Ryan's leaving American Heritage

Ryan decided to leave American Heritage and try and teach out in Tooele. One of his students gave him this cute candy card. Ryan will really miss the students out in South Jordan, but will enjoy working a little closer to home.

Utah Blaze

Ryan got free tickets to a Blaze game from school. We've always wanted to go watch Arena football. There were so many new twists on regular normal football. It is played in the ESA (the arena formerly known as the Delta Center). We got to see many of Ryan's students. It was a lot of fun and we definitely want to go back.

Josh is 5!

For Josh's 5th birthday, I convinced my dad to get the Bees suite and take the whole family along. It was Armed Forces night, I couldn't resist having my picture taken with the giant Air Force guy. People around me thought I was crazy----or at least they were looking at me like I was---since mostly only small children came up to Ricky Recruiter.

As you can see, I brought along my dog Tanner.

Joshua got to go down on the field before the game started. They gave him a ball and while he was in the dugout he got most of the Bees players to sign it for him. His grin was sooooo huge. He was so excited. I don't think I've ever seen a happier little kid.

The suite was all decorated for the birthday with balloons, hats, whistles. It was great. There were fireworks that night which Josh was convinced were for his birthday---he even started singing Happy Birthday when the show started. At the end of the night he proclaimed "This is the best day of my life!" Oh if we could all be so satisfied with the small joys, and all have Josh's exurberance for life.

Lindsinator

I love hanging out with my niece Lindsay---I always have, ever since she was born. I loved it when she would call me on the phone when she was about two and ask me if I wanted to see her go down her slide, I'd say yes, she'd set the phone down where I could "see" and then show me her tricks. Here she is being gangsta' at the bees game

My dog Tanner

Some days I think it would be so fun to have a cute little dog, but then I start to think about all the work and how little I'm home and I think again. However, apparently I can just have Tanner pretend he's a dog anytime I think I need one. Tanner is really good at pretending he's a dog or a lion by eating without using his hands. He makes me laugh! I love hanging out with him.

David Archuleta is my American Idol

I went to the Energy Solutions Arena with Kimi, her boys, and my mom to watch the live showing of the American Idol finale. It was pretty fun being there with 3000+ fans. I admit I am an American Idol junkie. It's been fun watching David A and cheering him on, and yes, I'll even admit I voted for him--although apparently not enough. I used to work with his Grandma and was first introduced to him in his Star Search days, although Kimi had to remind me of that fact--my memory is failing with age. Thanks Kimi for being a goofy girl with me and going downtown with all the other pre-teens in the valley. It was a lot of fun, even though David didn't win.

Harley Chick

There was a Harley at the front of Iggy's, I'm not sure if the rope was intended to keep people off it, but I"ll do almost anything for a picture. It's probably the closest I'll come to riding a Harley

Ben's Debut

My co-worker, Ben, has been dying to make a debut in my blog. So here it is.
This last week the whole office was in on a joke we played on him. We kept telling Ben our paralegal Anthony, aka the Professor, was leaving to take another job. Ben was terribly upset and didn't know what he was going to do as Anthony does a lot of work for Ben. Our boss, Stephanie, had a discussion with Ben about getting a part-time secretary to replace Anthony, and convinced Ben she was hiring back Ben's old nemesis, Myrna. We really had Ben going. It was great! Another highlight was John--the division chief--forgot it was a joke and freaked out himself for about 5 minutes. So that Ben wouldn't figure things out we even went so far as to plan a good-bye lunch for Anthony at Iggy's--the Professor loves sports. We all went in on a good-bye gift for Anthony. Ben, with the help of Neil--the shiv master--- wrote a top 10 reasons Anthony's leaving list. We ended up turning the whole thing into a baby shower for Ben. Neil and Dan wrote a top 10 list why Ben fell for the joke, and instead of a gift card for Anthony we actually got Ben a gift certificate for his new baby. It was pretty awesome. I can't believe all 18 people in the office kept it under wraps for 10 days. Thanks for being such a good sport Ben!

Sunset at the Great Salt Lake

Ever since the weather has warmed up, I've thought it would be fun to go with Ryan and watch the sun set over the Great Salt Lake. Of course I usually have this thought while driving home from work---alone. Fortunately, Ryan had the same thought as we drove up to the lake tonight--- the sky was full of beautiful shades of orange, purple and pink---there were even pink "Disney clouds" just for me! It was gorgeous. The camera couldn't capture the beauty. I don't love these pictures, but they are a fun reminder of my husband being romantic. I love you Ryan

There's no crying in baseball

Ryan played ball with the guys at Sugarhouse Park during Emily's party. He threw it pretty fast----58 MPH---watch out Bees... Ryan's on his way

Orange Chihuahuas

Ryan is coaching a girls' soccer team again this year. The girls call themselves the Orange Chihuahuas. He's got 3 kids from his class on the team. So far this year's team is undefeated---Ryan's convinced it's due to his fabulous coaching skills----I'd have to agree. He does a great job. It's a fun way to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon.

Happy Birthday Emily!

Emily turned two!! I just love my little niece. She is such a little princess. She loves the color pink, Cinderella, and talking on the phone. We had a big family picnic at Sugarhouse Park to celebrate. Emily is so much fun. Happy Birthday Ems!! We love you!!!

Which Disney Princess are you?

Anyone agree that I am Cinderella?? Funny, this is what my friend Rebecca will sometimes call me. I actually tend to prefer the evil villians over the princesses---so much more interesting. Ursula and Maleficent are AWESOME!!! :D



You Are Cinderella!

Dignified and hard working. With a gentle and soft-spoken manner you have something many people don't. Patience. Even through the moments of heartbreak you're still able to hold onto all of your hopes and dreams. Bide your time; your dreams will come true.

Happy Birthday Cameron

Happy Birthday Cameron! Cameron let us have a family party on his birthday that included swimming and a BBQ--thanks for letting us celebrate with you. Cameron is my TV buddy---I can always count on him to be following the latest reality TV show with me. His sports knowledge is un-ending. He's always helping me out so I can participate in fantasy sports, and sports brackets at work with all the guys. They think I actually know what I'm doing---little do they know I have a behind the scenes helper. Plus, he's so pan-like and mutant-like, not to mention he does a great impression of a goat with no teeth. :D I love you Cam!! Thanks for always making me smile.

Happy Birthday Missy

Happy Birthday Missy!! Ten Reasons I love my sister...1) She'll stay up all hours of the night talking to me on the phone, 2) She shares her kids with me, 3) She's an excellent example of a wife and mother, 4) Her strong testimony, 5) She's so much fun to laugh with and goof off with, 6) She's loves me, 7) She's always willing to help me out, 8) She's a very talented musician--you should hear her sing and play the piano, 9) She helps me out with hair, make-up and clothes, and 10) She's just incredibly AWESOME!!! I LOVE YOU MELISA!!!!