A few things on this fine September day...

Clint and I are going to U t a h next week for his brother's wedding and I am beyond excited. We are actually going to St. George which is where we met, and that just gives me the little butterflies is what it does. Goodness I love that guy.

My brain thinks it's ok to wake me up at 7 a.m. when I have absolutely nothing to do that day. Apparently it thinks I am a grown up now and that I like that sort of thing. Well guess what brain? You're wrong ya big dummy.

October is about to be full of mood swings or maybe even full on insanity. For CrossFit, we are doing a no sugar challenge for the entire month. Apparently these people don't know that there are Reese's pumpkins on the shelves, available only at Halloween time...hellooo. Bring on the mental breakdowns, hallucinations, therapy sessions, panic attacks, and whatever else may come from this. ps I think am going to go down a mint oreo shake from Dairy Queen tonight to hold me over for the month. Maybe I will even eat 37 of them. I'll show you.

Let's talk about this baby. I just love her to death. She calls me "Rolph" (trying to say "Tosh") which is my favorite thing ever. I wasn't aware I was a German man, but I'm fine with that.

I have so much love for this little fuzzy headed rascal and every little thing she does amazes me. it's awesome to think that my love for my own kids is going to be even greater than that (Bostyn, if you're reading this, don't get offended-that's just word on the street). 

As I stand in the checkout line, people probably often wonder if I have small children. Let's go through a list of a few groceries: 

uncrustables

the squeezy packs of berry applesauce

Cookies and Cream Pop Tarts (which were purchased today as I experienced a new all time low.)

Well, checkout lady I actually don't have a child in Kindergarten. But I do have a husband who, despite my efforts, clearly loves his snacks that he thinks are healthy. He's killin' me. 

Attention Clint, mom, or anyone else who feels the need to buy me something:

This pretty little ring is on my Christmas list... and while you're at it, go ahead and get me one of the letter ones with an "N" on it. cha ching.

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and just a quick little shout out to my husband who seriously buys me the best gifts ever and manages to surprise me all the time. He bought me this gorgeous picture of Christ for our anniversary (he gave it to me a little early). He is so incredibly thoughtful and I adore it.

and check out this picture of my grandpa. Ong knows where it's at, people. (thanks for the picture, kayk)

Taylor Swift's new song? I'm not even going to say anymore. You already know how I feel. genius.

Let's talk about how Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are the most beautiful couple ever. I will pay top dollar for their babies, so if you're in touch with them please give them the word. Clint actually told me that he used to date Blake Lively and then Ryan Reynolds asked for his permission to date her once they broke up. He also informed me that he got an invitation to their wedding, but didn't want to make it awkward for anyone. Little does he know, I used to date Ryan so he's right- the wedding would have been super awkward.

Texas doesn't know that it's fall and thinks it's still awesome to have 90 degree weather. All I want is to wear some boots- I really don't think that's too much to ask for but hey- what do I know?

that's all the rambling I have today. if you can believe that. 

xoxo.♥

higher ground

I have been going through and reading old general conference talks starting in 1974 and my goal is to read all of the ones up through this year. It has been really neat to see how the church has grown and expanded since then.

Gordon B. Hinckley's talks are some of my absolute favorites (and he is one of my absolute favorites too- but don't tell) so I was excited when I found yet another wonderful quote from him. 

For me it is really important to be an example and light to other people. There have been times in my life where I didn't represent the church and myself as best as I could have. I think about that a lot now and think about the fact that there may have been people I could have lifted up or shared the gospel with, had I been standing on higher ground. So because of that, I strive to be an example and a light every day and made this little printable to remind myself of that goal. 

[Again, feel free to use it. I was having a lot of fun so I made it in two colors. this printed out fine on my computer, but I'm still new to this and from what I understand, color settings can vary depending on your printer, so let me know if there's a problem if you print one and I will try to figure it out!]

Have a great week lovelies.
natasha

today & tomorrow.

I made this today because I was bored. Want to know why? because you guys don't pin stuff fast enough while Clint is playing video games. so thanks a lot. 

[that's only half way true so don't blame yourself too much.] 

I just really love being motivated by quotes so I wanted to make something to hang up on my fridge to keep my goals in mind. So I thought I would share it so that if any of you gems want it, you can just go right ahead and have it. And we've got ourselves a deal.

xoxo

Natasha

I have a crush on...

Smashbooks. I just bought TWO. These things are just my cup of tea. I have always been a keeper everything- ticket stubs, notes, doodles, so now I have a place to put it all. one to tell mine and Clint's little lovey story, and one for personal use. If you haven't heard of them, you're missing out. Click here to see what they're all about. Once I get started I will post some pictures.

black and white polka dots. I bought a shirt a few weeks ago that had black and white polka dots, and then I was excited to start see them popping up everywhere. so naturally I bought another one.

these ruffle curtains that I am about to attempt to make.

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Blake Lively who is basically my style girlfriend and my real life girlfriend. so ya, we are pretty serious.

The blog SkinnyTaste, which has healthy recipes that are actually good. I made the pumpkin banana bread last night and it was delicious (that's the key here, people).

big comfy cable-knit throws.

old navy. they are just rockin it right now. Sometimes they are hit and miss, but right now I am loving them. plus I go these little gold boat shoe cuties there for $13.00

these adorable wall art letters. But seeing as they are $99 for three of them, I think I will make my own.

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those are my crushies right now.

that's all I've got for you today. kloveyoubye.

xoxo.tosh.

Everywhere.

This is two days late, but I just barely came across it and I absolutely loved it. It is such a beautiful take on September 11th and I really really hope you will take the time to read the entire thing.

"Have you ever thought, "Where was God on 9/11 when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked?" Well, I know where my God was on the morning of September 11, 2001, and He was very busy.

He was discouraging people from taking those four flights. Together they could accommodate more than 1,000 passengers, yet there were only 266 aboard. He was on those four flights giving the terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the people who was called by a loved one on one of the hijacked planes mentioned that passengers were panicked, nor was there any screaming in the background. And on one of the flights, God gave strength to the passengers to overcome the hijackers.

God was also busy creating obstacles to prevent people who worked in the WTC from getting to work on time. The work day had begun, more than 50,000 people worked in the two towers, yet only 20,000 were at their desks. On that beautiful morning, God created scores of unexpected traffic delays, subway delays, and commuter train delays. A PATH train packed with commuters was stopped at a signal just short of the WTC and was able to return to Jersey City. And far more meetings were scheduled elsewhere than was usual.

God held up each of the two mighty towers for a half hour so that the people on the lower floors could get out. And when He finally let go, He caused the towers to fall inward rather than to topple over, which would have killed so many more people. The foundations of six surrounding buildings were demolished by the fall of the towers, but God held them up for many hours until all the occupants were safely evacuated.

And when the WTC and Pentagon buildings went down, my God picked up almost 3,500 of His children and carried them to their home for all eternity. He also sat down and cried that 19 of His children could have so much hate in their hearts, that they did not choose him, but another god that doesn't exist, and now they are lost forever.

He sent people trained in dealing with earthly disasters to save those that were injured. And he sent in thousands of others to help in any way they were needed. And He brought people together across the world in a way that moved thousands to tears and hundreds of thousands to prayer—and caused millions to turn to the one true living God."

He still isn't finished. Every day He comforts those who lost loved ones. He is encouraging others to reach out to those who don't know Him or believe in Him. He is giving the leaders of our great nation the strength and conviction to do the right thing, to follow His will, not a popular poll.

So if anyone ever asks, "Where was your God on 9/11?" you can say, "He was everywhere! And, in fact, He is everywhere today and every day." Without a doubt, this was the worst catastrophe most of us have ever seen. I can't imagine getting through such a difficult time without God at my side. Without God, life would be hopeless."

[I believe this is the original source, but I came across it on this blog.]

What a blessed and absolutely beautiful country we live in.

May we never forget September 11th, the sacrifices made, and the miracles of God.

-N.

instasunday

Today was one of those days where I just kept going and going and going and going. I got a million things done, yet there was time to do more. It's freaking me out how productive this day was.

Came home from church. Took picture of new shirt.

began making homemade rolls. first time ever.

Mr. H later asks, "Are these Rhodes Rolls?"

[I felt quite flattered because I love those things.]

and little did he know they were whole wheat. muahaha suckaaa.

then I face timed sis and baby bostyn for a good 45 minutes.

all while still preparing dinner and working on designing my sister's business card.

when I said "Hang on Bos, I have to wash my hands,"

She insisted on washing hers too. 

So she held up her chubby little hands to the phone

while I held the camera up to the sink.

and obsessed over that double chin.

and then, I still had even more time.

So I decided to roll up the dough into little knots

like this. except I forgot to take a picture after they were done.

and then the husb came home. and we had dinner. and he conveniently fell asleep right before it was his turn for dishes. Coincidence? I think not. Dirty player. 

So then I did all the dishes because he had a long day at work. and then I deep cleaned the kitchen. and mopped the whole downstairs. then I folded three loads of laundry. then started planning meals for the week and started writing up a cleaning schedule. 

then I decided that while I am at it, I should reorganize my Pinterest boards because I couldn't find anything I was looking for because I'm a certified pin hoarder.

Then I ate some boxed cake batter mix with just a little water in it just like my roommate Cassie taught me. Then I decided I needed to bang my spoon a little louder because I needed Clint to wake up because I was getting bored of being productive. Plus I needed to show him my accomplishments.

Well guess what? he still didn't wake up. So I blogged about it. 

Sorry.

my lovelies.

Two nights I just broke down crying and was super emotional.
At first I had no idea why.
Maybe it was because The Lucky One isn't at Redbox yet.
Or maybe it was because at 6 a.m. I was doing 220 burpees.
Or maybe because I am sick of doing dishes. I bet they can make you cry everyday sometimes.

But then I realized it's because I really truly honestly miss my family and the place I know as home.
And for a while, I have been subconsciously pushing that feeling deep down inside because I didn't want to miss anything.
I just wanted to give my whole heart and every positive emotion and thought I had to this new adventure.
But while I truly am enjoying being in Texas, I also have to say that it wasn't good for me to just pretend like something wasn't (isn't) missing. And sometimes you need a good cry for that sort of thing.

So I am saying it all now.

I miss my family and friends like crazy.
I miss laughing with my sisters.
I miss having so many loving friends and family members around me that I could call at any time to do any little thing.
I miss familiarity.
I miss not having to wonder where I stand with new people I meet.
I miss just the thought of knowing that my sweet mom is just a phone call away.
I miss going on bike rides with my mother in law.
I miss my adorable little niece speaking all sorts of jibberish and her nappy hair.
I miss I-15 for goodness sake. who even does that? (this guy.)

So daddy, mama, zach, sammi, sis, kayka, roo, bosty, ryan, lark, logan, becky, hannah, ethan, ryan, michelle, jordan, jennifer, tootsie, grandma, gramps, ong and ba, amby, and all my cousins, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and friends.

every last one of you...

I just miss you like crazy.

got it?

xoxo.tosh.

Dreaming of...

Peplum ♥

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[this one is a little blurry, but it's my favorite.]

I love anything super feminine and ruffly and girly and frilly, so naturally I love this trend. They are just precious.  I came so close to buying an adorable polka dot one similar to the black and white one above, but the price was a little too high.

 But I think this is a trend that's necessary to splurge on, don't you?

Let's all justify together. That's my favorite game.

any trends you're loving right now?

xoxo N.

ps if you are a genius seamstress, here is a tutorial for one. go ahead and try it. 

then make me one.