Potato Toes

As most of you know, I had SuRgErY on both my BIG toes on Thursday, May 13th. Apparently my toes/ feet are shaped weird and therefore cause me to get ingrown toenails much too frequently. So I thought I'd get something done so I don't have to feel that pain again or have to perform my own little surgeries on myself.
Pretty much the doctor just removes the root of part of your nail so that your nail will no longer grow (therefore NOT grow into the skin of my toe & kill me). I LOVE MY DOCTOR!!! He's awesome & a riot! Joel went with me to my toe surgery (b/c he's weird & likes that sort of thing) and watched the entire thing. I on the other hand, did NOT want to see a thing so I kept a magazine in front of my face. My toe is healing nicely now and I have my final "post-op" appointment tomorrow.

I just got to take off my silly post-op shoes (pictured below) but my toes are still pretty tender. Joel also had the "FUN", rather NOT SO FUN task of assisting me with bathing (b/c I couldn't get either of my foot bandages wet). Normally I'd say this is romantic but due to the circumstances, it was not pleasant for either party... it was ALL business! I definitely could've used tighter abs & harder buns in the bathing process... it was a pain and rather unpleasant. Joel and I are BOTH glad that's over (which is an understatement)!

Propping my feet up... Doctor's orders

(why is it that when I'm forced to sit on my butt & watch movies all day I don't want to? What's up with that? I usually never have a problem being a bum!)

This is what my Doctor calls "POTATO TOES"

(my toes aren't really orange..promise!)

"What do ya think about my booties?"

"What kind of sandals are those?"

(says one of the construction workers at my office)

You've got to be kidding me! That's what I was super paranoid about the entire time I had to wear these... is that someone would think they were REAL shoes and worse, that I chose to wear them!!! Come on, is my style that bad? (no comments necessary) Anyway, I thought y'all would get a kick out of my booties I had to wear for 8 DAYS!

A reenactment of bath time!

(I had many requests to see what it was like & how ridiculous I looked. Granted... me being clothed makes it less amusing!)

This is how bath time went: I hobble into the tub as Joel fills it up. I put each foot in the corner of the bathtub (like so) while trying to hold myself up with whatever ab muscles I do have. Joel holds the hose (luckily we have a shower head with a hose) with one hand & supports my back with the other hand... while I try to scrub and clean myself. Ahhh... what an ADVENTURE!!! haha!

Brittany's 23rd Birthday Party

It has been quite some time since I last posted. I was doing so well, but then I left for Texas March 13th and it kind of threw me off track (note my last post was March 12th). But I've almost downloaded all of our pictures and will try to get caught up on everything (obviously more for us than anyone else).

P.S. - back your photos up on an external hard drive b/c my friend, Sadie's computer crashed... luckily they had recently transferred all there things to their external hard drive or all, literally, would have been lost.

So my birthday party was a bLaSt!!! Well, I had fun. I won't speak for anyone else. It was suppose to be a night full of fun games you'd play at parties when you were a kid. I, or course, participated in all the events... except Bobbing for Apples. I was NOT about to have my mascara run & my hair drenched at my own party!

Thanks to all of my friends who came to celebrate with me! And a very SPECIAL thanks to those who brought treats to share, who stayed late to help me clean up, who brought me such thoughtful gifts & who participated in the games (which was most important to me)! You guys are the best!

Now here are the pictures for your enjoyment. They're a bit blurry b/c I think the flash kept getting turned off somehow. Also, the pictures are really dark & I'm at work and cannot edit them right now. Sorry about that!

The Fruit Pizza I made. YuMmY!!!

Opening my gift from the Lees family. Everett picked out the card all by himself.

P.S. - Thanks for the wallet guys, I love it & I'm using it right now actually.

Eating the DELICIOUS goodies w/ Everett.

Left to Right: Mallory Hanna, Samantha Wilsom, Mary Davis & Claire Hanna.

Some of the party go-ers!

Katie & Lincoln (who is wearing my headband Shelane made me)

Alex Harrison...what a CHAMP! Coming to a party w/ all married people.

Christian pinning the tail on the donkey w/ a little help from Everett.

Now Lincoln's turn!

Ryan doing the Bucket Toss... rather successfully I might add!

The party continues!

Lef to Right: Becca, Brinley (cutest little girl), Cassandre, Nicole, Meagan & Ryan (parents of cute baby), Paige & Kevin.

The Lees family: Lincoln, Preston, Katie & Everett

Joel w/ the single men (Juan Pablo, Alex & Brent) + Luke

JOEL & ME!!!

He knows how much I love being dipped!

Now for some birthday videos. Disclaimer: I know my voice is a bit loud & clear as day in the videos. Embarrassing...yes! But hopefully they're enjoyable all the same.

The HAPPY BIRTHDAY song! Lincoln & Everett helped me blow out the candles.

P.S.- I have always felt a bit awkward when people sing Happy B-day to me... as you can tell by my facial expressions/ reactions.

Brit's Birthday Wish! from Brittany Skousen on Vimeo.

Joel playing "Pin the Tail on the Donkey". I decided to throw him off guard and send him in the wrong direction. And boy...did I succeed!

Pin the Tail on the Donkey - Joel from Brittany Skousen on Vimeo.

He didn't appreciate me messing him up... so he decided to do a little pay back! Lucky for me, I have a GREAT sense of direction! I almost pinned the tail on the donkey PERFECTLY!

Pin the Tail on the Donkey - Brit from Brittany Skousen on Vimeo.

Bobbing for Apples!
In order of appearance: Jeff Sabin, Kevin Broadbent, Jimmy Wilson, AJ Creek & Everett
(Sorry the video is turned sideways. It's still a good video & Everett is SUPER cute trying to bob for apples)
Congrats to AJ Creek for "bobbing" the fastest!

http://vimeo.com/11658935 from Brittany Skousen on Vimeo.

If you know me, you know that for some reason I CANNOT stand Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus. So we found the absolute PERFECT pinata for my b-day bash... you guessed it... Hannah Montana. Here's a little video to show the DESTRUCTION of Hannah Montana.

Hannah Montana Beat Down :) from Brittany Skousen on Vimeo.

Thanks again to everyone who made my birthday so special! I really appreciate it. I couldn't ask for BETTER friends & family. Love you all!

B-day Party!

My dear sweet hubby is throwing a Birthday Party for me! Yippee!!! I love parties! So yes, I did make the invitations (pictured above) at work last Friday while I was super bored. Joel wouldn't have done something cute like that. It probably would've been typed, but plain white & cut into little strips of paper with barely any information on it. He can be creative...but this is just my realm of things!

If I haven't seen you this week or didn't have time to drop an invite off at your place, PLEASE know that you're still wanted there. Come and have fun celebrating with us!!! I'm so excited...especially for the pinata! So here's the info (if you cannot make it out on the picture above):

Date: Saturday, March 6th

Time: 6:30 pm - whenever

Where: The Village Apt. Clubhouse

(call if you need directions)

It should be fun! We're going to have a pinata and play lots of games that we did at b-day parties when we were little tikes! Ex: bean-bag toss, pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, bobbing for apples, etc.

We have invited a fair amount of people and I was planning on there being food and drinks. Yet since the number may be a bit higher than originally anticipated (which we're 100% okay with...so please still come) I probably cannot make treats enough for everyone. So if it isn't too awkward or weird...and you're willing... PLEASE bring a treat to share with everyone! I know, that's so lame..."here, come to my party. But, wait... would you mind bringing treats too?" I hate to do it, but I only have so much time and money. I don't want people to be hungry or thirsty as they're playing these intense games! haha!

So if you could or would, we'd be so grateful and that would be the best b-day gift (at least to me)! If you can bring something (and haven't already told me), please give me a call. Thanks...ya'll are the best!

I look forward to seeing you all there! I'm stoked!!!

ToDaY iS...mY 23rd BiRtHdAy!

On March 2, 1987 I, Brittany Anne Seria Skousen entered this world. Born in Hartford, Connecticut! But today, I am celebrating my 23rd Birthday!!! I know it is hard to believe I'm 23 years old...that is a scary thought! Time sure does fly by. The truth of the matter is (and I don't want to seem pessimistic) that today is just like any other day. I don't know what it is...well yes I do...but each year my b-day rolls around and I get a bit depressed b/c it usually is just like any day. It is because (and all of you are aware of this b/c I have been informing you that it's my b-day for about a month now) I get soooo excited about it and hyped up for the day, my specialy day...March 2nd!
I don't want you to think that I'm not happy it's my birthday or that nothing of importance has happened, but I needed to vent...and that is the end of my soapbox for the day!
> I AM HAPPY!
> I AM HEALTHY!
> I AM YOUNG!
> I HAVE A GREAT HUSBAND & FAMILY!!!
So, I do have lots of gifts this year in that I have so many wonderful friends and family members who have taken time out of their day to wish me the HAPPIEST birthday one can have!!! And I am so lucky to have so many friends who are doing small things for me and helping with treats for my b-day party on Saturday (yep...I'm 23 and I'm still having a b-day party)! Embrace it!!!
So I don't know what Joel has planned for my special day, I'm sure it's something that will put a smile on my face & make me appreciate and love him all the more! I am so lucky to have Joel as my ha-bub! Already today he made my heart sing, as well as make me realize I'm pouting over nothing & should stop being a baby about my b-day not being perfect (b/c let's face it...it was never going to be perfect b/c I am at work!) So I was complaining (through text) to Joel about how I feel liked I'm getting gipped on my b-day and that it's just like any normal day...nothing special. And he (the voice of reason and love) said... and ladies prepare to say AHHH... "This is the day that the love of my life came into the world! It is a grand day!" My heart melted and I was grinning from ear to ear!
So the day is getting better by the minute and I am EXCITED that today is my birthday! I love celebrations and holiday! I especially love birthdays, whether it's mine or someone else's, which is why I make such a big deal about March 2nd!
I just thought I'd add a few pictures of my previous birthdays up here at BYU-Idaho! I do have a great track record for having GREAT BIRTHDAYS!!! Usually they have fallen on "Mothers Weekend", so my mom, sister- Amanda, and my little brother- Derek have been there to celebrate with me a few times! Goodness... I am blessed! Well...here they are:

This is my 20th Birthday!!! My mom is directly behind me, so you cannot see her. But my mom and my dear friend, Veronica have always made my birthdays memorable and so much fun!

This is my dear friend and old roommate, Becca! She is now in our married ward, so we still get to spend lots of time together! Love you Bec!

 My 21st Birthday!!! This is obviously Joel dipping me...which I absolutely love! I do also love Joel's face in this picture! My friend Russell Jensen and I had a joint b-day party at the Pinnacle Security building. Yeah... we're pretty cool...only VIP allowed!

Left to Right: Becca, Amber, me & Olivia. I LOVE MY FRIENDS!!! As you can tell, Becca has rung in quite a few b-days with me. Her b-day is only 2 days before mine (but I'm older & have more wrinkles to show for it). haha!

 My beloved little brother, Derek James Seria!!! This is a tribute to you dear one! How I miss you! See you in 6-1/2 months! P.S. - He is making that face b/c I kept making him take pictures with me & he was sick of it. I think he just thought I was ruining he game with the older ladies!

Well, today is and WILL be great! Sorry no pictures from this birthday yet! I will post some at a later date!

Bet Ya Didn't Know...

A friend of mine did this and requested I do it as well. Here are a bunch of things about me. "I bEt Ya DiDn'T kNoW..."
> I hate pie!
> I have horrible road rage & yell at other drivers...yes I know they cannot hear me.
> I cannot stand people who have BAD "movie etiquette". There is nothing worse!
> I miss dressing up & wearing heels everyday...I don't feel like a woman anymore.
> I've only been to 3 concerts...1) Spice Girls, 2) Backstreet Boys, 3) Mae (Mae is good though)
> I cannot stomach being in dirty places. I cannot touch or eat anything if the environment isn't tidy. (ex- Big Juds...YUCK!)
> I get really boisterous when I play games.
> I get MaD when I lose at things!
> I HATE olives & HOT DOGS!!!
> I can dish it out...but I CANNOT take it! (most of the time)
> I LOVE to organize!...rooms, parties, etc.
> I am a bit controlling & bossy! (please...will you still be my friend?)
> I take up 3/4 of the bed, even though Joel is twice my size
> I want to have TWINS!!!
> I was very shy as a child! (I know...you cannot believe it)
> I do NOT see the need for lingerie
> I dance in dressing rooms...and always will!
> I sing as loud as I can in the car
> I never cook anymore (Joel is the chef)
> One day...I WILL get a boob job!
> I LOVE dancing...I think I could've been black in a previous life
> I eat as much as most men! Honestly...who orders salads anymore...bring on the carbs!
> I love the shows: Vampire Diaries, Greys Anatomy & The Bachelor (Jake BETTER pick Tenley)
> I live in sweats as soon as I get home from work!
> I wash my hair every other day!
> I act like I'm tough, but really my feelings get hurt easily
> I use to be a MEAN GIRL... luckily, I feel like I've changed!
> I cannot control my laughter when people fall & get hurt!
> It takes me a long time to say sorry! (sorry Joel)
> I talk in weird voices!
> I occasionally swear...its bad, I know! I don't know where it comes from...DAD!
> I make up my own songs! (I get it from my Papa)
> I shave my legs once a month...sometimes less!!! :/
> I drove a Plymouth Neon in high school which would stall out in the middle of intersections...and it was an AUTOMATIC!!!
> I dance around my apartment in my garments on a daily basis!
> I have all my kid names picked out & talk to Joel about them like they're in our family already
> I LOVE gossip magazines...I never buy them, I just read them as I go through the store
> I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT stand Miley Cyrus/ Hannah Montana!!! (my pinata for my b-day is a guitar w/ her face on it...boy will it be fun to break that)
> I got stuck in our washing machine when I was 3 YEARS OLD!!! (well my sister, Amanda got me stuck in it)
> I occasionally pick my nose in the comfort of my home! (don't act like you're grossed out...we all do it)
> I HATE cold = Idaho! (wait...that's no secret)
> I want to live in DALLAS, TEXAS FOREVER!!! (that's no secret either)
> Even though I want to live in TEXAS forever...I'm super excited to move to OHIO in 6-7 months!
> I can be quite LAZY at times!
> I'm kind of sad to leave Rexburg! It will be bitter sweet!
> I wish I could sing b/c I'd totally try out for American Idol
> I QUIT basketball to be a cheerleader...mistake!
> I might be slightly OCD...everything has its place
> I am a people pleaser!
> I toyed with Joel A LOT when we first met...luckily he still fell in love w/ me when I wised up!
> I distain working out...but now I'm seeing it's a necessary evil (gotta hit the gym before summer rolls around)
> I tore my ACL playing...ULTIMATE FRISBEE!
> If I am in a rush or concentrating on something...DO NOT talk to me b/c I will get frustrated & probably lash out a bit!
> I'm super self-conscious (even more than most girls)
> I want to be an Interior designer & photographer when I grow up :)
> I tried running away numerous times as a child...well I wanted to run away but was too scared & wanted the parentals to think I was gone. But really...I was hiding under my bed...inside my sleeping bag!
> I use to wear layers & layers of clothes as a child! (3 pairs of underwear, tights, socks, shorts, 2-3 shirts, etc.)
> I CANNOT watch scary movies, shows, or commercials b/c I WILL have nightmares forever!!!
> I use to wrap a PICKLE in a napkin & put it in my little purse when I was 3-4 years old! haha!
> My name is Brittany...and I'm AFRIAD of the DARK!!!

This was pretty fun to do. If you want to, please do one for yourself. I think they are way fun to read!