Long over due...

I have been meaning to let you in on one of my favorite things but I just haven't had time to sit down and do it! Sorry to hold out on y'all-it's been crazy around here. Just as a summary, I gave myself a week off between jobs to get caught up on all the things I needed to do but instead ending up helping my Mom because her life has been too crazy! Last week was spent at hospitals visiting my Grandpa Tyler who fell down 4 weeks ago and broke his leg (he's 91), my aunt Sondra who had a minor back surgery, and my Grandma Campbell who had her hip replaced. Unfortunately, they were all at 3 different places so it made visiting a little hectic! We also spent Friday and Saturday preparing food for my newest step-cousin's wedding. After 800 kabob's, I thought I was done but then we served the food at the Rose River Reception and boy was it crazy! BUT today and tomorrow are MY days and Wednesday I start with school meetings and the kids start school next Wednesday, the 26th. Whew!
So now to get on with the point...(there is one, you were worried, but there is a POINT.) One of my all time favorite roommates and best friends recently returned for a study abroad in SCOTLAND. And this study abroad just happened to be a photography study. Do you see where I am getting with this? Her work is AWESOME! I have always loved the stuff Emily does, but I am so impressed with her that I thought I would share her BLOG with you guys. Go check it out--you know you want to... (and don't forget to hit the older posts button at the bottom of the page to see more of her work!) Click HERE if you missed the other two links...

Feliz Cumpleaños Pablito

Happy Birthday Pablo! I love this guy so much that I am going to do the cliche, blogging, things I love about him for his b-day! But so that he can understand too, I'm going to put it in Spanish too!

A Few Things I Heart About Pablo/Algunas Cosas Que Amo de Pablo:
1.) Hottie! He makes my heart beat faster just lookin' at his dippling smile! Que guapo! Me hace latir más fuerte mí corazon al ver su sonrisa con margaritas!
2.) He is the world's worst liar--I can always tell when he has a surprise for me! El es el peor mentiroso del mundo--siempre sé cuando el tenga una sorpresa para mí.
3.) He tells me he loves me about 50 times a day--even if I only get to talk to him for an hour, he still fits them all in! Me dice que me ama como 50 veces al dia--aun si le hable solamente por una hora, todavía me lo dice mucho.
4.) He always completes his calling--as the 1st counselour in the Stake YM Presidency, Pablo always has something to do and does it well! Siempre cumpla con su llamamiento--como el primer consejero del HHJJ de la estaca, siempre hay algo que hacer y lo hace bien!
5.) Pablo is sensitive and will get emotional over the sweet things. Pablo es muy sensible y se emociona por las cosas dulces.
6.) He is the most talented publicist I know! He does awesome work and works hard to learn new things every day! El es el publicista con más talento que conozco. El hace un buen trabajo y trabaja fuerte cada dia para aprender cosas nuevas!
7.) He gives the most thoughtful gifts--some of my favorites are my favorite Chilean candies, a beautiful purse and awesome jewelry. El da los regalos mas pulentos--algunos de mis preferidos son dulces chilenos, una cartera hermosa y joyas lindas.
8.) He cracks me up daily! Me hace reir cada dia!
9.) Pablo is always positive about everything. Only twice have I ever heard him complain and before he did it he said, I don't mean to complain but... Wow! I could learn from his example! Pablo siempre es muy positivo de todo. Solamente dos veces le he escuchado quejandose y antes que lo hacia dijo, No quiero quejarme pero...Wow! Podría aprender de su ejemplo!
10.) Pablo was an awesome missionary. I have talked to a few of his companions who have told me that Pablo was their favorite companion--what a great compliment! Pablo fue un misionero excelente. He hablado con algunos de sus companeros que me han dicho que el fue su companero preferido--que complemento mas grande!
11.) He listens to crazy music--he gets in these music zones for months at a time and even though I'm not crazy about Bob Marley, I still love Pablo! El escucha musica loka--se pone en una zona de musica por meses seguidos y aun que no me gusta Bob Marley, le amo a Pablo!
12.) Pablo loves his Super Heros and though he is turning 27, sometimes I wonder if he is really only turning 12. Pablo le encantan los Super Heroes y aun que va a cumplir 27, a veces pienso que realmente va a cumplir 12.
13.) Pablo is an only child and does a lot for his parents without ever complaining like I would do! Pablo es hijo unico y hace mucho por sus padres sin quejarse como yo haría!
14.) Pablo already loves all of my nephews and feels something special for each one already. When Dayton was born, Pablo told EVERYONE that he was a new Uncle again! Pablo ya ama a cada uno de mis sobrinos y se siente algo especial por cada uno ya. Cuando nacio Dayton, Pablo contaba a TODOS que el era un Tio de nuevo!
15.) Since deciding to get married in Santiago, Pablo has been head wedding planner/best groom ever--he is right in the middle of all the plans and has basically taken over all of the major plans--how many girls can say their hubbys did most of the wedding planning?! Desde que nos decidimos a casarnos en Santiago, Pablo ha sido el hombre en cargado de planificar la boda/ el mejor novio--el esta haciendo todos los planes y basicamente ha tomado todos los planes--cuantas chicas se pueden decir que que sus esposos planificaron casi toda la boda?
16.) Pablo has been waking up every morning early to read the Book of Mormon in English--what dedication to learn English! Pablo se levanta cada dia bien temprano para leer el Libro de Mormon en inglés--que dedicación para aprender Inglés!
17.) I love Pablo for who he is and for what he does. He makes me happier then I have ever been and I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with him. It may have taken us 27 years to get together, but I have eternity to be with him! Amo a Pablo por quien es y por lo que hace. El me hace mas contenta que he estado and estoy animada para estar con el por toda mi vida. Se tomo 27 anos para encontrarnos, pero estare con el por toda la eternidad!

Feliz cumpleanos mi amorcito! Eres mi vida y espero que tu dia sea lo mejor y que lo pases re bien! Gracias por todo lo que haces por mi y por ser el hombre de mis suenos! Happy Birthday!

You all know I'm random...

Okay this picture actually has nothing to do with this post, but I took it in February in Chile. I was going through some pictures of Pablo and I to edit and stumbled upon it and thought I would post it. Blogs are better with pictures, right?

Anyways, I think it is safe to say that tomorrow I am giving my 2 weeks notice and am once again switching jobs. Surprise, surprise, right? This time it's a switch to Blackfoot School District (wow!). I'll be working in Fort Hall Elementary in their kindergarten room. I am excited for the new job and so ready to be done with my current one for so many reasons. I love, love, LOVE the kids but I hate the way the program is run (or the people "running" it...)

Wedding plans are going well--but there has been a minor switch in locations and it looks like I'll be getting married in the Santiago temple. So, anyone who would love to come see Chile is more than welcome to come to our wedding! :) Put a tentative date on your calendar for December 23rd!

July 4th

This is a great sign to sum up my 4th of July! Just kidding, there weren't any "poop" conditions and we actually had a really good time! (This is an actual sign in Yellowstone Park--I was laughing so hard I HAD to take a picture!) The 4th of July is probably my favorite holiday (it's a toss up between the 4th and Christmas, I love them both!) There is just something awesome that you feel when you watch the fireworks and realize all the sacrifices that so many have made so that we can live in a free country. Anyways, we went up to Island Park on the 2nd to stay in my brother in law's cabin. We drove into West Yellowstone that night and saw Footloose at the Playmill Theater. We had great seats located right on the stage. It was a fun show!
On Friday we drove into Yellowstone and went on the Northern loop and saw Norris Geysers, Mammoth Falls and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. I know that I had seen all of those when I was a lot younger, but it was so fun to see. Here's Blake and I at Norris Geysers. I think he thought they were going to be "guys" but there was just a lot of steam coming out. On Saturday we did our tradition of going to a movie and lunch--we saw Up (very, very cute!) and had a nice Birthday lunch at Jonny Carino's. It's my younger brother Tim's birthday the fourth. (I know, he gets a parade AND fireworks for his birthday!) Here's Blake and I waiting for the sun to set to watch the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration! It was a great weekend and it was nice to get out of Blackfoot and do something. I hope you all had a great 4th of July too!

What I've Been Up To

Wow it's been a while since I have updated--sorry to leave you hanging (all two of my faithful followers!) I have actually been plenty busy with Primary, Family Reunions, Relay for Life, work and other stuff. I've been working on a few projects lately that I wanted to share with y'all too.
I bought a kitchen table and chairs at the Relay for Life garage sale. I was excited because the price was right and Pablo and I will be needing someplace to eat. The only thing is that they need to be stripped and re painted. As of right now, they are just waiting for me in my parents garage! I'm sure they are so glad I bought them!

My next project is a sneak peek for Michelle. I bought a bunch of fun beads and soon they will be your watch! I will get it done soon, I promise!

My friend Yesica from Chile is expecting a baby girl so I decided I needed to make her a rag quilt. I'm not much of a seamstress as you all may know but I do like working on smaller projects. Hopefully this one will turn out right!

I LOVE Bob!

Thanks to the idea from my friend Stephanie, I added a ticker to my overall goal of weight loss on the side... And I just found a new, awesome tool to help encourage. If you have ever watched The Biggest Loser then I am pretty sure it is hard not to just love Bob Harper. There is just something about him that makes me want him as my own personal trainer. So, I stumbled upon his own site that you can log into for FREE and get encouragement, challenges, etc.
Check it out at www.mytrainerbob.com. Also, as if that is not enough Bob for you, his new book just came out in paperback and it's on my wishlist! It's called, Are You Ready! Oh, I just love Bob!

To the Highest Bidder!

So the Relay for Life is coming quick and I haven't done my part to raise some money. I think it's a great cause and I'm so excited to go and participate, even if it means walking all night. Laura has put together a great team this year and I'm excited to get to know these ladies better.
Okay, so I'll get to the point. At the Relay there is a great way to raise money by buying a luminaria bag. They are sold for $10 and each bag is to represent someone you know who has passed away or has been a survivor of cancer. On the night of the Relay, our team will put out all of the luminaria bags that our team has gathered and light them with a candle. Then everyone there will do a walk around the track in silence for those people. It is an awesome experience and helps you realize that the reason you are there is for those people.
So where am I going with this? I want YOU (yes, Y-O-U) to get involved too! I know that money is tight but I also know that $10 is a great way for you to donate and be able to honor someone you love. You can donate online and I can decorate the bag for you or if you want to get the money to me, I will get you a bag and you can decorate it yourself. And if you are close by, feel free to come the night of the Relay and see what it is all about!
I'm going to through out an extra incentive. I'm sure most of you have seen these cute watches like this one:
Well, I will bid off a watch to the highest bidder. You can even tell me if you want it black and white, browns or even specific colors. But the best part of the deal is that the highest bidder will not only get the watch, but all the money will go to the Relay AND they can apply that money to as many luminaria bags as possible in as many names as they want. So, once again the highest bidder will get: the custom designed watch, money donated to the American Cancer Society AND pick the name/names for the luminaria bags! WOW! Leave me a comment with your bids and I will let the bidding go until next Friday!
Also, if you are just interested in donating, you can do so by sending me some money (checks made out to the American Cancer Society) or by clicking HERE to donate online. Thanks and good luck!