Noe News is Good News

100 Truths Tag

Tagged by JoAnna! You all know by now that I can't resist a good tag... it's the list-maker in me.

1. Real name: Marissa Lea (Kravetz) Noe
2. Nickname: To high school friends, family and my husband I am Missy. My friend Kasey calls me Mispy. Or Misp. That started from her older brother.
3. Status: Married
4. Zodiac sign: Pisces
5. Male or female: Female
6. Elementary: Goku Shugako (?) in Japan, Emerson Elementary in AZ
7. Middle School : Jessamine County Middle School
8. High School: East Jessamine High School (after the split... before that it was just Jessamine County High School)
9. College: Brigham Young University and Lexington Community College (way back when)
10. Hair color: Dark brown mingled with a few blonde, red, black and gold hair. Sometimes an occasional gray. (Why did I just admit that?)
11. Long or short: Long- and way overdue for a cut.
12. Loud or Quiet: I can be a little bit of both... but usually quiet.
13. Sweats or Jeans: Lately sweats... but I love some good comfortable jeans. My favorites are from The Buckle. Can't fit into them at the moment. Boo.
14. Phone or Camera: Camera. Can't live without it, and goes with me everywhere.
15. Health freak: I Love healthy foods, but can't call my self a freak. I love junk food too!
16. Drink or Smoke: Drink. Water, juice or an occasional soda. Water mostly. Smoking disgusts me.
17. Do you have a crush on someone: Yep. It's a secret.
18. Eat or Drink: Eat. All the time. Can't stop.
19. Piercings: Ears
20. Tattoos: No
21. Music: I listen to it all... as long as it is clean. But my FAVORITE is categorized as "Coffee Shop Music"... guitar strumming with unique vocals. Jack Johnson, Dashboard Confessional and John Mayer are at the top of my list though.
22. Comedies or Horror: I don't like horror movies... especially when it has to do with killing people and demonic types. I liked The Sixth Sense though. So my answer would by Comedies. LOVE them. I could watch Tommy Boy OVER and OVER and OVER again. In fact there was a time when Adam and I DID watch it OVER and OVER and OVER again.

FIRSTS:
23. First piercing: I think I was about 10. We had been living in Japan and went to the US to visit. My mom let us do it, partly to rebel against the strict Japanese School rules. GO MOM!
24. First best friend: That I can remember, Heather. She lived across the street from where we lived and we played a lot.
25. First award: I got a reading award in Kindergarten!
26. First crush: 6th grade, Student Body president. Charlie Mann.
27. First Boyfriend/Girlfriend: Charlie Mann. I had a crush on him for a while, and apparently he had a crush on me too... because he hand delivered a Valentine to my classroom and EVERY ONE was telling me about it (I was in my orchestra class when he did it). He asked me to be his girlfriend later that day and we played kick ball together. The next day we broke up because his parents found out and said he was too young to have a girlfriend. I've tried to Google him before with no luck.
28. First pet: Patches. She was this tiny little petite calico cat that showed up at our doorstep in Nicholasville. I begged and begged to keep her, and my parents let me- but she had to be an outside cat. I loved her. She came EVERY TIME I called and would cuddle on my lap as I told her about my day. She had 2 kittens... she was so small she only had one at a time. Her first was Garfield and the second went missing. Patches ended up becoming very sick and the vet told us to keep her inside. One time my dad opened the door to take out the garbage and she darted out and never returned. So sad.
29. First big vacation: That would have to be to Japan, where we lived for 4 years. Is that considered a vacation? If not, then it was our trip to Disney Land.
30. First big birthday: I remember one Birthday where my mom made a caterpillar cake... can't remember if it was mine though. Can't really remember ANY big birthday party although I know I had them. 
31. First Car: 2005 Toyota Tacoma that I inherited from my Husband when I got married. Yes, that was my first car.
32. First Favorite Song: Some Japanese song... I can still sing some of the song. It was by some Japanese Boys Band. Don't know what it was called though.
33. First phone: When I got back to KY from BYU. It was a navy Nokia, and my ring tone was "Sweet Child of Mine". I LOVED that ring tone.
34. First Surgery: C-section with Joselyn November 2, 2007.
35. First time on an Airplane: I think it was when we moved to Japan when I was 6.

LASTS:
36. Phone Call: Adam... to let him know I was at his parents with the babies waiting for him to get off of work.
37. Instant Message: Kasey, yesterday.
38. Text Message: Can't remember. Haven't texted in a while, and don't do it often. It was probably Adam though.
39. Song you listened to: Jack Johnson's "upside down" when I was making Joselyn a DVD of videos. (of herself) She LOVES watching videos of herself so I made it for her special.
40. Time you cried: A few days ago when I found out Landen and Joselyn had RSV. It was traumatic.

CURRENTLY:
41. Getting on your nerves: The mess in our house. It seriously gets messy WAY too fast.
42. TV: Howie Do It... although it's juts playing in the background and I'm not paying attention. Next up: Friday Night Lights - and I WILL pay attention to that one.
43. Drinking: I have a glass of water next to me here.
44. Hair: back in a loose messy bun.
45. Wearing: A dark pink shirt,  maternity jeans and white socks.
46. Eating: Nothing... but Adam  JUST walked in the door with some Fazoli's! Can't wait.
47. With: Joselyn is in bed upstairs, Adam is upstairs getting out of his gym clothes and Landen is down here with me asleep in his swing.
48. I'm about to: Watch FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, eat dinner, get Valentine's Day goodies set out for the babies and possibly pick up the living room a little.
49. Listening to: The TV in the background
50. Plans for today: After some TV watching, dinner eating and baby feeding, my plans include lots of sleep. Hopefully.

YOUR FUTURE:
51. Want kids: Have 2... we want maybe one more, but this time we will wait just a TAD BIT longer.
52. Want to get married: I would love to plan my own wedding all over again. Love doing that... but I am married to an awesome guy and don't plan on marrying anyone else ever again.
53. Careers in mind: Photographer, Event Planner, Interior Designer and teacher. (already a photographer)
54. Place of Residency: I think I would love to stay in KY near family, but always thought it would be fun to live in Portland, Oregon. They have all these neat little shops and great atmosphere. Adam wants to live in Utah.
55. Car or Truck: SUV, or Cross-Over. I loved my Tacoma, but I hated not  having a trunk to put the stroller in. Loving my Grand Cherokee, but my dream car at the moment is a Ford Edge. I love those.

WHICH IS BETTER:
56. Shorter or taller: Shorter. I always wanted to be shorter.
57. Romantic or spontaneous: Romantic
58. Sensitive or loud: Sensitive
59. Serious relationship or casual dates: Relationship
60. Trouble maker or hesitant: hesitant.
61. No one knows what 61 is supposed to be.

HAVE YOU EVER:
62. Lost glasses/contacts: Don't wear either... although I HAVE lost all my pairs of sunglasses. I hate that.
63. Ran away from home: No, but thought about it quite a few times. I once plotted with a family friend in Japan who I loved, to run away and live with her... and she played along... until she realized I was serious. Of course I still loved my parents... this friend just spoiled me so I thought it would be fun. Of course it wouldn't have been.
64. Hold a gun/knife for self defense: no.
65. Killed somebody: No
66. Broken someones heart: I think so... I once told my dad I hated him and made him cry. I didn't mean it, and to this day it is one of my biggest regrets.
67. Been arrested: No
68. Cried when someone died: Yes... a few times.
69. Kissed a stranger: Yes, in France you kiss strangers all the time. It was nice when a cute guy came along.
70. Had someone ask you out and you said no: No
71. Laughed until you cried: Oh yes. Love that. Need to do it more often.
72. Met someone who changed your life: Yes... just about everyone
73. Fallen in Love: Over and over again with my husband
74. Found out someone was talking about you: Yes... and it was very hurtful
75. Been Cheated on: Well, it depends on your perspective. Technically no, but it sure felt like it.
76. Cheated on anyone: No
77. Lost someone special: Yes... I was heart broken to find out a few years ago that a girl I knew on my mission commited Suicide. It was one of the hardest things I've been through in my life.
78. Broken a bone: No, knock on wood. I've never been seriously injured.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
79. Yourself: Yes... I hope enough to change
80. Miracles: Yes. I have seen them many times in my life... most recently in my two children.
81. Love at first sight: Definitely.
82. Heaven: Yes
83. Santa Claus: I believe in the spirit of giving.
84. Holding Hands on the first date: LOVE it.
85. Kiss on the first date: Depends... if it feels right.

RANDOMNESS:
86. Righty or Lefty:Righty
87. Last time you saw your Dad: It was recently, but my mind is kind of messed up right now and I can't remember.
88. Do you like the snow: Yes, LOVE it. Wish we had more of it, although not TOO much. Just enough to build a snowman and throw snowballs.
89. Whats your favorite season: Fall. Although I love all seasons.
90. Can you swim: Yes
91. Ridden a horse: Yes
92. Ridden a bike: Yes
93. Photogenic: Used to be. Now I HATE looking at pictures of myself.
94. Have siblings: 1 older sister (Amaree, 29), 1 younger sister (Chelsea, 26), Two younger brothers (Seth and Solomon)
95. Beach or Mountains: I love the beach and the ocean... but don't like to swim in the ocean.
96. Hot or Cold: I would rather be cold anyday, because you can always add layers. When you're too hot, you can only take off too much and it's SO uncomfortable.

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
97. Is there one person you want to be with right now: My husband. I am getting ready to join him on the couch to watch Friday Night Lights.
98. Are you seriously happy with where you are in life: With my family and children, yes. With myself, no... I have a lot of goals I want to accomplish.
99. Do you believe in God: Yes, I definitely do.
100. Post as 100 truths and tag at least 5 people.

I tag: Anyone who is willing to do it!!

Photo Tag

Loretta tagged me :)

These are the rules...
1. Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on the computer
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder
3. Explain the picture
4. Tag 4 people to do the same
5. No cheating (cropping, editing, etc)



This was Joselyn's Birthday banner for her 1st Birthday. I did most of the work using pretty scrapbook paper, ribbon and streamers. My niece, Melanie, made the cute little butterfly in the center. I kept everything :) What a fun day that was! It was only about 3 months ago, but it already seems like it was forever ago. Joselyn is growing up more and more every day and is less and less like a baby and it kills me. I look forward though to planning more and more birthday parties in the future. It's fun and I LOVE it!! If any of you ever need help planning a birthday party, I have PLENTY of ideas and would LOVE to help!

Here's an encore collage of Joselyn's party:



I tag... (only if you want, of course)

1. Amaree
2. Laura B
3. Kauti
4. Alyssa B

Something Fun- Repost with answers!!

Okay, so I decided to repost this so you all can have another chance at guessing and so I can post the answers too, just in case you were wondering!

My brother Seth did this one facebook and tagged me and it was kinda fun so I thought I would pass it on and see how well you all know your music!!

Step 1: Put your music player on shuffle.
Step 2: Post the first line from the first 25 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing.
Step 3: Bold the songs when someone guesses both artist and name correctly in the comments.

Just so you know... I have a VERY WIDE RANGE of music!

1. Don't you know that I'll be around to guide you
2. Nobody on the road nobody on the beach
3. Every time I look in the mirror all these lines on my face getting clearer
4. Days swiftly come and go.
5. baby baby baby baby baby baby baby baby baby baby baby
6. Hey there delilah whats it like in New York City (easy one!)
7. Wait dear, a white horse is walking down my street here
8. In the light of the sun, is there anyone?
9. Christopher Robin and I walked along under branches lit up by the moon
10. Gravity is working against me
11. I've been all around the world I've been a new sensation
12. Grew up in a small town and when the rain would fall down
13. NO more valentines day, no more Christmas cards
14. Here I am all alone again tonight in this old empty house
15. Meet you downstairs in the bar and I heard
16. Fare thee well my bright star
17. I think I'm gonna stay home
18. Fall is here, hear the yell
19. How many times must we go through this?
20. Save me save me save me wooh
21. When all the stars were falling I reached out like you said
22. I never felt nothing in the world like this before
23. How you doin’ young lady
24. This romeo is bleeding but you can't see his blood
25. Do you remember when we first met I sure do

Continue reading for the answers...

25 Random Things

I have been tagged by quite a few people to do this now, so although I'm sure I've done this a few times in the past, here it goes again!

1. I have a love hate relationship with my hair... I HATE the time it takes to wash, dry and style it and hate how unruly it can be but I also feel it's one of my best features

(a picture from when I was in Thailand)

2. I love eyes... they are so beautiful to look at

3. My dad once sent me to middle school in one of his HUGE shirts because I got in a fight with my older sister about wearing her clothes. I covered it up with my jacket all day. To this day I'm still not sure what that was supposed to teach me. Good thing I still love my dad :)

4. My first kiss was under the Eiffel Tower late at night with a (hot and sweet) French guy I barely knew... but it is a memory I will never forget. How much more romantic can you get? (nothing beats my husband's kisses though. nothing!)

5. I am an obsessive collector of photographs and look through my collection often. I've been known to steal them from my parents in the past. I just love the memories!

6. I secretly wish I was Martha Stewart... I would love to be able to cook, plan parties, and make crafts like she does. I still have every copy of Martha Stewart magazine I have ever bought or received.

7. I like to tear pictures out of catalogs and magazines that I love... it could be home decorating ideas or party ideas or a list of advice on how to save time. I keep them all organized in accordion files and boxes. I also save pictures from the internet onto my computer.

(some recent 'tearings' from catalogs.)
 
 
(these are all boxes of stationery, paper and memories I have collected)

8. Shopping (when I have money) really does make me feel better when I am down. What stores do I like to shop at the most? Gymboree, Baby Gap and Children's Place! My obsession is baby clothes at the moment.

9. I feel really lucky to have the family I have. They are the best. I even love my in-laws!

10. It's hard for me to believe that I actually have a little family of my own now and that some day they will be adults too. It's like living in a dream almost.

11. I LOVE the Ellen Degeneres show and try not to miss it. She is so dang funny!

12. I have never been in a limo. I would love to dress up really fancy one day and ride a limo to some fancy restaurant or something.

13. I start a lot of projects I don't finish... but plan to finish someday (scrapbooks and quilts to be exact)

14. One of my biggest regrets is not finishing college... I hope to do that someday. The more I think about it, the more I would love to be a teacher.

15. I get sick of my surroundings really fast... I am always rearranging furniture and picture frames around my house.

 
(a collection of photos I recently arranged on our living room wall)

16. I want to travel more.

17. When organizing my closet, I group similar styles together (short sleeved, sweaters, etc) and color code them. It makes my closet look pretty :)

18. I collect stationary and pretty paper. Sometimes it's hard for me to use them because then I won't have them to look at anymore and admire.

19. I had a dream on my mission I lived in a huge home out in the middle of nowhere. Adam and I were married and we had a little girl who was about 2 with cute short pigtails in her hair. We were sitting by the fire playing watching the snow fall outside through very large windows. Ever since then, I have wanted that house... wherever it may be.

20. I have a hard time throwing away anything with a memory attached to it. I once had a hard time throwing away a candy wrapper once that a crush gave to me.

21. I hate shrimp more than anything. When I was a missionary in Thailand I would rather eat a bug before I hate shrimp. I finally tried it again for the first time in over 15 years while I was there... I took a picture because it was such a momentous occasion. I still hate shrimp to this day.

(of course I can't find the picture when I really want it!!)

22. I wish I had more sense of style and could pull off some of the cute outfits that I see out there.

23. I wish a were better with money. When I get some, I want to spend it rather than save... a habit I am trying to fix, but it's a hard habit to break

24. I love coffee shops even though I don't drink coffee. I love the atmosphere and the type of music they play there. My favorite satellite radio station is called "The Coffehouse"

25. I couldn't come up with the last one so I asked Adam for something random about me and he laughed and said "You like to do lists of random things about yourself" So there you have it.

Have you ever...

Stole from Alyssa's blog! Definitely haven't done as much as her, but this was still fun!

Try it out for yourself...just copy and paste the list and bold and/or italicize the things you've done...

1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14.Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a 1/2 Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run. 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone. 78.Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee 100.Made amends with someone who offended you 101. Flew in a small Cessna plane with just you and the pilot 102. Ran out of gas 103. Eaten fried okra 104. Swam in the Caribbean Sea 105. Peed in a swimming pool 106. Stayed in a beach house 107. Hosted an exchange student 108. Been a Secret Santa to a family in need 109. Worked on a political campaign 110. Coached a sports team 111. Baked bread from scratch 112. Driven from coast to coast 113. Paid off all of your debt 114. Roast marshmallows over a campfire 115. Cut up a credit card 116. Drove a car through a flood 117. Been on t.v 118. Had braces 119. Been to the top of the twin towers in NY. 120. Played in both the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans

Awwww, shucks.

I was reading one of MY favorite blogs... Loretta's Little Life a couple of weeks ago when I noticed Loretta had nominated me as one of HER favorite bloggers! Isn't that sweet? She was nominated by someone who was nominated by someone... etc. It's taken me a while to get to this for obvious reasons, but I definitely wanted to pass on the love. As a nominee I have been asked to do the following:

1. List 5 things I love

2. Name 5 people who I would like to pass this award on to

3. Give solicited love to the person who gave me the award

So here it goes!

5 things I love

1. My family. First of all my sweet husband... I love him for loving me so completely despite all of my faults, for encouraging me to do the things that I love, and for the strong talented amazing man that he is. I'm so lucky :) My children... Joselyn for making me smile so much and for loving me in such a sweet pure way, and Landen for bringing a little bit of heaven on earth to our home. Of course my parents and siblings... my best buds in the world.

2. Photos. can't live without them. I love looking through old photos and being able to remember how I felt in those moments. I can't describe just how important photographs are to me.

3. The internet. I know this is really weird considering all the bad stuff out there, but I love the connections I have made through facebook and blogging. It's so wonderful when you can find a friend you haven't heard from in YEARS and reconnect... then stay connected. I just LOVE it. And then there is the endless sources of information on everything. It's just really that great.

4. Music. Music has always been a big part of my life... now it serves as more of a soundtrack. I always try to have good music playing in my home because I'm much happier that way.

5. Change. Isn't it great that we don't have to live with our mistakes and things we don't like in our life? I've been thinking a lot about change lately as the new year approaches and more than ever I am grateful for that chance to set some goals to be a better wife, mother and person.

5 people I would like to pass this award on to

1. Amaree - I'm so glad you started a blog so I can stay more connected with you and your cute family. I miss you and wish you lived closer, dang it! I must say your blog is one of my favorites to read though!

2. Kasey - I love the sweet pics of Nev and just being able to stay in touch. You always have such beautiful photography too... I wish you lived closer as well, but your blog makes it easier to cope, ha ha.

3. Meredith - So glad I found you through Kasey! I love your way with words and love reading every single one of them.  I can't wait until you write a book! And your photography is always so beautiful.

4. Jenny Smith - It's sad we never became friends when you lived here but your blog is definitely one of my favorites to read! It's always updated and full of fun stories and pictures... and we're so alike!

5. Jillian - By far the most creative blog out there on my lists! I love reading everything from Kekoa's perspective. What a talented writer you are!

Ok... so none of you are obligated to do this on your blog as it may not really be your sort of a thing, but I had to be honest about my favorite bloggers!

Now, last but not least...

Solicited love to the person who gave me the award

Loretta is someone I admire VERY much. I remember babysitting her kids and being amazed at what angels they were... seriously! And to this day, all of her kids are the sweetest... you just know that only a truly amazing mother could raise kids like hers. Definitely someone to look up to. I love her sense of humor, her sweetness and kindness and her STRENGTH in dealing with some very difficult things. What a great FUN person she is, and I feel blessed to have her and her family as part of my life! If you don't believe how wonderful she is, go check out her blog- you'll see what I mean. (not to mention current updates on the best gas prices in town!!)

Christmas Tag

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

I love beautifully wrapped presents with big fancy bows. Mine are never quite as "beautiful" as I would have them be if I had the money to spend on beautiful wrapping, but I don't usually slap on one of those cheap bows that come in a bag. I guess it's part of my 'artsy' side that likes to make the presents look "presentable" in some sort of way.

2. Real tree of artificial?

I would PREFER a real tree, and hope to make it a tradition one day to go out and get one, but for now we're sticking with an artificial because it's just easier. There is nothing more beautiful than a real tree decorated in a living room!

3. When do you put up the tree?

Our tradition is the day after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down?

After New Years Day... and I hate the day I take it down. I love the Christmas tree even though I would probably get sick of it if I tried to keep it up for TOO long.

5. Do you like eggnog?

Oh, I just LOVE it.

I LOVE IT!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

I still remember the year I got my Transylvanian Family play house (?) It was when we were living in Japan and my parents have the whole Christmas morning scene on video. (maybe that's why I remember it so much?) It was a little house for little animal families who wore real clothes and the furniture was real life-like but miniature. I LOVED those little animal dolls.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

Nope. And if I did I'm not sure where I'd put it. But I REALLY REALLY want the Willow Tree Nativity set. I'll get it some day! In fact, one day I would like to have a collection of nativity scenes to place around my house... to help remind my family of the true meaning of Christmas.

8. Hardest person to buy for?

Everyone. I don't like buying gifts just to give a person something for Christmas... and I always struggle buying meaningful gifts. It's always good to buy someone something they really want too... and most people never tell you exactly what they want leaving you guessing!!

9. Easiest person to buy for?

No one I know! Ok... maybe Joselyn. She would be happy with a tissue paper to tear apart!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

I love putting together a Christmas newsletter to stick in Christmas cards with a picture every year... but it usually gets so overwhelming I don't get them sent out on time or half of them are left unfinished. So I have something a LITTLE different in store this year. You'll see!!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

I don't think I've ever received a bad gift. I've been blessed with great gift-givers in my life.

BUT... I do have a funny Christmas present story to share. One year, when we knew our Christmas wouldn't be fancy, my silly slap-happy sisters and I gathered things from around the house and wrapped them up. Our dad's Blackberry, our little brother Solomon's favorite stuffed dog (he was NOT happy with this), a random shoe... you name it. It was our "appreciate what you have" Christmas. We laughed and giggled all night... and then again on Christmas morning when everyone opened their "appreciate what you have" gifts. I think for poor little Solomon that was his worst Christmas present ever, but this Christmas memory is one that I will treasure all my life.

12. Favorite Christmas movie?

Pretty much any of them! All the classics (Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life...), Miracle on 34th St, Elf, Polar Express, Family Man... and all those Romantic Comedies centered around Christmas time. I just don't like the stupid movies with no real purpose behind them.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

Whenever I feel like it. IT changes every year, but it's usually pretty last minute. Like my friend Jenny, who I got this tag from, I secretly enjoy the thrill of shopping in crowded malls enjoying all the excitement of people shopping for those they love. It just adds to all the Christmas spirit! It's just not fun doing that when I'm PREGNANT.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Nope.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

My MOM's Pumpkin Pie and Cheesecake Factory's Pumpkin Cheesecake.... look forward to it every year!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

I love the classic look of clear lights on the Christmas tree. I think it's beautiful... but for a kids tree colored lights are really fun!

17. Favorite Christmas song?

Oh, I just love Christmas music WAAAAAAy too  much to pick one favorite.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Stay home, for sure. I love being with my family enjoying the comforts of familiar places. I can't wait until my children are old enough for me to enjoy their excitement of looking under the tree on Christmas morning. Oh, the dreams I have...

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Yep! You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixin. Commet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen... but do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all??? Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer! (he has a very shiny nose...)

20. Angel on top of the tree or a star?

A star. I've never been a real fan of angels on top of Christmas trees. Besides, the star has so much symbolism!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

I always opened Christmas presents on Christmas morning growing up, but I married into a family that does it on Christmas eve. It works out great and I love it! The two different traditions will be fun for my kids growing up and I will never have to worry about switching off years or rushing over to someone else's house to open presents.

22. Most annoying thing about this year?

Being pregnant and not being able to handle the shopping. Black Friday was crazy... I had to keep on saying "Excuse me... I have a big belly" to people in the crowded stores. At least most people were really nice!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

I love the combination of red and silver. Very stunning... I've also been known to do white, silver and light blue. Also a fave. This year our tree is COLORFUL and it looks good too! I guess it just depends!

24. Favorite Christmas dinner?

I love the turkey and fancy stuff, but one tradition I love is on Christmas day my mom had a bunch of things to munch on all day... finger foods and such... so we could enjoy our Christmas day without any stressed of a big meal to prepare. I LOVE that idea. She usually does have a nice breakfast though and that it always GREAT.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Honestly?? I am REALLY happy with not getting anything this year. I feel blessed beyond measure with what I already have. The things on my "wish list" are things I could get any time of the year with some extra money. I just really look forward to watching Joselyn enjoy the magic of Christmas this year and for having a precious little newborn to hold while I watch the rest of my family open their gifts.

Tagged by Desiree

I was tagged by Desiree! I've done one like this before, but things change over the months so it's always fun to do it again... it IS a little different though!

8 Favorite TV shows:
1: Heroes
2: John & Kate plus 8
3: Extreme Makeover Home Edition
4: Grays Anatomy
5: American Idol
6: House
7: Smallville
8: Pretty much any HGTV or TLC show

8 Favorite Restaurant's
1: Cheddars
2: Cosi
3: Siam
4: Planet Thai
5: PF Changs
6: Panera
7: Atlanta Bread Company
8: Jalepenos

8 things that happened yesterday
1: Played with Joselyn
2: Went to Target, Wal-Mart, and Lowe's to help pick out some things for my brother Seth's room (He's getting home from his mission to SLC today and my mom enlisted my help! Good thing I LOVE shopping and interior decorating!)
3: Had a friend over to teach her how to make a Tutu
4: Worked on Joselyn's Tutu (for Halloween costume and Birthday outfit)
5: Drove to Versailles to take pictures of a really cute family!!
6: Talked to my friend Kasey on the phone
7: Came home to kiss Joselyn goodnight right before she went to bed, then worked on some post-processing on a few of the photos I took
8: Cuddled on the couch with Adam and watched Iron Man for the 2nd time this week (He sure does love that movie!) and fell asleep watching it.

8 things to look forward to
1: Seth coming home! (First time I will see him in 2 years!!)
2: Thanksgiving
3: Christmas time
4: Family vacation (yes, another one!!) second weekend of November with the Kravetz clan??
5: Spending time with my family
6: Sundays
7: Meeting my little boy in December
8: Getting back into shape after having my baby

8 things I love about fall
1: Hot Chocolate and Hot Apple Cider
2: The romantic Falling Leaves
3: Sweaters
4: Walks with Joselyn
5: The beautiful colors that decorate nature
6: Pumpkin anything (Pumpkin bread, Pumpkin pie, Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake, Pumpkin Candles...)
7: The excitement for the coming holidays... everyone is always in a better mood this time of the year!
8: The beautiful weather and lighting

8 things on my wish list:
1: A larger home
2: A new wardrobe (both Maternity and POST maternity... )
3: Visit Thailand
4: A camera strap from this shop (The Elephant one is SUPER cute!) and more accessories for my camera
5: A dresser to match our awesome bed... as well as a room makeover
6: A Trailer for my bike so we can take our babies on bike rides
7: Spending more time with my sisters! (one lives in Montana and the other works too much)
8: For my family to know the love I have for them- for my children to always be able to come to me with any of their problems and know I will still love them

8 people I'm tagging
1. Sierra
2. Tara
3. Meredith
4. Kasey
5. Tiffany
6. Amaree
7. Kauti
8. Janie

Can't wait to see your answers!

High School

1. Did you date someone from high school?
Not really. Didn't do much of this at all in High School. I sort of went out with this one soccer player guy for, like 2 weeks, but I don't even really count that as a past relationship... he tried to kiss me once and I didn't let him. I had a fling in France with someone when I was 16 (my first kiss) but he wasn't from my high school, obviously.

2. What kind of car did you drive?
I didn't get my license until I was 18 so I didn't drive! I had great friends who drove me around everywhere!!    (and I admit, I took the bus a lot of the time)

3.Did you pass your drivers licence test the first time?
I did... 100% I think. But I had a LOT of practice!!

4. Where you a party animal?
That's funny... I was as far from a party animal as anyone could ever be. I was more of the "hang out at the coffee shop" kind of gal.

5. Were you considered a flirt?
NO way. Probably one of the reasons for the answer to #1. I was pretty shy and inexperienced when it came to guys.

6. Were you in band, orchestra or choir?
I was in choir all 4 years. I had a lot of fun too... our choir was one of the best in the state and the region so we were always traveling to compete. I have a lot of fun memories from choir.

7. Where is number 7?

8. Were you on any varsity teams?
Basketball... but it didn't mean much since I never played! Ha!

9. Did you get suspended/expelled?
Never. I don't think I even ever got in trouble at school.

10. Can you still sing your school song?
I think we learned it once in choir to sing at the graduation but I have NO memory of it in my brain.

11. Who were you favorite teachers?
My art teacher, Mrs. Cullip... she was a character but she really encouraged me in my art... I attribute my love for Photography and Interior Design to all that she taught me. I also loved my choir director, Mrs. Burt. She was lots of fun... and she liked me. Last but not least I really liked my English teacher... and my mind just went blank and I can't remember her name. (I had it when I started this question!!) Not a lot of people liked her, they thought she was mean, but she loved my older sister and that love got passed down to me somehow... and she was a GREAT teacher... she really knew how to teach. Those are the 3 that stuck out to me. 
*OK... my sister just reminded me who my English teacher was... Ms.Branson!

12. Where did you sit during lunch?
With my friends in the cafeteria... 

13. What is your schools full name?
Well, our High School got split when I was a Junior... so half of my high school journey was spent at Jessamine County High School, then we finished off at East Jessamine County High School. I claim East Jessamine as my high school though. I liked it better split.

14. School Mascot and colors?
Since I am considering EJHS as my high school of choice, the mascot was a Jaguar and the colors green and blue. I thought our colors AND mascot were pretty cool.

15. Did you go to Homecoming and with who?
I did... but they were always with a friend. One year I went with a guy named Aaron Cox, who was a baseball player, and another year I went with a friend from church, Justin Cooper. (some of you may know him as one of Rich and Deb Morgan's sons)

16. If you could go back and do it again would you?
Although I definitely love my life now, I actually enjoyed high school. I think it's because I had such great friends and because I stayed really involved with a lot of things. My outlook of High School is COMPLETELY different from Adam's. If I could go back and do it again, I probably would... those were some fun care-free times.

17. What do you remember most about graduation?
It wasn't that big of a deal to me... I guess I didn't take it seriously enough although I did farely well in HS. I remember losing my National Honor Society shawl thing and not getting to wear it, and I remember my Grandparents flew out for the occasion. Afterwards, my family and I all went to Jalapenos to eat and celebrate. I guess I was happy that I graduated, but I still had no plan of what I was going to do next... I had been accepted into a few schools but I wasn't sure I wanted to go to those schools... I wanted to go to BYU but hadn't applied yet.

18. Where did you go senior skip day?
I vaguely remember there being such a thing, but it must not have been that memorable because I don't remember it.

19. Were you in any clubs?
OH, so many I don't even remember the names of all of them. I tried to join as many as I could just for the fun of it. I was such a weirdo... Beta Club, National Honor Society, Speech team... those are the ones I can remember although there were TONS more.

20. Have you gained some weight since then?
Oh, have I... so sad that I thought I was 'fat' back then... now I look back and realize just how small I was!! But being as tall as I was, I was always comparing my body to those of my short petite friends.

21. I am not sure where 21 is either?

22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?
Yes. I think they have started planning one for next year and there is a group on facebook about it. Although I keep tabs on a lot of people from high school through facebook and myspace, it will be so weird to see everyone!!

23. Did you have a job while in high school.
I had quite a few... my dad kind of 'forced' my first job at Taco Bell on me because of their open schedule and my busy school schedule. I hated that job with a passion... I hated the teal shirts we had to wear and the hats and that I always came home smelling like, well, taco bell. I moved on to bigger and better things though... I worked at Toys R Us (a FUN job!!), interned at Ethan Allen, worked at Extended Stay America, and last but not least... my favorite job EVER- GYMBOREE!! (see why I have a crazy obsession for that store?)

Tagged by Tara

I've seen this one floating around blog land... I was finally tagged by Tara to do it and since I haven't done one in a while thought I would do it!

I am: still in my pajamas
I think: life is hard... but everything hard happens for a reason and turns into a learning experience
I know: that I am loved
I want: to be a better person
I have: so much to do today I just don't know how I am going to get it all done!
I dislike: seafood and mean people
I miss: Thailand
I fear: loosing the ones I love
I feel: blessed that I have such a loving hard-working husband who makes many sacrifices for our little family
I hear: The ceiling fan blowing, the keys clicking and sounds of the computer working. (Joselyn is asleep)
I smell: Clean sheets (I am in my bedroom and our sheets were just washed- such a great smell!)
I crave: some fresh fruit right now... a crisp apple or green grapes. Yum. Wish we had some!
I cry: just about everyday... it's the pregnancy hormones for sure. But it's not always because I'm sad... sometimes it's because I am happy!
I usually: spend my day at home blogging, playing with Joselyn and waiting for Adam to come home so I can spend some time with him.
I search: for just about everything. I am always losing something... my keys, my sunglasses, a bottle for Jos, a shirt to wear... I lose everything.
I wonder: what our baby boy will look like... I hope he looks like a miniature version of Adam!
I regret: not making better decisions about money when I was younger
I love: My faith, Adam, and my family more than anything else
I care: way too much about what other people think of me
I always: wear my hair down and straight
I worry: about not being the best wife/mother I could be, but realize I'm not perfect and no one expects that from me
I am not: pessimistic. I look for the good things in life!
I remember: when life was so much simpler
I believe: we all have so much to learn from our sweet children
I dance: with Joselyn all the time
I sing: at the top of my lungs in the shower, in my car, in my house... and then I sing softly to Joselyn at night right before bed
I don't always: do the things I KNOW I should be doing
I argue: more than I would like to... usually about something stupid
I write: in my blog just about everyday because it's my journal!
I win: the sweetest smiles and giggles from Joselyn when I play with her
I lose: at almost every game I play
I wish: I were a better person... not in a "I feel sorry for myself" kind of way... there are just a lot of improvements I would like to make about myself so I can be a better wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister.... you name it.
I listen: to my heart as much as possible
I don't understand: Why there are people out there who will go out of their way to make other people miserable and who will hurt people with no regrets
I can usually be found: at home, playing on the floor with Joselyn or in front of my computer
I am scared: of creepy crawly bugs and being alone at night
I need: reassurance that I am getting somewhere in life
I forget: just about everything these days
I am happy: when the people I care about are happy

I tag Laura B, Sierra H, Ashlee M, Amber D and Janie S