Year: 2011

Things I’m Learning about my Husband in Bed

Posted on by Sierra

Things I’m Learning about My Husband in Bed
Unless he has the exact right pillow under the exact right place under his neck, he will snore. Sometimes his snores are not just snores—sometimes they are long, drawn-out, cavernous bellows. Sometimes they are little sizzle snores that start low and deep at the grumble pack in his throat, and then travel up to his nose where they peter into a dull wheeze.
Also he talks in his sleep. Last night he woke me up so we could have this conversation:
Jeremy:  Harang the Mitsu Plank.
Me: (Consulting the clock. 5:30 AM) Huh?
Jeremy: (With a little more desperation) Harang the Mitsu Plank!
Me: (Desperately searching for meaning in this through a cloud of sleep haze) What, Jeremy?
Jeremy: (Definitely frustrated now) Harang the Mitsu Plank! Psshh. Gorglefunk (At this point, Jeremy rolled over defiantly, and promptly began snoring again).
But sleeping Jeremy was on finest form on our honeymoon, when I woke up to Jeremy humming a delightful little tune. Assuming he was awake, I tapped on his shoulder and his body seized, as if he was being pulled from a coma. He allowed his eyes to focus, probably as surprised to wake up to a wife as I still am to be waking up to a husband.
Me: That was a pretty song love—Whatchoo singin?
Jeremy: Was I singing?
Me: Yes, and it sounded like the theme song from CatDog.
Jeremy: I don’t know the theme song from CatDog. But I do know the theme song to Angry Beavers. I can play it on the trumpet (he hums it, to prove it).
We spent 3:00 AM in Victoria singing and humming all the old Nickelodeon theme songs from our youth, and then cuddling until sleep overtook us. I am finding bedtime to be one of the greatest learning experiences of all…. Now I know the Angry Beavers theme song. You don’t? Oh, Gorglefunk.

The Mean Reds and Wedding Reminiscences

Posted on by Sierra

Whine Whine Whine Whine Whine. That’s what I’ve been doing all day. This is because I’ve been annoyingly bed-ridden all day as I combat some sort of sickness that I feel like I don’t rightly deserve. Yet, I am so lucky to have a husband, that’s right, a husband, who not only listened to me whine all day, but held my hand while I did it. Makes the Mean Reds (which is what Audrey Hepburn calls grouchy days) much more bearable.

Speaking of husband, I should probably mention that we got married! Remembering this also makes the Mean Reds go away. Which is why I am going to devote the last bit of strength I have tonight to posting about the wedding and honeymoon, and then I think my avid campaigns to publicize the wedding will come to a close officially.

First of all, a hearty “thank you” is required to everyone involved with putting this wedding together. Thanks for coming to both receptions, for spoiling us rotten with beautiful gifts, and thank you for celebrating with us. That being said, there are a few special thanks that need to be given specifically.

Thanks to A Simple Sugar, Deb Christopherson, Bethany Jackman, Dee Robinson, and Dana Rees, who helped us do this wedding on a budget and still make everything completely and one hundred percent beautiful. You need desserts, videography, cakes, flowers, or photography, they’ve got you covered.

Thanks to the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, many of you who traveled many miles for me to boss you around for a day. Also, thanks for being, by far, the best-looking wedding party of all time. You pulled off the vision nicely, and looked like stunners with those croquet mallets.

Thanks also to the Penrod family, who threw a beautiful reception in California, and thanks to Fawn who completely outdid herself (even though I hear that’s how events by Fawn usually go). As soon as I can get my hands on my own copies of photos from this reception, I will post about this, because the pictures will be worth seeing. It was so much fun, so classy, and an event to remember, I am sure. Plus, those in attendance got to sample Fawn’s “Cherry Berries on a Cloud,” and those who did so probably recall that it was like being transported instantly to Heaven.

And thanks to the Robinson clan for putting up with Bridezilla, for spending countless hours hand-making decorations, for stringing lights, for having brilliant ideas like croquet and badminton, for making the vision happen, and for funding a seriously beautiful wedding. The whole day went without a hitch, or at least, if there were hitches, thanks family for hiding them from me. I love you guys.

And thanks to my Heavenly Father, for giving me Jeremy. Especially on days like day, I am so eternally grateful I get to be with him forever. I am thankful for his crooked front tooth, and grateful for the way he hums the harmony along with music we are listening to, and I am thankful for his sweet kisses, and for his waking up in the middle of the night and holding my hair back for an hour, and still thinking I’m beautiful after all is said and done.

And thanks reader, if you actually made it through my thanktimony. Here, have some pictures, with love from Bethany Jackman and Fawn Penrod.

  Everyone in my wedding party was so stinking gorgeous. 

The Groomsmen. Half of them are single and “ready to mingle,” so let me know if you see any eye candy you’d like to sample.

The Bridesmaids in all their glory. I totally got Pippa-ed by these gorgeous girl, but it makes for some nice photos, so let the beauty of these girls keep on coming.

Mass influx of sisters. You know what? You can never have enough.

I have sweet spots for every one of these little kiddos. How could you not?

This is the King and Queen Table. I have to say, it turned out rather nice.

Flowers by Deb, Books by Grandma Pat’s and my Mother’s ponderous library, and silhouettes by Kristy Robinson. Inspiration by Bethany Lee.
Cake by the Glorious Dana Rees.

The venue: The Manor House. I’d never have guessed when I learned about this historic house in elementary school that I’d be celebrating my wedding here one day. Kinda looks like the White House, eh?

Oh, there’s my groom. He’s so special. Gosh I’m wild about him.

Desserts by A Simple Sugar. There was nothing Simple about this Sugar though.

Photo credit: Bethany Jackman. I really like this one.

Handsome musical handsome handsome handsome groom. I’m so giddy just thinking about him.

Where all the real goodness took place. Such a special moment.

So neat to have some of the most important people in our lives here to see us kiss like this.

Photo credit: Fawn Penrod. That breeze felt nice. 

I’m Kinda Tired of Not Being Famous

Posted on by Sierra

I never was much of an actor in high school, and people tire of hearing about it. I was just a little girl with such ambitions, and probably a little case of big britches. I knew I wasn’t good enough to be a famous actor, so I decided to conquer the world in other ways.
I seldom get jealous, but I will admit, as all my friends flock to the coasts and pursue their post-graduate careers, sometimes little demons of envy poke their pitchforks in the pit of my stomach. I have so many friends having success in the actor-realm, who are truly brave enough to live their bicoastal dreams. I have friends doing internships with Big Deal Art Curators in Santa Barbara and Big Name Magazines in New York. And here I sit, in Little Old Utah not graduating yet and working at a restaurant.
I’m jealous because I’m impatient. 
I want it to be my turn for a big, exciting career. 
There is this obnoxious worldly part of me that recognizes that I’m not getting any name recognition right now, I’m not building my ultimate awesome resume, and I’m not adding tremendously to my arsenal of talents at the moment. I’m not making any effort to go after my personal career goals, and for that reason, sometimes it feels like they are passing me by. And you know what, it’s all my fault! If I really want to do something, then I’ve really got to do something, right?!
So I am beginning today, truly and zealously pursuing one of my biggest dreams: I am going to finish my novel. I am going to force myself to write something every single day, even if my muse is not cooperating with me. Even if it’s just a paragraph per day. Because that is something that I can do. And I don’t have to be on a coast to do it. 
Does anyone have any tips on how to stay motivated, and… you know… finish something? 

Engagement Photo Dump

Posted on by Sierra
I cursed myself: I preemptively blogged! I figured that my visit at the lady doctor would be the genesis of hilarity; in actuality, it was rather routine.
Thus, I’ve been avoiding my little neglected blog. I’ve been haunted by the idea that I must make something funny that… may or may not have been funny, and may just come across as crass. And so I’ve avoided the blog world entirely.
A Disclaimer: This is more “journal-esque” than I typically write. But since my journal is neglected these days too, I figure this is an appropriate forum for my goings-on.
I’ve been watching my the apologies on the blog reel rack up as my blogger friends poetically admit that they’ve been too busy relishing the sun and flattering the butterflies to maintain their blogs. Sometimes I wish my summer consisted of making ripples in the pool with my toes. Instead, I’ve been frantically and gloriously busy.
 Doing what, you ask?
 
Here’s the condensed version (maybe just for posterity’s sake if it fails to interest the masses):

1. I’ve been working four jobs! With varying degrees of success. I’ve been maintaining my TA position in the Theater and Media Department, and loving it with my whole heart and soul. I am a Writing Fellow for an educational law class at BYU, and then occasionally managing content for Jeremy’s web design business. Finally, I admit, I took the walk of shame back to the old Tucanos. It’s a walk that many make with empty pockets and heads hung low. And truth be told, my experience back there has been nothing but delightful. You may even think I’m being sarcastic, but I assure you, I’m not! It’s been fun!

2.     2. I’ve been sending invitations, making decorations, and receiving congratulations for the upcoming wedding, which creeps ever closer every day. It’s been far more stressful than I’d ever imagined, but there are some gratifying moments as well. For instance: Wearing your sister’s wedding dress. Nothing could be more special. It’s my favorite part of the wedding  (besides the groom, of course), and trying it on makes me feel like such a bride. And you know what, when I don’t feel like a complete Bride-zilla, being a bride feels wonderful. (Pictures not included because Jeremy can’t see!)
3.    

3.           

3.     3. I’ve been battling some serious bouts of anxiety, be it my own or my family members’. The Robinson clan is seeing lots of big changes this year, and while we have momentary moments of panic, I think something characteristic of our little family is our resiliency. When the tough keeps coming, we keep punching back. Eventually, we come out conquerors. But you could probably still send some prayers our way.

4.     4. Jeremy and I put a deposit on our first little starter apartment in Provo. And it definitely has character. It is at the basement of a 100-year-old inn. The entryway is our bathroom and there’s no living room, but there IS a bookshelf with one book on it. If you TURN the BOOK, it opens a secret passageway. It makes my heart sing. To quote my good friend Eleanore Steinmetz: “Sierra, that’s incredible and awful! Incredible for your writing career, awful because we may never see the Will Be Sierra Penrod again. You’ll be stuffed away writing a Potteresque novel in your secret passageway.”—Is it bad that I kind of hope so?

This is our new kitchen, with our new table and chairs! We have a new stove and a newly installed fridge. Also, white tiles.
This is the before shot of our bedroom.
Don’t be fooled by this seemingly innocuous bookshelf.
Or our (so far just MY) giant mountain of stuff.
Seriously nothing sexier than a man doing the handy work. Jeremy’s been hard at work making all our cabinets close tight and straight. He makes living in a fixer upper so much fun.
This is the secret passage way I told you about! Aren’t you just riddled with excitement? Aren’t you just dying to peek inside?
This is the bedroom’s current state. This is just my stuff, since Jeremy won’t move in until we are properly wedded. The bedspread is likely to change. The bear stays.
Another picture of my handyman. Couldn’t resist.
My handiwork. I’m no decorator, but books do a nice job of looking nice on their own.
5.I5. I’ve been showered! I had a lovely and classy and slightly embarrassing bridal shower thrown by my sisters Bethany and Kristy and my best friend Chloe. I had some transcontinental friends, Kelsey and Jenni travel in for the affair, which made me feel so very special. My friends far and wide spoiled me (and Jeremy) rotten.
Wouldn’t you like to know what was in this present?

 

Jes and Caitlin came even though Jes really should have been having her new baby girl that day.

 

Just because the photo loaded weird doesn’t mean I love these girls any less.

 

Some of my oldest and dearest friends at the shower.
6.    6.   I’ve been family-ing in Colorado, California, and Utah! We had a great weekend getaway where we could let go of the wedding stress and just enjoy our new family members and relax in the Colorado mountains.
My aunt Margie got married! Never a more deserving bride, and we sure do love Mike too!

 

This is sweet Doug who brought a bouquet of flowers to his mommy. Thank goodness this woman is procreating!

 

Teeny has indeed bonded with “Uncle Jeremy.” And to be honest, I think he has a little soft spot for her too.
Jeremy and I in the Mountains on Memorial Day. My family is patriotic. Please note the flag my father hung on the tree.
Jeremy sharing his love for entomology with the smalls. Kiana was especially excited that he caught a butterfly for her.

7. Mere moments after I had just been asserting to Jeremy that I was man enough to change a tire–I got a flat tire and had to put my money where my mouth was. Conveniently, I was wearing overalls that day (Because the 90’s are coming back, don’t you know?!)

Dang straight.
7.    8.   I’ve been spending time with my future husband and enjoying every single drop of time I get to just relax, cuddle, and be with him. We are that gross couple that accidentally alienates their friends with their PDA. But you’re only engaged once, and through the stress, I am loving it all.

Oh my gosh. My blog is becoming a Mormon Housewife Blog. Next blog, I will repent, I promise.

You’ve Been Warned.

Posted on by Sierra

I’m afraid my in-laws are in for a surprising treat: I am an over-sharer. I can’t help it. It’s genetic. I hold to the theory that if something embarrassing happens to you, you must immediately inform six of the nearest passer-bys, and then blog about it in order to alleviate humiliation. So frequently I do “over-share.” You may reference the following blogs for proof.
So with that forewarning in place, I want to warn the masses, but most especially my in-laws, that a blog about my experience at the lady doctor’s is soon to come.
Please still love me after.   

Our Story

Posted on by Sierra
When Jeremy Penrod and I first met, I looked like this:
It was in that pivotal moment in Stage Makeup Class, winter 2009, that he probably knew that I was the one for him. While the other girls in the class hauled in male models to apply a beard (thus the reason for Jeremy’s visit in class that day), I decided to skip the hassle of tracking down a boy that would come in early to get spirit gum applied to his face, and apply spirit gum and a beard to my own face instead. My thought process was like this: “Who can resist a lady in whiskers, right?”
Right. Apparently Jeremy Penrod was smitten.
It took several months (and several significant others) in between for Jeremy and I to finally be on the same page. When one significant other and I severed ties, Jeremy pounced. Knowing that I was an avid blogger, he eagerly accepted my request to re-vamp my blog (this very blog, in fact). Rather than taking me on elaborate dates and asking me what color my toothbrush was, Jeremy synthesized my personality and applied it to this page, seeing as he is an extremely talented web designer. We got to know each other in those waning hours of the evening, and Jeremy Penrod began to heal my troubled soul and tame my wild heart. He made me feel special again. He let me know that it was ok to be human. He validated my emotions and fostered my ability to feel. What a special guy he is. How lucky I feel.
On Friday, May 6th, Jeremy picked me up at my door looking extra handsome. As we walked to his car, I plucked one of the dandelions that have infested Provo from the ground and made a wish that I would get proposed to that night.
We set off for Happy Sumo to pick up the sushi (my favorite) that Jeremy had pre-ordered, and headed up Provo Canyon, where we often retreat when we want to get away from the world. We pulled up to our park and headed deep into the dark. We stumbled upon a small picnic set up that was barely visible in the darkness.
You know those boys that shame the guitar, those boys that serenade you with the ONLY SONG THEY KNOW, which is probably “Hey There Delilah,” and they want you to swoon and think that they are oh-so-drippy-with-awesomeness? Jeremy is not one of these boys. First of all, he is actually good. And second, Jeremy often refuses to serenade me, even after I beg and beg, and it is only on exceptionally lucky occasions that Jeremy will whip out his guitar and sing me a song.
This night was an exceptionally lucky occasion. He played “our song,” shaking with nerves, then unearthed the ring box and asked me the question girls dream about for a lifetime. But I had to say yes before I could see the ring.
So I did.
And then after sweet kisses and happy rejoicing, we raced, hand in hand, up a hill and to a pavilion where we could see my ring in all its splendor. We clambered on top of a picnic table and held each other close.
And so, I’m engaged to Jeremy Penrod. And I mean this without an ounce of sarcasm and with all sincerity and elation—Lucky, lucky me!
This is Jeremy expressing his excitement about the engagement.
These are the people that helped Jeremy execute the perfect proposal.
The ring that Jeremy wouldn’t let me see ’till after I said yes.

A Literally Sweet Victory

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Fear not, friends. This will not become a cooking blog. But I did want to report on my relative success that was the Nutella cupcake.
No, No, it’s no “Cocoa Bean,” or “Sweet Tooth Fairy.” But thanks to Jeremy’s manly whisking ability, my immutable persistence, and pulling the cupcakes out of the oven five minutes too early, I think we ended up with a real hit here!
Be proud of me a little?

Jumping In… Cupcake Style

Posted on by Sierra

I’m a complete disaster with an apron and a whisk. I missed that part of “Life 101” where you learn to cook and bake and stuff. Recently, however, I’ve felt this weird magnetic pull to all things actually edible instead of processed… and I’ve been cooking! A lot! To great success by-and-large.

But mostly, I just leave the baking to the pros. Baking is very different. Baking is hard. There are a lot of mistakes to make when you are baking. Typically I make all of them, and that is just with the Betty Crocker mixes too.

But not today! Today, I found a recipe for these:

And you know what? I’m going to make these dang NUTELLA cupcakes if it kills me. 
These are probably some of the more advanced cupcakes in the world. From what I understand, it involved injecting nutella into the center with a pipette. I’m still trying to understand the science to this. It’s probably madness to start baking with a cupcake of this caliber.
But I promise you this: These cupcakes will not look this beautiful. They might be burnt and they will likely be crumbled. But watch out world. 

Today, Sierra Robinson is putting on an apron. 

Writer Fingers

Posted on by Sierra

I’ve never felt quite at the top of my writing game as I did when I was in France. I was an au pair for a lovely little french family, the Michea’s, and they had a charming little balcony that overlooked their little villa. I could lean over the railing and touch the romantic laundry billowing from the romantic laundry lines. Nightly I would pull up this little table, while Laetitia would make me a cup of Lipton herbal apple cinnamon tea (a treat I still cannot find in the states), and I would light this little lantern and write by tea light. And it was magical. All the writer powers that be were with me those nights.


Yet writing is a fickle talent. 

Sometimes the words through your veins like blood cells, and sometimes they clot the second they reach the page.

But tonight, I’ve got the fingers. So I put on my french singer mix, lit myself a tea light, and I am going to let the words come out.

Tell me, dear readers, what are your talents? Are they fickle too?

Tell Me True

Posted on by Sierra

So, a recent survey of Google Analytics yielded some interesting results. I have readers in Yemen!? What?!

Basically, I am curious to see where my blogger readership actually comes from. Who is simply surveying my site, while who is actually reading it? Please comment on this blog and provide your state or country, but you can exclude all personal username info.

However, if you would like to tell me anymore about yourself, I am dead curious to know :).

Thanks friends!