Just Us...

The Last 3 Months...

2010-12-14T22:25:00.022-07:00

September through November in 16 pictures!

Good times at Garden of the Gods - near our house - a very cool place....

(don't you just love the exquisite camera skills of strangers?!)

The U.S. Olympic Training Center is downtown Colorado Springs - also a very cool place!

We drove (yes drove) to the top of Pikes Peak with my parents - Funny story about my dad who's scared of heights....ask me and I'll tell you about it. It was pretty cool - but FREEZING up there for September.

Brandon is 30!

(Homemade cherry chocolate chip fudge cake! Pretty tasty!)

I had no idea that Texas Roadhouse had a saddle on a stool they made birthday boys sit on while they sang - I just thought we'd get a free dessert! Whoops!

Oh my gosh - I turned 30!

Pumpkin spice baby bundt cake - DELICIOUS!

Getting a little undivided attention from my hubby!

It was fun to celebrate both of our birthdays with parents and family. (I almost always get to do this having a birthday on or near Thanksgiving)....but we love being so close to family!

Here we come Christmas....and 2011!!!

We Live in Colorado...and We Like It!

2010-08-11T10:25:00.019-06:00

Despite being sad to leave Utah and all the people we miss...we LOVE it here in Colorado.

Colorado Springs is beautiful and there is so many fun things to do.

Here's what we've been up to since we've been here.

Sky Sox - Triple A Baseball team.

Rennaisance Festival with parents

Brandon Started Radiology School

Isn't he so cute in his scrubs! He only has to wear them on clinical days which is 2 days a week, the other 3 days he's in the classroom.

Celebrating our 2nd Anniversary!

We went to this cute town near us called Manitou Springs. We stayed overnight at the Cliffhouse hotel, a 4 star hotel built in 1873. It was beautiful. The tiny town is full of tons of cute artsy shops & yummy places to eat. It might be our new favorite find here in Colorado.

All over town there are these fountains that come from the natural springs that contain carbonic acid which created the first carbonated drink. Each spring had it's own unique flavor - it's seriously like drinking pop...it was nuts!

Thanks Colorado Springs for making it such a fun, welcoming first month here. It also is great to be within an hours drive of both of our parents. I think we're gonna be just fine here. We may even just stay for a while!

Last Weekend in Utah

2010-08-08T19:09:00.020-06:00

I know this is over a month old - and we regret not taking advantage of all the fun things Utah has to do the 2 summers we were there....but on our last weekend we tried to live it up as much as possible! We went up to Park City and did the Alpine Slide and Alpine Coaster - I recommend the coaster hands down! It was a blast. We had a delicious meal and meandered around Park City. Had a goodbye party with friends and then packed up our house and moved to Colorado the next week. Here are a few pics of our last Utah adventure as Utah residents.

Alpine Slide = pretty fun

Alpine Coaster = WAY more fun!

Then it was time for the dreaded goodbye's....

We said goodbye to Brandon's Aunt and Uncle who played a large part in us getting reacquainted and ultimately married - and have been a home away from home and a constant source of love and support. We loved having them close (and their dogs.)

At the fun goodbye party my sister threw me (thanks again sis!) I carried my camera in my pocket the entire evening, and took but two photos...major bummer. But it was great to get to see good friends one more time and tell them I love them and how grateful I am for their role in my life.

Goodbye Best older sister and her awesome husband

Goodbye Best Friend who has been there for me in more ways that I can count and favorite little 2 year old who just barely learned my name...don't forget me!

Goodbye cute house where we began our life together....

And goodbye Sonic next to our house. It was pretty cool being your neighbor.

Needless to say, it was really hard to leave Utah - and there were many tears shed. It was sad to leave where we spent our first 2 years of marriage and sad to say goodbye all the people we love......

BUT.....on a positive note, Colorado has been good to us so far - I'll post some pics soon!

We're Moving...

2010-06-06T21:30:00.005-06:00

The good news is.....We're moving to Colorado Springs. :)

The bad news is....we're leaving Utah, and moving to Colorado Springs :(

I know change is a good thing, and I am looking forward to the next chapter in our life together, but I have lived in Utah for 9 years now, and have loved every minute of it. I have met some amazing people and made some of my closest friends....not to mention how much I love having family here. It's never easy to leave those you love, and I keep crying whenever I think about it, but then I try to focus on the new life ahead of us and know we are going in the right direction.

Brandon got accepted to the Radiology Program we were hoping for, and we have to be there by the 10th of July - so that gives me approximately 4 weeks to get our life in order, pack and find a house, amongst a myriad of a million other things. But I know it'll all work out.

Just thought I'd share the news! It's not often you feel like you have real legitimate news in your life between "I'm getting married", and "we're having a baby".....but this counts, so I'm going to milk it for all it's worth. (I know I just said baby and milk in the same sentence, but just to set the records straight....this is not an announcement about a baby....it is an announcement about moving!).

I know Brandon and I will be happy wherever we are as long as we're together! (pause here to recover from super cheesy moment!)

So if any one has any sweet tips on where to live in Colorado Springs, or what fun things to do....we'd love to hear them!

Circle of Life

2010-04-06T19:16:00.012-06:00

The last 30 days have been an amazing emotional roller coaster and I have witnessed two very spiritual and sacred experiences.

On March 12th, my dear sweet Grandmother passed away and was reunited with her husband who has been waiting for her on the other side for 16 years. It has been an honor to be able to have served her so closely since February and spend time with her. She was a shining example to me of pure love, optimism, determination, grace, gratitude, humor and elegance. Others were always naturally attracted to her for these attributes, as well as her brilliant, genuine smile. She filled any room she was in with love.

She asked us to live our lives with a happy and peaceful mind and sense of contentment. She reminded us in a letter left that as long as we think of her once in a while and our memories together, then she will always be with us - that so long as one is remembered, they will never truly die.

Being with her up until her last moments on earth was an amazing experience I will never forget. Mourning her is harder than I ever anticipated it to be and she will always be dearly loved and dearly missed.

To complete the circle just 3 weeks later my amazing brother and sweet sister-in-law welcomed their first child into the world. It was just as miraculous and spiritual to be there for that experience, and meet a sweet spirit only 1 hour old onto this earth, sent with love, I'm sure, from Grandma above - to come be a part of our family. I am an official aunt and could not be more happy about it. I could not take my eyes off of him and wanted to just hold him and hold him. They named him Finnegan Locke....and here he is in all his glory, changing this family immeasurably already just by showing up (and also making me ridiculously baby hungry!) We love him and are so glad he's here, and so proud of Lindsey and Darren (mostly Lindsey) for all the hard work it took to get him here.

(the new family!)

Welcome Finnegan! We're so happy to have you here and can't wait to be a part of your life!

Life truly teaches you balance in all things. This last 30 days have solidified the scripture, "yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!" - We need opposition in all things to be capable of experiencing the joy this life has to bring us. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have of eternity to truly help the end and beginning of life all feel connected and just how the plan of salvation and our progression is supposed to be.

2009 in Review

2010-01-08T12:41:00.016-07:00

What a great year 2009 was! I feel so full of gratitude for all I have been blessed with; an amazing husband who makes me feel like a queen everyday (ok, almost every day), my health, my job, a wonderful family, amazing friends, the gospel in my life to guide me and bring me constant peace. I can't wait for all the fun, love and adventures 2010 has in store! In the mean time (while I'm waiting for the fun, love, and adventures) here is a recap of 2009.

Highlights:

Our 1st Anniversary! - 1 year down, eternity to go!

A Big Sisters Wedding!

A Brother's 1st BABY on the way and a Master Degree!

Little Sis goes to Grad School!

Learned a new skill- knitting!

Lessons Learned:

My husband and I are ever practicing the art of communication. I think back on how far we’ve come in the last year and a half and feel pretty proud at the strong foundation we’ve been able to lay before any kiddos come along. I feel blessed we’ve had the time to focus on us, and get our priorities, our finances etc. in order as we prepare to move on to the next phase of our life – family. (not an announcement….still just preparing!). I feel like I've also learned a bit more self-motivation as well as temperance and patience and certainly unconditional love.

Places I’ve been this year:

** Las Vegas ** California- Palm Springs ** Mexico ** Tennessee- Knoxville **

**Colorado- Grand Junction, Denver ** Dallas- Texas **

Favorite New Music:

Adele's Album- Chasing Pavements

Horse Feathers Album- House with No Home

Ray LaMontange- You Are The Best Thing,

Brandi Carlile- Dying Day

Santigold- Lights Out

The Flower Duet- Delibes Lakme

Things I’m looking forward to this year:

My 30's!

Becoming an Aunt

Figuring out a career path with my husband

Preparing for a family of our own some day

Reaching my goal weight

Advancing my knitting skills

A Trip out to DC!

Priorities for 2010

What I read recently in this months ensign pretty much sums up the things I know I should focus on and make a bigger priority in my life. It is a quote from Julie B. Beck, the Relief Society general president about self-reliance. She said, “We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being.” There you have it. Luckily we were able to make headway on being prepared for emergencies this year by purchasing 1 year food storage. I need to focus more on always increasing my knowledge. I need to continue to strengthen myself spiritually and keep physical, social, and emotional well-being a high priority. Another high priority this year is to remember to serve others more often....stop being so dang selfish!

We had a very uplifting Stake Conference this weekend, and one main message that hit me loud and clear is that we are not sent here to FAIL. We were sent here with everything we need to SUCCEED and there are lessons in place to cultivate the attributes that will help us ultimately succeed in the end. Don't forget that when things get hard. Don't give into another minute to those little evil thoughts that try to sneak into your mind and tell you you're not good enough or not worth anything. Remember to keep the faith, it has always worked out in the past, and it will always work out again and I was always meant to succeed.

Here we come 2010!

'Tis the update of December

2010-01-03T20:15:00.014-07:00

December and Christmas was a wonderful time! We had so much fun preparing, shopping, and celebrating with family!

Here are a few highlights of our Christmas Season.

We got all gussied up for Brandon's Christmas work party. It ended up being highly anti-climactic. We almost missed dinner completely, only one of Brandon's immediate co-workers was there and we ultimately killed the party when we requested a slow song during the dance party! Brandon was bummed that he didn't get to "show me off" to his work buddies (so cute huh?!) I have to admit, I was bummed too, because I felt especially cute all dressed up....but at least we got some good pictures of us out of it!

Then we were off to Colorado for a week! We stayed with Brandon's family this year, and tried to juggle seeing my family who lives 2 miles away as much as we could. We're still not used to the whole sharing families concept, but I think we did pretty good. We took almost no pictures, except this one on Christmas Eve. It was so fun to have Brandon's aunt, uncle and cousin there - and all the siblings were there by Christmas day! It was such a treat. Our typical Christmas is eating, games, talking, sleeping, and movies. It was a great break and vacation. I love being a part of Brandon's family and am grateful for how warm and welcoming they have been to me.

(I had to sneakily include my proudest present wrapping moment. Notice the nicely wrapped christmas tag! )

We brought in the New Year with my darling sister and husband Jim. We played Rock Band, cards, and had yummy snacks & treats and Martinelli's. It was so fun to be with them......and then start the new year off right with a sweet flick like Avatar in 3D on New Years Day.

We ended the season with a 4th annual Christmas party with the Peterson's (x2!).
Em and Ty were in town, and Traci and Ben kindly played fabulous hosts to our annual Christmas party. It was so fun to see my good friends and catch up and see how big their darling Dean has gotten! (Unfortunately, he didn't make it into the pic - but you can take my word for it, he is DANG cute!)

I'll post my year in review soon, but that was December. A great month! It's always a little sad when it's all over, but the sadness is quickly replaced with feelings of excitement and hope for the new upcoming year and the endless possibilities of experiences, adventures, lessons to learn, people to meet and the potential to become a better me all around!

November!!

2009-12-03T21:16:00.018-07:00

One of my very favorite months has come and gone. I love the weather, I love birthdays, and I especially love the beginning of the holiday season!

Here are some fun things that happened in November!

I got to start the month with a fabulous and fun trip out to Tennessee to see a dear friend Desiree. It was wonderful to spend some time with her and her beautiful baby and super nice husband and even some other family members! It was the perfect time to go out East. Prime Fall season, huge trees and fall leaves everywhere! I loved it.

We visited a bakery called Magpies and had the BEST cupcakes ever! They have new flavors and free mini cupcakes for the tasting the first Friday of the month. It was such a treat!

(Pecan Pie, Apple Cinnamon, and sweet Potatoe! Elliott liked them too!)

We took walks, played games, and loved every minute we got to spend together. Thanks again for being the best host ever Des!

Before we cover the big holidays and my birthday, we had a little adventure right outside in our backyard. One morning after Brandon started his car (an '89 Honda Accord) and got out to scrape off the ice, the handle to his driver side door decided to break. Unfortunately, the passenger side has a separate key which has no duplicates......we then spent the next 1.5 hours jury rigging hangers and spatulas to open the door. With the help of Brandon's super strong hands, a wooden spoon and some hangers, we eventually came off victorious.

Now on to my favorite part - my birthday! I love birthdays, and I am lucky enough to be born right near Thanksgiving so I usually get to spend my day of birth with my family. It was another great one. We wore party hats all during breakfast!

It started with a delicious breakfast with my dearest friend Kate & Tommy.

Then a wonderful rest of the day with family, fun, and delicious food!

(Brandon and I celebrated early by ourselves at P.F. Changs)

(yum....the best chocolate cake ever with pumpkin ice cream!)

The very next day was Thanksgiving. Always a great day! Pics of that are on my sisters camera, so I'll have to add them later.

What a great month! And now it's on to Christmas! Celebrating, decorating, shopping, mint m&m's, listening to Carpenters on repeat, and singing Barbara Streisand's Jingle Bells as fast as I can....and counting down the days till my brother & his wife with a bun in the oven get home from Scotland. The fun just keeps on going and going!

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

October Highlights

2009-11-03T11:51:00.015-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween! What a fun holiday. We trick or treated with our friends and their fun-filled 4 year old and played some Clue, which seemed like a fitting game for the day. I wish I had tons of adorable pictures of children and babies in cute costumes like everyone else's blogs, the closest thing I have to post is how much fun my little sister had on Halloween....as a Mad Scientist!

Very Mad! Very Awesome!

A few other highlights of October:

*Learning how to Knit (sort of) with Kate! That was certainly kneat!

*Celebrating the birth of my dear sister Heidi & my fantastic husband!

(sporting his new gifts) (Dinner at Cheesecake Factory) (Delicious & Pretty Dessert)

*Brandon experimenting with his facial hair.

*Discovering this song and video by Oren Lavie. It just a makes me happy, and makes me think I might do this in my dreams once in a while, by the looks of my bed in the morning some days.

*This random email that made me giggle a little

And lastly, a random persistent thought....Everyone is getting sick around me. I feel bad for them, but I also feel bad for me...well mostly jealous. I just really, really want to lose my voice. Is that so bad? Is that too much to ask? I never ever have....I've even tried getting sick sometimes so I could......but it never happens. I have gotten sick, but just never lost my voice. I don't know why it sounds so fun to try to say something and mostly raspy squeaks come out. But alas, all I can do is continue to hope!

Did I mention that I happen to love my life? Because I do!

There are also some VERY exciting things happening in November.....I will report on those before the month's out.

Time to post something...

2009-09-21T20:14:00.004-06:00

I know it's been a month, and I know I should post something - so the best I can come up with is what has been on my mind lately....

* I put socks on for the first time today in 3 months or more. I love wearing flip flops with everything, but I am in no way against crisp weather that some shoes and socks and a light jacket or hoodie can't fix. I just hope it stays just like this for a LONG time!

* We can officially talk about the fact that my brother and his wife are having a baby! I am so excited to be an official aunt!

* Whether you are obsessed with the Twilight series or not - why is everyone posting trailers on their blogs - we've seen them! We get it....you love it!

* I missed yoga tonight and wished I hadn't - but it was fun to watch our cousins baseball game

* I have a long list of friends that I love and love to talk to, and am not sure why I wait so long in between calls, and why am I blogging right now when I should be talking to them?

* There is a part of me that is solid in who I am and loves me unconditionally - and a part of me that always wants to be like other people...more stylish, more granola, cared more, cared less, crafty, spiffy, higherly educated, has a career, is a stay at home mom.....why do I think I can be all of these things mixed into one person? How boring would this world be if we all were?

* I eat WAY more fruit and vegetables these days - and my body is happy about it. I know it likes it, and I like making my body happy.

* I want a garden someday- I want to eat food that I planted and grew all by myself.

* The best part of my day today was when I commented at breakfast with my husband that I can't believe it's already the end of September. His response was, "Time flies when you're married to your soul mate!" I guess it does........Love that man I married!

Anniversary Numero Uno

2009-08-11T14:04:00.024-06:00

Brandon and I just got back from celebrating our 1st anniversary together on a fabulous Mexican cruise! We road tripped it to Vegas, Palm Springs to visit family (LOVED IT! Thanks again for everything!) and then off to San Diego to get on a cruise for 5 days. We loved relaxing, reading, eating delicious food and having lots of fun together.

Before and After a 16" Burrito

I love my husband so much and feel so grateful he is a part of my life. This has definitely been the best year of my life. Everyday is an adventure with him and I'm so glad he asked me to marry him so we could have this fabulously happy life together.

We got an awesome gift for our wedding that explains how I feel exactly...

"They could not remember a time until now that forever didn't seem long enough"

Grand 'Ol Grand Junction

2009-07-28T17:17:00.021-06:00

We had a fun quick road trip out to Grand Junction to visit Brandon's sister Kara. She just moved out there and is now working as a therapist for the VA. She showed us a grand 'ol time. It was so wonderful to spend some time with her and also to get out of Utah for a bit. Below are a bunch of pictures of our adventures. Friday we strolled along downtown where there is local art everywhere...it was very cool! Had some delicious Indian food for dinner.

(me and my cute hubby)

This is a combo of the art called "Chrome On The Range"

and Brandon's imagination!

Saturday we floated in tubes down the Colorado River....My camera's not water proof so no pics....sadly. We found a rope swing and jumped off a few times. Turns out the water was a bit shallower than a tall man like Brandon imagined. He landed and hit his foot pretty hard against a rock and bruised the whole bottom of his foot and is a little bit gimpy now until it heals- but luckily it wasn't anything worse.

Then we were able to drive in Kara's beautiful Miata (a.k.a. Bebe) up the Colorado National Monument. It was BEAUTIFUL and so fun to be driving up and around those bends with the fresh air blowing and such beautiful scenery.

It was a great weekend. We really liked Grand Junction and can't wait to go back!

The 4th of July

2009-07-12T21:59:00.004-06:00

Sorry this post will not have any pictures because I forgot I owned a camera for 3 days straight, but thought I'd report on our 4th of July in Blackfoot, ID. Brandon's grandparents live there and 2 Uncles. We had a mini- family reunion which included BBQ, swimming, sitting in the sun and talking, the ultimate fireworks on the driveway (Thanks Jeremy!) and a water balloon fight with the neighbors. Brandon brought his balloon launcher and it was the biggest hit of the weekend. We started a water fight with the neighbors of Brandon's Uncle and it was a blast! He also has this ridiculous but pretty fun game where at night you launch the water balloons straight up into the air, then everyone scatters and closes their eyes and waits to see who gets hit!

Brandon's extended family is amazing and has become a second family to me. They are so warm and loving and we just love spending time with them. His other grandparents are also in Idaho, Ririe....and we had a great time visiting with them as well. Although they tried to teach us Peanuckle and we are officially not a fan of the game!

It was nice to get away from Utah and have fun and laugh and get some sun and be with family. I made a delicious snack up there that I got from my fabulous sister-in-law Lindsey, and it was a hit (as far as snacks go). In case you've never had it.....I must share the love!

Pigeon Mix

Ingredients:
1 1/2 C. Butter
2 C. Sugar
2 C. Light Corn Syrup
1 Box Ric or Corn Chex
1 Box Golden Grahams
2 C Shredded coconut
1 C Slivered Almonds

Melt Butter, Sugar and Syrup in Large sauce pan on Medium Head - stir until boiling.

Mix Cereal, Coconut & Almonds in Large mixing bowl. Pour Syrup mixture over cereal mixture. Lay our on Wax/Parchment Paper to cool.

Still on the Calendar of fun things to do this month....a road trip to Grand Junction to see my sister-in-law Kara, a tour of the largest open mines that you can even see from space, practically right in our backyard...Kennecott mines, and a super exciting California road trip and Mexican cruise for our 1 year Anniversary! Wohoo!

We'll be sure to take pictures and keep everyone up to date on our many adventures!

Catch Up...

2009-06-19T09:41:00.010-06:00

What's been happening for the Harmons? Time for a 2 month re-cap.

Memories from April are foggy at best, but the main event I distinctly remember was the graduation of my baby sis. She will be headed down to Dallas for grad school this Fall and I will be sad she will be so far away....but I'm excited for her and proud of all her hard work graduating with a double major in Psychology and Photography and on to a Masters I(& possibly PhD) in Theoretical Psychology! - She is amazing!

May was the month of love. It was primarily focused on one very special event - my beautiful older sister's wedding! It was such a magical day, so much fun to have the whole family in town (even all the way from Scotland) and so exciting to be a part of such a special a loving and memorable celebration! Congratulations you guys!

So far for June...

Brandon and I went on a quick trip to Denver where we assisted at 'The Zufelt Experience' which is a weekend retreat held by my dad. A wonderful uplifting, and always life-changing experience...and so great to be there with my husband!

Our friends Kate & Rob left us their 1 year old baby boy Tommy for an over night babysitting adventure. It was our first time playing parent for more than a few hours - and we loved every minute. It was a blast!

Our dear friends Em & Tyler left Utah after 5 wonderful years of friendship and memories, they are moving on to bigger and better things back east. We'll miss you guys!

On a random note, Brandon and I had a date to the dentist this week (which was a first) and found out we both need root canals - on the same tooth! What are the odds? That's how close we are as a couple...we live together, we love together.......

we get root canals together........

And on a final note, we're excited to have a summer in Utah where we can actually play! Last summer we were a little pre-occupied with planning a wedding and so now we have to make up for lost time. We're looking forward to road trips to Idaho, Zions Park, Yellowstone, California - camping, tubing, hiking, biking (once I get a bike!) Not to mention celebrating our 1 year anniversary! It's going to be just great...can't wait!

Lucky Me...

2009-03-31T11:30:00.025-06:00

I know that I am the luckiest girl ever to get to know and see every side of my amazing husband Brandon. One side that I know very well, but that many people don't know is that Brandon is hilarious and totally silly. He makes me laugh almost every day, and I feel selfish keeping this side of him all to myself, so I wanted to share some pictures to show a side of Brandon to the world that I alone get to see almost every day.

Also, I have discovered more of his adorable quirks and I wanted to divulge some of them as well.

So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce my wonderful and very funny husband....Brandon!

(a cool picker-upper man gadget thingy) (Trying to capture a beautiful fall walk)

Quirks....

** Sometimes he falls asleep singing the hymns at church

** He thinks he should have a bigger nose than I do.

(He looks like he belongs on the Simpsons in this pic)

** He gets goosebumps when he eats apples (and sometimes grapes)

**He can make his face go 'aerodynamic' - I have yet to capture this phenomena on film!

(my dad got him a robe from Singapore for Christmas, they liked pretending they were ninjas)

**When he has trash or wrappers, he just holds it FOREVER, he doesn't know what to do with it. I usually have to take it from him or point to where he could put it down or throw it away.

** He touches his forehead and eyebrows when he's nervous, and regularly forces a fake yawn when talking about something uncomfortable!

(He LOVES his new shotgun....it still scares me a bit though)

**He likes to squish all of the fruit snacks into one big glob and put the whole thing in his mouth

** He is a man who appreciates his food. He eats it slow and deliberately, and I know I did well if I get him to close his eyes while he chews - savoring the experience! (which luckily isn't too hard since he's easy to please!)

(He didn't even object once when I wanted to wear matching shirts for St. Patrick's Day!)

Now, this next part is not about quirks or how funny my husband is, but a bit of bragging. We got to babysit our favorite baby Thomas last week and Brandon was so good with him. I couldn't help but just brag a little bit about what a great dad he'll be someday. Thomas loved him....

(Isn't he SO cute?! Of course Thomas is adorable too!)

I just love, love, love my man! He is the love of my life and makes me so happy! I'm so glad he picked me!

P.S. - we've been married 8 months this week! wohoo!

Last one....I promise

2009-03-09T18:15:00.012-06:00

This is the last stolen "Tag" I will do. It was pretty fun though. - this is a little more getting to know me. Then I will start blogging about somewhat real and significant things again! I promise!

1. Go to www.flickr.com
2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box
3. Use only the first page
4. Copy the html and paste for the answer.

1. What is your name?

2. What is your favorite food?

3. What is your favorite color?

4. Favorite drink?

5. Dream vacation?

6. Favorite dessert? (couldn't pick!)

7. What do you want to be when you grow up?

8. What do you love most in life?

9. One word to describe you?

10. What do you dream about?

Couple Insights

2009-02-19T12:35:00.007-07:00

I've come this far, I might as well keep going. There are a few other "tags" out there that I think are fun. And since February is the month of love, I might as well sneak this one in there while I still can. Feel free to do the same if you feel so inclined!

♥ What are your middle names? Zufelt (me), Jeffrey (Brandon)
♥ How long have you been together? 1 year – married 6 months.
♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? 14 years….sort of. We went out once in

high school, but haven't seen each other since.
♥ Who asked who out? Brandon asked me first, and I couldn't go, and then I blew him off a few times, and

then I asked him if he wanted to hang out, and it ended up being a date with all sorts of chemistry!
♥Who said I love you first? Brandon – I refused to be the first….but I easily could have because I knew

pretty early on.
♥ How old are each of you? 28 – Brandon is one month older than me.
♥ Who's siblings do you see the most? Mine, none of his siblings are in Utah, we wish we saw them more.
♥ Do you have any children together? Not yet, but he keeps telling me he wants to get me knocked up on

our 1 year anniversary..haha….we’ll see about that.
♥ What about pets? – We currently have a robotic dog named sparky. Someday we'll upgrade to the mammal kind. Brandon is the ultimate animal lover, we’ll definitely be dog people someday.

don't have much of a say in it, but I'm sure I'll figure out how to be a dog person some day.
♥ Did you go to the same schools? Yes, same high school, but we were at BYU-Idaho, and BYU-Provo at

opposite times.
♥ Are you from the same hometown? Yep! We grew up 2 miles apart.
♥ Who is the smartest? Brandon thinks he is…..and I let him think he is (which I think really makes me the

smartest!) We are both smart about different things, which makes us compliment one another very well.
♥ Who is the most sensitive? Definitely me….definitely
♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? Pei Wei, Rumbi, Costco!
♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Florida
♥ Who has the craziest ex? He does, I don’t even know her, but she keeps asking to be my friend on

facebook.
♥ Who has the worst temper? I do. I was shocked to discover this, but I definitely am a bit more volatile than

Brandon, he pretty much always remains calm and quiet.
♥ Who does the cooking? Me, Brandon helps sometimes. Sometimes he brings home dinner so I don't have to

cook.
♥Who is the most social? Me, I thrive on it. Brandon is naturally a bit more introverted, but still an amazing

conversationalist and a great listener.
♥ Who is the neat-freak? Brandon in some ways, me in others….we’re a good balance.
♥ Who is the most stubborn? We both are pretty stubborn. He might be a bit more than me though.
♥ Who wakes up earlier? Neither of us….mornings are always a struggle.
♥ Where was your first date? Pei Wei for dinner, my house for Dirty Marbles.
♥Who has the bigger family? Our families are the same size, but he is closer to his extended family, so his feels

bigger.
♥Do you get flowers often? Nada, they’re not a very “practical” gift, but he knows they are a sure way to

always make me happy.
♥ Who do you spend the holidays with? Both.
♥ Who is more jealous? Neither one of us.
♥ Who sings better? That would probably be me, but Brandon sings more than me around the house.
♥Who does the laundry? Mostly me, but he does it too sometimes.
♥ Who’s better with the computer? Me, he is secretly jealous of my computer savvyness!
♥ Who drives when you are together? Brandon – according to him, it’s a man’s job. I’m fine with it. I don’t

love driving anyway.
♥ Who picks where you go to dinner? We try to decide together, but I feel like I usually make the final call

'cuz Brandon is usually up for anything.
♥ Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong? Probably Brandon. But that's because I don't ever do

anything wrong!
♥ Who named your pet? I came up with the name for our robo dog Sparky, but when the real dogs show up, no doubt Brandon will name them…..because frankly, I don’t really care!
♥ Who wears the pants in the relationship? I have no idea....I think we have one pant leg each.
♥ Who eats more sweets? It’s probably equal. I eat them more regularly, but when there are any large amounts

in the house, Brandon gorges on them!
♥ Who cries more? DEFINITELY me!
♥ Are you still together? You Betcha! Together Forever!

What My Playlist Says About Me

2009-02-09T16:34:00.004-07:00

I am not usually the kind of person to do these, but this looked fun - and since I am at a loss lately of what to post, I will be using ideas from other people. This was kinda fun. Most of the songs that came up were actually quite applicable to the question. It's fun just to let your music play on shuffle and just sit back and listen to your randomness. But this little exercise reminded me yet once again how much I love my music! When I learn how, I will try to include the song where possible so you could enjoy them as much as I do.

1. Put your iTunes, mp3, or media player on shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds!
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.

p.s... . . . . . . . no cheating!

How many of these have I done?
Brand New Colony- The Postal Service

There's always a first time for everything. I'm brand new to this kind of thing!

If someone says, "Is this okay?" you say?

Sirens- String Cheese Incident

I'll always tell you the truth, but you'll never question if I love you! favorite line of this song - "I just want to say I love you, make sure you feel it everyday"

How would you describe yourself?
The Loving Sounds of Static- Mobius Band

I'm not sure how this describes me, maybe the more you get to know me, the more you find to love that you didn't expect to.

What do you like in a guy/girl?
Holding Out for a Hero- Frou Frou

How perfect is this? Luckily, I already found my hero!

How do you feel today?
Pig- Dave Matthews Band

Ya, so...I've got to be a little more regular at the gym & stop eating entire bags of popcorn....this is no secret.

What is your life's purpose?
I’ll Do Anything – Jason Mraz

I will - I'm not always the planner, but most often, I'm up for just about anything.....and if you dare me, I'll try just about anything once....except sky diving, sorry Brandon.

What is your motto?
Please Forgive Me- David Gray

I hate feeling unaware of myself, and if that negatively effects anyone around me. So if it does....please do forgive. I'm usually very quick to say sorry, now I know why....it's my life motto! Who knew?

What do your friends think of you?
Did you Ever Look So Nice- The Samples That's right....I'm one hot stylin' lady. I know you all are jealous...always have been....just admit it!

What do you think of your parents?

I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm- Billie Holiday

My parents have instilled me with so much love and acceptance that I keep it with me and take it wherever I go.

What do you think about very often?

Something to Talk about- Badly Drawn Boy

I am a good conversationalist. If there's nothing to talk about, I can usually come up with a question that'll get you talking.

What do you think of your best friend?

I Will- The Beatles

I love this song! The first line of the lyrics say, “Who knows how long I’ve loved you, you know I’ve love you still…" I love my best friends....and I know we've been friends before we came here, and will be long after we're gone.

What do you think of the person you like?

The Kissing Song- Dawn Landes

Are you kidding me? This is like one of my favorite love songs....I LOVE kissing my husband...it still gives me butterflies.

What is your life story?

Don’t Think Twice it’s alright- Bob Dylan

I generally consider myself a pretty easy going...go with the flow person.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Always a Use- Madeleine Peyroux-

I want to always be useful, making a difference in the lives of others.

What do you think of when you see the person you like?

Never Let you Go- William Fitzsimmons

Yup! He's all mine, for all eternity, and I couldn't be happier about it!

What will you dance to at your wedding?

If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out- Cat Stevens-

We didn't get to do a dance at my wedding, but this would have worked. It was actually supposed to be The Way You Look Tonight by Tony Bennett, but oh well! This is a happy song too!

What will they play at your funeral?

Flower Duet- Delibas Lakme

This was actually amazingly fitting because I have just acquired this song, and have listened to it on repeat over and over and over. It is so fulfilling to my soul. I would be fine playing this at my funeral, the harmony in this song gives me chills.

What is your hobby/interest?

Scenic World- Beirut

I LOVE to travel. I wish I could be rich and just plan trips.....I'm excited for me and my husband to go on our first trip together.

What is your biggest fear?

Multiply- Jamie Lidell -

hmmm....I'll have to ponder on this a big. I'm not scared of clones, or having children, or rabbits....and this cannot be connected in anyway to my true phobia - being chased......maybe it's a latent phobia yet to surface.....

What is your biggest secret?

Suddenly I See- KT Tunstall

I have Xray vision that is only activated by a secret word....As soon as someone says it, I usually can see just about anything through anything I want. Shhhh....don't tell.

What do you think of your friends?

Fields of Gold- Sting

I have been blessed with amazing friends and people in my life.

2008: Another Year

2009-01-11T16:28:00.035-07:00

Just thinking about 2008.....wasn't it great?

January

A certain someone wasn't even a twinkle in my eye. I was still dilly dallying with great friends and loving my life!

February

My Grandpa Z passed away. It was sad and we'll miss him, but it was a great opportunity for our family to all get together and commemorate a wonderful man and express our love for one another.

February 2nd to be exact....my 1st date with a Mr. Brandon Harmon. I thought it would be an awkward night of high school reminiscing, but I was surprisingly shocked to find it to be much much more! Knew by the 3rd date that this was not just any other guy. By February 14th I had my first valentine....by the 19th, he had told me that he loved me. Things were looking good!

March

People were starting to warm up to the idea of how fast things were going, and were beginning to accept Brandon as the man of my dreams. I also wrote in my journal this month,

"I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how lucky I have been blessed to have such great dear friends. People that have been little pieces of my soul, that have gotten me, loved me unconditionally, and will always share a piece of my heart. Such friends as Amie, Megan , Desi, Heidi, Patty, Emily, Trisha, Jill, Lacie, Kate, Amanda, Erin, Mika, Haylee, and of course, my two sisters who are my very best friends, Rebecca and Heidi. I just wanted to say how thankful I am for their role in my life."

April

The love flourishes, the fun continues....and we welcome my first favorite baby to the world, Mr. Thomas Stoker! Well done Kate & Rob!

May

May 2nd to be exact...I'm an egaged woman! Love is in the air! The wedding planning begins, Engagment Pictures and spring is in full bloom!

June

More fun wedding planning - talking to my mom almost every day on the phone - who can think of anything else at a time like this?! Oh ya, and a trip to Lagoon (ending with a scary ride!) and free concerts at the Gallivan Center downtown! LOVE 'EM!

July

More Wedding Planning - the countdown begins, it is just weeks and days until I am sealed together forever with the man of my dreams....

August

A WEDDING! THE MOST WONDERFUL DAY OF MY LIFE! And sunny Florida for a Honeymoon to top it all off!

September:

I headed out for my first time in Seattle for my dear friend Lacie's beautiful wedding!

October:

Learning how to love and take care of my husband to the best of my ability, helping him have the best birthday ever!

November:

My first married birthday! It was a blast! and a wonderful Thanksgiving with family (minus 2 very important people who currently reside in Scotland) - also, I heard rumors there was a new President of the country elected that was a really big deal, but I had not yet surfaced from my self-absorbed married Never-Never land to pay too much attention to it.

December:

A fabulous Christmas and low and behold....another wedding in the air! Heidi gets engaged Christmas Eve to the fabulous Mr. Jim! A happy and wonderful Christmas at home with all of my favorite people (minus 2 very important people in Scotland!)

A few other fun tidbits of the year...

New Music I loved:

William Fitzsimmons, Bon Iver: Skinny Love, Amelie Soundtrack, Robert Plant/Alison Krauss Album; Rising Sand, Radiohead album; In Rainbows, Philip Glass; Metamorphosis, Horse Feathers, and Beirut.

Books I Read:

Sadly, I didn’t read very many books this year, although I was a bit pre-occupied! But I did manage to read a few: Breaking Dawn, by Stephanie Meyers, Enders Shadow, by Orson Scott Card, Angels & Demons by Dan Brown, The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright, and The Power of Kindness by Piero Ferrucci

All in all, I'd say this has pretty much been the happiest, most love-filled and eventful year of my life thus far! And it has FLOWN by like nobodies business. I never knew love could be as wonderful and fulfilling and beautiful and uplifting as it has been for me. I'm so grateful God sent this man into my life, and has blessed me with such wonderful family and friends, and has seen fit to bless us with so much joy and happiness! Thank you 2008!

Christmas is coming....

2008-12-08T13:25:00.007-07:00

We got our very first real Christmas tree! It was altogether quite exciting. Brandon's never had a real tree and our house smells delicious! I LOVE decorating for holidays...but this is by far the funnest holiday to decorate for! I could sit and look at Christmas lights, cuddled up in a blanket endlessly. It is so warm and comforting. It is so fun to decorate my home...not just my room or apartment I share with other girls....but my very own house....with my very own husband.

Here's our beautiful tree!

We also went on Friday night to a live presentation of Glenn Beck's, A Christmas Sweater. We loved it! We cried! It was really powerful. It's basically a one man show of him telling a really powerful story of his childhood. Here's a little preview. They are doing a showing in theaters on the 17th, so if you are able to see it, I would highly recommend it!

Merry Christmas!!!

28 is Great!

2008-11-26T11:19:00.005-07:00

Having just turned 28 and having just had a wonderful birthday with many of my loved one's, especially my fabulously amazing husband, and seeing this list on a few people's blogs, I thought it would be a fun little list of a few things I've been blessed to experience in my life.....and a few things to look forward to in the future. This includes a list of things done, and in italics, a list of things yet to do. And then a few things I don't care to ever do!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars
3. Visited Hawaii
4. Watched a meteor shower
5. Given more than you can afford to charity
6. Been to Disneyland/world
7. Climbed a mountain
8. Sang a solo
~~9. Bungee jumped~~
10. Visited Paris
11. Watched a lightning storm at sea
12. Taught yourself an art from scratch
13. Adopted a child
~~14. Had food poisoning~~
15. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
16. Grown your own vegetables
17. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
18. Slept on an overnight train
19. Had a pillow fight
20. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
21. Built a snow fort
22. Gone skinny dipping
~~23. Run a Marathon~~
24. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
25. Seen a total eclipse
26. Watched a sunrise or sunset
27. Been on a cruise
28. Seen Niagara Falls in person
29. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
30. Taught yourself a new language
31. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
32. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
33. Gone rock climbing
34. Seen Michelangelo’s David
35. Sung karaoke
36. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
37. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
38. Visited Africa
39. Walked on a beach by moonlight
40. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
41. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
42. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
43. Kissed in the rain
44. Played in the mud
45. Gone to a drive-in theater
46. Seen a movie being filmed
47. Visited the Great Wall of China
48. Started a business
49. Taken a martial arts class
50. Visited Russia (or any of the former soviet republics)
51. Served at a soup kitchen
52. Gone whale watching
53. Got flowers for no reason
~~54. Gone sky diving~~
55. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
56. Flown in a helicopter
57. Saved a favorite childhood toy
58. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
59. Eaten Caviar
60. Pieced a quilt
61. Stood in Times Square
62. Toured the Everglades
63. Been fired from a job- I don’t want to talk about it
64. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
65. Broken a bone
66. Been on a speeding motorcycle/scooter
67. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
68. Published a book
69. Visited the Vatican
70. Walked in Jerusalem
71. Had your picture in the newspaper
72. Read the entire Bible
73. Visited the White House
74. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

75. Had chickenpox
76. Saved someone’s life
77. Sat on a jury
78. Met someone famous- Danny Glover
79. Joined a book club
80. Lost a loved one
81. Had a baby
82. Seen the Alamo in person
83. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
84. Been stung by a bee
85. Lived in a foreign country

Items from my personal list of accomplishments and “somedays”

86. Live in Europe

87. Go on a hot air balloon ride

88. Get Married in the temple

89. Graduate from College

90. Be able to cook- invent a new recipe

91. Have really long hair

92. Chop my hair super short

93. See a rocketship take off and Cape Canaveral

94. See a Broadway play in New York

95. Learn to play the guitar

Future Offspring

2008-11-05T12:11:00.006-07:00

It turns out you can get a sneak peak at what you're kids are going to look like.

Don't worry, this is not a reality any time in our near future...and hopefully our little guy won't be as creepy as this kid, but he's still a little bit cute. I must admit I am pretty excited to meet our future little Harmon Jr someday....please note.....someday.....in the future.

For the record, Calvin is really a name Brandon wants for a little boy, and because I don't want to name our kid Calvin and call him Cal....I thought I'd be nice and at least give him one kid named Cal. Congratulations Brandon....you're a virtual Daddy!

On another note, I wanted to officially bid Fall farewell. I'm sad that my favorite season of the year is over. No more light jackets and crisp walks in the cool air, crunchy leaves, and sunshine. It was another beautiful season,

But there are many more reasons why I am happy today. Besides giving birth to a virtual bubbling baby boy, I am happy that it snowed all day today. That the holidays are beginning. That it is November, which not only is Thanksgiving, but also my birthday, and the launch of the Christmas festivities! I'm happy I got to whip out our Cocoa Maker and I can now start my day with deliciously hot & frothy cocoa. I am happy that this month Brandon and I have been married for 3 whole months! Everyday is still an adventure.

Ode to Brandon

2008-10-20T10:24:00.003-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUSBAND!

I sure am glad he was born and I'm so glad he's a part of my life forever.

& appropriately, as we saw on that girls shirt at Lagoon.....

never forget...

OWL LOVE YOU!
(it took me a few times saying it out loud before I got it!)

I May or May Not Be A Dinosaur

2008-10-10T11:59:00.006-06:00

Just a little random fact sharing about some inner workings of my life (don't expect deep insights at this point....be patient....wait for it...)

Have you ever lifted too much weight at the gym before your body was able to really handle it? I was a victim of a very intimidating and almost scary instructor at my gym in a weight lifting class. I haven't been to the gym in several months, (ok, maybe 6, or maybe 8) and I just started getting back into it this month. So I went to this class, and didn't think I killed myself....but the past 3 days have told me other wise.

Basically, right now, I feel like a Tyrannosaurus Rex. My biceps have ripped so much that it is literally painful to straighten my arms. I walk around with them bent in front of me. It takes a slow and painful process to stretch and straighten them out. I've never been more grateful for the ability to extend my arms in my entire life. Needless to say, I think I bit out too big of a chunk than my body could handle. And those instructors....they sure are good at what they do. I didn't want to let her down, I didn't want to appear weak....and I didn't want her to keep looking at me like that when I cheated....so I pushed myself, I "worked it".....and I am now paying for it.

Lesson Learned: Don't expect to be able to handle the same level of strength and exertion you could 6 months ago. And don't give in to the peer pressure of perfectly toned and intimidating Gym instructors. I can't wait until I can walk normal and swing my arms at my side again like the average Homosapien. I think there is also a hidden lesson of gratitude thrown in there. I feel a new sense of sympathy for the poor T-Rex's that have such little use of their arms. It reminds me of scene from meet the Robinsons.

Now I know. I guess sometimes you have to learn a lesson the hard way.

2008-09-26T12:55:00.013-06:00

I've had a few requests for an update, and some honeymoon pictures. I'll start with the latter.

Brandon and I went to Sarasota, FL for our Honeymoon. We stayed in a beautiful 3 story condo (friend of my dad's)...had an absolute blast....and unfortunately, didn't take too many pictures....but here are a few.

(possibly a result of listening recently to Nelly Furtado's,
"I'm like a bird"....that or it's just hard to resist the
urge not to run into a flock of birds!)

(A sunset stroll)

(enjoying our favorite game....beach side)

(how could you not be in love with a sunset like that?!)

As for an update. Being married these last almost 2 months (can you believe it's been 2 months?) has been so fun! It is a whole new world to be aware of someone else besides yourself for 24 hours a day. (that makes me sound really selfish....and it's kinda true.) We have had a lot of fun learning about how to be married! It is an inevitable crash course and you can either laugh the whole way, or get all worked up about it. Brandon has a few adorable quirks that I never really knew to expect when living with a man. I don't know how he would feel about me posting this to the world, (or at least the 6 of you that ever read this!) but I'm pretty sure he never reads my blog, so we should be ok! They're totally adorable though....and maybe a lot of men do this. No idea! I've only ever lived with one.

Quirk #1- He likes to take off his shirt when he brushes his teeth.....to check himself out and flex for a good solid 2 or 3 minutes!

Quirk #2- He likes to hang the pants he's wearing tomorrow on the door.

Quirk #3- He talks in his sleep all the time! He is actually a very animated sleeper.....he twitches, and shakes hands, and has a very expressive face when he's dreaming....and has even gotten in a few fights. He threw a right hook one night, and unfortunately, as it came down from the invisible face he just knocked out in his dream.....I was the recipient of the end of that punch.

Not really my favorite way to be woken up in the middle of the night.

So now, the rule is....cuddle for a little bit, and once he dozes off.....I scoot over as far away from him as I can!

Quirk #4- He gets about 1 or 2 lines of a song stuck in his head, and he sings those 1 or 2 lines over and over and over and over again.

I think that is all I can and should share! It is a blast being married to this man. We are still figuring out schedules, routines, and roles....but that's all part of the fun. I have also just recently re-surfaced from married never-never land....and have made contact with other earthlings and friends that I have neglected (with all the love in my heart) for the last 2 months. I'm grateful for their patience as I put all my time and energy into this new husband of mine for a little bit.

Also, it's Fall....and that could not make me any happier. Life is pretty dang dong darn good!

Get Married....Done and Done!

2008-08-19T14:12:00.016-06:00

Check it off the list. I did it, I rocked it....I loved every minute of it! I am officially married.....wedded....hitched....and you know what? It is awesome!!! It was the most perfect beautiful day EVER! Brandon was the most handsome amazing groom. Then there was the honeymoon.....Florida....could not have been more perfect! I can already tell I have the best husband ever! (I am trying to use that word as much as possible hoping that one of these days it won't feel so foreign to say the word husband!)

We're still in the process of setting up our little house. And we were hooked up with SO many gifts, our little house is stuffed to the gills! We're still figuring out where to put it all!

Here is our photographers blog to check out some picks

http://volkelimage.blogspot.com/2008/08/arianne-brandons-wedding.html

.....and here a few snapped by others!

Needless to say, it was pretty much the best day of my life! I can't wait to see what other amazing things happen now that I have Brandon by my side for the rest of eternity!

I'll write more about the blisses of married life a little later!

T-minus 17 and Counting...

2008-07-15T13:36:00.007-06:00

Hello, my name is Arianne, and I am getting married in 17 days!

I must admit, the reality of this is a little bit difficult to wrap my mind around.

Not that I couldn't be MORE excited for it....and to be with the man I love for the rest of my life and for all eternity...and it is such a beautiful and amazing blessing to have him in my life...but it is still, as Brandon says, "a little surreal." (I find that to be a bit of an understatement!)

For those of you who haven't seen....we have a wedding blog with some of our engagement pics and other wedding info.

arianneandbrandon.blogspot.com

I'd love to hear any wedding tips...wife tips...life tips....that anyone has to share, because as NBC has tried to tell us for years.....

Pending Nuptial!!

2008-05-14T10:55:00.014-06:00

So many 3 month periods in my current 27 years of existence, but these last 3 months have been among the best!.....and at the end of these most recent 3 months, I am happy to announce to the world that I am...how you say...

Engaged!!

You know this guy Brandon I told you about earlier?

That's the guy that asked me if I would marry him and be his eternal sweetheart.

And you know this girl?

This is the girl that said yes, and then cried.

The Story: May 2nd, 3 months since our first date, Brandon says he wants to take me to dinner to celebrate. That day I got a dozen roses delivered to my door, he picked me up after work and took me to the Melting Pot for dinner!

I didn't see it coming because he had sneakily thrown me off his scent by telling me he was having my ring custom designed, and that it wouldn't be ready for 3 or 4 more weeks......Anyway, after dinner, right around sunset, we headed up towards Ensign Peak and took a walk up in the hills overlooking the city. As we were walking, Brandon stopped and said he had a rock in his shoe. He sat down, and took his shoe off.....turned it over, and dumped out my ring! He had it taped in his shoe all night! That is quite the rock to have in your shoe eh?!

Well, you know the rest.....he asked the question, and I said the little answer (the one that rhymes with Guess...not the one that rhymes with Snow). We stayed up there and snuggled under blankets and star gazed for a bit, then came back to his place where he had whipped out this little number....

Candle, Rose Petals, and Strawberry Shortcake....my favorite! Can we say Mr. Romantic? He has knocked me off my feet from day 1. He is everything I could have ever asked for in a man I love, and more!

The Details: We're getting married in Denver, Colorado on August 2nd.....and I tell you what, it could not come soon enough! As far as planning goes, in less than 2 weeks, I already have my dress, my reception planned, my invitations picked, my cake, my colors, the honeymoon booked & Brandon's Ring. Not bad right? This wedding planning stuff is a breeze! I cannot wait to be a wedded woman, a wife, in the left-hand ring club, officially off the market, start receiving my monthly subscription to the Eternal Bliss Newsletter....and mostly to have someone with me every step of the way for the rest of my life, to help me become all that is in me to become, and love and support me and will let me be the same for him.

For a guy I grew up with, and hardly remember going to my Senior Homecoming with.....

(the penguin is also invited to the wedding)

I'm so glad he showed up in my life again 10 years later. He has turned out to be quite the studly catch....and such a perfect match you would think God tailor made him just for me! And now he's mine.....all mine! Can life get any better than this?

(taken right after he proposed)

Guess Who Was Born?!

2008-04-04T13:55:00.009-06:00

I happen to know of someone, someone I like very well.....who was born today. She is an all around phenomenal person who puts the "N" in Neat, the "oo" in Cool, and the "some" in awesome. Her success in surviving and thriving 25 entire years is worth a celebration, a parade, an entire holiday!

*It's not Santa Clause, though she does spread happiness and cheer wherever she goes.

*It's not Oprah or Dr. Phil, but she is a great listener and has great advice.

*It's not Mother Theresa, but she does serve and love everyone she comes in contact with.

*It's not Julia Roberts or Billy Crystal, but she is beautiful and has a power house smile that can brighten a room!

*It's not Ansel Adams or Edward Westin, but she is a very talented and artistic photographer.

*It's not Einstein or Erkel, but she is very intelligent and has an insatiable thirst for knowlege.

It IS my baby sister Rebecca...Rebeccer...Becca Bot...Bec Tech...or to most of us, Becca.

Happy Birthday Becca!
Thank you for existing and being a blessing in our lives!

Introducing....

2008-03-18T12:01:00.013-06:00

I've tapped into the euphoria, or concentrated glee, of the proverbial cloud 9 now and again in my life. But ever since I met this guy....I haven't touched ground since.

I'd like you to meet Brandon.

He's pretty darn great. I mean, on a scale of 1 to totally awesome, he's definitely hanging out up there with all of the big wigs like amazing, wonderful, stellar....rad.

He's the reason I break into a smile sporadically during the day.

He's the one I can't seem to quite get enough of, no matter how much time we spend together.

It is his hugs that I have now come to crave and don't feel like my day is complete until I get one.

This is him.....

and for the sake of simplicity, let's just say.....He's great!

A Birthday is Today-O!

2008-03-12T17:05:00.007-06:00

For exactly 12 days, my parents are the same age, and then my dad races 1 year beyond my mother. Today is that very day. Today, my dad was born! This is to tell the 5 or 12 of you who read my blog that I love and honor and appreciate and could not be more grateful and happy about the fact that this guy (some call dad, some call Jack, some call pappy) was born. (also, no one really calls him pappy....) Someone once told me that the best part about getting older, is you have more choices of what age you get to act.

Anyway, He is my boss, my buddy, and he also happens to be the best father in the world. Even though he is considered a mentor to millions, his job on this earth would have been complete because he is a hero to the 4 kids he brought into it.

LOVE YOU DAD!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

(We're not too far off from this my dear father!)

Also, 2 other things added to the complete delight of this day.

First, I washed the dishes this morning, and after plopping some soap in the sink, a HUGE bubble came out and floated all around the kitchen and even went into the living room. It was alive for almost 2 and a half minutes. I followed it around and was trying not to imagine myself in the sequel of the Abyss. (which I was ridiculously unsuccessful at....)

Secondly, once a year for 1 short month celebrating Easter only, a company called Fernwood makes the most delicious delicacy in existence. I have missed the opportunity to partake for 2 years in a row now, and so it is the mere memory of the taste of this amazing mouth shattering experience that has gotten me through. And today, thanks to the help of my grandmother announcing their arrival....I went and got a whole BOX! They're called Almondettes....and once you taste of this palatable piece of pure bliss.....then you'll know what I mean. If nougat had a king, it would be the Almondette. If almonds and chocolates ever wanted to combine and be groupies of one treat, and one alone...it would be the Almondette.

So here's to pure awesomeness in all it's forms - lovable fathers, everlasting bubbles, and life altering desserts!

So this is Bliss.....

2008-02-28T13:53:00.006-07:00

In the last few weeks, there have been a couple of reasons that have contributed to the fact that I go to bed each night with a smile on my face that seems to never dissipate, and is still there when I wake up. I am, how you say, deliriously, ridiculously happy.

Today, one of the reasons contributing to this feeling is because it is the day my mother was born! She is an amazing woman. If I ever become 1/3rd of the person she is, then I'm set! I am so grateful for her role in my life as my mother and my very dear friend.

Happy Birthday Mama!
Here's to YOU!

Walking Man's Road

2008-02-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share some things I learned re-watching my childhood favorite movie this week, The Last Unicorn. (a highly entertaining film that was a integral part of my formative years)

Never run from anything immortal, it attracts their attention

Dragons not only have fiery insides and ice cold skin, but they speak 17 languages readily, and are subject to BOUNCE.

Be rary of wousing a rizard's wrath - rousing a rizard's - Be wary of making a magician angry!

It's a very rare person who is taken for what he truly is.

To me, it is imperative that all people know these truths.

Switching Gears.....

There are a few songs I've listened to this week that have meaningful and poetic lyrics which have set the tone for my week. They are as follows:

"There's only one thing that I know how to do well, and I've often been told that you only can do what you know how to do well; and that's be you...be what you're like...be like yourself....and so I'm having a wonderful time, but I'd rather be whistling in the dark."

"Let me hear that, get me near that, crunchy granola suite, drop your shrink and stop your drinkin’, crunchy granola's neat. "

"Not counting the feathered scarves, and not counting the scared rabbits; not counting the soiled woman, and not counting the amateur trumpet sounds, and not counting the angry asian...."

Oh me, good times....good times! What would life be without good music and magical unicorn movies? All I know is that is a life I hope I never have to face. Speaking of face's....here's a doosey.....

That should fulfill my completely random quota for the day plus or minus a month.

Save a life...

2008-01-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

It happened again.

I was telling someone about my near death, caught in a riptide, traumatizing experience in Salvador, Brazil this summer (I went with my two sisters in August....2 words...awesome).

ANYWAY - the point is, as I re-tell my reasoning for having a love/hate relationship with the ocean and re-live the drama, all for a story's sake, it is without fail that 90% of the people interject mid story and say, "Don't you know you're supposed to swim parallel with the shore?"

WHERE WAS I THE DAY EVERYONE IN THE WORLD LEARNED THIS TRICK? Did I ditch that day? Was I sick? Loitering in the halls? I have no idea, but for some reason, everyone seems to know about it except me. For the 7 of you out there who still don't know, the trick is this; if you are ever caught in a riptide, you are supposed to swim parallel to the shore, and eventually you will be pushed back into shore rather than exhaust yourself in the futile effort of trying to swim directly back in.

It would have been PRETTY helpful to have a tip like that stored somewhere in the nicely organized files of my head under "R" for Riptide, "A" for Avert Death, "H" for How Not To Freak Out Right Now, or "N" for Nemesis, Ocean.

Well, in case you don't know the end of the story - I survived. It was actually my sister and I out there....she survived too. Luckily a lifeguard was keeping tabs on us as he saw us get too far out, (not in a cool hippie way) and he came out to get us. He probably waited so long because he figured eventually we'd start swimming parallel to the shore.

We both lived to drink another Guarana, see another sunset and make another fishy face.

(notice how my head is being pulled back into my neck and
my eyebrows are going vertical. It is apparent that a good
time was being had, or I just cracked myself up with a joke!)

The moral of the story kids is to watch more TV - Discovery, Man vs. Wild, Survivor, America's Next Top Model...these are where everyone must learn the things that REALLY matter when it comes down to life or death.

So spread the word....and the word is Swim Parallel. Say it in passing, in salutations and in closing prayers. You just might save a life.

To Blog or not to Blog?

2008-01-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

In the last month, my life has changed ever so slightly. I have a new filter introduced in my brain. The daily things that happen, the things I think, the new things I learn about....as these occur, the thought now seems to always cross my mind.....is this something I could write about on my blog? Ridiculous. So, even though the answer has not been yes in a while, I think I should at least begin to set some sort of parameters.

Things not to blog about:

How I feel about small animals
Is that a new shampoo you're using?
I just rearranged my room
I think I just saw the future in my oatmeal
Hey, is that a new sweater?
What time I woke up
Knock knock jokes....ok....all jokes
What new mythical creatures can be created by putting wings on regular animals?
The miscellaneous things in my cupboard
Re-tell stories I read on other blogs
101 things to do with your blender
I locked myself out of the house again?
How many green lights I made on my way home
Why Red is best
Cheated death again today
Lessons learned from watching Bob Ross

Things TO blog about:

Why I'm like this
That was pretty funny when....
Read something really cool today
Adventures whilst driving
Learned a new skill - who knew balloon animals were so easy?
Epiphanies...Great or Small
The joys of traveling
Something I learned
Survival techniques
Interpreting dreams
I took a picture today, and here it is for your viewing pleasure
Amazing & possibly life altering analytical conclusions of the world and everyone in it.
The neat people in my life

That's a start at least.....

2007: A Year...(evermore)

2007-12-21T14:45:00.001-07:00

Things to report:

I learned 15 more guitar songs this year.
I’ve been on many a great date this year.
My good and talented friend Pa Trisha finally recorded her amazing songs.
I did not explode, wreck, or kill any cars this year.
My sister Rebecca found her voice in the photography world

(I’m so proud of her!)

I have officially developed an aversion to long distance relationships.
I was able to overcome my Wheat Thins & cottage cheese addiction, but I still haven’t kicked my quesadilla addiction.

I have now lost 8 more friends to the wide world of wedded bliss (Congrats….really), and have 5 friends who have added new people via the birthing process to their little families (Props....really).
Voted Best new Skill of the year: How to properly worship the Guitar Hero God of RAWK. (I now constantly crave star power and am always lookin' for my next fix!)

(yes, I am biting my lower lip)

My heart has grown and expanded substantially this year, my comfort zone has increased due to a never ending challenge at work, and the best boss ever! My circle of friends has grown, and though many old friends are spreading further and further across this country, our friendships have been maintained.

Shout Out’s:

Thanks to all of you who were a source of hugs, laughter, and support this year. I am grateful to those who have shared their hearts with me, and who have taken care of my heart shared with them.

I am grateful for my new Pen pal Bill from PA, my new friend Will in Singapore, The PetersOn’s for remaining cool, down to earth married people and also good friends, Lindsey for successfully surviving her first year in the family of Z's, Darren for making huge leaps and bounds in his creative outlets as well as life skills, Heidi for being the best stop by neighbor ever!, Kate and Rob for not only taking it upon themselves to find my eternal companion, but also being a constant source of refuge, advice, and dinner.

My friend Barb for always taking it to the next level. Jilly Bean, Jo, Lace, & Lizzie for being brave, taking risks, and willingly venturing into the unknown….an inspiration to us all. To friendships rekindled this year, And to the rest of you who are a constant in my life. I am who I am because of you.

Final Report:

At the end of the year 2007, I can report that I am overall very happy, healthy, content, and extremely blessed. I give myself a well deserved solid A (thank goodness for extra credit...)

2007: A Year...(still)

2007-12-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

A Few Favorite Songs of 2007:

Jose Gonzales -- Heartbeats
Schuyler Fisk -- From Where I’m Standing
Radical Face -- Welcome Home
Damien Rice -- Coconut Skins
The Gourds -- Dying of the Pines
The Album Leaf -- Story Board
Modest Mouse -- Dashboard
Cold War Kids -- Hang Me Up to Dry
Billy Bragg -- Tank Park Salute

A Few Lessons learned in 2007:

-- Challenge yourself more, don’t just coast through life….use diligence, determination, and discipline to develop new skills; mentally, emotionally & spiritually stimulate & challenge yourself on a regular basis

-- My mother taught me to judge the things I spend my time on by the 3 following categories;

*Does it enrich my mind?

*Does it nourish my spirit?
*Does it discipline or strengthen my body.

-- Take the time to learn about others. The one and only Ron Rigby reminded me this year that the greatest gift is a portion of thyself. To me, that means time. Take the time to find out why people are the way they are, what they think about, what they care about, worry about, and love the most. Just listen. When you do, you are blessed with an increase in love for others, a genuine desire to serve, more patience and understanding, and best of all, you are blessed with the choice of taking those things and adding then upon yourself to expand your awareness, and add to the greatness that makes up you.

Helpful Quotes of 2007:

“It’s not about perfection, victory, or invulnerability. It’s about ABSOLUTE vulnerability. That’s the only true courage” (Peaceful Warrior, Dan Millman)

“Sometimes when we lose our selves in fear and despair; In routine, and constancy; in hopelessness and tragedy; we can thank God for…reassurance in a familiar hand on our skin; in a kind and loving gesture, or a subtle encouragement, or a loving embrace, or an offer of comfort.….And we must remember that all these things, the nuances, the anomalies, the subtleties which we assume only accessorize our days, are in fact here for a much larger and nobler cause. They are here to save our lives.” (from the film Stranger Than Fiction)

“Some Christians carry their religion on their backs. It is a packet of beliefs and practices which they must bear. At times it grows heavy and they would willingly lay it down, but that would mean a break with old traditions, so they shoulder it again. But real Christians do not carry their religion, their religion carries them. It is not weight; it is wings. It lifts them up, it sees them over hard places, it makes the universe seem friendly, life purposeful, hope real, sacrifice worthwhile. It sets them free from fear, futility, discouragement, and sin—the great enslavers of men’s souls. You can know a real Christian, when you see him, by his buoyancy” (Twelve Tests of Character, Harry Emerson Fosdick [1923], 87–88).

“You shake and shake the ketchup bottle; none will come, and then a lot’ll”

2007: A Year...

2007-12-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

My next few posts will be dedicated to a brief but telling recap of the shenanigans 2007 had in store for me. There is much to report, much forgotten, much yet to reflect on, much that will go untold, and much not worth telling.....but here's a start.

2007 Travels (of note):

San Diego, California

Boston, Massachusetts

New York, New York

Brazil (Sao Paulo, Manaus, Rio De Janeiro, & Salvador)

Singapore

Phoenix, Arizona, where we dined at one of the best restaurants downtown, with great food and amazing ambiance called Pallate at the Cavness House. A must visit to anyone in or ever going to Phoenix!

Favorite Books Read in 2007: Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse by Stephanie Meyers, Molecules of Emotion by Candace B. Pert, The Lost Choice by Andy Andrews, Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (a never ending good re-read), Bonds that Make Us Free by C. Terry Warner, (also an annual re-read)

Favorite New Artists introduced to me in 2007: Cat Power, Billy Bragg, Psapp, Dawn Landes, The Strokes, Whitest Boy Alive, Ray LaMontagne, The Weepies, Brandi Carlile, Shiny Toy Guns, Sun Kil Moon, Tilly and the Wall, Jose Gonzales, Schuyler Fisk, Radical Face, The Gourds, The Album Leaf, and Cold War Kids.

....to be continued.....

"The Time has come.....

2007-12-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

....the walrus said, "to talk of many things: Of shoes and ships - and sealing wax - of cabbages and kings." (Lewis Carroll)

I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome myself to the world of blogging. I realize this is a highly anticipated event. There have been entire evenings, soirée’s even, devoted to this very occasion (thanks mom…). It simply came down to making a decision. Should the entire cyber world have access to my meager attempts at expressing the things I think, the things that happen in my happy little life?

The answer was yes. Will the world be better for it? Who can say? I feel that venturing to become anything remotely resembling a writer and expresser of the world through written word in my family sets me up for high expectations. I would prefer, at this point in time to go ahead and just set the bar low....leave a lot of room for growth and improvement. It makes exceeding expectations that much more sweet!

Unlike the Walrus, the likelihood of anything I have to say including ships, sealing wax, and cabbages is not likely. Shoes? possibly.... Kings? we'll leave the door open to the option....

I have so very much enjoyed reading the blogs of others, and keeping up with your lives. So I say to you, I can’t promise much, but this is me….this is li’l ‘ol me....and the good and no good I am up to on a regular basis. Welcome.