BY Boo

Now, I would never judge an entire university on the actions of one member, but comments and people like Max Hall do make it easier to steer my children away from BYU. I enjoyed watching the game, even though it was a loss for my team, and am excited to see where Wynn (QB) takes the team in the coming years. But it's things like the below video that make me even more appreciative that I went to the School of the Prophets and not BYU:



And he (Max Hall) even went to my high school. Did he learn nothing as a Toro? for shame


a

...to all and to all a goodnight

photo via stephmodo

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!

You know, Thanksgiving is pretty awesome for many reasons. One reason is the obvious time to reflect on blessings and be outwardly grateful. Another is the wonderful food to share and consume. I especially like that you can wish any American a Happy Thanksgiving without inhibition. And we all can celebrate (except the ladies last night that work at the nail salon I visit... they are all going to Wendover. Hey, why not?!).

I've only spent one Thanksgiving in my life outside of the U.S. And I missed it a lot. Even though the French "cooks" tried to make a turkey, served with day-old bread and the standard lettuce with dijon dressing. It still lacked that certain je ne sais quoi. And I was even more grateful for our American tradition. (I remember another American and I sat next to each other and listed things for which we were grateful, much to the eye rolling and confusion of the others. good times)

We're off to see our annual Thanksgiving morning movie (A Christmas Carol this year) and then off to my parents' home to join Al's parents to eat. This could be interesting.

Again, Happy Thanksgiving! I feel so very blessed.

a

susan

Yesterday I was at Target in the electronic department (spending entirely too much on a Christmas gift). A young man, probably in his early 20s, was in line before me. This was a bit of his interaction with the salesperson:

YoungMan (YM): I have something on hold.

SalesPerson (SP): OK. (grabs a video game)

YM: No, it's the Susan Boyle CD.

SP: (chortles) sure.

YM: No, really, the Susan Boyle CD.

SP: Oh, um... ok. (awkward pause) Is this a gift for your mother?

YM: No, it's for me.

SP: (small laugh) Right.

YM: It is. You know, when an old British woman "dreams a dream", you've got to stop and listen.

At this point, I laugh out loud, much to the added embarrassment of the salesperson.

But, have you heard her new album? I listened to the sample 30 seconds of each song on iTunes, and I gotta say that I am impressed. The lady can sing. I especially like Wild Horses (which Alan informs me is a cover of a Rolling Stones song. et alors?).



Admittedly, my favorite fact about Susan's album release is that it is outselling Adam Lambert. He is a _ _ _ _! Go Susan! Go Old Ladies!

Oh, and Go Thanksgiving! Hope yours is fantastic!

(and a Happy Birthday SHOUT OUT to my old man GILBERT and my old friend MARCI!)

a

Love me some flannel bedding

When the weather turns cold outside and your home becomes a small icebox, nothing is as cozy as flannel sheets on your bed.

Oh, flannel sheets, how I adore your cotton-y goodness. How you make me feel like I am the batting, the center of a warm blanket. Add a feather comforter (or two) and I am on a cloud of cozy comfort.

But beware of flannel pjs! They are cozy as well, but wear them to a flannel-sheeted bed and you become human velcro!


a

Waddle-iatcha

I waddle.

Like a duck.

And the saddest part is that it has been a fact of this pregnancy for a few months. At first, it was only when I stood up. Then I'd shift the weight of my growing fetus around and it wouldn't be so bad.

That time has gone.

I waddle all of the time now. And I can see on the faces of the car drivers as I cross the street, holding my 30-lb 3 year old, that they feel my pain as well. And that they wish they had gotten to that crosswalk 30 seconds earlier so that they didn't have to wait for this waddling spectacle.

Certain chairs make my waddling more pronounced. For example, my dining room chairs are killers in the waddling department. For some reason, when I stand up from dinner to get more water, food, salt, it's like these chairs landed a bowling ball on my pelvis. Super fun.

I must admit, though, that the worst part about waddling is being told that you waddle. Really? I hadn't noticed that my feet have expanded into shuffling duck feet. And do you think I've gained any weight? How much? Tell me more.

Not that I'm sensitive or anything.

My eldest and wise sister has provided perspective. All of the physical discomforts and walking malfunctions are temporary. There are many elderly people who have permanent issues, with no end in sight. And I can pretty much bet on the month when my "ailments" will conclude. And I get a pretty fantastic prize for all of this at the end. A glorious bundle of life and love. And I even get to name it and cuddle it.

Not a bad trade, really.

But I still would prefer that you didn't mention my waddling.


a

snowball fight

It's THAT time of year:

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Christmas Wish List #2

This is what I really want for Christmas. I've been jonesing for one of these for about four years and guess what? It is currently 57% off on Amazon!!

SAWZALL! And it does just what you think it would--saws all! Think of the things you could do and make and shorten and prune. Doesn't it just get your wheels a-turnin'? I'd probably need some goggles to go with it... just make sure they are snazzy.


I do like the idea of a steamer, just not sure if I want it to be a Christmas gift. There is just something very cliche about this as a gift. Kinda miserable, but incredibly useful. This particular model is from HSN.

I'm digging this Fossil crossbody bag. It's a pretty good size: not too small, not monstrous like everything I keep seeing. I even dig the color. The price seems steep for Fossil, but whatdoIknow?

Am I well-rounded and easy or what?


a

no new moon

Last night I had that feeling. You know the feeling right before you get sick... your eyes feel extra heavy, your throat slightly itchy, a dull ache in your head. Oh no, I am getting sick!

Alan recently cleaned us out of zinc drops, so I resorted to the Emergen-C drink and then anything that claimed immunity support. And then I had some WILD dreams. Do you ever wake up from certain dreams and hold a grudge towards your husband/wife/significant other because of what they "did" in your dream?

Yeah, me neither (cough, cough).

At least I'm trying to get better about not doing it. Those dreams are the WORST! And they are usually the most vivid.

Alas, here I am, having just lovingly shoved my kids out the door for school and letting the young one watch Dinosaur Train. But, then what? I'm not exactly bed-ridden sick. Just still feel a little on the edge. So, do I take my own motherly advice and rest and drink lots of fluids? Or do I push through this not-quite-sick-enough stage and go on all of the errands I had hoped to accomplish this morning (oh, yeah, and clean the house)?

I'd even been considering joining the crazy throngs at the New Moon Premiere tonight at midnight. Just to be a part of it all. Not because I'm crazy, you know.

I don't think that one is gonna happen.

Perhaps instead I'll have my own vivid dreams tonight and then tomorrow have a novel written and become the next Stephenie Meyer. Not a bad idea.


a

you won! No, not you--YOU!

So, yes, I am lazy enough that instead of writing out 1-15 on paper, cutting them out and picking a # out of a hat, I turned to Johnny.

Pick a number between 1 - 15.

And he chose:

TEN: jfbast

Way to go Faith! Email me your address (arzabud@msn.com) and get ready to rock!

Thanks all for playing. Christmas album and giveaway coming sooooonnnnn.

a

oh, the first snowfall of the winter

Yes, the snow over the weekend was all I needed to get in the holly, jolly spirit. The snow came DOWN and our silver flocked tree came UP. The Christmas music is being played (somewhat sparingly) and the presents are being wrapped. I'm still not sure what to do about Christmas cards this year--it all depends on when this baby is born. Don't worry, though, I am still accepting any and all holiday cards... so, send 'em on over.

Just like Halloween, I've got a somewhat-schedule. So even though my tree is up and plugged in, there will be no ornaments until after Thanksgiving (or maybe the day before). Chunks at a time of Christmas will come out. I'm thinking the next chunk won't be until next Wednesday, since the kids don't have school. Keeps it interesting.

This song (Blue Christmas by A Fine Frenzy) is my next-to-buy on iTunes. I like it. It's nice. It'll be on my Christmas music mix this year. And speaking of mixes, the winner from my autumn music giveaway should be posted... any... day... now. I just need to get my act together and write down the numbers, cut 'em up, and pick one out of a hat. Tomorrow. I'll post it tomorrow.

In the meantime, check out this song:

wonderful thought for the week

or for the year.

I read an article from Pres Dieter Uchtdorf this morning and was overcome by this message. Indulge me:

Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you.

God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely.

He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.

What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.


a

why I would never be professional

I have a very loud voice. And I can carry a tune (I believe). There is one reason I could never really try to be a singer.



You're either Freddie Mercury or you're not.

I, obviously, am not. But I sure love hearing him sing.

this was

Three years ago this was our family.

This was our baby (and Alan's crazy awesome hair).

These were ALL of our children.

This was Johnny's idea of having Christmas spirit.

This was Ashton's first Christmas.


What will this year and holiday season hold in store for our changing family? It's supposed to snow tomorrow and I think that'll get me in the Christmas mood. Have a wonderful, cozy weekend.


a

for real

So, really, friends. I don't understand it. I asked relatively nicely. And yet 1/10th of all the visitors yesterday left a comment to win a FREE KILLER MIX CD!

What the?

Help a sister out.

I can totally tailor songs to your desires. I am that awesome. And we have been blessed with that much music in our library.

Go HERE now and leave a comment if you haven't already. Come on, PLEASE!

Your forever friend (even if we never meet),

a

PS does it seem like I am begging? I don't mean to beg. Well, that's somewhat true. I beg because I care. Truly.


a

Give it away, give it away, give it away now

Hey YOU! Yeah, I'm writing to YOU!
You know you are going to want this, and I'm not asking a lot of you, so leave a comment, mm'kay?

I can't believe it. Christmas music is on TWO local radio stations NONSTOP and I'm not feeling it yet. I'm just as much in shock as the rest of you. For some reason, I don't feel ready for Christmas music yet. Could be because I've got some pretty great new songs to share pre-Christmas hot mix.

Let's just say this song could be on there:



And so could the #1 song on iTunes singles (Fireflies, in case it changes).

And the song I posted about HERE.

And I am sure an Ingrid Michaelson song will be on there as well.

Let me just say it's gonna be UBER-RAD and you'll love it now, during Christmas, and beyond.

So, leave a comment before Saturday and I will send one awesome autumn mix cd to one of YOU! (and I know how many of you are reading this, so don't let me down here. come out, come out and play!)


a

true or false

photo

Sunday night I experienced my first ever bout of FALSE LABOR. This being my fourth child and my first incident with the cruelty of false labor. Why, body, why?

It started out "innocently" enough at church, about 3:30ish. And it was just cramping. Braxton Hicks, whatever. But when it doesn't go away and gets stronger and then weaker and then really strong, it is very confusing.

All I could think is: "Am I ready for this?" I don't have an infant car seat (well, technically I do, but it is 8 years old and I've heard on the street that you can't have one older than 5 years. Even if I used this antique, I need to clean it). I don't have any baby clothes cleaned, blankets ready, NO diapers, bottles, formula, lotion, soap. I don't even know where this baby is going to sleep! I've thought about it. But I've done nothing. I need to go get a pack and play so we can use it as his bassinet until we figure out where this little guy is going. I figure he'll sleep in one of those for the first 3-6 months anyway in our room.

Yes, I am babbling.

But these are the things you think about during false labor. The kind that goes on until past 3 am and you can't sleep. Ludicrous, I tell ya.

And I distinctly realize that I am not ready yet. He'll come when he wants, and I need to be a little more prepared. Give me a week, little one. I'm off to Target, Babies R Us, and Ikea today. Give me a few more days.

But not much longer than a few weeks. Not that I'm picky.


a

christmas shopping

I'm not done with Christmas shopping... yet. I've already purchased all of the in-law, parent, sibling gifts. Finished those a couple of weeks ago. This weekend Al and I will finish up all of the kid's Christmas shopping and I will, hopefully, be done.

Don't hate on me, though. In my defense, I will be having a baby anytime in the next month plus. Since the DR says I am measuring quite large, it could mean next week. Knowing my history, it could be mid - late December. And with a newborn... you just never know how it's all gonna go down, if you know what I'm sayin'. Will he be healthy? Will he be able to come home soon after birth? Will he cry all night? Will he pee through every diaper I put on him?

Que sera, sera. Right, Doris?

But I knew I should be very prepared this year. Even if I am a tad less thoughtful than I would like. And then...

and then.

I see new ideas of wonderful gifts to give. Who could I give this to? Who would like this for Christmas? Oh, it's killing me, frankly. My preparedness is coming to bite me in the behind. This/that gift would be so much more fitting for so-and-so.

If you are still looking, here are some doozies to give. I wish I would've found them earlier.

Necklace found HERE and only $20:


Quirky, cool and unique HERE for $16:


Who needs Bose when this is only $9.99 and HERE?


And while this is more of a dream (especially at $1900) I do love it so. HERE:This might be so last year, but I love 'em (at $8):

And for $24, THIS would be perfect to hold...


one of THESE!


Oh, go have fun shopping, you crazy cats!


a

times like this

Two nights ago, Mags and I went down the street to see if we could get a Pioneer Woman cookbook signed. When we got there, it was immediately obvious that it was not going to happen. The place was crowded. The line for the secondary signings--if she had time-- was almost a block long.

Good for her.

Lame for us.

On the way back down the street, we saw another famous blogger, Heather Armstrong (aka Dooce). Kind of a big deal, she is. I found out when I moved here a few months ago that she lived on my very street and is close friends with my neighbors even still. So, naturally, I had to say something to her. And I was lamer than lame. I don't remember what I said, but I believe it was slightly incoherent and goofy. What the?

I laughed all of the way home, embarrassed and baffled. All the while trying to explain to Maggie how getting published and going on tour is a big deal and why all of these hundreds of women were standing around waiting to get Ree Drummond's signature. She tried to understand, bless her heart.

All night I thought how I was such a nimrod.

The next morning I got a very sad phone call about my uncle, who died tragically on his motorcycle the night before. All day I could only think about my sweet aunt. And their sons. It was more than I could handle at times, considering the shock. I thought about my uncle and some of the first things that came to mind were pot stickers, beards, and cheesy jokes. And how much he loved his wife and boys. That was always evident.

My eyes stung at the end of the day. While I am confident that death is not the end of family, I still mourned for the earthly loss. Especially for my aunt.

Suddenly, the night before was so excessively trivial that it left my mind completely. Who cares, really? Sometimes I get so caught up in the trivial, I miss the purpose.

And yesterday, although sad, was beautiful. Gorgeous, actually. As is today. And I couldn't be more grateful for the reminder and happier at the knowledge of eternal families. Especially for that remembrance of my uncle and his forever bond with my aunt and cousins.



a

blessed

There is a giveaway over at Angela Henrie's site where you (or I) could win this little lady:


Pretty sweet, eh?

She has asked that we write something for which we feel blessed. Which is kinda funny, because Monday night we were talking about that very thing for a special November family night. You know, to get in the "holiday spirit". So, as an example, I gave this long spiel about how I was so grateful that we have a home that keeps us warm and safe, protected from the cold, blah blah blah.

Cut to about 9 hours later and I am sitting in the basement that is quickly filling with water because of a rusty, busted pipe, wondering what to do, wanting to cry about my new couch.

Of course, I am still grateful, but oh! the irony.

I am a tad reticent about my blessings today. At least about vocalizing/writing them out. And yet...!

I am blessed. Blessed to have a sister who is a crazy-genius artist who is generous enough to give this beauty away. I am pretty darn sure I won't win, but how could I not share the opportunity with y'all? So VOILA! Get on the train, sistas (and brothas). Share your blessings, link to Angela Henrie, and perhaps win a gorgeous piece of wearable art. Goes with anything. ;)


a

Tall order

Mags, J-dawg, and Utah b-ball player David Foster (7 feet 3 1/2 inches tall)

Luckily there are some basketball players who are only 6 feet tall and football players under 200 lbs.

Otherwise, Johnny and Ash have NO athletic chance in the world.


a

busted

A pipe busted in our basement sometime last night/this morning. Luckily, Johnny woke up crying early this morning, so big Al went down to help him and discovered the water all over the basement.

Including all over our new couch. Typical.

So, no fun from me today. Hopefully it all gets fixed/worked out/cleaned up. And I can keep all of us from using the bathroom as long as needed.

Which the ensuing stress, of course, makes me want to throw up even more.

Good times.


a

Twas our Halloween

PHEW

It's over!

I don't like Halloween... I love it. But, I can't deny that I also am ready for it to be over. Dead and gone. Dia de los Muertos es aqui et gracias para (that).

Can you believe that I am practically all cleaned up of my Halloween decor? Yes sir. Luckily with Daylight Savings Time this morning I had an extra hour before church to gather all my items and place them all over my dining room table. I'm always amazed at how when I pull the decorations out in (ahem) September, it seems that I don't have that much stuff. But putting it all away it seems to be overwhelming, almost gluttonous.

Alas, it was a fun Halloween.

Friday had us running all over with Johnny's kindergarten program, the elementary school's costume parade, making the snacks for Maggie's class (and staying to "help out"), running over to Omniture/Adobe for Al's big work Halloween extravaganza, back home for the church trunk or treat, and then the school's big Halloween Carnival.


It was nuts.


And Saturday we did minor chores, made a scary dinner, costumed up, trick and treated, and Alan and Maggie went to the Utah football game.


Yes, that was our Halloween in a nutshell and while I am not quite ready for Christmas music today, I am ready to breathe for a day or two! Hope yours was as crazy and spooky as ours.