just jess

love delve 2012

2012-02-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here it is...
The 2012 love mix.

Love Delve 2012
{Don't judge. Not a lot rhymes with 12}

Say You Like Me by We the Kings -
If you like me, then say you like me.
I Can’t Make You Love Me by Adele -
I can't make you love me...
All About Us by He Is We -
Eyes on you, eyes on me, we're doing this right.
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri -
I have died everyday waiting for you. Don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years.
Fix You by Glee Cast -
If you never try you'll never know.
Heart of The World by Lady Antebellum -
It only takes one true believer to believe you can still beat the odds...
Everybody Hurts by Avril Lavigne -
Everybody hurts some days. it's okay to be afraid. everybody feels this way.
Streetlight by Joshua Radin -
I don't mind the wait as long as you know it's the wait that could be the something.
In Your Arms by Kina Grannis -
I felt my heart was trying to find a place for you to stay, a place where I feel safe.
All That I’m Asking For by Lifehouse -
You're all that I'm asking for.
Superman by Taylor Swift -
I watch superman fly away, go save the world, I'll be around.
Faster by Mat Nathanson -
You make my heart beat faster.
I’m Through by Ingrid Michaelson -
I know there'll come a time again when everything will fit right in and I won't have to see your face in strangers in the street.
See You When I See You by Jason Aldean -
Let's not say goodbye, I hate the way it sounds. I'll see you when I see you, and I hope it's someday soon...
The Call by Regina Spektor -
It started out as a feeling which then grew into a hope. No need to say goodbye.
Dancin’ Away With My Heart by Lady Antebellum -
I haven't seen you in ages, sometimes I find myself wondering where you are.
Bullet Proof Vest by Colbie Caillat -
What are you trying to hide, you won't let me inside. You're making it hard to get to your heart. It seems these days that everybody wears a bullet proof vest.Run by Mat Nathanson featuring Sugarland -
You pull me in close, you buckle my knees. I know that it's wrong, still I run right into you.
Breathe Again by Sara Bareilles -
All I have, all I need, he's the air I would kill to breathe. Holds my life in his hands, still I'm searching for something. Out of breath, hoping someday I'll breathe again.
Stronger by Kelly Clarkson -
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.

There you have it.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Love this day.

Updates

2012-02-10T07:33:00.005-07:00

Updates are coming.
It has been a whirlwind week!
City Creek Harmons opens in less than a week.

Lots of fun!
Just no time for the computer.

Stay tuned!

naan

2012-02-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to make dinners these days.

Between Christmas, Portland and watching Eliza

that habit fell through the cracks!

But I have been doing so much better again!

Last week I made Indian food.

With homemade naan bread.

It was delicious!

And pretty easy.

My dad even liked it.

super bowl

2012-02-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a super bowl party.

I guess you can call it that.

No one watched the super bowl.

I think they turned it on for the last 20 minutes or so.

I was in doing dishes and everyone was sitting in the front room.

I looked over and saw that 90% of the family was in there.

It just made me laugh a little bit.

But we did have some delicious food

and that's what the super bowl is really about, right?!

I forgot to take pictures of everything until it was too late.

I did have 4 sweet potato cupcakes left at the end of the night.

I made those and snicker doodle ones.

So yummy!

It was also Jason's birthday.

It turned out to be a great night!

i'm going to disneyland!!!

2012-02-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

Kind of late,

but I still have to post this because it's so funny!

For Christmas my dad gave the kids a trip to Disneyland!

We are not going until September,

but I am WAY excited!

I have not been since I was 12 probably.

We had to come up with a clever way to tell the kids.

So Ben photo shopped their faces into photos of kids in Disneyland.

Some look real, some look real funny!

I framed them and wrapped them

and dad gave them at our Christmas party.

It was so fun to see their faces light up when they finally figured it out.

Laci said to me on our way out,

'are we REALLY going to Disneyland?'

They just couldn't believe it!

It will be so much fun to experience Disney with so many darling little kids!

The way is should be done.

I can't wait!

Sundance 2012

2012-01-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

I love Park City.
And I love Sundance.

Park City is so pretty during Sundance.

A bunch of us went up Saturday just for fun.
I tried a couple resources to get tickets for a film,
apparently you have to get them months in advance.
I will remember that for next year!

We just went up,
hit the outlets for a bit,
went and had dinner
and then walked Main Street.

It's so fun and something different to do.

Thank you Sundance 2012

the last pickle

2012-01-25T13:38:00.001-07:00

This is the last jar of pickles in my house.
And it made me very very sad.

I went to grab one and realized it was the last.

Sometimes,
small things make me really miss my mom.
Like the last jar of pickles.

Because it's one more reminder
that she will not be canning more pickles or pears or peaches this summer.
And she won't be here to teach me how.

And then I think of all the other things I have done and will do,
without her.

And that really stinks.

So I have a new goal.
{Even added it to the 30 list}
Learn to can this summer.

jazz

2012-01-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

I got some Jazz tickets from I guy at work
so Kristy and I went.

I like to go to a game or two each year.
We of course hit the mall first,
grabbed some dinner and then went to the game.
It was a fun little night.

Thanks for the tickets Wes!

stress

2012-01-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a little stressful at work the past few weeks.
To say the least.

Then I click on our website and see this giant countdown clock.
We'll just say that it caused a tiny bit more.

But,
today we hit 22 days, 22 hours, 22 minutes and 22 seconds.

City Creek is coming!
And as weird as it is to be excited for a new grocery store,
I am.
Maybe I am just excited to get it open.
I guess that's just my life.

February 15th cannot come soon enough!

love

2012-01-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

How did I forget my love for these?!

Valentine's Day is the day after our City Creek store opens,
so Valentine's is not the top thing on my mind.

Luckily I had to go get all kinds of Valentine candy for ad art for work
and these just happened to be on the list.

They also happened to be the last package.

I feel like the world was in my favor today.
If even just for that moment.

We take what we can get, right?!

Happy Friday!

new year, new you

2012-01-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

I realize we are almost a month into 2012

but life has been a little crazy for me.

I have not had a chance to slow down and think about what I want this year.

Set some goals.

I don't really like resolutions.

But I do need to be better in some areas.

Lots of little things.

Things like

going to bed at a decent hour.

Bringing lunch to work.

Studying the scriptures more.

Just to name a few.

So here's to 2012

hope it's a good one!

"As we reflect on the value of resolving to do better, let us determine to discipline ourselves to carefully select the resolutions we make, to consider the purpose for making them, and finally to make commitments for keeping them and not letting any obstacle stop us.

Let us remind ourselves at the beginning of each day that we can keep a resolution for that day. As we do this it gets easier and easier until it becomes a habit."

-Eldon Tanner

Portland

2012-01-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ryan has been in Portland for almost 2 years now.

I finally made it out for a visit.
And let's just say,
Portland is another place for me to love!

I left Friday and came home Sunday so it was short,
but it was fun!

December 30th

I left after work and got to Portland.
Ryan picked me up and we went to eat at St. Jack's
a delicious French seafood place.

Then we went to Ryan's for a bit.

Then we went to Pix for dessert.
One of Ryan's friends met up with us
so we just hung out there for awhile
and ate yummy desserts.

December 31st

First stop
Voodoo Doughnuts.
I am not a huge doughnut fan,
but these were pretty tasty.

And Ryan loves this place so we had to go.

I failed to get a picture before we ate them,
but this is what was left of our choices.

mango tango
Mexican hot chocolate
an Oreo one
and a lemon powdered sugar one

After that we just hung out around Portland.
We went to some fun little shops
and ate at Ryan's all time favorite Portland place.
Pok Pok.
And it was good.
He knows his food!

That night we had a little New Year's party.
Some of Ryan's resident friends came over.
We just played games and such.
It was fun!

January 1st

We went to church after Ryan made french toast for breakfast.
Then we went to some waterfalls.
We went to Bridal Veil and Multnomah Falls.
So beautiful.
Probably what made me fall in love with Portland.
Or the West Coast I should say since we weren't actually in Portland.

It is so pretty there.
And Ryan kept reminding me that this is not even the peak time.
It gets better in the spring.
Guess I have to go back!

We then went to White Salmon, Washington.
It was a darling little town.
And fun because Ryan had never been there.

We walked around and then went to a pub to have lunch.
They were doing tours of their brewery so we joined in on that.
It was interesting to see how they make all that beer.
The lunch was so good.
We had a vegetable burger with edemame pesto on it.
I have got to learn how to make it!

Then that night we went to see the temple.
The Portland temple is amazing.
I need to go back and actually do a session there.

This is when I rolled down Ryan's window
and it did not roll back up.
Not good news!
But that's all we're going to say about that!

Then we went to a little Sunday get together
at a house one of Ryan's friends was house sitting.
A really rich persons house.
Ryan made soup and we just stayed there for awhile.

January 2nd

Last day.
I hate when a vacation ends.

We went to Tasty and Sons for brunch.
It was really good.
Another one of Ryan's favorites
and it did not disappoint.
Worth the wait and the grumpy Ryan!

We just kind of hung out that day too.
We went to a fun little shopping area and looked around.
Then just went back and got my stuff and hung out at Ryan's for a bit.
He had to work that night so he needed to rest up.

We headed to the airport and I came home.

And he had to go to work until 9am the next day.

Life of a resident.

I do not envy that!

So there it is,

a fun little weekend in Portland.

And another one of those places for me to add to my list.

My list of I want to go back there,

I could live there,

I love it there.

You know, that list.

Thanks Ryan for the fun time in Portland!

I will definitely be coming back!

mommy for a week

2012-01-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Kristy and Ben are on a cruise.
Rough life!

They wanted Eliza to be able to sleep in her own bed while they were gone.
So, I get to watch her every night.
How great would it have been to take a week off of work and just watch her instead?
Not possible.
Especially right now, work is crazy!

But,
I sure do love getting her every night,
playing,
getting her ready for bed,
and then getting her up and ready every morning.
And to see her face light up when I pick her up,
nothing is sweeter.

I just love this little girl!

The best part about it
is that she is THE best baby.
And I am not just saying that.

Goes to bed right around 8.
Sleeps through the night.
I even have had to wake her up some days.

I don't know what Kristy and Ben will do if they ever have a 'normal' baby!

Thanks for trusting my with E!
I couldn't love her more!

South Pacific

2012-01-06T08:37:00.001-07:00

Wednesday nigh Kristy, grandma and I went to
South Pacific at Capital Theater.

It was fun to bring grandma along.
And she just was so excited to be going!
She painted her nails,
bought a new scarf
and was ready and waiting an hour before we picked her up!

The show was cute
and the company was great!

It was a fun night!

Lion House

2012-01-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

This year we did our Bott family Christmas party
at the Lion House.

It was really really nice.
It was fun to just get ready and go.
Not having to prepare or clean up one thing!

We did this the last Christmas mom was here
so it was a little bittersweet.
But honestly, the holidays always are.

We ate,
read some Christmas quotes,
Lukas recited 'Twas the Night Before Christmas',
completely memorized.
Abby played a song on the piano,
opened gifts,
laughed
and had a great time!

After the Lion House we all bundled up
and went and looked at the lights.

It was a really nice night
spent with the ones I love.
What Christmas is all about.

Christmas

2012-01-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Christmas time is crazy around my house!

So many little kids,

things get wild!

It's fun though!

Christmas Eve everyone came over for pajamas,

books and hot chocolate.

This is my favorite part of Christmas.

Ever since I was little we would get jammies on Christmas Eve.

I love doing it for the kids now.

Of course I wish mom was doing it,

but we work with what we get.

Christmas Day was spent opening gifts,

Christmas morning is real exciting for me and my dad.

My favorite part is sleeping in!

We ate breakfast casserole and Kay's Christmas rolls

that I actually made this year.

{it's on the list, more on that later}

Then Josh and his family came over.

They were all so excited and thankful for their gifts.

It was adorable!

Then I went to dad's ward.

It was fun to see all the old wardies.

There are some really good people in my home ward.

I loved seeing them on Christmas day.

After church we went to grandma and grandpa's house for dinner.

It was fun to be with everyone.

Later the rest of the family came over for their gifts.

The second round of gift openers were a little less excited and appreciative.

I was a little bit mad at them just asking for more gifts.

But, they are young so I guess they just don't understand.

Little Eliza was in love with her toy set though.

It was so fun to help her open her gifts.

I just love her!

I love all my cute nieces and nephews.

They make this time of year fun.

Then the day was over.

It came and went,

just like every other year.

It was a good holiday.

This time of year is always a little bit hard,

but together we always make it through.

I am so thankful my my great family

and the closeness that we all share.

And for my dad for always being there for us

in so many ways.

Merry Christmas!

figure it out later

2012-01-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

I like to read this blog.

While I was in Portland my friend Kristy sent me a post from it.
A quote from John Mayer.
It kind of is just a jumble, but I really really like it.
And it's so true.

Wise words from John...

“I’m going to suggest that the next time you get a message from the one you love, the only person in the world you love and can’t talk to, that you respond. And you just write back when they ask you if you’re up, and you’re up, just write back, “Yup, come on over.” Cause life is just too short to keep playing the game. Cause if you really want somebody, you’ll figure it out later. Otherwise, you’ll be laying in bed with a Blackberry on your chest staring at it, doing nothing for the rest of the night, hoping that it goes, “PRRR, PRRR, PRRR.”

Thank you John.
And thank you Kristy!

so much

2012-01-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Lots to catch up on.

Christmas festivities
Checking things off 'the list'
A new year
Portland trip

But that's all for now.
More to come...

the list

2011-12-28T07:20:00.007-07:00

Back in September I decided to make a list of
30 things to do before I turn 30.

It is less than 3 years away now.

I wanted to post this on my 27th birthday,
but I was not finished.

Then I thought it could be a good
New Year's resolution list.
But it's not a resolution list.
It's just a list.

I figured there is no time like now.

So here it is...

The List
30 things to do before I turn 30
in no particular order

1. Go to Disneyland
2. Do service in Thailand or another country
3. Go to Rome – see the Temple
4. Bottle pickles and pears (and anything else I decide to try)
5. Run RAGNAR
6. Run a marathon
7. Ride in a hot air balloon
8. Buy a bike
9. Complete a bike race
10. Get caught up on scrapbooks
11. Learn how to make Grandma’s mint brownies
12. Do Bikram yoga
13. Go to a Yankees game
14. Wax my legs
15. Make Kay’s Christmas rolls
16. Go to Chicago
17. Take photography classes
18. Run a half marathon in under 2 hours
19. Sleep under the stars
20. See the Rockettes in New York
21. Go to Hawaii
22. Go stargazing – real stargazing, telescopes and all
23. Have a picnic
24. Give blood
25. Cook Thai food
26. See the Nutcracker again
27. Start and finish my t-shirt quilt
28. Visit friends and family that live out of state
29. Visit every temple in Utah – Monticello and all new ones
30. Go to Havasupai

I hope to refer to this list often.
I will also update as I check things off.

Here it goes...

ahead

2011-12-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:51:00.002-07:00

"For each of you may this be a merry Christmas. But more importantly, I wish for each of you a time, perhaps only an hour, spent in silent meditation and quiet reflection on the wonder and the majesty of this, the Son of God.

Our joy at this season is because He came into the world. The peace that comes from Him, His infinite love which each of us may feel, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that which He freely gave us at so great a cost to Himself—these are of the true essence of Christmas."

Gordan B. Hinckley

Merry Christmas!

Tolman Christmas

2011-12-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Another Christmas is upon us.

Last Saturday was our

Tolman Family Christmas Party

It was fun as always.

Dinner

frosting sugar cookies

gifts

laughs

and of course the nativity.

Thanks to Kathy, Rex and the Logan crew!

It was lovely!

i'm dreaming...

2011-12-20T09:31:00.001-07:00

Of a white Christmas.
But I don't count the inversion as white!

Since we will probably have no snow for Christmas
I decided to make my own.

And it turned out pretty darn delicious!

White chocolate cupcakes

with white chocolate frosting.

that's a wrap

2011-12-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

The past 2 years I have been in school during the holidays.

Christmas shopping

and especially wrapping was not on top of my to do list.

This year I decided since I was out of school

that I was going to get that all done early.

Be done and be able to enjoy the season.

My goal was all done and wrapped before Thanksgiving.

With the exception of one or two small things ordered online

I made it!

I am all done and ready for Christmas.

Now I have time to enjoy the season.

I am so glad I do not have to be going to stores right now.

It's crazy out there!

Happy shopping!

lunch date

2011-12-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday Danielle and I had a lunch date.

We ate at Pago

and then shopped some stores at 9th and 9th.

It was lovely!

santa baby

2011-12-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

I had a work thing Friday night

so I drug Kristy along with me.

It ended up being pretty fun.

We went to part of the cooking class.

But didn't listen to much because Keith was distracting.

Shopped around the booths

and spent too much money!

But, we got to see Santa!

So it was all worth it.

in

2011-12-12T09:48:00.001-07:00

The Moab half!

I am excited!

Year 5.
Halfway to the 10 year club.

Portland?

2011-12-09T07:19:00.002-07:00

Yes please.

I have been needing {more wanting} a vacation.

So, Portland it is.
I have never been there, but hear it's amazing.
And, have a friend that lives there so it's a perfect excuse really.

Can't wait!

ugly sweater

2011-12-08T11:08:00.002-07:00

Last year 'the thing' during the holidays seemed to be

ugly sweater parties.

I went to a few.

But I never got around to finding an ugly sweater.

My ward had an ugly sweater Christmas Party last week

and I really wanted to find a great sweater.

I looked all over the place!

Not much luck.

I finally found something.

At a store we will not mention.

It turned out okay.

The party was pretty fun!

And way more people came than I was expecting.

Sadly,

this is the only picture I took all night.

At least you can see the plaid turtleneck part.

If anyone wants to borrow this, you sure can!

27

2011-12-06T14:36:00.001-07:00

It happened.
I am officially in my late 20's.

I feel...

a little old.

But it's okay.

I have been looking back on the past year of my life.
Of course it is easier for us to look at the things we did NOT accomplished.
I feel like a lot of the things I have not yet accomplished
are no longer in my control
or are things that are going to take more time.

So I decided to look back at the things that I have done.

26 was a good year for me.

Last year at this time KaDee said 26 was going to be my year.
She meant my year to get married,
but I think in a way,
even though that did not happen,
26 was my year.
Or a good one at least.

Here is a list of some of the things I did or accomplished this past year...

Soon after my birthday last year I graduated from college.

I got a great job.
Then 9 months later I got a promotion.

I finished my goal of going to every temple in Utah. Well all but 1.
{I still think that is an accomplishment}

I went on a cruise to Mexico.
I took friends to the new cabin.
I went to DC/Virgina
I went to San Francisco for the first time.

I got a great tax return.

I had my heart hurt but got through it.

I got kicked off my dad's insurance.
Then got my own.

I ran the Moab half.
I ran the Top of Utah Half.
And ran the Race for the Cure.

I met some really great people.
Ones that will stick around,
and ones I am glad were in my life,
even if for a short time.

Helped open 2 new Harmons.
Worked with amazing people from MS and Special Olympics.

Took a break from 'hanging out'.

Saw Les Mis, Mary Poppins and other Broadways.
Planted my first tomato plant and flowers.

Tried many new cupcake recipes.
Butter finger, strawberry, pumpkin...

Closed my Facebook for 2 months.

Let go of things out of my control.

Had a ward change. Again.
Got a new bishopric. In the new ward.
{I can honestly say I love my ward again}
That's a good thing. It's been awhile.

Started my '30 things to do before 30' list.

Made it through another September.
{6 years without mom}

Went to my first ever pumpkin patch.

Got an Iphone.
Bought a car.

Saw some of my very best friends get married.

And that's just a few.

So to celebrate 26
I made a full weekend out of it.

Weekend birthdays are the best!

Mine was on Friday.

I took the day off.
We get paid birthday off.
It's a beautiful thing.

I just went to lunch with Grandma, Kristy and Eliza.
Plates and Palates of course.

Then we went to the mall and to Jeni's store.
It was a fun day.

That night I went to Settebello with some friends.
It was a fun time!

Then, in keeping with tradition,
we went to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights.
I love Temple Square.
And I love it even more at Christmas time.
It was beautiful.
I think the lights this year are much better than last year.

It was super cold,
but we had fun!

Then we went back to my house
ate delicious cake Kristy made.

Saturday I had a ward party.

Then Sunday we had family dinner.

It was delicious!

And made by Kristy and Ben

and cleaned up by Meridith.

I should have birthdays more often!

Thanks to everyone who shared this celebration with me!

It was a lovely weekend.

Here's to 27

and another great year!

KitchenAid

2011-12-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

Look what I got for my birthday!

I have always wanted one of these.

I never could decide on a color.

I figured I would wait until I was married.

Or had my own kitchen so I could get one to match.

But then dad went and got me this for my birthday!

I debated about the pink.

Not sure if it was me.

Dad said I could exchange it if I wanted.

It is a limited breast cancer color, so that's fun.

After looking at the other options,

the only other one I would like is the pistachio.

But it could be a weird green in person.

So I opened my box last night,

and I loved the pink color!

Plus,

it's cute that dad picked it out.

I love it so much

and I can't wait to make frosting with it tonight!

Let the holiday baking begin!

{Choose} Joy

2011-12-01T13:53:00.001-07:00

December is choose joy.

JOY : the emotion evoked by well-being,
success, or good fortune
or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight

Joy may seem similar to choose happiness month.
But I feel like it's different.

Choosing joy is being content.
And happy.
And feeling like I am in a good place.

I have felt like that the last few weeks.
Things feel right

My heart is happy.

This month I will choose joy.

Thanksgiving weekend

2011-11-30T07:42:00.002-07:00

Thanksgiving this year was a little different.

It was different, but good.

The weekend started off with me, dad and Jason's family

going to Little America for Thanksgiving dinner.

The wait was about an hour,

but the food was delicious.

I took the boys over to the Grand America.

Mostly because I wanted to see it!

But it also helped with the wait.

It was grand.

And it was magical.

That place is always beautiful,

but even more so at Christmas time.

We went to the new toy store,

Jou Jou.

The boys loved it!

After dinner it was off to the cabin.

Kristy, Ben and Eliza joined us later that night.
We just hung out.
Had some snacks and hot chocolate and relaxed.

Friday morning I woke up to this...

Then we just did some more hanging out,
playing in the snow,
watching some movies,
doing some Black Friday shopping online
and keeping warm by the fire.

Then we got all bundled up and went into town for some dinner.
We ate at Agave.
Not a lot of options in Afton Wyoming the day after Thanksgiving.

I have to point out Eliza's boots here.
I have the same problem with boots going over my calves!

Josh and his kids came up that night to join us.

Saturday we got up,
bundled everyone up and headed out to cut down our Christmas trees.

This will be a year we never forget!
Between saws not working,
people going 50 miles away to find a 40 foot tree,
not bringing food for lunch...

Let's just say we will do a few things different next year.

Overall I think everyone had a fun time.
And the kids were all really really good.

We sledded, snowmobiled, hiked, waited etc.
And finally found some great trees.

After a long day we headed back and had dinner at Pizza Hut.
It was packed!
Again, not a lot of options!

While we were sitting there we saw the town light parade start.
We ran out with the kids.
It was so much fun!
We were there just at the right moment.
It was a great ending to the day.

We headed back to the cabin and watched Elf.
Always a good time!

Sunday we got up,
packed and cleaned up and headed home.

Lawson modeled his new boots before we left.

Another fun year at the cabin for Thanksgiving.

Dad and I stopped at Taggart's for some lunch.
Which by the way, was delicious!

Then we went home and set up the tree.
It was not an easy task,
but I think it turned out just right.

Let the Christmas season begin!

turkey toss 2011

2011-11-29T08:26:00.002-07:00

Every year Harmons does a promotion called
Gift for a Gift.

Harmons raises money to donate turkeys
to the food bank and other places in need.

Then people go and toss them from a semi truck,
pile them up inside,
and families in need come and get them
along with everything else to have a Thanksgiving dinner.

This was my first time doing this promotion
and the turkey toss.
It was a lot of fun!

It is so humbling to see thousands of people come
stand in line in the cold just to get some food.
It really made me thankful for all that I have.
And it really got me ready for the holiday season.

This year,
Harmons and Harmons customers raised
$134,606.00
which is a lot of money!
It is pretty exciting for us.

Be thankful for all you have this season.
And try to help someone in need if you are able.

the reason

2011-11-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year.
And I love this little reminder
at the Bountiful Temple
of the reason we have this special time of year.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-23T07:14:00.002-07:00

Sunday we had Thanksgiving dinner.
This year is every one's off year
so we decided to do a Bott Thanksgiving a little early.

It was so much fun!
I am so glad we did it.

Everyone was there.
Everyone brought food.
I cooked my very first whole turkey.
{which was a tad bit over cooked}
And everyone seemed to have plenty of food!

It was craziness as soon as the prayer was said!
I don't know why,
but this was a big messy dinner,
more so than usual Sunday dinners.

But it was worth it.
I love my family and I am so thankful for them.
My nieces and nephews are so adorable.
I love just spending time with them and loving them.
They make the Holidays magical.

This time of year is always a little rough.
And I know that it will be that way forever.
But it is so fun to be able to all be so close
and be able to do things like this.

Sometimes when a family loses a loved one,
the family falls apart.
I am so thankful that losing my mom had a different effect on our family.
We have all come closer through it.
Through the past 6 years we have all looked out for each other a little more.
And tried to help each other out a little more.

I love this time of year.
Even though it is hard sometimes.

I am thankful for my family.
And I am thankful for the knowledge I have
that we will all be together again someday,
if we live the way we know we should.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Be thankful.

the truth is...

2011-11-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

uggs

2011-11-18T16:05:00.001-07:00

Like the Toms,
I swore I would never buy Uggs.

A few weeks ago I was at Target with Ryann
and I tried on some fake ones.
They just looked so warm and inviting.
And they were.
But I couldn't do it.
Not the Ugg part,
the fake Ugg part.

I went home and looked at them online.
WAY too expensive for something I swore I would never have.

So I again decided,
Uggs were not for me.

I told Kristy about this moment of weakness
and she said I would love them.
But again,
too pricey.

A week or so goes by
and Kristy invites me to Logan to go to a sale.
This was a sale at an outdoor-ish clothing place
such as Sports Authority or Dick's.
It is exclusive to teachers in Cache County and friends.
Kristy's sister happens to teach in Logan.
Her sister also went last year and got Uggs for about half off.

I couldn't go to this sale.
But Kristy being the great friend that she is
offered to keep an out for some Uggs in my size.

Let's just say
we text and talked on the phone a few times while she was at the sale.

And I ended up with Some Uggs.
I wore them that day it snowed a ton
and I loved them.

Now I own Toms and Uggs.
What is happening?!

Thanks Kristy for sharing the deal with me!

trusting life

2011-11-16T07:50:00.001-07:00

11.11.11 Party

2011-11-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

A few pics from the 11.11.11 party last weekend.
It turned out to be lots of fun!

I may like actually being social again...

Noah's Blessing

2011-11-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was Noah's blessing.

It was a beautiful day
a beautiful blessing
and a beautiful baby.

11.11.11

2011-11-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

Celebrate today!
This day is only ONCE in a lifetime.

Today I will celebrate with 11.11.11 cupcakes.
An 11.11.11 party tonight.
And 11 Ruby Snap cookies for $11.
{but sorry, that was only during the 11th hour of the day}

burned biscuits

2011-11-10T14:05:00.001-07:00

Sometimes people are put into our lives for a reason.

I have said before how mush I love Bishop Crosland.

And he is for sure one of those people

who has been put along my path for a reason.

Today he shared this story.

And I think today is just the day I needed to hear this.

Thanks Bishop Crosland!

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular, when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!

Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly, burned biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing......never made a face nor uttered a word about it!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night, and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your momma put in a hard day at work today, and she's real tired. And besides, a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"

As I've grown older, I've thought about that many times. Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and even anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that accepting each other's faults--and choosing to celebrate each other's differences--is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today...that you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship; in fact, understanding is the base of any good relationship, be it husband-wife or parent-child or friendship.

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket. Keep it in your own."

So, please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine. Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

sometimes it hurts instead

2011-11-09T10:56:00.001-07:00

i wish nothing but the best for you.
don't forget me i beg.
sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead.
i had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
that for me it isn't over.
nothing compares, no worries or cares.
regrets and mistakes, they're memories made.
who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?
never mind, i'll find someone like you.
i wish nothing but the best for you...

{and sometimes we live and learn.
and hopefully grow, in some way, from each experience}

Winter Wonderland

2011-11-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

{don't judge my look for the night, I had been up since 4am!}

Friday night Kristy had her families time share in Park City

so we decided to make a weekend out of and went up.

We just left Friday after work.

Hung out at the condo,

went and ate dinner,

got some Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory,

walked Main Street for a bit,

hot tubed

and just relaxed.

Saturday we went to breakfast

and then went to the outlets.

It was a fun little overnighter.

The snow was beautiful.

It made me really excited for the holidays.

I love this time of year!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-04T09:33:00.003-06:00

Halloween is not my favorite holiday.

But it is so fun to see the kids all dressed up.

And Halloween is a big deal at Harmons so it was a fun day at the office.

Maybe next year I will actually come up with a clever costume.

Utah vs Oregon State

2011-11-03T09:31:00.001-06:00

27-8

Blackout game.

Always fun to have the entire crowd in black.

Amnd the players in their black uniforms.

And it alwasy helps when it is ctually a good game.

And a win.

Happy Birthday Eric

2011-11-02T21:31:00.000-06:00

Last week we went to dinner for Eric's birthday.
It was so fun being with everyone.
It had been awhile since I hung out with this crew.
It's sometimes nice to just be with the people who know you best.

Thanks for sharing your day with us Eric!
Even though you had to miss choir...

{Choose} Thanks

2011-11-01T12:49:00.000-06:00

November is choose thanks.

This month is all about giving thanks.
But I want to be thankful for more.

I have so many blessings
and so many good things in my life.

I need to remember them more often.
And remember to give thanks.

I need to look at the good more
and spend less time worrying about the not so good.

This month I will choose thanks.

Witch A Palooza

2011-10-28T08:39:00.000-06:00

Ben was out of town last weekend so Kristy, Eliza and I went to

Gardner Village

to see the fun witches for Halloween.

We walked around,

saw the witches,

ate dinner

and of course shopped a bit.

It was a fun festive night!

depending

2011-10-26T11:18:00.000-06:00

I was thinking this morning about how a lot of life depends on other people.

We are told to be dependant and to make decisions and choices on our own.

But in some cases you just can't do that.

I mean,

you can up to a certain point.

But then you hit that point where there is nothing more you can do alone.

I have a few projects I am working on at work that I have done all I can do

and now I am waiting for more information or approval from other people.

I am at the end of the line

and I cannot move forward with out depending on others.

I started thinking about some of the talks from Stake Conference this weekend.

And of course, as always in a singles stake,

a lot of the focus was on getting married.

This is something else I feel like one can only do so much to accomplish on their own.

There is a point where there is nothing more one can do

but wait for someone else.

Wait for someone to move forward with.

Some key points I learned at conference about this matter...

{not that I didn't know all of these, but sometimes things hit you differently}

1. You have to take risks in dating. Not always an easy thing.

2. The most important reason to get married is because it is a commandment.

3. The Lord expects us to put our whole heart into dating.

4. Dating is a process.

5. Your timeline may be different than what you want, but things will happen as long as you are doing your best.

6. Make it count.

7. Some relationships are filled with heartache.

8. If you are living faithfully and doing all you can, the Lord will provide on his timeline.

9. Put forth all the effort you are capable of. The Lord is pleased when you put forth the best effort you know how.

10. Do not hesitate.

So pretty much to sum it.

As long as we are doing all we can to move forward,

things will work out.

Eventually.

...

2011-10-23T15:09:00.000-06:00

love you through it

2011-10-21T12:17:00.000-06:00

Last night Kristy asked me if I had heard this song.
I had not.
So I YouTubed it today.

Maybe not a smart idea...

But a great song for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Just brings up lots of emotions.

I am thankful for the chance I had to help my mom
and love her through it.
And to see all the other people who loved her
and our family through it.
And all the people who are still loving me through life,
without her.
And to see the love of my dad for her.
Something I would hope to have.

Anyway,
enjoy the song.
But maybe don't listen to it at work!

love him

2011-10-20T08:21:00.000-06:00

I just love this little boy.
He is not so little anymore.
He is as tall as Kristy!

I can't believe I was only 14 when he joined the family.
Time flies!
I love him more and more.

pumpkin patch

2011-10-18T09:07:00.000-06:00

I had been wanting to go to a pumpkin patch.
This weekend Ammon was taking me to get my oil changed
and said they were going and said I could come along.

So of course I did!

It was so much fun!
I don't think I had ever been to a pumpkin patch before.
And of course it was fun to go with the kids.

Thanks for letting my tag along!

finally

2011-10-17T12:07:00.001-06:00

I finally got out the Halloween decorations this weekend.
And finally had some pumpkin Nielsen's.
Twice.

I love fall!

Utah vs Arizona State

2011-10-14T07:47:00.001-06:00

14-35

Pretty sad game.
But the dinner and shopping afterward more than made up for it!

Thanks for a great day ladies!

sold

2011-10-13T10:43:00.000-06:00

I never thought I would be the owner of an iPhone.
But, with the new job came a new phone.

I wasn't sure at first about it.
But over the weekend I decided that it is amazing.

To be able to have an entire computer
and be connected to anything you can imagine
in the palm of your hand is pretty amazing.

Then this morning when I took it on my run
and used the Pandora ap,
I was sold.

I have heard that once you go iPhone you can't go back.
And now I believe it.

the pink house

2011-10-12T08:25:00.002-06:00

Check this out!

Even Obama knows it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I think that is pretty cool!

And it kind of makes me want to be in DC...

failures and successes

2011-10-10T10:07:00.000-06:00

Sometimes we fail.

And sometimes that is okay.

Ever since my mom died,
and even for a couple of years before,
I have done most of the cooking around my house.
I feel like I have it down pretty good by now.
That’s like 8 years of practice.

I admit,
it’s not every day that my house smells of delicious treats and dinner is cooking in the oven.
I still have to live my life
And sometimes cooking dinner is not top on my list.
But I love to do it when I can.

Anyway,
I wanted to make pumpkin cupcakes last week for Sunday dinner.
I found a recipe that sounded delicious.
I thought these were going to be so good that I better double the recipe.
I even got darling fall leaf cupcake liners.

These were going to be the best fall treat ever!

I mixed everything together,
poured it into the cute liners
and put them in the oven.
They smelled so good!
I go check them half way and to my dismay,
They had all sunk in the middle.

No big deal,

I can fill the hole with frosting
and make it look like that was supposed to happen.

They finish cooking and I get them out,
let them cool
and start taking them out of the muffin tins.
And they totally fall apart.
What a mess!
I will admit,
I get a little bit mad when I fail at cooking.
So I was upset and going to throw them all away.
And in walks my dad.

He says,
“Are you not listening to conference?”
It was General Conference weekend.
And then he went on to tell me that it’s okay.

I had been listening to and watching conference.
But sometimes I just don’t like to fail.
No one does really.
I got over it and threw most of them away.
My dad made me keep some; he would eat them he said.
I think he just says that to make me feel better.

On with the story...

I decided to try again.
I needed dessert for dinner
and I was not about to serve those things to anyone!
Out comes Google again.
Trying a new recipe.

And what do you know?
They turned out!

And they were delicious if I do say so myself.
{sadly the cute liners pulled themselves apart from the cupcakes so I just removed them. Then I had a great idea to dip the bottom in white chocolate. Best almost fail of the day.}

The moral of the story is this.

Sometimes we fail.
But a lot of the time we succeed.
We need to not let the failures get us down.
Or don't let them get us down for too long anyway.

Things don’t always go the way we want.
But sometimes that happens for a reason.
Had the liners not come off I wouldn’t have dipped the cupcakes in chocolate.

Sometimes bad things happen
so better things can come of it.

And that is something I need to remember.

new job

2011-10-07T08:45:00.002-06:00

It's official.
I got a new job.

Same office.
Same boss.
Same department.
Same coworkers.

Just a few changes.

New title.
New iphone.
New responsibilities.

We'll call this a promotion I guess.
I am now the Creative Services Manager.

I am excited for this change.
And excited to learn more and do more.

reminder

2011-10-06T10:14:00.000-06:00

I have posted this before.
But it is a good reminder.
Something I need to remember.
Right now.

It always ends up the way it should be.
Everything is worth it.

Say how you feel, always.

call me crazy...

2011-10-05T10:27:00.000-06:00

But I love seeing this.
I am so ready for fall.

{Choose} Hope

2011-10-01T11:06:00.000-06:00

October is choose hope.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Hope for a cure.

But this month is more hope than that.

This is a month to hope for things.
Good things.
Happy things.

Hope is
a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
Who couldn't use a little more hope.

Hope for a cure.
Hope for good things to happen.
Hope for change.
Hope for love.
Hope for certain things to happen.

This month I will choose hope.

women's conference

2011-09-29T09:58:00.001-06:00

Saturday was the General Women's Conference.

It was so so good this year.

First Kristy, Grandma and I went to Plates and Pallets.

Delicious as always.

Then we went to Grandma's stake center for conference.

President Uchtdorf's talk, Forget Me Not

was so inspiring.

And just what I needed to hear that day.

This time of year is hard for me.

But I know that there are always good things to come.

Our golden tickets will come.

But we need to not miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots

that are all around us.

{read President Uchtdorf's talk here}

six years

2011-09-26T08:06:00.000-06:00

And not a day goes by that I don't miss my mom.
That I don't think of her.
That I don't wish she was here.
That I don't wish I could pick up the phone and call her.
Or sit on her bed and talk to her.

Not one single day.

And then every year,
without fail
September 26th rolls around.
A big fat reminder that she is not here.
And I miss her just a little bit more today.

Six years ago today.

Six years is a long time.
But for some reason it just does not get easier.

Maybe it's because there is more of my life now that she has missed.
Or maybe because there are more days since I last saw her.
Or maybe it's because I really need her in my life right now
and really wish she was here.

But,
for some reason this is my life.

And although I will never stop missing her,
I am thankful for the almost 21 years we did have.

The vacations.
The shopping days.
The phone calls.
The laughs.
The cries.
The lunches.
The many things she taught me.

And I will do everything I can to be like her.
{even though I will never come close}
And everything I can to be able to see her again.

That will be one happy day.

But for now,
I will go on missing her.
And loving her.
And trying to make her proud.

welcome fall

2011-09-23T07:57:00.002-06:00

I love fall.
I think I love each season by the time it is time to change seasons.
But fall may win.

I love the sites of fall.
Colors, pumpkins, changing leaves.
I love the smells of fall.
Spice, campfire, that crisp morning smell.
I love the food of fall.
Pumpkin everything, cider, peaches.
I love the fashion of fall.
Boots, tights, scarves.
I love the crisp air.
Nothing more enjoyable than an early morning run.
I love the activities of fall.
Football games, fairs, late nights.
I love a new fresh beginning.

I just really love fall.

Happy first day of fall.

september

2011-09-21T09:48:00.000-06:00

For the past oh, five years or so
September has not been my favorite month of the year.

I realized today it is already the 21st and cannot believe it.
This month has flown by
and I have not even really had time to remember why it's not my favorite.

I guess I have just been busy.

A lot is going on in my life right now.
Nothing huge or life changing at the moment.
But little things,
hopefully little things that will eventually lead to big things.

Between work, church and life
time seems to be flying.

Good or bad,
it is what it is.

Here's to it almost being October.

1 year

2011-09-19T07:14:00.002-06:00

Last week little Eliza turned 1.

I cannot believe she is already 1!

I remember the day she was born.

And the first time I saw and held her.

I knew from that moment that I loved her.

And that she would always hold a special place in my heart.

I know that she was hand picked by my mom to come to Kristy and Ben.

And to be in my life as well.

If I am ever sad or having a bad day,

I know spending time with her is bound to put a smile on my face.

I just love her!

Kristy and Ben put on a HUGE party for her.

I don't know if she understood it

but I think she liked her cake.

Happy birthday E!

I love you!

Rascal Flatts

2011-09-14T08:09:00.002-06:00

Friday was the last country concert for the season.
Rascal Flatts.

It was a good time!
The ground was really wet.
Other than that the weather was perfect!

Rascal Flatts are kind of annoying though.
They told a bunch of jokes and stuff.
I came to hear them sing!

Sara Evans opened.
She was really good!

Then Sara sang Easy with Rascal Flatts.
That was my favorite part of the night.

Anything can happen if you let it...

2011-09-12T14:06:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday was our last Broadway of the season.
It was Mary Poppins.

I had seen this in New York with KaDee.
So I knew what to expect.

Mary Poppins is not my favorite,
the story that is,
but it is a fun show.

The stage and scenery are amazing.
I still do not know how she pulls those things out of her bag!

We had a fun night!
Can't wait for next year...

Already have tickets for Wicked!

Noah

2011-09-09T08:27:00.002-06:00

After a long week in the ICU

little Noah got to come home Monday!

I finally got to meet him and hold him.

He is adorable!

And so tiny.

I forgot how little newborns are.

He is perfect.

I can't wait to spend more time with him.

i can't resist licorice

2011-09-08T08:22:00.001-06:00

For Labor Day weekend we headed to the cabin.

I went with Kristy and Ben and Eliza.

Dad went with Josh and his kids.

It was a nice little getaway.

Short, but still nice.

We went up Friday.

Went to Jackson Saturday.

Came home Sunday.

I got to ride by Eliza all weekend.

It was fun!

She is a hoot!

After 3 or 4 hours of just sitting in the car little ones get bored.

But luckily she loves licorice!

And luckily Ben bought a huge bag of it in Evanston.

Things got a little messy!

But I would say she cleans up pretty good...

Utah vs Montana State

2011-09-07T08:15:00.001-06:00

27-10

Nothing says fall like the first Utah football game!

It was a perfect night weather wise.

This year our fellow season ticket holders are not as fun as last year.

The two right next to us are mean.

But they also have season tickets in 4 other, better seats.

{why I am not sure}

But it will be okay.

Doug and Jackie are close enough to come visit still.

Doug even bought Kristy and I some drinks.

Soda, no worries.

The game was pretty good.

The team was not looking their best,

but at least they won!

It's going to be a fun season!

30

2011-09-02T12:17:00.000-06:00

In exactly 3 months from today
I will be turning 27.

That is just 3 months and 3 years
from turning 30.

That's right friends.
I am getting old.

So I have decided to make a
30 things to do before I turn 30 bucket list.

Now I am not going to say things like
get married,
have a baby,
things I can't control.

I am going to say things that I have complete control over.
Like go to Disneyland,
Run a marathon {pretty sure this will not make the final list}
Do service in Thailand.

You know, things like that.
Probably including a lot of traveling.

I am open for suggestions too.
Let me know what I should add to the list!