Ben and Melaina

End of the month

2012-01-31T18:57:00.000-08:00

Boy have we been busy! Not with anything too fun but we have been busy! I started a new job and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! I honestly couldn't work at a better place! :) AMAZING!!!

January is a busy month for birthdays which is always fun! We have lots of them! :) This month was definately a growing one for me and I couldn't be happier or in a better place!!

I can't believe tomorrow is February! Where does the time go for real! I swear in a blink of an eye I will be 70 tomorrow!

Here is one picture of our dog doing her thing! Ben has been taking her chukar hunting with his uncles. It has been great for Oakie as well as Ben! They both love it!!

New Beginnings

2012-01-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

I am so excited for the new year. This last week was kinda chill. I didn't work because I didn't have a job. I was able to get a lot of things done however! I was able to hang out with family as well and just have a good time. I am super excited because I start my new job tomorrow. I can't wait!! The people are amazing and it is a good change for me! I can't wait to see what is in store!!

We haven't been up to too much. Just relaxing and spending time with family. I am so grateful for everyone who has been so supportive of me through this rough patch I have gone through!! We have lots of birthdays coming up and some that have passed. This year is definitely going to be the best!! :)

Ringing in the New Year

2012-01-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

We had a great time bringing in the New Year. The Selin's had a party at their house with great friends and family. We had yummy food and played games. Everyone did a lot of Just Dance with the Wii! It was fun to watch. We were lame and didn't dance but it was fun to watch everyone else. It was great way to bring in the new year with amazing friends!!!

The best thing that happened all night is right at midnight Michelle and Jeff got engaged!!! It was so amazing I am beyond excited for them. They are such a great couple and are so good for each other! :) Her ring is gorgeous!! I am so so so so so HAPPY for them and can't wait for their big day!!! I love Michelle so much and couldn't ask for a better best friend. She is THE best and I am so glad she is getting such a great man to complete her.

We hope everyone else had a great new years with loved ones!!! I can't wait for what is in store for 2012!!!

Last day

2012-01-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

This past Friday the 30th was my last day working for the bank. I have a lot of good memories from there. It is just time for a change and I can't wait for a new one. I am so grateful for all the friendships I made. I have some really good friends from there. This is a picture from the NSL branch I was over. They are so sweet and decorated the desk I use there! I will miss everyone but cannot wait for new beginnings 2012 will have!! :)

Christmas Reindeer

2011-12-29T18:22:00.000-08:00

I am obsessed with Pinterest! ha ha. Those of you will know that follow me on there! I think it is one of the most amazing websites!! Well I found this idea on Pinterest and knew this would be the craft I made for the sisters, neighbors and moms! Ben of course helped me out and they turned out amazing and soooo cute!!! I still need to make me one! Here are some pictures of them! Enjoy!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T18:09:00.000-08:00

We had such a great Christmas this year. On Thursday night we celebrated Christmas with the Rogers. It sucks because both of the sister live in St George so we only got to see them brief before Christmas! It is still so great to get together and opening presents! The Rogers always spoil us and we love them so much!

On Christmas Day we did it with the Larsen side. We woke up and had breakfast at their house and then opened presents. We got super spoiled there as well! It was a blast. We spent the rest of the day chilling at the Rogers and just relaxed and enjoyed! We spoiled each other as well! Yay :) Enjoy our pictures from our day!!

Us taking our self portrait! :)

Man did I ever get spoiled!!!!!!!!!

I got: Victoria Secret Sweats, Roxy Hoodie, Jingle blocks Katie made, 4 storage totes for my fabric and crafts, 4 cricut cartridges, 2 amazing watches, a recipe book, lotions, earrings, makeup, slippers, a scarf, a willow tree figure, and Roxy shoes. Yep I am super spoiled!!

Ben got spoiled as well, he got:

tools, a huge spotlight, work gloves, flashlight, winter camo, hot chocolate, shower gel, 2 knife sharpening kits, and a 32" TV which he loves for our room!!

A fun picture that Rae and I took. She is my budness!

This picture is just stinken hilarious!!! :) This is Grant and Rae playing on my parents Mac computer! Ben told them to do this idea so it looks like Rae is eating Grant. They were laughing so hard they crack me up :)

We hope you all had an amazing Christmas. We had a blast and are so grateful for everyone and everything we have in our lives!! :)

Papa Santa

2011-12-29T17:53:00.000-08:00

My dad does Papa Santa every year on Christmas Eve. It is truly the best and the grand kids love love love it!! It is one of my favorite traditions that we have and I told Ben we are carrying it on when we have grand babies one day!!! :) Thanks Papa Santa for everything we got!

December

2011-12-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

December has been a crazy month!! We have overall had a pretty good December. Here are a couple of pictures to show a snapshot of what we did!!

At the first of the month we celebrated this little cuties birthday that she had on the 29th of November. It was a blast! She is just too cute! Of course she gets the pleasure of a self portrait ha ha

On my couple of days off I put Christmas lights up on the house! I hoped it would help get me in the Christmas spirit cuz frankly I have been a huge bah hum bug ha ha! So it looks super cute and I love it!

I am always busy making blankets and this one was for Henry!! Love it!!

We had a date night with Michelle and Jeff to temple square and tucanos!!! MMMMM so good we were all so full. It was a blast! I love temple square it is the best ever!!

One of my good friends Jessica got married on the 17th!!! Very exciting! We also had a fun bachelorette party as well. It was a blast to get with old friends and enjoy!!!

This blanket I made for Cody who I work with. His little girl is adorable and I love these colors!!! It is definatley one of my favorites that I made!!

Last but not least I have done tons of snuggling with this guy! Rachel has been awesome and I get to snugs with Henry lots and lots!!!

Life

2011-12-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

I am not one to vent ever or talk about my problems on anything that people can read.

I am just sitting here simply going to jot down some thoughts on how I feel. This is like a journal to me and I just need to express it somewhere. Life has been insanely crazy for the last little while. Between work, school and just life in general it has been craziness and no fun. My stress level has been through the roof. I am always tired and am falling asleep at the most random times then before. It is just not me. Honestly I hate it cuz I have for sure put on 10 pounds or more which makes me sick.
Honestly I started working out this week but then with a flurry of things that happened my workout was broken. I know it shouldn't break me but it did.
I couldn't be more grateful for my husband. I am so glad I was able to find someone who will be there for me through anything. No matter what! It is nice to have a best friend that is always by your side, deals with your craziness, holds you forever, and loves you with all their heart.
Another thing that really has me bothered and Ben even made a comment on it "Babe by the time Halloween comes you are so excited for Christmas."
Yea there is no ounce of me that even cares this year. I just don't get it. School has been rough to balance. I am taking next semester off with a hiccup that occurred at work. I am trying to diligently to find a job before the new year starts. All I have to say is I am blessed with knowing so many great people! They have come to my rescue to help me find something better.
I have the next three days off. Tomorrow I will be done with school which I am ECSTATIC for! :)
I am going to start making Christmas gifts and clean like crazy! I sure hope that gets me into the spirit more!!!
Well if you read this thanks for letting me take the time to vent a little! :)
I know things will work out for the best! So grateful for all the amazing people in my life! Love you all and you know who you are!!! Especially the hubs!

Black Friday 2011

2011-11-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here is all the stuff we got:

A gun case

tons of fabric

movies

a Cricut cartridge

socks

and Bath and Body stuff!

I do love me some Black Friday. I know it is not for everyone, but this is my 2nd year going and loved loved loved it! Even though I got little sleep it was a blast.

I started off my day by waking up at 3:30 and meeting Rachel at her house. We then headed down to Joann's in Centerville for their big huge fabric sale. We got there at 4:20 and waited in line til the doors opened at 6! We were like the 10th people in line so it was awesome. While waiting I text Jo to see what she was doing and if she was running down to Roberts to get some cartridges for her Cricut. She ended up coming and waiting in line with us at Joann's to get fabric. She is a crazy woman and didn't sleep for well over 24hours!! ha ha she is a die hard! :)

Joann's was great and I got some 140 yards of fabric (I ordered some online the night before as well) It was a smoking deal! I am so excited since I need it to make blankets whoot!!

After Joann's I switched and went with Jo to Roberts. We got there and there was this huge wall with racks for cartridges but no cartridges. She was so bummed as was I cuz they were only 10 dollars and Roberts is not going to be getting them ever again! LAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was able to get one because one of the workers found a basketball that had some in it. So it wasn't a total bust after all but not the best cartridges.

Jo and I then headed back to Bountiful and made a couple more stops before we ended up at Smith's Marketplace. We got doughnut holes and apple juice which was a good refresher. Here we picked up some socks and movies.

Jo and Rachel are the best and I enjoyed shopping with them so much!!!

I got home around 11:30ish and luckily my hubby let me sleep til about 3. I didn't sleep too much but it was nice to get a nap.

We then headed out later that night to Wal Mart and the mall. I got some great deals at Bath and Body whoot! Ben got the gun case that he wanted as well!

We faired out pretty well and it was a blast! I will probably go every year from now on as long as I have someone to go with yay! :)

14

2011-11-16T20:59:00.000-08:00

That is how many nieces and nephews I have!!! 14!!! I couldn't ask for better ones! Here are some pics of us over the years. I tried to find ones of me and just them! Ha cuz if you know me I love self portraits! :)

Marina who is the oldest and now 14! Yea we're thug ha ha

Nick who is 12 and I have no pics of us together! Isn't he a cutie though

Isaac who is 9 and I have tons of pics with this little guy! He was my buddy!

Zoe and I at the Circus! She is 5 so crazy!

Miss Lily and I up in Park City! She is 3!

Raegan and I chilling at the Centerville Parade on the 4th. She is now 6.

Hope and I at the parade she is 6 as well!

This little cute is Grant!!! He just turned 4! Ah I love him, his face is classic!!

My little nephew Samuel! Isn't he adorable as well! :) Ah he is 3!

Miss Charice is now 14 as well so crazy!! Us chilling at East Canyon

My little adopted buddy Camden!! He is 4 and I love him to death! Us getting ready to ride Alpine slide.

Oh my little Teige man!!! I love him! He is 2 and just so adorable. He always gives hugs and kisses!

Ellie or El-dawg as Ben calls her :) She is so cute and so obsessed with horses this one is! ha she is 3!

Last but not least and my newest nephew Henry!!! He is a week and a half old!!! So crazy! I love him and wish I could snuggle him but I have been sick! FREAKING COLD!

Having nieces and nephews is probably one of the most fun things ever!!!!!!! I can play with each one of them and just have a good time! I can't believe how old they are getting!! It is just insane! I can't wait for everyone to have more! ha ha!!!

I especially can't wait to have our own and add to the family! That will come one day soon enough!!! :)

Until then I can enjoy all these wonderful kiddos in my life!! I am so blessed!!!

Help!

2011-11-07T19:32:00.000-08:00

I just have to jot my few thoughts on this! I cannot believe how many people are there for my family. If you take a chance please read my brothers blog.

http://david-and-samantha-live.blogspot.com/

They have the sweetest little guy in the world and he needs to go get more help with his birth defect he was born with. Honestly to me it is not a birth defect. He is an amazing little guy and has no defects at all! He is strong, full of life, adorable, so sweet, I could just go on and on! I can't believe how many great people I have out there to help my brother through this time. It has been an emotional day as I have seen so many people rush to help them out! If you haven't seen my Facebook yet and are just reading my blog . .please take a moment and look at their blog. They need help! They need to get their little guy to a treatment center in Cincinnati so he can continue this amazing journey we all call life! Please contact me if you have any questions!! Just leave a comment and your help is appreciated by so many you have no clue! I love you all!!

Ben's Birthday

2011-11-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

Ben turned 27 yesterday! I love this man so much! We started out our day by sleeping in! We then headed to Jimmy Johns for lunch. We came home and he watched football which he loves! We then headed down to Mom and Dad Rogers to go do cake with the family!

He also got lots of birthday wishes from friends and family! Thank you to all of you who wished him a happy birthday! :)

Ben holding his cake while we sang to him!

Me, Ben and Ellie posing for a picture! She is so cute!

I love this picture! They were both getting ready to blow out the candles!

Ben is one of the most amazing people I know. I thank God everyday that I was able to meet him and make him my eternal partner! He is the best thing that could have happened to me! He is everything I am not! I could ramble on and on and on about him! He is the best!! I love him!!

Isn't this picture just adorable!!! I love it! He was such a cute little guy! I cannot wait to start a family with him! I wish our kids would be little toe heads but I know that will never happen! He a girl can dream right? :) He is going to be the best dad when the time comes! :) Our children will be so lucky!

Last but not least his Tigers played last night! Couldn't be a better way to end the day! LSU vs Alabama!!! Number 1 vs number 2! Of course his Tigers pulled it off and Ben was a very happy man :) Yay go Tigers undefeated! :)

Fabric

2011-11-01T22:13:00.000-07:00

I have so much fabric! Ben and I sat down and counted it all tonight! I have 34 pieces in all! Craziness :) Good thing I know lots of people having babies! I love all the deals I have found that is why I have so much! It has been cheap so I get at much as I can when I find an amazing sale! I still want to get a website started! I finally chose a name but I won't get that out til I get a site started! I need to get more blankets made as well so I have them on hand to sell! I am glad this is a hobby I have found that I love! I have an amazing partner in crime too. Ben helps me out like crazy with them! He is pretty much the best! :) (Even though he doesn't want people to know)

Cooking for Two

2011-10-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

We got a little surprise in the mail today! A package was at our doorstep when we were leaving to go to the store. Ben picked it up and said it is for you. I was puzzled because I haven't ordered anything! Well as we got to opening it and he pulled out the books I saw them and new EXACTLY who they were from! We read the receipt and of course they were from Grandma! :) Boy this lady is THE best! When we went to visit her in Washington we were talking about all her recipes because she is an amazing cook and I want to get her recipes from her to pass to my children. Anyway we were telling her how hard sometimes it is to cook for just us. The books that she bought us are perfect for us! I can't wait to get cooking either! Ben and I were talking about how we need new recipes and I need to cook more since I am so spoiled and he cook everything! :) I will let you know how it goes and if any one is interested look it up and get it! (Oh if there is just two of you :) )

We're hooked!

2011-10-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well get ready for picture overload is all I have to tell you!! We just got back on Sunday from a 7 day Mexican Riviera Cruise! It was a blast! By far the best vacation we went on! We went with some pretty amazing people as well!! I recommend if you haven't been on one you HAVE to go on one! Ben and I now swear it is the only way to travel! Enjoy the pictureness! :)

We started our week off by starting that Saturday before going to Six Flags with Tim and Whitney. I am a little leary on big huge roller coasters. I went on most of them but there are a lot I didn't! haha! I am terrified of heights! I am glad Ben could still ride the crazy big ones with Tim and Whitney so he wasn't bored and waiting with his lame wife!!

Sunday morning Tim's dad was nice enough to take us to our ship! We boarded and couldn't of been more excited to get on the ocean and go go go!! Our boat was huge!!

Watching Karaoke on the first night!

Towel animals . . our walrus!

MONDAY:

First day at Sea! We hung around the boat played mini golf and laid out!! We also had our first formal night on Monday! I only thought we had one formal night and I took one dress! ha ha so we wore our close twice.

Towel animal . . . . elephant!

TUESDAY:

First day in Cabo! This was a blast! We headed over to Chilleano Beach! BEAUTIFUL!! There was so much great snorkeling. I have never been snorkeling before and I am hooked. It is one of the best and most amazing things to do. The fish are so awesome and crazy how close they get to you!

Love this picture of our feet!

Ben is so proud of this picture I love it! His feet the ocean and then the cabana.

Us on the tender boats that they had to take you to Cabo, this is on our way back to the boat.

Our ship is amazing!

This picture is hilarious. I wanted a sunset picture. Whitney seriously took 20 pictures so my eyes would be open ha ha yea that didn't work! :) This one was the best.

Towel animal . . .dog.

WEDNESDAY:

Second day in Cabo. We headed over to Lover's and Divorce Beach. It is crazy and so much fun. You go to the side that Divorce is on and the waves and huge and crazy they won't let you swim in it cuz lots of people die. It also borders the ocean. Lover's beach is so calm, still some crazy waves. This beach borders the sea of Cortez so very cool!

Scooby Doo Rock

The arch made famous by Pirates of the Carribean

The very tip of the Baja peninsula

Army Man

Gold Pirate

Towel Animal . . . .Frog

THURSDAY:

We were suppose to go to Puerto Vallarta, but a hurricane was headed that way so our captain took us to a beautiful place called La Paz.

I forget what the name of the beach was but it started with a T. It was GORGEOUS!!!

Ben Snorkeling

A puff fish belly up, he didn't make it :(

Funny story we were all swimming and felt different little bites/stings. We had no clue what was in the water we couldn't see anything after we got nipped so it was weird. Tim got stung by a jelly fish and then we all realized it was jelly fish that were getting us. It was crazy because we all got red marks and they welted but then we were ok by the time we got back to the ship. So we were all ok! :)

Towel Animal . . .a donkey!

FRIDAY:

Friday was a day at sea that was fun. We ate and ate :) Best thing to do on the ship. We of course laid out! We enjoyed a singing and dancing show they did. We also we to the stand up comedians. They were really enjoyable! It was also a formal night again and we got dressed up. Don't mind my eyes closed ha ha I am horrible with a flash!

Towel Animal . . . swan!!!

SATURDAY:

Last day on the ship! It was cold which was not cool! No laying out so we did a lot of stuff inside. We went shopping on the boat and just hung out! We went to a newlywed game show that was tons of fun. Later that night we saw the comedian again, which he was horrible, and then we went to the farewell show. It was like American Idol and people from the ship sang! It was awesome!

Ben and Tim loved this slide! They would go so fast and splash people out of the top water would go over and then at the bottom. Everyone loved it!

Here are the shells at home being cleaned, cuz you know they just smell so good . .ha ha ha not! :) The orange one is a clam that was still together. We found it while snorkeling! It was so amazing!!

And you know me! I am too cheap to buy the pictures so I took pictures of the pictures even though you are not suppose to!

This is our first day in Cabo

Formal night!

First night on the ship!

Last night on the ship which honestly was soooooooo depressing! We didn't want to go home! It was like we were in our own little fun world! It was the best vacation! We can't wait to go again on another one!!!! They are the BEST!!!

Last towel a heart!!

Temples

2011-10-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

Conference was amazing as it usually is!! I can't believe how many new temples are going in everywhere so AMAZING!!! I am so excited for the one in Colombia as well as hopefully one day go to Paris! I think the Paris temple would just be so magical to see!! :)

I asked Ben if we could set a goal for ourselves and try to go to the temple once a month. We tried this year and we were off to a good start but it slowly decreased! Well our goal for next year to to visit a different temple each month and do a session!!! We are so incredibly blessed to live in Utah and have literally 10 or more temples close to us! We don't have to drive two days to get somewhere. We definitely need to take advantage of it and I am super excited we have set this goal for ourselves! Can't wait for next year!!

Grateful

2011-09-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

These were waiting for me when I got home today! Ben took off with a friend and went golfing for the evening. I have had a rough couple of days and he is just amazing. I started crying when I saw them. He knows what this girl loves for sure. I couldn't ask for a better husband that loves me and lets me be me! :)

A great quote!!

2011-09-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

"Sisters, wherever you are, whatever the circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love."

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I saw this on someones blog today and it is so uplifting! I missed General Relief Society conference and still need to watch it! I have heard nothing but great things about it! I am so grateful everyday that we have such amazing church leaders to guide us! They love us and somehow can always tell what we need for a boost of self esteem!! :) I can't wait for conference this coming weekend!

Busy Landscaping

2011-09-21T21:51:00.000-07:00

Ben and I decided that we needed to get some privacy put in around our yard! Not only do we have amazing neighbors :) But it would be nice to have some privacy for when we have children. We live next to a busy road so we need to get some privacy from the noise there too.

Labor day weekend we headed to Home Depot and bought 24 of these trees. At first we thought 22 but we counted when we planted them and it was 24! The cool thing is Ben thought we only had 20 so the cashier charged us for 19 because she was nice! Well we got 5 trees for free! How awesome is that yay!!!! :)

We headed up to Seattle Labor Day weekend to see grandma so the trees sat in our backyard and Katie and Wayne were so nice and came and watered them for us while we were gone. The week before my birthday we were having everyone over so we decided to get to work. Ben is amazing! He dug every hole and put every tree in. I helped get the grass wet and put dirt around the trees. My husband is awesome! Oh we were able to get one peach tree planted as well yay!!! We are planning on getting a few more to grow big to shade the house and more fruit yay! :)

This has been interesting a lot of hard work and it will be so nice in a couple of years when they are all grown more and just makes for more privacy yay!!

Here are some pictures:

Here they are at home depot all packed in Dad Rogers truck! He came to help!

This picture you probably saw on facebook but this is where they chilled while we were gone for 5 days.

Here they are planted! YAY!!!! I couldn't be more excited or more grateful for Ben! IT will look amazing in a couple of years!

We are also going to be planting what is called Virginia Creeper! It is a vine that grows like crazy! We got some from Ben's boss he was so nice to give us some starts! It is actually really pretty and we will be putting this on the fence along the busy road! It will take a couple of years for it to grow but when it does it will be so nice and so exciting!! :)

Here are our little cups with the plants in the water! We need to move them to dirt soon! :) Then they will take off!

Here is a picture I found from the net! This is just a little glimpse of how it will start but it gets so big and so thick a nice barrier!! :)

So we are starting to realize that growing up is tough work but we love it! We live each day and grow so much with each other! It is fun and I wouldn't trade if for the world!!!

9-11 My birthday!!

2011-09-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love my birthday! Seriously! I will 70 and still throwing a party for myself! :) I love being able to spend my birthday with all my loved ones. The only thing that matters to me is that they are all with me. I don't care about presents but I am super spoiled still!!!

I can't believe this year was the mark of the 10th anniversary of 9-11. It is so heart wrenching what happened that day. There was sure a lot more hype this year around then any other year. I remember this day so much. It was my 14th birthday and I was in 9th grade. I remember walking to the bus stop and I met up with my friend Kelsey. She told me that someone had hit the trade towers and me being the 14 year old that I was, was like "Wow what an idiot who doesn't see a big building and fly into it." Little did I know that day changed everyone's live forever. In all my classes that day we watched or listened to it on the radio. I can't believe what an impact it had on my life. I have all the newspapers saved from that fateful day. My dad helped me collect magazines and other pieces of information from that day. I need to pull those out of my crawl space one of these days. It will be interesting when we have our own children one day and I can show them all the papers. It is so sad and I am so grateful for all the people who put their lives on the line to save others. My heart goes out to all the families that had to go through that.
It really hit me when I was reading through my Human Development and Psychology books and they go over 9-11. So weird to think that I was alive for history. Ha ha!

Overall my birthday was GREAT!!!!!

It started out with us going to church. I am in the primary and Ben told them it was my birthday but they didn't sing to me cuz I told them it was ok not to. So instead they wished me a happy birthday! We then came home and cleaned the house up for my party that night. I spent the afternoon doing homework! Boo ha ha ha but I had a big test in the next couple of days. It was such a wonderful night when family and friends came over and celebrated with me.We had dinner and then ice cream cake my favorite. Here are a couple pictures from that night!!

I am super spoiled and got lots of cards and gifts cards from family and friends!! Ben bought me tulips to plant in the yard and I honestly couldn't be more excited!!!!

Ben and I trying to take a picture :)

Yummy ice cream cake! My favorite!!!

Ben cutting the cake! I love these people!

James is pretty awesome and bought me this Optimis Prime pinata I love it!

Ben thought he was funny and put him at the top of the stairs and then he rode all the way down. Well he made it all the way down. I didn't get it on video!! shoot!! :)

To end the night after everyone left. Michelle and Jeff stayed behind and Jeff held the pinata while I hit it. They blindfolded me and I hit it with a piece of wood! This picture cracks me up!!!! I broke it open and then we enjoyed some candy!!

I am so glad I got to spend the day with all my loved ones and it sure will be a good day to remember going forward. I can always remember those who risked their lives and lost their lives! I hope every had a good day as well!!

Washington 2011

2011-09-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post about this but I have been so busy with school it is hard to get time around to wait and get the pictures on!! :) I have lots to post about besides this trip so I will do my best to stay caught up!!!

We headed up for our annual Washington trip over Labor Day! We had such a blast! I wish I lived closer to my wonderful family but it is sure fun to come up and see them.

The weather was BEAUTIFUL while we were up there! GORGEOUS!! I am so use to going up and having to wear jeans and warm tops! This year it was short sleeves, capris, and shorts! I was in heaven and it was so different from when we usually go up!

Saturday was started out our day by hanging out with Jen, Travis, and Matthew in Seattle. We went to the Pike Place Market which is one of my favorites! We then headed down to do the underground tour but it was sold out for the time we wanted to go. We did a little bit of shopping and then headed to aunt Dawn's to get her car she is so amazing and let us borrow her car!

Then my favorite part we headed to see grandma!!!

Pike Place Market

The GORGEOUS flowers they have there! ROWS AND ROWS I love it!

This picture reminded me of New York ( we have never been but just from what pictures are like) It was a subway they had downtown Seattle and we rode it! Lots of fun!

This is the view that we woke up to every morning! This is grandmas backyard and it is just breath taking.

We took a morning stroll with Grandma in her yard! I love her hate!!

Later that day we headed to Tolmie Park! It was a lot of fun we went with Jen and Travis. The water felt really good and the ocean is just beautiful!!

Ben and Matt playing in the water

There were tons of jelly fish there which I have never noticed before. I don't think you can see Travis poking the jelly fish! There was one that was the size of a dinner plate! It was crazy!

Later we headed to Tumwater falls! I didn't realize that I use to go there when I was little. It was very cool. The salmon swim up stream here and the people over the park are in charge of taking care of them. Very cool! Too bad no fish were out and about!

Cute little Matthew

The next day we headed to see Grandpa! Can I just tell you how much I miss that man. At first I was ok, but as I stood there and pondered about him I lost it. I bawled. To me is so surreal that he is gone. Ben walked off to look at other head stones and then came back. I had my sunglasses on hoping he wouldn't notice I was crying. :) He put his arms around me and I lost it even more. My whole body shook and I just sobbed. It got to him to and we just stood there holding each other remembering what a GREAT man Grandpa was. It was the best moment I could have shared with Ben :)

(I cleaned the leaf off before we left, mad I didn't get a picture)

Later that night I went to the airport with Jen and Virginia to pick up Dawn and Bev. Those lucky ducks got to spend 16 days in Hawaii! I can't wait for our trip next August for 5 years baby boo ya!!!

Jen and I went and got pedicures done! It was so much fun to have some girl time I am sad we don't live closer.

The next day Ben and I headed downtown Olympia and walked along the pier. Washington is so beautiful and breath talking! I love it and so lucky we get to enjoy it once a year!

Grandmas yard is immaculate and so much fun! This mom and two babies hung around Grandmas house so much they were fun to watch!!

This lady right here is such an inspirational person. I love her and am so grateful that I have her in my life. She is the best cook that I know of. I am surprised I don't come home 20 pounds heavier from her amazing cooking!!! She has been through so much and is still so strong and loves everyone.

I love listening to her stories when she was younger. She is so strong with raising 4 babies while Grandpa was in the Navy. Not once do you ever hear her complain about being a stay at home mom and raising her children. That teaches me so much for when and if I get to stay home with my future children I will be so grateful for it no matter what happens.

We love Grandma so much and can't wait to see her again next year!

Hopefully we can get some friends to go with us next time!

Preschool

2011-09-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity for my Human Development class to go to my nephew Grants preschool and do an observation. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed going. I wish that I could do something like this. His teacher was awesome and super nice.

I came home and told Ben that I want to open a Preschool. One problem, we don't have the perfect house for it. I could maybe turn my garage into a place for it! I just thought of that! :)

Going to his school totally made going to school all the more worth it! There are times I am like why am I back in school but this is the exact reason! I haven't been this excited about something in a long time and am so excited I am going to be able to teach little ones and have the greatest time doing it!

Now I just have to endure full time work and school and slowly work on my degree. It will be a slow progress but I couldn't be happier!! I am so grateful and lucky for all the family and friend support I have had. Especially from my wonderful Benjamin!!!

Larsen Family Reunion East Canyon 2011

2011-08-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we headed to East Canyon for some last family summer fun. We have been trying to since last year to plan on doing a family trip with the Larsen's every year. This year we went camping at East Canyon. Ben and I slept in our tent. Kimberlee brought her two tents for her family. Katie and Wayne had their RV. Bob and Jo weren't able to stay, neither did mom or dad. Samantha and David we really missed them. Over all we had tons of fun!!!

Here are some pictures of our family fun!!

On Saturday we headed down to the lake to swim and have fun!

Everyone chilling

Lily found a butterfly. The way it was flopping around we thought it was a fish!

Cute kiddos playing in the sand

Grant with his Mexi stash! Oh how I love this boy!

Dad brought up the canoes for fun on the lake! This was so much fun we all took turns and then as well took turns with the little ones! It was a blast thanks dad!!

Me and Charicey!

Later Saturday night at dinner as the clouds came rolling in!!! Beautiful!!

Sister pic

Rae says I'm her favorite!

We got insanely poured on by the rain.And it was a blast! Here is a picture of the Rainbow after!

Little Teige man all wet!

What a great way to spend the last weekend of summer!!! We had a great night by the camp fire! So many laughs and just a fun wonderful time.

Funny story there were some coyotes that were on the hill by us and the girls got scared. Katie was in her RV so she knew she was safe. Kimberlee and I on the other hand were scared. Kimberlee was a brave trooper and took all her kiddos to her tent and slept the night.

I had Ben to protect me so I was good to go! I made him sleep closer to the mountain :)

Thanks Larsen family I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

Cricut

2011-08-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

It finally came!!!
I ordered it on Groupon 3 weeks back!
I know I am slow on getting one but I am excited!
We went camping this weekend so I am excited to play around with it tonight before we start school tomorrow!

Life

2011-08-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Things get crazy in life they surely do. Sometimes really hard things come our way and other things are amazing.

Life for me lately has been a little up and down.

No matter how hard it gets for me I know there are things much worse that could happen to me.

There have been some things that have happened lately that I am so grateful for who I am and who I have in my life.

Everyday I drive home I am so excited I have someone there waiting for me who loves me so much as I love him.

I even have a stinker of a dog who is so excited when I arrive home :)

This past week a dear friend from work lost her baby.

She was due in September.

Her little man made his debute at the end of May.

Just this past Wednesday (our anniversary in fact) he passed away.

He was a trooper and the cutest little guy in the world.

He fought for a hard long 10 weeks to stay alive and gave everything he had to be in this world for a brief moment with his loving parents.

When I heard the news my heart ached for her and her entire family.

I can't even fathom going through something like that.

I literally bawled.

She has been so strong and tough through the whole thing I admire her so much.

What and amazing woman who has an amazing husband by her side.

They are so strong in the church and know they will be with him again one day.

Such a blessing to have the gospel in my life.

I also stumbled across this blog from another friends blog.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Talk about such an amazing wonderful person.

If you have a chance and haven't already go read her blog.

She seriously is amazing and I love reading her blog everyday.

Life is hard at times but with amazing people in your life and the Lord you can always be comforted in the worst times.

My trials have been no where near where these two women have been through.

I am grateful for their stories and how they have learned to move on with their lives one step at a time.

Life is so fragile and you need to take everything for granted that you have!

Live life to the fullest is what I am trying to do right now!!!

Sorry for my crazy ranting I just really felt I should post something about this :)

4

2011-08-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

Today Ben and I celebrated 4 wonderful years. It was so nice. We took the day off work and just spent the day with each other. It was soo nice and relaxing. I am truly so blessed that I have married such a wonderful man. We of course have had our ups and downs. Honestly which couple has not. :) No one is perfect. We learn and grow from each other and work with each other. I am so glad he chose me and we can spend eternity together.

One of the perks we have had overall is the freedom to be selfish. It has been a lot of fun just to do whatever we want whenever. We don't have any kids yet so until then we will live it up!!! I can't believe how many people my age have one or two kids. I know everyone's time is different and ours is still not for a bit. Until then we will live it up and be selfish :)

Here are a couple pictures from that day!

This picture is of us 4 years later, today. I love it. It was a quick snap shot after dinner tonight and it actually turned out really good!!

(like my bright purple highlight ha ha)

Hiking

2011-08-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Ben headed to the Uintahs with his dad, Nic, Eldon, and Al. They took some of their wards youth. They headed to an area called Kings Peak. This picture is from about 5 years ago crazy. I love this picture so much. They pack in and then pack out. He comes home today and I am so ready. I have missed him so much!!!!! I also hope he had tons of fun.

This morning I headed on a hike with Kimberlee. Lately I have just been super obsessed with them!!! It was a lot of fun. We headed up to waterfall canyon in Ogden. Funny thing we headed up the wrong way and ended up at this cute water fall. Wasn't the right one but it was a lot of fun. We were able to have girl talk and just have that sister time which is much needed. After we headed to breakfast yummy. Here are some pics from our day.

Oakie leading me on the trail

A little waterfall on the hike

This was the waterfall we ended up at still gorgeous!!!!!

Oakie checking out the waterfall

Taking a pic with my pups!!!

Kimberlee and I. I look ugly. We are laughing in this pic from our previous pic we took before haha. She look gorgeous!

Gonna Miss Her

2011-08-04T22:49:00.000-07:00

My good friend Amy is moving to Florida next week. :( I am going to miss her so much! She has been such a wonderful friend and just an amazing person. She is headed to meet with her hubby and start their life off their. He is in the Navy which has been such a blessing for their family. Wendi had a little get together tonight for Amy. We had food and tons of fun. Of course when we get together we do nothing but laugh!

I love Amy so much and she has been there for me so much through a lot. I am so glad I share the same birthday with her. We are twinners/sisters from different mom's. Love you Amy and I will miss you so much!

Me Amy and Emmy

My camera is retarded and kept giving Emmy evil eyes hahaah she is so cute!!

All the girls! Anthony took this for us. A little blurry but I seriously love these girls! Yay for good friends!!

Me with little beautiful miss Kennidi!

Fun weekend with friends!

2011-07-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a lot of fun! Thursday night we headed down to St George with Michelle and Jeff. We go to Julies and settled in for the weekend!

Friday we woke up and were spoiled every morning and Jeff made breakfast. After breakfast we got in our swimming suits to head over to Gunlock reservoir. Mandie and Jonny told us about these waterfalls that were there and showed up pictures so Ben thought it would be a fun idea. To our dismay the waterfalls had dried up. We hiked all the way up to the top where the dam is to stop the water. Of course the water was only an inch short of spilling over the wall. We were super bummed. We did however come to a spot to jump in from the rock. St George was super hot but having the water to swim in which is perfect temperature was GREAT! :) We stayed there for awhile and swam. It took forever for them to coax me off the rocks to jump. I am lucky to have such a loving patience hubby and bestest friend. They just sat there and talked me through it then I finally jumped in and it was great!! We found a log and had some fun on that as well.

After quite a few hours playing in the water of course we had to head over to Kneaders that opened up in St George. Yummy Yummy it is seriously my favorite!!!

Later we headed back to the house took a nap which was so nice! We then got up got ready and headed out to eat. After dinner we headed to the pool at the condo we were staying at and had lots of fun! We swam with floaties had the boys throw us in the water. I loved it, it was like being a little kid again!

Saturday we slept in pretty late. Which again was super nice. We then decided to head to Sand Hollow where there was lots of cliff jumping and diving but no way I could do this one. For one lots of people and for two I hate heights! :) Michelle, Jeff and Ben all jumped off but of course I didn't haha here are some pictures from our fun!!

Funny little fact Ben was teasing about a fish being in the water and there ended up being this Blue Gill that kept attacking him and sucking on his back. I was so freaked out cuz it wouldn't leave him alone. We all thought he was joking until I saw it and it bit Jeff as well :)

Later that night we headed to Grease! Michelle bought us tickets and it was a lot of fun. The only down fall was how uber hot it was ick. Not loving that my legs were sweaty when I lifted them off the chair haha. Same with my back. Other then that they did an awesome job at Tuachan and I enjoyed it!! The boys were sweet enough to join us :) Even though they didn't have a choice!

I am so grateful for my bestest friend ever Michelle. I love her and I honestly don't know what I would do without her!! She has always been there for me and I appreciate her with all of my heart! I hope I never loose here and we can be bestest friends forever!!!!

I am so grateful for my hubby as well he is the best and puts up with a lot from me :) I'm not perfect and he certainly is a patient man. I love him and am so glad he is my best friend too!!! Love you baby!

What a day . .

2011-07-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

This week I took the whole week off because it is usually our Bear Lake week but this year we didn't end up going. Everyone is pretty busy. Yesterday I went to Lagoon a Beach with Jo, Katie, and their kids. It was a lot of fun. Getting there in the interesting part :)
Yesterday morning I woke up and realized my Lagoon Pass was inside Ben's wallet. So I text him and sure enough it was. I was honestly totally ok with it because that meant I could run out and see him and take him some lunch. While heading out there my gas light came on as I hoped on the freeway in Layton to head down to Sandy. Well I always let me light run for a long time but this time I totally underestimated!!! I stopped dropped Ben off lunch then headed back home so Katie could come pick me up and then we would meet Jo and her family. Well right as I was about to get off Lagoons exit to fuel back up before heading home low and behold my car ran out of gas. Now this is the first time this has EVER happened to me. Let's just say I learned my lesson and will never be running so low on E again! haha :)
My first phone call of course was straight to Ben. He said he would come get me but he was like 30 min away so I told him I would make some phone calls. I finally got ahold of Katie and she is awesome and said she would be there as soon as she could with a gas can and then we would head to Lagoon. Luckily I was already in my swim suit I just needed a towel. She was sweet and brought me one.
Well after bawling for a bit (hahaha yes I was emotional) A UHP pulled up and I was like ok he will probably be cool about the whole situation. I was really hoping it was my neighbor Matt, becuase he would have just given me a hard time. . .but it wasn't. Instead I got one of the nicest police officers I have ever met NOT!!!
Well of course you could tell I had been crying, our converstaion was a little something like this:
Officer: Do you need help?
Me: No I just ran out of gas.
Officer: Do you know it is illegal to run out of gas?
Me: Honestly I had no clue
Officer: What?
Me: I honestly had no clue I am sorry
Officer: Well your tires look flat
He then walks around and kicks my front two tires
Officer: You should probably put some air in them.
Me: Ok thanks, my sister is coming to get me and bring me gas
Officer: Ok, so someone is coming to help
Me: Yes
Officer: Where were you going?
Me: Just to get off this exit to get gas and meet my sister at Lagoon
Officer: Well you missed your exit
Me: Yea
Officer: Well good luck
And then he walked off
Ok so on here it doesn't seem as bad but for reals he was JERK!!! Yes I am the idiot that ran out of gas . . but it is the first time ever. I was having a bad day already so it didn't help haha

Katie then pulled up on the frontage road and was going to make a U turn and hand me the gas over the fence. I saw her drive past but not come back around so I ran over to the fence to see where she went.
Low and behold Katie drove into the ditch and go stuck in mud.
She was screaming "You have got to be kidding me!!"
Honestly all I could do was cry and laugh. Luckily an off duty police officer pulled over and was the nicest lady ever. Katie got me the gas can and I got off the freeway and hurried to see if I could help her now.
Other Farmington Police officers pulled up and they were all super nice!! They were able to get her jeep out and then we were headed off to Lagoon! :)
Lagoon was a blast from just the couple of pictures you see here. I am so glad I have such great family to help out and be there for me haha :) Even though I am stupid!

After Lagoon I know I needed to stop and get gas. As we were walking out of Lagoon we noticed non of the rides were going. Well of course as we were inside of Lagoon a beach the power went out like everywhere. So as I went to buy gas in Farmington of course the pumps weren't working. Again I proceeded to cry and called Ben and he is like I can come get you I told him I was going to try to make it to Kaysville to get some (Of course while I said a little prayer before I drove off) my prayers were then answered!! The Maverick in Farmington, the power just flicked back on and I was good to buy gas I was so happy :)

I then got home and my amazing husband just grabbed me and hugged me so tight and wouldn't let me go and said "I am sorry your day was so crappy but I love you and now you are home with me."

So to end a crappy day I came home to the best thing ever, my hubby! We then headed to Kneaders and got ice cream from DQ!! ha ha

Leason learned: Never run on your gas light for as far as you think you can! :)

Summer love

2011-07-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

What a busy fun weekend we have had so far!! So much fun!!! We started the weekend off by getting off work early on Friday! The best ever!

We started off on Friday night by headed with the Rogers clan to do our slip and slide. We usually do this on the 4th but everyone seemed to have plans or working so we didn't do it. This was a lot of fun and I hope to do it again sometime this summer and invite more family and friends!!

All of us girls decided to do a train down!

Little Miss Ellie loved the slip and slide and was such a trooper!

Jonny chilling after he went down.

After the slip and slide we headed over to watch Bountiful's parade. Mom, Ellie, Mandie and Jonny headed over with us. We met up with Katie and her in-laws as well. It was a fun little parade and much shorter then last year.

Teige in his chair waiting for the parade to start!

On Saturday I headed on an early morning hike with Camille and Oakie and it was a lot of fun! Ben headed off and hit a bucket of balls with Jonny.

Camille, Oakie and I headed up Adams canyon.

Here is me under a little waterfall!!

This was when we reached the top. I have a better picture of Oakie but I am closing my eyes haha. She was such a trooper. She seriously did such a good job and was such a good dog for me! I loved being able to take her. It was a blast and I am so glad Camille went with me.

Last but not least here are a couple of videos from our slip and slide!!! :)

My mother in law is hilarious! Listen to her laugh at the end!!

Above is Ben and Ellie

These were just the couple I could get posted for now! More to come later! :)

Weddings Weddings Weddings

2011-07-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

We have 4 weddings happening in the next two weeks! Prime time to get married :) I made these crafts with the help of my wonderful husband and of course Jo!! :) I am thinking I may need to invest in a cricut, that way I won't need to bug Jo. She is super wonderful and lets me use her cricut!

I made these with the couples last names, their date on the smaller block, and on the block with the rest of their name it has their first names. Some didn't show up as well as I would have liked but still adorable! :)

Can I get a little help? :)

2011-07-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

So as you know I have been contemplating starting a website with the crafts and blankets that I have been making! Can I get some name suggestions from you all??

I don't really want my name anywhere in the business name title!

Please let me know if you have any good ideas! :) Thanks!

Passports

2011-07-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

They came! Now we just have to wait to use them in October

when we head out on our cruise! Oh we can't wait!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

Our 4th was such a blast! It is seriously one of the most fun holidays of the year!!! We started our day out by heading to the Kaysville parade!!! So much fun!! It is crazy madness at the same time as well! We had lots of family there! The Larsen clan, some of the Rogers, and the Austins came too!!! Here are pictures from our fun filled day!!!

James and Grant getting ready for the parade to start!

Papa and Teige watching the parade

Ben and I waiting for the rest of everyone to come!
Our party! hahah hanging out at the edge of the parade

Later that night we headed over to Kimberlees house to have a BBQ and fireworks this was a lot of fun! The whole family was there but David and Samantha! We love and miss you guys dearly!

I told the kiddos to do a jumping picture! My camera is slow ha ha
Kimberlee and I
Me and Ben! My favorite pic of us from that day!Bob and Jo! Love these guys!

Mom and KAtie waiting for the fireworks to start!

Firework show!!Had to take a sister picture!!! We miss you Samantha!!!

Rae wearing Ben's hat! haha she is so freakin cute!!

Kimberlee aka the clean up crew :) she was ready to clean up! Love ya sis!Our day was so much fun! I hope you all had a wonderful 4th as well!!!!!!!

His and Hers

2011-07-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

Golf clubs that is!! :)

A friend from work told me about the sale that Sports Authority was having because they are relocating to Farmington! Ben found an amazing deal on these two sets of golf clubs!!

The gold ones are mine and the black ones are his!!! We got them both for 225 bucks! That is why my Ben is bargain Ben! :) He really is amazing! Anyway these clubs retail for a total of 1000 bucks together! Pretty much we did amazing! All last night he hit this little soft squishy ball that we have at the garage door on the inside! hahaha I think I need to go buy this boy some balls :) That was our amazing little deal we got over this holiday weekend! I can't wait til tomorrow!! Happy 4th yay!!!