a case of cot

Feeding the ducks

2009-11-01T15:50:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween!

U2 with Emily

2009-11-01T15:45:00.002-05:00

Coolest concert set ever. It looked like a giant alien Octopus and had moving bridges over the crowd to the outer ring. Good show.Thanks Rach for the tickets again!

A day out with Quinci Jae

2009-11-01T15:30:00.003-05:00

Q.J. accompanied me to a play that my boss was in. Afterwards when I asked her what she wanted to eat she said, fries and Ketchup. Then we went to Borders and let her pick out a book. She picked out the princess pop-up castle book and she also picked out a book for each of her brothers. She is such a fun girl. I always enjoy her company. She gives me great smiles and hugs.

I sang her the theme love song for each Disney couple as she danced their little paper doll cut-outs around the castle dance floor....some songs more than once.

Conference Weekend in Utah

2009-11-01T15:00:00.006-05:00

Oatina George (Malia) and I spent a lovely day together with Karen and Kanoe in Salt Lake and Park City.

Hilary Weeks. She was so gracious and told me to keep up my songwriting. I like that lady.

Ms. Cassi Gile

Mission Reunion
Me, Huish, Browning, Osborne

President Moffat

Sister Moffat

Cass

Hilaree and sweet baby girl

Sundance

Case, Skunk (featuring the Attansio Brothers), Brit

Holla for Utah Peaches

It was the perfect weekend with friends, family, and fall. Staying at April and James with Brit and Jess there was so fun. The Attansios are such good hosts with conversation, fine dining, and Sunday conference in pajamas on the couch.

Stacy's Baby Shower

2009-11-01T14:56:00.001-05:00

I talked to her last night and he is coming in just a few weeks! I can't wait for the little love.

Carli's Birthday/Webster girl's night

2009-11-01T14:50:00.002-05:00

Watermellon Carving

2009-11-01T14:33:00.003-05:00

Apparently back in August we couldn't wait til October to carve large fruit.

Swimming {more summer pictures}

2009-11-01T14:26:00.003-05:00

Summer always consists of LOTS OF SWIMMING. My parents have time share in Scottsdale and we can use the pools so when we weren't in our own pool it was fun going to the fancy pools.

Some end of Boston Summer Pictures

2009-11-01T13:53:00.006-05:00

So I had one delightfun time in Boston this summer. I quit my jobs before I left to Europe so when I got back my days consisted of job hunting, breakfast out on the deck with my journal and or guitar, then long walks through the city {in perfect weather} exploring museums, the island off the coast, the zoo, and all of the Emerald necklace treasures by myself while everyone else was at work. Meg and I would round up some people {or contentedly just us} and drive up the coast to a variety of beaches, berry picking farms, and antique port towns. Unfortunetly, I didn't have a camera through all of this but before I left to move back to AZ (beginning of August) Leonardo gave me a camera so I have these pictures of my last weekend there. I still need to get some pictures from Meg of some of the other summer festivities.

Arabian Nights Party
(belly dancing Donatella, palm reading, henna tatoos)

On our way to Walden Pond for a night swim (this was a spiritual experience...being in a lake in the middle of the forest, in the middle of the night. I layed on my back moving my arms back and forth in the water, gazing up at a blanket of stars with the moon just peeking out behind the hill of trees to light our night. One of my top favorite nature moments where God spoke to me through His creations.

Ashley's Bridal Shower

Em's Birthday Party

A great last weekend note to end on.

Can't wait to hang on Halloween

2009-10-13T16:15:00.002-04:00

UPDATE: some things that I like lately

2009-10-10T22:18:00.007-04:00

I like my job. I like the people that I work with. I like that I can see planes taking off with a backdrop of camelback mountain from my desk by day, and if I work late I can see the city lights by night.

Last weekend I scored a voucher for $750 from Delta for giving up my seat on the plane back from SLC for a later flight. {that will be towards my England flight, thanks.}

If you are what you eat then at breakfast you can call me:

but by lunch my name has changed to this:

I'm loving fall rollin' in!

I bought these C.D.s the other day and I'm lovin' them both equally.

Let's hear it for my boys

2009-09-19T22:21:00.011-04:00

So I know...the blog has been neglected.
I decided to update it with some pictures of my 3 main men and myself. I took them out for an outing a few saturdays back. We went to IHOP where the pancakes smile and to the dollar tree where you would have thought they were making a crucial decision at a car dealership when I let them pick out two toys each. Then we went to Seetas to play with the new toys and put together a dinosaur puzzle that I had purchased for the outing. Dinosaurs kinda rule our earth again, at least in Cotter's world. I love these boys like love loves love, which creates the problem of me rather hanging out with them then the boys my age.

Cotter

Gage

Benny Cruz

SUGAR

Europe is Amore

2009-08-16T13:50:00.016-04:00

I went to Italy,Croatia,and Greece this summer with Kenz and Mom (Dad was there for Rome and the Amalphi coast too). We met up with Simona for Florence and Milan(my dear,dear mission companion from Italy) and had a lovely, lovely, lovely time. Oh, how my eyes flourish and my heart sings in Amore land. I wrote an Italian song with my phrase book. I will for sure go with my love someday.

Theives Suck

2009-07-17T02:51:00.003-04:00

So I know my blog has totally lacked since my camera has been stolen. The saddest part of the blog thing is that I have so much to blog right now. I have been playing in Europe ETC. this summer and I have a lot to document. I will get to it. I will one day get a new camera and I WILL BLOW YOUR BRAINS WITH www.acaseofcot.blogspot.com but until that day....stay tuned my lovies.
Here is a Europe sneak peak:

Stacy's Visit to Beantown

2009-06-28T12:19:00.005-04:00

This sweet girl came to visit me back in April (but I am now just catching up on the blog). We had a great time. We saw a lot of historical sites and just had some good old "acey" laughs. She is such a lovely eternal friend, it was fun showing her around my town.

The Bruins

2009-05-15T13:55:00.008-04:00

The Bruins lost in an intense game 7 overtime last night. The Stanley cup was ALMOST ours this year. Just barely slipped from us, but we still had an amazing season. I have enjoyed becoming a hockey fan and for a winning team too!!! Bostonians love their Bruins and I beam everyday when I see Bruins shirts/jerseys/etc. on people around town cause the Yelle's have converted me to the sport (the amazing family that I nanny for). Below is my boss at a pre-game interview yesterday.

I'm so proud of these two

2009-05-15T13:40:00.008-04:00

Then

Now

I talked to Dane the day after the finale and he filled me in on fun details. He has goals of losing a lot more this year. He is on a roll I tell you. They both are. They make this look good. They run marathons, triathalons, ironman races (hence they are now tan from being outside so much too)and still fit in jobs/church/being amazing Dads and family guys. They make me want to be healthier. Thanks you two, You inspire. I LOVE YOU both.

Martha's Vineyard

2009-05-02T12:56:00.012-04:00

Well, I have some good news and some bad news...
First we'll get the bad news out of the way:
My Camera was stolen in Martha's Vineyard, which puts a damper on future picture taking and all of the pictures on it that I was going to post on here from other various recent events :(...this makes Case sad.
But luckily for the good news:
Martha's Vineyard was great! And Sarah took some really great pictures.
I had such a fun time with these girls from my ward. Martha is a beaut of an Island. so charming with it's nautical-beach cottagy feel. Cute little shops, shops, flowers...everything was cute. And the branch there on Sunday reminded me of Wales...which made me happy.
We took a ferry from the Cape and stayed at a delightful bed and breakfast. I had a lovely time. I'm so so glad it is warming up.

Ashjovi meets youtube

2009-04-27T23:57:00.001-04:00

I am passionate about electric guitars made of cardboard and poster paint

Missy HigginsTo Be A Real WriterHarlan Coben

2009-04-09T05:23:00.000-04:00

my house on the library floor

Missy Higgins (one of my for sure faves) and Harlan Coben joined forces for a booktalk/concert yesterday at Copley Library Auditorium. I have been a fan of hers for several years and I should know him better because his books are always New York Times best sellers. They talked about the creative process of where their writing comes from. This was fabulous for me to hear. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. He gave a short reading from his book, "The Woods". I was quite impressed with it and look forward to reading some of his stuff. Missy gave an amazing live performance and I left on a high. We were right there
(2nd row) so close to her, and she played without her band so the concert had a very intimate feel. She is so good, however, she is humble and real that I felt like I was able to connect to what she was saying about her writing process and feel a respect for my own songwriting process more. More than a few of her songs have paralled my life so closely at times that they became my 'theme songs' to get me through the changes occuring through those times. One of those was, "Going North" and was my song about my move to Boston. If you don't know her... well.... just go and buy her c.d.'s "Sound Of White" and "On A Clear Night" and you won't be disappointed.

STILL GOING STRONG!!!

2009-04-07T19:25:00.000-04:00

Blaine and Dane then and now.

This is after their triathlon a few weeks back. THEY ARE DOING AMAZING!
(thanks Daney for letting me borrow these pics off the bloggety-blog)

Gabriel's Art Show

2009-04-06T17:40:00.000-04:00

He asked me play some tunes, I had a great time the entire evening. THE MAN IS TALENTED!!! If any of you are in the market for some great art he has prints left (and maybe a few originals, but I think he sold the majority of them).
p.s. He got baptized in December and is so solid. I love our gospel chats, he really gets what it's all about. AMAZING FRIEND=GABRIEL.

Eagle Woman

2009-04-06T12:54:00.000-04:00

So my friend Casey and I were talking the other night about what kind of superhero powers we would want. I told him that I would want to be half eagle/half human and be able to fly and swoop down and pick things up with my claws. I also said that I could light things on fire with my eyes but that I would only use this for good.He replied, "like what? a campfire?" HE LAUGHED THE ENTIRE SCENARIO UP. So today he told me to check my inbox and this picture is what I found.

He proceeded to make a profile for the hero "fire in flight"
Name:eagle woman
Role Model:Big bird
Favorite Band: The Eagles
Favorite Song: I believe I can fly
Life Goal:to become the universal symbol of freedom and light the olympic torch with a blink, and to replace the Eagle on the dollar bill.....
{I forgot the rest of them but all I can say is that I hurt from laughing.}

President Munday

2009-04-05T19:00:00.000-04:00

My first mission president was called to be a 70, he is amazing! Get ready to hear some fabulous doctrine when he speaks.

This=Case happy

2009-04-04T10:21:00.001-04:00

T.C.I.T...it's conference day!

Sara LOVES Boston too

2009-04-01T00:36:00.000-04:00

Listen to where she wants to move!
p.s. If you ever get a chance to see her live...GO!
Girlfriend can jam & she was really 'real'. Meg got me tickets for my b-day and I got to go with Em and some other fun girls from the ward.

Candlestick pin bowling

2009-03-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the New Englanders way of bowling. The pins are light and straight and the ball is small. It was rocky at first, but I actually ended up the winner of the night. (My friend, Michelle, and I below) Also photographed is Emily and Cami (it was a themed 'redneck' night) and Meg being intense.

PIN
SPECIFICATIONS

BALL SPECIFICATIONS

P.s. below is a link of how I bowl in regular bowling. My Favorite part of the video is my Mama Jude's laughing.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=65498378944

After bowling we went to my friend, Mike's "Jet Set" spring break party. It was posh, he hired bartenders to make fancy (alcoholic free) drinks and had yummy caterings. It was fun.

YOUNG

2009-03-27T20:15:00.000-04:00

S M T W T F S

I'm too young for this...but what do you do when you always forget to take vitamins?

*(I solace myself in the thought that I get mistaken for a student at least once a week at the high school I sub at).

Costume change

2009-03-26T22:53:00.000-04:00

Saturday was the ward talent show.
Ryan and I were first singing a duet that I wrote called, "Singing Trees". I had so so much fun singing this. I am totally getting over the nerves and just having fun now singing in front of people. Who needs drugs when I get such a high from music? Ryan owns a recording studio so he knows all the music goods, I love being hooked up to the amp and on mic. It's fun to hear it as it's heard by others.

and then there was the costume change...

Let me introduce you to the band:
ASH-JOVI
My friend, Ashley (pink guit) organized an amazing lip-sing to Bonjovi's "Livin' on prayer". I think that you all need to go listen to that song now because it is an all time great.
My stage name was "fire in flight" (my guitar flamage+ the eagle on my jacket...Malia, that was for you). And no, that isn't a wig.

I was on electric, which was Sweetness in Rock form because I got to do the guitar solos behind my head....down on my knees....and eventually with me climatically on the ground kicking my legs in the air.
Let me tell you, we rocked the roof off that cultural hall.

Boston Sports

2009-03-21T02:05:00.000-04:00

For those of you who don't know, I part-time nanny for one of the Prossional Hockey players here, Stephane Yelle. They are such a nice family of 3 (soon to be four). I watch the games with their daughter (2) before bedtime and we cheer, "go daddy!" Even her dolls cheer for Dad. We sit them on the couch and raise their arms up in pandimonium when he is on the ice.
Here is a game that they gave me tickets to back in January. I took my friend, Seth. It was a lot of fun watching the amazing Bruins (they are having a FABULOUS season and are up there in leading the league). Stephane is the one on the far right #18 whoop whoop!

Recently Sheena scored some tickets to a Celtics game and guess who got to go with her?...Me. Now if asked who my favorite NHL hockey team is, I would surely say the Bruins (sorry Coyotes). However, my heart can't even flinch when it comes to leaving the Suns. NO QUESTION. But the Celtics did put on quite the show, nonetheless. I would classify them as the second favorite (but don't worry Kenzie, there is a BIG distance between the first and second). It was really fun getting to be in the garden again. We can see the Garden arena from our place in Charlestown...we are just across the river. On a Celtics night it is lit up green, on a Bruins night it is lit up yellow). Thank you Sheena again for a great night of cheering the green on.

We had premuim seats and had another great win. I'm 2 for 2 in the Garden, now I just need to go to Fenway and see the RED SOX win (unless they are playing the D-backs).

The Miracle of Leo

2009-03-19T20:39:00.000-04:00

One late-tired night early in December Meg and I were coming home on the Train and for some odd reason the train passed our stop by....and the next stop...and the next stop...and....finally with some angry people banging on the driver doors, the train finally came to a halt (we think the driver fell asleep- that had never happened before to any of us). Well, we got off the train and headed over to the other side of the tracks to catch the next one coming back. It was then that we met this nice man from Brazil, Leo. We started chatting and found out Leo lived in Charlestown and our conversation was devinely led ending with an invitation for Leo to join us for church. He came and really liked it. He started meeting with the Elders and reading and praying and taking advantage of all those Heaven-sent gifts.
On Friday, March 13th Leo entered the waters of Baptism. It was such a blessing to behold because I KNOW that God sent us all there that night to meet. It was one of the most spiritual baptisms that I have ever been to. I told Leo that the spirit there that night was enough to carry me for a long time. I feel so blessed that God let me witness the spirit come into his life and that I have been able to talk about my Love of the gospel with him and see the beautiful change come into his life.
Leo will be a forever friend because of the spirit that has brought us together. He is so generous. Between making huge Brazilian feast for the missionaries and I and others, treating me like a queen on my Birthday, walking quarters to me at midnight so I could finish my laundry load, and always having something kind to say to me, he is a great light to everyone who meets him. T.C.I.T THANK YOU LEO.

peace, love, and ice cream

2009-03-19T19:32:00.000-04:00

The happiest place in Vermont
Some friends and I headed up to the Ben and Jerry's annual winter festival located at their birthplace of Vermont. We got a tour of the factory and grazed the booths (which included MANY free samples). What a glorious day!
I got all chummy with the d.j. and he gave me this shirt autographed by Ben & Jerry themselves

ice cream now sculpture

Let the good times roll and ice cream fill our bellies.

On our way back we stopped in Sharon, Vermont...the even happier place in Vermont, because it's the birth place of Joseph Smith Jr.. We watched the J.S. video and toured the grounds and visitor center. It was lovely, especially the speakers they have surround sounded in the woods around. The Mo-tab playing makes you think that angels are in the trees singing. It's cool that there is church history here mixed in with all the U.S. history.
four footed monster (Kriscase) had a lovely time.

Nobody ain't leaving without singin' da blues

2009-03-18T13:46:00.000-04:00

My roommates are so fun. On the week of my birthday they told me that was there great little yogurt shop that I should meet them at. So we (Carli & Dane were in on the secret) show up and I walk into this packed jazz lounge and see a table with about 30 plus of my friends there all smiling at me and clapping as I walked in. My friend Rob joined the band and led a happy birthday with my cake and then they announced that I was going to be playing 'open mic' for everyone there! haha. So I got myself up on stage and played a couple of tunes. It was really fun and the band was so sweet. They picked up on my lines and joined their instruments in and told me to come back and play again. It encouraged me to want to put my music out there more.
Thanks to fabulous friends for putting that together and for the dinner out and the breakfast in and the sweet post and kindness. I am one blessed girl, I felt like the whole week was a birthday extravaganza with all the fun that ensued.

25 feels pretty good!
And p.s. the CANTAB lounge is a sweet music spot. We had a lot of fun dancing and soaking up the energetic atmosphere....this is where the SOUL of Boston can be heard.

Dane & Carli come to Boston

2009-03-18T13:07:00.000-04:00

It was so fun having Dane and Carli in town.

fighting pirates at the U.S. constitution (we did all the Freedom trail historical sights)

We joked that Dane got a little "confident" with his skating skills because we couldn't keep up with him and he got all buddy-buddy with the skating staffAparently, this is the advice that he was given to skate with...I'm not sure what he is doing haha
tired from all the traveling (they went to NYC too)
slumberparty in my room & Dane doesn't snore much anymore...yay! His amazing dropage of the weight has cured his sleep apnea

(Dane saved up his calories for fine dining in the north end). We had a lot of fun, laughed, chatted, and saw a lot of sites. Oh, how I love these two. Thanks for coming guys.

Portugal is one lucky country

2009-03-18T11:23:00.000-04:00

I love my baby brother!
He has been gone exactly one month today.
I decided that I am sending him a collection of creepy/obscure/original postcards for the next two years, and perhaps the rest of his life. So if you see any, buy them and I will pay you back.
(he is wearing a British tie that I sent him from my mission)
setting apart

We talked most of the night and had some early french toast and this last hug to send him off.
He sounds to be doing amazing in the MTC and I know that he will be a part of miracles in Porto Portugal. T.C.I.T. LOVE THE BUD

My monkies and their Mom took me to the Zoo

2009-03-18T11:10:00.000-04:00

Aunt Kenzie's kind (orangutan)
Lions

Giraffes
My funny boy

Years ago my Dad got us this brick for a 'save the bears' fundraiser "Cotter kids love bears". Look for it! (there is also one by Diamondback's stadium saying "cotter kids love Diamondbacks and Mom".
I love the Phoenix Zoo and especially my little Monks.

R.B.B.R.

2009-03-18T10:07:00.000-04:00

Back on Valentines Day (we are romantics, I guess) my family had their first annual R.b.b.R race (rootbeer burger run). This is where the contestants ate a burger, drank a rootbeer, and ran a lap (my brothers think it's manly if you can guzzle down rootbeer and eat meat). They had 30 minutes to complete as many laps/consume as much as possible. There was a judge to make sure that everything was swallowed before starting a new lap. It was intense.

There was also a vote to see who could win the "best use of spandex" award (which explains some of the above)

Elsie in training
Callie is so proud of her father's pace
The grub and brewskies
There was a designated puke area. If someone did not use this area to let go of their stomache's rejected intake, then they had a half lap deferral (no bueno) Just about everyone made it to the bucket.

Best dressed (Adam, Brandon, and James)
Alas, my two brothers tied for first!! I've never been more proud of my GENES.
This is now the tradition for every Saturday morning nearest Valentines day if you would like to participate next year. Start stretching your stomach now.

For footage of the event go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehftlrNbWis
(sorry, because of youtube's copyright policy the music will not play on the footage, but is still well worth your gandering). ENJOY.

Wolf

2009-03-16T08:55:00.000-04:00

Well, I feel like Natty Gann {see this movie if you haven't, it is a personal favorite}. I had the intentions of hopping on the blog train full force {I even made my "things to blog list" in my little notebook and uploaded my pictures... all good to go} and then a wolf jumped into the train car {i.e. the stupidest-stupidest virus}. The only difference is that I will NEVER-ever become friends with the virus because it was not nice at all.

On the bright side, I should be picking up my computer today from getting fixed... catch up time.

p.s. A lot of you have PRIVATE BLOGS. I totally understand that, especially if you have kids. But if you wouldn't mind leaving your email on here so that I {a non-creepster} can read it, that would be appriciated {especially on days like today when I get over an hour for my prep period and have nothing to prep}. Also, if you still can't get to Carli's you can email her at carlipatterson@yahoo.com.
THA NKS.

LIFE IS GOOD

2009-02-12T11:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had some time to kill between subbing and meeting my friend, Leo. The weather was insanely divine in comparison to recent days (see the snow is melting in the picture below) so I nestled me (C) and some good ol' books under a tree on Brattle street near Harvard. It was nice to be able to enjoy being outside.And even better, I fly out in a few hours to go see this guy for a few days before he leaves me for a few years. oh, yeah....and if you should need to find me, I'll probably be here (perched like a puppy) most of the next week.

I couldn't ask for more this week.

Haymarket

2009-02-12T10:53:00.000-05:00

Located only 2 short train stops from me is one of my favorite places in Boston, Haymarket (which is touching Quicy market, Fanieul). I've recently made it a habit to do my weeks grocery shopping there because they have the GREATEST deals on fresh produce there, I am so pleased every week with my findings. It is a fabulous market, second only to Pike's (Seattle). We will go when you come visit me and I will make a big tub of salsa/veggie soup/salad goodness for you :)

Garland

2009-02-12T10:37:00.000-05:00

We have the perfect little walk ways to hang garland, and I'm in to the homeade-y look anyways, so I made this garland back in December for christmas. Here is the process of creating it in my room. I just cut out (a bunch) of cirlces. The finished product had tons of burgundy yarn and red dangly's hanging, but I don't have a picture of that stage of garlandage. I felt that our house also needed LOVE garland...
HAPPY V-DAY TO ALL MY LOVERS OUT THERE.

Sheena, Literature, and a series of events that followed

2009-02-06T23:36:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday we had a Birthday party for my dear roommate, Sheena. To mix things up a bit she had the idea of doing a literature themed event where everyone could bring a favorite excerpt from a book, quote, poem, etc. It turned out so well, especially with the intellectual Boston crowd and I loved hearing the things that people chose to share. We are compiling the copies of writings into a literature book for her.
This is the amazing Sheen blowing out the candles on her blackberry/apple cake.
READ ALOUDS

Below is my good friend, Gabriel, sharing one of his originals...he is so very talented.Sheena even had the romantics recited to her
AND THEN...

Someone had an idea to do the ol' eternal chair sitting circle of trust thing....one thing led to another....and we were lost in theatrics for the entirity of the night.After the chair, I got on all fours and pushed the dining room table back and suggested a pyramid. They Obliged without the slightest of a beg (amen to vaulted cielings).

( I shouldn't have worn the high waisted "booty pants")

and then it was the foot-bouncing-circle of trust (there must have been a lot of camp councelors/efy goers in the group)

The the weaved chain of unwinding hands, and cinnimon roll hug, and tapping game were a few of the various stunts to follow.

In summary, I turned and said to some friends there who were not from church (but also had their heads thrown back in hysterics), "this is why Mormons don't need booze".

A VERY GOOD TIME (P.S. SHEEN I LOVE YOU!!! "To being 25 LOVEY!")

Winter walks

2009-02-06T23:16:00.000-05:00

p.s. It is COLD here. I walk about a mile to and from the bus stop in both the morning and afternoon (which is a lot in these temps). In the morning, I just try to get to the bus and out of the bitterness as fast as I can without slipping on the ice (which has happened before). I am surviving it though and sometimes, when my eyes aren't frozen, I enjoy what I can see on my walks home in the afternoon.

Like earlier this week when I walked the lane beside some geese.
Or when the sun is out and it melts the morning snow off the irridecent burgundy bark on Austin Street (the picture doesn't do it justice).

or like today when I broke an icicle off a car bumper and pretended it was my nose. A spectator might have snuck by me when I took the bottom photo.

I never tell lies.

Chinese New Year

2009-02-06T23:05:00.000-05:00

Last Friday my friend, Chen Ying, invited me to a fabulous feast to celebrate Chinese New Year. This is the year of the OX, so it's supposed to be "slow and steady"...but I can't believe wer'e already into February, so I don't know about the slow part.

YUMMINESS!

PEACE in the coming year y'alls!

"Pizza! pizz-aaaaa!"

2009-02-06T22:47:00.000-05:00

"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie...."
A couple fridays ago this is what our oven looked like for a good 6 hours. We didn't have Friday night plans yet so we spontanously told everyone to show up with their favorite topping...and it turned into a pizza making frenzy.
Emallie

Ryan taught me how to throw dough like a proCan you guess which one is mine? Clue...my pizza is very happy that I gave life to him.

YUM!

true love

2009-02-04T08:22:00.000-05:00

+ _______________________________________

Teachings of 2008

2009-01-28T15:36:00.000-05:00

I never got my Christmas or New Year's posts up, but now that my Dad is letting me use his laptop over in Boston, I'm trying to keep up a little better.

I found this list in a notebook I took on the plane with me when I headed home for the holidays, I thought I'd share it still.

Things 2008 taught me:
*telephones are the greatest invention ever (especially when you live across the country from your family/amigos)

*I can tell a huge difference in me when I am having good scripture studies to when I am not so good at reading them and I can tell a difference in how I deal with challenges when I've been to the temple (it's true)
*The old adage is true, "it's better to have loved and lost love, then to never have loved at all"...but big breakups still suck more then anything.
*(outside my Mesa Utopian roots) Boston is the best U.S. city
*The church sociality really hands you immediate friendships
*How much God fills me when I do even a tiny bit for one of His other kids
*How to use & really appriciate public transportation on a daily basis
*How much relationships are what matter most in teaching

*That I have to make sure that I don't lose myself in looking out for someone else's interests
*How stories and songs are just waiting to be written
*How much I still need the wisdom of my parents
*How soothing a good cry and Peppermint tea can be
*How much I am strengthened by being close to people who have risen above so much in their lives
*How I really wouldn't mind marrying an apple farmer &/or vampire
*Who really, really cares about me
*How enchanting a true (New England) Autumn is
*How quick God is to forgive
*How I will always need a pair of red shoes
*How to be 'green' when it comes to grocery sacks
*More on what kind of wife/mom I want to be someday
*More on what kind of man I need for the both of us to be happy
*To always carry a little cash and my mini notebook around my 'big city'
*I really and truly hate mice/related rodents (oh, wait...I've known that for years)
*MY WEAKNESSES (I think every one of those suckers poked their head out this year)
*graduating from college isn't that big of a deal (I found myself thinking my after my last class was over, "now what?")
*How down to earth & normal professional athletes can be (I part-time nanny for a professional Hockey player here and they are such a nice family)
*How fast strangers faces can brighten into the faces of friends
*How I need to talk things out, or I'll have too many conversations going on in my head
*How amazing my sister, Carli, is (I've always known this but even more now as I've seen how she maintained her sweet, enduring temperment while Dane was away)
*How much I love living in a place with a lot of diversity of people
*How fabulous Arizona weather is
*How to hail a taxi

*That a pack of Costco toilet paper costs almost $20 (thanks Mom and Dad for all the years)

* I've seen/felt more priesthood miracles
*How I am blessed with the gift to find sincere joy for people in their joys
*How to stop and take a long walk when the weather is fine
*I am as strong as I thought I was, I'm just more fragile too
*People are good at heart (this was revisited a lot this year)

I simplifed my goals for the coming year and I am excited for what 2009 will bring. I think it will be a bridge year to the happenings of 2010 when everything that is crazy around us will start to return to normalcy. All I know is that I am okay with learning less 0f the less fun 'lessons' this year, but "come what may and love it." -Elder Wirthlin

DANE and BLAINE are my heroes

2009-01-28T15:22:00.001-05:00

Way to go having 4 out of 4 amazing weeks D&B.

"To DUECE & his CARDS"

2009-01-26T01:32:00.000-05:00

All the newscasters talking about the Cardinal's big upcoming game are forgetting to mention that their 'Duece' (#76) went to Winterformal with me senior year. Shouldn't I be getting some credit? ...kidding. But Dane did cut out out articles about Duece in the Newspaper when he got drafted and sent them to me on my mission and told me that I should have flirted more with Duece on our date back in highschool. lol.
I am so happy for him & his family. It couldn't have come to a more deserving person.
"CHEERS TO A NFL CHAMPIONSHIP!"
Nothings getting past his line next Sunday....nothing.

If you live in it, you have to have fun in it

2009-01-23T17:39:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I know I have some major catching up to do on the blog. I probably will recap some missed events later this week, but for today I wanted to show what I did on my day off on Monday because snow can be quite fun when you put your mind to it.

However, we didn't have the right sledding gear, so this was a trial run on a trash can lid....next time we will get the metal sled geared up to go.

Me

My friend Justin, it was hard going at first, the trash lid just sunk into the snow and we didn't get down the hill very far.

Victory! (below)

Coming out of church on Sunday.

A visit from Benson, Becky, and Kenzie

2008-12-19T12:18:00.000-05:00

We had so much fun when the 3 lovies came to my neck of the woods

Everything out in Boston and NYC was so Christmassy and we got the first sticking snow when they were here (it's been snowing mulitple days since...8 inches today)

Central Park

I have many fond memories and more pictures from this trip but was short on time today (refer to Kenzie and Becky's blogs to see Robert the homeless pigeon catcher,etc.)

"May your days be merry and bright"

2008-12-19T12:14:00.000-05:00

My Sweet Mom sent me these wellies. Thank you Mum for your intuition....so now I can look down in the sloshiness of the Boston streets and despite the weather, my days can still be bright!

Thanksgiving in NYC

2008-12-19T12:04:00.001-05:00

David Archuletta

This is my favorite picture....look at the Batons in mid-air

Miley Cyrus (H.M.)

It was a lot of fun. Thanks to Meg for putting it together.

Happy Birthday Meg

2008-11-26T12:04:00.000-05:00

Meg turned 25 on the 25th, but we celebrated with people over on Sunday evening. I couldn't ask for a better roommate/friend. We believe God sent us to Boston to be friends. I love her. "To a fabulous year Meg, Cheers!"

photoshoot in the woods

2008-11-25T13:23:00.000-05:00

Haha...I am not one to be natural in front of the camera, but Hayley came up again from Philli and we decided to go to Walden pond (the place the poets Emerson and Thorough discuss). We had fun. haha

BYU vs. Utah

2008-11-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

I think I was the only person in this room full of 70-odd screaming fans dressed in either red or blue screaming fight songs and fighting words that really didn't care that much about the outcome of this game.

Alas, Utah won. Above as the pregame/b-day dinner for Meg at yummy yummy Fire and Ice in Harvard Square. (justin, Vera, Barbara, Meg)

Boston Arnold Arboredum

2008-11-12T14:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we had the day off for Veterans, so we had breakfast at Ashley's and then Ashley, Savanna, and I went and explored the Arboredum

We kind of busted out into a full blown theatrical, it's actually quite unexplainable....but it led us to numerous ideas for our independant film that we are making in the Arboredum, we decided.

p.s. If you can't tell by my layers over and under my coat....it's offcially cold here!

Happy Birthday Savanna

2008-11-12T14:14:00.000-05:00

I love my sisters

2008-11-12T14:11:00.000-05:00

This was Anaka's first time to church with Meg and Sisters Phillips and Duncan.

Maine

2008-11-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

Saturday Rachel, Ashley, and I roadtripped it up to Maine, I love how close all the states here in the east are. We made to their Costa Vida there in Maine in 1.5 hours. We spent the rest of the day exploring some reaaallly cute port towns. I loved the little boutiques they had there.

Rainbow over Charlestown

2008-11-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

Bobbing for apples

2008-11-12T13:48:00.000-05:00

At our FHE carnival Darren and Ashley really were determined to get the apples, I think this is a great fall tradition.

Salem Massachusetts

2008-11-12T13:39:00.000-05:00

Hocus Pocus anyone?
Here are a few photos from when we went to Salem the week before Halloween. We saw the witch trial house and went through a scare house. The town basically throws a huge carnival to commemorate what makes their town famous. Below are Justin and Ashley in front of the Salem cemetary (I love how scared they really look).

Brad the witch, sorry again the library doesn't let me right click to turn the pictures.

Salem is really fun at Halloween...

Overlook Farm and Head of the Charles

2008-11-06T14:17:00.000-05:00

The Head of the Charles is the biggest rowing race in the world, with people coming from all over the world to participate. My roommate Emily used to row for Dartmouth and they asked her to be on the alumni rowing team again this year. It was so exciting all day getting geared up to see her on the Charles river.

First, Meg and I went to Overlook Farm for a ward service project. In our time there we were able to help a sweet old man paint a barn and see some pretty sites.

When we got back in town we headed down to the river

and met Sheena and waited anxiously for Em

and finally here she came...(third from the top...GO EMILY!!)

I felt like a proud MAMA, it was so much fun to watch her. {GOOD DAY}

Laur-Laur comes for a visit

2008-11-06T14:13:00.000-05:00

My good friend from my mission in Wales came to visit in October too. Laura and her mom, Pam, were like my home away from home and family away from family while I was in my last area. We've remained close thanks to Facebook and Email so I was soooo anticipating this visit. and the sweet thing brought Sheena and I British chocolate and custard (My roomate, Sheena also served in that area and was friends with Laur).

We had a lovely time, dining Italian in the north end and chatting about everything. Love you LAUR

Rachel and Chad Hatch come to the big city

2008-11-06T14:08:00.000-05:00

Okay so I am catching up on posts that occured a while ago, like when Rachel and Chad came earlier in October. It was so nice to be able to see them, but we totally bite the dust Rach...we took like NO pictures together! Oh, well we saw all these amazing pumpkins at Government Center together and chatted at Quincy Market the first night. They also came to my place for Breakfast one morning and we climbed the steps and looked out of the Bunker Hill Monument, and they came in to see me at work before returning to Mesa.
Thanks for coming R&C!

post below

2008-10-30T11:34:00.001-04:00

there was a draft that is now a post, but it's published a few posts down as "the perfect day"

First attempted robbery in the big city

2008-10-20T15:23:00.001-04:00

some lady tried to steal my purse friday night. She was small chatting with me and smelled a bit of booze, but when the bus pulled up and I reached in my purse to get my bus ticket out she pulled my purse back (whiplashing me back) and stuck her arm inside my bag holding a bunch of stuff. WEll, she should know not to mess with me, I yelled, "what are you doing?!!!" and elbowed her back hitting her..haha (the natural instincts kicked in, I guess) and she got away with nothing! The bus people made sure I was okay as my heart was beating. DOn't worry though I have pepper spray and am being very careful. :)

Mama-JuJu, Poppy-Benny, and Penny-Tangleton come for a visit

2008-10-20T14:36:00.001-04:00

loads to do and see in this citythe first public school in America (founded by Benjamin Franklin)

the freedom trail

A ferry around the city Scenic drives
Lexington and Concord
Public gardens and Boston common

Mike's Pastry in the Italian North EndQuincy Market and Faneuil Hall

In summary, we just covered a lot of history and enjoyed the bright trees outdoors. It was so fun to have them here and play hostess/tour guide.

The Perfect Day

2008-10-18T17:19:00.000-04:00

Meg's best freind Haley came to visit so we wanted to have a fun weekend with her, but GOODKARMA was on our side and Saturday we agreed was quite literally was one of the most fun days of our lives.

First, we drove out to the country and went apple picking (which was already posted).
Down the street from the apple farm we stopped at this great antique sale and I got the yellow eagle cakestand and the cool bubly green bottle, each for great deals.

We next had to take Hells-bells to Kimball Farm ice cream for gingersnap-mollassas ice cream, easily my favorite ice cream.

Then a girl from my work last minute couldn't go a concert she had tickets for so she gave them to us (4th row) for $10 each.

Jordin Sparks (I wanted a sign that said, "I voted for you weekly on American idol"). She is really cute.

Sarah Mclaughlin who was really charming. I've always wanted to see her live. I would love to go see her again, her set wasn't long enough.

and Bryan Adams, who rocked the house that night. I knew he had loads of good songs, but he could have kept playing all night and not have gotten to all of them. Then I had a little performance of my own....(above). We drove to Rhode Island after the concert for "fire on the water" It's where hundreds of people gather around the rivers of Providence as they have fire pits floating all down the river. There is lots of atmosphere, food stands, charity stands, and...music. As we were walking back through the crowds there was an ampitheater with lots of people sitting and passing by. In the center of it was a player piano with loud dramatic piano music coming out of the big speakers, but no one playing the piano. So I told Meg to hold my camera and I went down and pretended to play. Within seconds crowds started to form around me with people saying things like, "wow, she is really good", etc. Meg, Haley, and Barbara all were dying, which egged me on more...and it turned into a full blown concert for a few minutes. haha

The day was just so back-to-back on our side, the stars were aligned so much that we even found great parking spots everywhere we went, which is a miracle in itself in this town.

To perfect days!!!!!

Apple Picking

2008-10-18T16:55:00.000-04:00

Phil (the owner of the orchard) making the best apple cider I have ever tasted. He also gave us his mom's pie crust recipe.

yum!!!!! From Nature to my bell-ay!

T.C.I.T

2008-10-09T19:16:00.000-04:00

T.C.I.T is my acronym for the church is true. Conference was amazing, just the boost and answers I needed. "We thank thee oh, God for a prophet"...yes, I do! I just bawled with gratitude, saturday afternoon was my favorite session. I feel loved.

for those of you unfamiliar with what I am referring to you can check it out here:
www.mormon.org or www.lds.org

and this is why they call fall fall...

2008-10-03T12:47:00.000-04:00

loving the New England start of Autumn. I had a lovely time with Mom, Dad, and Kenzie on our scenic drives and sight seeing. More to Follow on that.

Claire's Birthday

2008-09-26T12:28:00.000-04:00

Last night we celebrated Claire's Birthday at our house. It was a lot of fun. We ate delicious figs pizza, salad, and Emily's fresh peach and Rasberry cobler. And I recieved lots of green cards on Apples to Apples, which I wasn't too humble about.
Emily, Birthday girl
Deliciousness

Regional campout

2008-09-26T12:16:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we had the church regional campout at Zion's Camp in New Hampshire. The suroundings were beautiful. Especially as we canoed around the the lake at the camp. As we circled around the lake we saw some trees starting to change, some cute reeds and lillypads, turtles, and Barbara and I tried to convince everyone that we saw a fresh water dolphin but they didn't believe us.
We had church at an ampitheater that overlooks the lake and trees. It was so lovely to be singing "How great thou art" in the scenery.
"and through the woods, and forest glades I wander..."
Barbara, Case, Meg: We shared a little platform tent and managed to keep warm. We were up pretty late around one of the fires as there were multiple guitars and a violinest playing.
It was so fun, I love the people here. Obviously I miss all of you at home though. Love you!

Ms. Casey, in the Kitchen, with the knife

2008-09-26T12:07:00.000-04:00

I fell in love with fresh beets in England when we used to volunteer to work in people's gardens and they sometimes gave us some surplus to take home. So with the cute little harvest markets that are here through the autumn months, I have taken advantage of fresh beets. yum
HERBAVORE
And I decided to have a little herb garden. But it's getting too cold and my rosemary and basil died. I was so sad...
But I managed to eat some lovely caprese and rosemary rice before they went to a better place. I love good, fresh food.

My House

2008-09-23T11:01:00.000-04:00

living room
dining room
kitchen (below)

On the corner of my street I feel like "case and the beanstock"

the front of my house
here is our view of Bunker hill from our houseI love where I live!! Charlestown was founded in 1617 (if i remember correctly) and my home was built in the 1800's. This neighborhood has so much history and character and everyone is so friendly. I love to go for walks around it. It's also a great location to the heart of Boston-Boston, it's just a quick train or bus ride away but we are able to live in a safer, cuter, less busy part of it. And my roommates are great, I might be here for a while.

My room..."Before and After"

2008-09-16T13:10:00.000-04:00

A word of warning now: the Library that I am currently at (where I will blog until I get my own computer) has a lock on the right click button for "security reasons" said the Librarian when I asked her about why I couldn't turn my pictures. So you might be having to turn your heads until I get my laptop (hopefully soon!) So the carpet was sick-nasty and my landlord was oblivious to that fact, so I ripped it out. The floor was bleach-cleaned and primed and painted. The walls had already been painted by yours truly and Meg...and it just went from there.
Thank you Target for all my living space needs and thank you to my discount at Anthro so I could get the glorious rug.
Here it is!

It's still a work in progress, but I have added on curtains and am working on my picture/goal board today. Yeah!!

Boston pictures

2008-09-10T11:12:00.001-04:00

at the temple
Out at "Figs", the cutest restaurant located here in Charlestown
Juliet, Sarah, Emily (roommate), Liz, Meg (roommate), me
On the "T", my transportation lifeline
At the Boston Public Library, which is near where I work at Anthropologie downtown
I LOVE it here. I am on my knees thanking Heavenly Father every day for helping this experience to happen for me, all is falling into place. I am a happy girl.

Am I dreaming?

2008-08-27T14:44:00.000-04:00

Sorry I don't have pictures yet...A BIG YET, cause you will be getting pictures galore of this enchanting place. I just wanted to give a quick update.
I flew in yesterday morning and my breath was even taken away by the landing. The place is so cool. I was picked up at the airport (by the way I got chills coming out of the airport in AUGUST...I am in for a humbling winter...haha) by one of my roommate's friends from the ward and at first look at her, I knew she had to be sisters with my good friend, Karen, from Kansas...small world! She drove me up to Charlestown and I was wide eyed the whole drive. Charlestown has a unique look to Boston. The Houses are all touching down the streets and are tall and brightly painted. The streets have cute side walks with flowers baskets, big old trees, street lamps. It is the cutest place. It seems very family oriented, as there are moms strolling babies around and families outside gardening.
Our house is no exception to the cuteness, from outside we have steps leading to cute big door and the whole house is so, well, nothing like anything I've ever lived in before. It has small choppy rooms, but makes up for that 10 fold in character. I live down stairs and the door outside my room opens up to our porch that overlooks a green little viney garden. I can also see Bunker Hill monument from there. I ate lunch out there today in absolute perfect weather. My sweet roommate Meg (who I already know is going to be a close friend, all of my roomates are fun I'm really excited) was so nice to take me to get a bed and some other things for my room when I arrived. Our house needs some work, so while she was picking up a few things at home depot, I decided to get some paint for my room. I also noticed next door they had a Target, and that assured me that I wasn't in a foreign country. I got bedding there and now I am excited about my room decor plans. I took a 'before' picture so that I could show you all the 'after'.
I really like my neighborhood. I have already made friends with the neighbors and everyone here has been so friendly and nice, with great accents . This morning on the walk home from the grocery store I saw really cute flowers that someone had just dug out of their garden and placed on top of their trash pile, so I picked them up and they made a lovely little arrangement for the kitchen. The land is green with all these original character-rich houses amongst it. I feel like I'm dreaming, I really do.
Well, thanks for reading this journal entry type post, I hope to get you some other stuff soon. I think I am going to go paint my room so I can start to feel settled, our entire house is filled with boxes and furniture, we are all itching for it to get in place so that we can feel like it's home (and I can start sight seeing!!!) Love you.

up, up, and away....

2008-08-25T16:20:00.000-04:00

I move to Boston today! I will miss all of you! Give me a couple of days to settle in and then I'll let you know a run-down of my new surroundings. LOVE YOU!

Nearly 80, and still gets down

2008-08-22T04:49:00.000-04:00

If you know my Gram, that you means you also love her. She is 100% amazing. You have to see her dancing, it kills me how cute she is, it's on my sister's blog here: www.kenziecotter.blogspot.com

More unnecessary, but necessary purchases:

2008-08-22T00:33:00.000-04:00

1. My blue samsonite: this will be my fun case that I decorate with stickers of places traveled to (like my header), the lining is really cute inside too. 2. The gold ornate metal candle holders to hang on the sides of a door or hallway (this was a purchase that I told Mom she needed for an upcoming decor project that she is collecting for).
3. This table...probably the best steal of all...it was only $8 and I love it! I love the wooden lillies carved into it. Lovely.
4. And last but not least, the most necessary purchase of all. I saw this case and it screamed Malia, not just cause of the monogram M, but it is just her (also with cute lining).

I got all of these at the same second hand store on Main. There is a vintage-looking floral sofa there that I salivated over. My Mom said she won't store any more junk for me, but if it is by some miraculous chance still there when I come back from Boston someday, it is mine. So no one buy it, I was almost tempted to rent a storage unit for it. haha.

Mysteries for today:

2008-08-22T00:19:00.000-04:00

My dad makes the boxed brownies for just about any event where he feels he needs to provide something for people to eat. I thought today as he made brownies for a ward event, "It's kind of amazing that thin crispy layer that always rises a bit above the brownies. You know what I'm talking about? It's only the boxed kind, not homeade...why do you think? Even more of a mystery...so A couple weeks ago while Courtney (my sister) and I were falling asleep, she told me that one of her friends/acquaintances from school, a rather portly gentleman, claims he can fit 11 quarters in his bellybutton. YES, 11! She said it was fact, not fiction...I have glanced over the inquiry daily since.

CACA Beauty is 24 years old and 1 day

2008-08-21T03:36:00.000-04:00

Isn't she lovely!?!! Erica, yes, I know you all know her and have all checked her blog 5 times since the last time you checked mine. haha....so did I. It was her official b-day Tuesday, but since I was late posting about Rachel's birthday, I thought it only fair to post late for Ericas....kidding. Anyways, I dido what everyone else said about Erica, she is a very fun friend to have...a.k.a. she gets me drunk-wasted on my own laughter.... She is also very sweet too. She always gets excited for me about whatever I'm up to and listens to all my pointless stories with great tact and vigor. She is inspiring with all her style and wit and is just all around someone you want to be around. I love you CACA. Love, Case

MAMMA MIA!

2008-08-20T15:12:00.000-04:00

I finally went to this for FHE this week and was so thoroughly entertained that I had to post about it. My grandma and I were still dancing and singing ABBA in the parking lot afterwards. A must see, Meryl Streep needs to earn an award for this one. I saw the play at gammage last fall, but enjoyed the movie even more.

More clothes experimentation

2008-08-20T14:59:00.001-04:00

So I've been mending clothes, sewing on buttons, bleaching whites brighter...and for some reason had a desire to revamp an old skirt. I'm not usually a purple wearing person, but I'm feeling like I want some purple peices this season. I ran out of purple dye so I went to Walmart to get some late last night, they were out, so I settled for wine-colored dye. I like the mix of the 2 colors over the existing royal flower print.

I might add another box of purple to darken it...what do you think?...this is all an experiment, mind you. haha

Making Preparations

2008-08-19T16:13:00.001-04:00

I fly out to Boston on Monday so the piles have begun. I am not the biggest fan of packing, but I am a huge fan of making lists...which lightens the mood for packing. Stacy (Hook Merrill) and I used to joke about our list making habits. For more detail-involved tasks, we are both known for multiple drafts of our lists (once I have crossed things off my list I don't like the messy look of it). You'd think that I would feel accomplishment from seeing what has been done, but I guess it's one of my few OCD vices. I already have a grocery shopping list for over there......I know what you Moms are thinking, "she obviously doesn't have kids yet". haha.

But I'm excited and pulling out the warm stuff to ship over. If only I could bring everything... including my nieces and nephews.

Lil' Bits

2008-08-19T15:54:00.000-04:00

So one of my {many} hobbies is to find, collect, and create out of pretty jun...... My heart refuses to call it what others might call it, so I'll just call it treasures.
Yesterday I went to Sass (its a little hole in the wall-ish type fabric store in Tempe....a perfect place to salvage little bits. I bought loads of cute buttons and sewed them to a sweater. I saw bright buttons on an Anthropologie sweater from last season but I like my deal better; reason being:
Sweater-$ 6 Last Chance
Buttons on sweater-approx. $ 5-ish
(anthro sweater- $80-ish, I believe)

I also purchased an assortment of lace collars to sew onto vintage (or thrift store..haha) sweaters for about a dollar a piece.

"SEW" cute!

An afternoon at the Pattersons

2008-08-13T02:11:00.001-04:00

I love these kids.

Happy Birthday Wachie

2008-08-11T14:53:00.000-04:00

I never posted on the day of Rachel's birthday, but still wanted to. We had fun at her Olympic themed Birthday Party on 08-08-08. (The Chinese really know how to throw a party, it was the collest olympic opening ceremony that I have ever seen).

Rachel is someone that must be celebrated...she will always be a dear friend. I love you Wach!

"Killing two birds with one stone" REVIEW

2008-08-11T14:38:00.000-04:00

I liked it, it was dragged out in some parts, but overall it was full of more action than expected. She did a good job to end the series. It was definately worth reading.

Sisterhood of the Traveling pants 2...loved it. I either laughed or I cried throughout the enire movie! I didn't want it to end. Go with your sisters or girlfriends and bring tissues.

Happy Birthday!

2008-08-11T14:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we celebrated Carli's Birthday. It was simple, but we had to recognize how amazing she is. She really is one of a kind and such an example to me in so many ways, really... I'm glad she was the oldest sister and not me....so she could show me the way to do everything right. haha. Love you Car. To celebrate I made the 6 tiered coconut cake from Martha Stewart's website www.marthastewart.com/ultimate-coconut-cake- It is quite the process to make (plan on two days and lots of groceries) but oh, sooo worth it! Probably the best cake I've ever eaten.

It was also my good good friend Huey's birthday (Haley). This picture was from the canyon this summer in Utah. She has watermellon seeds on her tongue. I love you too Huey. We had so much fun in Stroud, England and I'm so glad we are still close. You are amazing!

Oxford Booties

2008-08-06T15:33:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I've wanted these boot/shoe beauties for some time now, but now that I'm going to a cold land I will need a pair of these close-toed companions.

There is just one problem with all of these pictured above...they are either out of my size, don't carry the whopping 10 1/2 period, or are like Marc Jacobs or something and cost a two weeks paycheck on their own. If you see any Oxford Booties that would work, let me know. I've been googling and shopping for them, but no luck yet in my size and price range. HELP.

...and... another sister has started a blog

2008-08-05T23:06:00.001-04:00

Yeah!

http://www.kenziecotter.blogspot.com/

You don't believe, you say?...

2008-08-01T04:16:00.000-04:00

So tonight my Mom, Kenzie, Benson, and Courtney were driving home from Vegas. From 9:30 to 10:30 in between Wikeup and Wikenburg they saw some unusual things in the sky. They could not be planes, they would hover in place and the lights would move from left to right and then turn off. Benson hadn't seen anything like it since "Men In Black". They came 3 different times at different angles to the car and only came to them when they were alone on the road. My mom knew it was real UFOs, but she wasn't scared so she played with them flashing her lights and they pulled over to take a picture, but they disappeared right then. I know my family is crazy, but they are DEAD SERIOUS about this. The pictures and link are just for fun, but they really did see them. My mom is calling in tomorrow to report it. I told her that it was too bad they didn't get video because my mom loves the history channel and they have a program devoted to U.F.O sightings, where people discuss what they saw. Good news though, they seemed to be quite friendly, almost as if they were playing a game. Cool, huh?!!
For more on alien sightings watch: (we had a good laugh watching it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLYj1GwgX7Q

Hello new home...

2008-07-29T23:16:00.000-04:00

August 25th I will be flying out, suitcases brim to the maximum capacity, to my new home of Boston Massachusetts. I am so excited for this new chapter in my life and the new city to help write it. I haven't quite figured out the logistics of leaving my neices and nephews and everyone that I love so much here, but I am taking a leap and am excited about the ground that is catching my feet on the other side. I think I am just going to have to be a mad tourist for about the first 6 months there because...well, just look at the goods... Once I get settled the leaves will start to change and you visitors will be coming to town, right? I will be continuing the blog there so you can see what I'm up to. I am living with my friend from my mission and two other girls in Charlestown, right outside the center of Boston. Can you see me smashing about as a city girl with my long coat and boots? My mom told me I have to bring pepper spray on my key chain...haha! But I heard charlestown is pretty mellow with tall victorian English-looking homes. You will get pictures later, so stay tuned for the Boston Chronicles.

Another sister started a blog

2008-07-25T03:10:00.000-04:00

No Gray Matter is the name of Courtney's blog...hopefully the rest of my family will get on the blog train soon!

The finish line

2008-07-23T05:30:00.000-04:00

If any of you recall the post about my brothers' race a few weeks back...here is the finish line photo that I snatched form Carli and Dane's Blog... Brandon by a hair.

Anthropologie

2008-07-21T22:10:00.000-04:00

Prior to student teaching I worked at Anthropologie and they called me to set up the new Mesa location at Dana Park (Val Vista and the 60). Today was day one of ripping open boxes upon boxes of new beautiful merchandise for the store. The store is a teensy bit smaller, but trust me it still has the gems. So I'm being a good employee and advertizing the grand opening on July 31st. Come!