with a dash of blue

Sea of love

2012-02-21T01:41:00.000-08:00

A few weeks before Valentine's Day I found a cute blog post about a girl who for father day made her dad a bunch of felt hearts and hid them around the house where he'd find them. So as I was alone for a few weeks I decided to do something similar for the love in my life. I also added a felt post card and a vase for collection. Surprisingly, Mark didn't think it was dorky and lame and was so excited every time he found a new heart that day. Also, I think he was surprised I knew twenty places around the house he looks everyday.

Mark had gotten home the night before from a being away and in and out of the hospital for a few days so it made the day a little extra special.

Speaking of separations...

When Mark left me to come to Italy I had a ton of extra time on my hands and I missed him so, of course, I did a lot of Pinterest searching and found this idea and made it. It was super fun so make and I didn't even have a terrible time think of 52 reasons! We must be newlyweds!

Anyway I just came across these pictures and realized I hadn't posted them yet. I thought they were fitting for a Valentine's post though.

True Love.

2012-02-10T23:16:00.000-08:00

This is what I hope 62 years of marriage does to us too!

A diamond in the rough

2012-02-03T01:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I walked into a craft store for the first time in over 4 months and I was over come with emotion. Literally, I thought I was going to have a panic attack. For some reason when I walked in I had this overwhelming feeling that this place was some sort of secret society and I was going to have to go through some sort of initiation process to be let in. There was very few people there but the building was HUGE so I was timid walking through the first few sections before I saw anyone.

I don't know how else to explain this experience. For someone who since birth has been doing projects with her mother and in more recent times a pinterest addict, being deprived of a craft store has been near torture. BUT to my surprise I heard about a hidden jewel just down the street from me. Off the beaten path and still no Michael's this place was like heaven on earth to me. I wanted to touch everything. Every little thing was so beautiful to me I could have almost cried.

I have been searching since I got here to Italy to find somewhere I could even buy something as simple as ribbon but have had no luck. The only thing they even have at the american stores I have access to is scrapbook stuff which just has not kept me occupied. I have to buy everything online until this. This store has an enormous garden section, a craft section, a home decor section and even a pet store (which was kind of weird but...).

Mark is going to have to rearrange the budget for this find. So overjoyed! Worked on a few valentine projects all night last night!

Viridea = heaven

Precious words.

2012-01-25T23:42:00.001-08:00

All I want for Christmas is you...

2011-12-27T01:01:00.000-08:00

Our two baby Christmas trees

No fireplace but we made it work.

all done!

Homemade chocolate chip and banana pancakes

Homemade Egg Nog

My first chocolate pecan pie! So yummy!

In the kitchen all weekend and loving it!

We wanted to have something italian as a part of our meal. Caprese was the right choice.

Dinner Menu

Caprese
Fresh Tomato Soup
Pear, Almond and Goat Cheese Salad
Pan Fried String Beans
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Oh Holy Night

2011-12-25T23:47:00.000-08:00

This year Mark and I spent a lot of our holiday season discussing traditions we'd like to keep from our families and traditions we'd like to create together. Family traditions seem a little difficult when there is just the two of us sitting across the dinner table staring at each other, especially because the two of us are so used to our big family celebrations during this time of the year. But, after all, this was our first Christmas together and you only get one of those so we wanted to make it count.

We first planned a four day snowboarding trip and when we only made it through day one due to an infection Mark had acquired we had to reevaluate our time off. After a several days of watching Mark recover I started planning holiday meals. I love finding new recipes or rather seeing new pictures of food that I can recreate. One of Mark's family traditions, on Christmas Eve night, is to have a simple meal that somewhat resembles what Mary and Joseph may have eaten in their day. I was so excited I started preparing food on Friday!

The meal went beautifully. We invited some friends over to share, read The Living Christ and ate hummus to our hearts content. It was lovely.

This cheese I made the night before but didn't get a picture of it on the table when it looked prettier for some reason.

I made everyone eat off of baking paper because I felt it more fitting than any of my modern dishes. I'm pretty sure we all ate with our hands also because we all felt that that was better but to be considerate of guests I did set the table with utensils.

Bethlehem Dinner Menu

Garlic-Cumin Hummus & Pita
Black and Green Olives
Farmers Cheese
Dates
Cucumber Yogurt Salad
Sfeeha
Grape Juice

I was a little nervous for the outcome of this, Sfeeha, but everyone loved it and the men wanted seconds!

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

I can't wait to do this again!

...

2011-12-13T05:55:00.000-08:00

Lost all evidence of memories I've captured over the past ten years of my life.
Slipped on my way down the stairs.
Scattered shell pasta all over the kitchen floor.
Ripped my shirt.
Found a worm inside my house and a rotten orange at the bottom of the fruit bowl. Gross.

Life is hard. And I'm so glad i have someone to hold my hand and kiss me goodnight through it all.

T&T

2011-12-10T05:18:00.000-08:00

Two things that I do not love are Twilight and Taylor Swift. Now I know most of you are thinking "BLASPHEMY" but it really is true and I'm not just saying that to sound cool I just really don't.

Now also notice that I said "do not love", not hate. Twilight did have a mildly entertaining story line and Taylor occasionally touches on a feeling that every girl has felt one time in her life leaving a line or two on my mind. But for the most part I have no strong feelings toward either subject.

Nonetheless I have come across two videos that I wanted to share. And if you share my feelings one you can turn the volume completely off and the next you can close your eyes during the especially twilight-y parts except for the wedding scenes which I myself found quite beautiful.

This first video can be watched in silence. Although I can relate to the message and the melody is cute, the lyrics are fairly juvenile and overdone by Taylor herself but the video is what really got me and really it wasn't till the end that in an instant I was bawling. I also sort of wish the female lead was Zoey Deschanel. Shout out to her new show New Girl. Hilarious.

This second video is just the song. The lyrics are simple but I feel they are a perfect mix with her voice, the music and the presentation. Also I have been loving ballads as of late.

enjoy.

Home sweet Italy

2011-12-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

Last week we enjoyed our first house guests. Our dear friend Tanner and our new friend Lucy decided on a whim to have a week long italian adventure and we were their tour guides! It was a very full and exhausting week but we were sad to see them go.

So here is a glimpse of what could be yours if you can just convince yourself to click that purchase button we all know your mouse has been hovering over since the day we extended our welcome.

Monday night we took them to the best pizza in Vicenza. (Also the best pizza in all of Italy if you ask me!)

Tuesday I decided we'd have a train adventure and so we journeyed to Venice where I had only been once before myself and hadn't explored much. This time we took the Grand Canal Safari Tour boat (pretty sure I just made the safari part up) which pretty much allowed us to see all the major sites of Venice from the water. It was a beautifully sunny day and it being the end of november the hordes of tourists had calmed a bit. Next we took an enchanting gondola ride with a gondolier named Diego who sang and cracked jokes he himself didn't understand! Yep, that's right, I can now cross that off my bucket list. Say it with me, gondola ride through the watery canals of Venice. Done. Although my sweet Mark was far away at work and that probably would have made it a bit more enjoyable. But I did have a great time being the head navigator for the first couple of days before Mark was able to join us.

Photo props to Tanner

Wednesday I drove the babies to Florence for the day. Mmm Florence how I love thee. This time we climbed to the top of Il Duomo for a tantalizing view of the gorgeous city. I myself enjoyed the city for the second time just as much as the first.

Thursday was the beginning of the real fun because Mark and our brother Brian were able to join us on a road trip to Rome! We love going on trips with Brian because he is always sure to make the most out of every minute of the journey. On the way we drove through a few old towns and a volcano. Rome was full of beautiful things and even more beautiful was that Mark surprised me with a brand new camera to capture it all.

And, of course, on the way home Brian took the long way... meaning Monte Argentario (an island off the west coast of Italy), San Gimignano (a medieval town known for it's many towers that have the appearance of skyscrapers from several kilometers away), Sienne and Pisa!

All in all it was a great way to spend our time with our first lovely visitors.

And as always when the traveling was done we were glad to be back in our comfy home and have yet again sworn off hotel rooms, vacations and too much pizza for a while.

But we all know that won't last long... especially the pizza.

Ciao!

2011-11-30T21:20:00.000-08:00

" I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. "

Dr. Seuss

MIA no more...

2011-11-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry! So here is my excuse...

About three weeks ago Mark and I got on a bus and drove through the beautiful and enchanting land of Austria all the way to Landstuhl, Germany. No seriously, it was incredible. Well not the 12 hour bus ride so much but the view. While in Germany for Mark to get his eyeballs scrubbed and cleared we had took the opportunity to travel around a bit. During our time there we were able to visit

Metz, France

Trier, Germany

Brussels, Belgium

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Frankfurt, Germany

Heidelberg, Germany

So to spare you an enormous blog post I compiled the best of the two weeks for your enjoyment.

Highlights:

Metz, France was insanely precious. Everyone was dressed like 80s rockers. I don't think any of the teenagers go to school. Purple church. Two rivers merging forming an island. Swans (no kidding). So much fall foliage. Beautiful garden arrangements. Gothic Cathedrals.

In Brussels there was a statue called 'Manneqiun pis' and it's basically exactly what it sounds like, a small fountain of a little boy peeing. See below for the graphic details. Sorry for making this post R rated.

In Frankfurt we were able to attend the temple which was as always the best. I love being inside the temple with my darling husband. After the temple we were took an elevator up to the top of the highest building in Frankfurt and kissed in the clouds. Literally.

Heidelberg was probably my favorite city. Mark had lived there before so he showed me around where he used to live and then we went into the city. We ate lunch there. Oh and btw I love German food. The city very quaint with a castle above on a hill keeping watch and a pretty incredible bridge

The End.

Here I come with a second

2011-10-28T01:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's official. After weeks and weeks of brainstorming with Mark and jotting down ideas and food photo shoots I am finally ready for my second blog to make it's debut! I know, now I'm one of those with more than one blog but I couldn't resist. Once the idea came to me it consumed my thoughts and I knew it was only a matter of time until it would happen. So without further delay...

Cleanse your Palette

making every meal a masterpiece

http://cleanseyourpalette.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

or should I say

Bon Appetit!

all hallows eve

2011-10-24T03:31:00.000-07:00

This image was borrowed from http://www.everett-white.com/index.php?showimage=36

The Halloween countdown clock has fallen to a slim 7 days. This is the time I'd have finally settled on a costume design and would be at a craft store somewhere gathering supplies. This, my friends, may be the very first year I have not been completely preoccupied for the entire month of October brainstorming ideas for the best costume ever.

So what, I love Halloween.

Mark doesn't like Halloween. But I am dressing all my babies up for Halloween every year no matter what he says. I always try to explain to him that even though Halloween is now full of skanks and devil worshiping it doesn't have to be and that is not why Halloween exists. We can be in the world but not of the world, my sweet.

Halloween is that magical time of year when you show appreciation to Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parkers greatest collaboration and to Mr. Burton. It is when you gather your besties to find the worlds scariest haunted house to feel the adrenaline and excitement of almost peeing your pants. And you do it together to build trust and to strengthen your friendships. Halloween time is when the leaves are changing and you go on romantic drives up the picturesque canyons with your latest darling in the seat next to you. Halloween time is when you bundle up in your cutest jacket, boots and scarf because it's starting to get a little too chilly. Halloween time is when you get to start making soups and warm breads and your best cider or chai tea. Halloween time, my dear friends, is the best time to begin a new relationship when there is beauty all around and cuddling is basically mandatory. Some may just call it fall but isn't winter in December so much more enchanting when we call it Christmas time?

To celebrate this year I will be on a bus for twelve hours for a two week venture to Germany. More fun than a costume? Maybe. But I can't seem to get past the idea of not having the opportunity to decide who/what to be. Still, I will get to do everything else I love. And I'll get to include some new adventures. And this year I have a permanent darling instead of just the latest.

So here's to Halloween time past and present. May all your masquerades, apple bobbing, tricks and treats be merry and bright.

Firenze

2011-10-17T03:44:00.000-07:00

"If the stones of Florence could talk, they would speak of love affairs and murderous plots, jealousy and treacherous consequences. The narrow, bricked streets would still echo with the footsteps of the famous artists who once called Florence home, for it was here that creative masters like Michelangelo, Donatello and Brunelleschi gave birth to the Renaissance. "

I love this description. And I felt while there that it is very true.

Florence was incredible. Having just taken a day trip we definitely did not spend enough time there. I'm not sure how to put into words how it felt to be walking around such a historic and beautiful city filled with magnificent architecture and works of art from street to sky. The city was still buzzing with artists in studios and in the street feeding off of the beauty and creativity that is so dense in the air that you could barely escape it if you were running from it.

I feel I need to go back to explore every building, every tunnel and every bridge in it's wholeness. I need to be one of those artists there, like Michelangelo or Leonardo Da Vinci. There in Florence I felt their inspiration and their fire.

I hope my things get here quickly so I can return sketchbook and paintbrush in hand.

I was really closing my eyes because the sun was so bright but I thought this turned out kinda funny because of the giant naked statue behind me.

Il Duomo

Mid-afternoon snack

A stop at Hard Rock Cafe which was fun until we remembered how much yummier italian food is.

There were wood shops and Pinocchios everywhere. It turns out the author of the story lived in Florence.

A place of our own

2011-10-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

In a week and a half Mark and I will celebrate 4 months of marriage bliss. Through the months we've struggled a lot with instability in not being settled into our own home. As we've been very appreciative of the homes we've been welcomed into we are so excited to finally say that we have signed a lease to our very first home and in one week from today we will be able to move in and finally start a normal life. Well as normal as it can get here in Italy.

Our new home is part of a huge house that a rich couple owns. The couple lives in the largest section of the house and our townhome is on the back of it along with the gardeners home. To get to the house you have to drive through a locked gate with a camera so we can see who we're letting in. (this makes me feel rich.) Inside the gate is a small orchard and the house with lots of grass, a garden and lots of open space. The house is powered mostly by solar energy which was one of the big selling factors also that it is brand new. Our unit is two stories, 2 bedrooms and a study area, 3 bathrooms, a huge kitchen and the living room has huge windows to let in lots of light as you can see. In the front area there they are putting up a trellis about ten feet out from the window for even more privacy and more space for a small garden. In total we have 1600 sq. ft. of space that is all ours and I couldn't be happier or more excited!

In lieu of housewarming gifts we will accept Ikea gift cards.

Foodie

2011-10-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

I think one of the things I missed most when Mark was gone was that I never had the opportunity to cook for him. I've been meaning to blog more about food and cooking since I've been here making lunch and dinner for Mark everyday but we always seem to eat all of our food before I get a chance to photograph it. So here is the first in what I hope to be many flogs. (food + blog, I may or may not have just made that up)

I have had many a bean burger in my life but have never really made many myself. So last week while planning our menu weekly menu I decided that I'd take a crack at it. After researching different methods here is what I came up with and if I do say so myself it's probably one of the best I've had, right behind that one my little sister Kayla made once...

Bean Burgers

Patty:
1 can whole black beans, mashed (it just occurred to me in this moment that you could probably just use refried black beans...)
1/4 cup salsa
1 egg
2 slices of bread chopped into tiny pieces
1 1/2 tbls chili pwd. (Mark and I just found this heavenly McCormick chipotle chili powder and I highly recommend it if you can find it)
1/2 jalapeno pepper chopped

Toppings:
6 slices Cheddar cheese
sliced tomato
sliced onion
sliced red pepper

12 leaves of lettuce for the buns

Directions:
Mix all of the patty ingredients together in a bowl. Pour about a spoonful of olive oil in a frying pan set to medium high. Scoop a large spoonful of patty mixture in the pan and mush it down to shape the patty (I know really technical). Fry for about a minute and a half and then flip with a spatula.

Prepare your toppings while the patty is cooking.

Arrange a large lettuce leaf on a plate and when your patty is done lay it on top of the lettuce. Arrange topping as desired and then the second leaf of lettuce on top.

Makes 6 burgers.

And only about 2 weeks or so till I have a kitchen of my very own in a beautiful house in Vicenza, Italy!

Little Monsters

2011-10-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

This morning Mark found out that he had "staff duty" aka he has to work for 24 hours straight aka he's been gone for the entire day and night. So while I was on post today running a few errands I decided to check out the craft supply options. After a long search I didn't find anything except for scrap booking supplies, so I grabbed a stack of paper and a glue pen and headed home. While trying to get my creative juices flowing (spending way too much time on Pinterest) I came across a cute idea.

Introducing my new monster bookmarks

I made a few because I don't know about you but I'm always reading five books at once and also because of the many many hours of free time I had today.

Swiss Cheese

2011-10-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

I feel the need to preface this post with an apology for the less than mediocre photography. My current living situation has left me without a USB hookup for my camera, so all of these pictures are again from my iphone (not to bash Mr. Jobs in any way for he has created incredible things for us all and although iphones are capable of some pretty great photography, it and the user me mostly are not always on the same wave length at times and my lack of patients all results in my having some barely tolerable shots).

Now that that is all out of the way and I've done my duty as a human being to pay homage to our dear deceased apple friend I will get into more exciting things like the fantastic weekend (second or maybe even third honeymoon or temple expedition).

After finding out last week that Mark had a four day weekend we decided it would probably be a good idea if we took a trip to the temple. Being that the closest temple to us is in Bern, Switzerland we decided to head north to the land of banks and neutrality.

Now let me tell you something about Mark, he's a man, so he pretty much wears the same outfit everyday. (was that sexist?) While packing I asked Mark what he thought he needed for the trip. Insert: I should tell you now that our trip was scheduled for two nights. So Mark manages to slip 4 shirts, a pair of shorts and a pair of pants (mind you this will end up being his second pair of pants for the trip because of the pair he had on for the drive.) He brought more clothes than I did... and I won't even get in to how many pairs of underwear he managed to get in the bag...

When we woke up friday morning it was raining meaning that our drive through the Alps was probably going to be unpleasant or even more likely dangerous. After declaring that the trip was canceled we had somewhat of a touching experience praying together that the roads might clear so that we could be at the temple together once again. As you can see in the picture below our prayers were heard and somehow despite the severe and heavy snow warnings we had blue skies almost the entire trip.

Our first real adventure after we were all packed and in the car took us through the Gotthard Road Tunnel which happens to be the third longest road tunnel in the world at 17 km.

The drive to Bern took just about 6 hours even with the traffic of the road tunnel and so we got to the temple around 1730 which gave us just enough time to make sandwiches in the car and make it to the last session of the day. The session was in German and about 3/4 of the room, like us, were wearing headphones after all there was probably about 5 or 6 different languages represented in the room. It was a neat experience witnessing all of our different cultures join together for one purpose, and that being to serve our divine creator.

Saturday morning we again made our way, from our hotel room this time, back to the temple to participate in sealings. When we walked through the door the old man at the recommend desk gave us a curious look and then, trying to guess what language we spoke, said "Bonjour!". He must have been inspired though because the sealings we participated in were done in french which again was pretty fun and a neat experience.

After our french morning we wanted to explore Bern a little. We drove into the city center found parking and walked around for a few hours. I think the moment we started walking the cobblestone streets of Bern was the first time I really felt fully the magic of travel since I've been here in europe. There we found

Lots of shopping! including no joke probably 7 H&Ms within 5 minutes of each other.

Lots of Swiss flags and cobblestone streets

A famous clock.

A beautiful parliament building

A giant chess board

and Einsteins house!! See him standing in the window.

But most delicious of all it was here in the center that we found heaven on earth in the form of a cheese festival and if you know me or Mark at all you know that cheese is probably one of our favorite things in the world. I've never met a cheese I didn't like.

Isn't he adorable?

After our Bern adventure we decided to drive out to a little town called Neuchatel where Mark's sister lived for a time for a study abroad. We just drove through but it was a beautiful town with beautiful building and on the edge of a beautiful lake.

The hotel we stayed in was not in Bern because I have an amazing sister with amazing connections we stayed in a hotel about an hour from Bern in a city called Basel. I'll fill you in on the hotel in a bit but for now I'll tell a funnier story.

Munster Cathedral in Basel

After Neuchatel, making our way back to Basel and visiting the Munster Cathedral, really the only site to see in Basel, we walked into town to find some dinner which was not as easy as we had hoped. We had to walk around for a while to even find restaurants and the ones we did find were either full of drunkards, soon to be drunkards or way too expensive so we finally settled on a little Italian pizzeria. We were pretty much at the end of our day having had a full and busy day so we were a little worn out and very ready for dinner. The menu there was all in German so we could only make out some of the words. The pizza I ordered looked like it was going to be a winner with artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and something else that I couldn't make out but was sure it'd be something normal like oregano or another cheese of some sort, maybe even some kind of fancy olive... I was wrong... oh I was so wrong... sardines. Sardines is what I got. It was the most disgusting pizza I have ever had. Mark almost threw up and then we had to pay 20 francs for the dang thing...

So now for the hotel. We stayed at a Courtyard Marriott for 35 francs (francs are almost equal to dollars right now just fyi) The room was beautiful, the newly designed lobby was beautiful, the TV said our name to welcome us, the free breakfast was amazing...

... but most amazing was the water park next door. Ya I said it, water park! So apparently in Germany (yes I realize we were not in Germany but we were in the German part of Switzerland) they have what they call "pool houses" and as a witness they are amazing! This place was almost all indoor, had 7 different water slides one of which we went down like 17 times together, three indoor lounging pools, a wave pool, a sort of river water slide thing, a pool that was heated and you entered it inside but then went outside into the freezing cold where they had a cave under a waterfall, spas, steam rooms, saunas and even a special "adult room" that we walked in and out of pretty quickly... They gave you your own luscious robe to wear on your way in, not like you know by all the nudity in the male/female locker rooms though. It was so much fun! Oh and did I mention this was all free because we got the associate rate! Yeah, FREE!!!

Sunday morning came too fast but we did get one last adventure in before heading home. We attended a Swiss branch where they gave us headphones and the American missionary spoke into a microphone and translated for us. It was fun to hear the testimonies of that small branch including that of a 107 year old woman who was nearly deaf and blind.

That was the end of our Swiss adventure. I feel so blessed to be here in Europe and am so excited for all the adventures that await us.

Oh ya, and besides his suit Mark wore the same outfit all weekend.

The end.

View Larger Map

That's Amore..

2011-10-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Last night Mark and I had our first italian date night. It was magical. No seriously, not just because we are at last together but imagine walking around the streets of a beautiful foreign country with magnificent architecture in the moonlight holding hands with your beloved. Yeah, it was pretty much a dream.

Mark and I ate at "the best pizzeria in all of Vicenza". It really was pretty delicious. We went to dinner around 6:30 but the restaurant wasn't even open because apparently italians don't do dinner till late, but the chef had us sit down anyway and they served us. It turned out to be sweet because when we sat down we were the only two on the deck outside and they turned on some romantic music and only one other person came during the time that we were there.

For a starter we had proscuitto and melon and then each ate our own pizza.

It was a beautiful night and I feel so blessed to be with my sweet husband again.

A beautiful composition

2011-10-01T00:39:00.000-07:00

This somehow fell together on my comforter last night and I couldn't resist preserving it. In fact when it happened I couldn't stop staring or asking Mark if I was crazy for being so amazed. Just stop and stare a little while.

Combat boots & sparkly sandals

2011-09-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

There is something so special and beautiful about seeing mine and Mark's things living together. I especially love passing by the wardrobe and seeing my dress hanging next to his suit.

Today this happened...

... and it almost made me cry.

Bella Lana.

2011-09-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

On our trip this weekend while driving up the Autostrada to the mountains we saw a sign that said 'Lana' and to prove how much we love Lana Bown we pulled off and circled around to find as many Lana signs as we could find!

So here's to you Lana! We love you! and so does Italia!

Italia

2011-09-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

For some reason I don't know how to start this post, is it boring to start out with the plane ride across the pond? Is it lame to talk about the moment I saw my husband again and how it felt as if I were in a dream kissing him and being close to him, finally? Should I just jump right in to my first hour in Venice eating what was one of the most delicious pizzas I've every sunk my teeth into? Maybe I'll just skip the first few uneventful days and jump right to the weekend.

After a few days of house hunting and adjusting to the time difference I decided it was best to take Brian (Mark's brother) up on his offer for a little road trip up to a national park. We packed our bathing suits, tennis shoes, light sweaters and snacks and jumped in the car headed toward the mountains (which happen to be the Alps I might add). In the first hour we already found ourselves sidetracked, mostly because there was for some reason tons of traffic and secondly because Mark kept screaming, " I want pizza!" from the back seat. Our first stop was a city called Verona. Verona is apparently where the fictional character Juliet was lived before she met her tragic end. We ate pizza here in between some sort of roman museum that would have probably been very interesting to go inside and a river. It was pretty perfect if you ask me.

Verona

Please excuse the Iphone pictures.

We stopped a bunch of times along the way for photo ops but our next long stop wasn't until we were almost 3000 meters up in the alps. It was FREEZING!!! We had to stop though because it was something like the highest point of something or other and everyone else was stopping too. There we got brats at a little stand, comparable to a hot dog stand in NY and let me tell you they were THE best I have ever tasted, EVER.

This was supposed to be the highpoint of the trip. The journey here was full of amazing scenery, beautiful landscape, storybook villages, castles and tiny cottages. So we started our drive back down the mountain and then... there was a sign for St. Moritz and the boys couldn't handle themselves, we HAD to go no matter what. So we drove another hour and a half or so into Switzerland and stayed in a hotel in the little town, which is supposedly the highest inhabited valley in the Alps, also the Olympics were held here twice (hence the boys wiggling in their seats).

Sunday Morning we made our way back which I think was more beautiful than the day before. This side of the mountains was all green and quite breathtaking. We also passed Lake Como which made the boys happy again because George Clooney is supposed to have a home there.

This has to be where the Lochness Monster lives

All in all it was a fun little trip and I appreciated really grasping how accessible everything here in Europe is. I am so excited and feel so blessed to be here.

Visualizzazione ingrandita della mappa

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-09-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

Everyone in my entire family has matching stockings. I'm talking brothers, sisters, mom, dad, nieces and nephews everyone. One year for Christmas we had about twenty stocking all different colors but the same pattern hung up over our fireplace. My mom started making us each a stocking for our first Christmas after she'd had a few kids and so the tradition has just carried on. This means that if anyone gets married or has a baby they have the opportunity to make our new family member a stocking to match the rest.

I feel that stocking making is some sort of right of passage, like now you're a real grown up because you have your own family and here's the proof. So today I made my very first stocking. It was so exciting (serious) and now I feel that we are truly married and he is really a part of my family.

To start you make basically two little stocking shaped pillows and then sew them together. So as you can see the inside is red and as you can't see it has gold sparkles!

Then to add the toe and heel and a little bling to outline.

Next I added the cuff with a ruffle. Don't worry, boy stockings are allowed to have ruffles.

Sew on some extra bling for the hanger...

write the name with ultra sparkly gold glitter glue and...
VOILA!
I should have used a better camera but I really love the way it turned out.

I think our stockings are in love. Mine looks so dingy next to his bright, beautiful new one.

Now we are all ready for our first Christmas in Paris... or wherever we decide to be! But doesn't Christmas in Paris sound like a dream?

I'm coming home...

2011-09-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

A year ago today Mark kissed me for the first time. It was honestly by far the most amazing and luscious kiss I had ever experienced. Serious.

A year ago tomorrow Mark said, "Вы - моя секретная подруга" (you're my secret girlfriend). We've been together basically ever since.

Mark is my dream, my prince, my husband, my life. I love him more than words can express and in 14 days from today I will return home to him to a place I've never been.

Yes, I said it!

14 Days.

color my world

2011-09-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Since I have been living here at my parents house I have been in a room that is half full of things that aren't mine. One day about a month or so ago I was making sure I had all of my things out of all the corners of the room while packing up for the movers and I found a little pink box in the top of the closet. In the box among a few other things I found a little set of watercolors. This box was not mine but I decided it'd be ok to take the set for a little adventure. The set was just one of those that your teacher passed out to the class in third grade but it sparked something in me. I had never really painted with watercolor except maybe in elementary school but these eight little colors made me excited. After one failed attempt I realized that no matter how innocent this cute little set of watercolors looked painting with them was tough. After playing around with consistency and a couple more crumpled up papers I created my first masterpiece.

HA! I had just bought a new bottle of Nutella and for some reason it was on my desk and the first thing I saw when I glanced around the room for inspiration. It actually turned out to be a really good practice piece because of all the hard lines.

I wish I had taken pictures of a few of the other ones I've done between then and now but they are on their way to Italy at the moment so here is a couple I did today...

Lemons.

hummingbird.

I think I'm doing alright for being a beginner. I have realized that I really love watercolor especially for the moments when I've been inspired by something but I don't really have 6 hours to break out the oils. Watercolors are pretty fast and simple and they can be so beautiful.

That's all.

it's all gone

2011-09-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been filled with so many ups and downs you wouldn't believe. I feel like the army changes their mind everyday. It's like my in-laws have always told me "The army never lies, the truth just changes".

I guess the biggest piece of solid news is that all of our things were shipped last week. Three creepy guys with missing teeth and cigarette smoke infested clothing packaged all of our things up, put them into two huge crates, nailed them up and drove away. In that moment I felt relief that, that part of the move was over and that things were moving forward but I also felt strange that I was so eager to hand my life of possessions over to these strangers. Hopefully it will all come out on the other side alright.

The movers wrote a list of everything they packed so that I'd have a checklist on the other side. I think the list read something like this:

1. Books

2. Painting

3. Books

4. Legos

5. Books

6. Clothing

7. Painting

8. Books

9. Legos

10. Legos

11. Easel

12. Bedding

13. Books

14. Legos

15. Books

16. Books

...

(you get the picture)

My husband is adorable.

Despite these strangers unappealing appearance they did handle everything with great care and I think they packaged everything beautifully. The Caldwell's lawn by midday was covered in charmingly cute packages each with our name and it's contents written on the outside. It was quite a fun experience to have someone else pack all of my things while I just watched lazily by.

I think they're cute at least...

So today I am happy because I may be seeing Mark very soon. We'll have to wait and see what tomorrow will bring.

Let our souls intertwine

2011-08-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been driving and suddenly you realize that every song that has played and is playing at that moment was meant for you to hear that day, the lyrics perfectly describe the way you feel at that moment. Have you ever had one of those days where music was the answer to finding your inner peace? Have you ever had one of those days that all you want to do is lay in the middle of a room full of music with your eyes closed and your arms and legs sprawled out as if you were absorbing every note, every word?

Well, I did today. So here is me sharing my soul with you...

Have a listen...

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

A wish

2011-08-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

A few years ago before I traveled to Peru my mother said something to me that has never left me.

"I just don't get why people want to leave to country."

That evening I wrote down as to never forget "Life is to experience".

This is what I wish for my life. To always move. To always experience. To always dream. To always explore. To never be content standing still.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

All by myself

2011-08-05T06:58:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it's good to be alone. Sometimes I like it.

I want to grow old with you

2011-07-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

I do believe that since Mark came into my life our story has been something out of a movie. I can honestly say that even with all the complications every day that passes our life together becomes more and more spectacular. Even though I may have always imagined my married life to be something like this...

... I don't think I would ever change a thing. I cannot wait to grow old with the most perfect companion in the world. I miss Mark like crazy but unlike this movie we are soon going to be so blessed to be able to live the dreams that fill our adventure book.

Here comes the sun...

2011-07-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Breakfast has to be my favorite meal by far. I love preparing breakfast, I love eating breakfast, I love thinking about new things I could eat for breakfast, I love thinking about new things I could mix with my eggs. I adore breakfast.

Sometimes sitting down to a steamy bowl of oatmeal, honey, nuts and a huge glob of Nutella with a side of granola and yogurt and maybe a glass of ice cold chocolate milk just says, "This is going to be a great day".

This morning I made myself a toasted piece of sourdough bread and couldn't help but smother it in some spinach, crispy bacon, roasted tomatoes, two perfectly fried eggs and gooey melted havarti cheese and of course to follow I poured myself a glass of creamy milk.

Now I just need a husband to serve and a kitchen of my own to cook in.

Soon.

Tears & Toothpaste

2011-07-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

When Mark left I needed a new tube of toothpaste. While sorting through and packing up some of my things I found a few 1 ounce tubes. I grabbed one of the tubes and decided then that this tube of toothpaste was going to get me through this terrible separation and told myself that at the end of it I would be on my way to Mark.

Apparently I use more toothpaste than I thought and was also maybe being a little too hopeful for the future. So here I am, 2 weeks since I last touched him, nearing the end of my tube and I still have no idea when I can join my husband.

Tomorrow we have officially been married for 1 month and of the 30 days we have been apart for 15. Sad? Yes. Very.

But being "single-married" is still way better than just being plain old single that's for sure.

Potato chips

2011-07-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

The night Mark asked me to marry him he took me to a restaurant downtown called Bambara. I think Bambara made me fall in love with Mark just a little bit more. They have extraordinary food, simple and elegant but not too over the top fancy.

Our favorite appetizer is their 'Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips'. They are simple but so comfortable and upper class all at the same time. Yesterday as I was contemplating lunch I decided " I could do that" so of course I did!

After studying the best way to make homestyle potato chips I discovered this dish was going to be amazingly easy, which most of the best recipes are.

They turned out great! The only thing I would have done differently was melting the cheese on it's own and then pouring it over the chips instead of melting it in the oven. The oven burnt some of the edges of the chips and crisped the top of the cheese.

I didn't get a great picture of the finished product because I was too excited to eat them but here are the fabulous potato chips!

Today I am going to try homestyle salt and vinegar chips because they're Mark's favorite.

I'm a wife!

2011-07-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Oh hey, guess what?

MARRIED!

I just finished that huge blog about the Grand Canyon and death and all of that so to describe how absolutely and totally happy I am to be married to the most wonderful and perfect husband in the universe is I will make this list and hopefully convince all you single kids that being and getting to go out and party every night isn't such a sweet deal:

10 Immediate bonuses to being sealed for time and all eternity:

1. You get a pile of presents bigger than Christmas morning and more importantly you get loads of free money. Like for a second you feel like you won the lottery... until you think of all the things you actually NEED to buy but even then it's still fun because you get to go on a shopping spree and getting to buy tons of things you need is still way more fun than buying one darling shirt that you can't live without.
2. You always have enough white clothing items to wash so you never have to wait two weeks to wash that one white undershirt you have that you always just end up putting in the load with your jeans because you get impatient and now it's slightly blue
3. Sex, I mean common let's just be honest.
4. I totally sweet excuse for a two week vacation with your favorite person even if it's just a private room at your in-laws for most of it it's still the best vacation you've ever been on (refer back to the previous bonus)
5. You never have to go to bed alone again and you get to kiss your true love goodnight and good morning ( I could also put another reference here to # 3 again just sayin'...) Also this one truly is only good until your husband leaves to Italy at the end of your two week vacation.
6. You always have a temple partner and it's basically the best temple partner you could ever dream of.
7. You feel like you should make your bed every morning as part of your getting ready routine which may sound like a chore but then you think about why your blankets are all messy (if you know what I mean) and that you'll be able to climb into a made bed that night which really who doesn't love that.
8. You always have something to do on the weekends and you never have to feel like the one they left out because all you want to do is cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie and think of all the fun places you participate in bonus 3.
9. You always have someone to bounce ideas off of and to work things out with. Your decisions immediately affect someone else so you become a lot smarter than the day before.
10. Probably the best reason ever is that you get to be in love and you get to be in love every second of every day and you don't care who knows or if your friends are being annoying or mean at the moment you just have a beautiful person that you care about more than you care about yourself to have with you by your side for the rest of eternity and everything else feels so much easier. Life is less dramatic and scary because you know you'll never be alone.

That is all. Life is great. I love my husband.

Here's to us!

The end.

death and relief...

2011-07-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

In the past month I have experienced a lot of new things, two of which were physical battles I guess you could say.

The first was just a friendly 5k at Art City Days in Springville. It was lots of fun, not too strenuous (except for one giant hill) and it allowed me to get some bonding time in with the Caldwell's. It was my first and definitely not my last.

The second has a little more of a moral to it. I guess it's been almost three weeks ago now I went camping at the Grand Canyon with my entire immediate family minus Mark plus a grandma and grandpa. It was exciting to see everyone all together once again since that NEVER happens and I guess maybe I got caught up in the moment for my choices there may not have been the wisest. Here's the story:

Last time my family went to the Grand Canyon my dad ran down all the way into the Canyon and hiked back out with little energy when he got back to the top but he did survive. He was over 50 when he made that trek so my brother David and I were sure as young 20 somethin' year olds we could certainly hike in and out without nearing our deaths. 8 miles down hill and 8 miles up hill did sound a little terrifying mostly because it seemed it would take us all day but we weren't afraid and as we began our journey in it was a breeze. So here we are the four of us me, Dad, Glenn and David hiking into the Grand Canyon with no intention of turning back until we reached the Colorado River (well except for Glenn but he had a schedule to keep).

Like I said the way down I felt great. After we'd left Glenn about 4 miles in it had gotten a little warmer with the sun reaching it's height but I probably could have still ran down the hill. We reached the river and after 8 miles I'd be lying if I said my legs weren't a little sore but not too bad. We ate a snack, fed a squirrel, dipped our hats in the cool water and turned back around to face the trail. I was fine for about 10 minutes then I started having flashes of the signs at the top of the hill and in the bathrooms. "Do not hike in and out in one day" "DANGER 250 people have to be rescued every year..." "You will not survive!".

Ok I made that last one up but I was starting to think maybe I should have listened to the signs and maybe I wasn't going to survive. Halfway through the first switchbacks which was maybe 3/4 mile up I started sobbing. I told dad and David to leave me behind and I'd just wait there to be food for the vultures circling above us. They wouldn't do it. We said a little prayer and started back on our way. They weren't going to let me fail, after all I did have a wedding to get to in 6 days.

With many rest stops, a popped blister, a few more moments of sobs and dad holding my hand and my backpack we finally made it halfway... It was great though, really!

We took about a 25 minute break there. I got to take my shoes off and put my head in a fountain of water. I should add here in case you ever decide you'd like a near death experience that the squirrels in the Grand Canyon are not afraid of humans. I had two or three try crawling onto my lap to get a bite of a granola bar. I felt good. I'd come halfway up. But then I remembered the rest of the way was intense switchbacks and I also remembered it was right in the heat of the day.

I don't think I have ever prayed more in my life as I did that day. God sent me some clouds though to cover the hot sun and I had my angels literally holding both my arms pulling my through their own exhaustion every step of the way. When I could see the top I nearly cried and I regained a little bit of strength and I made it! I didn't die! I knew I was going to and I didn't!

So the moral of the story is that the signs on the inside of the bathroom stalls are only trying to help.

the end.

Aging

2011-06-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today I was thinking that for some reason nineteen is so much better than eighteen and twenty one is so much better than twenty and when you're marrying a thirty three year old you never have to think about how old you are because there will never be a time in your life that you will feel old when your husband will be in diapers again thirteen years before you. Yikes!

just sayin'

Blood

2011-05-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

I attended the best girls camp ever growing up. If you thought yours was good just imagine it ten times better and you are getting close to how great mine was.

Every year at the end of the week the YCLs would put on a first aid hike for the rest of the girls. We'd all rip our clothes and squirt ketchup (ya kinda the bad part, ketchup smells disgusting) all over ourselves or pretended to have gotten drunk on bleach or something of the sort and ran around screaming until one of the younger girls would come save our lives. This was always one of the best things to look forward to!

Well this week Mark has been participating in a more sophisticated version of our little "first aid hike". He has probably been pretending that he's in a real life video game. (except without Mojo Jojo and the baby)

it's not real... stop freaking out

2011-05-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'm in love...

ps. does everyone love Mark's new government issued glasses?

For the past week Mark is been out on some field training exercise. Even though he hasn't been allowed to call me the beautiful world of technology and facebook updates his leaders have been able to keep us up to date on the lives of our soldiers. I found this picture today and it made my week! So handsome don't you think?

Only four more days till I hear his voice and five till I get to kiss his face once again!

A little late...

2011-05-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about how privileged I am to have been born when I was, in terms of being placed just about in the middle of the grandchildren in my family. On my mom's side of the family there are about 45-ish grandkids so I have quite a few cousins that are older than me and quite a few younger. Growing up we always came together for holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. Since the day I was born I always had a lot of cousins to play with and family events were always a big event.

Since we moved away to Utah and especially since my grandmother passed away my immediate family has kind of started doing our own thing. Now I am the auntie and my parents are the grandparents. The oldest nephew will be ten this year and now most of the other grandkids, of which there are just 9, are far away from us so our events are much smaller and my little nieces and nephews don't get to be surrounded by lots of cousins like I always was. Even Angela who is only 14 now hasn't been as lucky as I was to always have so many cousins around all the time.

Our egg-hunts were insane at my grandparents, I'm sure you can imagine with so many kids. I'm pretty sure it was around the age of twelve my grandma kicked us out of the hunts for good so it wouldn't be as crazy I guess.

Here is our tiny celebration this year. More adults than kids but it was still fun!

A journey to happiness...

2011-04-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Life as a teenager is full of crushes and young love. I remember being 13 and so "in love" with this boy who was "in love" with my best friend. It was all very dramatic in my 13 year old mind. I would sit alone in my room and write poetry and listen to songs that expressed exactly how far deep in the bowels of sorrow I was. You remember how it was to be 13 and crushing... all the heartbreak and tragic breakup song.

I realized this morning that my "most played" songs are an accumulation of the past 7 years of my life. Songs from every ending and lonely day. Songs about breakups and wishing I could be with the one that I love. Then I realized I AM with the one that I love and I never have be without him... So I am on a quest to fill my playlists with positive, beautiful songs that accentuate the things that I am feeling today.

Just thought you might like to know.

The end.

San Antonio

2011-04-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that I feel completely refreshed, reenergized and ready for round two of 8 weeks without Mark but who am I trying to kid here. Goodbyes are always hard especially goodbyes after short hellos. But we did go on dates three days in a row! It was like being in dream land once again and it felt so good. I love going on dates with my sweetie!

Mark and I both felt like we went on our first vacation together. It was a good experience to be together exploring a new city, riding roller coasters and to just to be able to stare at each other. There were moments where we literally just sat down and stared at each other. It's weird how much you can miss something so little and insignificant as that.

Oh ya, did you catch that? We rode roller coasters! I LOVE roller coasters and apparently so does Mark he gets so excited when we sit down in the sticky, sweaty, pee smelling seats and he gets especially excited when the floor drops below us.

At the end of our very long day we were able to cool down a bit on a romantic ferris wheel ride just as the sun began to set. Such a perfect birthday weekend.

I really loved Fort Sam Houston and the surrounding area. I definitely wouldn't mind being stationed there one day except for the humidity.

This is Mark's favorite statue. It is right in front of the Army Medical Museum.

I think my favorite part of the whole trip was when we picked up some food from our favorite grocery store, spread out a blanket and had a picnic. Don't ask why we had 4 drinks for two people... or why my hair looks like I cut it like a boy...

Next stop we had the opportunity to visit The Alamo...

and the river walk...

Oh and we saw an egret!

We are excited to be married some day soon (maybe August?) and we are excited for all of the experiences we have been able to have and will soon have. Just a few more hurdles and we will be there!

ciao!

Bongiorno!

2011-04-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't felt the magic mixing in my brain lately and that is why it has not been flowing through my fingertips. In my absence from the world of the blog I have had some great news and some not so great news.

First of all I have not kissed Mark's face for almost 8 weeks but FINALLY tomorrow I will get to. It still doesn't even feel real. Sometimes I feel like I am forgetting what Mark looks like (even though I have a million pictures of him in my room and every time I look at my phone or computer I see his face). I don't think that it will hit me that I am hugging him once again until hours later.

Mark and I have now been engaged for just over three months and we still have no idea when we will be getting married. Don't worry I only have a "freak out" about once a week or so... I just cry and tell Mark we're never going to get married and he tells me that I am pretty until the tears stop. He is so precious.

BUT....

Along with the never knowing what is going to happen or when we did get some rather exciting life changing news... Mark and I will spend our first three years of marriage in the far away land of Italy!!! So if you thought my life was a movie before you knew that little twist just think of the dream I will be living soon! I am insanely excited and it's helped me have something to look forward to.

Mark is doing so well. Even with all of his studying, exercising and becoming the best soldier that he can be for our family he has taken the opportunity to bless others lives by sharing the gospel and he was able to baptize one of his battle buddies a few weeks ago. I am so proud of him!

As for me I've been watching my dress be made! I helped a lot with the beading and we are nearly done. It is looking amazing! Exactly what I want. I am so blessed to have such an amazingly talented mother who has spent hours and hours sewing! I can't wait till I can wear it!

I have also starting taking Italian lessons from Rosetta Stone. I want to immerse myself completely in my new environment. I want to connect with the culture and the people so that I can become the best that I can be. I'm excited to continue learning. I have plans to take as many cooking classes as I can find while I am out there!

That's it for now. Updates from my trip will be up soon!

Arrivederci!

Movie Star...

2011-03-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

Some people have told me over the last 4 months or so that my life is a movie. Getting engaged on Mark's short break, sending letters back and forth to my love who is serving our country, sleeping with my phone sure not to miss a second with him, waiting till the day when we can be married but there are so many obstacles in the way it seems. Mark is perfect and handsome and a hero, so yeah I guess my life is kind of like a movie.

Except you know in movies how the two characters meet by chance, fall in love even though they shouldn't be together, get in a fight three quarters of the way into it then kiss and get married all in 2 hours? I've come to find out that they skip all the boring waiting and and in between stuff. Like when the two are living without each other for months and months not knowing when they'll see each other again, not knowing when they can finally get married.

My Friday date nights are held over skype, my kisses are blown through a computer screen and I still feel so in love... so yeah I guess my life is still like a movie. One day our final scene will come...

... and then we'll make a sequel!

A night in a dream

2011-02-27T08:47:00.000-08:00

It's strange going back to see old friends. I guess I am being pretty blunt right now and not even trying to cover up who they are so I hope I don't offend anyone with this post but I had a very interesting night last night.

You know when you have one of those nights when everything that happens needs to be recorded in your journal and you're basically writing an entry in your head all night and taking notes in your notepad so you can remember exactly what that moment felt like. I had one of those nights last night.

I went to see an old friends band. They were amazing. It was their EP release show and they were great. The problem was for two years of my life that was my life and I felt like I was living those two years in fast forward for that hour as they played. Song after song had a very distinct and real memory like life as I know it right now didn't even exist, like it was some far off dream. It was a strange sight to me to see all of those people still together, still singing the same songs, still living the same heartache, still sustaining the same life. I felt like I was dreaming or that the past year of my life was a dream or like those people had frozen in place when I last walked out that door. What a strange life, so circular.

The last year of my life has really changed me for the better. Even if often times I feel like I am not moving, not progressing, in some ways I am still getting off the marry-go-round. I am still finding my footing on the path of progression.

I will be 21 in 6 weeks and in some ways I feel tremendously behind and then I am reminded where I was 2 years ago... even 1 year ago and I realize the huge leaps I have made within myself. I have changed in ways that probably only i can see but I believe they are very significant and I believe they are opening doors.

So here's to progression. No matter how slowly you're climbing the ladder or how often you lose your footing, keep climbing, one day you'll look back and feel proud.

oh yeah, and look how cute Mark is.

OOOOOOklahoma...

2011-02-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

I got to see my love just in time for the year anniversary of our first date... too bad we didn't start dating till five months later but...

The army base was weird. It was very plain and boring nothing was very lively except I guess the occasional booming from the artillery school. Mark lived in a giant metal box where they shoved in soldiers way over capacity, I'm sure. All the beds perfectly made with a creepy green blanket and one small locker that they got to themselves.

On Thursday we ate lunch at a famous diner, Meers. It was a pretty fun little place, very old and kind of creepy but those are always the best ones. We found Meers in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma, which if you've ever been to Oklahoma it is exactly that... the middle of nowhere. Though the burgers, fried green tomatoes, root beer float and peach cobbler were nothing short of delicious.

The graduation was a neat experience. The soldiers all sitting at attention, perfectly stiff probably not even ever blinking. When they all recited the soldiers creed it gave me chills and when the national anthem played I felt more emotional then I usually do. I am just so proud of Mark.

Friday we were able to attend the Oklahoma City temple together. That was an enormous blessing. I love being in the temple with Mark and can't wait for the day when we are able to be sealed there. We were the only ones in the room so it all felt very personal. It was a good experience.

The trip wouldn't have been possible though if it weren't for the lovely Christine (Mark's mom). We had lots of fun with her!

Now he is off again. I love Mark's new training. Waking up to a "good morning" and "I love you", seeing his face on the screen of my macbook every night, getting the chance to let him know that he is missed and loved everyday is a perfect ending to my days without him.

I love my soldier. He's just so cute, isn't he?

A few things on my mind...

2011-02-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Then said Almitra, Speak to us of Love.
And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them. And with a great voice he said:
When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north lays waste garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become fragment of Life's heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor.
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.

When you love you should not say,
"God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God."
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.

Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be you desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstacy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

-Kahlil Gibran

I am here, this moment, inside the beauty,
the gift God has given,
our love,
   this gold and circular sign
means we are free of any duty;
   out of eternity
I turn my face to you, and into
eternity:
   we have been in
love that long.

-Rumi

BARBRA Z. ENHUSSIE

2011-02-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

My dearest cousin Lisa,
You inquired about my part in this whole murder mess. Here is a little more insight but I don't have much time to write so I won't go into too many details.
A few weeks ago I arrived home from work and skipped to the mailbox as I always do since it is often full of letters from my many adoring proteges. Inside I found enveloped from a "Number 9" with my name on it. Curious I couldn't even wait till I was inside before opening it to see what this mysterious envelope contained. Inside was a train ticket and a letter. The letter read...

Dear Friend:
It seems that the German troops are about to enter Paris. The roads south are a hopeless snarl. The trains are full, and one cannot find space aboard them. Yet to remain in the city under Nazi control will not be pleasant. This letter offers you what may be your last chance to escape.
At 5:00 p.m. on 13 June 1940, a government train under military guard will depart platform 7, Gare d'Austerlitz, for the relative safety of southern France. Attached to this train will be a private Pullman car and dining car. The accompanying transit authorization will see you past the military guard and on board.
I do hope you will come.
Who am I? Well, for the time being, I will not tell you. Think of me as someone much like yourself, a citizen of the world. There will be eight guests. I have listed them all below and, as you can see, they are a distinguished group. I will make it a party of nine. Do bring proper attire. We will dine elegantly. Our chef is the man who made travel by train a delicious experience, Master Lester ("Les") K. Arrgowe. Oh yes, each of the train cars has its own name: the lounge-dining car named "Délice" and the Pullman sleep car named "Désire." Don't be late. Miraculously, the trains are running on time.
Number 9

I was worried. As the daughter of the late perfume king Louis Z. Enhussie I had much to pack and I didn't have much time! I also had an incredible party I was planning for next Thursday, to which I'd invited some handsome new acquaintances, that I had to cancel. You know me I NEVER cancel an event. I wish this Number 9 would have informed me sooner. Zut Nazis!
13 June came far too quickly but I made my way to the train station. On the way there when I stopped to make a quick phone call at a hotel a funny thing happened, I saw a short french soldier walk into a room there and a few minutes later Princess Idelle Chattre walked out. Curious as I am I slipped inside the room to see what was going on. Inside I found no one.
As soon as we all arrived on the train and we had begun our journey south the eight of us were informed that a murder had taken place on the train and that we were all being investigated because the murderer had to have been one of us. I was furious. How could such a lady as myself have been caught up in such a scandal? The entire train ride was a massive interrogation. We'd decided early on that we wanted to get to the bottom of this all before we reached our destination and had to be held like peasants in some sort of cell somewhere.
We did sort it all out thank goodness. I was wearing a brand new gown and I knew if I was arrested they'd take me straight to the police station and I wouldn't have the time to change. I guess you know all the details of the murder by now though. They've been all over the papers for the past week. I've tried to block the tragedy out of my mind which is why I'll be spending the next week at the spa.
I will be hosting a party though at my apartment in Paris as soon as I return. A week from this coming Tuesday. Oh please say you'll come, darling. My new friends including Zi Duke will all be making an appearance and I have been thinking since I've gotten to know this Malcom Conntint better he may be a perfect match for you!
Say hello to auntie for me!

Barbara

the men were quite divine

I of course was the best dressed lady

I have THE best friends.

How to Host a Murder

2011-02-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

"I am behind,

I am behind

and never mind

I will not pine

for I am mine"

A dear friend shared this beautiful song with me the other day. It really moved me because I often feel the same way she does. In fact I don't think I'd be exaggerating to say that I feel this way most days. I am what most would call an idealist, but of course my idea of perfection will never be reached and therefore I am often discouraged and my motivation disappears. I am often let down by the fact that I can never be first place today when I just started training yesterday. It's a terrible habit, yes. It's little things like this song that give me hope for the future. I don't always have to be comparing myself to the accomplishments and the people that I am surrounded by. We all run at our own pace.

ps. The harmony at the end really gets me.

pretty pretty princess...

2011-02-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Every little girl grows up dreaming of her wedding day. She has everything planned by the time she is twelve. The colors, the location, the ring, the cake and the dress... that is every girl except me.

Before 5 weeks ago I had barely thought much about it. Now with bridal fairs and floods of emails practically begging me to hire photographer after photographer, caterer after caterer I've been bombarded with ideas and options. So here I go on my journey to the "perfect" wedding. (for me that is... I guess)

I was a little worried about going dress shopping so early but my favorite sister was in town and she was excited to go. It turned out to be a fun experience. What girl doesn't like to dress up in amazing dresses and imagine herself standing next to her true love?

Mark is going to be so much more in love with me when he sees me all dressed up... I mean I'm just sayin'.

I like pretty things. I love flowers and combining rich colors. I really love this bouquet.

2011-01-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

Wish I was doing this right now...

Things that I love, miss and cant live without...

2011-01-15T08:30:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than everyday running to the mailbox, turning the key and finding your name on an envelope. Looking forward to letter after letter makes the week not feel as long...

... and then Friday night comes along and when I should be on a date with my fiancee I sit in my room and reread all the letters and remember that all of this is worth it. So this Friday I went on a sister date with Angela!

We ate at La Jolla Grove

and let me jut say if you have not been there yet you have not lived! It is a fantastic organic and local foods restaurant in the Riverwoods in Provo. Take your date she'll probably fall in love with you if you do!

onto other things...

There are so many possibilities when it comes to planning a wedding it's hard to settle on one thing. I'll be attending my second bridal fair today which means I'll be doubling my collection of flyers and magazines. Hopefully I can decide on something but I guess I do still have 6 months... (frowny face)

My favorite thing right now is sketching wedding dresses.

The end.

2011-01-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

One cold, snowy night Mark decided to make my dreams come true...

... so he took me to the magical land of Salt Lake City.

In Salt Lake City all the trees sparkle ...

... and the ground freezes solid enough to skate.

In Salt Lake City you fall in love ...

... and you give each other eskimo kisses.

There are huge comfy chairs, in Salt Lake City, to rest in when you need a break.

Salt Lake City is the home of Bambara where the most delicious food you have ever tasted is served and jazz bands play your favorite songs.

And so Mark took me to Salt Lake to ask me to marry him. I said yes, of course.

So there was a toast made.

"Live long and prosper"

Happy New Year!

I'll be home for Christmas...

2010-12-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

The best present you could ever get is the chance to spend time with the people you love most...

... especially those who you don't get to hug everyday.

This Christmas I get 16 days of hugs from a handsome soldier. Are you jealous?

Merry Christmas. I hope your holiday is as good as mine (but it's not so...)

Christmas Benefit Ball

2010-12-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

Another successful event.

How are we all so good looking? Don't worry Danus regularly bites his lip for photos to boost his sex appeal not that any more is needed...

Live Jazz band! The best you've ever heard!

All proceeds were donated to Care For Life

Mocktails

Dane constructed the "Roving Mistletoe" which definitely spiced up the night... is that bad?

Love these girls!

A beautiful Sunday

2010-12-12T15:26:00.000-08:00

You know those days when you've been off and on for weeks and then all the sudden everything just seems right...

I am happy right now.

2010-12-07T20:21:00.000-08:00

3 hours

A sip of something warm

Secretly wearing my pajamas under my coat

E.E. Cummings

new writing notebooks

and more on nutrition (of course)

Barnes & Noble has been good to me today

Ps. If you've been in suspense about the current status of my dissected belly, I think I just pulled the last suture out today. Yum.

Also...

ha.

2010-11-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons why I don't believe in Walmart and everything it stands for... yes I'm one of those... But I will not deny I go there every once in a while since it basically is in my backyard now.

Despite my disapproval of this establishment there is one thing I do love and that is the congregation of all the non contributing, toothless, bed headed, over weight, hobo-ish humans scurrying about. Not only do they provide jobs for the these people who otherwise are too disgusting to find other work (wow that was really mean...) they also get to come and shop with no judgment because everyone else there is equal or worse off than they. Due to the crowd that is drawn in like moths to a flame it has inspired websites like

PEOPLEOFWALMART.COM

and this makes me really happy and sad all at the same time...

does he feel really awkward?...

I don't get it...

2010-10-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

Halloween has been good to me for yet another year. I didn't expect anything less of course but sometimes it's hard to imagine perfection getting more flawless every year, I mean that doesn't even make sense right?

The weekend started with the Masquerade Ball which could not have gone any better.

My friends are brilliant in every way.

Then Saturday morning was spent at the salon with a surprise free deep conditioning treatment. WHAT? It was a Halloween dream! Anyway I switched my hair up a little this time.

The salon was followed by another creative halloween moment. My mind buzzed as I paced around in JoAnn's. Here is what I came up with...

I'm an Owl!

Yes I glued all those feathers on myself. Yes I am wearing feather boas on my arms.

Now it's time for the week to begin again. I wonder what it will bring...

2010-10-29T00:48:00.000-07:00

The most fantastic Masquerade Ball anyone could ever dream of was thrown this evening. I just got home and the magic of the night is still fluttering around inside of me.

Wax sealed invitations.

Bella Vista Reception Center.

United Way food drive.

Magnificent desserts.

Exquisite decor.

Incredible DJ.

Professional photography.

400 beautiful people.

We don't mess around.

Best night of the year by far.....

... with the exception of September 6th and just about every night since then of course.

2010-10-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

2010-10-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

The first song of the day is always the sweetest.

strange & beautiful

2010-10-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

Pay no attention to the strange picture choice.

This gem played on my way home tonight. The mood the melody set aligned perfectly with the mood I was in.

Life always feels more complete when that happens. Enjoy.

paint with all the colors of the wind.

2010-10-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my gracious father let Mark and I take his fancy car out for some cruisin'.

How we got away with that I'm not really sure but its mostly likely due to the fact that I am the favorite daughter and I look the best in a car like this. (for evidence of this keep scrolling)

(Fancy Car. Notice how it shines.)

(see, I told you)

Mark in all his great knowledge knew the perfect place to take a girl to try and convince her to fall madly in love with him. The Alpine Loop. If you haven't been especially in the best season of the year (fall) you must repent and go as I did yesterday. And to make it even more pleasant find a fancy car and ride with the top down so you can smell the fresh, clean air and the trees and the river. Yum!

I mean come on.... is this even real?

I like him.

So many layers. All I wanted to do the whole time was to whip out a canvas and paint.

Don't worry that I just noticed that my hair looks crazy. You love it. Also you're just jealous that I was riding in a convertible.

A figment of our imagination.

Ps. We did not plan to match it just happened. I know we're cute.

gray

2010-10-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I read a C.S. Lewis book that I hadn't ever picked up before. It is a glimpse into his thoughts in the first few months after his dear wife's death. It was beautiful.

"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep on swallowing.
At other times it feels like being mildly drunk, or concussed. There is a sort of invisible blanket between the world and me. I find it hard to take in what anyone says. Or perhaps, hard to want to take it in. It is so uninteresting. Yet I want the others to be about me. I dread the moments when the house is empty. If only they would talk to one another and not to me."

Explorers in the old fashion sense..

2010-10-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

So there's a choice in life, one either grows or one decays. Grow or die? I think we should grow.

This is my new favorite thing this week. Most people think I'm being silly but the truth I think this is really beautiful. Go ahead judge me. The the real trick is you secretly love it too.

You have to believe in hope. You have to believe in the future.

Hello October.

2010-10-01T23:17:00.000-07:00

It's the first of October,
the first day of my life with no gallbladder
and the first time in two months I've blogged.

Fall is always so full of inspiration and enlightenment for me.
October feels like the beginning of the end of the year.
Halloween.
Thanksgiving.
Christmas.

The best of the best holidays right in a row.
This is the time of the year life is just a blur,
but everything is exciting and fresh and warm.

Scarves, tights, boots, hats.
mmmm...

Anyway I've had a lot happening which has caused my absence from the blogging world. Or maybe nothing at all. I'll do a quick update for the two people that look at my blog because they miss me and then I'll move on and hopefully tap back into my blogging mind.

It all begins on July 28th. My then soon-to-be roomie Janessa aka Vern aka Howard and I took a road trip back to my home Sac Town. The night before I left I had to be all moved out of my home in the Hobbit Hole and when taking my last load back to my parents where I'd reside for 13 days before I could move up in life to my new home I got a flat tire. (insert level one swear)

I was then forced to meet the most talented and attractive tow ruck driver. Alan was his name and the last sentence was a far stretch from the truth but he basically saved me life so I am forced to never speak ill of him.
By the time I was finished switching cars, cleaning, packing, note writing, snack shopping, picking up flowers and making a 3 in the morning visiting teaching run I was left all alone in the house I used to call my home with nothing but my suitcase and my blanket. so empty. so sad. so cold.

.... onto the happy parts. Road trip was a blast.

we stopped in Sacramento for Kim and Keith Wedding Day!

I did two productive things that day: met my future husband (in the photo on the right) and started the dance party at the reception (photos too scandalous to be shown)

Other than that J-ness and I went to the river with our third roomie and the next day went with Emmy and Dana to San Fran.

I got to see Maddypants while I was there also and lots of family. good trip.

Back home in Utah I was well... a little homeless so I stayed at my parents for two weeks and these are a few of my favorite things about living at home....

My laundry is neatly folded upon arriving home from a long day at work.

Everyone at the table has their own salad dressing.

Daddy's garden with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Daddy's perfectly groomed and incredibly soft grass.

Sewing projects.

Dad playing with his toys in the middle of the night in his 'jamies. Yes that is a flying saucer.

Angela who does everything for me. Including ironing my sewing projects.

and this giant marshmallow.

After a couple of short weeks at the family's I was off to begin my new adventure here in Orem. I was accompanied by my two new roomies and a few friends on my trek to my new home. I love it here. Very spacious, clean, spider-less. We have a pool, a hot tub, a huge bath tub, a third story balcony, a working fireplace and vaulted ceilings.

mmm... It felt like a hotel at first but now it definitely feels like home. I love it.

I live with a dog now. He pee'd on my bed one time.... I've been annoyed with him ever since but I will forgive him. His name is Corky. He belongs to Lacey. Here he is:

We hiked together one time.

So between getting settled in my new place, working full time, institute... oh and did I mention I have a boyfriend....

Meet Mark.

He's a mathematician (aka genius).

He wears cute clothes.

I like his beard.

I like when he wears his glasses.

He adores me.

I adore him.

He's leaving in a month.

I'm sad.

He's sad.

That's life.

At least for now he is mine.

This summer my friends and I had a swim party...

... and went on temple trips...

... and had a tea party...

Kayla left on a mission....

Anyway between juggling all of those things I have been sick. Pretty dang sick. So I went to the doctor. Then I got an ultra sound. No I am not pregnant but it was fun. Fun until I found out I had four gallstones. So I decided to cleanse. Then cleansing made me more sick. I mean A TON more sick. (I don't know why I am writing like this) So I prayed and decided to get my gallbladder out. and that's what happened.

Yesterday I went to the hospital. They took my blood. I got in a gown. They gave my drugs. I fell asleep. When I woke up I tried to take off my gown. They wouldn't let me. I realized my gallbladder was gone. It made me sad and happy. Now I have four holes in my belly.

before

signing my life away.

fluids.

so cute. no more gallbladder.

ready to go back home.

after.

my wonderful friends brought me food.

and flowers.

.... and my mother has been amazing. Doing millions of things for me from taking me to the hospital to buying me toothpaste and toilet paper to bringing me whatever food I want. I love her!

oh ya and I'm really high on drugs right now. Sorry this is terribly scattered but hopefully you'll be seeing me around more often now.

2010-07-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

I spared a spiders life today. I feel like that is a noteworthy event.

I'd post a picture of some dreadful looking, eight legged pest living happily in it's filthy, sticky web but that would make me gag.

I don't know why I did it. Sometimes I worry I am going straight to hell for the lack of mercy I show to those repulsive, tiny creatures.

I pinky swear...

2010-07-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

The most precious element in my life is that of a friend. Relationships are the center of my world and I would rather eat a spider everyday for the rest of my life than live without the friendships that I have been blessed to be a part of.

Last night I caught up with a dear friend of mine whom I have not seen or talked to in a few months. We share the most uplifting and lovely conversations I think I have ever been a part of and it was no different last night. We had thirty minutes to exchange our thoughts and ideas of the past three or four months and although it felt as though we'd never been apart the time was far too short.

The reason I share this tid-bit of my week with you is because of what happened on our way out to our cars while we were about to leave. He turned to me with the most endearing look on his face and in all seriousness said "Cherie, can we be friends forever?" It made my heart so happy that I immediately answered "uh, duh" He then made me pinky swear. I acknowledged that we were under the light of the moon and we both agreed that, that made the swear more official and durable.

It's moments like those that I treasure so dearly and there is no pinky swear I have ever meant so solemnly.

Update

2010-07-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

First continuing on with the Utah Temple Tour

Ash and I have had the opportunity to visit two more B-E-A-utiful temples.

A couple weeks back accompanied by Dagness himself we hit #3 on the list the Draper Temple.

After our delightful visit we made a much needed stop at In n' Out, which I forget all the time how delicious this little treat is now that it's here in Utah and lost all it's allure.

Then today was a double hit with the Jordan River Temple. Not only did this count for #4 of the Adventures of "Asherie" (our celebrity couple name, don't worry about it) this beauty also brought the tally up to four on my summer temple goal. Yep, only one more left to go and I'll have accomplished something this summer other than sucking at all my other goals.

Oh also I miss Dax...

"One step... one giant leap... one small step for Dax... one giant leap for most maaaankind.. but a small step for me because I'm a ladies man."

2010-07-13T08:38:00.001-07:00

I miss this song. But I feel like it always plays exactly when I want it to.

Enjoy.

2010-07-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hello July.

There is no good video for this but the song is all the same right?

#2 and #3

2010-06-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

I visited two more temples this weekend.

Kayla and I took a trip up to Idaho to visit dear Leigh-Ann and Peta' and we stopped in Ogden on the way. I had the opportunity to serve a lot in a very short amount of time here and I felt very blessed.

Rexburg reminded me a lot of the Sacramento temple which made me miss home!

It appears as though it was gloomy outside and it kind of was I guess but it actually gave the morning such a beautiful tone and I felt the color of the temple against the colors of the sky was beautiful. This picture doesn't do it justice. But this is probably one of my favorite temples now I'd say.

Just 2 more to go to reach my goal! I've totally got this in the bag! This may be my favorite and best goal I've ever had. I love visiting the temple already and this just ups the excitement I have for going every week.

In other related news, Ashley and I have began a Utah Temple Tour since the Provo temple is closed for 6 weeks and we are basically homeless for that amount of time right? So I guess you can call Provo our home base which makes it our number one and last week we visited Mount Timpanogos for number two. Our trip to the temple didn't go as smoothly as planned so here's the story:

We left Provo and began our journey up to American Fork. After getting off the right exit I couldn't see the temple anymore. I thought I'd just be able to follow my view of the temple and find my way to it, so since that was not the case we drove around for about fifteen minutes until we eventually called in for backup. After a few calls which were not successful we remembered our bestie with his handy iphone and we knew he could save us! He told us he'd have to call us back but to just keep driving straight toward the mountains on the street we were on... We eventually came to this dead end...

Jack and Jill Bowling Lanes.

It was here we decided to wait for our dear friend who was taking his sweet time searching his trusty phone for a map. He eventually called back after we'd almost given up hope and we finally made it to the temple. The next trick was finding a parking spot and running through the sprinklers in Ashley's dry clean only dress. Yikes!

Also I'd like to note that walking into the temple my phone died which means it lasted just long enough for us to reach our destination.

Texting

2010-06-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

There have been many times when I receive a text and within the script I find LOL more than once and even more than twice at times. I personally believe that LOL is probably the worst thing you can receive in a text besides maybe being informed that your grandmother passed away. So there are often times I inform the perpetrator that I am not exactly sure what this LOL means. It's confusing isn't it? What does it really mean?

I have compiled a list of possible meanings and this might explain my confusion:

Land of Love

Lots of Lasagna

Loads of Licorice

Licks of Lollipops

Let Odis Live

Luscious Olive Lips

Lots of Ladies (for Debbie's boyfriend the polygamist)

Lovin' on Lemons

Linguini over Langustine

Larry oh Llama

Lovely Old Lobsters

Little Old Ladies

Long old Lobes

Lack of Lips (this is why I do not like to be called Chereeba MacIntyre, because Reba has no top lip and I do! )

Longitude over Latitude

Licking off Leukemia

Letting out Larry

Lesbians Occupy Liechtenstein

Lickin' Old Ladies

Lemurs Operate Luxuriously

Lectures on LeBron

Lovely Octopus Lounge

Lord of Longbottom

Leg Odor Lingers

Last Orc Living (for J-ness)

Land on Ladders

Lawyers offer Litigation

Love on Ladd

Lemon or Lime

Little Odis Lives

London overrides LasVegas

Librarians Order Langerie

Leigh-Ann orders LSD

Linton owns 'lectricity (oh grandfather! good one Peta')

Little Olivander Lost

Life or Liberty

Land O' Lakes

Love of Lemmings

so there it is... 37 reasons why you shouldn't use LOL and I could keep those coming you best believe it.

p.s. Always use BTW because that one totally makes sense. It saves time and it's funny.

although that could also mean "Beat The Wench" or "Burn The Weed"

one down, four to go...

2010-06-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake City Temple. Check.

I met Kayla Ann up in the SLC after work Friday and after finding parking we set out on our trek to the temple, it was only just across the street. BUT apparently it's very difficult to find the baptistry door. First we walked up to some man with a name tag that looked ligit and important and asked how we could get inside the temple. Kayla could tell that he was thinking that we were just some tourists looking for a way in to the "secret" kingdom so she clarified what we were there for and he took us on our way. On the way I accidently said "P.s. What's going on at the tabernacle?" He was slightly confused and asked if the p.s. stood for post script because explaining why there were billions of people in the tabernacle. Apparently he wasn't as ligit and important as we thought because he sent us to the main entrance which is not how you get to the baptistry. The man at the recommend desk explained to us how to find the secret door and then said "just push the button, then they will say 'come in'(in a very deep voice)" It was cute. I love oldie temple workers, especially ones that are missing half their teeth like he was. So after eventually finding the door we were finally able to do some work for ten people who we will hopefully meet in maybe 70 years or so. I love the temple!

oh and ps. The baptistry was beautiful! The best one I've been to yet!

After the temple Kayla and I went out to eat at the Red Iguana. I've been hearing about this place for such a long time now and was told just a couple of weeks ago that I needed to order the Mole. So that's what I did. Also a couple of mariachi men serenaded us while we ate.

ps. This restaraunt was on Diner's, Drive-Ins, and Dives so I may have felt a little famous.

2010-06-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

mmmm.... sweaty from a midnight run. I was going to go to bed early tonight for early work tomorrow.... nope. anyway that's not what this post is about.

Here is my new goal

The other night a friend (we'll call him B-dizzle) and I were comparing how many temples we've been to in a completely non competitive, non prideful way I swear. He had me beat by 4 (he also has 6 years on me so I blame it on that...) Anyway so my new goal is to hit up

5 new temples by the end of the summer

Done.

Since here in Utah I am so incredibly blessed to have a billion temples so close I don't think this challenge will be very... well challenging. I'm super excited in fact. All I really have to do is plan a little more of a trip for my weekly temple visits and maybe switch the days up.

I figured if I wrote this down especially publicly I'd be more inclined to push to reach my goal.

The last day of summer is technically in September I believe but I'm going to shoot for

August 18

which is ten weeks from today.

Wish me luck

ps. Nan this is part of the reason I want to come visit you, so I can hit Rexburg. But mostly because we love and miss you!

FAIL

2010-06-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

Confession:

I am through and through addicted to Fail Blog. It's basically one of the greatest things invented for the purpose of wasting your time on the internet.

So with that noted you can imagine how pleased I was to find this little surprise on the way to New Mexico last week.

It's a real life fail! It made my day that's for sure. Not that I ever doubt that the fails on failblog aren't real, I was just happy to have one of them be in my life.

Create

2010-06-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Life as of late (in pictures)

2010-05-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Faith and I got pedicuresI took Faith to Velour and she danced like crazy!I made 6 cheesecakes. I wore my spring hat for the first time this year Joey started baseball Faith finished danceI hung with my sistersI made a puppy cake for a puppy's third birthdayI've hung with Faith more

and Kayla GRADUATED!!!!!!

I miss my girls

2010-05-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

I want to run away to California and see this girl...

... and this girl

.... and this girl

that is my only wish for the day.

thoughts

2010-05-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

I think that....

... avocados are disgusting
... my hands should never be cold
... laundry should wash, fold and put itself away
... people should use the word fellas more often
... no home is complete without an amazing bathtub
... Extreme Makeover Home Edition makes me cry every time
... someone should go back in time and change the part where girls started wearing make up
... I should spend more time alone
... I should read more
... I should paint more
... I should learn how to be more hilarious
... someone stole my camera charger
... nachos are probably my favorite food
... UP may be the best movie ever
... same for Mr. Fox
... all hicks have to have an annoying laugh
... it must be a law to sing "Happy Birthday" in your most annoying voice
... dandelions are the cutest and funnest flowers each at different periods of their lives
... I want to go roll down a huge hill
... someone should give my 30 thousand dollars... ya I'd like that
... I have a new favorite song, I love it and hate it at the same time
... humans should be able to produce enough ear wax to make candles, we'd be more useful that way
... I'd rather go back to riding horses everywhere thats not too far away
... birthdays are the best days
... I should post more interesting things
... there should be more days like this, not that today is anything special but just because its good.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:12:00.001-07:00

For Mother's Day this year I wanted to do something extra special. So with my brilliant mind I thought of the idea to make this video. It turned out pretty well. I'm proud of it so here it is!

you're a dork

2010-05-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here's the question of the day:

Why do chicks dig nerds?

I've been thinking about this question all day and have even slyly slipped it into conversations to get some extra input but I was surprised to find that I may possibly be a minority in this subject. I've been asked this question multiple times lately so I decided to research, btw I came up with nothing. Google didn't hook me up with this one but one thing did happen, when I was typing the question in, our sometimes hilarious, favorite search engine thought I was about to write "Why do girls like wearing thongs?" nice prediction, but no.

Back to the question and since I didn't get any help, here's my view:

(yes here it comes, another list...)

Chicks want a nerd for the following reasons

1. I have come across a lot of nerds throughout my life who probably because of their struggle to find a nice girl to settle down with often feel dejected and tire of trying to look less like a nerd, so in their depressed state suddenly appears a 5 o'clock shadow...yum. This also may have to do with the fact that many of them sit in front of a computer screen all day and forget that they are living. But seriously who doesn't love a scruffy face?

2. Let's discuss glasses. Now I have not always been a fan of glasses, I like the ability to stare deeply into the soul of the one I love without the distraction of his eyeballs being framed but I have come to realize this Clark Kent-esk trait is actually pretty attractive. I think it's the whole mysterious "I wonder if he's wearing a superman suit under that hideous BYU t-shirt?"

(yes that t-shirt comment was a direct jab at a certain nerd I know.....)

3. Nerds often are pretty focused on their schooling and soaking in all the knowledge they can therefore have better jobs.

4. Nerds love you way more than some super babe would, they could never have fathomed being with a girl as "cool" as you so they appreciate and hold on to every second of it.

5. Even though it may seem the opposite many nerds know who they are more than other people. It's almost like that was their downfall. They know who they are so they don't conform to the norm of society therefore they are labeled "nerd".

6. Let's give some examples of what else is out there for my next point

* Sweet bros - talk like idiots and think they are far cooler than reality

* Jocks are almost the same as a sweet bro with the added "let's only talk about sports and how fast and strong I am"

* Manly Men - only want to watch sports, lift heavy things, only eat steak and potatoes, think punching each other is the best form of entertainment and never want to appear sentimental or sweet

* A feminine male - now this one can appear nice for a second, to consider a man who understands our needs as women much better but I don't think I need to explain much more the downsides of such men if you catch my drift...

So point taken right? Nerds are obviously the better choice.

6. Nerds take you to cool things like art shows and science museums where you can touch one of those huge metal balls that makes your hair stand up straight.

7. Nerds talk nerd which is often very cute and cheesy and even if people don't like to admit it cheesy things make you feel happy!

8. Nerds make you feel really cool and hot because you are technically "cooler" than they are. Plus they always say and do dorky things so when you happen to do a dorky thing they don't judge.

9. Nerds are smart in a way that doesn't make you feel dumb because you still have the coolness factor over them. It evens things out. If that makes any sense at all. Plus being smart is way attractive.

10. Also awkward things always happen to nerds and awkward things are almost the best part of any day.

11. Nerds are often very hilarious and have the best sense of humor.

So there it is. Eleven reasons why chicks dig nerds. the end.

2010-05-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

Isn't my family so dang cute?

I hung out with some fam the other day and of course since I got a new camera some of us did a little photo shoot. Also I wish I was as cool and as beautiful as my two little sisters.

Sugar I love

2010-05-06T22:05:00.000-07:00

Do you know what is more delicious than most things?

Correct. A huge, cold bowl of fruit loop lusciousness. Yum.

Life can't get much better when your up late at night and you just need a little somethin' somethin' in your belly and you pour yourself a little slice of heaven into your favorite bowl.

mmm mmmm

ps. no that is not a picture I took of my cereal bowl posed with my spoon halfway on it's way to my mouth. I found it on google.

Betcha didn't know this...

2010-05-06T06:45:00.000-07:00

So for some reason I've been blogged out lately. I go through phases I think of being enlightened with brilliant ideas for blogs and then my mind will go blank for a few weeks, much like most things in my life I feel..
Anyway since dear Nan has been on to push me back into the blogging world and she always loves my lists I decided to list a few things not too many people know about me... here goes...

1. When getting dressed I always put my socks on first if I am going to be wearing socks, yes even before my panties... I don't know why...
2. I love eggs. If I could eat eggs for every meal I would. But I also know that I need variety so that is mostly the reason that I don't BUT in my last five meals consumed three of them involved 2-3 eggs. YUM!
3. I think having the hiccups is the funniest thing ever and I LOVE having them, but I rarely get them and even when I do it only lasts for a minute, it's irritating.
4. One of my pet peeves is when people don't sneeze huge. It creeps me out. How could you keep that all inside when it feels so good to let it all out?
5. My deepest regret in life is not going to Michael Buble last month. You think I'm kidding but I'm not...
6. I have an almost creepy obsession with ears. Mostly just ear lobes.
7. If you ever wake me up in the middle of a nap, or any sleeping time for that matter I will completely deny being asleep. I haven't figured out why yet.
8. I love cemeteries, I don't tell ANYONE, so this is a huge confession, but when I'm terribly upset which doesn't happen a ton I go to the cemetery. It makes me feel better for real.
9. I judge people by their shoes. But don't feel self conscious it's only until I get to know you better
10. I hate touching things when I have grandma fingers from the bath tub. It creeps me out!
11. I can't sleep with my feet uncovered. Blame my brother for that one. Even if I am terribly hot I'll at least have my feet covered. Im in recovery though sometimes I can't sneak one of them out for a few seconds.
12. I hate when people refer to their husbands as their "Hubby". It creeps me out.

Twelve is enough for now right? The End.

A mama named grandma...

2010-04-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

I milked a goat named Babushka last Thursday.

I don't have any witty comments to make about it so, the end.

precious kayla ann...

2010-04-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

It's almost time for Jesus and I to celebrate out births together, so dearest Kayla left us a cutie note.

Dear Michael

2010-04-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

In memory of where I wish I was last night...