Daniel's Birthday Weekend

So, this past weekend was Daniel's birthday and we celebrated it for three consecutive days. It started out Saturday morning when my family came over to watch Daniel open his gifts. He got plenty of shirts to last him for quite some time. I also got him Operation the game since he is going to be a doctor he should get in some practice now ha ha. Then I gave him tickets to see Disney's Broadway Musical The Lion King. He was happy about getting those tickets but he is sad that he has to wait until August 31 to enjoy them. My parents and brothers gave him the softest most comfortable robes in all of the world. I was going to get him one because he really wanted one but my mom beat me to the punch. He has worn it everyday since he got it.

Then after gift opening Daniel and I went to the mall and got him a few more shirts and a new hoodie since he didn't get one this year and I am big on hoodies. After that we went to his Aunt's house to pick up his gift and so they could see him on his birthday. They were going to come over but it worked out better if we stopped by there. His Aunt, Uncle and the kids gave him so many of his favorite goodies it was unbelievable. Then they also gave him a sanitation toilet kit which is so neat. She showed us one a while back and I wanted one. It is incase of a disaster and its a portable toilet filled with all the sanitaion supplies you need to survive without a working toilet near by. Such a thoughtful gift idea. After we went to his Aunts we went to TGIFriday's for dinner. It was delicious, Daniel of course got steak and enjoyed every last bite.
These are all the people that went to Fridays with us...Maddie, Jakob, TJ, Rachel, baby Ty, Daneil, Me and Kare. We had such a blast and he got some gift cards from his awesome friends at dinner.


Then we went and got a movie at Redbox. We rented Surrogates and I thought it was a stupid movie but we had fun taking pictures in the process of renting the movie.

This is Daniel with his gifts minus his gift cards and checks he got.

Then on sunday we went over to my parents house for dinner and my mom had made Daniel this ice cream cake, it was so yummy. She also served one of his favorite meals....meatloaf.
Mom, Dad, Brock, Grandma and Daniel getting ready to eat Daniel's bday cake.
Chaz and I since Daniel wasn't paying attention it is just us two that are cool :)

Then Monday we went over to Aunt Connies for FHE and Daniel's birthday celebration with them. This is the cake that Aunt Connie made...Daniel's favorite, it is the kind with sprinkle things in the mix and the frosting.

Then Daniel and I goofed off on the couch for a minute
We sang happy birthday to Daniel
I made him pretend to blow them out for picture purposes :)
This is him full from dinner and moving onto his favorite cake and favorite ice cream...mint!
We then played a really fun game that had a bell. I like to ring it and I actually won one round.
You would think we are very serious game players
I am pretty sure everyone was sick of my picture taking skills. I didn't even post half of what I took at the game table.
We needed a new picture since a new player who didn't even play joined :)
This is the end of his three day birthday with his Aunt Connie. They totally look related.
We had so much fun with everyone and Daniel is grateful to all those who wished him a happy birthday. Special days like this are worth celebrating and I have always loved birthdays :)

Activities!?!

Welp, another enjoyable week went by. Daniel has been consistent on p90x and has not missed a day so far. He wants to get huge and he is eating like a horse. He eats all the time now. The other day he finished a huge bowl of blackened chicken alfredo and a half rack of ribs in one sitting. Doesn't everyone in this whole world wish they could eat that much and stay as slim as Daniel. I sure know I wish that. We just bought a treadmill for me and I can't wait unitl that gets delivered. I figure since Daniel gets p90x and its like $200 then I should get something to workout with that I will use and we found a really nice one on sale for $300. We do have a workout center at the clubhouse near our house but I don't like going there. For one, I bet it never gets cleaned and for two the only time I have to excersice is late at night and I don't like the idea of being alone in a club house late at night.

My apron is finished and I have pictures of the progress....

Here are most of the pieces after the ribbon was placed on the ruffles.

Here is the start of my wonderful apron...
Two ruffles on is quite the progress :)
Almost finished......
The finished product! I now have an apron :)

These are the headbands I have been making. I am learning to do all sorts of fun things.

This one is the flower I do the most I think it is cute!

This is for a boy. No flower.

This one I made for my sister with a cute flower.
Here is a beanie I made. I also have one with a bill on the front. Here is my friend KaRynn modeling one that I made.

Here is my friend Carmel modeling headbands I made for her and her niece.

I still haven't even started on my two quilts but I plan on doing that very very soon. I am active active active and I wouldn't have it any other way. Daniel's Bday is Saturday and we are going to dinner at 6 but other than that I think he pretty much wants to be home relaxing before and after our dinner plans :)

Valentine's Day, Etc.

Well, nothing in our boring lives has changed but we did spend another wonderful Valentines Day together. Daniel had 18 red roses sent to Wingers on Saturday and when I got there he gave me them and attached was a cute little note that said how much he loved me and how special I am to him, all that good stuff :) Once we got home from Wingers I gave him his gift which was a new watch and a gift card to Game Stop so he can fulfill his nerdy desires to have more and more video games. Not that he has time for that because for an early birthday gift Daniel got P90X. On Valentines Day we went to church and taught our darling primary class. Yep, you heard it we got a new calling to be teachers for the CTR 7 class. They are so cute. I was a bit scared they were going to put us in sun beams or nursery as a hint to prepare for some little ones. Ha ha, when Daniel and I were set apart for our calling the bishop asked what age group we are teaching and when we told him he was shocked because they were actually calling us for sun beams. The primary president decided that position was for someone else and we got the wonderful CTR 7 class. It was so fun teaching them and we gave them a little Valentines treat. Technically you aren't allowed to give treats out in primary but I justified by saying it was a holiday :) I told my primary president to expect treats for holidays and she laughed. After church we stayed home and relaxed and I started feeling sick. So I spent the last hours of Valentines Day sick. My sickness continued on Monday through Today!!! I am finally getting over it. I think I jinxed myself because I was telling people I never get sick and here I am sick. It was some lame cold that gave me a headache, cough, sore throat and upset tummy. All symptoms are gone and now my throat is just itchy from healing.

Daniel started the P90X workouts Tuesday February 16 and so far has been diligent in working out for two consecutive days. I am scared to start it because he says he can't even do some of the things they do on the video. If Daniel can't do it there is no way in my right mind I should think that I could do it. I will of course give it a shot but I am scared none the less. We know that it is a good healthy form of exercise and the results are real. We have seen friends and family succeed with this program. You can get out of it whatever you want. If you want to change your body image or just get in better shape, your goal is accessible.

Well Daniel is going to be 22 at the end of the month. So far we don't have any big plans but I think he wants to go to TGI Fridays for his birthday dinner. Other than that the day is up to him. We have the whole day off from work and I am sure he will want to relax and perhaps play a video game. I still have not decided what to get him for his birthday. I usually have the gift bought and wrapped by now. This year is hard because he has pretty much everything he wants or needs. I am just going to have to think harder to come up with something to get him.

I have made myself extra busy with crocheting headbands and beanies and selling them; Preparing to make a large quilt and a baby quilt out of fabric and making myself an apron. Yes I do this all in the free time that I don't have but I just love staying busy. I finished my apron the other night and I will post pictures as soon as I take one of the final product. I took several pictures along the way. I am still keeping busy with the rest of the projects and I was talking to Daniel about two more projects I need to start and finish. When I have ideas I just can't wait and these two gifts need to be finished in time for the two special ladies in our lives for Mother's Day. Daniel likes the ideas and I might just let him help pick out the stuff needed to fit each of their personalities or I might just have them fit mine and Daniel's personalities so they are reminded of us often :) They are already reminded of us often and they know us so well, we are lucky they are in our lives. Yay us!

Well that about ends all the activities and events for now. I will be back to discuss the Birthday celebration sooner than later. Until then have a wonderful end to February :)

My Birthday

Daniel and I on My 23rd Birthday...I am an OLD woman :)

So I love birthdays, there are many people who do not care for birthdays since it means you are getting older. I am one of those peoples that takes full advantage of the fact that there is a day dedicated to me. If a birthday was a holiday then it would be my favorite (with Halloween at a close second since it is my favorite holiday). For my birthday I got some pretty thoughtful gifts. From Daniel I got two new hoodies, a poster of Jakob from New Moon (a joke), $50 to Forever 21, new luggage, a pea coat (the paisley one seen in pictures, compliments of Missy finding it) and then a card. Then for Christmas I had gotten a new sewing machine from my parents and with the money my Grandma Helen gave me I returned it and upgraded it for an intermediate sewing machine. My parents and brothers bought me a case to go with it and that is something I desperately wanted. Aunt Connie, Uncle Chris and the kids gave me such a neat-o gift. They are so observant and awesome I could hardly believe that they pay such close attention to me. They put together a goodie bag full of favorites. I got stuff to make my two favorite types of meal Mexican and Italian; a bag of potatoes and seasoning because I love 'taters'; my three favorite candies Nerd Ropes, Twix and Reese's and my favorite soda Dr. Pepper. It was such an awesome gift. Then I got quilting supplies from my Grandma Nelta, Grandpa Mike and Mama. It is so nice because I am going to start quilting. I also got a customized picture frame from Shelly. My sister and Kelly gave me an Angel statue, I had one and it broke and I was depressed but my sister gave me one just like it so I am happy again. Then Maddie and Jakob made me my favorite food....Mexican. There was cheese Enchilada's, Spanish rice, beans and grapes. So delicious and I knew it would be since Maddie is the best cook in all of the world. Since she doesn't read my blog this is not considered kissing up to her so she will cook for me more often. :) I had a wonderful birthday since I didn't have to do much and everyone stopped in to see me. I didn't get pictures of everyone that came by but I was thrilled that they all did. Best birthday to date. Thanks everyone for the Facebook messages, text messages, cards, phone calls and stopping in. I love you all.
xoxo

Maddie and I with the cake she made me and the eclairs my mom made me
Daniel claims he didn't know he was in the photo

Jelaire, Kelly and I
My dad with his mom and Mike
(grandpa Mike nad Grandma Nelta)
My brothers being dorks... I don't even know...
Jakob, Madaline and my mom.
My mom and I

JANUARY

Well I have come to grips with my last post. We will be moving to California if Daniel gets into one of the med school there. I am good with that happening and I am kind of excited to not have to deal with the snow.

January is a busy month for Daniel and I because of birthdays. We celebrated Jakob's birthday on Monday the 18th. His birthday is really the 21st him and Brock share that birthday. We went downtown to Rodizio Grill. It is a Brazilian steakhouse and they have some delicious food. I get the salad bar and Daniel gets the "full Rodizio" which is all you can eat meat and salad bar. Daniel out ate everyone, he had two huge plates of meat and by the time he was finished eating he was stuffed to the top. It is always fun to go there since Daniel is such a meat eater. The salad bar is small but has a ton of good things and since I am vegetarian it is super yummy to my taste buds. Then we went to Marble Slab Creamery and had the best ice cream in the world. I usually get coconut ice cream with marshmallows and sprinkles but this time I got cake batter ice cream with sprinkles and Daniel and I shared it. So delicious. Mmmm good.

Daniel and I
Maddie and Jakob

The whole group at Rodizio Grill
The boys at Marble Slab

Mad and I at Marble Slab
We are so cute :)

Then on Tuesday the 19th we celebrated Shelly's birthday at The Olive Garden and it was so good. I am addicted to that place and pizza lately. Yum Yum. Shelly's birthday is on the 23rd but she will be in Vegas so we had to catch her before she left. We had a really good time with her.

Daniel and I with Shelly for her Bday celebration

All of us at The Olive Garden for Shelly's 23rd Bday

The rest of the week played out normal, we went to work and carried on with our busy lives. My family came into Wingers on Brocks birthday to celebrate. We have been pretty busy at Wingers lately so we didn't get to talk much when they came in.

My birthday is coming up next. I am staying home and doing nothing all day :) That is all I really wanted for my birthday is a day of relaxation. People are going to stop in if they want to see me but I am not leaving. I know Maddie is planning on cooking some yummy Mexican food for me and I am pretty excited about that. She is a freaking good cook and I am thrilled. I am anxious to see what Daniel is getting me for my birthday since it is such a big surprise. Daniel and Maddie are going shopping today for my present. Yay me.

Saturday night after I got off from Wingers Maddie and I went to Wal-Mart to buy some yarn for headbands we make and sell and on our way back to my house I almost hit three deer. Then Maddie and I stalked them and took pictures. I was a little shaken up but they were so fun to follow. That was really exciting so I thought I would share it with everyone ha ha. Well I am off to another fun filled week that will end with my birthday so until next time have fun with life. You only live once :)

2 of the deer I almost hit

Daniel's Schooling and so on...

I am here mainly to talk about Daniel’s schooling.


First off, he is officially a registered Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA). He got his certificate in the mail a while ago and I forgot to tell everyone.


Second, Daniel is going to be taking a Phlebotomy course at the beginning of April and that will look really good on his application when he applies to med school.


Third, Daniel has decided his major which is a huge relief for him. He has decided that Anthropology with Health Emphasis is what he would like to do. Most medical schools are now looking to accept people who have unique majors versus the typical Biology or Chemistry major. For those of you who don’t know, Anthropology is the scientific study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural development of humans. The University of Utah said the study of Anthropology with Health Emphasis is to teach the interactions between biological, environmental and social factors influencing health and illness; human adaptation and maladaptation from an evolutionary perspective and how systems of medical knowledge and health care vary across cultures.


Fourth, I have been researching med schools. There are a total of ten med schools in California. Two of which specialize in osteopathic medicine so that leaves eight medical schools that Daniel will be able to apply to in California. There are five different University of California medical schools UCDavis in Davis, UCSD in San Diego, UCLA in Los Angeles, UCSF in San Francisco and UCI in Irvine. Also, there is KECK University in Los Angeles, Loma Linda in Loma Linda and Stanford in Stanford. When the time comes he will apply to all eight of the California med schools and also to the U of U. We will most likely relocate to California for him to attend med school. I am slowly coming to grips with that idea, though leaving family is one thing that makes me sad to think about it. I was born in Cali and I absolutely love it. Half of my family still lives in California so it won’t be that hard of a move…I hope. My great grandma had two daughters Carol and Bonnie. Carol is my grandma and she along with her six children and their children and their children live in Utah. Then Bonnie and her five children and their children live in California. I consider them Aunts, Uncles and Cousins because that is pretty much how we were raised. Also, my Aunt Susie and her kids live in California. So, I would be moving to California still having family to see often if I needed too. I figure if Daniel can still get his bachelors degree in the time we figured we will be making the big move to California either at the beginning of January 2012 or the beginning of May 2012. We have planned for none of this to happen but it seems like it will be the right thing to do and so far it looks more and more like it will one day be a reality.


Fifth, almost everybody knew we were going to start trying to have a family at the end of 2010 but due to the change of events in our future we will have to postpone it a bit longer. We figured that it would be smart for us to wait and when the time is right we will know. So, we really don’t know when that will be but we are going to assume it is longer then we had been planning. We are good with all the changes that will come in the future and we can’t wait for what more exciting surprises are ahead of us.

December to an end and 2010 begins.

I haven't blogged in so long I had to pull out my 2009 calendar so I make sure not to forget anything important. Well Daniel finished school and starts up again on January 11th. School is going well for him. I am getting nervous about medical school because the odds of him getting into the University of Utah's med program is slim to none. I really don't want to move out of state but it is not looking in my favor to have the luxury of an opinion in this matter. Sad, I know.


Daniel and I went to the Living Planet Aquarium for Baby Ashton's birthday celebration. He turned one year old. He is our favorite new one year old out there. The aquarium was pretty neat it had quite a bit of fish and soon there will be a penguin exhibit. I can't wait for that since the penguin is my favorite animal. This is a picture of Daniel and I with; Jess who is Ashton's aunt; the one and only Baby Ashton and Jen who is Ashton's Mom. We love them so much they are all our family. On December 21st Chaz had a concert at Bingham High School. He has first chair for the Bass. He did really well and Daniel really enjoyed being able to go back to the school he graduated from and listen to their perfomance. It is called the Candlelight Concert and they always perform it before Christmas. Chaz was looking pretty slick in his Tux and we enjoyed his performance. Daniel got to sing in the last song and that is what this picture is he is on the right hand side next to the Harp in this picture. Chaz is in the picture below looking pretty studly.

This is our Christmas tree. I am not sure why I even bothered to put it up this year because I felt like I never got to look at it and it was taken down before I even knew it. I sure do love Christmas though and that is probably why I put it up.
We celebrated Christmas with all the usual traditions. First is our huge family part at my parents house. All the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and family friends get together for a huge party. We all bring appetizers and dessert. The kids have a gift exchange and the adults play the White Elephant game. We all leave the party having had a blast and with gifts in arms. We love it. Then Daniel and I spent the night at my parents so we could wake up Christmas morning and open gifts. I got a new sewing maching and a gun. Yes, a real live gun....it was a bit scary. Daniel got video games and the Wheel of Time series (it is a book he really enjoys..12 books) We had a really wonderful Christmas and went to my grandma Nelta's for dinner and visited with everyone there.
After Christmas we drove to Idaho. Yup, that's right on the 26th of December my cousin Stevie got married in the Twin Falls temple. It was a gorgeous temple and Daniel and I had fun spending time together. This is us at his reception.
Daniel and I had the whole last week of December off and we saw three movies, all of which I probably enjoyed equally. We saw Avatar, Sherlock Holmes and The Princess and the Frog. All three were good movies. On New Years Eve we went to Teppanyaki Steak House they cook the food in front of you it was so much fun. The three pictures below are us having fun at dinner.
That evening Daniel and I had a party at our house. Everyone played board games and rock band. I think everyone had a good time. We loved bringing in the new year with all our closest friends and our family of course.

We were able to see Daniel's Aunt, Uncle and their kids on New Years. We had dinner with them and visited with them about the holidays. We didn't see them for Christmas since they were in southern Utah visiting Grandma and Grandpa Ruesch. We are grateful to have all of our wonderful friends and family. We are grateful to bring in the new year healthy and happy. We love you all.