{Casey, Brittany and Tylee}

Disney Cruise

2011-12-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a our 7 day cruise to Mexico. My only complaint would be that leaving from California at this time of year meant we only got a few days with nice warm swim suit weather, the ones spent in Mexico. When sailing on the ship is was cold and windy. I was really wanting to come back with a tan, but instead of spending my time laying in the sun we spent it doing things with the family.... probably time better spent anyway.

We flew in a day early so we had a day in Long Beach to explore.

They had the coolest hat store. Super fun hats, but too bad we would never really wear any of them.

View from the deck before leaving Cali

Sailing Disney was fun because they did character photo ops and the first couple days at sea I made Casey chase them with me. He didn't like it very much, I thought it was fun the first couple of days, but then they kept repeating the same characters so we stopped doing that. The entertainment on the ship was awesome. One night they had a hypnosis guy, Mike and Kaden both got up there. Oh man was that hilarious. I don't think I ever laughed so hard!!!

Daisy wanted Casey so bad, Donald got mad... It was hilarious.

On deck... Awesome giant screen, but it was usually too cold to stay and watch a whole movie up there.

Character breakfast. All the characters came to our breakfast table... Fun but too rushed to really enjoy.

Port of Vallarta

Yes I know I have a Freakin hot hubby!

Cabo San Lucas

First time I have every seen a sea lion. We got to watch this guy jump out of the water onto this rock, and then he posed for the camera.

Pirate night.... ended with fireworks

Our cruise stopped at Port of Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. In Port of Vallarta we did the zip line. Holy cow was that fun. At first I thought we were paying $30 to ride one zip line and thought it was going to be a waste of money, but this place was awesome. There was 10 different lines to zip on. (ha ha), plus there was hiking involved. That was a great excursion.

In Cabo we shopped a lot and spent some time and the beach and went para sailing. It was so fun. I think going with the 19 family members ruined me, I will have to go on vacation with a big group every time now. Way more fun than just the 2 of us.

I am sad it is over, but I was really starting to miss Tylee!! 10 days without her is WAY too long.

27 Already

2011-11-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

Casey is getting up there. He is now 27 years old. Since we have the cruise coming up we didn't do much for his birthday. I decided to put 27 different memories into 27 different balloons, that way he would have something to open on his birthday. I know cheesy, but it was fun. I put candy into most of them and boy did Tylee love helping dad pick them out. I did buy a cake for him... I didn't really think about how much cake that was for just 3 of us.

We leave for the cruise in a couple days and we are so excited!! Getting sad to leave Tylee, but the vacation is much needed.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T20:45:00.001-07:00

Tylee wondering what in the world Grandma Ann is doing... Yeah Grandma Ann moves so fast I could only get a blurred vision of her.

This year we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I was assigned to bring a Vege tray... BORING!!! So I talked Casey into letting me make some pie. Boy was that a good and bad idea, bad only because I probably ate 1400 calories in just the pie, and good because they were utterly delicious. I will just take a second to brag about how amazing they turned out. I made a banana cream pie (my personal favorite) and a chocolate peanut butter cream pie (Casey's favorite). I will gladly take the first place ribbon for the BEST pie!

Tylee and Mommy

We met up with Casey's family at the church as usual. Tylee was very naughty a lot of the time. She didn't even want to play with any of the cousins or Grandma Ann. It may have just been too many people for her at one time. After we finished eating she started warming up and being her fun little self. Grandma Ann got the kids to play some bingo together and Uncle Kayden was so sweat to play with Tylee.

Kayden helping Tylee play bingo... He helped her win a fun little snoopy dog.

Of course my favorite part of Thanksgiving is the Black Friday shopping. It is tradition to go shopping with some of Casey's brothers and sisters. Since all the stores opened at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday we decided to start our shopping earlier as well. We jumped in the car and headed up to Park City with the gang at about 8:30. Got up to the outlets just in time to storm into the Nike Outlet as the doors swung open. I wasn't too impressed with the selection this year. I couldn't find anything I wanted to buy, but luckily Casey was able to find some clothes and a new pair of shoes.

We typically shop until 8:00 a.m. and end our night/morning with a delightful breakfast at Jerramiah's, but we had party pooper's this year. We only made it until 3:00 a.m. before most people were ready to be done. Angie was such a trooper for braving the shopping even in her current health! We had a blast. We ended up looking through the ads again, and found that Best Buy still had a camera that we wanted, so Friday night at 9:00 p.m. we set out again with the Muirbrooks and Jared.... it totally topped the midnight madness.

I am so grateful for our family! Only 6 more days and we are off on our Disney Cruise. YAY!!!

Beautiful Thing Called Life

2011-11-22T12:09:00.001-07:00

It has been so long since I have blogged I am having a hard time deciding where to begin.

First of all Casey and I both have new jobs. The sales job Casey had this last year just was not working out, so he went back to Marketstar. He is now on the Google team. I am excited to get their health benefits again. I have missed having such great health insurance. As for me I finally finished my schooling and now have a Medical Transcription job working from home. I absolutely love it!!

Tylee has grown so much since my last post. She is now 19th months and 27 pounds. It is crazy to think that we have had her for over a year now. Time goes by way too fast. She is saying a few words, mostly it is just gibber jabber. I know she thinks she is telling us very important things. She often talks and then grabs your face and turns it towards her to make sure you are paying attention to every word. She has definitely learned how to push my buttons and that scars me to death. She loves to dance. She starts shaking her booty and jumping around any time music comes on.

I had a hard time getting into Halloween this year. Ty is supposed to be a little fairy, I could not get her to hold still for me to get a good picture of her.... and I was too worn out to push it. We spent the day at my mom's making carmel apples and visiting. I had to work that night so we rushed over to Casey's mom's and had dinner. He stayed while I came home to work. Normally I would have been bummed about working, but since Halloween didn't excite me this year, I was happy to come home and get some alone time. ha ha.

I think the craziest thing that has happened since my last post is we found out my mom is pregnant. She is due in May. They claim it was an accident, but that is something we will never know for sure!

SuRpRiSe

2011-04-02T11:01:00.001-06:00

I was surprised to find out Kim planned a surprise shower for me. I would have to say this would be at the top of the list of NICEST things anyone has ever done for me. The shower was so beautiful and perfect. It was so wonderful to get together with my family and friends to celebrate Tylee becoming a part of our family and our first child. Thank you so much Kim, Rachael and Kelsie for working so hard to put this together. I am so grateful to have friends and family who care so much for us. We love you guys. Thank you everyone for the wonderful gifts.

This is probably the coolest bookcase I have ever seen. It comes apart to make benches. So perfect for Tylee's room. (Thanks mom)

It was also a very sad day in the Miller family. My sister-in-law, Suzy, who was seven months pregnant lost her baby. We definitely were all in shock. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and hope that one day we will get to meet the sweet spirit of Addison Miller.

Birthday PARTY!!

2011-03-30T15:48:00.000-06:00

Tylee's birthday was extra special this year for many many reasons, but most importantly because we were able to seal her to us! She was absolutely beautiful and the ceremony was AMAZING. There is no other word for it. We got so many good pictures too. I can honestly say that to this point in my life it was THE BEST DAY in my life. I know Casey would agree. I can testify that the Lords plan is perfect and there are no flaws. I am so grateful to have Tylee and Casey FOREVER!

I just can't wait any longer to show off the pictures. Tylee started off the morning loving all the balloons.

Shannon took a huge load off my shoulders by helping me out ALL day decorating cupcakes and getting things set up. At the end of the night she even took it upon herself to do most of the clean up. I don't know what I would have done without her.

The sealing was at 4:30 p.m. in the Ogden Temple. When we came out the sun was shining and it was just beautiful. (I feel very lucky to have gotten nice weather, since the past couple weeks have just been crazy)

In the race to get everything ready for the sealing I forgot to get Tylee a bow and I completely spaced putting white tights on her OOPS!! The Temple workers were so kind to give some to her. The bow does add a nice touch if I do say so myself.

Then after the temple we all got dinner at Golden Coral... I know buffets gross, but with lots people that was the only place I could think of where we could control the time and how long it took us. Once we all filled out bellies we all headed back to my place where we enjoyed each others company over cake and ice cream. Of course there were plenty of gifts for Tylee to open. Unfortunately, she was not very interested in opening anything. On the plus side I am very exciting to dress her up in all the clothes.

Don't mind my decorating... it was my first try ever. Casey gave me an A for effort after laughing hysterically.

Did I mention Tylee loves cakes?

.......SO MUCH SHE DEFINITELY DID NOT APPROVE OF ME TRYING TO TAKE THE CAKE AWAY.

Casey and I are so happy to have her in our lives. She brings us so much joy. Oh, and she did decide to start walking last week! It is very weird to see her just walking around the house, she will still crawl when she wants to get somewhere fast. I just love my little PEBBLES to death!

Tylee {Our Newest Addition}

2011-02-01T22:50:00.000-07:00

I guess it is getting close enough that I can say we have adopted a beautiful baby girl. We will have things finalized the week of March 21st 2011. We brought her into our home in September of 2010, because of my AMAZING sister. She made the most selfless decision any woman in the world could have done. She asked Casey and I to take her daughter as our own, so that Tylee could have a two loving parents. I will forever be indebted to her. She gave us what we had been trying to give ourselves for the last 2 years. I love Brooke so much and look up to her for the incredible sacrifice she made for Tylee.

Here are some things from the first couple of months with our daughter....

2010 Jessop Reunion.

This was actually before we knew we were going to bring her into our home. We enjoyed a weekend in Kolob with the family.

Our First weekend with Tylee.... I think she was a little scarred. Rightfully so... We had NO IDEA what we were doing.

.... still don't!! FYI this cute little headband apparently was too tight on her head because it left a HUGE bruise where that little bow is.

Seriously my favorite outfit.

Look Mom! Dad is teaching me how to stand.

This is the cutest hat ever!

...and Tylee's new bed and bedding. Thank you Mom. We love it.

I really thought she was gonna crawl for me.

and I think she really thought she was going to move somewhere too...

She was so upset that she couldn't get off that blanket.

Halloween

was a special day, and not only because we got to dress her up. Aunt Suzie helped Tylee realized she could crawl forward. It only took that one night and before we knew it Tylee was trying to climb the stairs and everything in site.

Just Hanging Out

I am so in love with these 2.

Then there was Thanksgiving: In the past our parents haven't seemed to care if we spent much time with them for the Holidays, this year we felt pulled in every direction. All the sudden now that we have this gorgeous baby everyone wants to see us.... or just HER.

Tylee with Grandma

I would be willing to bet Breanna is going to be her favorite Aunt.

She was definately showing of her newly developed talent of crawling everywhere.

My favorite Holiday has always been CHRISTMAS. I didn't know it would be so fun with kids. I was so excited to get her Tylee stuff I forgot to get Casey and I any gifts, but it was the best Christmas we have ever had. I am excited for many more with her. She was so confused when we tried to get her to open her presents. Probably because we had spent the few days before Christmas telling her not to touch the gifts.

Oh precious!! I love the look Daddy and Ty are sharing.

So are you finally ready for my favorite Christmas outfit? Here it is... Seriously to die for. I just could not stop taking pictures.

Our plans now are to get this adoption finalized, hopefully the week of March 21st 2011. Then we will be able to have her sealed to use for time and all eternity on her 1st birthday

March 29th 2011!!

Thank you Jill and Grandma Peggy for helping us with the huge expense for this Adoption. We love you and appreciate all your help.

Personalizing our New HOME!

2010-11-01T21:23:00.000-06:00

So, I have this new obsession with purple. Luckily I have a husband who... pretty much lets me do WHATEVER I want. This includes painting our kitchen wall purple. Now I know it sounds bad, but I absolutely love it!! Here are the before and afters.

2010-08-29T22:25:00.000-06:00

Well it has been a while since my last post. We have had so many fun things go on this summer. The biggest thing was our new home. The move was super easy. Of course it would be when all you have to move is clothing. Don't worry we have collected the essential pieces of furniture now. Up until one week ago we were sleeping on an air mattress. I guess at first we were more concerned about our guests being comfortable than us sleeping well. After two months of me waking up as a "snapping dragon" Casey decided it was time to get a real bed.

Then we have our 3rd year anniversary. Casey surprised me with a weekend at Hotel Park City. That place was so amazing!! I love him so much. He is just perfect. The weekend was just perfect!! Somewhere in there we spent the weekend in Kolob and hiking in Zions... but I didn't get pictures there either. Casey and Brandon played ladder ball pretty much all weekend. One time Casey got a little crazy and threw a turbo throw, and the balls got stuck way high in the tree. Two hours and a tree later they got the balls down!

Then my most favorite uncle got married to the most amazing girl. The whole thing was beautiful... I forgot my camera that day so I can't prove it to you. But it was. :) We had a good time hanging out with the family and friends. When I think about him, I always remember the little piece of advice he gave me (during the ups and downs of dating) He said:

There is no such thing as bad days. Only good days and BETTER days.

I wish them the best of luck!! I can't wait to get to know Laura better.

MoViNg!!!

2010-06-23T19:33:00.000-06:00

Yup! We are moving again. Sorry NO sale this time. (We've got nothing left) In one week we will be moving into our new home. I am STOKED. I love my parents, but can't wait to leave. Looking back I think I would find a rental place that was month to month instead of bunking with family. It always sounds fun and easy at the beginning but truthfully the only easy part about it, is the finances.

Our best friends just got married. I threw them a couples shower (of course forgot my camera). It turned out so wonderful and fun, but very stressful. It was so fun to meet all their high school friends. Plus they gave me their hand me downs (which i thought was hamey down... until corrected by my 11 year old brother). Like a vacuum and a large garbage can, and some glass cookware. It was definitely all worth it.

After the shower Jake and Kim invited us to their wedding which was in Lake Powell. So Casey and I decided that would be awesome to involved with their wedding and bonus for us!! A cheap week in Lake Powell. I had never been there before. It's a beautiful place, and awesome trip.

Happy Birthday to ME

2010-04-12T23:05:00.000-06:00

I know I know its a little late, but spring life is busy!!! Brooke finally had her baby girl... Ty'Lee. I got a new job as a Legal Assistant at Attorney Scott Nance's office. We signed the contract to build us a new townhome. and then it was my Birthday, and if all that other stuff wasn't good enough, I got spoiled with lots of fun new clothes this year, Casey even took me to a chick flick "Love Song". That was a big sacrifice to for him to see it, but we both came out loving it.
This is was the fun Diaper cake I made for Ty'Lee. with the help of the blankets made by my mom.

Miranda also let me teach some of her friends how to make some blocks, Jana asked me to donate some blocks to a women fair she is participating in and because of all that I decided it was time to created a card/flyer. This is what I came up with.... Personally I love it, and it gets me excited for what to come with my little adventure.

My Journey

2010-03-02T19:21:00.001-07:00

Life is a journey. Sometimes it brings joy and happiness, sometimes it brings sadness and misery. It seems no matter how long you ponder on choices life brings you, and no matter how sure you are about moving forward with that decision... Sometimes the things that follow make you think it was a mistake or makes you wonder WHY!?!?

I can think of several things throughout this marriage that I could consider a mistake. Some of the big ones would be..

Nouvoue Riche

Hair School

Maryland

Right now we are struggling because of the decision to move to Maryland. We sold everything we had, I gave up the BEST job I EVER had, and we moved across the country. In result of this decision:

I haven't had a job since January

We are living with my parents

We have absolutely no furniture

But.... we have so much more now! When I take a look back on this and other "mistakes" I now see we only lost material things. Casey and I are closer together than ever before and we KNOW the lord is supporting us. I have a new respect and love for Casey, and we have learned that the most important things in live is our love and the gospel. When we put that first... the rest of this worldly stuff has a way of working itself out. Casey has a great job now... even though I'm still looking.

I do know that If I had the chance to go back and do it all again.. I would take the same chances and make the same decisions. That is only because I am so happy with where we are today, and I know that these challenges and trials have brought us HERE!

We are so helplessly and hopelessly in love.

Blox Talk

2010-02-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

I have made my new obsession into a BUSINESS. Robyn and I have started a new little business together; BloxTalk. Please help us get started by checking out our blog

www.bloxtalk.blogspot.com

If you see something you like or have an idea of what you want for your home please let us know. Contact information is on our blog. Thanks for looking!

Look What I can Do!

2010-02-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

This is just the beginning of my new obsession. I can thank Suzy and Marissa for this!

No Place Like HOME

2010-01-22T11:55:00.003-07:00

We flew home to visit the families

Saw the sunrise while on the plain waiting to take off

.... here are a few of our favorite things!

We got taken to the movies by my parents and Caseys parents!

Of course we attended a Jazz game.

Surprised they lost?... I think not!

A night at the Ogden Pizzeria. Oh how I love it.

Just Hanging out.....

Playing video games. The Wii is pretty awesome.

A Rocking surprise b-day party for my cousing DJ.

yup.. thats my uncle! Yes he is in a Band

Look at DJ play that Guitar!

So at this point our vacation is almost over. We got treated so well here, and realized there really is No Place Like Home. We flew to back to Maryland, got our stuff... and drove Home!

We got help from the fabulous missionaries. We will miss them and are glad we had to chance to live in Maryland.

Goodbye Maryland!!

Hello Utah! We are so glad to be back!

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

We started the weekend off with our first Christmas Party for this year. We had a blast playing games with the gifts. We started off trying to play the game where you read the story and pass the gifts as it says... the kids were very confused. They kept following them around the circle and unwrapping them as we passed. It was hilarious.

This is what the children got. They loved them but....

Why buy them toys when they can play with the boxes!

Snuggie... be warm in a blanket and still have your hands FREE. There was electric tooth brushes in there too.

Foot massage thing and a facial hair trimmer.

Yes I finally got a jewelry box... now I can take it all out of my suitcase. Casey got a gift certificate for the movies!

But best of all was the laughter!

Thanks for a Great Party!!!

.... Then there was snow!

It was beautiful today. I took Hercules on walk this morning after being trapped inside all day yesterday he really needed it. He had tons of fun running in the snow. Even though it was as deep as he is tall. They are saying we got about 16 inches in this storm.

As we were walking back I couldn't help but notice all the people out shoveling. It wasn't just their side walks, it was there cars. They were all trapped in. I laughed when I passed this guys and thought too bad for him.

Well little did I know....

umm.. ya my car is in there somewhere. I just know it!!

Maryland just doesn't know what to do when it snows. Everything was canceled!! Even our church activities!

Here Fishy Fishy Fishy

2009-12-16T19:26:00.004-07:00

Somewhere in the recent history of our adventure in MaRyLaNd, the National Aquarium of Baltimore had a $1 day.

Casey was so excited for this... Sometimes he enjoyed it more than the kids... and then there were the points where he was extremely glad that it only cost us a dollar.

This used to be a very large fish.... and stands as proof that we have friends with us here. :)

The picture just doesn't give this wall justice.... Trust me it was cool

I caught him playing with my ear.... weird! (we were waiting for everyone to catch up)

Baltimore Harbor from the bridge thing we were on. It was actually snowing! I thought I would never EVER say this... but I miss the snow!

And last but not least. My favorite part. The Dolphins!

The aquarium was fun, but everything is always more fun when its CHEAP! The Harbor was pretty one of these days when the weather is pretty we will go down and take some good pictures.

Hey!! Can I Get a DiEt?

2009-12-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Diet Coke.... Well its actually Pepsi, but Coke has the better name.... anyway, Dear Diet Coke. It has been 7 days 8 hours and 23 minutes since I last tasted of your sweetness. Your taste is so delicious and satisfying. I already miss the feel of your soft bubbles running down my throat... but it is not right to have this much control over my cravings. I want brownies, cookies, candy, chocolate anything but do they bring the satisfaction that you do? NO. I have come to find out over these 7 days 8 hours and 23 minutes that nothing, NOTHING can come in your place. And one day, yes one day I will win this battle with my hubby and we can be together once again. Until then. Goodbye!

P.S.... I've got a plan for today. It wont be long. If you could just wait 4 more hours. I could hold you in my arms. Wish me luck!

Wow 25!

2009-11-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Casey is now 25!! I took him to dinner at Red Robin... if there were a Cafe Rio here, we would have gone there, but since Maryland is lacking in that department he settled for Red Robin. I love him so much. I hope he had a Happy Birthday. (he should have because they Jazz are playing).

Since I didn't really give any particularly special gifts this year I thought I would try to make it up by giving him 25 reasons why I love him so much. So baby here it goes, enjoy:

I {LoVe} ....

1. How You are an Honorable priesthood holder

2. How You love me with all your heart

3. ... The way you say my name

4. How you can be content just BEING with me

5. I love the way you hold me

6. Even the way you laugh when I randomly start crying.

7. I love the example you are to me.

8. You make me want to be a better person

9. Your sexy green eyes

10. I love your passion (even if it is for the Jazz)

11. Your laugh

12. Your voice and the calming reassuring words

13. How your style is better than mine

14. How you keep me in Style :)

15. I love you

16. I even love how we fight

17. Watching you play with Hercules

18. Your personality

19. Your AmAzInG smile!!!

20. How giving you are

21. I love the spirit you carry with you when you enter a room

22. How you carry me through the good times and the bad

23. I love how you never stop trying

24. I love that you are my best friend.

25. I just love you for eVeRyThInG you are!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Casey.

{HaPpY tHaNkSgIvInG}

2009-11-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

This year we found ourselves without the familiar laughter, games, and gatherings of our traditional Thanksgiving celebration. Instead we found comfort in the friends we have on the East Coast. We all left our families to experience this adventure. Our feast was held in the church gym, with a little table decorations it was almost like home. Turkey, Grandma Jessop's stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, rolls, and best of all different flavors pies is what filled our tummies.

This year I am so grateful for My FaMiLy! I've missed them very much. I've grown to be very thankful for the Sunday evenings we used to spent at my moms (miss those a lot). Thankful for the silliness of my brothers and sisters. Thankful for the support and love my family shows. Thankful for the phone.... so I can talk to my friends and family whenever I want. Thankful for the relationships I've developed with the in-laws. I am thankful that Casey and I have had this opportunity to move away. (although I'm almost positive this wont be a lifetime thing.) I'm very grateful for the gospel and the strength it gives me. Last but not least I am Thankful for my wonderful Hubby!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rolling with the Punches

2009-11-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Life in Maryland has been different. It still feels like a vacation... one that I can't go home from. It rains so much here, and it seems to do it a lot on weekends. I don't like it much on the weekends or any time but especially the weekends because it interferes with exploring the sites. Today is rained so long and hard the streets were flooding. The grass is always squishy, and on top of that... It makes taking Hercules potty a really big pain, cuz we always have to dry off the wet and muddy dog. Speaking of Hercules, He has gotten pretty big. His winter coat has come in. He is fluffier than ever... either that or he is just getting super fat.

We haven't found our own place to live yet. We are still living in our friends basement, but its so nice to come home from work and have dinner ready for us. Nicole takes care of us really well, so well I think it will be hard to for us leave.

Row homes are very popular here. Its almost all you see as you drive down the street. (other than trees) These that we live it right now are nice because there is a private beach. Its a cute little community. I got this picture on one of the NOT rainy days. It doesn't look like this very often.

This is the private harbor. People go crabbing off of this doc. That's what we were trying to do, but didn't have any luck. Still haven't had a chance to try the crab, but it was fun trying.

Being in property management has its perks, we have collected some cool free stuff. Like a floor lamp, a tall IKEA shelf (still in the box), A recliner with cup holders, a couple rugs, and a 5 drawer dresser. I like free stuff. It made the move cheaper!! The only thing we have bought since we got here is a TV (along with the NBA League Pass)

DC Temple

I'm not sure why they call this the Washington DC temple. Its not even in DC, its in Maryland on the outskirts of DC. It took us about 45 minutes to get there. We were going to tour some of DC as well, but of course it was raining and we weren't in the mood to get wet. It is a beautiful place. Much different inside than the temples in Utah that I have been too.

Ya know something about humidity I didn't think of before we came here.... It makes hair SUCK!! Oh ya and it also makes me break out. Never had a huge problem with that before, now I can't seem to get my face to clear up. I never can get my hair to stay how I like it. When we left the house to go to the temple my hair was extremely curly. As you can see not so much anymore!!

As for now that is all I have, we will work on doing more exciting things so that I can keep the posts coming

Baby

2009-11-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago our friends ward threw our friend a baby shower. I tagged along since we couldn't really justify a shower for just the 3 of us girls out here. This is what I made and Nicole helped me with the supplies. Its my first diaper cake. Its not too shabby if I do say so myself. I had lots of fun making it that's for sure.

She had a great turn out considering she has only been in her ward for 3 months. The decorations were beautiful.

And last but not least... the mom to be. If you ask me she doesn't look like she is ready to have that baby, but she had the little girl the next week. She is super cute.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

Created by Steph: The best pudding I ever had!!

I'm so proud of myself this Halloween. I was actually festive. I usually skip out on the whole dressing up thing, but this year Casey and I had a chance to go to Mo and Steph's ward Halloween Party. It was fun. We met a lot of people, saw a lot of fun costumes and had A LOT of treats. We probably gained 5 pounds this weekend with all the good food we had. Our costumes were on short notice. We only decided to dress up a few hours before the party started. So our costumes come from what we had at home. I'm sure it doesn't surprise anyone what Casey decided to be. I'm sure half of you already guessed it. YUP he was a jazz fan. The only reason it worked for a costume is because we are on the East Coast and people out here don't even know what the Jazz are. ha ha.

#1 Jazz fan right here.

80's

Moana, Teagan, and Steph

He's just too cute to keep the pics to myself. He loved the Hat.

My food contribution. I know its not festive or even in season, but I was craving it. Love Fruit Pizza

They actually made tons of these for the party, so we took some home.

Home at Last!

2009-10-09T20:43:00.000-06:00

Day 5: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Pasadena, Maryland

Miles: 256

Departed: 12:30 p.m.

Arrived: 5:00 p.m.

This morning we tried to visit the Steelers stadium, but there was so much construction and so many detours that Casey lost his patience. So we settled with driving past. Pittsburgh was pretty. It made me fill like I was in the mountains. The roads are all confusing... but I think its the same here in Maryland. Must be a back east thing.

When we arrived we were greeted with a nice dinner. Everyone we are going to be working with came over to mingle. It was fun. Until we find a place to live we will be living with Bj and Nicole. I am excited to finally be here. It will be an interesting adventure. I'll be back to work on Monday training in my new job! yay!

Almost Home

2009-10-08T21:29:00.000-06:00

Day 4: Champaign, Illinois to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Miles: 487

Departed: 11:00 a.m.

Arrived: 7:30 p.m.

We are almost to our new Home. This week has gone by way too fast. Here I was thinking driving across the country would really suck, and now I'm enjoying it. Its so cool to see all the different states. If we would have had some more time today, we would have stopped in a part of West Virginia that we past through. We came around a hill full of rich trees, there was a city/town on the river. Not sure what town it was yet, but I'm going to find out because it was BEAUTIFUL!! Casey and I both want to go check it out. I have never seen anything so pretty before.

Through this trip I've come to the conclusion that Utah has no Idea what a RiVeR is. Utah calls a river what states out here call creeks.I now believe there are no rivers at all in Utah.

jAiL...BzzzZZZ

2009-10-07T21:52:00.000-06:00

Day 3:

Part 1; Des Moines, Iowa to Carthage, Illinois

Miles:196

Departed: 10:00 a.m.

Arrived: 1:00 p.m.

Every since we left Rapid City, SD there has been an extremely annoying buzzing sound. It would only get worse the faster we drove. We would try to drown it out with the radio, but still could not get over it*....

Today on our way to Carthage we stopped through Nauvoo to see the church history sites. All the tours were full, so we just did our own. It was so pretty! I had fun seeing where Joseph and Emma were buried. The Mississippi River is crazy big. It shouldn't be called a river, more like a lake to me. After Historic Nauvoo was the highlight of my day... {Carthage Jail}.

...*When we arrived in Carthage I had an idea of what this BzzZZzz was!! I told Casey we should try tightening one of the straps to the rack and tying it down a little different. I am a GENIUS. It worked! Now we no longer have to hear that BzzZZzz.

Words cannot do this place JuStIcE! Here are a few picture. Something I did not know was that after they were done using the building as a jail, people actually lived it in. People even lived in it when it was a jail. I dont know about you, but I would never want to live with inmates!!

Joseph Smith's Mansion

Nauvoo Temple Steps

Temple Grounds

Outside of Carthage Jail

The Dungeon

The room of the Marterdom

The hole in this door is from the actual bullet that killed Hyrum Smith

Part 2: Carthage, Illinois to Champaign, Illinois

Miles: 167

Departed: 4:30 p.m.

Arrived: 8:00 p.m.

Nothing too special about this particular part of the day. Lots and Lots of CoRn fEiLdS as far as the eye can see. The one lane road in this part of the drive made it go by a lot slower.

Hercules saw his first bunny. Yeah that was a bad time to not have a leash on him. He took off. He wanted that bunny so bad... I wish I had a video camera once again, but then I guess if I had one I probably wouldn't get it out at the right times anyway. :)

The HuHot

2009-10-06T21:29:00.001-06:00

Day 2: Rapid City, South Dakota to Des Moines, Iowa

Miles: 626

Departed: 11:00 a.m.

Arrived: 11:30 p.m.

First I need to make a note about yesterdays picture and all future pictures. I have allergies that create swelling in my eyes and face... enough said.

The weather today was beautiful, and since yesterday did not allow us to see Mt Rushmore, we took the time this morning to see it.

It was pretty cold, but a cool thing to see. By the time we reached Souix Falls, SD we realized that a tire was loosing air. We stopped at a gas station to put air in it and to see how fast it was really leaking. The tire was low again in Sioux City, IA so that is when We made a quick stop to Walmart since it was the only place still open and had them check it out. Sure enough we had a ginormis nail in. They fixed it in a matter of minutes, and we were back on the road.

Casey was pretty excited about being able to drive through Iowa because this is where he served his mission. He's been telling stories all day, his favorite place to eat was HuHot Mongolian Grill. So we took some time to show me what it was all about. Let me tell you it was AMAZING!!

Hercules is still being good and still finding weird places to sleep. Casey and him have had some good bonding moments..... As you can see Casey still thinks that Hercs is a kid, and Hercules still wants to be a boy.

RoAd tRiP

2009-10-05T22:02:00.002-06:00

Day 1: Ogden, Utah to Rapid City, South Dakota

Miles: 719

Departed: 5:30 a.m.

Arrived: 5:00 p.m.

We left Ogden this morning at 5:30 a.m. with as much of ours things as our car could possibly hold. Our drive was delayed an hour by the weather. The roads through Wyoming were covered with ice, and once we got past the slippery roads the fog settled in so thick we could only see ten feet in front of us. Hercules took the ride very well, slept most of the way. Today was the first time he saw snow. I wish I would have had a video camera because he just rolled around in it. So stinkin cute.
We booked our hotel with hotels.com.... We arent too impressed with them. There was supposedly no pet fee and we were supposed to be within 15 minutes of Mt. Rushmore. When we arrived we were surprised with a pet fee, and come to find out Mt. Rushmore is 38 minutes one way. Kind of ruined our plans of seeing it tonight. Hopefully all works out well tmrw.

~bIg NeWs~

2009-09-28T10:33:00.000-06:00

We have some really big NEWS!! This whole thing started out as a joke, but low and behold it turned into reality. One Sunday evening we were playing around with his(meaning Casey's) friend on Facebook chat, joking around about coming to work for him in Maryland. That joke is now our future! We start work in Colombia, Maryland on October 12th. That means we are hitting the road at the very latest on Monday October 5th. We have so much to do, and so little time. Its very exciting and scary. We have sold all of our big furniture all we are taking with us is our clothes. We will be starting completely over. I think it will be a fun little adventure.

Labor Day

2009-09-28T10:26:00.000-06:00

With Casey's job it has been hard to get out and do stuff on the weekends like we are used to doing. He has been working so much I'm surprised that he is still up to doing things on his days off. My uncle Robert, aunt Becca, and some friends were spending Labor Day at the Collard cabin. Becca was so nice to invite us. My hubby was so sweet to actually come along. Because of his job we couldn't leave until late Saturday night, and then had to go home super early so he could be to work on Monday. (He didn't get Labor Day off). We had so much fun. It was a quick trip, but very worth it. Enjoy the pics... (coming soon)

Collard Cabin

2009-09-04T14:32:00.002-06:00

We spent part last weekend at Grandpa Collards cabin with my family. It was such a fun trip, too quick tho, I wish we could spend more time doing stuff like that. We stayed up until 2:00 am playing 'Mad Gab'. We laughed and laughed. I wish it was video taped. My mom is freakishly good at it... even on the clues that don't make sense.

Sunday afternoon I was beginning to feel a bit artistic so I filled my camera with random pictures as you can see below. I think the pictures say more than my words can..... Casey thought I was bored, but I was actually enjoying myself.

Precious, I think he looks like he's glowing.

Hercules and Porche finally slowed down enough for me to catch a picture. They have so much fun playing with each other.

He's so getting ready to pounce on her.

"Seriously?... Another picture?"

Hercules finally got the ball before Porche. Look at him run from her!

Now this is when I started to have fun. Casey interpreted this picture as.. we are fighting, and because My ring is focused I am winning!! Ha ha.

This one is my favorite. The lighting was working really well with me.

Making faces waiting for dinner.

Brooke and Breanna. Brooke has just announced she is pregnant. If I remember right she should be about 8 weeks along.

Trapped

2009-09-02T15:31:00.001-06:00

Casey locked me in my own car. How? Do you ask. Well, we pulled up to his work for his weekly meeting, he got excited when he saw someone and took off out of the car with my keys and locking it. I would have just called him and demanded my keys back so I wouldn't die, but the moron** left his phone sitting on the seatt right next to mine. Too affraid of the blaring alarm to get out of the car I was suffocating in I thought if I take a nap this will be over before I know it. It was so hot and stuffy I could only sleep for no more than 15 minutes. My poor puppy is just pacing back and forth panting like crazy and drinking all of MY water... I couldn't take it any longer. finally I looked around, I could only see two people, thought it was safe enough to endure this humiliation. I unlock my door.. .and nothing. oh yes I'm free and with no alarm... wait hold that thought... it started screaming at me the second I actually opened my door. The fresh air felt amazing despite the racket. I tried to stay calm, and not look suspicious... but I saw the fed ex driver eyeing me, so I took off on foot through the parking lot like nothing had happened, until I found some grass to chill on while I waited for Casey to come look for me. Lots of dirty words ran through my head as I thought of what to say to my heartless husband... then again if I act all nice.. It could make him feel worse. My thoughts were soon inturupted by what looked like a bum telling me its okay if my dog bites him because he's been bitten by much bigger dogs... Okay.. Hercules go GET HIM. ha ha. I wish that had happened. Casey's meeting was an hour long (longest hour of my life)...when Casey got out of the meeting and noticed the abandoned car he called looking for me, I tried to be nice but lost my cool. That bone head just laughed as he said "I didn't know, I'm sorry"

Let it be known I do still love him and I'm not mad about being trapped in my car. We've had some good laughs about that situation... and hey, It gave me a reason to update my blog. :)

**.... and the only reason I chose the word MORON is because while we were at the cabin, he took a Moron test. Don't you think if you are taking a test to find out if you are a moron... there is in fact moron in you?

Changes

2009-08-27T09:31:00.000-06:00

Its been a while since I've updated, its been a busy summer. First I want to congratulate my hubby. He finally found a good job. He is now working at Young Chevrolet and quickly becoming a top sales man. I'm so proud of him. Its even more exciting to see him enjoying what he is doing and being a first hand witness to his success. I love him so much and it seriously makes me so happy to finally see him enjoy himself again.

A lot of things are changing for us, and we are hoping that Casey's new job will help get us headed in the direction we are wanting to go. Whatever happens babe we are in this together. I love you no matter what and I will be by your side through it all. I never did wish you a Happy Anniversary publicly so hear it is. Happy 2 years. Its crazy how fast things can change, just think of all the places we have lived in the last two years. ha ha. Through all that craziness I have learned so much more about you, but it has only made me love you more.

Superwoman

2009-07-22T17:17:00.000-06:00

I woke up from a nice nap in the car (on my way home from Vernal), Took a nice stretch to adjust myself... keep in mind when I nap in the car my feet are on the dashboard... I reach my arms way up high, arch my back, and last but not least, stretch my toes....

CRACK!!!!

There goes my windshield.

BAM!! I am SUPERWOMAN.

Henrie's

2009-07-22T10:02:00.000-06:00

I learned a lot on my way to Vernal. Who would have ever thought a six year old would be my teacher.

Casey: "Jessa are ya hungry?"
Jessa: "Ya I am"
Me: "Where do you want to eat?"
Jessa: "Mcdonalds"
... There we are driving down the road to McDonald's next to the gas station so we could fill up.
Jessa: "Um... if you were looking for McDonald's, you know u just missed it."
Me: "What?!?! No its down the road some more."
Jessa: "Well you just passed it, I SAW IT, and the speed limit is 45."

What? How does she know that? After we stuffed her face, she was quiet for a while.

Wait.. I forgot about the rocks she was selling. Her and Chandler are going to sell painted rocks. The big ones are $13 and the small ones are $1. (You had to be there)

We get about half way and decide to pull out the watermelon Casey and I had brought for a snack.

Jessa: "Do you know how to pick a watermelon?"
Me: "No, I just knock on it, and pick the one with the best sound. Do you?"
Jessa: "yes, you know those little brown spots on them?... that means a bee stung it, so its good."
Me: "Seriously?"
Jessa: "ya, and if it has a white, oval or rectangle, or circle thing on it, that means it sat for a long time and is good."

When we made it home and I told the story, I found out that is really how u pick a watermelon.

I also asked her if she knew where she lived cuz I would need help finding her house. She had told me that she didn't know, but it was all brick. Since Jessa said she couldn't help me find her house, I asked Doug for directions and followed them. As I'm going a long she says, um... you just passed the turn. I told her um.. no I didn't Doug said to keep going till I couldn't go any more. So I kept driving. I came to another turn, and went straight through because I could. Jessa says: um.. if you were looking for the T in the road you just passed it. What? no I didn't because Doug told me to go until I couldn't go anymore. When I did that it led us to no where, of course, as I turned around I could see Doug just passed the turn I just missed. Jessa pointed him out, I was trying to understand how that was a T in the road, and Jessa keeps arguing saying it is a T, its a lower case t duh!!!

Playing Taboo

Its surprising to me what happens when you get with a group of people you haven't seen for a while. Playing Taboo really brought it out.

Pink.... fuz
Tumor... Rumor
"No soup for you".. Seinfield (actually no one got that one, but if I would have been on Jill's team I would have.)

I wish I could remember more, Doug and I were on the same page the whole game it was crazy fun. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

Dont forget to eat Cake out of respect.... even when you are on a diet. :)

Family Pictures

2009-07-21T09:47:00.001-06:00

The pictures were taken by my second Mom; Jill. You can see more on her blog http://photographybyjilayne.blogspot.com/

Hercules and the Swimming Pool

2009-07-15T08:21:00.000-06:00

My sister inlaw has a pool in her back yard right? Well my husband and I had Monday off, so we thought it would be fun to take advantage of a free pool. We couldn't just leave Hercules home alone all day, so we thought it would be a good idea to take him and let him play in their back yard while we swam. Little did I know he thought the pool was trying to attack us and he flipped out. I've never seen a little and I mean little dog be so.... crazy and LOUD. We, being stupid thought he would be more calm if we untied him. Wrong again. He didn't even think before jumping in the pool. Apparently he can swim.

4th of July

2009-07-07T18:34:00.001-06:00

The 4th of July is a festive time. Time for fun, fire works, friends & family. This year we took a trip to Bear Lake. Jake & Kim invited us to camp with them. We found this amazing campsite near the Lake, but far enough that we were in two completely different worlds. The weather reports said 40% chance of rain everyday. We got lucky, it only rained Friday night. Unfortunately no one had a boat, but Casey and I did bring our Caribean Island out for the first time. It was fantastic. It made for some good relaxing time in the sun, and a spamtastic thing to dive off of. When it came time for fireworks we were able to find a spot right under them. We were so close we watched them light the show. They were like the fireworks in Fairview. The weekend ended with a horshoe tournament, I've decided horseshoes is not my game. Lost all three games, with a total of 12 points.