Congratulations Jael ....

Last Saturday I was lucky enough to be Jaels temple escort. I drove to Logan Friday night and spent the night hanging with Jael and Steve. Even though we had to be at the Logan Temple by 7:30 am, Jael and I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning talking about marriage, wedding plans and the gosple. We woke up early and headed to the temple. It was a beautiful experience.




After the temple Steve's parents were kind enough to take us out to lunch at the "Blue Bird," a Logan classic. After lunch I was able to visit Debbie and Gaylan and prepare our taxes :)




I can't believe my little sister is getting married! Steve is a great guy and both are lucky to have found each other.

Babysitting: Day 3

We made it! Ty and I have officially come to the end of our babysitting experience. Melynda and Marco arrive in SLC around 9 am and they are so excited to see their boys.

As a surprise, I took the boys to the West Valley Family Fitness Center, home to the coolest Kids Zone. Its like a world for little people complete with a race tracks, a huge Jungle Gym, a tree house, a real bridge and a mini Harmon's Grocery store (talk about product placement.) After 2 hours of playing legos, chasing the boys in the Jungle Gym (my knees are grateful we ended last night) and pretending to grocery shop, we picked up some pizza and headed home.





We got home at 9 pm, got cleaned up and started to get ready for the next day. Ty got home around 9:30, ate dinner and played with the boys while I tried to clean up. At 9:45 we changed into PJ's and put on "Beauty and the Beast." By 10:15 Gabriel,Isaac and I laid on the floor half asleep. Ty put the boys in bed and I climbed in, hoping that two hours of horseplay would allow me to get some sleep and it worked!





Isaac was sleep the ENTIRE night. Our regular little screamer did not even make a sound! Ty and I were shocked and relieved. Gabriel woke up twice and the second time he could not go back to sleep. In an effort to keep him from crying, I put him in bed between Ty and I and he was out.

This morning Isaac and I were up and ready to go by 7:45 am, while Ty and Gabriel got some extra beauty rest. I cleaned up my bag and got to work

All in all, the last few days have been a huge learning experience. I have so much more respect for parents, and a lot more respect for single parents. My mom was single with four kids for a while, and although I always respected her, It never became so clear just how hard it must have been for her. My mom is fantastic person, with a heart and work ethic that will beat almost anyone. Thanks mom.

I also learned why Heavenly Father intented both mom and dad to be there. I could not have survived this week without Ty. He is a so good to the kids and lets boys be boys. He is going be a fantastic daddy, but you better believe we are waiting for our own kids to come.


Tonight Ty and I are headed to our awesome Opp night for PFS, we rest tomorrow and then Saturday is Jael's wedding. This has been a crazy week!

Babysitting: Day 2

In effort to NOT repeat last nights sleep deprivation - Ty and I decided on a game plan.

The Plan: Take the boys somewhere that will allow them to run, run, run, run ... you get the idea.

The Place: Carl's Jr/Green Burrito.

I got home at 5 pm and had to pick up the boys by 6:30 pm, which left an hour for me to actually shower and wash my hair. I got home and found Tyson in total sleep from last night. I shower, dried my hair and got my new clothes ready. We picked up the boys and took them to Carl Jr's - which is now officially our favorite place. We took turns eating our own dinner and playing with the boys. Ty and I were able to eat half our food before is went completely cold.

Gabriel and Issac were too small to climb all the way to the top of the Jungle Gym, so Ty and I took off our shoes and actually climbed the jungle gym (conclusion: I am WAY too big for a jungle gym.) The good news: our plan worked! We got home around 8:30,we put together our new paper airplanes (courtesy of Carl Jr's Kids Meal), changed into PJ's and put on "Diego's Adventure." By 10 pm I was passed out, so sweet Ty let me hop into bed. I did not feel anything the rest of the night. Ty said the boys went to bed around 10:30 pm but guess what! They were down for almost 6 hours!!! Gabriel woke up at 1:30 am but quickly went back to sleep. Issac did not start screaming until 4:30, but was down in less than 20 minutes! Heaven!

Now some of you might think that it was still a tough night, but in all honesty both Ty and I were up at 7:30 am and felt great! The boys woke up around 7:30 am were happily eating breakfast. I actually washed my hair and put on make-up :)

Tonight marks our last night together with these two little boys and boy have we learned a lot. Its been hard work but Ty and I have actually really enjoyed this time - its free birth control - and I have seen Tyson in a completely new light and have been reaffirmed what a fantastic daddy he will be someday.

Tonight includes one last big surprise for the boys! Stay tuned.

Babysitting : Day 1

Last night started our 3-day parenting experience, while my best friend Melynda is in Hawaii, we accepted the offer to help her out, pick Gabriel (4) and Isaac (2) up from Grandma's house and spend the night with them. Below is a guideline of last night.

6:30 pm: We picked up Gabriel and Isaac, got home, made dinner, hot cocoa, played "Hungry Hungry Hippos" and relaxed.
8:00 pm: I put on Cars and the boys were in heaven.
9:15 pm: We changed into PJ's, got the next day's clothes ready and had a late night treat.
10:15 pm: Isaac was in bed and Gabriel was fighting to keep his eyes open
10:30 pm: Boys are in bed, I jump in the shower and get ready for tomorrow.
***Now by this point I actually thought I was doing quite well and fully expected the rest of the night to be quiet and relaxing***
11:30 pm: Ty gets home, we jump into bed for a wonderful night sleep.
12:30 am: Gabriel wakes up and starts crying, I confidently get up, get him a drink and he is off to bed again. ***Man I'm good ***
1:30 am: Gabriel wakes up again and I leap out to get him water- but he's not happy with it? He just sits there and cries. I pick him up, take him into the living room and walk around until he falls sleep.
2:30 am: Isaac's turn! Isaac wakes up and is angry. Ty tried to comfort him but no good. He starts walking around the room, crying, sob sob, cry some more. Ty picks him up and takes him into the living room to rock him but while rocking him Ty feels something wet. PEE!! Issac had peed and it had soaked through his diaper and all over Ty's clothes. Ty changes Isaac, puts him to bed and hops in the shower - Isaac still crying. Finally around 3:30 am everyone is quite and Ty and I can get some sleep.
7:30 am: BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Is it really time to get up? I'll sleep in for 10 more minutes. Nope. The boys are up and want something to eat. While I get dress for work, Ty gives him some milk, changes diapers and puts on fresh clothes.
8:05 am: My hair is nasty, no make up on, half a bowl of cereal and I'm out the door. Ty stays, gets the boys ready and drops them off at Grandmas house....

Stick around for tonight's adventures.

Remembering Gordon B. Hinkley

My sincere prayers and love go to the family of President Gordon B. Hinkley. Ty and I heard the news from my sister Jael last night. The amazing thing was the amount of my non-member family that called Ty and I to say condolences. It's obvious that Pres. Hinkley touched so many lives, in and out of the church. We loved him and he will be missed.

This One Is For You Marie ....

This video was made by my dear, dear friend Marie Mines. Those of you who have known me for a while have pretty much met Marie and know she is having a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Romania with the Peace Corps. When she found out I was getting Married - to a man she never even met or got to approve, she made this awesome video of the crazy times we have had together. The good news - she comes home in 4 months!!! I'm so excited. We both have done amazing things these last two years and I would not trade that for anything. Marie is a fantastic friend and I'm grateful for her love and her families love. The Mines family have really set a high example for me of hard work, generosity and family love.

Top Ten Memories with Marie
1. Week Long Trip to San Francisco, where I got lost and ended up in some weird little California village.
2. Trying to camp with Marie, only to freak out at 4 am and having to call her Aunt to come pick us up.
3. Both Marie and I graduating from college.
4. Both Marie and I breaking off engagements within the same month.
5. Getting stuck for 3 hours on Christmas Eve trying to find Marie's cabin.
6. Going to the "Coffee Break" for late night talks and hot cocoa.
7. Wednesday night ski trips in Utah Lake
8. Belly Dancing Classes at the WYCA
9. Camping out in Monterrey Bay being scared to be on the beach alone at night
10. Accidentally making Marie hit a parked car with her Dad boat - she was not happy that night.

We love you Marie and can't wait until you get home.

I Was the Jerk!

Scene: You are tired and circling the parking lot trying to find a spot - ANY SPOT! You start praying and making so called deals with higher powers that if you find a spot, you will never sin again. Then suddenly - there it is! The white lights that mean your freedom to park when someone else leaves. You're excited, thankful and relived but then .... you see them .... the other car that came around the other corner and you know has their eye out for your spot! "No worries" you say, "I'm sure they see my blinker and they must know this is my spot". You're patient and confident. WRONG! Before you know it the little car runs to your coveted spot and you are back in the cold. "Jerk" you scream in the car!!

Well last night I was the jerk! I promise I did not see the other person, but truth be told I stole some SUV's parking spot with my little Alero - in the gym's parking lot - with Sarah. Don't feel too bad - we got the horn to let us know of our jerkyness.

Long Lost Friend

Last night I got to spend time with my old roommate Sarah and we had a great time. Both Sarah and I are big workout fans, in fact, during my triathlon training last year, Sarah and I decided to do a bike ride - harmless right? We got to what we called the "Lance Armstrong Hill" due to it really quick and steep incline, but we had no fear - we are unstoppable. I went first and made it to the peak and quickly looked back to see what Sarah was doing. Sarah made it all the way up the hill! I was so excited that I actually fell off my bike in the middle of asphalt. Sarah ran to my limpy body covered in scratches and blood. 10 minutes later we were slowly walking back to our apartment - it was pretty funny and will forever be a lasting memory.

To celebrate our love for working out, we went walking for an hour last night - mostly so we could talk and not sound funny. After a fantastic workout we headed back to her place (or my old apartment) and ate a really yummy and healthy dinner. We started chatting about the US debt and the movie "I Am Legend" and kind of freaked ourselves out by feeling ill-prepared if the world came to an end tomorrow - sounds funny, but seriously, most families are not even close to being prepared in case of an emergency. Ty and I are almost done with our 72-hour kits and I'm pretty excited about that.

I love you Sarah and I'm so grateful for the awesome time we had! We must do it again.

Personality Test

Your Personality Is

Guardian (SJ) You are sensible, down to earth, and goal oriented. Bottom line, you are good at playing by the rules. You tend to be dominant - and you are a natural leader. You are interested in rules and order. Morals are important to you. A hard worker, you give your all at whatever you do. You're very serious, and people often tell you to lighten up. In love, you tend to take things carefully and slowly. At work, you are suited to almost any career - but you excel in leadership positions. With others, you tend to be polite and formal. As far as looks go, you are traditionally attractive. You take good care of yourself. On weekends, you tend to like to do organized activities. In fact, you often organize them!

The Three Question Personality Test

Dream Board

My friend Angie and Mike have a dream board - a collage of all the things they want to accomplish/obtain during their lifetimes. I thought this was a great reminder of what we work for during the long hard days. Below are some of my goals and dreams.

1. House: I love the house like this. My house will need to have the garage on the side, and awesome entrance, lots of windows and great lighting. These two homes are perfect examples!

2. Kitchen: Once I have my awesome house I need to have my awesome kitchen! I have a new found love for cooking and really love Kitchen Islands - they are so practical. I want lots of counter and cabinet space. Can you just see me and Ty in here? I can.

3. Babies: Ty and I are excited to have kids - just in the future. One of the main reason why we work so hard to build our business is for our kids. I want to spend a lot of time with my kids and be able to give them the life I always wanted. All the pain will be so worth it to know I won for my children.

4. Car: back to being vein :) Yes this is my future car, but in my defense, the RX gets awesome gas mileage and is really safe for kids.

5. My parents: I want to retire my parents. Simple. I want to help them have the life that they deserve and have waited so long to have. My "why" is my parents.

6. Spinning: I love spinning and one of my goals is to became a spinning instructor - with cool music.

7. Family Cabin: I want a cabin, a big cabin, one that will fit ALL my family. I picture Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas mornings in this cabin. I picture summer parties and weekend get-a-ways.

8. Travel: Ty has already traveled a lot of the world, but I can't wait until I can travel the world with him. Fiji is one of my must have places.

9. SNSD: Last but most importantly, the vehicle that will help achieve all the above. Tyson and I are SO lucky to have found such an amazing opportunity in PFS. We are constantly surrounded by families that have what we want - and they did it the same way. I love this company and what we stand for. Our goal is to be a Senior National Sales Director - and we can do it!

New Found Passion

Last night Ty and I had to chance to listen to a business/mortgage guru and let me tell you how awesome it was; however, all day today I have been surrounded by all kinds of thoughts about this. This is my time to vent:

The mortgage seminar not just talked about all there is to know about mortgages (which I suggest EVERYONE should know about - C'mon people, your home is your single biggest asset!) but we also discussed just overall success strategies and some classy books to sink your teeth into - so this morning I was so excited to not just share my new knowledge with my coworkers, but also a treat to get new books - and that is were it all started.

Today I have come to the conclusion that most people love to play the roll of the victims. Why? because its easy. Its easy to wish you were different, wish you were smarter, wish you were richer, wish you were better with money - but wishing does not get you anywhere. Action does. Last night Bobby (speaker, finance guru, self-made millionaire) said "chip away what doesn't belong" and he talked about how people whine about not having enough time to do something great - but they also don't have time to do something small - say coming to a mortgage seminar. He talked about how average people almost do things but winners do it every time - no matter how many times it takes.

I ended telling my manager about my awesome evening and how great it was and how much I learned and all he could say is "Did they teach you anything new?" and I said "well not really - I already know a lot about mortgages, but it was a great environment" and he said "Well I would not have gone. All they do is try to sell you books." STOP. This kind of "I already know most of this" mentality is what keeps middle class - middle class. Anytime spent with a millionaire who is willing to tell you his story, his success strategies, his triumphs, his downs and ups ... is PRICELESS!!! I'm so sad for the millions of Americans who whine about not being to live better, keep wives at home, spend more time with kids - but the minute you tell them about a seminar, opportunity, good book, good magazine to read - they DON'T DO IT!

I really respect my manager - who I believe is really intelligent and really respect his opinion, but I can only say how thankful I am for those who are like me - willing to learn, change, adapt and heck just DRIVE to become better. Some say "the rich just keep getting richer and take advantage of the poor," Wrong. Having met many rich people - I believe the rich deserve EVERYTHING they own - why? Because they were willing to take a stand, a risk, a rejection, a loss - because they were willing to take action.

Now I don't want this posting to be gloom and doom -but I guess you have all seen one of my greatest passions - to empower people to do something better with their lives and not be mediocre. Love it or hate it - doesn't matter. Truth stands alone.

On a brighter note, for those of you looking for awesome reads, below are my new favorites:

1. The LeftHanded Soldiers - Gary Eby
2. The Angel Inside - Chris Widner
3. In the End It All Goes Back in the Box - John Ortberg

Dominate In 2008!!!

Ty and I spent two fantastic days in St. George for a PFS Conference. Amazing is the only word to describe it. We spent 24 hours mingling and learning from millionaires in the company. We we inspired by the amazing obstacles that most of them faced and conquered. We ran to the stadium and sat in the second row - right behind Steve & Theresa Stonebreaker, Chris & Susan Howard and Brandon Mehmen. Their passion was just electric.

We got there Friday night around 6 and got seats for our entire team. Ben Morris; new partner and Tae Kwon Do expert, came down with us and was so excited to hear all the amazing stories. Ty and I were recognized for winning the trip to Florida - we but know that it was all because of our team. We want to send a special thanks to the team members that have stepped up and become amazing leaders - you know who you are. We love you and support you!

Friday night ended with an amazing video and speakers. I can't describe exactly how it felt that night - but everyone it that stadium was moved. This company not only does amazing things for families, but it make you became the person you have always wanted to be. I'm so proud of Ty for being tough and having the heart of the warrior!

Saturday night we got up early and made sure we got killer seats. We went to classes and rubbed shoulders with the most successful mentors of the business. Tyson and I attended the special "Team Captains" luncheon and had a blast. This company makes you want to improve and just go out and conquer your fears!

We ended the conference around 4, then headed for a special tour of the office of Brandon and Lexie Niel - who are legends in the company. We met them and asked them advice. The most amazing thing about all the winners in the company is that even though they are earning millions every year - they are still SO humble and will give you their time and love. I'm so impressed by that. I know were in the right place!

Our next event happens in August and I can't wait! I think everyone should be part of something that is so good and positive. Joining PFS was the best decision we ever made.

Everybody Was Kun Fu Fighting ...

Its funny what crazy things we can always include inside our busy schedules - Ty's latest adventure, besides starting his own business, has been Tae Kwon Do.

Our amazing new business partner Ben Morris, not only is a fantastic business partner/friend, but he happens to be a Tae Kwon Do expert (naturally) and he has take on the responsibility to teach Tyson the way to became a true warrior.

Although intimidated, Ty has a blast on his first few lessons and his crowning moment was breaking a board - no really! A full on board! The board is about 2 inches think and is first broken with the heel. Needless to say Ty was so proud that he brought it home! I had to take a picture of it. So here's to my amazing Ty; business owner, musical genius and expert board crusher :)

Mama's Little Helpers

Last night I was able to rolled up my sleeves and got down to do some good o'ld work! My best friend Melynda has taken on the amazing task of finishing her house. The house is almost done and has come so far! It looks awesome and I'm so excited for her to move in. I stopped by last night to offer an hand and she got me working on kitchen cabinets! I am pleased to say that I have put together IKEA kitchen cabinets - and they were all straight!

The thing that I love about Melynda is that she always finds a way to incorporate her beautiful little boys Gabriel (3) and Isaac (2). They were busy getting into puddy and playing with the lights. It was pretty funny. Those little boys are so excited for their house to be finished!

Jaels Bridal Shoot

Here is sneak peak at Jaels gorgeous bridal shoot. We took the pictures at the Grand America and we loved all the beautiful decorations. Jaels photographer was awesome! He was fun, creative and really wanted to make Jael feel special. He took some great shots.

****The wedding is February 2nd in the Salt Lake Temple, then a reception at the Eldredge Manor in Bountiful (Feb. 2nd) and an open house in Tremonton (Feb. 9th) ****

ABC's

ABC'S
A- Attached or single? Eternally attached
B- Best Friend: Tyson Gerber/Melynda Geronimo
C- Cake or Pie: Warm apple pie with ice-cream
D- Day of choice: Saturday - I'm up early and get a lot of stuff done
E- Essential Item: a good blowdryer - for those that know my hair
F- Favorite Color: yellow, b/c who can't smile at yellow?
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: Worms! They are so fun.
H- Hometown: West Valley City, UT
I- Indulgence(s): bread pudding, salon shampoos and spa treatments
J- January or July: July - I LOVE fireworks and warm summer nights.
K- Kid(s): Not yet
L- Life is Incomplete Without: A goal bigger than you currently are
M- Marriage Date: July 27, 2007
N- Number of Siblings: 4; Martha, Jael, Martin, Julio
O- Oranges or Apples: I like clementine oranges and green apples with peanut butter
P- Phobias or Fears: scared of really dark places, fear of not acomplishing my goals
Q- Quote(s): "What Would You Attempt To Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?"
R- Reason To Smile: Imagining my life in 5 years
S- Season: late summer, early fall - its the perfect warm/cool blend
T- Tag others: Melynda, Thora, Brittany, Jael, Cyndi and everyone reading this blog
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I was the tallest girl in my Junior High and I always assumed I would marry someone shorter than me - thank heavens for tall Cache Valley boys!
V- Vegetarian or Meat Eater: ummm ... meat
W- Worst Habit: occasionally bitting my nails and Ty says I'm not too great at washing dishes
X-Rays or Ultrasounds: I've had both, but I associate Ultrasounds to baby joy, so I'll pick ultrasound
Y- Your Favorite Food: the Colorado Beef from Stein Erickson Lodge
Zodiac: Picis/Aquarius - I'm at the cuspus and people say I show signs of both.

2008 Here We Come

For those of you who don't know me, I'm a BIG "write down your goals" kinda girl. I just think having something visual is so crucial to remembering the key things in life. So here some key goals:

1. Temple once a month: I have done this personally for the last three years and it has been my saving grace. I can't tell you how important it is now that Ty and I are married

2. Save money: We have specific amounts we hope to save so we are NEVER back into debt. We are in a crusade to teach 1,000,000 how to save $1,000,000 for retirement

3. Become RVP's: This is our goal by November 2008

4. Master the Crock Pot and Bread Making: This is more me than Ty but I'm hungry to conquer this

5. New Car for Ty: If any of you know his current car, you know why we have this goal

6. Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching: We both support this program so much, we just need to get more time to do it

7. Travel somewhere: This will be more for just fun. We will travel with PFS to Florida in February and then to San Francisco later in the year.

8. Grow our team to 10X15

9. Read a good book EVERY month

10. Work out three time a week

These are just a few of my goals and most of them are just a continuation of good things from past years. I'm so grateful for the chance to change and become better. 2007 was an awesome year - but more importantly it laid the foundation for an unbelievable 2008.

Cheers to our goals!

Tagged ...

I love these tag quizzes, I love to find out cool past details of my friends lives and I guess its my turn.

What I was doing 10 years ago: Holy walk down memory lane - I was 14, in Jr. High and at the height of my geekness. I was too tall, my hair was a disaster and I had the biggest glasses you have ever seen! Thank heavens for progression and blow drying!

What I was doing 5 years ago: Lets see - I was 19, just starting college and finally getting to know myself. My 19th year was actually pretty critical. I met my truest friends that year, had my heart broken and realized that I was meant for big things.

One year ago: 23, dating Tyson (now husband) and starting my first post-college job. Its funny because my decision to leave Obeo and go to the Intrepid Group, actually launched me to the success I'm having now. Its a long story but since that time I have come to the conclusion that everything in life is a result. My education is a result, my wealth is a result, my health is a result, my past is a result, but the most amazing part is the my future is also a result, MY result. I'm so grateful for the chances we have to change and better ourselves.

Yesterday: Went to church, cooked my first Honey Baked Ham (thanks Bishop and Sis. Bell) read "Rhinoceroses Success" and "The Sharpe Focus" and spent time with my husband - it was a good day.

5 snacks I enjoy: Peanut butter & apples, bread pudding with rum sauce, dark chocolate M&M's, better than sex cake and smoothies.

5 things I would do if I had $100 million: Establish a college/mission trust fund for my entire generation, build a library for kids in Nicaragua, set up school for single moms, set my parents up on an awesome retirement and invest the rest to live off the residual income (can you tell Ty is an investment specialist :)

5 places I would run away to: California, Fiji, Holland, my grandmas house, a private cabin with my entire family.

5 TV shows I like: Ty and I don't watch much TV since starting our own business but I love HGTV anything!

5 things I hate doing: doubting myself, cleaning the bathroom, scrapping snow off my car , doing my hair in a hurry, being late for anything.

5 biggest joys of the moment: graduating college, marrying Tyson, seeing my mother proud of me, walking out of the Salt Lake Temple, growing the business with Ty by my side.

5 people that I get to tag: Jael, Melynda, Thora, Maren, Brittany, Debbie Gerber, Becky Joe and Cindy.

I Love Blogging

Ok, its official. I LOVE blogging! Not only does it serves as the cool new "online journal" but its the most amazing way to keep in touch with friend.

Case in point, I was checking my messages on my blog and out of nowhere I see a post from my friend Thora - who is now in Oxford, England! I have known Thora since the 5th grade and have always considered her as one of my closest friends. When she married (April 2005) we lost track of each other. I tried looking for her for my wedding, but no luck. I had no idea she had moved or is pregnant with her 2nd baby! Amazing.

It was not until I got my blog that we actually found each other! So thank you Blogspot!

Virgs Restaurant

Have you ever known those small restaurants - the hidden jewels that only few know of? Well I found one today! Virgs Restaurant started out in the small Utah town of Erda, and after 10 years of smashing success, they decided to give Salt Lake a try - and boy I'm glad they did!

Since Ty and I starting our own business, I'm a big believer in supporting other small business. I was pleasently surprised when I walked into the restaurant - clean, friendly and fast. The menu rocks on both choices and prices! I had their french toast and it was divine!

For those of you tired of the regular Apple bees and Olive Garden date night - try Virgs! They are located at 5900 S. Redwood Rd. Across from 24-Hour Fitness.