Personal Progress

My sister, Annie, is working on a Personal Progress project for Young Women's and is collecting any and all form...al and semi-formal dresses. These dresses can be any kind of sleeve, preferably with sleeves, but her and my mom will mend any sleeveless dress so they will be modest. Annie would like to collect all sizes and styles of dresses. The point of this project is to give girls a variety of modest dresses to choose from for upcoming school dances. Annie and my mom are willing to pick up any dresses you would like to donate, if you are local (south Orange County). If you are planning to visit the southern California area, I have included our address. I put an end date to get as many dresses before school starts, but she will be collecting them as long as they keep coming! If you have any questions, please ASK! Respond to this post. I hope you get into this and help a fellow young women out!

I'M ALIVE....BARELY

...In case any of you are wondering. I am taking a little break (which will probably be interrupted and this blog post will be written in about five different settings) to fill you all in on what has been going on in our lives. First off, Josh and I finally finished the complete series of LOST! I was a little obsessed. We would watch as many as five episodes each night, we didn't do anything else (unless there was an important basketball game on to watch) besides watch this long, too-many characters, most unrealistic show. But overall, it was great and we were both sad to see it end. But now we are back in reality and actually know what is going on in the world :) Last Saturday (6/4), Tahnee came over to help me organize, clean and throw out a ton of stuff in our apartment. Glad she was there because she kept me focused and we got through everything we needed too. We were very busy all day and then rewarded ourselves with a Seven Peaks outing later that day. As Tahnee and I cleaned through some bins my parents brought up last year, full of stuff from my childhood, we couldn't stop reading my journals from junior high and high school. I don't even know what to say about them, except if anyone ever got a hold of them, I would be so embarrassed haha. We were laughing really hard and I could not believe how different I am in a lot of ways, but also how some things just never change! From elementary school I found several "About Me" projects. Things like Disneyland and hamburgers were on my favorites lists, and "favorite fruit" was crossed out haha. More than half of my pictures were taken at Disneyland and most of my teenage pictures were taken with my cousin Courtney. Pros and Cons lists of my crushes (let's not even go there). And "Qualitites in a Future Husband" lists that flooded my Young Women piles. It was so fun going through everything. After Seven Peaks, Josh and I cleaned the rest of the apartment and finished packing. Sunday morning, we left bright and early. We drove straight through The above blurb is what I wrote on June 12. Yes, it has taken me this long to complete my post. So to continue.... Once we got here we started babysitting and Josh started working on June 9. We managed to go to Disneyland THREE times in the first week as well. We officially have become obsessed with that place! My husband is a Disney freak, I am learning. On June 12, Josh left for Orlando for five days and my parents left for Sacramento for three days. It was the longest few days of my life. I was at home, watching all five kids by myself. Luckily, my mom called in back up to help drive kids to and from school and help me out for a couple hours each day. But other than that, it was up to me. It was hard work and that is when I realized, I don't know if I am fit to be a mother. Luckily, I understand that kids come one at a time (usually). Not FIVE at a time. But let me tell you, I have never thought about my future so much as when I have been here!! I think it's driving Josh crazy. I have 100% figured out I am not meant to cook and clean everyday for the rest of my life. So therefore, I may put off kids for a bit longer than I originally thought. Back to my crazy week. My parents and Josh eventually came home. Hallejulah. Josh and I made sure we were gone most of that weekend. I had to leave the house! Other than that first week of being thrown into the fire, the rest of the weeks have been pretty consistent. I try and take the kids places a few times a week. If you know me at all, I don't do well sitting inside all day. I like to be out and about and busy. So I have visited every shopping center in Orange County. 1.) There is a pet store that will entertain the kids for a while; 2.) If they are indoors, it's air conditioned; 3.) If they we go to the Irvine Spectrum, there are water fountains the kids like to run in, which entertains for about an hour (then I get too hot); 4.) The kids love getting out of the house and going "bye-bye," just driving around will be sufficient for them! We have also gone to the community pool, McDonald's (on really hot days to get an ice cream), Chuck E. Cheese, the park, and bravely took the twins to Disneyland! They are having the summer of a lifetime!! The twins and Gregory still have school all through the summer and really enjoy it. Gregory just started going on a bus, which is a big deal to him. The twins have class at the house two days a week and then two other locations the rest of the week.

Enough of the kids (since that is my whole life right now); let's talk about Josh and I. It has been so different for us to live here. So far it has really worked out and we are so grateful to my parents for allowing us to stay here for two months!! We enjoy the evenings together, going to the gym, night swimming, Disneyland, met up with Emily and Scott in Newport Beach, going out to eat, and tonight will be our first Angel game together! There really is never a dull moment. My mother-in-law always tells me how we have such a fun life, and I have to admit, we really do have a lot of fun and we make sure we are always doing something we will enjoy together.

For 4th of July weekend, we were able to go to LA for a couple days and do extreme sight-seeing. We stayed at Rick and Arlene's house and have Ryan, Melissa, and Brady go with us. The first day we went and saw the Getty museum, the Grove (outdoor shopping center) and have lunch at Wood Ranch (of all places), and that evening we went to the Griffith Observatory. We were able to weigh ourselves on each of the different planets. Next time I get weighed or go in for a new Driver's license and they ask my weight, I simply want to say, "Um, on what planet?" We had a terrific view of Los Angeles while the sun was setting. To get to the museum, there is quite a hike, but I made it with only one rest! That night we were all exhausted. The next day, Rick and Arlene made us breakfast (which was such a treat) and then we were off to Alavera Street a.k.a. Little Mexico. While we were there we got chocolate-filled churros and saw Union Station. Then we headed to Philippe's, where I learned my great-grandpa loved to go. It was packed! This place is a whole-in-the-wall but amazing. French-dipped sandwiches that are already dipped. I was a little hesitant since I have never had a french-dip sandwich before, but it was delicious! Pleasantly surprised. Then we headed over to L.A. Live and the Staples Center. We had all been there except for Josh. It was blazing hot outside. There were a couple different companies outside with giveaways, like Coca-Cola giving away free coke. Well that didn't cut it so Melissa and I got a Frappachino at Starbucks. Mmm...that hit the spot. Well there was also an Anime Convention going on at the L.A. Convention Center and that was a sight to see. Pretty much everyone there was dressed up as some character. It was preety unbelieveable that so many people would put the time and money into these elaborate costumes. Afterwards, we went back to La Canada and took a nap and a cold shower. That night, Rick took us out to dinner at Mi Piace (?) in Pasadena. It was such a nice vibe in the resturant and the whole boulevard. I would love to live there. We left Sunday. Once we were home, we relaxed until everyone came home from church. Later that evening, we went to Newport Beach and walked around the main street and along the houses that faced Balboa Island. It was a beautiful day. Monday (the 4th), I went shopping with Desiree for some summer clothes and then over to Jim and Janice's for some food. Josh was pushing to go to Disneyland that day. I had told him over and over that I would only go for fireworks and then we are out. It is a known fact that Disneyland is always crowded that day. We have downloaded an app on our phone that tells us how crowded the park is. It was unusually low that day and I gave in. We were very surprised to see how not crowded it was. We parked on the second floor of the parking structure and asked a few cast members if it was busy. They said no. Wow!! We walked on everything. For fireworkds, Desiree had told us to go to the top of the parking structure. As we left California Adventure, there were a million people coming to the park and sitting in between the two parks. We went to the top of the structure and so did 500 other people. But it didn't matter because no matter where you stood, you could see the fireworks. It was a great July fourth, very laid back.

I hope to stay more on top of my blog. I hope everyone is doing well. I can't believe how much I miss Utah and miss my apartment. I would love to stay there and live there, but we really have no ties there :( Josh is really loving his internship. He has so many perks and eats out probably 4 out of 5 days for lunch. I get very jealous, but oh well. That's life. Lately my back has been killing me, so last night I went and got a massage at Massage Envy. I told the guy I was in a lot of pain, and he really knocked me around. My body is full of bruises but it was what I needed to help my back. Hopefully it gets better once I stop babysitting full-time. Like I mentioned earlier, Josh and I are going to an Angel game tonight. I am pretty excited. Get a giant hot dog and enjoy the game with my hubby.

(I keep trying to delete the space in between pictures and text and it isn't working. I realize there is a lot of white. Sorry.)

Approaching My Late 20's

Today is my birthday. I am 26. Does that make me in my late 20's or I am still mid-20's? Well, whatever part of the 20's I am in is irrelevant. It's my birthday!! If you know me at all, you know that I love birthdays! I make a very big deal out of them. I love to celebrate and go all out. Josh can certainly attest to this. My parents always did a great job when we were growing up to celebrate our birthdays. Especially mine, because I was the first child. Typical birthdays included a few years at Chuck E Cheeses. Parties at the park. Sleepovers. Pool parties. So much fun and so many memories.

As I reflect on some of my past birthdays, I would like to share three that really stand out to me...

The first one was my 16th birthday. Of course everyone remembers this age. License, dating, freedom! Well, my 16th birthday was a momentous event thanks to some of my classmates. Allow me to explain. As I have mentioned in past posts, I was kind of a dork in high school and just plain awkward. But somehow, people still liked me. In my math class sophomore year, my teacher found out quickly that I wasn't able to date until I was 16 and made a countdown on his whiteboard all school year, he called me the "class project." On my actual birthday, I was surprised to find that my classmates had decorated the whole room, ordered pizza, and had a birthday cake waiting for me when I came to class. It was such a great little party we had and so meaningful to me. That same class period, my mom picked me up from school and took me to the San Clemente DMV where I got my license!! I didn't end up going on a date for two more years!!

My second birthday I'll never forget was my 21st. I already had my mission call and was leaving exactly one week later. I had found out that Boyz II Men were going to be playing at the House of Blues at Downtown Disney. I went with Darci and Melissa. While we were waiting in line, they were coming around with wristbands for those who were underage and would not be drinking that night. The one time where I can finally show my ID! They got to me and asked for my ID. I quickly blurted out, "Oh, I don't drink." They slapped a wristband on me so quickly I couldn't even reach for my wallet if I wanted too! We still had a lot of fun and sang our little hearts out!!

The third birthday that stands out is my 22nd (yes, just one year later). I was on my mission and had been diagnosed with Endocarditis. I had already been in the hospital for five days (went in on Cinco de Mayo). But on my birthday was when my dad came and we started the longest daddy-daughter date that has been recorded (is that a fact?...sure!)! We had a lot of fun together...we watched movies and 24, were woken up at all hours of the night so my vitals could be taken, he bought me the ugliest thank you cards in the gift shop and never lived that down, bought me the matching puzzle to my ugly thank you cards, kept my family back home updated on everything, shared the gospel with nurses, he got to visit my areas and have dinner with some of the members, met a lot of people that came to visit me in the hospital, was loaned a truck for the entire time he was there by someone in the ward I had been serving, all while he slept in the tiniest chair next to my bed for two weeks! He is by far, the best dad ever!! Thanks Dad for all those wonderful memories.

Yesterday was a great birthday and here is how it played out... I went to work like normal and around 11:30, Josh came by and surprised me with balloons and cupcakes from "The Chocolate." It was such a great surprise. I love that he is so thoughtful! I introduced him to a couple people at work and then he left to go back to work. At 1:00, I met up with Jordan at Good Wood. We enjoyed a delicious meal and then more dessert...a brownie sundae (compliments of Good Wood)! We decided to run over to the mall real quick. Let's just say we weren't done shopping until 5:00!!!! I only came out with $10 sunglasses! Then I went home and opened my birthday cards and gift from Josh. It was a beautiful gold watch that I have had my eyes on lately. Thank you to everyone for the gifts! After presents, we went to dinner at Carrabbas. Oh my goodness it was soooooooo good!! I got the Pork Tenderloins wrapped in bacon with garlic mashed potatoes and Josh got a chicken pizza (left overs for lunch today). The bread they kept bringing out to us was so soft, they even gave us a loaf to go! Then they brought us out MORE DESSERT! It was vanilla ice cream with carmel syrup and cinnamon roasted pecans. YUM! When we were finished eating, we went to Tahnee and Tyler's where I opened a gift from them. A really cute sun hat for when I am laying out at the beach this whole summer!! Around 8:00, friends started showing up for a little get together. We had cake and ice cream and blew out the candles. When Josh and I got home, we plopped down on the couch to watch two episodes of LOST. We were going through withdrawls since we didn't watch any on Monday. It was a very fun day and I loved every minute of it!!

*I will post pictures soon as I get them!

1 year ago...

I know I'm a little late, but this past weekend Josh and I celebrated our one-year anniversary! Boy, am I one lucky girl to be married to him. This past year has been one of learning, continuing to get to know each other, and endless love. Many of you may not see Josh's "sensitive" side or his hilarious sense of humor, but let me tell you...it's there! As Josh's mother puts it, he has a very "tender heart." I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for leading us to each other. I couldn't ask for a better match for me.

So for the weekend (April 28-May 2)...

This past weekend we went down to California. The whole purpose was to finalize the twins adoption, seal them to my parents, and bless them at church.

We left Wednesday night around 6:30ish with a stop in St. George. We had a woman that wanted to look at my ring (that I had posted on KSL to sell). She fell in love with it. Who wouldn't?? She decided to talk to her fiance and meet with us when we were returning to Utah.

We ended up getting to my parents house around 3:00 am. We got up pretty early, went to work out and then to the beach...where I got fried!!!

Friday- we all went to the courthouse in Orange and the judge declared William and Lillee, Neilsons!!! It was crazy in there but it all worked out. That night, Josh and I went to Downtown Disney and spent a couple hours together and got an amazing dessert at Rainforest Cafe.

Saturday- It was our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!! We went to Laguna Beach and had breakfast at Las Brisas. It was gorgeous weather and we sat outside. The food was yummy and being with my Joshy was so fun.



Later that day we went to the Newport Beach Temple to seal the twins to our family. Boy was that an interesting episode. Let's just say, the temple workers have forgotten what it's like to have little ones around. It was a really nice day and we really appreciated everyone that came for this special event. It was fun for Josh and I to be at the same place we were exactly one year ago on that day. After the sealing, we took a ton of pictures and then went back to the house where we had food catered. All of our friends and family from the sealing came over as well. Later that night, I really wanted to get Red Velvet cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. We ended up going...along with Tahnee, Tyler, Mom, and Paige. We had lots of fun stealing stale bread and playing mind games with the poor waitress. We sure had a good laugh!!

Sunday- We got up really early and went to church for the baby's sealing. Both of them were very good and didn't make a peep. It was probably due to the bag of Cherrios they each were holding! Lillee did try to reach for Tyler and when that failed, she tried for Josh...neither of them took her :) After church, my grandparents and Robyn came back to the house and we made Monte Cristos, a family favorite. Then after sitting around visiting all day, we went to Laguna Beach and then took Paige to the airport. It was really fun having her around for the weekend!!

Monday- we got up and left really early. We stopped in St. George and sold my ring!!!! I couldn't believe it!!

Ever since we got home, I have been looking for a ring. I knew what style I wanted-thick pave-and I thought I knew which one I wanted, but I ended up getting this honkin' beauty:



Thank you Josh for my gorgeous ring and a great first year!! I love you!

Happy Easter

Yesterday was Easter and Josh and I finally took a picture together! We started off the morning by seeing what the Easter Bunny brought us, followed by delicious waffles topped with whipped cream!

Then we got ready for church and taught Sunday School. And then when we came home, I studied for finals.

At 5:00, we were invited to Tahnee's in-laws to celebrate her 22nd birthday. It was a great meal and amazing dessert!!

I wished we could have been with the Neilson's while they blessed Rhys and Brady and everyone got together, but we are leaving WEDNESDAY for California!!!! We are so excited!!! I can't wait to see everyone and have my family sealed together...again! We will also be celebrating our one year anniversary...where did the time go?!?!

Spring Fling

I know many of you think I shop like crazy, but just for the record...I don't. I covet and look, but don't buy. BUT...it is that time of year that I absolutely love...SKIRT SEASON!!

When it is nice and warm outside, I love my skirts. My favorites are elastic waistbands, I feel like they are so casual and comfortable, yet still so adorable. Yesterday, I went to meet with ModBod about what I will be wearing for their fashion show. I thought for sure they would tell me what to wear. So I hadn't even thought about it much. But when I got there, they were like, pick anything, but we are trying to promote our basics. Hmmm...anything?? I grabbed a couple things and went to dressing rooms. Well lucky enough for me, I was in love with the first outfit I tried on! It was a 3/4 sleeve white shirt with a gray, vintage-style, flowy skirt. Something I probably wouldn't purchase, but it was really flattering on and the skirt was so light that I thought it would be great for the spring/summertime. I tried to find a picture of it on their website, but no luck :( Then I was in the mood...

Later that day, I was online looking at my favorite stores and came across this little beauty from Downeast.
Isn't it so springy? I'm a little obsessed :/ The only problem is, Downeast skirts kind of fit me weird...so I am not going to get too hung over it, but it's different and unique. What do you think? Well my birthday is coming up so maybe I'll splurge ;)

Provo's Next Top Model

Ok...maybe not quite that extreme. But I have been chosen to help out with a "fashion show" at the next Women's Expo in Orem. The company is ModBod. Now for a little background...

For those of you who do not know me very well or have recently met me but still don't know everything about me, I was a little involved with these modest fashion shows back in the day. Now I'm talking high school. High school was the most awkward time for me. But I still liked to be involved in what I could be. I was in a Beautifully Modest and Nordstrom fashion show, promoting modest dress for teenagers. So when I saw this ad, I thought, why not? In all reality, I thought for sure there would be thousands of girls that e-mail a picture of themselves wanting to be the star of the show and I would never hear back from the ModBod again, but I was wrong. Friday night, I checked my email and they want me to be in it. I was just laughing and couldn't believe it. The show is going to be on April 22 and 23, so if you're in town, come check it out. My cousin, Karilyn also got the gig, so we will both be in the show. That is my exciting news for the day!!