Home Sweet Home!!

We're HOME!!

We had a wonderful time, aside from the freezing temperatures. I think I was 'used' to being freezing and put my coat on as I headed out the door today. The beating sun felt wonderful and I was quickly reminded about how much I'm loving living in south Texas! My vote is Christmas in SA next year! any takers???

Our week spent with Michael's family went by all too quickly! We had a great Christmas and we feel very grateful for everyone's generosity! We loved just hanging out with the family, fighting over the rules to games and 'rocking' out. It was great to just spend time with family we don't get to see very often.

Currently, myself and the baby were the only ones to not throw-up this past week. For that, i am very fortunate!

Making the treck through the six states was quite an ordeal! the drive there was definately easier than coming back. The last two hours I thought I was going to have to shoot myself to end the pain. We did break it up a little bit by stopping by the St. Paul temple, Liberty Jail, a drive-by in Independence, and we were even able to see Scott and Paige who just happened to be in Dallas for the same few hours as us. . . so naturally we had to do a little catching up and get a few games in.

We haven't gotten our pictures developed yet. yes, developed. we forgot our camera and baught a single-use for the week. We'll see how long it takes me to get that done, and maybe i'll share :)

now, on to un-packing and putting the house back together before JR and Aubree get here :) never a dull moment.

an update

I'M FREEZING!!!

I realized today I drastly under-estimated the number of socks I packed since I am currently wearing three pair.

We made it here safe and sound. We hit a little bit of fog and a few patches of 'icey' roads but other than that, the drive was rather smooth. "thanks" to Michael, we missed an accident in Oklahoma City. For those who don't know and are interested we did beat the Allsops traveling from UT. From the time our paths met they were ahead of us . . . due to some stealth work on our part we passed them about 20 miles from Michaels parents house and beat them by about 2 minutes. Saving us the $100 that Michael bet his brothers. (We make a game out of EVERYTHING) When your windshield wiper fluid freezes that is just TOO COLD. From Iowa on we resorted to not using the wipers and every 40 miles or so I had to get out and splash fluid on the car and subsequently, my clothes. Apparently I've got a bad aim.

Besides the snow and below zero temperatures we are having a great time spending with family. People often wonder how this Utah girl wouldn't miss the snow- maybe i've always been a texan at heart. (that texas pride comes easy) Too bad we forgot our camera to document it.

Wishing yall a very Merry Christmas!!

I'm Scared!!

So, I was looking up the weather for our trip to Wisconsin so I will have some idea of what to expect. The temperature acording to weather.com on our ETA is 12 degrees. . . . . . fells like 1

ONE DEGREE???? who does that???

well, apparently me but I'm not going to lie to you . . . . I'm terrified!! Will I be able to breathe in such conditions? Will I ever be warm again? I'm shivering just thinking about. I think I'll pack every coat/ sweater I own and all I can say it's a good thing we're driving!! this girl and her hobbies won't be fitting in one checked piece of luggage!! Maybe Santa will bring me some sunshine for Christmas (or an electric blanket)!!

Must ALL good things come to an end?

We had a wonderful at-home vacation! Lisa, Byron and Ella came to spend some time with us, including but not limited to Thanksgiving!! I attempted my first thankful feast . . . some of which will be repeated . . . . and some . . . not so much. I will preface the next story by proudly proclaiming that when Ella was about one I taught her "where her crown is" precisley because every little girl is a princess. Since then she has figured out that a crown is an acutal product and she soon realized she didn't have one. Well after telling her that she would be coming on an airplane to see Aunt Trish and Uncle Mike she was very excited to find her "wost cwown" with "aunt Twish"

This was actually a great 'ice-breaker' because she surprisingly ran right up to me at the airport gave me a big hug and in a very troubled tone told me her crown was lost and if I could help her find it! I luckily was prepared and had a cute little pink crown waiting in "her room". adorable.



One of my favorite things was when Ella would get excited she would yell "yeah, ya-hoo, yipee!!" over and over again and kick her legs! it was soo funny! In her cute little voice, I'm glad we got part of it on video. She was very excited to see the dolphins at sea world, if you look close you can even see the baby. Even though it may be a rip-off I love feeding them!!! And who doesn't get excited when a dolphin/whale breaches the water or does a flip? We could see the shows over and over and I still get all excited! At the shamu show the whale did a flip and Ella said "do it again!" classic.
We were also lucky enough to get some up close and personal time with the baluga whales! Thanks again Valerie!! You are the best!!

I'm pretty sure this is all the snow we'll be seeing while in Texas and I am A-OK with that!!The one bad thing about Sea World was that I found out that I apparently am on the "Naughty" list. Good thing Christmas came early at the Allsops, cuz it looks as if I'll get nuttin for Christmas :)

Aside from Sea World we also went to the river walk and the Alamo (which was PACKED), played frisbee golf, ate lots of great food and delicious ice cream, and lost drastically at canasta. I'll have to practice up before the next tournament.

The highlight of frisbee golf I would have to say was Michaels disc landing in the only puddle of water/mud on the course . . . . and then going in after it (the discs were borrowed). Never a dull moment with Michael around. He makes my life enjoyable!

It was hard to get back to work today after such an awesome week!! We feel really lucky to have had as many visitors as we've had in the short time we've been away from home and family! Yet I'm not willing to turn anyone away just yet!! Thanks to the McMurtrey's for making our thanksgiving FABULOUS!!! We can hardly wait til next time!!

New San Antonio Pictures with Byron and Lisa's Visit...

Well so far we have had a great time with Byron, Lisa, and Princess Ella! She seriously is sooo funny! We have gone to Sea World today and that was a blast. We were really excited to see the Shamo show today because it was the Christmas special. While on our way to the show I found another thing I am thankful for Thanksgiving. Duct tape is amazing!



I guess there were two Shamo shows that we went to today.....

We saw this truck on the way over to Sea World. As we all know the elections are now complete. Texas is a red state as everyone knows.....and Texans aren't afraid to show it. Apparently this is directed towards the next administration!


We are currently living in an apartment complex and just resigned for another seven months. We are looking for a new house to move into once the seven months are complete. We are told that the light blue house will be available then. Here is to hoping that we move up in the life of luxury!!!! We would be soooo lucky if we could get this place! Also apparently you have to have a felony to move into one of these amazing trailers, so I will have to get started on that. I'll take any recommendations from anyone!

Some of you may know I got in a car accident awhile back. I was at fault. It was unforunate that it happened however we were able to find a cheap solution to fixing it! I really think it looks great. The cool thing is now Trish can get in the car like they do in the Dukes of Hazards! I'm thinking about doing the same to the other side of the car. I'm also thinking about getting a CB radio as well. My CB name probably would be "Bubba Love". She won't wear the Daisy Dukes shorts so I guess that means I have to wear them..... I'll post pictures later!

Back to Byron and Lisa's visit! While we were coming home from Sea World today we noticed someone was having trouble with their truck. With the spirit of giving/serving we both pulled over to help out. Byron being a good guy went to lift the truck up while I thought I would see if he could lift the truck with me on top of it. Byron has some amazing gluts by the way! He lifted the truck with no problem. Well I got bored and started throwing rocks and trying to see if I could hit the logs supporting the truck. I missed quite a bit and hit the guy a couple of times, he didn't think it was funny specially when I eventually knocked one of the logs down. I think he was thanking Byron and I, as he was waving good bye with a crow bar chasing us but I couldn't tell because I was running away from him. It feels good to perform service.

With Christmas coming up I feel like I really need to find someone and help them out. You know there are people out there that say they ran out of gas and go and get beer or something instead. I found a guy that you know what, tells the truth. It is so refreshing to find someone like this. So I actually went out and got him what he asked for, too bad it was Odoul's!!!!! I couldn't really understand him because he was missing so many teeth. I don't think he was too happy it was Odoul's though. He did some how mention/sign/mumble/and show me that he was actually on his way to Elko, NV. So I gave him Chad and Melissa's address and phone number. I told him you guys could help out with the teeth and that he could stay a couple days with you, hope you don't mind!!! Merry Christmas!

I'm just kidding I didn't get him any beer! Honestly though he is coming to Elko and he is planning on staying with you Chad and Melissa.

We are having had a fun time with Byron and Lisa. I'm sure Trish will also post a blog about all the fun stuff we did with them. I wanted to give everyone a behind the scenes look though. Well I'll talk to you all later!

Here's to a big electricity bill

Ah, our Christmas tree. I actually really like our little set-up. These three small trees have between 5 and 6 strands of lights ( i lost count) equalling somewhere between 500-700 bulbs. ( all but one work ). If you look in the daylight it looks like green plastic wires instead of green plastc needles. And, we acctually have more ornaments than our trees have branches so only our favorites made the cut.

This was my project yesturday . . . . welcoming the christmas season. I blasted christmas music all afternoon, lit a yummy holiday candle and got to work. I love, love, LOVE Christmas lights. This really helped put me in a fabulous mood and i'm sure this is going to be a good rest of the week!!! We are getting very excited for my sister to come and be witness to my botching our first thanksgiving dinner. Ok if this thanksgiving isn't a good one i'm in trouble. I've ordered everthing but the potatoes, gravy and stuffing. Hopefully Rudy's won't let us down!!

I also thought I'd share my thoughts on the long awaited Twilight . I had pretty low expectations but the anticiaption got the best of me and I went with Michael to the theatre to wait in line with every other 13 year old within a mile radius. Michael complained that we were the oldest ones in the theatre but I didn't care. I was a little disappointed in the shade of lipstick they had edward wear, and his hair was a little ridiculous too. Like an elvis impersonator or something. All in all it was a good film but by no means even in comparison to the book. I did read that it grossed 70.6 million dollars (14 of those came from us thank you very much!) where the article also stated "teen girls rule the earth" HILIARIOUS!! Still I can't wait for #2 and I want it on DVD for my birthday :) so I guess I liked it more than I thought.

Here is for the future win!!!

My two week fast will end tommorrow with a win over Utah!!!! Just kidding, no, but seriously I'm done with my fast! Anyways here is to hoping we win tommorrow and make it three years in a row!!!!

I saw this and thought it was hilarious!!!!

IF I were pregnant . . . .

This is what our children WOULD look like:

What do you think about my little new baby Boy Allsop?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?




What do you think about my little new baby Boy Allsop?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

Fair skin, freckles, sweet little smiles, i'll take. I even get that the shadows on our pics gives the impression that we do not have blue eyes. But, where does the red hair on Mr. Imaginiary baby come from? ( I tried a diff pic and they were NOT cute and actually kind of frightening . . . not encouraging )
I might add that 'little trish' looks an aweful lot like my neice megan, cute right?

BYU vs. Utah week!!!!

Well this is the week that all BYU and Utah fans wait for. It doesn't matter if we lose every other game as long as we beat Utah, then it was a good season! A lot is riding on this game. If Utah wins then that means that they will probably go on to a BCS bowl. Which would mean that the Mountain West Conference would get some added credibility as well as BYU would get some extra money by Utah being in the BCS bowl, that is distributed among the conference. But you know what I don't care about that, Go Cougars!!!! When we beat Utah we will be the Mountain West Champs for another year in a row!!! If Fresno State beats Boise, according to some experts there is a chance that BYU could be in a BCS bowl!!!!! I'm willing to take those chances any day!!!!!

Quirks

Here is a Tag titled the 6 quirks of Trish:

1. I like things symetircal. Balanced. There was a quilt someone was making in the store today and they only had three of the four sides of a star. What was supossed to be the fourth side was a solid border. Drove me NUTS!! When I eat colored candies like m&m's or skittles I eat evenly by color and evenly distribute which side of my mouth I use to chew them. If one foot has a scratch I have to scratch the other as well my claim is otherwise i'll walk crooked. etc. etc. etc.

2. I like the dishwasher loaded in a very specific pattern. I like specific dishes in very specific places in my dishwasher. Like it will only clean my large plates if they are on the right side or something. Speaking of dishes, I have to wash right to left.

3. I always shave my right leg first.

4. I always turn the radio down as before I shut the car off (and tried to do so the entire three weeks I was without a radio when it was stolen- I kept reaching for the non-existant knob)

5. This one is pretty normal but i'll share anyway: I do not like my foods to touch. I usually eat all of one item then to the next and so on and I rarely drink during the meal. Liquid refreshment is an after thought. I often don't put a drink on the table for dinner and Michael (ever so kindly) reminds me to do so.

6. I like to sleep, as scott would say, "burrito style" I like to be completely wrapped up in covers. Thus the phrase wrapped like a burrito. Also often wrapped inbetween my legs so my skin doesn't touch. I tell Michael either he has to sleep right next to me or far enough away the covers can cover my back. NO AIR. It's cold and I don't like it. Michael claims this causes me to be a blanket hog and I have since replaced tucking the covers under my body by surrounding myself (I mean that very literally) in pillows. Michael often refers to my new method as a barrier. So be it, at least he has his blanket. My only exception is if I get hot I can stick my right foot out of the 'burrito'.

I guess I'll have one more . . . . I like to be tagged but I don't necessarily like tagging others (I'm kind of the same with forwards) who really likes to be IT anyway. So, if you want to do it. do it. :) I would love to hear more of YOUR quirks, I just won't call you by name.

This is for those not in Texas...

So we are officially under $2.00 for gas. I know its pretty lame to post on gas but I remember paying up to $3.98 down here a couple of months ago. Now I can actually afford to take that Yoga Class I always wanted to take.

Well the end of the world is close...

Well we have a new President, President Barrack Obama. The next four years can't come sooner!

I just hope things don't go down hill too much for this nation.

Only time will tell.....

For the record....

My BYU pumpkin survived the Halloween weekend so far! So far all of you haters out there that treaten to destroy my pumpkin. HA! Either there are no Ute fans here in Texas and they are only located in Salt Lake City or no one nows what BYU stands for. I like to think that there are only a small amount of Utes fans and they are only in Utah!

I'd like to dedicate this blog to my Dad, Ben, Aubree, J.R., Byron, and Ross! I'm just getting ready for the big game! Cougars over the Utes, all the way!

Jack-O-Lantern

Jack-O-Lantern big and round
On each doorstep can be found
Ghosts and Goblins all around
This is Halloween!!

OOOO THIS IS HALLOWEEN!!!

So, for mutual tonight we carved pumpkins!! It was really fun and I learned some serious carving skill from the youth in our ward. . . . . I kept freaking out about it. Then I sung every halloween song I know :) Just wait for next years pumpkins . . . . .

Can you guess who carved which pumpkin??? ha ha ha!! We love this holiday!!

Christmas in October

It felt kindof like Christmas at the Allsop's this last week. Well, I guess I should first start off by saying a few weeks ago I purchased an XBOX 360 for Michael for Christmas. Well, he came home and saw it before it was 'hidden' and we all know there was no way he was going to 'forget'. There goes the 'surprise' factor for christmas yet again. (note to self . . . get better at hidding presents before we decide to have children) We got to talking and I wanted to get a game that I would enjoy playing as well (sports and war games not really my thing) and we decided to look into RockBand. That being said we knew Melissa and Chad were coming to visit and we thought we could play with them too- we originally were just going to rent it but that apparently isn't an option. SO. . . . we decided to get it early, and I'm glad we did. It is SOOOO much fun! We had a blast rocking out!!

Present #2 would be my Sister and her family coming to visit us!!! We have been planning their arrival since before we moved! Melis and Chad are both dental hygenists and they were already planning on coming to San Antonio for a convention- they were able to spend a few extra days here and we are so glad they did! We had an absolute blast and it went by way too fast!! We went to Sea World, Six Flags, Down Town (Alamo, Riverwalk, Ripley's/Wax Museum), went to the Temple, Shopped, I played "mom" for a day or two, we swam, went to a park, went to the Brad Paisley concert Jewel and Chuck Wicks also performed (Julianne Hough was supossed to, stupid dancing with the stars), and ate our weight in BlueBell Ice Cream. . . . and Rudy's BBQ. I for one was sad to see them go. . . . Chase is so fun and we'll miss his cute little face!! Until next time :)

The Latest Quilt

I figured since tracking said 'delivered' I could post my latest project. This is for my nephew to be. . . . fun to sew flannel for someone who will use it to keep warm. . . . still running the AC nice and strong these days. . . but this post is not about the weather. I used this precious panel and did "rag" squares all around. I think it turned out pretty cute. If any of you out there ever do a rag quilt you NEED the corresponding scissors OMG!! they are AMAZING!!! they have a built in spring so you don't get sores on your thumbs. I basically 'snipped' the whole quilt in one sitting!! This is an accomplishment even if it's only a crib size. I think fiscars even has a 'knock-off' so they're not as expensive but I don't care I'd pay double what I paid to use them!!

Jack's Back

I just saw the first official preview for 24 and I can't TELL you how excited I am. November 23 is the night. a two hour "event" called 24 Redemption. It is a prequel movie that "sets the stage" for season 7 (premeirs Jan 13) Here are a few things I am looking forward to and/or have missed over the past year.

-CTU

-a female president (can't wait for jack to interigate her)

-Africa

-Tony Almeida (even if he is the 'target')

-Jack telling the judge off while he is on trial

-hearing "you're just going to have to trust me" 30 times in one 60 minute episode

-gruesome torture scenes

-chloe's "personality"

-Kim dying (ok, that one is just a wish)

Let the count down begin. . . .

So I caught Trish cheating on me....can't believe it....

Yea so Trish is cheating on me. I really don't see what she sees in the other guy?

But after getting to know the guy, he wasn't all that bad. He is kind of cute, I guess. Actually, our friend Valerie, was so nice to let us go and see the new baby beluga whale at SeaWorld. But I still had a few words for him...
Eventually I got close enought to talk to the guy and see what his deal is. He didn't back down like you can see.

But cooler minds prevailed and as you can see he wanted to give me a kiss. Actually he tried to slip me the toungue but I'm NOT into guys or animals....kind of wierd.

Actually it was real neat to go and see the dolphins and beluga whales close up. Trish and I real had a good time. Valerie your amazing, doesn't mean I'm not going to let you win when we play games!!!

San Antonio Cops are Nuts....

Only in San Antonio would you have the cops like this!!!!

New Blog....

So from the suggestion of Trish, I opened a new blog! Its called "Some thoughts....open for debate!" I wanted to open a blog to talk about the issues that we are experiencing these days. I look forward to trying to convince you all that I am right and you are wrong! More to come...

This one is for the guys....

So I've been a fan of UFC for awhile and occasionally like to watch it from time to time. Trish not so much but what can she do when I have the remote!!!! This one is kind of funny.

Yea I'm kind of going crazy doing a lot of posting!

Went a little crazy....

So with my new job we have been saving up for awhile and I may have made a rash decision. We are saving up for a house but this was too good to be true and had to get it. What's a couple more months (or years) in an apartment complex!

Trish isn't to happy with me right now. I'm sure she will come around!

Funny Clip

I saw this and thought it was pretty funny and had to share it with all of you.

definately DOESN'T run in the family

So, about three months ago i thought "my dad's does it, why can't I?" I was thinking about how much I loved fresh veggies while living at home and after a member of my ward gave away tomato plants I thought I'd give it a try. Our ballcony gets really good sun so lets give it a whirl right? So, we planted a tomato plant, 2 cucumber, 2 zucchini, 2 squash and one gerber daisy. I was supper excited the day they sprouted from the dirt. And even more thrilled when the sprouts blossomed into flowers. Then I waited and waited and waited- calling my dad every now and then to see what I was doing wrong. Apparently bees don't like my plants (they must have not been pretty enough) and then i gave up and quit watering them. It was a complete waste of time and money for the stupid seeds, and the dirt, and the pots. So I broke down and for the first time in my life I bought a zucchini (it was SOOO good). I'll tell you this, I would have way rather inheritted my dad's green thumb, instead of his stubborness. maybe I'll try again in five years.

Houston

Gotta love labor day! We took advantage of an extra day off and went to Houston to visit our friends who moved there. The Harris's were MOST hospitible. We, as always, had an absolute BLAST!! We played ALOT of games, ate great food, did a little shopping, swimming, tennis, we went to a boardwalk, rode a rollercoaster, and had more than a few good laughs. We can't wait to go see them again!! We also took advantage of the fact that we were driving past an ikea on our way home. We ended up buying a huge wall mirror (not at ikea, but none the less i love it) a coffee table and a new dinning table! Now Michael and I can both sit at our table with our dinner plates at the same time!! YAY!! we were about an inch short of it all fitting in the car . . . . lucky for us ikea has a big box of 'complimentary' twine- which we used to tie the trunk down. Gotta love it. Needless to say, it was hard to go back to work today (for me anyway).

Elder Wright

This post is mostly for my mom, but i guess i figured posting the pics is better than emailing them to her. My little bro is currently just past half way through serving his mission in (right now) Cloverdale CA!! He sent me this pics a while back so I thought I'd share them.

"Oakland Temple Baby"

The Beach at Ft. Bragg

Highway 1 AMAZING Coastal Views

Well, I hope you enjoy!! The last letter I received he sounded good, saying he's had more people to teach lately- so that's good. Love you bro!!

Its about that time of the year!!!!!

Yes, you all know it! Its when the air starts to be crisp and the leaves start to fall. It's when men start to day dream about how other men will do on Sunday. Its when men start to yell at TV's and demand that their player get the football. A time when husbands are so intensely looking at their teams stats that they drown out any other distractions even though their wives ask if he would like to go antique shopping next weekend and he is so out of it that all he says yes. Yes, it is true, it is fantasy football time. Oh such a glorius time!

This year is no exception. Michael Phelps just finished competing for 8 Olympic gold medals. Well with his glory in mind I plan to achieve such fantasy glory it will marvel the world, or those who play fantasy football. I know there are a lot of nea-sayers out there. I feel confident though with all the leagues I'm in, that I will leave with a gold medal! How many you may ask?

ESPN.com - two leagues (Los Hermanos Group from Utah, Friends I grew up with in Wisconsin)

Yahoo.com - three leagues (Two leagues with friends I grew up with in Wisconsin and finally another with brothers and brother-in laws and friends)

Oh, also if you need anyone else just let me know. I think I can squeeze a few more in! Sorry Trish I'm going to busy for the next couple of monts, see you then!

my latest quilt

This was a project i did for work a few weeks ago. It's displayed in the store and online until the fabric sells then i get to keep it. It's not my best work but in order to get the fabric for free i do the pattern my boss asks, no complaints here. She even quilted it for me (which was very nice of her). too bad they didn't take a pic of the border it's a really cute stripe and I must say I did an excellent job for my first project mitering the corners of a border- matching stripes on a 45 deg angle is not the easiest job in the world.

Tag X 3

JOYS:
-Michael
-family
-music

FEARS:
-going places by myself
-being widowed
-getting robbed. . . .again

GOALS:
-children
-a house
-put away the laundry (in no particular order)

OBSESSIONS:
-blogging
-reality tv
-pretty much anything i like. . . . games, books, movies, cd's, jack bauer, quilting, good food. . . . .

FACTS:
-i am competitve
-i laugh easily
-i am NOT a morning person (try as my dad may, i did not inherit that quality)

I tag . . . . .anybody who wants to. i know, kinda lame- just do it.

done and DONE

Well I finished last night. Now I might be able to get to bed before 3am. I know, kidof lame that i stayed up that late and it still took me almost a week to read it- I really liked it. It has been a really fun book/series to read and its really hard for me to NOT obsess about something I like. now i'll just have to wait for the movie :)

my new form of transportation

So, this morning I woke up as usual. got ready, as usual. and started a little online work. . . . as usual. (here comes the not-so-usual part) knock knock knock. Let's be honest. No one knocks on our door. The two visitors we've ever had, a. we knew were coming over or b. were close enough friends that they didn't knock. I jump of my all to comfy rocking chair (which had been coveted for years now and my husband was sweet enough to order it as my birthday present and hide it in the spare bathroom until my day) and find a police officer at my door.

He was given our name and address to follow up a possible police report. *insert look of confusion* He then gives me a number to call dispatch and talk to them. Apparently there was a vehicle recovered this morning in my name, with utah liscense plates, a white honda civic. Now would be the time where I run down the stairs and lo and behold: no car in the parking lot. Yes, our car was stolen last night from our apartment complex, driven about 4 miles away from our place and stripped of it's valuables, which apparently consits of the car's computer, cata- somthing converter, stereo, a few cd's, Michaels baseball card collection and who knows what else. There also may have been some damage to the steering column, we won't know the extent for sure until later this week and it gets to a shop. The car was deemed "undrivable" so, it had to be towed to a yard where we pay per-day until its released. To spare you some details: this sucks.

So, from now til who knows when these little piggy's are my new form of transportation. (do you love my tan lines?)

Moral of the story: Don't get your car stolen.

Note to person who stole our car: I hate you.

Yes, this is the second time this particular car has been stolen. GGRRRRRRR!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to, well . . . . ME!!! So, can I just tell you I love birthday's !?! Particularly my own, but you know. Some thing about them. just fabulous. See, its four am and instead of sleeping, i am smiling (and blogging) about how great the next twenty hours will be. crazy you say, well you wouldn't be the first and thank you. I kindof like the label crazy. I'm very excited to play the 'birthday' card. I, opossed to others, really enjoy sunday birthday's because it really becomes a birthday weekend - almost like two birthdays in one. :) I possibly am rambling now, but thanks to all who already have, and will yet wish me a happy birthday. I feel very blessed to have such a fabulous family and friends. I have a feeling 25 is going to be a good year!!

TWO YEARS!!!!

It's official. Michael and I have been married for two years today!! I'm not even sick of him yet! Michael planned what I'm sure will be a wonderful and romantic evening for the two of us tonight. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He is my perfect match! I won't get too sappy on y'all but I LOVE HIM!!! Marrying him was the best decision I ever made, and to date, the happiest day of my life. I frequently joke that I wish I could marry him again. . . . I guess that's what anniversary's are for. Too bad this one won't involve kneader's cake . . . . or gifts/money. If you would feel so inclined to congratulate us again or for your first time. Please send gifts via US postal service. You know where we live- we have re-registered at Bed Bath and Beyond for your shopping convenience. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity, we look forward to many anniversary (gift giving opportunities) in the future.

Memories Anyone?

This was a tag of sorts I thought might be intersting:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember.
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog. And then I will leave a memory of you on yours!

Independence '08

We had a wonderful Independence Day. We spent most of the day up in Austin. We first stopped in San Marcus for some shopping. Holy Outlets!!! I couldn't believe how many stores there are up there! Pretty sure I'll be taking another trip, and I'll leave Michael home that day. :) We went with our friends Scott and Paige and rented some canoes on town lake. We visited the capital, drove aroung UT, watched fireworks and ate some uniquely austin food. We now know where the "Keep Austin Weird" shirts and bumper stickers originate and why they're sells are so popular. I acctually have seen said bumper stickers a lot since Friday. Michael managed to loose his phone at the park. Lucky for us there are nice people in this world, some guy picked it us and called us the next day. It was a slightly dramatic ordeal to meet up with him to get it back, but all in all, it was a very relaxing holiday weekend. We missed our family but we tried not to let it get us down. Hooray for Freedom!!

Little Lanie

So, with Michael gone to scout camp, what's a girl to do? (besides sleep diagonal on the bed) BLOG!! We were so excited to take a trip to Lubbock last weekend to see the newest member of the family- Ben and Nat's baby girl Lanie. Telling you how ADORABLE she is gives no justice. I would post a photo, but Michael has that camera w/ him at camp. as if he will use it. I'll have to post them later. But Lanie is the sweetest cutest thing ever to breathe air. She is ALL Natalie, oh my gosh!! Already so much personality in that little body it's crazy! As always we had a fabulous time. Jaden is such a charmer. He was so excited to be able to "keep" Lanie, "until she dies." classic. We are sad to see them leave us in the lone star state but what are you gonna do? We're excited for Ben's new job it just gives us one more state to visit. You know how we love road trips!! It was really nice to see my Mom again- it had been a while. :)