Pulley Pumpkins

Tonight was a fun night for the Pulleys. Ever since we moved, we have been looking forward to meeting new friends in the ward. Tonight we were invited to dinner by a nice couple and their one year old son. It was a fun evening of visiting, eating, carving pumpkins and of course dessert. We were excited to have Tyler be a part of the carving this year. And for the past few weeks anytime Tyler saw a pumpkin he would yell 'paggun', so we thought he would love carving his.

When we started carving, Tyler was less than thrilled at the idea. As evident below, he was actually upset at touching the pumpkin.

Lately he has wanted to be Mr. Independent, so once we gave him is own tool, he was happy to go to work.

And in true Tyler style, it ended up in his mouth!

The pumpkin kit we bought had sponges of spiders and bats, so we thought that rather than have Tyler hold a knife, he could sponge his pumpkin. Again, we had to stop him from putting the sponge in his mouth!

The last two show our pumpkins in all their glory on our porch.

He actually smiled for the camera!

New York, New York!

Last Monday morning I headed off to New York for four days of fun with my sister Kristin. Our husbands, and other family, were nice enough to watch the babies so we could have uninterrupted girl time! I arrived in New York a few hours before Kristin, but I wasted no time and got to shopping. Once Kristin arrived, we got all dolled up and headed to dinner. We ate at Juniors. The food was okay, but the cheesecake was the best I've ever tasted...no joke! After dinner came Times Square. I was amazed at how big the city was. I knew it was going to be big, but street after street were buildings. Here are a few pictures of us in the middle of all the action.

Next we walked over to Rockefeller Center and walked by all the nice stores on 5th Avenue. It was almost midnight when we got back to the hotel.

Tuesday morning we got up and out the door to do some shopping. We took the subway almost everywhere. It was surprisingly not confusing. We went to my new favorite store H&M, Chinatown (where I bargained my tail off on a bag and perfume!), and to see the Empire State Building.

That night we went to the famous Serendipity. (Amy, I thought of you the whole time! I stood where John Cusack stood!)

On Wednesday morning, my sister had to work to do, so I headed off to see the Statue of Liberty. I was proud of myself, I didn't get lost once! In fact, in the four days I was there, I had two people ask me for directions. And even more amazing, I was able to tell them where to go! Back to Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty was bigger than I was expecting and more deserving of respect than I had thought. Check out the amazing skyline! One thing I loved about New York, were the random groups of break dancers or saxophonists that would stop on the street, under a bridge, or in the subway and dance or play. I had to take a picture of it solely for the outfit!

That night, we met up with my cousin Emily who lives in New York. We went to a cozy little restaurant and to Rice to Riches (a super good pudding place). Of course I had to get the cheesecake flavored pudding.

Thursday morning I walked over to Emily's work, Sotheby's. She works in the jewelry department. Let's just say I tried on some AMAZING pieces of jewelry. You can see how minuscule my diamond seems in comparison. The last ring I tried on was valued at 2 million bucks! Even the 'cheapest' piece I tried on (the necklace) was worth over $300,000.

On Thursday night we went to Union Square for a little more shopping. I issued some restraint by not buying anything at a shoe store that had 41 rows of shoes! We ate at this Indian place that was sooooo good. Then we went home to crash.
Since our flights didn't leave until five that afternoon, we went to see a few more sights on Friday morning. We went to Lincoln Square, the Manhattan Temple, got an authentic piece of New York pizza, to super good bakery (where I saw the actress Frances McDormand), and to Central Park. The park was stunning in the fall. It was such a relief to have some quiet in the middle of the city.

While I would never want to live in New York, it was strange that it sort of felt like home. It is like the city is a part of you, because it is so American...if that makes sense. And yet, I heard more languages in that four days than anywhere ever before. It was a wonderful trip, but made me realize that I'm content with my life as a wife and mom in Provo, Utah.

Tyler's New Discovery

This morning while I was at work, I received the following picture from Steve.

It seems that Tyler has discovered zippers. In particular, the zipper of his pajamas! When Steve walked in all he heard Tyler say was "tuck", his version of stuck, meaning his foot was still stuck inside his jammies. All I can say is, I'm glad he kept his diaper on.

Working mom!

So last week I started my new job at BYU. I assist the course manager for Biology 100. As reluctant as I was to start working again, and leaving Tyler, and trying get everything done, this new job is a blessing. I got to set my own hours (only 20 a week), and I get paid more than I did my first job out of college! I also get disounted everything on campus...including sporting events. None of this would be possible if it weren't for Ashley. THANK YOU for watching Tyler. You saved me!

This is a new tag from my friend Jenn! What can I say, I'm bored at work.

I am: at work and wishing I were home
I think: about so many random things
I know: being a Mom is the most important thing I'll ever do
I want: Steve to be done with school already (I'm in for a long 3 years!)
I dislike: people who treat others with less respect than they deserve
I miss: my grandma especially
I fear: hobo spiders (thanks Suzie!)
I feel: pretty content with things
I hear: the sound of the heater and my boss working (maybe I should be!)
I smell: very little with my cold :(
I crave: walking and any kind of cheese
I cry: at least once a week, mostly for no reason or a stupid commercial
I search: for new friends and experiences
I wonder: what the future holds for my family
I regret: the first three months of my Senior year (Amy, you know why!)
I love: my family
I care: more about my family than anything else
I always: make the bed
I worry: about how to raise Tyler
I am not: the best cook, but I'm trying
I remember: so many good things about my grandma
I believe: in the peace the gospel brings
I dance: with Tyler to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse songs
I sing: only when no one will really be able to single me out, or in the car with Tyler. He loves the ABC's, itsy bitsy spider, etc.
I don’t always: floss my teeth
I argue: with anyone who doesn't think Mr. Darcy is the greatest ;)
I write: thank you notes to people just because everyone loves a little note by surprise!
I win: every speed card game everytime...no joke!
I lose: strategy games to Steve, but hey, he's an engineer
I wish: to always fit into my skinny jeans
I listen: to classical music almost exclusively
I don't understand: the concept of $700 billion
I am scared: to lose my family
I need: to excercise today, I ate WAY too much this Conference weekend
I forget: I've already told people the same stories.
I am happy: when I am with Steve and Tyler

I now tag Whitney, Ashley L., Janelle and Tristan

Mary Miller

Yesterday afternoon, my beloved grandmother passed away. I had the privilege of being there with my mom and aunt as she was welcomed with open arms by her husband. My grandma was 90 years old and had lived longer than her husband, mother and father, siblings, and one son. It was a truly tender and special moment in my life that I will never forget.

My grandma was loving, intelligent, and didn't take any slack from any of her seven children. She was the kind of grandma that let me eat ice cream with my lunch and dinner. I loved her dearly, but have no doubt that she is happier now than she has been in the 14 years since my grandpa died.