5 years of nothin' but........

Silliness

Best Friendship

Holiday Fun

Puckered Lips and Facial Hair

Hap Hap Happy 5th Anniversary Babe! You are the best hubby out there. Thanks for everything you do. I love you so much and am so thankful that I have you in my life. To sum it up, our marriage is, 'Good Times, Noodle Salad!!!' Thanks for a fabulous 5 years. I look forward to many more memory making moments with you. P.S. as you'd say, 'it's you and me kid!!!' Love ya -mean it-

Corbo

Crisp, crisp, slurp, slurp

What can I say......sometimes you just feel like eating a pickle! This is my first experience ever eating such a large pickle. I enjoyed a couple bites, but would NEVER purchase one from the gas station that is individually packaged or at the movie theater. I got this here sucker at Dickies BBQ in addition to my meal. Overall, it was a palatable experience and I can now say I've eaten one of these goobery looking things!

Quick Cali Trip!

Two weeks ago I went to Monterey/Carmel, Cali to see a good family friend get married. Trav had a midterm and couldn't attend. It was a tad cold, but BEEEEEautiful!!! We couldn't get enough of the beach, fancy hors d'oeuvres, bright flowers, laughter, wedding cake.....this is the life!!!Tia & my twin Cam, Mike & Heromi, me, ma & pa

the ADORABLE flower girl

short hair groupies

my cousin Ken and me-FISH FACE times two!

the wedding scenery-priceless

Done with the wedding and off to play. This was taken right off of Pebble Beach golf course.

A visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Cannery Row Adventurers at Monterey Bay-we loved the food samples at every corner!

We made it to San to the Francisco!! Windy, BRRRRR-I was loving my dad's stylish wind breaker.

We walked across the Golden Gate Bridge.

our rip off priced lunch---looks a bit 'fishy', but was oh so tasty and fresh!!!

Chinatown action-one of the many crazy markets. I was LOVING the fresh produce and the cheap prices. It was a produce lovin' fool's playground! I passed on the dried and flattened whole chickens.

Can't go to San Fran without riding the trolley-we rode it EVERYWHERE!!! I looked for the Full House street, but it was nowhere to be found.

Peer 39 picture perfect spot. It was nippy and I was thinking about the San Fran sourdough bread I was about to devour at din din.

My mom and I heard, "arrrr arrrr arrrrr," low and behold a family of sea lions

Overall, the trip was FABULOUS!!! Unfortunately, I went out with a bang--a fractured elbow and sprained arm(see post below). Oh well, from the wedding up to the fracture was nothing but 'good times noodle salad!!!'

Fractured Elbow and Sprained Arm

I had such a fabulous time last weekend in Monterey, Carmel, and San Francisco California until the last night when I sadly (not to mention) lamely fractured my elbow, sprained my arm, and went into shock. Seriously though, I don't really even know what happened other than we were leaving fisherman's wharf and heading back to our car when I tripped on the edge of a torn up one foot plus storm drain curb and face planted into the asphalt. It happened so fast. One scary thing I do recall was thinking, "I'm going to crack my head open when I hit..." before plunging into the hard asphalt. Thankfully and miraculously this did not happen! I'm very lucky and blessed that such a hard fall didn't shatter my elbow, my arm, or my noggin. This happened the last night of our trip-Go BIG and then go home right?! For the record, I'm not clumsy at all, however, I am a bull in a china closet. Any who, this is so lame! Thankfully, since I'm an adult my doctor won't cast me because I'd lose mobility. Thus, I've got my sexy gray sling. Isn't it a fancy accessory? It brings out the color in my eyes and makes my chest look bigger.............moral of the story, WATCH OUT FOR BROKEN CURB STORM DRAINS AT FISHERMAN'S WHARF BECAUSE THEY'RE SURE TO GET YA!!!!! Side note: hurt like a buggar!!!

Our New Company!

We still have a lot of work to do, but the online store is finally OPEN! www.givelongevity.com

Run in with the Po Po-what a JERK!!!!

Two days ago I experienced A COUPLE of FIRSTS:
*I was pulled over by the Po Po-Yep my first time EVER because I'm a granny driver!!!
*My first ticket!!! Yes siree, no warning, but a ticket!!!!
This police officer was such a JERK too.....let me give you a mere glimpse of the situation........

I was the last car bumper to bumper behind four other cars at a red light. Green light-we all turned right and proceeded on a highway.........

Clearly all the HUGE trucks (yes I live in TX) gained grounds on our good ol' salsa red, no guts, neon. I was TRYING to keep up and go the flow of traffic and then a motor cop lets all the four trucks fly by and turns on his lights for me!

me: officer I'm sorry, I didn't know I was speeding....I've NEVER even been pulled over. EVER!
Po Po aka Jerk: License and Insurance.....that's your registration, not insurance!
me: I should know better my husband was a cop for 8 years, I'm sorry.
Jerk: I clocked you at 15 over--here's your ticket
me: 15 over, no way......(it was a 'construction zone' that hasn't had any construction done on it forever) I have a question officer. I was going with the flow of traffic, what about all the cars ahead of me that gained about 4 car legnths on me? Science states they must've been going faster..........
Jerk: no they weren't, I clocked you!
me: tear tear, sniffle sniffle, mad as all H#LL could be!!! I drove off.

Now I ask you, was I speeding or was I the easy target because I was the last in a line of five cars that were supposedly speeding, therefore, the EASIEST and SAFEST target for the jerk to pull behind?!?! I believe the latter! Not to mention, there were two other Po Po's with this jerk that didn't even flinch an eye at any of us so called 'speeders'!!! I know you're wondering......$209! Yep, I love the irony-I've NEVER been pulled over, but the first time I do I get no warning or slack, rather am hit HARD!! When I got back to work my boss asked what the Po Po looked like, "a BIG A$$ H*LE!" was my response. Watch out for those AH's!!!!

The DREADED FINALS!!!!

Don't we all just LOVE this time of the year!?!?! On the BRIGHT side, in one week it will all be over with. Until then, the BEST of luck to all you guys!!! In my books y'all are a WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER-now get back to studying........... oh and P to the S- DON'T be so hard on yourself!

5 years home from my mission!!!

Below is the Portland Head Light-I spent 3 hours doing service every Friday at this BEEEEAUTIFUL lighthouse. This is why I'm obsessed with lighthouses!
Happy 5 year anniversary to me!!! I've been home for 5 years from my mission and boy have the years gone by in a flash. Some of the things I miss about my mission are:

• the amazing people
• the strong accents--also everything ending with an 'er' sound--Santer Clause, Pizzer, etc.
• the quaint homes/architecture-wrap around porches, shutters, etc.
• the freshest sea food-haven't had any since! It's not the same if you're not on the coast!
• the FALL FOILAGE-it's God's country in the Fall--AMAZING!!!!
• Moxie-the best soda pop out there!!!
• Needhams-it's pretty much a mounds candy bar on steroids--soooo tastey!!!!!
• I'm a true Maineiac at heart and LOVE Maine!!!!!

On the contrary, one thing I DON'T miss is the FREEZING COLD piercing through my winter coat, boots, and long underoos!!!! Winters in Maine are a cold miserable JOKE!!! I don't miss that!

Here's a shout out to my mission--I love you Maine and was happy to serve for 19.5 months!!!

My wish list for when I get better!

No secret to anyone, I've been sick 28 days too long, but who's really counting?!?! Any ways, as I sit here with a sore jaw due to cranking it over and over trying to relieve a tad bit of pressure from my ears and head, I'm thinking to myself all of the things I want to do when I get better. Here are just a few in no particular order:

• enjoy DAY LIGHT SAVINGS and actually notice that day light savings took place....a month ago right?
• take pleasure in EATING something TASTEY, rather having to eat to stay alive when everything tastes like SNOT
• go on a SUPERB date with Trav and have a blast
• BELLY laugh
• EXERCISE--swim laps, elliptical, run, walk, teach Pilates
• sleep like a ROCK at night rather waking up every hour
• Go to church---it's been ALL TOO LONG!!!!
• Drink the BIGGEST diet coke on tap with Trav at Market Street
• Cook a STELLAR dinner and bake some cupcakes
• Appreciate every minute of healthy living
• Visit all of my friends and see their new little babies
• GAIN weight....again.........
• Enjoy/feel BETTER this weekend-I've been telling myself this for the last 5 weeks! This is the week though.....please..........

This is my list for now. I'll stop even though I have many many more ideas and desires. Not too shabby of a list though if I do say so myself!

Out of Service

I'd like to thank all of our family and friends who have been thinking of Cori and have reached out to encourage her to get better. For those of you who know Cori well, she has the tendency to get sick quite easily. This time she caught the flu that has now turned into pneumonia. She's on her 10th day of this nasty bout but is starting to feel a little better. She's being pumped full of strong antibiotics and forced to sleep as much as possible. Hopefully by the weekend's end all will be grand.

Again, I want to thank everyone who has wished her well. This post may seem a bit dramatic since the flu and pneumonia are "common" illnesses, nevertheless Cori‘s body has a knack for finding a way to overcompensate just about anything.

I love you Corbo and hope you get better soon.

Happy B-Day to the BEST Mom EVER

My latest and GREATEST project

I have NEVER been one for decorating. It's not because I don't want to, rather it's because I didn't inherit the 'decor' gene. Truly, I'd love my home to resemble that of a home in 'Better Homes and Gardens' magazine, but lets be honest, my way of decorating is slapping a family pic on the wall and not even bothering with centering or levelling. However, for a long time I've had the, 'I HATE MY WALL' blues. Thus, after I found out from my friend Julie (THANKS JULS) that Hobby Lobby was having a sale on wall decor, I went in to take a gander. At the store I was sooooo overwhelmed. I picked up some stuff, put it down, picked up more.... had no vision whatsoever...., etc. etc. Then finally I saw some goods that I thought I might be able to work with (truly assuming I'd have to return everything in the end). However, when I got home I was able to put it all together and here you see the finished product. It's still minor for all you big time decorators out there, but WOW I'm stoked about it. Not to mention, the twigs flowing out of the vase were actually gathered by yours truly. Sorry little tree, I guess my wall needed them more than you.

Valentine's Day and all its SURPRISES

Honestly, I wasn't expecting a gift for Valentine's Day because Trav and I usually forego gift giving and go on a vacay instead. However, since Trav has been in Law School, it has thrown a definite monkey in our travels. Thus, on this year's day of love I was really wanting one thing and one thing only......a card! Instead I was COMPLETELY SURPRISED to no end and received this.......Yes ladies, he chose it all out himself!

I too had a SURPRISE for Trav up my sleeve. I used my artsy fartsy juices and heart attacked him! I know it's a bit cliche on Valentine's Day, but hey I set the whole thing up in the refrigerator, thus, making it much more unique and silly fun. He openend the fridge for a coke and this is what he found........

I also made him his favorite scocheroo rice krispies, took him for pizza, and then we finished the night watching 'The Holiday'. What a FABULOUS Valentine's Day filled with wonderful surprises-thanks Babe, LOVE YOU!!!

Super Bowl Shinanigans

Super Bowl Sunday is always a fun 'holiday' in my minds eye. Is it that Trav and I just LOVE watching NFL football or is it that we LOVE chomping down on the vast assortment of chips, dips, and fun fetti cup cakes? The LATTER definitely! Not to mention, the commercials, which come in at a very close second. Also, for this year's game Trav was in the know about 3-D commercials being aired, thus, we picked up these spiffy, chic, blue glasses for every one of our buddies at the party. Thanks Trav for taking care of us all. Excitedly watching the 3-D commercials In the end, the commercials somewhat disappointed, however, the glasses we got out of the experience=PRICELESS!!!

Ladies-please tell me I'm not alone!!!

My Adorable Hubby
I love my hubba bubba so darn much and because of this, I am constantly looking out for for his best interests. For instance, if his hair is getting too long (draping over his ears) and looking shabby-I constantly remind him that: A) I need to cut it and B) he should be using product. I mean, I have just about every type of hair serum from anti-frizz to gels to oils to pastes-you name it. Thus, I'd love it if when Travbo decides not to cut his hair, he'd at least style it. His hair has such potential, but really Trav does not take advantage. Thus, I make mention, "maybe you should use this product in your hair...." hint hint. Then when he doesn't get the hint (always), I try to physically help him out-serum in hand going for his noggin. ALAS, he won't allow it! Why, I knoweth not!!! I'm only trying to HELP, rather hinder. As I'm only trying to HELP him NOT wear a brown belt with black shoes, the same old ragged-bleached (surely you've seen it) hoody over and over again when he's got tons of new and MUCH better looking ones in his closet. Not to mention, the much too thick eyebrows that I'd love for him to surrender to me and my pluckers.....ETC. Now I ask, am I in this alone? Am I being a too overbearring, fashionista wife or do you as wives also pester your hubby's and help them out with their appearance? Please do indulge me. I mean, one of the only tips Trav will take from me other than the 'no brown belt with black shoes' rule, is if I tell him he has a boogie hangin out of his nostril-he'll swipe it. Other than that, he's somewhat stubborn and won't take my fashion sense (and really I don't have too much of that myself, but more than him at that) and apply it. So how 'bout it ladies-give me some inspiration here por-fa-vor!!!!

Oh he's such a trooper and such a cutie!!!

Happy 56th Birthday to the Best dad EVER-Douggie Boy!!!

Dear Dad--Thanks so very much for all that you do for Trav and me. You are honestly the BEST!!! We love and appreciate you oh so much. You are such a silly, fun-loving guy. Keep up the great work, but don't work too hard. This year do less projects and have more fun. Always remember, you are the fizz in our coke, the lint in our belly buttons, and the cherry on our sundae-You are the BEST!!! Happy B-Day dad-here's to another FABULOUS year!!! P.S. your real card is on it's way in the mail!

Two Nephews, Two Nieces, and a Blessing

Kaden-Trav's older brother Jared and his wife Brittany's son. They live in GA, thus, we NEVER get to see any of them :(

Emery and UsEmery is Trav's little brother Josh and his wife Angela's little girl

Dax and me

Shae-she was born on Dec. 30thTrav and I had a WONDERFUL time while visiting in UT over the Christmas holiday. One of the things we did that we thoroughly LOVED was meeting our new nieces Emery and Shae and babysitting Dax. It's so hard being away from them!!! Sheesh, they grow up so darn fast. Dax is such an explorer and is always saying something silly and random, "Dax, how old are you?" he replies, "hang glider (from baby einstein), a seal says arrrr arrrr." He is such a crack up. Little Emery is so adorable and Trav had the great opportunity of blessing her the Sunday before Christmas. It was such an amazing experience for him and I must say I enjoyed it too. He said he sneaked a peak during the blessing and Emery was just bright eyed with a huge smile. Lastly, thank the heavens that my sis-in-law, Brooke, went into labor before the new year and had little Shae. We loved meeting her as an infant, rather an eight month old, which will probably be the next time we get back to UT. All in all, we LOVE our nieces and nephews so much, miss not being able to play with them weekly, and are so happy to have them! :)

I know, I know!

Hello everyone! I do realize that it is no longer the Christmas season and that my blog is still SCREAMING out Merry Christmas, ho ho ho, all i want for Christmas is you, and so forth. SORRY, I'm a little preoccupied with working full time and catching up with real life in Lubbock, thus, I haven't been focused on my blog. With this said, I promise to update it soon because really there is no excuse as to why I can't.

P.S. GO UTES-what a FABULOUS game!!!!!!

Fabulous Holiday Sweater Bash

Decked out from head to toe in holiday spirit-red bell earrings with matching holiday socks, and an oversized bow on Trav's vest.

I was voted (after marketing myself as the total package)the BEST holiday sweater/get-up. Trav came in at a close 3rd place. Go BIG or go home right?!

This past weekend was filled with yummy food, superb friends, guessing games, hot tamales, charades, white elephant gifts (belIeve, prescription meds, professor's cd's, glass bowls etc.), and MOST importantly UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATERS!!! Wow, check out this crew!! Unfortunately, many friends are missing for they had to excuse themselves to pick up their kiddos. Sorry we didn't snap a candid before bedtime. Nonetheless, are we lookin' hot to trot and stellar or what?! Needless to say, Holly Jolly times were had by all.

Christmas Traditions and Memories

The true meaning of Christmas

Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation-Clark Griswold and cousin Eddy are both crazy!!!

Mom's and Grandma's homemade chocolates

Chocolate Advent Calendar

Santa really freaked me out when I was a kid, but I love his rosey cheekies now!

Tis yet another holiday season. Every year I can't help but think about the many memories and traditions that I fancy this time of year. Some to name a few are: watching Nation Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, eating my mom's and grandma's homemade chocolates, pecan rolls, and carmel popcorn, and focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is soooooooo FABULOUS!!! I love that everyone gives a little more, is a bit more cheerful, and that Christmas music is playing everywhere you go. I love doing Sub for Santa and thinking of the children and family that will be receiving the gifts we give. I love advent calendars. When I was little my grandma Lor got me a chocolate one and every morning I started my day by opening a little door to find a piece of fake, waxy chocolate. I loved the taste and also was excited that I was one day closer to the big holiday. Also, when I was little I was terrified of Santa!! I completely believed that "he sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake......" thus, I'd get dressed under blankets so that he couldn't see my private parts. Not to mention, I couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve because I thought Santa was going to kidnap me. Why did I think that Santa was some psycho molester man?!?! Idunno, regardless I got over it, love the big jolly man, and am a true believer!! Any ways, what are some of your traditions and memories? There are so many, so share a couple like I did.....................