rj, madi and jack

this week

2012-01-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

When my boy wakes up in the morning, he usually hands me his shoes and says, "Go?"

This is just a sampling of what we've been up to this week. I hope I can keep it up when his little brother comes along. Jack is one busy little man.

taken like a true loser

2011-12-31T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a while! We're all moved in, loving New Orleans and getting ready for little boy to make his appearance in April. He seems to be growing at the rate of a small elephant. And so do I, cankles and all.

Everyone that asked me to post, this one's for you. You got a little more than you expected, didn't you? Yes-- I was home alone and had to take my own picture. Taken like a true loser.

I mentioned our bathroom renovation project in my last post. Well, it's done! This is the first time RJ and I have taken on something like this (besides our backyard in Birmingham). This is what we started with:

Doesn't look too bad? Well, these photos are misleading. The cabinets might have been the perfect height for Frodo Baggins, but we are a proud 2 inches taller than him. So we nixed those and the linen closet to the right, as well as the wall separating the sinks and the shower. (The shower that no one should ever have showered in. Trust me.)

I wasn't too great at taking pictures of the process. When it was completely gutted, my stomach turned and I wondered if I had made a mistake. But don't you think the room really opened up? And here is the completed bathroom...

We are so grateful that we were able to do a project like this. It's really fun to see what you can make of a space. I already want to save up for another renovation! But I think for now I'll have to stick with DIY via Michael's and Hobby Lobby. Oh wait, I forgot. I don't craft.

finally!

2011-11-14T19:36:00.001-08:00

This Friday we are finally closing on our house. It has been a very long 3 months of this moving process and I can't tell you how relieved we all are that we are at the end of the road!

It is near impossible to get a good picture of the house because of the giant Oak tree in front. But Oak trees are a New Orleans staple. So I guess this makes us legit. Here is the house all decorated for Halloween, taken when we got the appraisal. No, that is not my car. I can't wait to hang ghosts in that tree next year and soon put Christmas lights on it! I love that tree.

We have some work to do (but I am excited about it!) so maybe I'll post pictures of our bathroom renovation project. If I feel like blogging.

a post from the cave

2011-09-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

We made it to New Orleans! We (thankfully) sold our house relatively quick and had less than two weeks to close and pack up shop. I thought moving was easy-- that was before I had a house and a child. Next time I will pay anything, ANYTHING, for someone to do it for me.

I might have been a slight whiner about moving because... I am expecting! So nauseousness, hunger and fatigue did it all with me. They're great to have around. They're like the friends who show you what you're (not) made of.

So we are in a condo for now, still searching for a house and filling up the days with trips to bounce houses and parks. Jack has no idea how good he has it. And his little sibling will make his or her debut in April, just two days after Jack will turn two.

There is nothing as constant as change.

beds are fun

2011-08-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

On a rainy day, this will entertain Jack for at least 15 minutes. It is a great, cushioned space to practice his pillow flipping. And then I get to make the bed again.

real housewife in oc

2011-07-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

So completely sad that our two weeks at the beach are over. From one coast to the next. But our stay with my family in Capistrano was perfect. You can't go wrong in California (right, Chels?!).

Here I am with my sister Whitney and her darling kids and husband Ben at Fashion Island. An island I'd be happy to be stranded on.

Jack and Will entertained themselves by throwing all of my money in the fountain. I honestly have one nickel left. But, hey, if it works, you do it.

That night also happened to be Michael Jackson night. Everyone, even down to Jack and James, participated.

If it's one thing J loves, it's gettin his groove on. Can you tell they're dancing to "Thriller" below? They are amazing. They really practiced hard for MJ night.

I think you can imagine how fun a beach house is with 12 kids under 11 and their awesome parents. We had MJ night, a Harry Potter marathon, sand crab catching, sleeping to the sound of the ocean (like it's going to crash through the house), RJ and I's secret trips to In-N-Out... yes. It was great.

Above is Jack's cuute cousin James. We couldn't decide if they were going to be friends or not, and I was even more confused after Jack embraced him in a hug and then turned to push him down. Poor James. We are trying!

Jack and his cousin Jake (it is starting to look like we are all J-names. We're not. I promise.).

Who wears short shorts (and tanks)?

Above is my BFF Will at the beach. We were spoiled, being right on the beach, so I don't think I spent as much time on it as I should have.

We also went to Balboa Island with my sister Whitney and her kids. Such a fun place to visit.

Jack was singing and talking the whole time on his ferris wheel ride with his dad.

Joey, every time we think of candy, naturally you come to mind. So we had RJ pose here for you.

Jack also loved riding the carousel. He hugged that horse so hard I thought he was never going to let go.

One day we went to Wild Rivers, RJ's own personal version of hell. It was hilarious to watch him and I'm very proud of him for going to the water park. Sometimes we all need to do things that are a little out of our comfort zone.

I, once again, failed to take adequate pictures to show the trip. Whatever. I think you get the jist that it was a good time!

destin 2011

2011-07-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

Last week was the annual trip to Destin with the Rices, Kirks and Childresses. (But we were missing our little Britians Joey and Page... so sad.) It was an amazing time. From lulling Jack at restaurants with DJ Lance (it is the only solution)...

to HP7 at midnight, it is safe to say it was another successful trip.

As you can see from this picture, I am ~~not so much~~ a night owl. These wonderful cuties got me there, and I only slept for the last 10 minutes. (Fail.) From left to right: Whitney, Lindsey, Bayley, Ryan, Courtney, Ashley, Mya, Jordyn and me. Jack celebrated when he woke up.

My favorite thing about the Gulf coast is the white sand! So soft and beautiful, blue waters.

The humidity fogged up my camera lens in the above pic. And also my hair.

Here is the Rice fam (RJ had to leave early for Youth Conference) after eating at the Crab Trap. (Me, Whitney, Sandi, Jack, Jordyn and Ren.) I love them!

Below are all the ladies:

And here are the men of the trip (minus RJ):

Poor guys. So outnumbered.

We had so much fun on this trip and as always, can't wait til next year! And tomorrow is my family's bi-annual beach trip (That means every other year, not twice a year. I hate when that gets misused.) to Capistrano. (So maybe this week I will take better pictures.)

cami + mike = love

2011-07-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I flew to SLC for one day-- my sister's wedding! It was perfect from seeing all my sisters again (if Birmingham had sisters I'd be 100% fine) to playing with my nieces and nephews and spending time at the farm in Heber.

I am so happy for Cami, Mike, and the 4 cute little monsters that make up the new Hansen-Nelson fam.

Little known fact: Mike is one legit dancer. He spun his own grandmother so hard she hit the floor. No joke. (She is okay.)

Here is my brother Troy dancing to "Sweet Caroline" with his little Caroline. One of the best songs of the night.

The candy was so good my mouth hurt from eating it. Below are two of my nephews, Will and Sam, holding up their loot. They look like they're those old rednecks on Swamp People holding up their lanterns. They, too, loved their candy.

These kids are hilarious.

They thought this was the coolest picture. They really wanted it to seem like they were eating cake.

I love my sisters so much. Life is better with sisters! Whitney, Cami, Missy and Micaela: You are the best girls in my life and I miss you wonderful women every day!

Mom and Bruce, I love you both, too. Don't worry.

Cam and Mike left The Point through a stream of sparklers.

I am so happy for them.

moving

2011-06-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

This is my 3rd post tonight. I love catching up but don't quite love it when I have, like, 3 different topics. Like I do right now. So I have covered camp and New Orleans. And now I have an announcement to make.

As soon as this house is sold BAM we're moving to New Orleans. That was the purpose of the trip this week. (And you thought I was just dying for a little Lake Pontchartrain action. Joke's on you!)

We found our (really just my) dream home this week.

Starting with the kitchen. Jack loved it, too. Look at those subway tiles and salivate.

I have a weakness for gas lamps.

Here is proof that I was really there. In my dream home.

My house is in a very old neighborhood (we are calling it "my house"). The cottage itself is 50+ years old (other houses we looked at are 100+ years old), but that's the charm of the neighborhood. I love the renovation. It is exactly what I would do. It is perfect.

We are not necessarily buying this house. That's what dream houses are. Dreams. But let's send out good thoughts so that we can move in, and you can come hang out with us there.

new orleans

2011-06-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

This week Jack and I went with RJ to New Orleans. While New Orleans is where my husband resides part-time (seriously), I haven't been there since RJ was playing football and we were there for the Sugarbowl. That was fun. And this trip was fun, too.

We went to the "beach" of Lake Pontchartrain with Emily (RJ's cousin) and her babies Daniel and Maggie, and a few other girls Emily has gotten to be good friends with since she moved there. It was fun to hang out with her and her friends that day.

That's an alligator.

Right behind us. Totally fine.

We also went to the Audobon Aquarium downtown. That place is really cool. Jack loved it-- his favorite was the sharks. He told me.

He also loved feeding the parakeets. Poor Emily got pooped on. But it was all in the name of bird-feeding. She took one for the team.

(How can you live in the South and not have perma-greasy hair? Alabama is hot. And New Orleans is hot... intensified.)

Our last full day there, RJ, Jack and I went to the French Quarter downtown. It is one of my favorite places to go. Jack liked watching the horses in the streets.

And this was at lunch in the French Quarter that last day, right before I bought my new $5 sunglasses at the French Market. Love flea markets.

He is a cheeser. Eating his grilled cheese.

camp hulaco

2011-06-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

Imagine you're sitting in a furnace for 4 days straight. Welcome to Girls' Camp! Actually, it was really fun.

I'm the laurel advisor in our ward and seriously love my girls so much. This might not be a great thing to have a leader say, but I didn't feel like a leader. Maybe it's because I'm also 17.

Aren't they so cute.

This camp is nothing like the one I went to when I was in Young Womens. Camp Hulaco (which is owned by 9 or 10 stakes in Alabama and Tennessee and other places I think) has: cabins, fans, bathrooms, showers, covered pavilions, refrigerators, and a kitchen where our amazing cook Tim Thomas served up gourmet meals 3X a day.

There's also a lake where the girls had canoe races.

...or sat on the dock wondering what might be lingering underwater. There's also this awesome ropes course, rock wall and retaining wall, and a 30-foot pole (maybe it's higher?) that you basically risk your life/sanity climbing and jumping off of. And there's a zip line.

(This is me and "my" cousin--RJ's cousin but she's mine too--Bayley. She's a cute little Beehive.)

I hate rock walls and I only got on it because the line for the ropes course was too long for my ADD.

I was in charge of the service project-- building benches. Really I just ended up making sure the girls used their power tools correctly. Until that day I had no clue how to build a bench.

Our stake has some awesome girls. Some of the girls are the only LDS person at their school. One of the girls is the only active Laurel in her ward. The church is true and it's amazing to see these girls living the standards despite the adversity they're faced with. Girls camp is a really special time for them to be with all their friends who believe what they do. They can come to camp and be completely themselves. Like having impromptu dance parties.

Or inviting special "friends" to camp.

Above: Meet Tina and Helga Elasmosaurus. I don't even know what to say.

Ironically, the last night is testimony night and prank night. And bring-out-all-your-food-so-we-can-binge night.

(See those pvc pipes? This cute, quiet little Beehive randomly pulled them out of her bag and totally lit up when she told us how to use them. She made marshmallow-shooting guns for girls camp. She is awesome.)

I really don't know how to express how amazing camp was. I got to spend 4 days with the coolest girls. I will never forget it.

But apparently my amazing week meant nothing to Jack. Because when I came home, I was acknowledged by a slight nod and fist pump. Like, Oh, hey mom.

Yeah, I missed you too.

So I thought he'd be excited to at least give me a welcome home hug...

Nope. Really, Jack? Have you already reached that point where hugging your mom is embarrassing? Did you even notice I was gone?

pensacola beach

2011-06-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

Last week we took a little trip to Pensacola, Florida with RJ's aunt and uncle and their kids. RJ and his uncle Tracy had so much fun working while we were stuck at the pool/beach.

Jack made a little game of counting to three (mostly just sounded like un, un, UN!) and then jumping in to RJ. Below is Jack with his cousins Dani and Mya.

The South is so hot right now that you have two choices:

1) Sit in your basement with a cooler of popsicles and feel your skin soak up the humidity, or
2) Go to the pool.

We prefer choice #2. I know it doesn't look like we see the sun much, but pasty is the new tan.

i'm not like a regular mom

2011-05-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

I'm a cool mom.

new uses

2011-05-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

As some of you might know, the tupperware drawer is J baby's favorite (and also the only one that doesn't have monster-proof locks on it)...

He ran around the house with his new hat on and laughed the whole time.

the real royal wedding

2011-05-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

The happy couple is now off to London, but here's some pics of Joey and Page's fabulous wedding day, May 7, 2011. (Below: Jordyn, me and Whitney waiting outside the Salt Lake temple.)

And this is when monster-mode kicked in for Clean Hands...

But Jack was relieved when they finally came out-- looking all sorts of beautiful! Their ceremony was so special.

They're MARRIED! Congrats guys!

And since I was chasing a one-year-old all night I didn't get the best pictures. But some is better than none.

Jack found happiness on the bridge. And probably spent 3/4 of the night there.

I really wish I had had the time to take more pictures. But it was a beautiful night. The weather was perfect, the food was good, the dancing was fun, and we are so happy to be have been a part of it! We love you Joey and Page!

milestone

2011-05-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, Joey, McKenzi, and Liz for graduating from the U! And congrats NANA on your Honorary Doctorate!

We were glad we could be there on such an awesome day!

Check out Jack in this picture. FAIL. It was a sign of things to come...

great expectations/nashville marathon

2011-05-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

Doing anything, especially running, you have good days.

And you have bad days.

Let's just say I had a nice slice of humble pie in Nashville this past weekend after mile 14 hit and everything fell apart. RJ's camera stopped working, he lost his shuffle, and my leg blew up. RJ was so sweet... he didn't have to stay with me, but he did, and we finished the marathon together after 3 visits to the medical tent and an embarrassing wrap on my knee. Hoping for no permanent damage...

BUT we finished! And we got to see a way cool town that we love.

And, most of all, I LOVE MY HUSBAND!

wedding plans

2011-04-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

wahaihi!

2011-04-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Last week we went with RJ's family to Maui for his mom's 30th birthday. It was perfect.

This is on the deck of the condo we stayed at. Can you say beautiful. (I mean RJ, not the background...)

We went paddle boarding one day. It is a fun, hard workout. RJ didn't stop the whole time-- he is pretty much a pro. (Pic: RJ with his sister Jordyn.)

The almost-marrieds Joey and Page:

I'm sure you've heard all about their wedding in the news lately. What's that you say? They're not William and Kate? Well I say who are William and Kate?
Joey and Page have less than 2 weeks to go! And they're moving to London right after they get married. So, yes. They are just like the royals and their wedding should be on your radar.

Whitney and I on the beach, watching the paddlers. She is pretty good at it, too.

My look this week: au naturale. Inside I am screaming: I need a straightener STAT.

Here are the girls in Lahaina: Jordyn, Sandi, me, Page and Whitney. That night we ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise and had the best shaved ice in the world. I now want to open my own shave ice traveling van in Alabama. I think I would get a ton of business.

Whoever doesn't love a good burger... yes, you do. I know you do.
Pop quiz: What color is in 3/4s of my husband's closet? Seriously. Look at these pictures. He is hilarious.

We basically followed this schedule: workout, cook pancakes/english muffins, go to pool/beach, lunch, back to pool/beach, shower. Dinner.

One day we went to the spa and it was amazing. If you are planning a trip to Maui, you have to go here. There's also these baths you can get in, and each one has a different thing it does for your body (relax muscles, help sunburns, reduce cellulite, improve skin tone, etc). Seriously. Amazing.
I miss Hawaii already!

Oh, and after searching my pictures I found this:

He actually wore another color! But don't worry, UA insignia still there.

I also found this:

(It's not too late, Page!)

Salt Lake 1/2

2011-04-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Finally! The day of the race came and went and I am still alive! Here is my before shot:

Not cute. But I did my best for it being so early that it's still dark outside. And I wasn't even that excited; I was nervous. I don't know why, because I run all the time. It's not like that day was any different, I was just running with 4,000 of my closest friends. I think the fact that it was official got to me.

After:

Now that is a cute picture. Straight sweat.

Seriously though, that race was one of the happiest days of my life. I just felt so good! The whole time I was running I just felt amazing and I wanted to keep running when it was over. (Am I crazy, yes.) I guess that means I have been training the right way (yeah, right).

We made sure to grab water every time we could and maintain our pace. I ate one Gu at mile 9. It helped that I was with my mom, she is one good runner. I really consider myself lucky I got to run with her. I probably would have gotten sidetracked and wandered off the course, or played with the cuuute babies cheering their moms on the sidelines.

I am definitely in for next year. And next Saturday. In Nashville. Oh, help me.

Random: Stephanie, I kept thinking of you while we were running and I saw the marathoners. I am so sad that you couldn't run and you did all the training! I hope you are getting better!

Jack's Birthday Party Now On Tour/ready to run?

2011-04-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

Today Jack and I are in the SLC. My awesome sister is running the Boston Marathon so we came a little earlier (than the wedding) to watch her kids and kick off our month-long trip. I'm not really on the clock quite yet and Jack and I have been taking full advantage.

We party hard. And thanks, Utah, for being cold. Birmingham was 84 degrees when we left with 60% humidity. (Friends, that feels like the jungle.) Actually I can't say I prefer either climate right now... but I think running in the 'ham weather on Saturday forever overprepared me for what will be a chilly Salt Lake 1/2 this weekend. Excited.

....................................................................................

A few days before we left, Jack had the first of what I'm sure will be many 1st birthday parties over the next month. Here is a party tip: Brobee on anything is awesome if you're 1 and your name is Jack.

Here is his matching smash cake:

Which I'm sorry to say Clean Hands wasn't too thrilled about.

He did enjoy playing in the backyard with his friends though. Phew.

I think they had fun.

It is so crazy to think that this time last year, this was me:

And now I have this crazy, energetic little BOY running around with thick legs who, by the way, tried to eat an ant today.

And I just love him. Happy birthday little Jack.
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Friends who are running the SL marathon or 1/2 this weekend... PLEASE leave a comment with what you're wearing. I know I should be old enough to pick out my own clothes. But I am not used to this climate at all!
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Almost forgot... this was one of Jack's favorite gifts of the night. (He couldn't wait for everyone to leave so he could dive into his gift pile.)

He is also very photogenic.

okaloosa island

2011-04-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

Right between Destin and Ft. Walton beach, Florida... RJ had some business in Pensacola so Jack and I went along with him. Beach? Yes, please. But first things first,we had a visit to the club.

From the last post, we all know how much Jack appreciates a good workout.

I am so lucky one of those kettlebells didn't fall on him.

We also went to the best Destin spot, The Donut Hole. So good. Not because of the donuts (I've never tried one, prob should), but because of their amazing brownies. Crazy that the last time Jack was here, he was 3 months old.

He ate an avocado and then walked around, flirting with the table of golden oldies behind us. They ate him up.

(Yes, that's his undershirt. It was hot, ok?)

And even though the weather was incredibly fickle and was never predicted right (the first day was tornado warnings-- the second, total sunshine) we made sure to get in our beach time.

Let's see what Jack thinks of sand on his hand...

Hates it. (Do you see that sad gash on his face and horrible bruise on his eye to match? He whacked his head on the nightstand at the hotel while pillow flipping. I totally freaked out. I have a feeling I need to get used to injuries with this child.)

This peaceful lounge took a turn for the worse when Jack decided to dip his graham cracker in the sand. Turns out he doesn't like sand on his hands or in his mouth.

Overall, we had a great trip. So glad RJ likes us enough to bring us to work!

strongman/dinner at the fish market

2011-03-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Lately Jack has been really working on his reps. This is what he's aspiring to:

Only right now he's just using thick books (you know, the giant how-to-have-a-one-year-old books and baby name books... books smart people read).

So I wasn't surprised when I caught him in the middle of a workout this morning...

I can't catch this kid still. These pictures are a testament to how hard he works. He never stops.

Mid-flip.

In the wake of his war path, looking for a new challenge. We are so proud.

................................................................................................

Tonight the hubs and I went to The Fish Market for dinner. It was delish. And yes I am blogging about it. We don't get out much.

(He loves pictures.)

RJ got the crusted tilapia and gumbo. You can never go wrong with a little gumbo.

But the real Southern treat is fried pickles! I think they're definitely on the list of good, pre-run superfoods. Definitely.

I loved my baby lobster tails and hush puppies. Except that they didn't bring out a side of melted butter. I am not embarrassed to say that I went right back inside to get some. (Does anyone else like their butter with a side of lobster?)

You can put this on your list of B'ham restaurants to check out. (I know you have a long list of things you want to do in Alabama.)

biggest losers in san fran

2011-03-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a fabo trip to San Francisco.

Our hotel was in the best location. (Nordstrom's is just to the right!) And we had a beautiful view. This view... outside the bathroom. Seriously.

SF is my favorite city. Ever. It's also where RJ and I honeymooned before we could have a real honeymoon (since 3 days after we got married he had to get back for two-a-days). I never get tired of Ghirardelli's, Boudin's, the wharf, the trolley, Union Square, etc, etc!

The weather was no bueno. Rain, rain and more rain. But that didn't stop us. Good thing, too, or else we never would have come across this cutie pie:

Now that is a cat lady. She was waiting for the trolley, and told me she didn't want her kitty getting wet in the rain.

So the real reason we went to San Fran was the IHRSA Conference. Just take everything that could possibly be in the fitness industry, put it under one roof and bam. IHRSA.

This is an exercise horse. I can not even tell you how much fun this was.

RJ and Tracy had fun throwing sand bags.

Zumba had a sweet booth/stage set up.

They were selling all their crazy, colorful clothes, teaching Zumba classes and even had a live band. Those Zumba people know how to party.

This Woodway Treadmill was my favorite machine there. It requires two AA batteries and your legs. That's it. It's amazing. (I got this pic from their Web site.)

Freemotion also had a ton of cardio machines and had these treadmills on the floor with this display:

I was running in Maui. (I don't normally like machines with TVs on them... they make me sick. But this might be fun to glance at once in a while and pretend I'm not next to another stinky treadmiller at the gym.)

The best part at IHRSA was meeting my hero.

PATRICK from last season's Biggest Loser! I was pulling for him all season. When he won the car after the stairs challenge I cried, and RJ and I shouted for joy when he made the final four. Then he won the entire thing and we went ballistic. Needless to say I was star struck, but also oddly felt like I knew him. I was so surprised that he had no clue who I was.

I also got to meet Marci, who just got kicked off BL last week (which was in reality 7 weeks ago) and girl looks good. She was just there with a friend looking around at all the equipment (Patrick was there bc he is sponsored by Cybex).

(Ignore the mist-on tan I got for free like 2 secs earlier. Please. Ignore it.)

And finally I met Kim, the long lost trainer on The Biggest Loser. She was there because she now works with some company and knows the people my husband and I were talking to. She is so tiny and cute. I wasn't her fan when she was on TV but then I met her and felt bad for not liking her. I think I just wanted her to be Jillian. How unfair of me.

IHRSA isn't really a celebrity sighting place (unless you're me and the only TV you watch is BL). But I did get some sweet swag.

I think we got $20 worth in Gu for free. Yes, please!

"Throw it to me... nice and easy."

2011-03-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight I accidentally hit RJ in the head with one of Jack's toys. (And it hurt.) I can honestly say I was aiming at a spot about 5 feet past him.

Later, he asked me to throw him a Snickers from the candy jar (while watching the Biggest Loser, mind you). This time I was aiming at his head... and it bounced off the bottom of the couch and into Jack's toy basket.

Hope Jack inherited my coordination. Also-- I should stop throwing things.

alabama in march

2011-03-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

Today could have been a terrible run. But the weather was so nice and the views were so great, I totally forgot about my dying legs and the burning heat (which really wasn't that bad).

Check out that horse. There is a pasture in my neighborhood and tons of horses running around. Last weekend my husband saw the dogs herding sheep. I don't know why but I think that is so cute. Like "Babe."

This was right about the time I stopped cursing everything out and just enjoyed the run. So beautiful. And SHADY!

Are you kidding me? I don't know what this tree is called, but it is awesome. Just random, giant flowers blooming on the branches. I love everything that grows down here! (Esp my hydrangeas!)

I know my feet aren't that big but that is one huge Magnolia leaf.

Even with my stops at great photo-ops I still managed to stay in my goal time and throw down the miles.Yesss. (RJ was home with Jack and he went running after me.)

In other, equally important news:

If you're missing any shoes they might be in the middle of our bar stools.

Siiike

2011-03-11T21:20:00.000-08:00

Okay I'm a turd, but nevermind about that previous post. I am keeping your emails, though, because I really might go private soon. But I am done with that blog. 1- Lame. 2- Who wants to keep up with two blogs. 3- I really just wanted to be able to write about marathon training and realized I can do that here. 4- Sorry I cried wolf.

But guess what! We're getting ready for...

The best city in the woooorld! San Fransisco! We are leaving next week which translates into pictures so that this blog can redeem itself from boringness.

Wish us luck on our long run tomorrow.

Yep.

2011-03-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

This family blog is going PRIVATE. So here's the deal-- send me your email address and you can still stalk my little fam.

2011-03-09T10:03:00.001-08:00

1st haircut

2011-03-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

Because my camera is being awesome and I can't upload the pictures from the actual haircut session, here is a recent picture of Jack Jack... with out the extra long, duck down and scraggle pieces. (Look how excited he is to be at Five Guys.)At least he no longer has Nick Nolte hair. Speaking of fabulous hair... take a look at this nice mullet we spotted at Pump It Up:Complete with Alabama jersey. You don't see this every day, friends. (Well, you don't. I unfortunately do.)

Why, yes, I did pretend to be texting while taking this photo.

Love this:

2011-03-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

I love the fact that I can plant HYDRANGEA here! Yesterday I planted some blue and pink hydrangea outside. I am like a proud mom. I look out the windows just to check on them.Weird? No.And... drum roll please... RJ and I just decided on a marathon!The Nashville Country Music Marathon! April 30th, baby. (BTW, is anyone running the Salt Lake? I'm doing the half and if anyone is going to be there it would be awesome to see you!) Send your marathon secrets my way; this is a first.

McWane Science Center

2011-02-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

Jack's buddy Miles turns the big ONE next week, so Alison got us together for a little pre-party trip to the McWane Science Center.Here's the crew: Lyla, Jack, Miles and McKenza.Loving the inside of this fish mouth. J wasn't quite sure about his new sea creature friends, but he got used to them and made a friend with this blind one:That white spot on the fish is its bad eye.
I swear, my child is beyond cheesy. What can I say, I am the same way.Next the babies got to be paleontologists. And of course all this kid wanted to do was eat the rocks. Which he did. And then threw up. It was great.I can't even tell you how many finger sweeps it took to get those rubbery, faux-rocks out of Jack's mouth. I also found one in his diaper. The kids were amazed at the Sting Rays and little Sharks. Then after that we had a little Red Mango and called it a day.

Happy birthday sweet Miles!

Not a pet.

2011-02-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

There is a wild hog running around my neighborhood.(Doesn't this look funny, though? Just chillin, out for a stroll...)I know most of you think this guy belongs to a bubba, because that's probably your idea of what Alabama is like. Not the case. And how gross is this, according to the Today Show (I saw a report on this last month!), wild hogs are literally invading from the South to the North and there are more than 2 million of them. Probably more by now; they procreate like crazy. And it's not one baby at a time, it's a whole litter. And they grow huge at a rapid rate. And they're furry and have creepy looking hands/paws. And they dig their snouts in your grass. And who sleeps well at night knowing the pigs are invading? I will not sacrifice my yard for you!

Jack Walks!

2011-02-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

About a week ago, my little man got brave and took a few steps on his own. After a few days of practicing he is now a free roamer. And he goes straight to the laundry room. Some kids like toys, others like the smell of Downy. It's fine. (This laundry-room-love goes way back for Jack. He just may own his own laundromat one day.)

So this is what I do.

2011-02-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

I take Jack to a music class. At first it was a little out of my comfort zone, but this kid eats. it. up. I wish I got a picture of the parachute. All the little babies go crazy when we lift the parachute up. They crawl underneath and laugh hysterically. We also play with bells, dance, sing, beat on drums, you know, all the good stuff. Sometimes I look around the room at all of the parents/nannies and think, "So this is what I do." But these kids love it. Sidenote: The Pink House (where Jack's class is) is nominated by Parent's Choice for best children's music class in Birmingham. Only the best for our little Jack.
And here is Jack and his buddy Miles. We love playdates at Mandy's! Here's her sweet little Lyla:
She is beyond adorable! A prearranged marriage is in motion. I just hope Jack likes older ladies.Oh MILES!

Oh Martha! Oh Christmas!

2011-02-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

No need to remind everyone what a terrible blogger I am. So since it was forever ago, 2 months actually, I'll post just a few Christmas/New Years pics and then maybe (emphasis on the maybe) some recent ones... because new pictures are always better than old ones.

For our Christmas trip home this year, RJ, Joey, Page, Ren and I drove to Las Vegas as soon as we landed in Salt Lake for the Las Vegas Bowl! We all know what happened... but hey it was a fun trip. This is Joey and Page at Caesar's Palace while we were waiting to be seated at Cheesecake. They also just got engaged! YES! I thought I would never get another sister-in-law! Just kidding, Joey. We are so excited and can't wait. Page is the bomb. And aren't they a look-alike couple? Beautiful. Random story: UNLV's stadium parking is terrible. So, leaving, we probably sat in the parking lot watching "The Office" on RJ's iPad for an hour before Joey spotted a secret getaway opening in a fence. Apparently all the cars spotted this exit at the same time and we all b-lined it to freedom. As we were driving away, RJ's dad rolled down his window and yelled in frustration at a traffic guide: "This is the worst parking system I have ever seen!" We laughed, but thanks to Ren's passion (and letter to the Las Vegas Sun's editor) the stadium is now working to fix their terrible parking. Way to go, Ren! Christmas Eve at Nana's. A tradition I hope will never end.Dear, sweet Jordyn. You take these pictures-- just know I will put them up!Jordyn, Whitney and me. I love my sisters-in-law! Can't wait for you to join us, Pagey.Jack's first Christmas was a smashing success.Alright, so he had no clue what was going on. But isn't that okay? Christmas isn't about presents anyway... right? I mean, no decent person really cares what's in their stocking... Well. Okay Jack cares. If there's a tag of any sort, he's happy. My child eats paper. Totally fine with it.Here's my stud husband with Jack and his cousin James. I so wish we lived in Salt Lake, because these two would be besties. Ah, I love baby James!
Sadly, I don't have any more pics of my side of the family. I look like a jerk. Sorry guys! But I don't think you even know my blog exists so I think I'm safe!
On another note, Jack is trying to walk. Last week he started taking steps on his own. He's not fully independent but getting there! When I told his doctor, she said in her sweet Southern accent, "Ooh baby he's cruisin'!" Go Jack. You're cruisin'!

I guess I'll add New Year's pics. For some reason I never get excited about this holiday. Probably because I'd rather be in bed and I find the countdown anticlimatic. But let's add some pictures to document that I really did celebrate. And so did Jack. He woke up at 11:50 p.m. He knew it was almost time, and Jack really can't miss a good party. He's making up for his party pooper mom.Oh the Bennetts! I love these guys.
RJ and his dad playing a serious game.Even when he's being a Grumpy Gus I want to squeeze him.
And this cute couple is almost married, too! Love you Chels and Adam! (No, that is not their child. But she would be that mom who is always put together and gorgeous. How do they do it!?!)

No Salt Lake trip is complete without Ben and Wil.We see these guys a lot when we come in town, and it makes me sad when we leave. Megan, you are an AMAZING mother with these boys! You're that put together mom I am talking about. I kind of love/hate you for it. I'll just keep trying to beat you to the elusive clutch! ;)

the petting zoo

2010-12-04T08:50:00.001-08:00

This is from way back in September, y'all. I took Jack to playgroup at the petting zoo. I had no idea he would love it so much.
Between Jack and this goat, it was best friends at first sight. That goat followed us around everywhere. It was kind of funny, there were all these animals just roaming freely and you could just walk right up to them, or they to you. Donkeys, horses, ponies, chickens, goats, sheep, and a peacock...it was a little unnerving but I got used to it. Except when this one goat tried to eat Jack's bottle.Oh my gosh look at this pig. There was a sign next to the pig pen that said "WARNING: PIGS BITE." And he had some gnarly teeth.

Nashville

2010-12-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

Whitney and Ben came to town! It was one of the best weekends! They came for just a few days to see the Crimson Tide play the Florida Gators, and then the next day the four of us drove up to Nashville to see some of RJ's friends play in the Tennessee Titans v Denver Broncos game. (Poor RJ, the weather was freezing compared to Birmingham and his hairless head was so cold...so he wore this SWAG hat the whole game.)I love the fall when we can look forward to a visit from Ben and Whit!
RJ and Zane. Zane plays for the Broncos and our other friend Robert plays for the Titans. Can you imagine... "Honey, I'm going to work. I have to play football today." Well, they did great and we love to see them play!And we hadto see the Grand Ole Opry House. Love you Ben and Whit! Can't wait to see you back here next Summer!

notre dame

2010-12-03T15:24:00.001-08:00

The week of the Utah v Notre Dame game, RJ, Jack and I flew to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to see our friends Dustin and Kelli! They are there for medical school. We hadn't seen them in over a year (I think. It was a long time, I lost track!) so it was so nice to be able to spend time with them. If you're ever in Wauwatosa, eat at Piccola's. Mmm. And it's not a far drive to South Bend from Milwaukee, so that weekend we drove to the game. Notre Dame's campus is beautiful!
And this is touchdown Jesus. From the stadium, this building is directly behind the goal posts. And this was done on purpose.
We got rained on. Bad. Jack and I had to take a break in the warm bathroom for half of the game. Let me learn a lesson for everyone reading this. No matter how much of a sports fanatic your husband is, the baby does NOT have to come to every event.

RJ's blog contribution

2010-12-03T15:19:00.001-08:00

el tigre

2010-12-03T15:06:00.001-08:00

Jack's first Halloween! And he was a scary, scary TIGER!

And here I am with Jack in my unbelievably creative costume. It's not the first time I have dressed up as my husband.

Jack's first Halloween was a great one to start us off. I know it's almost Christmas but thanks to my dear Shawnee you get this post, albeit super late. We had trunk-or-treat (I had no idea people did that in other states. I thought it was just a Utah thing) and then we had a bunch of friends and their kids over to watch the Utah game. I relived my childhood when I taught 5-year-old Danielle how to organize her candy into brand and size... that used to be my favorite thing to do after trick-or-treating. Inventory!

Teenage Dream(with me)

2010-09-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

Chattanooga, Pensacola, Salt Lake City

2010-09-11T20:20:00.001-07:00

RJ took me on a surprise vacay to Chattanooga, Tennessee for our anniversary. But our iMac decided to die and take everything with it. You don't get any pictures. It was amazing, we saw Ruby Falls (RJ said when he discovers a waterfall inside a cave that he, too, will name it after his wife) and ate fried oreos at the farmer's market. And guess what there did was fer sale? Bar-b-qued possum! Mmm, Mm!

A few weeks later we took the whole fam, meaning we brought Jack along, to Pensacola Beach since RJ had a club opening. Stud.
And at the end of August, Jack and I took a trip out West to the SLC. The pictures in skymall really wore him out, so Jack took a nap. So great at planes-- crossing my fingers that will never change!Here we are ringing in the football season at Rice-Eccles Stadium. No better season than Fall! Just ask my husband who won't stop singing "Utah Man Am I" and bought our 5-month-old a red AND a white Utah outfit ("He needs an outfit for home games and away games, Mads!").
Jack wasn't being too friendly to his cousin Ben. Hey, it was loud, and he was tired. Poor Ben had to deal with someone who is clearly not on his level.
And you know we weren't going to miss seeing the Titans play! They had a great win against Copper Hills and Scotty P made us so proud. Jack got to hang out with his grandma Sandi and Marilyn, and I got to see so many of my long lost friends! And here is a shout out to Lacee! This is all for you, my one and only blog reader. Bless you.The next morning, we went with Ty, Meg and the twins Ben and Wil on a hike up Big Cottonwood Canyon.

We had a great hike. No really, putting a 20-lb baby on your back and hiking up unstable rocks and slippery dirt is sooo great. We were laughing the whole time and smiling saying how much fun it was. Okay I'm just kidding, it really was a great morning-- so beautiful-- and I like hiking. It's one of those things where you think "I should really go hiking more often," when you're there, but for some reason it always seems like more effort than it really is, so you never take the chance to go. I'm not sure the hiking in the Alabama Smokies is comparable to Utah's Rocky Mountains. Too bad I didn't hike more when I was living in Utah. RJ really couldn't help himself. This was taken as he said to Jack, "Everything the light touches is your kingdom..." Really, Jack? You're tired? Hard hike?

Jack earned the nickname "Jumping Jack" by his great aunts, so we decided he should try a Johnny Jumpup. Here he is with Max The Dog. He didn't understand that he could jump his little heart out with no adult to stop because of tired arms! He sat in it, let it sway, looked at his hands... and smiled. At least he liked it, even if he didn't jump.

RJ's mom threw his dad, Ren, a suprise 50th birthday party which was amazing (Cafe Rio! Heck yes!) and his little sister Jordyn also turned 16 and she had a surprise party also, two days later. I don't know why I don't have any pictures but you still get your birthday wishes from the blog! Happy birthday Ren and Jordyn!

We miss y'all out in Utaw!

destin

2010-07-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

Living in birmingham puts us super close to tons of awesome places. Like the beach. It's a barely-four-hour drive from our house, so you bet we loved every minute of it! Baby Jack all ready for his dinner date at the Crab Trap.
RJ's cousin Bayley and I made grilled artichokes to go with our dinner the first night. Love artichokes!
This is Jack's very first pool experience. I think he liked it... no matter what we do, that grumpy face remains! He's a bit of a skeptic.
Jack loves his aunts Jordyn and Whitney.
If you're ever in Destin, go to the Donut Hole and get a brownie. I know my way around a brownie and theirs is best. Tops anything your mom ever made.

We love corny pictures.

This is our friend Courtney and my brother-in-law Joey and I parasailing. So fun!

bedtime rocks

2010-07-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and Haiti

2010-07-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

Dustin Jack Rice

2010-06-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

This little man is the love of my life! (Besides my amazing husband of course.) He was born April 14 at 10:52 a.m. and weighed 7 lbs and 10 oz. He is a wide-eyed observer, grunts all the time, smells like heaven, cuddles so sweetly, and he seldom cries-- and usually it's only because he's hungry. Being a mother is what I've been waiting and preparing for all my life. Everyone has that dream of what they want to be when they grow up, and mine was to be a mom and have my own family. And I think I'm a little out of my league-- this has been the most humbling change and I have a LOT to learn. Even so, I could never articulate how blessed I feel and how truly joyous each day is. My house is filled with Jack's sweet presence and there's nothing that could ever replace or duplicate that. The minute I met him, I felt like I have known him forever. Nothing is better than this!

Jack's delivery was super fast, thankfully! That made for a really special feeling in the room, besides the moments when RJ would bolt out of the room at the sight of a needle. Poor guy. He likes to say he "kept it G-rated." Which he did. More power to him, I wouldn't be able to watch that either! There's a reason you can't see it!

Bath time is daddy time at our house, and both my boys love it. Jack is hilarious, the minute he hears the water filling up in his "tub," he knows he's seconds away from relaxed bliss-- and as soon as his skin hits the warm water he's gone into some mental paradise and just lays there, staring off into the distance. I think he'd take a bath forever if he could. And RJ loves it, too, because it's their time to hang out. I feel bad for RJ that he has to work all day. I think I've got the best job in the world at home with Jack! And who doesn't love that cute hippo towel?! Thanks MacKenzie! We use it all the time! Oh, and for those of you who wanted baby bump pictures, here's one. But it's slightly more than a bump. I think a better word would be mountain.

I like him on the outside better.

Accents

2010-03-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to count how many times I have been asked if I'm from "Wisconsin?" "Michigan?" WHAT do I SOUND like, people?! I am not from Narth Dakohta, either. Sorry I don't have a Southern drawl. But this accent is from the West.

On another note, the baby room is infested with Lady Bugs! They're cute... but not really kosher for my little man. He needs his own space. Besides that, we have the room all ready for his arrival... and I can't wait! I will get around to posting the bump, and maybe post pictures of his room. But who knows, not so good at blogging! You're probably amazed there is a new post on here at all!

Introducing the newest Rice family member...

2010-02-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

Wally! Our little puppy. RJ brought him home one night after work, meaning this little 2-month-old guy was out freezing in the winter temperatures for who knows how long. I was extremely hesitant at first. This puppy was stealing my baby's thunder! But after a month I decided I finally like him enough to keep him around.

You Know You're In Alabama When...

2009-11-23T08:56:00.001-08:00

-There are tons of cars pulled over on the side of the freeway (no safety & emissions are required here).
-You don't get a receipt, you get a note.
-Someone at the grocery store asks if you need help with your "buggy." What? Oh, the shopping cart.
-No one mows their lawn, they "cut their grass."
-You do NOT leave the house on a Friday night between 6 and 8. The high school football traffic won't let you get anywhere, anyway.
-You get laughed at when you say "you guys." ("We say 'y'all' over here! Yankee!") And yes that happened!
-You occasionally see a confederate flag posted on the side of a car.
-Anywhere you go has Sweet Tea, gotta love that southern hospitality.

And this is a possum. They are NOT CUTE! They are wild animals that hiss at you and the other night, one recklessly ran into my car. After I heard the thump, I stopped to see what I had hit. I honestly was traumatized and felt like a murderer, but when my friends found out I had (not intentionally!) killed a possum, I was met with praise and thanks.

Gotta love the South! I know we do :)

It's a...

2009-11-15T19:56:00.001-08:00

BOY! Yep, my intuition was right. We are having a boy!

Here he is facing the camera...

The nurse called him a "proud boy!" when he sprawled out as if to say "Here I Am!"--and there was no guess what gender he was. (I left those pictures out to save him from future embarrassment.) But here is his little face in 4-D. He's giving us the "L" for love. Haha.

Now we have to get busy painting... the entire upstairs is bright pink and purple. Not so hot for a little man. And names! What! If you have any ideas please post them... this is quite the ordeal. Oh, and how about this:

"Your baby is between five and six inches long and weighs about seven ounces—about the size of an apple. Pictures of babies at this age show them touching the membrane of the amniotic sac, touching their own faces, reaching for the umbilical cord, pedaling their legs, and sucking their thumbs. Your baby may already have a preference for the left or right hand. In the brain, areas of the nerve cells that serve the senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing are becoming specialized and are forming more complex connections."

How crazy is that?! Childbearing is such a miracle. I can't believe I am part of this process.

Not Yet

2009-11-03T06:20:00.001-08:00

When I asked the nurse if I could please find out the gender, I got a firm and quick "no!" because I wasn't scheduled for an ultrasound... well, I made an appointment for next week and we'll find out next Thursday! I am thinking it's a boy... but my guess is as good as anyone else's!

Congrats Lindsey and Chris on your new baby boy Luke!

Settling In

2009-10-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

The recent weeks have brought so many unexpected events! Quickly:

We found a house the third day we got to Birmingham and after we went back to the house for the millionth time and sat inside for about 2 hours, RJ and I made our offer. We closed a month later and now here we are--didn't think it would happen that fast but we feel very blessed! And don't be deceived by the yard in the picture... we have a lot of work to do.

We also found out that our sweet baby is due a couple weeks earlier than expected, putting the due date to April 9th! We couldn't be more excited... we get an Easter bunny baby! This picture is at 14 weeks. I am 18 weeks now and we'll most likely find out the gender this Monday!

RJ's parents came in town this week and it was so great to see them. We miss seeing our family as often as we used to, so this week really was wonderful. Sandi and Ren were so great--they helped us get all the extra things we needed for our house. Even just being with them was wonderful! We can't wait to see the rest of the family at the end of November for Thanksgiving... counting down the days! But let's not forget the family that we DO have in Alabama, the Childresses, which we're so lucky to have and we love them a lot.

One last note, I want to thank everyone who was so sweet to my family during my brother's accident. That kid is a rock star and he is doing better every day! He can even walk, despite the fence post that went through his leg! It was truly a miracle.

Hopefully this Monday you'll get the gender update!

We Made It!

2009-09-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

...To Albuquerque, then San Antonio, Austin, and now finally we're "home" in Birmingham, Alabama! (I will have to get used to calling it that.) Although we could do without the Roll Tide and wish for a little more Ute pride, I don't think we'll be finding that here except on the Utah Football t-shirts RJ is always wearing. RJ has lived in the South most of his life... in Louisiana and Texas, however, this is a whole new world for me. Number one: you haven't seen rain until you've seen it in the South! Nor have you heard accents so thick that it takes a minute to process "Y'all come back now, hear?" And I've never heard frogs outside my window before. But you know what-- Alabama is beautiful. There are trees everywhere. When you're driving you're either in the middle of them and can't see what's around you or you're on the freeway and you just see the road ahead and miles and miles of green trees. You don't even see buildings popping out of the top. The people are so nice, not great at driving (I've almost been hit twice), but they're so willing to help us "northerners" as we were so lovingly called. We're in the process of finding a house and we absolutely love our new ward. And having family here is such a blessing! I think we're really going to like it here.