Third Time's A Charm

These are just a couple pictures from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,

and the order is screwed up. Sorry!

A Blonde Moment

I just had a thought...... I totally didn't post anything about our CHRISTMAS!! Good grief... I'm going nuts, I swear!! Hahaha!

Well, our Christmas was fabulous! We had Christmas Eve with my parents, and Scott's family at our house. Scott cooked an amazing prime rib and we just hung out and visited. It was so nice! It was cut alittle short because my Dad had to go to work (damn law enforcement!), but the Nelson's stuck around awhile and we laughed and giggled and really just had a good time.

Christmas Morning we woke up kinda early, like 7ish I think, and tore into our gifts! We made out.. We always do, and every year we always say 'next year, lets go a little less okay.' Never happens! Haha. I got jewlery, not what you are thinking, a great necklace! And my folks got me an Ipod. I feel like a caveman, I can't believe I didn't get one of these babies sooner! I LOVE IT! It's bright orange and it makes me happy! HA! We packed up our goods and were outta the house by 10am. My mom was heading to her sistes in Twin, and Scott, I and the boys were heading to McCammon to open gifts with the Nelson's. Gezz, we made a haul there too, that includes the little boy dogs! They are so generous to me! I love them, they really are great, I lucked out to get such a good pair of in-laws! We spent the rest of the day there and had Christmas dinner there.

I was really hoping to wake up to a white Christmas, there is nothing more I l ove than a fresh snow on Christmas morning. Although I didn't get the snow, I got everything I wanted a more. A happy, healthy family and more memories than I can count using my fingers and toes!

If I can figure out how to get pictures up with my dang new camera, I'll do it.

Speaking of, does anyone have a Sony D128 (or something of that sort) and use Picasa?!

I cannot for the life of me get my camera to go into install mode and upload them to the program, and it's killing me slowly, I'm sure of it! I have like 4+ months of photos to share for heck sakes! Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Christmas was great at our households, and from what I've read, it looks like everyone else had just as magical of Christmas as us!

A New Year

It seems strange to think back a DECADE ago... I mean seriously, 10 years has flown by. Some things good, and some things bad... Lets see how good my memory is:

2000- Spent at the Mini Dome, freaking out about the Y2K bug and the end of the world. I was in Jr high... Bla.... Best of all, I met Scott in Oct.
2001- My Mom and Dad announced they were getting a divorce.
2002- A new life begins with just my Mom, and getting shuffled back and forth between here and American Falls. A very tough time for me.
2003- My first year at Highland High School! Looking forward to school dances and a DRIVERS LICENSE!
2004- Our best friend, Tyson, got killed by a drunk driver...... Again, a horrible time in both out lives. Made Scott and I re-think what path we wanted to take in life and who we wanted in our life. This event made me who I am today. I am forever grateful for Tyson, and I miss him everyday. Scott graduates HS and turns 18 on the same day!
2005- A Senior... Wow... In June, I will be out of high school for 5 years. Sickening! Haha. This was the year Scott and I decided we couldn't live without each other. Again, wow. Best decision ever.
2006- College life. Not nearly as 'cool' as I expected! Haha :] Long nights and even longer days. Scott and I go through our first big trial, his Grandma passes away unexpectedly. We miss Grandma Betty lots. Scott turns 21!
2007- Scott's gets promoted to Hot Plant Foreman. He loves his job, and will be a lifer! I turn 21... And we head to Vegas!
2008- Diesel is born! Yay! We try our hand at 'parenting' (if we can keep a dog alive, I think we'll be good with kids too). Worst of all, we have 2 grandparents pass away within a day of each other. April 2 and April 3 was the worst thing Scott and I have had to deal with. There was anger, sadness, confusion, and a lot of tears between the two of us. We miss Grandma Hazel and Pa like crazy. To go through the holidays without them, well it hurts. We have a huge void in our life without them. We love them both, I know Scott is the man he is today bc of Pa. And I know, with help from Grams, I will graduate college, and I will help other families who have cancer stricken loved ones deal with this killer. Cancer Society, here I come.

2009

- As this year comes to a close, I think back about all that has happened. Scott and I are at 'that' place.. We are ready to move ahead with our life and make that big decision. We have had good things happen, a new pup.. And a few rough patches, Scott working outta town 3 months and mom getting laid off. All in All, 2009 was a pretty good year. I learned new things this year I never anticipated I would, and I am grateful. I'm grateful for new friends and appreciate those friends who want to take a different path as Scott and I.

In 2010 (so crazy to say) I want to make a resolution, not your typical 'shed some pounds and get in shape' but a real goal, something I should be able to accomplish and hold on to. I want to work on myself, I want to be a better women and prepare to become a wife (no, this is not an announcement :]). I want to work on my patience and my acceptance of others. So there, I made it public, now I have to stick to it, right?!

Happy New Year Everyone.

Let's pray for an economic recovery and a little more

happiness in the world.

Be Safe!

Merry Christmas

'Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.'

-- Norman Vincent Peale

Take time this Christmas season to remember the blessing you recieve from Christ the Redeemer. I know with all my heart He guides me through life and knows what is best for me.

His love makes me want to be a better person, a better saint, and a better women. I know He

sends his messages through the Prophets to help spread the teachings of Christ. I know their

word, is the word of God. What a comfort it is to know that these men, listen to the Saviors word. I know the LDS chruch is true, and I am beyond grateful to be a part of it always, especially around this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas friends.

To a healthy and prosperous 2010.

-Maren, Scott,

&

the boy dogs :]

Something For All

"The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer Is Singing Loud For All To Hear."

Buddy the Elf

I figured as a way to kind of get ready for Christmas, I would post a Christmas quote to get myself, and possibly you, ready for the true meaning of Christmas. It's easy to get caught up

in the buying and wrapping of gifts, making goodies, putting up lights, and basically running around like a chicken with your head cut off kind of mood. I know I've caught myself in that mind frame more than once...

Hope the quotes help you as much as it has me :]

Merry (almost) Christmas everyone!

The Christmas Gift

"We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves--giving of the riches of the heart and mind--and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store."
James E. Faust

A Reminder

"Christmas means 'giving,' and the gift without the giver is bare. Give of yourselves; give of your substance; give of your heart and mind. "Christmas means 'compassion and love' and, most of all 'forgiveness' How poor indeed would be our lives without the influence of His teachings and His matchless example. "He whose birth we commemorate this season is more than the symbol of a holiday. He is the Son of God, the Redeemer of mankind, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace."

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

Starting Today

The Christmas Spirit

"Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said, 'Come, follow me.'"As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others"
(Pres. Thomas S. Monson)

Christmas Spirit

I am having the worst time this year getting into 'Christmas mode.'

I have hardly shopped for gifts, just got the tree up, and have

zero lights on the outside of our house. We have never

not had lights on the house!! This year has been a

crazy one, and I think that has something to do with my

downer attitude.. Pretty much everyone in the house has a

downer holiday mood.

On Wednesday, my mother was laid off from AMI (ON) after 32 years.

She has worked there over half her life.

"Merry Christmas, oh and by the way, we're laying you off today"

That isn't exactly how it worked out, but it's probably the way it felt.

You don't realize how bad the economy is until it actually affects you.

I'm hoping for the best for my Mom. And I'm praying something

will work out for her. She deserves the best.

On a brighter note, Tyler is back in Pocatello! He is living at the Pocatello

Care and Rehabilitation Center to work on strength and eating.

He is on a strict diet to help with the healing of his kidney and pancrease.

The kid can eat very LITTLE and seems to be adjusting well.

He is in the best of spirits and so is Hilairy!

What a Christmas miracle that he is alive and finally on the mends!

I'm hoping as soon as both jobs slow down (yeah right)

and I can get some Christmas shopping started, my mood will perk up :]

Happy Shopping everyone!

Good Grief.....

My family had an amazing Thanksgiving, it was my folks, me and Scott. It was laid back and simple, full of good laughs and good food. My dad spent the day with us because he had to work that afternoon, so we had an early dinner. But it was nice to get everything taken care of and then just be together. We watched a little football and took a big, much needed nap!

My mom and I are part of the CraZiES who get up at 4am and go shoppping the day after Thanksgiving! We make it our little tradition every year, I've been going with her since I was 12. I can't wait till I have kids and they want the MUST-HAVE toys. I'll be the lady throwing elbows and diving on people to get what my kid wants.... Okay, that may be a little over top, but...... We'll just have to see! :] I had to work later that day at TJs and suprisingly, it wasn't as wild and crazy as I expected it! Thank goodness! I do have to share a funny experience from the day though.

~

Man customers: Excuse me miss, have you sold out of all your Black Friday specials?
Me: Well sir, we don't really have anything specific marked down just for Black Friday.
Man: Oh, really? No killer deals?? (Perplexed)
Me: Well sir, everyday is like Black Friday at TJ Maxx

~

I don't know if I am the only one who is TOTALLY amused by this, but I think it is so funny! I seriously couldn't think of anything else to say to the guy, I mean TJs has their crap marked down 60%.. What the heck else do you want?! I could not stop laughing, for days I swear!

I have been nursing the WORST flu bug ever this week. I thought for sure I had the pig flu, my body aches were the worst I've ever had in my entire life. And that's the truth. My fever ran over 100* for 3 days. I just wanted to die! Luckily, I am on the mends and should make a full recovery! haha

And on that note, it is December.... What the heck?!

Thanks and Giving

Since I will be slaving away in the kitchen tomorrow, I figured I'd better write my Thanksgiving post today.

I love Thanksgiving.

The food

The family

The laughs

The food

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Football

..and the food :]

But most importantly, I love the reason behind the holiday. Too often we get wrapped up in the world and don't stop and think about what we are really thankful for. It's too bad there is only one holiday to celebrate God's great gifts (other than Christmas, of course).

This year has particularly been one I've thought long and hard about all the blessings I receive and why. I look at all the good and positive in my life and wonder if there has been some kind of mistake. The life I have should belong to a better believer.

I'm thankful because I have been given much, whether I think I deserve it or not. God works in mysterious ways, and His blessings are life changing. He knows why He does the things He does. My goal this year is to do more thanking, and more giving. Not just once a year, but everyday.

~

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Enjoy this day of gluttony

I know I will

In Five Years.....

............... I still learn new things about you daily

You still make me giggle

You're still my Best Friend

You still put up with my whinning

and my hard head, and my stubborness

You still sing to me

You still wanna hold my hand, tight

in public, in the car, on the couch

You still open the car door for me

My Grandma's still think the world revolves around you

.............

You STILL love me like you did from day one.

Happy 5 Year Anniversary Scott

Love, Maren

For Tyler

(This is Hil and Tyler on their wedding day- Aug. 22, 2009)

I feel like I'm beginning to sound like a broken record.. But yet again, there will be another benefit for a friend on mine. As mentioned below, my best friend's husband was involved in a really serious wreck 3 weeks ago. As of today, he is still in the ICU in critical condition at the University Hospital in UT. He is on continuous dialysis because his kidney still won't function on its own, has had a bacterial infection, and pneumonia. He is still hooked up to a breathing tube and is still fully sedated. Since they had to remove the 2 main insulin producers in his body (half of his spleen and his pancreas), Tyler will more than likely be a full diabetic the rest of his life as well. The prognosis is good, but slow to show any major changes.

Tomorrow - Tuesday, November 10 there will be a benefit dinner and auction from 6pm-9pm for Hilairy and Tyler at the Royal Hotel in Lava Hot Springs, where Hilairy works. It is 10$ a plate and everything raised will help with Tyler's mounting ICU bills.

Please come if you are able.
And as a perk, the Royal has freakin
amazing pizza :]

The Month Of November

I saw this "Give Thanks" on my friend Stephanie's blog and thought it would be a fun thing to do...! I grabbed the button from South Breeze Farm and copied it to my sidebar where I will write something I am thankful for each day of the month. I am 3 days behind, but added them all at once..

November, particularly Thanksgiving Day, is a month we really sit and think what we are the most thankful for. This gives an opportunity to really look at all our blessings and focus on what is important as we go through the hustle and bustle of life. A little reminder helps us put into perspective all that we have been given!

~

Now it's your turn to "Give Thanks"!

More Rough News

On Friday night, my BFF Hilairy's husband Tyler (the wedding I just did the planning for) got in a major wreck around Freedom, WY. He and his friend were out hunting, when the friend missed a turn and the vehicle they were in rolled. Tyler was ejected out of the truck. He was Life Flighted to the University of Utah in critical condition. He had to have his left kidney, his spleen and half of his pancrease removed, his neck is fractured and he will have to have facial surgery to repair the damage. As of last night, his right kidney is not working properly and they are doing their best to try and make it strong. He has been fully sedated to check for more internal bleeding/injuries and to make sure there is no spinal cord damage. This is not the way to spend your 'newlywed stage' of marriage. She is a full time student at ISU and is worried she will have to withdrawl from this semester to stay at her husbands side.

~

Please keep Hilairy and Tyler in your prayers.

Best of luck to you both. We love you lots!

About Me

I totally stole this post from my friend Amanda :] I thought it looked fun, and I needed something to blog about, so why not myself!

A to Z - All About Me



A: Addiction: Purses

B: Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon or one of Scott's waffles

C: Chocolate or Chips: Usually chips

D: Dessert or Appetizers: Appetizers, LOVE LOVE chips and salsa

E: Essential Items: Blackberry, Debit Card

F: Favorite Color: Black to wear. and my fav color in general... uh, green

G: Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms: Bears

H: Hometown: Pocatello

I: Indulgence: Shoot.... probably uh, coconut M&Ms!

J: January or July: Both! I love the winter, and I love July nights!

K: Kids: Probably never the way we are going....

L: Life isn't complete without: Faith, Friends, and most importantly Family

M: Most exciting memory: When Scott said we could get Diesel!

N: Number of Brothers and Sisters: Zero

O: Oranges or Apples: Apples

P: Phobias or Fears: Never getting married, failure

Q: Quote: "There is never a crowd on the extra mile." -Unknown

R: Reading: Hate it-blame it on hours and hours of textbook reading

S: Summer or Spring: Spring, love the flowers and colors!

T: Toughest Day: April 2, 2008, the day I lost my Grandma Hazel.

U: Unknown Fact About Me: I am boarderline OCD

V: Vacation I want to go on: Close: Mnt. Rushmore.. Far away: Bora Bora

W: Walking or Running: Walk. My knees gave out on running long, long looong ago

X: X-Ray or Ultrasound: Had both.

Y: Your favorite food: Chicken, any kind!

Z: Zoo or Bowling: Bowling. I love to bowl, I suck at it, but its so fun!

Now it is YOUR turn! :]

For Skyelar

Last week my friend, Britney Edmonds, had her 7 month old daughter, Skye, diagnosed with cancer. She has already had one operation, with many more to come. She will also start chemotherapy next week at Primary Children's Hospital in SLC.

To help with the cost and travel, Britney's friends and family have put

together a fund-raiser; a dinner, silent auction, and raffle.

It will be held on Friday, November 6th at the Inkom Elementary School.It begins with food being served at 6:30-8:30 and the raffle and auction will run until 8:30 that evening as well, prizes will be awarded that night at 9pm.

There will be games for the children, The Dance Factory will be performing,

and there will be a few singing/musical numbers too.

We are accepting any kind of donation the public is willing to give to help out this sweet little girl and her family. If you would be interested in helping in any way, please let me know. My number is 547-7270.

~

Keep Skyelar in your prayers.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Yesterday was my Mommy's birthday.

I am blessed beyond measure to have a mom like her

she is the most amzing women I know

She always keeps the most positive attitude in the

crappiest of situations

She is a free spirit and an inspiration

We have always had a great relationship, always

Even when I was a stupid teenager, her love for me never

decreased (even though it probably should have)

She would drop anything in a blink to be there for me,

she never missed a dance recital, dance pictures, soccer game, choir events,

piano recital, high school dance... Nothing.

Mom, God is watching you and he knows what an amazing, strong

women you are. You will be blessed for eternity.

The only thing better than calling you my mother is waiting

for my kids to call you 'Grandma'

Happiest of Birthdays to you Mom!

I LOVE YOU!

It's about time!

Right after my BFF's wedding, my camera took a total dive on me and I had to send it in for warranty work. That was in Aug. so after 10 days I still hadn't recieved my camera back and called the company to see what the issue was. And the lady I spoke to said it was fixed and sitting in shipping still... She had no idea why it had not been sent out.

I waited a week, still no camera and I called again, and again, and again....... Finally, over a month later, I got ahold of someone who had an answer for me, just to find out they had LOST my camera somewhere in their own shipping deptartment. I was irrate! This is a professional camera repair company! REALLY??!!

So, because I was so mad and it took them forever to stop beating around the bush, they upgraded me "for my troubles". HA, I need a lot more than an upgrade thank you!

~

That being said I'm pleased to announce I can finally post some pictures!

I just need to take some first, and figure out how to use this new gadget.....

Upcoming Events:

• Mom's Birthday
• Logan Canyon
• Tanner's 7th Birthday (tear)
• HaLLoWeeN
• The Holidays (cheer!)

I love Conference weekend. It's such a blessing

to be able to listen to the Prophet's twice a year as they

lead and guide us till the next time we meet. As I sit

and listen, it never fails that I have the feeling they are

talking directly to ME. I know with all my heart those men are

true voices of Christ. They were put on this Earth to

direct us till we meet our Father again. I'm so thankful I

was brought up in the LDS church-if not for my faith, I don't

know where this world would have taken me. And I am lucky

enough to have found a man who is also firm in faith.

We struggle, we all do, but we know where we want to be when

our time on Earth is through, and it's together. For eternity.

~

Everyone enjoy Conference weekend and the

blessings those talk give.

Nothing Really...

I don't really have anything remarkable to post about,

just the fact that Scott left for work yesterday and it

is kind of a bummer, okay, a huge bummer...

He will more than likely be gone till the snow comes,

so 2ish months I would believe. Did I mention what

a bummer this whole situation is?? It's not too

far that I can't load up the dogs and go for a

little drive, but the fact he doesn't come

home at nights, well its sad :[

Awww, the life as a 'wife' of a construction worker.

~

Other than that... This household is just gearing up for FaLL

and all the little goodies that go with; the corn stocks, pumpkins

and gourds, the smell of cinnamon pouring through my house the

next 3 1/2 months, and Halloween, which is in my top 5 of fav

holidays! I need to dig in my closet for the sweaters and long sleeves,

cause brrrr it was a chilly morning! But the afternoons.....

Perfect

More Cub River Photos....

These are in no particular order :]

Cub River

(I needed to make two seperate posts!)

This weekend we had the opportunity to take the 5th wheel and enjoy the long weekend! We went to a place outside of Preston called Cub River, it's way way up in the mountains. We left Friday night and didn't get back till yesterday. We went with Scott's mom, dad, and sister and we also took Ruger (Diesel has been super sick) and we had such a good time. I haven't been camping in such a long time, and it was good to get out of town and breathe in fresh mountain air. Lately I've been on such a nature picture taking spree and this place was prime to take awesome shots. I felt bad, I hardly got any pics of the family, but 100+ of the nature surrounding us! Haha, next time. We explored trails a little on the 4 wheeler, sat around the camp fire and roasted starbursts (yes I said starbursts...) and choco/vanilla marshmellows (a little piece of heaven I'm sure of it), and ate some awesome dutch oven food (my fav!). Here is a few pictures of the surrounding area and the family:

Me.. Being, well, me :]

Scott's sister Sadie and Ruger

Cutting fire wood was dangerous. Haha

It's just about that time...

I seriously get so pumped for that first colored leaf on the tree.

I love everything about fall; the smells, the colors, the crisp morning air, the sweaters and layers, the fod...I could go on and on about how much I love fall. My most favorite thing about the fall is going to Logan Canyon. We would always take my Grandma Hazel up there so she could get out and see all the colors and just to be able to spend time with her. We haven't been in 2 years, last year was too hard to face the fact she wouldn't be coming with us and the year before that, she was so weak and couldn't make the trip. We decided we would go up this year when the colors reach their peak, for her. If you've never been, go! It is such a beautiful drive and there are little spots you can stop; by the lake and by a mountain spring, and just enjoy nature for a moment! It's a perfect spot for taking awesome outdoor shots as well (this picture isn't from there :]).

The Swing of Things

As everyone knows, ISU started last week and that of course means everyone is back to the hustle and bustle of school life. Life back at school means:

• Sleepless nights
• Sore backs from carrying 20 books around
• Super sore wrists from countless hours of note taking
• Summer is offically gone
• Page after page of text
• Exams ('nuff said)
• 20 page papers
• Study groups
• LOOKING FORWARD TO THANKSGIVING BREAK

I don't believe we even had a summer this year... Summer flies by quicker and quicker as I get older. I was thinking the other day "Why is it that when I was a kid all I wanted to do was GROW UP; I wanted to drive, I wanted to stay up late, and go to college. Now, all I want to do is be little again. Why was I in such a hurry to grow up??" I'm sure all of you can relate, yeah getting older has its perks, but does anything beat having your mom and dad drive you around town? Playing with your friends whenever you wanted? No bills? Basically, no worries, except for what the boy down the street thinks of you or what you're going to wear the next day.

My nephew said to me the other day:

T: Mawen, I lub school... I get 3 play times a day!! One in the mowning (morning), after lunch and right before we go home!! How many do you get?!

M: Baby, Maren is at big kid school, we don't get play times.

T: (distraught) What?! Why would they do that?

M: Well, when you get older, you just don't get those at school. They think because you are bigger you don't need play times outside.

T:Uh, well..... I think everyone should get play times outside...

Haha, the world through an almost 7 yr old eyes are priceless. I couldn't agree more about getting play breaks inbetween class, but... not everyone sees it like me and Tanner :]

Good luck to everyone who is back to school. Keep motivated and stay positive!

Diller Wedding

I think the pictures speak for themselves,

the wedding turned out BEAUTIFUL!

Congrats Mr. & Mrs.

It's Here.....!!

We finally got our 5th Wheel! I am so STOKED

to go camping it's sickening!

Camping in the wilderness is rough....

A New Addition

No folks, I am not pregnant...

We got a new puppy!

Just what we needed right, another dog!

His name is RUGER and he is about 13 weeks.

As far as we know, he is straight black lab.

Someone dumped this sweetie off at NOP park,

all but straved to death and way thirsty (he was 10 weeks)

and I couldn't resist but to bring him home.

Lucky for us, he is beyond smart and lovey for being

dumped off to fend for himself. And even better news,

Diesel LOVES him, except when he gets in the way of

"Scott and son" time - Diesel ain't havin' that :]

Here he is.....

Wedding Season

Please come to an end.....

We have had sooo many of our friends get married this summer, it's been crazy! One every other week since June. The final wedding of the season ends (I think) with my BFF Hilairy getting married on the beach of Bear Lake, Aug. 22. I don't know how many of you know this, but I am a party planning fool! Ha. I was lucky enough to be the 'Wedding Planner' for this beauty and cannot wait to see the final results. It was a quick 3 months to plan and get everything done, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm doing centerpieces for the tables, as well as program/fans for each chair. (We are hoping the weather is 90 like any typical Aug. would be)

This is a front view of the fan

Next weekend will be spent in Bear Lake getting all the last minute things together, when It's all set up I will for sure take photos so you can see my work. Lets cross our fingers it turns out as good as I see it in my mind, and that the weather is warm too :]

My Happy List

I saw this on Stacy's blog and thought we all need a little

reminder of what makes up happy,

so I'm going to make my own.

(Thanks Stac!)

1.

Childrens Hymns. There isn't anything that calms

my soul like Primary songs.

2.

Me & Scott time. Working 2 jobs, school starting,

and him leaving town next week makes me

cherish 'our' time to be together.

3.

Diesel snoring. Random, yes, but I can't help

but giggle a little when I wake up in the

middle of the night to that

LOUD rumble.

4.

Tanner & Talon. My heart swells everytime

I get a phone call or a card and a big

"I love you" from them.

5.

Memories/Photos of my Grandma. My time with

her was short in my eyes, but I have

great memories and pictures of her for always.

6.

Fresh shaved legs on clean sheets hung outside.

The way they slide right to the coldest

part of the bed on a hot summer night!

You ladies know what I'm talking about :]

7.

Girls Nights. It's so refreshing to go and spend

an evening with them and laugh for hours

about nothing in particular.

8.

Autumn. (Since today has that feel)

The smell of dried leaves and the abudance of

colors on the hills surrounding our sleepy town,

that cool, crisp breeze. Aww, come fall, please!

9.

A New Cookbook. I love cracking open

a fresh new cookbook and looking for recipes

that are totally different or have a new spin

on an old favorite.

10.

Love Notes From Scott. Stuffed in my purse

or under the windshield wiper when I'm at work/school.

Knowing he takes the extra effort to let me know he

loves me and is thinking about me.

So there is my list of 10 things that make me happy. I could have

gone on and on, but I hit on the most important. I

challange you to make your own happy list.

Like I said, in a world as busy as the one we live in,

we all need a small reminder of what keeps us going

on a daily basis.

My Nephews & Ross Park

There isn't anything more I love than spending time with my sweet little nephews and summer

to them isn't summer at all if 'their Mawen' (said in the sweetest 3 yr old voice) isn't taking them to Ross Park. Working 2 jobs has totally killed our fun time, but I was lucky enough to get a day off in the middle of the week and took these 2 to the pool. We had a blast playing in the water, with the toys and kids, and drinking slushies all day. My friend Courney, and my Mom came with us and we just soaked up the sun while the boys played.

This is a little about each of the boys:

*The 'baby'-Talon is almost 3 and is a TERROR. He is fearless. He has the cutest, tough guy personality, and very rarely can you get a love outta this kid. But when you do, watch out, he'll snuggle you to death. He was the littlest baby and you would never know that by how big he is now. He has the most Indian in him for sure (both of my boys are part Souix); dark skin, dark eyes and (curly) hair.

*Tanner will be 7 in Oct. and my heart breaks everytime I think of him going into the first grade. Wasn't it yesterday I was rocking him to sleep in his nursery? He is the complete opposite from the little guy. Tanner is so so so sensitive and loves to give you loves. He has the best giggle in the entire world, and eyelashes that will put any girl to shame. I'm so glad he thinks girls ('except my mom, you Maren, Grammy Honey.....") are yucky. Because the second he realizes they're not, I will be at his door beating them off with sticks.

This is me, Courtney, and Tanner, just hanging out at the kiddie pool soaking our feet. :]

Talon, after he went down the slide, yelling, 'did ew see dat Mawen?!'

Here's the 3 of us, getting ready to head back home.

As we packed our stuff up and got ready to go home, Talon grabs my leg and says 'Mawen, shanks for taking me and big browver to da poow' (Translation: Maren, thanks for taking me and Tanner to the pool) Melt your heart out! He had his arms up and gave me a little pat on the back (his hugs) and a kissy. After I dropped them off and was getting ready to leave, Tanner says to me, "Maren, I know you got two yobs (jobs) but when do you think we can do that again?" I told him I had two days off next week, and he says "If I'm good and my Mom says so, can you take us again?" Of course Tan Man... So I think we'll be going again next week!

A Day In The Life Of....

A conversation I was having with Scott the other night while cooking outside on the grill:

M: (said to Scott while he was texting his friend) You sure are a popular guy tonight
S: Yeah, I'm kind of a big deal (straight faced)
Later on that night..
M:Good grief, chatty Cathy, what could you possibly be talking about still?
S: Man stuff, you just wouldn't understand.

To most, this stuff is not as amusing to you as it is to me. Scott is so serious; he's all business, all the time. But once in a while I can catch him in a mild hyper stuper. This is just a sample of the funny crap he comes up with. I'll have to remember and write some of it down.

Baseball Lovin'

So I've never 'loooved' America's favorite past time, but I've never hated it either. This last week, Scott got an offer to play on 3 of his buddy's softball teams, and he took it. When he was younger, the kid LOVED baseball, so he was super pumped to play (and drink (ha ha)) with his friends. He had a little 'warm-up' game Thursday with his friend Mike, but the real fun start Sat & Sun. This weekend was tourneys and they had two games to play Saturday, well, they lost both.. One was an all out slaughter and the other was pretty close :] As I sat watching Scott play, I couldn't help but think how this is the life! I couldn't come up with any thing more I wanted, it was right in front of me.. Scott, reduced sodium sunflower seeds, our easy up, the sound of bats cracking. It was so much fun. Even though he lost, Scott loved every minute of it. The conciliation game was at 9am Sunday morning, and when Scott got up, his right leg was all but dead. But, since he is a mans man, he played through it. Poor guys lost AGAIN! As we were packing up another team was a man down and asked Scott to play, so he did it! It meant a lot to Scott as we started walking to the other field, the whole team packed up their stuff and brought it to the field Scott was playing at to watch him. Scott has such good friends, really! Most yelled louder than I did for him (and we all know how loud I am, ha ha). Even though none of the teams Scott played for won (the last game they lost by 1 point, if they would have had last 'at bat' they would have won) he had such a good time. So much in fact, he wants to start up a team next year and play! Ha ha. So if anyone wants to play, you let us know and we'll sign ya up. Hopefully we having a winning year next go around! Scott was hurtin' big time later Sunday and still today, to the point we decided he has pulled a quad muscle! So we've been icing that up and wrapping it. Hopefully he'll have a speedy recovery :]

Here's a few photos from the games:

On a side note

Oh yes, I forgot... Remember my ranting about not being able to change my friggin' layout from these stupid, pre-made ones...? Well, I still CANT! There is no little tab thingy that says layout, it is completely GONE. Serious. I need some serious computer instruction, pronto :]

Vacation

You know when you get to "that" point when you NEED a vacation? I am so there. Working 2 jobs and stressing about school starting in a month, Scott and his never ending work routine, not to mention the daily stress life so kindly and considerately brings... The crap never ends, it never goes away. We've been talking about going to Cody, Wy to see the Buffalo Bill museum there and the first weekend in Aug they are having a massive hot air balloon festival.I think, if only for a moment, at that sight all my stresses could disapear.. If only for a moment.

A big orange ball?

In case everyone forgot, myself included, that big orange (yellow, maybe) ball of gas in the sky is the SUN!!!!!! I am sick to death of the rain (how about the flooding yesterday. Really? I mean, REALLY?!) and I hope it stays away for a while now. Let's celebrate the sun and the nice weather for a change! I cannot believe we went the month of June with like 5 days of sunshine.

We haven't been up to a whole lot, since the weather has seriously killed our summer plans. I've picked up a second job (I haven't figured out why yet) at TJ Maxx and it keeps me so so so busy. I shouldn't complain b/c so many Americans can't find one job, let alone two. Scott is getting ready to go outta town for the summer (boo) starting in July. So he's been keeping busy at work, which is also a blessing. Out of town work sucks, but at least he has a job. He's been lucky enough to get a job and have the company really appreciate a 23 year old kid for the hard, dedicated worker he is. The economy has really taken its rath out on everyone, and the construction industry is not in the best shape either.

We celebrated my Dad's 50th birthday yesterday with a surprise party. We had about 40-45 people show; family, friends, co-workers. He had such a nice time, and the turn out was more than he and I could have ever expected. It's hard to keep anything from my dad, he has very good instincts when something is going on, but for once, I finally was able to get this whole thing past him! yahoo for me :] When you get the Christensen clan together, there is bound to be good food (lots and lots), good friends, and good times. So, Happy 5-0 Daddy, love you!

Am I Missing Something.....?

Okay, I feel like an ubber moron right now, but I'm trying to change my layout, and there is no layout tab?! Just templates...! I don't want one of Bloggers, I want a third party layout! Any tips, suggestions would be appreciated! Haha :] After I get this task completed, someone will have to tell me how to make those freakin' cute banner thingys...

23 Years Ago

My very best friend in the whole entire world had a birthday Tuesday, I didn't forget with my last post, I just wanted to give him one of his own.

Scott and I are 5 days apart, he turned 23 years old on the 26th.

So Happy Birthday Love, I hope you had a good day;

even though you had to work, Grandma was in the hospital,

and I was gone. I look forward to having 80

more birthdays with you and reminding

you I'm still younger :]

TaYLoR sWiFt

Me & 3 of my fabulous girl friends went and saw Taylor Swift yesterday in SLC!! It was SUCH a blast, the girl can put on an AMAZING show!! Kellie Pickler was suppose to do one of the opening acts, but got sick, so Gloriana opend for her. They sing 'Wild at Heart' (sooo good). They were awesome as well. The show was 3 1/2 hours and totally worth it. I would see her again. Here are a couple of photos; the ones of Taylor are a little blury...

Also, on a not nearly as happy note.. I spent the first half of the day yesterday in the ICU with my Grandma Honey-she had a mild heart attack. It was really upsetting (obviously) seeing her hooked up to random cords and listening to the doctors talk about the damage to her heart. She is in good spirits today, talking and laughing (she wanted to know if her hair looked okay), so we are hoping for a fast recovery. I couldn't handle losing my only grandparent.

This Day in History

On this day in 1987, Sandy and Mark Christensen brought into this world a brand new baby girl.....

Thanks Mom and Dad, I owe you one :]

Today I turn 22, where has the time gone? Honestly, I can remember b-day parties with

clowns, lots and lots of friends, cake/ice cream, the works. Birthdays aren't nearly

as much fun now. My next milestone...... 30? Ew. My Mom, Dad, Grandma Honey, Scott

and I are going to IF tonight to eat at the Olive Garden (my FAV) and go to the

Titanic exhibit. A pretty simple, easy going day- for a pretty simple, easy going gal.