friday's favorite

Waking up from the sunlight coming in through the window and not the annoying sound of the alarm. And then being able to lay in bed for a little longer and finish a good book....

This was a fun book to read. She's a great author, very intelligent and funny. The book is called "Eat, Pray, Love One woman's search for everything across Italy, India and Indonesia" and she does search for pretty much everything and find it too. Mostly she finds herself and with that true happiness...and I really liked that. There was some great insight, like this excerpt:

"I keep remembering one of my Guru's teaching about happiness. She says that people universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you're fortunate enough. But that's not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it, you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it. If you don't, you will leak away your innate contentment. It's easy enough to pray when you're in distress but continuing to pray even when your crisis has passed is like a sealing process, helping your soul hold tight to its good attainments."

help!

I really need your help. Jeff and I bought tickets for "Bonnaroo" this year... it's in Manchester, TN starting June 12-15th. The line up is incredible... Jack Johnson, Pearl Jam, Mason Jennings, Willie Nelson, Death Cab for Cutie, BB King, Cat Power, Donovan Frakenreiter, Tegan & Sara, The Raconteurs and much, much more. For all the details and complete line up you can check it out here. This is where you come in.... I haven't been feeling all that well and I've started to get a bit nervous about being in the heat surrounded by thousands and thousands of people and lots of noise- so I'm trying to sell my ticket. Jeff will still be going with his little brother Chad so I will have 1 ticket for sale. We bought them for close to $280 so I'm trying to sell it for as close to that as possible. I know the prices have gone up from the time we bought them but I also know a lot of people buy them to turn around and sell them.... so basically I'll consider any reasonable offer. I'm really bummed- I got this adventure streak in me for a couple of weeks and now I'm nervous so who knows. I guess if I don't sell it I'll end up going and wish for the best. But anyways- if you want to buy it or know of anyone who might be interested, spread the word. You can leave a comment or email me at amyandjeffmartinez@yahoo.com Thanks for your help!

*edit- Thanks to Craigslist, the ticket's gone! It's one of those bitter sweet emotions... yea! (i think?!)

love

I absolutely adore these girls! Today we hung out at the park and ate some ice cream. They are so stinkin' cute and so much fun! They keep a smile on my face and are full of laughs. I love spending time with them and I'm so lucky to live so close. They are growing up so fast and I know they'll both be great big sisters to baby boy Packer!

Sisterly Love

I'm kind of thinking it's only in Florida that on your way to the park you see an armadillo, at the park you see roosters and squirrels, walking down the street are giant pterodactyl like birds (that's what I like to call them anyways...) and lurking in your backyard are alligators- but maybe I'm wrong.

I'm hoping they were just tired.... Mekena said they were having family circle time! :)

I love that little diaper bum... she's so funny- her feet are filthy but she didn't want her dress to get in the sand!

love those freckles are curls!

she's not a little girl anymore- she's like a little lady now!

love that smile- absolutely adorable!

yummy, yummy- she's a happy camper

ice cream time is a happy time!

I could go for days about these girls... and I'm sure you can all see why! I'm the luckiest Aunt ever!

recipe

I figured it was fitting to post the recipe I told you about today with my "Friday's favorites"... this is so delicious and it's even more delicious when you serve it with the wonderful "multi grain Tostitos"!

"Best Artichoke Dip"
1 lg. can Artichoke Hearts
1 C. Parmesan, grated fresh
1/3 C. Mayonnaise
8oz. Cream Cheese
1/2 T. Lemon Juice
Garlic to taste, minced
Garlic Powder
Salt
Green Onions
Tomato

Preheat oven to 350. Mix together all ingredients except green onions and tomato. Place in casserole dish and top with green onions and tomatoes. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm with crackers.

*This was a super easy, super yummy dip to make. We didn't have green onions or a tomato on hand when I made it so we did without and I don't think we missed anything. I put all of the ingredients together in my casserole dish to mix it... that makes it a one dish dip- so easy! Also, I put it in the microwave for about 45 seconds to soften up the cream cheese and make it easier to mix together. I was going to soften the cream cheese before I added it to the other ingredients but forgot so I compromised and it worked just as well I'm assuming.

If you try this I'd love to know what you think... happy snacking!

friday's favorite

I know a while ago I started "Monday's Moments"... and every once in a while I still post something for that. But today I was thinking of a few of my favorite things and because it's Friday, I thought I'd post about some of "Friday's Favorites", cheesy? Yes, probably... but you know me, and you know I'm slightly cheesy. Plus, it's just a silly little way for me to share some of my favorite things with you!

When I was in Utah my mom introduced me to this lovely little snack:

I grabbed a bag the other day while I was making a quick stop to Target and I love them just as much here in Florida as I did in Utah. They are crunchy, flavorful, and a healthier option as well. I'm a huge fan of chips and salsa so these are one of my new best friends. Go buy yourself a bag and let me know what you think!

highlights

I've been home from Utah for a couple of days and thought it was about time to share some of those pictures some of you have been asking about. I had a fabulous time- I always do when I go home. Mom and I shopped like crazy, Chrissy cut and colored my hair (she did a great job! she has some "action" shots on her camera... we'll show those later), I ate lots and lots and lots (Bajio, Rumbi, Cafe Rio, Kobe...on and on), shopped some more, laughed, cried, laughed until I cried (literally- not just laughing so hard water was coming out of my eyes but laughing so hard I think my body was confused and just about started crying! It was sort of funny and not at the same time- we were out in public so that wasn't too funny but I don't think we realized anyone else was around) watched Jazz games and American Idol, went to 2 beautiful temples, visited with friends and family... and much more... it was amazing! Here's a few of those pics to capture some of the moments for all of you:


This is my beautiful home- oh how I love this place! So cozy and warm...

Then there are these giant things- it honestly was hard for me to stop staring at them. It's amazing the things we take for granted when we are so use to them. Now I'm out here in FL where the ant hill is the closest thing we have to these mounds... they seriously looked fake to me- they are so gorgeous!

This little beauty is Chrissy's baby- she's a funny cat, she acts like a dog. She would follow me around and bat at me with her paws. Sometimes I'd feel something wrap around my arms or legs and it was her- it was like a bear hug...only a kitty hug! (haha ok that was lame I know, but I'm laughing)

Marci's baby shower was beautiful! It was so fun to see these girls and some other Utah pals and be able to visit for a minute. Marci is one of the most gorgeous pregnant women I've ever seen (which by the way... (and I was telling this to some of these girls) I've seen so many pregnant ladies lately! I was telling them, everywhere I go I either see a pregnant lady or a garage sale. Weird, I know- but sooo true!) Marci's mom went above and beyond and Marci's little angel baby is going to be spoiled rotten. (I can't wait to see her Marce, she's going to be beautiful!)

It was so fun to be able to celebrate Mother's Day while I was there! It was just like the "old" days... we had Grandma Pat and Aunt Nikki come over. We went to church, came home to watch the Jazz game, snacked on a yummy artichoke dip (it was the first time I'd ever made it and I loved it... it was delicious! I'll share the recipe soon). Dinner was great...this was one of those moments I had fun laughing. (I laughed and laughed, I couldn't stop- really I couldn't! You all know I'm an emotional person, right?! Well lately it's shifted into overdrive and I'm on an emotional explosion of some kind. AND NO- I'M NOT PREGNANT!) Aunt Nikki made a really yummy strawberry shortcake dessert that was not only yummy but super cute too- I should have taken a picture but my tummy ate it before my hands could find my camera.


Mom, Dad and I took a morning to do a session at the Salt Lake City temple. It was amazing. The temple is gorgeous- it's incredible to me all of the work that went into it. And then when you look at all the detail and think of all the hands (not machines, but hands) that built it- it's honestly a masterpiece. The tulips and flowers were blooming beautifully everywhere... it was a gorgeous day for sure!



I was also able to visit the Logan temple. Jeff's cousin Jen got married while I was there (another wonderful function I was able to attend due to great timing!) The weather had been a little chilly but this was the perfect wedding day...blue skies, warm sunshine, and a big happy family. It was a beautiful wedding and I'm so happy I was able to be there. It was my first time being able to go into the Logan temple (2 new temples in a row... I was so happy. One of my dreams is to be able to visit all of the temples around the world- needless to say I've got lots of work to do but to be able to visit 2 in one trip was great for me!) It was so fun to see Sherrie! Her brothers and sisters are so sweet. I've always admired the friendship and love they all share- it's so fun to be around them, they make me feel so comfortable and welcomed- just like part of the family... I love it! It was so fun to visit with Bryan on our way from Layton to Logan and back- thanks for the ride Bry!

Dad took us lovely ladies out to Kobe Grill for dinner my last night there- it was delicious! I love that place. (Chrissy, just in case you weren't sure- I LOVE that place!) It's so yummy and it's fun too. This was the public place I laughed until I cried...good times!

Oh man- I love this family! They are so much fun and so good to me! I was absolutely spoiled and enjoyed every minute of my time there! I can't wait to go back- who knows when.... but I can't wait!

(Just a side note about my ultra sensitivity: I can't watch American Idol without crying. I know I'm emotional and I'm a big fan of the David's and I get so excited for them and all of the screaming...but seriously- enough is enough! I want to tell myself to suck it up and knock it off... so I try it, and it just doesn't work. Here I am, watching Idol in my little home with Ziggie and "Honey Maid" (which is one of mine and Jeff's new addictions... you can never grow too old for graham crackers and milk, right?!) and just tearin' up over and over! So- the BIG night is tomorrow night and I'm still not 100% sure who I want to win. I really like them both- David A is so sweet and cute and he's incredibly talented... and I think if I were 5 years younger I would have a crush on him like all the other girls- but then again I'm not 5 years younger and I think I just might be crushin' (but don't tell Jeff hehe) anyways... now that this post is 10 years long I want to know who you are all cheering for- David A or David C?! Either way we've got some serious talent up there with the 2 of them!)

mommy dear

i love you so. I am the luckiest girl to have you as a mother and best friend. You are amazing and I'd be lucky to be a portion of the woman you are. You bring me strength and courage to be who I am and to dream big. You are wise and witty, beautiful and bold, creative and caring... you are indescribable goodness. I love you and love being your daughter.

happy mother's day

hello.

HELLO UTAH! I'm home!

I love being here.... the mountains, the tulips, the family- (the sister Chrissy (so tan and sitting next to me) and the mother (oh so funny and wise beyond her years...and sitting here now as well) and the handsome daddy hiding in his office from all the estrogen) and my new friend Lacy the kitty!

I do miss my cute husband and the Packer fam- and of course little Ziggie.

Plan for tomorrow: haircut- and possible highlights, we'll see what the famous Miss Chris has in mind for me, she's quite the bossy little stylist! And of course the beginning of much shopping! YEA!! Adventures await....