UCLA v BYU Game

I'm not a football person. My BFF Brigette and I often commiserate how much we hate football. Her husband Aaron and his buddy always get tickets to the home UCLA games. Ross thought it would be fun to go to one (since they buy extra tickets). When he found out BYU was playing them he was pretty eager to see if we could be Aaron's +2. Even if it's football I will take any excuse to hang out with Brigette and her family, so we made it happen!

And before we knew it A big ol' group of us- 6 adults and one Asher were on our way down to LA for the game. As you might be considering, yes- Ross and I in BYU gear and every single other person in UCLA. That's friendship, no drama just a little rivalry. We did the whole tailgating experience, which was really fun. BYU doesn't really have anything quite like the depth and breadth of tailgating at this game. Aaron and Matt go to these games all season so they are seasoned professionals in the art. They have their ez-up, portable amp, grill, coolers, tables, chairs.



Matt's girlfriend made this awesome cornhole game. You gotta play cornhole while tailgating (says the person who hasn't done either). It was this day that I learned that Brigette and I are unsurpassable and unstoppable cornhole teammates. We were undefeated until Matt's parents came around and beat us out. That's fair.



The food was amazing. The main dish was carne asada tacos which was so delicious we just ended up eating pieces of carne asada. We also had fruit and stuff but tacos are kinda main dishes and appetizers and fruit and vegetables anyways.

I should mention that by the beginning of the game I knew more people in that stadium than any BYU home game I ever went to as an undergrad. It all kinda snowballed. Word got out about the game and then Ryan and Jen were driving from Arizona to come. Then Mom and Dad were on board. Then Ali was flying in from New York to join in as well! Also one of the people I work with is a UCLA alum and came to the game with his family. It was fun to be able to meet up with everyone at different points and say hi.



On the way to the stadium!



The game was incredible. Both teams were undefeated going into it. And for as great a team as UCLA is, BYU was really able to play well.



The game was so close and at the last minute- when for sure we thought sweet sweet victory was ours- we lost it. It was so heartbreaking to be so close! I've never invested myself so much in any sporting game. Even our UCLA friends felt sad for us and we didn't bother with banter afterwards.

The game was so close and at the last minute- when for sure we thought sweet sweet victory was ours- we lost it. It was so heartbreaking to be so close! I've never invested myself so much in any sporting game. Even our UCLA friends felt sad for us and we didn't bother with banter afterwards.



Win or Lose- our spirit nails looked awesome. Top: Jen with BYU and the world's tiniest paw print. Middle: Ali with mixed art of her two alma maters and a variety of paw prints. Bottom: Me keeping things simple.



I wasn't expecting to have so much fun at the game but it was a really incredible experience and fun opportunity to spend time with friends (and eat tacos). Thanks Lucas family for the invite!

Bridal Shower Decorations

When I have a vision, it is going to happen. And never before have I had such a complete plan and vision than for my little sister's bridal shower! That may sound so dramatic but it is a very exciting time you see. 

My best friend Brigette did an absolutely amazing job with my bridal shower years ago. She is also a woman with a plan and vision, most particularly when it comes to the planning and execution of parties. I drew from her strength and ambition on this one. 

I thought an "Up" (Disney Pixar movie) would be a great inspiration for the party. It's all about love, traveling, and adventure (yes we are overlooking the tragic first five minutes of the movie). 

Balloons, bright colors, and maps were quickly in order. Here's my crafting progress so far. 

I've been crocheting these cute little balloons. I like all the color they bring in. I think I will put them in a vase with some candies for a table decoration. 

I continue to be obsessed with my Silhouette machine, the main reason I wanted to write this post. I'm getting the hang of it but I know there is still so much more I am missing. Here is the process of cutting and assembling different labels for all the toppings for the yogurt bar. 

As nerdy as this sounds, it is pretty fun to watch the machine do it's work. Here is a little video. 

Recently I added a "pix scan" mat to my Silhouette supplies. I used it for the project above as well as this one. I found this Up! house printable on this blog. It's super cool and I am grateful for talented people who make stuff for free. You inspire me! Since the printable is very detailed, I thought I would let me pix scan do the work. Here is that process. 

It wasn't exact, but I also didn't calibrate it and it was still good enough for me. I am working on the assembly. I think it would be fun to have some balloons coming out of the top and use it for another decoration. 

This next project I'm super proud of. Using a template I re-sized and engineered this insert to hold a cupcake as a favor for our party guests.

The cupcakes were drama in and of themselves. But I will spare you and just share some pictures of the finished products. They turned out maybe too adorable. 

Oh and also, when Ross is enlisted in a project, he takes it very seriously. 

I've been going a little overboard with the decorations and staying up past 1am almost every night this week. It's hard to be so creative and have so many good ideas. :) But everything is coming together very nicely. I am excited for it all to come together.

Friends: Part II Happy Birthday BFF

After a fun time with Pip & Andrew, Ross and I headed to Palmdale to hang out with my mom before going to Brigette's birthday party. Brigette always throws great parties and has fun themes. This year she turns 25 and decided the perfect way to celebrate her mid-life crisis would be to have a 90s party.

What I love about Brigette is that she always goes all out for her parties! She had fun 90s snacks and treats and Lisa Frank inspired decor, and of course perfect 90s music. Aka the music Ross and I listen to all the time. As we were driving to Brigette's we turned the ipod on to the 90's mix and realized that it is pretty much just the entire ipod.



Whenever I come over I spend a fair amount of time hanging out with Asher, until he needs to go to bed. We played with his TMNT for a while, then some cars, then with Legos. I was talking about his minifigures and asking him if he remembers where he got them from, which admittedly, he does not. But then later when we were playing he was like, "Where is that guy that came with the Spiderman you gave me?" Made me pretty happy that although this kid gets lots of presents from lots of different people, Auntie Kristen's Spiderman Lego set gets remembered. SCORE! Also, I was telling him how much I liked his Yeti minifigure, then before he went to bed he said that Ross and I could borrow it if we want. That, to me is the ultimate stamp of child approval, letting someone borrow your toys. I love that kid!

It was a fun night, and the highlight was finally getting to try one of those cool character ice creams I was never able to get from the ice cream man.



Definitely opted for the Spongebob with gumball eyes. Duh.



Did I mention how epic Brigette's outfit was? Overalls, headband, white ked-like shoes, complete with scalloped socks! Also, she was rocking her tamogatchi pet on her belt loop. Of course Brigette would have an impeccably operating tamogatchi.



BFF!!!

I am so lucky to have Brigette in my life. Her thoughtfulness, big ideas and the ability to perfectly execute them have always made me jealous in the best way possible. She is my forever friend and being her friend is the best! Happy Happy Birthday!

2014 Review in Pictures

I am a little embarrassed to say that when New Year's Eve rolls around I don't always feel particularly impressed or grateful for all that has elapsed in the past 365 days.

But this year is different. Last night I was laying in bed, thinking, "WOW! Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and then it's a whole new year!" I've been spending my time off writing and catching up on my blog posts of things that have happened months ago. It has really got me thinking of what a truly amazing year I have had. I tend to be a bit skeptical come my birthday that the next year will be as great as everyone wishes for me. But as I stand on the cusp of 2015, I feel so lucky to have had so many adventures in these past 12 months. I have a bit of a tradition to be held to on this blog. 12 pictures for 2012, 13 pictures for 2013. It feels only right that this year is 14 pictures for the year 2014.

2014 in 14 Pictures!

1) January
Okay, Okay, I already cheated, this collage counts as one photo. January 2014 might have been my favorite month in the whole time I lived in Grenada. We hiked Mt. Qua Qua, which was an exhausting but rewarding adventure. And we traveled to the northern island of Grenada called Carriacou. If you can believe it, Carriacou is 5 x more beautiful than Grenada. If you offered to give me a vacation to Grenada I would debate it, but if you offered me a vacation to Carriacou, I would go in a heartbeat. We also built this little sand-snowman to rub in the fact that we live in a beautiful, sunny, sandy place.

2) February
This might be the most cliche picture of the year: Husband love on Valentine's Day. But when your spouse is in medical school, there comes a point when you stop expecting things or, you end up picking up your own gifts or goodies on your bus trip to the store. On top of that, holiday goodies are always expensive in Grenada. You can imagine my surprise when I came home from work to find all this! My favorite chocolates, and lots of other goodies.

3) March 

In March, my parents visited Grenada. You can read about the whole trip here. It was an amazing and blissful week. It was fun to have my family here to show them the beauty and nightmare that Grenada can be. We took hundreds of photos all over Grenada but I settled on one that is a little more unconventional. An unexpected activity while they were here was hand fishing up at Grand Etang. Pretty freaky, hilarious to watch. 

4) April 

Was a pretty simple month as the pictures tell. Kind of the calm before the storm, the second to last mile in a marathon (I would suppose). I chose a picture that depicts every day life in Grenada. Not a beautiful beach picture, or a fancy dinner, but waiting at the bus stop. I would venture to say that a great part of my Grenada days were spent just waiting for the bus (well and missing the bus and walking/running to the bus). I look at the picture and am struck with fondness and horror, I can feel the sun bearing down on my face and sweat gathering on my body. But even now looking back, it still seems so far away to me. Just waiting with Ross for a bus. 

5) May 

Our favorite place to eat in Grenada was Schnitzel Haus. As I was fed up and ready to leave the island, people would ask what I would miss the most. I would usually half jokingly answer with, "Schnitzel Haus." On this occasion we went out to eat with my friend Krystle who is more likely who I will really miss when I leave Grenada. Here we are with the owners of the restaurant. The most lovely, happy Germans maybe ever.

6 & 7) June 

June might have been the most jam-packed month. And I say that now knowing that moving and securing housing would happen. June was a month of visiting friends and family. Friends in Vernal, family in Utah, family in Kentucky, family in Tennessee. How could I possibly limit the photos from that month?! I already cheated with the collage so I will try to do this with only TWO. 

Could you find two happier friends (read about my Vernal trip here)? I think we are laughing at something Larry said. Most likely.

FOUR of us in one picture. That deserves a post, or check out my entire Kentucky trip here. 

8) July 

I'm starting to sound a little insane and self-imprtant when every month is the next "big" month. But I guess July wasn't BIG so much as it was ultimate happiness when this moment came. I can almost promise that I will never get sick of this picture. The moment when after two years, Ross could finally, and completely take a deep breath. I can't remember the last time I saw him so happy. Read about that moment more here. 

9) August

In August we got to road trip back to California with my grandparents. And as scary as the unknown is, how bad can it be when family is so close? I feel so honored to spend time with my grandparents. They are the coolest, funniest, most generous and caring people I know. 

10) September

As Ross and I settled in, we spent every spare moment with my sister or parents, or BOTH! One trip we took was to see a giant inflatable duck in the San Pedro harbor. We had lunch at the fish market. I still need to blog about it. Even with all the pictures we took with that duck, this one is my favorite. My mom hates pictures and I feel so happy when she agrees to be in one. I love my momma and I love getting pictures with her.

11) October 

I love doing a year review because (and as corny as this sounds) it is really humbling. I think part of that is because compared to last year, this year has been bursting at the seams with family and friends. All the stress and issues in my life fade when I can see I am so constantly surrounded by love.

In October my bestie and her fam forsook their comfortable home to stay in my tiny apartment for a night. It was a blast! I love that family with all my heart and hanging out with my godson brings so much light and life to my life. Being best friends (at least with this girl) means that we often have identical clothing. From our glasses to shirts to pants, we could swap wardrobes and not even notice. A bit ridiculous, yes.

12 & 13) November 

I could go on and on about all the fun things I've done each month, but I realize that is why I have this blog in the first place. I have to remind myself that this is just a review. November isn't often my favorite month, it tends to be filled with the mundane and stressful. But this November was the best month of the year. 

With all the pictures you take on a road trip across america, and all the family and friends you see along the way, I choose this one to represent. It was the longest day of the road trip. And pretty tiring. It takes a special kind of person to be stuck in the car with for a whole week, but lucky for me, I was "stuck" with my sister. My sister who can help me keep a smile on my face even after long stressful days. 

Even with how wonderful the month was, I choose yet another random photo. Because it embodies pure happiness. Ross bought me a large pink donut with sprinkles. My eyes are filled with joy.

14) December

The last month of it all. And on the first day of this month I started a new job. And excuse my vulgar language, but I am pretty damn proud of myself. Probably a little more proud than I should be for being a 25 year old with a full time job. I know that is simply what I am supposed to do, but sheesh it was a feat. And sheesh I am tired and exhausted at the end of the day. I will get the hang of it, but for now I am will keep this beaming smile through adversity. 

So there you have it! I can't believe this year is over. It seems like Carriacou in January was ages ago. It has been an incredible year filled with adventure and plane rides. 2015 has big shoes to fill, but I am excited to see how it can even exceed this year. Come at me bro! 

Asher's Birthday Dinner

Awhile back Brigette invited me to Asher's birthday dinner, and I was thrilled to actually be in the same state and country as the birthday kid. Although Ross had already fled the state, as it turns out almost all my siblings showed up that weekend. Lots of family and friends.

I had already given Asher his present at his party earlier this month, but we had fun hanging out. Asher got some more presents, one of which included this awesome RC tank that shot little foam bullets.

It was kind of intense, and Asher was having the time of this life playing with it. I have never seen that kid so hyper and excited. I put together a video of clips of his pure joy whilst playing with the tank. Beware of the meltdown at the end. He was in the bathroom and Brigette's sister had lined the tank up to point at the door to shot him when he came out. He heard the sounds close to the door and was not okay with the attack that would be happening. 

Then of course, we had cake! Asher got a little antsy and prematurely stuck his finger in the icing. You can see in the first fame, him debating whether or not that was a smart choice. But upon mom's defeat and okay, in the second frame you see him enjoying his first taste of birthday cake victory. 

Happy Birthday Little Dude!

Saturday Ross and I had the opportunity to take a quick trip down to Palmdale. Ross was just getting off the night shift that morning so after he was done we rushed off to good ol' Palmdale. The reason for the trip was bittersweet. And I say that in the most dramatic way possible. Ross and I attended my favorite little human's birthday party! Or should I say, annual funeral for his childhood.

Since my birthday I can feel old age creeping in. And seeing this little nugget turn 5 is pure insanity. I remember holding this bebe in my arms days after he was born. Now he's a little man.



His party was at Chuck E. Cheese which, speaking of pure insanity -was the definition of it. Childrens. Everywhere.



Chuck E. came out (now I am grown up I simply call him "Mr. Charles E") and at first Asher was a little scared. I don't blame him, it isn't super natural to have a huge rat running around. But the kids eventually sang and clapped and danced. The birthday boy got to shred it up on his balloon guitar, which he loved.

He blew out the candles on this masterful Transformers cake. Lucky little kid!

As the birthday boy he also got to go into the ticket blaster.

Think: Matilda- "Get Sticky with Mickey!" And although there wasn't cash flying around in there, I was still jealous.

Until I DID see a full grown man get in there and it was a bit strange. Not the time, nor the place dude. 

Along with all those goodies, he got a little birthday medal. He was super proud of this and loved letting his friends see it. I wonder if that is partially because he does sports, so a trophy or medal is something he would take great pride in. :)

And all this little man wanted to do was play skeeball.

But when it's your party you can do whatever you want!

His Uncle Ross and I joined him for some games, and Ross used his stupid long leg skills to retrieve some rogue balls.



Here he's telling me and Ross that he got it in the one that says "500," but I think it's cute because he is going to be 5!



I love hanging out with this kid. He cracks me up. Speaking of cracking me up. I wonder where he gets it....



My little Asher friend is way smart and hilarious. His latest thing is telling jokes, and creating his own. Which make no sense but are even better than the rehearsed ones. After the party I went home with my besties and opened presents. Here he is admiring his loot in the back of the car.



Ross and I got him a Lego set. It is a little old for him but Brigette told me that he loves to build them with his dad.



You can imagine my surprise when he practically built this set all by himself. I helped him with the instructions but he figured it all out and placed them by himself. Talent folks.



Uncle Ross helped figure out the million-step Transformer. NOT. A. CHILDS. TOY. Haha.



Eventually we had to get going, which was difficult when you have a small human attached to your leg. But when Brigette told him that he would see us again soon, he was a little more okay with it.



In the back of my mind I wonder if he is still skeptical of me running off to Grenada at a moments notice. Have a mentioned lately it is so nice to be back and close to friends?

Happy Birthday Buddy!