Jennica Rae

ThE sKin We'Re iN

2012-01-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

I, Jennica Rae Robison, am 24 years old and still struggle with acne. Recently my face was preeeettty bad. If you've ever struggled just a little bit with acne you know how NOT fun it is. Well multiply that by a large number of your choice and you've got me. I've been on a handful of different antibiotics and prescription lotions and creams for maybe 6 years now. It's definitely kept it tame but even those aren't enough to keep my face clear *sad face*. I'm at the end of the line when it comes to options, if I want to make any other changes, my only choice is Accutane which I'm really not ready for yet considering the incredible amount of risks that come along with the process. During my not so fun outbreak a few weeks ago I was looking online for tips or tricks. I wasn't searching for crazy ideas, or weird home remedies, just simple things you may not think about that actually WORK for real people like you or me. I've discovered a few ways to help keep my face clear and my skin looking pretty(er), so I'm sharing this treasured info.

These are a lifesaver. My dermatologist at the University of Utah told me about these gems when I asked what I should be using to get my makeup off and wash my face with at the end of the day. CeraVe. There's a cleanser (the one with the pump) and a lotion. Downside...these babies cost 12 bucks a bottle. BUT they last forever and you can easily find them at Wal-Mart, Smith's or Walgreens. I've had mine for 6 months so far and I use them everyday. These are super gentle on your skin, they have no fragrance, no fillers, nothing but the good stuff. They don't lather up, which may throw you off a little at first but I've come to love them. I'll never switch.

Okay.

Now that I've plugged the product I'll give you my tips, do's and don'ts on making your face better :)

- Sponges.

Don't use them. I've been using them for years until recently when I was talking to my sister about how bad my face had been. She asked if I used a spongy makeup pad/wedge to apply my foundation. I said yes and she said NO. Cassie is doing an apprenticship at Landis salon and she's lucky enough to get to sit in on classes and learn lots of fun girly hair and makeup tips. Those sponges contain so much bacteria that it's actually better to use your fingers. After using a sponge all that time it takes some getting used to but I actually like it better. It's easier to apply foundation in a thin and even coat so it doesn't look caked on. Just make sure you WASH your hands first :)

-Wash your face morning AND night. I never used to wash my face in the morning because I figured I had just washed it the night before, plus I'm just getting in the shower anyways, so it'll clean itself right? Wrong. My face is definitely looking better after getting in the habit of washing my face in the morning as well as at night (I was my face BEFORE I shower).

-Hot towel. At night after I wash my face and get all the makeup and grime from the day off, I run a washcloth or towel under hot water, just about as hot as I can stand it. Wring it out and just lay it on your face and pat it all around. It feels heavenly, but the purpose is to open up your pores. The hot water causes your pores to open up (which is why you want to do this AFTER you've gotten all the yuckies off of your face). Once I've done that I apply my creams/prescriptions which may or may not apply to you, and my moisturizer. So to recap....wash, open pores, lock in the good stuff.

-Moisturizer first! Put your facial moisturizer on very first, underneath your foundation. It keeps your skin happy and creates a barrier between your face and the bad stuff we just love to put on it. (Another fun tip from Cassie and Landis Aveda).

During my online searches I came across this honey/aspirin mask. This mask isn't meant for clearing up acne, so don't get yourself confused there. It's just good for your skin. Leaves it looking healthy with a glowing shine. I only do it every now and then but I would say definitely not to do it more than once a week. The aspirin is meant to be an exfoliating factor. It's gritty, and exfoliates when you rub it on. Here's the steps.

You'll need:

Honey.....just any kind, mine was from family dollar.

Aspirin....I use 4, there's really no specific recipe. Also family dollar.

Little cup or bowl :)

Put the aspirin your little cup and add a teeeeeensy bit of water. Literally like 3 drops. It needs to be just enough to start dissolving the aspirin. Use a spoon to tap it, chop it, speed the dissolving along until you've got a paste like substance.

Then add your honey. I would say somewhere between 1 and 2 teaspoons, just use your judgement.

Mix them together like this....and BAM! Face mask. Just use your fingers to put it all over your face. It feels funny, and smells kinda weird, I think it's the aspirin. Leave it on for as long as you'd like. I've done 15 minutes before. Another time I left it on for an hour while I cleaned the bathroom. Then just rinse. It comes off super easy with water. Then wash your face with your usual facial cleanser. Hopefully you notice how nice and fresh your skin feels :)

Okay enough with the tips. Hopefully that was more helpful and entertaining than it was boring!

I jUsT wAnNa ReAd All DaY!

2012-01-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

I've been in such a reading phase lately! Escaping into a world that's not my own brings me some sort of calming satisfaction. I feel like I can't find enough free time to read no matter how hard I try, I can always use more. I just finished this book. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks.

I saw the trailer for the movie and wanted to read the book first. If you've read any of the other Nicholas Sparks books and enjoyed them, then you'll like this one too. (Thanks for letting me borrow the book Amber!) Here's the trailer for the movie. Watch it. Then read the book and see the movie when it comes out :) Book before movie is always better in my opinion.

ThE aRt oF rAcInG iN tHe RaIn

2011-12-31T10:39:00.001-08:00

I just finished this book and highly recommend it. Tugs on your heart strings a bit but I think that's just what I needed recently. The book is written entirely from the viewpoint of a dog which makes it interesting from the start. It's an easy read you get through it quick. There are definitely some fun little life lessons to be learned from this book. I'm always looking for books to read and I like recommendations from friends best so I thought I'd share. Enjoy and Happy New Years!!

MoTiVaTiOn!

2011-12-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

I've completed up through day 7 of the Insanity Workout by Beachbody. Today is day 8 which is called cardio recovery. It's actually a really nice, calm yet challenging workout and I'm excited to sweat it out tonight. So far I'm LOVING the program. It's definitely hard. The workouts are only about 40 minutes long which includes the warm up and cool down. The effective ingredient is speed and power. You push yourself as hard as you can, and do as much as you can, as FAST as you can in that amount of time. I haven't lost my motivation, I'm still going strong but there's always room for more right? :) Plus I just love motivational fitness pics and I know some of you out there are big on working out too. So here's just a few that I found but if you want more visit pinterest or this blog on tumblr that I stumbled across here.

DaY 2.....ChEcK!

2011-12-07T08:27:00.001-08:00

I survived Day 2 of Insanity :) Last night's workout was Plyometric Cardio Circuit. It was 42 minutes long and kicked my butt. I loved it. Lots of jumping around which makes my calves sore. I burned 400 calories and my heart rate was up the whole time! Went hot tubbing after because I'm not gonna lie, I was scared for how sore I'd be today. It's not much worse than the amount of sore of was yesterday so bring on Day 3! I've been using an app on my phone called MyFitnessPal. It tracks your calorie intake and is super easy to use. It has a scanner so when you're adding food into the food log you simply scan the bar code on the package of whatever you ate! It's been nice to use because it doesn't feel like a diet. It just helps me think about what I'm eating so I can make healthier choices :) Check out the site here if you're interested.

Only 7 days into December and it's already been a busy month. This is my first christmas living on my own and Mom and Dad were nice enough to buy me a christmas tree. Got the tree up and my house decorated, we've been using the fireplace too which makes it seem even more like the holidays have arrived.

Two of my best best girlfriends and I have started doing a girls night once a month. We go to dinner, or shop, or both etc. The chat time is awesome and I can honestly say that last Friday at our dinner at Iggy's, I laughed harder than I have in I don't even know how long. Love those girls :)

Had the first of many Christmas parties on Sunday with my Dad's side of the family. We were only missing a few cousins so it was nice to see everyone all together. BBQ sandwiches were delicious and the desserts were to die for. It's not a Robison family Christmas party without Christmas bingo so of course there were a few rounds of that too (prizes involved, it's always a good time).

Me and Cassie in the middle, with Chris and his wifey Emily :)

I'm excited for my workout tonight and even more excited to hit the hay afterwards. Bring on the workouts, bring on the Christmas parties!!

InSaNiTy!!

2011-12-06T14:59:00.001-08:00

Started THIS workout last night. 60 days of....Insanity. I'm sore from the Fit Test which is day 1. I hear day 2 is rough so I'm nervous for tonight's workout. Stoked to start seeing results tho! In the words of Shaun T......dig deeper!! Wish. Me. Luck.

WoRds 2 LiVe bY

2010-10-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

Love this.

I need to work on a few of these...

just what i needed...

2010-08-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Went on a late night motorcycle ride last night. It was just what I needed. It was cool enough for long pants and a jacket and it felt so good! I’ve grown accustomed to the racing stripes on the helmet that has become “mine” and I still get extremely happy everytime I ride. I’m an amazing back seat rider. I’m really good at NOT burning myself on the exhaust pipe (once was enough, the scar will remind me). Bumps and potholes make me giggle. I love going fast. Doin’ the wave with my arm and singing “rollin’ with the hommmiiiiieees” is a must. But the best part is when Ben leans down and says “you drive!” and lets me take control. This has become a thirst that will never be quenched. Summer of the bikes…I love you.

what we do for fun...

2010-08-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

Grumpy.

2010-08-16T13:21:00.001-07:00

I am extremely grumpy today. I’m wearing a new outfit and I’m STILL grumpy today. How can you be angry when you’re wearing a new outfit?? I don’t know why I’m unhappy and that’s even worse. I think there’s a country song that says something like “I just want to be mad for a while”. Yes please. I feel bad for the world a little bit because I’m doing my best to keep my grumpiness on the inside and not let it escape from my pores but I’m failing a little bit. I drank a big red bull this morning. Not just the little one, the big one. I thought it might help but it didn’t. I plan on wearing myself out at the gym tonight. I’m going to work out all of my anger and grumpitude. I’m going to listen to some heavy rap or something screamy while I run. Okay I could go on about how grumpy I am but I think I’ll move on.

St George was fun. Hot but fun. Tarzan at the Tuacahn theater was amazing. I’d see it 12 more times if I could. Also I’m jealous of the people in it who can sing like they do. I so wish I had an amazing singing voice.

Got my bike ride last night. Satisfying but not enough. I don’t think that thirst will ever be quenched. I can’t explain why I love it so much but there’s almost nowhere lately that I’d rather be than on a motorcycle. Rode up in the avenues last night, love the houses up there. I hope I get to ride again soon, there’s just somethin’ about it.

Body Pump (round 2) last week was awesome. I was sore again, but not as sore as the first time. It’s my new favorite thing. I literally dripped sweat from my elbows doing squats with barbells…amazing.

Sorry no pictures this post. Maybe next time when I’m feeling less “I hate everything and everyone and just want to be sleeping in a cave somewhere in the dark with nobody there to bug me until I feel like coming out”.

Kthanksbye.

factual things.

2010-08-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

I'm OCD when it comes to my handwriting.

If i write something down and it isn't neat/cute enough for my liking...

I completely rewrite.

My back hurts.

When i inhale (just slightly deep)

it pops all the way across..

I'm excited to work so hard

at the gym tonight and tomorrow

that i can't move the rest of the week.

Body pump round 2.

Bring it baby.

Sitting on the porch

with friends until 3 am

with a mcdonald's/wendy's run somewhere in the middle

is the definition of summer.

Everyone tells me i take too many pictures.

Is that even possible?!

I don't even take that many.

One day you'll all be glad i did.

I'm super excited for road trippin' with Cass.

Just the two of us.

In my car.

This will be a first!

Can't wait for...

laughing

rapping

treats in the car

wearing comfy clothes

12 thousand pee breaks (sorry cass)

hours of good times.

I refuse to kill spiders.

Not because i don't think they should die.

They should. Twice.

I'm terrified of them.

Not sure what i'll do when i live on my own.

Dear future husband:

I hope you're good at murdering spiders.

Umm...zac efron was extremely hot in charlie st. cloud.

Really hot.

Less than a month and i'll be "aunt jenn"

Can't wait for kenzie and colin's

bundle of joy baby boy

to join us so we can meet him.

I hope you'll let me watch him kenz.

Ps...i might forever call him "chico".

Baby chico i love you already.

just.some.random.things.

2010-08-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Marc Jacobs sunglasses.

These aren't mine.

I'm just coveting them.

Body Pump class at the gym last night.

Loved it.

Today....owwie.

Things I'm currenly looking forward to....

New Nixon watch.

New Reef flip flops.

Next motorcycle ride with this guy.

Ben owes me one.

Charlie St. Cloud.

Zumba at the gym tonight.

Closest thing to dancing I've got.

If I can move by then.

I'm really sore.

Vacay to St. Geezy next weekend.

Mmm Mmm Good

2010-07-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Like fine wine. Or cheese….

Better with age.

I’ve been looking forward to seeing Charlie St. Cloud ever since I saw the preview a while back. It comes out this weekend and I’m hoping to go see it. Zac, you’re a babe. Vanessa, I hate you.

I did something gutsy recently. I was proud of myself because gutsy is not really part of my self description. It was going well at first and now it’s just not really going at all. I’m not very good at the waiting game but I’m still playin!

Okay so I’m the worst at removing tags from new clothes. The inside tags I’m getting better at but I swear 3 or 4 times in the not too distant past, someone has pointed out that the size sticker was still on the front of my shirt. Stupid boob stickers!

Question for the world. If the spaces between bathroom stalls are the size of Steve Nash’s nose, doesn’t it sort of defeat the purpose of having stalls?

I think when I grow up (ha) I want to be a Gilmore Girl. I wish the world spoke like they do. Witty banter, LOVE it. Sarcasm, LOVE it. Crazy references to all sorts of who knows what, LOVE it. If only the world could keep up with that sort of speedy conversation that moves at 28644.65329 wpm (that’s words per minute). Everyday would be sooo much more entertaining for me. It’s okay world, I forgive you.

This post was random…..

K I’m out!

nicely said...

2010-07-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

I’d be lying through my teeth if I told you

That I’m okay

When July came I thought I had it all together

Until you said

I need some space

Truth be told

It’s so hard to wait

With one eye on the clock

And one on the phone

It’s 5:19

I’m feeling alone

So if I could talk to you

I’d want you to know

I’m holding loose

But ain’t letting go

We both know that I could think myself dizzy

Right now I’m spinning around

I know you said, “baby don’t worry”

But I miss you right now

I just miss you right now

With one eye on the clock

And one on the phone

It’s 5:19

I’m feeling alone

So if I could talk to you

I’d want you to know

I’m holding loose

But ain’t letting go

Baby, take all the time you need

I just want you to know

I’ll be here, waiting

With one eye on the clock

And one on the phone

It’s 5:19

I’m feeling alone

So if I could talk to you

I’d want you to know…

I’m holding loose

But ain’t letting go

Matt Wertz

“5:19”

((JuLy))

2010-07-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

July has been so much fun! BBQ at Ben's house/West

Bountiful fireworks. Me-Cass-Teri

Then we rode in the Centerville

and West Bountiful parades with THIS guy (Ben!)

and his awesome cars. This is also a plug for

Ben's shop....York Automotive :) Look 'em up.

Me and Teri. Does she not look

so hood in her aviators?

I rode in this 1970 Ambulance with Brady Nish. He's the "ish".

Me in a yellow Caddy...life is gooooood.

Got our toes done with a super prego Trish. Baby Sloan Zeppelin Turner was born July 16th, 7.7 lbs.

Toes! I love having my toes done in the summer. Mine are the purple ones...

I had a birthday. 23 years old.

Better announce my age while I'm

still young enough haha.

I have the most adorable cousins EVER.

Went boating with Uncle Jay,

Aunt Tiff, Cass and the boys

...Brayden and Logan :)

Bathing Beauties

That's right. The pringle duck.

Love These...

2010-07-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

There’s really not much to say. I just love these two sayings. I should probably frame them. Or glue them into my journal. I can never find the words to say what I want to, but someone else in the world usually can.

Lava 2010

2010-07-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

This year Cass and I were lucky enough to go up to “friends weekend” at the Lava Ranches with the Trujillo’s. It was a quick overnight trip but so much fun! Never a dull moment when you get Ben, Trish and the whole gang together.

We rode up with Ben, set up camp and started off ridin’ 50’s. So much fun!! I want one.

Trish, Ben and me.

Laird was crackin’ us up the whole trip :)

Cassie and Teri

Lots of card games

Sisterly love

BB gun shootin!

Mexican horse shoes

Mark, Trish and me

The weather was perfect the whole time, couldn’t have asked for better. We hit the hot pots at night too which was HEAVENLY. I hope we get to go again, we had a blast!

Miss Me?

2010-07-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Don’t ask me why I haven’t blogged for so long. I have no idea. It was Sarah Dewey’s facebook comment…”Girl, I need updates on your life!!”…and Jody Colvin’s “what the heck!” that inspired me to finally post again. And even then it took me forever. But I’m here! Basically you’re just going to get some really random facts and things I’ve written down recently. Mostly they’re things that I feel like telling people but no one cares about so I’ll put them here, where I can pretend that people care haha.

I’m obsessed with the gym. Don’t worry, it’s a good obsession. I just love it. 5 times a week is my minimum and it feels GREAT. Weight lifting is my favorite, and Zumba on Wednesday and/or Thursday nights is the best. Kicks my butt in the best way possible.

I’m single, which is new since the last time I posted anything. I’m having a blast being myself and trying to figure out who I am.

My current drug of choice is 30 Seconds to Mars. Their newest album “This is War”, summed up in one word…powerful. I don’t know why I never loved them before now.

Self discovery #1: I swear under my breath a lot. When I’m alone, when I’m not. But I’ve realized that sometimes after I whisper a little curse (don’t judge me, swearing is fun sometimes and you know it) I laugh because I’ve cracked myself up in the process. Love it.

A guy that works in my building (we’ll refer to him as “the creeper”) asked me out. He’s 50 something. Oh and another smallish detail…he’s married. As in, has a wife. Uh huh great.

Someone I was helping at work read my name and called me “Janeesa”. Seriously? I give you a C- for effort.

Self discovery #2: I have a thing for muscles. I like big arms :)

I sneeze A LOT. How do I know? Well obviously because I’m the one sneezing but also because every time I sneeze at work I hear Jill yell from her cubicle “bless you!”, “bless you!”.

Guilty Pleasure: I’ve been watching Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family. I’m almost embarrassed to say that I’m watching it, but I love that show. Everyone needs a little guilty pleasure sometimes, right?

Quote: “True Love Stores Never Have Endings”

There’s a guy at work who now calls me Ali because he thinks I look just like Ali from the Bachelorette…with brown hair of course. I don’t really see the resemblance but I’ll take it!

I heart motorcycles. I used to think I could never be pro motorcycle because I’d worry too much about the person on the bike. But my love for them has totally taken over that. There’s nothing like a motorcycle ride. I’m pretty sure my future husband will have muscles and a bike! (in the non old guy/leather wearing/Harley kind of way).

Self Discovery #3: Me and big changes don’t mix well. Whether the change is positive or negative I’ve learned that it’s kind of hard for me to adjust.

Dear Travis Garland, lovin’ your Airplanes remix. Favorite line: “I’m prayin’ that this stairway leads somewhere like heavens door. And when you get there don’t look down”. Also, you’re really hot so that’s a plus too.

GrEaT wOrKoUt

2009-11-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

I had a great workout this weekend. Got this 350 calorie blasting workout plan from Shape magazine. Apparently I failed because I didn't quite burn 350 calories. But it was still an awesome workout on the treadmill.

Time What To Do Exertion Level (1-10)

0-5 Warm up easy 4

5-7 Maintain moderate intensity 5

7-8 Spint; keep incline steady 7-8

8-9 Recover at moderate intensity 5

9-13 Repeat minutes 7-9 twice 5-8

13-14 Increase incline, steady speed 7-8

   14-15 Recover at moderate intensity 5
   15-19 Repeat minutes 13-15 twice 5-8
   19-20 Increase speed & incline 8-9
   20-21 Recover at moderate intensity 5
   21-27 Repeat minutes 19-21 3x 5-9

27-30 Cool down easy 4

Maybe I can work myself up to burning the whole 350 calories in 30 minutes. I've also been doing this ab circuit which is awesome. I highly recommend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5bNdXhNlmM

ThOuGhTs In My HeAd ToDaY

2009-11-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

This morning I got up and made myself scrambled eggs for breakfast. Why is this weird? Because I wake up at 5 am! I barely have time to eat cereal for breakfast but for this morning I decided to have eggs. I read in Shape magazine that you burn more calories during the day if you have eggs for breakfast than if you don't. Eggs it is!

I got lots done this weekend. Went to the gym late Thursday night with Cass which was fun. It's been forever since I've been to the gym late at night. There was hardly a soul there. We watched 17 Again while we worked out in the movie room. Um, apparently the gym has new fall hours and they close at midnight on Thursdays and open again at 4 am. Lucky we went when we did. Our workout ended and we left at exactly 12:08 ha. I went to the gym 4 out of 6 days last week! Felt great. Also got some cleaning done etc etc. Confession: I LOVE crossing things off lists. I did a lot of that this weekend :)

Got together with friends and family for ladies night and New Moon. I'm not a freak but I'm a fan. The movie was good :) We went to my Aunt Tiff's Mom's house first (got that?) for appetizers. There were tons! Then we headed over to the theater for the movie and BACK to the house for dessert. It was a fun night :)

Visited two of my very best friends yesterday, Breck and Ali. Love the Avery's. Bowser is the newest addition to their fam and he's adorable. I was lucky enough to hold him while he slept. Cute cute. I hadn't seen them for too long and it was nice to just go say hi and relax with them. We watched a little Seinfeld (definitely a favorite) and played with the pups. When we left to go home (Tony and I)...BAM! It was white outside. I hate driving in the snow but I'll admit, it was way pretty outside. Makes me anxious for the holidays. I'm more excited for Thanksgiving this year than I normally am. The 3 day work week/4 day weekend is also a big plus.

On a random note: Ordering some Scentsy stuff, I'm in LOVE with the sweet pea and vanilla scent. Can't wait for that one.

HeArD iT fRoM a FrIeNd WhO...hEaRd It fRoM a FrIeNd WhOoOo...

2009-11-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, not true. I didn't hear it from a friend. I saw on someone else's blog which means I'm blogiarizing? Oh well. Here's 3 helpful hints that will push you right on down the road to a great bod. I think I'm gonna try it out.

1. Drink your body weight in water EVERY day.
I'm guessing that means for every pound you weigh, drink an oz of water.
Doesn't sound right to me so instead...
just....DRINK LOTS OF WATER!

2. Do as many pushups as old you are EVERY night.
Do girl pushups. They still count duh!

3. Do how much you weigh in crunches EVERY night (maybe in reps of 10).

Who's with me ladies?!

JuSt SoMe ThOuGhTs

2009-11-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, question of the day. Can a joke be over told? The answer is YES. A hundred times, yes. At work there are a few people who apparently only know a small handful of jokes. The first few times I heard them, it was fine. I was even able to give a hearty fake laugh, considering the jokes aren't funny. But hearing them over and over is wearing me out man! Someone should strip this record player of life of it's broken record jokes. I've literally heard them hundreds of times now. They're more like phrases...not quite jokes. So my goal is to try and stop the fire from igniting inside me when I hear those "jokes" and just give a friendly smile. Those of you who work with me...let's keep this on the DL. Haha.

On THAT note. Yesterday was a fabulous day off work due to the wonderful people in our world that are veterans. I tried to sleep in and only made it until a little after 9:00. I went to the gym after that, followed by a refreshing shower and then I joined my family for the Michael Jackson movie, This Is It. Let me just say, it was awesome. King of Pop has a whole different meaning to me now. I was just flat out entertained by the movie. It may sound loser-ish of me to say but I have such a connection with music that I got emotional during the movie. In fact, I get emotional anytime I hear a great song. Not sure where this stems from but it's true. I love singing and don't have the most confidence in myself when I do it. I've always wanted to make something of singing so maybe it's my longing for it that causes the emotion. However. The same thing is true for dance. I'm not a dancer but it gets to me! I wish I were a dancer but let's face it people, I'm not. Ha.

The ladies on my dad's side of the family have a fabulous tradition we like to call "Shopping Day". Sounds simple right? A day of shopping. Wrong. There's only one rule. You have to be 12 years old. Just about everyone in the family is so it's not a big deal anymore. This day is a fun filled day of Christmas shopping and this year's big day is on Saturday. It goes like this:

10:00 Am: Meet at Layton Hills Mall

10:30ish after we've chatted: Split up for shopping!

10:30-1:ooish: shop shop shop!

1:00: Meet by Cavanaugh's to head to lunch
(at some point during the day we buy cavanaugh's chocolates to share)

1:00-2:00ish: Have lunch at a restaurant where we have to call and reserve a table because we have so many people (normally it's about 25-30 ladies for lunch)

2:00ish: Head BACK to the mall for unfinished business.

3:00-10:00 or so:
Old Navy
Target
Wal-Mart

10:00 or so:
Drag our tired feet back to the car to FINALLY sit down and relax on the way home so that we can go through everything we bought.

Whew. It's such a fun day and a tradition that all of us girls look forward to every year. It's days like those when we especially miss Grandma Robison and remember the funny things she used to do that would make us laugh. I'm glad I have such fun girls in my family to spend time and keep traditions going with :) I'll post pictures!

ReCeNt FuN

2009-11-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

Here's some pictures of some of the fun I've been up to lately :)

Cassie and I went on a peppermint ice cream/dorito run and watched a red box movie in my bedroom until 3:oo am. We somehow fell asleep in my twin size bed haha.

This is Franklin, my neph-pup. He was a chaquita banana for Halloween.

We celebrated my cute cousin Logan's 14th birthday on Halloween night.

My new hair! I had black put in with a little bit of blonde too. Probably can't tell in the picture but it's fun and different!

There were more pics but they were taken from a cell phone and when I publish the post the pics don't work for some reason. Sometimes blogger irritates me. The end.

HaLLoWeEn @ tHe OfFiCe

2009-10-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dressed up for Halloween at work today since Thursday is our Friday and Halloween falls on a Saturday this year. I'm a lady bug. You'd be surprised how many people are asking me if I'm a butterfly or a bumble bee. Ironic tho, because the costume is reversible and the other side IS a bumble bee. That's AmBEAR Nielsen. Hilarious I know. I can't take credit though, she came up with the name AmBEAR. Her blog is funny, click here to see. Someone brought a giant remote controlled spider to work which is quite cute (I agree, Amber) when you look at it. BUT, I walked up to my desk and it came crawling out from underneath!! I HATE spiders. He got me pretty good, I'll give him that. So aside from spiders we've got costumes and treats. I'm sure by the end of the day I'll be sick of the annoying comments from people about my outfit. One customer told me to "look out for praying mantises!!". Yes I checked, that is the correct plural form of praying mantis haha. Normally Halloween isn't my thing but dressing up at the office isn't so bad!

Sisters

2009-09-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

Had a fun weekend and spent lots of time with Cass. Went to Old Navy to look at clearance stuff. If you didn't already know, Old Navy always has the best clearance racks. There's so much to choose from. Cassie got a bunch of t-shirts for 3 and 4 bucks each. We found sweatpants, tank tops, shirts I can wear to work. Fabulous. We had to just stop looking because there were so many finds it was never ending. Bought a really cute aluminum water bottle too but it kinda sucks (no pun intended). I have a slight obsession with water bottles because I'm always drinking a ton of water, especially at home. But I hate it when I buy one and it's all airy when you drink from it. You know what I mean. That's how this one is, so we'll see how long it lasts.

Later that night after Cass got home from hangin' with friends we hopped in the car, me in my pj's, and got a movie from redbox. Cassie set up a bed with quilts on my bedroom floor next to my bed and we watched He's Just Not That Into You. Sleepovers for no reason are the best. Although this one kind of did have a reason. Cassie's room was a jungle. So messy that she couldn't sleep in her bed. I wonder if she could even FIND her bed in there. But either way it was fun.

We've been on a health kick lately and it's been a motivation to be doing it together. We're eating healthy, going to a Body Step class (as previously posted), running(ish) 5k's, and going walking on Sunday nights. We go about 3.5 miles every Sunday night just walking around Bountiful. A 5k is 3.1 one miles so it feels great to be walking that far each week. It takes us about an hour, sometimes a little less. Someone asked us once if we take our ipods but we don't, we talk and have fun :) This past Sunday we went 4 miles and felt awesome afterwards. It's always sad to have the weekend be over and have to go back to work. But it gives us something to look forward to through the week. Thanks Cass for always having fun with me even if we're just goofin' around. Yeah sisters!

Afton Wyoming

2009-09-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

We went to Afton, Wyoming with my aunt and her 5 girls earlier this month. My aunt's work owns this house/cabin and we've gone there two years in a row now. My dad is kind out numbered when it comes to guys against girls but he finds things to do.

This is Ivie, she's my cousin's little girl. She's almost 2 and she's talking sooo much. She's pretty dang funny. She LOVES my dad and every few minutes she was saying "Mike? Where's Mike?" We had fun listening to her talk, she made us laugh.

We went to Jackson Hole on day 2. The drive is about an hour and a half from the cabin. We shopped and got ice cream and walked around. I love people watching and Jackson Hole was a good spot for that.

Last year we went to Tootsie's for pizza on the way back from Jackson Hole so we decided to go again and make it a tradition.

There was a lot to do at the cabin. This year there was a big swing set.

I bought a BB gun and took it with me. I LOVE shooting. I'm not bad either, believe it or not. I want to own a real gun some day.

We're a family of readers, Cassie and Mom were reading the same book this year and it was kind of a race between them. Kinda funny, since Cassie's the only one who hates reading. She must've loved the book because she read non stop.

There's ping pong (Aunt Laurie rocked the house and won the tournament)

Foosball, I thought this picture was cool.

Me and Cassie making silly faces. Love it.

We always do a craft, we're so girly. This year we covered composition notebooks with scrapbook paper, stickers etc, and covered them with contact paper. I did two of them and they turned out pretty cute!

This is my cousin, Kristen. I love this picture I took of her. She didn't know I was taking it.

We made s'mores in the oven more than one of the nights.

Nasty spiders we found outside. Gross. I HATE spiders.

BoDy sTeP

2009-09-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

Cassie and I have started going to a Body Step class at the gym on Tuesday nights with our sister in law, Emily. It's an hour long, fast paced, intense aerobics class. We workout to dance music and cool remixes that get our hearts pumpin' fast. Last night was our second time going (minus Emily, she's sick) and we did much better than the first. It's a little bit difficult to follow the first time around. But we weren't so clumsy this time and were able to actually do the moves in sync with the class. We got a better workout during week 2 and I'm surprised I'm not sore this morning. I better watch what I say though, because I'm sure it could still hit me later, especially after sitting in my desk chair for a while. I'm proud of us and all in all this class will be awesome. Not only is it great for us, but it's a fun thing for us to do as sisters.

however........

I'm so tired this morning I can barely take it. I've been awake for 3 and a half hours so far and I can't recall very much of it. I'm pretty sure I'm sleep walking. And another thing...how did I get to work this morning? If I drove I don't remember haha. I'm going to bed early tonight, that's for sure.

99 Things I Have (or have not) Done...

2009-09-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

After I did this I realized I'm kind of boring. Okay, I tag...Jody Colvin, Amber Nielsen, Sarah Jolley, Lindsey Tomlinson and Melissa Montoya!

1. Started your own blog*
2. Slept under the stars*
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii*
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland*
8. Climbed a mountain*
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo*
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables*
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight*
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort*
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset*
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. *
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke*
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt*
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight*
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain*
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater*
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching*
63. Gotten flowers for no reason*
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma*
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy*
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt*
73. Stood in Times Square*
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone*
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox*
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club*
93. Lost a loved one*
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone*
99. Been stung by a bee*

Things I Like Right Now

2009-08-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

1. Thursday/Friday. It's my favorite day of the week and just happens to be today. Weekend starts tomorrow and it's a GOOD THING.

2. Crayola Markers. I just love them, that's all. Mostly markers, but crayons, colored pencils, pens too (etc etc). I'm like a child, I know. But I'm okay with it.

3. Snickers. There's a guy at work who will occasionally surprise me with a snickers from the vending machine a.k.a. "the vendie", which is my favorite.

4. Boating. Going boating this weekend, gonna wakeboard it up! 97 degrees on friday, stick THAT in your pipe and smoke it!

5. Fuze drinks. Healthy AND yummy, that's all I need to say.

6. The new Third Eye Blind cd. Reminds me of going for rides in my big bro's car when I was younger.

7. Funny people. At work I received a piece of mail and in a letter the sender had written, he stated that he is a "law bitting" citizen. Hahahaha. Good times. Not only did he use an incorrect word, he also misspelled it. Nice one!

8. Bones. Best TV show since Gilmore Girls. Haha. No but really, it's good. Booth is the new Pitt. Don't get it? Watch it!

9. Hair. My hair's getting longish and that's fabulous.

10. Cam Gigandet. Hunk. Stud. Babe. Hot. I love him. And he now has a cute little girl named Everleigh.

apparently that's all I like today........

JuSt FoR fUn

2009-07-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

I've had a fun July so far. Hung out with the Avery's (that may have been June but so what. Love you Breck and Al!) Went to the sugarhouse fireworks for the 4th. Had my 22nd birthday. Went to the American Idol Concert with my mom. Went and saw the Fray with Tony. Thanks babe! Here's some pictures to sum it all up...

G iS fOr gOaLs

2009-07-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

Lately there are a few little rules and guidelines I've set for myself. Not big things, just small things to help me stay healthy and get in shape. I think sometimes it's easier to achieve goals when they're written down or in this case...blogged. It makes them realistic, not just something floating in the air that you can choose to practice when you want and forget about it when you don't because who's gonna know?? I came up with a small list...

take the stairs up to the 4th floor (at work) instead of the elevator when I go to get the mail 2-3 times a day.

go to the gym at LEAST twice a week, preferably more.

Little to no carbonation.

eat more oatmeal and yogurt (2 of the top 10 fat burning foods)

take an afternoon work break to a) walk around the block or b) walk the stairs up and back down.

add more fruits and veggies to my meals, especially negative calorie foods.

Drink LOTS of water

No treats in between meals. (Okay...maybe an occasional treat.)

.....wish me luck.

DiD yOu GeL yOuR hAiR?

2009-07-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today I overheard this very entertaining conversation a girl at work had on the phone with her seven year old son. Her side of the phone call went like this...

*ring ring*

hi buddy
did you just wake up?
you. are. a. lazy. bum.
did you gel your hair?
did you wet your hair and put gel in it?
you combed it?
but you didn't gel it?
well does it look okay?
you didn't look in the mirror?
you did your hair but you didn't look in the mirror?
what if it looks retarded?
you're looking in the mirror right now?
do you look like a homeless kid?
does it look like it does when i do it?
is it sticking up?
since when do you have a southern accent..."ma hayer is nawt stickin' uup"?

...priceless

A gOoD Cry

2009-06-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

On Friday my sister Cassie and I had a girls night out. We went to see My Sister's Keeper with her friend/friend's sister and a few of their friends. I went prepared with tissues because I'm a cry baby lately and they came in handy. I'm proud to say that Cass cried more than me (ha ha) but yes, I cried. It's almost impossible to not. The movie was full of touching moments that really got to me. I was glad I got to go with Cassie to see it, we had a blast. It actually felt good to have a good cry. I highly recommend the movie and if you have a sister I recommend seeing it with her! Tough movie to watch but very well done. I loved it. There's a song in it that I really really like, I've heard it before but this is a different version. The lyrics are just so down to earth, I love it! Click here to listen.

FhOnE fRuStRaTiOnS

2009-06-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

I am the receptionist at the place where I work. We will refer to it as..."place where I work". I answer the phone all day, help customers that come into the office, etc, etc, ETC. I am pretty good at helping people on the phone and most the time I can predict the question the caller will ask because I am just that good. After doing this job for 3 years, I have discovered that I have some bitter feelings toward the phone, and the people on the other end of it. Fellow co-workers who are reading this blog: if you find that one day I don't show up to work unannounced, it's because I have died. Cause of death: phone annoyance. (PS- Take that lightly, this is all a joke...kind of). So read on to endure through my most common phone pet peeves. Feel free to laugh. I do. Sometimes I just shake my head and think to myself..."some people's children".

Me: Place where I wOOoork (it's said in a sing songy voice).

Caller: Hi, I just had a question. [pause...]

Duh. Obviously you have a question, that's why you're calling. No need to announce, GO ON.

Me: Place where I wOOoork.
Caller: Yeah. Um. Hi. I was just transferred and you sent me to someone's VOICEMAIL [insert attitude here].

Aww, poor baby. Give me your address, I'll send you a sympathy card. Would you like flowers too?

Me: Place where I wOOoork.
Caller: Hiiii, how are you?
Me: **rolling eyes, gritting teeth** Goodhowareyou.

It's said like one big word, more in the form of a sentence and not a question. It feels like a punishment that I have to ask it back. Stop asking me how I am! We're both on this phone call for a purpose, let's get to it!!

Me: Place where I wOOoork.
Caller: Hello. My name is Samantha Regina May Overbach-Annoying Face with Blah Blah Blahbitty Blah & Associates in Nowheresville, Anywhere, calling with a question for you, how are you today? [sucks in deep breath]

Okay #1- I don't care who you are. #2- I don't need to know your life story. #3- Take a deep breath!! #4- Don't ask me how I am. You don't know me, you don't know care how I am, and I sure as heck don't care how YOU are. Get to the point!

Me: Place wheh...
Other end: [elevator music]

Are you kidding?! You put the hold on hold?? If your call to me was that important, don't you think you would stay on the line? Or put it on speaker, fine! But put me on hold?! Wasting my time, people.

Me: Place where I wOOoork.
Caller: Yes may I speak with so and so?
Me: Sure, can I get your name?
Caller: John. (or Monique.)

Like that helps me. Just one name. What are you, Madonna?

Me: Place where I wOOoork.
Caller: Hi place where I work, how's it goin today?

No really. It's the place of my employment. Don't call me that like it's my name. You don't know me. [snaps fingers in "z formation" in the air]

Me: Place where I wOOoork.
Caller: Hello? [pause]
Me: Hello *rolls eyes*

Yes, I said hello the first time. That means I'm here. Don't ask me again just because you want to make sure. I'm listening, talk!

Me: Place where I wOOoork.
Caller: Yes, I have a problem.

Aww, you should seek professional help. Are you an alcoholic? I can print of a list of psychiatrists for you. Should I come to your appointment with you?? I know! I can hold your hand!

Dang it, I was never going to become a blog complainer. Looks like I've stooped.

UpDaTe

2009-05-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Been a good month. Went to Ali and Breck's wedding. Mayor of Bountiful married them. It was gorgeous. Love them to death. Been playin lots of baseball/catch with Tony. Went to Brayden and Logan's baseball games (cousins). Had Grandma's brithday party. Took a cool picture of my markers at work. Franklin stayed for the weekend. Cutest dog ever. Watched Finding Nemo together. Went for a walk with Cassie on main street. Got really hot. Looked at cool sidewalk chalk drawings. Ironically saw pic of Finding Nemo, and a drawing done by Mayor of Bountiful and his wife. Don't wanna go back to work. Whaddya do?

About Time

2009-04-21T15:43:00.001-07:00

Have you ever noticed that time NEVER does what you want it to do? It's true. When I'm sitting at work and it's Thursday afternoon (which is actually my Friday) and it gets rather quiet, time crrraaawwls. I mean sometimes it takes 2 hours for 30 minutes to pass! It's just insane. Yet on the other hand, when I'm doing something fun, something I enjoy, time goes way too fast and the good times are over before I know it. Whoever coined the phrase "time flies when you're having fun" is a genius. Yet on the other hand (if you didn't have 3 hands before...you do now), sometimes time plays tricks on my mind. It goes by slooow and then super fast and causes a mixed jumble of confused time speeds. The worst part? I can't escape it. Nope. It's official, I canNOT escape time and its trickery. At work there's a clock on the wall in front of me, my computer clock, the time on my office phone and my cell phone! It's all over. But after all the mess and havoc time causes us, it's here for something. "The reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once". Harvey MacKay, motivational speaker/author (yes, I Googled him) once said, "Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back." So as often as I feel that time is going too fast or too slow, I've come to terms with it. I lvoe the following quote:

"Life is all about timing...the unreachable
become reachable,
the unavailable become available, the unattainable...attainable.
Have the patience, wait it out. It's all about timing."

Just the 4 of us

2009-04-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Tony and I hung out with the Woods. Sounds weird still haha. They've been married for about a month now. We had a blast! We'll definitely be hanging out at Colin and Kenzie's more often. I love Colin's face in this picture by the way, sorry buddy haha.

Heres cute couple #1. They're puttin' on their game faces!

And here's me and Tony.

I told Kenzie to mimic my face and I'd take a picture. So...imagine me behind the camera making this same adorable/creepy face ha..

We played Scene It! It was way fun, even though Tony and I got our butts kicked. The game was making me so mad ha. I blame our loss on Colin. He's got a few years on us. Totally not a fair game ;) We'll get you next time guys.

We ate peanut M & M's, yum. I just liked this picture cuz I'm weird like that.

And we drank blue Mountain Dew. Can't remember what the flavor is but it was so freakin' good. Another weird picture, I know.

Then we ate wedding cake with milk. Way good. Thanks again for the fun night, Colin and Kenz. We love you guys and we'll see you soon!

Kenzie & Colin Wood

2009-04-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

My adorable friend Kenzie got married March 20th in the Salt Lake temple. I was lucky enough to be her maid of honor. It was a perfect day, the weather was fabulous. Kenzie was gorgeous and Colin was studly as ever. Yay Kenz and Colin! I'm super happy for you guys. Here's some pics I took from the wedding day.

I thought it was hilarious that right after Kenzie and Colin came out of the temple they both started reaching for children haha! I think it's a sign of the near future... ;)

I'm in love with this cake, so cute! My little sister Cassie arranged the flowers around it.

These are the table centerpieces, they were all Kenzie's idea. So cute. My mom, my sister, Kenzie's sister-in-law (Camille) & I put them together which turned out to be pretty dang fun.

Me and Tony. It was so fun to have him there with me. His hair is short now...I need to post some more pictures.

That's me being bridesmaidish

I will forever love this picture!

Cassie, Kenzie and Me :)

Kenzie's dress.....expensive.

Tony's tie......less expensive.

This picture & Tony's face......priceless.

Aloha!

2009-03-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

The first week of March, my family and I went to Hawaii! Oahu, to be exact. There were 12 of us all together and it was fabulous. My Grandma and Grandpa have 2 timeshares at a resort called Ko Olina so we're lucky enough to get to go every year. This was my second time going and it was just as great as the first. The one thing missing from the vacation was Tony :( but he'll be there next year, I will see to it. We laid around on the beach a lot, even though we ended up with some cloudy skies and 2 rainy days. We went shopping, to a Fia Fia (which is basically a luau), and went on a whale watch. I posted lots of pictures so I'll try not to talk too much ha.

A few from the beach

I had never seen such gorgeous blue water before going to Hawaii.

Me and my little sister Cassie :)

This is my 13 year old cousin Logan

This is the view from our room

Me, Logan, Brayden and Cassie. I have the cutest cousins in the world.

We went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation one day :)

My cute mom and dad

This is at the Fia Fia. Logan said..."everyone put two fingers down, let's make a star".

This is the chief from the Fia Fia, he's hilarious.

That's my big bro Chris on and his fiance Emily on the left side

I'm in love with this picture :) Me and my brother and sister.

Cute pic of all the grandkids (& Emily too)

The Grandkids and Jay and Tiff, my aunt and uncle

I love watching the crabs walk around, it's so intriguing to me.

Funny story, my Grandpa put tide in the dryer instead of the washer haha, so I made him reenact it so I could get a picture.

Everyone kept saying we looked like M & M's this day because we were wearing bright solid colors so we decided to take a picture :)

Here Comes The Bridesmaid

2009-02-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

If I had a list of things I've never done but WANT to do before my life is over, being a bridesmaid would be on it. I've always wanted to play the part of the best friend who gets all dolled up in a dress and cute hair and just gets to be pretty all night! No, she's not the bride, but for one night she feels like a princess. She's there for the bride every step of the way, doing whatever she needs done, no matter the price. I mean....after all, this is the bride's day, and it only happens once (hopefully haha). THIS is my irreplaceable friend, Mekenzie Allsop soon to be Wood and her handsome fiance, Colin. They're getting married on March 20th and I couldn't be more excited for them. Just look how cute they are! Kenz, you'll never have to hear the phrase "other fish in the sea" because you've got a great catch. Colin is such a great guy and I'm so glad he found you! Mekenzie asked me to be her maid of honor and the honor truly is mine. I can't wait to be at her side and play sidekick for the day. I found a list of maid of honor duties and here's a few of them, just for fun haha.

Be at the bride's house early to help her dress, and if needed, assist her with hair and makeup. (If she will be going to the hairdresser prior to getting dressed, it's the maid of honor who is expected to drive her.)
Make sure the bride looks her best at all times. This includes straightening her train as often as necessary so it looks perfect in wedding photographs.
The maid of honor will be expected to appear in numerous wedding photographs. If there is a receiving line, you will be expected to greet the guests.
Support the bride and help her to remain calm and organized. (The bride no doubt chose her maid of honor because she entrusts her with these responsibilities.)

Kenz- I have full confidence in myself, I can fulfil my responsibilities as your MOH! ;) Ha. Congrats on finding the love of your life. I can't wait for your wedding day. Love you!!

Sister/Cousinly Love

2009-01-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with this picture! On Sunday we had dinner at my grandparents' house which is a very common thing for us. That's me and my sister Cassie in the middle, she's holding Franklin (my brother's puppy). Brayden is on the left and Logan on the right. My two cute cousins! We had the best time on Sunday, just sittin' around in our PJ's being lazy. Brayden kept making this weird noise with his mouth/tongue and it was the craziest thing ever but nobody else could do it! We tried so hard and we looked like such losers but it was driving me insane that I couldn't figure out how to make the noise haha. I never did figure it out but it was so worth the try. We cracked up watching each other make attempts and ended up crying because we were laughing so hard. I can't remember the last time I felt like that. It just made me feel super close to my sister/cousins and that's what family's all about!!

Stop Snowing!

2009-01-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Don't get me wrong, the snow is pretty and fun to look at but it's starting to bother me! I hate that it took me an hour and a half to get from downtown Salt Lake to Bountiful last night. The roads were awful! I'm dreading the ride home from work tonight and this is all thanks to the fluffy white stuff that innocently floats down to this glorious place we call earth. GREAT! But I guess when life gives you lemons, make lemonade right? So.....enjoy the snow? Be glad we have it? I guess. I'll give it my best shot. I found this cutesy little poem about snowflakes and it has a lot of meaning to it if you think about it. Enjoy :o)

Snowflakes

Snowflakes filling the sky, like pieces of art abstract,

Falling from the Earth, yet remaining intact.

Gathering on the ground to form shapes and design,

Looking beneath the surface, not knowing what you may find.

For people are like snowflakes, each one a picture to view,

And so many ways reflect the artist in you.

For we all create art, an image in our mind,

For sometimes, we see beauty and sometimes things unkind.

For just like the snowflakes, one may stand out more in sight,

The kind of snowflake that makes the world bright.

For the world is a canvas and we hold the paint,

And with so much beauty, the few can make it taint.

So, remember to view the world as if for the first time,

And enjoy the wonder created in your mind.

Don't Know What You've Got Til It's Gone....

2008-12-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

We’ve all heard this phrase before, in song lyrics, movie lines, whatever……but we’ve all heard it. Sometimes I think the case isn’t that we don’t KNOW what we’ve got, but that we realize more and more. Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. When something or someone we love is far away or out of reach, we can’t help but feel a void of emptiness for that object of affection, normalcy, obsession…whatever it may be that has been such a constant in our lives. There are lessons to be learned in every step taken. Whether it’s relationships, possessions, family, strengths, we all have treasures in life that leave, disappear, are lost or untouchable at some point. From this we should learn to know what we’ve got before it’s gone and pray that it returns with more love than before……LOVE MORE, NEVER LESS.