Blonde is the new smart!

Birthday Weekend.

2012-01-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Birthday Weekend!

We made crepes for breakfast on Sunday.

Tyler does the crepes and I do the toppings-- I LOVE homemade whipped cream.

On Saturday we had a Birthday lunch at Rodizio Grill. It was delicious.

Sunday evening we had a little party at my in-laws, where we enjoyed the delicious checkerboard cake! Tyler is an excellent gift giver-- he listens to what I talk about! He is a good man.

Thank you mom & dad for the kitchen aide chopper/grater/shredder. It is everything I wanted and MORE!

Cake.

2012-01-30T11:36:00.002-07:00

I wanted to make my own cake this year-- I have been wanting to make a checkerboard cake for awhile now, and this was the perfect celebration to give it a whirl!

I used this recipe for the cake and then made some chocolate cream cheese frosting.

and ta daaa!

Happy Birthday to Me!

The cake was delicious, and the possibilites are endless.

Miss Emily

2012-01-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Miss Emily is 17 years old today!! She is the baby of our family, I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that she is 17 today! I remember the day she was born, and I went to visit her in the hospital. She made us a family of 3 girls + my mom {my dad is so lucky}.

Emily is amazing. If I was 17, I would want to be her.

@ her cheer comp.
the day before her cheer comp + she really is a princess

Not only is she gorgeous, she is smart too...

Has a sparkling personality...

Has a strong testimony...

and is such a great example to me.

I love you Em.

Eat a piece of cake for me.

Paper Gift

2012-01-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

The traditional 1st Anniversary Gift is paper.

We decided to only exchange cards this year, and I am so glad that is what we decided to do.

It was perfect.

1 Year Anniversary

2012-01-15T21:22:00.005-07:00

It is hard to believe that Tyler and I have been married for 1 year. It has been the quite the year- we have had lots of ups and a few downs. We have laughed a lot and cried a few tears as well. We have learned a lot, and have loved every moment of it. I am so grateful that I married my best friend and the love of my life.

Our relationship may not be perfect, but it is real and it is ours.

We had a wonderful weekend getaway... reminiscing about our wonderful wedding day {thanks mom & dad}, talking about our favorite memories of this past year, and things we want to work on for this next year.

Happy New Year

2012-01-10T08:34:00.003-07:00

Can't believe it is already 2012!

We had a fun New Years Eve with some friends... I was able to make it to 12:00 this year. For some reason New Years Eve is hard for me to stay awake for... even in high school! {Sometimes I am like an 85 year old.}

2012 has already brought some changes for each of us.

I am the new 2nd counselor in the Young Womens

Tyler started his new semester

Bring it on 2012!

Christmas Wrap Up

2011-12-27T13:05:00.001-07:00

We were surrounded by family the entire weekend.

We were able to see some of my extended family Christmas Eve which was very nice, and then we were able to spend the rest of the time with Tylers family. We were also able to SKYPE my family on Christmas. That was a lot of fun!

My favorite part of Christmas was when it was just Tyler and I at our apartment cooking our first little Christmas dinner together. I am so grateful for all of the gifts I have received this past year, the best one being that I was able to marry my best friend in the Temple.

1st Christmas

2011-12-26T16:15:00.001-07:00

Crazy to think this is our 1st official Christmas together!

I had so much fun shopping for Tyler, and we had fun starting new traditions throughout the month. We have already thought of a few things to remember for next year!

You HAVE to have new Christmas Eve PJs!

Our favorite gifts.

Trip to Colorado

2011-12-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

My BFF moved to Colorado and I finally got to visit her! It was so much fun to catch up with her and see her new city!

Highlights Included:

Seeing Breaking Dawn

Ate a lot of great food

Took at ghost tour at the Stanley Hotel

Volunteering at her Christmas Kids Work party

Thanks for such a fun weekend!!

See you soon.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T23:14:00.006-07:00

What we Made:

Dutch Pancakes

Dill Dip & Veggie Tray

Muddy Buddies {hadn't eaten these since 3rd grade}

Cookie Dough Dip

Where we Went:

Temple Square to see The Testaments

Deseret Book {bought the CUTEST Nativity}

Syracuse for lunch with family

Tylers Parents for Christmas Eve Night

Home for Christmas Eve Pajamas and reading the real Christmas Story

It was a good day.

Christmas Eve 2011.

Gingerbread Sleigh and Temple Square

2011-12-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

Just some more traditions...

Lights @ Temple Square

Decorating our gingerbread sleigh! {Growing up we decorated a sleigh every year-- I have missed this tradition since moving away from home!}

Tylers Side

My Side

The front!

Christmas Baking

2011-12-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

We love to bake! We made some treats to share and it was a blast.

We made...

Mint Fudge (All Tyler)

Sugar Cookies w/ Peppermint Kisses x3

Hello Dollies

Pecan Sandies

and

Sugar Cookies (All Tyler)

We gave to our Home Teachees,Visiting Teachees, Friends at work, Family, and ourselves!

Traditions.

2011-12-22T14:22:00.006-07:00

My family has a fun tradition of going bowling on Christmas Eve. It is one of my favorite traditions. Read about duck pin bowling in 2008... I have only missed 2 years of this tradition! I knew we would be too busy on Christmas Eve to go, so Tyler and I went on Saturday. It was a night of firsts-- Tyler and I had never been bowling together! How weird is that?! Also-- I have never been bowling with just one other person! Those games go F-A-S-T!

I love this tradition and I am so glad that we are going to continue it with our family!

Festival Of Trees

2011-12-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

I love traditions. I love being a part of traditions and I love starting new traditions. I do not think its ever too late to start a new tradition! It is our 1st Christmas together {last year we were engaged and I was NOT in the holiday spirit...just ask Tyler about the meltdown I had in the mall parking lot last year over socks} and I am LOVING carrying on and starting our very own traditions! We were able to go to the Festival of Trees and see all of the beautiful trees {and gingerbread houses} on display.

Love the colors!

The Up House!

Sisters.

2011-12-12T10:36:00.003-07:00

I feel so blessed to have such wonderful sisters. It is tough to live so far away from them and feel like I am missing out on so much, but it has made me very grateful for the time I do get to share with them. I love talking to them on the phone, and texting them about what is going on in our lives. I am already looking forward to seeing them this summer!!

They both make me so proud.

I love you ladies!!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-02T09:02:00.002-07:00

As usual, Thanksgiving was AMAZING! It is so nice to be surrounded by family and friends.

Hightlights Included

I was able to fly out a little before to spend time with family.

I got to see Emily in her cheer competition-- so fun to be there!

I got to see Cara perform up at school-- so talented!

Tyler surprised us all by flying out early-- I have never been so surprised in my life!

Bureau of Engraving with Tyler and of course Bens Chili Bowl!

A LOT of laughing, eating, and NERTZ!

Team TOG (The Old Guys) Winning.

I had some time to reflect on things while I was out there, and while I came up with a lot of different things the most important is that, when it really comes down to it we have so much to be thankful for.

Already looking forward to JMTP9

Happy Birthday Cara!!!

2011-11-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Cara is a freakin' rock star.

I love this girl soooooo much.

She is such an example to me. We have made some awesome memories togheter. I am so lucky to not only have a sister but a friend.

I cannot believe she is 21 today.

So happy I am here to celebrate with her!

Love you.

11/11/11

2011-11-11T08:00:00.001-07:00

I believe that wishes do come true. As cheesy as that sounds, I really do believe that!
If I am looking at the clock at 11:11 I always make a wish.
I make my wishes count when I blow out candles too.
If I am lucky enough to see a shooting star... I make a wish on that too.

I am pretty sure making all those wishes is how I got Tyler.

Today is 11/11/11 which means at 11:11 you must make the best wish you can think of!!
Better make it count!

Date Night.

2011-11-08T13:12:00.004-07:00

When Tyler got home from school last night he came home to a poem on the door.

"I know its a little late

For a Halloween themed date.

There will be pumpkins, popcorn, and coco to share

Come on in if you dare."

I'm sure my creative writing teacher would have been impressed with that.

We never carved our pumpkins-- we got crazy busy with other other activities! I am so glad we waited because after Halloween we were able to pick up a pumpkin carving kit {I ALWAYS wanted one}!

Tyler and the Pumpkin Guts

For some reason I remember pumpkin carving being extremely messy-- I think the last pumpkin I carved was when I was 10. It was not messy at all-- very civilized.

The final result!!

I think it turned out super cute!

I also made pumpkin hot chocolate-- delicious.

and

Popped homemade popcorn-- in a pot over the stove!! It was seriously so fun {I am easily impressed}. Tyler did a video of the popcorn-- I will try to find it!

It's Already November!

2011-11-02T10:53:00.001-06:00

How on earth is it already November?? Most of the time I am counting the days to get to November, but this year it snuck up on me!! November is one of my very favorite months because it is Fall...the leaves are changing and falling...oh yeah and McNeil-Janes Palooza aka Thanksgiving! So excited.

Us last Thanksgiving!

I was just looking at my November posts from last year and they are all about wedding preperations-- hard to believe that was all happening a year ago! What an amazing year it has been!

Las Vegas

2011-10-31T23:59:00.002-06:00

October was crazy busy for us!

During Fall Break we were able to sneak away to Las Vegas for a few days.

It was very relaxing!

The highlight of the trip was seeing Jersey Boys. It was amazing! So amazing that we had to stop in Mesquite on the way home to buy the soundtrack! We were defintely the youngest people in the audience-it was so cute to see all of the people around us singing along! I leaned over to Tyler and said, "this is like if they make a musical of N'Sync." I am by no means saying N'Sync did not have the cultural impack that Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons had!

Halloween

2011-10-31T23:00:00.001-06:00

It's funny how holidays evolve as you grow up, and then I am sure they evolve again once you have kids of your own! I made some delicious chili for dinner and then we had homemade pumpkin chocolate cake with pumpkin buttercream frosting for dessert! We got ZERO trick-or-treaters, unless they came while we were gone from 8:30-10:00pm. We only have 10 pieces of candy left...so I'm not quite sure what happened there! {I am so jealous of the people who say they don't like sugary stuff.}

My Gryffyndore scarf {Tyler has a matching one}. Thanks Mom!

Some Halloween Treats.

A tiny little baby! We were able to visit Sharlene, Matt, and their baby girl!

Halloween Decorations

2011-10-30T10:58:00.000-06:00

Decorating space is limited at our household-- so I just decorate one of our tables in the living room. Since we are just starting out we do not have too many decorations so it works out perfectly! I glittered my own pumpkins over the month-- a combination of Krylon Glitter Spraypaint (we have a love/hate relationship- thankfully Krylon has excellent customer service) & glitter acrylic paint. I saw a ton of tutorials on using Martha Stewart Glitter but that is a bit pricy for me. Tyler and I went to town on glittering those pumpkins. I have a few more to glitter for next Halloween! The skull was from the $1 bin at Target!

Ghost Tour.

2011-10-29T10:06:00.002-06:00

Tyler was able to get some tickets to the Ogden Ghost Tour.

It was awkwardly hilarious.

I did learn some interesting things about Ogden-- basically it was a huge brothel and ghosts LOVE to mess with doors.

Sorry the pictures are blurry-- must have been the ghosts {sometimes they like to mess with the cameras}.

Hee Haw

2011-10-28T22:06:00.006-06:00

Tyler and I had a Groupon {Groupon is the best} to Hee Haw Farms. We tried going at the beginning of the month but got rained out! We tried again Friday night, and it was a success!

Us and our pumpkins

They had a lot to offer-- including a haunted forest {Tylers idea}. It was a lot of fun-- but I am a HUGE WIMP. Within 2 minutes I thought I was going to vomit-- with the bridge turning, lights flashing, smoke everywhere, and this spinny thing ahead of me I was a MESS! We hadn't event gotten to the "spooks" yet. Whenever a "spook" got in my face I screamed, and I screamed loudly. I honestly was scared, but I also thought if I screamed loudly they wouldn't be as in my face. Incorrect. The scariest spook {besides the chainsaw in my face, who I accidentally kicked} was this spook who followed us {I had my face mostly covered} who got right in my face and whispered, "You have a pretty face". I just about peed my pants. I also kept repeating, "I'm going to be sick, I'm going to puke" hoping to keep the spooks away... didn't work! Let me tell you-- if I was a spook I would stay away from the girl saying she was about to vomit. We survived the forest better than the group behind us. Let's just say, some had wet pants and decided to forgo the hay ride back and walk the half mile back to the farm. That would make for an awkward night.

We got back to the farm, and picked out our pumpkins! Of course, this ENTIRE time Tyler did not flinch even once.

It was quite the date night!

See You Soon

2011-10-21T08:46:00.004-06:00

Having Cara visit was seriously so much fun!

I was so sad to see her leave. I watched her walk into the airport and I got all teary eyed. I typically am the one who is walking into the airport but that day I got to be on the other side of the situation! I am so proud of her. She is amazing. I cant wait to see her in less than a month!

Canyon with the Sister

2011-10-21T08:43:00.003-06:00

We wanted to take Cara up in the canyon to see the leaves and eat hot-dogs and s'mores!!

We went up Sunday after church. It was so fun! It made us super excited for the Fire Pit at the Cabin!

Tyler building that fire.

We pose the same way.

{I taught her at a very young age.}

After the canyon we came home and watched a scary movie. Tyler was in heaven- since I would never offer to watch a scary movie, but with Cara there it was 2 against 1! Luckily Cara had seen the movie before so she could prepare me!

Caras Visit: Part 1

2011-10-17T11:07:00.000-06:00

We were so excited to have Cara visit us for a few days!!

Welcome!!

We picked Cara up Saturday morning-- poor thing had to stay in Atlanta.

We rested for an hour or so and ate delicious pumpkin pancakes before heading up Bountiful to see some cousins! Later that night Cara and I did some shopping-- she got some really cute things! All businessy and what not.

We ate some more-- {Chicken Alfredo}

and then made

Caramel Apples!

It was so fun and they turned out awesome!!

Cara is a professional apple dipper!

We did apple pie and sprinkles!!!

Rolls.

2011-10-06T15:11:00.002-06:00

Over the weekend I went on a baking frenzy.

I made home-made rolls-- used my G'pas recipe but with whole wheat flour!! I also made some delicious honey butter.

Ohhhh and made baby cinnamon rolls with the left over dough.

I was in a carb coma for the rest of the weekend...

More Taylor

2011-09-30T09:50:00.002-06:00

I have been a Taylor Swift fan since her first c.d. I remember listening to the songs over and over and over again. They were all songs about relationships gone wrong, or wanting to be in love. So basically any 19 year old girl (myself included) could relate. Then her next cd came out that had my favorite "Love Story". I specifically remember listening to her songs and thinking, "these songs are the soundtrack to my life. Ifeel like I came full circle from relating to the relationships gone wrong songs to the being in lots of LOVE songs. That is why I think it is so neat that I was able to go to her conert with the love of my life {who SURPRISED me with tickets}!

We sat next to a couple clearly on their first date-- it was a.w.k.w.a.r.d. I didn't think there would be a second date until I saw him down a large popcorn all by himself, and then I knew there would not be a second date. I just hope Taylor Swift isn't ruined for them. I went to a Smashmouth concert once on an AWFUL blind date, and now I can't listen to Smashmouth (haha).

Thanks again for such an amazing surprise!

Taylor + Tyler + Me = Awesome

2011-09-29T11:52:00.004-06:00

Tuesday night Tyler surprised me with tickets to see
Taylor Swift!!!!!!! He should have recorded it because I am sure it was a sight to see.

Tyler is NOT a fan of country music. I am slowly breaking this country music barrier down, so for Tyler to get these tickets AND to go with me is EXTREMELY sweet. {I know he has a soft spot for T.Swift though.}

It was an amazing.

She is extremely talented, and is so adorable!

Her show was fantastic.

More details to come...

Cabin Time

2011-09-26T12:35:00.003-06:00

Tyler and I had a quick get away to the cabin this weekend! It was wonderful.

My in-laws were able to come too- I hope they enjoyed their stay as well!

Of course I did not take any pictures except for the FIRE PIT!! It is just about done- and it is going to be so awesome. Can't hardly wait.

Hightlights Included

Going to Cedar to see "Dial M for Murder"

Sonnys BBQ

Margarita Chicken Tacos

French Toast & White Chocolate Pancakes

Grafton- the Ghost Town was having a reunion so all the buildings were open

Sleeping In

Watching the movie An Affair To Remember

Thanks Mom & Dad for letting us use the cabin!!!

Happy Birthday Schpoops!

2011-09-20T10:45:00.006-06:00

Happy Birthday to my Dad!!

Or should I say

Spencer Tracy?!

When they speak they sound just like each other.

I noticed this while watching Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

Especially during the last scene.

Happy Birthday Dad! I hope its a great one!

8 Months

2011-09-16T12:28:00.002-06:00

Tyler and I have been married for 8 months {yesterday}. Can hardly believe it. Somedays it feels like years {in a good way} other days it feels like just yesterday. I can say with certainty that I love him more today than I did 8 months ago. I would always hear people say that love grows exponentially, and you will love someone more tomorrow than you did yoday. I found it hard to believe because I knew that I loved Tyler and it was a lot of love. Its true though, because my love for him grows every. single. day.

We went on a night hike a few nights ago.

I know that I married a wonderful man. He proves that to me day in and day out. He is patient. He is kind. He is smart. He doesn't mind when I wake him up in the middle of the night because I had an awful dream. He is genuine. He is mine.

Best. Dinner. Ever.

2011-09-14T09:28:00.000-06:00

A few months ago Tyler and I were watching a cooking show and they were cooking chicken by making it thin, filling it with deliciousness, and then tieing it up with twine. I am sure there is an actual cooking term for this- but I don't know it, so when I searched for recipes I thought I found something but it was not really what I wanted. However, it gave us a start. It gave us a recipe for the filling, and I made up the rest.

I pounded out chicken breasts with my meat mallett. They were perfectly thin after I was finished with them. Then we filled it with a mixture of goat cheese, bacon, and green onion from this recipe.

Then we rolled it, peppered it, and tied it up with twine.

We browned it in the skillet.
Then baked for a little bit.

Our finished result!!

The pictures do not do the chicken justice. It may have been the best meal we have ever made. Top three for sure.

Eaten with rice and a green salad-- wonderful Sunday meal!!

GYGI.

2011-09-12T11:36:00.000-06:00

Sprinkles Galore.

Ahhhhhh....

Finally made it to GYGI.

It took some HUGE will power not to buy the entire store, and just buy our icing tip.

Cannot wait to go back.

Greek Festival

2011-09-12T09:35:00.002-06:00

Tyler and I were supposed to go to Peach Days on Saturday. We had it all planned to stay with my G'pa & G'ma but Tyler had to be responsible so we hatched a plan B which involved attending the Greek Festival! It was so much fun. There is nothing like watching lamb on a spit.

We had already eaten a late lunch so we just got delicious desserts. I am a big fan of baklava and galactoboureko. I need to learn to make baklava-- however, I think it may be one of those things best left to the Greek bakery. We watched some performances of traditional Greek dancing, and also enjoyed some awesome people watching. It was a fun way to spend a Saturday evening!

Can't wait for Peach Days & Greek Festival 2012!

Date Night.

2011-09-09T11:50:00.003-06:00

I know this isn't the best picture of the Draper Temple, but I still love it.

Tyler and I went last night and it was wonderful.

Even though it is hard to find time to go, and to make the necessary preperations to get there on time, it is always worth it.

Farewell To Summer

2011-09-08T12:26:00.005-06:00

I know summer is not quite over yet... but in my opinion summer ends when school starts up again. Tyler and I said farewell to summer last night by getting Coldstone Ice-Cream. It was delicious.

Cake batter with M&Ms

Oreo filling with cookie dough and carmel

The Help.

2011-09-07T11:52:00.005-06:00

Tyler and I saw The Help on Monday.

I absolutley L.O.V.E.D the movie-- it was seriously {almost} as good as the book.

I laughed.

I cried.

I cried some more.

A definite must see.

Highlight{s} of my Week

2011-09-04T07:23:00.007-06:00

One thing that really bums me out about working late {I mean like midnight late} is that I can't cook dinner, because I honestly really enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. I either have to be way ahead of the game and cook a few meals ahead of time to have in the freezer, or my sweet husband brings me dinner, or I eat cereal. I am getting much better at having some meals ready to go in the freezer but it is tough- on my next free Saturday I am going to make 5 freezer meals to have on hand! Last night Tyler and I got take out Thai food from the place we ate last weekend-- it was delicious. We also treated ourselves to sticky rice with mango. It was amazing. I took a picture- but the picture does not do it justice. I think I am going to start saving for a nice camera!!

The hightlight of my weekend was the sticky rice {when sticky rice is the highlight of your weekend- it was either really awesome sticky rice or the weekend was crap. I'll let you choose).

Other highlights included:

Tyler is soo sweet. He knew I was having a rough week, so when I came home from work he had a surprise for me. I was expecting a cupcake or a cookie but it was this. For those of you who didn't click my link- its a book about the CUTEST dog in the world. I have named him "Bear Dog" but his name is really Boo. I am obsessed- which is saying something because dogs and I typically do not mix.

Breakfast for dinner.

Tyler and I completed reading the Book of Mormon!

Organized the pantry-- it looks bomb.com

Got my car registered {Tyler got his too}

Season Finale of Pretty Little Liars {Not gonna lie-- obsessed}

I surivived.

I Have Always Wanted...

2011-08-31T10:00:00.000-06:00

LOCKERS.

Lockers are cool. Have you ever seen Saved By The Bell? It is where the cool kids hang out.

The only {semi} redeeming quality of going to middle school is getting a locker.

Remember the nervousness of not knowing if you would be able to open your locker and get your books in time before classes? Don't you wish you had a locker at home to practice on?

Well... come on over and practice on ours!

I have always thought it would be SO cool to have lockers in your house. You could put them in a mud room, a play room, a basement, a kids bedroom, a guest room/study/craft room. Ours will be going in the last one.

We got them for a steal- I knew we would never be able to find them so cheap again. Eventually we will paint them, but for now they will stay blue since that room is going to have similar blue accents.

Plus if we decide to homeschool our kids they can still get the high school experience with lockers and what not. Ha ha.

*Lockers might be non existant once our kids get to school-- they will probably have all of their books on an i-pad and have no need to lug things around!

Hotel Stay.

2011-08-29T16:18:00.013-06:00

Back in December at my work Christmas Party I won a hotel stay at the Marriott! We couldn't use it in December and it seems we have been too busy with work or other activities to use it until now! Plus it expires on the 31st!!

I went and checked in early and made a Diet Mt. Dew pyramid, and put some on ice! When the two of us checked in later-Tyler was totally surprised- it was awesome!!

We went out to dinner at Thai Lotus down town and then went over to Gateway and got some dessert! We headed back to the hotel and went swimming and hot tubbing.

We got up the next morning and worked out and then ate at the restuarant {part of the free hotel stay}!

Such a fun weekend.

And it got even better...

Scripture Study

2011-08-28T20:16:00.003-06:00

Our YW lesson had the BEST quote this week.

“I fear that many of us rush about from day to day taking for granted the holy scriptures. We scramble to honor appointments with physicians, lawyers, and businessmen. Yet we think nothing of postponing interviews with Deity—postponing scripture study. Little wonder we develop anemic souls and lose our direction in living. How much better it would be if we planned and held sacred fifteen or twenty minutes a day for reading the scriptures. Such interviews with Deity would help us recognize his voice and enable us to receive guidance in all of our affairs. We must look to God through the scriptures”

What a great reminder.

I LOVE being in YW.

So grateful for this opportunity I have to serve.

Back To School Crepes

2011-08-22T12:31:00.003-06:00

My original title for this was "Gettin' our Crepe on" but that sounded too much like "Gettin' our Creep On". We all have a little bit of creeper in us but really its not something to advertise. Anyways....

We made crepes last night for dessert-- Tyler is basically a professional crepe turner. After one crepe he had the technique down. Unfortunately last night was NOT my night in the kitchen-- my whipped cream would not whip. Sooo frustrating because I have done it many times before AND I burned the chocolate. Burned it. Burned a hole in the candy bag. That was disappointing.

Tyler salvaged some chocolate {hes the best} and we had fresh strawberries {thank you bountiful baskets} and raspberries. Soooo tasty.

And he is off to another successful semester!

Day Off.

2011-08-17T09:48:00.002-06:00

One of my sweet friends got married in Logan on Tuesday.

Tyler and I went up to stay withi my grandparents Monday night so that we could make a little trip out of it! Staying at my grandparents is a-w-e-s-o-m-e. Its basically a bed and breakfast, plus there was a beautifully wrapped gift on our bed for our 7 month anniversary {7 months already}!

We also...

Went to the Peppridge Farm Factory/Outlet and stocked up on Goldfish.

Went to the Cheese Factory and stalked up on cheese.

Saw the beautiful bride and met her husband!

Had an impromptu lunch picnic in Brigham.

Thanks for the visit G'ma and G'pa.

See you in September!

Beyond Glaze

2011-08-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

2 Saturdays ago Tyler and I decided we wanted doughnuts. Not just normal donuts from the grocery store, but gourmet donuts. {My rule is if I am going to eat something full of calories it better be worth my calories.} We have been wanting to try the doughnuts from Beyond Glaze so as part of "Kadys Birthday week" we got doughnuts! Ahh... I love when I have an excuse for sweet treats.

I have super fond memories of getting doughnuts Saturday mornings with my Schpoops... I hope that he can carry on that tradition with his grandkids!

Haha.

Camp Fire!

2011-08-13T19:46:00.007-06:00

We had a fun Friday night up Big Cottonwood Canyon! We got together with some friends and their families and roasted hot dogs and made s'mores! It was a fun get together-it is hard to get everyone together at the same time!

Love him.

It is always a good night when you come home smelling like camp fire... ahhh I love that part of summer.

The View from Here.

2011-08-12T12:54:00.002-06:00

Last Summer my mom asked me if I would climb Angels Landing with her this summer. I of course told her I would love to climb Angles Landing with her. I also invited Tyler {I must have known he would be around this summer}!

My mom has had one heck of a year. I am so proud of her and all of her accomplishments. She seriously kicked butt on the hike. You should read her post of the climb.

Tyler is great to hike with-- very supportive and sweet.

We made it!!

It is amazing to get to the top and see what you just conquered.

Family Creed

2011-08-09T05:38:00.003-06:00

My mom told me about this quote...

I love it.

The Girls at Camp.

2011-08-08T11:17:00.001-06:00

I know... I know... its tough to tell who is a leader and who is a camper!!

Girls Camp 2011.

Girls Camp Is...

2011-08-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

Amazing...

A Place Where The Spirit Is Strong...

Hard Work...

A Lot of Preparation...

A Place Where You Can Reflect, Ponder, and Return With New Ideas and Goals...

I was excited/nervous/overwhelmed for camp... flashback to when I was 13! However, unlike when I was 13 I didnt beg my mother to bring me home early. Our camp was held at Heber Valley. So yes, we slept in cabins, and yes, we had showers. Do not tell me this was not real camping- there was dirt, bugs, sun, and sweat. It was camping!

The theme was "Time to Believe". The Stake Camp Director was bomb.com. The YW Stake Presidency did a wonderful job of really focusing on the needs of the girls and tying it into the theme. Everyone did an amazing job. I could go on and on... but I won't.

Highlights of Camp

Paddleboats

Memorizing the Stake Standard

Singing Guardians of Virtue

Getting to know the yw in my ward better

The first night at camp we sang Guardians of Virtue, and by the end I was a blubbering mess. Whooo. I had so much love for each of those young women, and I know how tough it is to be good, and keep standards when it seems like everyone is trying to shoot them down. I remember. If I could I would tell each and every one of them how spectacular they are and how they are so smart, and beautiful and to believe in themselves and to work hard and do everythign they can to take care of themselves and prepare to go to the Temple.

That is my goal. To make sure everyone I come in contact with gets a piece of that- to know just how special they are.

I am not sure how I am going to do that, but I am.

That was a rambler. Camp was great. I will post an actual picture from camp later!

The Climb

2011-08-06T08:00:00.002-06:00

This is half way up the Angels Landing hike.

Looking up you think there is absolutely no way you could even get there- its rocky/ sandy/high above the ground/etc.

Basically it looks impossible...

But its not!

And we did it!

Canyon Overlook- Day #2

2011-08-05T11:51:00.003-06:00

We all woke up and did the Canyon Overlook hike as a family. It was so fun and it is always so beautiful up there. You can't help but be happy at the top and so grateful for all the blessings that are surrounding you at that very moment.

If there was a prize for thinking of awkward family photo poses- I would be in the running. Each of us love to walk across these two rocks while doing the splits even though you could just walk in between them quite simply. Enjoy the picture.

We headed back to the Zion house and ate delicious pancakes made by the Schpoops. Later that day we headed to Cedar City for some BBQ/Petroglyph/Lunt time!

Cake Pops

2011-08-04T10:50:00.001-06:00

I showed the girls how to make the famous Bakerella Cake Pops during our visit. I LOVE cooking but I really LOVE cooking in the Zion House kitchen. Hellllooooo counter space. I will never take counter space for granted after living in my old apartment! We had so much fun- we forgot our cookie scooper so the sizes of our pops ranged dramatically!! Cara even made one she named "Fat Boy". We dipped them and decorated with sprinkles. The possibilities are endless. Bakerella is AMAZING. She did some for a Disney- I think once Disney asks you to do something you have hit the Big League.

We did some dipping...

Some sprinkleing...

some posing....

even the Schpoops got in on the action!!

Wild Wild West- Day #1

2011-08-03T12:52:00.005-06:00

We went down to Kanab to go back in time (Kanab is kind of a few years back but I mean WAAAAY back in time).

Ma and Pa Williams.
Hahahaha.
There was some confusion about who went with whom.

In front of the very old Gun Smoke set... it is falling apart. So sad.

We also saw some awesome petroglyphs and one of the earliest billboards as a petroglyph {sorry I do not have a pic of this}. We stopped at good ole' Honeys for a few groceries where I almost bought some Kanab Cowboy apparal- I have a huge heart. Then we went to 3 Bears ice-cream. I love my family.

Reunited.

2011-07-29T11:31:00.000-06:00

We be caaaaayyyooouutttee {cute}.

Ahhhh. Love these girls.

Firework Show

2011-07-23T12:51:00.000-06:00

We went over to my in-laws for dinner and a lovely firework show.

Fireworks make me nervous-- as a child I did not like loud noises {I was a bit of a baby} or fire {still not a fan of fire}. I think they are really neat- but they still make me a little antsy. People get burned and blow body parts off with these. Does that not make anyone nervous?! Apparently not. Tyler and his nephew put on a nice little firework show!

Tyler is a fan of fireworks.

He is on sparkler duty with our kids

YCLs

2011-07-22T12:27:00.005-06:00

For those of you who do not know-- I am going to Girls Camp with the Young Women in my ward. For those of you who know me you know I am NOT a camper, so me camping is kind of hilarious.

{I did not grow up in a family of campers, I did not like going to girls camp as a young woman, etc. I do not like dirt, being hot, bugs, etc.}

However, I did like going as a YCL (Youth Camp Leader) and going back as an assistant with the YCL leader a few years ago. A week or two ago the camp director asked if I would help with the YCLs this year... I was in the middle of a huge thing at work and already feeling stressed with camp but I said yes.

I am so glad that I said yes-- I met with some of the YCLs last night and they are amazing. I do not think I was that amazing when I was 16. We talked about characteristics of a great YCL, responsibilities, YCLs they remember, etc. We made posters that I will bring up for our daily meetings as a reminder. We made assignments and they did it happily. It was so neat.

"As a YCL, always be looking for "S'more" to do"

{S'mores on a stick make another appearance.}
Pins to set the YCLs apart. They decorated the pin part-- I will take a picture of the final product up at camp.

Like Magic.

2011-07-18T10:50:00.006-06:00

We were on a hunt for red, white, and green sprinkles- NOT colored sugar. We realize this is the wrong season for red, white and green... but we were hopeful. We went to Zurchers, Smiths, Wal-Mart, and lastly Macys. No luck. Our hopes were shattered. I was so sad....

Lucky us Sub Zero is at Macys and was still open at 10pm and we got some awesome ice-cream to make me happy. Cake batter with reeses pieces. I neeeeed to go back ASAP. You should go ASAP.

Liquid + some loud noises = chemical reaction = ice-cream

I think at this point it is obvious that chemistry was not my strongest subject.

All Mine.

2011-07-15T13:45:00.002-06:00

If I get to see this face everyday for the rest of my life, I will be one happy camper.

Happy 6 months!!

Mexican Cake.

2011-07-12T09:16:00.002-06:00

Tres Leches? Flan?

No...

Just a bundt cake with red, white, and green layers and frosting + flags {which might I add are difficult to find- thank goodness for Zurchers!}

so basically its American cake with Mexico insipired accents!

My brother-in-law is leaving on a mission this week to Monterey Mexico! There was a farewell for him on Sunday- this was our contribution!

Birthday and Lessons Learned

2011-07-11T09:13:00.001-06:00

Tylers party{last month} really was a success! I was thrilled with how everything turned out-- the cake, the key lime pies, cookies {can't take credit for the cookies-we heart Sweet Tooth Fairy}. I can't wait to make more cakes and pies! They were so fun to make. I seriously need to take the cake decorating class at Michaels.

Things I learned:

Whipping Cream if whipped too long will turn into butter

Sparkler candles are scary

I have a recipe that will make 9cups of chocolate butter cream frosting

My husband is a champ at calming me down

Hope you had the best birthday ever!

Tradition.

2011-07-09T09:24:00.001-06:00

Since Tyler and I have been a couple we make sure everytime we are down in Zion we go

HERE for ice-cream.

We have been 3 times (a tradition has to start somewhere, right?!) We even park in the same place each time-- its meant to be. I love tadtions, and beginning to start some of our own.

Bryce.

2011-07-09T09:23:00.001-06:00

Bryce is Beautiful.

Seriously, doesn't that look like a back drop?

Bryce National Park is so amazing- had fun walking around seeing the gorgeous views and eating our picnic lunch. Next time we want to do a few of the little hikes!

Thanks for such a fun trip Mom!!

Grand Canyon.

2011-07-08T09:17:00.008-06:00

Tyler and I went down to see my lovely mother down in Zions.

We took 2 bomb.com day tips to

Grand Canyon- North Rim (aka the BEST rim)

and

Bryce National Park

My mom was nice enough to accompany us and provide us with her National Parks Pass. It was SO much fun to spend time with my mom- we had not seen her since the wedding!

Highlights Included:

Awesome look outs

Spending a few minutes at the lodge

Watching a woman run into a sign and then continue to drive and tearing off part of her RV

Perfect weather

Dinner at Jacob Lake

Ice-Cream at 3 Bears (In Kanab)

Tyler was impressed.

Awwww.

Me and Brighty.

Complete.

2011-07-05T10:06:00.001-06:00

Rewind almost 6 months ago...

When Tyler and I were opening wedding gifts we opened a box of glasses, unfortunatley one had been crushed. We were left with 3 glasses- so we could only invite one person over to drink out of fancy glasses with us. Which was an issue since most of our friends come in 2s. {I kid...}

Rewind 2 weekends ago...

Tyler and I were at DI looking for some little vases when he found a matching glass to our set! There was not even a complete set- just 1! It was meant to be!! We were so excited. Its the small things in life right?!

Birthday Preview

2011-06-20T16:00:00.003-06:00

Tyler celebrated his birthday this past weekend...

It was so fun!

Here is a picture of the 9 inch 3 layer cake we made!

I love the little ribbon flags...

More to come on the birthday weekend!

New Favorite Thing

2011-06-10T14:30:00.002-06:00

Tyler and I are currently loving Diet Root Beer.

Which means we are REALLY loving Root Beer floats!

{Since it is made with Diet I think it cancles out the ice-cream part and makes it healthy... right?}

These fun mugs and twisty straws* are part of the awesome

"30 day count down to 30" celebration I have been doing for Tyler {more to come on that}!

*Do not dishwash twisty straws-- they will come out sad. Tyler still loves his though, says it adds personality or something like that!

S'More on a Stick

2011-06-08T11:48:00.005-06:00

Wish I could take credit for thinking of these adorable munchies, but I can't.

I made these {with the help of Tyler} for Young Womens.

We are visiting some girls tonight, so I wrapped a few up to take!

Another First

2011-05-31T12:20:00.007-06:00

"Awkward like a first date"

That is what I am titiling this picture!

(I promise he had fun despite the lack of enthusiasm in the picture.)

Tyler and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary of our first date this past weekend. It was actually on the 25th but we postponed due to our unexpected illness! We went to wear it all began- Thaifoon. It was a lot of fun. We enjoyed remembering our first date, and thinking about all the things that have happened this past year! {A LOT has happened!}

I even had a special "1 year" anniversary dessert planned, and Tyler surprised me with the Shrek dvd (the movie we saw on our first date). It was perfect.

We are looking forward to many,many, many more years of celebrating!

A lot of Firsts

2011-05-27T11:37:00.005-06:00

We survived our first bout of sickness as a married couple!

Out of nowhere I got a terrible terrible stomach bug. All the sudden during church my stomach didn't feel so great... I decided I could make it through church but as soon as the prayer ended I BOLTED out of there.

Tyler was wonderful, and I had my turn to be wonderful about 2 days later.

Good news is we are all better and I got all caught up on the news and day time television.

The whole time I was sick I kept thinking, "I should really have a bowl with me, just in case I don't make it...mom would want me to have a bowl." All that parenting advice stuck with me over the years.

Happy Anniversary

2011-05-15T11:05:00.003-06:00

4 months!

(this pic is from Disneyland-- which I have yet to blog)

I can't believe we have been married for 4 months already! They have been the best 4 months of my life! Before I got married people told me the first few months might be tricky with all of the adjustments, and that the first year of marriage is the toughest. Lucky for us that has not been an issue it has been a very smooth transition! Marriage is wonderful when you are married to your very best friend.

Happy 4 months Ty!

You are the best husband.

We make the best team.

ILY.

I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Let's Go Back

2011-05-13T17:15:00.002-06:00

This time last week...

We were laying on a rock overlooking Zions National Park!

Can't wait for July!

Day 2

2011-05-11T12:33:00.000-06:00

Emerald Pools

We hiked to all 3 pools, and then had lunch at the 3rd.

I swear- sandwiches always taste better on picnics/hikes.

We hung out in Springdale for a bit- checked e-mails, answered text messages, listened to voicemails. Ate ice-cream at "our" ice-cream place. {We ate there last year when we were still dating- so it will forever be "our" place.}

We also went to Grafton the Ghost Town. That was fun-- the weirdest part about the ghost town is getting there- you go through this place that has like 6 cameras on your car at one point, and then you keep driving FOREVER. I thought I was hearing banjos at one point. The saddest part {according to the brochure} is a grave for 2 best friends who died while swinging together. I could not find that grave.

Day 1

2011-05-10T11:44:00.012-06:00

Zions National Park

1. Beginning of hike
2. Yellow flowers in the red rock dirt
3. Red Rock everywhere
4. We made it- Cable Mountain!

We were able to go down to Zions for a few days...

Perfect weather...
Beautiful surroundings...
No cell phone service...
Great Food…

{Trail mix pancakes
French Toast
Egg Sandwiches
Salmon with homemade pesto
Margarita Tacos with strawberry and avocado salsa
Steak pasta
And of course picnic lunches}

We were able to go hiking everyday. Tyler is such a good motivator- at one point I may have said, "If we do not get there in 15 minutes I am turning around." Luckily we made it within the timeframe. I am pretty confident in saying that I would not have been a very good pioneer.

Mothers Day

2011-05-09T11:34:00.004-06:00

I know it is a little late...

Things my mother taught me

1. Do not say anything you would not want everyone to hear

2. A new outfit can make things better

3. How to be freakishly responsible

4. To put others first

5. To love reading

6. To serve

7. To Love

8. To be a good listener and to be patient (this must come with being a mom to 3 girls)

Of course there are so many more... thank you for continuing to teach me.

I love you mom.

Check

2011-05-03T08:46:00.003-06:00

I make lists is my head all day long. I think I have been doing this since at least middle school- maybe before. I remember writing lists in the margins of my notebook paper, while doing other assignments, I wrote to-do lists in my planners. It started much earlier than middle school, because I remeber begging my mom for an American Girl Planner. It was purple and it was awesome.

Anyways- I make lists for everything. Things to get done at work, things to talk to clients about, things that need to be done around the house, grocery lists, things that need to be done in general, but one of my very favorite lists to add to is the "Food I want to Make" list! I am able to cross one out- the cake batter cinnamon rolls.

I actually made them a week and a half ago and froze them so that we could bake them and make them for my mother-in-laws birthday!

This was my first attempt at making cinnamon rolls from scratch. It was a success. Tyler helped me roll them all and he made the cake batter glaze. So good.

April

2011-05-02T13:57:00.006-06:00

During March as I was getting prepared for April I told myself, "If I can get through April I can get through anything". I am trying really hard to live for today, not constantly looking forward to tomorrow- but by telling myself that I was able to get through the day! Actually, it was only 2 weeks that I needed to get through. Back to back events- which might I add went extremely well.

We did a lot of fun things in April.

Made home-made cake batter flavored cinnamon rolls {with an icing glaze and sprinkles}
Got each other Easter surprises. {I got Tyler a cute mini-cooper toy car and a car magazine and he got me a little Burts Bees pack. We know each other so well!}
Made PF Changs style lettuce wraps. Let me just say- PF Changs has nothing on me.
Tylers car broke {not so fun} But we got to drive a brand new Mini Coop for a week {and by WE, I mean HE}.
I got my Utah Drivers License {bittersweet}
We celebrated our 3 month wedding anniversary
I became obsessed with the Jersey Boys soundtrack- I MUST the musical
We were able to go up to northern Utah to see both sides of the family
Had dinner with some friends who have the CUTEST baby. She is so adorable.
Re-watched Season 1 of Modern Family {funniest show EVER}

New Rule.

2011-04-04T11:31:00.005-06:00

Whatever we bake MUST be shared.

Mini S'more Pies Oreo Brownies with peanut butter and chocolate on top. Big S'more Pie

Lucky for us we have family that live close by!

I love finding new recipes to try. I can't wait to cook at the cabin for my family in July!! I have a new rule. If I am going to eat something that is clearly on my "meal plan*" it has to be worth the calories. No more random chocolate chips, no more gross cookies. If I am going to ruin my calorie count it better be good.

* I use the term "meal plan" extremely loose these days.

All Over Again

2011-04-04T11:30:00.005-06:00

I fall in love with him over and over and over again all the time.

This kind of looks like a creeper picture-- he knew I was watching him but I do not know if he knew I was taking a picture!

Go Jazz.

2011-03-31T10:18:00.000-06:00

You may be wondering if we were at the very top of the arena.

Ummm no we were not.

We had one row above us.

We were determined to see one Jazz game this season!

It was a lot of fun- even though we lost. We had a brief glimmer of hope when we went into overtime. It was a very brief glimmer.

Hello goodness.

2011-03-30T09:17:00.000-06:00

We had a fun double date at our place on Friday.

We made mini pizzas- crust and everything!

And I made this deliciousness for dessert.

Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Frosting.

The picture is from my phone-- so it does not do it justice!

Work.

2011-03-29T10:16:00.001-06:00

Where have I been?

Buried under this mess.

I would say it looks worse than it really is, but there was more mess than this.

I have some big things coming up!

It's That Time of Year...

2011-02-28T12:36:00.005-07:00

Girl Scout Cookie time!!!

I am even resisting opening them until I get home to share them with Ty!

I have some fun memories of being a Girl Scout and selling cookies!! The best was my mom being the Cookie Mom!! I always look forward to this time of the year... at first I had 4 boxes ordered and then brought it down to 2. Ahh... self discipline. There is hope for me! I should have bought some Carmel Delights {or whatever they're named now}! Can't believe I didn't do that... I am sure that they will be selling them outside a Grocery Store soon, right?!

A Few of My Favorite Things as of this second

2011-02-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

Garlic Press
Instant Netflix on our television
KitchenAid
Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook
The Library (Mom-- are you smiling?!)
Hulu
Words with Friends on my phone
Homemade whipped cream
Mangos
Going to the Temple with my husband
Little notes from Tyler

I like to look at this list when I get stressed and realize even the littlest things can make me smile.

Don't Judge.

2011-02-21T12:43:00.007-07:00

I worked all weekend... I am talking 13 hour days. We had a succesful event, and I walked away with two new favorite shows. I love Hulu. Seriously- it is in my top 10 favorite things these days.

Kitchen Nightmares. Talk about scary. Also, it will make you begin to second guess all eateries.

It is good. Chef Ramsey is awful, and I think he feels as if he needs to get the people to "crack" and then he can make everything better. Some people should not open restuarants. The following people should not open restaruants.

Family with family (terrible idea)
Friends
Waitresses who only know how to serve
People who have no idea how to run a restaurant
A caterer (just because you can cater does not mean you can run a restaurant

Also-- choose good chefs. Duh.

I took a quantity cooking class in college, maybe I should open a restuarant. Even better I majored in Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management. I definately should.

It just reinforced what my dad always says, "60% of all businesses fail in the first 4 years." {I am not really sure what % it is... but my dad is pretty smart.}

I can feel you judging me. Stop.

This is the most terrible show ever. Yet, it is also amazing at the same time. It is hosted by Whitney from MTVs The Hills. I don't know if hosting a show is exactly her strength. I feel like we have the same television hosting skills {kind of awkward}. Anyways... this is the search for the Genuine Ken. You know, the perfect boyfriend. The one who cooks, cleans, knows how to decorate, plans great dates, dresses well, and has talents {those are the tasks they have performed so far}.

I just feel really bad for the contestants, because they have no chance at being the "Genuine Ken". He couldn't make it on the show because he's already married. Married to me.

If that last line wasn't gaggy, I do not know what was.

I apologize.

If you find yourself with 21 or 41 minutes to spare... I suggest either show.

Sweet.

2011-02-17T12:10:00.005-07:00

We got a fondu set for our wedding from my bff Elaine! We have been super excited to use it-- we finally were able to use it last night!! It was tasty. We learned a few things and can't wait to use it again soon!

Thanks BFF.

L-O-V-E

2011-02-15T09:41:00.012-07:00

Valentines Day really is just another day... and it shouldn't change how you feel about the ones you love. What about the other 364 days of the year?! With that being said... I still do LOVE to celebrate Valentines Day {sorry if I am completely contradicting myself}!

Our 1st Valentines Day as a married couple looked like this...

I actually made this on Sunday since our mornings are crazy with working out, and getting to work!

I made chocolate chip pancakes, fresh whipped cream, and some strawberries!

I came home to a decorated house- flower petals, and lots of candy.

Tyler even cleaned it all up and vaccummed the floor. {He really is bomb.com/awesome}

I got Tyler 2 cases of Diet Mt. Dew {his fave}.

I also came home to an already set table. He is the sweetest.

We made enchiladas together and then watched last years Valentines episode of Parks and Rec

{Galentines Day}. We were too full for fondu, so we will be doing that tonight!!

I Love You More Than....

2011-02-14T11:01:00.003-07:00

Chocolate

Nordstrom Rack

Bins at WinCo

and

Text Messages.

{That much.}

MY WORD

2011-02-07T15:20:00.004-07:00

I am reading Eat, Pray and Love right now and I am at the part when she is assigning different workds to different places.

Rome- Sex

Naples- Fight

Stockholm-Conform

New York City-Achieve

Los Angeles-Succeed

Then she tries to figure out what her word is--as of right now she is still trying to figure it out! It reminded me that I had not blogged my word for 2011 {because I know you are all just dying to know!} It is ADJUST. Last year it was balance, and this year it is adjust. I guess each year you should just continue adding to your word-- because I can't just work on adjusting and not work on balance! It just does not work like that!

I am going to work on adjusting to this new and fabulous chapter of my life!

Adjusting to...

...marriage...

...cooking for two...

...having more of everything...

...being a wife...

...a new place to live...

...new family...

...etc...

Life is good. We can't believe it has only been 3 weeks since we were married. It feels like we have been married forever- in the best possible way!! Sometimes it is weird to think that I am married- and then it hits me that I have a husband!

In the past 4 years I have...

2011-02-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

I love making lists of things to do. I have always loved it- grocery lists, to-do lists, things I want to do before I die lists, goals, etc. When I turned 20 I wrote this blog post-- I am happy to say I have been able to experience some of the things on my list-- I want to "experience" things instead of just check these off of a list.

Things I want to do in the next 20 years (Now 16 years)

1. Go to Paris
2. Graduate from college
3. Get married
4. Have a family
5. Learn to ski
6. Become a better cook
7. Become a better public speaker
8. Become more creative
9. Keep in touch with friends- So far so good
10. Attend General Conference
11. Have a huge photo wall in my house
12. Go to Italy
13. Ride first class
14. Meet someone famous
15. Be a succesful event planner- Slowly making progress
16. Live on the East Coast
17. Learn to speak Spanish
18. Become a better person
19. Not be such a fraidy cat- Making great progress
20. Still be happy with the kind of person I am!

I am 24 years old.

2011-01-31T10:32:00.010-07:00

23 was a year full of changes.

I think 24 will be a little slower!

I had a wonderful birthday weekend...

Sleeping In

Breakfast in Bed

Got everything from Tys old house moved in

Talked to Elaine, Katie K and other friends and family

World Market and BBB

Diet Coke w/ vanilla from Sonic

Bucca di Beppo Birthday Dinner

Sunday Birthday Party with my in-laws!

My sister-in-law made this amazing cake. It was just as good as it looks.

Thank you for everyone for making my Birthday so great. Especially you Tyler.

BBB and STF.

2011-01-26T12:45:00.004-07:00

Tyler needed a study break and we needed to run to Bed Bath and Beyond {to get our KITCHEN AID!!!!}. Which is bomb.com and I love love love it. We narrowed the colors down to black, silver, or white. We both decided on silver. I can't wait to make cookies in it. Do you know what accessory I REALLY want?? The grater. My parents have it and it is awesome- it grates cheese, potatos, and more!!!

What happends to be close to BBB? Our very own Sweet Tooth Fairy! This being so close to us could be very dangerous. Do you know how much we LOVE sweets?! Lucky for us they had our favorite Summertime flavors available until the end of January- we LOVE Key Lime and Raspberry Lemonade.

Our apartment is coming along nicely... the kitchen is completely put together, and the living room is almost there. One more box to go!

Everything We Have Learned...

2011-01-24T12:32:00.006-07:00

{In the first week of marriage}

People love to honk at "Just Married" on the freeway and scare you half to death
People love to ask how married life is-- you must answer carefully. It is best to stick to "great"and "we love it" {which are the obvious answers!!}
You can only live on leftover wedding candy and cake for so long.
LDS.org does not tell you if it is your Stake Conference that week and you will get all readyto find yourself in an empty building but you will meet the Stake President who looks like he is about 15. The Doogie Howser of Stake Presidents.
Never ever underestimate the power of a gift receipt {for double gifts}
Never pay for anything with cash unless you for sure keep the receipt.
Unpacking is time consuming!!
Bed Bath and Beyond sells a lot of "beyond".
My cars gas consumption and my text messaging have gone way down.
Being married is awesome. I get to be with my best friend 24/7. What more could a girl ask for?!

Yep. We Got Married.

2011-01-20T11:42:00.005-07:00

Highlights of Tyler and Alicia Weekend:

I got to have my mom and cara for a whole week {thanks for putting up with me...}

Getting to see Dad and Emily

and

the McNeils, and my BFF and her family

and lots and lots of friends and family!!

Dinner the night before

Getting my hair and make-up done with my mom

Getting sealed in the SLC Temple for time and eternity

PICTURES!!!

Completely surprising Tyler with his Mini Cooper Grooms Cake!!!!

Photo Booth

Candy Buffet

Seeing more friends and family!

ALPHA PHI LADIES

More PICTURES!!!

Little America

Park City

Dinner at Typhoon {where we had our very 1st date}

Unwrapping gifts {Thank you thank you thank you}

Needless to say it was an absolutely wonderful weekend. Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible. I loved every second of it, and we are so blessed to have such amazing friends and family in our lives.

This is one of my favorite pictures from the day!!

I Love To See The Temple

2010-12-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Since I was about 3 years old I have been singing "I love to see the temple". We talked about the temple, had lessons about the temple, drove by the temple, and made it a goal that someday I would be able to go to the temple. I finally made it to the temple. It was a wonderful day that I was able to share with my parents, Tyler, and sweet young womens leaders and friends from my home ward.

I can't wait to go back.

DC

2010-12-10T12:20:00.003-07:00

I have been a major slacker in taking pictures lately! Especially at Thanksgiving. Idk what my deal is. We had a blast in Maryland. I love going home but it also makes me miss home a ton.

DC after I spilled hot chocolate all the way down my coat. {I was not a happy camper.}

Spy Museum!

I love love love this picture of us.

Thanks family & McNeils for such a fun couple of days!

Who Says I'm Not Ready To Be Married??

2010-12-09T09:33:00.002-07:00

Hahaha.

Actually, nobody has said that.

If I can do this. I can do anything.

I just figured I would know a lot more by the time I got married. {I know I would be saying the same thing if I was getting married when I was 30!}

Hello Monday.

2010-12-06T11:12:00.003-07:00

Hello Monday.

Yes, my hair did grow really fast. Or I got extensions. One or the other.

This weekend we...

Addresssed invitations {I am marrying a man with amazing handwriting}
Stuffed invitations
Met up with a friend at Starbucks
Did more invitations
Saw the lights on Temple Square
Got our guestbook {Thanks mom}
Wished we could have seen Em perform in her play

40 days.