THE COOK FAM

HELP

2010-09-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

I know, I'm a failure of a blogger. BUT...I was planning on finally doing a post and putting up a bunch of pictures from over the summer. Maybe even a house update. Anyway, its been so long since I've blogged and they've changed some things it seems and now it won't upload ANY of my pictures. Maybe the file is to big or something?? I don't know. It just says server rejected. So anyway, this is my cry for help. HELP!

excited

2010-06-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

We're headed out to Cali tomorrow for some much needed beach time. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! Will we get to boogie board with the dolphins again this year? Probably not, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to try!

photo via

I'm back

2010-06-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

So I'm back from about 2 weeks of no internet. Moving is so fun...for so many reasons. We are out of the house and in an apartment now and in full blown house planning mode. Our final plans are coming back from the designer today and then hopefully we can get engineering and permits knocked out in the next week or two and then we'll be able to break ground. So exciting! Here is our inspiration for the exterior. We don't know yet if we can afford the red windows, if not we may go with something totally different. But I love it! Do you?

Arizona

2010-05-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day weekend I went to Tucson to visit my dear friend Carin. I did not realize when I booked the trip that it was mothers day weekend, but it turned out to be a pretty awesome mothers day gift! I had been seriously needing a "weekend off" as I called it for a good six months or so. It was my first night away from Molly since her birth, and no, I did not have any anxiety about it. She had a blast with her daddy. So anyway, back to the trip report. Carin and I spent all day Friday shopping. We did not intend to spend the whole day shopping, but we got a little caught up at a store called Bookmans which sells used books AND magazines. Magazines are probably my favorite things on the planet, so I really had some fun. I scored 3 Domino magazines (which are now out of print) and a few more fun ones. Then we wandered over to an antique store and spent WAY too much time there. Carin scored some pretty earings and I got a kitchen scale. 16 bucks! I was so excited.

Let me tell you something else, shopping without child is such a treat! I haven't shopped like that for a long time. The next morning Carin and I checked in to our room at Miraval. Carin's husband Conor works in the outdoor adventure dept. of this resort and so we got to come stay here for a sweet deal. Let me tell you something, it was AWESOME. Its one of those all inclusive places where your food, spa, activities are all included. Everything was amazing! That afternoon we went to see Conor in action and participated in the face-to-face activity. This is a partner activity where you climb up a telephone pole and then you and your partner stand on two wires facing each other and lean against one another as you move along the wires. The further down the line you get, the farther apart you get. The goal is to stay straight and make somewhat of a triangle. That is in direct conflict for what your body wants to do, which is bend your legs and stick your butt out. It was really fun though and Carin and I did the best of all the partners there, of course. Not that it was a competition or anything, but if it was...we totally won!

The rest of our time there was spent laying by the pool sipping the most divine mint lemonades, getting ridiculously expensive pedicures and eating lots and lots of really amazing food.

please try and ignore my pasty legs in this pic.

probably my favorite activity of the weekend

Did I mention that the beds were absolutely heavenly? In short, it was the best weekend, with the best friend ever and I can't wait to get back there someday. Annual trip? I think so. Nevermind that we totally can't afford it. You can't put a price on this kind of stuff.

make way for ducklings!

2010-05-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

have you ever read this book? well, you should. its a good one!

this morning the book came to life in our backyard! check it out. Molly was so excited. Actually, who am I kidding? I was totally excited as well.

hope they made it to wherever they were headed!

time for an update

2010-05-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I'm slacking. Sorry. Just haven't felt very inspired to blog lately. BUT there is much to update so I better just get right down to it. First, we had a lovely Easter. Molly loved looking for Easter eggs (we had been practicing for several weeks around the house). Unfortunately she came down with her first ear infection that weekend :(. She was a trooper though.

on the hunt

the spread Easter morn

Molly's ear infection included lots of extra mucus. How do you like that snot bubble? Amazing, huh? I'm so proud!

My mom flew out the day before Easter for her spring break and then on Monday my mom, Molly and I drove down to St. George to visit G&G Manning. We spent the better part of a week with them and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It was nice to finally have some sun and be outside!

Molly helping out in the garden

feeding the ducks

I just love these two!

My Grandpa Hawkins passed away April 25th. He was truly and amazing man and we will miss him dearly. He did so much in his lifetime, but was so incredibly humble that he would be the last to tell you. So much of what I read in his obituary was news to me! His death was a bit sudden, but we are happy that he is back together with my grandma again. They have been together since they were 16 and they only had to be apart for 9 months. So sweet.
The fun part was that my entire family came out and stayed at my house for the funeral and it was great to get to see everyone again. Also, the first (and only) time everyone was together at my house!

This is a picture of my grandpa Hawkins at christmas time dancing with my niece Kayla Rose and my brother and sister. i love it!

the family at his grave site

Next...WE SOLD THE HOUSE! I seriously doubted if I would ever say those words, but its true. Its over. finally. We've got to be out in about 2 weeks so things are looking to get pretty busy around here. moving is fun. I'm so excited (I just keep telling myself that). But, it does mean that the new house will be starting soon, and that will be fun! Stressful, but fun.

And finally, I spent this last weekend in Arizona visiting Carin. It was the best weekend EVER, but I'll have to save that for another post. I'm tired.

7 years ago today...

2010-03-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

these two clowns got hitched!

can you believe that?! seven years! wow. Its been good times and I feel very happy and very blessed. We have a tradition of going out to a new restaurant for our anniversary and this year did not dissapoint! We ate at Cucina Toscana last night and oh. my. gosh. If you want really really delicious italian, go there! Seriously. Happy Annniversary to US!

the joy of cleaning

2010-02-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Molly loves water? Well, she does. More than life itself. She asks many, many times a day for it. Not to drink, to play in. Yesterday I gave in and let her wash some of her toys. I think it was the best day of her life.

all done!

btw, I love my new camera. It is so much fun. Especially on a day (like yesterday) when there is absolutely nothing to do. Photo shoot? OK!

fyi

2010-02-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

Molly is sporting pig tails!

I'm so happy she finally has some hair, although I did not anticipate how bad I would be at doing it. oh well!

also...we just got this new camera

For some strange reason, Nate decided that we needed an SLR even though neither of us knows the first thing about them (except that they take really good pictures). So you can expect greatness to come.

Joe's Molten Marshmallow-Chocolate Cakes

2010-02-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

I am so making these on Sunday. Mmmmm...I'm so excited!

Happy Valentines Day folks! Love to you all.

so charming

2010-01-31T13:39:00.000-08:00

oh how i wish i was brave enough to do a house like this. in a sea of brown stucko houses...this would make me so happy!

2010-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

dear sun,

i miss you. please come back soon.

after spending a cold (but lovely) weekend in bear lake, and then coming home to a broken furnace, i'm really ready to feel the warmth. how much longer till spring? january sucks.

new year

2010-01-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

Trying to re-cap the holidays is just more work than I want to do right now...so instead of continuing to put it off, I'm just going to give it to you in a nutshell.

Christmas with the Hawkins-
California weather was lovely
food was amazing
company was even better!
all 14 members of the family were together for the first time EVER (little Julia was born in June) along with my dear Grandpa Hawkins

Goals for 2010
1. Sell house!
2. figure out how to use this baby-

Nate gave me this antique letterpress for Christmas this year. He also got me an entire cabinet full of type face. Neither of which I know what to do with. pretty awesome.

If I can accomplish both of those this year I will be a happy girl. I like to keep things simple! I know its a little late but...Happy 2010 folks!

seasons greetings

2009-12-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

For the first year ever Nate and I are sending out Christmas cards. They are lovely letterpress cards (that I actually printed) with these nice folks. If you would like me to send you one, please give me your address in comments and I will get one out to you. Hope you are all having fun getting ready for the holidays!

its beginning to look a lot like christmas!

2009-12-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

especially today. My car thermometer says its 19 degrees outside and there is lots and lots of snow. I'm snuggled up watching a holiday flick and avoiding the housework as usual. I want to make sure I see all my favorite Christmas movies this year, and here is my list so far..

Muppet Christmas Carol (probably my all time favorite)
Elf
Its a Wonderful Life
The Santa Clause
Christmas Story
The Holiday
Love Actually
While You Were Sleeping

Ok, those last two aren't exactly christmas movies, but they are set at Christmas time, so they totally count. Am I missing any?

one spooky turtle

2009-10-31T11:15:00.001-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

PUMPKINS

2009-10-08T14:46:00.001-07:00

Went to Packs Pumpkin Patch in Farmington Tuesday night and had some good family fun!

this way!

wedding cont...

2009-10-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

Many of you were asking to see more photos of Carin's wedding (okay, maybe it was just Taryn. I like to pretend that lots of people read my blog). Well, I finally got some more pictures and since it was the most beautiful wedding EVER...I feel I must share. Here are some of my favs...

ceremony site

the prettiest picture of the entire event. Carin, her dad, and her adorabe nephew (carrying the train) coming down the hill to the ceremony. so pretty, sigh...

ceremony
cakes and flowers

the very happy newlyweds

Carin & Conor's first dance was to the Beach Boys "wouldn't it be nice" (since they have been together so very long). They took dance lessons and had the cutest choreographed 1st dance I've ever seen

Me & Molly. She wore an adorable white linen dress from my little sister, and headband from hairblooms

p.s. did you notice that adorable white fabric flower in Carin's hair? I made it! Amazing, I know.

holy matrimony!

2009-09-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

that's right...as of Saturday, Carin is a married lady. She was the most beautiful bride and the wedding was amazing. Tahoe was gorgeous, weather was perfect, and Carin & Conor were so very happy. It was a fun filled weekend, kind of sad it's all over.

first birthday

2009-09-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Molly turned 1 yesterday! I can't believe it. She's almost walking, says hi about 1,000 times a day, eats like a cow, and is pretty dang fun. Now, if only we could grow some hair!

For her birthday cake, I was aiming for something like this...

but it turned out like this...

I never said I was good at this stuff. Molly seemed to enjoy it anyway.

Happy birthday baby girl!

happy birthday to ME!

2009-09-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

time to party!

p.s. LOVE this etsy shop!

fall

2009-08-31T14:08:00.001-07:00

even though i'm not in school anymore, this time of year always makes me want to buy school supplies! i guess i've been conditioned after 17 or so years of school. i find myself looking for a good excuse to buy the stuff anyway. if i had that good excuse (or more importanty, the money) here's what i would buy...

animal note cube

athenaeum tape dispenser

divoga fashion binders

memoir stapler

flowering twig pencil

brocade pencil cup

"i would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils, if i knew your name and address"
name that movie!

31

2009-08-28T07:45:00.001-07:00

happy birthday nate dog!

california love

2009-07-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

(are you singing tupac yet?) so anyway, we returned from our 2 1/2 week long trip to california on sunday, and I'm having the post vacation blues, so what else is there to do but blog about it?! here are some of the highlights of our trip...

it started out in davis spending time with grandma and grandpa on the front porch- the best place to hang out at my parents house. that's a lie, actually...it really started with my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary party which was awesome! but I didn't get any pictures of it. sorry!

then we headed to the beach house in pajaro dunes (watsonville, ca). we stayed in an awesome house right on the beach! here is nate showing molly the ocean.

she loved it!

notice the sand dollar in hand

this is the "i'm too lazy to go collect firewood on the beach in the dark" bonfire. we did have an actual bonfire on our last night, but again...no pictures.

mmm...smores!

boogie boarding. our last day boogie boarding we actually had a group of dolphins come join us. no joke! they came within about 10 yards of us. we hung out with them for a bit. it was pretty much the most awesome thing ever.

nice form

walks on the beach

finding large vertebrae

Molly enjoyed lots of fun cousin time with Kayla Rose

try to ignore my finger. I just thought this picture was so cute!

and finally...bridal shower for my favorite bride- Carin

so that's pretty much it. now what am I going to do??

Bear Lake

2009-07-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

4th of July festivities were at the lake this year. Our weekend was filled with lots of fun in the sun, boat rides, raspberries shakes, and plenty of cousin time for Molly. We spent the night of the 4th lighting fireworks and sparklers and sitting around a bonfire. good times.

check out this bathing beauty!

Molly update: she is crawling, pulling herself up to things, and is just a handful in general. She has 3 teeth and is working on her 4th (I think) and her favorite food is Cheerios.

dress search

2009-06-08T09:01:00.001-07:00

I am on the hunt for a dress for Molly to wear to Carin's wedding. I've looked at all the basic stores (gap, gymboree, childrens place, etc.) but have had the most luck at etsy.com
Here is what I will be wearing...

here are some of the contenders...

(my little sister etsy shop)

(harmony wear etsy shop)

what do you think? do you know of a good place to shop? let me know!

Awkward Family Photos

2009-06-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

awesome.

www.akwardfamilyphotos.com

Paper Heart

2009-06-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.hulu.com/watch/69396/movie-trailers-paper-heart

My sister showed me this movie trailer while I was home over memorial day. It looks AWESOME! I have not seen a movie in the theater since last July, but I think I may need to get out and see this one! Not out till August, but still can't wait!

HOME

2009-04-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

My most time sucking activity lately is looking at pictures of homes. It's scary how much time is spent doing this. Here are a few of my favorites lately. These are from decorpad.com. Anyone out there (all 5 of you that actually read my blog) know of any good sites, let me know!

happy earth day!

2009-04-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

to celebrate, Molly and I loaded up the bike cart and took a trip to the local plant shop. We bought some new flowers for our planters outside and then enjoyed some six year olds playing soccer (go Paige!). Being outside in 80 degree weather... what a fabulous way to celebrate earth day!

then...tonight I wathced Oprah (tivo'd) and it changed my life. In case you missed- let me recap for you: They talked about the great pacific garbage patch which is a garbage patch in the pacific ocean that is TWICE the size of texas and is 90 feet deep in some places! The garbage patch in the Pacific is the largest, however, there are garbage patches in all of our oceans! Scientists believe that the oceans are actually the worlds largest garbage dump. I honestly had no idea about this. They showed some horrifying pictures of sea life that has been destroyed by all this garbage. The biggest offender...plastic bags! All kinds of plastic actually- plastic that could have instead been recycled. I just kept thinking of our trip to Maui last year and how awesome the whales, and sea turtles and all the fish were. It was such an awesome experience to see those animals, and it makes me sick to see them getting hurt by our waste! What's worse is I know that I've contributed to it.

My earth day resolution is to try harder to create less waste and not only recycle, but reduce AND reuse more often. Okay, I'm off my soapbox now. Just take a look at these pictures- they're heartbreaking. We can do better people!!!

this turtle got a plastic ring stuck around it as a baby and actually grew around it.

this is AWESOME!

2009-04-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

I'm too retarded to figure out how to actually post a youtube video to my blog...but you HAVE to click on this link and watch this video. I want to do this! Salt Lake Airport perhaps? I just need me and about a hundred of my closest friends to do it with me. Who's in?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UE3CNu_rtY

For Sale

2009-04-01T09:58:00.001-07:00

As of yesterday, our house is officially for sale! We are buying a 1 acre lot in Farmington and when our home sells, (hopefully that won't take TOO long) we will build again. It's a little scary, but also very exciting! So, spread the word if you know of anyone looking in our area. Thanks!

happy first day of spring!

2009-03-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

first ride

2009-02-23T10:24:00.001-08:00

On Saturday we took Molly on her first bike ride. It was sunny and got up to 50 degrees so we were excited to take advantage of the nice weather. We went on the new bike trail that runs along Legacy Parkway. I'm so happy we finally have a bike trail to use and that it's so close to our house! Now I really can't wait for spring to come!

Molly gave the bike trailer the ultimate seal of approval...she fell asleep!

and to top it all off...we had to go play on our new swing set!

snow day

2009-02-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

Today looked like this...
...So Molly looked like this...
Fabulous knitted items courtesy of Grandma Hawkins and stylin Ugg boots courtesy of Lauren. Thanks for keeping Molly warm this winter!! We are now ready for warm weather.

Obama's in the House

2009-01-20T10:57:00.001-08:00

History has been made! Our first African American President is officially in office. Not only that, I actually watched the whole Inauguration ceremony! Seriously though, how many people are totally psyched about this day that have never ever been psyched, let alone interested in politics before? Pretty amazing. No matter what your political stance...you gotta hand it to the man for giving this country a whole new spirit. Best of luck to him in the coming years! It's going to be a tough road, but I sincerely hope he succeeds (doesn't everyone though?) A woman was holding a sign at the Inauguration that said "the future is watching"...it truly is!

Christmas pics

2009-01-02T14:28:00.001-08:00

The holidays are over now and I kind of failed at taking pictures...but here are a couple cute ones. Hope everyone had a good one!

Molly trimming the tree

Christmas Eve in our new pajamas

Shutters

2008-12-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

I realize this may not be the most exciting post...but here I go anyway. We got shutters! When we moved into our house (3 1/2 years ago) we left A LOT undone. Slowly, we've begun to finish up some of the odds and ends. This week we put up shutters. Nate got out one of his big tractors and despite the blizzard outside, he finished the job. What a man! Here are the before and after pics.

Merry Christmas, disco style!

2008-12-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

My friend Tara had one of these up on her blog and I almost peed my pants. Here is our version! Click the link below for a special Christmas treat starring: Nate, Lindsay, Molly, Aunt Meredith, and Grandma Hawkins. Enjoy!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/5xh5QahsBDcNzE4sZVyt

Turkey day in California

2008-12-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was a success! Molly was a champ on the plane, food was delicious, weather was good, and company was great! What more could you want? Molly also made lots of new friends on this trip...

aunt Meredith

great grandma and grandpa manning

cousin kayla

and many, many more (i didn't get enough pictures it seems). It was exhausting.

(must be the tryptophan)

baby blessing

2008-12-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

Nate gave Molly her baby blessing in church on Nov. 23rd. She wore the same dress that I wore when I was blessed 26 years earlier (to the month!). Many other greats have also worn this blessing dress- aunt Allyson, aunt Meredith, and cousin Clara. So, it's official now...she will be blessed!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone! It was just last Halloween when I started to feel like maybe I could have a baby. I just couldn't resist all the cute trick-or-treaters in their costumes! Also, it was the first Pottery Barn Kids catalog that I ever got in the mail (I think Nate made some sort of deal with the folks over there)...and the costumes were just so cute! Anyway, now here we are, thanks in part to this fantastic holiday.

our cute little pumpkins

Ode to Davis

2008-10-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

25 years ago today my family moved to Davis, California. In honor of this day I would like to list the top ten reasons I love my fabulous hometown:

10. The Arboretum- it's got big trees, ducks, and bike trails. What more could you want?

9. Fourth of July- while I did spend many Fourth of July's in Aptos, I also have very fond memories of the festivities in Davis. The entire city gathers at community park for food, music and fantastic fireworks. Love that holiday!

8. Village Homes- so many hours spent there while ditching school in jr. high. A one of a kind community with greenbelts, parks, and community gardens. Plus, they've got the most delicious pomegranates!

7. Whole Earth Festival- Hippie fest extrodinaire! You get a contact high just from stepping on campus. But more importantly, tons of handmade items, drum circles, and delicious food.

6. Davis style- whenever I go home I don't want to put on makeup or do my hair. I'd be uncomfortable if I was too done up. It's just too laid back. And I love all the hippies and people with crazy individual style. I miss that living in Utah.

5. A college town- so many great things came from the university: picnic day, break the record night, football games, the UC Davis marching band-uh, etc.

4. Restaurants- Dos Coyotes, Woodstocks, Steve's, Cafe Bernardo, Pluto's, Little Prague...Davis has the best food!

3. Farmers Market- fresh fruits and veggies, delicious apple juice, live music, balloon man, fountain to play in. I wish I were there now.

2. Bike town- Davis is the bike capitol of America and the friendliest bike town in the country. It's true. There are millions of bike paths everywhere , we even have a giant old fashioned bike in the middle of town to worship.
1. It's my home- really, the only home I've ever known. Whether it's 1811 Alameda, 943 Eucalyptus, or 615 Buchanan...there's no place like home!

Thanks for moving there Mom and Dad!
(honorable mention items: lots of trees, fluffy's donuts, the smell of cows, delta breeze in the summer, fog in the winter...the list could go on and on)

Sleeping Beauty

2008-10-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

2 week check up

2008-09-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

Molly had her two week check up on Friday and she did so good! She weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs. 2 oz which means she is gaining about 2 oz. a day. Yay! We love fat babies! Also, her heartbeat was regular! She had an irregular heartbeat during labor and after she was born also, so they sent us up to Primary Children's when we were discharged to get an EKG. The doctors weren't ever too worried about it, but it's still good to hear that things are back to normal in that department! We're so proud of her.

She is actually just a couple of days old in this pic. She's laying on the couch and sunning herself (to help with a very mild case of jaundice). Anyway, she loved being in the sun and laying on her belly. Isn't she just precious?! I certainly think so- but that's my job, right?

Thank you grandma!

2008-09-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

I have to give a big fat thank you to my mom. She left us yesterday and I was crying too hard to express my gratitude to her. She was such a huge help and comfort to me while she was here! She cooked us delicious meals and homemade desserts, cleaned my entire house, made daily trips to the store getting everything we never knew we needed, she even did some yard work and took an early morning shift with Molly! She's basically Super Grandma! So anyway, I love you mom and we're gonna miss you!

Introducing Molly Genevieve Cook

2008-09-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

After only 7 hours of labor and about 5 minutes of pushing Molly Genevieve was born at 8:53 on September 11th. She was 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 18 inches long and practically perfect in every way. We are so excited to have her here and are loving every minute!

Molly already has her dad wrapped around her little finger. He never left her side at the hospital and now loves to hold her, sleep with her and even change her diapers! I think I've only changed her like 3 times!

This one's for Carin...

2008-09-06T09:01:00.001-07:00

Carin is getting married next September in beautiful Lake Tahoe! And since I am obsessed with weddings, I'm now obsessed with hers! Here are some pics I've been drooling over the last couple of days. Carin- I know you said you wanted green and white for your colors, but don't you just love the fall colors?! Let me know what you think.

Happy Birthday Nate!

2008-08-29T10:12:00.001-07:00

Nate celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday! Yeah, it was a big deal. 30 is pretty old. Anyway, we had a a fun bbq and ping pong tournament last night with Nate's family and friends. Good times.

Nursery Pics

2008-08-26T07:22:00.001-07:00

Well, after some serious crib issues, we finally finished the nursery! I must give a big thank you to my mom and Taryn for helping with the paint and decor...I think it looks great! Now I guess all we need is the baby (yikes!).

Cheer up Norm! we won't forget about you completely.

Ryan & Megan's Wedding

2008-08-15T19:14:00.001-07:00

Nate's brother Ryan got married this summer at their cabin in Bear Lake. It was a very fun, relaxed, beautiful wedding!

The boys

Nate and the monster fish!

2008-08-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

While I was in Germany Nate went to Flaming Gorge with some friends and caught himself a monster! The fish was 36 lbs! He was so excited that he called me at about 3:30 in the morning (Germany time) to tell me. Have you seen a happier guy?

Germany & Prague

2008-08-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

This summer I got to travel to Germany with my mom and sister Meredith. It was AWESOME! Here is the three of us in front of the famous Neuschwanstein castle (it's the one that Walt Disney modeled his Sleeping Beauty castle after).

View of the Hohenschwangau from Neuschwanstein. Beautiful!

Prague!