New Nephew

Little Eli Moore was born on Saturday and he is a cutie! Congrats Jen and Steve! His first few days in this world have been a little rough, but we are all keeping him in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong little guy, I want to meet you!

Claim to Fame

Okay, so everyone knows that I love soccer, right? Well, Saturday, 29 March, was the Rapids home opener against the LA. Galaxy. It was a multi-stake singles activity where we got a nice discount on the tickets and there was a drawing, which allowed 20 people the opportunity to be on the field (sitting on the player’s benches) while the teams warmed up. Okay, so it probably sounds cheesy, but it was awesome! David Beckham plays for the Galaxy and Cobi Jones is a trainer! It gets better, so who should be there but Alexi Lalas! Cobi and Alexi played on the US team and I loved watching them… so it was pretty cool to think that I was only 20 feet away from them! I think that is the closest I have ever been to a celebrity. Anyway, the game was a lot of fun- we killed the Galaxy 4-0! Go Rapids!

On the Field

David Beckham is the one in all white

Lucky Winners

Alexi Lalas

David and Cobi in the same picture- can it get any cooler?

Friends

Today was General Conference and the first Conference since President Hinckley passed away. It was a really good Conference. It was neat to see the change in President Monson as he now stands as the Prophet of the church. I was happy that he even brought some humor to the Conference in his closing remarks- reminded me of Pres. Hinckley. We all miss President Hinckley, but it was nice to finally have a chance to sustain our new Prophet, even President Thomas S. Monson.

Well, that’s all I have for you right now. Work still consumes my life… pretty exciting, huh? Until next time…. I love you all!

Hanging With Family

Well after working 41-1/2 hours in 3 days, I finally got a little break! Brent, Ashley, and Brad came to Colorado, so I was able to hang with them. I met up with Ashley, Annie, and Mikayla and go shopping Thursday morning. I spent a lot of money, but I got a really cute outfit and a way cool new phone (that I am still learning how to use!) After that Ashley and I enjoyed a nice lunch before meeting up with Katie so we could head to Jared’s school. I love art schools, the people there are all so friendly. It was fun to have a little tour and see some cool art. That night Ashley and I watched “Enchanted” while Jared and Katie took a little nap (don’t worry guys, I’m used to watching movies by myself :^) I spent the night at the Showell’s so we could leave early in the morning for the Springs.

Jared's Campus

Friday morning there were no b-ball games (the reason Brent and Brad came to CO) so Brent, Brad, Ashley, and I headed down to Colorado Springs to see the sights there. It was a sunny, windy, cold, beautiful day! We went to Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds. That was a first for Garden of the Gods for me, so it was neat. That evening we went to see the traveling Rembrandt art exhibit which was at my church. That art is so old, yet it looks brand new… it was really cool. People are so talented, it seriously blows me away! After the art exhibit we had dinner at Jared and Katie’s and hung with them the rest of the evening.

Saturday I got to dye Easter eggs at Annie’s- good times! We all went to Jim N’ Nicks BBQ for lunch before the guys headed off to their b-ball games. So, Ashley and I got to hang the rest of the day. We drove down to the temple and went to Deseret Book before coming back to my place and playing the Wii! Jared, Katie, and Cayden joined us for a bit as well. Brent and Ash took off super early Sunday morning. I’m glad they came to visit me in Colorado. It was nice to see them and fun hanging with them.

Easter Sunday was a wonderful day. It was absolutely gorgeous weather here- got to love CO! After enjoying a peaceful morning and a great three-hour block of meetings, I headed out to Annie and Steve’s for an Easter feast. Annie is such a good cook and they are always so nice to invite me. I had a good time visiting with everyone. We also had an Easter Egg hunt and the Easter Bunny brought me a new purse… thanks Easter Bunny!

Cave of the Winds

Well, that was my weekend…. It was a very welcomed and needed break. Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Holiday! Love to you all!

Surprise!

Yes, I know, it is probably a surprise that I finally updated my blog! It has been way to long… so let me catch you up on some happenings this past month. Well, I ran away from Single Awareness Day (February 14) and flew to Utah. My brother-in-law, Sean, picked me up from the airport and I got to tend my cute nieces and nephew while Jess and Sean went out to dinner. We had a good time playing pretend feast… Tayler is quite the chef! I spent the night at Jess and Sean’s house. Thanks guys for picking me up and letting me tend your kids and crash at your house!

Happy, Cute Cousins!

Jared and Katie flew in the next morning, so Jess and I and the kids loaded into the Yukon and off we went to pick up J & K. Jared and Katie did not know I was going to Utah, so it was a surprise to them when I was sitting in the front seat of the car. We headed out to Mom’s house and enjoyed a lazy afternoon just chillin’ while waiting for Mom to get home from work.

Mom and Son Just Chillin'

The biggest surprise came when Mom got home. I had told Mom the previous Sunday that there was no way I could come home. Work was too crazy (which it is), I worked on Saturday (which I did), and we are not allowed to take leave right now (which is true), so there was absolutely no way I could make it home for the weekend. I didn’t lie… too much! So, when Mom came home and she was distracted by the kids and with everyone being there, I snuck up behind her and put my arm around her and after a few seconds (her attention was still elsewhere) I said, “Hi Momisita!” Her reaction was priceless! She was so excited that I came home… it made me feel good!

Jared is such a good Uncle!

I was the odd one out since I didn't have a kid on my lap... so I took the picture of everyone else just hangin'!

So Cute!!!

So, the weekend was spent just hanging out- it was great! I love hanging with my family and playing with my cute nieces and nephews. We played games, watched movies, ate yummy cinnamon rolls, and had a great weekend. It is always nice to go home.

Two big dates on the calendar since I blogged last are the 25th and 26th of February. The 25th was Brent’s B-day… Happy Birthday Brent! I actually did remember to call so he didn’t have to call me this year! I don’t think Jared and I will ever live that down, but it is quite funny! The 26th marked five years that Dad has been gone. I wish I could have been home to give Mom a big hug, laugh together, cry together and reminisce about all the good times we had with Dad. Time is a funny thing… how it goes by so fast, yet I don’t miss him any less as the years pass.

Thinking- "Man I look good for being so old!"

The other event, blog worthy, is my cha, cha, cha, chia!!!! Yeah, that’s right… I’m a nerd, but I love my chia!

Day 1

Day 6

Day 9

Remembering

On Saturday I watched the funeral for President Hinckley. It was a nice tribute to a great Prophet. As I sat there watching I couldn't help but feel sad that we will not hear cute little President Hinckley's voice at the next General Conference. At the same time I couldn't help but think how lucky we are that even with the death of a leader, this Church will go on and not miss a beat. Today the new first presidency was announced. President Monson serves as the 16th Prophet of the church with President Eyring as First Counselor and President Uchtdorf as Second Counselor.

Today, we are also remembering Marcela's Birthday! Have a great day Marcela! I think this is a first that I've actually remembered your birthday on your actual birthday... there is hope for me!

WEEKEND FUN

Wii + Friends = Fun

Friday night I had a wii party at my new place. It was a lot of fun…there were about 10 of us altogether. That is a good size, small enough that you get to actually play and large enough to have a good time. A friend of mine also brought the old school Nintendo so we had that going at the same time as the wii games. I also must thank Jenny for her great dip idea… it was a hit Jen! So, there were good people, good food, and fun games- what more could you ask for?

Intense Game of Super Mario Brothers

Wii Olympics- Good Times!

Snow + Snowshoes + Friends + Mountains = Fun

Saturday morning I met up with some friends to go snowshoeing. I just bought myself a pair of snowshoes, so I was excited to try them out. I also just bought a new pair of boots, too. I must say that my hands and my toes stayed rather warm… I think that is a first! It was a beautiful day to go hiking… it was cold, but sunny and beautiful. Once you got hiking it wasn’t so cold anymore anyway. We only got to be on the mountain for about an hour, but it was a lot of fun. I’m sure there will be more snowshoeing adventures to come.

Can You See the Unicorn?

Tired?

Snowshoeing Crowd

Rodeo + Friends = Fun

The stock show is in Denver, so a group of us went on Saturday night. We got there early so we could walk around and look at all the booths that were set up. We also got to see a lot of animals up close and personal! I enjoy the bull riding (of course) and the steer wrestling the best. It was a fun evening.

Just Havin' a Good Time at the Rodeo

Huggin' a Lama

Look at those Bison (that ones for you Ashley) and 1 Armed Man

Talk + No Ideas = Stress

My Bishop asked me to speak in the Sacrament meeting way back on December 9th. My topic was Fast Offerings and the blessings that come when we obey that commandment. I had to speak in church today, so you can see that I had quite a long time to prepare this talk. I thought and thought about it, but I was simply getting no ideas. Throughout the month I would jot down a thought or two if it came to me, but overall I had no idea what I wanted to say or what direction to take this talk…. Until about 6:00am this morning! Lets just say that I was pleasantly surprised with how well the talk turned out. I guess that is what happens when you turn it over the Lord and say the things He wants you to say. I had people tell me it was an awesome, inspired talk, so that made me happy.


Tag = I’m It

Questy tagged me to come up with six things that you may not now about me, so I am accepting the challenge. Here you go:

1- I’ve only had one “C” grade in my entire life. The class was Corporate Finance my Sophomore or Junior year of College. That was probably the hardest class I’ve ever taken in my life. I don’t think I’ve ever had to work so hard for a grade before… I definitely earned that C!
2- I have such poor circulation that my hands are constantly splitting on my fingertips and at my knuckles. I used to lotion up and wear cotton gloves at night to give my hands a fighting chance at being soft. I should start doing that again!
3- I hate the look of my hands. I purposely do not wear rings so I do not draw attention to them. My two crooked fingers (since I broke them and they did not heal properly) and my nasty purple, cracked, split skin doesn’t help. On the flip side, I love my stomach- its nice having a six pack! Kind of ironic that the part of me I love the most is never seen and the part I am most self-conscience about is constantly showing!
4- I do not like driving on the freeway and avoid it if I can. I much prefer driving the surface streets, even if it takes a few minutes longer.
5- I do not like to run. I love to be in shape, and I love to play sports, but I do not like to simply run for the fun of it (unless I am in the mood to go run, which happens on a very rare occasion).
6- I used to get such bad nose bleeds when I was young that I got my nose cauterized. I still get quite a few random nose bleeds, but it has been a long while since I’ve had an hour long one! In fact, the only times I have been to the emergency room in my life is when I had a super bad nose bleed (going on two hours from what I am told) and the time I got my head split open while playing racquetball.

There you have it, did you learn anything new about me? So, since this is a game of tag I now tag Katie to come up with 6 interesting things we may not know about you!

Cayden’s Blessing Weekend

Man of the Hour

Cute Little Family

It was nice to only go a few days from when I said goodbye to Mom and Jess before seeing them again! Mom, Jess and little Jayson flew to Colorado Friday evening. I picked them up at the airport around 7:30pm and we went to Jared and Katie’s where we enjoyed a nice meal of ravioli soup (thanks Ro for the recipe!). That evening we found ourselves being entertained by the very slap happy Jayson. Babies are such time wasters!
Mom stayed with Jared and Katie while Jessica and Jayson stayed at my apartment.

Dinner Time

Jess and Jayson

Saturday morning Jared, Katie, Cayden, and Mom came over for breakfast. Then we just enjoyed a really lazy morning playing the Nintendo Wii. We got Jess hooked on bowling- good times! We went to Southlands that afternoon before heading back to my apartment to get dinner together. We had pork chops and stuffing with apples, rolls, and salad. That is three meals in a row that I have cooked- I should have company more often! That night we busted out the s’mores maker and played games.

Golf Anyone?

Sunday morning was the reason Mom and Jess came to Colorado. It was Cayden’s blessing today and Jared did a fabulous job. The meeting was wonderful with Jared, Katie, and Katie’s Dad all sharing their testimonies. Thanks all for making it special. After the meeting everyone headed over to Jared and Katie’s apartment for sandwiches. There was quite the full house with Katie’s family (everyone minus Beth and her husband), the Showell clan (minus Justin and Troy), Jess, Jayson, Mom, Grandma, and I! So, total there were 24 people there- good times. People stayed for quite a while before heading out. Mom and Jess didn’t fly out until 7:45pm, so we left at 5:45 to take them to the airport. It was a long night for them since their plane didn’t even leave until 8:40pm.

Party Time!

Great Grandma and Cayden

Showell Clan

Look How Cute We Are Mom!

Look at all these people who love you Cayden!

It really was a great weekend. I so love hanging with my family. Thanks Jess, Mom and Jayson for spending the weekend with us in Colorado! You are welcome any time!