(P.S. Sarah is here too!! From this angle she's missing :( Like I said I'll add more info later. ;) )
Snow!
8 years ago
Monday, August 24, 2009
Preview of this Past Weekend
We did so much this past weekend! I really don't have time to write about it now, but here's a picture :)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Why I'm grateful for my Husband
There are so many reasons why I am grateful for my husband, I just would like to write down a few that pertain to my life right now.
1. I told Brandon a little while back that one of my ambitions is to be a photographer. I know I am a rookie, but Brandon has supported me all the way. He has helped me purchase our first SLR camera. He is always giving me feedback and lifting my esteem on images that I take and show him; And even today he let me use him as a model so I can work on figuring out my camera's manual setting better.
2. Brandon has unconditional love that is so amazing, most people don't even know! He loves me for my flaws, my weaknesses and he tries to build me up and help me face my fears. Not only will he help me to acknowledge my wrongs, and help me strive to be better, but he'll be by my side the whole time holding my hand.
3. He is patient with me, even though I am not a patient person. Brandon has found out that when I want something, and I put my heart and soul into it, I want it now. Lucky enough for him, he is able to tease me about, but at the same time help me be realistic with our goals and dreams.
4. He is giving. I love to give and to help others. I am lucky enough to have a husband that loves to give as well! He is always worried about my needs and comforts, giving me foot rubs or back massages, cleaning the house when I am being lazy, but the best thing, is he loves to give to family and friends. He is constantly worrying about family and friends, and I know that a lot of them don't know. They are constantly in our prayers.
5. Brandon is a worthy priesthood holder with a strong firm testimony of our Savior. I am grateful Brandon keeps his commandments and is a worthy priesthood holder. It is such a blessing to be able to go to my husband and ask for a blessing of comfort, or of healing. Coming from a family that didn't have the priesthood for very long in her life growing up, I am grateful to have a husband that can hold it so worthily.
6. Brandon has a sense of humor. My husband is very random, and has a great sense of humor. I remember when we were watching Legacy for the first time and there is a scene where the Eliza asks David "Promise to make me laugh?" and David replies "Everyday." After that part I looked at Brandon and made him promise me that he'd do the same and he hasn't broken it yet!
7. My sweet husband is a hard worker and I am so proud of everything he does. Brandon loves to work and to support for our family. He loves putting his checks towards paying off bills so that we can someday work towards becoming parents. Brandon's hard work has finally paid off with his recent promotion and I know it won't be the last.
Like I said earlier there are so many reasons how I appreciate the love of my life. The best phrase that comes to mind is " I have all I've waited for...and I could not ask for more!"
1. I told Brandon a little while back that one of my ambitions is to be a photographer. I know I am a rookie, but Brandon has supported me all the way. He has helped me purchase our first SLR camera. He is always giving me feedback and lifting my esteem on images that I take and show him; And even today he let me use him as a model so I can work on figuring out my camera's manual setting better.
2. Brandon has unconditional love that is so amazing, most people don't even know! He loves me for my flaws, my weaknesses and he tries to build me up and help me face my fears. Not only will he help me to acknowledge my wrongs, and help me strive to be better, but he'll be by my side the whole time holding my hand.
3. He is patient with me, even though I am not a patient person. Brandon has found out that when I want something, and I put my heart and soul into it, I want it now. Lucky enough for him, he is able to tease me about, but at the same time help me be realistic with our goals and dreams.
4. He is giving. I love to give and to help others. I am lucky enough to have a husband that loves to give as well! He is always worried about my needs and comforts, giving me foot rubs or back massages, cleaning the house when I am being lazy, but the best thing, is he loves to give to family and friends. He is constantly worrying about family and friends, and I know that a lot of them don't know. They are constantly in our prayers.
5. Brandon is a worthy priesthood holder with a strong firm testimony of our Savior. I am grateful Brandon keeps his commandments and is a worthy priesthood holder. It is such a blessing to be able to go to my husband and ask for a blessing of comfort, or of healing. Coming from a family that didn't have the priesthood for very long in her life growing up, I am grateful to have a husband that can hold it so worthily.
6. Brandon has a sense of humor. My husband is very random, and has a great sense of humor. I remember when we were watching Legacy for the first time and there is a scene where the Eliza asks David "Promise to make me laugh?" and David replies "Everyday." After that part I looked at Brandon and made him promise me that he'd do the same and he hasn't broken it yet!
7. My sweet husband is a hard worker and I am so proud of everything he does. Brandon loves to work and to support for our family. He loves putting his checks towards paying off bills so that we can someday work towards becoming parents. Brandon's hard work has finally paid off with his recent promotion and I know it won't be the last.
Like I said earlier there are so many reasons how I appreciate the love of my life. The best phrase that comes to mind is " I have all I've waited for...and I could not ask for more!"
I love you Brandon!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Naptime
Over the past weekend we had family stay at our house for awhile (which we loved!). During this time our wonderful nephew took a nap with Scooby. What do you think?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Blessed
** WARNING TO ALL - THIS BLOG IS EXTREMELY LONG - I'M SORRY IN ADVANCE **
Wow it's been awhile and so many wonderful things have happend...Lets see if I can try and summarize.
June: Brian (Brandon's youngest brother) got baptized in June! It was a very spiritual moment and he definately made it his own baptism :) It was also his sister Lauren's birthday and now she's 20! (And just a few more months till her missionary comes home ;) !)
This month has been absolutely crazy! So far we've had three birthdays, a family reunion, an ordination and soon to be a funeral. A quick shot outs to the birthdays Ethan (our nephew turned 1!), Aubrey (sister-n-law turned 21!) and Davey (my brother turned 28!).
The family reunion we went to was on the Holyoak side. It was great to get to know Brandon's side where we are spread all over Utah, to Texas even out in Hong Kong. We all got together and had a picnic in Sandy, the majority of everyone talked and ate while I took out my camera and took a few shots (I'll have to add those later). Later that afternoon we went to through the Oquirrh Mountain open house, it was a wonderful experience to be able to walk through and semi-explain things to my sister in law Lauren. We ended the night with dinner at Goodwood Bbq in Draper, now if you have never eaten there it's so delicious! (I recommend the pulled pork! Yum).
Aubrey and T.J. are my wonderful sister and brother in law that are working on getting sealed in the temple on September 19th. So on July 19th we were able to witness T.J. get ordained to an Elder! It has been so wonderful to see the changes in their hearts and to see their little family going to the temple. I know that when Aubrey, T.J. and their son Ethan get sealed in September they will be a forever family and I can not wait for them to receive those blessings.
On a very sad note, Brandon's Grandma Sandberg passed away this last Saturday. I did not know her for very long but I remember since the first moment I met her she has always been very loving and accepting of me. I know she had battled cancer for years and she is definately one of the strongest women I know. Her funeral is in Panguitch Utah on Thursday, so Brandon and I will be traveling down there later this week.
Now the reason I titled this blog as "Blessed" is because Brandon has been offered a promotion in his company! I'm grateful for the company he works for and the many opportunities it has given Brandon to learn and grow. I am also grateful for the many answered and unanswered prayers from our Heavenly Father, and I feel so blessed to know that he is watching over my family continuely.
One last great thing happened this weekend...Brandon and I met our neighbors! With great help from the Witt family (Thanks Allen and Jill!) we had a great BBQ on Saturday with fireworks at the end. It was wonderful to finally talk to our neighbors (since it feels like we all pretty much keep to ourselves), and the best part about it is that Brandon and I made a few great friends.
Anyway, I think I've covered everything and I apologize for this being so long! Have a wonderful week everyone :)
Wow it's been awhile and so many wonderful things have happend...Lets see if I can try and summarize.
June: Brian (Brandon's youngest brother) got baptized in June! It was a very spiritual moment and he definately made it his own baptism :) It was also his sister Lauren's birthday and now she's 20! (And just a few more months till her missionary comes home ;) !)
This month has been absolutely crazy! So far we've had three birthdays, a family reunion, an ordination and soon to be a funeral. A quick shot outs to the birthdays Ethan (our nephew turned 1!), Aubrey (sister-n-law turned 21!) and Davey (my brother turned 28!).
The family reunion we went to was on the Holyoak side. It was great to get to know Brandon's side where we are spread all over Utah, to Texas even out in Hong Kong. We all got together and had a picnic in Sandy, the majority of everyone talked and ate while I took out my camera and took a few shots (I'll have to add those later). Later that afternoon we went to through the Oquirrh Mountain open house, it was a wonderful experience to be able to walk through and semi-explain things to my sister in law Lauren. We ended the night with dinner at Goodwood Bbq in Draper, now if you have never eaten there it's so delicious! (I recommend the pulled pork! Yum).
Aubrey and T.J. are my wonderful sister and brother in law that are working on getting sealed in the temple on September 19th. So on July 19th we were able to witness T.J. get ordained to an Elder! It has been so wonderful to see the changes in their hearts and to see their little family going to the temple. I know that when Aubrey, T.J. and their son Ethan get sealed in September they will be a forever family and I can not wait for them to receive those blessings.
On a very sad note, Brandon's Grandma Sandberg passed away this last Saturday. I did not know her for very long but I remember since the first moment I met her she has always been very loving and accepting of me. I know she had battled cancer for years and she is definately one of the strongest women I know. Her funeral is in Panguitch Utah on Thursday, so Brandon and I will be traveling down there later this week.
Now the reason I titled this blog as "Blessed" is because Brandon has been offered a promotion in his company! I'm grateful for the company he works for and the many opportunities it has given Brandon to learn and grow. I am also grateful for the many answered and unanswered prayers from our Heavenly Father, and I feel so blessed to know that he is watching over my family continuely.
One last great thing happened this weekend...Brandon and I met our neighbors! With great help from the Witt family (Thanks Allen and Jill!) we had a great BBQ on Saturday with fireworks at the end. It was wonderful to finally talk to our neighbors (since it feels like we all pretty much keep to ourselves), and the best part about it is that Brandon and I made a few great friends.
Anyway, I think I've covered everything and I apologize for this being so long! Have a wonderful week everyone :)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
1st Anniversary!
Overview
They say that Disneyland is the place where dreams come true. Well, Tenille and I aimed to put that claim to the test. For our one year Anniversary, we decided to drive down to Anaheim, California for our first (and hopefully not the last) trip to Disneyland. I must admit, I don’t think we could have planned a better trip. We used the getawaytoday.com website for the hotel reservations as well as the tickets, and it fit our budget quite nicely, as we were able to succumb to the thrills of spontaneity more than once.
A Modest Proposal
Before I dive into the magical adventures that took place, let me take a quick moment to highlight our hotel choice, and its location, and why I recommend it to anyone. The hotel we stayed at is several large city blocks away from the park, and the most convenient way to travel to and fro was by public transit on a shuttle. It was very nice because the shuttle was only 8 dollars a day for both of us, and when you throw in a full continental breakfast at the hotel, you find yourself not only saving money by not eating at IHOP every morning, but you also don’t have to worry about walking a mile back to your hotel that’s “right next door” to the park. The hotel offered free parking for the duration of our stay so that too was also a plus.
Getting There
Driving down to Anaheim from Utah County (northern Utah for those of you who aren’t familiar with the beehive state), takes about 10-11 hours. We made the decision to split this driving time into two separate drives of 5 hours each, with a break in Mesquite, Nevada. We left Thursday night after work for Mesquite, and after gaining an hour with the change of time zones, we arrived around 10:30 PM. For those of you who are interested, we stayed at the Falcon Ridge Hotel, probably the cleanest and most affordable hotel I have ever stayed at! The next morning we drove the rest of the way to Anaheim, which wasn’t a hassle at all, and that’s where the fun began. Originally we had planned to relax a little bit once we had checked in, and then perhaps hit the beach for a sunset walk or something… but within 10 seconds of dropping our bags on the hotel floor, Tenille, who hadn’t been to Southern California for nearly 11 years, started to bounce off the walls and pleading to go to Disneyland NOW. Haha, we as you can figure out, off we went. Since our tickets were 5 day park hopper tickets (which we got for the price of 3 day park hoppers), off we went.
DISNEYLAND!!!
We arrived at the park in the mid-afternoon, where the line to pick up our park tickets was non-existent. We walked right up to the window and picked them up. Our first park? Oh… Disneyland, of course! Our first ride? Pirates of the Caribbean. As some of you know, since the trilogy has come out, the ride has gone through some major changes, and in my opinion, for the better! The ride is a lot darker now, and Tenille loved every minute of it! So much in fact, that we went on the ride 3 or 4 times during our stay.
Matchless Hospitality
As far as how was our overall treatment while there, I guess the best word to describe it would be “matchless.” One of the workers in a store asked us if we were celebrating anything, and when we told her it was our 1st anniversary, she went to her cash register and pulled out two buttons that said “Happy Anniversary!” She instructed us to wear these throughout our stay, which we did. I guess “Happy Anniversary” means in Disney lingo “Spoil these brats as much as you can.” And let me tell you, the Cast Members are good at doing this!! Some of the special treatment we encountered was V.I.P seating to the firework show at night, a classic photo opportunity immediately thereafter in front of the lighted castle before anyone was allowed on the bridge, and even a special moment to dance with Mickey and Minnie themselves! Not only that, but everyone congratulated us on our Anniversary wherever we went, which made us feel all fuzzy inside.
Adventures
One of the best was a fun and romantic (and needless to say, pricey) lunch at the Blue Bayou, which is a restaurant quietly set aside to the first leg of the Pirates Ride. The food was wonderful, and the setting was amazing, and actually, even with the people drifting along in boats not 30 feet from our table, it was very quiet. It was definitely worth it for the occasion at hand. Another adventure we embarked on was a first for me, and it’s something I never thought I would do in my lifetime. You see, after a few days of walking in the parks, your feet tend to get sore. So what did we do? We checked in to the Mandara Spa at the Grand California Hotel for a pair of pedicures, one for Tenille, and one (gulp) for me. For those of you who know me, if you tickle my feet, you run the risk of breaking a rib or an arm, pending on which is closer. Did my feet twitch a little while the lady was “massaging” my feet? Yep. Did Tenille laugh at me more than once when I fidgeted in my seat? Yep. And did I enjoy it? Yep. Will I get another one someday? Nope. (Tenille says “yep” to that last bit, which I think is nuts.)
Shopping
Aside from getting the usual shirts and paraphernalia, the highlight of this part of our Anniversary was a small shop behind Aurora’s Castle called “Heraldry”. It was here that we looked up the history of our family names, Holyoak and Irwin. We also found the Brazen of Arms for each name, which we had printed with the date of our marriage. The funny thing about the Irwin Brazen of Arms is that it has oak leaves on its crest… So Tenille was my princess destined for me all along! (tender moment, awww!) The cool thing about the Holyoak crest was that it was basically blue and white. To my family and friends, Cougar Blue truly does run deep in our veins! Aside from that, we also printed off the history of each name, and we will frame these documents and post them in our home. Pretty neat addition, if you ask me.
Final Stop
Having done all that, we drove home on Tuesday, stopping for a short, yet pleasing visit with my Grandpa Winchester, who lives just outside of Mesquite. A recent widower as of February this year, he has been having a very difficult time, and looks forward anxiously to the day that he and his late wife Judy, my grandmother, will be reunited. However, it was a joy to hear that he is now attending Sacrament Meeting as often as his work schedule will permit, especially since he has been inactive for at least 10 years. He is a great man, and despite some of his flaws which he personally acknowledges, I will always admire him. We love him dearly, and he is in our prayers.
So there you have it! Our trip was a perfect capstone to a year that has been full of blessings and adventures. I look forward to many more in the years to come. : )
They say that Disneyland is the place where dreams come true. Well, Tenille and I aimed to put that claim to the test. For our one year Anniversary, we decided to drive down to Anaheim, California for our first (and hopefully not the last) trip to Disneyland. I must admit, I don’t think we could have planned a better trip. We used the getawaytoday.com website for the hotel reservations as well as the tickets, and it fit our budget quite nicely, as we were able to succumb to the thrills of spontaneity more than once.
A Modest Proposal
Before I dive into the magical adventures that took place, let me take a quick moment to highlight our hotel choice, and its location, and why I recommend it to anyone. The hotel we stayed at is several large city blocks away from the park, and the most convenient way to travel to and fro was by public transit on a shuttle. It was very nice because the shuttle was only 8 dollars a day for both of us, and when you throw in a full continental breakfast at the hotel, you find yourself not only saving money by not eating at IHOP every morning, but you also don’t have to worry about walking a mile back to your hotel that’s “right next door” to the park. The hotel offered free parking for the duration of our stay so that too was also a plus.
Getting There
Driving down to Anaheim from Utah County (northern Utah for those of you who aren’t familiar with the beehive state), takes about 10-11 hours. We made the decision to split this driving time into two separate drives of 5 hours each, with a break in Mesquite, Nevada. We left Thursday night after work for Mesquite, and after gaining an hour with the change of time zones, we arrived around 10:30 PM. For those of you who are interested, we stayed at the Falcon Ridge Hotel, probably the cleanest and most affordable hotel I have ever stayed at! The next morning we drove the rest of the way to Anaheim, which wasn’t a hassle at all, and that’s where the fun began. Originally we had planned to relax a little bit once we had checked in, and then perhaps hit the beach for a sunset walk or something… but within 10 seconds of dropping our bags on the hotel floor, Tenille, who hadn’t been to Southern California for nearly 11 years, started to bounce off the walls and pleading to go to Disneyland NOW. Haha, we as you can figure out, off we went. Since our tickets were 5 day park hopper tickets (which we got for the price of 3 day park hoppers), off we went.
DISNEYLAND!!!
We arrived at the park in the mid-afternoon, where the line to pick up our park tickets was non-existent. We walked right up to the window and picked them up. Our first park? Oh… Disneyland, of course! Our first ride? Pirates of the Caribbean. As some of you know, since the trilogy has come out, the ride has gone through some major changes, and in my opinion, for the better! The ride is a lot darker now, and Tenille loved every minute of it! So much in fact, that we went on the ride 3 or 4 times during our stay.
Matchless Hospitality
As far as how was our overall treatment while there, I guess the best word to describe it would be “matchless.” One of the workers in a store asked us if we were celebrating anything, and when we told her it was our 1st anniversary, she went to her cash register and pulled out two buttons that said “Happy Anniversary!” She instructed us to wear these throughout our stay, which we did. I guess “Happy Anniversary” means in Disney lingo “Spoil these brats as much as you can.” And let me tell you, the Cast Members are good at doing this!! Some of the special treatment we encountered was V.I.P seating to the firework show at night, a classic photo opportunity immediately thereafter in front of the lighted castle before anyone was allowed on the bridge, and even a special moment to dance with Mickey and Minnie themselves! Not only that, but everyone congratulated us on our Anniversary wherever we went, which made us feel all fuzzy inside.
Adventures
One of the best was a fun and romantic (and needless to say, pricey) lunch at the Blue Bayou, which is a restaurant quietly set aside to the first leg of the Pirates Ride. The food was wonderful, and the setting was amazing, and actually, even with the people drifting along in boats not 30 feet from our table, it was very quiet. It was definitely worth it for the occasion at hand. Another adventure we embarked on was a first for me, and it’s something I never thought I would do in my lifetime. You see, after a few days of walking in the parks, your feet tend to get sore. So what did we do? We checked in to the Mandara Spa at the Grand California Hotel for a pair of pedicures, one for Tenille, and one (gulp) for me. For those of you who know me, if you tickle my feet, you run the risk of breaking a rib or an arm, pending on which is closer. Did my feet twitch a little while the lady was “massaging” my feet? Yep. Did Tenille laugh at me more than once when I fidgeted in my seat? Yep. And did I enjoy it? Yep. Will I get another one someday? Nope. (Tenille says “yep” to that last bit, which I think is nuts.)
Shopping
Aside from getting the usual shirts and paraphernalia, the highlight of this part of our Anniversary was a small shop behind Aurora’s Castle called “Heraldry”. It was here that we looked up the history of our family names, Holyoak and Irwin. We also found the Brazen of Arms for each name, which we had printed with the date of our marriage. The funny thing about the Irwin Brazen of Arms is that it has oak leaves on its crest… So Tenille was my princess destined for me all along! (tender moment, awww!) The cool thing about the Holyoak crest was that it was basically blue and white. To my family and friends, Cougar Blue truly does run deep in our veins! Aside from that, we also printed off the history of each name, and we will frame these documents and post them in our home. Pretty neat addition, if you ask me.
Final Stop
Having done all that, we drove home on Tuesday, stopping for a short, yet pleasing visit with my Grandpa Winchester, who lives just outside of Mesquite. A recent widower as of February this year, he has been having a very difficult time, and looks forward anxiously to the day that he and his late wife Judy, my grandmother, will be reunited. However, it was a joy to hear that he is now attending Sacrament Meeting as often as his work schedule will permit, especially since he has been inactive for at least 10 years. He is a great man, and despite some of his flaws which he personally acknowledges, I will always admire him. We love him dearly, and he is in our prayers.
So there you have it! Our trip was a perfect capstone to a year that has been full of blessings and adventures. I look forward to many more in the years to come. : )
Anniversary Pix 2009
Ready to start our trip!
Aw Tender!
Lunch at the Blue Bayou... Awesome Food!
Jack Jack on Fire :)
Tow-Mater! (wit out da 'Ta)
We bought sweatshirts!
Where Dreams Come True
Minnie!
Mickey Mouse!
Goofy!
Happy 1st Anniversary!
Minnie and I jivin' it up!
Mickey and Tenille showing off.
Dancing With Minnie and Mickey!
Donald!
The Castle at Night
And so we did!
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