Friends and Food, all in good Fun

I have spent so much time in the kitchen lately. And have I mentioned how much I love having the opportunity to do that? Being a full time wife has opened up so many doors for me to learn so many things.

Anyway, so yesterday I was reading my friend Lera's blog, and she had a recipe for Apple Cake that sounded SO good. Since the peanut butter cookies I made the night before didn't work out (NOT a fan of that recipe, for sure), I decided to make the apple cake. It was so simple. Here are some pictures of my progress:

The powder mixture

The liquid mixtureThe yummy apples (I love the peel, so I left it on.)

In the pan
(I made two round cakes, instead of a larger square cake. I baked for each for 20-25 minutes.)

The cake, fresh out of the oven. It smelled fantastic!

The topping

It tasted so good! I cute it into slices, put it on plates, and sent two plates to work with Selo today to thank the people at his work that helped him when he was sent to the hospital last week. This morning, it was just as moist as it was last night. I'm thinking I'll pull out some vanilla ice cream and enjoy another piece in a few hours. Thank you, Lera, for the recipe!

My friend Heidi came over last night. We had taco soup (sorry, I didn't get any pictures of it) that I had made, and then had homemade smoothies. I combined fruit and juice, blend together in the Magic Bullet, and serve. Other items that can be used are yogurt (Selo likes vanilla yogurt with his), ice cream, milk, or chocolate (syrup or powder). The one in the picture was made with strawberries, peaches, mangos, pineapples, and orange juice. Here are some pictures of the smoothies:

The Fruit

And the smoothie, made with the Magic Bullet mug.

(Great kitchen item. I use it ALL THE TIME.)

And, I wanted to give an honorable mentioned to my sweet friend Valerie. She came up for breakfast on Wed (yum, french toast!), and she brought me this bunch of flowers. She totally brightened my day, and her flowers brightened my kitchen. lol Val brought her new little man, and I think I learned more in those few hours than my brain could handle. We have plans to get together for lunch next month, and she's going to take me to Babies R Us to help with my registry, at which time I plan to have a paper and pen ready to take notes. Here's a picture of the flowers she brought me:
Thank you, Val, for all of your help and sharing all your knowledge.

Amazing lunch

I went to lunch with my totally cute friend today, and it was fantastic. Good food and a good friend is comparable to nothing.

Food from Zupas. Yum!

Last Weekend

Friday night, we hung out at home and just relaxed. I read an excellent book called Against Medical Advice by James Patterson and Hal Friedman. That book hit home for me. It's about a boy that suffers with OCD, anxiety, and Tourett's Syndrom. I don't have tourett's, obviously, but I deal with OCD and anxiety. It was an eye opening experience to read about how he lived with and eventually overcame these things. I feel that I finally got my anxiety and OCD under control, and then my hormones got all out of whack and unbalanced everything else. I'm on the downside of it now, and my hormones are getting back into balance. This book was amazing to read. It made me grateful for the strength I learned. (I wasn't the only one that loved it. Check these reviews out.)

Saturday, Selo and I went down to the Smiths'. We met Jim at the Timpanogas temple and did an endowment session with him. Then went back and had dinner with everyone. The girls are getting so big! It was so much fun to play with them. Selo and I are even more baby hungry now. After dinner, the girls went to bed and the four adults ate Doritos and ice cream and watched The Illusionist. Cris and Selo had a long talk about Jim's business website, and came up with some ideas to improve it. (Jim is the attorney we had represent us in the child support case. He got it all straightened out, and got us back all of our money!)

Have I mentioned how wonderful it is that the weather is starting to creep towards warm? I'm so anxious for summer I looking at outdoor furniture just to pretend I am warm.

Sunday we went to church with them and kept the girls while Jim and Crystal spoke in sacrament meeting. They did an awesome job. I especially like a part of Crystal's talk where she spoke about showing the love of Christ others, and being able to see them and love them as Christ would. Selo and I handed the girls off the Cris' parents as soon as the talks were over and dashed up to our ward to meet with our bishop. We wanted to go to the Draper temple dedication and had to get our special recommend for it. Once we got them, we stopped at our house long enough to grab the makings for dinner, and then went back down to the Smith's. Jim, Selo and I, and Crystal's dad and brother, all went to the dedication. It was the first one I've been to, and it was amazing! What a beautiful experience. After the dedication, we went back to the Smith's (her dad and bro went home) and had dinner. Mmm it was good. They watched Star Trek while I made dinner. It was nice for Cris to have a break lol.

After dinner, Selo and I went back home. We had a good weekend. It was long, but we had a lot of experiences we will never forget.

My Valentine's Day

I am so excited. This is going to be a great weekend.

First of all, Selo and I usually skip Valentine's Day. His birthday is two weeks before and our wedding anniversary is three weeks after. We spend the time and money on his birthday (me) and our anniversary (him) instead of on Valentine's Day. Ha ha we've never even missed it.

This year, though, I'm going out with the girls. A bunch of girls from work that aren't married are going out. I'm the only one that is married, but since we don't celebrate V-day, it counts ;)

We are going to dinner at Red Robin, and then going to see the nine o'clock showing of Confessions of a Shopaholic. (You've got to check out that website. It's fun.)

Not only is it going to be fun to do dinner and a movie, but I am so excited for a girls' night out! And it's not just one or two or three, we have almost ten ladies going. It is really going to be a blast. An all night, all girl, all fun, total blast.

Tomorrow, Selo and I are going to stay inside. We are going to be celebrating Valentine's Day by ourselves. ;) (Nope no details about posted online.) Isn't he romantic?

Happy Valentine's Day!


ETA: A couple of people at my company brought stuff to share with every one for Valentine's Day. Don't these look good?! I love my company :)

Not too shabby. Not too shabby, at all.

Things are going pretty good right now!

We are going to Las Vegas one week from tomorrow. I am so excited. It will be wonderful to get away for a week. We are planning to relax, play in the pool and the hottub, visit the Las Vegas temple, go on a fancy date, spend time with Sue and the Rochester gang, do a ton of sight seeing, touring, and shopping, and just plain enjoy our break in Las Vegas away from the norm. We reserved our car, and we are splurging just a bit on it. Because of the fantastic deal we get from our timeshare club, we were able to get a fun car for the same price as a regular car. We get to drive a Chrysler Sebring convertable or a Ford Mustang convertible. Don't they both look like fun? I can just see my sexXy husband driving down the strip in Vegas with the top down on our date. Makes me giggle like a school girl with a crush.

Plus, Beka and Andy are coming, too. They just found out they would have no other conflictions, and Beka was able to rearrange her time. So they are flying down there with us, and flying back on Tuesday. I am almost as excited to have them go, too, as I am to just be getting away.

Our car is finished being worked on. It turned out to be better than we thought. They only had to replace the lock cylinder in the driver side door, and they keyed it to fit our existing key. Plus the price was only half of what we were expecting. We will be going to pick it up tomorrow. They are also going to look into getting us a keyless entry for it, to make our lives even easier.

And, work is going a lot better for me, too. I have been given a couple more responsibilities in a couple more divisions of the company. It's made a world of difference for me. I am busier, and I feel so much better. Sitting around doing nothing is just not for me. And I was thinking about the people I work with. I love it here. The people are good people. They aren't drunks or druggies or crude/rude or pushy. I work with professionals, who know what's personal and what's not, know how to set and achieve goals, know when to cross the line and when not to, and know when to be laid back and when to be business. The atmosphere of my work is amazing. I have an awesome boss, a flexible schedule, a good salary, and great people. Honestly, what more could I ask for? I love my job.

So far, so good

Christmas has been wonderful for us, how about for you? We spent every night last week with one side of family or another, and there was so much food we couldn't even try everything. We received some awesome gifts. lol And I loved watching our family open the pictures.

I got Selo some small things he asked for. I also made him a blanket, because he has been cold so much lately. He didn't think he was getting one, because when he asked me for one while I was making all the others I told him I didn't have time. But you should have seen the look of glee on his face when he opened his. He got me a very nice gift card to Victoria's Secret, so that I could get some new girlie things. *wink wink* He also got me some really good chocolate from Godiva. Oh, it is heavenly. We are still on the search for Wii Fit, though. We even did a little shopping for Nobi and picked out some things for her from the cat and dog supplies. On a shopping trip yesterday, we found a store that had pillowtops on sale for $49 for any size. So we ordered a new one for our bed (we have a king size bed and a queen size pillow top.) to go with our new sheets. And Christmas Day itself was even better than we planned for- Selo's work was locked, so instead of working he was home on Christmas Day. So he is getting paid double time for five hours, and we still got to spend it with each other.

Today, I took our Christmas down. In two hours or less, I had all the ornaments packed up in their case, the tree put away in it's box, and the decorations, cards, and books packed up. It's all sitting next to the couch ready for Selo to put outside. I feel so good to be able to put it all up and take it all down so easily, and still have a complete Christmas from it.

I'm loving music by Michael Buble. I've been listening to him today, and enjoying it thouroughly. People say he was born in the wrong time. But really, can you think of anyone that could bring it back like this? There's just nothing NOT right about his vocals. Pretty good looking kid, too, if ya ask me.

I've gotten a lot of work done on the AAP website. Everyone was amazed at how quickly I was able to get it completely up to date, and that made me feel good. I've been told that a bunch of new fur babies have been adopted in the last few weeks, so I'm sure I'll have more updating to do once the numbers start coming in. Christmas is a good time for new pets.

There has also been some absolutely wonderful feedback on the CMS blog. I can't even begin to describe how that made me feel. Everyone wants to be taken seriously, and wants to know their writing is being read and making a difference. But to be sought out of a crowd and asked to be the writer for a huge website that is known all over the world? Wow.

I'm still working on the other two websites. One is almost finished and will be launched at the beginning of the year. The other is still in Beta for the host and may be a bit longer. But it's progressing, and there are big plans for it.

I took a pregnancy test this morning. Selo and I hadn't planned on TTC until end of next year, and I am still on BC. But with the way he told me he was disappointed this morning when the test was negative, I'm thinking we might be doing the baby dance a lot sooner than end of next year. I've got something really big planned for his birthday, so my focus is going to be on that for the next month. I'm sure we'll be talking more seriously about having a baby after his birthday.

It's a good feeling knowing that this is coming. It's nice knowing that I won't be pushing my husband into having a baby when he isn't ready or doesn't want one. It's comforting to know that he actually wants a child, and not just that we're going to have one because of me or because we got pregnant or because we should. We'll be having a baby because we are emotionally and financially ready, we are mature enough, we are at a good place in our lives, and our marriage is secure enough that we will not only make it through the added stress and joy of a child, but we will grow closer together. We are as prepared as two people can be to have a child, and we will be the best parents we can be when our child is born. Yes, it is a wonderful feeling knowing all of this.

I have almost all of my 2009 Goals defined. Every year, I set ten goals for that year. Not things like "start a diet" or "go to the gym every day". It's things that are actually attainable, have set details, and a specific accomplishment. I'm really looking forward to some of my goals for this coming year. When I think of all that we have went through and all that we accomplished this last year, I am truly amazed. They say what doesn't kill you makes you strong, and Selo and I are definitely proof of that!

Well, I'm off to do more online house hunting. We're going to be setting up some appointments to see some houses within the next little while. Have a great day everyone!

Not bad

We went to a little outside party at a friend's house last night. We had dinner and played volleyball. Not in that order, but still. It has been years since I played volleyball, and it was a blast! I picked it up pretty quickly, and man I can serve. lol I was kicking butt. After dinner, there was this cobbler. Mmmmm dutch oven cobbler, oh it was so good.

Work is going well for me. I'm getting busier and busier. For Selo, however, work is getting more frustrating. Some people are such jerks, and he is working with a hateful one.

My kid sister has a boyfriend. It's so cute to see them together. His family and my family have been good friends since we moved to Utah, some 20 odd years. It's neat to watch them come together.

1. House :: Dr


2. Think :: College


3. Clot :: Blood


4. Believe me :: Faith


5. Fumigation :: Gas


6. Bore :: Hog


7. Luck ::


8. Patient :: Dr


9. Tremors :: Seizure


10. Pickles :: Yummy!

Team Hess

I love blogging. But more than that, I love meeting completely awesome people and becoming great friends with them. And then learning that they also love blogging!

Say hello to Team Hess. Greg and Lera are new friends of Selo and I. Greg and Selo work together, and we went over to their house Friday night for dinner. (It was fantastic! Lera is a great cook!) We immediately hit it off. As Selo and Greg were in his office playing around on the base, Lera and I were in the front room talking all the wonderful books on her bookshelf.

And here is their blog. Team Hess They both right in it, so you will get updates from both. Plus, you've got to check out this awesome post, written by Greg himself. Go Palmer!

Greg and Selo are going to start a band- and Palmer will probably join as soon as he can hold the guitar- while Lera and I curl up with some books. It's a friendship made in heaven.

So, when are you guys coming to our house for dinner???


PS Anyone in the market for english saddles?

Friendship Award- Thanks Meliss!

Melissa gave me the Friendship Award. And I'll tell you what, I consider the friendship I have with Melissa an award in itself. She is wonderful!

Melissa writes several blogs

• Teaching Children A website that has great activities and tips for having fun and teaching kids.
• The Online Recipe Box A website that has fantastic recipes

And last but not least, my favorite

• Melissa's Place Which is her more personal blog, contests, reviews, and all else blog worthy.

Thanks Melissa, for this award. You are a great friend.

Now, I would like to award it to some of my own wonderful friends. In no particular order, I would like to announce: Mendifae, Katie, Bobbie, Beka, and Tim. Thank you all for being such great bloggers, and some of my dearest friends. We may have become friends via the internet, but I know that I could call each one of you up and talk, just because- and I think I have! I love you all.

Happy Birthday Misti

Mistique has been a friend of mine for years. She's such a sweetheart, and always willing to help out when she can.

Love you, Sweetie. Hope you have a great birthday!

Great Time Tonight!

We had dinner at home. It was rice and a special blend of pulled chicken, and it was SOOOO good. Rachel sure does know how to cook. Then we went to The Melting Pot for desert. Selo and I had never been there before, but Tim and Rachel love it. It was fantastic! Here are some pictures:

Tim, Selo, and Wyatt playing around before desert was brought out.

Wyatt, eating a lemon.

This is the beautiful plate of fruit and cake for us to dip.

Some already chocolate covered deliciousness :)

My first ever try of tying a cherry stem with my tongue. I did it!

And this is Selo rewarding me *blush*

After our fabulous desert, we left The Melting Pot. We all piled back into the van, and went for a drive. We had a blast. Turned the music up, played around (with seatbelts on, of course), listening to everything from Nickleback to Gorillaz to Country to Old School Rock. We went to see the new temple! We looked at the houses around the temple- massive. We looked at the view from up there- incredible. And the whole time we were all singing and laughing our heads off. You couldn't have been in a bad mood if you'd tried!

It was such a perfect ending to a great day. I can't tell you how happy we have been with our new living arrangements. And how blessed we feel to have people like Tim, Rachel, and Wyatt in our lives.

Crushed

My good friend, Matt, was going to be a daddy.

He found out not too long ago. He was ecstatic, and we are all grinning as big as he was.

Unfortunately, it didn't last. His wife had the DNC yesterday.

Please keep Matt and Ginger in your prayers.

This is What I Love About Being a Hairdresser

Friday night, at eleven o'clock, I cut my brother-in-laws hair. Since I had everything out, I also cut my husband's hair, and our roommates' hair. And a new (old!) trend was started.

Now, five people all around me look like this:Andy, my BIL. My sexXy husband, SeloSelo making kissy-face at me because I am ogling him in his new haircut

Tim, one of our fantastic roommates.

Wyatt, Tim's five year old son.

Wyatt showing off his great new 'do.

(Mohawks not pictured: David- a good friend that came over to get in on the trend.)

I am in love. I never thought I would like such a bizzaar and crazy haircut. But I just can't get enough of it- or my husband now that he has it. It's hawt.

Congratulations Kiera and Tyan

Today, my cousin Kiera is getting married! I'm so excited.

Kiera and my sister, Rebeka, have been best friends since they were in first grade. (That's been almost twenty years!) Even though, Kiera is not officially our cousin, our families are very close. Kiera is an amazing woman. She is strong, beautiful, and smart. She knows what she wants and will work her butt off to get it.

I have known Tyan since high school. He was the best friend of a guy I dated. He's always been sure of himself, worked hard, there for his friends and close to his family.

Kiera and Tyan met and started dating about two years ago. The world became a little smaller when I found out the man Kiera was dating so seriously had been the same Tyan I had known for years. They have been inseparable ever since.

And today, they will be joined in marriage. *giggle* Isn't love grand?

PS I'm so sneaky. Click on that picture up there. He he he. Thanks to trish_a_roonie for the picture.

Happy Birthday Tamie

I would like to wish my good friend, Tamie, a very happy birthday. Tamie and I met in grade school and were good friends. We both grew up, went to college, and are now happily married. And still good friends.

Tamie, I hope you have a fabulous birthday. You have worked hard for what you have and you deserve the very best life has to offer. I love you lots.

Happy Birthday John!

John and I met in game a couple of years ago. We have been friends every since.
I hope you have an awesome birthday. You deserve the best!!!

Awe, Thank you Elizabeth

Look at this award she just gave.

View Table4Five here

What a completely sweet friend you are. I have valued you as a friend since the very day I met you. Cheesy, yes, but so true.

Your blog is a source of information. It is honest, reliable, interesting, and pleasing to look at!

Your friendship, your advice, your support, your love. You have made a difference in my life.

And I love you for it.

Happy Birthday Marini Family: Blog

What a fun day- my good friend Tim is having a party. An online birthday party, that is!

His blog, Marini Family: Blog, has turned one year old today. Congratulations! Your hard work and dedication has paid off.

Tim has some stats on his birthday post. One of the stats listed was his most visited post. How interesting that it was something I had thought about myself.

So join the party, check out the post, and leave your thoughts behind. Have a blast!

Congratulations Jim!!!

I want to give a big huge congrats to Jim Smith. He is my best friends husband, and one my husband's best friend. They were our escorts through the temple when we got married, and have been like family to us for years.

And now, Jim Smith, is a law school graduate.

Way to go Jim!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

I have two good friends that have birthdays today. Two of them!

Happy Birthday to my sweet friend, Mindy. You are so creative and talented. I hope you have a fabulous birthday.

Happy birthday to my ever enduring friend, Kristen. You are amazing to me. Your strength is incredible. I hope you have a birthday as wonderful as you are.

I love you both. Have a great birthday!!!