Bartlett's Party of Three

WA.OR.CA {TRANSITION}

2011-07-19T13:34:00.004-06:00

Saturday and Sunday we spent driving down Highway 101 along the Oregon and California Coast. We originally planned to fly home from Portland, but Jordan's Dad wanted us to drive a truck down from Florence for him. So, we rearranged our plans, and spent two days driving to California.

When I made these plans, I wanted us to spend some time hiking through the Redwoods...however, when we got to that point Henry was fast asleep in the back of the truck. So, we took some pictures out the window, and kept driving! Kinda a bummer, but, c'est la vie! I'm learning, that's "vacationing with a baby."

WA.OR.CA {LEG #2}

2011-07-19T13:23:00.003-06:00

Friday was our last full day in Oregon, and we made sure to spend lots of time with the Bartlett's. This trip was Henry's first time meeting his Great Grandparents, and he took to them like flies to stink! :)

We loved spending time with the Bartlett's and on the beautiful Oregon Coast!

Friday evening we headed out to the North Jetty but weren't able to stay long because it was so windy and rainy!

WA.OR.CA {LEG #2}

2011-07-19T12:57:00.004-06:00

Thursday we had another late start {I need to just accept the fact that vacations, for us, include sleeping in}. Jordan washed Grandma & Grandpa's Prius and cleaned out the inside of it; that really made them happy! While Jordan was cleaning the house, Great-Grandma Sue was keeping Henry happy sharing a graham cracker with him! He was in heaven!

Once we finally left the house, we headed up the Coast to Haceta Head Lighthouse. What a beautiful place! The trees along the coast were filled with nests and baby birds and while we stood and watched, we saw momma birds bringing back fish to feed the squawking babies! It was pretty cool to watch, but pretty stinky too!

After hiking to the lighthouse, we headed back down to the beach and Jordan took Henry on his first Agate hunting excursion. They must've found some good ones because Jordan had a pocket full when they were finished.

WA.OR.CA {LEG #2}

2011-07-15T09:28:00.003-06:00

Wednesday we had the intention of taking Henry on a 3 mile hike to a lighthouse, however after driving up the Coast and passing so many beautiful beaches and realizing what a gorgeous day it was, we decided it would be a crime to not spend the day on the beach!

We got lucky when Jordan pulled into Picnic Beach. It was miles long, nearly deserted, and completely calm! Somehow, magically, there was no wind on the Oregon Coast! I didn't know that was possible!

Henry had his first experience with the ocean and sand, and he didn't like either! The water was too cold and the sand was just weird! But he loved when mommy held him and ran into and out of the water! He would just squeal with delight! What a perfect day!

WA.OR.CA {LEG #2}

2011-07-14T14:55:00.003-06:00

We arrived in Oregon around 10:00, but didn't get out of the airport until after 12:00 because the rental car company was so backed up we had to wait FOREVER! Ridiculous!
We finally got on the road, after getting a free upgrade of course, and made the 3 hour drive to Florence. Jordan and I haven't been here since the summer before our wedding, nearly 5 years ago, and Henry had never met his Bartlett Great-Grandparents!
After spending Sunday evening getting settled, we woke Monday morning refreshed and ready for some fun in the Oregon sun!

Monday Jordan drove Grandma to the doctor in Eugene, so Henry and I hung out at Old Town Florence. We left there and drove to the North Jetty, but Henry fell asleep before we got there! All this excitement is really wearing him out!

Tuesday we got a late start, but ended up making our way up the Coast to Smelt Sands Beach Park...and what a treat when we got there! Two whales were playing out in the water and we got to watch them and look at the tide pools before heading home.

Wednesday started with a stop at Strawberry Hill where we got to watch a bunch of Sea Lions hunting for lunch in the ocean and soaking up the sun on the rocks. We kept pointing them out to Henry, but he was too busy looking at everything but the sea lions!

WA.OR.CA {LEG #1}

2011-07-13T23:05:00.005-06:00

We had a wonderful excuse to take one last vacation before Jordan starts Pharmacy School and we become dirt poor college students...so we jumped on it!

We left Smithfield for SLC at 4:00 AM to catch our 7:15 AM flight! Note to self, Pay the extra $50 to get a later flight next time! We arrived in Washington around 8:30 AM and after stopping for breakfast, began our trek to the Olympic Peninsula. On the way, we stopped in Olympia looking for my Grandma Fortune's final resting place, only to discover, it wasn't so final! Apparently when my Grandpa moved to Utah, he took her ashes with him! After making that discovery, we continued on our way. The drive was BEAUTIFUL as the road hugged the Puget Sound nearly the entire time!

We arrived in Sequim {pronounced by the "locals" as "sKwim"} around 5:00, ate dinner at a cute 50's diner, and were ready for bed by 8:00! It had been a LONG day! The next morning we spent some time picking berries at one of the many local berry and lavender farms, and then headed over to the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge, home to the longest, natural sand spit in the world...5 1/2 miles! And at the end of the Spit is a beautiful lighthouse! As much as we would've liked to, we didn't have time to make the 11 mile roundtrip hike, so we just hung out at the beach for a while before we had to return to the hotel to get ready for the wedding.

That evening, we headed up to the "Hill above the Bay" for the wedding of one of Jordan's high school buddies. It was a BEAUTIFUL location and a beautiful wedding! We had alot of fun watching everyone enjoy the open bar, and really let loose! Unfortunately, we had to leave a bit earlier than everyone else because Henry had had it, and we had another EARLY flight to catch the next day to Portland!

We LOVED the Olympic Peninsula and are already talking about going back one day! It truly is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen!

30, FLiRtY & Thriving!!!

2011-06-11T16:27:00.004-06:00

Believe it, or not, I am now 30 years old! That's a TRIP!

Remember when you were in high school and imagining where your life would take you and what you would be doing at different stages of your life? Well, I never would've guessed that where I am now is where I would be! But, I think my life is AWESOME! I LOVE my husband! I LOVE my baby! I LOVE my family and friends! And I LOVE my Job (and I LOVE that I only have one week left)!

It's odd that I'm now OLD compared to not only the High School Kids but also the College crowds! In my normal, everyday life, I still feel "fresh out of high school", but get me around a group of high schoolers or on a college campus, and I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb! Weird!

To celebrate the conclusion of my third decade, Jordan and I went to a fancy dinner {thanks to the great deal we got on City Deals} and then had a homemade Costa Vida dinner the next day with the Alders and Fortunes. And a couple days after that, I met my Mom & sisters at the Cheesecake Factory for another birthday celebration!

It's kinda interesting how the older I get, the less important "Gifts" become on these occassions and the more I value the time I spend with those I LOVE! So, {although I'm THRILLED about the gifts I got} I REALLY enjoyed the time I got to spend getting together with family and friends to celebrate!

To quote the great Tim McGraw, "The next 30 years will be the Best years of my life! Raise a little family and hang out with my (husband)...Maybe now I've conquered all my adolescent fears, and I'll do it better in my next 30 years!"

My First {official} Mother's Day

2011-06-11T16:21:00.003-06:00

May is a BIG month for me, especially THIS May! I got to celebrate my first {official} Mother's Day, because, as opposed to last year when Henry was still "cooking", this year I actually had a "baby in arms"! It was wonderful!
Because we're living at the Alders, we got to celebrate together with a yummy dinner (cooked by me and cleaned-up by the husbands)! I think that arrangement is PERFECT, because I love to cook, but not to clean! And to cap off our lovely dinner...a DIVINE chocolate cake with chocolate frosting! What more could a Mom ask for?!

Easter

2011-05-20T11:25:00.004-06:00

We spent Easter at the Stones house and had lots of fun eating, chatting, and watching the kids get so excited about the egg hunt!
Henry had his first Egg Hunt and, let me tell you, he was beyond thrilled about it! Ha, ha...NOT! He was thrilled with the first egg he grabbed! We showed him his first egg, and that's all he needed! It was pretty easy to satisfy him for a change!
My family tells me all the time how Henry looks "Exactly like Jordan!" And every once in a while I snap a picture of the two of them that confirms it! Like this one, for example! The rest of the time, however, I don't see it!
All the cousins, except Tayli, were there, and it was so fun to watch them all interact. Henry LOVES being around little kids, and can be entertained by them much better than he is by us!

His big cousin, Michael (4 1/2) LOVES Henry! And is so sweet every time they get together. It reminds me of his Blessing Sunday, when we were all eating, Henry was in the pack and play, and Michael was over telling him, "I love you, Baby Henry!" So sweet! I hope they're good buddies when they're older!

April showers...

2011-04-25T21:31:00.005-06:00

What a busy month April has been for us!

The offer on our house that has been in since October was finally accepted and we closed on the 17th. It's a huge relief to finally be done with that part of this house. I'm constantly saying, "What OTHER lessons can we learn from this house experience?" It seems, at times, we've learned them all!
We've been busy going through our stuff (incrediably, we've managed to fill a 2500 square foot house in the short amount of time we've lived here), getting rid of a bunch of it, and packing the rest. Last Saturday Jordan and a bunch of our friends were able to move most of our furniture into the basement of our AWESOME friends house, who are letting us store it there until we move to Idaho! It's very odd being in our house after 4 1/2 years and seeing bare walls and empty rooms. I got pretty sad when we packed up Henry's room! We'll be packing up the rest and moving out the end of the month. Since Jordan has a 6 week class at BYU he has to take before he can start at ISU, we get to be "Roomies" with the Alders! And we're sooo...thanksful that they're letting us come and stay! We're crossing our fingers that we don't bug them too bad!

In other news...Henry is now 7 months old. He LOVES to roll all over the floor, and has gotten quite efficient at getting to where he wants to go! He's even started scooting forward while sitting straight up!
If you read my last post, you know that we instituted the "cry it out" method during March, and I'm beyond thrilled to report, that we are no longer getting up with Henry in the night! He still wakes almost every night around midnight to cry for a few minutes, but has learned how to soothe himself back to sleep! We now put him to bed between 7:00 and 8:00 PM and he sleeps until 7:00 or 8:00 AM!!! Needless to say, everyone is much happier in our house these days!

I bought Henry his first Sippy Cup and filled it with his first taste of dilluted apple juice. However, it wasn't enough to entice him to drink from it...He's less than thrilled with the cup, and prefers, instead, to bang it on his highchair tray or the floor!

Oh well, maybe in another month or two we'll try again.
He also had his first experience with bubbles tonight, and was totally confused by them! He kept trying to grab them off the floor and couldn't understand where they went! We got a good laugh out of it!
Jordan is wrapping up his last semester ever at SLCC, and couldn't be any happier! He's so ready to be done with that school, and tells me so quite frequently!
I've still been working part-time, and was super excited to give my "two week notice" a couple months early! I'm really excited, but also a bit nervous, to be a full time stay at home mommy! I openly admit that going to work is a "break" and staying home with Henry is HARD work!!! It's definately going to be an adjustment to be home full time, but it will be one I'm certainly looking forward to!

March in the Bartlett House

2011-04-25T21:04:00.004-06:00

At the end of March, Henry turned 6 months old!!! I can't believe this sweet baby has been in our family for half a year already! Everyone told us, "They grow up WAY too fast!" And I'm starting to realize how right they were!
During March Henry graduated from the pink Bumbo (thanks Alders!) to his cute highchair (thanks Stones!). He loves sitting in his highchair and banging his spoons and hands on the tray!
During his sixth month, he continued expanding his exposure to different foods, and has now conquered all of the baby food that is not a "mix"! This boy LOVES to eat! (Wonder where he gets that from?!?) Henry's personality continues to come out, and we're already convinced he's going to give us a run for our money!
Here's an example of Henry's stubborness...after a couple months of Henry waking up screaming SEVERAL times a night, we decided we were going to try the "cry it out" method. The first night, he SCREAMED from 2:00 AM until 3:00 AM, the second night he SCREAMED from 2:00 AM to 3:30 AM, and I was nearly convinced he would NEVER sleep through the night. You'll have to read my "April" post to find out how he's doing now.
During March I got to go to lunch with some of my great friends from our Ward who I'm really going to miss after we move! They're some really wonderful women!
Jordan got to visit his family in California during his Spring Break, and was BUSY with school the rest of the month! Henry looks more and more like Jordan every month!
The ladies better watch-out in another 16 years, he's gonna be a little heart-breaker (Henry...not Jordan)!!!

Pocatello, here we come!!!

2011-04-10T20:15:00.003-06:00

Jordan was accepted into the ISU PharmD program and we couldn't be happier!!! He starts the end of August, and we'll be moving up there sometime this summer!

Thanks, all, for the prayers and support in our behalf!

I may be biased...

2011-03-20T20:17:00.002-06:00

...but I think he's the CUTEST little boy, EVER!!!

5 Months & Counting

2011-03-18T20:22:00.005-06:00

My precious baby is actually closer to six months old than he is to five months, but like most things in my life, I'm a little behind on my blog posts! So here's a summary of our Henry boys fifth month... Henry's becoming quite the "foody"! He got to start eating green beans, peas, carrots, bananas, peaches & prunes! With all that new food going through his system, his dirty diapers got significantly more stinky! Jordan thought he needed the nose plug before...he doesn't even attempt a diaper change without it now! All this new food is really helping him to bulk up! I LOVE his little rolly-polly thighs! If there was ever any question before...he's definately a binky baby! And we love that he can now grab it and put it back in himself.

Adventures of a 4 Month Old

2011-03-03T16:47:00.003-07:00

What has Henry been up to, you ask...Well, let me show you! During Henry's fourth month, he was BUSY...

Learning to jump in the Jumperoo...although, it's more of a side to side lunge that he's got down!

Making friends with the strange, bearded man who's taken up residence in the house.

Hanging with his buddy, Lilly.

Making the 'Niners look good!

and finally, putting up with the furry, teddy bear-eared outfits mommy dresses him in!

We know you're not concerned about what Jordan and I are doing, but just in case you care, here's a quick recap...
Jordan is back at SLCC taking more PharmD prerequisites and spending lots of time filling out applications to the handful of schools he's qualified to apply to this year (ISU, Montana, Midwestern, and VCU).
And me, I'm back to work two days a week, and learning to be a "stay-at-home" the rest of the week! I got a breadmaker for Christmas, and have been busy in search of the worlds greatest cinnamon roll recipe! After trying several, I think I may have found it here!

a Festivus for the Rest of Us

2010-12-25T22:19:00.005-07:00

Merry Christmas! We have been so blessed this year! Our sweet Henry Jordan joined our family and has brought us more joy then we could have ever imagined! We are members of Gods true church and have a knowledge of His plan of Happiness!
And we've been blessed with so many wonderful family members and friends that enrich our lives every day! We couldn't ask for anything more!

We got to celebrate Christmas with the 4-Stones a couple weeks early, and we were all spoiled! Henry loves his Sing-a-ma-Jig and all the other toys and clothes he got! And Jordan and I are having TOO much fun spending the Christmas Cash we got! Don't worry, Mom, we'll post pictures of what we buy as soon as we're done shopping!
The same weekend we celebrated with the 4-Stones, we also celebrated with the Fortunes! It's so funny to me that all growing up the girls completely outnumbered the boys, and now when we get together, it's like a little village of only boys! Alright, there are two little girls, but there's also four grandsons and two "uncles" (who happen to be 6 & 3)! So, the boys are definately in the lead! How fun for them to all grow up together!

We spent Christmas Day (and the week before) with the Bartlett's in California. It's been so fun catching up with all the family and friends out here in Cali, and introducing everyone to Henry.
His cousins, Mace, Cruz, & Jax sure do LOVE him!

Henry was the sweet Baby Jesus in the Bartlett Family Christmas Story rendition!
This cute boy was born the same day Henry was to one of Jordan's best friends (9/28/10)and weighed 6 ounces less at birth. Now, Henry weighs about 13 pounds and Jesse only weighs 9! It's incredible the size difference!

We heart Shutterfly!

2010-12-12T21:43:00.005-07:00

Who doesn't love a good deal? Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a fan of bargains, but I'm a SUPER fan of items that are FREE! So, when I heard that Shutterfly was giving away 50 FREE Holiday cards to those who would blog about their greatness, I couldn't resist!

I've been a fan of Shutterfly for several years. It all started when I created my Wedding Book on their site. It was so easy, even this LEFT BRAINED, Accountant could do it, and make it cute! After my wedding book, I made several sets of customized Thank You cards, and a couple other photo gifts. And of course, I've used their photo printing service to print photos of all sizes, from the standard 4x6 to a gian 24x36 that is hanging in my bedroom! And I have never been disappointed with the results. In fact, I've always been pleasantly surprised by the quality and timeliness of the product I receive.

So, knowing what I know about Shutterfly, and being the bargain lover that I am, I couldn't resist the opportunity to create our family's Holiday Card from one of the many darling designs that Shutterfly offers on their site. In fact, they have so many choices, I may just have to make a couple different ones!

Thanks, Shutterfly, for this wonderful offer! I can't wait to create my family's card!

Family Pics

2010-12-10T23:17:00.004-07:00

Since we're officially a "FAMILY" now (according to Jordan, he and I weren't a family until we added Henry!), I wanted to get FAMILY pictures done. I asked some of my friends for a photographer referral, and LUCKED-OUT BIG TIME when my sweet friend, Lara, referred me to her friend, Rachel. I was told that Rachel was just starting her photography business, and because she was still "building her portfolio" we got a SCREAMING DEAL on our photo session!
However, I can NOT believe that she is just starting out, because the pictures she's shown me are AMAZING!!! She sent me the following "teasers" and I can't wait to get the CD with the rest! I think she did WONDERFUL!!! And if anyone else is needing a SPECTACULAR PHOTOGRAPHER, contact me and I'll get you her info!

Can you say "Christmas Card"?!?

My FAVORITE

2010-12-06T23:11:00.005-07:00

This time of year brings one of my all time FAVORITE things...Christmas Lights at Temple Square!!! And this year was the best yet, because I got to share it with my two favorite boys!!!
Henry slept the whole time, which is amazing, considering it was pretty cold out!
Jordan and I LOVED seeing the lights and beautiful displays!
This outing has turned into one of our first Family Holiday Traditions! I know we've gone every year we've been married, and I think we went the two years we were dating, as well! Fun, fun, fun!
I LOVE it!

As a "Henry Update"... He is now 9 WEEKS OLD!!! I can't believe how fast the time has gone! He's still a super sweet boy who loves to smile, babble, coo & EAT! He's chunking up, and we couldn't be happier!

Our Little Angel

2010-11-29T11:09:00.005-07:00

Jordan blessed Henry on Sunday, and I think Henry looked like a little angel! His Grandma & Grandpa Bartlett came out from California, and Grandpa Dick got to stand in the blessing circle, along with my step-dad, Terry and my brother, Jeremy.
Jordan did an excellent job on the blessing, and Henry didn't even scream! We couldn't ask for anything more!
It was a wonderful blessing, and a great day! I kept saying, "I can't believe I have a baby that is getting blessed!" Very surreal!

We got to spend Thanksgiving in COLD Cache Valley with my family, and I finally got a picture of Henry with his Great Grandma & Grandpa Stones. It was quite a task trying to get this picture, and as you can see, in each one someone is not paying attention! Oh well!

Oh Henry, Love!

2010-11-18T12:50:00.005-07:00

I can't believe Henry is almost 8 weeks old! Time sure flies when you're having fun! Here's a few pics of our sweet boy!

Visiting Great Grandma Leona...Henry LOVED her! And I'm pretty sure the feeling was mutual!

Henry's favorite "toy" is his floor gym (the thing that dangles objects over baby's head, just out of reach) that Grandma Laura gave him! It's my favorite thing too, because it will keep Henry entertained for about 20 minutes at a time! He'll just lay on his back kicking and batting at it, and laughing and babbling! It's too sweet!

He's one happy boy when he's been fed! He showers us with smiles all the time! It's the best!

So, what's the concensus...does he look like his dad, or what?! They are so sweet together! I love watching Jordan as a dad...He's amazing!

SAC State!!! Thanks Josh & Sarah!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this hat on Henry! It made me laugh for five minutes straight when I put it on! He is so adorable!

What's wrong in these pictures...

2010-10-29T10:23:00.004-06:00

Answer:
The smallest person in the house has taken over the biggest bed!
And he hasn't quite got the paci figured out yet!

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-29T10:19:00.001-06:00

From our little Pumpkin!

Our new obsession

2010-10-27T12:50:00.003-06:00

More pics of the new guy

2010-09-28T16:44:00.004-06:00

Here are a few more pics of the new one.

The Baby Has Arrived

2010-09-28T11:46:00.006-06:00

The anticipation is over...three days late, the baby finally has arrived. The night was long, but the delivery was quick. I awoke at 8am and the delivery process started about 15 minutes after that. Then about 20 minutes after that the baby had arrived by 8:36 am. He came out whizzing all over the doctor a couple of times. He showed some strong lungs from the get-go as well. He came out at 7 lbs 1 ounce and 19inches long. Little Henry Jordan is his name and that's about it for now. Baby and baby's mama are healthy. All went well. Here are some pics as well.

Baby Project #2 & #3...Finished!!!

2010-09-10T13:40:00.006-06:00

If you recall from my last post, my next project to finish before the baby arrives was refinishing a glider. Well, I'm very happy to report that the glider is finished and looks awesome! And, if I'm being honest, I didn't do anything on this project! Jordan painted it for me (I LOVE it black!) and my mom paid to have the cushions re-upholstered (Thanks, Mom!). I LOVE the end result! It's got to be THE most comfortable glider I've ever used!
My final baby project (painting the dresser and re-purposing the mirror)was also completed this weekend, and turned out so cute! It was a natural wood color, but we painted the whole thing black, put on some cute knobs that matched the bedding, and replaced the mirror with a sheet of tin to use as a magnet board! I even made a few magnets that I'll use to hold up just a few of the many pictures I'm sure we'll be taking shortly!
At my Ward's Super Saturday last year I bought this cute little block craft, and have had it sitting in the closet since. Sunday I pulled it out and decided it would work perfectly in the baby's room! I think it's so cute!
I love how the whole nursery has turned out!

As a side note, I knew I had gotten bigger in the last few weeks, but I didn't realize how much until I looked at these pictures side by side (32 Weeks vs 38 Weeks)! It's pretty fun to see how quickly your belly can expand when you've got a rapidly expanding baby inside it!

At my 35 week doctor visit, we got our final ultrasound and were told the baby was measuring somewhere around 6 lbs 3 oz. So, I think we could have a chubby one whenever he/she decides to debut, which I thought was going to be Monday night/Tuesday Morning!

I was feeling sick all evening, and woke-up around 12:00 AM with Major stomach cramping, which, of course, I assumed was contractions! I even started timing them. This went on until about 3:00 AM, when I finally told Jordan, "I can't take it anymore, we HAVE to go to the hospital!" To which he responded, "Has your water broken? I think we should wait until your water breaks!" I immediately informed him that was the WRONG response! So we got busy gathering our things and getting ready to go. However, a few minutes later, I started throwing up, and didn't stop until my stomach was empty, and the sink was full (with Jordan's watch sitting in it!) Sorry, to anyone reading this, that's a bit graphic! But like I've warned before, this blog is really just a journal for me, so I write down the things that I want to remember, and that was one of them, because it was pretty funny! Anyways...after that episode, I pretty much knew the pain I was feeling was not contractions, but rather the pain of a stomach suffering from food poisoning! It was not fun! But, I'm happy to say, after being wiped out for an entire day, I feel much better and am once again ready to meet our baby!

On a totally different note, Jordan started Pharmacy school on August 28th and has been working his little tail off ever since! He had his first two tests last week, and passed both! He's such a good student! I know he's going to do really well at whatever he puts his mind to! Keep up the good work, honey! Soon you'll have a little someone to keep you company during your late night study sessions!

10 Days & Counting!

My lover turned 30!

2010-08-05T21:34:00.005-06:00

This post is quite overdue...but, c'est la vie!

Jordan turned 30 on July 5, so I knew we needed to do something memorable to celebrate! On his actual birthday I made him his favorite birthday cake, chocolate with marshmallow frosting, took him to eat at one of his favorite restaurants, Costa Vida, and gave him his FAVORITE game, Marble Wars (courtesy of some of our FAVORITE friends)!
He had already bought himself a nice, new mountain bike (which I informed him would be his Birthday, Christmas, Anniversary, etc. present for the next little bit), but I think the excitement he had over receiving the Marble Wars game rivaled the excitement he had when the UPS man delivered his bike! We LOVE playing Marble Wars!

A couple weeks after his "Official" birthday we hosted a "Totally Awesome '80's Party" in Jordan's honor. It was ALOT of fun, mostly because almost everyone came dressed in totally awesome 80's outfits! We played the 80's Newleywed Game, 80's Trivia, Nintendo RBI, and listened to one of the best 80's mixes I've ever heard (thanks to Jake, the 80's Master)!

A BIG thanks to all our friends who were able to make it! You made the night really special for Jordan! And a HUGE thanks to one of my BEST friends from High School, Heather, for coming down early and helping me get everything ready! I couldn't have done it without you!

Finished with Baby Project #1

2010-08-05T21:03:00.004-06:00

I started the project of making my own nursery bedding back in April...and finished it a couple weeks ago! It was quite the undertaking, but what I spent the most time on was just picking fabric! Once I found the owl fabric, the rest was easy! I love the owls, I think they're so darling!

Then I bought a pattern and used it to make 3 crib sheets and the crib skirt (which I think is darling, and it's a shame it's mostly covered by the crib!) Thanks, Kristin for coming and helping me with the skirt, you really got me rolling!

Next I had to decide on a pattern for the bumper. That was not an easy task, but thanks to my Seamstress Goddess friend from work, I was able to make the design I wanted come to life! Another big thanks to Natalie and Ellen for coming over and helping me with the bumpers! It may not look like much, but each block on the bumper has 9 pieces of fabric that had to be cut out! Multiply that by 24 blocks, and you've got a lot of pieces to cut! Thanks to Ellen, all the pieces were cut in a couple hours and ready for me to sew together!

While Ellen was busy cutting, Natalie (aka Seamstress Goddess) was working out the kinks in my bumper design (remember, I made my own pattern for this bumper!). Natalie was able to figure out the fine details of how to put my very vague idea into an actual pattern I could follow, and like magic...it actually worked!
I love it and am so excited to see our little Baby Bartlett in it in the next little bit!

Baby Project #2...

Paint & reupholster these bad boys! They were quite the find of KSL. Lucky for me, I've recruited Jordan to do the painting, and some fabulous upholstery shop to do the sewing! That's my kind of project!

And one final picture...32 weeks on 8/1!

7.4.2010

2010-07-09T14:52:00.004-06:00

While we were in Kauai I had mentioned to Jordan that I thought it would be fun to go to Stadium of Fire, since Carrie Underwood was performing, and I LOVE her! I'm sure you can guess, but Jordan's not such a huge fan, so the subject was dropped and forgotten.

A couple days before the event Jordan called and asked, "Do we have plans for the 4th?" Since we didn't, and he knew that, I was confused as to why he would ask, but then he followed with, " 'cause I bought us tickets to see Carrie Underwood!" I was so excited!

I love (good) surprises, and this one fit the bill! Thanks, lover, for a fun night! Even though Carrie never really entered our line of sight, the concert was alot of fun (remember the 8 year olds singing along, word-for-word, at the top of their lungs to EVERY song?!) and the fireworks were awesome! Hope everyone else had as much fun as we did this 4th!

PS: Here's another pregnancy shot just for fun! 28 Weeks on the 3rd...getting closer!

Our final day in Kauai

2010-07-09T14:28:00.002-06:00

Thursday was our last day on Kauai, but our flight home was not until 8:30 PM. So I made arrangements with the condo owner to let us check out at 6:00 PM so we could spend the whole day at the beach! (We did the same thing on our last day in Maui, and loved it!)

When Jordan asked me where I wanted to spend our last day, I told him without hesitation, TUNNELS! We had been there a few days previous, and although the snorkeling was great, I had been dealing with a case of the "Pregnancy Paranoia" and hadn't spent as much time actually snorkeling as I wanted to.

On our way to Tunnels, we stopped at picturesque Hanalei Bay so we could take a few pictures in front of the famous pier with the gorgeous Kauai cliffs in the background! And then we continued north.

So, our last day on Kauai was spent snorkeling with giant sea turtles and beautiful, bright fish, and basking in the Hawaii sunshine! And of course we threw in a "shave ice" for good measure! I loved it! It was the perfect way to spend our last day! We were so sad to be leaving that Jordan couldn't even force a smile for one last pic!

All in all, it was a FABULOUS "last hoorah"! We loved spending time together, away from the daily grind we face back home, and the fact that we got to spend that time together on one of the most beautiful islands in the world is just an added bonus!

As Jordan informed me, "It will be a LONG, LONG, LONG, LONG, LONG time before you're ever back here (Hawaii)! So you better enjoy it!" I'm sure it's obvious that we did REALLY enjoy our time in Kauai...so, until that time in the (aparantely) FAR distant future when we are able to return to her beautiful shores...Aloha, Hawaii! We'll miss you!

Wednesday in Kauai

2010-07-05T12:28:00.003-06:00

Since we got another late start today, we stopped at a hole-in-the-wall Mexican diner called "Red Hot Mama's" at got some of the best burritos in Kauai on our way to the "end of the road"! Although, when we were ordering we were told, "You can have steak or pork. We're all out of chicken; there's no chicken to be found anywhere on the island!"
Umm, HELLO! Have you people seen the innumerable hoards of wild chickens and roosters wandering all over this tiny island?!? Why not just kill some of them, no one would miss them!
So, that's exactly what we said to the little restaurant owner. To which she responded, "Do you want to pluck those things?!" Good point!

So, we gathered our burritos and headed up for a picnic at Ha'ena Beach Park, which we think is just the northern section of Tunnels! I LOVE that beach! After lunch, we headed across the street to check out "Dry Cave" which supposedly was carved out "many millions of years ago" when the oceans were at higher levels" or something like that! Jordan ventured in, but the thought of spiders and bats kept me back near the entrance.

After Dry Cave, we headed up to the "End of the Road" (literally) at Ke'e Beach. It must've been a great beach, because there was no where to park, and since it was still drizzling, we decided to make a stop at the "wet cave" across from the beach and then head further south until we found some sunshine!

On our drive south, we stopped at a beach in the heart of Kapa'a, and although it was beautiful the waves were so ferocious and the beach was a little too shallow, so we decided to keep on driving.

Our final destination, Lydgate Beach Park. We had been here several days earlier, and I figured since the beach is enclosed, it would be the safest water we would find this far north. So, we spent the afternoon lounging in the sand, watching the waves crash over the boulder enclosure. It was a splendid afternoon!

A Rainy Day in Paradise...

2010-06-23T14:26:00.004-06:00

...Is still better than a Sunny day at Home!

I think we've finally adjusted to island time, because after waking at 7:00 AM each previous day, we slept until 9:30 AM and didn't get out the door until around 11:00! Now that's what I call being on vacation!

We spent the first part of our day at a famous "pool" carved out of lava rock just down the road from our condo; it's called Queen's Bath, and it was fabulous! There was a short hike down to it, which I'm happy to report, I managed without incident, and the end result was stunning!

I loved being able to snorkel in a protected pool with no ocean waves smashing over and around me! Jordan was a little bored with it after a while because it lacked the diversity of the other spots we've been to. But, overall, it was worth the hike, and alot of fun.

After Queen's Bath, we drove to 'Anini Beach and had a picnic lunch (our lunch of choice here) and tried to avoid accidentally catching a shot of the two lovers in the water in front of us, who obviously forgot they were no longer in the privacy of their hotel room!

It started to rain right after we finished lunch, and continued pretty much off and on the rest of the day. We tried hitting up several different beaches, Hanamalu and Larsen's, but the surf was too strong at both, so we gave up and headed into tiny Kapaa for some souveneir shopping. And as a bonus, we found a tasty local bakery where I was able to satiate my sweet tooth!

As a side note, and since I do this blog as a journal for myself, poor Jordan has been suffering from horrible pain in his mouth due to some dental work he had done a little while ago, that obviously didn't "take." He was in so much pain by the end of the day, I almost insisted we go to the emergency room so he could get some pain pills. Of course, when I told him about the $150 copay he refused. I've decided to just call the dentist in the morning and have him call in a prescription over here. Poor Jordan! At least he's still a good sport!

The Monday Blues...Not!!!

2010-06-23T13:59:00.003-06:00

Monday's in Kauai are SO much better than Monday's at home!

Today was our first full day on the North Shore of the island, and it is beautiful! So lush and green! As a side note, the tall pointy mountain peak in the background of the pictures is the famous Bali Hai! (Refer to "South Pacific" for an explanation.)

We spent the day at one of the BEST snorkeling spots on Kauai (and in my opinion, one of the BEST snorkeling spots I've EVER been to!) called Tunnels! The water was pretty shallow for a long way out, and it was filled with more varieties of fish than I have ever seen, not to mention, Sea Turtles every time we turned around!

Of course, Jordan did his daily run...during the heat of the afternoon! He's crazy! But, determined to get fit. So, I support the craziness!

On the drive back from the beach we stopped at a scenic overlook that was very pretty, of course! We've come to expect nothing less!

2010-06-21T13:17:00.004-06:00

Sunday we checked out of our Poipu condo and headed up to our new post in Princeville. But before we left, I made sure to give Jordan his first Father's Day card, even though he protests and says he's not officially a father yet...I disagree!
On the way up to the north shore, we stopped at 'Opaeka'a Falls and the Kiluea Lighthouse.
After arriving at our condo, (which by the way, has an extra second bedroom and bathroom incase any of you want to come join us) we made our second tropical fruit smoothie (apple bananna, papaya, mango & strawberry) and headed out for Hideaways Beach.

Our guide book describes the trail down to this beach as "possibly difficult to negotiate if it's been raining." I think a more accurate description would be "a steep descent down a sheer dirt cliff. Up your life insurance if you make the trek after the rain!"
Although the trail was trecherous, and I took a small tumble, the beach was BEAUTIFUL and well worth it. Although, I don't think I'll be going back, atleast not while I'm pregnant!

After hiking back up the side of the cliff, we decided to walk down to the outrageously expensive (starting at $700/night!) St.Regis Princeville hotel and watch the sunset. What a perfect vantage point! Another great end to another great day!

Saturday at Waimea Canyon

2010-06-21T12:45:00.004-06:00

We spent most of our Saturday at and around Waimea Canyon. Supposedly it's known as "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific", and we totally agree! It's the perfect mix of the Arizona Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. BEAUTIFUL!
We were way unprepared to take advantage of all the hiking trails that were available to us. And we were heard many times saying, "When we come back here, we'll have to bring our hiking stuff."
After enjoying the views of the Canyon, we headed back down to a cute beachside town and enjoyed some of the "Best Shave Ice" on the island! Jo Jo's Shave Ice makes a mean shave ice...and we both ordered ours one size too big, and were regretting that decision later when our stomachs were protesting!
The rest of the sunlit day was spent at Salt Pond beach enjoying the sand, sun, and beautiful water! Oh yah, this will have to count as my "26 Weeks" picture! Yay!
We watched the sunset from Shipwreck Beach in front of the beautiful Hyatt (people spend alot of money to stay in these places!) and Jordan went for his daily run on the beach!
Another perfect day!

Just another day in Paradise!

2010-06-19T01:19:00.004-06:00

Jordan started the day with another run, this time on the Sheraton Beach...it is postcard pretty! At the far end of the beach was an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, just snoozing!

Next, we packed up and headed to Lydgate Beach Park. I attempted snorkeling for the first time this trip, and it was alot of fun. But I think all the extra hormones that are a benefit of pregnancy are making me paranoid! And as a result, I didn't last long with the snorkeling bit. I'll try again tomorrow.

On the way back, we stopped at Waiopouli Falls, and another gal asked me how far along I was! It kinda caught me off guard, but made me happy to know that people know I'm pregnant, and not just chubby!

After dinner at the condo, we headed back to Sheraton Beach to enjoy the sunset and an evening beach stroll. It was BEAUTIFUL! Have I mentioned that I LOVE THIS PLACE!

BabyMoon in Kauai

2010-06-18T00:01:00.004-06:00

So, it's a little confusing to me that a "Honeymoon" comes after the wedding, but a "Babymoon" comes before the baby! Anyone else confused by this?

Regardless, it sounded like the perfect excuse for Jordan and I to take one last Hoorah before Jordan starts school and the baby comes. So...we packed our bags and headed off to Kauai, which is where we are right now! ALOHA, FROM KAUAI!!!

We flew into Kauai yesterday, and arrived at our condo in Poipu around 7:00 PM local time, which equated to 11:00 PM Utah time. We were exhausted, but thrilled to be back in Hawaii!

I woke-up this morning around 5:30 AM and could not fall back asleep. So, after making enough noise to wake Jordan, we both got on our swimsuits and headed to Poipu Beach for Jordan to do his morning run! It was BEAUTIFUL! And we decided, after he was done, that we would run back to the condo, grab our gear and spend most of the day back at Poipu beach. It was so fun, but we both were a little lax on the sunscreen and got burned our first day here...not good!

Around 2:30 we decided to head up to Hanapepe for the "Sunshine Market" (aka Farmers Market) and buy some local produce. We got lots of yummy, exotic fruit that we're excited to make into smoothies and enjoy plain. And, we had our first tast of coconut milk, straight from the coconut!

After the Sunshine Market, we walked down to the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge and enjoyed that tourist sight. Then headed back to Poipu and the Spouting Horn blowhole, another tourist sight. After a quick dip in the condo pool, we fixed our dinner and are now ready to pass out from sheer exhaustion!

I LOVE this place!

Lake Powell 2010

2010-06-12T21:31:00.004-06:00

It's been 3 years (I think) since we've been to the LP, but we were able to make the trip down this year...and for the first time, the whole Fam-Damily was there! It was awesome!

We had so much fun...

Celebrating birthdays

Wearing matching hats

Dumping the sewage

Hiking to the top of the Hole in the Rock trail (Jordan, not me)

Visiting beautiful Cathederal in the Desert

Playing Games

Hiking to Mistake Alcove

Diving for the Frisbee

And discovering, I wasn't the only 24 week pregnant person on the boat!

We love you, Lake Powell, and hope to meet again soon!

The Best Yet!

2010-06-12T20:55:00.004-06:00

May 15th I turned 29 and, once again, I think this birthday was the best I've had, YET!

Being one week after Mother's Day, and Jordan not subscribing to the philosophy that I'm "Officially" a "Mother" yet, he decided to wait and get me flowers on the Monday AFTER Mother's Day, but before my birthday. I also think he felt a little guilty that I was so sad all day on Mother's Day because of his lack of effort!
I told him all I wanted was a good dinner and "Glitter Toes" since it's getting increasingly difficult to bend over and take proper care of my tootsies! He pulled through with dinner at Maddox and an appointment for my fav...a pedi!

On my actual birthday, we got to hang out with my family a bit at a cousins wedding. The venue was beautiful, and we couldn't help but posing for a few pics ourselves! I have such a beautiful Mom!
And my hubby (although he looks like a harry 12 year old in this picture) aint bad either!

SpRInG has SpRUnG at the BaRTleTTs!!!

2010-04-21T10:44:00.010-06:00

So, Jordan and I are totally THRILLED that Spring has FINALLY sprung at our house!

Last weekend was actually nice enough that we both took a much needed break from studying, and worked in the yard.
We planted our garden. (Yes, that 4'x10' rectangle is our "Garden". Don't feel bad laughing, all our neighbors do! But, it's just right for the two of us.) 2 tomato plants, 4 red peppers, a cucumber, 4 strawberries and some Sage to round it out!

Our first TULIP bulbs are popping up and blooming! And the rest of our beautiful flowers are coming out of hibernation!

Birds are again building their nests wherever they can in/on/around our house. This one decided to take up residence in our satellite dish brace after Jordan blocked off their entrance to our dryer vent!

And finally, Spring is not the only thing to have Sprung...My belly has decided it too wants to be noticed. So it popped! That's right, this Party of Two will soon become a Party of Three! I'm 17 weeks along, and have felt amazingly well the majority of the time. We were supposed to have our BIG ultrasound today(see picture, above) , but while we were waiting they came and told us the doctor had been called away to deliver a baby. So, it's postponed until Monday. We'll post the pic then.

In case you were unsure, we are beyond THRILLED! This little one was a long time coming, and we're super excited to be adding some MORE excitement to our lives! "Baby Bartlett" (we're NOT finding out the gender!) will make his/her appearance the end of September (Dr estimated September 25). So, ready or not, here he/she comes!

Here's a couple more pictures we've accumulated during the past 4 months. In case you couldn't figure it out, the number of fingers I'm holding up is how far along I am (13 weeks in the first and 4 months in the second). I'm LOVING being pregnant!

What I've been up to...

2010-04-21T10:30:00.002-06:00

So, this post is WAY overdue, but better late then never I figure!

Back in January I decided I was going to really break-in my new sewing machine. So, I made a skirt! I LOVE it!

Also, for Christmas my Mom & Terry gave Jordan and I money to buy our Christmas presents from them...with some of my money I decided I would continue with my trend of becoming more domestic (see picture above) and buy a Kitchen Aid. I'm loving this too! However, I must admit there is a learning curve that I hope to conquer soon!

Alright, here it is...

2010-04-14T17:51:00.002-06:00

So, I've tried several times to get a picture of the schools seal, and just post that...but I'm technologically challenged. So, I'll just tell you with words and no pictures...

Jordan was accepted into Pharmacy School at the University of Southern Nevada! They have a campus in Henderson, NV & South Jordan, UT and we've decided to stay in Utah and he'll attend the campus in South Jordan!

We are beyond thrilled! He's worked SO hard and I'm SO proud of him for all that he's accomplished!

Now comes the "fun" part...trying to sell the house! We'd like to move closer to his school so he's not commuting 60+ minutes each way, every day! So we've listed it, and now we just have to wait and see what happens.

#2

2010-04-05T15:53:00.004-06:00

Most of you already know...but here's another for those who don't!

Our House

Send anyone you know looking for a house in Syracuse our way!

Hint #1

2010-03-22T09:52:00.002-06:00

Guess Again!

2010-03-09T18:12:00.004-07:00

Alright, all you smarty pants out there who think you've got our BIG surprise figured out (and are spreading rumors, I've heard)...GUESS AGAIN!!!

A while coming...But worth the wait!

2010-03-02T19:48:00.001-07:00

So, we've been super busy since the start of the new year and haven't posted for a while...but we've got some BIG news coming shortly that we're sure will be worth the wait!
So, stay tuned!

FINISHED!!!

2009-12-31T14:23:00.006-07:00

So, I've been wanting to have a bench at the foot of our bed for a while now...something other than the floor to sit on while donning our shoes in the morning! But, after looking in the stores for something suitable, I decided if I wasn't willing to spend $300+ on a bench, that I'd have to make one myself! Which is exactly what I did!

I got the idea from this great blog and I completed it last night!

$30 Sofa Table on KSL

$5 Fabric
$24 2" Foam
Too many coats of Stain to count

and, voila! I think it's beautiful!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T13:43:00.008-07:00

This year we spent Christmas with the Stones & Fortune families in freezing Cache Valley! I've only lived outside Cache Valley for 3 years, but already, I've forgotten how COLD it gets up there! It's too cold for my liking!

We had a blast spending time with my family. Here's some of the highlights...

The girls got matching pajamas on Christmas Eve.

So did the boys.

Julia brought her puppet's and we performed the Christmas story for the little boys, who as you can tell, were completely enthralled by it! (Side note, I laughed so hard during this performance for some reason, that I peed my pants!)

We had a White Elephant gift exchange on Christmas Eve...one lucky man got a basket full of awesome treats...or did he?!

There were other WONDERFUL prizes won during the White Elephant gift exchange! I think we might see this one at Lake Powell in May!

We also had a Bunco tournament that night...no pictures were taken because we were so into the game! Neither Jordan or I won...but we did get some great consolatory prizes! Thanks, Mom!

Christmas morning was full of excitement! Jordan got the massive, steel snow shovel he'd been asking for in addition to a ticket to a Jazz game, so he can have a "Man Date" with all his brothers in law! I guess he was a good boy this past year!

I guess I was a good girl, too, because Jordan SURPRISED me with a DYSON!!! I never thought I'd see the day that I was THRILLED to get a vacum for Christmas! But that day had come, and I couldn't wait to get home and try it out! (Side note, I have since tried it out...and I'm in LOVE!!!)

Things got a little crazy at one point, as you can see in the picture! The Alder family nearly lost one of their youngest to the deadly marshmallow gun!

We were reminded, yet again, that all little children really do LOVE Jordan! (And despite what he says, he really does love them!)

We saw Grandma and Grandpa Stones, who despite claiming to be another year older, look as good as ever! We love them!

The next day, we headed over to the Fortune's for a continued Christmas celebration...and what's becoming an annual Christmas Fiesta! We had alot of fun playing games and eating yummy mexican food! Needless to say, it was a stinky car ride home!
Thanks family for another great Christmas! We are sure blessed to have each one of you in our lives, and to have a knowledge of the true meaning of Christmas!

Time out for Women

2009-11-25T15:14:00.003-07:00

I went to Time out for Women in SLC with my mom, sisters, sister-in-law and her sister and mom...and we had ALOT of fun!

Ashley, my mom, and I stayed overnight in SLC...and Ashley broke out her wood craft projects to start painting at 1:30 AM!!!

In the morning when I asked how she had slept (because I slept like crap), she said, "Wonderful! No little kids to come wake me up!!!" I had forgotten about that little detail of her life!

I just love how all 4 of us have different color hair and eyes!
The Conference was wonderful! Very entertaining and uplifting! I think we'll make it an annual event!

Of all the FAMILIES in the WORLD...

2009-11-25T14:54:00.004-07:00

...I'm so HAPPY I got MINE!!!

Aren't you happy Families are Forever!

We had my family over for our Annual Halloween Family Party, and it was a BLAST! The costumes were AWESOME!

My sister even had people taking pictures of her from the street when she opened the door to hand out candy to trick or treaters!

At my office Halloween party, Sarah Palin herself came to visit!!!

Don't I have some of the cutest neices & nephews around!!!

Murder Mystery #2

2009-11-25T14:43:00.003-07:00

So, we had our Annual Halloween Murder Mystery dinner party the day before Halloween...and it did not disappoint!

This years theme was "Roman Ruins" and we were honored to have present Cleptopatra, Disgustus Caesar, a Senator, Prophet, Soldier, affluent Business Woman, Vestal Virgin, and Roman Party Girl! What a crowd we were!

Once again, our dinner was not ready until around 9:00 PM...and our guests were STARVING!!! Apparantely, Jordan and I are too used to eating dinner really late! Once we got food in our Roman guests, they were pleasant again, and up for a good night of laughter and accusations!

Thanks again Brimleys, Days & Nichols! Once again, you did not disappoint!

Mexico, anyone?

2009-11-17T17:14:00.002-07:00

While Jordan and I were in Mexico this past August, we (unwittingly) attended a timeshare presentation for the "sister" resort of the one we were staying at. While the timeshare presentation sucked...the resort was AWESOME! And for our time and suffering, they compensated us with a certificate for a 7 night stay at one of their resorts!

Here's the catch...you have to pay a "nominal" all inclusive fee for your stay, but the hotel cost is covered. In plain english...you get a GREAT discounted rate at a GREAT resort to be used anytime with in the next year.

In looking at our schedules, Jordan and I don't think we'll be able to use the certificate before it expires (8/23/10). So, we're offering it here. If you think you and your spouse/friend (and up to 2 children under the age of 12) will be able to use it, please let me know.

I tried to included a scanned copy of the certificate and the email response I received from the resort stating the AI fee at both of the resorts for various times of the year, but it wouldn't let me upload a PDF. So, I'll include the AI fee's for each resort below:
Sandos CARACOL/PLAYACAR
1/4 - 1/31/2010 $152/ $198
2/1 - 4/1 $182/ $232
7/1 - 8/25 $152/ $134

*These rates are for 2 adults per night.

When Jordan and I went, we stayed at Sandos CARACOL. It was nice, the food was good, and the staff were all friendly. However, in our one day visit to Sandos PLAYACAR we determined that the food is better and the beach is about 100% better here than at the resort we stayed at. If we were to go back, we would stay at the PLAYACAR. However, the certificate is good for either one, and the AI fees are a bit higher at the PLAYACAR resort.

First response takes it!

Oregonians

2009-10-10T23:05:00.002-06:00

Grandpa Dick & Grandma Sue...We're so glad you decided to extend your road trip to Syracuse, Utah! We loved seeing you and continue to be amazed by your energy! We love you guys!

GiRLs NiGhT OuT!!

2009-10-10T22:40:00.002-06:00

My sister, sister-in-law, and sister-in-laws-sister all got together and went to see Howie Day and Colbie Caillat in concert last Friday night. The concert was in a tiny building, and we got there early enough that we were only about 20' away from the stage! It was standing room only (mainly because there were no chairs)! But we had a blast!
While the women were at the concert, all the men had all the kids at our house so the dads could watch some football game. I was THRILLED to get home and find NOTHING had been broken! Good job dads!

Last Saturday while Jordan spent the day studying, I spent the day in Logan, getting my hair done (Thanks Amber...I love it!) and attending my very first "Backyardigans" Birthday Party! I can't believe the boys are 3 already!

Don't I have the cutest neices and nephews around?!

The Fruits of our Labor

2009-10-10T22:30:00.004-06:00

All the hard work we've put in (and continue to put in) to our landscaping are all worth it when we get to look at this...
I think our yard looks so pretty! Too bad the summer blooming season isn't longer here in Utah!

Also, this summer I planted a cantalope plant and was soo..excited when the first one was ready...or so I thought! I picked it WAY too early, and had to throw the whole thing away! What a disappointment! I have since learned how to tell when a cantalope is "ready." We'll see if the 5 growing on the vine right now are able to ripen before the freezing temperatures kill them off!

ViVA MeXIcO

2009-08-29T13:20:00.013-06:00

In celebration of our 3rd Anniversary (and me losing one whole pound during my office Biggest Loser run!) we spent 6 days in Playa del Carmen, Mexico! It was fabulous!
We went to the same area (Cozumel & Tulum) on our Honeymoon, and loved it so much that we were excited to get back there! Plus, I got a great deal at an All-Inclusive Resort...so Jordan was ExTrA happy about that! We'd never been to an AI before, but decided that we LOVED it! We never once pulled our wallet out while we were at the resort! Meals, drinks, activities, and even tips were included in the price we had already paid! It was wonderful!

While in Mexico, we decided we would not let the humidity deter us from an excursion to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza! And, although the humidity did nearly kill us while walking around the jungle ruins, we we were so glad that we went! It was so awesome to see the cities these Nephite/Lamanite descendants built, and the detail they put into everything. We could still clearly see the ornate carvings in the stone of jaguars, eagles, skulls, etc. It was awesome...we HIGHLY recommend it to anyone going...we also HIGHLY recommend NOT going in August!

In addition to leaving the resort to go to Chichen Itza, we also left for a day to go visit Isla Mujeres...The Island of Women! It's a teeny, tiny island off the coast of Cancun and it was beautiful! The south end of the island is a National Marine Preserve, but costs $35/person for admission. So we asked the local golf cart rental salesman if there were any other options, and he steered us to a locally owned snorkeling "park." We had so much fun snorkeling around the reef, and even saw several LARGE barracudas (which wasn't so fun for me, but Jordan loved it)! I must admit that the water in this area of Mexico is a prettier aqua blue and more clear than the water's I've seen in Hawaii...and that's saying alot, since I think my heart truely lies in the Aloha State!

All in all...it was an awesome belated Anniversary celebration! I'd go back to Mexico anyday...but preferably next time, it wont be in August!

ThREe FiRstS & a SeCOnD

2009-08-29T09:37:00.008-06:00

First FiRSt...Last night I made my first ever batch of homemade salsa! After being gone to Mexico for a week, we got home and found that we had about 12 LARGE tomatos ripe at the same time. So...I decided, "Why not?" I went to the store, bought the large black canning pot, the jars, and all other required tools and came home to attempt my first batch of "Wonderful Salsa," (www.recipezaar.com/Wonderful-Salsa-9272 ). Aside from the very painful steam burns I got on both of my hands, I think it was a success! I may even try some more when the next batch of a dozen tomatos ripen at the same time!
Second FiRSt...For my birthday my sister gave me an herb garden, and those herbs have been growing like crazy! So, a couple weeks ago, I cut a bunch of my Sweet Basil and tried my hand at homemade pesto and it too was delicious! I still need a recipe for Sage, since it's growing like mad right now and I have no idea what to do with it! So, if you know of anything, pass it along!
Third FiRSt...After coming home from Mexico we noticed Elvis limping around the house. After a couple days, he wouldn't even walk on his right front paw, and it was swollen about twice as large as his other paw. So I made an appointment with the Vet, and took him in on Thursday. Luckily, it's not broken, but he did have a large, infected cut...so to keep him from licking it all day long, he get's to wear the "LampShade!" This is the first time I've ever had a pet in one of these, and it's HiLArIoUS! He's constantly walking too close to walls or cabinets and hitting his lampshade or getting stuck in the chair legs under the table! I haven't laughed so hard in quite a while! Luckily, he's already acting and feeling tons better, so I'm sure the antibiotics and lampshade are doing their job!
Finally, the SeCOnD...I brought the bangs back! I've had bangs like this before, but it was about a year ago, and I'd grown so tired of my hair the way it is, that I had to do something! It's a definate change, but I like them! Also, they help hide my larger than life forhead...you can't complain about that!

Zion 2009

2009-07-26T17:27:00.004-06:00

I think the first post we published on this blog was about our Zion trip last year. And just over one year later, we were back down there, and LOVING it!
This year we went down with another couple from our ward and were finally able to hike The Narrows! We were NOT disappointed! Jordan even said, multiple times, that it was the best, his favorite, etc...hike he'd been on!

In addition to The Narrows, we hiked to Weeping Rock,
Court of the Patriarchs
and the Watchman Trail.
All were very pretty!
Thanks, Day's for coming with us, making yummy food, and bringing great conversation!
We had a blast!

One concert after another...

2009-07-26T17:19:00.002-06:00

Jordan and I went to the George Strait concert on a Friday, and the next night I got together with one of my best friends from high school and went and saw The Fray! It was a great concert (aside from the lame duck crowd we were surrounded by), and it was alot of fun to get caught up with Alison! It's amazing how, when you're really great friends, the moment you get together, the conversation picks up just like it was yesterday that you spoke last...even if it has been several months, and our hair's a different color now and we're driving different cars, and moving to different houses! I guess that's what a true friend is!

Jordan's B-Day

2009-07-26T17:02:00.004-06:00

Jordan turned the big 2-9 on July 5, and we celebrated with my family up at Jordanelle Reservoir. We had alot of fun camping...but it was STINKIN' HOT!!!
He got the smoothie maker he's been asking for since we got married (courtesy of Karen & Dick)! And he's made some yummy smoothies during the past couple weeks!
I got Jordan tickets to the concert he'd been (not so slyly) hinting at...George Strait!
Jordan loved seeing "The Legend" in concert, and if it weren't for the "I'm 21!" drunk fest going on in front of us, the night would have been pretty close to perfect!
We also had a couple friends from the ward over for birthday party #2 and I attempted Jordan's favorite cake...chocolate with marshmallow frosting. After the failed first attempt at the frosting, one of my friends took over the second time, and the frosting turned out perfectly! Thanks, Kristin! The birthday partying will continue in a few days when Jordan's out in California visiting his family! There's something to be said about having multiple families!
And to my husband...
You're looking better than ever, lover! I love you and am excited to spend our futures together! Here's to another 29+!

Escalante, UT

2009-06-22T11:29:00.008-06:00

Last weekend we headed down to Escalante, Utah for some camping and hiking. While it was pouring down rain in Northern Utah, we had sunny skies and cool temperatures...perfect for hiking!
We got to try out our tent for the very first time! (The same tent Jordan got for his b-day a year or two ago!)
Hike through "the largest petrified forest in the US"
Visit a beautiful waterfall that filled a pool full of water as cold as if there was ice floating in it!
Refresh our skills at "old people card games" (aka: Skip bo) And "Eat better than we do at home" according to Jordan!

We didn't, however, get to hike the Spooky and Peek-a-Boo slot canyons because our car (Toyota Corolla) does not have enough clearance to make it down the ill-maintained road to get to the trails! We were so bummed!
This experience made us realize how unfulfilled our lives are because we don't have a truck! Ha, ha! So, it may have been just the excuse we needed to validate buying one! Anyone selling (or know of a great deal) on a newer 4 door Toyota Tacoma?! Let us know!

Is there anything cuter?

2009-06-16T22:01:00.005-06:00

What's cuter than a little kitten? How about TWO little KITTENS!!! These two brothers showed up on our back porch Monday evening, with their mom. They've been hanging out there since! And we LOVE them...but our two cats are enough for us! So we need to find a new home for these two babies! Let us know if you want them!

Our House

2009-06-06T12:13:00.003-06:00

I really do LOVE our house!

Look at all the pretty things you see at our house!

I think we'll keep it...for now!

Another year older

2009-06-06T12:01:00.002-06:00

Birthdays are a funny thing. The older you get, the less exciting they become!

And I'm learning, the older I get, the easier I am to please! All I really wanted for my birthday, Jordan delivered on...a good dinner at a "Surprise" restaurant, and an ice cream cake!
Check
Check
Good job, honey! You definitely scored some points!

Here's to another great year!

It really is GRAND

2009-06-06T11:32:00.005-06:00

We went with some of our friends, and had TONS of fun!

So, we survived the Grand Canyon! Jordan thrived, and I barely got out with my life! But, we LOVED it!
We didn't get a back country permit, like we were hoping, so we just got to do some day hikes. But, during our long day hike down the Hermit's Rest trail to Dripping Spring, I realized back packing (not necessarily) into the Grand Canyon (but definitely) out of the Grand Canyon would have KILLED me! I guess it's time to admit that I'm not as fit and trim as I used to be!

Since we didn't get back country permits, we had two extra days to kill, so we went back to Las Vegas and hung out in SIN CITY. While there, we ate ALOT of REALLY good food, which for me, is ALWAYS a highlight of a vacation!
Not our favorite place, but still we had fun.

Overall it was a GREAT trip, but would've been that much better if we could've gone into Havasupai. Oh well, maybe next time.

BRING IT ON!!!

2009-05-03T20:48:00.002-06:00

The Grand Canyon, that is!
Jordan and I, and a couple of our best friends, have been planning to backpack into Havasupai for nearly an entire year! And when we're a week away from departure, we get an email from the Havasupai tribe leaders saying they're keeping Havasupai closed to tourist until June because of SWINE FLU!!! Seriously, we're sooo...disappointed!
But, our original plans included a two night hotel stay at the Grand Canyon, which is already paid in full and non-refundable, as are our flights into Vegas! So, we're having to do some juggling, and are crossing our fingers that we'll be able to get one of the very few "Day of" backcountry permits at the Grand Canyon (since all of their advance reservations fill-up a year in advance)! So, cross your fingers for us! And, if the Grand Canyon doesn't work out...there's always Vegas...which, I think, our friends are secretly hoping for!!!

Look at all our stuff...I'm semi-nervous about having to carry all this stuff on my back! Especially since the hike we're hoping to get a permit for has a 4000+ change in elevation!!!
Umm...I'm the first to admit that I'm not the toughest girl...in fact, I'll even admit that I'm pretty wimpy. But, seriously, this pack HAS to weigh more than the 20 lbs that the scale claimed!! I don't know how I'll do 20 miles with it on my back! It's pretty much as full as it's gonna be when we hike, and this could be the only picture you see of me SMILING with that attached to my body!

These could be my favorite find for this backpacking trip...It's a plate, bowl and mug set that folds completely flat! Oragami at its finest!!

WISH US LUCK!!!

This one's for you, Dick!

2009-04-26T11:16:00.002-06:00

Pictures of our new porch lights! I think they're beautiful! And the fact that I got them for 50% off of the CLEARANCE price, makes them even PRETTIER!!!

The things that make you happy when you own a home!!!

Add it to the list...

2009-04-26T11:04:00.001-06:00

...of things we'll Never DO AGAIN!!!

We decided to take advantage of the Questar Gas rebate for adding attic insulation. So, we, excitedly, purchased our 35 bags of attic insulation, and had it delivered to our house on Friday, along with the "Hopper" (aka: machine I was responsible for dumping the bags of insulation into, which then shoots it through the 40' hose and out into our attic). Not hard, right?!

Well, you're right, it wasn't HARD, but it was MISERABLE!!! Jordan was up in the attic for 3 HOURS breathing in the dusty, grossness! And I was on the porch, loading the insulation into the Hopper, and running up and down the stairs to check with Jordan and make sure I should keep loading. Oh, and the ONE TIME I didn't check after 3 bags, we had a MAJOR disaster! Jordan attempted to move the hose to a different spot in our attic, and it slipped and fell out of the attic into the hallway at the top of our stairs! All the while,I'm downstairs loading bag after bag into the machine, which is now SPRAYING ALL OVER our HOUSE!!! Nice, eh?!

Anyways, apart from that, it went smoothly, and we were SO HAPPY when it was done!!!

Like I said...NEVER AGAIN!!!

Easter Fun

2009-04-26T10:59:00.003-06:00

So this Easter we went up to Logan and hung-out with my fam. It was alot of fun to have everyone together again. Even though we all live so close, it had been a while since everyone had gathered at the same time!
I've noticed that I'm getting into the habit of only taking pictures of the cute little niece and nephews when we have family gatherings. Could that be because they're the cutest of the bunch?! You have to admit, every creature is 10 times cuter when they're little!

Anyways...there's something about BuBbleS and BoYS!

Two Things...

2009-04-05T18:57:00.003-06:00

FIRST...Look what I made:

I just had to take a picture of this dessert, because I thought it was so PRETTY!!! It's a Lemonade Cheesecake Pie, and it was pretty yummy, too! Check out the latest Kraft magazine for the recipe...SUPER EASY!!!

Those who know me, know that I shy away from the first sign of a craft...but this was easy! I bought the wreath at Tai Pan and attached the flowers and ribbon, and...voila! A new Spring door decoration! I think it's pretty cute, even though Jordan said, "The flowers are uneven! There's more on the right side then there are on the left!"
Thanks, Honey! I did that on purpose!

And SECOND...Thank heaven for little girls (and other couples who are having them!)!!!
My LITTLE sister had her SECOND baby on March 5, and it was a beautiful baby girl...REAGAN ANN!!! I love her already! Too bad she's not my own!

I think she looks JUST LIKE Ashley, her mom! That's a good thing, because Ashley has always been really cute!

I decided to take Chase (the big brother of Reagan)to see Disney on Ice one week after Reagan was born. I was pretty nervous about taking him by myself for the night...but it turned out to be a HUGE success, thanks in large part to the coaching beforehand by Ashley and Todd!
They had Chase convinced that my Toyota Corolla was a BLUE RACECAR! And boy was he excited to "Drive fast on the FAST road!!!"
Once we got to our seats, he seemed terrified to be surrounded by all the strange people, and ended-up sitting on my lap the ENTIRE show! But aside from being scared of all my coworkers, he was completely entertained!

After the show was over, and as soon as we got outside away from the crowds, he started talking about how the "Pirate HIT the alligator (Captain Hook)!" and everything else he had seen, and didn't stop until we got back to his house and he found his cousin Michael waiting to play with him!
It was ALOT of fun! I even said to Ashley when she asked if I wanted to 2 1/2 year old that I'd adopt a toddler and happily skip over the baby stage! You never know, that just might be what we end-up doing!

HaPPy SPrInG!!!

I thought the day would never come...

2009-03-01T19:49:00.002-07:00

...that I would FINALLY get to see Celine Dion in concert! But it did! And it was well worth the wait!
My sisters and mom and I bought tickets to Celine's SLC concert in November 2007! The concert was scheduled for November 2008! Then, one week before the scheduled performance, the concert was postponed until February...and a Sunday in February none the less!
Well, my sisters and I decided we were still going to go, and my mom (being the good example that she is) decided to not attend since it was on a Sunday! She has more strength than the rest of her daughters combined!
I'm sorry to say, Mom, but the concert was AMAZING!!! We were on the first row of the Upper Bowl and the view was great! We had so much fun screaming, singing, and dancing! I wish we could go again!

What's $13,000 a month anyways?!?

2009-03-01T19:07:00.002-07:00

So, Jordan and I celebrated Valentines Day one week late by going to St.George for the weekend. We went to 25 of the 26 St.George Parade of Homes houses, and let me just say, they were amazing!
The finishes in all the houses were beautiful, the pools and landscaping were awesome, and the vistas were some that made me finally understand the saying, "The view was worth a million bucks!" I found myself saying at several houses, "I would pay the million bucks to be able to wake up to this view everyday!" It was stunning!
Even Jordan was quoted as saying, "What do we need to do so that we can move to St.George?" Obviously, we were both awe struck by the houses we saw. But, to try and gain some perspective on the homes we were looking at, I ran a quick calculation on what a mortgage would cost on a $3 million dollar house, and it was pretty much $13,000 / month! Wow! Who can afford these mansions???!!! It's fun to dream, anyways!
But, seriously, I think these Bartletts might one day end-up living in good ol' St.George! We'll see huh!

5 Birthdays, 3 Christmases, & a Break-Through!!!

2009-01-16T16:22:00.003-07:00

So, I'm a few months behind in my posts, but, at least Jordan will be happy to have the "Ode to Edward" post off the front page!

Our Holiday season was filled with one party after another, and it was ALOT of fun! We've fallen into a pattern of trading off Christmases and Thanksgivings between our families, and this year was the year for a Bartlett Christmas!

So, before leaving for California, we got together with my Stones family for a combined Triple Birthday - Christmas Celebration! My sister-in-law, Julia's birthday is December 5, followed by my Mom's BIG 50th on December 8 & my youngest sister, Amber's on December 16! So...to make sure no one felt like their birthday's were being overlooked, we made each birthday girl her own "Favorite" birthday cake! And with a combined total of 99 Birthday Candles...we were LUCKY to get through the "blowing-out-candles" without setting off the fire alarms!

After the birthday parties, we did the Christmas thing...and, just like each year prior, my Mom & Terry were way too generous with us! They pretty much funded the newest addition to our home entertainment...a Surround Sound System! We're loving it Thanks, Stoners!

After the Stones family celebration, we headed out West for another round of partying! As you can see from the pictures, they're a WILD bunch (especially the oldest of the group)!

On Christmas Eve I insisted that the neices & nephews (plus the youngest of the Bartlett brothers, Marc) perform the Nativity Story for us...and it was AWESOME!!! It was only the 5 minute version, but as you can see, we were well entertained! Thanks, Marc, Emily, Ryan, Tyce & Kelsey for humoring me! After Christmas, all the Bartlett girls got together and went to see my FAVORITE SPARKLY MAN! For me, this made #6...and some of you might say, "That's a bit obsessive." But I'd like to think of it as a BREAK-THROUGH..."Step #1...Admitting there's a PROBLEM!" But, like I always tell Jordan, if this is as bad as my addictions get...he's a LUCKY MAN!!! And, by the way, I've committed to stopping at 6!

I LOVED getting to see everyone and spend time getting caught up on what's going on in everyone's lives. Those Bartlett's are always entertaining! And, I just want to say, thanks alot Josh & Sarah and Jake & Shamay for making the cutest kids EVER...Now, no matter what Jordan and my kids (NOT making an announcement) look like, they'll never be the CUTEST kids in the FAMILY!!! :)
And, last but certainly not least, we got together for a FORTUNE FAMILY Christmas - Birthday Party...but not just ANY birthday party...but, yet ANOTHER 50th!!! Dad, it's good you've got those two boys to keep you YOUNG! We went up to Logan last weekend and spent the night with the Fortunes playing Seingeld SCENE-IT, STUPID UNO, and eating lots of GOOD food! It was alot of fun just hanging-out and spending time together! Family, truely is, the greatest gift we've been given!

Did I die...Is this Heaven?!?!

2008-11-24T19:09:00.006-07:00

I'm sure all you women know that Twilight was released this past Thursday @ midnight! Like all the other loyal 14 year old fans, I was waiting in line for the midnight release at 9:00 PM!

Two weeks ago, I bought 3 tickets to the Twilight premier at the small theatre just down the road from our house, in hopes that not many people would know about the theatre, and as a result, not many would show up! That didn't happen! Good thing my friend, Jackie, mentioned getting there before 11:00, otherwise we would've been on the very front row of the sold out show!

So, we waited in line for 3 hours...and boy, was it worth it! Myself and the other two women I went with fit in perfectly with the teeny-bopper crowd that made up most of the audience! We screamed with excitement when Edward first appeared on the screen! My poor heart was racing the entire movie! I LOVED IT!!! I must admit though, I am easily entertained! We left the movie and theatre on a high! I was more in love with Edward than I had been two hours earlier, and angry that the movie had ended! What's a fool in love supposed to do?!

Saturday, we went and met my family in SLC. The boys watched the BYU v. UofU game and the girls hit up the CHOCOLATE SHOW at the South Towne Expo Center! I know!!! I didn't know such a thing existed either!!! But, boy was I missing out! It definately put a smile on all our faces!

On the way back home from SLC around 10:30 PM, I was texting my friend Steph (who went with me to the premier) and mentioned how I was so depressed that the movie was over...it was kinda like the sadness that comes when Christmas is done! She mentioned she felt the same way...and happened to say, "Wanna go again? Now?" How could I say "No!" Of course I couldn't! So I went and picked her up, ignored the "You guys are nerds!" comment from her husband when he opened the door, and we took off to get another Edward fix! It was just as good...maybe better, the second time! Now I'm making plans to go with the girls at work...and anyone else who may want to for that matter! Good thing Jordan is secure in our marriage...otherwise he might be jealous of this infatuaion I can't seem to shake! Love ya, Jordan!

Something about the apple and the tree...

2008-10-28T20:10:00.005-06:00

On Saturday we attended a family Halloween party hosted by my sister and her husband. The theme of the party was "If the broom fits..." and we were all assigned to dress-up as one of the other family members. I was assigned my mom, and Jordan got my brother-in-law, Todd.

It was pretty freaky to see the resemblance between myself and my mom...Poor Jordan said, "Our relationship will never be the same again!" Just check-out the picture I'm holding...It's my mom & step dad on their wedding day! Look familiar?!? I guess it's obvious who won the prize for best resemblance!

My sister, Ashley, dressed up as me...and boy did she hit the nail on the head!

Aren't these the cutest Dragon & Lancelot you've ever seen?!?

Isn't Halloween the BEST?!?

Why I LOVE Halloween!!!

2008-10-14T20:34:00.003-06:00

This past Saturday we had some of our ward friends over for (what's becoming) our annual Halloween Murder Mystery Party! This year, our game was titled "The Good, The Bad, and The Guilty" and it was set in the Old West. Of the eight characters, Jordan was "Chief Breaking Wind," those of you who know him will instantly understand why Jordan HAD to be assigned that character, and I was "Elvira Lynn Fection," I'll just leave it at that!

Our friends showed up in some of the best costumes I'd seen, and were great murder suspects! We ate lots of good food, impersonated some shady, yet hilarious, characters, and laughed 'til we (well, I) almost peed my pants! All in all, I'd say it was a total success!

Thanks guys, for coming and being such good sports! Same time next year?!

Aloha Maui!

2008-09-16T19:00:00.004-06:00

For whatever reason, I'm feeling really "homesick" for Maui today, so I thought I'd do our final post on the last few days of our trip (that ended almost one month ago, exactly), so that we have a complete scrapbook of our awesome vacation!

After getting the crap kicked out of us by the waves on day 8, we decided to kinda take it easy for a bit, and headed back to the swap meet on day 9 for more bargain hunting. We got the rest of our island treasures, and as we were driving away Jordan said, "We could move here!" Those of you who know him, know what a HUGE statement that is (considering the only place he's EVER said we could live in the whole time I've known him is California)! He loved being able to get the fresh, island fruits at the swap meet and taking them back to the condo to make smoothies!

After the swap meet, we headed to the Iao Valley. This place (specifically the Iao Needle) was the site of some massive battle for control of the island, however many years ago...but to us, it was just another dreamlike locale! I still can't get over how GREEN everything was (especially now, being back in the desert of Utah)!

After taking a day break from the scary ocean, I was brave enough to tempt fate again, and the next day we headed back to the beach with our replacement snorkel gear. We ended up at Napili Bay and Jordan stumbled upon one of our greatest finds of the entire trip! While I was basking in the sunshine on the beach, Jordan went off exploring tide pools. During his exploration, he came across a Turtle Town! He came back to get me, we grabbed our gear, and headed over for the best snorkeling of the whole trip! We were in a protected cove swimming with TONS of GIANT turtles! Some had shells about 4 feet wide! It was the coolest snorkel experience I've ever had! They seemed to stare at us almost as much as we were staring at them! It was awesome! After that, we hung up our snorkel gear feeling totally fulfilled!

On the way back to the condo that night, we stopped in Kaanapali to stroll the beachside path. It was a nice little walk, and there were some AMAZING hotels in that area! Just for fun, we went back and checked the price on a couple of the hotels we passed, and it's safe to say, we wont be staying there anytime soon (if ever)! $700 per Night! Our little condo never looked so good!

We woke up Monday morning knowing it was our last day, and decided to head back to Kaanapali beach for the day (our flight didn't leave until 10:00 PM). So, we spent our last day in paradise playing in the water, lounging on the beach, and feeding the birds! I almost had Jordan convinced to "sell everything, and never go back (to Utah)" but his rational side won out, and he made me come home!

Oh well, we had a BLAST while we were there! It was the perfect mix of relaxation and activity! And since Jordan made me, I'll say, "Aloha Maui...until next time!"

Kahekili Beach and Hana Highway

2008-08-16T02:23:00.006-06:00

That's quite a mouthful! But that's how we spent days 6 and 7 here in Maui. On Wednesday we got up and out of the condo a little earlier than usual and were rewarded with a great beach day. We headed to the west side of the island to Kahekili Beach and spent the day lounging in the sand and snorkeling. There was some beautiful coral and bright colored fish and we had fun chasing them through the water!

On our way back to the condo, we drove through the cute little town of Lahaina and Jamie Fox with his entourage of women walked across the street right in front of our car! I didn't even notice him, so I didn't believe it when Jordan told me who it was. But after following him around for a few minutes, and getting a good look, I was convinced! Too bad we didn't get a pic!

Thursday we were treated to what's been described to me as the "Garden of Eden" drive! We did the day long drive to Hana, and saw so many beautiful waterfalls and vista's that they started to become "old news" to us when the map showed another waterfall "just around the next turn!"

The Hana coast is beautiful! It's on the leeward side of the island, and as a result get's nearly 400 inches of rainfall a year! You can imagine how green it gets over there! We stopped at a black sand and red sand beach and went for a climb in a Banyan tree! We hoped to be able to swim in the famous "7 Sacred Pools" and hike to the "Infinity Pool" but were disappointed when we were told that "There's no swimming today...the water flow is too high." Oh well, we were still able to walk around the coast and view its beauty, without having to worry about being swept over one of the falls (of the 7 Sacred Pools) and into the ocean (as happened recently to a couple people...who died)!

August 12 = 2 Years!

2008-08-16T02:05:00.005-06:00

August 12 was our 2nd anniversary, and my excuse for planning this whole trip to begin with! At times it seems like we've been together forever, and other times, we can't believe we've been married two years already! We've laughed, cried (mostly, well, only me!), and learned from each other. All in all, it's been a great two years!

To celebrate our big day, we planned to attend a luau that night. We had alot of fun meeting new people, and Jordan was nearly hypnotized by all the hip shaking that was going on! It was a really good luau, and a great way to celebrate!

Before the luau we spent the day at 5 Graves beach and, what ended up being one of our favorites, Palauea Beach.

The seas were ANGRY today!

2008-08-16T01:40:00.005-06:00

So, this will be a bit out of order, but I have to start by describing today's events while they're fresh on my mind!

The day started out slowly with us sleeping in and not leaving the condo until 11:30 AM. To start things off right, Jordan found out that he's still not admitted to WSU (eventhough schools starts in a week) because BYU never sent WSU his transcript! Oh, how we love BYU! NOT! Anyways, this whole disaster should've been a sign of what was to come!

We decided to go to Po'olenalena Beach based upon its close proximity to our condo, and its rave reviews in our Maui guide book. By the time we got to the beach, the wind and waves were in full swing! Today was BY FAR the windiest day on the island since we've been here. But, we were not afraid...we donned our snorkel gear and headed out into the water. After maybe 5 minutes in the water, all hell broke loose! We were snorkeling around a bed of lava rock, and to make a long story short, ended up getting slammed over and over again into the lava rock. Jordan fared a bit better than I did; he only lost his snorkel mask and got out with a couple cuts on his feet. I, on the other hand, had European tourist coming to my rescue! I not only lost one of my fins, my mask, and my snorkel, but NEARLY DROWNED (hence the European rescuer)! I kept getting pounded over and over again by waves that we should have taken note of before getting into the water, and ended up getting some pretty good gashes on my back, knees, elbow and feet! Needless to say, we left that beach as quickly as possible!

We tried to rescue the day by testing another beach (Wailea) but, the wind and waves proved too much for us. So on a whim, we decided to try and make it up to Haleakala Summit for sunset. Boy was this the best idea we had all day!

Jordan described this event as the greatest of all the things we've done since being on Maui! Haleakala is an extinct volcano that helped form Maui, and peaks at over 10,000 feet.

The weather up there gets pretty chilly, and we were bundled up in our jeans and hoodies, and were still FREEZING as the sunset and temperature fell to the high 30's! We were above the clouds, and were able to see Lanai and the two volcanos on the Big Island in the distance! It was definately an awe inspiring evening! In Jordan's words, "This really saved the day!"

Just another day in paradise!

2008-08-12T13:03:00.010-06:00

Aloha!
Another two days have passed, and with them we've created some great memories! Day 3 started out like all the rest...sleeping in! Once we finally got out the door, we headed to the West side of the island for the first time. We stopped for a short hike to some petroglyphs, which Jordan's convinced are planted there by anthropologist! Then we headed toward Kaanapali. After searching in vain for a parking spot near Kaanapali Beach, we decided to get a picnic lunch and head further along the coast to a different beach.

At some point in our drive down the coast, we decided to pull over and take a picture. It was at this point that we realized our camera was no where to be found! We searched our car, I don't know how many times, with no luck! So, we have no pictures from our stop at Honolua Bay (the gorgeous beach made not so appealing by the locals who've set up shop there in a make-shift trailer and bathroom (aka: pond)). Despite the stench coming from the aforementioned "pond," we snorkeled around Honolua Bay for a bit before we decided to leave the stink behind and go find another beach.

It was at this point that we stumbled upon Slaughterhouse Beach (great name, eh?)! This is our favorite beach thus far! The sand is the perfect color and texture, and the water is just calm enough to play in without getting beat up. Plus, there was some GREAT snorkeling in just 3' of water! In addition to the abundance of brightly colored tropical fish, we came upon a beautiful turtle that was content to just swim around us, and continue eating while we watched for about 15 minutes! That was COOL!!

After leaving Slaughterhouse Beach, we headed to the only Wal-Mart on the island to buy a replacement camera. After getting over the disappointment of having to buy a new camera when we have another digital camera just sitting at our house, we started to get excited about the great features on our new purchase!

The next morning, as we were packing up the car to head out for the day, MAGICALLY our long lost camera appeared in the glove box that we'd searched countless times! What the heck?!? Well, there it was! Amazing!!

So, with the return of our camera, we were able to take some great pictures of the days adventures! We headed around the top of the island to a sight called "Dragons Teeth" which is a lava formation that owes its existence to the wind and sea. Pretty cool, but nothing compared to the GIANT turtle we saw in the water...it had to be 4' across its shell, and Jordan sat and waited for 30 minutes to try and get a picture of it, but it never surfaced again! Too bad.

Next we stopped at the Nakalele Blowhole...that was AWESOME! Jordan was like a kid in a candy store watching it explode! It was so amazing to watch the power of the ocean like that.

Our next stop of the day was at a place called the Olivine Pools. These are natural lava swimming pools ensconced in an ancient lava shelf, they offered an outrageous place to swim with the ocan pounding at us on three sides! WOW!

After swimming for a bit, we took off on a road that doesn't deserve to be called a highway...this was a one lane, winding mountain road! There were so many blind corners, that Jordan ending up honking the horn almost nonstop for the entire drive, to let any other drivers coming the other way know that we were on the other side of the curve...and please don't run into us (we had one call that was a little too close)! It was a pretty drive, but one we wont be doing again!

Well, this post has gotten long enough, so I'll say Aloha for now!

Aloha from Maui!!!

2008-08-09T23:29:00.017-06:00

Aloha from Maui! We've decided to try and do an update of our trip every couple days while we're here. It'll be an electronic journal for us!

We arrived after a 6.5 hour flight from SLC and immediately started the acclimation process to "Hawaii time!" We waited about 45 minutes to get our luggage! Seems things move on a much slower pace here!

After leaving the airport, we headed to Costco and the local grocery store to stock our kitchen at the condo we're staying at. I had to send Jordan out to the car while I paid for the groceries so he wouldn't freak out (paying $6 for a gallon of milk might've sent him over the edge)!

We finally made it to the condo (which is right on the beach) and decided to go test the waters! The sound of waves crashing on the shore is so soothing to me! We made dinner and ate at about midnight our time. We were so EXHAUSTED but couldn't force ourselves to go to sleep at 8:00 PM our first night in Maui, so we went down to the condo pool and played for a bit. We finally went to bed at about 2:00 AM Utah time, and both woke-up at 6:00 AM Maui time! Of course we had no problem falling back asleep and stying asleep 'til about 10:00 AM Maui time! This is part of the reason I LOVE VACATIONS SO MUCH!!

After milling around the condo for a bit, we got our suites on and decided to head to the Swap Meet in Kahului. We found some great deals, and laughed about the miniature banannas and giant avocados we found!

After getting all sweaty at the Swap Meet, we headed to Big Beach in Makena where the wind was blowing something fierce! The waves were HUGE and breaking right on the shore! It was fun to play in the waves for a while, but when we realized we had left the food in the car, we decided to pack everything up and go try another beach. So, we headed back up the road to Makena Beach. Both beaches were GORGEOUS, and both had CRAZY WAVES! We spent our time at Makena lounging and playing in the waves.

After a couple hours we decided to head out and go take a walk down the Wailea Beachside Path (a path that runs several miles down the coast in front of several very nice resorts and very nice beaches). It was at this time that I started to notice that Jordan's entire front half of his body was turning a BRIGHT shade of RED! Poor Jordan is burned from head to toe, and we've only been here one full day!

After our stroll, we headed back to the condo, made dinner, and took in the sunset from our lawn. Watching the sunset over the ocean never fails to impress! Well, I think that's all for now. Aloha from Maui!

Two Shy of Thirty

2008-07-13T16:18:00.013-06:00

What's that you say? Yeah, just had a birthday. I'm how old? Just turned 28. 28? Does that surprise you? Yeah, you look closer to 40 than 30!!!!

With the extremely thinning hair, body falling apart, and people reminding me how old I look, sometimes I really think I'm closer to 40 than 30. The part above is how most friends and fam respond(ed) with the passing b-day.

Over the 4th o' July weekend, we took a trip out to Cali to hang out with fam and friends. I'm still recovering from my ankle injury, but it was fun to go there and spend some time. We got in the day before the 4th, and my bro and his fam were campin at a nearby lake with some friends. So we decided to go visit them and talk it up a bit. C-Mac drove Tasha and I to Negro Bar (that's the name, no seriously) to see all of 'em. When we got there, we walked up the trail leading to the campsite and noticed the youngest of my bro's boys had slipped away (crawling in the dirt and whatever else was down there along the path). We picked the lil' guy up and took him back to the campsite. Wow was he filthy. It was great (especially for those who didn't have to clean him up)! We shot the breeze with all of 'em and then took off. One little problem came out of leaving. The gate was locked!!!! That's right, we got locked into the campground. Seems like a little occupational hazard if you ask me (emergencies for campers, etc). Anyways, we couldn't find a way out around the gate, but saw a road for personnel vehicles only. That road lead us to the gate area but with space to maneuver out. It took a bit of time, but we made it out so we could sleep in our own comfortable beds. That was quite interesting.

The next day on the 4th, we cleaned and washed every car in my parent's driveway. For dinner we had some grubbin pizza (Little Queezers) with pepperoni, onion and bell pepper(there's more story to the pizza). The best! At night, we went over to Scumrise Mall (Sunrise is the name) and watched The Heights' firework show. It seems as you get older that fireworks just aren't as fun as when you're a child. It'll probably get better if I ever have any children of my own one of these days. It was nice being there with fam and friends, though. Later that night, I saw some ol' buddies. Kicked it and caught up with Riff (or is it Raff, which am I?), Krebs, Cook and Pat. Twas good seeing those guys.

On the 5th (my b-day) the day started out quite well. I have to note that I didn't roll outta bed 'til 11 almost everyday so my b-day was no different. For lunch, I grabbed a slice of pizza from the night before and started eating it. When I was eating the crust, I heard and felt my tooth crunch. My tooth that I had a root canal on last year, fractured in half. Wow, all I can say is just my luck. You see, last year on my birthday, we stayed here and my bro Jake and his fam stopped by since they were in Utah. We were going to eat dinner and then have cake and ice cream with them. I put the cake in the oven, and it had been in there for only a little bit when the power went out in our entire neighborhood. Needless to say, the cake was ruined, our house was hot, and it put a damper on the festivities. So this year, my tooth fractured, and I knew it was not a good one. That kind of put a damper on the rest of the day (eating wise, that is). We shopped and came back. My ma prepared a great b-day dinner of homemade burgers, with dips, fruits and the whole she-bang. My only problem was the tooth. I still enjoyed the eats but had to chew on one side of my mouth. Some friends came over, and Chad and Sue stopped by on the way back to their place from Oregon. Twas a good time for all. On top of it, we watched some good ol' UFC fights. An all-around great b-day if you ask me.

On Sunday, we gathered again, ate a wonderful dinner, had my favorite cake with Chocolate Malted Crunch ice cream and opened presents. I made it known that I wanted a few more pairs of shorts and wanted a couple of plaid ones. I ended up getting five plaid shorts and now have to decide which ones I need to take back. Such awesomeness going on. That pretty much sums up our time at home (someday my friends, someday!).

Sucha Moron!!!!

2008-06-25T16:51:00.007-06:00

When I woke up in the morn on Fri, something just didn't feel right. I knew something was going to happen to me (and, oh boy, did it!). You see, June 20th is my buddy's b-day. He passed away a couple of years ago, and Brenter and I have gone out to his grave on his b-day since. Well, I thank the big man for this one. I think I felt a little shove to the back that helped propel me down to my injury.

Alrighty, some time has passed and my wounds (internal that is) are healing!!!! Last Fri, while working, I was on a run at the Capitol building. I had to get a document approved and then was to go to the airport and give it to someone. Well, as in most cases with these documents (they always seem to be rushes), it wasn't put together correctly. So I had to take it back to work and let 'em know. On my way down the steps at the capitol, I missed a step, and my moment picked up more and more down the stairs. I tried to avoid the exact thing that happened to me. I ended up jumping and coming down on one of the bottom steps, completely rolling my ankle under me (it folded like an elephant's snout). I heard two pops and really thought my ankle was broken. I threw the document up in the air while falling and rolled once I hit the bottom. I picked the document up and started hopping on my good leg to my car. A lady came through the doors at the bottom of the steps, and while watching me hop on one leg, asked me if I was ok. I thought it looked quite obvious that I wasn't. I ended up exiting the east side entrance of the Capitol and hopping to my car in the next lot over. I drove back to work, went up the elevators, hopped to the secretary's desk, gave her the document and went up to my lil' runner's room.

I was going to drive back towards home and stop at a hospital in Layton, but was advised not to do so. Plus, by the time I got around to thinking like that, my foot had ballooned and I couldn't really feel it anymore. The pain was pretty extensive at that point. I ended up sitting in that room for just about an hour 'til someone from the firm was able to take me to the closest hospital. On top of all this, I couldn't get a hold of the ol' wifey. She was getting her hair cut. Crazy enough, though, she ended up at the hospital in downtown just about the same time I did. I tell you what, it's much better to hurt an arm, hand, shoulder or anything above the waist (maybe with exception to one part) 'cause you can still get around. It's not fun hurting a knee, ankle, foot, etc.

At the hospital, they gave me a walking boot and crutches. By the time night rolled around, the crutches had already bruised my pits. My wife told me I need to find a better solution for crutches. So if any ideas come to mind, give me a call 'cause I haven't had any.
Anyways, I found out the ankle's not broken. I severely sprained it. I'm not much of a sweller and have not had my parts turn funky colors before, but I had both with this one. My ankle swelled up right away and by the night, it was starting to turn black. After the party, Brenter came and picked me up. We bought some Henry's and headed over to Kaysville. When we arrived at P-Funk's grave, Sista P was there. We talked for a while and caught up on wha't s been going on. We still all really miss the big guy. It's not as fun without him around and gets pretty tough sometimes. Sista P left, so Brent and I pulled out a candle and a glazed doughnut ring, and the Henry's. We put the candle in the doughnut, opened the Henry's and, like we always do, had one for him and one for us. That ended and Brent dropped me off back at my place. He took off, and my wife and I just sat around (think we watched a movie; probably a chick flick so it's not worth mentioning!). That was the day. My foot kept swelling up for a couple of more days, added some more color, and still hurts. I kind of wish this could happen during the winter since I pretty much do absolutely nothing over those months. Way to ruin my summer, Paul!!!!

Is anyone else in love with Edward?!?

2008-06-13T11:20:00.012-06:00

So, my sweet sister-in-law has been telling me for a while now that I HAVE to read the "Twilight Series." But, for whatever reason, I just never got around to it...until she took it upon herself to help me get started...she bought the first book in the series of four for me, "Twilight."

As soon as I started reading that first book, I couldn't put it down! I finished the first (which is over 600 pages) after a few days, and was in a PANIC to go buy the second and third! The second I devoured quicker than the first, reading the last 400 pages in one day, and the third I ended up having to skip-out on work to finish! (Trust me, I wouldn't have been too productive at work when all I could think about was the Vampire I was in love with back at home!)

Anyways, I finished all three, and am now DYING for the fourth to come out (August 2)! And I have no shame in admitting this, because every other female I've talked to seems to feel the exact same way I do!

So, for those of you females who've not read the books...you're missing out! I have no doubt that you'll be just as in love with Edward as I am!

The coveted recipe

2008-06-11T11:03:00.002-06:00

So, here it is for everyone who's asked for it. I got this from one of my coworkers, and I LOVE it! It makes a HUGE batch (I made the full recipe and it was more than enough for the two dinner parties we went to this past weekend)! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Chicken Pasta Salad
1 (12 oz) pkg bow-tie pasta
1 (12 oz) pkg tri-colored spiral pasta
4-6 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 (16 oz) bottle coleslaw dressing
1/2 - 1 C mayonnaise
1 (20 oz) pineapple tidbits
2 C seedless grapes
1 pkg Craisins (1/2 - 1 C)
2 (11 oz) cans mandarin oranges
2 C chopped celery
4-5 green onions, chopped
1 C cashews, chopped
1 can water chestnuts, chopped

Cook, drain, and cool pasta. Add all ingredients except cashews. Add cashews just prior to serving. Makes 2 LARGE bowls (aprx. 20 servings).

Memorial Day Weekend in Zion

2008-06-05T19:24:00.007-06:00

Over Memorial Day weekend, we took off to Zion with Todd & Ashley, Terry & Laura, and Jeremy & Julia. Even though my wifey is not the outdoorsy type, she planned this trip for us and we had a really good time. It took just about the entire afternoon to get down there to camp. We arrived at the Inn (forget the name) and camped on the backside of it. We took the evening setting up and taking in the views around the campsite. It was a lil tight with others around us, but that's good so the mtn lions didn't attack!!!! HA! We were hoping the weather would work out for us, 'cause it was forcasted to rain. It did pour on us pretty good the first night ( I sat by the fire during some of the rainfall 'cause I was camping after all and love fire). Our stuff didn't get wet inside the tent so all worked out just fine. The next morn, the Vegas couple arrived and we set out to hike.

We decided to hike Angel's Landing. From the rain the previous night, it was a cool day that made for great hiking weather. The hike was a bit beyond us for the 1st day (most of us are pretty out of shape). I don't know how many miles it is round trip, but it was definitely long and steep enough to ensure we all had a good nights sleep later on. The hike has many points along the way with great views of the surrounding area. It starts with flat spots that incline little by little. Before long, you can see that you've hiked a ways up the side of the mountain as you get better views of the valley below. Towards the end of the hike, there are a ton of switch backs that wear on your legs and backside! Once past the switch backs, you come into a clearing where many fellow hikers rest, eat lunch and take in the scenery. This is not the end of the hike, though.

For those daring enough, the hike continues up along the side of the mountain where a chain has been put in for the safety of all. Remember, the chain is your friend. After taking a short break, all of us decided to continue on to the top. We went up the very first part of the hike when we encountered a line of hikers coming back down. We had to pull off to the side to let them all pass. The waiting went on and on and on. About 40 minutes later, the hikers finally cleared out. Most of us had already finished the sack lunches we brought and our nerves became more and more jittery as we waited to climb. Slowly, one after another decided not to go on the hike. I was determined to go to the top and was glad that Jeremy and Julia wanted to do the same. It wasn't easy for me. I'm afraid of heights, and the more I sat waiting, the more my heart started racing.

So the three of us set out for the top. Just before we headed there, Julia asked a girl how it was. She said it was raining a bit at the top, and she wouldn't go since the rain makes it even more slippy. This made us think a lil harder about going, but we went on the hike for that purpose and went onward. For me, the hike got easier and better as we went higher and higher. I thought the very start of the upward climb to the top was the hardest. When we reached the top, we got to see the awsome views of Zion. It was pretty cool to sit there and take it all in. After taking pics, we headed back down the mountain, met up with the others and went back to our camping site.

At camp, we fixed dinner, and then played a spirited game of Stupid Uno. My, how that game brings the best out in everyone!!!! It rained on us again that night, but the rain was nice since it kept the temperature down (which is good for Southern Utah).

The next day, we did a shorter hike to the Emerald Pools (I think that's what they're called). We hiked to the lower and then upper pools. The hike was much easier than the day before and didn't tire us out nearly as much. This hike didn't give the views nearly as much the day before, but we were able to hike near water and rested next to the upper pool . It was a nice hike to take the day after the killer. We were a little disappointed that we weren't able to hike the Narrows (that was the reason we took the trip). The hike actually consists of going in a flowing river and the water was too cold for us to do it. Since we weren't able to do that hike, we want to go back over summer and do it.

We all had a really good time. It was nice to get out in the open and visit some of Utah's preserved land after going to the Tetons and Yellowstone last summer. There's much to see down there and we'll be back before long.

Let the Green Grass Grow...

2008-06-04T21:58:00.009-06:00

and I'm not talkin 'bout rollin doobies!!!! So many peeps have asked to see pics of my place since they aren't willing to come visit us. Here is a little description of what's going on around where we live.

Have you ever woke up in the morning, and it smelled like someone had been dead in your room for quite a while? If you haven't my friends, you're missing out. This is a one of a kind place to live. We have a beautiful back drop of the Wasatch Mtns to the east of us. We have a really nice view of that 'cause there isn't anything in the way behind us....just cows and a dairy farm. You can imagine the smell that comes from all the cows (but that's not even the worse of it). Some of the cows have become friends with me. I drop the weeds in my yard over the fence, and they run over to eat them. It's a good way to dispose of them without filling up my garbage can. One day, I jumped over the fence and one cow took a liking to me. She came up to me, so I petted her on the head but I think that ticked her off. The cows don't look so large from a distance. On their grounds, though, she put a little fear into me. She tried bumpin me but I jumped to the side. The pretty big, lil cow kept coming after me. I summoned my wife over to distract the cow from the other side of the fence so I could hop back into my yard. The cow was really strong and I didn't really want to find out what it wanted to do to me so I made my escape. I really felt my life was in danger. Alright, tis true, I didn't feel that way, but the fat, stinky thing would have smushed me.

Back to the area. On pretty much each side, our housing community is surrounded by farm land. The aromas, smells and bugs are second to none. It's almost like I'm camping on a continual basis but get to shower everyday! Ahhh, the mosquitoes. They really come out in full force this time of year when the farmers flood the fields for the cows. Don't go out past seven without the repellent. They'll eat you alive.

Just to the west of us, we get the sweet drifting smell of the Great Salt Lake. That is a one of a kind smell. For those of you who have never experienced that, give me a call, plan a va-ca out here, and I'll let you smell the pleasantries of it from the porch of my home.

Also west of us (not quite as far as the Salt Lake), we have a thing called the Sewage Treatment Center (Plant or whatever). I tell you what, when the flood gates open on that baby, the smell is just ripe to sweeten the evening air as the sun goes down. Quite exhilarating . The smell singes the hair in your nostrils at times.

So imagine this; on a cool Sunday evening, you and the misses feeling like taking a walk around the neighborhood. The sun's drawing ever close to the horizon reflecting off of the mountains to the east. It looks like a marvelous time to get outside. You both step outside and head down the street. Others are out walking as well 'cause it is truly a beautiful evening. Once out, you feel the presence of those pesky lil' mosquitoes around you. As you walk up the street, your nostrils catch a whiff of the joyous smell from the lake just a few miles to the west. As if that weren't enough, the sewer plant thinks that the smell from the lake is not strong enough, they open their lines and let an aroma like no other into the evening air. By now, your walk that started out so serene and enjoyable, is now clogged by the smells floating all around. The two smells from the lake and plant combine and combine to make a smell that can't really be described. As you end the near the end of your anticipated time outside, the dairy farm, a rock throw away, takes on an unusually bad smell as well. Just when you thought two was bad, three becomes unstomachable (don't think that's a word, but it should be). With your smelling sense at the brink of being ruined, the smells make you want to upchuck the lovely dinner you just had. This is Tuscany Meadows. Not a plush green vegetated neighborhood you might be thinking about in Italy, but a smelly good time in Syracuse, UT.

So there it is. This is where we have made a house a home (for the time being). But seriously, we like it here. If it weren't for the commute into downtown, we'd really like it here. We enjoy our neighbors and like the house. We actually like living off the beaten path, too. We've been working to get our yard in and, at the end of April, put down grass seed. Now we have weeds and seed growing in together. It's coming in nicely. We can't wait to have thick grass all around the house. We're a bit tired of the dirt and dust all around us so this will be nice. Maybe on a blog to come, I'll write how and why the getting the yard process took this long. That'll be interesting. So this is our house. It's fun having a house, but I'd recommend one that already has it's yard done unless you have the cash to pay someone to do it. It's gonna be tough moving into something smaller when we have to....but until then....signing off from Syracuse!!!!

Almomst Mother's Day....

2008-06-03T12:26:00.005-06:00

I traveled back home to Cali 'cause Boberto and Yessica were getting married. Twas good timing for me. I was able to go to the wedding stuff and be at home for Mother's Day. I flew into Sac on Wed and then went to Clegg's wedding dinner. We ate some good food put together by the fams (I'm not much of a clump of meat eater but Rob's dad made some mean tritip). We stayed and played some pong and horshoed it up for a bit. P-Funk's dad even popped in since he was in town on business. That was cool (they live pretty close to me now). That was a good night.

The next day I got to play softball with the ol' team (I've since been informed they won the championship). My hitting was horrible but my fielding was pristine!!!! I think we stayed up late that night playing Uno (Stupid Uno, that is) and had fun.

On Fri, Robert-o got married. I hung out with the Hage's at their pad and went over with 'em to the reception. There, I had all the chocolate covered strawberries I could handle. I took a ton home, too. It made the trip really worth it!!!! We stayed up and played Wii that night or the next. Can't really remember, but it doesn't really matter either.

Sunday was spent with the fam. We had a very nice Mother's Day dinner provided (by our mom!!!!) It was good seeing the lil ones. Josh's 3rd kid, Kelsey, is a lil' firecracker. The girl never stops moving around. Emmy-Lou is getting all grown up along with Ry-guy and Ticerone and Jax. Twas great to go back home and see almost everyone for a few days. Hopefully I can make another trip out there before long. We'll see what the summer brings....

Baja Cruise

2008-06-01T19:28:00.009-06:00

At the end of April, we went on the Baja Cruise and stopped in San Diego, Catalina and Ensenada. We had a good time there. Twas with Tasha and her siblings and dad's side of the fam. It's always nice to get away for a few days. We arrived at the LA airport and then went to the LA port after makin a quick stop at Carls. We waited for Jeremy and Julia to arrive from Vegas and then checked in once they got there. We got on the boat pretty quickly (the only delay is when people see my passport pic and look at me; there's a bit of a difference from then to now). On the cruise, we gorged ourselves and ate like crazy. Hard to resist when it's free food, and y'all know how I like free things. Gotta take advantage. The 1st day on the cruise, we stopped in San Diego. We just walked around the seaside village area & got a free Ben & Jerry's cone (more free, can't turn it down!!!!). A Bolivian dude was playing some native music, so we bought that cd. After walking around, we went back to the boat and started gorgin some more.

That night, we went to a comedian show and it was pretty fun. All the eatin made us tired, so we headed off to bed. The next day, we got off the boat in Catalina. I learned the Cubs had their spring training there for a bunch of years. Pretty cool. I almost bought a Cubs hat but it cost money!!!! We bought a dipped apple that had oreos all over it. Then we played miniature golf with all the others (Jer, Julia, Ash, Amber, Ryan and the two lil guys). It was overcast and a bit cold there so after bein on the island, we got back onto the boat for more food (couldn't get enough). We had good times during dinner and ordered all the food we could handle and more. All the eating put us to sleep again early after watching another comedy show.

The next day we ended up in Ensenada, Mexico. That place is a.....dump!!!!! We walked around there with all the siblings and pop's side of the fam. While sitting and eating some fish tacos, a few roaming bands kept coming over to play us some music and charge us money. It was pretty funny. We walked around some, bought some legendary Mexican vanilla (according to the Mrs.) and went back to the boat for some more eating.

We got a great surprise on the flight home...the entire LA Galaxy soccer team was on our flight...including David Beckham! Natasha and her sisters enjoyed the "eye candy" and took a couple pictures with Beckham and Quincey Jones, but Jordan was too busy talking to the "U" and Weber State University scouts to notice! The trip went quick and we had a good time. It was a nice lil getaway and and nice to be back in Cali!!!!

Here We Come....

2008-06-01T18:00:00.000-06:00

Alrighty....here we are....we've started this to keep up with everyone else and for you guys to keep up with us. We'll be posting on here every so often to let y'all know what's been going on. After visiting home last month, I saw we've been left behind by everyone else, so now we can keep in touch without sending out a ton of emails to everyone. This should make it pretty easy and make you guys jealous of all of our travels!!!! HA! Anyways, this is where we'll be....