Merry, Happy

Remember that time when my sister and her husband had twins, but I woke up sick the day they were born, so I couldn't see them for five days...oh yeah, and it was Christmas too?

Well, I finally got to meet them.  They're perfect, and I love them.  What a merry, happy day (just like this season).

Not the best picture, I know, but it shows the joy a little bit. :)

I Miss It

This is my second year spending Christmas is California, which is great...but I do really, really miss seeing Temple Square this time of year. 

Preparing for babies

A couple of weeks ago, we had a little get-together for Candie in preparation for the arrival of Thing 1 & Thing 2.  I mean that in the most pleasant, endearing way.  I love them lots, and we thought that'd be a fun theme.  I mean, how often do you even get a chance to have that as an option?  We're just lucky I guess.  We (and by we I mean mostly my wonderful roommate Megan) took lots of pictures, so I'll just put a random sampling on here to show off the festivities.

 

 

(their last name is Green in case you didn't know...) :)

 

beautiful blanket made by Auntie Dee Dee

Dad didn't come to the shower, but he did contribute to the gift...and made sure Mom let everyone know. :)  (it's a pacifier thermometer, and he insisted there were 2 b/c "if they are sick you don't want them sharing pacifiers")

Full body bibs (they even strap around the bottom of the leg)

I can't wait!

Halloween 2009

As to be expected, Halloween was a lot of fun.  I seem to just love it more and more every year.  I think the good people of the world need to take back Halloween and make sure it stays fun, yet decent.  It makes me sad to see more and more every year the immodest and inappropriate that comes out of a fun-filled holiday.  I'm glad there are still a few good people in the world that like to have a good time, but don't mistake that to mean that you have to let go of standards and values.  Fun can be had being fully clothed and sober.  Want proof?  They say a picture speaks a thousand words..I'll let them do (most) of the talking... :)

 Me and Kaitlin (the Progressive girl, Flo)

Roommates: Megan as Cledus (Best Costume winner), April as Little Red Riding Hood, Katie as a Greek Goddess, and me as a Rodeo Queen

Group shot love

Presidency shot: Camie as Tina Turner, Me, Summer as Winter, Cledus

This one's for you Can: Thing One and Thing Two as portrayed by the lovely Kirdy and Nathalie

Me, Emily as the Queen of Hearts, Eric as Wayne, Joe as a Jewish singer (I can't remember his name, but apparently he specializes in Hip hop and Reggae mix)

With Bekah as Laughs a Lot Care Bear

I rest my case.

Emily Visits

I feel like I've been so busy lately...I should really remember to pull out the camera more often. :) I've been having fun, but I feel like...probably...I should stop procrastinating other important things...like buying a dresser so I can stop living out of duffel bags. :) Someday, someday...maybe once Halloween is over next week.

A couple weeks ago, my friend Emily came into town for a visit. It was fun! I miss her, and my other Utah friends too. My roommates really wanted to keep her. They pretty much begged her to stay. :)

We tried to find some fun while she was here...but we did a lot of hanging out, and I dragged her around to family things, etc. She's a good sport. In retrospect, I should have taken her to San Francisco. I still feel really bad that I didn't. For some reason, I thought she wanted to stay around Sac-town...then I found out she still hasn't seen Wicked. I felt awful after that, but I think we still had a bit of a good time. Next time, I promise.

We took a little trip down to Old Sacramento, and learned a little more about Gold Mining:
And a little about schooling back in the day (although mostly we pretended to be in Anne of Green Gables):

I called her carrots:

We took a detour to Candy Heaven and tried some free samples (they really were free, we didn't steal). Then we found this fantastic shop where this happened:
(it's harder than it looks)

We then swung by the Sacramento Temple (aka the Turkey Temple, although I didn't get any pictures of the turkeys)Other things also happened, but I failed to pull out the camera. Probably the most exciting? We tried to go to the Folsom Prison Museum. It was closed, but we discovered a couple things:
a. The Folsom Prison is as old as the Salt Lake Temple (100 years)
b. There is a small village after the guard, before the actual gate...people really live there and the minimum security prisoners keep up their yards
c. If you accidentally drive through said village, you have to have your trunk searched to make sure you're not smuggling any of said prisoners out

Fun times, fun times. :)

October!

I love October. For various reasons.*

• It really starts to feel like fall, but its not too cold yet
• Yummy fall food starts to show itself (i.e. Pumpkin EVERYTHING)
• HALLOWEEN!!
• General Conference
• Moving out and having roommates again (okay, this isn't an annual thing, but it happened this October for me)

So, anyway, I've been enjoying my October so far, and I hope to enjoy it more and more as the month goes on...then there's Thanksgiving, then Black Friday, then the Christmas season and all its goodness, then New Year's...so much to be excited for. Bring. It. On.

I should really charge my camera battery so I can be documenting these things...I promise to include photos in the next post.

Happy Haunting!

*Listed in no particular order

7 Years

All day long I've been thinking of the great 18 month adventure I set out for 7 years ago today.I could hardly sleep on the plane(s) because of the anticipation. I had no idea what to expect, and the whole thing exceeded all my expectations.I will be forever grateful for the whole experience and often wish I could do it again.Some days it feels like a dream and some days it feels like yesterday. All days I love my memories of life as a missionary and of life in the Brazil Salvador South Mission.
Sorria! Voce esta na Bahia!

I Love to See the Temple

I went to the Sacramento Temple for the 8pm session on Thursday night for our ward temple night. There were so many people in the session. Sacramento is a smaller temple, so it normally seats around 50 people in a session. In this session though, they had to bring in 20 folding chairs to accommodate all the people. It was a beautiful thing. I found myself thinking about how amazing it would be if every session was brimming with people. Think of the good that would bring as everyone left filled with hope and love and power. I love the thought.

It's beginning to look a little like Fall

I can't even believe how excited I am for fall this year. Usually I dread it, but I think that probably was due to the fact that I lived in Utah and I knew fall would all too soon become winter...and winter=snow...and I do not like snow. So, now that I'm back in Cali, I'm REALLY excited for Fall.

PLUS, Fall=Halloween (I'm using a lot of "equations" in this post...). The 2 people who actually read this blog know this about me, but, I LOVE HALLOWEEN! So, now that its September, I really need to decide what to be for Halloween.

My current top choices:
Statue of Liberty. IE:
Or Olive Oyl (although I'd really have to convince someone to be Popeye) IE:

OR...a Ghost? A la:
What do you think? Opinions? Any other ideas?

(Note: as you can tell, I think this website is really cool: www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com. Homemade costumes beat ready made hands. down. Every. Time.)

*the ghost costume is courtesy of Martha Stewart online

Relative

Conversation with a visitor at work:
Nice man from San Francisco: "It's going to be a hot one today, huh?"
Me: "It's only supposed to be 90 today!!"
NMFSF: " 'Only' 90! You must be from around here..."

I guess it is all relative...

Just another day...

When you reach the ripe "old" age of 28 and are still single in mormondom, people start to say weird things to you about marriage. Ok, it actually happens before 28, but I think the occurences just increase as time goes by.

Today, alone, I was told the following:

1. A beloved member of my family told me that I may end up marrying someone with multiple children. It was a little awkward...although I have considered this before.
2. According to my mom, a woman in our home ward said I will probably be the 2nd wife of a General Authority. Wow. I'm not sure why someone would say that, or even what I should think about that statement, but I know she meant it in a nice way...

On a fairly regular basis (read at least once a week) someone tells me not to worry b/c the Lord is preparing someone special for me...somewhere... Also, I am often told that its "my turn" soon or its "my year". I suppose someday, someone is going to be right when they say that.

Me? I'm living life and not letting my singleness be something that is sad. I trust the Lord. He has a plan. Right now, he wants me here, that's as much as I know. He doesn't usually tell me a lot, just a little and waits for me to do it for a while, then He'll tell me a little more. Frustrating? Sometimes, but my life has been, and continues to be, beautiful, so I'll just keep trusting Him.

I love what President James E. Faust said one time. He was quoting a single friend of his and it symbolizes a part of what I feel:

"When troubled by this single life, that seems to be my lot, I think of all the many men, who's wife I'm glad I'm not."

Word, Pres. Faust. Word.

My family is cool

Lately I've been thinking I should be more social...but then, I live with my family right now, and when I'm here...sometimes they're just too cool to leave...sad really, I mean, I need to spend time with people my age and meet new people, but its hard when you have a family as cool as this:
and this:
and this (yes, that's my dad riding a bike, in the drizzling rain, on Christmas Day, wearing a Cranium helmet):
and a little this (even though he's not technically with us at the moment, it gives you an idea of the rest...ps "he"=the really tall kid in back):
I wish I could have found pictures of everyone...but this is just a sampling so you can begin to understand.

Cottmans Rule!

DOHS

So, my 2 youngest sisters, Sierra & Abbie are homeschooled and have been for a few years. They are both in high school, but do it at home. Recently, however, their friends convinced them to give the Del Oro band a try. They have their on days and their off days about doing it, but my parents make them stick with it. I know they'll be glad. I think they secretly already are.
Anyway, last night I volunteered to go pick them up from band practice. They were running late, and I forgot how quickly you can get from my parent's house to the high school. I sat there in my car and waited for them. It was weird to look over at campus. Its the same and yet very different. I have a hard time believing its been 10 years since I was at school there. And yet, its obviously been that long b/c so much has happened in my life.
I'm kind of excited that the girls will be in band, so I have a good excuse for going to some of the football games in a couple months.
How would I describe my high school years? Good times, but I'm glad I've moved on. :)

California YSA Conference

I feel blessed to have participated in this great event. I didn't fall in love, so no one get excited. But, I did feel the love of God very strongly. I feel like I've been in a bit of a slump lately, and this weekend of strong Spirit was exactly what I needed right now.
Here are a few things that really stood out to me, and that make me grateful that I was able to participate.

• It amazes me that I was one of over 11,000 YSA's throughout the entire of state of California participating in the same events at the same time. We stood together, we exceeded goals, and I do feel like we have, and will be blessed for our efforts.
• In conjunction with the first point, I am amazed at the way we exceeded the goals set before us. In the opening broadcast a few months ago, we watched a video that outlined the goals set for us by the Priesthood Leadership of California. One goal was to have 10,000 attend, instead we had over 11,000. Another goal was to invite a less active or non-member friend to attend with us. As a ward missionary, I can say that we invited on average probably at least 10 every week in our ward alone. I am amazed at the way people stepped up to that challenge. A goal was set for us to do 10,000 ordinances in the temple statewide in the 3 months leading up the conference. As of yesterday, the ordinances that had been counted added up to over 70,000. That amazes me. I can feel the difference this rededication to temple service has made in my life, and I think we can all feel that power.
• The speakers who taught us over the last couple days had the Spirit with them so strongly. I am grateful for the many, many lessons learned (that I won't bore you on at this time:)).
• Quite possibly the thing that stood out to me most was the Sacrament today during our Sacrament Meeting. I have such a great love for the Priesthood of God. I will never cease to be amazed of the power I feel as I watch righteous men of God stand together and serve Him, and act in His name. It reminded me of being in the MTC and watching the Elders in my district practice baptizing. Power. I know I was not the only one touched b/c a girl was asked to bear her testimony later in the day and she mentioned this moment as well.

There were many other experiences, but I think that's sufficient for this blog. :) I love this Gospel. I am grateful to be a part of it. I am grateful for the way my life has turned out so far. I can see the hand and wisdom of my loving Heavenly Father in my life. I am grateful for this experience. He knew I needed it.

Latenight musings

It's late, but I keep kicking myself b/c I haven't updated my wonderful blog in quite a while...what does that make me? If this were a pet, he would no longer be with us. That reminds me of Mr. Limpett (RIP), except he died of old age.

Anyway, obviously my mind is full of lots of different thoughts and none of them really seem like they are connecting. :)

I was thinking about the unique - some might say weird - or quirky things about me. I do pride myself in earning the honor of being the most normal Cottman, but even I have a few things that some people may not consider "normal".

Here are a few I've been thinking about:

• I am a picky eater, but over the years, I have picked up some weird eating habits, but I LOVE them. Amongst these is rice and beans with bananas (SERIOUSLY good, give it a chance and I KNOW you'd love it too!), cake with milk on top eaten with a spoon (delicious), and pickles in Ramen noodles. I think you shoudl try them all!
• I HATE the Ferris Wheel. But, I LOVE roller coasters. Most people can't see the difference, but it is obviously that one you are strapped in nicely while the other you could easily fall to your death as you are not strapped in at all...very unsafe

OK, I can't think of anything else right now, maybe my sleep deprivation has finally caught up with me, so I'll try to add more tomorrow...

Boa noite!

RockPaperScissors GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I clicked on a link in another blog that I somehow found my way too, and turns out it added this post to my own blog...which I am now editing to explain. Here's to hoping I win something for once in my life. I am 0% lucky, but that's not reason to stop trying, right?

In another note, I am getting very excited for HP6. I don't care if that makes me a "nerd".

RockPaperScissors GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

As of Late...

So, life is good (see previous post). I am very happy. Drake has informed me that this is just the beginning. Its hard to imagine things getting better, I feel so happy right now, but I somehow feel a sense that Drake may be right.

So, what's so great about life? Well, I finally got another grown up job. I am the Executive Admin for a small web design company. I like it a lot so far (day 6). I am excited to continue to learn more and grow with the company. It is amazing how that alone makes me happy. I believe the Lord has led me to where I am.

In other news, I got to go to Utah at the beginning of June for Britta & Spencer's wedding and got to spend time with old friends there. I am grateful for such great friends that I've been blessed to meet in my life. Here are some pics of some of the people I love and got to see that weekend. (I am sad I didn't get to see everyone, especially Tab & family).







I was pondering on how my life has panned out. It is definitely different than I imagined it would be so far, but it has been beautiful. I know the Lord has led me step by step as I have put my faith in him. He knows best. My ideas for my life were good, but his are the best. I have such a strong testimony of that. Yay for a great life!

Happiness

I am so happy right now in my life. Its inexplicable really, since, when I logically think about it, I should probably really be sick with stress and worry for NOTHING working out like I thought it would when I took that step of faith to move back to California without any prospects. But, I can't help it, I'm HAPPY!!! Life is good, different than expected, sometimes stressful, but good. I know I'm doing what the Lord wants me to do, and THAT has made all the difference in the entire world.

Life. Is. Good.

Funny Things Happen at Melt Gelato & Crepe Cafe...

Working at the mall has been an eye opening experience for me and one I will remember my whole life. Here are some surprising happenings off the top of my head of what I experience:

• I once had a customer insist I call security b/c she was SURE the man walking by was a bank robber b/c he looked exactly like the man she saw on the news that morning...I'm pretty sure nothing happened
• I am thankful every day that I am no longer a teenager (can also be read "I am thankful every day that I am no longer in high school")
• I once got a $10 tip...I'm that amazing
• On a weekly basis I watch the suspicious ATM machine men fill the machine...deep inside I'm a little scared to look at them too much b/c I'm afraid they may attack
• I get asked at least 572 times a day where the nearest bathroom is
• Interestingly enough, children can always tell that the gelato is ice cream, but adults sometimes can't quite figure it out. It is not rare to hear: "Is that cake?" or "What is that?", and my personal favorite: "Is that cheese?" (the cheese comment has happened at least twice and I am left wondering what kind of cheese these people eat, and why in the world would anyone want a scoopful of chocolate cheese to munch on in the mall.)
• People get a little worked up sometimes in line...I will never understand why people think its ok to argue and fight in front of children all for the sake of gelato...really people, its not that big of a deal
• My favorite comment from a customer was probably, "I tried your ice cream the other day, it's not gelato, it looks like gelato, but its not". Um, ok, thank you sir...enjoy your crepe..
  

Oh, I know there are more that I can't think of right now. Sigh. It's been fun, and I'm sure I'll have more exciting days to go through before I am blessed to find a grown-up job again...gotta love gelato.

Dear Universe

I am in love with Gilbert Blythe. Yes, I realize he is a fictional character from a woman's imagination, but I really don't think its too much to ask that I find someone like him. He is everything I want in a man:

• Good
• Kind
• Intelligent
• Driven to succeed
  
• Knows how to have a good time
• Doesn't take life to seriously
• Loves the object of his affection despite her imperfections
• Oh, and good looking thrown in

Any ideas where I can find such a man in real life? Advice is appreciated.

Sincerely,
Trulie Cordelia

Little Drakey's a missionary

It's hard to believe that the time has finally come to let our little Drakey go. I am left so excited for him...so, so excited. To be honest, I'm also a little jealous. It's crazy to me that in just a few days, I will have been home from my mission for 5 years already. It really was the greatest thing that I have ever done. I will forever be grateful for that time. Sometimes I long to be there again. I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to serve. I know that his time will be no less life-changing and memorable, both for himself and for the people in the Philippines. I am excited to see what happens. I will miss the boy, but good on ya Drake (as Zack would say)...I'm proud of you (even though you'll never read this until after your mission). :)








And for old time's sake...