Birthdays.... birthdays!!

First things first, I am now old and decrepit so if I misspell things you can blame it on the fact that I am now 24 freaking years old... Wow. Cant say I never saw it coming, but in all serious-ness I just cant believe that I am already this old. Now I know most of you are thinking 24 isn't old, its just the beginning, but I am here to tell you that after hearing it over and over again by multitudes of people it finally smashed its way into my brain. I can do this, I can still function!

I could have sworn that I am still just in the first year of College having a blast with my home girls(you all know who you are :) ). I look back on that time and I still have to laugh my butt off at the things we did. Honestly who buys 6 fish and sticks them in a little tiny triangular tank?! Who gets all dressed up(not in the best attire, were talking swim suits over other clothes and high pony tails...attractive is how I would describe it.) decides to run around the apartment complex knocking on peoples doors, then running inside and touching the fridge without saying a word? I know we were little kids back in that day, but those were the best days. I miss each and every one of them, and now that we all have gotten married and some have little mini-me's now, I still just miss the spontaneous personalities we had.

Life is a little different now, I have in all sense of the word "mellowed out". I am still fun but I think as you get older you either loose the energy you once had or things that would have been hilarious have lost the laugh (in some aspects). I don't know what it is about getting older, but there are moments in my life I would love to go back and experience again... for one getting married to the love of my life, College (the first year before everyone got married), High School (only because we had such a blast) and possibly being little again, I swear everything is better when you are little.

I have to say though life is great and I love being as old as I am. I might complain here and there but overall there are some great things that I can say this time of my life will bring. Talking with some co-workers I have discovered that these next 6 years will bring alot with them, but they pay off. Here is the advise; this is the time of life where apparently everyone our age is pretty much poor, I wouldn't say everyone but some are less fortunate than others. This is the age where you really pay your dues with school, work and other activities. They say the payoff is in the 30's. I guess I will have to wait and see. I thought it was interesting how many people say they look back on this time in their lives and miss them. I would say all the people I have talked to quite literally reminisced how they miss the first years of marriage, without kids where it was just the two of you fighting against the world. Nothing against having your own kids( I cant wait), but I am sure things are alot more simplistic with just the two of you.

So on with the Birthday bash..
I was so grateful to have such great girl friends who pampered me endlessly! Rand had work so I made some plans to make sure I was busy on the Day of my entrance to this world. ha ha.. I got a massage that morning and a facial along with a pedicure. It was great to be surrounded by so many friends that I love and enjoy being around. Thanks girlys!!

Katie and her darling toes!!
Lindsey getting her toesy's done...
A close up of Jen the artist!!

Christmas, New years....

Wow I am so sorry that its taken me so long to update. All in all life has kept us super busy, and the pictures I have are here, there aren't alot of them but I guess its better than nothing.

Christmas was great, and we really enjoyed family and friends. Christmas Eve we enjoyed giving Rands parents the book that we made for them. Its a picture book that had the family proclamation inside with plenty of pictures of their posterity. We knew that this would be a hit, and we couldn't wait to give it to them. We slowly had been sneaking pictures in and out of the house in hopes they wouldn't really guess what we were up to. It worked out perfectly!! They were so surprised and happy! Goal accomplished!


Next we were off to my parents for a little Christmas grub, and PJ opening. It was alot of fun! We were able to sleep over at my parents house and we all piled in my brothers bed and watched blindside. It was alot of fun to be surrounded by family. Of course we opened our presents which were amazing and I couldn't ask for anything better. Rand was so sweet and got me a picture of the temple which I have been wanting, it seems like forever.



I should make mention that he made the whole thing himself! He got the picture directly from the photographer, blew the whole thing up, got it matted and framed. I was so surprised!! I love it husband thank you!

Next we move on to new years. Can I just start by saying, wow 2010 really?! I cant tell you how crazy it is that is 2010, but the year brings some great opportunity's and advancements for us. This year Rand will graduate which is awesome! We will also hopefully be in a house by the end of the year, and looking for a new car. It doesn't seem like much, but I cant tell you how excited I am for this year. I am also contemplating going back to school this fall in Interior Design. Its something I have been thinking about alot lately, and I am so fascinated with design that it would be fun to take some classes.
New years we were able to hang out with some friends, got to make homemade pizza and play some hilarious games! It was great to ring in the new year with such great friends.
Mike and Lindsey


Making Pizzas





Our "kiss" for new years!! Loved welcoming the new year with my husband!! He is the best that ever happened to me!!

New years Resolutions for 2010:

1. Be a better wife. To put it simply just make sure Rand knows that I love him. I know it seems cheesy, but I just want to do better in serving him.

2. Read my scriptures more often, and making that a priority for Rand and I.

3. Participate in some races this year.
-St. George Triathlon
-Salt Lake Half marathon
-Wasatch Back
-possibly others those are all I have registered for this year. (any ideas?)

4.Try to cook more often. This is going to be hard, I really haven't made a single dish since we have been married. I know horrible for Rand right?! I really want to its just a huge undertaking for me. I am more of a baker not a cook. I bake alot, but cooking I just seem to get lost. So if any of you have some great and particularly easy recipes please pass them along... I really need to start somewhere!

5. Working out everyday except Sundays. I know that this is pretty much what I have been up to anyway for training, but I really would like to continue this as a habit and get in the best shape I can.

6. Being more prompt. I am by nature a late person. I want to do better at being to places on time or earlier. Rand and I are making this happen this year!

7. Cleaning the house once a week. This is particularly a challenge since life is constantly changing but the one thing I love most is coming home from a long day at work and seeing our house clean.

8. Living more on a budget. Since I mentioned above that we would like to be in a house by the end of this year, we are planning better so that we will be able to have a bigger down payment.

9. Spending more time just the two of us. We recently watched an Oprah...Yes Rand watched it! Where they stripped the family of all the electronics that were distracting them from really being "together " and creating relationships with one another. So we have made a goal. When each of us get home for the night to really talk and be with each other.

10. To enjoy this amazing year for all that its worth!

Quick updates....

First off I need to get caught up. I have to upload all my pictures from Christmas and New Years still. So once I have a minute I will get you all filled in on our little Adventures.... I promise to have this done by Friday at the latest!! So check back later....

...Merry Christmas...

Christmas Eve.... oh how much i love you! I cannot wait until tomorrow when I can rip open all my presents Rand wont divulge. I cannot wait until I can watch Rands face as he opens his presents. Oh boy I seriously must admit I am a 5 year old! I have to shake, shake and shake some more my wrapped presents under the tree. You see each year I submit a list, and so I assume that people buy things off of it. I make amazing guesses each and every year, and if I cant stand it well..... I used to open it and seal it all back up nice and neat. These past couple years Rand had put an end to that part of it. He even wraps things in bigger boxes, Seals the boxes with duck tape and surrounds my Christmas item with newspaper and whatever else he can find... its horrible. I was lucky my parents never caught until I was married.... ha.

We just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays, and happy new year! We hope all of you have had a great year, we hope to see you soon! If there is anything we can do for any of you please let us know! Merry Christmas everyone!

{christ}mas..

Dear Santa(again),

Okay so let me start by saying that I know my last post was little selfish. I do want those things but to be honest that is just what it is a "want". It would be nice to have the watch(which is the one really big "want"ahem...), and I can honestly say I would get plenty of use out of it. But.....

What I really "want" is to be as blessed this next year as I have been this year. This year has had its challenges, but its also had some of the best moments of my life. I have been greatly blessed with a loving husband and family. I have been blessed to have them all apart of my life, and there to lean on when I need a hug or a piece of advice. I have been blessed this year with great health, and happiness. I can only hope this next year brings as much, if not more that I can possibly deserve.

I have really been trying to re-focus my thoughts (as of 30 minutes ago) on Christ. He is what this holiday season is really about. He is the one who was born to give us all the greatest sacrifice and gift, his life. This season is truly about giving and helping those in need. I am pretty sure Rand has had this thought in his mind all the way. I on the other hand have been constantly side lined due to the commercialism of Christmas.

Looking back as I was a little kid, I cant tell you what presents I received throughout the years. The times I remember most are when we have helped others as a family. I can recall one moment specifically in mind where this is the case. Our family was able to help another family and somehow I got to help. I cannot tell you the feelings I felt when I watched them open the door to find gifts they could have never have imagined to have received. The burden that must have been lifted I would guess was very over powering emotionally. The thrill I had afterward was one of sweet satisfaction, that I indeed got to help someone. I know slot of people say they like the Christmas season because people are "nicer", "kinder" and even "happier". This comes from truly doing what the Lord asks us to do all year round, just serve others. I know this next year I am going to make a bigger effort to do just that. To make someone else's day better, not because I have to, but because I want to. I have seen the effects first hand of the sweet blessings you receive when you are in service to your fellow man. I want to receive those blessings in my own life.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas Season!! I hope we all can remember what Christmas is truly about.

Dear {Santa}....

Dear Santa,
I know you might be a little busy and quite possibly a little tight this year, but all I really want this year is the following:

- Garmin forerunner 405 GPS fitness monitor(green)

Reason: well to be honest I am a little bit of a Fitness and Gym junkie. This little baby would be the best to train for all of my up-coming events. She keeps my pace, tracks my distance, and speed. It also has a virtual partner which I can race against to better my time. Finally, this gorgeous baby would be the center of my attention and would get the best care.... while also looking cute on my wrist!

-Steven Madden "Intyce" boots (from Nordstrom) Brown

Reason: simply because I am in love with them! I have them in black, which I am loving! Every time I work a Jazz game without fail I see someone with the these cute babys on and I am reminded how much I need them! I would give them a good home, and they already have multiple outfits planned for the future.....

Oh yeah and one more thing for the future christmas's to come....

- Kay Jewelers

Reason: None other than its gorgeous and I really want a ring that is really different from everyone elses! I love my wedding ring and its got some great history behind it(it was rands grandmas I believe). I just love switching things up. I love the unique-ness of it! One day maybe santa will bring it... for now I will just dream!

Happy {Turkey} Day!

Happy Late Thanksgiving! I cant even tell you all how grateful I am for this holiday season. I am so happy to live where we do, and have the frequent opportunity to visit with friends and family! We enjoyed having Rands sisters and their families in town, which filled the nights with laughter, discussions, plenty of cute little kiddies, and just plain enjoyment. We are really grateful they were able to make it safetly, and in great health.

Thursday morning we did the annual Sargent Turkey Bowl game. Of course it was a blast, but sadly we didnt take any pictures. All I can remember is just laughing my head off the entire game! We then headed home to shower and move on with the day. We attended my family thanksgiving dinner at my grandmas, which my dad made the yummiest rolls!! There we got to see all my cute cousins, aunts and uncles. We always have a great time when we all get together. Then we headed out for dessert to Rands brothers house. Boy were we in for a treat, Rands mom made amazing pies! The dinner looked great, there was no way I could have possible fit more in my stomach. Then of course the guys went and watched football and we girls hung out and talked. Sadly my night with them ended early thanks to the Utah Jazz game I had to work that night. Amazingly enough that night flew by! Then it was on to black friday shopping with Katie and Kalli. Boy was this a fun night, even though I didnt go to bed until 7 that morning it was worth every penny, and minute un-slept.

All in all Rand and I had a great thanksgiving. We have really come to appriceate both our families being as we are about 5-10 mintues away from both. I really felt bad for those who dont live close to their families or are unable to travel. That for me would have been a really long and hard day if I wasnt able to see the people that I love. Rand and I have really grown to apprieicate having jobs with the struggling economy. I am grateful that we have a place to live, and food to eat. I am grateful for all the wonderful blessings in our life, especially as I looked around at our families, how amazing each of them are! This year has had its trials for us, but looking back we wouldnt have it any other way. Next year is going to be a big year for us, and as we look forward with our lives we know that the experiences that we have had the opportunity to face this year will un-doubtably be the very foundation that we fall back on later in our lives. We are so grateful for the gospel in our lives, and the assurance that we have knowing we are together forever, with our families. Its just a peaceful feeling to know that families are forever, and that we have a father in heaven looking out for us, loving us, and most of all helping us along our way in this life. I hope we will always remember to have him first in our lives at all times.

{ Birthday Boy...}

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RANDALL!

This is a shout out to my little/big birthday boy! Yesterday was Rands 25th birthday (I know he is old...) and we were so busy that I didnt get to post about it.





For those of you who dont know me super well, I am horrible with surprises. I cannot handle them for myself or for others. So of course naturally I gave Rand is presents the night before only because I couldnt keep them a secret any longer. So he was excited with what he got which mad me even more happier that he liked what I had bought for him.


That night we went to dinner with some friends to get sushi, which we ate in all in a matter of minutes! Then we went and watched The Office.


Overall I think it was great day! Rand seemed to enjoy it and he got his favortie meal! I cannot tell you all how grateful I am to have such a loving husband. He is my best friend whom I can always share my deepest secrets with. I cannot express how lucky I am to have him, and I have seen this over the past year and half we have been married. I am grateful for him pursuing an education, in hopes to provide for me and our future children one day. I know he will be successful no matter what may comes our way, because somehow by nature eveything just does. I would swear if he wanted something bad enough that he gets it every time cause he is just so dang lucky, and a hard worker. I am happy that Rand has a great personality that just makes me chuckle. I think there is something every day that just pops out of his mouth, that some way or another we end up laughing histerically about. To sum this up, he is an amazing husband and i love him! I cannot wait to see what comes our way this next year babe! Your the best-est-est-est-est(inside joke)!!



I am nothing special of this I am sure. I am just a common man with common thoughts. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, that has always been enough. Nicholas Sparks


A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.
-Dave Meurer

{ Best of the oldies...}

I dont know about all of you, but I have to speak for myself. When I see a gloomy day out side, more so during winter, I just want to curl up at home with hot cocoa and a good movie. I have grown up with some great family members(mostly my aunt Connie) who have taught me that the best movies are the oldies. I can remember being a small little kid up at our cabin with aunts, uncles and all my cousins piled on the floor watching Doris Day, Rock Hudson, and Audrey Hepburn. There is nothing better to me then just watching the chemistry between all these great actors. I cant explain my love for these! Just pure enjoyment for the sappy love story I guess.

Rand here is a great idea for christmas you can get me the box set of these greats!! I would prefer; pillow talk, the thrill of it all, breakfast at tiffany's, it happened to jane, lover come back, send me no flowers, that touch of mink. Just to name a few...

For Attractive Lips speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you will never walk alone. People, even more that things have to be restored, renewed, revived reclaimed and redeemed; Never throw out anyone. - Audrey Hepburn

Not to live for the day, that would be materialistic -- but to treasure the day. I realize that most of us live on the skin -- on the surface -- without appreciating just how wonderful it is simply to be alive at all.-- Audrey Hepburn

You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you.-- Audrey Hepburn

Your heart just breaks, that's all. But you can't judge, or point fingers. You just have to be lucky enough to find someone who appreciates you.-- Audrey Hepburn

Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty. - Doris Day

Wrinkles are hereditary. Parents get them from their children. -Doris Day

Pretty Amazing...

Just saw this video a little while ago and found it fascinating. Hoping you do the same...by the way, this is Rand...

{. . .Just a thought...}

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, ... That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends,it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it." -Declaration of Independence

{So not Chicken....}

So I just thought I would post for those of you who havent seen me yet to let you know that I overcame my little chicken inside me. I finally succumbed to the wishes to cut my hair off. All nine inches to be exact. I have to say I was really nervous the day before, and was still in debate over if I really wanted to get rid of most of my hair. Why is it that hair has some emotional connection to us? I cannot figure it out.
After the initial "chop" of the hair I felt as good as I could. I would go to play with it and nothing would be there to twist around my finger. Emotions decided to check in at that point. I think the worst day was the very next day when I washed it, I started to cry when I felt like, "I looked like a boy!" as I balled to Rand.
Still I am getting used to it, but I have to confess that its super nice to get ready faster than I did before.

I have now enetered the short girls hair club... the sad pictures are below:

Before


Here is the after, and as you an see I am a little unsure of how I like it, lets just say its growning on me.

After