be a friend

I think one of my favorite things is that "newness" of making a friend. The conversations you have when you find out what you have in common. The using your "one liners" and having someone never having heard them before.

I love how things start. My friend Lisa made a comment on my watch 8 years ago. And we still are laughing and enjoying the friendship that came from that comment.

My friend Mel asked me to sit by her on my first Sunday in Indiana. We have been friends for 15 years. And another Lisa, well I introduced her to Country Music. It's amazing. Again, 15 years later.

Now I am enjoying a new group of friends at work. Introducing Steph to Midnight Sun has been a blast.

what I used to think... and what I think now

When I was young(er), I remember hearing people say how they couldn't wait to get home to curl up in bed and relax after a long day. Bed?....Relax?.... Home?? I didn't get it....

Now I get it. Oh my goodness, do I get it now! I have spent a lot of time and energy creating a big fluffy bed with tons of pillows and down pillows, and a feather bed (seems to be a lot of geese walking around without feathers due to my fluffy bed!) I spend as much time there as I possibly can.

Home. Bed. Relax. awesome.

funny. very funny.

Ever wonder why the people in charge of
staging the catolog pictures put such random things in the picture?

I would like to introduce you to my new favorite website. It is my go-to when I have sometime on my hands at work or even at home or... waiting for an oil change. leave a post, let me know what you think!

http://catalogliving.net/ funny. very funny.

i may be rushing things, but deck the halls!

A tradition in my house growing up, was to put up our Christmas decor on my youngest brother's birthday. Blake was born December 4th. This year, I couldn't wait. I was in the mood for the holiday spirit. I think it might have something to do with having my own place. So, up went the tree Thanksgiving night. Blake said we couldn't listen to Christmas music until after 6. (don't ask me why....) so at 6:01.. out came the Christmas CD's and up went the tree. Love it!

One of my very favorite Christmas songs of all time is O Holy Night. It is absolutely beautiful. I learned tonight, that it is originally french. If you have not heard it in french, you absolutely must! Click here. Enjoy.

learning curve

6:30 is early. I just want to throw that out there. It is still dark outside. And when I was setting up the thermostat to heat my house. I didn't really think it through. I need the heat to be above 66 when I wake up. The first few days before I realized that was the problem- very painful.

Some mornings, I don't even know when it was that I took a shower. I know that I took one because my hair is clean and my legs are shaved. (yes, I shave every day. Yes, I am okay with that).

I have to be in my office, computer on and logged in at 8:30. Not 8:29. Not 8:31. It has to be exactly 8:30. I hope that as you are reading this, you can see how absolutely difficult it is to time your morning down to an exact 60 second window. (it is probably why my hair is turning gray at such a rapid rate these days.) I am starting to realize just how imperative it is to have a bubble bath once a week. I am also learning why- when watching movies and TV shows- people who work in an office always have a cup of coffee in hand in the morning and a glass of wine when they get home. I am not saying that I will start using these vices. I am simply stating I now see how they could become necessary to function.

P.S. this is a picture of what I found on my screen when I came into work on last Tuesday. You can see how my day may not have been started on the right foot, as I didn't know why Karl had been at my desk... nor what kind of help I needed to seek him out for. *sigh*

Hello, Monday.

hufflepuffs and vampires

just too funny not to post.

yule tide

It is so crazy to me how fast 2010 is coming to an end. Thanksgiving is a week from tomorrow for heaven sake! Wow. With my new job, I am always looking at dates a month ahead of what I am in currently. And since we are nearing the end of November already, I am looking at dates that are in January.

I love this time of year. It is the time to spend with family. And now that I have my own place, I will have family. I even have a fire place to hand my stockings by! Now only to find sugar plums and Jack Frost. (though from the looks of the forecast, I think Mother Nature is taking care of the Jack Frost!) I want my home to look like it "puked" Christmas. I can't wait.

my own greek

I don't think I have the words to describe how grueling the past week and a half have been for me.
I started working for a third party HR company. I was put on the COBRA team. I'm sure most of you know what COBRA is. Foe those of you that don't, it is a continuation of your health insurance benefits after you are no longer working. (For whatever reason) I had no idea the legal jargon and acronyms that were involved and a "must learn" for this job. It's like learning a new language! Only it's a really hard language!! The phrase, "it's all Greek to me" ... Greek would be a piece of cake compared to what I am having to learn in the span of 2 weeks. I am fairly certain that I could not have chosen a more different job from nannying.
But I'm doing it. And I'm surviving. I come home each night with jello brain. But I'm doing it. And I'm proud of myself.

pretty

I have been living away from the East Coast for more than 2 years now. Each year when Autumn comes around, I am devistated. I *heart* Connecticut in the Fall. I think that the only thing that can come in a far second... is this view from the house I lived in on the East Bench. Pretty.

happy

I love jello pudding snacks. I really, really, really love them. And now that I have my own place and somewhere to actually put things in the refrigerator, I have pudding snacks. And they wait for me to come home from work, peel back the foil top and dig in. They are my bit of happy at the end of a long day.

pictures

My friend Jai and I started a photo blog. She lives in Perth, Austraila and I live in Salt Lake City. I am excited to start this new way to share our "what's happening" through pictures. I invite you to take a peek.

http://tarajaiphoto.blogspot.com/

my cup runneth over

I have less than 2 weeks being a nanny left... chapter closing.

November 22, 2002 was my first day being a nanny. I thought that morning, as I woke up in a strange house with people I didn't know, on the opposite side of the country from everyone I knew- that I must be absolutely out of my mind. That was 8 years ago.

Since then I have "raised" 7 kids. 7 children that I have loved with my whole heart. 7.

When you become a nanny, I don't think you realize the road that you are embarking on. I don't think you really understand what is about to happen between you and the child you are going to be taking care of. You give a little bit of yourself to them. A small piece of your heart. You never get that bit of your heart back. But the wonderful thing is, that the child you give it to always has it with them. For the rest of their lives.

It could be a song that you sing when you are teaching them to tie their shoe. Or maybe a phrase you say when you are asking them to brush their teeth. Perhaps it is a movie that you see together. Years down the road, when maybe they are teaching someone to tie their shoe, they will remember how you taught them. When years from now they see that same movie, they will remember that you took them. I think right now if you lined all 7 of my kids up and asked them. "How much does Tara love you?" They would all answer, "As big as the sky". I don't know where I heard that phrase, but I have used it will all of my kids. These are the little things in my life that have made the past 8 years such a blessing. I have absolutely loved these 7 little spirits.

My heart aches with the knowledge of not spending my days with children. I have taught 3 kids how to ride a bike. 5 kids how to tie their shoes. I have done 6 science fair projects, 3 book reports, 18 parent/teacher conferences, 51 doctor appointments, 2 potty trainings, 5 field trips, kissed hundreds of boo boos, taught 5 kids how to read. And one very special little girl how to love Rascal Flatts. I will never forget my time that I have spent with each of these kids. Their laughter that in turn made me laugh and their tears that made my heart break. I have learned so much from these little ones. I have had 7 children love me unconditionally and without caution. And therefor taught me that a hug and an "I love you, Tara" will make almost any trial or heartbreak in my life seem, to pale in comparison. My heart overflows with emotion and adoration for these children that have come into my life. And as much as I have had the opportunity to spend the first years of their life with them, they have changed my "middle" years for the better.

So, Clem, Aubrey, Alex, Madeleine, Sophia, Alexandre and Lucas- I love you as big as the sky.

employed

It is amazing to me how my life has fallen into place. I feel very blessed for how things have worked out.
In August I decided that it was time to move on to "bigger and better things". And so it was once again time to jump. So I did. I had no idea where I was going to land, but I did it. I jumped.
Two weeks into quitting, I had a friend tell me that they had an idea for where I could move into.
My job needed me to stay a bit longer so I stayed with the family for 2 more months and while they found a replacement 2 weeks ago, I was on the search to find a job that would work with a school schedule. And, I found one that works! And to add to the amazing-ness of this story: I was stressed about there being a huge money-less time lapse between jobs. Not so, I end my nanny job on the 28th of October, and I start my new job November 1.

Thank you to all of my friends and family that have given me support and love. I truly appreciate it. There have been times during this process and life change that I have forgotten my faith. And you all have had it for me. Thank you. Truly.

fat girl

This was in front of me at a stop light last week. After all of my griping about the silver silhouettes of the "skinny" girls. I found this one. And I was in tears from laughing before the light turned green.

Subaru, I applaud you!

circus infused with nitro

I went to the Nitro Circus on Saturday night. Yup! Never heard of it before. But my 2 youngest brothers are obsessed with it. I guess it is a TV show? (I am so out of the loop!) And aside from my family maybe, might have, hinted at the fact that I wasn't dress correctly and were sneaky about bringing a "hoodie" for me to wear so I wouldn't "stand out" (I thought my cardi and scarf looked great!)... I hung with the best of them! (lol!)

So the Nitro Circus is a motocross stunt show. As you can see, they have these dirt bikes and do jumps off the huge mounds of dirt. There was a guy named Travis that is famous for doing these types of things. (sorry, don't know the last name, sounds like... pastrami). I had a great time! It was fun to be with my family and fun to watch. And for an added bonus, our section won the Tshirt. Yup, I am a proud owner of a Nitro Circus shirt. I will wear it proudly...... to bed.

the opposite of fun

I woke up on Friday with some serious pain in my left ear. As I sit here on Tuesday night- I still have it. It has been a lot of sleepless nights.

If anyone has any suggestions besides the usual Tylenol and Advil routine, lemme know.

little man

This is the guy I spend all of my time with. He's great...

wedding round 2

Thought maybe I should document my next few months on exactly how many weddings I go to!! I am not completely sure I can keep up!

Kelsey, you looked beautiful!

wedding

Last night was my cousin's wedding. It was such a fun wedding to go to. (and gives me hope! she is 8 months older than me....)

I was asked to be a brides maid. So glad I got the chance to help her with her big day :) Here are some photos!!

still here

Hello friends! I am still here, just trying to get settled into my new place. I moved to Sandy. I love it! What a great idea to not acutally live at work. I will be back with pictures of my new home soon. Other than that, I am still enjoying reading all of YOUR posts, keep em coming!

pure wisdom

Smart cooks realize the easiet cookbook to use is the Yellow Pages & the handiest appliance in the kitchen is the telephone" Miss Piggy ~ can't beat the wisdom of a pig.

Katniss

NINE DAYS!!! Where is Peeta??

Mom

9 years ago today, my Mom left this earth. This year has brought a lot of joy to my family's life, and so therefor, the time passing has not been so painful. Of course I miss my mother terribly. But I finally have the feeling that my family is getting stronger.

Miss you Mom!

oh, what?

What does one do for thier 33rd birthday? I need ideas....

jumping

Today I resigned from my job. I should say that I don't have a place to live or a job yet. Now, I know that I have been "here" before. The -taking a leap of faith and keeping my fingers crossed that I land on my feet- place. As much as this has worked in the past, I am FREAKING out!! I am so nervous about this one, this time!

My last day is August 31. That is a little over a month from today. And I need all of you to keep your fingers crossed for me, cuz I'm not sure this is going to end well!

whadayathink?

Yay! I got new glasses this week. It is fun to have those stores that give you a great deal on TWO pair of glasses! You can be funky.. or you can be conservative. As you can see, I like a little of both. Whadayathink?

rain

It is raining as I type this. I love summer rain. There is something peaceful and lovely about listening to it. I love the smell of the wet earth and the thought of the soil and plants getting a much needed break from the hot sun. There is a cool breeze blowing through my window. There is going to be a good night's sleep tonight!

stunning

This song is absolutely stunning. I was making dinner and it came on my iPod and it took my breath away. Truly.

paperwhite

I think one of the amazing things that the human body can do is, transport your brain to a memory with the sense of smell.

Any time I smell Red Door perfume, I am 16 and sitting next to my mom and watching her put her make up on. She wore Red Door every day. I have her jewelry box and it smells just like her.

When I smell PearBerry lotion at Bath and Body Works, I am a freshman in college.

When I smell summer rain, I am 10 running home in California from the playground down the street.

And when I smell Paperwhites, I am in Connecticut in one of my favorite homes, ever. So when I discovered that Pottery Barn makes an oil defusser that smells like Paperwhites, I was thrilled. I love the smell, and now my space smells like one of my favorite places.

3

I have seen Edward 3 times within a week. Worth every cent!

freedom

I love the Fourth of July. I have ALWAYS loved the Fourth! I grew up with a dad in the Army, and therefor, had a very patriotic family.

I don't know what it is about this year, but this holiday has really struck a cord in my heart. I am so grateful for the freedom I have and the country I live in. I am an American, and I cannot express how proud I am of that!

Today in church, we sang all 3 versus of The Star-Spangled Banner. And I got a little choked up. When we lived on a military base, there was always a movie theater. Before each movie, they would always play the Star Spangled Banner. I LOVED that they did that. I grew up knowing the words to that song. But I want to call attention to the LAST verse:

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

God bless America!

back

I ended up staying CT for an extra 4 days. It was great. I love it there, and being with the Pags was like coming "home" to visit family. They really are the best.

CT

I am out. I am officially on vacation in 20 hours. I bid you all adieu.

well... for a week anyway!!

summer picks

Here is what I have learned in the past 3 days. Men's razors are much better than any woman's razor I have ever used. And this is now my razor of choice. I love it.

This is my pick for lip gloss. I don't like the sticky feeling of normal gloss. This hydrates your lips while giving you a great shine and a perfect sheer color.

And this is my pick for the exfoliating bath care. It is really amazing. I am not usually someone that likes to use a shower gel with the grit in it, but this, for some reason feels different on my skin. I love how smooth my legs feel after using it. Bath and Body Works. Go. Use. Love.

Okay, there are my 2 cents...

marathon

My Blake did it!! He ran a marathon. 26.2 miles! And he ran it in under 4 hours. That was his goal. I could not be more proud of him!

YAY Blake!!

stained

I want to share with you a talent of my friend Lisa. She made this bird, and one other, for me. I am so excited to have a Lisa Lewis original in my window! Aren't they adorable!? Look here if you like them as much as I do.

mothership

Today, Sephora opened in Fashion Place Mall in Salt Lake. It is the year 2010, and Utah is finally trying to keep up with the rest of the world. It's about time, Beehivers!! Way to come out of the dark ages! How does it feel?

I feel like the mothership is calling me home. I am so excited to have Smashbox, NARS, Philosophy and other such names with in my grasp. Welcome, Sephora. Welcome.

p.s. Singapore had a sephora before Utah. *gasp* I know, right!?

remembering

Memorial Day has always been a favorite of mine. It is a wonderful time for family and remembering those that we have lost. Including those that fought for our country.

signage

cabana boy

I just opened my new pack of Extra gum and it said, "We couldn't fit a cabana boy in the pack so you'll have to get your own." I didn't realize I was missing a Cabana boy until they mentioned it. Thanks Extra, for reminding me I'm trapped in a dreary house, on a dreary day. So glad you have EXTRA cabana boys to throw ...around!!!! How about you mail them to us instead of taunting us with your tropical gaiety!?!?! Jerks.

(totally got this from my friend, Hayley. But it was way too funny to not post on my blog...)

tbbt

I have to say that I have just loved this show. What a great treasure. Here is a great a clip of the show. love it...

3 weeks

I love this girl. She called me to say "Tara, I haven't talked to you in forever. I wanted to say good night to you before I got to bed". I really love this girl. And I get to see her in 3 weeks.

reminders

I got this from my friend Lisa's blog. I thank her for the reminder. I think the poster is clever and I think Lisa is clever.

darcy

You cannot have this man play these two characters! Mr. Darcy cannot be the Sheriff of Nottingham. And by the way, you can't trick me, I knew it was him the minute he opened his mouth. I know Mr. Darcy's voice. Please don't try to fool me again. It won't work.