New Nephew Time!

We got another NEPHEW!!! Hunter Valentine... Stole our hearts.  How many times can your heart be stolen? Cuz seriously, these kids kill me.  How do we look? Should we have a baby now? Cuz we just might be baby hungry!  We are so happy to have this little squirt in our lives.  Happiest little champ around. It was so fun to be there for his blessing day.  I wanted to keep him though.

It was everything I could do to not kiss his cheeks all day long.  So I only kissed them half-day long...

We had to practice future family pics... It's for fun.

What a hott group of in-laws I have.  Couldn't have gotten more blessed.  Love you Slade bunch!

And welcome to the fam Hunter!

Thanksgiving All year long?

Yet again, a blast from the past.  Not having school is allowing for a lot of catch up :)

So last year, We had thanksgiving at my family's home because we are so lucky to have them so close.  By golly, we spend the whole week with them.  It was a dream come true.  If you didn't already know, I am obsessed with my family. We are just a splendid group of pals.

The actual feast was scrumptious obviously.  We've never had all the extended fam at my parent's house but we did it this year and it was just dandy.  And I offered my assistance to get all the stuffs off of the turkey bones... What was I thinking?! It was such a LONG, gross process. But luckily my grandma is a saint and she helped me.  I love her so much.

To celebrate our freedoms that we are so thankful for... for the time being.  We went up in the mountains and went shooting.  It was DELIGHTFUL.  I try to be hott for my loverboy. So I shoot up a storm. He likes it and we have to be prepared for a possible emergency where I have to hunt for dinner... still not sure I can do that BUT... We have to practice.

Well I am so thankful for so many things. I would feel so sad and ungrateful if I didn't list just a few of the things I am blessed with.  My family. my friends. the gospel. food to eat. AUSTIN.

This is gross, but I love both of them, so I guess it's okay that they love each other.

...a house to live in. a school (BYU) to attend. a future to look forward to. clothes to wear. a fireplace. indoor plumbing. cameras. blogs. freedom.  Austin's decision to serve in the army. Hope. our turtle. Blanche, our car.  a body that works. a brain that can learn new things. skin that can (hopefully) heal itself. horses. Myah. Faith. a beautiful Utah to live in. and last but the opposite of least, Christ. I am so extremely blessed.
Happy Thanksgiving.... in May!

Sometimes it takes us forever to get that perfect picture. 

My Half-Marathon Hottie

 So my LoverButt decided that he wanted to be awesome and start running and training for a half marathon. I wanted to do it with him so I ran with him a little and by the 2nd or 3rd time I was holding him back so much because of my shin splints, that I had to let him run without me.  What a saint I am :)  I used to run track in Jr. High and the start of High school and then I started to get shin splints and I have never been able to run since then. It makes me soooo sad cuz my dad is a big time runner and I've always wanted to be able to run with him. Any shin splint remedy suggestions?

Anyway, this is not supposed to be about me.  Back to the hunk.  So he trained and trained and was so religious with it.  He kept to his schedule so well.  I rode my bike with him while he ran. that's true love.

But the day came... Chick-fil-A half-marathon time.  SO EARLY!

Remind me to never wear a marshmallow coat again.
And they were a little excited!

And Em and I supported the cause while our boyfriends ran the race... at Chick-fil-A. We know what's up.

They did so well! I seriously can't imagine running for so long.  I really want to be able to do that someday but my splints are hindering my dreams.  DUMB.  But at least my other half completed this goal.  So proud of him...  Imagine the pic on the right as a victory finish. My camera froze and glitched on the taking of a pic.  Wife with camera fail.

Of course, his first thing he ate after the race was a Fatboy ice cream sandwich.  Hilarious.  His arteries can't feel too good about these cravings. But he sure earned it!

He had a good support group and my parents even came to support. Love them.

I am definitely proud of this bad boy.  And even prouder that he's continued running.  We made a deal that if he could buy a bunch of running stuff, then he would keep running.  I thought it would all end when it got to be wintery, blustery, icey wonderland... but he made the treadmill very happy this freezing season.  

Oh then we celebrated with our first time to Scheel's.. Yippee! Awesome store.

Keep up the good work hottie! Maybe someday I'll be able to keep up with you without wheels!

Happy LATE Halloween Homies!

May be late... like a year late.  But that's what I'm into...When both your computers stop working and you have no way to sort out pictures, you fall behind. Better late than never!

For the festive Halloween season (yes, it is a season because Aust told me that he thinks it's his favorite holiday... we will be one of those families that is decked out in halloween decor), we went to a dinner theater at the Old Spaghetti Factory and watched/participated in "Dracula".  That was so fun.  They are great singers and just fun actors that you interact with while eating. Best of both worlds. Anything mixed with food is a success in my book.  I recommend the Salty Dinner Theater. It was delightful and had beautiful music and num nums.

Then we made some cute pumpkins with our next door neighbors, Danae and Matt. Simply adorable.

The rest of Halloween was quite the adventure.  My lovely spouse is adorable and is soooooo into zombies, apocalypses, and of course, "The Walking Dead" so it was only necessary for us to be zombies.  If you can't beat the zombies, become them, right? I hereby award myself the "Good Wife Award" because I didn't want to be disgusting, but that's what you do for love sometimes.  

So we went to a fun party with our friendies and we were DISGUSTING! To make the costume real, we bit into blood capsules right before walking into the door, I was gagging and dying... but I bet real zombies do that too.  I felt so gross but at the same time, it was so fun not to worry about looking good.  People were grossed out by us, and that was the goal.  FUN!!!!! We are eating food and I spill on myself.... GREAT! It adds to the costume.  I really felt like I could get used to that life style.

It took a couple of takes before we weren't dying laughing before I ate her face off.  Clearly, this is a laughing matter.  Just hold STILL Ciara!!!

Seriously, how gross can you get? My mom helped with our gashes and oozies. She's good. But after a little while, I was grossed out by myself too. I seriously lost my appetite after looking in the mirror.  Nothing like eating chili with your forehead gushing nasties.

  You can only be peeling, bloody, oozing, grey, molding, nasty, and dead for so long before it really starts wearing on ya.  I highly don't suggest living the life of a zombie. But to make it all worth it, we won BEST COSTUME!!!!! Such a proud moment.  Such fun friends!

Better late than never? And to think, you all thought I was a rude person for never saying Happy Halloween.  Impatience is frowned upon people.

Happy Halloween in May!

My Birthday Reminiscing

So, due to the fact that our computers broke, I have recovered these pictures, FINALLY. It's time to celebrate!

I had a birthday one time and it was neat.  First birthday that Austo has been with me for. And I turned 22 (way back in JULY) Woot Woot! I love dragging out special occasions but this is an all time longest birthday ever (up till 2 months short of my next one). Don't judge.

Last picture taken as a 21 year old.  Don't I look soo young? haha ho ho

Aust made it special.  Breakfast-in-bed.  Egg and Sloppy Joe breakfast burrito.  Classic Aust.  And it tasted good cuz it was made with love.

I went and taught swimming lessons and my swim students all swam so well for me as a birthday present.  One of my favorites actually gave me a washrag rolled up like a cupcake (see below). Precious.  I took the hint.  My mom and little sisters are the best and brought us smoothies for a swim-snack. LOVE them.  They made me the BEST lunch, too! Followed by an hour long body massage and manicure (done by them... they rock right?).  SO SPOILED!!

That night we went out to eat at Milagro's (compliments of Lin... thanks for the gift card!!!) 

and then to our friend Siera's wedding reception.  Um, Yes, given the chance, we will rob you of doughnuts.  Fatties and lovin' it.

Then my spousey spoiled me.  I love him.

That weekend, we planned a bunch of outings for my birthday.  An indoor football game, an oval track racing extravaganza, and a family party on Sunday.  Unfortunately, I got sick on my birthday evening and I wasn't well for the next week.  So, we cancelled all of our plans. BUMMER.  Who wants to spend festivities in bed?  This was the reality.

---------------

But WEEKS later, we celebrated mine and my dadda's birthdays together.  I love it when birthdays last a month. We made the incredible meal that we ate with my parents at our favorite restaurant down our street in China.  KungPao Chicken, Spicy green beans, and corn soup. It was such a fun blast from the past.  A little trip down China's memory lane.

LOVE IT!

And we had a grand time (Andi is not pictured because she was taking all of the pictures... like a champ)

And we had syncronized candle blowing... practiced this one for YEARS!

They are the best.  I love forever when it's filled with them.  Happy my birthday.  And don't think that I'm cheating the system when you get another birthday post of myself in a few short months :)

Give Lin Back to Us!!

Well, it's about time I face the truth.  My good pal Lindsey Rhodes Newman, the lovely, and her cute family moved to Boston.  I know it's bound to happen to a friend group... Some people just have to live cooler lives than others.  But it's still super tricky to cope with.  When you're young and just meeting in Mr. B. Jolley's science class, you think you'll just always get to see each other every day.  But oh how quickly that changes once high school is over. Not to mention 5 years after high school is over.  We are OLD.  Reminiscing on high school days... It's seriously crazy to think that we are all in such different places in our lives.  Married, babies, moving, staying, missions, working, school, military, internships, livin up being single, and doing who knows what... Long live the NINE from ALPINE!!  But one thing that I loved about the whole leaving thing, is how much partying we got to do before she left.  Lin, we love you.

One of the faves was a breakfast party... just cherish this ball of friendship... and yummies.

um, hello beautiful.

And of course, the classic photoshoots.

Don't judge... we had all just rolled out of bed, except Lin.  She had just gone running, like a champ. and a hottie.  I love my girls.

Lin, I just have to say this publicly:  Utah is not quite as good without you in it.  I'm jealous of Boston for getting you.  What a fun fun adventure you and your Nate face get to have together... oh and not to mention your TWO (ya what the heck? you have two kids...TWO?!) beautiful little offspring.  I miss you so much and can't wait to have you come back and visit.  I am thinking I shall stow away in your suitcase when you go back... just for a little bit. or a lottle bit.  You are such a ray of awesomeness and I aspire to be the mom and wife that you are.  Keep livin' the dream. Stop flooding your kitchen. And keep workin' it with your hotness (especially that bodacious hair). Keep making your own yogurt (who ARE you?).  Keep poppin out those kids.  So glad we are besties. LOVE YOU!

Love, Auntie Pai (I'm not your auntie... just your babies... just to keep things straight)

How Could I Desert You!?

I had an experience last summer that showed me just how much my Heavenly Father loves me.  A tender mercy that astounded me by its simplicity.  

During the summer, I spent my hours roasting in the sun, teaching little kids how to kick their legs and blow bubbles out of their noses. This sounds like a dream that everyone aspires to; however, when your fingers have been pruney for more than 6 hours, you wonder if they will ever come back to their plump, round goodness.  Oh, and the sun is brutal.  Skin cancer is hopefully not in my future because I took so many precautions to ensure that my skin wouldn't fry crispy.  Sunscreen, ugly fisher hat, full covering body glove shirt... you get the picture.  Here is a soggy picture of me. Not my best look but definitely better than my crispy, red skin look. 

So about the shirt.  I wear this shirt everyday.  I got it for my birthday a couple of years ago to teach swim lessons in and it fit like a glove.  Either I have shrunk into a mini-me, OR chlorine has terminal effects on elastic.  Unfortunately for me and the rest of swimsuit wearers out there: the latter is true.  As unflattering as this sheet-like robe is on me, it holds a special place in my heart, and it covers up the trouble areas when I have to get out a help a kid off the diving board.  I've mentioned before that I get attached to inanimate objects... well this is one of them. I LOVE this shirt.  I mean, with how drop-dead gorgeous it makes me look (please say you read that with thick sarcasm), who wouldn't be obsessed with it?

Anywho, here's where the story takes turn for the worse.  I always put the soaking thing on the top of Blanche (my trusty Buick) to dry on the way back to my parents' house.  It is stretched to oblivion so it normally spans across the top of the car and just wraps itself snuggly on the the sun-baked roof.  This particular day, I put it on the Blanche's trunk to spice things up a bit.  Apparently this spontaneity through me for a loop and I forgot about good ol' shirty.  I left my parents house without taken that sweet thang off the trunk.  I got to my house in Orem and lived my day like a normal person.  

The next day, as I arrived to teach, I reached in my bag to retrieve my trusty covering, only to come out empty-handed and heart-broken!  My shirt was gone!  Sounds dramatic, but it was TRAUMATIC! I felt so sad and like I had betrayed my little shirt.  It had done nothing but protect me for many years and I threw it in the gutter without even a backward glance to see if it was okay. It must have felt so betrayed (there I go with giving inanimate objects a personality... but they totally have personality if you give it to them). I was sick and guilt-ridden.  I prayed that I would be able to find it by the side of the road on the roundabout (about a mile and a half away from home), cuz if it didn't fall off there... there's no way I would find it. I prayed and prayed but then felt a little silly that I was praying to find an old stretched out, floppy shirt. 

I drove to the roundabout after work and drove around it multiple times searching for my lost friend.  Nothing.  So after calming myself down and convincing myself that some homeless guy must have found it and loved it.  Then I hesitantly threw in the towel on this whole shirt-rescuing thing.  There was no way that it was still alive a whole 24 hours after I deserted it.  So I drove for about 10 minutes and I almost got to Lone Peak High School, when I passed a little bunched up black thing by the gutter.  I gasped audibly! I quickly swirved off to side of the road and paused.  I was filled with anxiety of happiness but tried not to get too excited cuz it was prolly someones stinky underwear or something.  I reversed Blanche and RAN to the bundle.  I slowly picked it up and WHAAAATTT!!!???? My little pal! It was just waiting for me!  It survived the ride of its life on Blanche for about 12 whole minutes before its grip loosened!!

I was THRILLED!! I felt so grateful.  In all reality, I think I cried.  But I definitely learned a lot about what's important to God:  Anything that is important to His children. Even a shlumpy ol' water shirt.