Brycentonian

I haven't had much to blog about lately. Dooce posted some random questions and answers about her husband, and it was so fun to read more about her and him. She invited readers to do the same in her comments or on their own blog. I think I've posted a version of this before, so I apologize if any of this repeats. Before I get into it, however, there is a project Missy and I have been working on for about a month - and we are very excited about it. That's all I'll say about it for now - but check in next week for more details.  (And don't even ask me - I will so not tell you yet.  No matter who you are.)  Who knows... perhaps there will even be a lovely giveaway.  Or several...

What are your middle names?
My middle name is Nicole, his middle name is Patrick.

How long have you been together?
We were kind of "together" for over two years before we got married, so all totaled we've been together over eight years.

How long did you know each other before you started dating?
Maybe a month.

Who asked whom out?
Pretty much I asked him out. I was pretty confident and bold, which is not usually like me, and I actually used some pick-up lines. "Wow, your eyes are so pretty." I had a wonderful guy friend plant the seed in his head about me, and then I started asking for rides to everything. "I just don't have a way to get there, can I get your number and I'll call you to give you directions...?" Next thing I knew, rides turned into spending full days together, each outing more elaborate and "datelike," often ending in an all-night phone call.

How old are each of you?
I'm 32 and he's 29.

Whose siblings do you see the most?
About the same. I have eight siblings, five of which live in Utah. He hasn't even met one of my brothers. I have Ashley that we see fairly often, and Amy lives in Austin so we only see her occasionally. We see my brother Erik maybe once every six months. Bryce has two brothers, one in Chicago and one in Houston. We just see them whenever they are in town.

Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Right now, adjusting to life after Corgan. The pregnancy was so incredibly hard on me in so many ways, and I'm still recovering - mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually - you name it. Plus, Corgan has been our most difficult baby. He's quite the crier, and won't ever be consoled by Bryce.

Did you go to the same school?
No.

Are you from the same home town?
Close. Him - Duncanville. Me - Grand Prairie. For non-Texans, that's less than ten miles.

Who is smarter?
We are both smart in very different ways. I'm more of a word/English smart, and he's more math/computer smart.

Who is the most sensitive?
Both.

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Usually wherever I pick. He's good about that.

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Oregon.

Who has the craziest exes?
I would have to say me, just because I have more exes. The odds are in my favor.

Who has the worst temper?
ME.

Who does the cooking?
Me, IF it gets done. I hate cooking.

Who is the neat-freak?
I try to be.

Who is more stubborn?
Me.

Who hogs the bed?
Corgan. :)

Who wakes up earlier?
Bryce. Or Ewan, the little booger.

Where was your first date?
There were many "first dates." Friendly "I don't want to admit I like you" date was On the Border. Friendlier "I totally dig you, man, but don't want you to know. But I'll still take you to this totally expensive restaurant" date was at a place called Aquanox. Then there was just watching the rain in his backyard. No one certain first date, really.

Who is more jealous?
Bryce. Bryce. Bryce. Bryce. Bryce.

How long did it take to get serious?
Maybe two weeks.

Who eats more?
Totally me. He orders salads and water. I order steak with double fries, a side of mashed potatoes and a trough of Coke. But he snacks CONSTANTLY, whereas I do not.

Who does the laundry?
Me.

Who's better with the computer?
Bryce

Who drives when you are together?
Usually Bryce.

Feel free to copy!

Happy Made-up Holiday!!!

Celebrating Love.

"A pirate, a pirate, a pirate says 'Argh!'"

My birthday

On Thursday the 5th, my parents celebrated their 49th anniversary, and I turned 32. (Holy cow to both.) It was a good day. (Not counting my two-hour pity party. What is it about birthdays that make me whiny?!) I had mistakenly scheduled a dermatologist appointment for that morning, and I had double-booked a play date with Shannon and the gang. When I realized my mistake, I just asked if she could sit with Ewan and Fynn for my short appointment. Shannon made me the cutest little mushroom house for fairies that I totally love. I used to draw little ones identical to it all over my papers in high school. (I found out later several teachers and a friend's mom thought I was into 'shrooms. I didn't even know you could "do" 'shrooms. So there, haters!) At my appointment, the doctor wished me a happy birthday and had her assistant pack me a bag full of nice samples from Aveeno and Eucerin, among others. Awesome! When I went back to pick up the boys, Shannon had made my favorite cake: yellow with chocolate frosting, and the kids helped put on the sprinkles. It was very yummy, and again, thanks, Shannon! Then Julie stopped by with a can of Coke and two little birds she had made. They are so cute, and actually go quite nicely with Shannon's mushroom house. Bryce came home from work with some beautiful flowers and we went out for some Italian food. All in all, a simple, good day with lots of wonderful well-wishes on Facebook and in messages. Happy anniversary to my parents, and be forewarned for next year the 5oth!


Ignore the fact that I need to dust, and look how cute! I love all of them. Do you see the little door and window on the fairy house? Divine. I don't deserve such good friendships.

More best pictures ever

Here are more shots from our family photo session with Missy. There are so many beautiful ones, I don't know if I'll be able to limit myself on posting them. Ewan does this a lot to Missy when she gets the camera out, he just makes faces and acts so goofy. But I love the look of sheer joy on his face in these pictures. He looks so happy and like he's having so much fun. Fynn just takes my breath away. And Corgan, we just love him so, poor thing was cold and wanted to be somewhere warm. I really like these, especially the fun, unplanned ones where the boys' personalities show through.

Completely random, but WHY HAVE I NOT SEEN THIS?!

*I feel the need to clarify that I am being totally facetious. I got an e-mail from Bryce's mom asking if I liked Snoop Dogg, and then Jenny's comment made me realize perhaps my sarcasm didn't shine forth the way I intended. But really, a movie this "awful" has to be seen by someone. Any volunteers?
Description from Netflix: "Jimmy Bones (Snoop Doggy Dogg) is a tough but fair pillar of his community who works hard to keep drugs out of the hood. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop fellow community members from turning on, murdering and then burying him in the basement of his home. Two decades later, the children of the man who betrayed him are about to turn Bones's property into a nightclub. Though his house is gone, Jimmy is not -- and through his spirit he vows revenge!"

Best pictures ever

Ah, Missy, I love you! You are an awesome friend, and such a talented photographer. And Julie, the hat is so totally fabulous, thank you so much. Isn't it so stinkin' cute on him?

These are pictures from a photo shoot Missy did for me as part of my shower gift. Corgan was a month old when we did the shoot. There are SO. MANY. good ones that it's hard to choose what to post, and whether I like black and white or color better! I think I need to wake him up to snuggle now...