Braden & Savannah

How's your butt?

2011-09-12T22:40:00.001-06:00

The question on all of our minds watching thousands and thousands of bikers ride hours to conquer the famous LOTOJA bike race. Seriously, they are sitting on those tiny little bike seats for HOURS- Like between 10 hrs or longer. Yeah, I get through a 45 minute spin class and I'm walking like there's a bowling ball between my legs for 2 days. That's gotta hurt.

Here's our little road-biker at our first feed zone! As a support crew you can not miss a feed zone. If you do, your biker will be up shiz creek, literally. The pressure is intense! And every time we would get there in the nick of time- he was way faster or we were way slower than we thought. ( It was both.) Let's just say a certain someone waited until the line was a mile long to finally decide she wanted an ice cream cone, and then another certain someone ( this may or may not have been the same certain someone) decided that it would be a good idea to try find people to take a stray cat she had picked up instead of driving to another important feed zone. And who knew that every house in Smoot Idaho is abandoned and people you can find are just horrible. And, who knew, that it feels much better after they scold you about picking up a stray you didn't want, to run away yelling: You people are awful awful people!! Let's just say we made it, but it was a close one.

Braden's mom, being awesome.

Braden, after conquering the King of the Mountain, still going strong! Half way done!

Waiting for Braden to come in, we also got lost and ended up in Jackson when we were supposed to end up somewhere else because that certain someone was driving and didn't see the turn off. Cathy and Mardee sporting some sweet T's with Braden's shining face on them to show our support.

Whoo-hoo!! Crossing the finish line with amazing time, you're the bomb honey!!

Ah, Victory!

Proud wife and Proud mom! I seriously have the best road trip hair. How do people look good when they travel? Cathy? How do you?

Next day, after a very restful sleep, besides being woken up by drunk bikers hollering at the exotic dancers next door-it sounded like a great show, at the Bull Moose saloon! I can't imagine why we got such a good deal on it! ;) Hey, they had smoke-free rooms! And moose shaped lamps! And free ice, next to the liquor.

Posing with our sweet ride!

Speaking of moose . . . Braden was so excited when we stopped at Bloomington lake, the whole way up he's saying Everyone think moose! They know you are thinking about them and they will come. Yeah rrright?? It's a moose! How excited we were to learn our minds had the power to command moosen? meese? meesen? mooses! That moose had no idea why he was there. Poor thing. We should have told him he could go home. oops, probably still standing there.

Cathy's first time swing roping- nice form!

Cowabunga! ( isn't that what you say when swinging on a rope? I don't know, or it just something you say if you're a ninja turtle . . . )

This lake was so stinkin' pretty! What a beautiful place we live in.

So much fun! Let's do that again!

Why do I keep doing this?

2011-08-28T18:05:00.000-06:00

Ran the Top of Utah half marathon ( again ) on the home front. It was just as fun as I remembered- oh wait or was is as miserable as I remember? They say running a marathon is like going through labor, it's the worst, but then there comes a time shortly after that you seem to get amnesia about all that misery and want to do it all over again- while I was running, pretty much the entire time I was thinking- why am I doing this again? I must be the stupidest person ever, look at all of us running like crazy people. It seems weird but there really is a great sense of accomplishment when's it's over. And it's good, for me, to be working for something and achieve a goal. I almost reached my goal time, it was so close! It's kind of stinks when it's that close, y'know? I wanted to maintain a 9 minute mile and so I would be breaking 2 hours but I came in at 2 hours even. I watched the time change from 1:59 to 2:00 and I was so disappointed. I hadn't done enough. But it is what it is, there were alot of factors that went into it- mentally I wasn't there. I was very overwhelmed with running 13 miles and just didn't feel prepared because the last two weeks I wasn't feeling motivated or didn't really have the energy to train. My last long run was a disaster, I finished 11 miles with a 9:50 pace and my optimism was gone after that. It happens sometimes. Running all summer, I may have just been a little burned out. I didn't eat that much and got a bad stitch in my side after mile 2, but that's didn't slow me down too bad. Just ticked me off a little. It always feels better when you can do your business before a race but no matter how many times we visited those handy huts, it just wasn't happening. I thought for sure I wouldn't get a side ache because I didn't drink any water that morning but it happened anyway. I usually would take some shot blocks or something with caffeine or sugar to feel energized in the morning. I noticed I definitely felt more sluggish this time around without it but I didn't want anything like that -I just wanted my body to be able to do it's thing. I felt pretty good until mile10, when I hit mile ten, I was under a 9 minute/mile pace, I finished the first 6 miles in about 51 minutes but I hit a wall big time at mile 11 and I could not talk myself into running 2 more miles, you would think 2 more would be nothing but when your body is done running, there's almost nothing you can do to convince it otherwise. I walked several times and slowed way down. Once you hear the crowds cheering it gives you a little boost and I was able to pick up the pace to a 9 the last half mile or so. The fact that it was downhill finally may have helped too. The whole atmosphere of a race is just really fun, all and all it was definitely worth it, we did it as a family and we have great support and they get excited and happy and they encourage each other, it's great. The weather was great. My shins didn't hurt. And I did improve my time a little so alot of improvement to be done in the future but it feels good to have done another one, even if it I didn't feel the greatest. I'm still happy I did it!almost

Do I look wasted? It's because I am. ( Braden, my supportive and wonderful husband, and I after the run)

Look at all the runners in our family, and we are missing Cathy, Danya, and Mardee in this picture. No, I didn't run with them, they are all so fast. Michelle, Shay and Linsey all finished in around 1:50 and Kaylee finished her first half ever today and was done in less than 2:30- So impressive! Everyone is so awesome and inspires me to be better.

Here's Braden's aunt Mardee who didn't even train and managed to pull off around a 2:40 finish- crazy lady!
A little shout out to my friend Nikki who is hard core and gave me some great tips for improving my time- I'll take your advice more serious next time and maybe we can break that 2 hour barrier I seem to be in. Thanks for all the support! :)

Bear Lake and the cutest kids you'll ever see

2011-08-23T20:18:00.005-06:00

/>
'Twas a beautiful, gorgeous, and very quiet Tuesday at Bear Lake. It's really nice that, since we don't really get to go anywhere exotic, that we do have this great lake just up the canyon. The water level is really high this year so we had to go all the way up to north shore to find a beach but it was worth it. I mean, look how much fun everyone's having!

The water was perfect!

We built sand castles, and it's serious business. Not really, but kind of.

Can you spot all the pudding on Mallory's face? It's hard to eat a pudding cup with no spoon! Don't look too close or you might see some on mine too!}

Malyse has her posing down! I have such pretty nieces.

Brade LOVES the camera! He is especially happy when I whip it out just as he's trying to eat. PS the food in Bear Lake is awesome too. The best fresh raspberry shakes and fries ever, a perfect meal after a long day in the sun.

Kambria's into rocks lately, did anyone else go through a big "collecting rocks" phase? Geek alert- I still have my rock collection, don't you worry.

And get ready for some seriously cute 3 and 4 year olds, there are no words for these two, they are best friends and it melts my heart, I mean seriously!!

{

It was great, and so much better then being at work, I think every Tuesday should now officially be, take-your-family-to-the-lake-day. The world would be a better place.

Yay for middle of the week trips to st george!

2011-08-11T09:27:00.002-06:00

See? We really did go! We had/go to drive to St George for Braden this week and I was happy to tag along. It is hot hot hot down there! Every inch of me was sweating! But it's such a fun little town. My favorite thing about it is this gorgeous temple! The white stone against the red rocks of St George is just breathtaking. Also I love that I am still in Utah and standing next to a palm tree. :)

{A note about this picture: for some reason it's distorted and I didn't photoshop this, I'm also not wearing tons of make up- the camera I was using has this skin softener feature and it makes us look pretty fake and scary. Oh well.}

This is my good friend from college an her new baby, baby number 2! She had him the very day we were in St George! What amazing luck! I was excited :)

This Nielsen's custard is some dang good custard! Let's go back. And that is also some dang good traveling hair I have going on. We sure did a lot of driving in 24 hours but I still felt like it was a great little break. Brooke, we are coming to visit you again soon!

It took foreverrr to load these pictures and now I'm too tired to write about our day at the lake . . .

2011-08-08T22:14:00.002-06:00

Pretty fun day!!

out in the garden

2011-08-03T22:40:00.000-06:00

I've really enjoyed our yard this year. It's all Braden's doing. I didn't help one single bit. Not that I wouldn't, he just usually gets things done when I'm not around :) I'm grateful for the work he's put into it this year, it's really coming along nicely. Great job honey!

um did you make us come here and then not even get ice cream?

2011-08-01T23:17:00.001-06:00

Parents came up and we took them to thee Bluebird Restaurant on main street in Logan to get ice cream. I hadn't been there forever and once I was there I realized I wasn't really in the mood for ice cream. But I was in the mood to sit and take ugly pictures of us in the mirror and take pictures of other people with THEIR ice cream, okay okay I did eat half of Sierra's shake, and it was goood. I love the Bluebird, it's so old fashioned, it's probably the oldest restaurant in the valley, Braden would always say "no" because there are so many other places to eat that are way better and Bluebird is old and creepy. It's true, it's a little creepy, I feel like i'm eating at a haunted ice cream parlor, and it smells funny. But this is where you take people from out of town, too bad we don't have something better to offer . . . but the company was sure fun! I love how excited my step dad is about his Teddy Bear sundae, that is in fact shaped like a teddy bear, there is no age limit to a teddy bear shaped sundae, it brings joy on so many levels. I'm kind of in the mood for ice cream now. I do have some in the freezer- is it wrong to nosh on ice cream at 11:20 at night? Yes, very wrong. Yawn, well off to bed! ( or am I?) ha ha ha!

The rest of July was fun too!

2011-07-27T21:29:00.000-06:00

A fun thing was our neighborhood had a pioneer day celebration that was a big hit! I feel a yearly tradition in the works here . . . it was complete with a yummy BBQ, a kids parade, and the best firework show ever! It was so fun to have such a big firework show right in our backyards, we kinda felt like celebrities! It went on for over 30 minutes! Can you believe that? I hope we always have such fun neighbors!

4th of July Happenings

2011-07-05T22:33:00.002-06:00

Saw about three fireworks shows- counting the one in our hood-so pretty!

Independence was so fun this year! It was along crazy weekend with one great thing after another! First we got to hang out with Braden's family! How we love them! We watched fireworks at USU, had smore's, slept outside in tents, ran in the morning, had a big yummy breakfast, what a great start to the weekend!

Then it was off to highland to be with my teeny tiny family. There is only two people home at my house right now! We went to Stadium of Fire and loved it. Brad, I loved you then, but seeing you live I love you all the more.

And look how they brought the flag in- with a paraglider man holding it! He ate it pretty hard, which was funny but then I felt guilty like they had just defaced the flag or something. Kinda cool though.

The next day it was the Freedom Run with dad. Horrible race. Whatever you do never under any circumstances eat krispy kreme donuts the night before, you will regret it. I'm sorry! I was hungry!!! Fun thing though- we ran right past my old house me and mom lived in until I was about 4- there were alot of memories on that run, especially when we ran past the mental hospital, bad and good memories. :)

Thanks for getting up and being there for me when I finished guys! I'm sure Sierra loved getting up at the crack of done to see me for 10 minutes and then drive all the way back-so supportive!

We did lots of swimming this weekend! This was at uncle gary's pool in Orem, it overlooks the whole valley. We feel like rich people. I wish I would have gotten pictures of swimming with the Merrill's. We swam almost all day on Monday with Braden's family and got really sunburned. It was great end to the weekend and now we may have to buy a pool. I'm just saying, we would have so many friends if we had a pool!!
Hope everyone had a wonderful wonderful 4th of July! Isn't summer the best?

Early All Day Anniversary Celebration

2011-06-26T23:20:00.000-06:00

This is what Braden called it when it came home from mowing greens on Saturday with a bag of Einstein's bagels- that was the kick off to the all day anniversary celebration. And I thought he'd forget- even after I wrote reminders on all the calendars in the house. :)

Did a little go kart riding- the best 7 minutes of my life- I beat braden by the way and was supposed to come in but decided to take a little victory lap ha ha-the 12 year old on duty was not amused.

We had to get some sno cones- it's finally summer temperature outside- could there be a better way to spent 1.25? The answer is no. Especially when it's peach-pina colada with ice cream at the bottom.

Then we visited our old stomping grounds-Old Main Hill. This is the building where we met. How sweet. I love USU campus. It was so pretty up there and quiet besides a few Indian students playing cricket and a dude playing bongos in the amphitheater. We hadn't even been up there since Braden graduated over 2 years ago- can you believe it? Hello!

Hilarious! We are so funny! Do you get this picture? See there's a picture of a pedestrian walking but he's missing is head so Braden, oh I can hardly type I'm laughing so hard, sticks his head inside his shirt- get it? They're the same!

yeeah. anywhoo ...

And I just wanted some nice pictures for our FOUR year milestone. Wow! That went by fast. Time flies when you're old-the last 4 years have flown by. How can something feel like a few days and a lifetime at once? Marriage is great. It's also hard, it tries you, it frustrates you, it can make you crazy. I can be laughing one second and crying the next. Braden says I'm crazy because of all the love I have for him :) I agree. When you love someone this much, you have so much to lose, I feel like I try to hold on so hard that I might start strangling it at times. Braden has taught me to relax. Stop and laugh at the hard times. We've had alot to laugh about this year. I was having a really hard time being so negative about our situation, I was so angry. Then I realized . . . where else would I rather be? and who else would I rather be with? Nowhere and no one. That's when I shook myself and realized I have so much to be grateful for!

Happy Anniversary (on Tuesday)! I sure love you!

Ok . . . Braden wanted me to add something ( this post is too long already.) He wanted me to show you what HE decided he wanted to do for this E-A-D-A-C.
Welcome to the world of "planking"-

You can plank at the park . . .

You can plank in a tree . . .

You can plank on some water jugs ( while balancing on your water jugs har har)

You can plank as a couple . . .

You can plank for school spirit!
Really the possibilities are endless. The sad thing is, I'm not even showing you half the pictures he made me take. We are now even forever.

RAGNAR 2011-owned it!

2011-06-19T13:39:00.003-06:00

This weekend was spent running, driving, sleeping?, repeating at this years RAGNAR relay race from Logan to Park City. Our team was awesome! Minus me :) They all waaay underestimated how fast they could go. Shay was our first runner of the day and he didn't get any cheering or van support or nothin' because it was so freaking fast!! I think they figured out he ran that thing a little over a 6 minute/mile pace-insane! Our girls were awesome, they are pro-runners, even Braden did great! Sorry honey I just didn't know, you hardly trained ya little bugger! That's just how Braden rolls though. The weather was, yes, AWESOME! We were so worried about this crazy weather and it didn't rain one drop. Instead it was really hot and I have my heat-stricken, sun burned self to prove it. I was delirious last night from the heat and lack of sleep- couldn't find my make up bag and started to ball hysterically and then I was laughing because I couldn't believe I was doing this and then cry because I was starting to scare myself- it was weird. Braden's like- Go to bed NOW crazy wife! And it's weird because I'm pretty sure I have mild heat stroke but I'm abnormally cold, my thermostat in close to 80 and I'm shivering. . . aaaand I kinda want to do it all over again!!

Getting ready for our first leg! ( 9 out of 10 pictures I take with Braden he's chewing food. gotta love it.)

Braden running his first leg, a 5.1 ascension into Avon Pass. Lookin' good honey-with your red neck shirt and your farmer's tan-so good!

Hangin' out waiting for runner's from van 2, I should have taken more pictures of the scenery, we live in a gorgeous state, I had no idea, I really need to get out more. Brade and I- can you tell he has food in his mouth? We both ate a ton this trip. I know I was eating everyone's food, which is sad- I ran the least but probably ate the most. I'm actually eating right now, as I'm typing this.

Here's Team Shay Van #1 decked out in our night running attire- Pretty sure we had the most original name ever. And the most coveted. I think it actually fit pretty well considering Shay and Michelle organized this whole thing, which is A TON of work and money! You guys are awesome, thanks for getting us to do this!!

This is me running. I don't know why I let people take pictures of me running- it looks like I'm not even moving! This was my last leg! Hurray! I was so tired but ran in the beautiful countryside of somewhere and passed a few people like right here at the end:
When I decided to make myself look like a total loser and pass a blind lady.

And here is everyone booing me. I didn't know she was blind, I swear! Oh man.

Here's Braden getting read for a "kill"- a "kill" is what happens when you pass someone, people take it very seriously and will keep track of how many people they've killed on their vans. We didn't have enough room on our vans for all of team shay's kills, just kidding, but we seriously had thousands I'm sure. :)

Night running was fun-kind of- well it was but my body did not want to run, it wanted to sleep. Luckily none of us really had to run in the middle of the night like some teams, we were done by 1 am. This race was probably the longest 24 hours of my life. It felt like we were up for days.

Tonya waiting for Brade, on her last exchange! That feeling of being done was half the fun. It just feels good.

Braden running is last leg! It was a short one, we both had the shortest distance in our van, Braden a total of 13.1 and mine was 13.3. Not bad. I heard several people say runner 2 ( mine) is their favorite, I think I really lucked out. I didn't ever had to run that late at night or that early in the morning. So, if you're gonna do it be cool like me, be runner 2. :)

All done!! If we have the chance to do this again, we totally would. It was great. Thanks for letting us on the team Shay and Michelle!!

Sundays { take 2! }

2011-06-13T00:13:00.003-06:00

But this weather was so crazy that in no time we were doing this . . .

The sun comes out and I am a happy girl!
I came home from work and my bike was out with a note that read:
" I fixed your tire because I want you to be happy and I love you."

You make me very happy husband. And so does this old bike. And sunny bike rides with you.

Sundays

2011-06-12T15:54:00.003-06:00

We get bored on Sundays when it rains so we try this! Try it at LAPHOTOCABINE.COM!

Ha ha ha! We look funny! We just woke up. Another thing we do when it rains. Nap nap nap.

Someone graduated!

2011-06-07T23:19:00.003-06:00

A certain sister in law of mine graduated, I met Kaylee when she was only 12 years old! Now she is 18! and graduated! I feel old. I decided to post more pictures in case our second computer decides to crash and ruin my life. Don't let that happen to you. Please get a thingy that's a back up thingy so you don't lose 5 years of memories. It's the worst because then you have a sweet little niece that got her picture taken with Justin Beiber ( not the real Justin, just a look alike from Kaylee's school but he may as well have been the real Beiber) and asks her mom everyday why our dumb computer broke and why she can't have her picture! Poor thing. Anyway back to this girl:

Give them "L" Kaylee! Congrats! We love you!

A little self awareness

2011-05-27T16:09:00.001-06:00

I found this post on my friend Stacey's blog and it really hit the nail on the head. She talks about how she has always had this battle inside herself between what is normal, how she should be. Looking at popular people or outgoing people maybe and trying to be more like that, more extroverted. I thought, I love when people are so self aware that they can pin point what they are going through that way and share it and in turn help me understand myself a little better. So, I've always tested as an introvert and that to me was like an insult or something. I thought that made me sound nerdy and like a wallflower who was awkward and didn't no how to interact with people or something. This list really helped me put my personality into perspective and knowing other people that I've always looked up to ( like Stacey) have the same personality are in no way dorky losers, I liked it. I felt like this described me really closely. Maybe someone else has the same battle and maybe this little list will help you feel good about who you are and "normal". . .

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
{ True for me. It's so hard for me to talk about nothing. You would think hey you're a girl don't you like to talk just for the sake of talking? Nope. I will never force myself to talk to someone if I genuinely can't think of anything to say}

Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.
{ I actually am fairly shy. I was super shy when I was younger. But it's more this. I really like to observe people first and I kind of assess the situation before I start interacting. Usually I just hope someone will talk to me first}
Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.
{ So true for me! I just want to get on with it, skip all the stupid questions and just move on to being best friends and getting into the nitty gritty and how you really feel and think about things. The first part of a relationship is so annoying to me.}

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

{I really can count my friends on one hand I think. It takes alot out of me to be friends with someone because I am always so invested in them and care so much. I would do anything for my friends.}

Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.
{ I wish I could handle this a little better but I remember my mom stopped throwing big birthday parties for me because I would get such bad anxiety. I'm working on this now as an adult to relax and not become so overwhelmed.}

Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.

{ I'm such a daydreamer, a very unproductive daydreamer sometimes. One on one conversations are my absolute favorite. I hate, absolutely hate being in groups of three. An even number is better, am I sounding a little nuerotic? I find myself thinking alot too, over thinking things. I have to be careful to not overwhelm myself with my own thoughts and worries}

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

{ We may be a little weird, to people that are not like us. I've never really been one to be trendy. If I like it I'll wear it, if I don't I won't. But I also just like to blend in too.}

Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.

{ oh man we have a really bad rap! I think most of the time I would much rather be with people than with myself but on the other hand if I'm too busy I start to shut down and I get really onery. I have to have to time to process things and have time to be alone}

Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

{ I think introverts are just a little more thoughtful and serious. I love to have fun, who doesn't? But I don't need constant stimulation, constant entertainment or whatever like maybe other people do}

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.

{Amen! Too bad I'm not really a cool introvert who become a painter or a scientist but I'm okay with being the way I am. It's different. It may be hard for people to "get it" sometimes but now you know, we aren't trying to be rude, we like people, we are great friends, and we're very self aware.

The end.

A little bit of fun

2011-05-22T22:14:00.002-06:00

We had a little bit of fun watching the Ogden Marathon because a certain awesome person was running in it! We loved it! ( she finished in 3:40, no that is not a typo that is her actual time running a FULL marathon!) So inspiring. And Ogden is quite lovely! I feel like it has a bad rap but I thought it was so pretty and I really wish I could have spent more time there and visited all the shops on 25th or 24th street, or whatever it is.
Had some ice cream at Farr's because we were about to pass out. So as you can see from several pictures, I have completely given up on myself. I will do my hair and shower on Sundays. That's it. I spent most of my time in some kind of grungy old pajama pants with holes in them. I had jeans on in this picture so I'm sure Braden felt very special.

And I roasted my first bird! It was really good! I will probably never do this again so I had to take a picture. The before pictures were digusting, they told me I had to remove the neck? and the giblets? and maybe try to find the kidneys and pull them out too? and yank out the wish bone?? Way to much for me. But it was the only thing we had to eat on Sunday so it had to be done.
Hope everyone enjoyed the summery weather and got a nice tan!

College Days reunion

2011-05-21T17:00:00.000-06:00

( last weekend)

We finally had a long over-due college girlfriend/roommate reunion. We all went to Utah State together and had one year that will always go down in the history books. For me it was my Sophmore year at USU. We all lived in Old Farm together and were nuts and every day was a party ( not like a frat house party, a nice mormon girls kind of party ) it felt like one of the longest years of my life because I have soo many great memories from that one year. I loved that year. It was also the year I met Braden. Those memories will tie to each other for the rest of our lives. Life is crazy and we all live far away and have totally different lifestyles but when we get together it feels the same ( almost). We are alot more boring than we used to be! Half the fun was just reminiscing about how much fun we used to have! Jenny is our friend that is still living it up as a single girl. I slept over at her apartment and it was so weird to be there and be married. I was there and it seemed familiar but being single and in college with roommates feels like a dream, like something that happened a lifetime ago. Good memories. Glad it's over at the same time. It helped me remember who I used to be and I used to be more confident and carefree. It's hard to be that way when you have so many responsibilities but I need to remember to still have fun and not take everything so flipping serious all the time! Thanks girls! I loved being with you and forgetting about all of my grown up worries for a few hours. Everyone needs a little girl time in their lives, am I right?

There's a lake in our backyard!

2011-05-17T21:13:00.000-06:00

Look at all that water! Our lake is attracting all manner of wild beasts. Okay they're just birds but I was still blown away at all the wildlife that was just down the street because of all the flooding. I literally just stood there and looked at birds eating who knows what for like 45 minutes. I'm easily entertained I guess! Got a nice farmer tan to prove it! I've always loved wildlife though, I got so excited about this and I wanted Braden to be just as pumped as I was-he never humors me! What a dud. I even saw tiny baby ducklings and baby goosen! or is it geesen? What a swell day. I don't need friends or a social life- I have my little bird friends to keep me entertained! Those pictures really don't do it justice, I promise it was really cool.

Our weekend in pictures

2011-05-10T19:38:00.001-06:00

Braden calls us "weekend warriors" because we seem to go nonstop all weekend, every weekend lately. And it's so fun! No work, no worries really. We have become experts at squeezing every possible ounce of fun and excitement from those two and half precious days of freedom! I have good intentions to clean my entire house on Saturday but there are soo many better things to do! I'm lucky if I vacuum, do the dishes, and get one load of laundry done on Saturday. I don't think I really did any cleaning this last weekend, I should probably catch up on that now. Oh well.

So we had another splendid weekend with Mother's Day and graduation and everything. On Saturday we went to the temple and went running, I planned my RS lesson and Braden prepared for a Sunday School lesson. All the men took over the classes so the women could enjoy Relief Society, it was really fun to have all the ladies together for once. We went over and played volleyball with family and celebrated our sister in laws college graduation, well I didn't play any volleyball because it's just too embarrassing, I'm really good at eating so I stuck with that instead, went home watched my husband play another sport with our fun neighbors. Sunday was fun too. Holidays are so fun. Being with family and friends is just what it's all about. The Merrill's really know how to have a good time. We play a lot of cards. It sounds boring but with the Merrill's I promise it can get preetty wild.

It's Tuesday and that's okay because there is always a weekend in my future.

M.O.M.

2011-05-06T23:49:00.000-06:00

I need to pay tribute to these two special ladies! They tried so hard to raise me right and what can I say, you can't win em all but hey they gave it their best shot! Really though, they mean the world to me.
My sweet grandma, we call her Muzzy, her idea, she's wonderful. Her laugh is my favorite sound in the world, she made up songs and sang to me when I was little, crocheted me dresses and blankets that I'll treasure forever, loved me unconditionally, I feel so special when she's around, she has amazing taste and even designed her house they live in now, the best example of loving service and warmth and I'm so lucky to be her grandchild!

My amazing mommy doola (Julia), her laugh is also one of the best sounds in the world, she is the most beautiful lady inside and out, we look nothing alike which is so unfair, I totally got jipped, she is tireless with serving others and an incredibly self less person, loves to sing, loves Michael Jackson and Aerosmith, gives the best advice, has the most immaculate house ever and is the queen of decorating especially at Christmas, loves animals, taught me to be kind, say your sorry, take responsibility, be honest, taught me that God loves me, taught me strength and faith and taught me that whenever hard things come my way to pray, to fast, to ask the Lord for help because He is always there for me. I owe my testimony of the Gospel to my mom. I have never doubted it. I felt the Holy Ghost in my life often because she made our home a haven and was always an example of a true follower of Christ. She is so fun, stylish, warm, caring, dedicated, hardworking, loyal, courageous, and talented. She is my mom.

I love you. Happy Mother's Day.

Just stop for a second and smile

2011-05-02T14:54:00.004-06:00

We had fast and testimony meeting yesterday and it was just wonderful. I was too scared to go up, even though I sit on the front row every time, I'm a wuss. Anyway, I loved it because this month(s) have been hard and it's not that any one really bad thing has happened it's just alot of little things going wrong right after another, in this seemingly endless stream of just really bad luck or something. I told Braden that I think I know why people turn their backs on the church or on God- and it's not necessarily that they are mad or angry. I just think that your spirit can become broken. Like you become apathetic, you are past anger. You are past discouragement or bitterness. You just don't care. Like learned helplessness. I don't think I have sinned greatly, I mean I make mistakes every day and I have to ask for forgiveness everyday. I know that there is always more to do but I felt so blah, I would go through the motions but my heart wasn't in it. I don't think I had the faith that reading my scriptures, praying would actually help me or do any good. It felt like I was in a wave pool, as soon as I reached the surface and felt like I'm free and I can breath, another wave comes crashing down on you. And soon you just don't have the strength and you begin to drown. I felt like I was spiritually drowning. It didn't matter what we did, and watching Braden just work so hard and try and try day after day, it was watching him that really got me too. But I felt horrible saying that I think I understand why people just give up. That's what I felt like doing because it almost felt like the harder we tried the worse things became. I felt punished or something. Since Saturday I've been blessed and comforted and I know now that it will be okay. The Lord isn't punishing us. He loves us. I just needed to be more humble. The moment I asked the Lord What more can I do? Is there more? Can you help us please?? Not giving up but giving "in". Giving in to Him and allowing Him to help me. . . He was there. On Sunday everyone that got up talked about trials! And so many more people got up then I've ever seen in this ward. The majority of them talked about trials and getting through them. One girl told us her husband has cancer, others lost family members or their home and they were so wise and strong in their testimonies! And other things have just been working out a little better- I've won 3 gift cards this week already- tender mercy? I think so! The Lord knows who we each want to become, and only He knows how to make that happen. I already feel through our challenges our marriage has become much stronger, our testimonies have grown, and we are focused on more eternal things. So, it's all good. "This too shall pass."

And just a few miles away

2011-04-17T13:07:00.002-06:00

Spring has officially sprung!! We love Logan but spring it just weird and annoying! Where are our blossoms? Everything here is still dead and just an hour away it's spring! I guess I should be grateful it was just an hour away right? This weekend we went down to SL bright and early to watch our sisters and mom ( my in-laws) run in the SL half marathon. If you ever want to get motivated to run, go to one of these please! Watching the finishers, especially for the full marathon, is amazing and inspiring. We saw the very first person to complete the marathon, of course he looked like he was probably from Kenya or something, amazing! Finished just over 2 hours- a marathon!! Those people are nuts! Are we comprehending that that is like a 5 minute mile?? That to go that fast would be to set your treadmill at like a 12 and run that way for over 2 hours? I usually set mine at a 6 and I can barely run for 30 minutes. Apples and oranges but still! It's incredible what a body can do. We love the city. Braden and I love people watching so being in the city is the most entertaining thing for us. We were driving and had stopped at a light, looked over, and this lady was standing next to a building all alone waving her arms around like mad. She wasn't talking just flailing her arms around her head, I don't know if she was cleansing her aura or praying or what the heck was going on but it was sure funny. When we went to the temple a man was there protesting-I can tell you about it but I don't really feel comfortable writing about it on here where anyone can see it. Brade wouldn't let me talk to him but I really wanted to. What is the world coming to? Nothing is sacred anymore! To be honest though, it didn't bother me like I thought it would. I just thought, how sad. He will be accountable for that and that is a very serious thing to be accountable for. And he really isn't doing anything to me. To my testimony. It just makes me love my church all the more and the people in it! Most of us cherish what is good, we keep it sacred, we know it's value. We are happy and blessed because we know. I feel bad he doesn't understand. Last guy, went to Zupas, homeless guy out front with a sign that read: Boogieman ate my family, need money for a new closet door. Get it? He got 2 dollars out of us for comedic effort. You just never know what you'll see in the city. I'm always glad to come home to quiet, peaceful, calm Logan where people drive 10 miles below the speed limit because they can. home sweet home.

The weather is bipolar here

2011-04-05T22:46:00.001-06:00

oh hey husband! shall we go for a walk on this lovely, sunny afternoon? Look at the sun shining and the practically clear skies, it must be at least 70 degrees outside!

Okay parents, you were right, the wind is actually really cold, but the sun is out! Bundle up and come outside!

See? The sun is so bright we have to squint to get our picture taken! This was a great idea!

Yes, the wind is pretty much stinking my face right now, but it's still a nice day, we are walking!

Ignore me, I have horrible ideas. Never listen to me again. Let's walk, no run, back to the nice, warm house. See that house in the background? That's the house. Is that even a block away? We made it about a block before nature decided to ruin my lovely plans and start blowing evil snow darts at us! You let me down April, you really did. That's okay, mom's house is really cozy and we watched Tangled. Now I want to grow my hair out and light a lantern on fire. Why is Utah so crazy? I hope you figure out what season it is soon so I don't go crazy too!

This is allowed

2011-03-26T18:53:00.006-06:00

This is my blog and I can blog about whatever I want.
Even something that may have happened 5 months ago.
I really hope to turn this blog into a book someday, I don't scrapbook, I can scrapbook about 5 pages and then I'm tired for the next seven years. It wears me out for some reason. So, with that, I need to blog this because I failed to before.

These are just some snapshots of a really delightful! weekend last November. What amazing, warm, wonderful, fabulous, stellar, awesome weather we were having that weekend.

This is Fanny the horse. Doesn't she look like a Fanny? I think so.

I found these pictures going through an album and my heart was happy. I know these days will come back someday! I just know it!

Warm evenings are what it's all about. Every time I feel that feeling of pure, simple, calm, fill you up, you can't help but smile, joy it's on days like this.

When the days are long. The sun is setting. The mosquitos are buzzing. You can always smell a campfire somewhere. There's a hush and a calm. It's almost like you know the everyone else feels it too. And it makes you want to whisper. And giggle. And I wish my heart wasn't so connected to the sun, and the heat, and the season of summmer.

I wish this cold and cloudy-ness didn't effect me so. I wish I could be so joyful and happy all the time no matter what came my way. Rain or shine, I am full of life!

Oh well.

Thank you for pictures! This was us once! So I can be happy about that. I am happy. That smell is coming back. Do you know the smell? What is it exactly? That feeling and smell that comes with winter saying goodbye and spring returning. It must be something but I can never figure it out. It's that same kind of smell I can sense right before school started.

mmmm. braden's good at capturing these moments. We have a zillion sunset pictures. If you've ever seen the movie Bedazzled, I feel like the part when he's really sensitive and it's trying to tell this girl how he feels about her but the sunset keeps making him ball hysterically and he cries When is that damn thing going to set?! I love it. I feel like my heart will literally burst with how amazing this world is! Look at it! The colors! The mountains, the sky, the trees. How can we not feel God's love for us?
Sorry, this is my journal. Like, literally I don't journal anymore. I probably should but I never do. That's why this blog is kind of, y'know, too thoughtful maybe? Too boring? Too serious? All of thee above? You've been warned. :)

Engagment-versary

2011-03-13T15:06:00.001-06:00

Here is are little engagement picture. We were engaged March 12th, 2007 so 4 years ago. It feels like a lifetime ago but I can remember it like it was yesterday. Braden took me to Old Main Hill because we met in the Old Main building on campus taking a philosophy class. Our parents were meeting that day and so it worked out really nicely. He took me to the hill to take pictures and then we came upon a little set up with a blanket and a laptop and maybe some flowers? I was like: oh it looks like someones being proposed to . . . where are they? I didn't recognize his laptop because I'm just smart like that. He's like- let's go over there and check it out! And let's open this random laptop and see what could be on there . . . all the while I was clueless. I was not getting it. I told him I really didn't feel right looking at some stranger's computer and then he opened it up to a little slideshow with a picture of Hey! It's me and you on there! Oh, okay, I think I see where this going . . . we're banging on all cylinders now . . .

Anyway so to celebrate, it was Saturday so no work. We went to lunch at Elements- so yummy. It's a fancy restaurant, for Logan, but their lunches are cheap! Then we ate out again- and we're lame. That's all we did. Ate and shopped but didn't buy anything. Why did I feel the need to blog this day? I guess I'm real glad I said yes to that Boy 4 years ago. Maybe one day I won't remember that and I will need a reminder that I did make the choice to say yes for time and all eternity. And to remember what I felt that day and throughout our engagement- I knew he was the one for me. I feel very special that someone like him loves someone like me.

Happy Engagement-versary Brade! Thanks for asking me to marry you!

I finally had a reason to blog

2011-03-07T22:43:00.007-07:00

Snow Canyon

Mother Nature's crack

A big ol' cave

Brooke posing for a wheat things ad

Fancy restaurant we could afford because of Groupon ( hail Groupon!)

Caesar's Palace

Palm trees.

Finally got out of of town! Look- see that blue color that is above us in most of the pictures? That's called the sky! It looks like that sometimes when it's warm and you are somewhere besides Logan,Utah! Seriously, what is with this weather? Don't we have a high percentage of women that are addicted to depression meds here? And people want to blame it on the church but- I think there maybe another reason and it may have to do with Northern Utah being sunless for 9 months out of the year. Being outside was burning my eyes because of how long it's been since they've experienced sunlight! We had fun. The Wilson's were really great and took us to Zion's Park and Dixie Rock and we went splunking? or caving and they made me squeeze into this tiny crack in the rock all by myself- I was afraid I'd get stuck and have to think about cutting some appendage off but just die instead ( we talked about 127 hours alot this trip.) Las Vegas is so trashy I could die, why do we keep going there? And it's somehow still really fun because everyone is so hideous so you feel really good about yourself. I was hoping for Mexico again this year but at least we got to see the sun and I got to lay out for 2 whole hours! Can we move? Sometimes I wish a meteor would hit our house just so we could move.

Peace and Blessings! (cheesy smile.)

Remember that time . . .

2011-02-20T22:43:00.003-07:00

I feel like lately life has been full of those little moments that I can look back and say to someone- Hey remember when . . . ? Like those little inside jokes almost.

Like right now I could say hey remember that time . . .

we went to brian reagan and I had a bad cold and laughed so hard some snot came out of my nose?

you learned lady gaga's poker face song on the piano and tried to sing it to me? ( to the husband.)

when we tried to make our husbands candy grams upstairs in the Macy's grocery store and realized that valentine's day was like a week away and maybe we weren't in this big of a hurry?

the day Cash was born?

I forgot to wear a bra to work and didn't notice until 3 in the afternoon?

you got me sick so I had to stay home from church and you told the Bishop I was suffering from "pansy-itis" to get back at me, but then the Bishop really came over with soup and a get well card with a definition of pansy-itis he had googled? ( whew!)

we found a pretzel stick that we probably should have saved forever because it was shaped like a cork screw?

we did nothing two weekends in a row because of this plague of influenza?

we went to Cheesecake Factory the saturday before valentine's and had to wait in line for 2 hours?!

when you I made you a candy gram for valentine's day and you didn't do anything for me? Then I went for a drive to cool down and when I came home you had written me a letter and put together a slideshow that said- the first day of the begging of my life. Maybe if you had planned better you wouldn't have had so many grammatical errors. and yes I will make sure you remember that day for years to come.

Today I feel like my life is sad. But I know that it will pass. It will be better soon. I am looking forward to a little getaway to St George, even though this seems to be the year that everyone's going everwhere, like cruises and Hawaii, and we are going no where. Maybe I resent them just a little. Being sick for two weeks is really not helping. The newly fallen snow is like lemon on a papercut. Will I make it through this winter? I hope so but I'm not too confident at this point. This week will be very busy so I'm looking forward to that. It's hard to stay sad when you're busy! I really like my calling, but planning RS activities is stressful! I feel like people will come and want me to prove myself to them somehow. I need to have faith that I am doing what the Lord would have me do and it will all work out. My first one is this Thursday. I'm crossing my fingers. Also, I have no pictures. Well, I did take one of the preztel but that's not very cool. I wish I loved to take pictures of Braden and me but it just depresses me lately! I look swollen in every picture and pale and I think my teeth are getting crooked finally from never wearing my retainer. Doesn't that paint a pretty picture, you see my problem.

Here's to the little things and to tomorrow and knowing that February is half over and I have daylight savings to look forward to!

It's been fun

2011-02-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

But it's time to go private.

There are a tiny few of you who may want to know-this is for you.

Please leave your email if you wish!

Have a happy Tuesday!

Things that are warming my heart lately. . .

2011-02-05T21:05:00.007-07:00

* Nature. If this doesn't make you feel all warm and happy inside I just don't know what will.
(picture by Braden)

For reals though . . . .

* Surprise flowers on my counter
* Little sisters first formal dance

* Learning how to ski
* Surprise magazine subscription from Braden

* Playing ward basketball, not. I'll never go back.

* Chocolate cake Dunford donuts from 711

*Friends over for crepe night

* The actual crepes spread with melted nutella, bananas, and whipped cream-please try it.

*Papa John's BBQ chicken pizza

* My 3 yr old neice squeezing me and saying she loves me

*Superbowl sunday

* Learning how awesome Braden is at Wii dance. and that I'm better. haha.

* Warm house and Braden finally changing the Scentsy ( is this your husband's job too?). It smells like Christmas.

* Realizing that I am doing family history! Chalk another one on the old righteousness chart.

* January is over.

* It's World Nutella day.

* Starting the tradition of celebrating obscure holidays.

*My twinkle lights hung in the kitchen. Never taking them down.

I decided I may just compulsively blog because I can't stand to see the same post for this long! It's like an itch I need to scratch!

* It's February, which means the days are getting longer and it's almost Spring. Hurray for that.

If you like photobooths as much as I do, you'll like this

2011-01-11T21:13:00.005-07:00

Yes, these pictures are embarassing ( and old ) but they are the only ones on this computer so gosh darnit, that's what you get! Isn't this fun though? Now you have yet another reason to waste your life away in front of a computer. You're welcome! Check it out at http://www.photoboother.com/.

Peace 2010!

2011-01-03T22:39:00.017-07:00

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

and December. The end.

I have dubbed 2010 our best-worst year ever. Some things that happened were really great and wonderful and I will remember the rest of my life. Some things changed me for the better. And changed him and us for the better. These were the hard things. The things that seem rotten and you want to run away because it's too much. But at the end of this year, I am glad for it all. It was the hardest year of US for different reasons. It was bittersweet. I was very happy at times and then other times when I felt my saddest. But the strength came just in time. Through the trials, I have felt God. I have felt my Savior. I know Braden has as well. What would we do without these trials? I thank my Heavenly Father for each one.

I do not hope for a year without sorrow or stress. But I hope that when they come, for they surely will, I will find the courage and strength just in time.

I look forward to some big changes and more fun memories with family and friends! I look forward to another year with Braden. And I hope I can look back at the end of this year and say I'm a little better, a little wiser, and a little stronger than I was before.

Happy New Year!!

Starry Starry Night

2010-12-28T22:25:00.007-07:00

Temple Square is so neat! I love the spirit there and how freezing it always is there and the horses and how happy everyone is. Those lights! I can't have Christmas without them! We had to stop on our way home on Sunday and I was worried because the fog was so thick and maybe the lights wouldn't be quite the same . . . but as soon as we came up to Temple Square it was crystal clear! Amazing! I'm so glad we were able to continue this tradition this year and didn't miss out. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!

Ugly sweater party- more like flugly (aka Flippin' Ugly ) sweater party

2010-12-19T22:03:00.010-07:00

No words for this girl! Jeff you are one lucky guy! ( haha! ) Thanks for playing Jen!

Don't let this picture fool you- everyone was having a sweet time . . . making fun of me and all my flugliness.

One of the most impressive sites of the night . . . Can you believe this lady? Lani has not let the effects of old age wear her down at all!

It'll be fun sweethart, I promise! ( evil laugh by Nikki )

And the worst couple of the night award goes to- you braden. Just you. Give me another partner and I would have swept the floor. :)

What a good sport- no amount of concentration will ever get that pom pom stuck on your nose. Sorry. And are the antlers really necessary? Geez, how embarassing.

Cookie Face! Bethany was really good at this one, and all of them really . . .

Cody on the other hand . . . some people have the gift and you my friend are very gifted!

Oh husband, I have never been more attracted to you then right now- I don't know if it's the silk moo moo you're wearing or the green tree ornament hanging from your cable knit sweater or the bad comb over, but you got it goin' on!

So, y'know how you see an "ugly sweater party" on blogs and they are not ugly at all. Every one is really stylish and sitting around looking perfect with perfect decorations and food- well this is what an ugly sweater party SHOULD look like. And it should definitely include someone wearing a red sweater with a teddy bear holding a heart that squeaks when you push it and is placed in a very questionable place the person.

And for anyone who doesn't like th pictures I posted, I have worse ones. Like blackmail worthy so, merry christmas.

Thithster! Thithster!

2010-11-28T11:50:00.003-07:00

Sierra did so good in her high school musical: The Music Man!

She had a line and a short solo. Which, I may be biased but I am pretty sure she has the best voice ever and should have gotten a lead part with that voice of hers. She has been in so many plays now and is so talented! We had so much fun watching her and her friends perform- it was pretty impressive for a high school production! We look forward to seeing her in more of these and see where that beautiful voice takes her! Please excuse my sickly face- I have been sick nonstop this season! I guess my body is just allergic to this crappy weather. :)

A little bit

2010-11-22T21:32:00.004-07:00

A little bit of us at Jack's pizza in Logan ( where else? it's the happenin' place to be! )

We enjoyed it, a little bit.

Actually, it's delicious. We just don't want anyone to know about our well kept secret. That its basically the same as the popular Firehouse but quieter, better service, better tasting, and plus for me- No Tv's playing random football games for my husband to stare at the whole time while we're "on a date"! Yes, if you eat there you're husband will probably be forced to talk to you at some point. And who knows, you may learn something you never knew about each other, you may remember why you fell in love and that you still are very much in love. You may go home a little more wide eyed and smiley, and your stomach will defintely thank you for it.

What is it about this cold weather they makes me want to go into hibernation? I would be fine to never leave my house, my pajamas, my books, my crochet hook, and my little family until the snow melts in May. But that's just today.

PS. harry potter was wonderful! No it's not for children! But if you are over 13 ( I think more like 16 but what do I know ) probably the best movie in theaters right now. Loved it!

Got one!

2010-11-04T18:04:00.002-06:00

It only took us about 50 tries to get a decent picture of our little ( kind of sad looking ) family for Christmas cards this year. It's decent, not great, really awkward but I guess that's us. We're not what you would call "camera friendly". We took this on the driveway at Zollingers, pretty location eh? I had to get a fall picture, the colors of fall are just breathtaking. I love the seasons, I love nature, I love my husband and my dog. Maybe we need a professional next time. Happy fall!

You can't tell it was halloween

2010-11-01T20:21:00.007-06:00

These are the pictures we took during Halloween weekend. It doesn't look like we celebrated it much. Halloween will probably be more fun with little anklebiters running around. But we did enjoy some family time and hamburger time at JCW's in American Fork. Yums.

Really enjoying my 50 mm lens. Takes such pretty pictures. Pretty blurry pictures. sigh.

Mom was really excited about it. We all relaxed at Muzzy and Munga's and helped them give candy to trick or treaters. Grandpa griped every time someone came to the door and told them to go away. We told him if he really didn't like it he wouldn't waste time buying tootsie rolls and dums dums every year. He's a softie, we know better. Grandma keeps talking to me about this cat she had when I was little, she asks me every time: Do you remember that cat? it would always play with your hair. and climb up the screen door. And then she chuckles to herself. It's a little heartbreaking. When she's tired, it's especially difficult for her to remember- she asked me, Now did your dad ever get re-married? I look at her shocked and say: Yes grandma, when I was 8 remember? and she laughs and says oh yea, I knew that! and shakes her head. How hard it must be to get old. I love my sweet grandma. It was so nice to spend time with them in their cozy home in Highland with the door open and the raining pitter pattering outside and the sound of children laughing and squealing TRICK OR TREAT! Grandma said, it sure would be nice to have another baby around. Wouldn't that be wonderful? I told Sierra to get on that. We ate pizza and root beer floats and just talked. Very low key Halloween. I had a feeling that was exactly were I should be that night.

Plus- I was too sore to do much else. I also ran that morning. The provo halloween half. It was horrible. The dowhill about killed me, our bus almost didn't make it, the first rest stop ran out of water, at the other rest stop they fed us some nasty liquid called Heed, which much stand for something like hearburn ew ew diarrhea, it was so gross, they lost my bag for a few hours, I am now crippled permanently- but I went with my cute friend from High school and we looked cute in our tutus and made the best of it. I guess the shirts they gave out were pretty cool. And the costumes were amazing, there was a forrest gump, a chicken, a lady carrying an inflatable boom box, some really unattractive spandex, and a guy running barefoot.

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!!

Is it still October?

2010-10-27T09:17:00.003-06:00

Is October too early to start asking for Christmas presents? Probably. I always know just what I want and willingly take advantage of this wonderful, present filled holiday! Husband- this is what I need this year: The Perfect Portions scale. You can find out more about them here. It's awesome. Would I use it? Heck yes! ( actually don't quote me on that ).

And if you won't get me that, the least you can do is get me this and this!

That's the holiday spirit!

Rolle Family pictures

2010-10-17T09:51:00.004-06:00

Taking pictures of this darling family was so fun! They are so photogenic and easy going. I loved the colors Linsey picked out! Hope you like them! I do!

Spent Saturday taking pictures of Braden's sister and her family.
I know, they are gorgeous. My future children are going to have a complex.

See you in Heaven

2010-10-14T22:54:00.005-06:00

(the "group", Marci's groupies from the hood- love these girls. will you all still talk to me even though the glue that held us all together is gone?? )

That is what Marci said to me the day she left: Well, I guess we'll see each other in heaven, right? Yea, that's cheerful. Thanks Marci! On that happy note . . . good bye forever apparently. Little does she know what an impatient person I am, and I refuse to wait that long! I am already planning a trip to see you next year- heaven my bum! I'm kind of sad and glad that this picture turned out blurry ( manual focus be darned ) glad because you can't tell how puffy and red my eyes are from crying the night before, a little at work, and still a little more while we said our last good byes. I never thought I would have great friends again after I got married, everyone seemed so busy. Marci was in my life for a reason, to run with me, to wave at me when I drove past her house every day after work, so I could enjoy her darling kids, to help me meet some wonderful people, to talk late into the night with me and watch scandalous reality tv, to help me feel better about myself, and on and on.

Marci- you have been such an example to me of friendship. What a blessing you have been to so many of us! Thank you thank you! We miss you already. . . see you soon :)

A birthday surprise

2010-09-30T23:19:00.005-06:00

Mom ( and family ): Thank you for surprising me with delicious, fancy cupcakes, pink sixlets, paper lanterns, and jars with candles in them so I could finally make a birthday wish.

Marci: Thank you for inviting your friends to my party so I could borrow them and pretend they were my friends too. :)

Kate: Thanks for trying to think of people to invite but not getting desperate and inviting the lady who runs with grocery bags in her fists when you realized I have no friends :)

Husband: Thank you for making my day with balloons, princess wands, and digusting hard candy from the $ store that tasted like hairspray ( and of corse, Einsteins for breakfast! )

Boss: Thank you for feeling bad about forgetting my birthday and giving me an hour long lunch break with lunch on you

Ashley: Thank you for using up all the toner in the office copier to cover my desk, top to bottom, in birthday signs so everyone would know it was my birthday and feel obligated to wish me happy birthday the rest of the day.

I am very lucky to have such great people in my life. I don't deserve them.

a happy birthday picture

2010-09-26T17:47:00.013-06:00

Come on everyone, all i want for my birthday is a picture of my beautiful family all together!

That's it, seriously, we are doing this . . .

Kudos to grandma and grandpa Merrill for hustling in for the picture before everyone else . . .

Christian, if your going to be frowning try to smile with your eyes at least . . .

okay everyone is going to actually have to look at me, look at the camera please . . .

There we go- okay we have 10 seconds-Richard, your looking really good-keep that smile. Ok, ready? Say cheese!

AAh. Beauty. ( Is this picture not perfect? We got this on the first REAL try. And they really didn't need that much direction, that commentary was just for the sake of this post and keeping it interesting . . . )

Ok, should we try a funny one? Wait, are we making faces or not in this one? No, we're not. Everyone do something funny! 5 seconds! I'm not making a face!

There was a little confusion as to whether or not we were making funny faces for this one.

I love these pictures and just had to post them because our family is wonderful, and funny, so fun! This picture wasn't the only thing I got though- I was sure spoiled this year! The surprises were non-stop {pics to come} You guys really know how to make a girl feel loved on her birthday. Thanks for a great day! It was one for the books!

Headed South

2010-09-19T19:46:00.005-06:00

This is what we've been up to the last 4 days. We headed south to St. George to sweat our guts out and loved every minute of it. Braden's buddy once again, had the hook ups and we were able to stay at his grandparents house complete with a pool and hot tub. Needless to say- we felt pretty spoiled. I hope we can, one day, return the favor somehow. We both got a few days off of work which couldn't have come at a better time, because work is kind of making me want to shoot myself right now. :) Just relaxing, shopping, sight-seeing, laying out, and swimming! Ok, now I'm excited for fall. Goodbye summer! Come back soon!

Fountains at the Bellegio, which I don't think I had ever actually stood and watched. So pretty.

Some awkward positioned picture of me and Brade on the roof of some hotel. Why do I ruin every picture I'm in??

Had some awesome mexican food in the Hard Rock Cafe hotel, good but a little scandalous- please don't bring your children to this hotel :) I found myself blushing, alot.

Some scary face masks, these were everywhere in the hotel. Brade fit right in.

The beautiful red rocks of St George. Really, is our state not amazing? I love the diversity.

Relazing in the pool, don't mind my bed head. It was my day off, I don't have to get ready ok?

Kolob canyon. We also went to Zions Park but I was a poop and decided I was too sick to take the bus up the canyon for a hike so me and Brade missed out on the hiking. Sorry husband. The heat and crooked canyon roads and cramped spaces just don't do me good. We had fun playing in the little town and met some crazy man who had biked there from Illinois!! Also he biked from Mexico to the bottom of South America last year and was biking for 5 months straight. He's writing a book.

Great weekend. Good to be home though. Really good. I never want to live in St. George. or Vegas. Logan is where it's at. :)

i hate goodbyes

2010-09-02T22:47:00.005-06:00

Yes, another post of Bear Lake. We like it here! It's just a skip and a jump away to getting the most amazing shakes in the most amazing scenery!

My family has not been to Bear Lake and it was soo windy! With big gusts, food flying off our plates, children crying, sand in every bodily crevace ( ew!), maybe I'm still finding some in places . . . kind of a bummer. Luckily my family is awesome so it was still fun. :)

Disclaimer: You don't lose weight when you run long distance. ( if you pig out afterward) that's my fat arm anyway. the other one is much skinnier.Get off my back.

I only like to hang out with really attractive people. People like her.

oh kaylee. i love sharing this with you.

Beautiful lake. Could have really done without your wind. Sand is fun to eat and all but it was a little much.

Wind= legit glamour shots. Another winner.

This may have been the last trip of the season- but if you're lucky you may see just one last last post. Who knows. I hear this weekend is going to be perfect- I can already hear the beach calling my name . . .

Top of Utah Half Marathon

2010-08-29T11:54:00.006-06:00

This picture- yikes. But I have to have proof I actually did it right? This year was a team effort! I had my husband, my darling friend Marci, and my sister right by me telling me to keep going. For some reason this one was especially tiring for me. I think it's because I psyched myself out the day before and was really doubting my ability to better my time- it's important to keep calm and "fake it 'til you make it" because worrying and being anxious wore me out and I didn't eat as much as I should have from my stomach being tied in knots! Luckily, my loved ones were there with love and support no matter what happened. I finished in 2:10 which was faster than my time last year by 6 minutes. Not much but it's something. I also learned how important it is to train and stay commited until the day of the race. Next time I hope to apply the things I learned and reach my goal of finishing in under 2 hours.

Weekend Fun

2010-08-22T22:13:00.005-06:00

Mortensen's had invited us to share their grandpa's cabin at Bear Lake with Koefeds ( both high school friends of Braden ) We are really enjoying the lake this summer and trying to soak up every last moment of warm sun! I feel alot more prepared for Fall this year than last! Last summer seemed so short and uneventful compared to this year. The highlight of my weekend was spending time with Braden at the lake and talking to my sweet friends in the car, in my driveway, until almost 1 in the morning! I'm not ready for the week to start! can we institute the 3 or 2 day work week in utah? I think I would be much more productive that way. :)

I love summer reason #27

2010-08-12T22:26:00.002-06:00

I switched the title up, did ya notice? I know have to keep things exciting around here for all of you, all 3 of you.

Reason #27 ( totally making up these numbers, there's no list )

Eating outside! This is one of my favorite-est things about summer. I love picnics and I love eating out on patios, eating next to a fire, sitting on a curb, on a roof, in a box with a fox! I love eating outside!

In provo, there is a cute kind of dumpy eatery called Sammy's. All we ate were shakes & sweetpotato fries- there famous pieshakes, which doesn't sound that appealing because I when I hear pie, I think cowpie.

But no it tasted much better! I recommend it. And please eat your shakes outside. It's better that way.

Reason I love Summer #132

2010-08-01T20:42:00.005-06:00

You get to go to the Lake

This is more my idea of fun, right here. Although, I don't remember jet-skis being so scary. I've grown into a real wussy pants.

It's because of these two we enjoyed Bear Lake so much. Thank you for taking pity on us and letting us ride the jet ski free of charge. It's kind of hard to hide our financial state when you see our tent buildt out of tarp and PVC pipe. Or maybe that's just all an act. . . all part of the "plan"

Clint and Angela Summer 2010

Ended up being a beautiful day and we have the 2nd degree burns to prove it.

I'm so sad the weekend is over! It was really fun. oh well, it's like our lesson in relief society today- you have to take care of the essentials, the necessarys, and then you can do the fun stuff. That's life right?? Everyone has this same issue right? i'm not alone in my suffering? :)

It was a one time thing

2010-07-26T22:14:00.006-06:00

Went to Delta for Pioneer weekend. It was definitely a one time thing for me. I was there for moral support. The nights were great, really pretty, we camped, ate tin foil dinners, played Bucci with cute Japanese people, ate a TON, got dirty. braden found alot of fossils they are everywhere in Delta, these weird prehistoric giant rolly polly bugs. I guess I'm not a camping, fossil hunting kind of girl.
Sorry hun! I'm glad you had fun at least!

She doesn't look too bad in this picture- she started to blend into the desert by the end, really stinking dirty. poor thing was so hot, the sun was starting to fry her brain. Her and George didn't get along- the heat didn't help and the fact that George in starvation because Lloyd forgot to bring his food so you would see the poor thing try to sneak Maya's and she was not having it - Look at those fangs. George, you are lucky to be alive right now.

Braden in front of the sign we missed. Don't worry we kept driving deep into the night until we had burned through almost our last tank of gas, turned around and almost missed it again. Good thing he had ol' hawk eyes with him :)

Aw cute. I look old school and mom-ish.

And then we found our first fossil:

His name is Lloyd and I'm pretty sure he was there before Pangea. That's his weiner dog, George. Lloyd is 93 and loved digging for trilobites and geods. He was the first one in the pit in the morning and the last one out. Who knew one could love something so dumb. ( is that mean? )

I understand loving trilobite fossils if they are making you thousands of dollars but to actually pay ( which we didn't ) to go to Delta on Pioneer weekend, hang out in the dust and the blazing sun and dig for ancient potato bugs- why? Bunch of crazies.

winning feels good

2010-07-26T10:07:00.005-06:00

I chose that outfit on the far left but now I'm wishing I got the middle one- dangit. What was I thinking. { i wasn't thinking i would win that's for sure }
Definitely not going to look like the girl in the picture.

Oh well- I won something!! Yay!

Stadium of Fire

2010-07-11T22:43:00.005-06:00

Thanks for the tickets mom!

This girl has some pipes! She was so great and even made me cry a time ( or two! ) I loved it.

Gorgeous sunset- it was perfect weather that weekend!

What a great country this is! I am overwhelmed with gratitude for those brave people who fight for and lead this country with integrity. That I have the freedom to live without oppression, without fear for my family, my home, or my life. I don't why I was chosen to be born in such a wonderful place and during such an exciting time but I'm so grateful I was.

Happy Independence Day!

Day at the shwimmin' pool

2010-07-06T21:57:00.014-06:00

This is thee best way to spend a day off- but in the words of Reading Rainbow "don't take my word for it!" Get your bum to the pool and take some cute kids with you! You'll be in summer heaven!

{linsey and her baby macade}

{ our oldest neice, Kambria 8 }

{ Macade 3, Mackenly 4- almost 5! }

{ Mallory 2, not sure about the frog slide }

{ can you tell I was a little snap happy? can u blame me? }

Malyse was feelin' brave and took on the big slide! I'm not sure she liked it tho, what do you think?

Us in the very lazy river

{Malyse 6}

Sorry bout all the pictures but these kids were seriously on one . . .

See what I mean? soo classic- my favorite pic of all time.

We didn't have work on Monday, thank goodness, because then we got to spend the day with these lovely people! it was a pretty exciting day involving bird poo, a small tornado, dancing lifeguards, some under-aged PDA, and a killer tent. . . sound fun? we can't wait to do it all again! hurray for summer!

It's been 3!

2010-06-29T22:07:00.006-06:00

Trolley Square June 2010

Park City June 2010

Downtown Park City, 3 anniversary getaway, June 2010

3 years of marital bliss! Bliss I tell you! The first was a breeze, the second a piece of cake, and the third has been down right heaven! ( am I making you sick yet?)

I am making me sick a little- but really I am so grateful to be married, married in the temple, to my best friend. What a wonderful learning experience, I have learned alot about myself, I have learned that I truly married "up". He is an example to me everyday. Cheers to us- we made it three and I am thrilled! I am definitely a fan of being married. :0 )

Reason I love summer #415

2010-06-22T21:22:00.005-06:00

The first day of summer was yesterday! Yay!

I love summer because summer means staying out late, warm nights, and movies in the back yard. We enjoyed it as much as possible considering our neighbors were yelling obscenities at us ( this means you Allens-wink wink ) and bugs were eating us alive- have I told you we live next to a swamp? it's great.

* if you can name the movie playing-I'll give you a big high five!

A little birthday photoshoot

2010-06-07T22:16:00.007-06:00

Time for a new post! The last one has over stayed it's welcome.

It's been awhile so there is some catching up to do. I know you were worried. How have been carrying on without updates of our very exciting lives? Okay, so there hasn't been much to say, but the past 2 weekends have been really really nice. Especially Memorial Day weekend! 3 days with no work? Yes please! Oh, and did anyone in Logan see that rainbow today?? I can post about that later. After all this all you get are a few pictures of my Sierra. She is now 16 and getting more wonderful every year. We sure love her. I wanted to take her pictures in celebration. She was such a great sport considering she had surgery the day before. This girl got a really special present for her 16th birthday- she got to go to the hospital! and be poked with needles! and get her appendix taken out! Hurray!! Can you tell she is doped up in these pictures? Me neither! Happy Birthday cute girl!

Minute to Win-it

2010-05-25T22:10:00.003-06:00

Where have I seen this guy?

Hey it is Guy! Guy Fieri! With a better tan, gray hair, and 30 lbs. lighter! Sweet!

One of my favorites . . .

This girl was a natural!

Try doing this in 60 seconds- i dare you.

Braden was awesome playing Guy Fieri- I was kind of surprised how good he looked! He was a better "Guy" than Guy!

Blossom

2010-05-13T22:11:00.005-06:00

* picture taken by me. make sure you give me credit for this picture. i know you want to copy it and try to sell it for hundreds of dollars. If you try it though, I will be on you like white on rice. No lie. :)

i can not get enough of spring blossoms right now. I found myself drawn to them this mother's day weekend. my family has wonderful cherry trees that outline their walk way and the smell is enough to take your breath away ( in a good way. the trees smell good )

The weekend was gorgeous the trees beyond beautiful, packed with fluffy white and pink flowers. Please get warm for more than a day so I can enjoy the trees before summer is here and smell them one last time! no more rain! no more rain! i'm a scrooge when it comes to rain. meh. here's to a wonderful weekend with warm wonderful sun and nothing wet unless it's so warm you decide to run through the sprinklers, then more power to you.

Garden Party

2010-04-18T21:52:00.005-06:00

(It's probably about time I post something with my friend Kate in it!)

I'm so grateful for great friendships like we have with the Oldhams! I love having friends that are so easy to please :) Except, sorry you can't fish in our backyard Jordan! That almost ruined the night for him. Maybe you can fish in the swamp next door! I love that our neighbors were too cheap to fill in the rest of their yard, so it's half grass- half swamp- 100% annoying!

Our garden party was really fun! We made a fire in the backyard, played Bucci ball, made tin foil dinners and roasted mallows! The weather has been so great this week and we can't get enough of it! I'm thinking about quitting my job and taking up sun-bathing and drinking lemonade. It's really alot harder then it sounds.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Needed a new post . . .

2010-04-12T20:39:00.005-06:00

( our children will have giant foreheads. )

We had a nice weekend. The new craze in the Merrill family is "Speed Scrabble". It's Scrabble, on Speed! Each person starts with 7 squares, they try to find one word or multiple words until all the squares are used up. Whoever runs out of squares first says: Go! and then everyone grabs one new letter from the middle. The game is over when there are no more letters in the middle, and someone has finished using all of their letters. You win by counting up your points at the end, the way you do in Scrabble. It's more fun with a group, but me and Braden still play by ourselves :) I love games that remind me how illiterate I am. ( Is that even how you spell illiterate??) It's really fun though!

We played speed scrabble, rode bikes, it was warm (kind of), played tennis ( my wrist hurts ), and ate ice cream (2 scoops for 85 cents at Caspers), I ran 5 miles (whoopee! remember when I used to run? that was silly), roasted starbursts and mallows ( my fav ), visited friends, went to church ( I love being in the RS presidency . . . what I blessing to have the chance to meet and get to know such darling, beautiful sisters. I finally feel like I have friends in the ward. It's wonderful), fasted for one whole meal ( we're dedicated ), hung with family ( I love Grandma Ann). See- I have a good life! I have to remind myself sometimes :) But I do. Alot to be grateful for. Like 4 more days until next weekend.

" I think they baptized me"

2010-03-31T20:25:00.004-06:00

Click on the title and you'll get to see what we were up to last weekend.

HOLI KRISHNA! HOLI KRISHNA! HOLI, HOLI, HOLI . . . holi . . . holi . . . . .holi
That was fun to listen to for four hours straight.

The yellow powder on my cheeks smelled like flowers. This doesn't remind me of Spring though. It reminds me of a horror film. We look scary.

Oh you guys really missed out. So fun. :)

This kind of made my week . . .

2010-03-17T08:06:00.003-06:00

Came home last night to find this little bit of graffiti on my driveway. At first I thought, oh that Braden he's so funny. But wait, doesn't my husband of three years know how to spell my name?

To whoever wrote this ( i'm pretty sure I know who did :) ) Thank you! This pretty much made my night!!

{PS}
Thank you for your helpful posts regarding Mr. Photobooth!! I was relieved to hear he wasn't the last of his kind!! Thanks again!

We be bowlin'

2010-03-14T21:54:00.005-06:00

Saturday evening:

" i didn't get it in the gutter!"

"Let's see that turkey Brade!"

check out that form! that's why he beat me 113 to 74. he won't let me play with bumpers. it would have been alot closer with bumpers.

why do i look so happy when i stink so bad at bowling? i don't know. probably because it was saturday and i was with my honey. he's really fun to hang out with.

Farewell my friend

2010-03-09T22:09:00.005-07:00

I went to Kmart the other day and what I saw was the saddest thing I've ever seen in a long time.

A big, empty spot where my dear friend, Mr. Photobooth, used to be.

I really feel like I've lost a close friend! So many good times we shared together! Gone.

If any of you, out in the blog world, know where he could be or if you've seen him, please let me know. Or if you happen to find his brother or cousin, that would work too.

I just can't believe he's gone. It doesn't seem real. It really makes me think about how short my life is and how I really need to make the most of it.

Farewell my friend. I hope you're in a better place. Maybe a Walgreens or Vegas. Somewhere where, the children run free with never-ending quarters in their pockets. We will never forget you.

* to better days. spring 2007.

Round is a shape . . .

2010-02-24T09:22:00.003-07:00

After going on vacation and being in a swimsuit and realizing the summer is fast approaching and dreading putting on a swimsuit again, this time in my home town and probably running into people I actually know ( on vacation you don't have to worry, no one knows you and no one cares!) and wondering what it would be like to not be self conscious for once and maybe even look half decent in a swimsuit . . . pipe dreams I know. But after thinking about all this I realized that I need to go to the gym and work out for several hours. So, I went to the gym, and I thought I'll start out with two hours, two hours worth of aerobic classes. How hard can that be? I'm sure the Aggiettes dance and practice well over two hours most days. ( I'm not comparing myself to them, but y'know I thought 2 was reasonable.) No, it's not reasonable. Nor is it possible. I went and by the time I had been there for only 1 hr- my body literally gave out. It was so embarassing, when I got into the 3rd areobics class, I was already sweating profusely. After about 10 minutes, I literally could not move, she was looking at me like: Are you serious? You've done like 2 squats. What was I thinking? It was obviously brought on my a severe case of Denial. I am out of shape. It's sad. I'm 24. I should be in great shape. I have hardly any obligations. I can't NOT work out for 2 weeks and then try to make up for lost time by killing myself at the gym for 2 hrs. I just need to find a more doable way to lose weight, like inventing a pill that dissolves all my fat, and it only works if I take it with 3 bowls of ice cream. Something like that.

Cancun has stolen my heart . . .

2010-02-18T21:30:00.009-07:00

here's why:

( in a semi-large-nutsell-that-includes-an-unnatural-amount- of -gorgeous-pictures -that- may- depress -you)

I refuse to carry on with real life right now. I will spend the rest of the night pretending I am still under your gorgeous sun, basking in your turquoise waves, and feeling very sorry for everyone else who has to settle with 20 degree temperatures in February. I wish I could take every bit of it home. Catch your warm air in a big glass jar and open it right here in my room. I can smell the salt and sand. You have stolen my heart and you can keep it.

It was really wonderful. I am really not that glad to be home. I miss the beach. I was just getting the hang of boogy boarding and I swear I was almost fluent in Spanish, I just needed a little more time. Maybe just a few months, or years. I just feel like that was how the whole world should be . . . I have no need for snow, or cold, or dry air, not even mountains. Just the beach, with everyone I love, and my own little Mexican cocinar to make us Mexican tacos every day.

Man those were good.

Valentines Day surprise

2010-02-15T08:27:00.003-07:00

Woke up yesterday morning to find this outside my window:

It was a good valentines day. thanks hubs. every valentine's day with you is the best one I've ever had.

Primera Dia en Cancun (Day one . . . in Cancun)

2010-02-12T22:30:00.006-07:00

La picena es muy divertido * The pool is very fun

La playa es muy hermosa. * The beach is very beautiful

Mi amor.

Mi padre

Peace Out

2010-02-09T12:55:00.004-07:00

We are outta here! Goodbye smog! Goodbye freezing temperature! Goodbye sunless sky! Goodbye work! Goodbye life as we know it . . . . we won't miss you even a little.

See you soon! But not too soon :)

Settebello

2010-01-19T23:10:00.002-07:00

Sigh. It's true what they say about this wonderful little restaurant. Real pizza. Real gelato. Real good.

If you are in Salt Lake and you want something so satisfying you could cry, it's Settebello. Especially if you try the NUtella flavored Gelato. . . yes.

3 King's Day

2010-01-06T22:03:00.002-07:00

Can I just say that having the holidays this year is making me super excited about having kids soon?? This would have been WAY more fun with some little ankle biters around. Because you see, I am secretly a 10 year old trapped in a 24 yr old body- I love being silly and eating candy, and making these dumb crowns so we can pretend to be kings on 3 king's day!!
I think Braden secretly likes that stuff too- but he just has to act "too cool for school"

Happy 3 Kings Day! Does anyone else celebrate this? I guess it's a Puerto Rican or Spanish holiday- it's in celebration of the 3 wise men finding the baby Jesus and presenting him with gifts. Since I guess they didn't actually find him until 12 days after his birth. So we put on crowns, read the Christmas story, exchanged gifts, ate tres leches, and . . . watched Biggest Loser.
Not really Spanish tradition but that's okay. :)

I can't wait to enjoy this Christmas present . . .

2010-01-05T12:42:00.004-07:00

Only one more month until sand, sun, beach, waves, tan, family, no work, and all play.

We can not wait!

Let's all go! See you there? Yes? Okay!

Bring on the new year!

2010-01-02T18:48:00.004-07:00

Hurray! A new year! A clean slate! New resolutions! New memories! 2010 is our year baby- ( I hope) 2009 was just one of those years that will be easily forgotten, not so horrible that I have to suppress the memory, but just not that memorable- kind of like last year. Actually we bought our house last year which was pretty neat AND we did go on some pretty fun vacations. . . 2009 I really have to think hard, work comes to mind, lots of working. Running, and LOTOGA, and Havasupai come to mind. . . there were alot ( i'm sure) of the little things that I take for granted. Which is obvious by the fact that I can't even remember them right now.

That is why this blog really is great. Because you forget the little things. Recording your memories like this helps me to be grateful for my life, as simple as it is. One day ( and it's already getting this way) it will not be simple anymore, I will have to grow up and take care of children and it won't be about Braden and I, and our dog, anymore. And that will be wonderful but this can wonderful too. For now.

I am excited to see what memories 2010 will bring.

Christmas at our house

2009-12-21T22:38:00.005-07:00

Up to my elbows in felt.

Naughty puppy eating my half made scarf.

Naughty puppy getting in the way of our pretty tree.

Do the lights on your tree make you really sleepy? If all the lights are off but our Christmas tree lights I curl up and go right to sleep- works just like NyQuil, without the hangover.

We saw the lights this Saturday, man was it crazy down there! I hope you got a chance to see them this year! I love Salt Lake at Christmas.

Spin Class

2009-12-16T22:02:00.009-07:00

I stood up for myself today. In my spin class. It felt pretty good.

Isn't it an unwritten rule at the gym, that if you leave your stuff, water bottle, towel, ipod- what have you- on the equipment, you can leave to say go to the bathroom, come back and it should still be vacant? Isn't that fair? I can understand if someone is gone for like an hour, even an half an hour, even 15 minutes if there are no other bikes left. What about 3 minutes? Can I person not go to the bathroom for 3 minutes and trust that no one has taken it upon themselves to move your water bottle onto the floor and plump their fat rear end on your bicycle??

No, I guess not.

So, I left, I came back, went to MY bike- paused- is that guy really on my bike?? Is that really MY water bottle he threw on the floor?? All the Christmas-y endorphins out the window. My face was red hot and I started to shake. All the other cyclists were looking at me- what is she going to do? She has to get on a different bike now.

No, she doesn't and No I won't.

Anywhoo- I just simply went over there, tapped his pudgy sweaty gross shoulder and said:

" That's my bike."

"So?" Uh- So? What do you mean so? So get your ( insert choice words here) bum off my bike you nerd! Side note: He KNEW full well that was mine, he had passed me with his little girlfriend and when they noticed there were not two bikes next to each other, they moved on. Yea.

" So, get off!"

And he did. And I smiled. Don't mess with me, I thought.

So I know those thoughts didn't score me points in heaven but- some people just deserve it for crying out loud!!

( thanks for letting me rant. sorry to put a damper on all the warm fuzzies you may have been experiencing. warm fuzzies to come :) )

It's here

2009-12-07T23:13:00.003-07:00

Early. again. welcome winter, you're about 14 days early again. and here you will stay. until March. hurray.

And the winner is . . .

2009-12-06T12:17:00.006-07:00

"Very cute. I was going to make one, but if you want to pick me - I'll just benefit from your craftiness!
I love the headband and two flowers sounds perfect. I'll let you pick the color -something that would go with lots of stuff. (Not black though... I have a black flower already)
email me and I will send you my address. redhead recipes at gmail dot com"

Sarah!!

Congratulations Sarah! And thank you so much to everyone for playing! We will have to do this again soon!

* our winner was chosen using the True Random Number generator at random.org

Holiday Giveaway!

2009-11-28T20:13:00.005-07:00

So, to kick of the Christmas season, I am doing a little giveaway featuring a handmade flower headband. (which I made).

Please leave a note if you would like to be chosen! You can pick any color you wish! Red, Black, gold ( pictured colour), dark gray, dark purple, cream, white . . . those are the colors that seem to come out a little better . . . but there's also oranges, pinks, blues. They sit on a satin black headband but I can also do clips ( two clips or one headband). The headbands also come with the one or two flower option. I'm very fond of the two flower but didn't get a picture with it.

Don't be shy! If you leave a note, you will probably be one of three or four blessed souls who view this blog so you're chances of being a winner are really good! Even if you've never left a note, you can still be a winner! :)

Leave a comment by Dec 5th and the winner will be chosen and announced the following day.
Include your name and address and which item you most prefer!

Thanks for playing! Happy Holidays!!

So simple, just my style

2009-11-19T10:17:00.002-07:00

I absolutely love this idea from Dear Lizzie! It's so simple and stylish and wonderful! I am so on board to give this idea a try someday :)

This IS about sushi

2009-11-17T23:06:00.004-07:00

{you need to be in the Merrill/Bottita family to "get" my post title, sorry}
"I love inside jokes. I hope to be apart of one someday"- Michael Scott

Anywho . . .

Those rolls to the front were not my fault. The rice was supposed to be "sticky"!

So Sush-Easy! (where have a heard that before?)

Salmon+already cooked= Yum! Crab-any cooking whatsoever= Ew.
(I haven't posted anything for like 10 days, which is like 40- in-blog-years! We can't afford to be picky people, this is the best I can do with what I have.)

Sushi really is better eaten from a fancy bar (chopsticks included). Eating mangled rolls off the counter with your fingers just isn't the same. But, you get what you pay for. MMM, sushi.

Hey! This weekend we did . . .

2009-11-08T21:43:00.003-07:00

A whole lotta nothin'! Why? Because in Logan, there's nothing to do. You have to be really creative, and since we really didn't want to go to the DI or have a restaurant scavenger hunt- we just did this. Pictures of us are really the funniest things to me. We are so camera- awkward! I did finally learn how to arrange the pics all scrapbooky using PS which I like. And all these photos are processed and edited and what have you. I even took a class! From Nicole Gurelot- from Little Sussy, but she can't even help me. A hobby it started and a hobby it will stay. But I do love to photo shoot. Especially with my Braden, he hates it and it makes me laugh. See us pictured above. Hey, if you have any fun and exciting Date Night ideas, please share! We really need help. :)

She's ready for her close up

2009-11-05T19:06:00.003-07:00

sierra*november 1, 2009* Ain't she purty? I love her yellow eyes. and her freckles. sister, why can't I look more like you? is it because we have different dads? i always knew I got my looks from my dad's side, curse those German genes. bleck.

"Revenge of the Nerds"

2009-11-02T23:05:00.003-07:00

We couldn't think of anything to be for Halloween so . . . we just went as ourselves.

Hope everyone had a spooktackular Halloween!!

Who knew

2009-10-29T17:57:00.002-06:00

that sometimes the most unbecoming things . . .

are truly beautiful when pointed out by someone . . .

who took the time to find it . . .

because they knew it was there, all along, just waiting to be discovered.

I think that is how the Lord sees each one of us. And if we rely on Him, rely on His love, we may start to recognize, maybe a little at a time, the beauty that is just waiting to be found, but has been there all along by the One who loves us most.

* dead weeds in the field next to our house. oct. 2009

meanderings . . .

2009-10-16T19:06:00.004-06:00

I couldn't think of anything for the title of this post. I wonder sometimes if this blog is doing more damage than good. Is it ever good to be obsessed with something? Probably not. I wonder if I tried really hard, if I could stay away for a whole month. I will go to rehab and then come back and get another taste of it, and the addiction will start all over again. I live such an unbalanced life right now. Everything seems chaotic, but I don't know why because I'm not busy with anything. I work and come home, that's it. Some how the day goes by and it feels like kind of a waste. And that's why I blog and take pictures- because it helps me appreciate the day for what it was. Not exciting, not unique, just Life. Everyday doesn't have to be life-changing, I don't always have to be accomplishing a million things because- well if I try to accomplish a million things, then I end up accomplishing nothing. Right? But I do need to take charge and take advantage of this time I have to myself and figure out what to do with it. in limbo.

one thing today made me happy, or two: no boss today, just me. and I bought that "Nearer" cd that nienie recommended. i haven't bought a cd for like 5 years, it was fun! this music is incredibly lovely and soothing. i second her vote. {you can get one online or at Deseret book!}

Enjoying the afternoon. we get just a glimpse of this after work. it's kind of our routine. we meet up at around 5:30, get Maya, and watch the sun set in the back yard, then go in and eat, then well it's funny because really we can do whatever we want- but we're lazy people, so t.v. and then, bed. sometimes scriptures and brushed teeth for Braden :) and always prayers.

- I have a cute family

2009-10-10T21:48:00.006-06:00

Don't you agree?Tiny bodies do not like the freezing cold! almost every picture you can tell they are just trying to keep warm. And the sun wasn't any help, hiding behind those clouds all day. Warm or cold, they take one gorgeous picture!

Why?

2009-10-07T22:20:00.003-06:00

If you ever have the urge to do maternity pictures, please please don't do anything like this

And if you do, please don't share.

yikes.

Just trying to be crafty

2009-10-04T19:30:00.003-06:00

So . . . being married I have fallen into being this home-maker wannabe and every once in awhile I actually try to do something worthy of the definition. Once I tried to make a moss ball, it turned out like a moss ball which is good, but then I forgot that I don't know how to decorate, so I have no idea what to do with it. I was given a sewing machine for my birthday that I take out and hold and daydream about home-made curtains, skirts, runners, pillow cases, all of which require sewing in a straight line. During conference I decided I should start small- very small. I found a tutorial online on a DIY Anthropologie flower clips. I do love Anthro and the tutorial was on: little shop of shavs or shavin' it up- or something. (If you really want it I can find the real one :) They're pretty cute? No need to point out they are clips from last year. They were fun and easy and I'm happy with how they turned out for the most part . . . so I blogged.

Peach pie and Birthdayz

2009-10-03T21:27:00.004-06:00

September was quite the month for US, Braden did the LOTOGA, we went to Havasupai, and September is the month of Birthdayz! First it's my dad, then Shay (braden's little bro), then Christian ( B.I.L.), then ME!, then Braden and Maylse . . . am I forgetting someone?
What a great month it was!

I Love having a wonderful boy to share all my birthday dinners with for the rest of my days.

Homemade birthday cake made by Chef Braden-it only took 6 boxes of cake mix, well worth it :)

Me and my cake and a few little children spitting out the candles.

This month is also a wonderful time to be born because my grandpa's peach trees are ripe for the pluckin'! Just look at that beautiful juicy goodness-sigh. If only I were James and could live in a giant peach with a grasshopper and a ladybug, I could live off that stuff. I bet its the closest thing we have to the Forbidden fruit. Delicious.

My mom made a gorgeous homemade peach pie in place of cake which I gave 5 stars, it was yumm. I would put that recipe up but I also love this one : (its a more Me-proof version of a peach pie, which is also a Merrill favorite and turns out great every year)

2 graham cracker pie crust, already made
1 C sugar
4 T cornstarch, dissolved in 1 1/2 C water
3 T Karo syrup
2? packets peach JELLO
however many sliced peaches fill up the pie crust :)

*Combine all ingredients besides the peaches and um, the crust-Boil on Med/High heat until thick. Pour mixture onto sliced peaches. Cover and refrigerate about 30 min. (if you can!). Top with whipped cream, grab a fork and float away to peachy Heaven.

Big Surprise!!

2009-09-30T00:21:00.005-06:00

Braden's office before: No good.

And now dun-da-da-da-da . . . After! Much better.

These pics are low quality but you get the jist:

Desk: Ikea New desk chair: only 59$ at IKEA

New Frames: Ikea Curtains: 7$ panels from ROSS with 12$ curtain rod

Fake Orchid: ROSS desk lamp: 12$ at Wally's with 6$ magazine holders

Picture prints: taken by Braden, price of prints (around 8 dollars)

book shelf: $30 at IKEA Old chair, new pillow: Wally's = fabulous make-over!

Yay! He's so good at acting surprised! :)

Couldn't have done it without my design team- you two are wonderful, thank you thank you for saving our office!

Happy Birthday my love! I hope you love your present because you don't get to open anything tomorrow! :)

J. Crew- Will you please come to my birthday party??

2009-09-22T09:51:00.003-06:00

You can eat all the cake and ice cream you want and even blow out my candles!

Sometimes I wish I was photogenic

2009-09-16T21:09:00.006-06:00

It really would be nice, especially when I get excited about getting dressed in matching outfits and going outside for a family photo shoot- it's really cute in my head.

But then I get things like this ---> and that <-------- and I wonder why they never turn out the way I see them.

I mean He's cute, so when we're together it's okay, when he's alone, it's better . . .

And this one never fails because Hello those eyes . . .

But once it's just me, something goes terribly wrong :)

(Doesn't this remind you of Chandlier from Friends a little bit? I can relate.)

What can I say? The camera hates me.

1 Day! 3 states! 206 miles! LOTOJA!

2009-09-13T20:47:00.004-06:00

So for those of you who are not familiar with the most intense bike race known as LOTOJA. It means Logan to Jackson. This ride is 206 miles long, across 3 states, and it must be complete in one day. Crazy huh?

Who would dare tackle such an extraordinary feat? You would seriously have to be out of your head to try it. But my awesome mad-man of a husband was there, he rode and from sun up to sun down.

He began the race before dawn and it finally ended just before the sun went down. Over 12 HOURS on the bike. 12 HOURS!!

Not very many people thought he would make it :) but it he did. He came, he rode, and he kicked butt!

Way to go Brade! I'm glad you survived! We are super proud of you!!

- mom Cathy and I were Braden's pit crew, basically we served as refrigerators-

-here we are to prove Brade made it to Jackson :)-

- just after finishing the race and finding out his prize was a hanger, haha-

- crossing the finish line!-
- yes I am a pretty proud wife-

Welcome to Havasupai

2009-09-10T19:36:00.004-06:00

Navajo falls
Mooney Falls

Havasupai Falls

What a trip! I really wish I took better pictures . . . Havasu is soo much prettier than the pictures show, really breathtaking.

The hike in is 10 miles and I am a big sissy-pants when it comes to hiking. I died. I literally thought I would never be happy again. Braden promised me a new pair of jeans if I didn't cry on the way up, even then I couldn't do it. It was so miserable that I swore I would never come back unless I was air lifted into town.

But I'm so glad we did it. This place is as beautiful as it is unique. I mean, turquoise clear water in the middle of the desert? Are you kidding me?

Let's Run!

2009-08-29T13:48:00.003-06:00

Good job everyone! this was a family event and i was the slowest- but that's ok- I beat my bear lake time by 15 minutes!! i couldn't believe the timer when I saw it because truth be known, it ain't as easy as it looks. :) it could've been worse- we had about three ambulances and we didn't know if one guy would make it (i hope he's ok!)

no pictures please! i let him take a far away one - you can kind of see my bright yellow bottom if you look closely.

Braden was more excited about these moosen than anything else . . . it is pretty cool I guess.

:)
look at all of us! there were soo many people! i decided Logan as the most in shape people ever, i was intimated to say the least, but at the end of the day you're just grateful you crossed the finish line!
thanks family for all your support! couldn't have done it without you!

Top of Utah August 2009

POolside

2009-08-23T19:00:00.002-06:00

Have you had the chance to soak up the sun this summer??

it is sad to see fall creeping in . . . was it just me or was this season a little bit of a rip off?
:)
oh well, there's always next year . . . and the Caribbean Cruise we plan on taking to survive winter.
(more like the pretend trip we talk about but never go on, but it keeps us sane.)

this was a good summer because . . .
we went on alot of bike rides
relaxed at the pool
ate lots of s'mores and roasted starbursts
started exercising again
no school
no sprinkler system to put in
uhhhhh

okay that list didn't really help-here's to next year!!

Weekend Picumentory

2009-08-16T21:46:00.004-06:00

We LIVE for the weekends! Our lives consist of routines, 9 to 5, half hour lunch breaks, half hearted workouts, texting I love you, I miss you, I can't wait for this day to be Over!, dinner at 8:45, Conan O'Brian, King of Queens, prayer, bed by 11, sleep by midnight, and over again the next day.

But the weekends are something far from hum-drum. we accomplish things, we get to know each other again, we socialize, we sleep in, we play and play some more. Aren't they just wonderful?

Hope you had a great weekend! {PS I do recommend this movie, but not at 9:40 at night when your heat striken and tired. I loved Julia Child- hilarious. I may go so far and make her own hollandaise sauce this week, yummy!}

Pic OF the Day

2009-08-15T17:40:00.002-06:00

{ isn't she funny?}

this picture as not been digitally enhanced

2009-08-06T11:16:00.006-06:00

Check out this beauty! I know, it's nothing new. But it is for me! We saw this picture and Braden was like, "Savannah, it's not really that blue, they must've digitally enhanced it." Honestly I can't wait to find out and swim in this breath-taking pool of Kool-Aid.

{ We aren't going until September, but I just booked reservations and I am giddy!! Finally a vacation!}

Even though it will be one of the vacations where you come home and you need a vacation from the vacation, we are excited for an adventure! I need to get some TEVAS! You can't fake granola without TEVAS!

{oops, I guess I mean Chacos! I need some Chacos!}

Dear husband

2009-07-31T15:46:00.003-06:00

{thank you} for being so nice to me.
{thank you }for saying I look pretty in the morning.

i can't tell you how nice it is to have someone who
loves me for me. i would always wish that someone
would come along who by some miracle thought
i was the prettiest girl. that's how you treat me everyday.
it has done wonders for my self esteem.

today was a hard day. i felt bad about myself for most of the day.
and then i remember that i have a really cute, handsome boy at home
that thinks i'm cute too.
{thank you}.

i love you.

Cache Valley

2009-07-27T22:14:00.007-06:00

I felt like we were hosts on that show diners, drive ins, and dives this weekend. Truly, we tried some questionable looking eating outs. This one . . .

Brigham City, an child hood favorite of Braden's, and it was so worth the 40 minute drive.
Double battered fries, charbroiled hamburgers the size of my head, and one smack-i-licious raspberry shake. The only thing missing was the roller skates.

I really loved the ambiance of this old place. It really takes you back to a different time. A simpler time.and it was yummy.

Here's another one, this one was a dive. On the outside, it is GHE-TTO. but if you're in Logan, and you love sushi, Happy Sushi is it. It's the closest thing we have to the posh Happy Sumo, and we don't mind. It's pretty dang fantastic . . .

The crunchy shrimp roll was amaZing. It was fried with sweet coconut and wrapped in, well you know, rice and stuff. Braden and I were totally fighting over the whole time- and he always shares!!

And the scenery in Cache never fails. So perfect. Gorgeous at every turn. We enjoyed this picture on our way through sardine canyon on Friday. The camera doesn't do it justice.

Oh, and I was there too. I have reduced to self portrait taking just to feel included :)
Hope you all had a Great 24th!! Yay Pioneers!