Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving! Brett and I drove to Thornton, CO and spent the Holiday with his parents! We enjoyed a delicious feast with the Carlson family (I think there were 50 or more people there!!) and then we went and saw the movie Australia. I definitely recommend seeing it, even though it is THREE hours long, it's so good and definitely a chic flick. Brett and Craig didn't know that's what they were in for, so they were a little disappointed, haha! We spent the rest of the weekend shopping and lounging around. Brett and I pretty much knocked out our Christmas shopping in two days!! I've never done that before. We are practically done and it's such a relief!

It snowed while we were there....finally, it feels like Winter!! But then our drive home today took us 9 1/2 hours due to the snow! (usually it's a 7 1/2 hr drive). For about an hour and a half straight we were driving 5-10 miles an hour....shoot me in the face, I was cursing the snow! Just when I thought I was so happy to see it! Ha!

But we are home and now have the Christmas Holiday to look forward to!

Family, Friends, and Football

Most of you know last weekend I was in Colorado for Brett's game on Saturday against CSU, and then we both stayed for John's game against the Broncos on Sunday! It was a weekend of family, friends, and football.

One of my best friends from college, Karah, was able to come to the CSU game. We played volleyball at OSU together and hadn't seen each other for almost 2 years. Her and her fiance just moved back to Colorado so they came to the game. She finally got to meet Brett and I finally got to meet her fiance Joseph! It was so fun to see her:)
My mom was able to come to the game too!! Love her:) Justin (my little brother) had a wrestling tournament in Denver so my dad was watching him. But my parents, brother, Brett's parents, Kim, and Brett and I were able to meet up for dinner after the game.

Brett's dad, Craig, had the honor of carrying out the Alumni Flag on Saturday's game against CSU, leading the team on to the field. He was a little nervous; thought for sure he'd lose his pants, trip and fall, drop the flag, or even worse, pass out while running the length of the field. He did great though....his pants stayed up, he didn't trip, and even better, he didn't pass out! Here are some pics of Craig in action.

The Broncos vs. Dolphins game on Sunday was a blast. It was a little weird to be in the Broncos stadium and to be cheering for the Dolphins though. My whole life I've been a Broncos fan and I never thought I'd be in their stadium, cheering against them. Only for you John! It was a close game, but the Dolphins pulled through.

Crazy Broncos fan!!!

We got to hang with John for a bit after the game!

Halloween

One of Brett's teammates Reed White, and his wife Hailey, threw an awesome Halloween party Thursday night. Here are some fun pics of all of the costumes.

Thanks Reed and Hailey for such a great party!

Magic Nails

I have some time to kill before the game this afternoon, so I thought I'd tell you about our Magical Day yesterday. Kim (my sis-in-law) and I flew into Denver yesterday. We're here for a packed weekend of football, BYU vs CSU today and Dolphins vs Broncos tomorrow
We flew in at noon so we had the afternoon to play! After grabbing lunch and window shopping a little bit we decided to go get pedicures!!! Sheri (my mother-in-law) took us this place "Magic Nails" where she is a regular. MAGICAL!!!
I left having a whole new love for pedicures....I don't think I really knew what a good pedi was before today. We got the Deluxe treatment....I didn't know what I was in for, but it included an exfoliating massage, perafin wax treatment, and this crazy buffering technique.

They use a kitchen mixer, with a sander attached (instead of beaters )to sluff off the dead skin. Sheri couldn't sit still while they did this. I'd never seen anything like this before.....way to get creative with kitchen tools.

Sheri and Kim.....Sheri couldn't sit still while they buffered her feet....tryin' not to giggle. It is pretty ticklish!

Lovin' it......thank you Magic Nails. I look forward to going back:)

8 is Great

Another Tag.....but why not? My hubby is in a hotel tonight getting ready for the game tomorrow, so really, what else do I have to do??

8 Tv Shows I LOVE to watch:
1. So You Think You Can Dance
2. The Office
3. Food Network
4. Biggest Loser
5. 24
6. Saved by the Bell (I love watching the old re-runs while I'm at the gym!!)
7. Oprah (if I'm ever not working)
8. Reba

8 Things You Did Yesterday...
1. Woke up at 5:45 and THOUGHT about going to the gym, but slept in instead:( I hate it when I do that.)
2. Went to work:)
3. THOUGHT about going to the gym after work....again, just a thought!
4. Ate at Chili's for lunch. Dang I wish those chips were bottomless.
5. Went to Wal-Mart for 3 items and left an hour later with 10 items.
6. Played Donkey Kong Country on SuperNintendo with Brett
7. Concocted a Chinese Chicken Casserole for dinner.
8. Watched The Office with our friends, the Knapps.

8 things I'm looking forward to
1. Baking Pumpkin Seeds! Love them!
2. Seeing one of my best friends from college and vball teammate next weekend at the
CSU game, and meeting her fiance!!
3. Family Reunions
4. First Christmas with Brett!!!
5. Seeing my Grandpa Mortensen again some day:) I miss having a grandpa & miss him and all of his silly pranks and jokes.
6. Being a mother.
7. Brett being done with school.....and right now, who knows when that will be??
8. Spending the Holidays with family

8 People I am Tagging!
1. Mom (time to get blogging)
2. Ty & Ash
3. Tami Lou
4. anyone else
5. who
6. thinks
7. 8 is
8. great!!

Kids Do the Darndest Things

When I say kids, I mean Brett! Sometimes, he does things that only kids do. Sometimes, I feel like I'm married to a 7 year old. I think he does it so that he never gets in trouble, because he knows most of the time I will laugh! Most of the time he is right and I laugh my head off! Let me give you an example.....

I usually do the laundry for us, and 75% of the time Brett is good about helping with folding and putting away his clothes. But 25% of the time I fold his clothes and will put his pile on the bed for him to put away. And 25% of the time that pile sits there, folded, either on the bed or on the floor, for several days. When he's finally had enough of my nagging, he'll put the pile away.

Well on Saturday morning I placed a pile of his clothes on the bed. To my surprise, the pile was gone later that afternoon. I was thrilled Brett put his clothes away without me having to ask or nag......SO I THOUGHT. Sunday afternoon I went to grab something on the night stand by Brett's bed and found the same pile I folded the day before, squished between the bed and the night stand!!!!

He really put them there so he didn't have to put them away and he wouldn't have to hear my complaining! Tell me this isn't something a 5 yr old would do? To them cleaning means hiding things in places that mom won't find them, making mom think they did their chores, and getting that treat mom bribed them with to do the cleaning in the first place!!! Poor Brett doesn't even a get a bribe!

I coudn't help but laugh when I saw the hidden pile of clothes. When I busted Brett he just laughed too. I know these trickes didn't fly by Sheri (Brett's mom) so why does he think they will work on me? Hahahaha, I'm laughing while I write this. Brett is right, most of the time I laugh so much that I can't get mad at him!

Brett says it's what I get for marrying someone younger than him! (I am 6 months older than Brett, pfff)

Friends = Fun

We started out our weekend having a FUN friday night with our friends Chase & Ashleigh Carlson and Andrew and Tawny George. Chase and Ashleigh just got a Nintendo Wii, so Friday nigth we had a Pizza and SuperMario 3 party. It was so fun and so hilarious to see all of us acting like we were kids again! Thanks for all the laughs guys!

Saturday Brett and I went with our friends, Rich, Kellie, & lil' Macey Knapp for a fall drive around Alpine Loop, stopping at Cascade Springs. I think we missed all of the "pretty" fall colors, we will have to remember to come earlier next year. I think late September is usually the best. But we still took some pics!

This was a cool looking tree stump in front of this swamp! Of course, Brett is goofin' off trying to get frisky! No luck! ha!

After our fun little drive we went out for Thai Food. Brett has only tried Thai food once before, so this was a fun place to go!! I'm not sure he loved it or wants to go back, but it was worth the experience. Plus, we needed to branch out from our usual Cafe Rio, Rumbi, Noodles. Thanks Rich and Kellie for being adventerous with us!

The rest of the night was spent playing Super Mario World (the one with Yoshi...Brett's favorite) and Donkey Kong Country at the Knapps! It's so funny how we can just pick up these games again, remembering all of the secret tricks and passages, and ways to beat each level. Again, more laughs!!! The Knapps even let us borrow their SuperNintendo for a little while.

Now, it is Sunday night and Brett is sitting next to me playing Super Mario World.....and has been trying to beat this "special" level for the last 30 minutes. I have to fight him for a turn because he wants to be the one to beat it! We will probably be here all night!

Thanks FRIENDS for a FUN weekend!

Kisses to Die For

I love this time of year.....but curse all of the yummy treats and sweets that start showing up everywhere! I saw a recipe that used these Special Edition Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses and immediately went to the store to buy some. Albertsons, Macy's, then Smith's....none of these stores had them But today, I found ONE package at Target. It was their last one. All I can say is I am in love, and Target better be getting some more in stock soon. They taste just like pumpkin pie.

These other delicious little treats are easier to get a hold of, maybe not as popular as the Pumpkin Spice kisses, but still wonderful! Candy Corn Kisses....they melt in your mouth and even look like candy corn.

Now, I've just gotta try to make these festive treats last longer than a few short days....I swear I could eat them all by the end of the week. It's at this time of year that I really wish I didn't have such a sweet tooth.

Warm Me Up with Some Soup!

Last week I went to Craig, Colorado to watch my younger brother play in the State Golf tournament (which he placed 7th overall in!!), and to spend a little time with my parents and my aunt and uncle that live there. After walking around a golf course all-day long, in 40 degree weather, wearing flip-flops and a light sweater, I wanted nothing more than to be in a warm house, enjoy a warm meal, and curl up on the couch. Lucky for me, my aunt made this delicious Chicken Taco Soup that warmed me right up!

I felt the same way after yesterday's chilling football game against UNM. It wasn't as cold as we all expected (and thank goodness for no snow) but by the time it was over, I was COLD! So this Chicken Taco Soup was just what we were all craving. It is so easy and so yummy!

Chicken Taco Soup

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped

1 (16 oz.) can chili beans

1 (15 oz.) can black bean

1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

2 (10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 (1.25 oz.) package taco seasoning

3 whole skinless, boneless, chicken breasts

Directions

Stir onion, beans, corn, tomato sauce, dice tomatoes, and taco sauce into a slow cooker. Lay the chicken breast on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly so that it gets covered by other ingredients. Set slow cooker to low heat, cover, and cook for 5 hrs.

Remove chicken breasts from the soup and shred. Stir shredded chicken back into the soup and cook for 2 more hours. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips if desired!

***My mom taught me a great trick to shredding chicken. I just removed the chicken breasts from the chili, placed in a bowl, and beat the chicken breasts with a hand mixer. It shreds it perfectly even and fine. It works great when making chicken salad!

It was so nice to come home from the game yesterday with a warm meal ready to eat. And now we will be eating leftovers all week! I love how easy crock-pot meals are. If you have any great ones, send them my way!

Denney Defense and a Few Funny Pics

BRETTY played a great game last night against Utah State. Thanks to the Salt Lake Tribune, who called him Bretty Denney in the paper today, I have my new nickname for Brett! Here are some great pics from the game. As you can see, he had an intimate moment with the Aggie's quarterback! haha!

So yOu ThINk YoU Can DaNCe

Tuesday night Brett and I went to the Top 20 So You Think You can Dance Tour at the E-Center in Salt Lake. Can I just say that it was AMAZING, and now, more than ever I wish I could dance!

Even though it was jam-packed with FEMALES, Brett still had a great time! It was hilarious to hear him screaming (not a girly scream, but you know, a manly scream) for Twitch. I'm pretty sure Brett wants to be Twitch!

It was a fun little date night for us! We've already decided to go back next year, and we will make sure all of our friends get tickets too!

Haircut Time

I love Brett's curly locks, but his hair was getting a little out of control and was driving us both a little crazy. Saturday night after the football game, he'd had it and just wanted to cut it all off. Our obsessive-compulsive friend and neighbor, Chase Carlson (who trims his hair himself every two days and of course has a sweet set of clippers), was able to come over and trim up Brett's hair. I think Chase will be the family barber from now on....Chase, can we arrange monthly appointments?

Before......

After

Summer Pics

I know, it's a little late for summer pics....but here's a few!

Huntington Beach

Padres Game

Lost and FOUND

Brett and I went on a little 3 week vacation at the end of June, early July. First to California then on to Colorado. Well after returning from our trip, I couldn't find my camera, or any of our gift cards we received as wedding gifts!! So for the last month and a half I've been losing my mind trying to think of where I might have left them, lost them, or if they could have been stolen??? The beach? The airport? Waterworld? Did I throw the gift cards away during one of my "too frequent de-junk the house" rampaids?

Last night, I had the random thought, I "hid" my camera in the back of Brett's parents car while we were in Denver. You know, behind the drivers seat, in those big pockets! It randomly and amazingly hit me that I put my camera behind the drivers seat when we all went to waterworld (didn't want it getting wet or stolen). Last night, Brett called his mom, had her check behind the drivers seat and whoala! Not only was my camera there, but a little metal tin with a bunch of gift cards were there as well!!!! Relief and a happy husband at last!! JK, Brett wasn't really mad, he just thought I threw the gift cards away while de-junking:)

Brett & Kristy in the 1970's

Ok, this is hilarious!!! My brother and sister and law did this on their blog (Tyler and Ash....their pics are even better, visit their link) I absolutely couldn't resist!! Oh honey we are hott!!!!

I hear this is what Craig Denney looked like back in the day.....that-a-girl Sheri!!!!

I encourage everyone to do this....visit yearbookyourself.com. Thanks Ash & Ty we had so much fun and laughed sooo hard playing around with this.

I, I, I...got tagged!

Thanks Kellie:)

I have...split ends that are driving me nuts
I fear...drowning and being dunked in water
I always...wake Brett up in the mornings to give him a kiss goodbye
I feel...baby hungry....no worries, it comes and goes and I'm really not in any rush.
I hear...Brett in the other room laughing at some dumb commercial
I smell...like Pink Sugar, it's one of my favs.
I wish ... I could go on a shopping spree (and I'm usually not a shopper, but I'm in desperate need for some new clothes)....
I hate...brussell sprouts, ugggg gag me.
I wonder...what type of person I'd be without the gospel
I regret....not having more confidence in myself when I played volleyball at OSU
I love....how much Brett and I laugh together....we are so goofy and weird.
I am...blessed with an AMAZING family and struck gold with the in-laws
I think....I am a little uptight when it comes to having a clean house. Poor Brett.
I know...how to make some dang good desserts
I want...to run in the Boston Marathon someday
I always....crave chocolate (and I prefer Dove Chocolate or M&M's)
I am not ....artistic, I so wish I was, but it's just not in me.
I am like...uh I dunno on this one
I believe....the way to make a friend is to be a friend
I don't always...wear my seat belt!!
I am happy that...I have a job that I love!
I win...HORSE 90% of the time Brett & I play. I usually beat him in the card game speed too.
I lose...my keys frequently
I never...put the cap back on the toothpaste
I need...a pedicure
I listen...to all sorts of music
I am scared of...mean people
I read...LDS romance novels....it's my mom's fault she got me started
I tag...Kim (yeah time to get bloggin girl), Christy, Laura, Ashley, Meg, Tami, and Susie:)

Back at it

Sorry this is a long one.
There was a time before I was married when I was getting up at 6:oo every morning to go for a run (because I really love to run)......Then I'd go to work for 8 hours....come home, spent time with Brett or my girlfriends, and never went to bed before 1:00am. I ran 1/2 marathons, a marathon, and went on long runs every weekend. Since I've been married, I can't seem to get out of bed before 7:00 am.....I'm lucky if I run 3 times a week......still go to work for 8 hrs.....I come home and I'm wiped out and in bed by 11:00. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME??? I've lost my drive, my motivation. I used to love running and it was by far the most productive and enjoyable exercise for me. Why can't I just get up, out, and run?
Well, I've figured it out......It's hard to get out of bed at 6 in the morning to go for a run when you know your husband will be sleeping soundly until 8. It's hard knowing that when you get back, he'll probably be gone for the day and you won't see him until 6 or 7 pm that night. So I gradually quit waking up early to go run. I tell myself "I'll go after work," which actually happens 50% of the time because it's even harder to leave your husband at night when you haven't seen each other ALL day, just to go for a run, when really all you want to do is relax with your hubby. I guess this is a newlywed thing:)
This is how I went from running almost every day......to running MAYBE 3 times a week, and my runs got shorter too.
Well, I've learned that for both Brett and myself....it's better if I just get up and run! It's better for me because 1) I have more energy throughout the day, 2) it allows me to clear my mind, and 3) I feel better about myself when I'm in shape and my jeans fit. This is better for Brett because 1) I'm more energetic, 2) my head is clear and I'm not crazy, and 3) I'm much more pleasant when my jeans fit!
So I've snapped out of it. I've started running again.....This Saturday I'm running the Hobblecreek half marathon. I know, it's not the smartest way to get back into it..... I'll kill my legs and have bloody blisters on my feet, but darn-it, I'm doin' it!!!

Hot Tamale

A couple of weeks ago one of my co-workers introduced me to Hot Tamale Popsicles.....bought some today.....love them.....Brett's already had three.....you gotta try 'em!

Go Cougs!

Brett kicked off the football season on Friday afternoon!! He reported at 4 pm, so I was thrilled when he was calling me at 9:45 that night (thinking, Wow, he's done early). They were in fact done for the night, but then Brett told me he was going to be sleeping at the stadium. He had 20 minutes to run home and get anything he needed. More than anything, I was jealous....I wanted to go sleep in the stadium too. Next year maybe I'll ask Bronco if the wives can come....or if we can have our own lil' camp out!!! It was our first night apart since we've been married:( I guess it was going to happen sooner or later. Lucky for me, my mom was in town and she stayed with me.

It was this time last year that Brett and I had just started dating. The 6th, to be exact, was the first time we kissed. And it was all down-hill from there. Now, here we are a year later...married.

I'm excited for this season, even if it means seeing a little (ok a lot) less of Brett! I guess, after playing volleyball in college I understand the time commitment it requires. I'm just excited to see him play and hope the team does well.

Lookin' good 92

DISCLAIMER

I know, I'm guilty of the cardinal blogger's sins.....NOT UPDATING. I have a good excuse though. I lost my camera. You see, I had some great pictures I wanted to post from the fun 3 week vacation Brett & took over a month ago, and was prolonging updating until I found it! Plus, I wanted to keep my blog in order of events. Isn't that a another blogger's sin...blogging out of order?? Well, since I'm obviously not up to par on blogging, I'm just going to throw this disclaimer out there: This blog may occasionally appear out-dated & events may appear out of order. The Denneys currently don't have a camera, so ithis blog may also appear lifeless & unanimated. Sorry:)