Nobody but us will really care about this, but we like to assume that everyone out there gets as much excitement from our lives as we do. As a side note, if we don't elicite at least 10 comments from this post in the next week we will pull down the site. You only have yourselves to blame.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
the latest
These are the layouts I've been doing in my digiscrap class. We've been learning to recolor photos, and I love doing that b/c it means that if a paper pack really goes with part of the picture but not the rest, I can make the rest of the pic black and white, and it looks WAY better when the page is complete. There are a ton of things I've learned and it's a little hard to remember them all, but good thing we have access to the tutorials for forever so I can relearn.
I'm mostly posting these b/c I haven't posted pics of the girls lately. Although...can you tell the purple page is emma as a baby and not bree? :) I was going through the old pics last night, and holy cow, they look so much alike. Emma's face is a little rounder, but MAN. I was having a hard time switching gears while looking at the pics b/c I kept thinking they were Bree. Well, at least we make 'em cute!
I'm mostly posting these b/c I haven't posted pics of the girls lately. Although...can you tell the purple page is emma as a baby and not bree? :) I was going through the old pics last night, and holy cow, they look so much alike. Emma's face is a little rounder, but MAN. I was having a hard time switching gears while looking at the pics b/c I kept thinking they were Bree. Well, at least we make 'em cute!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Just an Emma funny
Emma loves to play Candyland. But she calls it the gingerbread man game. Now, when she says gingerbread, I've always noticed that her "b" sound isn't very pronounced, and tonight we learned why. We just finished a rousing game of candyland and I had the 4 gingerbread men pieces lined up. I asked her what their names were. She said Gingerbread man. I said, let's give them names. She complained that they already had names, and very emphatically pointed to the red one, "ginger red man," then blue "gingerblue man," green "gingergreen man" etc. Isn't it funny how kids interpret things? We were laughing pretty hard. But maybe that's just funny to us :)
Me or Him...finally
Ashlee tagged us a while ago, but I'm just now getting to it!
What is his name? David Burt Lathan
How long have you been married? 7 years
How long did you date? Total amount of time dating and being engaged, about 6 months
How old is he? 29...going on THIRTY!!!
Who eats more? When we're together and I can compare it, Dave. But I don't think he eats much during the day, and I'm snacking all day.
Who said I love you first? umm...is it bad that I don't remember? It might be written in a journal somewhere...
Who is smarter? Book smarts, sports smarts, Dave. Other stuff, me. That would be stuff that Dave doesn't think matters, like anything besides sports :) j/k
Whose temper is worse? I'm more vocal with my temper. That's my way of admitting it's me without feeling too embarrassed about it.
Who does the laundry? me, but Dave helps out a lot.
Who does the dishes? he empties, I load.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? looking at the bed, me. and it's like that wherever we sleep, or else it feels awkward. although when I'm pregnant I have to sleep on the other side. I don't remember why.
Who pays the bills? me
Who cooks dinner? me
Who drives when you are together? Dave
Who is more stubborn? we're both pretty stubborn, but Dave would say I am more, but at the same time, he is a very logical person and can convince you of anything if he wants to, and so I usually give in, and to me, that means he's more stubborn.
Whose parents do you see the most? I see mine more than I see my inlaws, but Dave's about even with both.
Who proposed? He did.
Who has more friends? We share a lot of the same friends, but I'm definitely the more social one.
Who has more siblings? me-4 sisters, 1 brother. he has 2 brothers and 1 sister.
Who wears the pants in the family? I say we both do. We are pretty good at being equal with that. One day i wear the pants and the next day he does. Some issues he wears the pants with and some i do. It just depends on situations. Ultimately, i do. :) (sorry Ashlee, just copied your answer b/c you said it so well!)
Now, I expect to see this on the following blogs...adrienne, julianne, steph
DAVES INPUT
I need to clarify some things. She said I love you first. There's no way I'm taking that jump first. Her temper is waaay worse than mine, she's a demon. Those pants are securly attached to her body. I never get my way. If anything I'm more of an endentured servant than a husband. If you're reading this call the authorities. I need to be rescued.
**loralee's side note to dave: you're fired
What is his name? David Burt Lathan
How long have you been married? 7 years
How long did you date? Total amount of time dating and being engaged, about 6 months
How old is he? 29...going on THIRTY!!!
Who eats more? When we're together and I can compare it, Dave. But I don't think he eats much during the day, and I'm snacking all day.
Who said I love you first? umm...is it bad that I don't remember? It might be written in a journal somewhere...
Who is smarter? Book smarts, sports smarts, Dave. Other stuff, me. That would be stuff that Dave doesn't think matters, like anything besides sports :) j/k
Whose temper is worse? I'm more vocal with my temper. That's my way of admitting it's me without feeling too embarrassed about it.
Who does the laundry? me, but Dave helps out a lot.
Who does the dishes? he empties, I load.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? looking at the bed, me. and it's like that wherever we sleep, or else it feels awkward. although when I'm pregnant I have to sleep on the other side. I don't remember why.
Who pays the bills? me
Who cooks dinner? me
Who drives when you are together? Dave
Who is more stubborn? we're both pretty stubborn, but Dave would say I am more, but at the same time, he is a very logical person and can convince you of anything if he wants to, and so I usually give in, and to me, that means he's more stubborn.
Whose parents do you see the most? I see mine more than I see my inlaws, but Dave's about even with both.
Who proposed? He did.
Who has more friends? We share a lot of the same friends, but I'm definitely the more social one.
Who has more siblings? me-4 sisters, 1 brother. he has 2 brothers and 1 sister.
Who wears the pants in the family? I say we both do. We are pretty good at being equal with that. One day i wear the pants and the next day he does. Some issues he wears the pants with and some i do. It just depends on situations. Ultimately, i do. :) (sorry Ashlee, just copied your answer b/c you said it so well!)
Now, I expect to see this on the following blogs...adrienne, julianne, steph
DAVES INPUT
I need to clarify some things. She said I love you first. There's no way I'm taking that jump first. Her temper is waaay worse than mine, she's a demon. Those pants are securly attached to her body. I never get my way. If anything I'm more of an endentured servant than a husband. If you're reading this call the authorities. I need to be rescued.
**loralee's side note to dave: you're fired
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Bandwagon Fan
I admit it. I'm a bandwagon fan. I love a winner and will gladly jump on board their glory train. Most die hard sports fans will find reason to hate me for this. These are the people who continually spend money on tickets to watch their team wallow in mediocrity season after season with the faint glimmer of hope that someday they'll have something worth cheering for. They seem to find a perverse sense of joy in being associated with something so horrible. Other fans treat them with an air of reverent pity, kind of like someone whose lifelong pet just died. You and everyone else knows that they were crazy for loving that flee ridden, blind, 3 legged mongrel. But you begrudgingly respect them for sticking with little Buster for so long.
But I watch professional sports to be entertained. And I find no entertainment in watching a team I'm rooting for get stomped into the ground week after week. I might as well go outside, get a hammer, and smack my big toe around for a few hours. If I'm going to suffer I could at least do it right.
This is why I was one of the 0.001% of American's who wanted to see the Patriots win the Superbowl today. To be able to witness a perfect season is something to root for in my opinion. Some people say they were too cocky, but people always say that about a team that dominates for that long. People always want to tear down the top dog and that's who the Patriots were, until today.
All credit to the Giants for winning the game. They outplayed the Patriots all day so they deserve the win. But I'm still sad to see a dynasty team in all likelihood come to an end. I think they'll make it to more Superbowls before it's all said and done but this core group won't be around much longer. If my genes are ever able to produce a son I'll be able to talk with him about all of these Hall of Fame players I got to watch. And if I have no male heir then I'll bore my girls with the same stories. I hope the Patriots stay a contender for a few more years. It's hard to find another team to mooch my joy off of.
On a final note I want to say that this doesn't apply to college sports. I'm a BYU fan all the way. My testimony of the Church if often tied up in the fate of the football program. Unhealthy I know but probably more common than most of us want to admit.
But I watch professional sports to be entertained. And I find no entertainment in watching a team I'm rooting for get stomped into the ground week after week. I might as well go outside, get a hammer, and smack my big toe around for a few hours. If I'm going to suffer I could at least do it right.
This is why I was one of the 0.001% of American's who wanted to see the Patriots win the Superbowl today. To be able to witness a perfect season is something to root for in my opinion. Some people say they were too cocky, but people always say that about a team that dominates for that long. People always want to tear down the top dog and that's who the Patriots were, until today.
All credit to the Giants for winning the game. They outplayed the Patriots all day so they deserve the win. But I'm still sad to see a dynasty team in all likelihood come to an end. I think they'll make it to more Superbowls before it's all said and done but this core group won't be around much longer. If my genes are ever able to produce a son I'll be able to talk with him about all of these Hall of Fame players I got to watch. And if I have no male heir then I'll bore my girls with the same stories. I hope the Patriots stay a contender for a few more years. It's hard to find another team to mooch my joy off of.
On a final note I want to say that this doesn't apply to college sports. I'm a BYU fan all the way. My testimony of the Church if often tied up in the fate of the football program. Unhealthy I know but probably more common than most of us want to admit.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Warning: This is A Depressing Post. Proceed with Caution
I know that my posts usually are more on the light side of things, so for those of you who want to continue to think happy thoughts about me all the time I would recommend you don't read on. This is a depressing post, but with a sprinkling of hope and perspective too.
The vast majority of people who know me do not, in fact, know something rather big about me. I don't tell most people about it because I don't want them to feel awkward around me, but I've thought about it lately and I've decided that what I once viewed as a huge burden has become a blessing in disguise. This will take some explanation so this post may be a long one.
I suffer from a condition known as dysthymia. Basically this is a persistent low grade depression marked by occasional periods of severe depression. I've had this condition most of my life but didn't realize it until a little over a year ago when I had a very severe depressive episode. Why on earth would I tell you all this you may ask? Well, here comes the perspective part. I was able to recognize that something was wrong when someone spoke about their personal battle with depression in Church one Sunday. Until they described what they felt I didn't recognize my own feelings for what they were. So, I want to pass that onto someone who might be in need now.
Depression is the worst thing I've ever experienced. It's honestly impossible to describe it adequately to someone who hasn't gone through it themselves. For me personally I felt like my soul was cracked and at any moment I would come crumbling apart all together. Nothing brought me any happiness and after a while I couldn't remember ever feeling happy, or peace, or hope. Situations that before would be easy to handle suddenly become a huge effort to deal with. I felt constantly exhausted, both emotionally and physically. Life was a chore and every morning was met with a feeling of dread knowing I had to go through the pain all over again. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. I never considered ending it all, but for the first time in my life I understood why someone would. When life is constant agony it's hard to want to go on.
On top of all of this was a crushing guilt. I had no reason to feel this way. My life was great compared to so many other's. I have a great family, a wonderful wife, great kids, I'm achieving my goals. What was there to be so down about?
The smartest thing I did was make the decision to not fight the depression on my own. I knew that what I was going through would impact people close to me so I brought them on as a support system. The simple act of sharing and saying out loud what I was going through took a huge burden off of me. I saw a therapist for a while during the worst of it, and I spoke to my bishop about it. Loralee was a huge support. I know that some feel there is a stigma associated with depression, but I'm glad I wasn't so worried about what others might say about me that I tried to keep everything inside. That would have been a very big mistake.
How could this be a blessing? First let me say that I've made it through the depression with minimal scarring and now that I recognize the thoughts and feelings for what they are, even the minor depressive episodes are becoming more rare. More importantly I feel like I was allowed to go through this experience to give me some understanding of others who are suffering. Since I had my dark period there have been a number of people in my life who are also suffering. If I hadn't gone through it myself I would be looking in from the outside not knowing what to say. But since I have some idea what they're feeling I can let them know what helped me. Most importantly I can promise them that no matter how dark it is now, no matter how hopeless and alone they may feel, better times are ahead. It will pass, you will feel happy again.
I don't know why I've felt strongly that I needed to share this right now but I do. For good or for bad we are all connected to each other. So many people helped me when I was down and continue to bless my life now. I hope that those around me know that if they need help that I'll do what I can for them. For now this may just be sharing embarassing moments of my life for them to laugh at, but if that's what it takes then I'll take one for the team.
So in that spirit I present to you the new and improved Dave. AKA Mouth of Steel. Eat your hearts out ladies.
The vast majority of people who know me do not, in fact, know something rather big about me. I don't tell most people about it because I don't want them to feel awkward around me, but I've thought about it lately and I've decided that what I once viewed as a huge burden has become a blessing in disguise. This will take some explanation so this post may be a long one.
I suffer from a condition known as dysthymia. Basically this is a persistent low grade depression marked by occasional periods of severe depression. I've had this condition most of my life but didn't realize it until a little over a year ago when I had a very severe depressive episode. Why on earth would I tell you all this you may ask? Well, here comes the perspective part. I was able to recognize that something was wrong when someone spoke about their personal battle with depression in Church one Sunday. Until they described what they felt I didn't recognize my own feelings for what they were. So, I want to pass that onto someone who might be in need now.
Depression is the worst thing I've ever experienced. It's honestly impossible to describe it adequately to someone who hasn't gone through it themselves. For me personally I felt like my soul was cracked and at any moment I would come crumbling apart all together. Nothing brought me any happiness and after a while I couldn't remember ever feeling happy, or peace, or hope. Situations that before would be easy to handle suddenly become a huge effort to deal with. I felt constantly exhausted, both emotionally and physically. Life was a chore and every morning was met with a feeling of dread knowing I had to go through the pain all over again. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. I never considered ending it all, but for the first time in my life I understood why someone would. When life is constant agony it's hard to want to go on.
On top of all of this was a crushing guilt. I had no reason to feel this way. My life was great compared to so many other's. I have a great family, a wonderful wife, great kids, I'm achieving my goals. What was there to be so down about?
The smartest thing I did was make the decision to not fight the depression on my own. I knew that what I was going through would impact people close to me so I brought them on as a support system. The simple act of sharing and saying out loud what I was going through took a huge burden off of me. I saw a therapist for a while during the worst of it, and I spoke to my bishop about it. Loralee was a huge support. I know that some feel there is a stigma associated with depression, but I'm glad I wasn't so worried about what others might say about me that I tried to keep everything inside. That would have been a very big mistake.
How could this be a blessing? First let me say that I've made it through the depression with minimal scarring and now that I recognize the thoughts and feelings for what they are, even the minor depressive episodes are becoming more rare. More importantly I feel like I was allowed to go through this experience to give me some understanding of others who are suffering. Since I had my dark period there have been a number of people in my life who are also suffering. If I hadn't gone through it myself I would be looking in from the outside not knowing what to say. But since I have some idea what they're feeling I can let them know what helped me. Most importantly I can promise them that no matter how dark it is now, no matter how hopeless and alone they may feel, better times are ahead. It will pass, you will feel happy again.
I don't know why I've felt strongly that I needed to share this right now but I do. For good or for bad we are all connected to each other. So many people helped me when I was down and continue to bless my life now. I hope that those around me know that if they need help that I'll do what I can for them. For now this may just be sharing embarassing moments of my life for them to laugh at, but if that's what it takes then I'll take one for the team.
So in that spirit I present to you the new and improved Dave. AKA Mouth of Steel. Eat your hearts out ladies.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Jabber Baby
Here's Bree in all her jabbering glory. If you're wondering what she is looking at, Dave is on the left and I'm on the right. This is mostly for family, so don't feel guilty if you don't watch it :) But of course, I think it's just so cute. And yes, she still has no hair. There are a couple more clips that I might post from the same jabber session. Grandmas and Grandpas...ENJOY!
President Hinckley's Passing
I know it's all over the Mormon news world now, but I just wanted to recognize it...kind of like my own personal moment of silence in my crazy mommy world.
He was such a wonderful prophet and person. I was reading an article in deseret news with comments and condolences from various well-known people, and they articulated my feelings perfectly. Maybe that's what being somewhat "famous" can do to you-you are able to put feelings into words more easily than us common folk :)
But here's the link, and I'll be honest, I was quite emotional while reading it.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695247937,00.html
I loved this comment:
Utah Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem: "I feel like I've lost a good friend tonight," he said. "But, then, that was how President Hinckley made everyone feel — like he was your good friend."
He will be deeply missed, I think especially by the youth who have only known him as their prophet. I'm old enough to remember Presidents Benson and Hunter, but President Hinckley was the one with whom I was able to "connect," for whatever reason, and I know that's the case with many of us. But, like many have said, I'm grateful that he has been reunited with his wife, and I'm grateful to know about the Plan of Salvation...it's that knowledge that makes this occassion happier than it would normally be.
We will miss you President Hinckley and we love you.
He was such a wonderful prophet and person. I was reading an article in deseret news with comments and condolences from various well-known people, and they articulated my feelings perfectly. Maybe that's what being somewhat "famous" can do to you-you are able to put feelings into words more easily than us common folk :)
But here's the link, and I'll be honest, I was quite emotional while reading it.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695247937,00.html
I loved this comment:
Utah Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem: "I feel like I've lost a good friend tonight," he said. "But, then, that was how President Hinckley made everyone feel — like he was your good friend."
He will be deeply missed, I think especially by the youth who have only known him as their prophet. I'm old enough to remember Presidents Benson and Hunter, but President Hinckley was the one with whom I was able to "connect," for whatever reason, and I know that's the case with many of us. But, like many have said, I'm grateful that he has been reunited with his wife, and I'm grateful to know about the Plan of Salvation...it's that knowledge that makes this occassion happier than it would normally be.
We will miss you President Hinckley and we love you.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
the Babysitters Club
Did any of you read the Babysitters Club books growing up? I was obsessed with them. So, remember how Mallory Pike's family would go to the beach house every summer in Atlantic City? Come on, there was a whole "Special" book about it! I remember when I would read about those trips I had so many visions in my head of what it looked like and I remember wanting to go there so bad. But living on the west coast didn't lend itself to visiting the Jersey shore.
Well, thanks to Matt and Kyla, last summer we went!!!
Of course, for those who don't know, Atlantic City has turned into a kind of sleazy gambling place, not family friendly at all. But Ocean City, just south a little bit, was where we went. It's a "dry" city, meaning no alcohol, and TOTALLY family friendly. All the houses, whether big or small, have the same look and feel. Everything is well-manicured and kept up. It's very clean and beautiful...kind of a resort town. I don't know that there are many full time residents there.
That was one of the best trips I have ever been on. The beaches are beautiful, and surprisingly to me, a lot like the west coast beaches. Except, on west coast beaches, the streets line the beach and people are walking all around, etc. East coast beaches are the ones that all the photographers use to take pictures...like the pathways going towards the water (we got one of those pictures...took it ourselves!). The backs of houses line the beach, and you can only access the beach by certain entry points, so it's not super crowded. We stayed at a hotel in nearby Marmora and everyday we drove to where Matt's family was staying...right on the beach!
Well, thanks to Matt and Kyla, last summer we went!!!
Of course, for those who don't know, Atlantic City has turned into a kind of sleazy gambling place, not family friendly at all. But Ocean City, just south a little bit, was where we went. It's a "dry" city, meaning no alcohol, and TOTALLY family friendly. All the houses, whether big or small, have the same look and feel. Everything is well-manicured and kept up. It's very clean and beautiful...kind of a resort town. I don't know that there are many full time residents there.
That was one of the best trips I have ever been on. The beaches are beautiful, and surprisingly to me, a lot like the west coast beaches. Except, on west coast beaches, the streets line the beach and people are walking all around, etc. East coast beaches are the ones that all the photographers use to take pictures...like the pathways going towards the water (we got one of those pictures...took it ourselves!). The backs of houses line the beach, and you can only access the beach by certain entry points, so it's not super crowded. We stayed at a hotel in nearby Marmora and everyday we drove to where Matt's family was staying...right on the beach!
Last summer they happened to have Matt's sister's nanny with them, so we were able to put babies down for naps and go back out to the water. Then when they woke up we got a phone call! We visited the boardwalk and went on all the rides and flew kites on the beach in the evening. It was a DREAM! I can't believe how relaxed we were and how great it was to spend time together and the weather was PERFECT. It was really weird to be on the beach in the evening and NOT watch the sun set over the water! :)
So, reason for my story...we're gonna go again this summer! No matter what, we're gettin' there. All my visions and good feelings about the Pike family vacations were reiterated and this will forever be a place that I have warm fuzzy feelings about! Ocean City should hire me as their city rep. I'd sell out the city every year! Matt's mom told me stories about how she would go there every year with her family growing up, and she told some great stories about the boardwalk too. That's one of the types of memories I want to have with my family.
Thanks Matt, Kyla, Holly, and Emily for letting us take over your family vacation last year! The memories are priceless and I'm excited to go back!!
Friday, January 18, 2008
new blog...
I decided to start a blog just for ME. It'll be where I post recipes, decor/craft ideas that I found that I want to copy, and I'll also be using it to post workouts/daily food so I can hold myself accountable for my new goal of getting HEALTHIER.
So, for some of you girls that wanted some recipe ideas or anything else, just go there and let me know what you want to see!
I linked it under family blogs:
www.lolosideasnstuff.blogspot.com
So, for some of you girls that wanted some recipe ideas or anything else, just go there and let me know what you want to see!
I linked it under family blogs:
www.lolosideasnstuff.blogspot.com
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