Jessalyn Hillier Richards 1919-2008

I am a little late in posting this, but I have really wanted to, and I felt it was necessary. Blogging is my journal. We recently celebrated the life of Jesselyn Richards but better know as Grandma Richards who passed away on May 2, 2008. She was an amazing woman with an amazing history. All the stories I have ever heard were of her hard work, refined manners, and dedication to her family. One of Grandma's favorite things to do was to just sit and watch her great grandchildren play (all 56 of them). I loved hearing her quiet laughs when she saw them do something silly or even naughty. We were so blessed to have her in our lives and to have our two children get to know her. She was always so patient when they would come to visit. As soon as they would get to her room they would pull out every toy they could find, and kleenex, and pictures...the list goes on. There was always a treat to be shared and a laugh to be had as they, or Spencer rather, asked her silly questions. We are also so grateful for Kevin's mom, Sheryl, for her love and dedication in taking such great care of her all these years. She leaves behind an amazing legacy, which is evident it the way all seven of her children lead their lives. She will be greatly missed. We love you Grandma.

Isn't this a beautiful picture? I love these old timey shots. Gorgeous.

Quarantined

OK, maybe we aren't officially quarantined, but I feel like we should be! As of late, I am just not sure how safe it is to come to our house. In the last month or so we have had two visits from the fire department due to 911 calls, two ER visits (one for Spencer and one for me), two IV bags, 4 vials of blood taken, one chest x-ray, 2 urine samples, 35 vomits (me), a week of fevers from Spencer, two days of fever with Olivia, a total of 3 seizures, another 2 days of Spencer with fever accompanied by sore throat, and Kevin is going on week three of his "smokers cough." Yeah. I think we have filled our sick quota for this year, and NO, I am not pregnant (although it would have make the puking worth it).

Spencer had another fever seizure on Saturday morning after his fever spiked. This time it was a grand mal. So much scarier. Thankfully I knew what was going on and what to do. I can't imagine if I would have experienced that the first time. When the fire department arrived it was the same crew that came a few weeks ago with the exception of a person or two (thanks for moving to CA Melanie). It helped me not to feel so ridiculous somehow. No worries, that feeling came later as the calls started flooding in later that day from curious and concerned neighbors. Luckily we were able to just take him to his doctors office instead of the ER. We were happy to find out that he should be growing out of this soon. He just needs a tight regiment of Tylenol and Motrin. I am beginning to feel like we should buy their stock.

Don't worry. We really are happy and relatively healthy. I truly think we have been blessed with great health and are grateful that we are just dealing with minor issues. You may just want to think twice before visiting! ;)

Bree and Eric Updated. Check Her Out!!!

Cinco De Mayo BABY!!!

There is a gene that runs in the Nelson family that is specific to celebrating/partying. We don't need any specific reason to get together and play. WELL, now Cinco De Mayo has a purpose. It is the birthday of lil' Miss Taylor Lane Nelson!!! She came five days late and covered in chins and rolls, but she is finally here! Bree and Eric couldn't be more pleased. All went well with the delivery, and you can go to their blog for the details (when they get around to posting). So far, Baby Tay hasn't exercised her lungs much. She is so mellow and sweet. She has a perfect little head and is a wonderful combination of both her parents. We are so excited to have a cousin on the Nelson side! Watch out Taylor, they are excited to meet you!!!
Two girls in one week (Lauren and Taylor)! These are the things that make life so great.

P.S. Happy Anniversary Bree and E! What a great anniversary gift! (Bree and Eric were married May 6, 2006)

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

ATTENTION! ATTENTION EVERYONE!

Twenty six year old Ryan Nelson of Las Vegas, NV is recently engaged!!! On Saturday May 3rd in Mesa, AZ he proposed to the lovely Miss Lauren Davis. Lauren was quoted as saying (from a text message), "He totally tricked me!" She also said that, "I LOVE it so much," when asked about her ring. Details are pending on the acutal event. An interview with Ryan is in the works. However, we can expect a sealing date sometime in early August. All parties are thrilled.

I Decided To Participate

Where were you born? Las Vegas, NV

Middle name: Jessica (on Church records) and Nelson for the rest of the world.

How old will you be this year? 29 (until I turn 40)

Nicknames: KJ, Kissy, Kage?

Are you taller than your mother or father? Barely taller than Mom and dwarfed by Dad

Do you cry often during movies? Yes. It can be the smallest thing. Even the music will do it.

What is one of your biggest pet peeves? lights on during the day. I need natural light! I also HATE when something is spilled on a freshly cleaned floor. OH, and garbage in the sink. GRRR.

Favorite color: Depends on the day. Black always.

Favorite foods: Mexican, French fries, and ice cream!

Favorite beverage: Coke with Sonic ice or fresh squeezed lemonade.

Favorite cold cereal: I like lots of them. I also love granola from the church mill. MMMM!

Favorite smells: rain, clean baby, clean house, clean laundry. Can we say OCD?

Favorite time of day: Mornings and when Kevin gets home.

Favorite make-up products? MAC and Bare Minerals

How many pillows do you sleep with? two

Do you play an instrument? Used to play violin.

Did you do any sports in High School? volleyball

What was the last movie you saw in the theater? Horton Hears a Who. I need to go out this weekend!

What is your favorite article of clothing? JEANS!!!

What is your dream vacation? Touring Italy and Spain. What the heck. Let's say the whole Mediterranean.

What was your first impression of your spouse? Tall, handsome and reserved.

What is your favorite "me-time" activity? Shopping alone or reading a book.

Favorite TV shows: Dexter, House, Office, 30 Rock, SNL, Flight of the Concords...the list goes on.

What is your dream car? Right now a new Tahoe. Later an A6.

What is one of your weaknesses? Junk food

What do you fix for dinner when there's nothing to fix? Grilled cheese or spaghetti

What is the emotion you feel the most? Contentment

Do you consider yourself outgoing? Most of the time.

What is something you are constantly working on? Patience (Remembering my Love and Logic)

Any hidden talents? I haven't found them yet.

What is a word or phrase you overuse? "OH, my gosh," "WHAT!" and "NO!"

What was the hardest thing that has happened to you this year? Having the market drop

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year? Having the market drop (put things into perspective)

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? Getting our backyard in and growing our first veggie garden.

The best piece of advice you've learned so far this year? Remember to have joy and be positive. I love President Hinckley!!!

Now, post the most recent picture of yourself. This REALLY is the most recent picture of me. It's a project of Alli's! Just trying to give her a little business!

These are good questions, so I hope some of you will do this one!

Your're Only 21 Once

Twenty one years ago today Lydia Marie Nelson came into the world at a whopping 10 lbs. 7 1/2 oz., a full head of black hair, and the cutest cheeks you've ever seen! Thankfully since then she has shed the hair that coated her shoulders and back too! Hahaha! I could hardly wait to take her newborn picture to my second grade class for show and tell. I think my teacher almost fell out of her chair when she asked how much she weighed. She probably thought I got my numbers mixed up!
I remember I was so excited to have a little sister. I had been the only girl stuck between two boys for eight years. The score was finally even. By then, I think I had mostly thought of myself as a boy, and it was refreshing to have some estrogen in the house. Lydia was as girlie as they come. She loved all the princesses, could belt Natalie Cole's "I Miss You Like Crazy" like no other, and let me abuse her head to no end with all her Sunday do's.
I think for her three older siblings it was a definite benefit for us to be so much older. We could get her to do and say anything. She could grab her junk better than Michael Jackson and got Uncle John to "look at her butt." Aw, those precious memories.
It has been fun to grow closer through the years and to have our age gap disappear. We have such a great time when all us kids are together, and we all look forward to the future. We are so proud of you Lydi. We love you so much, and have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Yeah, and one day I will learn to edit my scanned pictures. HELP!

This Is Hard To Swallow

Allergies. Phlegm. Post nasal drip.

That is where I am at right now.

Mmmmm.

Olivia's First Haircut

Well, the day finally came. My baby got her first haircut. I am not sure if she is really considered a baby any more considering she is two, but she's still my baby! I have had so much fun braiding her hair and putting in ponies, but by mid afternoon her curls were starting to look more like cotton candy than anything else. So when, for no apparent reason at all, Olivia asked for a haircut yesterday, I thought I should jump on the opportunity. I mean really, how often does a kid ask for a hair cut!
She was pretty excited about the whole ordeal...until it started. Of course. She really wasn't too bad. She just didn't like the idea of having to look down. Once I realized it would be easier for her to stand on the chair she didn't seem to mind. I must admit, I think it turned out pretty cute! I had initially been putting it off because I wanted her sides to grow out a little more, but once it was all cut, the sides didn't bother me as much as I thought they would. It just looks like they are tapered. I wanted a more dramatic A-line on the sides, but those will grow out. All in all, I think it was a success. I think we have officially entered the stage of toddler hood (?). Don't you just love how it looks like she has no neck! That's because I bit it off! ;)

Unproductive, Useless, Thirsty...

I can just hear my husband letting out a quiet chuckle as he reads this. What does this title mean, you ask? I just spent the last three days reading the Twilight series. Understood? I have had Twilight for months, but put it off because of the craze. You know what I mean. Somehow I just couldn't read it while everyone was so obsessed. Now I know why they were! My children were forced to watch 726 hours of TV, Kevin had no ironed shirts, and my neck and back paid the price as well! On day two, I had to wake up early and get the house in order so I didn't feel guilty about what I was doing. Good thing right, since I haven't done something like this in 8 1/2 years of marriage. Lucky for Kev I never read the Harry Potter series!
I started of just thinking I would do some casual reading and finish the book in a week or so. Um, no. I finished that day, well actually at 4 am the next day if you want to be technical. I had my domestic duties to still fulfill, you know! My thoughts then told me to just get them over with so I could be useful again. I hunted down the next two books and finished them up. I even had to go to Stephanie Meyer's website to see if she had the first chapter of her next book. I was very disappointed to see that wasn't the case. I did, however, find the first chapter of Midnight Sun. Ooooooh! I really hope she writes that one!
I have always been drawn to the darker side, and it was nice being able to find something that was still so clean. My imagination is vivid enough. Speaking of imaginations, I found that I was at first a little disappointed that I knew who was cast for the movie because that is who I imagined in the book. By the end I was happy I already knew because I think I would have been disappointed with what I envisioned. I am completely satisfied with the casting of Bella and Edward now. I think if I hadn't know who they were and conjured up my own characters, I may have been disappointed. I read somewhere that Stephanie was wanting Henry Caville, but then she thought he was too old. Oh my word. I wouldn't have been disappointed if they chose him. Mmmm.
I am also torn between Edward and Jacob! How do you choose? I am inclined towards Edward because he was the first. Her first true love, but Jacob! He is so nice, and he will keep her mortal. Bleh. Too many good men to choose from! I will just wait for Breaking Dawn before I get myself too worked up. I wish Eclipse had the first chapter of Breaking Dawn in it. Maybe that would just drive me crazy.

American FarkleyToes

Last Thursday Eliza, Ashley, my madre' and I went to get pedicures at a little salon called La Villa, in Lehi. They have a fun option called Glitter Toes. Instead of getting your toes painted, you can get glitter instead. This is no ordinary glitter. They put a layer of gel on, followed by a layer of your color choice of glitter, another layer of gel and a quick drying under the UV lights. They are so SPARKLEY! It is also nice because they do your nails BEFORE you get your pedi, so you end it all with the wonderful massage. This is definitely something we need to do more. We were sad that Bree or Kathy couldn't come, but hey, that is what summer break is for! Let's make this a spring time tradition! Next time we will remember to pull out our cameras! We were too busy talking! Oh yea, these puppies stay on for about 5 weeks and look perfect the whole time! That's what I'm talkin' about!
Take a guess. Who is Fred, and who is Willma?

I'm A Big Kid Now

Spencer turned 5!!! I can't believe how big our little guy is getting. Time has flown by so fast. It seems like yesterday that he was just a little nugget in my arms. He has become so independent, or so he thinks! He is definitely head strong like his mama, but he has a soft sensitive side like like his dad. He is such a blessing to us, and brings such a fun spirit to our home. We love you Spence!

He had BIG plans for his birthday this year. He told me he wanted a surprise party, and he also wanted to send out a gift list with his invitations so his friends would know exactly what to get him. Uh, no. I told him it is a lot more fun to be surprised when you get gifts. I decided to hold of on the surprise party this year since he was ASKING for it. Maybe next year buddy! We wanted to keep the party kind of small, but that totally didn't happen. We had friends from the old neighborhood and friends from the new neighborhood. The grand total was 12. That is about 6 more than I wanted, but it turned out great. It was loud and crazy, exactly what we expected. It was a total success. Spencer was absolutely thrilled with all of it...especially all his gifts.

Are You GREEN With Envy?

Yeah, me neither. Spencer's preschool is celebrating St. Patrick's Day today with a green lunch picnic. Everything is supposed to be green! So, we dyed his bread GREEN, he has GREEN MAYO, GREEN HAM, and GREEN CHEESE. Mmmmm. :/ The limes were his idea. I guess GREEN APPLES weren't green enough for him. Other than that, it looks like a pretty ordinary lunch to me. Happy St. Patty's Day... on Monday!

Carb Loading or Carb Bloating

My friend Stephanie makes the best rolls this side of the tracks. Ask anyone who has tried them, and they will confirm it. I have been dying to try to make them, but I have a fear of making bread. I have no idea why, it's just there. Feeling extra confident (thanks to Steph's super detailed recipe) and somewhat industrious, I thought I would give them a shot. How did they turn out you ask? Divine. Oh, and I couldn't just stop with rolls. I had to make cinnamon rolls! EVEN BETTER. Mmmm.
Jealous, right? Yea well guess what else I got...
Mmm hmm. I had to buy these when we went to the store to get Spencer's Hot Wheels cake.

Oh yea, and there is one more treasure...
Just so you know, I skipped dinner last night and just ate rolls and cinnamon buns. I am woman. Hear me roar. Over!

A Series of Events...

I would be lying if I said things have been dull around here. Get comfy because this is a long one. First off. I have some really BIG NEWS for all of you...




Olivia went poo poo in the potty!!! As far as I am concerned, this is the most difficult part of potty training. We actually aren't even in the process of potty training right now, but on Wedenesday, I saw Olivia contemplating the deed (if you know what I'm sayin'), so I told her she could have a piece of candy if she went on the potty. She is a private person when she is doing her bidness, so I just told he I would close the door to the potty and finish my makeup. Before I knew it, she said, "Oh no Mommy, look!" She thought she was going to get in trouble, but when she saw how excited I was she beamed with pride. She waved bye bye to it as it flushed away and promptly asked for her candy. I love that she is totally motivated by sugar! We have yet to do it again, but she is not a fan of her diaper anymore, so I better get to work. Now, I have to say SUCKERS to all of you who were expecting different news! Hahaha!

Our next funny little story happened Saturday. We decided to meet a couple of friends at Union Station to see the train exhibit. What a flop! Never again I say. I don't know what we were expecting, but we got weird old men trying to sell model train parts. Bleh! I guess when the weather is nice (because it decided to snow again) they allow everyone to explore old trains outside, but they had that part closed for the day. Anywho, after we left we decided to make it up to the kiddies and take them to Micky D's for some greasy food and a grimy playland. Notice, I didn't say make it up to ourselves. We would have been headed to The Bistro on 25th if I had my way. Back to the story, the playland is a somewhat new experience to Olivia. She loved climbing and sliding, but the best part was when she discovered the cubbies for shoes. She came back with a pretty sparkley pair a couple sizes too big, but they were so pretty. She wasn't too happy when we put them back, but she knew there were more! A couple minutes later she walked over wearing a super hot pair of pink and cream cowgirl boots. Convincing her that these weren't hers wasn't so easy this time. She screamed and cried and stomped away. About five minutes later we were cleaning up to go, and I was off to help Spencer with something when a man came up to me. He said, "Are these your daughter's shoes?" I looked down to see him holding my newest, most favorite Target shoe purchase for Olivia. Her white shoes with black hearts, hot pink trim and a black bow. So cute. I looked at him and replied with the affirmative. He then said with a smile, "She was just trying to throw them in the trash." The little turd! She thought she was going to get a brand new pair of shoes at McDonalds. The Happy Meal prizes aren't that good, sweetheart! I laughed so hard. This girl is too funny and she keeps us on our toes! Oh yea, check out this other sweet Saturday happening. Spencer gave himself a sweet Mexi hickey with one of those tiny medicine cups that comes with Dimatapp. LOVE IT!

OH, but the adventures continue on! Sunday was our little Olivia's second birthday!!! We were going to my parents for a birthday dinner for the girls (Ryan's Lauren has a birthday on the 3rd), but we had church first. I decided to venture to church alone because I had to teach the lesson in our class, and Kevin was going to stay home with Olivia because she had a little cough. About an hour before I left, Spencer told me his head hurt so I felt his head. He was a little warm, so I told him to lay down. He was asleep in five minutes. I left, but then came home right after sacrament and the class. I asked Kev if we should take Spencer to my parents, and he said he seemed to be fine, so off we went. We had a great time and ate yummy chicken cressants. Mmm. After dinner we had cake and presents. Olivia got all clothes besides the little princess trike we bought. I LOVED that she was so into her clothes. She couldn't stop smiling at every new outfit. She is such a girl! I can't believe how fast these two years have gone. She is so much fun to be around and to watch. She is a complete tornado, but is my big helper as well. We love her so much!!!

Well, from there I must digress. We got home a little late, but were prompt on getting Spence and Oli in bed. We were all pretty tired so we zonked really fast. Around 2:00 am Spencer came in our room to use the bathroom. I didn't think much of it because it does it often. It is beyond me why he thinks it is easier to climb a flight of stairs rather than use the bathroom right next to his room, but this is beside the point. He flushed, washed, and was back to bed. I woke up around 4:00 am to hear him whimpering up the stairs, so I got up and met him in the hallway. He told me he had a bad dream. I decided to feel his head because of his fever earlier in the day, and he was burning up! I am so glad he had the earlier fever because if he has a bad dream we normally tell him to say a prayer or sing a primary song and go right back to bed. I took him into the family room, gave him a dose of Tylenol, and grabbed the thermometer. He was 103.8! He has never had a fever so high. It made me nervous, so I decided to get some cool wash rags on him. I put them on his forehead and chest. I changed them out about 3 times and took his temperature again (about 15/20 minutes later). It was still the same. I wasn't sure if I should give him a cool bath or just wait a little bit. I thought that no matter what he'd better sleep in our room. I moved my pillow and blanket to the chair in our room, and got another blanket for Spence. I went back out to get him and told him what we were going to do. A moment later he jolted sharply and his eyes got really big. It happened in a second, but it scared me so bad. It must have freaked him out too because he asked me what happened. I was almost in tears but then he said Olivia's name. I looked to the hallway, but she wasn't there. I thought he was hallucinating, so I asked him why he said her name. He told me he thought he heard her in her room. I sighed with relief, but in that instant he jolted again. This time his whole body got stiff, his eyes rolled over and he stared at the ceiling with dilated pupils. His arms were out to his side and completely stiff. His lips were also purple. I started calling for Kevin. He ran out and dialed 911. They told us to roll him on his left side, and they just talked to Kevin for a minute. The whole seizure lasted for about 45 seconds. As soon as it was over, he was completely asleep. The paramedics were on there way. They got there within a few minutes. They took his jammies off, took his temperature, and took a blood sugar test. Spencer was completely clueless to the fact he had just had a seizure, but he knew he didn't like his finger getting poked! They told us to take him to the ER, and they would call them so they would know we were on our way. I scooped up Olivia, grabbed a few things, and we were out the door.

Kevin's parents live right by the hospital, so we dropped Oli off. Once there, we were welcomed to an empty ER (the benefits of early morning emergencies, I guess). After a temperature reading, we were taken to a bed. They gave him some Motrin and informed us he would need a few tests taken. The first of the battery was a mucus sample. For once in his life it was unfortunate he didn't have any, so the nurse blasted a small dose of saline up his nose and sucked it right back out. TRAUMA IN THE ER people! And I thought a seizure was bad. Poor kid, he had no idea that a blood sample was just around the corner. He didn't fair that one very well either, but after that was over he was pretty worn out. He crashed for about 20 minutes, and then he had to go in for a chest x-ray. He got a sucker and four stickers, so that wasn't so bad. He thought it was all over until he realized he had to give a urine sample. He wasn't happy about peeing in a cup, but he filled his quota and even stopped mid stream and finished in the toilet so as to not get me wet. I knew that skill would come in handy someday. Well, that was truly the end of the test. He just had one more temperature reading, which was thankfully normal, a diagnosis of the flu, and a dose of flu medicine. Sadly, when we got home he puked in the hallway. Can I tell you how grateful I am for wood floors! Kev even offered to clean it up!!! I took him into the bathroom to finish the job, and after he finished, he looked at me with the saddest eyes and said, "Mom, I am not having a good day." SO SAD!

I am happy to report he is feeling better although he isn't better. It should be gone within 24 hours. Lets just hope the rest of us don't get it!

P.S. Did any of you catch SNL this weekend? I LOVE Kristin Wigg. She was the best in the Other Bolyn Sister skit!

Back From The Dead

Hellooooooooo! I was told by Allison to post before we went out of town, but I forgot. Sorry. So that's my excuse. We were out of town. Kev had a business convention, or whatever, in Vegas and wives were invited. The guys and Alyssa decided to ride a century in St. George first, so we got to spend a couple days there.
On Sunday we headed down to Vegas. We decided to stay at the hotel where the convention was at the last minute instead of staying at my Aunt Kathy's. I am glad we did because it really felt like we were on vacation. It was even a smoke free hotel...on the strip! Who knew. Anyway, the company hosting the convention had a home tour planned for us, and it was fun. I always forget to look at the actual floor plan because I am so distracted by the decor. I really enjoyed myself. We then went to a cocktail party (in jeans) provided by the conference, and in the process tried to decide what to do for the night. None of us (besides Kevin) had seen I Am Legend, so we thought we would try to catch it at the I-Max theater. I couldn't remember where it was so I called Ryan. When I told him our plans he said, "On a Sunday?" Then he laughed his head off. I had completely forgot. Oh well. What happens in Vegas...yea, so it wasn't playing anymore so we saw a different movie.
The rest of the trip for the guys was spent in a ballroom being lectured to, and the wives went shopping. We had a great time, but the best part about it was the amazing weather! I am sure that all you Vegrants and Californicators have developed a lack of appreciation for this, but it was so revitalizing! I need Spring.
The trip came to an end too fast, but we did manage to tack another day on by stopping in St. George again to pick up the bikes we left at the condo we stayed in. Sadly, we had to be on the road by 5 am, but it was nice to have the extra time to relax. The trip back took no time at all after shaving off the extra hour and a half from Vegas.
Kev dropped me off at my parents so I could pick up our kiddos. It was so fun to see them. It amazes me how big they seem after going a few days without them. Olivia is having full conversations and saying the funniest things. While we were gone she said, "You shut your mouf!" Now, I don't know how appropriate that is, but it is funny. My mother swears she had nothing to do with her learning that, so I guess I will believe her ;). She learned to climb out of her crib the day before we left, so I am sure she kept my mom a little busier than planned. She loves any and all things princess. Disney princess, of course. She also has a Barbie movie that she loves, and she asks for "Bobbie show," all day! It is Barbie of Swan Lake, and she has become quite the dancer. I can't wait for Lydia to see it! Maybe we will have a video forth coming.
Spencer is so big! He loves to play with his neighborhood buddies and keeps me busy all day. I can hardly keep him occupied. He has a real interest in becoming a chef. He makes pretty impressive hors d' oeuvres, although he needs to work on his names. Fish pizza is his specialty, and this is basically cutting a cheese stick in sections, standing them on end, and topping them a piece of folded ham. He also is considering being a Realtor because he could use those cool lock boxes that hide keys. What an incentive. We are struggling a little with his "story telling." He has a wonderful imagination, but we are trying to teach him the difference between imagination and not telling the truth. Any ideas? The joys of motherhood, I guess. He learning how to give good tickles, which he isn't too psyched about but realizes if he wants one, he needs to give one! Once again, the joys of motherhood!
It is amazing how time flies. There is such a catch 22 with raising children. You can't wait to have them grow up, but they don't stay babies long enough.

Happy ValentiMes and Happy Birthday!

You know someone had to say Valentines that way!
I just wanted to tell my hubby how much I love him. He is being such a great sport this Valentines Day. He was trying to plan something fun, but I was dead set on going to our Love and Logic class at a local elementary school, which, by the way, is complete torture for him. I know, you think I am crazy for passing that up, but it is just too busy out there tonight! Plus, we have some fun plans for this weekend, so I don't feel to bad!
I also want to wish Mrs. Tara Maxfield a very happy birthday! I am sure you got the royal treatment tonight! Due to some recent comments on my last post, I decided to fish around in some of my old pictures for some shots of our Denver trip. Sadly, I cannot find my favorite one, but the one I found is pretty good. Good times!
Also, the last one… well, that is a gem. Priceless. I don't want either of these girls writing me off as a friend for posting this, but it is just TOO GOOD! Oh really, it's priceless. Please forgive me girls! I know you have it in you! You know I love you!

Happy Birthday Tiff!

I just wanted to give a little B-day shout out to my bestest friend, Tiff! 29 for the rest of our lives baby! Tiff and I met at the bus stop the first day of our sixth grade year. There was an instant connection. People always asked us if we were sisters, and she has always felt like it. My parents loved having her around, and so did the rest of my family. She knows all of my cousins on BOTH sides and fits right in with the whole famdamily!
She is definitely the softer side of our duo. She has always had such a sweet spirit (I totally mean that in the truest and most non insulting way), and makes anyone she is around feel loved. She is also the best because she laughs at every joke! Hey Tiff remember Groundhog Day? Geeze.
Anyway, I truly appreciate having her as a friend. She is a rock. I know she will always listen to me when I need her, and she always makes me feel better when I am down. She is the best at calling, and she never makes me feel bad when I forget to call her back!!! She has always been there for me, and I only wish the same could have been said about me.
We have seen each other get married, have babies, build homes, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. We will be at our children's weddings before we know it. Life has a lot of uncertainties, but Tiff is a constant.
Thank you Tiffany! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Love,
Kissy

Snowed Inn

Last night Kevin and I were able to go to Park City for a business dinner. This wasn't just any normal dinner. We were taken to a restaurant that can only be reached by horse drawn sleigh! The restaurant is only open in the winter, and the only days it is closed is Christmas day and the Super Bowl. Priorities, right? We made sure we bundled up (last year Kev's feet froze), and we even got a little hot chocolate before the trek up the mountain. Once we arrived to the little cabin restaurant, we were serenaded with live country music and warmed by a cozy fire. The restaurant is called the Snowed Inn. Appropriate considering Park City hadn't seen this much snow in eight years. They actually had to dig the door of the restaurant out of the snow. It is so nestled against the mountain that the snow was up to the first roof line!

Trying to be somewhat health conscience, we chose our meal of chowder and trout. It was delicious and so was the brownie and ice cream for dessert. Once our meal was over, they gave us the option to go "plating." That is, taking a clean dinner plate (those speckled metal ones) and slide down the hill outside. We were not about to get even colder once we were outside, so we passed, but it was really funny to see people attempt it. The ride back down was fun, and the horses even tried to warm us up. I figured out that as soon as a horse lifts its tail a little, I better stick my nose under my scarf! So, if anyone is up here before the snow melts, I say give it a shot! I must say that it is one of the few times I was out in 20 degree weather and didn't feel the need to complain about it!

Experience 3ality

Have you ever been front row to one of the greatest rock bands in history? Well, here is your chance. U23D. It is more than a movie. It is an experience. I have acutally been front row TWICE at U2, and it was an unforgettable experience. It wasn't just the music or getting Bono's and the Edge's guitar picks, but getting shoved against the rail, toes stepped on, and inhaling B. O. from the guy next to you who waited in line for the last 12 hours. We also made it to the Vertigo Tour where we had floor tickets, BUT being six and a half months pregnant with the above described conditions made it a little less desirable.

Well, here is your chance for front row tickets with comfy seats and plenty of leg room. I can't promise the guy infront of you won't have B.O. (we weren't so lucky), but it is something to be seen. There are amazing arial shots of Larry Mullen Jr. on the drums and moments when you feel Bono is about to bless you with his own hand. I have to admit my favorite perspective is from the stage facing up because it gives you a completely realistic view of the front row. You even get the sensation of crowd surfing sans hundreds of sweaty hands groping your body.

I give it two thumbs up. Even if you aren't a fan on U2 it is a 3D movie like you have never seen before and is well worth the ticket. Added bonus: the super cool glasses.

*This is our brother in law, Garrett. Doesn't he look so burley and masculine in his new beard?