A while back I mentioned how behind the times I was in regards to mp3 speakers. Well, I don't feel so bad anymore. At least not about speakers.

I, for the first time ever, bought a rice cooker. I know what your thinking. TOTALLY behind the times. I've known about rice cookers. I've even bought rice cookers off wedding registries. However, I've never bought one for myself. And finally after under/over cooking about one billion cups of rice, I decided I'd give one a try. And I love it.

Perfect, fluffy white rice, every time. I now have a very open mind to kitchen electronics. Does anyone have an egg cooker? My Mom used to have one and I'm wondering now if it's better than just boiling them on the stove. This one has caught my eye.

Seriously, how cute is that chicken? I think I might have to put this on my Christmas list. If you have a kitchen electronic that you can't live without, please pass it along. (And btw, there's no money in my budget for a kitchenaid mixer).

Devan got her first haircut on Friday. For months her hair has been hanging in front of her eyes and I finally had enough.

I have a good friend named Jaime who works at this fancy salon in Newport Beach. I figured, hey, only the best for my 2 year old, right? I called her up and she said I could bring her by anytime. I finally got around to it this past Friday and it was a success. Well, besides the fact that I forgot my camera. I was dissapointed mostly that I didn't get a shot of Devan sitting in the big salon chair with the big cape draped around her so all you could see was her head. She called it her bib. Aside from not keeping her head still she did pretty well.

This was her first time meeting Jaime, and she kept calling her Amie Jo, another good friend of mine who visited about a month ago. I kept trying to correct her and eventually she started calling her Jaime Jo. At least it's progress.

I didn't want her to cut much, so she just evened out the back and trimmed her bangs. It's not a huge difference, but her hair isn't in her eyes anymore which is better for everyone! Thanks Jaime!!

Before:

After:

(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!