My Name Is Sarah and It's All About Me

This is how the game works: Use Google image search to answer each question. Then, out of ONLY the first page of results, choose your favorite or most random image. It's kinda weird, but kinda fun. Let me know if you do it too or if you need some clarification...DARETH THIS LOOKED FUN, SO HERE GOES.

MY AGE:
PLACE I'VE TRAVELED:
PLACE I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL:
FAVORITE PLACE:
FAVORITE OBJECT:
FAVORITE FOOD:
FAVORITE ANIMAL:
FAVORITE COLOR:
TOWN I WAS BORN:
CITY I LIVE NOW:
PETS:
PAST LOVE:
BESTFRIENDS NICKNAME:
MY SCREEN NAME:
MY FIRST NAME:
MY MIDDLE NAME:
MY LAST NAME:
BAD HABIT:
MY FIRST JOB:
MY GRANDMOTHERS NAME: (THIS IS THE FIRST PICTURE THAT CAME UP AND THAT'S ACTUALLY MY GRANDMA!)

MY COLLEGE DEGREE:
WHAT I'M DOING RIGHT NOW:

Trash to Treasure

Okay so let's be honest the Diaper Genie is not exactly the look I was going for in the nursery. So I got this super cute off white galvanized trash can from Ikea.Then I saw this one and got a little jealous that they now make one with a pedal...good when you have a less than desirable oozing diaper (forgive me) in one hand and baby in the other!Either way, I love anything and everything Galvanized. Speaking of, check out these adorable galvanized buckets. I'm dying to find something to use them for. Perhaps to organize Elizabeth's clothes, all my craft supplies, or maybe for a gift basket...I'm not sure, but I'm loving them. They come in 4 sizes and 13 colors and are only like 10 bucks!

Happy Birthday John McCain and Michael Jackson.

It's my birthday. I'm 24 years old which I know is not old but sometimes I'm amazed at all the people younger than me. I guess I just feel so young at heart!
Natalie Bush, Reggie Bush, Hailey Duff, Lebron James, Scarlett Johanson, Keira Knightley, Blake Lively, Michael Phelps, Rihanna, Joss stone, Deron Williams
So maybe to make myself feel a little better I should make a list of people older than me instead...
Carmello Anthony, Kate Bosworth, Michelle Branch, Nicki Hilton, Adriana Lima, Mandy Moore, Amber Tamblyn, Carrie Underwood, Olivia Wilde, Amy Winehouse, Vince Young
Okay...I think I do feel better. Or maybe it's a little more sad that Adriana Lima is 27 and still looks that hot? Haha. Oh well, I've never been one to mind getting older, I say bring it on! I will continue loving life, watching Disney movies, checking under my bed for MUC (mysterious unknown creatures), making jello jigglers, reading Nancy Drew books, splashing in irresistible mud puddles, and eating chocolate birthday cake for breakfast (yes, yes I did). So, John...Michael...here's to staying young.

I wanna walk like you, talk like you...

So everyone's always saying "you have to teach me to cook like you!" So...I'm going to start posting some of my favorite recipes and some I'm trying out. Give 'em a go and give me your feedback. I hope you enjoy!


So this is a family fav. Coffee Cake. And all you mormons out there, no worries, the named is derived from it's most preferred eating companion not what's actually in it! :) So here it is:

Topping:
1/2 c Sugar
1/4 c sifted AP flour
1/4 c softened butter
1 tsp cinnamon

Batter:
1 1/2 c sifted flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
3/4 c sugar
1/3 c melted butter
1/2 c milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and prepare a well greased 13 x 9 in pan.
2. For the topping, in a small bowl combine dry then add butter and mix with fork just until incorporated.
3. For the cake, sift dry together (flour, salt and baking powder.) Beat egg until frothy, and add in sugar and butter, then add milk and vanilla. Beat in flour slowly until well combine.
4. Spread the topping evenly over the surface of the cake, may need to be gently plopped over cake.
5. Bake for 25-30 min, or until a knife comes out clean. Serves 9

Voila! Easy as pie...err cake. Good luck!

Any dream will do...

So i'm always clipping out pictures for my inspiration book and I came across these that I'm kinda diggin. I'm a total sucker for dark hard wood, glass front white cabinets, apron front sinks, and any shade of green. Someday...

You're it...

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:30 in the AM
2. Diamonds or pearls? I'm a pearl girl
3. What two things do you always have with you? My wedding ring and Baby
4. What is your favorite TV show? Hmm, well I just watched all four seasons of lost? HGTV, Good Eats, Colbert Report, House, Grey's, talent based reality tv shows...
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Grape Nuts or Honey Nut Cheerios and a smoothie...an omelet when Rob's feeling nice.
6. What is your favorite book? The Count of Monte Cristo
7. What is your middle name? Elizabeth, along with the other four Sarah's in my graduating class...don't get me wrong though, i like it just fine.
8. What food do you dislike? Mushrooms, Fish (unless sushi), corn dogs, anything overcooked
9. What is your favorite CD? Norah Jones, Coldplay, and anything Jazz
10. What type of car do you drive? Passat
11. Favorite sandwich? Tasty Turkey, asiago bagel, chive cream cheese, sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, and smoked turkey...mmmm
12. What characteristic do you despise? Self pitying
13. Favorite item of clothing? My blue 50's housewife dress
14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Greece maybe?
15. What color is your bathroom? Tan, wish it were green...if you know me you're not surprised by this.
16. Favorite brand of clothing? I can't possibly answer this. But I am known for my love of all things Burberry.
17. Where would you retire to? In the mountains, at high altitudes...wherever my family is.
18. Your most memorable birthday? 21st. I sort of remember it for a bad reason actually. Rob and I had just broken up and I kept wishing he was there to celebrate with me. Although he did still take me to dinner another day, it was kind of awkward. :)
19. Favorite saying? It's a fool who looks for logic in the chambers of the human heart.
20. When is your birthday? August 29th, this Friday ahhhh snap.
21. Are you a morning person or a night person? What do you call an owl wearing armor? ........huh? huh? A knight owl. Hahaha
22. What is your shoe size? 9.5, all the better to balance with my dears.
23. Pets? No...would love a puppy.
24. What did you want to be when you were little? Big
25. What is your favorite candy? Mmm sweet sweet carmel.
26. What is your favorite flower? Hydrangea, Poppies, Peony, and Tulips...love flowers.
27. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Tomorrow and everyday after.
28. What church do you attend? LDS Church
29. What are you listening to right now? Rob watching the Democratic Debate and Norah
30. What was the last thing you ate? A yummy cookie and glass of milk from my sweet neighbor.
31. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Avocado Green
32. How is the weather right now? A little hot but perfect at night.
33. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Rob to tell me he'd be a little late getting home from golf.
34. Favorite soft drink? Not a big fan, but if I have one probably orange soda or squirt
35. Favorite restaurant? Maybe Maggiano's, that's another practically impossible question but I do love me some Indian food.
36. Hair color? A really nice poo brown color.
37. Sibling(s)? 5
38. Favorite day of the year? I'm kind of a Christmas lover.
39. What was your favorite toy as a child? Who needs toys when you've got imaginary friends?
40. Summer or winter? Fall
41. Hugs or kisses? Kisses, but the hug from behind is a close second.
42. Chocolate or vanilla? Seriously?
43. When was the last time you cried? Watching lost, i know I'm really, really gay.
44. What is under your bed? A pillow and an ab roller.
45. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Stacey Smith perhaps?
46. Favorite smell? Burberry perfume, bleach, my volcano candle, clean baby, citrus, coconut, campfire, fresh mountain air...I'm a big smell person
47. What are you afraid of? Not much except the dark, yes really
48. Plain, butter or salted popcorn? Butter, layered please
49. How many keys on your key ring? 3
50. How many years at your current job? 2 months and counting.
51. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
52. How many towns/cities have you lived in? Newark, Palo Alto, Englewood, Scottsdale, Provo, Orem
53. Do you make friends easily? Yeah, it's keeping them that's the hard part.

I tag everyone who reads this.

My super sleeper.

My little baby is officially part of our family. She slept for nine hours last night in true Neilson fashion...keep your fingers crossed for night number two of "12 hours by 12 weeks." Go baby!

Do Mi Mi, Mi So So, Re Fa Fa, La Ti Ti...

She has to have one hand shot up in the air pretty much at all times.

Smiling only because at this point I'm taking her OUT of her car seat.

Hand up...
Hand up...
Hand up...

Hand up...

Hand up...
We can't figure out quite what it means, but if that's how she's comfortable...don't fix what ain't broke!

Happy 2 months little lark!

It has been so fun to watch my Elizabeth grow up and all though it's only been two months she has changed so much!
She loves to stick out her tongue.
She holds her head up flawlessly.
She loves to hear singing,

no matter how talented (or not) the performer.
She smiles when prompted by us instead of gas.
She loves to laugh at you,

actually it's more of a squeal, when you make faces.
She licks anything that comes close to her mouth

and thinks she's hilarious.
She pants like a puppy when excited.
She makes her "strong man" face when trying to poop.
She always seems to be sucking on,

not just her finger, her whole fist.
She belches louder than anyone I know.
She still gets really bothered when you try to tickle her.
She loves her baby bjorn...hates her sling.
She hates nothing more than her aspirator.
She loves her family, and we love you baby! Keep up the cuteness!

By the way...Dr. Freestone and I are happy to report Elizabeth happy and healthy. Her newest stats are as follows:

Weight: 10 lbs 6 oz - 42 percentile

Height: 22 in - 36 percentile

Head: 15.5 in - 62 percentile

He said she'd be a petite skinny thing with a big baseball cap. Thanks doc...or rather, thanks to dad. Love you babe!

Baby Blessing

Our sweet little one was blessed Elizabeth Avery Neilson on August 3rd, 2008 along with her sweet new cousin Ethan. What a special day. Her dad gave a perfect blessing befitting our precious little Etta. I feel unworthy of all the wonderful blessing that have been poured out upon our family and thank you all for your love and support.

Breaking Dawn

Ok, let me just tell you now. I'm a little obsessed. Between reading these books in a matter of hours from breaking the binding to watching every preview, trailer, interview for the new twilight movie (yikes, i know), you could say I'm a bit of an enthusiast, even a twilight aficionado. These books all though juvenile and completely lame in there own right are captivating and appeal to the deepest corners of my sappy sensitive female heart which I try to ignore the existence of frequently. How could books about vampires appeal to such feelings? Bella and Edward. I cannot resist the passion, love, intrigue, anxiety, drama, taboo (I could go on)...everything about this relationship. This is why I love reading. Each part can speak to you in a different way than to someone else or even than the writer had intended. My imagination runs rampant as I'm caught up in Bella's emotions. Every time I'm done reading I find myself looking to my relationship excited to reignite our passion and romance. The suspense is riveting and you find yourself amazingly enough caring for and even envying the life of a vampire. (well more so in book 4 as I find myself wanting to go running through the forest on hunting trips with them) Anyway, I'm completely getting carried away. Book one has to be my favorite, book two pales in comparison mostly I'm sure due to the fact it's all about Jacob...yuck, book three is a close second for favorite, and book four I have to say surprised me. I can't say that books can often do that to me. I typically speculate and then wish that I hadn't when I spoil the ending for myself. Although this book took me the longest to get involved in (because honestly I thought the plot, at least for a while was pretty lame) it continued to catch me off guard with the direction it took and pleased me in the end. I'm a bit abashed by my enthusiasm and the small sad emptiness I felt when I finished! Stephanie, write more! But I'm declaring it loud and proud despite the smirk and chagrin on my husbands face I'm sure (although I'm convinced if he read them he'd like them...which he secretly knows...whiiich is why he wont). So in case he fails me, I'm taking sign ups to be my date on December 12th for the twilight movie! Ok, I think I'm done and it's out of my system. I hope you can all still be friends with me. By the way, did you guys love the host or what?

Could she be any cuter? I submit that she cannot.

So I haven't posted in a while...thank you Lindsey for keeping me on my toes, but forgive me, my computer is wigging out! David, I need you. Some nonsense about my Mac OS X start up disk being full? The most disturbing thing being that my Iphoto is acting up. My most precious possessions are being threatened so I thought I would preserve some here in case of emergency. So hopefully I can sort this all out soon and get back to my incessant posting. My love to all!

My little lovely.

A BYU fan already, daddy's little girl!

Enough said...



So perfect!

President and Sister Neilson...ok not quite yet

So we went to our branch for the first time. It seems like it's going to be wonderful however...it's tiny! The man who spoke was there for the first time, they asked him to speak when he called to transfer his records last week! So I'm expecting to speak immediately if not sooner and get some extensive calling. Note to self, don't answer your phone! In all seriousness I'm very excited. It will give us a great chance to serve and grow...and actually really get to know everyone! So on our first sunday they nabbed us to take a picture for the directory. So however sleep deprived we were...cheese!

Baby doesn't like it...

While I was pregnant and subsequently there after, anytime rob was doing something I didn't like or I was doing something he didn't like we would claim that "baby doesn't like it." Well, this is one time baby actually didn't like it. Baby loved walking to the pool, baby loved sitting in the sun, baby loved sitting on mommys lap in the water, but when I tried to just put her in the icy pool water...baby didn't like it. It turned from uncertainty, to the furrowed brow, to the pouted lip, into an all out cry. It was tragically funny. I hate to laugh but she's such a cute pathetic little creature when she cries like that...it's adorable. All and all it was a fun first pool trip but we're going to have to warm her up to the cold water. At least she looked quite beautiful in her bathing suit!

Road Trip!

Babies first road trip. So rob had to do a volleyball camp in Colorado Springs but he felt so bad leaving me so he dropped me off at my parents house in Colorado on his way down. Its been fun to spend time with family and have some down time to escape unpacking my house! Our little one was perfect on the ride out! She ate twice and slept the whole time...she's the best! (and so cute!)

Finally!

Karen this one's for you. Yes...my crib is finally set up! And in our new home to boot! Can you believe it?

I'm so excited to be finally moved in and we're slowly getting set up. Our sweet little one has up until now been sleepy in her pram, which has actually served quite well, but we are so happy to give her a proper bed. (however huge it may be for her...Rob says she needs to sleep in it till she's 16). Anyway, so I'm sure all you new moms know how it is, especially for your first baby. You can't stop taking pictures. So forgive me, I can't help myself.





This is how we find her in the morning. Every night we go through the swaddle struggle. She sleeps longer if she's swaddled, but we have to put her in the "Miracle Blanket" a.k.a. little baby straight jacket. Otherwise she inevitably breaks free! It starts with one hand...but if you give her an inch...the one hand turns into two. Two hands peeking over the blankets like a little puppy dog, then out come the shoulders, then it's all down hill from there. She's definitely a cutie, but she's fighter! Oh, how we love our little squirmy pants!

Happy Fourth!

Babies first fourth of july. So everyone told me that clothes run sooo small..."Don't buy any newborn stuff." So let me just tell you. This is a newborn outfit. I'm not quite sure why this hasn't been the case for me because seriously everyone I know told me that? But here's your evidence...from headband to socks...nothing fits! Happy fourth cutie!