Staheli Shenanigans

2011-10-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I no longer blog anymore. I do intend on returning someday, just not sure when. But decided to change up the appearance of this here neglected blog. Maybe that will encourage me to return. Let me know if you like it or it is confusing.

See we are still alive!

Josh and I are doing great. Life is wonderful, and busy. The holidays are around the corner and we are very excited for the first, Halloween.

Posts that are hopefully to come-
• Brandi's Graduation!!
• Summer
• My Mom coming into town
• Jim & Darlene went on a mission to Orlando
• Moving/House sitting
• Josh's Bday
• Trip to Oregon & Washington
• Plans- and on how they never really work out
• Job hunt...
• Josh's business and his amazing work
• Halloween/Fall

Now it will be a stinking miracle if I even get two of those done, but it is a promise that I will try! But if I don't there it is, a very quick blurb on some of our shenanigans. Ta-Da!

joy in the mailbox

2011-03-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

I was seriously beginning to believe this day would never come!

It really has been a long and arduous journey to get here, all of, ok maybe 98%, of which is the fault of transferring schools, lack of organization on the University's end, the whole design program being off campus for two years, and then going to finish a haphazard program at UNO to get a bachelor's in design, STUPID advisors (all five of them), and terrible communication to me from those advisors.

2% me, including taking time off to get married.

So you see when I applied for graduation, after finally taking this all up with the dean, I was hesitant and almost expecting something new to come up and hinder my progression further.

But then I received this beautiful letter in the mail, and you can bet when I opened it and read the words, "congratulations on your upcoming commencement" I began to hear angles sing the hallelujah chorus all around me! and an indescribable burden began to lift from my shoulders.

Now, I feel that I might actually finish this whole ordeal by actually graduating, vs. the worry I may never make it and quit in despair.

p.s. I will be the first College graduate in my whole family- to me this is such an achievement and it brings me to tears a little bit.

So for now, until about mid April, this letter hangs proudly on our fridge.

Sparkly

2011-02-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, on Feb. 5th Josh proposed to me. From that I started this blog to be a digital memory keeper of events in our life. I have been only slightly better than my actual journal keeping, and I think that is because this has visual appeal; photos.

Anyways, Josh flew to Phoenix and picked out my ring in one day, he knew it was perfect. And it is. There was the engagement ring and the wedding band, and his words were exactly "It was the sparkliest one I could find. anywhere" And if anyone knows me, you know I am incredibly distracted by bright colors and shiny objects, and folks Josh knew me perfectly! Hence my ring. But we wanted to be smart and not get in debt over something like this, so he wisely chose to get my engagement ring and one day when we could we would get my band.

Well All, that day has come!! I finally have my wedding band!
For Christmas Josh wrapped up my silicone cupcake box with only one cup inside and some M&Ms; this way I would never be able to guess what earth it was- again Josh knows me, I couldn't figure it out for the life of me. Once opened inside the cup was a note saying, "Your wedding band!" I was so excited!

We waited for a friend who was headed out there to go and purchase it for us and take my current ring to be redipped, (i have acidic hands, and use my hands a lot, turns yellow fast), and the center diamond's crown tightened. Then at the beginning of Feb. I received my ring in the mail and a day after valentine's day, I got my wedding band in the mail! My ring was now complete! and I was so giddy it is beyond description, but it sparkles like you can't believe! Especially in the sun or under certain lights (temple lighting is perfect).

All in all Josh has impeccable taste and knows me so well, it is just so classic and untrendy so it will be amazing for entire marriage (I am sentimental). Not to mention I don't know anyone with a ring like it, which is what we both wanted as well. It is a wonderful symbol of our companionship and Josh I really do love it and am so grateful to you for giving it to me <3 Plus! now no more questions of "Are you engaged?!" from people and me having to answer, "No, I am married!" haha, that is such a relief:)

haha I have a freckle on my finger :)

Happy Sabbath, hope you feel the spirit and enjoy peace and being with the ones you love <3

V-day 2011 kicked V-day 2010's Keister!

2011-02-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

I am not joking. Our first V-day of our marriage was the worst in the history of man kind, at least to me. I was in Idaho last year, last minute, because the most influential person in my life second to, or rivaling even, my parents, My grandma Anita, was in her final days in an exhausting battle with ovarian cancer. We couldn't afford for Josh to come up there too because it was last minute and flights were outrageously expensive. So we spent it apart, valentines day and the hardest moment of my life, thank heavens for phones and other family members.

So now every v-day will have a somber memory to it from here on out, but at least this year was light years better just because there wasn't anything like that occurring. But to add to it even more, I actually was able to spend the day with my hubby. I have always enjoyed v-day, my mom used to make them fun for us every year and i love chocolate and the colors are fun, and so I am happy there is a warm feeling holiday to break up the icy gloominess of winter! (although this year it was in the 50's weather wise, so again sooo much better!)

So we didn't do anything spectacular, or outrageous, but rather enjoyed a late breakfast for lunch (after i got home from class) and the evening together with a fun romantic dinner. Then we cleaned up, played with Josh's new iphone, and snuggled and enjoyed the night together! Simple and fun, it was lovely!

V-day "Lunchfast" Spread

Romantic dinner pre-candle ambiance

yumm-ay!

Crabbies with garlic butter & lemon, fruit/veggie salad, rolls, and of course the sparkling fruit stuff

Classic Chocolate covered strawberries for dessert

OooLaLa cue candle light

& the man of my dreams

Playing with his new iphone while I clean up

On to dessert, if you know what I mean ;) haha! sorry I couldn't help myself

I got him a new wallet and a coupon to the archery range to "take the lead from cupid and practice shooting arrows". Cheesy i know, but really I couldn't resist. Then my V-day/christmas gift was a day late in the mail so I received it yesterday, and it was jaw droppingly gorgeous! (it will be in its own lil post after i do this one)

My fav v-day candy is juju cherry hearts! (josh thinks they are gross)

I saw a project using them on a blog (sorry i can't not remember which one)

and had to make it.

(but don't look at the back, I ate too many while making it and ran out :) so there are none back there)

SO yes this v-day Kicked last year's butt! It was a nice time to just be together since life is always so busy and crazy. I am sure yours was wonderful too, and if you are a cynic toward the v-day thing, well you are missing out and maybe next year give it a whirl you might find you actually found joy you were missing out on. Because we should take every chance (even if you think its cliche' (i hate that word) ) to show those you love, just how much they mean to you!

With that- Here is to all my dear family and loved ones, I LOVE YOU!!!

True Love, Always

(my v-day last year)

it goes without saying...

2011-02-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

I love Josh. I really, really do. Our life together is perfect! He is my perfect compliment and I am so lucky and blessed to have been sealed to him for ever more.

* we just broke out into song singing "I swear" by boys II men to each other as it came up on itunes, haha!*

I mean this is why I can't get enough of this amazing man. We laugh all the time, we are so comfortable and at ease with each other. I love the here and now and only get more happy thinking about our future. We don't tire of one another, and we, in the about 5 years we have been together, have never had a serious fight. We have tiffs or disagreements but man we are so quick in getting over things, and forgiving that I can't remember any of them or what they were about. We are both mixed bag of personalities, we are interested in so many things, try new things all the time, yet still have our basic everyday things in us. We grow our individual selves and also us a couple and still find each other wildly interesting! We are supportive of each other and bring out the best in each other and push us to be better. And we are just all around unique and there isn't another couple out there like us, and I just can't believe we were so fortunate to be brought together. So here is to our love everyday, but especially tomorrow as a day meant for it and nothing else but that special someone and the love in it.

I will enjoy tomorrow just to focus on spoiling him and the romance of the day.

Joshua Staheli you are the Yin to my Yang, and it should actually never go without being said,

I Love You!

*I wish you could have seen all the other songs that were sung this night, seriously can't get enough of this guy- hilarious, and actually a closet gifted vocalist*

good day

2011-02-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

There are two things that made today fantastic.
1. I finally got my ring back from Arizona!

Redipped (2nd time in two years, I apparently have really acidic hands) and supposedly fixed. but i held it to my ear and shook my hand, and I can still hear the diamond rattling... does anyone else's do this? yet, I don't care because I have missed it so much, it had been like a month and I couldn't believe how much my ring has become a part of who I am or define myself. I mean it symbolized my marriage and lets everyone know I am part of a team, I am no longer just me, I am "we". So now being reunited with my symbol of my marriage feels like I am now whole again. Is this weird? Oh well if it is, i love it, not too mention it is just so sparkly and gorgeous:)

2. Top shot returns!

I think this really has become mine and of course Josh's favorite show to watch. The competition is an adrenaline rush to just watch, could you imagine being the competitors?! Also I love all the different weapons they use to test their marksmanship skills, the skill these things take is amazing! Lastly, the slow motion videography of the bullets passing through the targets is so awesome! by far one of the neatest things to see! So yup now back to watching it, and writing my painting paper on Shepard Fairey.

Rose shot with bullet; thought I would in honor of upcoming V-day

There were other things that made today great, because I dare not say it out loud incase it turns out to be false hope, but if it is legit then I will be shouting it from the rooftops here soon, stay tuned. Oh and house is clean and laundry done, that was great too. Bad about today, -5 degrees out, not including the strong wind chill. but the weekend looks promising, 40's, I can hold out for that.

My passion-crushed

2011-01-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

Well if you don't know me, I am a graphic designer. but that is a very broad title, it incorporates a lot of different specialties with in the design category, branding, enviromental, web, etc. While I do enjoy all, (well ok web maybe the least of all, can you tell by my blog :) ) I extremely enjoy, love!, packaging. It is design with dimension and it is really what made me want to be a designer, all the beautiful products in stores, put in bags, and delivered were always fascinating to me, my eye candy. Well with that my favorite blog to follow is The Dieline and I know I have mentioned that on here before. Even if you aren't a designer, I am pretty positive that it would still be fascinating to you.
Well in my wanderings around the blog today, I caught the header,

and you can imagine the excitement that overcame my little self! Not only is it a conference by the dieline on packaging, but it is in Chicago, relatively close, and put on by How magazine! (love that periodical) SO I dropped what I was reading, and quickly ran over to its info page, and immediately went to the register page. I had to find out how much this was going to cost, and of course immediately followed my jaw drop and heart sinking to a low level I didn't think it could reach (I am being dramatic, but only a little).

So now I am super bummed, because we are in the process of saving most all of our dollars so this summer we can buy and move into our first home, and I know there is no way I could drop $1500 on a conference and feel good about it with this goal. (priorities) So maybe next year or the year after or maybe a few, but if there are those of you out there who can, please tell me all about what you saw and heard at the end of june! please.

So now I will sigh and accept what it is, go and get ready for my AIGA meeting in a few hours, then on to paper making (slosh slosh), and daydream of this awesomness.

but hey other than that sting, today has been really great, and life really is good! Hope yours is too!

for a positive ending, I will leave you with my fav on dieline for today,

Berry+

Packaging at its best, taking something unimaginative and everyday and make it unique, appealing, and functional! See this on the shelf at the store, next to all the same old other guys, and I could tell you which one I would want. . .

Awesome

light bulb moment

2011-01-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Here are just a couple of quick thoughts/experiences that I would like to share with you that I had yesterday.

The first one being from a class I had yesterday. My professor, when she said this, it just really struck me and I couldn't believe how true her words were. She said in a very direct way,

"One too many times in your lives, some one has probably told you to shut up. To shut up and be quite. If you think your life is not interesting, think again. All of our lives are interesting and unique, because we are all going through them in our own way and each experience is uniquely ours and no one experiences things the same way. Your life is interesting and special and don't ever shut up about any of it."

I could not believe how profound, at least to me that was. For some reason we all find ourselves comparing our lives, who we are, what we do, and how we are doing it with everyone else around us, and simply the world. If we feel we aren't doing something huge or "different" than "so and so" than it isn't important enough to talk about, write about, celebrate, or even feel good about. Or if our lives aren't following what is assumed to be the socially acceptable time table of things. (that is one I feel the weight of often.)

I know my life is interesting and wonderful, but I realized I am victim of this as well. I have been told to shut up one to many times. By who? the world? yes. Family members? maybe. People not being genuinely interested in my life and me? all to often. By myself ? unfortunately.

But I know I am not alone in this. Many if not all of us have been told to shut up. Well, not anymore. My life is unique, interesting, and down right wonderful-man even blissful! because it is mine and no one else's. And I will talk about it, write about it shamelessly, be proud of it, without fear of judgement from any source and I suggest the same to all of you. Don't be apologetic for who you are, your life and its experiences, they are all of great worth. From your observations, to the special quiet moments to the loud accomplishments and great adventures and everything in between. Don't ever shut up or tell someone to be quiet again.

Second experience I had that really moved me, was while on my way home last night. You know there are just times when something really just dawns on you, like your brain just finally opens up and this thing gets absorbed into you and just materializes within your cerebrum. That is what it was. I know I have heard this a million times, read it just as much, and thought I knew it and was aware of its reality. But last night, I finally KNEW that my Heavenly Father was mindful of little, insignificant me, ALL the time. Of all the so many people out there, all happening at the same time I am, He knows me and is aware of me constantly. Not like, "Hey, here I am just checking in on you, things still going pretty well? ok, great be back later." No, always! It was simply mind blowing and the most amazing feeling I have had in a while. The experience that led to this seems relatively insignificant in comparison to the realization to tell, but, after experience afore hereto mentioned, I will spill.

I was just driving home the 140+ blocks that I drive all the time, but it was late and I was tired and my windows to my vehicle were so saturated in dirt, salt, and grime that they were hard to see out. I was on the express way going around 55 mph and passing by the on ramp to the road I was on. I saw no vehicles in front of me so when I got up a ways I figured it would be clear since no one had been there. But as I was moving into the right lane lights hazily appeared in my back window way to close for anyone's comfort (sorry to the car by the way).

They had been blocked by the wall on the on ramp to the express way and coming in fast, from when I had looked. Then after my initial shock I sped up and then realized how close that had just been. I should have hit them or they hit me, that should have been a lot worse than it was. Yet, I had been protected and saved from what should have happened. From this I knew my Heavenly Father had been making sure I, and that person, would make it home safely that night.

But not just that night, but things like this, in the car, walking, life in general, happen all the time and things that should have been worse, end out well. Good things happen to me that I did nothing to deserve, i.e. Josh, etc. Small and big things happen, Miracles, that lead me to know my Father in Heaven is mindful of me, his daughter, on this earth constantly. What a great gift and reassurance to know everything will be ok, and that he loves me that much. And you. There is so much more to say but I think I will keep those feelings in my heart and that those who read this get my message.

(side note: I promise I am a safe and good driver, I promise!)

So there, two nuggets, of life gold there.

Just wanted to share, and remember them for me so when me, being human, forget I can be reminded.

Where's the Van?!

2011-01-15T21:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had a real live stake out-

Mission... uncover the hidden identity of unidentified idol vehicle parked at the top of the drive way to possibly resolve the mystery of the two recently broken into vehicles that were in the same local. (my jeep and Junior (bruce)'s car)

the A-team:

Josh was on point and Junior was manning they binoculars, while I was the look out. We flanked up the drive way hiding behind the trees, rocks, and vehicles, to the top did some recognizance work, and waited for our chance but then they slunked away. Unfortunately we have no photos of us all decked out in black (except Junior), but I looked arabian all wrapped up in my black scarf and over my head(I felt super sneaky).

Overall, it was suspicious. Really. they sat up there around 9:00, never got out threw out a cigarette butt and just drove off after a good 10+ minutes. -Creepy- P.S. we have never seen that car around here, and the plates were too dirty to read. But now we have a make of the car and color two known persons in the vehicle and some suspicious activity. Mark our words, we will catch these no good punks and we will have the last laugh! Also I hope we get to have another stake out soon, it was awesome and i think I could have been a spy... maybe. I know Josh could have.

We then continued the night with the rail "park" Josh set up this afternoon in the backyard, finally busted out the Banshee bungee I got Josh for a christmas present last year, and had hot cocoa for Josh and Junior and Jasmine tea for me. Great night!

Josh Front Slide

Junior Board Slide

the rail set up via Josh

OH! how could I forget! we had !five! bucks in our backyard today all at the same time! One four point, two with only one antler (haha), one three point, and one baby buck who's antler's are just starting to emerge. That was a really neat experience to see.

The five bucks in our back yard, coming for the corn

The Four point, isn't he gorgeous! So majestic looking

now off for the rest of the night with my hunky man! Night all!

(I am thinking I need to use Picasa for my photo uploads, my cousin uses it and I love how it looks and how you can format your posts better with it)

lets see here...

2011-01-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

Well Welcome back to me! The Holidays came and went speedily and although different than most years past in good and bad ways, I am mostly grateful that in one way or another Josh and I were able to spend time with almost all of our family members, including most of my extended family.

We spent Christmas here in Omaha divided up between our families, and it was crazy busy but truly wonderful! Then the very next day after Christmas took off to the west (Idaho & Utah) to see my Mother and extended family and for much snowboarding with my brother Nick, his girlfriend Lizzie, and our friend Bruce (junior) and his now fiance Rebecca.
It was very fun to see our extended family in Pocatello this time of the year, a rarity for us, and we were able to ride Grand Targhee and unexpectedly ventured to Pebble creek in Pocatello, with new snow it was actually really fun! Other wise I am thinking it would be way to icy. This was also Nick's (lizzie's and rebecca's) first time snowboarding and I had so much fun getting to teach him how with Josh and getting to watch them try and truly enjoy something new and progress really quickly at it! I am hoping that there will be many more trips like this in our future!

Then we took of after a few days in Pokey down to Layton to spend the rest of our time with my lovely mother! We were able to celebrate a late Christmas together, which was really special and also to welcome in the new year 2011 together!
Since near the beginning of our relationship together Fondue has been our special date that Josh and I have really enjoyed and had lots of fun with. So one day in my spazy mind, waay before the new year was near, I got this idea of a fun tradition Josh and I should have for our New year every year. Since neither of us Drink or party like much of the population this would be something special and fun we could do and adapt it to whether it was just us two, or having tons of people together, and on to the future when we start adding little Josh's and Brandi's to our family :) So luckily everyone at my aunt's (my mom, Rod, Nick, Lizzie, Chrissy, Cam, & Chase) were cool with our attempt at a new tradition. and after recipe searching for cheese fondue, grocery shopping, and prepping/cooking, it went off with a bang! Everyone loved it and now know more of why we find it so fun and yummy!

We got to have some great family time, eat some wonderful food, (even though the two places we really wanted to go we ended up not getting to, but next time we will be sure not to miss Jamba and Rodizio) and of course more riding up at Brighton, snow basin and the Canyons. oh and witness a proposal at the top of the mountain.
OH! and while eating sushi Chrissy introduced us to "shaky face" pictures and Nick by far was the king of them, see -

(See my amusement in the background=gut busting!)

Overall it was a great get away, way too busy and went by way to fast but I think that is how it always goes.

Josh even tried skiing!

Well we got home and my mom had business here in Omaha for work so she flew out the same day and stayed for about a week which was awesome! School started again on Monday, finishing up generals that wouldn't transfer from byui and studio classes and hopefully next semester will be my last, geese what a long, stressful and heart wrenching journey this has been. Oh! i didn't mention I have been so lucky and been able to play a role in starting up an AIGA chapter for UNO and I was nominated to be the treasurer! So far it has been fun being an officer and getting plan the fundraisers and keep track of the financials, which are few since we are just starting out but hey, hoping that will grow!

So I think that is all for catching up and hoping for new and great things this year of 2011, (which is one of my two fav numbers, 5 and 11) and for you as well!

Keiko

2010-12-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

It is true that dog is a man's best friend, always has been and always will. I have known that my dear beloved pet and friend Keiko has been getting weary of life for a while now. But he always would spring back and would then be jumping and playing despite his hind legs not cooperating with him. But I guess it had reached all that his tough little body could handle. And he passed away yesterday, on his own, in his home, surrounded by love.
He has been our family pet for like 13 or 14 years now. (it is unclear on his age the vet said she thinks he was even 15, and might have records from that long ago, not sure) Dogs, i do not care what they haters say truly do become another family member just a little furrier and they bark.
Well, our dear pup held out until Nick came home yesterday for the holidays and that night became very ill, and couldn't sit or lie down with our breathing complications. Nick stayed up with him all night and took him to the vet the very next morning, and I quickly met them up there. This was the first time I had seen my childhood friend truly look miserable and worn. We both knew in our hearts he was coming close to leaving his pain and on to a place of happiness and no more hurt. The vet checked him out, ran blood work and it all came back clear and that he, medically, was fine. So after some pain and nausea shots, we took him home. The rest of the story is painful and sad, but to make it short our Keiko man waited until we weren't around (even for the brief moment that it was) and laid down in his guard spot near the front door and went on his own terms.
Though hard and rough it was to see him go and say goodbye he knew he was loved and was in his home comfortable and surrounded by love and memories. I still choke up writing this and thinking of my friend being away, but it was perfect timing on our heavenly father's behalf and was a true tender mercy to him and us, who just couldn't bring ourselves to do it because, beside his legs giving him trouble (it had gotten pretty severe as of late) and his age he was mentally and physically well. It was his time, and will definitely be missed by his family and many others who met and knew this amazing dog. He was truly more than just your average loving pup, he was unique and the greatest dog we could have asked for. I am grateful for pets, especially him and all he has brought to our family and what a great companion he was.
So Keiko man, (tito man as i like to call him at times) enjoy running and playing again, be the happy go lucky curious lovable pooch you were best at being and down the road we will be seeing you, and look forward to the big hairy body slamming hug that will be then, and yes I promise I will scratch your ears, back, and belly when that time comes, and maybe I can bring you your favorite- tuna:) We loved you Keiko, you were a major member of the family and always will be!

Keiko loved his babies(toys) and playing, especially ripping them open and taking all their stuffing out, made me laugh how he would use his paws like hands

Eating my Cherry Limade:)

when we built him new stairs so it would be easier for him to get in without slipping

fourth of July

Nick and him were the best of friends

Halloween greeting all the little ones (sorry blurry, took through the door)

His loving eyes, with his cute face <3

(unfortunately I do not have a single recent photo of me and my dog, that really breaks my heart)

On that note, I hope I didn't make your Christmas blue for that moment, because though it is hard and sad it truly was for the best for him. and I wish you a very Merry Christmas Eve, and wish you warmth in your home and in your hearts this day! make sure to include your pets and let them know you love them!

Christmas Magic

2010-12-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

This time of year truly is magical, but as mentioned previously I haven't been feeling it. And after talking around, I am definitely not the only one feeling like this. Which leads me to wonder, what is going and what is that is causing this widespread flatline in the awe and wonder of this year's Christmas?
Well I don't know about everyone else but I have pinned it down to a list of factors that are hindering my jolliness and joy.
• My mom moved, and she really made Christmas what it is for me, my dad has not done a single decoration, tree, or lights on his house, he was always Mr. Griswold.
• My Grandma Anita the other big contributor to my Christmas being what it is, has since left to celebrate it with the angels and our Savior.
• My Grandpa Farrell has to gone on to celebrate in heaven this is my second year without him
• No baking, wasil, tom and jerry's, caramel popcorn, minimal decor, hardly any seasonal movies, an unmade gingerbread house, chaotic schedules between Josh and I, and hardly seeing eachother except when we are tired. etc
• Not getting to go out to Utah and Idaho before Christmas
• Really not having met a single person in school, church, home, stores, or off the street, that is feeling merry and with the season either.
*a good thing though, I have seen a lot less professionally done homes for their Christmas lights this year! People are actually doing them their selves and they look so much homier and more beautiful!

So these are some of my things,

I want to know what is it that is causing your scroogeness this year?

or was I really the only one?

But after all that was said now to do a 180,

Today, I finally had it with this black rain cloud and decided I would sit here and do something that I find will always bring the real Christmas spirit to me since it came out, watching Joy to the World, a movie put out by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my church. It conveys that spirit so well I never can watch it with a dry eye, it just fills you up entirely. I am sad that it has taken me this long to find the time to sit and watch it, what time was wasted being empty and searching. So if you are missing that same sweet feeling of Christmases of Old please don't hesitate to watch this, ALL three segments, you won't regret it, find the time it really isn't long, and well worth it.

I do love my Savior, he is real and he truly lives! He is truly the meaning of Love, he is love. He is the light and truth and it the way to real never ending happiness. And what better way to feel the miracle of his birth than to watch the story, ponder it and keep in our hearts and also the miracles of his life and resurrection. I am eternally grateful and in his debt forever more. Thanks be to God, and his Peace everlasting. Joy to the world, Jesus Christ was born, and he lives and reigns forever, and I know this without a shadow of a doubt! Hallelujah!

sweet victory

2010-12-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

I WIN, I finished many things this past week-

1. I printed, assembled, bound, and turned in my book. I even have 10 editions left for myself!

Some photos of the process, I will do a whole post on my book and its process- i just loved it~

2. We finally decorated our tree on Monday!

I got to put up my new topper I put together! the two love birds (owls count right) <3

3. I made it home in the ice/snow storm after finishing my book just in time!

I took this picture with one hand on the wheel and one hand quickly snapping the shot not know what i would get, trying not to crash. (not a smart idea I know) It looked so much neater though with the snow in the lamp lights quickly fluttering down.

This all turned back to freezing rain closer to home. (this was safer because I was at a red light)

4. I got photos of the skiddish deer at our door.

it started with two babies and grew...

the Mom joined, then their friends, and eventually over 20 + came from over the ditch including 2 Bucks (no photo of said Bucks)

pardon my blinds:)

Overall, much was accomplished, but I still have much to do considering a week from today is Christmas Eve and then off to Utah the next day, but my shoulders feel a lot less weighed down. And that is a great feeling!

Frazzled & Frantic

2010-12-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

I should not be writing on this little thing called a blog right now, but I have to get my frustration out in words. Right now I am in the thick of one of my last finals week, and yet with all my experience with them, they don't seem to get easier, in fact they seem to get worse in their own unique ways.
I am nose deep in trying to finish up my illustrations for my book so that I can jump on the press and print it out before the next wave of people try to shove their way in and butt me out. (thank goodness at least my type is all set).
I am sore from head to toe from chiseling away at a massive lump of plaster in attempt to create an abstract form that no one would know if it really is what is suppose to be no matter if it is done or not- yet I am an anal perfectionist and so I still cause pain to my wrist, shoulder, back and legs, and occasionally whack away a chunk of my knuckles or pinch the soft tissue of my hand cause ugly blisters.
I can not sleep because my mind won't shut up with things I really should be doing instead of attempting to rest, like finishing up my paper mache' geometric form, or my clay natural object( i detest that project just throwing that out there). Or it starts in its creative juices of wonderful ideas for things I would love to design or create but then the sting of knowing I don't have the time to do them hits. And yet I reach over to the pen and notebook on my night stand to jot them down so IF i do get free time(HA!) I can remember them and do them.
I feel overwhelmed. and offended that the world outside of school( i.e. church callings and events, clients, etc) doesn't care that I am drowning in these things and continues to lay on assignments or won't just let me off of the hook of the everyday expected things and then tips in with a sugar coating of guilt.
I am haunted by migraines that just won't quit, and make it impossible to even open my eyes and move let alone ^ those things. I have the sniffles, and a cough.
I am mentally and physically exhausted not too mention I am really my own worst enemy and have no motivation or energy, and can't figure out why! (frustrating!!)
I am sad that I can't just enjoy spending time with my devastatingly handsome man and having fun, with out thinking, oh what are you doing! You have things to do!!! and that I really have little time to think about cooking or shopping to get those items for meals or to do laundry and clean. I am indeed grateful he so willing to help and doesn't say a thing or really even care that he is doing those things (he does them even when I can) but me. I. feel guilty that I am not the one doing those things.
I am bummed it is the Christmas season and I don't feel the spirit of it, in fact I more feel like Scrooge. I have a few things out but still our tree waits, it was suppose to be done forever ago. I just want to bake goodies and make our gingerbread house and set up that darn tree to accompany the other decor, and just sit down and watch The Grinch and play Donkey Kong on the wii with Josh.
Most of all I wanted to be leaving Sunday to go to Utah and Idaho to see my Mom and family for before Christmas. And due to all the above we are having to wait to go till after. That one really hurt.
Then, Josh gave me a blessing. I feel positive, confident, happy, relieved, energized and loved. Things will get done, and all will go well. I know it.
So now I am off to finish those wonderful illustrations so I can print my awesome book I wrote the beginning of this semester, Called, Hoo's Out There? I do love it. Then work on other said projects a little then off to the ward relief society christmas dinner to sing in a quartet (still feeling a bit nervous on that one). And then I know I will sleep peacefully tonight, I will! The priesthood is such a blessing and gift and that my Husband holds it worthily is all I could ever want.

So I leave you with this photo , it makes me smile and I know it will you too. Its a bit of inspiration for my illustrations:)

Love of the day

2010-11-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

Usually, I am a scrooge of all things Christmas pre-Thanksgiving, BUT.. (there is always a but) I got my frequent email from good ol' Anthro and I couldn't help but post it. Because truly, i love it, vintage christmas and festive music really made me excited for the season, But again not till after the 24th, kind of:)

Anthropologie – Trim Video

Then again on the other hand I truly am not a fan of UO's redesign on their website, just plain ugly and bad, maybe intentional but why? when you can do something so wonderful, demonstrated by sister company Anthopoligie? Oh well, you can't always be awesome I guess.

Shenanigans

2010-11-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

Well Lets see here...
October has come and flown the coop, during my favorite month we-

Got out harvest fill at the farmer's market,

Attended some gorgeous weddings, (my bf Mikhala and beautiful cousin Chrissy),

Got to Go to Utah for said wedding with my best bud Nick (brosef) and see our Mother dearest and other awesome, and long lost family members!!

My Aunt Vicki and her cute grandson Reef!

Me and Nick Goofing around, well being ourselves, at Temple Square

My Gorgeous/Incredible cousin Tiffy and her new little one (2 mos) Kaia

Nick, after the temple sealing, looking strikingly close to being a missionary...

Josh spoiled me with the best surprise, EVER! (he had my Jeep repainted while I was in Utah) (I have the best husband ever. seriously.),

Enjoyed our Church's Trunk or Treat- we won for best trunk!,

sorry Josh is blurry, but here is a little better feel of the ambiance of our trunk

awesome costumes everywhere!

jack o' lantern pizza, then....

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My favorite Halloween Tradition

Our Pumpkins, Mine 23 lbs and Josh's 45 lbs with a minor case of Stem envy (mine was HuGe!)

picking our pumpkins, mine is the one on the right, Josh is deciding between the two,

Its crazy how Vala's never gets old, I can't wait until we can take our kids there!

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Then of course there is Halloween, which I will update later, for now I have to go take my Italian roast out of the crock for dinner- yum! (6:00pm)
8:30 Back, and it was delish + the missionaries liked it too and even Josh- Bonus!

October 31st-

Started off All hallow's Eve by going to Church and teaching about Gratitude to my Beehives and the Miamaids, good kick off to upcoming November, then came home and it was Josh and I's turn on Main Dish for Sunday dinner and so we did Jack o Lantern's with their brains spilling out, and Ghost bread Sticks :) Brit and Ryan made amazing cinnamon (mexican) hot chocolate, and orange sherbert jack o lanterns for desert. Jim & Darlene made a great salad & sides!

our Pumpkins :) I got to use the pumkin dremel Josh surprised me with for the words- awesome!

Staheli Pumpkin display

mine with the Ghost Shadow I made on the wall (hoo's out there- A Ghost! :) )

Then we went to my Dad's to hand out candy to trick or treaters!

My Bud welcomed each lil one at the door and each year everyone LOVES him!
Sad to think that this might be me and my bud's last halloween welcoming trick or treaters :(

Big Bear faced Kieko man! Love him!
And folks that was a quick rundown on some of Our October Shenanigans!!

Archer

2010-10-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

It was a success! I know, I haven't followed up with my previous posts hardly ever let alone with in reasonable time. BUT he loved his bow, we went out that night and accessorized it and now it looks mean! Seriously this thing would have made Rambo giddy. But Josh wanted a shooting buddy, and so I got Branden's old bow weighted to fit me, then Josh got me some awesome sights, a peep, and a release trigger! I love it!! then we made quivers out of PVC pipe and wood, so we are set and love shooting, and we are actually getting pretty darn good, but still have a ways to go :) So here is to the future apple I am going to shoot off of someone's head ;)

Josh's "action" shot of me drawing back- haha

Shooting after chopping wood all morning for winter- man I feel rugged ;)

What's in your Quiver?

2010-10-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have a Surprise!

& I am just going nuts waiting for Josh to get home so I can give it to him!

I picked this up today for Josh. He has been pacing around (metaphorically) ever since we ordered it over two weeks ago. Well it came in today, and I for some reason just had a feeling it would. They said they would call when it came in, and miraculously I got there right as it came in so they did not even have the chance to call him. On top of that I got him a trigger for his bow. His bow is all black and I could only find one trigger that was all black, I am so excited and I think he will go nuts!

So in the mean time, while I am constantly tapping my foot, I am working on my thesis research project and snacking on these flavorful little beauties from the farmer's market! -aren't they just gorgeous! (and incredibly tasty!)

now he should be here. . . anytime now . . . . . . . .

It's the small things that mean the most

2010-09-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post about this even though it happened a while back, like almost 6 weeks ago when I started up classes. (Yes I am still in school that is a whole other post, but it is my last year Thank gosh! and yes I already work in my field so it feels really pointless).
But I just keep thinking how in life, and in relationships be it Husband-Wife, Brother-Sister, Parent-Child, etc the things that really impact someone, make a difference, or show people they are loved is without a doubt the small, thought-filled things.
Really Josh is one of the best people (ok and my parents) I know at the little things, especially lately! He says kind words, he is always encouraging me and "praising" me, He rubs my head all the time because I seem to be having migraines all the time anymore, but even when I don't he will, He makes delicious food, or takes me out on dates, Cleans up the house beautifully, and will just talk with me and hold my hand, and wants to spend time with me when what ever little time we can find together. It really makes all the difference in my life, personality, and outlook. It's like nothing can bring me down and it feels fantastic! But it goes both ways mind you, I too, am always trying to show Josh how much he means to me in return, by much of the same things mentioned above that he does for me and my own special things too like helping him in his work or leaving him notes, etc.
Well then sometimes there are big small things, like the one I referenced earlier. After my Letterpress/book arts class one morning I walked back to my car like usual. See I park in the Church's institute building's parking lot a bit off of campus and that day I found Brit, my sister in law and walked back with her. We were talking as we went up to our cars when she breaks conversation and says "hey there's flowers on your car", I turned thinking, did like some random little kid pick and sprinkle wild flowers on my jeep? And there on my windshield under my wipers was a b.e.a.utiful bouquet of Sunflowers and purple flowers! It was so gorgeous and happy, then next to it was the perfect card! It was a talking card and really epitomized Josh! I could not tell you how I felt and I guarantee you my feet were not touching the ground. I drove home with the biggest smile and was simply giddy! And needless to say he was attacked with a tackle hug the second I got home to him!
Josh knew how frustrated I have been with school and wanted to help me start off right. I thank him so much for that and all the "small" things that are actually not small at all but add to be quite large, that he does for me all the time! Josh you truly are the bestest! The same goes for all my other loved ones, thank you for your loved filled deeds! Now if anyone reads this go and do something meaningful for the people you love today! Don't wait, now is the perfect time!

my flowers & card

another example: My mom bought me a welder to help with my sculpture

and Josh doing the welding :)

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On the reverse, Josh's turned 24 on August 31st!

Josh with his b-day balloons! For him I went and got a bunch of his favs:

cinnamon crunch bagel w/hazelnut cream cheese for breakfast, gummy worms for work, Vics carmel apple popcorn and kettle corn (and few others), Fresh filets and raspberry peach pie, balloons, and money towards his bow! That day we went shooting at the gun range and then picked up my mom and all went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner! (ps mom send me those pics from then please:) ) It was a great day!

Thats my husband, he is pretty much amazing! (chest bump)

Our cards, they say exactly what we are thinking, and Josh you are always looking fine!

YUM!

Then onto popping the balloons and sucking what helium was left.

Jump ahead to September 28th, with Josh's b-day money and after much research and saving, we got his much wanted Bow (Hoyt Maxxis 31) last night! It is being ordered b/c he wanted in in black, but now he has another hobby! and I am thinking he will really be good at it, he even got an invite to join an archery club and compete! Me next! ;)

Enjoying the fruits of our Summer

2010-09-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well happy first day of Autumn! (yesterday) I am feeling much less angry overall, still peeved about most recent post topic but I guess we do have the freedom to choose and so people will choose to be proactive or passive, and that is their choice but sometimes it just feels good to vent. Just as long as they don't ban pets where ever i am living like in that bay area (crazies!) or the food I enjoy etc, and just keep their fingers out of my life! I will be a little more ok :) Just going to have to keep helping out those who are getting the lesser quality of life from power hungry fanatics.
Well I figured I would share one of my favorite things about his past Summer, My small gardening effort. I have always enjoyed fresh food and growing things, but I have never really done my own. This year Josh and I decided to make it happen, we went and bought all sorts of seeds and dirt.
Well as summer progressed we realized that in our neck of the woods or deep in the woods, sun was a limited item. So I could only plant things that would grown in a pot and be placed on the deck. So I bought a celebrity Tomato plant from the farmer's market that the farmer said it would do wonderfully in a pot, a lemon basil plant, and basil! Later Josh and I bought strawberries and he surprised me with a topsy turvy for a larger tomato plant.
I completely enjoyed watching my plants grow and green and sprout flowers that then turned to fruit. I watched the aphids kill my celebrity plant and then after picking the last tomato from it and dumping out the insides (a bug got to it) in the pot, to them drying out, then me thinking hmm? maybe i will push them in the soil and see what happens, to SEVERAL new sprouting tomato plants! I enjoyed picking the strawberries and Josh and I eat them straight from the plant, I was fascinated as I recently found furry catapillars (over 10) eat my huge and beautiful lemon basil plant, oh well I got it's seeds too. Finally to my poor sun starved topsy turvy tomato that grew so large and produced only tomato (due to fore a mentioned lack of sun) and it nearing ripening and then being scarfed by some woodland creature, saw that one coming!
Overall I loved it all! It was fun, tasty, experimental, and eventful. Now it is getting colder and my Celebrity plant is trying to spit out a few last tomatoes (I so want it for it's seeds) and then they will die or go into hibernation for next year (strawberries) So next year when we have our own house I making sure it has plenty of sun so we can plant A HUGE garden! And enjoy the fruits of our labors!
* Side note, after prime planting season had passed I found the most wonderful book on container gardens. I may be suburban girl so all of might know this already, but I found you can plant almost ANYTHING in a container, even watermelons! And it all goes together to look like a unique beautiful landscape job. So if you live where you can't plant a garden like an apartment of whatever I recommend this book it is called Easty Container Combos: Vegetables and Flowers by Pamela Crawford, it is awesome!
**P.S. I like photos so my posts are and probably always will be long, sorry if this bugs anyone, but I am a hugely visual person :)

The tree frog that lived in my lemon basil for a good while

my lemon basil and oregano

my Celebrity Tomato plant-pre aphids

My herbs going crazy, ripe tomatoes in the back (right before it died from bugs)

Josh picking strawberries

my plants a few weeks ago, doing great, and my tomatoes growing back!

Josh eating a strawberry

YUM!! i love gardening!

I am SO ANGRY!!!

2010-09-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

I HAVE HAD IT! I AM SICK of people in our nation and our government/those affiliated with it over stepping their bounds and invading mine and everyone else's free choice!! I CAN NOT BELIEVE that our citizen's have let it get this far! I KNOW I am not the only one who feels this way and that there are many out there who are trying to to stop this craziness but I am also SEVERELY DISAPPOINTED that I know so many out there who do nothing and act as if there is nothing wrong and are just clueless- trust me it isn't attractive or appealing.

All over I see people so caught up in their own lives, and pride! to even take heed to what is happening. (I am a very busy person too but I make an effort to stay informed)

{example}OH SURE, the humane society is at over capacity and sends out flyers advertising that they are giving all their cats away for free and dogs for $50 before they are having to be euthanized because they are stretched beyond their limits, and I see outrage all over the town, facebook, twitter, yada yadda. I never see that reaction to bigger more important issues from those people (and don't get me wrong I am a huge animal lover and it broke my heart to think of the poor animals but I am also someone who understands reality and limits- so don't think me an insensitive/unempathetic person)

Or people tooting their horns because they are much more "advanced" then the next guy because they eat strictly organic, or are vegan, or so P.C. and tolerant, or so caught up in their own lives and busy, or whatever. They push it in other people's faces or smear it all over the internet, I am just tired of people thinking they know better and are better than other people. That is what has made me SO ANGRY! It is this attitude that has taken over the nuthouses in our government. I BELIEVE IN FREE AGENCY! I believe in the freedom of choice, that is what this nation is about! That is God's plan for us, and those who are against that are fighting against God's plan- plain & simple!

I am sorry that my thoughts are incomplete, and is just angry jabber, so I am just going to cease writing about it until I can say what I really want to say and in an effective, kinder way. But till then WATCH WHAT MADE ME ANGRY and got me so riled up for September 21st & 22nd 2010 (today's will come up later today) Watch especially today's (22nd) the other is more for understanding.

. . . now I am going to go for a run to burn off some of this frustration.

Africa- here he comes!

2010-08-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

Well I finally uploaded my photos!

That means time to do a post or two!

Branden, ah em, excuse me Elder Staheli, has now been in Johannesburg South Africa for three or four weeks now and has finished his training at the Johannesburg MTC. He now is in his first area on the west side of South Africa, we have yet to hear where that is. But I think that we might start a blog about his mission adventures for others to follow. But for now I will just put it up here. We got his first letters in the mail a couple of days ago, and then a day later a package from him. He sent us some awesome South African and Madagascar money, a small black leather covered book of mormon with the shape of Africa cut out in the middle covered with real zebra fur. So fascinating! Over all he is doing very well and was the district leader at the MTC. His companion was South African and spoke Afrikaans. He loves Rugby and hates the birds (he says they are obnoxious and loud). And of course he has learned so much already! That is the gist of his mission so far.

Now here are some of the photos of his last night here and the morning he left.

Dad Helping his son get packed

With Bishop Clarke after being set apart

Family photos after

Ah Brothers!

Josh: "I never got one of these"

Oh hunny you would have been a fabulous Missionary, but when you shatter your jaw at 19 and have surgery after surgery to reconstruct you face (& still aren't finished) it makes it a little hard. But we will go together since we weren't meant to in our youth <3 But cute face!

D-day! on the way to the airport

Otay Buckwheat! kidding! Branden waving goodbye

Final Hugs

South Africa here he comes!

See you in 2 years!

getting his fill for two years

2010-07-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

This recent week in review. Branden (my brother in law, but I will refer to him as brother) is being set apart tonight to then leave tuesday morning for the Johannesburg MTC in South Africa for a mission for our Church for two years. So this week we decided to get all the thing he wanted to do in before he took off.

Sunday: he gave his last talk in church
Monday: Josh, Branden, and I set off early to Kansas City to spend the day at the cable park and then spent the night out to dinner & hanging out at our hotel.

Tuesday: In the morning we ate at the waffle house and spent the whole day at Worlds of Fun, an amusement park, and one of the hottest/humid days ever! I think they rode each roller coaster a minimum of 4-5 times by jumping back on after the ride was finished in the empty seats. They definitely made it count! And I don't ride roller coasters, so I enjoyed hanging out with them and Josh won me a stuffed dragon :) We left just in time as the clouds were rolling in and hit a huge storm lightening bolts were striking, no joke, just on the other side of the interstate from us. It was a wall of water and nearly impossible to see! cars were getting off at the nearest exits but Josh decided to keep going- boy am I grateful I married a great driver, anyone else would have terrified me to death! Once we cleared the storm we stopped and had some crab and lobster for dinner then finished the drive home.
Wednesday: a kinda typical day, work, awful headache for me (which resulted in having to ditch YW), Branden & Josh hanging a new TV at the Clinic...
Thursday: Branden requested homemade lasagna for dinner before he left. Darlene, Branden, & I all pitched in and made an amazing completely from scratch dish, including the noodles. which as always is the most fun, but branden really made it! I worked with Mikhala on finishing her wedding invites-woo hoo, then Darlene, Brit, and I went to the White House Black Market trunk show and got some super cute things!

That is butter dabbed on top to help it not dry out, not grease :)

Yum Lasagna!

Friday: Branden had not been to all our fav restaurant, Mahogany, so Jim, Darlene, Branden, Josh and I went out to eat there, and had amazing steak and lobster! Then out to a movie to see Inception. We had a great night together.
Saturday: Josh had to work, so we all laid low and took it easy that day :) Beautiful weather and had a great walk/run that day!
Sunday: last weekend day before he leaves. My Mom's Birthday! We went to church and Josh and Branden had their last sunday subbing primary, thier kids were sad to see them go. We had an awesome dinner, and Josh & I went with Nick (my real brother) to check out a motorcycle he might get in fremont, then Nick said his goodbyes to Branden. Josh and I went out on the nifty fifty for a ride on the dirt track and through the streets, I love our unique relationship and our fun! That night we all hung out with Branden playing Xbox for his last night of it and of all things Legos, haha. It was random but we built some great stuff!
Today: Darlene's (mom in law) Birthday! we are working, Branden is packing and finializing things, I am making him a coloring book of family photos, africa things, and church things to keep him entertained on his incredibly long flight, no ipod, movies, only to read scriptures or sleep. So I hope it will give him something to do :) Then tonight he will be set apart and officially a missionary. He will do so awesome! The people will just love him and he will do great things for our father in heaven I know!

Branden's Endowment Day at the Temple 6/17/10

Branden we are all rooting for you and know you have accomplished amazing things already and this will only add to your great accomplishments! You are and will ever be in our prayers always! We think you got an awesome call to South Africa-Cape town and Namibia, we can't imagine the awesome experiences you will have and look forward to living it vicariously through your letters! May God be with you till we meet again! -Love Josh and Brandi!

Amber Skies & playing in Lightening

2010-07-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

I want to really update this with posts about our awesome summer, and all our adventures since april but I start it and never finish because there is SO much and it is only getting worse, so I figured I would jump over a couple ( x couple more) things and get to the here and now!

Mom, this really is for you, cause i know you miss them, What am I talking about you may ask? Our Fantastic Mid-West Storms! This past Wednesday was the hottest day of the summer! it was awful! 97 degrees at 90% humidity amounting to a heat index of (drumroll...) 120! -Nasty, Miserable, Just simply how I think Hades will feel, and no I don't think I want to be in that, thank you! But with that kind of heat you know something is bound to brewing in the atmosphere, and it sure was!

That evening Josh took me down to the temple for our church's Youth activity of doing baptisms. Josh took me because as mentioned it was as hot as Hades and lucky me my air recently decided to go out! Not yet getting it fixed since it is an R12 model and they don't use that any more, even though it works so much better than the current darn thing, I haven't wanted to fork over the cash to get it converted.

ANYWHO, while in the temple I began hearing a faint sound coming in louder and then fading over and over, I turned to Tonya (our YW pres) and said "is that the tornado sirens?" sure enough, a second later the temple matron, Sis. Oaks comes to get the Temple Pres. Oaks (I love them!), who was there with us, to alert him of the now Tornado Warning. Well by golly this was a twisted dream come true for me! I had always wondered what it would be like to be in the temple during one of natures nastiest events! (don't judge) I looked through the stained glass in the baptistry, to the front doors and it was the darkest shade of midnight blue I have ever seen! But I knew no matter what I was in the best place ever for when a tempest hits! It was an AMAZING feeling!- thrilling, calming, peaceful, reassuring, and I knew this is how I want to be and where I would like to be if I am around when the last days arrive.

I went to check with the Brother at the front desk what the forecast was since we were nearing the end of our visit and just then, the wind caught the very front set of the temple doors and blew them wide open and the trees out front were bent at a 45-90 degree angle and just getting thrashed. It was like Woah! it wanted in, but then they just calmly closed them back up and all was peaceful again. Truly an amazing experience!

It blew by just in time for us to go but we were driving in quite the thunderstorm home, then it suddenly cleared up and the sun shone, but it was still raining and revealed the most amazing perfectly arched full double rainbow I have ever seen! It was again another miracle. I mean I felt so blessed to be lucky enough to be shown this vividly vibrant colorful spectrum of a double rainbow! It was a demonstration of our Heavenly Father's power and Love all in one!

Ok so I got home and Josh and I jumped on the nifty 50 (our honda 50 pit bike) and rode up the hill in the rain (my butt got soaked from the rain kick up) I stuck my camera in my raincoat and we went to the end of road and took photos of the storm. If you don't know about tornadic storms it always changes the skies and world around you colors, green, blue, yellow, etc. Usually green but today was a yellow amber in the world around us! So incredible! Here are some of the best photos I got - unedited! and A big YEA! for midwest storms there really is NOTHING quite like them.

( I hope you enjoy mom, wishing you were here!)

(sorry about the poor quality, only had my phone for this. So much more amazing in real life!)

Photos of the Amber Skies!

Electrical Storm- Lightening

This is edited slightly I just enhanced the the overall photo a touch.

this one was when it was dark and I moved so it blurred but still shows the awesome bolt!

Some firefly (lightening bugs) photos- they are the green glowing dots! there are so many they just light up the fields! again photos just don't do it justice!

and a light post- with bugs flying around it

Well there is my photo adventure! I received 15 mosquito bites during the making of these shots and yes, they were harmed-critically!

Lastly a small news on our life now- Josh, Branden, and I are going to KC tomorrow for the cable park and then the next day to Worlds of Fun for Branden for his last week before he leaves for his mission to SOUTH AFRICA! next tuesday. We are so going to miss him and so envious of him too, it will be so awesome! Josh is staying really busy with work he just finished a two bathroom remodel and they look fabulous! now onto a four bathroom remodel job! along with other painting jobs and such. I just finished a couple projects for State Farm, and still hammering it out for the Juvi Center. I also decided to get a second job for fun and so I am going to be working at Lifetime fitness, a local health club along with my younger bro till he takes off for school again! Incredibly excited I get to see him (and bug him) more! Still deciding if I want to take the third job for fun, super part time at Z Gallarie or Anthro, we will just see what happens there. Now off to sleep for our trip tomorrow!

forward thinking

2010-05-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

These are just some of my thoughts, so don't get any ideas beyond thoughts. But a long time friend of mine just had her first babe yesterday (CONGRATS to Ashley & Scott!), and so naturally I began thinking about the [far off] day when we have our first, and not only did I find some baby items that I HAVE TO have (looking for baby gifts back from her shower), but I got thinking about photography :)
Josh and I's big one year mark is coming up this week as well, so I have been running through our wedding photos too, and our photographer that we had is just amazing. My thoughts combined came to the conclusion that I must have her do my mother-to-be pics and baby's/family photos, don't know with her being states away if that will work, but when baby time does roll around maybe Josh and I will be closer, who knows :). But for sure I want her to do my mother-to-be photos. She is just so great at what she captures, it's almost magical really. so I feel the need to put up a link to her blog today with her most recent photo post, it is so gorgeous! as well as a photo from that she did for me, I mean why not right :)
welp those were just some of my thoughts, but really you have to got to look at her stuff if you haven't before. Here's to that eventual [far off] day! (I mean it)

http://www.blushbybk.com/blog/ http://www.blushbybk.com/#

One year ago today I was taking these (my bridals)

Watch The Glenn Beck Show- May 13. 2010- Something Big Is Coming..

2010-05-15T15:15:00.001-07:00

Watch The Glenn Beck Show- May 13. 2010- Something Big Is Coming..

Yes another post about this kind of thing, but please trust me and take me word on this, this is extremely important that every person watches this!
It all fits all too well together to be false or made up, this is happening. Be in the know instead of someone who will realize it once their whole world has been turned into something you don't want. You don't want to be that person going "whaat?" (said in a valley girl voice) just kidding but really, just trust me watch it- all the way to the end,
I PROMISE you won't see things the same after. Then spread it to as many people as you can, you want them to be ready too. I would also like for you to let me know if you watch it and what you think, and if you agree. . .

Our Wild Kingdom

2010-05-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

I wake up every morning and look out my window to see this...

Meet Fatty-fat-nuts!

he first appeared this winter in a much "larger" form and always climbs up the deck post and scarfs down on the bird feeder while most of the time the little birds sit on the bushes and tree just waiting for Fatty to be done. It makes me laugh cause he is there almost everyday without fail.

Not everyday but most days I also see these guys,

look a little closer... (see my pretty flowers!)

Deer!

just hanging out in our yard, most all winter they would come right up to our window and eat the corn we put out, but now that it is green again they stay out and eat the forest greens... or my flowers:(

And another every day visitor to "our" yard (or should we say the animal's?)

Turkeys!- lots of turkeys

... and yes I have heard it before and no we will not shoot one for this year's Thanksgiving or any dinner, even though Josh has asked, No, but thanks for the suggestion. One has a bad leg and gimps around everywhere and lived under our stairs all winter! We named him none other than gimpy, but now gimpy is back with her family:) P.S. there used to be an albino turkey, all white!, there is a picture somewhere I will have to find it and post it.

I just thought I would share with you some of our furry feathered friends, that frequent our yard, there are more but that will be another day! Have an enjoyable spring day, and tonight I get to go to the temple for a family in our ward's sealing! so Excited for them, one of the girls is in my beehive class and I am just so happy for her and her family, it should be a very spiritual experience, super excited!

Mother of Mine

2010-05-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

Mom and I Christmas 09'

Happy Mother's Day to the perfect mom, mine. I know, everyone's mom is "the perfect mom", which is how it should be! But really there could have been no one better for me, we get along so well and she has taught me so much, we have had lots of fun experiences, we can relate on a level that I can't with anyone else, and she is always encouraging me to be the best I can be, I know without a doubt she believes in me and sees the potential in me, more than I could even see in myself. See is the example of how a mom should be, and I hope I can only be just like her! So here is for you mom a small note-
   Mom,
   I really appreciate all that you did for me from day one. You were in intense labor from 8:00am until 11:45pm. I even made you jump into motherhood two weeks earlier than I was supposed to (probably the first and last time I was ever that early to anything :) ) and yet you stuck with me. You could have just at that point assumed I would be more work than would ever be worth it, but you didn't, you gave me all that you had. You made sure that I had the best brining up that I could.
I have pictures of my happy early years, and you made everything seem so special, you gave it that little extra touch of love. I cherish the memories I have, from the nights I couldn't sleep and you would make me cinnamon & sugar toast, to the slushies in dixie cups when I was sick. To the warm wash cloths and awesome head massages for my chronic headaches(I miss those). From the paper chains for holidays, your amazing talent for holiday decorating, or the great birthdays that you spent so much time and thought on (especially the tea party!)
As I got older, you then took all you had to do the bravest thing ever in bringing Nick and I to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and to learn of our Heavenly Father's plan for us and about you loving Savior Jesus Christ and of his true church. We weren't quite in sacrament but you brought us still because you knew it was important. I thank you so much for your bravery, that led to me entering the temple and receiving the greatest blessing of all.
You helped me to get to all my many activities I was involved in from dance, acrobatics, swimming, soccer, softball, choir, etc. You were always sure to be root me on and I knew you believed in me. You helped me develop my mind and made sure to good in my studies and to excel in them. You taught me family was first by you making sure Nick and I was always involved in each other's activities and you involving us in everything you and dad did and beyond. I thank you for being brave enough to have another kid so that I could have my life long best buddy Nick. I thank you for every summer taking us to Idaho to get to know and be close to our extended family- and for all we did while we were up there.
I thank you for taking me shopping for all those many dances to find the perfect dress. For all of our fun shopping trips and lunch dates. And most of all I thank you for the huge sacrifices you made in helping me to find THE perfect dress for my wedding day. For the trips to Utah, all the planning, shopping, assembling, and invitations while i was drugged up and miserable from my wisdom teeth :) For being there the whole way, to the sacrifice of actually trusting to give me away. For helping me to stay strong and making sure I found an eternal partner with the priesthood and not one for just death do us part.
I thank you for teaching me about sacrifice and hard work, you have worked professionally most all of your life but still made it clear we were your priority. You are fun loving and creative, cute as a button, and beautiful and so amazingly strong! You truly exemplify motherhood and are truly what love is about.
I grew to appreciate you all the more when I left to Idaho for school, but missed you dreadfully. Came home and felt like that hole was filled. But here we are again, but this time you set out on your adventure, and I miss you again, and have come to a whole new level of appreciation for you. I am so grateful that heavenly father let me pick you for my mother, and I hope you know how much you mean to me and how great I love you! Happy Mother's day and another huge Thank you Mom for being the best Mom I could have! ( There is so much more I need to thank you for but know that is all written in invisible ink in between the lines <3)
-your so incredibly lucky daughter, Brandi

Seis De Mayo

2010-05-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, it has been a while. But now life is a little more calm(for now) and I am feeling much more myself and it feels wonderful!
Last week was rough, we were trying to get my mom all packed up and ready to set off on her new adventure in life. Miraculously with the help of my aunt, her sis, we got her all good to go, we went out to breakfast at Le Peep, I hugged her tightly, she hugged keiko a last goodbye ( :( ) and she drove off on the open road to the mountains! Then I frantically worked to but together my Design book for my brand, and after having to eventually stay up for 36 hours straight it was also sent off and said goodbye to but not with a hug. More with a sigh of relief.
SO now maybe I can find some time to write about things that I said I would and things that are to come (gee I wonder if I have said that one before?).
Well with my more time I decided to try making some good food for Cinco de mayo! But it happened to land on Wednesday and I instead got to spend it with my young women at a stake wide Cinco de Mayo celebration. Luckily there was pretty good food, and it was pretty relaxed, and it was pretty nice. So the dinner took a rain check and then Josh and I had a Seis de Mayo dinner!
¿Qué comimos? (What did we eat?)

Sweet Pork Burritos with Lime rice (Costa Vida Style)
I found this knock off recipe a while back and finally got to try it out. It was Delicious! I am not a fan of the shredding portion by any means (takes for. ev. er!) but Josh, who is a food connoisseur, even thought it was delicious! (Score!) So here is the recipe:

Costa Vida Sweet Pork (Knock-off)
• Pork Roast, calls for 4-5 lbs, I used 3 1/2 lbs and it was plenty!
• 3 c. Coke
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 Tbsp (heaping) brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. powdered garlic
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled & grated
• 1 (smallish) serrano pepper, seeded & diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (I used a vidalia onion)

1. Cut away any obvious fat portions from the roast. Place all ingredients in a crock pot and cook on high for 6-7 hrs.
2. Remove pork to a cutting board
3. Add an additional 1/2 c. granulated sugar and 1 c. Coke to the liquid in the crock pot.
4. Shred the pork, removing excess fat & bones. Then add back to crock pot. Stir. (use a fork and your hands to shred, beware this park takes forever! and the finer shredded the better)
5. Reduce to low & cook an additional 3 hrs.
6. Serve pork in warmed up tortilla. (rub with parmesan cheese)
Now I served it with lime Cilantro rice(minus the cilantro, we are not fans of that stuff around here). It is really easy to make!
just boil 2 cups of water and 2 cups rice with 1/2 cup lime juice. if you like cilantro then use a half of bunch chopped.
Then serve with black beans (I only had pinto last night), tomato, lettuce, home made guacomole, sour cream and salsa. Put mozzerlla on top of the burrito and green enchilada sauce, ta-da! Delicious!!!
*Cover remaining pork and refrigerate for up to one week. It can also be placed in freezer safe bags and frozen for use up to 3+ months later.
original recipe found at The Slotted Spoon

Then for dessert! We then had Sopapilla Cheesecake, yum!
Sopapilla Cheesecake
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 (8oz) cans crescent roll dough

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F
2. Beat the cream cheese with 1 1/2 cups of sugar, and the vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Unroll the cans of crescent roll dough, and use a rolling pin to shape the each piece into 9x13 inch rectangles. Press one piece into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into the baking dish, then cover with the remaining piece of crescent dough.
3. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Stir the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar together with the cinnamon in a small bowl, and sprinkle over the cheesecake along with the almonds.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until the crescent dough has puffed and turned golden brown, about 45 mins. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares.
*Once it comes out of the oven you can add honey for a sweeter taste. Or this would work great with sliced apples on top when you bake or apple pie filling on the top with ice cream when it comes out of the oven!
recipe from All Recipes.com
It was a super yummy dinner! So go ahead and try them out and enjoy! you won't be disappointed!
Happy Cinco (Seis) de Mayo!!!

Still Here

2010-04-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hey, I am not sure I will ever be really good at being a regular blogger, but I am still here. Josh and I have had some great recent experiences, with spring blooming, I got to attend a tea party, a wonderful easter, and inspiring general conference, me enjoying my 23rd birthday, then the very next day we jet-set off to sacramento and vaca'd a good part of the bay area/northern california in a short time, and were able to attend our dear friend Jordan's and his great new wife, Kristina's, Sealing in the Oakland Temple. -we got to mark off one more temple that we have gotten to visit! I will be sure to try and elaborate on our trip in another post.

(I love this picture of Jordan's expression, Kristina was just caught off gaurd(sorry) )

Oakland temple, it was so windy!

Life has been and is continuing to be good to us. We lived through our first tax day, which had me a little nervous, I don't know about the rest of you. It is a little different when you have your own business, and so thank goodness for Josh's dad knowing all about it and how to file! I got to plant some flowers, including my favorite- ranunculus! Today Josh bought me more flowers to fill out my pot and we planted mums and salvia. Now I have to get another pot for the others he got :) We also bought seeds to plant a vegetable garden, so we are excited to do that soon!
All is not peachy though, the hardest thing for me now is probably finishing my design book(stress city!) and my most amazing, extremely loved, my best friend, Mom is moving at the end of this month. I have been dreading it for a long time now, but some how didn't think it would actually happen, but here we are and it is. So now we are trying to get her all packed up and set to go on to her new adventure. I am excited for her and know the Lord has a plan for her. Oh boy is it going to be hard for me. I will miss her something severe!
Well that is a little run down on the latest events, and hopefully there will be more to come soon! Hope you are all enjoying spring and not too bad of allergies! tah-tah for now!

321 Water

2010-03-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

As mentioned times before, I am a graphic designer, and my passion is packaging, I just love it! So while I was browsing through my favorite packaging blog a while back I found this, 321 Water.

I thought the packaging was awesome! It is function meets form. What is it you ask? It is a water bottle! the thing in the middle? a plunger/filter. Its function? To get people to avoid using plastic water bottles and drink tap water again. Now in some places, like here in Nebraska or where you have good mountain water, tap water isn't bad. But like in California or Nevada where water isn't so plentiful or clean, tap water is not a yummy option. (been there done that- yuck!) So I thought this was such a smart design!

Now I am not an environmental "global warming" nut, but I do believe in being responsible and loving this planet our Heavenly Father gave us. So to reduce the huge number of plastic bottles being tossed everywhere and to enjoy natural water again would be perfect! And if you live like where I do, and don't have to worry about the taste, then you can just carry it around to use and have a super sweet looking bottle! Here is the website for 321 Water and its info, maybe you can afford one and tell me if you like it!

Soon I will post about St. Patty's Day and getting back to my roots!

my aminals

2010-03-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, my aminals (animals). My whole life I have had pets, and I love them all so much. Each always has its own personalities, each loves you unconditionally, well dogs, and they always become a part of the family. As most have even heard, that having pets is good for one's well being and adds longevity to our lives. Well, my beloved puppy, Keiko, is getting old and has really bad arthritis in his back hips for about 6 months now. Also, Just before I left for Idaho a few weeks ago, My brother in law surprised Josh and I with our unexpected first pet. He was going to get me my long wanted turtle, but instead went for something a little more entertaining, a small furry baby hampster. haha! I have never had one before but ya know it has been fun and he is cute! So all of this has cause some reflection on my pets and the depth and fun they add into everyday life. Also how sad it is when they get old and eventually move on to doggy heaven.- gosh i hate that, it is so hard and sad. But anyways I love pets, especially mine and thought I would put up some pictures of my pets, because I love them :)

Kieko,

my favorite pup!

Roxie,

very close favorite

Laddy,

Josh's late favorite pup, his only pup

Lastly, our new friend-

STEVE!

These are our pets now, but also here is to my awesome previous pets and my future pets, may they be many and loving! Animals are wonderful, pets or wild, love and respect them! In another post I will talk about our "other" animals, oh so fun! So go and enjoy your pets and have a great day~

giddy

2010-03-11T14:24:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am so glad that February is over! The shortest month of the year felt like the longest of my life! So much was going on, and somehow it continued to add to its already stunning chaos. Yet, with lots of support from loved ones and a loving Heavenly Father after much time on my knees, I survived...barely! It was rough, as mentioned in my previous post, but despite the low and trying times in life I always find that the sun comes up on trials if you just stay faithful and endure. I learned some great life lessons and really bonded with my family members in a way I hadn't ever.
I especially learned a love for my parents this past year, even more than before, after seeing the influence their parents had on their lives and how hard it was for them when they lost those beloved parents. I just don't want to loose any opportunities to talk or be with my parents in this life, I don't want to be left wondering if, and I learned that I need to always let them know and show them how much they mean to me and how greatly I love them. Plain and simply to re-prioritize my life and just remembering that nothing in this life, be it work, church callings, education, house cleaning, things on the internet especially (blogging, facebook, games, whatever people occupy their time with) and even fun activities, "makes up for failure in the home"or, in my words, any time lost spent on or with your family members older or younger, distant or near. Take and make any opportunity you can with them, because it may be a very long time till we get to see them again.

Ok so now to now, I am very excited! My birthday is a little while off yet, but things happened to work out for us that our friend is getting married around the same time as my birthday. So Josh and I decided to go out to California a little earlier than needed to spend time in San Francisco for my Birthday! I was maybe 3 years old when I got to go there and Josh has never been there! So I am very excited to have a small little get away with me and Josh for my b-day and then to go see Josh's best friend be married in the Oakland temple! (yea get to go visit a new temple!) SO, for all of you who know that area, let me in on your tips for things to see and do while we are there! -Amy I know you and your Mom might have some good tips!

Lastly, for our vaca out there, it will be around rainy season I am thinking so I need a cute jacket right? I so found one! I love this shop, Tulle, I found them during a major end of season sale and totally got 8 really cute clothing items for under $40! So I found this Jacket, and am hoping that maybe, just maybe I can get it. I don't want a lot usually, but I really like it! (fingers crossed ;) )

Have a wonderful day, and despite the snow today (which was actually very pretty) we can all look forward to spring! Can you just feel it in the air?

Only A Life Lived For Others...

2010-03-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

...Is a Life Worthwhile." -Albert Einstein

A Tribute to My Grandma Anita Fisher-

In my life there have been people who were important and that I loved Dearly. My family as a whole being the top. Yet my Grandma Anita just had a very special place in my heart above all else, or I guess in a unique way. She was everything to me and always had made an everlasting impression on me.
As much as I loved her and thought I appreciated her in my life, not until that special person leaves this life do you realize just HOW much they really impacted you and how much more you wish you showed them how much they meant. Wow, and she really did, she was a part of my life I just assumed would always be there, she was strong, active, creative, loving, faithful, above all giving, and all the things that a genuinely good person is made off.
Many of us spend our entire lives trying to reach where she was and some of us may never even get close, she was just that amazing, and everyone who knew her saw that about her. This tiny little 4"9 woman had the personality and heart the size of Paul Bunyan. Growing up she was what I thought all grandmas were like (I also had three other very awesome grandma's, two are still kickin it down here) but as I grew up I found out just how uniquely amazing and wonderful she was. I have volumes of memories and instances in my life that she has been apart of. Even though most of my life I had lived states away from her I feel I was closer than most everyone else is with their grandparents. We called each other regularly, she always remembered our birthdays, easter, v-day, and especially Christmas( even this last one when she wasn't doing well) Oh she loved christmas, she shopped for it all year long, she loved shopping and giving, it was one of the many ways she showed her love.
But what seriously made her different in my life, in all of our family's lives was her love. I remember that even when I was little, she valued me and truly Listened to me, which is hard to find in a person anymore. She really made you feel special and that you were the most important person in her life, and I think that really we all were. If anything was amiss in my life or if I was troubled, or through the times in my life when things weren't so good, hard times, she ALWAYS leant an ear and shoulder to cry on, she offered substantial advice, and made sure you knew you were important to her and that she supported you even if no one else did and that you had value and could make it. She really believed in me, and she saw me for who I was but also what I could become. She was the example of who I wanted to be. In life, she rarely did things for her own benefit, although she did do things that made her happy and her hobbies, but for the most part everyday consisted of everyone else and what she would do for them. I don't know anyone more Christ-like and charitable than her. And I love her with all my heart and know she isn't gone but has just taken the next step in our existence. Now she can be with me all the time and that gives me comfort. Yes, its true though I still feel the void of her passing. I miss her like crazy, I miss her phone calls, I miss her voice, I miss her cute sayings, her wisdom, her little actions, I miss knowing she is there. Rarely can a Person come into our life that can affect us this much and really have a large part in making us who we are, and I am so grateful I was blessed to have her. Truly, a lot of who I am IS because of her, and her importance on family is instilled in me forever. I Love you Grandma, and know that we will be together again in the future, and know that you will stop by to check in on me from time to time. I look forward to then-
Memories of my Grandma:
- our phone calls, almost weekly
-going to see her in Idaho every summer
-crying every time we left, and as a kid crying ferociously for miles
-Her sewing all of my Halloween Costumes as a Kid, we always had the best ones!
-her sewing many other things, dresses, blankets, etc
-Her artistic skills in painting, decorating, floral design
-every christmas she painted a scene on her front window
-Nick and I fighting over the colored bowls for cereal
-her yard was amazing, she was such a gardener, she won awards for it
-every week she rearranged the furniture in her entire house
-usually every year she repainted, recarpeted, redid something in her home
-Her sporty cars, even up to the end she drove her corvette and had a tiburon
-her independence, even though married she lived alone much of her life
-how much she and my papa john loved eachother
-her dog was bigger than her, mishka
-she was beautician and loved doing hair especially her own!
-She loved! shopping, loved looking at "pretty things" and clothes
-her favorite store was pier one
-She loved Jackson Hole alot!
-she always had health remedies
-her big huge breakfasts, Josh loved them!
-as a matter of fact all of her cooking was divine!
-she always had cookies and candy and ice cream
-she hated showers, they made her feel like she was drowning
-she was spunky
-she was a firm Christian who knew the bible in and out!
-had more faith than a lot of people I know
-called me Brand, Nick; Neko, Dad; Pea body or Body, Mom; Cind or Cindy sue
-wanted to be at my wedding so bad that she would call me crying and apologizing, broke my heart, I hope she knew I understood and that she was there in spirit
-thought I was beautiful (that meant a lot)
-always gave great gifts and some unique ones, would wrap little things inside bigger gifts- so fun!
-was always up at 5 something in the morning and would drink her coffee, study the bible and then do crosswords
-was loved by everyone that met her, I mean everyone!
-had rough but soft hands because she worked with them but they were so loving
-her laugh
-she loved sitting around as a family and reminiscing and telling stories and jokes
-family was her life, she lived for everyone else
-she took care of her mom until she passed at 69 from ovarian cancer
-her mom, my great grandma Lois is still alive at 93 and healthy as can be
-her mom(lois')lived to 106
My grandma was awesome and millions of more memories but this is all that came to my mind, for now, so I have this all down for my kids one day, or for our family members, which she and them and all my family on both sides is really why this blog started, to let them in on my life here in Omaha, while they live so far way. This is my seemingly large tribute to my grandma Anita but it could have been so much larger, so realitively it is small, but sure does give a good taste to who she was.

The Truth Hurts sometimes

2010-02-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

I found this through one of my past professors' facebook page. It gave me a good laugh because it was so dead on that one could either laugh or cry, I choose to laugh. But I thought it would be fun for all to read, because I have definitely had at least 3/4 of this happen to me. I think people just don't know what all goes into Design so they don't appreciate it, and thus this poster, but maybe one day they will. -And I like the illustrations on here.

Enjoy, hope you are having a great weekend! We are:)

found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchbreath/

p.s. BRANDEN IS HOME FROM JOB TRAINING FOR GOOD! his family was surprised and it was fun surprising them

Will you be with me forever?

2010-02-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

Ah memory lane! It is such a fun road to visit, it always makes me nostalgic and excited for what is today and to come! On Memory Lane today is One year ago this day, February 5th, Josh came out of no where and surprised me with a much needed day together (it was very busy this time last year for us both), A check off of my bucket list by taking me on a HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE- it still makes me giddy and prolly always will, with a side of "Will you marry me?". Yup this marks the 1yr since he proposed to me. It was perfect and he put so much thought, effort, and love into the whole deal. Not to mention surprised me with still the most gorgeous and classic ring I have ever seen!
I love you Josh, Thank for the memory and for wanting me for your eternal friend and wife!

For fun here are pictures of today to compare the difference in weather-

aw beautiful!

I like both climates, and no this isn't b/c of global warming.. er climate change! ;)

OH! and lastly just to let you all know Pantone has announced the color of the year-

PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise

Turquoise Transports Us to an Exciting, Tropical Paradise While Offering

a Sense of Protection and Healing in Stressful Times

(Hey I am with the times, it is already part of my blog!)

Live Free or Die...

2010-01-21T15:48:00.000-08:00

(image from allposters.com)

Just a quick post, I am increasingly finding myself becoming more and more socially aware and active in the happenings in the world around me. Through Education, Church, Home, My Beliefs, and this awesome Country and Our Freedoms. I am finding that I am discovering things I had never known before and becoming empowered by this knowledge, I feel that through these things I am becoming more of a tool to help build up my Heavenly Father's Kingdom... I really do. I want all of you to feel this same way. Empowered and filled with ambition and vigor. We all want to make a difference in this world be it in a small or large way. And we all can, and SHOULD! The best way I have found is through expanding our minds with knowledge-not just education, but knowledge and wisdom. By this we will all be inspired to act and make that positive difference in our wonderful world.

So here is a great way to start above ^ I have posted a video preview for a documentary that is going to be aired on Fox News tomorrow at 5pm Eastern. (4pm Central). This is filled with things we all have never been shown or taught before but it is filled with true history. If we don't know the truth of things, then how can we ever expect to be knowledgeable? Will it be shocking? - I bet you it will. Will it pull the wool from over our eyes? -Guarantee it! Will it blow our minds? -possibly Will it give you knowledge and empower us? -a resounding yes!

So WATCH IT :) if you are busy during that time, then record it, it will be well worth it by all means, and why be one of those who are don't know, who don't get it, or are ignorant? nobody wants to be that person (I really hope you don't).

Then tomorrow, come back and tell me what you think. Leave your comments and thoughts, that way I can find out who watched it and I really want to discuss it! Have a great night and day!!

Our First Blissful Christmas

2010-01-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

Well needless to say, it has been very busy around here for the Holidays. It was filled with events, family, and snow! (so prepare for a long post)

It began with Lacie and Jon coming into town from Idaho and on Christmas Eve Branden miraculously flew in during our Christmas snow storm from his MCT in North Carolina. I got to put up and decorate five Christmas trees this year, including Josh and I's own, his families, and my mom's and dad's. I love the lights of the season, even when it is so miserably cold it warms the home.

Well Christmas was great. But due to the nasty winter snow storm we had, it wrecked Josh and I's plans to spend Christmas eve with my family doing our tradition of going to a chinese restaurant for dinner, then a movie, then driving around looking at Christmas lights and opening our Christmas eve presents (pj's) of 22 years. It was a hard thing for me not getting to see my family first time ever on Xmas eve, but we still had a great and wonderful time with the Staheli's eating a delicious dinner, then risking our lives driving to the airport to pick up Branden, then opening our Xmas eve presents from the Staheli's (pjs) and ending the night with reading the Christmas story from the New Testament and the Book of Mormon.

Christmas day then came and we were taken by surprise all around! It was white all around outside and deep! Also, We really didn't ask for anything from anybody this year, but we ended up getting those things that we really, deep down, wanted, but didn't dare tell anyone about! Especially me, I was spoiled, and I am not ashamed to say I LOVED IT! haha We were blessed with receiving from Jim & Darlene the Kitchen aid that I have really wanted, color, size, and all! Along with some wonderful gift cards, a recipe book of all of Darlene's great recipes, and others. (Thank You again!) Then we indulged in the Staheli Christmas morning tradition of Christmas Crepes with strawberry sauce! (so stinking good!!) I wish I had gotten a photo of them, cause they look almost as wonderful as they taste.

Then we packed up and bundled up to brave the roads to my Father's house and picked up my mom along the way. We there opened up our gifts my grandma Anita and from my parents. We had no idea what they had gotten us, but was shocked (both Josh and I and Nick) when we opened our first gift of a Wii remote!? Yes, they gave us & Nick Wiis and all the doodads to go with it! Josh was so excited!(especially since getting a kitchen aid wasn't as awesome to him as it was me) We love it, it really is a very fun gift! Then my dad got me some new snowboard boots that will hopefully be much easier to get on and off! (another big Thank You!) Then we all went over to my Mom's house to open stockings and a few more gifts and eat Christmas Dinner. The boys set up the wii (my dad nick and josh) while me and my mom got dinner ready. We had a wonderful dinner and again were full and happy! We opened a few more gifts and again were surprised! Guitar hero 5 for us, and for josh a handy fold up hand cart, and me an Ebelskeiver Pan and recipe book! I have wanted one for a long time! So awesome!! And gift cards from my Grandma Marge. Again along with other wonderful gifts. (Again, Thank you!) We cleaned up, hung out and watched Christmas Vacation and had dessert (my mom's awesome pumpkin pie and cheesecake!) We later headed back home and enjoyed the rest of the evening. It was a wonderful, joyful, beautiful, family filled, white Christmas! The way Christmas should be.

Now the BEST for last! How could it get any better right? well as mentioned earlier I got Josh for Christmas a Ruger SR22 rifle for Christmas. But I didn't want him to not have anything to open on Christmas, so I ordered something else he wanted but would never guess getting. Unfortunately it didn't make it for Christmas but a few days later it did, and I got him a Banshee Bungee! They are awesome and he was so surprised and Loves it! I was so excited when he opened it too! But even better bestest is what Josh gave me....(drumroll)... he got me... a Nikon D5000 SLR Camera, and additional zoom lens, and a sweet case for it all! I was FLOORED! I was really in disbelief at first but as I continued to open it, my smile became bigger, and bigger, all the way to uncontrollable! It was amazing, I would never ask him for anything like this because of cost but he knew how bad I wanted one for my graphic design and just for artistic endeavors. So he secretly did this somehow! And he had it forever, since November he said, and to have kept it a secret that well, was amazing!! I love it and I think Josh does too, he has as much fun as I do taking artistic photos, especially of nature.

The THANK YOU to everyone for your love, our wonderful gifts, and even more to our cherished memories of this, our first Christmas together. It will not be forgotten. We love you!

Photos of the Season(alot)-

Our Tree!

Our tree glowing

Our gifts, I loved my velvet ornament wrapping paper!

Our Stockings!

Our Festive Home

More of our Decor

My Fav! My mom gave me our first Nativity scene for an early gift! It is perfect!

Christmas Morning with the Staheli Family!

Josh's Gift to me! (He just knows me so well, I love you Babe!)

My Gift to Josh + The Banshee Bungee (not shown)

Josh and Nick Playing our new wii (thanks Mom & Dad!)

Family Christmas Photos

Our First Christmas

Our loot afterward (Thank you All!)

Lastly, Check out all of our Snow!!

It was so wonderful & fun, what a memorable first Christmas!

Zamboni Photi

2009-12-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

A while back I said I would post the photos from our last Fall Zamboni rail session. So here they are, taken by David Giesbrecht, one of Simon's friends and well known for his skate and board photography around these parts.

Unloading Josh's Truck of mystery snow

Oh my hot and studly husband- Ow Ow!

A very cool shot of Simon

Josh & Simon watching from the top

There ya are! now after the snowstorm, our rail is set up in our backyard just outside our door :) And on last saturday we went and volunteered at the open door mission and then snowboarding at crescent! (it was the worst day I have had snowboarding since I have learned how, I got so frustrated and even cried; i know what a baby, Boy, thank goodness Josh is so loving and patient, and can make me smile even when I am that low. Better luck next time I am hoping!)

P.S. in relation to all of this, I just got Josh an awesome Christmas Present! (I wasn't suppose to because we already got his gun... oops) He will never guess, but I am so excited to see his reaction, it will be sAweet! plus a week from today is CHRISTMAS! It has come so fast! I hope you are all ready, I am just tying up a few loose ends for my ex-ctr7 class's presents and josh's 12 days presents, and finishing our gifts for our families! I love this time of year, just wish it wasn't so hectic and go by so darn fast! Best wishes!

New Calling, Nightly routine & Movie list!

2009-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well after three years it has come to an end! I can't believe it! This past Sunday Josh and I were pulled out of (his) Sunday School class and my CTR 7 primary class to meet with the bishopric. I was then surprisingly released from my long term calling as a Primary teacher,(2 yrs Sunbeams 1 yr CTR 7)

and then called as the(drumroll)... Young Women's Beehive Advisor! My reaction: Woah, What?! Sure! sounds fun. As I returned to my class to tell them I won't be there teacher anymore (even though there is really only two weeks left of me teaching them anyway) they all started saying "Nooo! We want you!!" It just melted my heart! I have loved teaching these little kids. I really wish I could go on and on about it but I won't. All I will say is that there is no better way to truly get closer to the spirit then through little kids, and there love, energy and creativity! I will miss it so much. I will miss them (the kids) so much, and being with my mom in primary and working with my mother-in-law. :End chapter in life:

:Begin new chapter in life: Tonight was my first experience in my calling with the Young Women. I should have seen this coming, because not even two weeks before was I saying, Hmm I don't really know the youth in our ward, I am not sure of who they even are?" Well, be careful of what you say! Anyways, tonight we had a progressive dinner with all the young women, which was a great enjoyable (no pressure) way of getting to know everyone. I get to work with really great women and girls. As I came home though, I couldn't help but think of two things, "Man am I really old enough to be teaching these girls, I seriously was just one of them!" Second, "Oh man this is going to be so much work! With school, work, family, home, and now a very demanding calling... I better be getting lots of help from on high!" haha, I know this will be wonderful and I will learn so much and grow tons, but I am a wee bit overwhelmed, and I am sure many stories to come from this experience. Wish me Luck!

New thoughts: Josh and I have a nightly routine. We don't watch TV, but we do buy television shows on DVD so to avoid commercials and having to wait in between episodes. We watch a show usually every night before bed to wind down. It all started with 24- our favorite! But over time it has grown to many! Including, House, The Office, Bones, Prison Break(over), Heros, and currently The Unit. But we are almost through with The Unit, so Josh told me to get my list ready since we are almost done we can watch all the Christmas movies that I want! Woo Hoo! So here it is, my list of favorite Xmas movies!

Christmas Vacation
The Grinch
Elf
Rudolf the Red nosed Reindeer (all those clay movies)
Jingle All the Way
Miracle on 34th St
The Preacher's Wife
Home Alone (1&2)
The Santa Clause(all of them)
The Family Man
Disney's Christmas Carol & Cartoons
You Got Mail
The Holiday

There are more I am sure, but those are my top ones! Oh I love them, they truly put me in the Christmas mood! I am excited and here we go! What are your favorite Christmas Movies?!?!

Health, Wealth and Happiness!

2009-12-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

The Berry of the Season

This time of year, eating healthy is something, that to most, is an ideal that, "will just have to wait until after the holidays." But that just isn't the truth. I agree that to avoid the wonderful foods and sweets that this season has to offer would be a shame. Yet the holidays already have favored food items packed into them that are actually very healthy for us! One of those is a wonderful little red berry; a Cranberry!
Cranberries are featured this time of year in desserts, as sides or as an additive to a main dish.

Cranberries are high in antioxidants
High in Vitamin C
Boost our immune systems
Contain natural anti-bacterial properties
Treat & prevent cystitis
Contain condensed tannins that prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract walls
Prevents plaque from forming on teeth
Studies are finding it prevents against,

heart disease
yeast infections
UTI's
Cancer
Strokes
Viral infections
high cholesterol
Growth and Spread of tumors

So this Holiday Season, and every day, drink at least one glass of unsweetened pure cranberry juice, but look at the ingredients before you buy. Often they are highly diluted with water and I have found they will mix it with other fruit juices such as apple or raspberry to bring down the tartness. Be sure it is one of the first ingredients on the list and no other fruits are added. Or take at least 800mg of Cranberry extract daily.

Catalina Cranberry Chicken (Kraftfoods Magazine)

Prep 10 min Total 1 hour Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients

4 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (breast or thighs)

1 can (16oz) whole berry cranberry sauce

1 bottle (8 oz) catalina dressing

1 env. onion soup mix

How-to

Heat oven to 350 degrees

Place chicken in 2 (13x9) baking dishes

Mix remaining ingredients; pour over chicken.

bake 50 mins or until chicken is done (165 degrees F)

Sources: The Top 100 Immunity Boosters, by Charlotte Haigh and Research Shows Health Benefits of Cranberries

"I want to Build something"

2009-12-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

Last week Josh had a couple of down days from work and so that led to him having more free time. Josh is not used to that being as he usually is busy with something, especially with his construction business! But he had just finished a job painting a new sports store and his next job was another paint job that he flew through quicker than he had expected. In this time he had nothing to do, and Josh can not sit still and do nothing (I love that about him!) So he determined he would make me a floating shelf by my side of the bed since I don't have a night stand. We went to Lowes and we picked out all the stuff and went home to build it. After we completed it, Josh ended up not liking how it looked, so we built a new and different one. I love it! it has been so nice to have, instead of having to reach over him each night to put down my rings and grab the scriptures!

But that wasn't the end. Then next day, he looked at me and said, "I want to build something! What should I build? What do you want?" I thought about it, and looked around. Then I knew, we needed a coat rack! So again we began the trip to Lowes and bought all the paint, hooks, wood, and a fun little routing bit set to give the wood a fancy edge. I love this as well! now we don't have our coats hanging over chairs, the couch or on the floor anymore! (Took the picture before we painted in the screw holes :) )

I am so lucky and grateful to have an awesome husband who can build, make, fix, really anything that we want or need! What a Manly Man! I love learning how to do this stuff, and having him teach me. Now for the next project if he gets another down day (not looking to promising though:( ) We are going to make an advent calender for Christmas! I have a great idea for it too! I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Thankful

2009-11-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful week(end) this was!! So many fun and wonderful things that took place! For Journaling purposes I am going to write about it all!-

Wednesday, My dad, Nick and I put up the Christmas lights on my dad's house, and it looks great! Then that night we had our last major Zamboni snow jib session with Simon before they up and move to Albequrque New Mexico. There were some great photos from that night that I will post the link onto later.
That night I came home and made my first pumpkin cheesecake for The feast the next day (till 1:00am cause I started after we got home- oops).

My First Pumpkin Cheesecake!

Thursday, THANKSGIVING, Josh and I cleaned our home and got ready for everyone to come over for dinner. It was a marvelous day, really it was! We bought corn to put outside for the many critters that live out there, and set that up so they could have a thanksgiving dinner. So far we have seen cardinals and a mouse eating it and stashing it for the winter. But we think that deer have been nibbling on the ones hanging from the tree because the bottoms have no corn, and a raccoon on the one bungeed to the deck. Love it!
While we were setting it up, we saw a flock of turkeys running on the dirt track and down into the ravine. It was funny to watch them run up the jumps then down. There were at least 25 of these guys! On Turkey Day how awesome! (saw them on Monday as well!)

Our neighborhood turkey flock running over the hill!

Then we had my family, minus my pops, he had to work :( , the Jensen family, and the Staheli gang all over for dinner! There was SO much food, I think all of our eyes were much bigger than our bellies! On Nick's way over he ran out of gas Right in front of the gas pump! Josh and I found it hilarious as we went to his rescue. Nick greeted us by saying "Hello, I know, I am the Thanksgiving Shmuck!" haha oh how I love that kid! Then we got back and all enjoyed the food!

Afterward we went to see the Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey. I had been looking forward to it for a long time, and I am very sad to say that I was hugely dissapointed! Warning! TOTALLY NOT for kids!! He was barely funny, and although the animation and 3-D aspect was awesome, the movie itself was depressing and dark. I barely got a flicker of the Christmas Spirit. oh well, I guess I will just have to stick to his "The Grinch" (a fav) and Christmas Vacation (the Fav).

Josh looking saweet in his 3-D glasses, He is so adorable!

Then we came home and had our delicious desserts. After, Josh, my Mom, and I took a heaping plate of food over to my Dad for his Thanksgiving dinner. It was a wonderful warm day outside and also in our hearts. We are all so grateful for our blessings and most importantly our FAMILY!

Our Turkey Day Dessert Bar!

My mom's Cheesecake and Pumpkin Pie &

Terri's Banana Creme Pie! +my Pumpkin Cheesecake

Friday morning Josh and I woke up at 4:30am and went to Cabelas for Black friday Shopping. We were there at 5:30 and waited for a half hour outside in the freezing weather in line to get Josh's Christmas present. We were successful and now he is anxiously anticipating Dec. 25th so he can play with his new Ruger SR-22 rifle. I love Christmas! It turns everyone into a little kid! Then we went to Target and Lowes. I had won our bet on how cold it was outside while waiting in line (20's), so then Josh payed up by taking us to breakfast at Village Inn. Then we went home for a nap and then I met my Mom and we went out for MORE shopping :) That night we set up the rail again with snow and taught the Bullocks and Flemmings how to snowboard (many funny moments!) then ate at Chili's and came back to our place for Bonfire and Smore's!

Saturday we were up bright and early again! We got up at 7:30am and got doughnuts for breakfast and headed to the church by 8 to do our last Saturday of cleaning the church building! What a duty! Josh had been called as the Cleaning coordinator for our ward, so this was our first month and it was a success! The church has been spotless! We have had wonderful helpers come and volunteer! Thank you all for your help!! Now we get to rest for 2 months! After ward, Josh had brought the 50, go ped, skateboard and longboard, so again the Flemmings, Bullocks, and Us played around after cleaning on another gorgeous weather day! After, we went to a baptism at 11 for Ryan Mattson! (Simon and Bethani's boy) It was wonderful and what a sweet spirit was there! We came home and made delicious Omaha Steaks burgers on the grill and played on the zip line in the ravine. Saturday night we got all the Christmas decor put up and now we are in the Christmas spirit! (Next to finish my Dad's house and to do my Mom's! )

My Shiny Ornament Centerpiece

Christmas is for those with "Shiny Syndrome"!

Sunday was at least a bit restful, slept in, had breakfast then went to church and taught my class then came home and relaxed and watched the Unit on DVD!
What a weekend it was! A great time to reflect and be grateful and to spend quality time with family! I love you all and have no clue what I would do with out the great support and the love that you give! Thank You!

how to write a senator letter

2009-11-18T20:46:00.000-08:00

Well today we had our Letter Parties, and they were awesome! Thank You everyone for coming out and taking the time to write a letter to Senator Nelson! And Thank You Autumn for instructing us and Claudia for your Home, and Darlene for getting it together! It was so last minute but people still made it a priority, which says a lot! As life is crazy busy for most though, it is all good! I have got you covered, I am going to post how to write a letter to your senator, Ben Nelson, or any of your senators that are in opposition or undecided. But remember this has to be DONE by Friday! So it is best to fax it to your senator's Washington D.C. address, and mail it to the state office or you can fax it too if it is down to the wire.

Address your letter Dear Senator ______, and date the top.
State very clearly that you oppose the Health Care Reform Bill and want him to vote NO
Also that you oppose Cloture, and want him to vote NO
You can add reasons why you are against these
You can add things that you would support or like to see
Express that unless he listens to his constituents (you) then you will not re-elect them
Sign your letter and put your address below.

That is all! It is a real easy and simple thing that you can do that could add up to a big difference. As a matter of fact you only need steps 1,2,3, & 7. Four steps. You can do it! If you do, let me know, I would like to tally how many do and see where this goes! Happy Writing!

Senator Ben Nelson's Contact

Omaha
7602 Pacific St.
Suite 205
Omaha, NE 68114
Tel: (402) 391-3411
Fax: (402) 391-4725

Washington, D.C.
720 Hart Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: 1-202-224-6551
Fax: 1-202-228-0012

Some pics of the party

Letter Party!!

2009-11-17T18:30:00.000-08:00

The heat is on. It is a great time in which we live! with so much at our finger tips, and our ability to grow and expand in so many ways it is incredible! But what is really fascinating about here and now, is how it seperates the great from the passive. Those who will stand up and make a difference and rise to the challenge. Those who will accept their calling when presented. Folks... NOW is that time!
I purposely am going to be bold in my words, but please it is not meant to cause any offense or harm. Each generation has had something in which took standing up for! Thus far we have risen and succeeded in the cause of good and what is right! That what makes us so proud of our heritage and this amazing country we have been blessed with. We don't deserve it, but a loving God has given it to us so long as we are trying to keep his commandments and remember how it is that we have what we do. Really, it is that simple, but now things have become so confusing and grey. What is right and what is not, what is freedom or bondage, honest or dishonest, love or oppressive, all these seemingly clear black and white concepts have become fumbled and misconstrued into a limbo of uncertainty.
No longer can the average American turn on your televisions, computers, ipods, etc to a news generator and trust that what they are hearing is true journalism, filled with the truth of things as they really are. Some may say this is how it has been for a long time, and maybe so, but today it is so much worse. Famous News reporters and anchors have quite their jobs because of this, and of actual threats to their lives! (Lou Dobbs CNN) No longer can the average American attend a civil meeting and freely exercise his freedom of speech without fear of being brutally punished for it, and the government pretended it didn't even happen! (SEIU beating in St. Louis) And no longer can we feel that our government truly believes in the divinely inspired constitution and freedoms that have made our great nation what it is, because of oh so many things! (Health care reform, injustice, socialism, fear, favoritism, foolish spending...) But the current issue is that of the health care reform. I know that so many of us have had our ears full of the negative news on this issue, and I am sorry that we all feel this way, really I am. Yet that is what it is, a NEGATIVE idea. But the common response of so many Americans to just turn the other cheek and "mind their own lives" is only going to hurt worse when they turn back around and get the slap in the face of what really happened when they were "minding their own lives" and receive the full consequences of something that they could have prevented. It won't just affect you and me, no it goes faaar beyond that! It affects the world, our kids and their kids! Do you want them to look back and ask why didn't they (us) try harder? What was SO Important that they felt they would rather do that than fight for freedom?
Are we not grateful enough? No, I don't believe that is it! I think that either maybe we just don't understand the full weight of what is going on. Maybe we feel powerless and are not sure of a way in which we can do anything about it. Maybe we really just feel overwhelmed and like maybe they won't even listen. These are all understandable things, but we can't let it deter us. We have to pull out our full potential and find strength in ourselves, our families, friends, communities, and rally each other in the cause. Yes, it is true! One person CAN make a difference, but MANY people can change the course of history!

Now here is your calling. What can you do to start snowball rolling? Write a letter! yup a letter, good old snail mail is making a come back!! Write your senators! Make sure you tell them you want them to vote NO for the health care bill (which in every way is unconstitutional) and vote NO for the cloture. Nebraska is a very big key state in all of this, Ben Nelson is on the fence and by writing to him you can make that difference! There are 4 other fence sitters as well. Find out if your senator is one of these and WRITE them, but everywhere write as well. They are wanting to vote on the health care bill by the END OF NEXT WEEK! Why a letter? well...

one hand written letter carries the weight of 1000 emails or phone calls!
It is easier to validate
It is seen as more sincere

But please calling everyday and emailing does make a difference as well!
For those in the Omaha area, tomorrow at 2:30 and 7:00 pm are holding a letter writing party! We felt that this was one of the best things we can do, and the least intimidating. We will make it easy on all. We will have an expert in the field describe and explain how to write a well done letter, one that will say exactly what is needed. We will have a question and answer available for those who just don't know a whole lot about what is really going on, and of course COOKIES! Here is your chance to be grateful for your country what we have been given and stand up for FREEDOM! If we get enough people imagine the gravity of what we could do! If interested you can leave a comment with your email and I will send you the where. Or you can facebook me, or if you know me well enough, feel free to call!!! We are serious about this, and you need to be too. This Health care reform really is something that could change our entire way of living as we know it, and not for the better. Thank you for your time and support, and please TAKE ACTION!

2009-11-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

Well, Nick's girlfriend Lizzie showed this to my brother who showed it to me, and I couldn't help but laughing! My brother especially loves this because the Pug is his favorite dog ( along with the bulldog). So I thought I would post this to bring some joy and laughter into all who read this lives.

I really have been meaning to blog more. Lots of things are going through my head and in my life that I really want to share, discuss, and get opinions on. Things like my exploration into Once a month freezer cooking, the health tips, Christmas!, gratitude, and most importantly what is going on with our country with the health care reform being the main topic, but also oh so much more. We shall see what I get around too, I am hoping all, but no gaurentees. so for now enjoy the cute pugs!

The twitch

2009-11-09T06:59:00.000-08:00

All of a sudden, when one is accepting the loss of warmth, and greenery in exchange for crisp coolness and warm hues to just brown twigs and pines it hits. This twitch that doesn't cease, its like an adrenaline surge every day. It runs through your body and causes one to jump and plan this winter's trips. It causes some to travel out to a ice rink and load up on zamboni snow, and turn it into a line for a rail session. Waxing of boards that have been stored for 6 months+ and sharpening edges. And just sitting anticipation for the snow to fall and pile up. This twitch started around October, but as of this past weekend, while waiting for our seats at Outback on our date we did what causes this "twitch" to intensify into an all out longing and desire! We sat in the truck (our wait was 45mins) and popped in a snowboard movie to watch on the dvd/stereo player(which Josh put in for long drives for snowboard trips :) ) So now, we are highly anticipating this winter's trips and sessions!! Ah, the one of the few upsides to cold long winters!!! So if any of you might have the twitch, Here are a few clips from one of my favorite snowboard movies- "Follow Me Around"
Hence the song on my blog, it is a fav riding song.

I will have to post later a fav clip of mine from the "DC MTN.LAB 1.5" It is great, but later! Have a great day!!!

Halloween review

2009-11-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

Josh and I had a most fun October/Halloween season! It still remains my fav! We made our best attempt to fit in all that the season had to offer and did pretty well. We ate many pumpkin goodies such as pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pie, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), pumpkin ice cream, and still more to come w/thanksgiving! We carved pumpkins, Threw our first party and went to them, Bonfired and spent All Hallow's Eve passing out candy and at the Pumpkin patch. Watched the leaves turn all sorts of firey colors, then raked leaves till our bodies were sore, redid the dirt bike course to make it bigger and better, and got one nasty flu! (so much better being sick together than alone :) ) We didn't miss a moment! Here is the visual record of some of what we did! (lots of my photos turned out blurry, and i didn't get a whole lot of good ones, like non of our decor, or really good patch photos, but i will try better next time) (p.p.s the new blogger uploader is awful, and is impossible on certain aspects, so i apologize for the janky layout)

The yummy food I made for our party
(thanks for the help on the chili and cookies mom and darlene!)
then of our guests and our out door bonfire, we had awesome outdoor and indoor spooky decor!

Our Monster shots

Josh and Me and as bloody surgeons

Josh's amazing Bonfire

When Josh and I got Sick

Halloween at the pumpkin patch

We feed the fat rabbits

Then We found 5 bucks on the ground and decided to spend it on the apple shooter,

It was a great halloween, now we are looking forward to Turkey day and CHRISTMAS!!!