audience.

When writing - you have to know your audience.

I heard it a thousand times during my education. 

But blogs are a funny thing, because you never really know who is reading. An undefined audience is more difficult to write for.

I imagine my family and Paul's family are here.

A few friends stop by often, and leave their nice comments.

But I'm sure there are those who view regularly, but unnoticed- leaving no comments, so I don't know they're there. Fine by me, because I do the same. But how do I write for these people?

I guess that's why I have to find my voice- if I could put it down on paper (or screen) I think it would sound like the voice in my head when I'm trying to fall asleep. Reminding of what happened that day, what's going to happen tomorrow. 

But that voice goes a million miles an hour- and I can only type 75 word per minute. So it never comes out the same as I hear it in my head.

I also think know my "voice" changes depending on the topic of the post. Sometimes the words are the main attraction, sometimes the pictures, where the words are just there to caption.

Pictures are easier. Words are more personal - more exposed.

Pictures are more entertaining. Words can be more inspiring.

I think I'll continue with a mix.

But I do wish I knew who my audience was. That would help.

Or would it? I'm blogging for myself- and for Paul- for our memories, to share those memories and thoughts with you - whoever you are.

on kids.

Until I married Paul, I had no nieces or nephews. Now I have 15. It's wonderful.

But I've always had a "touch" with kids- or at least been told so. I remember when I was like 8 or 9, Chelsey (my older sister) was babysitting and this baby wouldn't stop crying- so she handed the baby off to me and I rocked that thing to sleep.

Even though I didn't have younger siblings to take care of (I was a baby when Celeste was a baby). I have had lots of cute cousins to play with (as seen above) and love.

And even though I don't think I'm ready for my own chillins' I sure love being around all these cute kids that I love.

I really miss this little lady, and her brothers (one of which I've never met- but can't wait to). 

Also- a big apology to Irelynd and Erica, who can't come sleepover tonight (as planned) because of my dumb strep throat. But we had a rockin' time last time, and we'll do it again asap.

And I'm also getting very excited to live closer to this cute family. I love Audrey's pose in this pic :)

I 

Post Edit: Apparently I love this topic. 

Family Green Evening.

Had a great FHE with P tonight. He went back to work after dinner and this was our Gmail Chat:

Pauly: Do you want to go to Sam's Club with me to get some clif bars?
me: not really
haha
Pauly: hmm
me: you have too much energy
:)
Pauly: you never want to do anything
(later in the convo)
me: i'm bored

Pauly: ok I'll come home and we can ride our bikes to Sam's Club
sound ok?
me: that just sounds really cold to me, but i guess we can
Pauly: you don't have to
I can do it
me: i want to hang out with you
i miss you, remember?
Pauly: (it would be good use of your softshell)
ok be home in a sec

So he came home and we rode. It was a great time, but when we got to Sam's we realized how green/granola we were being.

-Riding our bikes

-Using a recylable grocery bag

-Buying Clif bars

-Wearing our Flannels
Feels good.

Also, Paul said I looked like Cat Woman.

Migraine Advice #2

Last time I posted about my migraines, my comments were mysteriously turned off- and a lot of people emailed me some great advice. But still, I can't figure out what is causing these darn things. 

This calendar shows the dates that I have had migraines. Two in January, three in February, four in March, five in April, and I'm hoping for a decline for May. It should be noted that before January 2010, I'd had about 3 migraines my entire adult life.

I just can't get them figured out. Here are the facts:

They start with a visual scotoma, I see a blurry/flashy kind of shape, that gets bigger over time. The headache starts about a half hour later. Yesterday's was real intersting. I felt it in my ears, my sinuses, the back of my head, the front of my head, my temples. Every five minutes it found a new spot to torture. I also have numbness in my hands sometimes, and once in a while I have trouble speaking.

I see no consistancies with the food I eat, or the things I do. Sometimes I get them when I'm excited or looking forward to something, sometimes I get them when I am stressed, but sometimes they are just out of the blue.

I've been to a Doctor about it (twice), even had a CT scan, which came back normal. He prescribed Imitrex, which hasn't been too helpful, even when combined with four IB profuen. I also had my eyes checked (for the first time in my life), and I have perfect vision.

If you find a pattern with when I get the migraines, I'll give you a prize. 

Plus, any advice is more than welcome!

Raining.

I love the sun.
Rain, rain, go away.

my mom

Mom,

Thanks for...

being my friend and supporter in every aspect of my life

braiding my hair and wearing those sweet leggings, wish you had kept them!

For taking us on hikes and teaching me to be active.

For staying fit and healthy and being someone I want to be like. 

And for being dedicated to the things you love and being a fun, young mom to me and Eric, Chelsey and Celeste and the perfect match for Dad.
I love you :)
-Chrissie

And to my grandmas- I love you too!

Book of Mormon Testimony

Watch this video today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkKblIMfmjI

Read why here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=108682145836290&index=1