Overreactors Anonymous

Iron Man in 6 Days

2010-08-02T09:18:00.002-06:00

Pray for me!

I've decided to complete an Iron (wo)man. I'm giving myself 6 days to do so. That means that every day this week I will be:

Running -4.37 Miles
Biking- 19 Miles
Swimming -7 laps

I think this will be both the most challenging thing I have ever done physically and extremely invigorating. So, if you need me....look for me at the gym. I'll be living there this week.

When a princess has a barbie birthday

2010-07-06T11:38:00.009-06:00

This is what happens......

You start by having barbie cake with your best friends.

Grandma and Grandpa get you a killer kitchen set. After you make a few calls.......

You and your bestie check it out thoroughly.

Every princess needs a magic mirror. This one reminds you that "You are as pretty as a princess". Not that you were ever in any danger of forgetting!

Let's get you a blow out so you are ready for your closeup! That birthday girl sure is a giver. She wants to make sure everyone looks good for her big day.

A little lipstick finishes things off nicely.

Happy Birthday Canyon!

A Few Degrees Cooler Than The Traditional Red Hot 4th

2010-07-06T11:05:00.015-06:00

In Idaho Falls the temps were cooler but the fireworks seemed hotter! It was such a great time. Thanks to the Hardman's and the Brijs's for hosting what I hope, becomes a least an every other year tradition. And now for the pictures.

We started out at the parade. Just me Canyon and Penee. Canyons favorite things included the Tigers, the poms (a high school mascot and it's corresponding cheerleaders).
After some post parade, holiday naps we met up with the Larry Arnett's and Brijs family's for some delicious TGI Fridays. We had the very best server they had. It was a nice way to see Miley for a bit while she was at work.

Here is one half of the table

And the otherThe resident 4th of July photographer

As usual it was the kids who had the most fun.

Following lunch Penee and I took all the kids back to the Hardmans where they played for awhile and then we took them down to the river.
They were excited for some river time. But even if they hadn't been.....do kids ever walk anywhere? No? I didn't think so.
The girlies had fun throwing rocks and twigs into the river.
Even though there were lots of people down by the river we all felt super safe as we brought along our personal ninja for protection.

Our marathon day continued as we switched venues to the following.
This was our view for the delicious dinner, symphony and fireworks that night.

What's the 4th with out some ice cream.....

Some Dancing......

and a little flag waving.

Happy 4th of July all!

Chucky Cheese

2010-07-06T10:57:00.004-06:00

Remember when Austin had the job to dress up as Chucky to the delight (I'm sure) of all the children everywhere?!?! Good times.
Anyway.....Miley, Aaron and family came down to celebrate Grandma's birthday. Whilst they were here we thought we would jaunt of to the CC while I was on my lunch break. Here are some of the highlights.

Balloon rides

Fun with Dragons

Brother loved the creepy animatronic robots.

All in all a most excellent day at the Cheeser!

Grandma Dorothy's 80th Birthday Extravaganza

2010-07-06T10:43:00.008-06:00

(art work by Aaron)

We had a birthday blowout to honor Grandma Hendrix on June 26th. Penee put a lot of planning and work into the whole affair. It turned out wonderfully. Lots of great food, family and other delights.

(Cake by Candy)

What would we do without Auntie Candy and her mad cake skills. She simultaneously made this cake and designed and executed an award winning float for her Granddaughter. Could she be any more amazing?!?! Me things not.

Grandma got to hold court (that's her in the beautiful pink jacket) with her sister, who came all the way from Montana to celebrate with her.

There was eating

Shuffle board playing (as befitting an 80th b-day party)

There were tributes of singing, poetry and mostly lots and lots of love.

Happy birthday Grandma Dorothy! We love you.

5 months

2010-07-06T10:41:00.003-06:00

The title is derived from an IM I got from cousin Ryan taking me to task for my woeful neglect of this blog. He said that I have been doing lots of things (and he's not wrong) that could be blogged about.

5 months however is just too long to sum up. So instead all I can do is just move forward. Which I promise to do. I further promise an abundance of pics. So get excited Peeps!

Joy

2010-01-23T13:14:00.006-07:00

Some things just seem to light you up from the inside. I've had a few of those things lately. I guess having a birthday tends to do that to you. These are just a few things from my birthday week that brought me large amounts of joy.

The way Rob wrapped my birthday present. This is so my style, in both content and looks.

My friends boyfriend TK singing, "Crazy In Love". He out Beyonce'd Beyonce. Close second was B and Teek singing all the "lady duets". Awesome, simply awesome.

Birthday Crowns.....'nough said!

Jules and her red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. These babies are to die for!

If this is any indication about how 2010 is going to be then clearly it will be the best year ever.

Make it work.

2009-11-04T10:28:00.007-07:00

When I was 17/18 I was asked to be in the "Dairy Princess Pageant". Since then as now I
a) can't say no.....
and
b) am always up for a new experience...

I said yes. I've never been what one would call a fashion plate. As a child and pre-teen I just let Penee pick out my clothes. What did I care what I put on? By high school I had more of an opinion, but in general I was just a lazy shopper. I remember needing a formal dress for the pageant and going with Penee to find one.

I hated this dress. We looked at many different dresses and Penee loved this one. From equal parts not having the energy to fight and being too lazy to continue on to find a more promising gown, this is what we went with.

Here's the thing, I made this dress work. It's not that the dress doesn't have a certain charm. Just ask "Thoroughly Modern Millie", it's eerily similar to her wedding dress, that is if you wear the shoulder puffs as a hat......but I digress.

I just decided to work with what I had. I pretended like I was the prettiest girl at the ball with the prettiest dress. The truth is, but for a botched answer about the recommended daily serving of milk (the USDA said 4, the dairy council disagreed with 6). That actual princess title could have been mine!

Life for me sometimes seems to be like this pageant. There seems to be a lull and then a build up to what seems like a "big" event. The event ends up being just a brief moment really, although it doesn't always feel that way at the time. Sometimes I'm not completely in love with the pieces of myself that I've brought to the event. I usually find that I wish I'd prepared better, or done something different that would make me better in the situation. Unfortunately time doesn't stop for me to get more prepared, or for me to be a more perfect version of myself.

Regardless of my level of preparation or lack thereof, I get to decide how I will handle each challenge. Will I just dwell on all that I don't have or will I take what I do have and make of it the best it can be? I take comfort in the fact that unlike with the pageant, one failed answer doesn't stop me from becoming the Princess in my own life.

I think I'm going to try to channel my inner Dairy Princess and decide that in my life I will "Make it work".

Eat your heart out Tim Gunn.

Idaho. You remind me of the babe......

2009-10-31T22:36:00.012-06:00

I went to Idaho this weekend. Still here actually, I've been playing with baby Pierce (who Canyon insists is named Ace). Here is a photo montage of what we've been up to.

*Special shout out to the Brijs's for letting me crash at their home. It's beautiful and amazing! Thanks a million guys!

Me and Pierce. Notice how Penee looks ready to kick back and enjoy herself a little. She deserves a little relaxation!

Mommy and baby. Canyon kept asking Miley if her baby sister is in her (Miley's) tummy. Keep on dreaming kid......maybe some day.

Man of the hour, and man is he adorable.

How is Canyon holding up? I'm glad you asked. She's keeping her spirits up tolerably, with mass amounts of playing "Princess".........

......Dishes

......Forcing Aunt Linny to eat fake food.

She does arts and crafts. Painting.....

Picking her own cool animal paper.

Modge Podge-ing

Modeling her finished product.

Love these kids and I'll be so sad when the fun has to end and Penee and I head home tomorrow. At least I get an extra hour of sleep tonight to soften the blow.

Let us conclude with a gratuitous pic of Pierce in all of his cuteness.

Amen.

Hello neglected blog. It's not you....it's me!

2009-10-31T22:10:00.011-06:00

I am a seriously lame spice blogger. Since a picture is worth a thousand words here is a few pics to show what I've been up to the last month or so. And a commitment blogosphere.....I will be a better blogger. Cross my heart!

So without further adieu......Here's what I've been up to lately.

Hanging with Princesses,

....and cute Robots

Consulting with Presidents......

Getting attacked by Burro's

Channeling my inner Cinderella.....not quite there yet. I'll let you know when I make it IN the carriage.

Rocking out with friends

Laughing at the Po' Po'

Seeing old friends and celebrating events

Even more celebrating!

Doing my part for the Michael Jackson estate.

And the good times keep rolling on......It's good to be back blog, it's definitely good to be back!

The recent haps.

2009-08-17T20:31:00.006-06:00

Carny Fun

Cousin bonding time

Payson Lakes

Training for a half marathon

There is still a few more weeks of summer left. I can't wait to see what kind of continued fun comes my way!

Paranoia Justified

2009-08-05T14:35:00.006-06:00

I've always been afraid of spiders. To the point that when I see one I prefer to spray it with something from afar (usually windex) in hopes of immobilizing it before I attempt to kill it. I don't just like to hit it with my shoe because who's going to clean the guts off of said shoe for me? Bleck!

Once whilst living in my Aunt and Uncles basement I came home really late one night and saw a spider in the corner of the room. There was no way I was killing it without some sort of reinforcements. So I prayed that it wouldn't devour me in the night. No seriously, I prayed about it. Then the next morning super de dooper early I cornered my cousin-in-law Ryan before he left for work to come down and do the honors of killing it.

Turns out it was a black widow. After he killed it we both spent some time jumping around and screaming like little girls. I don't know about him, but it made me feel better!

Flash forward to this Monday. I noticed that I had what appeared to be a small spider bite on, let's just call it my chestal region. By the end of the day it had a red ring around it and looked to be quite inflamed. Yesterday it was worse and now looked like it was blistering.

After searching my bed for any remnants of spider carcass to determine what type bit me (I have a feeling that it looked something like the above picture) I hied myself off this morning to see my doctor (yes, the one who hates me and whom I hate, which is clearly a story for another time). He informed me that it was in fact a venomous spider bite and prescribed me some antibiotics.

My point is that my paranoia now feels justified. Spiders are in fact out to eat me. If you need me I will be the one sleeping with a bottle of windex next to my bed and one weathered eye open ready to immobilize even the smallest of eight legged assassins.

I watched "The Bachelorette". Yeah, I said it.

2009-07-30T08:07:00.015-06:00

I have only ever watched 3 full seasons of the 13 that have aired between both the men and women of this show. I've just caught snippets of all the other seasons because, let's be serious, I like to keep my finger on the pulse of pop culture.

I have to admit that I almost always enjoy The Bachelorette over The Bachelor. It just seems like the guys who go on the show looking for love and marriage almost never are in actuality looking for either of these things.

I'm not judging, honest. I mean if I were a dude I would be all about going on a show where I would get to go on a two month spree of drinking, making out with 15 + hot girls. Then when I'd finally narrowed it down to 3, getting to have "fantasy"( I'm pretty sure we all know what this is a euphamism for) dates with all three. You aren't in trouble when the girls find out because, oh wait, all the girls know about each other and in fact knew that this was going to happen before they ever signed up. This sounds like what man heaven is probably described as. Well, non mormon man heaven.

Let me qualify by saying that I know this whole show is just so wrong on so many moral levels. Trash T.V. at it's finest.

While The Bachelorette follows this same pattern, in general I feel like the woman who says she is there to find love and marriage actually is. This is one of the reasons why I like it better. Maybe it's my romantic nature, most likely it's just a way for me to feel better about watching all the debauchery. Somehow I justify that it's ok because it has a good purpose. Love! Marriage! Hooray! I know, I know, it's just something I tell myself so I can sleep at night.

While browsing MSN this week I came across an article "Why 'The Bachelorette' Is a Sham" by Diane Vadino. On many points I completely agree with her, the premise itself is a bit of a sham. It did feel a little obvious to me that Jillian had a clear favorite in Ed. I also agree that the concept of the show,by it's very nature "forces" love and intimacy in a 2 month span.

But here is where I become baffled. Diane says, "Because this is a rebuttal of the truest truism in the dating universe: Men react poorly when affection is demanded of them. Women, I think, can be cajoled, and convinced. (I'm not saying it's good, or it's right, just that it's life.)"

Let's recap, these guys got to see what she looked like, they probably watched the previous Bachelor to see her personality, then after seeing something in her that interested them they came on the show. These guys didn't have affection demanded from them, they signed up for this. She said she was coming on this show to find love and get engaged and married. So doesn't she have a right, not to demand, but to expect that these guys are going to really be in it to win it? I don't see how this is so unreasonable?

"Men react poorly when affection is demanded of them." Men should be the pursuers, another reason I like The Bachelorette vs The Bachelor, so shouldn't the woman they are pursuing have an expectation of affection? If a woman is upfront about what she's looking for, i.e. marriage, kids, then is it demanding of affection to expect that the relationship she's in is heading towards that? If either party isn't interested in marriage, kids or not in a position to make it happen then it's time to cut your losses and move on.

I guess I'm just questioning the use of the word "demanded". It's true that men probably don't like affection to be demanded. Man or woman who likes having things demanded of them. I'm just confused as to how Jillian saying, I'm going on The Bachelorette to find the love of my life, get engaged, then married, and start a family in a year or so. Then she starts sending home the guys that don't seem ready for it, or won't tell her where they are at, while at the same time expecting those that are staying to be committed to a proposal and a life together at the end is demanding?

Here is the lesson I'm taking away from watching Jillian the bachelorette: Be super clear and upfront about where you are wanting to end up. Have as much fun as you can along the way. Expect that the guy you are with wants to end up the same place as you. Let go of all the ones that don't. Don't settle for anything less.

HMA Family Reunion Goodness

2009-07-07T08:50:00.017-06:00

We had a family reunion over the 4th of July weekend. To me there is nothing better than when my extended family gets together. We laugh and exhibit and all around have a great time.

My Aunt Candy is a genius with cardboard. For our first event on Friday afternoon she recreated the town she and he brothers (my Dad included) grew up in.

Miss Canyon hanging out at Grandpa and Grandma's Blythe house.

Where else but the Arnett reunion can you "milk" a cardboard cow?!?

We roped and branded.

We went to Benefields for fritos and pop....

And hung out where Grandma taught school

That night we reconvened and had some delicious dinner followed by our SYTYCD numbers.

H.B. started us off right with some sweet James Brown moves.

Canyon, Aaron, Myself and Aussie held it down straight street with some old school moves.
Canyon was clearly the MVP.

Larry's family killed it "Thriller" style

By land or sea Arnett's have talent. The Jeff Arnett fam brought it with a synchronized swim routine.

The Walker family kept it classy. Really, when is a man in a unitard not funny?!?!

The best part for me was just being around all my cousins and their kids.

Wendy and I got to reminisce about the good old days.

And it was so good to see Boggs.

All in all I'd say it was a most heavenly weekend!

I miss the Lexi

2009-06-25T09:20:00.002-06:00

I officially look like a wild animal. My hair is out of control. I haven't had a haircut since the beginning of February. I wish I could say that it's for the same reason as Sampson. If only all this not cutting of the hair was giving me special blessings or powers. It's not.

Mostly I think I'm in denial. Surely my hairdresser didn't really leave me? I like to imagine that she's just too busy to come around (which really isn't too far from the truth). I mean sure she hasn't been to my parents house, or to any Sunday dinners, or parties or come over to play the Wii. But she's not really GONE. Right?!?!

I'm clearly in denial. Let's just say that I'm semi-permanently rocking the curly haired 'do. Most of you will understand what an indicator that is of the desperate state of affairs I'm currently laboring under.

The thought of going to someone else for a haircut feels like it will be the final nail in the "I'm missing the Lex" coffin. But people I think it's time. Past time. Way past.

In Memoriam

2009-05-28T09:20:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was a sad day for the H.B. Arnett family. Due to failing health and old age Queenie was put to sleep yesterday. She's been a part of our family landscape for so long that I'm not sure it's quite sunk in yet.

Penee, cried (which has only happened approx. 3 other times in her life). H.B. found a perfect spot of ground for the perfect doggie grave. He's informed me that he's placed a potted plant there to mark the spot. I'll go over today and take a picture to post.

Queenie was the best little dog ever, she had boundless energy and a gave lots of love to everyone (whether you wanted her to or not!). She was known to jump up on your bed during sleepovers and lick faces at the most inopportune moments. Mostly she was Penee's best friend. They went on drives, just the two of them, played hide and seek, and took many walks. It's possible that Mom loved her more than any of her natural children, as evidenced by the fact that Queenie always got the best Mom had to offer. Expensive haircuts, special meals, and back rubs. H.B. always joked that Penee was lobbying to have her sealed to our family. She was definitely a good little addition to it.

We'll all miss her very much, but are glad that she is no longer blind, unable to eat and in pain.

If you have any memories of Queenie you'd like to share, please leave them in the comments.

The People Have Spoken

2009-05-21T08:49:00.003-06:00

We found out the results of the HOA board vote last night. This beautiful lady came to give me the news. The people voted me in! Now the real work begins of course, but I'm excited to try and make some positive changes in my community. I have fantastic people to work with and I think it will be a great year. Wish me luck!!

I want a made by Megs Craft

2009-05-15T11:29:00.002-06:00

http://megscraft.blogspot.com/

My cousin is a craft goddess. If she is offering to make me a handmade anything I want in. I also want her to teach a workshop so that I to can exercise my inner need to create.

A "D-Lux" birthday shout out

2009-05-13T13:46:00.004-06:00

It's this beautiful ladies birthday. I hope it's a good one. I'm double blessed because I both get to be related to her and consider her one of my best friends.

Love you lady!

My Bid For President

2009-05-11T11:01:00.003-06:00

I'm currently in the middle of a hotly contested campaign for HOA President of my Condo Association.

The incumbent who I'm currently running against has been the President of the Board for at least 12 years (at least until he was impeached last Fall). His has been a puppet regime run behind the scenes by his wife. There have been allegations of bullying and I've witnessed first hand their dictatorial style of managing.

My character has been slandered, phone calls have gotten heated. I'm loving every minute!

I've been out on the campaign trail. Glad handing voters, kissing babies, petting dogs. It's getting serious.

My platform........Power to the people. Pass it on.

Wish me luck, all votes have to be turned in or post marked by Friday May 15.

Disney was a blast!

2009-05-07T16:21:00.007-06:00

Day 1: Disney

Highlights:

-I took one for the team and rode in the front on splash mountain. Those are new jeans so let's just say I walked away with some sweet blue legs.

- Tower of Terror. We went on it twice both times it was delicious.

The nicest old man approached Ashley and I after this ride and insisted that we take our picture with Buzz. I told us where to stand and everything. Disney really is the happiest place on earth.

Day 2: The Gumball 3000

Highlights:
-The Hoff
-Sweet cars

Ok, true confessions. I didn't even know what a Gumball 3000 was before we arrived at the beach, to be honest I'm still a little fuzzy. But there were fun looking cars and grown men in costume. In my experience this almost always equals a good time.

Really what we did was hang out here

Don't mind the two people at the bottom of this photo, what can I say.....it's California and people are exhibitionists.

Needless to say it was a delightfully relaxing trip and I had a ridiculously good time. It's the magic of DisneyLand. Or maybe just of vacationing.

DisneyLand

2009-04-30T07:26:00.002-06:00

I'm off to spend some time with this guy! Looking forward to some warm California sun and some Disney time. The last time I was at DisneyLand was with Auntie Kathleen and her whole crew. That was a fun trip, I'm not sure this one can quite live up to how fun Auntie Kathleen made it, but none the less I think it should be a very fun time!

Pat's Run

2009-04-19T11:11:00.005-06:00

I came down to Arizona to get a little new baby time. It just so happens that I arrived in time to be a part of Pat's Run in Tempe on Saturday. Dave and Lacy's family participates in this every year and I think it's a wonderful thing. There were well over 10,000 people there all participating in this 4.2 miles run/walk.

Next year I plan to come back down and run it myself. Here are a few picture highlights.

Just mass ammounts of people getting out and excersising and making a difference.

This was the "extra hydrated" water that was passed out for free to all participants. On of the reps for this brand told Lacy and I that this water was extra hydrated. When we asked him what they put in it extra he replied, "oh, no it's 100% pure water." Extra hydrating indeed!

Just because she's ridiculously adorable.

Easter Hat Parade

2009-04-19T11:02:00.006-06:00

Over Easter weekend the family and some good friends got together for kids to hunt easter eggs and to display our Easter hats. There was good food, good company and great hats on display.

Here is a display of all the hat's. Everyone was so creative. It was truly a festive occasion.

The kiddos had a great time I think.
Candy outdid herself.

Cousin love!

What a great time. Thanks to everyone for pitching in and making it he best Easter party ever!

Some things in this world are beyond delicious....

2009-04-10T11:00:00.003-06:00

...and this is one of them. I just want to eat her up!!

Conference Weekend Fun!

2009-04-10T10:36:00.010-06:00

Last Friday night I hosted a pre-Easter extrav at Penee and H's. Penee was still off galivanting in Arizona, but HB represented for the 'rents by cooking up some delcious burgers. Thanks Dad!!

Austin provided the dinner show and pre egg game entertainment.

Here is is regaling us with how he scored his sweet job at "Pirate Island Pizza".

I had grand plans of having an easter egg hunt outside using the backyard, but alas the weather didn't cooperate so instead we played a dice game to distribute the eggs. To spice things up I had both candy and cash in the eggs which I thought kicked up the competition for eggs a notch.

Austin, contemplating the sweetness of eggs.

Jordan.....she's just happy to be here!

Jord, Robert, Austin getting into the game.

Ashley, Syd and Jordan "rolling" for eggs.

We ended up the evening at my place to play some cards until the wee hours of the morning. Luckily I have a friend who had a large stash of cards in his car (Thanks B!). He and Austin pretty much dominated at the card playing portion of the evening.

Sunday morning I went over to my friend Amy's for a delicous breakfast and to watch the morning session of conference.

Alecia, Amy and Dan (man they make good breakfast!!)

Me and Alecia reveling in full stomachs and good talks.

If it's sweet enough it becomes "spiritual" behold the spiritual sweetness that are Dan's Cinammon rolls (yes, ladies he's single and going to be a doctor!!)

V formation

2009-03-06T09:06:00.007-07:00

This picture was taken by our family friend Becky right before Lexi left on her mission.

I think she did such a fantastic job and this picture is before she worked her magic in photoshop. I'm told the final product is stunning!

Yesterday Austin came over and gave me my Birthday gift. He had told me in January that he would come over and help me hang some shelves and pictures. He came over last night, hung all my stuff and stayed for dinner, some Wii action and a little A.I. Have a mentioned that I love this man.

At Lexi's farewell one of my Mom's Visiting Teachers told her that Austin, "is a good man". She could tell just by looking at him, and she was right. He is a delight to be around.

Last week in Relief Society as part of the lesson we talked about the nature of Geese and why they fly in their distinctive "V" formation. Each goose takes a turn being out front in the point. It's the most physically taxing position and once they've filled their duty there they fall back to the end which is where all the Geese in front of them cause an updraft and they can relax a bit and benefit from the work of those in front.

Everyone takes a turn helping to lift and make things a little easier for those behind them. That's how I feel about all these dear people in the picture above. Everyone of them has helped and lifted me at times when I was not up to take point in our family V.

It doesn't stop there, I'm sure everyone feels this way but my extended family are some of the absolute greatest flock around. I feel so loved and supported from every one of my wonderful Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

But wait my flock doesn't end there, my friends are truly incredible. Loving, talented, funny spiritual, powerful. They are a true gift from God and I'm telling you , I feel the power of that gift....daily.

I'm a blessed, blessed girl and I feel the joy that comes with the blessing of the V. Thanks to all of you, thanks for letting me be a part of your flock.

Nashville

2009-02-14T15:28:00.007-07:00

I had the opportunity to go down to Nashville a week or so ago with some friends, it was so much fun. We had plenty of time to sight see, relax and talk (it was tons of free therapy). Here are some picture highlights of our fun trip :)

We went out to the Nashville temple. It's one of the smaller ones, but still beautiful

We discovered this great cupcake place, "Gigi's" it was truly a highlight of the trip
(from L-R Julie, Me, Myriam and Jodie)

We stalked some country stars..... Hello Martina!
We tried to blend in with the locals........

This was our inspiration :)

Other highlights were Lovell's Cafe, Dinner theater, The country music hall of fame and of course more cupcakes. This trip was so much fun, I can't wait for next years adventure. New York 2009 here we come :)

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2009-02-10T09:03:00.001-07:00

Aussie's Birthday song to me. What a good brother :)

On the side

2009-02-04T10:53:00.002-07:00

I've been thinking for some time that I'd like to use my work skills to make some extra money on the side. I want to start advertising my services specifically targeting small companies offering to process their payroll and/or accounts payable.

Is it normal now that I've decided to move forward with this plan, buy some software and actually do something about it, I feel like I suddenly don't know where to start, and could possibly be having a panic attack?

I guess I just felt like I needed to tell the blogosphere of my plans so as to shore up my determination!

Nashville

2009-01-29T12:03:00.002-07:00

I'm off for a girls weekend in Nashville, TN. I'm so excited to get away and spend some time with two of my BFF's Jodie and Julie.

The trip has already been most eventful, Jules and my flight got canceled but re-booked for later today. Also through some sort of mis-communication Jodie wasn't flying in until tomorrow (whoops!!). But she did some fancy juggling and we are now back on track we'll all be in Nashville tonight.....Hooray!

More updates and pictures as the weekend unfolds!

Recap.....

2009-01-25T19:44:00.005-07:00

The last week has been so much fun. Last Monday I went up to SLC to see Eric Hutchinson and O.A.R. I thought Eric put on such a fantastic show, and even though I wasn't as familiar with O.A.R. I enjoyed listening to them as well.

Tuesday was my birthday, thanks to everyone for the wonderful birthday posts, calls and shout outs on facebook.

My day started at work where they provided lunch and some delicious cake, then yummy dinner made special by Penee followed by dessert night hosted by my fabulous new roomie Anna.

Austin was the star of the night and made up a birthday song for me at the party which was truly a delight. I believe Julie took some video, if I can round it up I'll post for your viewing pleasure.

Wednesday the birthday week powers that be were still smiling on me as I watched the season opener of "LOST" I think it's going to be a good season.

Thursday Lex and I went to the temple, she's been such a good example to me of wanting to go every week until she leaves on her mission. Which I can't believe is almost here!

Here are lex and I snapping a pre concert photo

Friday Lex and I went with some friends to the Adele and James Morrison show. I just love live music. I thought James put on a fine show, I love him even more now after seeing him in person. The same is of course true for Adele as well. Her voice sounded just as strong and great in person.

The fam hit up "Baby Boomerang" on Saturday afternoon and I thought it was very well done. It made me proud of Uncle Charles and all those wonderful men who served our country in WWII. It also made me proud to be an Arnett :)Me, Dana, Auntie Kathleen and Jax getting ready for some movie fun

This week is going to be a busy one as I'm going to be putting in some extra hours at work. It will all be worth it though when I head out for some R&R to Nashville on Thursday! I've never been to Nashville and I'm looking forward to seeing what delights the city has to offer me!

Draper Temple Open House

2009-01-16T08:57:00.003-07:00

My friend Brian organized a group to go up to the Draper Temple open house last night. Although bitterly cold we still all managed to have a great time. We drove up to Draper and parked at a church just down the hill from the temple. We got to watch the short 12 minute presentation about temples and their importance and then we loaded up on "tour" buses for the short bus ride up the hill to the actual temple.

It's smaller than I was expecting but still beautiful. They used a lot of natural wood and earth tones which I thought went beautifully with it's surroundings, also the windows in the temple are absolutely gorgeous.

It was quite packed even as we were leaving at 10 pm and I felt bad for the volunteer ushers. It didn't look like they were going to find their way home any time soon.

We finished the night up by grabbing some grub at good ol' Applebees.

Thanks to B for organizing such a fun night!

Quote of the Day

2009-01-14T08:29:00.002-07:00

" To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable"

-C.S. Lewis

The last little while I and some close friends have had some experiences that have brought this quote to the front of my mind. I'm publicly stating that this year I'm going to dedicate myself to loving more and being open to the idea of love.

So you are all on notice.......I plan on loving each and every one of you more and better in 2009 (yes Queenie, this includes you!)

Sugar Fast

2009-01-06T12:20:00.002-07:00

I'm officially welcoming in 2009 with a sugar fast! As we all know, I am an Arnett and therefore highly addicted to all things sugar.

I started the sugar fast yesterday and plan on carrying it through until the 20th at which point I will be eating a slice of birthday cake and/or cheesecake from the cheesecake factory.

Last night I had a raging headache and felt so yuck that I was in my bed and asleep by 9:30 (it was either that or I was afraid I'd cave to the cravings and eat some sugar).

So now you all know my plan, to not eat sugar for 2 weeks, and I give you permission to hold me accountable. This could very well turn out to be the longest 2 weeks of my life!

Wish me luck :)

The fun continues

2008-12-27T10:17:00.004-07:00

Canyon continues to be obsessed with "Kung Fu Panda". We've now all officially watched it 20 times. Yesterdays fun also included Lex and I almost hitting a pedestrian whilst on our way to In N' Out. She stepped out when the light was still yellow. I had to swerve into another lane to avoid her and almost hit another car.....Yikes!

So to ramp down the stress level, Lexi and I went and got some Pedicures, which was delightful.

Here is the finished product.

We were also thrilled that Lacy and Peeps joined the fun yesterday. Dave comes today and then the circle will be complete. Canyon and Penelope were also thrilled to spend some Cousin time. Not deterred that Penelope out weighs her by probably 10 pounds, Canyon insited on "holding" her. The result is one ridiculously cute photo.

Canyon and Penelope Best Friends Forever

Hope you all are continuing to have as wonderful a Christmas week as we are :)

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T23:32:00.008-07:00

Today has been a great day. Lexi, H.B. and I got up this morning and went for a quick run, afterward everyone scattered to do their own last minute Eve things. Syd and Moe had to go to work and Lexi and Aussie took Cam to the airport and Penee and H headed out to see Cliff and do some grocery shopping.

Later on while we waited for Miley to get off work we all sat down and watched "Kung Fu Panda" none of us had ever seen it and we had a great time. Once Miley got home and all had eaten, we re-enacted the nativity-at least the part with Mary and the Donkey, and then Jeff and Pam came over and we talked and carried on some more :)

And now for a few photos-Aussie and Canyon snuggling on the couch

Canyon helping Lex get all gussied up

Canyon clearly has learned a few tricks from Grandpa H.B.

The Donkey takes Mary for a ride to Bethlehem

H.B. just getting warmed up as he tries to out funny his Brother Jeff

Christmas Vacation So Far.....

2008-12-23T21:58:00.009-07:00

We've braved arctic blizzard conditions, our ride down to AZ should have taken 9 hours and instead took 13 hours +. We arrived at 7 am this morning and immediately all crashed. We woke up around 9:30 got showered and headed down to Sierra Vista to pick up Aussie. Lucky us, it was another 6 hours round trip in the car. Here are some picture high lights

Lacy made us a delcious lunch when we arrived. Here is Sydnee, Lexi and Austin enjoying some delicious broccoli cheese soup

Here is The Steige maxin' and relaxin'

Twinsie time: Lexi and Syd enjoying some twin bonding time

Peeps showing off for the Aunties

Me soaking up some Penelope time

Tonight Camsies came over and we've been playing some Wii and having a few laughs. So far it's been the best Christmas ever :) Stayed tuned tomorrow for more H.B. Arnett Christmas Vacation 2008 updates.

Thanksgiving Weekend Recap

2008-12-02T08:27:00.010-07:00

This last weekend was so wonderful, as most Holidays are :) The fun started Wednesday. The Mayberry's had arrived at 4:30 a.m. I only had to work a half day so as Lacy and Lex jaunted off to do some shopping I took Peeps with me to my house for some one on one Auntie time. It was truly delightful. I haven't had the opportunity to do much of that with her living so far away.

Thursday morning H.B., Lex, Auntie Candy, Meghan, Dave and Myself all convened at the Orem Rec Center. We got all registered and did in fact run our 4 mile "Earn Your Turkey" race. With Dave and Lexi's running coach she whipped all our butts :) But the extra special shout out goes to my Dad and Aunt an unstoppable brother sister duo who proved that no matter what the age they are all about setting goals and accomplishing them. They are truly an inspiration.

(from l-r) Me, Candy, H.B., Lex, Meghan

Followng the race we all headed out to finish our Thanksgiving Dinner preparations. We were fortunate this year to have a wonderful mix of people. We had my Hendrix relatives, Uncle Ken, Jeff and Grandma Hendrix, along with Dave's family the Mayberry's, who are always a delight to be around I do assure you.

Here are some of the men shooting the breeze at my Mom's whilst waiting for some delicious turdey.
(from l-r) Dave, Steve (his bro), H.B., Uncle Ken

After Dinner and clean up we continued the fun over at Auntie Kathleen's house. We had desserts with all the Arnett's and children. It was a madhouse, but definitely in the good way. I love when we can all get together!

(from l-r) Mallory, Sadie, Me

The Shepherd Fam
(from l-r) Jax, Danny, Stacey

Joe and Mallory

A good group of the Arnett clan along with Dave's Mayberry brothers went to a 9:00 p.m. showing of "Australia". I loved this movie! To coin a Cameron phrase it was "Epic". I thought it was so romantic and loved the story. We didn't get out of the movie until 1:30 a.m. I headed home for a 2 hour power nap before leaving my house at 4:15 a.m. to get down to Wal-mart for "Black Friday".

It was crazy busy, busier than I've ever seen it. In all the madness I accidentally bought a Wii. Turns out I thought I was standing in line for Wii games, but when I was handed a console instead I thought maybe it was a sign from heaven ;)

Friday's marathon day continued with Lexi going through the temple for the first time. Quite a few of the Arnett's met at the Provo temple so we could be with her on the very important day. I love you Lex and I'm so proud of you!

Here is a pic of all the extended fam

Here is a pic of the H.B. Arnett fam
(from l-r) H.B., Penee, Lexi, Lindsay, Lacy and Dave

We had such a great time all weekend long. Saturday we did some shopping and met up with some cousins for a little Happy Sumo and hung out at my Mom and Dad's all Saturday night to soak up all the time with the Mayberry clan.

This weekend reminded me how much I love and adore all my family both immediate and extended and I can't wait until Christmas in AZ to spend some more time with my sisters and brother who I haven't seen in awhile and with all my fun AZ cousins1

Random Updates

2008-11-24T10:22:00.009-07:00

It's been brought to my attention (thanks Lex) that I have been a blogging slacker of late. Let me assure you that I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I just have been a lazy blogger, none the less I thought I'd give a recap of what I've been up to:

Devry's shower, we had a great turnout to celebrate the upcoming arrival of baby boy DelHoyo

Special thanks to Candy for the adorable baby bird cupcakes/party favors!

"Twilight" was a lot of fun, but next time I want to go to a midnight showing of a movie targeted to teens, will someone please remind me that I'm over 30 and that getting home at 2:30 a.m. just to turn around and go to work the next morning is liable to kill me? Thanks in advance friends :)

The movie was definitely "B" status. But I liked it over all. Where before I hated the casting of Pattinson, I now find him imminently "swoon" worthy. Unless you are a die hard fan of the books, I would steer very clear of this movie until all the madness dies down.

Loving the "Twilight" from L-R:
Auntie Kathleen, Devry, Me, Lexi, Dana
(missing from photo are Stacey and Mallory, but we love you guys anyway)

Rock Band with my single "peeps". I've been really blessed to have such fantastic single-tons in my ward. We meet for FHE every other Monday and it is always a good time. We have so much fun in fact that we often invite others, not of our Ward to join in :)

Special shout out to B for hosting us, I think we should have more of these kinds of parties :)

Pride and Prejudice the game. To Win this game, you must answer P&P trivia, navigate the highs and lows of Jane Austens world and finally get you and your significant other to the church. First one to get married wins. Could anything be more delightful?

Jane and Bingley just beat Lizzy and Darcy, but it was a close race I do assure you!

I got introduced to the artist Ray Lamontagne through a friend. We ended up going to his concert at Salt Air and it was one of the best shows I've been to in a very long time. He is now officially one of my favorite artists. Random side note: I don't think I've ever been out to Saltair, or if I had it's been so long as to not remember it.

Loving the interesting architecture at Saltair

Finally, what would a blog post be without a gratuitous picture of Miss Canyon Rose. She is up visiting her Hardman relatives for Thanksgiving and I sure do miss her even though it's only been a week.

Here is a pic of Penee, a pony and the little miss taken around the time of Halloween.

The end of this week I should have gratuitous pics of Miss "Peep" and the rest of her family. Can't wait for the Thanksgiving fun to start!

Save The Date

2008-11-06T10:06:00.002-07:00

Just as a heads up for all you lovelies out there. The DelHoyo fam is coming into town for Thanksgiving and we are going to celebrate the upcoming arrival of baby DelHoyo. So announcements to come in the mail but keep your Calendar free

NOVEMBER 22nd @ 1:00 p.m.

Twilight

2008-11-05T09:28:00.003-07:00

Ok friends, I'm putting out the word that tickets are already on sale and we've been slacking. Both of the cinemark locations are already sold out. There are still tickets at Thanksgiving point. The thing with the point is that the seats are reserved seating, so it could require some coordination.

Maybe I can get a count of who is potentially in and we can go from there. The date is November 20th at 11:59 p.m. - So obviously this is a midnight showing. I personally can't wait, and I hope that many of you will come and join the fun!

You Should All Be Very Jealous (or alternate title) Wendy I Love You

2008-10-29T20:56:00.003-06:00

You should know I love receiving packages in the mail. I mean REALLY love it. So when my dearest cousin Wendy leaves me a comment telling me that she found something whilst out thrift store shopping and wanted to send it to me the excitement factor was off the charts for the following reasons:

1) Wendy is the BEST thrift store shopper ever! I've never met anyone who can find the most fantastic things in the world. No one has the mad thrift store gem finding skills she has. Pink Chair anyone?

2) Did I mention the joy I find in packages delivered to my house?

Now here is the part where you should all be very, very jealous. I got home today and found my delicious package waiting for me to open. When what delight should burst forth?!?!

BEHOLD

Imagine lots of happy dancing and some very high pitched squealing upon seeing this! Thank you, thank you, thank you Wendy. I love it so very much.

Now if only I could find some people interested in playing it with me...................any takers?

"Earn Your Turkey"

2008-10-24T11:33:00.005-06:00

The details and registration are now available! Come one come all.....I think the name puts it quite aptly.

I'm excited to race with all my dear family on Turkey day. Click HERE for all the details. The adrenaline is building all ready!

Please notice that there is a 2 mile "health" walk, so no excuses for all of you non-runners out there. Come and hang out with us run or walk (Kathy, Penee, Mal Pal ).

Just because you don't suffer from A.S.S. don't feel like you can't join in the fun. Friends and card carrying members of the Arnett Fan Club are welcome as well :)

Liquid Liner

2008-10-10T09:27:00.004-06:00

This morning as I was rushing around like a mad woman running just a little behind and feeling stressed about it. I found a reason to be grateful and it came in the form of liquid eyeliner.

I haven't always worn liquid eyeliner or for that matter eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara......ok you get the picture. In my younger years I rarely if ever sported make-up. As I've gotten older, and hopefully a little bit wiser, I have decided that my face looks better with a "fresh coat of paint". I think Grandma Ethel would have agreed that this can apply not only to lipstick but to all the arts of make-up enhancement.

Now the reason for my gratitude. I'm one of those who always has something swirling in my brain. I literally can not sleep in on a Saturday morning because I wake up thinking of the million things I both need and want to do that day. Most days of the week I'm rushing to get out the door and get to work on time. I feel grateful for the liner because it gives me the opportunity every morning to take some deep breaths, settle myself and find peace, even if it's just for the 2 minutes or less it takes me to apply it.

For those of you who have ever worn this particular make-up enhancement, you know what I'm talking about. Maybe some of you are much more skilled at the art of putting it on than I, but for me it can not be a rush job. It requires a steady hand and a bit of calm to not walk out of the house looking like a disaster. I find that once I've conjured up that calm it stays. Maybe it doesn't last all day, but at the very least it follows me out the door.

Today I felt grateful for all of the moments of calm and peace I have in the sometimes stormy seas of life. I'll take it, even when it comes in liquid liner form.

The Jane Bennett Hump

2008-10-08T11:52:00.005-06:00

I'm sad to admit that I previously had been starting to get the Jane Bennett hump. All you who have seen the '95 BBC production of "Pride and Prejudice" know to what I am referring.

Good news though......thanks to all the running and therefore strengthening of my back muscles my hump is almost all gone.

So thanks running, one more reason to love you :)

A Girl Can Dream

2008-10-01T08:39:00.002-06:00

I now have a new dream. I first heard of these bikes for rent in France from Lex on her European adventure this year. I borrowed this photo from Dave's cousins blog. My new dream vacation involves Paris, one of these bikes and riding them along all the many bridges throughout the city.

SYTYCD

2008-09-24T08:24:00.008-06:00

I went to the concert last night and it was truly fabulous. They performed all the hits from the season. Including: The Garden, The Door Dance, The Briefcase Dance, The Mia Michaels bed number and many, many other delights.

I thought all the dancers had such good chemistry together and I realize that Will just somehow didn't translate on T.V. If people would have been watching him in person there is no way they could have failed to be blown away.

If next year I can only pick one show to see between A.I. and SYTYCD the latter wins hands down. Here are a few photos from our fun night last night.

Here we are before the show from L-R
Alecia, myself, Kimberly, Christine

Christine and I getting excited for the "door" dance

I loved their interactions and the way they all introduced each others dances. The intermission was so much better than Idol.

Me and Alecia-still laughing about that guy with the sweet "throwing the dice" dance move. Ask me, I'd be happy to demonstrate :)

Gratuitous shot of the crowd-Jen I know you were in here somewhere, hope you loved the show as much as I did!

Training for the Thanksgiving 5k

2008-09-17T09:13:00.002-06:00

I'm excited that the some of the fam are in for this fun run! In order to help some of the newbie's (and myself) I thought I'd post a website I love that gives you a training schedule so you can be ready for the big day. Click Here

As soon as info becomes available on registration for the run I'll be sure to let you know. In the meantime I think we should resurrect the running blog Really Running a Marathon Ok, so maybe it's not a marathon, but it could feel like it for some of us.

It's motivating to share our stories of training and to encourage one another. What do you all think? For those of you who want to add to the running blog and haven't been added to it I petition Lacy to add you and let's discuss.....after all if there is one thing we are all really good at it's talking about ourselves ;)

Random updates

2008-09-05T08:56:00.010-06:00

It's been awhile since I posted and I thought I'd share some of the random end of summer fun I've been having.

As you all know I'm not what one would call "outdoorsy". This summer I've had the opportunity to camp quite a bit, and I've found that with the right pad to sleep on and some good company camping can be rather delightful.

Here is a pic of my view whilst enjoying a good fire.

Here is my friend Christine and I. Like I said good friends make all the difference to a fun camping trip.

A week or so I also got invited to a "sleep-over" in a friends back yard. The only thing that could have made this more fun, was if they had a trampoline to sleep on. Then we could have done it old school, like when we were 12.Camping, with all the comforts of home. I love having real "facilities".

Other fun has taken place this summer. Lexi's good friend Mallory got married, Lexi was the best bridesmaid ever. She got a tan that made us all wonder what might have been if HB would have married a Latina ;)No guys, it's not the Latin Oprah.......It's Lex

I've also still been running and doing a lot of hiking. I'm so blessed to live in such a beautiful area.

Jaree and I up Rock Canyon

Carol and I...same place

I've tried new foods....hello pink filipino delciousness
Jaree, my guide to all things Filipino

All in all it's been a truly fantastic summer. Filled with good food, friends and scenery. I hope the fall turns out to be just as fantastic!

For Your Enjoyment

2008-08-26T16:46:00.003-06:00

A friend just linked me to this and it's one of the funnier things I've read in awhile. Please do yourself a favor and read the comments, because they are as classic as the post. Without further adieu-

The Top Ten Chick Repellent items of 2008

I L.O.V.E. the Olympics

2008-08-11T09:10:00.007-06:00

I had a fantastic weekend. The Olympics started and I'm obsessed by them. I've been Tivo'ing everything and staying up ridiculously late to watch all the events I possibly can.

Friday evening Carol hosted Marc, Molly and I at her house for an opening ceremonies party. We ate Chinese food, talked about world events and thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremonies.

Saturday morning I went out to Cedar Hills and met up with my friend Julie and her niece. We caught a showing of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" I really liked the movie and the altercation I had with the teenager in the theater didn't dampen my love (if interested in details of altercation I will elaborate to you personally).

I followed up a fun afternoon with Jules and Co. by heading up to SLC with some friends to try some Filipino food. It was an interesting experience. I like 50% of what we ordered. Here are some photos of our food. The pink dish was a bit, how do you say?........disgusting. But the company was good and I love the adventure that trying new food always is.

These were the 2 Filipino dishes we ordered. The one on the left was pretty delicious.

Here is Juree modeling how the hue of this dish matches her shirt almost exactly.

I spent pretty much the entire day yesterday engrossed in the Olympics. Could that 4x100 relay last night have been any better? How about the drama that the U.S.A. Women's gymnasts conjured up! I'm on the edge of my seat for what other delights this Olympics will bring!

Just for Fun

2008-08-01T08:37:00.003-06:00

Canyon is a little bit obsessed with baby Cate. She was especially concerned that I was taking a picture of her naked belly. She'll make a great addition to the modesty police.

A.S.S. Rears It's Ugly Head

2008-07-30T08:27:00.004-06:00

(Disclaimer- this is not an actual picture of me biking. They clearly look way to professional)

That's right, Arnett Self-Assured Syndrome. Turns out I have plenty of it. When we went on our hike up at Sundance over the 4th of July I saw some mountain bikers out and about on the mountain. I thought it looked fun and thanks to A.S.S. I was sure I would have no problems mastering it. I mean I've ridden a bike before, how hard could it be?

Pretty difficult as it turns out. mtn. biking, is not quite the same as riding around on a bike with a banana seat.....who knew?!?!

I rented a bike last week from Outdoors Unlimited at BYU. I had it for the week and took it for it's first spin last Friday. I went just off 8th north in Orem, on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. I had 3 problems really.

1. I didn't understand how my gears worked and so it was WAY more ridiculously hard than it needed to be.

2. The sheer cliff on one side intimidated me a bit, therefore I was more cautious going downhill and so didn't have enough speed to get up the uphill.

3. I'm not as coordinated as one would think to look at me. I hear biking is a bit better when you stay on the bike the whole time. Although the view from the scrub oak wasn't so bad, I chose to look at my falls as "rest breaks".

I went out again yesterday, this time I was smarter and recruited a mtn. biking expert who couldn't have been more helpful and encouraging. I was shown how the gears actually worked, given many helpful tips and tricks that made it so much more enjoyable.

My biking friend is some sort of professional biking machine and since riding uphill on a bike made my heart feel like it would beat out of my chest. I had my friend bike on for a bit whilst I went at my significantly slower pace.

Maybe it makes me weird, but I think all those people taking the lifts up at Sundance were cheating a bit. For me the best part is the sense of accomplishment when after all that hard work of getting up the mountain you finally turn around and get to fly back down the hill (and obviously I use the term "fly" loosely as a description of what I did yesterday). I can't think that the downhill would be as much fun without the work of getting yourself uphill.

Verdict: I really liked it and think I could like it more and more as I got better at it. So here's hoping I have plenty of opportunities to get good. Up for a bike ride anyone?

Happy Birthday Dad

2008-07-22T11:53:00.004-06:00

(Penee and H-London 2007)

Today is H.B.'s actual birthday. This is my birthday shout out to the big man on his big day.

I spoke with him this morning and his birthday plans involved a golf game with his Uncle Floyd, a nap and some dinner with the fam tonight. I love you Dad and hope you have a very Happy Birthday indeed .

H.B.'s 60th Birthday Bash

2008-07-19T23:00:00.015-06:00

H.B.'s weekend o' fun started when Syd, Lacy and Peeps surprised him by arriving Friday night. I for one am so glad that they did because there was so much to do to get ready that I never could have made it without their two sets of extra hands. Thanks ladies!

Here's Lacy and Grandma helping with the set up

These are our fun golf themed centerpieces

The amazing cake Aunt Candy made. Notice the golf ball to the right. That's cake too!

H.B.'s limited edition trading card. Courtesy of Ryan Brijs productions. Thanks again Ry!

A view from the back. All of H.B.'s "stats"

The decorations-theme.........H.B. through the years

Lance taking a trip down H.B.'s memory lane.

The people enjoying the party

Candy and H.B.-cutting the cake

Me, My Dad and of course the Dr.

Most of the Fam-Me, Sydnee, Dad, Mom, Canyon, Lexi, Lacy and Penelope (we missed you Austin and Miley!!)

This is all Canyon had left in her by the end of the day

Luckily Peeps still felt the love

I hope you had a fun party Dad. I love you, Happy Birthday (early)

American Idols-In Concert

2008-07-15T09:30:00.003-06:00

A group of friends and I went to the "E" center last night to partake in a little Idol worship. It was such a fun show and one of the loudest that I have ever been to. The loudness factor wasn't for the usual reason however. The crowd was on fire for David Archuleta.

Anytime his name was mentioned, face was flashed or "Risky Business" commercial was shown, the noise from the cheering crowd was deafening. It was actually really cool and I was glad for David A.

Recap of the show:

Chikize opened the show. He was incredible, what a fantastic performer with a fantastic voice. This show is all covers really so they were all able to perform songs from their styles and he picked some Usher-"Caught Up" which was terrific and a little John Legend which I also enjoyed.
Great way to start off the night!

Ramiele- I won't even bother to tell you about this performance. She's a cute girl but her voice is just not strong, bless her heart. And she had to follow the Chik, not good for her let me tell you.

Michael Johns-is it just me or has he always been that attractive. He did mostly Queen covers and I thought it was great! He seemed really comfortable on stage and the crowd had a good time as well.

Kristy Lee Cook- Alecia and I had are fingers ready for eye poking when it was her turn, but she actually did a pretty good job. She knows how to use what she's got to work with and I'd say her "moves" were the best of the night. Actually this was probably a tie between her and Syesha, but I digress. She sang "God Bless America" and closed with a nice rockin' country song which I thought suited her very well. I never needed to poke an eye once. So thumbs up!

Carly- I really like her, and we decided that a Michael Johns/Carly concert would be such fun. She opened with Evanessence and close with "Crazy on You" be Heart. As I heart, Heart I enjoyed. Thought she was a great performer.

Brooke-Got some of the biggest cheers of the night. She used the double reference of saying "This is the place" and proceeded to have an amazing performance two of the three songs sung were "Yellow" by Coldplay and a great cover of "1, 2, 3, 4" by Feist.

I waited until almost the end of intermission for my bathroom break as Jason Castro was first after and I didn't care to see him perform. However the bathroom gods combined against me as I have never in my life experienced a shorter line for the Women's restroom at any sort of public event. So I caught all 3 of his songs......

Jason Castro-Still looked stoned but all in all I thought he did well. His voice sounded better than I remembered. He opened with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" The Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole version. He played the Uke and did pretty well. Then he sang "Daydream" by Lovin' Spoonful. He commented that he was only introduced to this song through the show. I was a bit surprised by this. Finally he ended with "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. Which I thought was a pretty interesting rendition.

Syesha-I will preface by saying she bugs. She opened with a Rhianna number "Umbrella". Followed by and Alicia Keys number. At this point I have to be honest I thought she was singing songs way out of her league. However her last version was "Listen" from DreamGirls. This song blew me away! I had chills, I thought it was one of the best performances of the night.

David Archuleta- He came up on the piano singing "Angels" which was classic. You couldn't hear most of the song over the crowd roaring their support for the home town hero. Same thing throughout his entire performance. It was so loud that I was surprised the roof didn't blow right off. He was very emotional and adorable through all 4 of his songs. He did such a fantastic job and his version of "Stand By Me" was completely to die for.

David Cook-Bless him, had to follow the Arch in Utah. He did a great job, I really enjoyed his version of "Hello" which we are all familiar with, he obviously sang the Idol song, and he sang his cover of "Billie Jean" which I thought was amazing live.

So there you have it. My recap of how I thought all the Idols did. What a great night and thanks to Brian helping me to open my mind to the joy of David Cook, I felt like I especially saw him through new eyes and could even see myself perhaps purchasing his album. Stranger things have happened.

A Tale of Two Ipods

2008-07-11T08:20:00.002-06:00

I lost my Ipod. Friday after the race is the last time I remember seeing it. I've called everywhere that I was this last weekend. Ryan and Dana kindly looked in their vehicles. Devry checked in the Pacifica from our Saturday adventures. I called Magleby's Fresh to see if any Ipods had been located. I even called my friend Carol on the long shot that it was in her car from Cul-de-sac of fire. No luck.

I've taken this week mostly off of running and I was a bit scared about how running would go without my Ipod to get me through the first 10-15 minutes until I get in "the zone".

I have long wanted the Nike + system. But my Ipod was a full size and the Plus system only works with the Nano. Since I had the other Pod I couldn't justify buying the Nano. So I thought perhaps the Universe was telling me that it was my time to get this system.

Last night I went to my company party. As part of the festivities they had a raffle for all employees. Clearly the Universe is on my side as I won a brand new Ipod Nano in the raffle.

I love it when the Universe works for you and not against you. Thanks Universe!!

Cul-de-sac of fire

2008-07-06T09:53:00.008-06:00

Carol invited me out to a super fun neighborhood party yesterday. Affectionately known as Cul-de-sac of fire. I really did live up to it's name.

Here we are anticipating the good times to come

The yummy food

The Rock Band set up

Elvis, the entertainment performing "Evolution of Dance"

And Illegal Fireworks. Thank goodness the cops only showed up after we were all done.

What a perfectly, perfect and fun night! Thanks for the invite Carol!

More Fun

2008-07-05T18:16:00.009-06:00

The fun continued today as a bunch of the Larry Arnett fam and I headed up to Sundance. We thought we'd go for a light hike and eat some lunch up there. It was beautiful and so much fun!

Stacey, Jax, Joe, Cam (Joe and Jax had a death grip on the safety bar) The ride up clearly made them a little bit nervous.

Devry, Kath, Dana & Sadie Rose. Sadie who was not one bit nervous said of the death grip Dana had around her waist, "Momma your choking me!" Classic.

It was also at this point that she requested to sit by her "Big" best friend Devry. Not to be confused with her "little" best friend Gracie.

Here we are hiking up a storm. Dana was in flip flops, so the hike turned out to be a bit of a challenge for her.

Totally worth it though when we got to enjoy the view. Sammy's have never tasted so good :)

Cam taught Jax some guy tricks to surviving in the wild

It clearly involved some bare bum action, which we all thoroughly enjoyed.

Here are the ladies in all of our post hike deliciousness
Kathleen, Stacey, Dana, Me, Devry

Finally, Camsies and I......So glad you could come to visit!

10K

2008-07-04T14:57:00.003-06:00

Here are Dana and I at Magelby's in all our after run sweaty glory

Got up this morning about 5:15. Dana picked me up and we made our way over to Kiwanis Park on 9th and 9th in Provo. We started the run uphill with about 1000 other runners. It wasn't too hot which was a blessing. Another great thing about this route is that it takes you down University Ave and up Center Street in Provo. This is hugely motivating as there are a bajillion people camped out along this route waiting for the parade to start.

Not only do they cheer you on which is kind of cool, but they ramp up the shame factor you would feel if you were walking. So good times!

Dana came in under her goal time as did I. Mine was 1 hour and 30 minutes and I crossed the line at 1:28:08. I felt like it was a good effort for my first 6 + mile race. I can't wait to keep training and see what happens next year!

We then met the Larry Arnett and extended fam at Magelby's Fresh. We had a delish breakfast of omelettes and pancakes. Dana and I decided that we are making this a family tradition from now on. So everyone dust off your running shoes and train for a 5k, 10k or 1 mile fun run in '09.

A Red Hot 4th

2008-07-03T09:34:00.002-06:00

I adore the 4th. Who doesn't really? This holiday's festivities will include Dana and I running the Freedom Festival 10k. Race starts at 7:00 a.m. I'm planning on eating Dana's dust as she takes of like a shot. As long as I make it in under an hour and a half I will consider my 6.2 mile run a huge success.

Our run will be followed up by some tasty breakfast, hopefully eaten at Magelby's Fresh. All are welcome to join us. We should be ready to start eating breakfast no later than 9-9:30. Come on......you know you want to get up early and eat something delicious!

Since my Fam has ditched me for a hot, like the surface of the sun, 4th in AZ, The Taufers have graciously allowed me to tag along to their fun BBQ later that afternoon. The day will of course be capped of with some fab fireworks.

Hope everyone else is planning on having a ridiculously good 4th!

Toyota-May The Force Be With You

2008-06-27T10:23:00.003-06:00

Just got this from my friend Sherry. Hi Sherry!! It was too classic to not share with the rest of you!

Kiting

2008-06-17T08:56:00.006-06:00

Last night a group from the Ward had a delish BBQ. One of the gents goes kiting all the time and owns his own power kites. I've been harassing him for quite some time for a lesson and last night he thought we just might have enough wind to try it out. So we headed down to the UVU practice field to give it a whirl. Let me tell you that it was so much fun.

Here is Marc and his kite getting us all set up

Even though there was practically no wind Marc managed to get the kite in the air. This is why he is known as the "Kite Whisperer"

I thought I would give it a go

I even managed to keep it in the air a time or two.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T09:15:00.003-06:00

To the best, brightest, best looking, funniest, most charming, all around greatest guy ever.........My Dad. Love, Love, Love you! Happy Father's Day.

5K Accomplished

2008-06-14T10:44:00.006-06:00

My friend Carol and I left the house this morning at 7:30 to head over for the summerfest 5k. We arrived and got all checked in complete with numbers and free T-shirts. Penee and H came to support us and snap some photos. Thanks for the lovely support guys!

Here is picture of Carol and I anticipating the event

Here is one of Penee and I. Thanks again for coming to support Mom and Dad! Love you guys!
Here's HB snapping me at the finish. He couldn't quite figure out how to work the camera and as Carol made it in under 40 minutes he was unable to get one of her. Thank goodness the 6 year old came along and told him how to get it turned on :)

From these shots I almost look like an actual runner. Great camera work Dad!

Preparing to run a 5K

2008-06-12T16:52:00.003-06:00

First of all let me preface by saying that I recognize this is no Marathon. But it is my first race since I've been training and I'm very excited about it. For those of you not familiar with Orem Summerfest it kicks off Saturday's activities with this early fireman's 5K. The day continues on with more fun and frivolity culminating in an amazing fireworks display. I'm excited. I'm even more excited after talking to Lacy this afternoon. I've been having in my mind that a 5K is 4 miles, I've been training accordingly, turns out it's only 3 and some change. So now I'm feeling extra confident about running it.

After this I'm continuing my training to participate in the 10K on the 4th of July. This I've been assured is in fact 6 miles and some change. Dana, you still in?

Pictionary

2008-06-03T09:34:00.003-06:00

I had occasion to play some Pictionary last night. Turns out I'm not very good at it. I don't know if it's my lack of drawing skills, or if I'm only used to playing with family, with whom I obviously have one mind. I feel to apologize to my team for dragging them down, it was a comedy of errors for Team 2 last night and I provided the unintentional comedy!

In my defense I did have some unfortunate draws. I mean really, who knows how to draw things like;

Jury
Drag Racing
Mosaic

That's right people!!! While some of the other teams were getting items like;

shooting star
and
rocket

it did seem stacked against me. I suppose some of the other teams had their own incidents.

There was an unfortunate scenario with a monkey and what was supposed to be a tail........I'll leave the rest to your imagination :) There was also a cowboy and a rapper with bling all in the name of "posse".

Overall I would say the star of the show had to be my friend Carol. Not only was she amazing at getting people to guess her subjects, special shout out goes to her for her help with "Permanent Press". I was trying to draw a tatoo, she whispered her suggestion that I perhaps try to draw a girl with a bad Perm. This exactly illustrates why she wins best pictionary player award and I win should never play pictionary again award.

A Cousins Weekend

2008-05-26T15:37:00.010-06:00

These pics are from last weekend when Lacy was in town for her marathon. I've been a bit slow in posting but believe me they are worth the wait!

Canyon and Peeps living it up

Lexi and Canyon off for a rideGrandpa, Grandma & Penelope

Canyon contemplating running through the sprinklers

Peeps thinks it's a good ideaCanyon shares her popsicle
and gives Penelope a ride in the wagon

All in all a very fun weekend for two of the cutest cousins. I can't wait for more fun cousin time with these two cuties!

St. G

2008-05-23T11:29:00.002-06:00

I'm headed down south for the Memorial Day weekend. I'll be hitting this place up.

You know how I can't resist their breakfast!

A Tip Of The Hat

2008-05-22T11:16:00.003-06:00

Cameron in all his glory

This man is the reason that we all gathered to AZ in the first place. I love you Cam and am so proud of you! Thanks for letting me participate in your big day!!

Cibola

2008-05-22T09:59:00.010-06:00

Wow! My hat is officially off to the children of Howard and Ethel (Kathleen gets a shout out too). Driving down from Phoenix we were treated to this stunning scenery.

Once we arrived in the thriving metropolis we noticed a few choice businesses. I didn't get a picture of "steaks and cakes" but I did capture this gem.

From here we drove down to Cibola. Here are a few pics

The River

The Brothers (Jeff, H.B., Cliff, Larry) We missed you Candy!The Bishop's Place. No rats were shot while we were there and I wasn't offered any "Burro Jerky" but it was still a wonderful time.

Lacy capturing H.B.'s wit and wisdom for posterityJeff and H.B. walking along the canal my Grandpa Howard dug. Towards the site of H.B.'s Baptism.

At the site of the crash. It was a very solemn and amazing experience. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to have been here and see this for myself first hand. It was good to hear the brothers first hand recollections of this very sad event that changed so many lives in it's wake.

Marathons are Hard Work

2008-05-18T23:37:00.007-06:00

Don't let anyone tell you different. It take a lot of preparation both to participate.....special shout outs to Dana, Lacy and Brent! But it also takes a lot of effort to be a marathon supporter. I'd like to pay tribute to both special groups on my blog today.

First is where the two groups are the same. Both have to get up ridiculously early (ok, maybe the runners 5:00 a.m time slot was a little more grueling than the supporters 7:00 a.m wake up call but early is still early)

Here is Lex preparing for the big day.

And here I am gearing up

Now obviously the stars of the show were the three runners. I wish we would have snapped some photos of Brent, but sadly we missed him running by. We only have our two lovely Arnett ladies in all their glory!

Here is Dana and Lac just finishing up 18 miles.....yes I said 18. On their way to 8.2 more. Way to go! You guys looked outstanding considering the distance ran!
The supporters thought their efforts at the over half way point should be documented as well. Here is a shot of the supporters in all their 18 mile mark glory.....

Never let it be said we don't know how to support in style. (Lindsay, Devry, Ryan and Mallory)

We then made our way down to the finish line. So we could do our supporter duty and cheer on our amazing runners. We missed Brent crossing......again. But luckily Dave snapped a photo it can be found over on Lacy's Blog.

But I did capture a sweet pic of the ladies finishing up their amazing day with amazing effort. Seriously I am so proud of you guys! What a wonderful accomplishment. Lacy, Dana you are my heroes!!

Baby Coming

2008-05-14T09:35:00.003-06:00

We can't wait to see you Peeps!

Canyon's Here!

2008-05-14T09:30:00.002-06:00

Canyon came down last Friday to spend some time with her Arnett peeps. Here she is on Mother's Day having a "serious" conversation with Aunt Syd.

Her current favorite things include:

Playing Tea Party with Grandma and Grandpa

The "Meow, Meow"

Coloring

Being ridiculously cute!

Happy Birthday To The Big Pen

2008-05-09T12:28:00.003-06:00

Today is my Mom's Birthday. This picture is of Penee and H.B. taken at a cousins wedding. See how excited H.B. is that he gets to be married to this woman?

His expression pretty much says it all, both for him and for all of Penee's children. How lucky are we to have this special lady in our lives?

I hope it's the best day ever Mom. Filled with gardening, birds, movies, food and lots of love and laughter.

I love you!!

My Renewed Love of the Library

2008-05-07T08:54:00.003-06:00

I have a love affair with books. It's been going on for years at least since I was 11 and Sunny and I would get dropped off at the mall where we would each buy a Nancy Drew mystery, read said mystery and then swap. Twice the fun!

I've obviously loved the Library before. One of my requirements before agreeing to move to Ireland was that I could have my OWN library card (I didn't want to have to rely on others for library privileges). My one bid for independence whilst there.

I don't know what it is but I often forget the delights a library can hold. Especially for a girl on a budget. Ever since purchasing my Condo at the beginning of this year I'm always looking for ways to shave a few dollars off the old budget. Since books are about as necessary to my life as air I decided to give the Library another whirl.

Highlights:

Not feeling guilty for not finishing a book if it's lame. I always feel guilty when said book is purchased.

Trying different genres and books I might not otherwise have tried.

"Shopping" online. This basically means you look at their selection online and put a book on hold, then someone else pull the books off the shelf for me so all I have to do is pick them up (am I the laziest person ever?!?!)

Reading too much......I love getting engrossed in a great story!

Lowlights:

Having to be "wait listed" I lack patience and don't always enjoy waiting for things including books I want to read.

Reading to much......Is it my JOB to personally read every book the library holds? I only wish it were.

Did I mention that the library also rents movies for a dollar. Lex and I enjoyed another viewing of "Bleak House" in this manner, which was a delight I do assure you.

If any of you need a library buddy, you now know whom to contact. Or better still if you have another activity that doesn't involve reading that might be best. My eyes could use the rest.

The Catherine O'Hara Question

2008-05-02T09:26:00.003-06:00

The lovely Catherin O'Hara

Self Portrait taken just this morning......what do you think? Catherine O'Hara 2.0?

Yesterday a friend of mine told me that he thought I looked a lot like Ms. O'Hara. It isn't the first time I have been told this. I now put this out to the Blogosphere. Do I indeed look like Catherine?

Do you think if I were to shout out, "KEVIN!!!" That all around me would immediately put both of their hands to their cheeks and let out a prolonged scream?

Have you frequently found yourself when we are hanging out humming the words to Day-O. Or worse fighting the uncontrollable urge to shout three times, "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice"?

Is this why we love Christopher Guest movies so much? They make you feel like we are hanging out even when we are far apart? Thus I give you.........the Catherine O'Hara question.

Year of the Snake

2008-04-30T12:48:00.003-06:00

Can this even be right? A little while ago I had lunch with some peeps at the Mongolian BBQ. I noticed on my place mat the Chinese zodiac I further noticed that I was born in the year of the snake.....really? I just don't see myself as a snake. Click here for wikipedia's definition which is a bit more detailed but here is the over all rundown:

People born in the Year of the Snake are deep. They say little and possess great wisdom. They never have to worry about money; they are financially fortunate. Snake people are often quite vain, selfish, and a bit stingy. Yet they have tremendous sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate. Snake people tend to overdo, since they have doubts about other people's judgment and prefer to rely on themselves. They are determined in whatever they do and hate to fail. Although calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate. Snake people are usually good-looking and sometimes have marital problems because they are fickle. They are most compatible with the Ox and Rooster.

Normally when you read your regular horoscope you see a glimmer in there, I mean the only thing right on in this assessment is the ridiculously good looking part ;)

Ok but seriously, Is this me? For the rest of you click here to find your Zodiac sign.

Rock Band

2008-04-28T08:13:00.004-06:00

I played this for the first time this weekend and it was so much fun. There were also skittles involved (thanks Brian!) which just upped the fun factor, for me at least.

I was decent at bass, ok on vocals, lame at guitar and decent with the drums. Although I must say that drums were my absolute favorite. We had a fun group that let down their inhibitions and all took turns with all the different elements. It really was a blast. I hope I won't have to wait too long until I can play this game again. It's very clear why it is so addicting!

Cibola

2008-04-23T16:37:00.001-06:00

I'm in! I plan on joining the adventure and just bought my plane ticket today. Can't wait!

The Thrill of Whitney

2008-04-17T11:52:00.004-06:00

I'm clearly feeling the old school today. Maybe it was Kristen's post about MC that put me in the mood but I have been listening to the sound track from The Bodyguard and it's been bringing my heart a large amount of 90's glee.

I mean original power ballads like,

"I Have Nothing"
&
"Run to You"

Not to mention the Dolly remake of "I Will Always Love You".

Songs and singers like this make me grateful I have ears. Just saying.

R.O.C. -Remembering our Culture

2008-04-16T08:03:00.010-06:00

My good friend Julie's Brother and Sister-in-law run a multicultural group know as R.O.C. They put on 2 performances a year and they are fantastic. It's so fun to see all the diversity we have here in Utah County.

It's especially fun because her nieces are in the group and are so talented. They showcase 5 different cultures; African, Asian, Latino, Native American, Polynesian. Here are a few photos I snapped of the dances from last night. Sorry that they are dark, but I'm sure you can still see the fun!

The Polynesians doing their thing

Chinese Fan Dance

Native American Hoop Dance

Julie and her family are part of the Iroquoi nation in upstate NY. That's her Niece on the far right.

Lessons learned from Apollo 13

2008-04-15T14:51:00.001-06:00

This weekend I was flipping through channels on the T.V. I chanced upon Apollo 13 and ended up crying my way through the entire program. I learned some really spiritual lessons from this little gem of a show and I’m going to share some of those here on my blog.

Obviously you all have either seen this movie or at least understand the premise but there were a few things that really struck me. I found so much of the Lord’s hand in what happened to Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, Jack Swigert and even Ken Mattingly who had to be left behind. I felt to draw some parallels to my own life.

These men all of them worked for years to accomplish their dream of flying into space, which all had accomplished at the point of this mission. In addition to that they wanted to walk on the moon. They prepared and worked tirelessly before it was their turn to attempt this mission. They wanted nothing more in life than this.

There are blessings and desires that I have for my life that I want as much as Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks character) and crew wanted to walk on the moon. The first thing that struck me was that these men were prepared. They thought that they were prepared to accomplish a successful mission, and they were, but as much as they prepared for success, that preparation allowed them to weather disaster.

How often do I find that the preparations I have made for the goal or blessing I want ends up allowing me to weather the storms, or some might even say disasters that inevitably come before the realization of the blessing. In fact overcoming makes me stronger for the next mission which pattern will ultimately lead to gaining the righteous desires of my heart or successful completion of my “mission” in this life.

Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise’s character) is an original member of the team. He had been training with the team for years but days before they are to leave for this mission his dream is taken away since he has been exposed to measles and therefore can not go with his team. He’s upset and angry at these turn of events and we witness a little bit of the bitterness he feels at how this dream is turning out for him.

Why is this significant? Who reading this has not felt bitterness at a dream unrealized? In fact who hasn’t felt a little bitterness at just a strong want unrealized? Why is it so hard to trust God in all things? He has a plan for us, always……always.

Of course it turns out that the explosion on the shuttle leaves those in space with limited power to get home and procedures are needed to use what little power they have to power up so they can make it safely home. Who else but Mattingly would have such an intimate an extensive knowledge of the space craft and could have successfully created procedures. You could argue that the three stranded men would never have made it home without Mattingly on the ground to make it happen. God knew, just like he knows in my life what is needed? Why do I fail to trust? Out of all of the Astronauts that were supposed to go on the mission and did go on the mission only Mattingly ended up walking on the moon. While God needed his dream to be suspended for a time to help others he allowed it ultimately to be fulfilled. This just felt so significant to me.

At the end of the movie they go on to say that there were thousands of people working to get 3 home. These men were able to accomplish things by using the power of the collective that the men in space could never have done for themselves. Without the support team encouraging them, helping to solve problems behind the scenes and working together it’s a given that the 3 in space would have perished. What a testimony of how God always cares about the one. He has a great work to accomplish for all men but he never loses sight of the needs of each individual.

None of us can get home or accomplish our mission alone. There is always a huge cast of characters in each of our lives cheering us on and helping us along the way. Going back to Apollo 13, I think specifically of how Co2 levels were too high in the space craft. If these levels would have gone over safe levels the astronauts would have suffered from disorientation, loss of critical thinking and ultimately a slow form of brain damage. There chances of getting home would be significantly diminished. What was required if you will remember was to make a square filter fit into a round filters hole. The right people were there at the right time, with the right gifts and skills to figure out how in fact to fit a square peg into a round hole.

God knows what is needed in my life to bring me home as it were. He knows that I am going to have problems, trials and just flat out am going to need rescued. He will place the people and things in place for me and of course all of us to help us get back home.

I thought immediately about all the supporting cast of characters I have in my own life. My beloved family both immediate and extended along with amazing friends, those at church and in my neighborhood, parents of friends I grew up with and co-workers and how frequently there love, support, experiences and spiritual insights help me to fit the square pegs into the round holes of my life. How often their counsel and experiences keep me from getting disoriented and losing my direction. I know that they will all help me to get home.

I still have promised blessings and righteous desires for this life that have left to be realized. But I know that if I trust in God and keep moving forward trying to be as prepared as I can that he will put into place everything that is needed and they will be accomplished. I also know as surely as he brought 3 astronauts safely home from space, he has provided everything that I need so that I will arrive safely home to him when this life is over. For this I am truly grateful

Did I Mention.....

2008-04-10T10:39:00.002-06:00

I bought this album and it's amazing! Check this out for a review of a conversation Stephanie and I had about her awhile ago.

I'm just this good

2008-04-07T12:29:00.000-06:00

83 words

Speed test

When April Fool's Goes Horribly Awry

2008-04-02T08:07:00.002-06:00

Yesterday as you know was April Fool's Day. I'm sure many a joke was perpetrated to great effect. However there was one turn of events, thought to be a joke that was not all that funny.

I have been interviewing with a company in SLC for an Accounts Payable position. I met with the manager of the department on Friday and was called back for a second interview yesterday. I told me current employer that I would be taking an extra long lunch as I had an appointment in SLC. I headed up and met with the Controller and CFO. The interview went well and I was asked if they could contact my current employer. I asked them to wait until the following day because I hadn't filled my current employer in on my interviews. They said they would wait to contact.

I arrived back at work and got engrossed in what I was doing, around 4 ish I hear someone buzz my boss and tell him that Trish with -the company I interviewed with- was on the phone and could he take the call. He did and his side of the conversation sounded like this....." yep, uh huh, excellent....hmmm, sure!"

When he got off the phone and came over to my desk I said, "I was going to talk to you about this today. They were not supposed to call you until tomorrow." He said to me, "your friend didn't do a very good job of keeping the joke up, by the end she was laughing, good April Fool's joke but I'm not falling for it."

Ummm......Como?!?!? NOT and April Fool's joke (although mental note to self to keep that in the bank for future). It took me a full 5 minutes to convince him that in fact I had been interviewing with the company and that it was not a joke.

So good times and some not good times. Unintentionally one of the best April Fool's laughs I've had in a long time.

Some Pics From Easter Weekend

2008-03-25T08:04:00.008-06:00

The "Big" Kids Living It Up

Canyon and her Balloon.....she wouldn't put the thing down.

Easter races

Look Mom, I found one!

Party People

Canyon, balloon hunting

Who loves Easter?

I'm Back

2008-03-11T08:45:00.003-06:00

I had the most marvelous time visiting with the Mayberry clan. I arrived back home last night (thanks Lex for the pick up) and can I just say this daylight savings thing is kicking my butt. Is it just me or is it so much earlier this year?

I did manage to get in two runs whilst down in the AZ, a fact of which I'm quite proud. The first run on Thursday involved Lacy running with Deacon and myself pushing Peeps in the jogging stroller. There were a few hills (which I currently avoid at all costs) and I was a bit winded. Turns out pushing a good 40 extra pounds while running is hard. Hat's right off to Lacy who does this on a regular basis.

Next run was on Saturday. I went around 5 ish, as I watched Penelope while Lacy ran her 8 miles and Dave was doing some homework. As I was getting ready to run I noticed a forlorn Deacon (their dog). I asked if he was going to get a walk that day and was told that he probably wasn't. So I asked if I should take him with me on my run.

Lacy talked me into it but did issue a warning, "He does pull a little."

Turns out that little was a bit of an understatement, and I got quite the arm workout in addition to shaving about 10 minutes off my run. Apparently as I left Dave told Lacy, "she's going to be mad when she comes back"

I wasn't mad, but let's just say I'll think twice before taking Deacon on another run anytime soon.

So now I'm home and back to work and experiencing a bit of the back to work blah's. Oh and random P.S. I have some cute pictures to share but left my camera cord in AZ.

So sister can you help a sister out and send them to me? It would be greatly appreciated!

Reasons I'm loving Peep

2008-03-07T12:43:00.009-07:00

I woke up to this yesterday morning,

She is the progeny of this woman,

She loves the word, "Doot" and uses it in sentences all the time,

She thinks that anything that moves can be used as a walker,

She fake laughs when Lacy and I are laughing because she wants to be "in" on the jokes,

and finally, because I just can't help myself. Happy 1st Birthday 'Nella Bean! I love you!

Tubing at Soldier Hollow

2008-03-04T12:10:00.005-07:00

I haven't been up to Soldier Hollow in years. I went up last night with some people from my new ward and although there were only three of us we had a ball. The weather was perfect (at least for winter) I didn't feel too cold and as it was a very clear night when towed up to the top I could enjoy the very fantastic view. I would heartily suggest that you all hie yourself to the mountain ASAP. There is much fun to be found there.

Here are a few photos of the fun night-

Happy to Be Tubing (even though my coat is clearly skewampus)

Flying Down the Slope

Getting a Tow

Ryan and Lindsay Among the Tubes

Lindsay and Carol Goofing Off

Weekend

2008-03-03T07:41:00.005-07:00

I had the most delightful weekend. I got out early in the morning and went for a run. The weather was beautiful which only made me more anxious for spring and summer. I can't wait for the warm weather to be here permanently.

I had the privilege of attending baby J's first birthday party. His mom did a perfectly delightful job of the planning. It was a Yankees theme and little baby J looked adorable! Here is a fun pic of the Momma and Baby.

His parents made the most delicious Chowder and Broccoli Cheese soups complete with bread bowls. It was good eats and good company.

Here are some pics of the party guests living it up.

After this fun party I went to a baby shower for my cousin Whitney who is due to have her baby at any moment. I didn't snap any photos at that party but it was none the less a good time as well.

Top Night Ladies, Top Night!

2008-02-23T21:50:00.009-07:00

Hat's right off to Kathleen, Devry and Dana for throwing an amazing shower. What a fun time! The theme was pink and we all wore some pink and ate a lot of pink food.

Here is a pic of all the delicious eats before we decimated them. It was all so delicious.

Here is one of the Pink ladies anticipating the delights to come.

Three cousins who can't wait to meet Cate.I obviously had to snap a photo with the beautiful mother to be.

Party Time

2008-02-21T10:49:00.005-07:00

I got to go to a fun party last night. It was in honor of my good friends little boy. Baby T turns one this month but we decided to celebrate a little early since his grandparents were in town from New York.

Here are some highlights of the evening!

This is a shot of the cake Julie made, it was incredible.

Here's Mom helping J eat his personal Birthday Cake. He wasn't so sure about it, but mom convinced him it was delicious :)

The Borg's also made a guest appearance at the party. Jodie is not pictured but aren't her two guys fabulous. I can't wait to meet H's little bro due in just over a month!

Soon.....

2008-02-19T08:20:00.003-07:00

I booked a flight to head down to Sierra Vista to be there for Peeps first Birthday. Lucky Me I'll soon behold the cuteness in person.

Be My Valentine

2008-02-15T08:55:00.003-07:00

My valentine is the most adorable ever. He may not be very tall (under 3 ft). He may be a little unsteady on his feet (just started walking) but he already has a way with the ladies. This may be because like any good guy he gets advice on how to make Valentines Day special from another special lady, his Mom.

I got to spend time with this great little guy while his parents went out to a movie last night. He definitely hit all the Valentine's Day bases. Candy, Flower, Card, Gift. I thought the Mr. Potato Head was an especially nice touch. I tell you what, he my have spoiled me for future Valentine's. My next one has a lot to live up to :)

Thanks Taufer family. I love you guys!

Vertigo

2008-02-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

I woke up suffering from this ailment, not so much a delight. Everything is spinning and I just feel nauseous. I made an error in judgment by thinking it would pass and driving myself to work. I now can make an educated guess as to how it must feel to drive drunk.

Let's just say I was most definitely a danger to myself and others. After suffering through a nearly intolerable feeling that if I moved my head in the slightest degree I would throw up, I finally made an appt with my doctor.

Turns out there is nothing they can do about vertigo....um, thanks doc. Can I have my 15 dollars back?

He did give me some anti nausea, dizziness pills and told me that is should last about a week and then after that I will probably be lightheaded for another month.

Sweet!! When asked if it will be worse in the morning I was informed that it will get worse and better whenever it so chooses. There will be no rhyme nor reason. So the good news just kept on coming from the doctor.

After taking a pill I did feel better for a bit but now it's clearly starting to wear off and I'm wondering to myself, how on earth I'm going to manage to drive myself home from work.

So pray for me....seriously pray and should you see a white Hyundai on the road get over in the other lane or better yet exit the freeway all together. Believe me it is best for your personal health and safety.

Service

2008-02-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

I had an opportunity on Saturday to attend the Worldwide leadership training. Afterwards a group of people from my former ward went down to the Food & Care coalition to serve lunch. I was struck once again by how serving others just fills up your heart. I felt such a deep gratitude for the many blessing that I enjoy. Health (both mental and physical), a wonderful job that allows me to support myself with both food and a place to live, and the gospel which gives meaning and purpose to all that I do.

It was a joy to spend a few hours serving others and I'm glad for the remembrance of blessings this experience brought to my heart.

Stuff

2008-02-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Among other things this is a picture of a project I accomplished in the condo this weekend. Really is there anything better than an organized closet. Now I have all my games and crafts organized and ready to use.

My new roommate moved in last night. Welcome to Lexi Jo!! I can't wait to be part of all the 20 year old hi-jinks that will now ensue at our new place. I came home from work last night to her smiling face watching some T.V. and stinking up the place with her popcorn. Welcome Lex, welcome :)

Finally a gratuitous pic of Canny Rose because I just can't help myself.

Weddings and Pizza

2008-02-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Could anything be better? Last night Devry and I went to our friend Kaelyn's wedding. The bride looked beautiful and it was so much fun catching up with our friends from Chamberry days. After the reception the Peine's, Devry and I went over to Pizzaria 712 at midtown village. It's become quite the favorite. Afterward the Peine's came over to check out my new place and we had a wonderful time laughing and visiting. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful friends.

Now here's hoping that Devry's flight wasn't delayed this morning so she can make it home to see her husband and host what I'm sure will be an amazing Super Bowl party!