Double the fun!

I just got back from an incredible weekend. It was almost perfect, excluding the facts that a) I got a speeding ticket on the way to the airport at 6:02am and b) Collin didn't get to come with me. Other than those 2 tiny, yet incredibly significant details, I had a great time in Colorado. Jen picked me up at the airport and then we headed to Grandma's house for the baby shower for the twinners. It was love at first sight when I walked in the door. They are tiny, precious and perfect. I loved it!

All I wanted to do was hang out with the family, so that's exactly what we did. After the shower, we went over to Emily's house. And then to Cory's house. And back to Emily's with some Heaven Dragon takeout for dinner (and a lotioned foot massage, as promised). I tried to help with occupying the older brothers too! Aydan was loving his Batman/Robin game on the Wii, wanting everyone to know just how fun it is. Such a good sharer. And Asher was having a rough go the last couple weeks, so I tried to keep him entertained. I must admit, though, he was entertaining me way more! He loves to put a diaper on his head (clean one, of course) and call himself diaper head! What a nerd! A cute nerd! So, Saturday was extremely low-key. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

And then Sunday, after Sacrament Mtg w/ my parents, I decided to skip the other 2 meetings to go hang out with my Grandparents for a bit and back to Emily's house. I love sitting in the front room with them, just chatting the day away. And even though Grandpa doesn't remember a lot of things, he's just so sweet. He asks all sorts of questions. The sweetest one was when he asked if I had a boyfriend right after we were talking about mine and Collin's 1 yr anniversary coming up. Bless his heart! :)

After visiting them, like I said before, I went over to Emily and Aarons again. I can't get enough of them and their babies. All of them. Not just the twins. To give them some space, I went over to Cory's again and played with his kids. My favorite is when Ruby says "Oh darnit" ... especially when she's playing on the iPhone. And also when she wants to hold the babies all the time "I wanna hold Ewwa." Love it!

I even got to see my great friend, Amanda Long, who had moved to Minnesota a few months ago. Last time I saw her was at our wedding reception. It was awesome to sit and chat with her and Neil. Such great people. (Unfortunately, I didn't take a photo with her, even though we hung out for half an hour at her moms and then again at the airport, since we both flew out on Southwest.)

I love being home with family. I miss them a lot and always hate to leave. Especially when all the kids give me such big Loves and Kisses on the way out. The only thing keeping me from staying was that Collin was waiting for me to come back to him. Until next time, Colorado! Love you!

(Pictures to come... it's been a crazy week so far)

Secret's Out!

So, the last few months, Collin and I have been planning a trip! We're going HERE!

In May! We're so excited!

We're going there to visit Collin's parents who are serving a mission in Kampala, Uganda, Africa.

The plan was to coordinate the trip with Lou, Collin's dad, and surprise Jeri, his mom. It was going so well until the trip has actually become a reality. In order to book our flights, we needed to double check the dates to make sure it would be ok with Lou and Jeri's schedule. She's super calendar savvy and knows all of the things happening in the mission, so Lou had no other choice than to let her in on the secret. Even though Collin was bummed that we don't get to surprise her anymore, I think it'll be even better, because now she'll be able to experience the excitement and anticipation with the rest of us.

Tengo gozo en mi alma hoy...

As I've mentioned before, the house we live in on the market. It's an awesome place, and a beautiful neighborhood. I'm really hoping we can stay renting even if they sell the house (mostly because I am not finding what we want for how much we pay).

Yesterday, the real estate agent called to make sure it was ok that the house be shown this morning. Of course we want to be as accomodating as possible, but by the time I got home from Volleyball and Collin got home from his math class, I was exhausted. And I fell asleep on the couch while Collin watched the USU basketball game on tv. So, I begrudgingly woke up at 6:30 to clean our basement. It's funny to me how I happily wake up to go to spin or turbo, but hate it when it's to clean. Makes me laugh.

Anyway, I was a bit rushed to get the cleaning done, get ready for work and be at work on time. I didn't realize how much of a blessing it was to get that phone call to have the house shown. Our house is immaculate today!!! Squeaky clean!! No loose papers everywhere. No dishes to do. No wiimotes or games strewn about. No clothes scattered throughout 3 different rooms (the disadvantage to having a tiny closet in the bedroom is that i have clothes in a storage room and in the coat closet).

It's February 17th and we finally took down our Christmas stockings and bows off of the Christmas tree. Don't worry, the lil Christmas tree is still in the front room! It's just in the corner rather than on top of our coffee table, even the focal point of the room. It wasn't that we were lazy! We kept it up because it maintained the fun character of the room. (Or at least thats what I'm telling myself.)

On top of the nice clean house, the realtor opened the blinds, which lets in so much light. Our little basement can be such a bright place. It's been kinda gloomy lately, so it was so nice to have sunshine inside. I loved it!

Welcome and Wishes!

I wish I were 2 hours south of here right about now so I could welcome baby Owen into this world. Happy Birthday, Baby Owen!!! Love you guys!!!!

Report!

This week marks the 7th week of 2010, which means the 7th week for my resolution challenge. It has surprisingly gotten easier to stay strong in terms of the soda and candy challenge. And even with working out. I have LOVED working out. I've even gotten in the habit of going to Turbo Kick at Gold's every Monday and Friday at 5:30am. I think back on the single days when my awesome roommates, Brooke and Kristy, would go workout at the crack of dawn for spin classes or the like. And I hated that idea. Never went. Maybe once. But seriously, I despised those days when I didn't have the will-power to wake up early and hit the gym. Failure! But now, I've turned my own tables and have changed my ways! I love Spin and I love waking up early to get my workouts in before my day begins. I love the new habits I've started. I like to say I've lost 9 lbs since 12/13 because that day I weighed myself at night and hadnt started working out yet. But technically, just 5 since the start of '10. So, there are some results. Gotta stick with it though. I've been not so good about volunteering. In my own defense, I have been keeping busy with working, wifeing and working out! And even though i'm batting .750 (3/4 on my resolutions), I'd like to be better at serving and volunteering. I'll work on it! By the way, I'm not all about taking pictures of myself to show my progress with the weightloss. Maybe this summer I'll post a sexy swimsuit picture. Or something. Probably not. Maybe. Just sayin.

Happy Birthday, Love!

Today is Tuesday, February 16th, 2010. Collin is 28 years old! He says he's starting to feel old, but he's young at heart. :) He is the most incredible husband. I am the luckiest girl in the world, because I get to spend the rest of forever with him! He is absolutely perfect. Seriously! There are so many reasons, and I can prove it!

(I LOVE this picture of Him!)

Collin has such a strong testimony. He lives and loves the Gospel. When we read the scriptures each night, he brings depth and insight into our discussions. He has taught me so much about the scriptures, the temple, the Gospel as a whole.

He makes us laugh every day! Not just me, but we will both be laughing. It may have something to do with the fact that I'm the easiest to amuse, but he appreciates that I'll always give him a chuckle, even when he's not trying to be funny.

(This was his B-day 2009!)

Collin works so hard! Whether it's at work, school or at home, he always tries his hardest to do his best. He has incredible work ethic, and does everything with purpose. He learned extremely well from his parents to work and work hard. I am constantly impressed with how much he works at his job and in school. He takes on more than most people can handle, but he excells at it all.

I have never met a more creative man! It may be shocking to some at how incredibly artistic Collin is. Exhibit A? He has sketch books that amaze me, his goldsmithing skills are continually getting better and better, he even whipped out this Beanie he made me the other day. Impressive. I love that he has so much left-brained talent, because I didn't bring any of that to the table.

Obviously he's the most attractive man too! At least in my eyes he is! He's even been hit on by my gay friends, which always makes me laugh. No matter where Collin is headed, he always looks so good. Work, church, school, or just to lounge around. I'm one lucky girl to have such a sexy husband! :)

Long story shorter, Collin is the best, and I'm celebrating this fabulous day since it was the day he was born. I love February 16th!

Love is in the Air

Oh Valentines Day! I love the concept of the day, although it is somewhat unnecessary to designate a day to tell or show someone you Love them. Collin and I tell each other every single day. All day. It was also our 11 month anniversary yesterday.

Since the holiday was on Sunday, we spread the holiday out the whole weekend. On Friday, we went to dinner at "Logan Burger" and then to see "Valentine's Day" with our friends Jake and Dana. Saturday, I had to work but when I got home, Collin was sitting on the couch crocheting a cute red beanie. (When he went snowboarding a few weeks ago, he told me that he had made the awesome beanie he was wearing. He told me I could pick my color and that he'd make me one. He must have just known that I wanted a red one, because he picked it out all by himself.) He wanted to have it finished, but only had a half-inch to go when I got home.

He also bought me 2 dozen roses. Yellow and Red! Love!

We decided to go out to dinner early so that we could beat the Valentines Date Rush. It was about 4/430ish. The nice places were totally booked. Until 9:30. Really? No room for 2? So, we didn't get to go to our top 3 choices and settled for a fairly new restaurant. It was ok. Nothing spectacular. But it was our own fault for not making a reservation. So we ate at the Beehive grill. And went back home to watch some Olympics. Sunday, I woke up a little earlier to get the Monkey Break in the oven for Breakfast. We went all out and made bacon and eggs too! Delicious! We ate that then got ready for church. While Collin was out of the bedroom, I did this! Kinda cheesy, but hey, we're newlyweds. And he loved it. On each heart, I wrote a message about something I loved about him. And he loves peanut butter, so the red heart in the middle is Chocolate/Peanut Butter Treasures. I wasn't there when he saw it, but he said he was grinning from ear to ear while reading the messages.

After church, I made Collin's favorite dinner: Chicken Devan. Every year growing up, his mom would make that for him for his Birthday (which happens to be tomorrow). So, for V-day I made the yummy casserole. Chicken, cheese, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, curry powder and lemon/lime juice. It's so good and I've only made it for him one other time, but this time he said it was JUST LIKE his mom making it for him. I don't know if he was humoring me or not, but I'm glad it turned out well. We had rice, corn and some jello salad with it (Jake and Dana came over for dinner and Wii, and they brought the salad and some super yummy heart sugar cookies Jakes mom made). We had a great time! And I was pleasantly surprised at how Valentines Day wasn't as anti-climactic as I thought it was going to be since it was on Sunday. It was absolutely perfect.

I love love and I love My Love!

Can they get any cuter?

My mom sent these to me today and my heart melted! They are the cutest little things and I can't wait to see them next weekend so they can meet their favorite aunt!

I'm having trouble rotating this one, but I'll change it eventually. Deal with it for a minute! They're still adorable!!!

They are too cute! Lots of loves and kisses!

Saddle Up...

Last weekend, a nice group of friends got together to celebrate Kristy Lee's birthday. We met at Texas Road House for dinner. Delicious. We had to wait for a little while, but once we got seated (13 people in 2 large neighboring booths) it was so nice to relax and enjoy each others company. Unfortunately not everyone caught the memo that we wanted to keep the birthday a secret, so that Kristy could avoid the Birthday Saddle they have there. Kim didn't get the memo, but sitting right next to Kim, directly across from the birthday girl, we both pointed and wanted to shout our birthday praises to Kristy. And then I remembered we weren't supposed to do that. Oops. Too late. Kristy was such a good sport, and got her cute little pregnant self on the saddle while they blasted the light in her face. She rocked that saddle better than anyone else could. We ate so much food and then after dinner, we headed to Brett and Kristy's for games and more food.

Brett made a delicious Orange cake that was absolutely divine. And since I had to work earlier that day, Collin made Brownies. They were both perfect and scrumptuous. The boys did a great job! I was impressed! We also played Loaded Questions and Super Mario Bros Wii.

I took this picture while we were playing wii, because someone pointed out the Kristy had some strangely disproportionate feet; the one on the left being so much bigger than the one on the right. Oh! Brett has his legs crossed and Kristy just had one leg up on him. Hilarious!

It was such a fun night, full of laughs! The Sanders, Brills, Blomquists (pre-mature, since they're just engaged, but I'm stickin with it), Kim and Debbie M were all there. And of course us and Brett/Kristy. We had so much fun spending time with everyone! We have some incredible friends! :) We're pretty lucky!

They're here!!! TWINS!

Emily and Aaron went to the hospital this morning. They should be there right now. I wish I were with them. I was there when her other 3 were born. Every delivery was beautiful and perfect. I even got to film Ashers. Don't worry, nothing graphic, and I didn't see anything that was too invasive. I must say, its an Epic Film, and I did a great job. I wish I could be there for todays excitement. I would rock that video camera just like I did before. Moments and events like this really make me miss being home to be a part of it all.

Proud and Excited Family!! (Asher was a sick puppy, so he stayed home today.) With double the excitement, I am so anxious to see these 2 new beautiful babies. Ella and Cruz. Perfect baby twins. I get to go home to see them not this weekend but next. Just for Saturday and Sunday (20th/21st). But even those 2 days will be great to spend time with the newbies and give Emily a pedi or a foot massage or something nice. Play with Asher and Aydan so they have good distractions while Emily is tending the twinners.

Proud Grandparents!!

So, the story is Ella was breech and Cruz was head-down. The little stinker, Ella, was blocking Cruz' way, so they did a C-section. Apparently, natural child-birth can be more complicated and risky for twin #2 when delivering, so my mom said that the C-section will be best for the situation. YAY! We are anti-complicated in our family, so the fewer complications, the better! :)

Ella Musick was 5 lbs 4 oz, 18" & born @ 12:00pm.

Cruz (middle name unknown) was 6 lbs even, 19" & born @ 12:02pm.

Everyone is healthy, happy and just heavenly!

HELP!!! Valentine ideas??

So, does anyone have any fabulous, yet cheap ideas for Valentines day? Collin and I always end up spending way too much money on eachother, so I'd love to be a little bit more frugal. We've been saving up our pennies and dimes. Literally! When we went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on our cruise we bought this awesome wooden bowl, and decided that we'd save all our change and put it toward something for our apartment or something fun... we're already over $30... I think.

Anyway, like I was saying before, we've been trying to save for things like trips and tuition and books and such, so we really shouldn't spend a whole lot on V-day! We know we love eachother, but it would be nice to do something special! Does anyone have any ideas from past experiences, or just something they've heard people doing for the day for lovers? Just thought I'd see if I could get any suggestions! Help a sister out here! Please! I think it may be a little difficult since V-day is on Sunday, so maybe I'll just make a nice dinner and do something sweet. I'm not sure though. Still having a hard time with this one.

The Hunt!

So, the other night, Collin and I were discussing our current housing situation. We came to the conclusion that when our contract is over, we should probably find a new place to call home. We're still staying in Logan so Collin cant finish his degree next year, so we're going to rent until we decide where we'll actually settle.

Go HERE to see my post about our cute apartment from when we moved in.

For now, we are looking for another apartment to rent. I've been looking on KSL, Craigslist and the HJnews as of late to find a new "home." Our current basement apt is quite small, but I have to admit that we have been pampered with all of the perks! We have a washer and dryer, lots of storage space, a full on 2-car garage, some utilities paid, and just an adorable home/neighborhood. Pretty much the only thing we're missing is a dishwasher, which we manage without.

The owners are trying to sell the home, so we don't really want to hinder their efforts by occupying the basement. Plus, if they do sell sometime, we would most likely lose the garage priviledges and don't really know what would happen otherwise. As I was saying, I've been trying to find something comparable. There are some apartments that actually have an additional bedroom for the rate we're gettting now, but at the same time, only has laundry hookups (we don't have our own washer/dryer), or it's way out of the way from where we want to be.

I wish we could just stay in our cute little basement without owners, and keep it how it has been. We have so many fam and friends that still haven't even seen the place (hint hint). Better yet, it would be awesome to rent the whole house and use the dishwasher upstairs. Don't even get me started on the closet space up there! It makes my heart swoon. Didn't think a closet and dishwasher could ever do that to me. But seriously, the house is perfect. If only we could afford the $$Half Mill to buy it ourselves.

If anyone hears of anything to rent in the Logan, UT area that isn't outrageously expense and has some great amentities, I'd love to hear about it! :) Gracias!

Valentine Regrets?

(This is my favorite valentine card that I've found online... EYE on the PRIZE!)

Ok, so I may be regretting my resolution of not having candy. My dad was right when he said not to quit cold turkey. I mean, I know I don't need any candy, but I LOVE it! Especially right now, and working in a grocery store, with all the Valentines candy strewn about. What was I thinking? I should have limited myself rather than ending my favorite pasttime altogether. Oh well. I said what I said so now I'll do what I gotta do. We'll see how long it lasts. I'm going strong and haven't felt a need for soda at all, so that's good, I guess.

I just need to always remember the cute little valentine message from above.

Happy Birthday, Kristy!!!!!

Today is Kristy Denney's birthday! I love this girl! She is such an incredible friend and the best example. Kristy and I met a few years ago through Brooke Thulin. I knew I was going to like her when I found out she and Brooke met at the Hip Hop class at 24 Hour Fitness PLUS she's a Colorado Girl!

We have so many fabulous memories. Football games (of course). DDP Runs. Dark Nights playing Fugitive. Wednesday night Volleyball. Late night Pillow talk. Kristy was an awesome roommate. We got to be super close super fast and we have been friends ever since. She is truly an inspiration to me in so many different aspects of life. She makes me want to be a better disciple of Christ by how she emulates Him and through living her testimony. She is in rockin good shape, even when she's 8 months pregnant with Owen. Oregon State volleyball alum...need I say more? She is always concerned about those she loves and is a great friend to everyone. I absolutely adore this girl and am so glad she married my childhood buddy, Brett. This is the night they got engaged. I love that they came by my parents house in CO to share the great news. She's really part of the family!!

She was a beautiful bride, huh!? March 13, 2008. We'll get to celebrate wedding anniversaries, since we got married a year and a day later. Coincidence? Sorta, but not really! ;)

What do you get when you have Big Swig DDP's, Loud Music, 6 crazy girls for a Girls Night/Bride Party? Pandemonium and a fabulously great night!

Even when I moved to Logan, she came to visit and suprised me on my birthday with Kim and Carly. That's true frienship!!!

(I have a few more pictures that were supposed to upload from picasa this morning, so I'll add them later)

Happy Birthday, Kristy! I hope your day is as fabulous as you! I love you!

Trailer Trash Bash!

Saturday night was the heavily anticipated Trailer Trash Bash in Layton. It was fairly quaint with all of Collins sibs/spouses that live in Davis County, so just 10 of us. Nicole hosted and planned the whole thing. It was such a blast. It started out with couples photos. She decorated the house as trashy as she could (the house is beautiful, so she did what she could with it). She had a strand of Christmas lights strewn about from the treadmill to the fireplace to the TV. Hilarious. She also had a clothesline hanging of granny panties and a baby blanket. Again, hilarious.

After taking these hot pics, we sat down for some delish food. Nicole made some tastey bbq beef sandwiches, Jodi brought the perfect sidedish (potato salad, that was really good too), and some chips. Everyone who drinks soda, so excluding Collin and I, had IBC rootbeer to mimic another beverage minus the root. ;)

Following dinner, we got right into the games. First, the guys had an arm wrestling contest. Collin held his own on this one until the very end. He was wrestling Ozz, the toughest guy there, and was giving it his all, not wanting to lose. Ozz eased up for a second and then slammed down Collin's hand for the WIN. (For those of you who saw my facebook status or know Collin was in pain on Sunday, we're thinking he did something to his shoulder/back during this...but he's feeling better today, which is good. It was awful to see him in pain and not being able to move very well.)

No, that's not a shadow, that's just the fluff of Collins hair. And don't you love the jelly's and work boots! :) What a match made in heaven!

Then, the girls did some leg wrestling. So feminine, right? I am the current title-holder, at least until the next party. Then, we had the Tater Tot Toss where the wives tossed the tots into the hubs mouths. I was an awful tosser; poor Collin! Luckily they didn't have to eat the tots. The ladies weren't so lucky; we had a twinkie eating contest. I hadn't eaten a twinie in YEARS, but I thought I'd have this one in the bag. Unfortunately, Lindsey and I started gagging and choking on ours. The ironic part of this game was that Collins Personal Trainer sister, Casey, actually won this activity, which meant Lindsey and I could breathe again after we spit ours out. Thank goodness we didn't have to eat those calories.

The funniest game came at the end. Butt Darts is what she calls it. Everyone gets a quarter and puts it between their legs (think as high as upper thigh can get). Then, waddle from one side of the room to the other, and try to get the quarter into a jar on the ground. This was hilarious to watch. Especially the guys. What a night! It was so fun to have a themed party! Nicole did such a great job. Costumes, food, games and all! What a Blast of a Bash!

I'LL PUT UP MORE PICTURES AND VIDEOS WHEN I HAVE A FEW MORE MINUTES AFTER WORK! VIDEOS TAKE SO LONG TO UPLOAD, BUT BE SURE TO CHECK BACK LATER! :) MMMK?