Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Contact Info Update

Good morning fellow bloggers. As part of my 101 in 1001 I'm trying to create a birthday calendar as well as send out more cards. PLEASE send me an email with your contact info, including your address, email, phone #, and birthday. And please send me not only your birthday info, but everyone in your household (for the kids, include the year). THANK YOU!

*You can either leave it in the comments, or send me an email at jrichins278@yahoo.com.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Christmas

We had SO much fun for Christmas this year. Rhett and I typically open presents early in the morning, drive to Vegas to have breakfast with my family, drive to his parents for lunch, and then back to my parents for dinner. This year his parents had Christmas weeks early and my parents decided to do everything on the 26th, so we didn't have to go anywhere. This year Rhett and I slept in a bit, got up, made some orange rolls, and opened presents. I'm pretty excited about the iPod Rhett got me as well as some hand wraps (for boxing) and a new tripod and a new dry blender...he did WAY good this year. I pretty much stuck to his list, but I was excited for him to open his chess set that I found for him. He's been looking for a set with dragons for years (seriously...since I've known him). 

We invited our friends, Dan and Tiffany, out to Logandale to spend Christmas with us since they don't have any family around. They brought their Rhino out and we spent about three hours riding around Logandale/Overton, finding new trails and braving the rain (and mud). It was cold, but SO much fun. When we got back we tried going out shooting, but after about 20 minutes the rain really started picking up and we had to pack up and head home. At home we popped in a movie and fixed some dinner. It was great to spend the day with friends and just relax. 

The day after Christmas my family got together for presents and dinner. I love spending time with family. The kids are getting so big and each one is developing such a unique personality. My camera died after about five minutes, so I didn't get too many pictures, but it was great hanging with the family and watching all the kids interact.

Xander loved playing with the earless Bugs Bunny Jack-in-the-Box. It's totally falling apart, but the kids LOVE it. This Jack-in-the-box is seriously older than I am!

Our view when riding the Rhinos around Valley of Fire.



Dan, Tiffany, and their dog Taylor, with a little bit of mud from the ride.



Saturday, December 13, 2008

Richins Christmas 2008

Last night the Richins celebrated Christmas at Rhett's parent's house. I think it was probably the most memorable and fun Christmas I can remember. There was the typical food, family, and presents, but this year we sang, read and acted out the account of Jesus being born, had a talent show, and even had a visit from old Saint Nick. I can't believe how much we squeezed in to one evening. 

The talent show was either showcasing a talent or a show and/or tell. Grandma Richins did a show and tell of the first lights she had on her Christmas tree after getting married. It was 60 years ago and she still has them! It was such an amazing story of how they didn't have electricity for nine years in their first house. Her husband (I never had a chance to meet Grandpa Richins) ended up getting a bunch of globe bulbs from car tail lights and painting them different colors and cutting out foil to go around each one. Then he strung them around the tree and wired them up to the battery in their tractor. Christmas morning he woke up and asked her to stay in bed for a moment. He crept downstairs, started up the tractor and then went upstairs to get her. They then walked out of the bedroom, where she saw the Christmas tree lighted for the first time. It was such a touching story (maybe you had to be there). Anyways, so later in the evening she gave us all a present to open and it's a book that she wrote about her life. The stories in there are great, one of which is the christmas lights story. It's always so amazing to hear stories like that and realize how much we take for granted. Can you imagine 9 years without electricity? Unbelievable. I love that she took the time to write all of these special memories down and share them with us.

Anyways, the whole night was just awesome. We all draw names and my incredible mother-in-law drew my name. She made me the most AMAZING quilt. Seriously. I don't even want to venture a guess at how long it took her to make. It's an underwater adventure quilt with crabs and a seahorse and fish and a turtle. And there's waves and everything. I don't know if you can really see all the detail in the picture, but it's beautiful! 

One thing that the Richins have always been great about is personal preparation. Every year in our stocking we receive something to put in our 72 hour kits or food storage. This year they got each family a wheat grinder! How cool is that? I know, it probably doesn't sound that cool and I'm probably weird for being so excited about it, but I love that their gifts are not just something to give 'cuz it's Christmas. They're heartfelt and practical and really have each of us in mind. I wish I could have captured the feeling and sentiment of the evening to be able to play it back each time I need a little pick-me-up. 


This is the book that Grandma Meeks gave to each of us:


Here's a picture of the tree we cut down last week:



Here's the AMAZING quilt that Welene made for me. How cute!



Here are the kids playing in the wagon that Rhett made for Bradley:

*Pictures continued in next post.

Richins Christmas

For whatever reason I can only upload four photos. Here are a few more photos from the evening.

Chad brought his girlfriend, Amy, to the party. 


Doesn't it look like Allison is trying to convince Santa that she's been good?


Codey and Wendy as shepherds in our nativity.


The cutest little angels: Elaina, Kaylee, and Allison.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Oh Christmas Tree!

Last Saturday we drove up to Cedar City with a few friends and went hiking in the snow to find our Christmas tree. Although the last two years we've had a tree that was cut down in the same manner, we've never actually been the ones to pick it out and chop it down. We've always been given left over trees from friends who've done it. So this year we decided to venture out and I'm so glad we did. We had a lot of fun and the kids LOVED the snow. I took a ton of cute pictures, but for whatever reason I can't upload them. So here are a couple of the kids in the snow and Rhett happy to have finally found the perfect tree. 


Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes!

The after-math of my poor decision making:



In May of 2007 I was looking for new hairstyles on the internet when I came across a super cute short haircut. The bangs were very short and the hair was kind of wavy and tossled and in between the chin and the shoulders. I printed it out and decided that one day, when I was brave enough, I was going to cut my hair in a similar fashion. I STILL have that picture and with my cutting of the hair a few months ago, I've been working up the courage to go even bolder. So last week I decided that it's time for a cut and why not go bold? Since I'll be in Vegas this Friday, I figured I can make an appointment and toughen up and just do it. 

I don't know if it was the endorphins from working out, or if I became possessed, but this morning I decided that Friday was too far away. I was running late for work and didn't even think twice. I grabbed a pair of scissors and started cutting! Yes, that's right. A woman with NO hair cutting experience, a woman who has never even trimmed her own hair before, a woman who has saved a picture for nearly 20 months just to work up the courage decided to put a pair of scissors in her hands WHEN she was running late and cut her hair. The logic just isn't there. I'm still a bit baffled. 

Needless to say, it didn't turn out quite like I was hoping. I kind of remind myself of Jim Carey in Dumb and Dumber (I think that's the one where he has a horrible bowl cut). I think I like the concept of bangs...the execution just wasn't quite there. I cut a little too much. Okay, a LOT too much. I think I would like them much better if they were half an inch longer, half as thin, and didn't wrap around half my head. Seriously. They wrap half my head (Jim Carey in Dumb and Dumber). I messed with my hair for 10 minutes to get it to look half way decent in the picture below...and it's dark. 



People at work just didn't know what to say. One girl said she liked it. But then a couple of hours later she told me that it makes me look older. The funny part is she thought she was giving me a compliment! Ha! That's only a compliment when you're 17! Nobody in there 30's wants to look older. 

Monday, December 1, 2008

Dumont Dunes

The day after Thanksgiving Rhett and I loaded up our toy-hauler and headed out to the land of the bountious sand...Dumont Sand Dunes. We've been there countless times and I never seem to find anything all that exciting to take pictures of...until now! I had the incredible fortune of getting to ride in a crazy top-of-the-line buggy, driven by a professional off-road racer. And not just any professional off-road racer. It was driven by BJ Baldwin, the number one racer of trophy trucks. I know, I know, it doesn't sound all that exciting. But believe me, it was! 

Rhett has prepped and pitted for BJ for years and we've both tried to score rides from him before. It's just impossible. We didn't realize that the magic ticket lied in our friend, Ron, who builds motors for half of the off-road racers. He drove me and a couple of my girlfriends over to BJ's camp and just asked him if he'd give us a ride. He said they were just heading out and maybe later, but it's difficult to say no to someone who builds your race motors, so he finally gave in. The three of us girls (it's a four seater) strapped in and waited anxiously for our ride to begin. I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew the buggy would handle amazingly (that's what $250,000 buys ya) and that the driver was more than capable to scare the bajezus out of us. But I didn't know how much he would hold back...or if he would purposely push it to the max to scare the bajezus out of us.

I seriously am getting butterflies in my stomach just remembering the first acceleration. It was like a roller coaster ride when your stomach is doing flip-flops and you're just waiting for that portion of the ride to be done so that you can breathe again, only it lasted longer. I forced myself to breathe and when I did I mustered everything that was in me to not let out a squeel. I didn't want him to think I was a wuss! He hit the hill and within a second we were at the top, launching over to the next hill. Not only did the buggy handle amazingly, but he drove it perfectly. He was fast and exhilerating, but always seemed in control. We jumped it a few times and he popped it up on two wheels quite a few times. It was by far the best ride I've ever been on and probably ever will go on. I had a perma-grin the entire ride (and therefore ate a bit of sand) and couldn't thank him enough when we pulled back in to camp. He totally didn't have to give us a ride and I'm so grateful that he took his time to show us a good time. My only regret is that Rhett wasn't able to go. He would have absolutely loved it. Next trip out we're going to have to finagle a ride for him!


That's us on our way back in to camp, popped up on two wheels.


This is actually a picture of us before we left on the ride. We hadn't even started and I already had a perma-grin.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

These are a few of my Favorite Things:


Kyler and his kung-fu moves when he scores in air hockey.


Trevor's sweet demeanor...just being content playing with water.

Xander and how loving and vivacious he is.

Trevor and Gregory's brotherly bond. Reminds me of Greg and Jeff when they were younger.

How fun and spunky all of my nieces and nephews are. 

We had such a fabulous Thanksgiving feast! And when I say feast, I mean feast. Rhett and I are loading up to go to Dumont and this will be the first time we don't have to swing by the store to purchase any food. Everyone brought a dish or two and it made it SO nice to have the help. Everything turned out perfectly. 

After eating half of us drove out to the trails and took advantage of the after affects of it raining all day yesterday. There was lots of mud and many trails to test out the vehicles (and drivers) ability. 

I'm so incredibly grateful for my family. I'm grateful that through the years we're still close and enjoy spending time together. I love watching my nieces and nephews grow and learn and developing their personalities. It's amazing to watch such a miracle. And most of all I love my husband. He works so hard to keep me happy. Whether it's helping me set up tables or clean up the house or rub my back...he's always there to make sure I'm happy. I couldn't have chosen a better guy. 

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for all of my friends and extended family as well. You've all had a part of making me the person I am today and I'm thankful for your friendship.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

#32 Mission Complete


I've officially completed my first item on my 101 list! I started it on Tuesday and finished sewing it this morning and I'm SO excited about it. I think it's the cutest apron ever. And such a cute model! Thanks Jalee. I was not in a modeling mood this morning and she stopped by right after I finished. 

Earlier this year I had a conversation with Heather and I told her that I never wear aprons. I think it's because they make me feel too matronly. She said she lives in them and how you just have to make cute aprons so you don't mind wearing them. So for the last few months I've been looking at aprons, trying to figure out a style I liked and I finally saw enough that I was able to design this one. I bought material a month ago and finally sat down and drew a pattern and figured out what I wanted to do and put it all together. It turned out exactly as I wanted it to, which usually doesn't happen the first time around. So I am very pleased. I'm thinking that it's a little TOO cute, though. It almost looks like a cocktail dress. So I've been thinking about adding a pocket or something to make it look more apron-ie. Heather, how do you normally do yours? Pocket or no pocket? I have just enough material left over I could do a pocket. Let me know what you think.

Friday, November 14, 2008

101 in 1001

I'm super excited to be participating in the 101 goals in 1001 days challenge. I know it's going to be tough to complete them all, but I'm up for the challenge.  I've created another blog just to keep a proper record of everything I'm doing. If you would like to check it out, please visit Richins 101. Now, I'll definitely be posting many of my accomplishments on this blog as well, so don't worry (I'm sure it would have kept you up at night). There are too many fun ones not to share as part of my every day life. Wish me luck and if you feel so inclined, join me in finding 101 of your own goals to accomplish in 1001 days. If you just can't think of 101 things, you can check out Liz, who is the founder of this challenge. She has a support group going on and everyone has a link to their own list. Once I got going I actually had to start eliminating items because I kept thinking of more and more. But lets be realistic...I'm only one woman...I can't do everything!

101 Goals:
1. Finish painting my house
2. Put hinges on TV drawer front & touch-up paint
3. Refinish old green couch
4. Recaulk tub & sink in master bath
5. Design backyard landscape
6. Regrout the kitchen floor & seal it
7. Blow up a picture I've taken to display in the house
8. Stain the front door
9. Deep clean the entire house
10. Install doorstops behind each door
11. Read 3 religious books
12. Read 3 "fun" books
13. Read 3 classical books from my collection
14. Read scriptures at least 4 times per week
15. Finish the B.O.M. (again)
16. Finish the old testament
17. make wall hangy with The Family: A Proclamation to the World & pictures of the family
18. Host 2 scrapbook/quilting/crafty days
19. Learn more about photography through books & practice
20. Get Photoshop Elements & learn how to use it
21. Blog at least once per week
22. Learn to crochet around baby bibs & blankets
23. Make a recipe book with pictures
24. Put together wedding scrapbook
25. Scrapbook through 2006
26. Make a quilt out of old jeans
27. Design & make a baby quilt
28. Make silk square quilt
29. Make a crazy quilt
30. Make all my pillows (for pillow forms already bought)
31. Make a comforter for guest bedroom
32. Design & sew an apron
33. Sew a dress
34. Design & make a bathing suit
35. Make a bedskirt for master bed
36. Drop weight to 135 & maintain (unless preggers)
37. Run a 5k without stopping
38. Run a 5k in less than 30 minutes
39. Compete in a triathlon
40. Keep a food diary for one month
41. Create meal plans
42. Get my knees in better condition
43. Exercise at least three times per week for at least 30 minutes
44. Develop a stretching program and implement
45. Get an allergy test
46. Organize the movies/CD's closet
47. Organize recipe books & get rid of ones I don't use
48. Organize the laundry room storage
49. Organize jacuzzi chemicals
50. Organize closet in gym
51. Organize food storage
52. Back up the computer on an external hard drive
53. Hand wash all needed clothes monthly
54. Mend all clothing within one month of discovery
55. Sell my Zen
56. Buy an iPod
57. Download songs/pictures/movies to iPod
58. Increase food storage by 50%
59. Have zero debt
60. visit teach every month
61. Attend the temple 6 times
62. Have an up-to-date 72 hour kit for each member of the family
63. Take a video of everything in the house (for insurance purposes)
64. Invite friends/family for dinner at least ten times
65. Call all family & friends on their birthday
66. Send more cards
67. Send at least 6 thinking of you cards
68. Go through my closet twice & donate clothes/shoes to D.I.
69. Go to the Arizona Hot Springs
70. Go on a picnic
71. Go to Washington D.C.
72. Go to San Diego at least three times
73. Go river rafting
74. Go to 3 new places
75. Take a hot air balloon ride
76. Plan a date with Rhett monthly
77. Paint pottery at a "make-your-own-pottery" place
78. Get pregnant
79. Have a baby
80. Read to my future child daily
81. Change the current office in to a nursery
82. Change the current living room in to an office
83. Study up on nutrition
84. Learn more about herbs, test them out, and keep a log of their affects
85. Take a sewing class
86. Take a cooking class
87. Learn to make bread
88. Learn how to swim faster (hire an instructor)
89. Build a snowman
90. Make a new recipe/dinner once a month
91. Make a birthday calendar of family and friends
92. Create a scenic calendar with pictures I've taken
93. Create a daily quote calendar
95. Pamper myself with at least two facials
96. Pamper myself with at least two massages
97. Start a garden and produce at least one edible item
98. Send out a Christmas card/picture/letter at least once
99. Participate in a Santa run
100. Start a club and meet regularly
101. ***Personal***


Monday, November 10, 2008

The Older I Get...

the more changes I'm seeing myself go through. I'm not talking about physical changes (although those are happening as well). I'm speaking of the maturing process that is constantly going on in all of us (some more than others). For some reason I've been thinking a lot lately of how much I've changed (and grown) over the years and how much I enjoy seeing these changes. Take a step outside of yourself for a little bit and take a look at yourself. How have you changed in the last few years? Do you like the changes you've made? I've always enjoyed change, but the last few months I'm realizing the importance of change. Are we constantly trying to better ourselves? How? Most people want to be better than they currently are. But wanting it and striving for it are two totally different concepts. What are we actually doing to become the person we want to become? I WANT to be healthier. But what does healthier entail? Working out? Eating better? I'm the type of person that not only has to make a goal to work out and eat better, but to actually make a goal to sit down and figure out HOW to work out and HOW to eat better. The last month I've spent many hours researching nutrition and trying to figure out what works best for my body and although I'm still light years from being a health guru, it's helped me to understand that as long as I'm going in the right direction...I'll finally get there. And I think that's all we need to commit to. To head in the right direction. For whatever goal you would like to attain.

Now I hope you don't think I'm on a soap box about all of this. Everyone is free to choose their own path in life. And another thing I've learned over the years is to judge less and accept more. This post was more for me...to get some of my thoughts out.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Loving Consciously

I wish I could take credit for the words of wisdom below. I stumbled across this article/blog and I thought it was just amazing. It seems that lately I've had many friends/family/co-workers who have been struggling to keep their marriage alive. Many of them are at the point of getting divorced or deciding if divorce is the right answer. I think the below article should be handed to couples getting married as a type of guide book. I know that many of the techniques work well for Rhett and me and hope that someone reading this blog might be helped by it. It's a long one, but oh so good.

“The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.” -Gilbert Chesterton

Knowing how someone wants to be loved and then providing that love are two separate things. Sometimes marriages and other relationships end because either one person does not understand how to meet the needs of the other; or one partner refuses to meet the needs of the other.
To love consciously is a choice. Mary Beth and I often say being married is very similar to having another full-time job – you get out of it what you put into it.
Our marriage is like a savings account. My wife and I make deposits into it never expecting we may need to make a withdrawal. However, when we do request a withdrawal there are no associated penalties.
Yes, we argue over the temperature in the car or who really forgot to feed the dog, but when it really matters; when it really counts, we make the consciousness choice to give each other the love that is requested and needed.
With over 23 years of marriage under our belts, we have found the following strategies work best to love intentionally; to love authentically and to love consciously.

Show Appreciation
A simple “thank you” in response to a trivial or ordinary item can make a significant difference. It only takes a few short moments to utter these two words, but the impact can be felt for a very long time.
Showing gratitude is also the best strategy for ensuring the things you are most grateful for continue to happen. When we stop and tell our partners what we are grateful for, we are also telling the Universe. By making the effort, the conscious decision, to express our thanks we are in a better position of receiving more of it in the future.
If you want your partner to be grateful, it starts by you showing gratitude, first.

Be Happy, Not Right
Here’s a question for you, “Would you rather be right, or happy?” Too often our pride and egos can keep us from enjoying intimate relationships. We stew over what we think are injustices, but are perhaps only misunderstandings.
We carry grudges and do not show enough grace, passion or forgiveness to the person we care most about. Our need to be right can overshadow our need to receive, and give, love.
Take a look at what your pride is costing you. If intimacy is strained and the relationship is off track you may want to reconsider the value of your anger or self righteousness. Here’s the thing: You may be right in the argument although you partner thinks otherwise, but you will never be wrong when you put your partner first. Happiness always feels better than vindication.

No Day But Today
What would you say to your partner if you knew this was the last day you would be together? Would you complain about the television being too loud, or would you remind your partner of their value and significance?
Life does have an expiration date. This isn’t meant to be a downer – just a reality we all share. It’s what you do with this information that will make the difference. While it’s very difficult to sustain a high-level of connection and passion on a day-to-day basis, there are some simple things you can do to convey your partner’s importance to let them know they are important today:

*Kiss your mate at least twice a day
*Leave a quick note just to say “hi,” or “I love you”
*Never do anything you wouldn’t want your partner to know
*Be fully present when they need to talk or share something important
*Make the effort to spend some time together each day
*Give a compliment
*Make your partner feel important
*Smile
*No Judgments


Judgments are often times rooted in perception, not reality. Judgments are also a piece of how you see the world, not the way the world, or in this case your partner, actually exists.
The harm with judgments is resentment and anger are typically the outcomes – not the change that is expected. When a judgment is made, there is an implied belief the behavior or trait being judged should be corrected. However, the person receiving the judgment does not always share the same expectation.
As a result, communication is impaired, connection is deteriorated and conflict ensues. To love deliberately and consciously requires loving your partner with a different filter – a cleaner filter that does not have the residue of past containments.

Be Aware of Your Own Thoughts & Feelings
Loving authentically is dependent on loving yourself, first. Before you share love, and share yourself with someone, it is important to beware of what you want. Reality suggests, however, we fall in love and begin relationships before we have a clear idea of our own true feelings.
When this happens, there is still plenty of time to discover your needs – this is called growth. Give yourself opportunities outside of the relationship. Build friendships and pursue interests on your own.
A good relationship exists when both people can live without the other, but choose to be together. A relationship built on a foundation of sharing different interests cultivates more life and depth into it.
You own your thoughts and feelings. These make you unique and keep you grounded with who you really are or growing to become. By doing so, you are in a much better position to love freely and honestly. Nature has a way of taking care of those things we put the most energy in and want to grow even stronger.

Loving Consciously
The power of love extends its reach when we will love intentionally. Real love, authentic love, springs to life and is sustained when we make the choice to feed it with our deliberate passion. Our souls are nourished when our partners realize we know how to love them.
There will be a day when I no longer share this life with my wife. When that day arrives, my hope is she will know my intent was to discover exactly what she wanted and my conscious choice was to give her more of that.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Corkscrew Canyon



For YEARS I have been wanting to go to Page, Arizona to take pictures of Corkscrew Canyon. I've seen it in music videos and professional photographs and I was so excited when Rhett suggested that we go there for a couple of days while I was off work.  We stopped at the Big Water visitor's center on our way in to town and got some information on where to go and other sites to see. It was too late in the day to go to Corkscrew Canyon, so we headed to Horseshoe Bend. That was a really pretty place and definitely recommend it as well. While we were there we met a professional photographer who gave us some tips on which canyon to go to. Corkscrew Canyon is actually Antelope Canyon and there are two different locations. There's upper and lower Antelope Canyon and I was torn on which one to go to. After speaking with him we decided that the lower canyon was more of what we were looking for and I'm SO glad that we met him and took his advise. I took over 300 photos and only stopped because my camera battery died. We were in there for three hours admiring the majestic canyon walls. The colors and rock formations were breath-taking. I HIGHLY recommend this trip to everyone. 

Monday, October 13, 2008

Sewing Projects

The last four weekends I have dedicated myself to learn as much sewing as possible. I enrolled in the basic sewing class in the Fashion Design program at UNLV and have had a ton of fun cramming as much information as possible in to my head. Know, I already knew how to sew the basics. So I was hoping this class would delve into more of what I wanted to learn. Although the projects were very basic, she taught us to tailor them however we wanted. So rather than a t-shirt, I asked her to teach me how to do a collar. And instead of a skirt with elastic, I learned how to sew darts and a zipper. Neither of them are AMAZING...but I think they're pretty good for my first projects. Right now I feel like with enough practice I could make anything. Which I guess is true of just about everything. I also made some ducky pajama pants, but I didn't tailor those at all...just your basic oversized pj's.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

FAST

My mom calls me many times throughout the week. It's usually around 7:45 am while she's on her way to work. If I'm busy at work I'll usually call her back and if I have a minute we'll chit chat until she arrives at her destination. I noticed this morning that I missed a call from her, so I called her back and was shocked when she switched phones and started speaking in a low voice. I knew it was something important and something that she didn't want anyone else at her work hearing. My heart kind of skipped a beat--fearing something had happened to someone. She then started out talking about having a family fast this weekend---my heart really started beating faster. I was scared that my dad was doing worse than he lets on or something had happened to my grandparents. Then she finished the thought by asking if I would be okay with the family fasting for Rhett and me this weekend. Huh? I have to admit, I was a bit shocked. Okay, I was REALLY shocked. I don't know if it's the fact that the whole getting pregnant thing has been out of our control or if it's more of an affirmation that there's a problem, but it kinda makes me sad. I should be happy that we're enlisting the help of the Lord in this matter, but for whatever reason I'm kinda freaked out. To have that many people fasting and praying for me seems crazy. I feel like there are so many other people who need the help more than we do. But I'm also very humbled that she (and my mother-in-law as well) were inspired to suggest it. So since all of my blogger friends are LDS, I ask that if you feel so inclined, fast and pray with us this Saturday-Sunday. I don't even really know what to pray for. Is that strange? I obviously want to get pregnant, but maybe that's not in the cards for me. So then would I be asking for that in vain? Perhaps I need to ask for inspiration...whether to adopt or see a specialist or change my diet? I feel completely overwhelmed at this point. And to know that so many people are going to be fasting and praying and thinking about it kinda puts a little more pressure on to get pregnant. But I obviously would have done that by now if I could. I would appreciate any thoughts that any of you might have to offer.

Monday, October 6, 2008

American Heart Association

This Saturday, October 11 I'll be participating in a 5K fun walk to raise money for the American Heart Association to help fight the nation's leading causes of death. Step out against heart disease and stroke by supporting my efforts. Please make a donation so I can reach my walker dollar goal. This is going to be a family event with face painters, a bounce house, and educational areas. If you're looking for something fun to do this Saturday at 9 am you're welcome to join me for the walk. It's at Mountain's Edge Park located at 9700 south Buffalo (at Blue Diamond) . Visit the link below if you have the inclination to donate. Thank you!

Click Me To Donate

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Blast from the Past

Happy birthday Kelley and Bryn! It's a day late, but it really is just an extension of your birthday. I found some SWEET scrapbook pages from back in the day to embarrass us all:


Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Rescue Me!

Working at NV Energy (ya, the name was changed...kinda gay, huh?) doesn't really afford me many opportunities to have fun on the clock. But last week was a blast. For two days I was taught how to rescue people in sticky situations. We learned how to tie knots and how to package people up on the rescue equipment. We crawled through storm drains and dropped 80 feet off the side of a building (just being supported by a few ropes). It was a nice change of scenery getting out of the office and in the sun doing something physical and learning things that might actually save lives. Hopefully nobody ever gets into a situation where I need it, but now I'm a little more prepared if something were to happen. Not too many pictures were taken of the rescues, but here are a couple:


Friday, September 19, 2008

The Phantom


What do you get when you mix some great food, an amazing show, and a day off from work/kids? A fabulous girls' night out, of course! Two of my great friends and I met up at the Venetian on Tuesday for dinner and a show. The show? Phantom of the Opera. How exciting is that? I had never seen it before and just loved it. I called for tickets and the girl at the other end of the line gave us (in her opinion) the best seats in the house. And they probably were. We were just six rows back and a bit off center so that we could see everything. I loved it. And I loved getting out of Logandale and spending time with friends. Karlee and Sadie made it so great. With a nursing baby at home, Sadie couldn't stay over night, but Karlee and I decided to splurge and got a hotel room for the evening. I really love spending a good stretch of time alone with a friend. It seems like that's when you really get to know somebody. You can say a lot over the phone or at lunch, but when you spend an entire day with someone alone, it opens the door for much more intimate conversation. I love you both! Thanks for a wonderful evening.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Back to Cali

Rhett and I both had Monday off for Labor Day and decided to make the most of the three day weekend by getting out of town. What better way to spend a holiday than with friends and family soaking up the California sun? We left Logandale Friday afternoon and drove right to the beach. We spent the evening walking along the boardwalk and looking at all the different style houses along the beach. We spent the night at a hotel in Anaheim and the next morning met up with my cousin, Nick, and his new wife, Cat. We had SO much fun with them. I've always gotten along well with Nick and was pleased to get to know Cat. She is so fabulous. They live a few blocks away from Huntington Beach, so we rode bicycles down to the beach and played frisbee and body boarded and got frozen yogurt. I haven't downloaded my pictures yet, so all the pictures I posted are from Nick's camera. It was difficult to leave, but we had plans to meet up with my friend, Alison. We spent the evening and the next morning with Ali and her husband, and even snuck down to my grandparents house for breakfast with my parents, grandma Martin, and grandma and grandpa Lyon. I don't even remember the last time we were all together. It was great. Anyways, around noon we headed to Mission Beach in San Diego where Rhett and I roller bladed down the boardwalk for a few miles. We didn't even stop to play in the ocean. It was just fun getting out and people watching and roller blading. It was gorgeous weather. We only stayed down there for a couple of hours and then got cleaned up and headed over to a family friend's house for a BBQ. I hadn't seen some of the family in over 15 years and was delighted to catch up on everything that had been going on in their lives. After the BBQ we headed back up to Huntington Beach to crash at Nick and Cat's house. We just chilled at their house and the next morning did a little shopping before coming home. Then last night we had a little BBQ at our house with some friends. It was an action-packed weekend. And now I'm looking for a job and a house in California! Ha Ha...I wish. Every time I go I just love it and wish I could somehow find a way to move there. I know it's not likely to happen, but a girls gotta have dreams, right?


Rhett and Nick catching a wave.
Cat with her body board.
Me and my babe, playing in the ocean.

Nick was taking pictures of us as we were riding over to get yogurt.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

I'm a Big Girl now

About a month ago I finally took the leap that every woman has to make at some point in her life...I got my hair cut and styled. Now, I know, it doesn't sound that amazing. You've probably all had a cute hairstyle at some point. But growing up I wasn't allowed to cut my hair. And after I got married I learned that my husband likes long hair. So I thought I was doomed to have straight, long, boring hair my entire life. I went from my mom cutting my hair to my mother-in-law cutting it. I had never gone to a salon and had someone keeping up with the latest styles touch my hair. So I was quite excited when my friend was getting her hair done and invited me along to get my first "Big Girl" hair cut.

I had a general idea of what I wanted, but I basically just told her that I wanted it cute and shorter and fun and sassy and easy to maintain and this is what she gave me:







Now mind you, it's been a month, so it has already grown out a bit. I also don't have the mad stylin' and volumizin' skills that this woman had. When she was done with my hair it was so full and thick and flowy. I wish I had taken pictures the night it was cut...it looked very cute. But in general I'm very happy about it. I miss my long hair and sometimes having bangs bugs me, but all in all I feel good about it. And what do you know...the two people who gave me the best compliments? My husband and my dad! The two that discouraged me to do it for 30 years! Why are women always trying to please men? I think I've learned through this experience that sometimes you just gotta please yourself and by doing that you end up making those around you even happier...because you're being you and you're happy. Wow, who knew something philisophical would come from a few little strands of hair being cut?

Saturday, August 23, 2008

My One and Only Picture!

Okay, I finally figured out how to post pictures! Hurray. The only problem is that it literally took 20 minutes for it to upload the image.  Not sure what the deal is.  Anyways, this is the only picture that I'm going to post because I don't have 2 hours to spend uploading all the pictures I wanna show you.  I'll take those to work and do it from there, 'cuz it's SO much easier.  

This is a picture of Zion National Park when we went during the fourth of July weekend.  We did a lot of hiking and I took a gazillion pictures. I love being close to so many of Heavenly Father's beautiful creations and having the opportunity to explore this world he has provided for us.  I bought a book that is a photographer's guide to southern Utah and it has a bunch of hiking trails and scenic drives listed to explore. I'm thinking once a month Rhett and I will take a drive and explore the area. If I find any great hidden gems I will, of course, share them with you.

Friday, August 22, 2008

iMAC

So, I have a fancy new computer, but still not quite sure how to use it. If anyone owns a Mac, call me. Seriously. I've been on a Windows OS for so long that I didn't realize how many little tips and tricks I had learned along the way. I'm trying to post pictures, but I haven't even figured that out yet. Plus it rearranged all my pictures and they're not all in the same folders as they were before, so I've been spending the last two weeks trying to re-organize everything. It's a mess right now, but I'm sure once I get the hang of it and organize everything where I can find it I'll love it. If anyone has any helpful hints, you know where to find me.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Memories...

Heather, you're such a trend setter. I love this idea and look forward to reminiscing...

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot; anything you remember is great!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about us, we'll assume you're playing the game and we'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Monday, July 21, 2008

One Word

I got this in an email and thought it might be interesting. For those of you who want to do it, you're tagged. There's a list of 30 questions and you can only use one word to respond. It's more difficult than you might think.

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Where is your significant other? Vegas
3. Your hair color? Brown
4. What did you last drink? Water
5. What color shirt are you wearing? Lime
6. Your favorite thing? Husband
7. Your dream last night? Chase
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
9. The room you're in? Office
10. Your fear? Falling
11. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Hawaii
12. Where were you last night? Home
13. What you're not? Perfect
14. Muffins? Blueberry
15. One of your wish list items? Italy
16. Where you grew up? California
17. The last thing you did? Meeting
18. What are you wearing? Jeans
19. Your TV? Big
20. Your pet(s): Turtles
21. Your computer? Broken
22. Your life? Wonderful
23. Your mood? Upbeat
24. The last thing you ate? Pretzels
25. Your car/truck? Ranger
26. Something you're not wearing? Socks
27. Your summer? Fun
28. Love someone? Family
29. Your favorite color? Teal
30. When is the last time you cried? Yesterday

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Computer Problems

I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I've posted anything. So much has been happening and of course it's when my computer died. I can still log in at work, but all my pictures are trapped in my computer somewhere. A guy at work is going to help me out and try to fix it best he can, but who knows how long that will take. Fourth of July was a blast and I got some really great pictures of us hiking around Zion National Park. As soon as the computer is fixed I'll post some pictures.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend

For Memorial Day weekend Rhett and I rented a condo with two other couples in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Every Memorial Day weekend a group of friends leave the kiddos at home and spend some much needed time relaxing and boating at Lake Havasu. One of Rhett's good friends has a killer boat, so we piled in and joined them. Despite the cloudy/rainy skies on the first day and the little bit of drama that ensued the following day, it was a great weekend. It was nice to spend time with friends and be chauffered around the lake, able to relax on the water. I don't think I actually ever touched the water, though. It was just too cold this year. That was kind of a bummer, because I love the water. I love swimming and even just floating behind a parked boat. But the summer is just beginning and I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunity to swim at Lake Mead.

Me and my man in the boat at Havasu.














Me and the girls...Ricki and Tiffany.

Xander Update

I spoke with Jeff last night and Alexander is doing much better. He's still not completely back to "normal", but he's out of the hospital and feeling better.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Laura Lyon becomes Laura Lillywhite

I had the pleasure of attending my amazing cousin's wedding a few weeks ago in Salt Lake. It was such a great trip. I drove up by myself after work on a Wednesday and had 4 days to spend with friends and family. I helped Laura move into her first home, decorate for the reception, and stuff 500-600 cookies into bags for guests. I love spending time with Laura and I know that time will be more limited now that she's married and starting a whole new life with Ryan.

I also was fortunate enough to see Bryn, my best friend from high school. We don't see each other very often, so it was a real treat. She's a city planner in the city of Herriman and planning to get married some time this summer. So I met up with her at David's Bridal and helped her try on a million dresses. I love weddings! I can't wait to see her get married.

The great thing about Utah is that I have a lot of friends and family there. So I'm able to see a lot of people I don't usually get the chance to visit all in one weekend. This can also be a bad thing, because sometimes it's difficult trying to spend quality time with many different people. But I was very happy to get to spend some time with my cousin, Heather. Now, most of you reading this know Heather and therefore know how fabulous she already is. But for those of you who don't have the pleasure of knowing her, it's a shame. Heather's the type that always looks amazing, no matter how little effort she put into herself that day. She always has a kind word and a compliment, regardless of how deserving the person may feel. And what I love most is that she always has some great insight to share. I think she might not know this about herself, though. But I love the conversations we have and although we might have different views on things, it always helps me to see the world in a new light and I really enjoy being taught those new little insights. It helps me understand people better and be more cogniscent of people and the feelings they may be going through. Unfortunately we didn't snap any pictures together, because the place that we went was gorgeous. It had a little stream running through the shops and a little pond and a wheel that was turned by the running water. I believe it was called Gardner Village...so cute.

This is my sassy cousin, Laura. She got married in the Salt Lake temple on May 16, 2008 to a wonderful guy named Ryan. Here she is striking a pose at the temple. So vogue.
















And here she is with her four sisters. They're such a fun bunch. I'm so lucky to have such a great extended family.

















Ryan showing off his ring with a little attitude. I like it!












I love tulips and the temple grounds were filled with them. We went the next day and they were chopping them down and putting in all new stuff, so we were lucky to be able to enjoy them the day of Laura's wedding.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Xander

Alexander (Jeff and Jori's littlest boy) was admitted to the hospital a couple of days ago with a severe case of cellulitis. He responded well to the antibiotics at first, but then not so well. Please keep him in your prayers.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Rodgers & Hammerstein Musical Review

For those of you who didn't know me in high school, you probably didn't realize how much I love to be on stage. I love acting and singing and dancing. It's not that I'm the greatest at any of these, but I love the creative outlet and getting to be someone different...even if only for an hour. Throughout a week in March and the month of April twenty eight individuals from Logandale/Overton got together and rehearsed songs from the Sound of Music and Oklahoma. It was extremely time consuming, but well worth it for the friendships made and the fun in getting back on stage once again. On April 29th we performed our one and only performance to a crowd of a couple hundred. I haven't figured out how to download the video to my computer. But when I do, I'll try and post some video as well.

Here's the entire cast. I'm in the last row in the center. I was in the ensemble for Oklahoma.

And here I am as a nun in the Sound of Music. For those of you who are familiar with the play or movie, I was Sister Berthe (the mean one).

Trevor's First Birthday

On April 13th we helped Trevor celebrate his first birthday. Greg and Jackie had family over for a backyard BBQ and then watched as Trevor had fun with his first birthday cake.

Before
After
Even with cake in his eye, he's still a cutie!



The Clark County Fair

On April 12 Rhett and I spent the afternoon at the Clark County Fair and Rodeo. We're fortunate to have the fair out in Logandale, so it makes it easy just to pop over for a few hours. We watched pig racing (and swimming), looked at all the animals, saw a hypnotist perform, and that night we went to the rodeo.

Isn't he so cute? Rhett does NOT do this sort of thing. He's very self-conscious about his height and he's always thinking that people are making fun of him. But after about an hour of coaxing, I finally got him on the mechanical bull. I don't know how long he was on there, but long enough for me to get a few good pictures.









I just thought this was the cutest. We happened to arrive at the pig pen when it was feeding time.