Two years ago at this time, I was on a mission. In fact, I didn't get home from my mission until July of 2008. On the way home last night from a big Marcum family Easter dinner (fabulous), Chris and I were talking about how much life has changed. I am sure most new parents […]
This month has been full of cauliflower disguised as mashed potatoes, spaghetti squash subbing for pasta, and our new grill got plenty of delicious action. We developed a new love for black beans and fresh tomatoes and avocados. Asparagus never tasted so good. Chris couldn't have another salad for lunch after the first week, but […]
Greta has been fussy these past few days. So unpredictably fussy. I put her down, she cries. I pick her up, she cries. So I put her back down and she stops crying. I think she doesn't even know what she is upset about. I also think most of the time she is tired and […]
Funfetti cake (her favorite) got the party started. She begged to take her first stroll outside. She insisted Chris feed her her first bottle. Aunt Victoria and Aunt Patty came from out-of-town and gave Greta the perfect gift: arms to lay in. She partied hard and then crashed....mitten free. Totally spoiled.
Yesterday it started. Our diet. The one we have been talking about and promising ourselves we would stick to since our cruise to Mexico last summer. But I was pregnant...so we decided to wait 6 months until I wasn't. Wow, those six months were full of good, good food. Some of my favorite treats homemade […]
For years Julia and I have heard time after time how much we’re like Jim and Pam from The Office. “Chris acts just like Jim!” “Julia, you’re so much like Pam.” Not to mention the fact that we spent 3 years “as friends” before anything really started happening. So why should we have been surprised […]
Last night, Greta slept in her crib in her nursery. I had a mental breakdown about 1 am. I just didn't like her being so far away. I was so paranoid that I wouldn't hear her. Chris calmed me down and reassured me and then left it up to me if I wanted to put […]
...That. And the patch. That's all I have in common with a Pirate's life. What a joke. I can't believe I have Bell's Palsy. I woke up on Wednesday morning and struggled to put on my eye shadow before realizing the struggle stemmed from the inability to shut my eye. Within an hour, the discovery […]
I decided to browse Target that Friday because the weather was too cold and windy for my usual walk outside. I promised myself I wouldn't spend a dime--I was just there for my walk and I was just walking to help this baby come out. Still, I found myself in the baby section. I had […]
She's been a long time coming, but she's finally here. She's healthy, tired and the cutest thing I've ever laid eyes on. We instantly fell in love with her and are so grateful that Heavenly Father has allowed us to raise this precious little girl. Welcome to the family, Greta. We're gonna have fun!
I'm a relatively private person. I haven't shared too much about my pregnancy because I am afraid if I start talking about it, I wouldn't be able to stop: referred to as "Word Vomit." So, I will leave it as this: I am crampy and moody. I am sore and contracting. I eat spicy food […]
We've been photographed together for years... I have driven a red Ford Focus since I turned 16. I learned how to drive in one. I took my driver's test in one. In 2002, we traded in the old red Ford Focus for a new one. Red. Ford. And still a Focus. When my family moved […]
I'm only 26 years old. My hair is falling out, my joints crack and I think I'm even starting to develop a twitch. How could this have happened so early? I'll tell you how: baby. Now before you jump to thinking that I'm insensitive and am going to be a horrible father, let me explain. […]
Remember when candy was life? It didn't matter what kind or what time of day it was. I remember receiving an advent calendar from my uncle, Victor, when I was little. Every day in December I got to open a little window and devour the chocolate behind it. This cute little calendar was given to […]
In June, I wasn't feeling well. Chris was convinced I was pregnant. I was in denial and brushed it off to a bug of some sorts. Then finally, one morning, I woke up thinking, "Oh my, he might be right." It was 6:15 am and I HAD to go get a pregnancy test. Granted, they […]
While sifting through my box of paintings and drawings this morning, I found a treasure wrapped up in a manilla envelope. It was a survey I filled out as part of a young women activity, written to my future self. I even wrote a note to myself on the front of the envelope: Inside you […]
Last year, we bought an artificial tree and all the trimmings. We also got some decorations for the house from our parents and some other family members and friends. The day after Thanksgiving this year, I insisted we bust it all out. I am under doctor's orders to not be on my feet--so I was […]
(Iron Chef Marcum and Chef Marcum) I got my first chef's hat, apron (pictured above) and cookbook for Christmas in 1995. I immediately put them on and started my own at-home restaurant, JULIE'S PLACE. Serving up my family all of the cuisines a 10 year old can think of--adding secret ingredients to every dish. One […]
Often times I get asked what I have craved so far. I have never understood "cravings." I'm in my 27th week of pregnancy and so far I haven't been one of those women that HAVE to have something very specific to eat right now. I mean RIGHT now. Cutie pie, Chris, has made no trips […]
All in one month (October) Chris applied for a job, interviewed for it and got it. Whoa. I know. Official start date being November 4th left us all of ONE DAY to find a place to live. It took 10 hours and lots of disappointments (now funny stories) to find our new place, but it […]
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