Frenza Family

Killer Onions

2011-07-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

This morning, while preparing our evening meal, I came across some EXTRA potent onions. Now I am not usually a wimp when it comes to chopping and dicing onion, but this particular onion was REALLY bad. On a scale of potency, this onion rated an 11. Seriously. I COULD NOT STOP CRYING. It was that bad.

So in order to combat the onion and get on with the rest of my day, I did what any other intelligent and creative individual would do. I put on some ski goggles. They suction to your face right, which blocks out any "toxic air and fumes" that those onions might be putting out there. Now, I know you might be laughing at me...but I tell you what....it worked. Maybe I should get this patented huh?

Our Trip to Alaska

2011-06-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

Brandon & I were able to spend some time with my family this year, up in Alaska. We had a lot of fun, and the weather was amazing! Here are some highlights:

Brandon, Kennedy & I at the "flats" in Alaska.

Brandon took an airplane ride in this baby!

Kennedy giving her aunt Laurie a slobbery kiss!

My sister Debbie and her little boy Michael.

Mom & Dad at my brother Michael's high school graduation.

My brother Michael on his graduation day.

Michael's Graduation Celebration Dinner at Chili's!

Brandon & Kennedy "cheesing" it for the camera!

My sister Laurie took a break from work (she does drywall) to come hiking with us!

Kennedy & Mommy going on a hike at the "flats" in Alaska.

My sister's dog WOULD NOT cross this bridge, so my brother-in-law had to carry him across!

My brother-in-law, Allen, and his little boy, Michael.

Mom & Michael at graduation.

My little nephew, Payton.

My sister Laurie laughing in the background at the babies.

Mother's Day & Green Drinks

2011-06-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Lunch

For Mother's Day this year, Brandon made me lunch in bed. Our church starts earlier in the morning, and since we already struggle with getting there on time, we decided to celebrate Mother's Day later in the afternoon.

He also made me my favorite drink...a green drink. So yummy, and so good for you! Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there! :)

Green Drink in my Vit-A-Mix

Walkin' In My Shoes

2011-06-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Kennedy LOVES walking around in my shoes!

We are still working on matching shoes. As you can see, she prefers a brown and black flip flop in this pic.

Let's not forget that in addition to a shoe fetish, she also has a deep & abiding love for her blanket.

The Many Faces of Kennedy

2011-04-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

Our doctor said that Kennedy's mouth size is in the 97th percentile! J/K

Brandon is to blame for this picture.

"OH!!!"

Mercer Arboretum

2011-04-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

I decided to check out Mercer Arboretum with a friend this week. It is BEAUTIFUL, and FREE (which is always a perk in my book). I couldn't help thinking it was a perfect place to take family pictures. The only problem is, it seems that everyone else feels that way too! I couldn't count how many people were taking family, wedding, or candid shots. Someone did mention to me, however, that the jailbirds go there to help with the plants. Hmm.....very interesting. Note to self: if someone dressed in all orange approaches you with a gardening spade....go the other direction.

Our Little "Cooking Helper"

2011-04-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

Kennedy helped Brandon make some whipped cream for our Tres Leches Cake for Easter.

She licked EVERY last bit of whipped cream off of the spatula.

She also licked the beaters.

YEAH for whipped cream!

I'm Lookin' For A Baby Bumble Bee....

2011-03-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

She even has bumble bee flip flops! Too cute!

Our little bee and her baby doll.

Notice her "bumble bee wings."

2011-03-03T21:15:00.000-08:00

Our New Babysitter: Winnie

2011-03-03T20:55:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have seen this glazed-over look on your child's face before?

How about this one?

Spoiler Alert: Some of you may look down on me for this one. All I can say in my defense is: Have you ever tried making dinner with a one-year old latched onto your leg while handling a frying pan with hot oil and chicken stir fry?

Yes..I figure it is better that she kill off some brain cells than have her accident-prone mother cook with her near the oven.


I am guilty of using a free babysitter that I shall call "Winnie."

What EVERY mother should know about distilled vinegar!

2011-03-03T20:42:00.000-08:00

There are times when the food on your child can easily become........

..........the food on your carpet. Yep folks...that has blueberries in it.

Which is why I now use distilled vinegar to clean carpet stains.

How to drink a green smoothie "Kennedy-Style"

2011-03-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

Step 1: When you can no longer sip green drink from your sippy cup, remove the lid.

Step 2: Chug the remaining green drink down. I repeat the word: chug!

Step 3: Gulp it down until there is NOTHING left. Don't breathe. Don't blink. Just Gulp!

Creativity

2011-02-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

A long time ago I was artistic and creative. Then I became a banker. Not that banking stifles your ability to have fun, but it definitely brought out the more serious side of my personality. I admittedly became boring and dull. I forgot my love of designing, creating, building, and crafting.

Yesterday, I undertook a project. I am painting two pictures for Kennedy's room. They will match images on her baby blanket. I am SO excited about this project! I haven't done something like this for about five or six years.

My soapbox moment: Don't forget WHO you are as you busily live your life while at work or at home. Take some time to re-acquaint yourself with you. :)

She's Growing Up Too Fast!

2011-01-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

Some of Kennedy's favorite things to do:

1. Climb into a basket (especially if mom told her not to).
2. Climb into her boat for a leisurely ride across the carpet.
3. Eating (WOW can this kid eat! I'm willing to bet she eats more than us).
4. Reading the newspaper (You don't believe me? I've got a picture to prove it!)

Here are some pic's!

I was kind of slow at getting the food to her mouth, but she kept it open like that for a good 10 seconds!

My new favorite spot to play....the basket.

Arrgg Matey! Captain Kennedy of the Little Yellow Red Boat.

Kennedy reading the newspaper while driving in the car.

Bath Time Drama

2011-01-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

Kennedy loves baths, BUT she absolutely HATES water dripping down over her head. Here are some pic's depicting the drama!

Grandma came to visit Kennedy.......and Brandon and I!

2011-01-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

Kennedy built a fort with Grandma!

Kyle & Laura's Visit To Texas

2011-01-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

Let's give a SHOUT OUT for group photos!!!

Some of our really good friends, Laura & Kyle, decided to come out and visit us in Texas! We had a lot of fun. Some of the highlights were:

1. NASA space center

2. Farmer's Market (located in the ghetto).

3. Outdoor Outlet stores

4. Rudy's Texan BBQ & gas station (Yep...you read right...it's a gas station and restaurant in one).

I asked Laura to cut my hair short and cute and OF COURSE...she delivered!!!! Thanks Laura!

Amy, Laura, and Kyle standing in the training section of NASA.

Brandon & I standing in front of the Saturn Rocket at NASA.

Standing in front of NASA's Saturn Rocket. It was SO HUGE!!!!!


Kyle playing with Kennedy.

Christmas Pic's

2011-01-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

Feeding her lady bug tea. (Two cups worth!)

Kennedy played in the "popcorn" packaging like it was snow! (Since we didn't get any snow here in Texas!)

Christmas Dinner with friends from law school. Delicious!

Kennedy playing with her new teapot set.

Family picture time.

Funny Pictures of Kennedy

2010-12-20T17:07:00.000-08:00

Close up of Kennedy. (Could this be one of those "black mail" photos we use when she gets older?)

"Super Kennedy" in her "Super Cape"

Kennedy in mommy's Christmas socks.

Kennedy's Visit with Santa Clause

2010-12-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday was our ward Christmas party. Kennedy sat on Santa's lap. She was doing....okay....until she looked at Brandon and I. Yep, she immediately decided that she DID NOT like Santa and wanted mommy or daddy.

There was also a live band at the party, and Kennedy went and danced with some of the other primary kids. We had so much fun!

As for Christmas in Texas, we are surprisingly missing the snow. It's been hard to get into the "spirit of the season" when it still seems like the beginning of fall. Don't get me wrong...we love that it is only 60 degrees outside, but what is Christmas without snow angels, sledding, snowmen, igloos, snow ball fights?

Kennedy dancing at the ward Christmas party.

Kennedy & Santa Clause.

Moby Dick

2010-11-24T18:39:00.001-08:00

Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I happen to have the Usborne 161-page edition of Moby Dick in my possession, which I understand is a VERY condensed/watered-down version of the original, but nonetheless I enjoyed it VERY much! I couldn't put this book down. The author's writing is almost poetic. The plot, while somewhat foreseeable, kept me intrigued and fascinated. Some of the other reviews mentioned a long and tedious description of the whaling industry. Being that this particular edition of the book is VERY much abridged, I did not have that experience. Ishmael, the main character and narrator of the story, only discusses the whaling business briefly. In addition to being a great fictional novel, this book also has a lot of "food for thought." For example, Ahab's fatal obsession with Moby Dick clearly demonstrates what can happen in life when we ourselves choose to channel all of our emotion, passion, energy, and focus on one thing. Ahab's life could have been so very different. He could have lived a long and happy life with his wife and son, but instead allowed revenge and hatred to consume his entire being. Life has to be balanced or else our happiness and progression are at stake. That is only one of many insights this book has to offer. I would definitely recommend it to others.

View all my reviews

My First Ticket in Texas!

2010-11-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

So, I'll keep this short and to the point.

I was pulled over by a policewoman this morning.

I wasn't speeding.

I didn't run a red light or stop sign.

I used my blinker and was wearing my seat belt.

I was pulled over for driving on the wrong side of the road to get to the right side of the road. (I drove approx 40 ft on the wrong side of the road to get over to the right side since I don't have a direct outlet in front of my apartment complex because it is a brand new development in the community).

Hence, a ticket.

I don't know how much it is for, but I do know that I am going to fight it.

I feel it was a complete waste of my time, her time, and tax-payer dollars.

Boy it feels good to vent!!!

Lemon Spinach Ginger Root Green Drink Recipe

2010-11-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

It might sound kinda weird, but I tell you...this green drink tastes good! It isn't a sweet drink by any means, but it has a tangy flavor that I really enjoyed. Here it is:

1 small lemon or 1/2 large lemon peeled & seeded
1 bunch spinach (just get a large handful & dump it into your blender)
3 celery sticks (cut them in half)
1 cucumber (cut them in fourths)
1 green chard leaf
1 apple seeded and cut in fourths
1 dime-sized ginger root (if you are new to ginger root: cut off a little section from your root and remove skin with a paring knife)
1-3 cups 100% no-sugar-added apple juice (I know that 1 to 3 cups is a huge difference, but people have different preferences. Just add a little at first. If it still needs more, add more.)
**1/4 cup water (optional)

Wash all fruits & vegetables before using.

In blender add:
1. Lemon, cucumber, and apple. Blend.
**You may need to add 1/4 cup water if your vegetables & fruit do not have enough water content. If they do, omit the water.
2. Add ginger root and celery. Blend.
3. Add chard leaf and spinach. Blend.
4. Add 1-3 cups of 100% no-sugar-added apple juice to taste.

DRINK IMMEDIATELY! (You'll get the most nutrients from your drink when it is fresh).

My Three New Health Rules

2010-11-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

Since I am constantly getting sick and my average cold sets me back at least two weeks AND my symptoms seem to be worse than the average person's...I have decided to incorporate some new rules into my everyday living.

1. Drink a gallon of water every day
2. Drink two green drinks daily (otherwise I don't get enough vegetables in my diet)
3. No white sugar or white flour

Yep...that's it. I've been doing it for almost two weeks now. Please don't misunderstand one thing...I will still be eating "sweets." They will, however, be sweetened with stevia, xylitol, fruit juice concentrates, honey or agave, sucanat, etc..

I'm just SO tired of getting sick any time a cold goes around. Granted, my immunity is shot (which is partly why I get the cold) BUT ANYTIME I eat sugar I almost immediately get a sore throat. Apparently, according to various articles I have read, sugar lowers your immunity. Go figure!

I'll keep ya'all posted on how my desserts turn out from this point forward.

Halloween

2010-11-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Quick Summary:

Kennedy was a "pumpkin fairy" for Halloween. I made the tutu and bought the fairy wings at the dollar store.

We went to our ward's Trunk or Treat. It was a lot of fun. I decided that Kennedy is too young for sugary sweets, so she didn't get to eat any of her candy. I figure she has PLENTY of years to enjoy Halloween candy in the future. Just so ya'all know, Brandon and I didn't eat it either. It is still sitting in her treat or treat bag in the kitchen pantry.

Later that night Brandon and I watched "Wait Until Dark" with Audrey Hepburn. I know it's an older movie, but I really enjoyed it. The ending was pretty suspenseful. The main bad guy is sooooooooo creepy!

Halloween Happiness!

2010-11-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

Brandon giving a piggy back ride to Kennedy.

Dancing with my daddy!


High Five Dad!

Our Little Pumpkin Fairy

2010-11-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

Transitions

2010-10-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

I know this might shock some of you, but this post is not about Kennedy. It's about me. For those of you who know me fairly well, you know that I have recently made the transition from a working mom to a stay-at-home mom. Wow! What an eye opener!

First off, I have learned that I did NOT appreciate my husband (while he was staying at home with Kennedy) as much as I should have. Being at home is a lot of work!

Second, I have learned that keeping a close relationship with my Savior is what keeps my life purposeful and grounded. You know that saying that goes something like, "If momma ain't happy ain't nobody happy." Well....there is a lot of truth to that. Basically, if a mother's "spiritual well" is bone dry....her family will unfortunately suffer as well.

Third, I have learned that in order to enjoy your child and not view parenting only as a list of responsibilities, you need to PLAY with your child. I know this sounds like common sense, but coming from a job where I had a lot of responsibilities...I sort of took the same approach to parenting. I was miserable. Then I realized I needed to "let it go," just relax, and enjoy playing with my child. Wow! What a difference this has made!

Lastly, I have learned that just when I think I have it all figured out...Kennedy decides to change and I am learning something new all over again!

Well, thanks for enduring me on my soapbox! I just needed to get it out. :)

Coming soon.....pictures of Kennedy's Halloween outfit. I actually made part of the costume!

Diaper Fun

2010-10-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

Today Kennedy insisted on wearing a diaper on her head. I wasn't about to spoil her fun. I thought it was just too cute not to post it.

Kennedy LOVES Music!

2010-10-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

So Brandon decided to hook Kennedy up with some earphones and an MP3 player. At first it started off as a joke. It has slowly weaved its way into an addiction! She really likes Jack Johnson and Coldplay.

This morning when we were driving Brandon to the park n' ride, I had
the music turned on. I looked in the rear view mirror. There was Kennedy bobbing her head up and down to the rhythm.

I'm not sure how much rhythm she'll have (since both of her parents are greatly lacking in that department), but she sure loves listening to her tunes!

Pictures of Kennedy's 1st Birthday

2010-09-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Waiting to eat Carrot Cake

Reading her Princess Storybook

Close up of Carrot Cake

Mommy, Kennedy, & Daddy

Playing with her Birthday Plate and Kazoo

Eating Carrot Cake

Happy 1st Birthday Kennedy!!!

2010-09-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Our little munchkin turned one! I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. As you can see from the picture, she is wearing a princess crown and holding a princess cup.

I made her birthday cake, which you can also see in the background. It is carrot cake with a cream cheese frosting and large sprinkles on top. It was absolutely delicious! Not to mention...I LOVED that I got to use my glass cake stand.

As a bonus, all of the toys you see in the background were actually purchased at a yard sale that morning for a third of what I would have paid at a regular store. In Texas, large communities hold an annual yard sale (where everyone can have a yard sale in their front yard on the same day). The community website even posts online what each house will be selling (if they choose to participate). I happened to spot a listing for all of these toys and knew that was the sale I wanted to target. So I dragged Brandon and Kennedy out of bed and by 7:30 we were off!

It was so exciting to get Kennedy some pretty cool toys for really cheap! Who doesn't love a bargain! Later that day we Skyped with Brandon's family, as well as mine. It was a very memorable day.

It's Raining Cats & Dogs!

2010-09-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

I could barely see anything in front of the car!

Yesterday, the forecast for today was 40% chance of rain. If you are like me, I decided that although there was a chance of rain there was a greater chance of sunny weather. Well, apparently I was flat out wrong. Not only did it rain, it POURED! I am talking sheets of rain!

It has only rained this hard twice since moving into our apartment. Ironically, I have been at the public library both times. Each time Kennedy and I make a MAD DASH for the car.

Despite my amazing running skills, both Kennedy and I never get to the car unscathed by the treacherous rainstorm. In fact, we are both soaked to the bone by the time I manage to get the car door open.

To the left you can kind of see the wet spots on her shirt and her hair matted to her head. I don't look quite so cute with wet hair, or with wet pants for that matter.

Some of the people at the public library were waiting at the front doors for the storm to let up before going to their cars. The only problem with that plan is that the rainstorms out here can sometimes last an hour or longer. I had a hungry wet baby, and frankly...she wasn't going to wait an hour for the storm.

So ultimately, I decided to run fast and look upon this experience as our adventure for the day.

Next time the forecast says 40% chance of rain, I think that Kennedy and I may make another trip to the public library. That would be three for three; and I think we have officially started a tradition. (i.e. tropical rainstorm ='s a trip to the public library)

The Many Faces of Kennedy

2010-09-06T17:30:00.000-07:00


Contemplating Kennedy

Mischievous Kennedy

"Are you kidding me?" Kennedy

Tired Kennedy

COOKING 101

2010-09-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

I recently (about three weeks ago) discovered the art of cooking. I figure that if I am now responsible for making nutritious and delicious meals for my family, I better know how to cook!

Kennedy and I immediately took a trip to the local library and found this little gem! I must say....this book "spoke" to me. It was as if someone out there knew that I had NO IDEA what I was doing in the kitchen.

On my behalf, however, I will say that I DO know how to boil water. It's just all of that other stuff that I need help with. One thing I am particularly intrigued by is how those chefs on Food Network cut vegetables so fast. Believe it or not, there is even a chapter about how to hold your knife in this book!!!!!! I tell you, this book was written for me!

Brandon's Stunning Haircut

2010-09-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

Brandon's Stunning Haircut

This stunning haircut was done by yours truly, the amazing amateur hairstylist Amy Frenza! That's right folks! I dared to cut my husband's hair!! It only took 6 years of marriage to gain enough courage to pick up the shears and make a go of it.

Amy the Amateur Hairstylist

Many years back, in approximately 2003, I cut my mission companion's hair and it ended dreadfully. Her hair was.....less desirable by the time I was finished. Needless to say, I have stayed away from the scissors until now!

Our State-of-the-Art Workspace

To your left is a picture of my workspace. (If you look really close....you will see that I even had an audience!) That's right, for those of you who can't tell what or who exactly is in the bathtub...it is little Miss Kennedy!

Miss Kennedy's "Play Pen"

She wanted to be where we were, and the bathroom wouldn't fit our pack n' play. So the tub became a makeshift playpen. She actually LOVED it!

The 80's are back & they want their Step Aerobics!!

2010-09-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

I think I might have found my exercise niche. As 80's as this might seem...I am REALLY enjoying my Basic Step Aerobics DVD. The time flies by when I do it! I can't say that for my treadmill. I've been doing step aerobics now for about three weeks, and I don't feel burned out! That's AMAZING!

Galveston Beach

2010-09-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Ya'all Come Back Now!

2010-09-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

So we are officially in Texas now! (Actually....for those of you who know us well....we have been in Texas since July 17th). I must say that Texas has been an amazing experience so far. I have had employees in burger joints take pictures of my baby. I have driven in downtown Houston and within a 3-block radius drove by what appeared to be a crack house and then "luxury" condominiums. On their behalf, the condos looked nice but seriously...would you want to live down the street from a drug dealer? I have also learned what TRUE humidity is. My friends....it is MUCH different than dry heat. Often, at least three times a day, I get the distinct impression that it wouldn't be a bad idea if I showered...AGAIN. As for Brandon....who's Brandon? I hardly see the guy anymore! He has a pretty intense schedule with law school! He is up and out to school by 6:45 AM. I usually see him that night around 8 PM. But don't get too excited! Once he comes home, it's back to the books until bedtime. So basically...I have decided that it is a VERY good thing that I am not a super needy person. I am what I like to refer to as "self-entertaining". If you don't believe me...ask my mom. Apparently, when I was a wee little lad, I would sit at the table writing my name over and over again for about three hours at a time. Yep...now that I am a mother...I know what all of you mothers are thinking...WOW!!! WHAT WOULD IT BE LIKE TO HAVE THREE STRAIGHT HOURS OF PEACE!!!! Well...it is the price we pay for those cute little faces and fun memories!

Kennedy Lynn Frenza

2009-09-30T18:08:00.001-07:00

Brandon and I now have a new addition to our family! Her name is Kennedy Lynn. She is currently 11 days old and is absolutely adorable. She has a head full of dark brown hair. She was born on September 18th at 6:07 PM. That same morning at 4:00 AM I was admitted to the hospital. It was a long day with a WONDERFUL ending! Brandon assisted in coaching me through the delivery process. He did an amazing job. I will be posting pictures in the near future once I get a chance to breathe!

It's a GIRL!!!

2009-07-15T19:14:00.001-07:00

I am what some people may lovingly refer to as a blog slacker. "Yes," I have a blog, and "No," I do not update it frequently. Let me apologize now, and move right on to the news. We are having a GIRL!!!!! We are still thinking of names. We will most likely come up with our top three and once we see her choose the name that fits.

As for the pregnancy, I am doing good. No more nausea!!! YEAH!!!!! I am, however, getting to that awkward stage where sinking into the couch cushions can become quite a dilemma. Luckily Brandon is there to offer a hand and help me up!

One last note, totally unrelated to the baby, is Brandon and I will be going to see the Phantom of the Opera performed at the Venetian in Las Vegas! We are SO EXCITED!!!! I will try to be good and update our blog with our trip. Till then, have fun!

WE'RE PREGNANT!

2009-04-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

So some of you might be thinking, "You're just barely announcing this?" While others might be thinking, " WHAT! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME SOONER!" The truth is I didn't want to prematurely announce anything until I was out of my first trimester.

Brandon and I are very excited and on May 4th we get to find out if it is a boy or a girl! As soon as we know, we will make sure YOU know!

Right now it all seems pretty surreal. I haven't felt the baby kick or move, but sure enough the heart is beating at every doctor's appointment. I don't think it has REALLY occurred to me that there is a little human in there. Perhaps this will change once he/she starts kicking and moving.

That's all for now. We'll keep you posted in four short weeks with our exciting news!

GRANDPA'S FUNERAL

2009-01-27T21:34:00.000-08:00

The above pictures are: All of the grandkids, and the burial of my grandfather Karl West. I would be lying to you if I said that he isn't better off now. My grandpa was in bad health when he died. His death has caused me alot of reflection. Am I who I want to be? If not, what am I doing to change that TODAY. See, sometimes we live under the false pretense that we will always have tomorrow to make things better, to improve, to be come better, to mend a broken relationship. This simply isn't true. We don't own tomorrow. We don't know what the future has in store for us. All we do know is that we have the moment we are in right now. It is up to us to determine how that moment is spent. What do you want to change?

I can tell you right now what I want to change. My health, my testimony and spirtuality, and the strength of my relationships. The trick now is to live each day like it could be your last. Keeping that kind of passion in your day-to-day living can be tricky. Somehow, I do think it is possible.

TWO SWELL BOYS

2009-01-27T21:14:00.000-08:00

Debbie, let me just say ahead of time, "I'm sorry." I will openly admit that I might have "borrowed" some of the pictures from your blog. :)

This entry is more or less a bragging session. I feel so grateful to know some pretty AMAZING boys!

One of them is my father. I LOVE my dad. He is one of my best friends. I owe a lot of who I am and who I am becoming to him. Thanks Dad!

The other ADORABLE little boy is my nephew Michael. He is SO stinkin' cute. I had the opportunity to see him about a week ago and also at New Year's. Now....I realize that I might be partial because he is family, but I swear he is the cutest little chubster! I am sure that my sister Debbie couldn't be prouder!

This is a picture of my father and my nephew together. This is the first time that my dad met his grandson. What an opportunity!

My "Love Affair" With Exercise

2008-12-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

This is a lovely picture depicting my "love affair" with exercise. As you can see, the treadmill and stability ball are in the background. I think they have been in that position for about a week. The smile that you see in this inspiring photograph is genuine. Don't fool yourself...I am simply ecstatic about exercise.

Okay...honestly...I wish I didn't hate exercise so much. Then again, maybe I wouldn't hate exercise so much if I was in better shape and it didn't kick my butt to run a mile or lift some weights.

Just Put Five

2008-12-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

So, some of you might be wondering why I am holding up five fingers. I can promise you that before you finish reading this entry...you will find out!

Today was testimony meeting at church. Honestly, I wasn't feeling extremely "in tune" today, but one testimony stood out to me. Garrett Coles.

He reminded me of how important it is to include the Lord in my day-to-day life. He shared an experience he had during finals week at BYU. He had studied 4 to 5 hours for a final, which included memorizing various equations.

He got to the test having said multiple prayers for help that he would retain the equations he had memorized. He felt confident about all of the questions on the test, except for one. He couldn't recall which equation to use to solve the problem. He prayed and one of the equations came to mind. He tried using it, but an hour later determined that it wasn't the correct equation. He prayed 2 or 3 more times, with similar experiences.

He stated his last prayer went something like this: "Heavenly Father, I have done the best that I can. I have studied for this test. I have listened to your promptings. Please help me know which equation to use to solve this problem." That's when he felt prompted to: "Just put five."

By "just putting five" he could mark the answer as option five. As he exited the testing center, he got the answer to that problem correct. The answer was option five.

I guess I needed a reminder that the Lord cares. I needed to hear that he wants to be involved in my life, and that through prayer he can influence my life for the better.

BRACES!!!

2008-11-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

This morning, in an attempt to straighten my bottom teeth, I decided to take the plunge and get braces! I only needed braces on my bottom teeth, and I should have them for only 3 to 4 months. Despite the short time, I feel like I am back in middle school. (I had braces from 8th through 11th grade). They feel really awkward in my mouth. In fact, I think I speak with a slight lisp now. You'll have to let me know the next time you talk with me! :)

REAL SOCCER GAME

2008-10-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

So, for those of you who know me...you know that I am by no means a sports fan. I have no idea when BYU is playing and who they are playing. I could care less who wins, and who has made it to the playoffs. My family didn't grow up watching sports. Having said that, I decided to expand my horizons. Brandon has a way of getting me to try new things, even when I really don't want to.

Anyhow, I won some REAL soccer tickets and decided to put them to good use. We attended the game against FC DALLAS a week or so ago. I was quite impressed. Not only was it exciting and fun, but Brandon got to teach me all about soccer. We won (3 to 1) and towards the end I found myself jumping out of my seat everytime we scored a goal. I would definitely go again!

The Inner Battle

2008-07-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

I recently became a new branch manager at a local credit union. Ten months ago I became a landlord. A year ago I battled some health issues. Two years before that I fought every day to lose weight. Four years ago I was newly married and adjusting to life with my husband. What do all of these situations have in common? They are moments in my life that have presented me with an opportunity to change, for better or worse.

I am discovering that I can handle these challenges in one of two ways. The challenge can become the nail in my coffin OR it can be a DEFINING moment in my life. The choice is mine.

I just finished reading a book about someone who has had many more challenges than me. She was a survivor of the genocide that took place in Cambodia in the 1970's. She out-lived her father, mother, and two sisters by the time she turned eight years old. I have NEVER had to deal with such harsh circumstances. How do people overcome such cruel trials?

My inner battle right now consists of, "What am I doing with the time that has been given me while here on earth?" as well as, "What do I need to accomplish so that when I die I KNOW I have experienced a fulfilling life?" My father helped me answer the second question. He said, "Amy, if you consistently make an effort to pray, listen, and follow through with any promptings that you receive from the Holy Ghost, you WILL be able to leave this life knowing you did your best. You will leave knowing you lived a fulfilling life." I believe he is right.

2008-05-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

2008-05-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

This is my sister Debbie, AKA Debbers. As you can see, she is VERY pregnant. She is due in a month or two. I got to see Debbie about two weeks ago in Idaho. My family decided to throw a baby shower for both of my sisters (both are pregnant). They got a whole bunch of great stuff. I got a little baby hungry, but then the babies got fussy and the feeling wore off pretty quick.

I sometimes wonder if I'm going to have more patience with my own kids. Everyone is always saying that "it is different with your own kids." This might be true, but common sense keeps telling me that crying can get annoying no matter whose mouth it comes out of. I guess we shall see....

NIGHT ON THE TOWN

2008-05-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

What do we do for fun you ask? That's easy...we squish into Kjell's truck, head to the local grocery store, and get some ice cream!

What did the boys do for fun? Well, it's quite simple. They sat in the back of the truck!

I'm Tired of Being Sick

2008-04-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

So...I have had this cold that will not go away. First it started in my throat. It hurt to talk. It hurt to swallow. It hurt to breathe. Yep, it pretty much sucked. Then it went to my ears. No one likes to have an earache. Then my mouth decided that it needed THREE canker sores. When I get canker sores, things get ugly. I'll get a fever, my ears will ache, and sometimes even my lip or jaw will swell. It's really painful, especially when I eat, talk, or brush my teeth. Lately, feeling sick, has caused me to also feel less social. All I want to do is come home from work, eat my dinner on the right side of my mouth (I have more canker sores on the left side), and then go to bed. I feel really worn out and tired right now. I think the cold is kicking my butt right now.

Another small, and yet worthwhile update I would like to add is that I am quiting my 2nd job. I am a workaholic. My good friend, Kjell, pointed this out to me the other day. I committed to myself (after talking with her) that I was going to quit my second job and take more time for me. I was doing really good at working out every day, and then I got a promotion at work. Between the promotion, the second job, and getting sick I haven't been taking time to take care of me. This isn't what I want, so I have taken a step in the right direction. I have quit the second job. I gave my two weeks notice today. I even started training my replacement this afternoon.

I think it's really important to keep life in balance. I tend to focus on one thing and let everything else go. Not a healthy way to approach life....right. So today I dropped the second job. My next focus is to get rid of this cold by getting enough sleep, eating right, drinking plenty of water, and taking whatever medicine might speed up the recovery process. After I kick the cold it's back to the weight bench and treadmill for me.

Lastly, I just want to say that I needed general conference this last weekend. It was a great boost to my spirit, and I felt a renewed desire to come unto the Lord. It also was a great reminder of what life REALLY is all about.

Painting

2008-03-22T18:42:00.001-07:00

Today Brandon & I went to our friend's house and helped them paint their living room, dining room, and kitchen. They decided to go with a two-tone look. I think it looks pretty good. I want to paint our pad now! Actually, I'm not sure if paint would really help our little "dungeon." It's a basement apartment, and the only thing that would REALLY improve it would be to raise it up and get us some sunshine down here!

Cell Phone Cameras

2008-03-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

So...I have discovered a fun little secret that has been in front of me for almost four years. My cell phone camera. It is simply amazing! You can change the settings and make your face look all funky. I would recommend messing around with yours the next time you feel boredom coming on.

Temple Run

2008-03-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Brandon and I decided to take a night jog on Thursday. It was fun, and short. Running uphill is much harder than running on our treadmill. Give it a few weeks, and we'll be running marathons!

Adventures

2008-02-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

Brandon and I have decided to be more adventurous. Hopefully in March we will be on our way to California for a mini vacation to Disney Land with our friends from "Dinner Club" 07. (You know who you are).