All That is T: Tierra at her finest.

Time...where does it go?

2012-01-23T23:50:00.002-07:00

I had a goal that tonight I was going to do some blogging. And I had my idea all ready and everything, some things that have been on my mind. And then work got hectic, and stayed hectic, which meant I stayed there, and then the roads were snowy, and it took a while to get home, and here is is, 11:53 p.m., and I just set my alarm for barely over 5 hours away...

So just remember my intentions were good. I promise one day to update. In the meantime, enjoy me stealing my sister's ideas to show you Christmas and a fun girls camping trip from way back last summer.

Chelsea's Christmas

Elise's Christmas (With the video of the best Nativity you've ever seen)

and the girl's camping trip, which happened because we can't say no to Miss Lola

Thanks sisters, for doing my work for me!!

London!!!

2011-12-18T17:53:00.013-07:00

So remember the last post, about one in four? Well...I WON!!! I just experienced the most magical, most un-anticipated week in London!

My very favorite thing about the trip was the new friends I made. I've met a few of the London team members via video conference, some during my interviews and some since. But nothing could have prepared me for the fabulous week I had with them. I was a little apprehensive to be working for a week with strangers, but from the moment I walked in (jet-lagged and all) they were so welcoming and I felt like I had known them forever. They were so great to train and help me with any questions I had, and then Thursday night we had such a fun Christmas party. It was so much harder to say goodbye than I could have anticipated.

After work, I was able to go out and see some of the wonders London had to offer. While it was incredible, the thought that kept running through my head was "I wish my mom or sisters were here to see this." I tried to remember every detail and things I wanted to tell them about, little things I saw that would make them laugh or roll their eyes. I missed them like crazy and it seemed like it had been much longer than a week since I had seen them.

Monday night I was beat from traveling but knew I had to get myself on London time asap. So I forced myself to walk a few blocks from my hotel to Covent Gardens. It was such a fun shopping experience! I felt like I was in a movie. Everything was so charming and festive, with Christmas lights and live musicians and the smells of delicious food wafting through the air. I had to keep reminding myself that about the exchange rate because all the shopping was so tempting!

The walk to and from work every day was such an adventure. It was about 10 minutes from the hotel to the office, and I passed The Royal Courts of Justice and then so many fun offices, shops, and restaurants. The people were so classy and all so thin and well dressed. The weather was in the low 40s all week and mostly sunny, a few little rain showers here and there to give me a true taste of London.

Just past the office was St. Paul's Cathedral. I took a lunch break Tuesday to go see it and it was incredible. A church has been on this site for hundreds of years, longer than anywhere else in England. I usually feel like cathedrals are cold and dark, but this one was so beautiful and had such an incredible spirit in it. As I walked through it, listening to the audio guide, I was impressed with how everything was built to point to the Holiness and Omnipotence of God and Jesus Christ. Although things didn't align perfectly with my faith, I could feel the sincerity from those coming here to worship in their own way. In one quiet corner was a painting of the scripture "I stand at the door and knock," which literally took my breath away. I stood there and stared at it for so long, and realized how no matter where we are in life, our souls are all searching for the truth.

As I walked down the stairs and back to work, my brand new high heels slipped on the stair edge and I managed to fall down the cathedral stairs...bet all the tourists enjoyed that!!

Tuesday night I ran quickly back to Covent Gardens to grab a few things from stores that had closed before I could get there the night before, and then went to Crazy for You at the Novello theater. I was kind of kicking myself for choosing an American play, but it was SO charming to see the Wild West portrayed by this group of English performers! The accents were so over the top but so fun! After the play I realized I hadn't had time for dinner, so I asked the hotel for a restaurant suggestion. The doorman walked me to a Turkish-English restaurant where I had the most delicious steak and just sat and watched people. The manager of the restaurant kept coming over and chatting with me, calling me Madam and when I left he thanked me for coming and kissed the back of my hand. I was completely flattered until the next day when I told the girls at work and they said he was just trying to take advantage of a naive tourist. :)

Wednesday night I went to see the historic and famous sites. Chelsea and Marcus told me about the Tower Bridge and that it was incredible, so I rode a double decker bus down to the Tower of London. I wished it hadn't been dark, but even still it was super impressive. I walked around that, and then came around the corner and the Tower Bridge was looming ahead. It literally brought tears to my eyes; I have never seen anything so beautiful in all my traveling. I felt like I had walked into a Disney movie and wouldn't have been surprised if everyone had burst into song. It was all lit up and un-describably huge, with purple and blue trim. It was freezing walking along the river but totally worth it. Again, I couldn't help but wish my sisters and my mom had been there. I kept thinking "I'm staring at this beautiful scene with no one to share it with!" As I started walking across the bridge a boat came down the Thames, so they lifted the middle of the bridge up and let it cross underneath, then when it was clear they lowered the bridge back down and let the cars continue. It was so impressive.

I caught the Tube like a true Londoner and headed to the House of Parliaments. I was amazed at how deep the trains were--it is incredible they can be that far underground! When I got to the stop and came up, there ahead of me was the famous Big Ben clock tower. Again, so massive. I walked down the street to the London Eye which was all lit up but unfortunately closed for the night. Then I walked the other way down to Westminster Abbey, and then past a beautiful park and then Buckingham Palace on the other end. They are all so beautiful! When my taxi driver was bringing me into the city on Monday we passed the Palace and he said "Its not the biggest palace in the world, but I suppose I'd live there, if she asked me nicely that is." It was much warmer than by the river but I was exhausted, so I caught a cab back to the hotel, ordered room service, and called it a night.

Thursday at work when the group learned the London Eye had been closed, they insisted I take another lunch break to go see it. It was fun to be out around some of the places I'd only seen in the dark. I wish I had been able to enjoy it a little more, I was far too stressed about how much time I was missing from work (what is wrong with me?!?) to completely relax, but it was still beautiful. The sun sets in London this time of year by 4, so while I was on the Eye it was going down and was so beautiful as it set behind Big Ben.

Thursday night was the Christmas party, which was more fun than I can write. They showed my video, and then we watched the 6 videos the teams there had made. It was so fun to see they laugh and complain about the same silly office issues that we do. After a fun night of the Goldman Globes, we headed to Bedhuin, a local pub where we stayed out dancing far too late but had so much fun.

Friday I ran into work just long enough to thank everyone and say goodbye. The biggest compliment I got was when one of the girls hugged me and said "I don't want you to go!" I totally agreed. Then it was back to the hotel, threw everything in my suitcases, and met my cab who was taking me to the airport. So sad to see the trip end!

I am such a lucky, lucky girl. I know this was the opportunity of a lifetime and I'm so thankful for it!

(p.s. you are probably as sick of the yellow coat and the self portraits as I am by now! And sorry for the information overload...hope you felt no obligation to read it all!)

ONE in FOUR

2011-12-01T22:23:00.005-07:00

Last Friday at work I found out I was eligible to participate in a competition to win a trip to London. What's that? You didn't hear me? A TRIP TO LONDON!!!

All I have to do is make the best video. And last I checked there are 3 others competing. If my math is correct, that gives me pretty good odds. Which are the kind of odds I like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRFLCCunmUE&feature=youtu.be

And a HUGE thank you to Billy for the fabulous editing job--I couldn't have done it without him!!!

What do you get . . .

2011-10-30T19:54:00.019-07:00

. . . when you combine a fabulous guest list . . .

{a scary witch, 3 hippies, The Situation, a rock star, a butterfly, a bumblebee, Boba Fett, a Celtics player, a chef, a baked lobster, a waitress, a cheerleader, an angel, a masked man, and the Wankiers}

. . . with tons of goulish food . . .

{Dinner in a Pumpkin, Bloody Bat Wings, Brain Filled Skulls, Bacon Wrapped Baby Fingers, Graveyard Glop, Salty Bones, and Squash soup}

. . . and WAY too many treats ? ? ?

{Vampire brownies (made by LaVerna), Bloody Eyeballs, Witch Finger Cookies, Dragon Fang Dip, Monster Mash, Taffy Skewers, and a Flaming Ghost Cake}

A BATTY BASH OF COURSE!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

There's been a chill in the air...

2011-10-04T19:20:00.013-07:00

...which can only mean one thing!!! Happy F A L L !!!

Summer 2011

2011-08-30T20:48:00.012-07:00

*****NOTE: I'm having technical difficulties with this post and have literally been fighting it for over half hour. I just bot the low battery warning and am calling it. Hope it makes sense!

Wow, I can't believe how fast this summer has flown by. Tomorrow is the last day of August and I can't help be a little sad. Our family has had such a busy, eventful few months.

First, Elder Fackrell took off for the Florida Orlando Mission.

I don't know what I expected it to be like with him serving, but its been a lot harder than I imagined. He is doing so well and loving it so much. It is so amazing to watch him grow and learn and bring people to the knowledge of the Savior. But it has been so hard having him gone. He is such a strong part of our family. He was always there and I definitely took that for granted. A lot of times he blended into the background, but he was always there. I'm so proud of him.

Then in July, we waited for Baby Webb. And waited and waited.

And on August 4th, Asher Heber made it worth our wait! It was so incredible to see my brave, strong sister welcome that little guy into the world. What a labor of love. I'm so, so in love with him and wish I could hang out with him instead of being at work all day.

Then, Elise Fackrell became Elise Bruckner. Talk about GLOWING. She was SO happy. I'm so happy for her and it was so much fun. The wedding was in the Bountiful Temple and then we had such a fun reception with dancing and everything. Congrats Elise and Mike!!!

Somehow, in the middle of it all, Katie and Nate's kids grew up. They are so big. I don't know how it happened.

I'm so thankful for my family. Love them so much. They make my life colorful and I'd be lost without them.

{SEATTLE: PART 2}

2011-07-14T22:40:00.005-07:00

What a fun week in Seattle! We stayed in a house right on the Puget Sound and went downtown almost every day. Once the race was over we could all relax and just enjoy being there. The weather was perfect, the kids were well behaved, and Baby Webb stayed put so Chel didn't have to give birth on vacation. We definitely missed Joe--it was weird to not have him around. Elise's fiance Mike got his first taste of a family vacation and we didn't scare him away. Our days were pretty jam packed to get everything we wanted to do in, and we almost always were together as a family. We split up one day when the girls went for pedicures and then the boys went golfing, but other than that we were able to find things that kept everyone interested.

GOOD FOOD: Hard Rock Cafe and Crab Pot were both super fun. Jackson definitely surprised us all by how much he LOVED the mussels, clams, oysters and shrimp. Lola loved the "chicken fingers" that were actually calamari. These little kids have exotic taste!

We had perfect weather to watch the Braves play the Mariners. We all enjoyed the cotton candy, pulled pork sandwiches, ice cream and fresh lemonade, but lets be honest, were a bit disappointed at the lack of Diet Cokes to be had. Lola was on the lookout to find boyfriends for both of us, but we were unsuccessful in that endeavor.

The aquarium and the science center were tons of fun. We also enjoyed the Music Project but I didn't get any pictures from there. Elise decided she wants a jelly fish tank in their apartment and Nate tried (and almost succeeded) to steal a butterfly that was taking up life on his sunglasses.

Pikes Place Market was so much fun with all the fresh produce, fish, and flowers. Such fun local color too--Miles was super intrigued and wanted to know all about marijuana and tattoos. Oh, the aspects of life that just isn't found in peaceful Cache Valley.

The Sunday afternoon ferry ride was fun and relaxing and we learned all about Seattle. We missed mom and dad but came home to give a full report on all the facts we had learned.

We were sad for the vacation to wrap up but worn out from our adventures. We headed home and spent one last night in a hotel outside of Boise, where we enjoyed the swimming pool at 10:00 p.m. and then oatmeal from McDonalds as a midnight snack. I'm so thankful for my fun family!

13.1

2011-06-26T21:06:00.007-07:00

Yesterday I had the priviledge of running the Seattle Rock'n'Roll half marathon. 13.1 miles along some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen: through a Seattle neighborhood, along the Puget Sound, across a stretch of freeway, down an offramp, and into Downtown Seattle.

Katie, Marcus, Elise, Mike and I headed to the starting line at 5:45 a.m. with about 26,000 other crazy people. I was relieved with how soon I heard the first band playing and saw the first mile marker. The people cheering along the sidelines were so encouraging, the bands were so fun, the race was super diverse, and the relief at the end was so great!

I don't know how many more of these races I have in me, but a big shout out for my family for talking me into this and for Chelsea, Nate and the kiddos who were there to congratulate us at the finish line.

Baby Shower!!!

2011-06-05T19:20:00.006-07:00

Last week we had a baby shower for Chelsea and her little guy. We had SO much fun planning and organizing and then being at the event. Everyone was so generous and we had so much fun oohing and ahhing about the cute little baby things.

I'm so thankful for my sisters and my mom and how much fun we always have together.

Happy

2011-04-11T22:01:00.004-07:00

Chelsea sent me this picture today, and I couldn't stop looking at it: she is SO HAPPY. She is so happy to be pregnant, so happy to be a mom, so happy to have a family of her own. She is being such a good sport about being tired, sick, achy and everything else that comes with pregnancy. She still goes to the gym even when she can't workout the way she wants to, still looks adorable, and still works hard. I'm so proud of her and SO happy for her--Chel, you deserve to be happy.

I Hope They Call Me On A Mission

2011-03-15T22:34:00.004-07:00

Tonight my whole family got together at my parents house to watch my brother Joe open his mission call. We are so blessed to be part of such a huge support system. The room was totally full as he tore open the envelope and started reading..........ORLANDO FLORIDA!!!

I am so excited for him. He has grown up so much lately and is totally ready for this incredible experience. As the only boy with 4 sisters it hasn't always been easy for him, but he is a solid individual with a strong testimony that is becoming more and more obvious.

I realized the other day I haven't dedicated near enough of this blog to him, so Joe, this one's for you:

*** He's really good at making things out of wood. He made his mom and sisters cutting boards for Christmas and they are fabulous. He's currently working on a baby mobile.
*** He is genuinely sweet and a good listener. We've had many a conversation about the mysteries of dating, and its been so fun to get a male perspective from someone who is so concerned for my welfare.
*** He is a great uncle to Jackson and Miles. This fall while they were visiting he made marshmallow guns with them. I know they look up to him and watch everything he does.
*** He has a temper just like mine. Which means he understands me when I get riled up.
*** He is good at finding ways to serve. This winter my parents were out of town and he was home alone. They came home to a message from the neighbors, thanking him for shoveling the snow off their walks. He offers to babysit Katie's kids, helps with yardwork, and has moved me countless times.
*** He used to make appointments to come in for a haircut at my salon under fake names. I'd spend the whole afternoon trying to figure out who was coming in, and then be pleasantly surprised when he walked through the door, always with a diet coke in hand.
*** One night we were the only 2 at my parent's house, and he talked me into playing xBox with him. We played a car racing game, and he let me design my own purple sports car and then let me not lose by too much.
*** He is always up for a game of Ticket to Ride or a beverage run.
*** He is responsible. I learned that last summer when he and I took dad's boat up to Flaming Gorge a couple days before the rest of the family came up. He is confident and experienced and realizes when its ok to be silly and when its time to be cautious.

I'm so proud of you Joe. I know I can be hard on you but I hope you know how much I love you and how important you are to me. You're gonna rock this missionary thing--you'll love it and they'll love you--I can't wait to start getting the letters.

Girls Trip

2011-03-05T09:52:00.003-07:00

I'm so behind on my blogging!!

In January my mom, all the sisters, and little Stella headed down to Sunny St. George for a weekend of rest, relaxation, and shopping. Thanks to Chelsea's in-laws we had a fabulous place to stay, and we spent the weekend eating good food, sleeping in, chillin at the pool, visiting the temple, and finding fabulous new places to shop (they loved us so much they offered us jobs there!)

Stella was a doll and got more attention than any baby should ever get from all of us girls as well as every stranger we ran into. Lola was a little perturbed that she got passed over for the fun...maybe next year Lo!

I'm so grateful for my mom and my sisters and how close we are. There aren't many people I always know I'm going to have as good a time with as them. We never run out of things to gossip about, rant about, or laugh about.

It was so great to just chill for a couple days--definitely a tradition worth repeating!!

Life, or Something Like It

2011-02-26T23:34:00.003-07:00

In the last 2 weeks I've had 2 close friends lose their dads. One was expected, one was a surprise. Before last Saturday, it had been a long time since I'd been to a funeral. I feel like I am much too young to enter the phase of life where my friends start losing parents. I remember a few years out of college, when my friends started getting married. It felt like we were playing dress-ups. Then they started having babies, and it seemed like something my sister and her friends did, not my friends. Then one of my best friends had a miscarriage, and others I love struggled with infertility, and I couldn't comprehend that I was old enough to have loved ones dealing with this type of pain--grown up pain. And now, a new, huge version of grown up pain.

My dad asked me today whether our attempts to defy death aren't in reality a lack of faith of something better waiting for us, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about that. Because I do have faith in something better, in life after this, in eternal families. I guess it comes down to selfishness on the part of those of us left behind. Jenni will have a wedding without her dad, and Lance and Jamee's baby won't know her grandpa. I think of the examples of my dad and grandpas, and the wisdom they have passed on, and the love they have shared, and I ache for the huge hole that they would leave were they not here.

Jenni, Lance, Jame--I love you!

Stelly Belly

2010-11-29T20:56:00.004-07:00

Our family welcomed Stokes baby #4, Stella Kate, on November 16! She weighed in at 7 lbs 3 oz, and is absolutely perfect. Her brothers and sister are adorable with her, and Katie is back up and about like nothing happened. It is so fun having a baby in the family again. We all love her so much! Congratulations Katie and Nate.

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum!

2010-11-29T20:40:00.007-07:00

The Christmas season is officially here, kicked off with a killer snowstorm and our annual family Christmas tree hunt. This year proved especially challenging with over 2 feet of snow to wade through, and all the trees covered so you had to shake them off to see what they looked like. Katie and Stella stayed in the warm car, and Elise and Joe had other obligations, but the rest of us had a ton of fun and got a great workout tromping through the forest.

Me

2010-11-09T09:09:00.005-07:00

I am...T. I guess that's a lot of things. I think...too many things. I have an opinion about everything. I'm working on not being so outspoken. I want...to be stable. secure. to not have to worry. I have...a great family. I don't know what I'd do without them. I wish...I were 5'8". I hate...that there is only one word in our language for LOVE. I use the same word to say I love diet coke as I do to say I love my family. That's not ok. I miss...the college days. What did I think was so stressful? I fear...cats. I know its not rational. I feel...a little cold. a little nervous for a new job. excited to go finish a quilt. I hear... Ben Folds. and that someone has sent me a message. I smell...nothing right now. I'd like to get rid of this cold. I search...for obscure things I obsess over at the time. My sister calls this questing. I wonder...how deep should I go with this? I wonder why I still haven't found him. I wonder why the road that found success for some doesn't for others. I wonder who I'll be one day. I regret...going on certain blind dates. I love...so many things. My family. China. A cold diet coke. Rocky Road ice cream. Fall. I care...about looking good. Blame it on the day job. I always...sleep too late. I hit snooze a million times and then run around frantically trying to leave the house on time. I am not...one to be lied to by mechanics. One of my biggest pet peeves, and I weirdly pride myself on not letting them take advantage of me. I believe... The unplanned life is no less a life. I heard that last night. I believe I'm here for a reason. One day I'll understand why. I dance...all the time. Last night I was dancing at the atm. I had Sam (who was in the car) convinced there was music playing out of it. I sing...all the time. I wish could I remember song lyrics better. Sam is the first guy I've dated who sings more than me. I love it. I don't...like loud music. If affects my mood too much. I write... rarely. I should be better. I win...Ticket to Ride when I play with Sam. I lose...to Sam at Uno. Every. Single. Time. I never... I listen... to clients all day. I'm gonna miss that. I love hearing about what is going on in their world and what makes them tick. I love figuring out how to make them happy. I can usually be found...at work. Or doing a project at home. I am scared of...failing. I read...everything. anything. clearance books. book club books. I am happy about...new possibilities. a bright future. discovering what's coming.

I tag Amie. Mel. J-Had. Anyone else who wants to.

Golden Living

2010-11-01T13:20:00.009-07:00

For the past few months, I've been going to the Golden Living Center and working in the Beauty Shop there. At first I was apprehensive as to how well I would do there and whether or not I would enjoy it, but I quickly fell head over heels in love with the charming residents there. They are all such characters and have such a wealth of wisdom and life experiences to share.

A. MILLIE: Millie is such an imp. She had a little run-in with a case of head lice, and decided she had earned the right to shave her head. I was worried she had been coerced into doing it against her wishes, but she said "I've been doing my hair for 90 years. This is the easiest style I've ever had!" I've shaved it for her twice since and she plans to keep it that way. Every time she sees me she says "I love you. You know that?" Yes Millie, I do.

B. FAYE: Faye is such an example to me of finding the good in life. She is almost blind, and a few months back she had cancer removed from the tip of her nose. They replaced the skin on her nose with a piece from her scalp, so every morning she gets to shave the tip of her nose since it grows hair. :) She listens to audio books since she can't see, and her daughter comes to see her almost every day (another great example to me.) Faye parks her wheelchair across the hallway from her room to force herself to use her walker to get from her bed to her wheelchair--she is bound and determined to stay somewhat mobile.

C. DOROTHY: Dorothy moved in about the same time I started, and she is a little spit fire. She has been telling me a huge saga about how she is engaged to a man who's wife has a fatal illness, and they are waiting for the wife to die. Come to find out, the man is an employee at the Center, his wife is not dying, and my cute Dorothy is suffering from a little dementia. It breaks my heart every time I hear her talk about it.

D: LAPREAL: LaPreal is my little giggle and gossip buddy. She has very advanced Alzheimer's, and we have the same conversations every week. But I can tell you this: She loves her son, She loves California where she is from, and she was honest when she worked at a diner and because of that, when the owner passed away, she left it to LaPreal instead of the owner's nephew or sister. LaPreal always wants to hear about my dates and the boys in my life. :)

E: MELVIN & ILENE: aka Shrek and Ilene. Look again--it fits him. These two are a bit rough around the edges, but they are fiercely loyal. Ilene suffers from Bi-Polar Disorder, and some days are better than others. On the good days, she loves me. We won't talk about the bad days. Shrek gets in fights with half the other residents because he is so dang confrontational, but once you're in his good graces, you're in. They met at GLC and got married there.

F: LORETTA & JIM: Loretta and Jim also met and fell in love at Golden Living. Sweet Loretta had never been married, and at the age of 88 she met Jim. Yesterday I was walking past the love seat where they are always sitting (She usually doing word searches, him sleeping), and heard him say to her "Do you have any idea how much I love you?" and she just whispered "I know, I love you too."

G: MILES: Cute cute Miles. I had an affinity with him from the beginning because of his name. He reminded me of my energizer bunny nephew, Miles. He was always going and had a witty remark every time I saw him. He is 100% there mentally, but his health is now declining quickly, and he won't be with us much longer. But even as he is fading, he is always out and about, pushing himself along the halls with his feet, happy and cheerful as ever. Last week he even got a flu shot. :)

H: REGGIE: Reggie was one of the first that I met. He asked me if I had read the Book of Mormon. He comes and visits me every day that I work, and just stands in the door and watches. I'd love to know his whole story. I think he is a great, great man, trapped in an old body and mind.

I: PETER: Peter is like the Hare in the Tortoise and Hare story. You can hear him walking down the hall from a LONG way away. He has the most distinct footsteps. I've only cut his hair once, but every day he takes a few difficult steps out of his way to poke his head in the door and say hi. On good days he smiles and calls out "HELLOOOO!" and on bad days he pokes his head in and grunts, but he never walks past without saying something.

J: ZIGGY: Ziggy is my guardian angel. Also very advanced Alzheimer's, he asks me every day if he needs a haircut. He sits in the chair outside my beauty shop and tells me I'm working too hard and that I need to come sit by him. When I walk past his "post" in the hall, he'll always stop me for a hand squeeze or a hug. If I am running past and don't stop he'll say "There she goes, always runnin..." just to no one in particular. At the end of the day he sees me off and then goes to his room.

Like I said, I have fallen in love with these people. They truly have lived long hard lives, and have earned every grey hair and every wrinkle. Some have families, some are alone, but each of them have so much to offer. These are only a few of the people I get to associate with there, and I could write similar things about all of them. There's Shirley with her little dog Brandy, or June who collects soda cans for Sub for Santa, or Morris who I play Rummy with. There's Faun who lets me set her hair but not cut it, and Dave who brings me drinks just because. Rex is a Jazz fan, Felix likes to go to Dee's, and Mary Jane hates all her daughter-in-laws. Keith quits smoking every day, and Bob, who passed away a couple weeks ago, called me Billy Joel. Rudy is a bully, but Lucy has a crush on him. And don't forget Bob, who after proposing, told me all his wives but the last died from rat poison. That one died from a hit to the head. "She should have taken her rat poison," he joked. Recently someone told me to quit there, that there isn't money there. All I could say was "I don't work there for the money, I do it for my sanity." They have taught me that we are truly happier when we are serving others and making people happy. I've never been called Honey, Sweetie, or Darlin so often, I've never been proposed to or complimented by so many men, or been so bold in my attempts to make people smile. I am so excited to start my new job, but this is the sacrifice. I'm sad to leave the other salon where I've been working, but to leave here is heartbreaking. In only 4 months my life has been touched and changed for good.

This is Halloween

2010-10-26T09:34:00.012-07:00

For my birthday, Sam picked up a haunted house gingerbread kit. We didn't have time to make it that night, and finally found a free night to put it together last night. We made quite the mess but had tons of fun.
Thanks Sammy!

USU Homecoming

2010-10-26T09:26:00.006-07:00

Sam and I headed up to Logan on Saturday for the Homecoming game against Hawaii. We were all excited and geared up to go, got to the stadium on time, and found decent seats. About 2 minutes into the game it started sprinkling, and by halfway thru the 2nd quarter I was making a mad dash for the car soaking wet. Turns out the Aggies didn't like the rain so well either...
http://news.hjnews.com/sports/article_63d3d8a4-df35-11df-a2c6-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=story

Reason for Going Private...

2010-10-21T16:32:00.003-07:00

...so lots of people are wondering why I am suddenly going private. I have no kids to protect, no home to worry about, no known stalkers. So why would I hide myself from the world?

BECAUSE I GOT A NEW JOB!!!

OK so I got a job offer. Which is contingent upon me passing a VERY intense background check. The recruiter I have been working with suggested making all my online profiles private so any googling of my name won't pull up crazy photos, stories, anecdotes, confessions, etc.

I am SO excited. I am going to be a financial analyst with a fairly large investment firm--so a huge career change for me. I've been thinking of making a move like this for a long time, but

a) I have been scared to leave the comfortable and known world of doing hair
b) I love my clients and most of my co-workers, so why would I leave them
and c) the job market has been less than desirable.

I finally worked up the nerve to start putting out resumes, and got form letter after form letter saying thanks, but no thanks. I finally got an interview with this company, and a nerve rattling 8 days later I got the offer.

I'm not naming the company on here because apparently there is tracking software that companies use to see where their names are popping up online. One of my friends blogged about her company and was called in to HR the next day. Who knew. But I'll give you a hint. Sam calls it G. Sax. :) Just don't give me away by guessing or mentioning the name on my comment form. :)

I'm so nervous, anxious, and exhausted after just the interviewing, drug test, and background check of this process. But I'm also excited and enthusiastic to take this plunge to furthering my knowledge in the financial world and use the degree I worked so hard for.

YAY!!!

Going Private...

2010-10-19T20:01:00.003-07:00

So I really don't think that many people follow my blog, but for at least the next little bit I'm going private. And I'm not giving you much of a chance to get me your info, but I think most of you can reach me thru facebook or the real world (I know, who talks in the real world these days?!?) and I'll add you.

This might just be a temporary thing too...we'll see.

I may be biased...

2010-10-12T09:29:00.002-07:00

...but isn't she beautiful?

2010-10-12T09:22:00.001-07:00

A couple days ago, a lady at the retirement home where I work was complaining about the weather, and her husband said "It's Utah. Don't bother complaining, it'll be different in 10 minutes!"
On the drive home from Logan last week I watched the most beautiful weather and scenery, and thought "This is why I love fall!"

Cake Pops

2010-10-12T08:59:00.007-07:00

Saturday night after the Priesthood session, the girls set out on a quests to make cake pops. Mom was tired from babysitting all week so she went to bed, and Katie was sitting on a beach in Hawaii, so we missed both of them. But we managed to make a huge mess, have a ton of laughs, a few screams, and an overall great time. Not to mention the delicious cake pops the next day. :)

More Reasons to (heart) Fall:

2010-09-27T15:48:00.004-07:00

*** Bonfires ***
*** Changing Leaves ***
*** Jackets ***
*** Crisp Air ***

Fat Cats

2010-09-27T15:42:00.004-07:00

For Jackson and Lola's birthdays, we had a big birthday bash at Fat Cats. As you can see, it wasn't just the kids having themselves a good time.

(***apparently only Miles was ever around for pictures...I promise the other kids had fun too.)

Harvest Time

2010-09-20T17:37:00.009-07:00

My Grandpa Fackrell has the greenest thumb I've ever encountered, and my whole life he has grown the HUGEST garden. Add that talent to his incredible generosity, and our family has always had a supply of fresh produce.

Yesterday my sisters and I went to his house for some grownup Trick-or-Treating and I came home with a huge bag of the most beautiful vegetables. He was so sweet to cut us a cabbage, pull us beets, pick corn, and divvy it all up into our little sacks. I cooked up some cabbage, green beans, corn, and sliced up a huge tomato for dinner and it was SO good!

Happy Harvest!

Flaming Gorge 2010

2010-09-20T17:25:00.004-07:00

I have taken WAY too long to get this up here, but in July my family had our annual vacation at Flaming Gorge. We loaded up the boat with camping gear, ski and wakeboard gear, and TONS of food. By Wednesday night we had the whole clan there (minus Elise, who just didn't quite get home in time) and had the rest of the weekend to play.

The only disappointment was the weather--IT WAS FREEZING!!! Miles and I spent a fair amount of time huddled in what he dubbed "our spot" out of the wind with a blanket on our laps, and everyone would jump in for a quick run and then spend the rest of the day getting warm again.

Some of the highlights included Jumbo S'mores, Dinners with Jim and Patti's family and Grandma and Grandpa, Playing games, Reading, Throwing sticks to the dogs, Eating, and just being together.

Katie's kids were such good sports--Lola was the first one to jump in one morning! I think by the look on her face she immediately regretted that decision, but they had fun and were great campers!

FALL!!!

2010-09-13T12:33:00.003-07:00

Anyone who knows me can tell you what my favorite season is.

I'm so excited--let the festivities begin!

Today, I'm content.

2010-08-19T16:55:00.001-07:00

LAGOON: Its what FUN is!

2010-08-08T17:44:00.003-07:00

Yesterday the WOODROSE #1 gang headed to Lagoon for some fun in the sun. Oh boy did we live it up! Some of the highlights:

Our first ever time on WICKED--which of course had to be repeated
Icees, Churros, Pretzels, and Mikeshakes
Terror Ride (...for us girls...)
Standing in line for an HOUR for Samurai
The Bathroom (...for Sean...he he...just kidding Sean)
RUNNING like 13 year-olds to the Rocket when they re-opened it
Music Express (...for Mel and I...)
Waiting in line for Rattlesnake Rapids only to decide we were too wimpy to get wet in the cold
The Screamer (...for Chad...)
The guy climbing over a fence to retrieve a quarter
The Spider (...for Amie...oh wait, maybe her screaming "I DON'T LIKE THIS!!! means it wasn't a highlight...)

By 7 p.m. we were all tuckered out and headed to Texas Roadhouse for some delicious dinner and line dancing.

These girls are some of my very best friends and their husbands are better than we could have asked for. It was such a fun day to catch up, reminisce, and plan for the future. I'm so glad we've stayed so close in the 6 years since I first became a roommate!!!

Bein' Crafty

2010-08-03T19:06:00.004-07:00

I've been feeling like being crafty lately.

Luckily, August birthdays were coming up. So I got to make aprons for Katie and Chel. I had the hardest time picking out the fabric. You know that warm bubbly feeling you get in a shoe store? Fabric stores are like that too.

I wrapped them up with a cake mix...

Then it was time for the watermelon cake I saw on a cover of a magazine. 4 tubs of frosting later...

Yummmm!

This piece didn't make it to its full potential...

...on second thought, maybe it did...

I had tons of fun and learned a few new tricks. Now if i can just find time to clean up the mess!

Bear Lake

2010-06-10T13:02:00.006-07:00

Last weekend I went with a bunch of friends to Bear Lake. We had so much fun staying in the USU cabin, playing games, eating tons of food, watching the stars, sitting around the bonfire, and just laughing. There was a big group, about 20 people there, with Jeff and Dennis's boats.

Monday morning we headed out onto the lake, and although it was cold (56 degrees in the water, 59 in the air) we had tons of fun. I braved the first ski run of the morning and it was great. About 10 the sun came out and we were loving it.

Around noon we set out for one last run before heading home. That's when trouble hit. I have never seen a storm come up so fast, and I've never seen waves that big anywhere but the ocean. 5 of us were in Dennis' boat, and it was the first time he had taken it out. By the time we reached the beach the waves were about 3 feet high and were coming over the bow of the boat. Jeff and Scott headed to the marina in Jeff's boat about 5 minutes before we did, and in that 5 minutes the waves about doubled in size and we knew we couldn't make it in Dennis' boat. We tied the boat to a little dock at Sweetwater where they rent their boats, and as the waves came into the bow I bailed water as fast as I could. I would literally just get it emptied when another wave would fill it. Scott was bringing the trailer to this side of the lake, so I was hoping to keep the water out until he got there.

Dennis had gone up to talk to the guys at Sweetwater, but they wouldn't help us because of liability issues. It was such a frustrating feeling. The waves were getting bigger and bigger, and they were watching the boat fill with water, unable to help. I was soaking wet and freezing cold, but its amazing what adrenaline will do to you and I honestly didn't even notice it. Craig was trying to hold the boat from being smashed against the docks, and as I was bailing he suddenly yelled "T! Watch out!" I stood up in time for a wave about 8 feet high to wash over me, slamming me into the windshield, and filling the entire bow. And with that, the front half of the boat went under.

I've never been so scared. I looked at Craig and said "What do we do?" We had been trying to keep it off the beach since its a V-drive and it will ruin the prop, but at that point Craig said untie it--let it wash up on the shore. Have you ever tried to untie a boat that is being pulled away from where it is tied? The ropes were taut, so we couldn't untie them. I tried to get it out from where I was, in the half sunk boat, but the handle of the ski rope (which we had used to tie it) was too big to fit through the railings. Craig finally managed to get it untied from the dock, and we started to rotate it around. We got it turned 90 degrees, so it was parallel with the beach, when another huge wave pushed it up on the sand. This whole time I've been standing in 4 feet of water in the bow of a sinking boat.

At that point there was nothing to do but start grabbing everything and get it onto the shore. There were 4 of us there, and I just started handing out life jackets, ropes, skis, phones, cameras, everything. By the time we were done I realized I was soaking wet in just my swimsuit and cover-up, my shoes were washed out to sea (yes, sea), and I was covered in sand. I started shaking and didn't stop for about 3 hours. What a fiasco.

Everyone was safe. Jeff and Scott made it to the marina in his boat, although he said it was scary. We were so blessed to be at the beach when the storm got so big instead of the middle of the lake. Dennis reacted so great--I expected him to be mad, upset, frustrated...I definitely would have been (lets me honest, I was and it wasn't my boat!). But he just kept saying "Everyone is safe. That's what matters." We left the boat there on the beach overnight, and Dennis went up yesterday and with the help of 4 great friends, they scooped out the water, sand, and junk and got it up on the trailer and home. Definitely an experience I could have lived without but won't be forgetting any time soon.

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

2010-06-10T12:48:00.003-07:00

Last week was my dad's 55th birthday. We went to Texas Roadhouse where they were great enough to force him onto a saddle and hollar and cheer for him, and he was a good enough sport to go along with it. My dad is fabulous--here are some of the great things about him

***he can fix anything. cars, computers, boats, frozen pipes, anything, he knows how to get inside whatever is broken and take care of it.

***he builds things. like furniture out of wood, or little things out of clay, or even hard core sand castles and people in the sand. He is the most analytical/creative blend i've ever seen.

***he knows stuff. lots of stuff. like how they make potato chips, or where rubies come from, and how to pour cement. he's just smart like that.

***i've never seen an animal he couldn't train, be it dogs, horses, llamas, and even his fish.

***he's a big softie when it comes to his grandkids. one time he disappeared right around bedtime, and came up over an hour later. he had been reading to jackson the whole time.

***he's the best go-to guy when you need something. he is calm and rational and thinks everything through, so pretty much the opposite of me. if he is 90 miles away or across an ocean, he'll listen to your problem and then send you on your way with a list of steps to take to solve it.

***he is strong in the church and great in our family. i couldn't ask for a better dad--I LOVE YOU!!!

new digs

2010-05-16T03:38:00.000-07:00

Well folks, it finally happened. I am a proud resident of SALT LAKE CITY. I moved in to my apartment about a month ago, and the time has gone sooooooo fast. Today as I unpacked and organized more boxes in my bedroom, I started thinking about all the events and decisions leading up to this point in my life, and how different from how I imagined it would be when I was in high school. I fingered through old photographs, journals, books, knick knacks, some from this country, others from far away, and sat on my bedroom floor re-living days gone by. Its been long enough for some things that I wondered why I've been hauling them around from place to place and felt ok throwing them away, but others got carefully re-packed and saved for another trip down memory lane. I realized these are the things that make up a life. Its been interesting meeting new people, telling them I recently moved from Logan, that I'm a hairstylist, that I'm from Utah. That introduction is so clean, precise, defined. But as I sort through boxes of recipes I want to attempt, destinations I still want to go to, craft projects waiting to be started or finished, books half read, friends long lost contact with, its messy, complicated, and chaotic. But this is me. And somehow I've managed to squeeze it into a semi-organized 12x14' bedroom. But more importantly I'm happy with who I am, where I am, and where I've been. Different? Yes. Unexpected? Definitely. Worth it? Absolutely.

SOLD!!!

2010-05-04T21:18:00.004-07:00

4 Sale:

Whirlpool Washer & Dryer Set
2 years old
$350

I bought this set 2 years ago when I lived with 2 other girls, then a year later I lived alone so it hasn't been used much. I moved to a new apartment and don't need it anymore.

If you know of anyone who may be interested, I'll sweeten the pot by tossing in a set of shampoo and conditioner to whoever gets it sold for me. :)

M.O.A.B

2010-03-24T18:29:00.005-07:00

Last weekend my siblings and I all headed down for sunny Moab. Except someone forgot to mention that to the sun, which was seriously MIA for the majority of the time. We had so much fun hanging out at the condo, watching March Madness, eating good food, hiking (ok it was more like a very short walk), and running the race on Saturday. Next time my parents will have to join us in the fun.

Saturday morning came way too quickly, when me, Katie, Chel and Marcus had to head up the canyon for the half marathon. It was 26 degrees at the mouth of the canyon, and once we were up there we stood shivering in the shade for over an hour! It finally started and we were off, weaving in and out of 4,000 other crazies who do this for fun. Thanks to my running buddies who kept me from changing races and insisting I could do this, regardless of bad knees and not near enough preparation. 12 miles in I thought I might die, but one mile later I was across that finish line and so glad it was behind me!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T13:33:00.008-07:00

Today is Valentine's Day. Day of Love. Frankly I've never celebrated Valentine's day with someone I loved. Or liked. But maybe this year could be different. And since at work yesterday someone sent me these: I figured I better do something nice in return. So I did this:
The rolls are rising and the pot roast is sizzling away. Yum. But then the phone rang...and someone is sick...so I'm packing up this meal and headed out of town. A romantic meals on wheels. We'll see how it goes.

It was a success. :) HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

attempting 2 b festive

2010-02-08T16:45:00.002-07:00

Let's be honest: I don't care about the Superbowl. Or football in general for that matter. But Superbowl Sunday brings its share of parties, and since I'm always up for trying fun new party treats...

Christmas Trees

2009-12-03T12:56:00.003-07:00

Welcome to the 2nd annual Fackrell Family Christmas Tree Hunt! Saturday we drove up above Preston, Idaho in search for the perfect trees. It was a fabulous day--sunny and warm but with powdery snow on the ground to make it feel festive. This year we missed my mom who had to stay home, but she came up later for a fabulous Kick Off to Christmas dinner at Katie and Nate's house. Everyone took home trees that are way too big for normal size houses, but we had tons of fun in the process.

cONfeSsIoN

2009-11-24T11:34:00.006-07:00

Last night I had to stay late at work to get everything ready for bills to go out today. 6 turned to 7...which dragged on to 8...at which point I had to print out 40-ish pages and then I could leave. And of course my printer was out of paper. And of course the extra paper is kept at the other end of the office. So I hope you didn't try to copy something this morning...cuz the copy machine might have been out of paper...cuz someone was
too
lazy
to walk
all the way
to the other end of the
office.

sorry.

ThiS is haLloWeEN

2009-11-10T14:23:00.004-07:00

I had a Halloween dinner the Sunday before Halloween. I had really good intentions of taking lots of blog worthy pictures--the kind Bakerella takes. Chelsea and I even discussed it ahead of time: this was going to be a blogworthy event.

And then...all the food needed to go in the oven at the same time and then I ran out of room in my fridge and the flowers needed to be spray painted and then I started to run out of time and luckily my fab friend Jess helped me set everything up, but then all the dishes started piling up in the sink and then all the food started coming out of the oven AT THE SAME TIME and then the candles needed to be lit and the dry ice put in the water and luckly my fab sister and brother-in-law came early and helped me with that, and then I had to put on my costume and curl my hair (cuz Little Orphan Annie does NOT have straight hair) and then all the people started coming dressed as skeletons and a hot dog and cowboys and three musketeers and even John and Kate and all sorts of other fun things, and then it was time to eat and then it was time for prizes and then my grandma tap danced for us (yes, she actually tap danced), and then it was time for everyone to get home because it was a SCHOOL night...gasp...and then it was quiet and I realized these were the only pictures I got...sigh...

oh well. Everyone had fun.

Cache Valley Duathlon

2009-09-29T08:01:00.003-07:00

On Saturday I did my first race: the Cache Valley Duathlon. It consisted of a 2 mile run, a 13 mile bike, and another 2 mile run. The bike ride was beautiful up Blacksmith Fork Canyon, but so much harder than I anticipated! By the time I was done biking the last thing I wanted to do was go running again, but somehow I made it and had so much fun!

WELCOME FALL!!!

2009-09-08T07:47:00.004-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year, and I realized that while most people celebrate Labor Day as one last hurrah for Summer, in my mind it marks the start of Autumn. I love when the weather gets a little cooler and you don't melt when you go outside. I love when the leaves start changing and the world gets so colorful. I love seeing students walking to and from school in their brand new clothes and new backpacks. I love jackets--not coats, jackets--and weather that doesn't require bundling but just layering. I love the food that goes along with fall--pies, gingerbread cookies, dinner in a pumpkin. Bonfires, Corn Mazes, Hiking...its all so fun!

I guess the best thing about fall is that I see it as a new beginning. The last couple falls I haven't started school, but it still feels like it fits, that you get to start a new year and set new goals and decide once again who you are and what you're going to do with your life.

So here's to fall, and all of our new beginnings!

Cruisin in the Caribbean

2009-08-26T11:21:00.018-07:00

Florida KeysCOZUMEL

ROATAN, HONDURUS

GRAND CAYMAN

AROUND THE VALOR Last week I got to go with my fun mom on a cruise down to the Caribbean. We had SO MUCH FUN!!! We stopped in Belize as well but went CAVE TUBING so we couldn't take our cameras with us to keep them dry.

A HUGE HUGE THANKS to my parents for making this possible--I love you both so much and appreciate everything!

Some of our FaVOrIte ThIngS:

ReadInG
eaTiNg
sLeEPing
EatInG
dIet CoKEs
eAtiNg
sUn
snOrKelINg
beAChEs
EatINg

BLESSED

2009-08-03T11:04:00.003-07:00

I just have to acknowledge how incredibly blessed I am. I have the greatest support group of friends and family, and I want you all to know how much I love you. Life doesn't always turn out the way we hope it will, but now I know I never have to go through anything alone. I have the greatest siblings and am so thankful for them. Katie said the other day that us sisters are so close that when something great happens to one of us, it might as well have happened to the rest of us, we're that happy about it. This week I've learned the same thing goes for when hard things happen too.

My parents get their own paragraph--wow. I can't imagine the responsibility and worry that comes with being a parent and how amazing mine are. I know they'd do anything for me.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

BECOME A FIGHTER!!!

2009-07-21T15:32:00.004-07:00

So I have a group of friends who have taken on the HUGE undertaking of launching a global campaign against pornography, similar to the Truth About Tobacco campaign. I have been aware of this campaign for about 15 months now and have been to several meetings and it is UNBELIEVEABLE what these guys are working on. Their goal is to raise $10 from every person they come in contact with, and then start working across the nation with ads, signs, tv spots, etc. teaching about the danger of this drug.

DONATE!!! So many times we wish we could become a part of something or want to do something to make the world a better place but don't know how--here is your chance! I'll say right now I made my $10 donation this afternoon.

Richard Winwood, business executive with Franklin Covey and founder of Million Air LLC said the following of Fight the New Drug, "Their positive message will appeal to every intelligent young person, and create in them a willingness to not only disdain pornography but to join the fight against it! I would encourage every concerned person to join FTND and get anxiously engaged in this movement. We are at war. Become a Fighter!"

www.fightthenewdrug.org

A Taste of Things To Come...

2009-07-16T08:39:00.003-07:00

Jared and I had our formal pics last night--it was so fun! We started at the Bountiful Temple, and then went to Salt Lake to the City and County Building, the Library, and Memory Grove. It was fun being the princess, and letting everyone tell us congrats, and just enjoy being together. My mom took a few pics with her camera so here's just a little taste--I'm so excited to see the real pictures!

Jared and I were talking on the drive down from Logan about how happy we've been and how blessed we are to have each other and it really is so true--I am such a lucky, lucky girl. I can't believe its finally our turn to have the happiest day of our lives.

Spackman Family Vacation

2009-06-25T07:26:00.004-07:00

Last weekend we went camping with Jared's family at Palisades State Park. It was so fun to have everyone together and get to know his family a lot better. We had quite a crew--Terri and Bruce (Mama and Papa Spackman), Jodi and Eric with Aubrie, Macy and Porter, Jeremy and

Marie with JJ, Jason and Leslie, Jeni, and Jared and I.

We played games, canoed, the brave people swam (I was not one of them), and just hung out. Saturday was rainy so thank heavens for Jodi and Eric's trailer!

Jared took his little scooter and managed to get around the campsite pretty well. :) We had a way fun weekend and came home sunburned and tired--must have been successful!

Viva Las Vegas

2009-05-27T11:19:00.006-07:00

For Memorial Day weekend we loaded up Jared's crutches and headed down to Vegas to visit his brother Jeremy and his wife Marie. It was a super chill weekend and just what the doctor ordered. We watched basketball, played games, ate good food, and enjoyed the warm weather and just being together. Thanks Jeremy and Marie for letting us crash at your place!

And They Lived Happily Ever After

2009-04-22T08:16:00.007-07:00

Wow--where do I even start? By saying I'm the happiest I've ever been? Or that this blog will soon be changing to All That is The Spackmans? Or that the greatest guy I've ever met who is absolutely perfect for me loves me? Cuz all of those things would be true.

Last night Jared and I went to the Logan Temple to do a session. We walked out at the end into a perfect Spring night--warm and clear, and I thought I couldn't possibly be any happier. We started to walk out to his car, but before we got to the stairs going down to the parking lot he pulled me over to a bench that sits just west of the temple and looks over the whole valley. We sat there and talked, and I have to admit the thought crossed my mind that this could be the moment, but then I brought myself back to reality when I remembered the ring wouldn't be done for another couple weeks.

We chatted for a minute, and then he turned to me and asked "T, why do you love me?" I told him the only thing that seemed to encompass it all: "I love how happy you make me." I asked him why he loved me, and he said "I love that I get to bring you to the temple." And he reached into his temple bag, got down on one knee, and said "Tierra Anne, Will you Marry Me?" Guess what my answer was!?

Right now, in this moment, everything is perfect and I couldn't ask for anything more.

FaVorItE tHinGS

2009-03-13T23:24:00.004-07:00

After watching CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC tonight I figure I better at least let some good come of my latest shopping expeditions and share a few of my favorite new finds with all of you.

#1: Cleaning Bubbles Toilet Cleaner

K this stuff is AMAZING. It doesn't turn your water blue, or show at all, and the only complaint I have is a little bit of a unique smell but at least its a clean smell. Each little gel ring lasts about a week, and then you just pop out a fresh one and you're set.

#2: Grapefruit face wash:

This stuff is delicious and refreshing and has little exfoliating beads to boot.

#3: Jessica Simpson Mary Janes:

Definitely the most EXCITING of my latest purchases, I have to include my new favorite shoes that would put a smile on any shopaholic's face.

Time for A Change

2009-03-05T09:28:00.003-07:00

oh the places you'll go

2009-02-27T22:31:00.007-07:00

wedesday the whole clan headed down to provo to take elise to the mtc. what an experience! it was such an emotional week with everything going on and it was hard to see her go, but she is so excited and is going to do so great. the last 2 days i've thought constantly about how i need to text her and see how's she's doing...oh wait...

Pinata Making

2009-01-21T09:04:00.007-07:00

My nephew Miles is turning 4 next week, and requested a Spiderwick birthday party complete with a Mulgorath pinata. For those of you who aren't Spiderwick gurus, Mulgorath is a hairy, wrinkly ogre complete with fangs, horns, and red eyes. Here I'll attach a picture of him:

Unfortunately for Miles, most party stores do not stock pinatas of the villains of the story, so he was incredibly distraught about where he was going to get one. Which is what started the following conversation between me, him, and my little sister Elise:

Miles: I don't know where we gonna find a Mo-Go-Rath pinata.

Me: Maybe you should make one.

Miles: YEAH T, MAYBE YOU SHOULD MAKE ONE!

Me: How would I make a Mulgorath pinata?

Elise (Voice dripping with sarcasm): Come on T, we'll show you a picture. You'll be fine.

Miles (not picking up the sarcasm): Yeah T, I'll show you a picture. You'll be FINE!

Well there is something to be said about the faith that little 4 year old put in my creative abilities. Plus, who can resist this face:

So...I set out on my very first pinata making experience. Thank heavens for google which provided me with a great paper mache recipe, and for Hobby Lobby which provided countless random items to use. I finished it last week and it doesn't look great, in fact it looks a little like a brown Miss Piggy. But yesterday when I left my sister's house, as I was walking out the door, Miles came running around the corner and whispered: "Thanks for the pinata!" Totally worth it.

A Shout Out to Family

2008-12-02T11:58:00.005-07:00

I think my favorite part about Thanksgiving was having all of my family together. We always have so much fun and have so much to talk about and catch up on that its usually pretty chaotic at my parents house when the 5 siblings, 2 brother-in-laws, 2 nephews, a neice and my parents are all there. The boys usually disappear and us girls stay up way too late sitting around the island in the kitchin in our PJs eating whatever delicious snacks mom has set out and just being girls. Its crazy to think we fought like cats and dogs as kids but now I can't imagine life without them. I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Deck the Halls

2008-12-02T11:41:00.007-07:00

Yea--I got my house decorated for Christmas! I made sure to cut down a tree that was small enough to fit in my house, but what I didn't plan on was that it was too small to fit in a tree stand! So I had to get a little creative (if you ever find yourself in this predicament, wooden picture frames work great to wedge tree trunks with!), and while I'd never let my dad or any other perfectionist see the set up, the results are perfect!

This doesn't have anything to do with Christmas but I was sure proud of my cute cute sprinkle rack that brightens up my kitchen!

A Huntin' We Go!

2008-12-01T08:14:00.004-07:00

This weekend my whole family came up to Cache Valley and we headed north to Preston, Idaho to cut down Christmas trees. It was the first time any of us had ever done it and it was so fun! It wasn't too cold but was snowing a little to add to the festivity of the occasion and we took home 4 perfect trees.

Family Pics

2008-11-25T10:15:00.004-07:00

So I've been told its time to put up a new post but I have been so busy...I can't believe it's already THANKSGIVING!

A couple weeks ago we did family pictures which are always an event but turned out pretty fun.

Summer Time

2008-10-03T08:22:00.010-07:00

I can't believe Summer is over! I started my job at Wasatch in May so I worked a lot during the first part of the Summer but when August rolled around I pretty much took off and played.

The family went to Flaming Gorge for a week which was tons of fun--the weather was perfect and the water was glass. Grandma and Grandpa Mason came for the first 2 days and I am so sad to have missed seeing Grandpa rockin it out there in the tubes!

The only downfall was I got super sick and spent a good deal of the time dragging my sleeping bag around from shady spot to shady spot. But I still managed to get plenty of good water time in.

After recovering from Flaming Gorge the entire clan headed down to California. We crammed in so many fun things: Disneyland, the beach, the boys went to an Angels-Yankees game, shopping, eating, Mini-Sea World, games, and plenty of watching Olympics at night. It was so fun to all be together and especially watching Katie's kids have so much fun.

Princess Parties

2008-09-06T14:26:00.003-07:00

So I have the cutest client named Amy Watts who just started a business doing princess birthday parties for little girls. I love this girl to death and hoped her business would do well, but I have been THRILLED with the response she is getting!

I just thought I'd put a plug in for her for all you moms out there--she can come as Cinderella, Belle or Ariel and she is SO convincing--the last party she did I think the adults were all convinced it was the real princess!

Her blog is http://www.enchantedprincessparties.blogspot.com/ --check it out!

Tagged. Again.

2008-08-22T16:44:00.007-07:00

OK Top ten books (in no particular order):

Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. This is the cutest book about a little boy growing up in a small town, complete with getting run over by a train and living to tell the tale.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I like how this book addresses racism in a fairly upbeat way. I haven't read it for a while and it's probably about time to pull it out again.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding. I didn't necessarily love the story but I love literary masterpiece that this book is--something the Twilights or Harry Potters won't ever be. One time my dad told me that was like enjoying a painting done out of dog poop...still not sure what that means.

These Is My Words by Kathleen Turner. Written in the form of a diary by a girl in a wagon train--it makes me so happy for every little thing that goes right and so sad for all the many hardships they faced.

Christy by Katherine Marshall. This is the true story of a 20 year-old girl who leaves everything she knows behind to be a teacher in a strange new land full of interesting food, bad smells, and people who have never seen an outsider before. Sound familiar to you? The funny thing is I read and fell in love with this book long before I went to China.

The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan, as well any of her other books. She has such a charming way of painting the Chinese lifestyle with its good characteristics as well as the bad, and it makes me feel like I am there again. I wonder if I'll ever stop reading about China, hearing about China, seeing pictures of China, and just plain missing China.

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. Most of the books on this list range from somber and thought provoking to downright depressing, so this was a fun fairytale to mix it up a bit, and I was so sad when it ended.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Talk about thought provoking--this book made me so grateful for where I live and the life I have. I kept thinking it was set way back in time and whenever I realized it is set in the present day it made me sad all over again. It definitely made me realize I need to appreciate what I have.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. The first time I read it I just thought this book was odd but have re-read it a few times now and love it. I love the idea that each life is entwined in those around us in ways we are not even aware of and that one day it will all be explained.

Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton. There is so much good advice about love and patience and endurance in this book. It deals with the suffering brought into our lives by other people's decisions and that only through love can it be overcome.

Fanny's Dream by Caralyn and Mark Buehner. I know this is my 11th book but it is a children's book so technically in a whole seperate category...I love this story of a girl growing up and discovering that the fairytale she had always imagined for herself wasn't the best option for her in real life--I wish I could give a copy to every teenage girl!

I'm tagging Kristen and Mindi.

I've Been Tagged...

2008-08-03T10:44:00.002-07:00

Kristen tagged me, so here goes.

3 Joys:
***Diet Coke. Hands down. I used to mock people who were so addicted to their beverage, but seriously it brings a smile to my face every time.
***Sleeping in. I wish I could do it more often and I'm lazy enough that I would every day if work would allow it. What can I say--I'm a night owl at heart.
***Sewing. I know its nerdy but I just made a quilt and it was SO fun. I haven't made one in years and I had forgotten how addicting it is! And not only was it fun but now I have a perfect, made-to-order blanket. :)

3 Fears:
***Cats. I know its irrational, but I am terrified of them.
***Pregnancy. Kudos to all you moms out there--the thoughts of having something else controlling my body is almost more than I can handle.
***I don't know, natural disasters? I hate seeing footage on the news after earthquakes and tornadoes and such--it always makes me cry. After this latest earthquake in China I was about to jump on a plane and head over there...who knows what I would have done once I was there...

3 Goals:
***Finding a place to live by myself. I've lived with roommates for almost 5 years and I've decided it's time to be on my own. I have had so much fun over the past few years but lately I've been getting the itch that it would be nice to have a little more space (this tiny bedroom is killing me!) and be a little more independant.
***Growing my hair out. I haven't had long hair since I was 14, and everytime I get close I get frustrated and cut it off. I'm convinced this time it's gonna happen.
***Being more clean and organized. I'm hoping goal #1 will help with this--there just is no room for things so they end up on my bedroom floor or thrown over my desk chair.

3 Current Obsessions:
***Boot Camp. I started it this month at the gym and it is amazing. It kicks my butt and I'm always sick after, but I feel so good! I'm contemplating doing it again next month, but it's at 6:30 a.m., which gets in the way of sleeping in...
***Looking for apartments. Someone refered to me as an apartment lurker--its true! I find 'for rent' signs everywhere and I've talked to what seems like every landlord in the valley, but just you wait--I'll find that perfect place!
***Reading all the books I have stacked on my shelf but haven't had time to. This one is gonna take a while.

3 Random Facts:
***I have a pair of gym shoes that ONLY are worn indoors. I'm pretty anal about it--I don't even walk from my car to the gym--I wear a different pair and change. I found this amazing pair of aerobic shoes and they always seem to wear out so quickly that I was trying to save them some extra wear-and-tear, but then they stayed so white and clean and by then it was habit...
***I HATE packing for vacations. It seriously stresses me out and I end up taking 4 times as much stuff as I really need and don't use most of it. I'm staring right now at the full bag of clothes I didn't wear but have to unpack from my last trip.
***When it comes to renting movies or choosing restaurants, I'd rather go with something I've seen/eaten before that I know is good than risk getting something disappointing. Not very adventurous, I know.

I'm tagging Amie, Melani, and Lindi.

Watch out...I'm on the road

2008-07-12T15:04:00.004-07:00

So last night I reached a conclusion after nearly 10 years of being on the road: I am a bad driver.
I've never really thought of it before, but we've all been in the car before with someone who isn't a good driver, and it's one of those things that you'll never know if you're good or bad at (which I also wonder if I'm good at washing people's hair since some girls are NOT, but that's a whole other post). My driving record isn't too horrible--something like 2 speeding tickets and one accident, but in the past 6 months I have been pulled over three times, 2 of which have been for driving drunk. DRUNK? Let me state for the record, here and now, that I have never driven drunk, or done anything drunk for that matter. I apparently just can't drive in a straight line.
Let me also state, for the record, that I have contemplated whether or not this situation is "blog worthy." Why, might you ask, wouldn't it be? Multiple reasons: a) i'm still somewhat embarrassed that I even HAVE a blog and think anyone out there really cares that much about my little anecdotes. b) i would hate to have a future employer google me and find a post about drunk driving. and c) I don't want to fall victim to posting extremely embarrassing/personal stories for all of cyberspace to enjoy.
With that said, I'll continue. Last night I'm driving home at 12:45 am, when just as I pull onto my street I see the rather festive flashing red and blue lights in my rearview mirror. I KNEW I hadn't been speeding, and my registration didn't expire till the end of the month, so needless to say I was at a complete loss. This is what went down:

No greeting, just shines the 4,000 watt flashlight in my eyes
Officer: License please.
Me: Sure, but can I ask why you're stopping me?
Officer: Your tire crossed the yellow line at least half a dozen times, and this is the time of the night when people are leaving the bar.
Officer inhales deeply through his nose
Officer: It doesn't smell like you've had anything to drink...?
Me: Nope, never have.
Officer: sighs audibly, obviously disappointed.
Officer: Why weren't you driving straight?
I ponder for a while, trying to determing what response he is looking for
Me: I was just jammin out.
Officer: sighs again, since I am such a disappointing specimem
Well, head home. And please drive more carefully.

WHAT?!?!? I have decided there is quite possibly some odd pheremone I emit that attracts officers of the law within a 40 mile radius, at which point any excuse to pull me over will do. After which, they inevitably tell me to "Go home," a concept I truly do not understand because I was under the impression I could go wherever I wanted, regardless of what time it is.

So watch out--I may be on the road late at night, and my tire just might touch the yellow line. But don't worry--I'm not drunk, just a bad driver.

Wistful Wednesdays

2008-07-09T21:26:00.005-07:00

Tonight Katie's family and Elise came over for dinner and swimming--tons of fun! The kids are so much fun and it gives us a good excuse to actually swim rather than just to lay out sweating in a chaise lounge!

I was looking back over some pictures and realized I needed to put some of the FUN times I've had on here:

Jackson's preschool graduation

Chris, Jess and I attempting to take a Sunday nap...

Jammin

And, as always, trying to find a husband. OK not really but I got a good laugh out of this picture.

New Job

2008-06-27T13:56:00.003-07:00

So about a month ago I started a new job in the Accounts Payable department at Wasatch Property Management. My first day at work I got all dressed up in one of my brand new "professional" outfits, got there nice and early, and headed in. The building is incredible--huge tall ceilings and way tall doors, chrome hardware and shiny tile floors. The breakroom was complete with a 40" flat panel TV and a diet coke fountain...I really don't think I'm grownup enough to be in a place like this but the free beverages will be appreciated!
I wanted to take a picture of my very first cubicle, but when I showed up on my first day, they didn't have one for me yet so they stuck me in the conference room. This ended up being WAY nice since the building is FREEZING cold and I had my very own thermostat.
This week I got to work and its official: my cubicle was ready for me! I'll get pictures up here one day...

After being there a few weeks, these are the things I've learned:
* My co-workers spend the majority of their time at the office standing around the filing cabinets gossiping
* When the guys come to clean the windows, all work stops while we watch them dangle from the roof (we are on the 4th floor)
* My supervisor not only is not a college grad, but loves her back corner cubicle because she can watch Lost online all day while she attempts to enter invoices
* If someone has supposedly faxed something to you once and you didn't get it for some reason, it is like getting blood out of a turnip to get them to fax it again
* There is only 1 single guy who works for the company and he's a loser
* The bathrooms are quite possibly the nicest thing I have ever seen
* After getting me so excited about the coke fountain in the break room they suddenly switched it to Pepsi, which is simply NOT ACCEPTABLE (I now have to keep a personal stash of coke in my cupboards)
* My ex-boyfriend's bro-in-law is my boss and is thoughtful enough to keep me updated on all the happenings in his life

Graduation

2008-05-05T17:38:00.005-07:00

Graduation was so much fun--I thought it would just be another boring rite of passage, but the entire day was a blast! Ellie told me to soak up all the attention I could get and Jess told me it was like being on America's Next Top Model...I hope I made both of them proud!

Everyone keeps asking what's next: I'm going to keep working part-time at Kutting Edge and have been turning in resumes for every part-time office job in the valley. I have an interview tomorrow at a place I'd love to work at so cross your fingers for me!

FINISHED!!!

2008-05-01T20:33:00.003-07:00

At 12:14 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, I finished my senior project!!!
I had literally spent the last 2 days sitting at my computer typing till my fingers were raw (K not quite, but I hadn't showered or seen the sunlight). I was exhausted and nasty and figured what a perfect photo moment...
I took it to my sister's for her to proofread (thanks Lise!) and then celebrated in style by picking up a berry shake at Arbys--gotta love the night life in Logan!
Graduation is Saturday--I can't believe it's here!

Car woes

2008-04-10T00:02:00.006-07:00

So this winter I had the amazing experience of being in my very first car accident! I slid on the ice in my apartment parking lot and hit a truck, and the amount of damage is actually pretty incredible! Of course I put off fixing it forever (who wants to spend money on a new bumper when there are vacations to be going on?) but the body shop ASSURED me it was ok to drive it.
Well...as Mindi and I drove home from the airport at about 10:00 Sunday night...the wind caught my hood just right and smashed it right up into my windshield.
Luckily we were able to get onto the shoulder without further incident, and my parents were right next to us at the time and could help us out. We finally made it back to Logan around 2 a.m. with a VERY bent hood and a shattered windshield.
I started back into working with the insurance and body shop the next day, and to top this whole incident off, as I drove home from the body shop I got pulled over and got a fix-it ticket for my windshield!
So last week little Donatello spent the whole week in the shop, and yesterday I got him back. He looks so beautiful!

Mexico!!!

2008-04-09T22:55:00.007-07:00

For my last Spring Break at USU I went with my roommies on a cruise to Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Talk about paradise!!! We had so much fun!