It's like rain on your Wedding Day

By the end of the Royal Wedding Ceremony, Evan had joined me in the oogling festivities.  Right as the priest was finishing his shpiel, Ev turned to me and said with a grimace on his face like he was about to witness a car accident, "Here it comes..." and then the Priest said that part of the vows, "Til death parts us."  Both William and Kate repeated him, word for word.  Evan then turned to me and with a sad face exclaimed, "Aww they're getting divorced." 

Not that they will get "divorced" in this lifetime, but it always makes me sad during weddings to hear that the couples only vow to be married until they die.  It doesn't matter how beautiful the wedding, or how much money was spent, it's always the same.

I know that most people in their hearts believe that when they get married, it will be forever, but most religions don't follow along with this belief; it's stated right there in the vow!  I am so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and to know that when I am married, I will be sealed to my husband for "time and all eternity." 

So here some facts about what the Mormons believe about marriage.

1.  First and foremost, Mormons are Christians. 

I just thought I would get that out there, as many people think we are not.  We believe in God the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.  We believe that they are three seperate beings working together in one purpose.  We do not believe they are the same person, as many other Christians do.  We worship God in the name of his son, and follow his teachings.  Our church is organized the exact same way that Jesus' church was when he was on the earth.  We also read the King James version of the Bible (with the Old and New Testaments), but we also have additional scriptures in the Book of Mormon and the Pearl of Great Price and a newer book of revelation, the Docterine & Covenants.

2.  We believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

This may get me some nasty comments, but it's true, I believe this.  This does not mean that I judge people who are involved in same sex marriage, or that I think they are bad people or "damned," but that practice just doesn't fall in line with my belief system.  I like just about everyone I meet, and I try to see the good in everyone, and try very hard not to judge people, because I myself am far from perfect.

"Many people in the world consider marriage to be only a social custom, a legal agreement between two people to live together. But to Latter-day Saints, marriage is much more. Our exaltation depends on marriage, along with other principles and ordinances, such as faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that marriage is the most sacred relationship that can exist between a man and a woman. This sacred relationship affects our happiness now and in the eternities."  {Gospel Principles, 2009}

3.  We strive to get married in the temple.

While many people are not able to get married in our Holy Temples, it is always a goal of most to do so.  Not just anyone can enter the temple, and there are very strict qualifications that one must have before they do.  For example, we must be active members of our church for at least one year, we must lives our lives in such a way that we are worthy.  We must be interviewed by the Bishop or Branch President again by the Stake President.  Some of the interview questions include: 

• Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost? Do you have a firm testimony of the restored gospel?
• Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator? Do you recognize him as the only person on earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?
• Do you live the law of chastity?
• Are you a full-tithe payer?
• Do you keep the Word of Wisdom?
• Are you honest in your dealings with others?
• Do you strive to keep the covenants you have made, to attend your sacrament and priesthood meetings, and to keep your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?

Once we pass these interviews and are found worthy, we are permitted to marry in the Temple. 

In the temple, Latter-day Saint couples kneel at one of the sacred altars in the presence of their family and friends who have received the temple endowment. They make their marriage covenants before God. They are pronounced husband and wife for time and all eternity. This is done by one who holds the holy priesthood of God and has been given the authority to perform this sacred ordinance. He acts under the direction of the Lord and promises the couple the blessings of exaltation. He instructs them in the things they must do to receive these blessings. He reminds them that all blessings depend on obedience to the laws of God.

If we are married by any authority other than by the priesthood in a temple, the marriage is for this life only. After death, the marriage partners have no claim on each other or on their children. An eternal marriage gives us the opportunity to continue as families after this life.

For those members who are not able to get married in the temple, they are not denied the blessings of an eternal marriage.  Once they have done what they need to do in order to be found worthy, they may go to the temple as a couple, or even as a family and be sealed together as an eternal family.

5.  We do not practice plural marriage. 

Many people today believe that Mormons are Polygamists, but we are not.  There are groups of people throughout the world who do engage in this practice, and some refer to themselves either as "FLDS"  (Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints) and sometimes they go so far as to use the same nickname as us "Mormons."  However, these people do not belong to our church, or else they would be ex-communicated.

At various times throughout history,  the Lord has commanded His people to practice plural marriage. For example, He gave this command to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and Solomon (Doctrine and Covenants 132:1). At other times the Lord has given other instructions. In the Book of Mormon, the Lord told the prophet Jacob “for there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife: and concubines he shall have none... for if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things” (Jacob 2:27-30).

In this dispensation, the Lord commanded some of the early Saints to practice plural marriage. The Prophet Joseph Smith and those closest to him, including Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, were challenged by this command, but they obeyed it. Church leaders regulated the practice. Those entering into it had to be authorized to do so, and the marriages had to be performed through the sealing power of the priesthood. In 1890, President Wilford Woodruff received a revelation that the leaders of the Church should cease teaching the practice of plural marriage.

The Lord’s law of marriage is monogamy unless he commands otherwise to help establish the House of Israel.

6.  We believe that those who are married/sealed in the temple are married for "time and all eternity," not just until "death parts us."

As Latter-day Saints, we are taught to live with  an eternal perspective, not just for the moment. However, we can receive blessings in this life as a result of being married for eternity. Some of those blessings are as follows:

1. We know that our marriage can last forever. Death can part us from one another only temporarily. Nothing can part us forever except our own disobedience. This knowledge helps us work harder to have a happy, successful marriage.
2. We know that our family relationships can continue throughout eternity. This knowledge helps us be careful in teaching and training our children. It also helps us show them greater patience and love. As a result, we should have a happier home.
3. Because we have been married in God’s ordained way, we are entitled to an outpouring of the Spirit on our marriage as we remain worthy.

 Sources of Information:

Gospel Principles

Mormon.org

The Duke & Dutchess of Cambridge +

Is everyone sick of hearing about Kate & Wills' wedding yet?  Good, I'm not either!  I couldn't quite make the 4am start time last night, but luckily, when I woke up this morning, E! was playing a rerun of the complete coverage.  By the time I got out of the shower, the countdown was at 20 minutes to Ceremony.  I was able to watch all of the Royal Family arrive at Westminster Abbey, and the Entire Ceremony.  It was wonderful (even though I missed the kiss(es) to avoid being late for work)!

I just love Kate and William.  The past generations of Royals have always felt a bit formal, cold, and stiff, but I think this younger generation is much more fun, charitable, warm and modern.  The more I hear about the couple, the more I like them.  Plus, they're both so good-looking, it's really hard not to like them.  And doesn't Kate just seem like the sweetest girl?  I think we would be friends in real life...

As a make-up fanatic, I love that Kate chose to do her own make-up, so as not to be "fussy."  She looked absolutely beautiful didn't she?  *Sigh*  I always cry at weddings, and actually got a little teary while watching the excitement on her face as she walked towards her Prince.

For those wondering "Why the Royal Wedding is such a big deal?"  I must answer by saying, A. because it's a wedding, and B. They're Royals!  Duh.  For those requiring a more in depth answer, I googled it for you.  Just click the photo to be taken to search results. 

For everyone else, I have to tell you my favorite parts of the wedding.

1.  When Kate was walking down that football field of an isle, I didn't realize that the Prince's backs were to her.  Prince Harry turned to look back at her and then he said something to Prince William. 

I have been dying to know what he said.  Some who knew Harry's personality speculated it was something like "Your Bird's Fit," which in British lingo translates to "Kate's hot."  But in all actuality, he told his big bro, "Wait 'til you see her!"  Precious.

2.  My second favorite part was when William couldn't get the ring on Kate's finger.  So cute.  I'm glad to know that every wedding can't be perfect, even if it does come thisclose.

3.  When Prince Charles married Diana, right before their first kiss, he leaned over and asked the Queen's permission to kiss his bride.  William asked Kate for her permission to kiss her in public.

4.  Kate's hands were shaking so bad as she made the four minute walk down the isle.  Her dad was rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb to calm her.  Most people didn't even notice.

Immortals

I have bad news.  My future hubby, Henry Cavill, is going to be in another new movie. 

Why is this bad news?  Because this movie sounds like it has the potential to be BIG.  Appearing alongside Superman (oh did I mention he is the new Superman?)  on the list of 2011 Potential Blockbusters, this 3-D "Greek Mythology Epic" is rumored to be filmed in the same style as 2006's 300, but with the budget of 2010's Clash of the Titans.

Acting alongside the gorgeous Brit are Mickey Rourke as evil King Hyperion, and Kellen Lutz as Greek God of the sea, Poseidon.

Henry's The character of Tarseus is pegged as a cross between Caravaggio (I'd never heard of this and had to look it up) and "Fight Club" which sounds pretty BAMF {source: http://teaser-trailer.com/2010/05/immortals-movie.html}.  Originally, the director thought Henry was a little chubby for this role... uhh excuse me.... Chubby?

Yeah... he had to cut weight and tone up so he looks like this.....

I think he's TOO skinny, I prefer men with a little meat on their bones, and like Henry's look in the Tudors.  Think bronze Greek statue... but real!  He was juicy, that's for sure!

After glancing at some message boards, it seems as if Director Tarsem Singh is pretty BAMF as well.  I'm not familiar with a lot of his work, I saw The Cell, and actually liked it; but thought his acclaimed work "The Fall" was just "OK."  Apparently he is an "underground" "art house" type of director, and fans of his are actually worried at how mainstream he will become because of this movie.

This film has almost three times the budget of 300, but is shot in the same style style; using green screen effects mixed with "on location" scenery so it should look really good.

Although filming for this movie began in April of 2010, there isn't much information about it, but I'm excited to find out more.  It won't hit theaters until 11/11/11 (neat).Unfortunately, if it is as AMAZING as fans are predicting, that means between Superman and this movie, Henry might jump to main stream celebrity.  {Now I'll never get a shot at a date!}

Miss Priss Beauty Poll April 27

1. Mood:  I am so sleepy.  I had a nightmare last night about zombies and it woke me up around three o'clock.  I was too scared to go back to sleep after that, so I stayed up watching infomercials until I had to get ready for work.  Stinkin' zombies.

2. Do you like wearing white in the spring/summer months?  Is there anything better than white clothing against tan skin?  My answer is no.  I love wearing white.  It looks so cool, so crisp, and so fashionable.  I have 4 pairs of white pants/capris/shorts, and numerous white shirts.  To be honest, most of my summer tops are white, because white doesn't show sweat... and I sweat a lot

3. How do you get yourself out of a bad mood?  Lately I have been feeling the stress of being a full time employee, a full time student and a hobbyist photographer.  I have found that rocking out to *NSYNC really helps!  Corny I know, but seriously, guys I hope you're contemplating a reunion tour/album, and doing it soon.

4. Do you remember the last time you used a hula hoop?  I used a hula hoop on Easter weekend.  I seriously scored with the Easter Bunny and got seeds for my garden, a kite and a hula hoop instead of the dreaded candy.  I played with it for a long time.  We even had a hula hoop competition, and I am still the reigning champion.  Have I mentioned that I have won every hula hoop competition I have ever been in since 1st grade?  Want to challenge me?  C'mon, I dare you...

5. What’s your favorite place to buy makeup?  I don't have a favorite place, pretty much any place that sells makeup is my favorite place, because it depends on what I'm looking for.

6. Did someone teach you how to shave your legs, or was it something you figured out on your own?  Here is the million dollar question, and Mom, if you're reading, don't get mad.  I wasn't allowed to shave my legs, even when all of my girlfriends started doing so in the 5th grade.  My parents thought I was still too young.  The summer from 6th - 7th grade, all of my friends and I got  Wet'n'Wild season passes, and I realized, if I was going to be there all summer, something had to be done.  I decided to shave my legs, without instructions, or anyone teaching me.  I learned quickly - the hard way - that I didn't need to push the razor against my leg, as this causes severe bleeding and ugly scars.  I continued to shave them for the entire summer.  Once school started again, I knew I'd get in trouble if my mom saw my naked legs, and she was sure to since I home a lot after school, and in our city, we wear shorts until November.  About a week into 7th grade, my mom noticed that my legs were pretty hairy, so she taught me to shave them the right way. 

7. A fictional TV character you’d like to hang out with?  The Salvatore brothers from Vampire Diaries.  They are so freaking handsome, and they both have pretty great personalities too.  I'd give old Elaina the boot and take her place so the two of them could fight over me.  My dream is to be in a Stephen-Morgan-Damon sandwich.  *sigh*  Awesome.

8. Solid perfumes: yea or nay?  I have never tried one... 

9. An article of clothing in your closet that you NEVER wear?  I have a really cute khaki colored blazer that I've never worn.  It's been sitting on its hanger for over five years.  I can't part with it because it's so cute, and I always think, "I'll wear that soon," but I never do.

10. Weekly goals:  Study!  I have finals in a few weeks, and I really, really need to start studying.

How is everyone on this glorious Hump Day?!  I feel like my week is really dragging.  I picture it almost like an old fashioned, slow motion, horror film, where I'm slowly being sucked into a black hole, or pit of lava or something.  Only, the black hole is actually Finals Week, and I'm clinging on to the ledge - metephor for "not studying."  Grr.  At least it's almost over... for now.

Your Turn

Fill this out and post it in the comments or on your own blog.  Be sure to link back!

1. Mood:

2. Do you like wearing white in the spring/summer months?

3. How do you get yourself out of a bad mood?

4. Do you remember the last time you used a hula hoop?
5. What’s your favorite place to buy makeup?
6. Did someone teach you how to shave your legs, or was it something you figured out on your own?
7. A fictional TV character you’d like to hang out with?
8. Solid perfumes: yea or nay?
9. An article of clothing in your closet that you NEVER wear?
10. Weekly goals:

I am well

I work with a man who is by far one of the smartest people I have ever encountered.  I've noticed how smart he is because he talks a lot about sciences: the chemical properties of things, astronomy, physics, and he even quizzes me for my biology classes.  I am not saying that only smart people talk about science, but it's tough stuff.  Since I do not currently work in a scientific field, I often wonder why he isn't off somewhere else, doing something great with all of his knowledge…

Every morning, I tell him good morning as he passes my office, and we exchange "how are you(s)."  Grammatically, I know that the correct answer to "How are you?" is, "I am well."  Not, "I'm good," or just  "good."  The reason?  The question is asking about one's condition, not their behavior.  Make sense?

Anyway, every time I ask him, "how are you doing?"  He replies, "I am well, how are you?" (He never uses a contraction or shortcut, always proper English).  Even though I know better, how do I typically reply?  "I'm good, thanks."  Sometimes I'll say, "I'm doing alright, thanks."  It is just habbit I guess.

Today, I decided I was going to show off my smarts and answer correctly.  Then as it came out, I tried to stop it because it just sounded so stupid; but it was too late... He said, "I am well, how are you?"  To which I replied, "I am well, as well."

*Facepalm*

Scenes from the Weekend Easter Edition

♥  It's good to know that at 25+2 I'm not too old to color Easter eggs.  This year I used neon colors, tons of glitter, and lots of stickers.  They were beautiful!

♥  Ev helped me build my vegetable garden bed on Saturday.  It turns out it I am not good with power tools.  After cracking the wood, and stripping 6 wood screws, we went back to Home Depot and exchanged the screws for nails.  It still took us a while, but after breaking 2 nails and 1 hammer, we finally found our "carpenter legs."  The whole time we were pounding away we talked about how cool it would be if we were like the guys on home makeover shows who only need three hits to get the 3 1/2" nail all the way in the wood.  Dad came out to help us finish up.... he's a three hit guy!  Awesome.

♥  Easter morning's air was filled with the scent of honeysuckle.  It was divine, but I got a migraine, itchy/red eyes and an itchy/stuffy nose from smelling them too much.  Stinkin' allergies!

♥  That Easter Bunny is getting really good at hiding eggs.  Some of them were really hard to find, and others just had clever little spots, like the one on Mr. Napping Frog!

♥  The Easter Bunny also brought me a Princess kite.  Luckily yesterday was a windy day so I spent the afternoon flying and singing the kite song from Marry Poppins... "Let's go fly a kite and send it soaring."

♥  I forgot to take pictures of my Easter dress, because, as usual, I was running late for church, but this was my outfit for the afternoon.  I'm pretty sure that these sunshine yellow, linen shorts are my new favorite article of clothing.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I sure did, except I did have an extremely embarrassing moment...  What's worse than breaking the Sabbath?

Breaking the Sabbath on Easter Sunday (cleaning up Saturday's mess included sweeping mountains of dirt off the front walkway) and getting caught by my old home teacher/ former Elder's Quorum President who's been away at Orthodontist school.  Even worse?  In my jammie pants, and tank top with a red Popsicle drip stain down the front, greasy hair, zero makeup, and un-brushed teeth.  Did I mention it was hot, and I was sweating?

I was thoroughly embarrassed.  He snuck up on me while I was sweeping, and gave me a big hug.  *Please don't smell my stink*  In stark contrast to my appearance, he was in his white shirt and tie, all ready for church.  *Facepalm* We ended up chatting outside for over 30 minutes.  It was really nice to see him, but the whole time we talked, I just kept wondering if he was looking at my dirty, un-flossed teeth.

Touche Sunday.  You win, from now on, I'll remember to get all my work done on Saturday.

His Sacred Name

Happy Easter.  Today, amidst the fun, the candy, the eggs, and the dinners, let's all remember to be eternally grateful for the sacrifice He made so that we might one day live with Him again.

Miss Priss Beauty Poll | April 22, 2011

1. Mood:  It's Friday!  Need I say more?!?  I've been in a bit of a slump lately and I can't seem to force myself to do anything that doesn't involve relaxing activities in the sunshine.  I have got a bad case of Spring Fever, and work and school aren't helping any.  Luckily, due to "Staff Appreciation Week" next week, our office is closing super early today!  Basically we're having a half day, but getting paid for all day!  I'm so excited to get an early jump on the weekend and doing nothing, outside.

2. Food you’re craving *right now*?  I want a red Popsicle.  I'm not hungry because I ate a big breakfast, but I want something sweet.  I think a popsicle right now would be such a treat!

3. Favorite eye cream and why?  I actually haven't tried a lot of eye creams.  I currently use, and have since high school, one from L'oreal.  It has caffeine in it so my puffy bags go away, I've also noticed it helps with dark circles, AND lastly, I don't have any "crow's feet" or other eye wrinkles yet.  But I'm not sure if that's due to the eye cream or good genes...

4. Ballet flats – yea or nay?  Sometimes.  I prefer heels because I feel like flats make me look "stumpy," but after a few days, my tootsies need some TLC so I opt for flats.  It also depends on who I'm hanging out with and what I'm doing.  I don't ever want to be the only person in high heels, or vice versa.

5. Which of your makeup brushes do you use least often?  I have a whole drawer of brushes that I never use.  In all honesty, I only use about 6 on a regular basis.

6. Is it better to be overdressed or under dressed?  I'd rather be overdressed.  At least I could use the excuse, "Oh, I have an Academy Awards after party to attend right after this."  I went to a wedding once and I felt awful because I was coming from work and had work pants on *gasp.*  When I got there, mostly everyone was in jeans, and one person was even in sweat pants and a hoodie.  I was relieved and shocked!  I realized it was a wedding, not a fashion show, and I'm sure the bride & groom would rather their guests show up as is than not at all, but still.  Would it kill ya to throw on a dress/slacks?

7. Would you rather spend your Friday night alone or with others?  It depends on the week I've had.  I usually like to play social butterfly, but the past few weeks, I've been home alone doing movie marathons on the couch.  Sometimes a little quality time with Number 1 is a good thing.

8. What colors would I see if I looked in your closet?  No colors.  Most of my clothes arent' in my closet, they're on my floor.  But really, I have a little bit of every color except red.  I hate red (but look good in it).  I purposely try to not buy a lot of just one color.  I like to mix it up.  However, because I mostly wear neutrals I think maybe I should just buy those and not waste my money on stuff I don't wear. *light bulb*

9. Can you ride a bike while wearing a dress?  Bad idea.  I did this once.  I was just learning to ride a two wheeler and I was wearing a maxi-dress.  OK, it wasn't a maxi dress, it was my mom's old silk nightgown that I used as a "Princess" dress up because went all the way past my toes.  I was on the bike, just getting the hang of it when all of a sudden, the end of the dress got caught in the bike chain.  Needless to say, there was an accident, and I had to find a new nightgown to play "Princess" in.

10. Weekly goals:  I have so much to do!  I need to start studying for my final exams, read this book I bought (more on this in a few weeks), fertilize and aerate my lawn, build a raised garden bed, give myself a pedicure,  get a haircut, find time in my schedule for 2 family portrait sessions, 2 children's portrait sessions, 1 engagement session, and 1 boudoir session all before June, and as always, clean my room.  Golly gee!

Hola amigos!  Lately, I've spending every free second outside, usually until after dark.  This weekend includes more outside-ness.  I've got a lot of yard work to do, and I'm building my raised garden bed for my vegetables (they're getting SO big!)...  Maybe I'll post some before and after pics.  I'm determined to make my backyard a "retreat," so that I can take full advantage of warm summer nights!  Any fun plans for your weekend?  Let me know!

There was a bee...

Your Turn

Fill out the questions on your blog or in the comments!  Link back so I can read your answers too!

1. Mood:
2. Food you’re craving *right now*?
3. Favorite eye cream and why?
4. Ballet flats – yea or nay?
5. Which of your makeup brushes do you use least often?
6. What’s favorite eyeliner and why?
7. Would you rather spend your Friday night alone or with others?
8. What colors would I see if I looked in your closet?
9. Can you ride a bike while wearing a dress?
10. Weekly goals:

A Downward Spiral

It is turning out to be one of those days.  You know that kind.  Time for my iPod and angry workout music.

Breaking Benjamin

AFI

Rise Against

Seether

Shinedown

Korn

Offspring
Eminem
Marilyn Manson

&

Nine Inch Nails

You're up... take it away.

Spring Fever

Today marks the first official day of Spring!  We made it through the dreary winter and can now say goodbye to sweaters for a few months.  Here, we've been feeling Spring for a while - the weather has been in the high 80's to mid 90's for over two weeks, and I am getting full use out of all of my spring skirts! 

The outfit I wore today is quite simple, navy blue t-shirt and a white eyelet skirt, but  it is probably one of my most favorite outfits.  I really like navy blue... and white... and neutral colors in general.  I took a lot of flack for it at work.  The co-workers who see me as a "little sister" and always have fun nicknames to give me based on what I wear that day sure had a lot to say about this one.  "Little House on the Prairie," "Fraulein Maria," they said I "stole Batman's utility belt, now who's going to save Gotham?" and they commented that I do in fact work in an office, not a meadow full of flowers.  All I have to say is, "Whatever, I look awesome."  That seems to be my defense response to everything, "I'm awesome."

Apart from my crazy-bad-allergies (snotty nose and itchy red eyes), I've caught another kind of Spring Fever:  Not-interested-in-heat-appliances-fever.  It's bad.  Anyone who knows me knows that my hair is done everyday, blown out, rolled in hot rollers and teased.  Lately though, it's just been too hot.  I'd rather not take a shower, only to sweat off the cleanliness whilst getting ready.  So, I basically stopped doing my hair, except for a quick brush in the morning to get rid of the natural curls/waves/frizz and then tease it.  Tada! Done.  It's been looking pretty good too- and instead of being late for work everyday, I've been arriving early and picking up some overtime!  Who knew?

Lastly, I believe the most severe symptom of my Spring Fever is extreme girlishness.  Because of all this skirt wearing, I can't help it.  I curtsy at any given opportunity.  I curtsy at everyone at work and  when I went to the Home Depot the other day I actually curtsied at a stranger when they said, "Hi!"  Ladies, I think we need to bring back the curtsy, is there anything cuter?

Also, I find myself twirling a lot more than usual.  I love to twirl, and lucky for me, it goes hand in hand with skirts.  I read in a magazine this weekend that when Kate Hudson was little she would try on a skirt and twirl.  If her underwear didn't show then she wouldn't buy the skirt.  That's how you know you've found a good skirt, if it shows your underwear.

Hooray for Spring!

Broxer

Fweetie recently moved back to Salt Lake City.  To keep from getting too lonely, he adopted a puppy.   Brock the Boxer = Broxer!  Colby has been in contact with a breeder of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and has another puppy, Chale, on order.   He has been so excited for months for little Chale to come home and be his buddy.  However, when Colb heard that Brock had been badly abused by his previous owner, he couldn't help but instantly adopt the 10 week old puppy and he couldn't have found a better master!  Colby has always wanted his very own dog, and he's had a couple in his life.  He has so much love to give, and this little guy was sure in need of some TLC.  Brock L♥VEs Colby and gets so excited when he gets from work because they get to play and go to the park.  We even talk to him via Skype so he knows some other "nice" people.  My whole family agrees that Brock is kind of ugly, which makes him so cute. He has sad puppy eyes and and an under bite!

Colby says that having a dog is a lot like "having a three year old," it's a lot of work and Brock gets in to everything, so he needs to be watched every single minute.  He has already tried to dig his way out of the bathroom when Colb is at work (he's almost dug a hole in the bathroom door), he likes to poop in the house just to see if Colby will get mad at him, and he chews on everything, but I've never seen Colby happier!  Welcome to the family Broxer!

Do the Humpty Dance

It's hump day!  This morning, as I opened my garage to leave for work,  it would only open half way.  I closed it and tried again.  Same result.  Then I noticed something was stuck to the outside of the garage door...

To be honest, my first thought was that someone put a boot on my garage.  I don't know why my mind works in these ways, it just does.  I realize, now that I've had some breakfast, that "they" don't put boots on garages, high heels look so much nicer.  :o)

What the?

Somehow the garbage can had got caught on the garage door handle and gone for a little ride.  It took me a good five minutes to remove the it (opening and closing, and running around to the front door and then trying to lift - those things are HEAVY!)  I just know that this little "incident" is going to set the tone for the rest of the day.

In other news.  I went hot tubing last night and I'm pleased to report that the chlorine took off about 1/2 of the spray paint from my feet.  Another week or so, and it should be completely gone!

A word of Caution

Dear Self-

The next time you decide to get Spray-Paint Happy and resurface the patio furniture, please remember to wear the proper protective clothing.  While the fine mist particles on your arms may look slightly like a Caribbean induced tan, there simply isn't an excuse for your feet.

Love,

Yourself

It's been four days.  I've scrubbed and scrubbed, to no avail.  It simply won't come off.  Personally, I think it's hilarious, and often laugh at myself in these situations (I get into them frequently), but I have to admit, I do have a slight concern regarding lead poisoning.

On a happier note, the patio furniture looks great (more on that later)!  So I guess it was worth it.

Green Thumb Week | The Plan

Remember how I planted some vegetable seeds a few weeks ago?  I have always loved gardening, and always planned on growing my own fruit and vegetables.  I think it's a very responsible thing to be self sufficient, not to mention it saves a TON on grocery shopping.  Last week, most of my little plants began to sprout, and I have to say the satisfaction of working on something and seeing it come to fruition is a really incredible feeling.

I planted seeds in individual peat cups, and placed the cups, organized by crop, into larger containers.  However, they are not going to stay this way.  Mostly because they are (hopefully) going to get much bigger.  I've done a lot of research, reading, planning, and even joined a Garden Club at church.  I don't want to give away any surprises, but I am really excited about "the plan" and decided I would show off what I worked on last night.

Behold, my soon to be backyard:

 

Currently, my backyard consists of  a patio, a basketball court, mostly dead grass, a 5' tall raised planter along the back wall (full of weeds and rocks and a few rose bushes), and two side planters full of rocks and weeds, and some kind of fruit tree (no one remembers what it is... figs maybe?  Or dates?).  Above, is what I worked out tonight on the easiest gardening software program ever! 

Along the back planter, I have planted some climbing ivy's.  Hopefully, they will grow grow grow, and bring more green to the space.

This is a small representation of the herb garden I will have.  I bought a few 14" flower pots and in them have planted Cilantro, Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Chives, Parsley and Garlic. 

The primary purpose for using my green thumb is my raised garden bed.  It measures four feet by eight feet and will hold a plethora of fruits and veggies!  In order to plan out my garden, I decided to use "Square Foot" gardening techniques.  This method was created in the 1970's and was designed to get maximum results from small spaces.  Because so many crops are growing in each "block," weeds don't have room to grow.  Essentially I split my space into 32 1'x 1' sections and planted one crop per section.  The number next to the crop represents how many of those plants will successfully grow in each square foot section.  (I have planted Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Green Beans, Lettuce, Onions, Carrots, Spinach, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Radishes and Strawberries).

I also considered "Companion" planting techniques.  Different plants use and produce different chemicals and nutrients.  Each plant has different :companions: that produce the chemicals & nutrients it uses; conversely it produces the chemicals and nutrients the neighboring plants use.  If done right, planting this way produces higher yields of crops which are more vigorous against disease and insects! However, each plant also has "enemies," which are incompatible with it.  If planted next to each other, the incompatible plants will actually hinder each others growth, and even hinder production of fruits/vegetables.

Lastly, I used common sense and planned according to height.  Taller plants should be placed on the Northeast end of any garden and shorter plants should be planted on the Southwest end.  This is so the taller plants don't create shade for the shorter ones and block their sunlight.  Bell peppers, tomatoes and peas are all tall plants so they will be around the northern and eastern perimeters.  The other plants are relatively short (except for the green beans) and will be on the southern and western perimeters.  I sowed bush green beans (as opposed to pole green beans) so they won't be tall, but they will be tall enough to provide some shade to the lettuce, which will wilt in too much sun.

Planning has, by far, been the most complicated process of planting my garden.  But at least it's over... for now.

In the planter against the left (west) wall, I have planted three grape vines - 2 green and 1 red, all of which are seedless.  These plants needed a "sunny spot" to grow, but not full sun, so this side was perfect for them.

Lastly, I planted my berries (blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries) against the right (east) wall.  All of these plants are vines, except the blueberries which are more of a true bush. 

I am so excited to have an official plan, so that when I am ready to stick everything in the ground, I'll know right where they go!  I am so excited to find that I have a new hobby that I love, and I can't wait until everything is ready to eat!  Yum!