3 Cheers For 3 Years!

I totally stole that title from my cousin's wife-thanks Melissa! :) They got married 2 weeks before us, had their first kid about a month before us... so we're just used to copying everything they do!

So it was our three year anniversary yesterday and we actually decided to celebrate this year! For our first year we attempted some things, like temple sealings, but I guess it just wasn't my day because that certainly didn't go well! (long story involving a cranky old man- but ask if you want to hear) And last year, we had just moved in, our house was a disaster and the only thing I really remember doing is going to Target. The reason being, because that's when Travis got a call from a friend, inviting him to go play soccer that night. He hestitated, told the guy he probably shouldn't since it was his anniversay and the guy tells him that the girls are getting together to watch the Bachelor finale. Well I heard that, shrugged my shoulders, and decided that was a pretty fun way to spend the night, so we agreed!

Soooo, this year it was all romantical stuff for us!

The day started out with sleeping in and opening presents. Yep, I got the Magic Bullet! Hooray! Only, after writing that post several weeks ago, many assured me it wasn't worth it and their's had stopped working after a short amount of time, yada yada yada. Of course they were just trying to make me feel better about not having one myself... the problem was... it worked! So I need to get myself all hyped up about it again! He also got himself a DVD, by giving it to me. You know how that works? No, I kid, I kid! I was really excited about it- I love Jim Gaffagen.  My gift to him was kind of lame, but I realized a while back that we didn't have The Burbs. Well, that is Trav's all time favorite movie, so I ordered it for him. Those of you that haven't seen it, it's very strange, but he grew up with it, so he thinks it's hilarious. I think I will have to watch it a few more times to really get into it.

Then we were off to visit Niagra-on-the-Lake. (Are hyphens needed?) It's about a 30 min. drive into Canada and we heard from many that's it's a quaint little town that's fun to visit. Well here's Collin doing his latest and greatest, sticking out his tongue, on the car ride over.

We had the radio on and was seranaded by lots of Michael Jackson songs since his funeral was that day. Ok, so here's my one and only spout off about the whole MJ thing. I have his greatest hits CD and love it. I remember doing a Pommie dance to one his songs in 9th grade and loving it. I agree that he was probably the greatest entertainer of all time. He was legendary in his talent and how he transformed the music industry. BUT I just can't understand why masses of people all around the world are sobbing their eyes out because he died. I am in no way happy that he died. I feel that I'm more compassionate than your average person, and yet I have not shed one tear. I didn't cry when the prophet died, WHY would I cry when MJ died? I'm really just trying to understand it. I have to share a story. I was at Hobby Lobby last week and while one of the workers was cutting some fabric for me I listened to her talk to a fellow worker. She said, "Well, I guess I'm going to take a trip over to L.A. or Las Vegas, or wherever all that Michale Jackson stuff is going on. I guess I should pay my tribute.". SERIOUSLY??!! I am guessing this lady doesn't have all that much money. She is living all the way across the country and yet she's going to spend hard earned money to pay tribute to Michael Jackson!! I'm sorry, but that's insane! It didn't even sound like she cared that much about him, like she was a die hard fan. She just figured she better go do it. It seems Neverland is going to turn into some sort of Mecca and I just think that's wrong. Where are people's priorities?! And I'm not EVEN going to go into the whole "scary mask face" or child molestation charges. I DONT CARE that he wasn't convicted. You get a evil/manipulative lawyer and pay off the calloused parents millions of dollars and ANYBODY can get off of criminal charges. Cue OJ. Alright, that's all the time I'm going to waste on this! How did I get so off topic?! Back to my romantic anniversary, haha!

Well, on the drive over we passed the gigantic dam that Niagra River runs into. And of course we had to start the dam jokes. "Look at all that dam water!" "Stop taking so many dam pictures!" "Can you believe this dam road is so long?" Oops, I don't think that last one quite worked. Aren't Mormons the weirdest people ever?

And as we drove along the road that led into Niagra-on-the-Lake, we passed the most gorgeous mansions. Isn't this red amazing?

Not too shabby!

We parked by Queen's Royal Park and took in the beautiful scenery.

This is where the river meets Erie Lake. You can actually see the line where the current changes because the river meets the lake. Kind of cool.

 Fort Niagara is behind us.

You can see the skyscrapers of Toronto in the distance. At least we're pretty sure that's Toronto!

I guess they hold weddings here.

This is just a shot of "downtown". We walked along the street and peeked in the shops. Lot's of boutiques and art gallerys.

Not the cheapest place to get lunch... so we just got a pretzel and burger at this little shop. Collin was pretty content to eat his fingers and hang out in the Bjorn.

This is also where I found this bumper sticker! Haha! If you know me, you know why this is so hilarious. And if you don't know me, well, I think you just learned something new!

Before we left I really wanted to go on a carriage ride. What's more anniversaryish than that? So we walked up and asked how long the tours are and how much they cost. She said they do 15 min, 45 min. and hour long tours. "Oh, well we'd just like to do a 15 min. one". So she said, "That will be $45". My jaw literally dropped. She quickly assured me that is wasn't $45 a person, it was $45 for the whole carriage. OH, well that's WAY better! Not! I don't know what I was thinking! Alas, we will have to save the romantic carriage ride for a day that we're not thousands of dollars in debt. Sigh.

On the way home we stopped at a little Farmer's Market and sampled all of their exotic jams, dressings and sauces. Then I begged Trav to stop at one of the many winery's along the road. They offered tours and I've always been curious about vineyards and the whole process. So we went on a little tour and learned a couple of things about white vs. red wine, the maturation time, and how it's all harvested and pressed. Trav was sweet because he had absolutely zero interest in any of it, but went along with it because I wanted to. At the end they offered some wine tasting and we decided we probably shouldn't be rude, and tasted just a bit. Kidding! I know it was very strange of me to want to do all that when we don't drink, but I was just curious, OK! And I was perfectly content to buy some fudge from the gift shop and munch on that instead. I'll take chocolate over fermented grapes any day!

All those white boxes are just cartons of wine and the barrels hold the juice for about a year until it's bottled.

We got home in the early evening and got Collin to bed and then the Carters were nice enough to come over for a couple of hours while we went out to dinner. We've heard lots about the Melting Pot and there happens to be one just a few minutes from our house at the Galleria Mall, so we had to try it. When you walk in, it's so dark and quiet, I was a little thrown off. All the bottles of wine and leather couches made me think I was in a Mafia movie instead of a fondue restaurant. In relation to the previous debt mentioned we forwent the exotic meats and just ordered a cheese fondue, salads, and a dessert fondue. I guess wine was in the cards for today, because we didn't see much that didn't have sherry, beer, or *insert fancy wine name that I can't spell*. But it all burns off, right?

I'm actually glad we ordered what we did, because we were absolutely stuffed afterwards. I guess it was good, but definitely a place where you pay the big bucks for the atmostphere. I think I'd rather just invest in a $30 fondue pot and provide my own baby carrot sliced into three parts, 1/2 a chopped apple, and two smidgens of brownie.

I think I'd have to vote this anniversay as the best one yet and we thought it was funny that the universe was giving us little "love hints" throughout the day. For example, as we were getting ready to leave for the day, the T.V. had been left on and we suddenly realized that Rob Thomas was singing on The View. Our "song" is Ever the Same by Rob Thomas. Ironic? No, the universe was just wishing us a happy anniversay! And when we got to Queen's Park, I sat down to nurse Collin and this is what was on the back of the bench....

Now I don't know who the heck Sidney Smith is, but he was obviously a pretty romantic fellow.

And then last, but definitely my favorite, were the deer in the window that we passed while walking into the Melting Pot. Nothing like animals getting frisky to put you in the mood!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my husband? Well, it's true, I do! He is my best friend and the love of my life. I can't imagine my life without him! Here's to another three years, then maybe three more, and probably three more after that..... just keep going! :)

A Love of My Life- BooK CLuB!

As Travis is THE love of my life, I had to title this post just, A love of my life. But it's a pretty big love. I have been an addict of books for my entire life. My favorite place in the world as a kid was the Mesa Public Library (come to find out it was my twin sister's WORST place to go- right up there with the dreaded "Potteryland" [a creepy lot on Main St. filled with old pottery- not like we ever actually went there but still a place that haunts her memory apparently]) I remember asking what the limit was on books that I could check out and maxing out that limit every time. And even though it made me car sick, I would have my nose in the latest BabySitter's Club, or Sweet Valley Twins on the ride home. Reading has always been one of my favorite things to do. It even trumps sleeping in some cases. When it was time for bed and I just couldn't put down Nancy Drew, I would stuff it under my shirt, sneak in the bathroom and read as long as possible, until I was afraid my mom would suspect something and come bust me. (She thinks this is funny by the way because she doesn't remember me doing this- or really caring that I would read so late, for that matter) And I wonder if my dad remembers finding me crying at the kitchen table around 5am one morning during my junior year, as he's headed off to work for the day. I was finishing Gone With the Wind, and just HAD to finish it before going to bed. Luckily it was Spring Break and I didn't have school the next day!

So when I heard about a Book Club that some girls in the ward/neighborhood started, I was thrilled! I joined last fall and have only missed one book so far, due to a little 7lb 14oz munchkin that took up more time than I had anticipated in March! I finally got to host the monthly meeting last Thursday at my house and we had the best time. We were discussing Rachel's pick, These Is My Words, and had a great discussion. Collin was in bed before it started, so Trav took off for a while, then came home and hunkered down in the basement. Later, he told me that as he passed by the living room he heard a comment begin like, "Well I think the author meant .....". He kind of snickered as he told me this and I was left puzzled. "What's so funny about that?" Apparently the idea of a bunch of women gathered around discussing a book is quite humorous to him, in and of itself. I was indignant! I've dealt with Shelley's snickering about my books my whole life, but now my husband! Well, he quickly backtracked, assuring me he thought it was great that I loved it so much and he's happy that I'm in book club, blah blah blah, but he just thinks it's kinda funny. So maybe some of you reading this would side with Travis and understand where he's coming from, but I don't get it AT ALL. What's so different about discussing a book as opposed to talking about the latest movie you saw? Anyway, I guess us intellectuals are just not always understood. Haha.

I had to take a pic of all the pregnant ladies....

So I'm going to do just a quick summary/ opinion of the books we've read over these past several months.

These is My Words

I absolutely LOVED this book! It's a fictional story based loosely on the author's great- grandma's diary. It about a woman named Sarah Prine and takes place in the late 1800's in Arizona Territory. I think this book has it all, adventure, romance, tragedy, and comedy. I just can't fathom the trials that pioneers faced. It reminded me again to be grateful for the luxeries I take for granted such as modern medicine, technology, and travel. Excellent read!

The Five People You Meet in Heaven
I had read this book once before, several years ago, but I have the memory of a gnat, so I read it again. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't say it's a favorite. I think the message is that you affect people every day, even if you don't know it, and they affect you. I also think it reminds us to be happy with our lives even if we don't feel like we have contributed to the world in astounding ways. Ultimately, our lives affect the world if big ways, we just don't always see how far our impact goes.

I thought this book was a little odd. I plodded through it, but didn't really get too into it. It's told in a fable sort of way. It's about a boy seaking his "treasure". We're reminded that we all have our own destiny that we need to fulfill in life and to not get side tracked or swayed from reaching our destiny. I think books like this would mean more to me if I didn't have the gospel in my life. It seems that if you don't have religion or direction in your life, you might be more inspired by this book. To me it was just ho hum.

The Alchemist

This was a pretty thick book and one that took me several chapters before I really got into it. But by the time I finished it, I didn't want it to end! I had grown quite attached to Francie Nolan. It's a story about a girl growing up in Brooklyn in the late 1800's, early 1900's. It delvs into social issues, race and poverty. It's a fictional story, but the author grew up in Brooklyn during the same time period, so it's based off of her background and observances from her childhood. I guess it's a book that is often assigned in high school English classes, which I think is great. Every teenager in America should read this book and be reminded of how lucky they are to get an education and how valuable it is. I read it shortly after our trip to New York City, so I think that really helped me visualize a lot of the settings in the book. There were definitely some really weird parts that I just didn't understand, but overall I thought it was fantastic and would read it again!

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

This was my first Jody Picult book and I found it very intruging. I guess she's known for her controversial topics and surprise endings and this story certainly fit the bill! It's about a family that genetically "created" a baby to fit their oldest daughter who has cancer. The purpose being that the baby's blood/genes/cells would match her sister's and therefore be a perfect donor, when needed. Well the baby grows up and basically sues her parents for the rights to her own body, so she doesn't have to donate the latest request, a kidney. It was a really compelling story and at first I was excited to find out about the movie they are making about it, but I don't know if I can go see it! It just looks too sad. I tear up whenever I see a preview, so I know it would be a major bawl fest if I actually saw the whole thing. I think my hormones have taken a turn for the worst with the birth of Collin!

My Sister's Keeper

Well after My Sister's Keeper, I decided to read Nineteen Minutes. (The next four books weren't part of book club- just books I decided to read inbetween) This is about a boy who is bullied so badly, all through elementary, junior high, and high school, that he ends up "shooting up" his high school. The book works in flashbacks, revealving the boy's tormented life and his final breakdown. Even while it was a page turner, I found it so hard to read in parts. Well, most parts! My heart ached for the poor kid and of course it ends so badly. It was one of those books that you're not sure if it was worth it to read it, because of how sad it is! However, I kind of think all teenagers should read it, so they understand how even a little teasing can really affect someone's life. It definitely teaches compassion, which high schools certainly lack these days.

Nineteen Minutes

Pope Joan

This was a pretty long book also, but definitely a page turner. I thought it was very feministic. It was graphic in parts though, which made it hard for me to read. It's set in the 9th century and blows the mind with how backward the world was then. Everything was "God's will" and no one used reason. Women were considered beyond inferior, and were refused any type education. Rape wasn't a crime because men could do whatever they wanted and it was always justified. I think my hormones probably played a role in my repulsion of some parts which makes it hard for me to recommend this book to others, although I'm sure most people would consider it a great book.

The O'Reilly Factor
Well, I so admire my cousin, Leah, for being so political and I wanted to make an attempt to join her! We don't have cable, and therefore no access to Fox News, so I decided to read the O'Reilly Factor. It was a lot of fun to read his opinions and his stories poking fun at celebrities and many ridiculous aspects of living in America, but I don't know that I learned much about politics....

A Mother's Book of Secrets

My mother-in-law gave me this book for Mother's Day and I'll be honest, I wasn't thrilled about reading it. I guess I thought it would be sappy or full of "fluffy" advice, but I have to admit, I really enjoyed it! There were some funny stories, interesting ideas, and great advice. I'm glad I own it now, because I'll want to reread it in five to ten years and use all the neat ideas that are more applicable to older kids and bigger families.

Let Freedom Ring!

Yea for the Fourth of July! I feel so blessed to live in this country. What an enormous blessing!

Today was so much fun, I couldn't have planned it any better. And the icing on the cake.... Hawaii is still in one piece! Thanks, North Korea, for not blowing us up!

Trav and I started off the day with a little jog around the neighborhood. It was beautiful weather- topping out at 68 degrees- not exactly summer weather, but we enjoyed it! Then we had some friends over to eat brunch. We made waffles topped with red, white, and blue- strawberries, whipped cream, and blueberries.

Here's Collin sporting his festive outfit. Grandma Evans sent the hat in a package we got this week.
Collin got his first "sunburn" this morning while we ate outside. Crazy because we were only out for less than an hour and it wasn't even sunny! So I put a dab of aloe gel on his head, and spiked up his hair in the process. :)

After brunch, Collin went down for a nap and so did we! Then we visited a new family in the ward whose starting dental school this year. His wife had a baby boy on March 27 so they're just two weeks apart.

We also joined in watching the morbid spectatorship of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. I couldn't help but think of the old mother adage "There are starving children in Africa!" while Chestnut and others put down 50 + hotdogs in 10 minutes. Of course, first they dunk them in water or other concocted liquids before shoving them down their sordid throats. *Insert dry heaving noise* But gosh darn, aren't we proud that an American won this patriot- waste- of- time competition?!

Then tonight we went to our ward BBQ at the Stake Center. It turned out to be really fun and we got to visit with a lot of people. And nothing beats free food, right? :) And best yet, I finally got to play some Kan Jam! Thanks to Creed for bringing it!

I had to snap a pic of Briste with her new baby, Ivy. She is so adorable!

Then we went to watch the fireworks with the Cardons in a field near our house. There were at least four different displays going on around us and we had a great time just visiting and watching the sky. You can even see some fireworks in the background on the right. Last year, we went to this exact same spot and Tiff was 9 months pregnant and ended up going into labor that night. So Maddie's first birthday is tomorrow!

So the Collinator got to bed a bit later than usual, but he didn't seem to mind one bit! As long as he got a kiss from Dad :)

One Year In The Buff

Can you believe it?! I can't. It's now been one year since we left the land of the sun for the frozen tundra of the east. And you know, we've actually had a blast. However, there were just a few things we had to adjust to once we began our lives in the Buff....

First of all, the obvious- four seasons! We went from summer green....

to beautiful fall....

to just plain miserble! Yeah, I think I'll just change the name from winter to miserable. It fits.

To Spring! The tulips were wimpy and didn't last through one windy day, but now we have roses a bloomin'!

And right along with nature comes... wildlife! Yes, I'll call it that because I didn't see furry creatures like this in AZ unless we were camping or up north. It was SO WEIRD to me to see squirrels running along the trees like they lived here or something. Trav had been here a week before I moved out, and probably the second day I mentioned to him how I had seen a squirrel and "isn't that crazy??" He said, "Yeah, but have you seen the bunnies?" I laughed out loud. And then I said, "Oh yeah, right! Like there are BUNNIES just hopping around! What, do you really think I'd fall for that one?" Well I guess I should have, because he was telling the truth. It's like living in a storybook or something. EXCEPT for....

these nasty creatures!! Oh yes, this is a centipede. And I have yet to take a pic of a live one in our house, but the dead ones just don't give you the full effect. There is a dead one in our basement right now that looks just like this picture. It's disturbing. I literally have goosebumps all over my body just looking at this! It gives me the willies! I seriously think they are more evil than scorpions. And they are FAST! That's actually the best part about winter, no more centipedes! Blah!

Ok, other adjustments. Well if this gives you any hints.... this is the book section of Walmart. There are maybe two sections of just regular books, then about four sections dedicated to African Americans. I know I'm going to sound naive slash stupid, but after a week out here I told Trav I wish I could take a picture of how many black people are out here! It's just that, living in AZ there are tons of Mexicans and it was weird to not see any for weeks- it's like they switched places. Sorry that this not PC, but it's the truth!

BUG! I HATE toll booths! Just to drive to Palmyra it costs about $7 in tolls. And out here they don't call them "freeways", they call them "thruways". We thought that was weird until we realized... well, they certainly aren't "free", so I guess thats why they're "thruways". Maybe they should just call them "payways". Bad joke.

And this was the price of gas last summer on July 1. Western NY is known for having some of the highest gas prices in the COUNTRY! Ridiculous.

One thing we LOVE about this place is Wegmans (or Wegelmans, as Trav calls it). It's the bomb. And it was rated #1 grocery store in the nation, when compared with 59 other chains across the country. It even beat out Trader Joes. They have the best sub sandwiches and just check out their candy isle! And that's only one side of it. This place will be sorely missed when we have to move. They definitely need to expand to the west coast.A negative aspect of grocery shopping... no corn tortillas! We searched and searched. We're used to the bread isle having a plethera of tortillas to choose from. Not here. A few measly bags of flour tortillas. We finally found some in the sparse "Mexican" section, on the bottom shelf, waaaay in the back. Buffalo is also lacking in good Mexican restaurants. What I wouldn't give for a Gecko Grill....

And exactly one year ago I found out I was pregnant with this little guy! Life has just never been the same since July 1, 2008. What a blessing!