The Sorensen Family

Most Recent Sorensen Family Pictures

2011-11-06T18:24:00.000-08:00

Best of the Sorensens Sep-Oct 2011

This is actually polite in different countries...

2009-08-28T05:50:00.001-07:00

So, the other night Jeff and I were having dinner. Well, actually, Jeff was eating and I was feeding Daniel. After having a very casual dinner, Jeff took a big swig of his drink and let out a very large belch...(by the way, this is definitely not customary for us... :) Daniel immediately looked up at his dad, shocked, might I add, and smiled the biggest grin I have ever seen. Now, what followed was probably the most hilarious thing that I have seen yet. Daniel, too, had just finished a big swig, and proceeded the smile with an even bigger belch than his dad's. I could not believe it. We all broke out in laughter. My son had just beat his dad, straight up, in his first ever belching war. So proud. Yep, I definitely had a boy!

The White House

2009-08-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

So we moved to DC, and moved right in to the white house...well, not the real one, but close enough, right?! We are so excited to be living in this house. It is just perfect. Once we got the living room painted...I felt pretty much settled. This place really feels like home, even though all of our loved ones are so far away. We can't wait for visitors!..oh yeah, that picture on the top is our next adventure...the over-grown garden. The sad part is...those are all weeds!...I can do this...I can do this!

Birthday and Painting

2009-08-26T18:51:00.001-07:00

So, the moment RobbiAnn and the girls left we were down to business. We love the house...it was clean and beautiful, but the colors on the walls definitely did not fit our style. As you can see, the wall over the fireplace was purple (which in a certain type of room could be pretty cool), definitely not me though. In fact, our first Sunday with RobbiAnn here, I mentioned that it was hard to feel comfortable in church, because I kept thinking about our purple wall. She said she felt the same...hahaha. We took care of it, and have been painting ever since. We did however have one wonderful break when Jeff took me out for my birthday. We went to the Cheesecake Factory! YUM! I love that place. I only got through a bite or two of my meal because Daniel was, I guess, super excited to be there too! It was a nice thought, going out to a nice dinner and all....well, back to the walls...

A Million new posts!

2009-08-19T06:41:00.001-07:00

Enjoy!

Together Again!

2009-08-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

We made it!...and it was so good to see Jeff again! I am so happy to be here...not only because I am finished driving, but because I am so excited to start our new adventure!

Day 5 Touring the Country

2009-08-19T06:34:00.001-07:00

Getting Closer....

Day 4 Touring the Country

2009-08-19T06:25:00.001-07:00

Day 4 we were able to see Amanda, who is living in Detroit now. She made the long drive to meet up with us on our cross-country trip. We had a blast with her and her family! The rest of the day was spent with a short drive, lots of swimming, and a little help from the girls with Daniel.

Our Visit with Larry

2009-08-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time with Larry in Michigan. He has the most lovely home and was such a great host! Larry had the hot tub ready and bbq'd the most wonderful dinner. The night was topped off with a trip to the Lake (which really felt like the ocean), and I couldn't forget...Oinks Ice Cream. It was so much fun...Kensie doesn't even talk about her trip to DC...she talks about her trip to see Larry and Murphy (his poodle).

The Best Part about Day 3

2009-08-19T06:13:00.001-07:00

Day 3 Touring the Country

2009-08-19T06:07:00.001-07:00

Day 3...more never-ending corn fields, bible study, gas stations, and fun!...I mean we were driving the across the country...of course we were having fun!

Day 2 Touring the Country

2009-08-19T05:55:00.001-07:00

Day 2 of the trip was much the same. We said our Farewells to Gary and Cindy and were off. The day was spent with never-ending of corn fields, and bible study on the radio. We traveled through Nebraska, and part of Iowa. We filled up at way too many gas stations, but at least the girls were able to top it all off with a swim in the pool!

Day 1 Touring the Country

2009-08-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

So we were not even to Park City and McKensie told me that Daniel needed a serious diaper change...so funny! That pretty much set the standard for the entire trip...stop every two or three hours for Danny. Love it! It was nice though, becuase we were able to see things that we normally would not have seen on the drive. Day one was mainly dusty, desert scenes through WY, except for the stop where we saw antelope, and of course, Little America. We saw beautiful rainbows in Colorado, and our stay for the night was amazing...Aunt Cindy and Uncle Gary's house. They were so nice to have us. They even arranged a huge family gathering, where I was able to see my grandma, cousins, and other family members that I haven't seen in years. It was a wonderful night.

Sad Goodbyes

2009-08-19T05:29:00.001-07:00

The day finally came that we had to say farewell to Utah. We will miss the beautiful mountains, Cafe Rio, BYU...and most of all our families! Life will never be the same, but we are so excited for the adventure. The morning we left was a hard one. I realized that I had lived with my parents for a good portion of my life, and it was time to move on. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I know they will miss me, but I think they will miss their grandbaby even more. It was fun to see Daniel with all the grandparents...Bob and his calm, quiet wispers...my dad and his "squeaky kisses" that Daniel just loves, my mom and her tight hugs...Robbiann was happy as can be, because she would get another week with Daniel...lucky lady, offered to drive across the country with me to Washington DC. So kind...We will miss all of you! Now on to our family's great adventure...we love you all!

Slater Family Reunion

2009-08-19T05:05:00.000-07:00

I am new to this Slater Family Reunion, but may I say it is FABULOUS! Being an outsider to the clan, may I say that I have never seen such a unique family bond. All the families are linked together by Grandma and Grandpa, of course, and by 5 sisters who would do anything for each other. I think that is why it is so unique. It's the sisters...anyway, they are hilarious. Jeff was not able to attend this year, because he was at officer training. I missed him dearly, but my time was filled with all the wonderful activities we were able to do with the family in Washington. The reunion was spent with songs each night, amazing food, long days of swimming, service, tons of pictures (thanks to my mother-in-law a.k.a "the Roberazzi" ), and my favorite Slater tradition...the never ending "good-byes".

SUCCESS...NEED I SAY MORE?

2009-07-14T21:51:00.001-07:00

LOVE THAT BETTY CROCKER!

A girl and her cake

2009-07-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

So do you all remember that marvelous cake I made for Jeff's mission president? Well, I decided that I wasn't going to let one cake ruin me...even though I have never made a normal looking cake...So I decided to do it again. Since Jeff is gone, and it is my last week with my family, I thought I would make it for them. Really, the pictures speak for themselves. Halfway through cooking I had to take the cakes out because smoke was filling the house. I did it again...ruined cake. Oh well...I still have one last try in me...this cake will not beat me. I will overcome!

Mom's favorite babysitter

2009-07-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

Daniel is obsessed with his jumper...and rightfully so! Who doesn't love to jump on a fun chair to music while bungee cords are springing you back up? He really could stay in it for hours. Well, I thought I would try it and see how long he could stay in there. I put him to the ultimate test...watching mom do her hair. The other day I was straightening my hair (which takes a good 45 min. from wet to dry...what can I say...I am high maintenance). He did so well, all up until the last 5 minutes and he tuckered out. So you be the judge...does this picture say "Bad Parenting" or just "Worn-out Kid"? Poor little guy!

Adventures in Motherhood

2009-07-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

Now, I don't have a picture of this one...rightfully so...it is just a good lesson learned. I went grocery shopping tonight by myself. Now I hate to have to make more than one run back to the car when unloading the groceries, so I did it all in one run. This meant I had to carry Daniel in one arm, and all the groceries in the other while locking car doors and opening the apartment door. Not easy. Well, I was wearing the shorts that I purchased right after I had Daniel...I have lost a little weight since then...my story continues. It was about 6:30 PM and all the neighbors were out doing yard work. As I made my way to the apartment (baby steps might I add, so that I wouldn't drop anything), I could feel my pants starting to fall. However, with my arms full, and my determination not to make another run, I ignored the minor inconvenience. Step by step, they fell even further. I started walking as fast as I could. By the time I made it to the apartment door, my shorts were almost all the way down my behind. I am sure someone saw, but come on...I have to get a "pass" for being a mom. Quite the adventure this motherhood thing!

A Man and his Mustang

2009-07-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

So...I finally tricked my dad. My mom and I schemed together to get my dad a ride on the P-51C Mustang (the only dual control mustang in the world!) I lied to my dad and told him that we were just going to a special viewing of the P-51. I told him that I had arranged a pre-flight for him with the pilot. (It was a tad bit scary how well I fibbed!) Anyway that got him down there. That morning was so hectic. Jeff was gone to Alabama, I had to get Daniel ready, I had to find my dad's old log book, etc., etc...you know the mornings. I made sure to get ready that day too, because we were going down to the airport and I wanted to look somewhat half-decent in my post pregnancy phase. I actually did my hair and make-up. It was a quick throw together, but I did it. That stated we went to the airport...the whole family...to see the Mustang...or as dad calls it..."the Cadillac of the Skies". Once we got there I paid for the flight and let the pilot know about all of our lies. Everyone I spoke with that morning gave me some wierd looks, but I just figured that it was because not a lot of people get to ride the P-51...it is a little pricey. The surprise turned out perfectly! We coaxed dad into getting into the plane to see the inside...not so easy to coax Kim into doing anything...but he finally gave in to peer pressure. Once inside and checking out the gauges, we locked his seatbelt and told him that he was going for a ride. He couldn't believe it. At that moment, he looked like the happiest man on Earth. They took off and I went back to Kensie who was babysitting Daniel. The first thing she said to me was, "Did you know that you have mascara all over your eyes?"...good old Kensie. Yes. I am one of those girls who can't seem to stay in the lines...mascara everywhere if I want a good eyelash job. And Yes. I did forget to wipe it off. I just about died. Smudges were almost all the way up to my eyebrows, and nobody even told me. Not even Rose, my mom, who said that she noticed but didn't want to embarrass me in front of everyone. Uhhhh...too late! I bet they all just thought I was a crazy lady. I truely earned my mom merit badge that day. I ran to the bathroom and took care of it, but by that time it was too late. Everyone had already seen me in my crazy lady state. Oh well. Dad got back down and really had the time of his life. I am so happy to have been there to witness it...even in all my mascara glory! Notice I don't have any pictures up of me...thank goodness.

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

"The Americans
who
Risked Everything"

"Our lives, our fortunes, our sacred honor"

It was a glorious morning. The sun was shining and the wind was from the southeast. Up especially early, a tall, bony, redheaded young Virginian found time to buy a new thermometer, for which he paid three pounds, fifteen shillings. He also bought gloves for Martha, his wife, who was ill at home.

Thomas Jefferson arrived early at the statehouse. The temperature was 72.5: and the horseflies weren't nearly so bad at that hour. It was a lovely room, very large, with gleaming white walls. The chairs were comfortable. Facing the single door were two brass fireplaces, but they would not be used today.

The moment the door was shut, and it was always kept locked, the room became an oven. The tall windows were shut, so that loud quarreling voices could not be heard by passersby. Small openings atop the windows allowed a slight stir of air, and also a large number of horseflies. Jefferson records that "the horseflies were dexterous in finding necks, and the silk of stocking was as nothing to them." All discussion was punctuated by the slap of hands on necks.

On the wall at the back, facing the President's desk, was a panoply--consisting of a drum, swords, and banners seized from Fort Ticonderoga the previous year. Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold had captured the place, shouting that they were taking it "in the name if the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress!"

Now Congress got to work, promptly taking up an emergency measure about which there was discussion but no dissension. "Resolved: That an application be made to the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania for a supply of flints for the troops at New York."

Then Congress transformed itself into a committee of the whole, The Declaration of Independence was read aloud once more, and debate resumed. Though Jefferson was the best writer of all of them, he had been somewhat verbose. Congress hacked the excess away. They did a good job, as a side-by-side comparison of the rough draft and the final text shows. They cut the phrase "by a self-assumed power." "Climb" was replaced by "must read," then "must" was eliminated, then the whole sentence, and soon the whole paragraph was cut. Jefferson groaned as they continued what he later called "their depredations." "Inherent and inalienable rights" came out "certain unalienable rights," and to this day no one knows who suggested the elegant change.

A total of 86 alterations were made. Almost 500 words were eliminated, leaving 1,337. At last, after three days of wrangling, the document was put to a vote.

Here in this hall Patrick Henry had once thundered: "I am no longer a Virginian, Sir, but an American." But today the loud, sometimes bitter argument stilled, and without fanfare the vote was taken from north to south by colonies, as was the custom. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

There were no trumpets blown. No one stood on his chair and cheered. The afternoon was waning and Congress had no thought of delaying the full calendar of routine business on its hands. For several hours they worked on many other problems before adjourning for the day.

Much to lose

What kind of men were the 56 signers who adopted the Declaration of Independence and who, by their signing, committed an act of treason against the Crown? To each of you the names Franklin, Adams, Hancock, and Jefferson are almost as familiar as household words. Most of us, however, know nothing of the other signers. Who were they? What happened to them?

I imagine that many of you are somewhat surprised at the names not there: George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry. All were elsewhere.

Ben Franklin was the only really old man. Eighteen were under 40; three were in their 20s. Of the 56, almost half--24--were judges and lawyers. Eleven were merchants, 9 were land-owners and farmers, and the remaining 12 were doctors, ministers, and politicians.

With only a few exceptions, such as Samuel Adams of Massachusetts, these were men of substantial property. All but two had families. The vast majority were men of education and standing in their communities. They had economic security as few men had in the 18th century.

Each had more to lose from revolution than he had to gain by it. John Hancock, one of the richest men in America, already had a price of 500 pounds on his head. He signed in enormous letter so "that his Majesty could now read his name without glasses and could now double the reward." Ben Franklin wryly noted: "Indeed we must all hang together, otherwise we shall most assuredly hang separately." Fat Benjamin Harrison of Virginia told tiny Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts: "With me it will all be over in a minute, but you, you will be dancing on air an hour after I am gone."

These men knew what they risked. The penalty for treason was death by hanging. And remember: a great British fleet was already at anchor in New York Harbor.

They were sober men. There were no dreamy-eyed intellectuals or draft card burners here. They were far from hot-eyed fanatics, yammering for an explosion. They simply asked for the status quo. It was change they resisted. It was equality with the mother country they desired. It was taxation with representation they sought. They were all conservatives, yet they rebelled.

It was principle, not property, that had brought these men to Philadelphia. Two of them became presidents of the United States. Seven of them became state governors. One died in office as vice president of the United States. Several would go on to be U.S. Senators. One, the richest man in America, in 1828 founded the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. One, a delegate from Philadelphia, was the only real poet, musician and philosopher of the signers (it was he, Francis Hopkinson--not Betsy Ross--who designed the United States flag).

Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, had introduced the resolution to adopt the Declaration of Independence in June of 1776. He was prophetic is his concluding remarks:

"Why then sir, why do we longer delay? Why still deliberate? Let this happy day give birth to an American Republic. Let her arise not to devastate and to conquer but to reestablish the reign of peace and law. The eyes of Europe are fixed upon us. She demands of us a living example of freedom that may exhibit a contrast in the felicity of the citizen to the ever increasing tyranny which desolates her polluted shores. She invites us to prepare an asylum where the unhappy may find solace, and the persecuted repose. If we are not this day wanting in our duty, the names of the American legislators of 1776 will be placed by posterity at the side of all of those whose memory has been and ever will be dear to virtuous men and good citizens."

Though the resolution was formally adopted July 4, it was not until July 8 that two of the states authorized their delegates to sign, and it was not until August 2 that the signers met at Philadelphia to actually put their names to the Declaration.

William Ellery, delegate from Rhode Island, was curious to see the signers' faces as they committed this supreme act of personal courage. He saw some men sign quickly, "but in no face was he able to discern real fear." Stephen Hopkins, Ellery's colleague from Rhode Island, was a man past 60. As he signed with a shaking pen, he declared: "My hand trembles, but my heart does not."

"Most glorious service"

Even before the list was published, the British marked down every member of Congress suspected of having put his name to treason. All of them became the objects of vicious manhunts. Some were taken. Some, like Jefferson, had narrow escapes. All who had property or families near British strongholds suffered.

Francis Lewis, New York delegate, saw his home plundered and his estates, in what is now Harlem, completely destroyed by British soldiers. Mrs. Lewis was captured and treated with great brutality. Though she was later exchanged for two British prisoners through the efforts of Congress, she died from the effects of her abuse.

William Floyd, another New York delegate, was able to escape with his wife and children across Long Island Sound to Connecticut, where they lived as refugees without income for seven years. When they came home, they found a devastated ruin.

Phillips Livingstone had all his great holdings in New York confiscated and his family driven out of their home. Livingstone died in 1778 still working in Congress for the cause.

Louis Morris, the fourth New York delegate, saw all his timber, crops, and livestock taken. For seven years he was barred from his home and family.

John Hart of Trenton, New Jersey, risked his life to return home to see his dying wife. Hessian soldiers rode after him, and he escaped in the woods. While his wife lay on her deathbed, the soldiers ruined his farm and wrecked his Homestead. Hart, 65, slept in caves and woods as he was hunted across the countryside. When at long last, emaciated by hardship, he was able to sneak home, he found his wife had already been buried, and his 13 children taken away. He never saw them again. He died a broken man in 1779, without ever finding his family.

Dr. John Witherspoon, signer, was president of the College of New Jersey, later called Princeton. The British occupied the town of Princeton, and billeted troops in the college. They trampled and burned the finest college library in the country.

Judge Richard Stockton, another New Jersey delegate signer, had rushed back to his estate in an effort to evacuate his wife and children. The family found refuge with friends, but a sympathizer betrayed them. Judge Stockton was pulled from bed in the night and brutally beaten by the arresting soldiers. Thrown into a common jail, he was deliberately starved. Congress finally arranged for Stockton's parole, but his health was ruined. The judge was released as an invalid, when he could no longer harm the British cause. He returned home to find his estate looted and did not live to see the triumph of the evolution. His family was forced to live off charity.

Robert Morris, merchant prince of Philadelphia, delegate and signer, met Washington's appeals and pleas for money year after year. He made and raised arms and provisions which made it possible for Washington to cross the Delaware at Trenton. In the process he lost 150 ships at sea, bleeding his own fortune and credit almost dry.

George Clymer, Pennsylvania signer, escaped with his family from their home, but their property was completely destroyed by the British in the Germantown and Brandywine campaigns.

Dr. Benjamin Rush, also from Pennsylvania, was forced to flee to Maryland. As a heroic surgeon with the army, Rush had several narrow escapes.

John Morton, a Tory in his views previous to the debate, lived in a strongly loyalist area of Pennsylvania. When he came out for independence, most of his neighbors and even some of his relatives ostracized him. He was a sensitive and troubled man, and many believed this action killed him. When he died in 1777, his last words to his tormentors were: "Tell them that they will live to see the hour when they shall acknowledge it [the signing] to have been the most glorious service that I rendered to my country."

William Ellery, Rhode Island delegate, saw his property and home burned to the ground.

Thomas Lynch, Jr., South Carolina delegate, had his health broken from privation and exposures while serving as a company commander in the military. His doctors ordered him to seek a cure in the West Indies and on the voyage He and his young bride were drowned at sea.

Edward Rutledge, Arthur Middleton, and Thomas Heyward, Jr., the other three South Carolina signers, were taken by the British in the siege of Charleston. They were carried as prisoners of war to St. Augustine, Florida, where they were singled out for indignities. They were exchanged at the end of the war, the British in the meantime having completely devastated their large land holdings and estates.

Thomas Nelson, signer of Virginia, was at the front in command of the Virginia military forces. With British General Charles Cornwallis in Yorktown, fire from 70 heavy American guns began to destroy Yorktown piece by piece. Lord Cornwallis and his staff moved their headquarters into Nelson's palatial home. While American cannonballs were making a shambles of the town, the house of Governor Nelson remained untouched. Nelson turned in rage to the American gunners and asked, "Why do you spare my home?" They replied, "Sir, out of respect to you." Nelson cried, "Give me the cannon!" and fired on his magnificent home himself, smashing it to bits. But Nelson's sacrifice was not quite over. He had raised $2 million for the Revolutionary cause by pledging his own estates. When the loans came due, a newer peacetime Congress refused to honor them, and Nelson's property was forfeited. He was never reimbursed. He died, impoverished, a few years later at the age of 50.

Lives, fortunes, honor

Of those 56 who signed the Declaration of Independence, nine died of wounds or hardships during the war. Five were captured and imprisoned, in each case with brutal treatment. Several lost wives, sons or entire families. One lost his 13 children. Two wives were brutally treated. All were at one time or another the victims of manhunts and driven from their homes. Twelve signers had their homes completely burned. Seventeen lost everything they owned. Yet not one defected or went back on his pledged word. Their honor, and the nation they sacrificed so much to create, is still intact.

And, finally, there is the New Jersey signer, Abraham Clark.

He gave two sons to the officer corps in the Revolutionary Army. They were captured and sent to the infamous British prison hulk afloat in New York harbor known as the hell ship "Jersey," where 11,000 American captives were to die. The younger Clarks were treated with a special brutality because of their father. One was put in solitary and given no food. With the end almost in sight, with the war almost won, no one could have blamed Abraham Clark for acceding to the British request when they offered him his sons' lives if he would recant and come out for the King and parliament. The utter despair in this man's heart, the anguish in his very soul, must reach out to each one of us down through 200 years with his answer: "No."

The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence proved by their every deed that they made no idle boast when they composed the most magnificent curtain line in history. "And for the support of this Declaration with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor."

By: Rush H. Limbaugh, Jr.

Flying Museum

2009-07-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I made a day going to Park City and the Flying Museum in Heber. We got to see a B-17, B-24, P-51C, Grummins, Yaks, a Stearman, and tons more. I absolutely loved it! It was so fun to see Jeff's face light up as well with all of these WWII aircraft. PS they all still fly. We decided to set up a ride for my dad in the P-51C. I will let you know how it goes. Watch for the Flying Museum to come to your local airport at www.collingsfoundation.org. It was truely an experience that I will never forget.

Five Bucks, Five Bucks...Way Cheap!

2009-07-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Jeff's last day here we went to my grandfather's auction. My wonderful grandfather passed away just before Daniel died, and we finally were able to gather his things together and auction them off. Now for those of you who have never been to an auction...it is quite entertaining. Jeff and I got there (Payson) to my grandfather's home and just about died. The front lawn was covered with his things, rows and rows of chairs and tents, speakers, trailers, and a port-a-potty....yes, a port-a-potty. I couldn't help but laugh and think to myself, "I wonder what grandpa thinks of all this?" I am sure he would have laughed. Now, I did gather those things that were most important to me before the auction, so I didn't feel bad auctioning off the extra "things" that he had.
The auctioneer was hilarious with his...gimme a five, a five, a five,....anyone take this for five...way cheap, never before, super lucky....a five, oh we got a five...gimme a ten....way cheap...a ten...Jeff and I couldn't help but just listen and laugh. Quite the experience. We stayed for 3 hours just listening and laughing. Before leaving, I told my mom that I wanted her to bid on one of grandma's old quilts...I know, you say, why didn't I just take it?...don't ask...long story...so I asked my mom to buy back a quilt for me. She called 20 minutes later and told me she not only purchased a quilt, but grandpa's dresser, and curio cabinet. Hahahahaha. I love buying back my own stuff. I used to do that at garage sales too...put out my clothes for 25 cents...then buy them back because I thought they were so cute. Anyway, now we have a dresser for Daniel. I love it, and will think of my dear grandpa everytime I use it.

An Officer and a Gentleman

2009-06-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

Jeff is off to Officer Training. I am so excited for him. He said that his first day was great. He will do such a great job...and will be very missed. 32 days until I see my baby again!

A President's Dinner

2009-06-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

Jeff wanted to have a special dinner with his mission president before he left for DC. I thought it was a fantastic idea. After deciding to have the dinner at his family's house, I offered to cook a special dinner for Jeff, and to relieve a little of the cooking load on RobbiAnn. I told her that I would make coconut shrimp (which is excellent by the way), and a chocolate cake for dessert. I don't know what I was thinking taking a main course and dessert. As many of you know, I am not a cook...nor do I love doing it. I am trying though, and this time decided to cook everything from scratch. For those of you who have never made a cake from scratch...yes this means melting chocolate for the cake instead of using a mix, etc., etc....it is rough. Took all day. I even peeled the shrimp. Rough I tell you. Anyway, I took the almost finished products over to RobbiAnn's house and asked her to help me finish the cake which meant taking it out of the pans and frosting it. Well, it turned out like any other cake I make. Remember the part on Sleeping Beauty when all the fairies are putting together a birthday party for Aurora? Yeah, I am the cake fairy. My cake looked like it was melting...quite hilarious. President Sutherland even had to take a picture to remember the moment. Embarrassing? Yes. A memory I will never forget? Double Yes. From this experience I have decided that the good old crock pot dinner and ice cream is not such a bad idea when entertaining.

Father's Day

2009-06-29T21:26:00.001-07:00

First of all, may I say, Jeff is such a good daddy...and this Father's Day, being his first, was quite the Father's Day to remember. The day started out great...great breakfast, church was wonderful...just great. It wasn't until a routine afternoon feeding that things started getting, well let's just say a little messy! Jeff found himself covered in spit up after burping Daniel...I ran over to save the carpet and start washing all the spit up clothes and Jeff jumped in the shower. I was going as fast as I could so that I could comfort the baby. Finally when everything was washing, Jeff clean, Daniel happy, Jeff sat down to have some chips and salsa. As he went to take his first scoop, all the salsa spilled down his front. We immediately went to throw those clothes in the washer and found a little surprise waiting in the machine. Yes...in my mad dash I washed Daniels diaper (dirty might I add) in the wash with all Jeff's church clothes. Might I say that those diapers can hold a lot! Jeff thinks that Daniel could go a couple of days without a changing...yuck! It was quite the experience. To finish it off, poor Jeff spilled sauce all over at dinner. Poor guy. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day...

By the way...the next week Jeff wore one of the white shirts that I washed and found clean diaper wipes stuck to the inside of the sleeves...double yuck!

My week with great exfoliation

2009-06-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

I have never seen Jeff with a beard, so I asked him to grow it out for me before he has to be clean shaven for the military. This was after a week. He couldn't last any longer...here he is right before he shaved it off. I am going to miss my amazingly exfoliated face. It was a ton of fun while it lasted!

SUMMERFEST

2009-06-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

Summerfest was always my favorite time as a kid growing up in Orem. I loved the corn dogs, parade, cotton candy, and fireworks. In high school, I mostly loved the fireworks and always wanted to snuggle with a cute boy...life long dream, really. Well, for the first time in history, I had two cute boys to snuggle with at Summerfest. We made it just in time for the parade for me to remember all the times I ran those parade routes with all the cheer girls...it was like doing a marathon...and all the times I rode with the Bryson Family for elections. Such great memories. Blake was in the parade this year with the football team. (Yep, Blake is in High School playing football...crazy!) Next we walked the sludge filled carnival area looking for food. It had rained pretty hard earlier and all the grass had turned to mud. As we were searching for food Jeff noticed the dark clouds rolling in. Rain! We made an executive decision to head back to the car. (I had just straightened my hair and was not about to ruin it!) On the way back we picked up the beloved fair corn dog and cotton candy. So good! Nothing like hot fat and sugar! Just as we made it to our car it started raining. So, I missed out on snuggling during the fireworks, but saved the hair...We had such a good time!

Little Angel Baby

2009-06-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

Daniel fell asleep the other day in our bed while we were playing. Too cute! I couldn't miss the picture.

The Farm

2009-06-14T22:35:00.001-07:00

Jeff and I have been working on my Grandpa's farm lately. It has been some pretty good labor, but there was no hesitation to work this last time as Jeff found out that he would be mowing the lawns...on a riding lawn mower. Who wouldn't want to do this? So much fun. The only drawback was that Jeff had birds "dive-bombing" him the whole time. I had to get a picture of my farming man!

Lazy Sunday

2009-06-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I found Jeff and Danny reading the Book of Mormon. Daniel sure loves his dad. He sat there completely content as Jeff read with him. It was too cute. Jeff is such a good dad!

Independent man

2009-06-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Daniel has been quite independent with the pacifier since day 1. He loves it so much! Sometimes he would spit it out just close enough so that he could put it right back in with a small tilt of the head. Hilarious. Now he just holds it in with his fist. No way he is going to lose it! Love my independent man!

12 new posts...

2009-06-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

So...it has been quite a while since my last post...I had a baby!...yeah...didn't do too well before the baby either...life is great...enjoy!

Daniel's Blessing

2009-06-06T22:22:00.001-07:00

Daniel was blessed April 26 by his father. It was a wonderful experience. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband and son.

Adventures of the BOB at the airshow

2009-06-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

So we had this great day planned. Wake up early, go to the airshow, check out all the cool planes, come home, relax. Yeah...woke up a little late...and we were out of the house by 1 PM headed to the airshow in Ogden. Normally this would be about an hour, hour and a half car ride, but there was an accident on the freeway turning our trip into 2 hours. Wow. Luckily Daniel slept the whole time. We decided to turn off the freeway and head home, but somehow took a wrong exit and ended up right where we needed to be. We raced to Ogden in hopes of making it to the airshow before it was over. We found parking and loaded Daniel up. Our idea was to walk about 1 mile with Daniel in the BOB stroller. After all the obstacles of the day, I finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel...then our stroller got a flat tire. Serious? We made it so far! Jeff and I laughed. Instead of making it to the airshow, we stood outside the fenced runway and watched all the planes from the outside. Even so, it ended up being a wonderful day! Nothing like watching F16's in formation with my boys!

Impressed?

2009-06-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

I know. It was supposed to be just Jeff, but I had to try it myself. I just about had a heart attack. I have erased all aspirations of being a cop or FBI agent in the future. Jeff was so good! He hit a number of targets. I, on the other hand, was shaking the whole time, thus missing all the targets. That's alright. We had a great time and enjoyed spending time with our friends.

Inspired Decisions

2009-06-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Take me back to 20 years old and I would have never expected this to be my life...I was going to be a pilot...was even looking into the Air Force. Didn't think I would get married, or especially have children. I loved planes way too much! Here I am now, and am so greatful that I was lead in the direction that I am headed now. While flying is such a wonderful adventure...so is motherhood! I am so happy that I had a choice in being a mother. I am loving every step of the way...plus now I can fly with two cute guys in the plane!

Good-Bye Million Air

2009-06-06T21:24:00.000-07:00

I have loved working with everyone at Million Air. I have made some of the best friends. It was so much fun to rub shoulders with such great people while being an airport bum. I will miss all of you! Thanks for everything.

Dancing Machine

2009-06-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

Jeff loves playing with Daniel. I couldn't resist putting this on the blog. It was too much fun! Enjoy!

The BOB and Thanksgiving Point

2009-06-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

I waited long and hard for this day...the day we purchased our BOB stroller. This is a pretty intense stroller...adjustable seating...shocks...locking swivel wheel...recommended by joggers everywhere...intense. I decided that right after we purchased it, we might as well put it to good use. We went to Thanksgiving Point's tulip festival. It was gorgeous. Rose and Kensie came with us. I had envisioned a day of strolling through the beautiful gardens holding hands and smelling the beautiful flowers...we did that somewhat, between the breaks of Jeff admiring the stroller and all it's gadgets. Such a guy! It was hilarious...he adjusted the shocks...set the break...adjusted the seat a few times...figured out the swivel wheel...he worked it over! I got a kick out of watching him. My mom on the other hand pointed out that my favorite garden (the Italian Garden) looked like a bunch of over-flowing toilets...Jeff corrected her by saying that it looked more like over-flowing bathtubs...so much for my romantic walk...it was more fun this way, and definitely unforgettable. Note that in the picture Jeff is working on the stroller in front of the Over-flowing Bathtub Garden (you might have to double-click on the picture to get the whole idea).

Postpartum Pedicures

2009-06-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

Amy Marchbanks could be possible the smartest girl in the world. She decided to take out a brand new mom for a pedicure. May I say that it was the best experience ever. Not only did I get a little break to hang out with my friend, but I went home with at least one thing that made me feel a little bit pretty. :) I had such a good time. Amy really is the greatest! Thanks dear!

Baptism by FIRE...or spit-up!

2009-06-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I have learned valuable lessons on this first one that we hopefully will remember for babies to come.

1) Never feed or burp a child in clothing you intend on wearing for the rest of the day.
2) Always make sure vital parts are covered during diaper changes if you plan on wearing the clothes you have on for the rest of the day.
3) Let sleeping babies sleep...no matter where or what position they are in.
4) No matter how wierd the bears are on the mobile...they can be your baby's best friends.
5) You really should plan for multiple changes of clothing per day for you and the baby.
6) No diaper is leak proof.
7) Yes...a baby does eat all the time.
8) Never leave the house without everything from the baby's room packed in your huge bag.
9) Plan for a good hour to get out of the house...then another 15 min. when you finally get everything ready and find that the baby suddenly needs an emergency diaper/clothing change.
10) No baby can have too much attention...kiss their faces off!

Congrats!

2009-06-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

Jeff is a graduated man! I am so proud of him. He worked so hard to finish. Thanks babe for working so hard. Also thanks goes out to such a supportive family. We couldn't thank our families enough! Now off to more school... :)

Grandparents (and Larry!) for Graduation

2009-06-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky that we were able to see our grandparents and Uncle Larry at graduation. They mean so much to us! They traveled far and wide to attend graduation and meet the new addition. Daniel is so lucky to have such wonderful relatives!

Jeff's going to be a Doctor!

2009-06-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

Jeff was accepted to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in the Air Force...which means we are going to Washington DC! We are so excited! I am so proud of my husband. He has worked so hard to get where he is now. What an exciting new adventure for our family!

Looks just like dad!

2009-04-14T04:54:00.000-07:00

Daniel looks just like his dad! It is quite funny. I always thought that there wasn't a single set of genes out there that could mask the dominant Oliver genes...but it has been done! We always try to find some part of Daniel that looks like my set of genes...and finally we did it...Jeff says that he has my ear lobes. Yes!...and might I add that he is lucky, because they are mighty fine ear lobes! Here is a picture of Jeff at birth and Daniel. It is crazy how similar they are!

Jeff and Daniel

2009-04-14T04:47:00.000-07:00

This has been the greatest blessing in having a son...watching his Dad love him and play with him. These two have so much fun. Daniel really loves cuddling his dad. Jeff has really taken to the roll too. He has been teaching him how to shave, has been preparing bottles the manly way (notice a wrench instead of tongs to grab the bottles), making cute flower arrangements for mom, just friendly teasing all the time, and introducing him into the wonderful world of Superman. Jeff loves this picture because he thinks Daniel looks like "the son of Gerrel" aka baby Superman in this blanket...watch the movie...you will get it! Jeff is such a wonderful daddy!

Thanks for all the visits!

2009-04-14T04:43:00.000-07:00

The hospital experience was a little terrifying for me seeing that I have never even had to go to the hospital for even a cold. All the visits really helped me! It was so much fun seeing everyone!

Daniel Jeffrey Sorensen is here!

2009-04-14T04:39:00.000-07:00

Daniel arrived March 31, 2009 weighing in at 8lbs. 1oz. He was 19 1/2'' long with a perfect head. I delivered him via a scheduled c-section 5 days overdue. He just wouldn't drop and was getting so big! He is such a sweet baby. I have enjoyed every second!

Arizona

2009-04-14T04:36:00.000-07:00

Jeff has been interviewing at schools all over lately. It has been a great experience for him to see different places. His favorite visit so far has been Arizona...mainly because he has been able to spend time with his Grandma Henning who lives out there. Both times he has visited he has expressed to me how much he loves and respects his grandma. She is such an amazing woman. She has been through so much in her lifetime and has had so many experiences. My husband and son are so lucky to come from such good stock!

Jeff's Birthday

2009-04-14T04:31:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I decided to have his party at our little apartment. It was a ton of fun. Now Jeff's mom usually does the big birthday dinner...and does a fabulous job! I wanted to take care of that this year, so we had a pasta bar at our house. It was so much fun. It was so perfect to have everyone over. Jeff loved it! I think his favorite part of the night was when he received a new backpack/baby carrier for hikes. Too cute!

Cakes, New Year, and Bowling...

2009-04-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I tried to get in all the fun times that we could while it was just the two of us. We had a early New Year...pregnant girls just can't make it the whole night. We have been making cakes...and I guess this pregnant girl can't do that either! We had to take a picture of this one because it was completely falling apart...tasted great though!...and then there is bowling...a little rough when the ball is the size of your belly! We have had such a great time making memories together.

Christmas

2009-04-14T04:19:00.000-07:00

Christmas was a blast! Jeff and I were able to visit both families, and even have time to have a little Christmas of our own. Here is Jeff in his new Christmas PJ's and shoes...he was a little tired after that long day!

Thanksgiving

2009-01-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

Upon returning home from DC, I was able to make Jeff a cute little Thanksgiving dinner...then we were off to AZ to spend a wonderful Thanksgiving with the Sorensen Family. It was so fun to have dinner with Jeff's grandma Henning and Uncle Larry. We have such a wonderful family, and feel so blessed to be a part of it. We had such a great time. I swear a million pictures were taken of that wonderful day, but somehow we were left without any...

Washington DC

2009-01-16T13:18:00.001-08:00

Jeff and I had the wonderful experience of going to Washington DC for medical school interviews. I had to jump on the opportunity of visiting our nations capital with him. Here are some of our highlights from our trip...

It was only about 30 degrees out, but we were freezing our tails off. I don't think that I have ever been so cold. We were able to visit all the Smithsonians. Jeff was almost as fascinated with them, as he was with the long line of Port-a-Potties and wildlife...

One museum that we did visit was the American History Museum. It was awesome, because it was the first day open after a 2 year renovation. They re-opened it with many American History characters in honor of the new exhibit. They had on display...The Star Spangled Banner. I stood in awe looking at that flag. Being pregnant, of course I had to cry even while waiting in line to see it. I am so thankful for the sacrifices that have been made for me to live in this great country. Our favorite character was George Washington. Jeff even tried speaking with him, but his response was, "I am sorry Sir, I cannot tarry." We laughed. They did a great job playing their parts.

We also loved Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz. Ironically, some man started asking her for directions...Jeff got a kick out of that so we had to take the picture.

My smile starts to fade as I get colder and colder...

Jeff wanted to fit in our last stop of the day at the Pentagon. We wanted to visit the new memorial for the victims of 9-11. The memorial was not my favorite, but I was completely humbled when I looked at the place where the plane hit the building. You could see the lines of the new bricks that were put in. It was amazing. We again stood there freezing, reverently reflecting upon that day. Jeff had reached freezing point as well and purchased this hilarious hat to warm up a bit.

We had a great trip! By the time we had reached the airport, I thought I wouldn't make it...we were so tired. It was an experience of a lifetime for us!

Baby Sorensen is 21 weeks!

2008-11-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

Just to give you an idea of how big our little guy is right now, I found these two cool stories on babies born or in surgury 21 weeks along (our little guy is 21 weeks along as well). I have provided the links as well...pretty amazing stories!

This first one is Baby Amelia. What a fighter. She was born 21 weeks and a few days and still survived...and was doing well! Amazing story. This is the link to her story: http://sistertoldjah.com/archives/2007/02/19/21-week-old-baby-survives/

This next one is an incredible story about a doctor that did surgury on a baby at 21 weeks also. It is so touching. You can read about it at www.michaelclancey.com

Our Little Boy

2008-11-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

I had my 20 week ultrasound the other day. Originally we didn't think that Jeff would be able to go, so I asked my mom and mother-in-law to go with me. I thought it might be fun for them to see their grandbaby. Turned out that Jeff was able to go, so we had a little party in the room. It was such a fun experience to have everyone there. The Sonographer was awesome. She started checking the baby over, dumbing up what she was doing for my sake. I told her to go ahead and use the correct terms since Jeff, Rose, and RobbiAnn all are familiar with medicine. I thought it might make it a little more fun for them. She would talk about everything and then look down at me and say...this part looks good, or this is perfectly normal. I just had to laugh, because that is all I got out of everything she was telling us. I would hear, "Interesting", and "hmmm..." from everyone else...they obviously understood it all. I just know that I have a healthy, normal baby. My favorite part though, was when she was checking the heart. It really is so fun to see all the different chambers, and it's cute little beats. She couldn't get the best readings, so she stayed there for a while pushing so hard on my belly, while explaining everything medically that was going on to my entorage. Of course, I really didn't get it, but wasn't really paying attention because of how uncomfortable it was. I could feel our little boy inside not liking it either. He was moving all around. I am sure he felt pinned. It felt like frustrated movements in there...(which now make me laugh, because sometimes he is perfectly content in his movements, and sometimes not...I can really tell). Well, we got confirmation of this when the nurse laughed and told us that sometimes it seems like babies know what is going on. She said that ours definitely did. When we looked at the monitor, he was squirming around...yeah really didn't enjoy that heart check. He definitely has a little personality. A little fire in him...I love it! We had a great time. The only sad thing was...we didn't get one of those cute profile pictures. He just wouldn't have it. So, we ended up with his little face (all you can see is the skeletal structure), but it is the cutest little skeletal structure I have seen yet!

BYU GAME

2008-11-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

It is tradition every year in the Sorensen clan, that when Grandpa Slater comes...it means BYU FOOTBALL! Being a newcomer to this group has been really, a lot of fun to watch the excitement on their faces in their football preparations. I went last year, and really found it much more fun to watch all of them so intently watching the game. This year we decided that it would be great fun for the guys to go...Jeff was very excited for this...what guy doesn't want male bonding time at a football game...it is a no-bainer. Well, love my husband to death, because while I was doing errands the morning of the game, he cleaned the whole house...such a good guy! My favorite part of the day though, was when he came home. I asked him how it was, and his reply was, "Fun." I then tried to prod a little, like all girls do..."so did you guys talk about anything exciting? How is so and so...? Anything funny happen?" He looked at me and smiled. His reply was this, "No, we just watched the game sweetheart." So funny. Girls could have found a million things to talk about while watching the game...it is how we bond...guys just watch the game. I think it is great. All in all, I think he had a great time with Grandpa at the BYU game.

On to new Horizons

2008-11-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

I had the special opportunity this week of listening to one of my favorite General Authorities. President Uchtdorf spoke to all the pilots at the Provo Airport UVU hangar, and I am sure they expected something a little different. President Uchtdorf is well known for his rank of Chief Pilot of Luftansa Airlines, and that is what brought many there...I was excited because I got to listen to a prophet of the Lord speak to me about what I was interested in. He spoke of his challenges learning English, his service in the military, and his career as a pilot. He explained that the airplane that he loved most was the one he flew at the time...I thought that was so cute...He also gave a ton of jokes about flying...FLYING IS THE SAFEST WAY TO FLY...MANKIND HAS A PERFECT RECORD IN AVIATION: WE'VE NEVER LEFT ONE UP THERE...everyone loved it. He made many analogies to flying and life. He spoke of how redundant airplanes and checklists are...they leave little room for error. He stated that in flying we must always have alternate (back-up) plans, and so it is the same with life. It will never go the way we want it to. He said that in life we must always have a flight plan...and as pilots our jobs are to be PROTECTORS and not GAMBLERS. I thought that was especially important for all the new pilots...he followed that by saying..Don't fly in a thunderstorm in times of peace. Great advice for flying and life.

My favorite thing that he said over and over again, and touched my heart the most, was when he explained that flying could seem like everything right now, our world, but in no way does it have as great importance as our families. I understood it as you could have everything in flying, and end up with nothing in life if you have left your family behind. I struggle sometimes wanting to be a career woman...flying jets, making money, and having that prestige. I felt such a confirmation at that time that the choices that I have made in life were righteous. I have chosen to be a mom. I prayed going into this meeting, knowing that he would give a pep talk about flying and reaching your potential, that I would not be discouraged in my decisions, and that I would be able to feel happiness for the pilots who were doing what I wanted to do...My prayers were answered through a prophets voice that my decision to be a mom and put my family first would be the most fulfilling and rewarding job that I could ever have. I was the only one who walked away from that experience blubbering like a baby...I think being pregnant might be the cause of some of that!

After explaining that he has not been flying in 12 years, and has served as a General Authority, someone asked the question: "Do you ever miss your job of flying?" He stated that on his last flight, his children were waiting at the airport with a sign that read: UP UP AND AWAY...ON TO NEW HORIZONS. He said that what he is doing is just that a new horizon, as beautiful or more so than before. He stated that when you do something worthwhile...you will always know what to do with your life...

President Uchtdorf stated that sometimes you just know what is right, and so it has been with his life. He quoted Stephen Hopkins, the RI delegate in 1776, saying,"My hand trembles, but my heart does not." That is how I feel sometimes making the transition from flying to family. I know in my heart that it is right. I am so excited to be moving on to new horizons!

Halloween

2008-10-31T07:50:00.000-07:00

We are so excited for Halloween! We kicked off the celebration with a party the night before. Jeff was Superman posing as Clark Kent, and I was x-ray girl (or so Jeff says) carrying the son of Superman...I thought it was cute!

All Hail to our Beloved Jazz

2008-10-31T07:44:00.001-07:00

So it is Jazz season again, and I cannot think of a better way of kicking it off than winning tickets to a game! Jeff is a big fan of sports radio in the morning, and decided to win some Jazz tickets to one of the pre-season games...he was very determined! Well he did it. We were invited to the pre-game party at a Mexican grill. It was so fun to talk with the "voices of the radio", and eat the greatest Mexican food ever! The game was so much fun! We even got to see the television announcers up close...cool huh?!

So it's been a long time....

2008-10-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I have had such a good time this last little while, I didn't feel like I could leave out the pictures that happened even 5 months ago. We love being married!...and are really enjoying one anothers company.

This is our "Cinco de Mayo" party...who says that you can't celebrate every occasion! Jeff was so cute...he made sure that we went to the Del and purchased "Mexican" food. He tried to speak Spanish to me all night...It was a ton of fun!

We had Dan and Amanda's girls over for a Princess Pasta Party...Jeff was such a trooper. He sat next to Madeline and talked about Princesses and fun stuff like that...When we finished, we went to the park. Jeff had so much fun crawling through all of the playground equipment with the girls...I had to laugh, becuase he played just like they did...and they loved it! I went to swing with Madeline and she said,"Thanks, but is it ok if I go and play with Jeff now?" So cute. He is going to be a great dad.

Cornbelly's Cornmaze was one of our last Family Home Evenings with the Oliver and Sorensen clans. We successfully made it through a cornmaze (David Archuletta's singing face), were digested by a giant monster...it was so much fun, made it through the bumpiest hay ride I have ever been on in my life, watched pigletts race, met the pumpkin princess, jumped on the giant pillow, watched pumpkins shoot out of a cannon, ate the most amazing footlong corndog you will ever try, and even got away without a pumpkin...I will just have to buy one at Albertsons... We had a great time with the Sorensen family and McKensie and Blake...I love this time of year!

Ultrasound October 10, 2008 ITS A BOY

2008-10-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here is the ultrasound video from yesterday. We're excited that our first child is a boy! The ultrasound doesn't start for about thirty seconds.

Best of Both Worlds

2008-08-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

July 4th we woke up bright and early to greet "Hannah Montana" at the Provo Airport. Since I work there I knew about her flight times. We had a great time...Kensie, Marianne, Kara and I. Later that evening, we went to the concert matching outfits and all. It was awesome. I don't think Jeff realized that he truely married a 13 year old girl. I danced and sang with the girls all night. Jeff did a little too! He even woke up the following mornings singing Hannah songs!

Flying Again...

2008-08-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

I am finally flying again and am having a blast. I am instructing nights at the Provo Airport. It scares me to death, but totally worth it! This is the day that I tried to solo my first student. I had to have Jeff there to hold my hand. I am such a baby!

Our Family Vacation

2008-08-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I being the starving students that we are, decided that instead of Disneyland this year we would take our family vacation to the glorified fair, otherwise known as Lagoon. It was just as I remembered, sticky handle bars on the rides, the smell of spew and candy, and that not so fresh feeling the whole day because you can't stop sweating. All in all, we did have a great time together, and I got to fulfill my teenage dream of holding hands with a boy at Lagoon.

My Husband the Superhero...

2008-05-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

So we have had a year full of superhero movies. They have been awesome! Jeff and I are really excited for the summer. We just saw Ironman and loved it, and we kind of can't wait for the new Batman to come out. I love watching these movies because they are fun and exciting, but for Jeff, it is like watching the lives and adventures of all his superhero friends. Yes, I believe that he really thinks he is a superhero. It always makes me laugh when walks into a room and maps out all the easiest ways to get to the exits (in case of fire, of course), and figures out all possible ways in which to help innocent civilians reach an exit as well. A superhero is always aware of his surroundings. Jeff is too. In fact the other night, he explained to me the escape plans to get out of our apartment in case we have someone break in. A superhero always has plenty of backup plans. He even got a new ringtone. It is the Superman theme. Every superhero needs a theme song. Funny experience...we got into an elevator together the other day, and his phone rang proudly playing the Superman theme. Now, Jeff actually looks like Superman, and he finally had the perfect chance and the theme music to live his superhero life. We heard the theme song in the elevator and Jeff looked at me, looked at the door, then punched his fist to the ceiling. Again, Superhero. The good thing about it though is that every superhero has kindof a hot girlfriend, so thats pretty good...

A Man and his Shoes

2007-11-14T20:01:00.000-08:00

So I just might have the cutest husband in the whole entire world. Two saturdays ago we went on a little outing. Being the happy poor college students that we are, we decided to go window shopping in Park City. Now, I knew that Jeff needed some new basketball shoes. His old pair were squeeking while he played (got to love the air pockets in shoes!) He loved them, but he really needed something that would support his feet. Now you have to realize, Jeff loves basketball. It is not an occasional event for him to go play. It is daily routine. I suggested that since he had never been to the Nike outlet that we stop by and try on some shoes. I have never seen a grown man so happy and giddy in my life! He was all over the shoe section completely amazed at how great the prices were. He tried on all his favorites. Being the girl that I am, was not completely satisfied with the already low priced shoes, but had to go to the clearance section. It was there that Jeff found his beloved shoes. We got them at a steal. Jeff said that because now I occupy the pillow next to him, his shoes will just have to sleep in the widow on display. I have found him numerous mornings sporting his shoes in bed, and many days I find him just wearing them for fun. He likes to tell me that he is just warming them up for the game later that evening, but I know what it is...He is a man that truely loves his shoes.

Finally Married!

2007-11-13T15:35:00.001-08:00

Jeff and I were married on the 24th of August 2007 in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Wow. It was an amazing day! Every minute of it was perfect. Both Jeff's and my family came from all over to celebrate it with us. We were even able to get both our mission presidents there. It was fabulous. We were married at 11 am, and didn't have anything else until the reception at 5 pm. It was altogether relaxing. I was in my rental dress because there was somewhat of a fiasco with the real one at the seamstress. All was well. It actually turned out better than the one I had chosen. Jeff looked so handsome in his tux. Wow. At the reception the weather was perfect. We couldn't have asked for better. Everyone wore black brown and white. It looked so hot! My favorite part was our centerpieces. They were so cool. We just did fish bowls with rocks, green hydrangias, floating candles, and fish!...which by the way, are still alive and in my parents pond. It was great. The most hilarious part of the whole night was trying to leave. We hadn't finished packing at ten when everything ended, so we stayed around and packed! I would not advise that! I am so happy to be married to the perfect man!

Bridal Shots!

2007-08-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

I had a great idea to have Brendon do my Bridal shots. I mean I could get twice as many photos, meaning that I could possibly have at least one good one. I decided to have Jeff come to so that we could get some together. Fun fun fun. He loves taking pictures. hehehe! We thought it would be fun to go to the salt flats. Didn't realize that they are located 30 miles outside of Wendover. Yeah, we had quite the drive. Oh well. It is the memories right....And no, I don't think we will be jinxed because Jeff saw me in my dress.

Kid Pics

2007-06-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

I am currently going through many pictures of Jeff and me, in hopes of creating a fun slideshow for the wedding. I have finished scanning all of my pictures and found that I really haven't changed all that much. It is very funny. I still look like I did when I was FIVE! Now, I have moved on to Jeff's pictures, and found that I can't turn away from one of them. It is the cutest thing that I have ever seen! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Who would have ever thought...

Lex's Other Celebrity Look-A-Like

2007-06-23T13:01:00.001-07:00

Jeff's Celebrity Look-A-Likes

2007-06-23T12:37:00.001-07:00