Holly's Homemades

Fixing things up

2011-07-12T06:09:00.001-06:00

After living in the same home for 10 1/2 years, we are moving. This is such a bitter sweet time for us. We are ready to live closer to Adam's work, meet new people, and get out of our rut. At the same time we are sad to be leaving our ward, friends, the easiness of knowing where places are to shop.

We have been fixing up our new home. Cleaning showers and walls.

Taking down strange features.
Accordion doors had to go...

So did the fun little trim

This is what the ceiling looked like after the trim was off.

The old school lamp that Adam will not let me keep.

All of the old carpet had to come out.

But we found beautiful finished hardwood floors under most of it.

Not to mention the disintegrated carpet padding the had to be shoveled to get it out.

Lovely old linoleum in the dining room that is too hard to remove.

We added some wood on to make the dining room bigger.

Primed all of the walls.

And painted all the walls and trim.

Carpeted the living room, hall, entry, and dining room.

We are now working on getting the swamp cooler fixed, putting all of the light, outlet plates, and handles back on, getting the blinds up again and packing so we can be living here by the 23 rd.
We are tired and keep working our butts off to get things done. We were so blessed to have help with all of this. THANK YOU Mom, Mariann, and Paige for helping me clean, Glenn for finding us a paint sprayer to borrow and for priming and spraying the trim, MaKell and Spencer for washing the blinds, Layne for pulling up staples and mowing the lawn, Lori and Kamry for lunch and moral support, Tara and Larry for painting and talking Adam into spraying it all, Nathan for working on the swamp cooler. You all are the best.

We can't wait for this new chapter in our life and for all of you to come see us when we move in.

Coming Back....

2011-05-21T17:30:00.000-06:00

So I have a couple of things to blog about but I need to do some photo editing first. Do not fear though because after over a year of being away I am coming back baby. Just you wait.

2009-12-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

so today i have been alone. woke up so tired. wanted to go back to bed. didn't. one point holly. i have mostly been on the computer looking at things that i had book marked for later. well today is later and i finally looked at them. i had book marked this post by this awesome lady. i loved the saying at the time i bookmarked it. not today. so i clicked on red letter words to see if something else would help me.

these are what i found
the first one has just helped me with this stinking situation and the second one is just what it says. after this week i feel like i am crazy, insane, loony, stupid, dysfunctional, and should be in some mental hospital. my doctors inform me that i am not even registering on their crazy list, but i don't know if i believe them. keep calm. carry on.
most of you have no idea what is going on in my life and you may never know. please- don't ask me what is going on. please- respect this one thing. i will be fine. i am not yet but i will be. i am sad. i need a place where i can write what i am feeling and not be questioned a million times about what is up. i need a place where i can vent. i am tired of crying, feeling sorry for myself, and being mad. i have decided that maybe writing on this blog will help me. i really don't care what if it helps another living soul or not. i just need it to help me.
i am looking for inspiration and things that will make me feel better. because of the season i love this

and this.
both from red letter word also. adam put up and decorated the tree sunday. he did most of it alone. i did wrap some presents. i haven't put up any of my nativity's. these have always been my favorite part of christmas decorating. just can't seem to make myself put them up this year. maybe next week...

I have decided even further that today i really really do not like
Blue M&M's
being alone
being cold
shopping

I do love
Canada Dry Ginger Ale
peanut butter m&ms (not the blue ones)
chocolate cake
club cracker sticks
and adam. i really really love adam today.

2009-12-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

This is what I would like to be doing. Exactly how I feel this week.

more from this photographer here

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

The ones I love being with.
Tray 5 Played so nice with Annie for a little while.
Paige 10 took her with us to Big J's for the first time
Sadie 7 Love tickling this one.
Cooper 8 He read a lot of books on ThanksgivingPayton 3 Gives me the biggest hugs.

Haylee 1 Took a nap with this one.
Alyssa 12 Got to go to town with her and talked the whole time.
Hayden 8 Very thankful for vegetable oil this year.
Josie 5 She has pierced ears now. What a little lady.
Tyler 12 Being ordained a Deacon on the 29th.
Annie 2 Loves me sooooo much.
Aubrey 13 Swimmer and getting older way to fast.
Molly 4 Smarty pants
Adam, the love of my life and the one person I am most grateful to have in my life.

random moments

2009-09-09T15:48:00.000-06:00

on saturday as i was laying in bed at one in the afternoon(hey, i am still fighting this stomach thing and i am having trouble sleeping at nights), i heard something. well actually i heard nothing. at least not any of the usual sounds i hear day in and day out living here in this city.

no cars, trucks, or bullet bikes passing, no scooter, wagons, razors, skateboards, or bicycles flying down the hill.

no wind, no rain, no birds, no lawn mower or weed wackers, no hammering.

no guinney fowl crying for its partner, no chickens crowing, no dogs barking.

no children laughing, crying, screaming, passing. no swamp coolers, no tv no typing.

my refrigerator WAS humming. i had no idea that it hummed. have you had a day like this lately?

it made me miss the country. it made me grateful that i was laying down doing nothing so that i was able to realize that nothing was going on around me. it was quiet, it was still, it was such a wonderful sound to my ears. tranquility.
so i have had to go to the dentist a couple times this week. i hate dentists. maybe it has something to do with the first dentist i ever went to. he needed to pull out one of my baby teeth that had grown a huge root and was abscessed. Well he pulled one looked at it and said.. "oops i think we pulled the wrong one." yes he did. he pulled the one on the opposite side, so i ended up having 2 teeth pulled that day. at 5 years old i was not impressed. i am still not impressed with dentists. nothing personal i just hate their profession. i had to go today one of my ceramic fillings had chipped and that was allowing food to get caught between my teeth and it hurt. he fixed it. i hope... the numbing just wore off and i am hurting pretty bad right now.

have i mentioned how bad i hate the dentist. i also hate the hygienists. (all but you melissa) my hygienist knows i hate her. she sends me messages begging me to come in and see her on my cleaning reminder cards. if adam goes in without me she sends him home with gifts for me. once she sent me synsodyne toothpaste with a note attached (by floss) that said not to be so sensitive and to come see her. Adam got his teeth cleaned a couple of days before i did. he came home this time with a pink toothbrush and another gentle (begging) note saying, "holly, your teeth miss me much even if you don't. come see me soon." she is really sweet. again. i hate her profession not her.

so in an hour i am starting a new job. babysitter. i will get paid and everything. i feel like a teenager agian. you know, reverting back the first job i ever had and all.

i am sure i have bored you all. i leave you with a photo i took last september it was tweaked by aRCsOFT photo studio. enjoy and wish me luck.

Im a slacker.

2009-09-03T19:00:00.000-06:00

This week has been yuck, actually the last 3 weeks have been yuck. I have been through the stomach flu and everything that goes with it. Now I am just plain tired. All I want to do is sleep. It is driving by very patient husband crazy. Not only am I tired, I am ornery. Today I showered. (pat my self on my back) and shaved my legs (another pat) and my arm pits (now that deserved a Hip hip hooray! ) and I can barely lift my bottle or water up to drink or push the left mouse button to harvest my fields on facebook's farmville. What is wrong with me. I am sick of this. I feel like I could just lay down on this bench and take a long long nap, like my buddy in the picture.

Baseball

2009-07-15T00:43:00.001-06:00

the owners box
waiting in outfield
the spectators watching intensely
some just read their prevention magazine
I think dads eyes went askew
going going gone...
the ball is in the tree. how many smiths does it take to get a ball out of a tree?
batting as the sun goes down

we take our baseball serious. we break ribs for balls.

Smth Family 5K Fun Run June 20, 2009

2009-07-15T00:14:00.000-06:00

Here are all of the participants before the race.
They wanted a picture before they got all sweaty.
The starting line.
and they are off....
Tyler came in first in the kids race( he was so fast I didn't eve get a picture.)
Alyssa with Aubrey on her heals, then Hayden and bringing up the rear in the kids race was Cooper. They were all awesome.
Jake and Brandon neck to neck half way through the adult race.
Look at Jake showing off his guns!
Mindy begging for water. All she got was some bottled water that had been in my car for a week. Yummy!Tanner showing a little leg to see if he could get a ride back.
Cassie still going strong.
Melissa wondering why the heck she is doing this.
Hannah's running man pose.
The winner is... Brandon, then Jake
Then Mindy (not pictured). Cassie staggered over the finish line. L-E-T-S-G-O Cassie!
Tanner had to crawl back because he didn't get a ride back.
Hannah coming in with a strong finish.
We all helped Melissa walk it on in. Tyler and Hayden ran every one in to the finish line so I think they ran the greatest distance that day.
We would like to thank our time keeper Adam, our photographer Holly(me), and ...
Our Cheerleaders Dad(aka Grandpa) Landon and Haylee.

Two of the cutest little girls, cousins and most of all best friends

2009-07-14T15:28:00.000-06:00

Oh, the places I've been

2009-05-18T16:50:00.000-06:00

I know I have been MIA for the past month. Actually I just took a much needed sabatiacal from the computer. I also have been tripping around a bit. Oh you know just the usual happening places, Vernal and Lewison Utah and Pocatello and Dayton Idaho. I got to babysit this adorable little bug.
I also got to watch these three. We had so much fun. We watched movies, went for a walk, did the girls hair and nails. I also got my makeup done and arm massages from them. So much fun!
I went to Vernal with my mom and dad to Cooper's baptism.
Mindy, Aubrey and Mindys mom played a beautiful song on their violins.
Aubrey slept at the hotel with us. This is us getting ready in the morning.
Adam and I drove to Idaho to attend Tanners graduation from ISU. I am glad we got to go. We were able to see their new apartment and surprise Tanner with his new tv that we told him was not in stock. Adam left me at my parents for the week. I was able to be with my mom on Mother's day. I got to read 3 books, make a scrapbook, go shopping, sleep, take photos, take a walk, spend time with Melissa and family.
Here are some baby birds in one of the front trees
New calf with its momma
A beautiful view of the valley.

Josie and I had a "slummin' party" with grandma and grandpa
Yes I have been busy. It is good to be home for a few weeks. In June I will be off again to see my sisters that are coming. Can't wait.

Happy 31st Adam

2009-04-06T01:01:00.000-06:00

Today is Adam's birthday.
I just wanted to tell him the first 31 things I love about him.

1. I love his loyalty to people he respects and his friends.
2. I love that if I say I am thirsty he jumps up and gets me a beverage.
3. I love his blue eyes. I love his smile
4. I love listening to him laugh.
5. I love that he knows how important it is for me to be with my family and he makes sure I go see them.
6. I love that he lets me sing off key and the wrong words.(he may not like it but he lets me do it anyway)
7. I love that he would do anything for his family and mine.
8. I love that he loves mine and his nieces and nephews and that he will play hide and seek, dress up, jump on the tramp and football with them when none of the other adults will even listen to them.

9. I love that he holds the priesthood and leads our family with faith.
10. I love that he can take me to the Temple.
11. I love how he takes care of our yard and home.

12. I love that he will and usually does the cooking, dishes and laundry.
13. I love that he lets me to crafts and will let me make a mess.
14. I love that he loves my grandparents and would do anything for them.
15. I love watching movies with him.
16. I love hat he will watch sappy chick flicks with me.
17. I love that he works hard.
18. I love it when he calls me during the middle of the day, while at work, just to see how my day is going.
19. I love that he reads church books.
20. I love him in blue and red. Yes he is a hottie, but he is my hottie.
21. I love that he is still in hangs out with is friends from high school.

22. I love it when he brushes my hair for me.
23. I love that others women are jealous that I have such a wonderful, helpful and kind husband.
24. I love when he brings me home surprises from the grocery store.
25. I love that he lets me listen to country and show tunes in the car on Saturdays.
26. I love that he is always concerned with my well being above his.
27. I love that he is a fanatic about the Buffalo Bills as long as I don't have to watch it with him.
28. I love how he makes my heart flutter just by looking at him.
29. I love holding his hand.
30. I love it that we can sit and talk for hours. Usually it is me talking, but I love that he can endure my chattering.
31. I love that he is my best friend, my protector, my lover, and my laughter.

Celebrating the last day of his youth

2009-04-05T23:52:00.000-06:00

Today we celebrated Adam's last day of his 30 year! We ate pancakes at 5 am...don't ask why, we just did. We also went out to eat with Adams family. We also went and visited my grandparents. Good times.

Adam being taught by Gramps how to pick out a good and sturdy recliner.

The bravest little flower of all...

2009-04-05T22:41:00.000-06:00

Took this picture Friday. Thursday we had snow and Friday the wind was blowing like no other. It was so stinking cold. This brave little flower couldn't wait another minute.
It just had to pop out.

things that tick me off.

2009-03-23T12:43:00.000-06:00

things that tick me off:
-boys that take my money at the drive though.
-the wind.
-the dork that let my dollar I tried to give him for my food blow away in the wind.
-the dork that wanted a new dollar.
-chasing a dollar around a parking lot with the wind blowing like crazy.

things that make me happy:
-catching that dollar bill.

take that wind.

Family Time

2009-03-22T19:57:00.001-06:00

Tonight we got together with Adam's mom, brother Nate, his wife Alisha and their two kids Da and Sumara. What cuties. We were eating dinner and Da was told us he went to church today. I asked him if he had fun. This is what he said, "Church is boring with alot of songs and talking and sitting and tiny bread and just a tiny bit of water and a teeny weeny cup." Oh, from the mouths of babes. It gave us all a good laugh because I am sure all of us had thought that a time or two in our lives. Nothing like the truth.
Sumara took a nap.
and was much happier when she woke up. This is her serious look.

Alisha make us homemade shortcake with strawberries.
This was soooo good. Yummy strawberries.

It was a great day and so much fun to be around the family. We don't to it often enough.

Inspiration

2009-03-20T23:15:00.000-06:00

I received a new visit teaching partner and new ladies to teach last month. I was not able to go last month but we went this past Wednesday. We go to Sister Clegg. She is 75. Five years ago at the age of 70 (because i can do math) she decided to start piecing quilts for her children and grandchildren. She has made over 100 so far and it does not look like she is even close to quitting. They are beautiful and all different patterns and fabrics. She even uses Moda fabric. It just goes to show that you can teach an old gal something new. I love her desire and enthuseasim to make these quilts.

Mom, which way do you like ?

2009-03-17T18:11:00.001-06:00

#1

#2
#3

15 years ago today...

2009-03-16T16:37:00.001-06:00

15 years ago today I went to the doctor. I had already been to the doctor that week. I had already had blood taken and had been told to pee on command, in a small cup. Yippy Skippy. My first pee test came back kind of iffy. They called my mom and told her she needed to bring me back in. I cleaned the lunch room after school. When I called my mom to come pick me up she told me she would be there soon and that we were going back over to the doctors. I complained. I had a dance rehearsal that night. I asked her why we had to go back over and she said that something was wrong with my kidneys. As I hung up I just sat down... stunned. I thought: I am a junior in high school. I can't die. This is all I could think about. I walked in to the doctors office with my mom. I am not sure who was more scared her or me. The nurse said that I had too much protien and potassium in my urine. I had no clue what any of that ment or what it mattered. Then they gave me this.
It is a "hat" to catch all of your urine in. They wanted me to do a 24 urine so they could do further test. I told them I had school the next day. What was I supposed to do hold it all day? One of the nursed piped up and said that I could paint it green and wear it to school as my St . Pattys day hat. No not funny but it was something I will never forget.
It also comes with a container to collect it all in. The one I got 15 years ago looked more like a brownish orange 1/2 gallon milk jug. When you do these 24 hour urines you put the jug of urine in the fridge. My family jokes about not drinking the apple juice.

That day, March 16, 1994, I never thought I would become used to 24 urine tests, getting my blood taken all the time and being able to pee on command. Little did I know what the future would hold for me. Little did I know that 15 years later to the day I would be taking another 24
hour urine test. But, hey, at that time I didn't think I would be alive to tell about it.

To be continued...

Apron Girls lunch and Spring

2009-03-14T15:13:00.000-06:00

I just got back from an apron girls lunch with Marci, Haley, Tanya, Jenny and Jessica. We had a ball. We ate at the Blue Lemon in Highland. I had the most amazing butternut squash soup. Yummy. It is like warm pumpkin pie in a bowl. We also went to a fabric store right next door the the restaurant. Haley was amazing and helped me pick out some material for a table runner that I have been meaning to make for 2 years.

This one will be my back.
Spring is here these are buds on my tree .
It is also warm today, short sleeves, windows open.
Oh, this is what I have been waiting for.

is this what you meant Mindy?

2009-03-13T08:51:00.000-06:00

When I read your Friday Feature on getting down and filling the frame I decided to see if I understood correctly. What do you think of these picture. I feel like I am getting the hang of it.

I think I filled the frame nicely here.
By the way... Josie actually took these. This one is my favorite.

Thank You Thank You Thank You

2009-03-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone who has posted a comment, called, and sent notes. They have all helped me lots. I am feeling a little more energetic today. I actually did my dishes that have been sitting out since this last weekend. It all seemed to overwhelming to do them before, but now it is done. I even did my hair yesterday and it still looks good. I am feeling much better and hoping that this depression clears up fast. Thank you again. I know that I only know half of you though different blogs but I love you girls. I wish I could give you all hugs. I wish I could do more that just say thanks. But, Thanks again.

Warning: this is a sad one.

2009-03-03T04:48:00.000-07:00

This week has been pretty crappy. I don't really know how else to put it. I had a miscarriage. What a miserable thing to go through. I don't wish it upon any one. It does not seem real. I was so excited when I found out I was pregnant. There is nothing I want more. I want to be a mom. I want Adam to be a dad. We really wanted this baby. The excitement only lasted a couple of days. We found out for sure last Monday that I was going to loose the baby. What a crush, what a blow, what a crappy thing to happen...
WHY?
I felt like I was a failure. I felt like it was all my fault and that I did something to make it happen, that I was not good enough to be a mother. I still feel like that...
WHY?
I can't seem to stop crying. I feel numb. The only thing that feels right in my life is Adam. When he hugs me and cries with me. I don't like going through this...
WHY?

Tweaked

2009-02-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Original
I love how this looks kind of cartoonish
Same thing but in black and white. I like how this one looks like a pencil drawing.

I downloaded ArcSoft a while ago and it recently came up with a new version that has a photo darkroom on it. This are some of the pictures i tweaked today.

Christmas with the Smith's

2009-01-15T17:52:00.001-07:00

Christmas eve was spent eating in the dark, starting a prayer but no one said Amen, watching Tanner and Josie show us their beautiful dance moves, and Grandpa Great singing Away in the Manger very loudly, we had elves knock at the door, and Santa even made an appearance. We had so much fun and were glad that Mom and Dad let us all stay there for longer than they wanted. Christmas morning was fun to watch Josie and Payton open presents. They were really excited this year and knew what it was all about. Grandma asked Josie who brought Jesus presents and she knew right a way that it was the wise men. Then she said " See I know my things." Too Cute. Payton loved his trains and was super excited every time he opened one. I think he got about 7. Haylee was just having fun getting into every one else's things. Tanner and Leisha were also there. It snowed a lot. It just kept snowing and snowing and snowing but too cold and wet to play in. Melissa and Landon even had to stay over another night because there was way to much snow. The next morning Melissa and her family left. Adam and I tried to make a snowman but the wind had blown too much. I dried out all the snow. The rest of the day we played Wii with Tanner and Leisha. We also played boggleand pictureka. Leisha and I make a magnet board. Then they had to go home. That night we watched The Christmas Story and Trapped in Paradise with mom and dad. On Saturday we were going to go eat with mom and dad then go home. Well we made it to Preston and the weather was yucky so we ate at Pizza Villa and went back to mom's. On Sunday morning we got up and finally made it back to Orem. I am so grateful that we got to spend so much time with our families this holiday season. We love you all and missed the ones we didn't get to see.

Josie and I posing.

Haylee trying to make a run for it.My cute mommy and daddy
Me and my handsome man, Adam. ( his shaggy hair is now long gone)
Tanner and his foxy woman, Leisha.
Melissa, Landon, Haylee, Josie and Payton. This is the best one I got. Mel and L are looking at another camera and the kids are looking at me.
Josie Christmas morning with her tea set adn flashlight.

Payton opening one of his many trains.
Haylee with her new winter hat( the gloves were still attached to the hat)
T and L's new Wii. (Wii all had sore arms after playing)
Mom and her new working sewing machine.
Dad with his new Fry Bread bowl. I think he likes it.

Just some picture of the Christmas snow.

Christmas with the Davis'

2009-01-15T17:23:00.001-07:00

We all spent the night at Bonnie and Clyde's on the 23rd. We woke up at 7am and made some yummy waffles with banana's, strawberries, and whip cream, eggs, bacon, OJ and milk. Once we were all full and the dishes were done we got down to the opening of all the presents. We had so much fun. After all the presents where open we all played a bit of Rock Band. It was great. We were sad that we had to leave so we could get to Idaho before dark. Thanks Bonnie, Clyde, Nate, Alisha, Da, and Sumara. It was wonderful and we can't wait to play another round of Rock Band.

Alisha and Adam on eggs and bacon duty. Notice how smoky it was.
Clyde trying to be the Grinch
The Grinch gone good.
The haul before opening.
Sumara all tuckered out.
Da chilling before all the fun began.
Nate just happy to be home for the holidays.
Me happy with my Brain Age game. I so need it.
Sumara decided to wake up and open some of her presents with mom and dads help of course.
Favorite present: Mom's new tooth brush.
Bonnie checking our her loot.
Nate, Adam , Da, and Alisha playing Rock Band.

A Dream Come True

2009-01-15T17:12:00.001-07:00

So any of you who know Adam, know that he is a huge Buffalo Bills fan. Well in December he had the opportunity to go to an actual game. It was not a home game but it was a game and they actually won. It was in Denver against the Broncos who Adam does not like. He drove over to Denver through snow storms and drifts with his friend Josh and they had lots of fun. I didn't go because I am not a football fan whatsoever. I was so excited that he has gotten to go to a real live game. It was so fun watching him get ready to go. He was like a kid in a candy shop. I love his passion for football but I am always grateful for when it is over because I get my calm husband back.

Tanner this is for you...

2008-12-19T00:01:00.001-07:00

Just a little reminder of how much fun it is to spend Christmas with us. Only this year we get Leisha with us!!!!!! We are excited you are done with school for now. Have a good week. I hope you have improved your santa trap this year.

Tagged

2008-12-18T23:56:00.000-07:00

This is my first tag.
Five names you go by:
1: Holly
2: Kiddo
3: Hols
4: Hollyberry
5: Helly

Three things you are wearing right now:
1: underwear,
2: sweater
3. wedding ring

Two things you want very badly at this moment:
1: Debt paid off
2: A Baby

Three people who will probably fill this out:
1: Hannah
2: Rachel
3: Ali

Two things you did last night:
1: Shopped at Target
2: Scraped my driveway and side walks.

Two things you ate today:
1: Muddy Buddies
2: Chicken fingers

Two people you last talked to on the phone:
1: Melissa
2: Adam

Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
1: Clean
2: Wrap presents

Two longest car rides:
1: Utah to Alaska
2: Idaho to Seattle Washington

Two of your favorite beverages:
1: Water
2:Dr. Pepper

Now please copy and paste, add your own answers . Now that I did it I am tagging anyone who wants to do this.

It is finally begining to look like Christmsa!

2008-12-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

So the snow was falling for a little bit and it was enough to just barely cover everything. It is so pretty. I thought I would share with you how my house is decorated.

I am making cookies in my new oven and I will be cooking dinner on it. It was nice and fun just to look at it but i guess i really should put it to work now.I hope you are all having a wonderful day. Be happy and know that I love you.

The long story of biting the bullet

2008-12-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hello again! I know it has been a while since I have updated and I know you are all waiting, like it is Christmas Eve for Holly to update (Alisha D.). Well my first week of December was really great.
On Wednesday I went to our ward Relief Society Christmas Dinner. Pretty lame cuz they fed us Shepherds Pie . It was ok but I really wanted something a lot fancier. I had fun with the people I sat by. I have been good friends with some of them for years and others just this past year. It was fun to just sit and talk with other women.
On Thursday I had to get my drivers licence renewed. I did it with 4 hours to spare. Yes I procrastinated on this. I went home and decied to make sugar cookies. They turned out ok. Usually my oven cooks everything 5-10 minutes fast but this time they took alittle longer than the recipe said. After I got done with the cookies I decided to make a batch of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip bread. I make it in the mini loaf pans and it usually takes about 30 min. to cook this way. After 30 minutes I checked it and out of four pans only the one on the left side was done. The others were raw. I had to dook them for another 20 min. AGHHHGHGHGH!
Adam had to be at the church that night so I decided to make another batch of bread. Same thing happened this time also. When Adam came home I was yelling something like "could I get a Freakin' New Stove?????"Well three dozen cookies and 11 loaves of Pumpkin Bread later I turned that dang oven off and swore not to use it until next year when I get the baking bug.
Friday Adam took me out for my birthday to Texas Roadhouse. I ordered a Whole rack of ribs. I only ate half of them because I wanted left overs. When were were done eating Adam told me he had 10th row tickets for the Utah Jazz Basketball game. I love basketball so this was a perfect gift for me.
Saturday we got up early and got ready for the Jarvis family Christmas party. Mom and dad came over. They gave me a big storage thing for my scrapbooking room. Mom thinks I need to organize it. She also made me a yummy Chocolate cake. Thanks Mom and Dad. Tanner and Leisha gave me some blue m&m's...a story for another day. The Jarvis party was lots of fun. Here are a couple of pics.

After that Party my immediate family drove up to Temple Square. We all went aroud looking at the lights and other sights that had history with our family. It was so fun to hear Payton tell me that the confrence center was where the Prophet President Hinkley talks and how excited Josie was to see Jesus (the Christus statute) and that she wanted to go and seen him "right now".
It was so much fun and we only lost Melissa and Mindy.

We all went to Village in to eat after then we all went home to sleep. It was so fun and wonderful to be with my family. I love them all so much and miss them especially Cassie and Hannah cuz they are living so far awayand of course I miss Megan every day. I know if I continue to live the commandments and follow Christs example I will be able to be wityh her and the rest of my family for Eternity.
Sunday I was not able to move or do anything. I just rested all day long. Yester day Ad and I did a little Christmas shopping. Today I payed bills, BLAH and did some more shopping. I spent a couple of hours with my Gramdpa and Grandma Jarvis. I love them so much!
And now to the reason of this post. Sorry it took so long. I got a new stove.

Isn't it so pretty.White! I hated my almond colored old one. This one has a timer, a light, a window, two large coils and a smooth top. Yes we bit the bullet but I am pretty sure I will be in pure heaven next time I cook with this baby. It is so nice and pretty I may just look at it for a couple of more weeks until I actually cook on it. :*)

November...so far.

2008-11-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

Our friend came up from St. George so we got the gang together for some dessert. Here are the boys. They all grew up together and are still super good friends.

It was our 9th anniversary. Wow time sure does go fast when your are with the one you love.
Here are some roses he got me. The were so beautiful and smelled so yummy.

I went and stayed with Mom and Dad and Melissa. I had so much fun with Melissa. We stayed up until 1:30 or 2 every night. We were doing crafts and cooking and printing lots of pictures and just talking and watching SNL skits. I haven't laughed that hard for such a long time. I had so much fun with the kids.
I got to play with Josie's hair.
Watch Payton read train books and play with trains, talk to trains, pretend he was a train, a baby calf and a puppy. What an imagination.

I love this little one. She loves to be held and eat. I miss having her fall asleep in my arms.

I loved the outfits he would come up with and he thought he was so cool. I also love this cheesy grin of his too.
I had to get some pics with me and the girls. J has a different face in each one I took. She told me she was doing crazy faces in them.
It was J's birthday while I was there. Here is a cute shirt Mel made. I love the fancy gloves, they were so funny.
Notice the cool Birthday hat? We put in many hours trying to make that thing. Mel made the most delicious homemade ding-dong cupcakes.
Today we went to Adam's mom so he and his bro could move some furniture for her. I was babysitting so we took the Little one with us. Here he is with me and Sumara.
Mindy and Brandon this picture is for you. It turned out wonderful, didn't it?
Tonight we got together with some friends so the boys could watch the BYU/UofU game. We make yummy chicken wings.Before...
After.

October

2008-11-22T22:19:00.001-07:00

I babysit this cute boy a couple of times a week. I love it. He is sooo good and never cries or does naughty things. We did a photo shoot in my leaves one day and he loved them. We also got to take him to our ward Halloween party. Adam went as a Hippie, I was a dorky nerd and little boy went as a lion.

One day we make Waffles with raspberries and whip cream. They were pretty darn good. I love breakfast for dinner.

Things that make me long for the farm...

2008-10-06T22:50:00.000-06:00

Dad's Garden, Corn on the Cob

Beautiful Flowers

The only animal I actually like...

Horses

Seeing Dad's Work Clothes in the Mud Room

Random Things You Only Find on a Farm

More Garden

Finding Things You Didn't Know Were There

I miss the changing in the weather, watching the harvest, canning and freezing produce, eating outside on the deck, the leaves falling, the smells. It all reminds me of the farm...Home.

Babies in Sunglasses

2008-10-06T22:44:00.000-06:00

Payton just looking at the "golden" world around him

Ryder the Nerd

Haylee with her over sized pink glasses

Baby Unibomber

Old Things Forgotten

2008-10-06T22:30:00.000-06:00

Rusty toy trucks.

Old roller skates and ice skates.

A pile of saddles

Lots and lots of dusty bikes.

Quirks

2008-10-03T15:12:00.000-06:00

my friend rachel tagged me for quirks. i am supposed to have six.
we'll see what i can come up with.

1. i absolutely hate my elbows touched.
2. when some one is driving and i am the passenger and i think they are going to turn to the right and they turn left. it throws off my game. I am a backseat driver.
3. people creep me out.
4. I have meat sandwiches unless there is chips crunched up on top of it.
5. can't stand babies with snotty noses, adults even more so.
6. I stir my soda drinks or shake them to get out all the carbonation.

Nature

2008-09-17T14:52:00.000-06:00

The other day I was watching a scrapbooking program on TV. It was all about nature. It inspired me to go outside to my back yard and shoot some pics. Here are some of the results.

Adam came home half way through and so he got to be in some of the pictures.
Man he is hot but he is not a good smiler when it comes to pictures.

Pear still life.

Laurels at the UVU Library

2008-09-15T23:41:00.001-06:00

Emily

Karly

Sarah

Karly Einstein Emily Sarah and Keldy

Emily Sara and Karly

Keldy, Sister Herrmann, Karly, Sarah, Emily and Sister Z

Karly taking a much needed study break

Synchronized Chair Rolling (its gonna be in the next Olympics

Sister Davis and Herrmann

Keldy

Magnet Boards

2008-09-15T23:30:00.001-06:00

A couple of weeks ago we got together with some of our friends. We had dinner together, which was tortilla soup and then us girls decorated magnet boards together while the guys went down stairs to talk sports and watch some of The Office Season 2. It was such a fun night to relax with the girls and not worry about our husbands.

Marianne and her finished board

Angela and her finished board

My finished board now all I have to do is put it up on the wall.

Uncle Ad

2008-08-29T01:29:00.000-06:00

Adam holding his brothers new baby girl, Sumara.
He is absolutely smitten with her.
It has been so fun to watch him with this little girl.
I was holding her and Adam stole her from me.
She loves her Uncle Adam and he loves her.
I hope he will always have a close relationship with her.
I truly hope that someday Ad can be a dad to one of his own.
He would be the best father.

Things that make you go hummmmmm

2008-08-26T15:03:00.001-06:00

So a couple of weeks ago Adam and I went out for lunch. While sitting there eating, we started to talk about how many days he has to take of before the end of September so he won't loose them. I told him that I thought it would be fun to drive to Jackson Hole for a couple of days. He says very quickly " We don't have enough money." Alright so I know we don't have a lot of money but I was thinking of what I could do to save some money so we could do this little trip. I look over at Adam ready to tell him my ideas and he has this puzzled look on his face. I asked him what he was thinking and this is exactly what he said to me,
"Can you fold a piece of paper eight times?"
... I mean what do you say to that? It was amazing to me that that was what actually had him puzzled. I still can't get it out of my head that he thought so totally different than me. I mean we have been married for almost 9 years and usually we are at least on the same wave length, evidently not that day

My Other Names

2008-08-21T00:36:00.000-06:00

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Sigfried Camry
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Vanilla Sugar Doodle 
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) H Dav
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Red Horse
 5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Ann Santiquin
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Davho
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The yellow Dr. Pepper
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
Kay Dwight
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
Eternity M&M 
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )
Jarvis Kay
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Jones Jacksonville
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Autumn Daisy 
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Peach Under Wear 
14. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Ice Cream Maple
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, weather element+ Tour") The Scraping Snow Tour

This is just something funny I saw on someone else's blog and thought I would do it.

What have we been doing?

2008-08-20T15:31:00.000-06:00

On August 8th we flew to Newport, RI with Adams work. Every year JVC hosts a jazz festival and they fly us there and wine us and dine us. It is such a beautiful place and very expensive. It was $2.75 for a bottle of water. When we got there it was pouring rain. We all got soaked all the way through. It was beautiful weather the rest of the time. Not too hot not too cold. We travel with the same people every year so it is fun to get caught up on each others lives. It was a very relaxing time. I loved being able to eat fresh seafood every day while Adam stuck with his usual "Sea Cow". We came home on the 11th and Adam upgraded my ticket to first class. We didn't get to sit together because of this but I had so much fun watching all the movies I could and playing the games for free. I got a yummy pasta dinner while Adam was stuck with a bock of Mike and Ikes and peanuts. They also served me so many beverages I thought I might just pee my pants. Yes they did have a restroom on board but I have a problem with these... you know other peoples bums and smells and claustrophobia just to name a few. Well here are the pictures from the trip.

Here is me all wet.

John and Vicki Levitt
These guys are two to the funniest people you will ever meet.

Traci and Rex Letham
These guy have become good friends over the years.

Adam and I on the ferry to Fort Adams State Park where the Jazz Festival was.

Traci at the bar on the yacht ordering me and her virgin pina-coladas.

Adam hanging out on the yacht.

Aretha Franklin singing. OK so we were way far away but this really is her.

Vicki hanging on a pirate statue.

Vicki hanging on a real pirate 2007

Since I didn't take any other pictures I will add some from last year.

Out Hotel

A view from our room last year. This year we had a crappy view of a parking lot.

This is a house that was built a the end of a spit and everything but the bock the house was built on washed away in a storm. Now talk about the wise man who built his house upon the rock...

This is the house where the Great Gatsby was filmed.

Alyssa is 11!

2008-08-20T14:17:00.000-06:00

Alyssa Diane Johns
aka Fanciest Lady

This is Alyssa.
Alyssa is such a beautiful girl. She looks like her mom did when she was young
and she has a lot of her dads personality.

She likes to play basketball like both her mom and dad.

Every once in awhile her moms personality slips in.
Especially if it has anything to do with singing, shaking her booty or a talk show.
She loves to be with her cousins and plan activities for them.

Sadie, Hayden, Alyssa and Paige
After eating up the canyon and after they all had sown off their singing, rapping spelling and reenacting North Carolina commercials.

Alyssa and Annie
Alyssa is the best babysitter. Just look at that smile on Annie's face.

Josie, Alyssa and Paige doing their PPP skit.
Just another of Alyssa's awesome talents.

Alyssa and Josie.

Alyssa and Aubrey... Best Friends (most of the time)

Chantelle and Pantesh... the evil cousins.

Alyssa and Sadie
Pals

Alyssa and Payton
Man he sure loves her!

Alyssa and Josie
I asked Josie why she likes Alyssa and she said,"Cause her Girl-friend."
Why else? "Cause she bee's my best friend."

Aubrey, Baily and Alyssa just chillin' at grandma greats

Evidently they brought along Chantelle and Pantesh.

Alyssa, Grandma Lynda and Hayden
Looks like grandma is going to cry and I think that is Hayden's sad face.

Aubrey, Alyssa and Molly at the photo shoot.

As you can see everyone loves Alyssa. She is so loving, funny, responsible, and smart.
We all miss her.
Alyssa, I hope you have a wonderful 11th Birthday.

June Pictures

2008-07-30T15:47:00.000-06:00

OK, so this post is just of pictures taken while I was in Idaho with my family. It was such a great time and I miss every one sooooo much. I love these pictures and hope you all enjoy them. I have more and will try to post them later.

Paige, Sadie, Alyssa and Hayden

Josie posing on her bike.

Pete takin' off!

The Posing Princess, Molly and Hyden cooking

Sadie, Aubrey and Molly doing their skit and

Josie, Alyssa and Paige doing their skit at Grandmas Pink Princess Party.

After the party...

Mom, Haylee, Cassie and Annie trying to stay out of the sun.

Josie and Molly digging.

Haylee in with Payton's choo choo hat.

Annie loving the red licorice.

Payton was so much fun at Bear Lake. He kept chasing the seagulls around with the water gun. He couldn't get it to work holding it the right way so he held it this way so he could shoot it with his thumb. Problem was that he mostly shot himself. He loved it anyway.

Aunt Cassie and Annie

Happy Cubby Wubby.

Coolest place to hang your backpack. The kids played outside one day and used to front tree and a closet they had shelves in it and each one had their own place for all of their stuff. The kids loved it...grandpa - not so much.

Molly in time out. She got caught running threw the sprinklers alone when no one could find her. When asked why she did it all she said was "I was tired of waiting."

Mother's Day and Vernal

2008-05-19T23:25:00.000-06:00

On May 9th Adam and I got in the car and took the long long drive to Dayton, Idaho. We spent the day with Melissa and kids. That night we met mom and dad at Pizza Villa in Preston to treat mom to some yummy pizza and bread sticks. We then went to Mom and Dad's to spend the night. Dad and Adam stayed at the house to watch the Jazz game and Mom and I went to visit with Jeremy and Katie. On Saturday morning Mom made us waffles and grape juice. It was so yummy just because my mommy made it for us. Melissa and her kids came over and played with us that afternoon until we left. It was a short visit but very refreshing to get away for a bit. On Mother's day we he a bbq with Adams family and just had fun visiting.
This past Saturday we drove to Vernal to see Brandon and Family. Brandon was so nice to help Adam finish a grandfather clock he had started for his mom in high school. Now thanks to Brandon's help Adams' mom now has a completed one of a kind grandfather clock. It was only 12 years late... Brandon, Adam, Tyler, and Cooper went to the Father/son dinner and Mindy, Aubrey and I went to Wendy's for dinner and to Payless, the only store open after 7, for entertainment. Mindy also took me on a ride to see all the happening places in Vernal. On Saturday us girls went shopping and came home with lots of fun stuff. That's about all that is going on in our lives. I know this is a boring post but these are the highlights. Be glad i didn't bore you with much else. Oh, we did watch the Office season finally. Everyone needs to watch it. It was soooo funny.

P.S. There are no pictures because my camera battery will not hold a charge and we just haven't gotten a new one yet.

2008-05-07T02:27:00.000-06:00

April

2008-04-23T13:37:00.000-06:00

So our April has been quite busy. I was gone the first couple of days. On the 6th it was Adam's 30th birthday. Mom and Dad came the night before so they were here that morning. I made Cassie's yummy Coffee Cake for him and we all watched him open his presents. Mom and Dad left and we watched General Conference. That night we went to Macaroni Grill with Adams family. Later that week we went to Texas Road House to celebrate with friends.
Adam is the ward clerk in our ward and so we knew there was going to be a new Bishop. Adam is still the ward clerk and excited to get to know the new men he will be working with. It is kind of funny because the new Bishop lives behind us, there is one house in between the first counselor and the Bishop and the second counselor lives in the house across the cul-de-sac from us. I guess that we are living were are supposed to be.
Last week we went to see Vantage Point with friends. I am still not sure how I feel about this movie. Has anyone else watched it? What do you think.
This past Sunday I had to talk at the old folks home for their sacrament meeting. I was so nervous. The topic was Spring/New Beginnings. I still don't know what your supposed to tell people in a home about new beginnings. I am sure most of them just wanted to kill over right then and there and start their new faze of life... We also went to Aunt Susann's for dinner. It was fun to be with family. It was also my cousins (Bailey and Mikell) birthdays so we had a little party for them.
Wow! My life is super boring. Sorry. Now you know why I haven't posted for such a long time.

Butner, North Carolina

2008-04-23T12:51:00.000-06:00

I was lucky enough to visit Butner , North Carolina at the end of March. Why Butner? It could have been to be an inmate at the Federal prison, or a resident of the State Mental Handicapped facilities or did I check into the State Mental Hospital? Maybe I was just there to lobby for or againt the Bio Lab they want to build there. Well, yes, all of these things are in Butner but so is my Big sister Cassie and her family. I had a ball being there with them. They are the best hosts and she makes the best dinners. Other than the fact that my luggage got locked on the plane and no one working at the airport knew how to get the door open and I didn't get my luggage until 5:30 the next day the trip was wonderful. I got to spend time playing with outside on bikes and a little basketball Hayden and Alyssa, learning how to make bread, French bread and Orange Rolls, read a whole book, spent an entire Saturday in my pj's playing board games, watching Enchanted 3 times, sang, danced, stayed up until 3am talking most nights, miniature golfing, eating Carolina Barbque, shopping and just relaxing. Hayden and Alyssa with their Bikes and Helmets. Safety first!

Hayden shooting some hoops. Yeah he's pretty much the best I've ever seen.

Cassie coming out of the post office from sending her final paper work to apply to college. Yippy! I'm proud of you Cass.

Cedar Creek Gallery. A cool art gallery 3 min. away from Cassie's house.

Hayden and Doug at Fujisan Japanese Steakhouse. Hayden absolutely loved it. He also had some sushi to start out the meal.

This is just some trees that are everywhere.

Hello Again!

2008-04-14T23:15:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone.
Well I have been out of the blog action for a bit but hopefully I will be getting back in to it soon. I went to North Carolina to see my sister Cassie and her family. It was wonderful and I will post pictures soon. Be patient with me...

Nintendo Boy

2008-02-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

So I just wanted to brag about my wonderful husband "Nintendo Boy".
When Adam and I worked a the Willey together forever ago we were mere friends. One day we had a conversation about Nintendo's and game consoles like that. I told him that I had very rarely ever played one because I never had one growing up. Any way Adam gave me a Nintendo Game Boy for Christmas of 1998. He gave it to me the day before Christmas as I was leaving work to go home for the holidays. I hurriedly threw it in my bag because I was embarrassed that some boy who I would just randomly talk to at work would give me something so expensive. I had a gift of popcorn I was going to give to a different boy at work. I ended up giving this to Adam and hitting the road.

At home I was getting something out of my bag and one of my sister saw the game boy and immediately asked who it was from. I told her Adam and tried to hurry and put it back in my bag, but of course it was to late. We word spread around the family so fast and they kept trying to figure out who Adam was. I kept telling them that it was just some guy I worked with. At that time that was all he was. Then someone in my family said " Who thinks Holly will marry Adam?" Everyone including my one year old niece raised their hands. From then on Adam was know to all as "Nintendo Boy". By April I was hanging out with Nintendo Boy outside of work. By July we were engaged and in November we were married. No one really refers to him as Nintendo Boy anymore.
Fast forward 9 years and 2 months.
Tonight Adam came home from work and told me he had a surprise for me. I closed my eyes while he put something in my hand. I opened my eyes and there to my utter surprise was and Nintendo DS. He also gave me a game to go with it. I asked him why he got this for me and he said he wanted a nice one so I didn't always have to use my old black and white one. Well, Nintendo Boy still lives and guess what he still loves me. Back when he gave me the first one I never in a million years thaught that he would be the one that would always love me. I guess that my family was correct when they voted and told me I would marry him.

Tonight he also bought me a ticket to go see my older sister in North Carolina. I really don't know why he loves me, but I know he does. He wants me to be happy. I love him so much, I really think he got the sort end of the stick. I love you Nintendo Boy.

2008-02-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a couple of days since I last posted and since I check everyone of my other blogs seventeen times a day and am highly disappointed when there is nothing new to check out I figured that I may be disappointing you also. Lately I have been reading books and then I fall asleep and keep dreaming about it. I wake up and have to finish reading to see if what I dreamed really happened or not. Needless to say, the book was not quite a good as my dreams. So, tomorrow I am going to go to Melissa house to meet cute little Haylee Megan. I have missed Josie and Payton something fierce and I can't wait to play with them. Adam will be coming with me which I am really excited about.
Josie and Payton playing dress up.

Showing love

2008-02-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

So, I just did a really stupid thing. I read a blog about some one who's husband passed away recently. As I sit here bawling to myself feeling my heart weighed down and heavy for the grief of this woman I don't even know I started to think about my actions today. I had an awful night and didn't get much sleep, I tried to sleep in and that didn't work and I just don't feel good. I finally came out of my room around 4pm and showered. I went grocery shopping with Adam and I was such a stinker to him. I had no patience for him at all. I was ornery and rude to him and I knew it. I didn't want to be but I was. After reading the blog I realized how very lucky I am to have Adam in my life. He is so very wonderful and patient with me. I realized that today while I was being grumpy locked in my room that he had paid all the bills, gone shopping, fixed the computer and the TV and he probably did a couple of loads of laundry. All I did was be a stinker to him and not even tell him thanks. I love him so much and I am sorry that I have been so selfish. I am grateful to have him in my life and I take him for granted which I shouldn't.

Accent

2008-02-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

This was just a fun quiz I found. What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."
The Midland
The South
North Central
The Northeast
Philadelphia
The West
Boston

Cookie Blobs

2008-02-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I tried to make the chocolate chip cookies into heart shapes but just so you know...chocolate chip cookies do not hold a shape. They turned out looking like huge blobs, but they are yummy. Adam loved them. He was so sweet he came home a little bit early to take me to dinner for VDay. We went to Mimi's. We waited for an hour which was so much fun because we love to people watch.

It was amazing how many women came in wearing red shoes. I didn't know that this was a trend for Valentines day. Of course once again I am the last to know.

2008-02-14T12:50:00.001-07:00

So since today is Valentine's day I have been thinking about sugar cookies. You know soft, yummy, lots of frosting, with conversation hearts and red hots on them? I want some so bad so I was thinking that I might just make some. Well then I thought that I would make them for my wonderful husband that does so much for me. The only problem is that he does not like sugar cookies or conversation hearts. I could always give him a bag of red hearts and a can of frosting but for some reason I don' think he would appreciate that so much. I guess that I am going to make him chocolate chip cookies instead. I am going try making them as big hearts. If he reads this blog them he will know that I am sacrificing my craving of sugar cookies for his favorite instead.
So I also found this cute picture of my niece Molly frosting the Halloween cookies she made. Oh who I miss her and her cute little sister Annie and her mom, (my baby sister)Hannah.
I hope you all have a wonderful, full o' love day.