Figments of Mimi

2011-10-03T09:15:00.001-07:00

Dear Life,

Thanks for kicking it with me regardless of how efficient or cool I am.
Sometimes I am radical and taking names; other times I am far from awesome.
Either way, thanks for giving me so many chances to have "sometimes" and "other times" and not judging me for it.

Love, Mimi

Happy monday

2011-09-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

Things I'm Grateful for:pearsliving in the United Statesmorning showersspray paintmy cousinsJohn Rogersfelt tip penshot pinkhair cutspenguinsComputershugscuddle timePenelope FrancisHalloweenmy jobKellingtonpeanut buttermy parentspink nail polishGrandma's recipes

I like winning contests

2011-09-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

I play on a Kickball team that is part of the National WAKA Kickball League. They recently had a Tee shirt design contest for the national championship games that are held in Las Vegas. I entered; I can design tee shirts with my eyes closed. (eyes closed tee shirts would be awesome)Anyway, I am super happy because I won so I get to show off my sweet skills on a National level.... not work related :)

MIGHT I say... I won this contest the same way I did my 8th grade History fair. I did a painting for the SJMS History fair of my Great great grandpa on a boat holding a Denmark flag.... That was my whole project. Formula for success: Lots of flair and providing something people want to standby.... and smile REALLY big.Why do I ever question that I am in marketing?I like making things pretty.Love, Mimi

Currently

2011-09-06T13:14:00.001-07:00

I find myself holding my breath for long periods of times lately. I wonder what that means.Sorry for the very unfruitful blog.Love, Mimi

A Gratitude list by Mimi Rogers:

2011-03-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Things I am grateful for
my green fuzzy robe
left over yellow curry
my new job
John, my boyfriend/husband/partner in crime
My AWESOME children
shoes
baby girl's shoes
burritos
Kelton's glasses
clean sheets
girl scout cookies
Drawing
the color pink
sunshine
red lipstick
dill pickles
my phone
COFFEE
fancy skirts
dodgeball
My Subi-shark
Music
cousins
rain
Brothers
Piper Jane
google
COLORS
post it notes (all sizes)
hairstylists
eyebrows
China
penguins
tattoos
WATER
the noise spare change makes in my pocket
felt tip pens
My Sisters
snuggling
reading
Great books
colored pencils
school
apples
Friends who remember keep in touch
high heels
making logos
TREES
mountains
HUGE birds
dentists
sweaters
hair dye
My parents (they are really awesome)
Having a house
gardens
a freshly mopped floor
new shampoo
perfume
my wedding ring
spring is coming
FLOWERS
The stamp they made me at my new work:

Love, Mimi

Indian Food

2011-03-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

I am rewarding myself with Indian food after school tonight. Paneer Tikka Masala.

GANESH INDIAN CUISINE

Love, Mimi

It's gaining speed.

2011-02-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

My life is intense the past month or so.
I noticed in fall time I was getting really comfortable, careless and lazy. I was slacking on my job, in my relationships, and with myself. Luckily, I lit a fire and now things are moving... maybe a bit faster then expected.

I have been employed at a printing company called West Wind litho for almost 8 years. I got the job by calling every other week for 4 months or so until they found me a position in the art department. From that point, I started at the bottom mopping floors,cutting things out, learning how to fold books, and loading machines. Throughout the years I have mastered EVERYthing in my department. After a while, I went outside of the art department and got educated about business, networks and marketing. Whenever I got bored I would find something that was poorly done and improve it. This company has seen me grow from a 19 year old girl with a shaved head to the mother/wife I am today. I'm and artist; I like to create and I have always been supported doing at West Wind Litho. I am very lucky to have such a awesome coworkers that I consider family.

I am the type of person who thrives if there is a deadline. I have been in a lull at my job. There is always stuff to do but it's not really stuff that is in alignment with what I want to peruse. How blessed am I to be able to say, "Hey, I am employed with a good job but I think I want to pursue more stuff." I feel like my life is always full of epic opportunities and I am so thankful for them.

Anyway, in January I shook myself and decided to start growing again instead of being so comfortable. I signed up for a Web Design certificate program at the University of Utah so I can learn more about my trade and branch out a bit. I registered and that seems to have started some kind of "cosmic ball" rolling. (where can I purchase one of those?)

Since then, I have somehow attracted job offers and more work for my independent design and art. (www.mimithatonegirl.com)

One job offer in particular came from a friend, Kyle, who called me randomly. I met him when I was on the Founder's marketing board at a nonprofit called the Great Life Foundation. I used to donate and design all kinds of materials for the GLF and Kyle would do film. Well, Kyle called me up and said "Hey, we have been interviewing people for a position at my work, Life Vantage, for months but no one really is a fit. Your face keeps popping into my head and I needed to call and tell you about it before I loose more sleep over it."

I wasn't really looking for a new job especially since I had started schooling but I thought I would take Kyle up on his offer to take John and I to lunch and check out the place. Well, and casual lunch turned in to an informal interview where all of the directors "just so happened" to come introduce themselves. I saw a bigger picture of where I would have potential to grow. I returned to do a formal interview armed with all kinds of hoops for them to jump through and they exceed all of my expectations. Even when I mentioned I was going to dye may hair pink the next week they just said, "We support anything you want to do, we can tell you are our fit."
I am not sure what I brought to the table that they were looking for, but I am excited. I will managing their design and graphics. I love creating :)

So tomorrow is my last day at West Wind Litho. When I put in my two weeks it was kinda sad. It feels like I am moving out of my parent's basement.

With work, school, John and kids; life is moving at a pretty fast pace. Lets just hope I have what it takes to land on my feet.
Currently the things I do to keep myself sane are: yoga and dodgeball. Both great stress relievers! :) Lately my mantra have been the lyrics from a Cloud Cult song:

Today is a good day
To flex the muscles of the weary
A Miracle's a miracle
Even when it's ordinary

...We will walk on the water
Even though it seems scary...
If someone will show us the way

Here is a link to the whole song, I love this band :)

Here's to taking the next step!
Love, Mimi Rogers

Blowing stuff up at age 27

2011-01-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

Last night my parents made me dinner since it's my 27th birthday this week. My Mom fed me and made yummy dessert. I am a pretty lucky girl and my parents are so awesome. After dinner my Dad let me light off some of his prized fireworks from his gun safe stash. Greatest birthday present ever. I am sure they don't make "Cowboy Crackers" anymore because of how epic they are. I am including pictures of the mangled up cans I exploded into the air. One of the cutest things ever is John, Kelton and Penenlope watching; talk about family togetherness.

And here are some cute pictures of the Kids:

Our tree this year

2010-12-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

Our tree this year :)

Good of man, or whatever you wanna call it.

2010-12-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

It is my understanding that Christmas can be commercial, religious, ridiculous, joyful or whatever we want it to be. I also think that the rest of the year is identical to Christmas just usually warmer, less decorated, harder to find an excuse to give a present, and I gain less weight.
I was surprised this morning while driving to work. Instead of getting irritated at the two older ladies, in their Cadillac, that cut me off getting onto the freeway, I was grateful for them. Is it a collective manifestation of peace that is brought on in the holidays by the direction of marketing or church sermons? I doubt it, none the less I was happy these ladies existed.
They made me think, "That is probably someones grandma or mother." That thought sparked a sequence of thoughts:
• I am grateful for my grandparents who in there 90's still remember to send my kids Birthday cards.
• I am grateful for friends who will pick me up if I was ever stranded. Even if it was 5 am.
• I am glad I have a house, car, and food that I can pay for.
• I have a job, I enjoy and it pays my bills. <--I am thankful for that.
• I am SUPER appreciative for my Husband and all of the things he brings to my life. I Love that man and his left brain. Not only that, I think he is really cute, that is just the cherry on top.
• I am grateful for my family. My kids are awesome and I am so proud of them. My parents and in-laws who are involved my life, supportive and loving. My siblings and their spouses that make me smile regardless of global location, cousins who I have good times with and aunts and uncles who treat me like their own kid.
• I'm thankful for Friends who loan and borrow books, buy me coffee, listen, share a drinks and laughs, volunteer to watch my children and will let me make them dinner.

This leads me to my expansive thoughts. EVERYONE is someone's: loved one, brother, birth parent, delinquent, sister, child, mother, beloved, son, nerd, father, daughter, cherished, step parent/child or grandparent; even if they cut you off in traffic.
I know there is probably a lot of other titles I can add in my list and every person one is probably more then one of those things.
Here is my ranting point; people are complicated. I hope I never get into the habit of discrediting people. Where Is the Love? If you need a reminder, just holler, I've got one for you right here.

Here are some Ideas you can use to spread the love simply: open someones door for them. Look a stranger in the eyes and smile. Snag the change in your car or the 5$ in your pocket and donate it to one of the people with the bells who are CONVENIENTLY everywhere right now. Donate to a food bank. Heck, even donate blood.
CHARITY, I figure even if it has to do with a holiday, I am glad there is annual time people are urged to help others. A person in need that is aided or a mouth that is fed, IS AWESOME. Regardless the time of year. Right now it is convenient... so why not, right?

Love, Mimi

Post Script: Today is Penelope Francis's 1st Birthday and Wendy and Olivia gave her her own purple awesome hoodie.

Now we are matchers.

Penelope 11 Months

2010-11-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

Penelope is getting so big. She just turned 11 months. Crazy how time flies. Yesterday she wanted me to see how good she is at climbing, So here are some pictures:

Things I love

2010-09-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

monkeys
coffee
John
Penelope standing in her crib
soap
spoons
iPhone
the color green
kickball
vacations
butterflies
running
healthy food
Glee (I know I am a nerd face)
my computer
sunglasses
pickles
jalapenos
mispronounced words
cookies
Kelton hugs
toothpaste
Kristin
ivy
cartoons
my personal accountant
yawning
my family
fabric
the ocean
mint
water!!
sharks
apple trees
grapevines
grass
new tires
cars that work
ice cubes
dates
music
sandwiches
mermaids
painting
fuzzy blankies
U of U football games
soup
my job
tacos
carpet
our washing machine
cookies
a clean bathroom
new earrings
my husband
playing cards with Kelton
Penelope's giggle
red lipstick
haircuts
the Pixies
my brother Jake
packages from Sarah :)
halloween
reading
BOOKS!
my pillow
skirts

Life as I know it is changing, always.

2010-07-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

I find myself stuck sometimes, being upset with the way things pan out in my life. I am a creator. I am the one who sets things in motion and attracts things to me. Sometimes I am just super frustrated with how it all goes! I have a tendency to want to plan everything. I want to know what is going to happen or be prepared if things do happen. I can't even watch horror or suspense movies anymore because it hurts all fibers of my being to not know!

I have been practicing accepting what is the last couple weeks. It is against the grain in my brain to let stuff just float past me. Though I have been doing it! I am just trying to keep my eye on the prize and keep going. Being a chick I naturally have my brain connecting a lot of different thoughts at once. This "practicing" is like I am cutting my thought pattern "tentacles". Is this for the better? We will see. I am a lot happier lately and I am getting a lot done on my list of "what I want in my life". So this is a good thing.
I find one huge catch to "accepting what is", I don't know where to put my anxiety/anger/insecurity/irritability energy. I know it doesn't work when I stuff it down because that is just like setting a timer for melt down.

Things I have been doing to release my crazy energy:
• Yelling in the car (without children and the car is stopped)
Sounds kind of crazy? Well it is. This usually happens when I am feeling my throat chakra getting all swollen/closed up. It is a similar felling to wanting to cry. Very effective carnal screaming is therapeutic for me and as long as I roll down the windows to let out the thick cloud of "crazy" after, it serves me.

• Running/walking
I find this is a slow yet efficient way to ooze my crazy out and breath some clarity back in.

• Listening to Punk Rock (especially efficient if windows are down while driving)
I think this is my favorite because I can be super angry or super happy listening to the same music. I have actually found more delight in this then I thought. Before I know it, I forget why I was so tight and crazy. Everything is going to be fine.

• Cooking/baking
There is nothing better to shove in the "unexpected's" face then some awesome aesthetic tasty creation that everyone wants a part of.

On a good note I feel like I am more open to off the cuff decisions; like going to go see my grandparents with the kids or taking a drive through the canyon at dusk.

At Great Grandma and Grandpa Breinholt's swing set:

Clover snoozing

Grandpa Wally showed us up

Penelope a natural

Keltons First knee hang!

Me being "One with what is"

Love,
Mimi

Music and Hope for Humanity.

2010-07-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Kelton with is Rootbeer

Kelton and I enjoying the band

Penelope and piglet playing with someones crazy neon orange glitter nails

Last night I had a ball with my kids.
Salt Lake City does a thing called the Twilight Concert Series. Pretty much it is a free concert/show in the park every Thursday for a couple of months in the summer. It is great because it is ALL ages and usually very relaxed. Last night they had the first concert of the season in Pioneer Park downtown. It happened to be one of my favorite bands, Modest Mouse, so I was excited to go. John and decided to bring the kids because we have had such success bringing them in the past. Our game plan was to have John save us a spot in the park right after work and I was going to meet up with him after grabbing the children. Due to previous experiences, we both parked at Trax stations and took the train down.
Kelton has never been on a train and he LOVED it. It was like his "awesome meter" went up after feeling secure in the train and letting go of gripping the side bar. I wonder why I haven't taken him on it before! Penelope hung in the baby sling the whole travels and I got to try all the cool sitting/laying positions with her.

On a side note, I would recommend the Balboa baby sling to everyone with a baby or small toddler! (I have breast feed and made lasagna at the same time before with this thing. Is that possible to do and sanitary? I say yes!... If you have mad skills. Ask Kristin, she is my witness)

ANYWAY... After the VERY full train, our little troop walked a couple of blocks to the park and saw the 6 block long line. IT WAS PACKED!! They say 40,000 people showed up. I tried not to get discouraged because I had a call from John confirming an awesome spot with blanket and water bottles waiting for us on the inside. After that some nice high school kids adopted me in line and from that point on it was like the Utah public welcomed me with open arms. John's cousin Randy showed up and carried my bag in for me and looked for john while I chilled with the kids (he is SUPER tall). To no avail, John was MIA and not answering his phone. I am pretty sure there was not enough cell towers around to handle all the phone traffic. Since I couldn't get a hold of John to FIND him, Kelton, Penelope and I just did our own thing.

List of nice stuff I noticed people do:
1. If people were smoking, they would back up like 25 feet from me when they saw I had kids.
2. Getting through a concert crowd can be rough and rude, it is like roller derby minus the skates. When people saw I had a baby, it was like parting the Red Sea. I would have semi-intoxicated people yelling at their friends to, "Freakin' move Bro, we have a baby coming through!"
3. When all was lost in finding John and our blanket, I asked to sit with a family who was set up right next to us. Then I realized it was a whole group of parents and kids and we were welcomed with open arms.
4. I remembered snacks for the kids but John had the water bottles. Before I knew it, Kelton was set up with a Rootbeer and I didn't even have to leave the blanket! (the guy wouldn't even let me pay for it)
5. People were so nice to my kids. I think Penelope is super cute and Kelton is cool and has good manors, I am also a bias mother. Apparently the general public are crazy about my children too. There were an abundance of people/children who talked or played with my little ones.
6. On the Train we always had a seat no matter how packed. Though there were 100's of people piling on, fellow concert goers were courteous and sweet in letting us get passed them and getting on the train.
7. Before she got off of the train, a really nice stranger made a note to tell me "You have beautiful wonderful children and you're a beautiful mother." After a long night of kid carting, husband looking, people dodging, it made my insides feel squishy sweet.

Another side note: My iPhone is an awesome tool. I use it all day for business, art communication, etc. One thing I didn't realize that was so useful for is, entertaining children. Penelope's favorite App is "Toddler Colors". The rules are, if you try and put it in your mouth, the phone gets taken away. Kelton's favorite is "Fruit Ninja". The rules are, if you drop it, the phone gets taken away. I know it is a risk letting my kids play with MY toys but it pays off when I am waiting in line to pay a fine or we're on the train at 10pm on a Thursday night.

All in all it was an excellent night. Kelton got his own pizza for dinner, because that is what ninja turtles eat. And I got to dance and see one of my favorite bands play. Modest Mouse was a great first concert for Penelope, she even danced herself. (back wiggling on a blanket is baby dancing, right?) I am not sure if it tops Kelton's first concert (Violent Fems at the U of U) but it is a great place to start.
It has been yet another result showing me I don't have to give up things I love and who I am to be the Mom I want to be.
Thanks for showing up for me last night Humanity, you give me hope.

Love, Mimi

More then a lot of time.

2010-07-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

It has been a while and a half since I have posted any new blogs. I was talking with my brother Jake last night about how much I love reading about what is going on with my family and he pointed out how I was guilty of not updating for everyone else.
Well, Penelope is about 7 months old now. She is rolling over like crazy and teases us with trying to crawl. She is honing her spoon skills and loving mushed up solid foods once a day.
Kelton just finished his season of teeball (I am not sure if he liked it.) He is doing summer camp with his daycare and loving it. I am trying to help him find something he really likes to do as a hobby (other then video games) and it is up in the air. Maybe swimming lessons next? Sometimes I wish I didn't work so the scheduling stuff during the day wasn't so challenging.
John is host/ushering friends in and out of town. He is going to turn one of the rooms in the basement into a sound room soon and I know he is excited about the project. His goal for this summer is to fish and camp, a lot. I support this fully :)
I am on a kickball league. My team is in the championship, final four. We play tonight and I am excited to see if we can beat the odds and come out on top. I have rejoined for next season. It is a ball making new adult friends. That sums up our family currently.
I am personally still working on losing my baby weight, aligning priorities in my life and TEACHING MY SELF CONTENT COMMUNICATION. I think that last one is the most challenging right now. It is like re-wiring my brain. Well wish me luck!

Oh, John, my brother Pete and I went long boarding the other day and I am super rusty. Yet, I can't stop thinking about going again, that must meant I REALLY enjoyed it.

Waiting to long board again,
Mimi

Funny picture of the day...

2010-05-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

THis was requested by the Grand MJM podcast show and I thought it was funny.

Traverse 1 and 2

2010-05-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

Info about this and why...

Here is a Blog about it!!

Sugarless but still sweet.

2010-04-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sugar encounters since I decided not to eat any:
I was pretty sad yesterday when I could not order french toast for brunch. On the other hand my Eggs Florentine rocked my socks.
I spent and extra hour at the grocery store while shopping reading nutrition labels... There are a mess of ingredient in the oddest stuff. Who knew that Balsamic vinegar sometimes has caramel in it? I think I spent the most time on the DRESSING isle. Holy smokes I ended up not making any selections at all there and this week I am going to buy some cute bottles I can store homemade dressing in. Truly, I put condiments on everything so it will be nice to know, I made it myself and my body can break it down. My new best friends are hot sauce an vinegar. I have made my own BBQ sauce before and I am excited to have it on hand now because I am a BBQ sauce addict. I am Kind sad that it will all go bad sooner, but I guess that it won't be in my body as long because of that. (Any tips or preserving things longer?)
One disappointment I found at the store was Crystal light does not use Splenda anymore. They had a campaign for a while of having no Aspartame but I guess they switched back :P
I have found pretty much all store bought bread has some form of sugar in it.
Is honey better then sugar if I have to choose?
I did find out, while sampling the multitude of chips (at the BBQ we had with friends this weekend) that I should read the package before I take a taste. There is nothing worse then thinking, "Oh the is super delicious!" then reading the ingredients and wanting to punch myself in the face for loving the HFCS so much. One great find while tasting was This great Olive spread! ( think it had bit of feta in it too.) My friend who brought it explained how simple it was. Intructions: 1.go to olive bar in whole foods (or any store) 2.Pick out the stuff I like 3.Put in blender or food processor... so simple, soooo yum!
I am sad about Girl scout cookies.. They have sugar... really good tasting sugar. Someone brought Red Vines to the BBQ and I was delighted to find they are on my approved list! Score one for Mimi's sweet tooth.

I am Happy to announce I have lost another pound since my no sugar start! I am now at 153lbs... 13 more to go till my initial post baby weight goal.
I decided that I want to work my upper body so I don't strain my self hauling all of the stuff for the kids plus one car seat around. We have a pull up bar in our house and I don't know why I have never utilized it. I guess it is kind of intimidating for me because I have never been able to do more then 2 pull ups, and that was in high school... I know weak sauce :P Anyway I am not sure what kind of goal to make but If anyone has tips on doing pull ups, stretching for them, or what a reasonable goal is for a white, skinny armed, 26 year old girl, let me know.

love, Mimi

No sugar here I come.

2010-04-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

I have been doing the whole learning how to do life with a newborn thing. Needless to say things are working out slowly but surely.
One thing that is rough for me is loosing the baby weight. I gained 50 lbs while prego. So two days before Penelope was born I was 190 lbs. I have lost a lot so far, I am at 154lbs as of this morning. Breast feeding is probably helping but the weight loss is getting stagnate. I know that I don't have to loose the weight right away but I sure do miss fitting in a Medium size.
Exercising is not going as planned. I am on a volleyball team to be active which is cool. When I went running my body did not agree with it. Maybe I should start yoga and stop talking about it. Vigorous exercise seems to mess with my milk production. I am used to dieting to deal with my weight but that doesn't help my milk production either. I decided I am going to cut out sugar and see how that goes. My cousin Jansen Price lost about 20 pounds since he stopped eating sugar on November 18th, 2009. Here are the rules he follows:
"No soda, no fruit juices, no candy, chocolate, cakes, ice cream, etc. Whole fruit is okay (it contains fiber which is the antidote to fructose). I read food labels and if it has HFCS, sugar, molasses, honey, agave nectar, I stay away from it. It is okay to have glucose, dextrose or corn syrup. Of course, sugar slips in because it is in a lot of things. Also, eat more fiber: oatmeal and vegetables."
I figure this is a good place to start loosing weight, having a healthier food intake.
So, goodbye High Fructose Corn Syrup and blessed soda, we had a good run.

Love, Mimi

What is the greatest thing that has ever happened to you?

2010-03-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

What is the greatest thing that has ever happened to you?
That is what Kelton (5 years old) asked me on the way home tonight. After a bit of thought I replied, "Getting married to your dad because I was getting married to the love of my life and getting a son I love the same day!" (I know mushy)
Kelton said, "I knew you would say that."
am I that predictable?

"What is the greatest thing that has happened to you Kelton?"
With total clearity he answered, "Christmas presents."

A couple of drawings.

2010-03-11T15:23:00.001-08:00

Here are random drawings that i have sketched up at work the past little while.

Phone blog

2010-02-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

I am writing this on my iPhone. It is pretty awesome.
Penelope's stomach hurts today, it makes me sad. I am not a great comunicator all the time I decided. It is frustrating. I am getting better at breast feeding, that is cool. It is still annoying to pump at work but it won't kill me.
I am hanging out with my family this week because they will be in town, all of my siblings.

Penelope has a tendancy to hold onto her binki string while she sleeps. Well the dryer just went off and it startled her and she pulled it and the pacifier popped right out. It was super cute :)

well I guess that is it.

Love, Mimi

26th birthday photo

2010-02-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

All about Breastfeeding

2010-02-01T15:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes breastfeeding upsets my stomach. It feels like there is a hook and line attached to my pubic bone and it is slowly being pulled out through my esophagus. It makes me sick, sore and swollen. When I thought first of being a mother i didn't dream of sitting in a bathroom with a mechanical mouth pulling food from me. I hear the whir of Industrial white noises as I sit on my feeding throne. The chair has wheels so I can cart it back and forth, to and from my desk and my, well other desk.
One desk has a modest computer and shared phone. It's smothered with pieces of my personality flare from the years I have been employed here. It has a comfy black arm chair hugging under the slightly too short desk. I get business done here.
My other desk is tiled with a sink basin in the center. It holds my breast pumps duffel-like bag. Conveniently, the bag has a mini cooler in it with removable ice packs to store pumped milk. Inconveniently, I forgot to grab the ice packs out of the freezer this morning rendering it useless. I hope people at work don't mind the little bottles of breast milk I put in the break room refrigerator. As I am writing this with my thumb, on my phone, one handed in the bathroom, the batteries in my pump have died. It is a good thing I snagged the gigantic ancient AC adapter to plug it in. Wait, is there absolutely no plug outlets in this bathroom? Figures, guess I will have to improvise at my next appointment with my pump in 3 hours. I feel awfully American assuming there would be accessible electricity in my flush toilet bathroom office.
It seems my life is in 3 hour increments.
Here I am 3 hours later siting in a coworker's office taking advantage of the outlets. It feels like my chest might explode if I didn't start pumping soon. All I can picture is a cow with a sagging full utter. Moo. I am glad the guy evacuated his office with only a couple of jokes. "You need me to grab you a big gulp cup?". I feel like I am in high school again.
I hope I make my milk quota today. I am not sure if I drank enough water, I'll cross my fingers. I feel like I should get a gold star when I produce enough. Maybe I need to make myself a chart and buy some star stickers to track what a good milker I am.
I do like breastfeeding. Though i cried and cried when my milk came in, I really enjoy feeding the baby. I wish I could bring the babe to work with me. I know my milk is good for the little one. My husband told me to commit to it if I choose to breastfeed. It is a love hate relationship. It doesn't work too well if I cry about it everyday.
I am glad I can provide for the little one. And it is a plus at night to not have to get a bottle.
At lunch time I pass on the onions and beans... And caffeine, cheese, hummus, tomatoes and chocolate. Well that is a lie I still eat chocolate, So sue me.
One thing that is interesting about storing liquid in my mammary glands is the produce different amounts of milk. This leads to different size boobs. That's right I said it, I now have one bigger then the other.
Why am I writing all of this? What is the point of this piece of writing? Well it is a confession I guess. I understand why some women choose not to go through this ordeal. I myself am taking it a day at a time. It is challenging to go to work and still stick to feeding the baby with Mother's milk. Not only does it make your hormone levels wacky but it is uncomfortable. This is my women war cry saying "I can do this and I am awesome for it!" I think I am mostly saying, "Hey new moms, I relate. It will be okay. It will all work out." So thumbs up to everyone who sticks to it and "Thanks for your best effort" to those who have tried their hardest because IT ISN'T EASY. Or maybe it is easy for some, It is getting easier for me.
This week I had the CEO of my company ask why i was taking a chair with me into the bathroom... it was kinda funny.

Love, Mimi

New Rogers, New Renter, New year!

2010-02-01T09:37:00.001-08:00

Cousin Clover and Penelope 8 days apart

Last December we have our newest addition to the Rogers Family. Miss Penelope Francis has been and excellent sister and Daughter so far. I am not sure what I did to get such a good, cute baby but I am grateful. She started smiling right at a month old and now she reaches for things and she is less then two months still. She isn't very fussy at all. When she is waiting to eat she just watches me intently instead of crying about it. At night we have had a lot of success with her sleeping schedule. She is already having 7 hour nights and it is a blessing! Kelton has been such a good big Brother. He asks to hold her often and he is always there to help her with her pacifier if she drops it. He is the self ordained "Have you washed your hands?" sheriff of the house. In Kelton's class this month they learned about castles and he got to make one with John and I to go show off, we had a lot of fun. It is crazy how is learning to read and takes spelling tests, I am so proud of him. John has been such and awesome support and rock through it all. He is an amazing father. It is funny to think that the first few nights we had Penelope home I was asking John how to do everything. He knows how to take care of his family and I am is awe of him all of the time. Not only is he great with the kids but he makes me feel so special for just being his wife. It is rare he misses a beat. Everything from noticing when I am on the verge of tears or dropping flowers at my work for my birthday. I am a blessed girl. Last week i went back to work full time and I am still adjusting. I really miss my little ones. Lucky, my Mom has been watching Penelope for us this last week.
This month my brother Peter, his wife Kristin and their new babe Clover moved up to Utah from San Diego. I am really happy because they are going to be renting our Mother In Law apartment and live so close. It is nice seeing all of their stuff moved in. The apartment itself looks more like a home then it ever has. Also, Kristin is going to be our Nanny and it is a relief to I know our Penelope will be in good hands hanging out with her cousin Clover. This morning I went to go visit Pete on my way to work at his new job because this is his first day. He works at the Starbucks off Redwood and about I215. I dropped off a string cheese and a costume ring to entertain him while he made me a tea. It was a nice way to start my Monday. I sure did miss visiting my siblings at work! I miss my siblings in general. Now I have Sam, Melinda, Laura and Pete in Utah. Though Melinda lives Kinda far in Logan and Laura is in Lindon. This month Sarah is coming town to visit, that's right, a whole month! And at the end of the Month Jake, Reagan, Jessie and Jessie's Brother are coming to meet up with all of us. I am so excited! I am sad Jake's daughter Piper won't be able to make the trip since she is in such a fragile condition. I hope we can make it out to NY to visit her within the next year or two.
My life is great and I am full of thanks and love for everything. The aftermath of having a baby is hectic but I am still here and kicking!

Love, Mimi Rogers

PS: Here are some links to picture albums all the way from Halloween to now!!

Penelope's Birth 2009

Christmas 2009

Halloween 2009

Kelton's 5th Birthday 2009

I share Gratitude

2009-12-29T21:45:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted much the past little bit. Most of the stuff going on in my life comes back to the same things. I am grateful for my life.

I am grateful for:
The home I live in
being able to pay my bills
Having 6 weeks to hang out with my little girl
John, and everything he does
My mom
my car works well
the snow
bean bags
my health
Christmas
Christmas dinner
My brothers and sisters
Showers
stiches
kittens
our baby girl
Mr. kelton
Daycare
my phone
blankets
my DAD
Uncle Sam (my brother)
Wendy and Olivia
did I say John?
Diapers
Tevo
breast milk
breathing
robots
cartoons
water
good sleep
breakfast
baby monitors
watermelon
the sun
summer
friends
my job
our house

I am not sure what I have done to have such an awesome abundant life but I am going to thoroughly appreciate and enjoy this.

Penelope Francis

2009-12-20T22:23:00.000-08:00

Penelope was born Dec 14 at 3:03 pm. She was 7.7 lbs and 20 inches. More to come on this subject. She's is freakin cute though :)

I waddle like a watermelon.

2009-11-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

If a watermelon could waddle, I would look just like it at this point in my pregnancy. John threatens to grab the camera every time he catches me trying to put on tights or leggings. It gives me lots of motivation to work out after the baby. I miss running. I almost "old lady" slipped on the ice the other night. It is a good thing I am whiny and made John hold my arm while I walked to the car. He has been super conscious to be the man on my arm since then :)
It is official, My body has reached the point of never being the same. I might seem superficial, I am kinda jealous of some of my peers that avoided the stretch mark stage. I have a map on my tummy now that tells the story of this last month and how my body stepping up to its "fullest". I honestly have kept my skin lubed up with oils, butters, lotion and internal vitamin E supplements and I am now a believer when they say, "If you are going to get them, you are going to get them." I am grateful I am doing what I can though because then I might have different feelings about the patterns on the bottom of my torso. Some stripes won't hold me back from being the sassy, attractive woman that I am. At least at this point I can add voluptuous to the adjectives that describe me.
I am actually glad that I haven't had an crazy complications with the pregnancy and the worst I am dealing with is something as silly as skin discoloration. It is times when I am having a pity party that I think of my sister-in-law Reagan. It makes me really thankful for the way my pregnancy and the baby growth has gone. My niece Piper was born with a laundry list of health challenges to face in this life. And Reagan was smart enough and in tune enough with her body to go to the hospital at the right time or we might not have sweet little Pip with us. I hope that I am as aware as that.

Anyway, I am finding myself full of love at the end of this blog so I am going to savor that.
I hope everyone is doing well.

Love, Mimi

Rant with where I am at feelings and stuff.

2009-10-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am putting a warning at the beginning of this for all of those who aren't interested in reading the random inner scripting of a prego stressed out female. If you wanna skip over the first part I am planning on putting my Gratitude list at the end.

I woke up from a nightmare crying this morning and then realized that it was my reality. I couldn't sleep hardly at all last night. I couldn't stop thinking about all of the crap I am stressing about. I was so deep into it that I dreamed about all kinds of horrible outcomes that I feared. I figure my nightmares will be a reality if I keep going down these tracks. I am running into a wall that I didn't know was up. It seems just a second ago my life and mind state was open, loving and carefree. The experience of myself recently is that a part of me, that I thought wasn't a part of me, is still here. It is the part of me that doesn't want to share, hug, trust or empathize. I am not going to say this part is me all the time but it is this person that comes out every once in a while.
I feel like my life has been asking for Honesty (not the vague kind) and when I started being honest it doesn't want it anymore. And it feel like when I am honest with myself and relationships about my feelings and what I want, it doesn't make a lick of difference (not all the time but lately). If anything I am too abrasive for my surrounding and everything shuts down. Then I shut down.
I am tired and warn feeling and what I want just doesn't work for everyone else. It seems ages ago (though I am only 25) but the abrasive and raw honesty used to be attractive and kind of endearing. Now it seems I have surrounded myself with a calmer community who I have trained to get used to the family friendly Mimi. Though I am capable of being a loving, powerful, passionate women all the time, I feel like I am more complicated then just that. It is like the belly side of loving, powerful, passionate.

This section was not flattering. It was how I feel, shallows and depths of 3 person parenting right now. There are victim parts and there are rude parts and there are sweet parts. I wrote it and though I wanted to keep the cynical, shallowness I am capable of, I know it will not serve me in my life to post it. It is a misrepresentation of the whole of me and I am not going to betray the sweet, innocent, caring girl who really does love anything she can. I did write it out and it was very cathartic to be so raw. I think it would serve me best in what I am creating in my life to not publish judgments and scripts about those who I love and those who I want to love. Lets just say I am human. I will include some excerpts to give you an idea of what I am frustrated with and let go of the venting part (because it served its purpose):
The box of "step mom" I feel am put in. Feeling unappreciated.....
Okay so I just spent 10 minutes trying to "include some excerpts" and that is all I could come up with without screaming my judgments and anger everywhere.

Being a few weeks shy of being 9 months prego scares the crap out of me. I feel bad for my husband because of how much I cry and how manic I am capable of being. He is the one I tend to criticize first (not on purpose, I just notice this) I feel like this and a few other things are really putting stress on our marriage. I wish I could fix it all with magic or something. It get to points like this where I notice and then I work on stuff, then it is good, then i find myself in this spot again, then I start over. I am glad he is willing to move forward and work on things with me. I am thankful he chooses to be with me through thick and thin. I am not sure if right now is a thick or thin part but i am glad he is the one that is sleeping next to me at night, Even if I am upset and crying. I probably should stop with the thinking so much about it so I can notice he thinks I am beautiful and loves me.

This is the part where I step back and take a look at what I want to do now. What is said and done is said and done. I can't change people or the fact I am prego, this I know.
I can change where I am going with this in my life. I guess I will just keep being honest. If anything I can honor the part of me that will stand up for what I want. I don't like being a doormat. I am going to be more conscious of others because I think that is what I am wanting most and If I am not being aware of where other people are at and take it into consideration the why would they do that for me?
I am going to appreciate myself more for the stuff I do as a Mom. I don't sell Kelton short that is for sure and I am so proud of him. I get to remind myself that I am a big part of his life and it is okay to say "Yeah, I taught him that". I listen to him, I love on him, I feed him, I make sure his homework is done, buy him pants that fit, make sure his shoes are the right size, draw with him, I remember his jacket, I take him to the library, I dance with him, I read to him, I go on walks with him, I let him bake stuff with me, I take him out to lunch, I paint faces at daycare, I make him awesome birthday cakes and Halloween costumes. I make sure he has a present for birthday parties, I make sure he has a schedule. And I do stuff he hates like make him wash his hands and brush his teeth, and wear the pants that he hates to button, make him clean his room, only allow so much TV time. I know I am not the only one who does these things for Kelton but this is me appreciating myself for the things I pride myself in making a note of in his life. I probably wouldn't have gotten pregnant if Kelton wasn't such an awesome kid. He inspired me to want another child. He is going to be such an awesome brother. :)
So I guess this is it, time to suck it up and let go of all my blahness. Time to practice listening and caring about people other then myself.

Gratitude list:
Myself
my body
the baby in my tummy
John
Kelton
my family
my mom
almonds
Doctors
my friends Olivia and Wendy
Tricia picks up Kelton when it is her turn
Halloween
bleach smell
Money
Jobs
Thanksgiving
Bananas
Kelton setting the table
Ninja Turtles
coffee cups
the feel of nice paper
robot drawings
My sisters
Health care
discounts
lizards
Grandmas
beards
good smelling soap
car washes
My car
pictures of cats that look like my cats
pitas
crisp apples
baking pie
internet
openness
Authenticity
calenders
snuggling

thanks for reading and knowing I am human.
Love, Mimi

San Diego Trip 2009

2009-10-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

John kelton and I went and visited Uncle Pete and Aunt Kristin recently. i figured It could be a last harrah trip for Kelton being an only child. We all had sooo much fun!
It was nice Kristin was my prego buddy i could sit with while the boys went and played. We went from Oct 1st and left on Oct 5th.
First night we got there we visited... In and Out Burger, woot woot. Next day was SeaWorld! then we did lots of beach visiting and flea market shopping :) Krisitn's parents made us lunch one day and it was GOODLICIOUS! Our frined Hailey drove down from LA to come say Hi to us on Sunday. Overall, it was a pretty good trip :)

Here are some good photo albums with pictures from the whole thing :)

San Diego 2009

Sea World Oct 2 2009

Kelton's 5th Birthday

2009-10-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of Fun with Kelton this year for his birthday. Well, we had a party at Grandma Beth's house. First we painted pumpkins and then John BBQed up some yummy hot dogs and hamburgers. After that we played the "Dot Game" where you win prizes if you land on the right color dot after music stops. After that we did the hokie pokie then we had Ninja turtle cupcakes and opened presents. It was a pretty fun full birthday :)

here is an album of pictures from Kelton's birthday week And some Videos!

Kelton's 5th Birthday 2009

Existential discussion with a toddler

2009-09-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

This morning on the way to work/school Kelton and I had a great discussion about heaven, our bodies, and our soul/spirits. John and I are spiritual people and we choose not to follow any certain religion. I wasn't armed with a check list of how heaven works. I figure it is safe to say that is where we go when we die especially if we live our life to the fullest. Then sweet little Kelton asks, "How do we get back alive in heaven if we die?"
We proceeded to talk about our bodies and spirits and how our bodies are mortal and the just are the "house" for our souls. Thank goodness he has seen the movie Brother Bear so he got the concept of our spirits being separate from our bodies no problem. (the main character transfers on a spiritual quest from being in a man body to a bear body)
After deciphering the difference between spirit and the body, i brought up how the body is the mortal part. And told him how every day he grows and gets older and everything dies eventually it is one of life's only certain thing that we can count on. Kelton told me he doesn't want his body to die ever. I let him know he wouldn't have to worry about it for a long time if he takes good care of his body and stays healthy.
After talking about dying Kelton was concerned about being able to find heaven after he dies. He doesn't want to get lost because who know the address to heaven, right? I told him his spirit already knows where it is deep down inside and he would remember when it was time to leave his body. Something clicked for him after that and he was totally at peace with the "deep down we know what to do".
After a minute or so he asked me "If your spirit is deep inside of your body, does little sister play with yours?" It was really hard not to giggle at his innocent inquiry. I told him she keeps hers separate so when it is time to come out she can take it with her.
It is strange the spiritual/energetic battle I have actually had being pregnant. It took me a while to decipher the line between "little sister" and me. I guess that is probably the way it is supposed to be.

I wonder if Kelton will remember this conversation as well as I am going to.
I think he is going to turn out pretty okay.

love, Mimi

Desk drawing 9/16/09

2009-09-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

a tuesday drawing at my desk

2009-09-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Kelton's pockets

2009-09-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

I found this too cute to not post. When we were cleaning our old house to move out Kelton wen around collecting overlooked treasures. This is what I found in his pockets the laundry day after.

Self Portrait of this moring at work

2009-09-01T16:08:00.001-07:00

Click to make it bigger

Kelton's First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

Kelton Started Kindergarten today. Originally he wasn't supposed to start till next year because his birthday is In October. We thought was just going to do Pre-school again since his daycare does integrated learning with their daily schedules. Kelton was really sad about it a month or so back when all of his buddies he had got to know in his daycare where leaving to "got to school" and he was too young. It was kind of rough.
Well after talking to the Daycare director, she said that the Kindergarten class was small enough that the we could sneak him in. One reason I picked this Daycare is that it is state monitored so the food and curriculum are up to par with the state system. A teacher comes in and actually teaches Kindergarten and it is credited and recognized in the school system. They told me Kelton shows he is mature enough and developed enough that his cognitive little brain could totally keep up. So Kelton is starting a year early in School! Now he can either test into 1st grade next year or re-do kindergarten in the district our house is in! yay!
When I broke the news to Kelton about him going to school this year he said "But Mom I am too small." It took a half hour of talking about it for him to "kind of" believe me. When we went to the store to pick up his school supplies he finally trusted that he was really going to school. Kelton picked out a sweet sparkly fish folder and a blue pencil box. We will see if he is still excited about it at the end of the day.

This weekend has been sooo busy. We got all of our belongings into our new house FINALLY! I am so grateful for all the friends who have helped out this weekend. It was a god send. I am really glad I packed all of Kelton's first day of School stuff in an over night bag or else I would be rummaging through boxes this morning :P John is pretty amazing. I am surprised his body still works after moving everything, I am blessed. Also I am grateful for my dad letting me use his truck this weekend, I am pretty lucky to have it on hand.

Also, I had another Prego Dr. appointment this morning and I am the right size and "Toast" is nice healthy and fine! 24 weeks and 2 days in she is wiggly as ever! She punches John's hand when he cuddles with me in the mornings. She recognizes Grandma's voice now because she has been helping me so much with the house. Last night she got scared because our friend's dog started barking. It is kind of cute when she gets startled.
I guess that is about it for the post today.
Love, Mimi

A whole lot of words

2009-07-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

My little sister is having her baby as we speak and I am stuck at work. Don't get me wrong, I am super grateful for the steady job I enjoy but I really don't want to be here. *Sigh*

I am having a rough morning (I guess afternoon now) and I wish I was in bed. I heard my alarm go off and instead of pushing snooze I just turned it off. i was 15 minutes late and un-showered to work. Yes, I could have slept for 4 days straight if my life would let me. I ask myself, why am I so tired? Why am I exhausted after such a low effort low yield day? Everyone keeps saying "well you are prego Mimi".. but it seems like that just isn't a good reason, I don't know why. My head just doesn't wrap around it. I forget I am supposed to take things easy. It is hard to do that in my family. John picks up so much slack. I think he is going to have a stress induced coma when all of our house stuff is done.
Speaking of our house. It is official, we signed papers and got keys. I am now a resident of Sandy UT. The funny thing is we can't even move in yet because we are ripping out and putting things in still so I get to have a whole month of packing :) At least it will be good when we move in. The house has a really nice personality, I can't wait to post some pictures. I wish we had more $$$$$ right now so I can make it my dream house but I understand that it will get done eventually.
I am full of gratitude for what I have. Especially my family. I am so glad I have the support of my parents and husband and little boy. Last time Kelton left to go to his momma Tricia's house he asked if "little sister" was going to miss him. (then he answered in his little voice "yes") :)
Kelton has grown so much! He is up two shoe sizes! crazy how fast stuff goes by. One thing this house has brought me is a sigh of relief knowing that Kelton is going to have consistent school and neighborhood from now on... it is my silver lining on my stressful situation.

love, Mimi

Baby Girl

2009-06-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

This morning I found out I am having a little girl. :) I am pretty excited. I think everyone and their dog told me I was going to have a girl. I personally didn't have the slightest idea of what i was having, I am just hoping for a healthy baby. It was really sweet to see her move in my tummy on the ultrasound. I felt her flutter the last week a couple of times, I think she is more awake at night.
Kelton is so adorable with my tummy. The other day he came up to me and put his hands on it and asked me how the baby was. I said, "I dunno, maybe you should ask it." He replied, "Mom, no you have to!" I convinced him to put his ear to my tummy to see if he could hear the baby's answer when I asked it (since I can't bend that far over). "Baby, how are you doing?", I said and Kelton answered in a little baby voice "I am just fine."
It made me giggle, I am so happy Kelton is so great, he is going to be such a great brother.
Here are some pictures of the little girl in my tummy. I pinked out the background so you can see HER better. She is 16 weeks and 2 days old.

She is laying on her back and her face is turned toward us in this one

There are her cute little feet!

Loving Life's simple Joys

2009-06-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Gratitude list
my parents
puppies
spagettios
our water filter
John
abundance
money
fine tip sharpie markers
this picture I drew:

grapes
good friends
Aunts
hand-me-downs
Laura
polka dots
anime
my siblings
my car
grass smell
creamies
my health
my tummy baby
ice tea (I miss it)
single servings
blueberry pancakes
BBQs
sprinklers
Kelton
dreams
fabric
underwear that fits perfect
shampoo smell
fuzzy
tires
grabbing for the right key the first time
vaccines
chapstick
that kelton calls chapstick "chopstick"
Piper
longboards
parks
ginger ale
graveyards
tomatoes
roses
the house we are getting
paper
area codes
sunshine
earphones
otter pops

:)

A blip of summer

2009-06-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

This summer has been excellent so far. We have had some fun BBQs and good times so I will post some pictures for eveyone!

Best car washer ever!

John, the "grill master" at Liberty Park

John and I at Grandma Peggy's house

Uncle Josh and Kelton gathering eggs

In the Mountains for BJ's birthday

baby and balancing

2009-05-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

Today I saw my baby bouncing/jumping in my tummy. I had a Dr. appointment, we were listening for the heartbeat and we just heard lots of noise. The Dr. said it was moving around so he went and grabbed the "look inside your tummy" machine and I got to see an excited little baby :) It was pretty cute. It actually looks like a baby now! Less like a gummy bear, more like a cinnimon bear. it got me all excited. I am feeling super emotional today, I think it is due to excitement/fear.
John and I got our offer accepted on our house. Now we just have to do the miles of paperwork it takes to get an FHA loan *yay*. This next week we are getting the house inspected so we know we aren't trying to buy a 'lemon'. I try not to let money stress me out but last night I had a dream about messing up my credit score so bad John was yelling at me and cutting up all our credit cards. It is a good thing that is not reality. I am stepping up and being super strict with my spending for the family. It sounds silly to me and difficult at the same time to balance our gas and food under a certain amount different then usual. I know I can do it, it just hurts my brain. For all those people out there who have no problem with numbers and left brain stuff, my hat is off to you.

Oh, and I am getting sick less lately *yay*

Love, Mimi

Houses, moms and getting over it

2009-05-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well, the last couple of weeks have been interesting. Being prego kind of amplifies it all. John and I decided we are buying a house this year and this week we actually put an offer in on one. I am not going to lie, this scares the crap out of me. I am way excited but sooo nervous *eep!*. It kind of keeps me up at night and I am having a rough time not wasting my time worrying about it. Sometimes I just have to stop and breath.
Kelton and I have grown closer over the last 6 months. I really love he is our son. We have a schedule and habits now that work pretty seamless. Tricia (Kelton's birth mom) has been on a crazy schedule for the last while so she hasn't been able to take him as much. To be honest I really have liked spending more time with the Keltron. It is seems hard lately for me because Tricia is making some life changes that include spending more time with our son. It makes me happy for Kelton so he can experience his other Mom more but is kind of messing me up. I feel like being selfish and saying, "NO! you snooze you loose!" but, then I remember my vision for this family is unity and communication and stuff. I really am glad Kelton gets to experience both houses more often, it is a part of what makes him who he is. I have notice being Prego makes me WAY more territorial and less willing to take risks. I guess this is just something else I get to look at and let go of. It just doesn't work for me. I don't know why it should bother me that I get to have more one on one time with my hubby before our baby comes. In fact I am going to be more okay with it from this point on. It doesn't mean I don't miss Mr. Kelton still.
Anyway, on with my life :)
-Mimi

Picture of my Mom

2009-05-13T09:25:00.001-07:00

"En route to Illinois with the Whitney Family, June 1967"

In this photo: Beth Whitney, Steve Nelson, Anne Whitney, Brenda Whitney

I randomly found this picture of my Mom on the internet. I think she looks really cute so I am sharing it.

Monday Monday

2009-05-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a bit emotional today. John has been out of town all weekend and doesn't come home till Tuesday. I really miss him. It seems like everything is setting off my emotions. This morning Kelton and i both agreed we were "buggin' each other". It is strange to think having the Dad buffer there would make such a difference.
My Mother's day was good. I the morning I had long talks with Tricia (Kelton's birth mom). She came over early to meet up and picnic with Kelton and I. We went to a park near her house in West Valley and played in the sand pile. Tricia is an excellent Sand castle maker. The fun attracted a lot of little Spanish kids that were adorable and fun to play with. They taught me how to say Turtle in Spanish :)
After that Kelton and I went with Grandma Beth and Grandpa Wally to Great Grandma's house. I made a roast for dinner and my Mom made the sides. It was sweet to sit in my Grandparent's space and just enjoy being near them. It really was wonderful, Ice cream tastes the best when I am at grandma's.
John called me to Wish me a happy mother's day but i still wish he was with us, not on a business trip. Oh well, I am really glad he works as hard as he does.
Tonight I am going over to my mother's house so Kelton and i can get some space to ourselves. i am really thankful i live in the same valley as my parents. It is nice I can go to such a comforting place when i am having such a roller coaster day.

New post!

2009-05-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

I hope no one cares I am posting about my pregnancy a lot. Get used to it though because this is my place to do that :)
I put a little calender at the bottom of my blog so you can see how far along I am. (It is pretty cool)
I am feeling a lot better lately if I keep food in my tummy, I wish I could see the little gummy bear developing though.

-Mimi

Guilty feeling Prego post 2

2009-05-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

And now I am gonna remind myself that I really am so thankful and glad I am prego. I am gonna have a healthy wonderful pregnancy and I asked for this so I will get over all the irked stuff.

the end
thanks for being patient with me Mimi

Prego post 2

2009-05-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

So, being Pregnant so far is fun to think about but not so fun to do. Don't get me wrong, i love the thought of creation and my little baby in my tummy. I just feel like retraining myself how to eat an sleep is a pain in my bum. Not to mention sleeping is just not really that comfortable, and I am ONLY 2 MONTHS. I can't imagine what it is gonna be like in a couple more. My face also is looking more like my teen years every day, super acne, does that ever go away? I have a dang laundry list of stuff that every girl who has been Prego knows about. The weird thing is I never saw my Mom pregnant or experience a prego lady through out the pregnancy, so i don't know what to expect ...
i hope little gummy bear in my tummy is happy and healthy because if not I am gonna be irked :P

Love, Mimi

I realize I'm Pregnant

2009-04-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

After balling up worry energy and preparing all kind of things with my body and my life, I am now pregnant. Seven and a half weeks along.
I have been feeling Prego for a while now but I visited the Dr. yesterday and I got to see a little heartbeat in my tummy :)
Two weeks ago while I was making dinner Kelton came up to me and looked at my belly and said "Mom you are getting fat!". (realistically I have gained only 1-2 pounds since Feb) Then I said "What makes you say that Kelton?" and he said,"Well, you have a baby growing in your tummy." I don't know if it is because Kelton is super smart and picked up what we talk about or if he could tell with his sixth sense. Before John and I decided to get Prego we talked to Kelton about it, I think he is my number one cheerleader because he wants a sister pretty bad. It is a good thing John enrolled him in being okay with a little brother too, just in case.
It is strange being so tired and hungry all the time. I guess it is good I have a toddler still so I can blame it on him for caring all the snacks with me. Truley though, who knew I could be so exausted? I am thankful I have such an awesome husband. He is pretty understanding an helpful. It was so sweet that he is as excited to have another baby. I feel silly to admit I had a fear that he was only doing the baby thing for me since he already has Kelton. I am glad to be wrong.
I can't imagine what it is like being alone and Prego. I understand everyone has a community that supports them but it is not like having a "John" around. I am glad Tricia (Kelton's Birth mom) decided to still have Kelton though she got to do it solo. Same with my cousin Laurie, though I know her community is awesome :) I still am glad she had little Mason and is willing to do what it takes even if that does mean doing it by herself. Maybe I should stop giving her flack about "growing his hair out for peace". :)
Anyway, here I am Blogging about being prego. I am going to start posting pictures of my tummy and stuff. I figure This is a good place to let out how much I think about it.

Much love, Mimi

I miss painting

2009-04-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

I miss painting. I am acting like I don't have an art room in the basement just for me. I remember when I used to need to paint as much as I needed sleep or food.
I miss it. It is okay if my art isn't epic, I like doing it.
and I make cool stuff..
*sigh*

Gratitude list for April 1st

2009-04-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

I am feeling blah, it is that time again where I get to remind myself how much I am blessed with.

I love:
my car that is good in snow
my son
my honey, john
mason jars
the color green
jelly beans
fictional characters
dancing
good sushi!
weddings
wax seals
running
making forts
climbing trees
baking pies
grandparents
my dad
dogs
the way envelope flaps taste
coffee!!!
my body
the color PINK
painted nails
xerox machines
the smell of new books
friends I can call after 2AM
scarves
comfy shoes
my phone
hot pads!
freshly brushed teeth
babies
My mommy
hoodies!
steam on windows
fancy cheese
things that are miniature
emerald green
hiking
swimming
drawing
hugs
DDR (dance dance revolution)
orange juice
baking soda
being eccentric
the Beatles
records
rain
blankets
laughing
olives
hummus!
whistling
morning showers
stories
pickles
caves
favorite underwear
watermelon
Birthdays!
June
Halloween
painting
my siblings
snow
magenta
charcoal
lizards
airplanes
scuba diving
swimming lessons
cooking
Thai food
the feel of nice paper
velvet
cold water

much better :)
love, Mimi

Kinda fun

2009-03-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

The SLC Tribune wrote an article about the company I work at, it is kinda cute.
http://www.sltrib.com/slc/ci_11837826

Health rant

2009-02-26T09:34:00.000-08:00

I constantly reorient and reinvent where I am and what I want.
Love, health, money, family, community... it constantly seems to develop more and more.
It is like my Compass finds a different north all the time.
I know I would like my body to be healthy and fit always. My Grandpa is in his 90's, it gives me hope I can live that long. On the other side my Grandma died kinda young.
I want to get pregnant and at the same time it scares me to death. I have been talking about it so much you would think I was already prego (but I am not). It is hard for me to get past my unease of not being able to carry a baby.
I have this huge fear of doctors that I keep trying to kick. Every time I go to the Dr. it seems like there is ALWAYS something weird wrong with me. Ever since I was little! I have a serious laundry list of random and serious aliments. I think my first surgery was when I was 2, bless my tonsils. Then broken bones, Scarlatina, Skateboard/bike accidents, Epstein bar, and "bipolar"/depression.
That Bipolar one is tricky for me. I was subscribed medication for Bipolar but I don't know if it was ever really written on a chart. I stopped going to a doctor for my mental heath around 10th grade. I realized that I would rather feel things then be medicated, it made me feel like a drone. I certainly have done a lot of crazy "bipolar" things (cutting, fighting, crying, shaving head, promiscuity, binge drinking) Currently, I figure if I am aware of that bipolar part of me then I can make different choices now.
At 17 I was hospitalized because I couldn't breath. After a week in ICU at LDS Hospital the doctors were still stumped on what was snuffing out my life. All of my siblings managed to make it too my hospital bed and it all felt like they were saying goodbye. (except Sarah who had to get talked out of flying home from Asia so to see me). My mother or father were sitting next to me pretty much the whole time. I had a really odd out of body experience in the hospital. The machine next to me would beep loudly if I wasn't breathing enough and wake me out of me half conscious stupor I was in the whole time. They would stick needles in me all hours to take test after test after test. I remember this sweet nurse who helped me brush my teeth, she challenged me to breath, one of my personal angels. Then the morning I think I was schedule to die, one of the many young doctors decided to ultrasound my back and found large pockets of fluid. The fluid was pushing my lungs shut and that is why I could not breath. They took immediate action and sat me up on the bed and poked GIANT needles into my back to drain the fluid. My 17 year old body remarkably recovered within a few days and I was sent home. They never really figured out what cause me being sick, or what kind of sickness it was.
Then at 20 I got to have a LEAP Surgery on my cervix due to precancer. I am really glad they caught it so early and everything grew back totally normal and healthy. It is weird how many self worth beliefs I had that came from my girl parts being "defective".
I just feel uncomfortable in hospitals and making appointments to go to the doctor now. It is getting better but I still have something inside that hates it.
I have always been a fun joyful person. I also before the age of 21 never really had any self love. I really did wanna die, a lot. I am glad I was never selfish enough to go through with it. It seems like my family had enough love for me to stick around during those rough times.
6 months or so after my precancer I got real with myself on how I get to change something to keep living. I am pretty dang sure my energy alone towards myself attracted such horrible things to my body.
Anyhow, I shifted into an open space to find a different way then I had been doing it. In that neutral space John crossed paths with me and challenged everything I thought I knew about myself. After some lifestyle changes and going through The Great Life Foundation I have really found, well ME.
After coming to know who I am, a completely authentic person, I have grown to love me. Since then I have decided to live my life instead of hate it or sit in limbo. I have created so much for myself and achieved some cool things (motherhood, connection, money, wife). One thing that really is an amazing RESULT for me though is, I don't really get that sick anymore. I had a weird rash once, random colds and the flu twice. In comparison to my track record, that is like... well NOTHING. Not to mention the whole mental thing, I haven't cut myself in years. My mental major "episodes" are far and few between and my frequency keeps getting longer. I feel good in my body. I love my physical host.

I guess this whole blog is stemmed from where I am at right now. I stopped drinking alcohol so my body can prepare for having a baby. I am on a Juice Fast right now, a 7 day one. This past week has been good for me physically, cleansing. Second to last day with without solid food. Go team Mimi!

love, Mimi

Kelton is freaking cute

2009-02-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

The other day on the way home from daycare Kelton told me he has "issues".
I replied, "What kind of issues?"
"I have green issues." was his response.

This boy amazes me and and I am so grateful he is my son. :)
Anyway here are some recent pictures of him.

On his bike from Grandpa Neal

Trying to sneak up on John

Kelton and his Friends Serenity and Harmony. We just went swimming so everyone was in PJs watching a movie and eating popcorn.

Sweet stick/sword/wand/ax/spear that was found on the ground

John taking a picture of us waiting for the "green guy" so we could cross

This on one of my favorites!

My 25th Birthday Parties

2009-02-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

I know it is like a month after my birthday but it is better later then never!
I had three birthday cakes. The First one was at my Mom's and she made me the delicious dinner and cake (referred to in previous post). Second one I got on my birthday (January 27th) A Tuesday night. My friend Kwynn came over and made me yummy coconut tofu and cherry goat cheese desert.

Then on Friday I went out to an awesome Indian restaurant near our house called India Fusion. Lot of friends showed up and we had our own private side of the place (including belly dancers). I am kind of bummed because I forgot my camera until we got back to our house after dinner. So after dinner, back to the house and fun time! Olivia made me a cheese cake with unicorns on it:

Pretty much we just hung out after that and lost of people came to play and visit!
And Nate and I busted out a little bit of Will Shakespeare, it was lots-o-fun.
Thanks to those who came and I missed you to those who didn't.

Love, Mimi

Here is an album of all my birthday photos:

Mimi's 25th Birthday

Love love loveee

2009-02-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

To everyone :)

Today is my 25th Birthday

2009-01-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

I got a card From my Mom and Dad with a monkey on it. Inside Dad wrote "Thanks for Entertaining us for a Quarter of a Century. Love, Mom and Dad". Quarter of a century huh? not bad. Then Dad asked me what I am going to do in this "epic' year and I said," Oh I dunno probably get prego and buy a house, and.." then he stopped me and said he thinks that is good enough. One thing I look forward to always on my birthday is my Mom making me dinner and my favorite dessert. (one thing my out of state siblings miss out on!) This year I asked for Lentil soup and falafel, she did a pretty good job and looked up some yum recipes. Back in the day when our Smiths store had a Golden Swirl in it, a frozen yogurt shop, they had a flavor called Cherry Chocolate. I would request a frozen yogurt cake every year in that flavor. When they shut down my mom would still track one in neighboring cities. This year she made one herself out of ice cream and it was deeelicious! Bless my mom for remembering things I love.
I feel so much love from everyone. I was greeted with a birthday song from the Denver Goolds and Shooter (the dog) this morning and it has been many birthday messages since.
And Bless my husband for being okay with me loving birthdays so much.
I really love my life and I am in aww of how it has only been 25 years. It seems weird that it keeps getting better. So cheers to me and here and thank you to everyone who is sending me birthday loves.
Here is a taste of my birthday presents so far (I feel spoiled and grateful!!)

Yay for nerd slippers!!!

Yay for green cute Nano!!!

Heck yes for tracking my running!!! even if I run less then Reagan I still hope she thinks I am awesome :)

mmmmmm italian leather

I am grateful for...

2009-01-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

Monkeys
the color pink
V for Vendetta
pickles
halibut
highlighters
coffee
treadmills
trees
squirrels
the way pumpkin guts feel
marbles
crock pots
tangerines
hoodies!
toothbrushes
morning showers
Metroid
sushi!
feathers
hairbands
flowers flowers
authentic friends
teachers
music!
smiles
singing
my guitar
Vash the Stampede
my lover
spades
popcorn
burritos!!!
Kelton
Kelton when he does fish lips
grapes
TOFU
lentils
Christmas
MY BIRTHDAY (the 27th)
Meditation
my sisters and brothers
adventures
80's music
Hook (the movie)
Slate records
my COUSINS!!!
running
broccoli
Kelton when he cuddles
Subi Shark
rainbows
ants
unicorns
DAVID BOWIE
pandora.com
today

Yay, heck yes, the best way to start the day!

Love, Mimi

My new Gecko, Vash the Stampede

2009-01-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

I have never bought myself a Pet. I have either inherited, was given or bartered for any pets I have "been in charge of" in my entire life. Overall I have had a rocky relationship with animal attachment. I have had a hamster (Cody was his name, after Sarah's crush at the time), a box turtle (Sparky) and a rabbit (Peter). The turtle was sick when I got him and the hamster died... somehow or got out or something (I was very young when he was put in my charge) and Peter was in the cage with the other bunnies (minus JollyGun) that cooked in the sun because of cage placement,I am sorry Peter Rabbit. I also got a Puppy for my 12th birthday, a small dog, some cockerspanial mix. I named her Larue and dressed her up often. She was a yappy but sweet dog and nipped at my Dad when he came home in the night once from a buisness trip. Then Larue got taken to the shelter. I bet she would have been a really good dog If I had trainned her. Through my childhood I pretty much became one care taker for the cats and our dog Carmel(Golden Retriver). I sure did love that Carmel Cream Breinholt. We got Carmel when she was a puppy for Christmas one year, I think I was five, she chewed my brad new skipper doll's arm. Carmel is in most of my fondest childhood memories, from taking care of "Chicken", having puppies, playing house, and letting Kristen Douglas bleed on her when I chucked a board at her head by accident. I was really sad when Carmel was so sick Mom and Dad decided to put her down. Other then that the only other pets I had were Guppies I aquired in 9th grade for logo trade work with the Utah Guppy Association. Guppies are okay to niglect because the just keep breeding. I eventually gave them to an ex-boyfried who fed them to his larger fish. Pretty much My heart breakes a little when pets go away so I have avoided getting any the last 9 years.
John adopted an Albino Lepord Gecko (Samega)(she is the brown/purple, yellow/white one) two years ago and she is awesome! I was wary at first because it fell into our laps but John is a super good pet owner. Samega is sweet cute and will let me hold her and cuddle with me.
Yesterday I decided I was ready to get my own Gecko so Samega and I could have a friend. He is Tangerine Tremper Albino (that means he and Samega could breed eventually if we want 'em to). He has long legs and is sweet. I named him Vash the Stampede (he is the other lizard in the pictures) after on of my favorite Anime charaters. I hope he likes his new home. :)

January is my Birthday month

2009-01-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

I am turning 25 on the 27th kinda weird.
This morning I woke up on an odd frequency and I am having trouble changing the channels. Maybe I need to get one of those converter boxes for myself (that made me giggle).
Anyway, I seem to be struggling at everything since I woke up. Being a patient Mom in the morning is challenging for me especially today. I feel like a total jerk when i can't just chill and tune out any whining crying coming out of Kelton when he wakes up. And what do I do to create and environment for him to wake up in. I feel like it isn't that bad and I don't understand why he is so emotional when he wakes up. I give him hugs and smiles and tickles but it just seems like I just don't have enough hugs to satisfy the whiny box when he wakes up. I know I don't do good with interacting when I am half asleep but I just don't talk usually if that is the case. I feel like a jerk when I ask Kelton if we could just not talk to each other. Maybe tomorrow I will have music ready to turn on before i wake him up, that might set the mood better.

And I broke my coffee cup that I have had at work for years. It was sad.

I think this morning is totally an appropriate time for a gratitude list.
I am grateful for:
my purple hoodie
John
my eyes
hair dye
my paycheck
apples
the blue cover on my phone
the smell of goat milk soap
small forks
co-workers
family
tricia
indian food
healthy choices
authentic friends
myself
reading
books with dragons in them
organic peanut butter
tofu
lotus flowers
a new presidency
the radio
my purse
the handle on my purse
my hands
a body that works well
good teeth
loving to walk
earrings
comfy jeans
pomegranates
leeks
geckos
how a bell sounds
bean burritos
parents
Kelton
origami
the smell of Elmer's glue
the moments I have a red lights
my sisters
the hockey pokey
Subi Shark
fuzzy fabric
squirrels
shiny rocks
healthy snacks under 100 calories
permanent markers
My brothers
my birthday
penguins
the guitar
lentils
a perfect song at a perfect time
pirate monkeys
Unicorns
sparkles
the word "rendezvous "
baby jelly doughnuts
Piper
whales
canned chili
good movies
clean underwear
hairstylists
soft skin
GREEN
chocolate with coconut and cherries
guppies
PINK
email
curly Maya hair
college football
not smoking
stars
the way clean air smells
when someone opens the door for me
tomato soup
baby pickles
Kelton's eyes
violins
my mom
trampolines
the mountains
the way the moon looks
my bed
tears
smiles
the way cats tongues feel
sushi!
anime
the sound of a can opening
cedar
carpet
toothpicks with the little flags
tarts
lined paper
oreos
a good sandwich
babies
floss
snowflakes

THAT was way beneficial for me. :D
Today is gonna be good, I am just going to trust myself and know it is gonna be okay.
Don't forget to smile.
Love, Mimi

New Year's 2009 Denver Trip

2009-01-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

I know I am going out of order, I haven't even posted Christmas photo's yet. John and I went to visit Cousin Preston and Holly in Denver this New Years. Our friends Arnie and Lindsay meet us there and we had blast!
New Years eve we went down town and hung out on the street with thousands of people to watch the fire works. John was so excited about the new year he decided to hug anyone who would let him :)

New Years 2009

The Day after New years Preston and Holly surprised us and tooks us to Holly's Grandma's house to make a cast of our hands. Holly's grandma is an awesome artist so it was really nice of her to do. Then the next day they took us up to a cabin in the Colorado Mountains. There were hot springs and a swimming pool and snow!!! The cabin was super nice and John and I were able to watch the Sugar bowl, GO UTES!!! The night ended with 4 hours of playing Cranium and laughing the whole time! Then next night our friend jill threw a big party at her Mom's Spa and I got to sit in a 15 man hot tub and hang in a sauna. THen we flew home the next morning.
John and I both agree, it was time well spent :)

Denver Trip Jan 2009

Subi-Shark, best car EVER

2008-12-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

I have the coolest car ever made. His name is Subi-Shark. He is a '97 Subaru Legacy Outback and he saves my life all the time. Last night in the bizzard, I drove up Parley's Canyon to Park City and back (well I had john drive back) in Subi-Shark and I am still alive. Park City outskirt suburbs are a death trap. If you slide off the road your options are, cliff or dooming snow bank. Subi-Shark protected me when we did collide with snowbanks. I lub Subi-Shark.
Not to mention He is the best Camping car ever.

I guess I am filled with gratitude that me car has no problem getting me to work on a day like this, and I am safe.

So happy day after Christmas :)
And bask in what you are grateful for

Fun and Gingerbread cookies

2008-12-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

Uncle Josh, John's younger brother, babysat for us the other week. He showed up with two of his friends and played video games with Kelton all Saturday. I think they gave Kelton some good tips about being a dude.

Kelton hangs with the older boys

Grandma Beth made Kelton a Christmas apron so we decided to test it last night and made some Gingerbread men. Erica is in town so she came to help us. Here are some action pictures of Kelton's culinary skills and us having fun.

Christmas 2008 Gingerbread men

And last but not least, Kelton has been learning all kinds of Christmas songs. His Favorite he tells me is Oh Christmas Tree. Here is a video of him and Erica singing the last bit of Rodolph the Red nosed reindeer:

Having fun in December 2008

2008-12-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

Where are loving Christmas at the Roger's house. Pete already sent presents, we all got pajamas!
John and I received sock monkey footie pajamas!Kelton got some sweet gum drop button Sock monkey pajamas:

From Christmas 2008

At first Kelton thought he got Soy milk and Kept saying "I don't need to open it, it is Silk Milk Mom!" It is a good thing he finish opening the box,
Thanks uncle Pete!!!

Also Kelton and I went Rock climbing with Uncle Kimball ANd his friend Mark.

From Christmas 2008

Kelton liked it but after a foot off the ground he thought the rock was too cold, we will see how he does next time!

And here is an AWESOME cute movie of Kelton, being a little boy:

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-08T13:25:00.000-08:00

Kelton, John and I had a super fun Thanksgiving. The night before we painted turkeys with Momma Tricia and had a blast, including dancing before bed. Then, day of, we went to Grandma Peggy's and Grandma Beth's house.
After stuffing ourselves Tricia took Kelton up to see Grandma Karen. John and I finished out our Holiday with a movie. It was a pretty good time.
Here is a video of Kelton's Sweet moves:

And here are pictures of the Turkey painting:

Thanksgiving

The Zoo

2008-12-08T13:03:00.001-08:00

Kelton and I hit the Zoo with some friends in November. We had tons of fun then wen out for Ice cream after.

Here is a link to the whole album full of fun photos!!!

Zoo trip 11/08

Such a fun November!!

2008-11-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying life this November, especially this weekend.
I got to go to the UofU vs BYU game with my Dad, Uncle Reb and John. Since the U won John's Dad Stan has to cook us dinner in a UofU Tee shirt Dad let me barrow. I will post picture when/if this happens (sometimes BYU fans back out on bets).
Yesterday morning Kelton came and climbed in bed with us and we played the "I love ____ about you" game. It is a pretty simple game where you name something
you love about the people you are playing with. When it was Kelton's turn he said ,"I love Dad in my dream where we meet on the mountain and camping, and he laughs" and "I love that Mom is painting and she smiles.". At night when John tucks Kelton in they always talk about where they are going to meet in dream land and hang out. I never realized that Kelton thinks it is cool that I paint. I know I thought it was awesome that my mom would draw when I was little but it makes me beam with pride when Kelton says he loves that about me.
How goofy cute is that?

So this post was inspired by this week and my friend Megan reminding me how grateful I am for everything that is.

I am thankful for:
sweet potatoes
mini crock pots
Authentic friends
family
popsicles
single serving anything
string cheese
Thanksgiving
sunglasses
dusting
cartoons
soft paper
post-it notes
seeing my breath outside
crumbly dead leaf sound
Climbing trees
fresh bread smell
pink frosting
strawberries still attached to plants
ladybugs
strangers who don't look away when we meet eyes
my brother Pete
nieces
small shoes
red licorice
timed coffee makers
bottle openers
neighbors
school buses
paper clips
hoodies
music
SINGING!
smiles
rhyming
whales
Hawaii
pumpkins
catfish
dice
sharks
John
Kelton
mom
dad
uncles
toothbrush
art
toothpicks

Love, Mimi

November Gratitude List

2008-11-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

SO I figure I get to do a gratitude list again today because it feels like EVERYthing is uphill, and then some.

I love and am grateful for:

my health
fruit cut into bite size pieces
Christmas
Kelton
School
vaccinations
babies
snow shovels
birthdays
crayons
toothpicks
husbands
eggs
shampoo that smells like pumpkin pie
bananas
the gym
mail
Christmas
Denver
aunts
my mommy
football games
inspiration
love
friends
honesty
my dad
tacos
the color blue
good jokes
my bike
coats
fingernail polish
printers
drawing
instant messenger
books
showers
cinnimon rolls
my John
middle names
intimacy
work that pays me money
cooking
tarts
my car
acorns
snow

I am feeling a little better

love, Mimi

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T12:26:00.000-08:00

We had loads of fun this Halloween! It started with Kelton's Awesome Samurai Jack Costume and ended with loads of candy.
Click on this Album to see all his Halloween pictures:

Kelton Halloween 2008

John And I had fun too! Here are some of our party pictures,
WARNING we are not responsible for any offensive racist costumes of people who came to this party.

Halloween 2008 party

Halloween Pumpkin Painting

2008-10-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had family night and painted up a storm!
Here are tons of pictures of me, Kelton, John and Momma Tricia.

not so cleanse

2008-10-22T09:39:00.001-07:00

So on the night of day 4 on my cleanse I started getting really sick so I started weening myself back onto solid food. I am glad I started then because the next day I woke up with the worst flu EVER! I was bed ridden all Sunday. It is a good thing my Honey takes such good care of me or I think I might have dies. Kelton went and got me some flowers (which was super cute) and John just took care of everything while I healed. Monday I was still sick but not nearly as bad and I went and camped at my Mom's house during the day and chilled out. It is a pretty good thing that I listened to my body, even though it was screaming at me. :(

I am feeling much better today though I am still sniffily.

And i am soooo excited because this weekend I am going to NY to finally meet Piper :)

Cleansing again

2008-10-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

I like to do the Lemonade Master Cleanse at least once a year to clean out my body and kick start my metabolism. And lately I have been a slacker about the gym and eating and I can feel the ikkyness backing up in my body. So I am doing it twice this year to keep my healthy momentum going.
I am on day 3 so from here on out it should be down hill, only 6 days to go (whoa that means I am 1/3 done). But last night I dreamed about a spicy chicken sandwich, and I haven't eaten meat for years. The day before, I printed out the recipe from our D.V.Breinholt Family Newsletter on how to make Cinnabon cinnamon rolls so I can make them in 2 weeks.
Why am I so attached to food? I get, yeah I need it to live, nutrients and stuff but why is so comforting to think about a gooey cinnamon roll? Why isn't it comforting to chew on celery instead? At least I can drink blessed boring Mint tea. I am glad for this experience so I am can reorient myself in my beliefs I have about food.
I AM HEALTHY AND FIT. I wanna have a baby and bounce back Reagan style. I wanna prevent any aliments that I can't come back from when I am older.
It is funny how I know that A LOT of my physical healthy has to do with my mental healthy. I am whole and happy and moving forward.

Today is a good day.

KELTON'S 4TH BIRTHDAY

2008-10-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

Kelton wanted a Curious George birthday, so we gave him one :)
For his birthday dinner he asked for Hot dogs and Curly fries, and I picked up some Capri Suns to sip on. I was a lot of fun opening presents and eating cake and Ice Cream. I made Kelton a Curious George cake and when I started cutting into pieces he started saying,"Owww owwwooowww, that hurts oww!" it was pretty dang cute.

Good Morning!

2008-10-07T07:11:00.001-07:00

Today is going to be good and I am pretty excited for it!

“On a bad day, I have mood swings - but on a good day, I have the whole mood playground” -Charles Rosenblum

Everything is perfect, just how it is. Here is me moving forward today and enjoying every second of it, no matter what it is :)
I am smiling, and so can you if you want.

Love, Mimi

PostScript: It is Kelton's birthday today and I am going to make him a Curious George cake

Piper Jane

2008-10-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

I am privileged to have a sweet niece named piper Jane. PJ lives in NY. My brother Jake and his wifey Reagan are some pretty awesome people. Piper is about over a year old and she is learning how to breath by herself. I am so excited because of all of the progress she has made the last couple of months. It moves me to think about how strong she is and that it seems she conciously chooses to be here. Piper is one of my teachers. I love her :) I love how her personality is showing and she shares it. Though I an in Utah and she is in NY I hope she knows I love her. And I am proud of jake and Reg too :)

Me, Kelton and a football game.

2008-10-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun last night with my Dad, Kelton, and John at the UofU vs. Oregon State football game. Not only is Utah 6-0 now in the season but it was neck to neck win that had my inner child screaming!
Kelton did pretty well for being 4. First we were amazed by the "Pride of Utah" marching band, then when the game stared we practiced jumping up and clapping at the right time. After the first couple exciting things, John and I realized that Kelton would rather stand and clap himself then be held up so he could see. 2nd quarter Kelton busted out the dinosaurs we brought in his "back-up bag" and did a pretty good job at not whacking the guy sitting in front of him. During the first half He informed me "You and Dad are yelling loud in my ears!!". Halftime was pretty awesome because Kelton could see the field and it we could talk. We practiced identifying the "Alphabets" on my shirt, 'U' 'T' 'A' 'H'. After 15 minutes of practice and trying to convince me that 'H' was an 'R', Kelton could recognized each letter when I pointed it, even when I did it out of order. "U-T-A-H is Utah Mom!", "GO, Utes!" that was 70% of what come out of Kelton's mouth until the last part of the 3rd Quarter. He started to get fidgety and until one of the Fight songs that says "U, T, A, H, U-T-A-H, FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!" came on. His eyes got wide and he starts reciting the letters with a huge smile clapping, sooo freaking cute!
After that I took him on a "get the wiggles out" walk. We picked up a couple of temporary tattoos for our faces and Ice cream bars. During the last part of 4th quarter the little guy got tuckered out which was nice because I REALLY wanted to watch the game. John was nice enough to hold him so he could see what was going on. Utah Offense decided to start playing the last 5 minutes and the game ended how you want all games to end, neck to neck with a smashing end almost going into OT.
Thanks to my Dad for taking us to the game, it was AWESOME!!
-p.s. Kelton wanted to wear his "'U' for Utah Utes" face tattoo to Daycare this morning so I let him.

inside my own world

2008-09-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

It is humorous to think about how inside my world I am. It is like everything I see or do has a custom filter I made for it.
I am having a hard time trusting myself because I am not so happy with what I see when I take a few steps back and see where I am at. I could make a list of things I don't like or things that are bugging me or where I am procrastinating, I don't think that would serve me at all though.
This is me energetically screaming about what is right now. Much good that did me right?

New moment.
I get to chill out. I honestly have a really awesome life. And a really awesome family. It is funny how hard it seems to get out of my funk today.

I am going to update on what I have been up to.
Personally I have been growing with my design business. I am almost complete with a portfolio. Kelton is doing so good. He is turning 4 next month and he amazes me everyday with how awesome he is. I bought him Candy Land recently and we played it multiple times yesterday. I used to love that game so much and now it is SOOO fun playing with Kel because I enjoy watching him count and match colors. He wants to be Samuri Jack for Halloween so I have got to get on making his costume soon before he changes his mind. John is doing good also. He is wrapped up in some business venture or another everyday it seems and still makes time between meetings to make me feel special. Peaches are in season in UT and I have been making some mean-licious peach pies. I should probably take one to my dad because he digs pie so much.
I have maintained the weight I lost earlier this year but I am not loosing more it seems. I wonder why I have seemed to plateau. I know I haven't been making an extra effort so I guess it is time. I am going to the gym today after work. Tonight I will sit down and set some frequency goals with my exercising. It is weird because ever since my bike crash I haven't want to use my bike to go to work. I think i need to get over that. Also I know I can adjust my food intake. It seems like every 6 months my metabolism slows down again. Maybe i get to do the Cleanse again to jump start it.
I am struggling with being a renter instead of an owner. Since the market is so "awesome" currently, houses are cheap! The only problem is the credit unions want 10-25% down now instead of 0-3% like it was earlier this year. I guess it is a good thing because the nation will get back on its feet eventually, considering some people should of had to put 10-25% and didn't. Oh well now is a better time to start saving then never, right?
Lately, I have been pondering about life and death and how sad I am that people die. My uncle Reb is so sick and fighting cancer and it just makes my heart hurt. Thinking about friends and Grandparents that have gone is a big reality check. My Grandpa Breinholt is 90 years old and I feel lucky my son can hang out with him. Thinking about how my own parents are getting older is frighting to me. My Mom called me the other day about some details they are arranging in their Will and it gave me super anxiety to think they they one day will die. The biggest heart stopper at all is to think that I will ever wake up and John won't be there. It makes me tear up just thinking about it. I believe I am connected to him forever but it still isn't a nice thought to think that we will one day leave these bodies and this life. I remind myself to make sure not to take John for grated. If we ever fight the thing that really brings be back to logic and sanity is how awful it would be if fighting were the last thing I got to experience on this earth with John. I love him so much. I know there is way things get to be and I can except that, I am glad I am only in my 24th year of life because that means I have a lot more to learn, experience, and hopefully, come to understand. Everything is going to be okay.

The morning grind

2008-08-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up to a semi-late alarm. It is a good thing Friday's are the one morning out of the week I don't have a little Kelton to get ready and drop off at daycare. Tricia came over last night and we did the schedules for the next month, then dyed pink streaks in her hair. (I just took a break from typing to text her about how it turned out)
Kelton and I had so much fun the last couple of days. He thinks Olympic Diving is the coolest sport ever. It is so cute, he watches with me and lines himself up straight and puts his arms out like the divers and when they jump he jumps off the couch and makes splashing noises. Flipping into the water is pretty cool I guess :) Not only have we gone on an Olympic binge but we have been drawing a lot together. We went and got a new set of Crayola washables from the store because his old markers were bunk. He has filled up his Ninja Turtle coloring book with "rainbow blood". We drew a poster the other day filled with random pictures Kelton listed (sword, blackbean, fish, chair, drink, dragon chewing bubble gum, little sheep lamb, worms, etc.) and once we paint it I'll post a picture. I love that Kelton :)

Anyway, I was grateful for his absence this morning because I was on AUTO PILOT. The thing that inspired this post is how amusing the gas station was to me at 7:30 in the morning.
I pulled into the 7eleven with my shades on in the dawn "shine right into your eyes" light. Found a parking spot though it was the one with a questionably washed out handicap symbol. Proceeded inside where there were about 8 of us huddled around the Coffee bar. It was like a scene off Animal Planet, a survival at the watering hole. It started with me fumbling around zombie like, trying to find the right size coffee cup to dispense my caffeine most efficiently. Then I had to wait for a guy who was reaching across the table and snagged the sugar before me. I noticed another person behind me about to lunge for the tiny vanilla creamers so I shifted my weight and moved half a foot to the right. About that time I scanned between arms at what kind of brew selection my trusty 7eleven clerks had out for me. My favorite "Dark Mountain" brew was just dripping out the coffee maker and I know if I tried to grab that pot I would most likely make a mess, a tragedy. My second runner up is the "Regular", not to be confused with the "Regular Decaf". Felling a little foggy, I could only see the coffee pot with the yellow handle, some extra energy "coffee on steroids", no way am I drinking that stuff. Just then I hear the clicking sound of a coffer pot making its way back on to is holster, behold the "Regular", just my luck. Seeing there is only about two servings left, my instincts take over and I snatch the pot up with cat like speed and surprisingly graceful lines (Olympics talking). I look up and give the guy across the way the innocent "Oh, you were reaching for this too?" look. With smug success I pour my, a little bit to hot, coffee and seal it with a nifty non-spill lid. Bless mornings. I complete my gas station excursion by sliding my card and having the cashier point out that i need to push a button on the little screen that was prompting me to except my price (not the first time that has happened to me).
As I look back now, I find being so human humorous but the coffee that I am sipping from was totaly worth it.

Love, Mimi

Painting Collaboration

2008-08-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

This last couple of weeks I have been painting a fun picture with my friend Olivia, SO I am gonna share some pictures. As you can tell by the look on my face, I am having lots of fun :)

It is a Wednesday

2008-08-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I have learned a lot about myself. What works and what doesn't work and the things that I control and the things I cannot.

I am in a good place today.

I am glad for this life I have.

Heavy chest

2008-07-30T08:38:00.001-07:00

I have a heavy feeling in my chest today. In this moment I am gonna let it go so I can breath again.

I am enough. I am a creator. I am Joyful. I am connected. I am peaceful. I am worthy. I am beautiful. I am creative. I am a loving mom. I am an excellent and appealing wife. I share. I have purpose. I am passionate. I am powerful. I am healthy. I am Me.:)

That feels a little better.
Today is gonna be good.
I can't wait to paint later.

Love, Mimi

Bikes are fun, but you can still crash on them

2008-07-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

So I wrecked yesterday on my bike. It wasn't a little accident it was a full on face plant in front of rush hour traffic. I now have a silver dollar size bruise on my chin. I was in 6th grade last time I had one of these.

I am really thankful I hit the pavement out of traffic. I can't wait to get out and do some more "road taming". Man did I get a good work out.

The best part is when I stood up after and felt like I was 7 years old, bless my inner child :)
Kelton kissed it better though so I will be fine.

Love, Mimi

Today is good, Remember?

2008-07-21T10:53:00.001-07:00

I have a list of things why today is not going as planned:
Couldn't sleep last night
late to work
no breakfast
hair sucks
no makeup
slight headache
etc.....

BUT THEN I realized...
HECK YES FOR BEING ALIVE TODAY!

Thinks I a grateful for:
Batman
Kelton
180 energy drinks
My sweet loving husband
tofu
family
motorcycles
rain!
my phone
nerds
pasta
calorie counters
mini stickie notes
true friends
cds
baseball
windmills
my house
subi shark
grape flavor
being married to my best friend
paychecks
brothers and sisters
moms
Disney movies
the safety kids
black ties
bottled watter
avocados with hot sauce
miniature toiletries
good coffee
Alaska
octopuses
Ella Fitzgerald
bass drums
umbrellas
card games
sage
Mason West
fluffy puppies
beans
pirate monkeys
cuddling
excellent mattresses
coconut
my dad
lilies
honesty

:)

does it get any better?

"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called. ~A.A. Milne

Smile... because you can.

Love, Mimi

Today is a Tuesday

2008-06-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

I am feeling one with what is today.

I have a goal of being 125 pounds by the end of this year. I am kind of scared to put that out there and say it out loud but I am gonna do it.
I have been riding my bike lots and I need to get a helmet so I can ride it to work.
We had a fun Father's day at our house. Kelton is the official "orange juice maker" when we make breakfast.

I just won my bid on ebay and snagged a pair off puma sneakers for just 12$.

Yeah this is what is on my mind right now :)

Another graditude list

2008-06-06T13:45:00.001-07:00

It is that time again to remind myself why I absolutely am grateful for life.

Gratitude list:
My sweet loving husband
my AWESOME friends
mushrooms
apples
German chocolate cake
coconut frosting!
mom's
my mom
Kelton!
sunglasses
preschool teachers
puppies
new bathing suits :)
business cards
pulm sauce
sunflowers
the color green
hoodies!
family
airplanes
puzzles
joy
peace
love
vinyl records
neighbors
garages
toothpicks!
noodles
fuzzy sweaters
violins
quotes
math tests
babysitters!!!!!!
notebooks
poetry
paint
wings
bird nests
backyards
new shoes
shoes
BBQs
golfing
sunshine
rain
vampire books
paychecks
peppermint taffy
Portland
Brothers
sisters
Cousins
camping
WEDDINGS!
bananas
email
tarts
red vines
movie theater popcorn
showers
Greek mythology
cool rocks
curry
my car
bikes
helmets
my phone
trees
pumpkins
sunflower seeds
spray air
canyons
favorite underwear

Better :)

"When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky!" - Budda
Love, Mimi

Obama-tastic

2008-06-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama has effectively clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, based on an Associated Press tally of convention delegates.

The tally put Obama over the top Tuesday, ahead of the results from the day's final primaries in Montana and South Dakota. The Illinois senator becomes the first black candidate ever to lead his party into a fall campaign for the White House.

Obama outlasted former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in a historic contest and now faces Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona for the presidency.

Source

And may I just be the first to say: w00t!!

Whitney reunion 2008

2008-05-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

We are on the road right now headed back from Panaca Nevada. Luckly I have a super-sweet phone that let's me get on the internet in mid-utah. Dad just blew a tire on the pop-up camper which doesn't surprise me because he was going 90mph and those tires are kinda old. It is a good thing John and Eddie were there to help him get the new tire on.
The reunion itself was really fun. It is nice to see Kelton run around with cousins and get muddy. I can't wait till him and Maya are having a ball at Moon Lake. In Panaca, we stayed at this place called Cathedral Gorge. It is the bottom of a prehistoric lake so the rock structures were AWESOME.(I will post pictures later) Kelton is part spider monkey it think because he was climbing everything he could. He scales mountains faster then me :) He is so tall that sometimes I forget he is only three when he is playing with the other kids. I feel so blessed to have a family that is so close knit and sincerely love each other. Even now we are caravanning with Brenda, Laurie, Mason, Eddie, Erin, mom, dad and my family. I am not gonna lie when I say I missed my brothers and sisters. You all missed out on sweet t-shirt tie-dye and yummy banana boats. Also, I talked Uncle Clark into letting me drive his giant horn-wielding yellow truck named Big Bird. It took me a day but after him testing me in his off-roading '76 jeep (manual) I was approved to drive the big truck. Little cousins piled in the back and Dad, John, Laurie and Clark were in the cab. I learned all about the air brakes and the chair suspension and there was a sweet camera to help me back it out. Once we got out onto the desert road and there was a straight away Clark told me to floor it. Talk about power! I had kinda forgotten about the children in the back until I heard squealing, it got me to slow down. On the way back to camp I wore Clark's hat, it was awesome. It just gets me pumped to see my family next :)

A little bit about a lot o bit

2008-05-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

So this last little while with my family is:
Kelton got to go to the Dr. and get his ear checked and it is healing nicely. He had a ruptured ear drum and it was really sad. The Dr. said if he get sick at all we should go take him in since he has such narrow ear canals, poor kid.
John went to the Dr. this week for his back. He has been having intense upper back pain and the knot is slowly working it's way out. Today he feels better then he has in a week and a half. Since our mattress was kinda crappy we decided to buy a new one and I added a new frame in there too :) I have never bought a bed before and it was lots of fun.
Having John out of commission was really awful, especially trying to move a bed without him. I am really grateful he is getting better.
Kelton is growing and learning so much. Lately, at night I lay out his clothes for him so he can dress himself in the mornings. It is so cute to see him cry and whine about every piece of clothing he has to put on in the morning but it is worth it when he has that satisfied grin on his face after. After playing late in grandma's sprinklers this week I didn't have time to layout clothes, it was just straight to bed. In the morning after I got out of the shower Kelton was awake running around the house with his sword in his muddy shirt and pants from the day before and it really was sad to make him take them off and put on new ones.
I got promoted at work this month. I have been making a lot of changes in my company to create order and clarity for everyone. I guess the CEO noticed and after months of me working hard and showing up with lists of things to do to improve my department and employee task tracking. It is nice to be a Manager now but also a little stressful. Before I got promoted it was like I was doing extra, now it seems like, am I doing enough? Another strange thing is I seem to want to be in dress up clothes all the time because I always have some board meeting at the GL Foundation or what if I am introduced as a manager to a client, or what if I have to meet with my personal clients? I miss not caring if I am just in a hoodie or if my pink hair is touched up.

Last night John asked me what my most favorite 3 things were that I did in 2007. I would have to say my number one was Going to Alaska with John And hanging out with Jessie, Sarah, Maya, Sophie and Mom. Seeing Sophie get born was crazy awesome. Second would have to be going up to Portland and seeing Preston and Holly and going to an Alias concert and meeting him (I walked down the isle to an Alias song). Third is last summer when John and I went to Fish lake with his socially challenged dad and ended up getting ditched so I just hung with John in the lake jumping off little cliffs and floating on tubes till it was almost dark.

I am pretty excited about this year so far. Especial the rally we are gonna have at Moon Lake!

Spring fever

2008-04-18T09:19:00.001-07:00

I am getting itchy feet and I wanna leave UT. Not move away or anything but I have found myself looking up flights over and over the last 5 days. Jake, Reagan, Peet, and Kristen are coming into town next month and I am pretty sure I can hold out till then. Maybe I should just hit the mountains and enjoy the beauty of UT instead of wanting to get away. Or plan a weekend to visit Moab... that feels like a different state sometimes. It is funny because Sam moved back to UT and Allison came with him and I haven't even visited their house. The only reason I haven't is because it seems like a lot of driving to do since they don't have a car.... HOW LAZY AM I? I wanna drive out of the state but I can't find the time to drive to Sandy and back? Maybe that is my first step to traveling this summer, going to Sandy. GO me.

I am greatful

2008-04-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

It is that time again where i am taking things for granted, time for a gratitude list.

I am grateful for:
my parents
living in a house
paying off my bills
curry
My brothers
Pickles
little drink umbrellas
Kelton
puppies
Europe
my job
my life
the pants I am wearing
the color pink
haircuts
John
flowers
bean tacos
tofu
sunglasses
orange Juice
my sisters
music
my body
the hat I am wearing
water
airplanes
kittens
wasabi
pencils
text buddies
the guitar
my toes
the color red
my bed
crock-pots
MOVIES!
couches
grounding
babies
smiles
BOOKS!
grass
bikes
my baby’s mamma
my car
the post man
crosswalks
Coffee
kindness
easter eggs
Trees
pineapple
hummus
TEA!
headphones
fingernails
The Great Life Foundation
Friends
dress pants
plastic
veggies!
motorcycles
the people who pave the road
the gym
DDR
PEANUT BUTTER!
Birds
the sun
push-up bras
lemons
pizza
paint
My husband
pillows
THE SHOWER!
running water
my sweet toothbrush
ben folds
budgets
rocks
hiking
CAMPING!
good wine
mint
sweetness
GARLIC
my cousins
streams
primary songs
balloons
thai food
lettuce wraps
tomatoes
People who listen, to listen
authenticity

Much better.

Isn’t the world and life so awesome?
HECK YES!
I love you, honestly.

Love, Mimi

Banana Splat

2008-03-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Today is a good day. I can't stop playing with the calluses on the ends of my fingers. Playing the guitar is really fun but i have come to learn, i am not to good at singing. Finger picking is really hard too, but i will get used to it eventually. The best is when Kelton notices I am playing songs he knows and smiles really big :) And then we make up songs together and they are mostly about fighting dragons, swimming and swords.
I have a satisfaction today about how I show up as an employee at work. Yes, I am late 2 days out of the week, that is my big downfall. Over all though I feel like an asset. Maybe it is time to ask for another raise.
So I get to Drink Orange Juice today and tonight I get to have vegetables, i am pretty dang excited for semi-solid foods :)

i don't know what this is suposed to be about

2008-03-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

So today is my last day on the cleanse. I am pretty excited to eat solid food again. Last night I dreamed about Eating reese's peanut butter cups out of a cereal bowl with a spoon.
I am feeling tired today and it is slow at work so it is hard to keep myself entertained and awake.
Pete is Vice president of his nerdy forensics club and they need new tee shirts for their school his year. So this morning the most exciting this that has happened is me putting together shirts for him that say: "I didn't do it! ....and the spatter supports my case", Gotcha!(with finger print in background), 1 in 36 billion:match made in a lab", and "You may keep saying no but your DNA says yes"., it is pretty nerd core.

That reminds me, i need to make hoodies for the moon lake trip this year. I will put that on my list of things to do.

Saturday I took Kelton to Mom's house for an Easter egg hunt, it was pretty fun. I got to load eggs and hide them and stuff. Watching Kelton be amazed is one of my favorite things. He just couldn't believe that there were eggs with prizes in them sitting waiting for him to pick them up. He also is the type of kid who wants to play with every present once he opens it even if he has more to open. It was nice too because Tricia (Kel's other mom) came too and I love it when Kelton gets to experience stuff with all of his parents there.

The cleanse

2008-03-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

SO There is a cleanse I did last year, also known as the lemonade cleanse. And I decided to do it again last Sunday. It is super intense on my body, I forgot how much will power its take to do it.
A day in the life of the cleanse:
• Wake up at 5:30 and drink a Quart of Sea Salt water
• Wait for and hour and a half for it to clean up all of the random stuff in my intestines
and come out.
• Drink my first drink, I chug this one to get it over with so i can start my day.
- A drink consists of:
8oz distilled/spring water
2Tbsp Organic lemon juice
2Tbsp Natural Grade B maple Syrup
1/10th tsp Cayenne pepper
• Then I drive Kelton to daycare and myself to work hoping that all of the Sea Salt solution has really left my body.
• I drink a mess load of water between everything I do during the day, to keep my self hydrated.
• During work I drink 4 of my lemon drinks, maybe one mint tea to mix up the taste in my mouth a bit.
• I pick up Kelton from daycare and head home from work, come home and try to make dinner or watch John make dinner, (sometimes it is too hard on my will power to make dinner)
And then drink my dinner.
• I usually watch a movie or read a book, something simple because by that time of day I am exhausted.
• After putting Kelton to bed, i chill out and drink a cup of "Smooth Move" Herbal tea.
• Then I go to bed and wake up and do it again... for 10 days.

I know what your thinking, "10 days is a long time!" and yes it is. But some people do this thing up to 40 days, can you believe that? Anyway I am on day 5 so my halfway pint is hit and i am relieved it is all down hill from here. The other thing you probably are thinking "That isn't enough for you body to live on!". Well, i totally agree, not enough for the body to live on forever. But for 10 days, it can happen. The maple has all the nutritions i need to run, and I juice the lemon including the skin so i get that extra boost of vitamins. Lemons pull all of the toxins out of my tissue and the pepper sweeps it clean to my waste and then the salt water cleans it out... as simple as that!
The first couple of days suck really bad because my body is detoxing from all the crap i put in it. So I can just expect a super bad head ache and feeling achy and looking pale, i can't drive either.
But after the 3-4th day I feel super fine as long as I tank up on my super lemon drink. I usually have 6-12 a day, 6 is the minimum I am supposed to drink in one day. Last time I did it, I puked a couple times at the end of the first day. I am pretty sure it is because all of the toxins and poisons of 23 years I have been putting my body were stirred up in my system. I am so glad I quit smoking.
A funny side effect i have with this cleanse is I DREAM about food. Every night i dream about all kinds of food and eating it and how it tastes. last night i was a smoothie/sundae shop and I almost got in a fight with the kid who was making my chocolate brownie shake thing because he wouldn't give me the extra that wouldn't fit in my cup. That jerk....
It is a good thing I have a loving supportive husband! He is a champion at supporting me in stuff, especially things that have to do with my health.
I will give updates!
Love, Mimi

playin' the guitar

2008-03-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

I have newley formed blisters on the tips of my fingers that kinda hurt when I type. I have been teaching myself to play the guitar the last week and it is awesome. After visiting pete for my birthday I and picking up his guitar, I rememebered how cool playing the guitar really is. Well that is it for now beacuse I have to go back to work, YAY!

Feeling good in MY body

2008-03-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

It is so nice waking up and feeling good in my own skin.
My body begs me all day while I am at work to go ride my bike or swim, stretch, or climb stuff OR WHATEVER... as long as I am moving.
For the first time in my life I really do feel ill when i eat more then my body needs. I have never been in-tune that much physically.
Not to mention, since I have cut some things that are not so good for me out of my diet... I feel energy after I eat instead of wanting to nap.
I have realized cheese is not for me. My body hates it... all except my taste buds. Even if get things with cheese mixed in it my stomach cramps and it is painful, what clearer signs do I need from my body that it hates something.
The same thing happens when i eat animal flesh. My body can deal with fish but give me chicken or beef and i will have a hurty tummy.
Either way, I just wanna say I feel great. I know I am going to live a long happy healthy life.
Not to mention it is nice losing weight without starving myself.

I am sending out the heck yes for loving our bodies no matter what shape or form we come in :)

Sick day

2008-03-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

This morning I was feeling ill so I decided to stay home from work.
After sleeping in till 10 I was restless so today I cleaned my house, made some bread, making crockpot coconut curry and I am not sure what to do with myself. It is kinda nice not to talk to anybody. I also designed some cool tee shirts for pete's forensics club.
I worked all of my hours at work this last couple weeks which hasn't happed for a while because it has been such a slow winter season, though we are picking up now. I have been making sales too and I get a small % so it is nice to look at my check and feel satisfied at my hard work. It is so cool learning about myself and how I am capable of supporting my family.
John and I are slowly paying off our debt and I am just excited. This year I kept track of my recipts and stuff for my art and I didn't have to pay taxes on the money I made from my show or freelance design stuff I have been doing. I feel like for the first time I am taking myself seriously as an artist and a professional. It is pretty awesome, who knew I was capable of what I am doing?
Yeah well since I am feeling much better I am probably going to hit a Vandals concert tonight. Good times in the SLC.

Curry-licious!

2008-03-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of most Asian foods. The Indian culture is so genius for inventing curry.
My favorite type of Asian food is Tibetan.
I used to live above a Tibetan restaurant in the Avenues of Salt lake and the family who ran it was so nice. I am not sure what i loved more about the environment in Cafe Shambala, the abundance of Dali Lama pictures or the broken english. One thing for sure, nothing tops their fried veggie momos, spicy potatoes, and lentil soup. I seriously could eat that every day if I had to. They have some pretty awesome sweet and sour tofu also.
Momos are dumplings stuffed with goodness. Sometimes it is meat sometimes it is veggies. Traditionally they are steamed and have a soft fluffy outside, I love mine a little fried for the crispy texture.
Today I went to Curry in a Hurry for lunch. It is a quaint Indian/Thai place that has KILLER curry. I spent 4$ for the YUMMIEST curry veggies in Naan. Who knew curry and spinach would taste so good together?
Speaking of Naan, Mom made some for Sam's birthday dinner. Naan is kinda like a pita but fluffier and sometimes flavored or sweet. The place in UT to get the best Naan is the Himalayan Kitchen. I think they have a brick oven they cook it in and you can get it like 12 different ways. Not to mention it comes with a plum sauce and some type of spicy mint sauce, that is right... spicy mint.
Since I really love cooking, I am trying to master some of these recipes. I am happy that the ladies at my local Thai/Asian market and patient enough to explain some stuff to me. They helped me pick out the best ingredients for my DELICIOUS yellow coconut curry. Last time I was there they sent me home with some type of spicy black bean sauce and ingredients for Pho.
Pho is one of John's favorite foods. Mostly all Pho has meat in it so I have been playing around with trying to make it vegetarian. I will probably report back on how successful my attempt to make veggie/savory tasting broth was this week.
Since I have to go back to work, i am not going to go into making sushi, miso stuff, wontons, stir fry or rice paper spring rolls.... but once again, Asian food rocks.
And it is SUPER healthy for me.
I guess this is the conclusion of my curry inspired rant.
If you are in Salt Lake and you wanna go hit up some yummy restaurants with me, let me know.

Post Script: the ground was dry enough so I rode my bike for the first time since October. HECK YES!!

The Dentist, you've got to love him.

2008-02-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

My mouth hurts today.
On Tuesday I went to the dentist to have a cleaning. When they called me to remind me I had an appointment, i tried to cancel it due to the $$ I still owe from my last visit to Dr. Stanley.
Dr. Stanly is a salesman, and a pretty good dentist too.
The receptionist who called me assured me that my regular cleanings are covered by my insurance and I wouldn't have to pay a dime to get a good polish.
Reluctantly, I showed up early to my morning appointment with hope of preventing further $$$$ of mine in Dr. Stanley's pockets.
The nice blond hygienist with the cool face scar sat me in the first chair, closest to the door. My dentist office has high tech computer screens that show exactly what the assistants are looking at, filling out, my mouth history and my appointments. After an overview of the things that are wrong with my mouth she asks me if I floss regularly. I hate this question because I always say yes.... but it is always a lie.
It pings my insides to admit I am not a regular flosser, I have never been good at remembering it is as important as brushing. Don't get me wrong I floss, but is more of a convenience thing then a habit. Over and over again I find myself in that dentist chair with that bright light shining in my eyes, swearing that I am a regular flosser. Bloody gums just don't lie.
By this time I am laying down with her hands in my mouth listening to the same description of how to floss correctly. It is really hard to want to floss like the assistant tells me, it hurts!
Next step in my visit is this new sonic tool pick-thingie that feels like i am getting a sunburn on my gums. The hygienist keeps apologizing because she can see my tightly squinted eyes through my big orange protective goggles. The manual scraper stuff she was doing wasn't pleasant but I was relived when i saw her bust out the scratchy toothpaste and the buffer.
I always have thought that the polisher-brush tool was pretty similar to a floor buffer.
Anyway, After my cleaning was all said and done and my mouth was a little achy. I got to pick a green toothbrush and wait for the dentist to come appraise my teeth. Patiently sitting, I caught myself staring at the tool tray wondering how much my gums really did bleed. The assistant came in after 5 minutes of waiting and apologized for Dr. Stanley, apparently he was on a important call. After 5 more minutes the Dentist came and sat down next to me, armed with his white smile and witty humor. Once again it was pointed out to me how important flossing is and brushing and how I could do them better. After peering at my teeth he sent me home with 17$ toothpaste and a reminder of the crown I need to get when I pay off my bill.
Well, today my teeth hurt because i have been flossing daily and I have been told that my mouth will get used to it. One day i hope to walk into Dr. Stanley's office and walk out without having to pay for anything.

It is times like this I am really glad I have teeth, chewing would suck without them.

working ghost town

2008-02-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

I find myself sitting at work at my desk and the rest of the shop is shut down. During the January/February months work is slow for our printing company. I have been finding random things to do around the shop to keep myself busy.
Today and yesterday I cleaned out all of the closets, desks and cabinets in my department. I started to re-arrange the furniture and some how inspired my co-workers to join in.
I am kind of bored now that there is nothing else to clean.
...I got permission from the CEO to paint a window on the wall by my desk.
So I guess tomorrow I will be painting.