Update on my computer

Apple repaired the hard drive and I have my computer back.  I won't know until next week how much data is recoverable.  I do have some data on my back up hard drive but not all of it.  I have learned lots of important lessons, most importantly to back up the entire computer, not just pictures.  It is going to take me weeks to recover from losing all of this.  Yuck.

A little surprise was waiting for me when I turned on my iMac.  They upgraded me to the newest operating system Leopard at no extra cost.  

This can't be happening!

Well my iMac broke. One year and two weeks after buying it, it is dead. The hard drive apparently doesn't exist. At first I didn't worry, because I have an external back up hard drive. But then I noticed, the hard drive wasn't attached to the computer and I suddenly felt nauseated. How long has it been like that? Ugh. The longer it has been disconnected, the more lost files there will be. This can't be happening.

This can be incredibly devastating to me. As I am unable to access the external hard drive, I don't know how much information I have lost so all of the worst case scenarios keep popping up in my head. Not good for my general emotional health.

I am hoping that it is only a loose connection somewhere and that is it. That would be the best answer. I am taking the iMac to Apple tomorrow, so please pray that this isn't a disaster.

Arick's Baptism

Today, Arick was baptized. It was such a nice day and the program, as well as the baptism, was wonderful. Aunty Maren talked about baptism and my good friend, Cristina, spoke about the Holy Ghost. After Arick came up out of the water, his smile was so big. I asked him if he felt different later and he said he feels 'grown up'. I just hope the he remembers the joy he felt forever.

Grandpa Craig and Gigi took us out to dinner at the Olive Garden restaurant afterwards to celebrate (thanks for the yummy meal!). We were all so full that we had to turn down the free birthday ice cream and told them to just sing the birthday song.

Seriously, whose kids do this?

Warning: the following post is about potty training and is not to be read at meal time. :)

I know that I am behind on my posts and pics . . . I'm just too tired these days. But I wanted to share a little bit about Ella. Yesterday was her second birthday! I can't believe my baby is TWO! Well, she received a "princess potty" as a gift. I really have had no desire to potty train Ella since she's my baby and since potty training has historically been pretty difficult and messy. Plus, she's only two . . . still quite young. However, Ella has been giving us signs that would indicate that she may be ready, in a few months, to take this big step.

Well, Ella has had us all fooled. That girl was so excited for her potty, she stripped down, sat on it, and did her business without the slightest problem. This potty has music that plays to encourage the potty-goer . . . although meant to be a reward, it kind of scared the pee out of her the first time she heard it! Andrew and I had a good laugh!

When we told her she was all done and we took her off the potty, the little stinker cried because she wanted to stay on it. Seriously! What kid just starts using the potty without being bribed or prodded to do so . . . and then begs to just sit there?!

Today she has been determined to keep using the potty and has had great success. She hates her diaper and wants to wear a swim diaper because she thinks they are underpants. Could she go without a diaper all day? Not yet. But in 24 hours she has had more success than our first three kids combined! Seriously, this just doesn't happen!

Yet, as exciting as this is, it makes me a wee bit sad (pun intended) to see my Ella leave babyhood behind (again, pun intended).

10 for Tuesday

1. My sil, Maren, takes more pics of my kids than I do. See them here.

2. Arick turned 8 this week and I did not take it well. I was teary eyed all day. He was spoiled with lots of fun gifts and attention. Brianna did not take that well at all, you would have thought she was 3, lol. I sense preteen emotional drama coming on.

3. Brianna and Arick started school yesterday. They both were assigned teachers that they adore, mostly because they are 'anti-homework' teachers. I can tell that I am going to like those teachers as well.

4. Brianna earned a Hannah Montana Piano book as a reward for her consistent piano practicing. She is beyond thrilled.

5. My favorite part of the Olympics so far is watching Michael Phelps. That guy is seriously amazing at what he does.

6. 5th grade girls are lame. They are obsessed about having boyfriends. Brianna is not (that we know of), thank heavens, but how long can I 'protect' her from this insanity? Ugh.

7. Andrew received a new calling at Church. He is now the Executive Secretary. I am sure he will enjoy this calling immensely.

8. My current obsession for food is frozen corn. A whole bag for lunch . . . yummy! My friend Gayle shared with me a corn on the cob recipe that I adapted to what I had around. I sprinkle olive oil, southwestern spice mix that I have, lime juice, and a little salt on my hot corn. It is so tasty.

9. Ty is obsessed with Star Wars. He wants to watch the movies over and over again.

10. Arick is finally clicking with the guitar. Like his teacher said 7 months of 'nothing' and then magic happens. He is doing so great now. I was very close to stopping the lessons.

I've been tagged

My friend Sally tagged me.

Enjoy!

3 Joys

1. My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love going to Church on Sundays. It is my absolute favorite day of the week! I know that my family is stronger because of our faith and that we are better people because of the Gospel. I love serving in the Church. I love the people who attend. Most importantly, I love my Savior and I have a strong testimony as to the truth of this Gospel.
2. Photography. I can't tell you how much photography has benefited my life. I love to learn and I can learn something new everyday in this field.
3. Spending time with those I love. Dates with Andrew. Book Night with a group of wonderful ladies. Spending the day shopping or cooking with a friend. 'Girl's Night Out' with Brianna. Going to the park with the kids. Reading with Arick. Sunday dinner with Gigi and Craig. And so much more.


3 Fears

1. A house fire. A few years ago, I used to unplug everything before I went to sleep. Silly, I know.
2. Dying young. I don't fear death but I fear what I leave behind. I can't stand the thought of leaving my kids to grow up without me.
3. Spiders. Enough said.



3 Current Obsessions

1. Photography and getting my business off the ground. You can see what I've done so far at http://www.amylynnsmith.com.
2. Watching the Olympics.
3. Cute hair for Brianna. I've recently discovered the world of hair-style blogs for girls. While I've accepted the fact that I may never, ever learn how to french braid, these blogs have shown me hundreds of other ideas that are just as cute!


3 facts

1. I am not an outdoorsy person but I adore camping if the weather is right. Waking up to the sounds of birds chirping on a cool crisp morning and the smell of smoke from the campfire (Andrew wakes up with the sun, so he always gets our campfire going in the morning.) is nirvana to me.
2. I ate at the Cheesecake Factory twice this past weekend (Thanks Andrew! Thanks Mom!) and both times I ordered the same thing. The Ahi Carpaccio on the appetizer menu. I pair this with the bread and some cheesecake (usually a half of a slice) and that is dinner. It is by far one of the most amazing things I have ever ordered from a restaurant. Yum!
3. I do not like to get water on my face. Andrew finds it hysterical. I have had five bad swimming experiences. Couple that with my fear of drowning and it doesn't seem that irrational. Right?



I tag Maren and Ashley.

I'm going to Pheonix

Yesterday, my Mom and Craig surprised me with an early Christmas present! I am heading to Phoenix in January for a week to attend the Imaging USA conference!! This is an awesome conference for photographers and I am so incredibly excited to go. A week of 12-hour days studying photography and the business of photography . . . that's my kind of vacation. Did I mention that Anne Geddes is going to be presenting there?!!! Good times ahead. The scary part is being away from the kids for a week but I will have all of those classes to distract me. Thanks Mom & Craig!