Adam and Bri

listing lydia

2012-01-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

Have you met my Lydi? You should.

She's little, she's lovely, and she's, oh, so listable. (And we all know how I feel about lists.)

1. Lydia is a cuddler. She'll sleep anywhere, but she prefers your chest or shoulder, thank you very much.

2. Oh, and sleeping? She LOVES it. This 4-week-old is already giving me six-hour stretches at night. (Do you think this has anything to do with us threatening her in the womb?)

3. She reminds me so much of newborn Maggie. She even pulls some of the exact same faces Maggie did at this age. It makes my heart burst.

4. Lydi's obsessed with being tightly swaddled — just like Maggie was. Have you seen these swaddle blankets? I'm almost positive they're the reason my girls love to sleep.

5. She is greeted every morning to Maggie sprinting into her room screaming, "Good morning, Lydia!" It's very soothing, I'm sure.

6. She loves to stick her legs out crazy straight and up in the air. She actually did it moments after being born, which the nurses thought was hilarious.

7. Lydi's labor and delivery was as sweet as she is. Makes me want to give birth 100 times.

8. She forgave me for sobbing at random the week after she was born, since I get weepy for circa six days after I have babies. (Makes me want to re-think the 100 births. Oh, hormones.)

9. Lydia's middle name is Carol — after Adam's mom. Both my girls are named after their grandmas (Mags is Margaret Diane), and it makes me so, so happy. I can't wait for them to realize the incredible women they're connected to.

10. She's already being a good sport about me taking hundreds of pictures of her for Lydia by the Week. (Yep! I'm doing it again.) If you're not careful, the cuteness will make you week in the knees.

Here are some outtakes from Week 4 (with fake captions by Lydia, obviously).

"Let's do this, yo."

"What pose should I do next?"

"Pensive — always a winner."

"What the what?"

"Oh, you wanted a smile, didn't you? Typical."

angel of mine

2012-01-10T22:47:00.000-08:00

In the middle of being a mother of two (ack!), I remembered that when I was a mother of one, my first born was downright angelic on Christmas Eve.

You may want to turn up the volume — Mags chose to whisper a couple of her lines. You know, dramatic license and all that ...

lydia carol stewart

2011-12-29T21:09:00.000-08:00

December 28, 2011 brought us our beautiful, beautiful baby girl.

She's perfect.

Labor was fun (again).

Adam is my favorite (again).

And I'm in love (again).

Happy New Year, indeed.

THE STATS

Weight 6 pounds 7 ounces

Length 18 inches

Hair Blonde

now maggie ...

2011-10-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

Just a few 17-month-old Maggie tidbits I don't want to forget ...

Warning: This mother of a post is mostly for my memory (and for grandparents). Feel free to skim or skip if it's not your cup of blog. :)

1. Margaret is never not talking. She parrots everything we say — including our tones. Why say "hi" when you can say, "hiiiiiiiii!" in varying pitch?

2. This girl has got dance moves beating out of her bones. And her preferred style? Raised eyebrows (my fav), a bopping head and a dramatic bounce from foot to foot.

3. She calls her Aunti Kara "Waka." It's adorable, but also odd, considering this is the girl who perfectly pronounces words like "patience" and "broccoli." (Does my sly broccoli reference make me sound like a super healthy mom? Ha!)

4. Speaking of patience, she hasn't quite grasped the concept yet. She says "patience" when she knows she needs to wait for things, but it's usually followed by an annoyed "arghh!"

5. In addition to the "Backyardigans," Mags is obsessed with the cartoon "Super Why!" She regularly hands me the remote and says, "Remote! Why! Please!"

6. Anytime I open the fridge, she sprints to it, opens the drawer and says, "Orange! Peel it! Orange! Peel it!"

7. She kisses my belly regularly and says "Hi, sis." She also regularly kisses her dad's belly to say hello to her sister. We're working on this.

8. We got her a "Leaptop," and every time she picks it up she says, "e-mail, e-mail!"

9. She loves to push around the cute baby stroller her Grandma Stewart got her. However, she typically likes to take out her baby doll, throw her on the ground, and then stroll sans baby. (We're working on this, too, little sis.)

10. Margaret goes up to things she KNOWS she's not supposed to touch and says, "Don't touch. Mommy's!" She of course does this with a smirk WHILST touching it. Stinker.

11. Maggie still loves sleep. When we put her to bed, she tells us, "Bye! Night night! Love you!" She has essentially ruined us for our other children. Our expectations for sleeping babies are pretty much ridiculous.

12. She FINALLY goes to nursery in two weeks. Our angelic child can be a downright terror at church, and nursery will be the glorious answer to all of our prayers (including Maggie's).

13. In what may be Adam's proudest moment as a father, Maggie lays down, fake snores and then spontaneously pops up and says, "Wake up!"

14. Maggie learned how to go down the stairs solo a couple months ago, and when she was learning we gave her words of encouragement. As a result, she now goes down the stairs telling herself, "Turn around. Good job. Good Girl. Focus. Great!"

15. We spell out her name, at the end of which she throws up her hands and squeals "Maggie!" She also helps us spell it (we alternate letters), although much of the time she gets lazy and goes straight to, "I ... E ... Maggie!" (And then proceeds to clap for herself, obviously.)

16. Maggie's obsessed with iPhones and iPads. Her favorite activities? Scrolling through the home screen, watching "Backyardigans" on the Netflix app, roll calling the picture album, and constantly viewing one of Kelly Clarkson's music videos (girl's got taste).

17. My baby is a full-fledged kid now. What the what?

ladies first

2011-09-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

Did I mention we're having another girl?

Because we're so totally having another girl.

This is Maggie practicing being a big sis with her doll.

Rest assured — we're working on the "never shake a keiki" part.

obsess much

2011-08-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

Sister Erin knit this delicious (apparently literally) dress
for Mags before she was born.

Things I'm currently obsessed with — in a very particular order.

1. THE BABY BUMP. It has grown. Overnight. I'm 21 weeks, and I look like I did at almost 30 weeks with Mags. Just like riding a bike? Try just like having a baby.

2. THE MARGARET. Currently ... the way she says her name ("Mah-GEE!"), how she says "love you" to me when I say it to her (or when she thinks it'll get her food), how she giggles with delight when we put her to bed at night, and how she walks into a room and casually says, "Hi guys."

3. THE FOOD NETWORK. Specifically, "Food Network Star," "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and "Giada at Home." (Even though it drives me batty that Giada is the queen of talking normally and then saying Italian words with a jarringly intense accent. Crazy annoying, Giada.) But I know what you're all wondering. Does this make me cook more? No, silly!

4. THE MATERNITY JEANS. My first pregnancy, I felt like it was a badge of honor that I didn't wear maternity jeans until 20 weeks. This time, I started wearing them at 13 weeks. Oh, that blessed elastic waist band. It's like wearing pajama pants — all the delightful day long.

5. THE BACKYARDIGANS. Have you seen this cuter-than-life cartoon? Maggie loves it, but I think I might love it even more than she does. And thanks to these colorful creatures, Maggie knows what a pirate says. I will always love you for that, Backyardigans.

january 2012

2011-06-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

In six months time, baby No. 2 is coming to an Adam and Bri near you.

And we couldn't be more thrilled. Or tired. :)

How's Mags feeling about it?

"Ummm, baby what now? This concerns me."

"I guess it makes sense. I am 'SO big.'"

"Wait, does this mean your camera time will be split between the two of us and I'll no longer have to escape Dad's grasp as he tries to pose me by the flowers?

Big sister it is!"

num, num, num

2011-05-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

1. Maggie turned 1. (I know. You so already knew that.)

2. She devoured cake. Twice. (Once on her birthday, once at her family party yesterday.)

3. She likes to make "num, num, num" noises when she eats something she loves. Triple cute.

4. As you'll see in the video below, Maggie parroted me — all while keeping her eyes on the crumbs at hand. Four the love.

5. I've watched this video way more than five times.

Want more pics of the party and its girl? Oh, OK. If you insist.

My only regret is that we didn't get pictures of all the party-goers! Lame and a half. How to the ever ... we love you all. (Why, yes, I did just say how to the ever.)

This is the cake sister-in-law, Amy, and I made together. Cute, right?

Also, I pretty much can't say enough amazing things about Amy. But I'll try anyway ...

I love her. She's whip smart in the kitchen. I love her. She makes me smile. I love her. She's generous (with time and talents). Oh, and I love her.

We made a big cake for the adults, a baby cake for my baby, and little meringue sandwiches to snack on.

When your new soccer ball looks like a ladybug, it gets kisses.

(Also, this picture is proof Mags had clothes on for at least part of the party.)

Tissue = Maggie's favorite present.

Hands just slow you down.

"What have I done?"

"Saved some for later, that's what."

our 1 and only

2011-04-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the little girl who changed our lives and charmed our hearts.

We love you, Margaret Diane — it's almost ridiculous how much.

P.S. Remember how Mags went from this ...

... to this? Sob!

If you look closely, you'll see that my daughter is now capable of a ponytail (of the itty bitty variety). Happy birthday to me!

along for the ride

2011-04-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went biking with my sister, Kara.

Yes, this is the same Kara that learned how to ride a bike three years ago. Adam taught her how to ride in our church parking lot. He held on to the back of her seat and ran with her as she wobbled along. He's cute.

And more than a thousand days later, Kara owns three gorgeous bikes, regularly frequents the bike blog land (yes, there is such a thing), and dreams about spokes, baskets, bells and whistles.

We Hallstroms may be late bloomers to certain hobbies, but we promise to obsess appropriately once we've found our stride. (See also: TV shows on DVD.)

Here's a glimpse into our fun ride with my fun sister. It was Maggie's first time two-wheeling it, and I'm glad it was with her cray-cray cute Auntie Kara.

Love you, Kara-Lara! Until we bike again ...

Utah is pretty.

Picture-perfect Kara.

Bottle + bike ride = Maggie bliss.

Kara peeking out of the golden weeds? Super, super cute.

Doesn't Adam look hard core? (Answer: Why yes, yes he does.)

Margaret is nothing if not helpful.

Yes, Maggie wears a collared shirt, cardi and glitter shoes to go bike riding.

That's just how she rolls.

uh to the oh

2011-04-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

Oh, hello.

Remember how I'm a kid now?

Adam woke up Margaret for church on Sunday. (Our ward is now at 8:30 a.m. Yeesh.)

He rubbed her back softly and whispered hello and good morning.

Maggie lifted her head to look at Adam. And you know what she said?

"Uh oh."

Then she planted her pretty head right back into her bird bedding.

Yep. Totally my daughter.

all kinds of happy

2011-03-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

Boy am I glad he was born.

I didn't think I could love Adam any more than I did.

And then he became a dad.

Happy Birthday, honey! I awesome sauce you.

bringing breezy back

2011-03-19T23:07:00.000-07:00

Most of you who know me know I've had a blunt bob (both blonde and brunette) for circa 12 years. I chopped my hair when I was 16, and that's the short of it.

These days I've been attempting to grow my hair out — despite the fact that as my locks have lengthened, so have my blow-dry times. (Ugh and a half.)

But this picture — taken by cute sis Julie — has inspired me to be in it for the long haul.

My long-for-me locks are billowing in the wind, people. Billowing!

Just call me Breezy.

P.S. Excuse the ghostly gams. Please and thank you.

little stinker

2011-03-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

Learn stink eye?

Check.

Adam thinks it looks like she's trying out for Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

Is he right or is he right? (Psst! He thinks he's right.)

mom's the word

2011-03-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Maggie calls me Mama.

She's done it enough times now that I know she means it (and it's not just a figment of my wishful imagination).

I'm like putty in her hands, people. Putty in her hands.

It doesn't matter that 90 percent of the time she says it because she wants something (and wants it, like, now). It doesn't matter that she says it while she whimpers and paws at my knees. It doesn't matter that she'll say it in love (and annoyance, I'm sure) over the next forever.

I'm her mom. And she knows it.

walk this way

2011-02-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

Guess who decided to start stepping it up?

Margaret's 10 months old today, and to celebrate she's putting one foot in front the other and walking a mighty good distance between her mom and her dad. It's pretty adorable.

(You thought I was going to say "advanced," didn't you? :)

diane day

2011-02-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

It's my mother's birthday today.

She's 60. And beautiful. And pretty much kind of totally perfect. (There's a reason Maggie's name is Margaret Diane.)

I remember shortly after I had Margaret, my mom said to me ...

"You know how much you love, Maggie? That's how much I love you."

And it still gets to me.

Mom, I hope one day Margaret loves me even half as much as I love you.

Happy Birthday! Thanks for being my mom.

face painting

2011-02-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

We decided to paint our bedroom.

And Adam decided to become the Phantom of the Opera. (I told him not to shake the paint can if the lid wasn't closed, but you know Adam — SUCH a daredevil.)

Miraculously, the paint only coated the husband — with the walls and carpet escaping a latex blizzard.

As for the new bedroom? It's dreamy.

BIG shout-out to Erin and Kara for helping us. They're just terrif.

going public

2011-02-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

Maggie giggles. A lot.

But rarely — I repeat ridiculously rarely — does she do so in public.

Thankfully for us, she doesn't yet realize that cameras can bring her secret glee to the streets.

So ... enjoy. Because this daughter of the iPad generation (and flying cars, of course) will be on to us soon.

cloud nine

2011-01-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

Margaret is 9 months old today. Crazy town, I say!

Here's just a little somethin' something' about at-the-moment Mags.

1. She started clapping — today! Girl knows how to celebrate. (Oh, and it's dang adorable, btw.)

2. In the morning, Maggie plays, sings and coos at her butterfly mobile for about 20 minutes before she requests crib removal.

3. She stands in the middle of the floor by herself — and is very proud of this talent.

4. Margaret loves it when you chase her, but she stops to look and giggle at you after about two crawls. Hard to get? Forget about it.

5. She LOVES to blow raspberries when she has a mouth full of food. It's super ~~gross~~ cute.

6. Speaking of food, she thinks peas are disgusting — and I don't blame her. The color of them alone!

7. Maggie still adores the bath. And she stands at the tub waiting — diaper-clad — entranced by the running water.

8. The girl loves a good plug or outlet. I do my absolute best to discourage said love, but the heart knows no reason, I suppose.

9. She's sprouting teeth all over the place (do teeth sprout?). It makes her look all grown up and stuff.

10. My baby is all grown up and stuff.

11. Sigh.

a-musings

2011-01-20T00:48:00.000-08:00

1. Sister Erin says there aren't enough pictures of me on my blog. So ... you're welcome, Ers-Bears. (P.S. Erin knit this hat. It's beautiful.)

2. I'm re-watching "Gilmore Girls" from start to finish, and I'm equally as enamored this time around. (BTW, Rory just graduated from Chilton and gave her valedictorian speech — sob!)

3. Christmas was completely lovely with the Stewarts. I quite like them. (And by like, I mean totally love.)

4. The baby shoes from Joyfolie make me want to sigh all the day long. And after looking at their prices, sighing is all I will be doing, indeed.

Photo from www.joyfolie.com

5. Sister Kara is recovering splendidly from her bout with thyroid cancer. I'm feeling ridiculously grateful.

6. Pre-surgery, we created SSSF — Sister Scarf Solidarity Forever. (Obvy.) But Kara's scar is totally stellar, she doesn't even need the scarf I gave her.

7. No matter. She still looks amazing in it.

8. Have you ever realized scarf is scar with an "f"?

9. Anyway ...

10. I want to start saying "terrif!" more. As in, "Kara's scar(f) is totally terrif!"

11. My daughter still rubs her eyes when she's tired. I want her to do this always and forever.

12. That is all.

mohawk maggie

2011-01-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

My daughter, the beautician.

I came in to get Maggie from her morning nap, and this is what I discovered.

I kind of totally love it. (Move over, bows!)

Rock on, Mags. Rock on.

merry margaret

2010-12-17T00:23:00.000-08:00

Margaret will be eight months old in a week's time. But since next week will be decked to the hectic (in the most wonderful of ways), I thought I'd take a moment now and list a few reasons 8-month-old Margaret makes us all kinds of merry.

JUST CHEEKY

These cheeks are kissed roughly 397 times a day. And if you saw these cheeks in person, you'd smooch them silly, too.

Little sweet cheeks herself.

PENSIVELY SPEAKING
Some of our best comedy material has been met with seriously stoic expressions. Maggie can giggle with the best of them, but when she decides it's time for a staring contest, it's on, baby.

Seriously.

TWIRL GIRL
Despite her somewhat stoic expression in this picture (see "pensively speaking"), girlfriend loves a tutu. I very much approve of said love.

It's tutu much.

TIP OF HER TONGUE

For about a month, Margaret's tongue was constantly hanging out the side of her mouth (Grandpa Hallstrom style). I like to think her Great Grandpa gave her a heavenly lesson before she made her way down to earth.

Miss you, Great Grandpa.

GO WITH THE FLOW

Margaret lets us place her anywhere and everywhere for our weekly Margaret by the Week photo shoots — even when it's against her better judgment.

What about this is a good idea?

WHAT A DREAM

I don't deserve this dreamy baby (she's still rocking 12-hour nights). But I love that she takes after her parents in the odd-sleep department. Remember little sleepy Breezy and Adam?

She's like me. She's really, really like me.

JOY TO THE WORLD

We've got a crush on this munchkin. Is it terribly obvious?

No Margarets were harmed in the making of this picture.

thanks (a lot)

2010-12-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

Where have I been? Oh, yes. Giving thanks.

Here's a glimpse into our delicious day.

This little turkey takes my gratitude to a whole new level.

All the little Hallstrom turkeys.
(Please appreciate Ryan's hand under his chin. I'm in love.)

Did you know my mom is festive?
Just a bit.

I think it's super cute that my parents wanted to sit at the kids' table.
But that's what happens when you have super cute parents.

Margaret with her Auntie Kara.
We love her.

Margaret and her first pumpkin pie.
I think she's on to the fact that our food is WAY better than hers.

oh spooky day

2010-10-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Hope your day was as spooky cute as ours.

Notice the bow on my pumpkin? I must be obsessed with forehead bows because I SO didn't mean to make my pumpkin look like Margaret. (No, like, honest to goodness.) Also, please appreciate Adam's wicked cool eye-patch. My husband is so way talented, it's eerie.

Maggie with her accidental pumpkin-sake.

She looks thrilled, doesn't she?

Boo to you and yours.

the half of it

2010-10-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Surprise! It's a party.

It's our daughter's half-birthday today. (And my 100th post!)

In Margaret's wee six months of lifedom, she has become a crawling, jabbering, bouncing baby girl. She giggles when I get her out of the crib in the morning, she loves a busy print, she observes everything she can get her eyes on, she cocks her head to the side when she really needs to concentrate, she looks so darn cute in jeans (no, like, so darn cute), she constantly sticks out her tongue, she blows raspberries in her spare time, and she thinks her dad is hilarious.

As for how much we love her? She doesn't even know the half of it.

As a blog party favor, please appreciate her brand new crawling skill in the video below. I've tried to entice her with toys to get the crawling on camera — and no go. But when I tried candy? It was crawl time, y'all.

And yes, that is me saying, "You're so advanced" at the end of the video. What do we call it, Hallstroms? Ah, yes. Humbly proud. :)

baby talk

2010-10-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

What's Margaret thinking when we do our weekly photo shoots?

I have an idea.

"So it's a hat this week? What will the bows think!"

"I suppose this is mildly amusing."

"Never mind. It's snore-ing! What is this, like, week 100?"

"I give up. And I'm not even wearing pants!"

"Fine. We'll do more. But I'm going to spit bubbles all the way through it."

"I'm running out of ideas here."

"This has got to be the winner. I look pensive and everything."

margaret by the week

2010-09-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Week 20

Now that I'm 20 weeks in and haven't become Flaky McFlakerson, I'd like to introduce you to Margaret By The Week, an ambitious little project where I post a photo of Maggie every week during this first year of her life. Then, when we hit 365 glorious days, I'll have it made into a book.

You can find the link here.

Aside from the motherhood points I'm trying to score with future adult Maggie, the bonus is that this little project has been surprisingly easy and super, super fun.

I mean, who wouldn't want to photograph that face?

stand and deliver

2010-09-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sitting is so easy-peasy, Margaret thought she'd try standing. In the air. While sucking her fingers.

No big deal.

ground-breaking

2010-09-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

Guess who's wanting to sit up? And guess who's succeeding? (Well, albeit for small periods of time.)

That's right. My Margaret.

I'm kind of totally in love with her. Can you tell?

Yes, I realize she's in Halloween attire in September.

We're just practicing for the spooky season (aka getting our money's worth).

baby boomers

2010-09-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

In the last 14 months, we've had five babies born in the Stewart family — one for each of the married couples. (Not counting the recently wed Julie and Travis. Obvs.)

During said wedding weekend, we decided to put the babes together for a group photo, which led to A) sleeping/perplexed/happy/concerned little ones, and B) clapping/cooing/clamoring parents getting their fool on to entertain the wee ones and coax their little eyes toward the camera.

So wish we had THAT on camera.

In any case, from left to right, we have ...

At 14 months, William "the oh my soul he's so pretty" Davidson.

At 12 months, Kate "the happy walker, talker, waver" Stewart.

At 10 months, Brigham "the cute and cheery cerebral" Barton.

At 4 months, Margaret "the heart thief" Stewart.

At 3 weeks, Ruth "the red-headed teeny tiny sweetheart" Stewart.

happy wedding

2010-09-01T00:12:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law, Julie, married Mr. Travis Standley this past Saturday. Beautiful couple, beautiful day.

The weather threatened to rain on their parade, but Julie and Travis were all smiles — regardless of the dreaded droplets.

Love that. Love them.

The happily hitched couple.

Love this sweet moment.

Braving the rain.

It is said that Chang Li Hua of China invented the umbrella.
We thank you, Chang Li Hua.
(Yeah, I Wikipediaed it.)

Heading for cover.

Such a gorgeous family (on the insides and the outsides).
And you can't really see her because of the umbrella handle (I take it all back, Chang Li Hua!), but Kelly is holding sweet 3-week-old Ruthie in her arms.

I realize Adam isn't smiling, but I love that you can see his splattered suit.

And the picture shows off Maggie's super cute ribbon shoes.
I'm kind of obsessed with them.

Beautiful bride.

Handsome brothers, sweet babes.
(And it seems Maggie loves her shoes, too.
She's totally making a grab for them.)

We tried SO hard to get a great pic of Maggie in her perfectly plum dress.

But the shoot, of course, went mostly like this.

Purple portrait.

(Although my top looks super blue in this lighting. I swear it's "concord purple."

The store I purchased it from said so.)

Don't you just love family? I just love family.

margaret is ...

2010-08-30T23:43:00.000-07:00

... 4 months old.

... a roller from her back to her tummy. (Apparently, it's the harder of the two directions. Show-off.)

... a snuggle bug.

... sporting a sweet bald spot.

... a stander.

... still obsessed with her car seat.

... a smiling fool.

... crazy about her grandparents.

... a giggler like her mom. (Although unlike me, she makes you work for it.)

... a chubette.

... a sleeping machine.

... a TV-lover. (Don't judge.)

... a kicker.

... a bow baby.

... one relaxed little napper. (See above.)

... a lover, not a hater.

... a mom fan.

... a dad fan.

... a heart stealer.

the nursery (phase 2)

2010-08-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

Remember how Adam and I embarked on this nursery project eight months ago?

Remember how I never posted the delightful results?

And remember how I now have a 4-month-old that rolls?

I remember.

But behold! Here are pictures of Margaret's cozy little nursery. I'm so in love with the room (and its owner). BIG thanks to Adam and my mom for making it happen.

Disclaimer: I'm such an average photographer (and I use that photographer term loosely) that the lighting and coloring on these photos is in no way consistent. My apologies ...

The main attraction.
From her bird bedding to the custom-made drapes (thanks Mom, Erin and Kara!) to the butterfly mobile, I love traipsing in and out of here a million times a day.

Kara gave us this sweet, sweet dresser.
I adore the butterfly decals on both the dresser knob and the drapery rod.

View from the top.
I'm a big fan of the lamp, the booties, the "Fancy Nancy" books and the bookends.
Oh, and the "I am a child of God" plaque makes me happy.

LOVE this changing table. (So does Maggie.)
LOVE the baskets.
LOVE the beadboard.
LOVE the bouncer.

Maggie HAD to have a cute laundry hamper. Obvs.

Pictures of the wee one — with green polka dot frame mats!

Picture of the Salt Lake Temple — where it all began.
(And with a purple polka dot frame mat!)

Where the magic happens —
11-hour sleep nights and the cutest, comfiest rocker recliner (in pistachio!).

And the best part of it all?
These two.

meet laurel

2010-08-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

I have a friend named Laurel. Well, she was my sister Erin's friend first. But now she's my friend. And Adam's friend. And she'll be Margaret's friend one day, too.

Laurel is a high-powered executive at Deseret Book; a hilarious, poignant, inspiring and beautiful blogger; a runner; an author; a confidant; a youth speaker; and a God-sent guru to teenage girls everywhere.

Yes, she is as impressive as she sounds.

I want you to meet Laurel for a very important reason. She has a new book coming out — "He Loves Us and We Love Him: You've Memorized It, Now Live It."

I haven't read it yet. But I'm so going to. Laurel is a must-read.

You can pre-order the book here. And if you are a teenage girl, have a teenage girl, were once a teenage girl, or know of these things called teenage girls, you're going to want to read Laurel's book, too.

I don't promote just anyone.

happy birth day

2010-08-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Best. Birthday Gift. Ever.

A year ago today I found out I was pregnant.

I can still see Adam's face as we waited for those elusive little lines to appear. I can still see his eyes telling me we'll be OK either way, but wouldn't it be amazing?

Today of all days.

I walked into the bathroom feeling like I could faint at any moment. When you decide you want to be pregnant, you want to be pregnant yesterday. And when you've been trying to be pregnant for a while, you desperately want to know you can get pregnant. Period.

I picked up the test and thought about throwing up. "Morning sickness?" I chuckled to myself. And then I smiled at my inner-humor on this most important of occasions. Adam was rubbing off on me.

"Well? What does it say?"

And that's when I saw it. That second — appropriately faint — line.

I beamed at my dad-to-be, and I clung to him — just like I had every month for the last nine months.

"We're pregnant," I remember crying. "We're really, really pregnant. And on my birthday! Does it get more perfect than this? I don't think it gets more perfect than this."

Those eyes of his. I can still see the glee.

"Nope. I don't think it does."

My 26th birthday granted my wish of motherhood — a wish I had earnestly made in delicious daydreams and powerful prayers.

And I didn't even need a candle.

hallstrom happs (part 2)

2010-08-09T23:39:00.000-07:00

Oh, Canada. (Actually, it's "Oh, Vancouver," if you want to get technical.)

We Hallstroms had fun in your dear city.

And there are a gajillion pictures to prove it.

"Woah! I'm only 3 months old and I'm in another country. This is, like, totally cool.
Oh, and I'm wearing wicked cute watermelon shorts my Mom bought me. Is she like obsessed with watermelons or what?"

Erin, Brett and mini-Brett.

We biked around Stanley Park and had SUCH a delightful time.

There's nothing like sisters in sweet helmets.

For Erin, riding bikes is not "just like riding a bike."
But she was the MVP of our ride and let nothing get in her way.
(Well, almost nothing. :)


Could this picture BE any cuter? This is the Capilano Suspension Bridge. So completely cool. It was way more wobbly than you'd expect. Ergo, it was way more fun.

Tree stump break!

Wave to the Hallstroms!
This is us on our Treetop Adventure.

Fuzzy pic, but it had to be posted.
Margaret was downright angelic on the trip,
but every baby deserves a good cry now and again.
Does it make me a bad parent if I think she looks super cute when she cries?

Then we took a ferry to Victoria. Beautiful Victoria.

See what I mean? These are the glorious Butchart Gardens.

I love him.

Have you met my parents? You should.

I'm a big fan.

Carousel time!

Please appreciate the utter joy on Ryan's face.

Yeah, sometimes we feed Maggie with our noses.

Don't judge.

Three of the absolute best women I know.

Throughout the entire trip, there was a lot of this going on ...

... so we could get faces like these.

Sigh.

hallstrom happs (part 1)

2010-08-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Picture this ... a 12-passenger van (with 12, count them, 12 passengers), two countries, three meals a day, X pounds gained (I don't want to know the exact number), millions of laughs, three hotels, 957 pictures, and one fun family.

Thank you, thank you for an amazing trip Mom and Dad. We love you infinity plus! (I speak Ellie.)

First up, Seattle.

Vancouver to come.

Margaret got to know her car seat very well on this trip.
Little trooper.

Sweet girlies.

Love this photo of Ellie and my man.

Just beachy.
(See the Space Needle in the background? Margaret looks SO impressed.)

On the waterfront.

Space, meet the needle

View from the top.

Ladies who line.

Beautiful Erin.

Yeah, Maggie's eating lunch at the top of the space needle.
She's fancy like that.


These jelly fish are all afloat at the Seattle Aquarium — the most mediocre aquarium I've ever visited. We were robbed! Well, Dad was robbed! :)


Looks like Maggie's easy to please. Too bad she was the free one.


My dad and his babies.

The Baby Bjorn was super handy (though, ironically, hands-free).


They throw fish here at the Public Market Center. You couldn't pay me to catch one. Like, ew.

Happy trails, happy girl.

have baby, will travel

2010-08-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a road trip to Seattle and Vancouver with my fun family.

SO many pictures to come, but in the meantime, I have three words for you ...

Girl can travel.

Sweet hat, eh?

third time's a charm

2010-07-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

PHOTO BY Bryant Livinsgton Photography (www.blphoto.com)

Three years ago today ...

... I became a Mrs.

... Goodnights and goodbyes were good riddance.

... My left hand had a permanent sparkle.

... I had a bum of beautiful roses. (We've since traded the gown for a watermelon bum.)

... And my sweet father married us with treasured sentiments and emotion that have directed the course of our marriage.

I love looking back on that most happy of days. But truthfully, I'm loving today. We're three years older — and wiser, too.

Happy Anniversary, husband.

Love,

The Mrs.

a grand time

2010-07-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

We went to Idaho this weekend to celebrate Adam's grandmother's 90th birthday. And it was the most lovely of weekends.

Between honoring an amazing woman to the delish homemade cheesecake to Maggie giggling for the first time (ears, meet bliss), I was constantly reminded of how much I absolutely adore a little family called the Stewarts.

And I get to be one of them.

Margaret and the beautiful birthday girl.

Darling Dallin.

Aren't they pretty?
LOVE these women.

Us.

Don't you want to kiss her, too?

Grandma, Grandpa and their 11 (nearly 12) grandchildren.

The whole gang.

like mother, like daughter

2010-07-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

I don't like to brag, but I'm so going to.

For the last week, 2-month-old Margaret has slept for nine or 10 hours straight at night.

She may look like her daddy, but the sleep gene is all me.

And it's way awesome.

happy fourth

2010-07-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

Hope it was filled with love, joy, family, patriotism and watermelon bums.

Yes, her chubby thighs really are that pinch-able.

bear lake, meet maggie

2010-06-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

We went to Bear Lake with Adam's family this past weekend (love you, Stewarts).

And it turns out Margaret is such a beach bum. (It's those Hawaii roots, I tell you.)

Take a look for yourself ...

Here she is just floatin' around.*

(*Child Services, please don't take our baby away.)

Catch, Maggie!

Chillin' in the tye-dye swimsuit her Nana got her in Hong Kong.

And yes, she even wears a bow at the beach. She's cute like that.

Daydreaming in her sweet Grandma's arms. Lucky girl.

A 2-month-old in a sundress is super, super cute.

Boy, we love this little girl.

our burrito baby

2010-06-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

Couldn't you just eat her up?

Contrary to her apathetic expression, Margaret LOVES being swaddled.

And no one does it better than her dad.

we got maggie

2010-06-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

MARGARET AT Three weeks old

PHOTO BY The lovely Amy Jones

My baby is six weeks old today. And she's totally mature.

1. She no longer screams when we bathe her.

2. She understands the importance of a good, long nap (not like those ungrateful toddlers).

3. She loves a good show tune (songs from "Annie" really get her grinning).

4. She smacks her lips together (while simultaneously blinking) to tell me when she's hungry.

5. She obliges her mother who — like any good cliche — is obsessed with staring into her eyes.

This motherhood thing? It gets you right in the heart.

crying like a baby

2010-05-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

I promise we're equipped to be parents.

But she just looked so cute sitting there at a 90 degree angle.

Obviously, Margaret has yet to grasp the "for the sake of cuteness" concept.

the cutest

2010-05-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Emma: "Maggie is never allowed to grow up. She's only allowed to stay little and cute."

Ellie: "I need to be near Maggie or I won't survive."

Maggie loves you, too, girls. As does your Auntie Breezy.

P.S. At one point, Margaret was surrounded by family, and so Ellie came over to me and said, "Since I can't sit by Maggie, I'm going to sit by her owner." Pretty much melted my heart.

so ... labor (part 2)

2010-05-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

We met our first nurse, a smiley brunette who welcomed us to the first day of the rest of our lives. (OK, that's a lie. She said nothing of the sort.) She was nearing the end of her shift, but she decided to start my IV before our assigned nurse arrived.

Have you ever had an IV?

Ouch. That is all.

But then along came Paula. The nurse of all nurses. The miracle to our birth. The peanut butter to our M&M.

Translation: We love her.

And with that lovely lady in scrubs, we got the party started.

Pitocin? Check.

Epidural? Check, sweet check.

Water broken? Weirdest check ever.

The waiting game had officially begun. For the next four hours, Adam and I shifted our eyes from each other to the computer screen, which charted the baby's heartbeat and my contractions.

Everything was looking great, until our little Margaret decided to make things interesting.

I'd have a contraction ... her heart rate would fall. I'd have another contraction ... her heart rate would fall. Contraction ... fall. Contraction ... fall. And so on and scary forth.

I hated it.

Thankfully, Paula and my doctor were on the case. They were attentive and cautious — but not alarming. Our baby either had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, they said, or the placenta had stopped working as effectively as it should. Whatever it was, Adam and I proceeded to whisper short prayers for Maggie to catch her breath.

When the clock ticked 3:30 p.m., it was time to push. Armed with Adam and Paula on either side of me, I felt like the mother of all women (pun perfection intended). I was calm and peaceful (thank you, prayer) and mostly just felt excited to meet the little soul who would come to call me mom.

For the next hour, Paula continually counted to 10 while I pushed and Adam smiled words of encouragement.

"This is so fun!" I remember saying to Adam. And it really, really was.

Maggie's heart rate had been holding up pretty well under the pressure, but at circa 4:31 p.m., her heart rate fell too far for the doctor's liking, and it was time for Maggie to travel from womb to world — and fast.

So at 4:33 p.m., we officially met Margaret Diane Stewart, a 7-pound-15 oz. bluish-purple beauty. The cord was indeed wrapped snugly around her neck. But with swift work, the doctor had her crying and on my chest while Adam cut the cord.

Maggie's crying was the sweetest thing I've ever heard. It meant we were all breathing, she was here and Adam and I were finally parents.

And as I held her in my arms, I swear I heard her crying, "Welcome to the first day of the rest of your lives, folks."

True story.

so ... labor (part 1)

2010-05-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

Where do you begin when talking about the day that changed your life forever? I suppose at the very beginning — a very good place to start.

We woke up at 6 a.m. to wait for the hospital's call. I was second on the "induction wait list" for April 27, and I've never prayed so hard for the women of Utah Valley to cease going into labor naturally. After four weeks of doctors telling me it was going to happen "any second" and that they "couldn't believe" I hadn't gone into labor yet, it was my turn to have a baby. It was so my turn.

We got the call at 8:21 a.m. that we were clear to come in at 10 a.m.

"Are you still planning on the induction today?" the nurse asked.

"Yes! We'll be there!" I half-yelled, half-giggled, half-cried (subtlety hath no place in a perpetually pregnant woman's world).

"Well, OK then!" she said.

Well, OK then.

After showering and doing my hair (a delightful benefit of being induced), making sure our "go bag" was go-worthy, and kneeling in prayer, we pulled up to the hospital at 9:45 a.m.

It was joyously surreal. I had always imagined making my way through those doors — one arm clutching my stomach, the other piercing Adam's arm with nails I had meant to trim but never got around to. Instead, I gently held Adam's hand, gave him a nervous smile as he pressed level three in the elevator, and patted a kicking Margaret in my belly for the last time.

We checked in with the nurses, and they assigned us a room — complete with a gorgeous view of the snow-capped mountains and the Mount Timpanogos Temple. I put on my gown and sat on the side of the bed, my legs swinging back and forth like a first-grader.

"So, I guess we're having a baby today?" Adam said, looking all cute.

"We're having a baby."

(To be continued ...)

more maggie

2010-05-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Just a couple more shots of our brown-haired beauty. (The brown — and frankly the hair in general — shocked us, too.)

We completely adore her, and she's been been an absolutely delightful baby. We really couldn't ask for a better wee one to introduce us to this crazy thing called parenthood.

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone! We love you all.

Don't mind the giant scratch on her upper lip. She didn't so much like the sponge bath my mom and I gave her (limbs were a-flailing).

See what I mean?

All better.

margaret diane stewart

2010-04-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

April 27, 2010 brought us our beautiful, beautiful baby girl.

She's perfect.

Labor was fun.

Adam is my favorite.

And I'm feeling overwhelmingly grateful.

paid my due (date)

2010-04-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

40 Weeks

Photo by co-worker/friend Dave Blackhurst

OK, little girl. You can come out now.

Your mom and dad are ready for you.

couldn't be happier

2010-03-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Just when I think I can't love you more, you keep proving me wrong.

Happy 30th Birthday, Adam!

I love you. I love you. And I love you.

These are from when we were dating.

I loved (and love) a man who can have fun with the Photo Booth app.

35 and counting

2010-03-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

35 Weeks

Photo by co-worker/friend Dave Blackhurst

FIVE weeks until my due date.

FOUR contractions a day (give or take).

THREE charlie horses a night.

TWO finishing touches left to the nursery.

ONE picture of pregnant Bri (with a head) for those of you who were worried.

it's a miracle

2010-03-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

Erin knit these perfectly purple booties for the baby.

They're the cutest. The absolute cutest.

We watched "The Miracle of Birth" in our hospital prenatal class last night. And by watched, I of course mean with my eyes closed.

But there were glimpses, people. Oh, there were glimpses.

And for the first time in my pregnancy, I got a wee bit nervous about this whole, you know, giving birth thing. Up until now, I've been 100 percent excited about my pending trip to the hospital. And I still am. But those feelings of excitement are now accompanied by butterflies flown amok. I mean ... it looks ... ummm ... ouch.

But what it comes down to is this: In five (ish) weeks, this little daughter of mine (please, oh, please be little) is going to get her cute self here — no ifs, ands or hee-hee-hoos about it. And after much thought (and not so much sleep), I've decided it's simply a matter of will.

Will labor hurt? (Duh.)
Will I be nervous? (No doubt.)

Will I be in good spirits? (Yes, please.)

Will Adam grow a mullet like the dad in the video? (No, thank you.)

Will I know what I'm doing? (Probably not, but that's probably OK.)
Will Adam eat onions before helping me hee-hee-hoo? (He's promised not to.)
Will the event be videotaped for "The Miracle of Birth: 2010"? (Thank heavens, no.)

Will flavored ice chips be all I imagine them to be? (Debatable, I'm sure.)
Will Adam be a rock star birth partner? (Don't I know it.)
Will labor be cute? (That would be a no.)
Will labor be beautiful? (Definitely.)

And hey ... I've got my health. I've got my hips. And in the end, I've got my girl.

Miracle, indeed.

30-week musings

2010-02-17T22:41:00.000-08:00

30 Weeks

Photo by co-worker/friend Dave Blackhurst

* I have 66 days left until my due date. Say what?

* This little girl is a kicking fool. Apparently, she doesn't want me to forget about her. (Not a chance, sweets.)

* Random strangers have yet to touch my stomach in public. I realize I should be grateful for this, but is it weird I feel slightly offended I don't inspire people toward uncontrollable belly pats? (I'm thinkin' it's weird.)

* I want to meet her. Like, now.

* When we were sitting on the couch a couple weeks ago, Adam turned to me and said, "Wow. You're looking all pregnant and stuff." (How observant of you, hon.)

* Will she have red hair? How fun would that be?

* I'm starting to get really pumped about giving birth.

* We purchased a pistachio rocker recliner — with adorbs white piping — for the nursery, and I constantly find myself sitting in it and daydreaming. (I'm a cliche, folks. It's official.)

* I've caught myself waddling on occasion. (It begins ...)

* Adam regularly talks to my stomach, and it makes me all smitten and stuff.

* I've really, really loved being pregnant. It's been quite kind to me, which I so don't take for granted.

* Remember how I'm going to be a mom in 66-ish days? Say what?

the nursery — phase 1

2010-01-31T21:03:00.000-08:00

Is there anything more attractive than your husband, dressed in coveralls, handily creating the perfect nursery?

I submit that there is not.
Adam worked SO hard putting up beadboard in our baby girl's room. And it looks like a pro did it. He cut, he measured, he framed, he caulked, he used manly, manly tools (they were, like, totally loud and stuff) — and I seriously can't stop gazing at it.

I'm in love, I tell you. Love. (With the nursery and the coverall cutie.)

Below is a sneak peek at Adam's handy work. He got the wall up, and then we got our paint on together.

Phase 2? Decor, baby.
Oh, and these pictures SO don't do the room justice.

25 weeks, 25 goals

2010-01-12T08:34:00.001-08:00

25 Weeks
Photo, once again, by co-worker/friend Dave Blackhurst

Oh, 2010. I adore you already.

And with said adoration comes an admirable attempt at goal making. (I know. This post is so Jan. 1.)

May I present my 25 goals for this most lovely year ahead.

1. Love giving birth. (I'm talkin' relish every moment.)
2. Elevate my writing.
3. Exercise, exercise and, umm, exercise.
4. See family, like, all the time.
5. Become crazy talented in the kitchen. (So as to have people say, "Gee! That Bri can cook.")
6. Get the word "gee" back in style.
7. Update the blog more. (You're welcome.)
8. Get that whole mom thing down.
9. Sing in the shower at least three times a week.
10. See my girlfriends more.
11. Stay on top of my prayers/scripture study.
12. Go on more dates with the husband.
13. Be a "mobile" mom.
14. Stop craving Quarter Pounders with Cheese. (Also see #3.)
15. Read for pleasure.
16. Take a gazillion more pictures.
17. Paint and decorate my house.
18. Have a friendly baby. (I want her to LOVE people.)
19. Remember birthdays and special days.
20. Laugh at least 10 times a day. (Adam makes this one easy.)
21. Wear perfume.
22. Find a fabulously flattering frock for the gala I'm throwing for work. (When, you know, I'll be eight months pregnant.)
23. High-five people regularly.
24. Write an essay/short story — and get it published.
25. Take life for granted? Not a chance.

worker bri

2010-01-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

While I've been busy growing a human (now the size of an eggplant, mind you), I've also been mothering these two beauties.

No big deal.

(Note to self: No need to work on parental pride.)

you go girl

2009-12-21T13:43:00.001-08:00

And the winner of the Gender Gander Giveaway is ... Who said, and I quote: "Give us a challenge next time. GIRL. FO SHO."

Now e-mail me your address, you fortune teller, you. {brianahstewartATgmail.com}

A girly gift will be charming your mailbox shortly thereafter.

well hello, little girl

2009-12-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

21 Weeks

Look who finally decided to show up! Meet baby girl Bradam at 21 weeks.

Boy, I love her.

P.S. To all those who guessed girl in the gender gander giveaway, I'll be announcing the winner this Wednesday!

P.P.S. Baby bump photo is by co-worker/friend Dave Blackhurst. Thanks, Dave!

gender gander giveaway

2009-11-29T22:13:00.000-08:00

We find out what we're having in two weeks, and I thought it'd be fun to take a virtual vote on if we're having a boy or a girl. (Is it so 2009 or what?)

Oh, and don't count on my inclinations of yore. Remember how I thought I was having a boy? Well, any intuition I've had has flitted away. Being flutterpated has gone and left me all confused.

So, without further ado, please answer the following:

Bradam will be:

A) A girl. Obvy!
B) A boy. Dude!

Of the correct guesses, a winner will be chosen at random and will receive a glorious little somethin' somethin' from yours truly. (My very first giveaway!)

Be excited. Be very excited.

all-a-flutter

2009-11-17T18:39:00.000-08:00

Mr. Doctor: So, have you felt the baby move yet?
Me: I don't think so. What would it feel like?
Mr. Doctor: Like a little flutter ... or gas.
Me: Then maybe I have!

Except last night there were no maybes about it. I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep when it happened.

Bradam fluttered. He flitted, she floated, he fleetly fled she flew.

Just call me flutterpated.

a pregnant pause

2009-10-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Things are looking up.

1. I found out I was pregnant on the morning of my 26th birthday. I love my 26th birthday.

2. I don't love nausea. It's a wretched, wretched thing. Seriously. So not a fan.

3. I am a fan of sleep, however. I go to bed around 9 p.m. these days (yes, former roomies — 9 p.m!), and I adore every minute of that glorious REM cycle.

4. I know what you're thinking: "If you love sleep so much, why don't you marry it?"

5. Oh. You weren't thinking that because you're not in second grade? Oops-a-daisy.

6. I'm going to have my child say, "Oops-a-daisy." Adorable, I tell you.

7. Remember how I'm going to have a child? Cra-zy!

8. You know what else is Cra-zy? Cra-vings! I've had two. Stove Top Stuffing and a Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonald's. I'm embarrassed to report that the Quarter Pounder with Cheese was both breathtaking and beautiful.

9. Speaking of bellies (did you make the leap?), I want one. Like, now. I realize I may regret this statement later, but for now I'm tired of looking like I ate five too many Quarter Pounders with Cheese.

10. As for the belly, I think we have a boy on our hands. Just a hunch. Although the Chinese prediction calendar thingie says it's going to be a girl. Which, you know, would be equally wonderful.

11. Did I say wonderful? Adam's going to be a wonderful dad. Really. Top notch.

12. And on top of it all, I'm amazed at how in love I am with this little soul — currently the size of a plum. The wee little thing has plum tuckered me out, and I know it will for the rest of my life. But I am absolutely, totally, completely smitten. And in six months, I'm going to love his little birthday, too. (I know, China — or her!)

P.S. Thanks for all the comment love and excitement on my last post. I feel very loved!

april 2010

2009-10-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

P.S. I know, right?

P.P.S. Special thanks to my ridiculously talented co-worker/dear friend Jessica for helping me create this baby blognouncement.

feels like home

2009-08-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

I know. I know. I know.

This photo of our house is, like, so two months ago. We were just being fashionably late! (Clever, aren't I?)

So without further ado ... isn't she lovely?

that makes two of us

2009-07-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

I love you, Adam Stewart. Yes, yes I do.

Thanks for making the past 730 days "for better."

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

extra, extra

2009-07-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

Read all about it.

The newest issue of Utah Valley Magazine is out, and in my completely biased opinion, it's a downright delicious read. You can take a gander here.

Yours truly wrote two feature packages — one on the angels among us, and another on women and the "doors" we walk through. I got to interview the most beautiful, inspiring people. The kind of people who remind me why I'm a writer.

I have the best job. Ever.

last week ...

2009-06-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

I might have gone to a Kelly Clarkson concert.

I might have stood in the rain with Fellow Fanatic/BFF Alison — swaying and singing all the while.

I might have screamed such sentiments as "I love you, Kelly!" and the ever-classic "woo hoo."

I might have gotten jiggy with it.

I might have purchased a totally rockadelic Kelly Clarkson T-Shirt. (That I will so totally wear, Adam.)
I might be 25 years old.

And I might have made a pact with Fellow Fanatic/BFF Alison to see our girl Kelly every time she has a concert in Utah. Yes, a pact.

Shhhhhh.

Don't tell Adam.

you say goodbye, i say hello

2009-05-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

It's moving week around these parts, which means Adam has turned into Sir Pack-a-lot.

Me: If we pack three more boxes, THEN can we get frozen yogurt?
Sir Pack-a-lot: Yogurt-schmogurt. Pack, woman, pack!

But amidst all the boxes and bargaining (and frozen yogurt), I started to think about the goodbyes and hellos to come.

Let's take a look-see, shall we?

Goodbye Pleasant Grove ... Hello Lehi.

Goodbye rent check ... Hello mortgage payment.

Goodbye lengthy commute for Adam ... Hello lengthy commute for Bri. (A whole 15 minutes!)

Goodbye car port ... Hello garage (you blessed thing).

Goodbye three-minute walk to Maceys ... Hello grocery shopping for more than one meal at a time (sigh).

Goodbye walking up three flights of stairs every day ... Hello search for a new form of passive exercise (as sister Kara calls it).

Goodbye fancy people that take care of our grass (we'll miss you, Lawn Ranger) ... Hello yard work by Adam and Bri.

Goodbye not knowing how to decorate ... Hello magical knowledge of divine decor. (This comes with the purchase of the house, right? I mean, right?)

Goodbye Bajio Grill across the street ... Hello Cabela's down the street — aka elk burger heaven. Jeaaalous?

Goodbye singing in the shower ... Hello belting in the shower (with nary a neighbor in earshot).

Goodbye walls we can't paint ... Hello cans of color.

Goodbye condo ... Hello house to call our own.

gilmore girls night in

2009-05-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

The only plus to Adam being in L.A. on business (aside from my husband sounding ridiculously important), is I get to marathon it with Lorelai and Rory — with nary a "they talk too fast and no one is that witty" rant in sight.

I love you, babe, but you have no taste in gushingly girly TV.

Love those Gilmore Girls.

my glasses were SO BIG as a kid ...

2009-05-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

... they had to rest on my cheeks. True story.

about last month

2009-04-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

You might say it's been an eventful month. So eventful, in fact, that I feel a list coming on. (I can't help myself.)

In the last 30 days ...

1. I went to Hawaii for my Grandpa's funeral. It was a perfect weekend celebrating an amazing man with a family I absolutely, totally adore.

I heart Hallstroms ...

... and Uncle Jim's Kalbi ribs ...

... and work parties at Grandpa's house ...

... and the "return-me rhyme" in Grandpa's
books, found at said work party ...

... and terrifying quantities of KFC ...

... and cousin Chris eating this entire plate of Chantilly Cake,
all because someone said, "I dare you" ...

... and self-portraits — Hawaiian-style ...

... and cool cousins ...

... and the loveliest of grandparents.

2. My hair has returned to its blonde roots — however artificial they may be. It's good to be back.

3. We went to Idaho Falls to help Adam's parents move into their beautiful new home. It was so fun to be a part of the transition (not to mention show off my brute strength), and we can't wait to make millions of new memories on Strawberry Lane. By the by, don't you just love that street name? My inner 4-year-old was hoping Strawberry Shortcake would show up with a plate of cookies welcoming them to the neighborhood.

4. We found out these two crazy kids are coming home.

Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

5. We attended General Conference, which was completely special and completely inspiring. Remember Elder Holland's talk? I remember.

6. Oh, and we bought a house. Adam and Briana Stewart are, you know, homeowners.

7. I know, right?

the golden boy

2009-03-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

It's Adam's golden birthday today (turning 29 on the 29th), and since I can't be with him on this most happy of days (I'm in Hawaii for my Grandpa's funeral), I want him to know that I love him more than the 29 Kalbi Ribs I plan to eat for dinner tonight.

That's true love, right Uncle Jim?

Happy Birthday, honey. Miss you like crazy.

Hawaii loves itself some Adam Stewart.

belated blogiversary

2009-03-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog,
I owe you an apology.

You turned 1 last week Friday, and I treated it like every other same-old, same-old day. I went to work. Amy and I beat the boys mercilessly at Hand and Foot (no, like mercilessly). And then I went to bed with nary a birthday greeting in sight.

Shameful, indeed.

I should have been throwing virtual confetti. I should have been closing my eyes and Googling a wish (or 10). And I should have been eating colorful cupcakes while perusing past posts (mmmm cupcakes).

But alas, a belated birthday sentiment will have to do — along with a shout-out to a few of my favorite posts here, here, here and here.

Do you have any favorites? (Because this blogiversary is a celebration of me, obvs. :)

Happy Birthday, Blog. You're growing up so fast!

Love,
Bri

xxxooo

2009-03-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Hallstrom passed away last night. He was in his 91st year, as he would say (whilst Grandma would shake her head and say, "Why would you want to sound older than you are!").

There is too much to say about just how amazing Grandpa was, so I'll sum it up by saying he had class — just like Grandma did.

Miss you, Grandpa.

xxxooo,
Breezy

I adore this picture of Grandma and Grandpa.
Thanks for posting it, Megs.

to the queen of birthdays ...

2009-02-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

There's no one in the world quite like my Mom.

Isn't she lovely?

And on this, her birthday (it's the 25th of February in Hong Kong), I want her to know how much I absolutely, positively, completely, unequivocally love and adore her.

Have the happiest of birthdays, Mom. I wish I could be there to give you 58 hugs, kisses and smiles. Muah!

eat your heart out

2009-02-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

XOXO, the Stewarts

By the way ...

We so used to serve heart-shaped pizzas at Brick Oven on Valentine's Day.

I so used to say "eat your heart out" every time I served one to a table.

And I so thought it was amusing — every darn time.

that's so random

2009-02-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

This tag has been going around Facebook the last few days, but I decided to steal it for the blog. (Shhhhh. Don't tell Facebook.)

Here are 25 random things about yours truly.

1. I'm fairly certain I look strange in 99 percent of close-toed shoes.

2. Adam makes me laugh at least five times a day.

3. I love holiday-shaped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups way better than regular ones.

4. I have the raddest friends.

5. I got into journalism because I wanted to do the New York City internship program in the Communications department at BYU. When I applied for the major I remember thinking, "Sure, I could write." I fell in love with journalism shortly thereafter.

Thanks, New York City.

6. I can be a bit of a workaholic.

7. I'm really talented at napping.

8. Adam and I have a lot of weird coincidental connections. We were in the same ward a year before we met — and didn't know each other. He and his dad used to home teach my boss' family in Idaho Falls. And, strangest of all, one of my closest friends, Kel-Bel, married one of his closest friends, Salter — three years before we met. And we both attended their wedding in California! Craziness.

9. I'm slightly obsessed with combing my hair throughout the day. Marcia Brady and I would have gotten along swimmingly at sleepovers.

10. I loved me some "Troop Beverly Hills" growing up. ("Patches? We don't need no stinkin' patches.")

11. I might be the only girl in the world who doesn't like the "Twilight" books. But if you do heart "Twilight," I don't judge.

12. I like the idea of cooking way more than actual cooking.

13. I can be a little bit of a "gamer." I'm crazy awesome at SEGA Genesis (which I still own, btw), I'm pretty darn good at Mario Kart on the Wii, and I beat the first Halo game while Adam looked proudly on. (Did I just type that out loud?)

14. When I lived in Hawaii, I wore sweatshirts in 80-degree weather.

15. I really liked the TV show "Reba." Yeah, I said it.

I don't care what you say — Van and Cheyenne were hah-larious.

16. I think YouTube might be one of the best inventions ever.

17. I don't like shopping at places like TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack because I can't handle the clutter. It stresses me out.

18. I want to smack Bikini Girl on "American Idol" upside the head. Ughh.

19. There was a time when I thought Breezy was my middle name, because surely (surely!) my parents wouldn't have NOT given me a middle name. I even signed my diorama project "By Briana Breezy Hallstrom" in second grade. Mrs. Ching had to break the news to me gently.

20. My sisters are knitting wizards.

Sister Erin knit this for nephew Ryan. I know, right?

21. I'd love, love, love to be a columnist for a magazine someday.

22. I often lost shoes as a child, because I'd get to school, immediately kick off my sandals and run barefoot all the day long. I so didn't have haole feet.

23. I averaged four hours of sleep in college. I'm positive I'm still recovering from it.

24. I can't wait for the new Kelly Clarkson album. (Sometimes I have tween tendencies.)

25. I've never met a cupcake I didn't like.

Yum.

fancy

2009-01-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't know, I have a really fancy job with a really fancy Web site and a really fancy staff picture and bio.

You can check out the fancy link here.

Oh, and I'm having a competition with the guys at work to see whose bio page gets the most views. If I win, I can mercilessly taunt them with my popularity, so help a sister out and click on the link, will ya?

face the music

2009-01-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

A few of you already saw this on my mother's blog, but for those of you don't regularly read her words of wisdom and wit (seriously ... what are you waiting for?), here's the link to Adam and I singing "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for the senior missionary couples on our New Year's Rockin' Eve.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

By the way, I'm not kidding. That New Year's night with the senior couples was totally rockin'.

the farewell tour

2009-01-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

All right. This is a long one, folks. But I tried to keep it peppy, so as to avoid blogging you to boredom.

Let's hope it works! (And if it doesn't ... lie, people, lie!)

But without further ado, here's "the farewell tour" of our trip.

First up, The Peak, which is a hilltop view of the city.

Isn't this beautiful?
We dined with this (well, a version of this*) as the backdrop —
ooh and ahhing all the while.
*Confession: This fancy photo was NOT taken by yours truly.

But first, we had to ride a tram to the top,
which travels upward at 45 degrees.
Here are Mom, Dad and I waiting for the ride.

Next up was Ocean Park, which is an amusement park filled with rides, aquariums and ... (drum roll, please) ... pandas!

Is it just me, or is he smiling at me?

Unfortunately, Mr. Smiles was the only active panda in the bunch.
Meet the rest of his family: The Lazy McLazersons.

We got our inner-child on and posed with a man in a shark suit.
We rode cable cars to the other side of the park.
(Hong Kong is very hip when it comes to transportation.)

And we went to the Jelly Spectacular, which truly was spectacular.

Then, Adam finally got some "street food."

It wasn't his first choice of who-knows-where-that's-been-and-ew-what's-that-smell "street meat," but the sweet potato would have to do.
Pretty potatoes.

And finally, we saw Big Buddha, nestled in the mountains of Lantau.

To get there, we once again had to ride by cable car, which was completely ensconced in mist.
So we rode along, enjoying the misty memories, when suddenly the cable cars stopped dead in their ropes. Now, one of the cable cars (sans people) had infamously fallen to its demise during a test run a year or so ago. So when the cable cars stopped ...
... Adam did this.

... and I very calmly and rationally freaked out.
(Sadly, the above photo is not a dramatization.)

Luckily we made it (phew!), and we saw this beauty up close.
But not until we climbed 256 stairs to the top.
(Yeah, I counted.)

The good news is rather than admit we were tired, we just stopped for well-timed snapshots. Genius, eh?
Oh, and Adam took to Asia's tradition of flashing the
peace sign in Every. Single. Photo.

So long, Hong Kong.

this is why people ...

2009-01-02T22:35:00.000-08:00

... don't like tourists.

We just got home from a 30-plus hour journey ("Get me off this plane!" might have been said a few times), and we're planning to head into hibernation mode for a good long while. But before I make like a bear, I thought I'd post one of my favorite pictures from the trip.

Happy New Year, everyone! I'll post more travel tales soon.

happy hong kong

2008-12-28T05:15:00.000-08:00

There's been a lot of "happy" during our first week in Hong Kong.

Here are just a few of the downright delightful details — thus far. (In no particular order.)

1. The skyline

Isn't this gorgeous? My parents live among these beautiful buildings, which overlook the Victoria Harbor.
Photo courtesy the fabulous Sister Garn.

2. The mother's touch

This photo doesn't do justice to the beautifully decorated tree in front of their stunningly circular window. My mom is magic.

Many of you already know about her famous table settings.
Here's just a snapshot of what we've enjoyed this Christmas.

3. The virtual Christmas

Most of our family is back home in Utah, so we had a Web Cam Christmas — complete with a talent show and testimony meeting. Here are Erin and Emma singing "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
In case you were wondering, Adam and I sang "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for the second year in a row — by request. Yes, we're that good at it.

We also had a virtual Sister's Night. We're basically the Jetsons.

4. The temple

We took in a session at the Hong Kong temple.
Beautiful temple.
Photo, once again, courtesy the fabulous Sister Garn.
Us looking fancy in front of the temple.

5. The shopping. Oh, the shopping.

Adam and I have made out like bandits.
The best part, though, is I've finally found a world where Adam likes to shop! It's a happy world.
This is Stanley Market, which has ah-ma-zing deals.
This is the Jade Market, where we got too many wonderful things to count. (Think jewelry and home decor.)

6. The yuck

Adam has been obsessed with getting some "street meat," seen here.
No, thank you.

7. The 'Happy Feet'

Adam, Dad, Mom and I all went to "Happy Feet," where we got a 50-minute foot massage. Afterward, Dad did a little jig in the elevator. His feet were that happy.

7. The sights

We walked up the famous Pottinger Street in Central.
We rode the longest continuous escalator in the world.
Yes, the world!
We waded through crowds and crowds and crowds of people — a Hong Kong standard.

And we posed with a Foo Dog in front of the Peninsula Hotel. Foo Dogs are thought to bring protection and happiness, so bring it on, 2009!

Well, Zai Jian for now.

Up next: The Peak, Big Buddha, Ocean Park and more.

merry blogging — day 7

2008-12-20T21:25:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been merry. But as the great John Denver sang ...

"All our bags are packed, we're ready to go."
We'll see you kids in 2009.

merry blogging — day 6

2008-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

OK, so this is really day 7, but it's not my fault.

Adam and I gave each other this for Christmas, and I was a wii bit distracted.
Forgive me?

merry blogging — day 5

2008-12-18T21:37:00.000-08:00

So this next post isn't really holiday-esque, but it is a very merry occasion. I changed my hair ... again. This time it's a touch more brunette, with just a hint of red. I really like it.

But the best part is when I got to my office this morning, co-worker Shelley told me my hair looked like Suri Cruise's hair. You know, TomKat's daughter.

I was pretty flattered she compared me to the most stylish toddler around. Until, of course, I realized I was flattered to have my hair compared to a toddler's.

Suri has a fuller bang, but other than that I'd say our 'dos were cut from the same block.

merry blogging — day 4

2008-12-17T22:02:00.000-08:00

My Mom took me back today when she posted this photo on her blog. It's of our long-lost home in Hawaii, circa the 1990s.

Now, I loved our house. And I loved, loved it at Christmas time. Excitement decked the halls.
So in honor of my Christmases of yore, I thought it'd be fun to list some "did you knows" about the way we Hallstroms celebrated. (Not to be confused with my traditions post of yesteryear. This is so totally different.)

DID YOU KNOW ...

... Due to past burglaries in our beautiful home, my mother began to hide our presents in the pantry and dryer when we went to Grandma's house for Christmas Eve. Yes, the dryer! It still makes me giggle.

... Sister's Night was born all because Erin got a white board for her birthday and wanted to use it as a sign to welcome Kara and I to a party. If my memory serves correctly, it was Aunti Heather who got her that white board. Bless you, Aunti Heather.

... My mom always put on the tree lights, and my dad always took them down. Good teamwork, you two.

... Upstairs we had a "kid tree" with our various (read: non-matching) ornaments. I got to put the lights on that one — and take them down!

... On the evening of Christmas day, we'd always drink eggnog by the fireplace. And yes, it was 80 degrees outside when we sat by said fire.

merry blogging — day 3

2008-12-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Don't double check your Google Reader. This IS Bri's blog, and this IS a recipe post. A holiday recipe post, no less! (There's hope for me yet, my friends.)

In any case, this is a recipe I got from my co-worker, Ashley, that I absolutely fell in love with. Every bite is a burst of scrumptious, knee-buckling chocolate heaven.

Grandma Hallstrom would have loved it. (I come from a long line of chocolate lovers.)

It also happens to be one of the easiest recipes on the planet, although I fully recommend taking the "aww shucks" route when people rave about it at your holiday party. It'll make them think it's really hard and that — by extension — you're a gift to the culinary world.

See for yourself.

OREO CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
1. mix together 1 package of Oreos and 1, 8 oz. package of cream cheese
2. roll into small balls and place onto cookie sheets lined with foil
3. chill them in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes
4. melt almond bark in a bowl for dipping (add some chocolate chips to make it extra tasty)
5. dip the chilled balls individually into the bowl of melted almond bark, covering them completely. then pick each ball up with a fork (let it rest on the flat part — don't stab it), letting the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl
6. place the chocolate-covered balls back onto the cookie sheets, and chill once more (i like them really cold)
7. melt some white chocolate almond bark, and sprinkle it over the truffles with a fork for a fancy finish

merry blogging — day 2

2008-12-15T19:43:00.000-08:00

This is what I was doing two Christmases ago ...

Dumbo, We're Not In Disneyland Anymore
My Dad took this National Geographic-worthy shot during our family trip to Thailand. I shared an elephant with my cute mom, whose knuckles were white from tightly grasping the bar.

Hello, Elephants
When you get to the elephant camp, you're greeted by these two cuties.
Don't I look wistful, calm and collected? So not like me.

Feeding Time
Dad and the girls holding "the grub" to feed our new friends.

Eek!
Erin and I were a little grub-shy when feeding the elephants.
Now that's more like me.

That form!
By the end of the day, Erin was an old pro.
Thief!
This elephant stole my Dad's bananas when he wasn't looking.
Sneaky creature.

Elephants Do the Darndest Things
Yes, that is an elephant painting.
We saw him paint this with our very eyes.

Circus, Anyone?
The elephants did all kinds of tricks, and they were the biggest hams.
They loved it when the crowd cheered.

Babes in Thailand
So fun to share this with my sisters.

merry blogging — day 1

2008-12-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

We leave for Hong Kong in seven days, and I'm constantly fighting the urge to skip and breakout into song.

But instead of subjecting myself to strange looks from strangers, I thought it'd be fun to celebrate my excitement with seven straight days of merry blogging.

You're welcome, mother.
So to begin, here are seven of my favorite Christmas traditions — both past and present.

1. The delightful amount of effort and planning my mom puts into Christmas continues to amaze me. Seriously. This woman makes Santa's elves look like Scrooge. See the above stockings? My mom made those. I know, right?

2. My Dad always lead us down the stairs Christmas morning by covering our eyes. It made the "big reveal" so dramatic, and I loved it.

3. Performing the nativity (complete with elaborate sets, props and costumes) and the Hallstrom family testimony meeting are Christmas Eve traditions I will never forget. How lucky we were to learn at the feet of Grandpa Hallstrom!

4. Sisters' Night, baby! Erin began this tradition more than 20 years ago in which the Hallstrom sisters slept in the same bed on Christmas Eve — even despite long legs and my cuddling tendencies. Last year was the first Christmas we didn't do this (thanks to Mr. Stewart over here), but I got us matching PJ pants because "if we can't sleep in the same bed, we can at least sleep in the same thing!"

5. Singing/giggling "Rise Up Oh Shephards Run" with Megs almost every year for our Hallstrom Family Talent Show is definitely up there. We even sang a verse in Spanish. (ole!)

6. Cocktail wieners. 'Nuff said.

7. Adam and I are still forming our traditions, but it was a pretty merry morning waking up to him last Christmas. I'd say that tradition's a keeper.

list-a-palooza

2008-11-29T21:15:00.000-08:00

My dear sister, Erin, made a list on her blog of random things. And it looked crazy fun. So I've decided to copy her. (Don't judge me, people. I have blogger's block.)

1. Erin, Kara, Adam and I went to the Grand America for Thanksgiving dinner this year. It was — how do you say? — grand. There were tables and tables of delicious food — both of the Thanksgiving-y and non-Thanksgiving-y variety. Oh, and there was eggnog. I adore eggnog.

Adam and I choosing our cheeses from a man
with a really tall chef's hat. So fancy!

2. We leave for Hong Kong three weeks from tomorrow. I can't wait.

3. We saw the movie "Australia" yesterday. Adam thought it was dorky. I giggled, smiled, gasped and cried all the way through it.

4. I've slept a consistent 11 hours every night of this Thanksgiving weekend. It's been so, so wonderful and so, so needed.

5. We finished the Bride magazine this past Wednesday, and it looks pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. (Which apparently, I do.)

6. I'm really terrible at answering my phone. No, really. I'm awful. Don't take it personally if it happens to you, my friends.

7. The minute I get home, I change into some sort of stretchy pant. I'm crazy fast at it, too. Adam often says to me, "When did you? ... How did you?" However, I've assured Adam that this in no way means I'll one day wear stretchy pants to the supermarket. You have my word on that, hon.

8. Adam's taping Christmas lights to our wall right now with great care.
He's cute.

9. If nothing good is on the radio, I sing show tunes in the car to keep myself entertained. (I make a great Annie.)

10. If I'm the only one at the office, I do lunges when I need to travel from room to room.

11. We had hot chocolate for breakfast this morning. Yum.

12. I'm thankful for more than I can possibly type.

girls will be girls

2008-11-06T18:31:00.000-08:00

Below is an I-promise-this-is-real "Guide to Hiring Women" from the 1943 issue of Transportation Magazine. It was a time when women were far more efficient with a fresh coat of lipstick and when "husky" girls were far more even-tempered than their skinny wee counterparts. (Hooray for husky girls!)

We're running this in our next issue of BusinessQ (it has a women in biz theme), and so I thought I'd share it with all of you now.

I know. You're welcome.
Eleven Tips on Getting More Efficiency Out of Women Employees

There’s no longer any question whether transit companies should hire women for jobs formerly held by men. The draft and manpower shortage has settled that point. The important things now are to select the most efficient women available and how to use them to the best advantage. Here are eleven helpful tips on the subject from western properties:

1. If you can get them, pick young married women. They have these advantages, according to the reports of western companies: they usually have more of a sense of responsibility than do their unmarried sisters; they’re less likely to be flirtatious; as a rule, they need the work or they wouldn’t be doing it — maybe a sick husband or one who’s in the army; they still have the pep and interest to work hard and to deal with the public efficiently.

2. When you have to use older women, try to get ones who have worked outside the home at some time in their lives. Most transportation companies have found that older women who have never contacted the public, have a hard time adapting themselves, are inclined to be cantankerous and fussy. It’s always well to impress upon older women the importance of friendliness and courtesy.

3. While there are exceptions, of course, to this rule, general experience indicates that “husky” girls — those who are just a little on the heavy side — are likely to be more even-tempered and efficient than their underweight sisters.

4. Retain a physician to give each woman you hire a special physical examination — one covering female conditions. This step not only protects the property against the possibilities of lawsuit but also reveals whether the employee-to-be has any female weaknesses which would make her mentally or physically unfit for the job. Transit companies that follow this practice report a surprising number of women turned down for nervous disorders.

5. In breaking in women who haven’t previously done outside work, stress at the outset the importance of time — the fact that a minute or two lost here and there makes serious inroads on schedules. Until this point is gotten across, service is likely to be slowed up.

6. Give the female employee in garage or office a definite day-long schedule of duties so that she’ll keep busy without bothering the management for instructions every few minutes. Numerous properties say that women make excellent workers when they have their jobs cut out for them but that they lack initiative in finding work themselves.

7. Whenever possible, let the inside employee change from one job to another at some time during the day. Women are inclined to be nervous and they’re happier with change.

8. Give every girl an adequate number of rest periods during the day. Companies that are already using large numbers of women stress the fact that you have to make some allowances for feminine psychology. A girl has more confidence and consequently is more efficient if she can keep her hair tidied, apply fresh lipstick and wash her hands several times a day.

9. Be tactful in issuing instructions or in making criticisms. Women are often sensitive; they can’t shrug off harsh words the way that men do. Never ridicule a woman — it breaks her spirit and cuts her efficiency.

10. Be reasonably considerate about using strong language around women. Even though a girl’s husband or father may swear vociferously, she’ll grow to dislike a place of business where she hears too much of this.

11. Get enough size variety in operator uniforms that each girl can have a proper fit. This point can’t be stressed too strongly as a means of keeping women happy, according to western properties.