it before! So ofcourse I thought it was pretty ridiculous but I was curious to see this so-called "tradition" for myself. Needless to say - this obnoxious, strawberry topped, double chocolate, massive Texas shaped cake was a HIT!

This is it for now - I'll post pics of my honeymoon cruise soon!

blah blah blah...i'm a crappy blogger

2007-11-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Carrie, Loren and Rodney all pointed out that I haven't updated the ol' blog for quite some time. So this post is my public apology.
The Suns play the Lakers tonight. Now don't get me wrong - any other day I'm a Suns fan...but can you guess who I'll be cheering on tonight? (No I'm not a bandwagonner - I was born in Hollywood and lived in L.A.)

Maybe now ya'll will be a lil' easier on me about not having ample time to update the blog. You don't want tons of posts like this one now do ya? :~) Lakers Girl for Life!

Oh yeah...I get married to this handsome man in one week. :~)

THE END

"Ash Buhgash Kiss My Trash"

2007-10-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

More widely known as Ashlie (Bjorklund) Leavitt - is another year older! - I have made a small list of some of my favorite things about her!

*We have lived, worked and hung out all in the same time frame and we NEVER fought!
* Her makeup is organized quite perfectly...in a TACKLE BOX :~)
* She is a movie lush, and quotes them constantly
* I loved being able to tell ppl that my roomie was the fake stomach tattoo girl on the "Tumor Causing, teeth staining, smelly, puking habit" campaign!
* It doesn't matter what kinda foreign accent it is...she can nail it
* If you wanna sit by someone in church that has candy - she's your girl
* Ash is amazing at making sure everyone feels included in a group - even if she's never met you before, she'll make you feel like you've been friends forever by the time she's done with you
* She is incredibly talented in the singing department...I loved driving and singing in the car with her!
* Her food orders are hilarious - take a trip to Subway with her and you will see what I mean. "Half of the meat, 3 pickles side by side, just one line of lite mayo, etc."
* So You Think You Can Dance ain't got NOTHIN' on this lady! *I have never met someone that can be so accident prone – yet so graceful – all at the same time! And she makes ANY injury look good!

* The girl is busy - but I know if I need her for any reason...she'd be at my doorstep in a heartbeat.
Love you Ash!!!

Engagement Pics

2007-10-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

Dusty and Elisha Otero took our pictures for us last Sat. and now we have em! There are TONS to go thru before we pick the one(s) we wanna use for our announcement. Here are a couple random shots...

So this one of Rodney and I walking away is a pic I've wanted for the longest time! My office usta be on this corner and I would always see this happen but never had a camera with me! Notice the green, red and yellow traffic lights.

Love his dimples

Happy Birthday Daner

2007-10-03T17:46:00.001-07:00

Happy 23rd to my best friend Dane Bjorklund! He is living up in Utah with his super cute wife Mallory right now so I just wanted to give him a lil' shout out since we can't celebrate with him!
I can't tell you how much this kid means to me - we've been thru pretty much every joy and trial since 3rd grade and I def. think I'd be a different person if I didn't have him in my life. So here's to Daner and the memories we've had thus far and the many more to come!

Hosting coming to a hault - temporarily

2007-10-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

I hosted my last Bunco last night for atleast the next year or two in AZ. Sad...The good news is I've got one more month to play! Who cares if it's the same week I get married - I'm gonna freakin play! :~) I meant to take a pic of all the cute prizes I bought for everyone but I spaced it! One of the MANY things I like about our group is that EVERYONE walks away with a gift! I've played for a few other groups and not only are they not as fun...but ppl leave empty handed! How depressing! I need to bring the joy of a ladies only, once a month, prize winning night to the east side...

I'm thinkin' I just may start a group in GA...

I <3 Texans

2007-09-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a picture of us from 4 years ago when we first dated but my scanner is NOT cooperating! This pic will have to do for now. Just wanted everyone to see that I'm obviously getting the better deal out of this than he is! Texans really know how to breed 'em! :~) I can't believe I just said that...

Carrie made me do it...

2007-09-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog entry.

Carrie has graciously offered her blogging skills to me at little to no cost. And for that I am thankful.

If anybody has seen her blog - you prolly know I'm getting married Nov. 9th, and with marriage - comes blogging. End of story.

Oh...and I love Carrie.