Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thankful

Initially, we were going to enjoy Thanksgiving just the two of us, like last year, but when my new friend from church, Christy, invited us to her family's gathering we figured we would give it a shot! I thought it might be nice to be around others.

I am so glad we went! We enjoyed a wonderful meal, had some fun conversation, played games, and laughed until we were crying...ok, I was the only one crying. Plus, croquet! Only in Arizona would you find people playing croquet outside on Thanksgiving.


Croquet hottie

PIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE..........STICKY BUNNNNNNNNSSSSSSS............
When we came home we got to Facetime chat {thanks be to iPhones!} with my family back in Indiana. The Carmien clan was gathering at Mom and Dad's this year so we got to see everyone! I can't wait to actually see all my family face-to-face next month and give everyone big hugs! 

Because we originally were going to have a solo Thanksgiving I had already bought a turkey in advance. Phill decided we would brine tonight and he would cook it tomorrow. Even if it doesn't turn out, I'm pleased to have these next pictures.

Staring at the bird in deep confusion

Poor bird

Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 21, 2011

YouTube Clips of the Week!

So every Sunday night, at Velocity, the service ends with a 'YouTube Clip of the Week". More often than not, the leaders find them hysterical and the kids are left wondering what the frickety-frack {yup, said it} just happened.  Phillip is responsible for finding these videos, so you can imagine he's stumbled across some real gems. Phill and I were just watching, and dying over, these next few videos! They're short, promise.

If your sense of humor is anything like mine, you'll probably laugh out loud.

Now, I'm kinda embarrassed that you're all gonna be like, "Ummmmm...how is this funny???"

JUST GO WITH IT, OKAY?!

Thanks, Chuck Testa. Thanks.

Ok, these next two go together. Soooo funny!
"I just think you suck."

OUTTAKES!
I seriously just want to watch this little lady all day. I just keep thinking how I wouldn't mind her being my patient one bit. Except she probably would be the type to not have her home med list. She probably just knows what the pills look like. PEOPLE OF THE WORLD! KEEP A LIST OF YOUR HOME MEDICATIONS {including vitamins and herbs!} WITH DOSAGES AND HOW OFTEN/WHEN YOU TAKE THEM AND CARRY IT WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES! You never know when you might have to go to the hospital where the hospital doctor has to order your medications or else you won't get them. And you want them to be ordered just like you take them at home, right? 

Okay.

Stepping off my soapbox now...

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Baby Shower

Today I ran around my apartment cooking at rapid fire speed in order to hightail it with all my goodies and a gift in tow to a baby shower for my dear friend and coworker, Monica, and her bun in the oven, Mason.

Isn't she beautiful?

PS--I'm still getting re-accustomed to iPhone life, but so far it's looking like Siri and I will get along just fine ;-)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Too Much Ice Cream

...I'm starting to learn this is, in fact, a real thing. I've really been digging in lately. Since my birthday party, my daily caloric intake has been ridiculous, I'm sure. Here's the kicker, though: THERE'S STILL ANOTHER HUGE TUB OF ICE CREAM IN THE FREEZER. Thanks, but no thanks, Robin & Jake. 

Anyway, I'm not sure about you guys, but I had a pretty darn good day. I kept forgetting it was Wednesday partially because not having a set work schedule will do that to you and also because I slept all the way until Phillip came home for lunch. WHADUP 13 HOURS OF SLEEP?! My body, I tell ya. This thing hates sleeping before a work day. Sleep before work = terrible sleep. But, to be perfectly honest, I really feel like my work on the job isn't super negatively affected. I just do...go...But when 11:00 last night hit, BAM my brain was crazy stupid tired and I couldn't even aimlessly browse the Internet. I slept like a freakin' baby last night, y'all. Why? Because I didn't have to work today! Do any of you have the same issues? Does this make sense? Maybe not, since most people have more regular work schedules.

I took Margot to the dog park today. It was kinda fun chatting about tattoos with the old people. I didn't show mine off, though, but it was still funny. Why does it seem I'm always engaging in activities typically enjoyed by older people...

Afterwards, I dropped Margot off at home and decided to wander around the mall. I was mainly there to get some Starbucks with my birthday gift card (thanks Kari! but seriously. You shouldn't have done that. You're grounded) and search for Christmas decorations. Honestly, I don't even remember if there was Christmas stuff or not. I was enthralled by the sale racks at Forever 21 {I am the one browsing every last item until I find a super rocking deal} and I was suckered into Teavana by their delicious free samples. Even though I was apprehensive of their high-priced teas, those Teavana people made me smile. One of the employees told me I look like Snow White. I suppose my get-up and a good imagination could lead one to think this? Maybe???
Thanks, Teavana employee who's name i can't remember. Thanks.

Also, here's a little Margot action for you {duh}. She sits on the bathmat all the time. Maybe she sits there to keep her lil bum off the tile? Who knows.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Thank You

Thank you, sweet Lord, for giving me the most perfect gift. 
Thank you for a weekend of recharging. 
A weekend of the weather I've been craving. A weekend of reconnecting with my loved ones. A weekend of total happiness. 

Thank you God for reminding me of the joy that can be found through the small pleasures you provide.

Please excuse me and all....that. I just woke up!



I may or may not have made Margot a quilt. 
I also may or may not be forcing her to love it and pretend she needs it while she naps.

love, alyssa

PS--As if you care, I'm currently wearing the 3rd hoodie of the season =)

25

You guys.

I have been dreading this day for months now, but today was actually quite wonderful!

Fun-filled evening with friends last night!
Sleeping in this morning!
Margot cuddles!
Legitimate Autumn weather!
Many phone calls and messages!
Cry-worthy packages!
Successful craftiness!
Christmas music because I can!
Delicious and obscure Thai birthday dinner!

I was smiling SO MUCH today. My heart is so full. Full right up to the very brim. Who cares if I'm getting older?! Adulthood? What??? Nah, we'll just chill here in the middle...wherever this is...and pretend we have no responsibilities and concerns. Good plan, huh?

Most of the day was spent by myself as Phillip was in Tucson for an ultimate frisbee tournament. Initially, I thought I would be bored and just spend the day catching up on Parenthood, but once the day actually arrived and I realized God had gifted me beautiful sunshine and cooler temperatures I knew I had to get out and accomplish something today. Enter phone dates and Jo-Ann Fabrics!

I received all these treasures in a package from my parents. I tell ya, my mom really knows what makes my heart tick. After my griping over a lack of Autumn in Arizona I can now smell true Autumn straight from Mom & Dad's home! Plus, I get to taste the yumminess of buckeyes from The Party Shop!






I'm so proud. Yes, it's a simple design but I made it! The original design doesn't have any pockets or anything, but I intended to use some of the excess fabric to get some pockets on the inside. Welp, that didn't happen. I was so intent on making sure I didn't screw something up that I didn't want to add the pocket at the wrong time or add it on the wrong side! I'll consider this the trial run. I feel like I have finally swung the DIY door wide open. My sewing machine and I grew closer today =)

Thank you to everyone for all the lovely birthday wishes! You have no idea how much I appreciate your words!