Friday Night Lights

This show has CONSUMED our lives for the last week. We haven't been to bed before midnight. I dream about it at night, catch myself thinking about it throughout the day, and it's the topic of our conversation majority of the time. But that is what happens when you get completely hooked on a tv show like Friday Night Lights. And believe me, you will get hooked. We can never stop after one episode, so we don't even try. It usually turns into two or three night, and suddenly it's after midnight. This morning at 1:00am we finished the last episode of Season 1. But we immediately had to watch the first episode of Season 2; we couldn't be left hanging.

There are a few of you who know exactly what I'm talking about (Spence and Car--by the way this obsession is kind of your fault:) but thanks)

Anyone looking for a great show, this is it! It's incredible! It's heartwarming, suspenseful, intense, comedic. We laugh, I cry (Brett has been close). Its such a great television show.

Congrats to Karah and Joseph!

This past weekend Brett and I flew to Denver for my friend Karah's wedding. Karah was one of my good friends and teammates at Oregon State. I think we instantly bonded because were both Colorado girls! She and her husband, Joseph now live in Denver. The wedding was great, the bride was beautiful--Karah's dress was stunning!

Karah and her dad

The bride and groom

Kate, Allison, and I were able to spend the entire night catching up and reminiscing our college volleyball days! Hadn't seent these girls since 2006!

All of us with the bride

This is Kate's 10 month old little girl, Joy! She is the most adorable little red-head. Brett fell in love with her right away! He said we could have a red-headed baby if she was as cute as Joy! It's so crazy, yet amazing to see some of your friends be mothers!

Congrats to Karah and Joseph Reygers!

Arizona

Brett and I drove to Arizona on Friday, for a quick weekend trip to visit my family. The whole fam was there for the blessing of my oldest brother Tyler's new baby, Crew!

Saturday we hit up the pool. The boys had a blast on the diving boards!

Not sure what Brett is doing....cannon ball??

Tyler flyin' high

Spence doing a dive. I snapped the picture too early, but it looks pretty cool!

Gracelyn LOVING the water!

This is the man of the hour....Crew. Sleeping even at the pool. He is so precious and hardly ever cries or fusses.

All of the siblings and their spouses (poor Justin is the odd-man out).

Our trip was way too quick, but I'm so glad we were able to spend some time with my family and were able to be there for Crew's baby blessing!! Can't wait to see everyone again!

So You Think You Can Dance Season 5

This is mine and Brett's all-time favorite show (yep, Brett even likes it, no-he loves it!) Season 5 starts tomorrow night! If you're not a watcher, it's time to start. It's better than American Idol, better than Dancing with the Stars, and it'll soooo make you wish you could dance!!

Sheri's Lookin Good

Brett and I got his mom a flirty apron for Mother's Day. She sent us this picture today (our gift arrived a day late). I had to post it because she looks so cute in it!!

Thanks Sheri for being such a great mother to Brett, you raised an incredible son!! And thanks for being a great second mother to me, I love being a part of your family!

I Often Go Walking

I often go walking in meadows of clover,
And I gather armfuls of blossoms of blue.
I gather the blossoms the whole meadow over;
Dear mother, all flowers remind me of you.
O mother, I give you my love with each flower.
To give forth sweet fragrance a whole lifetime through;
For if I love blossoms and meadows and walking,
I learn how to love them, dear mother from you.

This sweet, simple primary song made me think about all of the different and unique qualities my mother has, and about everything I have learned from her. She has showed me how to enjoy the simple things in life, and she's taught me there is nothing more important than serving your family, serving your children. I hope I can be the same selfless mother she's always been. Thanks mom, for being the best mother and my best friend!

Happy Mother's Day!

Do What You Love

Volleyball used to consume my life! in fact, it was my life through college! I loved it! But since I finished playing at Oregon State (yeah, 3 years ago), I've played less and less each year. Suddenly, I have the urge to play again! I miss it.

I'm playing in an outdoor doubles volleyball tournament with a friend tomorrow. I will be rusty, it could be ugly, and we might get crushed by the other teams; but it will be so great to play again!

I'm excited to start doing what I love again and playing some vball.

Impetigo--OUCH! YUCK!

I am one of those cursed individuals that gets cold sores! They are annoying, painful, unattractive, and embarrassing. For those of you that get them-you know the pain I'm talking about. For those of you that don't-count your blessings!!

Well, this weekend I've experience something much worse than cold sores.

On Thursday night my lips were feelig really dry and the corner of my lip started to crack. Friday morning I woke up to what looked like a round, red-ish looking rash in the corning of my mouth with little bumps lining the edges of my lips. By Friday night the bumps were itching and throbbing. I thought it was fever blisters from being in the sun so much in Florida. Well, Saturday morning I woke up to big, red, blistery, itching, stinging, swollen lips-covered in little bumps. Painful and hideous!

This morning I woke up to find my condition worsening and decided to go to an urgent care to get some medication! (I had tried my cold sore medication and it obviously wasn't working). There, I was told I have a bad case of IMPETIGO on my lips. Impetigo is a bacterial infection usually caused by stapholococcus aurus (staph infection). I was given a topical cream that will hopefully kill it within a couple of days.

In the meantime, my lips are still burning, itching, throbbing, swollen, and not a pretty site at all. It hurts to eat, talk, or even open my mouth! Brett's been bored with a mute all day! However, I've decided I'd much rather deal with a cold sore than this. Impetigo...ouch! yuck! And it is highly contaigeous--so no kisses for Brett!

Florida

Brett and I spent 5 days in Florida visiting his brother John and his wife Christy, and their kiddos Austin and Brock. Now that we are back to work, school, and real life we are wishing we were still there. We had such a great time. Living clear across the country, we never get to see John and Christy so it was great for us to spend a few days with them! They were the best hosts!

Airboat ride! (I know, we are not looking our best, but to our credit we went straight from the gym)

We were able to celebrate Brock's 2nd birthday with him, Elmo style!

Our 15 mile bike ride down "Shark Valley" where we saw tons of alligators! These suckers were everywhere!
Brett fishing in the canal behind John & Christy's house

We ate at a super yummy burger joint, Le Tub. It's right along the water with a great view!

Check out the size of their burgers!!

Denny's Latin Style-just had to take a pic. We didn't actually eat there.

Highlight of the trip...SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS!!. It was such a neat experience. We swam with a mother dolphin and her baby.

Another yummy meal at Bubba Gumps at Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Thanks John and Christy for showing us such a great time, it really was just the vacation we needed!

FINALS WEEK

Brett's had a rough week of studying and getting ready for Finals. I've tried to be busy, out of the way, and not a distraction-it's actually been a great week for me (and I feel a little bad about it, because it's been grusome for Brett!)

Monday: I was in bed by 9:30pm. I can't remember the last time I went to bed that early. Brett studied until 2:00am--Rebember the freshman days of college when we did that every night and still got up for 8am class?? How??

Tuesday: I was in bed by 10:00pm. Brett studied until 3am. Loving the sleep I'm getting, but poor Brett.

Wednesday: Brett took a break from studying. We did P90X "Core Synergistics" together. It wasn't Brett's typical kind of workout-I laughed my head off watching him! It wasn't a great workout for me-I was laughing too hard to do anything. But it was fun, and it was time with him , so it was great!

Thursday: GIRLS NIGHT!! I went to dinner with Kim and Megan Griffin. Noodles & Red Mango. We just sat around eating, talking, and laughing for 3 hours! I loved it! Brett studied all night.

Friday: I'm going to a comedy show with some girls I work with, Leanna & Katherine. Brett is taking two finals today and studying all night:(

Saturday: I'm running the Salt Lake 1/2 marathon at 7:00am. Brett is taking another final at 7:00am. After that, more studying, for another final that afternoon. I've got a friend's bridal shower-woot woot, then softball practice (if I can walk) for our company co-ed city league team. Brett will be studying. Then, dinner with the Chase & Ash-our last hoorah with them before our friends & neighbors move back to DC.

Sunday: RELAX. REST. Brett will study all day for ONE more final on Monday!

Monday: Brett takes his last final!!! THEN WE START PACKING.

TUESDAY: This will be a great day!! Goodbye Utah---HELLOOOO FLORIDA!!!

Yes we are going on a little vaca' to Florida--for a week!!! We're going to Miami to visit Brett's brother John, his wife Christy, & their kiddos Austin & Brock!! I can't tell you how excited we are! I've had a fun-filled/sleep-filled week and Brett has had a painful week of studying and finals, and no sleep. He soooo deserves a break!

We are ready for the beach, warm weather, good food, and great company!

Date Night With Kyle

Brett and I decided to take our niece Kyle out on a date for her 6th birthday. We started the night with a 5:00pm showing of Hannah Montana, the movie. Kyle loves Hannah Montana, and Brett has a secret admiration as well. We all loved it! After the movie we took Kyle to her restaurant of choice, Cafe Rio, which just happens to be right next to Maggie Moo's Ice Cream, so of course we stopped there for dessert afterwards:)

Kyle ready for Hannah Montana!!!

Had to capture the Hannah Montana bag!Waiting for the movie to start

Too Cute!

We had so much fun with Kyle! After the fun was over we took her home and hung out at Ryan and Laura's house for a while, and played with the other kids.

I'd like to say the night was a huge hit with Kyle.....but the next morning we received the following text from Ryan (which he had sent at 3am): "Kyle just puked popcorn, gummy bears, soda, Cafe Rio, and ice cream all over her room. Thanks for showing her a good time!"

Next time we'll know not to spoil her with all the food and candy she wants!!! Hopefully there can be a next time??

Thanks Kyle for the fun, and sorry Ryan and Laura for the middle of the night puking and cleaning up throw-up!!!

Let the Fun Begin!

Friday night we drove up to Vivian Park for a bonfire with friends. It was a fun night of roasting marshmallows,eating smores, roasting starbursts (you should try this, they are super yummy when they're soft and warm), and simply just hanging out! We got lucky with great weather. It was just a fun night to hang with friends.

Just enjoying the warm fire!!

Brett's buddy Taylor
Jan & Kristina

Todd and Tawnie

Mitch & Alex PayneBlake, Talon, Aaron & Mercediesand us!!

Lookin' forward to more fun times with friends this spring & summer!

Congrats Ty and Ash!!

My brother Tyler and his wife Ashley just had their second baby, Crew McKay Mortensen! He's got cheeks and lips just like his sister, Gracie. I can't wait to see him and hold him!!! Gracelyn and Crew are the only grandbabies my parents have! I think they need some cousins!

(Spencer, Carly??..just kiddin'!)

Robbed

Yes, Brett was robbed!! A BYU student actually stole his motorcycle!! For the short version of this story, check out BYU Police Beat: http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/71855
(scroll down to Theft, March 19th)

Brett had his motorcycle parked on campus by the indoor practice field (it had been there for at least two months-I don't know why he left it there so long). But he saw it every day, was keeping an eye on it. But last week after after practice on Tuesday, it was GONE. After finding out it hadn't been towed and it wasn't some of his buddies pulling a prank on him, he decided to file a report with the campus police.

Coincidentally, as Brett was walking up to the campus police office to file a report, he SAW his motorcycle parked outside. Then some kid walked up to his bike and started to get on it. Brett scared the crap out of him by yelling who knows what to him. The kid jumped off the bike, and just kind of stood there!! This 5'4'', 115 lb freshman didn't know he had stolen the motorcycle of a 6'5'', 260 lb football player. If only he had known. The kid literally didn't move, didn't run, just stood there. Brett called the police and within minutes a cop showed up.

Long story short, Brett has his beauty back (if any of you have seen his motorcylce, you know I am being sarcastic). Well it appeared this kid had done some work on the bike in the two days he had it. Brett should have waited just a bit longer to file a report...he might have had a souped up, nice looking motorcycle with breaks that worked and a seat that wasn't shredded to pieces and falling off!! Oh well.

Cheers to One Year

1 year ago today, I was receiving my Endowment in the Denver Temple.

1 year ago tomorrow, Brett and I were married and sealed in the Denver Temple.

I remember it like it was yesterday!

Tomorrow Brett and I are flying to Denver for our good friend Traci Thornton's wedding on Saturday!! It's your turn girl!! We are so excited to celebrate this special day with you! We love you, and are so happy for you and Collin!

The first year flies! I wish I could slow down the clocks, slow down time, and enjoy Brett longer! I don't want our lives together to fly by!!

Wiped Out!!

Our niece Gracelyn got to play with us for a while on Sunday night! My brother told me we'd never get her to go to sleep without her pack-n-play! I guess she played a little too hard with uncle "Bett" and aunt "Kissie" (granted, she was up way too late for a 1 1/2 year old). She was so wiped out she just crashed on our living room floor: sippie and George in hand!!

White Chocolate Chip Cookies... My Way

Tonight I was in the mood to bake! I bought a package of Essentia White Chocolate Chips that had a yummy-looking recipe on the back of the package, so I decided to give it a try. I tweaked the recipe just a tad....it originally calls for vanilla extract, but I used almond. I also added extra flour to make it a bit thicker and fluffier, and I left the chopped nuts out. The recipe has oats in it, so its more like an oatmeal white chocolate chip cookie, with a hint of almond! Mmmm!




Essentia White Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 1/3 c. All-purpose flour

1/2 c. light packed browns sugar

1/3 c. sugar

3/4 c. butter, softenend

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 12 oz. package Essensia White Chocolate Chips

3/4 c. chopped nuts

3/4 tsp. cinnamon, ground

3/4 c. quick oats

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Stir flour, salt, cinammon and baking soda together; set aside. Cream butter and sugars together until fluffy. Add vanilla and egg, beat well. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixutre. Mix well. Add oats, chopped nuts and white chocolate chips. Mix well. Take heaping tablespoon of dough and roll into ball. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 9-11 minutes (9 was the magic # for me) or until lightly golden brown. Place on cookies on cooling rack. Makes abt. 2 1/2 dozen.

Now I have over a dozen cookies I need to give away fast, or they'll be gone by tomorrow night!!