Visiting with Family

Tonight we went over to my mother in law's to pick up Roxy, since she babysat her during my friends shower. We visited with my in-laws and then Kattie, Jasson and Cowen came over as well. We ate pizza and hung out. Kattie fed Cowen and he is just the cuttest little guy. He looks just like Kattie. I wish they lived closer, they live in Orem-which isn't really far away but it's hard getting together with an hour drive between us.
Here is Cowen eating his dinner...

He has the cuttest smile, it's a good thing his mother is taking this picture so she could make him laugh.

Here is Uncle Benton and Cowen watching football...

Baby Shower for Megs!

My good friend Megan is 6 months pregnant with a girl, she's naming her Ellie. Two of Megan's friends and I threw her a baby shower. It was really fun visiting with Megan, her sister and friends. I'm so happy for Megan and her husband Darek. We've been friends for a little over 7 1/2 years. We met at work (America First) and have always stayed good friends ever since. I know how happy they are and I know they'll both be really good parents! Congratulations Megs!

Here is Me, Megan and Liz

4 Things

Tag your it!

4 Things I love about my spouse
1. How much he loves me.
2. He is such a hard worker.
3. How handsome he is.
4. He knows how to have fun, even if it's singing in the car at the top of our lungs!

4 Movies I would watch more than once
1. The Father of the Bride
2. A lot like love
3. The Family Man
4. Just Married

4 TV Shows I watch
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. The Office
3. Brothers & Sisters
4. Desperate Housewives

4 Places I've been
1. Oahu, Hawaii
2. Orlando, Florida
3. Bella Vista, Arkansas
4. Canada

4 Places I'd like to go
1. Mexico
2. California
3. New York
4. Back to Chicago, Illinois

4 People who email me regularly
1. My mom
2. My sister Karly
3. Stephanie
4. New York and Company

4 Things I like to eat
1. Turkey Sandwiches
2. Chips and Salsa
3. Granola
4. Smoothies

4 Things I would like to have if I were stranded on an island
1. Benton
2. Roxy
3. Water
4. Lighter

4 Things I am looking forward to in the coming year (next few months and into 2009)
1. Karly, Nick and Jack flying out for Christmas
2. Spending as much time with Benton as I can
3. Sitting by the fireplace while it snows
4. Loosing more weight

4 People I tag
1. Karly and Nick Hodge
2. Chelsie and Taylor Hansen
3. Stephanie Rodarte
4. Yvonne Freeman

Winter already???

What happened to fall? I woke up this morning to take Roxy outside and it was a winter wonderland outside. It was really funny watching what Roxy would do. The snow was as tall as she was.

She's so unsure of the snow. Roxy is very high maintence, and so of course she couldn't figure out how to climb up the stairs with all the snow. She didn't want to get her feet wet.

Girls weekend!

On Thursday night my mom drove up from St. George to spend the weekend up here. I met her at my sisters house to go to La Caille for dinner. My manager and co-worker went to a conference all Thursday and as a thank you they had dinner for everyone at La Caille. They had previous engagements so my manager asked if I would go in their place....who would say no to that? I had never been there before and it was breath taking. It's so hard to describe the beauty, I guess I would compare it to a fairyland. The grounds are so beautiful, here are some of our pictures.



Dinner was fabulous, we had steak, veggies, salad, rolls and much more. The desserts looked delicious, but I'm still on my no sweets diet, so none for me. We met a lot of friendly people, who mostly lived outside of Utah. It was a really fun night that I was able to spend with my mom.

On Friday my mom, Chelsie, Spencer and I hung out all day. We went shopping, ate out for lunch and then we decided to sleep over at Chelsie's house in Sandy since we were all going to be together on Saturday anyway. Here is us in our PJ's finally relaxing after running around all day.


Then on Saturday we had a birthday party for Spencer who turned 1 years old!!! Happy Birthday baby love. He is just the funniest little guy. I love cuddling with him. It's really nice now that he knows me, he will actually reach out so I can hold him. Here's some pictures at his birthday party.



Here is Spencer opening his presents...


And eating his cake...


What a fun weekend with the family!

Working up in Midway!

Every year my department plans a retreat for all AFCU managers and upper management. I was lucky enough to have gone up to the resort and help coordinate the events that we had planned. We were really busy the whole time, but it was really worth it. On one of the nights I only got 4 hours of sleep, and for those who know me that is nothing compared to my normal 12 hours of sleep a night. I love my co-workers, it was fun spending more time with them. Here is a picture of Me, Kimberli and Jill at the Awards night dinner.

The next day I took the partners Trap shooting, which I've never done before. I was really nervous to try it, but it was a lot of fun! They were all supportive and told me how easy and fun it was, so I tried it. Let's just say I wasn't very good.

That afternoon I was able to go on a hike to Stewart Falls. We thought it was going to be more of a leisurly walk, but it definantly was harder than that. That hike was wonderful, it was in a secluded area, which always makes me so appreciative for the earth. Aspen's are my favorite kind of tree, and I loved seeing the leaves change colors! I just love hiking in the fall!

On the last night Benton was able to come up and enjoy dinner with us. The theme was an Oktoberfest. The girls talked a polka dancer to come ask me to dance on the floor with him, how embarassing.

Here are some cute pictures of us and our hubby's!



On the last day I insisted a picture of all of us, here is Me, Kimberli, Diana, Jill and Paula-thanks for helping me the whole time, you guys are the best! Hopefully next year, we will all be doing it together again!

Happy Birthday Dad!

My dad ended up coming to town over his birthday for work, so we celebrated it a day early. We went to Crown Burger at his request, sadly they don't have one in St. George. Chelsie was very thoughtful and had made a chocolate cake, we just forgot to bring matches to light his candles...here's my dad making a wish without any candles lit!

It was nice visiting with him and having him here for his birthday. He is a really good dad, one of the best things about him is how hard of a worker he is. Growing up he was always working to provide the best for all of us. I know we are all greatful for everything he has done and will keep doing for us. We love you dad!

Sunday Dinner

We went over to Linda and Tony's house for dinner. Linda cooked a roast, which was really yummy. It's so nice that Benton's family lives close by since mine doesn't. We sat around and talked. I love his sister's and mom, they are so much fun to be around. Here is his sister Carol, me, Aimee and his mom.

We also had to pick up Roxy, thanks for watching her overnight. She loves being with Nanny and Grandpa! Roxy also loves hanging out with her brother Sam, she follows him everywhere he goes. Here they are hoping to get some food from anyone who will accidentally drop some.
(Not sure why his eyes are green, kinda spooky!)

Benton's Job opportunity

A couple weeks ago Benton interviewed for a Student IT job on base. There were 30 people who interviewed for the job. Benton decided to put in for it before telling me. I was freaking out because we'd take a large pay cut. But after I settled down and really thought about it, I decided it would be a great opportunity for him. He's going to school for a degree in IS&T so it would be a wonderful experience for him. Also, it's what he wants to do, so if we are poor for a year, it wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen. He waited all last week to hear if he got the position and of course on Friday they called him to tell him it was his if he wanted it. Benton has applied for 6 jobs on base and has gotten every single one of them. He is really smart and can interview really well. I'm so proud of him for taking a risk and doing something he really will enjoy. So on Friday night we went out and celebrated. We went down to the Gateway and ate dinner at the Skybox and walked around. I'm so proud of him and for all that he does for us. Love you Benton!!!

Labor Day Weekend

I love holidays! An extra day off is great. I actually started the weekend off learning how to make salsa. Marie (Benton's step-mom)was so nice and showed me how. It took us 6 hours to make it, but this salsa is worth it. I never thought of how much work goes into making salsa, all the cleaning, cutting and stirring. It's not hard, just time consuming. It was really relaxing hanging out with Marie. She is so nice to me, which is really great since my parents don't live so close. It's nice to have Benton's family treat me so well. While I was there she showed me how to make homemade raspberry jam as well. I was so proud of myself. Thanks Marie!
Here's a picture of my in laws.


That same night we had the chance to hang out with Scott and Britany Beckstead. We sure do wish they lived closer, they are on their way back to California. I am so glad Scott married such a nice, fun and friendly girl. I know Benton and Scott will always be really good friends, so it's nice to be able to talk to Britany so easily.

Yesterday we went over to Chelsie's house for a BBQ. We picked up my grams to take over to her house. My grandma gave Spencer a green ball and he loved it. Look how happy he is.

Here is Chelsie and I posing for the camera.

And some more pics of all of us...