Video Compilation

In case you missed anything. Here are a few quick links to our favorite videos from September to Now. 

Dezmond's "sushi face" video.

Callan was sick in September. We can't have only happy moments. 

Dezmond playing with Luke and trying to crawl to get the camera.
October 16th, in a box.

Dezmond and Callan playing. Callan whispers "i love you".

Playing at the sticker construction site. Callan playing with his piggies. 

Dezmond sucking on the "ghost boob".

Driving from SLC, UT to Anacortes, WA with noises from the backseat. 

Dezmond bobbling his head for Luke. 

Learning to stand. 

Callan wanting to "talk about it" in the tub with Dezmond. 

Dezmond Crawling. 

Opening Christmas Present on Christmas Eve. 

Christmas Day; video 1, video 2, and video 3

Picture overview of our Smiles in 2016 

Music Day 25

Song I could listen to all day without getting tired of.

Foster the People - Houdini

Music Day 24

Song I have danced to.

Music Day 23

A song I can not stand to hear.

Blaze and the monster machine TV show intro. I will spare you the link.

Music Day 22

Song someone has sung to me.

I get uncomfortable when someone sings at me. Luke constantly plays songs for me that he knows I will like. Even though he is singing along, I don't feel this is a good answer.

Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
One of my sister's old boyfriends sang this song at me with his guitar. (I don't have brown eyes...)

Music Day 21

My favorite song.

I can't choose just one. I've already posted a bunch of my favorite songs...

OK Go - The One Moment
I love their music videos.

Royal Teeth - Wild
Waiting for them to come out with more songs.

Music Day 20

Last song (alphabetically) in my Google Music list.

Lindsey Sterling - Zi Zi's Journey

Music Day 19

First song (alphabetically) in my GoogleMusic list.

5 O'Clock - Tpain/Lily Allen

Music Day 18

Song that I love but rarely listen to.

Royal Teeth - Heartbeats

Music Day 17

Song that makes me want to dance.

Hey Ocean! - Make a New Dance Up
Obvious reasons.

Nicky Minaj - Super Bass
Saw the music video ONCE and I'm unable to keep from attempting to copy. It's not a good thing.

Meghan Trainor - All About That Bass
Most of her songs get me wiggling. I just found she has more I haven't heard! Yay!

Music Day 16

Song that made me cry.

Martina Mcbride - Concrete Angel
This was probably the first song to make me cry. I watched the music video and bawled like a baby.
Toby Keith - Cryin' for Me
This song always gets the tears flowing.

Music Day 15

Song I love singing along to.

Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek
This song also reminds me of Justin. It is FUN to sing! It dips it holds and I find it entertaining. One of my niece or nephews once asked if I had written the song. I think this was because I was engrossed in singing along.

Music Day 14

Song that reminds me of Luke, Callan, and Dezmond.

Lord Huron - Man that lives forever
This one reminds me of Luke. Feels like just yesterday that I was very worried about him leaving me. To put it simply, I didn't fully understand where is was in his life living with depression. During that time he sent me this song and told that he enjoyed listening to it in his way to work. If he could he would like to live forever. 

Phillip Phillips - Home
This is the song that I had stuck in my head while I was in the hospital waiting for Callan to be born. It's so perfect for how I was feeling.

Sierra Hull - Wings of Dawn

Dezmond... I had to think on this one. I am open to suggestions. When Dezmond was born we were not listening to music much at all. We were confined to dark quiet places for two months prior. I feel that for a long time afterwards I was still cautious and concerned about the headaches coming back. This song was played by Luke was played just a few days before we went to the hospital. I can only assume he was trying to distract me and make me feel better. I really like the Lyrics. Perhaps, we just need more time to find a song that suits Dezmond more. 

Music Day 13

Song that reminds me of a former friend.

Casio piano - track 88 spring
My mom bought me a keyboard that could teach you out how to play 100 different songs. Chelcee and I used it like a boom box and danced on my bed for houts at a time listening to the same songs over and over. This was one of our favorites. (I still have  the keyboard)

Smash Mouth - All Star
Stephanie taught me the lyrics to this song when we first became friends. We also made a dance to a song I can not place... I think it may have been by Brittany Spears.

Queen - Killer Queen
But also, most any song by Queen reminds me of getting up at 2 am with Angie to "quietly" eat pudding while sitting on the floor in the kitchen.

System of a Down - Toxicity
"Dancing" (mostly just head banging and jumping around) till our heads hurt with Dylan.

Music Day 12

Last song I heard.

Who's your friend who likes to play?
Bing Bong, Bing Bong
His rocket makes you yell "Hooray!"
Bing Bong, Bing Bong
Who's the best in every way, and wants to sing this song to say
Bing Bong, Bing Bong!

Music Day 11

Song from my favorite movie.

I don't get the chance to watch a lot of new things. My all-time favorite movie is The Nightmare Before Christmas. Favourite song would have to be the first one "This is Halloween" or perhaps the revisted version of "Kidnap Sandy Claws"

Music Day 10

Song by my favorite band.

This question is so limiting...
Walk off the Earth - Gang of Rhythm
They consistent come out with covers that I love! This is an original from them.

Foster the People - Houdini
The music video for this song is tantalizing. I love watching people experience it for the first time.

Music Day 9

Song that makes me hopeful.

Toby Keith - Beer for my Horses
Montgomery Gentry - Something to be Proud of
Toby Keith - Courtesy of the Red White & BluePerhaps it is just Toby Keith that makes me hopeful for the future. My dad listened to a lot of country when I was growing up. Sometimes, I just need to hear songs like this to feel empowered, like I can do anything!

Music Day 8

Song that reminds you of your first love.

I can not remember listening to music back when I got my first crush. Sorry guys. I do not have a song to match today's prompt.

Music Day 7

Song that reminds you of last summer.

Group Love - Naked Kids
The Beat, the lyrics, the mood.

Walk off the Earth - Summer Vibe
I can play this song on dark cold nights and still feel the sun on my face.

Avril Lavigne - Bitchin' Summer
Just suits my "summer" mood sometimes.

Music Day 6

Song that reminds me of my best friend.

Hozier - Take Me to Church

This goes to Lance, best girl friend I've ever had.

Music Day 5

A song that often gets stuck in my head.

Every child's show intro. When Callan was watching Jake and the Neverland Pirates, it was their intro. More recently it has been either the intro song to Blaze or Daniel Tiger.

Music Day 4

A song that calms me down.

Iron and Ashes - Flightless bird

The entire group of soundtracks for the twilight movies. I think this is because when I was very mad, they were only CDs I had in my car. After my dog destroyed the aux cable, I looked at him and said, "You'd better hope this CD saves your life." Now, when I'm really upset those soundtracks remind me that at least I can listen to music, so it must not be THAT bad.

Music Day 3

Song that reminds me of my parents.

Chris Janson - Buy me a boat
This one is more recent that reminds me of my father. If he could, I think he'd live on a boat.

Finding one for my Mom is harder.
She told me once that this song reminded her of me...
Rihanna - Shut up and drive

Music Day 2

A song that reminds me most of an ex.

Fort minor - since you've been gone
I am surprised I even remember this song and I was able to find it. This one reminds me of Frank (the most ling term boyfriend I had in highschool) we chose this as "our song" the lyrics are NOT about a healthy relationship.

Owl City - salt water room
This one is for Chris. He is still a very great friend of mine and this song constantly reminds me of the wonderful times we had. There is another one but I am unable to find/remember it.

Blink 182 - I miss you
I sent this song to Dylan after I broke his heart for the first time. I wanted so badly to continue to be in his life.

Music Day 1

A song from my childhood.

Shania Twain - I'm gonna Getcha good
Woke up to this song every school day for a long while. My dad would have CMT on in his room as he ran on the treadmill. They would play this song right as I was waking up for school.

Day 26

An old photo of me.

This is the oldest profile picture that I could on Facebook. It was posted on September 20th, 2011.

To find this treasure, I had to ask Luke to dig into our photo archive. This was taken at a Carls Jr on September 10th, 2007. Probably taken by Justin by the look on my face.

Day 25

My 5 favorite blogs.

I do not generally read standard blogs. These may not "count".

Daily:
Defranco Fam
Yummly
PhilliD
SourceFed
The Defranco Show

Occasionally:
Rhett & Link
Pansy Pan

Recently, I have been jumping around blogs to start my roach colony for the dragons. In the past I have frequented parenting Blogs to deal with specific issues.

Day 15

Timeline of my day.

Morning: Woke up with the sun, Dezmond has tried waking up a couple of times already as he is still sick. Did a small task for INK while Dezmond played on the floor. Contemplated putting school on hold so that I can heal and catch up from pregnancy. Callan slept in till almost 9:30. Once Callan saw the snow outside he said, "we need to build a snowman!". We ate breakfast quickly, fed the dragons and got he boys dressed. After nursing Dezmond for a minute he fell asleep. Callan and I played for a while before getting our snow gear on for school. Dezmond woke up, we rushed to play in the snow and left for school. 

Afternoon: I headed to GiGi's, stopped in Sandy for lunch, realized I forgot my textbook, and turned back towards home. On the drive back, I spilt my soda on my laptop. Finally got back to GiGi's to drop off Dezmond. Once at the library, I found 3 books that I have been wanting for our trip! I was also able to finish research for my Design History Essay on a Typeface Designer. 

Evening: Arrived home, gave the boys a bath, then we played and ate crackers. Lance arrived with food. We teased Callan by putting chips in his "cookie" bowl. He was quite upset till Lance asked if they were his "cookie chips" then we all laughed as the mountain of chips came tumbling down. Luke came home and helped me with my quizzes. 

Night: Boys fell asleep on the couch, Luke left to fix the Nissan, and Lance graciously helped me finish my web design homework. Finally, I read till Luke got home. 

Reflection: A VERY busy day and I wouldn't change a thing.

Day 13

What is my earliest memory?

Watching lightening with my father outside on the porch. I think that we were counting the seconds before we heard the thunder.

I remember jumping off the headboard onto my parent's water bed. Not sure how I got away with that. I must have been pretty young to not pop it.

A fairly early memory of mine is wanting to play video games with my brother. He finally caved and we played bubble bobble. I was so happy.

Day 31

Why do I blog?

I like being able to go to someone's Facebook page and see that they are doing alright. Although, I do not think that it is the place to "spill". I guess I feel that if someone wants to see/read how me and my family are doing then they can come to blogger to see it. If they are not close enough to me, then they likely don't know this exists. I could see myself locking this blog. For now, it will stay open, as it is not an issue.

I try to keep a personal journal as well. I hope that my journal will bring my family some comfort when I die. I want them to read it and remember the times that I write about.

Day 30

What is in my makeup bag.

In highschool, I would not leave the house without eyeliner on. Now, I forget to put makeup on at all. I have more important things to remember to do before leaving the house. Such as; grab the baby, clothe the baby, put more diapers in the diaper bag, insure a plentiful amount of wipes, snatch an extra outfit for the baby... Those are just the first that come to mind. That's excluding everything we need for Callan (socks, shoes, hat, ext)

Heres a short list of my makeup bag (when I wear it):
Black eyeliner
Mascara
Eye primer/bag hider color
Lip plumper
Purple shadow

After posting this I may begin wearing it again. No promises.

Day 29

Where have I traveled?

Recently:
Orcas island, Washington
Kaiser, Oregon

Recent Past:
Island park, Idaho
El paso, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Hemet, California
Long Beach, California
Ensenada, Mexico

10+ years ago:
New York
Connecticut
Rhode Island

Day 28

What am I looking forward to.

Family time. Christmas is around the corner and I am very excited to spend time with family. Family time is my favorite part about the holidays. I feel that it makes the stress to this season worth it. Gifts are bought ready to be opened, I can already feel the warm fire in Roger's basement on Christmas day, and I can almost taste the coffee before bunch. I will miss Nathan's family cuddled on my parents bed taking a Christmas nap watching Simpsons.

Another note, I am trying to hug longer and hold tighter. In a world like ours, we may not get another chance to look forward, we need to enjoy right now.

Day 27

My favorite recipe.

Cauliflower Rice

1 head cauliflower, (2 pounds), cored and cut into 1-inch florets (6 cups)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, minced
½ cup Paleo Chicken Broth
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Instructions
Cut the cauliflower into golf ball size pieces and toss into the food processor.  Be careful you don’t overfill your food processor.  One it is filled, pulse for about 20-30 seconds.  It really only takes about that amount of time to create “rice” sized pieces! It’s amazing.  Be careful you don’t make the pieces too small because they might become too mushy when they cook!
Mix the “rice” with chicken broth and other ingredients (we like to add garlic) together in a pan and cook on med-low heat for about 5-10 minutes.  The “rice” should be heated throughout.

Day 24

My favorite childhood book(s).

What was I scared of? - Dr Suess

Love you forever - Robert Munsch

First completed chapter book: Into the Land of Unicorn's - Bruce Coville

Favorite series in highschool - Legend of Drizzt - R.A. Salvatore

Day 23

My dream job.

I am living it! I want to be a student forever. Although, I'd like to work at the same time.

If I could choose anything to be, I'd become a Senior Graphic Designer for a friend's non profit Airline company. Simultaneously, doing work for Luke's (and my) laser tag, pizzeria, design studio umbrella company*.

*Kind of like a staffing agency for design students.

Day 22

The best things that have happened to me this year.

I could not have planned the timing of this question any better. What a happy coincidence! I am very grateful for many things, here are a few from just this year:

The addition of my son Dezmond!

Luke's new job with UHIN.

I was pregnant for the second and FINAL time this year. I am so fortunate that Luke was able and willing to get a vasectomy about 4 months ago.

Day 21

My 10 favorite foods

1. Salted caramel coffee (java Joes)
2. Salted caramel icecream
3. Salted caramel cosmos
4. Bombay's chicken tikka
5. Olive Garden's stuffed chicken marsala
6. Luke's pizza
7. Breakfast foods
8. Sushi
9. Green bean casserole
10. My chicken Alfredo (recipe originally from Christina)

Day 20

A difficult time in my life.

After having Callan, Luke wanted another child. In honesty, I did too. However, I did not wish to be pregnant again. When Callan was about a year and a half old we began discussing if/when we would like to try for our second child. One night I was thinking of how terrible it was to be pregnant during the summer. I decided then an there that I didn't want to do that again. After looking more closely at the dates, Luke and I decided quickly that we would try quickly and if it didn't happen we would wait a year before trying again. Long introduction resulted in me being pregnant with Dezmond the winter of 2015-2016. During the first trimester I was more sick then I remember being with Callan. This is common and I survived it happily with the continuous reminder that it would be my last pregnancy. I also tried my best to enjoy my time with Callan as there was soon to be another child claiming a lot of my attention. Into my second trimester I started getting tested repeatedly for preeclampsia. Thankfully, it was not that, not again after Callan. O do wish that they could have found something. I felt as though I started a steady headache that got worse and never went away. It got worse and worse. We went to the emergency room many times for it as well. They would check my liver enzymes, give me morphine, and send me home. No one could find what was happening. I found myself either sleeping or crying. It was a very terrible two and a half months. I feel that it was especially terrible for Luke, Callan, and my mom.

Day 19

What do I collect.

Photographs. I do this because I want to remember the events of my life and my memory is not the greatest. At the same time, I do not want to stop "in the moment" to catch a good picture. Could I hire someone to document my life? (Just one picture for important moments, funny moments, and events.)

Day 18

The meaning behind my blog name.

"The Mighty McCray's - Follow us as we make our lives bigger and better"

Pretty self explanatory.... Nuf said.

Day 17

What is my most proud moment.

Almost daily, I am period of my children. Although, I don't think that is the answer your are looking for.

I am very proud of every A I get in school. I work very hard and I am usually a very good student.

Day 16

What is at the top of my bucket list.

I was told recently that I am "too young" to have a bucket list. I full heartedly disagree with that. Just because I may have more time to tick things off my list doesn't mean that I should not have aspirations for my life....

Lame answer is "be a good mom", but it is quite true.

Here are some less lame answers:
Get a Master's Degree.
Go to Japan.
Finish an entire journal (front to back)

Still lame? Damn. Sorry to disappoint you with my boring life goals. :P

Day 14

If I won the lottery.

I would be quite surprised because I don't generally gamble. I hope that I would throw it all/most into savings. Perhaps, I just don't know how much money comes from the winning the lottery. I'd likely get mugged by a friend of mine that is always hoping to 'win big' to get his life on track. After all that, I think I would finish my basement. Not terribly exciting? Well it's on my "to do list" lol.

Day 12

What's inside my fridge.

To start, I don't generally cook in our home. Luke loves cooking. I do the shopping. I may sound like a broken record to my family and friends.. BUT I absolutely can not talk about smithsclicklist enough! If you have not tried a curb side grocery pick up service, I highly recommend you try it out! My stance is that no one like grocery shopping. So why do it?! Seriously, try it.

I am not going to catalog every little thing in my fridge. I simply do not have the attention span for that. I will give you a list of constants, abnormals, and left overs.

Constantly in my Fridge:
Cheddar Cheese
Milk
Eggs
Creamer/Heavy Whipping Cream
Beer
Wine
Curry makems

Currently in my fridge and I'm not sure why:
Cesar Salad Dressing
Juice
Soda (becoming more constant)

Current Left Overs in my Fridge:
Hawaiian haystacks
Enchiladas
Costco pizza
Far too many dinner rolls

Day 11

My favorite things

1. Quiet toys
2. Working cameras
3. Soft blankets
4. Warm bath tub
5. A too full glass of wine
6. Modern sewing machine
7. A glass of water that I didn't fill
8. Breakfast on time
9. Coffee that remains unspillable
10. Freshly cleaned sheets
11. New underwear
12. Chainmail cleaner
13. Fully charged phone
14. Luke's server
15. Working baby cameras (x3 in our house)

Day 9

What are my worst habits...

I pick at Luke. I will clean his ears, scratch bumps off his back, pluck hairs from his face/neck, and yes... I pick his zits. To defend myself, I ONLY do it to Luke. Poor guy. Also, not entirely truthful... I can't stand children/nieces/nephews that have dirty ears...
I am quick to dissect and slow to listen. I have been working on this. Luke says that I do not let him finish before I pick apart what he is trying to tell me.
I am easily stressed out. Not sure that this will ever change.
COFFEE. I love it, I will NOT break this habit. In fact, I am enforcing this habit by getting into homemade espressos.

Day 10

What is my best physical feature.

Currently, my hair. I have found a hairstylist and haircut that suits my current "hot mess mom" approach to life.

Day 7

My Pet Hates.

Dani hates being told to get off the couch or to stop licking.

I hate not having a plan. I am fine if the plan changes or doesn't work out. But having a plan is essential for my comfort. I just want to know what to expect out of my day.

I hate hunger. It is a constant battle. Personally, it effects most everything that I do on as daily basis.

Day 8

What is in my "handbag"?

I am a "hot mess" type of mom. I can hardly keep track of my phone and keys. Before having kids I would carry a purse. It was never a good idea. When I went shopping, I'd become aware that my purse was missing when it came time to pay. I would then spend about 10-30 minutes tracing my steps trying to find where I carelessly placed it. So, handbags and I do not get along. My wallet is attached to my phone. Perhaps I should look into attaching my keys to my phone too. Although, if I did that, I'd be even more of a wreck when my phone decides to slip into "the void". (Apparently,  "the void" is underneath my son's carseat where the speaker is pressed tightly against the seat to absorb any sound.)

Oh, handbags, right. Well, I have a diaper bag that doubles as a computer backpack. It is quite cute and highly recommend. Inside you will find, size 3 Diapers, Wipes, Single pull-up, a toddler backpack containing 3 pairs of underwear and a plastic bag, a onesie that is too small, trash, chapstick, caramel candies, chuck-e-cheese tokens, headache medication with antacids, unmarked medication (likely Luke's), pads, a single tampon, nursing cover, and a black baby carrier sling. I dislike carrying a bag. So, it usually stays in the car. Every week or so I will assess what it contains and put things back in it. I do like when things have their place. In my house we say, "it needs to find it's home" "or it needs a home" referring to putting things back where you found them or creating a place for something to go when you are done with it.

Day 6

My 5 Senses Right Now.

Sight (ophthalmoception) - Dimmed sunshine in the bathroom with the light off and the door open so that I can see/hear Dezmond as he sleeps on my bed and, of course, the glow of the computer screen. 
Hearing (audioception) - Blazing Bill counting to 16 and telling Stripes to jump, from Callan's computer. I also hear the hum of my computer fan. I may need to have that looked at. 
Taste (gustaoception) - Green apples and Vanilla Coke. Not a common match. Also, not unpleasant. 
Smell (olfacoception or olfacception) - The slight scent of soft water from my bath. 
Touch (tactioception) - Keys of my computer, warm bath not filled too high, air moving from the fan in my room. 

Day 5

10 Songs that I love right now

1. Stressed out - Twenty One Pilots
2. Sail - alAwolnation
3. Possibility - Lykke Li
4. Sea of Love - Lily Madeleine
5. Lego House - Ed Sheeran
6. Moonland - Au5
7. Stuck On You - Meiko
8. Helena Beat - Foster the People
9. I Will Always Love You - Tidewater
10. Carly - The Higher

Day 4

What am I afraid of?

Recently, I have been terrified that I will let my children down. I feel that the best thing I can do for them, right now, is to teach them to be decent to others. I've never been a fan of parents that treat their children like they treat their friends. As my children grow I find this to be a more difficult distinction. I enjoy my children's company more then my friends. Perhaps this will get easier for me in time.

Day 3

Favorite quote: "If the road is easy, you're likely going the wrong way." -Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander

Terry Goodkind wrote this quote for a character in a book. I have found referring back to it in rough times when I feel that the world may be against me. Although, I do love the feeling when you get far enough on "the road" and everything in your life starts fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. I have had the wonderful opportunity of experiencing that on more then one occasion. 

Day 2

20 facts about Julianie
1. Brown Hair
2. Green eyes
3. Student for life
4. Call my Mom when I'm upset
5. Happily married
6. 2 induced labors
7. Had a c-section (April 2016)
8. Being treated for Fybromyalgia
9. Love my Dad
10. Cry in my car
11. Dance in the kitchen
12. Sing on boats
13. Miss wearing heels
14. Have a single tattoo
15. Currently nursing a baby (like, right now)
16. Fairly anal-retentive
17. Dog owner
18. Enjoy puzzles
19. Current favorite author is Brandon Sanderson
20. Birthday is on Halloween... Every year.

Day 1: 31 Day Challenge Introduction

Picking up this blog again. I may end up posting some VLOGS here too. We shall see how my first week of Blogging goes and take it from there. So... Hello! Please come on this sloppy blogging adventure with me. If you are new to my life/inner voice, my name is Julianie Spookie McCray. I am a delighted mother of two radiant boys. Callan turned 3 yesterday! Dezmond is freshly 6 months old. My two boys will likely be the center of most of my rants, stories, and attention. My husband, Luke McCray, is simply astounding. I'd like to write our love in depth here someday. Condensed version is... In May 2017 we will be celebrating our 7th year of marriage. (10th year of being together) Luke still frequently surprises and delights me. He knows more about me then anyone else. He's seen me at my worst and yet still chooses to be by my side. Like I said, he surprises me. Sorry, I got a little off topic. A little bit more about me, I should be graduating from SLCC after Fall semester 2017. I hope to take my AAS-Graphic Design to SCAD to get my Masters. I am still learning how to care for two young boys on a daily basis. As a person, I think that I am difficult to "deal with". Although I am passionate and caring, I am also fairly harsh. At school/work it is good for me to find the flaws... not so great in relationships. I am constantly learning and adapting to the world around me. Over my entire life,  I very proud of my honesty. I believe that I surround myself with people that will call me on my shit. This is because, it does not take a lie for me to be full of myself, misinformed, overly passionate and totally WRONG at times. I think that about does it for a personal introduction. 

CHATTY CHEERS!