I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and as I was creating my annual list, I decided why not make a post out of it?
1. My temple marriage
2. My testimony
3. Our jobs
4. Family and Friends
5. Our health
6. Our new apartment :)
7. The kindness of others
8. The car we have borrowed from my brother for 4 months, and still counting
9. Living with Dave and Candace for the last 4 months
10. The lady on Muni who gave my train fare when my wallet got stolen on the bus.
11. The prophet and apostles in the church (the local leaders as well)
12. Both of my grandpa's recovering well from their recent afflictions
13. The great weather we've been enjoying in California
14. All of the love in our lives
15. Living so close to the temple
16. Ambyr's bun in the oven :D (in case you didn't know)
17. I am thankful I get to be a "groom's maid" in Ben's wedding (April 25th, 2009)
Really I could go on and on, but this will do for now!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Moving on up... To the Peninsula!
Sam and I finally found the perfect apartment and we will be moving in a week or so. We are both so excited. Since returning to the Bay Area in August we have been staying with Sam’s brother and sister-in-law in Sunnyvale. Dave and Candace have been so kind to take us in, and give us so much more than just a place to stay.
Some may ask, why it took 4 months to find an apartment. Well our criteria was hard to match. We wanted to be in the Burlingame area, pay less than $1000/month, 1 bedroom/1 bath, have a month to month lease, and give a low deposit. Many naysayer’s insisted our standards were too high, and needs too specific, but we managed to find a place that fits all of the above and more. The place we found has history. Coincidentally, Sam and I are moving in to the very same apartment Ambyr and Tyler lived in when they first moved to Burlingame. We feel good about knowing there is a strong family tie to the place. We’ll post photos as soon as we start moving in.
Since many of you (okay really just Ambyr) have requested I give a bit of an update on the latest with our lives here it is:
Sam currently works for Stanford in the cancer research facility. He is well on his way to becoming a doctor, someday far far from now. His title is a Certified Research Associate. He works with cancer patients who are in advanced stages of cancer and have limited options for care. He is learning so much, and he loves the people he works with. Not to mention they feed him well, they cater lunch nearly everyday. Most importantly, Sam is really happy there.
I am working for Levi Strauss Corporate Offices, in inventory management; ensuring Levi stores have the right assortment of women's tops and bottoms. It's a great job and I love what I do. My commute is less than desirable, but when we move it will great!
We are looking forward to Thanksgiving at Mom's Thursday (and seeing Grama and Papa YEAY!), Brittany's wedding on Friday, Kat's visit on December 2nd, Sam's 25th birthday on December 13th, Luke's 3rd birthday on December 24th, visiting Sam's parents for Christmas, Reese's visit in January, and the eventual return of Hannah and Adam (still pending).
We hope all is well with our loved one's this holiday season!
Some may ask, why it took 4 months to find an apartment. Well our criteria was hard to match. We wanted to be in the Burlingame area, pay less than $1000/month, 1 bedroom/1 bath, have a month to month lease, and give a low deposit. Many naysayer’s insisted our standards were too high, and needs too specific, but we managed to find a place that fits all of the above and more. The place we found has history. Coincidentally, Sam and I are moving in to the very same apartment Ambyr and Tyler lived in when they first moved to Burlingame. We feel good about knowing there is a strong family tie to the place. We’ll post photos as soon as we start moving in.
Since many of you (okay really just Ambyr) have requested I give a bit of an update on the latest with our lives here it is:
Sam currently works for Stanford in the cancer research facility. He is well on his way to becoming a doctor, someday far far from now. His title is a Certified Research Associate. He works with cancer patients who are in advanced stages of cancer and have limited options for care. He is learning so much, and he loves the people he works with. Not to mention they feed him well, they cater lunch nearly everyday. Most importantly, Sam is really happy there.
I am working for Levi Strauss Corporate Offices, in inventory management; ensuring Levi stores have the right assortment of women's tops and bottoms. It's a great job and I love what I do. My commute is less than desirable, but when we move it will great!
We are looking forward to Thanksgiving at Mom's Thursday (and seeing Grama and Papa YEAY!), Brittany's wedding on Friday, Kat's visit on December 2nd, Sam's 25th birthday on December 13th, Luke's 3rd birthday on December 24th, visiting Sam's parents for Christmas, Reese's visit in January, and the eventual return of Hannah and Adam (still pending).
We hope all is well with our loved one's this holiday season!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Politically Incorrect
If you are sick of hearing about prop 8 you may want to skip this post.
So I have to say I am very disappointed in the prop 8 backlash. People are acting as if Utahan's have snuck into California and voted to pass prop 8. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints itself supported prop 8 and told the members of the church to be supportive. The members of our church try to follow the council of the church leaders and people ended up donating a great amount of money to the cause. Now activists on the other side did the same thing. A lot of money went in to both sides of the proposition. Hollywood especially campaigned to oppose it. Had prop 8 not passed would the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have rioted in the Castro? Or boycotted tourism in California? Or refused to watch Brad Pitt movies? No, we would not. The state of California voted, not just the Mormons.
The argument that has irritated me the most has to be how people compare prop 8 to the civil rights movement. How offensive to every single African American who's ancestors suffered during those times. Black people were slaves. They were forced spend their days in the fields laboring all day just because of the color of their skin. They were told that they were only three fifths of a person. They were beaten, and abused. It makes me sick to even think about. The very interesting thing is black people supported prop 8! And in fact, more black people turned out to vote to support Barack Obama and because of this turn out, it tipped the scales in favor of prop 8.
I have also heard people say they are being denied their human rights. Since when is getting married a human right? Your human rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. No one is telling gay people they cannot be together. That they'll be forced to live a heterosexual life. They can choose how to live their lives. However, marriage is defined, by California law, as being between a man and a woman.
I also want to address the riots in LA, outside the LDS Temple. My religion is used to persecution. Rioting is the least of what has happened to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but what a hateful demonstration. I would again like to reiterate that the entire state voted on proposition 8, not just the Mormons! And it is unacceptable to riot when votes are not in your favor. It's the equivalent of a toddler throwing a temper tantrum when their mother won't let them eat cookies before dinner.
My final disappointment is the commercial CNN and MSNBC showed featuring "Mormon missionaries". I won't go into detail, it was done in very poor taste and it makes me sad that anyone would show such a thing on their network. Need I remind everyone that the Christian and Catholic churches united in supporting prop 8. Had this commercial featured the Pope, no one would have thought it was funny.
So I have to say I am very disappointed in the prop 8 backlash. People are acting as if Utahan's have snuck into California and voted to pass prop 8. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints itself supported prop 8 and told the members of the church to be supportive. The members of our church try to follow the council of the church leaders and people ended up donating a great amount of money to the cause. Now activists on the other side did the same thing. A lot of money went in to both sides of the proposition. Hollywood especially campaigned to oppose it. Had prop 8 not passed would the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have rioted in the Castro? Or boycotted tourism in California? Or refused to watch Brad Pitt movies? No, we would not. The state of California voted, not just the Mormons.
The argument that has irritated me the most has to be how people compare prop 8 to the civil rights movement. How offensive to every single African American who's ancestors suffered during those times. Black people were slaves. They were forced spend their days in the fields laboring all day just because of the color of their skin. They were told that they were only three fifths of a person. They were beaten, and abused. It makes me sick to even think about. The very interesting thing is black people supported prop 8! And in fact, more black people turned out to vote to support Barack Obama and because of this turn out, it tipped the scales in favor of prop 8.
I have also heard people say they are being denied their human rights. Since when is getting married a human right? Your human rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. No one is telling gay people they cannot be together. That they'll be forced to live a heterosexual life. They can choose how to live their lives. However, marriage is defined, by California law, as being between a man and a woman.
I also want to address the riots in LA, outside the LDS Temple. My religion is used to persecution. Rioting is the least of what has happened to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but what a hateful demonstration. I would again like to reiterate that the entire state voted on proposition 8, not just the Mormons! And it is unacceptable to riot when votes are not in your favor. It's the equivalent of a toddler throwing a temper tantrum when their mother won't let them eat cookies before dinner.
My final disappointment is the commercial CNN and MSNBC showed featuring "Mormon missionaries". I won't go into detail, it was done in very poor taste and it makes me sad that anyone would show such a thing on their network. Need I remind everyone that the Christian and Catholic churches united in supporting prop 8. Had this commercial featured the Pope, no one would have thought it was funny.
Friday, October 17, 2008
YES on Prop 8!
I wanted to let you all know that I have a love for all people no matter their lifestyle. However, I will be voting YES on prop 8. I believe marriage is sacred and should be between a man and woman. Homosexual couples have all of the same benefits and privileges as a married couples.
In plain English:
My favorite commercial:
In plain English:
My favorite commercial:
Friday, October 10, 2008
Child Like
I was happy to play mommy #2 to my nephew Luke while Ambyr and Tyler were in New York for a week. We had so much fun! Believe it or not he taught me a lot. Several times, as I watched him, a phrase popped into my head, that we are to become like a little child (Matthew 18:3). I have often thought about that and pondered upon it's meaning. Luke did and said a few things that really inspired me to think about how I can become like a little child, in the way the scriptures are referring.
1. Luke and I were looking through a photo album on my computer. We came to a photo of me. It was probably the worst photo I have ever taken. It kind of looks like I might me about to sneeze or something. Luke pointed at the photo and said, "Look!! It's auntie!" He made no reference to how awful the photo was, and of course he didn't even know the difference. There was no judgment there. All Luke saw was his auntie.
2. Luke often points to things that look similar to something, but in fact it has a name he does not know. So instead of asking what it is he'll point to it and say what it looks like and he waits for you to tell him the actual name of it. For example we were at the park and Luke pointed to a bird and said, "Duck?" and I said, "That is a seagull." My answer satisfied him and he ran around pointing at the white birds with the gray wings yelling "seagull seagull!" very excited about his new word. We should all be so humble to know we do not yet have all of the information, and allow others to teach us.
3. Luke and I were on a walk and there was a woman was walking towards us. In Luke's deepest loudest voice he yelled to the woman, "HELLO!!!" the woman looked so pleased to be greeted by such a sweet and sincere hello, she said hi and walked past us with a huge grin on her face. We should all be so concerned with those around us.
4. We went to the playground one day and there were several little kids around of all different race and color. Luke was so excited to have playmates! He gave no regard to ethnicity or accent he was just happy to be in the company of his peers. If only we could all have such an open mind.
Thanks for the inspiration Luke!!
1. Luke and I were looking through a photo album on my computer. We came to a photo of me. It was probably the worst photo I have ever taken. It kind of looks like I might me about to sneeze or something. Luke pointed at the photo and said, "Look!! It's auntie!" He made no reference to how awful the photo was, and of course he didn't even know the difference. There was no judgment there. All Luke saw was his auntie.
2. Luke often points to things that look similar to something, but in fact it has a name he does not know. So instead of asking what it is he'll point to it and say what it looks like and he waits for you to tell him the actual name of it. For example we were at the park and Luke pointed to a bird and said, "Duck?" and I said, "That is a seagull." My answer satisfied him and he ran around pointing at the white birds with the gray wings yelling "seagull seagull!" very excited about his new word. We should all be so humble to know we do not yet have all of the information, and allow others to teach us.
3. Luke and I were on a walk and there was a woman was walking towards us. In Luke's deepest loudest voice he yelled to the woman, "HELLO!!!" the woman looked so pleased to be greeted by such a sweet and sincere hello, she said hi and walked past us with a huge grin on her face. We should all be so concerned with those around us.
4. We went to the playground one day and there were several little kids around of all different race and color. Luke was so excited to have playmates! He gave no regard to ethnicity or accent he was just happy to be in the company of his peers. If only we could all have such an open mind.
Thanks for the inspiration Luke!!Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Muffin Man
This post is for a mommy who may be missing her muffin.
Gram-Gram came to visit today, we had so much fun.
Thanks for the help Gram-Gram!
Thanks for the help Gram-Gram!
I love this little man.
He's the best nephew an auntie could ask for.
It's just us this week.
We're having so much fun, but he definitely misses his mama!
He's the best nephew an auntie could ask for.
It's just us this week.
We're having so much fun, but he definitely misses his mama!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Tagged
So I have been tagged, but this is a fun one because it's about my sweet husband.
Where did you meet? We first met at a youth dance when I was eighteen and Sam was seventeen. I was dropping my sister off and she introduced me to Sam. We met again four years later in the library at BYU while I was visiting Hannah and Ben.
How long have you been married? A little over 4 months.
What does he do that surprises you? He still cracks me up constantly, I'm surprised that I never get tired of his jokes. He's hilarious!
What is your favorite feature about him? His height, I'm a height snob as most of you know.
What's your favorite quality about him? I have two, his desire to always improve himself and our relationship and his lighthearted nature.
Does he have a nickname for you? What is it? He used to call me Head like everyone one else but now he calls me beebee or babe.
What's his favorite color? Blue.
What's his favorite food? Steak and mashed potatoes or Mexican food.
What's his favorite sport? He likes to watch College Basketball but play tennis.
Who said "I love you" first? I tricked Sam into saying it first. I asked him if he'd ever been in love and he said, if I ever loved someone I guess it would have to be you. That's right ladies a real romantic.
When and where was your first kiss? On Hannah's doorstep in Provo. We had met a month earlier but I lived in California and he lived in Utah so we'd talked on the phone a bit but hadn't really seen each other very much. Sam had JUST gotten home from his mission and hadn't kissed anyone yet. I remember asking him why he looked so nervous. He walked me to the door which was up a few stairs, then he walked down the stairs and stood there staring at me. Then he came back up the stairs and kissed me three times. I promise it was the most amazing first kiss, and I've loved all of his kisses ever since!
(actual location)
What's your favorite thing to do as a couple? Go to Costco.
Do you have kids? Don't I wish! We have Luke and he tides me over... For now.
What's a hidden talent that he has? His short court in tennis, you can't stop that reach.
How old is he? 24 ALMOST 25, yep I'm a 26 year old cradle robber.
What's his favorite type of music? Rock n Roll baby!
What do you most admire about him? His desire to do good, and to always do what is right.
What's his favorite pastime? You might think this sounds corny but he really just likes to spend one on one time with me. Well that or Warcraft III ha ha.
Do you think he is going to read this? I'm sure he will.
I have to tag people, so KC Grey, Christie Palmer, Jo Vest, and Kim Schaffer.
Where did you meet? We first met at a youth dance when I was eighteen and Sam was seventeen. I was dropping my sister off and she introduced me to Sam. We met again four years later in the library at BYU while I was visiting Hannah and Ben.
(actual location)
How long did you date before you were married? Well we dated for a year, broke up for a year, dated again for four months, and then we were engaged for almost three months.How long have you been married? A little over 4 months.
What does he do that surprises you? He still cracks me up constantly, I'm surprised that I never get tired of his jokes. He's hilarious!
What is your favorite feature about him? His height, I'm a height snob as most of you know.
What's your favorite quality about him? I have two, his desire to always improve himself and our relationship and his lighthearted nature.
Does he have a nickname for you? What is it? He used to call me Head like everyone one else but now he calls me beebee or babe.
What's his favorite color? Blue.
What's his favorite food? Steak and mashed potatoes or Mexican food.
What's his favorite sport? He likes to watch College Basketball but play tennis.
Who said "I love you" first? I tricked Sam into saying it first. I asked him if he'd ever been in love and he said, if I ever loved someone I guess it would have to be you. That's right ladies a real romantic.
When and where was your first kiss? On Hannah's doorstep in Provo. We had met a month earlier but I lived in California and he lived in Utah so we'd talked on the phone a bit but hadn't really seen each other very much. Sam had JUST gotten home from his mission and hadn't kissed anyone yet. I remember asking him why he looked so nervous. He walked me to the door which was up a few stairs, then he walked down the stairs and stood there staring at me. Then he came back up the stairs and kissed me three times. I promise it was the most amazing first kiss, and I've loved all of his kisses ever since!
(actual location)What's your favorite thing to do as a couple? Go to Costco.
Do you have kids? Don't I wish! We have Luke and he tides me over... For now.
What's a hidden talent that he has? His short court in tennis, you can't stop that reach.
How old is he? 24 ALMOST 25, yep I'm a 26 year old cradle robber.
What's his favorite type of music? Rock n Roll baby!
What do you most admire about him? His desire to do good, and to always do what is right.
What's his favorite pastime? You might think this sounds corny but he really just likes to spend one on one time with me. Well that or Warcraft III ha ha.
Do you think he is going to read this? I'm sure he will.
I have to tag people, so KC Grey, Christie Palmer, Jo Vest, and Kim Schaffer.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
So do you miss Provo?
Since moving back to the bay area my days are filled with my sweet husband, perfect weather, Luke, Ambyr, my brother (who is probably the most helpful person I know), my parents and grandparents being close by, the Nielsen's, a beautiful house to stay in, Sam's brother and sister-in-law, 2 adorable dogs that I love, going to see the trains with Luke, plenty of awesome job opportunities, interviews with well established companies, cooking, a tiny bit of cleaning since this house is always immaculate, nice neighbors, a very diverse ward. I am definitely what can only be described as blissful and yet I must admit there are a few things I do miss about Provo.
I guess what I miss most is not having my things in boxes. Being able to go to the bedroom and choose something to wear without rummaging through suitcases. Or finding our fennel in the spice cabinet rather than digging through the stacks to boxes in the garage. Sam's brother and sister-in-law have been so generous in allowing us to stay with them until we find permanent employment and a nice place in Burlingame, but I do miss having my own apartment.
The thing I miss next are my friends. I hate thinking that I have no clue when the next time Christie and I will see each other again is. Or realizing that Brittney and I never got to say goodbye. Or how I should have just gone to Jo's to see her instead of trying to call time and again (turns out her phone was broken) so I didn't get to have one last trip to the pool or hear about her trip to Southern California. It makes me so sad because I love my friends very much and I need them in my life.
This one goes without saying but I miss Graham Canyon Ice Cream!!! Okay so this is the thing I miss the very most. If I could choose between having my things unpacked or this Ice Cream, the ice cream would win. The Creamery needs to go nation wide with this stuff. It would be an instant success. For those of you unlucky souls who have no idea what I am talking about let me try to put into words how amazing this ice cream really is. It is made fresh in the BYU Creamery, it is vanilla, with ribbons of brown sugar, and chunks of malted graham cracker covered in chocolate. In a word it is heaven.
I miss going on walks in the middle of the night to the temple.
I miss Maria, Will, and Cadence; our neighbors who lived so close to us we could be in our individual apartments but having dinner together. And even though we never got to go camping, we still had a lot of fun with them.
I miss the Helaman Halls pool. Wymount tenants, such as we were, get unlimited pool access to the Helaman Halls pool and I took full advantage this summer. I would get a little color, chat with the moms from my ward, and have so much fun.
I miss visiting Sam's parents on Sunday afternoons. Sam's mother showing me the flourishing garden and the newest tree additions to the orchard. Sam's dad cracking us up with his jokes and listening to him play the piano. Chatting and cooking with Sam's sisters. Tre (their dog) terrorizing everyone in the house.
I miss visiting with my cousins who are in Utah, namely the Tingey's. It was so nice reconnecting with them and playing with their kids. I love having extended family around.
I miss cooking in my own kitchen. Candace's kitchen is much bigger and a LOT nicer, but I miss knowing where all of my things are and knowing what food is around and cooking dinner for Sam every night.
You may be thinking to yourself, all Heather has talked about for the last two years is getting the heck out of Utah and moving back to San Francisco and now she is complaining about missing Provo?!?! Well what I have come to realize is there are always going to be things I miss but I need to be happy about where I am at the time. I feel like I need to make it known that I did like Utah, but as great as it was it could never be home to me. SO I am happy I can say that I definitely made the best of Utah but I am SOOOO happy to be back in the Bay Area and I plan on living it up while Sam and I are here.
I guess what I miss most is not having my things in boxes. Being able to go to the bedroom and choose something to wear without rummaging through suitcases. Or finding our fennel in the spice cabinet rather than digging through the stacks to boxes in the garage. Sam's brother and sister-in-law have been so generous in allowing us to stay with them until we find permanent employment and a nice place in Burlingame, but I do miss having my own apartment.
The thing I miss next are my friends. I hate thinking that I have no clue when the next time Christie and I will see each other again is. Or realizing that Brittney and I never got to say goodbye. Or how I should have just gone to Jo's to see her instead of trying to call time and again (turns out her phone was broken) so I didn't get to have one last trip to the pool or hear about her trip to Southern California. It makes me so sad because I love my friends very much and I need them in my life.
This one goes without saying but I miss Graham Canyon Ice Cream!!! Okay so this is the thing I miss the very most. If I could choose between having my things unpacked or this Ice Cream, the ice cream would win. The Creamery needs to go nation wide with this stuff. It would be an instant success. For those of you unlucky souls who have no idea what I am talking about let me try to put into words how amazing this ice cream really is. It is made fresh in the BYU Creamery, it is vanilla, with ribbons of brown sugar, and chunks of malted graham cracker covered in chocolate. In a word it is heaven.
I miss going on walks in the middle of the night to the temple.
I miss Maria, Will, and Cadence; our neighbors who lived so close to us we could be in our individual apartments but having dinner together. And even though we never got to go camping, we still had a lot of fun with them.
I miss the Helaman Halls pool. Wymount tenants, such as we were, get unlimited pool access to the Helaman Halls pool and I took full advantage this summer. I would get a little color, chat with the moms from my ward, and have so much fun.
I miss visiting Sam's parents on Sunday afternoons. Sam's mother showing me the flourishing garden and the newest tree additions to the orchard. Sam's dad cracking us up with his jokes and listening to him play the piano. Chatting and cooking with Sam's sisters. Tre (their dog) terrorizing everyone in the house.
I miss visiting with my cousins who are in Utah, namely the Tingey's. It was so nice reconnecting with them and playing with their kids. I love having extended family around.
I miss cooking in my own kitchen. Candace's kitchen is much bigger and a LOT nicer, but I miss knowing where all of my things are and knowing what food is around and cooking dinner for Sam every night.
You may be thinking to yourself, all Heather has talked about for the last two years is getting the heck out of Utah and moving back to San Francisco and now she is complaining about missing Provo?!?! Well what I have come to realize is there are always going to be things I miss but I need to be happy about where I am at the time. I feel like I need to make it known that I did like Utah, but as great as it was it could never be home to me. SO I am happy I can say that I definitely made the best of Utah but I am SOOOO happy to be back in the Bay Area and I plan on living it up while Sam and I are here.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Happy happy birthday sister dear...
Today is Ambyr Jo Nielsen's 28th birthday!! For those of you who know my sister Ambyr, you know just how great she really is. She makes you feel comfortable, she is very easy to be around, and she has the best dimple you'll ever see! Case in point:
Ambyr has always been there for me. I talk to her every single day, most days more than once. She has always understood me best, believed in me, and helped me in any way possible. I asked my father (he said to tell Am hi and he loves her on this post) if he could think of any funny Am stories and he told me when she was about one, she and Kenny (who was three) were playing in their room and all of the sudden Ambyr started screaming bloody murder, and then Kenny ran into the living room and said, "mommy daddy, Ambyr just bit herself on the cheek!!" Now that was more of a Kenny story but it still made me laugh.
Ambyr is a great mother (she may kill me for posting this photo):
She was the cutest pregnant woman I have ever seen, there was definitely a glow about her. And she never complained about being pregnant. It may have been the second happiest I have ever seen her. The first being when Luke was born. The first thing she said as soon as she gave birth to Luke was, "that's it?!? I could do that again easily!" She was definitely born to be a mommy.
One of my favorite memories of Ambyr was when we were in high school together. Ambyr was a senior and I was a sophomore. We'd recently returned from spring break. Ambyr was an office assistant and answered the phones for the school. One morning she answered, "Irvington High School student speaking" and the voice at the other end said, "there is a bomb in your school and it will go off in 2 hours." To which Ambyr replied, "What!?!!? But there are so many good kids here!!!" Needless to say that was a frightening time, but Ambyr still said exactly what she thought. She defended our high school to a terrorist. She then ran to the area of campus where I had class and started to yell my name. I found her in the hallway and she took me home so we could be out of the line of danger. Ambyr has always taken care of me. For all she knew there was a bomb in our school, but she made sure to find me before she left. (Turns out, the call was just a prank, and terrible prank, and I believe the kid ended up in juvenile hall.) I just can't put into words how much my sister means to me. Thinking about what my life would be without her literally brings tears to my eyes. I love her more than anything and I am SOOOO excited to move home to spend more time with her!! One more week yeayyyyyyyy!!!
Love you sister!! I wish the Happiest Birthday to you xoxoxo
Ambyr has always been there for me. I talk to her every single day, most days more than once. She has always understood me best, believed in me, and helped me in any way possible. I asked my father (he said to tell Am hi and he loves her on this post) if he could think of any funny Am stories and he told me when she was about one, she and Kenny (who was three) were playing in their room and all of the sudden Ambyr started screaming bloody murder, and then Kenny ran into the living room and said, "mommy daddy, Ambyr just bit herself on the cheek!!" Now that was more of a Kenny story but it still made me laugh.Ambyr is a great mother (she may kill me for posting this photo):
She was the cutest pregnant woman I have ever seen, there was definitely a glow about her. And she never complained about being pregnant. It may have been the second happiest I have ever seen her. The first being when Luke was born. The first thing she said as soon as she gave birth to Luke was, "that's it?!? I could do that again easily!" She was definitely born to be a mommy.
One of my favorite memories of Ambyr was when we were in high school together. Ambyr was a senior and I was a sophomore. We'd recently returned from spring break. Ambyr was an office assistant and answered the phones for the school. One morning she answered, "Irvington High School student speaking" and the voice at the other end said, "there is a bomb in your school and it will go off in 2 hours." To which Ambyr replied, "What!?!!? But there are so many good kids here!!!" Needless to say that was a frightening time, but Ambyr still said exactly what she thought. She defended our high school to a terrorist. She then ran to the area of campus where I had class and started to yell my name. I found her in the hallway and she took me home so we could be out of the line of danger. Ambyr has always taken care of me. For all she knew there was a bomb in our school, but she made sure to find me before she left. (Turns out, the call was just a prank, and terrible prank, and I believe the kid ended up in juvenile hall.) I just can't put into words how much my sister means to me. Thinking about what my life would be without her literally brings tears to my eyes. I love her more than anything and I am SOOOO excited to move home to spend more time with her!! One more week yeayyyyyyyy!!!
Love you sister!! I wish the Happiest Birthday to you xoxoxo
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Coming Attractions:
Packing, packing, and more packing (box collecting is my new hobbie all of the sudden). This is our spare room, and believe it or not this is the best it's looked since we moved in.
Natalie comes to Utah on Saturday. Yes that is me in the photo, during darker times.
Hannah is coming for graduation in a week and a half. The bus was full of an all boys Jewish school, hilarious.
My Mom is coming to visit me. Okay so she is actually coming for graduation but I can pretend it's for me.
Adam is coming to town a couple days after Hannah.
Sam, Hannah, and Adam will all be graduating!!
Ambyr's Birthday!! Right now I am 26 and Ambyr is 27. These 3 weeks were our favorite growing up because we'd only have a year between our ages.
Sam and I will be moving back to the Bay Area. We don't know where we'll live, and neither of us have secured jobs just yet, but we are VERY excited to be near our families and where we grew up.
My best friend Kerri Avery, becomes Kerri Avery-Le.
Darlene comes to visit.
Ken starts UCDavis, I am so excited for him. He is majoring in Chemical Engineering so he can solve our oil crisis ;)
Lots of fun things happening I can hardly stand it.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Picture this!
So I figured I would update our blog on our fun summer in Utah with a photo summary, which is much more fun than reading about it.
Me and Sam in Park City
The Grey-Walls and The Ashbys riding the crazy coaster in Park City
We went to the Art Festival with Sam's sister Mara
My cousin Dana came to visit with her cute boys
We went to the Pioneer Day Parade
We ran around Salt Lake with Sam's parents in search of Pecan Pie and stopped in the Joseph Smith Memorial building.
Sam and his Dad went on an 8 hour fishing excursion.
Me and Sam in Park City
The Grey-Walls and The Ashbys riding the crazy coaster in Park City
We went to the Art Festival with Sam's sister Mara
My cousin Dana came to visit with her cute boys
We went to the Pioneer Day Parade
We ran around Salt Lake with Sam's parents in search of Pecan Pie and stopped in the Joseph Smith Memorial building.
Sam and his Dad went on an 8 hour fishing excursion.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
You can't keep a good man down!
So I was pretty disappointed on Wednesday night after so you think you can dance. Mark was partnered with Comfort, which couldn't be good. And then they chose Hip hop (good news) and the quick step (the kiss of death!!). The hip hop routine was awesome, but the quick step was a mess, as I suspected it would be. So first they put him with Kherington and then Comfort, two of the worst girl dancers if you ask me. It seemed a little fishy. I called Natalie to complain and she informed me she had talked to Mark who informed her the partners are not random at all. They give you a hat with one name in it, so it is pre-selected. LUCKILY for Mark, America loves him and he was not voted out this week PHEW! I was really surprised that Twitch was in the bottom. He is Sam's favorite. I didn't think Will would be leaving, he is an amazing dancer... But I am still pulling for Mark and Chelsea, here is why:
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
HKJ Rolls
This is the best roll recipe I have found to date. Enjoy!
HKJ Rolls
10 1/2 cups white unbleached bread flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon salt
3 rounded Tablespoon instant yeast
3 Tablespoon liquid lecithin (you can find it at any health food store or sub w vegetable oil)
4 cups hot water
Mix dry ingredients. Add lecithin and water. Mix for 1 min. and check consistency. If dough is too dry, add more water. If dough is too moist, add more flour. If you have a mixer, mix for five min.-if not knead by hand for ten min. (I spray my working area and hands with some Pam, to keep the dough from becoming too sticky). Do NOT add water or flour to the dough after it has finished mixing. Spray counter and pans with Pam. Shape loaves and cover with a dish towel. Let raise 25 min. Bake at 350 for 25 min. This recipe makes 4 loaves of bread.
I don't make loaves, but rolls, so you don't have to let the rolls rise, unless you want them bigger than you make them and I find that baking them for about 8-9 min. is all it takes. I always take a sharp knife and make a few cuts on the top and the brush the tops with butter and sprinkle with seasoning.
I always half this recipe, 10 1/2 cups of flour would make a TON of rolls, so if it’s just for a few people, I would do the half and if you use lecithin pour it directly into the bowl-don't try to measure it, because it is so sticky that even your dish washer won't get it off the measuring spoon.
HKJ Rolls
10 1/2 cups white unbleached bread flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon salt
3 rounded Tablespoon instant yeast
3 Tablespoon liquid lecithin (you can find it at any health food store or sub w vegetable oil)
4 cups hot water
Mix dry ingredients. Add lecithin and water. Mix for 1 min. and check consistency. If dough is too dry, add more water. If dough is too moist, add more flour. If you have a mixer, mix for five min.-if not knead by hand for ten min. (I spray my working area and hands with some Pam, to keep the dough from becoming too sticky). Do NOT add water or flour to the dough after it has finished mixing. Spray counter and pans with Pam. Shape loaves and cover with a dish towel. Let raise 25 min. Bake at 350 for 25 min. This recipe makes 4 loaves of bread.
I don't make loaves, but rolls, so you don't have to let the rolls rise, unless you want them bigger than you make them and I find that baking them for about 8-9 min. is all it takes. I always take a sharp knife and make a few cuts on the top and the brush the tops with butter and sprinkle with seasoning.
I always half this recipe, 10 1/2 cups of flour would make a TON of rolls, so if it’s just for a few people, I would do the half and if you use lecithin pour it directly into the bowl-don't try to measure it, because it is so sticky that even your dish washer won't get it off the measuring spoon.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Lead me guide me walk beside me
Sam and I have lived at Wymount for 2.5 months and we are moving in 4-5 weeks so imagine my surprise when the 2nd counselor came to meet with Sam and I to give me the calling of primary music leader. Now when the calling was first extended I was shocked and less than excited. Not because I wanted a different calling or anything like that, but as you probably know, I have no musical talent. It's also so new to me to be in a ward that even has a primary because singles wards do not have them for obvious reason. I wondered if I'd feel disconnected from my peers, or if people would assume I'd gone less active. But after a little more thought and prayer, I felt great about the calling and excited to learn how to be successful in this position.
Today was my first day in primary. I was only observing, as the prior music leader, Whitney, had already prepared her lesson plan. Walking in I quickly noticed that there were 6 primary leaders, and just one child. His name is Gordon and he is darling. One of the other leaders, Sister King, has a 3 year old daughter, Rachel King, so she decided Rachel could start primary a little early and then we had one visitor who was about 4 years old. So we had a class of 3 children and about 6 leaders (7 if you include Sam who came with me for moral support).
As we started to sing, I was really impressed with how well the kids knew the songs and how well behaved the children were. We started to sing "Called to Serve". Whitney stared by rehearsing the first line of the song for the children, "Called to serve him heavenly KING of glory..." As soon as Rachel King heard the word "King" she gave the funniest sounding snicker as if to say, "oh you're using my last name now are you?" so Whitney replied, "Oh that's right, whose last name is King?" and the visitor, Clark, yelled out "JESUS!"
Throughout music time one of the leaders sits in front holding something that looks like a thermometer. If the children are reverent the temperature increases, if they are being a little rambunctious the temperature decreases. Now the thermometer doesn't earn the kids a treat or a sticker but for some reason they respect the thermometer. Clark especially respected the thermometer. If Gordon and Rachel were acting up he would get the most panicked look on his face, he would put his hands on his face and start to shake his head no vigorously. It was too cute.
I love these little kids, and I and so excited about my new calling! If you have any advice about teaching children lyrics I'd love to hear it.
Today was my first day in primary. I was only observing, as the prior music leader, Whitney, had already prepared her lesson plan. Walking in I quickly noticed that there were 6 primary leaders, and just one child. His name is Gordon and he is darling. One of the other leaders, Sister King, has a 3 year old daughter, Rachel King, so she decided Rachel could start primary a little early and then we had one visitor who was about 4 years old. So we had a class of 3 children and about 6 leaders (7 if you include Sam who came with me for moral support).
As we started to sing, I was really impressed with how well the kids knew the songs and how well behaved the children were. We started to sing "Called to Serve". Whitney stared by rehearsing the first line of the song for the children, "Called to serve him heavenly KING of glory..." As soon as Rachel King heard the word "King" she gave the funniest sounding snicker as if to say, "oh you're using my last name now are you?" so Whitney replied, "Oh that's right, whose last name is King?" and the visitor, Clark, yelled out "JESUS!"
Throughout music time one of the leaders sits in front holding something that looks like a thermometer. If the children are reverent the temperature increases, if they are being a little rambunctious the temperature decreases. Now the thermometer doesn't earn the kids a treat or a sticker but for some reason they respect the thermometer. Clark especially respected the thermometer. If Gordon and Rachel were acting up he would get the most panicked look on his face, he would put his hands on his face and start to shake his head no vigorously. It was too cute.
I love these little kids, and I and so excited about my new calling! If you have any advice about teaching children lyrics I'd love to hear it.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Shower me with the love...
I went to Sabrina's shower this morning and it was so fun. We pretty much just hung out and chatted, my favorite things to do at showers. Then all of the married women went around and gave advice to the soon-to-be married girl. Some attendees gave great advice and I wanted to tell every one about it. So it gave me the idea to post the marriage advice I received at my shower and ask if anyone received any advice they think would be worth sharing.
1. Stay faithful to your religion first and foremost
2. You don't have to be the winner in every argument.
3. As Winston Churchill advised, "never give up!"
4. Keep all of your thoughts positive and your words uplifting.
5. You always have time to talk things through.
6. I all else fails, go shopping.
7. Do you want to be happy or do you want to be right? Happiness always!!
8. Always give him a kiss goodbye.
9. Marriage is not a matter of romance, but more and anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of your companion.
Everyone else said, don't go to bed angry, I am not sure how feel about that one... If you have any brilliant advice, I would still love to hear it!
Congratulations Sabrina!! I hope you and Dustin are so happy together!!
1. Stay faithful to your religion first and foremost
2. You don't have to be the winner in every argument.
3. As Winston Churchill advised, "never give up!"
4. Keep all of your thoughts positive and your words uplifting.
5. You always have time to talk things through.
6. I all else fails, go shopping.
7. Do you want to be happy or do you want to be right? Happiness always!!
8. Always give him a kiss goodbye.
9. Marriage is not a matter of romance, but more and anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of your companion.
Everyone else said, don't go to bed angry, I am not sure how feel about that one... If you have any brilliant advice, I would still love to hear it!
Congratulations Sabrina!! I hope you and Dustin are so happy together!!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
So you think you can DANCE DANCE DANCE
So I love "So You Think You Can Dance", seriously I look forward to it all week. This is my first season watching it and I started because my best friend Natalie's dance partner is on it and he's amazing. In case you are wondering it's Mark. I haven't met him or anything but he's an incredible dancer.
(That's Nat and Mark). I don't vote but I really want Mark to at least be in the top 5. Chelsea is my favorite girl now, since Kourtni was eliminated last week :(
Side note, I miss my friends. For the first time in, well ever, I have nothing but free time and I have no one to hang out with. Thank goodness Ambyr and my Mom also have free time to chat with me on the phone, but I need someone to hit up the pool with me... Christie why'd you have to leave??
(That's Nat and Mark). I don't vote but I really want Mark to at least be in the top 5. Chelsea is my favorite girl now, since Kourtni was eliminated last week :(
Side note, I miss my friends. For the first time in, well ever, I have nothing but free time and I have no one to hang out with. Thank goodness Ambyr and my Mom also have free time to chat with me on the phone, but I need someone to hit up the pool with me... Christie why'd you have to leave??
Saturday, June 28, 2008
No one wants soup in the summer time...
No one, besides Sam that is. He begged me to make some Chicken and Broccoli Cheese Soup. I thought I'd share the recipe in case anyone else is craving soup in June.
Chicken and Broccoli Cheese Soup
2-3 cooked chicken breasts
4 c chicken broth
4 c broccoli (chopped into small pieces)
¾ c butter
¾ c flour
1 quart half and half
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1. Cook 2-3 chicken breasts and chop into small pieces (boiled chicken might work well)
2. Bring 4 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add broccoli, simmer 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. White Sauce: Melt butter in a sauce pan. Whisk in flour until smooth over medium heat. Pour in half and half. Stir until it thickens, then gradually add cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
4. Bring broccoli and broth to a simmer again and slowly pour in the white cheese sauce. Continue to stir until thickens. Add some coarse black pepper.
5. Add cooked chicken, and heat until chicken is warm again.
Chicken and Broccoli Cheese Soup
2-3 cooked chicken breasts
4 c chicken broth
4 c broccoli (chopped into small pieces)
¾ c butter
¾ c flour
1 quart half and half
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1. Cook 2-3 chicken breasts and chop into small pieces (boiled chicken might work well)
2. Bring 4 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add broccoli, simmer 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. White Sauce: Melt butter in a sauce pan. Whisk in flour until smooth over medium heat. Pour in half and half. Stir until it thickens, then gradually add cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
4. Bring broccoli and broth to a simmer again and slowly pour in the white cheese sauce. Continue to stir until thickens. Add some coarse black pepper.
5. Add cooked chicken, and heat until chicken is warm again.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Happy Birthday Mom!
I just wanted to wish my mom a happy birthday. She is growing up so fast... And mom, congratulations on your new job. It's going to be a great year.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
It's all Gravy
So I have been trying for so long to make a tasty white gravy. I have asked every cook I know how they do it. I watch the food network (converted by Christie), I read cookbooks, but I have never been able to master the art of gravy making. Last week I made an attempt and it came out tasting like flour and it was super lumpy.
So today I decided to give it another go so I called my Granny who is an excellent cook. She is one of those grandmothers who makes everything from scratch, grinds her own wheat, and never measures anything, so who better to learn from? I had her explain the process to me in detail and then I kept her on the phone while I cooked and what do you know, it turned out perfectly! Here is how I did it:
Keep all of the chicken grease in the pan from the cooked chicken(assuming you made chicken).
Add about a tablespoon of butter, and make a rue by heating the butter to a strong simmer, then adding enough flour to absorb the butter/oil mix, and stirring vigorously over med/high heat.
Remove the pan from heat for 1-2 minutes.
Add a splash of milk and mix well with a fork.
Return to heat.
Add a little more milk and stir again until mixed well.
Continue to add milk until you get the correct consistency you are looking for.
If you make it a bit too runny, stir on med/high heat until it thickens up.
YUM Thanks Granny!
So today I decided to give it another go so I called my Granny who is an excellent cook. She is one of those grandmothers who makes everything from scratch, grinds her own wheat, and never measures anything, so who better to learn from? I had her explain the process to me in detail and then I kept her on the phone while I cooked and what do you know, it turned out perfectly! Here is how I did it:
Keep all of the chicken grease in the pan from the cooked chicken(assuming you made chicken).
Add about a tablespoon of butter, and make a rue by heating the butter to a strong simmer, then adding enough flour to absorb the butter/oil mix, and stirring vigorously over med/high heat.
Remove the pan from heat for 1-2 minutes.
Add a splash of milk and mix well with a fork.
Return to heat.
Add a little more milk and stir again until mixed well.
Continue to add milk until you get the correct consistency you are looking for.
If you make it a bit too runny, stir on med/high heat until it thickens up.
YUM Thanks Granny!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Ode to my Tide Stick
Have you ever had the commercial experience? Where something happens and you think to yourself, "I totally feel like I'm in a commercial for ________ right now." Well this happened to me just the other day.
I went to BYU where Sam is currently attending school and one of the counselors agreed to give me a little resume help. He is a prominent business man in Provo, and a well respected career advisor. He was running a bit late and as I sat in the waiting room I found two stains on my cute seersucker capris. It looked like one was chocolate, and the other was pen. I grabbed my little tide stick from my purse and started to color on my pants and voila! Both spots instantly disappeared! They also dried in time for my meeting.
Then about an hour later I was at home eating a burrito with salsa, while wearing a white top (dun dun duuuuun). You guessed it; I spilled salsa on my white top. Again I grabbed my Tide Stick and again the stains dissolved.
I love my Tide Stick. I know not every one is a believer but it sure saved my outfit :)
I went to BYU where Sam is currently attending school and one of the counselors agreed to give me a little resume help. He is a prominent business man in Provo, and a well respected career advisor. He was running a bit late and as I sat in the waiting room I found two stains on my cute seersucker capris. It looked like one was chocolate, and the other was pen. I grabbed my little tide stick from my purse and started to color on my pants and voila! Both spots instantly disappeared! They also dried in time for my meeting.
Then about an hour later I was at home eating a burrito with salsa, while wearing a white top (dun dun duuuuun). You guessed it; I spilled salsa on my white top. Again I grabbed my Tide Stick and again the stains dissolved.
I love my Tide Stick. I know not every one is a believer but it sure saved my outfit :)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Music to my ears
I have heard a lot of controversy about putting auto play music on blogs. A past associate once told me how annoying they found music on blogs; then again that person tended to be overly opinionated and easily irritated (you know the type) so I didn't give it a second thought. Then my sister Ambyr, whose opinion is significant, was reading something about blog etiquette and it said that music should not be posted on blogs because it can be a nuisance to blog readers.
Now it's no secret how much I love my music. I feel like I always have a million things on my mind and somehow when I turn on my music, it gives me clarity. In fact my favorite part of my blog is my play list; I probably add one or two songs to it every single day. I also love hearing what music my friends and family members put on their blogs (accept when people put "Bubbly" or "Love Song" on their page, barf). Music gives blogs some personality.
So for those of you who do not appreciate my music, feel free not to visit! SamlovesHeather does not want you here. Just kidding. But by all means, you may lower the volume on your computer because my music isn't going anywhere.
Now it's no secret how much I love my music. I feel like I always have a million things on my mind and somehow when I turn on my music, it gives me clarity. In fact my favorite part of my blog is my play list; I probably add one or two songs to it every single day. I also love hearing what music my friends and family members put on their blogs (accept when people put "Bubbly" or "Love Song" on their page, barf). Music gives blogs some personality.
So for those of you who do not appreciate my music, feel free not to visit! SamlovesHeather does not want you here. Just kidding. But by all means, you may lower the volume on your computer because my music isn't going anywhere.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Not great
My friend Christie just started a blog and she introduced me to cutestblogonthebolck.blogspot.com. It has the cutest templates I've found. Well I couldn't figure out how to correctly paste the code, so my brilliant husband did it for me. To hurt my pride even more, it took him under 2 minutes to do so. However, neither of us can figure out how to make the rest of the blog settings go away. I have that weird boarder up top and the funky colors to my right. I mean I know how to change the colors, but I can't figure out how to make them just go away. Oh the world of blogging, it's such a challenge ha.
Monday, June 2, 2008
My true loves
We all know Sam is my one true love, no question.
Here are a few other loves in my life:
1. Luke!
2. Music
3. Recipes, I just can't have enough!
4. Spending time with family and friends
5. Being tan, however reality has set in and now I am well aware of cancer risks so to Ambyr's delight I don't tan anymore :(
6. Having a clean house
7. Great weather
8. Living on the peninsula (it's just around the corner)
9. One Tree Hill (a guilty pleasure)
10. Reading
11. Wakeboring (preferably with Kissy, Aunt Shelly, and co.)
12. Beachin it with Heidi, Nat, Jo, Reese, or any of my Hawaii GF's
13. Freshly highlighted hair
14. Cold grapes on a hot summer day
15. Utah lightning storms, they are pretty incredible
16. Editing photos
17. When my friends find there one true love
18. Dancing, luckily my cute husband is a terrific dancer :)
19. My Aunt Shelly's kitchen
20. Waking up at my grandma's house
21. Cuddling with Sam or Luke
22. Shopping with my sisters
23. Eating Chocolate with Ambyr
24. Laughing until I cry (thank you Ben, you seem to bring this out in me more than anyone else)
25. Road trips!
26. Double dating with the Grewal's
27. Blog-stalking
28. Market Street Grill, yum!
29. Baseball games, especially college and minor league
30. Sleeeeeeeeep, which I never get enough of.
Here are a few other loves in my life:
1. Luke!
2. Music
3. Recipes, I just can't have enough!
4. Spending time with family and friends
5. Being tan, however reality has set in and now I am well aware of cancer risks so to Ambyr's delight I don't tan anymore :(
6. Having a clean house
7. Great weather
8. Living on the peninsula (it's just around the corner)
9. One Tree Hill (a guilty pleasure)
10. Reading
11. Wakeboring (preferably with Kissy, Aunt Shelly, and co.)
12. Beachin it with Heidi, Nat, Jo, Reese, or any of my Hawaii GF's
13. Freshly highlighted hair
14. Cold grapes on a hot summer day
15. Utah lightning storms, they are pretty incredible
16. Editing photos
17. When my friends find there one true love
18. Dancing, luckily my cute husband is a terrific dancer :)
19. My Aunt Shelly's kitchen
20. Waking up at my grandma's house
21. Cuddling with Sam or Luke
22. Shopping with my sisters
23. Eating Chocolate with Ambyr
24. Laughing until I cry (thank you Ben, you seem to bring this out in me more than anyone else)
25. Road trips!
26. Double dating with the Grewal's
27. Blog-stalking
28. Market Street Grill, yum!
29. Baseball games, especially college and minor league
30. Sleeeeeeeeep, which I never get enough of.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Eye Sore
Sam and I are subletting our apartment and we are currently housing the owners furniture and ours. As you can imagine, there isn't any extra space. The people who subleased to us have this enormous desk that we simply could not find a place for. It won't fit in the doorway to our extra bedroom so there is literally no room for it. So we decided to moved it under the stairwell in front of our apartment. We received a notice the day I left asking us to move it or it would be disposed of.
Sam got a little creative and here is what I found when I returned home:
Sam got a little creative and here is what I found when I returned home:
Yuuuuuuuuum
Hannah's wedding was incredible and I have come to refer to my weekend in Chicago as the best food weekend of my life. We went to a place called Carnival on Thursday with Adam's sisters. It was so much fun. Who doesn't love a girl's night out? I had an icredible 10oz steak and I ate every last bite!
Friday we went to the rehearsal dinner and it was incredible. The place was beautiful and we had the best macaroni and cheese ever. Who knew mac'n'cheese could be such a delicacy?
Saturday was the wedding. We went to the salon to get all pretty, we got dunkin donuts is so yummy! They have this white hot chocolate that's to die for, and their donut with sprinkles is delish. Then we went to the golf club where the wedding was going to take place. The chef prepared some sandwiches for the bridesmaids which were amazing. Then we watched the ring ceremony, performed by Adam's Uncle Van. It was so great, he should really write a book. Then the reception was in full swing right after and again my taste buds were in for a treat. The best cheesy potatoes (well second best, no one can beat Aunt Shelly's potatoes). Mary and I agreed the chicken was the best ever and the steak was tender and perfect. Oh I have failed to mention that Hannah looked PERFECT. Her make-up, hair, and dress all worked... She looked like a princess. I forgot my camera but I'll post a photo as soon as Am sends me some.
Sunday Luke, Ambyr, Tyler, and I met up with Danielle and Eric in Chicago and ate some authentic Chicago Pizza. I never knew it had pizza sauce on the top and the toppings and cheese in the middle. Basically you have a thin crust, topped with a brick of cheese, topped with another thin layer of crust, topped with sauce. So gooooood! I loved it.
So I must say, Chicago is now my #1 favorite city. They have the best food, the nicest people, and the scenery is beautiful.
Friday we went to the rehearsal dinner and it was incredible. The place was beautiful and we had the best macaroni and cheese ever. Who knew mac'n'cheese could be such a delicacy?
Saturday was the wedding. We went to the salon to get all pretty, we got dunkin donuts is so yummy! They have this white hot chocolate that's to die for, and their donut with sprinkles is delish. Then we went to the golf club where the wedding was going to take place. The chef prepared some sandwiches for the bridesmaids which were amazing. Then we watched the ring ceremony, performed by Adam's Uncle Van. It was so great, he should really write a book. Then the reception was in full swing right after and again my taste buds were in for a treat. The best cheesy potatoes (well second best, no one can beat Aunt Shelly's potatoes). Mary and I agreed the chicken was the best ever and the steak was tender and perfect. Oh I have failed to mention that Hannah looked PERFECT. Her make-up, hair, and dress all worked... She looked like a princess. I forgot my camera but I'll post a photo as soon as Am sends me some.
Sunday Luke, Ambyr, Tyler, and I met up with Danielle and Eric in Chicago and ate some authentic Chicago Pizza. I never knew it had pizza sauce on the top and the toppings and cheese in the middle. Basically you have a thin crust, topped with a brick of cheese, topped with another thin layer of crust, topped with sauce. So gooooood! I loved it.
So I must say, Chicago is now my #1 favorite city. They have the best food, the nicest people, and the scenery is beautiful.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Leland'd 62nd Birthday
At dinner last night it was Sam's father, Lee's, 62nd birthday.
Sam was reminiscing and said Mara taught him Yo Mama jokes when he was ten years old.
Lyn asked, what that was.
Lee quickly responded in a ghetto voice saying, "Oh you know, yo mama's so fat, she has her own zip code."
HILARIOUS.
Sam was reminiscing and said Mara taught him Yo Mama jokes when he was ten years old.
Lyn asked, what that was.
Lee quickly responded in a ghetto voice saying, "Oh you know, yo mama's so fat, she has her own zip code."
HILARIOUS.
Hannah's Best Week Ever!
So here is why this is Hannah's "Best Week Ever"
She found out she gets to move to the Big Apple (do they still call it that? Either way she's New York bound).
This goes along with the above, but her soon-to-be husband was offered his dream job
She turns twenty-two
She gets MARRIED!!! YEAY!!
She gets to...
She is going to the Virgin Islands
No one deserves a great week more than Hannah, I love you baby!! I know this great week is product of all of your hard work and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. You deserve all the best and happiness that this world has for you. I love you very very much and this week is just the beginning of many great weeks, months, and years to come.
She found out she gets to move to the Big Apple (do they still call it that? Either way she's New York bound).
This goes along with the above, but her soon-to-be husband was offered his dream job
She turns twenty-two
She gets MARRIED!!! YEAY!!
She gets to...
She is going to the Virgin Islands
No one deserves a great week more than Hannah, I love you baby!! I know this great week is product of all of your hard work and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. You deserve all the best and happiness that this world has for you. I love you very very much and this week is just the beginning of many great weeks, months, and years to come.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Where to begin...
I have been trying so hard to come up with a great way to express my feelings of love and overwhelming gratitude for my wedding day and everything that everyone did to make my day perfect and it's just so hard... But, how do you thank the people who made the best day of your life possible? How do you tell them how grateful you are? How nothing could ever have meant so much to you? Well I'm just going to say it, Tyler and Luke thank you. The truth is my amazing sister Ambyr planned my entire wedding. Why am I thanking Tyler and Luke you ask? Well they were kind enough to lend me Ambyr's time and attention that should and would be given to them for weeks, maybe months. So thanks guys, I really appreciate it.
I don't want to embarrass the other contributors who made my day perfect, but to all else, I sincerely do want to say thank you and I love each of you. Thanks to everyone who came to the wedding to support us. And if you didn't come, I can't wait to tell you all about it (if your interested).
I will give an actual update tomorrow!
I would next like to thank Chico, he too gave up the time and attention of his mommy. And after helping fund the reception, I'm sure mom and Gary can no longer afford to buy Chico as many accessories or treats as he's become accustomed to. What a sacrifice. Thanks Cheeks!!
I don't want to embarrass the other contributors who made my day perfect, but to all else, I sincerely do want to say thank you and I love each of you. Thanks to everyone who came to the wedding to support us. And if you didn't come, I can't wait to tell you all about it (if your interested).
I will give an actual update tomorrow!
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