mama sherrie

Happy Birthday to mama Sherrie! She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met, and although I haven't met nearly even a small percentage of the people in the world, I would venture to bet she's one of the sweetest people in the entire world. seriously, that sweet.

Not just sweet, but fun too. And cute! We always have so much fun together! We talk and laugh, and laugh and talk. and cry too- sometimes we cry lots. She is one of my all time favorite people and I am so lucky to have her in my life. And incredibly lucky to be her daughter in law. (I feel sorry for all the ladies out there who fear their mother in laws... if only they were as lucky as I!)

We love you so much and hope you have a fabulous birthday! We are so excited to see you soon!

tearjerker

Am the only one who cries because of American Idol?

I know- that sounds totally lame. I don't know what it is. I cry when I watch "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". Seriously, without fail, every time. But, that makes a little more sense to me. They take a family with an emotional story behind it all and change their lives- that's a big deal, definitely tear worthy.

American Idol on the other hand? Almost every time that stupid "golden ticket" comes running out of the judges room and the screaming and hugging and jumping begin, so do my little watery eyes. Don't get me wrong, I don't sit on my couch and sob... but my eyes get all watery. I suppose it's because I get so excited for that person, for their dreams being taken to the next level and the possibilities ahead of them.

I cried at my sister's graduation. Not because she's my baby sister and she's so grown up (well, maybe a little because of that too) but because there was so much cheering and excitement. My emotions are weird like that, I've yet to comprehend that part of me. Quite honestly, it's a little embarrassing- crying over an auditorium of applause?

To see a stranger's dream fulfilled, life changed, or family united is all great and exciting, but tear worthy? Please, tell me I'm not the only one?!

energizer jeffery

Utah was so much fun, it's hard to do a recap on all of the excitement!

Let's just start by saying Jeff was the energizer bunny (in a more manly way than a bunny might be...) No joke. He flew in to SLC a couple of days after I got there, his brothers picked him up from the airport, went to my house said hello to my dad (I was at my cousin's baby shower) and then they went up the mountain and built their own jump somewhere. Sunday he took it easy- but that was the only day. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday he went snowboarding.... all day. Friday we (me, jeff, chad, mom, dad and their cool friends) all went up to Snow Basin, it was a lot of fun. I hung out in the lodge and on the patio- such a beautiful resort. (I've only been on skis once in my life. I was 10, I lived in California. I would do it again, if I had more than one day on the mountain.... one day is just enough to fall too many times, get bruises and get discouraged. I figured I'd enjoy some hot chocolate and sightseeing instead.)

And one of those days he woke up early before snowboarding to play racquetball with my dad. Sunday him and his brothers drove down to Las Vegas for a Pennywise show. They stopped in St. George to visit cousins and then off they went... again.

Our flight left Salt Lake at 6:15am last Tuesday, we got to Tampa around 4:00pm and he had to go straight to work from the airport. I was praying for patience... I figured I would need it. Turns out, I didn't. (More like the other way around but we wont dwell on that.) He is so good to me- always. After being sick in the morning and just about missing our flight, I wasn't feelin' so hot the next couple of days. My sweet, sweet husband asked what I wanted to do. nothing. really nothing, was what I wanted to do. He said he knew there were things on my list, what would be the first thing I would do. I said, "clean our bathroom". In the time I fell asleep on the couch he cleaned the bathroom and vacuumed our room and then off to work he went.

I am so blessed. so very, very blessed.

(More to come on our adventures Utah.)

19

It's a happy day for my little brother (brother in law, but I always hate how that sounds...so just brother!) Chad! He's 19 now! We were actually able to celebrate with him while we were in Utah, it was a fun night. First we were rejected at Bajio's (I think it was on University Ave.- you should all boycott that one! We got there at 8:50pm, they close at 9:00pm and they wouldn't serve us! Ridiculous people...anyways) then we went to Brick Oven and had a delicious dinner! We got 2 humongous pizzas, they were both so yummy! I've had a couple of different pizzas there, this time I found a favorite- the Garlic Chicken. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! We ate pizza and drank root beer until our tummies were about to burst, and then they brought out some chocolate mousse for the birthday boy!

And to top it all off we ate some tasty chocolate cake that Rachel and Bryan made. So, bottom line- we ate too much, laughed a lot, and had a great birthday celebration for Chad!

We had such a great time! Chad is so incredibly smart and talented... he plays sports and skates like a pro and he's quickly learned how to be a rock star on the guitar!

We hope you have a great day Chaddy! We loved the new memories we made and enjoyed the time we had together! We're so proud of you and all that you are! (that's the big brother and sister comin' out in us. And by us, I mean Jeff and I... because of course whatever I say, he agrees with! haha) We love you!

friday's favorites

being an aunt.

It is seriously one of the coolest things I get to do in my life. Especially because I'm an aunt to the three cutest kids in the entire world!





Look at those adorable, silly, precious faces! Now tell me you wouldn't feel like the luckiest aunt in the world to have those three little darlings. I just love them.

baby it's cold outside

I know all you Utah folk probably think I'm a big wimp... but, I live in Florida and it's 30 somethin' degrees outside, that's cold! We had a great trip to Utah, and I'll post more about that soon.

I know I went MIA for a little while and I haven't had the chance to wish you all a happy new year! 2009 is going to be a good one, I can feel it in my bones!

To ring in the New Year, Jeff and I had a party.

a party of 2. just the 2 of us. it was wonderful!

We ate, a lot. We ate a seven layer bean dip, artichoke dip, crab, and a delicious chocolate molten cake dessert. It was all so delicious! (and I'll be back to share some recipes)

here's my sweet and silly husband... that crab's gettin the best of him.

Here were are right after the clock struck 12! Drinkin' our sparkling cider and partyin' hard all through the night!

We had a great 2008! We have no idea what 2009 has in store for us, but we're sure it'll be good. Thanks to each of you who helped make our 08 a successful year.

Here's to a new year, a new page, and a new story!