Other Part of the Tag

So for this part of the tag you're supposed to go to your four folder and post the fourth picture.

So this is a craft I did for Elizabeth's room (not the best picture). It's about 24 inch tall, covered front to back with torn strips of fabric, and then glazed it with Mod Podge.

Tag

8 Favorite TV Shows:

1. House MD
2. How It's Made
3. Lost
4. 24
5. Starter Wife
6. Extreme Home Makeover (any makeover show for that matter, LOVE Dress My Nest)
7. So You Think You Can Dance
8. Good Eats (Iron Chef, Paula Deen, anything foodie)

8 Things I did yesterday:

1. Drove Rob's recruit to the airport.
2. Went to church with Margaret and Bob.
3. Had a fantastic Favorite Meal Birthday Dinner for Robbie.
4. Played with nieces and nephews.
5. Smiled when Rob found his Bday Surprise.
6. Got winded walking up a hill.
7. Kissed baby about a thousand times.
8. Read my book and went to bed at 9:30.

8 Things I Look Forward to:

1. Waking baby up in the morning to watch The Price is Right.
2. To finish decorating my house someday.
3. Carving pumpkins tomorrow.
4. Tin foil dinners Friday.
5. Dressing baby up for Halloween.
6. Losing my baby weight so I can fit into all my adorable winter clothes.
7. Going to Cali for Thanksgiving.
8. To finish building my bookshelves.

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. Maggiano's
2. Bombay House
3. ORIGINAL Pancake House
4. Foundry Grill
5. Chipotle
6. RA
7. Melting Pot
8. Teppenyaki

8 Things on My Wish List:

1. Read 1 book a week.
2. Work out everyday.
3. A large, aged, dark wood farm table.
4. To have every room in my house painted how I'd like it by someone other than me.
5. A miniature Norwegian Elkhound.
6. To eat endless desserts without gaining weight.
7. Hard wood floors.
8. A happy, healthy family.

8 People to Tag:

Tiff
Dayna
Marin
Cami
Dareth
Aubrey
Malea
Lauren

Will you let me carry you? One day you'll walk alone...I cannot bear to miss one day from now until you've grown.

So we went to the doc on Monday to do a little checkin up on the babe. We are happy to report that she is all things healthy and wonderful. She took her poking and prodding like a champ.

She came out to be:

13 lbs 12 oz - 26th percentile

25 inches long - 65th percentile

16.5 inch head - 66th percentile

Let's see new things Etta's doing...

Screaming at extremely high pitched tones for fun

Rolling from one end of the room to the other

Sucking her thumb

Getting ticked at whoever is splashing her in the tub

No longer color blind

Eating solids...or should I say not eating

-Videos showcasing these new phenomena coming to a blog near you soon-

APES Baby!

So in our family we be lovin us some football. That's another reason why I love the fall so much. BYU football starting is one of those things that just puts a fun buzz in the air around Provo. In addition to that Robbie starts flag football. Maybe this is lame but I have such a blast watching him play. It's fun to watch him in his element of sports. Anyway, so here's baby and us at her first football game followed by some early winter nights watching daddy dominate! Oh and a pic from one of the worst games I've been to. Although my family was there (which is always fun) it was unbelievably hot, baby was surly, a woman threw up right next to us and it stunk, and as Rob reminded me, from five rows up and five rows down for some reason ours was the row of choice to travel through for at least 50 people. Hopefully it doesn't ruin baby on football forever... :)

Oh, PS above is one of the onesies I've made that hopefully might make up for my betrayel. :) Here's another...

Sleep Sanity.

I know I already mentioned the book 12 hours sleep by 12 weeks old but I have to say it again. This book has saved me. Elizabeth sleeps from 8pm to 8am. Eats at 8am. Takes a nap from 9:30-10:30. Eats at 12pm. Sleeps from 12:30-4:00! Eats at 4pm. Awake from 4-8, sometimes takes a 20-30 min cat nap around 6:00. Eats at 8:00 (or just before). Sleeps again from 8 to 8! We put her in her bed awake, in her own room, typically without crying (although there was some crying in the process to get to this point), and we have to wake her up. When she can stay relatively close to this schedule she is happy, pleasant, and calm while she's awake. I'm not exaggerating, this is really her schedule. Granted I think Elizabeth is a very good baby however, I really believe it is mostly to do with diligently following this book. We read quite a few books and took advice from all of them but what I liked so much about this one is that it's practical not just theoretical. Many of the books we read gave generalized advice that was difficult to apply for first time parents. This books tells you exactly what to do and when to do it. That's what I needed! I've spoken with people that feel as though a strict schedule would tie them down and take away the freedom they love. Talk to those same parents a few kids later and I'm sure they might sacrifice some of that "freedom" for some sanity. I know I speak from little experience seeing that I only have my first baby and she's only 4 months old, but I'm not the only person that this has worked for. This book came recommended from 3 friends who's kids had similar success. I also understand that all kids are different, so I'm sure applying these rules may take more patience from some than others, but I just wanted to share my happiness with all of you and tell you that I believe if anyone is determined to follow this strictly their little one will have success.

Wow, that ended up being a much longer rant than planned! I really just wanted to post these sweet little pictures of Elizabeth snoozing a couple months ago and got carried away! Anyways, enjoy and let me know about your sleep success or woes and if you've tried this book! Xoxo-

Behind Enemy Lines

So I've been making onesies for a little while now and recently I had the idea to make cute BYU ones (which I'll have to post here now too).  So when my friend from Salt Lake saw them she thought cute, can you make some for my kids?  I thought sure why not, then it dawned on me...these would not be BYU onesies, they'd be for the enemy!  The unspeakable...the University of Utah!  I struggled with the decision for hours...days, my blood runs blue!  Ultimately I decided I would allow it this once.  So my friend picked out some fabric  (because I didn't have any red of coarse) and I got to sewin.  Rob suggested that I stitch a tiny blue Y in a corner somewhere...haha who knows...maybe I did.

My baby daddy...

Husband Tag:

1. What's his name? Robert Todd Neilson. Affectionately Robbie.
2. How many years have we been married? 2 years, 1 month, and days.
3. How long did you date? About a year and a half with a 3 month breather.
4. How old is he? 28 on October 25th. He's practically my grandpa.
5. Who eats more? Hmm, depends what it is. But he does have a talent for eating everything on the table and still looking hot as ever.
6. Who said "I Love You" first? Roberto. Though technically I think I wrote "love, Sarah" first.
7. Who is taller? With heels? Hmmm, for sure Robbie.
8. Who sings better? I'm gonna have to go ahead and say me...but he does have major potential, very Johnny Cash-esque.
9. Who is smarter? The neuroscience major or the chef? Tough one. Rob laughs when I say I had to take culinary math, yes, it's a real thing.
10. Who does the laundry? Neither of us usually. Either of us when we finally run out of clothes. I'm trying to improve upon my wifely duties in this area.
11. Who pays the bills? Whoever cleans out the junk drawer and finds them. Rob takes them out of the envelope, tears off the strip then leaves it on the counter for me to write a check.

12. Who mows the lawn? The HOA.
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? When you're in bed I'm on the right, but at the last house we were opposite.
14. Who cooks dinner? Rob is master of all things omelets and steaks, otherwise, it's me.
15. Who drives? Me when I ask nicely...but usually Rob. I can't drive his car though, don't know how.
16. Who is more stubborn? I think neither of us are that stubborn and Rob said both of us are pretty stubborn. Who knows.
17. Who kissed who first? Rob made his move on the first date (a little scandalous, I know) and I was lovin it! Haha, and here we are happily ever after!
18. Who asked who out first? Hmmm, it was sort of a mutual lets hang out sort of thing.
19. Who proposed? Mr. Neilson.
20. Who has more friends? I may have more friends but he has better friends. Not to say my friends are no good but Rob's are closer.
21. Who is more sensitive? Rob, he's a big softy.
22. Who has more siblings? Same. I'm 4th of 2 boys 3 girls and he's 5th of 4 girls 1 lone boy!

23. Who wears the pants? We each have one leg in the pants, but I kinda like it better when he wears em...tells me what to do. :)
24. Is he handy around the house? Very, my sexy little handyman.
25. His hobbies or favorite activities. Golfing, Reading, Me, Golfing, Pretty much any sport, Baby, scavenging courses for golf balls, scavenging the web for golf clubs, scavenging the library for golf books, I could go on...you get it.
26. His best features and qualities. Rob has great legs. Strange I know, but I'm serious...check his calves next time you see him...hot. Pretty much there's not a feature on Rob I would change. His qualities...he's very analytical, very sympathetic and understanding, laid back and positive, he's a fun loving father, and a great teacher.

I tag everyone who's married.

Everybody Loves a Pasta Salad

Quite to the contrary, I had a disdain for all things pasta salad. Everywhere I would go, every relief society function, every open house, I had to eat a pasta salad that was less than desirable. Then my taste buds were enlivened by this very Spinach Spectacular of the mouth. So here it is, one of the now two pasta salads that I like.

16 oz bow tie pasta (cooked al dente, set aside)
2 cups chicken (cook, cube, set aside)

Dressing:

1 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup teriyaki

2/3 cup white wine vinegar

6 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Salad:

1, 10 oz bag fresh spinach

6 oz bag craisins

3, 11 oz cans manderin oranges, drained

1/2 cup parsley, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

6 oz honey roasted peanuts (which I omit because nuts should never be in a salad)

2, 8 oz cans sliced water chestnut (which I also omit because water chestnuts are gross and useless)

To make the dressing combine all ingredients except the oil in a blender. Then slowly drizzle in the oil while the blender is running. You must make it this way or the dressing will separate. Then marinade the cooked pasta and chicken in the dressing for at least 2 hours. I simply do this the night before along with portioning all the salad components. The chicken and pasta have much better flavor and assembly is much quicker the next day! Right before serving toss everything together an eat up! Pasta salad, yummy yummy...and no I don't watch the wiggles.

Guten Tag

Okay so, the tag is six quirky things about myself...six is definitely not enough but here it goes.

1. I must at all cost have my movies alphabetized. I was having Rob help me think of some quirky qualities and he said that this is not so much quirky, as it is merely common sense. However, most people I know don't do it?! My passion for this started about 6 years ago. While I was waiting for the most boring game of settlers ever to be over I alphabetized the Parkinson's entire movie collection (this is my sister in laws family). They thought this was odd, but I'm sure they were eternally grateful. But please, if your child happens to pull them off my shelf, don't worry your pretty little head about it. I will probably enjoy the process of putting them back, so thanks for the fun!

2. I too must have my clothes color coordinated. Once again though, I don't know that this is really quirky as much as it is common sense..."hmmm, I'm looking for some sort of long sleeve white cotton shirt...oh here's one in the long sleeve white cotton shirt section." Handy right? Now is it weird that short sleeve, long sleeve, jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, sweats, pants, dresses, and skirts all have their own sections that are then individually color coordinated? Hmmm. I don't know but it's a thing of beauty.

3. I have an affinity for hanging pretty much every clock I have all on one wall. Try it, it's nifty. I always know what time it is.

4. Rob: "This parking lot is totally full, let me drop you off."

Me: "Look, there's a park right there."

Rob: "A park? What, do you mean a parking spot?

Sarah: "No, a park. Is that weird to say?"

Rob: "Yes. Yes it is."

Oh and I guess I say leverage like a British person. Leading me to my next one...

5. More than once I have realized that all of the sudden my thought are in a British accent. Uh huh, really. I think it's my secret fantasy to have an English accent. Or maybe it's just my true self dying to come out. I've always felt I was born in the wrong time and place.

6. I am a crazy picker. It has gotten to the point that my husband actually enjoys being groomed by me. Hopefully baby will feel the same way or I might drive her completely bananas. Ever since I was a child I was very "just so" about my appearance. My mother said I cried when I had the chicken pox and didn't want anyone to see me. As a result I am an incessant groomer. If you have a whitehead, dirt under your nails, visible wax in your ears, something in your teeth or on your face...this is unacceptable and I will unconsciously stare at it numerous times...I am sorry! But I understand that everyone is different so I won't judge you, I will in fact still love you very very much. I may even offer you a Q-tip or some floss out of love and concern. So just know however that if I baby sit your children they will probably come home with clean ears and clipped nails.

So this is weird old me in a nutshell although I could go on. You're supposed to tag 6 friends, tell them in a comment you tagged them. Have fun! Oh, I tag Jody, Brittnie, Esther, Andrea, Kristy, and Janei'a.

My Everyday Joys...

Awe, baby loves hugo.

Hehe, look at those chubby little legs.

We love you baby!!
Must hit anything close to hand.

Must eat everything close to mouth.

Kujack and smiling baby, cute!

La Salsa Es Tan Buena!

Ok, I don't speak spanish so I'm sure that's wrong but mmm salsa IS so good. This recipe is Quick, Easy, and my favorite healthy snack.
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 can white corn, rinsed
1-2 orange bell peppers, small chop
4-5 Roma tomatoes, small chop
1-2 avocados, small chop
1 good size bunch of cilantro, minced
2-4 oz zesty Italian dressing

So this is what I put in it and it is so yummy, but what is so great about salsa is you can really cater it to your taste and what you've got around the house. In fact, I was just thinking how it might taste really great to add red onions...hmmm. I'm going to try it and I'll let you know. Please enjoy this fantastic snack. I'll be posting a new one soon!