Happy Nevada Day for all of you who are here in Nevada. For those of you not here, sorry you are missing all the fun. On our holiday here, everyone dresses up in neat outfits and we go door to door saying "trick-or-treat." I think the Nevada Day trend is catching on. I've noticed a great majority of Americans are dressing up and going out at night to celebrate our good state. Keep it up America!
Speaking of Americans, we met a great one today. To commemorate Nevada Day, Senator Harry Reid ate at the offical eatery of all Mormon's (yes, I know we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints): Cafe Rio. I was a witness to this fortuitous event. It reminds me of the movie Star Wars, where Luke was being tempted by the Emperor to join the Dark Side. It was crazy. There I was eating my salad with creamy ranch dressing and I could have sworn I heard him say, "Take up your light saber and strike me down!"
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Bubbles
I am working on an advertising campaign now where the theme is bubbles. Bubbles represent clean air for our environment - and bubbles should be fun to work with. But I have to say I am ready for this campaign to be complete and ready to launch. I have been spending months with bubbles - bubble machines, children's bubble wands, bubbles with huge loops of rope and fabric, etc.
This is me out at Red Rock last week, which admittedly was a nice break from meetings and being in the office. The weather here is still warm - upper 80s (will it ever be Fall?!).
This is me out at Red Rock last week, which admittedly was a nice break from meetings and being in the office. The weather here is still warm - upper 80s (will it ever be Fall?!).
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
New Words
Claire is now saying - stop, no, grandma (I know I heard her say it!), she makes a snake sound sssss! and says up and down. Here is a sampling of a few - I couldn't get her to say them all in a row.
Halloween Sneak Peek
I took a break to "run some errands" and check out the early Halloween party with playgroup - I felt a little weird all dressed for work, but it was worth the mad dash over to the Bunkers to see this little monkey.
She was so good - didn't try to pull off her costume as I had predicted. Just pretty chill and hanging out. Claire will get to wear her costume 3 days in a row - today's party, tomorrow's ward party, and then for Halloween on Friday.
She was so good - didn't try to pull off her costume as I had predicted. Just pretty chill and hanging out. Claire will get to wear her costume 3 days in a row - today's party, tomorrow's ward party, and then for Halloween on Friday.
The New AT&T
Keeping in touch with friends... priceless
Talking anytime you want to... priceless
Making calls on your drive to and from work... priceless
Cell phone bill this month... $1,105.00
No joke.
Talking anytime you want to... priceless
Making calls on your drive to and from work... priceless
Cell phone bill this month... $1,105.00
No joke.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Soccer Season
Matt and I are now on a co-ed indoor soccer team - I have not played indoor soccer in probably 5 years, and outdoor in more than 2. I stopped playing once I was about 4 or 5 months pregnant with Claire, and let me tell you, I need to get used to using my feet like that again.
We had a game on Friday night at 9:05, the same night as our friend's Halloween Party, which started at 8 pm. So, two birds with one stone - we dressed up as soccer players so we could at least come to the party for a few minutes. Not the most creative, but people were suprised that we actually were going to play soccer. We had a babysitter come over with a friend to stay at the house with Claire while she was asleep, and they said - we've never met parents that play soccer before! Oh yeah, we are awesome! :)
We had a game on Friday night at 9:05, the same night as our friend's Halloween Party, which started at 8 pm. So, two birds with one stone - we dressed up as soccer players so we could at least come to the party for a few minutes. Not the most creative, but people were suprised that we actually were going to play soccer. We had a babysitter come over with a friend to stay at the house with Claire while she was asleep, and they said - we've never met parents that play soccer before! Oh yeah, we are awesome! :)
Friday, October 24, 2008
It's Me...
Have you ever called someone and said "Hi, it's me" and they didn't know who you were? So embarrassing ... It reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where a girl calls up Jerry after just a few dates and says "hi, it's me" - he say something like, "she just it's me'd me!!! Too soon!"
For some reason the other day I was thinking about how it's a special thing to be able to say "It's me" to someone. When Matt and I call each other, it's almost like a term of endearment in a way.
On the flip side, I have been calling the same receptionist at our Salt Lake office for like 4 months, at least 5 times a week if not more, and she never recognized my voice or knew it was me. Drove me crazy! She left the company last week. Coincidence? I think not!
For some reason the other day I was thinking about how it's a special thing to be able to say "It's me" to someone. When Matt and I call each other, it's almost like a term of endearment in a way.
On the flip side, I have been calling the same receptionist at our Salt Lake office for like 4 months, at least 5 times a week if not more, and she never recognized my voice or knew it was me. Drove me crazy! She left the company last week. Coincidence? I think not!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Old Times
My cousin Natalie tagged me in this photo on FaceBook and I loved seeing my family, especially my parents, so young, so I wanted to post it here too. I don't remember ever seeing this picture before. I am the oldest of the kids in this pic, standing next to my sister Becky - maybe Claire looks like me a bit after all : )
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Eating Out
I have to say that eating out is one of my favorite things to do - especially since we go out to splurge on Saturday nights. Splurge as in calories, not so much as in money :)
And we have always been able to take Claire with us - she is well behaved and eats almost anything we give her so it works out. We went to The Cheesecake Factory on Saturday - pumpkin cheesecake, getting us in the festive mood. And also reminding me how I need to get back on track with WW.
And we have always been able to take Claire with us - she is well behaved and eats almost anything we give her so it works out. We went to The Cheesecake Factory on Saturday - pumpkin cheesecake, getting us in the festive mood. And also reminding me how I need to get back on track with WW.
The Great Pumpkin
Matt made me watch The Great Pumpkin a few years ago around Halloween, you know, the one with Charlie Brown. I have never been a huge Charlie Brown fan, and this movie sealed the deal. Spoiler alert - there is no Great Pumpkin! How dissapointing. I guess it's one of those movies that you had to watch when you were a kid to truly appreciate it.
Anyway, we went to find our own great pumpkin on Saturday - it turns out it was only about 8 inches tall, but it was still great to Claire. We went to a pumpkin patch put on by a family in our ward and although we went later in the day when the pumpkins were almost gone, we did find a nice Claire-sized pumpkin.
She wanted to hold it while we walked to the car, she held it in the car seat on the way to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, and then again in the car on the way home. So, needless to say it was a hit.
We are really enjoying this stage with Claire - she is so interested in everything, and she really has no fear - she reached right out to pet a bunny at the pumpkin patch, she would crawl all around that place if I let her (yes, still crawling even though she knows how to walk).
Now for Halloween preparation -we have to get our theme down - Claire is going to be a monkey so we are building around that.
Anyway, we went to find our own great pumpkin on Saturday - it turns out it was only about 8 inches tall, but it was still great to Claire. We went to a pumpkin patch put on by a family in our ward and although we went later in the day when the pumpkins were almost gone, we did find a nice Claire-sized pumpkin.
She wanted to hold it while we walked to the car, she held it in the car seat on the way to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, and then again in the car on the way home. So, needless to say it was a hit.
We are really enjoying this stage with Claire - she is so interested in everything, and she really has no fear - she reached right out to pet a bunny at the pumpkin patch, she would crawl all around that place if I let her (yes, still crawling even though she knows how to walk).
Now for Halloween preparation -we have to get our theme down - Claire is going to be a monkey so we are building around that.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Nicknames
I think that nicknames are a nice way to say, I like you. So much in fact that I want a special name for you that only I can use. At least nice nicknames, that is.
I think we give nicknames pretty freely in our household. In fact, I have heard my sister in law (Meg the Snake) tell my brother in law (Dan Dan Noodle) that he is officially accepted by the Hillers once he has a nickname.
Claire has a ton - some might sound like they aren't nice out of context, but really they are meant with love:
Claire Bear
Clairy Beary
Smuntz (don't ask how this got started - it's a mix between Munchkin, Stinker, Pumpkin, and it just came out that way, and stuck, as you can see from it's many derivatives)
Smuntskin
Smuntzka
Stink
We also gave our dogs nicknames growing up, with my brother Matty being the main instigator, now with help from Matt Hiller. For example, my parent's current dog Duke, a Rat Terrier, goes by these various names:
Dukemajor
Dukis patukis
The Duke
Michael Dukasis
Dukage (with a French accent)
David Duke-ovny
I am not as good at thinking up names for Matt as he is for me - his latest favorite is "sugar lips" :)
So, what is your nickname?
I think we give nicknames pretty freely in our household. In fact, I have heard my sister in law (Meg the Snake) tell my brother in law (Dan Dan Noodle) that he is officially accepted by the Hillers once he has a nickname.
Claire has a ton - some might sound like they aren't nice out of context, but really they are meant with love:
Claire Bear
Clairy Beary
Smuntz (don't ask how this got started - it's a mix between Munchkin, Stinker, Pumpkin, and it just came out that way, and stuck, as you can see from it's many derivatives)
Smuntskin
Smuntzka
Stink
We also gave our dogs nicknames growing up, with my brother Matty being the main instigator, now with help from Matt Hiller. For example, my parent's current dog Duke, a Rat Terrier, goes by these various names:
Dukemajor
Dukis patukis
The Duke
Michael Dukasis
Dukage (with a French accent)
David Duke-ovny
I am not as good at thinking up names for Matt as he is for me - his latest favorite is "sugar lips" :)
So, what is your nickname?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I have something to say.
Soooo,
I want to be more involved in the political process as of late. I did some leg work to discover what each candidate has to offer. I went to both websites and did a parallel/side-by-side comparison of the issues.
Hey, remember when we were kids playing ball in the street? Suddenly, an unexpected car drives up or Jimmy's mom comes to get him for dinner interrupting the game? We'd all yell, "Do over!"
Can we just throw these candidates into the 'do over' bin? I'm not satisfied. I think we can all just admit this election isn't the best it could be and start over with new candidates with new platforms.
Food for thought:
If, and I know for some of you reading this is a big if, we as Americans chose incorrectly, wouldn't it be a better idea to start again rather than make the mistake of choosing between two wrongs? This would require an amazing feat of humility from both parties. Lets be honest now, has your party ever make a mistake? Either party ever really admitted defeat? I regret that starting over isn't an option for us. My concerns are as follows in no particular order:
Illegal immigration-
Mmmkay, should we keep the family together when part are illegal and part are not? I'm all for families AND all for the illegals paying their share of taxes too. Soooo, make them permanent visitors who pay taxes? Make them learn English, pay a fine, and send them to the back of the line for citizenship? We can't even find them. I'm confused. It seems like a border issue more than a 'who is here already' issue.
War-Iraq yadda yadda
How much money is this going to cost us? If the amount sends us to China to ask them to buy up our debt, have we really succeeded in democracy? A Communist country owns us if they own our debt, right? Like a mortgage, right? I mean, here is a two year plan that seems more feasible, beware: I thought of it in 30 seconds. Send 100%of our military to every known location of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. Get in, get Bin, get out. Go back to Iraq for a year with 100% of our military. Help them build back govt, police, military, and then begin a rapid evacuation. Still confused.
Guns and Abortion-
One of these I believe to be a right, the other I do not. Barry doesn't say much about guns, except for a section on hunting and angling. He has an aggressive stance on defending Roe vs. Wade. This stance makes it hard for me to vote for him. I can't help but feel these sensitive issues are a facade on Johnny's platform to get me to vote for someone who will spend my tax money in a way I do not approve and give breaks to companies that do not need/deserve them. Not confused, just abused.
Health care-
Maybe those who want public health care can be taxed for it and the people who want to buy their own, should not be taxed and can buy a plan of their choice. I hope we aren't forced to carry the burden the few who abuse the health care system. I admit, I'd like to know more on this subject though.
No conclusion, just trying to rouse the rabble. Post if you want. These views are my own and you are not allowed to use them without expressed written consent. Just kidding. Just didn't want you to think the Hillers collaborated on this. I worked alone. We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.
-Matt
I want to be more involved in the political process as of late. I did some leg work to discover what each candidate has to offer. I went to both websites and did a parallel/side-by-side comparison of the issues.
Hey, remember when we were kids playing ball in the street? Suddenly, an unexpected car drives up or Jimmy's mom comes to get him for dinner interrupting the game? We'd all yell, "Do over!"
Can we just throw these candidates into the 'do over' bin? I'm not satisfied. I think we can all just admit this election isn't the best it could be and start over with new candidates with new platforms.
Food for thought:
If, and I know for some of you reading this is a big if, we as Americans chose incorrectly, wouldn't it be a better idea to start again rather than make the mistake of choosing between two wrongs? This would require an amazing feat of humility from both parties. Lets be honest now, has your party ever make a mistake? Either party ever really admitted defeat? I regret that starting over isn't an option for us. My concerns are as follows in no particular order:
Illegal immigration-
Mmmkay, should we keep the family together when part are illegal and part are not? I'm all for families AND all for the illegals paying their share of taxes too. Soooo, make them permanent visitors who pay taxes? Make them learn English, pay a fine, and send them to the back of the line for citizenship? We can't even find them. I'm confused. It seems like a border issue more than a 'who is here already' issue.
War-Iraq yadda yadda
How much money is this going to cost us? If the amount sends us to China to ask them to buy up our debt, have we really succeeded in democracy? A Communist country owns us if they own our debt, right? Like a mortgage, right? I mean, here is a two year plan that seems more feasible, beware: I thought of it in 30 seconds. Send 100%of our military to every known location of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. Get in, get Bin, get out. Go back to Iraq for a year with 100% of our military. Help them build back govt, police, military, and then begin a rapid evacuation. Still confused.
Guns and Abortion-
One of these I believe to be a right, the other I do not. Barry doesn't say much about guns, except for a section on hunting and angling. He has an aggressive stance on defending Roe vs. Wade. This stance makes it hard for me to vote for him. I can't help but feel these sensitive issues are a facade on Johnny's platform to get me to vote for someone who will spend my tax money in a way I do not approve and give breaks to companies that do not need/deserve them. Not confused, just abused.
Health care-
Maybe those who want public health care can be taxed for it and the people who want to buy their own, should not be taxed and can buy a plan of their choice. I hope we aren't forced to carry the burden the few who abuse the health care system. I admit, I'd like to know more on this subject though.
No conclusion, just trying to rouse the rabble. Post if you want. These views are my own and you are not allowed to use them without expressed written consent. Just kidding. Just didn't want you to think the Hillers collaborated on this. I worked alone. We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.
-Matt
Monday, October 13, 2008
Got Milk? Not at our house...
So, Claire has refused to drink milk of any kind - formula, nursing, whole milk, chocolate milk (don't tell Matt), etc. I worry about her not getting the calcium and other nutrients she needs so she eats a baby yogurt and a cheese stick once a day, at least. She won't drink much of anything - I have to trick her into drinking water or juice, and then I heard the other day that too much water is bad for babies too... so I try to give her fruit like mandarin oranges that have a lot of liquid. Any ideas for getting her to drink milk? I have tried every sippy cup plus a regular cup since bottles are out too. I should be glad that she basically weaned herself but now what?
Town Square Visit
So we finally got to hang out at Town Square and visit the play area - it is awesome! Now I know why the playgroup likes to go there, and I didn't even hear story hour either. I just thought it was the water area, but it had this really great hedge maze, places for the kids to slide and jump and climb, a stage for plays, and all sorts of stuff.
I was thinking that this was really the first time we just went out and played on a Saturday since Claire was born - and took her out to a park to be outdoors. I think that is a combination of the heat finally going away, Claire getting old enough to really enjoy the playground, and the fact that my sister was in town to get us out of the house. I need to get all my housework and grocery shopping done during the week so I can just play on Saturdays. I think I seriously need to hire a housekeeper to come in once a week and I am so not the type of person to think I need a maid... anyway. Here are some pics from the visit.
I was thinking that this was really the first time we just went out and played on a Saturday since Claire was born - and took her out to a park to be outdoors. I think that is a combination of the heat finally going away, Claire getting old enough to really enjoy the playground, and the fact that my sister was in town to get us out of the house. I need to get all my housework and grocery shopping done during the week so I can just play on Saturdays. I think I seriously need to hire a housekeeper to come in once a week and I am so not the type of person to think I need a maid... anyway. Here are some pics from the visit.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Walking
Claire took 8 steps on Friday...
I was at work and Becky and Danny were watching her for the afternoon.
I missed it.
I'm not sure that the BYU Management luncheon and my afternoon client meeting were worth it. Sigh.
She wouldn't walk again over the weekend, although she does stand up on her own now without holding on to anything. Who knows, she might have already walked at Emily's house but I told her to let me stay ignorant of it so I will think Claire walks for the first time at our house. Is that weird? Anyway, now we know she can walk, but just chooses not to. Stubborn.
I was at work and Becky and Danny were watching her for the afternoon.
I missed it.
I'm not sure that the BYU Management luncheon and my afternoon client meeting were worth it. Sigh.
She wouldn't walk again over the weekend, although she does stand up on her own now without holding on to anything. Who knows, she might have already walked at Emily's house but I told her to let me stay ignorant of it so I will think Claire walks for the first time at our house. Is that weird? Anyway, now we know she can walk, but just chooses not to. Stubborn.
Cousin Time, Playing Tourist
We have had some more chances than normal to get in some cousin time - from back in September with Cousin Evie's birthday, to hanging out at the Hillers for Sunday dinner, to this past weekend with a visit from McKinley, oh and her parent's too, my sister Becky and her hubbie Dan.
We played tourist yesterday and went down to The Strip, something I haven't done in a long time. I think the last time was a Michael Buble concert at the MGM when I was 8+ months pregnant. We went out to dinner at The Salt Lick in Red Rock Casino, then on to walk on the Strip and see the two new casinos we haven't been to yet - The Wynn (which has been open for a few years, we just never got around to going), and The Palazzo.
And we topped the night off with a Nothing Bundt Cake for Dan's birthday - so good! We had fun with them and can't wait to see them again for Thanksgiving.
We played tourist yesterday and went down to The Strip, something I haven't done in a long time. I think the last time was a Michael Buble concert at the MGM when I was 8+ months pregnant. We went out to dinner at The Salt Lick in Red Rock Casino, then on to walk on the Strip and see the two new casinos we haven't been to yet - The Wynn (which has been open for a few years, we just never got around to going), and The Palazzo.
And we topped the night off with a Nothing Bundt Cake for Dan's birthday - so good! We had fun with them and can't wait to see them again for Thanksgiving.
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