Roberts Reflecting

Our baby girl!

2011-08-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

The majority was right!

Yesterday we had our 20 week ultrasound and found out we're having a baby GIRL! It was funny though because Sam texted me right before we met up for the ultrasound and said, "I just finished my baby-boy raindance!" I told him he can still take her hunting if he wants to... I mean, they do make pink camouflage!

You can watch the video by clicking here and typing the password: januarybaby

our BIG little miracle!

2011-08-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

It's totally true! We are expecting our miracle baby this January! When I say miracle baby, it's definitely not an understatement. Most of you know that we were going to do In-Vitro after trying for three and a half years. Well, when we decided to do IVF, my fertility specialist said that IVF success rates are increased when paired with acupuncture. We decided that since we were going spend tons of money on IVF, I might as well prep my body with acupuncture and increase the odds.

I did 9 treatments with Nina Isaacson in Spanish Fork (she's wonderful!) and was just waiting for my cycle to start so I could start my first round of IVF meds. Of course I was late... like always. So I finally told myself- you're going to have to take a pregnancy test before you get on the IVF meds- you might as well take it now.

Well I took the test and was absolutely stunned to discover the little screen flash "pregnant". I looked at it and stared... in shock... speechless! It was Cinco de Mayo when we found out and it is officially my new favorite holiday. Someone bring out a piñata!!!

So now I'm just about 20 weeks along and next Tuesday we find out if we're having a boy or a girl. I can already feel little kicking- like last Sunday I was singing a hymn (no. 195- How Great the Wisdom and the Love) and baby went bonkers. Yes, I do have a little pooch- but nothing quite picture worthy yet, people- I've got a long torso!

I also want to thank you guys for all of your support and love through our whole fertility ordeal. It's also important for us to tell those of you who supported the blog fundraiser we were a part of that those funds will now be going to other families who are facing the same struggle we did. We know your combined faith and support was a huge part of our miracle!

I WANT one!!!

2011-06-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

My friend is doing a giveaway on her blog and I want it- BAD! Just in time for Summer!

Remember September

2010-11-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

This post is my "Ode to September" (remember how I'm trying to catch up on some of the happenings around here?). First stop, my garden...

Sam and I LOVE baby tomatoes, the sweet cherry kind, the mini pear shaped kind, romas, you name it. Do you ever wonder what to do with all of your garden tomatoes? My Mom told me to roast them in the oven for a couple of hours and make the most amazing tomato sauce ever- so that's what I did- It was fabulous!

September also brought a wonderful suprise- I was able to meet Jennifer and her kids for the first time. Here's the story- try to follow (remember my family tree is VERY complex!). Most of you know I'm adopted, right? So I was doing some family history research on my birth-family's line on Ancestry.com and saw another woman that was researching the same line as me. I emailed her and itroduced myself as a biological descendent of that particular ancestor. I asked her how she was related. Well, she replied back saying that her kids she adopted (D, O, and A) are also related to that ancestor and that she was doing some family history research for them so when they were old enough to be interested, they'd know about their roots. I was like "No way- I was adopted from this birth family as well!"

Long story short, we realized that D, T and O's birth-mom is MY birth-mom's 1st cousin. Not only that, but they were also adopted into a Mormon family and they come out to Utah every year to visit family. Yes- they came in September and I got to meet them! D and I hit it off- she told me she was excited to have an older cousin from her birth-family that was also Mormon and knows what it's like to be adopted. She is so sweet. It was fun to meet O also (D's half brother)- he had fun throwing a ball around with Sam at the park. I didn't get to meet A this time (O's twin brother) because he couldn't come out this trip, but it was so great to get to know them and start a fun relationship with them.

Next stop- Timpanogos Caves: Chari and Chase (newlyweds!!!) came with us to the Timpanogos caves and let me tell you it was QUITE the hike! I was totally laggin' the whole way up to the entrance, but it was way fun to be with them and the lack of oxygen to my brain was worth the view!

Yes, I'm taking this picture of Sam and Chari from this far behind- I thought there was a shuttle up to the caves for some reason... pah haah haa!

Right when I reached the top and was gasping for breath, I almost got knocked down by someone trying to give me a big hug- It was my cousin Jenny from my Checketts side! (September was a cousin reunion month!) It was sooooo good to see her- I can't even tell you. Her mom, my Aunt Marianne, is my Dad's sister- some of you know, my Dad died when I was 19 so I cherish any contact I have with his side of the family. Plus, my Aunt Marianne is basically my Dad in female form- she's hilarious!

Inside the caves! It was so worth the hike- behold one of many amazing stalagtite treasure troves!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Sam and I celebrated our 3rd year anniversary on September 6th- I can NOT believe it's been that long but in a wierd way it feels like we've been together forever. I made him one of our favorite breakfast dishes, "Dutch Babies" aka German Pancakes... Do you like his beard? It's not necessarily my cup of tea, but he's still a handsome bloak if your into the Idahoan woodsy look...

Yummmm dot commmmm!!!! I like mine with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and some fresh strawberry preserves. This time we were lucky to have the best yogurt in the WORLD to go on top...

Have you jumped on the Greek Yogurt band-wagon yet? Well if you didn't jump on "The Greek God's" brand, you're totally depriving yourself! I crave this stuff like ice cream and it's SOOO good for you! I've tried other Greek Yogurt brands and they were honestly kind of gross so I was a little hesitant to try this one. Let's just say we buy it in bulk now! Honey is the best flavor too. (Thanks Julie for the recommendation!)

Before we left for our Anniversary adventure, Sam had to check on his teams... happy anniversary to me... ;)

One of our stops was Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon, I thought it fitting for the occasion. It was beautiful!

Then we went to Robert Redfords resort, the Sundance just to look around. Sam loved the doors on this convention room.

We decided to go back to a restaurant we went to on our first Anniversary in Midway/Heber (between Sundance and Park City). Tarahumara- their Mexican food is DELICIOSO y MUY AUTENTICO- si, si!! If you're ever in Midway, check it out!

I like taking pictures of food :) above is my meal! I had fish (I forget which kind) with a mango salsa on top- YUMMERS!

Sam had some smothered pork enchiladas which were fantastico!

Of course, Sam had to check the score at the restaurant! Notice how I stratigically placed him facing away from the TV- which didn't exactly work... I guess when there's a will there's a way!

Next we were craving some naughty DESSERTS! We decided to try these puppies at the Zermatt Resort in Midway. Sam got this Lemon Tart which he bit into before I could take a picture.

And I got this Chocolate Bon Bon thing...

How could I refuse?!!!

After all that Sam humored me with my anniversary wish to paint pottery at Color Me Mine pottery studio. I have wanted to do this FOREVER! Basically you go to the studio and select a piece of pottery to purchase, then you get to use the studio paints to decorate it however you want. There is a studio fee to pay for your share of paints, but we went on a "family night special" and only paid $3 each to use their paints. Once you're done, they fire it for you and call you when it's time to pick it up.

Not only did Sam humor me, but he totally got into his design. We're both kind of artsy/creative people so when we're in the zone we really focus and get into our projects.

We decided to paint oversize mugs for each other as our gifts to use for ice cream bowls. I love having a handle when the ice cream makes the bowl freezing!

I decided to go with a Greek theme (since that's the most masculine thing I could think of as far as decorated ice cream bowls go AND maybe I was on a kick from the Greek yogurt I had for breakfast...) The one I painted for Sam says "SAMMY'S ICE CREAM VESSEL FROM HIS GODDESS OF LOVE" ;) too cute, right? And the one Sam painted for me says "DEVANIE LOVES ICE CREAM AND SAMMY!" I know- awesome!

and as a little suprise for the inside when you take your last bite, I painted a Grecian Harp for Sam to discover and Sam painted- well, you can see! I love that he put polka dots on it for me. These are pictured before they were fired so the colors seem dull here. I'll have to show you what they look like for real some other time. All in all, it was such a FUN date for our anniversary and I think it would be fun to design some commemorative pottery every year!

Flashback: July & August Highlights

2010-11-15T23:35:00.000-08:00

So, like every blogger out there, I have gaps in my posts. It may look like all I ever post about are trips to California, but there were some really great things that happened in between and since our last California trip. Instead of posting a million pics, I'll just pick some highlights :)

Our landlord is a horse breeder so we always have cute filly's and colts running around. This little filly has such a great personality; she loves people and as you can see, she's not shy at all:

Our friends the Ririe's came over and we took them to see the horses. Little Hannah stole a kiss!

From baby horses to baby kittens- what's not to love about Mr. Butterscotch? Our friends Aaron and Tiffany's cat had quite the liter! We call her (the cat) the teenage mother because she was not even a year old when she had her kittens... poor thing!

Ethan and Porter loved their new kittens, as you can see, Butterscotch is getting used to Ethan's hugs!

Next stop- camping in Idaho! I sometimes forget how beautiful Idaho is- probably because I usually just remember how FLIPPIN' FREEZING it is! This trip was a good reminder of Idaho's enchantment. Well, we went camping with Sam's Dad and his lovely wife Diane and some of her kids. They are a fun bunch and we had a great time!

I love it when I get to drive (and yes, I love posing for pictures too, Sam humors me- bless his heart!)

We camped right along this creek and Sam also reaped of its' bounty...

Well, it was bountiful with these little guys... but he was proud!

The kids got a big kick out of Sam cleaning his catch. I still don't know why he threw the dead fish head in the wading area the kids were playing in... go figure!

Sam and his dad, Bing! Aren't they two peas in a pod? If you observe them together it doesn't take too long to realize they were cut from the same cloth. P.S. I loved how blue this lake was- even more stunning in person for sure!

The creek flowing from the lake; I kept looking for beavers cuz hey, why not?

Sam treated me to tickets to Broadway's The Lion King when they came to Salt Lake. He accidently got them during a Thursday at 2pm and couldn't get work off so I got to invite Tiffany! We had a blast... Ladies Night! Well, I guess day ;)

My cute Grandma Fran wanted to see me and I missed my Seattle peeps! So, we split the bill and I went to the "Emerald City"

Had to stop by Ivar's fish and chips! I love this sign and I wish I had one in my house for Sam because he LOVES to eat everything ALL the TIME!!! hahaa ;)

Um, yah- DELICIOUS!!! Of course I fed some fries to the seagull's- it's tradition!

My Aunt Marti Call (my Mom's sister) was my lovely hostess for a few days- I always love seeing her because my Call relatives are very special to me! It was my Uncle Adrien (Marti's husband) who told my Birth-mom about his Sister in Law, Marilyn (my mom) who wanted to adopt a baby (me!). If Adrien hadn't been my Birth-mom's Doctor, I wouldn't be Devanie Checketts Roberts today!

My cute Grandma Fran and her boyfriend Glenn. They are so sweet together- they met in a grief support group at their church when both of their spouses died. They took me to dinner at this swanky restaurant with a gorgeous view!

This is the birth-family, folks! From left, my brother Kelsey, sister Montana, Birth-mom Carla, me, brother Ian. I love spending time with them and am grateful I have them in my life! We went to the Seattle Zoo together one afternoon.

I saw a lot of this though- elephant butt. Makes me feel better about myself... hahaa!

I missed my Halls Lake buddies SO much so I was thrilled when they all got together to hang out with me one night. When I lived in Brier, WA these were my homies! Well, they still are ;) It's crazy because we pretty much all got married within a couple months of each other. Maybe it was something in the water- I guess it does rain a lot in Seattle...!

Back to Idaho! Sam and I went for a weekend to see some fam. His brother Dan is building another house on his property. It's funny becuase the neighbors tease him that it looks like he's building a church. Dan just says, "Yah, you wanna join?" He slays me! Well, when we were there, Sam helped him out with some framing

Kinda looks like a church, just think Barn-style instead! I think it will look really cool when it's done, Dan always does a great job.

Last stop: This is the Place Heritage Park, SLC, UT. Sam's brother Dan's company restored a barn that burnt down at the Park. He needed some emergency work done to get things wrapped up, so since we live here and Dan lives in Idaho, Sam went over to help him out. He looks so woodsy and craftsman-ish... I kinda like it! ;)

This is the barn halfway done, it's in the original style from the 1800's.

And of course, me! And guess what, I'm not all the way posing here people- I totally helped! It was actually fun to feel all carpenter-ish. Who knew?!

p.s. I'll do one more flashback post soon to catch up, so stay tuned!

California Trip- Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-10-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, my "Wise and Beautiful Mother" (that's what I call her all the time) treated all of her kids and grandkids to a trip to San Francisco for her birthday! I know- she's SO awesome! They met Sam and I at the airport and we thought we'd spend some quality time together before the rest of my siblings landed! First stop: the Oakland Temple! I love the gardens here, the view and the Asian inspired design... p.s. that's not smog people, the bay area is known for its foggy marine layer! It burned off later that day :)

I just love all of the flowers around the temple... and I'm a sucker for the digital macro setting on my camera!

Here's the beautiful birthday girl! Actually, her birthday is tomorrow, the 8th but she likes to draw-out good things. For instance, I'm not known for time management, and sometime she'll get her birthday card from me a day or two late, and she's so sweet because she'll say "Oh, I LOVE it! I love it when my birthday gets drawn-out longer!"

We got married in the Idaho Falls temple, it worked for us at the time (like ALL of Sam's sisters were 9 months preggo and we didn't want them to miss it if they couldn't travel) but a little part of me wishes we would have gotten married here in Oakland, it's so beautiful! Just look at the gardens below! Maybe I should have brought my white dress.... haha- jk!

My stepdad Dave is the best thing that ever happened to my mom! He makes her laugh and smile and her true beauty shines through in his presence. I love him too- he's AWESOME! (He's picking her up and she's laughing and kicking her feet...)

After the Temple we decided to hit up a local hot spot called Fenton's Creamery. They've been in business for over 120 years and they INVENTED Rocky Road Ice Cream! Look what Dave got...

Mmmmmm! Look What I got (Sam and I shared, people)! This was the best mint-chip I've ever had! Below that is their famous Rocky Road... amazing!

I got to meet my Nephew David (named after his grandpa David)! He's our family's miracle baby for sure. His mom, my sister Roxanne, and his Dad Mike had been hoping for a child for 4 years and one glorious day found out they were pregnant a week before they had their first fertility specialist appointment. They were so thrilled, of course! Well, about 24 weeks into her pregnancy she went into early labor and David was born... WAY too early! We prayed and fasted and prayed for this boy for weeks and weeks and now he's doing wonderful!

He's such a sweet boy and he drools a LOT! Hahaa- it's kind of a Platt trait- my brother brigham was a huge drooler baby too, we're talkin the front of his shirt was always soaked through! Roxanne and Mike got extra clever though and he wears a bib most of the time so it can collect the waterfall... (Brigham's wife Shandell is holding him here).

Part of the festivities for the weekend were a trip to the San Francisco Zoo. It was right on the coast so the marine layer fog was thick! It never burned off and my hair became a poof-ball! Sam and I just went WILD at the zoo! Kind of like Pinocchio, we were so crazy that we turned into Giraffes! Thankfully we didn't turn into Donkeys, that would be awkward...

Sam found a long lost relative at the zoo! Isn't the likeness striking?

Hahaa! Just sayin...

One of the cutest kids in the universe, my nephew Atticus (McKay's son). He's all smiles and running around energy all of the time!

This was one of our highlights of the zoo. My mom ran over to us and said, "I am now a Rhino whisperer!" We were confused, but then she explained that the Rhino was hanging out in a little rest area, my mom saw it in there so she coaxed it to come out and visit her at the fence... I guess he came right when she started motioning at it and talking to it like a baby that's learning to walk, "C'mon, you can do it!". And he came right over to her! I thought it was appropriate, since Rhino's are my mom's favorite animal and it was her birthday party afterall!

Sam was convinced he could do it too, and low and behold when we went over there, Sam joined the ranks of Rhino Whisperer with my mom! I was kind of worried about the lack of horn on the poor guy, but I guess in the wild, they're known to wear their horn off against rocks and grow a new one, that's what this guy did too, just growing a new horn for the season!

Courtney and Robyn are my lovely nieces and they're sporting the shirt I designed for my Mom's birthday. She requested that the kids all have a matching shirt at the zoo. They loved them!

Here's a close-up of the shirt I designed. Each elephant represents a niece or nephew (aka, grandchild of my mom) The orange elephants are the grandsons and the purple (my mom's favorite color) are the granddaughters. I love illustrator!

My mom and little Allie Rose (my brother Joe's youngest)! She's such a cutie, she looks just like her big brother Ethan when he was a little guy. Her mom endearingly calls her "Brutus" because she's so cute and chunky! I think I was still the fatest baby though... seriously. My mom called me Buddah baby... that's a lot huskier than Brutus!

Brigham's oldest son Austin carting Ethan and Abigail in the treat wagon... we travel with food!

Cousins having fun!

After the Zoo, the next stop was Chevy's for dinner. I love their home-made tortillas and my mom LOVED wearing this sombrero! Actually, it grossed her out and she wondered how many people wore that hat before her... she's a detal hygientist, so cleanliness is much desired.

These too cousins look like they're having TOO much fun... I thought they were kissing, but I guess it was a staring contest! Abigail and Austin are usually inseperable!

See! I caught 'em! No shame here...

Jenny's son Ashton loved the sombrero, germs or not!

We went back to the hotel and Jenny sang the song she wrote for my mom. It was so pretty, I was getting all choked up! I love it when Jenny sings!

The next morning we went to this awsome breakfast place (I forget the name) but they had these Minnie Mouse Pancakes for the little girls. Way too cute!

That's where we presented my mom with our 2nd group gift (the first was family pictures, I'll post them when I get them). We put together a book of memories each of us kids had with my mom and some pictures to go along with them. We used blurb.com I highly recommend them! As you can see, my mom loved it! She is doubling over laughing at some of the memories people wrote because, let's be honest, some of them are priceless!

Jenny and I got a little too excited about the scraps left behind on our family's plates. Yes, we're scavengers and we're proud! How else would we taste the whole menu? My nephew Emerson left 1/2 of his Ghiridelli chocolate waffles behind! CRAZY! Jen just likes a good thick slice of bacon!

One more trip to the temple with some of my siblings and my beautiful sisters in law Shandell and Misty!

I have a million other photos, but I wanted to share the jist of our trip. I'll probably post the rest on facebook :) Thanks Mom and Dave for the unforgettable trip! We love you and we had a blast with everyone in the city by the bay!

Dinkey Creek and SLO-town!

2010-07-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

We went on vacation at the end of June to Dinkey Creek and then to San Luis for the 4th of July. This is Dinkey Creek! My family has been going to this spot for family reunions for generations. Since my mom was 15, her 11 brothers and sisters have been coming here with their parents and now they all bring their kids and grandkids too. It was so fun to see all of my cousins, but since you don't know most of them, I'll just post pics of Sam and my nieces and nephews as well as my siblings and parents.

The famous Dinkey Creek! I took this picture from our camp. There are usually natural rock water slides we go on, but this year they got so much snow that the slides were like white water rapids so we couldn't go. It's still beautiful to look at!

Me and my niece Courtney. She's such a ham- I love her!

Since the rock-slides were too dangerous, we spent most of our free time at Shaver Lake.

Sam with niece and nephew Abigail & Austin ready to ride on the inner-tube

Guess who's driving? My nephew Konner (Brigham and Shandell's son) takes the wheel!

Abigail loving life!

We had the whole lake and the kids played a mud-hole, what could be more fun?!

My nephew Atticus found a new best friend, my beautiful cousin Rachel!

Back at the camp Atticus gets tickled till he squeals like a little pig! I wish I had this on video!

Sam had kitchen duty because he's so good at it!

Later, Sam and I went to the Sequoia's in McKinley Grove about 3 miles from camp

Sam is at the base of the trunk!

Love this place! Sam and I at McKinley Grove in 2010...

Sam and I at McKinley Grove in 2007! Right before we got engaged!

Amazing nephew Emerson and my Awesome step-Dad Dave. We always go to the hungry hut for shakes before we leave Shaver Lake.

Back to San Luis Obispo- my mom's garden gate. Dave built the gate for her!

4th of July, waiting for the fireworks to start in Cayucous!

Fireworks off the pier!

Berries at Avila Barn the next day- Olallieberries are my favorite (mix between rasberry and blackberry)! We used to pick them every year growing up and my mom makes a mean cobbler out of them!

My mom found this Chicken she loved at the little market store at Avila Barn- she totally got it after weighing the pro's and cons. She is cracking up here because she wasn't sure she needed it and I told her "Oh- Mom, of COURSE you need it!"

I fell in love with this little goat who jumped up on the stump just to get his picture taken by me. What a cutie!

Avila Beach- if you look close at the sign, you'll see there was a Shark advisory that day... this is the same place where a woman got bitten in half by a great white shark my Freshman year in College... It's the beach I've gone to my whole life- YIKES!

Sam and I snuck under the pier where you can take your boats out onto the ocean- cool shot, eh? The CFO from Patagonia saw me taking the picture and gave me her card and asked if I could send it to her. Maybe I should have asked for free merchandise in return?

Aren't my parents adorable? My mom's jacket totally matches the tile...

That was our trip! I had SO many pictures, but my blog would be a mile long if I posted them all! We miss you already my lovely Central Coast!

track 1: feel my love

2010-07-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

I finally uploaded some songs I recorded when I was 19 onto my new computer. Here is a little diddy I wrote when I was 17. Don't forget to push PAUSE on my playlist on the right hand side of the screen- otherwise you'll have other music playing in the background. I will probably post one a week so you can hear some of my old music.

P.S. I made another post earlier today too, so don't forget to scroll down and see my fun vacation to Nauvoo!

Nauvoo litterally means in Hebrew, "The City Beautiful". You can see why...

2010-07-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

Somebody told me it was time for a new blog post and I decided not to be a flake and just post already! Well, I have a great reason for a new blog post actually! One of my best friends Chari got married in Nauvoo and I told myself I was going- no matter what! Heaven knows I've missed way too many of my friends weddings and I wasn't about to let it happen again! Some of you know I did a semester of school in Nauvoo. My time there was Heaven on Earth and so the Temple by the river beckoned me once again!

My fabulous friend Heather and her awesome hubby picked me up from the airport in Kansas city and we drove to Nauvoo that night. We got there in time to watch the sunset and it just melted my heart! However, the humidity kind of melted my make-up too! Remember, I did my semester here in the Winter. When I first walked out of the airport I was like, "Whoa! It feels like a sauna out here!" Hello people, I live in Utah, a dry arrid desert and so going to Illinois in June was quite a humid treat! Speaking of treats...

Heather and I threw a little bridal shower for Chari and since she and Chase were going on their honeymoon in Hawaii, we wanted to do a fun little luau theme. As the mastermind to these fruit kabobs (yes I know, I'm brilliant!) I will take some credit. However, Heather and her hubby Ronnie put them together and they turned out GORGEOUS! We sprayed whipping cream over the tops of them when we were about to eat them and they were like Strawberry Shortcakes on a stick!

Here's some more of our amazing theme-y decorations

Who doesn't like beverage perasols? These little umbrellas always make me happy!

Apparently shortcake kabobs make us all happy!

Chari even had a kabob as her "last supper" breakfast right before the wedding! How cute is she?!

Chari's dad is one of the funniest guys I know. He's either always smiling or telling a cheesy funny joke. Gotta love him!

After their Sealing ceremony, we all waited outside for them to make their grand appearance to the world as Nauvoo's newest couple! Of course I found a nice photo-op while I was waiting... I always do!

I love this shot, right after they got outside. It's like Chari's saying "Hello world! I'm a brand new bride and look at my hunky hubby!"

A storybook kiss before they descend the stairs.

We love our Ruchi (that's our nickname for Chari- those of us that lived in the Porch House together in Rexburg)!

One thing I LOVE about Chase is that he always makes Chari laugh and smile- I couldn't have picked a more perfect person for her if I tried!

Already relaxing on the porch on rocking chairs- like they've been married for 50 years. Gotta love it!

Chari's fam after the lunch at Grandpa John's Cafe. Chari's mom is so cute and petite and she's got great taste in her clothes too! I LOVE her shirt! P.S. I know you can't tell in this picture, but ladies, Chari's little brother Carl looks just like Jasper from the Twilight movies. No joke!

One last look at the temple before driving out to the reception in Terre Haute, Indiana (about 4 hours away). Isn't the temple the most beautiful thing you've seen!

Memorial statue of Hyrum and Joseph leaving Nauvoo for Carthage before they were martyrd. I was standing at this statue when I took the last picture of the temple. I love how it looks like they're riding on the top of trees, but really it was just a cool vantage point. They are actually bushes surrounding the base of the statue.

Chari's hilarious brother Darren and his lovely wife Chelsea at the reception. Darren has a really great Terre Haute-ian accent. It's cracked me up since I first met him in college. He loves to Bass fish and right now he's a cook for a ranch. How COOL is that?!!

Chari's besty's at her reception. Me, Heather and Jessica on the right. It was so good to finally meet Jessica after all these years. She was Chari's best friend from back home in Indiana.

After all of the festivities I was kind of pooped-out! For some CRAZY reason I gave up my seat as a volunteer so someone else could get home. They gave me $400 worth of Delta travel vouchers and put me up in a king-size bed at the Marriott as well as meal vouchers. However, I don't think I'll do it ever again because the next morning when I went to the airport to catch my new flight, it was cancelled! So much for being nice and letting someone else have my seat! THEN, the next flight got cancelled again and I ended up leaving the airport at 8:30PM!!!! I got them to give me $100 more in travel vouchers for all of my "trouble", but I'm never volunteering to give up my seat again!

It was an all around amazing experience to be there with Chari and friends and her family for her special day. I wish them all the happiness in the world!

New post on my design blog...finally!

2010-04-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.interiorologie.blogspot.com/

daffodils, houndstooth & feathers

2010-03-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung in my flowerbed!

And since I got these yesterday (nothin' better than houndstooth galoshes for $8 !):
I can jump in these!
Wearing this cute headband I made last night with my friend Tiffany!
It was so much fun! We had gone to Urban Outfitters yesterday and they were selling feather headbands for 16 dollars and up! We were like, "Um, no- we can make these for WAY less!" So we did- until the midnight hour. Good thing I got my vacuum fixed because there were feathers everywhere! For the price of 1 headband, we made 5 so far and have TONS of feathers and supplies left to make a lot more. I think they'd be cute gifts for friends or little girls. Tiff and I also thought we might make some into just clips or brooch's to mix things up a bit.

I feel like a kid again! Maybe my mom will buy me an Easter dress?

My new Design Blog- Interiorologie!

2010-01-27T15:27:00.001-08:00

Hi Ya'll! I just wanted to let you know that I created a new design blog! Mostly for the reason of emailing the link to future employers (as I'm looking for full time work). But also because maybe by having a design blog, I'll be more apt to design more! Please check it out at the link below and perhaps save it in your favorite blogs to visit ;)

http://www.interiorologie.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy!

Maybe the best idea. Ever.

2010-01-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the cartoon, Lady Lovely Locks? Well, I used to be a big fan, infact, one of my favorite dolls was Lady Golden Waves. I found her spontanious ability to turn herself into a mermaid at her leisure and fancy quite impressive! Anywho, I think I may have done the unpardonable... It appears that I have successfully vacuumed up every Lovely-Lockian in the Kingdom. Hence the fact that my vacuum has been broken 2 times in the last 2 years! Ok, so the dolls are just an excuse- it's all MY fault! But, when you have bodacious locks like mine, you have to deal with the consequences! Well, at least my vacuum and Sam do.Just check out these taunting tresses people!!! (Yes- I'm frowning. Wouldn't you if your vacuum was broken?!!!)
So I had to get creative- there has to be a way to get MOST of the hair off of my floor before I vacuum, right? I got to thinking, if my coat has hair all over it, I use a lint roller! So- I have concluded to make my own GIANT lint roller. I know- genious! So I go to the hardware store to collect the following items:

A painter's extender...
and a roll of enormous duct tape.
I already had a paint roller at home, so I took that...

attached it to the extender...

wrapped it with the duct tape... (sticky side out!) and rolled around my house like a crazy person! Look how GROSS!!!! Well, my vacuum HAS been broken for a couple of weeks people. But it WORKS! I might just have to start doing a quick roll through before I vacuum every week once the old sucking broom gets fixed! Anywho, just a neccessary creative moment- I hope you enjoyed the awkwardness of my life!

Sam's Conference Weekend Suprise...

2009-10-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the 179th Semi-Annual General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I always look forward to Conference for the uplifting guidance from our church leaders, Apostles and our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. If you want to listen to or read the Conference, go here:

http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-1117,00.html

Anyway, the fun begins here... I LOVED waking up and listening to Conference in my Pj's on our new sectional!

Sam loves it too- we're constantly fighting over the coveted end section, and during conference I won that battle! However, it didn't take Sam too long before he got really comfy and fell asleep. I kept trying to wake him up, but alas, the powerful low voices of our wonderful leaders were just the perfect lullabye...

I decided that if he was going to fall asleep during one of the most important times of the year- he'd have to suffer the consequences. I busted out one of my old tricks (for my old roomate Allie and my buddy Brett, this will bring back FOND memories)!

Yes, it's bright orange. Believe me- I could hardly contain my snickering laughter- and he almost woke up during his relaxing treatment!

You're probably thinking, "I can't believe she would risk getting wet nail polish on her new sectional!" Well, the sectional was fine- and it was WAY too much fun to worry about that! As for Sam's reaction? He woke up and took a nice long stretch... when he looked down- that relaxing stretch was abruptly ended as quick as a rubber band could snap! He demanded I take it off, but I kind of waited a while to bust out the nail polish remover. I think President Thomas S. Monson could use this in his next conference talk, what do you think?

The Purr of a Diesel Mercedes-Benz

2009-08-22T14:36:00.001-07:00

I can hear the memories flooding back...Sam and I were at an intersection the other day and I heard one of my favorite sounds on earth... the diesel purr of a Mercedes-Benz. My Dad was always been (and I'm sure even from the clouds) a car lover. It's not like he would buy the newest model, but he loved to have a Benz to drive around in. I remember playing outside and hearing that lovely sound every time my Dad would roll up the driveway from work and I would run outside to get my big bear hug! In fact, my favorite thing to do with him as a kid was to go to the car wash on Marsh Street. He'd always treat me to an "Ocean Spray" Cran-grape juice. As I'd gulp to my hearts' content and look out the windows, we became engulfed in what seemed to me an underwater world of multi-colored soap suds and larger than life roller brushes. This is of course when I'd tap my feet and sing that song they used for the good old Ocean Spray commercial, "Don't worry, Be Happy" for I truly was.

Teenage Problem Solving Tactics

2009-08-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

When I randomly saw this on the web, I HAD to post it. It reminds me of when I was in High School and I liked 2 guys at the same time. Why, you ask? Well I couldn't decide which one I liked more, so I had these 2 goldfish and I named them each after one of the two boys I liked. Well, since Goldfish don't last that long, I decided whichever goldfish died first, that guy would be off my "crush-list". So, I get home from school like a week later and they were both floating at the top of the bowl. I guess they both weren't worth my time- which looking back is definitely true!

Revenge of the Goldfish, Sandy Skoglund, 1981

Escalante Adventure

2009-06-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

I want to re-cap what a splendid summer it's been! I'll start with our trip to Escalante, UT for a Checketts family reunion at my Aunt Sannette's house.

I Love Escalante's gorgeous red rock! Not to mention the picturesque western landscape! This rock is called Rattlesnake Point- It's in my Aunt's backyard, and buried at the base of it is an ancient Anasazi settlement! We hiked to the top- a quick little hike to a breathtaking view!

Sam and I basking in the glory of the view! I love the striations of the sedimentary layers... Wow- I think my geology teacher would be proud of my observations!

My big sister Hillary and I at the top of Rattlesnake point, heading down to explore the riverbed. I think we look pretty outdoorsy/adventurous! What do you think?!

Not sure what plant this is- but it was all along the dried up riverbed- made me think of the little rhyme: "Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With Silverbells and Cockershells and Pretty Maids all in a row!" A little diddy I picked up in third grade, thank you very much... I think these could get away with being called Cocker Shells!

My aunt had these cute little fuzzy kittens- I really wish I could have taken this little fur-ball home!

Beautiful lake not too far out of Escalante. We did a special memorial service for my dear Uncle Dan. Sam and I want to come back and fish here sometime. It reminds me of a lake in some Nicholas Sparks novel!

The little road that lead to the Bed and Breakfast Sam and I stayed at.
The Slot Canyons Inn Bed and Breakfast in Escalante. We LOVED it! The owners are so nice and hospitible and it is such a cool, cozy place on a gorgeous property. Talk about getting away from it all!

Another awsome view of Rattlesnake Point. My aunt was taking us to the Anasazi ruins for a guided tour! She is so knowledgeable- she could upen a museum!

We're all getting the schpiel from Aunt Sannette- see the grey spots of dirt on the ground? That's layers and layers worth of the Anasazi fire-pits over the centuries!

Brigham Young University Archeology students came and dug up the settlement site and re-buried it when they left to preserve it. It doesn't look like much, but there's a whole lot of amazing history under there...

In fact, I found my own little piece of history nearby the site! It's an Anasazi button or bead. This little pebble just caught my eye- then I realized when I picked it up, it wasn't a pebble after all!

It's just a small little piece of the past.

On the way home, Sam and I couldn't stop pulling over to admire the gorgeous rock formations through Bryce Canyon. This part of the country is unbelievable!

I don't know- do they look like little castle towers to you?

Arches and ridges...

and Sam stealing kisses. That's what I call a good vacation!

There is Beauty all Around...

2009-06-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

I have to admit- I was kind of annoyed that we ended up in Utah. However, the more I let go of my pre-conceived notions of what it was going to be like here, I've seemed to notice the more beautiful things about living in the Beehive state! I work right next to beautiful Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake and often venture there on my lunchbreak. I wanted to share with you how breathtaking Spring is at Temple Square. Take a look...

Tuilps "kissing" the Conference Center tower

Purple blossoms in front of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. My Grandparents on my Checketts side had their reception there back in the day.

The Salt Lake Temple. My ancestor John R. Moyle engraved on the golden tablet you can see set into the middle spire. An AMAZING feat- seeing as though he walked from Alpine Utah every week on a wooden leg to do it:

"John R. Moyle lived in Alpine, Utah, about 22 miles as the crow flies to the Salt Lake Temple, where he was the chief superintendent of masonry during its construction. To make certain he was always at work by 8 o’clock, Brother Moyle would start walking about 2 a.m. on Monday mornings. He would finish his work week at 5 p.m. on Friday and then start the walk home, arriving there shortly before midnight. Each week he would repeat that schedule for the entire time he served on the construction of the temple.

Once when he was home on the weekend, one of his cows bolted during milking and kicked Brother Moyle in the leg, shattering the bone just below the knee. With no better medical help than they had in such rural circumstances, his family and friends took a door off the hinges and strapped him onto that makeshift operating table. They then took the bucksaw they had been using to cut branches from a nearby tree and amputated his leg just a few inches below the knee. When against all medical likelihood the leg finally started to heal, Brother Moyle took a piece of wood and carved an artificial leg. First he walked in the house. Then he walked around the yard. Finally he ventured out about his property. When he felt he could stand the pain, he strapped on his leg, walked the 22 miles to the Salt Lake Temple, climbed the scaffolding, and with a chisel in his hand hammered out the declaration “Holiness to the Lord."

-Jeffrey R. Holland, “As Doves to Our Windows,” Ensign, May 2000, 75

The Lions at the base of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. My favorite place to eat on Temple Square is inside this building. It's called Nauvoo Cafe and I promise you they serve the tastiest toasted sandwiches! The Cranberry-Orange Relish Turkey Sandwich is my favorite!

http://www.diningattemplesquare.com/nauvoo.html

That's it for out tour folks! We end at the statue in front of the Church Office Building that celebrates Motherhood. How appropriate that there are beautiful purple floweres surrounding it- my Mom's favorite color! I love you MOM!

The 3-amigas and a little bambino...

2009-05-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

I have so much catching up, that I'm just going to write some of the highlights of the last 2 months! So in April (yeah, I haven't updated in WAY too long) my friend Kadie and I went up to Idaho to suprise our friend Brooke for the Weekend. She was visiting from Idaho, and just recently had a baby boy, Jett! Kadie and I just couldn't resist any excuse (and he's a way cute excuse!) to see Brooke! Here's some pics from our weekend!

Look at those big blue eyes! He's such a doll!

Here we are- the Designing DIVAS! We met in the Interior Design Program up at BYU-Idaho. Kadie (baby "E"inside!!!), Me & Brooke! Kadie is due in August so she loved getting the baby low-down from new Mommenschpiel, Brooke!

Brooke's Grandpa, proudly embracing his newest Great-grandsons! I just love Jett's facial expressions!

Brooke with that new Mommy glow!

Me, with that "Auntie" glow!

Mini's Cupcakes... Photo Op!

2009-04-07T12:22:00.000-07:00

Recently at work, we celebrated Annie's birthday and I knew exactly what I wanted to bring; these deluctable little devils from Mini's Cupcakes!

Feast with your eyes- but try not to drool on your keyboard...

Here I am with my new best friend... the PB Fix... Dark Belgium Chocolate Cupcake with Organic Peanut Butter Frosting sprinkled with salty peanuts. Don't I look happy? I was even happier when it was in my belly!
Here's Summer with her hot little cupcake... Breakfast at Tiffany's -Madagascar Vanilla Bean Cupcake with Tiffany Blue Crème Cheese Frosting topped with edible gems. Audrey Hepburn, eat your heart out!
And the birthday girl Annie inhaling The Diva - Dark Belgium Chocolate Cupcake with Pink Crème Cheese Frosting... you go girl- party like it's 1999!

Here's our office mascot- Londyn Marie! She's Annie's new angel! Do you see what she's doing? She's trying to lick my PB Fix! No Londyn- don't you dare!!!

Mouth watering? go to:

http://www.mini-cupcakes.com/cupcakehome.html

Gourmandies Bakery

2009-04-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

SLC has so many great little places that I just want to share them with you! The other week, some of my Interior Design friends that I graduated with and I went to a yummy little place to catch up and hang out. We met at the cutest bakery/cafe called Gourmandise. I'd highly recommend you check this place out if your ever in the Salt Lake Area because they've got fantstic food for lunch and dinner and delicious pastries of all kinds!

Check out these cute little fruity tarts... mmmmmmmmm!

Check out these cute little ladies! We totally scarffed down our food- I wish I took a picture of our food before it was in our belly's! Check it all out for yourself at:
http://gourmandies.com/index.html

Our Ward is Cool.

2009-03-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

We've really grown to love our ward (incase you don't know what a ward is- it's Mormon speak for a congregation). Sam is a Scout Leader and I'm a CTR teacher for the 7 year-olds. Infact, tomorrow my team teacher Amanda and I are throwing a party for our class because they've been so good and attentive in class! Anyway, besides loving our callings, we've also had some fun at different ward activities.

A lady in our ward is a retired drama Teacher. This darling lady decided to put together a Mystery Dinner Play for the adults in the ward. Sam was hesitant to attend because he was SUPPOSED to be in it and totally never showed up for rehearsals. Anyway, they made do and right before it started, Sam decided he'd like to go. I was glad because I really wanted to and I especially wanted that weekend to be all about ME because Sam had been sick with influenza B for like a whole WEEK (I think the "B" makes it sound much more professional- if a flu can be pofessional...)!

I didn't get a really good picture, but here's the back of someone's head and the stage! Honestly, I think Sam and I both expected the play to be really cheesy; however we were both pleasantly suprised when it turned out HILARIOUS! Seriously, it was so fun to see our friends in our ward in a totally different context. Especially Bonnie (the retired drama teacher) who I just thought was just a sweet lady that played the organ on Sunday... what an understatement! She's certainly sweet- but she's also hilarious and full of so much energy! She played a famous actress who had her precious ruby stolen on a movie set. I think my favorite part of her costume was her bright red feather boa. I don't think I'll ever look at her the same! Also, our friend Natalie proved to be quite the drama diva! She cracked us all up as she was playing the "woefull, wrongfully accused suspect" of the ruby thieving! All in all, it was a great night and it made us love and appreciate our ward even more!

Besides the mystery dinner play, the Primary Presidency held an "awards night" to share their appreciation with all of us Primary Teachers. The decorated the relief society room- yes, that's a red carpet (boy am I easy to please!) and presented us each with an award accompanied by our own "Golden Statue". Can't you tell I'm excited? The award just highlighted each of our strengths as a teacher:
As you can SEE- my award was for "Attention Getting" when I teach my class. Well, if you know me at all, you know I LOVE attention! I think the award was very fitting :)

Oh! And there's our ward Starlett- Natalie and her husband Mike recieving their awards! They're tons of fun and they have the cutest kids in the ward- hands DOWN! I have to admit though, the best part of the night was when the Primary Presidency showed us a tape they put together of the kids in our classes talking about why they liked their teachers. It was so cute to see the kids talk about all of us and made my little heart just MELT and want to give them all hugs when I saw them on Sunday! Man- they're so freakin' cute- it makes it all worth it!

Keep scrolling down for a post I added earlier today- I had to catch up and post a few!

Dance Dance Revolution with the Kinney's!

2009-03-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

Our friends Kadie and Jacob invited Sam and I over for a little dining and dancing! Kadie is PREGGERS, but it doesn't stop this dancing diva from when it comes to DDR (Dance Dance Revolution). She is the reigning QUEEN, and as you'll see in the video below- Jacob is reigning KING! Sam, you ask? I think he's the Jester and I'm the laundry girl to them all...

Kadie's a ROCKSTAR and I LOVE her little baby bump! how CUTE! You GO girls (Kadie's having a girl... I'm sure she'll be just as "kickin" as Kadie is)!Can you see the concentration in my face? Yeah, it takes a lot of effort for me... AWKWARD!

This video speaks for itself... SHAKE it Sam!

Hangin' wit da boyz

2009-03-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

So. last weekend was all about Sam! We had some of his buddies over on Friday night that he sold pest control with down in San Antonio; Daniel Woodall and Tyler White. We played Settlers of Zarahemla, the card game Golf, and a Ticket to Ride- some of our favorite board games! Anyways, I played the "perfect wife" and made everyone Orange Chicken and Rice for dinner, organic Apple slices and even splurged on Chocolate Covered Pretzles... I know, I'm kind of a big deal. There might have been too much excitement though because Woodall got it planted into Sam's head that he needed to buy "EPIC DUELS"- a Star Wars board game that is no longer made and you have to spend a million dollars to get it on ebay... well, not that much, but SHEESH! Anyway, I'll finish that story later.

Saturday morning we decided we'd head down to watch the BYU vs. UTAH Basketball game in Provo- Sam was stoked! BYU won the game (whoo hoo!) and it was neck to neck the whole time. Of course Sam and I had fun belting our lungs out to the Cougars victory song every 15 minutes- it was good times!

Just when you thought our weekend couldn't get any more FUN, Saturday night we met up with Sam's favorite mission companion, (Elder) Winslow Burton and his wife Heidi. We ate at this DELICIOUS little Chinese grill called Charlie Chow's Dragon Grill in Salt Lake City! We always love finding new spots and this one was definitely a winner! It's kind of like a Mongolian grill style- where you put all of the fresh ingredients you want in a bowl with sauce and have the grill-meister cook it up for you- soooo good- I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a yummy, casual and fun place to eat (nicely designed atmosphere too). http://www.charliechows.com/index.htm

So, it was all about Sam last weekend- but it turned out to be just as much of a blast for me- maybe because I love him soooooooo much!
P.S.- Sam suprised me on Monday with his "by the way... I kind of bought EPIC DUELS on ebay today on my lunch break..." It looks like we'll be seeing a lot more of Daniel Woodall at our place- good times! Well, it's all good I guess, because now I can buy something for myself for the same amount of money he spent- I love how things always work out!

Our California Christmas!

2009-01-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

Going home to SLO (San Luis Obispo, CA) is always breath-taking! Pictured above is one of my favorite little Central Coast treasures- looking through the "cave" (it's more like an arch) at Whales Cove and down to the beach. You'll see some more pictures of this little spot further on down!We stayed with my parents- aren't they the cutest?! My mom's been married to Dave for over 11 years now and they still act like newly-weds; I LOVE it!

Merry Christmas Mom and Dave- A bunch of us kids got them digital photo frames! Doesn't she look stoked?! I just think my mom is the cutest and most lovely lady ever! She's super photogenic!

Merry Christmas Sam! A cedar amunition box with some new books to add to our library. Now that he's not in school and can read whatever he wants- he LOVES it! I got him a few books about his favorite subject; the Founding Fathers and early American History- may sound nerdy- but he really loved it! The cedar box has geese carved onto the side, but it's hidden by wrapping paper.

Me with my neices Shmourtney (Courtney), Blabigail (Abigail), and their new little TINY brother- Atticus (I'll figure out a quirky nick-name soon!) McKay and Chris sure now how to make 'em cute!

One of my favorite things during the holidays; singing Christmas carols at my mom's piano- She and Hillary look so happy! I think it's because Haylee and I sound AMAZING!

Another fun thing I got to do during the holiday was come up with an exterior paint scheme for Hillary and Roberts Craftsman-style bungalow. This is the before shot; there will be after shots when they paint it!

My mom and I went shopping at Pacific Coast Home & Garden the day after Christmas and my mom snagged a killer deal on some accessories for her mantel- they would have been like 3 for $180 and she got all three for $20. Too much fun- look at that smile on her face!

This is my other new nephew! Konner is Brigham and Shandells second little boy and isn't he TO DIE FOR CUTE! Look at those thighs- not to be wierd, but I just want to nibble on them!

My nephew Emerson, Sam and I went to another Central Coast Treasure together; the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Oceano! They come through town I think on their way to Mexico and stay on the Central Coast for a few months in the Winter.

Believe it or not- here's a literal "bunch" of butterflies just up in the trees! When we first got there- I didn't even notice these bunches because I just thought they were bunches of leaves!

One tender little butterfly soul on the ground. Don't worry- he was still alive, and I wanted to move him to safety, but some hippy chick told me "I don't think you should touch it- we're supposed to leave it where nature intends it to be!" I thought to myself- "Where- on the bottom of someones birkenstock?!!!" Well, at least I got a good picture!

View from the Butterfly Grove to the Ocean- can you see it?

A lovely little Ice Plant Flower. Thank you Digital Macro!

Me! The town of Pismo Beach is in the background.

Another view from Whales Cave- looking toward the shore of Pirates Cove (it's a nudey beach, but we didn't see any nudeys... just nude seals!)

Sam and Dave prepping the wall for crown moulding at my parents house. Sam had been wanting to help my folks with their moulding since July! He was litteraly SO excited to work with his hands and help out; not to mention he looked pretty hunky showing off his manly carpenter skills!

I LOVE this picture! Sweet baby Atticus in his Grandma's loving arms; she has such a way with babies!

Sam and I walked around downtown SLO and snapped this picture in Bubblegum Alley... yes, an entire alley completely covered with bubblegum... They have stuff like 1940 written in bubblegum! Yes my friends, another true Central Coast Treasure!

Mother Nature displays her best Plate Tectonics at Montana de Oro

Sandpipers "diggin" the sand as much as we did!

Happy Birthday Sammy! Even though he shares a birthday with Old Father Time (New Years Eve) he was a spoiled boy! He got a juicer, (he totally wanted it and we really love it now!) a book (of course) and some Cabela gift cards (insert masculine grunt here); not to mention his other gift below...

Sam went golfing with my brothers and Dave on the morning of his birthday! Thanks Dave and Brigham!

We went to this FABULOUS Teppan style Japanese restaurant in Pismo Beach for New Years Eve called Yanagi. We all just sat around the grill and watched our delicious food be prepared right before our eyes! I ordered salmon and it was some of the best salmon I'd ever had! I don't know what Sam was thinking- he ordered chicken...

Brigham and Shandell had a little get-together at their new house in Templeton for New Years Eve; it was WAY fun because we played Guitar Hero- World Tour! Let's just say I totally rock the Casbah at the drums... seriously.

We ventured up to Santa Rosa to visit my brother Joe and his beautiful family (Joe- you're beautiful too). Little Kate, Ethan and big sister Robyn below!

She always draws me little pictures that say "I LOVE YOU" She's the best!

K- a random end for my entry, but Charles Shulz (the creator of the Peanuts gang) resided for quite a long time in the Santa Rosa area. There are Ode to Snoopie and gang statues everywhere! So, besides almost getting car-jacked in San Francisco, we LOVED our Christmas Holiday!

Dreams can come true!

2008-11-24T15:12:00.001-08:00

Sam and I went to the Coldplay- Viva la Vida concert on Saturday night and it was UNBELIEVABLE! Sleepercar opened up for them and I ended up really liking them too- never heard of them before Saturday. But enough about that! Coldplay played about 20 songs and I was screaming the entire time- Sam thought he lost his wife and a stranger was jumping up and down and singing at the top of her lungs next to him- but I couldn't contain myself!

During the song Lovers in Japan, a vast array of paper butterflies were released from the rafters- it was BEAUTIFUL and you better believe I went down after the concert and took two pocket-fulls! The lady guarding the entrance to the main floor said "And where do you think you're going?" I told her I left my purse and had to go find it. She fell for it and this is how I got my pretty concert momentos. We had a blast- even though we were sitting in the nosebleed section- the energy was contagious, the music and visuals were vibrant and unforgettable! They're in the US for a few more days and I told Sam that I want to fly to Anaheim or Phoenix and see them all over again!

the Folks visit SLC

2008-11-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

Oh happy day when "The Parents" come to town! "The Parents" is what our blended family calls what other families just say "Mom and Dad"- It's WAY fun! So, the parents hadn't seen Jenny's new baby, so they came into town for that and for General Conference this last October. I just simply adore them- and they hadn't seen our place since I got married- so there was a little pressure for things to be "just perfect"! It's all good- cuz I kind of need an excuse to clean my house every once in a while!

Here we are- striking a pose at the Saturday afternoon session of Conference.

Jenny's little Ashton LOVES Grandpa! Who wouldn't? Dave ROCKS!

This is my mom's classic baby hold- I don't know how it happens- but once a baby is in this hold- they get completely captivated by my mom's hypnotic baby babble chanting!

Happy Birthday Mom! So- she needed a new curling iron DESPERATELY! I surprised her for her birthday and of course she did the chin hold to thank me. This is another classic Marilyn mannerism!

Thanks for taking this picture Sammy- I love the way the water is spraying up almost in the same shape as the Temple behind it!

My Mom and I sharing a special moment in the Church Office Building- she also took me downstairs where she ran into President Spencer W. Kimball while she and her mom were looking for the restrooms; My Mom decided to wait outside of the restroom for my Grandma to come out- and all of a sudden President Kimball walked around the corner and almost bumped into my Mom! She was speechless at first and finally managed a " OH! Hello!" He said hello back and kept walking. She was in complete shock when my Grandma got out of the restroom and basically just said- "Mom- you just missed the Prophet!" Crazy, huh?!

I know- not a usual photo you would find after reading a story about a Prophet- but we went to Buca di Beppo in SLC for my Mom's birthday. There's all sorts of fun little decor like this in that place!

The birthday girl - Splurging on gelato and cannoli's!

Ashton- looking perfect- as USUAL!

We did a session at the Bountiful Temple with my Parents- it was fabulous!

The view from the Bountiful Temple looking west. I never realized how beautiful this place could be!
Sam and me outside of the Temple

My New Nephew!

2008-11-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

So- my nephew Ashton was born in August- and that's how often I get on here to update my blog! My sister Jen and her husband Jake passed on some great genes to this little feller- I just have to show the world!

He's still pretty young here- but in my next post, you'll see what a big boy he's becoming!

Just between us- this is the blankie I'm making him! I wanted to wait until he spit up on all of his other blankies before I gave him mine.... actually- this is my first one EVER and pretty much it's going to be the death of me!

SLO-town and the Magic Kingdom

2008-07-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sam wouldn't have cared if I had been from California or Catmandu; but he'd say the gods have smiled down upon him because his one true love is from San Luis Obispo! What can I say, It's not only the coolest town to grow up in, it's also an awsome place to go on vacation to. My parents suprised everyone last Christmas by announcing that they were going to take all us kids and grandkids to Disneyland after the 4th, and we were fortunate to spend a little time in SLO before-hand! Isn't it a funny thing how you can grow up in a place for 20 years and never have quite realized how good you had it until you had to move away to where it snows about 7 months straight!!! Nothing against Rexburg, ID of course- but when you're shoveling snow infront of your apartment in April, you can't deny the madness!!!

Back to the good stuff! So we venture off into the horizon (thanks to Delta Airlines) and made it to SLO-town safe and sound (lets hear it for Avis rent-a-car). The folks were all hugs and kisses and told us they had barely made it since seeing us last Christmas... Well, at least they said they were happy to see us. So the next day was the 4th and we were all reved up to go to Cayucus to watch the fireworks- however one too many people told us it was fogged in so we decided to make do and play with sparklers at my sister Mckay's arena at their ranch! Between putting on gymnastic shows, holding Aunt Devanie hostage on the trampoline and waiting for their sparklers to finally light in the wind- the kids had a blast! We later heard that Cayucus wasn't foggy at all- but I don't want to talk about that! We hung out downtown and went to Shell Beach the next day- and that at least satisfied my craving for the Pacific Ocean.

We played with nieces and nephews at Dinosaur caves and I even met up with one of my very best friends, Erin, for a long over-due reunion! Sam made a wonderous discovery at the Famously Flamboyant Madonna Inn... yes ladies and gentlemen- it's a waterfall urinal! He also made sure the coast was clear so I could take this award worthy photo of it. By the time Sunday rolled around, we were pumped for the Wonderful World of Disney!

When it comes to magic and wonderment, Disney is KING, but when it comes to getting soaked on Splash Mountain- Disney is EMPEROR!!! Sam and I were in the very front of the boat, and lets just say not a stitch of us remained dry! This was Sam's very first time at Disneyland- so we didn't waste any time. Even though we had 3 days there, I made sure we walked around the park for 12 hours- with a slight break to buy new flip-flops for a much needed blister footed Dev. If you've never been to Disneyland since they added the new California Adventures park- we HIGHLY recommend it! We couldn't get enough of the Maliboomer, the Hollywood Tower of Terror, Screamin', or Soarin' over California rides. The lines weren't too bad, but we're sure grateful for those fast-passes!

We only had one little mis-hap on the Hollywood Tower of Terror... Incase you don't know the story behind the ride, it's based on a true event in 1939. A Hollywood couple, a little girl and her nanny and a bell-boy were riding in the elevator on a late stormy night when a bolt of lightning struck the elevator shaft and sent the passengers plummeting down 13 stories to their death. I know- doesn't sound like a traditional Disney happy-ending, but it makes for a great ride! Anyway, my niece Courtney wanted to go on ride with the big kids. We told her we were going on the Tower of Terror and she seemed excited... at first! Then we get in line- and it takes you through a series of rooms that explain the story and really set the mood for the terrifying ride. Almost before we're about to step onto the elevator (the ride is in an elevator) she freaks out and absolutely doesn't want to go. Well, all of us big kids did want to go, and I swear I'm a good aunt, but we made her go anyway because we told her before that if you want to roll with the big kids, you gotta roll with the big kids. Anyway, I comforted her and told her it would be way fun, and I even held her hand at the beginning of the ride. Yes, just the beginning, because the rest of the ride she was screaming and balling so loud that I leaned over the rest of the time with my arms completely around her trying desperatly to console her... lesson learned; when a kid doesn't want to go on a ride- they REALLY don't want to go on a ride! Oh well, we love her anyway!

And what would Disney be without the Sword in the Stone Carousel and the Main Street Electrical Parade? Well, in my brother Brigham and sister Haylee's case- it's enough to bring sheer joy and utter exhaustion! As for the R-oberts, you ask? We think we'll go back and hang-out again!

S'more Golf Please!

2008-07-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

There really is nothing quite like going falling asleep with a belly full of s'mores, then rolling out of your tent in the morning to find yourself smack dab in the middle of a golf course! But let me tell you; when you're campin' with the Roberts, that's just the sort of treat you're in for! We went to our first Roberts Family camp-out together as Mr. & Mrs. Roberts this last June at a golf-course in Ashton, ID. Sam's sister Julie picked out this fun little spot where we all had plenty of things to choose from to keep it real! Bing & Diane brought enough Bluegrass instruments to make the Quaking Aspens sing in the breeze! Besides fishing with enough kids to make the fish swim back upstream, playing Baseball on a golf course or listening to Dan practice his dramatic role as an original Patriot- there's just one story that we can't keep to ourselves...

So, Ellie and Reagan are cousins- they're pretty much the same age and when they're together they're inseperable! Bless her heart, Reagan ran out of clean undies for the same reason that most potty-training 3 year olds do. Having to wear diapers at this point was completely devastating to her, to the point of unfailing, sobbing tears! Like many similar 3 year-old instances, this lead to a time out in a folding chair around the campfire with Mom and the Aunties... Relating to the great dispair this sort of moment can bring to a fellow 3 year old, sweet little Ellie had a plan of her own. Julie, Amy and I were just talking around the camp-fire when a tiny, tip-toeing, toe-headed blonde heads up the trail with the bottom of her shirt wadded up into a ball in her hands. Her heads pointed down to her feet, but she knows exactly where those little feet are headed- straight to the folding chair that is holding her favorite cousin captive! Of course us adults don't think much about it until a great big grin spreads across both Reagan and Ellie's faces and a ball of pretty princess underwear comes falling out from the bottom of Ellie's shirt onto Reagan's little lap... talk about a girl with a mission! Unfortunately, it wasn't a good idea for Reagan to wear her cousin's allegedly clean panties- however, it was probably the funniest little scheme I've seen in a while!