Moab....

It is hard for me to spend time in Nature and not think of God and the power of Creation. I am amazed at the world and all of the beautiful splendors that were created for us to appreciate and adore. Moab is a place to behold. The delicate Arch, the red rocks, the beauty of the results of the forces of nature. I spent a couple of days there this weekend with friends. I loved it..is there really anything not to love about it? Just look at the pictures and tell me if there is.

I'm in LOVE...

...with Kalai the singer. I had to introduce my new favorite artist to you all. A month or so ago a friend invited me to go to a Kalai concert at Thanksgiving point. I seriously had never heard of him before but because I love concerts, especially the ones outside, I decided to go. I fell straight up in love with him. He is a married man and so I would truly never do anything to jeopardize that relationship but I love his lyrics, his sound and originality.

Of course I have to share with you all, one of my favorite songs "On My Mind" It is from his Acouticism album ...I'm a romantic how can I not love it.

A few weeks after the concert I was in Best Buy in Salt Lake. I was looking for a new digital camera. As I was searching for a sales associate to help me I glanced toward the hard drives across the isle and in front of my face stood my new musician crush. I panicked as any twitter patted girl would do. I immediately sent text messages to friends to help me know if it would have been appropriate for me to approach him and confess my love. By the time I gathered courage he had vanished. Never to return again. Ah, the day dreams that have ensued. What's a girl to do?

Made in Brazil

I took a trip to Brazil for a mission companions wedding. I went to Salvador, Bahia which is in central Brazil along the atlantic coast. It is beautiful there. I loved seeing my companion again after six years. I can't get enough of that girl. She is amazing. The wedding celebration was in her hometown about five hours outside of Salvador. We stayed there for four days. It was great to be back in Brazil. Eating beans and rice for every meal, having it rain everyday and then dealing with the hot hot sun. Although it wasn't quite as hot as Belem where I served my mission. The sun was warm enough to give me a nice October tan. My plan is to go back very soon. If anyone wants to come. Just let me know. You won't regret it I swear!!

The PoTaTo Monster

Forget about the cookie monster. We have a potato monster. Turns out my youngest nephew Wyatt loves himself some potatoes. And I couldn't get enough of his face. Who wouldn't want to munch the dirt off of the potatoes from Grandma's garden? Seriously, why have we been washing and peeling them all of these years?

Made it From the Grape Vine

I have found the house I live in has many treasures. The list goes on and on. One of the treasures are grape vines. Yep, I now grow grapes. They grew a lot this year and I actually had to install tresses to keep them from taking over my shed. A few weeks ago they ripened to perfection and I was able to make grape juice. Well, let's be honest..I picked the grapes and took them to my parents house and they helped me make grape juice. It's real good..and no I don't plan to let it ferment to make wine! Maybe just one or two quartz anyway...!

Memorial Day

My family came to my house for Memorial Day this year. It was so fun to have everyone here although, the weather was crappy. Arge!! Luckily both the hot tub and grill were plenty warm. We celebrated Milo's birthday at the same time. Scott took care of the burgers and dogs, while Kim supervised the rug rats in the tub or as Miya calls it "my pit." Mom helped prepare dinner, Monica get Holly under control and Colette was the perfect ice cream cone scoop maker. Except for Easton's which was grumbled and ended up on the floor but, we won't tell anyone that, we will keep it our little secret!!

Race for the Cure

Gosh... I love The Race for the Cure. It is an amazing thing to be a part of something that has such an impact on so many people. So many of us face breast cancer or any type of cancer every single day. It plagues thousands. How do we find a cure? One day, one test, one race at a time. I know my participation in a 3.1 mile race every year is small potatoes in the scheme of truly finding a cure but my eyes have been open to the effects the disease has on millions of lives. Here's to the search for the cure and all of those who have survived.

Millcreek Canyon

I love hiking and the weather is finally getting warm enough to pack up and head outside. (At least some days have warm enough weather). I took a short hike up Millcreek Canyon a few weeks ago. It was beautiful and has some great views of the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. Can't wait to explore more of the area this summer.

Tanning Trip

As some of you may now some of my girlfriends and I take an annual tanning trip to Mesquite in the Spring. Brianna and I headed out for the big adventure a few weeks ago. It was a great to get away for some sun and relaxation. The highlights of the trip were eating at In and Out in St. George, watching the Real Housewives of New York marathon and taking a trip into Vegas to see the Belagio Gardens. Simple life I know...there are a lot of things that are far more exciting then In & Out, Real Housewives and Gardens but, it was tons of fun. Here are some pictures of the Gardens...no pictures of us in our swim suits tanning, Sorry!

Congrats to Easton

My nephew Easton was baptized yesterday. Wanted to give him a shout out and tell him congratulations. It was an exciting day and fun to have all of our family together. Easton was so handsome in his white clothes. You could tell he was so so excited!! I am proud of him. Congrats East on an amazing day. You're the best!!

Sleepover Party

Gracie, Jared and Miya came and stayed at my house Friday night. Wyatt didn't get to stay, he's a little young still but there will be many sleepovers to come. We played in the hot tub. Ordered pizza from the pizza delivery guy. (They don't have that at their house in Morgan so it was a big deal.) Watched Night at the Museum and played some games. Can't wait for the next time guys...maybe we can do it at your house on the trampoline. Love those kids. They are the best!!

I'm Alive..I promise

I promise that I have not sunk into the great depths of despair. I am alive and doing well. I have been so busy with non exciting things I haven't put up any posts. Top ten things that have been consuming my days.

1. Cleaning my closet
2. Fixing the Hot tub
3. Shopping for patio furniture
4. Working
4. Organizing my shoe collection
5. Preparing to paint my kitchen and hallway
6. Working some more
7. Cleaning out my gargage
8. Watching American Idol
9. Seeing old friends
10. Going to lunch

See I told you all I have a boring life. I am so so so excited for Spring and Summer to come. I can't even wait. I hope your all doing well and hope to have some exciting things to write about soon!!!

New Forecast

I just looked at the forecast again....I am becoming obsessed but, now it isn't supposed to snow until Friday!!! I am so excited. Two more days of warm weather and by that I mean it is going to be warmer than 30 degrees!! Yeah!!! I'm so happy right now!

FIVE good things about Snow...

Last time I looked it is forecasted to snow again tomorrow. I decided I need to prepare myself for more snow. So, I am writing a list of good things about snow. Feel free to add to it if you'd like...

1. It is absolutely gorgeous when it falls, especially in the night.
2. Shoveling my driveway is strengthening my back and shoulders.
3. Great reason to stay inside, cuddle up and watch a movie.
4. Good for the economy...all the visitors that come to Utah to ski.
5. Will provide lots of water for the crops this summer. (Can you tell I grew up on a farm?)

I love it!! Snow is great. Can't wait for the next storm...see it worked, a little bit!

Tic Tac Tile

Finally, the tile has been laid in my basement. Hallelujah!! It only took me like 4 months to have that done. Crazy how I always thought redecorating or remodeling a house would be so fun. I used to lie awake at night when I was a kid thinking of how I would love to remodel a house. Now that I have a house and I have been forced into changing things in my house, I hate it. I still have to finish painting, have some walls built, get the blinds and windows replaced, and have a new door put in the garage. Never ending...however, I am glad I have a house, I really do love it!!!

Happy Birthday to My Mom

My Mom celebrates her birthday on January 6th. One of the best days of the year if you ask me. Just think without the birth of my Mom there would be no me. That would be a tragedy!! Ha..just kidding!!! I am grateful for the Mom I have and the things she does for me. She is quick to offer kind and motherly advice when I am stressed, worried, down or trying to make a decision. She is always willing to help when I ask and seldom tells me no. She is an amazing women with strong righteous faith. She has taught me a lot about the gospel through her living example. She is a good grandma, wife and mother. I want her to know I am thankful she has a birthday. You're the best! Love ya Mom.

A Possible Twin

Ever since my little niece Miya started getting older everyone in the family has been stunned to notice how much her and I look a like. When I was a little girl I had round little cheeks, a cute piglet looking nose and wiry platinum blond hair. My mom says I had quite the adorable personality to match. Well, turns out Ms. Miya is just about the same. She has the cutest little nose and cheeks and that same unmanageable wiry platinum blond hair. As far as personality goes let's just say she has her fair share of sass as well. She's adorable...my twin. What can I say?

Crazy Faces

I had to pull some crazy faces with a few of my nieces and nephews this weekend. We were all at my parents house for my Mom's birthday. I definitely think I won....Yeah??

A Shout Out

My sister in law Kim was upset because she saw no pictures of herself on my blog. I told her I had no pictures of her expect for one of her at Christmas when she was cooking us all food. She stole my camera this weekend and took a picture so I could put her on my blog. She is the best. She takes real good care of her neighbors...my mom and dad, she is always helping cook and plan menus. She loves to plan family trips and always does a great job. She is smart, works hard, is a good mom and likes to have fun. She is always up for a game or shopping trip or good laugh. I am glad you are a part of our family and around to keep my brother Eric in line. Here is your shout out, Kim. Thanks for all you do. You are the best.

Baby Wyatt Debut

Mr. Wyatt Merlin Turner made his debut on December 17th 2007. He is the 13th addition to my niece and nephew collection. He looks so much like his brother Jared. This makes him an Austin and Alysha boy for sure. And as the favorite Aunt I think he is perfect and absolutely adorable...that's because when he cries I give him right back to his mom or dad. One of the best privileges of being an Aunt.

Happy New Year

It's a brand new year. I can't even believe it. I am so excited. 2007 was one of the best years of my life. There were so many major changes. I started out living in Morgan the first part of the year, working in Sandy. In April I moved to Salt Lake and started working in Layton. In May I started working with Bret and Adam. In September I bought my own home and moved to Bountiful. How crazy is that? I am soo excited for 2008 and all is has to offer. Of course the usual resolutions come up...Lose weight, cut back on Diet Pepsi, etc, etc. You know the drill. It will be a good year. I can feel it in my bones.

I had a great time ringing in the new year with some new found friends of my from my singles ward. I have to admit though once the clock hit about 12:05am I was ready for bed. Luckily for me cute Sarah was around and forced me to stay up until at least 1:05am and then she agreed to take me home.


Would like to wish all of you a very happy and prosperous new year. Let the games begin.