kay pea

Christmas

2011-12-30T23:09:00.001-08:00

We had an amazing Christmas. We spent it with Craig’s family in Iowa and although it was strange to not be with my family and I missed them a lot, we enjoyed time with the Pearson clan. It helped that they spoiled us rotten.

{Genevieve searching for Santa}

{Decorating the Tree} My mother-in-law had the cutest idea of decorating the tree with the kids old toys.

Christmas eve Craig made yummy Café Rio style pork for dinner. The Pearson’s have the tradition of sitting around the lit tree and sing Christmas carols together. Then we had dobosh torte for dessert, another family tradition. (I wasn’t very good at taking very many pictures, we were having too much fun.) Christmas day we woke up bright and early and opened our stockings. I had the first Christmas miracle of the day, when to my great surprise, Muppet Christmas Carol was there.

After we ate a delicious breakfast, we got ready to attend church. I liked spreading the day out so the Christmas cheer could last all day, although I was getting antsy to open presents by the end of sacrament meeting.

Everyone loved their gifts, and Craig’s tablet finally got here today so he is one happy boy. Later that night we ate a delicious roast beef with the Elders and watched Muppet Christmas Carol.

A big thank you to Mom and Dad Pearson for making this a great Christmas.

Now, here’s looking forward to a fantastic new year.

Wedding Bells

2011-12-24T10:23:00.001-08:00

Tiffany and Josh {12.17.2011}

My little sister got married last week. She was stunning, I mean look at her. They were married in the St. George Temple and it was a beautiful ceremony. I kept catching her glance, and that little stinker kept making me cry. I am going to miss her like crazy.

My mom rented a condo for the weekend. It was luxury living and so nice to be all together and help the bride get ready with the family surrounding her. It was snug with our giant family all there, but that’s how we like it.

Whistle While you Work

2011-12-23T08:26:00.001-08:00

We were very busy the week of the move. We had my cousin’s wedding, then cleaning/packing the next day, then leaving for my sister’s wedding the day after that. Luckily I had my mom in town to help. She is super woman. Thank you Mom!! We wouldn’t have been able to get it done without her.

The craziness has finally subsided as we are now chillin’ {and I do mean chillin’} at Craig’s parents house in Iowa for the next two weeks for Christmas.

We Made It

2011-12-21T19:26:00.001-08:00

I can’t believe after 4 long years, I live in Arizona again. My heart it so happy. There were tears shed saying goodbye to our friends and family back in Utah, but we are ready for this new chapter in our lives. Hooray!

Weekend of Lights

2011-12-04T19:29:00.001-08:00

I had a fantastic weekend. Friday night we went to see the play She Loves Me which was directed by our friend Courtney. After the play we stopped by the Riverwood Shops to see the fantastic lights and topped off the night with a cup of Stuff in a Bucket.

Saturday we headed up to Salt Lake City with our friends Kelly and Spencer to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square. We hit up the Church History Museum and learned how to do some Spanish dances in the kids section. It was awesome fun. After the museum we grabbed some dinner downtown at a yummy Italian place. Then finally we walked around Temple square to look at all the beautiful lights. AND we saw a couple get engaged, two actually.

And tonight I am watching Barbie Nutcracker. Classic. After the Christmas Devotional of course. I love this time of year.

I’ve started packing too. It is actually making me a lot more sad then I thought it would. These last four years here really have been some of the best years of my life, even though I missed my family and friends back in Arizona so much. But seriously, I’ve made so many friends that I will keep for life, not to mention a husband. This time of my life is coming to a close and I feel myself getting really nostalgic.

Mustache? What Mustache?

2011-12-03T12:00:00.001-08:00

Hello December and goodbye to Craig’s mustache. No matter how much I hate the mustache I always feel a little bad when he shaves it off. Look at that face, how can I not? But on the other hand I think the next 11 months of facial hair free Craig will soften the blow.

Goodbye November

2011-11-30T20:58:00.001-08:00

Day 30: Self Portrait

Hey remember that photo challenge I said I’d do? yeah, me either. Well I really sucked at keeping up with it, but I thought I’d humor you by doing the very last one.

Thanksgiving trip

2011-11-29T21:39:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I spent mine with family and enjoyed it so much. Only 3 more weeks until the move and I couldn’t be more excited!! I am so grateful for my wonderful family and friends who make our lives beautiful.

courtney comes to town

2011-11-19T08:47:00.001-08:00

My lovely friend Courtney came into to town for a short visit, but I was lucky enough to have her company for the evening, and then the next day too! Courtney moved at the end of the summer and I have missed her so much. We actually hadn’t been friends for too long before her move but we bonded over many similar situations in life. I love her face.

We did what we do best together, eat yummy food and had good conversation.

^{{ps. hey courtney, let’s skype soon.}}

What happens in Vegas…

2011-11-15T14:01:00.001-08:00

…goes on this blog.

My friend Kelly and I took a little road trip to Las Vegas over the weekend for our friend Nicole’s wedding. It was so fun and such a beautiful ceremony and reception. And there were FIREWORKS! {jealous} Plus we made a little stop to the Strip for some shopping and the Bellagio Fountains.

*************************************************************’

Photo Challenge continued, Vegas Style

Day 9: Inspiring Person {Mario, coolest plumber in the world}

Day 10: Hands {Alec Baldwin}

Day 11: Something Old {Zeus}

Day 12: Nature {Bellagio}

A Hair Cut

2011-11-08T22:43:00.001-08:00

Disclaimer to all my professional hair cutting friends/family: I DID NOT want to do this.

Craig had refused to go get his hair cut and was adamant I learned how to do it. It took him a couple weeks of begging. I finally took him seriously when he locked me out of the bathroom to cut his own hair.

I was so nervous and it took upwards of an hour to do. Yikes. It didn’t turn out as bad as I thought it would, although it was far from perfect. At least Craig was satisfied with the results, or so he says.

***Just don’t look too close :)

****************************************************************

Day 8: Favorite Color

yellow. {I love my wedding ring}

Day 7: Something Funny

2011-11-07T22:05:00.001-08:00

Oh Whoopi…

Day 6: Books

2011-11-06T16:30:00.001-08:00

“The person, be it gentlemen or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid” -Jane Austen

I Procrastinate

2011-11-05T16:22:00.001-07:00

Day 3: Happiness

Day 4: Leaves

Day 5: Morning Sky

Day 2: Smile

2011-11-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

... it's Movember.

Craig and his brothers do this every year. Usually it's Stachetober but this year they moved it to November. I personally dread this one month out of the year, but I'll give it to him, he is a pretty fabulous husband after all.

a challenge

2011-11-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a friend's blog today and I want to try it. It's a 30 day photo challenge and the original blog to make said challenge gives a list for what to capture each day. Here it goes and forgive me if I fail at posting the picture each day, it may be 3 every few days. :)

Day One: Favorite Food

Craig and I have both been sick the past couple days so our favorite foods have been Gatorade and saltines. Yum.

We have spent the past 48 hours on the couch watching Storage Wars and The Vampire Diaries. It was nice to have a partner with me on my sick bed/couch.

Everyone should try this, I want to see what pictures you take.

Flashback Friday: Costumes of Halloween Past

2011-10-28T17:33:00.001-07:00

What’s my favorite part of Halloween you ask? Dressing up of course!

To this day, my absolute favorite costume was a gypsy. I was probably around 10 or 12. We had a neighbor who had a closet full of costumes for the picking. The reason I fell in love with this costume was because of the spectacular jewelry that went along with it. I can still remember this one necklace that felt like a giant cork, with a mysterious symbol covering it. I still think about being a gypsy every year, but I just don’t think I could top that 10/12 year old Kelsey, so I don’t try.

Enjoy our past Halloween costumes.

{2010 Warlock & Witch}

{2009- Nerd Fairy & Farmer???}

I was part of this group costume of nerd fairies. Also, I’ve really helped Craig get better at dressing up, I’m not even going to show you what he was in 2008. Too disturbing.

{2008 Sexy Hunchback}

Craig likes to make fun of me to this day about this costume. But it has been one of my favorite costumes! Brooke and I were trying to be ironic, you know, think of one of the least sexy things and go for it. After all, what is Halloween except for an excuse to slut out? (sarcasm) But as you can see by the end of the night we reverted to what a hunchback really is.

Well never mind, I am showing you a picture of Craig being a real creep. Seriously, that is what he went as, a creep.

{2007 Witch/Pirate}

I was going for a witch but when I took of the hat people kept guessing pirate, so I took off one earring and went for it. I am with my friend Jeniece (mechanic). We went to a big YSA party where my brother-in-law was playing with his band.

{Childhood}

Craig’s past costumes include:

dinosaur
school boy (to maximize candy storage)
hobo
Frankenstein
Ninja Turtle

{Craig is the one in the middle, freaking cute.}

As you can see we recycled costumes between us sisters many a times. And I think they all came from past dance recitals. Oh yeah! These pictures make me smile. I had an awesome childhood.

{Happy Hauntings}

Mad Hatter Tea Party: The Costumes

2011-10-25T22:09:00.001-07:00

We both have fabulous friends. Some people showed up dressed with the Wonderland theme, while others wore their Halloween best. Dressing up is by far the best part of Halloween and I had a lot of fun with my costume this year. I got much of my costume from DI, but the thing I had the most fun with was making my top hat.

{Lindsey-March Hare, Me-Mad Hatter, Natalli & Jacob- Twiddledee & Twiddledum}

{Megan- Red Queen, Elijah- Caterpillar/Absolem, Adam- Dwight}

{Mr. & Mrs. Mad Hatter}

{Kelly & Spencer- Playing Cards, Caroline & Josue- Mad Hatters}

{Chris & Sadie- Dracula and Bride, Cameron- Facebook BYU Fan Page}

{Justin & Nathan- Puppies}

I must say how impressed I was with everyone’s costumes. Great work friends.

We’re All Mad Here

2011-10-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

The Décor

My friend Megan and I threw a very un-Halloween Tea/Dinner Party this past Saturday. We have been planning it for a month and it came together beautifully. I was so pleased with the results. I got the idea back in September while looking through a Better Homes and Garden magazine and knew I had to throw a Wonderland Halloween party.

The décor was an accumulation of DI finds, random goodies around our apartments, free printables online, lots of craft days and my Aunt Joyce’s treasure trove of vintage table cloths, plates, and tea cups.

Beautiful, if I may say so myself. The pictures don’t do it justice.

Family Trip Continued...

2011-10-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

Here is the rest of our weekend pictures. Most of our trip was spent watching Sister Wives, eating out at our favorite places like Guru's, Zupas, The Chocolate, hanging out with extended family and seeing the beautiful fall leaves up Provo Canyon. The best part about my family is that we are easily entertained and just need each other to have a good time. I love you all and thank you thank you for coming to see me.

The Kelsey Trip

2011-10-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

This trip was all about me, and I like that. My family means so much to me. I liked showing them my life and having them here. They know me better than anyone else and can make me laugh until I cry. I already miss them like crazy.

We went to Gardner Village on Friday to see the Witches. It's so festive, I wanted everything I saw but demonstrated beautiful self control. Have I mentioned that I love Halloween?

My witchin' mom

brother, Mason

Paisley and Karington

Craig getting roped into taking pictures, this happened a lot.

sister, Amy

Mom, Amy, Paisley, Lindsey, Me, Mary, Karington

He's Famous!

2011-10-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Craig made the front page of BYU's Newspaper! I am so proud of him, I'll be stealing about 10 copies of the newspaper today. AND he looks so hot in his picture too. Read the article here.

Also, my weekend with my family was amazing. I miss them so much already. I'll post pictures soon.

Happy Monday.

Hole in One

2011-10-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

Last month we went on a double date with my cousin Cameron and wife Kaylie. Cameron and I have always been really close but since we've both gotten married and what not we don't get to see each other very often and it makes me sad. It was so fun to just hang out again, make yummy dinner together and play us some mini-golf. Overall most of us were really really bad, but we all managed to get a hole in one.

My pompous stance where I conquered the hole in one.

Also, my Mommy, Mason, Lindsey and Amy {with their babies} are coming to visit me!!! They get here tonight and it is going to be the best weekend ever. Hope everyone has a great weekend and be jealous that mine's already started.

Horrific

2011-10-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

The other night I was getting ready for bed after Craig had gone to sleep. I had seen the preview for the new paranormal activity movie earlier that day that had a clip of bloody mary. My imagination tends to run wild. Since Craig was already asleep I needed to turn off the lights in the bathroom and run for dear life to our bedroom and get under the covers before anyone or anything could catch me.

I lunge for the bed {heart pounding} and land right on a sleeping Craig. Needless to say I woke him up and he wasn't very happy. But at least I got to bed safe and sound. He ended up being awake until around 1:30 because of my shenanigans. Oops. And tonight I convinced him to watch The Others with me. I have a feeling he's going to have to watch me brush my teeth and tuck me into bed tonight, just in case.

Yummy

2011-10-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

This is the dinner we made on our date night. I seriously freaked out the first time I made it, it was soo good. I felt like a real chef. And if you know me you know I hate cooking, partly because I suck at it and partly because it takes too long. But not this time, it was so easy to make and took hardly any time. I'm so proud of myself for making my time on pinterest worth while.

Do try it, you will not regret it.

Chicken bruschetta and roasted green beans.

On a Rainy Evening

2011-10-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

It was a cold rainy/snowy weekend for us. It was one of those weekends you just want to snuggle up with your honey in the warm apartment. Friday night we stayed in and made a delicious dinner I found on pinterest, second time we've made it now. Oh my yummy.

Next on the menu was a sugar coma. One of the good things about cold weather is Stuff in a Bucket, a delicious hot drink that puts hot cocoa to shame. Recipe here. We also had donuts and to-die-for peanut butter chocolate popcorn.

For a nice snuggly place to watch our movie we made a blanket fort. It was so cozy and a fun way to mix up the old dinner and movie date. We watched Chocolat, {one of my favorites} and chowed down. It was so fun and a much needed date with just the two of us. It was a good reminder for me of the importance of taking time to date your spouse.

Hey Craig, let's do that again!

Flashback Friday: Falling for You

2011-09-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

This time each year is so nostalgic for me. I don't know what it is but it takes me right back to my first semester that I moved to Provo. I was still getting use to the place. Brooke and I still pretty much only had each other, but my friendship with Becca and Cassie was growing AND I started dating Craig for the first time.

Most of you know that our first go around was anything less than successful. I was in a weird place and he was just weird. {I say that in love}. But I do have some music that I loved to listen to so anytime these songs come on I think of Fall and dating Craig.

-Anything Regina Spektor (Samson is a favorite though.)

-Mother, We Just Can't Get Enough (This one in particular reminds me of riding the bus everywhere too.)

The bus was so cramped when it got cold.

-Superhuman by Chris Brown. (This one makes me laugh.)

And now I'm realizing these songs make it seem like I was obsessed with him...

Well, that's all. You can see what I thought back then here and here.

Happy Fall, I'll be decorating for Halloween tomorrow!!

Craftastic

2011-09-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Provo School District had no school on Monday so I got an extra long weekend. Since Craig is a hard working man, I had a lot of time to kill, so I spent most of the weekend with my friend Megan. We had her over for dinner on Friday (I made meatloaf.) I also spent most of Saturday and Monday with her crafting up a storm, and getting ready for our Halloween party!! {more on that later}

Yesterday I made this little beauty. I got the wood at DI and knobs at Hobby Lobby. I had the spray paint already so I just painted the wood, had Craig drill the holes, put in the knobs and voila! So simple, but I'm so happy with the end product. I might actually wear necklaces more now that I don't have to untangle them every time I go to put one on.

Cute Little Cuss

2011-09-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

We recently got a new upstairs neighbor AND she has the cutest dog named Holli. This works out really well for me, because I really want a dog but it's just not in the cards for us right now. We've taken care of Holli a couple of times and I'm in love. I think she likes Craig more than me. Apparently not only is he great with kids, but dogs really take to him as well.

Also, I guess being puppy hungry is your subconscious way of being baby hungry. I've been teased about this twice. I almost deleted my cute animals page on pinterest just to prove them wrong, but I just couldn't do it. They are so gosh darn cute. How could my subconscious betray me like this?! It's just rude.

Oh and I quit Edible Arrangements. Surprise, surprise.

Happy Monday.

I'm a Fashionista

2011-09-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

I got a new job. Well a second job. At Edible Arrangements.

Aren't I sexy? Oh yeah, hairnet included.

Tricked ya! This is how I'm feeling for real. My feet kill, the hair net is a little too lunch lady for me. And my hands are so dry from the constant washing and re-washing. All that for a very tiny amount of pay. It's not all bad, some of it is fun but the long cleaning list is overshadowing that fact. I don't know what I think yet... I'll get back to you.

All I know is it is a little too reminiscent of my days at Macey's. But at least then I could do my hair other than a ponytail.

A Little Photo Shoot

2011-09-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

I really liked the idea of having an anniversary photo shoot, so our lovely friend Courtney was nice enough to take these pictures of us. I am so so so happy with how they turned out. We may have to do this every year!

There were way more than what I showed, but I tried to show some self control. Seriously thank you thank you Courtney for doing this. Love them all.

Planking

2011-09-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

I'm not making this up. It's a thing. Go ahead, google it, wiki it. {or maybe everyone already knew it was a thing and I'm like way behind on the cool things kids do these days}

I'm not going to lie, it sounded dirty when I first heard it, but then I saw it and laughed. So this is what we decided to do with our Friday night. Try it. I know you want to.

Look What I Made

2011-09-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

It's my new favorite thing in my wardrobe.
Tutorial here.

disclaimer: I can't sew, I couldn't have done it without my sis-in-law Becky :)

Flashback Friday: Embarrassing

2011-09-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Last summer, part of preparations for our wedding included me tanning. {totally addicting, I loved it so much. Too bad.} Anyway, so the parts of my body that weren't use to seeing the sun obviously got very burned. Including my tooshie. It was burned to a crispy with a really funny tan line. TMI? Well with me being in AZ and my room mates in Utah, I naturally wanted to take a picture of my bum and to show off how funny it looked.

Well the week before the wedding arrived and all our relatives were starting to come into town. My aunt and uncle (who shall not be named to conceal their identity and avoid shame) were over and I wanted to show them some pictures from our pre wedding shoot on the computer. Do you all see where this is going? As I'm flipping through the pictures a picture of my bright red buttocks flashes onto the screen. GASP. I react appropriately with a squeal and shut the computer closed. Pretty sure my face was as bright as my bum. They laughed really hard. And I obviously had to explain myself so I awkwardly had to tell them why I had a picture of my own butt on my computer.

Luckily I am really close to said Aunt and Uncle. They are like a second mom and dad to me. So not as bad as it could have been, right? Wait, what am I saying? It is still really really bad.

The end.

Iowa: Part 2

2011-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

In Iowa we made a little stop to Davenport to spend the afternoon with my cousin Keara and her cute cute kiddos. Seriously funniest children. It's no surprise because Keara happens to be a very funny girl herself. It was so nice to catch up on each others lives and just have fun together again. I have such great memories playing polly pockets and dress up with her and her sisters when I was little.

The night before there was an awesome storm with loud thunder and lightening that woke me up in the wee hours of the morning. When I woke up I realized I had to pee but I was too scared to go by myself. So I nudged Craig,

"Craig I'm scared. Are there tornadoes here?"
Craig, sleepily, "Yes." Wha????
"I have to go to the bathroom will you go with me?"
He proceeds to get up and take me to the bathroom.
Haha. I'm such a baby. My sleepy mind couldn't handle the possibility of a twister sucking me out the window alone.

Iowa Part 1

2011-09-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

Our last vacation this summer was spent in Iowa with Craig's family. We had so much fun hanging out with everyone. One night we went to a Kernel's baseball game where I caught a fly foam baseball and Craig caught a t-shirt from the shirt gun. What up! Hot dogs, nachos, sneaking in peanuts and beer spilled on Genevieve's head made the experience complete.

And I got to experience Amish Country for the first time! I forgot everything my mother taught me and stared at everyone. BTW the Amish provide some delicious candies in their stores. We got raspberry yogurt covered pretzels and seriously the best peach o's I have ever tasted. Yummy.

It was a delightful trip and so good to see everyone.

Flashback Friday

2011-09-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a little fact about me, I have a terrible memory. It is a little frightening to me how little I remember things from my past and I love my life and want to remember it all, which is a big reason I love to blog so I can remember the little things. So my new idea is to do a Flashback Friday each week, where I will dig deep into my memories and pull out something I remember, hoping that it will stir something in my little brain and memories of my life will flood in :)

So, hello my name is Kayla. Well at least that is what I wanted desperately to be called when I was little. I had a friend who lived down the street and for whatever reason, I wanted her name! Every time we played house my name was Kayla. Ask any of my relatives and they can attest to this fact, which is testament to how often I proclaimed my new identity.

This picture was taken at my Grandma Willis' house in Mesa. We spent a lot of time over there and it was heaven! My little ponies, playing in wheat, swimming, grandma's red jello popsicles and the biggest backyard in the world. It was awesome!

I don't know when or why but the Kayla phase eventually wore off and I went back to being Kelsey.

Kayla (me), my Mom, cousin Cameron, cousin Bethany

addict

2011-09-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have learned (well always known but like to ignore the fact) that I am addicted to the internet. We have been without it since Friday and I didn't know what to do with myself! I have played a lot of Plants vs. Zombies to kill time. I'm not always such a bum, but I don't start work until Tuesday so I have a lot of time on my hands. And we won't have the internet until next Wednesday!

How am I blogging you ask? I am chilling with Aunt Joyce today because not only do we have the internet fiasco, but we are also without power and water. Fun.

However, last night we discovered we could indeed connect with the rest of society by going outside to bum off someone else's internet :) YAY! So what did we watch after no netflix for days?

That's right, Phineas and Ferb.
It was pretty fun to be outdoors, except when a daddy long leg scampered across my arm.

Hilarious.

Also, I have spent most of this week helping my lovely visiting teacher turned friend, Courtney, move. I love her so much and she will be dearly missed. {Side note: we are both Passey's! I think that's why we bonded so well. We Passey girls gots to stick together!!!}

Wish me luck in my time travel back to when there was no internet, power, or indoor plumbing.
Sweet.

road trip

2011-08-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

I did it! I survived the 20 hour drive home. We just got back from our trip to Iowa to visit Mom and Dad Pearson. It was a lovely trip and Craig was a happy boy to be spending so much time with his family.

Before I go rest my aching road trip body, I wanted to share my latest musical obsession, Mr. Johnny Cash. I don't really know what brought it up, but he is serenading me now on his newly created Pandora station. He is one sexy singer. Oh and I remember now! It was from watching The Help and it had Jackson playing. Also a fabulous book/movie which everyone should read/see, in that order.

School starts on Monday for Craig, and so our summer is coming to a close. I will miss it very much.

So let us have Mr. Cash sing us to sleep, shall we?

Miss G

2011-08-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Our cute niece Genevieve was in town with her parents from Minnesota. She is such a goofball and very hard to say no to! She just asks with this cute little voice and you can't help but say yes. She is definitely the center of attention in the Pearson clan. We love our Miss G.

love at second sight

2011-08-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

We had the most amazing time this past weekend in Park City. Seriously, we were there for less than 24 hours but made the most of our get away.

Craig and I checked into our hotel and were pleasantly surprised by the double doors and knew it was going to be much better than expected. We opened the doors and the room was huge. But the best surprise was when we saw the huge heart shaped bath tub! Dumb and Dumber, anyone? If only it was red, that would have been perfection. It's all I've ever wanted out of a hotel room.

After we checked in we went shopping at the outlet mall. Awesome. I got some pants for $6 and we both got shoes at Vans.

Dinner was so delicious. I got the ribs with mashed potatoes and green beans. I am drooling now just thinking about it all. The meat just fell right off the bone. Oh my.

Then we headed back to our hotel room for our couples massage. Wowsa. Do you not see how this is the best vacation ever?

The next day we had Belgium Waffles for breakfast at the hotel then got ready and went to ride the alpine coaster. It was a hard decision between the alpine slide, coaster, and zip line. I'm very pleased with our decision. Fast and fun.

I am so happy with our life together. This past year has been really hard but also I am learning so much about myself and my best friend. Craig is such a great husband. He treats me so well and knows how to make me laugh and feel better when I'm down. I am so glad marriage seems to get better with time. I welcome our many years together to come.

weekend update

2011-08-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

we had a fabulous weekend spent with friends.
friday night we had dinner with becca and aaron at the pizza factory and their delicious twisty breadsticks. then we headed to their place to watch another year. boring. so we ditched that and watched chaos theory {much better} and ate cake shakes, courtesy of craig's birthday cake.

{we are really going to miss them}

saturday we hung out at brenton's new house! {super jealous} we ate cafe rio style pork salad and watched rio, and lots of monopoly deal. our current obsession.

i also attempted a refashion. FAIL! i am a dummy and used permanent marker to make some marks of where to take it in. it was over before i could even begin. i will make another attempt later once i brush up on some sewing skills.

also, craig is sick today

so i'll be nursing him back to health

with powerade, saltines, and chicken noodle soup.

he is camped out in front of the t.v

. on our mattress.

poor guy :(

Craig's Birthday

2011-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

I would have to say that Craig's Birthday was a success.

We woke up early to have breakfast at Kneader's with Neal and Nathan

{the french toast is to die for}

Saw X-Men First Class at Movies 8

Had dinner at Magleby's {him burger, me chicken marsala}

and cake and ice cream with friends

I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep

from all that partying!

Happy Birthday, again, Craig

{I love you}

thanks for being born

bosom buddies

2011-08-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

this past weekend I got to spend one last hoorah with Becca and Cassie.

it has been a long time since just the three of us got together and it was so nice to have girl time with them.

I met Cassie and Becca when I moved into Raintree not knowing a soul. They thought my name was Lindsey and that I was 25 years old. What???

I actually prayed really hard for these two. Back when living with my Aunt Mary I was so nervous about moving to Provo and not knowing any of my roommates. And a lot of strange things happened to lead up to this point. I was all set to live with someone from back home, but she bailed on me. Then the apartment complex called me saying someone was hoping to switch apartments with me so she could be with her friends. So as I was being bartered off I had no idea it was just leading me to these girls. Hence, why they thought I was a 25 yr old, Lindsey.

Well needless to say we hit it off, and later we were joined by Brooke, Lindsey, and Mackenzie and we became a close knit group.

These two have changed my life for the better. They made Provo life so very wonderful and are some of the reasons why I will never regret living in Utah for WAY longer than expected. They also happen to be the reasons why I met Craig!

Weekend activities include:

Monopoly Deal {a lot of it}

Green Show

Shopping

Food

Face Masks

Attempting to watch How Do You Know {failed, so boring}

Talking way too loud about inappropriate things at Cafe Rio {this is typical}

So yeah, friends for life.

nothing good ends unless it ends badly...

2011-08-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you Ben for that oh so true statement. {Hang in there buddy, you're time is coming...}

My time working at the HLRC is coming to a close. Next Wednesday is my last day, but tonight is Brooke and I's last shift together! We have enjoyed our Thursday nights together immensely and I will miss them terribly. Most of my work buddies have already come and gone, none of my coworkers who were here when I started way back in fall of 2008, are here anymore. But this place has been my little corner of BYU and I will miss it.

Harold is pretty much the coolest boss in the world. He has a beard, which in case you didn't know, isn't usually allowed on campus but he is a REBEL! {actually he has permission and a beard card to show it}. BUT he is a rock star none the less. Sweetest man ever, who tolerates a lot from our shenanigans.

Things I will miss include:
Zuma
Watching my TV shows for a living
Reading
Taking silly pictures
Taking silly dance videos
Dancing on the countertops {shhhh don't tell}
My awesome co-workers past and present {mostly}
Morning meeting Hot Pocket breakfasts
girl milk (that sounds wrong, but it is pink milk)
Even being asked 1,257.4 times a day, "how do i get my headphones to work?"

Thank you for the memories :)

25

2011-08-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Craig!!!

Dear Craig,

Thank you for being in my life. I cannot believe how much I could love one person {you}. I can honestly say I love you more and more each day. You are teaching me how to become a better me. Thank you for being an amazing husband, because of you I know how a woman should be treated. I am so happy with our lives together and look forward to our future. You are my rock. I won!!

Love,
Me

we so excited

2011-07-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

It's the weekend!

I have big plans of hanging out with some

church friends tonight eating Craig's awesome BBQ pizza

and playing badminton

spending a girls weekend with Cassie and Becca

in Cedar City

AND

Celebrating our 1st Anniversary!!! Has it really been a year already?

I'll grace you with a really long post on

how much I love Craig

on another date...

{at the beach on our honeymoon}

Happy weekend friends.

sometimes i try to be cool

2011-07-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

and this is what happens instead.

craig and i had work off on

monday so we had a picnic up provo canyon.

we got sandwiches and chips

at days market then hopped in the rav4

with the windows down and enjoyed the ride.

the bugs decided to join us so we ate super fast

(actually we are ridiculously fast eaters anyway,

we're talking in and out of a sit down restaurant

within 30 minutes if the service is fast enough)

then we headed up a trail for a little "hike."

i'm sure craig wishes i was more athletic but i like to stop

and smell the roses.

did you know that we turn 1 on sunday?!

i sure love this husband of mine.

Big Love

2011-07-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

family time with the willis clan

one of my favorite parts

of living in provo

is getting to spend time with my

extended family

i will miss them very much
after we go

1-teyton, chris, craig

2&4-the whole fam, chillin

3-grandma and kaylie

5&6- playing time's up!

7&8- fireworks, pioneer day style

Harry Potter 7.2

2011-07-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

I feel as if my childhood is over!

We saw the final HP movie Saturday

with Austin, Brooke, and Tyler.

It was AMAZING.

I may have shed a tear.

As Tyler pointed out,

we may look more like John Lennon

than Harry Potter

hmmmm, now what?

life's a beach

2011-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

{more vacation photos}

we also went to la jolla cove

but because I was off snorkeling i didn't get any pictures.

I guess that is what happens when you are having too much fun.

brooke, lou, austin, mason and I

went off to boogie board one evening after returning from

la jolla cove. while we were there we searched for

sand crabs. we had no idea what we were looking for until

a nice man pointed us in the right direction.

we only found baby ones but later that night

we headed back with the entire family and found huge sand crabs!

it is so creepy to have them crawling around in your hands.

jeff likened them to cockroaches.

poor preston had a rough time, as you can see with his beat up face.

austin catching waves

dinner with a big pizza to match a big family

san diego temple

mason and craig outside the mormon battalion center

lunch in old town san diego

we headed into san diego the last day of our trip

to visit the mormon battalion center as well as the san diego temple

Thank you mommy
for the amazing trip. I love my family so much.
I always know our trips will be full of non stop fun
and loads of laughter.

a family vacation

2011-07-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

the family

headed for our family vacation to

encinitas, california

we stayed at the moonlight motel just

a couple blocks away from the beach.

we had the best time ever.

i am already having vacation

withdrawals.

I have a sweet tan and in the words

of my brother austin,

"hundreds of pictures in my heart"

but i will share with you the actual camera photos

heading to dinner the first night

dinner at the ridiculously expensive
restaurant with tasteless mexican cuisine.
However, the atmosphere was good and so were the people.

we spent all day everyday at the beach

i was in the water basically the entire time.

we had the best time boogie boarding.

brooke, amy, me

please note me crashing in the background.
good camera work, craig.

4th of July

2011-07-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

We spent the 4th with

my Dad, Gail, and company

at Liberty Park

we had a blast riding the

ferris wheel

swings

and carousel

other than the fact that it rained

most of the day it was so fun to spend

time with our family.

Fireworks and BBQs

2011-07-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Our little apartment has

VIP seating for the Stadium of Fire

Fireworks display

Friday night we had a little bbq

with some of our close friends/family.

Since alot of them will be moving at the end of the summer

these last few times we get to hang out

are very special to us.

Dad, Gail and our Montana siblings even came

We had an awesome time playing badminton

eating food, playing with sparklers

and watching the fireworks.

Dad, Gail and our Montana siblings even came

for fireworks.

Happy 4th of July!

Rooftop Concert

2011-07-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Friday night we (craig, me, brooke, austin and tyler)

headed to Provo's Rooftop Concert Series

Best of all is that it was free

Being poor college kids, we like this kind of entertainment!

The concert was made up of covers of beatles songs

by local bands.

Even local blogging celebrity, NieNie

showed up with her family.

{i'll admit, i was starstruck}

we had a rockin' time.

Mad Props

2011-06-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

As always, Brooke and I keeping busy at work.

Thanks to ohhappyday for the props!

Wasting Time

2011-06-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

This is how I like to waste my time online.

online shopping

reality tv

it's my online window shopping

blog stalking

if you have any great online time-wasters, do share!

I feel fat?

2011-06-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

I found this note on my magazine this morning when I came into work.

Rude.

Please note that I read a wonderful article about the wombtube aka where women video their live pregnancy tests for all of youtube to see. It is really awkward to watch and I enjoy it a lot.

Our Day Jobs

2011-06-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

go here for inspiration of dance

{in case you're wondering, it's a marmot}

Biggest Loser

2011-06-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Tiffany came for a visit.

We spent most of the time watching Ghost Whisperer.

We did however decide to be active one morning and hiked the Y.

I felt like I should be on the Biggest Loser the way I huffed and puffed the entire hike.

My heart was racing and we stopped basically at every switch back.

Pathetic.

My view, from the end of the line

{me pouting}

Alas, we did make it to the top and the view was beautiful.

Still can't decide if it was worth it or not

I did decide that I need to get off my lazy butt more,

so I rode Roxie to work today.

Arizona: Chillin with the Fam

2011-06-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Most of the trip was just relaxing.
Craig joined me for the last few days of the trip.
The kids LOVE him. He is so fun to watch with them.

I spent alot of time coloring and doing word searches.
We also busted out Rock Band.

I had an amazing time.
Thank you family/friends for a great vaca.

Arizona: Tea Party

2011-06-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Spending time with Liberty and Paisley for a tea party

I think I liked it just as much as Liberty did. I was so happy to have use to my tea sets.

Such a little lady.

Arizona: Graduations

2011-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

I arrived home just in time for the graduations of Kallie from Kindergarten, and Tiffany from High School.

Kallie was so cute and gave me a preview of their song the night before.
I tried to bribe her to add a hand motion of a dove.
She didn't bite.

Proud Mommy.

She did it! Way to go Kallie, only about 15 more years of this :)

********

Tiffany-- 2011 MHS Grad!

Well since everyone decided to attend Mesa's graduation we had to sit out on the grass

even though we arrived an hour early.

We couldn't hear a thing. But we cheered for her anyway.

Liberty discovered the camera

What else do you do while waiting but take pictures of the adorable family.

Way to go Tiffy! So proud of you.

We went out to IHOP afterwards to treat ourselves to all that sitting around.
{the grad was already out with friends, so we celebrated by ourselves}

Love in the Air

2011-06-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends Becca and Aaron got married beginning of May. Becca is my lovely old roommate and current close friend. Craig and I got the opportunity to attend their sealing and I was a bridesmaid so we got to be at all the festivities.

Cassie stayed with us so it was one giant sleepover. I LOVE my friends here so much. We have so much fun together just being goofy. Actually, we were told often we make people feel awkward... We probably shouldn't, but we take it as a compliment.

Wedding dinner with Kelly and Cassie

Brenton and Mackenzie

Bridesmaids actually acting normal

As you can tell, normal isn't our thing. I love these girls so much and had a great weekend spending time together.

The after party

DNR

2011-05-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

We took our car in to get the break pads replaced and this is the outcome. The repairman just touched it and all the brake fluid leaked out. You see, our car was rusty, really really rusty. We knew it wouldn't last long but were sad to see it go so soon. The repairs would have cost more than she's worth so we had to let her go.

{We drove up to say our goodbyes to the car to find DNR written on the side of the car. It made me laugh.}

Home

2011-04-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

I love our little apartment.

I love how cozy it is.

I love our neighborhood and backyard.

I like our simple decorations.

Mostly I love that I share it with Craig.

This place will always be our first home together. I have a weird obsession with our bedroom wall. That strip of where the paint came off reveals some really old wallpaper. I think I like it because it just shows what character this place has. It makes me happy whenever I see it.

************

Side note: My current favorite song: "Rolling in the Deep" - Adele

Once There was a Snowman

2011-02-20T21:04:00.001-08:00

Craig and I woke up to snow this morning. Since church doesn't start until 1:00, we had some time to kill.

It was so fun to actually enjoy the snow, rather than curse it, like I usually do.

We built 2 snowmen. Unfortunately, the snow has already started to melt and one of them lost its head.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

Craig and I had a great Valentine's day. I woke up Monday morning to find a Dr. Seuss valentine on my bed stand. I then spent a good part of the morning finding about 30 more of those throughout the apartment that Craig had hid for me. It was so sweet and made my day. Then after going to work and school, Craig picked me up with beautiful flowers and divine chocolates.

Since the restaurants were crazy busy, we had Olive Garden take out in the form of a picnic on our living room floor. It was a simple but nice night to be in love.

Valentine's Day Stake Dance

2011-02-20T16:11:00.000-08:00

Our Stake had a Valentine's Day Dance on the 11th. We went with our ward friends, Natalli and Jacob, who also happen to be good friends with Brooke and Austin. It was a fun night. There was a "light" buffet served and a live band. There was also a floor show by BYU's ballroom team.

Craig and I haven't been dancing since our wedding and it was fun, even if we kept stepping on each other toes.

FFR

2011-02-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

Foreign Friday Rendezvous

When I moved to Provo, my new group of friends had a tradition called FFR. Or in other words, once a month the group would go to out to eat at a restaurant representing a foreign country. We had about a year and a half hiatus while our dear friend Kelly was on her mission. Now she is back and so is FFR with my dear, now old, friends.

This month we went to Pantrucas Chilean Restaurant. We had a delicious empenada, and steak, eggs, and french fries. Very Americanized but also a legit Chilean couple running the place.

I'm glad our FFR has recommenced.

Pay it Forward

2011-02-08T16:54:00.001-08:00

Pay it Forward 2011:
I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here... They must in turn post this on their blog and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment. The rules are that it must be handmade by you, and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011.

Ice Castles

2011-01-23T20:58:00.001-08:00

Craig text me Saturday and said he wanted to take me out for a surprise that night.

I had just been complaining we didn't go out enough, but he was sweet despite my complaining and took me out anyway. He wouldn't say a thing. I knew we were headed up Provo Canyon. I was so worried we were going to Park City for Sundance (which I had just been saying I didn't want to do.) But he just smiled and kept driving. He turned off into Midway and as we turned the corner I see these huge glowing icicles. I was so surprised and so excited.

I have an awesome husband who listens to me and takes me out for surprise dates so I will be happy. It was such a fun and beautiful night.

Halloween

2010-11-14T21:06:00.001-08:00

We started the night out at Brick Oven for dinner with friends.

Then we headed over to Craig's work to go through the maze Craig made single handedly! It was really cool. I was very proud :)

Then everyone came over for donuts and watched The Horror of Count Dracula. It was a festive night.

aaron, becca, chelsea, lauren

Craig made my awesome broom and his staff

Brenton, Craig, and I had a little dance party while we waited for the others to arrive.

The reject playboy bunnies

Brooke was "trashy"

I had such a fun time decorating the house, sewing my cape for the costume, and preparing for the party. It is definitely one of my favorite holidays.

{This is the best time of year}

Watkin's Halloween Party

2010-11-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Friday before Halloween was the annual pumpkin carving party at the Watkins home. I am so lucky to have been adopted by my extended family.

Micah's smarty pants

Craig and I carved a cat face

The kids love to play with Craig

Thanks for the great party.

It was a great night and so fun to see everyone.

Trip to AZ

2010-11-14T19:58:00.000-08:00

Craig, Austin, and I made a trip

home mid October to meet

Paisley.

It was a nice break. I love our family so

much. And we have the cutest nieces and nephew.

We spent the majority of our time at

Amy's of course. Playing Village Idiot and watching TV.

We went to a HOA party

one afternoon. Ate hot dogs

and people watched mostly.

Mom had to work but I enjoyed the little time I was able to spend with her.

She is the best. Thanks for being a hard working mom.

**Can't wait for Christmas**

Home Alone

2010-09-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

I had a thought today that I want to be a Librarian.
I see the librarian at school everyday and her job seems cool.
Last week she wore a pirate hat and this week she is wearing antennas.
Best job ever???
I think so!

*******************************
Craig is in Vegas,
Tonight I got take out via Gurus and watched
the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy.

{did I mention they have the best sweet potato fries ever}
*******

{the fire out in Herriman Sunday night}

Craig with Buddy,
Have I mentioned I really want a puppy?

We go to work, come home and make food

2010-09-10T14:37:00.003-07:00

{Before we begin}
Gail, Dad, and Cesar visited last weekend.

{We go to Work}
I got a job at Canyon Crest Elementary
as an
academic intervention instructor.

I have been at training the past 2 days
and I do believe I will
enjoy my time there.

{Come home}
This is our little home.
Let the tour begin.
This view from the front yard

Bedroom

Kitchen
I made curtains.
I still need to replace the
white ones above the sink.

Living Room

More Curtains
I'm not done decorating yet,
as you may see.

{Make food}
I finally made dinner the other night.
Parmesan Chicken
it was....
bad.
Too salty but Craig ate it anyway
and said it was good.
Thanks for lying,
it is what good husbands are made of.

Craig made dinner last night.
It was...
delicious.
He can throw things together
and it becomes
a culinary masterpiece.
I will stick to letting him cook :)

I like our little home and our
neighborhood. It is really
nice.

We are in the Pleasant View 3rd Ward.
Everyone is really friendly.
I think we will like it here.

More Honeymoon

2010-09-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Coronado Island

Our sand castle kept getting swallowed by the sea.

Craig running from the incoming tide

The Mormon Battalion Center in
Old Town San Diego

Our Guest House
{bathroom} awesome shower!

tv/kitchen

{kitchenette}

Children's Pool, La Jolla
Tide Pools

Mission Beach

We went on a Honeymoon

2010-09-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

San Diego

We went to San Diego Zoo
a few days into our honeymoon.
Unfortunately these are all the pictures I have
because I was sick Monday and Tuesday (Craig's bday), and
the camera decided it didn't want to work anymore.

The ice cream cone was towards the end of the
day when I thought my legs wouldn't move
anymore.
So we got a really expensive ice cream cone to
help us rejuvenate enough to make it
out of that place.

This is seriously the most I've ever seen an elephant move.
It was really cool watching it.
Another elephant joined him later.
They threw dirt on their backs after the bath.

Craig is being reverent with the Koala

We also went to Mission Beach, Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, Coronado Island, and Old Town San Diego. On Craig's Birthday we saw Inception.

We really liked the little guest house we stayed in. It was very cozy and
a great part of town.

We watched Shark Week and American Pickers almost every night.

There is so much to do in San Diego so we
definitely want to go back.
{loves}

First Day of School

2010-08-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

Craig started school yesterday. The first day of his senior year! Go Craig!
To commemorate we took a picture in front of a tree. {It is tradition in my family}

We got Married

2010-08-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

Craig and I got married exactly
{one} month ago today.

To celebrate we went to Magleby's for dinner and will watch
Diary of a Wimpy Kid here shortly.

Although the food was not my favorite we had fun
sitting out on the patio and playing our own impromptu
version of pictionary.

Craig makes me laugh and always has my back.
For these among other reasons I love being married.

But let us rewind a bit to the wedding day....

It was a beautiful day. I am so pleased with how everything turned out. I loved my decorator and photographer so the reception was gorgeous and I have great pictures to remember it all by.

My dearest friend Hillary did my hair. She rocks. Nicole (friend) added the sleeves to my dress. {Gorgeous}

The actual day of went very smoothly, considering I had been a stress ball leading up to the wedding, I was calm and ready to get hitched.

The sealing was at 3 pm so we got to sleep in. I will admit I don't remember much from the sealing because I was really hot. But I do remember the important part of kneeling across the alter from Craig and feeling an intense love for him and knowing that I was doing the right thing.

Thank you wonderful family and friends who spent so much time helping with setting up and all
other things that might have gone unnoticed.
I felt so loved having everyone there to
support Craig and I.

We love you all.

Thanks a million.

LOVES

Tap Dance

2010-06-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

If you like to point and laugh
{at me}
Then please check out Brooke's post:

Take it away, Kelsey
http://brookestirling.blogspot.com/

It won't disappoint.