All Aboard Mates

We recently got back from a 7-day Caribbean Cruise!  It was a blast- so relaxing, entertaining, and well deserved. We ported out of Ft. Lauderdale, cruised to a private island- Princess Cays in the Bahamas, then to St. Maarten, St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands, Grand Turk, then back to Ft. Lauderdale.  We were very impressed with the great entertainment they had on the ship, the variety of food, and great service provided by every staff member.  It was great.  

Before we left, I looked up the weather predicted for the Caribbean, and it wasn't looking too good.  It said it was supposed to rain most of the days.  Well- it did rain, but very sporadically.  It was great weather actually- in the low 80's most of the time.. so not too hot, but with a breeze and sparse showers that cooled everything off.  It was overcast the last couple of days, but it was still nice.

So- silly story for ya.  The morning we were leaving for our cruise, I woke up with a fat lip!!  Who knows how I got it... but it was huge and very annoying and it kind of hurt.  We came to the conclusion that my "underground zit" (as I call them) was the culprit.  I think it just swelled up and inflated my lip somehow.  This has never happened to me before, and I've had MANY "underground zits" that have NEVER done that before.  So that was kinda crazy, funny, annoying, and inconvenient.  With several doses of Benadryl and many drowsy moments, it was back to normal after a couple days.  We just thought it was so unusual and ironic that it happened the morning of our cruise. On first pictures, you'll be able to see my swollen lip.

Now, I know there are TONS of pictures, but there were just way too many to choose from. Ha.  Sorry.  But then I figured who doesn't like looking at pretty pictures of the Caribbean?

TIMMY - our local tour guide at St. Thomas.

At Grand Turk.  This was the best snorkeling island we had been to.  We saw a barracuda! Yikes.. but no harm done-- it was just chillin in one spot. I was watching these really pretty bright purply-blue fish eating.  Their teeth looked like horse's teeth- they were huge!  haha.. it was pretty funny.  And SO cool to see and be underwater in the fish's habitat. I could stay under there forever if my skin didn't get so pruned. hehe.

All Aboard Mates - Part 2

These are pictures of inside the boat and some of the entertainment throughout the week.  

Below is Kelvin, the cruise director from England- he was hilarious.  Majority of the ship crew were from England, and every other country except the U.S.  We heard lots of English, Australian, and Asian accents. 

The ship crew threw out tons of balloons for the crowd to blow up and toss around everywhere. There were HUNDREDS of balloons.  It was funny to watch the middle of the crowd because that's where all the balloons ended up and old people were trying to keep them up and were so surprised by it all.  Some took it upon themselves to make sure no balloons hit the ground once.  It was so funny and brought the kid out in everyone. 

Comedy/Magician show- Tony Laffan, the magician was from Australia- sweet accent.

50-foot (more or less?) big screen

Princess Theatre - where all the shows happened.

 The Plaza

And that was our trip.  There are definitely TONS more pictures, but oh well.  It was a fabulous vacation that I am so grateful we were able to go on.  I was glad Pax & I could enjoy a vacation with each other alone and grow closer together.  We had a blast and will cherish the memories.

One memory I know we will both remember is "I got my ears pierced in Houston, I got my ears pierced in Houston.." haha.

Camping

Last weekend was our little camping trip to Mexia(Meh-hay-ya), TX.  We met up with a couple friends- Jake, Kelly & kids.  It was fun to get out and enjoy cold mornings with mexican hot chocolate, tin foil dinner, s'mores, and long talks by the camp fire.  Yum.  Thanks J & K for making this happen- it was tons of fun.  Hopefully we can get more people out next time- it'd be a blast to have a big group! 

 

We were in town and asked two different people how to pronounce the name of the city, Mexia.  A white older woman said "Meh-hay-ya" and a Latino guy said "Meh-hee-ya"... so who knows how to say it...but it was a very friendly little town.

We tried going on a 'hike' but there are no mountains nor hills even!  I also was a little nervous to go camping in Texas because I didn't know what kinds of bugs to expect.  The only thing I saw were mosquitos (which attacked my left ankle for some reason. i guess i missed that ankle when i was bug spraying), and gigantic daddy long legs!  Wow they were huge and they were all over on the outside of our tents.   Eww sick.  There was a lake there, but Pax was the only brave one to swim in it- for several reasons.  First- the lake looked pretty dirty and gross, and there were two huge signs that said ''Caution: Alligators in lake'', and ''Caution: Snakes in lake'' or something to that effect.  Yeah- very brave.

Yesterday I got my pedicure, which felt amazing and looks amazing.  They always do such a good job, but I always notice the girls giving the pedicures ask their customers if they want another service, trying to get more money out of us - ya know.  So, they asked Ann and Heather if they wanted a manicure, or little upgrades on their pedicures, and then they asked me if I wanted my eyebrows waxed.  Why do they always ask me if I want my eyebrows waxed???? And they ask NO ONE ELSE! They asked me last time I was there too.  And the lady that asked me this time wasn't even the one giving me a pedi, she was doing Ann's pedi.  Do they look THAT bad that you notice them clear across the room? Sheesh people! I know they can get a little funky but not that bad right? 

I actually just got them done at an Indian salon in Irving called Styles of India.  She threaded my eyebrows and my upper lip. OUCH!  She said that it hurts the worst when you do it for the first time, but every time after it gets easier to tolerate.  It's true. This was my second time to do my brows and lip.  My brows really didn't hurt at all; just felt like regular plucking.  My lip didn't hurt as bad as the first either, although it definitely still made tears roll down my face.  It was funny because when she got done, she gave me a mirror to look at myself and make sure everything looked alright.  When I looked at myself, I kinda laughed because I looked horrible.  It looked like I had just gotten punched in the face.  My eyes were red, tears rolling down my face, my lip was red, and my hair was CRAZY from the pouring rain that hit as I was getting out of the car to go in the salon.  haha.  Very funny.  So, great experience with threading.  I recommend doing it if anyone is thinking about it.  There is no rash that you may possibly get from waxing.  Just slight redness that lasts a couple hours. And they threaded surprisingly fast.  I was in and out in 10 minutes.

We've got Paxton's family's pumpkin carving contest this Friday night.  We'll see who the winner is this year! Wish me luck...

Last Call

Myself and Ann will be going at about 6pm tonight to get a pedi. If anyone still wants to join, either let me know or meet us there. We'd love to see you!!

Pedi

Hey- does anyone wanna get a pedi with me either Tuesday or Saturday? I wanna get it done at Grand Nail Salon in Frisco.. they have always done a great job... Anyone who's interested, let me know and we'll meet up!! Most likely it'll be Saturday- maybe around noon?
(Do I have to make a reservation? Anyone know?)

apples

My FIRST attempt at baking an apple pie  = Success.

Tyler Half Marathon

{Click on this to enlarge}

I'm peering through those two guys' heads below the shine.. hehe

YES! I did it. I finished my half-marathon I've been training for for so long.  So here's a few details.  

The night before I slept pretty well.  I was anxious, but nothing like Christmas Eve or anything... except that I had a dream that my alarm didn't go off, so I woke up late and missed the race.  Nightmare!

The race started at 8:00am.  I woke up several times, but finally arose at around 6:30, got ready, ate breakfast - grapefruit, toast, yogurt, banana, and water, then got to the start line at 7:15am.   About 20 minutes before the race, I had to use the ladies room aka porta-potty... so I went.  About 2 minutes before the race started I had to go again.. but I didn't have time.  It wasn't that bad anyway, I thought. I could hold it.  Wait- I'm running 13 miles--I don't know how well that will go over.  We'll just have to wait and see.  

The first 5 miles were great.  Easy breezy.  As I was approaching the 6 mile marker, an older guy who had part in organizing the race was coming up on me, and mentioned that from mile 6 to about 6.75 is the worst hill he's ever seen.  OH GREAT! Once I got close enough to mile 6, boy he wasn't kidding.  I started going a good pace and eventually passed that old guy.  After about half way through the hill, i realized I was only half - way through, and also realized I couldn't keep this pace up.  Especially since I felt like I was climbing a mountain.  Ok- a little exaggeration- but after already running 5 miles- I can exaggerate right?  After that hill, it got better and flattened out for awhile, but not for too long.  There weren't any major hills like that, but definite steady inclines that last forever.  It really was a tough course. 

Mile 8: I see a shiny candy blue Corvette pull up with my cute hubby and Steve cheering me on.  It was great to get that extra encouragement.  They met me at about mile 9 too.  That was fun.

Meanwhile, my bladder seems to be getting fuller and fuller.  Of course I hydrated myself throughout the race also, to give me a little extra fuel.  Mile 10: There's no more holding. Luckily I was in a somewhat wooded area.  I pulled over, actually right next to a house with a wall of trees so oncoming runners wouldn't see me(except for the biker going the opposite way-whoops).  Relief.  

Back on track- the next mile and a half was good.  Then a side stitch came on.  Grr-I hate those.  I tried everything to get rid of it.  I tried to run it out. I tried to walk it out.  I tried to push up and in under my ribcage. I tried pushing it really hard.  Gratefully, it went away and I could run a little longer.  A little before mile 12: Tired and struggling to keep running.  I stopped more frequently than I wanted to, but it was so hard to find the extra strength to keep running and just FINISH.  Runners were passing me, reminding me that I was ALMOST THERE, and DON'T STOP NOW.  I was getting so mad at myself that I couldn't keep running.  Once I heard people at the finish line and then finally saw the mile 13 marker, I took off.  

I finally crossed the finish line 2 hours and 3 minutes later.  My goal was under 2 hours.  I was just 3-4 minutes off, but I am still happy with my time, and feel very grateful that I was able to participate and finish my race.  I was planning on doing a marathon in February, but quickly rejected that idea at about mile 10.  Maybe in a year.  I DO however plan on running another half marathon in February-instead of that full.  Also the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, and maybe the Jingle Bell Run in December.  So, there are definitely races in the future that I am looking forward to.  Fun Fun!  Well that's my report on my race.  It was a super fabulous day.  Later that day we spent time with Paxton's uncle John and his kids.  They are all so cute, and this little girl was attached to me once I walked in the door.  It was fun to be around them.

I was exhausted though, and as usual, didn't feel too well.  After lots of water, a little food, a long, much needed nap, visit with Nonnie- Pax's grandma, and a light dinner, I was back to normal.  Recovery went well and am now back to running.

QuEsTiOn

Hey everybody.
Ok- I have decided I want to get some facial hair removal done. I need suggestions, comments, tips, advice, referrals, anything on what type of hair removal I should do and who to go to, a brand I should use, anything. Should I wax? Thread? Use a cream? Have any of you used anything that you like? Let me know- I am searching. And I also want to do it pretty soon so that if I happen to break out or have some kind of reaction( i really hope that's not the case), it has time to GO AWAY.
I have done threading before- which hurts really badly, but it works really well. If I remember right, I didn't have a rash either. I got my brows and lip threaded before I got married. But it HURT. I'm sure waxing hurts too but... I don't know. I just want any feedback - ok?! ASAP!

On another note, I just want to quickly say that I love my husband SO MUCH. He is so good to me. The past 2 years have passed by so quickly, and I can't WAIT to see what the rest of our years together has to offer to us. I am grateful that he encourages me, comforts me, helps me, and loves me everyday. I have the best husband ever. Love you Pax.

OK- time for comments...

2nd Year Anniversary

Well, since I usually never post anything (this is Paxton by the way), I figured I would make this post on our 2nd Year Anniversary. Since it falls on a Monday we decided to mostly celebrate it over the weekend. With General Conference it was kind of tough, but we managed to go to Macaroni Grill on Saturday night and then take these cool pictures (see below) on Sunday. Abby made this tradition when we got married that she would try on her wedding dress every year to make sure she still fits. I had a lot of fun taking pictures of her and I honestly thinks she looks better than the day we got married.

Abby is so important to me in my life. She truly is my best friend and I always enjoy the time we spend together. She makes me laugh more than anyone else and I am so glad she is my wife. Love you Abby!!!

Enjoy the pictures...

That is the flower the waiter gave us at Macaroni Grill the previous night. They also had a girl sing Opera to us. It was pretty cool.

Everytime I look at this picture I think this is how Abby would pose back in the old western days when nobody smiled. If only she had a fancy hat and a couple of guns.

Love Him!

I have the best husband ever.  Last night I went to the General Relief Society Broadcast.  While I was there, he had gone to a buddy's house to hang out.  Once the meeting was over, I called him and let him know I was on my way home.  He said, Ok I'll leave right now - be there in a minute.  When I walked in the door, he had this displayed for me.  I started to cry a little bit.  I had already been a little emotional and weepy from the R.S. meeting, so it was easy to cry over little things.  I just love him SO much.  He does sweet little things like this for me all the time.  He always gives me little back rubs, makes me lunch when I'm rushing to get ready, laughs at my stupid jokes, makes me laugh with his stupid jokes, visits me at work, cleans the whole apartment by himself-cuz i'm lazy, and so many other things.  He's the best thing in my life- i love him so much!!!!

Tag

Tagged by Jeni

1. what are the last 3 things you purchased

*green apples
*nectarines                      all from Costco
*sharp cheddar cheese


2. What are the last 3 songs you downloaded?

* Winter Wonderland - Bing Crosby 
* Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Michael Buble'
* Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives ...... Can you tell I've been craving Christmas music? 


3. Where were the last 3 places you visited?

* Waco, TX
* Tyler, TX
* Idaho Falls, ID


4. What are your three favorite movies?
     There are too many, but a few I like are...
* My Best Friend's Wedding - by the way- does anyone have that movie- I wanna watch it. ha
* Robin Hood (cartoon)
* Lord of the Rings- always a fave


5. What are your 3 favorite possesions?

* piano
* flat screen TV
*  Paxton

6. What are 3 things you cant live without?

* peanut butter
* running/working out
* Paxton

7. What would be your 3 wishes

* To be able to live close to both of our families and have enough money to go visit whenever we want. 
* Paxton to have a job that he LOVES (maybe his own business) and me a stay-at home mom.
* To have already accomplished running a marathon. 


8. What are 3 things you have not done yet?

* Run a marathon- or half for that matter.
* Been out of the country - which will change in about a month :)
* Eaten a gallon of ice cream by myself... has anyone?


9. What are your 3 favorite dishes?

* mashed potatoes, gravy, ham, veggies, & a roll.
* chicken & broccoli casserole OR chicken roll ups
* Beef or chicken fajitas from Julios


10. What 3 celebrities would you want to hang out with the most?

* President Monson- he's a celeb right?
* Sandra Bullock- I don't know why but I've always liked her. I wrote her a letter in 5th grade telling her how much I admired her, expecting a letter back from her... she never wrote back. I was so sad.
* Jessica Simpson- so i could feel smart, hang out with the Cowboys, and go to a few workout sessions with her trainer. 


11.Name 3 things that freak you out

* Spiders and bugs- ewwww! 
* Scary movies
* Dark and alone


12. If you could describe yourself in 3 words what would it be

* Friendly
* Frugal
* athletic

13. Name 3 unusual things you are good at

* baking
*  Spelling--- try me.
* falling asleep in 30 seconds at night


14. What are three things you are currently coveting?

* a TiVo
* an SUV or truck 
* shoes of all kinds- especially these Nike Shox


15. Name 3 bloggers you tag

* Anjeannette
* Melanie or Jessica-whoever keeps it updated :)
* Krista H.

10K

Last Saturday a couple friends (Kelly & Sam) and myself ran a 10K at the Dallas Arboretum.  This was my first official race.  I ran the Susan G Komen race 1 year ago, but that doesn't count.  So it was pretty exciting to see how everything works.  The runners had to line up according to their pace per mile.  I should've been at the 8:00-8:30 marker, but well Kelly & Sam are way faster than me, so I started with them.  They quickly ran off ahead of me once the race started though. Haha- it was expected.  Anyway, my 'unofficial goal' was to run the 6 miles in 50 min or less.  Unfortunately I didn't meet that goal. Here are my stats:

My division was age 20-24.  So anyway, it was a fun experience.  I was really counting on my adrenaline to give me a little more energy than it did.  Oh well.  I am just hoping it will help me in my half-marathon.  Eeek!  Unfortunately this week has not been a good one.  I have been SO tired. Who knows why.  My alarm goes off at 5:25 am and my eyes can hardly open.  Usually I'm pretty good about getting up and going, but this week I just have been so exhausted.  I've only run 3 miles on Tuesday- and those 3 miles were tough!  Someone, please give me something to re-motivate me.  After training for so long, you kinda get drained and I think that's where I'm at right now.  I've only got 2 more weeks before my race and I'm kind of freaking out because I'm not as motivated as I used to be, and I feel I am digressing in my training.. boo.   Ok, enough talk, I'm going to DO something about it... right?!

Flashback

I was flipping through our pictures we have on our computer, and found this one of the boys all line up ready for some "Front Yard Football" or 'FYF'.  That was Paxton's kind of fun growing up.  

And this was mine.  {I love Johnny's HUGE hair.  He always had so much hair. haha} 

Here's another one I thought I'd share.  Yes I have mastered the pb&j making skills. [WHAT AM I WEARING? I actually remember those gray jumper sweats..funny]

I am anxiously anticipating the 10k race tomorrow.  I want it to get here already.  It SHOULD be a somewhat easy run.  I'm just hoping I finish in a decent time.  Aack!  I also SHOULD run an extra 4 miles on top of that to be on my training schedule... hmm I wonder how I'm going to do that. 

Another thing I am VERY anxiously waiting for is CHRISTMAS !!! I have downloaded 4 Christmas songs from itunes because we have no Christmas CD's, and have been listening to them for a few weeks now.  ha.  I think I just CANT WAIT to go to IDAHO for Christmas, that the thought of it makes me so happy.  I just can't wait to play in the snow, or even HAVE snow on Christmas, see all my neph/nieces and fam, and just vaca for 2 weeks.  But we sure will miss you Ann & Heather :( 

This past Sunday, Elder Bednar came to our stake and spoke to us.  It was an amazing experience and he is such a great speaker.  He just captivates the whole congregation and keeps their attention the entire time he speaks.  He spoke for an hour, but it surely didn't seem like it.  The spirit was so strong there, I loved it.  Plus we had some rockin' seats, so that was even better!  

Wish me good luck on my race!!!!

Ciao !

"These are SO FREAKIN' GOOD!"

That's what Pax said this morning after scarfing down my sour cream blueberry muffins.  So, I thought I'd share the recipe.

Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins

1/4 c. butter-room temp.

3/4 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 1/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 c. sour cream

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 c. frozen blueberries

Cream butter, sugar, and eggs one at a time.  Beat well.  Sift flour, salt, and soda together.  Add to butter mixture, alternately with sour cream.  Add vanilla. Gently rinse and fold in berries.

Bake @ 350 deg. for 12-15 minutes.  Makes 12 large muffins.

Yum.

Stake Volleyball Tourney

Last night and all of Saturday morning we had a Stake Volleyball Tournament.  We had 3 teams- women's, men's, & co-ed.  Our women's team won last night, so we played again this morning and won, so we made it to the championship.  Unfortunately we lost against the young single adult team.  Our men's team got out quickly with the double elimination, losing both matches last night.  Our co-ed team did about the same thing as the men's.  We played our two matches and lost both.  Bummer.  But it was still fun.  There were so many people on our team that we had to wait awhile to rotate in and out.  We decided next year we're forming TWO teams for all divisions so we can all play more- and hopefully play better.  It was still a lot of fun.  Every time I have opportunities to play volleyball, I get so excited.  However, my competitive side quickly comes out whenever we start playing badly.  I have to keep reminding myself that it's just for fun.  But ya know- sometimes I don't want to play "just for fun."  I wanna get really aggressive  slam the ball in the opponent's face.  Oh and it didn't help that the courts were mini's.  Yeah I hit it and served it out a few times.  Grrr.  Besides the frustrations, I had a lot of fun!  We've captured a few glorious moments of the event.

Paxton's notorious 1-handed block while looking away. hehe

 

Unfortunately, this pass was the point to lose the match :(  {Should I have posted that?}

Here are a few pics, THANKS TO KATHY CASE, from our boating trip last weekend.  It was so much fun!   On our jet ski ride, we got a little crazy.  Amanda almost fell off a few times.  Oops. Luckily she's got a strong grip.  We had fun doing cookies and trying to splash the people on the boat.    

 Finally, Paxton is done with this one client where he had to work 60 hours/wk.  I hated it, and so did he.  But we think he's done now, so he'll be back it the norm-40 hour weeks.  

I am still training for my half and I'm getting faster and faster.  It's pretty exciting - it's coming up quickly.  Only a month away! 13 miles used to seem like such a long run. Well it still does, it just seems achievable now.  

Alright- that's it. Peaceout!