Good morning, Auntie Megan!

I woke up to a text from my sister that included this picture of my newest niece, Isabelle Elizabeth. Really cool girls have the middle name Elizabeth. She's been around for a week, and in less than two, I get to snuggle with her (and the rest of the world's coolest Small Children).

I can almost smell that baby smell.....

I want to know love like this some day...

Okay kids, I have exactly 3.2 seconds to go before I have to get back to work, but I had to share this video with you via Pop Candy. It's a video from StoryCorps.org that aired on PBS yesterday. I don't have time to explain what Story Corps is, so just go and look for yourself. Awesome concept.

Anyway, here's the video, and if you have a propensity for tearing up, grab your Kleenex now.


Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

Seriously. This is what love is, people. Spread this like wildfire because if we could really get back to the real meaning of romance, we can change the world. Don't you agree?

That, and I want my heart to flutter when that special someone tells me to drink more water.

She is another canyon lady...

Once upon a time (last weekend) I made this for my mama for Mother's Day. It's my favorite of a set of four note cards I illustrated.

Now, I'm no illustrator, at all at all.

But I kind of love this.

O Canada

I'm watching the Opening Ceremony (apparently it's just one ceremony) and I'm kind of loving it. Yes, the China Spectacular was amazing, there's no doubt about it, but I love how Canada is just...rocking being Canadian.

I kind of wish Bob Costas and Matt Lauer would quit talking about how the goal for the show is to be intimate and personal. Whatevs. Just let Canada be unapologetically Canadian.

Anyway, so far I think everything has been beautiful. If anything, it's helped me appreciate the Canadian treasures we enjoy here in the U.S.

• Nelly Fertado
• Bryan Adams
• Donald Southerland (just watch the second to last scene in Pride and Prejudice, and pretty much anything else he's been in).
• Sarah McLachlan
• Joni Mitchell

Mostly, I just love the Olympics. I love the excitement, and I love looking at the athletes' faces, especially the ones who are just in awe of being there. Also, I think the Georgian team was so brave for marching.

Anyway, here's to you Canada. Thanks for keeping our northern borders warm.

Farewell, my pretty tree.

I'll see you next Christmas.

Gratitude

Thanksgiving will be over in just under an hour, and I'm about ready to go to bed.

I've wanted to do a Thoughtful Thursday post for quite some time, but usually by the time Wednesday is over, I'm too tired to think of anything. But today, I didn't have a lot going on. I slept in, cooked some food, made a pie, and spent time with family. Tomorrow will be more of the same, sans the food prep.

I find that I have plenty of reasons to be grateful, most of which might be considered "little things." For example, I'm grateful I caught the last few minutes of An Affair to Remember just now. I'm grateful my cranberry sauce turned out. I'm grateful for my gold shoes and some new rings I bought.

Then there are bigger things: I have job I absolutely love. In fact, most days I can't believe I'm finally getting paid to read and design books. I love my house. It's fresh and clean and warm. I'm grateful that I got to live for a whole year in the Avenues. I'm also in love with my car. Sometimes it's strange to think that I even have a car.

I have a family I adore. Seriously. They make me laugh until I can't breathe, and most importantly, they make me feel safe. I have great friends. They add the best spice to life. Honestly, to know me is to know that 95 percent of my anecdotes start with something like this:

• "One time, my cousin and I . . ."
• "Little Brother said the funniest thing . . ."
• "I was talking with my sister the other day, and . . ."
• "Can I just tell you why my parents are the coolest?" (This question is rhetorical.)
• "Last time at book club . . . "
• "My nephews and nieces are cuter than yours because . . ." (I usually only imply that last one. People would get offended if I just came out and said such a thing. It doesn't it make it less true, though.)

Most of all, I'm grateful to know what life's all about. I'm glad to know that even though right at this moment I may not enjoy everything I hope for, sooner or later I will. And trust me, I have quite enough to be getting on with.

And yes, I know I ended that sentence with a preposition. It's okay: I'm off the clock.

I love my dad...he's my dad!

We used to say that a lot. There was some lame commercial with this little kid on it and the tagline was "I love my pediatrician...he's my dad!" Or maybe it was the other way around.

Anyway, I do love my dad. And after a scary bike accident, he still has a great smile on his face. (Trust me. That's a smile, not a grimace. At least, I think it is. He's been practicing distinguishing the two.)


Really though, I'm so relieved you'll be okay, Daddy! Just think of what the potential scars will do for your rugged good looks. Your brothers will be jealous.

I love you!

Filing made fun and fancy

There was this one time when I went to Staples to find a microphone headset for my computer, and found these instead:


These lovelies are part of the new (to me) M by Staples line from that one competitor of Dunder Mifflin.

To know me is to know that I have piles of stuff. All kinds of piles of all kinds of stuff. Well, some of that stuff is now tucked away into one of seven neatly labeled folders that I think are simply a pleasure to look at.

Also available through M by Staples: These houndstooth journals that I think are to die for.

Sometimes, a girl has got to twirl.

For example, when a girl finds out SHE GOT THE JOB SHE ALWAYS WANTED, it's definitely one of those times.

Triple Treat Tuesday

I feel like I need to confess: sometimes, I miss a day. So I cheat, and under "post options" put the date it was supposed to show up. So before you blame your RSS reader, blame me.

Because I'm mildly late posting this, I decided to give you not one but three treats this week.

Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. My Pride & Prejudice bracelets from brookish.
2. My earrings from Jenna via Calla Lily Jewelry.
3. My earthenware jar from my visiting teachers in my Lehi branch.

Bonus Treat:
My damask drapery from my roommate, Maren via Target.

Bibliophiles: Commence jealousy now.

I decided recently that I needed something enriching to fill my time in the evenings. Something that I would enjoy, something that would potentially help out others, something that got me out of the house when I wasn't at work. (I love my house, don't get me wrong, but everyone gets cabin fever. I think the proved it on Mythbusters one time.)

Anyway, I also love the public library here in SLC. Love it. It's beautiful and wonderful. So I filled out an application to volunteer. On Monday I met with the volunteer coordinator, and she matched me with two programs I'm really excited about.

1) Mov'n: Once a month I check out books and deliver them to a resident of a local elderly home who can't make it to the library themselves. It's kind of like being the iTunes Genius, but with books (e.g. if they like this book, then perhaps they'll like this book and this book and this book.

2)Friends of the Library Organization: For this job, (and this is where the jealousy comes in) I use my new magnetic key card that gets me into the Library's. Inner. Sanctum. And let me just tell you, the back end of the library is just about as cool as the front end. Then I go in to a huge room of books. Shelves and shelves of books that have been donated and that are usually sold for a $1. Once I'm there, I go through and find the ones that are worth more than a $1. And then I get to read through them, write a mini review of them, and then list them on Amazon. Gloria, the lovely woman who was training me, told me I get to be as creative as I want.

This may not sound super exciting for some of you, so let me clarify. I have key card access to normally closed doors. For any of you who know me, you'll know that I love key card access to anything. The only thing that would make it cooler is this access required a retina scan. Then I skim books and write about them. This is a wonderful, wonderful thing!

So, next time you're on Amazon.com Marketplace, find the books sold by The Library Store. Chances are you'll find listings written by Yours Truly, so you can depend on their dependability.

Meet Elinor

Georgia on my mind

Jacob

Kaylee

Matthew
Joshua

Warning: This is a terribly long post to appease my mother. If you are not a member of my immediately family (or on second thought, even if you are), you can skip the text heavy (albeit highly entertaining) description and skim right through to the photos. They’re fun.

I left for Georgia on Thursday really early in the morning I managed to leave myself just enough time to where I didn’t have to stop from the time I parked my car to the time I took my seat on the plane. “Just enough time” is the rough equivalent of “leaving house one hour before lift off, since that’s how I roll. The same rule applied for my layover in Atlanta.

I was greeted Jacksonville by Matthew (4) and Joshua (2) and Naomi (She’d kill me if I said). Matthew had interesting things to say, like “You’re a winner, Aunt Megan.” Joshua was a trooper for having a pretty high temperature.

Joshua The Trooper
Matthew The Ham

Megan The Excited To Not Be Traveling

We made the excruciatingly long and trafficky trip from Jacksonville, Fl. to Hinesville, Ga. At one point, Joshua quite literally tossed the cookies he was eating.

On our way home, we found out Jacob’s (A week from 9) little league game was called on account of rain. That was sad. We got to the Barley house where Kaylee (6), without any ado, warns us to not step in any of Jacob’s vomit. Turns out, he ate two pickles which did not agree with him. Awesome.

We put kids to bed and proceeded to watch the season premiere of So You Think You Can Dance which Jarum and Naomi so accommodatingly recorded for me. During this time we discovered that Brownie, the puppy, had not eaten any of her dinner. She was also very wet because of the aforementioned rain. So we brought her inside and notice she is very sedate. Brownie was then cuddled her in an attempt to warm her up with towels.

It wasn’t too long before she vomited as well. For those of you counting at home, that’s 2 children and a dog. Don’t worry, because Kaylee had a sympathy vomit scare. Don’t worry, nothing happened. I did threaten to buy a plane ticket home. Heavens.

Friday

All of the small children felt better about life. Jacob and Kaylee went off to their last day of school. Me The other munchkins and I hung out. Jarum went off to work out for like 4 hours. He’s a little insane. Naomi and I took the smaller two to drive around Ft Stewart. It’s really cool. We also ate yummy sandwiches at Michael’s (not the craft store) for lunch. I had mine with a side of fried okra. DELICIOUS!

Saturday

We spent the afternoon at Serbannah (Matthew-ese for Savannah) That was fun as well. The kids ate disgusting blue ice cream. I loved Savannah, so much so that I have already looked up information on the Savannah College of Art and Design. They have a dramatic writing program. Seriously, it’s a charming, charming place. (Pic of Factor’s walk, roof tops, and Paula Deen.

Factor's Walk, Savannah, Ga.

Savannah Rooftops

Paula Deen's restaurant, Lady & Sons

Sunday

At church, I got suckered into playing the opening hymn in Relief Society. This happens when your sister is a really good piano player; people generally think you are also really good. I managed to fake it okay. Anyway, It was a great ward. I would have loved to be a missionary in that area.

We also barbecued, since we couldn’t be sure we would have another fine evening. There was a lot of rain happening. Anyway, the barbecue was delicious. Then for Sunday Game night, we had a Wii Sports Olympics night. It turns am terrible at Wii sports. The only thing I was mildly good at was putting.

(Side note: When we put the small children to bed, they proceed to come out of their bedrooms for the next 2 hours to tell us “really important stuff.” It was one such time that Matthew came out with a lego-made structure, informing us that it was a Bertar. You know, for Bertar Hero.)


Bertar Hero! from Megan on Vimeo.
Monday:

Memorial Day: on our way out of town, we went on post to pay our respects to those from the Third Infantry Division who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It was very moving. It made me think about things I hadn’t yet considered, but now is really not the time or the place to discuss them. Email me, and I’ll tell you all about them.

Anyway, we went on to Serbanna again and Tybee Beach! In celebration of Dad’s birthday, we tried to eat at this place called Mrs. Wilkes’ Boarding House. Basically, you and ten friends/strangers sit a table and eat every good thing the South has to offer. The bad news: it was closed for Memorial Day. The good news: we had the pleasure of seeing the Most Charming Street Ever. Did I mention that I love Savannah?

I read up on the GRE Literature Subject Test while enjoying some sun. By “enjoying some sun” I mean that I’m still peeling.

Tuesday:

I woke up and immediately went to Food Lion to restock Naomi’s supply of Ibuprofen and to buy some Aloe Vera in a vain attempt to make the flight that much more bearable.

We went back on post one more time to see the PX which is a fancy, fancy store for the soldiers and those who love them. I hit the jackpot and came away with lovely Lancome makeup that was sold at a lovely discount price. I came home and packed and got ready to go.

Where's Joshy? Or, Plum Tuckered After a Particularly Rousing Game of Help Aunt Megan Pack

We made the long trip back to Jacksonville (less trafficky this time). I felt bad for Naomi, because every time we drove in the car I would get really, really sleepy sitting in the passenger side. I haven’t been the passenger in such a long time that I forgot this about myself. So sorry, Naomi.

Naomi dropped me off pretty early at the airport, since she needed to be back in time for Jacob’s make-up game. Luckily Jacksonville Airport sports the free Wi-Fi so I managed to watch Glee. And Flight of the Conchords. So it all worked out. I survived the flight to Minneapolis (if you think that’s a random layover, you’re not alone) where I witnessed the world’s most disorganized boarding of a flight, ever. It took an hour. I got to Salt Lake, miraculously remembered where I parked my car, drove the harrowing ten minutes to my beloved house in the Avenues, and slept in my bed like a little baby.

Glamor Shots By Jacob

Momma's Boys

Goofy Fun!

The illusive Smiling Jarum!

Thanks for the great time, Small Children!

Life pretty much doesn't get any better.

This is what I call a perfect end to Birthday Fortnight Round 1:

Lunch at Les Madeleines with the promise of this...

...for breakfast tomorrow.

And, as a special surprise, I just found out I won Jenna's contest!

So, thanks Birthday Fortnight Fairies, for the abundance of Birthday Miracles hurled my way.

Other Shameless Self Promotions of Birthdays

Friend and sometimes commenter on this blog, Jenna, (aka That Wife) is also a shameless self-promoter of her birthday. For weeks she's been bragging about lovely gifts That Husband has given. But as a totally self-less gesture, she's sharing the wealth in celebration of her birthday. (It's today! Go say hello!) And yet, I am staggered by her ability to be selfless whilst being shameless.

Here's the catch. She's getting her readers to blog about her. And since I'm all about winning these dainties...



I'm all over it. Well done, Jenna. Well done.

Let the Celebrations Commence!

Dearest, Darlingest Momsie and Popsicle:


Thanks for officially starting my birthday celebrations with salmon, potatoes, peach ice cream and every good thing. (There were beans too, but I didn't manage to nab a photo before we ate them).


Thanks also for letting me hang out with you to watch Conference.

Love,

Megan

Quarter Life Crisis

Author's Note: First of all, let's have a big shout out to Maren for letting me use her computer to post this while I wait for a new charger to arrive in the mail. Also, thanks for the Frosty.

There's nothing quite like revisiting an old favorite movie from teenagehood. Back in those days, we called them chick flicks instead of rom-coms. I think in those days fro-yo was frozen yogurt as well. Times, how they have changed.

Anyway back when I was 16 watching Never Been Kissed I pretty much thought two things:

1. I hope I get kissed before I'm 25.
2. Michael Vartan is hot.

Well, now that I'm almost 26 watching Never Been Kissed I thought some more things:

1. 25 isn't that old. (As far as the kissing thing goes, I've found it's often more trouble than it's worth. Of course, Michael Vartain, nor anyone resembling him, has met me on a pitcher's mound before a high school baseball game. I think that's probably what I'm missing.)
2. I enjoy being 25 much more than being 16.
3. Life isn't like a movie, but it can be close if you know how to tell the story well enough.
4. Michael Vartan is still hot (related thought: how did it take me that long to discover Alias?). If he, or anyone resembling him, wants to meet me on a pitcher's mound before a high school baseball game, I would be amenable to that.

Dining Rooms (and Duvets and Desks)

This is mostly for the benefit of my mother, but I thought I'd share with everyone the decorating that is taking over my life. I'm addicted, and nowhere near where I want to be. But I do love my dining room, and my duvet, and my desk.

I had to hurry to set the table in order to catch what was left of natural light for the day:


Pretty dishes. Aren't they fabulous? A Christmas present from Mrs. Claus. She got them from Target.


Another angle of my babies:


Striving for five is a cinch with a fruit bowl:


Here's a view from the inside corner of the dining room:


I found this table at at Home Goods, an home decor off-shoot of TJ Maxx. The vase and its contents come from Ikea.


I saw these frames and I knew I had to have them. They come from Home Goods, and they are made out of news print.

So the table was supposed to be for my cook books, but that didn't work out. So they're tucked away in a corner. They're happy, I'm happy.


While at Ikea, I got this new duvet and sham for a killer deal. The damask lamp was one of those temptation purchases, courtesy of Mallory. Seriously Mal, you + Target = Me spending too much.
This basic desk is yet another Ikea purchase. It's lasted me through college and beyond. However, it was only a desk top with some table legs, so I went back to Ikea after Christmas (with a gift card in hand: thanks Mrs Claus!) and found this topper. As you will notice it has a magazine rack, shelves, and a white board to the right. Members of my family will notice a message specifically for those who have been harping on me to post these pictures.

Here's a pic with the flash, and with an extra view of the top shelf. In the middle you will see the Damask clock which was a housewarming from Mallory. Bottom middle you'll see some more Damask items, such as a pictureless frame (I'm working on filling it) and a damask pencil case, both from Target. Both were purchased when Mallory was with me.
I can't complain though, because she makes me beautiful things like this for Christmas:

So there you have it! I hope this makes those who were waiting so desperately for this post happy.