A "D-Lux" birthday shout out

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

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!

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

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

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

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....

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

Conference Weekend Fun!

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

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

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

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

On the side

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

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.....

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

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

" 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

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

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

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.....

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.