The Last One To Go

LaVor's younger brother got married on Tuesday, being the last sibling to take the plunge.


The ceremony was lovely, weather had cleared up and they both looked great.


I wish I knew why I feel the need to cry every time I make a wedding cake. My excuse this time...being 9 months pregnant. I don't think I've been hormonal but I'm going to pull "the card" for this one.

The reception was magical with the glimmering silver and lights.


Thanksgiving has come and gone, Christmas is behind us, the wedding is over. Next big thing...the arrival of The Lime.

He's Famous!

Can an unborn child be famous? I suppose if the parents are famous, the child is famous whether it's born or not.

We went to breakfast with my family this morning, a Christmas Eve tradition, and The Lime was on the menu.
I'm pretty sure The Lime will be a delight.

P.S. - There's a lemon poundcake baking in the oven and it smells amazing. Not the most "Christmasy" dessert but I figure if you can have Christmas in July, you can have Easter in December. Also, I can hear A Christmas Story on tv. It wouldn't be Christmas Eve without it.

Changing The Lyrics

Growing up, I was a huge fan of the band Extreme. Such a big fan, that I wanted to have a set of twins (boy & girl) so I could name them Nina and Nuno. I've since changed my wishes.

Extreme sings this song...


I'm going to change the lyrics to "there's a hole in my stomach that could only be caused by you" and sing it to The Lime. His feet (I'm assuming he inherited my feet and they're huge) have found a nice spot on the left side of my stomach. If the constant jabbing/kicking/beating continues, I'm afraid my skin will give in and his foot is going to pop out.

I'm also changing his future athlete status to kick boxer.

Advent - Year 2 - Week 4

Advent has come to an end, until next year. It was enjoyable to get together with my family each week to sing, laugh and catch up.

We spent the night singing a couple fun songs that we hadn't done in previous weeks. My mom made a yummy chocolate ginger cake, served with vanilla ice cream. We closed the night by playing a round of Trivial Pursuit, with LaVor and I technically "not" winning since we didn't play long enough to get our filled pie back to the center. (But I've never won before so I'm saying it was legal.)

I hope that with Advent ending, that doesn't mean we're supposed to be ready for Christmas. Because I'm certainly not.

A Saturday Morning Well Spent

With these 3 cutie pies.

Have I Told You Lately, That I Love You?

I love where I work. We're treated so well and have formed our own little family. I'm still trying to soak in the outrageous Christmas party we had last weekend.

My amazing co-workers threw a fabulous baby shower for The Lime and me. We made out like bandits.

We ate yummy food, including carrot cake.

We played a fun matching game. I got a match on my first try! I think being pregnant has enhanced my psychic powers.

And I opened presents. Cute presents. Soft presents. Needed presents.

Sorry for the blurry picture...there's a reason why my sister doesn't take her own family pictures :o)

Advent - Year 2 - Week 3

How is it that there's only 1 week of Advent left? Holy macrol.

The crowd was a bit smaller last night but we still thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We had a pre-Advent dinner and then enjoyed pie for dessert.

We ended the night by watching a Christmas episode of West Wing (a favorite show of the hosts). It made me miss and want to see Washington D.C. during the holidays and once again, grateful for those that serve our country.

A Night of Miracles

Last night was the night of December 6th, which means...we put our shoes out for the Elves.

We've obviously behaved this year (despite our bickering on the way home last night) because our Christmas lists were gone this morning and replaced with sweet treats!


The Elves even left a special book for us. The little boy in the book, Walter, puts his shoes out for the Elves too!

The Elves weren't the only miracle that happened last night. We woke up to snow this morning!


The third miracle...global warming really doesn't exist.

Advent - Year 2 - Week 2

We had another wonderful week of Advent. I believe it was so wonderful because we had a piano that Alex could play the songs on. I think we sounded better since we were on key.

(Way to shake you bells, Willie!!)

Eh...maybe not. But we did enjoy a round of "Old McDonald Had a Farm" Christmas style. I managed to make it inappropriate but that was not my intention.

We then enjoyed a cranberry upside down cake (thanks Cooking Light) and conversation. Will and LaVor spent their time playing with the calculator. I predict Will will either be an accountant or math teacher when he grows up.

Advent - Year 2 - Week 1

I forgot my camera on Sunday...
So please refer to my sister's blog for the details.

It was a great way to start the Christmas season. It was also especially neat to see my niece participating in all the singing. A whole new world opens up when you can read music.

I'll do better next week.

Better Late Than Never

I know I can't come up with another 100 things that I'm grateful for, in addition to the ones I mentioned last year, but I'm willing to at least try for 10 more.

1. The Lime - he just recently started getting the hiccups (which the Dr. says is a good thing...it means he's swallowing. Gross but good) and is as wiggly as ever. Last Sunday, he was sideways and you could clearly make out his head and either his bum or feet. LaVor got so excited, which made me excited.

2. The carpool lane - it's nice to be able to drive by the parking lot of cars on the way to work.

3. My glasses - I can definitely tell that my sight isn't like it used to be and I need my glasses more this year than I did a year ago.

4. Modern medicine - there's a reason why I'm alive and it's 2009. Why not take advantage of this blessing?

5. Moisturizer - my skin is naturally dry (reason why #100 is lotion on last years list) but my face has become extremely dry while being pregnant. Moisturizer doesn't cure it but it certainly helps.

6. The experiences that LaVor and I have shared - a couple of months ago, I was reminiscing about the exciting/fun/once in a lifetime things I've done and a majority have been with LaVor.

7. Certain patients at work - most of the time, they're pleasant. Other times, they make me mad. Once, I even cried. But there's 1 elderly couple that couldn't be any cuter. They don't come in often but when they do, the husband reaches over the counter to pat my hands. They were so excited when they found out I was pregnant. I always enjoy seeing them.

8. Grace and her face when she gets excited - She looks like a little Chinese baby.


9. Umbrellas - The weather people on the news are rarely accurate with their predictions. Yesterday being one of those days. They said there would be a chance of light scattered showers...there was nothing light about them. I didn't bring my umbrella with me and had to use my scarf to cover my bangs. It obviously didn't work as well as an umbrella would have.

10. My butt pillow - I need to use a pillow at night, propped under my buns, so my lower back doesn't ache. I usually don't need it all night, just in the beginning, but it makes sleeping that much easier.

Getting Us Ready For The Lime

Lots of people have told me that the midnight trips to the bathroom, the not being able to find a comfortable position in bed which leads to hours of just laying there, is all to prepare us for The Lime and the hours of sleep we'll lose.

But nobody mentioned the rude, annoying, disrespectful, violent neighbors as a prep mechanism.

2 years ago, I made many phone calls to the local police department, reporting our neighbors and the domestic abuse that took place. It was always the man threatening the woman and her screaming and pleading with him to not hurt her. Yet it was the woman that got arrested the day before Christmas Eve. The reason is still unknown to me but I'd love to find out why.

After that, those two moved out of the "shack" that they occupied in the neighbor's backyard. I'm not quite sure if that thing is even legal to live in, but people do.

That brings us to this year. I don't quite know when it happened but sometime this year, new people moved into the shack. One night, we were woken up in the middle of the night (during the summer so our sliding door was open) to yelling/arguing. I think it may be a requirement to use an expletive as every other word, in order to live in the shack. We were then blessed with a constant beat of music as the shack livers blared their music for the whole neighborhood to hear...at all hours of the day and night.

The most recent incident took place at 1:20 this morning when I was woken up by a man yelling. It went something like "Open this *bleep* door! I won't hurt you! Just open the *bleep* door!" that went on and on until someone opened the shack door. By this time, I realized I needed to go to the bathroom. As I sat on the toilet, I could still hear yelling but was unable to make out what they were saying. When I got into bed, I could hear stuff being thrown around the backyard and there was more yelling. This went on and on until someone obviously left. Then...their dog started to bark and bark and bark and bark. I'd say this all went on for close to an hour.

I am now prepared with their address, the telephone number to the police department and my police scanner. Let's hope I don't have to use them.

***UPDATE***
I won't have to be using anything (hopefully). The cops just took someone away in handcuffs. Yippee!

3 Strikes & You're Out!

Dear Target,

I would like to be able to write good things about you but at the moment...I can't.

Your wedding registry policy crap put a sour taste in my mouth 3 years ago. Now, you've made my Secret Santa gift not so secret. Please don't mess up my baby registry or that'll be your third strike.

Regards,

Kimberly

Don't Worry, I'll Honor You

On Sunday, San Francisco held their Veterans Day parade. We watched the news that night and they had showed a clip of the parade, with the reporter stating that few came out to watch. That made me sad. How is it that thousands can come out for the Chinese New Year parade or the Gay Pride parade but only a handful come out to show their support for those that have served and died for this country? Yikes!

While in Washington D.C. this summer, we visited most of the memorials. I had to take pictures of all the quotes at the WWII memorial, as they all seemed too perfect not to remember. These two seemed especially appropriate for today.



Let's not let President Truman down...remember their sacrifices always.

Goonies Never Say Die

And I never say never...sometimes.

I've been avoiding any pictures that may include my stomach. But I figured I may want one document to show The Lime that he was indeed in me at one point.
But I will say that I will never take a bare belly picture or do the lame pose with my hands on my stomach in the shape of a heart. Mark my words.

On This Day, 7 Years Ago

We went up to Old Sacramento with LaVor's family, to celebrate his nephew's birthday. That same nephew turned 10 today. I was 18, LaVor was 23.

We got up there early so we could have lunch with my Grandma. We ate at Jack In The Box and my chicken sandwich was awful but I felt obligated to eat it, since Grandma paid for it and she hates to waste things.

I still have that purple shirt but wear it under scrub tops. I feel good knowing that it was even too short on me then, yet I still wore it.

That was also the day that my Grandma commented on my "mosquito bites" (a.k.a. small boobs). Apparently she was flat chested as well and told us how her brothers referred to her boobs as mosquito bites, since they were apparently the same size.

Taco Bandits

Taco Bell had free Black Jack tacos last night. We took advantage of that and went to three separate locations on our way home from a Halloween party. We think the third location knew what we were up to...I had a piece of the taco shell stuck in my tooth. Darn.

I decided that the reason why they tasted so good was because they were free.

I Don't Know Why

She swallowed a fly, perhaps she'll die.

I also swallowed a spider, bird, cat, dog, goat, cow and horse.

You can't tell in the photo but my stockings were copied from this wonderful woman...
Happy Halloween!

And...Stuff

This news story was on the other night. I kept rewinding it and laughed hysterically every time. Someone should give this reporter an award for best facial expression.

Welcome Home

Journey's End by Derek Hegsted

I wonder if Heaven has a "Welcome Home" sign? I have a feeling it did yesterday.

I imagine he ran into the arms of our Savior and Heavenly Father. I imagine he's surrounded by loved ones, sharing stories, laughing, having a good time.

He had a mission here on earth and fulfilled it. I know he returned with honor.

And what an honor it was to have the opportunity to have him in my life. He taught me joy, happiness, compassion, charity and love. I am a better person because of him.

I was looking forward to introducing him to The Lime but their party has already begun.

Obviously, death is a sad thing. But the passing of someone gives me something to look forward to...an amazing reunion.

Until we meet again, Zac.

Something To Look Forward To

And why do I look forward to 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, October 25th?

The Primary Program will be over. And hopefully the migraines during singing time will end too.

What Kind Of Athlete Will The Lime Be?

Erik Is Pregnant - Billy Madison

ADD MY NEW MYSPACE.|MySpace Videos

You Know What I Could Go For?

When LaVor and I want to go out for lunch or dinner, we often wish we were back in D.C. so we could go to Ben's Chili Bowl. There wasn't anything fancy about the place or the food but it tasted so good. I could go for a basket of chili cheese fries right about now. But then I'd have to take a walk down to the White House, over to the Vietnam Memorial, up to the Lincoln Memorial, back down to the WWII Memorial and then finish off at the Washington Monument...just to burn off an inkling of the calories.

Ben's Chili Bowl Founder Ben Ali Dies

by Sara Bonisteel (Subscribe to Sara Bonisteel's posts)
Posted Oct 8th 2009 2:30PM
Filed under: Restaurants, Business, Beef, Food News

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Photo: Alicia Griffin/flickr

Ben Ali, the founder of Washington D.C.'s historic Ben's Chili Bowl, has died at the age of 82.

Ali founded the landmark eatery on U Street with his wife, Virginia, during the Eisenhower administration, and it's become a hangout for presidents -- President Obama visited on Jan. 10 -- and entertainers -- Bill Cosby, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. Cosby was the only person to get a free meal at Ben's until Obama's election, when Ben's put up this sign in the window: "Who eats free at Ben's: _Bill Cosby _The Obama Family," the Associated Press reports.

The restaurant is renowned for its chili "half smokes" -- beef sausages larger than the average hot dog that are smothered in chili -- as well as its bowls of chili. The James Beard Foundation named Ben's Chili Bowl an "American Classic" in 2004. And the menu, Gourmet.com notes, isn't for the faint of heart. "Our chili will make a dog bark," it begins.

According to the diner's history, the Alis started the restaurant in 1958 in an old theater in D.C.'s black entertainment district with a $5,000 investment. Ben's Chili Bowl went on to weather the neighborhood's near destruction during the riots that followed Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968 to become one of the city's most successful black enterprises.

"It has witnessed the rise, fall and resurrection of U Street and is probably the only business on this strip that survived both the 1968 riots and the construction phase of the Metro Green Line," the Washington Post wrote in a restaurant review.

Ali died Wednesday of natural causes with his wife by his side, the restaurant said on its Web site. His sons now run the restaurant.

Year Two

Last weekend was the Breast Cancer 3 day walk. It was the second year that my friend participated and the second year we went to cheer her on (we being Amy, Kari, Grace and I...mom had to stay home this year).



My friend was so excited for the walk...especially because they offer Uncrustables as a snack along the route. Even though the sign was for her, everyone told us how great they tasted!

She just so happened to have an Uncrustables with her!

(My head was looking a little funky in this picture...I'm not happy that neither sister mentioned anything about the funkiness.)

Until next time...year three.

October 1st

• The birth date of the boy I loved in middle and high school. My sister thinks she saw him on Facebook and came to the conclusion that he's 99.9% gay. I actually wasn't surprised when she told me that.
• The birth date of my brother's best friend growing up.
• The date that that friend's dad passed away.
• The day that Grace took a bottle from me.
  
• The first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
  
• The day that I can officially start decorating for Halloween.

Who Knew?!

Mix this smell

and

this smell

and you get

this smell.

I love when the weather cools down and I can begin baking! Even if my senses decide to play tricks on me and make me think there's blueberry muffins cooling but it's really a chocolate chip cookie.

Adventures in Babysitting

Babysitting for the nieces and nephew has started up again. 3 is a bit tiring...we'll see how 4 goes next year.

My nephew called me Popie and my niece's little friend asked, "What's a Popie?!" I responded with, "I'm a Popie." My niece gave me the look of death...apparently it's not cool to have an aunt named Popie.

I Couldn't Believe My Eyes

I was cruising down the freeway this morning, on my way to work, when I noticed a single headlight behind me. I was speeding and since I couldn't tell if it was a motorcycle cop or not, I decided to slow down. The light came closer and closer and I soon realized it wasn't a cop but a...motorcycle with training wheels?!

What the heck is that?!?! I tried taking a picture of it with my phone but they were going over 80 mph and the speed limit was 55. So I'm borrowing this picture from Google.

Do you think you have to take the same motorcycle driving test for this as you do a regular 2 wheel bike?

Differences

It's amazing what can change in a year.

A year ago today, Will, Amy & I did this.

Today, just Amy and I did.
I've always noticed that we don't look anything alike but for some reason, looking at this picture makes me really notice that there's no resemblance between the two of us. But my mom swears that we're sisters...she says she was there both birthdays.

Once And For All...I Wish

It seems as though I am asked, "Will you keep working after the baby is born?" on a daily basis. I'm.sick.of.it.

I'm also sick of the question, "Who will watch your baby?" Unless you're offering, please don't ask.

These questions give me anxiety and I'm a procrastinator. So when he gets here, I'll have it all figured out. Until then, keep the questions to yourself.

And if you think it'd be funny to leave a comment asking me these questions, it wouldn't be.

Also, I am getting a small glimpse of what it's like to have huge boobs. My stomach seems to get the same reaction that a large chest does. Yes, it's growing. No, it doesn't have to be the first thing you look at when we approach each other. Yes, I can tell you're looking at it.

On a happy note, I have a wedding cake tasting tomorrow night and LaVor & I are almost completely over our colds. Yah. Being pregnant and having a cold twice in 2 months, not fun. Thanks to whoever decided to share their germs with us. Next time, keep them to yourself.

Come On, Kanye

I'm a fan of Kanye West and can't stand Taylor Swift...but really? Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough at award shows, Kanye?

MTV Shows

A Bit Surreal

The day we left Washington D.C. to head up to Philadelphia, my cousin dropped us off at the Metro station at the Pentagon. It was the morning of July 4th so it was quiet, nobody at work or on their way to a meeting. But it was a little...too quiet. I couldn't help but think what it was like the morning of September 11, 2001. Pure chaos, I imagine. As we waited for the train, I, for some reason, kept anticipating something to happen.

When we arrived in New York City, one of the sites I wanted to visit was Ground Zero. We took the subway straight to the World Trade Center, line E. Again, getting off the subway, you couldn't help but picture what had taken place in the same spot, almost 8 years earlier. I'm not sure I if I was the only one that was taken back, since most people seemed to be going about their daily routines. The buildings surrounding Ground Zero...how much damage did they sustain? How far did the debris, dust, etc. travel? We walked across a pedestrian bridge that gave us a glimpse of what will soon stand in the spot of the towers. We visited a mall across the street that gave us another view of what was once there. We greeted a police officer (with a true NY accent...I complimented him on it). How long had he been with the force? Did he help save anyone on 9/11?

I was glad we were able to visit but the feelings I felt there are something I wish not to feel again. Knowing that people risked their lives, lost their lives, in the spot where I was. It reminded me of Dachau, last summer.

Never A Dull Moment

We spent Saturday with my family, going to Alameda and the Oakland Temple. To finish the day off, my dad accidentally dropped his keys into a patch of trees about 10 feet(?) below us. How did he retrieve them?

Movin' On Up

1st - Mark Ellis signed my shirt in Boston

2nd - Mark Ellis gave me his pink wristband
3rd - We attempt to get a bat. We'll see if he's as generous as Jack Cust.

Its 1st Appearance

Keep 'Em Comin'

From this...

To this...(Don't be fooled...he really does like me)

With this in the middle...

• 10 years of knowing each other
  
• 5 years of dating
• 3 years of marriage
• 1 Lime on the way
  

It's Alive!

I'm not talking about The Lime inside of me, although it's alive too.

I was driving to work one day this week and was behind a GTO. We took off from a stoplight and a familiar aroma filled the air...exhaust.

My dad has a '65 Mustang and so that smell is quite familiar. If you ever rode in the mustang, you always ended up smelling like exhaust. I remember my sister, Amy, bringing along an article of clothing to "cover up" with so that the clothes she was wearing weren't tainted.



LaVor has a '63 Falcon that gets started every once in a while. Roughly 2 years ago, he started it up and several neighbors poked their heads out of their homes to see what that horrible noise was. It was us. *waves*

He's been on a kick lately to get the Falcon running 24/7, which is great since we're still paying insurance on it, even though it sits in the garage.

He requested that I post a video of him starting it up. It made the house shake and the house now smells like exhaust :o)