Tis the season

Wow Josh and I have done some really fun things this holiday season and I thought I would share with you.

• We went to see Savior of the World- ok so I posted about this already but it was amazing, even if we lost each other for the first half.
• We went and saw the Christmas lights with Josh's family. Very fun. Does anyone know where the temple gets the luminaries? I would like to have some like that. We went a few days after Thanksgiving and it wasn't that cold. It was perfect!
• The Forgotten Carols. It was my first time going to see them, I really would like to make this a tradition. The music was so beautiful. Michael McClean is so talented.
  
• Last Saturday we went on a wagon ride through the Thanksgiving point Holiday lights display. This only cost $3 a person and was so fun. You can rent a private carriage for $30 a person or go in a wagon pulled by Clydesdale's for the $3. Also if you are afraid of the cold then you can drive through it.
  

I still want to go and see the Nutcracker. Does anyone know where this is playing? It doesn't have to be a professional dance company.

It was all a lie

Remember this post? Although I didn't say it I was thinking ah how lucky I am to have found a place where I can stay until I get married. Umm that was wrong. Because I have moved again. Not what I wanted to, but what needed to be done. This time though I can say I wont move until I am married. (Dear Universe, Please don't make me be a big liar. Sincerely, Steph)

Maybe heaven

This is where I will be for the rest of the week. Eat your heart out! See you all Monday

P.S. don't feel too bad its for work

A gift for the ladies

I found this a post secret. I immediately thought of LRRMRF.
But I am sure there are many other ladies out there that will enjoy this.
Happy Tuesday ya'll!

Savior of the World

So last night Josh and I went to see Savior of the World. My friend Erin was in it. It was very eventful evening.

We started off with dinner to Crown Burger. When we go out we usually order two different things and then share, that way we get the best of both worlds. We decided to get the crown burger and a gyro. I would recommend both they are delicious. I must have been starving because I ate the whole thing in about 10 seconds flat. Immediately my stomach started to have sharp shooting pains. So fun!

We decided to drive there instead of taking trax and then just park at the conference center. Me being the genius that I am, grab one ticket out of my purse and left the other one sitting very comfortably in the trunk. I didn't want to take my purse in. Why would I need it? Oh how quickly I regretted that decision. I didn't realize that I left the one ticket in the car until we got up to give our tickets at the door. Josh went back to the car to get it. I went and sat down, where the lady told me to. Well it was getting closer and closer to the time when the show was going to start. A couple came and sat down next to me, so it was us 3 on the whole row. So comfy. I went to see if I could see him out there, no luck. An usher who saw us when we orginally arrived said that he hadn't come back yet. I went and borrowed the cell phone from the couple next to me and called him. He did not answer. Then the show started. So for the whole first act I was thinking of how he could have been attacked in the parking garage or what if someone shot him. Yeah I am not very logical sometimes. At intermission I decided to go and look in the parking garage for him. Luckily before I left the theater he saw me. He had been frantically looking for me as well. It turns out that I had sat in the wrong seat. Yeah I will never live this down. The second act was much more enjoyable, first I was sitting next to Josh, and second I wasn't tagging along on someones date.


Moral of the story take your purse in with you to things like this. If you absolutely don't want to then please make sure you have BOTH tickets or at least a cell phone. Also don't eat a greasy hamburger and gyro in 10 seconds, your stomach will still hurt the next morning.

P.S. Good job Erin. It was a beautiful play. If you get a chance to go and see it, then do. Its a great way to start the holiday season.

I have needed this today

"Challenges, difficulties, questions, doubts—these are part of our mortality. But we are not alone. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us. Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time. In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith."
--Elder Neil L. Andersen, "You Know Enough", Ensign, Nov 2008, 13–14

I am so lucky

I have finally met the "most handsomest" man at Jamba Juice. His friends actually told me so, then he came out and did a little pose. I just can't believe how blessed my life it. The only thing that would have made it complete was if I would have had my camera with me to document that great event. I would have been all over that had he been older than 14. Its a good thing Reagan was there to help keep me in check.

Hope your weekend is as fun filled as mine has been so far!

Open for Business

I have always been one of those people that others feel they can confide in. I know way more than I should about people who are practically strangers. Some people take it upon themselves to share every detail of their life. I especially love it when people share things that should be kept private.

My personal favorite is when someone tells me about their trip to the gyno. What are you suppose to say to that? Glad everything is functioning properly?!? Really this should not be shared during lunch at Olive Garden.

Or how about when someone says they love Sunday *nuzzling*. Yeah thanks for that information, I wont be coming to VT on that day. I don't need to know that you are in the "mood" or what you do to please your man. These things are only appropriate if we are at the husbands and wives store, because when I am picking out new scriptures I want to that bonding experience.

What do I do when these things are brought up. Do I just smile and nod, or take mental notes to try that in the future?

P.S. Does this only happen to me, or do others get helpful "tips" as well?


*thanks to TAMN for coming up with this way to describe lying in the biblical sense. ;)

I'm back!

I know you all missed me. Thanks to work * ahem convention, and personal life things I haven't had time to blog or even think about blogging for that matter. I know all my adoring fans *cough, cough mom, have missed me.

Is this week over yet?

I don't know if it is the stress of work or the stress of all the family things going on or the change in season. Whatever it is, it needs to end!

I am sick of telling myself don't cry, don't cry every hour while I sit at my desk. I am sick of feeling like I can't handle it all. I am sick of feeling fat and ugly. I am sick of not having any answers. Most of all I am sick of this week. Please end. Next week has got to be better.

Saturday, I am waiting for you!

Who would have thunk it?

Breaking news that Madonna (who will be referred to as Madge on this blog, I like to pretend I am British, thats the way I roll) and her beloved Guy Ritchie have called it quites. Honestly I thought they would have lasted forever. Especially since they adopted that little boy from Malawi. It all could have been avoided if A-Rod and Cynthia (his ex-wife) could have made it work.

It is reported that Madge and Ritchie have an estimated value of $525 million yeah thats just pocket change. I wonder if they are feeling generous in this hard time, if so I would be happy to take about $2 million off their hands. Giving is service and service makes you feel better. I am just trying to help; I am caring like that.

Madge told Vogue "Who would have thunk it? The last thing I thought I would do is marry some laddish, shooting, pubgoing nature lover and the last thing he thought he was going to do was marry some cheeky girl from the Midwest who doesn't take no for an answer" I think that it sounds like a match made in heaven. I seriously have no idea where they went wrong. Please don't tell me that TomKat is next, I just don't think I can handle anymore heart breaking news. I just don't have any hope left.

Madre Mia

My mom has always been more of a friend than a mother. She is seriously one of my best friends and she is someone who I can tell anything. She always puts her family first. She is strong and beautiful. She has a good heart and would do anything for anyone. I love her so much!

She is facing a huge trial right now. Please keep her in your prayers!

my kind of gift

I love purses! I love finding a great deal on a purse it seriously makes my day. You know what is better than finding a great deal on a purse? Getting one for free! Handbag planet is giving away 1 handbag every hour to celebrate the launch of their website. Go here to register to win and good luck!

Hey you hot stuff!

I am in Utah waiting for you. Just thought you should know.
Love,
Steph
P.S. I can't wait to continue our love affair tonight on The Office!

In my dreams

I am hereGetting one of these

And drinking this
(non-alcholic of course)
Who wants to join me????

What an opportunity...

I am in love with Washington DC. I have had the great opportunity to be here the last couple of days. What a neat experience to be in our nations capitol on the 7th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The memorial at the pentagon was dedicated today. I wasn't able to attend but I did watch most of it on the news as I was getting ready for the day. There are flags all over the city and they are all at half mass, and there is a spirit of rememberance that has fallen upon the city.

In case you have been living under a rock and didn't know, it is also an election year. The city is full of political buzz. The driver on the way from the airport to the hotel felt very strongly about things. He told us who to vote for and who cost who the election etc. He also said that he was good friends with the Clinton's and that they go out drinking together. Hmmm don't know if I believe that but anything can happen right.

I was able to do a tour of the city last night and see the capital from the west side the same side that we will watch in January for the inauguration. The we went over to see the White House. I must admit it was smaller that I had imagined, but still very impressive. Today I went to the Holocaust Museum, what sobering experience. I have always had a fascination with WWII I have read the Diary of Anne Frank countless times. It is just amazing to me that people can treat other people so horribly. There was a very special feeling there as it brought to life the stories of the survivors and victims of the holocaust. I have a new appreciation for them. Seeing the clothes and pictures were priceless but seeing the hallway full of shoes was so powerful it almost moved me to tears. We then walked over the the Washington Monument and the National Archives. I saw the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Things that I never dreamed of seeing right in front of me.

I have realized how grateful for many things that I have in my life. I am grateful to be a citizen of this great country. What a blessing it is to live in a place where we are free. To have the blessing and opportunities that come with being a citizen here. I am also grateful for my knowledge of the restored gospel. To know that all human beings are children of god and that he loves us all equally. I truly am blessed.

I could go on and on about this great city. In fact I would love to live here. I am not kidding if I had a job here I would move tomorrow. It is so full of history, culture, and learning. Oh District of Columbia how you have won my heart!

**Pictures coming soon, as soon as I get home and upload them.**

I love this gospel!

Just when I needed it my visiting teachers showed up, with a message that was written for me!

Love it!

To read this awesome message yourself, click here!

About me

A few weeks or months ago honestly I can't remember, I was tagged by someone. I think it was Rebecca. It was one where you share a few things about you people don't know about you. Honestly I don't know the specifics so I figured I would make it up so here are 8 little facts about yours truly.

1. I can say the alphabet backwards.
   
2. I am afraid of birds. Not birds flying in the sky, but pet birds and if I see a bird that is not flying I will go out of my way to avoid it.
   
3. I love to cook. Ok well most of you may have know that.
4. Along those same lines I watch the food network every night as I am going to sleep.
5. I color code the clothes in my closet and only use white hangers.
6. My favorite holiday is Easter.
7. When given a choice of candy I will pick gummy candies every time even over chocolate. I am a girl though and I do love me some chocolate especially white chocolate, or dark chocolate the darker the better.
8. I will do anything for my nephews. Especially Devin that little "guperman" has me wrapped around his little finger

New Favorite Blog

To check it out click here

Trust me, your sense of humor will thank you. You deserve a good laugh.

Every Morning

I wake up between 4:10 am and 4:30 am. Even if I have gone to bed at 1 or 2 am. I can't get back to sleep until about 6 and then shortly after I have to get up to go to work.

Does anyone have any idea why I wake up and what I can do to stop?

Thanks my sleep deprived body thanks you!

So far....

August has been great!

When it rains it pours

Do you ever have one of those days when nothing goes right? Yeah I am one of those months. I can't wait for tomorrow.

I finished off this month with a little fender bender at lunch.

Introducing...

Braxton Lee Price

The little guy (my brother's baby) was born on Tuesday July 22, 2008 at 9:05pm. 7 lbs 11 ounce and 20 inches long.






I am going to meet him this weekend. I.love.baby.snuggles.

Going under....

For the last month or so I have been sick. I have had really bad pain every time I eat. I thought it was stress for the longest time, then the flu, and even just food poisoning. Yeah I am very logical. :) A few weeks ago my right shoulder started to hurt and since that is the side I sleep on I haven't been sleeping well. Thus resulting in a bad mood. (If I have offended anyone, I am sorry its lack of sleep and lots of pain)

My mom made me go to the doctor last week and they decided to do an ultrasound. All the symptoms I have point to gall bladder disease. Well that and the fact that several other women in my family have had a diseased gall bladder. They did an ultrasound and didn't find any gall stones. The doctor then told me that it could be ulcers. So he gave me some medicine for that.

On Monday I was still feeling sick and I had pain the whole weekend, so I went to the doctor again. He sent me for another test called a HIDA scan. I guess you can have a diseased gall bladder without having any stones. It was a long test and put me in a lot of pain. The test results came back that I do have a diseased gall bladder, and I will need to have it removed. The crazy thing is that my shoulder pain is connected to my gall bladder disease. The doctor explained that there is an artery that runs up your neck and down to your diaphragm and for some reason when there is pain in your gall bladder it shoots up to your shoulder.

Finally I was able to find a surgeon that could get me in, and I saw him today. We scheduled my surgery for Friday. I am not excited for surgery and recovery but I am excited to eat ice cream again with out pain. Wish me luck.

Fun on the Weekends

Its been awhile since I posted. This is because I have been busy travelin and stuff.


The last weekend of June the 27-29 My mom and I decided to go and visit my lil bro in Vegas. My sister and my adorable nephew went with us. It was so much fun and it had been a long time since we had seen Tom my bro. It was great we got to see his house and spend some time with him and Britney and see all the cutie baby things they have. (the little dude should be born any day now) We helped them set up the crib and we swam in the pool. It was a very chillax weekend.

These are my fav. firworks of all time. Image courtesy of google :)

Last weekend on Thursday, my dad and I headed up to Lava Hot Springs Idaho for a family reunion. I was dreading this but with the encouragement *ahem guilt* given to me by my cousin I decided to go. Boy was it fun. On Friday morning we went to the Lions club breakfast in Soda Springs, they had a parade and fun at the park afterwards. When we were done with all the fun there we went back to Lava and changed into our swimming suits. The river there had rapids and we rented tubes and rode the river. IT.WAS.A.BLAST!!!! The whole trip was worth it for this. Later that evening we went back down to Lava and watched the fireworks. The next day we played games and hung out it was a nice relaxing day.

Christmas in July

So in December I started reading this blog. I noticed that she organized something called "Pink Christmas". The more I looked into this, the more in wanted to do it.

The basic idea is that you donate money to help a family. But we all get a gift as well. If any of you have ever been to a girls camp then you understand the secret sister gift exchange. We fill out a questionnaire and email it to her and then in a couple of months she will send us an envelope with the name of our Pink Christmas girlfriend. It will have all her answers to the questionnaire and we make a gift to send to her.

I figure this is a win win win situation. I get to be all domestic like and make a gift for someone, receive one in return and while doing so help a family out. This year 100% of the proceeds go to a family that has just moved to Washington DC from Africa. They have 4 children ages 12, 8, 2 and just a few months old. The sweet mother just had twins but one passed away and the other little boy is still in the hospital weighing just a few pounds.

If you want to learn more about this or sign up yourself click here.

Unsolicited advice

Being 25, single and living in Utah county can sometimes be a difficult thing. I have learned to make the most of it and enjoy my life the way it is. Many of you probably understand this all too well.

There are some people that feel or think that when they get engaged they now have all the answers to what makes love work. More often then not, they freely give this advice and tell me what I am doing wrong.

In the last year or year and a half I have been told many things that I need to do or change in order to meet my prince charming. Including but not limited to:

"I had a really hard childhood that is why I am getting this blessing now. You just haven't had enough trials to have earned it"

"I only found this because I was whole. You need to get out there and become whole"

Excuse me, huh... who died and made you the relationship guru. Just because someone gives you a sparkling diamond (whether it is large or small) doesn't mean you have a masters in behavioral science. If I want your advice on how to get myself "married off" I will ask for it. Don't hold your breathe, it won't be soon. I am enjoying my life the way it is.

P.S. If I seem a little down lately it is not because of my marital status it is because my car is dying, I have a lot of work and family stress, and I am dealing with a little bit of a broken heart!

How fast are you??

63 words

Speed test

ah Monday

Have you ever had one of those days where you just can't make yourself get out of bed? Finally you do with about 10 minutes to get to work and the whole day you wish you would have stayed in bed.

Yeah, I am having one of those days today.

Queue the Rocky Music

So a few months ago a I went to my very first cycle class with a friend of mine from work. It was brutal. The next day I could barely sit down. Those of you who have ever participated in one of these classes you know what I am talking about. She had to sit out of it after about 1/2 the class. I decided that I would give it another chance, but really never did. I think deep down I was scared.

Tonight after an intense workout on my arms with my trainer she asked if we wanted to do the cycle class with her for my cardio work out. Oh man about one song in I thought I was going to DIE, 45 minutes later, after surviving a seat falling off and drinking 24 ounces of water I wobbled out of the gym. I SURVIVED, I know its a miracle.

I really enjoyed the class and I will go back, hopefully it wont take me three months this time. I feel like I actually accomplished something tonight.

If I have a hard time moving in the next few days its because my arms hurt because of my weight training and my legs hurt from cycle. So please just do me a favor and help a girl out.

ok off to do the laundry...oh joy!

Because it's Wednesday

I just can't get enough of these guys...Enjoy!

By small and simple things

So lately I have been feeling in a funk. I think it has been because of all the changes that have happened so fast and I haven't had a chance to absorb them all and deal with it. Friday night as I went to bed I had the thought that I should go to the temple the next day. I woke up the next day to this text.

"Hey girl...I'm in town and I was wondering if you want to go to the temple with me today and maybe get lunch?"

I am so glad that I have friends that are in tune with the spirit and follow its promptings. This was just a simple thing for her to do and she probably doesn't realize how she changed my day. If it wasn't for her I would have been to "busy" to go. I had a great time and really enjoyed the session. It was truly an answer to a prayer.

Recap

Well I have been home from Orlando for a few days, and I still haven't made time to blog about it. Here are just some highlights of my trip. I will add pictures later, as soon as I find my cable, or use my other comp that has a card reader.

First, we (Erin, Melanee, and I) stayed at the HoJo. It was so nice to be able to relax. There was no pressure. We did what we wanted when we wanted. We slept in everyday and had a great time. The best part was for some reason at the HoJo I didn't feel self-conscience. I just swam in the pool if I wanted to or laid out. It was great. I am going to try to be like that more here at home.

On accident we found this really creepy town, Celebration. Apparently it is a master planned community by none other than Disney. To give you an idea of what it is like there just know the movie Pleasantville was filmed there. For more information on this town click here. I have some video that I will post.

On Tuesday we went to Daytona Beach. There were not very many people there it was perfect weather and we stayed just the right amount of time.

On Wednesday we did something that I have always wanted to do. We went on an air boat ride. So much fun! If you are ever in Florida I highly recommend doing this. We saw one alligator, who was around 6-8 feet. But don't worry the tour guide let us know they are very docile creatures and are scared of humans. HA yeah right. When we were done they had an alligator that was about 3 years old for us to hold and pet. It was awesome. Well actually I didn't hold him.

Later that day we checked into the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. All I have to say is Auh-mazing. it was gorgeous. Had a great pool and wonderful view. It was a great place to relax after working the event.

On Saturday we had a once in a lifetime opportunity, we got to see the space shuttle launch. We just caught the last part and I was amazed at how fast it went. I never thought I would get to see this happen but I did. If you ever get the chance to see one of these, do it!

Saturday night we went to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. When we were done we were waiting for a cab and a fight broke out. Yeah a real fight one you see on cops. We were sitting there waiting for our cab to come and there was a group of teenage kids maybe late teens or early early 20's. I am going to dedicate a post to this event so stay tuned. This deserves much more attention than I can give it at 11 pm.

It was a great trip, but I was really glad to be home. I am just missing the humidity (it did wonders to my skin) the warmth, the pool, ah who am I kidding I miss it all.

On another note how do you like my new layout?

Fun in the sun

I just thought I would let you all know how great this trip to Florida has been. I has been the most relaxed vacation ever. I will post some pics and tell more about it when I get home. I really dont ever want to go home. only 1 more day here, sad day.

Orlando or bust

So I have been looking forward to this for about a month and a half or so. Tomorrow I am going to get on a plane and get out of this rainy miserable place. Hopefully it will be exchanged for sun! I hope you all enjoy your memorial day weekend.

See ya when I get back!

Tagged

I have been tagged for the first time (I think) by Erin.
I guess you are suppose to fill in the answers with your own stuff. Then dont forget to Tag 4 others. Its like a grown up chain letter for the blogging world.

A)Four places I go over and over:

• Work
• My moms
• Wal-Mart (its a love/hate relationship)
• The deli at Thanksgiving point I seriously go about 1 a week or so.
  

B)Four people who email me the most:

• Terralee
• Diane
• Facebook (The little notifications)
• Seriously I cant think of anyone this is a little sad
  

C)Four of my favorite foods:

• Pork Salad from Cafe Rio (except now I get the tostada, not as much money, perfect amount of food)
• So I love Steak. I dont eat it very often but I love it.
  
• Desserts of any kind except I really don't like to eat cake, but I like to make them. Does that count?
• The shrimp salad from Bajio oh yum!
  

D)Four Places in which I would rather be right now:

• Home packing for Orlando
• On a shopping spree
• In Europe
  
• Laying on a beach
  

E)Four movies I would watch over and over:

• Pride and Prejudice (any version)
  
• Top Gun
• Dirty Dancing
• Wedding Date
  

F)Four people I'm tagging:

• Amanda
• Jenna
• Sarah
• Elizabeth

Lets see who really does it. :)

Desperate cry

*clairfication- I wrote this post after I changed the picture so I am still needing help.

In case you haven't noticed I change my blog around probably every 2 weeks. I am having blog troubles and I need a face lift. I am just not satisfied with what I have come up with. Please someone help me!!! I am open to any and all suggestions.

Weekend fun

Friday-
Take a half day and go get nails done. Check
Dinner with friends at California Pizza Kitchen. Check
Dye hair Navajo Bronze. Check

Saturday-
Go shopping with mom find some cute capri's. Check
Text Josh to see what time our date is. Check
Weed flower beds. Check
After 4 hours still wait for Josh to text me back. Check
Make cookies for neighbors. Check
Go to Wal-Mart (Satan's Store) Check
Get text from Josh finally saying he will be two more hours. He wants to just go to a movie instead of dinner as well. Check
Tell Josh that this isn't working for me anymore. Check
Order pizza and go to moms to eat. Check

Sunday-
Roommates make me breakfast. Check
Go to church. Check
Get a mean text from Josh. Check
Send a mean text back. Check
Make dinner for roommates and some of our friends. Check
Watch season finale of Desperate Housewives. Check
Finally talk to Josh on the phone and try to explain things. Check
(by the way that didnt really get anything solved)
Start feeling sick to stomach. Check

Monday-
Feel like I am going to die. Check
Slept all day. Check

Tuesday (today)-
Come to work. Check
Fall in love with Maroon 5 all over again. Check

Despite all that has happened I am in a great mood. Go figure!

Here is a song that I really have liked today. It kinda sums up the way I have been feeling. I could not find the music video I don't know if they have made one yet.

The way it goes

So for as long as I can remember I have been praying for something. Then finally I get it, and it turns out that its not really what I want. Its like I can't be happy with what I have been given. I keep thinking well what if this or what if that. I keep wondering if I am settling because there are things that I want to be different.

For the last few weeks I have been having this internal conflict. Going back and forth with what to do. If it was truly what the Lord wanted wouldn't I feel complete happiness? I feel like I have been on an emotional roller coaster. I can go from high on life, to the depths of misery in .5 seconds. The littlest things can change my mood. I am not usually like that. I am a pretty easy going, roll with punches type of gal.

For all of you who have had to put up with this I am sorry. I promise it will get better one day, I just can't promise that day will be soon. I have a feeling that this is a decision that will take some time to make. I have to KNOW I am doing the best and right thing for me. (Hey you were warned I told you I analyzed everything) Thanks for your patience, I appreciate all the love and support.

What I do

an·a·lyze: to examine carefully and in detail so as to identify causes, key factors, possible results, etc.

If there was an award for analyzing, or over-analyzing, I would win it. Help this has to be hazardous to my health.

Feliz Cumpleaños LRRMRF

Dear Reagan,

I hope you have the happiest birthday in all the land. In the short time I have known you, you have made the cross over from co-worker to friend. This is no small task and is one that many do not make. You are always willing to listen to the dramatic happenings in my life and give much needed and wise advice. My life has been greatly enriched by knowing you. You are beautiful both inside and out. You are the best lunch buddy a girl could ask for.

I hope your every wish comes true, you deserve it.

Much love,
Steph

Kirk I do believe it is:
KTN-5 points SAP-1,000 points
(I did give her the best chicken enchilada recipe ever)

For my fans...

Ok so really I don't have fans but this is for you Reagan!

Warning when I cook I don't always use measurements.
Chicken Enchiladas (super easy)
4-5 chicken breasts1 large can cream of chicken soup
1 large container of sour cream
Mozzarella cheese
Tortillas
Small can diced green chili's (optional)

Boil chicken breasts and shred. In a large mixing bowl mix soup and sour cream (if your feeling adventurous and going to use the green chili's add them to this mixture). Take some of soup mixture and put in the bottom of a Pyrex pan, cake pan whatever you have. Then in one tortilla put as much shredded chicken as your heart desires along with cheese, as much as you would like again. Roll up like a burrito and put in pan, repeat until you run out of space or ingredients. Cover enchiladas with soup mixture and then top with mozzarella cheese. Cook on 350 for about 30 min, until warmed through and cheese is bubbly and brown. Serve warm.

Its really good if served with a green salad or rice and beans.

ENJOY!

Cinco de Mayo...OLE'

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates Mexico defeating the French in the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Now one would expect this to be celebrated primarily in Mexico. But those who believe that are wrong, wrong wrong. The fact of the matter is this is celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico, in Mexico it is really only celebrated in the state of Puebla.

Every year my work has an unofficial contest. Cinco de Mustache. The men in the office grow out their facial hair for probably 2-3 weeks. Then they skillfully shave it into the grossest mustache they can think of. I can't even describe it other than yuck! I will try to get some pics today and post them later.

I am not excluded in the celebrating. Last night I fixed chicken enchiladas, rice, and beans for dinner to help kick off the festivities. Along with this beauty

That is a chocolate fudge cake with a raspberry cream cheese filling and, frosted with a chocolate frosting and a raspberry topping. It was delicious! I am sure you could get a marriage proposal by serving this cake. :)

I hope everyone has a Feliz dia de Cinco de Mayo!!!

Best Buddies Day!

So every year for the last few years my work has participated in the Best Buddies program by hosting a Best Buddies day. Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual disabilities. There are over 1,300 chapters of this organization. A local high school, Kearns High (this is where I went to school) has a chapter. Each year it is those students who make the trek out to Lehi to brighten our day.
When presented with the opportunity to participate today I jumped at it.
The agenda was as follows:
9:00 am - employees gather in lobby
9:30 am- Best Buddies arrive
9:30-10:30 am - Welcome Message from XanGo pres. Kent Wood, arrival of Leo the Lion of the Salt Lake Real, pictures.
10:30-11:15 am - Tour of building and work space
11:15-12:00 Pizza Party in the break room
12:30- 1:20 pm- 3D movie: Dinosaur Alive
1:30 pm- Best Buddies return to school



My little Buddy was Jose (I shared him with Erin Curran) He was such a sweet kid. He has four names and was proud of that, he said that his brothers called him Chewy and that we were able to as well. He is a senior this year and looking forward to graduation in about a month. He was quick to tell us that all girls are pretty and then as the day progressed he would tell us all girls are pretty especially you two. Wouldn't it be nice if all people thought like that. He loves to sing. He made mention that his brothers tell him that he doesnt sing well, and then he would proceed to bust out Shaggy's, Angel and ask us what we thought. I think he serenaded about half of the employees today. He loved the movie what he saw of it he fell asleep about half way through but was woken up when the dinosaurs fought. He let me know it scared him. Life doesnt get much better than that. I am so grateful that I was able to hang out with some of the Lords elect today. I love the company that I work for between what we give to Operation Kids and Best Buddies day, I feel proud to say that I work there.

If you would like more information on the Best Buddies program click here.

Moving, moving, moved!

Finally it has happened. I have moved to my wonderful new place. The big day was last Friday April 18. Many thanks to all those who helped me. Its great to have friends and family that you can count on it makes things like this go by so much faster. I can't believe how much stuff I have, and how it just accumulates over time. I think moving with a family would be a nightmare. I absolutely love my new roommates well so far I do. Its such a nice area and is so much quieter.

I needed to buy some furniture and I have done a lot of research on this. I wanted to make sure that I got the best deal that I could find. I feel very confident that I did. I found this beautiful bedroom set at Knights furniture outlet in Lehi and they were having a web deal so I got it for almost half price. Here is a pic of it, please excuse the mess to the left side. I am still not all the way unpack, my clothes are still all packed up but I am getting there. It is my goal to be done with it by this weekend. Wish me luck. I will post more pics and stuff later but I realized it had been awhile since I posted and I owed an explanation for my slacking.

Yay and Boo!

YAY: The 70 degree weather we had yesterday. Spring is finally here

BOO: The snow we had today

YAY: A new place to live, and a new ward, and roommates.

BOO: Moving

YAY: Otter-pops

BOO: Eating the whole box in 4 days

YAY: $5 foot long sandwiches from Subway (I dont really even eat there like maybe twice a year)

BOO: This will not last forever, so it will probably only help me once

YAY: Alicia Keys As I Am album.

BOO: Her theories that the government started the bi coastal feud between Tupac and Biggie to stop another black leader from existing. Read about it here.

What are some of your yays and boos?

Fondantlicious!

So I have always wanted to learn how to make cakes, but never got around to taking a class. Finally I took matters into my own hands. The perfect opportunity arose and I embraced it. I made a chocolate fudge cake with cream cheese frosting and polka dots for a girl in my department, it was her birthday. It turned out delicious. The dots were made out of fondant and this was my first adventure with fondant. It was a very pleasant one and I like the way it turned out. I am excited to learn more about this and get better at it.

In other news, I am going to Orlando. Ah yeah, we will be there for work May 28- June 1. A couple of us have decided to make this a vacation. We are leaving Salt Lake on May 24 and will return with the rest of the employees on June 1. I am stoked!

General Conference

I was lucky enough to be born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. So every year for as long as I can remember twice a year, we have general conference. When I was younger and in primary I remember our teachers giving us things to color or to take notes on. My parents were so happy if we agreed to watch at least one of the four sessions.

It wasn't until I was on my mission that I truly felt the importance of general conference and what it meant. I remember my first general conference in the field, I had been out for about five months. I wanted to shout it from the roof tops that today a living prophet of God was going to talk to us, and give us the prophetic counsel that the world so needed. It was then I realized that general conference was like the superbowl for missionaries. We look forward to it, we count down the days, we taught about it, we were excited for about a month prior. Now at times I will admit that I was a little homesick, and the opportunity of seeing home on TV was indescribable, maybe just maybe I would see someone I knew.

This year I found general conference extremely uplifting. Especially the Saturday session. Saturday morning we had the solemn assembly to sustain President Monson as the 16th president of the church. What a historic and sacred thing to be able to participate in.

My favorite talk was probably the one give by Elder Gerald Lund of the quorum of the 70. He spoke on opening our hearts and being able to listen to the spirit. He said, "I say again the condition of our hearts directly affects our sensitivity to spiritual things. Since we are the guardian of our heart, we choose to do so. We choose what we let in or hold out". The holy ghost carries messages UNTO to heart not INTO, it is up to us to have an open heart so the message can be delievered. I loved that thought. I think he said that Pres. Monson pointed it out first. We need to be humble, continue to repent, and serve in order to have an open heart.

This was a great conference, and it gave me the uplift that I needed. I hope that it will last until October. What a long way I have come since the days of primary.

I'm ticked!

I have turned into my mother. I use to hate it when she would get mad at me for not keeping the house clean and for making messes. I know understand her frustration.

I live in an apartment (only for a couple of more weeks) with 4 girls, there is really 5 but one is never ever there. Our apartment is never clean! I try and try and try. I clean about once a week, like really clean. Mop the floors, clean the counters, the microwave, etc. With in a couple of hours it is a total mess again. There are a couple of others who try as well, but lately it seems that they have given up. I have tried everything. I have gone on strike and only washed my dishes. I have cleaned really well and left a notes on our white board asking that they all try to keep it clean.

On Monday I went home from work early because I had a doctors appointment ( I have this horrible sinus infection) I decided to clean the house. I wasn't upset or anything. I realized that it needed to be done and I had a few minutes so I did it. I spent about 2 hours cleaning the house. When I was done I wrote a note again asking them to clean up their own messes that we all can do better, and to please respect each other.

I go to work on Tuesday morning and I come home to a mess. My roommate who doesn't have a job had her "friend" over and they cooked and left their pans on the stove, with food still in them. They left their plates in the living room, and the sink was full of dishes. I was a little annoyed because they left as I was walking in. I figured that they would come back and clean it up, so I left it. She came back and put the dishes from the living room in the sink. That is it. It was late, I was tired, I just went to bed. Yesterday when I came home, the mess was still there. I left and came home fairly late. I just went to bed as to not have to talk to my roommate who caused the mess.

This morning as I was leaving I noticed it was still there, I was really upset. I can't get mad at her, I can't tell her to clean up. I am not her mother, it is not my house, etc. I am so mad about it. I don't even want to go home and see her because I know she will be in the same spot that she has been for weeks on the couch with her blanket watching tv. I will just get madder as she has not done anything all day. All I want is to come home to somewhere where I can relax and feel like I am home. I think maybe I should move sooner.

Suggestions anyone?!?

Blogging Rut

I know I am well over due for a new post. One is coming. I am just in a bit of a blogging rut. Can you have bloggers block? I think that I have it.

Yes!

Ok so most of you know that I have been looking for a new place to live. Well the heavens have opened and I have found it. This little abode that I will soon call home is in Lindon. About 10 min north of where I am living now, close to the freeway and glorious!
10 min closer to work =10 min more of sleep = complete happiness

It is a 5-bedroom town house. There will be 5 girls that live there, all of whom I don't know. The town home is empty now because it is getting completely renovated. That's right new paint, new tile, hardwood floors, the works. Eat your heart out. It also has a gas fireplace corian counter tops, and a massive family room.

The best part is.... are you ready, this is really great. I will be in the master bedroom. That means the closet is huge, its a walk in closet, and is about 3 times the size of my closet now. The room is double the size of my room now. Its great I can't wait.
big closet = room for clothes and stuff= clean room = happy me!

I do need to buy some furniture though, so if any of you know of a place that sells cheap furniture, please let me know!

I feel like these girls... I want to do cartwheels of joy!

For the love

Lately I find myself in love with many things, let me share.

1. The sun is shining
2. Flowers are blooming
3. Its Easter time which is my favorite holiday
4. Those sinfully delicious Cadbury mini eggs
5. The things that really has me today is my hotel contact in London. I have gotten to call him the last few days when I have gotten to work. It is the perfect way to start the day. I am not kidding just hearing his accent makes me smile. He is really funny too. I could listen to him talk all day long. *ahh, sigh* It is fun to have this little international crush. I will never meet him, and this will only last a few more days, but in the mean time I imagine that he looks a little something like this, oh and that he is single, and while I am at it he can have a little international crush on me. It makes me weak in the knees.
   

* ah Jude Law he is a lovely chap ... enjoy, I know I do!

BIRTHDAY!!

HIP-HIP HOORAY!
I AM 25 TODAY! YAY!!!!!!!

Thanks to my friend Reagan for her lovely tribute. You can check it out here!

Quick...Stacey, Clinton, ...help, please!!!

Whoever let them leave the house like that should be shot!!!!

This man/boy's jacket is knee length and is totally made of fur.. I hope it is faux fur or a lot of animals would have had to die to make this mafia wannabes jacket. He was not a small man.

Once you graduate from fourth grade, you probably shouldn't wear pig tails anymore. Maybe that is just me. This picture didn't capture the full effect of the tragic outfit, but her skirt is on crooked as well.

And the grand prize goes to......

Yes her shirt is see through and she just happened to wear a black bra. She wore this to a concert, in public! Oh it's just so sad.

I would like to thank my blackberry for lending a hand and help me capture these priceless moments.

No fun

Being sick is not fun. I thought is was just a migraine on Thursday when I woke up, boy was I wrong. It has just progressively gotten worse, and the headache hasn't left. Instead nausea has set in along with body aches. I literally haven't been out of bed yet today.

I am such a baby when I am sick. I hate doing anything and I hate it. Normally I am someone who is independent and takes care of them self, however, when I am sick it is not like that. I want my mommy.

I am hoping this doesn't last to long.

Disclaimer

Sorry about the last post. I really do have some great friends and family that I know I can count on. I think I just needed to vent. I have let the actions of a couple of people really affect me. Thanks for listening.

Too much of a good thing....

My whole life I have been told that I am too kind. Kindness is something that I didn't think you could have too much of. Apparently you can and I have it.

First, lets define Kindness (thank you wikipedia) Kindness is the act or the state of charitable behaviour to other people. Kindness is considered to be one of the knightly virtues, and is a recognized value in many cultures and religions.

People tell me all the time that I am too "nice". What am I suppose to do, be mean. Really I don't know how not to be too "nice". Do I have to be a bitty to have people respect me? That is not what I want, I just want to be treated how I treat others. I certainly hope that I do not act in the way that I have been treat time after time. I am tired of feeling like I can't depend on people, that my friends are not true friends.

I am always the one who is blown off, I am always the friend that it doesn't matter if you treat her badly she will forgive you. This week has especially been hard for me. Along with work stress, yesterday I had a friend betray me and I know that if she says she is sorry then I will forgive her and act as if nothing is done. This is just one example of things that happen. I have a friend that makes plans with me and then at the very last minute 9 times out of 10 she bails.

I am tired of this. If you piss me off expect to hear about it. If you treat me with disregard don't think that a little phone call a day later with a pathetic I'm sorry, please don't be mad is going to do it. Friendship takes work, and here is a surprise to some people it is a two-way street. I will no longer do it by myself. If you want to be my friend act like it. What is going to happen? People are not going to want to be around me, well I can handle that, and this way I might feel better too.

*I know I talk a big talk, but I am pretty serious about this!

Viva Mexico

I know I know I have been home from Mexico for about 2 weeks. But you all know that I have been insanely busy. As to not keep my fans (uh hum Mom) waiting, I am posting some pics. Maybe one day if I get some time I will write about my adventure. If you want to know something about it, ask. Until then I am going to give you a little present of pictures.

Enjoy!