(This photo is actually for the film, however the cover of the book is the same picture).

The story is real, about a 24 year old guy who left everything to be a drifter-wanderer type and live off the land. It's really an incredible story. This guy came from a wealthy family and right after college donated the rest of his trust fund ($24,000) to a charity and just dissapeared. He traveled all over the west coast, from Mexico to Alaska and the book tells the stories of all the people he met and came in contact with. He traveled around for about two years or more (I think) and wanted to end his journey with an Alaskan adventure. The sad part is he gets to Alaska and lives in this abandoned bus for several months before dying of starvation. There are so many interesting and ironic points about his story. Like the charity he gave his money to was a charity to help fight hunger-and then he ultimately dies of starvation. He kept a journal and took photos of all his adventures and you can look them up online. Here is what the intro in the book says:

"In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaksa and walked alone into the wilderness of north Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $24,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of posessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself..."

I can't put it down. Devan has watched Mickey Mouse Club House about five times in a row today. My words really don't do it justice. (For the record, if you do read it, I don't necesarilly think that this guy was a hero, it's just a really compelling story). I sometimes find myself reading and forgetting that this actually took place.

If you don't have time to read, you can look up some info on him on the web if you're interested. There are all kinds of pictures from his journeys and the bus he lived in is still in Alaska and hikers and hunters go there to check it out all the time. Anyway, if you are looking for a good, quick summer read, I recommend this!

I know I already posted tonight, but I have to share this funny story.

This morning we were getting ready for church and I told Devan to go find one toy from her room to bring to church with us. She looked at me, deep in thought, and said "Oh. Okay" then started running down the hallway towards her room and shouted, "I'LL GET MY SWORD!!"

I then had to explain to her that we couldn't bring her sword to church. She was a little upset, but seriously, a sword? If she wasn't so obsessed with her princess shoes I might be a little worried.

The bedding she's registered for is ocean themed,with blues and oranges. This was great because I happened to have fabric from my stash that is almost a perfect match:

Just a simple quilt with a flannel back, but how cute are those little crabs? I'll probably pick up something off her registry, too, but I'm excited to have been able to make something that will go with her theme. I'm in quilting mode now. If you have any good quilt ideas, send them my way!

The other day I was making a mental list of things I needed John to hang, fix, etc. I started to realize that I could get a lot more done if I could use his electric screw driver/drill. So I whipped it out and called him for instructions. Piece of cake! Seriously, cinchy. Why the intimidation? Well I got a lot accomplished. Here are a few things.

The laundry room. I finally got smart and hung a broom/mop holder on the wall. I cant tell you how much better this makes it. I no longer have falling brooms all over the place.

We need a lot of extra storage. I've had to get a little creative as far as storage goes. I found these great baskets that just slide right on to a shelf. I love them.

I may be way behind the times on this one, but seriously, how great are mp3 speakers?
I used to live for music. I would have music playing everywhere I could. I would always have it playing at home ( much to my parents dismay, I'm sure. I realize now that it was probably really annoying for you, Mom) and I'd always have multiple cd books in my car. I was so stoked when I finally had a car that I could plug my mp3 player into.

However, listening to music at home became almost impossible. What with apartments, and babies and all. That's why I'm so excited about these. They are so small, and all I have to do is plug them into my mp3 player and put them wherever I am. Which is usally the kitchen and the sewing table. It makes washing the dishes so much more tolerable, and also slightly drowns out the sound of Dora the Explorer. Slightly.

If I said we haven't thought about having another baby. Though there was a time right after I had Devan that I swore I'd never do it again, it seems to be coming up more and more these days. More of our sentences are starting like "If we have a boy..." or, "With the next baby, we'll need this...". I cant tell you when, but I can tell you it's in our plans. Although, the more plans we make, the more our lives seem to go in the opposite directon. Remember Chicago? I'm just sayin'.

Well, call it a little wishful thinking, but I found some fabric last night that I could not refuse.

I usually think hawaiian themed anything is totally outplayed, but I really fell for this print. I bought matching prints as well and can't wait to make a quilt. And if we never have a boy, I will give it to someone who does. On the topic of girls vs boys, I really cant decide what I'd rather have. The obvious answer would be a boy, right? I have absolutely loved having a girl, and sometimes find myself hoping we have another girl first. But when I think about 20 years from now, I really want boys. Who is going to chop fire wood, and feed the horses? What? I didn't tell you our (my) plans of retiring in Tennessee? That story will get it's own post.

I am NOT pregnant, by the way.

A lot has been going on around here so I thought I'd insert some pictures to help me with the update:

We went bowling with John's family over Memorial weekend. I actually forgot how fun bowling can be. Here is a shot of John's sister, Hilary. She bowls funny. She kind of flings her arm around the the side and then lets the ball go. She cracks me up.

Here's a shot of Devan I just love. I love her little smile and the lady bugs on her shirt.

Our hallway wall. I couldn't find John's favorite mission picture after the move, so I stuck this one in instead. The mask he got from one of his areas in Africa, I think. It's hand carved and I love it.

I painted Devan's toes.

and fingers.

Made my favorite rolls for our break the fast meal. (Q, next time you are here remind me and I will make some for you!)

And I finished a big project that needs it's own post, so I will get to that in a little bit. Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!

The other day.

Me: "John, when you are done can you take this bag to the recycle bin?"
John: " I don't think there is a recycle bin here."
Me: (looking completely shocked) "Are you serious??"
Devan: "You're kidding me!!"

Here she is sporting her sandals as she got a free ride on top of our luggage in Charleston, South Carolina:

No good either. She's still not quite ready for flip flops. So next I thought I'd try these, similar to flip flops but with the extra elastic strap in the back so they won't slip off her feet. I found these at The Childrens Place and spent $5 for two pairs:
(This particular pair is actually from Old Navy). No good!! These are even worse than normal flip flops cause once the elastic band in the back slips off, you have a huge mess. I was getting so frustrated with carrying Devan everywhere I went because she couldn't walk in her sandals that I finally gave in. (For the record, I'm sure once she gets older the flip flops will be fine, but not right now). In two days I had gone to Target, Walmart, Sport Chalet, Payless, Famous Footwear and a few other stores looking for the perfect summer sandal for her. No luck.

I drove straight to the mall and found the Stride Rite store. I was SO HAPPY to find they had her pink sandals from last summer! But, they also had a similar style. I asked Devan which one she wanted and she pointed to these:

It's true. Mother knows best.

We took Devan to our pool for the first time yesterday. She LOVED it to say the least. John got in with her and she had a blast. She's so lucky to have such a fun Dad. And I'm so lucky to have such a great hubby so I can sit back and take photos!

Here she is after she first got in. John was teaching her how to kick her legs.

Hanging out

Her first jump into the water.

And my favorite. The splashing. I love their facial expressions!

1. Calling my best friend on her birthday!!

Jackie, I thought about you all day. I really did. I went to call you tonight and it was then that I realized I never kept your new number.

Also, I have a gift for you. I was supposed to send it out before we moved because I knew I wouldn't get around to it and of course I didn't. It's been sitting in a box addressed and everything, waiting to be sent for about a month now. So I really didn't forget your birthday, I just never got around to calling you. Sorry! I hope it was wonderful!

Ps- email me with your new number!

Yesterday I went to a mall here in Orange County. I wasn't looking for anything particular, I was more or less there for some retail therapy. Devan was napping and John was playing xbox so I figured it was a good time to slip away for a while. The mall is nice. It has an entire Pottery Barn Kids store, which I've never seen before. I didn't even bother going in. I did, however make a quick stop in Gap Kids. I browsed through the clearance rack for about 2 minutes and found a shirt for $3 that I couldn't refuse. I grabbed it and got in line.

In front of me in line was a woman with her daughter who looked like she was about 10. The woman was buying piles of baby clothes. I almost got out of line because it looked like it was going to take a while, but I stayed. This woman had mounds of clothes. Shirts, pants, shoes, jackets, swim suits, etc. It all looked newborn size. While this woman was getting ready to pay for this giant bag of clothes, a friend of hers walks in the store. They start talking.

Lady buying clothes: Hi! How are you?
Friend: Good, blah blah blah
Lady: Are you going to so and so's baby shower tonight?
Friend: No, I can't make it. Are you going?
Lady: Yeah, that's what this is for- (pointing to her gargantuan pile of clothes that the cashier is still loading into bags).

They say goodbye. The cashier gives the lady her total: $371. She swipes her credit card and is off with her extra large over flowing bag of clothes for an infant that will outgrow them in less than two months.

I was torn between staying in line to buy my $3 shirt and chasing after the woman to ask her if she wanted to come to my baby shower next time I have a baby. Or I'd ask her if she wanted to adopt a daughter and grandaughter. Or I thought about asking her if she had any unmarried sons...

As I walked out of the mall the world around me seemed to be in slow motion. I carried my one tiny little bag with my little $3 shirt while everyone else around me had multiple large bags and boxes, laughing and smiling as they loaded their bounty into their big suv's and small convertible sports cars.

I didn't move to Orange County. I moved to the twilight zone!!

1. Returning phone calls
2. Answering my phone
3. Returning emails
4. Checking my email
5. Texting

If you know me well, you probably already know these things. I apologize. I apologize for every time I missed your call, or every email that went unanswered. You see, since becoming a mother I have almost completely lost touch with reality. I say almost because I do still watch The Hills.
It's rare that I actually hear my phone when it rings, and if I do it's another task to find it.

I bring this up because the other day my good friend Sheri called with a question regarding the Eclair Cake recipe I talked about. When she called I was at the grocery store buying popsicles that Devan had to have the instant we got home because it was so stinkin' hot. So after I cleaned up the sticky mess on my porch I had to take Devan inside and basically give her a bath in the kitchen sink. Then I had a cough attack. Some of you remember a few months ago I got a bad case of bronchitis. It's back. So after my cough attack I remembered that Sheri had called. Then I had to wander around my apartment to find a good spot to call from. Thats right, we get NO reception here. So by the time I listened to my voice mail it had probably been two hours and I felt horrible because she had a question about the recipe, which she was probably making at the time of her call. Sorry Sheri! I hope it turned out okay!

So, I have committed to being better at answering my phone and checking my email. I promise!

I absolutely love the smell of celery and onion cooking. It reminds me of my Mother, and Thanksgiving. The corn chowder came out pretty good, but I burnt my tongue so many times tasting it that I can't really be sure.

I am looking forward to going home this weekend for Mothers day to see my Mom and Sister. I told John for Mothers day I wanted to walk around Ikea, all by myself, for as long as I wanted. Every time I've gone it's been with Devan, which, needless to say ends with me rushing through to find what I know I need and leaving promptly after. However, since we live so close to one now we've been a lot. So I think I will have to think of a different Mothers day gift.

Anyway, time to get back to putting away my piles!

It's been a while since I've posted any pictures, and my sister mentioned to me that she has forgotten what her neice looks like. So here are a few photos of what we've been up to lately. (Besides the obvious move!).

First things first. John really likes his job. And I really like his job, too. Yesterday was his first day and minutes after he walked in the door we got this humongous bouquet of flowers from a flower delivery guy. It was addresed to me and it looked like this:




(this photo doesn't really do it justice. It's very large). John and I both looked at each other wondering who in the world would be sending me flowers. I opened the card and found it was from John's new bosses! The card said something like "Welcoming you aboard. We are delighted to have you and John join the (company B) family." I was very impressed to say the least! I also felt as though it was one of many tender mercies from the Lord, letting us know we made the right choice.

Next. When I see this photo I think of the word "compromise". You see, John and I, though very alike in many ways, have very different tastes as far as decorating goes. I am very much a more traditional, whimsical type of girl, where he is very much a modern-contemporary type of guy. When we moved in I chose to let our room have a more contemporary feel. Here is a glimpse of what it looks like:

The flower vase I found at a thrift store for 99 cents. The candle sticks are from John's mission, hand carved from somewhere in Africa, I think. I don't usually like that much black, or any dark color for that matter, but I'm happy with the way our room looks so far.

Here is your neice, Q. She's got rather sleepy looking eyes in this photo. She's pointing to her hot pink finger nails that I painted. And she's not wearing pants. As usual.

John and Devan playing blocks. Devan's not wearing pants again. You can also see our new TV unit. And our new TV! (Thanks again to the greatest in-laws ever!)

Below is a little project I was working on before we moved. I was trying to find the perfect way to display John's missionary tags. I finally found this frame and I think it looks great. I'm going to hang it on the wall next to one of John's favorite mission photos. If I can find it after our move. Who knows where it might be now.

That's it for now!

It wasn't long ago
the day that we first met
You had a twinkle in your eye
that day I'd soon regret
You served me empty promises
You vowed that you'd be true
You took my dishes, one at a time
And spotted them through and through
You never really cared
Made jokes of my concerns
You may be laughing now
but this lesson, I have learned
I will never trust your kind
Not ever, ever again
The ugly, old machine
with you I'll never win
If you were my own
I might have you destroyed
But since I am only renting
You are hereby unemployed.

Thats what our apartment looks like right now. Piles of piles of stuff that still needs a home. The problem is that we seem to have more stuff than space. I've reduced the piles substantially, though they still exist in little corners here and there.

We moved pretty quickly. The thing was, when John gave notice at his old job he was planning on starting the new job last week. After our little change of events, he ended up having all last week and some of the week before off. We found the apartment we liked and figured we might as well move when we had time, and not try to move when John was starting a new job. Is it just me, or does moving get harder every time you do it? I always have these great intentions of having the move go so smoothly and well organized, and without fail every time things start to fall apart half way through and I end up just throwing everything in boxes.

Anyway, we are here. We like it so far. It looks and feels a lot like home so there is little to no culture shock, which is what we were expecting with our move to Chicago. It's so much like home in fact that I almost wish we had more of a change. I've just been telling myself that if we can't live in new places then we will just have to make lots of money so we can travel, which I would love. I have a tendency to get a little stir crazy when I haven't traveled away from home in a while. We've already made one trip back home and I'm so grateful it's so close.

I don't know if it's the stress of the move and a new home, but Devan is suddenly feeling very autonomous. Everything has become "Dedins!" Don't even think about claiming something as your own. Or helping her. "I do it myself!" has become a very popular phrase around here. Even though she can drive me crazy I simply cannot escape that fact that I am totally in love with her.

One thing I am very excited about: the beach! It is dangerously close. I might just turn my car into a beach mobile this summer and never look back.

I will post some photos of the new digs soon. Hope everyone has a great week!

We moved. It all happened so quickly, but we are here in Orange County and it is beautiful and we love it so far! We just got our internet working about twenty minutes ago. I will have more to share in the next few days so stay tuned.