tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64015731259038543602024-03-13T09:01:14.182-06:00La Tua CantanteTara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-75268473945347733612012-05-24T19:51:00.001-06:002012-05-24T19:51:52.090-06:00Zoo Day!Zoo Day! We went the Dallas Zoo with a few friends from church last week and I figured I would share some pictures with y'all! The pictures say it all! It was a great time and the kids slept like rocks as soon as they went in their car seats! The Dallas Zoo is definitely the best I have been to so far for kids. They let you feed and pet the giraffes and even have a little children's area that has an awesome water play area and petting zoo. Way to go Dallas!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0isXvTpptdQ/T77lpFGcYLI/AAAAAAAAATQ/zif7r7kmVeM/s640/blogger-image--739122737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0isXvTpptdQ/T77lpFGcYLI/AAAAAAAAATQ/zif7r7kmVeM/s640/blogger-image--739122737.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xlEoAUqXGKg/T77lpRiwIZI/AAAAAAAAATY/YuV4wXodAfI/s640/blogger-image-1501760485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xlEoAUqXGKg/T77lpRiwIZI/AAAAAAAAATY/YuV4wXodAfI/s640/blogger-image-1501760485.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GVc7CRiBNLQ/T77lpgnZv0I/AAAAAAAAATg/Z7vY5jp7Zck/s640/blogger-image-1869011540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GVc7CRiBNLQ/T77lpgnZv0I/AAAAAAAAATg/Z7vY5jp7Zck/s640/blogger-image-1869011540.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oVb6RBVd4Tc/T77lp4fk1rI/AAAAAAAAATo/Y0BlOQFSm4s/s640/blogger-image--1506658117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oVb6RBVd4Tc/T77lp4fk1rI/AAAAAAAAATo/Y0BlOQFSm4s/s640/blogger-image--1506658117.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xNjNqdxwz_A/T77lqQzwI_I/AAAAAAAAATw/ZLJL_9fGfIk/s640/blogger-image--241589779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xNjNqdxwz_A/T77lqQzwI_I/AAAAAAAAATw/ZLJL_9fGfIk/s640/blogger-image--241589779.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a-R6eFK6EW8/T77lqkKM-eI/AAAAAAAAAT4/bRqtnGfq9BY/s640/blogger-image-980460977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a-R6eFK6EW8/T77lqkKM-eI/AAAAAAAAAT4/bRqtnGfq9BY/s640/blogger-image-980460977.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6Nfj4dzQ2TA/T77lrXSqVnI/AAAAAAAAAUA/XLZoYUVh8VE/s640/blogger-image--508332917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6Nfj4dzQ2TA/T77lrXSqVnI/AAAAAAAAAUA/XLZoYUVh8VE/s640/blogger-image--508332917.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GMOiOwqo5YI/T77lrsBvW9I/AAAAAAAAAUI/CeSWlN3b4ks/s640/blogger-image-194199426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GMOiOwqo5YI/T77lrsBvW9I/AAAAAAAAAUI/CeSWlN3b4ks/s640/blogger-image-194199426.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6SMFqDeo-Bw/T77lr-plywI/AAAAAAAAAUM/3Ffftje2ohQ/s640/blogger-image--972539781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6SMFqDeo-Bw/T77lr-plywI/AAAAAAAAAUM/3Ffftje2ohQ/s640/blogger-image--972539781.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rNRqoEYuMGU/T77lsaP6LaI/AAAAAAAAAUU/U27Dk2zVFY0/s640/blogger-image-1449860139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rNRqoEYuMGU/T77lsaP6LaI/AAAAAAAAAUU/U27Dk2zVFY0/s640/blogger-image-1449860139.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uehP28K6Gsw/T77lsltCvwI/AAAAAAAAAUc/381R8Ci5VoA/s640/blogger-image--1048103857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uehP28K6Gsw/T77lsltCvwI/AAAAAAAAAUc/381R8Ci5VoA/s640/blogger-image--1048103857.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mra1Ol5In6s/T77ls-MvtdI/AAAAAAAAAUk/C9fotD7AJJM/s640/blogger-image--817793654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mra1Ol5In6s/T77ls-MvtdI/AAAAAAAAAUk/C9fotD7AJJM/s640/blogger-image--817793654.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VWFDPYHOfhg/T77ltRBsv0I/AAAAAAAAAUs/zfbZncQlbKo/s640/blogger-image--2138621360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VWFDPYHOfhg/T77ltRBsv0I/AAAAAAAAAUs/zfbZncQlbKo/s640/blogger-image--2138621360.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lqMYNyJk7Fs/T77ltqTayMI/AAAAAAAAAU0/_l5R4Vnv6-4/s640/blogger-image--1689147122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lqMYNyJk7Fs/T77ltqTayMI/AAAAAAAAAU0/_l5R4Vnv6-4/s640/blogger-image--1689147122.jpg" /></a></div>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-35217368426921344502012-03-07T01:02:00.000-07:002012-03-07T01:02:09.969-07:00I'm sorry that I haven't updated in such a long time. Unfortunately you will be getting a brief synopsis and all I can do is tell you that I'll be better so that I don't have to keep doing this!<br />
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Family updates:<br />
In October- we went to Galveston for Brent's work. It was a blast! We stayed on the beach! Most of the time it was gorgeous- although it was cold and windy when I took the kids down there by myself so Tucker and I just had mud wars of course and we danced on the sand! We went to the Rainforest Cafe and Tucker was totally freaked out about all the fake animals. Other than that- we just hung around the hotel, and especially laid out by the pool! The week after we got back- we went to the Texas State Fair which was a blast!<br />
In November we went to Brent's brother's place for Thanksgiving. All the Douglas clan were there minus a few and it was great. We got to see our nephew, Brice get ordained while we were there. And also got to meet the new cousin, Cameron, that is a few weeks older than Austen. It was so fun to see everyone. We went to the Art museum which was actually very interesting, and someday I will have to go do something like that without kiddos making me anxious.<br />
The kids and I went down with Brent to San Antonio while he was working down there in the last week of November. SOooo fun! Since Lucy was barely moving in to her new house that week I got to help watch Isaac while they were doing home stuff. I took the kids to a drive thru Safari which was hilarious! I think kids are awesome. I'll have to post some video of Isaac getting freaked out over the animals ;-) Tucker was freaked out at the Rainforest Cafe for some reason but not during the Safari. Hmmm....We stayed at the San Luis Resort- which was amazing! Their pool area was ridiculous...like a water-park. I wish we had more time to hang out there.<br />
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We had a blast during Christmas in CO with all the fam. We stayed with Brent's parents the first part of the trip and my parents the last half. I just love Christmas and all that it entails! Brent surprised me with tickets to see Celtic Women on my birthday which was amazing. The first half was not too good because the sound was off and our seats were awful (behind and way back). But after the intermission we were able to get great front row seats which made it worth it. Then we got free tickets to the venue since the sound was off. WIN! We gave them to Brent's parents since we don't live in CO anymore.<br />
The day after Christmas, Brent flew home and I actually skipped my flight and stayed with my parents for an additional week. It was great! Then Tucker, Austen and I drove down 14 hours (Ahhh) to San Antonio with my parents to Lucy's place to help paint their new house. It turned out amazing! I love that kind of thing! While we were painting away- The boys (Brent, Clint, my Dad and friends) were hog hunting in San Saba a couple hours away.<br />
Michelle and I went down to the Vera Bradley outlet store while we were there and I got the most amazing Baby bag ever invented. It's beautiful! Practicality is a must for a mom of two- so it's perfect for me. Big, lots of pockets, waterproof inside, chic, and it even has like these little knobs on the bottom of the bag so that when you set your bag on the ground- it won't get dirty or torn up! I love it... and I got it for a quarter of what they go for now in the Stores!<br />
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Other than those fun things-January and February was spent doing the normal day to day living. I really enjoy hanging out with my kiddos! Yes of course it gets hard sometimes and I get frustrated... but I wouldn't give it up! The good far outweighs the bad a hundredfold. I get those precious moments where Tucker and I just dance to music until we fall down from laughing because Austen thinks we are so hilarious that she is crying. Or that tender moment when Tucker puts his hand on my face out of the blue and just looks at me with loving eyes (I get crazy eyes like that too though when I know he wants nothing more to rip my hair or rattle my brain!) Or we'll be watching Tarzan and he just comes up to rub my shoulder. And poor Austen will be in her exersaucer while I'm trying to cook dinner, or clean the house, or take care of something for Tucker and I look over to make sure she's still doing ok and she will just give me the widest grin I've ever seen with a little giggle as if she's been waiting for me to look her way for the last 45 minutes. I love the day to day! Although I love it when Daddy gets home too and is there to share the weight. Tucker gets so excited to see his Daddy! We all do. I am definitely appreciative of what he does and his help when he gets home from work.<br />
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So here are just a few of the things that are going on with the kiddos.<br />
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<b>Tucker:</b><br />
1. <b>Moved on from Toy Story</b>- WOOHOO! I think he finally hit his breaking point where he had seen it way too many times and then- bam. Hates it. Haha<br />
2.<b>Tarzan</b>- Is the new Toy Story but not too much obsessed. Maybe he learned his lesson last time. Now he watches all different movies or shows in-between too. Lion King, Tangled, Beauty and the beast are some of the frequent ones, but somedays he doesn't even have to watch TV! What a blessing- because I was getting so sick of the repetitiveness. Playtime is so much better than watching TV anyways.<br />
3. <b>Basketball is his favorite word</b>- I love this! He sounds so cute when he says it too!<br />
4. <b>Says Agua for water</b>- Haha Okay so I had said "agua" a few times instead of saying water, but not that frequent. And of course- Tucker picks up on the Spanish word! He won't say water! Although now I think it's so cute- I'm encouraging it.<br />
5. <b>Food issues</b>- He is such a picky eater! Ahh! I'm absolutely positive I did this to myself though because I was trying to make him food that was more kid friendly than making him eat what we do. SO now he thinks that he doesn't have to eat what we do. Ugh! We are going to break this.<br />
6. <b>Frustrated</b>- Tucker is getting very frustrated because he is speaking now and he thinks that I should understand him. I can pick up some words here and there so he knows I understand some of what he says. But if I'm not understanding what he says- he will either whine or get really mad. I can't wait for him to use sentences so we can try and kick the whiny stage.<br />
7. <b>Weenie</b>- no Chuck E, Lorax, Disney characters, etc. He starts to scream, and shake and cover his eyes. So unfortunately no Disneyland for us anytime soon :-(<br />
8. <b>Wants to watch TV in Mommy and Daddy's room</b>- this just started this week as he has discovered that our TV is more level with him!<br />
9. <b>Loves playing with Austen. </b>Now that Austen is getting more interactive, Tucker just adores making her laugh or trying to share his toys with her. He is trying to sit on her too while she is laying down.<br />
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Austen:<br />
1. <b>Rolling over and over</b>- she won't stay on her back if you put her on her back, or on her front if you put on her front.<br />
2. <b>Sitting up</b>- She is now sitting up unassisted for the most part. I have to watch her in case she takes a nose dive. Which means she is now taking baths with Tucker in the big tub! Yay!<br />
3. <b>Loves Batman</b>- she thinks he is just hilarious. What is wrong with that creature all covered in hair? I seriously wonder what she thinks about him.<br />
4. <b>Cheesy smile like Tucker</b>- Oh. My. Goodness. She makes me melt with her exaggerated smile. I think she knows it too! Tucker used to give us this big cheesy fake smile when he was around 7 months. But it seems like Austen's is not so much a fake smile, but more genuine.<br />
5. <b>Loves to explore my face and pull my hair</b>- Whenever she nurses, both her hands are trying to go everywhere. She does this to me when we are not nursing too, but I definitely notice it when I'm trying to get her to sit still.<br />
6. <b>Plays games</b>- She loves to fake cough all the time and also she will best anyone in a high pitch squeal contest.<br />
7. <b>Loves food</b>- I have been making my own baby food for a couple months now and man does she love it! I never know how much she is going to eat but anywhere from 4-7 oz twice a day right now. (She is over 20 lbs now- haha)<br />
8. <b>So happy</b>- I do NOT remember Tucker being this happy all the time! She is content to just do whatever during the day. She definitely goes with the flow. The only time gets fussy is right before dinnertime.. because she is starving of course.<br />
9. <b>Grabs feet- </b>She loves to hold on to her little feet. all. the. time. Lying on the floor, sitting in her Bebepod, her carseat, the stroller, in her crib... She is obsessed! It's so cute!Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-27757268056331718832011-12-08T07:02:00.000-07:002011-12-08T07:02:54.915-07:00Tucker has this fetish...Tucker is a broken record and will not give up on the Toy Story routine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XFQEMtDFvM4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>6:45AM- wake up and run to the TV, pointing and saying "Bu" meaning Buzz, then eat breakfast and play with toys, go down for nap. Wake up around 11:30-12 and run to the TV and scream for Buzz, and then he'll try once again to get Toy Story on when Daddy comes home around 5:30-6pm. I'm not kidding you people- there have been a couple days that we have watched it THREE times a day! He will not give up. Persistent lil bugger. But I have become a little bit better parent and have limited it to once per day. Twice is excessive and three times is just unhealthy not to mention bad parenting fail. As you can see in the video- we have meltdowns over this. This was at 6:00AM btw when this breakdown happened.<br />
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</div>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-66272760124647381322011-10-26T23:05:00.000-06:002011-10-26T23:05:32.110-06:00♥ Fall in TXWell it's about that time for the update!<br />
Wow I can't believe a whole month has already flown by. Austen is 6 weeks old already! I have a hard time keeping up with the time lately- it seems to sneak past me like a high-schooler coming home past curfew!<br />
But I am enjoying being a mother of two so so much. Austen is such a blessing and I can't imagine life without her now. That goes without saying-I feel the same way for Tuckerman.<br />
Update so far:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvNClRtQ0IM/Tqji_kL-4zI/AAAAAAAAAOg/8mFHnnGXRzE/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvNClRtQ0IM/Tqji_kL-4zI/AAAAAAAAAOg/8mFHnnGXRzE/s320/IMG_1348.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_0rGm0zO9I/TqjitD6yHoI/AAAAAAAAAOI/6j9sEj7r5nY/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_0rGm0zO9I/TqjitD6yHoI/AAAAAAAAAOI/6j9sEj7r5nY/s320/IMG_0725.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>A week after Austen was born I thought I was feeling fantastic so we went to the Plano balloon festival... and ended up walking 2 miles to the front gate from our parking spot. Not. Smart. After having a child barely a week prior- your body hates you for even getting up and walking around the house apparently. But I thought I felt so fantastic compared to last time that I could do anything. Well it made my bum sore for about a week after that, even though I felt so good right after the delivery. So week 1- felt on top of the world, week 2- still on top of the world, but with a slight bum soreness. Next time I'll be more careful, and let my body heal a little better.<br />
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Week 2 and 3 were spent getting used to the 2 kid routine. And to tell you the truth- even though I feel like I am so busy and sometimes Tucker stresses me out with his constant breakdowns- I love it! Stay at Home Mom mode is finally kicking in and I love to play games with Tucker, nurse and coo with Austen, make homemade bread anytime I can, and just enjoy each of my kids. Week 4- we had Austen blessed and Mom and Dad, Sophie, and Lucy and David were able to come last minute! So great to see everyone. Week 5- I probably watched more Toy Story than I would ever like to admit (I am brain dead), and again loving the snuggle time with my kids! Week 6- Brent has a conference for work down in Galveston and takes us with him. We stayed at a fancy schmancy Resort right on the beach. I thought it was beautiful! Tucker and Austen and I enjoyed our beach time, pool time, park time, and just hanging out in the hotel. When we got home from Galveston- we went to the Texas State Fair! I love the fair! We had more deep fried things then any person should. Deep fried pizza, coke, oreos, and snickers were all on that list. Not to mention the tacos, milkshake, and famous fries we also inhaled. It was a fun outing with the kids, although I think we liked it more- what with our high calorie carbs and sweets. And here we are coming on Week 7 and already I feel like my fall is slipping away from me too fast. I didn't even have time to blink before Summer had already past without me so much as putting on a swimsuit. We try to get outside while it is still so beautiful and perfect weather. Did I mention that it was 79 degrees today? Like I said perfect. (I heard it snowed in CO- kind of made me grateful for TX fall weather).Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-88836077104488309282011-10-06T12:16:00.000-06:002011-10-06T12:16:01.055-06:00Birth PhotographyI was going to have my birth photographed professionally. I had never heard of someone doing such a thing until my Midwife- Kathleen had mentioned it. I was intrigued and did a little research on it. As soon as I saw some of the beautiful photos- I knew I wanted it done. Kathleen recommended Natasha Hance, and as soon as I saw her work- I fell in love! Tasha told me upfront that she was going out of town on the 8th of Sept- but since we all thought that Austen was going to come on like the 23rd of August, I told her that we were going to be fine. Well fate, or my stubborn daughter, thought otherwise and I delivered while my photographer was visiting her family in Rhode Island. Go figure! ;-) So she did Austen's newborn photos a couple weeks later!<br />
Well my Mom brought her good camera- so she was my babysitter and photographer at the birth! Man I love her. The photos aren't professional but I think they are fabulous!<br />
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So this is my attempt at recreating a slideshow that Natasha does for her birth clients. I used one song that she uses in her slide-shows because after listening and watching one of her's, I downloaded the song onto my ipod and listened to it while I was in labor. It became an empowering song for me, so I felt it was appropriate to use. Check out her work- it's fantastic <a href="http://www.nhancephotography.com/">http://www.nhancephotography.com/</a><br />
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Thank you to my Mom who helped to document a very special day! And no it's not too graphic, but you will be seeing a birth- so there may be some stuff you don't want to see! ;-)<br />
I recommend watching it in Youtube and changing the photo quality from 360p & for the full screen...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object id="BLOG_video-FAILED-0" class="BLOG_video_class" contentid="FAILED" width="320" height="266" ></object></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ey3EBLMAXqQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-65627206712713054902011-10-05T22:29:00.001-06:002011-10-05T22:44:00.900-06:00Labor and Delivery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I decided to go the Birthing Center route this time around because anyone that knows of my first experience with Tuck's delivery- knows that I had a horrible experience. One that I will never forget because I was scarred for life. I really felt that the hospital was responsible for my bad birth experience and was the reason I did not want any more kids. So when I found out I was prego again, I decided I wanted things different. It wasn't until I moved to TX though that I started doing a lot more research and determined I wanted to do the Birthing Center. I stumbled upon Kathleen- and she was the best decision I ever made!<br />
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The Labor and Delivery of Austen was just better than I could have imagined it. The 10 days overdue was brutal, and I tried just about every "natural induction method" out there. Much to my dismay- this little girl is just about as feisty as I am and flat out refused to come out on anybody else's terms. She had her own birthday in mind. Nobody told me that pregnancy and labors are all different! I had assumed that since I had Tuck a week earlier than the due date that that would be my pregnancy pattern, and I would always deliver at 39 weeks. Little did I know that I was going to deliver 2.5 weeks later- YIKES! My poor Mom came a week early to be there for the birth and to take care of Tucker. So she ended up staying a total of THREE weeks! Haha- she is such a trooper and was fantastic while she was here! She cleaned my house, made us food, refinished my kitchen cabinets, and helped me with some miscellaneous projects on my list. Pretty much she was amazing and I love her for sticking it out with me! Tucker thought that his Nana came to live with us- because when she left- he was having his withdrawals of being spoiled and being left with a new sister instead! Haha<br />
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I tried everything to get Austen out- and as a result of that I put myself into false labor a few times. It was so disappointing when those contractions slowed down and petered out. They would get so close together, like 2-3 minutes apart, and I kept thinking "This is it!" Only to have the realization that this girl was pushing and fighting back against those contractions and she kept winning! She was just too comfy where she was. <br />
Finally on the night of Sept 9th- I decided to stop trying and I was NOT going to do anything to self-induce. No more herbs, castor oil, pineapple, and MANY other natural induction methods I was trying. I gave in to the idea that she was going to come when she was ready. Well that next day, Brent and I go to lunch while Mom watched Tucker. I feel like I am leaking a little bit, but don't think anything of it- because that is just part of 3rd trimester pregnancy anyways.<br />
We get back and my Mom and I have plans to go to Ikea because she has never been before. So around 2:50pm we get to IKEA and just as soon as we go inside and up the escalators- my water breaks. And not just a little trickle mind you- this was a big gush. My mom is so excited she is texting everyone, while I try to cover up my big wet spot because it is a Saturday and Ikea is jam packed. I don't feel too embarrassed though as much as I feel RELIEF- because I know she is finally going to come. I really was starting to think that she would NEVER come and that I was going to stay pregnant forever! I call my midwife, Kathleen and she tells me to take it easy and keep her updated. So we drive back home.<br />
My contractions didn't really even start for another 1.5 hours, so we put Tucker down for a nap and played Sequence. At around 5:00pm the contractions really hit me hard, and I remember that "Oh yeah- this is what it feels like" to be in real labor. All that false labor stuff was nothing compared to this. But I feel like I can handle it- I used an exercise ball mainly for support and a rice sock for a heating pad. I tried walking on the treadmill- but that lasted for about 2 minutes before I thought "this is ridiculous".<br />
Brent would occasionally rub my back or put pressure on it which sometimes helped and sometimes did not. The BYU game had just begun, so we stayed in the living room so he could watch it, and I just listened to my Ipod. An hour and a half later, I get to that point where contractions are 2 minutes apart and I feel like my back is on fire.<br />
So I call Kathleen at 6:30pm and she tells me to meet her at the Birthing Center at 7. In between contractions- I change into my swimsuit because I plan on having a water birth. We grab our baby bag and make the drive to the birthing center, which is only about a 5 minute drive from our house. Let me tell you- I think that that was the worst 5 minutes of my life. I must have hit transition right when I got in the car, or Brent's driving was very bumpy. I told Brent that I will be doing a homebirth next time since the drive to the Center was the worst part of labor.<br />
When we get there right around 7- Kathleen and Lisa (also a Midwife helping out) were already there and ready. Kathleen checks baby right away and finds she is well, and then checks me and tells me I'm a little more than 7cm dilated, fully effaced, baby is down low. One thing that I love about Kathleen is she tells me to do what is most comfortable for me and lets me labor how I want. So she gets the water started because all I want to do at this point is get in that tub. As soon as I get in the tub- I feel relief! (I'm a big hydrotherapy enthusiast! I would much rather soak in the bath than shower. I only shower if I'm running late). But it doesn't last long, because those contractions start coming at me harder and stronger than ever. My back is killing me and I am not comfortable anymore. Laying back in the semi recline position- I feel like I can't handle my contractions as well and I think I might want to get out. So I turn onto my side and I feel so much better and more in control. Brent holds my hand as I work with each intensifying contraction. Just when I start to feel like my body has taken over and I can't handle the pain anymore- I am given the BEST feeling in the world- the urge to push. It's hard to describe the feeling really- but I have never felt anything better than the transition from pain to pushing. With Tucker, I felt that pushing was the worst feeling in the world and that I NEVER wanted to put myself through THAT again. Well fate gave me another pregnancy and another chance. I will never forget that feeling with Austen's delivery. Pushing really was the best part of it, all 15 minutes of it.<br />
Austen came at 7:55pm, a little less than an hour from the time we arrived at the Center. The cord was double-wrapped around her neck when she came. But my midwife was very calm and collected as she just slipped it off her neck and put her on my chest. She rubbed her little chest until we saw baby girl breathing and give us her first little cry. I didn't even have time to be worried.<br />
I was on cloud nine at this point. My beautiful baby girl was laying on my chest, both of us enjoying our skin to skin time. She was perfect! And I DID it... with no tears (the wound kind)!<br />
After the delivery of the placenta- they moved me onto the bed because they thought I was bleeding a lot. What they didn't know was that I bled a lot with Tucker too and I usually have heavy periods. But they went ahead and gave me a shot of Pitocin just in case. Austen was placed on my chest again and we were able to breastfeed right away. She was already better at it than me. Bonding time with baby was amazing. Tucker was in the room and was able to meet his baby sister at this time too. Then after sufficient time bonding, we got to see how much this baby really weighed as well as all other dimensions. She was 9 lbs 6oz! I was shocked... and even more empowered! Dang- I am the woman!<br />
21 inches, 14.5 head and chest.<br />
My mom took Tucker home at this point since it was past his bedtime. Then baby Austen and I were able to take an herbal bath together. Let me tell you- this was absolutely fantastic! It smelled and felt amazing. After we bathed Austen, Kathleen and Lisa took her to check vitals and administer the Vitamin K drops while I was able to finish up my marvelous bath.<br />
Then, Brent and I just Ooo and Ahh'd over how beautiful Austen was and how beautiful her delivery turned out to be, while Kathleen and Lisa cleaned up and checked on my bleeding. We left a little before 11pm- so just 3 hours after Austen made her appearance. And let me tell you- my bed has never felt more comfortable!<br />
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The best word I have for this whole experience is probably EUPHORIC. I will never forget how incredible this experience was! There was a peace and an intimacy at this birth that didn't even compare to the one I had in the hospital. I had the trust in my body to know what to do (since women have been birthing babies for many centuries) and Brent and my Mom and the Midwives fully supported me and believed in me as well. I was surrounded in "a culture of faith". The Birthing Center/ Homebirth route is not for everyone, but it is exactly what I wanted out of a birth- a beautiful occasion. And what a Happy Birthday it turned out to be!<br />
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If you are considering your choices for birth, or didn't know you had a choice like I did at first- I highly recommend doing a little research. It's amazing the difference in birthing experiences between Tuck and Austen. I would absolutely guarantee that most of the difference comes from being in the Birthing Center vs. a Hospital.<br />
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Here is what inspired and encouraged me:<br />
Book: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth<br />
Movie: The Business of Being Born<br />
Websites: babycenter, laboroflove, storknet, waterbirth.org- pretty much anywhere I could read other womens' birth stories, as well MANY great photographer's collections of Birth Photography<br />
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Things I love that the Center did vs Hospital<br />
-Let me labor however I want<br />
-Skin to skin contact after babe is born<br />
-Don't cut the cord right after the baby is born<br />
-No IV's or drugs<br />
-No multiple nurses throughout<br />
-No "checking in"<br />
-Didn't have to be around other people or sickies<br />
-Tucker allowed<br />
-WATERBIRTH<br />
-More bonding time<br />
-Go home after a couple hours- slept in my own bed<br />
... the list could go on<br />
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I am Proud and Empowered.<br />
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</div>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-46254954054814537212011-09-23T21:30:00.000-06:002011-09-23T21:30:08.434-06:00BABY GIRL!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuXgxSSMBbw/Tn1Mnp21s2I/AAAAAAAAANk/llsTHQFYEr0/s1600/IMG_8620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuXgxSSMBbw/Tn1Mnp21s2I/AAAAAAAAANk/llsTHQFYEr0/s320/IMG_8620.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKHmaBREqEE/Tn1Mhl6s_yI/AAAAAAAAANM/oNh7-oc09WI/s1600/IMG_1231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKHmaBREqEE/Tn1Mhl6s_yI/AAAAAAAAANM/oNh7-oc09WI/s320/IMG_1231.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>Well It's about that time to update the blog and let you know how everything is going...<br />
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Austen LaRae Douglas was born 10 Days late (Ahhh- talk about agony!) on September 10, 2011 at 7:55pm. She is just beautiful and perfect in every way! I didn't know that the love in your heart could be spread among so many people but Brent, Tucker and Austen (along with other family and friends) take up most of it! Someone told me that Motherhood opens up chambers of your heart that you didn't know existed and I certainly find this statement to be true. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsQdOxLL-w8/Tn1MmtIYBdI/AAAAAAAAANg/2WPyStJtprc/s1600/IMG_7238+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsQdOxLL-w8/Tn1MmtIYBdI/AAAAAAAAANg/2WPyStJtprc/s320/IMG_7238+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Austen is such a joy! And Tucker- well he is adjusting! :-) He loves to give her lots of kisses but he also likes to hit her head, poke her eyes, and rattle her brains when she is in her swing! But we are learning! The first few days were the worst, but now that I think he realizes that she is not going anywhere- he's toned it down a lot. Austen is such a strong little girl. She has been raising her head up since she was born. And now she is scooting by pushing up with her legs. She definitely seems a lot stronger than Tucker was at this stage (but we won't tell him that). I love all of her long black hair too! It is beautiful! I am hoping it stays dark but I think it will turn blonde because her eyebrows are almost nonexistent and blonde. She is fat little girl- and I LOVE that. Babies were meant to be chunky. This baby lost no weight either. Usually when babies leave the hospital- they lose a bit of weight, and maybe since we didn't deliver in a hospital it was different because she was the same weight at her 2 day appointment- ALL 9 lbs 6oz of her (and my milk wasn't even in quite yet). Initially I thought I wanted another boy when we found out I was pregnant again, but I am enjoying having a girl more than I ever thought I would!<br />
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Tuck is so much fun- he can drive me crazy, make me mad, and make me die of laughter all within a matter of minutes. I am so proud to be his Mom! He just keeps getting smarter everyday. He loves books, tools, dancing, sports and he especially loves animals! He loves to sit and read a book- which I just love because reading is my favorite pastime! Tools: He is such a manly little boy right now. He loves to take things apart and try to put it back together- I am constantly amazed at how he can figure things out. He loves to be like Daddy and fix things. He can be a good helper around the house, but he can also be a destroyer of anything valuable! Haha. Dancing is mine and Tucker's favorite little afternoon activity. We'll turn on some music- whether it's from the TV, or the baby swing, or his musical bear and just dance our little hearts out. We find each other's dance moves highly entertaining and usually cannot breathe because we are laughing at each other too hard. Tucker has also loved sports since he was 4 months old I think. Put a ball in his hand and he will be entertained for hours. I love watching him wind up for his pitch! He definitely turned out to be a good mix of his parents! He loves all animals too- his favorite shows on TV is anything on Animal Planet. He is starting to say animals and then their "noise" which is so fun. Although everything sounds like it says "Moo" right now.<br />
Josh got Tucker a Buzz Lightyear toy for his birthday this year and he has loved playing with it. He even makes the "Wheww" sound as he flies him around the room. When Nana was here- she put Toy Story 3 on and it was over. We have watched Toy Story at least 2-3 times a day since then. He LOVES it!<br />
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Raising two kids is surely an adjustment. There is definitely a lot less sleeping in the house right now. But I am just soaking up this newborn stage, whereas with Tucker I felt like I was a little too anxious to move on to each new exciting stage. I almost felt like I missed it because it goes too fast!<br />
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Brent is doing fantastic with work- he loves it. He is especially an amazing husband and dad. I am officially the luckiest girl in the world. My husband may not be the most romantic person in the world but he is the most amazing spouse and partner I could ask for. He is constantly taking care of Tucker when he is home and the laundry and cleaning the house. And did I mention that he LIKES to do dishes? I never have to do the dishes in my house if I don't want to. He is very involved and makes my load a lot lighter. I am so appreciative of him! We all look forward to the time when Daddy comes home from work...<br />
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Well that's it for now- I am probably going to be posting the details of the birth itself soon. I have a few funny clips of Tucker too that I have been meaning to post- so expect those sometime soon. Now that I am OFFICIALLY a stay at home Mom and don't work anymore- you will most likely see more posts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmoMdBrLnqA/Tn1MlC61kWI/AAAAAAAAANY/kB-k5jzmV-0/s1600/IMG_5246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmoMdBrLnqA/Tn1MlC61kWI/AAAAAAAAANY/kB-k5jzmV-0/s320/IMG_5246.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kR4fGNhmXek/Tn1Mu5U6TqI/AAAAAAAAAN0/NlgTcjEY-w4/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kR4fGNhmXek/Tn1Mu5U6TqI/AAAAAAAAAN0/NlgTcjEY-w4/s320/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div></div>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-47765833745621565892011-08-02T14:49:00.001-06:002011-08-02T15:03:23.725-06:00Whirlwinds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_fct54l="110"><div class="separator" closure_uid_9t0qb4="381" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4D84a63OLBI/TjhbnzHI5bI/AAAAAAAAAMU/254dUdDzuT4/s1600/Tucka+Summa+2+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4D84a63OLBI/TjhbnzHI5bI/AAAAAAAAAMU/254dUdDzuT4/s400/Tucka+Summa+2+007.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_9t0qb4="572" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_9t0qb4="598" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvcHJJF0icU/Tjhl59VsKdI/AAAAAAAAAM0/3pG040dTNFA/s1600/Tucka+Summa+2+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvcHJJF0icU/Tjhl59VsKdI/AAAAAAAAAM0/3pG040dTNFA/s320/Tucka+Summa+2+129.jpg" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz_UcW55NiE/TjhmDn1UkoI/AAAAAAAAAM4/BEoRlJAOExQ/s1600/Tucka+Summa+2+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz_UcW55NiE/TjhmDn1UkoI/AAAAAAAAAM4/BEoRlJAOExQ/s320/Tucka+Summa+2+049.jpg" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><div closure_uid_pkfp1b="180"><span closure_uid_pkfp1b="182" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well Friends and Family</span></div></div><div closure_uid_fct54l="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_fct54l="110"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I finally feel like things have slowed down enough in my life that I can post. After a whirlwind of happenings in our lives, with finding out I am prego again, Brent accepting a new job, trying to sell our house in 30 days, trying to find a new house and area in TX we wanted to live, a vacation to FL, trying to find a replacement at work, closing on our new home in TX while still trying to sell our house in CO, MOVING to TX, waiting for our stuff to arrive (for 10 days) while doing mini renovations to the new place, trying to find a new midwife and pediatrician inTX, FINALLY being able to unpack everything, a family reunion in South Dakota, and then throw in there the everyday stress of life of wife, toddlerhood, and pregnancy and I feel like I am justified in delayed posts! ;-)</span></div><div closure_uid_fct54l="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_fct54l="110"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Seriously life has been crazy, but I love and welcome the change! Brent is so happy with his new position, which makes for a happier hubby and dad. Tucker is entering his terrible Two's before he has even hit 18 months, which makes life a lot more interesting, stressful, and absolutely hilarious. This pregnacy has just flown by and I can't believe I am less than a month away from having 2 kids. SCARY!! I'll post here in the next few days about all the specifics of this "busyness" but for now- here are some pics of our life in the last few months!</span></div></div>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-26006152977118303432011-06-15T22:08:00.000-06:002011-06-15T22:08:45.591-06:00Another big Announcement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I know that many of you already know this bu we are officially moving to North Dallas, Texas! For some reason I always knew that this would happen and I am so happy to finally get the chance to move out of Colorado! I love CO, don't get me wrong, but this family needs a change! I think Texas will be the perfect spot for us right now. Brent is actually already over there working at his new job and loving it. So that will make things a little smoother as well when the hubby loves what he does. I am trying to sell the house here in Colorado for the next month and then I will be moving down there as well. We bought a beautiful house in Mckinney, TX already so no temporary housing for us. Brent's company will actually buy our house from us if we don't sell it in this next month (for a much lower price) which will be a blessing if we are not able to sell. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnyEYpVAA1g/Tfl_fY1wXjI/AAAAAAAAAL8/SmTJn9TYZ3k/s1600/FL+2011+326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnyEYpVAA1g/Tfl_fY1wXjI/AAAAAAAAAL8/SmTJn9TYZ3k/s320/FL+2011+326.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2Da_gfJX9Q/TfmAWAMcUxI/AAAAAAAAAME/ky0-BerVXoo/s1600/FL+2011+419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2Da_gfJX9Q/TfmAWAMcUxI/AAAAAAAAAME/ky0-BerVXoo/s320/FL+2011+419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmiiNuZC6f8/TfmBcJIFM1I/AAAAAAAAAMI/Pvc7ZREVthk/s1600/FL+2011+569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmiiNuZC6f8/TfmBcJIFM1I/AAAAAAAAAMI/Pvc7ZREVthk/s320/FL+2011+569.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tucker is just amazing as always- he continues to amaze me with how rapid his knowledge grows. He started walking full time while we were in Florida which has been so much fun! He loves to play and read books, and boy does he take after his Momma with his dancing skills! He also has started to be manipulative and started throwing temper tantrums. I think his terrible twos are going to be a challenge for me- so I guess I'm going to have to start pulling out books on parenting methods. If anybody has advice?? </div>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-2093715148296254042011-02-16T14:08:00.009-07:002011-02-16T14:57:10.419-07:002011? WHAT?So here it is 2011 and I'm looking at my blog for the first time in over a year. My last post was Oct 2009. I am horrible at this.<br />I think people have gotten to the point where they don't even check my blog anymore because they have lost all respect for me as a blogger.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdPJPzEF2Ek/TVxGLIsG4oI/AAAAAAAAAKw/doYtPgRaq-g/s1600/15318_744975556029_17816147_40288640_5085500_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdPJPzEF2Ek/TVxGLIsG4oI/AAAAAAAAAKw/doYtPgRaq-g/s320/15318_744975556029_17816147_40288640_5085500_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574407595902820994" border="0" /></a>Well let's recap since Oct 09:<br />Pregnancy wasn't too bad. I had my experiences... 2 kidney stones. Emergency Hospital visit for a torn esophagus from all the heartburn. Those were the big ones. Nothing else was too bad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZMYRP-Db6E/TVxGT4U0__I/AAAAAAAAAK4/H8rZPDOYIQg/s1600/20743_104519602903739_100000371001312_110764_1552621_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZMYRP-Db6E/TVxGT4U0__I/AAAAAAAAAK4/H8rZPDOYIQg/s320/20743_104519602903739_100000371001312_110764_1552621_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574407746129035250" border="0" /></a><br />My sisters, Mom, and I went to Italy for a big hurrah before we all started having babies and wouldn't get the chance. (Okay only Lucy and I would fit into that category). But we had a blast! One of these days I will finally blog about it and put up pictures. 2 weeks of awesomeness! Rome and Tuscan Countryside.<br /><br />Brent and I went on our "Babymoon" to Florida. I was really trying to fit as much as I could before I had Tucker because I thought life ended after having kids. Haha<br />It was very relaxed since I was about to pop in a month.<br /><br />Tucker came on Thursday 4/29/10 at 10:50pm. He was beautiful! And I couldn't imagine my life without him now. It is amazing how things(perspectives mainly) can change so quickly.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nMRy8cQwWA/TVxIH0JOPLI/AAAAAAAAALY/F4mPEecqlow/s1600/34157_757246909139_17816147_40695621_5646053_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nMRy8cQwWA/TVxIH0JOPLI/AAAAAAAAALY/F4mPEecqlow/s320/34157_757246909139_17816147_40695621_5646053_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574409737871441074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He is 9 1/2 months now and Sooo active! I love it! He keeps me highly entertained all day. I have been back working at the dental office since he was about 6 months- and he does better when he is around people all day than when he is just at home with me. I'll need to make sure and keep posting pictures of him because it just amazes me how much he has grown up in such a small amount of time.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnCPQEVbkPY/TVxGzhWmGxI/AAAAAAAAALQ/BYjQ8icCJus/s1600/44668_773354963469_17816147_41219592_3550341_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnCPQEVbkPY/TVxGzhWmGxI/AAAAAAAAALQ/BYjQ8icCJus/s320/44668_773354963469_17816147_41219592_3550341_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574408289718246162" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gMiUiNkXTiI/TVxGpo46k-I/AAAAAAAAALI/N4Y7t-2HvnU/s1600/135146_815287799729_17816147_42098409_7810924_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gMiUiNkXTiI/TVxGpo46k-I/AAAAAAAAALI/N4Y7t-2HvnU/s320/135146_815287799729_17816147_42098409_7810924_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574408119942550498" border="0" /></a><br />Anyways- life is great! We are just loving every minute of watching Tucker grow. We moved out of our condo and into a house- so of course we got a puppy to add to the mix too! Batman and Tucker just love each other. Again, life is great!Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-79843596079331713952009-10-28T09:36:00.002-06:002009-10-28T09:43:15.967-06:00The object is to copy & paste the list of "99 things" to your blog & bold the things you've done!! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Started your own blog</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. Slept under the stars</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Played in a band</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. Visited Hawaii</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. Watched a meteor shower</span><br />6. Given more than you can afford to charity<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7. Been to Disneyland</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">8. Climbed a mountain</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9. Held a praying mantis</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">10. Sang a solo</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">11. Bungee jumped</span><br />12. Visited Paris<br />13. Watched a lightning storm at sea<br />14. Taught yourself an art from scratch<br />15. Adopted a child<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">16. Had food poisoning</span><br />17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">18. Grown your own vegetables</span><br />19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">20. Slept on an overnight train</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">21. Had a pillow fight</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">22. Hitch hiked</span><br />23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill<span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:bold;">24. Built a snow fort</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">25. Held a lamb</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">26. Gone skinny dipping</span><br />27. Run a Marathon<br />28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice<br />29. Seen a total eclipse<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">30. Watched a sunrise or sunset</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">31. Hit a home run</span><br />32. Been on a cruise<br />33. Seen Niagara Falls in person<br />34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">35. Seen an Amish community</span><br />36. Taught yourself a new language<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied</span><br />38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">39. Gone rock climbing</span><br />40. Seen Michelangelo’s David<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">41. Sung karaoke</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant</span><br />44. Visited Africa<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">45. Walked on a beach by moonlight</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">46. Been transported in an ambulance</span><br />47. Had your portrait painted<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">48. Gone deep sea fishing</span><br />49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person<br />50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">52. Kissed in the rain</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">53. Played in the mud</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">54. Gone to a drive-in theater</span><br />55. Been in a movie<br />56. Visited the Great Wall of China<br />57. Started a business<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">58. Taken a martial arts class</span><br />59. Visited Russia<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">60. Served at a soup kitchen</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">62. Gone whale watching</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">63. Got flowers for no reason</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">65. Gone sky diving</span><br />66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">67. Bounced a check</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">68. Flown in a helicopter</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">69. Saved a favorite childhood toy</span><br />70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">71. Eaten Caviar</span><br />72. Pieced a quilt<br />73. Stood in Times Square<br />74. Toured the Everglades<br />75. Been fired from a job<br />76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London<br />77. Broken a bone<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person</span><br />80. Have been published<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">81. Visited the Redwoods</span><br />82. Bought a brand new car<br />83. Walked in Jerusalem<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">84. Had your picture in the newspaper</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve</span><br />86. Visited the White House<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">88. Had chickenpox</span><br />89. Saved someone’s life<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">90. Sat on a jury</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">91. Met someone famous</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">92. Joined a book club</span><br />93. Got a tattoo<br />94. Had a baby<br />95. Seen the Alamo in person<br />96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">97. Been involved in a law suit</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">98. Owned a cell phone</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">99. Been stung by a bee</span>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-68195980788190471512009-10-20T09:42:00.002-06:002009-10-20T16:54:04.966-06:00Horrible BloggerI admit it- I officially suck at blogging!<br />Even when I try to commit to it- I fail miserably! <br />Well let me give you the rundown really fast of what has gone down since this last pathetic post on Valentines Day.<br /><br />MARCH:<br />Brent and I took a vacation to Vegas for a long 5 day weekend. It was a blast but we decided it would be the last one for a LONG time. Too much dirty there- billboards, taxis, shows, AND all the pornography graffiti the streets on the strip. YUCK! Definitely had fun though.<br /><br />At the end of March I went to Florida with my family for week long vacation enjoying the sun and and of course Universal Studios! My family used to go to FL (we drove from CO) every year and do Disney, Busch Gardens, Universal or just the beach! It was a great vacation with great company<br /><br />APRIL:<br />We went to General Conference in UT with our good buddy Lance. It's always fun to bring someone that has not been able to feel just the amazing spirit of that place and to listen to a Prophet's voice and testimony. Lance also found a great pen pal while there (a sister missionary with whom he is still writing.<br /><br />I went to Glenwood Springs with Brent while he was working up there for a few days. I loved it and got to lay out in the "sun" and read a book while in the Hot springs. I love small vacations like that- might need another one here pretty soon!<br /><br />MAY:<br />Becca had some decision making to do- as in which Law School she wanted to attend and invited me to go to Portland with her. Seeing as we were some of the original people to read Twilight we decided that while we were in the area to visit the sights. I hate being a Twilight fan these days just because it has gotten so popular and Im a little embarrassed that I am but I'll admit Im a closet fan. Fun times Road tripping, hiking, and being Twilight geeks for a little bit!<br /><br />Towards the end of May Brent and I then headed South East and visited his Aunt and Uncle in Georgia. We had a lot of fun hanging out with cousins, watching baseball games, and just being in the South! Love it. Brent also took me on a date night down to Chattanooga, TN on a River Cruise where we enjoyed Prime Rib, great dinner, and some fun dancing. I was impressed with Brent's dancing skills<br /><br />JUNE:<br />BRENT'S BIRTHDAY was the beginning of June. We didn't do anything too adventurous and exciting. He was stoked because I got him a brand new Power tool set (even though we really haven't used them yet). But he loves those boy toys! 18Volt <br /><br />And then of course we went to Alaska for fun! What a blast... Brent was sick and a little bit of a bum some of the days (mainly because I wasn't giving him enough attention while he was sick). But we had so much fun with Heather and Scott and my parents. Good to see the ol' Lodge where we (Heather and I) used to work. Who can not LOVE that landscape? I miss it...<br /><br />JULY:<br />I love the fact that I have the flexibility with my job to just pick up and take off with my husband when he is taken somewhere to work. Beginning of this month we went to Moab and had so much fun for another long weekend. Great dinners thanks to EnCana, went ATV riding while Brent was at work and laid out by the pool. Beautiful scenery.<br /><br />The next weekend Brent's family decided to do a weekend up in Steamboat. Great food, great company, hiking, watching the air balloons, Gondola rides, touring the town, and tubing the river was all great fun!<br /><br />Busy month- then we went to Bear Lake for the Douglas Family Reunion. I LOVE Bear Lake- Have you seen that water? It looks it should be on the Gulf of Mexico. Pristine. Family fun, great competition, wakeboarding, water-skiing, jet-skis (I got a little crazy and threw both Brent and I off but we were not hurt- it was fun), and of course good food and fun people.<br /><br />AUGUST:<br />Our first anniversary! Wow- one year? Didn't we just get married yesterday? Time flies by... We didn't do anything special for our anniversary this time around just a very nice dinner at The Chophouse. My family went camping at Fulford Caves this weekend so we joined them. Had a blast caving and getting dirty (Brent was a little scared for me since Im more adventurous and decided to lead the troops down a hole we weren't sure made it back to the front) He's a good husband though. We had some AMAZING food via the dutch ovens. YUM! And of course I love being with my family and especially the nieces!<br /><br />End of the month- we flew over to SLC for some wedding fun. Our friends Jason and Tiffany were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Beautiful ceremony, and also some great food at the luncheon. (As you can tell, I love food- since that's the main thing these trips revolve around. We went down to Provo the night before too so that I could hang out with my old girlfriends that I miss so much.<br /><br />SEPTEMBER:<br />Well we went to Texas! For what you ask? Well of course we wanted to see the BYU opening game in the new Texas stadium in Arlington. That's where I was born too! And what a game that was... So much energy coming from the BYU section! What a blast. We also were able to eat some Blue Bell Ice Cream which is a family favorite (Giblette's and our little Douglas Family now)and some Spring Creek BBQ. We also were able to get some Speedzone racing in too. Good times.<br /><br />Brent and I also were on a co-ed softball team on Tuesdays August through October. No we were not very good- but we had fun hanging out with friends and enjoying the sport. <br /><br />OCTOBER:<br />Well of course- September through December is hunting season so Brent has been gone at least 4 weekends now already elk hunting, bird hunting, bear hunting, and deer hunting. Oh the wife of a hunter... I like it too though! <br /><br />Okay and the biggest news of the month is that I had my first ultrasound this month... Yep I'm pregnant! 12 weeks. The due date is May 5th! No we were not trying- not even close- we were preventing. But somehow I ended up prego! I was distraught at first- a complete mess really. But I am excited now and ready for the life altering change ! ;-)<br /><br />More blogs to come! I pwomise...Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-39136687595315545522009-02-19T09:03:00.008-07:002009-02-19T10:25:08.624-07:00Lucky ValentineValentines Day was fun! We hung out with Brent's family all day during Valentines Day so we decided to do our V-day celebration the night before after work. I made him a delicious candlelight, sparkling grape juice dinner! The main event was <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZ2SHuwuU3I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/rTgZ1N_zSoc/s1600-h/39171.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 140px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZ2SHuwuU3I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/rTgZ1N_zSoc/s200/39171.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304556597621445490" /></a>Chicken Cordon- Bleu (one of Brent's favorites that I hadn't made yet), with cheesy taters, and a tasty spinach salad with an OJ balsamic vinegar dressing, and also homemade rolls. And then I did a chocolate peanut butter fondue for dessert complete with Rice Krispy Treats, strawberries, apples, Pirouette sticks, and brownies for dipping! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZ2SuDP_0rI/AAAAAAAAAJY/PRMJ5Y0mbU8/s1600-h/large_image.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZ2SuDP_0rI/AAAAAAAAAJY/PRMJ5Y0mbU8/s200/large_image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304557255956353714" /></a>It was delicious and we couldn't even move afterward. Of course I don't have any pictures to prove it, but I do have a witness! Brent can vouch for me! <br />For his present- I splurged and got him a cookie design bouquet (which I was disappointed didn't taste as well as I thought they would). I also got him a picture frame for his office at work because he complained that he didn't have a picture of me there. Haha! I'm not so vain that I put just a picture of me but of both of us though! I'm not one of those people that can just be like, "Oh here, have a picture of me! It would look fabulous on your wall!" <br />Brent's present to me were these delicious pecan turtles from some specialty <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZ2UCZAwBQI/AAAAAAAAAJg/XqLnIJN6q9w/s1600-h/d7b6ac0e45f1b1d2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 108px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZ2UCZAwBQI/AAAAAAAAAJg/XqLnIJN6q9w/s200/d7b6ac0e45f1b1d2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304558704906994946" /></a>chocolate store by his work. (I have the car during the day, so his options are limited). And he also wrote me a song! Haha. Believe me he's not usually that kind of guy... at all! No he didn't sing it to me or serenade me in any way but it was a poem with a chorus! It was great too! I was pretty impressed but I seriously think that he had no idea what to get me and decided at work the day of to try and do something from the heart since he waited until the very last minute to decide what to get me. Haha and he told me so- it took him about an hour! But Im used to that now- apparently that's how all boys are- Last Minute! But I still found it romantic. <br />The next day on Valentines we went snowboarding with his family at Copper Mountain because Janelle and Marshall came over from UT to visit us.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZ2V2ees_HI/AAAAAAAAAJw/ks90Ya5i3E8/s1600-h/Baptism_-3"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZ2V2ees_HI/AAAAAAAAAJw/ks90Ya5i3E8/s320/Baptism_-3" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304560699239627890" /></a> After about 5 runs down I was hit with Nausea though and felt like I wasn't going to make it down the mountain. I didn't feel good the rest of the ski trip, but Brent and Marshall had fun the rest of the time. That night we went out to TGI Fridays with Brent's whole family. Luckily I was feeling better by this point and could eat a little. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZ2VpMWPJkI/AAAAAAAAAJo/uppbijhxrmE/s1600-h/Baptism_-2"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZ2VpMWPJkI/AAAAAAAAAJo/uppbijhxrmE/s320/Baptism_-2" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304560471033980482" /></a>I ordered chicken and shrimp. When It came, I cut it open to find that it was raw inside. So they comped both Marshall and I's meal since he had the same thing. <br />Anyways- Brent and I are doing well! We are excited for Josh and Chan and the girls to move to Colorado so that we can hang out with our nieces more often!Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-73400946263851820742009-01-29T09:42:00.003-07:002009-02-09T23:10:41.190-07:00Bulls and AvsThis past week- we have actually had a lot of fun. One great thing about Brent working for a big corporation is we get cheap tickets to various entertainment. Last week we went to the rodeo! Sooo much fun. It's been a long time since I've been and it felt good to go. First off- we went around the little shops and I bought some garlic spices and also a new scripture case. I know what you're thinking- at the rodeo? But yes- I found one that fits my scriptures perfectly and I bought it and yes it is western. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEZMv6XFII/AAAAAAAAAJA/-Mtombg4SNQ/s1600-h/Rodeo+and+Avs+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEZMv6XFII/AAAAAAAAAJA/-Mtombg4SNQ/s320/Rodeo+and+Avs+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301045943202157698" /></a>Then we went to eat- bbq Turkey leg and grilled corn! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEX1lqiHeI/AAAAAAAAAI4/9nfCA78wwPk/s1600-h/Rodeo+and+Avs+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEX1lqiHeI/AAAAAAAAAI4/9nfCA78wwPk/s320/Rodeo+and+Avs+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301044445802798562" /></a><br />Delicious! Brent had never been cultured in this way so this was a first for him... And wow did he love that turkey leg. He devoured it and yes that is turkey grease and corn all over his face (I couldn't pass up on the kodak moment). He'd kill me for putting this up! haha And then on to the sweets- DEEP FRIED SNICKERS!! Also a first for Brent. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEXUT6eDeI/AAAAAAAAAIw/zlmiAQSY0G8/s1600-h/Rodeo+and+Avs+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEXUT6eDeI/AAAAAAAAAIw/zlmiAQSY0G8/s320/Rodeo+and+Avs+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301043874102119906" /></a><br />We were loving life! Then we went to go watch the pro bull riders. It such was a fun time. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEWp5v173I/AAAAAAAAAIg/sb-357UcwkU/s1600-h/Rodeo+and+Avs+019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 193px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEWp5v173I/AAAAAAAAAIg/sb-357UcwkU/s320/Rodeo+and+Avs+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301043145523720050" /></a>However, the kids behind us were chewin tabacci and didn't think it civilized to spit in a cup so they were spitting all over our bags on the ground. Gross! The guy felt bad and gave us a dollar for spitting all over our rodeo magazine we got. Still was grossed out by all the spitting noise behind us. The bulls were very exciting that night too. One rider got his foot caught in the stirrup after he had fallen off already and got whipped around by that bull and got stomped on his thighs. Ouch! And then another bull was coming charging the rider but the clown jumped in front of it to stop it and got thrown 10 feet up in the air. He was on the ground for awhile but eventually pulled himself up. I think even he was surprised he wasn't hurt! Definitely a fun night at the rodeo!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEW7OptqYI/AAAAAAAAAIo/Tg2xxM2TpK0/s1600-h/Rodeo+and+Avs+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEW7OptqYI/AAAAAAAAAIo/Tg2xxM2TpK0/s320/Rodeo+and+Avs+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301043443192932738" /></a><br />Then we got tickets to the Avalanche game for this last Tuesday. But Brent's dad called us and said he had a box seat for the game last Thurs- so we didn't pass it up. We got to go twice within the last week. First game was amazing! The Avs did pretty good and of course we got free food in the box- including a dessert tray and unlimited drinks. I loved it. And then this last time we asked Lucy and David to come with us which was still fun except we had to pay for our own nachos (that made me sick that night) and for our drinks. Avs did not do as well this game. But we did see some pretty good fights!! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEVjr_aSVI/AAAAAAAAAIY/41C-42liioU/s1600-h/Rodeo+and+Avs+043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEVjr_aSVI/AAAAAAAAAIY/41C-42liioU/s320/Rodeo+and+Avs+043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301041939240077650" /></a><br />All in all a fun week- but the best part of the week was on Sat when we got to see Brent's friend Lance get baptized! What an inspirational ordinance. Lance had been meeting with the missionaries since last March or April. Those meetings were awesome and I had the privilege of being part of some of them. Some people just aren't ready even when the feel the spirit and know the truth. But we knew it would happen eventually and Lance has been coming to church with Brent and I for a few months and finally made the commitment to baptism. It was emotional and encouraging and one of the best baptisms I have ever been to. I'm so proud of Lance! Of course we had to celebrate with friends and family at Texas Roadhouse afterward. What a great a great week!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEVBvsr22I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/itxF11cGowA/s1600-h/Rodeo+and+Avs+045.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SZEVBvsr22I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/itxF11cGowA/s320/Rodeo+and+Avs+045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301041356119726946" /></a>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-58116268242517537392009-01-20T09:55:00.003-07:002009-01-20T13:56:53.350-07:00New Year- More PostsOkay so it's that time again that i start to get on myself for not keeping up with the blog- Especially because I'm always wanting to write down everything funny that happens in our life or just to rant. But I never do because life just gets to hectic and I'll figure I'll do it another time. Well that other time has now become 4 months later... haha! So here I am friends and family! And part of my New Year's Resolution is to keep up with my blog so that all may know what goes on in our lives! I rarely ever write in a journal anymore! (And what's the point when I now share all of my thoughts and feelings with my permanent attachment? ;-) Although he does forget half the things I say...) Blogging just seems so much easier these days and I need to catch up with the trend. So from here on out- you will be getting hopefully weekly updates on our life even if it's boring or it's because I found a new recipe I love by watching Rachel Ray and Paula Dean cooking shows! <br />So I guess I'll start this pronouncement off by updating you a little. (You'll have to get wedding and honeymoon updates later when I feel up to it because that is such old news!)<br /><br />Brent: <br />He is working like a maniac! He is a financial analyst for EnCana Oil and Gas and boy does he love his job. He loves working with numbers and telling me all about it. haha. He also loves working for the man right now because of all the great perks you get for working for a big corporation. But eventually he wants to start up his own business and run with it. He plays racquetball every Wednesday with the missionaries but he does miss working out. We've been the worst since we have been married and don't work out ever! Also another New Year's Resolution. <br />Tara: <br />I work at Emergency Dental Care as the office manager. Thanks dad for giving me the job! I make good money but whew what a piece of work. The best part of the job is helping people, working with a few great people and watching the Food network while I work! Worst parts are dealing with insurance and scheduling employees is such a B. But I like it. I am going to eventually finish up school (1 dang semester left) but maybe I'll take my time. I love having nights open to hang out with the hubby!<br />Us: <br />Well I sold my car so we are down to one car these days. I take Brent to the bus stop or to work every morning at like 6:30 and it kills me! But it's good for me to wake up early. I suddenly turned old woman when I married Brent and we go to bed at 10:30-11PM rather than my college late nights til 1-2AM. But it's good for me! We are ward missionaries for the ward. We love it! There could not have been a more perfect calling than this. We both are doing what we love and that is sharing the gospel with friends and less actives, and we also help with new member discussions. We have the missionaries over for dinner 2-3 times a month. We also go to gospel principles and there is one kid that bugs the crap out of both of us. He is a member and really shouldn't even be in the class but he LOVES to answer every question and input his advice and knowledge anywhere he can. I don't think he realizes that the questions are for people that aren't members. Oh well... Anyways- I think that's a pretty good start for an update!Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-92054059817927812292008-09-28T15:46:00.004-06:002008-09-28T17:18:17.083-06:00Colds, sore throats, and rashesI know I know! Im lame and am waayy behind in my blogs. I put honeymoon pics up on facebook and I definitely need to blog about that because it was an exciting one. Life still isn't slowing down!! I cant believe it's almost been 2 months since Brent and I were married. Life is moving faster than I thought it would. It's just been a crazy ride and it seems like we have something going every week. Brent has been sick for the past 3 weeks- ever since Lucy's wedding! It started out with a simple cold... which is still weird because Brent "never gets sick". Starting with allergy symptoms- itchy eyes, stuffy nose and the like. And then it turned into the flu I think- He had a fever, runny nose, headaches, and was going to bed at 9:00pm. He was tired all the time and his symptoms kept getting worse. And then last week it started going into his throat. He had the absolute WORST sore throat! So he went to the Doctor finally and the Doc told him that it was probably bacterial infection. So he put him on amoxicillin and called it good. We were hoping for a smooth recovery. Well that's when things just got even worse. His throat started to swell horribly... and when Brent asked me to look down his throat- it was severely swollen and red and there were white spots on the back of it. Apparently these were pus. <br />Well I told Brent to go back to the Doctor after 3 days (last Monday) and things were getting worse. The previous Doc wasn't there so he got a student Doctor substitute. Well that Doctor told Brent it was viral and that he should stop taking the antibiotics and to just get some good rest. <br />His throat again kept getting worse so he took off work the next day. Mornings of course were the worst to the point where he couldn't breathe. Later during the days though he would feel a lot better. <br />This last Friday we spent the night at his parents house because we were planning on driving to UT with them the next morning. We thought that Brent would be okay since it had the same pattern the last few days. But Brent woke up at 3am on Sat and felt horrible. His throat was killing him, he couldn't breathe very well, and to top it off- he had a horrible rash all over his chest and back. The rash looks to me like Measles but that is so rare these days. So we didn't go to UT unfortunately and went to the Urgent Care room instead. Well this Doctor told him that it was most likely bacterial in his throat. He thinks the rash is an allergic reaction to the amoxicillin he was taking so he gave him a stronger antibiotics. His throat looked horrible yesterday- with the pus and he developed sores on the back of his throat. It's supposedly is called herpingina or something like that (not herpes) which are open sores on your throat that occur when your body gets run down. <br />Oh I just feel so bad for Brent. Today his throat is looking better but his rash has gotten significantly worse. The Doc called in some steroids that should help expedite the rash process. I wish there was something more I could do for him. Mainly Im just making him tea every few hours and letting him rest. Hopefully he gets better by Wed. because he has a big interview down in Dallas. <br />My poor hubby...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SOAQMMypGmI/AAAAAAAAAHM/P4nAl1SeWIw/s1600-h/Copy+of+Fun+037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SOAQMMypGmI/AAAAAAAAAHM/P4nAl1SeWIw/s320/Copy+of+Fun+037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251214967292107362" /></a><br />Anyways that's kind of been our life lately. More fun blogs to come...Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-19344467429699293382008-08-25T08:54:00.003-06:002008-08-25T09:17:23.649-06:00well Im a married woman now...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SLLM6plAM0I/AAAAAAAAAFA/z0ChVtFLcyw/s1600-h/Honeymoon+149.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SLLM6plAM0I/AAAAAAAAAFA/z0ChVtFLcyw/s320/Honeymoon+149.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238474624550843202" /></a><br />Sorry it has taken me so long to post another blog.. but here it is!<br />The wedding was fantastic! It was so great to see so many people come and celebrate with us. A special thanks to friends and family that came early to help with the prep! Ya'll are awesome! We flew out to Costa Rica the next day and were there for 11 days! We had so much fun and I'll have to do a different blog for it because we had quite the experience!! We got home on the 19th at 11PM and were just wiped out the next day. But neither of us worked so we got to open our presents and clean up and get all of our stuff from our parents houses. Thursday we both worked so we didnt get much else done. (I still need to go grocery shopping-the whole cooking thing is a little intimidating for me) Then on Friday we left for Utah for Heather's wedding. It was a lot of fun and good food- Cold Stone catered the reception. Heather looked beautiful too. We just got home las night and have a week to rest and work and clean... and grocery shop before Im off to Spokane for Lucy and David's wedding! Life just never slows down like I thought it might after we got married. But it's just so fun... Im still getting used to sleeping in the same bed with somebody moving around at night. Luckily neither of us snore ;-) <br />More blogs to come when I get pictures...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SLLMYw27-bI/AAAAAAAAAE4/Phw5YlOMQ-Y/s1600-h/Honeymoon+076.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SLLMYw27-bI/AAAAAAAAAE4/Phw5YlOMQ-Y/s320/Honeymoon+076.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238474042389559730" /></a>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-62298507095766971322008-07-30T17:07:00.005-06:002008-08-01T08:31:54.453-06:00Batman rocked my socks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SJFVRwvDNNI/AAAAAAAAAEw/w_MFyyLuZHs/s1600-h/batman-dark-knight-poster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SJFVRwvDNNI/AAAAAAAAAEw/w_MFyyLuZHs/s320/batman-dark-knight-poster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229054405982237906" /></a><br />So as you would have it... I officially LOVE Batman! I loved the Batman Begins (Christian Bale is just so sexy). ;-) I could probably have done without Batman and Robin with George Clooney and Shwartzenegger making it into more of a joke. Oh those were the bad days. The old ones with Adam West was where it all started to make Batman into more of a happy superhero than an average guy revenging (is that a word?) his parents who innocently died in bypassing crime. Then we have Val Kilmer... and dont get me wrong- I love the guy! But also made a horrible Batman (or maybe it was just the writers of that script). Either way they did a fantastic job with Batman Begins and now with The Dark Knight. There are definitely no pointy nipples on the bat suit! haha. Christian Bale portrays a fantastic batman who is certainly human with some awesome ass kicking skills.<br />What I love about this new movie- The Dark Knight- is there is pain, death, fear and hate. And of course there is also hope and love. But the movie is darker than every other Batman before. But that is exactly how it is supposed to be! <br />As for Heath Ledger.. I was absolutely blown away by his superior acting level. He was marvelous in that he was exactly how he was supposed to represent- A psycho! haha I give him 3 thumbs up.. if I had an extra! Loved the movie, and all the actors in it. Anybody else's thoughts?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SJFUU7x53dI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Er5nZ0U195Y/s1600-h/Oh+Heath.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SJFUU7x53dI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Er5nZ0U195Y/s320/Oh+Heath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229053360974978514" /></a>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-91069249382596222752008-07-19T05:15:00.003-06:002008-08-01T08:31:26.921-06:00Another Summer schpealWell hello there again! Im sorry to disappoint but unfortunately I have no proof to document these next event...<br />Continued summer update:<br /><br />June 17- I went through the temple and took out my own endowment! For those of you who dont know what that is- it is making more covenants and promises to our Heavenly Father and abiding by them. It was a very exciting night. My parents and Brent's parents were there, and my Mema and Papa, and Brent's brother and his wife. And what better way to celebrate than going to Olive Garden afterwards! Goodness I LOVE that place.<br /><br />June 20- We decided to go camping up by Fulford Caves. We both love to camp! and Michelle and Clint decided to come with us. The first night while Clint and Brent were fishing in the pond- some crazy drunk out of his mind guy came up to where Michelle and I were sitting and plopped himself down in one of our chairs. He looked absolutely horrible with matted hair, and food all stuck in his teeth and in the corners of his mouth. But what was funny was that he reminded me a little of Napoleon Dynamite with his Doritos stuffed to the max in his cargo pant pockets. We were dying of laughter. But he kept asking us stupid questions like "Where the F*#^ did you get your t-shirt?" We didn't appreciate the profanity so we just ignored him and he went away. But while he was leaving a car was pulling around looking for a camping spot... He runs in front of the car and says "Stop" and then runs to the drivers open window and says "License and registration please". He put his foot under the cars tire and his hands in the window so he couldn't drive away. And then he started yelling at him with the F word because he was trying to get away. Can we say psycho anyone? We found out it was the LDS scoutmaster in the car with 3 little 11 year olds in the car. Oh dear! Needless to say- we had a psycho on our hands! After the boys came back from fishing- Crazy comes back and sees Clint gutting the fish by the fire and comes up right behind him and just stands there waiting for Clint to notice him. Michelle and I are kinda giggling to ourselves... Clint stands up and asks the guy to leave. Drunk guy yells "What are you gonna do cut my throat out? Dont cut my throat out... Dont you DARE cut my throat out". (yup definitely crazy). SO then drunk guy tells us how much of @$$-holes we are... Throws the F word in there just a few more times for good measure, then starts walking down the road (with all his camping gear) and screaming "I am NOT a litter bug". Yeah we werent quite sure what to make of it either! Hahaha. We kept an eye out that night for any sign of him returning since he told us his sister was coming to pick him up, but luckily we never saw the guy again. The next day we hiked 7 miles up to Silver Lake(?). The snow drifts were still 6 feet high and all through the trail... made it quite difficult. It was a good workout though. Brent and I decided to go back down once the snow was getting ridiculous- but Michelle and Clint trekked on and didnt get back to the campsite until 8, dinner time with foil brown trout dinners. Delicious! It was a good weekend. I love camping!<br /><br />July 4- Unfortunately I had to work this day down in CO Springs... but that night we went tot he air force base to watch the fireworks!! I love them- something about lighting up the sky with brilliant colors and patterns. It's magnificent! Right at the finale we got in our car to beat the crowd and watched it from the car... Right as we turned on the car the radio came on with the Perfect Finale song to go with the fireworks- "Proud to be an American" and it ended exactly with the fireworks. It was somewhat moving! After that we went home and watched a movie and fell asleep I think.<br /><br />More updates to come! 9 days til the big day! Crazy!Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-60963385936584914202008-07-08T12:50:00.013-06:002008-07-08T15:36:12.525-06:00Summer summerSo Im just starting to get the blog bug... aka: where you begin adding blogger into your daily routine.<br />Well people it is official- I have EXACTLY one month until I am a married woman! It is just uncanny how fast time is flying by. <br />In light of this news- I decided to post today! Although I don't think I could blog anymore about Brent and I than I already have. So here is a partial update on my summer thus far...<br /><br />1.) April 14- Amy Jo and Afton did my Bridals on the Salt Flats. So fun! I love those girls to death!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SHPRiaqOHTI/AAAAAAAAAD4/vph2YwOYwJ4/s1600-h/Tara%27s+Bridals+228.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SHPRiaqOHTI/AAAAAAAAAD4/vph2YwOYwJ4/s320/Tara%27s+Bridals+228.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220746782254701874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SHPTd-b9DLI/AAAAAAAAAEA/6lhYRYVKKrc/s1600-h/Tara%27s+Bridals+028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SHPTd-b9DLI/AAAAAAAAAEA/6lhYRYVKKrc/s320/Tara%27s+Bridals+028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220748904982449330" /></a><br /><br />2.) April 19- I went back to Hawaii this summer right after finals. I love that place! Mainly the beach... I went snorkeling on a Sunday morning and my knee got slammed into a coral reef (OUCH!) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SHPVaoEZOyI/AAAAAAAAAEI/YANDAi5SmMY/s1600-h/Family+in+Hawaii+001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SHPVaoEZOyI/AAAAAAAAAEI/YANDAi5SmMY/s320/Family+in+Hawaii+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220751046461700898" /></a>I swam immediately to shore once I saw how much it was bleeding because a shark attack would not be my favorite way to die! No thanks! Anyways that's what I get for going out on the Sabbath.<br /><br />3.) May 3- I came home in May and worked! Emergency Dental Care- we can get you out of pain TODAY- Relief is only a call away! <br /><br />4.) May 15- Amy Jo came and did our engagements. We had a lot of fun just playing and going hiking in between shot times. Amy is such a good friend! I miss her!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SHPWvwyIfMI/AAAAAAAAAEY/g80pE0DVNBg/s1600-h/Engagement+Pics+200.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SHPWvwyIfMI/AAAAAAAAAEY/g80pE0DVNBg/s320/Engagement+Pics+200.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220752509089905858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SHPXtl1_3uI/AAAAAAAAAEg/GP_6W8j7UJg/s1600-h/ames.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SHPXtl1_3uI/AAAAAAAAAEg/GP_6W8j7UJg/s320/ames.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220753571305217762" /></a><br />5.) June 9- Brent's Birthday!! This was my favorite day. I surprised Brent with his bday gift and boy was it a good one- I was at his place the whole day even though he thought I was at work. I made him a good home cooked meal (Mesquite Pork Roast, Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, Spinach Strawberry almond salad, and rolls, and Orange Julius drinks). I also cleaned his place and then when he was about to come home, I ran outside, locked the door, and pulled around just in time when he had pulled up so it looked like I was just getting there too. He unlocked his door and walked in and his jaw dropped. The food was already on the table hot and ready, with candles on the table and counter, and music playing in the background. He turned on me and accused me of lying to him about going to work. haha. We ate dinner and then ate the chocolate chip cookie pie I had made him for his bday cake. Then he opened his very sarcastic bday card and then his present in the living room which was Kenneth Cole cologne (it smells AMAZING). After that he figured I had to be done but no...<br />I told him he had one more present on his bed. He hadn't gone into his room at all yet... His first question to me, "Is it lingerie?" haha BOYS! I told him to go look. He opens the door and sees all BRAND spankin new bedroom furniture. Dark wood finish, king size bed frame, new mattresses, dresser and mirror, and a nightstand. I had moved his furniture all around that morning and put his current bed (it was on rollers) and dresser into the guest room and had the new stuff delivered. YAY! He was definitely NOT expecting that! haha- everything just went all too perfect! We had been talking about getting a new bed since his was only a double, and his dresser was from the 2nd grade. Anyways- he was excited! And so am I... I figured it appropriate to get a new bed since we were getting married soon! <br /><br />Anyways so that is probably good for now! More updates coming soon...Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-89804563412420859122008-07-01T13:08:00.004-06:002008-07-01T13:20:13.467-06:00I like sci fi??So I have been reading the new book by Stephenie Meyer to help suppress my anxiety for the 4th book of the Twilight series to come out (August 2nd People!!!). And I have thoroughly enjoyed this book- The Host. Wow she really has an imagination doesn't she?! It is so completely different than the series but it caught my intrigue from the very beginning. I highly recommend it to those who want an interesting book to read. I also like how she very subtly incorporates religious beliefs. She's sneaky! I like her. And I definitely like her writing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SGqDG-DuVHI/AAAAAAAAADw/rqbgIzDcrKE/s1600-h/the+host.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SGqDG-DuVHI/AAAAAAAAADw/rqbgIzDcrKE/s320/the+host.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218127274023212146" /></a>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-64625854589738339962008-05-08T13:32:00.003-06:002008-05-08T13:39:57.875-06:00The Ring Finger!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SCNW8Z-zN1I/AAAAAAAAADg/vqU29V0265s/s1600-h/n17816147_34954243_6153.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SCNW8Z-zN1I/AAAAAAAAADg/vqU29V0265s/s320/n17816147_34954243_6153.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198093990682113874" /></a><br /><br />Soooooo I know that many of you have wanted to hear the story of how we got engaged! It's kind of a funny one...<br />To be honest we were not planning on getting engaged this weekend- in fact probably not until after I came home for the summer. But we went ring shopping to get an idea of what I wanted. We had gone ring shopping once before and we had found this ring and I loved it, but we decided not to get it since it was our first time actually ring shopping and I didn't know if it was exactly what I wanted. So we are out in Salt Lake, going to plenty of different stores- and I cant find anything that I like as much. So we go back to Zales to find this one ring. The first store didn't have it, second one didn't have it, so we went to another one- and lo and behold- they have ONE left, and everything about it is perfect, the size of the ring, the carat of the diamond, etc. Now this ring is on clearance for 70% off because it is being discontinued. So these are the last of them. So we might as well get it now right? So Brent turns to me and asks- "so do you love me"?. I said of course. So he handed his cc to the lady to swipe it. The lady takes everything (the certificate, the ring, the lifetime warranty) and we follow her up to the front... as she is getting our bag together- she asks me if I would like to wear the ring outside of the store. I don't remember saying yes, I think I was a little startled by the question. My hand was on the table so she grabs my hand and slips it on my finger. We walk out of the store- holding hands... "Well I guess we're engaged?!!!". hahaha so thats pretty much it. Brent tried to get it back, but it was already on my finger so I told him he doesn't have to ask me. He turns to me and said that he had wanted it to be much more romantic but I told him not to worry about it. So we called our families the next day and the rest is history!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SCNWu5-zN0I/AAAAAAAAADY/k2br7-nGxmw/s1600-h/n17816147_34954242_5799.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SCNWu5-zN0I/AAAAAAAAADY/k2br7-nGxmw/s320/n17816147_34954242_5799.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198093758753879874" /></a>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-32347841881751587982008-04-23T12:09:00.000-06:002008-04-23T12:47:11.272-06:00I guess there's big news...Okay Okay Okay.. I have gone without writing long enough! Im sorry friends. But in light of recent big news, I feel like I should probably update friends and family. 2 weeks ago- I got engaged! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SA-AfEkP24I/AAAAAAAAAC0/WUvkMmlQd94/s1600-h/Random+029.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SA-AfEkP24I/AAAAAAAAAC0/WUvkMmlQd94/s320/Random+029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192510166671547266" /></a><br />For those of you who don't know the story. I will give it to you now. Long story short: <br /><br />Girl decides to go on mission.<br />Girl starts filling out mission papers.<br />Girl goes on blind date with boy.<br />Girl still planning on going on mission.<br />It gets closer to the date to turn them in, but girl doesn't feel right about turning them in yet.<br />Girl keeps dating boy.<br />Girl still really REALLY wants to go on mission but now is kind of wrapped up in boy.<br />Boy breaks up with girl to let her decide what she really wants to do with her life, and tells her to contact him when she's figured it out.<br />Girl has puffy red eyes for next two days, and fasts and prays to get some direction.<br />Girl receives answer.<br />Girl calls boy to let him know.<br />Girl and boy get back together and start talking marriage (a month later).<br />Boy kind of proposes.<br />Girl of course says yes.<br />And 9 months later- here we are!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SA-Bt0kP25I/AAAAAAAAAC8/ETJjPBwRmls/s1600-h/Random+033.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SA-Bt0kP25I/AAAAAAAAAC8/ETJjPBwRmls/s320/Random+033.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192511519586245522" /></a><br /><br />Brent is amazing! He is definitely an unexpected curve ball in my life, but I love the kid to death! I guess that's kind of the point of the whole marriage thing eh?! I have always been one that was really scared of marriage and commitment. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SA-CmEkP26I/AAAAAAAAADE/BQM1Bx_bM0g/s1600-h/Random+073.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/SA-CmEkP26I/AAAAAAAAADE/BQM1Bx_bM0g/s320/Random+073.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192512485953887138" /></a>But with Brent- it just came easy. He makes it so easy to love him and trust him, that this entire marriage decision ended up being much easier than I ever thought it would be! <br />Thank goodness for a Heavenly Father that is willing to guide and direct me in my decisions! I am very happy and the date is going to be August 8, for those of you who would like to join us in celebration!Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-7686933235347349592007-09-01T23:26:00.001-06:002007-09-01T23:47:31.579-06:00New Chop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtpL4MmZEVI/AAAAAAAAACc/8KuB30C0xP4/s1600-h/0809071616a-2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtpL4MmZEVI/AAAAAAAAACc/8KuB30C0xP4/s200/0809071616a-2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105476556404887890" /></a><br /><br />A couple days before I went to Hawaii- I chopped off all of my hair- (in case you cant tell from any of the Hawaii pictures)! This is the shortest I have EVER had it in my life- and Im not exactly sure why I had the sudden urge to do it... but I ended up LOVING it! Im having a hard time getting used to no ponytail holders though. But having short hair is so much fun- and LIGHT! I think my long hair days are over... for now!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtpNd8mZEWI/AAAAAAAAACk/k44haQ-thG0/s1600-h/Hawaii+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtpNd8mZEWI/AAAAAAAAACk/k44haQ-thG0/s320/Hawaii+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105478304456577378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtpOOMmZEXI/AAAAAAAAACs/IgY2oQ8V-uc/s1600-h/0810072247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtpOOMmZEXI/AAAAAAAAACs/IgY2oQ8V-uc/s320/0810072247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105479133385265522" /></a>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401573125903854360.post-43214050902286605652007-08-29T00:39:00.000-06:002007-09-01T23:07:39.549-06:00A Perfect Summer Ending!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfTDcmZEHI/AAAAAAAAAAs/gYHvKxPztEA/s1600-h/Hawaii+083.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfTDcmZEHI/AAAAAAAAAAs/gYHvKxPztEA/s320/Hawaii+083.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104780758818033778" /></a><br />Okay okay... So I've finally taken the time to write about the happenings of my life. I haven't written anything since my first blog over 2 1/2 weeks ago- and there IS a reason! I have been in Hawaii for the last couple weeks and LOVING <br />every minute of it. My best friend Heather and I decided back in June that we needed a break from the world- and what better way to spend some time away than on the beach on an island a few thousand miles across the ocean! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtUn9smZEGI/AAAAAAAAAAk/oKISd9hHUG0/s1600-h/Hawaii+070.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtUn9smZEGI/AAAAAAAAAAk/oKISd9hHUG0/s320/Hawaii+070.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104029693592014946" /></a><br />We started In Oahu- North Shore in Hau'ula! There was so much we wanted to do and see that we didn't really know where to start. So of course we went back in time with a little history lesson and drove towards Pearl Harbor. We tried to think of a word to describe that experience and the best that we could come up with was... sombering??? <br />Yeah- its kind of hard to describe I guess! But I cant even tell you how much pride I have in our Nation!! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfX0MmZEJI/AAAAAAAAAA8/SYuChSA7df0/s1600-h/Hawaii+016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfX0MmZEJI/AAAAAAAAAA8/SYuChSA7df0/s320/Hawaii+016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104785994383167634" /></a>I am so blessed with all of the freedoms that I enjoy and take for granted at times. We have been given so many wonderful opportunities here in the United States that has all come at the sacrifice of our service men/women! I got a little emotional during my tour- oh well!! I sometimes feel that I have more blessings than I deserve...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfVTsmZEII/AAAAAAAAAA0/y2hziSZFeOs/s1600-h/Hawaii+043.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfVTsmZEII/AAAAAAAAAA0/y2hziSZFeOs/s320/Hawaii+043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104783237014163586" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfY2MmZEKI/AAAAAAAAABE/hXSHin8loH0/s1600-h/Hawaii+006.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfY2MmZEKI/AAAAAAAAABE/hXSHin8loH0/s320/Hawaii+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104787128254533794" /></a><br /><br /><br />Next we just bummed it on the beach until we went to Kihei, Maui for 5 days. Snorkeling in crystal clear water, biking Haleakala Volcano<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfdrsmZEMI/AAAAAAAAABU/4d7eFqNfJfA/s1600-h/Hawaii+165.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfdrsmZEMI/AAAAAAAAABU/4d7eFqNfJfA/s320/Hawaii+165.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104792445424046274" /></a><br /><br />,eating crappy sushi (for those of you that are not in the know- I kind of dated a sushi chef over the summer for a couple weeks- and my tastebuds officially will NOT tolerate any kind of mediocre raw fish in rice dipped in soy sauce- they have been spoiled), and eating Shaka's Pizza- with a little bit of Ben and Jerry's out of the tub, and watching 'Failure to Launch'- Matthew McConaughey being the main beach theme for the night(s)... Pretty much vacation Heaven! Loved our Condo!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfcxsmZELI/AAAAAAAAABM/GFCPei-i_V0/s1600-h/Hawaii+063.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtfcxsmZELI/AAAAAAAAABM/GFCPei-i_V0/s320/Hawaii+063.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104791448991633586" /></a><br /><br />Then it was back to Oahu where we went back to beach bumming it! I found my eternal love- and that is Matsumotos! It is a shaved ice store- except they put homemade ice cream on the bottom and it is downright AMAZING! We also went to the Laie temple-which is absolutely Gorgeous! Loved it and the visitors center and the missionaries in there! We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center- which is possibly my favorite part of the trip! I got to be reunited with my all too familiar Maori/ NZ culture that I have missed oh so much- and the other Polynesian countries and their heritages. I fell in love with the dancing!!! (of course) and I kind of liked the half naked men doing the Haka... and I recently decided that 5 years down the road- I want to marry a Polynesian man!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtpD18mZETI/AAAAAAAAACM/yInEiLBsvhM/s1600-h/Hawaii+277.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtpD18mZETI/AAAAAAAAACM/yInEiLBsvhM/s320/Hawaii+277.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105467721657159986" /></a><br />We crashed at a friend of a friends house on the floor. Which did not turn out in the best way- the "friend" didn’t exactly act friendly when we were around and it seemed like we were a burden more than anything- but we took her and her friend out to dinner and willingly drove her an hour to Walmart at midnight when she needed to get some things! We went ahead and decided to leave her house and check into our hotel a day early to get out of her way. Maybe she was just stressed out- but the very next day I get a txt msg from her- saying her landlady says that we owe her $150 for staying on the floor! Talk about hospitality- it would have been nice to know beforehand but… Oh well! Not much we can do about it now!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtpDOMmZESI/AAAAAAAAACE/0xsS4I8Wtx0/s1600-h/Hawaii+216.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtpDOMmZESI/AAAAAAAAACE/0xsS4I8Wtx0/s320/Hawaii+216.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105467038757359906" /></a><br /><br />Heather and I are now in Waikiki- we're such bums! We like TV a lot, we realized! We lived a week without it and we decided we LOVE it! TV adds a nice touch to a vacation at the end of the night when you just want to chill. Last night we watched 4 movies! hahaha- Cinderella Story, Guess Who, Diaries of a Mad Black Woman, and The Village! haha- talk about BUMS! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/Rto-xMmZERI/AAAAAAAAAB8/g888QTQmXeo/s1600-h/Hawaii+090.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/Rto-xMmZERI/AAAAAAAAAB8/g888QTQmXeo/s320/Hawaii+090.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105462142494642450" /></a><br />We got Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages yesterday morning and then went to the beach! Love the vaca life... But we are excited to come back to reality- especially Heather cuz she has a new beau that she's ready to get back home to! Im ready to get back home to my car/ bed (car being my bed- as i dont have housing yet- hehe) Homeward Bound today! Well WOW! Hows that for an ALOHA blog!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/Rto4NsmZEQI/AAAAAAAAAB0/4J4CflVvsG0/s1600-h/Hawaii+238.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/Rto4NsmZEQI/AAAAAAAAAB0/4J4CflVvsG0/s320/Hawaii+238.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105454935539519746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/Rto1xMmZEPI/AAAAAAAAABs/CYY15oDTjP8/s1600-h/Hawaii+237.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/Rto1xMmZEPI/AAAAAAAAABs/CYY15oDTjP8/s320/Hawaii+237.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105452246889992434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtoovMmZEOI/AAAAAAAAABk/7lFDc2IO0-s/s1600-h/Hawaii+172.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtoovMmZEOI/AAAAAAAAABk/7lFDc2IO0-s/s320/Hawaii+172.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105437918879092962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtiBdMmZENI/AAAAAAAAABc/Tx8XoKbB8gc/s1600-h/Hawaii+213.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OIixPLFdU6k/RtiBdMmZENI/AAAAAAAAABc/Tx8XoKbB8gc/s320/Hawaii+213.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104972516222898386" /></a>Tara Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01908699447183302382noreply@blogger.com0