Let go laughing

fall colors

2011-10-09T18:40:00.000-06:00

I went home over conference weekend and spent the weekend with Brandon, Marie, & the kids. It was fun! On Saturday we went on a drive over Thousand Lake Mountain to Deep Creek. It was beautiful! The fall colors were so vibrant! We had a picnic by the lake but it was cold and it started raining. The rest of the weekend was spent hanging out and watching General Conference. Thanks guys for a fun weekend!

old stuff

2011-04-14T23:45:00.000-06:00

Last time I was home I went down to the Ranch and wandered around with my camera. As I was walking around the old granery, following fence lines, and wandering through the orchard I was noticing all the old stuff sitting around. History, stories, or as my dad would say...junk and work that needs to be done! I love it all - all the old stuff... nostalgia... junk. It makes me wonder what stories they would tell if they could or what memories they hold for others...

a night with the Queen & King

2011-04-12T19:53:00.000-06:00

We had a magical night with the Queen & King... of country music!

I went to the Reba & George concert the other night! IT. WAS. AWESOME! Mom called about a week before to tell me that she and Dad were going to come and visit me for the weekend. After I got off the phone with her I heard an advertisement on the radio for the concert. I called her back and convinced her that we needed to go. Since it was kind of a last minute (week prior) decision to go, our seats were clear up in the upper bowl at the ESA. They actually weren't too bad. LeeAnn Womack opened for them and then Reba performed with a guest appearance from Melissa Peterman (aka Barbara Jean for you fans of the TV show Reba) - hilarious! - and then George Strait performed last. It was 4 hours of bliss! I loved it! When we left it was pouring rain so by the time we got back to the car we were totally soaked and freezing. But, that didn't dampen the fun we had!

I had it chopped off!

2011-04-12T19:45:00.000-06:00

I finally did it! I had Ruby chop my hair off! My hair hasn't been this short since I was about 6 or 7 and Mom and Maridee gave us girls all a sailor bob. It's so weird to see myself in the mirror but I'm getting used to it. Change is always good and I was way past time. Plus, think of all the shampoo and conditioner I'm going to save on! ha ha ha! :)

Hawaii Bound - Again!

2011-04-12T12:43:00.006-06:00

It's official! I bought my ticket for Hawaii and I am jetting off for a week of sun, sand, and surf! We are spending the 4days/3nights in Maui and then another 4days/3nights in Kauai - all compliments of Marriott Vacation Club! Love the perks and benefits of my job!

Life's Little Instruction Book

2011-04-12T12:02:00.002-06:00

I’m copying this post from my friend Maureen because I liked it and it sums up pretty well how I feel some days.

If you asked me about 12-15 years ago where I thought my life would be when I was in my 30’s I most likely would have replied married with a couple of kids. Definitely not single with no option of having children of my own. I have learned a lot being single and this article gives some insight to being a single woman in a world where the focus is on being married and having a family. It also gives some good advice on teaching young women about life and the real possibility that life doesn’t always work out like you want/dream. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my life and being single, but we all have our days when being single just plain sucks!

Life's Little Instruction Book for Single Women
by Erin Ann McBride (Meridian Magazine)

Growing up I was taught all sorts of lessons about the real world- assuming that the real world was a place where I would grow up to get married and have children. But no one ever taught me any lessons about what would happen if the ideal real world didn't pan out for me. No one ever prepared me for a world where I might not ever get married, and instead might find myself single and living alone for the rest of my life. In other words, in spite of a lot of preparation for the future, I woke up one day and found myself woefully unprepared for the future I am living.

I remember little life lessons handed down from the women above me that included things like, “Someday when you have a husband you'll ...” or “When you are a mom you will understand.” Or one of my favorites, “When you get married your priorities will change.” No one ever handed out advice that included, “When you are in your thirties and all alone, you'll need to be prepared to...”
Multiple times in my life I have woken up to these realizations, but never more so than when I am looking at my dishes. Why my dishes? Well, no one ever threw me a bridal shower. No one ever gave me all of those start up items to begin my adult life. I never got a nice set of matching dishes or towels, or pots and pans, or new linens. If I have it, I had to earn it. It is when I am looking at my mismatched set of dishes compiled from odds and ends left by roommates over the years, that I realize no one ever prepared me for what happens when Plan A (marriage and babies) doesn't pan out.

But then who was going to teach me all of those lessons? I can't think of one role model in my life that could have prepared me for my real life. My mother got married at age 19. She's never lived alone, nor had roommates. She's never been the sole breadwinner for the family. She's never had to make all of the financial decisions alone. I look back at my young women advisers, and I can't recall any single women among them. One of them had a job that I can recall, but only a part-time one. In other words, it isn't a surprise to me how completely inept I feel sometimes at how to be an adult, professional, single woman.

I am not surprised at the lack of role models in this area. But it does make me sad. I know there are fabulous great women just like me out there. I wish they were recognized more for how much they have accomplished, rather than always described as “she's accomplished because she never got married.” I think that does an injustice to all women, single or married. Why can't a woman be accomplished just because she chose to be? Why does her marital status matter? But I digress...
The list of things I have never learned could fill a book. The things I was never encouraged to learn to prepare for a life alone could fill five more books. And so I thought about it. What would I like to pass on to young women to prepare them for the future where things may not turn out to be all white lacy veils and bouquets of flowers?

Erin's Little List of Instructions on How to Live a Single Woman's Life

“I'll get married someday and then I'll worry about retirement.” is NOT a financial plan. Get a real financial adviser- an unbiased one. Preferably not a member of your family. Why? Because people who love you and want to see you get married someday, might let “someday” influence your financial planning. An unbiased expert will help you prepare the right way.

Not getting the full education you want because it would just be a waste of time and money “when you get married and settle down and have children,” and then never use your degree- will be the biggest regret of your life.

Don't settle for “this will be a better job for me” because you can use those skills when you have kids, is not a career plan. Look into the future ten years and ask yourself do you want to be in that job still if you never have children? Instead, ask yourself “is this the job that will make me happy if Plan A doesn't work out? Will it financially support me and be mentally stimulating?”

Explore your passions! Don't wait for someone else to come along to do them with you! Go find what you love and enjoy it fully.

Decorate the way you like it and the way you want it. There is no rule that says you have to do it the way your mom/roommate/sister/brother/ex-spouse liked it. Do it your way! (My way involves calendars in every room. None of them on the right month, and none of them accurate.)

I'd throw in my own little rule here about not shutting the bathroom door on principle, but it would embarrass my mother.

Buy food storage that you will eat! I think not stocking up on food storage is one of the biggest mistakes singles make.

If you don't live close to your own family, find a child to love in the community or in your ward. Having a child in your life is having a touchstone in your life to keep things real. It helps you remember that the world is not all about you, money, and whatever your job is making you do.

Travel! See the world! Have fun!

Buy good furniture. Say goodbye to Craigslist and invest in something you are proud to call your own. Make it something worth paying a moving company for!

Send out Christmas cards. You don't have to have a cute little family card to send out cards.

Insist on being treated like an equal. Don't let people treat you like you don't matter because you aren't married.

Make something of yourself. Don't ever hold yourself back from being great because of what others might think. Be the next girl's role model.

Don't be afraid to be yourself. There is an awful tendency to feel like we have to act or be a certain way in order to attract a man. Who wants to attract a man by being someone else? Attract a man by being yourself!

Buy a toolbox and learn how to use it. Don't spend your whole life being helpless and depending on others to take care of you. Learn how to take care of yourself!

Never, ever make a major life decision that you think will help you get a guy. This includes quitting a job, not getting an education, moving (cross town or cross country), buying a car (because you think he would like it), or spending more than $200 on anything (plane tickets excluded). Do what is best for you! Not what is best for you to hopefully, possibly catch him.

Find role models at work, at church, and in your personal life. Especially ones that have been where you are now. Moms and sisters are great, but if they haven't ever been in their mid-thirties, single, and financially independent, their advice and viewpoint will be limited. Seek out people who have been there and understand your challenges.

Have a guy best friend who will tell you the truth.

Never, ever kiss your guy best friend unless he kisses you first. And don't even think about kissing him otherwise.

Have a healthy relationship with food.

Own one great pair of jeans that you look fabulous in. Own one great dress that you know turns heads when you walk into a room.

Never let yourself become a manhater.

Learn to cook for one. And don't eat Lean Cuisines and cereal for the rest of your life.

Never be afraid to do it yourself. It doesn't matter what IT is. Go do whatever IT is you have always wanted to do.

Remember that all the answers you really need come when you are on your knees. Don't be afraid to ask the One person who knows exactly how you feel.

all together again

2011-03-23T22:22:00.000-06:00

Ryan came to visit a couple weeks ago. It was fun to have him here and spend time together. I picked him up on Tuesday at the airport and headed down to Wayne County for a couple days and to see all the family down there. On Friday we loaded up again and headed to Logan to see the other side of the family and to celebrate grandpa's 90th birthday. It was a fun and busy week!

my new hobby

2011-03-23T21:08:00.010-06:00

I decided to try a new hobby this year. I bought me a new laptop for Christmas and decided to get Photoshop and play around with some of my photos. I signed up for an online Photoshop/textures class and I am addicted now! Here are some of the photos that I've messed around with. I'm still learning so hopefully I will keep getting better and learn more tricks!

LOVE it!

beforeafter

Ryan's quick visit - June 7-9

2010-06-21T15:11:00.008-06:00

Ryan came to visit for a couple of days. It was a lot of fun. We picked him up at the airport Monday morning and drove to Logan to visit Grandpa Nelson and whoever else could drop by. We visited there for most of the afternoon and then headed back down to the Fallows' for a BBQ and visit. Brandon, Marie, the kiddies, and Grandma Jensen all came up Monday night too so I had a houseful! It was so much fun!...and noisy! i LOVED it! On Tuesday I had my friend Natalie come and do family photos and then we all just hung out and played for the rest of the day. We played on all the jungle gyms, went swimming, watched movies, and chatted. That night we had another BBQ and then Brandon, Marie, the kiddies, and Grandma had to go home. The next day, Wednesday, Ryan went to visit with Deanna and then we took him back to the airport. It was a lot of fun to be together and to spend time hanging. y'all come back now y'hear?! :)

2010-06-21T14:26:00.001-06:00

San Diego Road Trip - April 8-12

2010-05-27T17:33:00.007-06:00

I took a weekend roap trip to San Diego with my friend Alex in April. We left on Thursday morning and drove straight to our hotel just outside the city. Unfortunately, Thursday was the nicest day weather wise and we spent the whole day in the car. Boo. We didn't get to go swimming or soak up some sun on the beach but we definately kept ourselves entertained! On Saturday we went to Sea World. I hadn't ever been there (I actually did go when I was 18 months old but that doesn't count because I don't remember any of it!) so it was a lot of fun to finally see Shamo! On Saturday we went shopping and to a movie. Sunday we decided to drive up to LA and went to Universal Studios where we went on all the rides and did some shopping. We ended up with season passes because it was the same price as a day ticket so we will for sure have to go back later this summer. Overall, it was a great trip - lots of fun and laughs!

I'm a homeowner!!

2009-11-14T23:10:00.004-07:00

Well I finally took the plunge and signed my life away for the next 30 years - I bought a condo! Yeah me! It's a 3 bedroom 2 bath and it's out in Eagle Mountain. I love it! I found out that it is a very stressful process to buy a place. Every time I got a phone call or email from the bank or realtor I had a mini anxiety attack. I thought for sure they were calling to tell me bad news; that I didn't qualify after all or to cancel my closing (that occured 3 times before it finally happened. Grr...). But it all worked out and they approved me and let me have the keys! So, here are some pictures of my new place. You will all have to come and see it sometime when you are in the neighborhood!

the front door/entry

living room -

behind the curtains are sliding glass doors that lead out to the small patio

kitchen/dining room

hallway leading down to master bedroom.

the first door on the right is the coat closet, next 2 doors on the right are the bedrooms and on the left is the bathroom which has the door to the laundry room inside.

master bedroom-

to the left is the master bathroom and the door inside on the right is the walk in closet (yeah!)

master bedroom

Thanks again to all of you who helped me load all my stuff and move it to my new place. You guys are awesome and I love ya!

Toby Keith concert

2009-08-23T19:05:00.004-06:00

I went to see Toby Keith last night! It was awesome! Trailer Choir opened first followed by Trace Adkins and then Toby. It was a lot of fun! The best was the encore when he sang American Soldier and then Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue.

Ruby, Alex, me, Dana

Alex, me. Dana

Trailer Choir

Trace Adkins

Toby Keith

Family Camp

2009-08-11T23:17:00.006-06:00

We went camping this past weekend and had tons of fun! We worked, played, laughed, rode

4-wheelers, and got really, really dirty

we made the kids do the work this year. Sawyer was awesome at sawing while Tal & Laine helped measure and drag

cute little family

4-wheeler ride to Lost Springs

Brandon trying to climb the trees like the little kids

Sawyer inspecting everything

family picture

treasure hunting

Mom pulling a prank on Dad while he was taking a nap. He looks so pretty with red fingernails!

It was a great week and we had tons of fun!

boating on Willard Bay

2009-07-26T10:55:00.005-06:00

On Saturday the Fallows and Coulter family invited me to go boating with them out to Willard Bay. It was the perfect day for it and the water was great. We rode the tube and the water Jeep for the kiddies and Kelliann wake boarded.

Tim, Jackson, Kandice, & Kelliann

The Coulter Family

Jennae & Tyler watching the action going on behind the boat

me going for a ride on the tube

Ray driving and Kelliann wakeboarding

Kelliann wakeboarding

Jackson driving the boat with Ray

me and Kelliann riding along

Thanks guys for inviting me along. It was super fun!

the King of Country!

2009-07-20T23:36:00.000-06:00

"...this could be the best day of my life. I've been dreaming day and night about the fun we'll have..."

Could I put it any better then in George lyrics?! :) I finally saw him in concert! It was AWESOME!!! Julianne Hough & Blake Shelton opened for him and then he walked out on stage, the crowd went wild, and I became the happiest girl ever! He was amazing!

Lauree, Maureen, me, Lori, & Ruby

Blake Shelton

George Strait

The next morning I got up early and headed down to Wayne County for the new Torrey church house dedication. Elder Jay Jensen came down and had a fireside Saturday night and then did the dedication on Sunday. It was really good. Here's a picture of the new church.

my 10 days in paradise!

2009-06-07T17:38:00.009-06:00

I'm back from Hawaii! It was beautiful and lots of fun. I want to go back already! We flew out on May 27th to Honolulu where we spent three days on Oahu and then we flew over to the Big Island Hawaii and stayed for seven days there.

We stayed at the Wyndham at Waikiki so the first day we just went down to the beach and had dinner and then went back to the resort to settle in and sleep. We weren't used to the time change and we were still operating on Utah time. The next day it was packed full with fun activities. We met up with my friend Natalie who just moved there to live with her sister who was nice enough to offer to buy our tickets for the Polynesian Culture Center for half price with her military discount. After we got the tickets we went to the Dole Plantation then up the North Shore to see the Laie Temple, BYU Hawaii, and the Polynesian Center.

The next day, Friday, we went to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial and then shopping down on the Waikiki Beach Front and the International Market Place. That night we flew from Honolulu over to Kona.

Saturday we went grocery shopping and spent the afternoon atthe beach swimming and soaking up some sun. Sunday we went to church in Captain Cook to the Ke'ei Ward. Ruby's dad had helped build the chapel there when he was on his mission so she wanted to go see it. The ward members were so excited to have visitors because most people just go the the ward in Kona. We were a little late because we got lost and had to stop and ask directions a couple time. The last people we asked were the local firemen and they pointed us in the right direction. FYI - mapquest.com doesn't always give the most accurate directions.

Monday we went to Hawaii Volcano National Park where we watched steam come out but no lava. We also walked through a lava tube and saw the sea arch.

Tuesday we went and did inititories at the Kona Temple and then spent the afternoon at the beach.

Wednesday we went on an ATV tour called Ride the Rim. It was in the Waipio Valley and it was FUN!!! Beautiful scenery and the tour guides were lots of fun. After the tour we drove down towards Hilo and hiked Akaka Falls.

Thursday was another beach day. We went to the beach midmorning and the waves were pretty big. Alex, Ruby, and I went out swimming and then when we were trying to bet back into shore we were attacked by a couple of big waves that knocked us over and rolled us around on the bottom of the ocean. We came up covered in sand and matted hair. After that we decided to go back to the pool at the resort where we could swim without risking our lives. Friday we packed up and checked out of the resort then went shopping in downtown Kona until it was time to go out to the airport. Our flight ended up being delayed between Kona & Honolulu which made us miss our flight to LAX. We had to run through the Honolulu airport and were able to get on standby at the last flight out to SLC. We finally made it home and we had a great time. Lots of laughs and memories!

family pictures

2009-05-21T22:40:00.010-06:00

We had family pictures done at the Ranch when Ryan was out here. Here's a few for your enjoyment.

frame it!

2009-04-30T21:50:00.003-06:00

So Ruby and I signed up for a framing class through the adult education program. Here are pictures of my projects that I did over the last couple of weeks.

dream come true!

2009-04-18T11:29:00.003-06:00

I bought my ticket for George Strait!!! I'm finally seeing him in person, in concert!!! Wahoo!!!

Grand Junction

2009-04-15T23:38:00.003-06:00

Over Easter weekend I went with Mom & Dad down to Grand Junction. We had a lot of fun just exploring the city, seeing the sites, and doing some shopping. The first day we went to the Botanical Gardens and the Butterfly House.

It was kinda cool but I would suggest waiting to go to the gardens later in the spring/summer when more things are alive and blooming. The next day we went to the Museum of Western Colorado where we rode in a stagecoach, flew a small airplane, walked through a mine, talked on an old fashioned telephone, and hike up what felt like a billion stairs to the top of a tower to see the valley. (Okay so maybe not a billion stairs but my calves felt like it should have been that many the next morning!)

Next we went RV shopping for Mom and Dad. We didn't find much that they were impressed with but I found me some really cute small trailers that would be perfect for me and not that expensive either. Hmmm..... That afternoon we went out to Colorado National Monument and saw the sights there. It was beautiful!

On Sunday morning we headed home and stopped in Aldridge to have a cookout with Brandon, Marie, and the kids & Wes and Corinne for Laine's birthday. Overall it was a fun weekend and it was great to spend time with the family.

he finally came!...

2009-04-13T20:03:00.004-06:00

Ryan finally came out to visit for a long weekend. I drove up to Logan to pick up Grandpa after work on Thursday, then back down to SLC to the airport to pick up Ryan, and then we headed down to Wayne County. It was a fun weekend. We spent the days just hanging out at home, at the Ranch, and down in Aldridge. Of course Ryan can't go on a trip without having a little drama. His flight back was delayed a couple times in Detroit and then when he got to NY he had lost his wallet. But it all ended well and he got his wallet and everything back. Over all it was a great weekend and lots of fun to see him. Now it's time to plan my trip back to see him!

pictures of Ryan's visit to Utah!

2009-04-13T15:16:00.000-06:00

raise the barn!

2008-12-12T17:58:00.002-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

disco fever

2008-12-12T17:52:00.002-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

elfed!

2008-12-12T17:30:00.002-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

HE'S FINALLY COMING!!!!

2008-12-12T07:41:00.003-07:00

I had to pinch myself to make sure that I wasn't dreaming...but, its TRUE!!! George Strait is finally coming to Salt Lake! So if anyone wants to go with me let me know, start saving your money, and then we'll buy tickets when they go on sale. I'm so excited! I LOVE GEORGE!

Hawaii or Bust!

2008-12-03T08:28:00.004-07:00

It's official! I bought a plane ticket last night and I'm flying off to Hawaii!!! YEAH!!! I am going with Ruby, Alex, and Annalayne. We will spend the first two days in Waikiki and then island hop over to Kona for 7 nights. I'm so excited!

quirks

2008-11-24T20:20:00.010-07:00

Natalie tagged me a couple weeks ago with a quirks tag so I finally came up with a some. So here's some quirks about me - please don't judge... :)

1. I'm a bag junkie - big ones, medium ones, small ones, bright ones, dull ones, shiny ones, it doesn't matter. I LOVE them all. The best way to accessorize any outfit or to cheer yourself up is to have a fun stylish bag. I admit it is one of the first thing I notice about people when I meet them or pass them. It is also the first thing I look for when going into a store. It's an addiction -really, it is, but it's not one that I will be trying to quit anytime soon.

2. Along with bags I also have an addiction to necklaces, earrings, & bracelets. After looking at bags in stores I will next head to the jewelry section. Once you find a bag and jewelry then you can go find an outfit to go with them. (notice on the back of the door in this picture there is another bag hanging with my scarfs)

3. I sing in the car - and not quietly to myself. I turn up the music and belt it out. I'm pretty sure I would be the type that you would point and laugh at if you were to drive next to me or pass me. I do draw the line at dancing or busting a move in the car but I do sing - loudly.

4. I wear flip flops in the fall and winter. My feet are very claustrophobic. I really don't like wearing socks and shoes. As long as I have some flip flops on my feet will stay warm. I even have flip flop slippers.

5. When wrapping christmas gifts I like to design my own bows. Sometimes they can get pretty creative if I do say so myself. My roommate Ruby thinks I'm a little crazy when it comes to wrapping and putting bows on especially if it's just a gift for my young little nephews and niece who could care less. It's just a little flare that I like to add to it and it makes it look pretty under the tree.

6. I love FRIENDS the TV show and own all the seasons on DVD. Between my roommate & I we can pretty much say a quote or scene from any episode. So don't be suprised if when in conversation with me, I start laughing and start quoting either Ross, Chandler, Joey, Rachel, Monica or Phoebe. Just jump in and quote along with me.

I tag Marie, Whitney, Kandice, & Maureen.

FINALLY!!

2008-11-24T20:06:00.004-07:00

They finally finished fixing my ceiling! I'm pretty sure it was done in record time too - 3 weeks! Here's to hoping that nothing else happens, especially this coming month. I don't want to have to move my Christmas tree to the middle of my living room like I had to last year when the dining room flooded because of my super smart neighbors next door...

4 X 4

2008-11-19T20:26:00.003-07:00

I was tagged so here is the 4th picture from my 4th file.

This is Sawyer from last Christmas playing with the gifts under the tree! Looks like he's going to take after Marie in trying to figure out what his gifts are before Christmas!

I tag Nat, Becca, Maureen, & Whitney.

christmas music

2008-11-05T22:15:00.003-07:00

I've put some of my favorite Christmas songs on my player (the ones that I can find at least). So listen & enjoy the sounds of the holidays!!!

the joys of apartment living

2008-11-05T21:45:00.005-07:00

Last Wednesday while I was doing some baking in the kitchen I kept feeling something splashing on my toes. I thought that was a little weird as I was not doing anything with liquids and wondered where it was coming from or if I was just imagining it. But it kept happening and I finally noticed a small drip coming from our ceiling. So we called the landlord who then called the handyman who came over the next day to check it out. He went upstairs but couldn't find a leak anywhere but they did reseal their sink in case that was the problem. He said that if it got any worse to give him a call. So everything seemed fine, no more dripping for the next couple of days. Well, on Sarturday while I was cleaning the kitchen I noticed that there was a water bubble on the wall and when you looked up you could see where the water had run down the wall. I just figured it was leftovers from Wednesday so I poked a hole in it and drained out the water. Well, later that night while I was out with friends, my roommate Ruby called and said that there was a steady stream of water coming out of our ceiling. She had called the landlord who called the handyman but because it was 10 o'clock at night they couldn't come until the next morning. So we put a trash can under the stream and went to bed in hopes that the dishwasher upstairs wouldn't come crashing down in the night or that our sealing wouldn't burst open as now there was a whole rectangular area that had water sitting in it. When I got home from church on Sunday this is what I found....

Turns out that my really smart neighbors who live upstairs knew that their washer leaks, or should I say sprays water, when they turn it on and knowing this they keep the water turned off until they need to use it. Problem is that they don't do anything to fix it and didn't tell the handyman about it when he was checking things out earlier. Needless to say, the water has been pooling up. So we had to rip out the ceiling and now it has to dry for a few days which means that we have to live in this mess. Ironic that it had to happen right after I had vacuumed and mopped the floor. The joys of apartment living and not so smart neighbors. If they're not flooding us out next door and making us rip up carpet to dry then they are causing our ceiling to drip and making us rip it up to dry. Grrrrr... maybe it's time for me to get serious about buying a place of my own that's not a crap hole...

my birthday weekend

2008-10-26T16:59:00.012-06:00

For my birthday this year I took an extra two days off and went down home to Bicknell. I had a sleepover with Tal, Laine, and Sawyer Wednesday night and it was a lot of fun. We all went to dinner at the Sunglow.

Laine did her own hair-so cute! Sawyer giving high-5's, pounds, & thumb's up.

Tal & Marie laughing and having fun.

On Thursday I was supposed to go with Dad and Grandma Jensen to Richfield but Grandma came down with the flu. So when I got home on Thursday morning Dad said that I was going to spend the day with him instead and go get firewood and maybe build some fence. We went out on the North Slope to get the firewood and boy was it a ride! We crossed Carcass Creek and when I saw the condition of the road I looked at Dad to see if he was serious about driving down it. As far as I was concerned there was no longer a road just a wash with billions of boulders, the smallest being about the size of a basketball. I was a little afraid that Old Green wasn't going to make it and fall apart as we bounced across. I should have taken a picture of it but was too busy holding on and trying not to hit my head on the roof of the truck. When we finally finished that section and got to an open meadow, Dad casually stops the truck and says he better put it into 4-wheel drive. I looked at him in disbelief and said "It's going to get worse than what we just did?!" "Yep." he said with a little smirk on his face.... So below are some picture of what we then crossed in trying to get to Dewey's Upper Road where there was a log that dad wanted to get to.

Here's the part of the road that Dad put Old Green in 4-wheel drive for.

Good Ol' Green was a trooper and held together well. You can see from the sides of the tires that it was quite a little jaunt! We got the truck loaded with firewood and I was even lucky enough to see some fall colors still - not a lot but some.

On my birthday, Friday, I went to Richfield with Mom for a day of shopping. It was a lot of fun. That night Brandon, Marie, & the kids came over for homemade pizza and games. The kids liked blowing out the candles on my birthday pumpkin roll. Brandon finally had to take matters into his own hands!

Saturday we went to the holiday craft fair and that afternoon we had Tal's b-day party. It was a Knight and Princess party so we all dressed up and a make sheilds and had sword fights. It was fun and Tal loved it. He even fought and conquered the Dark Knight!

It was a good weekend and we had lots of fun! Happy b-day to me & Tal!

time to start counting down!

2008-10-14T09:13:00.004-06:00

Now that the first snow of the season has fallen I'm feeling the holidays coming!! I love this time of year! On Sunday when I drove into work with the snow falling all around and drinking hot cocoa because it was so cold outside, I was really wishing that I had my Christmas music. I know most of you are probably cringing and thinking that I'm crazy but I LOVE IT!! I even bought my first holiday decoration the other day.

(And no, I don't forget about Thanksgiving but consider it all as part of the holiday season...)

So with that being said...Let the holiday season begin!

together forever

2008-10-14T08:46:00.005-06:00

On Saturday Natalie and I drove down to Manti to go to Becca's & Joe's temple sealing. It was awesome. We went through a session first and then had the sealing after. It was wonderful to see them sealed and then to see their little boy Wesley come in dressed in a white tux was adorable. The blessings and ordinances of the temple are so beautiful! After the sealing we went out to take pictures and while waiting for everyone to group up it started snowing! So, all the pictures ended up with snowflakes and waterspots and everyone freezing! Mom came up and went through the session with us. Afterwards, she and I ran to lunch and Walmart before we all headed home. It was a fun day!

a day at work

2008-09-15T14:51:00.014-06:00

On Friday it was our quarterly department outing. We had a meeting that morning and then we went up to Solitude ski resort and played a game of frisbee golf. It was a lot of fun! For those of you who have never played it, it's a lot like golf but played with frisbees instead of golf balls (hence the name).

Niki, Dave, me

Group shot of everyone.
Back L-R: Steve, Nikol, Carly, David, David, Kelly, Jerry
Middle L-R: Jason, Allison, Niki, Anthony, me
Front L-R: Nick, Greg, Eric, Sammie, Jennifer

Hiking up to the first hole.

This is the platform that everyone has to stand on when you threw the first frisbee at the beginning of each hole. If you look close you can see an orange flag at the bottom. That's the goal - to get your frisbee in the basket with as few throws as possible. Some were a little tricky because there were trees in the way... or moose...

He was right in our path!

After throwing each time everyone had to go searching for where your frisbee landed (sometimes in trees and you had to get them down or find a new frisbee). Once the frisbees were located you got to decide as a team who had the better shot at the pin and then everyone threw from that spot.

Here's my team - go us!

Bring it on boys!

At the end of the course, which was Brighton ski resort, we added up scores (how many throws per hole) and turns out my team was victorious! We won a free day off with pay! Wahoo!

Overall, it was a great day and lots of fun! Can't wait until the next outing!

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-07T20:53:00.000-06:00

Over Labor Day weekend we got together in Logan. I had gone up to visit and spend the day with Maureen on Thursday and then everyone else came up late Thursday night or on Friday. On Friday Mom, Dad, Grandpa, & I went out to Lynn & Laurie's place and helped them dig trenches for their sprinkling system. Later that afternoon I took Mom and Laurie to get pedicures. Mom had never had one before so we had to go show her what she has been missing out on!

The rest of the weekend we spent shopping, visiting, and eating together. Grandpa has taken over for Grandma and is always planning the next meal after we just finish a meal. It's cute. Love ya gramps! It was a great weekend and it will be fun to do it all again in a couple weeks when Kandice and her family is in town!

good times!

2008-08-24T15:34:00.000-06:00

On August 14th I went down to meet up with Lisa and Alynn to see Pride & Prejudice - The Musical. Lisa had got tickets so we went for her birthday. It was a lot of fun! I was a little hesitant about it being a musical...but, it was pretty good!

I had left Salt Lake right after work to advoid rush hour traffic and figured I could easily kill some time in Provo. I ended up at the RC Willey outlet where I met and fell in love with a hutch. I was able to talk the salesman down $600 dollars and ended up buying it! It's so cute! They only problem was that it was now in Provo and I had to figure out a way to get it from there to Salt Lake since it wouldn't fit in my car. So I arranged with Dad to come up the following weekend which he agreed to. But, later I decided to see if Ray would let me borrow his truck and save my parents the trip. He agreed to let me borrow it so we did a car swap on Monday & I drove down to Provo and picked it up. Once I got it back to my apartment I enlisted the help of a couple of guys in the complex who helped me unload it. Once we got it into my apartment and tried to stand it up I found out that it was too tall!! So I had to take the legs off, stand it up, and then put the legs on it again one side at a time. But, now it's all together and looks beautiful!!!

Memory Lane

2008-08-13T07:50:00.000-06:00

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Gone Campin'

2008-08-12T20:33:00.000-06:00

Our family vacation this year was to go camping for a week up on "our mountain" - Boulder. It was a lot of fun! It was great to get away from the city and life in general and enjoy nature.

It was a week of firsts for me this week too. After 20+ years of asking Dad if I could try cutting something with his chainsaw he finally gave in and let me cut some firewood. It was fun but after sawing up one log my arms were tired! Guess I need to get back to my weight lifting class and strengthen my arms up again.

Another first was that Marie and I tried out Brandons motorcycle while he was at work one day. I have never attempted to drive it by myself. It was a challenge with my short legs but after tipping it over once, trying to start it a bazillion times andthen getting it started and killing it right off I finally succeeded. Thanks Marie for the tips and help!

Overall it was a great week. We had some rain towards the end of the week so I was able to enjoy my favorite smell of all - wet mountain, pine, & quakies. LOVE IT!!! and it makes for some fun scenic photos.

The Old Torrey Rock Church House

2008-07-12T21:11:00.000-06:00

A little piece of Torrey is changing forever on Main Street. This month they are demolishing the old Rock Chapel and building a new and larger church. It's a little sad because this is the first chapel I can remember going to. I remember back to when it was the cultural hall and the front that now has the church name was the front doors and some steps leading up to it. To the right, you walked around on the sidewalk, up 2 steps, and then to the left was another enterance to the small kitchen area or to the left to the small modular trailer where we met for sacrament meeting. I also remember seeing Santa on the front steps and performing dances and singing songs on the stage inside. I guess it's memories like these that we'll keep and the pictures that we have to remember the Old Rock Church by. It's great that Torrey Ward now needs a larger ward house but it's sad to think of no longer driving down main street and seeing this piece of Torrey history.

4th of July

2008-07-12T19:30:00.000-06:00

For the weekend of the 4th I went down home to go camping out on Boulder for the first time this summer. I so love it out there! Mom, Dad, & I worked on Friday and loaded the truck with firewood. Later that day Wes & Corinne showed up so we visited for a while and then loaded their truck with firewood too. Rob with the Forest Service showed up and for the first time ever they checked to see if Dad & Wes had wood permits. Mom had to take a picture and document the occasion! We had dinner together that night, dutch oven potatoes, chicken, & corn on the cob. Yum!

On Saturday morning we got up early and headed back into town to go to Torrey Apple Days. Ruby & Wendell came down to go to the festivities and see how us small town folk celebrate our freedoms. They came down the night before and stayed at the house so we all got ready the next morning and went down to Torrey. We watched the parade, walked through the booths on main street, and then watched Mom at sing at the patriotic program that afternoon. It was a lot of fun and great to see some people that I hadn't seen for a while. Ruby & Wendell both enjoyed and was impressed by Wayne County.

We went back out on the mountain Saturday evening. We got about halfway back and Mom remembered that she hadn't grabbed the trailer keys out of her purse so we had to turn around and go back to the house and then head out again. On Sunday we slept in and then went for a 4-wheeler ride out around Lost Springs, down past Antelope Springs and then back to camp. It was a lot of fun and some beautiful scenery.

The trailer got flat tire on the way out so we, and when I say "we" I mean Dad, had to change the tire before we could load up and go. However, the spare tire was also flat so Dad took it into town with us on Saturday and fixed it so he changed it on Sunday before we left. I offered to help... but this was the look I got...

friends, food, & fun

2008-06-29T15:19:00.000-06:00

On Friday I was able to meet up with Amberly, one of my old roommates, at Temple Square and visit with her and have dinner. We tried to convince Suzanne to call off from work and join us be she couldn't. We hadn't seen each other for year and it was fun to catch up. We got too busy chatting and I forgot to take a picture of our little get together. But after she went back to her hotel I remembered my camera in my bag so I took some pictures of the temple at dusk.

On Saturday I went with Ruby & Wendell downtown to the Farmer's Market and did a little shopping there. It was really fun and I bought some really good Asiago bread and fresh peas. It was a lot of fun and I think I might have to go down every Saturday to buy fresh produce and goodies. After we got back from Farmer's Market Ruby and I did a little yard work around the apartment (the things we do for cheaper rent...). It was the first time that Ruby had ever mowed a lawn so I had to document the special occasion for her. She did a pretty good job for a first time!

That night Ruby had invited six of her friends to Holly's house and had Wendell make dinner for us (he's a chef). It was required that if we accepted the invitation we would have to at least taste everything that was made. No excuses - unless it was for allergies. It was so good and a lot of fun. I had to take pictures of the food because it was beautiful! We started off with some Asiago Basil bread and Lemon Chocolate Mint bread served with a roasted red pepper humus. That was followed by a green spring salad with champagne vinigerette dressing. He then served a red curry beef stew that had yogurt and toasted coconut on top.

The next course sample was a cold pear ginger soup and a melon chaser. In between each course we had time to sit around and visit and let the last course digest while Wendell worked to whip up the next entree.

The fourth course was barbecued shrimped with gold, red, and candy striped beets served on the cooked beet greens. Now, you all should know that I am not a shrimp lover - at all. But being brave and sticking to the rules I tried it and it actually wasn't too bad. The flavor was great and Wendell, knowing that 3 of us didn't really like shrimp, cooked them a little longer than normal so that weren't so slimy and raw. The beets, I loved!

The fifth course was a pork tenderloin served with mashed Russian Blue potatoes, golden raspberries, and drizzled with a chipolte sauce.

We finished off the dinner with dessert which was a sample of three different taste bud delights. There was a slice of lemon pound cake with lemon curd, nutella, and red & golden raspberries. The second bite was a ginger and nut crusted graham cracker with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and red cinnamon sprinkles. Last but not least was a grilled peanut butter and orange marmalade sandwich with maple drizzled over it. It was all so good and we all pretty much waddled out of there when it was all done. Wendell did a great job and was always willing to explain to us what he was doing and serving and answer any questions we had. It was a fun night and if anyone is needing a dinner or event catered you should really check into hiring Wendell - it's totally worth it!

I must say that it's nice to have Ruby dating a chef because some nights I benefit from it when they cook dinner. I offered to cook a meal for them, to make up for all of their food that I've eaten, but I have to admit, I'm a little intimidated to have Wendell there watching. Guess we'll see how that goes!

fun @ the Gateway

2008-06-18T21:41:00.000-06:00

Lisa & Tanya called me today and invited me to meet them and hang out at the Gateway. We took the little kids to the Olympic fountain and let them play in the water for a bit. It was fun to hang out with them since we don't get to do it very often anymore. Love you girls- it's always fun when we can get together!

father's day weekend

2008-06-16T23:19:00.000-06:00

I went home for Father's Day and surprised Dad. Only Brandon & Marie knew that I was coming (they totally begged me and then used the guilt card on me). I left on Friday at about 2 and ended up surprising them out on the mountain where they were having a BBQ. I am so ready to go camping after being out there!! On Saturday we went down to Capitol Reef and played in the water then had a hot dog roast that night in the yard and looked at the stars and moon when they appeared. (Thanks Ryan for the use of your old telescope that was in the basement.) We also pulled out the croquet set and relived old childhood memories. On Sunday we had a family dinner and invited Grandma Jensen out to join us. We had a great weekend hanging out together.