Clayton and Danielle Parry

Sister's in Black: Black Friday Edition No. 1

2010-11-19T12:08:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know Black Friday is a very big tradition in the Seipert/Parry household (much to Clayton's protest). I actually think I have found a woman that indeed replicates my sister Jessica's love for Black Friday. If you think I am crazy--check out her blog. You see that cute, perfectly put together appearance-- never would you think that she is would push old ladies down, stay up all night, and hide out in dressing rooms. Trust me people- the gloves come off.

So if you are looking for a good time. Join us. I unwillingly get dragged along every year- much to my protest. Alas every year it is worth it just to see the frazzled, slightly psychotic look in her eye. Ahhh she makes a sister proud.

Watch to get a little idea of what I am talking about: (this year I will be taking actual footage to post, stay tuned)

Its been a while

2010-10-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

I know what you are all thinking......"Danielle is a terrible, terrible blogger". All I can say is, I feel the same way. Really a lot has been going on that is definitely worth blogging about but things have definitely been crazy the past little while.

Maddox is growing like a weed. He gets bigger and funnier everyday. He is now a very swift and limber crawler (he has been crawling for about three weeks now). He gets himself into places that are beyond me. He also just started to pull himself up on furniture so I am sure before we know it he is going to be running everywhere. I think I am going to have to invest in one of those backpack leashes and just have him wear it around the house. He is going to be out of control. He is getting really close to saying "Dadda" and Clayton loves it. He is getting so big and is so much fun.

Recently Maddox has gotten his first earache. He was such a trooper the whole time he was sick, he is still fighting off his cold that he got along with the earache. He has been a little more needy but I don't mind, I love being needed because usually he is so big and independent for his mamma:(

Since all I talk about is Maddox maybe I should give a update and Clayton and myself. Clayton is still working and going to school. He loves his classes and really is not looking forward to going back to BYU as he has been at UVU the past 2 semesters. he has really enjoyed UVU but I am sure he will enjoy BYU now that he has actually decided on what he is majoring in. As for myself I have been super busy doing things at home and then working my occasional shift at the Center for Change, and inpatient psychiatric hospital for women and girl with eating disorders, which I absolutely love. I did however get offered a job with Jet Blue to work from home starting in January. Once I start there I will have to quit at the center which makes me really sad because I really do love working there.

Here are some pictures of what we have been up to lately:

Cheesy Maddox

Maddox loves having his pictures taken

Maddox pretending to be a puppy. He loves dogs.

5 Months Old!

2010-08-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that my baby is five months old today! I was just talking to Clayton last night about how it has just flown by yet it feels like he has always been with us. We can't remember life with out him. He is the sweetest little boy and I love him to death. This is a picture of him that I took today on our walk:

He is sooooo handsome, but of course I am biased!

Here are a few highlights from the past five months (I am allowed to brag! I am his mom:))

From Birth he could always:
-Lift up and support his own head
-Support all of his own weight while standing
- He has always been very alert and could focus his eyes on faces and objects

- At about two weeks his started smiling
- On his exact one month birthday (April 3rd) he started socially smiling and has not stopped since.
- He first rolled over from his stomach to his back on May 7th
-He first laughed on May 28th and it is the cutest thing ever. I need to take a video and post it.
-About a month ago he started reaching for objects, ie his binky and putting them back in his mouth.
- Just lately he has started trying to mimic things that Clayton and I do, yesterday Clayton asked him how many fingers he was holding up and Maddox matched his had by holding up two fingers. My baby is a GENIUS!!! ha ha ha
-He is now in the 71% for height and the 10% for weight!

Happy Five Month Old Birthday Maddie!

July

2010-08-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

July was an absolutely crazy month for us! Since I haven't posted in a while I decided to give you a run down of what we have been up to.
We started out the month with the Fourth of July weekend. We spent most of the weekend with the Thayn's and we had a blast! It was even Sam's birthday that weekend. Happy Birthday Sam! We started out by going to watch the fireworks at Thanksgiving Point. The fireworks were a little disappointing and the traffic after was terrible but we really did have a fun time.

Then on Monday we went to the Provo City parade:) Thank you Sister Thayn for saving us seats! It was really fun. I always really like going to parades, however I was a little worried about Maddox since it had been so hot but he loved it! By saying loved I mean he slept through most of it;)

Our Next event for the month was Maddox eating solids for the first time! It was so cute. He actually did really well and ate most of his food. He loves eating solids now and wants to try and eat whatever anyone else is eating. So watch out, if it is with in his reach he is going to grab it and try to eat it!

We then headed off to California for Tanner and Chloe's wedding! We had such a fun time. We love California and hate it every time we have to come home. Their sealing and reception were absolutely beautiful and I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to attend! We love you Tanner and Chloe!

After being home a few short days we headed straight for Lake Powell. We had a blast. It was so nice just to get away and relax! Clayton especially loved it, Maddox did not like the water too much be he loved all of the extra attention he got. He came home a spoiled little boy;) I especially loved the part were we are being dropped off at the dock to leave, Clayton had run to get the car and Maddox and I are sitting in the 110 degree weather and Maddox diaper seemed to have failed him. Somehow I ended up with poop all over my pants yet when I went to change his diaper it barely had anything. Ugh. Oh and ps by the end of the trip everyone was calling me the "Catfish Queen" because I am such a good fisherman. Let me know if you need lessons. I am pretty expensive though.

Last but not least we rounded out our trip with the Seipert Family reunion up in Ririe, Idaho. Needless to say Maddox was again spoiled. We are going to have to limit our family time for the month of August all of this attention is starting to go to his head I think;)

Well that was about everything we did in July. It was a crazy month, but we feel so blessed that we were able to do everything that we did. Hopefully August wont be as busy, HA at least everything is in Utah.

Correction

2010-07-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Baby Namey.com,

I would appreciate it if you did not prematurely age my child. He is in fact STILL three months old. In fact he will NOT be four months old until tomorrow night at 9:09 pm. He is already getting big entirely too fast, I do not appreciate your help. And please he is basically watching himself so he definitely does not need any help;)

-Much Love

Me

If......

2010-06-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

If I was a season,

I’d be spring.

If I was a piece of furniture,

I'd be porch swing

If I was a country,

I'd be Romania

If I was a food,

I'd be an Oreo

If I was a flower,

I'd be a Hydrangea

If I was a song,

I'd be Regina Spektor- Samson

If I was an instrument,

I'd be a cello

If I was a color,

I'd be white

If I was a letter,

I'd be a love letter

If I was a book,

I'd be The Time Traveler's Wife

If I was a time of day,

I'd be dusk

If I was a drink,

I'd be raspberry lemonade

If I was a holiday,

I'd be Christmas Eve

If I was a store,

I'd be an antique store

If I was a word,

I'd be mesmerizing

If I was a person,

I’d be me

If I could know the future,

I'd want to see my family as an Eternal one

So You Think You Can Dance TOP 10

2010-06-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

So since I always have sooooo much to say about my favorite show ever I thought I would blog about it a little bit. Can I just tell you how much I love that Mia Michaels is on the panel of judges....I love her.

Cristina and Pasha- Pasa Doble

In the past I have not really been impressed by Cristina's performances, especially next to Pasha and Anya. I hope he doesn't totally blow her out of the water and she can pull off the passion needed for this dance.
Now I don't know much about ballroom but I just feel her performance was a little lack luster. It is such an intense dance and I felt like she just sort of went through the motions, she is definitely lucky she had Pasha as her partner. He definitely carried her through out this performance.

* I definitely like the change for last week, the all stars are staying with the contestant for the judging.

Adechike and Alison- Contemporary

Sad no story...I hope they are able to connect just as much as when there is a story. Adechike struggled with connecting to his partner so this may be a major downfall for him.

First off Alison is so incredible, she dances with so much passion. I can already tell however that because of the passion she is out shining Adechike. That spiral lift was beautiful. I love their partnering together, they do really bring out the best in each other. I only wish Adechike would have shown the same amount of passion as Alison. He has gotten better from last week however he still has a ways to go to be on the same level as some of the other dancers. I like was Mia says about finding the joy, being able to connect the dance and find that internal happiness makes the dance go from just technique to passionate and mesmerizing.

Alex and Lauren- Broadway

First off Alex is my absolute favorite in the competition. He has so much strength and he is just a phenomenal dancer. I am so glad he is on this season, he really is blowing almost all of the other dancers out of the water. I think having the strong back ground in ballet that he does he is definitely ahead of the pack.

Fosse style of dance is such a unique style of broadway dancing. It is totally different for Alex, he wont be able to use his explosive strength since Bob Fosse was all about the small repetitive movements.

Great choice of music, it really highlights the hit beats. Um wow Alex's side leap um incredible. Sorry I am biased but I love how he just totally commits to every character with in the dance. I loved the sequence with Alex crawling under Lauren's back bend, so visually interesting and unique. HA the ending---I can hear every boy at home cringing when Alex ended in the straddles.

Ashley and Mark- Jazz

Her background package photos definitely reminded me of my early dancing days, poof bangs and all. I love Travis Wall, I am super excited to watch this dance. I hope she can pull of the emotions this week.

She has beautiful extension. I loved the opening sequence walk and lift. I still think she is struggling with the emotion. It feels slightly disjointed to me and I am not feeling the emotional break up that Travis was talking about. Mark is such an amazing partner. What an awesome dive lift.

Wow Nigel is sort of bashing Travis for his routine, that usually does not happen and I think it is in poor taste of Nigel. The routine was beautifully choreographed and his interpretation is his not Nigel's.

Billy and Comfort- Krump

Lil C is choreographing and this is going to be a tough dance for Billy I think. Krump is so completely different and then he has Lil C on top of all that. Hopefully he will be "buck":)

I am always surprised at how good comfort is, I guess I never expect a girl to dance like that. I am really impressed with Billy so far. Side note: Clayton just called Krump the "Dirty Hip Hop" ha ha ha It feels as though Billy is really concentrating hard and is not really in the moment dancing. He is doing well, Krump is definitely not his style though.

Robert and Anya- Tango

Anya is SEX on a stick. She is always so steamy it makes me giggle ha ha ha ha. I just could never have the guts.
Robert looks so handsome and debonair. So far he is really dancing right up there with Anya, he is doing awesome. I loved the straddle down with Anya in the middle. Robert is starting to fall flat for me towards the middle of the dance, he picked it right back up towards the end. Those quick steps together looked really fast and precise.

Melinda and Ade- Contemporary

This is going to be a very interesting dance. It is always hard for me to connect to the dancers when the dance is focused around inadimate objects. I do enjoy Stacey Tooke though so we will see.

Ade is such a strong and powerful dancer, he really is doing a beautiful job. I love the song choice. Melinda definitely lacks in technique and you can see it in her feet and torres. She is passionate and you can see it, it is just hard to look past how much she lack in technique. It was a beautiful dance bit I think she might be in trouble this week. I really loved all of the lifts and throws.

Jose and Katheryn- Bollywood

It would be hard to follow up last seasons Bollywood number that blew everyone out of the water. Katheryn is awesome though so she should help Jose quite a bit. Hopefully he can pull it off.

Jose is ALADDIN ha ha ha how funny. Katheryn is really rocking this dance. At the beginning Jose just looked like he was a little kid trying to join in...sad.It is a very fun and playful dance with the butt slapping and all and Jose is doing as well as can be expected, Katheryn is really carrying him though. He might be in trouble as well.

Lauren and Dominic- Lyrical/Hip Hop

This should definitely be an interesting dance with he abusive relationship topic. It will be interesting to see if Lauren can connect on such a deep and serious level. I am really excited to see this dance.

I love that opening rolling sequence. This dance really reminds me of a nappytabs number. I however don't feel the connection for either dancer more so Lauren, though out the dance it seems to be getting better though. I wish that they were dancing more together instead of individually. I really liked that he was caring her off and away, like he is trying to control her. Overall I really like this new choreographer, I think she is going to do really well on the show. I really like what Mia added about taking the dance into reality and really involving yourself.

Kent and Courtney- Jazz

I love Kent, he really is just the cutest little thing ever. He is very endearing and I think that one element is going to get him far in this competition. This dance is going to be very sexy, it will be interesting if Kent can leave the farm boy behind and be sexy. Ha ha ha

Wow Kent is delivering on the sexyiness ha ha ha very different form the bight eyed and bushy tailed Kent from last week. Very spacially interesting lifts and use of the floor. I really liked when Kent ran his hand down her body and then made out with her HA HA HA. and then he starts talking and he is the little boy again....I love it.

It is so interesting to me how much of the success of the dance and the dancer depends on the emotional commitment and acting on the dancer. Really that one element can make or break the entire dance. Love it.

I think all in all everyone did really well this week however with that in mind I think the Jose and Melinda are in trouble this week. Tomorrow we will find out who goes home:)

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

Everyday I am so amazed at how completely blessed my life is. Today especially. I have the most incredible best friend in the entire world, and he is MY husband. He is also the best father to our little guy Maddox. He can get that little boy smiling like no one else can. Trust me I have tried. Not only is he amazing but he is HOT too;)
I love you so much honey, Happy Father's Day!

Love,
Me

Mother's Day Mormon Message

2010-05-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

I happened upon the Mormon Message below featuring Nie Nie or Stephanie Nelson. I have been following her blog for close to two years now and she is one of the most incredible people that I have had the privileged in knowing, and I don't even know her. Though her blog she bears her soul. She is a beautiful person in every way imaginable and she shows that through each individual post. She is truly a disciple of Christ, and she shows that through her divine dedication to the Gospel. Watch and enjoy her message below, she is truly a mother to be celebrated. I hope to meet her one day to simply thank her for sharing her soul with me. She is beauty.

I am so unbelievably blessed for the life I live and for the people in it. I have such an amazing husband and baby. I truly have something to celebrate this Mother's day. I am blessed in everyway.

As of late..

2010-04-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that I get to spend everyday with this little guy? I am pretty sure I am the luckiest mom ever!

A Baby Story

2010-03-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Well for those of you who are interested this is how everything went down:) For weeks and weeks I had been talking about how Andrea (Dr Smith, she doesn't know that I secretly call her Andrea when I am upset with her)and I needed to sit down and have a serious chat. Well on Tuesday March 2nd I was desperate. I hadn't slept in I don't know how long and I was definitely uncomfortable. Maybe it was my anxiety maybe it was a twist of fate but when I went in for my routine weekly checkup little did I know that my blood pressure had sky rocketed. Not that that is a good thing but it definitely put the "induction business" on the table. After getting a talk from Andrea about the pro's and con's of induction and the fact that if my blood pressure didn't come down I really wouldn't have a choice and would have to be induced that night. She then said the magic words, that I would be having my little boy either tonight or tomorrow! All at once I became a little overwhelmed. I mean this is what I have been waiting nine long months for right??? Well I think I was in denial of it actually happening. I mean I know I was pregnant but was that really a little baby in there, and not a giant growth or a little holiday weight that I had yet to loose?? Well either way now it was do or die, literally. So we headed over to the hospital.

Once we got to the hospital I had to be hooked up to all sorts of monitors and they preformed a few blood tests and a stress test. Thankfully everything turned out okay and all of my labs came back as normal. Clayton showed up five minutes before I could leave to go home, luckily it wasn't the real thing because he would have missed it! Stupid commute! Anyway because of the risks associated with high blood pressure and the fact that I was definitely ready to have the baby we decided to be induced the next morning!

When we got home that night we tried to get everything ready and not be too nervous/excited. It was so crazy to think that that would be the last night that it was just the two of us. Our entire life was going to change, and we could not wait. We slept fairly well that night considering, I however was up by 6 am and cleaning. Ha ha ha I had to do something with all of my unexpected energy. We;; by the time 9:30 rolled around I was definitely ready to go. Since we had to be at the hospital by 10:00 Clayton agreed. The ride to the hospital was rather quite, I think both of us were in a little bit of shock. We were actually going to have a child, this would be the last time we were really alone together. CRAZY!

We got to the hospital and checked in. After getting situated in our Labor and Delivery room we met our AMAZING nurse Pam. She really was so fantastic. She even came to visit us the next day to see the baby:) Anyway after about a half dozen pokes and a blown up vein from the CNA I was finally hooked up to the pitocen. At this point I was starting to wonder when the "real labor" was going to start. HA I soon found out. I now understand why they kept asking me when I would like my epidural. After turning the pitocen all the way up I was in definite pain. Little did I know that I would still have to wait another half hour for the anesthesiologist. When she got there the contractions were really strong, I could barely sit still while she did it. I definitely think that I have a pretty strong threshold for pain so when I sat there silently with tears running down my cheeks Clayton definitely began to be concerned. But let me tell you that Epidural is a life saver. Why, WHY, WHY would anyone want to have a baby naturally I will never know. That was the best thing ever, and plus whenever it started to wear off I had a nice little button I could push and I would instantly feel better:) So just a word to the wise, dont try and be a hero.....get your epidural early. Not at the last moment like me, I promise you will thank me later:)

After I got the epidural things were fairly good. We watched a lot of Friends, it was rather relaxing actually. At about 8:00 pm I started pushing and an hour later at 9:09 our baby Maddox was born. He was 7lbs and 6oz and 20 inches long. I will never forget the first time I saw his little face. He was silent and completely wide awake and looking around. He was perfect. However since he was such a good little boy and didn't cry all of the nurses and everyone sort of went into panic mode. I guess it is really important for babies to cry at first so the took him and started doing everything possible to get him to cry. As the mom I was indefinite shock. I was so scared I didn't know what was going on, after about a minute and a half they finally got him to cry, and me. I burst into tears. My little boy was okay. He was going to be okay. Sigh. That was definitely the worst part of all of this. Because of our little scare I only got to hold him for a few seconds before they took him to the nursery to make sure he was breathing okay. After getting cleaned up, Maddox was back and we were able to spend the rest of our time together. He was amazing and so cute and he still is. I love him so much and I really cannot imagine my life with out him. He is my little boy and I am his mom.

The funny thing about all of this is that for weeks I had been so nervous about giving birth and really it was not bad at all. Once I got the epidural I could have been in labor forever. It really was not bad. I was definitely lucky. However since everything was so "easy" I didnt ever realize just how much my body was actually working, when i woke up the next morning I felt like I had been hit by a truck ha ha ha.

So how are things now? Perfect! Maddox is great, he wakes up once a night and eats really well. I am definitely lucky! Clayton is the most amazing dad, I could not imagine doing any of this with out him. He is such a huge help!

Gregg Maddox Parry!

2010-03-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

So I know this is a little late coming, as in we had his two week check up today, but Maddox was born March 3, 2010! He was born at 9:09, 7 lbs 6 oz and 20 inches long! He is absolutely perfect in every way. I will post a more detailed story of the delivery soon but I just wanted to make the announcement!

My Week...in a nut shell

2010-02-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

My days and weeks and hours for that matter are filled with moments that many people would not be proud of yet I am. With a 9 month pregnant body and baby I have learned to laugh at the little things....and cry at the little things. Ha ha ha I thought that you would enjoy how I make it through the day and my little triumphs that I overcome:)

1. After working 6.5 hours a day, do i come home and clean or make dinner? No I have taken to the habit of lying on the couch, of course changing positions ever 2 min to be comfortable, and watching my newly found favorite show "Say Yes to the Dress". I am a wreck...so sue me.

2. Much to Clayton's protest I have gotten used to and rather like the feeling of no makeup. I can rub my eyes whenever I want to:) Sadly this must end with the birth of our child. I need to have pride in my personal appearance. ha.

3. This is one that I am most proud of..... if I can make it through the day without laughing, coughing, sneezing and not peeing my pants at the same time that is a victory.

4. I tend to be rather emotional lately. I never thought I would get the pregnancy crazy gene well according to Clayton it is in full force. You can never really know what is going to come out, for me I find it rather exciting like a play. Clayton is not so excited.

5. I am quickly starting to grow out of my maternity clothes. HA HA HA Pretty soon I am not going to have anything to wear. Baby you better come soon.

6. In regards to #5 I have become prone to wearing the same thing every day when I get home from work. A nice pair of bright pink sweat pants with a dinosaur on them. Clayton hates them, I think he is embarrassed to be seen with me in public when I refuse to change for a Walmart run. What is wrong with my lovely pink sweats and a now skin tight white BYU hoodie? I think I just answered my own question.

7. I am always hungry. I think I have eaten us out of house and home. Every week when I go to the Doctor I am certain she is going to turn to me and give me the "obese talk". I know it is coming one of these days, I see the look she gives me when I get on the scale. judgment. and I thought the Doctors office was a judge free zone.

8. I think I might be in denial. I have packed the baby's hospital bag, yet for some reason I can't pack my own. I am really starting to believe that the baby is just going to show up one day, brought to me by a stork of course, and it will all be over. Then of course there are the times when I think about going to have a sit in at the hospital and refuse to leave until I have a baby. I am guessing this has something to do with #4.

9. Sleep? What exactly is sleep because I have yet to see you in the past nine months. The sad part is, is that once I am comfortable enough to sleep--presently--it is time for my nine thousandth trip to the bathroom. It is a vicious cycle. sleep, potty, eat, sleep, potty, eat. I have become the adult form of my soon to be born baby.

10. With everyone of these numbers and "issues" I have developed with having a baby and being pregnant I have become increasingly more and more grateful for my incredible husband. He is my everything. He takes care of me and loves me even though I have bladder control issues ha ha ha. He is the rock of my life and honestly I would never, could never do this with out him. He is the most amazing man and is the most amazing father. I love you baby cakes.

So all of you baby wishers, 2 trimesterers, and everyone in between this is what you have to look forward to. Honestly I would not change a thing. He is mine and I get to carry him for nine months and for forever. Sometimes you just need a little reminder;)

"Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle." Erma Bombeck, on life.

My Favorites.......so far:)

2010-01-26T07:07:00.001-08:00

So I know I have been absolutely terrible at blogging. Really I have no excuse. Hopefully I still have someone who reads that does not mind my random every six months postings.

I honestly cannot believe that in six weeks I will have a baby boy, that is so crazy. Clayton and I could not be more excited. I however am starting to feel like maybe he should just stay in and I will be pregnant forever. Well no I do not want to be pregnant forever, but I did watch this video on a c-section and a regular birth. Ummm is there a neither option? Can he just magically appear, I would like that please.

Anyway to get my mind off of THAT, here are a couple of things we have gotten so far for our baby boy:)

Best Ever!

2009-10-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

Do you know what the best feeling in the world is??

When you feel your baby move for the first time! I absolutely love it! I am soooo excited to be a mom!!

Prego: Not the spagetti sauce.

2009-09-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

(Not our actual baby...but you get the idea)

Ha ha ha Clayton cleverly made up the title. I am so proud of my soon to be daddy for a husband. Yes you heard that right we are officially announcing that our baby will be due March 8, 2010!
It has definitely been a roller coaster ride for the first three months but things are starting to finally calm down so we thought we would let everyone in on the BIG news. There will of course be more updates to come but we are so excited and just wanted to let everyone know:)

The Moment That Changed My Entire Life.....

2009-08-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

It was August 28, 2008 I was kneeling over an alter looking at a man that I loved. I knew what I was about to do. I was going to promise my eternity to a man that had walked into my life only a few short months ago. I was giving all of myself in hopes that he would do the same. It was a forever changing moment. No matter which way I looked at him or this moment I knew one thing for sure: He is the love of my life. I knew that for eternity we would be together, and that made me cry. I am the luckiest girl in the world I thought.

Now fast forward exactly one year later. Do I still feel the same way? ABSOLUTELY. This past year has been the most incredible year of my life. Everyone says that the first year is the hardest, well if that is true than our life and eternity together is going to be amazing. I have never thought that I could so deeply and intimately love someone as I do my husband. He is the most incredible person I have ever known, and he is going to be the most amazing father;)

There have been many moments in my life that have changed my life. The greatest being when my best friend, the love of my life promised to be with me for eternity. We get to celebrate that moment today.

Happy Anniversary Babe! I love you!!!

The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-06-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this book and I cannot wait till the movie comes out. I am not afraid to admit that when I saw the preview on Saturday night (we saw The Proposal- loved it!) that I pretty much bawled the entire preview. It is an incredible book. However it does have some language and a few scenes but if you can get past that I promise it will be a favorite.

Audrey Niffenegger is an incredible author and she absolutely brings the characters to life. They become real people with real emotions. With every page you can feel the emotion the love, the hate, and especially the sorrow. I am definitely planning on re-reading the book before the movie comes out!

It comes to theaters August 14, 2009 I will be waiting first in line.

Romania Needs YOU!

2009-05-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

As most of you already know I spent a semester in Iasi, Romania. It was one of the most amazing, sacred, and unbelievable experiences of my entire life. The program just had to cancel its Fall 2009 semester because of lack of volunteers. If you have ever had a desire to serve, to do something to change a life, please consider serving in Romania. These children are incredible. Please give of your time and give them a better life. I know I definitely sound a little intense but I know, I have been there, the effects that not having the interns in the orphanage will have on the children.

Please help. PS you dont have to go to BYU to go to Romania.

Here is some info on the program:
http://kennedy.byu.edu/isp/isp.php?id=230

There will also be having info meetings on June 3 at 4 p.m. and June 4 ant 11 a.m. in 257 HRCB (the Kennedy Center)

T.I.A.

2009-05-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

This is AFRICA or wait AMERICA!!!

One of my best friends in the entire world just finished up a long 6 months in Africa. She flies in tonight at 9:30 pm. I cannot wait.
She has been such an inspiration to me and I am so proud of her for going to Africa and sacrificing so much of her life to help. She truly is amazing and I love her so much!

Welcome Home Lees!

*** Read about all of her amazing adventures at: http://leahsamazingadventures.blogspot.com/*******

Black Susan is for SALE, to a good home:(

2009-04-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

My 2001 Hyndai Elantra is for sale. Also called Black Susan. I know many of you are thinking, "WHAT!". Well Black Susan is my pride and joy. She was my first child. Yet I must put her up for adoption. Clayton and I are planning on buying a house and we need to free up some funds.

For those interested she is currently listed on KSL:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=1235096

P.S. I had an amazing Birthday. Post to come:)

Conference

2009-04-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

I love CONFERENCE! I love that I was able to stay home ALL day and just lounge around listening to the speakers.

However I am not home alone......I am a Priesthood session widow.

I miss Clayton.

I DETEST the snow.

2009-03-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

You would think that by March 23, 2009 we would be home free. I mean where are you summer??? Your warm rays and BBQed nights. I have missed you.

Please come back soon.

The 7 day forecast.....if you dare.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=88

Dani'loco

2009-03-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

So I have a confession to make. My last entry titled "Danilicious" wasn't a secret to Dani in that she knew I was posting, but didn't know what I was writing about.

I'm still new to this whole "blogging" idea and to be completely honest, I wanted nothing to do with it! Having said that, I find it very therapeutic as well as great practice for my horrible typing skill..........s(found it).

Dani really now has no idea that I am posting this blog entry and it will be a great surprise to her when she wakes up this morning with her blue eyes a blazin'.

I have very mixed emotions right now. I love Dani more than I ever thought possible but yet I am frustrated at the same time. Guys and Girls are so different, as cliche as that sounds, and you don't really understand that until you live with the other. My mom always used to say to us(I never believed her) "When Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." No we didn't grow up in the south and yes I thought she was crazy and ignored her when she said that. I now realize that that phrase is soo true! When Dani is hurting, I hurt. When Dani is happy, I'm happy. When Dani is upset, I'm scratching my head wondering what the heck I said or did.;) I never realized how much my state of mind depended on hers and I'm sure vice versa. That can either make it at times very frustrating or incredible at the same time. When everything is running smoothly it's amazing how in tune we are to each other. We think the same and we will even act the same. Its like we are thinking together. That's how I imagine our Heavenly Father has it planned to be. We become so close that we know we would both make the same decision but yet still both bring different personalities to the table.

I guess the point of me writing this was to vent a little on how hard it can be some times to always be so sensitive to someone else' feelings. I can't imagine my life now without Dani and refuse to entertain the idea. I am grateful for her wise and calming presense that she adds to the relationship, and LOVE her quirky and adorable personality. I love that I can be myself and she will watch me make a fool of myself and think I am the hottest thing alive. She will lie to me about my weight and will take any comment about her weight as a lie. I love how she wakes up in the morning and how she makes me feel that she needs me. That she can't go to sleep with out me there. That she is scared to speak up and ask an employee of a grocery or convenient store where something is if she can't find it. I can't imagine how she got along with out me and don't know how she does with me. I'm sorry I don't always say or do the right things. I am learning. I love you Hun and love you more than you will ever love me! Sleep tight!

HBO and "Big Love"

2009-03-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

Honestly it has been a long time since I have been so emotionally distraught as I was today. I received and email and a Facebook invite regarding HBO and their series "Big Love". I have always believed in the freedom of speech and expression. However I would never believe that a company could go as far as to make a mockery of what I along with millions of others hold sacerd. Whether they believe what I do or not is not the issue, it is an issue of respect. I believe that we are in a day in age where personal liberties and choices are highly respected and yet there seems to be a growing trend for persecution of differences in regards to religion. Honestly it seems as if we are in the midst of a modern day Holocaust.

So I keep asking myself, what can I do, what am I going to do, how should I react? I was certainly upset, I was in tears at the thought of what I hold so sacred could be broadcast like the morning news, scrutinized for all those who neither understand and those who choose not to understand to dictate how they feel regarding my personal beliefs. So what am I choosing to do? Pray. I am praying for strength. I am praying for the excommunicated members who are making known every detail. I am praying for my family. I am praying that as we are in the very thick of a modern day Saddam and Gomorrah that we too can stand strong in our faith. That the Lord will help us and save us from the persecution of this world. That as members we can stand strong in the midst of turmoil. That is what I am going to do, I hope you all do the same.

Danilicious

2009-03-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

Dani doesn't know that I am blogging about her but she will soon enough. This posting is for those who don't know the Dani that I do.

There are a couple things that everyone needs to know about her. The first thing is she has an amazing ability to make a thousand faces. Name a situation and she has the most adorable face that would fit perfectly. Those faces have the ability to make my heart melt and want to do anything for her. I think if Dani had a super power that's what it would be. She would be able to control you with her beautiful and some times "scary" facial expression. I also want to point out that although she has beautiful facial expressions, some of them scare me. If I were in a dark ally and didn't know her and if she were to give one of her 30 scowls I would probably be more scared of her than Mike Tyson, who by the way bites ears off!

Another thing that we should all know about her is that she has an amazing voice. Every time we watch American Idol it is hard for me to focus because I know that she would blow them away. I love it when she sings her heart out when it's just her and me knowing she can cause no one else can hear her. She doesn't want anyone else to hear but I'm sure they would all buy tickets to hear her sing. She absolutely will not sing in front of a crowd by herself. She is horrified to sing by herself but sings like an angel thus denying the world of her amazing voice. I hope she doesn't lose her talent because she doesn't use it. If you really want to know something crazy but extremely cute then have her sing in Chinese for you some day.

I will make another posting another day. Let Dani know you love her when you read this. She is an amazing person and has more compassion for others than I have ever seen. She is a great influence in my life and a great support. I love you hun!

25 Things You Didn't Know About Me

2009-02-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

1. I am completely and unbelievably in love with my husband.

2. I am an Ebay addict.....really just ask my husband.

3. I love to cook and to try new recipes. I especially love Indian food.

4. I want to have twins, a boy and a girl.

5. I have a heart defect and will be having surgery in a few weeks.

6. When I am having a bad day I am instantly in a good mood when I go shopping.

7. I living in Romania for 4 months working in an orphanage and a hospital. Check out
my blog about all my adventures wakingupinromania.blogspot.com

8. I tend to have OCD habits.....ask Karlie.

9. Wish my hair was long, If I could change anything about the way I looked I would want long think beautiful hair.

10. I have a weird ability to feel others pain, literally. I become very emotionally involved without even knowing the person.

11. I love babies, especially my nephew Dyson.

12. I love everything gold. I have been looking for the perfect gold watch since May....any ideas?

13. I secretly wish I could be a model, alas I am not tall enough.

14. I love to create and to sew, I dream of becoming a fashion designer one day.

15. My entire life I have wanted to be a pediatric oncologist, I gave it up to
something better one day.... a mother.

16. I found a love I NEVER had before in Chicago. I love Portillo's Hot Dog's. MMmmmmm they are delicious. and ps I hated hot dogs before Chicago.

17. I have decided just barely that I hate winter. I am all for the whole 4 season thing, but once you get past Christmas I am totally over the terrible weather.

18. I really really want a puppy or a kitten. I think I might just bring one home one day. Clayton might return it though. He keeps telling me that they aren't allowed in our condo complex...I think he is lying to me.

19. I absolutely love to travel. It is so amazing learning about different cultures and people. I find it completely enlightening.

20. I have always been friends with boys way more than girls, weird I know because I am a total girly girl but I just connect with boys so much better. I am totally not
into drama.

21. I really enjoy being in musicals and plays. I love to dance and I love the release that the stage provides from the real world. I can become some one completely different just for a few hours.

22. I consider Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Ross, Phoebe and Joey to be my actual Friends. really.

23. I go to pageants and pretend I am a judge. I rate every girl in every category and pick my winners. I usually am right too.

24. I crave Little Ceaser's crazy bead and sauce....like all the time.

25. I love art. I could stay in an art museum all day. I am most inspired my modern and impressionistic art. I would love to be a curator or in art restoration.

Movie of the Year? or NOT

2009-02-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

This past weekend a long awaited movie came out. From the moment I saw my first preview, I was in love. It looked so charming and cute. An all star cast with some of my favorite actresses, it was a must see.

After much convincing on my part I got Clayton to take me to "He's just not that into you" this past Friday night. Well a BIG thank you goes out to the Directors/Producers/Writers you have now made me BANNED by Clayton from picking the movies.

I honestly was in awe at how far off based this movie was. It taught that marriage and the uplifting and honoring of that union was not important, that men can lie, sleep and serenade their way out of adultery, and that women like to be domineered and left helpless. This movie fell incredibly short. I was extremely disappointed. It taught to question your marriage, to find that person who is "hot" at the time; needless of the vows and promises behind your marriage.

The only redeeming quality and relationship I found in the movie was the ending. I was able to smile and I did feel content that the flick did end happily. However the two hours previous was something I would never inflict upon any couple.

Going to this film did help me realize how wonderful of a life I really do have. I am so grateful that I never had to struggle with many of the same problems that these women had to deal with. I am so happy, Clayton is incredible and I truly am blessed.

So "Am I the exception or the rule?" I am definitely the exception.

Spring Cleaning

2009-02-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

Clayton and I, well mostly just me, have decided to start our spring cleaning early. In the past I have been known to keep, and keep and store and collect. When we got married I was forced to purge and then purge some more. Clayton on the other hand has had a little bit harder time getting rid of it. He is so funny. I stumbled upon this list that has definitely helped us shed a few extra storage pounds.

The Top 100 Reasons to Get Rid of It:

Because You Have Too Much Stuff
1. 1.4 million Americans suffer from chronic hoarding & clutter.
2. People burn 55 minutes a day looking for things.
3. 80 percent of what we own we never use.
4. 1800GotJunk.com
Pay someone else to take out the (big, cumbersome) trash.
5. Publicstorage.com
Lock it up in more than 2,100 locations around the U.S.
6. redshield.org
Schedule a pickup with your local Salvation Army.
7. earth911.org
Find local recycling and reuse programs for all kinds of household items.

Because It's Fun
8. 127sale.com
Set up shop at the World's Longest Yard Sale, August 2-5, along 450 miles of Highway 127 in the southeastern U.S.
9. Or peddle your wares in your own front yard on National Garage Sale Day, August 10.
10. Swaporamarama.org
Attend nationwide clothing exchanges and do-it-yourself alteration workshops.
11. Wildzipper.com
Watch as a pile of your favorite old T-shirts is converted into a quilt.

Because Someone Else Needs It
Cell Phones
12. Verizonwireless.com
Put a refurbished phone (of any brand) into the hands of a domestic violence victim.
13. Eco-cell.com
Or let its sale benefit an environmental charity.
14. Care.org
Send a phone to the field staff of a poverty-fighting mission.

Digital Cameras
15. Operationhomefront.net
Help keep service members in touch with their families.

All Technology
16. Rethink.Ebay.com
Work with charities to find homes for consumer electronics.
17. youthfortechnology.org
Put scanners, computers, and cameras in the hands of deserving, impoverished kids around the world.

Air Miles
18. Redcross.org
For Red Cross staff and volunteers
19. Heromiles.com
For deployed soldiers
20. Marrow.org
For transplant patients
21. Childrenscancerassociation.org
For terminally ill kids

Furniture & Appliances
22. excessaccess.org
Match your household items with a local non-profit's wish list.
23. help1up.org
Furnish homes for disaster victims.
24. dressforsuccess.org
Give interview and work clothing to disadvantaged women.
25. makingmemories.org
Donate a wedding gown to benefit breast-cancer patients.
26. www.operationfairydust.org
Send formal wear to teenage girls who need help getting to the prom.
27. onewarmcoat.org
A free coat to anyone who needs one.
28. boulderrunning.com
Ship shoes and sportswear to struggling athletes around the world.

Other
29. Suitcasesforkids.org
Supply children in foster care with luggage.
30. Uniteforsight.org & givethegiftofsight.org
Send eyewear to men and women in underdeveloped countries.
31. Savethechildren.org
Convert American Express credit card points to cash donations.
32. Cartalk.com
Donate a used vehicle to support your local public radio station.
33. Booksforafrica.org
Give everything from storybooks to encyclopedias.
34. Cap4pets.org
Send towels and newspapers to animal shelters.
35. Goodwill.org
Fund job training programs and social services.
36. Freecycle.org
Post donations for charities (and regular folks) to claim.
37. Habitat.org
Donate leftover building supplies to Habitat for Humanity's ReStores.

Computers
38. Cristina.org
Technology and training for the disabled and disadvantaged.
39. Sharetechnology.org
Connecting donations with charities across the U.S.
40. Worldcomputerexchange.org
Send computers to more than 50 developing countries.

Because It Can Be Turned Into Something Else
41. Nikereuseashoe.com
Recycled footwear materials become sports and playground surfaces.
42. Patagonia.com
Donated Capilene base layers become polyester fibers for new Capilene garments.
43. Pangea organics' packaging becomes an herb garden when planted in soil.
44. Cargo cosmetics' PlantLove lipstick tubes come in plantable boxes that sprout wildflowers.
45. Pencilthings.com
Old newspapers become colored pencils.
46. Vivaterra.com
Rubber tires become sleek purses...
47. Passchal.com
...or rugged iPod covers.
48. Gaiam.com
Plastic soda bottles become durable hammocks.
49. Recycline.com
Yogurt containers become colorful plates, flatware, toothbrushes, and razors.

Because It Will Make Your Life Better
50. Getting rid of clutter will reduce housework by 40 percent.
51. Erase a $10K credit card debt (with an average interest rate) 65 percent faster -- and pay 75 percent less total interest -- when you pay double the typical minimum monthly payment.
52. Download security software like Stopzilla to keep a lid on computer pop-ups.
53. Around 23 percent of people pay late fees on bills they cannot find.

Because You Can Get Something Back
54. Return six MAC Cosmetics containers to any MAC store and receive a free lipstick.
55. Trade in an old iPod and receive a 10 percent discount on a new one.
56. Coinstar.com
Easily convert spare change into "real" money.
57. Craigslist.org
Sell it to your neighbors.
58. ebay.com
Sell it to anyone.
59. giftcardbuyback.com.
Get cash for gift cards you'll never use.
60 Paperbackswap.com
Trade the books you have for the ones you want.
61. Peerflix.com
Trade the DVDs you've seen for the ones you haven't.
62. Spun.com
Clear off your CD shelves, and make money in the process.
63. Titletrader.com
The great entertainment exchange: books, music, movies, and games, all swapped in one place.

Because It's Old/Expired
64. energystar.gov
Replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones saves money and fuel.
65. Running shoes should be retired after 300 to 500 miles in order to prevent injuries.
66. Deep-six your toothbrush every three to four months.
67. Swap your pitcher's water filter every two months (or as directed).
68. Change out disposable air conditioner filters once a month during cooling season.
69 Replace the batteries in your smoke detector at least once a year.
70. foodsafety.gov
Find the USDA's recommended storage limits for refrigerated and frozen food.
71. Throw out mascara and moisturizer after three months.
72. Discard foundation and sunscreen after six months to a year.
73. Keep concealer, lipstick, eye- and lip liners, fragrances, powders, blushes, and shadows for only a year and a half to two years.
74.-76. Say goodbye to the dried-out remnants of your favorite no-longer-available lipstick, and check out threecustom.com, T.J.Maxx stores, or Lancome's beauty bye-bye program for replacements or duplicates of discontinued cosmetics.

Because You Don't Want to Suffer from "Stuck Song Syndrome"
77. And these five tunes are among the most persistent: Chili's "Baby Back Ribs" jingle, "We Will Rock You," the "Mission Impossible" theme, "YMCA," and "It's a Small World After All." (Tip: Try drowning them out with classical music, which is less likely to haunt you after it's turned off.)

Because the Last Thing You Need Is More Paper Lying Around
78. File your taxes through an authorized IRS e-file provider.
79. Eliminate paper statements by banking and paying bills online.
80. Call 1-888-567-8688 to stop unwanted credit card solicitations.
81. Opt out of mailing and telemarketing lists by logging on to dmaconsumers.org.

Because There's a Better Option
82. Search for phone numbers online instead of storing bulky Yellow and White Pages volumes.
83. Lose the road maps and get a GPS system to download up-to-date travel guides.
84. Read "Dating Up: Dump the Schlump and Find a Quality Man," by J. Courtney Sullivan (Warner Books, $14, 2007).

Because You Don't Want to End Up Like Them
85. Miss Havisham in "Great Expectations"
86. Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale in "Grey Gardens"
87. Oscar Madison in "The Odd Couple"
88. The family in the documentary "Packrat" (packratthemovie.com)
89. The Bronx, New York, man who, in 2003, was trapped in his home under an avalanche of books and newspapers for two days before being rescued.

Because If They Said It, It's Probably True
90. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." -Leonardo da Vinci
91. "Less is more." -Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
92. "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." -William Morris
93. "You've got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative." -Johnny Mercer
94. "The joy of giving is indeed a pleasure, especially when you get rid of something you don't want." -Frank Butler and Frank Cavett, "Going My Way"

Or Just Because...
95. It has no value, sentimental or monetary.
96. It hasn't been used in over a year.
97. There is no logical place to keep it.
98. It doesn't work.
99. An ex gave it to you.
100. And what's the worst that can happen if you throw it out?

Thanks Martha!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T09:36:00.001-08:00

Clayton and I celebrated our first New Year together! It was so much fun. Yesterday we went sledding with Clayton's family, his brothers and his mom and step dad. It was FREEZING. Clayton tried several times to kill me on the sled, I was not very happy. But it turned out to be a fun filled family day:)

Our new favorite game is Ticket To Ride. We play it everyday and I am proud to say that 3/4 of the time I win. Poor Clayton.

Wedding Pictures

2009-01-02T09:31:00.001-08:00

Here is a link to our wedding pics on Facebook. I was going to reupload them all but this is definitely easier!

http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47720&l=6744b&id=520694626

http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=32713&l=38de2&id=520694626

Enjoy!

It's a Christmas Miracle!!!

2008-12-25T19:53:00.000-08:00

Well to all of my eager friends and family who have been patiently waiting for our wedding pictures, your day has finally come! We got our cd today and I am busy getting a post together. so please believe me when I say tomorrow is the day! Wahoo! For those of you who have facebook....the pics will be there too.

Merry Christmas!!

The Irony

2008-11-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

So I created this blog to post items and to let people know things about our life. Ha, do I post......nope. Well now the revolution begins. Here I come blogger, I am going to do it. I will finally start posting again. End the famine and begin the feast some may say.

Where to start well things have been absolutely crazy since the wedding. Clayton and I are so busy and love the moments at the end of the day that we finally get to spend together. Being married is better than I ever thought it would be. I get to spend eternity with my best friend. I definitely need to get better at showing my love for him. At least with me I get too caught up in the day and how busy it is to take a moment and recognize the beauty of our relationship and to undertand that not everyone has it as good as us. How lucky I am.

So this weekend we get to go to Deer Valley. Just us. Sigh. I cant wait. Hopefully we will take more than the 5 pictures we took on our honeymoon and I can post them.

Dumb Photos

2008-09-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

So I have been trying to upload pictures all night. Sigh.....no luck. I think it might be my internet connection so I am going to try again tomorrow at school. SORRY!!

Updates and Pictures Coming Soon!!

2008-09-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am so sorry it has been soooooooo long since my last post. We finally got our internet in our apartment yesterday so I am planning some major posts in the near future. Stay tuned for pre wedding, wedding, and honeymoon pictures:)

Reception Directions

2008-08-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

I honestly cannot believe how fast the summer has gone by. Clayton and I get married sooooo soon! Here are some helpful little links to get you to our reception:)

August 28, 2008
6:30 to 8:30
Wirig Residence
4983 Old Oak Ln.
Highland, Ut

View Larger Map

September 6, 2008
7:00-9:00
Litzie Residence
1936 Arielle Ln.
Simi Valley, CA

View Larger Map

If you are still having problems finding the address or think you might leave a comment and I can get more specific directions! I am excited to see you! Thank you for coming and supporting Clayton and me, it means so much to us:)

Freeway Adventure

2008-08-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

So today Katie and I decided to go with the boys to lunch. They were going to Buffalo Wild Wings and all they do is rave about it so we had to try it out. Supposedly it was only about ten minutes down the road. Well 45 minutes, one hellish freeway drive, a toll road, and a state trooper later we arrived at the restaurant. This was my first experience driving the freeways of Illinois and luckily it will be my last. Honestly I have no idea where people get off by saying that Utahans drive bad. They are nothing close to the satanic drivers of Highway 333. Not only do they like to squeeze into the inch of space that I left between Clayton's bumper and my own but they like to do it at 80 miles per hour and then step on the break. I think they all might of been drunk.

Speaking of drunks our little van got an owie today. I am pretty sure the driver was drunk when he threw what we think was a beer can out of his window while per the above driving 80 miles an hour and swerving in and out of traffic. There ended up being a rather large dent in the little van's door. Garek repaid the felon with a nice full moon. You know what kind if you know Garek. Anyway luckily we got the license plate number however the state trooper that came after the incidence said we would have to go to court and since we are going home to Utah on Tuesday the drunk might just get away with his wreckless driving. I am praying for Karma.

On the good side we are going to Six Flag tomorrow. I am super excited. I have never been so it will be an adventure. We are definitely going to take pictures so I will post them with in the next few days!

The Invitation Saga..... and BREAKING DAWN!!!

2008-08-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

For what feels like forever I have been working on invitations. Whether it is taking pictures, designing, editing, or now stuffing it never seems to end. I never thought the number 650 was a lot until I am in the middle of licking 650 envelops. I licked like three and thought I was going to puke. Ha. But the good thing is is that went sent 300 of them out this morning and we should be sending the rest out soon. You have no idea how good it feels to have them out and on their way to their various destinations. Phew! It was definitely an out of body experience stuffing my own wedding announcements. Crazy. I get married in 28 days...... I am so FREAKING EXCITED!

There is another thing that I am just dying with anticipation and that is BREAKING DAWN. Not only is it being realesed tonight but I have Clayton convinced to come with me to the midnight party. It is going to be so funny watching his face while we are there. I dont think he has ever been exposed to a female frenze that the twilight series tends to bring out in the ladies. I am super excited! I even have a wrist band....YAY.

So I defnitely think that you should comment once you are done with the book. I want to hear what you think......!

Facebook Wanna-Be

2008-07-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

So I finally gave into the Facebook pressure. I realized that there are a lot of friends that I had in high school that I wanted to invite to the wedding. SO I did it. I joined the only thing that would link me to my past friends. I feel a little bit like a cop out. I always testified of for the anti-facebook and yet now I have become my own worst nightmare. Those of you who pledged with me never to join please do not disown me:)

Questions, Questions, Questions

2008-07-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Soooooo Erica tagged me to do this questioner like two weeks ago so I figured I better get on that!

4 Things you may not know about me:

-I am currently living in Schaumburg, IL

-I love food from India

-I have a blonde and a brown set of eyelashes

- I am a sucker for Extereme Makeover Home Edition. I cry EVERY episode.

4 Places I Go Over and Over:

-Mejier it is a place sort of like Walmart but not. I never seem to have what I need for dinner that night. It has gotten to be a daily ritual.

-Pet Land in Schaumnburg, IL. Clayt and I love to go and look at the cute little puppies however we both like just that looking at them. Not really fans of taking care of them, but they sure are cute:)

-My computer. I dont think I ever leave it between 1:00-10:00 pm F.U.N.

-My bed.

4 People Who Email Me:

-My photographer Blush Photography......trying to get all of those wedding plans squared away.

-My Sister Jessica updating me on all of the news ect.

-Junk Mail.....I am very popular on the junk mail lists

-Relatives emailing me with different family addresses ect.

4 Places I'd love to be:

-AUGUST 28, 2008!!

-Sitting on my big yellow couch back home in Alpine, UT

-Cuddling on the couch during a thunderstorm

-Cancun, Mexico! We are so excited for our honeymoon:)

4 Movies I Watch Over and Over

-Does Friends seasons 1-10 count?

-Dont watch many movies over and over again.......

4 People I'm tagging:

-Ummm everyone who reads my blog. Ha that should be about four:)

Utah Fun

2008-07-22T13:11:00.001-07:00

This past weekend Clayton and I got the chance to go home! We didn't realize how much we missed Utah until we stepped off the plan and felt that nice hot dry heat:) It is definitely not that way in Chicago!
The weekend went by waaay to fast:( Here are some of the things that we did!

It all started out at 5 am on friday morning. We had decided to go to The Dark Knight, the midnight showing, that same night. Ha ha ha not the best idea when you have a flight at 5 am and you have not even started packing! The movie was pretty incredible. Heath Ledger was absoulutly phenomonal however I am not sure if I would see it again. It was pretty dark and very scary. I guess that is a sign of good acting and incredible directing. It definitely sucked us in and I will be the first to admit that as we were walking out of the theater and Clayton stood behind me and touched my shoulder, I jumped and had to check just to make sure it was clayton-- in case it might have been our makeup loving friend The Joker. He definitely had me scared and convinced I was next...ha ha ha

Well after finally arriving in SLC four hours and two cancelled flights later than our origonal expected arrival time Clayton declared very forcefully that we will no longer be flying NWA. It made me giggle....he had had a rough flight. Needless to say he slept the entire flight:)

Honestly this weekend we did not have a moment to spare! Once we got home we had to head straight to provo. We had a few errons to run and a family reuinion to stop at. It was fun to see all of the Seipert family again and for Clayton to meet them. He fits right in:) We then stopped at our new apartment! I am so excited. It is on the boarder between Orem and Lindon, right up on the mountian up from Kneader's. It is the basement apartment of a 3 year old home. The upstairs is vacant for when the home owner come to utah to visit family. It is a beautiful home with a great view. The bedrooms are huge and I am definitely a sucker for walk in closets! It will be really fun when we finally get to move into it in October:)

We then ran over to Erin's play. She is currently starring in Seussical the Musical:) I definitely think Clayton enjoyed it the most, inbetween bathroom breaks and yawns he caught all the action. ha ha ha. The best part of the day had to be Cafe Rio.....oh man have i missed my Chicken Salad, no beans just rice and all of the fixins with creamy cilantro dressing. Wow it is good.

Saturday was a bit of a whirlwind. I had three showers and they we so much fun. Clayt was such a trooper. He dropped me off to each one and showed up at the end for introductions. He was so cute. I think he had all of the ladies in love with him by the end of each shower. It was so fun for me to be able to see all of my friends and family that I have not seen for months. It was really fun and we got tons of stuff that we definitely need!

Sunday I was definitely feeling under the weather. I had started to get sick on friday. I had a pretty bad cough and runny nose but I was feeling fine until Sunday hit. I did not feel good at all. The plane ride home was definitely interesting. I always feel bad for the person who has to sit next to the sick person on the flight.....that sick person was me:( Poor Clayton, he did such a good job of taking care of me and helping me feel better.

All in all it was such a wonderful weekend. I loved being home with the family and Clayton needed a break. Now we are back in Chicago with the normal daily grind, but hey we come home for good in THREE WEEKS!!!! YAY!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-07-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

This summer has been flying by. I honestly cannot believe that it is already the middle of July. Chicago is definitely fast paced and not really the nice relaxing summer that I thought it would be:) But hey it has definitely been an experience for both Clayton and myself.
I am so excited that Clayton and I get to go home next weekend. I have a few bridal showers and a dress fitting and Clayton decided that he would come along for the ride. Not, he says he is coming to sign the lease for our apartment but I really think he just cant stand to be away from me for that long and I am not complaining.
Wedding plans are coming along just swimmingly. I think for the most part everything is planned. We have to finalize the invitations and get them sent out but that is about it. Phew!I am so excited to be married and settled.

Th Perma Smile

2008-06-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

So I have officially been in Chicago now for two weeks. I cant tell you how amazing it is to be with Clayton again. Sure the work is not that fun, but I definitely can endure if it means that I get to see Clayt for just a couple hours out of the day. It gets more and more humid everyday, the temperature's really are not that high but for some reason it feels like a millions degrees with the humidity added in.
So I have sort of slacked off on my bride to be duties however today I am getting all caught up. I have been working on guest list, flowers, dresses, the whole nine yards. I am definitely in the wedding mode. I will however be very relieved when it is all over with and I am finally Mrs Clayton Parry.

Happy Birthday Clayton!

2008-05-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

Today is Clayton's 24th birthday:) I can't tell you how grateful I am for those 24 years and that every moment with them has led him to me. I felt pretty bad about not being able to be with him on his birthday that i tried to make it as special as possible. I sent him a surprise package and had all of his friends embarrass him and sing happy birthday. And to think that he was going to try and get by without telling anyone it was his birthday! I will definitely make sure that that never happens:)

I have two more work days left at my job and I can't wait to be finished! I feel a little useless and wasteful. I mostly just sit there, well I have projects but nothing new. I am just tying up loose ends and getting everything ready for me to leave. It will not be long now until I am in Chicago, the place where I definitely belong for the summer!

The First of Many Firsts to Come

2008-05-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

After much thought and decisive thinking I decided to start Clayton and I a blog. I mean the whole rest of the world is doing it, why not follow suit? With all of the wedding plans and me moving to Chicago soon to be with Clayton it might be nice to have something to keep everyone updated on the latest wedding plans ect.

I sort of laughed when people said that wedding planning was hard, I have even told a friend or two to relax when slightly stressed out about the ever pressing matter of linens and decor. Little did I know. Me, the most indecisive person in the world, regrets those very words. I have become rather content with telling my mom and sister, "sure that works" without even looking at what they are suggesting. At this point, I hope I know where the reception is being held. ha ha ha

Just an update! Clayton is doing fabulous in Chicago! He is selling like nobody's business and his birthday is tomorrow! Happy Birthday Honey! I love you so much!