TipToe Through the Tulip

Mckeon

2011-10-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

McKeon James Whitten

2011-08-03T00:27:00.000-07:00

SFianlly, I'm writing another blog. I get emails and text messages occasionally telling me that people miss my blogging. I apologize, I'd say I'll try to be better, but i know I would be a lie. =)

I'm going to share some thoughts that have been on my mind since November and continue to be ever present.

In November my sister Kaylene and her husband Michael lost their sweet baby boy, McKeon James, at 7 weeks old. I am not a parent, but i am an aunt to 24 Fun, hilarous, and awesome nieces and nephews. It's amazing how even though i had never seen McKeon or held him, he was instantly one of mine, one of my kids that i am willing to fight for, laugh with (or at), and basically do anything for. When that sweet boy left us, our family was devastated to say the least. His funeral was very short but his spirit was ever present, and though i can't explain it, it felt right, whatever reason he wasn't to be with us, there was such an amazing spirit of calmness, comfort, and the knowledge that it was OK, we would see him again. My sister is probably the strongest person i know. She has been such an amazing example of faith and strength. She has 2 older boys that love and adore her, i know some days are harder than others but she illustrates everyday the importance of motherhood. I was able to go and visit them in March and the spirit was pouring out of their home. I could not believe how present and strong the love of our Heavenly Father radiated from every corner, what a blessing and comfort to know that even though tragedy struck, they are continuing to live their lives with such faith and hope, that the spirit of the Lord still resides in their home to help comfort them, calm them, and lift them in their moments of doubt and despair. How lucky we are to have the knowledge of eternal families. We all face tragedies, some are overwhelming and life altering, some helps us define who we are, others encourage us to have more faith in continuing with this journey. I think of McKeon daily. He encourages me everyday to live righteously, to fight against Satan, and help me become a better person. He's helped me have more faith, that i will one day be able to see him and hold him.

I'm so grateful for a sister and brother who are incredibly strong and have such trust in our in our Father In Heaven, especially in such a desolate time. . I'm ever grateful for there unwavering faith. I'm grateful for McKeon, 7 weeks is not long, but it was enough to help humble me and encourage me to evaluate my spirituality and get back on track. I'm grateful for the knowledge of the gospel.

What Have you done for someone today?

2010-07-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

I had this great plan, if i only went to church once a month, my new branch president wouldn't know who i was therfore i woudn't get a calling, nor would i have to speak in church. Last week, my plan failed me miserably! Not only was i asked to speak in church but they also gave me a calling... Are you kidding me right now. Since i suck at updating my blog, I'll update with my talk since all of you following my blog won't be there to hear it! I apologize for the typos and if it doesn't make sense! I was ridding in the car when i typed this!

I was asked to speak on "What have you done for someone today?" From the Nov. 2009 Ensign. Go read it! It's a great great talk!

Pres. Monson begins his talk by telling us about a man names Dr. Jack McConnell, He was one of 7 children of a Methodist minister and a stay-at-home-mom. Their circumstances were very humble. He recounted that during his childhood, every day as the family sat around the dinner table, his father would ask each on in turn, “And what did you do for someone today? The Children were determined to do a good turn every day so they could report their father that they had helped someone. Dr. McConnell called this exercise his father’s most valuable legacy, for THAT expectation and THOSE words inspired him and his siblings to help others throughout their lives. As they grew and matured, their motivations for providing service changed to an inner desire to help others.

Dr. McConnell went on to have a very distinguished medical career, where he helped in the development of the tuberculosis test, participated in the development of the polio vaccine, the development of Tylenol, and the MRI. He created an organization he calls Volunteers in Medicine, a free medical clinic for the uninsured and poor.

Of course we can’t all be Dr. McConnells with astounding medical careers, however, the needs of others are ever present and each of us can offer our help.

The Apostle Paul counsel’s “by love serve others.” King Benjamin reminds us, “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God. “ The Savior taught His disciples, “For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it, but whosoever will lose his life for my sake the same will save it.

I believe Savior is telling us, that unless we lose ourselves in the service of other; there is little purpose to our lives.

President Monson states, “Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others, grow and flourish- and in effect save their lives.

Pres David O McKay said, “Man’s greatest happiness comes from losing himself for the good of others.”

At baptism we promise to “bear one another’s burden, that they may be light.” How many times has your heart been touch by a kind act of service or in witnessing the need of another being fulfilled? Unfortunately there is times when we get caught up in the “thick and thin of things” the busyness of everyday life. I believe if we were to step back and take a good look at what we’re doing we would find that we too often spend most of our time take care of things which do not really matter much at all in the grand scheme of things.

I was at work talking with a client the other day. He is a great man, very honest man and an incredible example of service. He has such an amazing outlook and attitude about life. I was complaining about not only getting a calling but also having to talk in sacrament meeting. He asked my topic and a smile appeared on his face I told him, “What have you done for someone today?” He said, I remember that that talk, It opened my mind and my heart.” I didn’t really believe him until he proceeded to tell him about his experience in Haiti. He said, “I was worried about going, I didn’t know what to expect. I was going to be sleeping on the ground, so I was worried that I wasn’t going to sleeping at all, I was worried that my neck was going to hurt and I wasn’t going to be much help. I just wasn’t sure how great of an experience I was really going to have.” I could see the happiness in his face as he continued, “We got there on a Saturday and the destruction was unbelievable, it left me speechless. I instantly became overwhelmed with the thought that we could not help these people. There was no way we could begin to make a dent in the damage that had been done. As we began to work building houses and teaching the natives how to build better and stronger buildings, I found so much joy. I slept fine, I wasn’t worn out and exhausted as I expected to be, my neck didn’t hurt, and it was a great experience. I learned that I didn’t need to fix all of Haiti; I needed to help those I could, and find joy in that! We can’t save everyone; we just save those we can.”

Again not all of us can fly to Haiti and reconstruct home and rebuild cities, but there are people who are suffering with illness, there are those who are suffering loss of family members or friends, and people who are struggling with loss of faith. We have the opportunity to touch the lives of others and help reconstruct and rebuild their faith in our Father in Heaven and our Savior.

Pres. Monson tell of when he was asked what would he consider the ideal gift that the members worldwide could give him, he replied, “ Find someone who is having a hard time, or is ill, or lonely and do something for him or her.” He later said, “I was overwhelmed when I received hundreds of cards and letters from members around the world telling me of how they fulfilled that birthday wish. The acts of service ranged from assembling humanitarian kits to yard work.” I’ll share a few with you, a small child wrote, “My grandpa had a stroke, and I held his hand.” From an 8 yr old girl: “My sister and I served my mom and family by cleaning the toy closets, my mom was so happy.” And 11 yr old girl” There was a family in my ward that didn’t have a lot of money, I watched their 3 little girls for free.” From a 4 yr old boy, “My dad is gone for army training for a few weeks. My special job is to give my mom hugs and kisses.” A 9 yr old girl, “I picked strawberries for my great grandma.” Another 9yr old, “I played with a lonely kid.” From an 11 year old boy: “ I went to a lady’s house and asked her questions and sang to her, it felt good to visit her, she was happy because she never get visitors.

Mother Teresa taught, “One thing will always secure heaven for us, the acts of charity and kindness with which we have filled our lives. We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”

We are surround by those who are in need of great love, of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness, be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers, we are the Lord’s hand upon the with the mandate to serve and lift his children. He is dependent on each of us.

In closing I was to share with you a story, I’m sure you’ve heard it several times, but it’s a great tale of truth. It’s the starfish story.

Once upon a time, there was a wise man that used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

On day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day so he walked to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The young man replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”

“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”

I bear witness to the power of service. Unfortunately, I have realized that I spend far too much time on things that are unimportant things and I need to put more of an effort in to the needs of others. Fortunately I have been on the receiving end of small, yet momentous acts of kindness. I have incredible people in my life serving me every day in way they are not even aware.

The Savior needs our help, he enlists us to his cause, he invites us to draw closer to him, if we follow in the footsteps our Savior and ask ourselves, What have I done for someone today, we will find joy beyond our comprehension.

Facebook | Your Photos - We've been talkin' 'about Jackson

2010-07-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

Margaret... I'll have you know I'm doing this for you! I'm sorry I'm so terrible at blogging.. My life is so out of control.. I'm planning on writing a blog about camping.. I'll try and make time for that on Sunday cuz i have a funny story to write.. here are some pics of when my Friend Jessie and i went to Jackson!!

Facebook | Your Photos - We've been talkin' 'about Jackson: "http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2019118&id=40202896&l=218b571054"

Not So Happily Ever After... But thats ok...

2010-03-10T22:20:00.001-08:00

Let’s take a moment and think about the movies we watch. I’m a believer that everything in life can be compared to FRIENDS (the TV show), Harry Potter, or the movies. I want you to think about the conflicts we see in the movies. Of course the first thing that comes to mind is a pair lovers who can’t keep their paws off each other, where if we watch long enough one of them admits something or insults the other and that unfortunately leads to a battle of stubbornness or a war of pride and ultimately …the breakup! They don’t want to be apart but neither one is willing to admit defeat, yet in the end they make up and live happily ever after.

We see it in every movie, whether the plot is entirely constructed around the “star crossed” lovers, or it’s a smaller event, wrapped up in a more complex theme, it’s there. Maybe it’s not a romantic relationship; it could be the immovable differences between siblings, a parent and a child, the arrogance between friends or coworkers, no matter the type of relationship the issues of stubbornness, pride, and conceit are there. I’m sure most of us experience them on a daily basis.

I don’t believe what we see in the movies is portrayed correctly, yet so many people think that the movies are REAL life. I think of Pride and Prejudice (The Kira Knightly one) and the scene where she so dramatically runs out of church and he follows her and they end up in a wicked argument, and before you know it they’re faces are inches away from one another and there is a moment where you think they might kiss and then… he walks away….that does not happen! Not in real life! When you are so angry at someone you don’t want to be near that person… and you defiantly don’t want to kiss them. There are several movies where a people are fighting and pleading their case as to why they screwed up or why they did what they did, and then again a moment, the moment of complete silence, the opportunity for apologies and forgiveness, and of course, they make up and live happily ever after.

How about the movie about guy and girl who are best friends, and have been for years? It is inevitable that one of these 2 people will fall for other and then endure pain and suffering of deciding whether or not to tell the other of their true feelings. When they finally can’t hold it in any longer things become awkward and uncomfortable, but in the end he/she see that only person they have ever truly loved is their best friend, and they live happily ever after.

THIS IS NOT REAL LIFE PEOPLE!!

There needs to be a happy medium here. In the real world, when people disagree they don’t say anything all to try and keep the peace or they windup saying too much and hurting people far deeper than intended... sometimes too deep for the wound to be healed.

What’s my point? Good question.

I guess I’m not surprised that the world is such a screwed up place. People watch movies, they read books and their expectations of what life should be is outrageous compared to what life really is. Those moments of silence in an argument, those moments where you should apologize or offer forgiveness, it doesn’t happen as often as it should, instead of yielding and admitting defeat, there is too much pride, too much hurt , and people walk way trying to hold on to their dignity. Not so happily ever after…

When you fall in love with your best friend and you finally tell them, it rarely turns out well. Both parties get hurt because it subsequently changes the entire dynamics of their relationship, everything is different. Not so happily ever after…

Why can’t people just say what they mean and leave it at that? When someone ticks you off, why can’t we just say in our nicest voice ever, “Hey you pissed me off… please don’t do it again.” Why instead do we say nothing at all, letting things fester, or yell every obscenity in the book at them? Is it really that difficult to say what you want or need?

Why instead of kissing someone in the kitchen and then running out the door can’t they just say, “Hey I’m in to you…?”

Why instead of playing 20 questions as to who is going to be there and what exactly is going to be going on, can’t they just say, “Ya know, that doesn’t sounds like fun” or “I really don’t want to go.”

Why can’t people just be honest…? It might sting a little for a bit, but I would prefer someone’s honesty, even if it’s going to hurt, than someone lying through their teeth save my feelings.

Life is not meant to be happily ever after, at least not the way the movies portray it. Be honest in what you say and what you do and your happily ever after will fall into place...

I’m just sayin…..

Purpose

2010-02-23T22:27:00.000-08:00

I know! I know I really suck at blogging! I think that if I didn’t write in my journal every week I’d blog more! I think I only blog when I feel like I have something important to say.. And lets be
honest.. That rarely happens! =)

Anywho.. Recent events that have happened have made me take a step back and look at the
bigger picture.. The eternal perspective if you will!

A few weeks ago I was a dinner with a friend (Texas). We were laughing and arguing cuz
that’s what we do, when he paused and looked at me very seriously and said, “Amber, I have
started to feel really guilty about not going to church recently.” I laughed and said, “Yeah I
haven’t been the most dedicated either.. I don’t feel guilty though.” I smiled at him, he was truly
concerned. He asked me, “Why do you think that is? I’ve never felt guilty about this!” I sat back
and giggled a bit more and said “Ya know, if I were the one feeling guilty, I’d be a little
concerned. I would take it as a warning.”
“A warning?” He asked.
“Yeah...” I paused and looked around. “Maybe something is gonna happen. Something ‘faith-
shaking,’ and if you aren’t prepared spiritually, you might not be able to handle what is thrown
your way...”
“Amber, don’t say that...” He almost yelled. We sat in silence for a few minutes mulling over our
thoughts. Sometimes... I need to take my own advice, I assessed the damage of my recent
activities. Not just my non activity at church, but my lack of studying my scriptures, lack of
praying, and the nonexistence of service. I need to do better I thought.

A few day later, over the weekend I was in Firth. I very unwillingly decided to go to church. I
planned on only going to sacrament meeting and then going home and taking a nap. It was the
first time I’d been to church in.. I have no idea how long.. quite a while.

As always I took my journal to church. The Australian Open (Tennis) had just finished and I was
writing all about it.. (It wasn’t very exciting!) I began writing about Roger Federer. He’s an
incredible tennis player. Arguably the greatest tennis player ever. I wonder if he enjoys smashing peoples hopes and dreams. No one plays like him. He's flawless and unstoppable. He's misleading and conniving, He pushes you to the baseline, makes you rush from one end of the court to the other, makes you miss shots, hit shots into the net, he is a true master of tennis. He makes you lose faith in your ability to play.

As I was writing all of this in my journal, I realized that Roger Federer is very much like Satan.
(Don't get me wrong, I love Federer.. This is just an analogy) That's how Satan is in our lives. He
pushes and pushes until we can't run anymore. He fakes us out, he hits things at us so hard we
don't even see them coming, he’s treacherous, and a master at masking sin. Satan pushes us to
lose faith in our abilities and in who we are.

Three weeks later my life fell apart (for lack of a better term). It hasn’t been as dramatic as it
sounds but it has still been a rough situation. My roommate asked me to move out 2 ½ weeks
earlier than we originally planned. The place I’m supposed to be moving doesn’t become available until April 1st. She asked me to be out March 1st.

I have a very terrible temper... Horrible.. At that time, the best thing for me to do was, walk out
of the situation until I could be in control and be an adult about things. So I walked out the door
and got into my car, and drove.. fast... I called a friend, (a.k.a. Carlos, or Jake, or Jacob) who was
already in bed (it was 10:30 what a wimp). I hung up on him and Jessie called me.. She demanded that I pull over or at least slow down. I yelled at her and considered hanging up on her, when Carlos called back. I informed Jessie that he was calling me and she told me to answer it and go over to his house for a while until I could calm down. I told her no and then answered Carlos’ phone call anyway. With a lot of persuasion I ended up at his house.

I was angry.. livid... murderous... So The next day, I called a close friend of mine and asked for a
priesthood blessing. What an amazing night that was! And what a paradigm shift I had. I was
given such great counsel and was blessed with comfort and calmness.

My favorite thing I was told was, “You have been blessed with great friends, they are here to be a resource for you, use them, and lean on them for support.” I think this is the purpose of my blog.

Texas was feeling guilty about not going to church.. I wasn’t, but he made me think. I wonder
what would have happened if he hadn’t been feeling guilty, or had he not brought it up. He made
me take a step back and look at the decisions I was making, which encouraged me to go to
church that week and that opened my eyes to see how Satan was faking me out, tricking me and
masking my bad decisions.

It’s funny to look over time and see the people who come in and out of your life. I am not a
believer in coincidence. daily I wonder, why(and sometimes how) “Carlos” and I became
friends... what is his role supposed to be in my life and what is mine in his. Karissa, my bestie in
Cali, I hardly function without her. She is a support even though we are a thousand miles apart.
Jessie, I know I can call anytime for any reason and she will give me honesty whether I like it or
not! The Cleverley Clan, Lyssa, Lipgloss, Ky... and SO many others.. They have and continue to
play a significant role in who I am.

I believe there is a purpose for everyone who waltzes into my life. It’s funny, the ones who you think are crazy, end up being some of your closest friends, and those you think are going to stay with you forever, you end up losing touch with or they betray you and turn their back on you. Things never end up the way we plan, they way we think, or they way we hope.. But I think it’s important to look back and remember that there is purpose in why people are apart of our lives, even if it’s just a few moments, a few months, or a millennium, they were put there for a reason, whether for your benefit or theirs...

So let me end with saying I am so grateful for the support system I have in my life.. Some have
come and gone, some are coming and other are going, but I am grateful for love and support that
they give me everyday. Whether I am at my lowest of lows, or my highest of highs they are there enduring and sharing those moments with me!

SLACKER!!!

2009-12-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

Yes.. Yes.. I know I'm a SLACKER!! (Sorry Margaret!!) So Here's what I'm going to do.. I'm going to up date the last.. what.. 3 months of my life.. Ok! Ready! Go! I have been so busy doing absolutely nothing! Done! HAHAHA I'm so funny!! Ok really!! Let's start with..

MY BIRTHDAY!! I had actually 3 parties.. I know how spoiled am i? Zak, Joey, and I all have birthdays right close together so we decided to have a birthday party all together before Jana and Matt headed to Moscow.

In Case we ever need proof, we are a legal document.

Then i went with my girls! It was a blast! The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Karissa would have been there! And Jana too! We missed you both! BUT the day over all was great! We went to the movie WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, i wouldn't recommend it.. it was boring and long and disappointing, then we went to Texas Roadhouse. Thanks for dinner Jessie! It was so good! We headed back to my apartment and opened presents and had cake.. My cake had a ORANGE LLAMA on it! Yeah i know right!! A ORANGE LLAMA! I wish we could have got my reaction on video. I was clapping and jumping up and down and yelling.. It was a great great moments! I totally raked it in present wise too.. I have such great friend!!

Em was hoping it was her Prince..
It wasn't! ;)

Waiting at T. Roadhouse

Yeah.. This is my STELLAR cake!! So freaking AWESOME!!!

A tennis racket for the tennis class I'm taking!!

I wish I actually got him and not just the bag!
He is now my candy dish..

I love my Friends!!

Then cuz I'm spoiled i decided that everyone should bring they're own steak and we could have a BBQ for my birthday! Klarice made Zak and I cakes.. I love birthdays!!

How awesome is this cake?? I'm so loved!!

I love to read..

2009-09-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

I have to share my new favorite book. A client of mine told me about it and i couldn't wait to pick it up. It is a book called The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins. AMAZING! It's consider a young adult book but i think anyone would fall in love with this book. I'm not sure if it's a 3 or 4 book series (I know annoying) the 2nd book called Catching Fire just came out a few days ago and I'm about half way through it.. It moves so quickly.. that's one of my favorite things about it. With my horrible luck it will be made into a movie soon. Keep Your fingers crossed it won't! =)
Here's what The Hunger Games is about..

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survived. Katniss is smart, athletic, and fast. She can take down a rabbit with a bow and arrow, hitting it straight through the eye. Will these skills be enough to survive the Hunger Games?

Run out to your local library or better yet, Barns and Nobles, or Borders cuz I'm pretty sure you are gonna want to own it!!

Adventures at my Window

2009-09-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

I've been terrible at blogging! I'm sorry! I'll try and do better.. Honestly nothing that exciting really happens in my life that is blog worthy.. I've been trying to think of a funny story that would make everyone laugh... so.. here it goes.

A few weeks ago i was having trouble sleeping. Nothing that is a big deal, every once in a while i have a hard time falling asleep. I laid out on my couch and read a book until i felt like sleep might be an option. I crawled into my bed and opened my window and cracked the blinds just a touch so the cool air could get through.

My bedroom window is at ground level and faces an ally. People think I'm crazy that i sleep with my window open, but it seriously gets hot.. I can't sleep if it's hot. Since having it open over the summer i have learned a few things. At 11:30 on the dot a guy takes his dog for a walk. He's out about 10 mins sometimes, but rarely 15 mins and then walkes back by. At 1:30am another someone walks by my window.. I have never had the guts to look out and see if it's a guy or a girl so I've made up own story about it. I call him Roy, he loves motorcycles and every night at 1:30 he makes his way to the Bott Yamaha store just a few blocks down from our apartment, to drool over and pine for the bikes he knows he cannot afford. He's a father of 2, him and his ex wife just couldn't make it work. But he's happy living a quite simple life..

For all you who think I'm crazy and are asking the question, "What if someone decided to break through the screen and attack you in the night?" Have no fear, a few years ago my beloved CousinKristi gave me a very cute lamp with flip flops on it, it's pretty heavy duty and without a doubt i could crack anyone's skull who decided to jump through my window.

Anyways, so this night i couldn't sleep. I crawled in bed hoping that I'd fall into a deep slumber. As i laid there i heard Roy walk by, I'd been laying there for a while so i decided to pull out my book again. Finally a half hour later i was starting to doze. I flipped off my light of and let sleep take me over.

Ya know that point when you are sleeping, where you're almost a asleep but not quite? Yeah, i was there, the gray matter of asleep yet still awake, when i heard, water running. Running outside my window.. I propped myself up, and thought, 'Is there a water spicket thingamajig outside my window? .....I don't think so.........' So listen a little bit longer and it dawned on me. There is a telephone pole just outside my window. Without a doubt, i knew there was some guy who couldn't hold it any longer and pulled over behind a gas station, in front of my window to pee. As sat there on the verge of laughing, i debated whether to scare this guy to death, to get mad and yell at him, or just leave him be -cuz, Who am i to interrupt a man and his business. Just as i decided that scaring him was the best and funniest option, the water stopped running, i heard a door slam and the car drive off. A little puzzled and amused i turned my light back on and read until sleep became my friend again...

The next morning around 8 A.M. i was curled up nice and cuddly in my warm bed. When I heard, "WHATEVER CHRIS, I READ THE TEXT MESSAGE! I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN SCREWING AROUND WITH HER!" Very unwillingly and a little irritated i popped my head up, glanced out my window and listen to this strange woman. "YOU BEAT ME CHRIS! YOU BEAT ME! I DON'T CARE THAT YOU WERE DRUNK! I'M GONNA TAKE MY SON DOWN THE POLICE STATION AND HE'S GONNA TELL ON YOU! HE'LL SAY, 'CHRIS HIT MY MOMMA.' HE SAW YOU." Again i was faced with a dilemma. Should i say something to this chick, or just listen. It was 8 freaking A.M. on a Saturday. No one should be up yet. "Chris, why do you do this to me?" She started to whine. "I can't believe you'd do that to me." It sounded like she was crying. Then outta no where she started yelling at the top of her lungs again. "DON'T YOU TALK TO ME THAT WAY!! I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU'RE INTERESTED IN HER.. SHE'S SO UGLY. WHAT IS UP WITH YOUR TASTE IN WOMEN?"

"Doesn't say much about you there does it honey." i mumbled to myself and smiled. She turned and stared at my window for a few seconds and then started to walk way. I must admit, i was sad to see her go, i was on the edge of seat waiting to hear the final outcome of this tragic battle.. It was my very own soap opera outside my very own window...

When it's your own window is it still considered rude to eaves drop?! Just curious...

What not to SAY..

2009-08-05T23:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my roommate Emile and I. This was taken about 2 weeks ago before we headed out to a singles dance (barf). We're both looking pretty good! I had just gotten home from camping that evening so i was tired but Em convinced me to go the dumb dance. Totally not important.

Last Sunday, Chris and Renee blessed their new baby Cameron Tate. He's so cute!! He's growing up too quick already! Em decided to go with me to the blessing. It was a 9:30 in St. Anthony. I was pretty sure I'd been to their church before, but i called Renee and got directions just in case. I knew exactly where i was going. So i thought. We got there 20 minutes early so we took a short nap in the car then headed in. 5 minutes before church started i realized no one from my family was there and clearly we were in the wrong church. Needless to say i was IRATE. 20 minutes early to the wrong church.. really?!? I was tired and hungry (fast Sunday) and i had no clue where to go! Finally i figured it out and We walked into the chapel just as the blessing ended! I was LIVID! So i sat there through Sacrament meeting fuming. I made comments to Em here and there, i was so frustrated i couldn't even write in my journal. As time went on my attitude soften, but i was still mad. The closing song was 'How Great Thou Art' (I love that song) so i was defiantly feeling better!

After the closing prayer i stood up and this lady turned around to me. She was wearing a black and red silk blouse with a black skirt. She said to me, "I don't believe I've met you before, What is your name?" Of course the first thing i think is Amber, why can't you keep your dumb mouth closed and not draw attention to yourself?!? I smile as nicely as i can considering my mood, and say to her, "I"m Chris' sister Amber." She looked at me puzzled, "Chris?" How many Chris's are there really?! "Chris Tucker, the Chris of Chris and Renee Tucker." The light bulb flickered on, "Oh Chris, I just love him i used to work at the school with him." I smiled and nodded in all the right places and oh and ah-ed for her. Then she pointed at Emile and said, "So is this your daughter?" What are you kidding me? MY DAUGHTER?!?!?! Really?!? I look like i could have a 30 year old?!?! I blurted out, "She's my roommate." The lady felt very embarrassed and quickly changed the subject to how great Chris and Renee are.. Really?! Really?! Emilie is 2 1/2 years older than me... We're the same age!! My daughter!?! I was not in a mood to be trifled with.. Really?!?! Are you kidding me?! I just walked away. She was very lucky we were in church.. Pretty sure she wouldn't be alive had that been said anywhere else. You would think the PINK streak in my hair would have tipped her off..

Later at dinner as I retell this tale to my family, my dear sister Jana says to me, "Well Amber, maybe it's that gray hair you have." Talk about kicking my while I'm down!

I've made a decision. I'm cutting my hair.. and coloring it!

My Sanctuary

2009-07-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

The greatest place in the world is near Leadore, Idaho. You drive down 18 mile road for about 4 or 5 miles( really i don't have a clue how far you drive) and you find the most beautiful camp spot. It's at the base of a mountain and a creek name Hawley runs through it! It's amazing! I was there for 4 days last week. I could live there forever.. except the winters.. and when i ran outta food.. so i could live there for a short time!

This is my very organized tent.. it stayed that way the WHOLE TIME!!

I decided that i would pick out one thing that happened each day that was my favorite and blog about it!

Day One: Was Tuesday night. Last year, i took my dad's lantern. I accidentally broke the glass when i pulled it out to check it and make sure it was OK before i left. So i bought another one. 8.88 at Wal-Mart. When i got to my glorious campsite last year.. i somehow broke the glass on Chris' lantern so, i gave him the glass from mine. So this year.. I bought a new glass to replace what i broke last year. I was so excited to be there and very proud that i could light my lantern by myself. As i pulled the lantern from my car, i noticed too late that it wasn't latched just right and CRASH the lantern fell out of it's casing and yep, you guess it the glass broke! At the time i was not happy, but i didn't curse!!

Day Two: I love to fish! I catch em and let em go! That's how i do things. The fishing this year was AWFUL! I usually catch anywhere between 20-30ish fish in just a few days time. Chris usually caught 40-60 fish. I remember one year he caught 65 fish! Yes we let most of them go! Anywho... Chris very kindly kicked my air mattress Wednesday morning and asked if i wanted to go to Big Bear Creek. Of course said yes and hopped up chipper as can be that i was awake. We fished and failed... nobody caught a thing. We were walking back up to Chris' truck and he got the great idea to try and catch some grasshopper, thinking that the fish might bite at them. So here is a grown man of 36ish yrs old running and hopping around in big black rubber boots and stomping like a 5 yr old trying to catch "hoppers" as he so juvenilely (i know that's not a word!)put it. Sadly i didn't have my camera!

Also on Wednesday my parents came up. So we took this picture in front of the outhouse to send to John V and tell him "IT STINKS NOT HAVING YOU HERE!" Oh what clever and witty people we are. Kaylene took the picture with her camera by setting it on timer.. so i thought it would be funny to take a picture of her trying to haul bootie up the hill so she was in the picture too.. I must say.. i did a pretty dang good job! =)

Day Three: I was supposed to leave this day and not come back, so Toddly and i hiked halfway up this mountain next to "Indian Rock" (a rock that looks like an Indian's profile). To take pictures of our camp. IT took us about 5 minutes to actually get up there. I paused for a moment to truly take in God's country.. It was breath taking. These pictures do not do it justice!

Hyrum liked hanging out with Hawley the dog (Todd and Cody's dog).
He did everything she did!

The rest of these are just a few snap shots! I love the mountains! I love the rolling hills! I love the earth!

Jason fishing! Again fishing was awful!
Oh Boy was it DIRTY!!!!
Ike had enough after 4 days in the wilderness!!
I couldn't get enough of it! I was sad i had to come home and shower!
How cute are these faces?!?!

I LOVE CAMPING!!!!

Too Funny!

2009-07-29T21:43:00.001-07:00

I love the song Hey There Delilah! Here is Mormon style: I'm at the MTC! Enjoy! It made my night!!

Glenn Freakin Beck

2009-07-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, i was planning on going to Firth to kick it with the kids and go swimming. I knew Jana wasn't there so i text messaged Klarice,
" Hey are you going to moms so the kids can swim?" Klarice sent back to me, " I just dropped the kids off at mom's but I'm at this Glenn Beck thing. Brian is doing security for it."

I replied "WHAT GLENN BECK IS HERE? HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS? WHERE IS HE? WHY? YOU SUCK!!"

Klarice responded: "I just found out that he was coming last night, tickets were $60.

In tears i sent back to her, "Oh if you get to meet him, get his autograph for me. Tell him that i love it when he swears on show. Tell me that he's so funny and i love him."

Klarice very kindly called me a dork and said she'd do what she could. Less than 5 minutes later she called me, "How quickly can you be here?" I screamed into the phone "10 minutes, give me 10 minutes."

10 minutes later i was in the Civic auditorium waiting for Glenn Beck. Gosh he's so funny! He even said a few things that got the wheels in my head turning!

So afterwards Klarice and Brian were my ride home, so I'm just sitting there chilling with all the officer that were there. I was standing against the stage talking to Klarice when lo and behold Glenn Freaking Beck came walking down the stairs from backstage. I smiled like a fat kid on her birthday. He looked at me and smiled back and touched my hand and said Hi. I text messaged everyone i could and told them Glenn Freakin' Beck just said hi to me! He then came back by and shook the hands of all the officers. I begged Brian to ask for his autograph cuz i couldn't do it. It was too scary. Then he stood right in front of me. again smiling like an idiot, he said Hi, and i asked if he would sign my journal. He said, "Of course, what's your name?" I responded and then almost shouted at him, " I love it when you swear on your show." He looked up at me and smiled a little and said, "I"m not sure that's what i want people to love about me." I kind of giggled and said, "Oh that's just my Favorite part!!" He handed my journal back and i said thank you and he smiled and nodded.

I always swore I'd never be one of those star-struck freaks if ever i met anyone.. That had freak written all over it! Oh wells! I got Glenn Freakin' Becks autograph!!!

Karissa was here!!

2009-05-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

So, my bestest friend in the whole wide world came to see me! We had a blast. I haven't written any thing under the pictures cuz what more needs to be said than...

KARISSA WAS HERE!!!!!!!

These pictures do not do the fun we had justice!
Thanks for coming friend!! Love ya!! See ya soon !

Idaho Falls Sand Dunes

2009-05-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

This is a blog Karissa wrote! I'm just cutting and pasting! Enjoy!

So...Am and I woke up this morning looking for adventure. We discussed options over french toast and bacon and finally decided to take a cardboard box to the sand dunes and sled down them...x games style. When we pulled up, we realized we had about 10 years on everyone there.

We felt like idiots...but when does that ever stop us?

CASE IN POINT

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Anne's Birthday

2009-05-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Anne Kelly

Emille Making the Hostess cupcake Cake
Anne loves them!

I got scolded for eating them!! =)
Who can resist them??

How creative are we??

We love you Anne!!

A day for Mothers.. I'm not one! (Praise the Almighty)

2009-05-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Mothers day! It was a busy yet fun day at the Tucker house hold!

Emilie holding Monroe (Kaylenes baby)

Aspen and i on the tramp

Team 1 Playing Evy Ivy Over Head

Em and Jess
Spectators of Evy Ivy Over Head

Team B
Honestly everyone switched teams so
much we don't really know who won!!

Coal AKA Dumbo

A rough game of .. well... something

Doggie pile on Todd??

Take a break after a Long hard day of playing!

Happy Mothers day Mom's!!!

It's Over!!

2009-05-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

So the last month-ish i have been dating a boy! I didn't want to write anything on here cuz, i didn't know where it was going and what i thought of things. Now that it's over i have no problem writing about it!

I met this boy "through a friend." (I use that term very loosely). We text for about a week and had our first date on.. oh heck i don't know what day it was. We decided on dinner at T. Roadhouse and of course on a Friday night the place was packed. Not gonna lie, at first WAY awkward. It was hard to have a conversation with somebody when there is a hundred other people around. After we were sat at our table conversation was not a problem. We talked about random things, nothing serious just small tidbits of information. We went to my apartment and watched a movie.. well we didn't really watch them we talked. YES WE ONLY TALKED!! ...and cuddled a little. It was a pretty fun night.

Ok.. here's a pic of us... yeah blah blah we're cute..he's cute but, how cute do i look??
Seriously!! My hair looks amazing and that green shirt.. ggrr baby ggrrrr!

I didn't have any sort of overwhelming feelings that suggested "HE'S THE ONE!" I just had fun.. that was pretty much it. So We had a 2nd date. I went to his house and we went to dinner and watched a movie. (starting to see a pattern?) I left at 4 am. We had our first kiss. It was fun.

Shortly after that i started to freak out. I started being really nit picky about him. That's my defense mechanism. I sabotage before things can get too far or there is the possibility of me getting hurt.(Thanks Texas) So i had "little birdies" in my ears reminding me to be "out of the box" and not be judgemental. Which was good but it got to the point where i needed to take a step back and really decided what i liked about this boy... In all honesty, i couldn't think of one thing (still can't) that i liked about him. I could think of 50 things i didn't like about him, some legit and some not.

Overall i think this was a learning experience for me. It was been 6 yrs since my last date. (my definition of a date) I have been reminded as to why i don't date! It sucks. It's a game. You both are trying so hard to impress one another and in the end you both come up short. At least with this brief "relationship" i learned that I need someone who is fun and funny, also someone who thinks I'm funny. Who the hell would think I'm not funny?? I am funny! I know I'm funny!

I'm grateful for the experiences and that it ended on good terms.. but I'm super grateful it's over! No more dating for me, I've met my quota for the next 6 years!!

Simple Pleasures

2009-04-18T21:00:00.001-07:00

It has been a very long, stressful, and very interesting week for me. I've been super busy at work (totally not complaining), I've just been working more hours than usual and I've loved it, I'm just way tired. My mom fell and broke her shoulder (are you kidding me?) I'm kinda dating a boy and i'm so outte my element. Life has just been stressful...

My parents had Chris and Renee's boys this week and were planning on staying in St. Anthony for the so they could go to school. But with my mom shoulder it was best if she stayed at home and slept in her bed. So My dad stayed the boys and on Wednesday night i stayed with them so he could home and be with mom.
We had a great time. I took them to Wingers (they were so excited to order soda's). We laughed at funny videos on the computer, They kicked my trash in Guitar Hero, though i took my revenge in Apples to Apples. It was a very good night.

I don't have a TV in my apartment and even though i don't watch TV that often i have missed it! So that night after Todd and Cody were in bed, i got ready and climbed into bed and turned on the TV. I was in complete bliss. To top it all off, there was an episode of FRIENDS on. How lucky could i get?! In that moment i couldn't not have been happier. Nothing could have made that moment anymore perfect.

It is the small and simple things...

A Moment

2009-04-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

I am continuing to lack in my blogging responsibilities. I am very sorry! I do have so stuff i could blog about I'm just not sure I'm ready to throw it out there to everyone cuz I'm SO outta my element.. So.. here is an Office moment.. My very favorite Office moment... Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGXKCtHooHA

I can't believe i'm sharing this

2009-03-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

So.. back in the day, I hung out with two of the funniest girls i know!! Karissa (Roo)and i were roommates and Cindy (La) was the girl next door. We became the best of friends fast. We did the craziest funnest things ever. One night, we decided to make a music video to the song Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Which led to SEVERAL more music videos. Here is probably my very favorite one. "I Won't Say I'm In Love" from the movie Hercules. I hope you enjoy it!

Gosh, the dumb things we do.. This video is just the tip of iceberg!! Roo, La.. sorry if you hate me for this cuz i know it is embarrassing BUT it's something that needs to be shared!!

Today

2009-03-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

So today my dear sweet cousin Daniel married to the most adorable girl! It has been a very fun day! In a few days i will post pictures from this exciting event, but right now i want to write about what happened after the wedding reception.

I followed Brady and my dad back to Springville (where Brady lives). I was able to get Hyrum ready for bed and read him a few books. My dad went to Del Taco for a late night snack.

When the boys were in bed and my dad returned we sat around the table eating tacos and burritos. We were discussing the most mundane things. Whether Del Taco was better than Taco Bell.. how many kids should Brady and Wendy have..what we should do tomorrow. It was such normal everyday thing and i loved every moment of it!

I sat back and listen to Brady try to prove some random point to Wendy as my dad asked if my mom was hungry. I was overwhelmed with such gratitude for this day! All of it, the chance i had to be in the temple and witness the sacredness of an eternal marriage. I talked and more importantly laughed with my cousins that i haven't seen in month, and as the day ended i was sitting around the table laughing with members of my family! What a great day.

There are times(several) in my life where i have complained, where i wondered what my purpose is, what is the point of this trial and that opposition, is it really worth it? Tonight those questions were answered, those complaints defeated. Today, is what it is all about, today, it was worth it! The heartache, the strife, the everyday battles we constantly fight are worth every second, every tear because at the end of the day, we are together, we are ALL family and that is what we are striving for.

So.. today.. today I'm grateful!

Altoid anyone??

2009-03-07T18:23:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure i've mentioned this but i love this office! So here is another Office moment i have come to treasure!

Shopping-Hair Appointment-Chocolate

2009-03-04T22:34:00.000-08:00

My sister sent me this email... i thought it was so funny!

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of dollars for dinner.

I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you this money, will you buy chocolate with it instead of dinner?'

'No, I had to stop eating chocolate years ago', the homeless woman told me.

'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked.

'No, I don't waste time shopping,' the homeless woman said. 'I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.'

'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.

'Are you NUTS!' replied the homeless woman. I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!'

'Well, I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.'

The homeless Woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.'

I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and chocolate.'

Office Moment of the Day

2009-03-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

I freaking love The Office! This is one of my moments!

I love how Jim looks at the camera and laughs!! Gosh! Have i mentioned i LOVE the office??
If this didn't make your day.. you need to lighten up and laugh!

Truly the simple things

2009-03-02T21:37:00.000-08:00

For the most part, i am a simple person, therefore, I'm easily amused. One of my favorite songs is 'Hey There Delilah' By Plain White T's. If you've never here it, here's the video. I love it!

The story behind this is killer too!

If you have heard it, my sister and brother in law sent this to me... I almost died from laughing. Is it really that funny? Well, it's from Sesame street and again, I'm a simple person! So yes! Yes it is!

Burst Bubble

2009-02-18T21:25:00.000-08:00

So, Dr. J. Adam Cleverley is a witty person. He is always great at come-backs and is sarcastic enough for for the whole nation. It's not very often that i get am able to stump him or leave him confused. Today was that day. Or so i thought!

I have this fun shelf that i need to hang up in my room but i need a stud finder. I've been meaning to ask him for weeks if he had one i could borrow. Anne (my roommate) was very excited for me to ask because he'd come up with something clever and make us all laugh. Finally today i was sitting in his office reading MLM ONLINE (good book) and for some reason it popped in to my head to ask him.
"Adam, do you have a stud finder?" I asked all nonchalant. He looked at me as if i was crazy with a ridiculous grin on his face.

In case anyone doesn't know what a stud finder is

"Is this a trick question?" was all he came up with. "is this like, 'hey is your refrigerator running?'" He was so confused.
"No, i just want to know if you have a stud finder." I started to laugh that he was unsure what a stud finder was. "You know one of those things you run across the wall to find a stud and it beeps when you find one."
"Oh, i thought you just use a hammer and tap along wall, if it sounds hollow, you know there isn't a stud there." He really did look genuinely puzzled.

Of course i started laughing my head of cuz, he's a guy, he should know what a stud finder is. That was better response than i could have ever imagined! It was so great! Here is something i finally have to give Adam crap about! I don't have a lot of leverage there, he on the other hand, has more leverage than he should. I just say and do stupid thing that leave so many options of teasing, not to mention i have friends that have no problem dishing information that he doesn't need to have.

He smiled and said, "I was thinking Angelina Jolie is a stud finder." Which of course made me laugh even harder.

I came home and told Anne the story and had a good laugh at his expense. What kind of Man doesn't know what a stud finder is? Come on?!! So tonight at our syntek meeting Anne leans over to him and starts to give him crap about not being a manly man and he starts to giggle and says, "i know what a stud finder is, i never got the chance to talk to Amber, of course i know what a stud finder is. I never said i didn't know what one was. She just assumed." Needless to say, i threw my notebook at him and told him not to talk to me! Later as we left the meeting i kindly and very lady like showed him middle finger.

Are you kidding me! The one opportunity i have to make J. Adam look like a dork, in the end I'm the one looking stupider than even i though possible. Jerk!

John V

2009-02-12T21:57:00.001-08:00

When John Tucker V was born, i was 8 years old. I was so angry that he was born. I was the baby! I was the favorite, the cute one. Nobody was going to take that from me. NO ONE! Especially some dumb little baby! I hated kids because John was born and took my place. He was the only grandchild for 6 years.

It's funny how we grow up! It didn't take long for me to get over myself and love my little nephew. He was so cute! He has grown up to be one of my favorite people and a very amazing man.

One night during the summer before his Sr. year he came over to my house. My parents were in California so i had the place to myself. I was sitting in my dad's big comfy chair reading Twilight for the 4th time. He plopped down on the couch and picked up Harry Potter 6. We sat there reading not saying a word to each other for a good hour and half. Then one of us finally broke the silence and we jumped into a conversation about a mission and the military. It was then that i learned his love for the gospel and his desire to serve his Father in Heaven, but also, his deep love of our country and his willing to fight for our freedom. It was one of my favorite nights with John V.

Over the last year, we have become so much closer. He'd come over to my house and we'd watch The Office together, we laugh and talk. I would make fun of him about Star Wars and Halo and he would make fun of me about tennis and all the dumb TV shows i watched! (Though he started to like Grey's Anatomy. He wouldn't admit it but he did!)

He decided to serve a mission. What a great example he is to his other 20 cousins. He has such a strong testimony of the gospel, he will help so many people find the truth and bring them to Christ. He will be a great missionary! He has made his entire family so proud.

John left on his mission January 31st. I miss him! I knew i would but WOW! I miss him so much! He was so helpful, he'd run out to my car whenever i needed, He helped me pack and unpack all my stuff. He is so amazing! I loved it when he would come in and say, "Amber, I saw the funniest thing on YOUTUBE, you gotta check this out." or "Amber, I heard about this lets look it up online." We would search for ring tones, videos, and pictures. We would play rock band, guitar hero and even battleship.

I am so grateful John was born. Even though it took me a little bit to warm up to him. He has made me so proud. I'm so grateful that he's not just my cute little nephew but he has become a very cherished friend who i miss dearly. He has strengthen my testimony and my love of Christ. John is one of my many tender mercies that the Lord has blessed me with! I am grateful!

A Glorious Day of Sports

2009-02-11T22:23:00.000-08:00

February 1st was a great day to be a sports fan! As i have sucked at blogging recently you all missed my match by match updates of the Australian Open (tennis).

It was a major 2 week event. I spent a lot of time in Firth those 2 weeks. I love tennis! It was amazing to watch my Andy Roddick

(PS I love this picture with all that sweat flying.. HOT)

play some of his best tennis. With his new coach and losing 15LBS he was moving better that I've ever seen! He played some great tennis. He made it to the Semi-Final where he met Roger Federer and lost in straight set. It still was a great match. I love to watch Federer push Roddick to his very limits! It's amazing!

So in the Final it was of course the Worlds number 1 player Rafael Nadal from Spain
vs the worlds number 2 player Roger Federer from Switzerland .

There has been a lot of talk of these 2 players, if Nadal is really the worlds number 1 or does it really belong to Federer. Let me tell you! After a 4 hour match Nadal proved to be deserving of his number 1 titled. He out ran, out play, maybe even out smarted Federer all night. It was a great match. I'm grateful i was able to watch it!( Thank heavens for DVR it was played at 1am).

When Nadal won he fell to the ground! Exhausted. He'd played a 5 hr and 14 min match less than 48 hrs before this one! I don't know how tennis players do it! They set up the awards ceremony and they presented Federer with his runner up prize, He tried so hard to keep it together. He waved to crowd (he had WAY more applause than Nadal) Federer said, "Hi, Hi everybody. Thank you! Thanks!" then he paused and looked down at the ground and said, "Gosh, it's killing me," and his bottom lip started to quiver and i guarantee there were thousands of Roger Federer fans in Rod Laver stadium crying along with him.
He tried so hard to say something.. anything, only tears would come. They gave him a minute and awarded Nadal with his Trophy. Then Federer stepped up to the microphone and said, " I don't want to have the last word, Rafa has earned that tonight." The tears started again and he said, "In the first moment you're disappointed, you're shocked, you're sad, you know, then all of a sudden it overwhelms you." Later in an interview he said, "The problem is you can't go in the locker room and just take it easy and take a cold shower. You can't. You know, you're stuck out there. It's the worst feeling. It’s rough.” It was an amazing moment. I realized Federer is human. He usually hits the most amazing returns and moves so fast, i was almost convinced he was immortal. He was more human than i ever seen him in that moment!

When Nadal went to the microphone to speak, he showed such grace and respect as he paid a small tribute to Federer saying “Rog, sorry for today,” turning to his friend with genuine compassion in his voice. “I really know how you feel right now. Remember that you are a great champion and you are one of the best in history and you will beat Pete Sampras’ 14 titles for sure.”

What an amazing day to be a tennis fan!

Then of course also on February 1st we had the SUPERBOWL. My entire family are Steelers fans. My thinking was, 'Well there is opposition in all things, today, that will be me.' I cheered my heart out for those Cardinals but in the end they didn't have what it takes to be a champion. I'm so glad it was a great game! Most of the family was there and we had so much food we could have fed several small villages!

Funny story though about my brother Chris. He is a HUGE Steelers fan, he always has been. After the game he was watching Sport Center or something and he looked at me and said, "Ya know Amber, it's a good thing the Steelers won tonight, i would have been ticked. I would have been so mad i would have packed the kids up and we would be on our way home right now cuz i would have been so mad!." I laughed at him and said, "Ok think about what you just said... how ridiculous is that? You would be that mad over a football game that you weren't playing in or coaching.. how ridiculous is that?" He laughed and agreed with me and said, "But i'd still be really mad!"

So, Blah blah the Steelers won! It was more of an Honor to watch that amazing tennis match than the football game! Here are some fun picture from the night!

These Boys were decked out in all there Steelers gear! It was sick!

Cute Little Cody loves the Steelers more than anyone!

Watching the game in grandma and grandpas room

Klarice's football cake!

It was Brady's birthday the next day!

The 3D glasses to watch the 3D commercials there were so many of us
i think we had to watch it 3 times. Wasn't the big of deal to me! Oh wells!

How cute is this kid?? It's ok he's a Steelers fan!

Just the Girls

2009-02-11T20:59:00.000-08:00

One night the Alyssa and LipGloss came over! WE watch the First Season of One Tree Hill LipGloss fell asleep and Alyssa couldn't get her paws of Michael PotSmoker Phelps. We ate lots of brownies and laughed a lot! What more could we ask for!

My New Apartment

2009-02-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

Well i finally took some picture. I won't show you pics of my room cuz by now i've officially made it my room and well.. it's a mess! But here a few pics! We're still looking for a roommate if you know of anyone! Not sure we'll make it if we don't get one! Oh wells! There is always living in my car right? =0)This is the Entry way to our Apartment. Legoles our protector!

Our Kitchen It's very big! It's nice! Karissa was shocked by how clean it is..
Yeah me too! I make it a priority now! Who knew!!

Our Living Room

Our entertainment center! Clearly it's made for a big flat screen TV
I have one, i keep in my room! Kidding! It works though!

My cute bathroom! Roo gave me pink and orange bathroom stuff! Love it!
Anne-my roommate gave me the cute Rubber ducky hangy thing.. i don't know what their called! Sorry! I love it though!

WE love our place! We'd love it more if we had another roommate! But it's home!

The Holidays

2009-01-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

So.. Since i stuck at life and blogging I'm going to post picture form the last few hoorahs we've had some might have comments, some might not.. deal with it!

The Kids addicted to the Nintendo DS It was ridiculous
Christmas Eve

The Sm ores i made and Lex tried to eat them all

Me & Matt

Grandma & Mom

The cast of the Nativity story

Jason and Joey- Wise men

Tucker- Shepherd

Matthew -Joseph
Kellie- Mary
Misha- Angel

Of course i was the narrator

Watching YOUTUBE

Matt Multi tasking
New Years Eve

Our family party, all the kids!

Aunt Kathy with the babies! Monroe and Isaac

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I think we counted 50-ish bottles of silly string!

Complete madness

It makes such a mess!

Brady went all out this year!

The boys back to Mario Kart!

In a nutshell that was the holidays in the Tucker house hold! Love em all but glad it's over!!

I Suck...

2009-01-07T21:39:00.000-08:00

So, I've totally sucked at blogging.. life is crazy!! Not that there is really THAT many people who check my blog, but for those few of you that do.. Yes, i am alive.. I look like this and I'm tired but I'm alive and kicking and life is good! I'm in the process of moving to Idaho Falls and very soon i will have pics of my HOTT bachelorette pad!!

Eternal Bliss

2008-12-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

This would be the ONE reason I'd get married...
SWEET REVENGE!!!

Family Pictures

2008-12-28T20:17:00.001-08:00

There is 40 of us.. some how we got all together dressed decent and clean.. Here are the results.....

..and this is why i love Chritmas!

2008-12-12T17:27:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for people who find the time and who have the talent to put crap like this together for people like me who sit here and watch completely amazed!

Carol of The Bells by TSO (my favorite Christmas song not my favorite light show but still fun!)

... and my favorite Wizards In Winter by TSO...

I could watch this stuff all freaking day!!
I LOVE IT!!!
YEAH CHRISTMAS!!!

I love the World Boom de ya da!

2008-12-07T22:26:00.000-08:00

My cute little nephew John V showed me this video. He has nothing better to do then screw around on youtube. BUT i am grateful when he finds funny videos to show me. Here is one the discovery channel did! It just made me giggle!

Tukey Day

2008-12-06T23:36:00.000-08:00

It's taken me a week-ish to take the time to get these Thanksgiving pics up. There isn't many of them either!! But here's Thanksgiving at the Tuckers. 13 adults, 28 kids.. Complete mayhem!!

Baby Monroe

Michael giving Jessie his opinion on camcorders

I think Isaac is the CUTEST baby ever!!

Monroe was a hit with the Ladies!

Tucker Turkey Bowl. Look out we're mean!

See how mean we look!

Maybe Not

'
Our Cheerleaders!

Hyrum and Mikey loved the bubbles!

Klarice brought Pearler Beads. they were a huge hit!
The kids we occupied for hours!

John V's last Thanksgiving for 2 yrs!

Sorry there is really no order to them but that's OK! It was a fun day!!

I've been tagged

2008-12-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

Michelle Tagged me! I'm not sure there are anymore random thing that people don't already know!

Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up…

Number One: I give people nicknames. Some i say out loud and some i just keep in my head. for example Karissa started out as Karissa then it went to Ris, then to Rissy, Rissy Roo, Rissy Roo Whoo, to Roo. Jessie i call J or JK. Ashlee i don't call her this to her face but in my head she is Sheew. There is no reason for it. I just call her Sheew. Weird!

Number Two: I am not OCD but i have to have my movies in alphabetical order. It drives me nuts to have it any other way.

Number Three: When i hang up a shirt (for example) I can't hang a red shirt on a red hanger. The clothes i hang up can't be the same color as the hanger! I know I'm nuts!

Number Four: I love cell phones. I love to dink around with them to see what i like and what i don't like about them.

Number Five: I love to eat raw veggies but i won't touch them if they are cooked!

Number Six: I have an obsession with rubber duckies!

I Tag anyone who wants to do it!

Not Dazzled

2008-11-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

WARNING!! WARNING!! THIS BLOG CONTAINS TWILIGHT MOVIE SPOILERS! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

So, I don't have a clue where to start this blog. I have so many thoughts and irritations. I wrote a blog last May entitled An Obsession, about Twilight and my love for the books. In August after the 4th and final book came out i wrote a blog entitled, Unsatisfied, it was about my disappointment in the finale of Twilight legacy. In all honesty after reading the 4th book i actually lost my passion for Twilight, i don't talk about it nearly as much as i used to. I've read Twilight 12 times, I loved that book but after Breaking Dawn it just wasn't the same. So, naturally, i have been concerned about the movie but I've tried to not read anything about it, I tried to not watch the trailers a zillion, or any interviews with Stephenie Meyer or the other actors. I wanted to go into the movie with no Expectations.

I bought tickets about 2 weeks ago to the midnight showing. I walked into the theater last night, and waited for a solid 2 1/2 hours. Klarice and i had a good chat about our personality colors and our birth order ( a new book i got) and how where you are born in your family can effect who you are. Interesting. Michelle tried to take a nap cuz she had to get up for basketball practice at 5am. The other girls chatted and texted. It was a great time!

Finally the previews started (they are my favorite! Coming Soon are the worst 2 words in the English language). There are some super fun movies coming out soon! Then it began, there was Bella, there was charlie, there was Mike, Eric, Jessica, Lauren, and then.. there was the Cullens.

Needless to say, I did not like the movie. I felt i went into the movie with an open and objective mind. In the very beginning the acting was not good! I had a hard time not laughing out loud hen Edward catches her scent for the first time, he looks like he might vomit, he's supposed to want to jump her and kill her and suck blood, not throw up.. As the movie went on I do think the acting improved. I can deal with bad acting in a movie. That's not my biggest problem.

Stephenie Meyer was way too involved in the making of this movie. I know that it was important to her that they stick the book. I would agree. It's important to stay as close to the real thing as possible. With that, they tried too hard to fit EVERYTHING in the movie. It moved so quickly, it jumped from scene to scene to scene and then.. it was over. Some of the cinematography killed me. The scenes were really choppy. Again not my biggest problem with the movie.

Before book 4, as i have mentioned, i was obsessed with Twilight, i have all sorts of things in my journal of icons and pictures, and quotes from the books. I was sickly obsessed. I know several people who haven't read the book and they don't understand how i could be so addicted to a book, a fictional book, a book about a vampire. My hope for this movie was, for people who have not read this book, to watch the movie and understand, maybe not completely, but gain a small idea of what it is that attracts all of us crazies to this story.

So what is it exactly that is so captivating? What is it that we love? Well obviously i don't speak for everyone but in my humble yet professional opinion its Edward. (DUH) We are able to read the very intimate details of how Bella and Edward fall dangerously and obsessively in love with one another. I have never read a book where you can literally feel the chemistry, the electricity from the characters as you can in Twilight. We become just as dazzled by Edward as Bella does.

We watch Edward push himself far and beyond what he and any of his family member thought possible. He risks Bella's life every second they are together and yet we watch him get more daring by quickly brushing his hand down her cheek when he walked her to Gym, they have a moment where their faces are literally inches from each other, they hold hands and cuddle at the meadows, and finally the prolonged, hesitant and soft kiss, that was steamier than any kiss I've ever had (Not that that's saying much).

The movie shifts so quickly we miss those important details. Yes, we as avid and devoted fans of Twilight, know and understand how their lives become strangely entangled. They literally become so distressed just being away from each other, they can't function. What about those who don't know?? What about those who haven't read the book. They miss out on the whole Twilight experience.

Stephenie Meyer (and the whole kit and crew that comes with this movie) had such an opportunity to help the doubters and the unbelievers get a small glimpse of a world that is completely unreal but yet utterly addicting and full of passion.

I don't know.. i think they were so worried about making money and putting the movie out while the 'Twilight-Bug' was still hot that they screwed up something that could have dazzled everyone!

I know you're wondering, was it worth it? For sure, I was able to have my own opinion before it was tainted by what others could have told me!

2 outta 5 waffles!

Karissa Janelle Box-Lemme

2008-11-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

She really doesn't hyphenate her name... i just do it cuz it makes her name longer! Any who.. this is why i love her!!

CLICK

Colors

2008-11-19T12:18:00.000-08:00

There is a few things in life I've always been accused of. Anytime these certain accusations come around, my name will always be involved. It's definitely a good thing! Though it can cause some issues in my life. I am a fun person! I do fun things! I come up with fun ideas! Not to mention I am FUNNY! I'm happy and carefree and spontaneous. Things i don't mind being being blamed of at all.

At the office we've always talked about the Color Code Personality test. When issues or drama arises we often talk of the clashing of our different color personalities and how we need to learn to adjust to the way other colors handle certain situations.

Last summer, (i think) i took the test, knowing full well that i was a YELLOW. What i didn't realize is exactly how YELLOW i am. I had 27 YELLOW 11 whites 4 blues and 4 reds. I'm over the top YELLOW. Not necessarily a bad thing but, not a good thing either. Each of these colors come with their positive qualities and their negative qualities. So with my fun loving happy spontaneity comes noncommittal, unorganized undisciplined qualities. See the problem yet?

J. Adam Cleverley(Blue turned Red) always says that i make just enough money to be able to have fun, go to Provo, and go to the movies. I'm not disciplined to make the effort to make more money, cuz i don't need more money. (not sure how i feel about that! Who doesn't need more money?) But he saying i do just enough to get by cuz, working is not so fun, being responsible-not so fun. Fun is what i base everything on. (I've learned so much)

So about 2 weeks i was falling to pieces (not something that happens to me very often cuz again-not fun) I've been struggling with the responsibility at home with mom (reminder responsibility in yellows mind- not fun). I've always struggled with my purpose in life, where i am supposed to be, what I'm supposed to be doing. Yellow craves calmness, i jump from thing to thing, place to place to feel that temporary calmness. I've wanted to move out forever (reminder commitment-scary to yellows). I've been concerned with what people are thinking of me(yellows crave attention, they liked to be liked and they like to be notice).

Over the weekend i'd lost my fish, i had a flat tire,had to get new tires, then i found out i almost lost my apartment, i freaked and then the straw that broke my back, i cut my finger and was bleeding everywhere. I was done with life. I stormed in to Adams office and just stared him down. "What do you need?" He asked. Seriously i stood there trying to say something but i couldn't do it. He of coursed laughed at me cuz that's what everyone does. He said, "Am, spit it out."

I got kinda mad, "I can't! I have a hard time admitting that i need help." i yelled at him. (Not kidding)

He laughed again and said "Why? cuz you're invincible. You don't need help." Well duh! That's exactly it! Admitting that i need help shows that I'm weak and I'm not a weak person!

So he so very nicely said, "Amber, what can i do for you?" He had this annoying smirk on his face. Finally after sitting there for 2 full minutes i spit it out.

After the day was over we sat in his office and discussed a few things. We(actually HE) talked a lot about my yellow personality. We talked how it's ok to be yellow. But i need to try and develop some of the positive qualities of the other colors. There is nothing wrong with being fun and being motivated by fun but i also need to add some focus and discipline to my life and help discover who i am and where I'm going. At 27 i don't have a clue!

So i decided i was going to make and effort and be more charactered. I want to try and stop the negative yellow(and blue and white) qualities and create the positive red qualities. So i bought this book. It's the 2nd book to the Color Code Book called, Color Your Future. It supposed to help you enhance your life by using the Color Code.

I've been all excited hoping i was gonna be motivated to try and become better. So last week i was reading this book and there came a part where there was a page full of words. Just words.

I had to circle all the words (good and bad qualities) that characterized me MOST of the time. Then i had to ask 4 other people who i trust and who know me pretty well to do the same. The purpose of this is to be able to see how others perceive me. It was interesting.

Adam wanted to go over EVERY single word he circled and why and then talk about why i circled what i did. (PS he doesn't think i have any red qualities positive or negative. I totally disagree. I haven't told him that though!) It was an eye opener to really find out what people think of me. So far I've learned I'm not who i thought i was and the person i want to be even farther away than i could ever imagined. Being the yellow that i am i want to give up cuz seriously this adventure of discovering or creating who i really am... isn't so fun.

I decided that if I'm going to try and become better.. I'm in for the long haul (what the hell was i thinking? (yellow mind). So I'm trying to become better at being motivated, disciplined, focused, productive and decisive. Like i said, hasn't been too fun. It's actually been really hard. I'm not dedicated to anything. But i know that staying in this will help shape me into who i want to be and help me be successful in all aspects of life. So..

WISH ME LUCK!!!

Not too Shabby

2008-11-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

I am defiantly no professional but I don't think i did that bad of a job! I love taking pictures! Last fall i took Adam and Lana's family pictures and word got around that I was decent at taking pictures. So.. here they are.. I'll post a few of Adam and Lana's from last fall and then I took the Anderson family pictures on Saturday!

This picture we changed to black and white and fixed
the corners and it's hanging in their family room!

The Andersons! They were SO funny!

This makes me really want to buy photoshop!
Let me know what you think!

I'm an Aunt.. AGAIN

2008-11-12T21:43:00.000-08:00

Monroe Wayne Whitten

Born: Nov. 11, 2008
7lbs 12oz
21 in

She looks a lot better than after this one than her first one!
I don't think she was smiling after Mikey was born!

Big brother Mikey and Daddy

Captain Jack Sparrow

2008-11-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

FIRTH- Captain Jack Sparrow died in his fish bowl November 7, 2008 after suffering from a stoke the previous week. He was born (well I really don't know).. was brought into our home September 3, 2007. He was a great friend and fish and will be missed by many!

Jack was a talented and smart fish. He was always entertaining the kids by rearranging his rocks after his bowl was recently clean and jumping out of his bowl to get his food out of your fingers if you didn't put it in the water quick enough. He loved to bury himself under rocks hiding from all those who wanted to see him and bug him. He always knew when there was food waiting for him when you tapped the top of the glass and would come straight to your fingers.

Jack is survived by his best friend and caretaker, Amber; Kellie, Michelle, Jason, Zak, Chey, Kassidy, and Aspen; all close friends who loved to watch him, tease him and feed him. He was preceded in death by his brother, SkipBo, and Grandpa Mecham.

Memorial services were held in the Tucker bathroom. Saturday afternoon November 08, 2008

Syntek Global

2008-11-09T16:01:00.000-08:00

Better gas mileage- Cleaner Engine- Better for the environment

gosyntek.com/gomiles

Happy Haunting!

2008-11-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

I love Halloween! My kids are cuter than yours!!!

A Scarecrow

A pumpkin
An angry pumpkin! He's still cute!!

Thomas the Train, a Lady bug, and a witch
Just before we headed out!

We went to Klarices Inlaws and they made up this story about great great great great great great Grandma and Grandpa and uncle Joe and aunt Maisey. We ate their fingers, their eyes, their teeth and their brains. It was TASTY!

I believe these are uncle Joe's hands.. I think!

I was a die for the ward party! That box isn't the easiest to get

around in so on Halloween i was just colorful

Eva, Tucker, Matthew, and Joey! How cute are they?

This picture was too cute not to put on here!!

ABC Gum

2008-10-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

Sizzler has a deal running this week, kids eat free if they're dressed up in a Halloween costume. Cute huh? So, my big brother J.T. had the idea that all of us should go, Klarice and Brian and their kids, Chris and Renee and their kids, mom and dad and grandma. Not a bad idea. We don't get together that often (honestly, if we didn't get together eat, we probably wouldn't get together). Any who, So we are at Sizzler, the kids are all dressed up in Halloween attire and looking cute and scary. I ordered a Steakhouse cut steak and then got the salad bar (i planned on eating my steak the next day! I'm my fathers daughter). The place was packed first of all so it took a super long time to get around the salad bar. ? I decided to start out with a salad (it being a salad bar and all) and then i planned on coming back for some pizza and some soup and some fruit. I finally sat down with my fam and started mixing my salad together. There really wasn't much too it, just some lettuce, tomatoes and some ranch. I took a couple bites with chatting with everyone when i bit into a strange texture, not a texture I'd never felt before but i texture that didn't belong in a salad. I took a few chomps at thinking maybe I'd lost mind. I finally pulled this nasty.. whatever it was out of my mouth and looked at it and i started stretching it, yep sure enough there was some ALREADY BEEN CHEWED GUM in my salad. Are you kidding me?
Klarice looked at me and said, "What is that?" I replied "ALREADY BEEN CHEWED GUM IN MY SALAD!" Of course everyone thought it was hilarious and laughed. All i could do was hold this nastification in awe. Then J.T. comes with a HUGE heaping plate of salad (it was HUGE), he sat down and began to dig in when Paula elbowed him and pointed at me. "Whats that?" he so intelligently inquired. "ALREADY BEEN CHEWED GUM IN MY SALAD!" I yelled once again. Our waitress walked by with a tray full stuff and i asked her if she would come talk to me when she had delivered her drinks and things. She came over and i held up this repulsive treasure i found and said to her, "ALREADY BEEN CHEWED GUM IN MY SALAD!" She immediately started apologizing and ran and grabbed her manager. To make a long story a little less long, they gave me a refund and $20 worth of gift certificates back to Sizzler. Not really sure how soon I'll be going back there!

21, Again

2008-10-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

It's become a tradition that i go somewhere fun for my birthday, last year i went to Vegas with Jess and Roo, this year i went to Provo! A lot of people have told me that Provo Utah it quite a step down from Las Vegas, but i would disagree. I wanted to eat at Kneaders and see my bishop! I got both my birthday wishes!

Here are some pics from my fabulous weekend!On the Road

Smith & Edwards (weird store!)

My Sister in Law Wendy made me a cake!
7 Min. frosting.. AMAZING!!

Me& Hyrum! How cute is he??

I got to put Isaac to bed!! He's adorable!

Hyrum would not take a picture with out the pumpkin.

On the Road home! I've censored this pictures quite a bit
all the crazy things we did and took pics of i decided they will stay hidden!

Then we stopped at temple square!
You can never have too many pics of the temple!

I didn't know i was supposed to wear jeans!

How cool is this picture its in the reflection pool

Strange

2008-10-23T13:57:00.001-07:00

I've never really thought that i know a lot of weird people or that weird things happen to me, but when i was in Provo a few weeks ago talking with my dear friend Crystal, she helped me come to the conclusion that i do know quite a few random and weird people and strange things happen to me! Here is an example:

On Tuesday, i went to the Firth Volleyball game, very unwillingly i might add. My mom was there and i don't like to leave her places very long while she's by herself. While i was there, I saw Vicki, she does my hair and we were talking about a new haircut style (sorry Jess, but i really hate it). While i was standing in off to the side of these doors, this cute girl (who was a freshman in high school i found out later) came up to me and gave me a huge hug and said, "Amber you are one of my favorite people, i just admire you and look up to you so much." I smiled and said thank you. I asked who she was and she didn't answer. Her friend was standing next her look at me like i was the crazy one in this picture, and said "Who the heck is she?" She let go of me and looked at me with this huge smile and said, "That's Amber, she's Mrs. Tucker sister-in-law." (my sister-in-law is a teacher at Firth) and then this cute girl, walked away from me!

Really are you kidding me?? Who the heck are you?? Later i found out her name and got some sort of an idea of who she is. Not so sure what i did to impress her but I'll try and keep up whatever I'm doing. So two points were proved with this strange scene, that odd ball things do indeed happen to me quite often, and more importantly, we never know who is watching us, we never know when they are watching us, we never know who we might influence just doing what we do and being who we are. Just food for thought!

Enjoy

2008-10-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

This is too funny! I couldn't keep it to myself!

Raising the Bar

2008-10-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

When Karissa and LaCindy lived together, they used dry/erase markers and left each others messages on their bathroom mirror or on each others full length mirrors in their rooms. I was so jealous that my two best friends got to live together! (totally beside the point)

A while ago i started writing things on my mirror. For example, i would write things i need to work on like reading my scriptures, praying, going to the temple etc. I would also write a different quote every month. Some of them were serious, some.. not so much. This weekend there was a lot of traffic at my house and the kids decided they wanted to draw on my mirror. So i let them. All weekend they were in and out of the bathroom drawing pictures. Sunday, after everyone was gone, this is what was left on my mirror:

Malorie drew this beautiful picture

Not really sure who it is but.. it's just tender!

Michael (who is like 30) Put this
"If i could be like Mike!" It should say
"I don't wanna be like Mike!"

Cute Zak drew a self portrait
Pretty incredible, looks just like him!

Then Todd, Oh funny Toddy boy. He drew this picture:
I was a little confused, i didn't know what it meant,
then next to it he wrote this
It's the small and simple things!

I can hear the bells

2008-10-08T20:25:00.001-07:00

Wedding bells! Congrats Trevor and Kylie!!! Yeah!!! I can't believe my cousin who is 6 years younger than me is married!!! WOW!!!

Cameron was his best man!
I love this cake! So cute!
Gross! Stop it!
I was zoomed in a little TOO much!
How cute are we though!

Short but Sweet

2008-10-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

I took a very brief trip to Provo 2 weekends ago ( i know i suck at posting blogs!) It was such a fun trip. I got there at 9ish Friday night. I stayed with my good friend Crystal Brinkerhoff. (i know how awesome is her last name? It freaking rocks!) I haven't seen her in about 18 months! They moved to Texas blah blah and they moved back! I'm so happy! We stayed up until 2am just catching up! LOVED IT! Saturday we just hung out and talked and played with the boys! They are so big! I remember when Isaac was born! Well i remember when all of them were born but WOW! They are so funny! They're always up to something!

Isaac walking around on top of the car

Jack wanting to drive it around

Cute Little William

Nice Shades!!!

Then i headed out for the wedding reception (the whole reason i went.) for my good friend Boyce. (CONGRATS again Boyce)

Then it was off to dinner with Brady and Wendy and the boys at Sonic (are you kidding?) But was i was fun to see them! Hyrum is so cute and freakin hilarious! Isaac is so cute! I was able to rock him to sleep and put him to bed! Gosh it was fun! Then i headed for home! I pulled into my drive way 2am Sunday morning! I love trips to Provo!

Gosh they are so cute!!! They must take after me!!!

My Favorite Number is

2008-10-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

32, it's really embarrassing to admit the reason 32 is my favorite number. When i loved Shaquille O'Neal he was #32 on the Orlando Magic NBA team.. yeah i know! I don't think i could name 32 thing in all these categories so I'll name 10.

10 T.V. Shows i love to watch
1. One Tree Hill
2. Greys Anatomy
3. The Office
4. Friends
5. Will and Grace
6. Dirty Jobs
7. Myth Busters
8. The Weather (Local 8s on the 8)
9. Lingo
10. TMZ

10. things that happened yesterday
1. Cat fight
2. i got rejected 4 times (for apartments)
3. Adam and Lana bought me lunch
4. JohnV, Michael and I watched the office
5. i threw a pen
6. I ate 3 bowls of honeycomb cereal
7. my phone died
8. Karissa told me some pretty incredible gossip
9. Michael wrote on me.
10. i got off work and hour and half early

10 favorite places to eat
1. Kneaders
2. Chilis
3. Geraldines
4. bajio
5. Texas Roadhouse
6. Sconecutters
7. Tuccanos
8. Red Robin
9. Quiznos
10. Baja Fresh

10 things i look forward to
1. My own place
2. a solid base clientele
3. seeing Roo again
4. Provo NEXT WEEKEND
5. Not having my church calling
6. sleep
7. The Harry Potter Movie
8. Going to New York someday
9. Going to Venice someday
10. Not having to think of 10 things!

10 things on my wish list
1. money
2. A million dollars
3. Win the lottery
4. Andy Roddick beating Roger Federer
5. My Own House
6. the fall to stay forever
7. Adam finding a good receptionist that will stay
8.James Blake
9. a new laptop
10. going to the US Open

10 people i tag
1. Klarice
2. Alyssa
3. Jess
4. Steph
5. Amy
6. Jan
7. La
8. Darleen
9 . Sam
10. Mindy

Incredible

2008-09-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

On Sunday at church. They told us we were going to have a pod (a group of 5 branches that we do activities with) fireside. The didn't tell us who was going to be speaking but they told us to bring our scriptures and a pen and notebook, they also told us to stand when this person came in.

I NEVER go to firesides.. I'm not a fireside kinda girl, but i got the impression that this was going to be someone fairly important and kind of a big deal. So i went. I piled into Lyssa's Tahoe with 3 19yr old boys and 2 19yr old girls. (i felt ancient) It was actually kinda fun! It took me back to the good ol' days when i went to firesides and church activities.

So we got there 30 minutes early and the place was packed. Apparently everyone else had the same impression i did. So we waited and then finally he walked in. We all rose to our feet to show him and the priesthood keys he bears respect. I had never been so close to a true apostle of the Lord. The power and spirit of the Lord was radiating from Elder Bednar.

It was by far the best fireside I've ever been to. It was a question and answer session! How great is that?? With an apostle.. Freaking amazing! INCREDIBLE! We were there for 2 1/2-ish hrs and the spirit was just as strong at the end of the meeting as it was when Elder Bednar walked through those chapel doors.

Not that i ever doubted that Elder Bednar was an apostle of the Lord but Sunday night my faith and testimony was strengthen and confirmed. I believe with every fiber of my being the Elder David A. Bednar is in fact a true apostle of the Lord and i was humbled just to be in his presence.

New Love

2008-09-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

So last Saturday i was at walmart with Kylee and Alyssa

They were picking pictures to develop. Unfortunately that is right by the cameras. Last March (i think) while in Boise, i lost my beloved camera at the Idaho Center at State wrestling (yeah John V). I was so sad and still have been cuz it was a GREAT camera! Oh how i loved it! So the cameras were RIGHT there while Ky and Lyss were getting pics.... Temptation got the best of me and i started looking! My last camera was a Nikon COOLPIX and i loved it. (Jess just got one) i found a Kodak EASYSHARE and really started to like it. So i told Lyss and Ky too HURRY because i was starting to fall in love with this camera and if we didn't leave i would buy it. Ky said OK WE'RE ALMOST DONE! I PROMISE!! 10 minutes later i was walking down the isles of walmart with my brand new PINK Kodak EASYSHARE M1033! LOVE IT!!

Let me remind you it's PINK!

Ky and Lyss are the culprits i take no blame
or spending money on this beloved camera!

Ever since i was 18 I've had gray hair! I know right it's not fair! (Bishop Oldham always tells me to quit complaining about my gray hair cuz he doesn't want to hear it! He's all gray and has been for some time!) But 18 seriously! I've always gone to the same person for hair my entire life EXCEPT when i lived in Provo and CINDY did it! I always tell Vicki that i don't care what color we do, just cover up my gray! I'm kinda a Guinea pig for her! She thinned it a little and then colored it! And i LOVE IT!

I added the pink myself!

I feel whole again with Pink hair!
Life is just more complete with it! LOVE IT!

I've been wanting a printer to hook up to my camera for a long time! Long before i lost my first camera! Today, i marched in to walmart and i bought one! and guess what! I LOVE IT!

Here is is hard a work! And no the picture isn't blurry! I took this with my cell phone and it's not the greatest at taking pictures! (Hence buying a new one!) Roo can you tell what pic it is???

My camera!
My printer!
And my hair!
The new loves of my life!
What else could a girl ask for?

Only In Idaho

2008-09-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, i was chatting with Dr. N receptionist and she showed me something pretty gross and disturbing but yet, extremely funny! I swear.. Only in Idaho would this make the news!

There aren't Words!

Pet Peeve of the Day!

2008-09-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

Oh heck where to start! Real quick for a little background information, I work at a chiropractic office. I'm a massage therapist there. 3 days a week i work for J. Adam Cleverley, i take patients back put them on therapies, do spot work, answer phones, blah blah blah. Our receptionist has been there a little over a year. She is a super fun sweet (when she wants to be) person. We rarely hangout out side of work cuz out lifestyles are so different but we always have a good time and i consider her a good friend.

This last weekend she and her boyfriend (who she lives with) broke up (technically I'm not supposed to know that). She told pretty much everyone that comes into the office but she hasn't told me, or Adam. She has no problem talking about it to patients or the mail lady, just not me. So whatever. Not a big deal. I think she is afraid that i will say "I told you so." Not gonna lie, i might think it but i wouldn't say it. Adam and I both told her not to move in with him, that it would turn out badly. Maybe that's why we "don't know."

So the last 2 days she's been really down and grumpy, which i don't blame her (don't bring it to work PLEASE). Yesterday i went to Seagull book ( i just go the wonderful calling of Sunday School Teacher) while i was wondering around i saw a book called THE RACE. It's just a short little poem about a boy who runs a race, a good little motivational pick me up story. The thought popped into my head, huh, i should get that for Albany, maybe it would help make her feel better. It was only $2.99 so i bought it and on my way to work today i stopped and picked up some peanut M&M's and a Mountain Dew, put it all in a cute little bag and wrote her a little note to cheer her up. Well it worked a little. She was a little more cheerful and positive.

Later that afternoon, my brother was coming in. I warned her that he would be at least 15 minutes late, they are always late, love them to death but that is just something they struggle with, i could careless. he was scheduled at 4:45 and at 4:55 he wasn't there yet, so i called him and he told me he was 3 miles away. Very promptly at 5pm, Albany locked the door and my brother still wasn't there yet, and Dr. Nelson still had patients coming in. I said to her,
"When my brother gets here, I'm letting him in."
"Fine, but don't you think Adam wants to get home too? I just think it's rude." She answered right back to me.
"It will be OK Albany" was all i said, I wanted to say, Let me go ask Adam what he thinks. But i didn't.

Since i knew Dr. N. still had patients and my brother was still coming, i unlocked the door when she was in the back. (HAHA) When my brother got there i took him back and put him on the roller table and chatted with him for a few minutes. Adam was still with patients, had my brother been on time, he still would have had to wait. (Not to justify his actions. That's just the truth) While we were chatting Albany left and Adam came in to adjust him. While he was in there i went out and talked to Steph, Dr. N's receptionist. She told me that Albany was really mad at me because i unlocked the door. She said that i always let my family come in when ever they want. (my family RARELY comes in, and when they do, i tell them to make an appointment). Steph said back to Albany, "Why don't you just ask Amber to stay since she made the appointment and it's her brother?" Albany replied, "She always throws a fit when i ask her stay."

Ok, really? Really? First of all, I'm ALWAYS at the office. I'm there more than i am anywhere else. Yesterday, i was done at 4. i could have left the office at 4pm. Guess what time i left... 6pm! I stayed there by my own free will, i wanted to be. There's not many places I'd rather be than at the office. I've written that on my blog, not directly but hinted at it! 5th from the bottom, I Usually: can be found at work not working. I could go on forever about my irritation on this subject for an entire hour but i won't.

Here's my problem, I knew she was struggling and having a hard time. What did i do? I went out of my way and did something nice for her. It was only $10 but the principle is still the same. I should know better. One of the things that i dislike(hate is a strong word) about myself is that I'm a nice person. Don't get me wrong, i can be a total mean awful person too, but i try to make it a point to be a nice and happy person. Well shame on me! In the end I'm the one who gets screwed! Maybe that's something i can work on. Can you find a book that helps you become a meaner person? Maybe i should write one! =)

It's Over

2008-09-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Well after 2 weeks my favorite Tennis Grand Slam is over! Which I'm sure everyone who knows me is grateful cuz I'll FINALLY stop talking about it! It was one heck of a ride though! Man i love tennis! So....

Congrats to:
The Bryan Brothers (USA)

Serena Williams (USA)
(who beat out her sister to make it the semifinals)

And of course Roger Federer (SUI)
probably (in my humble opinion) the greatest
tennis player this sport have ever seen!

If You DISH It, Learn To TAKE It

2008-09-04T22:48:00.001-07:00

So I'm not sure I've mentioned that I'm a HUGE tennis fan. If you aren't a tennis fan.. keep reading (Karissa) because i think you'll find this story pretty funny!

I have been searching for a few videos on YOUTUBE. i thought they had everything on there but i haven't been able to find some interviews with Andy Roddick.

I had to add the pic in case you didn't remember who he was

unfortunately, this was the only one i could find! BUMMER!!

He is DAMN funny! He always has the funniest and quickest comebacks. There are 2 interviews that i was rolling on the floor laughing. (It's not just cuz i think he's hot either).

I have point i promise. Let me start by telling you about Novak Djokovic.

He's from Serbia and has earned the #3 seed in the world. I've always thought him to be a pretty cool calm and collected and a humble guy. He is always doing impressions of other tennis players and to me has seemed to have a good sense of humor!

So Djokovic played a match on Tuesday and he was complaining of a sprained ankle (both) he was cramping, his back hurt, he was tired and worn out, blah blah blah.. After he finished the match, Djokovic said, "In my next match i promise, my opponent(Andy) will be more healthy than me." And again was talking about what was hurting and how he was just worn out. Andy being the funny guy that he is had a great response when asked if he thought Djokovic was faking. I have haven't been able to find just that clip, but i have his whole interview, if you can, skip to 4:55 and it ends about 5:25, i promise, it's hilarious! Click the WATCH NOW link.

Still makes me bust a but every time i hear it. I wonder if i could record it and set it as a ringtone. My favorite it when he says, "common cough and cold" Just the he says it is killer!

Anyways sadly Andy Roddick didn't play his best tennis tonight and lost. Djokovic in his post match interview was an absolute ass on national television about the comments Andy had made. He said obviously he wasn't injured cuz look who won the match. He just had a holier than thou attitude and tried to piss off the New York crowd on purpose. I would have paid a lot of money to be there in Arthur Ashe Stadium and BOO him along with everyone else. He was just an arrongant jerk. Heres the video. The crowd did not like him!

My main point is, Djokovic can make fun of all the other tennis players mock them and imitate them, but when someone dishes it back, he cries like a little baby and makes himself look like a complete idiot. I ALWAYS give credit where credit it due. Djokovic played great tennis tonight but honestly, i think he's an arrogant baby and i hope Roger Federer kicks the crap out him! I hope it's not a tennis match at all. I hope Federer absolutely slaughters him. It'll be a better final if its the worlds #1 and #2 anyways!

Thanks for reading! Nobody gets or loves tennis as i do. I just needed to get this off my chest!

THATS ODD

2008-09-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

So today, i was looking through the news paper. I usually just read through the sports page to see if there is a good tennis story (have i mention i loved tennis) i want to cut out and put in my journal. Today.. well today was different... Today i sat down and read the FAMILY section of the paper. There was an article entitled, "The Incredible Shrinking Food Packages" (of course, it was about food!). It was an interesting article. Down at the bottom there was a little section called THAT'S ODD. Usually the THAT'S ODD portion of the paper is at least a paragraph of something funny and odd that has happened somewhere in the world. Today, it was just two lines, it read: Tokyo police arrested a 20-year-old man for mugging two men while dressed as Winnie-the-Pooh.

That should make EVERY ONES day!

Check this out!

2008-08-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

This is Interesting ... give it a try .

When you click on the link, a series of about 15 pictures will come up. Click on a photo in that category that appeals to you .

Again 15 pictures will come up, click the one for you and move on. Just continue to keep picking.

At the end it will give you a profile of yourself.... It's called a visual DNA.... Your choices dictate your profile. Click on the tabs on the right.
It's kinda fun!!

Http://DNA.imagini.net/friends

A little sad...

2008-08-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite time of year. I love the fall. The weather is PERFECT! School supplies go on sale. I bought 10 notebooks for a $1 today! There is no other time when you can do that! How amazing! And the pens and the glue and loose leaf paper and scissors.. Oh man!

Also it's the US OPEN! I love tennis! I really love it! While I'm at work i keep usopen.org and keep the live scores us so if i get a chance i can run by and check the scores. Man i love it! This why I'm sad. Nobody i knows shares this love with me. I have watched some incredible matches this week and no one.. i really mean no ones else has seen them and can share these amazing moments with me. So I'll share them with my blog and hope that i find someone out there who shares my love for tennis!

Monday Night James Blake (USA) 9th in the world played

Donald Young (USA)

He's only 19 and not very experienced but BOY did he give Blake a run for his money! It went to ALL 5 matches! It was incredible!
This was just the last point. In the interview, Blake gave Young a bunch of compliments and made sure that the crowd gave him the respect he deserved! James Blake is a classy guy! May dad said he'd vote him for president! (you have to know my dad to get that!)

This was Wednesday night Andy Roddick (USA)8th in the world(this is one of my favorite pictures of him)

VS Fabrice Santoro (FRA)

It's in French but just watch this serve from Andy Roddick. Roddick was up 2 sets to love. This was in the 3rd set 5 games to 2. I believe it was 30-15 when Roddick served this..

This is what Roddick said: "I wasn't going for him. I'm not going to go for someone up 6‑2, 6‑2, 5‑2. It was a bad miss, but a miss that I hit very hard. It took a little bit ‑‑ I was really excited about the way I was playing, and then, you know, to kind of end it like that, it was a little, I guess, disappointing. And I can definitely probably understand where he's coming from. If I was in the same situation I'd probably be momentarily pissed off, too.

It is what it is. I think I'll probably try to find him here in the next couple of days, and at least tell him that. It wasn't my intention. It was my intention to hit it hard, you know, but it's a serve I rarely hit actually, you know, body there flat. It's unfortunate, but it happens.

We've always gotten along pretty well. I'm sure it will be fine, but I definitely probably will seek him out and try to talk to him.

This is what Santoro said about it: "The match was over," Santoro said. "I was a little bit disappointed with the way he served the point before."

Roddick apologized to Santoro when they met at center court. He said he was aiming for the T and hoped Santoro didn't think it intentional. But he did.

"He served straight at me for sure," Santoro said. "That's a good strategy during the match, but it was almost over. He realized it was kind of a mistake." When told Roddick said he was aiming for the T, Santoro said, "Then it was the biggest mistake of his life. When he serves for the T, he gets the T."

Tonight there was an AWESOME match between the worlds #1 player and this years Olympic gold medalist Rafael Nadal(ESP)

and the #286 qualifier Ryler DeHeart(USA).

DeHeart has never played on a tour or in any big slams. This was his first Pro tournament ever! The first 2 sets were pretty easy for Nadal but in that 3rd set DeHeart gave all that were watching one heck of a show. There was no chance that DeHeart could pull it off but it was just good wholesome tennis! This is why i love the game! There aren't any videos out from this match yet since it just ended like and hour ago.. but seriously.. check tennis out.. its AMAZING!

Team U.S.A.

2008-08-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

I am a sick sick tennis fan. I don't care who is playing or how long ago the match was played, I'll watch it. We have the tennis channel! I LOVE IT!!!

I have been watching the Olympics like crazy! I didn't think i liked them that well, but WOW i watch them all the time. It doesn't matter what time i have to get up in the morning I'll watch it until its off the air.

Unfortunately i haven't been able to watch any of the tennis matches at the Olympics this year. KILLER! Andy Roddick decided not to play in these Olympics. He's not a tennis player anymore, he's just another pretty face! (Hopefully I'll eat my words and he'll do great in the U.S. OPEN starts Aug. 25) He feels the the U.S. OPEN (Aug 25) is his best chance to win a slam this year. Anywho.. The greatest(debatable) tennis player ever Roger Federer (Switzerland):

He has been the #1 player in the wold for 4 1/2 years. I believe he has super human powers. He moves better than anyone I've ever seen in tennis. His game is almost flawless. Part of me wonders if he's a vampire, but she doesn't sparkle in the sun. He lost about a month ago to
Rafaek Nadal (Spain):
at Wimbledon in one of the most amazing, intense tennis matches I've ever seen! It was unbelievable. I'm so grateful for tennis. I have a point i promise! There is another tennis player who is amazing! Nothing to Federer or Nadal but still pretty awesome!
James Blake (U.S.A.):
He beat Roger Federer in the quarterfinal of the Olympics this year. I would have LOVED to see that! I love Federer but sometimes it's a good reminder for him to lose! HERE is the article if you want to read it!
AMAZING! So here you have James Blake, (by beating him he dropped to the #2 place of the worlds best player, Nadal now holds that!) In the semi-finals Blake played Fernando Gonzalez (Chile) I refuse to put his picture. Of course i missed this match but it sounds like it was an amazing one. Blake lost but when i found an article to read about the match, i found an article entitled Blake Fuming After Semifinals Loss of course had to read it what happened? Did he not play well? Did he get hurt? Nope, they now call Fernando Gonzalez the Cheatin' Chilean! in a nut shell, part tennis counts on your integrity, if you tip a ball before it goes out, it's your responsibility to admit that you tipped it. James Blake hit the ball and it was going out of bounds and the Cheatin' Chilean tipped it and the judge didn't see so it was called out and Blake lost the point. He doesn't think it would have changed the outcome of the game but he was mad that Gonzales didn't admit that he'd tipped the ball. Here's some of what Blake said, it's pretty powerful, i think:

"Playing in the Olympics, in what's supposed to be considered a gentleman's sport, that's a time to call it on yourself," said Blake, with cold and controlled anger. "Fernando looked me square in the eye and didn't call it. I make mistakes, but I try to do it with integrity, so my parents would be proud of the way I played. If that happened the other way, I never would have finished the match, because my father would have pulled me off the court.

"I've spoken all week about how much I've enjoyed the Olympic experience, how much I love the spirit of it, how much I love the other athletes, what they've sacrificed, and you appreciate that ... That's a disappointing way to exit the tournament when you not only lose the match, but you lose a little faith in your fellow competitor."

"Should I expect him to do that?" said Blake. "Maybe not. Maybe I shouldn't expect people to hold themselves to high standards, sportsmanship," said Blake. "But, yes, I did expect it a little more so in the Olympics, when we're all competing under the banner of this event being to promote sportsmanship, to promote goodwill amongst countries."

...and that's why i love James Blake! Go U.S.A!

Thats what they all say...

2008-08-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

So I'm 26 (almost 27) and I'll be honest. I'm not a big dater. OK.. that's an understatement. I'm honestly not sure when my last date was. At least 5 1/2 years ago.. i think. I'm not complaining here.

I love being single! If i wasn't single, i wouldn't be able to do all the fun I've do. I've been on a cruise, I've been to California a few times. I got to Provo like i go to church, i go to the movies and do what i want. Being single is awesome. I just laugh when i see people that i graduated with having 3 or 4 kids. IT'S NUTS! I have 21(almost) nieces and nephews. I love them all so much but as the coolest aunt i get to get them all hyper and sugar filled and then.. send home with mommy and daddy! Best part of my day.

So this is where my frustrations come in. Recently a few different people have said to me, "Hey Am, would you go on a blind date? I know the coolest guy. You guys would have so much fun!" or "Amber i know this guy, he's kinda shy but he's good and he's so much fun you guys would just compliment each other so much!"

OK.. I'm fine with a date. I really am. How long has it been? Seriously, guess how many dates I've been on with these 'great guys?' Still dateless. So here's my thing. I'm good with or without a date! It's not a big deal to me. BUT don't tell me you're going to set me up on a date unless you are really going to go through with it.. is that too much to ask?

Thank You! Have A Great Day!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

2008-08-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately: illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida

Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation.
+ Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.
+ Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.
+ Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.

Any other problems you would like for me to solve today ?

Unimportant but Fun Details

2008-08-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

i am: excited
i think: life is pretty great right
i know: i'm actually going to make it even though somedays it sucks
i want: to go to bed at a decent time
i have: allergies
i wish: i found a brown bag with a million dollars in it
i dislike: mushrooms
i miss: my roobox, simplicity
i fear: that my food will touch when it's all on the same plate
i feel: a little complacent
i hear: the news
i smell: fresh country air
i crave: medium rare steak
i usually: am not even home by now
i search: on my GPS for places i already know how to get to
i wonder: about the millennium all the time
i regret: too many things
i love: my job, my friends, my kids, my phone, the beach, shark week, movies,
i care: too much
i always: wonder whats playing at the movie theater
i worry: that i will do something stupid and not be able to work
i am not: fake
i remember: life being much simpler
i believe: i can fly, i can touch the sky.. someday
i dance: like nobody is watching.. really it's not pretty
i sing: every thing, and not just songs
i don’t always: eat my veggies
i argue: if the world would listen to me, it would be a better place..
i write: stories in my head
i win: at skipbo all the time
i lose: at skipbo every time i play jess (you suck jk)
i never: can sleep on anything but a bed.
i listen: to only 2 of the 7 voices in my head
i don't understand: why the book had to suck
i can usually be found: at work not working
i am scared: of everyone seeing i'm not that great.. cuz i'm really not..
i need: to be frugal
i forget: to feed my fish jack
i am happy about: all of my bills being paid already and it's only the 7th

I'm supposed to tag some people, i would love it if everyone did it so you're more than welcome but off the top of my head: Jessie, Amy, Steph

Unsatisfied

2008-08-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

WARNING! WARNING! THIS CONTAINS
SPOILERS FOR "BREAKING DAWN"

Just another warning my thoughts are kind of sporadic and

jumbled but i've needed to get this out for a few days!

I have read the first 3 books SEVERAL times. Finally the 4th and final book to this incredible saga was in my hands. The whole thing was surreal. I was so excited to jump into this vampire world one last and final times. I was dying for a whole new experience with my vampire friends. I was so excited when EVERYTHING went PERFECT for Bella's wedding. Bella even enjoyed herself which, lets be honest.. that's a shocker. I was so glad when the sexual tension was over.. and then.. it wasn't.

I have read theory after theory, i have tried to come up with my own theories and never in a MILLION years would i have guess that Bella and Edward could REPRODUCE?? Are you kidding me? WHO KNEW?? I loved it! I know a lot of people have issues with it because, Edward is technically dead, but here's my thoughts on that, Seriously, you are reading a book where vampires and werewolves exist, you can't say "it's not possible" vampires aren't possible, werewolves aren't possible! Sit back and enjoy the ride.

I hated the name Renesme.. what kind of a name is that?? Dumb! Her middle name was Carlie, they should have gone with that! Overall, here was my main problem with this book. There was no magic. It was too easy for Bella to become a vampire. I'm not saying that her child trying to bite it's way out of her stomach isn't rough but come on. She wasn't outta control like vampires are supposed to be. She didn't have to really sacrifice anything to become what she is. She still has Charlie and Rene in her life, she still has Jacob. It was almost boring it was so simple.

When we were reading from Jacobs point of view, we learned a lot about Leah and Seth. What was the point of that? What happened with Leah, Jacob imprinted so what is Leah gonna do? Not that i really care that much but Stephenie let us get to know these characters pretty good but then left us hanging as to what happened with them next..

There was such an intense atmosphere that was created when all these other vampires showed up to the Cullens with their different talents to be witness' for the child (i refuse to say her name) but those vampires knew, we knew that there was a possibility of a fight, some expected that fight. Some things are worth fight for! (wow.. sorry that's so cliche) I loved where Garrett gave his whole speech on their freedoms as a vampires and what their rights are and who are the Volturi to try and take away their free will. But.. after that speech, where was the fight? Where was the battle to truly struggle for those rights? How many times have we heard story from of our Nation's battles for freedom, where men and woman have died, have offered their lives to give us our liberties. WHERE WAS THAT?

There wasn't the passion for life, or for the vampire life, there wasn't the passion for each other. I felt that she wrote too much about nothing and not enough about everything else. It was frustrating. It's not nothing comparable to the other books. Stephenie Meyer could have done better. It was so unsatisfying!

Half Blood Prince

2008-07-31T15:15:00.000-07:00

I just found out that a trailer for Harry Potter 6 is out! Check it out! Its AWESOME!

DYING

2008-07-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

It has been a long year if your a Twilight reader! Finally the release of the 4Th book Breaking Dawn is a little more than 24 hrs away! They have been teasing everyone by putting a quote a day on the Stephenie Meyer website.. It's made me go CRAZY!! If you haven't read them... click here at your own risk.. but I'm warning you it will drive you NUTS!

I've entered a contest on a local radio station to win the book tomorrow morning at 7:30am. They are giving away 5 copies. Lets be honest the odds are not good. But not to worry i have my copy on reserve at Barns&Noble and will pick it up at midnight tomorrow night!

I have a few theories.. well i have a of theories. I believe that something will happen in the end, where Bella will be dying and Edward has to make the choice to go against everything he believes and turn her into a vampire or let her die and he will follow after. I think 1 of 2 things will happen, he will change her and it's a happy ending or, Jacob will be there telling Edward to change her just so she doesn't die and Edward will choose to let her die. Who knows.. I'm probably WAY off! Happy reading to all Twilight fans!!!

California Adventure day 7&8

2008-07-31T14:26:00.001-07:00

I'm tired of blogging about my trip and there wasn't much going on these last 2 days so I'm putting them together!

Wednesday was probably the most beautiful day!
The sky was clearer, the water was bluer. Oh amazing!

I woke up and the fist thing i did was take my picture in the beautiful day!

We just spent the morning lounging and watching T.V. and then we went to a movie

I'll write a review about it later.. It was funny! We also had cold stone ice cream! Love it!

We stopped at a fruit stand to get strawberries. They are the best and they are EVERYWHERE!!

We wanted to try and catch the sunset, it was a such a beautiful day we didn't think it'd be a problem well, the fog blew in and there wasn't a ray of sunshine ANYWHERE! So we just hung out on the random beach and took pictures!

I know.. I'm in a dress and it's not Sunday!

I love the Beach!

How Cute is my dress.. I know!!

Don't ask..

How cool is the picture?
DAY 8

Karissa and i never talked about when i was leaving! We just pretended that i wasn't! It was easier that day! Even on the day we left to go to the airport it wasn't when are we going to leave for the airport it was, when are we leaving for Malibu?

The Malibu beaches are nothing compared to the Port Hueneme beach!

They were dirtier and they didn't have any shells!
BUT guess who was kicking it on the Malibu beaches this fine day..

McconaHOTTIE! GGRR

Saying goodbye at the airport! You can really tell but we're both just bawling!

It was the best vacation I've been on in such a long time! It was carefree and cheap!! It was perfect. I miss Roo so much already! I love you friend and i'll be back soon!!

California Daventure day #6

2008-07-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday w deiced to just stay in Port Hueneme. We slept in! It was beautiful! Then we got up and walked to a park and feed the ducks!

We found a place and as soon as we started throwing bread, we
were attacked by seagulls! It was crazy! They were everywhere!

Oh.. i love DUCKS!!!

So.. i let this duck take a piece of bread right out of my hand

and it BIT me!!! I screamed really loud and there was this Mexican family also feeding ducks. They looked at me and started laughing. I held up my hands and said, "It's ok, it didn't hurt, it just scared me!" They just stared at me and Karissa said, "Am, they don't have a clue what you're saying. You just look like an idiot."
Oh....

Oh they just make me HAPPY!

I climbed a tree.. i got bird crap all over my hand!
No it wasn't worth it!

The Sundial is a memorial for a plane that went down in this area in 2000.

There is a pier we walked down just by Roo's house. There are ALWAYS people fishing there!This guy was as redneck as they come. He was crab fishing.

I think he thought i was crazy when i asked what he did with them when he caught them. He looked at me like i was an idiot and said, "ya eat em"
Oh...

i hate creepy crawly things..

Oh the open water! It's so good shark week wasn't before i went.

This is a view of Roo's place from the pier

We went to the beach again!

Roo slept while i played!

These pics don't do it justice!