SUNSHINE AND HAPPINESS

Last month we took a little vacation down to Phoenix Arizona for some sun, friends and good times. It was the perfect trip and the weather was fabulous.
 

The boys played a round of golf in Keirland and then toured the PGA course that was played the week before. They were like kids in a candy store...just SO excited!

We ate the most amazing food at new restuarants that some other friends told us about. We went to North, The Green House, and Sauce. They were fabulous! 

We went to the horse races at Turf Paradise. We had so much fun "investing" and growing our "portfolios". Some of us didn't have the best of luck winning, but we all still had a good time.

We played mini-golf before heading back home. Mini-golf is simply the best! It is always sure to bring a smile and laugh to your face.

After spending 4 days shopping, eating, playing games, laughing and telling jokes, hiking, watching horses, sun bathing, golfing, and site seeing...I can conclude that the trip was a complete SUCCESS!

DATE NIGHT!

Sweets and I did this...

with them...

and ate this...

the other week! It was quite the ultimate date night thanks to groupon! 

None of us had scuba dived before so it we weren't too sure what to expect, but after we figured out the breathing thing underwater and learned the ropes of our gear, we were off to the deep end of the pool to scuba! Afterwards, we headed to Greenhouse Effect for some yummy crepes. We love going there and getting the strawberry, banana, nutella, powdered sugar and whipped cream crepe! It was such a fun night and we can't wait to get certified for real and actually scuba dive in the ocean...! 

THE CATCH UP!

You might have forgotten all about us...or you might not have. Either way, we are here and ready to share what we have been up to since November! NOVEMBER!!! Seriously? Has it really been that long? My apologies, truly. Nonetheless, welcome back to our blog and be prepared for sensory overload!


November-December:
Sweets and I trekked across the globe to the U.A.E. to visit our dear friends Richard and Catherine. Words cannot explain just how amazing they are for taking us all around and showing us the best time. Abu Dhabi and Dubai were incredible! We had an awesome time and completely fell in with the people, the smells, the bright colors, the yummy food, and all the adventures.
We saw and did: the grand mosque, ski Dubai, Palm island, desert safari, world market, shopping, a camel ride, Emirates Palace, Burg Kahlifa, National Day and much much more!

December:

A few days after our globe trot Sweets and I headed to Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo. We love going every year and seeing all the cowboys and cowgirls calf rope, steer wrestle, bareback, bull ride, and barrel race! We were lucky enough to sit on the front row again and it truly was awesome.  

December:

Sweets and I spent our Holiday season with our annual cheese and chocolate fondue party, Hire's and the lights at Temple Square, the Arnell Christmas party in the theme of "Santa Claus" the movie, and opening gifts with the puppies and visiting both families. It was very relaxing and quite enjoyable. Usually Christmas is hectic, but not this year. I loved the fact that it fell on a Sunday. It forced us to slow down and truly remember what the special day was all about!

December-January:

For New Years, Sweets and I headed up to Sun Valley with part of my family. We go there every year and it is always a good time! The snow wasn't that great this year, so we didn't go skiing or snowmobiling, but we did plenty of hiking, hot tubbing, dinners, games and shopping. Sun Valley is beautiful and we love spending time up there!

January:

A few days after the New Year we traveled to Maui Hawaii for some R&R! It was so fun to hang out with my whole family and no kids for a week. The weather couldn't have been better and it honestly was such a fun trip. We all hiked the Bamboo trail, went on early morning walks/jogs, boggie boarded with the abnormally huge waves, and watched lots of football games. Maui is so pretty and we are still laughing from all the funny things that happened...  

So, in a nutshell, this is what we have been up to for the past few months! We are so lucky to have been able to have these experiences and we look forward to more in 2012. Speaking of 2012, because of some new craziness that Sweets and I are embarking in, we are going to go private. We would love all of you to keep following us and are appreciative of those who have taken interest in our lives. Leave your email in the comment space below and we'll send you a link and keep ya posted on what's coming next!

ROCKTOBER

It started off with a beautiful scenic hike up Rocky Mouth Canyon to a waterfall with my brother Matthew and 2 of his children. The waterfall was really pretty and the kids loved hiking through the vibrant leaves! This fall was probably one of the all time prettiest that I have seen. 

Next it was an all day event making Apple Butter for the Holiday's. I have never made it before but I found a really yummy recipe and had to try it. We devoured our jar in 2 days and my home was left with the most incredible aroma!!!

Sweets and I took a gander up to Midway for an evening and brought the pups along. We hadn't been up there for awhile so we thought we would take a little night getaway. Tahoe and Telly ran all around the fields and were in heaven! I can't believe how big and fast Telly is getting. They are so funny when they play together.

Next, we headed down to SG and LV for a weekend trip with some friends to see Jimmy Buffet! This was incredible. First thing first, we had to race the go-cart around the 1/4 mile loop and my Sweets took first. It was so fun. We then drove down to Vegas to hit up the Pawnshop, Traders Joes, do a little shopping, and of course party at the "street party" before the concert. It seriously was a blast! The concert was the MGM and we sang and danced all night to the best island music. It was Sweets first concert so he was a little shy getting involved but he came around when Jimmy sang "fins". Afterwards, we headed to Mesquite for a little money "donation" until 5 am. It was quite the late night and quite a trip!

We rounded out the month with our tradition of Thriller at Kingsbury Hall. We go every year, and each time does not disappoint us. We are still in awe and shock and laugh just as hard as the first time we saw it many, many years ago together.

F.I.T. - CAULIFLOWER SALAD

f.i.t. = Food In Tummy!

My trainer gave me a challenge to come up with 1 new healthy lunch that can be saved and finished for another day. (apparently my soups and shakes on the go didn't qualify as a filling lunch). After filtering through many recipes, I finally found one that I new I would love! As always, I had to change a few things to make it my own but overall, this is definitely something that will be sticking around in my fridge!

Cauliflower Salad

1 1/2 cup cauliflower, cooked and chopped

1/4 cup celery, chopped

2 hard boiled egg, whites only, chopped

1 tbsp light mayo

1 tsp mustard

1/8 tsp onion powder

pinch of pepper and salt

dash of paprika on the top

Steam cauliflower and rinse in cold water to cool when finished. Pat with a paper towel until dry. Chop the cauliflower into small bites. Mix into a bowl with celery and eggs. Add the mayo, mustard, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Mix well. Sprinkle with paprika. Chill for 1 hour before eating.

COINCIDENCE?

I think not!

I got home yesterday and I walked straight to our back door to let our pups inside and I found Telly eating a huge stack of papers comfortably laying down on the grass. (what the). I thought "where on earth did he find these" and "what are they"? I picked up all the chewed papers scattered across our lawn, pried the rest of the papers out of Tweeters' mouth, and took them inside to inspect the damage. I found the title page soaking in saliva and read "Brokerage Agreement Contract". (eye roll plus sigh). I called Sweets a little panicked and asked him what these papers were and if they were important. His response was a little different than I had expected. He started laughing on the phone really loud and was cheering! (startled and confused). I asked if this was a joke and he told me those papers were his new contract for work that he needed to sign. Mind you, this contract change over the past month has been extremely frustrating and ridiculous. I joined in the laughter and we both congratulated Telly on eating the contract. I guess Sweets cannot agree to the new terms! Dang it! (joke)

THE COLORS OF FALL

Sweets and I took a scenic drive up American Fork Canyon and through the Alpine Loop into Midway over conference weekend. We listened to the wonderful and inspiring messages of our Leaders while looking at all the beauty that was created by Him.

We truly are blessed to live at this time that we do. The beauty that surrounds us is incredible and we are lucky enough to enjoy it on a daily basis. Not to mention, we have a living prophet and counselors to guide us and speak to us about the truths of our Gospel.

I love Fall and all the colors that it brings. It is happiness and watching/listening to Conference during this time makes Fall even better! 

NOT JUST A CLICHE!

A moment on the lips equals a lifetime on the hips!

This is what my Trainers tell me before they criticize my food logs and before they kick my butt for 2 hours 3 days a week. They tell me that any binge eating of sweets, sugars, salts, and junk foods will promote weight gain in the years to come. Who wants that? It just puts more emphasis on the fact that I need to be more aware and cautious of what I put on my lips for fear of it ending up on my hips. 

I have to be honest with you, my lapse in concentration on my body the last year has really taken its toll on me. The arrow on the scale has slowly but steadily kept moving to the right, my clothes have been feeling more snug, and people say I look "good" instead of "fabulously thin and fit" or any other description that doesn't mean that my face has rounded out a little more since the last time they saw me. This battle I have been on, for the last ever it seems, is finally coming to an end! I have climbed on the horse and have got back on the track. The 3 things that my Trainers are having me do to help spark change in my body is:

1-Reduce food intake to 1150 calories per day

2-Increase physical activity to 60 minutes 5 days a week  

3-Eat 6 meals a day and keep the foods fresh

So far, this plan has worked. I have lost 5 pounds, 1 inch off my waist and lowered my body fat percentage by almost 2% in 1 week. I am thrilled that I can see results and it makes me push myself that much harder. My goal is to get down to a more comfortable weight by the end of October when I have my IVF procedures. Wish me luck and remember:

7 days without exercise makes one weak!

OBSESSION #1

Don't you just love everything about fall? I sure do, and I am loving that the season has officially started! 

I love the weather. 

I love the layering of scarves.

I love sipping on hot chocolate morning, noon, and night.

I love boots. (stilettos and rider) 

I love cozying up in sweatshirts and sweatpants. 

I love snuggling by the fire.

I love going to and watching U football.

I love politics and watching debates.

I love Halloween. (decorations, pumpkins, candy, and costumes)

I love the changing leaves and the beauty of all the trees.

I love working out and running with the pups in slightly rain/snow weather.

I love soup. (butternut squash)

For me, Fall is the new beginnings that the 'new year' is to most other people. It represents the new me! I feel rejuvenated. Anew. Motivated. Independent. I feel like I am starting my life over with a colorful and fresh approach. But, with all these wonderful beginnings in Fall, my favorite thing still, is my love for Fall TV. 

I love and am addicted to: 

The Sing-Off.

The Biggest Loser.

Most Eligible Dallas.

House.

The Office.

The Rachel Zoe Project.

Modern Family.

Glee.

Up All Night.

One Tree Hill.

The Real Housewives.

It sounds like I have no life. This is not true! I do have a life and this is it in the Fall. I couldn't be happier with working out in the early mornings, heading to work, coming home and making my Sweets dinner, snuggling with my kiddies and watching that days TV treasures. Thank goodness for DVR though! It makes living that much more convenient... 

TWEE-TWEE

Our little Twee-Twee is just the cutest thing. 

He climbs on the couch all the time and when you tell him to get off, he lays down and makes himself more comfortable!

He wakes us up every morning around 6:45-7 with his whining. We think he has to go potty so we open the door, but instead he just lays back down!

He has to walk directly in front of you at all times and looks back to make sure you are following him, thus resulting in him slowing pace and you tripping over him!

He gets all satanic at night time and runs around the back yard at 100 mph hunkering down low, just to baja into Tahoe who is innocently standing there and they both go skipping across the lawn!

He snorts like there is no tomorrow! And I mean he snorts ALL THE TIME!!!!!!

He loves to put his whole face into the water bowl and pluck out the ice cubes one by one!

He squeezes underneath the garage door at a height of 5-6 inches as we pull into the driveway just to greet us faster!

He doesn't just lay down when it is bed time, rather he plops his weight down in a very dramatic and loud fall to the floor!

He snuggles with the best of them and loves to lay in your arms!