Homemade

When I was in Israel on study abroad, I wrote my mom a letter describing all of the homemade food I wanted her to make me when I got home. The list included things like pumpkin pie and homemade rolls. As an adult, I realize that my letter had little to do with food and everything to do with what the food represented to me. I wanted to feel taken care of and I wanted to feel a bit babied. I like to think of myself as a strong, independent, single woman that can take care of herself but once in a while it is nice to feel taken care of and babied for a few minutes. About a month ago, my brother, his wife, and their darling six month old baby came to visit. They were only suppose to come for a weekend but due to a power outage at their home in Ohio, they came for 5 days. It was a wonderful 5 days for me as my family took care of me. I cannot list all of the things they did for me but I remember that they did my laundry, cleaned my house, bought my groceries, ran my errands, made my bed, cooked my meals, and let me cry on their shoulders. So, how do you thank people who spent their vacation taking care of you? Well, you give them a Hooter Hider! My sister-in-law was talking while she was visiting that she really wanted a Hooter Hider which is basically a covering to keep a mother modest while she nurses. I knew she wanted one and after they left I ran into a dear friend of my that just happens to make them. Erin was sweet enough and patient enough to help me make Ellen her very own Hooter Hider. When I told my sister Liz what I was making, I told her that we should think of our own name. She came up with Milk Masker and my brother Dan came up with my favorite, a Gawker Stopper.

Just a bunch of fabric and notions.

Super Nurser?!

A success, the Gawker Stopper to the rescue.

I think we all want to have someone show up make us homemade rolls and take care of us for a little while. Thanks Dan & Ellen...you were lifesavers!

I would like to thank the people who made this possible. . .

My fun trip to Utah could not have be possible without some help.

Thanks to:

1. Delta Airlines

(Direct flights ROCK but seriously what is up with the
$25 charge for a second bag?!)

2. Alamo Rental Cars

(Having your own car. . .priceless!)

3. My high school friends!

Can you believe it has been 15 years?!

4. The little people

Thanks for all your hugs and kisses! Aunt Chrissy loves you!

5. To the Millcreek parade committee.

Great Job this year! See you in 12 months!

6. To Mike & Shonna

Thanks for looping around Salt Lake so I could find brisket for the party (apparently the 4th store was the charm). I also appreciate the pictures and the kitchen help. I am glad you guys moved back!

7. To the parents

Thanks for squeezing one more person into your house- I think twelve was plenty.

8. 24-hr Fitness
I really appreciate the free 7-day pass. It honestly went to good use.
9. Jack
You know who you are!
10. Thanks to all the people who get so excited when I come to Utah.
I feel like a rock star!

I have 21 nieces and nephews (yes, I am serious!) and I love being Aunt Chrissy.
This trip I saw 15 out of the 21, 71% is not half-bad. This trip just went by way too fast.

Miss you already!

My little thank you note.

I have had many experiences in my life where someone has done something nice for me that deserved a thank you note but sending a thank you note would be hard, if not impossible to do.

So, here are a few of my thank yous (there are many, many more).

I want to thank the good looking man on the metro who sweetly winked at me when I was having a bad hair, everything day. Thank you for giving me something to smile about the rest of the day.

Thank you to the two customers at Nordstrom Rack who let me model boots and shoes for them and told me that the knee-high red leather boots were a good purchase! Thank you Ladies! You were right I love the boots!

Thank you to the old man in Provo who gave me a thumbs up when I was running up a very steep hill. Thank you for that little push that push me up and over.

Thank you to the man at Whole Foods who is always so willing to take my groceries to my car even if I tell him that I can do it on my own.

Thank you to the off-duty fireman who was the first to stop after my car accident. Thank you for getting to me so quickly and for comforting me.

Thank you to my first line-up after my divorce. Looking back I was a complete mess but you made it a fun and memorable night. I apologize if I seemed a bit stalkerish, I was really new to the whole dating thing. Thanks!

Thank you to the woman who stopped on I-270 after I had run out of gas and I was walking in the rain on the shoulder. I know you said that you stopped because I tripped and fell and didn’t have a purse but I really just appreciate you stopping at all. Thank you for taking a small chance and assuming that such a klutz must be harmless.

Thank you to all the people who have listened, smiled, encouraged, comforted, and helped me on my journey. Send me your address and I will send you a thank you note!