Why I love Mindy Kaling

So I read back through my last real blog and it highlighted some things I really wanted to blog about. Mindy Kaling was one of them. She is the best of lighthearted funny and fun authors. She is a director, writer, and producer of the Office. And she sounds like a 10 year old. So that will be my topic today (especially since I can't continue my photo challenge until Thanksgiving).

Mostly, I am just going to quote a huge chunk of her book about men. This will be paraphrased a bit. This is her advice to men regarding women. I largely agree with her. It has a lot to do with how very small the list is for a guy to really be great.

1. Buy a well-fitting peacoat from J. Crew. (Get it cleaned once a year)

2. Have a signature drink like James Bond. (We are mormon, so you should have a favorite non-alcoholic drink)

3. Own several pairs of dark-wash straight-leg jeans. (not skinny, not boot-cut)

4. Wait until all the women have gotten on or off an elevator before you get on or off.

5. When you think a girl looks pretty, say it. "But don't reference the thing that might reveal you are aware of the backstage process: e.g., say 'You look gorgeious tonight,' not 'I like how you did your makeup tonight.' Also, a acompliment means less if you compliment the thing and not the way the girl is carrying it off. So say, 'You look so sexy in those boots,' rather than 'those boots are really cool.' I didn't make the boots! I don't care if you like the boots' design! We are magic to you: you have no idea how we got to look as good as we do."

6. Avoid asking if someone needs help in a kitchen or at a party, just start helping. (unless you actually don't want to help, then ask.)

7. Have one great cologne that's not from the drugstore.

8. Your girlfriend's sibling or parents might be totally nuts, but always defend them.

9. Keihl's for your skin, Bumble and Bumble for your hair.

10. I really think guys only need two pairs of shoes. (a nice pair of black shoes and a pair of chuck Taylors that you replace every year)

11. Bring wine or chocolate to everything.

12. Get a little jealous now and again, even if you're not strictly a jealous guy.

I know that this part isn't particularly funny (She has a lot more notes on each thing), but I thought that every guy should read it. And sadly, few will because I am sure that I can count on one hand the number of men that I know that will read this book. Sad.

Good Book to read: I am reading the Hush Hush Series by Becca Fitzgerald right now. Not bad. Entertaining, light reads. It's nice. There are three books, and I am on the most recent. Evidently there is one more on the way.

Good Song that I really Like: Home by Girls Love Shoes

Treat yo self - Parks and Recreation

Jameson and I now use this phrase. More often than we ought. Treat yo Self!!

I know this song is crazy popular, but I still love it

30 Day Photo Challenge

So here we are. I would rather not discuss the MASSIVE amount of time that has passed since I last blogged. And since I am the only one really interested in my ramblings (other than when I say, "Hey Jameson, look at what I wrote -- isn't that witty and charming?) I am just going to celebrate the fact that I am doing this. I am doing it whilst I avoid obvious and dreadful chores that desperately need doing (alliteration), but that is beside the point. I decided that lists are really the way to go for me. So first of all, I am going to do the 30 day photo challenge (it will take me longer, but I intend to make it all the way through the list). Here is a photo of myself:

I am completely aware I look like a slightly wal-eyed, half crazed squirrel. But I kinda like it. Also, I was really done trying to take a picture of myself that made me look both smart and sexy. So I went with crazy and ditzy instead.

Here are ten fun facts about me:

1. At the time this picture was taken (about ten minutes ago) I had broken the button on one pair of pants because they were painfully too small, and the crotch in my other pair of jeans has been worn thin by my sausage thighs rubbing together. It finally ripped this morning. I have my one surviving pair of jeans in the dryer. With like a million towels. It will take forever to dry.

2. I am reading Mindy Kaling's new book 'Is everyone hanging out without me?' and it is way better than Tina Fey's book. I will probably devote another blog to this. If I don't forget by next week. Maybe I will write it down . . .

3. I own a lot of shoes I never wear. And they are mostly fancy sandal/heels type shoes.

4. I won first place in a relay sprint triathlon with my brother and father. I did the swim portion. Also, I am not skinny. For proof of this, please refer to point number one.

5. I own a sweater from my rival highschool that says 'Riverton Track and Field' that my dad found at the Track Field after a Track Meet. He brought it home washed it and gave it to me. And it is the most comfortable thing I have ever worn.

6. I own a Kindle. It makes me feel fancy.

7. I am desperate to decorate our apartment crazy cute. I am also lazy. These two things battle constantly in my head.

8. I am going to IKEA later to get lost, and get some boxes to organize our back room. I want to blog about IKEA as well later. Please take note.

9. I really like to cook. And eat. I am probably going to make pumpkin pie or some such nonsense today or tomorrow. Probably tomorrow. I had these really cute little pumpkins all over my house, and now that Halloween has come and gone, so too do the pumpkins. I need to get my Thanksgiving decorations up before Thanksgiving. This may or may not happen.

10. I am big on disinfectant, I hate brushing my teeth at night, I really like shopping and style even though I really am lacking in the latter, and I have a weird love of office supplies.

I think that should cover it for me. If anyone feels so inclined they are welcome to add.

Favorite song of the moment: Someone Like You by Adele (who has a cockney accent -- who knew? Jameson hates her for it)

Favorite Book of the moment: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

Honey Bee

Jameson and I watched this for part of our thought in Family Home Evening. It's a pretty cute showing of the different roles of men and women in relationships. Also highlighting that maybe we each need each other. Jamie is for sure my strong and steady. :)

Family Tree

So I have been thinking quite a bit about my Grandmother lately. So . . . I decided that maybe I could mormon up and do some geneology. Who's with me?

My next question is how to get started? I think that there is some kind of computer program, magic book, or some such nonsense that you would need to begin such things. Also, this needs to be done in between my obsession with books, cleaning and overworking in general. So the magic book might be the best option.

Here are my memories of Grandma Jean:

1. Playing with her jewelry and then getting some if it (covered in her old lipstick).

2. Going to dinner with her and watching her chuckle every time Grandpa told the Pie joke* to a cute and ever so patient waitress.

3. Mayonnaise.

4. Turquoise jewelry.

5. Her shock when she would hear stories of the torture that my father endured as a child from his older siblings.

6. She liked my mom a lot.

7. She also liked cats a lot. The last one I ever met was named Magic and it was all black (familiar?) and it would drool when I would pet it on the back porch.

8. They had cable and I would watch Kidz Inc. whenever we would visit in the back room on their big white leather Lazy Boy.

9. The way she and my Grandpa were so sweet to each other in their later years. But only my Grandma was sweet to other people. My Grandpa, not so much.

10. I think that instead of turning into my mother, I think I am turning into my Grandmother.

*The Pie Joke:

Grandpa: Do you have any pie?

Waitress: We have blah blah blah blah blah and pumpkin pie (i love pumpkin, so I would always listen for it)

Grandpa: Well, I only like four kinds of pie.

Waitress: Oh? (permasmile in place)

Grandpa: Hot, Cold, Cut, and Uncut!!

Lake Powell

I am sure that everyone on this is aware that we were at Lake Powell for about 5 days. Most of those days were spent in a swim suit. Consequently, pictures will be absent. That's right, in case you missed it, I am a vain vain girl.

So I will just list my top ten from the vacation:

1. Reading Halo by Alexandra Adornetto. I won't lie, I was prepared to think this was the dumbest book of all time. I only read it because I told Beth Jackson, my sister in law, that I would. I really enjoyed it. It had romance like Twilight (meaning kinda dumb and over done), but that wasn't what I enjoyed. I most enjoyed the references to God and his reality and how we can bring others to him. It was unabashedly FOR our Father in Heaven. It was fantastic.

2. Cicily and Derek hooked up (I didn't know what was going on until the drive home).

3. I got to hook up with my hubby. :)

4. We took some glorious naps.

5. I started War of the Worlds by HG Wells. Yes, it is boring, but it is the original alien invasion book, so I suppose that it is worth it.

6. Did I mention glorious naps in the shade?

7. 'Noodling' around in the water. It's funny, because we were on noodles, and I said noodling.

8. Listening to Shaun and company in their witty repartee.

9. I hiked through Jay's Crack (Jameson's family's name for a specific hike). I was the biggest scaredy cat, but I made it through with flying colors.

10. I did not go cliff jumping. No one did. The boat broke down.

Overall, it was loads of fun. I am sure I can direct you to Debbie Jackson's facebook page for some real photos.

Ranchin' the Suburbs

We just got back from a wild and crazy trip to my grandfather's ranch in southern Utah. It was loads of fun.

Here is an aerial view (from the top of a log) of everyone playing in the river. I think I got some kind of disease from the river. So did Mo and Ellie.

Here is Jamie climbing an awesome wall.

Here is Jameson and I on the log. It is kinda sad, but it became quite the feat to walk across the log for the little kids. It entitled people for bragging rights.

We had a fun fun talent show (thanks to my sister). Really, it is more of a 'how do we make everyone laugh?' show. Notice the location of Lisa's hand.

Here is Chris and Lisa and Kaleb

Mom and Dad

Jameson and I

See if you can find Becky.

This is my name. Now we have rules about carving names, but this was before we made those rules.

Here are my cutie brothers :)

This is a great picture of Kevin/Caleb. Could his little fro be cuter?

I think this gives you an idea of how crazy busy that we were down there. We are TOTALLY bushed now. So I am going to go watch my hubby play soccer. And read a book.

Great show to watch: Psych. I can't even begin to tell you how great this show is.

How Do You Determine Truth

I have been thinking on this subject a lot lately, so expect some posts along this line. There was a book I read a long time ago (I can't remember the author or title), and it was about Merlin on his quest to, you know, become Merlin. It needs to be noted here that I have an indecent love of arthurian legend. Anyway, the big conclusion to one of the books is that truth has many faces. At the time I thought this was a great epiphany. However, I disagree now. Now I think that truth is supreme, but our perception and understanding of it change. This makes it seem like the truth itself changes, but instead, we are changing and see the truth differently. I really want to reference the earth and the sun here, orbits and how our view and knowledge have changed so that we no longer think we are the center of the universe. So I think that truth does not evolve. We do.

Harry Truman once said, "Intense feeling too often obscures the truth". This is also something I disagree with. Some of the few things I know for 100% sure, no doubt involve my emotions. I know that I love my husband. I am not going to touch on religious notes here regarding truth, but I do have some pretty strong inclinations that way that are almost entirely emotional. I think that it is naive and incredibly pretentious to assume that because something is based in intense feeling and emotion, it is not true. Now, on the flip side, I sometimes work myself into a tizzy (me? never . . .) and I have to let myself calm down to analyze a particular situation. But that doesn't mean that once I have calmed down, I don't still have strong feelings regarding a subject.

I think often of how important the truth really is. Did you know that Copernicus was the first to suggest that the earth and planets revolve around the sun, however, he delayed publishing his findings because he didn't want to incur the wrath of the catholic church? So Galileo beat him to the punch, and, as we know, he ultimately died for that. (Galileo's Religion by Olaf Peterson) I sometimes wonder what the truths are that I would be willing to die for . . . hmmmmm . . .

If you have anything you would like to add, please do!

Great tv series to watch: Buffy The Vampire Slayer -- oh how I love thee, let me count the ways . . .

I Love To Blow Things Up

As everyone knows -- we are a family that likes to blow things up. It's a good thing that I am from Wyoming (this may be a cyclical thing). Therefore, this is mostly going to pictures of our trip to Lander where we celebrated the birth of our country by lighting many fireworks. Here comes the parade.

This is my Mom and Dad at a wicked awesome bbq (we went to 3 over the weekend) with my Mom's best friend Carrie and her family. Carrie now lives in Utah, but they were super good friends all during my growing up period. I was sure that I was going to marry her son Kyle when I was five. It was straight up tragedy that struck my life when they moved away when I was six.

This is a super cute photo of me and the hubby at the Bills fireworks. They were really good. I have come to the conclusion that the Bills fireworks beat the fireworks at Taylorsville Days. But the music is way better at Taylorsville Days and we don't have to listen to political filibustering. Talk about a captive audience.

Here is Robby and his girlfriend, Nikki at the parade on the fourth. They are really nice and have really cute dogs named Rhino and Roxy.

This is a really good representation of the Lander Parade. I say no more.

This is our gloating picture of all the fireworks that we put off that night. Jameson sent it to all of his friends. Nanny Nanny Boo Boo, we have WAY more fireworks than you.

Boil, Boil Toil and Trouble . . . homemade root beer is really good.

Me and Jameson on the fourth doing fireworks.

Jameson and Morgan -- one of the Downs clan that was discovering the joy of fireworks in Wyoming.

Rob and Jameson trying to figure out how they can make bottle rockets more dangerous. Good times.

Okay, well, I am pretty well vacationed out. A few more notes:

1. I did not get the job that I applied and interviewed for. They evidently don't appreciate my charming personality . . .

2. Buffy the Vampire slayer is the BEST way to forget about reality if you are having a pity party. Also, I am really glad that we aren't living on the Hellmouth.

Good Book: Persuasion by Jane Austin. I like this book because it is a little bit sad, but very content.

Fishing For Fun

On Thursday, Jameson and I decided that we needed to get out of the house, and do something, so we headed down to the Murray community fishing pond. It was so much fun!

Here is Jameson tying the spinner to his line. He showed me how to do a basic fishing knot. I might even still remember how to do it.

Here is the handsome man actually fishing I think it is a cool picture with the sun setting in the background. It was such a cool nice night.

These were some beautiful Canadian Geese (I was later informed of what they were by my father -- I was calling them 'duckies').

I have gotten into chalk-art recently. This is because of Soul Pancake. It challenges us to: 'sum up your personal philosophy on life . . . and scrawl your message for the world to see'. This was my philosophy . . . for the day.

It was so much fun to be outside and with my hubby. It was very quiet and fun and enlightening. I have been reading Soul Pancake by Rainn Wilson. And I have actually been thinking about what it is that fuels my creativity. I have a very short list (and it includes making lists). Here it is:

1. Long, Hot Baths

2. Blogs

3. Photography

4. Making Lists

That's what I've got so far. If anyone has any other things that they think are particularly fueling to creativity -- let me know.

Great Old Movie to see: Pygmalion -- based on the book and the precursor to My Fair Lady. :)

One Crazy Summer

So I realized today that we are going to have a crazy summer. Not quite as crazy as the movie One Crazy Summer (starring John Cusack and Demi Moore in their younger years). However, it is going to be pretty packed, and I couldn't be happier.

We visited Alycia and Steven which was a blast, and this week was mostly lots of work. I am applying to be a Roving CSM for Zions Bank, Jameson applied for a job with Fidelity, and I am really really nervous. Everyone please keep us in your prayers, so that we can get the positions. It would be really good for us financially.

We got to go to Jameson cousin Devon's wedding reception. I loved the lemonade bar that they had (blackberry, raspberry and strawberry mix ins), but we were really hungry. So Jameson's family went to Chuck-A-Rama. It was good to be there with Debbie, ReNae and Beth because we are all trying to lose weight (some of us more successfully than others). It kept us all pretty honest.

Saturday was so much fun. We went to the Taylorsville Parade (think Lander Fourth of July minus the massive amounts of horse manure). It was fun to be there with Cloie and McKelle because they would run in the street and get us candy. It was at this point we realized some benefits of having children. Then we cleaned the house (much needed), and went to Katie Simmons pool party. I haven't played in the water in a long long time. Cicily and Jameson made it lots of fun. Hands Up Stands Up. Then the Taylorsville Day fireworks! It was so much fun to cuddle with a handsome man and watch fireworks. It was amazing. Good precursor to Dr. Bills . . .

Good Book To Read: Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart :especially if you are part of the Grande Old Dame Book Club

Cracking Up

Jameson and I went down to Cedar City to visit Alycia and Steven, my sister in law and her husband. And may I just say . . . it was lovely. We got there pretty late on Friday night. Then the plan was to get up early and go for a brisk 3 mile run. Instead we just slept in. I know. It is all that I have ever hoped for. Alycia did have to get up early to get her bountiful basket (I will have to blog about this later, but here is the site for the fruit/veggie co-op).

We eventually got ourselves together and went to Kolob (part of Zions National Park), and went for a 1 mile hike. Then we did some touristy shopping and I ended up with a crock-pot cookbook, an old copy of Sarah, Plain and Tall, and some stuff from Bath and Body Works. We met up with our friends Eric and Chelsea who made quite the ballsy (sorry, I couldn't think of an adequate substitute for that word) move and left for St. George on a whim. They have this great apartment and I was impressed with thier moxy.

We all journeyed to the red rock to do some hiking around. We checked out the crack and I *almost made it all the way through. I was excessively impressed with myself since I suffer from claustrophobia in a mild (kinda crazy big) way. I held the panic at bay and made it all the way. Finally, we hiked up Dixie rock and watched a first time repeller go over the rock. We applauded her when she made it all the way down.

Sunday it rained and I read a book. Might be my favorite thing we did.

That's right. I am AWESOME!

This is Alycia and myself as seen from above in the crack (please, we are all adults here).

In case you haven't seen enough of him, here is my handsome husband himself. We made an attempt to visit a discovery park in the rain. It turns out Jameson looks great in the rain too.

Great Book to Read: I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to everyone. But it talks a lot about food, something I happen to love. The writing isn't exactly riveting, but I really enjoyed reading the book. Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer.

*My boobs were too big to let me through the smallest part. Yet another reason to lose weight.

Triathlon Training

This is really just an update on our lives. There are no pictures or really interesting links to share on this fine day.

First of all, my run this morning was really hard. You know how some days you cruise, like you have a motor in your legs and nothing is going to stop you? Yeah, that wasn't today for me. It could be because I upped the run to 2.5 miles. Just a thought. If anyone has any thoughts or comments on the best ways to train for a sprint tri, now would be the time to post those thoughts.

Second, Jameson has been fishing nearly everyday, and hasn't caught anything. If anyone has any thoughts on that (besides the obvious comments regarding the fisherman) those would also be appreciated. Particularly in regards to how to get the line to NOT break.

Third, I have been making a LOT of bread lately and would appreciate any recipes. So if you have any, please share. Here is my favorite white bread recipe. I am also reading a book about desserts, and, as I am dieting, I love to make other people eat dessert (it's a twisted need). So any great desserts would be appreciated as well.

The Living Room

So a few weeks ago (and I mean like a month ago), Jameson and I decided to brave a hike that has eluded us twice before. Determined that it would not defeat us thrice, I was armed this time. All it really came down to was having an additional set of directions. Normally I can hang my hat by Falcon Guides, especially just for day hikes. Anyway, the name of the hike is the Living Room. It is so named because there are sandstone rocks that have been placed by well-meaning and creative people to look and feel like chairs. Here are some pictures of us sitting in them:

This here is me. I am sitting on a recliner. I think I am in love with this picture because it shows none of my sweat (which was profuse), or my rolls of fat. Thank you Jameson for making me look good -- as usual.

Speaking of looking good, here is Jameson in the same recliner (they also had a love seat, but all the pictures on the other pieces of furniture were less than desirable. Anyway, as I recall, this was more of a throne than a recliner anyway. That makes it cooler).

I just wanted to include this photo because it makes Salt Lake look like Japan. A feat to be admired. And yes, I did it on purpose. I just thought the trees looked cool in the smog.

As a side note, the hike was nearly impossible to climb. Also, it nearly killed me. Mostly because I was out of shape. I am embarrassed to admit, but I could hardly walk for a week. It was two miles straight uphill. Jameson was fine. It might have been this hike that made me take a long look at the best way for me to train for the triathlon in August. So far, the training is going really really well. I ran 2 miles today! Also, Jameson is giving up soda (2 days so far) and I am giving up treats (unless it is sugar free, then I can have one per day). We are so awesome!

Great Book to read: Matched by Ally Condie -- she was an English teacher in Salt Lake so you gotta respect those English teachers. I just want to say, I would choose Xander. Every time. I am more like the character's Mom. I keep the rules because I love my family. I liked this in some ways more than Hunger Games, and not because it was more lovey-dovey. I think that Katniss's society was obviously evil, and begged for revolution. Cassia's society is not quite so obviously evil. I think that raises more difficult comparisons in our own lives. Do we go gently, or not?

Rockin' The Suburbs

Hey all. I know that you have been waiting with baited breath for this post. I just wanted to say that I have been crazy busy. Also sick. It seems like whenever life gets really crazy or even really good, my immune system just seems to give right out. What was the flu has become a sinus infection.

Anyway, Jameson had a full week last week. He graduated and had a great concert where he totally rocked Pleasant Grove. Here are some pictures.

Here are three of the band mates. Tonio is a guitarist, Jameson the drummer and the one who is looking out the distance (that was intentional -- he wanted to look mysterious and creative) does vocals/guitar.

Jameson is going to hate this picture, but he really doesn't read my blog, so I don't feel so very bad. I like it because he looks so happy drumming. He has been working really hard and has improved a lot lately. I am very proud of my hubby.

I know this is short, and there has been quite a bit that has happened in the last few weeks, but I think we covered the biggies. I know you are all thinking, 'why no pictures of graduation'? The answer is because I left the xd card in the computer at home, and the student bookstore didn't have the right kind of card for our camera. So it is documented, just not with me. If you want pictures, ask Debbie.

Good Series to Watch: Dead Like Me. It is fairly heavy on the F-bomb, but really covers some subtle aspects of grief and the grieving process. Don't watch the movie though. It is really disappointing.

Le Easter Bunny Goes For A Hike

So a long standing tradition in the Packer household was to put out our shoes for the easter bunny to fill. The 'Easter bunny' would then hide said shoes, and we would go and find the shoes (the oven was always a good place to look). So now the Jacksons (meaning Jameson and I) now do this. Turns out, I am a terrible hider. I mean terrible. Jameson always finds his shoes in a matter of minutes.

We went down to Bicknell (rhymes with Hicknell) to spend some time in a family cabin with some family for Easter. Most of Debbie's (Jameson's mum) side of the family showed, and it was really fun to have everyone there. Especially the new addition from Parker and Beth, see previous posts. We did all sorts of things, but here are a few photos.

Here you can see Parker shooting a water balloon from the water balloon launcher that I got Jameson for his birthday last year. Good see that it is money well spent. I would like to point out that it was snowing, and we could get the balloons past the road (a really really really far distance -- it totally rocked).

Here is Jameson standing over a crack (let's all be adults here). We stopped at this . . . area in capital reef. I guess there is a hike, but it was too cold for us to venture out too far. There were still some pretty cool rock formations.

Here are some petrogylphs that we viewed from a safe distance. I think they look like aliens and prove that aliens existed amongst Native Americans before we got here and took them to a different dimension. That, and they like sheep.

We then went to visit a waterfall. Now, you can't see it in it's glory here, but my favorite part was laying down and letting the water run through my fingers. It was cold, but satisfying.

The next day, we did some adventuring and visited Hickman's Bridge. The difference between a Bridge and an arch is that one (bridge) is made by water erosion and the other (arch) is made by wind. I think that arches are prettier, but bridges are sturdier. This is obviously not the bridge. Instead it is just after we found the bridge and I decided to kiss Jameson and make Alycia take a picture of it.

That about covers our adventuring over Easter. Of course, stay tuned for more as we have some pretty exciting business coming up.

Good Book to Read: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (yet another Charlotte that I love -- Please Jameson, can we have a girl, name her Charlotte and call her Lotty? Please?)

Dandelions and Triathlons

Today I have officially been training for a sprint triathlon for a week. Jameson has been super supportive and it makes me really really happy because this is also my weight loss plan. And it is much needed!

I was also discussing weight loss with a friend today and she gave me this great recipe for oatmeal pancakes. I guess that she also eats a lot of Greek yogurt which is better than mayo. I don't know, I'm a little skeptical. Right now I think I will just stick to the regular workout and focus on eating healthy. I've been thinking a lot about the Word of Wisdom lately and the Lord's Law of Health. I think that there is some weight to the idea (no pun intended) that we need to be healthy and exercise. We are to be held responsible for how we treat our bodies. I have definitely been abusing mine the last year or so. I have been exercising sporadically and it definitely shows.

Of course, I would like to take the opportunity to state here that we all live the Word of Wisdom on differing levels, just like any other commandment. Exercise and eating healthy can be very hard for me. However, I really don't have a hard time with not drinking alcohol or not doing drugs. However, there are others who find my challenges easy, and alcohol and drugs tough. Anyway, this is my little way of declaring my resolution to be better.

I haven't been reading books lately having been horribly distracted by the beautiful spring that has sprung. I think that next week might necessitate some pictures of the beauty I see all around me.

Good Series to Watch: Arrested Development -- I have been a fan for years, but the movie is coming out recently and I have renewed my love affair in order to 'freshen up' for the coming comedy storm.

McKell is Born and We Play D&D

As may have been posted all over the internet in facebook, twitter, email, and other means of electronic messaging, McKell Joan Jackson was born today. Thus making her the first grandchild and first niece on Jameson's side. So we dropped by the hospital on Thursday morning and took a few photos for memories sake. She is pretty darn cute. So here you go:

Here is Jameson and Debbie fawning over the baby. I would like the say that Jameson was a natural at the baby holding thing and he loved it. The truth is that this picture gives him way more credit than he deserves.

Beth might kill me for this picture, but I am fairly sure that she doesn't read my blog. So I feel much less guilty. Here is Beth and Parker both looking very tired as the baby was born super early and everyone was trotting in throughout the day and night to check out McKell.

For the first little bit, Cloie wouldn't have anything to do with her little sister. Here is a photo of the first time we got her to hold her little sister. It's pretty sweet. I understand that she doesn't have the not touching her sister problem anymore.

And here I am. Just so we are all aware, holding nieces and nephews is all the baby photos or talk that anyone is seeing from us in a long time. Am I clear? (This means we are happy when other people are pregnant, but don't plan on seeing a suspicious bulge in my tummy for the next while)

So I am sure that many of my faithful readers are hoping that I also have pictures of this next bit. I want to point out right now that I don't and for good reason. We came to be involved in a game of Dungeons and Dragons through a twisted chance of fate involving Reverend Robbi Richardson and my insatiable love of fantasy novels. Inevitably, we were coerced into this ultimate of all nerdy endeavors. And it was a BLAST!! It was a little long, but loads of fun. I can see why it is so addicting. Not that I want to play every day, but it was fun. My character is a super awesome Gnome names Gillian Wolfsbane. She has a Wolf named Nightrider. He was pretty tough. Anyway, it was a fun little way to cross a life experience off the list. Next? Sky Diving!!

Good Movie to Watch: Tangled -- I love it. Especially . . . all of it.

The Sweetest Thing

So much has happened. I can't even begin to document our lives. I am going to skip over the urban iditarod, among other worthy topics of conversation.

Instead, I will just give you a brief update on us and our friends. This last Monday I was able to visit with some old friends from the singles ward where Jameson and I met. Melissa Williams showed up with her sweet little boy. It was so fun to see everyone and to catch up with old friends. Sometimes we forget how wonderful people are until we see them again.

We had a lesson on service today, and the biggest thing I think that I took from it was how much our love grows as we do service. Judgements fall away, leaving room for us to simply see others as children of God in need of his help. Service is a sure way to the Lord. It forces us to leave the natural man behind us.

We took a moment to think of all those that had served us in the past. It was the sweetest thing to think of all those that have helped us and myself along the way. So thank you. To anyone who helped me overcome my demons, face my sorrows, and ultimatley and hopefully be a better person.

Great Movie to Watch: Rango starring Johnny Depp. Seriously, fantastic and funny. Love the little mouse girl. Really the whole thing was great.

Curling . . . the mystery, the legend

Hey all -- I know, long time coming. We had a vacation in Arizona. Aside from that (it was lovely), we got back and jumped right back into life as we know it. Which for us consists of working and playing. One of my favorite things. On Wednesday, we went to watch our friends Curl over at the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City. For those of you who don't know, Curling is a sport played on ice, in which opposing teams try to slide large rounds of granite into a circle. For a more complete list of rules, click here :

Curling

At the last winter Olympics, some of Jameson's friends (Shaun, Robbi, Nathan, and Taylor) thought that it would be neat to go to the Olympics. At this late point in their lives the only sport they could pick up and possibly make it to Olympic caliber competition is Curling (this was a general consensus among friends, not a fact). Therefore, a group signed up as a curling team and started to compete. (Un) Fortunately, Jameson had to work at the time that they have the curling competitions, so he isn't in the league. However, all his friends are. So we went and watched. Since I am so great at watching sports, I mostly studied some materials for my new job. However, I did watch just enough to notice the following even littler known facts regarding curling:

1. It seems to attract those who wear both horizontal stripes and wife beaters. (I know, is curling really a sport for hicks? -- more to follow)

2. Just as in any other sport, the men flex for the women in the audience at regular intervals even though they receive no reaction from female counterparts.

3. It just has to be more difficult than it looks.

4. There were a variety of women playing. Some of them qualified for the "Are they pregnant or not? I can't decide and certainly can't ask" category.

5. The rounds of granite are larger than you might think and I heard that they are only mined in Scotland, but that is unconfirmed.

6. It is possibly to play high, and do remarkably well.

7. Signature cards are hard to understand, and I am not prepared for this job at all.

That about wraps that up. In other news, this was my last week as a teller. Scary stuff, right? It's bittersweet. Kind of. I caught us up on laundry mostly and we also went to a bonfire and ate at a delicious restaurant known as Goodwood. Great barbecue, but a bit on the pricy side and we still think that Pat's is better.

Good Book to Read: M is for Magic by Neal Gaiman. I do so love this author (he also wrote Coraline, a book which somehow captures much of my fears as a child). This book is some of his short stories. It has become my tubby time book.

Yazz Game

Now I am just as disappointed as the next girl that my first ever NBA game was between the Utah Jazz and the Spurs, but it was really nice because I got to eat a pretzel with cheese sauce. And I wasn't really involved in the game, but my long history of watching brothers play basketball let me make some well timed jibs at the players and ref. It was actually really fun!

Here is a picture of me and Jameson (not pictured is the pretzel with cheese sauce)

Here is an up close and personal picture of the players in the e-center (also where I saw Disney on Ice).

Anyway, I hope that everyone out there has a great day. The Jazz did lose, however, the Spurs do have the best record in the league and it wasn't a blow-out. So the Jazz must not be all bad.

Good Book to read: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahme-Smith and Jane Austin

A Return From The Netherlands of Space and Time

Just so that we are all aware -- I haven't posted in about a month. This is because we moved into our own home. I know, it was a good move. However, we didn't get around to having internet installed until yesterday. So here we are today. I just thought that I would make a list of different things that have happened. Keep in mind that I do not feel particularly well (minor flu).

1. I became the princess of a small island off the coast of Mongolia. It's a little complicated. Mostly a ceremonial role, but still, I feel the weight of my crown.

2. Jameson came into large amounts of money from an unknown and long lost uncle in the cracker business. We are deciding on investment options, and are drawn toward some beach front property in Ohio.

3. We became proficient ninjas battling the ever increasing onslaught of the undead in Salt Lake.

4. We founded an organization dedicated to the education of the public about the history of Arizona and it's contribution to our great nation.

5. Mostly just some cleaning and up keep on the apartment. A few minor break downs. You know, the usual.

That should just about get you up to date. Any questions?

Great books to read: These is my Words, The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 by Nancy E Turner. My mother and I differ on our opinions of this book. My mom wanted less of a love story. I personally thought the love story was fine. To me it feels a bit like Mrs. Mike.