LOVE IT!

Our Christmas Tree

I absolutely love Christmas time and fresh snow. This morning we woke up to fresh snow fall. Last week I nagged Scott to put up the Christmas lights on the house claming "It's going to snow soon and then we can't have lights." It was really good manipulation and luckily it worked. Scott did a great job! He was a little nervous when I made him put lights on the highest point of our house but he survived and I am so glad we have lights!


I hope this Christams season we can all think of others and what we can share to make their day brighter. I have to remind myself daily of how blessed I am in everyway. This whole pregnancy thing has caused my emotions to be all over the place or as Scott would call it "Bi-polar" BUT I would love to be more selfless this Christmas season and help those in need. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas! Thank you Scott for brightening my Christmas and always teaching me about selfless love!

Fresh snow and christmas lights!

Just a Reminder

Just thought I would remind you all of the Utes victory against BYU. 48 to 24 WHAT??!! Scott and I were there to witness the glory. It was bloody cold and I think we stood the entire game. It was well worth it!

There's a BABY in my belly!!!

Yes it's true- I AM PREGO! I am 13 weeks along and due on June 7th. It has been an emotional 13 weeks (just ask Scott) but we are excited to start a new stage in our lives. We heard the heartbeat a couple weeks ago- it was amazing! It has been quite the adventure telling everyone.

This is how I told Scott... We went to the U of U game and I brought my camera to take "blog pictures". The truth was I was going to show him this picture. During the game I had a lady take a picture of us. When I went to show Scott the picture she took of us, I showed him this one instead. He looked at the picture and then proceeded to watch the game. NO REACTION!?? A few seconds past and he looked at me and said "Are you serious?" The tears down my face answered his question. Did I say I've been emotional? We were both in shock and maybe a little bit of denial- Hence the 3 pregnancy test that were all positive and Scott still wanting me to take another one.

We told Scott's family at his birthday party and mine at Thanksgiving. Here are some photo's of their reactions. Some of my favorite responses have been: Scott's Mom "I thought this day would never come!" My nephew Spencer "You are having a baby in 13 weeks?" My niece Jayda "You're having a baby?" "Why?" "Why not until June?" "Mom can we have a baby?" My sister-in-law Sara "I thought you're boobs looked big but I just thought you got a boob job for Hawaii!". Most people just don't believe me but it's TRUE!

Happy Birthday Potty!

Scott turned the big 27 on Sunday. He is so grown up! There have been a few grey hairs spotted and a slight limp in his step but other than that there are not many signs of slowing down. We had a little get together with his family at our house and at Scott's request we had Fun Fetti Cake. A few post ago I had shared this idea of duck hunting that my husband had been experimenting with. (I keep telling myself it's just an experiment!) So in an effort to support him, I gave him some gear to help the process along and Cally complemented it nicely with a camo vest. All in all it was a great day and I was reminded how much I love Scott and feel grateful that we get to spend our lives together! Love you babe- Happy Birthday!

Beautiful Kauai

Scott and I just went on the trip of a lifetime! We went to Kauai for 10 days. Scott's sister Alissa got married on the beach so we thought we would make a trip out of it. We went a few days before everyone else to spend some time together. It was amazing. We went kayaking up a river to a waterfall, sat at the pool, went to the beach, jumped off cliffs, swung on a rope swing, took a helicopter ride, ate Puka Dogs and Shave Ice, and read lots at the pool. We loved it and the pictures don't do it justice! More on the blacksters later...

So Long Samantha

We recently sold my Honda Civic that I purchased my senior year of high school. Samantha was a great car and many memories were made with her. She was a really good car but Scott felt it was time for an upgrade! I'll admit she was aging and the many trips to 90th south were taking their toll! We will miss you! Good luck in your future travels and I hope you enjoy Idaho as your new home... So Long Samantha!

Who Did I Marry?

So as most of you know I have been a vegetarian since my junior year in high school. This past year or two I have been branching out and attempting to eat chicken, turkey, and fish. Scott has been well aware of the fact that meat is not my thing. He has always tried to be sensitive to the idea although at times my meat loving husband can be a little irritated with it. In an attempt to be sensitive, he once took me to Rodizio for Valentines with the idea that they had a "great salad bar". Little did he know that all the salads had meat in them. For the past year Scott has been asking for a shotgun so that he can take up this hunting nonsense. I recently gave in and I don't think I have seen my husband so excited about something. We went straight to Sports Authority that night and began the process of buying a gun. Of course with the purchase of a gun comes many other "needs". Last night we were at Sports Authority looking at waders and buying a hunting license. (Apparently you need a licence to kill Innocent birds.) This morning bright and early my husband left the house decked in camo and a shotgun in hand. Secretly I hope the hunt for the perfect bird is unsuccessful but for his sake I hope he enjoys himself. When I watched him leave this morning I thought to myself "who is this person". I never thought I would find myself in love with someone who enjoyed killing innocent animals for fun! I guess times have changed and I need to learn to be supportive for the same reasons I would want him to support of my random adventures. I hope he returns safely and without a dead animal- Love you Scott!

Life is Precious

This week has been a difficult one for many reasons. I have been reminded of how precious life is and how important it is that we stay connected with each other. Yesterday was my brother Clark's birthday and although I miss him so much, I am reminded of all the great things he did in his life. Clark was always concerned about others and their needs. He would have given the shirt on his back if you asked. He took care of my Grandfather in the last days of his battle with cancer. He would take him to his doctor appointments with no complaint even though my Grandpa was unable to walk on his own. Clark made sacrifices for many people and was always looking for a way to serve. We love and miss you much!
I pray that those who also lost a family member this week may remember all the great things they accomplished in their life and celebrate the short time they did have with them. More on the blacksters later...

Summer Project- DONE!!!

Our deck has been our summer project this year and it is finally complete with furniture and all! Thanks to Brennon and Scott for working so dang hard, I can enjoy my backyard for the rest of the summer. I love it and it makes me happy just looking at it! Thanks again to all those who pitched in a helping hand. Here are some pictures on the progress and the final result. We owe you big time Brennon!More on the blacksters later...

Football Season AGAIN!

It's that time again- college football. If you know my husband you know that he LOVES college football. What does this mean for me? Saturdays filled with watching the game on T.V., coming home an hour early from Saturday events to watch the pre-game coverage, watching the highlights after the game (as if we didn't already watch the entire game), watching Sports Beat Sunday so we can see more highlights, not much getting done around the house or yard, and lets see did I forget anything?! It is quite the event!
To kick things off we had some friends over for the game on Saturday against Michigan. Luckily we won and nobody left too unhappy except maybe Derek and Taylor who decided to have a hot dog eating contest. Which ended with both of them noxious and no winner. Sorry guys- nice attempt! Here are some pics from the eventful day. More on the blacksters later...

A little piece of my childhood

Just thought I would add a song from Roxette to my playlist. This song is for those of us that grew up in the 80's. I hope when you listen to it you can reflect back to your own childhood memories. It reminds me of riding in the car with my two sisters with the windows down and singing to the top of our lungs with our side pony tails and leggings. Hope you all can visualize this. We were rockin! More on the blacksters later...

Saturday rides- My favorite!

Each Saturday morning Scott, myself, Derek, Kyler, and Taylor ride to our hearts desire! We attempt to find a new ride each week and depending on the ride we can go from 30-50 miles or climb one of the nearby canyons. Sometimes I wonder if they would rather that no girls come but each Saturday morning there I am with my bike and spandex. I don't think any of them have the guts to tell me so until then I will continue to ride hard and hopefully one day show them all up! This is an invite as well to anyone who would like to join us. We always like new comers!

Just a little story about bikes, crazy truck drivers, and Scott's anger. Last week Scott and I were riding in Kaysville toward Farmington when we were nearly ran off the road by a 18-wheeler. The truck driver layed into his horn and scared us both. 200 feet ahead was a stop light. Scott was quite upset at this time and caught up with the truck driver at the stop light. Then proceeded to unclip from his bike, take out his water bottle and while yelling obscenities, sprayed his water into the truck drivers face. The truck driver was attempting to block the water but was unable to contain all that was coming his way. The truck driver was quite angry but eventually drove off. Scott said that man was yelling back but in Scott's anger he could not hear or understand what the man was saying. It was quite entertaining! The moral of the story is don't honk at bikers because you may find massive amounts of water coming toward your face!

1st Place!

Just thought I would let all of you know that CB10 (our softball team) took 1st place in our league. We were rewarded with a trophy and t-shirts. I think this is the first time I have been in 1st place on a sports team. Either I am getting better or I had nothing to do with our placement! We won't mention the skill of the other teams in the league and if that had anything to do with why we took 1st place. Our other softball league, The Comrades, managed to come in dead last. To put it all in a nutshell, we had an eventful summer at the ball park and were sad its over...Good game guys!
Here is a photo of our trophy in my China cabinet. Our friends think its real funny to put things in my China cabinet that don't belong. Next to the trophy are two softballs that Scott hit grand slams with. They too have found their home in the China cabinet. My grandmother would be turning in her grave if she knew they were in her cabinet. So Derek, here's your evidence that they were once in the cabinet! They have since been removed.

Eventful Week

We have been traveling maniacs the past week and a half. We started last Friday the 18th driving to Las Vegas for 3 night stay and a time share presentation. No we did not purchase and yes we got suckered into listening to the presentation so that our stay was free. I was so proud of my husband and his negotiating skills. I was in shock when he took the pen from the salesman and wrote down all the reasons why what they were offering made NO sense! I had to refrain from laughing out loud. It was hilarious. I also celebrated my birth. I swear the older you get the less eventful your birthdays are. Good times!

From there we traveled to Lake Powell to spend the week with my family. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE LAKE POWELL. It is so beautiful. We had a great time and all came home in pain from the many tube rides. This week was filled with wake boarding, skiing, tubing, the sky ski, hiking, being body slammed by Cort while karate kicking their tube out from under them, and spending time with the fam. Another week of good times

More on the blacksters later...

We ALL have a purpose!

Last night while Scott was driving home, he was encountered with a life threatening experience. He was driving north bound on I-15 when an 18 wheeled cut him off and went out of control. Scott had to swerve to miss the 18 wheeler when it burst into flames. The 18 wheeler crossed all lanes and crashed into the barrier. Scott got out of his car with 3 others to help the driver escape his burning vehicle. They were able to get the man out of the car and Scott called 911. He was pretty shaken up and felt like he nearly died. This incident is a constant reminder that we all have a purpose and there was a reason why Scott was able to swerve in time and help save this mans life. Life is precious and anything is possible. Lets all remember to tell our loved ones how important they are and why they mean so mush to us. At anytime it could be too late! See this link for the news report http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=3734694. Love you Scotty! More on the blacksters later...

Another one of those hairs!

So as most of you remember an earlier blog about my husbands long arm hair that later fell off (Not his actual arm Mindy!). Well I guess it runs in the family because today we were sent a picture from his brother of a new found long hair on his back. Freak Nasty! I can say that about others but not my husband's hair! He requested that we share it with all of you so here is a picture. This will be the last one-I promise. I don't want you guys to think I am obsessed with REALLY long hairs. More on the blacksters later...

Is this a challenge Brian? Scott you better gear up!

Weekend O' Fun

This past weekend was a well deserved LONG break from work and other responsibilities. We definently took advantage! We were able to enjoy family, friends, REAL game, fire works, mullets, calves being abused( I mean the Oakley Rodeo), a bike ride along Wasatch, and the begining of the Tour De France. Here are some captured moments of the weekend. Enjoy!

Jayda's Pig Face on my glass door

Oakley Rodeo

Scott, Lynette, Kyler, Brennon, Holden, and Melinda

Calves being abused. Lets be honest this is not nice.

Sleepy Holden.

Ungrateful Lady!

SO I decided that I can be sooo very ungrateful! I think that I need to recognize all the beautiful things in my life. There are SO many!

What am I grateful for?

• Warm summer nights at the park with a bunch of friends hittin' softballs. Go CB10!


• Long bike rides that require that I get dirty and sweaty.


• Saturday yard work. I love my yard! Thanks Ang and Mom.


• Yoga on Fridays. Only if I fall on my face while trying to attempt something that my body is not made to do.


• Playing catch in the backyard with Scotty!


• Any vacations! I always talk about my next vacation while on a vacation. It makes Scott SO mad!


• An intense game of Mario Tennis or Tetrus. As long as I win! Bring it Scott!


• Spending my days off with my sisters and mom. Its the best!


• Summer time. Enough said.


• Scott's ability to cheer me up regardless of my resistiveness!

This is only the beginning. There is more where this came from. More on the blacksters later...

You are SO grown up!

This is my handsome husband sleeping after a long day of work. Sweet dreams (wait is it really only 8 o'clock?). Thanks for all you do for us you little hard worker you! Love ya

5 Reasons I Love My Hubby

Tomorrow is our 5 year anniversary! Whats funny about that is I actually met my husband over 9 years ago. So 5 years is just part of the time we have spent together. We always laugh when we look back to when we met and realize that his little sister was just 10 years old. I want to take the time and let Scott know 5 of the many reasons why I LOVE HIM with all my heart!

1- He knows how to manage my crazy moods. He has witnessed both extremes of pure happiness and sadness and still sticks around!

2- He knows how to make me laugh. Most of you who know my husband know that he can be quite the comedian! We have laughed pretty hard together.

3- He supports me in whatever is most important to me. He's never missed a race, graduation, funeral, vacation, etc... I know he wants me to be happy!

4- He participates in our "talks". I always want to "just sit and talk". Although I know he would rather be watching T.V., he will usually humor me and "just sit and talk". I love these talks and hope we never stop doing it.

5- The final reason, is that he is an excellent Mario Tennis player. It is quite the challenge to compete against him but I have managed to win a few games. They can become pretty intense!

Most importantly I love Scott for everything we have been through the past 5 years. I have never felt more happiness or heartache for one person in my whole life. Scott means the world to me and I look forward to many more anniversaries in our future. I love you with all my heart babe! Happy Anniversary! More on the blacksters later...

Crazy OR Athletic?

OGDEN MARATHON

So my sister Angela and I completed our third marathon 3 weeks ago. The question is weather this is just craziness or that we are somehow athletic. I am leaning towards craziness! For those of you who have run a marathon know what I am talking about. My sister tells me its like having a baby. The pain increases with each step until you are dilated to a 10 then once the baby starts to come the pressure and pain releases. I don't remember in the race when the pain released but I do remember that I became delusional and numb. Maybe that is what she is talking about!? Beside the fact that I had major blisters and my friend skip with me (the bug I got in Turkey), the scenery was beautiful and I DID IT!!! Thanks for all the support from everyone. I needed it!

To add to my idea of this being craziness- I went and got a pedicure last week. I sat in the chair and put my feet in the water. A little Asian man (lets face it they are the best) came over and introduced himself. He was going to be doing my pedicure. He pulled my feet out of the water and looked at all my blisters on my feet. He looked at me and said "Why you have so many blisters?" I replied "I ran a marathon last week." He looked up at me and without saying anything I could tell he was thinking 'You crazy lady'. It was pretty clear he felt the beauty of my feet were far more important than a stupid marathon! More on the blacksters later...

8 years! We miss you Clark

We were reminded last Sunday of a day 8 years ago when we lost our brother in a car accident. We all miss him deeply and wish things were different but some times you are handed things that you figure out how to deal with. He left behind 2 beautiful children. Love you Lexi and Walker! We were also reminded of why he was in our lives for that short time. Clark was such a loving and kind person. He would do anything for anyone. Those who worked for him at the Copy Center got to experience this first hand. I loved going boating with him and his friends when I was little. They were crazy and always came home with something new that they had damaged! Clark could get so dark in the summer that he was often confused for another ethnicity! My mom use to scrub him when he was little to get off the "dirt" that was really his skin. Poor guy! You always knew when Clark was coming up the stairs because his ankle would pop with each step due to many injuries in his football years. Clark was such a great guy and to this day I still have people approach me and ask if I am a "Ford" and if I am "Clark's little sister". I am proud to say that he is a part of me and my family. Things have not been the same since that day 8 years ago but we will always remember you Clark- Love you! More on the blacksters later...

Happy Birthday Ang and Cort!!!

You both are thirty. You know what this means- one year closer to changing each others diapers and hearing aids! This is quite depressing but I know you can both pull through. Ang you are so amazing at many things. You are a great mom to 3 beautiful children and amazing at anything you put your heart to (ie: gardening, running marathons, cooking, and other stuff). I love having you as a sister and love our daily talks. Cort is so easy going and easy to get along with. Me and Ang joke all the time that we married the same person. Cort and Scott are a lot alike. That makes it easy to hang out together. We hope you both have a great day and remember age is just a number! Love you both. More on the blacksters later...

As Promised

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I mentioned in an earlier blog that I would inform you all of my recent trip to France and Turkey. Here it goes... It was a very eventful 2 weeks. I arrived in Paris on Monday and met up with Scott's Aunt Gayla and her roommate Teresa. We had a rental car and drove to Normandy. We visited the sites of D-Day. This was a bit emotional. It put it all into prospective and made you realize the sacrifice that was made that day. We then traveled to Mount St. Michelle. This was by far my favorite place in France. It is an island built on a rock. Our hotel, the food, cobble stone walkways, and the view were all PERFECT! From there we traveled to Versailles to find the castle closed. This was a bummer but we were able to walk the beautiful grounds. In the grounds there was a little Swiss village that had darling little homes. In one of the pictures you will notice that would fit right in with my midget-like physique! We then spent the rest of the week in Paris. We visited Notre Dame, Arc De Triumph, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysee, the Louvre and any where else the Open Bus Tour took us. Scott's mom, sister's Cally and Breanne met up with us our last day in Paris. That Sunday we flew to Istanbul. I loved Istanbul! We stayed at Hotel Empress Zoe. Our hotel was a restored Turkish Bath. During our stay in Istanbul we went shopping, visited the Blue Mosque, went shopping, visited Hagia Sophia, went on a boat to the Black sea, shopped, visited the Asia side of Istanbul, went to the Turkish Bath, saw the Whirling Dervishes, and shopped some more. Oh ya, I forgot to mention Breanne got her first kiss!!! (See earlier post). We meet many people along the way including: P-sticks, C-wrap, T- Bags, and T-guide. Being in a Muslim area, we woke each morning to the call of prayer. This happened many times through out the day as well. It was amazing to witness a different culture. I loved it! It was a lot of fun but I am glad to be home. I missed Scotty and being back to normal. This post doesn't do it justice so I think we all should take a trip there so I can show you what I am talking about!! More on the blacksters later...