I've been tagged!

I've been tagged....

4 jobs I've had in my life...... Western Watts, Artco, Arrowhead Dental, and Intrmtn Ther. Shoes.

5 places I've been.......All of the West Coast states (not Hawaii/Alaska), Nrth/Sth Carolina, D.C, NYC, Mass., Pennsylvania, Ensanada Mexico.

4 favorite foods......all Mexican and Italian. To be precise though . . . . Los Hermanos Chicken Chimi's (including chips, beans, and salsa! YUM Its in Utah :( ), Olive Garden's Chicken Scampi and Pasta Fagioli Soup, Classic Thanksgiving meal, and DUH . . . . anything cheesecake or "bakery" oriented. . . . . oh and Roadhouse's BBQ Chicken with their yummy salad . . . Sorry it is mentally impossible to narrow down to 5 things. I am too obsessed with food . . .

3 people I'd like to get to know better..... people in my ward, certain people in my family, and probably friends spouses. . . . gotta figure out why they married them!!

4 reason's I love being me..... I have a great, supportive family. My daughter . . enuf said. The Gospel and the blessings I have received, personally. I have great friends . . that are still here for me.

4 classes I wish were offered to me and could participate in..... more dance classes (I dont take any classes at all), scrapbookings classes (have had an opportunity once, but couldnt make it), a culinary class, interior design. . . . Well those are all Ashley's answer and I couldn't agree more!

4 friends I want to tagg.....Lacey, Jen, Janalie, and Desi

Funny realization

So the last 15 almost 16 months I have been in a bit of denial about how much Araleigh looks like Cory. I really wanted to believe that she had more Hendricks in her. So today I decided to take some pictures with her because I hardly have any with her and I. I am always the one BEHIND the camera (or else there would be no pictures) so I am usually not in them. So I thought that I wanted to get some with me and her . . . so she'd know that her mom was really apart of her childhood. ANYWAYS, so looking over our pictures . . . I see nothing resembling me in her face. And I am devastated. No wonder why no one thinks she's my daughter. She is ALL CORY. She might have my nose . . .but thats IT! I am truly hurt. You'd think the Lord would let there be some kind of resemblance that she is my child. . . besides her stubborn attitude. The only way some one will know she is mine . . . is if you make her mad. There is the resemblance. Well, at least she is cute . . . so I can't be too broken hearted!!!

Araleigh is not the mail mans!

So I am officially 1000% sure that this child is Cory Arnolds! My daughter has officially made her signature move that has made her daddy proud! The Arnold family (well, Cory's family I don't know about the rest) have always had an obsession with fan/heaters. Since I have known them, every single one of them have a heater and if they are sitting at their house . . . it is ALWAYS running on their feet. Now at first, I thought this was really weird . . . cuz every single one of them do this. But I am now embarrassed to say . . . I have also been converted and love to run it on my bare feet. lol My feet are always ice cold so its nice to have the heat on them. ANYWAYS, so our little heater is always sitting at the end of the couch . . . because it is usually running if I am laying down or Cory is. Yesterday, Araleigh got up on the couch and whined until I went over to see what she wanted. She sat there and tried to turn the switch herself . . . and couldn't do it and whined until I did it for her. So I turned it on and what does she do ................. she lays down and sticks her feet in front of it. It was the FUNNIEST thing ever. When I called Cory . . he said "This is the proudest day of my life!" lol Which was funny cuz I would think there would be more important things to be proud of . . . but since this is a signature move of the Arnold family, I guess its okay that its his proudest moment! So at least he can be assured that the mail man didn't bring the mail the day of conception! :)

I got a new nephew!!!!

So I was planning on heading to Boise to be there for the birth of my new nephew . . . but Idaho is known for its unexpected winter STORMS . . so we got stuck here, unfortunately. I am sad I couldn't be there. But here it goes . . .

Kiesan W. Niederer
6 lbs 12 oz. (same as his cousin, Araleigh!)
19.5 inches long

I am not sure on the time . . it was before noon. My sister always has them really fast, lucky girl!

Anyways, he was born with a cleft lip and we are so grateful that it was nothing worse or too serious. Sometimes those kinds of things can lead to worse defects like heart conditions. But luckily its all just cosmetic. He is healthy as far as I know and I think he is so stinking cute! Here is a picture of him . . . I definitely can't wait to meet him! I have and always will be a proud aunt. Hopefully my nieces and nephews don't think I am crazy cuz I am obsessed with them! (and my own of course)

President Hinckley

So I just heard the news about 30 minutes ago about the passing of President Hinckley and thought I'd share my thoughts. I am so grateful for the leadership in our church. How wonderful it was to grow up being guided by such an inspired, sweet spirited man. I am very grateful for the generation that I have come from. I am sure there were many wonderful prophets before our time . . . but I am truly grateful for this one who was so in tune with the needs of the youth and reached out to us. He will be missed, but truly it is a happy day . . . he is now reunited with his wife. And as for those of us who believe . . . what a sweet day. I am grateful for the beliefs and truth that I know and am again grateful for the knowledge that families truly are forever.

P.S. I love you

So I saw this movie and WOW! Its a good one! If you want to see the cutest movie ever here it is. It was sad, funny and touching. It's so frustrating how movies can make you just want to jump into the screen and live it! Anyways, I recommend this movie highly, although forewarning. . . it shows a cute man's tush! But thats the only questionable part . . . anyways. Loved it! Will most likely buy it when it comes out!

My new blog!

So I started my Recipe Blog today . . . and I am really excited about it. I am really only wanting to put on Recipes that I try . . . so I KNOW they are good. Anyways, so if any of you that read my blog want to contribute . . . again feel free to let me know of any your favs. Also, if you want to be apart of it . . . I can make you an "author" so you can post whenever you want. Let me know if you want to. I am super excited about getting some yummy ideas. I am having the BIGGEST cooking phase right now. Happy recipe exchanging!!

Oh and for you that don't know. Its under my blog buddies "Nicole's Recipe Box" ENJOY!

Calling all Cooks!

So I have been having such an itch lately to widen my recipe variety. I have never really been apt to try new things . . . hence keeping my cooking safe and boring. So I have been trying to reach out to people who have yummy recipes that are easy to make. I hate all those recipes that require about 40 different ingredients in which you have to dice and slice 30 of them. . . those recipes don't mesh well with my child and I. . . both our attentions spans are too far off. So if anyone has any yummy things you are willing to share I would love to hear about them! I tried to go onto like recipe sites (foodnetwork. . . ect). . . but I get nervous cuz I would rather have a first hand account from people I know on whether its good or not. I hate being disappointed! I think I might start a new recipe blog . . . if I get enough yummy ones.

Araleigh is 15 months!

So today was Araleigh's 15 month check up at the doctor. It was not a fun time as it never is. But I am happy to report that she is growing taller faster than she is wider! She is 20 pounds, 30 inches tall. Which means like 10 % for weight and 40% for height. Her head is still really small below 5%. So our petite munchkin is growing and running me wild! I swear I cannot look away for much time without her having 20 different things everywhere or eating whatever is on the ground. But she is talking alot and is actually a jabberbox. Which I know she DEFINATELY gets from her father. She officially says banana (well nana), grandpa (bampa), mommy, daddy, grandma (bamma), up, eyes, popcorn (kinda . . only when she wants to sing popcorn popping)and now she officially say "NO MINE" and she fights with me all the time. I can't believe how fasta she is growing. I looke at my new niece and am completely floored by how the time has flown. I decided I am officially sad that I can't really call Araleigh a baby she is pretty much a toddler . . . but I am looking forward to the future and all the fun things that I get to witness as she learns more about this world. I am greatful to be a mom and especially a mother to a very sweet, fun spirit.

Twilight continued . . .

So I have officially finished 3 books in the matter of 3.5 days. I have never been that patient to read that much in my life. I pretty much didn't put any book down until 2-3 in the morning every night and woke up early to finish.. . I have astonishingly enough . . . finished and I am so happy . . . . yet mad. At first after I read the third book I was a little upset. . . kinda leave ya hanging there for a minute, cuz I had heard the author was only doing a book that complimented the first book Twilight which was Edwards point of view. . . so as I said before I was a little upset to not really understand the ending. But after doing research I realized that she is coming out with a continued fourth book . .. . PHEWWWWWWWWWW. I seriously wanted to cry. I was nervous there for a minute. Now the agonizing part is waiting until FALL to get it. The movie will be out then . . . . so maybe I will be okay after all. So this fall is pretty much gonna be awesome . . . . considering the Harry Potter movie is coming out in Nov, the Twilight movie in Dec and the book sometime around there. Makes me wonder if they are going to do a bunch of movies like Harry Potter. That would be AWESOME! Anyways, enough about my ranting. I am officially burned out on reading for the next few weeks . . . . my eyes are killing me. But I hope to find another book just as incredible to take up my time until I get to read the fourth book! If you haven't read this series . . . I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. . .

Captivating Book!

So there has been so much talk and hype about the Twilight Series from various people that I know . . . . So last night I decided to read into what everyone is talking about. I started reading it last night at 10 and just finished it! WOW . . . can't even believe the emotions that book had on me. Made me wish I was in some kinda freaky, forbidden love relationship. ahaha. Anyways, I have completed book 1 and am starting book 2 tonight. I know there is 3 now and hope I don't get to book 3 and freak out because I am left hanging for book 4 (which is apparently in the works) we will be doing a Harry Potter all over again. Anyways, so for any of you that are interested in an incredible . . . captivating love story I recommend it highly. Actually I heard they are making a movie of it . . . . even better!!!!!! Honestly . . . . I could not put the book down . . . even with a 15 month old terrorizing my house . . . I pretty much didn't care as long as I got through to know what happened!!!!! So the result is . . . I am compelled to finish the 2ND book tomorrow in anticipation . . . . and I now realized that my house has been destroyed by a child with size 4 feet. Evidence is everywhere . . . . including her favorite treat (goldfish) smashed all over my carpet. I guess if that doesn't tell you how engrossed I was I don't know what will! lol

Indulgence in the unrealistic!

Okay, so I know that I said in my "08 goals" that I wanted to decrease tv time. Well, so I fibbed a bit. I have become completely obsessed with primetime television! Everything that starts after 7 has become an obsession to me . . . kinda sad . . . I KNOW! But I can honestly . . . but sadly say that I have a show that I love to watch EVERY NIGHT (except fridays & Sat.) Can't even tell you how much my husband makes fun of me for this . . . but there are so many stinking good shows on now. Kinda stinks they aren't on during the day so I can spend more time with Cory at night (like he cares much anyways more time for HIM time plus hence my goal for daytime tv to be lessened for ARaleigh on her part). . . to bad for him! Anyways, so Cory and I have recently become obsessed with the Office. I had absolutely no interest in it cuz I thought it looked stupid. But Cory thought it was funny so for Christmas I bought him the dvd seasons. . . . holy cow is it a funny show, I had no idea what I was missing. Dwight is my all time fav. Can't even imagine being on that set without dying of laughter! Anyways, as always I will always and forever be a Greys Anatomy #1 fan . . . I am obsessed, literally. Stinks cuz they fell on the same night same time . . . thank goodness for online video! lol Anyways, last night I watched the premiere of Cashmere Mafia and got a bit intrigued. . . so that will probably be a new obsession also. As well as Private Practice (Greys knock off), Dirty Sexy Money, Desperate Housewives (not really obsessed more of a "I'm bored so I will watch") Samantha Who?, One Tree Hill, the Hills, and the Bachelor. Also love 24 and Lost except we only watch those when the seasons come out . . AHAHA . . . yeah . . . Pretty pathetic . . huh? the funny part is there is probably more I just can't think of right now? haha Well, I already get told how pathetic I am by Cory ALL THE TIME . . . .but at least I am fully aware that if I am bored any night of the week . . . I can simply sit down, relax with a pillow and blanket and a nice cold pepsi (I mean water . . lol) and enjoy a good show. I officially don't know what I would do without my television. . . therefore . . . I am Pathetic! No wonder I don't ever get anything done. :)

Introducing Londyn Grover

My new niece was born today at 4:16. Tell ya what . . its a lot funner witnessing the births than being the one giving birth! She is definitely a chunk and is super cute!! I decided that me watching the epidural go in is not a good thing if I want more kids! Thought I could handle it since I have done it . . . but I'd rather not see how it works!! MY BAD!She was 7 lbs 1 oz and 18.5 in! It was fun experiencing the whole thing over again . . . not being in the hot seat!! Now Araleigh is officially NOT the baby of the family anymore. :(

2008 Goals!

So I thought I would write a few goals that I would like to achieve in 2008. Its kinda funny how people set resolutions . . . yet they hardly ever get achieved. Well, maybe if I look at it more as a goal than a promise . . . it will be better achieved. Here goes . . . .

1. Definitely need to lose some lbs and get my medical condition under control. Hence meaning, slimming to a diabetic diet . . . which will be the hardest thing I will ever do, less carbs and no sugar sounds like TORCHER to me!!

2. Watch less television . . . and be more creative instead. I decided that I should be a better example than watching tv during the day. It gets so easy to let Araleigh just sit in front of her Baby Einstein and watch whenever . . . but I decided it would be more beneficial if we start being active and more creative in our daily activities. I have no idea what I am going to do . . . but hopefully I can figure something out!

3. Learn how to manage stress. This should be number one!

4. Go to the temple once a month. Possible start to get more into geneology.

5. Family trip this summer. Really would love to save and go to Nauvoo . . but that might be another year.

6. Start to expand our family . . . . this is a maybe. We'll see what happens.

7. Start living on a budget. I say this every year. But between me and Cory I dont think we work well with budgets . . . so maybe this year we can really start sticking to one for both our pockets sake!

8. Try something new.

9. Drink more water . . .. less pepsi, coke, and rootbeer.

10. Start dating my husband again . . . seems like since Araleigh was born we have put that off. So my new goal is to go out with him at least 2 times a month on a date. Probably a movie since the whole time before Araleigh was born we went to a movie every week. It was insane but so much fun. ahhhhhhh the good old days when there was time, money, and lots of me time.

All in all . . . . hopefully some of these can be accomplished someday. Can't wait to start number one! (in fact I am just sweating thinking about it!)