Birthday Extravaganza

I turned 25 Saturday and am now a quarter of a century older.  And the older I get, the less I care about my birthday (I know that is such a party pooper attitude) so I wasn't looking a ton toward this day...but it ended up being the best birthday I have ever had...why?  Because of Steven...

Steven took me on a hot air balloon ride.  I told him a long time ago how much I wanted to go on one and he remembered!!  It was amazing!  We went with about 12 other people including a group of girls from Australia.  PS...they don't say their /l/s.  And a couple anniversary couples and it was just really great.  It was a beautiful day and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday.  I wasn't scared at all and we even got up 7000 feet in the air.  I loved every second of it.

Here they are beginning to blow up the balloon

There were about 5 other balloons along with ours being blown up and it was super fun to watch.

Isn't that so cool??!!

I thought this picture was pretty awesome with the flame.  At the beginning of the trip I was wishing I would have remembered when Steven told me to bring a light jacket but when the flame got going, it warmed you up right away.  Our pilot was so funny and had been flying for 20 years.  He even extended our trip to an hour and a half.

This is about 7000 feet in the air and a view of Lake Pleasant.

After we landed, they treated us to a breakfast.  It was amazing.  We had a chocolate filled croissnat and a ham and egg quiche.  Am I spelling that right.  OH and apples and cheese. 

Here it is. 

It was the best day.  After the balloon ride, we went to the park and threw around the frisbee and the weather was perfect.  Not your typical June afternoon. We then did some shopping and had lunch and it was so nice just to not have to rush anywhere and spend time with Steven.  I am so grateful for Steven and making this day so special for me.  It was literally the best birthday I have ever had.  He is my best friend and I just love him!!!

Here are me and my cute nephews.  I love them too.  We had dinner and cheesecake and went and saw "Karate Kid"  It was actually super cute!! 

Thanks for all the birthday wishes from everyone.  I know I sound like a broken record but it was the best day for me!!  And I got the COOLEST birthday present in the WORLD so stay tuned for that because I will be posting about it.

Summer is HERE!!!

It is officially summer in Arizona.  It is so blasted hot.  It is only 104 and counting at the moment.  Yikes!!  I forgot what it was like to get into a car that is 130 degrees and turn on the AC to full speed to keep yourself from melting away.  Wow. 

So since it is summer...we swim....ALOT.  I go to my sisters when time permits and we lay out and Jack and Kaden swim...in the buff.  I hope this picture doesn't offend anyone b/c I think it is so cute.  (And even if it did offend you, I still wouldn't take it off.  JK)  But they REFUSE to put on their swimsuits and if you had to listen to Jack's high pitched wailing, you wouldn't force it either. 

Side not:  my roommate was kind of interested in the guy named JK.  That was his name.  Luckily it only lasted 2 days because I could never have him over and seriously call him JK.  I mean seriously??!!  Who in their right mind names their child JK?  I think it may be short for something but that is besides the point.

Kaden didn't realize he was defeating my full purpose of laying out and keeping both sides even...but what the hay...he is only 3!

School is out and I got a job at Old Navy.  So far so good.  The first week I thought my back and feet were going to fall off with all the standing and walking...but I am good to go now.  The pay checks are quite smaller then my normal ones...but at least it keeps me busy and it is something.  It is kind of funny though because some of the workers like to treat it like rocket science and I just want to say:  "It is just folding clothes people!!!"  Oh well.  I will not judge.

My Mom and I are going to Utah June 30th-July 9th to see my Grandma and BYU is allowing me to observe in their speech clinic to obtain my extra 25 hours for my speech tech license.  This is a huge blessing b/c that NAU class was cancelled and it saved me $1000 so I am so happy.

This week was a very difficult week.  Maybe the hardest I have had in a very long time.  But I just know that everything works out when you do the right thing and follow the spirit.  I still pray to know what to do with big decisions in my life and that I will be directed down the right path.  I am grateful for loving friends and family who are very supportive.  I just have so much faith that everything works out they way it is suppose to even if it isn't what you want or it isn't on your timetable!

That is all folks. 

Oh no it is not.  One more thing.

My roommate Sarah's birthday was last week and we celebrated by going to "Farm Grill"  It was amazing.  The BBQ Pork Sandwhich was heaven.  I couldn't get over the toasted bun.

But Sarah is a breeze to live with.  Literally a breath of fresh air.  She is so pure in heart and so kind and the most nurturing girl I know.  I am so grateful for these 2 girls. 

I LOVE THEM!! 

Dallin's Graduation

My youngest brother Dallin graduated from Mesa High Thursday night.  Luckily I was able to get off work early so I could make it there in time to see him walk.  And the best part was since Dallin was the 5th child to graduate from Mesa High, my family was able to sit on the field.  My parents were so happy cause they got a reserved parking place and they introduced all the parents.  It was super sweet.  It is the best way to attend a graduation and the weather was amazing.  On my graduation we had a dust storm so this sure beat that.  My Mom is so sad she doesn't have any more kids at Mesa.  Oh well.  Carry On!

These are his super cute friends. 

Isn't my Mom so cute????

Happy Graduation Dilly!!! 

Recipe #5: Chicken Spaghetti

I made Chicken Spaghetti from "The Pioneer Woman Cooks" a couple weeks ago and it was really good!!  I ate the left over for lunch at work the next 2 days after.  It is a perfect dish for a big family.

Here are the ingredients:

1 cut-up fryer chicken

1 pound thin spaghetti broken into 2-ince pieces

One 4-ounce jar diced pimientos, drained

1 small onion

1/4 cup diced green pepper

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

1 tsp seasoned salt (I used Lawry's)

black pepper to taste

1/8 to 1/4 cayenne pepper

The Process:  Preheat to 350 degrees

Add the chicken to a stock pot.  Cover with water and bring to boil.  Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the chicken is cooked, about 25-30 minutes.  Then Remove chicken and set aside to cool.  Remove 2 cups of broth from the pot and set aside.

Bring the remaining broth back to boil and add the spaghetti.  Cook it al dente.  Drain the spaghetti, discarding the cooking liquid.  Set aside.

With your fingers (or 2 forks) remove the chicken from the bones.  Shred or cut into bite size pieces.  Drain the Pimientos.  (sorry this picture is kind of disgusting). 

Dice the vegetables.  Dice the green pepper and onion. 

Place the cooked spaghetti into a large bowl and add the cream of mushroom soup.  Add 2 cups of cheddar cheese then add the green pepper and onion and pimiento.  Add the black pepper and cayenne pepper (I didn't but that is b/c I forgot it at the store.  It will just add some heat to your dish:)  Finally add the chicken and the broth.  Stir well together and check seasonings. 

Pour the mixture into a large baking pan and top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.  Bake for 35-45 minutes or until bubbly. 

Yum!!

And Enjoy!! 

Dallin got a job at QT.  Go visit him.  He is on Val Vista and Main.  He is very excited for his 1st job to raise money for his mission.  And buy shoes.  I swear this boy knows how to buy shoes.  Sounds like a girl.  Just Kidding. 

Happy Weekend!

Lymphoma Run

So we had our first Annual Lymphoma Run on Saturday.  I am so grateful for those that came and helped and ran and supported.   We had a lot of fun and I am so happy I did it.  I know our donation will be very helpful to someone. 

Here are me and my sister Rachel.  We actually have the same exact running shoes and didn't plan it at all.  Steven bought these for me a few months ago.  My sister, right before her triatholon, was so excited to show me her new purchase.  She had them fitted and everything and wouldn't you know...they were the same exact ones I have.  She didn't think it was as funny as I did:)

Some of the supporters...

Rachel and her friend Jessica

On your marks, get so....GO!!!!  ( I love the way Rachel and Jessica are watching Amy in this picture....hahahahah)

And they are off....

Stacie and her family went to New York for a week, so this is Jesse (Stacie's fiance) coming to support.  And he even helped with the idea of having this run!

Me and Amy.  I dragged Amy around all Friday helping me get ready for this.  She was great!!

Erica and Jennifer

Thanks for coming.  And a special shout out to Dave and Sister Linford for coming and helping me announce and just being a support.  They helped the time go by faster as we waited for all the runners to run back.  My right foot has been killing me for about a week now and I was afraid I had a stress fracture and I had the 24 hour flu the day before so it was a rough weekend.  I didn't even get to run but it hurt so bad, I dared not in case it could get worse.  Laugh it up, but it is true.  And my Mom was throwing up the night before and couldn't come. Stacie was away in New York.  And....Steven was in Brazil so we pulled it off the best we could with 3 main supporters out for the count.  I still think we did a great job!!!  It was a good learning experience on how to do it better for next year.

Thank you for coming.  It meant a lot to me and I am excited to do it again next year!!

My New Love

Oh how I love you...

For those that know me well, it is no secret how my schedule can sometimes revolve around my Mon, Wed, Fri (sometimes Tues, TH depending on running schedule) spinning classes.  For the past year and a half, it has become a constant in my workout routine and I have grown to not only love, but slightly obsess over this cardio bliss.  And for a year and a half I have been doing it with my normal adidas running shoes.  Well I can fret no longer b/c as of Saturday I have these new babies to enjoy for a very, very long time.  My oh so sweet sister treated me Saturday since I babysit...well a lot ( I love doing it b/c my nephews are irresistable) and wanted to make it up to me and even though I put it off for a long time since they can cost a pretty penny...I couldn't resist any longer.

I went to the class this morning bright and early (maybe a little too bright and early but that is besides the point) and I couldn't wait to test them out.  They are not lying to you when they say it is a much different spinning workout when you have these.  I felt so awesome and can't wait to get up go in the morning again.  I know I sound crazy but if you had a pair of these babies, you would get up too!!

Wow...I sometimes wonder if I should take up knitting...

Iron Woman

My sister did the SheRock Triatholon Saturday and placed 4th out of 600 girls and 1st in her age group.  It is quite amazing since she trains by herself and doesn't have an expensive bike or gear.  I am so proud of her!  She is quite amazing to work full time, have 3 boys that are ages 3 and under and train for this.  Here she is with my bros: Danny and Dallin and her husband Alan.  My mom was able to go too while I was at home babysitting the boys.  They are so cute and I just love them. 

Jack says the word "shirt" without the /r/ and I shouldn't think it is as funny as I do.  I kind of make him say it alot and he just smiles and laughs and points at his shirt while he says it.  And I should not be admitting this.  I slept over and Rachel and Alan's the night before since they were leaving at 5am.  When Kaden and Jack woke up, they climbed into my bed and watched cartoons with me. It was a hectic morning but gratefully Steven came and helped me.  I love being an aunt!

Good job sister!!