Livin' in the 'Copa

'Who Hair' Tutorial for my Ward Party!!!!!!!!

2010-12-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

Dr. Seuss ‘Who Hair’ Tutorial

By Chelsea Jenkins

There are many ways to do ‘who hair’, this is just one that’s super easy and gets the effect done. I’ve added example pictures to the bottom that show more ideas. You can add braids with wire in them and shape them however, add curls, and of course ribbons to accessorize your ‘who hair’. Also, men can do ‘who hair’… think curls and gel to get his hair standing up. Really, any wacky hair is ‘who hair’. Have Fun and I can’t wait to see everyone’s styles on Saturday at the ward party!!!!!!!!!

1. These are the supplies you’ll need to do this simple version of ‘who hair’:

Water bottles or cups (I used the small 8oz ones for this but you could use bigger. These are really good for kids who don’t have super long hair yet)

Hair rubber bands

And a comb

2. For this tutorial I chose to do pigtails of sorts, so next I created a part down my head. And tied one half up so it’d be out of my way.

3. Next separate your hair evenly and place a water bottle in the middle of your hair where you want your pigtail to stand up.

4. Pull your hair up towards the top of your water bottle doing your best to cover the bottle as you go. Once all of your hair is up, tie a rubber band around your hair and the ‘drinking part’ of your water bottle. (that’s the only way I can think of describing it right now.)

5. Now, do the same thing to the other half of your hair.

6. Finally, it’s time to accessorize! I added some ribbons bows and when it’s for reals, I would definitely add some curly to the left over hair at the top that hangs.

It’s be fun to do even just one or even three of these ‘cones’ on your head for ‘who hair’. Also adding braids would definitely bump up the cuteness of it. Enjoy a few more example pictures and we’ll see you and your fabulous ‘who hair’ and pajama looks on Saturday! 5:30pm at the ward building!!!!!

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

For even more ideas try googling How the Grinch stole Christmas Images

and you should find even more examples!

new headbands

2010-05-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

I got a talking to last night from my mom telling me to post and to show the things I make. So, today I made these headbands for my girls. Carma was walking around with these fake flowers and the idea came to me.
I separted these flowers and cut them into smaller petals.

Then I just glued them onto the headband.

I think it turned out pretty cute and Carma just loves hers.

I made Pearl one too and she's already practicing her pageant faces. I'm so proud!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

2010-02-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Great Grandma OG sent the girls a special valentine with a $2 bill inside! Carma was super excited to open her mail, and Pearl thought the money was super tasty. Thanks OG!

We love you!

And look at my big girl practicing using the potty! She just likes to sit and read even if she doesn't go at all.

It's been a while

2009-12-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

Carma has been playing 'Princess Fairy' as much as possible these days since she got these wings and jewelry for Christmas. It's been so cute watching her put everything on and take it off and then put it on again!

She was even nice enough to let Pearl borrow some earings for a bit.

Pearl figured out how to put her pacifier in her mouth all by herself. One time I looked down at her and she was sucking on the wrong end! Classic!

After Dusty went to work this morning, the girls woke up and joined me in my bed... it's a perfect way to spend the morning.

And finally this is almost all of the grandkids on my side of the family (we're missing Conway) on Christmas Eve. We always get them matching PJs and they all really enjoy it!

Halloween Pictures

2009-11-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

I finally found some time where I wasn't busy and both girls were happy enough to take new pictures of them in their Halloween costumes... please enjoy

For pictures of me in my costume, please referr to my Mom's blog :)

Guess What...

2009-11-05T11:12:00.001-08:00

This handsome guy was just nomionated for

FireFighter / EMT of the Year!

It's a national title...

And I'm very proud of him!

I'm on YouTube!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is my premier event on YouTube... A moment in history not to be missed... A moment our childrens' children's children will talk about... A moment when peace and love have been restored upon this Earth, if only for but a moment... Take a deap breath and please enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RicmjtSMqik

Sisters

2009-10-07T19:33:00.001-07:00

There's nothing like holding your sisters' hand while watching a show. In fact I just did this with Brooke the other night... it's magical!

Carma's CRAZY Hair

2009-09-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

Carma has been having some crazy hair lately. I've been taking pictures so we could have it documented forever. Someday she'll either laugh or hate me for it, but probably both.

Enjoy...

(I thought we'd try out rag curlers)

This is straight out of her bed

And this is after I brushed through the mess...

We had to wet her hair down and start again before church.

My Daddy

2009-09-18T08:54:00.001-07:00

My Dad is the greatest!

I don't know who took this picture, but I'm so glad I found it online.

INTRODUCING...

2009-09-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

Pearl Cory Jenkins

Aug. 31, 2009

7lbs 9oz

21 1/4 inches

Yes, she did come! We forced her out too early but she's here. We're thrilled to have her!

Leaving the Hospital

Sisters!

Carma LOVES Pearl so much and is really great with her. I'm excited to have two beautiful daughters!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

(Carma and Dusty leaving the hospital)

Can you believe we're going to have another one of these cute things tomorrow??!!!

I sure can't!

Cory Justin Jenkins

2009-08-26T03:12:00.000-07:00

Cory Justin Jenkins

February 8, 1979- August 25, 2009

This is my brother in law who was killed in Afghanistan. We miss him dearly.

I Love My Husband!!!

2009-08-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning Dusty came home from work with these pretty flowers.

He knew my day was terrible on Saturday and just wanted me to be happy...

What a guy!

My Day

2009-08-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

This morning at 5 am I woke up to finish a cake for this afternoon and here's what I found-

BUMMER!

So I make a new one and start covering the other layers with fondant.

And then here's what happened-

My fondant cracks and starts to slip off the cake. (I know the bottom looks crazy but I already knew it wasn't going to work cuz it started cracking right after i put it on the cake. That's why I didn't even try to make the bottom smooth.)

Anyways, I decide to cut the cake price in half and ditch the fondant all together. I frost and decorate it and here's how it turned out-

Pretty cute!

Then all hell breaks loose-

A little chunk falls off... (the party starts in 10 minutes by the way)
Then a bigger chunk falls off... (no one bumped it or touched it at all!)

Then more big chunks fall off
And this is what it looks like by the end of the day.
I gave then the top tier that was all still one piece and bought them a costco cake and cried myself home. I guess it's true what they say... Shit Happens.

For your viewing pleasure, here are Carma and I in Oregon at the worlds largest sea cave. It was filled with hundreds of sea lions and it was pretty cool to see.

We're not sitting with real sea lions, just in case you were confused.

4th of July Weekend in Steilacoom, WA

2009-07-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July, we headed up to Steilacoom, WA to visit Dusty's older brother, Cory. Cory and his wife Brooke just had a baby and he's being deployed to Afghanistan next week, so we went up to bless the baby and say goodbye. We had a lot of family time and fun. On the 4th we went to the city festival and parade and it was by far my favorite part of the weekend. Carma loved watching the parade!

And ate TONS of candy!

And Dusty got especially excited when the firetrucks drove by. He's such a fire nerd!

On one of the days we rented a boat to go fishing and crabbing in (we didn't catch any fish but we did catch one crab). Carma loved her lifejacket just long enough for me to get some pictures but then cried the rest of the time. Oh, and notice Dusty's Mohawk his brother gave him.

(I really, really liked it but he got rid of it once we came home.)

This is the whole Jenkins' Family. We're lucky to have each other to take fun trips with!

My Latest Project

2009-06-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Our rocking chair was so disgusting that I really wanted to buy a new one before this baby comes. Dusty and I decided we'd rather wait and get a really comfy 'man chair' (as he calls it) later. So, I used left over fabric from my curtains that I made and our bed sheet from our old bed to recover this chair. I'm really happy with how well it turned out!

Spicing up the Kitchen

2009-06-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

My ward had an enrichment last night and we were all supposed to wear our favorite apron. I really loved how mine turned out! I won Most Outrageous Apron and I couldn't have been more proud. You're welcome to borrow it whenever your kitchen needs a little spicing up!

Always use Protection

2009-06-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Dusty and I just bought a new king size bed (FINALLY!) for oursleves. When I lifted up his size of our old bed to take it apart, this is what I found. At least he's always prepared!

I'm Back

2009-06-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

I have fallen victim of blog neglact. I wasn't planning it, we just fell out of love for a while. But I want this relationship to work so here I am, blogging my heart out. I've gathered some pictures from the past months and I will share them with you. Wow, you are so very lucky.

Carma has learned to make a cheesy smile when I tell her to "say cheese". It's pretty cute. I guess we've officially entered into the generic smile phase of her life.

The fire department threw a water safety day with jumpy jumps and snow cones and we even got to check out the airevac helicopters. Dusty was pretty stoked about the helicopter being there but he was really bumbed they weren't giving free rides this year. waa waa.

Carma and I did get to go to the beach with my mom and sisters for almost a week and we had so much fun! Carma is definately a water baby and loved playing in the sand too. She and her cousins had a blast playing together! Aren't these three so presh!?

I love watching all the kids play together. this picture reminds me of being little and playing in the water and getting sandy crotch and loving every minute of it. I'm glad our kids get to make their own memories at the same beach that so many of my memories took place.

Carma LOVES to give Daisy kisses, but it still makes Kelli and I nervous that she might bite her again. But I think she's getting a lot better.

And finally here I am in all my glory. I took this last week at 27 weeks. I never took any progressive pictures of my belly with Carma and I really wish I had. This is the first one I've taken so far so I'm a bit behind but I'll try and remeber to do it. I'm due Sept 2 and I'm feeling really good so far. I'm gearing myself up for a hot summer, but I think it'll go by fast. We're going on a couple trips in July which will help.

I promise to be better about blogging... I think.

I Promise I Give Her Naps

2009-04-07T19:07:00.001-07:00

...She just didn't get one today.

I'm Your Host, Guy Smiley!!!!!!

2009-03-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night I got to be the game show host for our enrichment activity. I had a blast being 'Guy Smiley' and making our Relief Society laugh until they wet their pants. Hopefully I can find another time to bring Guy back and have fun looking rediculous and acting a fool... Enjoy the Show!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sleeping and Eating

2009-03-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

Really the perfect combination in life... sleeping and eating.

This girl is so damn cute!

Firefighting + Cake= Magic

2009-02-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

My oldest BF had her baby shower today. She's having a little boy and since her husband just got hired with Flagstaff Fire, they are decorating all things firefighter. She asked me to make a cake for the festivities, and I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Making cakes is just so much fun!

Ugly Dress Party

2009-02-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to an Ugly Dress Party. It was pretty sweet! We played some games and hung out and then most everyone stayed to watch 27Dresses. Here I am going for the 'Mother of the Bride' look. I think I pulled it off very well. A small bun, black nylons with open toed thinged shoes, and my perfectly placed clutch. I was really proud of my outfit.

Dusty had a hard time taking me seriously when I tried to give him a kiss before I left, so I guess I looked as bad as I had hoped.

Check out the other ladies dresses HERE.

Cousins are Grand!

2009-02-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

I'm glad Carma has such wonderful cousins who all love each other and, for the most part, really get along well. They are all so great and I hope they know how much I love each of them.

Here all of them are on Christmas Eve... excpet Daisy was at her other grandma's house and Conway was still living his life under water.

Cousins are good to help watch you take a bath after demolishing your birthday cake.

And they're great for holding you and rocking you... even when you might not want to be held.

And they're GREAT for cuddling in Costco while you're both enjoying a set of keys.

Baby Conway is Here!!!!!!!

2009-02-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

Last night my little sister had her darling baby boy, Conway.

Devan was such a champ and pushed the little guy out like she's been doing it all her life.

Conway is super cute and perfect and I'm so happy he's in our family.

Three Cheers For Conway!

HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!!

HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our First Family Hike

2009-02-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

I used to tell Dusty that I hated hiking and I didn't want to go. I was an idiot! Last friday Dusty took the day off for some family fun and we went on a beautiful hike. It was the most wonderful day! We had so much fun and Carma sat so happily in her new hiking backpack.

It was a perfect family fun day!

After the hike we went to Paradise Bakery for lunch and in true chubby baby fashion,

Carma loved her cookie! I love that Chubby Baby!

Carma's ONE!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-29T06:50:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday she turned one!

We celebrated with our family on Sunday and had a blast!

I love this little girl so much.

She makes me happy every time I see her and I'm really glad she's mine. Happy Birthday Princess!!!

All Skate... Now Reverse

2009-01-26T21:16:00.001-08:00

Some grils from my ward and I all went roller skating tonight. It was a ton of fun and a pretty great workout. I wore my 80's skating gear and if I do say so myself, I looked hot! It was a lot of fun to hang out with these girls and I'm definately going back to Skateland again!

The guy who took this picture didn't do a very good job of centering us or

getting our skates in the picture... LAME!

I showed the girls how to 'get down' for the hoky poky!

Skating our cares away!

I heart you, roller skating!

laundry

2009-01-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

She's such a great help!

See Ya 2008!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T13:28:00.001-08:00

I thought 2008 was pretty kick @$$! I had a baby, lost a little of the baby weight, went on some sweet vacations to the beach and then on a week long cruise to Alaska, gained some of the weight back, watched Carma grow into this darling little girl who I love and adore, and then got pregnant again (due late Aug)! I hope 2009 is just as awesome!

Tonight I'm going to party hard with all my family and some friends at my Mom's house! It's gonna be off the chain!!!!!!!

We Can't Get Rid Of It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-23T17:10:00.000-08:00

Remember when we couldn't find Carma's umbilical cord after it had fallen off? Remember when we did end up finding it a few weeks later and we thought we threw it away...? Well, it has since made it's way back into our lives and Dusty found it yesterday. He wouldn't tell me where. That's gross.

We threw it away again. The Saga Continues...

AZ Mills

2008-12-18T21:26:00.001-08:00

Arizona Mills has always been a little bit ghetto, but yesterday when I was there it took me to another world. While traveling through crazy Mills I saw all sorts of insane things. Multiple times I found myself in the middle of what looked like a gang fight ready to erupt. I'm talking different gangs on all sides looking at me and sweet baby Carma like we were a tender juicy steak ready to be devoured. For most of my trip through the mall I carried Carma on my hip and pushed our stroller so I would know for sure if someone had snatched her away from me. Besides the countless gangsters (not even cool, fashion forward gangsters! What a waste!), I saw more man/ladies than on a Tyra Banks special. This is the closest picture I could find to the kind of trany's I saw and he/she doesn't even do them justice. Picture a more manly face, more make-up, some EVE style breast tatoos (you know, the paw prints) and cheaper looking clothes. Then, times it by the 3 or 4 of them roaming around... my mind was spinning.

After a while I finally came across a Santa sitting in his chair with not a soul in line to take a picture with him. He had the twiddling thumbs kind of boredom. However, I didn't even take pity on this man and get a picture. I was much too afraid of stopping and having someone steal something. - A few hundred feet later in my journey I saw another Santa wondering around. Not only was it another Santa, but it was Black Santa! He looked a lot like this guy. The best part was that it was clear he was just some dude who decided to dress as Santa and parade around AZ Mills. I felt bad for the normal white Santa who was back there, all alone, while Black Santa came and stole all of the lime light. But like I said, AZ Mills is Ghetto! And Black Santa's are really hot this year... everywhere is all sold out!

i can't stop

2008-12-15T11:46:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

it's so funny!

2008-12-15T11:43:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

More on these talented elves

2008-12-15T11:41:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

For your viewing pleasure...

2008-12-15T11:37:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

On Stockings...

2008-12-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

I couldn't find a stocking for Carma that matches the ones Dusty and I already have so I decided to make new ones. I kept with my new theme (which I LOVE and can't get enough of... I'm going to go crazy when Christmas stuff goes even more on sale soon!) and I made these stockings! I'm really proud of them! I even made a few extras without names, dingleballs,

or snowflakes for our future kids!

Family Pictures!

2008-12-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

We got some family photos taken and although in some of them I had four chins, we did end up with a few good shots... then the miracle of photoshop worked it's wonders and now the shots are great! I haven't decided which one's I want her to touchup for me, but our photog did these for her blog. I think we are a cute little family!

Snowflakes!

2008-12-04T17:50:00.001-08:00

I love these felt snowflakes that I made for my kitchen! Terrell Hoffman in my ward showed us how to make them out of paper at our Super Saturday and I just 'made them my own' as they say. I used felt and sprayed them with glitter which helped them stiffen up. Then I hot glued them together, added some ribbon and tada, darling snowflakes! I've decided that snowflakes of all colors shapes and sizes will be my Christmas theme. Dusty thinks I've rushed into a theme pretty fast and wants me to really think it through, but hey, he never likes my ideas until I do them. It just drives me nuts that he thinks he has a say in what I do around the house.

How Did This Happen To Me?

2008-12-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

I have faux self esteem.

It's true and I cannot deny my condition. I stress about getting dressed and finding something that I think I look decent in. This process can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes or even more. Sometimes I find an outfit to where out of the house, and I think I look pretty good and thin. See Exhibit A. Then I see a picture of myself in that very same outfit when I'm foolishly feeling good about myself and I realize my Faux Self Esteem mentality is in full force.

See Exhibit B. It's sad, really.

The End.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

I'm Thankful for this Guy!

2008-11-27T00:30:00.000-08:00

Just a few short hours ago, Dusty and I had our 3 year anniversary! He's pretty great, you know. I'm lucky to be married to him and all of his sensitive soul ways. It's hard to find a man who's favorite movie is Serendipity and/or Steal Magnolias; who would rather chat with the ladies than watch a sporting event; but who is also the strongest man I know (umm next to my Daddy of course- but I think Dad's should always win in their little girls' eye).

Happy Anniversary you Sexy Sexy Hairy Man!

I love you!

Here are some of the highlights from the big day...

Oh yeah, we drove an ambulance to our hotel room! It was awesome!

A Belt, A Little Crack, & Curtains

2008-11-22T09:24:00.000-08:00

We've been spending a lot of time over at my in-laws home the last couple of weeks. After a few messy meals with no good place to let the baby eat, Dusty and I came up with this...

We just tie her to a chair with Dusty's belt! It's pure genius, really. The only problem is that Dusty really does need a belt to hold his pants up, because Heaven knows he doesn't have a bum to do the job. But who doesn't like a little hairy crack during dinner?

Also, remember when I posted pictures of the fabric I wanted curtians out of? Well, I DID IT! And I really love them! My sewing isn't perfect or even all that straight but it doesn't really show anyways. These curtains are MUCH better than what we had.

Now, I should probably make a t-shirt doll for everyone I know for Christmas...

yeah, I think I will!

What Was I Thinking?

2008-11-13T20:44:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when I'm really bored and I find a HUGE stack of Dusty's old work shirts...

I make a really hideous doll.

I don't even know what to say...

Little Miss Piggy

2008-10-30T23:01:00.001-07:00

I have always thought that Miss Piggy from the Muppets was by far the most annoying muppet there was. Her voice, her co-dependance with Kermit, and the way to she acted almost too good to be a muppet.

(how can a muppet be too good to be a muppet?)

I feel annoyed just thinking about her.

(Spoiler Alert: I'm annoyed by something... again)

Despite the funky taste I get in my mouth when I think of that Muppet-y Pig- when I found this costume at Baby Style, I couldn't refuse!

Just look at how darling my Little Miss Piggy is in all of her chunkified glory!

I wish I could have gotten Sloan (Miss Ladybug) to stand still without screaming to get a good picture of them together!

She played in this ice for about an hour!

I Miss Everything Fun...

2008-10-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

OK, maybe not everything, but sometimes it sure feels like it.

Livin' in the 'Copa isn't as glamorous as I know all of you were thinking.

"Wow! She must live in the most Fabulous city! I'll bet it has a Target, a mall, a movie theatre (that spelling is definitely GLAMOROUS), more than 2 grocery stores, definitely more than 4 sit-down-and-be-served restaurants, and it PROBABLY has more than 1 main road. That Chelsea sure is living in the best city in the world!"

I'm sorry, but you are wrong! Some 'Copa-ians might disagree, but there isn't much good about our city... and I'll prove it!

We only have two grocery stores! How am I truly supposed to find the best deals with only two options?! It's STUPID!

Our stupid city is putting in a Walmart instead of a Target! While Walmart might have better prices, I would gladly pay a little more to have a better shopping experience and Target definitely wins there. HANDS DOWN!

There are no really good sit-down-restaurants... and I will almost ALWAYS choose the being served my food over having to carry a tray of food to my table. Trays make my food taste gross- I know- I'm a food SNOB.

There are abandoned houses EVERYWHERE! It just seems so ghetto and trashy. Or maybe those people are smarter than me for just getting out of the 'Copa. I guess I haven't decided yet.

There are so many more things that I don't like about the 'Copa but I'm starting to feel depressed thinking about it, and I can face the truth- I'm stuck here for a while. But the absolute WORST part about Livin' in the 'Copa is that I live an hour away from my wonderful and fabulous sisters and mom. Blah, Blah, Blah I know I'm actually lucky to live so close when most people don't even live in the same state as their family Blah, Blah. But you know what... I want to live closer. I want to be able to leave my house without luggage. I want it to be practical for them to call me an hour before a 'hang out' and for me to get there in time!

A few weeks all the sisters except me got together to make these felt bats from our Mom's blog. Kelli posted pictures of her cute bats and the pumpkins she felt inspired to make. I missed them when they called me to tell me they were all hanging out that night. But when I read about it today, I hated the 'Copa for what it has turned me into. A home-body.

So I have written this letter to the 'Copa:

Dear 'Copa,

I Hate You!

I hate that you make me miss my sisters and projects with them. Yes, I do still see the sisters a few times per week, but it could be more. You made me miss out on making my Mom's felt bats with them; even though I had already finished making my bats before the aforementioned 'bat making hang out'. But that isn't the point! But aren't they cute? I made mine out of black sparkly material I had made capes out of for our space party in March, and I painted their faces.

'Copa- if I could I'd leave you. Luckily for you, I do like my ward and my friends in my ward a lot.

'Copa- I'll never stay with you forever...

It's not me, it's you.

-Chelsea

Is that a Professional Baton Twirler?

2008-10-21T18:58:00.001-07:00

NO!!! It's me in my Halloween Costume at our family's anual party.

Don't worry... I'm not a Sexy Baton Twirler, just a regular one.

I sure do look like a Sexy one, though... I can't help it!

Can you believe I actually owned costumes similar

to this one when my sisters and I were

Valley Valiant Baton Girls!

NKOTB FOREVA' & ALWAYS

2008-10-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Heaven has finally heard our prayers...

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK IS BACK IN ACTION!!!!

and they're as awesome as ever!

My 4 Fabulous sisters and I went on Monday night and as you'll see fun was had by all!
The fans from the 80's are the same now, just older and fatter,

but they can still scream like 14 year old girls

Half way through the show the sexy sexy New Kids came to the middle of the audience and they weren't even 20 feet away. It was like they were singing only to us.

So Romantic!

So Dead Sexy!

Look at that girls' bum! It was MESMERIZING!

Is that a Red Brassiere you ask?

Why YES IT IS!

It wouldn't be a NKOTB concert if I didn't remove my 'over the shoulder boulder holder' and give it to Devan to throw at the beloved New Kids.

Sorry Mom... I didn't know how to tell you in person so I left this part out.

I won't blame you if you don't call me for a few days.

Really, I deserve it.

But really, you probably weren't going to call me for anything specific anyways, right?

See you friday night where I intend to further embarrass you.

The throw didn't quite make it to the stage, but I believe in my heart that they did see it and appreciate my undying love and affection. Once they went back to the main stage I went and found said brassiere lying on the ground in a mystery liquid...

I'll never wash and/or wear it again out of respect for the best night of my life...

unless of course I need to.

In closing I'd just like to thank one last time Joey, Donnie, Jordan, Jon, and Danny for being who they are and singing great classics. I love you boys.

If you want me to I will run away with you-

but can I bring my sisters with me?

Thank you.

Thank you New Kids On The Block!

You will live on inside of me forever!

Look What I Did

2008-10-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

I've been working at a High School being their choreographer for this show. This was my second time doing it and I really love it... even though some days I wanted to murder them! (Don't worry- I didn't) I'm really greatful that they keep asking me back and that they're planning on bringing me back again next year! Last night we had our first performance and I will admit that I really wanted to be up there performing also. It's been super fun to be a part of their show and a really great experience. It reminded me how much I love performing and teaching. It also reminded me how much I love being home with Carma. Tonight's our last performance and then I'll be off the clock and ready to hang out during the day again! WOO HOO!!!!!!

Isn't the lighting cool?! It really makes everything I choreographed look so much cooler!

This is a MESSY FACE!!!!!

2008-09-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

...but it's so cute!

Random Cuteness

2008-09-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

I've been working at Desert Vista High School doing some choreography for their choir concert next week, so I've been super busy going to school everyday and REALLY tired. (How did they decide I'm qualfied for this job? I'm really not sure.) But my baby is getting really big and cute! She even got her first tooth last Thursday! I'll get a picture of it soon. She also just started pulling herself up and standing next to her toy box, me, Dusty, or whatever else she can reach... the couches are still too tall to grab onto. Man she's the greatest!

Here she has figured out a nice way to carry her doll around...

get it stuck to the velcro of her bib!

(I NEVER make her wear a bib unless she's eating something and she had just finished lunch and I forgot to take it off cuz I was on the phone. I'm not one of those kinds of people! Don't worry!)

She wouldn't let us take her dress off, so she just kept standing up and leaning into the dress as he tried over and over again. We enjoyed it.
Last weekend I went with Hilari to take her oldest boys and Brooke's boys to ice hockey lessons. They did really great and had a lot of fun. I didn't get good pictures of Blue and Xander but here are Slade and Nash rocking the hockey mask!

I'm a HERO... kind of

2008-09-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

Dusty and I just got back from donating blood... I'm glad I can do it and it's especially nice to give back since Dusty's dad just recieved blood after his triple bypass surgery 2 weeks ago. I just wish I could have finished. That's right just as I was reaching the point where they can actually use my blood for someone else I passed out. Dusty said he could see me turn from my beautiful normal color to a not so beautiful gray. Every time I try and give I pass out... but the nurses there said that I should keep trying since it's such a good thing. They said they can use my blood for testing. Dusty was able to finish his no problem and the nurses were really nice and held Carma the whole time. So, I'm still a Hero... right?

My Mess

2008-09-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

This is my "craft/junk" table that is only supposed to be a craft table... I've started a lot of projects and haven't finished them yet so... it's a mess.

I'm using this fabric to make curtains for my living room/ kitchen windows

... what do you think?

(I really like it so don't be too harsh if you don't)

Maybe my first project should be to clean up my projects. Eh...

Turning Japenese

2008-08-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

We've found an excelent new use of our pantry... Carma's new bedroom!

We'll be able to fit so many more kids into this house now.

Dusty and I were very careful with her in there, she didn't even come close to falling out.

In other news chek out this crazy awesome lightning storm from last night...
I know Brooke will think it's awesome!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!!

2008-08-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

I finally got my computer fixed! I can't tell you how stoked I am! It's been not working for a couple weeks now and before that I had been on an awesome vacation season. I'll be sure to post some pictures soon, but for now just think about how great it feels to finally have me back!

I'm a Bad Friend

2008-06-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

My good friend Niki sent Carma this cute headband a while ago and I forgot to send her a thank you. I love it and Carma looks so sweet wearing it. So I'll shout it to the blog world...

THANK YOU NIKI!!!

I'm so sorry I'm a crappy friend and you're a nice one. Love Ya!

My Daughter is Weird

2008-06-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

This is how I found her the other day after her nap.

Just laying there calm and talking to herself.

It was so funny to watch her like this!

She's pretty Cute!

In other news:

This is Gracie and Carma just hanging out during Sunday night dessert.

Gracie is such a nice friend!

Pickle Mania 2008

2008-06-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

I found a good deal on pickling cucumbers through my Bountiful Basket,

so I decided to buy a few to can and make pickles. And by a few I mean

50 POUNDS OF CUCUMBERS!!!

That's a lot of pickles! Brooke and I got together and hung out and pickled ourselves silly.

The prep work was the longest part of the process but it sill took our whole day. We ended up with 36 pint size jars of spears and 24 quarts of slices. Yes we canned 60 jars of pickles.

Hopefully they taste good!

Our little helper Remi

If I could live soley on pickles, my three month food storage supply would be done!

Thank Goodness It's Friday

2008-05-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't eaten at TGI Fridays many times, but I have eaten at this one once. I went to this fine dinning establishment the day my husband was sworn into the Fire Department.

It was my first night during my marriage of having to be alone at night and I was really sad about it (I did not liked what I had gotten myself into, but don't worry I kinda enjoy it now).

After his ceremony I drove home and cried a little and then ate myself silly at this very TGI Fridays.

Well, last Sunday it burned.

We saw the smoke from the freeway on our way home and we couldn't help but stop and look.

At the time I had totally forgotten about that night I spent alone here but it came back to me as I looked at these pictures tonight.

So goodbye full order of boneless wings.

Goodbye big hamburger.

And goodbye 2 (yes I ate 2 that night) desserts.

Thanks for healing my wounded heart on Dec 6, 2005...

I'll miss what we once had.

4 Months Old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today was Carma's 4 month old birthday!

We spent the day lounging in our pajamas and watching TV.

We also went on a walk and Carma ate a big bowl of rice cereal. She's getting so big and fun! Here are some pictures for your enjoyment...

Just playing around!
"No pictures, please! I'm eating!"
"What?"

Weather is Weird!

2008-05-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

The last two days it's been crazy hot and then today it was chilly and rained all day long! It's so Queer (as in weird not gay)!!!!!!! SO... Carma and I stayed inside and napped and watched Lifetime Original Movies. I also got to watch her try to get her pacifier back into her mouth...

It was cute!

After she dropped it I felt like I had to give her some help. She tried really hard though!
I did get a little bit of folding done too, so the day wasn't a complete waste.

IT'S HOT!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

It was REALLY hot today! I seriously couldn't believe it. My friend Diana and I went swimming with Dana and Liz. It was so nice to be in the pool and Carma really did love it... despite her crying face in the first picture. She didn't have a good nap beforehand so she was a little crouchy, but as soon as we got in the water she was loving life again. Isn't her bikini DARLING?!!!!! Thanks Aunt Hilari for such a fabulous gift. And thanks Dana and Liz for letting us into your pool! It rocked my socks off!

Let Them Eat Cake

2008-05-10T22:20:00.001-07:00

Last night I helped my girlfriend make this cake for her daughter's first birthday. I'm really proud of it! I'm getting better with making and using fondant but I still have a long way to go.

It sure was cute though!!!

playin' around

2008-05-05T17:13:00.001-07:00

Today Carma was playing with her toy and she fell asleep like this... with her leg up on the toy.

When she woke up and started to play again, she decided she'd try it blindfolded!
My little girl is so dang cute!!!!!!

I LOVE BALLS

2008-05-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

I purchased one of these for myself and man is it a hard work out! It's short, but my fat tummy is SORE! Thank you Bender Ball for making my work outs a little more efficient and a little more fun. Once I get a tummy like the one on the video cover, I'll dedicate it to you!

p.s. The phone call to purchase the bender ball took about 45minutes and no, it did not come out to be only $9.99... but why did I actually think it would?

One Crazy Week

2008-04-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

This last week I finished my short choreography job at Desert Vista High School. It was a BLAST!!!!! I loved getting to work with the kids and teacher I student taught with, and it was just so much fun being back in a classroom. The kids performed great on Thursday night and I had to miss Friday's performance, but I heard they rocked. I really loved working with Mr. De Valk. We get along great and have really similar ideas of what a choir program should be. We really compliment each other's strengths and I can't wait to work with him again! He's already asked me to come back in September and choreograph the show again! I can't wait!

Here's Mr. D with Carma!

The best part about the job is that he's happy to have me bring Carma to work with me. It's the perfect gig for me right now!

The boys in the Men's Choir love Carma to death and always took such great care of her.

This is Nick. He's a little odd but so freakin' hilarious.

Tony lovin' him some baby Carma.

Michael Showing off his skills.

And the whole Men's Choir gang. It may be dorky of me, but I really fell in love with these boys and I'm going to miss them a bunch.

Like I said before I missed Friday night's performance because we celebrated my

Mom's 50th Birthday!!!!!!!
We surprised he and took her to a private pole dancing class. It was a crazy hard work out and so much fun. We all want to sign up for the weekly class and get our stripper moves perfected!

Devan Rocking the Pole!

Me doing a sweet spin... it would be sexier if I wasn't so fat, but I'm working on that...

I'm busy this week... and next

2008-04-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

I'm working this week and next at a high school teaching the choirs choreography for their "Pops" concert so I'm really busy. BUT, here are some pictures of my cute baby and two of her cousins... Cruz LOVED to give her kisses the whole time we were in California last weekend. He's turning out to be such a nice big cousin!

Carma & Sloan

They may not know it yet, but these girls will be best buddies!

(Plus Kelli's baby when she comes in July)
Just super cute!

Mom and Carma

My Green Thumb

2008-04-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

No matter what my husband or sisters for that matter, might tell you depending on the day... No, I am not turning into the Wicked Witch of the West. I'm not turning green. BUT, Dusty and I did start a garden in our backyard and my thumbs are now officially 'green'. We've planted a lot of vegetables and some fruits according to the Square Foot Gardening method. Our backyard still needs a lot of work and we're slowly going to get it done.

However, here's our yard before the garden...

Dusty built the whole thing. In all of his OCD fashion he spent much time planning it out and measuring, over and over and over again. Here's the finished product! We poured cement, laid all the bricks oursleves and then shoveled 3 truck-loads of dirt into the backyard and 1 super truck-load of mulch/manure. I will toot my own horn and say that I did 75% of the shoveling myself without Dusty. He just had to work the days we could get dirt from a home builder down the road.

It's working! We planted Tomatos, Cucumbers, Jalepenos, Bell Peppers, Corn, Carrots, Onions, Basil, Cilantro, Yellow Squash, Zuccini Squash, Cantelope, Watermelon, and Pumpkin!

Here's our little pumpkin plant starting to sprout!

Cantelope!

Tomatos, bell peppers, cucumbers, and jalepenos-

all started from plants grown at Home Depot.

Corn!

Stay tuned for more pictures once the crop starts to come in!

Random Events in the Copa

2008-04-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while (Doi Doi you can figure that out for yourself! Just look at the dates!) But I'm having a hard time deciding what to even post about. Either way, here are some random pictures of my most recent days...

Dusty sold his truck last week! Being a one car family is not fun so hopefully he'll find his replacment car soon. He wants to find a 4 door deisel truck that we can convert into a truck that runs one VEGETABLE OIL!!!! It is such a crazy thing that you can actually do that and it works! We went down to Tucson to visit a friend who's ben running his truck and Excursion on veggie oil for over two years and loves it. He showed us the ropes and what we need to do. It is a messy project but Dusty has promised to keep it as clean as possible. So, once we find a truck and convert it we will just get used veggie oil from restaurants and bring it home and filter it ourselves. Then we'll put it into our truck and that will be our family car we use to drive to our parents houses or to my sisters houses. We won't have to spend a dime on oil. It's cool!

Good bye Red Chevy, we'll miss you.

This is Carma one day after Dusty did a terrible job dressing her. Her onsie is skin tight and her jeans don't even remotely fit. and then he wanted her to use her alien paci. from the space party. For a man so concerned with matching I'm not sure what he was thinking.

Carma's not sure either!

This is Carma's first tast of pineapple. We let her lick a piece and she's not a fan!

And finally, my lil sweet pea in the bath. She absolutely loves them! She and I could sit in the bath for hours and she'd be laughing and smiling the whole time. She's smiling so much this last week and it's making life so much more fun. Who knew I could make someone so dang cute! (Phew!)

Payson, Prescott, or Pinetop... Yeah! Pinetop!

2008-03-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

Last week Dusty, Carma and I went on a vacation for spring break. When I was telling my dad we were going I couldn't remember which 'P' city it was. For the record though, we were in Pinetop. It was fun to hang out with Dusty's little brother Brett and his parents. We only wish his other two brothers could have come too. We played LOTS of card games. By the end of the trip I could only think about my card strategy. But the best part was playing in the snow. It only lasted a day (which is plenty for me!) and we only went out in it for a little while, but it was really fun.
Here are the highlights...
Brett with our little snow bunny!
Grandma, Grandpa and Carma

Dusty and Brett's awesome car man

More car art

The snow was blowing right into her face and she DID NOT like it. Grandpa almost got in a lot of trouble because he almost lost one of our crystal pacifiers in the snow... Maybe I shouldn't have brought the white one outside in the snow.

My Baby is a GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Carma rolled over today! It was awesome! There was a man here who was fixing our front door and Carma and I were on the floor looking through some music I need to learn. I put her on her tummy so she could get some exercise and after just a minute or two she was on her back! I was totally amazed! I was so excited that I yelled,
"Mike (the door guy), my baby just rolled over for the first time!"
I'm sure he didn't care but even still he yelled back at me,
"Congrats Chelsea, That's Awesome!"
And let me tell you his excitement was believable. After that I ran and got the video camera, put her on her tummy again and violla... she did it again. Then I remembered that I don't know how to get Video camera footage on the computer yet so I got my still camera which can take short silent video and this was the outcome...
This was her third time in a row! Later on Dusty's lil brother came over to help me unload some dirt for our new garden (pictures to come) and she even did it again for him!
Carma is Brilliant!!!!

Space Party!!!!!!!

2008-03-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

I've been dying to show my pictures from the Space Party but I had left my Camera at me mother's abode. But I got it back! Here's my UFO cake with the homemade fondant.

Homemade is definately the way to go. it was much easier to work with than the pre-made/ store bought crap. I thought it was a bit boring so...

I made it "spacier" by adding metallic stars and rhinestones-

not edible ones as my Mom found out..

That's me in the Spacetastic rocket ship my Mom built.

And Kelli...

And here's us as multi-eyed aliens. It was a last minute costume idea that turned out to be awesome! I love googlie eyes! Notice the bra OVER the shirt... a classic!

My Name is Chelsea...

2008-03-11T18:26:00.001-07:00

I'm tired of not having any clothes to wear because I'm so much bigger than I'd like to be. I went shopping for a few essentials to hold me over while I lose this 'baby weight' and it was a sad experience for me. I managed to get a few items but it wasn't as fun as shopping should be.

So, I'm admitting to the blogosphere that

"My name is Chelsea, and I have some weight to lose."

I've officially started working on my problem today, and I can't 'weight' to feel like myself again!

WISH ME LUCK!

Daddy / Daughter Tummy Time

2008-03-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

I just thought they looked so cute together!

2008-03-05T15:38:00.001-08:00

My little sister just turned 22 and she's having a space themed party on Saturday Night. My Mom is making some amazing decorations and I volunteered to make the cake. I'm trying to build my cake decorating skills up so that I can be really good. I haven't decided exactly what this cake will look like but I've been wanting to try to make my own fondant to cover it with.

Today I tried it and it acctually turned out ok. I should have sifted my powdered sugar first though... oh well; live and learn.

Dusty took some pictures of my adventure...

There's my finished fondant. I'll post pictures of the true final project once I'm done.

My Morning

2008-03-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

Carma and I folded a lot of Laundry today. It was boring.

However, I did watch a few good shows!
With all the excitment of the morning, she fell asleep.

Best Month of my Life!

2008-02-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

My Baby is ONE MONTH old today!!!!

I cannot believe how fast this month has gone by!

I love being Carma's mom. I love getting to spend every day staring at her sweet face and wondering how I got so lucky to have her as a daughter. She's such a good baby!

Happy One Month Birthday Carma! Mom and Dad love you!

Doesn't this face just kill you with sweetness?!

Big Breakfast and Bigger Laughs

2008-02-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night my big sister invited me and my two other sisters over for a big breakfast. Devan brought pancake/waffle batter out of a spray can and although I was skeptical...

THEY WERE DELICIOUS!!!!

Hilari also made biscuits and gravy, fried potatoes, and bacon!!!!

Who doesn't LOVE a Big Breakfast?

Next I taught Cruz about the love of eating whipped cream alone. He quickly caught on and we had to keep filling his plate sky high with it as he ate it with his hands.

At one point Devan went into the restroom and came out looking like this...

We laughed our tush's off and she showed us how to sport the one horned look. We were laughing so hard that hilari thought it would be a great idea to track down this girl at Kohls to show her our new look. We ended up missing her at the store but we shopped anyways and had a blast.

I'm so glad I left the 'Copa on Friday and went to play with the girls!

Our days off as a family

2008-02-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

Dusty and I have decided not to drink soda anymore (don't tell him I had one last night at dinner!) in our quest to lose weight. We had a 2 liter of diet coke left over so we got some mentos and had some fun! We took awesome video of this adventure but I can't figure out how to put it on my blog... can anyone help? Anyways, these pictures tell the story...

MISSING... Yucky Little Black Thing

2008-02-18T21:53:00.001-08:00

Carma lost her umbilical cord on Saturday afternoon. Yeah for her! The only bad thing is...

I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!

We've searched high and low and it is nowhere to be found. We won't rest (comfortably at least) until this mystery is solved. Pray for us!

Let's Blog!

2008-02-15T16:46:00.000-08:00

Well It's about time for me to start a blog. I've graduated college and have given birth... Isn't the next step in life starting a blog?

My family and I live in Maricopa where my Husband is a firefighter and I'm a new Mom!

This is me and my man!

(I choose a 2 yr old wedding picture because we're both so much cuter then.)

This is my beautiful daughter, Carma. She was born on Jan 28th and I can't believe how wonderful it is to have her here with us. We love her so much! She's just so great!

So that's our little family! I'm excited to start this blog so I can chronical our super exciting daily lives! (Carma and I didn't get out of bed till 11am this morning!) This bloging thing is going to rock my socks off!