The Wierlo's

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

2012-02-09T19:39:00.000-08:00

Random.Org - Sequence Generator told me that 21 was the lucky #

Comment # 21: MINDY HARRIS!

Congratulations Mindy - Please contact either myself or Lauren so that your banner can be shipped ASAP!

Thanks to everyone that entered!

Oopsies.

2012-02-07T15:55:00.000-08:00

It was brought to my attention that you have to have a blogger account in order to comment on the current giveaway for this LOVE banner:

If you want to enter in the give-a-way but don't have a blogger account, you can still ENTER!

Just email ME when you:

1. Follow my blog - Your here! Just click FOLLOW (On the right side of the blog)
2. Follow Pink on the Cheek's Blog
3. Follow Pink on the Cheek's Twitter
4. Follow Pink on the Cheek's Facebook

Remember, you don't have to do all 4, but each one earns you a comment (more comments = more chances to win)

Hope that helps!

Bachelor

2012-02-06T23:24:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I've lost ALL hope for Ben. I've been so let down with his decision to keep Courtney around. I know it's probably just the shows idea because of the drama, but I've been let down with Ben's actions towards her, and that he hasn't been more of a gentleman.
At least my #1 Choice is stil there.

Butterfingers Recipe

2012-02-04T12:08:00.001-08:00

What a glorious day off yesterday!

I got to spend the day running errands and shopping with my Best Friend Kari!
When we were done running our errands, we watched a movie and made this recipe we found on Pinterest.

I promise - these taste DELICIOUS, and JUST LIKE BUTTERFINGERS!
(Oh, and it's SUPER EASY!)

(Click on picture to Enlarge, Save & Print)

January Photo-A-Day Link Up!

2012-02-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

Time to LINK!

One of my all-time FAVORITE bloggers Shelly @ House Of Smiths is hosting a Link Up Party for Photo-A-Day.
And so is Nest of Posies.As soon as I saw this list of pictures floating around Instagram the beginning of this year, I jumped on the bandwagon and had such a blast taking a picture every day, adding text, changing colors, etc.
So, here is my January Photo A Day!
(Oh, and I totally spaced on some of the dates and forget we are now in 2012!)

Heres my January Pictures!

(Am I the only one freaking out that PicNik is closing? Where to go now??)

Jump on the bandwagon for February! You know you want to! It's never to late to start - and think of how fun it will be to look back at the end of the year!

Oh, and don't forget to enter my giveaway HERE!

Check me out!

2012-02-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

This is:

Precious right? She blogs over at Pink on the Cheek:

Look at some of the AMAZING things she makes:

Laurens got great talent, so I was BEYOND thrilled that she asked me to visit her blog and do a guest post with an EASY Valentines Tutorial....

I found an idea on Pinterest {but she used paper instead of burlap...}

And went to town.

My favorite things include:

Valentines Day, Hearts, Burlap, and GLITTER so this is PERFECT for me!

AND - Because I love Lauren so much, I am going to do a give-a-way!
Make sure you check it out!

OH. And our new blog design should be up TOMORROW!!! I'm seriously freaking out with excitement!

Interviews

2012-01-30T16:02:00.000-08:00

Chad said that his interviews went very well, he feels VERY GOOD
about them.
The University of Washington School of Dentistry had

1000 Applicants
scheduled 150 Interviews
and are accepting 63.

Not bad odds for my genius husband.

Thanks for all the emails, texts, letters and support - we appreciate it and are so excited
to hear from the school!

*fingers crossed!*

TOMORROW!!

2012-01-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Chad interviews with the:

I am so excited for him, and I know that he is going to do GREAT! This school would be such a good opportunity for us to relocate and be closer to part of our family.

It would give me the opportunity to find a new job while Chad is in school -

And Chad would get to be in his old stomping grounds.

Please keep Chad in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow.....

I will update when I know how things went!

It's Friday!!!

2012-01-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

Glorious days off! I'll be honest - I didn't get out of bed till about 2 pm today.
I enjoyed Grey's Anatomy, and a nap sesh with the hubby...
These are the days I truly appreciate, where I can relax...
Stay warm in bed, nap on and off - and catch up on
"Me time."

I'm excited to start finalizing all the blog plans, and to see how everything turns out this week.

Tonight, I dropped Chad off at the aiport - He is going to Washington for an interview with a Dental School in Seattle. I am nervous, and excited - and so anxious to hear how he does.

I ran out of corks tonight - so hopefully Chad can bring me a lot home next week and I can get this baby finished!

Hope you spent your Friday doing whatever makes you happy!

Tired Thursday.

2012-01-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

I worked today, and only made it through the day by telling myself about how much fun
I was going to have at Zumba afterwards. Ha.
It was one of those days,
It's actually been like that lately - I'm super
ready for a new change of pace.
Something new, and exciting.
Like Seattle.
I really, really, really have been trying
not to get my hopes up - but I can already start to picture
getting our little family started while
Chad is in Dental School.
*crossing fingers for Chads interview Monday*

Got an email tonight that the blog designer will be working with me on Monday - that means this weekend I will be emailing her everything! SO EXCITED to see what she puts together!

Dexter

2012-01-25T10:47:00.000-08:00

My little Dex.

He is starting to be a little stinker. We 'puppy proof' the house..
{Pull the chair away from desk, hide anything of importance, pick up shoes, shut bathroom door, hide socks, etc. etc.}

..Everytime we leave - and still we always come home to Dex hiding under the entrance table
knowing he did something wrong.
It's become exhausting - and annoying picking
up ruined earphones, journals, heels, toilet paper..
So - Chad and I have decided that we are going to try putting him in a kennel
while we are gone at work -
and we are going to use a shock collar
so that he doesn't bark and get us kicked out of our place.

I'm bummed that it's come to this - but we want to stop the problem
before it gets any worse.

Advice on collars, or tips to kick his behavior?

Tv time....

2012-01-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I daydream about what kind of life I will live
when we have more money to spend.
I will probably
-go out to lunch 1x a week with friends
-Shop at the flea market
-drink soda pop {daily - unless it shows!}
-Own 1 pair of Louboutin shoes... {okay, maybe 2}
- Get pedicures every week
-Try my 'hand' at multiple 'talents'
-Craft
-Give money to those who need it
-Adopt cute furry animals
-AND HAVE CABLE!
{pretty simple list, right?!}

I don't remember really ever watching T.V all that much - but I absolutely
LOVE getting hooked on a t.v series.
I want to have 'shows' that I watch on a weekly basis.
Thats my HAPPINESS.

I'm a simple girl.
But for now. I use Netflix - until I heard all the rumors about HuluPlus.
I'm officially SWITCHING.
I stayed by Netflix' side when the price shot up - but it's time.
I'm hoping I don't regret it.

Here's my update on Bachelor - (Which I watched on Hulu because I didn't make it to Girls Night)
I'm pretty sure this 'chart' isn't accurate - but oh well. I'm sure it's close enough.

Ben needs to figure out that Courtney (the duck lipped 'model') is KA-RAZY and be adios with her.

Can you recommend any Hulu Plus series I should get addicted to?

It's almost time!!

2012-01-23T15:04:00.001-08:00

EVERYONE!!
It is almost time for our blog makeover! I emailed Cindy - our blog designer
and she will be working with us either this upcoming week, or the week thereafter!
She is going to LOVE me -
I have EVERYTHING planned and ready to go!
I am so so so so so excited!
It is going to look GREAT!
I've taken most of my ideas from her previous work, and
mixed a bunch of stuff together.
I can hardly wait!!
EEEKKK!!!

The only thing I can't decide - is if I want to do a 2, or 3 column.
Thoughts?

Hump Day,

2012-01-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

It's horrible Monday for the rest of the world, but for muah - it's hump day.
Couple more days before those 2 sacred days off.
Sad to think I live to make it to those 2 days off - what has this world come to?

Last night it rained. I don't like the rain - I lay in bed
and pray that I go deaf for just 8 hours, I don't want to hear the annoying
sound of those random raindrops hitting the gutter, or the siding.
I don't know when I got so crazy.
I have a plan in action for today - I am going to make sure that I am so tired when
it's time for bed tonight that I just pass out.
(Alright, I might have some Nyquil too!)
Work, then going to change and go to Zumba, Tanning, then going to cook dinner,
watch a movie, shower....and hopefully be exhausted.
Bachelor is on tonight - I need to get cable.
And DVR.
I'd probably never leave my house though - I LOVE tv Series.
Thank Goodness for Netflix.
I'm trying to be really good this year, and not read the
Bachelor Spoilers.
I'm skipping tonight though, because I really need to go to Zumba.

Don't tell me what happens.

Sunday.

2012-01-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for the day that Chad and I get to dress up and go to church together. I am absolutely exhausted of working Sunday, after Sunday, after Sunday. It has been a solid 2 years since I was able to go to church. I get jealous of the people that get to go, and sit with their spouses.
I want to be sleeping in (with the cuddly furries!), singing hymns, and cuddling on the church bench with Chad. I can't wait for this phase of our lives to be over - and for me to have the opportunity to find a job that doesn't require that I work on Sundays.
That being said.
I hope you are all enjoying your Sundays in church, while I curl up in my office chair and do paperwork

....And find some deals:

Free Victorias Secret Lip Gloss w/ Any purchase until Feb. 2
Free Mens Cologne Sample (3 mens fragrances, and 1 female fragrance to choose from)

Your welcome :)

Ramblings Saturday

2012-01-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

It rained all night.
(You might be sighing at the wonderful night of sleep YOU got.)
If you know me, you know what rain means....
I watched several episodes of Glee, and "The Last Song" pretty much all night -
and listened to Josh Groban for a couple hours.
I absolutely LOATHE the sound of rain hitting the gutter.
The "dunk...dunk...dunk...dunk...dunk...dunk"
every second literally sends me into a mental breakdown.
I'm not kidding.

I hate little ticks, anything that constantly creeks, ticks, or dunks is of the devil.
I dont know why, I don't TRY and irratate myself by listening for them.
The sounds find their way into my brain!
I probably got about 1.5 hours of sleep last night. I'm exhausted.

I'm thrilled for Chad to interview at the Dental School in Seattle.
Pause (Seattle = rains, A LOT)
Do you know what that means?
I need VERY VERY good headphones,
and an apartment that isn't up to code....
(it must be missing gutters)
Because I cannot survive more nights like last night.
Poor Chad had to listen to me heavy breathing, cursing, sighing, and walking around the house all night.
Ha. He thinks I'm crazy.
Poor Husband.

anyways.

After work today,
I went home and we got dressed up to go see a co-worker friend of mine
at a show he was having in Downtown Stockton.
Darin is one of the individuals that does Evictions at the apartments, but he is ALSO a hypnotist.
He was incredibly kind, and gave Chad and I tickets to the show.
This was such a kind gesture that allowed us to go.
We are on an incredibly low budget right now (But Chad just got a job yesterday!!) - So things are looking up!
Thank you Darin for your kindness!
Here's a couple pictures of our night:

It was HILARIOUS! My throat is literally RAW from laughing so hard! It was hilarious! Darin made these people do some incredible things - it was definitely a show that I would see again and recommend!

Crazy cuddler

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

LOVE cuddle time with this silly goose.

Fathers.

2012-01-19T11:41:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for these two men and the wonderful example they have set for Chad and myself. Bruce and Steve have taught us so many things that we use in our marriage, and things that we will do when we have children of our own.

Thank you for being amazing fathers. For raising us with values, love and respect. For emailing, giving advice, counsel, financial and emotional support, and consistant love. You both are amazing men, and we love you so much.

Corked.

2012-01-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

This is what I did tonight after work, while Chad was studying - and I was watching "Human Trafficking" from Netflix. CRAZY movie! Sad to think that that kind of thing really does happen in the world. Young girls, and boys being sold by their parents, or kidnapped into these organizations that force them to have sex 12 times a day.
It was a very intense movie to watch -I definitely recommend watching it to inform you of some of the things to watch out for.

Lunch Break....

2012-01-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Today I got to cuddle up with this little furry heater for an hour on my lunch break.

Definite pro of living onsite. I walk to and from work. Home for lunch and home 3 minutes after I clock out at the end of the day.

Starting project "Corked"

2012-01-16T23:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight after work, Chad and I headed up to Fred and Terri's house.
Fred and Chad played COD for a couple hours,
while Terri, Cyndie, Steph and myself watched Bachelor.
My top two pics for Ben, (and a helpful guide) so far:

While we were wathcing, I started my cork project based off of this wonderful Pinterest idea:

As soon as I saw this, I asked Chad to save all the corks from work - and he brought me home hundreds of them over the course of a couple months. Here it is so far:

As heres what happened when I left in on the ground, and Dexter was left alone:

Hopefully I can finish it at next weeks Bachelor.....

Baby Brother.

2012-01-15T17:38:00.000-08:00

My heart is so heavy, and I'm not yet sure where this post will lead.
Baby brother decided that he was not serving a mission for the right reasons,
and decided to leave the MTC yesterday.
This was very hard news for me as the 'big proud older sister' -
but after speaking with him, I was in complete agreement of his choice.
Serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
requires absolute sacrifice, and complete faith in the Lords plan.
As well as a deep yearning to genuienly touch the people the Lord places before you.
Baby brother, was not going on a mission for the right reasons -
he was going to make my parents happy.
I am so proud of him for being strong enough to stand up, get out,
and come home when he did.

I am proud of his continued belief in the church, and his unyielding faith in the blessings that come from following the guidelines that church has set for us.

I read Nic's patriarchal blessing last night, and felt so much hope for his future -
I have complete faith that at a later date - he will serve a mission for the church -
-he will preach the gospel to those who haven't had the opportunity to hear it
-He will take his eternal companion to the temple
-and he will prove to the Lord that he is a wonderful priesthood holder.
I love you baby brother, and I will ALWAYS be here to support you.

-Your big sister

Snowboarding in Tahoe

2012-01-13T17:23:00.000-08:00

It is going to be a SAD SAD day when we have to pack up our things and leave California - we LOVE it here. We are 1.5 hrs from the beach, or the snow at any given time. It is incredible to be able to visit Tahoe or Santa Cruz in a day trip. I love where we live, and I love the people we are surrounded by. We have made a great group of friends, and have had the opportunity to build some amazing friendships

Yesterday, we packed up the car and went with Fred and Terri, and their kids to Kirkwood for a practice day on the slopes. (Chad and I are meeting his family in Oregon in a few weeks to play in the snow).
I've only been snowboarding several times, and none of those times went super well. So, with a light jacket, and the sun above - Chad and I set out to work on my skills. {or lack therof}.
*Pause*
So, Chad and I don't fight - we rarely find things important enough to argue about - nor do either of us like confrontation - or feel the need to hurt one another.
*Back to story*
Chad and I fight on the mountain. Well, Chad doesn't fight, it's really just me who does the yelling:
I'm pretty sure I said some things to the effect of:

-"Did you really just freaking push me??"
-"I swear to god if you let me go!"
-"Who the **** do you think you are?"
-"Really? Really? THEN GO DOWN BY YOURSELF CHAD!!!"
-"You have no idea how to help me!"
-"Do you even know what your doing?"
-"You think your legs hurt. HA!"
-"It's not my fault you pushed me out of the way."
-"It's your fault this mountain curves the wrong way."

And there was a variety of other 'not so classy' words used. Poor Chad. I'm a stubborn wreck on the mountain. There was this one time, where he really did push me {so we wouldn't get stuck on flat ground} and I fell, and started yelling at him, and he said he was going to go down with out me, and I told him he should...and then we sat there in the snow, ~~{me crying}~~ for 5 minutes.
So, I'm ~~terrified~~ excited to see what happens in February in Oregon with his family. Should be interesting.
On a lighter note, the Fairbanks kids are ROCK STARS on their skii's...

After playing on the mountain, we went out to lunch - Chad checked his email and HE GOT INVITED TO A DENTAL INTERVIEW AT A SCHOOL IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON!!!!!!!
We were pretty excited, and immediately full of hope that Chad will have an opportunity to be a Dental Student this year. So please cross your fingers and send him positive vibes so he can rock his interview!

LOOK!

2012-01-12T00:39:00.001-08:00

At what my brother made me:

Fun right!

He can make you one too, comment if you want details!

My Brothers.

2012-01-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

These are my two little brothers, and I love them with every ounce of my entire being. They make me want to be a better sibling, older sister, person, wife, daughter, mother {later on!}. They give me so much happiness and joy, and teach me so many things.
Landon, "Brother" - professional gamer, web/blog designer, fashionable, genious, kind hearted.
Nic, "Baby Brother" - My angel, DaneCook wanna-be, loving, caring, and selfless.

Baby Brother entered into the MTC today.
I got to talk to him for a few minutes this morning on the phone before he left, and I was overwhelmed with so much love, and sadness - that I closed my office door and just cried on the phone with him.

It's incredible to be a big sister to someone that has chosen to sacrifice 2 years of his life to preach the gospel to individuals in Fiji.
{here come the tears again....}

He is my personal example of the kind of selfless person I want to be.
{more tears - Man I'm a baby!}
I'm going to miss him, but I am so excited to send him love letters, packages....and to work as hard as I can these next two years - so he can come home and be proud of his older sister.

Please, follow his mission blog, I will be posting regularly, and you can all fall in love with this amazing guy, I get to call my Baby Brother.
www.straightoutoffiji.blogspot.com

Straight Out of Fiji

2012-01-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Landon is starting his own Blog Design company - and his first project is Baby Brother's Mission Blog -
Stay tuned - It's going to be loads of Fiji fun!!

www.straightoutoffiji.blogspot.com

10 Months!

2012-01-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Can't believe we have been married for 10 months - time literally FLIES by when your in love. I have loved every single minute of the last 10 months - I couldn't be a happier wife!

Perfect Day.

2012-01-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

Today I got to have a perfect day with my handsome husband.....we dropped my brother off at the airport in Sacramento and decided to spend the day there.
We did some shopping at Ikea

Walked around the mall , Layed in the park

Had Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and tried to decide where we want to go on a vacation this summer....
We are thinking:
Phillippines
Paris
Greece
Fiji...
and anywhere else tropical.
Ideas?
And then went to a good friend of ours Acoustic Concert at a Sushi Restaruant

Then we came home to this:

And that - is what I would call a perfect day. Not because we ran around and did things all day, but because I got to hold hands, kiss, and snuggle with my Prince Charming....

7 days....

2012-01-04T17:45:00.001-08:00

This stud is going to the MTC in 7 days. You'd think I'd have my fill of him from the last 19 years, but I seriously feel like I don't have enough time to tell him how proud and filled with love I am, for him.

The Last Supper

2012-01-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the last night my brother was in town - so after I got off work we drove town and went shopping at the Modesto mall - and then headed over to get cheap appetizers at Elephant Bar.....

It's been great having my brother here, he has kept me company while Hubs was gone, he helped around the house, cooked me several dinners, and we got to start planning his new Blog Design website a lot....
I am proud to be this guys sister- he has such a kind heart, and so so so much potential is kills me!
I love you Landon!

New Years

2011-12-31T16:30:00.000-08:00

Since hubs is out of town, I decided to spend New Years with my other soulmate and her family
- The Harlows.
Brother and I joined the Harlows for a fondue and fun games night...

...And then Kari spoiled me with a massage.

And then I fell asleep.
Woke up for the ball drop. I think.
Good New Years for muah!

Brother's new 'Do'

2011-12-30T16:19:00.000-08:00

Since my brother was in town - I made him be a guinea pig and gave him a new do....full cut, color {subtle highlight - not pictured} and style....

Doing his hair, reminded me how much I miss doing hair. I remember racing out of High School to head to Cosmetology school. I can't wait till Chad is a Dentist, and I can stay home and do hair out of our home.....

The Funeral

2011-12-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

Once again, this post has been almost 2 weeks in the making.
**WARNING**
It's one of those topics that should be handled with care, it's not me showing off a craft, or an outfit - or proclaiming to the world how much I love my husband and furries.

I've always wanted to make sure that I portray myself as a respectful, kind, intelligent person.
I don't want to blurt out anything that could hurt, or make anyone think less of me.
With that being said - this post will be real- unedited.
The day my grandfather died - I saw him. The life literally sucked out of him.
He lay there lifeless, the spirit long gone from his body - and the warmth barely lingering on his skin.
The image I will never be able to erase from my memory.
I keep kicking myself for walking down the hallway, into his room.
*
Death isn't like it is in the movies - it isn't like Greys Anatomy, or Bones - it is real and horrific.
I've only been to a couple funerals, but I haven't seen what happens ' behind the scenes'.
I was moved beyond emotion as I sat in the living room as the funeral home 'removed' Grandpa from his home...in bag, on a stretcher.
Those two white vans in the driveway never looked as eerie to me as they did that day.
*
The day of the viewing my dad was responsible for getting his father {grandpa} into his temple clothes.
I cannot let my mind wander to this moment, because I cannot imagine
what I will be like when that day comes.
Hopefully I will be stronger than I am now.
*
Funeral day:
I sobbed most of the day, I couldn't make it through the any of the hymns that day, or look at my dad as he was giving the Eulogy.
I went through a box of tissue, and still remember what it was like to see the casket closed, and to hear the tears coming from every member of my family.
The funeral was beautiful, the ceremony would have made Grandpa proud.
*
Today
I am so thankful for the life my family has chosen to live. Thankful for the opportunity to be with each and every member of my family again.
This is the only thing that helps me push the lump in my throat back were it belongs.
Because life doesn't end here.

Baby brother got to dedicate Grandpa's grave.

Grandpa's Viewing

2011-12-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight after I got off work, Landon and I drove to San Jose to make it to the last part of my grandfathers viewing. It was a great opportunity for me to remember what the Plan of Salvation has in store for us, and the promises that the Lord has made to us.
It was comforting to be able to sit down in the arms of my family and be overcome with the spirit, and the happiness we have knowing that Grandpa is in such a better place.

"Death is an essential part of Heavenly Father's plan of salvation (see 2 Nephi 9:6). In order to become like our Eternal Father, we must experience death and later receive perfect, resurrected bodies.
When the physical body dies, the spirit continues to live. In the spirit world, the spirits of the righteous “are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow” (Alma 40:12)." - Pulled directly from lds.org

Family in Town....

2011-12-26T17:39:00.000-08:00

My family flew in today for Grandpa's funeral this week - and they decided to drive up to Lodi....
We had a Birthday dinner for Nic at the Velvet Grille and this is what ended the night:

On a much sadder note, the hubs left this afternoon to visit his family in Seattle for a week....gunna miss that cuddle monster of mine.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T05:05:00.000-08:00

"We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves—giving of the riches of the heart and mind—and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store."

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T23:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a time to surround yourself with family and friends
(and hot cocoa, cozy socks, fireplaces, movies, naps.....)

Chad usually spends the Holidays with his family in Washington -
So when I couldn't get time off from my AWESOME {Sarcastic) job I was pretty upset.
I was extremely thankful when he decided to stay with me for Christmas, and then
head up to Washington for New Years....
Don't I have the best husband ever?
I sure do think so....
So we decided to spend Christmas Eve cuddled up with our favorite (second) family
The Harlows.

We ate a lot of treats at the Harlows Christmas party

We played this interesting dime in the flour game:

And then as things were winding down, the Nelson family played a GORGEOUS impromptu collection of Christmas songs:

So. It was a GREAT Christmas Eve.
Hope you all had a fantastic day surrounded by family, friends, and happiness.

Ugly Sweater & EBar

2011-12-23T21:20:00.000-08:00

My brother is in town, and I couldn't help but get excited for us to go to the Ugly Sweater party at Scott's house tonight - We searched Goodwill and couldn't find any ugly sweaters - so we ended up checking out Forever21 and there were SO MANY hideous sweaters - we ended up picking some cool B1G1F matching sweaters!

The sweater party was great, we did a gift exchange and had more fun shopping for gifts - that recieving them {my poor brother got an Ugly Sweater as a gift!}

Everyone from the sweater party headed to Elephant Bar to visit Chad while he was working since he wasn't able to attend.

All in all.
It was an ugly night.

San Francisco

2011-12-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

I love San Francisco, and Santa Cruz.....
Everyone seems so happy, and the mood is so tranquil and laid back.
I am crossing my fingers HARD that Chad gets accepted to the Dental School in
San Francisco. I would literally be in HEAVEN.
{while he slaves away in Dental School}
Jogging along the ocean, shopping, food, street vendors, and performers, the sun, sand in my toes, family would probably want to visit us more :) and I could be in heaven with my heavenly husband....
***SIGH***
Anyways.
Here's some pictures from our recent trip to Frisco with my brother:

Grandpa

2011-12-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is one of those posts that I've been drafting in my head for several days, I've been trying to decide how much, or how little to explain.
Death is one of those topics that not a lot of people like to discuss, let alone read about.
So, if this isn't your cup of tea - I'd skip this post.
*warning*
We have known for several weeks that Grandpa Piercy wasn't doing so well, after weekly tests, and seeing a rapid decline in his health - we started to prep ourselves for the near future.
I don't think that it's ever possible to prepare yourself for the death of a loved one. We were told by hospice that Grandpa only had a few days to live, so we decided that on my next day off we would head up to tell him how much we loved him, and appreciated having him as a Grandpa. A few minutes into our drive to San Jose, we were called and told that he had just died.
As we immediately entered the home, we were overwhelmed with a wave of sadness and tears, and surrounded by mourning family.

As horrific as death is, we have such an amazing opportunity as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to believe that we have the opportunity to be with our family after our earthly life.
This is one of those times, that even after struggling to find truth - I turn to the Plan of Salvation and what
it promises us.
Arrangements are being made for the viewing and funeral, and during this time -
A prayer goes out to my Grandmother - the women who loved my Grandpa until his dying day.

Reflection

2011-12-18T16:30:00.001-08:00

I'm sure not sure why I'm always so reflective on Sunday:
-Maybe it's because I haven't been to church in over a year & I miss it
-Maybe it's that I listen to several conference talks
-Maybe it's because it's DEAD at work
-Maybe it's because. Well. All of the above.

I always tend to ponder my life, and the lives of those around me. I wonder how far I've come, and how far I have left to go before I can be completely proud of who I am.
I have such a great life, and have such a great husband to share my life with.
I cannot even imagine myself happier with a better partner.
It's reflective moments like these when I am so appreciative for family.
The fights
The tears
The emergency meetings
Late night snack runs
Slurpies at 7-11
The emails, texts, skype sessions
The forwards, silly messages
The hugs, butterfly kisses, and cuddles....

Families are forever - and I take such great comfort in knowing that.
Baby brother leaves to go to the MTC to prepare to serve his mission in:
24 days
{but who's counting}
and it's in these 'final days' that I really stop and wonder if he knows how much I love him, how much I appreciate his young sweet spirit, and how much I look up to him.
Today, I've been pondering my baby brother - and praying for the Lord to help him on his mission.
To guide, support, challenge, and enlighten him.

...Happy Sunday Everyone ...

Saturday in my shoes....

2011-12-17T23:55:00.000-08:00

This is what my day consisted off:

I drove to Target on my day off to pick a new planner.
Usually my favorite part of the New Year. BUT.
Planners and I have a love hate relationship.
I always end up getting one that I don't think I will like at first, but then by the end of the year never could have planned how perfectly it worked out.
So. Year after year. I end up being miserable for Jan/Feb with a new planner.
And then I am in love.
So. The hunt has been going on for about a month now - Borders {before they closed}, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and I ended up sticking with Target.

Chad and I got a Christmas package from The Wierlo's today - and It made my day. I love getting mail, but getting packages is even better!
They sent us a gorgeous christmas card, a personalized ornament - and some gifts for us to open on Christmas day.
Thank you Steve and Terri for thinking about us.
I am still bummed as we inch closer to Christmas that we won't be able to spend it cuddling with the Wierlos - but I am frequently reminding myself how all of this 'bad job' stuff is temporary.

After work, I FINALLY finished glittering my "Let your heart be light" decoration - and it was drying with modge podge as I snuggled up with Dexter and my hot cocoa to fall asleep to Glee.

Dexter's Photoshoot & Relax Time

2011-12-16T12:55:00.000-08:00

I know that one of my 24 followers is laughing at this post....
Imagine that I just punched you square in the face.
I love animals, always have, always will.
Dexter is like our CHILD - since we haven't had children yet.

{Hopefully we will be pregnant this year though!}
So. Stop laughing, and let me tell you about our angels photoshoot.
Terri - from Terri Fairbanks Photography helped us get some pictures of Dex
for our Christmas card this year.
{I bet she thought we were crazy too!}
Dexter proved everyone wrong and was such a good dog, he responds very well to Oscar Meyer lunch meat,
and Terri got some AMAZING shots of him -
I can't wait to see the rest!
Then hubby and I got to relax and play some COD, and then we fished for awhile - and
headed home so Chad could go to work.

Work Party & Girls Night

2011-12-15T23:42:00.000-08:00

I got to go to Garibaldi's Christmas Lunch today at the Waterloo Gun and Bocce club were we had a catered lunch, and played Bocce!
This is one of the maintenance guys and the housekeeper that work at the property with me....

After that I met up with Terri, Cyndie, Steph, and 2 other gals for Dinner at Dave Wongs.
(No picture. FAIL)
We did a Gift Exchange and look what I picked? It's a high heel tape dispenser.
Cute right? {excellent work Cyndie!}
Now we are heading up to Fred & Terri's for a movie and sleepover!

And yes, we are taking Dex. He's got a photoshoot with Terri in the morning!

Wednesday is my Friday....

2011-12-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

And every Wednesday. I sing this song while I'm walking to work.

Excited for some Zumba tonight. and then 2 whole glorious days off.

Chads been CRAZY busy studying, he finishes classes TOMORROW!
He is so excited to be done, and able to have a few weeks off before his last semester at UOP!

Gym, Zumba & Ellen

2011-12-13T11:45:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine Melissa goes to a gym in Lodi called 'Fitness Works' - She encouraged me to come to Zumba with her, and I ended up joining her membership because it was so cheap! (Like $20 a month cheap!) We went to Zumba last night and I had a blast, but it reminded me how UNCOORDINATED I am. I don't go dancing because I can't move like that, so being in a room with a bunch of people shaking their bodies was complicated for me.
I am hoping to get better as the weeks go on, but for now - no dance parties for me until I can teach these hips not to lie :) {get it, Shakira?! No ?}
Tonight is Yoga, and I am much more excited for something I feel comfortable doing.
I found this HILARIOUS Ellen video today - it will make you laugh.
Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Netflix.

2011-12-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

I am addicted to watching movies, and tv series, I love relaxing with a cup of hot cocoa {or tea lately}
and watching a movie. I watched "The Roomate" tonight. FREAKING crazy. I was eeked out the entire time.

Guess that'll teach me to put a movie in my queue without watching the trailer first.

Sunday Funday

2011-12-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely exhausted from working on Sundays - it is literally depressing walking to work while Chad is walking out the door to go to church....
To the family ward... without his wife.
I hate it.
I have to constantly remind myself that this is temporary, and that in the future we will be able to go and enjoy church together.
I can't wait when we get to cuddle on the bench and listen to crying children, and last minute lesson plans.
Enough complaining.
While I was in San Jose my dad took me to the LDS Bookstore and bought Chad and I this:
Beautiful huh?
It's a great reminder right when I walk out the door - Thanks Dad!

Santa Cruz & Grandparents time

2011-12-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

Today, my dad and I decided we should take a quick drive over to Santa Cruz to get some Clam Chowder on the pier - it as an ABSOLUTELY beautiful day!

We walked around a bit - checked out the shops - I got some Peppermint Bark and we headed back to spend time with family....

We had a delicious dinner of Chicken Roll ups, salad, veggies, and Red Velvet cake for dessert! Then I headed home to get ready to go back to work in the morning.....When I got home, Dexter told me I could never leave him again!

Piercy Grandparents....

2011-12-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

We are lucky to have some family relatively close to us. The Piercy grandparents, and some of my cousins live in San Jose - on my days off this week I got to visit and see my grandparents, and my dad who was visiting.
We went grocery shopping and picked up some snacks for the move:
I convinced my dad to go see Twilight with my Grandma, Aunt and I - and I think he liked it.
I don't think he really understood it much, and he asked for his $ back when we left.
But I think deep down I've created a fan.
After the movie he told me that in Part 2,
"The vampire baby is going to bite vampire bella's parents because they are human!"
Silly dad.
Then we went to Goodwill and picked up some ties for my baby brother who leaves on his mission next month!!
Then it was picture time with the fam - my Grandpa has gotten progressively sicker by the day - and is awaiting more test results. (We are sure that he has Cancer)
It was great to see him, and to be able to rub his back and see him smile.
It's an amazing reminder of how we should appreciate our lives, and be ready to meet the Savior whenever he sees fit.

9 Months!!

2011-12-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Look at this stud! Chads brother forwarded me this picture.....SUCH a handsome boy - Can't believe I'm married to such a gorgeous guy!
HAPPY 9 MONTHS OF MARRIAGE MY GORGEOUS HUSBAND!

Well. We are officially:

2011-12-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to "revamp" the blog for awhile now, thinking I could do it myself instead of pay an obscene amount of money - I went to work. FAIL. I don't like how anything turned out, and sadly I spent the greater part of the day working on all the fonts, layout, etc. SO.
I found, through my new blog BFF Lauren @ Pink On the Cheek that she used an A-MAY-ZING blog designer who does excellent work {staulked her already} and for a great price. I waited about 2 weeks before her waitlist opened up, and then got right on it! Hopefully it's not to much longer until we can fix the mess I've created.

In the meantime - SORRY for the wierd spacing, awkward layout, and just about everything else.

Date Night....

2011-12-05T22:58:00.000-08:00

Handsome hubby and I try to go on a "date night" once a week...
doesn't matter if it's grocery shopping, dinner, a movie, or just sitting in the hot tub for an hour -
we try and get away for some quiet time....

{not like we have kids to bother us or anything- though the dog is like a kid!}
It's something we've both learned is important to keeping the love strong.
Tonight we went to our favorite restaurant Shangri La in downtown Lodi
We are in LOVE with this place.
We found the restaurant via some friends several years ago, and then found them on restaurant.com
SO:
For 2$ you get a 25$ giftcard - and have to spend $35 dine in only.
If you do the math - that ends up being a pretty cheap meal.
We usually get an appetizer or two,
two full entrees
and dessert
& leave a FAT tip for all of $30.
I get to cuddle on a bench with my warm cozy husband =priceless
So it's a win-win-win.

After dinner, we hot tubbed, played some COD, and I fell asleep as soon as the lights went out :) Oopsies.

Pinterest Idea - "Let your heart be light"

2011-12-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

I found this super cute idea on pinterest {I couldn't resist when I saw that glitter!}

Cute Right? So, I printed it out on cardstock, and modpodged some glitter on it. I've got another coat to add, and then I am going to put some blue glitter from my new Martha Stewart glitter kit on it as well, to match with our other decorations.

Broiled Grapefruit....

2011-12-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

Found an interesting idea on Pinterest the other day, so Chad & I tried it on my lunch break today:

Broiled Grapefruit - It wasn't bad. The butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon all kind of carmelize and sweeten the grapefruit. It was good - but a lot of work for a fruit that's already a lot of work.

Wolf Man.

2011-12-01T16:45:00.000-08:00

I get to have an AWESOME last week of English class. 'What are we talking about' you ask?
Vampires & Werewolves.
My class is in luck, because they have a big Twi-Nerd to talk to
{yep. Thats me!}
Alright, I will be honest. We aren't having a Twilight week. We are actually having a week discussing the origination of Vampires/Werewolves, and when they became so popular {my vote is Twilight numero uno!}
So. After I do all the lame research, and discuss that - we get to talk present day.
You best believe my vote goes out for Edward, and I will make it known.
Last night, I had to watch this movie from 1941 - Thank goodness for Chads commentary, I wouldn't have made it:
Excited for class to be done, especially for Chad. Poor guy is beyond exhausted - and I can't wait for him to be able to relax and have some time away from Dental Applications and studying.

Quite the Pinteresting day....

2011-11-30T17:12:00.000-08:00

Alright. Alright. Hopefully I get over Pinterest soon, it is slowly taking over my LIFE. I just reached 1000 pins *crowd cheers in background* - Believe it or not, I pin to win. I reallllly try to only pin the things that I think I might actually do {thus my new "Attempted" board}. I had a pinteresting day today:

Made this Hawaiin BBQ Crockpot Chicken for dinner - Recipe HERE

And I tried this Chocolate Caramel Brownie - Recipe HERE

And No. Those are not my pictures. When do things turn out like the pictures? NEVER. But they did turn out delicious! Happy Pinning!
Find me if you haven't already!
www.pinterest.com/taushawierlo

What did you do at work today?

2011-11-28T23:45:00.000-08:00

This is what I did - and got paid for. Pretty exciting.

Ana's Birthday Party

2011-11-26T23:41:00.001-08:00

Tonight we got to celebrate Ana Karen's 21st birthday with her in Modesto. It was so much fun, we got to dress up and go pig out on Japanese food cooked right in front of us. Thanks for inviting us Ana!!

Dexter Spotlight...

2011-11-25T15:53:00.000-08:00

Dexter is about 7 months old, and pretty much the center of our lives. This furry brings us so much happiness.
{I guess I can only speak for myself}
I know Chad loves him to death.
But I don't think Dexter ever gets tired of me squeeling every time I get home... (Chad doesn't do that!)
I just can't help myself, I mean, look at him!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T23:40:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving with our second parents this year. The Harlows have opened their home to us, and if we aren't studying, working, or out on a date....we are curled up on the Harlows comfy couch. We got extremely close to the Harlows when we were in the singles ward, and spent every Sunday at their home {before I got my big girl job}. This is the 4th year we have spent Thanksgiving with them. THANK YOU Harlows for always being there.

Baby it's cold outside....

2011-11-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

So I have started to decorate for Christmas. I am very excited to use my new Martha Stewart glitter set, and all the ideas on pinterest to get our cozy little apartment ready for the holidays!

Creighton, The Temple, and time to go back.

2011-11-14T23:35:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up early and went to Creighton so that Chad could have a tour of the Dental School. It was amazing to see all the different things that happen during school - and to see the entire process pointed out. We loved being able to ask tons of questions, and to get an inside look at a Dental School. I would LOVE to be able to move to Nebraska so that I would be close to family - even though we would thoroughly dislike the weather!

Then we went to the Winter Quarters temple, and toured the Visitors Center.

Then it was time to head back to California.

THANK YOU Mom and Dad for paying for us to come visit - It was so great to be able to see you all, and we had such a great time!
We love you!

Stake Conference Sunday

2011-11-13T20:53:00.000-08:00

I was extremely excited about taking this break from work because I would FINALLY be able to go to church. I am so thankful for my full time job, and for the security it has given us while Chad is applying for Dental School, we are both in school, experiencing this part of life {the struggling to pay bills part} - this job, (and the generous donations from family members *THANKS GUYS!*) has been able to help us 'stay above water,' have our own apartment, pay all our bills + more, buy whatever food we want, have a weekly date night, and to be able to spend a litte extra here and there. So I am thankful for my big girl job- BUT, I do miss being able to go to church every Sunday. I miss being able to sit with Chad, and I would love to be sitting in the family ward with him. I can't wait till we are able to do that.

It's been a year & a half since I have been able to go to church - so this Sunday I was extremely greatful for our mini-vacation and thankful for family time .

Dad and Chad went for a bike ride

After Stake Conference my brothers and I got to go shopping at the mall.....

GREAT SUNDAY!

Family Pictures

2011-11-12T21:46:00.000-08:00

So, heres a few collages of some of the pictures we had taken by Omaha Photographer Becky Jensen - The Piercy family wanted new family pictures - and of course a family picture for the Christmas card.....Chad and I had some taken as well - but I can't show those! Then our Christmas card won't be a surprise - let me know if you want one!

Pretty amazing right?

After family pictures, Landon and I got to go do some shopping, I picked out an outfit for him, and he got SO MUCH good stuff that fit him perfectly and that was priced GREAT!
Great job bro - I can't wait to keep seeing all the outfits as you put them together. I'm proud of your fashion sense. LOVE your style!

11:11

2011-11-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

My dad woke Chad and I up by bringing us breakfast in bed, and we started off the morning with Chad getting a massage and Mom & I getting matching Pedicures. We got to go to a Chinese Buffett and afterwards - an Omaha Lancers game. SUCH a great day!!

Oh and made lots of wishes today. 11-11-11 @ both 11:11's!

Time for a Nebraska visit!

2011-11-10T23:57:00.000-08:00

It is FINALLY time to visit my family! I cannot wait to be able to spend a few days relaxing and catching up with them. My parents have a few days off, and I get to go shopping with one brother, and say 'goodbye' to baby brother who is leaving for his mission before I will be able to see him again. Our plane left super early - and instead of staying the night in Oakland, we left the house around 4am, and got ready for a day in the airport.

This little man did SO GOOD! {other than the part where we shoved stress relief pills down his throat} he sat in his kennel under the seat for both of our flights and was quiet as a mouse! SUCH a good puppy! We had a layover in Denver, where my baby brother met us {he visited last week & is headed home from San Jose.} After we got to Omaha, we relaxed and got settled for a little bit - and then went to watch Landon and my Dad play in their Bowling Leagues for a couple hours! So excited to be 'home.'

Baby Brother Visit

2011-11-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

My baby brother flew into San Jose to see our Grandparents, to see me, and to drive to Oregon to see our other grandparents before he leaves for the Mish in a couple months. I got to spend a day with him, and BOY did we have fun.

We went shopping, got Jamba Juice, had appetizers at Chads work, I made him dinner, and we went bowling. All in one day.
Here is a video he made of his trip {he is hilarious - be ready!}:

Dog Park

2011-11-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Today we slept in and got to run our errands with Dexter - and then we took him to the DogPark. I seriously LOVE this little guy. He is just a little furball of happiness.

New Moon

2011-11-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

I finished Twilight in a day, that one is easy to get through. On to New Moon - I didn't like this book the first few times I read it, but for whatever reason - I don't feel like I can 'read the series' if I skip a book. So. I'm reading it. Cutting it short - the movie comes out soon!

I watched the sunset today, it was beautiful.

Cuddle Bugs....

2011-11-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

Here is my happiness:

Halloween Decorations

2011-10-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

I finished decorated our entry way tonight - I've still got about half a bag of cobwebs that we are going to put up Monday night - of course our front porch gets hit with all the wind, so it all falls down literally overnight.....I am excited for some trick-or-treaters. Chad and I will be working on his second Dental Applications.

Sunday Funday!

2011-10-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

I was stuck at work today, leaving my poor mom home. Thats okay, she has definitely earned herself some piece and quite. I'm glad that she was able to relax, and enjoy some quiet time!
After I got off work we went to the 99c store to get some more halloween stuff for the apartment, and to get a Birthday present for Grandma. Then we got 2 RedBox movies, and stayed up till 130 watching movies.
I love my mommy.
I'd do just about anything to have her here all the time.
Thanks so much for coming Mom. I love you and couldn't think of a life without you as my mother. See you in 2 weeks!!

xoxo

Saturday......

2011-10-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Work. Sometimes I seriously DREAD going to work. I love the weekends because I am by myself, so I can catch up on all my tasks {and homework...shhh!!} but I don't like working when I should be spending time with my mom!! We went to In-N-Out on my lunch break (Nebraska doesn't have these!) and then after I got off work we went into Stockton to visit Chad at work. We got some appetizers and sat and relaxed, then went to a couple stores to look for a Birthday gift, and a purse hook. We went home and watched Beastly....absolutely GREAT movie!

Birthday time!

2011-10-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I've over birthdays. I think I'm content at the age of 24 - I wouldn't mind just freezing time right here. Where's Edward Cullen when you need him?
Man. I can't wait for Breaking Dawn. I need to start reading the books again.
Kari - you are lucky you are in Costa Rica right about now :) Or else I would making you watch non-stop Twilight with me.

So, today my mother and I slept in and then got ready for the day, went and grabbed lunch, did some shopping (Ross, Marshalls, Target) on the hunt to find her a new suitcase.
On her trip here, they absolutely DESTROYED her luggage.
Then we saw the Dolphin Tale movie.

I cried like a baby. It's a really good movie....
Then we went home and I was greated with some flowers and a new Coach Bag from Chad.
Am I lucky or what?? Chads soooo good to me.
Mom and I got ready really fast for Dinner and we went to Dave Wongs for my Birthday dinner....
It was so great to be surrounded by all the best people.
Rich and Nancy
Fred & Terri
Brad, Cyndie, Caymen & Ruby
Stephanie and Leial
Cameron, Brad, Chris, Noelle, & Katy
Matt & Lucero
My mom and Chad
....and me.
It was perfect. Thanks everyone for coming. You made me feel so special.
We got home late, and were so tired so we feel right asleep.

Sorry we don't have more pictures!!

Errands, Girls Night, & Pinterest Wreath

2011-10-20T22:51:00.000-07:00

Having Mom here has really made me miss my family {even more than I already do on a daily basis}...I appreciate them so much, and cannot imagine the trouble my mom and I would get into if we lived closer to eachother. I think everything around us would be covered in Pink & Glitter.
Our favorite colors...
We woke up early and did all of my errands I had planned for the day.....Walmart, Micheals, 99c store (to get stuff for Girls Night) and then Mom and I got Pedicures, it was my Moms first one - and I'm pretty sure she LOVED it.
We got some Fast Food & Soda Pop (My family LOVES to eat out)
and then headed back to the house to make treats and get ready for Girls Night...
I was in such a hurry after dropping all our supplies on the bag to go to the bathroom....
That I forgot my phone was in my back pocket.
Ker-Plunk. My poor little 3g that has made it 2 years without a scratch, sitting at the bottom of my toilet.
And now sitting in a tub of rice.
Of course - the 4s that we ordered on the 7th, is backordered, and still hasn't shipped.
This should be interesting. Living without a phone until the new one is in.
UG.
Anyways.
My mom and I made this (inspired by Pinterest, duh!)

and I'm pretty excited that I have tried to be festive. I see all these amazing ideas on Pinterest, but never really feel like I will use them more than once, so I can't see the point in buying all the stuff....
But the wreath I loved. And my mom is oober creative - so she ended up doing most of it! Thanks Mommy!
I also made Root Beer fudge tonight, recipe here

Turned out AMAZING.
So glad to have Mom here. I definitely think that we should live closer. I miss my family. It sucks not being there for all the amazing things going on in their lives. My brother and his mission call, my other brother and his growing up. It's hard being here, but I guess we can't all live right by our families.
If you are reading this, and you live by your family - give them extra love.
And feel very blessed, because you are so.so.so. lucky.

Happy Wednesday!

2011-10-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

I love Wednesdays. Probably because they are my Fridays. I don't know what I will do when I actually get to have a Monday-Friday job. {other than love it because I get Saturday and Sunday off!!}...So, after a rather pleasant (I said that sarcastically) day, I went home and plopped into bed. Chad got home from boating, and was changing when we heard a knock on the door, Chad went to get it and came back in to the room.

Me. Well who is it?
Chad. I don't know. Never seen them before.
Me. Just great. *Rolling eyes and dragging myself out of bed*

I thought it was a tenant (because we live, were I work) and that I was going to be disrupted from my nail painting, watching Netflix night. Heck no my relaxing Friday night gets ruined. This is MY get to be selfish night.

Guess who was standing in my entryway?

My Mom.
*tears*

Nebraska is a GO!

2011-10-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

For reasons not really fair, or worth explaining....Chad and I (and Dexter) will be celebrating "Thanksgiving" with my family in Nebraska, November 10th-14th.
(THANKS DADDY FOR BUYING OUR PLANE TICKETS!)
I CANNOT wait to see my family:
We are going to have some family pictures taken my a photographer in Omaha
hopefully eat out A LOT {my family LOVES eating out}
my mom and I will probably be talking non-stop Twilight
I am going to take my little brother Landon clothes shopping
plan our Fiji vacation with baby brother
Hopefully we will find time to visit the Dental School with Dad
We cannot wait!! SEE YOU GUYS SOON!!!
(Little nervous about Dexter being locked in his tiny bag for our 9 hour airport experience - any suggestions?)

Baby Brothers Mission Call

2011-10-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

This is my baby brother as a remember him. A little kind hearted goober, who in an instant would go to the end of the world and back for me {or anyone for that matter}.

Ya know, life happened...my family in Nebraska, me here. I went about a year without seeing him and he turned into this:

(Nic and Tori - Tori's Senior Pictures)

literally overnight.
Well.
Not really overnight - but it was for me. BAAM. He grew up. I am still absolutely amazed at his positivity and faith with the gospel and the world. He has given me such good advice, and I've often slapped myself for not being the 'advice giving older sister'. In times of trial, or negativity - he fixes thing. Makes funny voices, and even quotes the scriptures and prophets. This kid blows me away.
Studmuffin is 18, and started doing all of his mission paperwork a couple months ago. He had to get off his heavy sleeping medication, which was a very rough trial - and of course, make the ultimate decision that he wanted to serve the Lord.
I am impressed by every single missionary that makes the decision to leave their entire lives behind to preach to the world of the amazing gospel that we have.
I got the phone call that he recieved his mission call in the mail - and I seriously couldn't breath!
I was pacing.
Sweating.
Is it 4 o' clock yet?!
Updating my facebook status every 2 seconds.
And then it was time to get on Skype.
I got to see my little guardian angel open his mission call, and got to watch my family share a moment so special that I don't think I will EVER be able to forget it.
My heart absolutely melted when I saw the tears streaming down his face. I was a wreck. I lost it. I cried like a little fruity tooty pansy.
My baby brother. Leaving on a mission.
This lucky guy is going to Fiji.
Lucky right? Yes, he will be working his butt of serving the Lord, but still. Heck - can't get too much better than that.
I'm so proud, and thankful, and overwhelmed with feelings of anxiousness, happiness, sadness.
Congrats baby brother - I am so proud of you. I cannot wait to see you next month, and to just hold you and thank you for the AMAZING example you are setting to so many people.
I love you so.so.so.so. much.

Oh. And we will definitely be visiting you in Fiji.
Thanks for the excuse for a vacation.

Package from the Fam.

2011-10-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

I think that Chad and I got incredibly lucky. We have the BEST families. EVER. My parents always send us care packages, and I love getting them. Unpacking all the little trinkets, shirts, and thoughtful gifts from them. This package my parents sent us a Christmas box - filled with ornaments, glitter decorations {my momma and I share in intense love for glitter}, christmas cards, stocking holders....I am so excited to decorate the house for Christmas. Thanks Mom and Dad. We LOVE you.

If we were still dating....

2011-10-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

Today would be our 6 year anniversary.
TO me, this is incredible.
Incredible because: now-a-days, it seems like relationships just don't last.
Incredible that we still LOVE eachother as much, if not more...Then we did at year 1, and 2, and even 3,4,5.
It is incredible that we are now married.
Incredible that we know people that were married & divorced, or married & unhappy all in the time span of our dating.
I am beyond thankful for Chad. I cannot even put into words how lucky I am to have him as my best friend and husband. I know, every girl must say that. But truly - Chad gets the grand prize, blue ribbon, gold medal.
-I am still excited to come home from work and see him every.day.
-for our weekly date nights
- when he holds my hand
- kisses my head
- whispers sweet nothings into my ears
- holds me just because he knows I had a hard day
-Listens when I complain about stupid things
-When he just smiles and lets me cry
-Compliments and thanks me for EVERYTHING I do.

Alright. Stop rolling your eyes, I will be done with the list. :)

The good stuff about us:
There is a 6 year age difference and I couldn't be happier with it
I met Chad on a blind date that my Young Womens leader set us up on.
Our 2nd date was to the movies
Our 3rd date was a 10 day cruise to Mexico.
(Yep. Thats me with a fo-hawk, skunk color)

We lived about 2 hours apart, so we made weekend trips to see eachother.

I moved to Nebraska, and for 9 months we talked on the phone, video messaged, emailed.
Had a quick {tramatic for muah} breakup. Then we realized we (=Chad {haha}) were meant for eachother so Chad flew to Nebraska, rented a U-Haul and moved me back to California.

We dated, got jobs, went back to school, did the whole life thing.

Dated some more.

And....dated some more. About this point I was getting a little anxious {"understatement" quotes Chad}
because little mama wanted some commitment {and bling}
And then BAAM.
Engaged!

And now. 6 years later - even after years of complaining about dating, and dating, and dating - I am so thankful for all the dating. I was so focused on getting married - that I wasn't focusing on creating a solid relationship. Which, thankfully we had time to do.
Now that we are married - we have a solid relatonship. We had 5+ years to work out our differences,
to grow up, to help eachother adapt and change,
to disagree and fix things, to forgive, to trust,
to learn to comprimse, and to give in.
We learned to be understanding, accepting, and willing
to better our relationship in any way we can.

It is the greatest feeling knowing that the person I am with, is really with me. We are on the same page about our lives, and where we want them to go....and that is such a great feeling.
Sometimes I feel like SCREAMING how thankful I am for Chad.
and our relationship.
And even, the fact that we dated for so. damn. long :)
SO.
Happy 6 years Chad. I am so excited to be your wife, and for all the things that life has in store.
For us.

I'm in love....

2011-10-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

...with Bath & Body Works "Twisted Peppermint" candle. I'm not allowed to burn it at home, because Chad only likes 'fruity tooty' smells - so I've officially starting burning this at work. October is the officialy Holiday start month, that means my Garth Brooks Christmas C.D. is coming out soon too. YES!
Bummer I'm no longer employed at Bath&Body Works - my candle supply is running low, and that discount would be nice.

Seven and going Strong.

2011-10-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that is has been 7 months since I married my PrinceCharming. Time FLIES.

Happy 7 Months to my little Studmuffin!

Chads Ceramics

2011-10-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Chad is still taking his Pre-Dental Ceramics class and loving it. He is making us a key bowl right now, and I am so excited to see how it turns out.

Chad is so talented when he gets behind the wheel. All of the things he makes turn out so beautiful, and I cannot wait until all of our store bought tableware are replaced with all of Chads things.
I'm so proud of this guy. He just submitted his Dental Application, and we are crossing our fingers, and praying that we hear back from at least one of the 15 schools he applied to.
Keep him in your prayers!

Breaking Dawn

2011-10-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

Alright. The Twi-Nerd in me is about to come out. I am so freaking excited for this movie. Just over a month, and I will be sitting in a comfy theatre watching a wedding and honeymoon...can.not.wait.
SO.
It's official, the tickets are on sale via Fandango - and get this! Google offers is selling a $13 fandango voucher for $5 bucks. SO YEP. This girl is seeing midnight twilight for $5. I bought 2 tickets - not sure if we will be here, or in Nebraska. Hmm..maybe I should buy one more. Why not right?
Anyways. GO BUY YOUR TICKETS for el CHEAPO.
De nada.
Here is the link for the $13 Fandango - for $5 Voucher

Basket Fail

2011-10-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

Chad and I were going on a bike ride tonight, and I wanted to try to take Dexter in my basket....So, Chad took him on a test ride.

About 2 minutes after this, Dexter squeezed by Chads hands (he was trying to keep him safe in the basket) and hopped out of the basket while Chad was riding, he swerved to not run him over....and we made sure he didn't break anything.
Good parents aren't we?
FAIL.

General Conference

2011-10-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for our church, and the fact that we have modern day prophets who speak directly to us, and I am also so thankful that the church has a website were we can listen to General Conference live (Or recently live)....So, since I have to work on the weekends, I was able to listen to most of conference during my ever.so.slow. weekend. I was especially appreciative of THIS talk by Elder Neil L. Anderson - focused on having children, I LOVED this talk because it even included a comment about having children even when one of the parents is going to school, while the other stays home (BOOYAH for muah)....So, it was comforting because It's stressful to worry about paying for school, and babies, and not working.
Hope all of you enjoyed Conference as much as this girl did :)
<3 conference weekend!

Leial's Baby Shower

2011-10-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

The Greenlee's are very close friends of us, and we have seen them excited to have children for years, after a very long trial and error process, with undying faith - The Greenlee's were able to adopt and recieved a daughter of god straight into their arms. Tonight, Leial had her very own baby shower and got spoiled with lots of gifts. I only snapped a few pictures:

As a decoration for Leial's room, everyone decorated a letter - so she will have the whole alphabet on her wall. Mine was the "T"....great idea huh? Thank you Pinterest!

Frisco - Pier 39 & The Beach

2011-09-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Today we woke up pretty early, had breakfast and headed to Pier 39. We found some free parking - Booyah! - I absolutely HATE paying for parking, so Chad did good. We walked the Pier, and Dexter was a hit. Everywhere we go, we get to stop and have conversations with people about the dog, and their dogs. It's great - there really is a community of animal lovers out there! We watched the seals for awhile - it was so sad, there was a seal with a huge fish hook stuck in it's neck....SO SAD!

We walked around town a little bit - and I got this video of an awesome young kid playin on the drums....ABSOLUTELY amazing.

Then we drove down Lombard street, and went to the beach so Dex could walk in the sand :)
One of my favorite things to do with him, is to have Chad hold him on one side and then let him run towards me, he runs SO FAST, and his face is so adorable....so we did this in the sand...

We took some pictures by the bridge

And then we had to head home to get Chad to work on time. It was so much fun! I loved my little mini-vacation get-a-way. I needed it.
Work is stressful. School is stressful. Chad finishing his Dental Application is stressful. Life is stressful - Haha, I handle stress great :)
It was nice to escape life for a moment to be with my handsome boys.

Frisco - Art Show

2011-09-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

We love where we live. So close to the beach, and the snow (I don't like the snow, but Chad does!) We are in a great location - it is going to be tough to move in 6ish months when Chad goes to Dental School (Yep, I've decided he is getting accepted)...We really do love California. Hey, maybe we will stay here, I guess that's up to the Dental Schools and the Lord to decide.
Anyways.
Chad surprised me with some good news, he has tomorrow off so we are going to go spend the night in San Francisco! One of my favorite-ist places! (
I think Santa Cruz is numero uno)
So, I packed some things for myself and Dexter, and as soon as Chad got out of class, we found a hotel online to stay in, and headed down to Frisco...It was our first Family "Bacation"! Dexter did great on the ride there, he just slept in my lap the entire time. We checked into our hotel, got changed for a ceramics art show, and headed to downtown San Francisco. The art show was put on by Chads ceramics teacher, and we got to go snack. It was amazing to see some of his work (and how much it was selling for) We left poor Dexter in the car, and I was convinced he was going to get stolen, so Chad checked on him every few minutes, and he just slept in his kennel the whole time...
Did we get the best dog in the world ever or what?
Then, since we were all dressed up we went to Elephant Bar and had dinner. It was so nice to be all dressed up and spending some 'quiet' time away from school, and work, and life. It was much needed, and much appreciated.

Dexter's Hair Cut, Stairs & Girls Night

2011-09-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

Dexter just finished all of his puppy shots, so we are able to walk him, and take him to get his hair cut! I dropped him off, and 3 hours later he looked like a new man.

I was so excited to get him trimmed nice and short, now we can easily comb him, and he looks soooo pretty! We both agree that we like his long fluffy self better, but it'll grow back. Now we know.

Chad built Dexter a stairway to the bed with all of our pillows, so while I was at PetCo, I picked up some stairs....he wasn't so sure of them, but I think he's getting used to them. Chad is convinced he can construct something better for him (the steps are a bit tall for him).

It was so silly the first time he went up them:

After running errands, and taking Dexter home. I cleaned up the place for Girls Night! We made our own face masks, and scrubs. It was soooo much fun! I love girl time, and giggling, and being silly. I made these smores crispies from this recipe - and they are freaking delicious!

Pinterest Recipe

2011-09-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sure ~~everyone~~ scratch that. I'm sure the whole 3 of you who actually read the blog, are sick of hearing about pinterest. BUT I LOVE IT. I have gotten so many great ideas off that thing. I made an 'attempted' board, and I am adding all the stuff I try, onto it.
Last night, we bought a crockpot from Walmart for 20$! We had my parents old crock pot, but it was a little too small for some of the recipes I am wanted to try...

Tonight, I made this DELICIOUS Mexican Cream Cheese Chicken that I found on Pinterest. It turned out DELICOUS! We had it over rice, and have plenty to have in burritos for the next few days! LOVE IT!

Chad & Kara in town

2011-09-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

We ADORE these guys. They are one of the coolest couples we know! Well, they were cool until they up and left us for a job in Utah. Lame right? We got rumor just in time for Chad to switch his shifts around at work for us to hang out! They all met up for 'Dinner' during the day, but thanks to work I couldn't go - love paying my billz' though so I can't argue much.
Drat.
I productively used my time while I was working, and baked this to take up afterwards! I found the recipe via Pinterest {DUH-UH}. I prepped all my supplies during my lunch break at home, and then brought everything to work, and put it all together here. I didn't think it turned out that great, but everyone liked it! YAY! It turned out being more of a "creamy cobbler" (Thanks for the vernacular love) instead of a Carmel Apple Cheesecake. But oh well. I think the Vanilla Bean IceCream & the home-made Carmel Sauce (recipe at bottom of cheesecake recipe) masked up the fact I didn't add in nutmeg. *SHH!* I didn't have any. Oh well. It was a hit. And we only have a little left, so my thighs are thankful too :)

(Yes. My iPhone is on it's lassssttt life. I can hardly switch between screens, take pictures, and don't even think about updating it)
Sorry for the lame pictures. I need a camera. Christmas is coming up. Mom & Dad, I think I need a a cute little camera. I'll go halfsies with you on one from Costco.
FOCUS.
Anyways.
We went to the Parkers, to see Chad & Kara, and The Fairbanks were also there.
Our Fantasy Matchup this week was against fred. We lost. GAY.
It was sooo much fun to sit in the grass, with Dexter chasing allll the kids and catch up with Chad and Kara. Dexter was sooo good by the way, he stayed really close and was so friendly with the kids, when we went inside to eat, relax & watch tv he just sat on our laps. What a good boy :)

Chad & Kara seriously one of the sweetest couples, with the rad-ist style, and happy-go-lucky personalities. Kara is an EXTREMELY talented artist, and I promise you - ONE DAY we will have her displayed in our home.
They've got an adorable daughter named Saylor:

We miss {a couple years ago} when everyone was here, we would hang out a couple times a week, go to the movies, surfing, wakeboarding, out to dinner, houses for games. Now everyone is having babies, and moving for work, and we really just miss the 'good ole days'. Chad and I agreed, we had the BESTEST group around, and we miss them.
Chad and Kara. You should move back here. We miss you :(
Or at least visit more than 1x a year. Deal?

Krylon + Pinterest

2011-09-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

I found this idea via pinterest:

Brilliant right? Chad bought me a BEAUTIFUL jewelry case, but it only fits my earrings. Ha. Oopsies.
So, this last week while I was out running errands I picked up a 9$ dollar rake at Lowe's, and found this B-E-A-utiful spray paint at JoAnn's!

I bet your thinking, "Well jeeze, that's the best thing ever!" Dont worry, I agree.

And look what I made:

Pretty fancy pantsy huh?

Chads Hawk

2011-09-16T15:54:00.000-07:00

Yep. I cut Chads hair about 2 weeks before we went on our Wedding Cruise {the first week of March} and he's been growing it out ever since. His work confronted him, and told him he had to cut it, because it is a "conservative" restaurant. I told Chad to confront his boss and tell him to, "shove...". Kidding. I didn't, we need the scrilla. Chads been wanting to shave it all off, (talk about extreme right?!) so, because he had a day off before he had to show up for work....you best believe he sported a hawk.
He even went to school dressed up with a hawk. Can you say SEEXXYYY beast? I can. MEOW. (ehehe, I love the hawk. It makes my sweet little husband look a bad@$$)

Before.
During the cut.

After.

And now he has a cute little furry shaved head, that I love to rub.

Girls Night

2011-09-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

Some girls from the Singles Ward and I have started a weekly "Girls Night", we had our second get-together tonight. Last week we just start around, ate treats and watched "Red Riding Hood"...tonight we watched "How to Loose A Guy in 10 Days", and I showed the girls how to make rosettes. It was fun! Next week, we are going to make face masks, and body scrubs! Can't wait :)

BusyBody

2011-09-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Man. I just had an ENTIRE post, and my computer froze. Drat. Well, here goes round 2. *coughcough*
Today, was another glorious day off, where I found out that I absolutely LOVE running errands. I had to wake up for an early work meeting (Lame, its my day off! But hey-00 for getting paid!), then I got to go get my hair done, {delicious Peppermint Mocha by my side} (ohhh shoot me!). I stopped by Lowe's to pick up a rake...(Pinterest project in the making), Food4Less to get supplies for dinner, and Walmart. I was totally in my element. Listening to music, sporting my new el-cheapo aviators, salon smellin hair. It was great. I can't wait to be a busy body mommy and run errands all day long (I can gladly wait for the diapers, up all night, screaming, crying...etc.)
I made PotRoast tonight, from this recipe. Via Pinterest ~~DUH.~~ It turned out allllright. It wasn't as flaky as I had hoped, but it was alright. YAY for crock pots and just having to throw everything in their. How convenient. I think I have a new dinner addiction. *The Pinning begins!!!* While dinner was cooking, I took Dexter to the vet, and he is healthy and cleared to be outside, and to start going to the dog park! He is just over 4 lbs!!!! (We thought thats what he would be fully grown! EEK!, The Vet said he is healthy, and looking great! She said we need to keep an eye on his eyes, because they still look a little cloudy, but thats something that could have been passed down to him, so we can talk to our breeder about getting our scrilla back if it doesn't go away by the time our 1 yr guarentee is almost up. Chad and I sat at the pool and did some homework.
I discovered the NEW Breaking Dawn trailer and watched it only ~~2, okay 3.~~ freaking 18 times. EPIC. I seriously cannot wait for November :

Wedding, honeymoon, pregnancy. I get chills just thinking about this movie. Can't wait!
Chad did some studying, I watched some Greys Anatomy, *thanks Netflix!* and then we watched "How to Train Your Dragon". HOLY ADORABLE movie. I was pretty emotional, and we are definitely buying it. CUTE. Excellent day - Back to work now!!

Totallllly awesome Tuesday!

2011-09-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

Alright. So, boss changed my days off this week because she has an 'appointment' on Thursday. Bummer I had 2 appointments Thursday that I had to switch. Stupid. ANYWAYS, I was excited when I remembered that the Galt Flea market is on Tuesday, so Terri and I decided to go up! I found a lot of really cute $1 jewelry, and I got some beads, and elastic for our "Rosette Girls Night" this Thursday....

Then, we met up with Zack & Steph and got to see their new little baby Leial, who is 14 days now! They have an amazing story of adoption, and are going to be such great parents.

I got to come home, take a nap with my handsome husband, and now I am doing some blog catchup....watching a movie, and starting SEASON 7 OF GREYS ANATOMY ON NETFLIX!! Then cutting handsome husbands hair tonight. Hope everyone has had an excellent Tuesday!!

Chocolate Chip Cookies.....

2011-09-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to work on my baking skills, ~~or lack therof~~, and I found this recipe on Pinterest (Of course!)...I don't like the way they turned out, but Chad says he likes them, my guess it he is lying. He's a good husband. Today is also September 11, 2011. The ten year anniversary of the horrible terrorist attack on New York and the Twin Towers.

I remember my mom dropping me off at Junior High, and hearing about how the plane had been hijacked. All day at school our teachers in every period, had us watch what was happening on television. We had to keep notes about everything, which I still have in a binder in storage. I don't remember much, but I remember that everyone was crying, and that even after 10 years, everything is still as strong as it was that day. Such a horrible act of terrorism, and a clear reminder that we should appreciate each and every day, and each and every single person.

Dexter

2011-09-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

What a little angel this one is! I LOVELOVELOVE coming home to this sweet face! He gets sooooo excited when we come home, (especially when Chad gets home), he runs around as fast as he can, shows us his cool tricks, and gives an endless supply of kisses. He is so precious!

How can you not just want to eat this little guy up??