"Who Are You Wearing! You Look Fabulous!"

Celina and I hosted a party of all parties in celebration of the Oscars, complete with hor d'oeuvres, mocktails and a red carpet photo op!

Welcome to the 1st Annual Academy Awards Mocktail Party

Mr. Samson was certainly thrilled about the party before church, but had already changed into his jimjams by the time our celebs-of-the-hour arrived.

Celina&Adam, Meagan&Callin, Mallory&Nick, BonoRandy&Felicia, Chelsea&Jake, Cat&Sam&Tadd

Samson couldn't help sneaking in another picture before heading off to bed.

Thanks to Celina, the Internets-searcher-of-all-searchers, we had a couple mocktail recipes to add to the party, the Mint Mojito being my favorite. Here's our Shirley Temple's. Typically virgin, but a Dirty Shirley isn't unheard of, so we were sure to keep the Vodka stash unstocked (winkety-wink).

She also supplied us with Oscar bingo, Oscar predictions and Match the Celeb Smile!

Co-host, Celina, and Adam enjoying their Shirley Temple's. Don't judge the incorrect glass. These are much more fun than tumblers! Also, I think I may be sugar-rimming all my drinks from now on. But maybe Splenda for Diet Coke...

Just a bit of the delish food before everyone had arrived.

The guys and gals

And some creepy stalker in a purple sweatshirt

Would you say I got the red carpet pose down? It was my one goal for the month. Next goal: keep volume in my hair.

The Oscars this year? Not the greatest. Does James Franco always look high? Does Anne Hatheway always act like a cheerleader live? Anne and James, let us hope you are never invited back. Unless Anne publicly burns that vinyl catastrophe she wore, and James arrives in a dress.

Had there not been a fabulous party to attend, the Oscars almost wouldn't have been worth watching. I say almost because I was thrilled to see The King's Speech win Best Picture and Collin Firth win Best Actor, and could Natalie Portman have looked more gorgeous?

Until next year!

Nine.of.Thirty

Day 9 – A photo of the item you last purchased.

Apparently just by cancelling my Amazon Mom Membership doesn't mean it cancelled my reoccuring order of these diapers. Shame that I've been re-converted to Pampers. However, I do like the smell of Luvs better. Is it weird that I won't buy Huggies because they smell gross? Yes, pre-use.

Anyone interested in 180 size 4 Luvs diapers? 24 bones. Regularly $34.

Eight.of.Thirty

Day 8 – A song to match your mood.

Not a single mood-matching-tune is coming to mind right now. I've thought about it all day, and I'm trying hard to search my inner soul to even discover what mood I'm in, and I'm just tired. Tired and blank-brained. All you music buffs out there, what song matches blank-brain?

I did, however, listen to my fair share of Justin Bieber today, and my, was it enjoyable. I'd love to just carry that little kid around in my pocket. Well, and of course I'd make him grow his hair back out because did you hear? He cut it. Cut the Bieb 'do. Now what will the Bieber look-alike passing the sacrament in my ward do with himself? He'll feel lost, I'm sure of it.

While we're on the subject of music, you should know it seems I'm hard of hearing. Especially when it comes to song lyrics. I really live in my own world when it comes to music. For example did you know the lyrics are "I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve" in the "One Week" song by Barenaked Ladies ? Not "I have a tendency to wibble my numbersey"? Been singin' it that way for yeeeeeears.

Oh, and Mandy Moore's "Someday We'll Know" does not say, "Mighty Mouse outside your cargo", but rather, "Ninety miles outside Chicago". Who'da THUNK!

Tired. "Over and out".

Seven.of.Thirty

Day 7 - Your dream wedding

To say the exact wedding I had was my dream wedding would be a lie. My dream wedding would require tens of thousands of dollars, of course. A couture gown, Amelia Lyon Photography, a soda fountain machine, Rockwell Catering, a lengthy tropical honeymoon, and a reception in Nordstrom, to name a few.

HOWEVER, my wedding day was an absolute dream. I look back on it with nothing but joy, fondness and complete happiness. That was one of the two best days of my life (one guess as to what the other day was). Embarking on the adventure of life as husband and wife was a dream I always had, and our wedding day was FAR from a disappointment.

(And give me a break about my dark window. I swear I was in style; don't forget we got married 5.5 years ago. )

Six.of.Thirty

Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.

An animal called The Soph.

The coolest Ewok doggie you'll ever meet. She is a breed of her own, and the one four legged creature I'd take home with me.

Unless tea cup giraffes are real...

Five.of.Thirty

Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago.

Almost to the day

February 23rd - PeterDaddy and me at Nick and Mal's wedding

While we're on the subject, can we please drool over Mallory's custom ring a little?

Four.of.Thirty

Day 4 – Your favorite photograph of your best friend.

I feel so fortunate to have quite a few best friends, but when reading the day's blog task, Tadd's face instantly popped into my head, so please feast your eyes upon this hunk-a-hunk-a-burnin'-love (I may hate myself for writing that).

I couldn't narrow it down

Why these photos?

My heart just melts seeing Tadd interact and love on Samson. He is a fantastic father, and constantly sets an example for me to follow in parenting.

I got a call from Tadd last night while I was at the saloon (yes, in fish nets) announcing he got to "play firefighter tonight". My first thought? Samson started himself a little fire. Um, what the hell? How could an 8 month old do that? Additionally, since he gums everything, had he by some random chance gotten hold of a match, we would've immediately deemed it defective.

After giving me ample time to dismiss my irrational paranoia, Tadd informed me that he had helped out in a car accident. He was heading home from his parents (although I had repeatedly told him to keep Samson away from the babies whilst he's on the Bronchiolitis mend...whatever), when an SUV T-boned a small car on it's passenger side. Tadd said it was like slow motion; watching the man in the car (seatbeltless) fly from the drivers seat to the passengers side and end up with his head out the passenger side window (which had broken).

He immediately got out of the car (you're all thinking, "what about the child!?", as was I), and ran to help the man. He held his head, told him he was an EMT and began asking him questions to keep him conscious. Come to find out, he used to be in Tadd's home ward.

Some idiot of a kid came up to Tadd and told him to step away - "I'm an EMT". HA! Tadd was wearing his Fire Academy hoodie, so a spectator informed the fool that Tadd was also an EMT and things were under control. He was, however useful in checking on Samson to assure Tadd he was OK, and just chillin'. (Phew!)

Tadd was totally hyped up when he called me, and I could tell he loved being on the scene to help out, and feel useful. He drove by the scene a little later and found that the man had to be cut out of his car!

We've since heard from Tadd's mom, who always knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone (it helps that he's a former ward member), that the injured man is doing well, had remembered Tadd's name when he got to the hospital and only has some broken ribs. Amazing.

Lesson the be learned? Always wear your seat belt. Always have Tadd nearby. And always have a Diet Coke. Because, why not?

Three.of.Thirty

Day 3 – Your idea of the perfect first date.

I won't pretend that my perfect first date is the exact one I had with Tadd because that's just too easy. I did however, really like that we spent part of the date at a movie. I know what most people say about that being the worst place for a first date since you don't get to interrogate one another (let's be honest, all you do is grill each other), but I enjoyed those few hours to calm my nerves, and I can't say I didn't love the ocassional not-so-subtle leg graze, and ohmyhell, I got to swoon over Tadd's handsomeness and the occasional whiff of Very Sexy for Men in the dark.

Another pro of our first date? The rule of our final resting spot at the end of the night, we had to cuddle and I had to like it. And I'm no rule breaker!

My first date with Tadd was more than I could've imagined. I don't even care if it was a line Tadd fed me, but when he told me how badly he wanted to kiss me, but couldn't since it was a first date, I was done. Stick a fork in me...I'm done. And thus began my undying love. (Drama much?)

Two.of.Thirty

Day 2 – A photo of something you ate today.

Sisters Megan and Whitney are probably gagging right now since they have serious opinions on food photography (and rightfully so, I mean...have you taken a gander at Rookie Cookie? It's beauty-ful).

Dinner at The Ridge. Momma Sue concocted a Pot Pie/Shepherd's Pie thingie, and it was mighty delish. She also cracked open a jar of peaches she canned last year. Yum!

Other happenings at The Homestead...

Samson actually, for reals crawled. Arms moving along with knees and all!

Chatty-chatty-chatted with the mom, sick-face dad, and sick-face Lo.

Cut sick-face dad's hair, and gave little Samsizzle a trim as well in the back. Why is it that the hair growing in from his bald spot is longer than the rest? And slightly curly?

Enjoyed berry crumble and ice cream for dessert. We eat like kings at The Homestead.

I Just Swallowed Six Pieces of Gum

Which has nothing to do with this post, but you should know I don't spit out my gum.

Just a new idea to continue my blog-a-day plight.

A post a day for 30 days...

Day 1 - A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.

Day 2 – A photo of something you ate today.

Day 3 – Your idea of the perfect first date.

Day 4 – Your favorite photograph of your best friend.

Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago.

Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.

Day 7 – Your dream wedding.

Day 8 – A song to match your mood.

Day 9 – A photo of the item you last purchased.

Day 10 – A photo of your favorite place to eat.

Day 11 – What’s in your makeup bag?

Day 12 – A photo of the street you live on.

Day 13 – Your favorite musician and why?

Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to.

Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without.

Day 16 – Your celebrity crush.

Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.

Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.

Day 19 – Another picture of yourself. (Um, why?)

Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.

Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.

Day 22 – A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

Day 23 – 15 facts about you.

Day 24 – A photo of something that means a lot to you.

Day 25 – What’s in your purse?

Day 26 – A photo of somewhere you’ve been to.

Day 27 – A picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?

Day 28 – Your favorite movie.

Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.

Day 30 – A photograph of yourself today & three good things that have happened in the past

Let us begin!

Hmmm description of my day...

Woke up around 7:30 at the sound of a baby jabbering. Back to sleep around 8 after Samson was back asleep as well.

Re-woke up at 9:15 to ready myself for the day.

Headed out to Crest for my morning Diet Coke, then to the salon for a full weave and cut.

Found out the water heater was broken, and by the time I washed out my client two hours later...ice cold. Lovely.

Touched up Chelsea's (fellow stylist) blonde roots, then headed to JDawgs. We don't mess around when we do hair!

Another Cresty as well.

Dropped off a JDawg for Tadd. I'm a giver, you see.

Cleaned up salon station, tidied up around the salon, and went home to be greeted by a babbling baby in his Johnny Jumper.

Took a steam bath with sicky-baby.

Played with said baby, and enjoyed the husband's company, until naptime, then all three of us took a little snooze. Ahhh, Saturdays.

Woke up around 6:30.

Fed the little one, and allowed him to blow pear-flavored-raspberries on me.

Called in a Cafe Rio take out order. Too stressed about finances to cook. So of course, we get take out. Somehow it soothes me. Makes sense, right?

Came home with food to a post-bath, yummy smelling baby, and a very sweet husband who takes on daddy duty without being asked.

Ate dinner, read stories to little monkey, fed him a bottle, suctioned his nose for the umpteenth time, and put him to bed (alone this time, no daddy hogging the crib).

Washed my hair (yay me!), blow dried it, and kicked back (as if my day wasn't relaxing enough) in front of Friends.

Until tomorrow!

It's 1:03 A.M.

...and I don't have the brain for a blog title right now, so just enjoy this little mister.

I guess there really were binkis back in the 20's!

DeDeDeCluttering

I'm amidst my semi-annual feeling-overwhelmed-by-the-amount-of-stuff-we-have, so we are clearing out whatever we can! First on the list: DVDs and TV series on DVD. Interested? Comment or email (caitlyncox@gmail.com)!

DVDs ($3 each or 4 for $10)

The Break-Up
Catch Me If You Can
Christmas Story
Cinderella Man
Dream Girls
The Green Mile
Guess Who
Herbie Fully Loaded
King Kong
Rumor Has It
Series of Unfortunate Events
Stardust
You, Me and Dupree

TV Series ($10 each, unless otherwise stated, or 2 for $18)

Friday Night Lights #1
Friday Night Lights #2
Prison Break #2
Private Practice #1
Desperate Housewives #3
Desperate Housewives #4
Chuck #1
Samantha Who #1 ($5)
OC Season #3
One Tree Hill #4

Another thing we got rid of? Our bed.

Still haven't figured out where I'M going to sleep.

About once a month, maybe less often, we like to pretend that Samson will still melt into our arms while he's still asleep and cuddle with us. We'll get him from his crib and try to cuddle him in our darkened bedroom for a minute, but nothin' doin'.

Within three minutes he's kicking his legs, rolling around, and grabbing at our faces. Ah well...a bottle and some kisses, and he's back sound asleep in his crib. Not sure how he'll handle that now when he's sharing his crib with his 6'3 father.

On another note: I'm folding mine and Samson's laundry and nine of the 13 items I just folded are striped. Do I have a problem?

Boyfriend

More pictures from that night at The Ridge.

Mally just has such a fancy camera, and she's learning how to fancily use it!

Aaand...I actually couldn't resist posting more pictures of this nakie baby!

Bedtime bottle, and one handed this time! Big boy!

Support a Great Cause

...and look good doing it!

There is an ongoing auction to fundraise for Kareen's adoption, and I've offered up a cut and color (valued at $125). Bidding goes until the end of February.

C'mon, you know you want to sit yourself in a salon chair and see this face staring back at you in the mirror. Riiight???

Seven and Counting

Probably the best Valentine's ever. Wanna know why? The temperature! I've been on a 50 degree high the last few days, and yes, I'm aware it's not here to stay. Let's just focus on the high and put off my impending depression.

Sam started his day off the right way, at least in my opinion.

We were leaving the house, Samson laden car seat in my left arm, and 32 ouncer (don't EVEN ask what it was full of) in my right. While transferring the nectar of the Gods to my left hand to lock the front door, it slipped and fell into Samson's car seat, showering him with liquid gold. And here is what he thought of it...

Certainly not the way I'd react, that's for sure.

Is there anything better than baby loafers? Where's the pennies? Geez.

Went to the store to buy fixin's for apple crisp, Tadd's favorite. A weak attempt at Valentineness in comparison to the two dozen roses he brought home.

Tadd's surprise dinner: Milagros. A restaurant he and his boss have done a bunch of work on, and since we smartly didn't call ahead we were facing a 35-45 min wait when we arrived. Enter owner, Dave. He hooked us up with the food critic table in the kitchen!

The food was delicious, and the atmosphere entertaining.

After dinner we laughed nonstop in Just Go With It, and I developed a serious crush on Bailee Madison. I will own that movie.

And my baby-Balentine's gift? An appropriately colored balloon! Could be entertained for days.

Even with Bronchiolitis, this little one has hardly abandoned his happy, smiling personality.

A Sunday Day

Mr. SamMan began coughing last night, and the runny nose started up this morning, so needless to say, there was no way I was bringing him to church. That place is teaming with germs, and I get incredibly pissed when parents show up with their sick kids just waiting to wipe their snot, figuratively and literally, on everyone.

I have to say that it was sorta nice being able to sit through church minus the baby, and I'm digging the new Sunday School arrangement. Stay in the chapel for SS? Yes please!

And this is what I came home to.

Tadd confessed that he never puts Samson in his highchair when he feeds him. WTH?

It also looks like Samson may have faked his illness. He looks pretty pleased with himself, doesn't he?

I love that he'll sit on the ground and play with his big bin of toys.

Sam also discovered it's super fun to flip over on his tummy during bathtime. Certainly not the time to practice crawling though...face planted once or twice!

He took advantage of the bubbles to try out what he may look like as an old man.

Oh...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Trying This Out...

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Sophie's Adventures

8 months old and the 'capades have finally begun.

You realize Sammy's Sophie was born the same day he was, right?

Today Sophie got her first tattoo.

Samson was feeling artistic at lunch.

She politely obliged.

She later sailed from the stroller outside CPK, most likely projected by a tiny hand. She independently explored her surroundings for about five minutes (eternity for her) until she was recovered.

A close call today, but thankfully many more adventures are to be had by this little giraffe and her owner.

My Frontal Fringe Dilemma

Remember how I had a baby? And remember how for the first time in my life I had semi thick hair after I had Samson? Then remember how he hit three months of age and I began making wigs with my hair loss?

Well now, that lovely hair is growing in, but it seems it's all focused in on my hairline, and it's becoming a problem. I'm at a crossroads. Should I cut bangs to hide my new fringe? Or stick it out to see if they'll start to blend in with the front of my hair?

Decisions, decisions.

No! That's not my bra in the background!

In other hair news, I've discovered an even lazier way to do my hair! Wash at night, braid, let it air dry/sleep on it, roll it into Velcro rollers the next morning for volume, spritz with water and let airdry again, then unroll and touch up curls with flat iron.

The unfortunate aspect of this new development in my life is that without hair product, and heat styling I have to wash it more often. Three times in one week so far. I almost don't feel like I know who I am anymore!

And...I almost died of P.F Changs last night. I have never had worse stomach pains. Ever. I kind of wanted an epidural.

Team Effort

A tradition has been born.

Every Monday (or Tuesday in this week's case, oh, and next week's) a few saloon friends and I will be making dinner at my house. I'm pretty much just using them to learn how to cook something other than Ramen. And THEY just think we're hanging out for fun! What fools.

On the menu this week:

Pork Chops with Onion Apricot Sauce

Chicken Parmesan Couscous

Brown-Sugar-Bottom Rolls

Yep, I minced that sage, yes I did.

We made Julie cut the onion since she wears contacts.

Chelsea was in charge of pan searing the chops.

Carmelizing onions. I'm such a chef. But Julie is shocked. Brat.

Well, I guess she shouldn't be that shocked, I did sorta mess up the couscous, which is fundamentally impossible.

Enjoying the "foods" of our labor, picnic style.

Tadd enjoyed the pork chops and the rolls (my, did we ALL love the rolls. I don't think Julie's husband's made it home to him), but do you think he tried the couscous? Absolutely. NOT.

Next week? I think Thai.

I Hereby Announce

that when (or if) I have a baby girl someday that I will be adorning her head with tiny bows hand tied from ribbon by yours truly.

Such as:

Baby Vi

There. I claimed it for my baby.

Of course, not to say I'm the first to do this. In fact, this is just what my madre did for us girls as babies, using Elmers Glue. But I like to pretend she used hot glue. It's funnier that way.

8 Months

www.ashleythalmanphotography.com

Some developments over the last month:

.As you can see above, he is a VERY expressive little boy.

.Super ticklish on his back, outer thighs, and tummy.

.Looks at me and smiles when I pull out my camera.

.Jabbers a lot, but no "ma ma", he thinks it's hilarious that I try to get him to say "ma ma".

.Has been saying "da da" the last few week, and Tadd is convinced he knows the association.

.Loves green beans, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, and bananas.

.Will only eat peas if I mix them with sweet potatoes.

.We finally started putting his blankie in his crib with him (I'm working hard to overcome my fears), and he still cuddles IceBat.

.Loves having his diaper changed. Could be because his legs are so ticklish, so it always makes him giggle.

.Hates having his arms pushed through sleeves, but is learning to push them through himself.

.Rocking back and forth on his knees a lot still.

.Has two teeth that I'm pretty sure are going to be really crooked when they grow in.

.Can't usually stand on your lap without jumping. Active little dude.

.Still loves his binki and is a pro at putting it back in his mouth, even overnight. I may possibly keep anywhere from 3-8 binkis in his crib (they just end up there!), and one night I put him to bed with one in, checked on him a few hours later and he had a different one, and then in the morning he had a different one in! He's so talented!

.Can also twist it right side up when we put it in upside down.

.Will not hold his own bottle (except for that one occasion). He prefers to kick back and splay out his arms.

.No longer easily sleeps in the car. Bummer.

.We still lug his 21 lb self around in his car seat since he's just easier to hold that way. Pretty sure I'm freaking buff now.

.Splashes so much sitting up in the tub that he scoots all around the tub.

.Did more of an army crawl on Sunday than I've ever seen him do before.

.We are convinced when Samson doesn't want to nap he purposefully messes his diaper so we have to come get him up.

.Still does little high pitched squeals often.

.Loves to sit on the floor playing with toys I dump out of a bin for him. He can sit there for an hour, and in his room to boot! Such a big kid.

.Actually reached for me the other day when he was sitting on the floor. I think I about died.

In conclusion: he has us absolutely infatuated.

I Know, I Know...

...I'm obsessed with him.

I never dreamed I could love a little thing as much as I love Samson. For me, he's perfect. Just perfect.

I remember holding Samson at home when he was only a few days old and absolutely sobbing because I was overcome with the love I felt for him. I still feel that way almost everyday (however, now I'm able to keep my emotions in check), and can't imagine how this love could possibly grow without my heart absolutely bursting. But I hear it's possible. Yes?

Newest binki trick. I guess he's got to find new ways to obsess over this thing.

ashleythalmanphotography.com

Ironic that his chubby feet look just like mine did when I was pregnant.

A Friday Night...

...spent at the parents minus Tadd, whom I gave the night off to, to which he celebrated by taking a nap. Whoa, dream big! (Juno, anyone?)

Samson needed to log some much needed time with Grumpa and Gamma. He felt he should survey the backyard that would soon occupy a pool. You know, nod his approval. He needed to let the doggies lick his little face to strengthen their friendship. He needed to let his mother play Scattergories while he slept. And he needed to learn a few things from cousin Addie.

Addie read him books, a favorite past time of his, and also showed him where his pockets were, which made her father very uncomfortable.

Sam tried his hardest to show off his crawling, but still couldn't get his arms to get in on the action. Those knees of his are eager to jump start this new activity, but without his arms cooperation, all he ends up doing is something similar to the worm.

Addie showed him how to properly eat spaghetti. With hands, only holding a spoon as a prop.

She even demonstrated with both spoons most of the time.

Samson did teach Addie one thing in return, and by example. Eat what Mom/Aunt Caitlyn is spooning into your mouth.

Baby food: not just for those under 12 months.

In other news: we lowered Sammy's crib since I know he's 'this close' to getting back on his little bum when he's laying down.

He seems so big today. Maybe it was his sweater vest at church which turned him into an old man, albeit an adorable old man. Then comparing him next to his two new cousins (week old today), he was just huge! I wouldn't be shocked if I found he was going to college tomorrow.

C'est la vie...

Yesterday...

...I really tried to limit my Diet Coke intake to under 100 oz. I really did.

I did not succeed.

And I'm not that sad about it.

Just a Valentine-y Themed Post

With Valentine's Day next week-ish, there are sweet-themed things all over the internet. One site in particular caught my eye.

And I think I'd like all these things, or rather, I know of some people who would appreciate these little trinkets and such.

I would make Tadd an elaborate Valentine's breakfast of toast and Diet Mt Dew if I had this.

Could I wear this on Valentine's? It's just so lovely and spring-y.

And doesn't everyone need a giant plush anatomically correct heart?

Ok, I don't really like this at all.

How romantical would Tadd and I look jamming to Bieber Glee Coldplay together?

Ms. Tiger Lily teapot may just be the cutest thing I've ever seen.

I know Mallory would heart this, and any other bacon themed/flavored items.

I've never been to Serendipity, but who hasn't raved about their frozen hot chocolate? With this Tadd and I could experience it at home!