Last Week

1. My bro-in-law Jamison left for Ft. Leonard Wood, MO to complete 9 weeks of basic training, followed by 5 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in Combat Engineering. I can't help but hope the Army kicks his butt... he needs it.

2. Tried a new Mexican restaurant next to our house, Loco Lizards (not to be confused with Loco Lizard). Their cheese enchilada is fantastic.

3. Built this little guy (for work). Not an easy task.

Taken off the Monsters vs. Aliens website under 3D models.

5. Finished  The Memory Keeper's Daughter

6. Enjoyed a pedicure with my friend Danielle. We try to go every month, but missed April. It's amazing how much better my toes look after one of those.

7. I talked my dad into reading the Twilight series. Upon finishing the 3rd book, he told me his predictions on what will happen in Breaking Dawn. His answer, when asked what he thinks about them is always, "they're alright," but his interest has been perked, and he will gladly jump into a conversation with anyone who's read them. He loves them. I know it.

8. Made an apron

9. Sat on the porch and watched the rain with my dad. 

Here's what it looked like at our house:

9. Had dinner with three girls I've been friends with since middle school; one who drifted away in High School. In actuality, we hadn't been together, the four of us, since middle school. We indulged ourselves in memories of the past and laughed about the way we were, what we did and what filled our minds as 14 year old girls. I am convinced that there's nothing better than doing just that - recalling memories and laughing with old friends that you are, or were, emotionally connected with at one point in your life or another. I love my friends.

It was a good week... Here's to hoping this week brings some good stuff with it...

Again?

"I don't know why I like it so much... it's just so funny!"

These were words coming out of Chris's mouth the other night regarding Friends. As if he has to explain why he likes it. The fact is, he's hooked.

My parents gave us all ten seasons of Friends for Christmas the first year we were married. I'm not sure how I talked Chris into agreeing that's what we wanted, but he seemed okay with it. We watched them off and on the first little while, when Chris was just warming up to them. When he realized how hilarious the show is, it slowly became a nightly thing, watching a couple of episodes before bed. Before we knew it, we were through all ten seasons for the first time.

It was Chris who wanted to jump into them again - after all, those that love the show can't deny the small void there when it's over. So, we started them again, a couple of episodes before bed. A couple of episodes turned into six (a full disc - you'd think 1:00 AM on a Tuesday night would be reason enough to stop) and, within a few months, we were through them for the second time. Though, that time around, he watched them more than I did.

He wasted no time in starting them over a few days ago, for the third time. And now, it's always turned on whenever I'm trying to sleep. Being that it's Friends, I don't really have complaints... other than my wanting to drift to sleep earlier than 11:00 PM is out of the question. He's totally addicted. I'm lucky it's Friends... he really likes to watch "Gang Busters," too.

Warning

You may see a smidgeon of a bum here.

It belongs to my nephew, Lance... 

who has just learned how to pee in the woods.

Saturday night we headed up Big Cottonwood canyon to camp with my parents. Heather came along with the kids, and we enjoyed our time together, sitting around the fire and playing games. Here are some pics:

Lance and Chris

Starting the fire. Lance wanted to help, of course.

Um... smoking sticks?

Cute Cessna. Mmmm... s'mores....

Somehow my marshmallows ended up looking like muffins...

Relaxing... not sure why I look semi-stoned in this picture.

Me and Heather

We came home on Sunday, spending only one night up there. It was particularly nice keeping in mind all weekend the fact that I didn't have to work on Monday. I realize now that I didn't get any memorial-type activities in, other than including the military in my prayers. I feel bad about that. But, I had an enjoyable day, otherwise. 

We slept in, I finished my book, and the day was ours to do whatever we wanted. We ended up seeing Terminator Salvation. I was a bit lost at first - I didn't know the story from the first three movies - but it was entertaining when I started to understand. A good one-timer for me, but Chris really liked it.

After that movie, we decided that we wanted to see Night at the Museum 2. We bought 2 extra tickets for my parents who, as it turned out, weren't able to make it. We spent the next hour and a half calling people to use them, and being the losers that we apparently are, couldn't find anyone who could, or wanted to come. Sigh. We went on our own and loved it. 

I will say that I am incredibly grateful to live with the freedoms that we do. We are blessed to live in a nation where we can say what we want, do what we want, believe what we want... a place where our  founders believed in freedom, and believed in God. I feel safe knowing that our nation is in the hands of those who decide to fight for this great country, and for us. I support them fully.

Thanks, American Idol

I guess they got my letter.

I don't think anyone who watched the finale could deny that the show was catered to Adam winning... with big names like Kiss and Queen, whose style matches his, I think it was a bit of a shock to everyone that he didn't win.

However, no one could deny the humility Kris carried when he repeated again and again the words, "Are you serious?" After Ryan announced him the new idol. I think he was just as surprised that he won, and genuinely thought that Adam deserved it. I enjoyed watching the comradship between the two; I felt that Adam really was supportive of Kris. I wasn't exactly expecting that... really, a few tears wouldn't have hurt... except his makeup...

I also loved seeing the relationship between he and his wife at the end. The hug was so sweet, I felt my own grin spread so far across my face that my cheeks hurt. When interviewed by Fox 13 during the news hour after the show, Kris was asked how his wife feels about all of this. He replied that she was excited she got to quit her job. Ahhh.... a girl after my own heart.

I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next from him.

Elder Gogan

My cousin Micah has been called on an LDS mission and is leaving for Pennsylvania on  Wednesday. As the tradition goes, he spoke in church on Sunday, so we made the trek up to Heber to hear his talk.

For any missionary about to embark in their service, it is a bit unnerving to stand in front of a congregation of people that you know - and who have been waiting to hear from you - and give an address that will leave an impression. I remember the day well for me. I don't think I could tell you what I said in that meeting - but I do remember how it felt to be done. Just when I thought the hard part was over, however, I had to think again... the mission itself was up next.

Leaving your home for a significant amount of time is hard for anyone. In the LDS faith, it is two years for young men and a year and a half for young women who decide to serve. While you are actually in the "field" doing what you were called to do - sharing your testimony with everyone you see (which is really the extent of a mission) - it can go by rather quickly. Still, there are those that struggle, and some that come home due to a number of reasons. For me, I had made a commitment. I was staying where I knew I needed to be... and doing what I had been called to do. It came easy to me (not the work itself, but wanting to be there), and nothing, not even the boy back home was going to bring me back sooner than when those 18 months were up. I can't tell you how worth it it was.

I enjoy watching these young missionaries as they prepare to leave home. The lives of many of them are spent in preparation for the day they receive their call to serve. For others (myself included), a mission wasn't necessarily in the plan... but to see their lives suddenly focus on one thing so absolute in their minds, knowing the next chapter of their lives will be spent doing the one thing they may be a bit afraid of (again, me) and yet know it's the best and most important thing they could be doing, is something that brings me happiness.

The first group of missionaries I described is the group where Micah fits best. He's known his entire lifetime that he would one day serve a mission, and has anticipated this moment of time with excitement. I've watched him as he has grown through the years, through awkward stages, progressing into a popular boy in school, on the student body and the lead in musicals. With football, dating and high school keeping him busy, he grew into a rather confident, and somewhat cocky kid.

So I was a bit surprised, and rather pleased, when he stood up to speak on Sunday morning and taught from the scriptures, hardly ever looking down at what he had prepared and unleashing the spirit on everyone in the room. I was impressed by his demeanor, the way he carried himself, and the humility that seemed to exude from every inch of him. Yet he was confident. He knew what he was saying was true, the testimony he gave was undeniable, and the way in which he addressed the congregation is something rare for a new missionary. The spirit was strong within the room, and I was happy to be a part of it.

I am looking forward to hearing about his experiences, and writing to him as well. I really tried to take to heart the advice given me from returned missionaries who had been through what I was experiencing every day. It helped me gain perspective and I understood so much more when I had help from those who had been through it before. I'd like to help him, even in a small way. It makes me feel like I am contributing... the mission field was the best place to be. Truth be told, I'm a little jealous.

Less Than A Week...

I can't even flippin' wait.

Exercise?

Unlike Opal, I haven't been trying for days to do any kind of exercise... but I could end up in the same situation if I were to. 

I may have mentioned before how hard I am to get motivated to do something I don't want to.  I can be as stubborn as they come if it involves something I am not interested in. I'm trying (really honey, I am) to change that. So, because I can't quite remember what it felt like to beat the dead horse last time, here I go again.

 

What is my deal with Exercise? I know that it's good for me. I can't deny the way my body feels when I do it regularly, and I am happy to give myself a pat on the back when I do.

We no longer own a gym membership (don't ask me how we broke the iron chains we had with Gold's, but it happened), and I am glad to be rid of another pointless payment... we didn't go even when our bank account was magically chopped short $60.00 every month for two years.

 

When I want to exercise now, I am left to my imagination. Running (I am not a "runner." 3 miles is okay, but any longer is really difficult... yes, I am a wimp...), "free weights" I find laying around (which are defined as cans of food), sit ups, push ups. I know these are all worth-while things; my mom has done sit ups and push ups, along with a few simple exercises EVERY DAY since she was 12 (or somewhere around that age). No one can deny the fact that she is tiny. 

But, how do I get a body like this?

Is photoshop really the answer?

I know that most people with rockin' bodies are required to eat healthy and hit the gym with a personal trainer almost, if not every day. They work hard at their bodies. And I think that others just have great metabolisms. My friend Christy is one such person (picture is courtesy of her blog...thank you, friend). Yeah... pretty sure that picture isn't photoshopped.... and last time I checked, she didn't work out every day of her life.

So the questions I have are... do I really have to exercise every day to get a tiny body? Do I have to drop a gazillian dollars on a personal trainer? Is the answer just to simply watch what I eat and learn how to gain a great metabolism? 

Until I find the answer to such questions, I will be trying my best not to stuff my face with unnecessary items such as what I've been eating for the past... oh, lifetime. Wish me luck. Advice is greatly appreciated.

Highlights Of The Week

1) Kris Allen stayed on American Idol. Not expected, but a pleasant surprise.

2) Got some new work out DVD's after reminding a co-worker of mine repeatedly to bring them in when he told us we could borrow them. This note was on my desk the day before I got them. It's blurry because I think I mentioned my camera is definitely not great.

"Heidie, I forgot again, sorry. But isn't Friday going to be even better when you get them? Think about it! P.S. Don't be so mad you can't handle it, okay?"

3) Totally painted my fingernails and toenails at work.

5) Found my iPod touch (thanks honey) after realizing how important it is that I don't lose that... it's become my planner, my address book, etc. So happy!

6) Discovered a new restaurant, India House. Not quite as good as Bombay House, but delish. Went there twice this week. Told you we may have a problem.

7) Got 2 new t-shirts, a seriously cute jean skirt and some really comfy sweat shorts at the D.I. for $10.00.

8) Finished a new apron for Jacci. Doesn't she look cute?

4) Race for the Cure. Awesome.

I ran the entire 3 miles; I am almost positive I have never done a full three mile run in my life. There was so much energy, so much adrenaline. I loved to hear the sound of the footsteps as they fell on the pavement around me. Not to mention the team names, among which were the "Breast Jordan Buddies" and "Christi's Rack Pack." One man ran in celebration of "the future of breasts... I love boobs" (not kidding). Among the people I ran for, one was a sweet investigator on my mission that I had the privilege of teaching and seeing get baptized. She lost her battle to bone cancer after the breast cancer spread, leaving this world about two years ago.

9) Cotton candy at a health fair... (isn't that an oxymoron?) I guess my mother felt she had to get me some, along with a hot dog on a stick, since she was with me. Now there's a healthy meal. To top it off, she got me chocolate from Cummings - now a favorite of mine. That's all I needed.

10) Speaking of my mom, Mother's Day rocked, as does she. We spent time at the park, getting in a wicked game of water balloon volleyball and loving the swings. Good times.

Nothing Better.

Springtime on temple grounds... there's nothing like it. The flowers are overwhelmingly beautiful - and with the combination of the many different colors, you can feel like you're in a different world. So much beauty, so much peace. Not to mention how good it smells... and I don't know, something about being on the temple grounds makes me feel good.

Thanks to Jeanette who gave me the inspiration, I took a walk on my break and headed to temple square, camera in hand. I am by no means a professional, and my camera is rather amateur - but I had fun trying to capture the splendor that filled the landscape around the beautiful building that stood before me.

Here are some of my favorites.

Loved these cute little ones.

Pretty sure I was LOVING these dark flowers.

Purple tulips. Gorgeous.

What A Sweetheart

While watching American Idol last night, I sat propped up against the ottoman in the family room. Enter Lance, my nephew. Climbing on top of the furniture behind me, he sits, and the following took place:

Lance: "Me's.... keen... your... hair." (He regularly pauses between each word, as if he is thinking hard about the word that comes next.)

I thought for a moment, wondering if he thought my hair was dirty (it was - I won't lie)... then realized he wanted to comb it.

Me: "You want to comb my hair?"

Lance: "Yeah." (Turning to my mom,) "Grandma... can you... go... get a... comb?"

I love this little guy.

Random

When walking back from 7-eleven and spotting a group of people in the parking lot of the restaurant next door:

Mom: "Look at that group"

Me: "What about them?"

Mom: "I don't know. Looks fun."

Um... We May Have A Problem.

If you are a fan of Indian food and you live in Salt Lake, you've probably been to the Bombay House. Chris and I have gone there often, it being my mother-in-law's favorite place, and we have come to love it as well. I am not a fan of curry - and there are people who make the mistake that Indian food = curry. Not so. They have oodles of dishes to make any mouth water, no matter your taste buds, and the Naan (flat bread) is amazing. Though we can't afford to go to the Bombay House often, we are always satisfied when we are lucky enough to eat there.

There is a small restaurant called the India House near our place of residence that we had never tried. In seven years, I had never taken a second glance at it as I pass by it every day. I soon found what I had been missing when my brainy husband decided he wanted to to eat there last night... and perhaps it was a mistake. 

It wasn't the food. That part was incredible... and therein lies our problem. The Bombay house is a good 20-25 minutes away from us. With the India House being so close, it could do some damage to our pocket books, even if it is a bit cheaper. I had the chicken coconut korma... and it was maybe even a little better than Bombay's. Just a little.

http://www.indiahousecuisine.com/

If you like Indian food, or if you're up for trying new things, check it out. And let us know so we can join you...

Girls, Girls, Girls

Saturday was filled with just that... and with the estrogen aplenty, I made my way through my busy day...

I first went to a baby shower for my dear friend Emily who was able to adopt a little boy just over a week ago. It was a particularly fun shower because the baby was already here.

This is Milo. Isn't he so sweet?

Carly, Robyn and I

A bunch of the girls. The new mom is 3rd from the right on the couch. 

I am just so happy for her and her family!

I went to a bridal shower next, for my father-in-law's niece. It was a pampered chef shower, so her wish list was there for the guests to choose from. I thought that was a pretty cool idea.

My monthly book club discussion came next, where My dad and Chris brought my one dose of testosterone for the day to talk about "The Good Guy" at Jamba Juice.

My good friend Anna came although she hadn't read it, and brought her two darling little girls. She is moving to St. George next month, and I will miss her!

These are her little girls, Halle and Chloe. So cute.

After a day of driving (literally.. one place after the other),  I headed out to Gateway for dinner with... yep. The girls. We went to The Counter where their burgers look like this. Seriously huge. Their sweet potato fries weren't my favorite, but everything else was fantastic.

I had a Carne Asada burger in a bowl. Delicious... but a lot of food. I think everyone was happy though, despite the decision making skills we lacked... there was a LOT to choose from on the menu, and I think we are some of the most indecisive girls in existence.

Lisa, me, Jacci, Lindsey and Melissa

We headed to Jacci's house afterward, where we watched Bride Wars with a few more girls. It was a cute show. Entertaining.

I love being with my hubby, but it's always nice to spend a day with just the girls. Even if everything landed on the same day!