My Life...the Short, Edited Version!

I'm Alive!

2011-12-18T18:22:00.000-08:00

I had the goal to post more often, hopefully once a week. Fail. I also had the goal of taking more pictures during the day of my hilarious children since I'm home. Fail. Although, I'd been doing more and then the camera battery went dead and I couldn't find the charger. Upset. But, I just found it! So, the battery is now charging..JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! Ok. Seriously. I was going to be SUPER bummed if I couldn't find it for Christmas...because Taylor is ALL about Christmas lately. I didn't think 2 year olds really had the concept of Santa...she' TOTALLY it. The best way to get her to behave lately is the tell her that Santa's going to put her on the naughty list. Works like a charm. So, I have a feeling that the pictures on Christmas this year are going to be full of a very happy, excited, hyper child. And my calm child.

Ok. Enough jibber jabber. I've got lots to catch up on, so lets back up to Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was really a week-long event for us. Jared's birthmom, Laura, was in town (long story short, yes, Jared's adopted; he met his birthmom after his mission and we keep in contact with her. She lives in NY, but her mom and sisters live here in the Valley and we see them frequently...they are an AWESOME family!), so we made a point to see her and the whole Bressler clan. Laura hadn't met Abby yet, so we'd made a plan to all go out to lunch together and then to a park, but Taylor woke up that morning with a fever. Sad day. Fortunately, Laura decided to come over to see us rather than have me take Taylor out. She loves my girls :)

I'd say Taylor looks pained because she was feeling sick, but I don't know how true that'd be. We have a really difficult time getting her to look "normal" in pictures..she has a hilarious fake smile usually.

Arlene (Laura's mom) NEVER turns down an opportunity to hold Abby (and look at the face...how could you pass that up?).

Thanksgiving day was the day my camera battery died. This was the only picture I got of that day:

That's my mom holding Abby and my nephew Daniel...she's really good at multi-tasking :)

In other news, I've started working again...but this time from home! The office I worked at before I had Abby asked me to do Aging from home (calling on the old claims that insurance companies haven't paid and try to figure out why they didn't pay us and fix it). I get to work how ever many hours I want...it's a pretty sweet gig. And, I actually enjoy it. Working with insurance companies is a game...you've got to know all their tricks and try to beat them...I really like games :)

Welp, stay tuned for a Christmas post...there should be tons of pictures. It'll be epic:)

Coincidence?

2011-11-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

As I was rocking my baby girl to sleep this morning, I was watching the Disney channel with Taylor. We were watching a clip that had a bunch of old Mickey Mouse characters, and I noticed some things that got me thinking...some of the characters were motherless. Take Goofy, for example. He has his son, Max, but there's never any mention of Max's mother...does he have one? I know Goofy has seemed to have an ongoing crush on Clarabelle the Cow, but I don't think she's Max's mom. And what about Hewey, Dewey, and Louie? They live with their Uncle Scrooge in DuckTales, but in the old clips, Donald is taking care of them. Are the orphans? Is Donald their dad? Then, THAT got me thinking to the Disney movies...there seems to be a large majority of them that have broken families or awkward family situations. In Snow White, it only talks about her stepmother, who's the evil queen. But what about her regular mother? And, to have a Stepmother, her father must've remarried...and that would've made him the King. Where was he when the Queen was trying to kill Snow White? Cinderella's parents die. Bambi's mom dies. Sleeping Beauty was estranged from her parents for 16 years (awkward). Wart from Sword in the Stone was an orphan. Mowgli from Jungle Book was an orphan. Ariel makes no mention of a mother. Belle doesn't have a mother. Simba's father died. Aladdin doesn't have parents. Do I really need to go on? Strange.
Also, have you noticed that a LARGE majority of Disney's villians are really skinny and angular? And that almost all of the antagonists die by falling far distances?

Sorry...this is all really random...but I guess you could blame it on watching kiddie shows all day combined with sleep deprivation :)

Who'da Thunk?

2011-11-06T10:05:00.000-08:00

When Taylor was born, she was 6lbs 8 oz...which is pretty small, right? Well, she's always been steadily small. Never really had a growth spurt. Always in the lower percentiles for growth. I mean, take a look at this picture of her at about 2 weeks:

Look at how BAGGY that Newborn sized onesie is on her! And, she didn't outgrow the newborn sized clothing for at LEAST 3 or 4 months. No joke. So, after that, who'd a thought that I'd have a 5 week old who EASILY fits into 3 month outfits?:

She's not really a chunker, but I can't believe how fast she's growing! I figured between me being smallish as a kid (although I was a FAT baby) and Jared's Puerto Rican and Jewish heritage (both stereotypically small), we'd always just have small kids....but maybe not?

In other news, here is a hilarious video of Taylor watching Handy Manny (please disregard the fact that she's busy chewing her toenails):

Ok. This was like the 6th time she'd seen that clip! Everytime the skeleton moved and/or fell over, she'd crack up and ask us to rewind it so she could watch it again. Hear how cute her laugh is? At that point, it was a little fake, but isn't it such a cute sound?

In other news, about a year and a half ago, I agreed to read this before reading ANY other book by the request of Jared:
Jared LOVES this trilogy and has read it an unbelievably obscene amount of times. I knew it was something that was important to him, and I love to read, so I said I'd do it....I FINALLY finished it after a YEAR AND A HALF! Don't get me wrong; the were REALLY good! WAY better than the movies, and I LOVE the movies. But, it was really difficult for me to get past all the description (brilliant, but frequent), and I couldn't get into it enough to keep from reading it more than sporadically. But, IT'S FINISHED!! Now I can read other books...I have such a long "to read" list. I'm excited. However, I do have to say that I definitely don't regret reading LOTR...I just regret how long it took me to finish it (which is totally my fault.). Anyway, if anyone has any "Must read" recommendations, throw them my way please! I've already complete the Hunger Games trilogy (it took me a year and a half to read LOTR, but only 3 days to finish this trilogy...yipes!), currently reading The Help, and am trying to get my hands on a copy of The Book Thief...but feel free to suggest anything beyond that!

A Message From Our Sponsors....

2011-10-31T20:23:00.001-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Bliss

2011-10-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Since this girl was born:
, I have been given the amazing blessing of being able to quit my job. For any of you that have known me for any amount of time, you will know that being a stay-at-home mom has been a dream of mine since I was a child. I feel EXTREMELY blessed to be in a financial situation that finally allows me to fulfill this dream.

One of the BEST things about being with my girls all day is being able to see how Taylor is developing. Please don't mistake this as me taking Abby for granted, because I sure as heck ain't; it's just that, up until now, I've missed out a lot on Taylor's life because of the previous need for me to work. I'm just trying to soak her up now, make up for lost time.
So, Taylor is 2.5 years old. I've talked about how hilarious she is in the past, but MAN! I love how her imagination and personality is shaping! This is what I've learned from her in the past couple of days:

I look at this with my adult eyes and see a seemingly ordinary baby hanger. Useful? Yes. Unexciting? Yes. BUT. In the eyes of a 2.5 year old, this is really a MAGIC WAND.

To me, this represents a mess that I have to clean up (yes, we own the complete series of "That 70's Show")...a mess that is irritating because it's something Taylor NEVER should have been playing with...much less removing every DVD from it's box...BUT. To a 2.5 year old, this is a very cleverly made CASTLE. It was really difficult to stay made at her for more than a few seconds when her cute little voice declared that that's what it was...AND she did help pick it all up and put it away).
I LOVE this little girl

...unmatched clothes and unruly hair and all.

PS
she actually has a MUCH cuter smile than the one in the picture...that's just her "camera smile" :)

The Second Time Around...

2011-10-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

DO you ever have a hard time with how to start a blog post? I know what I want to write, but there isn't a single intro that I can come up with that is pleasing to me. So, I'm just going to jump into content...sorry for the awkwardness!

Now that I'm the mom of 2 kids, I've been able to experience everything (pregnancy, delivery, nursing, etc) twice. And, can I just say that I'm so grateful for that? Past experiences can teach us so much if we let them! So, I'm going, for journaling purposes, record a bunch of comparisons.

For starters, I'm REALLY blessed to have both pregnancies be REALLY easy. With Taylor, I had minimal morning sickness...I did throw up a handful of times, but it was only when I got too hungry, or if I ate something too sweet when I was too hungry. With Abby, the only time I ever vomited was when I had the 24 hour stomach flu. HOwever, I did feel a lot more nauseous with her than I remember being with Taylor...not so bad that it kept me from activities , but enough to make me feel miserable while doing activities. Also, with both pregnancies, I neglected to take pregnancy pictures. I don't know what it is with me and photos...I just don't make them a priority! Here is pretty much the only photo I have of me being pregnant with Taylor (about a week before she was born)

and here's the ONLY one I have of being pregnant with Abby (right before leaving for the hospital):
You can't really tell from the photos, but with Abby, I was about 10 lbs heavier than with Taylor, and my tummy was quite a bit bigger....although I'm still pretty small by most standards.

For the sake of motivating me to blog more, and to prevent this post from becoming RIDICULOUSLY LONG, I've just made the executive decision to break this topic of baby comparisons into different posts...so next time I'll talk about how different my deliveries and hospital experiences were. I apologize if anyone thinks this is boring...but it's good for me to document...and I only have a handful of readers anyway...so sorry!

Baby Abby is HERE!!!

2011-10-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

Entering the world on Sept 30th, 2011 at 8:35am in the morning:

is Abby Rose Payne (photo complements of Leigh over at lrootphotography). She weighed in at 7lbs 11 oz and 19.5 inches long. She has BLACK hair (and tons of it....and I mean TONS...it's ALL over her body!) and the sweetest little disposition!

THE STORY
Because of some structural issues my body has (I will never be able to deliver a baby vaginally), Abby was a planned c-section. Let me tell you how weird it is to know exactly when you are going to deliver the baby that you've been carrying around for 9 months....it's really strange and kind of anti-climatic. My surgery was scheduled for 9am at Banner Gateway, but I had to be there by 7am to get all the pre-op stuff done (blood work, a complete round of IV antibiotics to help prevent any infection). However, even though I wasn't supposed to be having the surgery until 9, some crazy stuff happened (something about the girl scheduled before me having her water break and they had to get her in earlier than scheduled), and I was being wheeled into post-op after surgery at the time my surgery was SUPPOSED to be. It was pretty awesome. And, while Dr. Beck was finishing closing me up, he was joking about how this was the first time in 25 years that he'd finished both scheduled c-sections before they were supposed to start and how he didn't know what he was going to do for the rest of the day.
Anyway, Abby right away showed a bit of her personality right away by pulling her hair and fidgeting...The first thing I heard, even before her cry, was Dr Beck saying "Wow...she's a feisty one"...and then "she's got big feet". It's awesome. Really though, she's been a pretty sweet baby! She sleeps really well and took to breast feeding RIGHT away! We did find out that she has a little heart murmur, but so far, it's been asymptomatic, and all of the dr's expect it to correct itself within next few months. Apparently, heart murmurs are EXTREMELY common, so I'm not really worried.

Sorry this isn't a very exciting or elaborate post. I don't really have an exciting birth story since it was a scheduled c-section (although, due to my last scar being more dramatic than Dr. Beck felt it should be, he did a little tummy tuck on me to get rid of that scar..BONUS!), and I don't think I'd know how to make the story sound exciting, even if it was exciting. But, I did want to record some memories and thoughts after an overload of photos :)

This was taken just minutes before leaving for the hospital...I'm 39 weeks and 1 day pregnant (and this is literally the only pic I have of me being pregnant..)

Abby is on the left, and her future husband, Simon Allen, is on the right (j/k). My good friend Rachel was still in the hospital after having Simon 2 days earlier, they paid Abby and I a visit shortly after I got to my room. I am SO happy that I got to see them and that they were coincidentally at the same hospital that we were. That was so fun!

Now for some thoughts:
I have always marveled at the creative powers of our Heavenly Father, but I can't get over how perfectly formed little babies are. Everything from their little perfect ears and perfect noses are just so awe-inspiring to me. I remember going to the zoo a few years ago and marveling at how amazing and beautiful all the animals are (and really, some of them are just WEIRD looking! You know that God has a sense of humor by how funny some of the animals are...how does one come up with the idea of a giraffe? Or how similar zebra and horses are, but zebras a super klutzy in comparison), and how much thought and time was put into the creation of each one. How much more time must He have spent on the creation of each one of us? Each and every person is distinctly different in looks, personality, and demeanor. It really blows my mind. But, looking at my tiny newborn baby just fills me with the feeling of love that I know my Heavenly Father has for each and every one of us! I am so grateful that He judged Jared and I fit to take care of not one, but two, of his choice spirit children. It's such a privilege, and I can only hope and pray to do a good enough job to make Him happy.

You're Title Here...

2011-08-25T07:43:00.001-07:00

I can't come up with the name for this post...I'm not feeling particularly creative right now :).

I was never the kind of person that enjoyed the educational portion of school (social, yes). I mean, I always did well and caught on to concepts pretty quick and got good grades, but I don't think that I could say that I enjoyed learning. I haven't taken a class in almost 5 years...and now I'm CRAVING it! I feel like my poor brain is dying from misuse (and all you snarky family members: YES. I have a brain and I use it). All of you students out there that are dreading your classes, be grateful. I mean, this week at work, we've had training classes on how to use our new EMR (electronic medical records- yes, we are slowly being introduced to modern technology, finally) system, and I've just been soaking it up, which is really odd because I've never been particularly interested in technology. But, it's something. I need to find an outlet! And, I'm not the kind of person that can do an independent study on something...I lack the discipline to study independently of instructoin (unlike my husband who will just read up on a subject that he's interested in and become expert). Blech!

So, while my brain is withering from lack of exercise, Taylor's is bursting from imagination. She's recently entered into the stage where she's playing pretend (the other day, she had a bunny rabbit that apparently lived behind the curtains that she kept checking on throughout the day...and at one point, she opened the blinds and said "oh no! Oh no! Oh cwap! it's raining!"...which it clearly wasn't...). This also means that she's become scared of a lot of things...I had a very active imagination, but I don't remember being scared of things. Taylor is now afraid of the dark, shadows on the wall, and various characters on her favorite shows (like "dragon Pete" from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse). She's also become very much a "momma's girl", which I don't really mind (except when she insists that I'm the only one that is allowed to change her diaper....). It's the best when I come home from work- she runs to me at full speed and attaches herself to my legs for a minute and tells me she loves me. And, she's starting to talk about Baby Abby and how she gets to be a big sister. For a while, I wondered if she really understood what was going to happen, but I think she's getting it!

I love my Tati girl...watching her grow and progress is one of the most heart-warming things ever. I feel so sorry for women who never want to have kids. I mean, I have never known true joy until Taylor came around...can you imagine having a life without joy?

The List

2011-08-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

Lately, for a variety of reasons, I've been feeling pretty down. Which is lame. But, what is especially lame is that when I start to feel down, I go in a terrible downward spiral of doom...my mind is drawn to everything in my life that I can skew as unfortunate. So, yesterday as I was driving home from work in my haze of gloom, I remembered that in junior high/high school when I started to get a little "blah", I'd make a list of everything good in my life...and that always helped. Because I felt like I may need a reminder of the "GOOD THINGS", I thought I'd blog the list so I can easily look back at it.

THE LIST
-I have the smartest, cutest daughter of all time.
-I have a husband who loves me and who does a pretty dang good job of handling me.
-I have awesome in-laws who graciously allow us to live with them
-I have awesome in-laws who babysit my kid for free which allows me to help contribute to our family financially so we can get out of debt
-I love the power of the Priesthood
-I can read the scriptures and it always brings me peace
-Kelly and Jason and Sam are visiting
-I got to see the Pettits
-I have a super awesome, fun calling
-I have the Gospel
-my "check engine" light isn't on anymore
-I finished the second book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy...that much closer to being able to read whatever I want!!!
-I have easy pregnancies
-I work in a pain mgt/physical therapy office where the providers take care of all of my aches and pains for free
-Sara Bareilles music
But most of all, I'm so grateful for my Savior and the Atonement. I love the fact that even these stupid feelings that make me feel so insignificant are feelings that He understands and experienced so that I'd have someone who knows exactly what I feel...for no other reason than the fact that He loves me. That, more than anything else helps me out of my "funks". I love my Savior and Heavenly Father...I can't imagine how depressing my life would be without the knowledge of Their love for me.

"Where did Tatinana go?"

2011-08-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

One of the very first movies that Taylor ever became obsessed with is:

And, because Taylor is a little princess, naturally her favorite character is Tiana:
But, because Taylor inherited my awesome need to complicate words, she calls her "Tatinana" (probably a combination of what she calls herself and Tiana...). Keep this little fact in mind as I relate the following anecdote.
Last night was a RehabArizona company party, which are always awesome. There's always raffle prizes (I never win the big prize, which was an IPad2 this year, but to the frustration of everyone, I always manage to come away with something, which this year included an Ipod Shuffle...I'm just that awesome!), food, and fun. This year, the annual swim party was at Big Surf. I've never been there before (Sunsplash was always the preference of my friends), and it was definitely Taylor's first time. She had a BLAST!!!! We were there until about 10 pm...and we really left because my poor pregnant legs felt like deadweights, but Taylor could've gone ALL NIGHT.
Anyway, I digress. One of my coworkers, Ashley, brought her boyfriend and his kids with her to the shindig. Ashley brought the youngest girl (I think her name was Shyana) over to meet Taylor who was about her age..She was SO cute! She's this sweet little half-Black, half-white girl with the brightest blue eyes you've never seen. She also had those cute little scalp-braids that Taylor was just fascinated with (she kept petting them...). Anyway, they seemed to get along pretty well for the few minutes that they were together. Ashley needed to get something to eat, so she and Shyana went back to their table. Taylor didn't see them leave, so when she noticed that they'd left, she said "Where did Tatinana go?" Jared, Papa, and I started cracking up. Apparently, Taylor hasn't seen very many Black girls...

My daughter is pretty hilarious!

2011-08-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of "Potter Puppet Pals?" If not, please watch THIS video (the rest of the post won't make sense unless you do). If you have seen it before, just enjoy it again. It's hilarious.

Now, what does that have to do with my daughter being hilarious? Well, I'll tell you. So, Taylor loves music, which is to be expected with having Jared and I as parents. That being said, there was no way we could be prepared for how quickly she learns lyrics. I've had to be very careful with what songs we have her listen to (not that we listen to bad music, but, ya know...). So, when I put her to bed at night, I have 4-5 primary songs/hymns that I sing to her. Of course, being the active little girl she is, she usually sings songs of her own while I'm singing to her...I don't usually mind because it seems to help calm her. Tonight, however, as I was singing "I am a Child of God" to her, I here her singing very quietly, almost whispering. For a few seconds, I thought she was singing along with me, and my heart just glowed! But, as i listened closer, I heard that she was actually saying "Dumbledore! Dumbledore! Nape, nape, harry potter!" what??!?!?! I think Jared and I have only showed her this video a few times! She's so crazy!!!! I love my Tati.

Things That Make Taylor Unique...

2011-07-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

If you've ever met Taylor, you can't deny her total and utter cuteness. Because, let's face it...she's pretty much the most adorable thing ever. Lately, though, I've been having a hard time realizing how big she's getting and have had a fun time just watching her. As I've been soaking her up, I've noticed some really funny things about her and thought I'd share with the blogging world...not that anybody reads this anymore :)

-she talks and communicates at a much more advanced level than is typical for her age. I've never seen a little person be able to communicate so effectively...I need to get some recordings up here of her little sweet voice.

-she doesn't like anything gummy...including fruit snacks. Wierd, right? I'm guessing it's a texture thing, but this makes it impossible to get her to eat her vitamins (they're gummy bear vitamins). A few days ago, I thought she'd actually eat them, but Papa reported that she chewed them for a second, spit them out into her hand, and said "Tati don't like them. Make Tati sick." What?! So funny!

-She's started talking with a southern accent. I have NO idea where this came from, but she consistently makes words with only one syllable (particularly "now", "down", and "help") into 2 syllable words. Hilarious and very strange.

-She would rather snack on Frosted Miniwheats than Fruit Loops or CHeerios.

-The only yogurt we can get her to consistently eat is Activia (maybe she has "tummy troubles?")

-She has an excellent sense of fashion. Not only does she insist on picking out her own outfits, but she enjoys helping me get dressed. The other day, I was wearing 2 different pairs of shoes, trying to decide which pair looked better with my outfit. Taylor walks up, looks at them for a second, and points to one shoe said "Tati don't like that one." She then pointed to the other shoe and said "Tati like that one". Not only was it so cute, but she was right! And, she is always complimenting people on what they are wearing...but she's very specific: "Papa, I like your tie", "pretty hair momma!" One time, I was wearing my purple scrubs before work and she ran up to me and said "Cute mamma!" then ran off. She's so sweet!

-she doesn't like drinking water, but she'd suck on ice all day.

-she LOVES to share...except at home with Gunner. But, I've noticed at church that she is much more content with handing her books out to the people around us than she is doing anything else.

-She's very protective of her momma! Anytime I say "ouch", she says "what happened?!" in a very concerned voice. Then, she'll kiss the thing that hurt. A few weeks ago, I wasn't feeling very well, so I had Jared put her to bed at night. The next morning, Jared happened to be awake before me (which is really rare) so he got her up too. He said the first thing out of Taylor's mouth was "Mommy feel better? Mommy happy?" So sweet!

I have the sweetest little girl! Don't get me wrong...she's also super crazy and manipulative, but she's such a joy most of the time! I love my Taylor Kelly Payne and can't wait to see how she interacts with baby Abby!

Family Dynamics

2011-07-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

One of the funny things about living with your in-laws is seeing how everyone interacts. Jared and I have lived with his parents for about a year and half...more than half of Taylor's life. So, this is what Taylor has known for most of her recollection, which makes for some entertaining relationships. Along with the sometimes forgetting that Grandma and Papa aren't Mommy and Daddy (which is to be expected), I think Taylor views her Aunt Alexa (who still lives at home) as her sister. And, not in a good way. For example: whenever Alexa walks in the room, Taylor looks right at her and screams...for no reason other than the fact that Alexa just entered the room. Also, this morning as Alexa was getting ready for work in the living room, Taylor was sitting, totally contented, on the floor watching Caillou (blech) on TV. Out of the TOTAL blue, Taylor looks up at Alexa and said in her most authoritative tone, with a look of disdain on her face, "MY show." (uh, Taylor? Nobody else cares to claim it...) Alexa hadn't said a word! The two of them also argue (which is both ridiculous and entertaining...) Man!
This really reminds me of the relationship I had with my older brother, Michael, when I was really young. Michael is 6 years older than me, but even when I was really little (like 3 or 4), I remember getting into arguments with him...and even if everything was my fault, he'd get most of the blame because he was so much older than me. "Michael, stop! She's 4!" This is really awful of me, but I remember getting SO much satisfaction from him getting in trouble over something that was probably my fault. SAD.
Oh family dynamics!

Chapterhouse Lane

2011-06-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

My friend, who I haven't seen in nearly enough the past few years, is passionate about writing. Not only is she passionate about it, but she's TALENTED. She's been posting a story, in bits in pieces, on a blog, and I'm on pins and needles at every post! This is really a fantastic story, and EVERYONE who sees this post should read it. Seriously. This girl is amazing!

Click HERE to start it! (She hasn't posted very far into it, so it would only take maybe 10 minutes to catch up!)

2011-06-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

I have been thoroughly enjoying this lately:

Jared and I borrowed Seasons 1-4 from a friend, and I am SO glad we did! It's hilarious!

moving on...

2011-06-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

I think it's safe to say that I GROSSLY failed the blog challenge...which some people, my husband included, predicted. All I can say is that I'm just impressed with myself that I kept it going for 15 straight days. But, life goes on, and I will try to update any readers (if I actually have any) on my recent activities.

Not quite a month ago, I was supposed to travel to Salt Lake City, UT with the EVMCO choir that I'm in (to learn more, click HERE. Our organization had been given the amazing opportunity to record an original oratorio written by one of our directors, Brett Stewart. The piece is called Messiah in America and it is REMARKABLE. The oratorio tells of the story of the Nephites and when Christ came to the Americas...the text is STRAIGHT out of 3rd Nephi. Seriously. Not only is Brett talented, but the whole thing was totally inspired. Anyway, EVMCO and OCMCO (the branch of the same organization that is in Orange County, CA) arranged it so we could travel to Salt Lake City and do a professional recording of the oratorio and then...wait for it....perform it in the TABERNACLE. Pretty amazing opportunity. However, I decided not to go. Some may think I'm crazy for turning down such an epic opportunity, but I know I made the right choice.
I already had the week asked off from work, so I to pack Taylor up in the car (her first road trip) and drive to Thatcher to visit my SIL Kelly. I had an amazing, relaxing time bonding with her, and Taylor loved playing with little Sam (who IS the cutest little boy ever). I, being the stupid person that I am, didn't bring a camera, but luckily Kelly is a good photographer and took several pictures of our adventures. You can view her blog post about the trip HERE. Thanks for letting us come and stay, Kelly! We had a grand time!

Jared and I also recently took Taylor to the movie theater for the first time. It was an...um...educational experience? We got invited to my boss's wife's surprise 50th bday party where they had rented out a theater to watch:
. I LOVE my boss's wife. Like a lot. So, I wasn't going to miss it, and I thought it would be a good experiment in seeing how Taylor would do at a movie. Taylor actually wasn't horrible, but she doesn't sit still very well. I should've figured it would be like that since she can't sit through a whole movie at home. At home, she'll sit for about 20 min and then have to get up and start doing something while she's watching. Like now, for example. She's laying down watching Beauty and the Beast, but she's also playing a Nintendo Wii controller. So basically, Daddy and I didnt get much out of the movie, and I'm not sure how much Taylor got out of it. It was cute...for what I saw, anyway.

ooh! A week ago, Jared took me on the most amazing date EVER. We doubled with our friends Josh and Dyan to eat at:
(my FAVORITE restaurant) and then to Gammage to see:
Holy cow! Jared, Josh, and Dyan had all seen it before, but I'd never seen the production before. I have however seen the 10th Anniversary and 25th Anniversary productions that aired on PBS (and now own them on Dvd) and happen to have like 99% of the entire production MEMORIZED...but I'd never SEEN it done before. IT. WAS. AWESOME. I cried several times. AMAZING!!!!

Now. Enough about me...and on to my favorite topic: Taylor. I still like her :). Seriously though, she is SUCH a joy...even in her "terrible twos." Some things about her: she finally graduated from her crib to a big girl bed. It's been kind of a rough transition, but a necessary one as she finally figured out how to climb out of her crib. I'm really surprised it didn't happen sooner with how she's got crazy climbing skills. It's taken a while for her to figure out that she has to STAY in her bed...and we had to take drastic measures to keep her in her room (since she can open doors too). We had to put one of those child-proof door-knob covers on the doorknob inside her room. It makes her VERY frustrated. So, this is our nightly routine: I tuck her in and lie next to her while we sing about a billion primary songs. Then I kiss her goodnight. At this point she bolts out of bed and demands a hug. Then I tuck her back in. Then she bolts out of bed and demands a kiss. Then I tuck her back in. This repeats several times before I tell her to go to bed...I then bolt out of her room and close the door really fast before she can run after me and stop the door from closing. Of course, crying ensues. Eventually, Taylor falls asleep...right up against the door....but not before she pulls her stuffed animals, blankets and pillow down with her. So, before I go to bed, I have to slip into her room (with great difficulty since she's right up against the door and slipping through a narrow door-opening is getting increasingly difficult with my growing, pregnant belly) and put her in bed. When she wakes up in the morning, she either starts screaming because she can't open the door, or she yells "mommy!" while knocking on her door. It's fun!
Taylor's vocabulary and imagination are growing more and more every day as well. And, her sentences are hilarious! I remember learning in one of my education classes that the average sentence length for a 2 year old is 2-3 words. Taylor speaks PARAGRAPHS! And you can understand most of what she's saying! It's super hilarious when she says adult-type things in her sing-songy voice. Like her response to Daddy when he was telling her how pretty she looked in her pretty dress: "Thank you so very much!" Another favorite is how she DECLARES things: "Tati pooping!" and then a few minutes later, "Tati finished pooping!" (that one's fun in Sacrament meeting...), or "Tati needs m&m's!" (not want....needs), or when she tries some new food, she'll try it for a minute then make a funny face "Tati don't like it!" And, I love that she STILL calls herself "Tati"...she can say "Taylor" just fine...and if you ask her what her name is, she'll say "Taylor Kelly Payne" as clear as day... but she's just Tati. I hope she always keeps it. It's cute!
I love that little girl so much! And, I love how excited she is about having a baby sister. All the time she says "Baby Abby in mommy's tummy!" She's going to be the BEST big sister!

Day 15- Put your ipod on Shuffle and list the first 10 songs that play

2011-05-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

Currently, I can't actually find my ipod (I think I left it at work, which is annoying since I took this whole week off and sure as heck don't want to go there to get it...), so I'm using my itunes account. I'm sure this won't throw the results off :)

1. "Everybody's Changing- Keane: Hopes and Fears
2. "Not Alone"- Sara Bareilles: Kaleidoscope Heart
3. "Crowing"- Toad the Wet Sprocket: Dulcinea
4. "Everything I Do"- Bryan Adams: a mix CD I got from my SIL who got it from a friend...she named it Wonderful, Splendid Love Songs
5. "Encore 1- Speeches/Do You Hear the People Sing"- 10th Anniversary edition soundtrack of Les Miserables
6. "Sure Thing Falling"- Yellowcard: Lights and Sounds
7. "I Swear"- John Michael Montgomery: from a cd mix my sister made me right before I got married that she named Lisa's Country Serenades
8. "Through the Dark"- KT Tunstall: Eye To the Telescope
9. "Enchanted"- Taylor Swift: Speak Now
10. "Someone You Used to Know"- Collin Raye: 16 Biggest Hits

There you go. I like variety :) Also, if you didn't understand my attempt at organization, the part that's in quotes is the name of the song, and the part that is italicized is the name of the album that the song is from...The end :)

Day 14- An Amusement Park that You Would Burn to Ruins.

2011-05-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

I can count on one hand how many amusement parks that I've been to. They all happened while I was in high school, and every time, I had an AWESOME time. Why the heck would you want to burn an amusement park down?

So, while I can't tell you one that I'd burn to the ground, I'll just list the one's I've been to.

1. Disneyland (Sophmore year on my choir tour)

2.Great America (Junior year on choir tour)

3. Castle's N' Coasters (on a group date with James Manning, JD Bradshaw and Tori Harris, and another couple I can't think of in the summer...I can't remember if it was after junior or Senior year)

I think that's it. I don't really count Sunsplash as an amusement park, but I have been there a handful of times...maybe 3 or 4? SO, if you were to count that, I suppose I'd have to use 2 hands....

Day 12 and 13

2011-05-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was kinda crazy and busy, what with working and then my baby sister graduating from high school, so I missed the post I was supposed to do yesterday. So, to make it up, I'll do two today.

Day 12: Pet Peeve

I have many pet peeves...particularly at work. I'll only single out one, however...otherwise this would be a very loooooooooooong post. One of my biggest pet peeves has to do with puntcuality. I am, by nature, a very time-cautious person. I am on time to events and things 99% of the time. Sometimes me getting to places on time requires me to plan ahead and start getting ready for something 2 hours early...whatever it takes. I also start to get anxiety if I (or we, meaning Jared and I) are running behind the schedule I made up in my mind (and Jared knew nothing about). It's pretty bad, actually. Now, I have lightened up a bit, and I don't feel so bad being a few minutes late to certain things. But, my BIGGEST problem is when we make plans with some friends and they don't give us the same courtesy that we provide them (ie: calling when we're going to be late). I understand being 5-10 minutes late to dinner or whatever else we'd planned. But, when when people are like 20-30 min late with no sort of thought, it's irritating. Ohh! It also really bugs me when my coworkers mosey into work 10-15 min late consistently and think that it's ok. It's a JOB people! It requires RESPONSIBILITY! and ACCOUNTABILITY!
ok. Off my soap box. Sorry...I get a little crazy about that stuff!

------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 13- a Letter to a Person Who Has Hurt You Recently

Dear person,
I feel like since our relationship started, almost 3 years ago, that you've never cared much for me. I'm not sure what I've done to upset you or make you dislike me, but I'm sorry for whatever it is. I'm deeply sorry if you feel like I've over-stepped my bounds in some way or if you feel like I'm just trying to "replace" you in some way. To be honest, while I think the way you do some things is a little more difficult than it needs to be, I sure as heck don't want to replace you. I don't WANT to be in the situation that I'm in now, so why would I want to take on more? I also really feel that because you've never cared much for me, you grossly underestimate me and my abilities. I wasn't trying to control what C was doing or how she was doing it. She looked overwhelmed, and I had some time, so I did what any decent person would do and offered to help. For you to basically tell me that I'm only valuable in sticking to doing what I'm most experienced in is crap. I'm an excellent listener/observer and could really probably help out and be an asset in ANY capacity. Also, I'm very honest with myself when it comes to time management and my limits, and you've known me long enough that you should know that. If I'm offering to help someone, it's BECAUSE I'm in a situation that I CAN. I really wish that you would just trust me. I'm excellent at what I do, and the way you've treated me, almost since day 1 has been unwarranted. I know I'm not perfect. I'm perfectly aware of my shortcomings, and while I'm fine taking criticism, I refuse to own up to something that is unfair and untrue. If you paid more attention to everything else that you're supposed to, rather than focusing on waiting for me to screw up, everything surrounding our situation would probably be more favorable. Just be happy, Ok? You're life and everyone else's life around you will be better

Thanks.

-Lisa

Day 11- out of anyone in the world, who would you put in shark-infested waters

2011-05-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Clearly I'm not a very vindictive person because I can't think of anybody that I would wish death upon....I mean, can you honestly say that you've ever been so angry or hateful to someone that you've honestly wished death on them? I mean, I can get just as mad as the next person, but really? It makes me think of Nephi in the Book of Mormon...I mean how many times did Laman and Lemuel, his own brothers, try to off him? How much hate do you have to have in your heart to justify that? I much of a hold on you does Satan have to have? Man...I just don't have that in me!

However, there are people in history that DESERVE to die...So, for the sake of this question, I'll name:
Adolf Hitler. Or anyone else who thinks genocide is ok...or anyone who thinks mass murder, or really murder of any kind, is ok just because someone is different. I think men like Hitler have a special place in Hell reserved for them.

Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

2011-05-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

I'm not an the kind of person that listens to music based on my emotions. I've found that if I listen to angry music when I'm angry, then I just STAY angry longer. So, I whatever emotion I'm feeling, I listen to pretty much the same stuff. Right now, my ALL-TIME favorite singer is Sara Bareilles. Particularly this album:
This Album has been consistently playing in my car for MONTHS because I never get tired of hearing it. I know every song by heart...and Taylor knows a lot of them too! (It's really cute to hear her sing along with the songs! She gets most of the words right!)
Since my EVMCO concert last weekend with Collin Raye, my love for his music as been renewed in me. I also love Ingrid Michaelson, Brandi Carlile, Jason Mraz, etc. BAsically, any music that is more focused on the lyrics than the instruments.

Day 09-Something That Ticked You Off that Shouldn't Have Ticked You Off

2011-05-23T10:08:00.001-07:00

This one is kinda funny....When I was pregnant with Tati, I was really hormonal in the way that it was really easy to make me cry. This pregnancy, my horomones have turned against me in the form of rage. EVERYTHING ticks me off that shouldn't. It's very frustrating because I don't LIKE to be angry. This particularly happens to me at work. I'm not a very "Type A" person, but I get really close when I'm at work. So, that on top of my tendencies lately for anger make work the very opposite of my "happy place."
Other things that tick my off that shouldn't:
-stupid drivers
-the hubby's comments about most stupid drivers being women
-being late
-being told I'm wrong when I'm CLEARLY not :)
-having the TV on ALL the time
-not having enough space for everything
-having a messy room
-females on a power trip (men on a power trip are so much less annoying..why is that??)

I could go on and on. See? EVERYTHING ticks me off! I love being pregnant (literally), but this one is definitely taking an emotional toll on me! My poor family!

Day 08- Awkward Obsessions

2011-05-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

ummmmmmmmmmmmm....I'm not really an obsessive personality? I'm kinda having ahard time with this one. I guess I"m kinda obsessed with TV...but I feel like that's more of an addiction than an obsession. Recently, I was really addicted (or obsessed, I guess) with:
Awkward because it's actually a rather trashy show. But I got WAY sucked into the story line and drama of it all to be able to give it up. But I did. And, I don't even miss it. However, I didn't give it up until I watched all every episode ever made currently....

Currently, I LOVE this show:

I really love (some) talent-related reality shows. American Idol was a favorite for a while, but the last few years just really haven't done anything for me...I ESPECIALLY can't handle this year. Say what you want about Simon Cowell, but I loved him. While he's harsh, he's usually right in his critiquing. The panel of judges this season aren't even critical! It's very frustrating. Anyway, The Voice is definitely a breath of fresh air! And, I can't wait until So You Think You Can Dance starts back up.

So, I love those shows, but TV in general is a bit of a problem for me...and the wonderful technology of DVR has done nothing but enable my problem. I'm like a TV zombie. There can be a million things I have to get done, but if the TV's on, I'm like a moth to a light and can't stay away. Now, I do have to say that my self control has improved that past few years. For example, I'll turn the TV off if I can't find anything to watch, rather than just pick something and glue myself to it.

Having an addiction (or obsession) with television viewing may not be viewed as "awkward" to some, but I find it frustrating. I LOVE to read, but I can rarely tear myself away from the TV to pick up a book. Also, I could be dead tired, but if there's a show on that I HAVE to watch, I will sacrifice my rest for that dumb show.

I kinda wish I just didn't have a tv...

Day 07- What was your last dream about?

2011-05-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks, I have VERY vivid dreams...I credit that to pregnancy. They're so exciting though! Last night, my dream was about something similar to Batman. My father...whose face would switch off from belonging to MIchael Keaton and Richard Burgi (that happens all the time in my dreams...a person is always the same person to me, but their face is often different...) was a retired hero, something like Batman. His biggest enemy had been hunting him for a while though, but my father and I had been doing an excellent job of not being found (I think he'd stopped hunting this bad guy to protect me?). Anyway, we were set up, and my prom date actually ended up being the bad guy's son...and he'd asked me out just so that his dad could come capture us. It was an amazing dream of capture and escape. Seriously. It was kind of trippy in some places, but it was really exciting!

Day 06- celebrity crush and why (supply picture)

2011-05-20T07:12:00.001-07:00

Ok. Many of you may not recognize/know my celebrity crush. I think he is so cute:

This is Zachary Levi. Now, I base my "celebrity crushes" solely on what I see on TV. Not what I read about them in the news. I prefer my celebrity crushes to only behave the way they're portrayed on their shows...otherwise, I tend to lose respect for them (like Tom Hanks. I LOVE Tom Hanks and had so much respect for him until I had to hear about all that crap he came out and said about the Church...ruined him for me). So, I don't actually know anything about Zachary Levi other than the fact that he's cute, looks nice with scruff, has a killer smile, and can sing really pretty!
He plays the main character on one of my favorite shows, "Chuck"...he's such a loveable nerd! He also is the voice of Flynn Rider in "Tangled"...and YES! That is his singing voice as well.

Haha! If you were to ask Jared who my celebrity crush was, he'd probably say Patrick Dempsey....which is true, but not all at the same time!

Day 05- A picture of a place you want to travel to

2011-05-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

I love to travel, even though I seldom have the opportunity. I haven't been to many place either. But, here are some places just of the top of my head that sound really appealing to me:

any beach:

Italy:

Boston (I reeeeeeeeeeally want to go back there!!!)

and last but not least (and obviously not realistically), Neverland!

Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have

2011-05-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

I could talk about the "typical" habits I have: biting my nails (it would be nice to have pretty nails), picking at my face (I love popping zits), etc, but I want to talk about a habit that has ailed me my whole life.
Ok. Here it goes. I have a problem with being nosy. Now, I'm not the type to pry for information...I'm very indirect, and almost sneaky of how I gather my information. I just am a really good listener and observer. This serves me well in some instances...back when I was working full time, my co-workers would ask me where a chart was that they couldn't find, and I would ALWAYS have the answer. Or, if there was some problems with a patient, even if I wasn't directly involved, I would always know what was going on, and could fill in the dr's if the MA wasn't available to explain. Also, when I start a new job, I pick up things really fast because my eyes and ear are always open. I guess you could say that I've tried in my later years to use my powers for good. However, when I was younger, my nosy-ness would get the best of me. I was COMPLETELY powerless against the compulsion to read my sisters' (yes, plural...) journals (sorry Amy and Christina). Or to eavesdrop on conversations (my mom used to call me "Big Ears"). I really feel like I lost the trust of some of my loved ones. Even now, if I see someone's cell phone laying around, I really have to fight the temptation to read their texts. That's totally terrible, and I really feel like I've improved over the years, but MAN has it been a battle!

I have a hard time controlling my blabber-mouth sometimes too. Ask my brother..I can't tell you how many bday or christmas presents I spoiled for him because I told him what he was getting (although, in my defense, I was just supplying information that he was ASKING for). In later years, I really have to restrain myself from gossip...especially at work (why are offices so full of juicy drama??!?!). So, I guess I'm a "big mouth" and "big ears"....

Day 3- The Worst Movie I've Ever Seen

2011-05-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Remember. This is a very subjective question. And it's hard! I'm not usually very picky when it comes to movies. um....Well, I can think of a couple, I guess. Here's one:

I've always hated this movie. Granted, I haven't watched it in YEARS, and it's probably actually really well-done, but I just remember being so annoyed by the music and bored by the plot. Definitely my least favorite Disney movie.
Here's another:

Yes. I know it's rated R. I HAD to watch it for my English 101 class (why? I don't even know). I rebelled and told the teacher that I refused to watch it in class, so I got an edited version to watch and do the assignments. However, it's about the Holocaust...so there wasn't much editing. It was actually a really amazing movie, as could be deduced from the number of awards it received...but I've never felt so empty and depressed after a movie before. So, not necessarily the worst movie...but a movie that made me FEEL the worst.
This next one is the worst Harry Potter movie (I HATED this one!...I'll probably get grief for this...):

I guess I don't have much to say about this one except that I hated it. But, it was probably one of my least favorite books of the series as well.
The last one I'll talk about is:

Like I mentioned before, I'm not very picky when it comes to movies, but both Jared and I actually turned this movie off. It wasn't even necessarily for vulgarity (although the dialogue was a little awkward in parts, and Ricky Gervais has a reputation for being gross), but it was BORING. The plot was interesting, but really slow. While the idea was somewhat original, we were just bored!

I don't know. You can all disagree with me on these if you want, but that's what I think :)

Day 02- Why you got a blog

2011-05-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

I actually altered this questions. Originally, it was "why you got a tumblr account" because I stole this challenge off of a tumblr account. I don't have a tumbl account, and I don't really even know what tumblr is. Is it like a blog?

Anyway, I digress. I started this blog so that I could keep family and friends up to date with the goings-on in my life. Clearly, I've done an awesome job of that. I'm not sure why I thought I'd actually stick to it. Every journal I've ever started is half-filled. I love to go back and read them, but they are far from complete. Apparently, I have a problem with follow-through when it comes to documenting events. Blach!

Now, on a more personal level, since that was a boring question, I will tell about a couple of amazing compliments I've recieved recently. Not because I want to toot my own horn, but because they made me feel so good and because I want to put them in writing so I can come back to them on days I'm feeling down.

The first one has to do with my employer's family. The Jacksons are amazing, and what I like to describe as an extremely good looking family. Seriously. All of them are absolutely stunning. But not only that. The Jackson kids that I've had the opportunity to work with are some of the most humble, gracious people that I've ever met. They're very non-judgemental and unassuming. JC (my boss), has a heart of gold. Lyn (his wife), is one of the most positive-thinking people I've ever met. Even on one of her stressed days, I feel uplifted just being around her. So, what does this family have to do with the compliment I've received? Well, a couple of people have asked if I WAS a Jackson. Now, realistically, I know it has more to do with my similar coloring and build than anything else, but someone simply putting me in the same category as this family made me so flabbergasted. It was awesome.

The second compliment will be described very vaguely, just in case people know the individuals I'm talking about (I don't want to hurt feelings). So, I was talking to an adult that I really look up to and was letting her know some insecurities that I have about a responsibilty I have (sorry so vague). She let me know that she never would have guessed that..that I always present myself in front of the group very well. Then she told me that there is one person in particular, who can sometimes be difficult, that she thinks I "handle" particularly well. I started laughing and told her that I always feel like my face betrays the frustration that I feel towards that particular person, but she said that my facial expressions never betray me, and that I always manage to word things in such a way as to get back on track with what I need to get done, all while managing not to offend anyone. That was such a relief to me and really boosted my confidence in the responsibilites that I've been asked to fulfill. Apparently, I'm a much better actress than I think I am!

I will close with a random picture, courtesy of Google Images, to spruce up this post a little bit:

Happy Monday everyone!

Sassy

2011-05-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, my SIL brought a dog home from work. She said it was to help find a home for it (one of her managers had found it around their house back in january and was trying to get rid of it), but really I think she just wants to keep it. We're not positive what kind of dog she is, but she's really actually pretty sweet and well behaved. I'm not much for animals, but Shadow (that's what she's been named) is pretty ok. And she's good with Taylor.
. Her only downside is that she's not great and minding. I think that will imporove once she's gotten used to us, but really. You open the kitchen gate and she SHOOT out of it...and she's FAST! Anyway, so my SIL went to Petsmart and bought a little doggie discipline clicker thingy:
. It's worked pretty well so far.
Well, this morning, Taylor was demonstrating how incredibly observant and smart she is. My SIL went into the kitchen, but didn't close the gate all the way. For her, that's ok. Shadow sticks to her like, well, a shadow. So, while Shadow wasn't showing any signs of bolting, Taylor ran to the kitchen gate and closed it. Then, she ran and got the clicker and said "No Shadow" and clicked it. IT was so cute. And, since I knew that Taylor understood what the clicker was for, I thought I would try a little experiment. Taylor started acting up about 10 min later, so I grabbed the clicker, clicked it, and said "No Taylor." She responded by glaring at me. I'd set the clicker down...Jared picked it up and told me I probably shouldn't use it on her. Taylor responded to THAT by snatching the clicker from his hands, pointing it at me, clicking it and saying "No Mommy" in her most authoritative voice. Jared and I cracked up. I guess I got told!

***I probably should mention that the clicker is totally harmless. The only thing it does is make a metallic sound, similar, but much louder and stronger, to clicking the lid of a jar of jelly...just wanted to clarify that I'm not torturing my child :)

Day 1- 15 interesting facts about ME

2011-05-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is going to be hard. I really don't feel like I have anything interesting about me...so I'm just going to list some random facts...I'll let you be the judge of whether or not they are interesting.

1. I have never broken a bone, had strep throat, had an ear infection, or a cavity. Basically, I'm the picture of health. ha. Not really

2. I had multiple imaginary friends as a child. Some of their names were Mike Schmidt and Como

3. Because our house was so small when I was growing up, I spent a couple of years with the kitchen as my bedroom. My underwear drawer was the stand that our microwave sat on.

4. I am the seventh child of nine...so for all you trekky's, that makes me "Seven of Nine"

5. I love to read...however, I made a promise to the hubby that I'd read the LOrd of the Rings trilogy before I read any other book...it's been almost a year since I've read anything else because it's taken me so long to get through them! I'm currently half-way through the 2nd one. Oh geez.

6.I used to bite my toenails. Like a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time ago. Stop judging me.

7. I have had a steady income since I was 14...of course when I was 14 it was very little, but still. I have an excellent employment history :)

8. Jared and I knew/dated eachother for a month before we got engaged.

9. Until I lived with my in-laws, I always sang when I was in the bathroom...whether it was to shower or just to USE the bathroom. I'm a little bit self-conscious...that's why I stopped when we moved in with the Paynes.

10. I love all kinds of music, except for rap, heavy metal, and most r&b.

11. I know ever song from Les Miserables by heart, but I've never seen the performance. But, that will change as of June 11!!!

12. Before I met got married, I'd only been out of state 4 times...I'm pretty sure that's doubled since I got married.

13. All through school/college, I had very few female friends. I got along with guys much easier....I guess being a huge flirt didn't hurt either.

14. I do not have any love or attachment to animals or pets of any kind. Although, I did love my SIL's Jack Russel more than I've ever loved an animal. Hugo was awesome, although he shed a ton and his fur was really prickly...it was like stepping on pins!

15. I've been able to sing on the stage at Gammage at least 3 times....I can't remember if it's been more than that.

welp. That's all. Maybe you've learned something about me, and maybe you've just determined that I'm not interesting at all :)

also...

2011-05-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

In addition to my last post, I realize that while I did announce that I was pregnant some time ago, I neglected to post about what I'm having! For those of you who don't already know............. IT'S A GIRL!!!! That's right. According to my friend Josh, my husband is a "ladies man." I'm THRILLED to have another little girl! Taylor gets to have a little friend to play with that she can dress up like a doll (and I'm pretty sure she will...). Anyway, her name will be Abby (NOT Abigail) Something Payne. We haven't quite decided on a middle name yet, but we're leaning towards Rose. So, maybe Abby Rose Payne? WE'll see.
She's due to make an appearance on October 6, but I have to have a c-section (darn my "deformed pelvic outlet"), and Dr. Beck says he delivers c-sections a week early. So looks like I'll have another bundle of joy at the end of September! AWESOME!!!!

Determined

2011-05-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I don't blog very regularly. I have several things I can use as excuses. First of all, I don't have a camera. By that, I mean between Jared and I, we actually have 2 cameras (but they were for his company...I don't know where the small one is...), and we both have Ipod/iphone. I'm just retarded and don't know how to download pictures to the computer. So, I just tell people I don't have a camera. And really, who wants to read this blog and NOT see pictures of my sweet little girl. I'm pretty sure that's the majority of the reason people (if any, anymore) read this. Second of all, I don't feel like I have anything worth blogging about. My life is pretty routine. Get up. Go to work. Come home. Make dinner. Go to bed. With the playing/taking care of Taylor in between all of those. I lead a very exciting life. Third and most importantly, I lack motivation. I am soooooooooooo LAZY. Mmm...lazy is probably the wrong word...but when I'm pregnant, my vocabulary disappears.

BUT...

I really have had the desire recently to be better about documenting my life and the hijinks (that one's for you Jared) of my hilarious two- year old. So. To get me used to blogging and to get me thinking, I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and do a "challenge." I don't think this is one that I've seen others do, but similar to some. Here's the list:

Day 01- 15 interesting facts about your life so far
Day 02- Why you got a blog
Day 03- Worst movie you ever saw
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you want to travel to
Day 06- celebrity crush and why (supply picture)
Day 07- what was your last dream about
Day 08- akward obsessions
Day 09- something that pissed you off, that normally shouldn’t piss you off
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- out of anyone in the world, who would you put in shark-infested waters
Day 12- pet peeve
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- one amusement park that you would burn to ruins
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- current wish list
Day 29- who are you?
Day 30- Is this the Krusty Krab?

I don't really understand day 30's question...but I'm determined to follow this through. I can't guarantee that I'll post every day, but I'll get all the posts done! Hooray for determination!
and, just for kicks, here's something Google images showed me for the word "determination"

I WANT TO WIN THIS GIVEAWAY!

2011-04-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

Click here to see the Knot Sew Shabby giveaway.

so, I know I'm a horrible blogger. In fact, I'm pretty sure I start every post out this way. It must REALLY be true! I will post a real post sometime, soon, but in the meantime, I REALLY want to win this Giveaway! It would be soooooooo perfect for Taylor, and would be just in time for her 2nd bday party! I've maxed out on the different ways that I can get entered, so cross your fingers for me!

Life as of late...

2011-02-16T08:00:00.001-08:00

First of all, I'M PREGNANT!!! Hooray! Looks like my due date is going to be on about October 6th. I'm very excited! People have been asking me if I want a boy this time, and the answer: I don't care. I love little boys, and if it was a boy, I'd get another baby shower! Taylor gets along really well with boys. But, I wouldn't mind if it was a girl either....I've already got every little baby girl thing I could ever need, so we wouldn't have to buy anything. And, Taylor doesn't really have any girls to play with. All of the accessible cousins anywhere near her age are boys, and I'm not close friends with anyone in the ward that has kids her age. So, either a boy or a girl will be just awesome! I'm just excited to be a mommy again, and I know that Taylor is going to make the best big sister. She already gives the "baby in mama's tummy" kisses. She's so sweet.
So, there have been some differences in this pregnancy than the last. Some of these differences might be TMI for some people, but it's for journaling purposes, so sorry:). First off, I was sick very little with Taylor...I threw up just a handful of times. I did however feel sickest in the mornings, which made getting out of bed rough (and I'm typically a morning person). I also was very tired all the time. With this pregnancy, I haven't thrown up at all yet (I am however only 8 weeks...there's still time...), and I feel the worst at night. Sometimes I have to get up with Taylor in the middle of the night (Jare ed can't get back to sleep if he wakes up in the middle of the night, and that poor man is already stretching himself to thin to be sleep deprived), and it's REALLY rough. Also, I've been tired, but I haven't been as tired as I remember being when I was pregnant before. It could be because I'm not working quite as much.
Another difference I've noticed (and this one is one that's probably TMI) is in my pooping. When I was pregnant with Taylor, I wasn't constipated, but it was a little difficult for me to poop. It could be that I was maybe subconsciously afraid to push too hard for fear of popping out the baby, but I felt like there was some barrier that was physically keeping me from pooping. This pregnancy, I've had NO issues with pooping, which is nice:). Also, my horomones are a little different this time around. With Taylor, I was crying all the time....ANYTHING set me off into a fit of tears. This time, my gut reaction is severe irritation and anger. And, it's exhausting. I've been trying really hard to contain my horomones and stay even tempered, but when I'm internally feeling like this: but outwardly trying to portray this:, it can be very tiring. But it's ok. IN the end, I get a new baby :)

Taylor has been growing up so much lately. She has MASTERED talking...I very seldom have to wonder what she's trying to say...she communicates VERY well. Right now, she's all about doing things by herself ("Tati do it!"...yes. she calls herself "Tati"), whether it be dressing herself or strapping herself into her highchair or carseat. She also LOVES the show Caillou. At first, I had a major adversion for Caillou because, before I'd seen the show, Taylor had a Caillou book that she wanted read to her OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER again. We don't know where the book came from, but it is the WORST BOOK EVER!! Seriously. I'm a huge advocate of children's literature, but this was the worst written book. The title didn't match what the book was about...and there wasn't actually a plot...or even a story. It was just TORTURE. I finally broke down and hid it...Taylor has TON of books. She eventually didn't even miss it. But, the show is actually pretty good. It's cute and has good morals (although, as a pregnant, grumpy woman, I shake my head at Caillou's parents...NOBODY is that cheerful and patient with their children ALL THE TIME). And, with Netflix, Taylor can watch Caillou as much as she wants! Way to go Caillou.

Another cute thing about Taylor is how well she pick up lyrics to her favorite songs. I always sing her primary songs as I'm trying to get her to go to bed. The other night I sang "I am a Child of God" and she knew almost ALL the words! IT was so sweet to have her sing with me.
BEfore I close, I'll just leave you with one more funny Taylor moment:
Last night as I was changing her diaper before I got her ready for bed:
Taylor: "where dada?"
Lisa: "he's at school."
Taylor: "oh dinit" *dang it* (in a very dejected voice)
it was so funny! I've never heard her say "dang it" before! Oh. also, she very seldom calls me "mommy" anymore. Now, I'm "Sheesha" (or Lisa)....yay. My not quite 2 year old is calling me by my first name. Cute, but mostly funny. What a fun girl!

Neglecting...

2011-02-07T15:52:00.001-08:00

...is what I've been doing to this blog...Good thing none of my New Years Resolutions had anything to do with keeping this updated...I would have ALREADY failed miserably:). But really, I feel like there isn't much excitement in my life to blog about. SO, you'll have to settle for hearing about Taylor:).
Taylor is so unbelievably smart. I know every mom says that about their kid, but seriously. She's SOOOOOOO smart! and verbal! The girl is a little chatterbox, and she speaks surprisingly clear! I'll have to try to get some video and post it on here soon. One thing that she has been showing in increasing interest in is singing. It is so sweet to hear her get the words right to some songs that she hears all the time. She has the SWEETEST little voice.
Taylor LOVES her nursery class (which she's been going to for almost 6 months)...in fact this Sunday, we hadn't even left for church yet and she started jumping up and down yellng "chuch! chuch!"...and I'm pretty sure it's not Sacrament meeting that she's excited about.
For all of you that know my SIL Leigh, you know that she is crazy in the way that she can just pick up whatever skill she chooses and totally excel at it. Her latest hobby is photography. I don't understand it, but she has mastered it REALLY fast. A couple of weeks ago, she took her boys and Taylor on a little photo shoot. Here are some of the pics that involved Taylor, but PLEASE go to her blog and take a gander at her work. She's talented.

Her website can be found here.

random tidbits

2010-12-12T16:14:00.000-08:00

I'm not good at coming up with things to blog about, but I'm trying to be better at blogging...and then eventually, maybe I'll be better at figuring out exciting things to blog about. So, I'm just going to share random things that cross my mind. Beware: my mind is EXTREMELY random...so proceed cautiously.

-When I have a bad day, I always crave ice cream...not jut any ice cream. I want vanilla ice cream. And, if it's available, I will probably drown it in caramel. But, often, even when I don't have a bad day, I'll crave ice cream. Currently, this looks/sounds divine:
...the Sonic Sugar Cookie Blast. I've always thought it would probably be pretty tasty, but I saw a commercial that was describing it the other day, and I was practically drueling....mmmmmmmm!!!

-my daughter is wearing nothing but a diaper right now. Why? you may ask. Don't worry...she's just learned how to undress herself. She can take her diaper off too, but we're keeping a close eye on her so she doesn't take that off right now. I totally don't care about her undressing herself randomly as long as we're at home....but I will NOT tolerate her running around with no diaper. That's just asking for pee all over the place.

-Jared's birth-mother's (he's adopted...I'll have to share that story sometime) family LOVES Taylor. We go over to the Bressler's house every few months, and at almost every visit, they supply her with a new wardrobe. I love it because all of the stuff is SUPER cute, and it saves me TON of money. This last time we went over there, they got her some new shoes. This is what she's wearing right now (along with just her diaper...she's so cute:

. So stinking cute.

- I have recently really started to appreciate shoes. I think if I was ridiculously rich, I would make sure I had 2 pairs of shoe in every color: 1 pair would be heels and the other would be cute flats. Shoes are fun.

-I work in a pain management office that deals mostly with prescribing the really hardcore medication. Because of this, we have to be VERY strict...we make all of our patients sign a "pain contract" that basically states they will submit to random urine drug screens, get pain meds from ONLY us, and that you will take the medication AS PRESCRIBED...unless you can take less...but NEVER more than prescribed. As I said, EVERY patient signs this, but there is a large percentage of patients that don't follow it, which results in us discharging them from the practice. Anyway, we're very careful. But, patients are getting very creative in their lies. WE had a patient who came in 2 weeks early for a new prescription. This is a HUGE no-no. But, she spun a story about how she was going to be flying out of state for the holidays and wouldn't be back in time for her monthly appt. Our PA told her if she brought in her flight itinerary and her pills that she had left (so we could count her pills and verify she was taking them a prescribed). So, what did she do? She brought in a fake itinerary. And, apparently, she didn't think we would verify it. Needless to say, she was less than pleased when we caught her in a lie. Also, I could be wrong, but isn't it common knowledge not to drink alcohol when you take narcotics? I think the pain contract says something about it too...So, imagine one of our Nurse Practitioner's surprise to discover an empty bottle of liquor in our restroom....I just have to shake my head all the time. Also, I've pretty much lost all of my faith in humanity. Yikes.

-Taylor has done pretty well doing without her "boppo." I'm grateful. Our next project will be to introduce her to the potty...I think she's about ready...we bought a potty for her for Christmas, and it plays music as a reward when you pee in it. I'm really scared though. I have NO idea where to even start with potty training. Suggestions?

-My Ward's christmas program is next week. I'm excited...as choir director of my ward I can confidently say that it's going to be great. I chose the songs and I had my awesome hubby write the narration. But, when I say "write" i mean compile. 99% of it he took straight out of the scriptures, quotes from latter-day prophets, and from Preach my Gospel. You can't really go wrong. If you're interested, we meet at 8:30 at the Lehi Stake Center. Hit me up if you want to know where it's located.

Ummm...I think that's enough random gobbeldygook for now. You're a champ if you read the whole thing. :)

Updates, updates, updates.

2010-12-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

So. There are many things that I should document, due to the fact that I never blog regularly, so this will just be a smorgasbord of random things....have fun!

-I don't work full time any more!!! HOORAY!!! My husband got hired full-time at my office doing computer IT stuff, so I needed to cut my hours to make it possible to have someone to watch Taylor. I do, however, need to work no less than 32 hours to keep my medical benefits (which is necessary if we ever want to have another baby). So, it's not TONS of time with Taylor, but it's a good six hours a week that I didn't have before. It's been really fun! I could tell a difference in her happiness (although she's a very well-adjusted child, she still missed her momma) in just the first few days. It's been such a blessing! I can't wait until I can be a full-time stay-at-home momma. Motherhood is AWESOME! Challenging, but awesome.

-Currently, I am listening to the sound of Taylor screaming in her bedroom. I put her down for a nap (which she hates), and it's day 3 of no "boppo" (if you don't know what that it, see previous post). Now, I'm not sure how much of her unhappiness is due to the lack of her boppo friend or her gneral distaste for naptime. But, I have to keep a keen ear out...she has this new fun game where she'll throw everything out of the crib when she gets really mad. Then, when she has nothing left to throw, she takes of her pants and diaper and throws THEM out of the crib (my Father-in-Law has had to deal with this the most as he usually watches her in the morning...he's had to wash her sheets about 5 times in the last 2 weeks...but there has only been 1 poopy diaper experience...). I just used random types of tape on the diaper tabs (there is a surprising lack of duct tape in this household) and hope that discourages her...we'll see what happens.

-EVMCO had the most AMAZING christmas concert last weekend (if you don't know what EVMCO is, click here. I didn't actually get to hear since I was participating in the choir (and with a 200 voice choir and full orchestra, it's hard enough to hear yourself, much less what the whole group sounds like), but the whole thing was amazing. If you missed it, you really missed out. We have another performance in March titled "Bring the World His Truth." One of the directors, Brett Stewart, is an amazing, talented composer, and has composed an oratorio entitled "Messiah in America." The entire text comes straight out of 3 Nephi. It is going to be REALLY amazing, and I'm so glad that I get to be a part of it. Tickets are already on sale and can be purchased through the Mesa Arts Center by clicking here.

-I am always looking for new music. I tend to get stuck in a rut of what I love and then never expand. I currently love Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Jason Mraz, A Fine Frenzy, and Brandi Carlisle. My friend at work introduced me to Florence and the Machine, and it has me intrigued. I want more! Suggestions? I like music that is heavy on vocals...but even if it's rap, as long at the singer can actually SING and sing well (I guess I'm a little bit of a snob in that regard...), I'm not picky on the genre. Any suggestions?

Well, I need to start getting ready to go in to work. Peace out!

The Pacifier

2010-12-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

No. I'm not talking about the movie with The Rock. I'm talking about the baby husher...or binky...or passy...or boppo (that's what Taylor calls it). To different women in different stages of motherhood, the "boppo" represents many things. When Taylor was an infant, I ENCOURAGED the pacifier. I wanted her to learn to love it so it would keep her quiet. Now, that stupid boppo and I have a love-hate relationship....I love it because Taylor goes to bed SO easily with her beloved boppo, but I hate because she will ONLY go to bed easily with her boppo.
With Taylor being 20 months old, Jared and I feel that it is high time to ditch the thing. As it is, we've only let her have it at bedtime/naptime. And, sometimes we'll bring it with us to Church so she'll stay quiet during Sacrament meeting. Today, though, I was very careful NOT to bring her boppo to church...and then she stashed it in her diaper bag when I wasn't looking! She is WAY too smart!
But, I digress. So, back around the time she had just turned one, I actually got Taylor totally weaned from the blasted pacifier...we had like a good 2 weeks of her not needing it. But then, she got really sick, and she slept SOOOOOOO good if we gave it to her. I figured, "hey. I weaned her once. I can just wean her again, and it should be even easier the second time around." FALSE. IT is MUCH harder the second time around. I'm not quite sure how to do it..but I WILL be successful...eventually?

I'm Still Alive!

2010-11-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry fellow bloggers...actually I probably don't have anyone reading this anymore. Sorry I haven't posted more frequently. Life has been insane! I will try to have a real post soon. So, of course I don't have any pictures of life, but here's a randomb one from google images for you to enjoy.

Ivy Designs Guest Giveaway

2010-09-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Ivy Designs Guest Giveaway

Well, I really need to learn how to sew...and these patterns are sooooooo cute! and they would be so cute on Taylor!! Fingers crossed that i win it :)

Good Things

2010-09-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

I'm really happy today! I feel like really positive things have been going on in my life lately (or else, I'm just better at focusing on those things rather than the negative). Here's a list of some reasons why I'm happy today:

-I did some online family history indexing last night. Sacrament Meeting last Sunday was all about the need to do indexing, and I really felt like I needed to do it. I'm NOT a motivated person, so when I feel an urge to do something like this, I HAVE to jump on it or else I never will. So, I started doing it and I LOVE it! I used to do it with my mom YEARS ago before it was all computerized...I know it's a little strange, but I LOVE data entry. And, I feel like I don't really have time to research and do my own family history, so I feel really happy that I've found a way to contribute and help someone else with their own geneology.

-We had a little FHE with Taylor on Monday about Jesus and how He loves us. Obviously, it was a VERY short lesson, but in the middle of the lesson, Taylor grabbed the framed picture of Christ out of our hands and hugged it to herself with a big smile on her face. It was the SWEETEST moment! I really believe that she understood that her Heavenly Father loves her, even if she can't tell us.

-I found out that from now on, my EVMCO rehearsals are going to start a half hour later, which will allow me to spend a little bit more time with Taylor and I'll be able to put her to bed! Hooray for not being a dead-beat mommy!

-My boss's wife is working in the office now and Wednesdays and Fridays. I LOVE her! I feel like she spreads happiness and positiveness wherever she goes! She's such an uplifting individual (which is sorely needed in our office environment).

- I'm in the process of reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It's been really slow going because I don't have TONS of time to read and because, while I know it's going to amazing, I've had a really hard time getting into it since I can only read it a few minutes at a time. However, I'm starting to really enjoy it! And, even though it's going to take me a long time to read it, I've been able to get lists of books to read next...so by the time I finish, I don't think I'll EVER run out of things to read!

Well, I know there's more things going on in my life right now, but that's all I can think of off the top of my head :) I love being happy!

ehh.....

2010-09-10T07:21:00.001-07:00

This is what I look like at work today:

I'm usually tired on Friday mornings for a couple of reasons: 1) I have to get up early at be at work before 7:00 am and 2) I have EVMCO rehearsal that goes until 10:00pm on Thursday nights. Today, however, I'm pretty much like a zombie. Last night, we had our final rehearsal for Rob Gardner's Lamb of God, which is premiering TONIGHT!!! It was an AWESOME rehearsal, but VERY grueling. The chorus for the show is standing during the duration of the show, which will be about an hour and half, which won't be TOO bad. But last night, we were standing for about 4 hours for the duration of the rehearsal. Holding choir folders...cramped in with 200 other choir members. It was exhausting. Oh! But there is an upside! Brandon (the EVMCO director) told us that we would NOT be required to wear heels!!! Such a relief. I LOVE heels, but I think it would be against my 8th amendment right to wear heels for the duration of the preformance. Seriously. It's kinda grueling!

In other news, Taylor is teething her molars. Which, if you can imagine, results in a very happy baby. And I mean that in the most sarcastic way possible. Poor girl had a fever last night..and earlier in the week, she's been constipated, irritable, and all around just a really happy girl. When I put oragel on her poor gums last night, this was her reaction:

I've given it to her before, but I don't think she liked it much (also, I'm at work, and I don't have any ACTUAL pics of Taylor with me...so that's why I'm having to resort to Google Images...which I love).

Hooray for Fridays! Hooray for Lamb of God.. Seriously, if you don't have tickets yet, you should go get them. It's going to be amazing!

Lamb of God

2010-09-03T08:09:00.001-07:00

If any of you are familiar with any of Rob Gardner's work, then you know it's AMAZING!!! Next weekend, he will be premiering a new production called "The Lamb of God." As a member for the EVMCO, I'm privileged enough to sing in the chorus for it. Please, please, please come if you can. It's TOTALLY worth the time. Every Thursday that we've been practicing the music has been an amazing spiritual experience. I'm so excited to be able to sing about Christ, and share my testimony through Rob Gardner's words. Click here for more information.
The soloists are amazing, and the EVMCO choir is the BEST choir I have ever been privileged to be in. It's gonna be AWESOME!!

Love!

2010-08-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

As can be seen by the video on my previous post, we're teaching Taylor how to say "I love you." Now, I don't think she has any idea the significance of what she's actually saying...I'm pretty sure she just knows that it makes up happy and is just repeating what we tell her to say. Regardless, it warms my heart more than anything in the world. I literally can just watch that 5 second video on a bad day and I feel infinitely better. Today however, as I was at the sink washing her sippy cups, she peeked around her high chair at me and said in her cute little voice "luh-loo." I thought my heart was going to burst!!! She said it totally unprovoked! I love my little daughter so much! I am so grateful that Heavenly Father saw me fit to take care of His sweet little daughter. She can definitely be a handful sometimes with her HUGE personality, but she is so sweet and innocent and can make me feel like the luckiest mommy alive. I love being a mom!!!

Misc Mumbo Jumbo

2010-08-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

This post is going to be a potpurri of happenings and will probably end up being disjointed and crazy...but that's pretty much my consequence of NEVER updating...

First off, we went out and bought Taylor a big-girl carseat (she's barely big enough even though she was 15 months old when we got it...):

She likes it ok, but then again she's not really a fan of the car (unlike most children). I do think she likes it better than her infant carseat though...she can reach her feet more efficiently, which is important for the act of swiftly taking of your shoes and throwing them once you get in the car. Yup. That happens every time. However, I'm noticing that if I play certain music while I'm driving, she tolerates the ride a lot more. So far I've discovered that she likes Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Brandi Carlisle, and Jason Mraz...all who are actually MY favorite too! What can I say...she has excellent taste in music :)

I'm auditioning for a choir!! I'm really excited, but trying not to get my hopes up too high about making it (I haven't done any REAL singing and REAL sightreading in a loooooooooooooong time!). It's the EVMCO (East Valley Mormon Choral Organization). This quarter they'll be preforming at Gammage in September for the new Rob Gardner production, and in December they'll be doing their annual Christmas Concert at MAC. I'm really exited about it!

RehabArizona (where I work), had the most awesome swim party/bbq last night! It was over at Rhodes Jr. High where the pool was just redone (they have a wave pool area where you can surf!). I mostly hung out at the splash pad..Taylor LOVED it! She was laughing hysterically the entire time! She is such a freaking adorable girl!

Oh! Jared has a part time job now, along with still running his company. This is super cool because he wasn't even looking for one! He was just offered it! He's now working at my office doing IT computer stuff. It's really fun to see him while I'm working ( you know you're still love with your husband when you get butterflies in your stomach when you see him unexpectedly)...it's nice to have him pop in my office from time to time and say hello!

I could add a lot more to this, but for the sake of time, I will go ahead and close, but not without showing you a piece of my awesome life:

The Reporter Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

2010-07-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

I've never done a giveaway thing before, but my SIL introduced me to this site, and I LOVE this dress! I want it!!

The Reporter Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

AAAAHHH!!....

2010-06-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Can you say 'stressed'???

This past week has been so insane for me! At work, I'm responsible for prepping all the charts for all of the doctors...and keeping on top of all referrals and insurance authorizations that allow patients to be seen by us. Since there are 5 drs that work at my office, this can get really stressful at times, but this past week was ESPECIALLY nuts. There was recently another pain management dr in the valley that had all of his office shut down by the DEA (the Drug Enforcement Administration). He had 3 offices and HUNDREDS of patients. So where do they go? They all call my office. There has been such a huge influx of patients! Which should be good for business...I shouldn't complain, right? I mean, it's job security for me...and especially in this economy when most businesses are having a decline, my office is expanding. It's really fortunate. However, it's really frustrating when insurance companies decided to crack down on everything and make cuts...I get to be the one to call the patients (who are heavily medicated on narcotics, and a good portion of them are bipolar or have other behavior health issues) to tell them that they can't come see us anymore because their insurance company sucks. Who enjoys getting this news? Nobody. Who cries and simultaneously chews out the messenger? 90% of patients. I want to pull out my hair.

Ok. Enough complaining. Why? Because i have ALL NEXT WEEK OFF!!!

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!! Nope, I'm not going anywhere exciting...I'm just going to be a stay-at-home mom! I'm really excited to be able to spend time with this little cutie:

I have grand plans!! So happy!

On another topic, Jared took me on an awesome date last night with our friends Josh and Dyan. We ate here:

then to see this:

which I LOVED!!! I know it's not historically correct and everything, but all that aside, i LOVED IT!!! I love renaissancy, revolutionary movies with good action and some decent romance mixed in humor. This had ALL of it. SO GOOD!...and excellent start to some wonderful de-stressing time!

So much for the goal of blogging more often...

2010-06-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

Guess what? This post is actually going to have real PICTURES!!!! Amazing, I know. So, because I work full time, I don't really have a lot of time to take Taylor on outings. However, I had Memorial Day off, and my awesome SIL Leigh had the idea of taking our kiddos the ZOO!!!! This was Taylor's first zoo trip! It was awesome, but I think she'll appreciate it more in a few years :). Here's some of the sweet stuff we saw:

Notice how the mckaw is waving at me!

See any resemblance between the monkey and Taylor?

Did you know the zoo has a splash pad for kids? It's pretty sweet, and Taylor LOVED IT!!

No matter how much fun she had though, after just a few hours, I had a sleepy baby.

Also, to keep Leigh and I entertained just as much as the kids, she took an idea from Danielle Lussier and decided we should do a color challenge. I would post my pics, but they look like a 5 year old took them compared to Leigh's. So, you can see hers (and learn more about the "color challenge") HERE Good times!
As for other updates:
Jared just got a part time job...which is especially exciting because he wasn't looking for one! He'll still be running his company SignsXtra (by the way, if you know of anybody needing a building sign, vinyl graphics, or ANY sort of sign, hit us up!), but he'll also be working for...RehabArizona (where I work!)!!! He's going to be and I.T. guy! My boss just called him up the other day and wanted to know if he'd be interested! So excited! With his extra income, we'll be able to pay even MORE of our debt off! AWESOME!!!

Taylor's getting to be pretty crazy! She's so stinking cute though! These are some of her favorite things:

Very odd combination, no? I honestly don't think I've seen another 14month old with as much personality as she has. While that make her a handful at times, it's also kind of endearing!

Well, I think I've gone on long enough and put up MORE than enough photos...but let me leave you with just one more photo:

a video to show her personality:

and a video to show the pros of reusing the strawberry flats:

Life is good! Hopefully, I can keep blogging more regularly...

Happy Birthday Taylor!!

2010-04-11T11:41:00.001-07:00

Taylor's FIRST BIRTHDAY was on Tuesday, April 6th. I'm going to post another time about her party, so, to tide you over, I thought I'd post a picture of her (compliments of a surprise photo shoot by her Aunt Kelly):

I love you Sweet Pea! I can't believe you've been in our lives a year already!

It's time for a change!

2010-02-07T18:08:00.000-08:00

Ok. Anyone who knows me will agree with me when I say that I usually spend very little time on my appearance. Of course I never consciously look unpresentable (unless I'm just going over to my parent's house or making a quick trip to the grocery store...although I know that latter is a fashion faux pas), but very rarely do I actually spend a minute on my hair or wear makeup. It's even got to the point when sometimes I don't even wear makeup to church. Now, some people may use the excuse for me that I have a child and spend my time on her (because really. I think I make her dress pretty darn cute most of the time). I've used that excuse multiple times myself. Some people may even argue that it's HEALTHY to not spend too much time on the physical appearance. Makeup isn't that important. Don't get me wrong! I'm not trying to offend people that don't wear makeup or anything! I totally understand and agree with you that makeup does feel pretty silly sometimes. However, I've noticed in my own life that if I'm looking more presentable (e.g. have my hair done, wearing makeup, wearing clothes that actually fit me instead of being really baggy and shapeless), my behavior is more professional and I don't feel like I'm lazy!
Where did this sudden, but long time coming, motivation come from? A TV show. Dont judge me.

On Saturday mornings when I want to be sleeping but Taylor wants to get up, I turn the TV on to keep me awake while she plays. This is always the show that I turn on. This show gives me inspiration. I've been trying lately to change my image to be more sophisticated and age-appropriate. This show gives me the motivation I need to change (i know..kinda sad). The last couple of shopping trips I'd had were a little depressing. None of the shirts fit right, so nothing looked good. So I felt ugly and fat. Ok. I'm not ugly and I'm not fat. So, what's the problem? Um...Lisa? How about you stop shopping in the junior's section? And how about you stop analyzing that stupid number on the tag and just get something that FITS RIGHT. These are simple things I knew in the back of my mind, but "What Not To Wear" has given me the strength to embrace it. Like I said. Don't judge me.
Now, I spoke of my hair. I had crazy long hair that I never could find time to do anything with but stick in a boring ponytail...everyday. Even for church. Notice I said "had". Solution? HAIRCUT!! YUP! I chopped off my hair...it was overdue.

Now, it's super low maintenance. Yay! Also, I look a lot more put-together and not so frazzled.
What about the makeup issue? Well, since I started watching "What Not To Wear", I've been loving the idea of makeup more. Carmindy, the makeup artist on the show, is all about enhancing natural beauty instead of covering up. She always looks amazing and makes the women on the show look amazing, all while not using tons of makeup. I figured she used really special, expensive makeup. Wrong! Jared's sister, Kelly, found out that Carmindy's stuff is a line of Sally Hansen stuff! And it's sold at Ulta! we both bought a set last night which consisted of:
and

all for only $20! I used it today for church...that's right! I wore BLUSH!!! Anyone who knows me well, knows that I've never been successful with applying blush...that is, unless it's for stage makeup. I'm like a clown. Today though, Jared couldn't tell I was wearing any while his mom and sister could. I'll take that as a VICTORY!

Again, I'm not knocking anyone who isn't in to this stuff...and, I don't anyone to make the mistake of thinking that this is the focus of my life or that I preoccupy all my time thinking of worldly things like this. Like I said, I'm just trying to change my image so that I look different than I did in high school... I'm not only an adult, but I'm a mom. I need to start looking and acting that part. Ok. I'm off my soap box. :)

I have the sweetest husband ever!

2010-01-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

Why, you may ask? Well, because he showed up to my office today, totally spontaneously! And as if that isn't awesome enough, he brought me this:

Butterfinger blizzards are the best!

I love you Jared!

The Dreaded Screaming Monkey

2010-01-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Everyone has things they are afraid of. For babies, that list is usually quite long- vaccuums, the dark, monsters, vegetables, etc. So, as a mother, I was expecting these things to register a reaction of fear. Taylor is crazy. She's not afraid of ANY of these things (although she did freak out a little when Grandpa Payne was using the hose to vaccuum something and pretended to vaccuum her arm...that was REALLY funny!). In fact, there's only one thing in all of her 9 and a half months of life that we've discovered actually scares her:
THE SCREAMING, FLYING MONKEY!!!

It really is one of the funniest things I've ever seen!

This is for my friends who've removed me from their blog lists because I never update :)

2010-01-21T19:54:00.001-08:00

Well, friends, that is if I have any left after my 9 month blog break, I'm alive. And how do I know it's been 9 months? Because the last posting, done by my awesome sister-in-law Leigh, was the day after Taylor was born...and she's 9 months old now. Geez! So, here's a quick update:

Taylor is FREAKING adorable and super tiny. That's right folks. Tiny. At her 9 month check up, she weighed in at 14.9 pounds...which in the 3% of her age. I PROMISE I'm feeding her. In fact, I'm pretty sure eating is what she does all day...and, she's in the 10% for her height. So, yes. She's little. Or, as Grandpa Payne says, she's a "gidget. But please. Look at this face, and tell me she's not the most adorable thing you've ever seen:
Ya. I know. GORGEOUS!!

Anyway, Taylor is all over the place. She is WAY too brave for me to handle. She tries to climb out of her highchair, scales the couches, scales her crib, and climbs anybody who's holding her. Seriously. She's a little climber. And a crawler. And a wannabe walker. And a jabberer. And the best, sweetest little girl that I could ever ask for.

Alright. Enough gushing. I will be posting more often now, so hearing about Taylor's antics will probably be more than you'll be able to handle. On to more updates:
- I'm still working full time at Rehabarizona as a insurance checker/chart prepper/auth keeper, etc. I don't really know what my official title is. I don't know how much longer I'll be working...if life ran the same way it does in my dreams, I'd be home all day with my baby girl (and learning how to do crafts at Leigh's house :) ). But, well, life HAPPENS. At least I like my job and where I work. Honestly- me working where I do has been a complete answer to my prayers. That's another story for another time.

-Jared, Taylor, and I are currently living with the Paynes. Now, when I've told people this in the past, I've gotten sympathetic nods and hms. DONT' WORRY! Living here is FUN! I'm not gonna lie. I get along with my in-laws REALLy well! We were here so much anyway that we practically were living here, so it's not such a big adjustment. And, it's a pretty smart financial move. Now Jared and I can work hardcore at getting out of debt and building up our savings. Hooray for positive changes!

-I have a new calling. I was working in the Young Women program as a Laurel advisor. My girls were the best. And, I felt young and cool. But, with Jared in the Young Men program, both of us getting to mutual right at Taylor's bedtime was a little bit of a problem. So one of us had to get released. I knew it was going to be me right off because Jared is a miracle worker with the YM. I was at peace with that (even though I knew I'd miss my girls). What I didn't count on was the calling that they extended to me....WARD CHOIR DIRECTOR. Uh. What!?!?!? Yes. I know. Insane. I felt right away the ironic confirmation that I was supposed to have this calling, but I swear I could hear Heavenly Father chuckling at the same time. Here's the thing. I kinda quit singing for a while (long story...). There's a good majority of my ward who had no idea that I can sing. In fact, when Bro. Peterson extended the call to me and I accepted, he said, "are you even musically inclined?". Boy did I feel sheepish. See, I'd been feeling very much that Heavenly Father was disappointed with me for not sharing my talents. I just didn't know He was going to get even with me. Anyway, this is literally the scariest thing I've ever done. I would much rather sing solo in front of a million people than actually direct a choir. I feel REALLY out of my element and really wish I'd payed more attention all those years in choir to the actual DIRECTING.

Ok. I'm tired and this is all starting to sound garbled. I'm sorry if none of this made any sense. But come on. It's a post. That's PROGRESS!!

OH BABY!

2009-04-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Due to the fact that Lisa is currently unable to post for herself (and never does when she IS able), I (her beloved sister-in-law) have taken it upon myself to update everyone on the Paynes.
On Sunday, April 5th, Lisa began having regular contractions. By 10pm that evening, Jared and Lisa were on their way to the hospital. After an epidural, several hours of labor, and THREE AND A HALF HOURS of pushing, nothing. Unfortunately, Lisa's OBGYN was on leave due to surgery. The on-call doc came in and assessed the situation. After trying to turn the baby and such, it was decided that Lisa would have to resort to plan B: a c-section.
At 7:32am on Monday, April 6th, Taylor Kelly Payne graced the world with her presence. At 6lbs 8oz and 19 3/4" long, tiny Taylor stole the hearts of her parents immediately, not to mention everyone who has met her since! Both mommy and baby are doing great!

Lisa about a week before baby(proof that she really WAS pregnant)
Mommy and baby!
Miss Taylor Kelly Payne
Such a sad face!
Hopefully there will be more to come... eventually

DUN DUN DUN!

2009-01-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

Ok, yes, the post about my cruise is still going to happen...someday. I'm just posting this really quick to let everyone know that Jared and I are canceling our internet (with little Taylor going to be here really soon, we've decided to make cut-backs). Also, if I haven't already contacted you through facebook, please send me an email with your address...I'm collecting addresses for the upcoming baby shower! So...I plan on making good use of different people's computers, so I shouldn't be posting any less than before...

but, seriously, send me an email (lisamariepayne@gmail.com) with your address. Really. Especially people like you, Katy, who I have no other way of contacting :)

sooo...a month and a half later...

2008-12-28T15:10:00.000-08:00

Is it really worth mentioning again how bad I am at keeping this updated? I'm so ridiculous!
So, I tried taking so pregnant pictures right now of myself so I could show the handful of people that actually read this (mostly my family I think who already know how pregnant I am) my awesome pregnant belly! But, as it turns out, I'm not so good at taking pics of myself (and I didn't want to ask Jared because he's sick in bed right now). But, it's probably a good thing because there's not a single place in the house that I could take a picture that wouldn't show how horribly messy my house is right now. So, pretend this is me:
Pictures of myself will come later when I can find someone to take them and when my house is clean (or else i'm not at home). Anyway. I seem to have just gotten past the stage of people actually being able to know without asking that I'm pregnant. Apparently, people who didn't know me before I got pregnant just assumed that I had a big belly pooch? Which makes me kinda sad because I've always had a relatively flat stomach! Oh well. But yes. I'm not humongous by any stretch of the word, but people are now lovingly calling me "fat". This is the only time in my life when I'm ok with this :) OH!!! I can't believe I almost forgot! Jared and I recently found out the gender of our baby! we're having a GIRL!!! We're so freaking excited!!! So, mid-end of April, we're gonna have a little Taylor Kelly Payne!
So, my Christmas was pretty dang awesome! We actually go a tree this year! Last year we didn't get one and this year with me being a total miser didn't want to get again. But, we went to our ward Christmas Party and they were doing a drawing for some of those fake, pre-lit trees! We won!! Jared set the whole thing up and painstakingly arranged all the branches so it didn't look so fake (i know...i've got a pretty dang awesome husband!). Then, Jared's mom wanted to give away some of her THOUSANDS of decorations so we inherited some other stuff that actually made our apartment look festive! I never really understood before how much decorations can REALLY change the atmosphere of a place! It was instantly Christmasy!!so fun! As far as presents go, I got a pretty good haul! I gotta say...Jared is FANTASTIC at getting presents for me! He told me his secret was not asking me what I wanted so I'd always be surprised, but it's gotta be something more than that. For example, I have ALWAYS wanted one of those cute pajama sets (the button-front shirt with the matching pants). ALWAYS! I've NEVER told him that! But, he got me this really awesome set of Victoria's Secret pajamas (totally modest btw) that are made of satin and maroon with little pink stripes! I LOVE them with all my heart (my brothers-in-law were all impressed that he went into that store by himself...)! Also, I got some board games (Jared hates board games, so it was a really sweet gesture for him to get them!) I got: which he picked because you can have babies and put them in the vans (can you tell he's excited to be a daddy) as well as:
(umm...does anybody else think that Merv Griffin looks like what Tim Schnepf is going to look like in 20 years? I've actually seen the TV show and it was like being in the future. so wierd)
In addition to these, I got the DVD of Kung Fu Panda, a rockin' awesome over-the-stove popcorn popper, some really cool paraphernalia from The Office (like pencils, notepads, pens, etc), a baby blanket, a blanket used for swaddling the baby (literally...it's so cool), some awesome baby stuff! (my sister got a hold of an exersaucer, a 'Jenny-jump-up', and a bassinet!_), and a TON of food storage!.
Of course, Christmas wouldn't have been complete without all the family time! Jared and I were fortunate enough to spend time with both our families on Christmas...it was awesome!
So, the next exciting thing going on in my life just happens to be the CRUISE!!!!!! AAAH!!!! SO FREAKING EXCITED! Jared's parents are really awesome and wanted all of the kids and their spouses to go on a cruise all together as an awesome vacation and as a "last hurrah" before babies start popping out! However, they knew that pretty much none of us would be able to really be able to afford it if we paid for it ourselves, so Jared's mom decided that she was going to save every penny from her part-time job to pay for HALF the cruise! so, every couple only needed to come up with enough for 1 ticket! $750 is a LOT more affordable for a weeklong vacation than $1500. So, WE'RE GOING ON A CRUISE!!! We leave this Friday (the 2nd) to drive up to LA and we'll be staying overnight in a hotel or motel or something that Jared's parents found for dirt cheap. Then, THIS COMING SATURDAY, we'll be boarding the ship and heading out on the cruise to the MExican Riviera! CAn you tell I'm really excited about it?

I'll definitely be taking pictures...so, maybe next post will have them?

oh and p.s. all of my backgrounds now will be pink and girly in celebration of my upcoming little girl!

I Suck

2008-11-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

Yes...I know. This is why journals never worked for me...I suck at updating. EVen now, I only have a few minutes to put a post up. Sorry
So, the reason I don't ever have real pics of Jared and I and stuff that we do is because Jared has had the camera at work. So, I convinced him that since we paid for the camera ourself, and not his company, that we needed to keep the camera at home. Especially with a baby coming! Now I have the camera and I just need to learn how to download them onto the computer (i'm kinda lame when it comes to that kind of stuff...I've never done it before, so I have no idea how to do it). Moral of the story: My blog will have real pics soon! hooray!
I'm getting fatter. I'm actually wearing maternity clothes now (well, some real maternity clothes and some clothes that I had before that never looked right on me but look really cute now that I"m pregnant)! Hooray for pregnant bellies! I can't wait until I'm ginormous! Also, I'm feeling the baby moving around a lot more, but only when I'm laying down. On Sunday, I was laying on the couch watching the Cardinals game (ok fine, i'm evil), and the baby was going NUTS! So, I told Jared that the baby likes football and he got really excited! But, I suppose it could be that we have a very spiritual child who was upset with us watching it on Sunday. Either way, it was really cool to fel Baby going nuts!
I finally set up my first doctors appointment! I know, I know, I should've done it a LONG time ago, but this way we think we'll have enough history to show that AHCCCS should accept us. Cross your fingers. Anyway, the appt is on Dec 10th...and I"m pretty sure my doctor will kill me for waiting so long (i'll be like 24 weeks at that point), but I figure, I'm taking my vitamins, the baby is growing and moving, and I feel great. Unless there's something horribly wrong with my pregnancy, there's really not much else a doc can do, right? I hope I'm right. But, I am excited for the appointment. WElp, I've gotta go back to work!

Some more ramblings...

2008-10-20T07:41:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my wards Primary Program. Can I just say that I'm pretty sure all of the cutest LDS kids in Arizona are in my ward? because, I'm pretty sure that's true! Primary Program day is probably my favorite day of the year when it comes to Sacrament meeting!
So, the program starts out with one of the most adorable children in the world (one of my old nursery kids, who's a Sunbeam now), Halle Sanders, singing the first verse, minus the chorus, to "I Am A Child of God". There was a little narration as the piano plays in the background, and then one of my other old nursery kids, Keaton Sanchez, gets up and sings the 2nd verse, minus the chorus. (It was really cute tho...his mom is in the Primary Presidency and she was sitting by the podium throughout the program in case anyone needed help, and when Keaton looked at her, he starts shaking his head really furiously like he's not going to sing...but then he just turns his head and starts! it was so funny!). 2 other children do the same thing for the 3rd and 4th verse (which i didn't know existed, but maybe was just done for the programs?).
On a more serious note, I honestly have never felt the Spirit that strong with that song before. But, hearing these tiny little children singing it really hit home to me...these kids REALLY GET IT! They feel and know that they are literal children of Heavenly father. These children are SO PRECIOUS to our Heavenly Father, and that makes me feel very special to think that He is entrusting me, who's totally not worthy of any of His love and affection, with one of his special children. I love my Heavenly Father so much and I'm so grateful to get to see His light through the eyes of little childen!

Halloween! and many other things...

2008-10-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

So, I've never really been one to really celebrate Halloween. As deprived as it sounds, I've never even been trick-or-treating (growing up I lived in a REALLY BAD neighborhood, so we never went). I don't really enjoy dressing up in costumes. It just really hasn't been my holiday of choice. This year though, for some reason, I'm REALLY excited about it! I mean, I'm still not going to dress up or anything...or go trick-or-treating. I don't think I'm even going to pass out candy (i'm hoping that my sister will let me come over to her house in Queen Creek and help her boys get ready with their costumes). I don't know what it is! I just love this season! I love the changing weather and actually having to bust out my jackets in the morning and the crisp cool smell of cold weather! I love it! Also, it signifies my birthday! yep, I've got another birthday coming up! As of next Friday, I will be 22! Yay for birthdays!

On to other things: For all of you who have been asking me how I'm feeling, I feel GREAT! I'm tired all the time...like DEAD tired. I pretty much come home everyday from work and want to do nothing but sit on my couch and stare blankly at the TV screen or read a book until I fall asleep (on several occasions this week, Jared has come in to the bedroom with me in my pjs, my glasses on, peacefully sleeping with the light on and my book somewhere on the bed...he thinks it's really funny). But, I'm not sick at all anymore! I can pretty much eat whatever I want now, and only a few smells (mostly any red meat) make my stomach churn.

Oh! I got a new job! Hooray for me! Starting on october 24th (my birthday actually) I will be working for Rehab Arizona and calling to get authorizations from insurances. And, here's the best part: it's only 2.5 miles away from my house!!! I currently work at a podiatrist's office in North Phoenix...which is about 30 miles away from where I live and an hour drive. NOT FUN! Don't get me wrong...for the most part, I really enjoy working here. I like paper work, scheduling is ok, and my pay and benefits are pretty fantastic. Now, sounds pretty tolerable, right? Ok, it's tolerable I guess, but I've just gotten to the point that if I stay here much longer, I may just murder a couple of my co-workers. One of the doctors I work with (who does not have any special pull around the office...he's not a partner of the practice, he doesn't get a cut of what's being made...he just gets salary)is INSANE!!! He waltzes around ordering us around, treating us like slaves (the medical assistants get it the worst...I get it pretty bad though because my desk is right the exam rooms he uses). He never says "please" or "thank you" which may not seem necessary in the work place, but the Head doctor here does it...it really makes a difference in how we respond the what we're asked to do. He's got a really foul mouth and kind of a bad attitude. He drives me CRAZY!!!
Also, one of the other employees I work with has the worst work ethic...honestly, I see elementary school kids that have a better work ethic than he does (and it's not like he doesn't know HOW to work...he just has no drive or motivation to do it, so he doesn't). Honestly, the only reason he still works here (because he's had more than one official complaint made against him) is that he's a really good talker. He's most often described as a "used car salesman". It's a little bit ridiculous. The thing that makes me crazy is that fact that he's been here for a year now...long enough to learn pretty much how everything that goes around here...and he acts totally ignorant about EVERYTHING. And, he's actualy admitted it's so he isn't asked to do stuff. Seriously...I willnot miss either of these two guys. Both of them cause me to feel something like this:

Now, there's definitely people I'm going to miss. Julie, Nikki, Cherolyn, and Adrienne are really high up there on the list...but really. This new job is an answer to my prayers! I've really been needing this change!

As I've mentioned before in other posts, I'm one of the Laurel Advisors in my ward. This means, not only do I take turns teaching on sundays, but I get to have part in all those really fun programs that the YW do! THis past wednesday was Yw of Excellence. It was so awesome! The ones that I had when I was growing up were always kind of formal occasions. We had to wear our sunday clothes and it was either in the chapel or Relief society rooms...they were really cool, just very stiff and kinda formal. My ward did a JUNGLE THEME...very different from the way I grew up having them! We started in the Cultural hall that was totally decked out in vines and jungle stuffed animals. Then the YW president, Shantelle Peterson who is one of the cutest people alive, led everyone on a safari! We had seven different rooms, for the seven different values, where the girls displayed what they'd been working on. It was so awesome and fun and the spirit was so strong! I'm so grateful to be in the YW organization!

We still haven't heard anything on the house...we're supposed to by the end of the month though..Honestly, I really don't care anymore if we get it. I love my apartment, my neighbors, my ward, and my calling! I'm especially starting to get closer to some of the women in my ward...I'd be pretty sad to leave. But, if it's the right thing to do, then I'll do it.

Well, that's my life right now...not really exciting, but somehow this entry still ended up being forever long. Sorry!

Singing Again!

2008-09-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about living in Mesa where I do is the fact that virtually nobody has heard of the "Roots". I tell people my maiden name and they just give that interested nod and then start talking about something else. If I was living anywhere south of Main street or possibly even University, people's eyes would have light up and ask if I was related to so-and-so...who would inevitably be a sibling of mine. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE my family, but getting away from all the preexisting notions of my musical ability, behavior, and intelligence that people always seem to have associated with the Root name has been SO NICE!! I've been able to develop into my true self and become confident in my abilities. Now, everyone who knew me prior to my marriage knows that I love to sing. I was definitely one of the nerdy choir kids whose life revolved around concerts, musicals, gigs, and auditions. However, after I got married, I pretty much quit singing. I don't really know the reasons behind it, but I think I just wanted to take a break from it.

I really missed it! I would listen to the soloists is church and have the pang of regret. I love performing and letting others listen to me...my singing is something that I've really worked for and I really am sad that I'm not quite at the level that I was my senior year of highschool (if you don't use it, ya lose it...i guess Mr.A. was right!). So, I decided to start going to my ward choir practice! It was kind of hard because I'm so biased when it comes to ward choir directors (Greg Miller was totally amazing!!!), so I had a little bit of a rough time adjusting to Bro. Arbizu's opera tendancies. I'm really starting to like him though...he's actually really good...he's just a little spacey :)

Singing again has felt SO GOOD!!! And, in addition to the ward choir, I signed up to be in this community choir that Bro. Arbizu is starting. We're going to be singing accapella and eventually going around to different nursing homes performing. I'm really excited!

tagged again! Thanks Cajsa!

2008-09-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

A- Attached or single? Very attached!
B-Best friend? Jared, but if we're going with non-spouse best friends, I'd have to say Rachel
C-Cake or Pie? umm...i think pie!
D-Day of choice? I LOVE Fridays!
E-Essential Item? my phone. seriously..i feel so lost without it!
F- Favorite color? green and blue (all shades of either!), but i've started really liking red and purple recently
G- Gummy Bears or Worms? worms...gummy bears remind me of Nielsen's Frozen Custard...and frozen gummy bears taste AWFUL!!!
H- Hometown? Mesa.
I- Indulgence? mmm...a good book!
J- January or July? Definitly January! I love winter clothes!
K-Kids? well, I've got one in the oven right now...so either a Taylor or a Gavin
L-Life isn't complete without? My family and friends
M- Marriage Date? December 28,2006...best day ever!
N-Number or brothers and sisters! 4 brothers and 4 sisters! And I wouldn't trade any of them for anything! well, most of them anyway ;)
O- Oranges or apples? There are very few fruits that can satisfy me the way a nice, juicy, crispy apple can!
P- Phobias? I don't know that I really have any...I'm paranoid when I'm alone at night when I'm outside tho...but it has nothing to do with the dark...mostly i'm just afraid of getting attacked.
Q- Quotes? "Trials are the Lord's way of setting us up for something better"- Bro. Petromalo at MCC
R- Reasons to smile? I a fantastic life, husband, family, friends...life is GREAT!
S- Season? Autumn..but like October and November..not so much September when it's still hot
T- Tag........ Rachel, Amy, and Christina
U- Unknown fact about me: My guilty pleasure is the show "Gossip Girl"
V-Vegetables? YUM!! Carrots are probably my favorite! oh and cucumbers!
W-Worst habit?- biting my nails
X- X-Ray Or Ultrasound? Ultrasound!!!!! although, i haven't had one for the baby yet...but sometimes at work, the medical assistants will practice doing ultrasounds on feet using me!
Y- Your favorite food! Ice cream!!!!
Z- Zodiac sign? scorpio

updates, updates

2008-08-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

Ok...so again, it's been a long time since I've posted...which is kinda sad because I was doing REALLY well for a while. I was pretty proud of that :(.
A LOT has gone on lately and I hardly know where to start! So, this will be just a quick update on some changes in my life recently:

First and foremost: I AM PREGNANT!!!! There are people that think I'm silly for telling this soon (although I don't think 8 weeks is too early), but everyone who really knows me (and my family will testify to this), knows that I SUCK at keeping important secrets. Honestly. I used to tell Robert what his presents were going to be. And I kept my ears out for stuff too...I was kinda an awkward kid looking something like this:
(except, I looked nothing like Will Smith :)
Anyway, both Jared and I are VERY excited and I honestly can't wait until I'm really fat! I love pregnant bellies! Also, I've been very fortunate not to be that sick. I've only actually thrown up once! I've learned I just have to keep food in my tummy. So, we're gonna have a little Taylor Kelly Payne or Jared Gavin Payne in April (the estimated date is April 9th).
In other news, we're back to house hunting. And, we actually found a house we're putting an offer on! It's out in Queen Creek and it's PERFECT! It's this cute little 1600 sqfoot house with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms...and get this: it's only $100,000! So cheap! It's less than a block away from my sister and her family too (all of them are really hoping we get it). Anyway, it's out at Ironwood and Ocotillo..so I'll need to find a new job. There is NO WAY that I want to drive all the way out to freaking 7th st and Thunderbird in North Phoenix if I'm living in Queen Creek...so I'm kinda job hunting right now.

I think I've already talked about this, but I'm one of the Laurel advisors in my ward. I LOVE my calling! honestly, this is the first time that i've ever felt like I'm exactly where the Lord wants me to be. My past callings I've liked and I know bishops are called of God and give callings based on the Spirit, but I REALLY feel that this time! I love my girls! they are just so cool and everything that I wish I'd been back then!

Conflicted

2008-08-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

I'm staying home from work today. Now, based on this blog title, some of you may assume that I lied to my boss to use a sick day...but no. I really am sick. The reason I'm conflicted is because I'm happy and sad about it. I feel a huge responsibility for my job...I feel really bad when I'm not there to do my part. And, I know that if just one person is gone, it's kind of a struggle to get everything done. On the other hand, I'm VERY secretly pleased with myself for giving in to my needs and taking a day off. It's like a mini-vacation in my mind to stay home from work, even if I am sick and can't enjoy the time off as completely as I could if I was healthy. I'm really doing a little victory dance inside that looks like this:

Seriously folks. WHY WHY WHY do I feel so guilty about missing work? That's insane! And not only that, I feel guilty if I miss church or school because of sickness too! Why! I'm retarded...

blech!

2008-07-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

* Please note that the following pictures are not ACTUALLY of my house...these are pictures stolen off the internet to illustrate my current situation*

This is what my house looks like right now:

This is what I'm going to be doing viciously this week:

And, this is how I'm going to look after my house is clean:
accept not blonde...:)

What is the reason for this drastic change in behavior (i HATE cleaning!)? Jared's going to be gone/out of the house for most of the week! Now, Jared doesn't really make THAT big of a mess...everything just accumulates. And, I have a really hard time motivating myself to clean when he's around because he can be really distracting! Now, I'm going to miss him a lot (he's going to be gone tonight all night because he's going to the Diamondback's game with Jess, and then he's going to be gone from Thursday morning to Saturday evening for our ward's Super Activity), especially at night when I have nobody to cuddle with or to sleep next to me. However, to keep myself distracted, I'm going to try to get my house cleaner than it's been in a LONG TIME. pray for me...this could get ugly :)

I love surveys!!!

2008-07-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

Katy said anyone could tag themselves...and I'm a loser who loves these, therefore, enjoy :)

20 Years ago...
1. I was almost 2 years old.
2. I lived in a tiny little house with my 6 older brothers and sisters and parents, and I was the CUTEST kid ever who could just smile and get what I want
3. My mom had to keep a close eye on me because I would pretty much walk off with any male adult if given the chance

10 Years ago...
1. I was a very happy 11 year old getting really excited for 6th grade
2. I realized how poor my family was
3. I was very impatiently waiting to start YW.

5 Years ago...
1. I was actually enjoying my summer reading project (I was reading Jane Eyre)
2. I was working at Nielsen's Frozen Custard
3. I was super excited to be in choir with Mr Aguilar (who had also been my choir teacher my last semsester of 9th grade)as the teacher!

3 Years ago...
1. I was going on a TON first dates (that always stayed first dates)
2. I met Jared :)
3. I finally figured out who I was

1 Year ago...
1. I was married for 6 months
2. I was serving in the Nursery and thought I was going to be stuck there for the rest of my life
3. I was still figuring out how to be a wife

So far this year...
1. I gained weight :(
2. I supported Jared's new business and helped him get ranked high on Google
3. I got released from Nursery and got called to be a Laurel Advisor

Yesterday...
1. I taught my first lesson ever to the Laurels
2. I kicked my in-laws trash at a game called "Joker"
3. I visited my parents

Today...
1. I made Jared read scriptures with me before I left for work (and by this, I mean I woke him up by turning on the light and sat on the bed eating a bowl of cereal while we took turns reading out loud)
2. I listened to church music on the drive to work.
3. I made fun of a dumb co-worker

Tomorrow...
1. I will work all freaking day
2. I'm going to a wedding reception
3. I get to go to my ward's RS Book Club meeting

In the next year...
1. I want to be 15 pounds lighter.
2. I want to be free of credit card debt
3. I want to be pregnant or have a baby!

Um...I'm gonna cheat like Katy and just say that anyone who wants to do this can consider themselves "tagged"

Missionary Work

2008-07-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know. I suck at blogging...but I really think it's because I really hate the fact that my blog looks so boring...no pictures, no cool stories, etc. So, you'll all just have to be resigned to the fact that I'M boring. sad.

Anyway, recently, Jared has become the best friend to the missionaries that serve in our ward. He has a passion for missionary work and he's really good at it. I, on the other hand, am terrified to talk about the Church. I'm definitely not ashamed of what I know, but I feel really inadequate when it come to talking about it...like i'm going to leave someone with false doctrine. However, since the missionaries love Jared and are all about having members fellowship the investigators, Jared and I have actually been going to discussions! On average, we go to 2 lessons a week...and today, we're giving a ride to an investigator mom and her 4 kids. So cool! So, this is what I feel like right now (minus the boy part of it):

It's a really cool feeling! This Spirit that can be felt during a discussion is, for me, really different from the feeling of what you feel in church. It's awesome and I love that I get to be a part of it!

On another topic, Jared sold his first sign! I'm so happy, proud, and relieved! I was beginning to get the horrible, pessimistic idea that nothing was ever going to happen with his company (for all of those that don't know, Jared recently started his own sign company...selling signs for buildings and monuments). Seriously, if you know ANYONE that needs a building sign, please refer them to this website : www.signsxtra.com Jared's really proud of it!

So, I was just recently called to be the Laurel Advisor in my ward. Um...i'm only like 3 or 4 years older than some of them, so I didn't think they would call me to that position. But, clearly, this is wear the Lord wanted me. Shantelle Peterson, the YW president, told me that some other leaders were pushing for me to be in with Mia Maids or Beehives, but she felt really strongly that I needed to be in Laurels. I'm so grateful for her listening to the Spirit! I'm so privileged to be able to work side by side with her and Truly Huish. It's funny tho...Shantelle is the wife of the 2nd counselor in my bishopric and Truly is the Bishop's wife. So, either the Lord feels like I have a lot I can learn from these amazing women, or Jared is going to be called to be the 1st Counselor? (scary!)

Disney Princess

2008-06-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

So, when I said before in my last post that I love surveys and stuff, I really meant it. I love little quizzes like this!

You Are Aurora! (A.K.A. Sleeping Beauty.)

Thoughtful and loving. Authority figures probably have been sheltering you all of your life. Thankfully you're a very tranquil person who is content with what life has given you, but secretly you want to know how the outside world works.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

well, this isn't the result I usually get on this kind of quiz, but I think it's kinda fitting :)

TAGGED!!!

2008-06-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

My sister actually tagged me on this a good while ago, but I just never got around to doing it...like I've said multiple times before- I'm a really bad blogger :(

How To Play This Game of Tag:

Post these rules on your blog.Answer these 15 questions about yourself on your blog.

List:3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random/surprising facts-Tag five people at the end of your post by leaving their names .-Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

My joys:
1. cuddling with Jared :)
2. Rainy days when I can curl up with a good book and just relish in the sound of rain on the roof
3. Performing...it's something that I haven't done in a while, but I really loved it.

My fears:
1. scary/horror films. I know I'm a wuss, but I REALLY can't handle them. I have way too much of an overactive imagination and I don't like feeling of not being able to fall asleep because a silly movie made me afraid of the dark.
2. Jared dying while we're both still young. I've had so many dreams recently that this has happened. I don't like it.
3. Natural disasters. I'm not kidding. I could NEVER live in a place that was prone to hurricanes or tornadoes or anything like that. I hated elementary school when we would have the "natural disaster" unit. It's crazy.

My goals:
1. Lose weight! I know I'm not even really overweight, but I've surpassed my personal weight of "whenever I reach this weight it's time to go on a diet." My fitness plan right now consists of Wii Fit. It's amazing...I"m not even joking!
2. Become bubbly and happy again. Recently, I just haven't been very cheerful. I loved how happy and bubbly I was even just last year. I need to get back in my groove :)
3. Become a better cook/housekeeper/wife

obsessions:

1. ice cream. This is my favorite food...and part of the reason I need to lose weight.
2. surveys. This is kinda weird, but I love them! I'm signed up with several sites that pay me to take them. And I like silly tests/informational stuff. Like this kinda stuff.
3. Punctuality. I hate being late. In fact, it stresses me out to be late and to have to wait for someone who is running late.

random/surprising facts:
1. I used to bite my toenails. This was a while ago...don't judge me :)
2. If I press a certain spot on my hand, 2 little bubble form on my wrist. I don't know why and everyone that I've shown thinks it's totally disgusting...even medical assistants.
3. I don't own any nail polish or nail polish remover. I just don't have any motivation to purchase any.

my tagging victims:
Katy
Leah
Megan
Erin
Cajsa

Not the "Boston post"

2008-05-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, I know people are getting upset that I haven't posted stories and pics from my Boston trip. I'm sorry...i'm retarded. But, I have a funny story :).

I got Jared to read the Twilight series!! and, he LIKED it! He's pretty much just as excited, if not more, about the upcoming movie. This morning, he was actively hunting the internet for more clips. I think it's so funny! Also, I promised him I would read the Lord of the Rings series for him since he read Twilight for me....although the Twilight series is just SLIGHTLY shorter and an easier read. That's ok tho.

Another funny story: When Jared and I were in Boston, we stopped at a Barnes and Noble (he finished his books and needed more. He's crazy). I was begging him to buy The Host which I have yet to get my hands on, but he said no (i need to read the Lord of the Rings before I'm allowed to get into anything else...pooh). Later on, the guy who was ringing up our purchases was trying to convince me that The Host was the new Twilight book. Ok. No. So, I had to sit there and convince him of his misinformation. After a while he believed me, but he looked at me like a crazy Twilight fanatic. It was really funny. But seriously, he works at a bookstore. Sure, Twilight is pretty crazy out here because the author is FROM here, but it's pretty big out there too. If you work at a bookstore you have to know that kind of stuff. I mean, there were SIGNS in the store that stated the information that I gave him. It was crazy.

Sorry!

2008-04-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

So, I'm officially a really bad blogger. I'm super tired, so I"m going to do a QUICK update on my life thus far...

1) Jared and I are going to Boston on May 8-May 17. AAAAH!! I'm SOOOOOOOO excited! The only places I've ever been are California, Utah and Rocky Point! I've never even been on an airplane! but yes. Jared served his mission there and has kept in touch all this time with a few families. The Forgits kept asking him when we were going to visit so they could meet me...and we've finally got stable enough funds to do it...and we're not going into debt for it!!! WAHOO!

2)Jared officially has his own company now! Well, not his OWN, but he's the President of the company with our good friend Nathaniel Allen being in on it with him. It's called Signs Xtra...pretty much since Jared is pro with the sign industry (building signs, like "Bashas") he's going to be finding jobs to bid, design it (he's amazing with design and web pages and stuff), then outsource the actual manufacturing of the sign to his former boss, who will then make and install it. You can ask me for more details about it if you want. so, Basically, if you know anyone who needs a sign or monument, let us know!

3) I got a new car! It's a cute little 2005 Chevy Aveo. it's white, but i named it Ruby. Somehow, despite the color, I found it very fitting. We bought it from this girl who's a year younger than me...she'd been given it as a gift from her grandfather as a graduation present. Spoiled, I know. Anyway, after a couple years and only 33,000 miles later, she decided to buy a truck and posted her Aveo on craigslist. Jared found it! Now, it's mine! and only for $7000! it's in awesome condition! I LOVE MY CAR! (hence the exclamation points)

besides that, pretty much everything is the same. I'm just working everyday...my life is pretty monotonous, but I love my life!

P.s.
before we go to Boston, we should be investing in a camera...so hopefully this blog will become more intersting with pictures!

Nevermind!

2008-02-20T11:34:00.001-08:00

umm...so as a really belated update to the whole getting a house thing, Jared and I aren't going to be moving. It's a really long story, and you can ask me sometime if you're interested. It's just going to take a really long time to type out, and I just don't have the patience to do it. We're just in a really good situation in life right now and we're ok with leaving things the way they are for now.

I got tagged!

2008-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

10 years ago:

I was in elementary school...in 5th grade. I was totally happy and carefree and wasn't even aware how poor my family was. I was confident enough not to worry about my old hand-me-down clothes. My best friends were Cassi Ware and Jacob Romanosky. I really was just a really happy, awkward looking little girl who was really content with life and totally clueless to the world.

5 things on my to do list:

1. clean the house...it's really messy
2. take a nap
3. call Alexa to make sure she's still up for cutting my hair
4. finish my lunch
5. watch a movie
(I just got off work and I'm free all weekend. I usually have a much more involved to do list)

Things I would do if I were a millionare:
-build/move into my dream house
-pay off ALL debts
-buy a new car
-TRAVEL!!!
-help my parents pay off their debts

3 bad habits I have:

1. Procrastinating
2. Freaking out about small things
3. Having to have the last word around certain people

5 places I have lived:

1. 116 S. Lazona
2. 422 S. Spur
3. Jared's Parents house for the first week of our marriage
4. my apartment
5. the house we haven't found yet

5 places I have worked:

1. Mesa Junior's cafeteria
2. Nielsen's Frozen Custard (don't ever let me hear you call it "ice cream")
3. Teaching Tools
4. Allen's Decor Village
5. First Podiatry of Arizona (currently)

Some things most people don’t know about me:
-I used to bite my toenails
-Jared was my first kiss
-I used to have a huge inferiority complex

I TAG: Stacy, Erin, Leigh, Seth, Rachel

New House?

2008-02-09T19:55:00.001-08:00

WARNING: the following story is FRIGHTENING!!!

So, Jared had mentioned to me recently at how good the housing market is right now for buying. I hadn't really thought much about it because Jared will talk about stuff like politics and the economy all the time...it wasn't really anything out of the ordinary for me. Anyway, after we found out that my brother and his wife got approved for a loan substantial enough to get them a condo, Jared and I both thought it might be interesting to see what kind of housing we could qualify for. Coincidentally enough, Jared has a family friend who used to be in our ward who is a mortgage lender or broker or something like that and asked him if he could possibly put together some numbers for us.

Now, let me make it clear how much Jared and I have NOT been looking to move! Sure, we don't love paying rent when it's really just throwing money down the toilet, but we have a pretty inexpensive apartment and we've been really happy here. We were STRICTLY curious to see what kind of house we could afford.

At work last Thursday, I get a phone call from Jared. He told me that his friend didn't have a number for us yet, but he had secured a loan for us with a government that would pay for our down payment (and we don't have to pay it back!). Also, he was compiling a list of houses that were for sale, and if we decided to buy off that list, we would not have to pay ANY closing costs! Holy Frick! And, to top this off, we're not having to pay this guy a penny for this work.

Here's the REALLY scary part: his goal is to have us closing on a home by the end of FEBRUARY!!!

Holy Cow! Jared and I haven't even been TALKING about moving, like I said before, and a house may just be dropped in our laps! Wow! This was all a bit much for me to handle!

Now, I'm actually very excited about this proposition, and I have no doubt that Jared and I could handle a reasonable mortgage payment. We make enough money to handle it. I just feel a little overwhelmed. Maybe this is silly, but I feel so YOUNG! I mean, I can't own a house! I just became legal drinking age a few months ago! Maybe I shouldn't limit myself like that...I'm just so surprised that this is an option so early in my life and my marriage!

Of course, we're going to be doing some major praying about this. I would ask though that anyone reading this will do the same. I'm worrried about being able to separate my want for real estate from being sensible. Wow!

Jumping on the Bandwagon!

2008-02-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

So, at the request of many people, Jared and I (well, mostly me) are jumping on the blogspot bandwagon. I'm not saying that we (or I) will be good at keeping this updated, but I really like the option. I may be asking some of you to help me figure it out later!! :)