I NEED A GOOD READ....

Hey EVERYONE-I'm on my way to Utard this weekend for Cambo's weddin' and I'm in dire need of a great book. Please holler out some suggestions on great reads. If not, it will be a long trip to the good ol' beehive state. Any ideas??...............

Moving Moment...

I don't want to say much about this except recognize it was my favorite part of conference. It truly was a special moment.

Mmmmm mmmmm smelly!

Smell is such a grand ol' thing. If you know me, then you know that my sense of smell is extremely strong. Yes siree, my olfactory nerves are on steroids of some type and are powerful lil' buggars. This can either go for or against me. I want to talk about the first. I mean, smell is a wonderful thing. It is directly linked to memory and therefore, can bring us back to all the great times in life. Any how, here are some of my favorite smells-in no particular order I might add.....

• BBQ-especially w/ charcoal
  
• Freshly Cut Grass
  
• Popcorn-this is making my mouth water
  
• Cookies or a Bread-like Baked Goods-also the hot french bread at the grocery store-I am quick to smell it.
  
• The Rain-so clean and so fresh
  
• Trav’s cologne
  
• Malt-O-Meal Tootie Fruities—sweet, yet tangy
  
• Ice Cream Parlors-frozen cream and sugar puts a smile on my face
  
• Theme Parks-Sugar+Popcorn+Churros+People= FUN
  
• My grandpa or dad’s garage-mixture of paint thinner, gas cans-all the good stuff
  
• The smell of the snow blower on a cold snowy morning-LOVE IT

These are some of my faves, just to name a few. How about you....

Our Trip to DALLAS!!!

We started our trip off at the Dallas Zoo. It had been quite some time since we'd been to a zoo so we thought, "what the hay......"

I know it, my nostrils are sexy!!!


The elephants-so big and oh so wrinkly


I make one sexy otter don't ya think?!

Say CHEEEEEEEESE! Watch out or I'll spit on ya.


Gotta love the rhino-what a crazy looking animal

All in all, our day at the zoo was GREAT FUN!!! We loved looking at all the animals, better yet, we loved the smell in the air- a mixture of cotton candy, popcorn, and animal. It made us reminisce about the good ol' days of going to the zoo when we were little. BUMMER, Dallas didn't have the machines that make the plastic/wax animals, therefore, we did not bring home any souvenirs. C'est la vie-these pics will have to do.

Easter in Dallas

After attending church in Dallas, we decided to go into the big city and look around a bit. This picture does a huge injustice to how HUGE Dallas really is. All the same-here's one small glimpse of it.

HOPPY EASTER--this is us attempting to make our mouths the shape of an Easter egg.



This is an exciting time on our Dallas trip. We go to the drive thru at McDonald's and Trav is expecting a disappointment. For some reason, TX McDonald's don't carry his spicy mc'chicken sandwiches like they do in UT. Well, not only did this McDonald's carry his fave sandwich, they ONLY had the spicy ones. Look at the light in his eyes and the excitment in his smile. I tell you what-it's kinda like Christmas morning for this here heart attack in a sack.


We also went to the 6th floor museum where J.F.K.'s assassin shot him from (the 2nd window down on the right). This was a really neat experience. It was interesting learning all of the theories behind what "really" happened.

"X" marks the spot where J.F.K.'s convertible car was when he got shot. This would have been so surreal to have been there when it actually took place.

The Galleria Mall

Our hotel in Dallas was right next to the Galleria mall. This is a 4 story mall containing over 150 stores, tons of restaurants, and an indoor skating rink in the middle of it all. Who'd thunk it to put a skating rink in a mall-crazy!?

Showing off my ice skating skills-practicing on land before ice.

Look at how cute this guy is.

From time to time, we'd take breaks from walking around the mall and just chill on the nice couches they provided for tired tourists like us. P.S. We LOVED Dallas and look forward to going back ASAP!!!

My Kiddish Taste Buds

Slicing of the turkey

I know that we all have those treats and foods that we ate when we were little that we still have a hankering for. My hankering is no longer for the cheese injected hot dogs (but they still are good), rather, a short stack consisting of crackers, cheese, and turkey. Some might call it a home made lunchable, I call it a circus in my mouth!! I love this heavenly little stack of yumminess. In fact, I eat this cracker feast on a daily basis for lunch. My kiddish taste buds never get sick of it. Travis, along with all my co-workers, find this hillarious because it actually involves preparation and lots of order. First, I cut all the turkey in little square-esque pieces. Second, i use string cheese (a food of the gods) and string out the perfect size for each little cracker. Also, I must add that I use Thin Triangular Shaped Triscuits and throw in a pretzel, ritz or saltine every now and then. Then, when the feast is in order---I EAT!!! Yummy-I LOVE this dish. It's definitely a FAVE of mine. It's just one of the great foods and orderly Quirks that I have. How about you...any kiddish feasts taking place on your palate?

Stringing of the Cheese

The Finished Product-organized, even portions and mmm mmm good!

Eggs of Decadence-What's your fave?

Every year around this time the weather starts getting a little warmer, flowers start blooming, the days become longer and best of all (for Trav and me) the Easter candy is stocked from shelf to shelf at the grocery store. Yes folks, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that Easter candy is by far the BEST candy of the whole year. I mean, Cadbury Eggs (Creamy, Snickers, Carmel etc.), Reeses Peanut Butter Eggs, Gummy Eggs, and one of our favorite Jelly Beans. Let me clarify Jelly Beans for you. I’m not meaning the fancy shmancy jelly bellies or even the Starburst kind, I’m talking about the No Name brand-white, pink, purple, orange, green, black, and yellow $.50/bag jelly beans of juicy goodness. Oooooh, my mouth waters just thinking of them. Seriously, if you’d like to experience an Exuberant Tasting CIRCUS in your mouth, go to your nearest family grocer and purchase any of the egg candy mentioned above. I’m hoping you already have some within hands grasp. If not, get to it. Also, share with us what some of your favorite Easter Treats are. We’d love to hear about it.

For the LOVE of being tagged

It had been a while since I've participated in a tagging, so I thought "heck, why not." I hope you enojoy some interesting tid bits of Trav and my relationship!! :)

How long have you been married? A little over 3.5 years-sheesh, time flies!

How long did you date? We met right after I graduated from High School June '00. We then dated for 2.5 years and then I went on a mission. I got home from my mission and we finally got married. All in all-4.5 years of dating.

How old is he? 29

How old are you? 26-our B-days only one day apart too.

Who said "I love you" first? Trav did.

Who eats more? Trav, by a LONG shot!

Who sings better? I do-he loves music, but rarely sings.

Who's smarter? We are both smart, but he is incredibly smart!

Who does the laundry? We both do, but me mostly.

Who does the dishes? We both do, but me mostly, again.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does.

Who pays bills? Him all the way. He's a money/investment/savings/retirement guru.

Who mows the lawn? The beauty of living in an apt.-neither of us mow. However, at our house in SLC he mowed the lawn.

Who cooks dinner? Me on the weekends, but both of us during the week. F.Y.I. if you ever eat with us, you'll most likely- 98% of the time get some sort of wrap or burrito. (with a Claussen pickle).

Who's more stubborn? I think that he is. I wonder what he thinks?.....

Who kissed who the first time? Well, we dated for almost a month before kissing. For me, it had to be meaningful. He was very patient with me and when we did, I’d have to say it was a team effort.

Who asked who out? Trav asked me out. We met country dancing and then he left for Moab with some friends. He then called me on his way home to ask me out. Upon answering the phone, I forgot his name and what he looked like. I knew NOTHING about him, however, I said “yes.” Thank goodness he wasn’t a mass murderer or something.

Who proposed? He did, in the most creative way I should add.

Who has more siblings? It’s a tie-we both have 2 brothers. I’m the loner gal of both families and would die to have a sister!! I do have sister-in-laws that i'm grateful for!

Who wears the pants in the family? We both occupy a leg, but I fulfill the booty a bit more in some areas and him in others.

Guess who we met?

Last weekend Bill Clinton came to Lubbock, TX. Trav, being an AVID Bill Clinton (not necessarily Hillary) fan has always wanted to see him speak. Well, we did and it was an awesome and surreal experience. After listening to Bill Campaign for Hillary-2 hours mind you, he came out to where we were and started shaking hands. I was able to capture a little of it on my phone-not the best footage, but better than nothing. All in all, Trav and I were able to shake his hand multiple times, I also grasped on to his arm and gave a high five. "Good times, noodle salad!" P.S. if you'd like to hear me being impatient, ready to meet Bill-push pause on the music playlist

Squeeky Clean and lovin' it!

For me, there's nothing like a clean apartment and or office. I have fallen in love with this product. They are simple little wipes containing clorox-a great cleaning agent and a touch of lemon that adds a little zest. These little wet sheets are my new obsession. If you didn't know, I'm quite the GERMAPHOBE (boy that's an understatement). I hate germs and get sick all too easily, therefore, am constantly trying to stay away from all germs. These little heaven sent wipes do just the trick. Every day before work, I give my office a thorough wipe down. From my computer mouse, keyboard, and the phone, to all my pens---I clean it all!!! Obsessed much, yes-but I haven't gotton sick for a good 4 months (knock on wood)!!!! Oh yeah, lets not forget about the 50 oz. bottle of hand sanatizer on my desk too :) Squeeky clean is the name and cleanin' is the game.

Everyday I take a small break during my law school studies and try and defeat the toughest boxers in the world. This is a collection of what I think are the most challeging. (The first fight with Bald Bull is pretty easy, the second time around is another story. Soda Popinski is pretty tough but nowhere near as tough as Super Macho Man and Tyson). What makes it even more difficult is having to use a computer keyboard over the original joystick. Anyway, many of you probably remember the old Nintendo days, back when video games were at their best. I missed them so much I downloaded all of them onto my computer, but most are too annoying to play without a joystick so I have stuck with Mike Tyson's Punch Out.

Can you say PROMOTION?!?!

Woooooo hoooooo-before going home to UT for Christmas break I applied for a new position at Tech. After lots of interviews, I found out this past week that I got it! I am so excited to start my new job. I will be the new Senior Research Specialist for Tech. I feel so blessed to be the one to get the position. I will now be working directly with Development Officers to bring in donations to the school. I will also do a lot more, but to be honest, I don't know all the job entails. I just know that it is completely applicable to my college degree, I received a great raise (reasoning behind me holding money in the pic), and I can now say I have officially started a career. Due to the 2 weeks notice policy and all the deadlines I must make in my current position, I will not start until Feb. 4th. Come Feb. 4th I am a new woman........or just a new Senior Specialist.

Guess what's new with Trav?!

Were you able to guess? Trav has recently gotten glasses. He has had a hard time seeing distance for a while, so he decided to go in and get his eyes checked. Yippee-ki-yay, he can finally see! He is really happy with his new and improved vision and glasses. I'll be honest, upon first seeing him I wasn't quite sure about the frames, but now realize they are completely him- a little silly and original. Gotta love this cute guy!

P. S. I also gave him a haircut-not too shabby aye? Miraculously enough, he let me do it. It's not perfect, but you know what they say....."practice makes perfect." We'll see if he'll let me cut it again in a few weeks.

Blast from the Past

While in UT, I was able to get together with some of my old soccer buddies. Shelby, Courtney A.K.A. Buck-it and I were able to remenisce about the good ol' days and also catch up on all the present day events that are going on in life. While growing up, we were the best of friends-kinda like peas and carrots. I'm just glad that we were able to get together--I love you ladies.....hopefully next time Lauren will be able to make it!

Back to life, Back to reality

We just returned home from our Christmas break in UT. It was such a great break but went by way too fast. While in UT, we were able to attend family parties, put together puzzles, watch movies, celebrate my sister-in-law's B-Day, and see the snow-lots and lots of it!!! We also were able to get together with some of our most favorite friends-hang out, eat delicious sushi, etc. All in all, the break was much needed and so much fun!!! We were so happy to be with our families for the holiday, but are also relieved to be back in Lubbock's 65 degree weather. Vacations and holidays are wondrous things, but always come to an end--back to work for me and school for Trav. It'll take some time to get back to normalcy-wish us luck cuz sometimes normalcy and reality hurts! P. S. was UT always that cold while growing up?!?!

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!!!

I just wanted to wish y'all--me using Texan jargon---a very Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year!!! Yippeee it's almost CHRISTMAS!!!

Home for the Holidays!!

As Christmas is getting closer, Trav and I are sooooooo excited to go home and visit with family and friends. It will be so fun and weird to be in an actual city--bigger than 240,000 people. We will be able to shop and eat out--two things we haven't done for a good 4 months. However, before all the festivities begin, we must get there. We are driving home with Kaylene and Jon. Yep, the four of us will be crowded in a little car for 16 plus hours--what a great adventure and fun time we'll have. I think by the end of the trip we'll all be excited to get out and stretch our legs. Until then, wish us luck and a safe trip. We can't wait to see you all in UT so very soon!!!

Tribute to all the Ute fans out there! (Posted by Corbo)

Last week we were able to watch the great rivalry game of Utah vs. BYU. What a great, yet LOUSY game it was. The Utes had it won with 1 minute exactly on the clock and then what happens--a BYU receiver catches a hail mary and it all went down hill from there. I will repeat what was said last year, "we'll get them next year!" What a hard loss. Personally, I would rather have them lose 49-7 than the way they did, however, it did make for a great game. Here's to next year--GOOD LUCK Utes and play hard to the END!!!

Our first Texas Thanksgiving

My mom did the bulk of the cooking, but I did help out a bit.

It was my year to learn how to cook all the Thanksgiving goods.

My dad carving the turkey--

this is his yearly task.

Cam hanging out, wondering

when the grub will be ready.