tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63129704383692105292024-03-12T22:27:03.958-06:00Rich and MariUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-38981686489885598612014-07-18T22:28:00.001-06:002014-07-19T08:08:29.421-06:00Olivia's BirthOlivia's story starts all the way back in July 2013. Rich and I had been trying to conceive since May 2009, and if you can do the math, that's over 4 years of trying to have a baby. When we started trying I thought it was going to be this magical experience and I would be pregnant within a few weeks. Weeks turned to months and months to years. We tried lots different fertility medications with no success. I kept on telling myself that this year was going to be the year and when Christmas came around of that year, I always felt an emptiness. Despite not being able to conceive for almost 5 years, Rich and I remained positive and had faith that we would be parents someday. So finally in May 2013 we decided to talk to a fertility specialist. We did 2 unsuccessful rounds of IUI and then decided it was time to start the in vitro process.<br>
After lots of medications, injections, ultrasounds, blood work and tears, they did our egg retrieval on our anniversary, August 21st and I think it gave us some good luck. Five days later they put 2 embryos in and put me on bedrest for 3 long days. Then the waiting game began. Two LONG weeks later, on September 5th we found out we were pregnant and due on May 14th 2014. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.<br>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When we found out we were expecting, Rich and I were both sure that our baby was a boy. Whenever we would talk about the baby we would refer to it as "him." I was even ready to start buying baby boy clothes because I was so sure that we were going to have a little man running around here! We of course were dying to confirm what we already believed so at 14 weeks we went to Fetal Photo to find out the gender. The ultrasound tech told us almost immediately that our baby was a girl. We told the tech to check again and he said he was 300% sure it was a girl. We were stunned to say the least! We told our families and friends with the gender box filled with pink balloons. We got a pink sky that night too!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My pregnancy went pretty smooth. I was nauseous the first trimester but that mostly got better after about 14 weeks. I had heart burn off and on my entire pregnancy. The only craving I really got was chewing on ice and then the occasional cheeseburger. Thank goodness I'm in the medical field and had access to ice chips whenever I wanted! I worked full time as a RN for my entire pregnancy so I was on my feet a lot and my hips would be in constant pain after a few hours of work. Sometimes after a 12 hour shift, I could barley walk because my hips were so sore, but overall, I feel like I was blessed with a pretty great pregnancy. Feeling her kick inside me was the best. </span></div>
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On May 3rd, while I was at a baby shower Rich's family had thrown for me, I started having contractions about every 15 minutes. I wasn't too concerned, I thought they were braxton hicks at first because I was still 11 days before my due date. After the shower, Rich and I got in the car and I told him that I had been having contractions. We started timing them and they were about 5 minutes apart. We decided to head to the hospital. Our nurse checked me and I was dilated to a 3 and 90% effaced. They told me to walk around so we walked and walked and walked for about 3 hours straight. The nurse checked me again and there was no progression. Dr. Barney came in and talked to me and did an ultrasound. He said my amniotic fluid was slightly low but it was nothing to be worried about. They told me if my contractions got worse to come but in but for now there was nothing they could do for me so we went home. I was so disappointed that I wasn't progressing despite my consistent contractions.<br>
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When we got home, I finished packing my things for the hospital just in case and went straight to bed and had the best nights sleep I had had in months, I guess that was God's way of preparing me of what was to come. At 5:30 AM on May 4th I woke up and went to the bathroom. My water broke in the bathroom and I yelled to Rich. It was the first time real fear set in that this was really happening. I was really scared. We quickly grabbed our things and went to St. Mark's Hospital. On the drive there my contractions were getting increasingly more painful. When we were walking in the hospital, I had to stop a couple times because my contractions were so intense. The nurses at St. Mark's brought us to a room and checked me. I was dilated to a 4 and in so much pain. The nurse told me she had to do a test to ensure that my water broke and that after the results came back I would be able to get my epidural. 2 excruciatingly painful hours later, they told me what we already knew, that my water had in fact broken. They called the anesthesiologist and he got my epidural going (thank goodness)! They checked me about 10 minutes after my epidural and I was dilated to a 9. Let me tell you that progressing from a 4 to a 9 in 2 hours without an epidural in extremely painful! The nurses were really surprised that I was progressing so fast since I was a first time mom. When Dr. Barney got there, the nurses told me to expect to push for about an hour at least. I pushed for about 15 minutes and then our sweet Olivia was born. The first time I saw her I just felt so much love. She had her eyes wide open and she looked right at me. After that first moment of holding her I knew life would never be the same. She was 7 lbs 12 oz, 20 inches long and so beautiful. I love Rich's face in the picture below. Seeing him as a dad has been so incredible and has made me love him even more than I ever knew I could.<br>
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Having Olivia was the most spiritual experience I have ever had. Holding her for the first time was pure heaven. Now that Olivia is here, it is very evident to me that she was born at the perfect time for both her, and Rich and I. She is an absolute angel and makes every day so special. Rich and I love every new phase and are absolutely loving being her mom and dad. We feel pretty lucky to have gotten such a sweet baby. I did not know I could love like this. She is so amazing. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-80772126844558763452012-08-30T22:56:00.003-06:002012-08-30T22:56:51.444-06:004 Years...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know this is 9 days late but 4 years (and 9 days) ago I married a guy that I had been dating for 4 months. It sounds pretty crazy but I just knew we were meant for each other. 4 years later, he is still my best friend and I could not have dreamed of marrying a better man than him. He is everything I have ever wanted. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing man in my life that loves and respects me and works so hard to make our life so wonderful. Happy (late) anniversary babe. I love you forever!
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com85tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-77014526392339078032012-08-29T13:18:00.004-06:002012-08-30T23:02:58.777-06:00Summer Update <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I haven't blogged all summer so here is our summer update. Even though I was in school all summer, we still had time to have some fun with our family and friends. </div>
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We had a night in with the Hightowers and Goeringers before the Hightowers left for the summer. We love these two cute families, they are some of our greatest friends ever. </div>
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Brittany's baby boy was blessed and I got to spent some time with 2 of my favorite babies. Zach's little girl "B" is getting so big! Her and Brit's little boy are both adorable! </div>
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Rich's sister Jill got married to Russ in May. It was a beautiful ceremony and such a happy day. Russ's kids ran and hugged both of them right when they walked out of the temple. It was precious. </div>
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My aunt Mia came in town from Oregon for work and we got to spend some time with her in Park City. It was so good to see her and we wish her and her family lived closer! </div>
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We had a ton of fun times at the pool this summer getting our tan on! </div>
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We got to spend some time with our amazing friends. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Boating with the Hughes is always a blast. </span>
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We roasted marshmallows with the Wadsworths and Brit taught me how to french braid...the first time was a little rough but after some practice I got pretty decent at it! </div>
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We spent some quality family time. B is getting SO big! </div>
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Date nights with the Wadsworths and Towners are always fun </div>
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I had to say goodbye to my best friend. They had a goodbye party with family and a couple of friends at her stepdad's chocolate store V Chocolates. We were so sad to see them leave again but we are excited to visit them in Houston sometime in the near future. </div>
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My little brother Caleb came home from his mission in South Carolina. He gave an amazing homecoming talk on faith. His example and dedication have been an inspiration to our family and so many others. We love him so much and are SO glad that he is home! </div>
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We got to celebrate the soon arrival of the Stembridge''s baby girl! We are so excited for them! </div>
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Brianna's bridal shower was so much fun. She looked so happy and we are so excited for her and Rob to get married next week! </div>
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We had a fun family getaway to park city for a week. We swam, ate, went on the alpine coaster, played tennis, hot tubbed and relaxed. It was a lot of fun to spend time with the fam. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-91684248444593216042012-08-28T23:52:00.002-06:002012-08-28T23:52:35.448-06:00New York CityI need to catch up so here it goes...<br />
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In April, Rich took to me New York City for my birthday. It was amazing. We took the red eye and landed in JFK at 6:00 am. When we got into Manhattan we dropped our bags off at our hotel and went straight to Battery Park to get on the ferry to see Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. She was enormous! That night Rich took me to see the Broadway show Wicked, which was amazing. I wish we could have seen it twice while we were there! </div>
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The next morning we went to the Top of the Rock. The view was incredible but after my adrenaline from being up there wore off, my fear of heights settled in and I could not get down that elevator fast enough!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">That day we did a ton of shopping and then stopped to eat at Shake Shack. Rich and I were sitting at a little table next to the window eating and I looked out and noticed a girl just standing there staring at me in the window, my first thought was </span><i style="text-align: left;">why is this crazy girl staring at me?! </i><span style="text-align: left;">My second thought was </span><i style="text-align: left;">OH MY GOSH, THAT IS MY BRIT BRIT!!! </i><span style="text-align: left;">Rich and Brit's husband Kade planned on surprising me for my birthday. Being in NYC with my best friend was the best surprise ever. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Later that night we went to a Yankees game. I honestly wasn't very pumped about the game; baseball isn't my sport, but I was surprised how much fun I had. Even though we froze our butts off, it was still a blast!</span></div>
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The next morning, we had breakfast in Times Square with Brit and Kade before they headed back to Philly. We were sad they were leaving so soon but excited they were finally headed back to Utah for the summer. </div>
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After breakfast we went to the MET. It was so much fun and there was so much to see, I wish we could have had more time there. </div>
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We went to central park after the museum. I could have spent all day there.
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We did a lot of shopping later that day. That night we went to the top of the Empire State Building. The city lights were incredible, I have never seen anything like it. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Zb4MYTb2Bo/UD2fCeJE5EI/AAAAAAAAB1M/15EIyLzoy4Y/s1600/IMG_1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Zb4MYTb2Bo/UD2fCeJE5EI/AAAAAAAAB1M/15EIyLzoy4Y/s320/IMG_1055.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JteENB4_Lfc/UD2gH0JtznI/AAAAAAAAB1U/r0P4ULxAddU/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JteENB4_Lfc/UD2gH0JtznI/AAAAAAAAB1U/r0P4ULxAddU/s320/IMG_1007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The next morning we went to China Town. I felt like I stepped into another world. It was fun. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXj8B9Fp5Ec/UD2nXQ0TtmI/AAAAAAAAB3c/VFHhmkHD3ec/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXj8B9Fp5Ec/UD2nXQ0TtmI/AAAAAAAAB3c/VFHhmkHD3ec/s320/IMG_1090.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0Uz0tCJ8e0/UD2nYKwujfI/AAAAAAAAB3g/b2tDYoFe3m4/s1600/IMG_1140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0Uz0tCJ8e0/UD2nYKwujfI/AAAAAAAAB3g/b2tDYoFe3m4/s320/IMG_1140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Going to New York City was amazing. Being able to travel together and have so many amazing experiences together in our 4 years of marriage has been an incredible blessing and I can't wait to go back to the city! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-17044193279722454442012-07-14T20:53:00.000-06:002012-07-14T23:07:46.317-06:00DIY Skinnies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsipU2sFKSY/UAIkT0J4SaI/AAAAAAAABqk/oObyu9w5E1Q/s1600/lakdjfo28u3089jjtutfuip9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsipU2sFKSY/UAIkT0J4SaI/AAAAAAAABqk/oObyu9w5E1Q/s320/lakdjfo28u3089jjtutfuip9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I basically only wear my skinny jeans now-a-days but I have tons of other pairs of flair and boot-cut jeans. I decided to make them into skinnies. One thing I would recommend before starting is using a denim needle in your sewing machine, they are stronger and don't break as easily (my universal needle broke halfway through). It was trial and error but I eventually got it right. I am definitely an amateur at sewing and I am sure there is a better way to do this but this is what worked for me. </div>
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<b>Step 1:</b></div>
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Put your pants on inside out. Pinch and pin, but not too close. Its better to go about a half inch out from where you actually want it to be, you can always make them skinnier if you don't get them skinny enough the first time. Take your pants off carefully! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fXpoH7BoyJc/UAIpkxTf1EI/AAAAAAAABrs/jRrFzSDcnd4/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fXpoH7BoyJc/UAIpkxTf1EI/AAAAAAAABrs/jRrFzSDcnd4/s320/photo+(9).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> </div>
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Draw a line with highlighter where you pins are (your pants should still be inside out). You can also use a fabric marker or colored pencil for this step. I took this picture after I had sewn the jeans but you can see I basically just highlighted where I wanted to sew. Measure both sides to make sure they are even. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqlFbDeGmUM/UAIqqPMPS7I/AAAAAAAABr0/N6Gqx7YcXIE/s1600/photo+(highliter).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqlFbDeGmUM/UAIqqPMPS7I/AAAAAAAABr0/N6Gqx7YcXIE/s320/photo+(highliter).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3: </b></div>
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Start sewing where the original seam is and slowly move inward where you marked with your highlighter. The jeans I was using were already pretty tight on my legs so I started following the original seam about 2 inches above where my knee would be. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfkJHh4YjKo/UAIrjRSzz-I/AAAAAAAABr8/Ht79L66wG_U/s1600/DIYjeansstitchd423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfkJHh4YjKo/UAIrjRSzz-I/AAAAAAAABr8/Ht79L66wG_U/s320/DIYjeansstitchd423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4:</b> </div>
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take your seam all the way down to the bottom. The thread I was using was pretty thin so I went over my stitch again just to make it stronger. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hd2xAZumAM/UAItB0CFvNI/AAAAAAAABsI/gtEBAiEXOwM/s1600/stitchingildka.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hd2xAZumAM/UAItB0CFvNI/AAAAAAAABsI/gtEBAiEXOwM/s320/stitchingildka.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before and After</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4D4He8__HX0/UAIuVigdccI/AAAAAAAABsY/HeMwiMU6gto/s1600/beforeafterjeans123455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4D4He8__HX0/UAIuVigdccI/AAAAAAAABsY/HeMwiMU6gto/s320/beforeafterjeans123455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You're Finished! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qOi1jSv2hU/UAIuHmfVJ4I/AAAAAAAABsQ/M7AvIxzQPTQ/s1600/finished!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qOi1jSv2hU/UAIuHmfVJ4I/AAAAAAAABsQ/M7AvIxzQPTQ/s320/finished!.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-66315086458322462282012-07-09T22:13:00.004-06:002012-07-09T22:16:14.442-06:00So Soon...<div style="text-align: center;">
I am going to update this abandoned blog soon! I think it is feeling a bit neglected since I spend all my time doing homework or playing in the sun. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-43382594516311975042011-12-19T15:40:00.001-07:002011-12-19T15:40:36.142-07:00Our Life Lately<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zitVkSoIPwo/Tu-6CCASNTI/AAAAAAAABhM/mFqq8qtEvMU/s1600/141230138284249732_Ugr2LSFS_bCOPYYY.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 312px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zitVkSoIPwo/Tu-6CCASNTI/AAAAAAAABhM/mFqq8qtEvMU/s400/141230138284249732_Ugr2LSFS_bCOPYYY.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687969398452794674" /></a><br />This is the absolute worst! It happened to me on my last final, Pharmacology. 5 A's in a row! That is not supposed to happen. I proceeded to have a mini anxiety attack but you'll be happy to know I finished my final and got decent grades. I am just happy this semester of over! I have worked really hard this semester and even though I am only 3 days into my break, it has been blissful. <br /><br />My aunt Nonie and her husband Ed and my grandma Eva came in to town from Texas. It was so fun to see them and spend time with them. They were so happy to meet baby Betty. She loved Nonie and Grandma. We had a lot of fun with them while they were here and I wish we all lived closer so we could see eachother more often! <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQJuBVC0N0k/Tu-6Xzd-R8I/AAAAAAAABhY/CPBN2o8ifJo/s1600/SAM_2638copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQJuBVC0N0k/Tu-6Xzd-R8I/AAAAAAAABhY/CPBN2o8ifJo/s400/SAM_2638copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687969772507908034" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHV6YAoAUys/Tu-6nNIxcCI/AAAAAAAABhk/isR_vr5B41Y/s1600/SAM_2643copynonie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHV6YAoAUys/Tu-6nNIxcCI/AAAAAAAABhk/isR_vr5B41Y/s400/SAM_2643copynonie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687970037096345634" /></a><br /><br />Rich's family did their annual chocolate dipping night. It was super fun and yummy! It is definitely one of my favorite days of the year. Next year, we are dipping pringles. I hear chocolate covered pringles are the best, it sounds a little nasty to me but it will be worth a try. I know this picture is horrible, I need a better camera. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ5lkPXlhcE/Tu-6zK0pfOI/AAAAAAAABhw/ZWyFIAeeuXA/s1600/SAM_2681copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ5lkPXlhcE/Tu-6zK0pfOI/AAAAAAAABhw/ZWyFIAeeuXA/s400/SAM_2681copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687970242633497826" /></a><br /><br />Oh and I just have to say, how handsome is this man? I think he is a hottie and I am so glad that he is mine. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxFIqCrXx4o/Tu-8YZELhTI/AAAAAAAABh8/gltKsSAlVzk/s1600/SAM_2667copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxFIqCrXx4o/Tu-8YZELhTI/AAAAAAAABh8/gltKsSAlVzk/s400/SAM_2667copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687971981623526706" /></a><br /><br />And now we are off to this place...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCzLpNdAGq0/Tu-9EDosw7I/AAAAAAAABiI/P51rCz2grE4/s1600/imagesdlkjfakjcopycancun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCzLpNdAGq0/Tu-9EDosw7I/AAAAAAAABiI/P51rCz2grE4/s400/imagesdlkjfakjcopycancun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687972731785364402" /></a><br /><br />Life couldn't be better.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-29520384593663691932011-12-19T09:51:00.010-07:002011-12-19T10:32:30.745-07:00Wish List<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnv_Nor4_k0/Tu9zmaDGf5I/AAAAAAAABhA/xSDXhmN04e8/s1600/y.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnv_Nor4_k0/Tu9zmaDGf5I/AAAAAAAABhA/xSDXhmN04e8/s400/y.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687891958056779666" /></a><br /><br />I have been SO good this year! Hopefully I made the nice list. SANTA - here is what I want if I made the cut...but I would be happy with just one of any of the following things!<br /><br />1. iPad2 <br />2. Juicy Couture 'Ed To The Stars' iPad case<br />3. Madewell leopard print side walk skimmer flats <br />4. Heritage antler weekender bag <br />5. Dolce&Gabana The One perfume <br />6. Ed Hardy perfume <br />7. Tasha Crystal stretch bracelets <br />8. Tory Burch Dawn embellished hemp and cotton-blend T-shirt<br />9. Nars Lip Gloss In Chihuahua<br />10. Glitzerland-OPI-GoldUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-4467622791953181342011-12-17T15:07:00.002-07:002011-12-17T15:09:45.803-07:00My NieceI just adore my new little niece. She is so sweet. She looks so much like my brother Zach. I love her so much! This is the first grandchild on my side of the family so we are all just enjoying every minute we get to spend with her. How can you not love that little face?! <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb0_dlS74bU/Tu0Svqmbh7I/AAAAAAAABgc/d0LnKQlgY3U/s1600/betty1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb0_dlS74bU/Tu0Svqmbh7I/AAAAAAAABgc/d0LnKQlgY3U/s400/betty1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687222514537433010" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-81307026481559920552011-10-29T21:30:00.016-06:002011-12-02T22:33:43.525-07:00Worst Blogger EverI fell off the face of the earth for a while there. I have finals in a week so life has been a little nuts around here. So here is my update.<br /><br />My sweet hubs had a birthday in October. He is 27 now! Crazy. The day before Rich's birthday, I got the stomach flu. It was the worst. I could not even move without puking my guts out! So for his birthday, we hung out and watched movies at home. He did get lots of presents though, and he deserves it for being so wonderful. I just love him so much and I have no idea what I would do without him. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzVvQYtOkVU/TtmveI38YJI/AAAAAAAABeM/p-5QpzMQYf4/s1600/SAM_2592copykd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzVvQYtOkVU/TtmveI38YJI/AAAAAAAABeM/p-5QpzMQYf4/s400/SAM_2592copykd.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681765337217654930" /></a><br /><br />Our great friends Brooke and Chas had a new beautiful baby girl. She is so sweet and we are so happy that she is finally here! <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-RUyVsSQdk/Ttmv_trCz0I/AAAAAAAABeY/AhJZlSkvA6w/s1600/SAM_2599copydjkajd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-RUyVsSQdk/Ttmv_trCz0I/AAAAAAAABeY/AhJZlSkvA6w/s400/SAM_2599copydjkajd.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681765914031345474" /></a><br /><br />Ang, Jord and I had a girls night to go see Breaking Dawn and, shockingly, it was actually good! I thought the other two movies were so cheese ball, I found myself giggling through the entire thing, but this new one is pretty good. We all really liked it. I love girls nights. One of my best friends, Ang, is moving out to the state in January to be with her husband who is in the military. It is going to be so sad to see her go but I am very excited that she gets to finally be with her hubs. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-idXOpt_PkMg/TtmxQ6Od9GI/AAAAAAAABek/N4tFuDR64XA/s1600/SAM_2602copydlkjfakdl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-idXOpt_PkMg/TtmxQ6Od9GI/AAAAAAAABek/N4tFuDR64XA/s400/SAM_2602copydlkjfakdl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681767308970554466" /></a><br /><br />Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. We did dinner at my parent's house and dessert at the Jones's. It is always a great time with the fam. I feel like Rich and I both scored getting the coolest families ever. We both really do have the greatest parents and siblings. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikwnFhEFwYw/TtmyVD1wwmI/AAAAAAAABew/bJ-RxPdVU1c/s1600/d%253Bthanksginvign2011sibs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikwnFhEFwYw/TtmyVD1wwmI/AAAAAAAABew/bJ-RxPdVU1c/s400/d%253Bthanksginvign2011sibs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681768479782388322" /></a><br /><br />Just a few days after Thanksgiving, the most beautiful little girl came into my life. Zach and Jess had their baby. She is absolutely gorgeous. I just love her so much. She looks so much like Zach's baby pictures. She is the first grandchild on my side of the family so it has been really fun for us. We all can't get enough of her. They don't come more perfect than her. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zbIGJQiY5-4/TtmzIbaPBPI/AAAAAAAABe8/f27B5osHGS8/s1600/377109_2763425289069_1360968477_33128025_11copy54728967_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 385px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zbIGJQiY5-4/TtmzIbaPBPI/AAAAAAAABe8/f27B5osHGS8/s400/377109_2763425289069_1360968477_33128025_11copy54728967_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681769362282710258" /></a><br /><br />I feel like my life is school right now, that is why I suck a blogging. When I am not at school, I am doing homework and when I am not doing homework I am thinking about all the homework I have to do! I only have 2 more weeks until my much needed Christmas break. AND my aunt Nonie and my Grandma are coming from Texas in a couple weeks, I am super excited! If I can only make it through these next two weeks...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-5209870109248986332011-10-19T13:08:00.080-06:002011-10-21T11:28:57.900-06:00Italy, My Future Home!For Rich's job, he was asked if he could go to Italy to help with a couple conventions and selling some inventory that he created. The CEO Jeff and his adorable wife Abbie <a href="http://janda4.blogspot.com"></a> also invited me to come along! I was sooooooo excited. <br />Italy is truly amazing, I know I say that about a lot of things, but there are not even words to describe my love for that place. This post is going to be long. We left Utah on Thursday morning and our first flight took us to JFK. There were a ton of planes that needed to land, so we were stuck in the air for 20 extra minutes and I was actually happy about it. We got to see an amazing view of the city and from a girl that has never been to NYC it was breathtaking. Just seeing it out of the airplane window was absolutely spectacular. We then flew to Italy. The first city we went to was Jesolo where the first convention was for Rich's work. The same day we flew in, we had a black tie dinner than night. We were exhausted to say the least, but I was still so pumped because this was going to be my first Italian experience. we went to this nice restaurant with a bunch of Italians. They are seriously so nice! There were a couple of people that gave small speeches in Italian of course, we don't speak Italian. At the end of one of their speeches, everyone stood up and started clapping and all the women went to the front of the room to cut the cake. Kiara, an Italian girl that works for the company my husband works for, grabbed me and said, "all the women cut the cake, c'mon!" so me and Abbie, the confused Americans, went up and helped cut the cake. After, I asked Kiara why they do that and she said so simply, "because women are very respected in our culture; the women bring the life." I loved that. In a literal sense, women do bring life with bearing children but I think in most homes, the women actually bring the life to the home. On Saturday, we were still in Jesolo and had the conference all day long. We wore headphones that relayed a translator so that we could understand what they were saying. A lot of times the translator wasn't talking or just saying "ummmmm...so...ummmm." she must have been new or something. Because of that, we had a true "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" experience. when they clapped, we clapped, when they stood up, we stood up. After a long day at the conference, Abby, Jeff, Rich and I went out to get pizza. The restaurant owner didn't speak much English and we didn't speak any Italian so when we ordered pepperoni pizza, this is what we got. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcmXsTx65aw/TqF2NScZaYI/AAAAAAAABXQ/71qWBoL_6dQ/s1600/imagecopydkkeo1234.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcmXsTx65aw/TqF2NScZaYI/AAAAAAAABXQ/71qWBoL_6dQ/s400/imagecopydkkeo1234.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665939776870115714" /></a><br /><br />The conference in Jesolo ended Sunday. Right when it was over, Abbie, Rich and I headed to the beach, took a couple pictures, met up with Jeff, got in a taxi and headed to the dock. We then took a private boat out to Venice. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjCOTuoLmQ4/TqF3g9tPehI/AAAAAAAABXo/eypVylzSmw4/s1600/IMG_0988copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjCOTuoLmQ4/TqF3g9tPehI/AAAAAAAABXo/eypVylzSmw4/s400/IMG_0988copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665941214412634642" /></a><br /><br /><br />I can honeslty say, veince is the most magical place I have ever been. I loved every minute of being there. It was a wonderful experience. Our hotel was one street away from Saint Marks Square so we went there the first night we were there. It was such a pretty place. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKRVkc7bZZE/TqF32Z8UQTI/AAAAAAAABYA/sgxlyQYoDxo/s1600/IMG_1073copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKRVkc7bZZE/TqF32Z8UQTI/AAAAAAAABYA/sgxlyQYoDxo/s400/IMG_1073copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665941582769307954" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OO5JrWsp65s/TqF32B4-GEI/AAAAAAAABX0/eFVo-3csA0I/s1600/IMG_1077copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OO5JrWsp65s/TqF32B4-GEI/AAAAAAAABX0/eFVo-3csA0I/s400/IMG_1077copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665941576312821826" /></a><br /><br />The next morning we went on a gondola ride around the Grand Canal. It was probably the most gorgeous thing I have seen. It took us into little ally ways and by the famous Rialto bridge. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZacLUilbbA/TqF4VTaobPI/AAAAAAAABYU/lDQOEYRnGCM/s1600/IMG_1279copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZacLUilbbA/TqF4VTaobPI/AAAAAAAABYU/lDQOEYRnGCM/s400/IMG_1279copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665942113593355506" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38zAB2hOyLU/TqF4VFWz8-I/AAAAAAAABYM/atEQTEtRXQo/s1600/IMG_1142copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38zAB2hOyLU/TqF4VFWz8-I/AAAAAAAABYM/atEQTEtRXQo/s400/IMG_1142copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665942109819237346" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOB3OqPFdJ4/TqF5LYBakAI/AAAAAAAABYk/-BZNMTt0Zfg/s1600/IMG_1191copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOB3OqPFdJ4/TqF5LYBakAI/AAAAAAAABYk/-BZNMTt0Zfg/s400/IMG_1191copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665943042542702594" /></a><br /><br />Our gondola driver sang to us in Italian. It was sooo pretty! <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yjck1XY0stU/TqF5g-kdzGI/AAAAAAAABYw/ni-aa5ruz1U/s1600/IMG_1236copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yjck1XY0stU/TqF5g-kdzGI/AAAAAAAABYw/ni-aa5ruz1U/s400/IMG_1236copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665943413667515490" /></a><br /><br />Later that day, we spent our time wandering around Venice. It was so fun. Every turn held something new and exciting to see. We walked through Saint Marks Basilica, it was also very pretty. After, we took a walk to a park just outside the city. We saw all these cute little neighborhoods. I seriously could live there. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nptOdNkwxkk/TqF54McSv8I/AAAAAAAABZY/YxBRZB5YRwA/s1600/IMG_1412copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nptOdNkwxkk/TqF54McSv8I/AAAAAAAABZY/YxBRZB5YRwA/s400/IMG_1412copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665943812528324546" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGv-yS8G2eE/TqF53RpfScI/AAAAAAAABZI/xqVddyGmqNE/s1600/IMG_1439copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGv-yS8G2eE/TqF53RpfScI/AAAAAAAABZI/xqVddyGmqNE/s400/IMG_1439copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665943796745980354" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vMHWbJquSM/TqF53YrAD5I/AAAAAAAABY8/fd47v7pgx6s/s1600/IMG_1432copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vMHWbJquSM/TqF53YrAD5I/AAAAAAAABY8/fd47v7pgx6s/s400/IMG_1432copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665943798631370642" /></a><br /><br />Everything there was just so amazing. Even our water taxi pickup was so pretty.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wl5RDA61h0/TqF6eB8XZPI/AAAAAAAABZg/Zp1mWgnkIkA/s1600/IMG_1352copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wl5RDA61h0/TqF6eB8XZPI/AAAAAAAABZg/Zp1mWgnkIkA/s400/IMG_1352copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665944462545085682" /></a><br /><br />We were all sad to leave Venice. We took a boat to the train station and a train to Milan, switched trains and went to Arona. I wasn't super excited to go to Arona, I had never really heard of it before but it turned out to be one of my favorite places in the world. It was absolutely gorgeous. It's a small town that sits on a lake. This was our view from our hotel balcony. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8spJQaiiFM/TqF8RdtVt4I/AAAAAAAABZs/FE_GjHYwxlM/s1600/IMG_1481copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8spJQaiiFM/TqF8RdtVt4I/AAAAAAAABZs/FE_GjHYwxlM/s400/IMG_1481copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665946445683210114" /></a><br /><br />The night we got in Adele, the Italian GM for the company my husband works for, took us to the nicest dinner. Arona is her home town so she knew all of the history behind everything. We took a little boat out to a private island where we had dinner. the island where we ate dinner was directly across from an Italian prince's castle. Apparently all the royalty gets married at the castle. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ERsQA9Q9Nj8/TqF9K42CazI/AAAAAAAABZ4/9NHve65doYk/s1600/IMG_1510copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ERsQA9Q9Nj8/TqF9K42CazI/AAAAAAAABZ4/9NHve65doYk/s400/IMG_1510copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665947432219994930" /></a><br /><br />The next day, we spent the day having Adele show us around arona. I dont have any pictures of it, but you could see the Swiss Alps from the lake. The lake was gorgeous. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PnpPwtSCOo/TqF941l6aPI/AAAAAAAABaQ/BO7e6QyPZ2Q/s1600/SAM_2492copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PnpPwtSCOo/TqF941l6aPI/AAAAAAAABaQ/BO7e6QyPZ2Q/s400/SAM_2492copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665948221621037298" /></a><br /><br />This is Rich, Jeff and Adele. We are so thankful for her, she did so much for us while we were there. This trip wouldn't have been half of what is was without her. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jxIMU65U1Y/TqF9hjL4giI/AAAAAAAABaE/9PP6LoSWna4/s1600/SAM_2501coopy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jxIMU65U1Y/TqF9hjL4giI/AAAAAAAABaE/9PP6LoSWna4/s400/SAM_2501coopy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665947821543031330" /></a><br /><br />I know we have Smart Cars in the U.S. but every car there was as small, or smaller than a smart car. If I had to drive one of these, my knees would be up to my shoulders! <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejXkNKXXuac/TqF-O4A6d1I/AAAAAAAABac/02MmZ7Epz3k/s1600/SAM_2509copyy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejXkNKXXuac/TqF-O4A6d1I/AAAAAAAABac/02MmZ7Epz3k/s400/SAM_2509copyy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665948600228280146" /></a><br /><br />That night, we took a flight into Rome. Rome is an awesome city, and it is huge! There is so much to see. I could have been there 5 months and still not see everything. Our hotel in Rome was gorgeous. I am pretty sure it was the nicest hotel that has every existed. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rz2Zu4viEHc/TqF_oQVdcxI/AAAAAAAABao/-8Z2ihDssW8/s1600/IMG_1532copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rz2Zu4viEHc/TqF_oQVdcxI/AAAAAAAABao/-8Z2ihDssW8/s400/IMG_1532copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665950135765267218" /></a><br /><br />This is a view from Jeff and Abbie's balcony.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LBVxWCfj6s/TqGAI2Rd7ZI/AAAAAAAABa0/xBjt4NnkNJc/s1600/SAM_2537copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LBVxWCfj6s/TqGAI2Rd7ZI/AAAAAAAABa0/xBjt4NnkNJc/s400/SAM_2537copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665950695704882578" /></a><br /><br />The day after we got in, we toured all day! Our first stop was the Spanish steps. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJRACEzwqp8/TqGAfh5YsmI/AAAAAAAABbA/g-3cSClNh_I/s1600/IMG_1565copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJRACEzwqp8/TqGAfh5YsmI/AAAAAAAABbA/g-3cSClNh_I/s400/IMG_1565copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665951085372158562" /></a><br /><br />Then we went to the Trevi fountain. It was huge and beautiful. We threw our coins in over our shoulders so that we would be able to come back someday. (Someone told us that this fountain makes about 1000 Euros a week!)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrumHtqogbM/TqGBWXlsXjI/AAAAAAAABbc/zWJF9-QdYpk/s1600/IMG_1818copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrumHtqogbM/TqGBWXlsXjI/AAAAAAAABbc/zWJF9-QdYpk/s400/IMG_1818copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665952027498012210" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyG0zS6gW-Q/TqGBWDs2eSI/AAAAAAAABbM/bu3F_kRoHLk/s1600/IMG_1575copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyG0zS6gW-Q/TqGBWDs2eSI/AAAAAAAABbM/bu3F_kRoHLk/s400/IMG_1575copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665952022159325474" /></a><br /><br />After the fountain, we passed the forum<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEnE9VIzF5M/TqGBsEMIuxI/AAAAAAAABbk/GW9htyLxjn8/s1600/IMG_1621copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEnE9VIzF5M/TqGBsEMIuxI/AAAAAAAABbk/GW9htyLxjn8/s400/IMG_1621copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665952400247667474" /></a><br /><br />and then we went to none other than the COLOSSEUM! It was built in 70 AD. I love almost two thousand year old buildings! It makes the oldest U.S. history look like it happened 2 weeks ago. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKT36bTMZ_g/TqGCGRd33aI/AAAAAAAABbw/4AQYgBtkeJ8/s1600/IMG_1650copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 375px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKT36bTMZ_g/TqGCGRd33aI/AAAAAAAABbw/4AQYgBtkeJ8/s400/IMG_1650copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665952850488319394" /></a><br /><br />I loved every second of being there and I took a million pictures. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sbmx4IUxpKU/TqGC6gQQfpI/AAAAAAAABcU/TfOMC2LTMNM/s1600/IMG_1672copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sbmx4IUxpKU/TqGC6gQQfpI/AAAAAAAABcU/TfOMC2LTMNM/s400/IMG_1672copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665953747810942610" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ustXbyQa2Yk/TqGC6f2bQ0I/AAAAAAAABcE/O6kDbTjFvzo/s1600/IMG_1692cocpy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ustXbyQa2Yk/TqGC6f2bQ0I/AAAAAAAABcE/O6kDbTjFvzo/s400/IMG_1692cocpy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665953747702596418" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jy4Tae44BeQ/TqGC6ESy5FI/AAAAAAAABb8/5RhfUqNYjro/s1600/copy12jolfjaojdcollesseum.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 247px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jy4Tae44BeQ/TqGC6ESy5FI/AAAAAAAABb8/5RhfUqNYjro/s400/copy12jolfjaojdcollesseum.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665953740305392722" /></a><br /><br />Right outside the colosseum is Constantines Victory Arch. It was awesome. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAad54zSdP0/TqGEIQCzIYI/AAAAAAAABcw/fmJ6eSjiAsE/s1600/image124kjldkjump.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAad54zSdP0/TqGEIQCzIYI/AAAAAAAABcw/fmJ6eSjiAsE/s400/image124kjldkjump.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665955083489321346" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NjGvtT9PpN0/TqGEILcWJJI/AAAAAAAABcg/spKYs0IwZNk/s1600/IMG_1697copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NjGvtT9PpN0/TqGEILcWJJI/AAAAAAAABcg/spKYs0IwZNk/s400/IMG_1697copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665955082254296210" /></a><br /><br />We then went to the Pantheon. It was built in 448 BC. It was amazing to see something that old still maintaining such great structure. It is by far the oldest thing I have ever seen. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmnW-LapFQs/TqGE8whDQiI/AAAAAAAABdI/yJQzEQCANUs/s1600/IMG_1780copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmnW-LapFQs/TqGE8whDQiI/AAAAAAAABdI/yJQzEQCANUs/s400/IMG_1780copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665955985559339554" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9ijfJutHbc/TqGE8lVsmiI/AAAAAAAABc4/ZCS9wvbNwro/s1600/IMG_1769copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9ijfJutHbc/TqGE8lVsmiI/AAAAAAAABc4/ZCS9wvbNwro/s400/IMG_1769copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665955982558927394" /></a><br /><br />The next day we went to the Vatican, which is on the opposite side of rome as the Colosseum and Pantheon. It was pretty amazing. The enormity of these buildings cannot be captured in pictures! <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_HydMSOB_T0/TqGF4ngOCnI/AAAAAAAABdo/-VROt5IUFmA/s1600/IMG_1903copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_HydMSOB_T0/TqGF4ngOCnI/AAAAAAAABdo/-VROt5IUFmA/s400/IMG_1903copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665957013932083826" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVJFC2DM_ic/TqGF4FiCOFI/AAAAAAAABdc/STkd4aVH5eQ/s1600/IMG_1893copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVJFC2DM_ic/TqGF4FiCOFI/AAAAAAAABdc/STkd4aVH5eQ/s400/IMG_1893copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665957004812892242" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cqml1GuTXsg/TqGF3-EBx_I/AAAAAAAABdQ/Nh1seHrDYRs/s1600/IMG_1848copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cqml1GuTXsg/TqGF3-EBx_I/AAAAAAAABdQ/Nh1seHrDYRs/s400/IMG_1848copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665957002807986162" /></a><br /><br />Our last stop was Fuiggi. It was so pretty. It had kind of a Park City feel to it. It was a smaller city and the temperature was a little chilly. I was only in Fuiggi for a day and we were in the conference all day so I didnt see much. This is a pic from our balcony.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhQbhipJOpU/TqGHaEwS4vI/AAAAAAAABd0/nrY2lCam7Os/s1600/SAM_2547copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhQbhipJOpU/TqGHaEwS4vI/AAAAAAAABd0/nrY2lCam7Os/s400/SAM_2547copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665958688231449330" /></a><br /><br />I was so sad when I had to leave but so thankful I got to go. It was the trip of a lifetime and I feel very blessed to have been able to see Italy. It was such a beautiful country. Rich and I were talking about how we feel like we really saw and experienced Italy. We saw the mountains, the vineyards, Rome, Venice, lakes and the mediterranean sea. We feel like we had the best traveling companions. Abbie and Jeff were so fun. I feel like we spent the entire trip laughing and having such a great time. Everyone should go to Italy. You will LOVE it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-9057176509899335482011-09-25T18:15:00.001-06:002011-09-26T18:51:01.622-06:00ItaliaGuess where I'm going?! I am sure you all already guessed Italy because of the blog title but here are the places IN Italy that I am going. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PxsvOKgUI0/ToEaraff1rI/AAAAAAAABXE/Wailjv1_Kck/s1600/rome-travelcopy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PxsvOKgUI0/ToEaraff1rI/AAAAAAAABXE/Wailjv1_Kck/s400/rome-travelcopy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656831940102182578" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-JIWeK20x0/ToEag5LphII/AAAAAAAABW0/zLPJqjZiV_A/s1600/Arona_italy_triathlon_aronamancopy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-JIWeK20x0/ToEag5LphII/AAAAAAAABW0/zLPJqjZiV_A/s400/Arona_italy_triathlon_aronamancopy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656831759361868930" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y7D6_xDJwn4/ToEarPzfMiI/AAAAAAAABW8/FYK1jFpeHmU/s1600/imagecopyowjlkaj332oij.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y7D6_xDJwn4/ToEarPzfMiI/AAAAAAAABW8/FYK1jFpeHmU/s400/imagecopyowjlkaj332oij.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656831937233236514" /></a><br /><br />Arona is right outside of Milan so hopefully we will get to see Milan too! How did I get so blessed. When I heard we were going, I almost passed out. Going to Italy has been my dream for years and I am so glad we are going now. The timing couldn't be more perfect. I am far more blessed than I deserve. When I get back, you all better be ready for a picture overload!! I cannot wait! Only a few more days! woo hoo!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-85973328305174298212011-09-24T09:16:00.006-06:002011-09-24T09:30:56.598-06:007th Grade FlashbackWhen I was in 7th grade, my mom bought me a 3 barrel curling iron or waver as I like to call it. It was the cool thing back then and I waved my hair a lot in 7th grade but I stopped and I literally have not used it since i was 13. Don't ask me why I still have it because I couldn't tell you. <br /><br />Fast forward almost 10 years and here I am, I see the waver in my drawer and think, "I'm going to try and wave me hair today, ya know, change it up a bit."<br />This is what I got...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPZ9MENlYfk/Tn3016bWhXI/AAAAAAAABWk/bviXnslGrFw/s1600/SAM_2422copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPZ9MENlYfk/Tn3016bWhXI/AAAAAAAABWk/bviXnslGrFw/s400/SAM_2422copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655945914101433714" /></a><br /><br />On a scale from 1-10, how crazy do I look?<br /><br />I am pretty sure I am a 12 or something. It looks like I stuck my finger in an electrical socket. After I did it, I realized how completely insane I looked but I didn't have time to wash and style my hair all over again. I, unsuccessfully attempted to tone it down and this is what I got...definitely not as bad as before, but definitely not my most beautiful hair moment. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa27aRLoJF0/Tn31n6AQmjI/AAAAAAAABWs/bDK7erQckpQ/s1600/imagecopycopymarifrizzy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa27aRLoJF0/Tn31n6AQmjI/AAAAAAAABWs/bDK7erQckpQ/s400/imagecopycopymarifrizzy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655946772981258802" /></a><br /><br />Good thing the only person I care to look cute for is my husband, so when he got home from work, I asked him, "Babe, what do you think of my hair?" Rich gets this huge smile on his face and says, "Well, it's not my favorite, you kind of look like your still in middle school or something." haha. FAIL. <br /><br />3 barrel iron + Mari = 7th grade all over again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-70782622695659174642011-09-18T14:23:00.000-06:002011-09-18T14:23:00.607-06:00Bedroom FaceliftSo my bedroom needed a facelift. Seriously. It was dark and boring and I was pretty sick of it. Here is what it looked like BEFORE.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAusZ_u1dOM/TnTmaN4SYaI/AAAAAAAABWE/pUNE-wLhjzU/s1600/DSCN4825.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAusZ_u1dOM/TnTmaN4SYaI/AAAAAAAABWE/pUNE-wLhjzU/s400/DSCN4825.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653396770333548962" /></a><br /><br />So I got some new bedding and cute pillows and BAM. Here is what it looks like AFTER<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qboPs379Joo/TnTmzxJeEuI/AAAAAAAABWM/VN7m80apA3E/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qboPs379Joo/TnTmzxJeEuI/AAAAAAAABWM/VN7m80apA3E/s400/IMG_0835.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653397209297588962" /></a><br /><br />Isn't it just amazing what some Target bedding can do for a room?! <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLc59mi3zPo/TnTnQ9mLNXI/AAAAAAAABWU/lmXwbka-WCc/s1600/image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLc59mi3zPo/TnTnQ9mLNXI/AAAAAAAABWU/lmXwbka-WCc/s400/image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653397710855419250" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-50517243458146522652011-09-17T11:45:00.008-06:002011-09-17T11:57:44.296-06:00*ReMoDeLaHoLiC*AH!!!! <br />So my FAVORITE BLOG of all time is featuring MY blog!! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!! It is called Remodelaholic.com. My "Fall Wall Decoration" blog post will be featured on September 26th at 4:00 Utah time! Click on the link below to see their website. It is amazing and you will be addicted for life. They have so many great ideas! <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab229/remodelaholic/Smallbutton125x125.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /><br />This is my blog post that is going to be featured if you want to check it out in advance:)<br />-http://richandmari.blogspot.com/2010/09/fall-wall-decoration.html-Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-68639576056221270082011-09-16T10:58:00.017-06:002011-09-16T12:00:10.241-06:00Wishes for FallSCHOOl IS BUSY!! I have been so busy and I am only 2 weeks into this semester. I have read more in the past week than I have in my entire life but on the bright side, I am learning so much. I love what I am learning about and I can't wait to someday apply my knowledge and help someone. Here is a picture of some of the knowledge I may or may not be able to apply some day. I might have a some serious back problems this semester...I'll keep you posted. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSMbYaPg8K0/TnODheBnn2I/AAAAAAAABVE/FsKFQmhPJq4/s1600/SAM_2392.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSMbYaPg8K0/TnODheBnn2I/AAAAAAAABVE/FsKFQmhPJq4/s400/SAM_2392.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653006568298880866" /></a><br /><br />I am honestly just so thankful to my husband who supports and loves me through everything. He has been my rock through good times and not so good times. He is hands down the best decision I have ever made. <br /><br />I am loving this weather right now. It is like 75 during the day and 55 at night. Not too hot not too cold. Loving fall. Rich has his flag football games every Wednesday and we are, of course, enjoying going to those. There are SO many things that I want to do this fall that I, sadly, might now have the time to do with school. <br /><br />1.I want to go to NYC in the fall. I have never been but I hear it is absolutely gorgeous. I mean come on look at this picture. How can you not want to be there. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iE3UKEN20zM/TnOD7YIPjrI/AAAAAAAABVM/mDW2qDty0FM/s1600/nyc-fall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iE3UKEN20zM/TnOD7YIPjrI/AAAAAAAABVM/mDW2qDty0FM/s400/nyc-fall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653007013392649906" /></a><br /><br />2. I want to go see my baby cousins in Oregon. They are turning one soon and my heart just aches every time I see a picture because I am not there watching them grow up! They are the cutest little things I have ever seen. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-398r4JLCBMQ/TnOG4n4AuCI/AAAAAAAABVU/uMNp-BZi6Ds/s1600/260000_2089552916025_1161296336_2531390_5219760_a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 263px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-398r4JLCBMQ/TnOG4n4AuCI/AAAAAAAABVU/uMNp-BZi6Ds/s400/260000_2089552916025_1161296336_2531390_5219760_a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653010264614811682" /></a><br /><br />3.I really want to see T-Swift in concert on September 28 but I don't have tickets and I don't want too pay 500 bucks to get one! If someone has the hook ups let me know! <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGVhS7so_YU/TnOIrcGCgQI/AAAAAAAABVc/9XBieWAvvoM/s1600/189937836_KpxqoKCX_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 355px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGVhS7so_YU/TnOIrcGCgQI/AAAAAAAABVc/9XBieWAvvoM/s400/189937836_KpxqoKCX_b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653012237137379586" /></a><br /><br />4. I want to got back up to Park City with my best friends and do the Alpine Coaster again. We went in October last time and it was absolutely gorgeous. There is no possibiblity of this wish happening. Jen is on her mission and Chile and Brit is back in Philly. I guess Jord, Ang and I will all have to go together. J & B will be there is spirit:) <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nANB7tiW438/TnOMRnDmfcI/AAAAAAAABVk/OfOPjOeBmh4/s1600/SAM_1241copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nANB7tiW438/TnOMRnDmfcI/AAAAAAAABVk/OfOPjOeBmh4/s400/SAM_1241copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653016191449857474" /></a><br /><br />5. And last but definitely not least, I would like to go to a Jazz game with my man. That might not even be possible because there might not even be a season this year. I guess we'll have to wait and find out. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbBqzSAWgvA/TnONjz76N-I/AAAAAAAABVs/A2GieDwXoyY/s1600/DSCN4418Ccopaud.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbBqzSAWgvA/TnONjz76N-I/AAAAAAAABVs/A2GieDwXoyY/s400/DSCN4418Ccopaud.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653017603656529890" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-29660925501731455042011-09-03T16:26:00.032-06:002011-09-03T21:08:06.079-06:00Fugly FashionGages make we want to barf. I know it is a personal style thing but fitting your fist through your earlobe is not ok.Every time I see someone with gages my earlobes cry a little bit for theirs.
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDKbugn1YmM/TmLm7ASD0hI/AAAAAAAABTc/HjAQZVSnD40/s1600/l_bd5b75fe05d341e3a3df8c333756aac5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDKbugn1YmM/TmLm7ASD0hI/AAAAAAAABTc/HjAQZVSnD40/s400/l_bd5b75fe05d341e3a3df8c333756aac5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648330784038441490" /></a>
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<br />Some other personal style things that I can't stand are jean short shorts. If your pockets are longer than your shorts then you need to reevaluate your outfit and possibly your life.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06tz6-RXJEk/TmLnDejxWQI/AAAAAAAABTk/7F8wPg_VhmU/s1600/untitledshortshorts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06tz6-RXJEk/TmLnDejxWQI/AAAAAAAABTk/7F8wPg_VhmU/s400/untitledshortshorts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648330929604745474" /></a>
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<br />The melt. Some melts actually look really good, especially brown going into a caramel color, but going from dark brown to platinum blonde just makes you look like you need to go back to the trailer park where you came from and fix your nasty hair.
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<br /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I20uo5pEZ3k/TmLnTSreSeI/AAAAAAAABT0/ZGKHBFTg8zs/s1600/untitledlalala.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I20uo5pEZ3k/TmLnTSreSeI/AAAAAAAABT0/ZGKHBFTg8zs/s400/untitledlalala.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648331201293732322" /></a>
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<br />The double popped collar. As if popping your collar wasn't stupid enough, people have to start double popping and triple popping and quadrupal popping like this kid below. And why does he own 4 of almost the exact same color polo anyway?
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQijPj1uQYk/TmLnceq2MFI/AAAAAAAABT8/ukfxJp6hR8U/s1600/imagesCA6SEV2Tpopped.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 277px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQijPj1uQYk/TmLnceq2MFI/AAAAAAAABT8/ukfxJp6hR8U/s400/imagesCA6SEV2Tpopped.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648331359131152466" /></a>
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<br />The harem pants...I honestly shouln't even have to say why these are NOT ok but obviously some people think they are pretty cool. Those people must also think that wearing "depends", or any other brand of adult diapers is cool because that is exactly what you will look like when you where these. Someone needs to tell this girl she has a giant load in her pants.
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh1I5cXnVYg/TmLnnDObk9I/AAAAAAAABUE/ODDOYRYKFKA/s1600/imagesCA7MBWDM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 169px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh1I5cXnVYg/TmLnnDObk9I/AAAAAAAABUE/ODDOYRYKFKA/s400/imagesCA7MBWDM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648331540742771666" /></a>
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<br />Who decieded that high waisted jeans were cool? I do not care if you are a 100 pound supermodel, these will STILL not look good on you. Somebody please stop this madness!
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o26IHqIc8mI/TmLnzDH83NI/AAAAAAAABUM/ySK8UEr2Tps/s1600/jessica_simpson_300x400.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 386px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o26IHqIc8mI/TmLnzDH83NI/AAAAAAAABUM/ySK8UEr2Tps/s400/jessica_simpson_300x400.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648331746874023122" /></a>
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<br />Ed Hardy stopped being cool when John Gossling started thinking he was cool wearing it...or was it ever really cool? It always just looked white trash to me. Affliction shirts also fit into this catagory.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsshkUWlKns/TmLn9J2qNFI/AAAAAAAABUU/EEfMQd-OB7Q/s1600/jon-gosselin-fashion.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsshkUWlKns/TmLn9J2qNFI/AAAAAAAABUU/EEfMQd-OB7Q/s400/jon-gosselin-fashion.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648331920479237202" /></a>
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<br />Baseball hat with the sticker still attatched. Why? It makes you look like a theif, or just a complete idiot.
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdLm4eNawBU/TmLoKWUAUqI/AAAAAAAABUc/7pDXSJUUw-U/s1600/tumblr_lj4pkqfdmK1qzspv5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdLm4eNawBU/TmLoKWUAUqI/AAAAAAAABUc/7pDXSJUUw-U/s400/tumblr_lj4pkqfdmK1qzspv5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648332147161846434" /></a>
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<br />Skinny jeans on guys. Yuck. Guys, save yourself the embarrassment and everyone else the torment of seeing you in these.
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-btw-SeAbuPA/TmLoRBXXm4I/AAAAAAAABUk/IpA65bEeh1g/s1600/50513_102328106470208_9811_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-btw-SeAbuPA/TmLoRBXXm4I/AAAAAAAABUk/IpA65bEeh1g/s400/50513_102328106470208_9811_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648332261797895042" /></a>
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<br />Oh this is only the tip of the iceberg. Much more madness to come!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-84648725747428818512011-09-03T13:35:00.024-06:002011-09-03T20:32:03.478-06:00ME Time
<br />My sweet hubs has been the busiest person on the planet this weekend! The company that he works for is having their annual convention in Salt Lake. We went to a dinner with some of the people that work for his company from all over the world at Glen Wild in Park City. It was stunningly gorgeous. There was the most amazing firework show I had ever seen that night. Besides being with him on Friday at the dinner, I haven't seen him much since Wednesday, so I have just been one lonely wife.
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<br />I seriously have missed my man like crazy but I have gotten a lot of ME time in.
<br />I have had time to paint my nails. My favorite color right now is this color called Park Ave. I am such a perfectionist when I paint my nails. It probably takes me a good 45 minutes to get it perfect, so it's always a good activity to do while the hubs is away.
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xD3JibZnqjk/TmLfnG8BN6I/AAAAAAAABS0/snK14Vo1JlI/s1600/SAM_2382.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xD3JibZnqjk/TmLfnG8BN6I/AAAAAAAABS0/snK14Vo1JlI/s400/SAM_2382.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648322745646266274" /></a>
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<br />I gave myself a facial. My pores needed some serous tlc and now they are much better. I love this product. Hands down the best grocery store face mask. My skin feels silky smooth every time after I use it. Please ignore the fact that I look a little crazy in this pic.
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9U-JR4Ie4s/TmLgRtUxNqI/AAAAAAAABS8/GqRqHo0R4kE/s1600/SAM_2368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9U-JR4Ie4s/TmLgRtUxNqI/AAAAAAAABS8/GqRqHo0R4kE/s400/SAM_2368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648323477505128098" /></a>
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<br />Got some really fun reading for school done! *sarcasm*
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<br />Watched some 48 Hours: Mystery. I love shows like this. They are so interesting but they make me paranoid. I always think that I am going to get stabbed when I turn a corner in my house after watching shows like this.
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<br />I have read blogs blogs and more blogs. People have such entertaining lives and such cute families. It's so much fun to see what everyone is up to.
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<br />I watched Just Like Heaven. I saw this movie a long time ago and forgot how much I loved it. Reese Witherspoon is so gorgeous, can I please just look like her for 5 minutes!
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGiyHyFWIpQ/TmLiTasqFNI/AAAAAAAABTM/hJUV9eLEJz4/s1600/reese-witherspoon-20070910-309606.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGiyHyFWIpQ/TmLiTasqFNI/AAAAAAAABTM/hJUV9eLEJz4/s400/reese-witherspoon-20070910-309606.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648325705888044242" /></a>
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<br />And how could I forget...Pinterest! I cannot stop looking at cute clothes, amazing photographs and gorgeous homes! I just can't get enough. If you don't have a Pinterest account you should get one...or maybe you shouldn't because you will probably spend too much time on it, like me.
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<br />Although my ME time has been quite wonderful this week, I have really really really missed Rich and am looking forward to some much needed WE time! Good thing we have labor day on Monday! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-43945312860383145742011-09-02T10:19:00.008-06:002012-07-14T22:10:35.986-06:00.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I'm Mari and my hubby is Rich. We met, fell in love and currently live in Utah and we love it here. Richie loves sports (watching & playing), Saturdays and anywhere with a beach. I love shopping, rainy days and getting my craft on. We love each other and we hope you love our blog!</span></div>
</h3>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-74700461880671628192011-09-01T11:37:00.005-06:002011-09-01T11:59:13.156-06:00Rio Salad<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKP24_vxq6M/Tl_DeF9bBYI/AAAAAAAABQc/RZ74DQWABoM/s1600/untitledriosalad.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKP24_vxq6M/Tl_DeF9bBYI/AAAAAAAABQc/RZ74DQWABoM/s400/untitledriosalad.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647447379509183874" /></a>
<br />I found this recipe on pinterest. The first time I made it with just the pork, beans and ranch but you seriously have to make the rice to get your full Cafe Rio experience. Follow the recipe, it is seriously delish and not that hard (believe me, if it was hard I would not be able to do it!) You will not regret making this for your husband/fam, my hubs loves this meal.
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<br />Here is how we put it all together: First of all, we bought the aluminum deep-dish pans (they had these at the grocery store, you will know when you see them.. they look JUST like the Cafe Rio tins). Lay a tortilla in the bottom of the pan, sprinkle cheese on it, and put in the oven at 375 for about 5 min or until the cheese is melted. Remove from oven, add beans, rice, pork, then lettuce and a little scoop of diced tomato and onions (pico de gallo). Add guacamole and sour cream. Add crushed tortilla chips, a shake of Parmesan cheese, and top with a few cilantro leaves. Serve with the cilantro ranch dressing and there you have it! (makes about 6 salads)
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<br />(scroll down to see the rice, beans, pork, and ranch recipes all together...)
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<br />SWEET PORK:
<br />2 pounds pork (we like to use boneless pork ribs)
<br />3 cans Coke (NOT diet)
<br />1/4 c. brown sugar
<br />dash garlic salt
<br />1/4 c. water
<br />1 can diced green chilies
<br />3/4 (1oz) can red enchilada sauce (I used Old El Paso brand, medium spiciness)
<br />1 c. brown sugar
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<br />Put the pork in a heavy duty Ziploc bag to marinade. Add about a can and a half of coke and about 1/4 c. of brown sugar. Marinade for a few hours or overnight.
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<br />Drain marinade and put pork, 1/2 can of coke, water, and garlic salt in crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours (or until it shreds easily, but don't let it get TOO dry). Remove pork from crock pot and drain any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork.
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<br />In a food processor or blender, blend 1/2 can Coke, chilies, enchilada sauce and remaining brown sugar (about a cup, you can add a little more or less to taste..). If it looks too thick, add more Coke little by little.
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<br />Put shredded pork and sauce in crock pot and cook on low for 2 hours. That's it!
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<br />CILANTRO-LIME RICE:
<br />1 c. uncooked rice
<br />1 tsp. butter or margarine
<br />2 cloves garlic, minced
<br />1 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
<br />1 can (15 oz) chicken broth
<br />1 cup water
<br />1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
<br />2 tsp. sugar
<br />3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
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<br />In a saucepan combine rice, butter, garlic, 1 tsp. lime, chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook on low 15-20 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove from heat. In a small bowl combine lime juice, sugar and cilantro. Pour over hot cooked rice and mix in as you fluff the rice.
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<br />BLACK BEANS:
<br />2 Tbsp. olive oil
<br />2 cloves garlic, minced
<br />1 tsp. ground cumin
<br />1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
<br />1 1/3 c. tomato juice
<br />1 1/2 tsp. salt
<br />2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro
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<br />In a nonstick skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat until you can smell it. Add beans, tomato juice, and salt. Continually stir until heated through. Just before serving stir in the cilantro. (**NOTE** we added a can of corn, drained, to the beans with a dash of cumin and chili powder, it was AWESOME! We recommend doing this even though it's not "traditional Cafe Rio")
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<br />CILANTRO RANCH:
<br />1 packet TRADITIONAL Hidden Valley Ranch mix (not BUTTERMILK)
<br />1 c. mayonnaise
<br />1 c. buttermilk
<br />2 tomatillos, remove husk, diced
<br />1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
<br />1 clove garlic
<br />juice of 1 lime
<br />1 jalapeno (we like it SPICY so we kept the seeds in it, if you like it mild, just remove the seeds)
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<br />Mix all ingredients together in the blender. That's it!
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-53943000004537860832011-08-30T11:44:00.003-06:002011-08-30T11:48:13.046-06:00The Help<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPLRivLBXmI/Tl0h9M4hxZI/AAAAAAAABQU/XzFDPzhhe5o/s1600/loveslkjlkajoeihfoalhispers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPLRivLBXmI/Tl0h9M4hxZI/AAAAAAAABQU/XzFDPzhhe5o/s400/loveslkjlkajoeihfoalhispers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646706843106526610" /></a>
<br />You MUST see The Help. It was amazing. Everyone needs to see it. It's definitely on my top 10 favorite movies now. It was such an inspirational story. \Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-1768687518163135372011-08-27T09:06:00.003-06:002011-08-27T09:20:20.312-06:00Oh, Irene.So I guess this is why we're asked to have food storage, huh?
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TF8l0jFUKsM/TlkItJfYL9I/AAAAAAAABQM/KTIhwbuqxnU/s1600/ss-110826-irene-jc-12_grid-9x2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 236px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TF8l0jFUKsM/TlkItJfYL9I/AAAAAAAABQM/KTIhwbuqxnU/s400/ss-110826-irene-jc-12_grid-9x2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645553179620290514" /></a>
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<br />I have never been in a hurricane before and PRAY that I will never have to be in one. While Rich and I were watching the news last night they were interviewing people that live on the coast that were supposed to get hit the hardest. They said that they were not going to leave! WHY?! Why, if there is a mandatory evacuation, would you not leave? It absolutely blows my mind.
<br />My little brother is in South Carolina on his mission right now and I about had a heart attack when I found out about this hurricane. I called my mom in a panic and asked what city he was in. Thankfully he is not near the coast and SC didn't get hit very hard with it. He probably is just getting lots of rain right now BUT now this hurricane is causing tornados. I can't believe that the east coast has been hit with earthquakes, tornados, and a hurricane within a matter of days. How unfortunate. I guess this should just be a lesson to me and everyone else who was fortunate enough not to be close to this disaster to be prepared for anything. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-76974287907246945392011-08-23T19:58:00.006-06:002011-08-23T20:08:36.292-06:00Happy Anni to Us!Wow...these 3 years flew! Here is what we did to celebrate 3 years of marital bliss.
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<br />We went to park city for the weekend. We shopped, hot tubbed, ate and relaxed.
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UJWBHzYFy4/TlRbeSx2N4I/AAAAAAAABPk/WKVujbzxXjo/s1600/SAM_2207copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UJWBHzYFy4/TlRbeSx2N4I/AAAAAAAABPk/WKVujbzxXjo/s400/SAM_2207copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644236808997189506" /></a>
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<br />We went to the alpine slide...we raced...I won, but only because he caught up to a little boy going. BUT a wins a win...
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1LeAnirRas/TlRbuyIuBGI/AAAAAAAABPs/-uQCp9ZTPkQ/s1600/SAM_2218copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1LeAnirRas/TlRbuyIuBGI/AAAAAAAABPs/-uQCp9ZTPkQ/s400/SAM_2218copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644237092292527202" /></a>
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<br />We went to the zoo...SO much fun! We are just big kids at heart.
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SasRbnjeXFA/TlRcDyTyjrI/AAAAAAAABP0/0S5tRyxjdAU/s1600/SAM_2235.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SasRbnjeXFA/TlRcDyTyjrI/AAAAAAAABP0/0S5tRyxjdAU/s400/SAM_2235.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644237453116214962" /></a>
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<br />I am so thankful I married Rich. He is really awesome. I love him more every day! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-27080037896471424732011-08-20T23:43:00.002-06:002011-08-20T23:45:18.667-06:003 YearsHappy anniversary to the best hubs in the world. I love you Rich, you are the absolute best.
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<br />3 Years on PhotoPeach<object width="445" height="296"><param name="movie" value="http://photopeach.com/public/swf/story.swf"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/><param name="flashvars" value="photos=http://photopeach.com%2Fapi%2Fgetphotos%3Falbum_id%3Dugh6uf&autoplay=0&embed=1"/><embed src="http://photopeach.com/public/swf/story.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="296" flashvars="photos=http://photopeach.com%2Fapi%2Fgetphotos%3Falbum_id%3Dugh6uf&autoplay=0&embed=1"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312970438369210529.post-19675153413224708142011-08-05T11:03:00.003-06:002011-08-05T11:21:38.820-06:00SummerI have been reading lots of your blogs lately and everyone else is doing so many fun things this summer! It makes me jealous while I am sitting inside studying, but I just keep telling myself it will all be worth it. I am hoping that in the fall it will be much easier to focus because there won't be all these great summer things going on. I am SO burnt out right now. I have one more week of classes and then finals. I just have to get through these next two weeks so I can actually breathe!!! <br /><br />I have a lot to look forward to though.<br /><br />1. My anniversary is coming up!<br />2. It's almost flag football season, so every Wednesday I get to go watch Rich play.<br />3. I have a 2 week break that I am sure will be pure bliss.<br />4. FALL. I cannot wait. Fall is the best.<br />5. My core nursing classes! I have Fundamentals of Nursing and Pharmacology next semester. Call me crazy,but I am pretty stoked for it. <br /><br />I am going to try not to stab my eyes out in these next two weeks...wish me luck!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2