Forever Young

Farewell Blogspot....

2009-04-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

You can find our new blog at:

http://web.me.com/iriss/site/Blog/Blog.html

Lucy at Work...

2009-04-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

Sean & I recently assigned Lucy to laundry duty. It usually takes her longer than expected, so we took a few pictures of her in action to see what the hold up was.

Innocent enough so far...

Getting ready to load the clothes from the washer...

Wait just a minute, Miss Lucy!

Finally, after a proper reprimand, she finished her chores.

A Walk in the Park...

2009-04-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

U.....S.....A..... U.....S.....A.....

2009-04-03T16:19:00.001-07:00

The US National Soccer Team had a World Cup Qualifying match against Trinidad and Tabago here in Nashville on Wednesday. Sean and I got to go with the youth from church to the game. It was super exciting; USA won 3-0 and all three goals were scored by Altidore. Hat Trick!!

Charleston, South Carolina Visit

2009-04-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Angel Oak Tree

Kiawah Island

Kimball and Tessa

Joel, Sean and the kiddos

The Atlantic Ocean

Lucy was on the Pacific Coast then the Atlantic Coast just a week later

Lindsay, Tessa, Lucy and Marissa

Dads and Baby Girls

Downtown Charleston

Clara giving Lucy kisses

Eating at Melvin's Barbeque

Lucy and Tessa were born 4 days apart and are the best of friends!
Thanks, Henriods for showing a wonder time in such a fun city!

LA Visit

2009-04-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

The Venice boardwalk

Lucy sporting the new hat I bought from a street vendor for $5!!
Gotta support my fellow needle-crafters.

3 Mamas in 3 different stages: Ashley with the newborn, Kimber with the fetus, and me with the crawler.

Back at the good ole' Nelson pad enjoying some delicious Chicken Tikka Masala made by Kimber

We tried to get in a bunch of our favorite places to grub, Pomodoro being one of them. Yum!

Utah Visit

2009-04-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

4 States & 4 Time Zones in 8 days...

2009-03-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

So, I was pretty sure that once I had a baby, I would never get the chance to travel again. Pre-Lucy, I considered myself an "Expert Traveler" and would fly through security in the black line. I would look at moms and families with small children and think, "ha, suckers!" I always made sure to sit far away from babies to avoid the crying fits and tantrums. Then I got pregnant and tried to fit in as much travel as possible because I was not about to try to fly with a child and all the "stuff" that you have to haul along with said child.

Well, turns out that I am the sucker now! I love to travel, so I decided Lucy has to travel too. She has seriously been the best travel companion (basically because she has no choice!) Over the past 2 weeks we have flown from Nashville to Salt Lake City to Los Angeles to Nashville to Charleston....count them: 4 Time Zones, and 4 different states!! I love my little travel buddy....where shall we go next???

Best Time of the Year...

2009-03-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning!! Love it!

Major Disappointment...

2009-03-18T10:22:00.001-07:00

So, I made a pact with Beth (my best friend :) to not see Confessions of A Shopaholic until we could watch it together. We are both huge fans of the books and love the character of Rebecca Bloomwood--sadly, it is because we both can relate to her a little too well! So, last night was the big night to go out on a girly-date, sip sodas, munch popcorn, and watch this long anticipated film....

...one word: BOOOOOOO!!! This movie was nothing like the book--not even a little bit. The books are so endearing because of the British charm and wit, and I can't for the life of me figure out why they used a British actress, but set the movie in New York, and made her an American!?!??! Then to boot, they didn't stick to the story lines at all! Instead of Becky getting into all sorts of funny situations and trying to manage her way out of them in hilarious lies and shenanigans, everything just magically worked out in cheesy fashion. Beth and I found ourselves cringing on several occasions rather than peeing our pants due to the hysterical antics of the book's Becky.

I would rent this one, if you really want to see it. And if you are a fan of the books, go in with really low expectations!

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

2009-03-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Top o' the Mornin' to Ya!!

(Corgan, Winston, Kaelyn, Beckham, Jada, Lucy, and Abe)

The Young Babies

2009-03-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

Lucy and Cooper got to meet their new cousin, Carter. He is the cutest little guy!

Young Mamas!!

Lulu and Abe

2009-03-17T14:55:00.001-07:00

This is Lucy's boyfriend, Abe. Isn't he such a gentleman pushing her for a car ride! "And they call it puppy love..." (or "pucky" love as Abe would say!)

The Amazing Swiffer Vac

2009-03-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

I rarely rave about appliances and cleaning items, but I really wanted to share how much I love this new gadget of mine--The Swiffer Vac! If you have wood or tiles floors, you may want to invest in one of these babies. It has a vacuum up front, and the swiffer towel in back, so it picks up small objects off the floor, and picks up the "dust gremlins" at the same time. You can also use the wet towels with it, if you like. The engineers at Swiffer deserve a gold star for this one. Oh-and it's cordless! So, you can go anywhere.

This was recommended to me by the goddess, Celeste, so thank you darlin'! This saves me lots of time for more important things like watching movies or making treats!!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!!

2009-03-02T09:03:00.001-08:00

My favorite Author of all time is Dr. Seuss & each year on March 2nd, I am glad that he was born to bring us such insightful, heart-felt lessons in clever, creative, zany fashion! I am looking forward to reading all of his books to Lucy as she gets bigger. Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Lucy caught on tape!

2009-02-19T17:51:00.000-08:00

Lucy is standing in her crib about 97% of the time at the end of her naps. Might be time to lower the crib another notch.

Yum Yum Gimme Some...

2009-02-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

This reminded Sean of Sloth from Goonies, when he wiggled his ears at the sight of Chunk. Look at how well she points her toes to eat--great form!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

This here LOVE banner was my Valentine craft for the year. Thanks for the idea, Sara B!

Sean sporting his new Valentine's Day Hoodie...ain't he sweet?

Good Times with Lu

2009-02-12T21:41:00.000-08:00

I think this is considered child abuse....

Putting anything and everything in her mouth!

Life is just a lot more fun since this little gal came into our world! Love you, Lucy Girl!

Living It Up-Nashville Style

2009-02-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

These past few weeks have been filled with lots of Music City adventures...

The Killers at the Grand Ole Opry

Gettin' Ready to Rock

A night at the Blue Bird Cafe, a small, intimate venue to check out singer/songwriters

The Exit/In, a local club. We saw Brett Dennen & Erin McCarley--both highly recommended

Erin McCarley--you can hear her on the "He's Just Not That Into You" soundtrack

(And she is a Nashville local!)

Brett Dennen, an amazing lyricist and song writer

Last, but not least was breaking out the boots for some line dancing at the Wild Horse Saloon!

She's mobile (for better or for worse)

2009-02-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

Lucy's first crawling expedition was well coordinated with two recent acquisitions: a camcorder and a much-awaited MacBook. Time to baby-proof the house!!!

Vandalized...

2009-01-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

We've been vandalized. No, it wasn't our car or our house....it was our daughter!!

Village of Nash Series: Part 6

2009-01-16T20:14:00.001-08:00

Nashville Factoid #6: SNOW DAYS

Being from Utah, we expected lots of snow each winter. As students of Utah schools, we were like the post office employees...come rain, sleet or snow, we were walking to school--and playing outside during recess for that matter. (I remember doing a few unintentional 360s while driving the treacherous, icy roads to school due to the frigid temps and record snowfall.)

On a very rare and joyous day, the snow would be so deep that school would have to be canceled--but it had to be a storm right out of the arctic circle that dumped at least 9 or 10 feet of snow!

The same rule applies here in Tennessee....Take a look at these photos of the blizzard that tore through here this week!

(Of course, all school districts in the area were shut down due to this snow pack!)

6 Months Later

2009-01-14T20:33:00.001-08:00

0 Months

3 Months

6 Months...it still fits, but just barely!

How Sweet It Is!!

2009-01-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

Well, the BCS Busters did it again! Way to go UTES!!

Check THIS out: My little brother, Tyce, & his 3 buddies, traveled 1,900 miles by bus to show their true colors for the Utes!! Tyce is the fittingly the "T" in UTAH.

Pour Some Sugar On Me!!

2009-01-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

GO UTES!

On The Twelfth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave To Me...

2008-12-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

Twelve Drummers Drumming...

Eleven Pipers Piping...

Ten Lords A Leaping...

Nine Ladies Dancing...

Eight Maids A Milkin'...

Seven Swans A Swimmin'...

Six Geese A Layin'...

Five Golden Rings....

Four Calling Birds...

Three French Hens...

Two Turtle Doves, and...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree.

'Tis the Season...

2008-12-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

Lucy's first encounter with Santa...she was a little skeptical, but held it together.

Decorating REAL ginger bread houses (non of those graham cracker kinds)
at the Budges on St. Nicholas Day!
St. Nick even filled our shoes with treats!

Lucy helping mom wrap some gifts.

Lucy with the creepy huge santa bear from pottery barn.

Santa and the Young Fam, Merry Christmas!

Village of Nash Series: Part 5

2008-12-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

Nashville Factoid #5: Just like Buttah...
So, everyone knows that the south is known for their homecookin'. Biscuits, gravy, fried chicken, corn puddin', grits, and such all use a lot of "Love" as Paula Deen calls it, AKA butter. The people here love their butter. In fact, just today I was at Target and purchased a wheat, chedder pretzel and the girl who rang me up asked if I would like butter on my pretzel!! What? Who puts butter on a pretzel? I guess folks here do since they put it on everything else!

Walk This Way...

2008-12-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

Sean seems to think that it is a good idea to get Lucy walking,

but I would rather she not be mobile for as long as possible!!

Please Lucy, Don't Hurt 'Em!

2008-11-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

Collecting Our Winnings...

2008-11-25T06:41:00.001-08:00

So, we made a bet with our new pals, The McCunes, on the Utah/BYU game. The stipulations of which required the losing team to dress up in the other team's sweatshirts for a photo and post it, along with an explanation written by the winner, on their blog. They are some of the most loyal Cougars we've met, so I am sure this had to be very painful!! Click HERE to check out their blog...Thanks for being such good sports, guys!!

Iron & Wine at the Historic Ryman Auditorium

2008-11-23T22:16:00.000-08:00

We made it to our first concert in Nashville!! Last year almost to the date, we saw Iron & Wine at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, and tonight we saw them again on a new stage: The Historic Ryman Theatre, where the Grand Ole Opry was first held in the late 1800s. We left Lulu with a cool couple (Thanks Mizukawas!) and went out for a night of beautiful music with our buddy Alan and Sean's Bro Chris and our sis-in-law Trisha. The hypnotizing harmony and melodic story-telling style of Iron & Wine is good for the soul.

UTE-PHORIC

2008-11-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

Matt Asiata...scoring one of Utah's 7 touchdowns

Looks like Utah fulfilled its Quest for Perfection!

With a record of 12-0, Utah is now going back to bust the BCS!!

**We really appreciate the 5 excellent passes that Heisman Hopeful,

Max Hall, threw to help out the Utes! Thanks Max!**

Manis and Pedis...

2008-11-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

It only makes sense that Lucy loves to get Manicures and Pedicures since her mom got about 100 of them while she was prego! BUT Lu only lets her daddy do them...maybe because she knows how precise a surgeon's hands are and doesn't want to take a chance on anyone else!

THINK RED!!!

2008-11-19T07:03:00.001-08:00

I am so excited and nervous for Saturday's game...it is huge!! GO UTES!

Just Loungin' Around...

2008-11-17T20:35:00.000-08:00

It's gotten a little chilly here,

so Lucy and I have been doing more indoor hanging out.

I think she may be getting bored...

Music City, USA

2008-11-15T04:12:00.000-08:00

One great thing about living in a new place is getting to act like a tourist

when family and friends come for a visit.

We got to introdue Lucy to the King.

Scoping out downtown Nashville.

Is that Alan Jackson standing in the window?

Tyce and I scored these rad hats for $1.99 each. I also picked up this sweet guitar fly swatter and he got a guitar refridgerator magnet. Nice finds, eh?!

Hard Rock, Nashville Style with the "BatMan" tower in the background.

If any of ya'll come for a visit,
we promise to show you a great time here in Music City!

Carrying A Big Purse Could Save Your Life!

2008-11-13T00:14:00.000-08:00

My dad sent me this story, check it out...Big Purse Saves Student's Life
So, see it is worth the back problems!
*Sadly this happened here in good ole' Tennessee, I guess not everyone here is friendly!*

Cakes lead to Treason...

2008-11-12T00:03:00.000-08:00

WARNING:

THIS CAKE IN NO WAY REFLECTS THE OPINIONS OF THIS BLOGGER OR ITS AFFILIATES!

...let me explain. I volunteered my cake decorating skills (or skillz, if you will ;) to make our friend Dallin's first birthday cake. Shannon (his mommy) told me I could choose the theme of the cake. Hmmm...what a big responsibility. Should I go for the hip pirate cake? A Cars cake? Everyone likes Mickey Mouse... I think he likes dinosaurs, so I decide to go for the dinos! But I get to Michael's and there aren't too many dinosaur cake decorations. So, I start thinking...Dallin's dad, Seth, loves-and I mean LOVES-football, so I will make a football cake. The only problem is that he LOVES BYU Football...the bane of my existence! But I decided to take one for the "other team" and treat Dallin to a Coug Cake. I think he liked it, but not as much as his daddy.

To my fellow Utes: please forgive me for committing such an act of treason!

I also ended up making a dinosaur cake too-the one Dallin got to dig into!
Happy Birthday, big D!

How Awesome Is This??

2008-11-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

For my birthday, Sean (& Lucy) made me this awesome

Junior High Style candy bar poster!

Isn't it fabulous?!?

TJ's has come to Nashville!!

2008-11-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about living in LA was Trader Joe's. In fact, when we found out we were moving to Nashville, I immediately got on the internet to see if TJ's was here and my heart sunk a little when I saw that there was not a single one anywhere in Tennessee! But today is a bless-ed day...the first one opened up and it is only a couple miles from my house! I can't wait to go get some yogurt, pita chips, trail mix, mini-peanut butter cups, produce, Virgils RB, the list goes on and on.....

Best B-day Ever!!!

2008-11-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

For my 29th b-day, my parents and little bro came to Nashville to take Sean, Lucy and me to the Packers/Titans game. My mom has been a devoted cheesehead all her life and Tyce is diggin on the Titans, so it was a family divided. Sean, Lucy, and I got matching Vince Young jerseys--he's our cousin from Texas. :) The game was super exciting and was decided by an overtime field goal, so it went down to the wire...thanks for taking us Mom and Dad! It was by far the best way to spend my 29th birthday!!

Village of Nash Series: Part 4

2008-10-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

Nashville Factoid #4: Yellow Traffic Lights
Unfortunately, no one told the drivers here that you can turn left on yellow lights. It is almost maddening how often you will sit through a green to yellow light and the car in front of you in the left turn lane will sit and wait for the red. Thus you wait an entire cycle to get another chance at the left turn. Perhaps we were spoiled living in LA where driving is as natural as breathing, and no one would never let a perfectly yellow light go to waste, but here I feel like I am always stuck behind someone's grandparent! So, come on Nashvillians, be daring.
Go for the gold!

Work it!

2008-10-26T12:05:00.001-07:00

Feel that burn...

What we did in FL...

2008-10-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

While in Florida with the Craguns, we got to...

...watch Tanner play some wicked soccer

...go to the Butterfly & Bat Fest at the U of F Museum

...make really cool masks to wear

...Check out the exhibits

...go to the pumpkin patch

...pick out the pumpkins we'd always dreamed of!

...explore Disney's Animal Kingdom--so cool!!

...pose with the Tree of Life

...watch the parade and meet Pluto & Goofy

Thanks for showing us such a great time in your new neck of the woods Craguns! You are some of the best friends we've ever had and we miss you like crazy!

Flahriduh...

2008-10-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

We are spending a few days here in Gainesville, FL with our good buddies the Craguns. We met them 4 years ago at the beginning of dental school at UCLA, but we fee like we've been BFFs.

We have missed them like crazy since leaving L.A. Their kids call Sean "Uncle Sean" since he spent so much time at their old pad. And as you can see, Sean and Jake picked up right where they left off---laughing and having a jolly good time...they truly did deserve "Best Couple" of the 2008 UCLA Dental Class for their bromance!

Happy Birthday Girlies

2008-10-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

We got to spend some time with the birthday girls (Kimber and Ashley) and their hubbies (David and Chad) at Lake Arrowhead when we were in Cali. These are some of the choicest humans we know and we were so happy to see them if but only for a moment...
**Ashley was a natural with Lucy; She is going to be a killer new mommy of the little dude on his way.**

We spent the night on some wicked comfy bunk beds,
and this was the view from our window when we woke up in the morning.

We had a nice breakfast prepared by the boys and got to eat it out in the fresh air on the deck.

David enjoyed, I mean really enjoyed, the milk of the chocolate variety.

We climbed to the top of the fire look-out to get a view of the San Bernardino Valley.

The Park Rangers let us use the binoculars...and boy did we take advantage!

What a fabulous way to celebrate the 27th and 30th anniversary of these lovely ladies' births!

Bathing Beauty Lu!

2008-10-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Since it is still warm here, Lucy and I have been taking trips to the pool. She liked dipping her toes and legs in the cool pool water.

Afterward she changed into her cozy terry cloth coverup.

Meet the Folks of EHS

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

While we were in LA, Lucy got to meet all the good peeps at EHS--my old school. Everyone was really excited to finally get to see her.
Here she is meeting the teachers in the faculty room.

The kids mobbed us as we walked out to recess!

So, we had to have them line up to get a glimpse of the babe.

We quickly disinfected Lu after all the handshakes with dirty recess hands! :)

We have a new favorite store!!

2008-10-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

Village of Nash Series: Part 3

2008-10-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

NASHVILLE FACTOID #3: When it rains it pours here. In fact, we get as much rain as Seattle in a year, but ours just comes in heavy, quick showers. Today, the sky opened up and it poured and what goes better with rainy days than Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup? Yum....

Happy Super Sweet 16!!

2008-10-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

For the past 3 years, I worked as a tutor for a girl in middle school. Our relationship developed to more of a big sis/little sis bond. So, for her sweet 16 birthday party, her parents flew us out to L.A. and put us up in their guest house. We felt pretty special to get the star treatment! Thanks a million--we were happy to be able to be there!!

Here we are getting our photos taken on the red carpet by the paparazzi!

Ashley, me, and the birthday girl!

Sean looked great in his new black pants and skinny tie--too bad we didn't know that he would be matching the server uniforms!

Lucy really enjoyed the party! (She slept for almost the entire thing!)

Hot pink Chinese Take Out Boxes--so chic!

Blue Magic Mocktails--yum!

We got sketched by the characature artist--notice Lucy's eyes are closed!

We rocked out on the Rock Band stage to "We Got the Beat"

It was so fun to spend a few days with the Pooles. We have really missed them and living in L.A. Plus, it was pretty much the best birthday party I have ever been to!

Debate '08

2008-10-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

Nashville has been counting down the days until October 7, 2008 since before we ever moved here. It is pretty exciting that 1 of only 3 Presidential Debates will take place here at Belmont University...only about 5 miles from our house! Obviously tickets are impossible to get, but we plan to check out the event at a picnic at Centennial Park with the rest of our fellow Obama supporters. This Mama Loves Obama!!

Last Chance!

2008-10-06T09:44:00.001-07:00

Today is the deadline to register to vote, so if you haven't yet, click this link and get 'er done: www.maps.google.com/vote

Go Dores!

2008-10-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

Lucy and I got back to Nashville yesterday at 4:45 PM, and rushed right to Vanderbilt

where the Vandy (19) & Auburn (13) game kicked off at 5:00.

We went to the bookstore to find Lu a Vandy shirt, but they didn't have any cute ones, so I whipped this baby up, so she could show her Dore spirit.

Despite this shot, she really enjoyed the game, I promise!

The Commodores were able to take down Auburn for the first time in 53 years!! How exciting!

Louie, You Are My Hero!

2008-10-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

With 2 seconds left in the game, Utah's Louie Sakoda kicked a 37 yard field goal to beat the Beavers of Oregon State,

and we were lucky enough to be there!

It was Lu's first game and she loved it! She was just taking it all in and when she'd seen enough, she went to sleep for the entire 2nd half! She missed the winning field goal, but I am sure she felt the good vibes coming from the Ute Fans' cheers!

Tyce came up from the Muss to visit.

I went back to my old stompin' grounds at the U ticket office to visit my good buddy Cleadus--we had some good times working in the "T.O."

Louie, you are my hero!!

Young Look-alike Meter

2008-10-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

Any good scientist knows that you always have to repeat a test to confirm results.....

Looks like it wasn't a fluke. She is 50/50!

Who Does Lu Look Like?

2008-09-30T20:11:00.001-07:00

There is a continual debate as to whether Lucy looks more like Sean or Me, so we put it to the ultimate, very acurate, not-to-be debated test.

AND THE WINNER IS........

IT'S A DEAD HEAT!

I guess she just looks like a baby might look if it belonged to Marissa & Sean.

Jet Settin' LuLu

2008-09-30T06:12:00.001-07:00

She did it! She made the 4 hour flight from Nashville to LA sleeping the whole way! Now we're in Utah and she did well on that flight too. 2 down, one to go...

Express Mail to Los Angeles...

2008-09-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

So, we have been a little nervous about our upcoming flight with Lu. We've got a 4 hour flight to LA ahead of us tomorrow & We've decided that it might be easier just to mail her instead of take her on the plane, so we boxed her up and shipped her out today. See you tomorrow sweetie!
"Um...guys, guys....this isn't funny!"

Safe travels, Lucy!

3 Months Later...

2008-09-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

.........
1 Day Old .....................87 Days Old

She looks a bit different, eh? The dress still fits, but just barely!
Where did those 3 months go?

Nashville Gas Crisis 2008

2008-09-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

Due to Hurricane Ike, we, here in Nashville, have a serious shortage on gasoline! No, Tennessee was not in Ike's path, but we are definitely feeling the effects! There are not enough people working on the oil rigs and refineries in TX right now and that is where Nashville gets most of its gas. Last night we drove past at least 10 gas stations that had run out of gas and saw a few with lines and lines of cars just to get into the parking lots--people were out of their cars trying to direct traffic, and some did not look happy! (See the next 4 pictures--they are a little dark)

We ended up at Costco, where there was a line wrapped clear around the parking lot and up onto the main street. Usually this Costco gas station is dead, you can drive right up to the pump.

Finally, after about a half hour wait, we were able to fill 'er up! They were out of Regular Grade, so they were selling the Premium for the regular price of $3.89. Score! They were also handing out bottled water. We were one of the last cars to get gas before they ran out. I was very impressed and happy with Costco's preparation and organization--they got us through as quickly and orderly as possible. I would have had a panic attack if I had had to battle with other folks trying to fill their tanks.

This experience has made me realize how important it is to be prepared and more self reliant. It also makes me sure that the answer to our oil situation is most definitely NOT:

"Drill, Baby, Drill!"

We need to find alternative energy sources and make a change to how we operate or we are going to be in big trouble! It doesn't matter how much money you have if the resources simply do not exist.

(Not to be political or anything!!! :)

Don't Walk Under Birds!!

2008-09-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Looks like mom took one for the team, eh Lu??

(She looks very concerned!)

Power Walkin' Mamas!

2008-09-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

We have started a walking group and we are serious about it! We meet each Tuesday morning at the Greenway to stroll around the McCabe golf course and through the beautiful trees. We always get comments from other walkers, runners, and bikers. One sweet old guy even called us the Super Moms! I think strolling is one of my favorite things about being a mama.

Hey Lucy, Who Is Your Favorite Author??

2008-09-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

Cousins

2008-09-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

Their initial meeting--I think they liked each other's carseats!

It's hard to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time!

Look how cute Lucy's dress is! It was a gift from Aunt Lindsay.

(She tried it on Cooper to make sure it looked good on-ha!!)

Cooper is playing it cool: Peace Out!

Looks at their arms! They are linked. They are the 2 cutest Youngs for sure!

Linds & Marissa: Before & After

2008-09-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

BEFORE: May 5, 2008

AFTER: September 9, 2008

Most of you know that my lovely sister-in-law, Lindsay, and I had our babies only 2 weeks apart. Cooper Patrick was born June 13th and Lucy came along on the 27th. We were pretty excited when we found out that the cousins would be so close in age. (And now we have one more due in February--little Carter, son of Chris and Trisha!) It was rad to go through pregnancy and now the crazy world of motherhood together. She brought Coop out for a visit 2 weeks ago and we had so much fun hanging out with them...this time around our days were spent just a little bit differently from when we visited them in San Jose in May....

Aloha!!

2008-09-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

This past friday was the annual Green Hills Luau for the ladies of the church congregation. The lovely Debbie Russell hosted it at her beautiful country home and went all out! We had a smoothie bar, leis, flowers in our hair, and yummy hawaiian barbeque. We also had some great entertainment!!

(This is my pal Emily from good ole' WXHS!!)

Everyone had to get into groups based on the color of your lei and make up a lip sync/skit to a song. Our song was Surfin' USA. We rocked!!

Next was the "Mule Rides"!! The Mule is this little tractor that we piled in and went for a wild ride through the mountains--Debbie can drive! She also had planted a few folks in the trees to jump out and scare the unsuspecting riders!! Ahhhhhh...

Thank you soooo much to the committee who put this night all together! It was a total party!

VHA

2008-09-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

So, I went to the welcome luncheon for the VHA on Saturday, and I just have to post about what an amazing organization it is! I was a little hesitant at first to go, but I am SUPER glad I did.

The VHA, Vanderbilt Housestaff Aliance, is an organization set up to help spouses/significant others of Vandy medical residents get aquainted with Nashville, meet new friends, get involved with activities and philanthropy, and just to ease the ups and downs of resident life. They totally get that it can be rough, so they do their best to make it more doable.

So, first off, the luncheon was at this amazing country club. I walked in and it was a social hour. They were serving wine and yummy hors d'vours. (I opted for juice.) There were also several tables set up for different activity/interest groups.

I quickly found a group that would be perfect for Lucy and me.
I also signed up for about 5 others!
(Sneakers Walking Group, Scrapbooking, Dining Group, Yahoo Groups, and Service Committee)

Then it was time for lunch, so we went into the dining room. We were organized based on our address, so we could meet other people who live in our neighborhoods.

They had a great presentation--a movie about things to do/see in Nashville, and a few speakers. Then it was time for the all important raffle! And guess who won???

Yep! I totally won--this is my new adorable friend Sara-what a doll!

So, what was in the lovely black and gold sack?

A gift card to the famous Loveless Cafe and some of their tasty preserves, and...

This darling little number!!

I had a super great time and can't wait for the next activity in a couple of weeks--a poolside picnic at the Vice Chancellor's home! Woohoo. Thanks VHA!

Real Men Wear Slings...

2008-09-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

Village of Nash Series: Part 2

2008-09-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

Nashville Factoid #2:
Most houses in Nashville don't have garages or drive-ways, so people just park on their lawn. It is a bit strange to me, but hey, what are they supposed to do?

(By the way, I took all 4 of these pictures from my house-I didn't have to go far to find several folks who just pull up on the grass.)

2 Months

2008-09-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Lucy had her 2 month pictures taken... click HERE to see them. If you missed the 1 month pics, click HERE to get a peek at them too.

We Miss You Grandma & Grandpa

2008-09-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

We loved having you here and wish you could have stayed longer!
Ya'll come back and see us soon, ya hear?

Lu has found her toes!

2008-09-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

Good to be a 'Dore!

2008-09-06T06:54:00.001-07:00

Here's Sean and our next door neighbor & good pal, Alan, on their way to the Vanderbilt vs. South Carolina game. It was the first time in like 500 years or so that Vandy has won their opening game at home! And to boot, they beat a ranked team! Go Commodores!!

Good to be a Bruin!!

2008-09-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

I wish we could have been there in person to see UCLA take down #18 ranked Tennesee in overtime, but watching it in TN was still pretty great. We wore our true blue proudly today. I was happy drive around town showing off my U and Ucla bumper stickers! Go Bruins!

Good to be a Ute!!

2008-09-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a good day for those of us who bleed red as the Utes stuck it to Michigan! Lucy watched her first Utah football game and I think she really liked it!!

Village of Nash Series

2008-09-02T19:58:00.001-07:00

I thought it might be nice for those of you who are living elsewhere in the world to hear some interesting tidbits about Nashville. So I will be occasionally posting a factoid or two about my new home town... here is the first of this new series:

#1 Nashville is ranked as one of the top 5 friendliest cities in the United States. This couldn't be more true! Everywhere you go, there are people who want to chat. Everyone waves and smiles as they drive by. The day we moved here, we were quickly greeted by our next door neighbors--Butch and Jackie. The next day we found this cute note & some yummy bread on our door step! Just today, I was enjoying a lunch at the Costco eatery and probably 4 women came by to check Lucy out...one even sat right down at the table! Oh and here is the kicker--I went to the DMV and it was actually a PLEASANT experience. I love it!

Smile!

2008-08-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

We were finally able to take some photos of Lucy's smiles today. She usually stops smiling as soon as I grab the camera, but today she was all grins!

The Many Faces of Lucy

2008-08-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

First Day of Med School

2008-08-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago Sean had his LAST First Day of School--at least we hope! Med School started at Vanderbilt and Sean is the oldest guy in the class, one of a couple who are married, and the only one with a kid. (Now we know how the Houlbergs and Craguns felt at the beginning of Dental School at UCLA!) So far he is liking being in class again. He takes his PB& J in his Napolean Dynamite lunchbox and Lucy & I take him to school and pick him up everyday. We are proud of our little DDS on his way to MD!!

How Can I Live Without You?

2008-08-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

I had my first Nashville Celebrity Sighting this week! I had only been here for 4 days when I spotted her in the isle at Whole Foods. Actually, she spotted Lucy and was smiling at her when I looked up and said, "hi!" Of course it was a county singer--it is Nashville--but Leann Rimes is pretty good for my first, eh? I am still looking for Nicole Kidman and her new daughter. I think we could arrange a play date. Ha!

Laundry Time!

2008-08-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

Few things are quite as exciting as your first washer and dryer. Sean got these beauties from another resident for a steal of a deal! They are like new and they don't even require quarters to work!! These were definitely a necessity with Little Miss Lulu going through 2 or 3 outfits a day!

Sean got himself stuck while installing the washer! Ha!

10 Years Later

2008-08-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Our 10 Year high school reunion was held on August 1st. I was lucky to be in town for it...sadly Sean wasn't. Most of you know that we graduated in the same class, so it would have been nice to have him there to parade around as my trophy hubby.
(FYI: Sean was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" in our Senior Class)

Instead, I hooked up with these two yahoos--BJ and Andrew, making my new name:
Marissa Kim Welling-Young-Blaser-Taylor.

6 of the 8 1998 Student Body Officers reunited: Brock the Rock (VP 1), Captain Andy Pants (Pres) , BJ Spooge (VP 2), Hebby (Historian), Kris-10 (Photographer), and Maniscus (Sec.)

Me with McCall and Tasha (McCall's hubby Joel just finished his Medical Residency--lucky!)

Mar & Mar (Marissa and Marilee--my best junior high buddy!)

4 members of the Woods Cross Softball team

Andrew "Best Dressed" Gillman, Collen Waters, and Matt Bowman--3 wild and crazy guys!

Reunited and It Feels So Good...

2008-08-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

Lucy got to see her daddy again, finally! We flew in on Friday and she was a champ! She didn't make a peep on either leg of the flights. I was pleasantly surprised.

Nashville, TN

2008-08-11T20:01:00.001-07:00

I will post more pictures very soon, but I have to get the internet working on my computer first. We got here 4 days ago and are settling in well. Sean did a fabulous job having the house all ready for us, so we didn't have to unpack any boxes. It was so good to see him again--Lucy loves having her dad around! Stay tuned for pics....

08.08.08

2008-08-07T23:48:00.000-07:00

Today is a big day in the Young Family:

It's our 6 year anniversary
It's Lucy's 6 week birthday
The Beijing Olympics start
We move to Nashville today

Little Lu's First Dip

2008-07-23T20:06:00.001-07:00

Looks like she really liked it, eh?!!

The Police

2008-07-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

The Police were in town at Usana Amphitheater and my dad got tickets for his girls--my mom and I. The show was unbelievable! Elvis Costello opened and he was good, but the Police were fabulous!! They played every song I hoped they would and they sounded fantastic. They also looked fantastic, especially Sting--he is sooooooo hot!!

Cross Eyed Mary...

2008-07-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

My dad has started calling Lucy "Cross Eyed Mary" (title of a Jethro Tull song), but I am not sure why???????

Pool Party

2008-07-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

Little Lulu got to have her first North Canyon Pool experience today thanks to Cindo Hatch! It was the babe's induction to the hottest b-town hangout! (Sidenote: Mommy was a lifeguard here for a summer.) Lucy got to meet some of mommy's favorite high school pals.

Lucy's swimsuit doesn't quite fit yet--nothing really does when you are only 7 lbs!!

Hatch (Lindsay), Soldier Boy (Andrew), Hed (Amy), Peps (Noelle with baby Sophia), and Boner (Soni).

**Note: Sid was here too, but left before the pic was taken**

Captain Andrew Taylor back from Iraq--yeah!!

Toskovich Babes!

Lulu

2008-07-15T23:51:00.000-07:00

Look at this face! I can't believe how much you can love another little human!

Don't Stop Believin'

2008-07-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

On Friday night my mom and her sisters and I had a girls' night out and attended the Journey & Heart concert at Usana Amphitheatre. It was a super killer show. This Journey Greatest Hits album was the first CD I ever owned, so it brought back some great memories from the Junior High days. Journey has a new lead singer that looks nothing like the great Steve Perry, but they have identical voices--it was awesome!

Itsy Bitsy

2008-07-09T22:53:00.001-07:00

This is the little squirt sleeping on Grandma's bed....

It's just her size! Ha!!

She is up to 6 lbs 14 oz now! She is packing on the ounces!

*(I hope my friends at Echo Horizon appreciate that I am starting her early on sustainability--check out her shirt.
She's already a little tree hugger! For those who can't read it, it says GO GREEN!)

Happy 28th Sean!

2008-07-08T00:58:00.001-07:00

Today, July 8th, is a great day! It marks the anniversary of Sean Michael Young's birth. We wish we could be with you to celebrate, Sean, especially with a pink unicorn pinata!! Here's hoping that you have a great day. WE LOVE YOU!!

Lucy Pix

2008-07-03T11:38:00.001-07:00

Before and After

2008-07-01T14:24:00.001-07:00

The photos on the left were taken on Thursday, June 26. The photos on the right were taken 48 hours later on Saturday, June 28. My how life can change in such a short period of time! We love our new addition. She is such a sweet little bug!

Before After

Mystic Pizza

2008-06-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

There is an urban legend in Salt Lake City that Trio Cafe has a Garlic Chicken Pizza that will send you into labor, so my dad insisted that we try it the other day.

With the Folks

The pizza was delicious, but it didn't quite work for me. I am still pregnant and not in labor...however I should be popping out a little gal tomorrow sometime thanks to modern medicine! Stay tuned....

My Nephew

2008-06-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

I eat up every moment I spend with this kiddo! He is so fun. From "making camp" and roasting marshmallows in the backyard, to dressing us all up as TMNT, to swimming stunts with Uncle Tyce. I love this kid!! Sadly, after these photos were taken, he broke his little collarbone, so there won't be any swimming for a while--heal soon, little Donatello, so you can play with your new cousin!!