2nd Day of Christmas:Oh Tannenbaum!

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
A real - NOT AN ARTIFICAL - tree (well, he actually got it for me earlier this week).



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This year, the real Holiday dilemma was the Christmas Tree. Last year we had kind of made the decision it was our last time to cut down mother earth for our own Holiday joy. (Do you think sap is like, tears of joy or sadness?)

So I was on the search for a fake tree. (I wasn’t very motivated.) Fake trees are expensive – even at Costco! And they don’t smell good; and where am I going to store the thing I use one month out of the year? And they’re “all”…. Well fake! I spent enough of my teenage years being fake – I don’t need anymore superficial things in my life. I’ve been trying to feng shui in my thirties.

By the way, the other Christmas ornaments (outside of those for decorating our tree) have disappeared. That’s right -- stockings, our Christmas CD's and the little silver Santa and snowman we’d place on the mantle to hang said stockings – AWOL. I find that a little odd. But back to the tree dilemma.

So I’m at the Yoga studio on Monday, and Marta -- the front desk gal -- asks me if we’ve got our tree yet. And I tell her how I’m dragging my feet because we’re trying to be eco-conscious (Suite family tradition is usually to get the tree on the Friday after THXgiving and decorate all day Saturday while listening to the Muppets & John Denver Christmas)…and I haven’t really found a tree that we like, and they’re so expensive, and I want pine needles, but it’s a no-go. . . blah, blah, blah, blah.

And so she gets totally excited and tells me about how it’s actually more green to get a tree from a TREE FARM than a fake one because of the PVC’s and carcinogens.

“…fake trees are made with polyvinyl chloride (or PVC, otherwise known as vinyl), one of the most environmentally offensive forms of non-renewable, petroleum-derived plastic.” --From ask.com

And then there’s the lead concerns, the production in China, etc, etc. Apparently a lot more people knew this than moi… Even our renters knew about this – and they’re Republicans! ;) What can I say? I’m a late bloomer on the issue. But enlightenment is a process, eh? ☺

Oh and btw, if you have an artificial tree, this is absolutely not a judgment…merely a statement that my personal desire for an evergreen in my living room is a Christmas dream come true (sans the guilt!!!). And in the interest of full disclosure, if we were super-hippie tree huggers, than we’d buy one that’s still planted with roots, keep it for just 4 – 10 days (because that’s about as long as they last indoors apparently) and then replant outside in our yard. Apparently that’s the greenest thing to do… but we’re not quite there yet…

Happy Holidays.. Here's a shot of Danny and I taken after the Zions National Real Estate Christmas Party Friday night.

And here's me infront of our "Christmas Village." It's actually Danny's. He said his grandma gave it to him for Christmas when he was like 10 or something.

For more info on the great Christmas Tree debate, here are some world-wide-intraweb sites to check-out:

Earth 911
Find out where to take your real tree for Recycling après the Holidaze!

Treehugger.com
Treehugger – the name says it all!

Yahoo! Green
Yahoo! Green – I didn’t even know this existed until this week

Oregon Live
Cool Blogger from Oregon

ChristmasTree.org

National Christmas Tree Coalition – Wonder what side of the debate they’ll fall on?

Christmas Countdown: 1st Day of Christmas

On the First day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
A session with Shiva at Flow Yoga S-L-C.

That’s right, Shiva Rea, Shakti goddess and master teacher graced Salt Lake with her presence this weekend, and I was there to receive! She’s doing classes all weekend, but one 3-hr session was a perfect dose for this yoga mama.

(I want you to know it took some serious cojones to share this with you… but as part of my spiritual awakening and getting comfortable with my new size, I figure baring the belly is the best way to do it! Besides, I originally took the photos to find something for the Make and Takes article I’m writing.)

Anyway, back to Shiva.

She’s such an insightful and spiritually sound teacher. In yoga, lineage is a big deal… and so my teacher, Jami Larson at Flow, has received a lot of her teachings from Shiva (Rea, though the Hindu god has also played a key role for anyone involved in the practice). So I guess you could say she’s my teacher’s teacher.

Shiva created Trance Dance (check it out on her website). And before you just jump to the conclusion that she adopted the name Shiva as some sort of awakening once she “found” yoga, she was actually given her Indian name by her surfer father. That led to the beginning of her lifelong study of yoga at a young age.

I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to receive from her today. Like I mentioned, class was about 3 hours and I had to make a lot of adjustments in the practice, but it was totally worth it. This woman travels all over the world sharing her truth and teachings… she gave me some great advice about pregnancy/birthing. During class, she kept referring to me as Pregnant Goddess which does wonders for the self esteem… and after class she even rubbed and blessed my belly/baby.

The "Bhagavad Gita," in explaining the process of birth/reincarnation* says:
Reaching the heaven of righteous
after uncountable years
that man will be born again
to parents who are upright and wealthy.

He may even be born to parents
who have practiced yoga and are wise,
though a birth as fortunate as this
is more difficult to obtain.

[6.41 - 6.42]

Namaste yogis. Holden will be blessed.

*This is not an endorsement of reincarnation from me. But I do believe that we have always existed in some form, and that what we do in each stage of our being determines where we will be in the “next round.”

TFO – Is that txt-speak for TOTALLY FREAKING OUT?

If not, it should be. For those of you NOT ridden with angst, I’ve compiled a list of things that are making my blood pressure rise… as documented at my Midwife appointment yesterday (feel free to skip around to a header that interests you if you don’t have the time to entertain ALL my ramblings… hmm, as if you needed my permission to do so).

• The Freaking Snow – I don’t know when I stopped loving the snow. There are pics galore of me as a child playing in it. But I think my distaste mostly happened in college when I had to drive long stretches in it, and someone hit me in it (or I hit them… details are a little fuzzy still from my freshman year). Maybe it was driving from SLC to SGU coming home from THXgiving a few years ago… it took 8 hours for that trip. True, Danny helped me appreciate the white stuff when he got me into skiing again, but I mostly enjoy the “idea” of a ski va-cay. (He says I judge a ski resort by it’s Lodge/food. Is that a problem?) Besides, I’m not super fantastic at skiing, and even when I started getting decent last season from that “Zen Ski and Yoga Camp” last year, my progress has been significantly halted this year by the bun in the oven. (Obviously I’d rather not ski than take a risk with Holden). So my neighborhood looks like a winter wonderland after yesterday’s DUMP, and I mostly think it’s frightful… not so much delightful.

• Freaking Technology (mainly that I don’t/won’t have it anymore)…Goodbye Berry – that’s right, I’m turning my CrackBerry back into SkyWest while on this hiatus/break/interregnum (call it what you will… although, I think “interregnum” sounds a little PG-13ish.) I’m swapping out for a cheap mobile phone from days past that I.T. has left over… because let’s face it… I can’t really afford to keep fancy technology around when we’re living on one income. Dreams of an iPhone would take a Christmas miracle… and let’s be honest here people, I’m actually in more of a need for a crib for Holden than a 3G in life…right? (So the only “3G” world I’m living is paying off the $3K’s we spent on Christmas last year! Which brings me to….)

• Living on One Freaking Income – (Enter Expletives Here!) It totally sounded possible in theory. But then I actually looked at what the theory’s “numbers” were, and was thinking… hmm, I’m going to have to give up more than facials and designer handbags. Maybe even Aveda shampoo?!?!? (Well, let’s not do anything drastic, just yet.) Yep, kinda freaking out a little bit. At least gas prices are down… so that’ll help a little. I really need to find some writing jobs again on the side, or something to supplement the household income. Don’t get me wrong, Danny’s got a great set up at Zions… and we’re totally thankful for it, and I’m super proud of him for finding and working a grown-up job… but we’ve been spoiled. Soooo, no more shopping sprees, spa days, and we certainly won’t be eating out 5 times or more a week. I might actually have to cook.

• O.M.G. (gosh, obviously). I am going to have to start cooking again?!?! It’s definitely time to start working a little more on those “deep breathing and relaxation techniques.” I am obviously going to need them for more than childbirth.

M-i-c-k-e-y M-o-u-s-e!

So friends, we have returned from Orlando.  I FINALLY got some sun... and Danny said, (and I think it's pretty hilarious), he said, "I think the sun will be good for your face." Turns out, I'm not the only one that's noticed that the bottom part of my face looks like I have two chins (one of them is apparently just an acne tumor.)  I make Danny sound way worse than the comment actually was, but it still sounded hilarious. 

OK, so some pics... We hit up Florida for a week, flew first class compliments of American Express points traded for SkyMiles (thank you SkyWest Airlines Expense reports!) Cassandra (my older sister) and her family met us there, and even my parents joined us for a few days. Here are some of the highlights. 

Below: Tatum Suite Smith gettin' stoked for "Small World"... 

the tune is still playing in my head. 

Max Davis Smith... blue tongue at one of the Magic Kingdom restaurants... I can't remember what it's from (oh, blue sprinkles in his ice cream, perhaps?), but he was pretty proud of it.

Danny -- double-fisting the churros. 

He also got Max hooked on the things. 

Here Max is getting one from his Dad.  He will get another from Danny in about 2 hours, and then ask for one again about an hour later. 

The only thing better than deep fried goodness?  

Oh yeah, GIANT hats!

Man, Donald may have a speech impediment... 

but he sure is cuddly. 

I kept asking Danny to be in the pictures with the theme park personalities... he said, "I didn't take pictures with them when I was a kid.  Why would I do it now?" But some how I talked him into posing with the gang. 

And this is how we all felt at the day's end... but Max felt this way by lunch time (he's actually sleeping on the table).  

Yeah, he conked out and we couldn't resist the photo-op. 

Movie Madness: The first is the production of Beauty and the Beast. Tatum (Cassandra's daughter, my niece) and I went and got in line early while the rest of the crowd hit up Rockin' Rollercoaster with Fast Passes.  Tatum was chosen to be a special "princess" at the end of the show.  She was presented a rose from the cast... The last time being front-row-joe paid off this much was attendting the Kenny Loggins concert in Mesquite... talk about craziness. ;)

Next is pool time fun with Danny and the Kids... He's got to be the coolest uncle in the world. 

And now, it's Tatum's turn....

 

A Night at the Emmas

OK, so it may sound completely crazy that my Church lets me work with the youth... but nonetheless, it's happened. Here's some highlights from our "Night at the Emmas -- Young Women in Excellence." 

Here they are in their formal "modest is hottest attire"  

We also had them each decorate a section of table showing who they are, things they love and talents they posses.  These teenagers and tweens are deep.  It amazes me everything they're doing: piano, violin, viola, singing, sports... the extracurriculars are astounding...

And of course, no awards night would be complete without a red carpet to accept thier "Emma" on stage. The girls' dads escorted down the red carpet; and Danny (he's such a great support) helped them walk up the "steps." Two little bits about that #1 - once they had received their award, their "acceptance speech" was saying a value that was extra special to them (for those not completely following, the YW values are: faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice &  accountability, good works and integrity.) 

The "Steps" were make shift from a primary room step and a table to get the appropriate hight for the stage -- not too sturdy for heels. We obviously need and eagle scout to build something more suitable...  anyone know of a dude trying to get his Eagle?  I've got a great service project idea!!!

We also had "walk of fame" stars in front of their section of table...

And yes... you guesses it "the emmas!"  The actual awards we gave as trophies are pictured below.

The Night at the Emmas idea came from someone else, who I would give credit to, but I basically got a piece of paper from the YW Prez we were combining with... so I don't know who to attribute the idea to. But I did not come up with the idea to spray paint Mrs. Butterworth's bottles... I only wish I was that brilliant... but they looked AWESOME!! You could even see the features on her face... and now, the girls not only have a memoir from a great night -- they have a delicious topping for pancakes and one more item to add to their food storage... because I bet that stuff has a shelf-life measured in half-lives. ;)

Special thanks to my husband who helped out SOOOO much! I was playing point on this project, and I swear I was ready to have conference calls to get things completed.  My "task list" looked like the minutes from one of my division meetings; and I kept thinking I should have an assistant to follow up... I've been spoiled by (my) "Nicole" at work. But everyone pitched in... and Danny was especially helpful.  That man is so great at entertaining...he took pictures, and helped with set-up and tear down, and like I said, helped escort the girls up the stage with the "hand off" from their fathers.  He's such a gem.  I can't imagine doing these types of things without him. By the time we got home (and I had been on psychotic "prep mode" for about 72 hours,) I was exhausted.  He said he can finally "keep up" with me... because he thinks my pace on pregnancy, is like an average person's... ot true, but still kind of adorable. 

Anyway, I was totally breathing heavy and had probably lifted way too many things being preggers... not to mention I was in 3 1/2 inch stilettos so my back was a little shot. ;) Self induced obviously -- you don't have to feel sorry for me. Anyway, he just told me to lay down and took care of everything... helped me "slip into something more comfortable"... which meant yoga pants and an oversized t-shirt... and eventually it was time for sleep!

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I know this post is already super long but I also just want to mention, some of my girlfriends hosted a really sweet baby shower for me and Holden this weekend.  It was such a busy day, with 1/2 of them going to the game with their families and a million other things going on... but I was so happy to see them.  So those of you that made it, thank you so much!  It was so special.  (Even Brandi and Marissa -- yes, Honey & Snow -- flew in from St. George and we spent all day together Friday and then they came to the shower Saturday too.) 

Also on Saturday -- Danny also surprised me with an extra ticket to the Utah game.  He was going with my Dad (7th row, 50 yard line... the seats are really amazing!!!) But my Dad got injured that morning taking my mom to Twilight (Danny and I saw the 2:40 AM showing Friday morning!); so my old man gave Danny the extra ticket. I think it's so cool he took me instead of one of his buddies. I mean, I get winded walking up the Skyline High school bleachers, so it was kind of a gamble...but it was awesome.  I think I almost went into labor 9 weeks early from the excitement! Go Utes!

And yes, I said 2:40 AM to see Edward. Danny knew I wanted to see it so bad (I even had a shirt made that said "Edward's the father- my baby's part vampire")...so Thursday night at 9 pm he said, "see if there are any seats left" (we like reserved seating). Danny said we could go home, sleep for a few hours, wake-up, see the movie and come back and sleep from 5 am until he had to go to work (which is basically 2 more hours of sleep.)  How could I say no?!?!!  We went in our pajamas... and even though the movie was not the best I had ever seen, who cares?  It's Twilight -- it's Edward Cullen... and I will remember the night for the rest of our lives. 

Musings from Nowhere

As a narcissist once profoundly put it, “We don’t have much time, so I’ll just tell you about me…”

The funny thing is, even though Friday was my last* day of work, I feel like I haven’t stopped moving (kind of like the little-guy in my ute). As I told some of my lady friends over dinner this week, “Being a stay at home wife is exhausting!” That’s right, I said it… and ’m not even really a stay at home mom right now… I mean, I’ve got Holden; but I’m not sure if he shifts my status to the latter group as he doesn’t really have a choice on joining in my excursions or not.

When my boss asked me what my plan for my first week off was, I responded with vigor:
“Doctor’s appointment and yoga on Monday (ok, and a spray on tan**), birthing class and dentist appointment Tues (Huzzah! No cavities or peridontis!!!), Thursday some QT with Logan my hair stylist, and Friday is GIRLS DAY with my two of my BFF’s from St. George (Ms. Snow and Ms. Honey). Um yeah, that’s really their names. We’re thinking of putting together some Christmas cards “Love from Hoey-Suite-Snow” or something…

Today I shall spend the majority of the day (once yoga is complete) getting reading for “Young Women in Excellence” tonight. Does anyone but me find it funny my church has me working with young impressionable teenagers? Obviously they did not look at my seminary attendance record/are not too familiar with my Spring Break escapades and beyond… thank goodness for repentance.

So lets close on a high note

Things I’m fully and completely grateful for:
• My blood pressure (while normal my entire pregnancy) dropped significantly this week – lowest it’s been my entire pregnancy. My husband thinks it’s because I’m not “working.” (He obviously does not understand the rigors of being a kept woman).
• Our home – it’s so awesome to be in East Milcreek. Our house needs so much work, but it’s ours and it has history and I love it…
• My sisters. Anyone that knows my sisters knows how friggin rad they are… we each have our quirks, but Sassa, Celestial and Cic (pronounced Sis, how fitting) are my best friends and I love them all.
• Holden – the kid is such a rockstar. I can already tell.
• Danny – I think he wants us to adopt next round… I don’t think I’m a miserable pregnant… but I think he’s getting tired of me complaining about not being able to bend over to put on my shoes.

PS. Barney Frank (D-MA) is a little out of control… I just heard him on NPR’s morning edition, and the kat’s a little crazy. But I like a little nutzo in my politics so I’m not too fearful.

*Technically I’m just on a “leave”… though my entire future has not yet been decided. I’m not making any official decisions until Holden and I get a little more time to get to know each other

**”If you can’t tone it, tan it.”

Oh the Blog Drama!

Danny told me politics would catch up with me.. and they did. A super Tuesday and the Utes beating TCU on Thursday night (ok, taking home a win is more like it) with a busy Saturday (and 17 comments on one entry) later... has made this mommy a bit tired.

So I thought I would take a break from the soap box, and share some promised pics... I know, I hardly ever post them... ENJOY!

Danny and I passed out Halloween candy on the 31st and then hit up a swingin' singles party... (well, not that there were swingers there... you got what I was saying, yes?)  We didn't stay long as the party started after we are usually going to bed. But before we get into that....

This is a pic from earlier last month... I know I posted the black dress pics already... but I think my little sister Celeste looks really cute in this picture.  And my mom is such a little hottie... I think it's awesome how my belly reflects this light like a giant silver balloon... that's so delicious.

Here's a great picture of me practicing hypno-birthing. ;)  Just kidding, Danny was just taking random pictures of me; also I enjoy looking at my chin before I broke out with 3rd trimester acne... My face does not look like this anymore... 

I have always said I hope our girls get the Mangum legs... Holden can have my Mack-truck thighs as long as he gets some length from his Daddy... doesn't Danny-boy make an AWESOME Bleaker?  Complete with orange tic-tacks!

This next one basically showcases how I am not as cool as my husband or Juno... I'm not quite as thin as Ellen Page... but I think the best part of my costume is that the belly is legit (Danny's friend Renn asked if it was real... apparently it's been a while since we've been around his old crew in public.) 

More belly pics... THis is also from that night out on the town... the other day at the office this guy told me I looked "miserable."  I said thanks. And this pic was like 4 weeks ago... ahhhh-some.  I even try to wear stilettos so I'm not frumpy and I still get comments like that?!?!? Sheesh!
The happy couple... ready for a night on the town Halloween style.