Aubrey

days 11-15

2012-02-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

day 11. something that makes me smile. bowling with the little tykes. granny shot.

day 12. inside my closet. yikes

day 13. blue. gender reveal cake for church friend lindsey. baby burton is a boy.

day 14. heart. thank you hairdresser on fire.

day 15. phone. people and their instagrams are still killing me. kind of feel like i need an iphone.

#febphotoaday

sweetheart braid for valentine's day. inspired by this tutorial. i definitely could have used some help, and i have way too much hair.

i saw something on pinterest so briefly. she braided her hair in 5 small braids and ran a flat iron over the braids. it worked ok...not great but ok. it only got worse after it got snowed on a few times.

month of hair is starting to get a little old. too bad i still have 2 weeks left. anyone have any good ideas i should try?

art installation

2012-02-14T22:15:00.001-07:00

my super talented and creative friend, also known as a girl in salt lake city, did a little project in celebration of this day of love. i participated by hanging posters all over the north end of vegas all about how to write a crazy love letter. 2 things about hanging things in vegas
1. there are signs all over the place
2. it's so windy there who knows if anything survives

i'm a little in love with this idea and could have used this instruction a time or two....or maybe it's good I didn't

bowling with the little tykes

2012-02-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

my mom and i have been in vegas for the weekend. karlee loves bowling so we headed to red rock casino for a little bowling with the little tykes.

karlee likes to strike a pose. karson wasn't too into it.

karson loved all the bowling balls and even had a few turns.

after getting 0 pins my first 2 frames (i'm not even kidding), i took a tip from karlee and did granny shot bowling.

karlee is the cutest little bowler and did just about as well as the rest of us

this is seriously the scoreboard. we are NOT even a little bit good at bowling, but we had fun

days 6-10

2012-02-10T23:22:00.001-07:00

more #febphotoaday and month of hair.

day 6. dinner. wish i was kidding.

day 7. button. on/off to electric blanket. puts me in a coma every night.

day 8. sun. there wasn't any. #utah winter

day 9. front door. rarely use it.

day 10. self portrait. not my fav. tiny yellow earrings are my fav.

curled and finger brushed out.

not so casey s (best thing to come out of monday night's the bachelor. must try again another day.

clean and straight

half back with bobby pins

and recently i've been hanging posters on the north end of vegas in support of the howtowritealoveletter project. details to come.

HBLL reunion

2012-02-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

We can't believe it's been 10 years since our shelving days at the BYU library. We met for lunch on Saturday and the few hours we spent chatting and catching up didn't seem to be enough. We had so much fun!

days 1-5

2012-02-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

#febphotoaday and month of hair are in full swing. i'm kind of loving it.

day 1-side pony day 2-air dry

day 1-my view. on the way out the door.

day 2-words. inspiration all over the workplace.

day 3-hands. skip work and craft day

day 4-stranger. love friends of friends.

day 5-10am. it's 10:00 somewhere and scary that i'm the piano player

February

2012-02-01T23:42:00.001-07:00

Because I don't seem to have enough to do I'm doing the February photo a day. Since I'm crazy I'm also doing my hair a different way every work day this month. I know...what am I thinking? Who wants to join in on the fun?

day 1...booorrring

2012-02-01T18:56:00.001-07:00

i've been really bored with my hair lately. so...i had this crazy idea to do my hair a different way every work day this month. what was i thinking??? day 1 was a pretty boring side pony. i better get creative and fast. anyone have a cute ideas i should try?

Sundance

2012-01-30T23:24:00.001-07:00

I've been to the Sundance Film Festival a few times to walk around or to go to concerts. I've never actually been to a movie so when Mary had an extra ticket I was excited to go. The tickets were free. We got great parking. The movie was very educational, interesting, and clean. No celeb sightings but otherwise it was great.

not so lady parts

2012-01-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

straight from google images

i already confessed i watch the bachelor. i can't help it, but tonight...holy moly. it reached a whole new level of trash. i was watching with friend celsey and her husband shawn (who was ~~pretending to do~~ doing homework). we saw the skinny dipping previews like everyone else and nearly freaked. was she really going to show her ~~lady~~ not so nice word parts??? yes, yes she was and did. clearly not a lady. i keep reading that she's probably getting bad editing blah blah blah, but seriously...i'm embarrassed for her.

5 Confessions

2012-01-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

Confession #1...I'm a major list maker. I mostly LOVE having a phone that does everything, but I really miss crossing things off a paper list with a pen. This list making thing is right up my ally

Confession #2...my workout music is all over the place, but I'm always super happy when Miley comes on

Confession #3...I have way too many clothes. Most of the hangers in my closet have at least 2 or 3 or 4 things on them.

Confession #4...I'm not a big TV watcher at all (not the confession part), but The Bachelor is totally my guilty pleasure. It's total trash, but for some reason I keep watching.

Confession #5...I never put makeup on today...eeeww! I did a few things around the house, went to the gym, went to the store, showered at 7pm, and never got ready for the day. I NEVER ever do that. I hate not wearing makeup even if I'm not going anywhere.

I'm linking up with Abby over at Diligent Joy. Check her out.

beautiful people

2012-01-28T22:37:00.001-07:00

took this straight from abby. love it!

Friday Lunch...Take Risks

2012-01-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

When we first started Friday lunch, we wanted to try new places. We still do that sometimes, and sometimes we don't. This month someone suggested sushi, and I got nervous. I always say I don't like it, but I don't actually know I don't like it. Then I remembered my goal to take more risks. We went to Shabu Shabu in Orem. It was a fun place, and I didn't hate sushi as much as I feared. I'm glad we tried a new place, and I feel good about working on my goals.

10 little random things

2012-01-22T00:40:00.001-07:00

1. I am a day late with this post.

2. Laurann gave me cutest book of mini desserts. I was pretty happy to try it out for dinner group this week. I made these peaches and cream.

3. I'm currently obsessed with pom poms and Valentine's Day crafts

4. it's time to re-evaluate my blog and why in the world I even blog.

5. co-worker Emily's bday was Tuesday. We made treats and hung balloons from the ceiling. I've wanted to do that forever, and I loved it.

6. time off at work policy is changing so I'm trying to take off early when I can.

7. it finally snowed today. I was pretty happy it was a Saturday.

8. I saw a tutorial for making your on baker's twine so I did it. I think it turned out pretty well.

9. I miss fountain diet coke...a lot #spending freeze

10. still love my electric blanket

I'm linking up with E. Check it out.

just another day

2012-01-19T22:24:00.001-07:00

I'll spare you all the details, but my work day today included cleaning up kid (not baby) puke and lots of it. I'm case you're wondering what on earth the picture is, it's kitty litter. That's how we clean it up or at least start to clean it. Kind of made me wish I was a stay at home something.

non shower

2012-01-14T20:05:00.001-07:00

Heather has some crazy rule about only having one shower a year, but she's about to have a little babe any day now. We couldn't not celebrate so we went to dinner and had a non shower. Little baby Probst got the cutest stuff, and we all had the very best time.

celebrating the new year

2012-01-14T01:18:00.001-07:00

Laurann invited a few girls to a condo at Solitude. It was such a fun little getaway not that far away. We ate (kind of a lot), watched movies, played games, talked about the new year, made some new friends, and I got even more jealous of instagr.am. It was just a little snowy and absolutely beautiful. I loved it!

killing me with instagr.am

brrrr

2012-01-12T05:34:00.001-07:00

16??? Seriously. Winter is here, and I'm freezing my booty off.

Spending Freeze

2012-01-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

google image via pinterest

Almost a year ago, friend Aubry decided to tackle The Project (basically stop shopping and a few other rules). She was inspired by another fellow blogger Elizabeth . I've been thinking about it ever since. A single working girl really has no accountability for her money. My money is my money, and I can do whatever I want with it. Problem is I kind of have no idea (other than transfers to savings and paying bills) what I do with it. One of my new year's resolutions is to spend less money. What better way to spend less, than do a spending freeze. Luckily I have a few other girls joining me on the January spending freeze. We're following the same rules as Aubry (straight from her blog) and Elizabeth's The Project.

things i can't buy:

clothing

accessories

jewelry

shoes

purses

magazines

cds

dvds

craft supplies

fast food

home furnishings

"non-essential" fun beauty expenses

frou frou coffee shop coffee, which i'll equate to diet coke.

what i can buy:

a good haircut

makeup

a meal at a lovely restaurant with family and friends

frou frou coffee shop coffee with friends {meaning, no solo drink runs} which, still.... i'll equate to diet coke.

classes {enrichment classes offered at local craft emporiums or community colleges}

gym

gifts for family and friends

charitable contributions to organizations we {i} currently support

For now the spending freeze goes until January 31. We'll get together at the end of the month and discuss. Feel free to check in on me.

2012 and some goals

2012-01-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

photo credit-google images

I'll about making goals whenever, but I do love the chance to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. I set one big goal in 2011. It would push me to do something really hard but be very achievable at the same time. Before making it half way through I got hurt, and my goal was over. I was very disappointed. Although I set other goals throughout the year, 2011 feels like the year of disappointment for me. That being said, I am really looking forward to 2012. It's exciting to think of what might happen this year. Here are my goals/resolutions for the coming year.

resume clean eating (including no sugar January)
take more risks
be more creative
focus on my relationship with God
spend less money (starting with January spending freeze)

1 week into the new year, I feel pretty good about my goals. Did you set goals/resolutions? What are they?

The Best and Worst of 2011

2012-01-07T17:49:00.001-07:00

I had great intentions to get this post done right as the year ended, but then...i got the stomach flu, returned to the land of the working after a month of surgical/holiday leave, caught a little cold, and basically got my booty kicked by life. I'm slowly returning to the land of the living.

2011 was a lot of things. It was emotional, disappointing, depressing, exciting, fun, inspiring, and memorable all at the same time. A week into the new year, here is my look back at 2011.

biggest accomplishment-finishing the Utah Valley marathon (even though I started struggling in the first mile)

biggest regret/dumbest thing I've ever done-running Wasatch Back majorly injured

biggest disappointment-not being able to complete my goal of the Grand Slam or run at all the rest of the year

favorite memories-experiencing Disneyland with Karlee and the rest of my family

highlight of the summer-lots of friends coming to town

most miraculous-getting on an already full for the year surgery schedule

best family pictures...ever (sad we're missing the BILs)

cutest/favorite kids-I seriously can't get enough of these 2

most fried food- local Missouri fair

best sewing project-matchy matchy skirts

best bridal shower-on the boat. bachelorette weekend for co-worker Mikael was equally fun

longest trip-tour de east coast (dc, philly, nyc)

biggest purchase-new car

a dream come true-guest crafting at friend Tonya's mommy craft day

favorite quote/motto of the year

"we must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us"

2011 was definitely not the year I had planned, but when are things ever the way we plan?!? Although I'm not even a little bit sad to see it go, 2011 was a year of learning and growth for me. It wasn't my favorite year, but even with disappointments and unmet expectations, I am very blessed.

I'm linking up with one of my favorite random blogs I read

Next up...looking ahead to 2012. How was your year? Did you do a 2011 recap?

life on crutches

2012-01-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

WARNING...this post got turned longer than i expected

this picture is ridiculous for so many reasons, but it's also the only picture i have of myself on crutches

i was never one of those people that always wanted to have crutches. i never thought it looked cool or fun. now i know why. even though being on crutches really could have been so much worse, it turned out to be a pretty interesting unintentional social experiment.

i heard a lot of mixed things about how long i would be on crutches from 2-6 weeks. at my pre-op appointment with the physical therapist he told me up to 4 weeks so i pretty much planned for 4 weeks. depending on what happened during surgery, there was a possibility of only 50% weight bearing on my right hip/leg. i basically expected the worst. i was terrified i wouldn't be able to get around my house, and stairs seemed like a living nightmare. all the anxiety was the main reason i spent the night in the hospital (a decision i had to make before even getting out of my hospital bed).

i was really lucky in that i could bear weight as tolerated from the beginning. from the first time i got out of bed, i realized crutches wouldn't be as terrible as i feared. i practiced the stairs in the hospital with the PT before going home, and it was much more do-able than i thought.

i only had to use the crutches for 2 1/2 weeks, and the last little bit i didn't have to use them around the house. expecting the worst made me pleasantly surprised when things were tons better than the worst. it was very interesting though. i generally hate asking for help and really dreaded that part of having surgery. luckily i had the help i needed and got back my independence pretty quickly.

besides physical therapy, the first place i went by myself with the crutches was the mall. i was shocked by how many people stared at me. i didn't really care but wasn't expecting that at all. a few people, mostly kids, asked why i had crutches or what happened. many people opened doors for me and went out of their way to help, but i was pretty surprised how many times a door was shut less than 5 seconds before i went in or out. i know it's a crazy time of year and people probably didn't really think, but it still really surprised me.

even though it was only a short 2 1/2 weeks, i have a new understanding and perspective. i hope this helps me be a little more compassionate with the children and families i work with. i also hope it helps me recognize when people need a little extra help, and i really hope i never shut the door in the face of someone that could really use the door held open.

New Years Eve 2011

2012-01-01T19:52:00.001-07:00

In general I LOVE holidays, but it's no secret that NYE is not my favorite. Combine that with the stomach flu, and I was less than excited this year. Kim and Mark invited a few of us over for a low key fondue party. It was pretty fun, but NYE 2011 did = partying with the marrieds and coming home at 10:00. I sat on my couch to ring in the new year. Stay tuned for a look back at 2011 and sneak peek at 2012.

I die a little every time someone posts an instagram pic. Why is it exclusive to apple? Aubry found this app that's comparable. I had to use it right away.

More Christmas Fun

2011-12-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

This year's presents included a beauty kit for Karlee. Both kids love it. I've had my hair done many many times since Sunday. Tonight everyone else was playing the Wii, and I was at the kitchen table. Karson came over and pulled me to the living room and wanted me to sit down. As soon as I sat down, he started doing my hair. It was the cutest thing ever. Karlee got in on the fun too.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

It's Chelsea's off year from being at our family's for Christmas which basically means I go to Vegas and spend the holiday with them there. Christmas really is so much more fun with kids.

We had some last minute shopping to do on Christmas Eve before coming home to have our traditional chili dinner and looking at lights. We all opened our Christmas pajamas from my mom.

the kids left carrots for the reindeer and cookies for santa

the kids loved opening presents and i loved watching them

without knowing it karlee, chelsea, and i all got toms. i'm obsessed with karlee's little toms. so cute!

karlee was all about the opening this year

karson so excited to play

My mom wanted us all to have new Christmas church clothes since it was on Sunday this year. I kind of had a bad attitude about it being on Sunday (terrible I know. Isn't Christ the whole point of this holiday?), but I actually really loved it. I loved doing the traditional Christmas morning things (presents/breakfast) and then going to church in the afternoon to remind us of the real reason we celebrate. I always love music and really enjoyed the Christmas program. After church we came home to take a few pictures in our Christmas clothes.

It's definitely sad not being at home with the rest of the family for Christmas, but I really love spending the holidays in Vegas. The kids are at such a fun age. If we can't be all together, being there is definitely a good option.

30+2

2011-12-23T12:02:00.001-07:00

Another too close to Christmas crappy December birthday. The celebrations started with dinner at Salt City Burger with friends on birthday eve.eveI spent most of yesterday going to physical therapy and running Christmas errands. Roommate Suzie and I ate at Tucanos for dinner. I even got a little Christmas cheer with the Gateway tree. I got some great gifts...all of which I'm dying to use. I came to Vegas today and opened family gifts and went to dinner at Red Robin. Wow! That was a lot of eating/fun celebrating.

rommate Suzie brought home balloons

looking at Gateway tree while waiting for dinner
the tree changed colors and i loved it
roommate Carrie gave me this cake pops pan. can't wait to use it.
presents from Chelsea and Ashley
Karlee helping me with presents

Christmas Quiz

2011-12-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

This has been a weird holiday season for me. I've been stuck in the house much of the month, and I got most of my shopping done early. It hasn't exactly felt like Christmas. Abby over at Diligent Joy posted this fun little Christmas Quiz, and it gave me a little holiday spirit.

if this quiz doesn't get me in the holiday spirit, maybe i need to find this awesome charm bracelet

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? mostly neither. egg nog is yuck, and although I like hot chocolate I prefer not to drink my calories.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? under the tree/all over the room

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? white lights but sometimes I really like the wacky tacky colored lights on the other people's houses

4. Do you hang mistletoe? seems like someone in the house does every year

5. When do you put your decorations up? as soon as possible and leave up as long as possible until jan.1

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? my mom's cheeseball...maybe???

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? all the kids lining up in order to see what santa brought

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? santa still comes to my house

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? pjs on christmas eve...always...even still. everything else next morning

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? someone else seems to do that job every year. i did see the most beautiful gold and maroon tree today.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? DREAD/HATE

12. Can you ice skate? haven't been since i was a freshman in college so probably not

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? my family is pretty spoiled at christmas so i probably have a favorite for each year. last year my mom surprised me with a clarisonic. def my fav from last year.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? spending time with family (something i don't get to do very often)

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? peppermint ice cream (is that a lame answer???)

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? reading the christmas story out of the bible, going to look at lights, coming home to open pajamas (is that too many answers?)

17. What tops your tree? nothing this year

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? giving...the perfect gift

19. Candy canes: yuck or yummy? on the fence with this question. i think i eat them because they are there.

20. Favorite Christmas show? the holiday

21. Saddest Christmas song? christmas shoes...worst song ever

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? o holy night or anything david archuleta or justin beiber (for real)

who wants to play along? it's kind of fun to see everyone's answers. if you do, go to abby's blog and link your blog.

the surgical story

2011-12-16T20:33:00.002-07:00

Drew was my little buddy the couple of days I was at his house. He was fascinated with the crutches and ice pump.

surgery = no contacts, no makeup, no jewelry

My other post about having surgery was mostly to prevent people from freaking out because they didn't know. I still got a little of that but nothing too bad. Here's the rest of the long story....

After the Ogden marathon back in May, my hip was bugging me. Since I had the Utah Valley marathon 3 weeks later I went to physical therapy a few times. It seemed to be getting a lot better so I ran Utah Valley (mistake #1). Looking back, my 45 minutes off my normal finishing time should have been a big clue that I was injured, but no. I ran Wasatch Back (mistake #2) the next weekend. By the end of that, my hip was killing me, and I couldn't walk. I spent the rest of the summer going to physical therapy 3x/week. I was gradually getting a little better. At least that's what I thought.

By the end of the summer, I hit a big plateau in therapy and still couldn't walk with a normal gait. I finally went to see a sports medicine doctor. After a x-rays and a MRI, they found a tear in the cartilage of my hip. I tried 6 weeks of swimming only and a steroid shot, and still I wasn't better. Before even seeing the doctor for the final time I decided to have surgery. I was pretty sick of not being able to do what I wanted to do, and surgery seemed like the only solution.

I made a couple of appointments with different surgeons and found out I would have to wait until March to have surgery. I was so done with the waiting game by that point. I started calling around and found another surgeon that did arthroscopic surgery. I had a consultation with him and felt really comfortable with him and his experience. He was booked for the year but opened another surgery day for December 2. Within a couple of hours of leaving his office, I scheduled surgery for a week and a half later. It's really crazy how things work out. I was really upset and stressed about not getting into the other surgeon for so long, but it turned out to be a huge blessing. I'm so happy I went with Dr. West. He dedicated 1/3 of this year to studying this exact procedure to be the most effective and efficient. His dedication made me feel very comfortable with him.

Michelle took me to the hospital. They took me straight back to pre-op, and I was ready to go pretty quickly. I was about to walk down (ya walk down) to the OR when some equipment broke. I ended up waiting/staring at the wall for the next hour before they were ready. I walked down to the OR, got on the bed, and that's all I remember. The next thing I knew I woke up in the PACU. I was SO nervous about going home (to Michelle's house). I was pretty stressed about getting around with crutches. I had the nicest nurse. She suggested I spend the night and even came to my room to talk to me for a bit. Michelle came to check on me and visit for a while. A few hours later, the night nurse came in, and I knew her. I was so happy to know my nurse. It really helped relieve some of the anxiety. By the time I got out of bed and moved around a little, I realized the crutches would be ok.

I spent the night in the hospital. Dy picked me up the next day and took me to Michelle's for the next several days. I was hooked up to an ice pump for the next week, but other than that I did really well. I have been able to move around really well, and I haven't been in pain at all. Being on crutches hasn't been nearly as bad as I thought although it has been very interesting (more on that later). I am healing really well and expect to be completely back to normal soon. It's weird to say lucky when talking about surgery, but I really do feel like one lucky girl.

generation gap dinner

2011-12-10T14:05:00.001-07:00

In celebration of 25 years and many many miles of running, some of the first members of the running group hosted a dinner this fall. They had shirts from every St. George marathon. They posted favorite running memories and stories of how everyone came to the group. I found out I am 9 generations from an original member. It's pretty cool to see how the group has grown the past 25 years. I have missed my running friends so much, and it was great to spend the evening with many of them.

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cookie swap

2011-12-09T01:48:00.001-07:00

who has the best cookie recipe? if you want to know, head over to http://justlikemarypoppins.blogspot.com/2011/12/cookie-recipe-swap.html and participate in aubry's cookie swap. give your favorite recipe and get everyone else's favorite recipes in return. seems like a win-win to me.

now ya know

2011-12-02T22:52:00.002-07:00

Remember my promise to write my running story earlier this year?!?! Well, I started it, got injured, and had to stop running. I still promise to post it hopefully in 10-12 weeks when I'm fully recovered from the hip surgery I had today. Some people know and some people don't. How do you bring that up in conversation? So, for everyone that wants to kill me for not telling them, now ya know. Surgery went well, and so far I am doing great.

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9/11 memorial

2011-12-01T06:09:00.003-07:00

words + cell phone pictures are not sufficient. seeing the 9/11 memorial in nyc was like nothing i've ever experienced. it was beautiful, huge, and so incredibly peaceful. right in the middle of nyc this site of such horrific tragedy has been completely transformed. the running water was so calming to me. as I walked around, i realized not one person (including an unborn child) is forgotten. i really could have stayed there all night. i hope this memorial provides the same peace to others with much more personal connections.

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last stop...nyc

2011-11-26T08:44:00.002-07:00

After 5 days in DC and 2 days in Philly, I took the bus to NYC. There was some crazy bad traffic, but it was still the best cheapest way to go. I was mostly there for work and a little fun too. I had work trainings all day the first 2 days but managed to do a few things after work.

stayed with college friend ginny (and took no pictures)

visited 9/11 memorial (deserves its own post)

saw occupy wall street (not sure what dressing like santa, mrs. clause, and baby clause will do to help this situation)

walked around times square (and took the must take picture)

saw Memphis (entertaining singing and dancing)

walked to central park from ginny's apartment (so very jealous of all the runners)

did a little shopping in the pouring rain

It was a great 10 days!

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blessed

2011-11-24T23:18:00.002-07:00

On this day of thanks, I cannot even begin to list all the things I am thankful for. I am so very blessed. I am particularly thankful for family and the rare opportunity to spend all day with immediate and extended family. We ate, took pictures, visited, and played.

the kids made paper rockets and launched them with an air compresser

grandma and grandpa mathis with all the great grandkids. the kids weren't really all that into this except karlee. have you ever seen anything cuter?!?

with cousin brittany who we haven't seen since kid #2 was a little babe.

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tour de east coast...philadelphia

2011-11-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

after spending the work week in dc, i took the bus to philadelphia to spend the weekend with katey. it was a quick couple days and packed full of philly fun.

first stop...philly cheesesteaks with cheese whiz (seriously)

second stop...redding terminal market (more food)

liberty bell. line to go inside was way too long. perfectly happy to see it from outide.

independence hall

must take picture at art museum in front of rocky statue

city hall building

lifesize game pieces

so glad it worked to visit katey on this trip. it was so much fun! once the weekend was over, i took another bus to NYC.

sneak peek...Philly

2011-11-14T17:24:00.002-07:00

I actually took real pictures with a real camera on stop 2 of tour de east coast. I promise a real post when I get home, but until then here's a sneak peek from my phone.

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tour de east coast...DC

2011-11-12T18:26:00.002-07:00

I'm on a 10 day tour of the east coast for a little bit of work and a little bit of fun. First stop...Washington, DC to visit Amanda and baby Cole and attend a work training. I had a great time with Amanda and learned a lot at my training. Next stop...Philadelphia.

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Halloween 2011

2011-11-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

Things I love about Halloween...

dressing up as a group

decorations

pumpkin anything (except pie)

Things I don't love as much...

spending lots of money to make a costume

going to big parties i don't really want to go to

Halloween 2011

dressed up as a group twice (work and chaperone stake youth dance)

made new decorations

had a pumpkin shake (after the month of no sugar was over of course)

spent a total of $1.27 on costumes

went to a total of 0 parties (hit the married friend's ward trunk or treat instead)

work costume (box of squeeze it drinks)

chaperon the stake dance (flight attendants)

complete success

more inspiration

2011-11-05T21:43:00.002-06:00

I promise I'm not turning into a deep thinker. Things keep happening in my life that cause me to think on a much deeper level. So, here goes another pictureless post. Sorry!

I had the opportunity today to attend the funeral of an acquaintance. I met her in my singles ward several years ago, and I haven't been in touch with her much since. I almost didn't go, but someone convinced me I should. I am so glad I went.

I remember the day I met Sarah at church. She was so warm and friendly. Later on in the Sunday meetings a note passed down the aisle inviting us to a cupcake party at her place later that evening. Looking back now, I remember feeling completely comfortable. She was so genuine that no one really felt awkward being there. That is the kind of person she was- genuine and kind and friendly to anyone she came in contact with.

As I have watched Sarah battle this disease, mostly from afar, I have been so impressed. From the beginning, she was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer, but she didn't let that stop her from living life. She lived everyday to the fullest. She approached this trial with optimism. She is such an example and an inspiration to me and so many others of how to rise above a trial.

There was definitely a theme at the funeral that Sarah had accomplished her mission here on earth. She learned the lessons she needed to learn, and she is now needed on the other side. Her short 30 years were a success, and her life, work, and learning continue.

Sarah touched so many lives in the short time she was here, and I consider myself extremely lucky to be one of those people. My hope is now in honor of Sarah and the life she lived I can strive to be a better person, to be more genuine and kind to those around me, and to approach each day with optimism.

inspired

2011-11-03T22:41:00.002-06:00

group photo with Kim Peek's dad and the Oscar for Rainman

Temple Grandin

co-worker Linda and husband getting book signed by Temple

I love my job! I love the children and families I work with. I love that I have the potential to change lives. I hope everyday that I actually make that difference. Tonight I saw what it really means to make that difference. The Utah Film Center presented Temple Grandin the Peek Award for Disability in Media. The award is named in honor of Kim Peek (the real rainman). We heard stories and saw videos of these 2 individuals with Autism who had a parent that pushed them to succeed. My eyes filled with tears several times as I saw the love and devotion between parent and child. I was so inspired! Thank you Kids on the Move for providing this unique opportunity.

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the rest of Vegas

2011-10-30T00:03:00.002-06:00

The rest of the trip was less eventful but still fun. Karlee and I had matchy matchy fishtail braids. We made PF Changs lettuce wraps. Karlee had dance, and we played. It was a lot of fun. I didn't want to come home.

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working late

2011-10-27T22:08:00.001-06:00

one of the only perks of working until 7. you don't see stuff like this when leaving work at normal hours.

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ya never know

2011-10-26T19:10:00.003-06:00

Please excuse the pictureless post. I'm supposed to be working right now (It's 7pm though so I don't feel too guilty), but this is blog worthy if you ask me. I've kind of been dying over the blog world lately. Confession...I'm a little jealous of all the bloggers who have tons of followers. I kind of want to be one of those, but I usually feel like only 2.5 people read my blogs. Well, I guest posted last week over on roommate Suzie's blog. Only 2 people commented which made me think less than 2.5 people actually read my blog. Roommate Suzie just called to inform me that 66 people viewed my post and in her words "you're way cooler than you think you are". Way to make a girl's day! I feel so popular even if it really is only for a minute. Thanks for reading people (whoever you are).

Vegas Adventures

2011-10-20T13:18:00.001-06:00

Suzie and friends are running Vegas Ragnar this weekend so I came along for the ride. The ride just got a little more exciting when we got a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, Utah. Gracias to Cameron for knowing how to change a tire and doing it in 10 minutes. 45 minutes and 2 new tires later, we're back on the road. Let the adventures continue.

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Guest Posting... about Winter

2011-10-14T23:38:00.001-06:00

We all know I LOVE summer and HATE winter. I know I know. I live in Utah, and Utah has winter and snow...lots of snow. I'm guest posting over on Suzie's blog today on my plans for surviving winter and beating my seasonal anger disorder this year. Check it out here.

Missouri Catch Up Part 2...Cape

2011-10-11T22:35:00.000-06:00

The fun didn't stop once we got to Cape. We took the kids to feed the ducks and play at the park. Even Jordan and Zach came. We also went to a bounce place. We all had a great time playing with the kids.
how cute is Zach with the kids???

i love that the boys are swinging the kids

playing at the park

the kids loved jumping and sliding down the big slides

we even got grandma to go down the slide

Missouri Catch Up Part 1...St. Louis 2

2011-10-10T21:35:00.000-06:00

PICTURE POST...We left the zoo, got some lunch, and went to the Magic House (a discovery type place). There are so many pictures, but the kids are so dang cute.

playing in the sand table. karson wasn't too sure about it at first.

playing with huge blocks

these kids are so cute playing in the house

shopping

fishing

is this the cutest little doctor you've ever seen???

the kids and maybe the grownups loved this

karlee was a little freaked out

playing with sand

We had such a fun day at the zoo and Magic House. The kids were completely worn out which was perfect for the drive home to Cape.

Missouri Catch Up Part 1...St. Louis 1

2011-10-09T17:30:00.006-06:00

Somehow I got back to Utah missing half the pictures from the Missouri trip. I finally have all the pictures so here's part 1 of the rest of the trip.

We flew into St. Louis in the late afternoon. It was too late to really do much so we went to dinner and took the kids swimming at the hotel.

We got up the next morning and went to the zoo. St. Louis has a really cool zoo, and it's free. We spent the morning seeing all the animals. The kids loved it although Karson's favorite part might have been chasing the birds.

this huge hippo was one of the first things we saw

Karson loved looking at the animals so close to him

Karlee was so excited to ride the carousel

We have practically the same picture of Jake and Karlee looking at the penguins over 2 years ago.

October=Breast Cancer Awareness=No Sugar

2011-10-03T22:34:00.004-06:00

october is breast cancer awareness month

co-worker michelle and i have been pretty good about not eating sugar

it's already 3 days into the month

cancer (especially breast caner) has hit a little too close to home the past couple years

this post from homemade grits

what do all these things have to do with anything???

i started reading this random blog (homemade grits) through some other random blog i read. i mostly love everything about it. she's pretty healthy and i love that. she posted this post the other day and i was immediately inspired. cancer has hit way too close to home for me the past several years between friends, family of friends, and others fighting, surviving, and losing battles with cancer. i'm mostly good about not eating sugar, but in support of breast cancer awareness month and the inspiration from lesley, i'm done with sugar for the rest of the month. who's with me??? (don't worry that it's practically oct. 4...start now) and you might even see me sporting a little more pink this month.

BYU vs Utah State

2011-10-01T07:58:00.001-06:00

The parentals are in town with another couple so we went to the BYU game last night. Co-worker Emily is a huge USU fan/BYU hater so it's been a fun week of trash talk. For most of the game (starting with a USU touchdown in the first 14 seconds) I thought we'd be getting payback this week. Somehow BYU got it together and scored 2 touchdowns at the last second. It was a beautiful night, intense game, good times with the parents, and it looks like Emily will be sporting BYU blue on Monday. Go Cougars!

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family pics

2011-09-27T22:24:00.000-06:00

Since the family isn't together very often, my dad always wants to take pictures. He sometimes springs it on us at the last minute when someone hasn't done their hair or something. We had a little more advanced notice this time. We are definitely not the most photogenic people, but I'm pretty happy with the way these turned out.

the fam minus Jeff and Jake

the kids

sisters

brothers...so funny. they hated taking a picture of just them and had no idea how to stand

all the girls

chelsea and karlee

Fair Post #2

2011-09-25T21:11:00.003-06:00

I can't remember the last time I went to the fair, and I definitely have never been to the fair in Missouri. There were all types of people there which made for a fun time. Karlee rode some rides. We looked at the animals. We ate some fair food...probably a little too much fair food.

grandma, kids, chelsea, me, ashley

we took some pics

fed the animals. karlee was so funny and only wanted to feed the small animals

karlee loved riding rides even though she doesn't look like it.

The fair was pretty fun, but I probably don't need to go to another fair for several more years, and I definitely don't need to eat any fair food anytime soon.

fair from my phone

2011-09-16T20:47:00.002-06:00

I'm in Missouri for the week with Chelsea and the kids visiting the fam...more to come. Today we went to the Semo district fair...more to come on that too, but for now here's the fair according to my phone.

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Remembering...Can't Forget

2011-09-11T23:41:00.002-06:00

the Brooklyn Bridge

September 11 is a date that hopefully no one will forget. I don't even know how to put into words what I feel today. I have been reading Facebook status updates and blog posts and watching TV specials today. I am overcome as I think of that day 10 years ago. My experience definitely is so small in comparison to many others who lived through it/barely survived, but it is still something I never want to forget. I was a senior in college, and I was finishing getting ready in the morning. My friend Elizabeth came over to walk to school, and she heard something on the news but didn't know much. BYU was a very different campus that day. Many classes were cancelled that day. There was a special prayer meeting held in the Marriott Center. Click here to read. Even though there was an obvious mood of fear overtaking the country, I remember the prayer meeting and how meaningful it was for me that day. As I think back to 10 years ago, I not only remember the horror of our country being ripped apart by terrorists, but I remember our country coming together united in this tragedy. President Monson writes in the Washington Post about the opportunity it gave many to spiritually rebuld. As I look at our country 10 years later, the tragedy to me is that we aren't always united. We aren't always spiritually strong. We aren't always looking out for each other. We don't always remember. Today was a good reminder to me to always remember.

yucky air...beautiful skies

2011-09-09T20:37:00.001-06:00

Thank you summer inversion for this most beautiful sunset.

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Bridal Shower on the Boat

2011-09-04T16:10:00.006-06:00

Nicole and Matt are getting married next weekend. Since she lives out of town we started talking about her bridal shower the second she got engaged. She picked the date and time (since she had 2 other showers that day), and we started planning. In the midst of the planning, Serena somewhat jokingly suggested boating instead of a traditional shower. I don't think anything could be more appropriate for Nicole. We met at Jaynie's last weekend before hitting the lake. This was by far the best and most fun bridal shower I have ever been to.

the bride

she opened presents (with a little craft talk), we ate (don't tell Jaynie's mom there was food on the boat)

Serena surfed, Jaynie did a few tricks on the water

Nicole started out the wakeboarding, Mary got up on the ski and then did something to her back (thank goodness Nicole is a PT and she felt better by the end of the night)

we took pictures (Courtney, me, Mary, Tonya, Serena, Jaynie, Nicole) and watched the sunset from the boat
It's been a few years since the Turnberry days, but being out on the boat together felt like old times. We laughed our heads off and reminisced about those days. I love those girls so much.

buh-bye old...hello new

2011-09-02T18:51:00.002-06:00

I've been saying for a while that I'm getting a new car "soon" whatever that means. I decided to do a little shopping to figure out what I wanted. I have an awesome hookup with Nissan so soon turned into this month to take advantage of some incentives. Well turns out car shopping=new car.

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Goodbye Robyn and Joe

2011-08-29T23:11:00.002-06:00

For some reason I keep putting off this post. Maybe I think if I don't post it then it won't be real. It is real. Robyn and Joe and fam moved to Tennessee. Kimberly and I hosted a going away party at the park before they left. Lots of friends and family came. It was the perfect night. I was cry yourself to sleep sad to see them go but so excited for the new adventures for their family. I love you Robyn and Joe and can't wait to visit Tennessee.

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26.2 x 100

2011-08-21T23:18:00.002-06:00

My running friend, Sharon, ran her 100th marathon yesterday. She decided a couple of years ago to make it to 100 marathons in celebration of her 60th birthday.

Many of the Generation Gap runners gathered at the Park City marathon finish line to celebrate with Sharon as she accomplished her goal. It was a very bittersweet experience for me. I was supposed to run that marathon, but I am STILL injured. It was hard to be there as a spectator instead of a runner. I knew it would be hard, and I didn't know if I could emotionally handle it. I am glad I went. It was great to be there to support and friend and celebrate with her, but I decided it is mentally much harder to not run a marathon than to actually run the marathon.

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same post...totally different people

2011-08-19T07:19:00.001-06:00

Current thing I love the most about living in Utah...out of town visitors. Bill and Karen were in town this week so we all got together for a night of fun and catching up. Most of us were roommates/lived in the same apartment complex so getting together is always fun for everyone.

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Amazing Grace

2011-08-16T22:19:00.004-06:00

how many of us pray each day for opportunities to serve others?!? here's your chance.

my roommate Suzie is putting together a yard sale/bake sale/silent auction to help raise money for her darling niece to get physical therapy at the amazing Now I Can.

check it out here and make sure to read Grace's story (it will melt your heart) and the miracle of Now I Can and then donate or stop by Saturday, August 27

Little Mermaid...St. George

2011-08-13T23:02:00.000-06:00

When I found out The Little Mermaid was at Tuacahn this summer, I immediately called Chelsea to tell her we HAD to take Karlee. She watched the movie for the first time last Christmas and has loved it ever since. The show did not disappoint and neither did Karlee. She LOVED it! The show was absolutely amazing, and it was so much fun being there with Karlee.

we showed up in St. George all matchy matchy

Karlee was so happy to see Ariel and jumped right in her arms

The main reason we went to St. George was for cousin Eric and Megan's wedding. We had a low key family bbq in the afternoon and wedding and reception that night. An August wedding in St. George was nearly the death of me, but it was great spending time with the family.

trying to get a good picture with these kids is next to impossible

wasatch back BBQ

2011-08-09T22:44:00.004-06:00

joe, robyn, laurie, jessica, lindy, bree, me, marci

spending 30 hours in a van together can either make you love or hate each other. in my experience it usually makes you love each other. most of us finally got together for a BBQ the end of July. we were all so excited to see each other again and catch up. thanks robyn and joe for hosting.

same post...some same people

2011-08-06T09:58:00.001-06:00

Matt and Eleisha and fam were in town for a few days. We all met for dinner to celebrate Robyn's birthday. It's been so fun having so many friends in town lately.

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wedding crashers

2011-07-30T12:06:00.002-06:00

Our good friends Lindsey and Brock were in town for a wedding. Basically the only option of seeing them was to crash her sister's wedding. It was a little awkward especially for Brianna (she knew the groom and family), but it was totally worth the awkwardness. It was so great to see them.

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More Old friends

2011-07-24T14:51:00.003-06:00

same post...different people

elizabeth, allie, robyn, sunny, me

Allie is in town for a little work and a little fun. It's literally been ages since I have seen her. In the midst of seeing other friends and family and taking some amazing temple pictures, we met up at Cafe Rio yesterday for a couple of hours of laughs. It was so much fun seeing her and my other Utah friends. Thanks for coming Allie. Stay tuned and you might see her guest posting on my craft blog soon.

Old Friends

2011-07-17T22:21:00.003-06:00

Sunny, Jana, me, Maggie, Rachel

Maggie and her little family are in the middle of moving for graduate school and stopped off in Utah. It is so silly that all the rest of us live in Utah but can't seem to get together unless someone is here from out of town. It was so much fun catching up and laughing about old memories. Please come again soon!

running hiatus=biking

2011-07-10T21:23:00.001-06:00

I've been on a running break for the past 3 weeks due to my hip injury. If we're being honest it's more like a walking break. It's a serious damper. The only upside is I've rediscovered my love for road biking. I forgot how much I love it. I went out yesterday planning to do a good long ride. About 7 miles into the ride my back tire didn't feel right. I pulled over to discover a completely flat tire so I called my roommate Suzie. Luckily she's so nice and came to rescue me. So much for my nice long ride and my biking love.

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Summer Break=Vegas

2011-07-04T14:47:00.004-06:00

My plans for summer break this year were up in the air until pretty much the last second. I knew I wanted to go to Vegas, but I wasn't sure when due to other up in the air plans. I didn't get things figured out until 2 days before I left which means I ended up driving. Co-worker Kimber and daughter Kenzie drove down with me, and co-worker Michelle came home with me so the drive was really not so bad.

I love my Vegas trips. We usually don't have too many plans which is just the way I like it. We went swimming (at a regular pool and the kids little pool), did some crafts, shopped just a little, baked a little, went to Karlee's favorite Old McDonalds, and played with the kids.

too bad the only picture i took with the kids was in the pool

this was seriously death by chocolate...brownie mix with hot fudge and ice cream layered with mint oreos...delish

we made 4th of July wreaths and yarn letters

We didn't take too many pictures this time, but It was so much fun and so sad to leave. Luckily I will see them again next month at cousin Eric's wedding.

Wasatch Back 2011...Team Leap Frog

2011-06-23T22:59:00.005-06:00

Robyn (with some persuasion and promise to help) signed up a team for Wasatch Back almost a year ago. The team changed several times over the past year, but in the end we ended up with a great team. There was definitely major stress leading up to the race (we need a replacement runner...multiple times, van 1 needs a van, van 2 needs a van...kind of at the last minute, dance recitals to get home to, start time, will Joe be able to run...3 days before, shirts), but somehow everything even the small little details worked out perfectly.

Van 1 met early Friday morning and went to Logan to start the race. Van 2 (minus Robyn and Joe who were at a funeral and came later) met in the early afternoon to meet van 1 in Eden.

van 1 (Brandon, Laurie, Emily, Shannon, Bree, Jessica) at start line in Logan

most of team (Jessica, Laurie, Shannon, Emily, me, Robyn, Joe, Lindy, Marci, Bree) at exchange 6 waiting for Brandon to come in

Marci and Bree in their unplanned matchy matchy outfits...so cute!

dinner at snow basin after van exchange. our reflective vests really are reflective.

exchanging with Carrie for my first run

exchanging with Lindy after first run

the only running picture of just me. too bad it's of my backside.

Joe got the beautiful sunrise leg.

Marci rocked her legs. She did well last year, but she is by far the most improved runner this year. She has worked so hard, and it shows. She did amazing on all of her legs.

backcountry.com has a team every year. they do all kinds of crazy things like run with a snowboard, skis, etc. this guy "ran" his nearly 7 mile leg on skis.

this race has some beautiful scenery especially this year. everything was so green from all the rain.

most of the team at the finish line waiting for Marci to come in

the team minus Laurie. 32 hours and 27 minutes later we all ran across the finish line together. Marci even wore the green wig for her last leg.

Wasatch Back was a little different for me this year. Ever since the Ogden marathon, my hip has been hurting. Physical therapy is helping, but running is not. I had so much fun. My team was great. Everyone was so supportive even though I wasn't running well at all. I ran slower on purpose because I didn't want to hurt my self even more. I often want to give up when things get hard, but this definitely showed me that I can do hard things. I loved the race this year. I loved my team and new friends, and I loved the things I learned about myself. People think paying lots of money to stay up all night, eat whatever you can find, and run a lot sounds crazy, but I love every second of it.

26.2...Utah Valley

2011-06-16T21:50:00.004-06:00

Running 2 marathons in 3 weeks might not be the best idea I have ever had. Remember my post about the Ogden marathon and how it didn't go all that well?!? Besides not having the best marathon ever, I ended up having some hip problems and not being able to run much between the 2 marathons. I heard great things about the course, but I didn't start out with too high of expectations about how the marathon would go.

When my hip wasn't feeling better a week after Ogden, I started going to physical therapy. I felt much better, but I knew I wasn't 100%. I didn't get as nervous as I usually do until the driver didn't know how to get to the start line. Every time we turned around I got more and more anxious. I never really got over that. I am not kidding when I say I started struggling in the first mile. I could never get my pace under control, and my hip was bugging me. Thankfully the Grand Slam made it so quitting was absolutely not an option. I knew I could push through and get to the finish somehow.

I don't usually run with people I meet along the way, but this marathon was totally different. I met 3 groups of people that literally got me through the marathon. All of the groups had at least 1 person who was struggling a bit and someone who could have finished much faster but slowed way down for a friend. I learned a really important lesson about charity that day.

Suzie ran the half and then stayed to run the last few miles with me and drive me home. I don't have a picture to prove it, but Emily S stayed for hours and hours to see me run in and take these pictures. It was so nice of her and Suzie.

finally getting to the finish line

with my new friends Natalie and Tiffany. they inspired me all along the way.

The kindness/support of strangers and friends got me through this marathon. I might not have preformed as well I would have liked, but this marathon experience was about so much more than running. Some day soon I really am going to do a post about running and why I keep doing this over and over again.

Les Mis

2011-06-03T16:53:00.002-06:00

I thought I was the only person on the planet who had never seen Les Mis. When I found out it was coming to Salt Lake, I had to go. Laurann really wanted to go too. We raced to dinner at Blue Lemon before the show. We didn't have the best seats (I mostly couldn't see anything), but I'm so glad we went. It was very well done and an enjoyable night.

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Bachelorette Weekend

2011-05-28T22:24:00.000-06:00

Mikael is getting married. Instead of a shower we decided to have a bachelorette weekend instead. Emily's parents live in Oakley and were generous enough to come let us stay in their barn/house. We met in Park City for lunch on Friday, did a lot of shopping, went to dinner, and headed to Oakley. We sat in the hot tub for hours before staying up half the night talking and laughing. Emily planned a tea party for lunch on Saturday complete with a hat for Mikael. Emily really knows how to entertain, and it was so much fun.

Thanks Mikael for getting married so we could all have a fun getaway weekend and thanks Emily and your parents. Such a fun weekend!

Happy Birthday Karson

2011-05-24T21:46:00.000-06:00

Karson's birthday is today, but we celebrated a little early while we were all in Vegas. Chelsea decided to have a family party the last night we were all in town. There are no pictures to prove it, but besides my mom Ashley, Jake, and I were all there.

my mom made the sports cake for the sports themed party

Karson needed a little help to dig in but then seemed to like it and really loved the ice cream grandma kept feeding him

Karlee was so excited for his presents. I love this picture. It looks like they actually know how to share
I'm glad they had the party early so we could all celebrate with him. I can't believe it's already been a year. Happy Birthday Karson!

26.2...Ogden version round 2

2011-05-23T08:55:00.000-06:00

Somehow someone or something convinced me to sign up for the Grand Slam. I've pretty much been dreading it ever since...not the best thoughts to be having staring at a 4 marathon year. I've been anxious to get going and at least get one down. Saturday I got one down...barely.

Teresa, me, Caroyn, and Alyson after the finish
My usual training tactics haven't been working that well lately, and my long runs were pretty rough. I tried to be positive and hope for the best. I did the Ogden marathon last year. I was a little excited to do it again. I remembered how beautiful the course is but somehow forgot about the many rolling hills that nearly killed me. I was freaking out all week and especially Friday evening and early Saturday morning, but somehow once I stood on the road for the start line I suddenly felt calm. I started out pretty well (not too fast and not too slow). Somewhere along the way (not exactly sure where or when or even what) I went from doing pretty well to ending pretty bad. Not my best marathon but not my worst. Lucky for me I have 3 more chances this year to do better. Time to step it up a notch. Anyone want to go running?
stay tuned for a post about my thoughts on running and how I actually survive these dang things...over and over again

DISNEYLAND

2011-05-20T21:46:00.008-06:00

My mom has been talking about taking to Karlee to Disneyland. Karlee has loved Mickey and Minnie for a long time, and she has really gotten into the princesses this year. We had such a great time as you can tell from the tons of pictures.

Karlee in front of the castle

Ashley had these cute shirts made for the kids

Karlee's dream of meeting Minnie coming true

We got really lucky and ended up in the front of the line to see Minnie and Mickey

Karlee got to meet her favorite princess Ariel and several others including Pocahontas

Karson was so good the whole time and actually got some good naps. Karlee LOVED the teacups

Dumbo was another favorite

As was the carousel

Karlee was excited for another carousel in California Adventure

She loved rides so much, but this was a little much. Jake and Ashley bought this cookie, and I'm pretty sure Karlee ate most of it. She was pretty excited to eat a Mickey cookie.

Grandma and Karlee. Me with the kids

All the girls in front of the castle. The whole fam (mom, Jake, Karlee, Ashley, Chelsea, Jeff, Karson, me)
Disneyland/California Adventure was so much fun with kids. Thanks mom for taking us!

Matchy Matchy

2011-05-17T22:11:00.002-06:00

I did a lot of sewing over spring break this year. I started out with plans to make a couple skirts and ended up making a little more. I had tons of extra material so I made a skirt for Karlee. Here we are posing in our matchy matchy skirts.

Spanish Night

2011-05-15T22:55:00.003-06:00

Once a month some people from work get together to practice Spanish. The first time I went I was completely terrified. My Spanish has gone way downhill over the past several years, and I was so scared. Spanish night turns out to be the best thing for me. There are varying degrees of fluency, and it's a great time for us all to practice. We usually have dinner, play some games, and speak as much Spanish as possible.

Christina, Ana Maria, and Charmaine in the kitchen

delicious meal

Salt Lake Running Co. 5k

2011-05-06T10:00:00.001-06:00

When I found out this FREE 5k was the same weekend Jeff and Chelsea would be in town, I signed us up (even though I should have run a heckuvalot more miles that day). We woke up to a ton of snow but got lucky with beautiful running weather. It was Jeff's first race, and he did great. Way to go Jeff!

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Happy Birthday Chelsea

2011-05-01T20:58:00.004-06:00

Chelsea, Jeff, and the kids came to town for the weekend. Jeff's brother blessed his new baby today so the real reason for the trip was to see the Vocana family. They stayed at my house so I got to spend lots of time with them.

The trip happened to be the same weekend as Chelsea's birthday so I hosted a birthday brunch for her and her friends. It's so hard to see everyone when she is in town so this worked perfectly. A lot of her friends came, and it was a lot of fun.

i finally used my cupcake pops book i got for Christmas. i love how they turned out and will definitely make them again.

karlee was dying to eat one all morning

karlee loves taking pictures so we let her take some pictures of us after the party

nick, lindsi, and baby, vocanas, melissa, sheryl, carrie

It was so fun having them here this weekend. Jeff and I ran a 5k (more to come later). Chelsea and I went shopping. We went to dinner with the Vocanas for birthday dinners, and they spent time with family. Such a fun weekend!

I'm Blue..

2011-04-30T17:51:00.002-06:00

But not in a sad kind of way...in a light it up blue for Autism Awareness month kind of way. I wore blue every workday and surprised myself with how much blue I actually do have, and it was nice having that daily reminder all month.

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giveaway winner

2011-04-24T16:07:00.002-06:00

The winner of the snack bag giveaway is Laurann. Email me to get your prize. Thanks for playing and happy earth day!

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Earth Day Giveaway

2011-04-22T13:10:00.002-06:00

Remember these?!?

Do you want one?!?

In honor of earth day and my attempt to persuade everyone to be a little greener, I'm giving away a re useable snack bag here and my craft blog. Usual rules apply.

follow
comment
blog
comment
facebook/twitter
comment
enter on both blogs (extra entry)

Enter by Sunday, April 24 at 2:00pm

gumdrop wreath hung

2011-04-17T20:20:00.001-06:00

It's finally on the door. I'm pretty scared it will be on the ground when I get home tomorrow. It's so cute, but I'm not too sure I would recommend making it.

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Bye Bye Birdies

2011-04-15T17:49:00.001-06:00

Tragic story...violent winds must have knocked the baby birdie eggs out of their nest...all of them. Is it weird that I'm really sad about it?

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Much Needed Lessons

2011-04-13T10:27:00.003-06:00

The blog world is full of all kinds of great things...funny pictures and videos, craft projects, fashion ideas, friends,and even a lot of lessons.

If you're in the mood for a few of life's lessons, check out these links

http://www.carolinecollie.com/2011/04/gods-second-string/ (Caroline is from my home town and currently lives with her darling little family in South Africa as Christian missionaries)

http://ambersarea.blogspot.com/2011/04/is-runner.html (Amber is a friend of a friend and now my friend. I think she did this post just for me...seriously)

Birdie Update

2011-04-11T22:02:00.002-06:00

Craziest thing ever. We're up to 5 baby birdie eggs.

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Seasons

2011-04-09T15:23:00.004-06:00

Spring might not be in the air but it is on the front door...in the wreath. Not sure what we're supposed to do about this.

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Light it up BLUE

2011-04-06T21:38:00.000-06:00

Autism has touched my life in so many ways personally and professionally. April is Autism Awareness Month. The Light It Up Blue campaign is part of spreading awareness. Prominent places like the Empire State Building were lit up blue over the weekend and people are encouraged to wear blue and other things to participate.

i got this amazing shot of the empire state building all lit up blue from a random blog i read. you can check it out here and here and read the funny story of this photo

My work is lighting it up blue with balloons, blueberry muffins, and a few other things. We all wore blue yesterday. One day isn't enough for me. In honor and celebration of Autism Awareness month I'm wearing blue to work every workday this month. I don't have tons of blue so this could get interesting.

AWEtism

It's spelled wrong!!!! A mistake has been made.

The word doctors and neurologist use to diagnose our children is autism.

But it should be AWEtism!!! Just think...

AWE at my child's progress. AWE at each accomplishment.

AWE that we've been blessed to be part of a miracle.

AWE to see God's hand at work in my child's life.

AWE to meet such wonderful people.

AWE for each little step in the right direction.

AWE for the love I never knew I had.

It's not autism...It's AWEtism!!

--Donna Copper

don't you just love that?!?

One of the Little Tykes

2011-04-05T20:50:00.002-06:00

I LOVE my job. I work with the cutest little tykes and their families.

Cole is one of those little tykes. He started having seizures at 10 months and was diagnosed with epilepsy. He recently went out of state for testing. The doctors determined the cause of his seizures. They started him on new medication and discussed the probability of brain surgery. If everything goes according to plan, Cole will have brain surgery soon. You can read all about his story here and also read about opportunities to help (silent auction, 5k, concert). The cost of the surgery, travel, etc. is pretty high. The blog world is full of so many sad stories, but this one has a potential for a happy ending. Head on over to his blog and help out if you can.

mini DR reunion

2011-03-26T19:21:00.001-06:00

11 years ago I went to the Dominican Republic with BYU study abroad. I made great friends and great memories. Some of us talk and see each other often. Others I haven't really seen since. Kenna, Melanie, Robyn, and I got together this week.11 years later we still have lots of fun. We laughed our heads off thinking of all the great times and decided we need a real reunion...maybe in the DR.

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Spectrum 10K

2011-03-21T21:26:00.003-06:00

Rewind a few years before I was a runner. I ran a 5K or two and thought that was about all I could handle. Someone convinced me to run the Rex Lee 10K in Provo. I hated every single second of it. Fast forward to this past weekend now that my distance has increased a little. I ran the Spectrum 10K in St. George on Saturday to complete the runners series and avoid the marathon lottery. I loved it. The race was over before I even knew it and definitely before I had time to get bored. I wish I had more 10Ks in my future. Sadly I do not.

GIVEAWAYs galore

2011-03-17T18:29:00.003-06:00

I LOVE free stuff! Don't you?!? The blog world is exploding with giveaways. Check it out...

http://writinglikeiampopular.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveway.html

http://justlikemarypoppins.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-giveaway.html

And...check out my craft blog http://ineeditrightnow.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-fun.html

happy st. patrick's day

2011-03-17T17:58:00.002-06:00

I LOVE holidays!
A little green jello goes a long way to
1. lighten the mood in the office
2. celebrate the holiday

Hope you did something fun to celebrate. Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

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Finally...

2011-03-14T19:31:00.000-06:00

A little over a year ago my friend Brynn somehow convinced to sign up for a crossfit gym. I had no idea what I was getting myself into other than all of a sudden I was getting my booty kicked every time I went to the gym. Ute Crossfit was started by a former Ute football player and his former Ute soccer player wife. They got all their collegiate athletes to join so the place is pretty intense. If everyone wasn't so nice, I would probably have to quit, but everyone really is so nice. We do crazy things like jump on boxes, handstand pushups, carry sandbags, and other crazy things like pull ups. I struggle with a lot of things at crossfit, but pull ups have been the death of me. I thought I would NEVER be able to do them. I've been working and working and working trying to get better but mostly just got frustrated. One day last week we worked on pull ups. I FINALLY did some pull ups...all on my own and I have the blistered/callused hands to prove it. Let's just hope I can do them again next time.

Girl Date

2011-03-13T19:27:00.003-06:00

Sometimes my work gives Hale Center gift certificates as rewards for good performance. What is a single Salt Lake girl supposed to do with $80 to the Hale in Orem?!? Most people I know think Utah county is the other end of the earth so I went with some work friends. I work with some really fun girls. We decided to have a girl date and went to PF Changs for dinner and then saw Hairspray. The venue isn't the best, but the show was really good. Girl date was really fun. Let's do it again!

For Fun

2011-03-07T20:30:00.002-07:00

A couple of my blogger friends have done this, and I think it's so fun. I LOVE comments, but I know there are some readers that never comment. So...now's your chance. I want to know who the readers are and how you know me/found me. I want to know who reads my craft blog too so head on over there for a little surprise.

ranting

2011-03-03T14:25:00.001-07:00

I try to be somewhat informed but I'll be the first to admit I know next to nothing about politics, government, budgets, etc. What I do know is that after Obama's stimulus plan, my work seems to have plenty of money. I'm all for economic security, but there comes a point when it kind of turns into a bit of a joke. In fact, the joke around the office is "thank you Obama" for most everything including new office chairs, a giganto tv, a 12 year supply of copy paper, and a few other purchases/spending. Hopefully all this economy stimulating doesn't haunt us for the rest of forever but I'm not too optimistic. I also hope I still have a job after this little rant.

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New Look

2011-02-27T22:25:00.004-07:00

My blog just got a makeover courtesy of Angie Stewart of Ivory Lime photography. Check her out! She's so talented. I LOVE it!

Showers Galore

2011-02-27T19:27:00.002-07:00

1 week. 4 showers (3 baby 1 wedding). not kidding.

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