THE TERRY FAM

As of late

2011-11-08T17:14:00.001-08:00

so it's been about a month.... so apparently it's that time to blog again, right? A lot has happened lately but not as much as what is about to happen this coming month and the next! I am tre excited for it all! I'm also working on my Christmas cards which has kept me distracted from blogging because its just soo fun!

Um...what has happened recently..I'm getting my hair done tomorrow--but I guess that hasn't happened yet...let's see, oh yeah, we went to Fredricksburg! It's a small town outside of Austin that is amazingly German! We went down for my g ma's 88th birthday :) It was a fun little weekend trip and since I'm like 25% German, we just had a blast! We ate delish yummy German food which we had to wait an hour for--which was ridic, but other than that, it hit hard to my German taste buds. We went and saw a German movie-ha-yeah right, i wouldn't understand a thing, we did a LOT of shopping-gma found a presh set of lamps that I hope I will inherit when she goes to the Celestial Kingdom, and we ate really good home made pie (I'm not sure if that's a German thing or not but either way it was good) SO as you can see, most of the day consisted of eating and shopping, 2 things I'm very good at and enjoy doing so of course overall it was a blast to the past. OH how can I forgeT!?! We also got to stay at our awesome 2nd cousin's home (Barbara) well..I think she's my 2nd cousin, she's my mom's cousin so whatev that makes her to me...and we went ziplining!!! I was tremendously scared at first because I was the one that everyone made go first-and I was kinda freaked out-not going to lie. Not strapped in or anything, just hangin by the strength of your hands and arms which for me is like a 3 on a scale of 10, but don't worry, I did great--you'll have to see my amazing video below for more fun details on the matter. It was quite hilar to see me go down....SO after everything, we made it home in one piece-thank goodness, my dad didn't drive us off the highway when he was getting tired, and overall had a gay ol' time. I was kinda sad we didn't have any time for museums b/c they had a really cool one there having to do with WWII but lo siento, no tiempo...

This is one of the stuffed peppers I made from a recipe on pinterest--goota have me some pinterest, this recipe is

SOO good, and healthy!!

One our way to Fredricksburg!! lovely pic don't you think? I think grandma is confused

VIDEO AT BOTTOM

There is a hilarious video of me ziplining at the end of this post...omg I obviously didn't hear Barbara screaming "pick up your feet, pick up your feet!" Ths is not how you're supposed to land..

Me and bun in German town!

I don't know what that means..is that bad?

This is really good sausage that bunner orderd..the sourkraut?? groooosss

I got the weinerschneitzel with a mushroom sauce that was sooo to die for..LOVEd it, oh and that cabbage stuff was way good...you can't see the mashed potatoes but they were scrumptious since they had a sweet taste to them

We look sooo happy b/c we FINALLY got our food

This is just the cutest lamp you'll ever see that gma bought for her birthday, can't get enough

One of the sign stores..

yay for German pie! Well..that wasn't one of the flavors

Us in front of the museum we didn't go into..but that's ok, as long as we're happy

OK,

What's next? um...oh yeah! Halloween! duh..Well we didn't do much...I was going to be a loofa again this year since I'm pretty sure that's the only costume I own...BUT I figured I've been that for the past 2 years so I would give it a rest on the winning of costume contests and let someone else win for a chance...jk, there wasn't any costume contest at my work this year, but just wasn't feelin the dress up thang, maybe cuz I didn't have a good costume? But yeah, so no dress up, but we did go to a fall festival thingy of my rents and our cotton candy looked like Harry Potter figures and can I just say how much I LOVE cotton candy..it is truly a delight. We then passed out candy and the kids were too cute. OH we also carved pumpkins that Sunday and I was pretty proud of my cute pump. (pumpkin isn't a good word to abbrev.)

Randall had a cotton candy that looked like the sorting hat from Harty Potter! It was amazing

He tried to put the cotton candy hat on my head..I didn't apprec.

My pump. is so scary but so cute..he actually looks a little worried..like as if someone just hollowed his heart out

Mom has a pumpkin that looks like a baby face

Last weekend we had the opportunity to go to my friend Kiara's wedding reception since it was here in The Colony. SO we get there at about 5:20 thinking we wouldn't be the first ones there because it started at 5, right? So we get there and no one else is there and Kiara was sleeping on the couch with her hubby and they weren't ready or anything when we arrived! She's hilar. They go to tell me that it actually doesn't start until 6 pm and i'm thinking "there is no freakin way" but they convince me that it starts at 6 and I feel bad for being early and its actually ok because then we get more time to talk to Kiara and her new family. Then, a lady comes in at 5:45 pm and says "I'm sorry i'm 45 minutes late" I go "what the!? Now I realize I was totally on time!" So-we go to find out that Kiara and her hubby and his family totally thought it started at 6 when it really started at 5 and I wasn't early! We just thought it was funny they were sleeping when their reception started..gotta love my girl Kiara. Anyway, I think that's all for now--see darling pics below..darling isn't the right word since I'm not showing a baby..maybe outstanding pics below?? ;)

Cute Kiara

You've won a new car!!

2011-10-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I didn't win a car but I always wanted to go on The Price is Right and have Bob Barker say to me " Ms. Crystal--you've won a new car!" but obviously that will never happen in life because I am not going to get my butt to LA and wait in line all night to be on a show that I would probably guess the prices wrong on everything anyway because I never pay full price on anything and I usually use coupons so yeah...enough about Price is Right. I decided since almost all of you were out getting new babies, I would go out and get a new car! Ok, so it's not totally new, it's a 2009 Nissan Altima and I just can't get enough of that push button. I think the push button car was pretty much made for me because I can never find my keys in my Mary Poppins purse anyway so this way I never have to find my keys and life is just good! Oh and I love the color-champagne..even though I don't drink champagne..I definitely enjoy the color on my car. We actually weren't planning on getting a new car or anything recently but the opportunity came up and we decided we better jump on it! It was actually my hubby's idea and my hubby is just amazing, plus we had pretty sweet connections on getting the car so we just couldn't pass this deal up. Also, Any of you looking to buy a 2003 chevy malibu..please let me know. We were deciding between an elantra and an altima and decided on the altima b/c of more space in the back not only b/c we're tall but b/c of future babies that we could possibly have down the road and car seats take up a whole bunch of space. Anyway, enjoy the pics :)

yay!!!

Don't you just love this pose? I actually was going to put my leg up on the car but Randall didn't approve..don't ask what I'm wearing here either...

Summertime must come to an end

2011-09-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

It's been so long, I don't even remember how to blog anymore! Haha, jk, like that would ever happen to--mua! I live to blog. Ha..if only that were true. I wish there was an easier way to post pics to my blog..then I would probably post more on it because like I've said in the past..blogs are way more interesting when there are pics posted, no? However, I do have friends that get like 10 comments on their postings without any pics posted so I guess it just depends on how many blog friends you have? Or maybe it depends on how interesting your blog is..right? Yeah..I'm guessing its that one and considering I'm blogging about blogging...we can all see how fascinating my blog is :)

SO...whats first on the posting? Um...oh yeah, my trip to Cali to see Patty's baby blessing. It was fab! I actually went to my cuz's wedding first which was nice to see fam, and then my rents and I went off to Bako to see the sweet babe and also see Hyrum :) I got to stay an extra day and have a girls day with Natty and the kids. It was a short trip but it was good to get a mini trip in before I started work! Her kids are very presh and I love them.

My cuz Eric's wedding

Look at them cute umbrellas!! LOVE them with the dresses..way good idea

Natty and I conversing..it looks like I said "chhhhheeseburger" with the mouth I'm making and Natty is gawking at such an unhealthy food I blurted out

I like this pic of patty and I

Look at the presh little one..she looks a little uncomfortable, no?

I think John's dad really wanted to get in this pic--sorry Bill!

Rachel looks really worried in this pic (she's the baby)

After the trip, some friends of ours-Tyler and Camille-came in one night and stayed the night on their trek back to Utah, it was fun seeing them and spending time with them before they start school back over again. Oh, am I so happy we're done with school..although I really wouldn't mind Utah weather right now and we really did have a blast when we were out there..I guess its just a good life change :) What's next? If only houses weren't so expensive...

Since Randall was reluctantly GONE again for our anniversary-no worries, he couldn't help it (training) we were able to celebrate our 2 year anniversary when he came back by going to the Melting Pot!! OMG, it was a tasty tasty time and I was lovin it! That sentence sounded like a Mcdonalds slogan...um..gross. We got some really yum cheese fondue, a delicious meat selection, and the peanut butter dessert chocolate fondue was a party in your mouth. I should definitely be a food critic, did you see all that amazing lingo? I was so happy we went there to celebrate! See amazing pics below. 2 years baby! Go us! Oh I will definitely be going back to that place.

As you can tell, we are amazing picture takers..I'm so glad we got a good pic of that skewer in the foreground..

I like this one..cute pareja

As you can see..we are VERY happy in this pic..not just cuz it's our anniversary but because we're about to divulge ourselves in one of the best desserts of mankind

What else is new?? Hmm...I got a job at an Autistic Center. I work in the office and am covering for a girl that went on maternity leave. When she gets back, there's a chance that I can stay on and I'm really hoping that I have that opportunity since I really like it there. :) So we'll see and hope and pray for the best!

Oh! Recently, I got my craft on and went to a super saturday..I'm pretty sure it was my first one I've ever been to so I was pretty proud of myself if I do say so myself. i actually did crafts! I know!-Crazy! I'm trying to get more crafty since its kinda fun and that's what girls my age do around here..so ya know...ya do whatcha gotta do. I remember growing up thinking how lame crafts were..and don't get me wrong, that part of me comes out at times still, but overall I enjoy it MUCH more than I did before..that is a true foo. But I actually had a great time and considering I was socializing and crafting at the same time..it took me a little longer than most people..surprise surprise?but I got 2 projects done and I took the materials home to work on the third! Look how cute this stuff is!!

love my pumpkin! One of my first Halloween decorations! Heath would be so ashamed

Yay for Christmas! I'm already excited!

Look how amazing this craft is!!pshhh-- I wish my crafts looked this good--no, I actually have to work on this one..any guesses what it's going to be?! Let's just hope I finish it

SO right now we're dog watching the cutest pup ever. I pretty much fell in love with her the minute I saw her and after that it was just fate. I actually offered to dog watch while our friends went on business trips because she is ador (so ador she looks like a Disney stuffed animal) ..like seriously..like.. i want to dognap her..but that wouldn't really work since they know where we live... They took us up on the watching and now we get to watch her for a week! She's a teacup poodle with a bow in her hair and her name is Hermoine (HP fan I am) and now I really want a puppy.....like SO bad..but that won't be happening until we get a homey home. I definitely want a small puppy though..easy, adorable, don't shed, and ALWAYS look they're a puppy even if they' like 80 people years old...too good to be true. I told someone today that it's almost like having the perfect child..but I guess I really wouldn't know since I don't have kids, eh?

If all human species were as cute as this dog, the word ugly would not exist..I can't believe I"m blogging about someone else's dog..I really need to get one

Recently, I've read some pretty good books..such as "Matched" (a lot like "The Giver" so if you like that book, you should like this one), um..."The Firm" (very good), what else...I finally finished "The Survivors Club" (I think it took me longer because it was a non-fiction but it was VERY good)..and right now I'm reading..wait for it...wait for it..."The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide" (Oh yes, be jealous, its not as interesting as the other books-obvio-but its interesting how it gives the background of the characters and its getting me more and more excited for vampire baby movie in November! "Breaking Dawn" is it? Not that she'll have the baby in this part, but it still looks interesting. I like how I didn't end my parenthesis right there.

I think that's all for now..if you're reading this blog, i probably owe you a phone call... or two...don't worry, it will come..eventually..before you have a baby or have a 2nd or 3rd baby...wow that sentence totally applies to almost every single person that will read this blog post...well except for the older people..that would be a little worrisome and yeah....

St. Louis Happy Times

2011-07-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Everyone should be very proud that I'm actually posting sooner than 3 months after my last blog post! Yay!!I'm actually on a role! Maybe that's what happens when I actually don't have a job...hmm..So yesterday I had a job interview for a job I really hope I get..but I guess we'll see..the job hunt is continuous and not very fun...I'm going to make sure all my kids go into something that they can actually find jobs in b/c public health..um...not so much... Randall started his job and is doing a great job!! Go bun bun! He gets his first pay check Friday and we're gonna go to Vegas and blow it all on the slots, ha, yeah right. Last night I had a dream that all my high school friends got together and we met at Jamie's dad's estate and there were some people that were there that really shouldn't have been there like Chelsea Tucker..um..weird....I wasn't even friends with her and neither was Jamie so it was just plain weird. BUT it was great to see all my friends..LIKE all my high school friends..even the ones I don't even talk to anymore..sad face. Relating to high school friends, I recently went to St. Louis and LOVED it! Barb got married so I of course had to attend and I got to see my amazing St. Louis peeps that I love dearly and "we will still be friends forever" (Vitamin C song) I wish I could belt it for you out loud for ya but most of you have probably already heard me sing for fun so it really isn't necessary, no? Um...oh yeah, so back to St. Louis, I had a blast of course, and wanted to display some of the tre bon pics I got of being there..I should have taken more but I always say that.

Look how happy Barb is-ador, and they make a pretty posh couple, posh?

Look how excited Barb is to see me! This girl to the right apparently thinks she's supposed to be in the pic..ahh...sad

I should get a pic of us in the nursery and compare..we pretty much look the same

My St. Louis girls! So..Barb needs to put her arms around Jamie and as you can see, Jamie and I both have baby bumps..but hers actually has a baby inside..well 2 babies to be exact

Um..it totally looks like Barb and Lucas are a couple here....don't worry, they are very incompatible and I would give that relationship maybe an hour..

So what did we do in St. Louis? Thursday and Friday were wedding festivities. Saturday, we all went to Jamie's for a yummy breakfast brunch that was truly amazing....probably the best thing Jamie has ever made..but then again that may be the only thing I've ever tasted of her making....SO, we had a yum yum breakfast brunch that you can find a truly delish recipe of a breakfast casserole here. Oh and it's really easy to make according to Jamie. After we ate, Barb came over and ate her meal and we chatted before scooting off to Harry Potter!! It was of course fabulous as I expected it should be. However, I did think it was going to be longer AND at the very end, their characters did NOT look 19 years older..pshha, yeah right, maybe Harry, but Hermoine and Ron look like they just got out of college at most! I was a little upset by that. Anyway, after Harry Potter we went to Ame and Connor's to make a great dinner that mainly Amy and Connor cooked as we just helped and then ate and talked for the rest of the night. Later that night we watched a couple episodes of the "Wonder Years" which who can't get enough of that cute Kevin Arnold's face!

The next day we went to church with Jamie and Lucas, ate some of the best Indian food you could ever ask for, and then visited SLAM (St. Louis Art Museum) Just found out those initials....afterward I went back to Jamie and Lucas' house to chill for the afternoon and then was on my way that night. Overall, it was a great trip and I always LOVE going to St. Louis!!!

Our cute new apartment and Swag bucks!

2011-07-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Now that we're in Frisco, it's pretty much ALWAYS hot outside, and not just hot, but REALLY hot, like disgustingly hot, like it makes me even miss the Utah winters kind of hot...but once winter here comes around, I will be happy as a Belle with her beast (my husband is not Beast, he's the prince the Beast turns into)..anyway, we have a cute apartment and I thought I would show some cute pics of it cuz...it pretty much looks like our old apartment cuz it has our same decor but of course its bigga and betta! We now not only have counter tops, but we have central air conditioning AND a washer and dryer!!! I know--amazing! Ok, so most of you already had all these things, but it is a first for us as a married couple and it's awesome!

Our sweet old apartment..tear tear..oh the mems

Our last dinner with Royce and Heather before we left..JBs? yumm, so sad to say goodbye

This is our pool that we love to go swimming in :)

Yay! fun times at the Rangers game! oh HELLO grandma!

Look it's our cute dining area

This is our ador bedroom

Star Bathroom

Much bigger kitchen than before

Our family room

Look we even get a garage and we LOVE it, not all 3 of them, those are our neighbors

One last thing, I normally wouldn't do this, but I feel that most people should know about SWAGBUCKS!! OK, so most of you will already know about Swagbucks because it has been around for a while, but if you haven't, you're really missing out!! SO, if you do have Swagbucks and haven't been using it, you need to start because you can make easy money! :) So, I'll be honest, it is easy money, but it does take a while to accumulate. Swagbucks is a search engine that gives you "bucks" for searching. My husband and I have made about $350 in Amazon and Southwest gift cards in about a year and a half, and we redeem usually 10-20 dollars a month in Amazon gift cards up to today. (you can get other prizes but we think Amazon is the best) Now, of course that really isn't a ton when it all comes down to it, but we really didn't have to do much to use Swagbucks. We used it when we were watching TV or using it as an everyday search engine for internet sites we look up. It's really simple, so if you go on every day you're bound to win about 10-20 "bucks" depending on what you do. Usually when you search, you win about 7-10 in one search but if you win periodically throughout the day (i usually win 2-3 times) then you can get up to 30 just in searching. ALSO, they have videos you can watch, daily polls you can take, and NOSO that gives you bucks. Once you get the bucks, you trade them in for gift cards. It's pretty much amazing. NOW, if you've never used it before, click on this link below and sign up through my hubby Randall. Every time you win any through searches, he'll win the same amount. That's why it's so great because every time you invite someone to do Swagbucks and they win, you'll win what they win as well! :) I LOVE swagbucks--it's easy, free, and you get money for using it. OK, so here's the link, click on it to get started...let me know if you have any questions :)

Swagbucks link

And 3 months later...and maybe the longest post yet

2011-06-12T16:34:00.001-07:00

SO of course it has been like 3 months since I've posted.. geez, blogging is like running a marathon with no practice for me...you wait until that day to actually blog and its the hardest thing ever...everyone else is about 5 miles ahead because you haven't been practicing at all (or blogging at all) and then you finally finish and it took you like 5 times longer because you didn't train (or blog weekly) along the way like everyone else did..hmm...oh to blog..

Anyway, like a billion things have happened since I last blogged..its really quite crazy..but that's typical, eh? Hmm...what was first on the list? Oh yes, the going away get together that Randall and all his "da duck" buddies that he's had since freshman year and their wives had right before graduation and people taking off. It was great times! We first admired my cut haircut..b/c it was pretty dang cute j/k, but everyone did notice b/c I had it done right before..THEN we ate yummy milk shakes and I spilled it in my hair..gross! We then hid from the boys behind the bed and made animal noises..my cow noise was pretty lousy but it was soo fun and we felt like we were 20 again..oh wait..most of those girls are barely past 20 anyway..but I felt like it, SO it was great, and then we played this really fun charades game Kip taught us..the best was the relief society arm for relief society pres, but the pics below will explain more of the game :) We then took pics of everyone and the boys and had a gay ol' time.

I dont' know what I'm acting out..but it must have been hard

ahhh look how cute we all are

Da Ducks

Yes we are crazy

Hiding behind the bed..it was awesome..

That weekend was Graduation for Randall!! Yay!! His family came in Wednesday night and mine came in Thursday..my bro was also graduating--Go Russell! I had work off Thursday and Friday so Thursday morning Britt, Karma, and I went and got facials and pedi's. They also gave really good foot massages and I was in Heaven! We then ate lunch at Brick Oven which will probably be the last time we go there for a long time. The whole Terry fam then headed to the Commencement or Convocation, I always get the names mixed up, the one with all the graduates, but it was really good and I really enjoyed Richard G. Scott's talk. It was all very fun and then we went to take pics of course. You'll see bunches of those below. Also, we then headed to PF Changs that night with Randall's cousins and ate some yum yum food. afterward, we went back to our house and played a little Wii Party--Love it!

The next day we went to his other graduation..ya know..the one probably called convocation..It was fabulous when they called Randall and Russell's name because we all screamed at the top of our lungs and I think he even heard us! Then of course we took more pics outside..I liked the pics of the day before better..but what do you do? ya smile. We then headed over to Chef's Table and ate some really delish food. I got some really good beef..mmm...Chef's Table..I truly will miss that place once we leave. It has brought joys to my soul. Anyway, we then met some family friends for the afternoon and I had no clue the people they were talking about b/c it was all Ohio peeps, but its all good b/c it made the Terrys happy. Afterward Randall's fam came and talked to us at our place. Randall's dad gave us some really encouraging words of advice since we were in a bind at the time not knowing where we would be in the few following months after Randall had graduated. Anyway, it was really good words, I dont know if I'll write them down here cuz it might make me cry just thinking about it, but if you want to hear the story, just ask and remember "everyone in the world was conspiring for your success". Ok, we met my parents later that night for late night pizza that was pretty good along with my R, R, and H. Anyway, I'm kinda done talking about this b/c I feel like I went waaay overboard and feel like I've been talking for ages about graduation. I'm kinda done with it. geez..One last thing--we went shopping the next day and then went to Royce and Heather's Easter Party where Royce's MIL wanted the basket I found to go to someone else..but I'm just really happy I found it b/c it was awesome and finders keepers, right? Oh I hope his MIL doesn't read this, that would be embarrassing.

Randall and his g parents :)

Randall and his diploma! He's a graduate!!

Randall's cute fam (well..without Britt's boys and hubby)

Don't fall..

kissy kissy..he deserves it!

This may be going on the x mas card

This is like maybe a quarter of my fam...lol, but it was good to get with the 2 grads!

My rents were so proud

Randall's fam at PF Changs..it was tasty I do say

My fam at this yum pizza place..I wonder if its still running.hmm..

OK, finally moving on from that weekend, b/c all those paragraphs were waaay too longwinded, don't you think? Um...what's next? OH YEAH! Our cramping, ha, cramping, no, our Camping trip! It was an experience, let me tell you. Our friends Jake and Liz (expert campers) went with us to Capital Reef, a National Park in Utah! It was really pretty and we were excited to go and actually get in a tent! (ok..this was going to be maybe my 3rd time getting in a tent and sleeping there in my life) SO i was excited, but also a little nervous. Anyway, as we were driving there, about an hour out, the temperatures got down into the 30's and it started snowing pretty bad. The temperatures dropped even more and by the time we got there, it was in the twenties!! We decided to build a fire, cook our foil dinners and banana boats(very delish) and then decided that the camping grounds were not only full but it was extremely way too cold to camp anyway so we decided to stay at this cute little inn and it was pretty great. Our first room that we were given actually had people already sleeping in it, so..we kinda had to get a new room b/c that would have been a little too creepo. The next day we went and saw some pretty cool sites and went on a fun hike. Loved it! You can see how pretty it was from our awesome pics. We headed home Saturday afternoon and had a blast on another "unofficial" camping trip b/c we didn't have to stay in tents--hallelujah, ahh, I mean...someday, maybe?

I think I should become a pro photographer, no? ha, yeah right, but the ice on these flowers were dang cool

I am SO excited to pet these animals! We stopped at a gas station on the way to camping and there was a petting zoo at the gas station! Who would have thunk it?!

I'm not really sure what I'm pointing at..Liz? do you know?

As you can see, we were bundled it up like it was the middle of winter..oh but don't worry, it was practically spring in Utah and 20 degrees out...we all huddled by the fire

This looks nasty but it was delish!! Banana filled with marshmallows and choc. chips melted on the fire..omg.

This is sunset point but I think the sun had pretty much already set..pretty still

This was a site to behold..the Mormons had settled here and they staged it with an old pioneer cart...we bought some really yum peach salsa they were selling..best yet

And this was our sleeping quarters because we didn't want to die in the freezing cold

I'm so stong

All of us in front of an arch

I'm pointing at something..I can't remember what..I think it was something the pioneers edged into the rock

Look at that masterpiece

Liz and I could have slept in this little cubby

This was what was at the end of the hike...not that great but at least we got to the end, right?

OK, what's next? Um...Disney World!! It was SOO much fun, loved it!! We went with all of Randall's family and were in Orlando for a week. Of course we didn't go to Disney World all week, but we did go one of the first days and it was way fun. We went to Magic Kingdom and got on like every ride before 2:00 pm because it was NOT busy. We had fun with the kiddos (our nephews, not our kids) and were worn out by the end of the day (how can you not be?). The next day we went shopping and relaxed by the pool. Wednesday, we went to Universal and Islands of Adventure and got on like every ride pretty quickly as well b/c there were like no lines as well! It was tremendous! May is the time to go peeps! Some of the rides made me a little queasy or head achy--I guess i'm getting old or something, but overall it was a blast! The best part was that we got to go to Harry Potter Land!! YAY!! Since I'm now obsessed with Harry Potter, I was so happy to go and we got to ride the main HP ride which was definitely a ride of a lifetime--there is nothing else out there like it. AND I got to go through Hogsmade and drink butter beer!! Oh it was scrumptious..had a butterscotch kick. Overall, it was pretty awesome. I just love theme parks! Thursday, we went to the beach and the boys LOVED it! It was cute to see them get so excited to play in the waves and the day was gorgeous! I think it was Daytona..We had a great time and headed back later that afternoon. Friday was a catch up day to do whatever we didn't get to..of course we just shopped some more, laid by the pool, and relaxed before leaving the next day. That week we also ate at some really yum yum restaurants...there was a great Indian restaurant, a fab Tai Place, and of course of my fave Cheesecake Factory. Overall, we had a blast with the Terry family and were very grateful we had that opportunity to go. It was a great trip to relax after hearing the great news.....

We took this pic when we got to the resort in Orlando, we were so excited

All of us at the front of Disney, except for Karma taking the pic :)

Randall with Ethan and Max..ador

Us in front of the BIG castle..unlike Disneylands

I had a ball zaping monsters with E

I love this pic of E b/c it looks like he's praying even though he's trying to get the sword out of the stone

Dumbo was SOO much fun and I think the longest line! 3o min.!

Harry Potter land!! This was supposed to represent..well if you don't know..then read the books

Sorting hat!!

Us in front of the castle!!

I am such a good broom rider..does that sound bad?

Hogsmade!!!

That butter beer was sooo delish

Us in front of the train to take us back to Hogsworth!! Randall looks like he's going to kill someone here but it's mainly just b/c of the sun

We loved hangin with Grinch

UNIVERSAL BALL

Bathing beauts!

The boys could not get enough of that water

Us at the beach!

Randall's b day at Cheesecake factory! Look at that little face in the background! fo cute

Randall got a job!! We were so worried b/c we were going to go to New Jersey and I was a little scared of doing that, BUT he ended up landing a great job in Plano, TX with Capital One, as an Operations Analyst! We are very happy for him and and I'm so grateful that i have a husband that is persistent and a go getter to find such a great job. It truly was the hand of the Lord that we could end up in Texas so close to family with such a great job, modern day miracles do exist. He starts in a week and in the meantime, we've decorated our apartment really cute, I continue to look for jobs, spending time with fam (cuz they're so close!), running errands, going to the pool and swimming, and we started watching the most hilar show known to man--30 Rock, omg, it's laugh out loud on your butt funny. I do recommend. SO we are happy to be here and staring a new phase of our life as "out of collegers" yes..that is something I made up.

Are you ever in a situation where you just want to apparate? Well..sometimes I'm somewhere I don't want to be and I just want to say "my apartment" and suddenly appear there! Or say "Hawaii" and immediately be standing on the beach..or say "Amazing Race" and consequently appear on the Amazing Race Gameshow and be traveling the world and then win a million dollars! ( I guess that would take a little more than apparating) Why can that only happen in Harry Potter? OH speaking of Harry Potter, it is coming out in like a week or something and I AM SOO EXCITED..just to get pumped and ready, I actually read and watched all the books and movies in sequence (books for the first time!) and loved every minute of it..I kinda miss reading them :( Anyway, that was waay fun and now I am really excited to go see the last movie!! Hurray for HP! I still wish they would do a college years and I could be in it..I could be a Hermoine that went through a growth spurt in college and got to be almost as tall as Ron..

I'm very excited for my mini trips in July--a trip to St. Louie to go to Barb's wedding and to see my peeps of all peep--my St. Louis clan, and then on to see Natalie's new baby girl be blessed-Rachel, in Bako. She's a presh little baby. OH and almost everyone I know now is either prego or has a baby...congrats! I guess it's that time of life, eh? Wait..didn't I say this last year? More pics to come in regards to our cute apartment!!

Where have I been?

2011-04-17T16:34:00.001-07:00

OMG, really? 2 months..that is uncalled for..patetico..really I have no excuse..well I kinda do, but I dunno, whatev, (don't worry..not prego) I'm just happy I'm FINALLY blogging!! Its such a breathe of fresh air! Let me tell ya, it feels just as if you have had dishes piled up for days and you keep eyeing the dishes because they keep eyeing you and you're so stressed about doing them because you know it will take years to get through them, but you finally just suck it up and do them!! (Not that I would ever leave my dishes dirty for days) ha! Anyway, there really has been a lot that has happened in the past couple of months so I'm just going to perform word vomit and spit it out..wait, don't I always do that?

OK, first of all, back in the day, sometime in February, we started up a couples ballroom class..now it wasn't one of those formal, become as good as the BYU dance team or anything, but it was sooo much fun! We only had classes for 6 weeks in the row and we learned such dances as: cha cha, west coast and east coast swing, the waltz, the buchata (very seductive dance, watch out), marengue, and maybe one other one I don't remember but they were all so amazing and so fun! I had learned a bunch of them in a BYU class that I took, but I really wanted Randall to learn them too so we signed up and danced the night away! I actually learned a bunch of new things as well and will always have that class in my heart. I'm really sad i didn't take any pics but what do ya do..ya smile.

yeah...so I didn't get a pic of us dancing in our class.but I figured this is what the pic would have looked like except different clothes obvio, this pic just makes you want to dance, no?!!

Next on the list...hmm...OH yeah, so in the final days of Jimmer (I know this news is sooo old) we got sooo into BYU Basketball and were hoping they would at least make it to the elite 8, but at least they made it as far as they did and we were proud...Here are some pics of us REALLY getting into the game one night at our house..GREAT times.

Us supporting the Jimmer!

Blue and Sammy are sooo into it

Ben and Karin and Jackie..Jackie should have looked at the camera

Look at this Jimmer ma-ham!

Speaking of basketball, Randall played his last and final year on the team "Da Ducks." They were an excellent team and have been playing together for 4 years! They're all friends and all LOVE playing basketball. It was fun supporting them at the games. Sadly, I didn't go to the last game because I felt so sick and Randall was out of town, BUT I'm going to show the picture below because its the pic he WOULD HAVE been in if he had been there, I kinda wanna photo shop him in the pic but I don't know how...anyone know? ;) Haha, but good job Ducks! You guys did super bueno!

This is the pic Randall needs to be photo shopped into..someday, it will be done

I've started reading Harry Potter...I know, sad, right? I'm just NOW reading Harry Potter!! I've seen all the movies but they just don't even compare to the oasis I've been going to every time I pick up one of those little, actually humongous, books and go into my Harry Potter Land. I seriously don't know why I never read them before, really? omg, what was I thinking?! I think I figured, that at the time, I was already so behind on reading them that i would just enjoy the movies and that would be that...but oh how wrong i was. Seriously, anyone that hasn't read them (u hum..Natty) should get their butt going on reading them. OH and not only do I read them, but I read a book and then watch the movie!! I think what has gotten me soo excited is that we're going to Harry Potter Land in May!! OMG, so ecstatic! AND the last movie comes out in July!! What's not to anticipate here people? SO, any kind of free time I get..pretty much goes to Harry Potter..some days I wish they made a Harry Potter--The College Years and I could be the lead Hermione!...that would work, right? Oh how I wish....

Oh...Harry Potter..whats not to love?

Next on the list...General Conference. What an amazing general conference, no? If you didn't have an opportunity to watch it, go here, the prophet, apostles, and all those that spoke were all very inspiring and I even had the opportunity to speak on one of the talks today in Sacrament Meeting! I talked on"The Atonement Covers all Pain." It was a marvelous talk and I'm glad I got to study it out a little more and then present on it. I actually don't mind public speaking once I'm actually up at the pulpit..its the preparing and anticipation of it that worries me...me? Worried? never! ;) OH and I cried when I gave my talk...gosh, why do I do that every time?!? I wish when people told you that you gave a good job on your talk, you could really tell if they were being honest like they really thought you did good on your talk, OR they were just saying you did a good job to be nice....Oh well...Anyway, for general conference, we had the chance to go to Royce and Heather's house and spend most of the weekend there. My bro Rhetty poo even came down! What a stud with that handle bar mustache....SO we watched conference, then when the guys went to priesthood, mom and I were able to work on some more scrap booking pages-they were seriously ADOR, let me tell you--we were able to work on the pages of me and bros at my wedding..I just love scrap booking, it just takes me a while to do it since I'm a perfectionist at it..weird since I'm not really a perfectionist in other things..hmmm...weird. While we worked on scrap booking, Heather watched this ooooold show with people dancing and singing wearing these hilarious outfits from the 50's..maybe older? don't remember. This one guy even looked like the Ken doll. When the guys got back, we went and ate at Rumbi...mmm...delicious, and then played some games, and went to bed. The next morning we had yummy cinnamon roles, watched wonderful conference, played some more games, and then went home and said bye to the rents. Overall it was a superb weekend and enjoyed the time with fam. See pics below :)

Chillin with bunner during conference

Yum..Rumbi

Rhett does kinda look Mexican here

House on the haunted hill!! Or it's called something like that..its SO FUN!

Yes..my brother DOES have a handle bar mustache..all the ladies love him

Lets talk about whats been taking all my time now. Late last year I was asked to team teach a Hispanic Chronic Conditions Class. I went through a training and started teaching at the beginning of March and I finished this past week. It has been an amazing experience and has allowed me to use my Spanish as well as my public health degree that I received a year ago. it truly has been a blessing as I've taught and been able to see how these people have learned what they need to do so they don't suffer, but have the willingness to go on and be fervent in living a healthy life while living with their chronic illness. I also got to teach with a great Chilean friend of mine that was such a treat since she's the ONLY Chilean at my work! Absolutely loved it! Go Chile!

Next on the agenda. Time out for Women. SO last weekend, we went to Time out for Women in Fresno, California. It's pretty much this little conference that Sherry Dew puts on and has ladies and a few gents speak at. They're amazing speakers and the spirit was sooo strong throughout the whole conference. I really enjoyed it and I got some good notes! Here are some of my favorite things they said:

John Bytheway "Character is the ability to follow through with goals you've made long after the mood you were in when you made them."

Kris Belcher "Christ doesn't always cure us, but he always heals us."

Deann Flyn "Home is where the heart is, not where the microwave is."

"" "We should overlook greater proficiency with greater priority." (in regards to making your home a heaven on earth)

Laurel Christensen "We must ask if the good things we're praying for are the things he wants us to praying for. Our Father does want to give us good things but it has to be at the right time and we need to ask to know if its ok to pray for those specific things."

"" "Don't ever be the one thing standing in your way." (power of thoughts to never hold you back)

Mary Ellen Edmonds "What lies behind us or what lies in front of us is not as important as what lies within us."

Us at the beginning of the conference..ahh mother and daughters

We got a pic with John Bytheway! He's so famous..

Mom with Michael Mclain! she apparently went to seminary with him and he still remembers her...my mom will tell you the story..she loves telling it

Us on the Saturday session

I don't know why I felt the need to get a pic of this sign..but whatev

OH!! BONUS PART OF MINI VACA!! SO every time a Wicked play has a showing in any city, they do a raffle before hand to the community for 10 people to win tickets for $25 and each person can bring someone else. Natty, me and Mom all entered and my mom won!! We could not believe it!! It was a miracle!! SO mom and I got to go to Wicked!! AND We had 2nd row seats!! It was truly a spectacular play, probably one of the best ones I've ever seen and I was SOO grateful I had that opportunity to go..I seriously recommend anyone that reads this to go see it!! And try the raffle thing b/c it is DANG expensive to see this play..your chances are pretty good, there were only like 50-60 people in the raffle! Go Wicked!

Where my mom won!! We got little buttons that said "You've won the wicked lottery" haha

I had to get this pic

I shot a pic of the curtain b/c it was amazing..I then found out I wasn't suppose to take any pics..oops!

So, I think thats about all that has happened int he past couple of months. I can't believe time has flown and that Randall will be graduating this Friday!! Ahhh!! craziness, but we're all very proud and happy for him and I think he is such a bunner for graduating! It will be way exciting with family in town to celebrate this marvelous event! I wish I would have lost like 10 pounds to look good in all the memorable pics, but whatev, that's another story. SO, yay for my honey and I love him soo much for all the very hard work he has put into accomplishing this great thing. Once we know our secure future plans, I'll blog about it..but right now..its still in the air. We might be going to Jersey though! AHHH! But ya never know what could happen.

Oh, this is just a random show of us with Katie, Andrew, little Edin, Russell, and us. We went to spark and got yummy drinks!! It looks like I'm drunk holding a baby but I promise..these drinks are non-alcoholic

On a side note, one of my closest friends is having twins!! I can post that because no one knows who I'm talking about..hahahaha, but they're going to have the cutest babies and I can't wait to see them and hold the preshies. Natty will have her baby in about a month and half and I'm pretty sure that brings the number of friends I have that are married and don't have babies down to like 3 or 4 or something like that and don't worry..I do have more than 4 friends....but I am happy for everyone and one of our whole purposes here on earth is to multiply and replenish the earth so... I get it :) Well I will be blogging soon about graduation...thats all for now :) Peace in the middle east.

Vegas baby!

2011-02-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

SO...as most of you know..or maybe as most of you don't know..we went to Vegas last weekend!! It was fabuloso let me tell you! I lost all my money, but it was well worth the trip, ha! yeah right! I won money! But maybe I shouldn't be posting this on my blog b/c most Mormons are against gambling and since that's pretty much 98% of my viewers....uh oh..but whatev, I won like a dollar and bet like a dollar so stop calling my bishop. OH, but it was loads of fun aside from winning a dollar. (on the penny slots I might add). SO we start driving to Vegas on Friday afternoon and lo and behold my Patty (aka Natty Patty) surprises me by being in Vegas and staying at the same hotel we were at! Fancy pants! BUT it kinda wasn't a surprise b/c I figured it out..but its all good because I didn't find out until we were actually in the car driving down I-15 south. We (both couples and Hyrum) stayed at the Strat, it was wondrous! I don't think thats a word.. oh..wait, it is, anyway, we stayed at the Strat and I really liked it..it probably wasn't as entertaining on the bottom floor..but as soon as I went to the top floor--I was thrilled beyond air (I'll go into that later) Plus the rooms were really nice! 3 stars baby!

When we got in that night, of course there was an hour long check-in..not really, but it was long--duh--President's Day Weekend, but as soon as we got in, Natty Patty called and wanted to know if we would go to the fountain show at the Bellaaaaaaaaaaaagio, it's way more fun to say the Bellagio like that. So we went and saw the fountains and the first song was waaay better than the next but don't ask me what the first song was..it was just good, and then the 2nd song was Elton John...soo...yeah, but then we walked around the Bellagio Gardens inside and they were also celebrating Chinese New Year and the year of the rabbit!! It was way nifty and glad we got to see it. When we got back to the strat, we went up to the top of the building..naturally..when we got there, there was a few wackos that were bungee jumping off the top of the frieking building!! I know (rolling my eyes) So that was pretty amazing, and then we went to the even higher look out point outside and we just about died! Seriously, it was so windy up there we almost got blown off the tower and I am not exaggerating. When I realized how windy it was.. my answer for going on the rides was negatory. I think its funny that sometimes they have to close down rides when its too windy and they actually open up the ride when it's "not as windy" not windy my butt! It was so scary that when the people were going on the X Scream and they were screaming, i was screaming for their life along with them because I thought they were going to die!! SO..no gracias, but it was pretty cool to see people risk their lives.

Ahhh...Patty and her Hi-Guy(Hyrum)

Beautiful show-I'm sure most have seen it

Yay for the fountain show!

Ahhh..look at them girls

Some day that Eifel Tower will be real in the pic.

Randall's practicing being a daddy

Year of the bunner! haha

The next day we got up and got a yummy breakfast with of course--hashbrowns, ahh, gotta love hashbrowns, and then we went and visited my girl Kelly! I just love that girl and her fab family. She has the cutest kids and I was so happy to see them since it had been about a year and a half since I saw them last. We chatted it up...naturally..and then we were on our way to do lunch with Natty, John, and Hyrum. We ate a yummy Mexican place in Planet Hollywood..not too bad but I'm pretty sure I've had better...thas right...es la verdad

I got a bug bite on my face among the mist of our busy schedule! What up with that?!

Love my girl Kelly!

Us at the Mexican Restaurant that was just "ok"

Natty and John headed back to California after lunch and we headed back to the Strat. We went back up on the tower and it was even MORE windy! We wanted to see Vegas from the tower in the day time so we did just that! We then headed over to the amazing Luxor Hotel so we could see the Titanic Exhibit! If any of you haven't seen this, this is definitely something that deserves a once in a lifetime trip. As soon as I got into the exhibit, I felt like I was one of the passengers! Good thing when the boat sank, i survived. No, but for reals, it was so impressive. They had artifacts and a piece of the actual ship! They gave you a detailed description of what actually went down.. when the ship went down, ha ha, but yeah, it was really interesting. At the end of the exhibit, the person you were given at the beginning on a piece of paper, was either on a list of those that lived or those that didn't. Both of our people lived. I had Rose and Randall had Jack. Oh wait..Jack didn't live.

As you can tell, the wind is blowing our hair around on the top of the Strat..I look like a diva and Randall looks like Frankenstein!

Amazing Titanic Exhibit!

Once we left the Luxor, we headed over to the Rio!! We went and saw Penn and Teller! They were hilar and were pretty magical...they made this guy's cell phone disappear! It was stupendous. I don't really like that word..they were "beyond belief"..there we go..afterward we got pics with them! I'm famous! Well..I'm not really, but they are and it was exciting.

Penn and Teller!

At the beginning of the show we had to go up and look inside this wooden box that opened on one side. We made sure there was no trap doors but what do we know? Teller of course came out of it once the show started..don't worry, I have my theory of how he did it..I had a theory on almost every trick of how they did it...hahaha, We also had to sign a piece of paper that was used later in the act

Us enjoying the pre-show jazz

Teller and I!!

Penn and us!! He's so tall!

Anyway, I know this is the never ending story, but I just have to add the last tid bitty. SO after the show we were really hungry because it had been like 10 hours since we ate so we went to the Mirage and checked out this place called BLT Burger! We didn't think much of it but after we debated a little, we decided upon Fried Oreos....omg...words cannot explain the yumminess..the deliciousness..the party in your mouth kind of flavor that fried oreos brought to my soul. Soul sounds kinda deep but these oreos were deeP! Deeply set into my arteries..but it was a true fantabulous moment and I just hope that every single person I meet in this life gets to try this new favorite dessert of mine..if not this life, maybe the next...well my heaven will have chocolate anyway so there ya go. But back to the fact that you can't find fried oreos anywhere but maybe thats a good thing so I don't have a heart attack before i turn 30...Anyway, BLT Burger Mirage.. don't forget.

The delicious heaven in my mouth that probably almost gave us a heart attack

We left the next day. Made it home safely. Such a fun trip! The end :)

FAB FEB Weekend

2011-02-06T11:13:00.001-08:00

Wow, what a fun weekend!(last weekend..I'm just now getting around to blogging about it the Saturday after the fact..surprise..surprise) It was very eventful and I was left very tired on Sunday night after the weekend fiasco! Friday night..we went to Randall's Facility and Property Management Formal at the Hinkley Center! His major is so small, so they have fun activities for the students and their fams! It was a nice night filled with pictures, socializing, dinner, and dancing!

Winter Formal Pic..fancy pants

Um...this pic looks a little like an awkward high school dance pic b/c of the soft hand hold but the photographer lady didn't really position us. We had to do it on our own so pshhh, we didn't know what to do.

Socializing with our awesome table buddies and eating yummy food

Um...usually I'm a more crazy dancer but the dress wouldn't really allow it..don't you worry, I promise I'm a better dancer than what this pic portrays..

I think this was the electric slide..maybe?

Boot scootin boogy all the way baby..wow that girl in the blue was getting way into it

So..I don't really know who this person is but my facial expression is..I'm speechless

Ahh...............................presh

The next day we got jimmered!!! haahah, twenty years from now I'll look at this post and be like..what the--?? But then again I'll probably say that about half of my blog posts. Anyway, it has been Jimmermania here in Provo for the past month or so and we definitely had to go to the game! We of course won and had a blast going with friends, I even got a pic of the Jimmer Big head which cracks me up every time I see it..especially when Cosmo steals it away b/c Cosmo can do anything..wow am I really blogging about my alma mater's mascot??...

Jimmer!

Jimmer Face! That thing is bigger than me..literally..

All the true fans were at the game! Yah..totally caught the glare on my glasses

Yay!! Go Us!

SO that night we went to my brother's Chinese New Year Party at his Kung Fu gym and it was pretty amazing. We ate some junk food..ya know..what people do at parties..then someone tried to kill someone else using there kung fu skills..ya know, the usual, ok, that last part didn't really happen..but i really did want to see someone beat someone else up using kung fu or wing chung skills..Heather and I thought that pretty much would have been amazing..but of course it didn't happen..OH and they did a lion dance--ya know like the dragon one they do in China but unfortunately we got there too late which was sad times but overall it was happy times because we THEN got a lesson taught to us by the seefu (that's probably not how you spell it but he is the master, head hauncho..ya know) and his lesson was VERY interesting. He first taught a Chinese lesson which i don't really remember what it was called because it was in Chinese thus making me forget..BUT it was great. It was about how we shouldn't just enjoy life once we've completed goals but that we should enjoy life always..even in the process of making those goals happen. I'm sure someone else could explain it better, but that's the main gist I got from it sooo yeah..OH but then he gave another life lesson (I love life lessons taught to me) and this one was on how each of us has a checking and savings account and how to use your energy wisely in your checking's account so you don't have to withdraw from your savings..it may sound confusing b/c I'm not explaining it well but it makes really clear sense. Anyway, hopefully I'm allowed to talk about this on my blog b/c if not, I'll have to erase it and I'll be really sad. The night was fab and then they had a pick up sticks contest that we def weren't going to stay for b/c it was like 10:30 pm when we left.

Look at that doorway!

Chinese decorations!

Year of the rabbit!! Bunner is a rabbit! Hahaha, that is pretty funny

The next day we had stake conference and Richard Hinckley came and talked to us! He's pretty much amazing of course. The rest of the stake leadership also talked to us and I very much enjoyed it. They stressed the importance of temple work and Johnny Lingo....LOVED it.

Later that day we had Russell over and ate lots of yum snacks :) What a fab Feb weekend.

In other news, Barb is engaged!--Yay! Katie had her baby!-- Yay! I'm prego! Yay! Ha, JK, I'm pretty sure I would post that news on Facebook before I posted it on my blog..but I dunno..that's a good question...hmmm.. but we're definitely not prego yet :) Hopefully most of you would know that news before I posted it on a blog or Facebook anyway. But then again..I probably only have 10 viewers of this blog anyway. We're going to Vegas next weekend!! Woo hoo!!

Busy Past Month

2011-01-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

WOW, so why haven't I blogged in a month? Pretty much because I was overwhelmed by how much I had to blog about..I mean geez--Christmas, Birthday, January...don't get me started..actually I should get started so I will. December was fab of course, Christmas Break was amazing and I think I'll just give a brief synopsis of what we did...even though my "brief" isn't always that brief......

Before we hurried off to Dallas, we had our own little Christmas here in Utah, we exchanged presents and pretended like that was our only Christmas even though it really wasn't..it was still a lot of fun and our tree is too cute.

Once we got to Dallas, we spent our first week with Randall's fam. It was waaaaaaaaaay fun! Let's see what did we do? We went to the Fort Worth Zoo which was amazing because it was like 80 degrees out and in Heaven. We went with the nephews so that was loads of fun seeing their reactions to all the animals-SO CUTE. What else did we do that week? We went shopping for Christmas, we got to babysit our nephews one night which was sooo great--they are too fun, we went and saw "True Grit" Um...weird--yeah it was..fo sho. I got my hair cut to my ears!--not really, but I did get like 7 inches off!!, we hung out with the in-laws, we went to a really good Mexican place called Chueys with Ryan and Brit because Ryan builds them all over the south east part of the U.S., we had an amazing Christmas Dinner with all the good stuff,man, I can't get enough of that food, we had an awesome Christmas Day watching the kiddies open their presents and seeing all the fun things we got while also playing Loopit!! Yay for Loopit! Randall of course played basketball a ton, it was just overall way fun and I'm so happy we got to spend that week with his fam!! See amazing pics below :)

Look at that cutie patootie tree! It's actually one of two for a set you would put outside your front door, but since we don't actually have a real "front door" yet, we just use one as our X mas tree!

Ahhhhh...Randall looks a little tired, but I like the pic

"Before" hair pic--it got sooo dang long!!

"After" hair cut pic! It definitely looked the best that day I got it cut--definitely can't get it to look like that again..there was maybe a gallon of product in my hair..

Look at our cute sister Brittany and her amazing fam! This pic of Ethan is SO Ethan

It's Christmas Day in the morrrrr nin (the song)

My nephew and I at the zoo--he is such a cutie, kinda dark pic, sorry

I could not get over how nice it was that day, I pretty much should have brought shorts to wear

Havin fun at the Zoo

My nephews are too dang cute..they had fun riding on the crocodile or whatever that fake animal is..

Maxwell got such a thrill out of feeding the birds--one even came up on his lap!!

Max and Uncle Randall

The next week we spent with my fam. Oh so fun! On Christmas Eve we went to the Nutcracker!! Can I just say I LOVE the Nutcracker, we use to go every year with my grandma, but the tradition kind of died as time went on so we had the chance to see it again with her and the whole fam (well..accept Russell and Rhett..I guess not the whole fam) SO we went and saw that and then made crepes for Christmas Eve Dinner and had a talent show! My talent was doing 10 hand stands in a row..everyone was really proud-yeah right, I wish, I actually played the piano as an accompanier to everyone else that sang, Heather played the violin, Roycey told a story and sung with Heather, Rhett looked awesome, Robert showed us a performance he did, Randall did push-ups, Russell showed us kung fun (kung fu), mom showed us her talent for sewing, and dad showed us his coin collection, such talent the Severson family has!!

That next week the festivities began! My mom made a calendar with a million things we were going to, of course we didn't get to all of them, but we did get to a lot. On Monday, we did a Mystery Dinner consisting of 5 courses--not knowing what you're ordering for each course, if you really don't know what it is, then look it up, but it was way fun and one of my courses consisted of all utensils! It was amazing, OH and one of my courses I ate my ice cream with a pita chip. The next night was cheese tasting contest--of course I lost b/c I do NOT know my cheeses, but it was still waaaay interesting and ate chocolate cheese! (I have eaten this before) That night we went to a wedding reception and took pics in a photo booth they had there!! Sorry..I don't have them to put online..just tangible copies. We also ate sushi and really good cake balls. The next day we got our professional pics done!! I wore my prom dress from high school, ha, that would be too funny, but we did get professional pics done and unfortunately, we don't have those either to put online, just tangible copies, you'll have to come visit me if you want to see them. I think we had our road rally or scavenger hunt that afternoon and it was SOO fun, we had to go to all these different places and take pics! Fun times, and then the meeting place at the end was put put!! Thursday, i really don't remember what we did, but Laura came over and we made yummy macaroons, only the yummiest treat of all!! Then on Friday was New Years Eve! We went out and partied all night long! Not really. I actually brought in the New Year by eating fondue with the fam (I made a caramel one that was too good to be true) and then scrapbooking!! HA HA HA, who would have thought? Me...scrapbooking as the clock struck 12, but don't you worry because my mom and me totally scrap booked all week and I think I got like 7 or 8 pages done of my wedding scrap book! It was amazing and we got to work on mom's new cricut!! Anyone who scrap books should invest in one. SO we did that and of course played games all week and that night and drank lots of wine, I mean martinellis and had a gay ol' time. Anyway, that was the majority of the weeks that were just very exuberant and wouldn't have asked for anything more. The only thing is that I used up all my vaca and now i have none left so I really don't know how I'm going to make my hubby's graduation in April but it will happen..somehow..someway... oops::)

Us at the Nutcracker at Bass Hall! SOO good!

There's nothin like getting a family pic with my dad's balding head right smack front in the middle

This was part of the road rally! We had to get a taco with an expired coupon--this lady truly loved being in this pic! I was too excited!

Um..don't ask me what I'm doing with my hand and my face and this ice cream...

We all had to sample frozen flavored ice..yum

um..yeah

SO that was the amazing 2 week break that we both indefinitely needed. My birthday came a week later and we celebrated by going to Happy Sumo!! The best sushi in pretty much all of the United States..ok that's probably a lie but I haven't had much sushi and that was Randall's first time trying it!! SOO good! Randall got me Pen and Teller tickets so we're going to Vegas over Presidents Day Weekend and we get to see them perform! Most Mormons don't know who they are..I think that's funny..don't worry, they're clean. On Saturday night, Royce, Heather, Russell, and us went to The Garden for my b day--great view of the temple!

January has been pretty much me focusing on the fact that BYU Basketball and Jimmer is amazing. I'm sure I'll look back in 20 years to this blog post and ask myself why I blogged about BYU Basketball but they are so dang good that I just had to mention it. We've gone to a bunch of the games and we'll continue to go!! They've only lost twice!!

Anyway, that has been of late, this was oh quite long but so much to say!! Yay for December and January. I really hope to never fall this behind on blogging again after big events because it just takes FOREVER to catch up, I know all you bloggers know what I'm sayin sayin. Peace.

I mainly wanted to show this pic because look how cute my sweater is that I got for Christmas! It's pretty much darling. These flowers were so sweet of my hubster for my b day.

Um..why does it look like this game is consuming me up?

Penn and Teller tickets! So exciting!

Us at The Garden for my b day, pretty good food.

Russell! Why did you eat my green beans?!

Heather made me a huge cupcake cake!! It was awesome! We frosted it green and put sprinkles on top, Heather's such a good baker

This is my pretending to blow out the candles even though there wasn't any ;)

Us at the BYU Basketball game!! woo hoo!

Go Cougs! I'm a Coug and I'm proud of it..in both ways :)

Parties Galore!

2010-12-15T20:10:00.001-08:00

SO, Christmas parties have definitely begun! Actually..I think they have already ended as well. Last week we had 4 Christmas parties in a row!! It was fab! We first had a Christmas party for one of the organizations that is affiliated with Randall's major. I think it was a real estate one. They served really good food, had great socializing, and good speakers. (Ok, so maybe the speakers were a little boring but whatev, the desserts kept me occupied.) It was held at a place call Noahs that has an indoor ice skating rink on the 3rd floor!! Pretty nifty!

The next night was my work's Christmas party!! SO fun! We all went to Tucanos! Tucanos is a place that serves delish Brazilian meats with a fancy dancy salad bar--not to forget the best Brazilian Lemonade in the world! SOO amazing!! We talked and chatted with others and had a splendid time! However, later that night I did not feel so hot from the meat and it pretty much kept me up all night with a sick belly and way into the late morning the next day as well. Oh, but don't worry, it pretty much affected 2 other people from my work as well so we're pretty sure it was one of the types of meats...however, I still LOVE Tucanos and by late afternoon I was feeling better.

Friday night we had our ward Christmas party!! It was oodles of fun! Our calling this past semester was to be on the Activities Committee in our ward before it got disbanded so it was GREAT TIMES planning the gig. Randall and I were over the food so we ended up ordering from BYU Food to go which had pretty good food but the only negatives were A.) They got lost with the delivery and couldn't find us even though our building was right across the street from them. B.) They dropped a tray of chocolate brownies that couldn't be fixed so the substituted pumpkin bars in their place (not as good) C.) They forgot the chocolate cream pies so we had to somehow get a hold of them and they delivered them late. Other than those 3 minor inconveniences ;) life was good. We went through the food quick--young married students-go figure, and then we played these awesome Reindeer Games! They're like the minute to win it game show!! Randall and I helped set everything up and then we gave 3 million dollars to the winners! They were so excited! Ha-they wish, but they did win nice cocoa cups from Sams that we picked ou! We were running around making sure the food was good and then cleaned up afterward but the whole night was pretty much a blast! Go Wheelers! (co-chairs)

The last and best party of all of them was of course OUR party!! Now, if you're reading this and you weren't invited, its either because 1. I forgot to invite you or 2. you live too far away to be invited. SO don't feel bad or sad or offended..just get o. OH but it was a blast! We had an "Appetizer and White Elephant Party." Now, we were thinking..."Oh we'll invite a million people because probably only half can come because its the holidays and people are busy with other stuff." OMG, it was a packed house..it truly made me want to buy a house..like asap. We were expecting maybe 12..but I think about 18 or 19 showed up! It was awesome! I felt really bad b/c our apartment is itsby bitsy, BUT I was cool with it b/c most of everyone there had about the same size of apartments as well and could relate ;) As everyone arrived, we set up the appetizers and started eating. They were all scrumptious! We socialized and ate yummy food for a while and then we decided to play our white elephant gift exchange! It was so great. You can check out the pics below :)

Yay! Right before the party started!! We were getting everything all set up. We made this yum dip and delicious pin wheels!! We just LOVED our appetizers! Oh and my double jointed arms look kinda weird..look how long my hair is getting! Almost to my butt-->yeah right

Some peeps enjoyin the grub

This is my bro chattin it up with his lova, jk, they're just friends, I love Ben and Karin's faces in the background.

It's the Ohio Crew! Some of the friends Randall grew up with

Once we started the White Elephant Gift Exchange, Dave picked first and chose the Victoria's Secret bag--he of course got a Jacob poster and LOVED it, I think it's actually hanging above his bed now..haha

Camille was soo happy to get this bright and colorful, as well as educational United States Map Puzzle! I think she went home and worked on it that night

Scott was sooo happy with his Where in the World in San Diego game...unfortunately, we stole it and its been added to our game collection...sorry Scott!

Karin was so impressed with the Wednesday Letters book, she read the synopsis on the back in a heart wrenching kind of voice way and pretty much fell in love with the book the moment she saw it...sadly, it was also stolen by a huge Wednesday Letters fan

This pic is classic b/c you catch Jake and Liz's facial expressions perfectly. They hate popcorn and that's what they opened..sad times! or Happy times for us b/c they left them at our house?

Bun was so excited to open weird DVDs and play dough..too bad it was stolen 2 seconds later

Tyler loved this picture of a butterfly or flower or something..can't really tell, I'm pretty sure he put it right next to their wedding pic on their shelf at home ;)

Funnily, that's a word? Humorously, Ben won this creepy doll statue and had to keep it in the end b/c honestly, who would steal this?

Anyway, after the fun and games of White Elephant, we attempted to play Kuponk--the white elephant game John ended up with--having to deal with bouncing a ball in the cup in weird ways and it was great :) We all had a grand time and I'm glad we could throw a fun party, even if it was a little cramped...

Yay for Parties Galore week!

Turkey Week

2010-12-01T16:21:00.001-08:00

SO Turkey Weekend was great this year. We thought we would be stuck going to Mimi's Cafe on T Day because all of our relatives were going to Vegas, however, we ended up being invited by my awesome brother Royce and his wife Heather to spend it with her family so we did! Don't get me wrong, I think Mimi's is amazing and has some darn good food on Thanksgiving, but we were way more excited to spend it with family--even if we're not "blood" hahaha, Rhett? Anyway, it was great!! We headed to Salt Lake on Wednesday night and watched the Game Show Network b/c we love it and who doesn't? Then on Thursday, we got up and Heather and I made a chocolate pie and green bean casserole..she made most of the pie but it was fun cookin it up together! This green bean casserole was FAR better than the regular one you make, no joke! We chilled most of the day and then headed over to Heather's parent's house where we enjoyed lots of food and more food and played fun games and spent a great afternoon with Heather's family.

And then came Black Thursday (not Friday)....

Don't you worry, right after Heather's family's house, we went right over to the mall where we got the deals of a lifetime at GAP!! Of course the mall was way ridiculously over crowded and people were waiting outside of Gap to get in b/c there were already too many people in the store and they couldn't break fire code, BUT Randall waited 2 hours in line to check out!!! Ok, so you might be asking..um..Crystal..why didn't you wait in line???!? SO, I went to get hot cocoa and by the time I got back I would have had to wait in this huge long line to get in the store so I figured I would just go roam the mall and see what was going on....poor honey :( BUT it was well worth it and we got some AMAZING deals on nice pants--since I really needed them--and they were all HALF off!! Anyway, I was kinda done with shopping by then and was WAY tired by the time we got home--12:30 am...so we hit the hay and slept in! Randall got up at 7:45 am to get a few Christmas Presents for others but I was mostly done..

Later that day we went and saw Harry Potter 8 or whatever number its on and it was WEIRD! But..it was still good and Harry and Herminie need to get o! Anyway, that was a lot of fun and we then went to Tai Garden for dinner which was SOO good! We've been before but we always love eating Tai food. That night we headed to bed because we were SO excited to go to Arches National Park the next day!

Arches was wonderful!! We just did a day trip because we're not all intense hikers so 3-4 hours over there was plenty for us :) It was pretty cold in the shade but pretty nice in the sun...so overall the weather wasn't too shabby! The sites to see were SOO cool and I'll explain a little more below

Amazing! I think this looks like King Tritan's castle in Little Mermaid...but not underwater..obviously

us in front of Falling rock or rock on cliff or what was it called again?

Randall made me crack up in this pic..that's why my face is in the daaaark

Us in front of falling rock

Heather is so happy in this pic because she's realized how strong the tips of her fingers are

This is totally a leaning tower of pisa picture!

Right before we had this picture taken, our legs were cut off and now we're all little people

Ahh hon bon in front of a breath taking view

This is falling rock? maybe? I'm sorry i should remember the names of all these but most of the time we just made up the names of the rocks anyway..maybe that's why I don't remember..

Me right in front of Delicate Arch! I'm so close I can touch it! Ha, jk, we didn't do the long strenuous hike cuz we didn't need anyone passin out..BUT we went up to the look out point and we got some great pics..good enough, right?

Look at them classy brothas

It looks like Royce is at the pyramids or something..

We chilled on some rocks for lunch...the view was amazing

This, by far, is one of the coolest things at Arches! It's butt rock!! I don't know if its officially called that, but I think it may be because when I googled it, this pic came up since I didn't get to take an actual picture of it! Pretty amazing what these arches can look like..

I think this was window arch or something? I'm probably wrong....but I like the pic

Even though you can see us here, we just thought it was neat that we could practically be in the arch! go us!

Landscape Arch was an inspiration for me to go to Arches because it may not be around when my future kids are grown up! It's soo narrow..it's pretty much not going to be an arch in like 20 years..I am SO glad I got to see it..pretty much one of my favs.

Us in front of Landscape Arch--Royce looks like the unabomber

Overall, the weekend was a blast and I'm soo happy we got to do all that we did, Arches was truly a site to see and I was very grateful we had the chance to go. Yay for Thanksgiving 2010!

Happiest Place on Earth-other than the temple

2010-11-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

So back in the day, Disney was offering a FREE DISNEY DAY PASS if you did a day of service! It was pretty much an amazing deal, why wouldn't anyone take it!? SO we followed in Royce and Heather's footsteps and we gave service at the Aquarium here in Utah (I think it may be the only one). IT WAS SOO FASCINATING! Actually...we just folded booklets and cut out pretty pictures, but it was SO worth it and we had a good time :) From the pictures you can tell we had a blast! We then got a free tour of the aquarium--so cute!

Look at that cute little moose I'm about to cut out

This is Randall folding pamphlets, such a good little worker!

Our next step was to plan the trip! We planned for a weekend in October and we were on our way! Right when we got in, Natty and John picked us up and they took us to the condo. We got to hang out with them that night and then they had to be on there way later that night :( We wished they could have stayed but they were going to use their Disney Service Pass in Florida. We had a fun little time with them and Hyrum! He's getting so big! We were saddened by their leave but we headed to bed once they left because we had a big day ahead of us! Woo hoo! I was so excited! Oh, also my fab mom also got us matching shirts as you will see in the pictures to come! We were so cool, someone even asked to get their picture with us!

Little Hyrum is walking now! Well..with help, but he's doing so good!

This is such a cute pic of Daddy and son!

Mother and daughters! My mom just LOVES smiling that big, I think she wanted to be like Patty

Anyway, we headed out that day to California Adventure and had SUCH a good time! We got on almost every ride and hardly had to wait in any lines because it was a Friday and in the middle of the school year. The weather was also gorgeous! Couldn't be any betta! We actually went to Disneyland in the morning since Adventure didn't open until 10. I think my favorite rides at California were Soarin, Screamin, and the Buzz Lightyear Ride--OH so fun! We kept busy riding all the rides, even though I did get sick on Mickey's Fun Wheel (not so fun) and then we headed out for dinner.

This was the happiest Chinese man I've ever seen!! He must REALLY love the materhorn!

Matterhorn was so awesome, the line was so short that morning, we went twice!

Nothin but incredible..so muscular and his face was twice as big as mine

Pluto is such a cutie pie

We all LOVED the safari ride!

Who's gonna buy us? We are SOO popular and fun (we're posing as toys if you can't notice)

Woody is running away because I punched him in the face..jk, I would never do that!

YAY Mickey!

Randall is so sneaky

Ah look at us, Mickey and Minny Mouse couple! We should have been in the Mickey Mouse Club with Christina and Brittany!

Aladdin's Palace!

Stocker Photo!

This pic is hilar because it shows exactly how mom was feeling--FREAKED out, I don't know how she was so scared when the rest of us were just plain nauseous

After a fun day at Adventureland, we headed to Hunington Beach to see Sergio! I had never met Sergio before but my mom and dad had met him on a cruise they took earlier this year, and when he found out we would be in town, he offered to make us a true Brazilian meal! We made it to his awesomely modern and cute home (full of Brazilian culture) where we got to meet this fabulous man! He seriously is like a cute little Martin Short but Brazilian! He cooked beef stroganoff (Brazilian Style of course) and it was delish beyond means--I was talking about it for days on end afterward. He also made this really good potato salad that was out of this world! After dinner he showed us some pictures of his homeland in Brazil and promised he would be our tour guide if we ever made it down to Brazil--I, of course, was already thinking of the next available time we could go to Brazil..hahaha, afterward, we walked along the beach since he lives right on the beach and it was breathtaking! After we said our goodbyes to Sergio, we headed back to California Adventure to see the light show! It was sooo good! I think its called World of Color? Pretty much amazing since all the pictures were being reflected off water!! SOO beautiful! We slept really well that night since we didn't get to bed until about 1 in the morning and we were exhausted, but still ready and excited for the next day at Disneyland!!

Us with our amazing Brazilian friend-Sergio! Look at that awesome tapestry on his wall!! It's 3D! This home was definitely not child-proof as you could tell..not that we had children there..I really don't know what the point of saying that was..

Mickey's Fun Wheel! Except it isn't very fun, it just makes you sick if you ride it, BUT it does look pretty here :)

Look, that's water!!

We got up pretty early on Saturday so we can get on as many rides that morning before the crowd showed up. We got on almost every ride that day and some of them we got to ride twice such as like Indiana Jones!! Pretty much my fav (and it freaked me out) We also got to see the Disney Parade and it was waaay cute. All the Disney characters were dancin! We got as many pictures we could with characters-even the Disney Princesses! We had a fun filled day and I could barely walk by the end of it because it was soo jam packed full of rides, but we were so pleased and happy this trip could turn out so well. We left early that next morning and headed back to Salt Lake. YAY FOR DISNEY!!!

We loved this pumpkin..Mickey was winking at me

We are ALL princesses, ....or princes..whats with this weird pose?

Yay-Castle! Way smaller than Disney World...

SO Everyone dressed up that weekend and OMG this couple looked as if Jack and his girlfriend came right out of Nightmare before Christmas and went to Disneyland-amazing!

Haunted Mansion! they dressed it all up Halloween style and it it had the theme Nightmare Before Christmas--one of my fav rides!

Can't wait until next time!

Oh Baby Oh Baby! (not mine)

2010-10-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

SO Katie is having a baby at the end of November and Cami and I threw a shower for her about a month ago. The shower was filled with food, fun, and games! (Games should actually be fames so that there's 3 f's in a row). Anyway, Cami and I had a great time planning it together and we think Katie really enjoyed it. Gotta Love These Pics!

Look at that spread!, it was def. yumalicious

hahha, this was the game of who could eat the baby food the fastest, as you can see, I am slowly... truly enjoying the moment while everyone else is scarfin it down (actually the girl next to me chugged it..it was so great)

We all made onesies for Katie and this was the one I made, SUCH a good idea for baby shower-go Cami!, now she can remember this sweet mem with all the onesies her baby wears. LOVE it

I really don't know what we're laughing at

What is this thing?????!

Look at this beautiful green changing pad! My faces are awesome!

Cami, Katie, and I...we're kinda white

We're playing the nursery rhymes game and Kaiden (Cami's baby) is too presh

Um..so the theme of the shower was semi teddy bear oriented, and I thought the place I ordered this cup cake thing from would make like 3 tiers with individualized teddy bear cupcakes, but um..no-don't worry, they made it INTO a teddy bear! (although..I think it kinda looks like a mouse or fox or something)

Look at them cute baby clothes hangin up! Oh, I also like this pic because you can see some of the decorations of my house which reminds me I need to take picture of our apartment because I have like none and i need to remember our first apartment! (and hopefully only one)

Great Weekend

2010-10-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

Oh, this past weekend was awesome :) On Friday night, Randall and I had a great date night! We first went IHOP to get some dinner which was way yum (even though I like Denny's pancakes better), we then went to see the facebook movie..or whatever its called..social media? It should just be called the Facebook movie..it would probably get more viewers. The movie was...interesting and very informative, probably wouldn't buy it..but ya know..its cool to see how Facebook all came about. Once we were done, we went to Baskin Robins! We got free ice cream for (speaking of Facebook) making a Facebook Baskin Robins Group and if you got 31 people to join then we all got ice cream! YAY! Overall, it was a great date night and I love my honey.

Saturday was spiritually packed with amazing talks by the prophet, apostles, and general authorities from General Conference. I would have to say..a few of my favorites were Elder Holland and Elder Uchtdorf's, those particular made me cry the spirit was so strong! BUT all of conference that day was wonderful and I'm glad we got to watch it. We did some grocery shopping in between sessions, and later after conference, we headed to Katie and Andrew's for some yummy stew they made, it was deliciously delightful, I will so be making that recipe someday soon. Us girls then stayed and talked while the boys headed to Priesthood. We then all played Mexican Train together later that night. Great times! :)

Sunday we headed to Royce and Heather's and was jam packed with conference sessions which of course were amazing ,and ate great food and did some game playing and of course followed through with sonme amazing race watching. It was a spiritually powerful day along with some fun games that we all played together in between conference sessions. Heather made chicken cord on blue --ha, I wish it was spelled like that, and then we headed home. It was a fabulous weekend that was definitely well needed :) Sorry-no pics, I know, much disappointment in that! :(

YUMMY Soup

2010-09-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

This recipe was SOOO good! I got so many people asking for it that I decided to make a blog post about it and give the recipe-I should have taken a pic!

mac+cheese soup

10 slices thick-cut bacon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 14 oz. can vegetable broth

3 cups whole milk

1 Tbl. good-quality chili powder

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp dry mustard

4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups dried elbow macaroni, cooked

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook the bacon, crumble, set aside

2.Add a little oil to the pan if needed, then add the onion. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the garlic and continue cooking until the onion is soft and lightly browned, about another 5 minutes

4. Add the flour and mix well. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Then add the milk, chili powder, pepper, and mustard

5. Return the soup to a simmer while stirring occasionally. Cook for 3 minutes. Add cheese and bacon and continue cooking and stirring until well blended, about 4 minutes. Add the macaroni and return to simmer. Remove from heat and serve with parsley garnish.

It was DE-LISH

Things I LOVE and am GRATEFUL for

2010-09-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

1. My hubby-duh, he's amazing

2. Books-I just got done reading A Thousand Splendid Suns and truly loved it, right before that I read The Kite Runner and right before that Mockingjay, all very good books, currently reading: These is my Words, CANT get enough of books!

3. My family-don't worry this is in no particular order..hahahha

4. My friends-I wish I could see them all more!

5. My job-even though it can get a little boring or tedious at times, there's always an adventure here and there to keep me going-gotta love projects

6. Food-wow, does that sound like a fatty of me or what?! BUT i do love good food, that's why I really want to check out this El Salvadorian place on Center, this Peruvian place by the mall, and this French Bakery off of State, oh and learning new recipes is always wonderful

7. Traveling (see, I told you this wasn't in any particular order, if it was..this would be close to number one ;) Yes, I'm a fanatic, My goal is to go to every country in the world-HA yeah right, who does that? BUT I definitely have travel dreams to go to many other countries I haven't been to yet..I know my husband is rolling his eyes as he reads this, but yes, seeing places I've never seen before and are interesting to me, truly fascinates me. Estoy super animada para Disneyland and Texas!!

8.Learning-I'm very thankful I got my education, but I truly love learning new things. I try to listen to NPR every day so I can listen in on all the appealing things they talk about, I also try to catch up on MSN and YAHOO to see what the latest news story is. I would love to take night classes on random things but that's not really in the cards right now

9. The Gospel-ok this one would definitely be close to number 1, obvio, but I'm sincerely grateful and deep down happy because I have the true gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and I reap from the blessings of living it everyday. Conference this weekend! Everyone should watch!

10. Blogging, aka blarging, as Robert would put it, I truly believe every single one of my friends should have a blog, honestly, why shouldn't they have a blog??

11. Being in good shape-As much as I'm not in good shape right now, I remember when I was and I truly miss it, I need to get off my fanny and go to the gym more often-don't worry-I plan to go right after I leave this post. I read an article on Drew Carey and how he lost 75 pounds or something, he looks like a new person! Working out is something I'm def. a fan of.

12. Movies-OK so I love movies, more like..I love to see movies, I usually don't like seeing a movie more than once unless its something amazingly entertaining like "Hitch" with charmer Michael Weston or "It's a Wonderful Life"-my fav, but viewing a good movie for the first time is always something to splendor...which reminds me, we're seeing the Facebook Movie on Friday and I am excited! I truly think this movie will do really well since ALMOST everyone can relate to it, no?

13. Music-gets me goin, what can I say?Especially hip hop or anything with a good beat, oh and I do miss my calling as a relief society pianist, it allowed me to have a keyboard ;-0

14. GAMES! So fun and I love collecting them! Very much a game oriented fam

15. I can go on, but I won't..but whatev, if I think of anything else, I'll just add it, gotta

LOVE LIFE :)

YAY for PATTY

2010-09-15T15:37:00.001-07:00

Wow, it has been waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long since I blogged, what is my prob bob? I dunno..all I know is that it is definitely that time and I know all of you are SO excited, ha, all 5 of you that read this blog, but anyway.... SO, I dedicate this blog to Patty, AKA Natty, AKA Natalie Crabb Lalone. She is pretty much like my sister, SO my parents and I went out to her graduation back in July. This was also a BIG deal for Patty because she was the first to graduate in her immediate family (well..her other immediate family) I didn't have a camera since the camera we own was in PA so I had to rely on other peeps to take pics (which by the way-I've definitely learned to hate doing because you never get the pics back OR you end up getting them months later and it doesn't fit into sequence with your blogging but whatev) She graduated in general studies from BYU-Idaho and so my rents and I took a little trippy trip up to Idaho so that we could celebrate with her and her hubber and her sonner. It was also fab times because I got to see mi hermano Rhetty poo as well! What a great bro.

One thing I do have to say that I thought was quite annoying was that we weren't aloud to clap or scream when Patty walked across the stage!! What up with that? I know they are trying to keep the spirit strong there on campus and I do fully agree that having the spirit on campus is very important, BUT I also believe that during a joyous celebration such as: a graduation, I believe people should be more than welcome to scream and yell when you're loved one crosses the stage! I hope I'm not struck with a lightening bolt now that I've said that, but I just think that occasion is too happy to sit down and be quite instead of voicing your enthusiasm for the person graduating. Anyway, GO PATTY, I just LOVE America because we find any way possible to celebrate (especially Mormons) which having fun is my specialty :)

Um...why do I have a double chin here? Earth to Crystal-Go to the gym

My mom has an obsession with this pic because she thinks she ALWAYS takes bad pics and this one is good but whatev, she looks good in all of em, don't believe her

Natty and the rents

Rhett looks SO excited to be in this pic

OK I posted this pic because I think its hilar that my mom always wants to get pictures of the speakers even if she doesn't remember their names or what they talked about at graduations..(hence..the speaker in the background)

Natty brought Hyrum up on stage and I'm preeeetty sure that guy next to her doesn't apprec.

Why am I biting my lip? Natty is soo animada

And..why are my eyes closed? Natty just wanted to show her camptodactyly, it is a medical condition..a very serious and contagious one in fact..

Our One Year Anniversary Road Trip!

2010-08-30T19:27:00.001-07:00

SO since Randall and I didn't have the opportunity to spend our one year anniversary together right on the 15th of August, we got to celebrate together 5 days later by taking an awesome road trip!! IT WAS FAB! Our first day, I met him in Cleveland and we drove a couple of hours to Toledo where we stayed at Maumee Bay! We stayed at this cute lodge that was gorgeous and right on Lake Erie!

The next day we had a long haul to Omaha, Nebraska so we had to get going on the road. We had a great time talking, singing, and laughing in the car-great times! When we got to Omaha we were SO excited to hear that the Winter Quarters Visitor Center was still open until 9 pm! SO we made a little pit stop and got the grand tour of the neat little visitors center they have there. We also went to the grave site they have there because we think it had a few of our ancestors! SO that was an awesome little pit stop we made. That night we ate a really good pizza place named "Sam and Louie's" even though Randall pronounced it Sam and Louis' ha! very funny. It was SOO good, I wish they would put one in Provo but that's probably not going to happen.

The next day we hit the road bright and early again but we made a little detour and went to Mount Rushmore!! It was sooo fascinating and I was really happy we had that opportunity to go see this. We walked around and took some pretty pictures and then watched an informative movie about the making of it. After that, we headed to Casper, Wyoming and relaxed in the nice hot tub at the hotel.

The next morning, we made the long haul back to Provo, UT. Oh, but don't worry, we got a nasty flat tire on the way back and had to stop in Rock Springs to get 4 new tires! Our tires were totally shot! Entonces, we had to drive on a spare from a little way out of Casper all the way to Rock Springs! Quite a while! So, we finally made it back to Provo and we arrived just in time to go see Toy Story 3!! We had advanced free tickets but we were scared we would run out of time before it left the good theater, but we were able to see it and it was the perfect way to end our WAY fun one year anniversary road trip together. LOVE my hubber.

OOOh look at that wata!

SUCH a pretty sun set plus I like this pic bc I look somewhat skinny

Ahh bunner

Winter Quarters!

Look it's Brigham Terry! Maybe we should name our first son Brigham?? No? Yes? Who wouldn't want to name their child Brigham

I love this sculpture because it truly depicts what the pioneers had to do to get to Winter Quarters

I marvel

BIG faces! So they look really big but they really don't seem big as you scroll down to the next picture...

TINY faces! Great times at Mt. Rushmore!!

Crystal's 1 year Amazing Book Review

2010-08-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

SO this past year I have read some pretty dang good books if I say so myself and I'm going to write a very short(ok..medium) review for each of them so I can remember how much I liked, disliked or didn't really care for the book. I LOVE READING. I'm going to be honest though, my opinion on most books is that the beginning of a book is like a trial..it pretty much sucks and you don't understand why you have it, or in the books sense, you don't know why the author picked this beginning because its so slow and sometimes confusing....but as you go through the book and work at it, or like a trial, you get through it and learn from it, it becomes much much better and the ending is successfully learning from your trial or in the books sense, enjoying the book because the author finally gets to the point and makes the very slow boring beginning worthwhile or in a gospel sense, the Lord allows you to learn from the Trial and molds you into becoming a better person. Deep? I know, ..ha! yeah right, but I really do think that's a good analogy..., I'm also going to try and go in order from when I started reading all these books--about a year ago, oh and WARNING, if you don't want to read all the reviews..there is a lot, then just skip to the books you haven't read and maybe I'll convince you to read them or.. run from them

Deception Point-This was a very interesting book. Like I said earlier, the beginning to me was a bunch of words all bunched together on a page, but as I read on, of course the storyline got more interesting and the puzzle pieces came together, the climax is amazing and the plot is very unique. I would recommend it, especially to those Dan Brown fans.

The Actor and the Housewife-This book is a crack up. If you want a good laugh, but also a good cry, be sure and read this book. I LOVE it. So witty and fun, if you're Mormon, you'll understand a lot of the setting of the main character Becky, but if you're not Mormon, you should read it to understand more of what Mormon housewives do..even though I think she has a little bit more of an extravagant life than most Mormon house wives...I really did ball my eyes off though..that is a warning. It might offend some Mormons as well with how overboard she goes with her relationship with Felix, but it's fiction! It's not real, so whatev.

The Last Lecture-Pretty much everyone should read this book before they die. SUCH an amazing story of a very impressive man that learned a lot in life and passed this knowledge on. I think I pretty much cried every 5 minutes but then again..I cry in like every book and movie...MUST READ

The Goose Girl-So when one of my close friends asked so "what is this book about?" I said, "Well...its about a princes that talks... with.... animals-BUT-it's really good!" Ha, that does sound funny now that I say it, but the book was just presh. Of course its original plot was by the Brothers Grim but I really think Shannon Hale turns this book into a creative fairy tale making you so consumed in each chapter. So WHO CARES if she talks with animals?! Power to the princess.

Princess Academy-This book is also by Shannon Hale, yes, I was on a Shannon Hale kick for a while, go me. But anyway, this book was very well written and definitely had you taken in at once. This book also got that gold medal award (I can't remember what that's called) so obvio it must be good. I especially like the main character and her lover boy..its like they're childhood sweethearts, but I guess literally they are because its not like they get that old by the end of the book, maybe 18 years? even younger? Cute book fo sho

The Thirteenth Tale-Amazing story! This was another book that had a very slooooooow beginning, but as you got more into it, the more addicted you became to read it because the whole time, a lady is telling the story of her life, and every part she adds is like adding a little more frosting on the cake and makes the ending one of the best endings I've ever read with how much you figure out the tale and why the story the lady told was so peculiar. It left you in awe.

The Hunger Games-Pretty much one the best books I've ever read, if you haven't read it, I don't know why I'm friends with you, ha, j/k! But seriously, I think I read this book in like a couple of days because I couldn't put it down, and it wasn't just he way Susan Collins wrote the book, it was the actual storyline and how enthralling it was. Katniss is one brave girl, I'm pretty sure I would have been slapped in the face on the first day in the arena and probably would have fallen down dead. I seriously can't wait for the movie.

Catching Fire-SO obviously, the sequel, a little disappointed in Susan Collins for the lack of creativity, but whatev, all power to her for making such a good book, it didn't matter how unoriginal the 2nd book was, cuz I'm sure she still made millions. But of course with her writing style still pulls you into the dark hole of reading non-stop, and the ending was kinda confusing, BUT it definitely gets you pumped for Mockingjay!!! Can't wait my peeps.

The Help-OH MY GOSH, this book is so good! I loved this book, the book was not only innovative in it's writing style, but let you witness what black maids had to go through back in the early 1960's and how one courageous educated girl could help make the difference for a lot of these black maids. I guess it makes sense why it was on the New York Best sellers list. Go Help!

Three Cups of Tea-Um..couldn't get through it, probably got through the first chapter and then it was due at the library...wasn't worth the late fee..no siree, maybe if I was a history major..or liked non-fiction books better..i dunno, I guess this book shouldn't be on this list as well since I didn't technically finish it...ah whatev.

The Lost Symbol-Very intense book. Again, couldn't get into it at the beginning, I could still see how it was interesting but it didn't entice me like Davincii Code. However, I knew it would eventually get there because my hubster read it and said it definitely got better, so I kept reading and OMG I couldn't believe some of the stuff in there!! Very exciting, very on the edge stuff, will make a very good movie, you better believe it. Makes me want to go to D.C.

Dear John-As most of you know, Nicholas Sparks' books are of course.. romance books, but not the raunchy kind you get at used book stores, it's cute love dove stories that make you want to puke-I mean--wonder at this kind of mumbo jumbo..but this book--to my astonishment was actually one of my more favorite books by Nicolas Sparks. It was interesting because you learned a lot about autism and what its like to have an autistic family member. The ending was sooooo sad, but maybe for the best? This is probably bad or low of me to say, but I liked the movie ending better, even though the movie did not follow the book that well at all, just like most of his books that are turned into movies end up being, but I guess you'll only understand this if you've read the book and seen the movie.

Best Friends Forever-I read this book because I had finished my other book and would be flying all day so I definitely needed some reading material. This book was.....interesting and hard to describe. I didn't like that she made the characters swear a lot and there was some pretty crude things that happened that I didn't apprec. so much, but it was just a very different book, the style, the writing, the storyline, all very different--I think because the storyline was semi-interesting and because she's a very good author, it did make it hard to put down. That's all I'm going to say on that.

The Guernsey and Potato Peel Pie Society-This was an.............interesting book. I don't know how to describe it, it was EXTREMELY hard to get into because you didn't know who was who or who was friends with who and what exactly was going on until half way through the book since it was all written in letter format which I'm not a big fan of..but ya know. By 3/4 of the way through, I really got to know the characters, and some of the stories from WWII were very sad, but interesting. The ending is soo cute, it almost makes it worthwhile trudging through that book to see the very last letter written. Its cute and pretty witty :)

SO-there you have it! My one year book review! Averaged about one book a month..could do better, but I'll get o.. I've enjoyed almost all these books and hopefully you guys have or will soon :) If you have any other book recommendations that I'm definitely missing out on, please let me know!! I want to hear! 8 days til Mockingjay!

I can't believe it's been a year!!

2010-08-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

Well I just wanted to say Happy Anniversary to my hub bub Randall and to myself. We are awesome! We just completed one year of marriage together and it flew by! (must have been fun) Its just so crazy to me! It was really cute because he vicariously-through a friend- left pink roses (my fav) on my porch so when I got home from grocery shopping, they were right there! So presh! Its special days like these that make me so grateful I did not meet my husband on the Bachelorette, true love all the way baby! It really is a shame that we have to be apart from each other on this blessed day but I will see him this Friday when I meet him in Ohio and I am SOOO excited!! We will then make our little road trip back and celebrate our one year of marriage together :) We're even making a pit stop in Mt. Rushmore!! SWEET! Oh, and we don't have the top of our cake but I'm sure my mom will get that out to us somehow..whether we eat it or not..that's another story.

I LOVE ST. LOUIS

2010-08-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

SOOOOOOOO, I know that my trip to Natty's Graduation in Idaho is actually supposed to come before this because it happened before this trip but since I don't have those pics yet..that's kinda not happening until I get them..from my mother... and I don't really know how long that will be..so we'll see. ANYWAY, i went to St. Louis this past weekend and it was FAB TIMES and no joke bout that! I just absolutely LOVE my St. Louis girls and their hubbies and I LOVE visiting them! I seriously am proud to say I am from that wonderful city and anyone that is anyone should definitely take a little splendid stroll right over to St. Louis, Missoura! I've already seen like ALL the sites so I was just happy to hang out and spend time with my forever friends and remissness on old times and celebrate new ones! Wow, I sound like an overly positive person right now, but whatev. SO see pics below for good times and great oldies--hey! that fits! that's totally a St. Louis station and I've known these peeps forever now

For din din on Friday night, we went to Tai Cafe, the food was seriously amazing, but too bad I waited 10 minutes more than everyone else to get my food..whats up with that?!? They gave you so much food, we ate the leftovers for lunch the next day

Look! Ame and I

That night we went and saw Footloose at the Muny! It brought back sweet mems from when I went to the Muny as a little girl, it was way good too! Everybody gotta Footloose! On the way home, we stopped at Mcdonalds and got cookies because they mentioned cookies in the play and we all started craving them..I don't remember a time when we didn't stop for a for a midnight happy meal/snack time at Mcdonalds when I went to St. Louis to visit..ha ha..yay for that

On Saturday morning, we went to breakfast with Jamie's dad and Cynthia and then headed to the Citygarden with just us girls, it was way fun, it's a new park they have in St. Louis with just outside sculptures, St. Louis just gets betta and betta

Um...this is totally a stature of Pinocchio, but they called it something else..whatev, they don't even know. I guess Pinocchio was a creep-o movie anyway...

Look at them hot girls...this sculpture was like a dinosaur shaped somethin or other

This pic is too cute to boot

Ame...how do you do it?! You look exactly like the walking guys!

Jamie had to put chappy stick on this little guy because he had really chapped lips, poor thing :(what a nice girl she is!

Look, we're all on a bunner!

Yay, we're in the middle of a beautiful park waterfall, and don't worry, those really are kids playing in this city park pool..and that's disgust...

Too hot to trot..Babs, are you doing sign language for the camera?

This is fab Jamie and I with our prego friend Laquisha

Yay! Jamie going down the slide! We went to St. Charles pool that afternoon and it so fun! They had all these slides and a big pool to swim in. Jamie and I went back in time and had hand stand contests, Jamie won by half of a point. She's rad like that.

If you look up close (too bad we can't zoom on this thing), you will absolutely crack up at this picture, at least we all did at the dinner table when Amy realized what my face really looked like up close

This was either when Babs came down gracefully or she flipped over and totally wiped out. Don't remember. Afterward, I convinced Amy to go down the super high slide that goes straight down, go Ame! Brave girl! It was soooo fun!

So Lucas didn't want me to show this picture, but I can't get enough of this picture; every time I look at this picture, I seriously laugh, and I don't know how you can't laugh at it...oh Lucas, you're hilar

On Saturday night, Amy and Connor were little angels and made all of us dinner! We had delish barbecued pork, sweet potatoes, and corn on the cob! oh so yumalicious! They are good little chefs those two! OH and lets not forget the clumpy brownies that I made with wafer bars...everyone just LOVED them..ha

We always switch the seating assignments so wives and hubbys aren't necessarily next to each other, absence makes the heart grow stronger.

We were chillaxin on Ame's couch after dinner and then watched Avatar..well the first 15 minutes and then we all got tired and went home. The next day we went to church and then ate some good Mexican food. Then I took a flight home and I left with more sweet mems, next time my hun bun will have to join me in these great times! Love my St. Louis peeps!

FUN TIMES IN PA!

2010-07-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

On 4th of July weekend, I went and saw my honey bunny in PA~!SO FUN! Even though one of my flights got canceled and I spent the night in the airport and then the whole next day at the airport, I finally got out!! On Friday, since Randall is staying in student housing that pretty much has a bar inside the house(since they use the bar for bar tending classes--I know, hilar) we mixed up some drinks..... HA, just kiddin, even if we did drink, you kinda wouldn't want to since all the bottles just have water with food coloring..it was quite hilar to see all those bottles in my hubby's house I might say..but no..no bar tending school for us. But yeah, on Friday, we first went to a place called "Paint it uP" where you pick the pottery you want to paint, along with the colors, you paint it and then they burn it in the oven! Well..not burn it, but ya know..whatev. Knowing how much I've been wanting to do something like that, my thoughtful husband took me and it was awesome. It was great because we got to choose what we got to paint, and we decided on matching bowls since we would paint them in our own fashion anyway :) I can't wait to see them! (they're still in PA). We then went to Hazelton which is where Randall spent a couple years of his childhood. He showed me his old house and we got some SENAPES pizza or however you spell it..whatev..but it was DANG GOOD. Seriously, I've never had better cold pizza....yumalicious is truly the word. We then headed back, and went to the mall in Scranton!! I know! So exciting, right?! Actually, it was..so boo ya...so fun because we got to see a little tribute that they have there for the OFFICE (the show). It was soo funny because they had to literally take the "Welcome to Scranton" sign from the road and move it into their mall because too many people were pulling over to take pictures of it and it was causing traffic, or maybe accidents? Then we got pics with the whole crew (well..gigantic posters of them at least) and then they had a little kiosk in the mall where you could buy paraphernalia from the show. Good times...let me tell ya.. Later that night we went to a dang delicious Indian Food Restaurant and I was lovin every bit of it, I actually liked the veggie stuff better than the meat stuff..maybe I'm becoming vegetarian????

The next day we had wonderful church in the cute little Scranton Ward. I got to meet all of Randall's pepes that he works with so that was fun, and then Randall took me on a nature hike that afternoon, that was soo beautiful and I almost got eaten by a bear! j/k, but that would have been cool to see one. They did have all these cool bridges and stuff that made me feel like I was in Indian Jones Movies, but ya know..my life is just that exciting. Oh and we saw a dear!! It truly was an amazing hike..and I'm not much of a hiking kind of gal so it was pretty much a proud moment. Later that night we went and saw fireworks and they were way good (maybe not as good as Stadium of Fire--did i just say that?) but it was really cool because fireworks are way legal so I think everyone and their mom were shooting up fireworks, so everywhere I looked there was a monstrosity of a firework going off and it was like nothing I've seen before! YAY, Happy 4th!

The next day was my last day :( Sad day,..but nO! It was a happy day! Because my flight got canceled and we had to cancel our NYC trip, Randall surprised me and took me to Hershey, PA! I mean, what is better than going to a place with endless chocolate?!? So..we went on the tour and I totally felt like I was in the Willey Wonka factory except that I didnt get to eat all the chocolate so it definitely wan't as good, but it was still pretty much the coolest thing, the tour was like a RIDE! Afterward, we headed over to the amusement park and I was pretty impressed with how great it was with what I was expecting. It had a ton of roller coasters and even a water park! I wish I would have known to bring my swimming suit cuz it was like 106 degrees with humidity and I swear I almost passed out on the hershey kiss man. Geez. BUT it was still way fun--I love amusement parks and some of the roller coasters were too good to be true.

The next day, my hon bun took me to the airport and we got Panera right before which made my heart happy and I flew back to SLC :( which made my heart sad. As much as I wanted to stay, I still joyed in the fact of how great of weekend it was and I was so happy I got to spend it with my hubber. He really is the best and is making a great sacrifice doing this internship for our future :) Love ya bun face!

This is where Randall is doing his internship! Yay for Keystone!

As you can see... if you read the sign, I was not lying about living with a bar in his house

Um...this pic was supposed to be at the end since it was our last night together. We got ice cream with kung fu panda in front. Can't you tell I have mad skills at kung fu? ha..that's funny

This is where we did our painting! I kept calling it Color me Mine

Look! It's my cute bowl I painted! I can't wait to see it now that it's been in the oven!

Randall is so in tune with his painting and focusing hard.

Scranton baby! Ok, I promise, this is totally the church in the trailer for the office! oh yeah!

This was totally in their mall!

This pic was acutally supposed to be after the Scranton photos, but whatev, Senape's Pizza! yum!

Um..dont' ask me why I look like I'm trying to seduce the camera...anyway...

Look it's the whole crew! We totally cut Angela out

Best Indian food ever! SOO GOOD!

We went on a nature hike and Randall almost fell over the unsteady bridge ;)

Don't ask me why I wore shorts on a nature hike..not the best hiker..thats fo sho

ahh happy couple!

Look at the pretty river! well..creek..

Look! It's bunner

HERSHEY!

Aren't those Hershey guys so cute!?

Us at the beginning of the tour..I still don't know why we didn't just ask that guy standing there to take the pic..

Crystal Confections all the way

This is totally a scene from the Willy Wonka movie-oh wait..

Cocoa Beans on the conveyor belt!

Another scene from Willey Wonka and the Hershey Factory

Randall and his fav!

We were actually wanting a pic with the Hershey Kiss b/c we wanted to kiss him but he wasn't around so York Man had to due..I love their huge smiles..cracks me up

Um...we totally rode this..definitely scary going straight up and then straight down

Um..I love that this guy wanted to get in this pic with me..he must have a staring problem...Jamie?

Rhett's Birthday Bash!

2010-06-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

So this year, Rhett had another birthday, fancy that...it was way fun though because he came down from the BYU-Idaho and my rents came up and surprised him. We went to Benihanas (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) and the food was sooooooo good! Oh wow, I absolutely love that place! First because it has amazing food, and second because they cook the food right in front of you and it's pretty much talent what they can do with those knives and flying food everywhere. After we ate a yumalicious lunch with the fam, Royce showed us his office building, and we then chilled at Royce and Heather's house for the rest of the day (well..some of us chilled while my dad and Randall helped assemble Royce's new TV--what hard workers they are). We then celebrated later with an ice cream cake that we all thoroughly enjoyed and had some good family times! :) Gotta love the fam!

Yay! Almost everyone!

My hubby looks like he's in aw by the camera

Look at those knives go!

Ahhh...showin the love!

Happy 24th to Rhett!

Memorial Day Adventures

2010-06-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day this year was good times and great oldies minus the oldies, let me tell you! Randall and I woke up and we-of course-hit the sales at Office Max and Michaels! I got some cute scrapbooking stuff and Randall got some great deals on computer software. We then headed to Park City with Tyler and Camille! We were going to go to Souperman for lunch-but apparently "We're not open if we're not here"(duh) is what they had posted on their door and of course..they weren't there. We decided to eat at hit-the-spot Arbys and then we were off to the Outlet Stores!! We found some great deals because everything was like over 40% off and so we definitely had to pick up a few things. Afterward, we went to Olympic Park where the Olympics were held back in the day-2000, maybe? Anyway, we had a plan to go zip-lining because we all watch Amazing Race (the best reality show ever by the way) and they zip-line ALL the time on that show and it looked soo fun! SO we went to Olympic Park and went down the fastest and steepest zip-line in America!!! It was awesome! It's kinda funny because the scariest part was going up the ski lifts, as well as sitting right in front of a wall right before you go (not the actually zip-line part). It was a blast though and I'm soo happy we went! On the way back, we went to Grannies Ice cream because Camille highly recommended it and she went there all the time growing up. It sure was good :) Anyway, it was a great Memorial Day-next year will be hard to beat..unless... we go on a cruise..honey?

This really was one of the scariest parts..the mountain was so steep

Camille and Tyler were about to jump but we told them it would be worth it if they made it to the top ;)

Although my face maybe doesn't show it, I was WAY scared..this wall right in front of me was soo scary, this wall could have been the last thing I saw in life....geez

3....2....1...

And..we're off!

Look! It's Tyler and Camille on the Zip line! They broke the world record for fastest zip-lining! j/k

Randall got a really close up of Tyler going down!

Don't forget to watch this great video of us going down!! It's awesome!!! Don't mind the screaming for the first bit.. By the by, Honey though he was going to beat me but I pulled in at the last second..yeah!!

Mi graduación y cumpleaños de Randall de Oro!

2010-05-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, so it really has been a long time since I blogged, I guess not as long as the last gap between the last 2 posts, but its all good in the hood because I have lots of fun pics that I'm so excited to finally post!The first big event was graduation! Yes..I know all my high school friends that are reading this are thinking "wow..is she really just now graduating?" BUT it has been a long time coming and I really am happy that I can finally say that I graduated! Graduation was way fun because I had lots of family come up and we had a marv time! My parents, my grandma, my grandparents, my in-laws, and my Natty Patty with cute Hyrum all came up and it was a very joyous moment to have my family there to support me in this significant moment of my life. It was great because we were able to go up and stay with my rents up at the condo they got in Snowbird and take in the beautiful view of the mountains right out their window (sorry..no pic of that) We played games, ate yum yum food, and went to a one hour church service they offer to anyone staying at Snowbird, and get this--it includes Sunday School and Sacrament all in one hour!!(kinda reminded me of the old Chilean Mission Days). It was pretty sweet though because I still learned a ton and heard from great speakers all in that hour! It was kinda funny seeing people there in their pj's as well, oh well. SO anyway, we hung out and spent the night and played lots of games here, I graduated, ate at delish Chef's Table, saw Oceans, and just spent quality time with the fam--it was truly great times.

Yay! BYU!

Roycey Boy, Owl Face, and I

My diploma! (Yeah right-it was a blank piece of paper, I already got my diploma by mail)

Ahhh...Natty Patty, cute Hyrum, and I!

The whole group at Chef's Table-oh it was soo yummy-as usual

This picture was absolutely necessary because not only am I known for being a cougar (my husband is 3.5 years younger than me) but that definitely my school mascot..Go Cougs!

A lot of my side of the fam together..we are missing some pepes.

Me, bunner, and the In-Laws

The happy couple! ahhhh

I have no idea what G ma said to me but it must have been funny, I just love the tone this picture sets..does that make sense?

Ahh..ahh my gahh..I'm a graduate!!!

Randall's B Day--So as you scroll down even more, you'll be able to see fun pics of Randall'sGOLDEN birthday! He turned 23 on the 23rd of May! And don't you worry, my parents did call 23 times and left happy birthday messages, oh yes they did! We hung out with Royce and Heather on Saturday because the weren't able to make the Birthday Bash we had for him on Sunday(Royce had important business to attend to;) ). We played a weird game with them on Saturday and then went to Randall's favorite-Cheesecake Factory! We had a 2 hour wait, which stunk, but we hung out at the mall, and it was funny when Heather went off on her own to get Randall's b day present from her and Royce and said "she had to do some stuff," to keep it a surprise, which clearly made it fishy to Randall..but was really funny..Oh.. Good Times..but yeah, after wandering the mall, we finally got to eat way good food at Cheesecake Factory.

The next day, we enjoyed a relaxing Special B Day opening his gifts while enjoying the Sabbath, and later that day having birthday fun with some good friends--eating cake and ice cream and playing some fun games! Tyler won the "who knows Randall the Best game-but a lot of people came in a close 2nd! We also played A to Z which was a marathon of a game but really left us close to tears after how funny some of the responses were. Overall, it was a great evening and I'm really happy my hon bun had a great Golden Birthday. I just have to say that he really is such an amazing person, and even more--an amazing hubby..I really lucked out and feel very blessed to be his esposa. Anyway, sorry if this blog was a little on the long side..I had to include a lot and sometimes you just gotta include those details!

Russell, Randall, and I-go fam!

The classy couple themselves-Camille and Tyler

The happy newlyweds--Ben and Jackie

Katie and Andrew lookin hot

Lisa and Brandon with precious Ashlyn

Yay! Cake!

Honey is graciously explaining the difference of how much air is each of our lungs based on how big of balloons these are..you would think I was a smoker or something...

Our seating was funny cuz we sat across from our dates but it probably looked like we were on dates with the person next to us..ha!

It looks like he's going to kiss the cheesecake but we really just trying to reenact the blowing of the candle since I missed it the first time..oops

I kinda cut off his head, but that's ok..he's still cute

Picture Above

2010-05-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

I guess this blog post won't be of much use once I change my picture above again, but for now, I just have to say that I LOVE this picture. Even though I look crazy with my big goofy candid smile, I absolutely LOVE it because it shows both of our personalities so well--I am laughing or being silly as usual and my hubster is being sly and cool (and of course looking adorable at the same time)--pictures really do make the mems alive ;)

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

2010-04-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, I'm not getting married again or renewing my vows or anything, I just liked this as my title because it's catchy and it doesn't necessarily have to deal with weddings (well..it kinda does, but it's wedding season anyway, right? so whatev). For example, I'm going to apply this title to my life right now.

Something old-I haven't written on my blog for almost 2 months! That is ridiculoso. I guess I haven't taken pictures in a long time and I feel like my blog will be utterly boring if I didn't put pictures up on this specific post...so chances are, most of you will not look at this blog post because of how undecorated it is! But, whatev. Does anyone else have that problem in putting blog posts up?

Something new-I have recently been looking for a new job....actually..this should have gone in the "something old" category because I have been looking for about 2 months now...I really would like to find something in Public Health worksite wellness programs, but it's kinda hard to find because only one company runs all the wellness programs in Utah County and they're currently not hiring...bummer! But...I guess we'll have to see what else comes available, eh? ALSO, I will be walking as an undergrad next week! I graduated back in December, but there was no ceremony, so I'm doing it next week! YAY! I don't think it's as cracked up as it's supposed to be, but I get off of work and it gives a great excuse to see friends and fam! That's good, right?

ALSO, most already know, but Randall got a great internship in Pennsylvania! Good for him! He is such a little go getter and I know he'll do great! Go honey! Love you!

AlSO, I've been reading a lot lately and I have LOVED the books I have ready, don't worry, more to come on that matter on my next blog post.

Something borrowed-Camille..I'm really sorry we still have your spatula..We'll return it as soon as we remember! I promise. (I couldn't think of what else to put on this one so I figured this was good)

Something Blue-So I lost my favorite blue shirt...sad times everyone..sad times...but maybe this means I can go buy a new blue shirt? hmm? I also have been enjoying the nice weather Utah FINALLY has-the blue skies are gorgeous!

Anyway, that was my little blurp about my title, other than what I said, I really am going to try to blog more often! I really hope it's not another 2 months before I blog again because that would just be a waste of natural recourses. Jamie?

A Night Full of SPARKs

2010-03-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

Don't you guys just LOVE my cheesy titles? Well...they're great so whatev...About two weeks ago, Katie and Andrew and Randall and I went to a.....get this.....a non-alcoholic bar/great restaurant called SPARK Lounge (only in Provo, right?) It was great times however and we went for Katie's B Day!! The ambiance was awesome and it was so fun just to have good drinks, fun appetizers, and celebrate the life of Katie because she is aMAZing and I just love her to pieces!! Randall got the berry martini which was scrumptious, I got the pomegron which had lime and pomegranate which was alright, but not as good as the other drinks, Katie tried the mango mojito which was delightful, and Andrew got the shirly temple which was awesome because it had cotton candy (like a huge piece) on top of the drink!! SOO they were all really good, and we got some cute little appetizers to go along with them. We definitely had a great time and would recommend it to anyone that doesn't drink alcohol (which is about 90% of my blog friends) and if you live in Provo (which is again..about another 60% of my blog friends) Below are some fab pics that you will just LOVE! What a great night to celebrate fabulous friends and the life of one of my favorite people!

ahhh Katie!

Ahh, she turned 21!! ;)

Me and honey!

Katie and her hubby

What an Ambiance!

Ah! We're trapped! jk

There we are! Look at our cool drinks!! yay! We sat upstairs in a really cool loft looking over the place. Yay for Spark!

I left my heart in San Francisco...and Bakersfield

2010-02-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

Randall and I really wanted to go on a little trippy trip..well....we also really wanted to get out of Utah for a change of scenery as well!(well.. and a change of weather) We had planned on taking a trip to go see Natty Patty anyway so we figured the 3 day Presidents Day weekend would be perfect! Natty's baby boy Hyrum, practically like a new nephew to us, was being blessed that Sunday and so it was a great weekend to take a vaca! Friday morning we flew into San Francisco and were picked up my g ma's neighbor Darrell, that is just a total sweet heart! We then spent the day in San Fran and saw the many amazing sights! Of course we went to Pier 39 and looked in all the cool shops, traveled down Fishermn's Warf, tasted the amazing chocolate at Ghiradelli Square, and lunched at the infamous Boudin's Bakery where, of course, the best sourdough bread is made! We didn't get to go to Alcatraz, but that was kinda out of our travel budget-dang its got expensive! However, we had a blast in San Fran and it brought back the many mems of going there with my family as a little girl.

On Saturday, we headed down to Bakersfield and picked my parents up in Fresno on the way there. We all went to dinner with Natty, John, and baby Hyrum and had a great time! The next day we went to church and the baby blessing was beautiful. We then had a little get together at Natty's house and celebrated such a wonderful memory for the Lalone family. We have plenty of pics to celebrate precious little Hyrum. What a great weekend to spend with my wonderful valentine, family, and friends!!

Look! We had a baby and didn't tell anyone!! Isn't he ador??!

Ha ha..don't worry..this is definitely not our baby...he belongs to Natty patty, but he is a cutie patootie..fo sho

fmoa(future mother of America) this doesn't mean i'm preggo

My mom could not stop holding this sweet babe

AHHH what a cute fam!

Natty took a "chance"

He is presh

fun times at Applebees!

This was a really cool random sculpture

yum yum sourdough bread!! Honey needs a tan ;)

The cute couple in Ghiradelli Square

Chocolate=heaven

seafood!! yummy

We didn't go on a cable car this time..but maybe next

um....this place does not even compare to our future "What the Crepe?" Am I right or am I right Laura? They don't even know! That name is kinda boring as well...

Sea Lions!

Um...this guy was soo weird..he stuck a needle up his nose and walked on glass..freaky freaky

ahhh...my shop

Honey really wanted to go swimming with the whales but they didn't offer that at Pier 39..jk

I love SAN FRAN!

RITE AID IS MY FAV.

2010-02-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

SO just when I thought I just got a great deal at Smiths, we turned around and got an even BETTER deal at RITE AID!! All the things below we not only got for free, but WE MADE 7 BUCKS OFF OF THEM!! I think the total was supposed to be over 40 bucks or something! So I know that all you amazing ladies that are already phenomenal at couponing probably won't be surprised by this dazzling deal, but I was pretty much in awe!! Just to think, all this for free, PLUS we get dollas!! Geez....I guess this makes up for being a poor post- college student, eh???Yeah.... Not exactly...but its still fun and we get to save money while doing it :) HOLLA

That's right-free products that make my hon bun smell good!! Thank you Rite Aid!!

COUPON MADNESS

2010-02-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

SO, even though we started couponing like even before our marriage, I've gotten a lot more into it lately and I've almost gotten as good as Randall-which is really hard to do-BAAAA LEVE me(yes..i know that is spelled wrong) SO I went to this couponing class like 2 weeks ago and it TOTALLY got me pumped to do couponing, especially when the teacher stressed how much easier it is than some make it out to be. SO-like I said, I got way more into it and we have been saving money like CRAAAZY! The picture posted below probably seems like we spent about $75 bucks, right? WELL, that's about how much it should have been if we paid full price for it. OHH but don't you worry, because with store sales and coupons, we saved close to 65% making it 24 buck a roos!!! I know, right?! pretty dang amazing, I definitely appreeshed (short for appreciate) those deals..let me tell ya! Anyway, I definitely recommend gettin those scissors out and start organizing those coupons because you will lOVE the way you save mula, especially in this economy. I never thought I would post a pic like this because I thought it was soo funny how all these young moms would post pics like these and say how much money they saved, but believe me, it makes my heart happy and I feel way good-so its ok if you want to too pepes ;)

YES ALL OF THIS FOR $24.00! THAT'S HOT!

MY FAB BIRTHDAY

2010-01-13T19:04:00.001-08:00

SO My birthday was the best this year because I got 300 comments on my facebook wall as apposed to the 250 I got last year!!! wooo hooo!!.......yeah right...that would be kinda funny though if I actually counted. Anyway, I kinda got 2 b days this year because we celebrated one in Texas--obviously before my b day and one in Utah--which was kinda after my birthday. The one in Texas was celebrated by my sweet mommy making me a yumalicious (even though this isn't a word, it definitely should be) birthday cake. We went to Pei Wei which has super yummy Chinese food and I opened my lovely presents there (clothes, a nice frame, nice note cards, etc) It was grand! Then Randall and I celebrated here in Utah by going out to PF Changs (this was actually on the Friday after my b day since Randall had class til 9 on my birthday) It was splendid because we got a gift card from someone very special for my b day and we went! My fav! It was REALLY funny though because we ran into some good friends--Katie and Andrew and it was totally random so we got a pic of them. We then went to Coldstone to get a cake!! It was truly delightful I must say so myself. It was also just so pretty so I had to take a few pictures with it :) And then it was even more funny because we ran into more friends-Scott and Lacey, but no pic of them :( But anyhoo it was a great time and I have to say that what I loved the most was the sweet note my hub bub (just made that up) wrote me, along with the AWESOME game Zooloretto that came with it!! Gotta love husbands! SO it has definitely added to our game collection and we definitely won't be needing any more games in quite a while :) Anyway, here a few pics to give you a visual of the lovely 26th B DAY...yes...some of you are thinking that is pretty old for not having any babies...but then again you're probably Mormon if you are thinking that...I probably shouldn't say that considering 3/4 of my blog friends are Mormon....hmmm...oh well I still love ya'll!!!!!!!!

Look! My pretty cake!

Look! Another!

Ahh! Running into Katie and Andrew! Good times!

Further back is better..

Yeah...so this pic is way bad of me..but I thought it was pretty cute of my hubster so I decided to put it up on the blog :)

Yay for 2 cakes! can't get enough cake!

Pei Wei! Yay!

Christmas VACA

2010-01-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

SO I'm finally blogging again, aren't you guys proud? I really don't know who I'm saying that to because I don't actually know how many people read this blog, but whatev, this blog rocks :) I just spent a whole lot of time blogging when I should have taken the time to call all the friends that I REALLY need to call, but GOSH, you don't blog for a while, and you feel awful! I don't get it?? But anyway, Christmas VACA this year was FABULOUS. It was seriously what Randall and I needed after a hard working semester :) It got kinda crazy switching off every other day with our families, but in the end, it worked out great and we were VERY grateful we got to spend time with both of our families, as well as reflect upon the importance of this time of year. Even though the pictures are a little bit out of order, I've made sure I placed explanations under each place we were in. LOVED it!

Oh my gosh! This was presh! My g ma bowled!! Now she has some years on her, so we were all really proud of her and this pic captures the moment perfectly.

Don't ask me what I'm doing here

Genuis Robert!

Rhetty poo!! OH and don't worry, I'm not preggers, I just am showing my new 5 month being married pooch :( don't worry..workin on that ;)

SOO we're back in Texas again, these were taken on Christmas Day! Can you tell? We look a little tired but whatev-good times!! FOOD, FAMILY, FUN! Triple F baby. As you can see, we also went bowling that day and saw Sherlock Holmes-such a good movie!

SO these pics are a little out of order..considering these were taken in Salt Lake, but that's ok because they're pretty pictures and I pretty much love them! Isn't my hubby just so cute?!

OMG OMG OMG. That's really all I can say!!! So we had this extremely awesome opportunity to go to Wolf Creek Lodge. AND in this lodge, there is an indoor water park!! Can i say-AMAZING!! We got to go with my mom's cousin because she stayed there and got us passes! Thank you Barb! It was really cool though, all we did all day was go down these really cool slides. Water parks are my FAV!!!
SOO as you'll see above we went bowling twice! Once with Randall's family and once with ours. It was great times though cuz as you can see, with Randall's family, we got to go with our nephews that are ADOR and in this pic, you can see Randall helping out little E man (Ethan) So ador-but yes, it was great times, and the bumpers actually helped a lot..wow..that's pretty sad...

The above pictures explain the AMAZING Hockey Game that we had the privilege of attending with Randall's parents. This was soo amazing because we got to go to a LIVE hockey game! This brought back mems from elementary school when my friend Nikole would always talk about the St. Louis Blues and how she would go to a game like EVERY week. I never understood what the hype was until I actually went. I still don't think its as life-changing as Nikole thought, but it definitely was something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. Even though there really wasn't any fights which I was disappointed by, they still ran into the wall which was pretty funny. There was also this cool blimp up in the sky at the game (hence the picture of the blimp) and they were shooting free money out for Chilis! Luckily, Karma caught one (well actually her neighbor did, but since he already caught one, he felt sorry and gave one to us.) It was pretty fantabulous if I must say so myself. It was also really cold in there..burrrrrrrrrr! OH! and the Stars won!! what what!!!

So as you can see, yes...there was SNOW in Texas on Christmas!! It was actually a white Christmas!! Which made me want to watch the movie-AND of course I did-LOVE IT, so that was happy times for all in Texas, and of course as you can see--I took these pictures on the day of Christmas and the snow is already melting away, it was pretty much gone by the 26th...that's Texas for ya!

Ward Activity Night

2009-12-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

So last Friday night was Ward Activity Night and wow-was it good times! We first had a catered dinner by BYU Catering which actually was pretty good-I mainly liked the yummy ranch dressing salad and creamy cheesy potatoes! BUT we also got our pictures taken as noted below. We also volunteered to participate in this little relay race where one team on one side of the table had to complete a number of tasks such as stringing popcorn, putting Pez candies in a pez container, making a snowflake-doing all of this while wearing gloves and trying to beat the opposing team on the other side of the table. Our job on our team was to have Randall decorate a Christmas cookie with frosting and sprinkles while I had to eat the dang thing! OH MY GOSH! It was like the most difficult thing to chew in the world!! The consistency was soo thick that I could barely chew it and since I have such a small mouth-it was especially hard! SO yes..we did lose because I cant' chew fast and I have a small mouth (and I didn't really like the cookie either as you can tell in the pic) BUT it was great times and I'm glad we got to participate! So I've posted some pics because we FINALLY have some! yay!

A NEW FAV.

2009-12-12T07:48:00.001-08:00

SO one weekend back during this fall semester, Randall's mom cam out and bought us edemame (I think that's how you spell it, but whatev) AND we just fell in love!!!!!!!!!! It is absolutely fab! Seriously, it is soo scrumptious AND it's really healthy for you since there are soy beans inside! All you have to do is cook them in the micro for 3 minutes, season them with sea salt and wua la! They're ready! Then you bite down and suck the bean out without eating the outer shell. I actually had them before when I went to lunch with some family friends at the Cheesecake Factory. They served them as an appetizer!! Can you believe it! It is that good! However, I thought that was kinda silly since you can go to Costco, get a huge box for like 10 bucks or something, and receive muchisimo packets of edemame! Yes it is glorious. We are now hooked. Many of you probably have tried them at one time or another in your life . Many of you are probably thinking-duh Crystal-of course we've heard of edemame, but that's ok, because if so, this is just a friendly reminder to go out and buy some :) I think I'll have some for lunch today.............

We love making tree sweaters

2009-12-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

I just want to let everyone to know that Randall and I love making tree sweaters and if anyone thinks that it's a waste of time can take it up with me.

Oh to be in Texas right now

2009-12-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

SO, I always forget how much I would like to be living in Texas right now until huge snow storms come our way to P town where we get pretty much-endless snow! (and I mean-endless..like it doesn't stop seriously!) I wouldn't mind, I think, if I stayed at home all day and just got to watch the snow from my window, BUT since I do go to work all day, yes, it becomes a nuisance! Not to mention the roads that are barely shoveled and the long time it takes to shovel the snow off my car! lol.. but I don't want to sound like too much of a complainer since that's not becoming SO I will say again-it is pretty, and that's about all that's good about snow. :) Hope you enjoy the pix!

What a great Date Night!!

2009-12-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

So even though this post won't have pictures because I didn't take any last night, and I'm really sorry because I LOVE posting pics, I still just have to write about a great date night that I had with my honey last night! I got home from my internship on Friday night since it was the last day of my internship!! YAY! I will be graduating this month! We then ate some pizza and headed over to a cool place called "Comedy Sports" Heard of it? Well, if you haven't, you definitely need to become well acquainted! It was soo fun! It's pretty much a show that displays two teams competing against each other doing improv comedy skits and it's hilar! Randall and I could not stop laughing! In fact, it was so funny, my abs actually started hurting!! I know-sad times, I'm way out of shape, right? right. BUT it was suuuch good times and I highly recommend it to anyone that hasn't been or hasn't even heard of it! By far-the best comedy you can get in little Provo. I've been twice now and I wish I had the money to go every week! We then got some ice cream at Sub Zero--which I thought would be empty and it's FREEZING outside, but apparently in Provo-even the ice creams shops are filled on a Friday night in the middle of the shivering cold winter. We got some yummy ice cream and headed home to a warm apartment. It was a good night though, lots of laughs and good times with my honey bun. What I'm going to write below really won't matter to most of you, but I need to write them so I don't forget.

Date night with Alex and Chris-"horn dog"

Date night with Katie and Andrew-"hot flashes"

Natty had her baby boy!!

2009-11-25T14:02:00.001-08:00

Ok so even though most of you probably haven't met Natty Patty, she's wonderful and she just had a darling little boy!! She's practically a sister to me(that's how close we are) and that's why I feel that I need to post this blog-especially since she doesn't have a blog!! Now even if you don't know her, it's ok because her baby boy is just presh! I just had to put up some pics of her baby Hyrum Lalone because he is just too cute to boot! So I hope you enjoy! I can't wait to meet him in person! YAY! i'm an auntie poo! Congrats Natty and John! Love you guys!

Our Wedding!

2009-11-21T09:17:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of our pics from our wonderful wedding!! It was a beautiful day that was shared with many beloved friends and family. We love these pictures because they truly capture the day with the love, smiles, and laughter that was shared. The day was pretty hot since it took place in Dallas, Texas, but we were pretty blessed since there was a small breeze that was felt all throughout the picture taking (the only time we were outside). After we were sealed in the temple, we took many pictures and then headed over for a very nice luncheon where many endearing words were shared about Randall and I from our loved ones that we care so much about. Later that night, we had a radiant reception. It was just stunning! We had a quick line, then ate a scrumptious dinner, and last had some heart felt speeches, and ended the night, of course, with the regular traditions and some dancin!! (oh so fun!) It really was such a perfect day that I'll never forget. Randall and I were sooo grateful for all our family and friends that helped with such a special day-whether they were there to help set up or just there to support!! I love my honey so much and I'm so happy that we were able to find each other and marry for all time and eternity in the temple. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!

My Bro was on Jeopardy!

2009-11-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

OMG In case you didn't hear, my brother was on Jeopardy!! If you want to see a short clip of him advertising for the show he was on, go to http://jeopardy.com/showguide/thisweek/ I don't think you'll be able to watch him from Jeopardy's website ofthe actual show, but you'll get to see him advertise for his viewing!! His name is Robert Severson! He was soo good and I was soo proud of my brother Robert!! If you live near my home, ask my mom and I'm sure she has a recording of him on the actual show!! Go Robert!!!

Honeymoon!!

2009-11-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, so we have been extremely bad at keeping up with our blog, but we REALLY will try getting better at updating our posts! I've decided that I was sick of waiting for my wedding pictures to come, so I decided to put some of the honeymoon pictures up first, and then the we'll put the wedding pics up as the grand finale! We went to West Palm Beach for our honeymoon! It was gorgeous! We ate all sorts of yummy food and saw some fantastic things! We went to a minor league baseball game and ate some scrumptious seafood at different restaurants around the island (as noted from all the pics at restaurants.) We also went to the Lion Country Safari where we saw all sorts of animals that walked right by our car! We relaxed by the beach and swam in the pool! A sunset cruise was the best way to end the fun vaca!! Hope you enjoy the pics :)

Coupons Rite Aid Style

2009-06-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

So here is my amazing deals i made at rite aid to kick off the week!!

Gillette fusion razor Regular: 11.99
Sale: 8.99 Coupon $4 off
Total = 4.99

Soft Soap Body wash Regular 4.99
Sale 3.99 Coupon 75 cents
Final Price = 3.25

Colgate Toothpaste Regular 3.39
Sale 1.99 Coupons $1 instore coupon 75 cents coupon
Final Price =25 cents!!!

Replenish Contact Solution Regular : 9.99
Coupons 3 dollar off instore 1.75 coupon
Final Price = 5.24

Then i used a $5 off a $25 dollar purchase

Should have cost $30.36
I payed 11.43!!

Our first couponing experience

2009-06-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

So Crystal and I decided that we should start couponing with some help from my good ol' sis. So, we got the Sunday paper this week and cut out all the coupons we wanted and also went online and got some good ones. So today, we decided to venture out to Target and practice our couponing skills. Then here's how we did:

3 Hershey Bliss Candy Bars $1.00 each After coupon: free
Kraft Barbeque Sauce: $2.00. After coupon: $1.00
Kraft Salad Dressing Sale $1.59. After coupon: $.59
London Broil Steak $4.93. After coupon: $2.43
Edge Shave Gel $2.24. After coupon: $1.24
Aquafresh Toothpaste $1.97. After coupon: $.97

Total Cost: $5.44. Total Savings: $10.36

Not too bad, eh?

Her side of the Proposal Story!

2009-05-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

SO. We we got out on the park and started walking towards a spot to put the blanket down. We were supposed to have FHE that night with Randall's cousin and her fiance, however, I hadn't seen them anywhere when we started looking for a spot to sit. He had a picnic basket, brought me flowers when he came to pick me up, and looked really nice, so I thought something may be up. I asked where the other couple was and he said he wasn't sure why they weren't there yet, and he said he would text them. When we sat down, he said he got a text back from them and showed me saying that they would be late. Then I definitely figured he wouldnt propose because they were coming. He started getting out the food from the basket and we started eating some fruit and cheese and crackers. He also gave me a book on marriage which was really cute and I wondered if the FHE lesson would be on marriage...So we were eating the food, and I said that I should have brought something to drink and he said to look in the basket because there was something to drink in there. I looked inside the basket and there was two glasses with a martinelli bottle! I got so excited since I love sparkling apple cider. Then once I pulled out the bottle and the two glasses, there was a sign at the bottom of the basket that said, "Crystal will you marry me?" Then he got on one knee and proposed. It was so cute! Then he gave me a big hug and told me how much he loved me and of course I said yes!!!
We took lots of pictures and then went on our way. He said he wanted to take me out to dinner and then we headed to PF Changs. It was great because his mom was in town visiting her sister and her kids. They met up with us at the front of PF Changs while admiring the ring and congratulating us. Then Randall and I went to dinner to celebrate our engagement and ate lots of yummy delicious food.
It was a wonderful night in which we were up a while calling friends and family. Of course we didnt have time to call everyone so we called some the next day as well! It was a splendid night and I enjoyed every bit of it! I'm so happy to be engaged to my best friend and love of my life. We hope to get married on August 15th and have it be the best day of our lives! I can't wait!

More Pictures

2009-05-03T20:43:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pictures from easter dinner and the proposal night

The Proposal

2009-05-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

So here is the low down on how i popped the big question....

So i told Crystal that we were going to Rock Canyon Park to meet my cousin Jessica and her fiance Robbie for an FHE.. Little did she know that Jessica had no intention of coming :)

So we went into the park and began to have a little picnic with some fruit and cheese and crakers. And after a little while Crystal asked for something to drink and i told her there was some in the picnic basket so i slide it over to her to get it out. So she went to pull out the sparkling grape juice. And when she went to pull it out she saw the paper that is in the picture hidden beneath the juice and glasses. So when she saw it she gasp in suprise and as she did i pulled out the ring from my pocket and got on one knee and asked her to marry me. And she did the nicest thing and said yes!!!!

More Recent Pictures

2009-04-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

here are just some of the pictures we have had recently...

2009-04-07T06:17:00.001-07:00

Temple Square Trip

2009-04-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

This is when Crystal and I went to Salt Lake to hear the Orchestra at Temple Square, it was a lot of fun, and everything was so nice because it was the week before conference! It was great!

A Blog!

2009-04-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

Look at me i started a blog!