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December

2012-01-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

Here are a few things that happened in December:
1. Kingston turned 4 and I made my FIST ever fondant cake to celebrate. It was hard, but turned out pretty cute.
2. We decorated our very small Christmas tree. MERRY CHRISTMAS
3.The Keime's had their annual Christmas Cookie Bake off. Barry "made"/put in the oven... brownies wrapped in peanut butter cookies. The winner yet again was Rustin and Denae with delish magic bars.
4. My work had a big company party which was, yes themed, Western. Isn't there already a theme to CHRISTMAS parties...? It was LAME for these reasons, I am not the biggest fan of those I work with. Anne my favorite hygiene pal and I were shunned from our table. Barry and I don't drink. The music was so unbelievable loud you couldn't even talk to the person right next to you. Barry would not country dance with me. One positive, dinner was good.
5. My niece Dempsey was born. I got a call in the wee early hours of the morning from my brother that it was time. So Auntie Lisa watched Kingston and London for the day. We even went to church at 8am PARTY!

Give Thanks

2011-12-13T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hallow's eve

2011-11-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

Barry and I were kinda party poopers this year for Halloween. True. We didn't dress-up or even give out candy, but I did, at least, carve pumpkins with Bret, Becki and the kids. The Sunday before Halloween, Becki made us a traditional pumpkin rice casserole which she baked inside the pumpkin- very festive! I was quite proud of my carving skills. On Halloween Barry and I got some treats and watched the walking dead mini series. Super spooky. Happy Halloween 2011.

"Nat's Run"

2011-11-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Barry's sister Natalie had her 39th birthday and to celebrate she put together a little fun run for the fam. She mapped out a 3.9 mile route and invited all to join. So Andrea, Madison, Lizzy, Holly, Collette, Natalie, Zoe, Gianna, Miles and I took her up on the challenge and we all met at 7:00 Saturday morning (*just for the record, NONE of the husbands seemed to be up for it). The kids all biked. She made up these cute metals and Miles gave them out to us all when we got finished. I think it is a fabulous idea to do activities like this versus, well, non active things like sitting and watching a movie or the typical EATING. So many celebrations center around food, food, food. Isn't it true? My personal opinion is more things should be getting us up and out and active!! But that's just me. Does any one else agree or am I just a freak? It was a great morning and a fun way to get family together. I sorta might have gotten lost on the way back and think I ran an extra 1/2 mile or so, but that's okay. I'm looking forward to next year the BIG 4-0 Natalie : )

Better After....

2011-10-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

I was hesitant to put these pictures up because my "before's" are so bad, but that's how they are supposed to be right? So the "after's" are more dramatic. Well, that's what I was going for -- right after the gym, 3rd day hair in all its glory. I present to you my Before and After. Katee my good pally has been my hairstylist for years and i love her! Yes, I was much over due for some hair care. TA-DAAA

Have a heart!

2011-10-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

Last week I got a phone call from my Mom about my Pompa. She told me he was in hospital with what they called an aneurism that was close to his aorta the size of a small grapefruit!!! AHHHH!! He had surgery to make the needed repairs to strengthen the artery. He is such a trooper and made it through the operation well! 4 years ago he had a quadruple bypass where he was pretty down and out for awhile so I am grateful for every single day I get to spend with my sweet grandfather. He is dear to my heart! I am grateful for his story! His life is full of the highs and lows and he always has a story to tell. Pomp has the biggest heart! He gives and gives. He values his family and wants nothing but their happiness. If there were ever anyone who has a heart it is Don E. Dawes!

Caramel Apples

2011-10-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

My sister Tami and I have decided that every fall we are going to perfect the art of homemade caramel apples. We are gonna be pro's! Our 1st attempt was last fall. We didn't do so hot. We tried really hard too. We had all the toppings imaginable that could go on a caramel apple, but they all ended up at the bottom of the cookie sheet. The caramel did not stick to the apple. They were a mess. This year as you can see, we are getting better right? yeah! We are learning some tricks. Mom joined us this year. She had a bit of a hard time with her toppings sticking. Can you tell? : ) It was really fun to hang out with the girls. We laughed and talked 'till late. It was a good time! ...and yes, I broke down, and just had to taste our yummy creations. We missed our sister Kari!!


*Please excuse my horrible hair cut and cheesy grin haa! I am so cute. wink : )

My new chocolate fix

2011-10-04T22:12:00.000-07:00

So with my new no processed sugar, no processed flour diet I have been discovering new and creative ways to cook without processed sugar. In the past when I made a bowl of oatmeal I wouldn't think twice about adding a few spoonfuls of brown sugar and butter etc. Well, now my oatmeal is my version of a no-bake cookie with no processed sugar or butter.

2/3 C whole old fashion oats,
pinch of salt,
2 tsp or more if you want it more chocolaty unsweetened cocoa,
water (how ever runny/thick you like it)
drop of vanilla,

and my new discovery 1 tsp more or less Agave nector
mix and microwave or cook for severl mins

after cooking, top with 2 tsp organic peanut butter (no sugar added) and ENJOY. yumm it is really good! If you are used to super sweet oatmeal it might taste a tinsey bit bland until you get used to way less sugar. Delicious and nutritious. To make it a 100% balanced snack have a 1/4 of cup of cottage cheese for your protein.

Monsoon season

2011-10-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Az didn't have much of a Monsoon season this summer, but the baby shower invitations and birth announcements were pouring in! I couldn't make it to all the showers there were so many. I am so excited for all my girlfriends having baby's. It's always a wonderful occasion. Here 's couple I have pictures of. I was happy to get to help at my girl friend Jaime's shower. Some girls from our ward threw her a shower and I helped with the fruit. The shower was themed cookies and milk so I played off of that and did "peaches 'n cream"- pretty fruit cups with an orange cream sauce to drizzle on top and "strawberries 'n cream"- strawberries with a cream cheese filling. The girls told me to plan for 60 people and that I did. I did costco sized portions and to say the least my fridge/freezer is still full of fruit. I have got to learn some portion skills. It was a darling shower. I thought the cookies and milk table was very creative.

Barry's bff Jon's wife Tiffany is due with a girl the end of December as well.

Latest and Greatest

2011-09-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek of my house projects before the final product

I have spent a lot of my summer well, working, but also doing house projects. I have discovered that house projects are never ending. At least for me. There is always something I want to do. SO, so far this is what I have done to my house (with some tips from my gf Melissa): Changed wall color (yes again), hung drapes, removed jute rug -which I was allergic to-, new lamps, new pillows, mirror, dug deep into my creative side and painted and hung a wall collage- that was a challenge. I am still lacking: some wall decor, a rug, end tables/coffee table, lamp on the other side of couch, lighting in living room (I hate that brown fan, its gotta go), and I would love to do a tile back splash in the kitchen, but can't decide if I am brave enough to tackle that on my own yet. I am also going to repaint the table a crisp white and reupholster the chairs. I am still not sure what to do with the entry way either. If I had my way 100% the tuscan brown leather couches would be out too, but Barry is insistent on keeping them. (it's all a work in progress) I just don't have enough consecutive days off to get it all done, but I'm working on it slowly. I am loving the changes so far! Do you love it?

Painting this 20 foot wall in the stair well was tough!

I am an addict.

2011-08-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Lisa and I'm addicted to crossfit. Welcome, Lisa to a new world of health.

This is my gym!!

My brother Mark gave me probably the best gift in the world. He bought Bret and I a two month membership to a training program/gym called crossfit. I was really intimidated to start. I had never, I mean NEVER worked out in a gym prior. Not even a high school weights class. So I did not have a clue about gym lingo or what to even do. But I started going and I have gone pretty much every day of the work week since. Crossfit also encourages balanced eating called the Zone eating program. The Zone excludes processed sugars and processed flour. So I have been working really hard to X out sugar and white flour out of my diet and must say I am doing pretty well. I do have a cheat day ONE day a week so I can rid my house of the sugar that was already in it. I should just throw it all away. PEOPLE SUGAR IS SOOO INCREDIBLE BAD FOR YOU! I know, I know I have loved it too. It tastes so good. but read for yourself. You will not find an article out that that says it is doing your body an ounce of good. It makes me ill (literally and figuratively) to think I hadn't really ever monitored the sugar I ate. I have made it a new hobby to cook differently and I love it. Anyway off my soap box, I love that I have a personal trainer EVERYDAY. They take me through each workout and push me. The first week I worked out I came home and puked twice. The workouts are intense and challenging and I am surprising myself as to what I can do. TIME DOWN, POWER UP!! WHOOT WHOOT!! Thanks Mark for allowing me to find a means to health. love ya!

My first muscle! haahaa. Working out actually WORKS!

My Birfday

2011-08-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

I celebrated yet another birthday Aug 3rd. It was a good one. I took the day off of work and spent the morning doing random acts of kindness. I made a few dozen cookies and gave them to random people. For example the construction workers along the side of the road, the reception staff at the hospital and the Gilbert police station. I loved the confusion on peoples face as they figured out I was just trying to do something nice. One old guy asked "how much?" The hospital staff's reaction was great. They really thought I was kidding. One guy said sarcastically as I walked up "oh look she brought us cookies" and I energetically responded Yes, yes I did actually" he looked at me astonished "Oh, which room did you need to go to," No, really they are for you all", then he smiled so big and they all OHHH'ed and AHH'ed. I felt happy. I couldn't stop smiling all morning. The other RAOK I did was made cute cards with a nice uplifting poem inside and put them on random cars in parking lots/neighborhoods. I didn't get too inventive this year but was happy with that for the first go around. I want to try to do more next time and throughout the year. It feels good to make people smile!

Barry spoiled me as always. He never disappoints with his gift giving. I had been wanting an imac for a while.... and and imac I got! I was/AM so excited about it and to top it off he matched it with a new very comfy desk chair (I had been using and old metal folding chair at my desk for 2 yrs). I love 'em!! He also took me out to dinner at the Melting Pot. We both had never been before. I was a fun different experience. We liked it. It poured down rain while we were eating. We could hear it from way inside the restaurant. I am so blessed and grateful to my husband for his thoughtful nice gifts. THANKS BABE!! I loved hearing from friends and family and feeling so loved and that people are glad I was born!!

Barry had he sweet assistant Amy do this wrapping for him so it would be all cute! : )

Yumm Chocolate peanut butter fondue! delish!

Count 'em up.....yup its 30!!

2011-08-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

The husband had his birthday on July 21st and it was a BIG ONE! He shares his birthday with my beautiful Nanna. She turned 84!

So, I get a little anxious when it comes to planning. I didn't know what to do for him. The pressure was on to do something great for his 30th! When in all reality Barry would have been just as grateful for a very low key day (one reason he is amazing) I just couldn't settle for that. But, I have found it is hard to plan well, anything with family in town and working full time. I had all these plans of grandeur in my mind and no time to carry them out. On his birthday we did make it out to dinner, where he was adamant about NO ONE SINGING to him, and them to a movie. He did get pretty spoiled this year and was excited about his new in-dash navigation/blue tooth/ipod/ backup camera fancy thing for his truck. He is so sweet I hope he had a good day.

The day after his birthday, Friday, I surprised him with a night out with all his buddies at a Mexican restaurant we like called El Ricos. We had a good time. He did get sung to in front of the whole restaurant I think he needed the attention on just him for a min. He requested a German chocolate cake so that's what he got.

My sugar bear is such a wonderful man. He is the kindest, most patient and forgiving person I know. He is a loyal friend, and a hard worker. He is always making me laugh. He does so much for others without thought of himself. Happy Birthday my love!

Crosby, Party of 23: Family times super post

2011-08-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

Toward the end of June we had my brother Mark, Holly and their kiddos Kaemon, Milea, Zallen and Bolden come and stay with us for a few fun filled weeks. I finally got to meet my "surprise" nephew Bolden Leo Crosby. He is such a sweet baby. We loved having their family stay with us. The kids were very entertaining. They did some cute things. Milea and Zallen with Kaemons direction, put on some great fashion shows with my and Barry's shoes. Milea tried on every single pair of my shoes. She would come out giggling and spin around and then run back in my closet and get the next pair. They loved netflixs. It was cute when Milea snuggled up to you when she got a bit scared during a scarier ScoobyDoo movie. It was fun to come home from work and have the kids excited to see you. I loved watching as they would read scriptures and say prayer as a family and the big hugs and kisses that followed. I also had a really fun night shopping with Holly. We spend hours picking out outfits, trying on clothes and taking pictures. She is such a babe!!

Here is Bolden and Daddy on his blessing day (Fathers Day) We had a luncheon at Nanna and Pomps with "hoagies" (what Pomp calls sub sandwiches)

We also celebrated Zallen's two year birthday!! I made him a monster truck cake. It turned out pretty good. Oh Mr. Zallen is so darn cute. I love this boy. His happy grin makes me smile its precious how when he needs something he'll bang you on the chest "DaDa" and point. Happy Birthday bubba Z.

We went to the circus!! It was very cool. I loved the elephants and the tight rope act! The kids loved my blue slushy. wink.

Kaemon loved the circus can't you tell. Haahaa

Out to Red Robin. Uncle Barry & Zal

Aunt Lisa & Milea

Over the 4th of July my whole family met up at Roosevelt lake for some fun in the sun and water. It was a packed house and sleeping arrangements were tight but we made fun memories. We played on jet skis, took turns tubing with all the kids, played games, ate food and sunbathed. I had to show all the boys how to wake surf and Kirk and I even slalom skied. Becki, Dad, Kirk and Barry even went midnight fishing till 4am. They loved it.

The boys out sunset surfing.

Surfer Dude "Zalleto"

We took family pictures. Barry hates pictures. But he was a great sport. Thanks babe.

Barry "holding" Bolden. Barry says babies need to be just a bit smaller so he can put them in his pocket. Haahaa!!

Here are the kids on 4th of July morning with Dad and his goat.

The parade was rather short this year sad face but we wouldn't have miss it. Awwweee isn't my husband cute with his slurppy? We sat by the Peters fam again, I think its becoming tradition.

I am grateful for my country. I love the USA and appreciate those who stand up for our freedoms, rights and privileges. I support hard good Americans who are willing to work hard to earn what's theirs. I love the entrepreneurial spirit that exist in America and pray this enthusiasm will keep our country pure and strong. We have the capacity to be and do anything we desire.

Kirk and Kari also came to town to spend some time before making the move to Hawaii. We also had them and baby boy Rivers stay with us a few nights as well. The weekend after the 4th we spend another day at the lake. We ate at BOSTONS ghetto deliciousness. Yummmm! Rivers also celebrated his 1st birthday. Kari threw him a very darling and tasty beach themed party.

yummmm........wings.......so good.

BUM KNEE

2011-07-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

On June 17th Barry went under the knife. He has always been super self-conscious about his knobby little knee and he figured I'll go ahead and "enhance" it. Barry is so vain. Not.

Really, Barry's knee has been bothering him for some years now. He was very rough on his body with sports in H.S and basically doesn't have any cartilage in-between-- a condition called temporal femoral condlylitis. Mark has the same thing.

We spent the morning at Mercy Gilbert Hospital and we were back home by that afternoon. Its always scary thinking of being put totally under, but everything went well for the most part. When Barry woke up he said his knee didn't even hurt, but that it felt like some one took a bat to his thigh. He bruised horribly and come to find out the bruising was not normal and they think the tourniquet was too tight and ruptured blood vessels. Poor guy. He wobbled around for a week or so but, seems to be doing good. Hopefully he'll get good results and be able to function better.

Sexy shaved leg!

The doc marking his target.

Dos Años!

2011-06-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Barry and I celebrated our two year anniversary with a little vacation to Cabo San Lucas Mexico. We stayed at an absolutely beautiful Resort called the The Grand Solmar, Land End Resort and Spa- literally right at the most southern point of the Baja peninsula. We feel very blessed to have had this opportunity to enjoy time together admists the beautiful surrounding, delicious food, exciting activities, fabulous service, sunshine,water and flip flops! We enjoyed every second of this life of luxury! Ahhh.

Viva Mexico

2011-06-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a little teaser of our AMAZING trip to Cabo San Lucas Mexico:

More to come.....

Easter Bunny, Easter Eggs, Easter Ham

2011-04-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter 2011!

I have been reading the New Testament as my morning scriptures and have been able to learn more about the life of Christ, his atonement and resurrection in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John so far. I have liked finding the small details that vary in each version of Christs life and ministry. I am grateful for the opportunity I have in my earthy life to better learn how to be like my Savior. I am indebted to him forever. He set the perfect example in word and deed. His perfect life was lived for us to follow. I have felt through the scriptures continuous invitations for me to "come, follow, feed My sheep, love Me, forsake your sins, and be like Me."

I know that my Redeemer lives!
He came to our world because this world was the only who would crucify their Savior.
He suffered for my every infirmity, heartache, pain, anxiety, sin, weakness, temptation, and fear so I can have peace and joy. My Savior set the way for me and you to live again through his resurrection. For this I am grateful. He is risen. How amazing that statement it. I love my Savior Jesus Christ.

Here to all things EASTER: spring in all its warmth and glory, new life-baby chick's and bunnies, pretty plants and flowers and a sense of refreshment and revival.
We spent Saturday with Barry's fam for some Easter fun. A lot of the nieces and nephews were there and had fun with a big Easter egg hunt. Tanner and Porter were visiting from Nebraska!! We had yummy dinner and dessert made by Madison. She is a great little cook. Barry also rang in a Keime tradition and provided a costco size portion of Reeces EGGS. delicious.

Porter was so excited!!

Miles with his stash

Lizzy!!!!

Enjoying a nice night out/ Coming down of our sugar high!! haa

Easter Morning Barry and I went over to watch Kingston and London find baskets and eggs. It was pretty darling. Bret hid them so hard. Of course he did. Do you expect any thing less from Bret. no. London was so excited she just sat right on the grass and opened all her eggs and the candy came spilling out. "TRRRRWWWWEEATS, trrwweeeats, trrwweats!!" (treats) she said.

Indecision

2011-04-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what happened, but somewhere along the way I missed the "how to make choices" lesson in my youth. I am horrible at making choices. I get teased because there will be tags left on my purchases for awhile because "what if I might like the other one better?" Options terrify me. Drive through windows make me twitch. To me they are big list of food screaming at me: "I'm good. No I'm better. Eat me. no, bad choice. You're not gonna like me. I'm low fat. chicken. no beef." I used to overload and panic which could result in either major hesitation (tick-toc, tick-toc) or shutdown. To silence the screams I have defaulted my choice to "just get me what you're getting" and avoid the choice all together. I may or may not enjoy it, but at least I didn't have to make a choice. Packing for vacation is a joke. If I have to decide on ONLY 3 outfits my suitcase is up to the brim because I can't decide. I avoid vacations because of it. Actually, I avoid decision making at all costs. Every choice weighs on me as if it is life or death.

As you can imagine this has created some struggles in my day to day life. There have been times I have wasted entire mornings swallowed up by the inability to choose what store to go to, or if my shoes match, etc. So how exactly do I survive life? It is chalk full of forks in the road. Well, I am probably one of the most high strung humans on this planet, who's walls have been 5 different colors in 6 months. I have wasted countless hours due to this little devil indecision. I'd like to say I have gotten better. I am married to the most laid back guy on the planet after all. Decisions are a breeze for Barry because he is highly logical. I on the other hand, I am the summation of all things emotional. I make decisions based on how I feel. This is all very complicated I 100% agree. Exhausting. I drive myself crazy. I often feel out of control of my life. I see so much right in front of me for the taking and I don't know what or how to get it. I know this is one of my battles in life. I do struggle with it daily.

Recently I have been keep-me-up-at-night worried about my work situation. I have worked for Ray Family Dental Care for the past year. To make a long story short, my boss has been taking advantage of me financially the whole time I have worked for him. And when he turned me down for a small raise based on reasons completely unrelated to my performance I felt angry and out of this anger I went looking for another job and found one.

So what is wrong with this picture? Bad job. Bad boss. Get a new one. Problem solved. I should be this simple.

Well, when I put in my two weeks notice Dr. Ray basically begged me not to go, told me he doesn't want me to go anywhere else and offered me 100% pay increase. This created a whole new wave of emotions. It confirmed that he was indeed taking advantage of me and CONFLICT: this is what I have wanted the whole time and most of my reason for leaving in the first place and here it is on the table. So.... NOW WHAT DO I DO??

Logic says, He is a self serving jerk who had a YEAR to treat you right and didn't and is now panicking because he knows HE will take a hit loosing me. Logic says, walk away don't look back. Logic says, You will make more money at a new job, duh easy choice.

Emotion says, he does care about me he just needed to learn a lesson. He is human. He will be better. Emotion says, you have no idea what this other job is going to be like, it's probably going to be horrible. Emotion says, I really like Rosie. She is my friend. Emotion wants to be accepted by a person who has treated you bad and now he is. Emotion keeps begging me to stay.

And the battle commences. I am being torn in half. I want peace and can't find it. My heart hurts either way. I'll feel stupid if I stay because the logical message is clear. I'd be telling Dr. Ray It's okay what you did. I am just stuck. Is logic or emotion better? Its hard for Barry to relate to me at all. He is all logic. He doesn't understand why I am even considering staying.

help.
What would you do. I tried the pro's/ con's list. Still left with a big fat question mark???????

BORING

2011-03-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

My blog is beyond boring and I'm not sure what to do about it. I typically only blog when I have cute pictures to go along with a fun activity which doesn't happen all the time. I'm not much of a lay-all-my-thoughts, feeling and emotions-out-on-the-world-wide-web type of girl. I tend to keep those things private for the most part.... and I guess that can be rather boring. I certainly am sick of looking at my blog. boring. I do not know how people make there blogs so cute, with the cool custom graphics, fonts, photo stuff etc. I am clueless when it comes to that. You would think I would know by now considering I have been blogging (on my family's blog) since 2005. but I don't. I am not a unique story teller, nor do I have creative phrasing or cleaver verbiage. Not that people care all that much, but it certainly makes blogs more interesting to look at. My blog needs a pick-me-up. I kinda want to just start over. boo for boring blogs. that's all.

any suggestions or help?

Time off with Tammers

2011-03-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

I had a few days off of work (ahhh) and Tami and Blake came to visit. I miss my sisters and hope someday we can live closer by each other because it is fun. We had a great few days together. I introduced Tami to Pita Jungle a new favorite restaurant of mine, went to RS meeting, went shopping, watched movies, got frozen yogurt, played with Blake, and visited Nanna and Pompa. Nanna made us banana splits. It had been so long since I had had a banana split. I forgot how good they are. Tami was loving the nice warm weather and Blake was so much fun. LOVE HIM! He is very active little man and i got a work out carrying him around, he such a cute little chunk!

MY 'lil BUDDY

I just love this picture of Pomp and Blake!

I guess its time.

2011-02-20T19:40:00.000-08:00

For a post.
Here's an update on Barry and I's life:
Barry has been working hard. He recently purchased two additional insurance agencies in Pinetop AZ and takes over this coming week. He has been quite involved with that whole process while still working at his Tempe office. When he is not working, Barry enjoys very much his settlers of Catan app on this new i4 iphone. He shows me each time he is "Lord of Catan". He finally switched to Verizon! whoopwhoop! His next love is Bill O'Riely and Fox news. Barry is also fond of his X-box and customizing his arsenal of weaponry. In January I discovered that Barry doesn't like bean and Ham soup. I made a WHOLE BIG pot of it and ended up eating it all by myself. Barry enjoys his calling to "inspire the minds" of the 16,17 year old kids in our ward.

I am still working away at Ray Family Dental Care as the RDH. I have been there a year this Feb. I had an AWESOME January, but my months still fluctuate and I had a much slower Feb, because I am paid on 100% commission. I am grateful for a job and a way to feel productive and keep busy. Also in January I was off to a great start with my goal of reading more books. In a week I finished "The Hunger Games" series and really liked it. An event that I know would be inevitable came to pass. I had to give back Trent's (Barry's brother) Mazda RX8. He has been so kind to allow me to drive it for the past 2years. Oh man, I loved driving that car. I got a little attached. So that means I had to break down and buy a new car. Barry helped me with the process this time around to avoid a repeat of my last buying experience. I got an Infinity G35 and it is wonderful. I love reliable transportation and know I am blessed. I am enjoying my calling as 1st counselor in the relief society presidency. I had to teach this month and am getting better. I still feel very inadequate, but am doing my best to serve the sisters.

Together Barry and I like to go on dates.We like to eat out and watch movies. We are so blessed. Barry is so great to be around. He makes me laugh and reminds me when I get a little high strung, or down that there are very few things in life that are of REAL importance. For Valentines we went out with two couples in our ward to a place called Brio. It was delicious. After dinner we went to the Stake Sweethearts ball (I know we are super cheesy and I'm okay with it because we had a goofy fun time). We love our life together.

I got together last week with some long time girl friends from MCC 1st ward days when Barry was out of town with work.

Here are the Boys Valentines weekend with their WHOLE chickens at Brio.

My new car.

The new year is here

2011-01-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!! 2011!! Yay for fresh starts and the opportunity to recommit to being better. A few of my goals this year are to read more books, eat less sweet food, exercise at LEAST 2x a week, work less, go on a cruise, learn to make bread, share the gospel, learn how to dress my self fashionably and smile more!! here's to 2011!!

Playing games on Kirk and Karis last night in town. I was so glad to get to see them and spend time with my sister!!

Kirk and Kari and Rivers in front of our Christmas tree. Baby Rivers likes to stretch and arch his back it's so cute.

On the 30th we went out to Dinner with Bret and Becki for his birthday. Happy 29th brother!! Kingston is so fun to talk with. He cracks me up!! Love my nephew and niece!!

We kept it pretty low key this year for new years (not that we have been real fancy in the past) by hanging out with Barry's family at his sister Natalie's house. When we got there there was a huge scrabble game already going in full force. I'm not a huge scrabble fan, but I was highly entertained by his family's attempt at crazy word. This same game lasted right up until we rang in the new year. Natalie had treats and hot cocoa. Good thing for the hot cocoa because it was FREEZING that night!

Uncle Barry and niece Lizzy and cold cold wife.

"So this is Christmas"

2010-12-28T23:03:00.000-08:00

Readers beware this post is a lot for journal-ing purposes.
Christmas this year I loved of course. The season always warms my heart. To focus attention on the birth and life of our Savior is a happy place to be and should be done ALL year. A few activities that helped me keep the true spirit of Christmas was a lesson I prepared for Relief Society at the beginning of Dec. on the Reality of Christ. There is much in this world that tries to tell us Christ isn't real, that his life doesn't matter, but Christ is the reason we all are here and He indeed is REAL. Another small activity was treats. This Christmas I made peppermint truffles for the first time (a favorite of mine) and instead of only taking them to friends and family I took them to my neighbors. I got to meet a few that I haven't been able to meet and actually had one neighbor come over to return a treat and talk for a little while. It was sweet kinship type of feeling. The event I think loved most this year was finally getting to meet my nephew baby Rivers. My sister Kari and her husband Kirk have been living in Virginia for Kirks military training and came for Christmas this year. I have missed them.

Barry spent some extra time with his family this year for Christmas eve. One of his brothers and sister and their families are moving far away soon and this was the last year to get most of his family together. So I drove up with Kirk, Kari and Rivers on Thursday to spend the afternoon with my Mom for her Birthday while Barry stayed. We met up with my sister Tami in Pinetop. She treated us girls to fabulous all inclusive pedicures!!! It had been almost 3 years since I had had a pedicure and my moms -GET THIS LADIES- FIRST EVER pedi., so it was a treat to say the least. Thanks Tammers. side note- Every year I forget how COLD the mountains are. Holy moly c.o.l.d. I have certainly acclimated to the mild weather of the valley thats for sure. It was fun to bundle up though. After pedicures we all went and ate dinner at the BEST hole-in-the-wall Chineese restaurant!! Oh man the Lo Mein was to die for along with the Curry and, well, every dish was pretty savory! So, at this place you basically order the rice, lo mein, and main dishes and share. They had this big lazy susan in the center of the table where you put all the food and load your plate up. We had the sweetest server who just loved Blake and Rivers (the two babies) she kept saying with an obvious Asian accent "ohh, they so cute" and would coo at them every time she came to the table. Loved it. We then attempted to go bowling, and in the thriving metropolis of Pinetop AZ all the lanes where full...haahaa! so back at Tami and Rynes, Mom opened presents and we ate the wonderful "almost too much chocolate" cake Tami made. yumm!

Oh boy, oh boy! These two little boys were certainly one highlight of my Christmas this year. Blake and Rivers were so fun to snuggle and play with.

In my home town of Eagar AZ we spent Christmas. On Christmas eve my Mom made the traditional Mexican food but this year make sweet pork tacos!! delish. We had a special evening with Kirk playing some Christmas tunes on the guitar and singing, reading some great Christmas stories, and sharing stories relating to what Christmas means to us. My Dad encouraged us to all think of a gift we wanted to give the Savior, something like a vice, bad habit, or a positive goal. Barry and got to end the night together at least he got into town around 10pm. We watched Bret and Becki put together Londons cute kitchen and off to bed we went. Christmas day was fabulous. I loved watching Kingston and London open all their toys. I was excited that Barry got me a new camera (mine received a bit of water damage after a dunk in a glass of water so most of my pics i have been stealing from my Mom's camera.) I think Barry wants me in the kitchen more... he got me a ice cream maker, and a kitchen aid haahaaa. I am actually stoked!! Thanks babe!! On Christmas day I was actually most excited to give my sister their gift. I got them cute necklaces and to go with them I wrote a poem about sisters.

Mom and Dad gave all us kids special photos of my grandparents. Great, meaningful gift.
Yes, that is my sister Tami in her awesome footed front zip adult onesie!

We had so much fun playing with my niece and nephews. I love Mr. Kingston's cute personality! One story I don't want to forget is one morning I had been up with Kingston and London, I fed them breakfast and was playing for a bit. I told Kingston I had to go get in the shower. So off I went. The next thing I know, Kingston barges into the bathroom with London right behind, "Aunt Yisa I, scared" and proceeds to throw open the shower curtain, (do not worry I was quick to cover) After explaining that it was ok....etc I sent them on there way. Not but a few minutes later when I thought I was alone and it had been quiet for a good while, i hear a grunting, yes, my nephew had very quietly come back in to do his duty! I was laughing so hard. What can I say he's comfortable around his Aunt Yisa.

Over all Christmas was wonderful. I loved playing games especially the sock game Ryne taught us. VERY fun and rambunctious. I loved all Moms good food. I really loved my new discovery of mint cookies straws in your hot chocolate-thanks Becki. The weird thing about Christmas this year was HOW SHORT it felt. Maybe because it was on a Saturday? It was so hard to have to go back to work on Monday. yuck. I did not want to.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

Halloween Happenings

2010-11-07T20:54:00.000-08:00

To kick off Halloween spirit this year I got crafty, this does not happen often. I went to a craft night at a ward members house Kim Carrol and made these cute decorations. An organized event is the only way to get me to craft; where all the materials are provided and instruction is available!! My crafts were NOT perfect, but I had fun making them and being out with girls

Other celebrations included a pumpkin carving extravaganza with our pals the Grants and their kiddos, Jackson, Parker and Davis and guests Kingston and London.

Meet the happy couple RS President Jaime and husband Jason . wink. They are fabulous. We have good times with the Grants.

Here is Barry at the height of his festivity-ness (it was fast fading). He wanted to use all power tools to make his pumpkin and that he did.

Mine on the other hand, involved a tad more patients and detail. She was called "lady in distress"

Jason Grant went a different route with his pumpkin, he sculpted. So artsy.

Then there was the Cooley station 1st annual Fall Festival. Held for all of the surrounding neighborhoods. ALL were invited. .It was intended to be a missionary tool. We had a good turn out!! That day I also made Posse Stew (no one from these parts knows what it is, kina funny) and rolls (which for the first time ever turned out like Moms. yeeees!) I aslo make a pumpkin cheese cake for the cake walk!

The Relief Society was in charge of a Cake walk and I sorta headed it up. I went to some work making these cute spooky, Kooky numbers that we stuck in the ground in a big circle. It was pretty cute.

I threw together a last min costume. I was Flo from the progressive commercials (not gonna lie I wasn't that creative, I had seen one of my girl friends do it before, thanks Steph) I didn't get a good picture cuz Barry to say the least was being a bum and didn't go...

Mrs. Potato head and rest of the toy story gang.

TIME OUT!

2010-11-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

October 15th and 16th I went to "Time Out for Women" with my Relief Society Presidency and a few other girls from our ward. I had never been to one of these conferences before. If you have never been, it is basically a huge organized 2-day conference dedicated entirely to uplifting women! Time Out includes lots of awesome guest speakers like Sherri Dew intertwined with fabulous musical numbers. I loved it! This years theme was Infinite Hope. I left feeling humbled and grateful for how much I have. I also was motivated to rededicate my self to being holy, and measuring my success on the Lords standard instead of what the world tell us is success. I want to rejoice in others women accomplishment and know that I have my own special journey here that I am on.

It was wonderful to just be with the girls and feel sisterhood. I enjoyed myself and would like to go again.

If I knew you were coming I'd-a baked a cake

2010-10-31T22:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay so I am a tiny bit proud of this cake I made. I love German chocolate cake! I think it turned out fabulous and it was for a good cause so happy all around. I was able to donate this cake to a fund raiser for a teenager girl battling cancer. I am certainly going to make this one again but next time I am going to start a lot earlier (this one kept me up till 2:00am)

Fall

2010-10-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Barry and I went to Pinetop Az again. Its becoming a favorite place to visit for a number of reasons. Tami my sister, husband Ryne and baby boy Blake live there along with Barry's Brother Trent and his whole family. We also love the weather and scenery there right now. Crisp, cool, refreshing, mountains, pine trees and stars in the night sky. Its a nice escape from the dull season changes of Gilbert.

This particular weekend was special because Trents Daughter Sydney was baptized by her Uncle Barry. What a great event to attend. It was special to see Sydney enter the waters of baptism. Barry did a great job performing the baptism. Barry's mom gave a great talk and Rustin gave a very special confirmation blessing. The pizza and games that came after were very entertaining as well. Congratulations Sydney.

We also had fun spending time with Tami, Ryne and baby Blake. Tami my sweet little sis is always game for doing fun random activities and makes life so fun. From the moment we walked in their house it was Fall time. From the sent in the air to the fall decorations to the food we ate. She planned a gourmet caramel apple treat activity.

Barry participated by finishing off all the toppings. No, seriously. Tami offered him the last of the vanilla ice cream (a small scoop) and he then proceeded to load it up with every topping we had. He was "a little sugared out" for the rest of the week end to say the least. silly boy.

The next moring Tami made pumkin french toast (delish)

We had fun loving on Blake.

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Over labor day Barry and I headed up to Pinetop, Az. to see Tami, Ryne and sweet baby Blake for his blessing. It was great to see family and be out of the heat and...Tami made cafe Rio sweet pork tacos which was worth the trip alone. wink. We spent the night with Tami and Ryne where we took a stroll in their back yard, watched Americas funniest home videos, ate some razzelberry pie and played games. Then Monday Barry and I got our hike on!! We headed out for Strawberry to hike to Fossil Springs. Barry had hiked it before awhile ago and all he could remember is that all these girls were about to die of dehydration and Barry was determined to NOT be dehydrated and LOADED up a big hiker pack FULL of waters and gateraids and all our snacks, camera etc. I swear it was 100 lbs. So off we go down the 5 miles to the bottom. Of course down was an easy hike. It was so refreshing to be out in the mountain air, see the pretty views and get some exercise. I really enjoyed the hike. It was so pretty when we got to the bottom with all the green, big trees and running water. The water fall was great. The water was freezing though. We did get in the water but not much swimming went on for us. There was quite the crowd of people that kept us entertained. So we spend a few hours at the bottom and then headed back UP the mountain. UP took us (Barry) a little longer. He has a bad knee and 100 extra pounds still even after drinking a lot of water. So I carried up a 10 pack of Gateraid, which is not that light after 1 mile or two, to help ease his burden. After a lot of sweating and breaks Barry make it out alive and I was proud of him. When we got to the top all he could say was where is the truck, lets get to the truck and then once we were in the truck he said "lets not do that again fore a while!!" We hit up Arby's for some beef and cheddar's and went home. I like it a lot and would do it again soon. Barry needs a new knee and then we can go more often, so he says.

My little adventure with a RAOK

2010-09-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

Random Act Of Kindness.
My sister in law Becki inspired me to take some time and be KIND to others. So I I took a few hours out of my Saturday and this is what transpired:
It began with my love of chocolate. Next with the reality that I do not know (did not know) a single one of my neighbors. So I though I'd introduce Barry and I to our neighbors by taking them some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with a little "Hello" note attached. I bagged up my goods and ventured out to seek that which seems to be lost, friendly neighborly banter. I was happy to meet a few of my neighbors. Some people chose not to answer their doors, others barely cracked it. Others invited me in and introduced themselves to me. Sometimes it was super awkward. I had very suspicious takers. . . "are these poisoned? Why else would someone make cookies for people they don't know? Should I take them?" In the end I was able to give all my cookies away. I think it a good place to start and I plan on doing it again soon. I felt happy and I think the people who got cookies felt a twinge of kindness in their day, at least I hope so. Try it! surprise people.

Brigitte's cute and FUN reception

2010-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

A friend of ours from our old singles ward (Williams Ward), Brigitte Henry, got married yesterday to Ben Lamoreaux. They make a beautiful couple. She is a little ball of energy!! This wedding was fun to go to because Brigette caught my bouquet at our wedding a year ago! So it really works! wink. Celebrating marriage is wonderful. What better cause to support eh?

I have always loved to browse wedding receptions. I thought I'd be over it once I was married, but I still enjoy going. Her reception was to die for. I loved it at least. ha. She had the reception at Shenandoah Mill right here in Gilbert. Which was a perfect place for a "shabby chic" look, which she pulled of FABULOUSLY. She was a beautiful bride and it was fun to see the two so in love. DJ Ron aka Bishop Howard of Williams ward kept the party going and party they did. The grooms men did this great little performance for the bride and groom. Brigitte did a great waltz with her Dad and every one was up and dancing. I guess it was just refreshing to go to a "Mormon wedding" where the people where actually ENJOYING themselves- not trying to sneak out ASAP ya know??? yeah you know what I'm talking about. So hence this reception was fun to be at and so I blog.

My new Nephew!

2010-08-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

Dolling up Momma- to- be!

To help pass the time and distract from the contractions we played games.

These were the pretty grounds at the hospital.

I was lucky enough to get to be a part of baby Blake's birthday. I got to be in the room with my baby sister Tami to try and help and offer support. I didn't want to miss a thing and I didn't. I stayed the whole 24 plus hours and loved every second of being there with Tami and Ryne. I am so proud of Tami and her bravery. She was so strong and had the BEST attitude even through all the pain. She is a beautiful mother. It was a beautiful experience, one that made me very emotional. I know I felt the spirit when Blake was born. It was a first time experience for me that I will never forget.

Life in-between work

2010-08-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

Out for bday lunch with the girls from work.

Here we are with Chris and Andrea (Barry's sister)

Sometimes I feel like all we do is get up go to work, come home eat dinner, go to bed and repeat, but in- between work we do get to spend time with family and friends. I celebrated my birthday Aug 3rd. I spend the day at work. yay. Barry got me the chandelier I have been eying for a while. I love it.

Barry's Niece Emily at her Baptism

Me out with some of my long time girlfriends for Erin's farewell dinner

Eirn and baby girl Reece.

Della, Porter, Tanner

Barry's brother Rustin, his wife Danae and cute kids made the trip our to our house to help us move our fan. Rustin is an expert electrician and we were grateful for the help. The boys spent the day on the project. After it was all finished we went out to one of Barry's favorite places for BBQ Waldos.

The fan started above the dinning table and was moved across to the living room.

It was a MESS

Ta-Duh

A little behind

2010-07-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

Barry and I went to my home town, Eagar to celebrate the 4th of July.We had a really good time. It was exhilarating to get out of the heat. We enjoyed the time with family. We got to see Dustin and Dawn Johnson who make the trek with their good friends. Bret, Becki and there kids came,Tami and Ryne as well and of course M&D and Chad.

Here are some things we did:

Played games of course (my family loves games) Barry did win 5 crowns- BTW
Spent time OUTDOORS at our Cabin finding water dogs for Cole
Painted patriotic nails (Tami, Becki and I. Barry wouldn't go for it)
Tami's baby shower. I just love her prego belly
Barry went to the RV all-star F-ball game. He had VIP tickets because his insurance agency sponsored it.
Enjoyed my Dads newest addition to the the house- A NEW water heater (with the old water heater you could only shower ONE person at a time b/c of water pressure issues so YES, this was an event to note.)
Ate Mom's good cook'n
Played with Kingston and baby chicks. Kingston what quite intertaining- "WHAT??!!" (Kingston would yell "WHAT?" after everything you said to him no matter how close you were to him. It was so funny!!)
Went to the parade. Favorite float "stand up for the constitution" It was a hit!!
Finally prevailed at purchasing a snow cone. Becki and I really wanted a snow cone this year so we walked all the way down main street to find the snow come hut, went to get cash, and by the time we got back they had closed, but Reopened for us. yay.
Watched the fabulous firework display!! Loved it!
Celebrated Rynes Birthday with a BBQ and game of water baseball. Very FUN!

At some point, Barry and I went with Bret and Becki to a D-backs game. They got killed! I do remember that.

I almost forgot to write about some major news (for me at least)!! Are you ready? I wasn't. Two weeks ago, out of the blue, I got released from my cub scout calling (which I was actually really sad about) and called to be Relief Society 1st counselor!! Oh my. What a humbling experience. I have never been in a presidency. This will be a learning experience for me for sure. I love our RS president and look forward to working with her. So I guess that story goes that Jamie, (RS pres) submitted my name, bishop said no, she actually asked a second time and I guess was pretty insistent, and I got called. Wow. Me? Really? I don't know why she would think I would be good at this calling. I still feel a bit overwhelmed and clueless but SO FAR SO GOOD. I am excited to serve.

The Husband had his 29th birthday yesterday. We both had to work, but I took him out to dinner at a fun Brazilian restaurant in Phoenix. Here's the birthday boy in all his mullet glory!

Yummm oreo creme cake!!

An Argentine birthday hat and song for Barry


I had made reservations online and there was a slot for any special requests, so I filled it in. I wrote, "a Happy Birthday Barry note on the table would be lovely. " and they did just that.

Jon and Tiff

2010-06-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

are Mr. and Mrs. Passey as of about 9:30 yesterday.

Yes, Barry's best buddy Jonathan Passey FINALLY got married. We sure love him and are ecstatic to see him so happy. Thanks Tiffany. He is a great guy with a great big heart. He has been a true friend to Barry over the many years of singlehood with Barry.

We really enjoyed the sealing yesterday. It was so great to relive my own special day. To remember the emotions, to see to looks on the bride and grooms faces and be reminded why we do this.

By the way, this is the first and last time you will see Barry in a pink shirt so eat your heart out.

Who ME??

2010-06-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

So if you have not heard, Barry and I got released from our nursery calling (awhile ago). WHAT!!?? I know. It was actually a surprise to us. We had not even been in the calling a year and we were sure we were in for the long haul. But as surprised as we were to be released, I was more surprised at my new calling. Barry actually laughed out loud as Brother Tanner asked if I would serve.

Sister Keime--Cub Scout Wolf DEN LEADER!!! Heavenly Father has a sense of humor that for sure. I do not know the first thing about scouting or eight year old's. Behold my three Wolves:
River, Brent, and Vincente ("the e is silent")
Brother Lynn is an AWESOME scout Master. He is also River and Raven's Dad the two on his right.
Brother Lynn made this awesome water rocket shooter and we shot water rockets one Saturday morning for a summer time activity. They loved it.

Oh ps Barry's new calling is Sunday school teacher for the 15,16 year old's.

New DO

2010-06-24T22:31:00.001-07:00

It's all down hill...

2010-06-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

So they say

"Its all down hill after the first year." Perhaps this is what my dear sweet husband has repeated to him self over and over once that year mark hit. June 6, 2009. I know my husband loves me because he still married me even after my Dads word of warning - "I hope you know what your getting yourself into, she's a lot to handle" referring to me of course. wink. I do give credit where credit is due and my husband is deserving. He has never ever complained about marring the challenge of a wife I am. He just loves me. I love him dearly for choosing to put up with me forever. I love him for his patients and forgiveness. He makes me laugh. He helps me dream. He makes me omelets. I like him a lot and he is mine forever.

I know it's so cliche', but I truly cannot believe it has been a year sense Barry and I got married!! Aye caramba. Here we are at a year.

In our first year we have survived a few things:

Installing new flooring- DIY (that was rough)
Many wall colors
bathroom renovation
Job hunting frustrations
Barry working from home (still surviving)
Barry's SNORING, my nudging

Florida super post

2010-06-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

May 19th-24th Barry and I took a little vacation to Pensacola FL to visit my brother Mark, his wife Holly and their super adorable kiddos. We had so much FUN!! The morning we arrived Kaemon and Milea gave Barry and I pictures that they colored for us (ahh). Their condo was right on the beautiful white sand beaches, within walking distance. There was lots of unique places to eat (which we did a lot of) and cool sites to see. We loved getting a chance to spend time with Mark and Holly and play with the kids. Baby bubba Z is getting so big and is adorable as ever. I taught Milea that you can hear the ocean in sea shells. It was pretty cute watching her put the tiniest shells up to her ear and say "I hear it!!" Kaemon was excited to take Uncle Barry to Fast Eddies to ride the go-carts. BTW Fast Eddies had a killer game room which blew Dave & busters out of the water. They had old school games like ski ball and the hit the gofers one. I learned how to snorkel and that was a first time experience which I liked a lot. Barry almost got his toe pinched off by a crab OUCH! Mark and Barry snorkeled with a huge group of about 20 sting rays. We got to attend Kaemon and Mileas gymnastic meet which they ROCKED!! Thank you Mark and Holly for your hospitality!! Congratulations Mark on graduating flight school!!

The Beautiful Beach:

Milea got a little tuckered out. Convenient towel.

Flounders:
This was a real great place because it was right on the beach. Behind us in this pic was the ocean, sand was to the left of us. We ate a lot of shrimp.

and pie. Best Key lime pie I have ever had.

Barry looks so cute with a kid.
Fast Eddies:

Surf Burger:
THE WHO DAT burger.

Fort Pickens:

Gymnastic super stars:

more later... this took so long

61 years and counting

2010-04-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

On Saturday my family celebrated my Nanna and Pomps' 61st wedding anniversary!! My Mom and her sister, my aunt Sonja put together a nice tribute to them. We spent time reflecting upon their lives together. The start, ups downs and how they came to know of the gospel. Talk about two people in love!! From the moment my Pomp laid eyes on my Nanna he was smitten to say the least. His heart belongs to his sweet lips. I love these two people so much.

Happenings

2010-04-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

My husband has been a busy boy. Though he has been cramped working from home in his little home office, he still manages to get a lot done. BTW, Barry is an insurance broker/business owner. Most recently he and his brother purchased an insurance agency in my home town of Eagar. Yup. So he has made the trek there several times now for business and will make a few more trips to organize everything. No, this does NOT mean we will be moving to Eagar at least any time soon. His brother will actually be the one moving closer. My husband is a very savvy fellow when it comes to business, politics, and well pretty much anything and I am proud of him and all of his hard work.
thought this was a cute pic. "Uncle Bawrry" and London

SAFE

2010-04-09T00:48:00.000-07:00

I think it finally SAFE to publicly announce that I (for reals) have a permanent job. Yay, no more temping. I got myself into trouble when I prematurely announced I had a job when it was not finalized and I ended up changing my mind. For the past 6weeks i have been working at Ray Family Dental Care for Dr. Ray who is just older than Mark my brother. Here's the scoop:

I decided one day shortly after I turned down the job in Scottsdale that I MUST find a job close by and there MUST be a job for me. So I printed off 20 pages of yellow page listings for Dental practices in Queen Creek, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and Chandler and began calling each number listed. I did this for two days hearing "We are always accepting resumes" before I stumbled into Rosie. Rosie is the Office manager at Ray Family Dental Care. When I first called an assistant answered who couldn't give me much info. I asked her if there was a email that I could submit a resume and she took my number so "someone could call me back" RIGHT. fat chance I thought. On I went with my calling. So dun dun dunnnn-- a few minutes later I get a call from Rosie (Roseanne) who asked me how I heard that they were hiring!! Uh I didn't know you were, actually just making random calls. She told me that her and Dr.Ray had just gotten out of a meeting where they decided to let their hygienist go when I had fist called (thats why the assistant answered) She asked if I could come in the next morning at 9. of course. She told me that she knew this happened for a reason and it wasn't just coincidence and, well the rest is history.

I work part time Mon Tue Wed and some Thurs and Fri half day. And importantly its only a 20 min drive IN traffic. So beautiful. I like that I have a job. I have already seen some pretty great patients who really like me and who need lots of love and SCALING and ROOT PLANING. Its great. Here's what a day of work looks like for me.

I forgot to mention...

2010-04-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

A little while ago one of my favorite friends Kiri made a surprise visit to AZ!! I had not seen her in a few years so it was real fun to see her face again oh, and meet her son Jacob (I was there when Adalyn was born) We were the "original roommates" at the Silk Oak house for years where we had lots of good times. She is one of those great friends where you can just pick right back up where you left off and feel like you didn't miss a beat. and she's a HOTT mom!! I sure love her!! She and her kiddos came for FHE. Along with pizza, song and lesson, we were mostly entertained by Adalyn who is seriously my favorite 3 year old in the world. She is sooooo smart clever and witty NOT KIDDING. She talks a million miles per hour and is very articulate. Thanks for coming to visit Kiri!!

BABY SHOWER

2010-03-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

For all those who know and love my sister Kari, we are throwing her a shower on THURSDAY night, APRIL 1st at my house. If you'd like to come let me know and I'd be happy to give you more information.

we are alive

2010-03-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on our lives.
This weekend Barry took his boat out to the lake. We took some of our fun single friends with us. Lauren, Tyler and Jake. I stayed fully clothed while the crazy boys got in the FREEZING cold water. Barry fell in. It was pretty funny not gonna lie. bless his heart.

Also this weekend Barry's assistant Amy got married and here we at at her reception. I really love her colors. If you notice it DEEP purple- my favorite. and if you look closer, Barry and I match each other and accidentally the wedding.... barry's shirt has dark purple stripes on it and my undershirt is dark purple too. hee heee

A little hot in the kitchen.

2010-02-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

Well some of you may have heard but we had a little fire in my office building on Monday. It was probably around 10am or so when the owner of the building came running into our office and said that there was a fire in the ceiling and that we should get out of the building. I guess an office across from mine (which I insure) had a fan in her bathroom that had burnt out and ended up starting a fire in the crawl space of my building. The fire spread pretty quickly and I guess the fire department had to decide if it was safer to just let the whole building burn down or try to put it out. They had fire fighters on the roof spraying water down into the building and others inside poking holes into the ceiling to try to put it out.

So yeah, now I get to work from home for the next 6 months while they rebuild my office which Lisa is not too excited about. But she is excited about designing and decorating my new office when it gets done.

My hair chronicles

2010-02-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

I know I have weird posts, but its my blog and i can if I want to.

For the past 5 years my hair has been basically the same I guess I play it kinda safe. I was looking at pictures tonight and thinking about the journey of my HAIR and its was cracking me up so ENJOY

I have naturally curly, thin, fine hair and have always struggled with it.

BALD. I wasn't born with a whole lot. cute bow though

Mullet!!
the flip out. adorablenot sure I combed too often>>??

Tom boy phase. I guess thats what this is.
OH my! There are no words! oh wait yes there is-Darn the 80'sTHE BANGS:

alright lets try some Barrel Bangs.

ok now thinner and bigger with lots or hair spray and a huge curling iron. rock'n. 6th or 7th grade. 1997 or 1996
The split bang. Not sure why this was cool. 8th grade. PRE braces folks- go easy.INTERVENTION
Finally my kind Aunt Mary for my birthday took me to a salon my sophomore yeah or H.S and had my hair cut and styled and that was the end of the bangs. High School.
graduation

CURLY College 2001-2002 the Crunchy curl. layers

Pretty much stayed the same for a while. Until I thought I needed to do follow this trend. I think there was 5 different colors in my hair. I look like a calico cat. DEAR ME! 2002
2004. trying to work the long naturally curly thing.

DRASTIC!! A few months after the above pic was taken I CHOPPED IT OFF!

awkward growing out phase + curls hummmmm

This is the longest I have ever had my hair. 1 month after Barry and I got married.
The last change I have made to my hair. 2009the end.

no not yet.
Behold one of Barry's great hair moments

Happy Valentines!

2010-02-15T16:11:00.000-08:00

Love, love ahhh the month of LOVE!
Here's me and my Valentine in a fun little shoot we did.

LOVE YOU ALL!!

Right before my eyes

2010-02-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

Today I was driving back home from costo. I was at the stoplight going east at the intersection of Ray and Higley Road. The light turned green. I proceeded to cross the intersection when I saw a dark haired dude in a small black Acura BLUR past in front of me. He managed to make it past the east bound traffic but was not so lucky getting thought the west bound cars and was T-boned by a truck!!! If he would have been 3 seconds faster it would have been ME. I SAW it all happen !BAM! right in front of me. The crash was SO LOUD! the Acura spun, knock down a street light and ended up in the ditch just south of fresh and easy. I was freaking out! It happened so fast. I didn't know what to do. I decided to drive around to the scene and see if everyone was alright. I ended up having to give a statement of what I saw to the police. I saw the dude get taken out of the car and loaded up into the ambulance. NUTS.
ARIZONA-- stop texting, stop talking on the phone, while driving!! pay attention and STOP RUNNING RED LIGHTS! FOR REALS

What rhymes with knob?

2010-02-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

SNOB, LOB, ROB, and.............. Lisa has a JOB!!!! yup. I do.

I looked near and far (in this case FAR) for a place that actually wanted to hire me on permanently for the past 6 mo's. I'd been up an down the streets submitting resume after resume. I have attended weird interview after crazy interview. I temped for random office after random office. For a long time a hoped to find a job "just around the corner" in Gilbert and that just wasn't happening. So off to Scottsdale I went to apply and out of 80+ resumes they liked mine. I had two working interviews and on the second they offered me the position. The office is called Market Street Dental. It is located in this really fancy market-like environment. The owner is Dr. Christine Kopsky This is her second pracitce. She has two associates, Dr. Jardine and Dr. Giancola. Dr. Kopsky has her office manager and hygienist -Cori (a girl) who is pretty much her liaison for administration and well everything. Cori has 20 years experience as a Dental Hygienist. This office has very high expectations and standards. I know I will learn a LOT working here, but right now it is really overwhelming. The office manager expects a lot from the employee's. It is has been challenging to have to suddenly know all their systems ( and they have a lot) and I get frustrated, but they have a lot of faith in me and are willing to teach me everything.

I really debated whether or not to take the job because of the drive. I hate rush hour!! I hate bumper to bumper traffic. At one point had made up my mind that I wasn't going to take it, but ultimately I knew I needed the experience and needed a permanent place. So, I am employed. HOOT HOOT

Alright, I'll show you.

2010-01-31T12:50:00.001-08:00

Based on a few comments, I don't feel so bad about posting my home improvement escapades. So Here is our latest:

Our guest bathroom remodel for under $500

What we did:
Replaced white linoleum with tile (thanks cousin Todd. That is hard work)
Pulled the old vanity, mirror and light fixture (us)
Painted (perhaps 2 or three times) (me)
Measured, cut, painted and nailed in the trim (us)
Found great deals on awesome stone vessel sink, faucet, vanity, mirror and light (me)
Re-plumbed (which is pretty intense. we had water all over a few times, but is just perfect now) (barry)
decorated (me)
... and it only took us a few........... months!!

before
after
before
after

before

after

BLOG FOG

2010-01-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

I'm experiencing some thick blog fog folks. I have just been at a loss for anything exciting to post. I don't have kids to brag about and I sometimes feel silly always blogging about my home improvement projects and well, Barry and I haven't had any DRAMATIC news to announce. I have managed to stay out of car trouble, four-wheeling accidents, hospitals and such.

So here's the boring truth: Currently I am jobless. frustrating. Not that I haven't been working at all. I HAVE. I have been temping since I graduated in May which has given me some good experience, but nothing permanent nor reliable. I have done my best to search out a job. I have spent hours online and door to door answering ads. I get rays of sunlight with interviews that wind up being some crazy dentist office that has a horrible idea of what a good office should be. BUT---I just had an AWESOME interview TODAY in Scottsdale Az. The best most promising interview I have had yet. AND I have two working interviews lined up for WED and THRS of next week. So PLEASE say a little prayer that I can impress them and do well so I can finally land a JOB!! So thats work.

In church Barry and I got called in September to be nursery leaders. UGH. I am struggling with this calling. We were BRAND new to the ward, just married, didn't know anyone and got called to a calling where you interact with 18mo old kids who don't talk. I feel totally out of the ward. I don't know anyone. We pray every night for a change of heart (yes Barry struggles too, not just me). The church is still true though. wink wink. It would just be nice to have the chance to make some new friends. I know, I know, it is a important calling and gives others the opportunity to enjoy the other meetings. I know. OHHHH I just found out that our ward is being SPLIT this coming Sunday so we might actually be changed out of our calling anyways. Also for new years goals Barry and I have been working on our spirituality. We have been doing really well at scripture study, prayer, temple attendance, family night and Barry has even been great with journal writing. So proud of him. YAY!! We still are working on food storage. We need to do more. DAD HELP US.

We are happily married. We have learned good lessons about marriage. Barry stresses out about me. I know he does. But he loves me as I am. I have pretty high expectations for him/us. bless his heart for putting up with me. We still have a lot to learn about being better husband and wife for each other. I sure love him. Barry works hard to provide for us. He is doing GREAT. His insurance agency is doing well and he has lots of plans for the future. Barry has been hitting the GYM almost everyday!! HOOT HOOT! He is such s stud. His knee bothers him a lot but he has been very diligent. Barry has also been a trooper with wearing his braces. Yes, my 28 yr old husband is wearing braces. His teeth are looking so good!!

and there is our life for now.

A happy, honest post

2010-01-10T18:09:00.001-08:00

ALRIGHT, BATTER UP! Here goes my debut of "tag, you're it!" posts

I really don't think I can come close to topping Tami's amazing post but, here I am:

10 random things that make me HAPPY
There is so much about life that makes me happy here are some that were on my mind most recently:

#1. Picture this, or if you have a horrible imagination or if my descriptions are lacking, I will add the imagery for you, hot sun shining down upon your face, bluish greenish water all around you, wind whipping your hair around and the bounce from the boat cutting through the waves. Now add some fun music, bathing suits, sweet wake boarding tricks, tubing, and a leather interior cushion on your behind. AHHH, there, now i'm in a very happy place. The lake and summer time are very good times.#2. I am happy when I replay in my mind a favorite memory of mine of my roommate Jen and I. We were cruise'n the streets of Mesa, blasting a little JT enjoying one of our many fun nights being single together, when the car dancing began. Anything went and you didn't cease dancing at a stop light though others could see. Car dancing makes me happy. It is unfortunate that I do not have a photographic representation of this memory.

#3. Clean. Cleanliness in general puts a smile on my face. The lines in the floor from the vacuum, the smell of fresh sheets, the crisp lines of a well made bed, and organized desk (an orgnaized anything for that matter), folded towels, clean people, clean teeth, fresh breath, fresh air, clean nose. BE CLEAN, breath clean, see clean uhhhmmmmm!

#4. My husbands laugh. I always try to replicate it and its a little difficult to pin down. He is a happy guy and enjoys the funny things of life (that's why he married me, wink). It is great. I love it. If you've heard it you will agree.

#5. Joseph Smith. Wow. The persecution he endured, the trials he faced, the faith, the unwavering testimony, the leadership, and strength of this man is truly awesome. I smile knowing a man like him exists. What a stud. I can't wait to shake his hand. #6. Eating. I love good food. Snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizer, dessert, second breakfast, 2nds, main course, I rarely miss a meal in any of the above forms. Dinner is also a time I get to spend with my husband after he gets off work and I have missed him all day. There are many reasons eating makes me happy. Any occasion is better with food. true. My typical favorite times involve a meal with family and friends surrounding me.

#7. My Shows. HGTV - Color Splash with David Bromstad. He is my favorite designer. His creative abilities are so wonderful. I love feeling inspired to make something better. HGTV is just good pg TV with a lot of really talented people on it. I have always been into it. When my roommates were watching Americas next top model I was watching home and garden television. dork. AND SYTYCD!! So you think you can dance. Talented people make me happy. I'm totally into it.

#8. My Nanna and Pomp! Oh how they make me happy. They are so sweet. I love them. I love my Pomp's stories of how he fell in love with Nanna, his sweet lips. Their lives together is honestly very romantic, passionate, and dramatic- and would make the best movie. It helps that they look like movie stars to. They are the best grandparents who have always been there for me.

9. The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I can obtain lasting happiness through its teachings. The Gospel of Jesus Christ endures into the eternities and by obedience to the commandments and counsels I can have peace and joy in my life through hardship and trial. I am happy because I have the truth.

10.When my husband comes up behind me wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my cheek. A simple pleasure. I like it.

10 Honest things about myself.

#1. I hate shopping. honestly. I like getting new things, but HATE shopping. I endure shopping because I like new things its a love hate relationship. Shopping is a lot more tolerable WITH someone.

#2. My indecisiveness drives me (and others) crazy. My inability to come to a rational choice in a certain amount of time truly affects my life. I waste a lot of time with worry that I won't make the best choice. It creates a lot of unnecessary anxiety. I wish there was a cure for my tendency.

#3. I am honestly not ready for a children. I know I want them at some point, but it is not right now. I like my life just the way it is for now. I just have a feeling that there are more great lessons I need to learn and character flaws I like to change before I am put in charge of another human life.

#4. I LOVE custom homes. I drive around fancy neighborhoods and go to open houses just to look at them. I also have a whole folder on my computer dedicated to ideas for my custom home. Someday I will build a custom home, at least I really really want to, that is.

#5. I think I am such a control freak because I sometime feel as though I am out of control of my OWN life, so if I can control others lives (my husbands- sorry babe) it gives me that false sense of control I might be lacking in my own life. Or i just might think my way is honesty better.

#6. I dance and sing to really loud music at home when I am alone. In fact, speaking of loud, I watch TV really loud and sometimes sit 4 feet away from the screen (even though it is 52") too.

#7. I honestly didn't think it would be so darn hard to find a job after I graduated from dental hygiene school and its pretty depressing. The way I used to see my life before I went to school is a whole lot different than my reality now. I feel pretty worthless some days.

#8. I am a secret admirer of people with really good style. I pretend that I can look that good too, but always feel a little off. I wish someone with excellent fashion sense would take me shopping and show me exactly what to buy- no for reals that would be RAD.

#9. I really want to create another occasion where I can wear my wedding dress again in public and not be weird for doing it. I just loved my dress and its a shame that such a beautiful thing has to sit in a bag until it goes out of style.

#10. 100% truth. and this one might surprise some. I have gained an affection for English bull dogs. I think the are the so cute in a short, fat, droopy and ugly kind of endearing way. Its the only dog I would ever consider actually owning.

I tag EMILY LINDBLOM and DANAE KEIME

Christmas and New Years

2010-01-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

We have had a wonderful holiday season. We had a great Christmas. We spend Christmas eve with Barry's Fam. They have some fun traditions that I really enjoyed. The first one I liked was the "cookie" contest. Every one brings how ever many dozen of cookies they want and the kids judge and vote for the best. Well, little did I know that pretty much ANY treat is counted as a "cookie" in this contest. I showed up with traditional sugar cookies and everyone else showed up with homemade truffles and layered brownies and all this fancy stuff. One thing about Barry's family is they take this contest seriously!! I felt a little inadequate. wink. After everyone oooed and ahhhhed over the TABLE full of goodies we sat down to dinner. I made a big pan of (tiffanie inspired) green chili cream cheese enchiladas and cilantro lime rice. I was happy to take home empty pans! yummm. There was so much good food. Another lovely tradition is the Christmas book. Collette makes these great laminated programs with pictures of all the families, fav recipes, stories and songs that we sang. I also really loved the Christmas video. Every year Holly makes a fun video with all the cousins with still pics and music and editing stuff. Last was the cousin gift exchange. What a good night.

Barry and I spent our Christmas morning with each other. I was really excited to give Barry his gifts. Yup more excited than getting gifts. I knew he would love 'em and he did. It was fun to make him smile!!

A WONDERFUL New Years surprise was the announcement that my sister Kari is pregnant. She and her husband have been trying for some time now and we all have been praying for them. So it was special news to us. We were all sitting at the table eating pizza when I noticed Kari had wording on her shirt. I asked her what does your shirt say and then while that was coming out of my mouth I comprehend that it said Mommy!! and then I look over and Kirk's said Daddy!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

So here are some pics of our holidays

We spent New Years with B&B Kirk and Kari, Tami & Ryne playing lots of fun games and good food.

CHRISTMAS DAY!!
This year we counted our quarters and were able to get Bret, Becki and the kids a trampoline. They were so excited!! Kingston loves to jump!!

more before and afters of some of my creations...

2009-12-20T14:50:00.000-08:00

I had this fabulous idea to MAKE a desk/cabinet area in this little nook upstairs in our loft. I once again went to habitat for humanity and found some treasures.

Here's ALL the BEFORE's of what turned into the cabinets and desk:

#1. EMPTY NOOK. BEFORE

the blank slate
#2. Part of the cabinet side. This piece had to be cut to size to fit the extra space on the left side of the cabinet and painted $ 5.oo at goodwill
#3. the original cabinet. this started as an 18'' deep floor cabinet that I saw potential in being a good hiding place for all of our electrical components and wires to be hung on the wall. It was so heavy. We were afraid it was going to fall off the wall. Barry put lot and lots of screws to hold this baby up.
#4. originally a piece of a bathroom cabinet. to be the desk drawers- sanded, painted, new knobs and shortened. I took a hack saw to the kick board to make it desk height.
#5. desk top started as a blue HUGE laminate counter top which needed to be custom cut to fit our space then it got a great decoupage treatment. The nice guy at habitat for humanity gave me all three of these pieces for $50.00 (believe me custom cabinets are WAY WAY more expensive.)
ADD these all together with a table saw, sander, paint, glue, paper, screws and a lot of elbow grease and get something LOVELY!

HALF WAY DONE
I added a classic front by adding molding to the cabinet doors and paint. Here it is hung. At this point still needs the side shelves and molding

BEFORE

AFTER

started as #4
this started as #3 and #2
started as #5

holy update

2009-12-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a little while since i posted about my amazingly exciting life. I guess I am a picture- poster- kind of girl and without a camera it is depressing to post, but here is my update anyways. Barry and I spent Thanksgiving in good 'ole Eagar. Many games where played and there was lots of snuggling-up for a good movie. It was a durn good time. Kari, Tami and I worked out a LOT. Every morning we did some form of kick boxing. Kari is a certified instructor. Places of body were sore that I never knew could be. I was sore to say the least. It felt good to work out especially when you know you will be consuming many, many calories. Yes, my mother is a bomb diggity cook and I thoroughly enjoyed her food!! hoot hoot!! Friday after Thanksgiving, we played football at the annual turkey bowl. The boys got rough and I threw a great pass!

THEN SATURDAY Barry, I, Kirk, Kari and M&D piled into Whitey Tighty (Barry's White Nissan Titan-get it?) and headed for the mountains to find the PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE!! It had been a few years since I have went Christmas tree hunting. It was sort of a rush to be in the snow-capped mountains in the chilly air- burrrrrr- bundled up stomping around the hard ground, hoping that just ahead of you awaits YOUR full and lovely Blue Spruce to make your Christmas oh so very festive. I didn't find my perfect tree. MY MOM DID. She found the best tree in all of the forest. I don't know how she did it, but there it was after a mile hike into the wood, through a small clearing just on the edge of the deep forest had grown a tree just for us. AHHHH soak in the moment. D and Barry chopped it down and hauled it back. I was so in love with this tree I didn't want Barry to drive his truck (loaded with our tree) to church Sunday in case of little punk Christmas tree VANDALS!! FOUND THESE PIC on my PHONE!! YAY!!

Barry loves our tree too!!
Kirk and Kari found this little Christmas tree- just the right size for the their car.

Bret and Becki tricked us all into thinking there weren't coming at all this year. But they did. They snuck in the back of the house and hid. While hiding, they sent Kingston in the house through the back door. I was napping on the couch and in my dream- like state hear this classic Kingston- "tuck, tuck" (kingston saying TRUCK) I sit up and there is my nephew who appeared from what seemed to be thin air. A few moments later in crawls little London. It was such a good surprise. They are so sneaky.

That night My Mom had a Watch party with Mellissa Hamblin. I have two new amazing chunky beaded watches. A GIRL CAN ACCESSORIZE . visit www.whippycake.blogspot.com to see

other details: lots of eating and BEADING!!

I am so very thankful for all I have. I am so very blessed. I have a wonderful life. I have a loving husband and supportive family. I have the truth of the restored gospel. I have it all. I am sure grateful for this free country we live in.

hello world again

2009-11-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

this is lisa making sure i still remember how to post...
its only a test though...
keep anxiously awaiting my first post...

hello world

2009-11-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

i know many of you have been anxiously awaiting my first post...

You won't find one without the other

2009-11-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

YUP, if you have ketchup, mustard will always be close by.

This year we went to Bret and Becki's for a couples Halloween dinner (if you follow her blog you have already seen the pics) The theme was famous DUOS

I love my husband for many reasons. One being that he wore this: (ENJOY)

I think we make a GREAT DUO!!

A bit of our Halloween spirit 2009

2009-11-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

I borrowed some pictures from my sisters camera so I could update my blog. Its really the pits not having a camera. sad face.

Bret and Becki had us over for a fun and FESTIVE FHE a few weeks ago. She made a fall inspired dish where she actually made this rice meat stuff INSIDE a PUMPKIN. cool. I made spooky Halloween cupcakes. We carved some amazing jack-0-lanters (they are check'em out) and we had a real good time enjoying Halloween traditions. My brother Mark, wife Holly and their kiddo Kaemon, Milea and Zallen joined us along with Tami and Ryne. The kids helped inspire some of our carvings. Milea chose the Cinderella pumpkin that I carved. I am a little prideful about how it turned out. WHO KNEW I had a hidden talent. wink.

MY cool cupcakes

STAY TUNED FOR BARRY AND I's COSTUMES..... THEY'LL make you.......hungry!!

broken camera

2009-10-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

My camera is broken (sad face) so my posting has been delayed. I apologize for the inconvenience!

Halloween memories

2009-10-16T09:51:00.001-07:00

Halloween has always been a fun time of year for me. I especially cherish my memories of Halloween as a child in Eagar AZ. I loved the smell of fresh pressed apples lingering in the crisp air. I love that our house was/is always decked out in holiday spirit: flashing skeleton lights, huge spider webs, the pumpkin cans and mummy bears. Mom always made Halloween fun. She or Dad would take us kids out to go trick-or-treating. We'd all pile in and out of our 1989 Toyota corolla Our costumes were for the most part homemade and had to be warm to fight the cold air of Eagar nights in October. I will never forget Chads mummy costume and that Kari was ALWAYS a Witch. When we were small each of us wore the lil' pumpkin costume (above). I remember some spooky full moons with the clouds hovering near casting eerie shadows on the fallen fall leaves and brown grass. I've never seen that anywhere else. I remember after an evening of door to door candy hoarding, Bret and I would dump all of our candy out on the floor and separate it all into categories and trade for our favorites. Happy Halloween!!

8 inches later...

2009-10-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

Well I have been at a loss about what to blog about lately so yes, i am stretching it here. (no pun intended)

My hair has been long for, well, a long long time- pretty much for the past 4 years i have kept it long. I guess I am just a long hair gal! When i chopped it off to my chin in 2004 that was THE LAST TIME. Ok, ok, i won't keep you in suspense, I just cut about 8 inches off my hair and went real DARK! TRUE, I just did that. My hair was long for my wedding in June and i hadn't touched it since so it was (if you were measuring) past my chest area- wink - and just too long. I needed a change so I had my girl friend and favorite cosmetologist Katee do the deed. I had cutters remorse for a few days, but am feeling good about it now

Here it is. I know, i know so EXCITING!

Before:

After:

The good 'ole days of the Provinces Dental Care

2009-10-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

Lately I have had a lot on my mind, particularly about my job I had for 3+ years at the Provinces Dental Care. This place holds great meaning to me. I grew so much over the years I worked there. I shared some of my roughest times and best times with the people I met there. My Aunt Paula got me on and taught me all I know about assisting. It didn't take long before Ann this firecracker spunky energetic full time hygienist and I became "like sisters" and she is the older sister I never had. There is Karen beautiful blond who is always kind and good for a word of encouragement, then Monica and her big brown eyes and latino attitude form L.A. always keeps me laughing with her stories and wit. Wendy was like a ray of sunshine every Wednesday she would work. Yvonne my personal physical therapist and front desk pal helped me get back on my feet when I shattered my ankle. Tiff-a-rooni my Chinese (wink wink she's mexican) pal, always with a new pair of shoes and cutest hair. I met lifetime friends that I love dearly. Dr. Jenkins, Dr. Poelman were the greatest bosses who always treated us the BEST! We were like family.. I was inspired to go to Dental Hygiene school because of my job as an assistant but it wasn't an easy choice to make because I was 100% happy and content. It was hard to let go of my place at the Provinces. A LOT changed when I was in school for two year. And NOW It feels like that refuge I used to cling to is crumbling away. New ownership came and with that lots of new "ideas" were introduced. Well, recently Ann the greatest hygienist I know, got "let go" after she dedicated 5+ years to the Provinces. She did anything for them, upped her hours, came in on weekends and at last min notice. She had no warning or notices. She is a single mother of 2 girls with a mortgage and bills. They gave her no reason other than "we are moving in a different direction." I was shocked, disgusted, disappointed, at such a tasteless decision on the part of people I used to look up to. I can't imagine how hard it has been on Ann these past couple days. It breaks my heart. I feel betrayed.

Anyway... Here is a reflection of my happy memories at the Provinces:

Ann (Matilda) and Me (Gretchen) Nerd Day

US PUNK ROCKERS scared Dr. Poelman
Halloween Work Party: Wendy the pirate and me the dark angel
Halloween Day AT the provinces, yes, I wore that all day!! Rocket girl's come back!! Yvonne and Tiffanie
Team building day at Laser Tag!!
Pageant Day: Ann, Karen, Moni, Aunt Paula
We LOVED beading!! Here we are beading at Ann's house
Ann's 30th Birthday!! wink wink
My Summer Squash Moni and I
Karen, Ann Me
Me assisting Dr. Poelman
Cowgirl day with Dr. Jenkins
Howdy there partner!
Christmas Party!!
Ann and I baked up some "Provinces Pie". GOOD TIMES!!

3rd time's a... CHARM

2009-09-20T16:11:00.001-07:00

color try #2 BEFORE
BEFORE- Original

So this post is for those far away that haven't had a chance to come see our house yet. There has been major changes to this house. I found hidden potential in this beyond bachelor pad!! It is becoming our HOME SWEET HOME! It started with nasty 7 boy roommate white carpet, plain tan walls, an old table old couches... you get the idea
Carpet (take note of the HOLE in the wall!!) boy roommates are so rough!!
Color try #1. I liked the green but it was just way to dark for the space it was in.

AFTER!!!!!___________________________________________________________________________________________
.NOW We (I) love it. Yellow is such a happy color!! The walls are bright and cheery!! It just took a lot of work (this is my 3rd time painting because I'm a little indecisive). We still have tile to lay in the kitchen and bathrooms. Also where the fan is in the picture is going to be a chandelier and the fan is moving across the way to the living room.

I'm still deciding on what do do for window treatments If you have ideas (colors, style ect.)SHOOT...

We love our vintage table!! It just has so much character. I was online for months looking at tables and all the new stuff just started to look the same to me. I just kept coming back to this old white treasure and just decided I had to have it. I like how it stands out against our wood floors.

It's alright, cuz i'm SAVED BY THE BELL

2009-09-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

When I wake up in the morn'n and the sum'um sum'em roar'n and I don't think i'm gonna make it on time. by the time I grab my books and I give my self a look, i'm at the corner just in time to see the bus fly by, but its alright, yeah, its alright cuz i'm saved by the bell!!

yup, still know it. and that was right off the tip top of my head!
AHHHH the good old days so Saved By the Bell! I was a faithful watcher. True. Zack Morris is so dreamy. He and Kelly were the best couple. When they would tv break up it would break my heart right along with it!! haa haa!!-- Like when that chick above came around! SHOUT OUT TO ALL S.B.T.B FANS!! HOOOT HOOOT

Sure grateful for sisters

2009-09-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

I love my beautiful sisters. I truly look up to them both. It's kina funny, I have always said that I really should be the younger sister rather than the oldest "big sister". My little sisters are amazing. They have always been leaders, good in school, kind, loving and level headed. What I admire the most, though is that they have a love for their Savior that shows through their actions. I love being with my sisters. We always have good heart to hearts and also some of the silliest times ever.

Tam Tam Tam-eroo!! Tami is just a good 'ole gal. I'd say she has and 'old' spirit. She has always been mature and handles life in stride. She is a dandy. She always has the best attitude and is so easy to be around. She is what I call involved- always doing in charge or planning something. I love how helpful she always seems to be. I have loved the trips we got to take to Mexico and the memories we made there even tough neither of us married Jake. wink. Tami and I love to eat ice cream in the garage at thanksgiving while the rest of our family plays scrabble. We have more fun. I love you sis. I'm so glad to have you close by now.

Kari is so creative. She is good at all things crafty. I have always wished I could do the things that she does. She has an infectious smile and wonderful laugh. Her knowledge for the gospel astounds me. Kari is righteous and always has been. When Kari is determined to do something she does it. When I think of my sister Kari I think of FAITH. She has been the greatest example of faith to me. She taught me Doubt Not , Fear Not . DNFN. Kari is so much FUN! Believe it or not Kari has a fiesty side to her that gives her a lot of passion for life. Kar-bear, thanks for always letting me talk you ear off with my silly problems. I sure love you.

A breath of fresh air

2009-09-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

It was sure nice to get out of the heat and enjoy the cool of the mountains.

Mark and Holly had a week to spend on vacation and we loved hanging out with them and their kiddos!! This is one of the last times we will get to see them before they move to Florida. We loved having them stay at our house too.

Over the weekend in Eagar we, of course, ate a lot of Moms good cooking, played sequence and 5 crowns where we let Dad and Barry win, played with Kaemon, Milea, Zallen, Kingston and London: collected eggs, picked green beans, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers from Dads awesome garden, held the baby chicks (dad hatched), saw the goat and moo cow, built marble tracks, ran around on the big lawn, ate popcorn, race cars, and watched movies. Chad, once again, is the best baby sitter!! hoot hoot!!

On Saturday Barry, I, Bret and Becki went on a great four wheeling ride! It drizzled on us a bit and was muddy, but the mountain air in my lungs was oh so very refreshing!! We had a lot of fun!

Here we are all loaded up on ready to roll- Barry in his awesome poncho!

THE MOUNTAINS

Later that evening we watched THE BYU game!! Yes, they WON!! 14, 13!! It was so fun to watch. Dad was so excited/nervous he was pacing behind the couches! Let the speculations begin...

two words: endless shrimp

2009-09-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Oh how we loved the endless shrimp at Red Lobster. Last night was one TAAAASSTYYY evening as we consumed hundreds (no really 100's) of little baked, boiled, breaded, fried, and glazed sea creatures!! We ate so much shrimp. We were the people that Red Lobster fear when doing a deal like ENDLESS SHRIMP!! Barry and I soon became comatose similar to after thanksgiving dinner. Do shrimp have the same chemicals as turkey? They must. Holly, I must say kept up with Mark and Barry. I was the first to tap out. I didn't want to though. Thanks so much Mark and Holly! We'll meet you same time and place next endless shrimp!! Here's to SHRIMP!

Photography---I'm a believer.....

2009-08-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

I actually found this little article on Natali's face book page and appreciated it so thought I'd share it:

Why are Professional Photographers so expensive?????

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 9:46am

Why are Professional Photographers so expensive? In this digital age where everyone has digital cameras, scanners and home "photo printers", when people upload their photos to a local drug store website and pick them up a few hours later, we hear this all the time - How in the world do Professional Photographers charge $55 (actually more then what I charge) for an 8x10 when they cost just $1.50 at the drug store? Here's why. Simply put, you're not just paying for the actual photograph, you're paying for time and expertise. First, let's look at the actual time involved. If you don't read this entire page, at least read this first part. For a two hour portrait session: - one hour of travel to and from the session - two hours of shooting - 30 minutes of setup, preparation, talking to the client etc. - 30 minutes to load the photos onto a computer (2 - 4 Gb of data) - 30 minutes to back up the files on an external drive - 3 - 4 hours of Photoshop time including cropping, contrast, color, sharpening, saving a copy for print and a copy for the internet and backing up the edited photographs - 2 - 3 hours to talk to the client, answer questions, receive their order and payment, order their prints, receive and verify prints, package prints, schedule shipment and drop package off at Fed Ex. - For local customers, we also print a set of all of their photos, and meet them at our studio to review the photos and place their order. Meeting and travel time averages 2 hours. You can see how one two hour session easily turns into more than ten hours of work from start to finish. So when you see a Photographer charging a $200 session fee for a two hour photo shoot, you are not paying them $100 / hour. For an eight hour wedding: - I won't bore you with the details, but an eight hour wedding typically amounts to at least two to three full 40 hour work weeks worth of time. Again, if they are charging you $4,000 for an eight hour wedding, you are not paying them $500 / hour. Now for the expertise. Shooting professional photography is a skill, acquired through years of experience. Even though a quality camera now costs under $2,000 taking professional portraits involves much more than a nice camera. Most Professional Photographers take years to go from buying their first decent camera to making money with their photography. In addition to learning how to use the camera itself, there is a mountain of other equipment involved, as well as numerous software programs used to edit and print photographs, run a website etc. And let's not forget that you actually have to have people skills, be able to communicate, make people comfortable in front of the camera - and posing people to make them look their best in a photograph is a skill all by itself. Think of it this way - the next time you pay $X to get your hair done, a pair of scissors only costs $1.50. But you gladly pay a lot more to hire a Professional. What about the cheap studios at the mall? Please don't compare us to the chain store studios. But if you must, consider all of the time and work that we put into our photographs, compared to what they do. Good luck getting a two hour photo shoot at a chain store. Not to mention they won't come to the beach! And of course, look at our work compared to theirs. You get what you pay for. The truth is, most of the mall and chain store studios lose money. In fact, in 2007 Wal-Mart closed 500 of their portrait studios because of the financial drain they were putting on the company. What the chain stores bet on is that you'll come in for some quick and cheap photos, and while you're there, you'll also spend $200 on other things. They don't have to make money, they are just there to get you in the door. Conclusion We hope that those who have taken the time to read this page will have a better understanding of why professional photographs cost so much more than the ones that you get from your local drug store. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Author: Shawn Richter

I must say that the PROFESSIONALISM is what you are paying for. I appreciate great professionalism. Someone who knows their particular profession well and executes it . I pay for them to be 100% competent and skilled. Knowledge. Quality end products. Pride in their work. I payed for my wedding photos and it was worth EVERY penny!! Natalie Montez is the BEST professional photographer out there in my opinion. She sent us a contract with details of what to expect months ahead. Communication of time and dates was always clear and accurate. She was on time and ready to roll. The shoot was a BLAST. My HUSBAND even had a great time at our photo shoot! She made it extremely enjoyable and comfortable. I never saw and unedited photo. I didn't have to search through 1000's of pictures to choose 10 I liked. THAT WAS HER JOB ! She had tons of prints ready for us to display at our wedding. I absolutely love my wedding photos and cherish them!! Check her out: www.photosbynatalie.blogspot.com!! She is amazing in every sense of the profession!

Husbands playing hooky

2009-08-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

Barry got FREE tickets to see a D-backs game in the middle of the day, twisted Bret's arm to skip out of work with him and we all went to the baseball game!! FUN! They lost, but it was a good game.

Lake again! I love it!

2009-08-21T09:41:00.001-07:00

Barry and friends=Rich and Seth
Our man Seth concentrating REALLY hard. SO FUNNY
Lauren and I tubing. Lauren is a MEAN tuber. She knocked EVERYONE off!!
New friends Rachelle, Me, Lauren, Natalee

SUMMER FUN!!

work in progress

2009-08-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

(THE HOUSE)

Well well well Barry and I have been busy!! About two weeks ago we put in hard wood floors downstairs in our house.

DIY projects are always an adventure. I learned a bit, HIRE SOMEONE!! haa haa, no it was a good learning process and saved us some money.

So we ripped out all the carpet and baseboards and began the instillation process.

I love our new floors and was happy to say farewell to the old carpet!! I feel like I could do project after project. I guess thats what happens when you have a whole house!!

I have to finish painting so we can get the baseboards back on. Still lots to do. FUN!

I finally figured out 100 things about myself

2009-08-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

Here are two pic of my big face.

So quite awhile ago my whole family wrote 100 things about themselves and we later had a big get-together and had some good laughs getting to know each other better. I didn't do it. I was busy with finals/school at the time. So after reading Natali's 100 I was inspired to sit down and figure out 100 things about ME so here goes:

1. I am not patient, but I want to be.
2. I am allergic to cats, horses, grass and latex.
3. I never kissed a boy in high school. My fist kiss was when I was 19.
4. I used to want to become an Architect, but I am just not good at math at all.
5. I am a horrible decision maker. Take away all the options and the better my nerves are. Choices can be overwhelming for me at times. I guess I have committment issues. In fact there are a few store that know me by name because I make numerous returns.
6. When I graduated from high school my good 'ole dad told me that i should got to school for dental hygiene. I look at him and said "I will never do that. I hate dental offices." I am now, 8 years later, a Registered Dental Hygienist. HOOT! HOOT!
7. I would rather not remember most of high school. Glad it's over
8. I went to SUU in Cedar City Ut. for my fist year of college. That is where I met my dear friend Megan Clark. I used to have a crush on her now husband. haaahaa
9. The only picture I ever drew was a giraffe in 9th grade art class. okay, okay I had a lot of help from Mr. Diverse.
10. I have been doing Tae Bo with my personal trainer Billy "blood fists" Banks since 7 grade. In fact I have had to keep hauling my mini tv around with me over the years because it has a VHS player on it. I love to work out, but not in gyms!! HI YAHH!
11. I only take pills (ie Ibuprofen, aspirin) on rare occasions. Nope, not much of a pill popper. My Dad instilled in me that if you have a headache you should probably go to sleep. You got the headache for a reason and your body is telling you to take care of yourself.
12. I like to think I can cook, not bake, there is a difference. Baking is like brownies and cakes. I like coming up with yummy meals with whatever might be in the fridge.
13. People say that I am accident prone. I disagree. Its just that when something does happen it is always MAJOR that's all.
14. I absolutely love the sour candy Sour Patch kids. Once while studying for boards I literally ate HALF of a COSTCO size bag. I ate myself sick and later yammied! I still eat sour patch kids.
15. Speaking of up-chucking, once my roommates and I , made an ongoing list of all the different words used to describe throwing up.
16. Is it weird that in H.S. my best friends were guys, Ster, Matt, Trey?
17. I am not afraid of bugs, spiders, critters or getting a little dirty.
18. I absolutely loath being cold.
19.I played the flute in middle school.
20. I truly appreciate the talents and abilities of others. I love watching performances of many kinds, singing, dancing, acting, instrument playing, athletics, photography, art, scrap booking ect. I try to be cultured. wink
21. My brother Mark is my hero. I admire the way he has lived his life.
22. The summer Olympic gymnastics fascinate me. The Olympics in general fascinate me.
24. I truly believe, when it comes to friends, its not quantity its quality! I have met kindred spirits in my life that I will never forget. You know who you are.
24. My favorite apostle is Elder Eyring. He reminds me of my grandpa Crosby at times. I just love him
25. I used to spend my summers tending ostriches meaning, monitoring an incubator full of eggs, hatching chicks, hauling 5 gallon buckets of water to feeders, cleaning pen of poop and woke up at 6 am daily to to so.
26. My Dad says that gold runs through my veins. In all honestly, I just appreciate fine craftsmanship and quality.
27. When I was in 5th grade I was out of school for 3 weeks with a ruptured appendix. I almost died of toxic shock. A quart of infection was removed from my organs.
28. The movie Labyrinth used to scare me. In fact i do NOT like scary movies at all.
29. I have a big scar on every single appendage from various adventures through out my life.
30. I can't name a food i will not eat. I have my preferences, but will basically eat anything. In fact, my co-workers used to call me the garbage disposal.
31. I love music, not screaming, of all genres and I listen to it really loud. I can even appreciate the screaming kind on some days!!!!
32. I certainly care about what is going on in politics and our world and like to be informed, but i cannot stand watching the news constantly. oops.
33. I do not watch much TV but do waste time blogging and looking up randomness on the Internet.
34. Some may hate it, but I am not a slave to my phone. I bought it as a convince for me and if I am in the middle of living my life, I will not answer the phone (this is circumstantial).
35. I love HGTV. I think the shows inspire people to create beautiful things.
36. In dental hygiene school, my clinic group described me as creative, caring, "real" and optimistic.
37. I am very clean and organized. (barry would say EXTREMELY) When I was dating Barry I once spent a day organizing his closet in rainbow order. I couldn't help myself. I haven't always been organized. I had some help (THANKS ERIN!)
38. It's not very hard to get under my skin. I'm working on this.
39. Don't stone me, but I never had a desire to go to BYU nor live in Provo. Just not my gig.
40. I do not prefer the nic name Lisa Lou. I have tried to train my family to call me at least Lisa Nae (middle name is ReNae).
41. My husband makes fun of me because I save store bought plastic bottles, wash and reused them.
42. I consider myself a protective sister. I once wrote one of my sisters missionary companions to "put her in her place"-nicely when she was not treating my sister very kind.
43. Learning is great. I am an advocate of education, but the regiment of classes and home work is not my favorite position to be in.
44. I have a retained deciduous tooth- T. This is a baby tooth that I never lost and was never replaced with another tooth.
45. I once jumped a 100 (yes we measured) foot cliff into water before 4 other guys. Boy aren't i brave.
46. Do or don't be grossed out-- I am a picker. I like to pick on things.
47. I've been told I'm really tough. I tolerate physical pain very well. I actually had my wisdom teeth taken out with NO ANESTHETIC. Dr. Jenkins was amazed.
48. I broke my nose my freshman year of HS doing a back handspring on the basketball court.
49. Of my favorite memories, one of my favorites is of my Grandma Jo when my sisters and I used to play the funny face game with her. We would stand back to back, count to 3, spin around and make the funniest/ugliest face we could. Grandma would make the SAME face every time. We got a kick out of that.
50. I like a clean cut guy. YOU HEAR THAT HUSBAND!! WINK
51. I think I am a good poet.
52. I attended one year of Respiratory therapy school. Hospitals are not a good match for me. I don't enjoy being caged up for 12 hours straight and it didn't help that I gave a man his last breath. I didn't want to "get used to" death.
53. When I am hungry or tired or hungry and tired you should probably feed me or put me to bed QUICK.
54. I watched Napolean Dynamite approximately 13 times IN theatres.
55. I have a very complicated personality according to my husband.
56. Having the constant support and love of my family is a huge part of my life. I love them dearly.
57. When it comes to sympathy, well, I need to work on being more sympathetic. I guess I was raised with the attitude-- get up, do it again, you're fine, stop crying. I had 3 older brothers that when i did get hurt the would hold me down and say straight in my face "STOP CRYING!" or "DON'T CRY. YOU ARE TOUGHER THAN THAT!" Yes, I am that girl that rolls her eyes at "weeny girls" that wine about little "ouchys"
58. Before my honeymoon, I had never been EAST. That is, past Texas. I have now gone to Florida
59. While sitting as a passenger with my husband driving I tend to easily get motion sickness.
60. I am a very particular individual. I (for the most part) know what i'm gonna like and dislike. I will usually have an idea ow how I'd like something to turn out and when it doesn't, I tend to be disappointed.
61. I once watched a certain movie with Barry and cried for 15 min after it was over. No lie. Ask him. It was one of his favorite movies so No it was not a chick flick or a love story.
62. I am overly self conscious about the right side of my face for two reasons (not that the first isn't reason enough) #1, The right side of my face was ripped off in a car accident where I had 1,100 stitches placed in an 8 hour surgery. #2. I broke my nose.
63. I love giving gifts. It is fun for me.
64. I was told by an optometrist, after relentless attempts at wearing contact lenses, that my eyes were too sensitive. Just like my heart. wipe a tear.
65. I got a class II misdemeanor for not wear my glasses while driving. DUMB
66.I take my make-up off EVERY night with out fail.
67. I like being tan, but would rather not have cancer or sun spots later in life. Sunscreen is my friend.
68. Don't hate- I love the series Smallville. True. I will admit I have watched almost every season.
69. I seem to always have chapped lips and have a bad habit of rubbing my lips.
70. I prefer cites with planning and zoning.
71. It is important for me to be on time. I try very hard to do so.
72. For the past 7 years my breakfast has developed into HIGH FIBER cereals like Raisin Bran, Shredded Wheat, and strawberry All- Bran with fruit and yogurt. LOVE IT. can't hardly function with out it.
73. In my first singles ward I was called to be Gospel doctrine teacher. It was rather intimidating to teach RM's.
74. I am disgusted and do not agree with, nor enjoy people who choose to smoke in public or around thier children. If you are going to smoke, just kill yourself. Don't bring others down with you. RUDE.
73. I am a little GREEN. Yup. I like recycling, using things over, not wasting, not littering, using non aerosol products and such. not too bad.
74. I eat only wheat spaghetti noodles and they are delicious. I also eat 100% natural peanut butter because it is not hydrogenated. Delicious and nutritious.
75. I tried to cut out high fructose corn syrup from my diet cold turkey and it turned out to be impossible. It is in nearly EVERYTHING. grrrr.
76. When I was 16 i had a grand vision that once I turned 20 all my pimples would just go away. FALSE.
77. As a child I had an unusual frequency of ear infections. Don't know why, but my Mom told me that I might be hard of hearing when I am an old lady.
78. I try to eat all the colors in my diet through out the day.
79. I prefer my carrots raw and my broccoli steamed.
80. I am not a fan of video games. I think they are a waste of time. I actually stopped dating a guy because he played way too much.
81. I never experienced the freshman 15. It was actually opposite for me. I lost 15lbs post HS. thank goodness.
82. My hair is naturally a wavey poof. I straighten it.
83. Look #83. This was my soccer # and I was born 8-3-83 @ 8:30!! sweet eh?
84. I don't prefer fast food. I will eat it if I must.
85. My favorite dessert includes gooey brownies, ice cream, fudge, Carmel and pecans in any combination.
86. My salsa has to have a kick to it or i might as well be eating ketchup.
87. I am not a great reader. The only series I have ever finished is Twilight. SAD
88. I am afraid of change. I am a creature of habit and stability. Don't rock the boat. I need adequate notice and preparation before any interruption to my routine.
89. I would consider my self ambitious. I want a lot out of life. I know the value of hard work and dedication and that it can take me far.
90. A favorite food of mine would have to be Cafe Rio's sweet pork tacos with feta cheese and green ranch--- so tasty!!
91. I AM DRAMATIC. I tend to perhaps over dramatise many situations. I'd rather call it passionate. I am passionate about the thing that mean the most to me.
92. I want nothing more out of life than to be happy and have great relationship with those I surround myself with.
93. I am a hopeless romantic. I am a sucker for love songs, knights in shining armor, poems, flowers, chocolates, thoughtful notes gifts and endearing words, candle light, dancing in the middle of the street at random, and ON and ON>>>>>
94. A pet peeve of mine is when people don't put carts away at shopping centers. COME ON LAZY AMERICANS--REALLY???
95. An afternoon delicacy of Eagar AZ growing up was freshly caught killed and boiled crawdads dipped in butter and sprinkled with salt yummm yummm.
96. okay okay I'll say it, I am a perfectionist, but am not very perfect thus i lead a life of frustration.
97. I love to solemn ski! so fun. I'm over wake boarding. If your not good whats the point? Face planting hurts and I'd rather go FAST!!
98. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and know His gospel is TRUE
99. My waist is as big as my husbands thigh. nuts
100. I like blue collar comedy.

THAT WAS INTENSE thanks for reading.

It's the little (or big) things in life

2009-08-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

The food item above made me smile from ear to ear Thursday night at Rustlers Roost for Laurens birthday.

Look a REAL LIVE moo cow with BIG'O long horns!! That long horn had better behave or it might meet the same fate as his friend on the wall above.

Barry's office all done

2009-08-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here it is Kari:

PARTY DAY

2009-08-03T13:44:00.001-07:00

Hummm..... It's yet again my birthday. I'm gonna give you a list. A list of why I enjoy birthdays.

1. Everyone has to be nice to you. right? Its like a LAW. The law of the birthday.
2. Presents
3. Cake. Preferably Chocolate with cream cheese frosting
4. Ice Cream in any flavor
5. Birthdays last the whole month. Aug. is my birthday month.
6. You get to reflect upon a painful day in your mothers life and give her thanks that you were born.
7. Lunch with friends
8. One day a year I get extra spoiled
9. Party's
10. Outings
12. People sing to you a special song. What other day do people feel the need break out in song because you are alive?? Speaking of birthdays songs How many are there?
a. You've had a birthday shout horraay
b. Felize cople anyos
c. classic happy birthday to you
d. happy happy birthday children dear happy days will come to you all year if i had a wish then it would be a happy happy birthday to you from me.
e. hummm this is a pretty sad list of songs help me out here!

13. I am always happy on my birthday. its true. Hard to be sad.
14. treats in addition to cake and ice cream
15. Its an excuse to dress up.
16.Who doesn't love the idea of surprise and wonder
17. Pinatas
18. Themed party's. I'm doing Malibu Beach Barbie this year. wink
19. confetti. You have not been born without confetti on your birthday
20. We celebrate AGE.
21. Along with celebrating age we display it for all to know. There's many way to display our NEW AGE:
a. lite candles on a cake
b. big posters
c. shout it out
d. draw it in frosting
e. lights
f. bracelet charms
g. banners
h. jewelry

22. If we didn't celebrate we might forget how long we have been alive.
23. flowers. this is separate from gifts.
24. I love that birthday girls are entitled to wear tiaras!
25. For some reason you want everyone to know its your birthday. see # 1.
26. I enjoy all the sentiments from people.
28. Blowing out candles and making a secret wish that no one else can know!
29. They are important because you feel sad when people might forget!! right? i do.

i'll be back to add more to my list

What to do, what to do??

2009-08-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

My birthday is TOMORROW!! I almost forgot for realsies. So I haven't really planned much (thats Barry's job anyways right??).
WHAT DOES a married person do for her birthday?? EH??

I begged Barry for a pedicure. -I didn't get a pedicure for TWO years while i was in school (so do i feel deserving? yes.)

IDEAS??? GO>

8-3-83 @ 8:30 that is a true story. My dad predicted my birth. When my Mom first was pregnant with me he called it. He said "It's gonna be a little girl and she's gonna be born on AUG the 3rd." and I WAS. He is pretty psychic!!

I'm pretty darn glad I was born.