Jake and Jenna

ATTENTION: NEW BLOG

2008-06-13T17:46:00.008-04:00

ATTENTION: NEW BLOG

www.jandjvela.blogspot.com

i just can't take it any longer. i have created a new blog because this blog is depressing me. it is no fun looking at your own creation everyday and seeing something that you think is ugly and that you have no control over. i will no longer be posting under this address anymore (yeah, i have a lump in my throat saying that. i'm incredibly and ridiculously emotional these days), so please do the following:

-i know this is annoying, but don't forget to change our blog address under all of your blog settings.
-please keep visiting me on my blog. it's the only way to stay in touch these days.
-be happy.

i haven't switched everything over yet, so be patient.

goodbye, jakeandjennavela.blogspot.com. it has truly been a great ride.

ah-hem.

2008-06-13T12:20:00.000-04:00

nothing is working in my life.

i hate comcast.

i hate blogger.

whatever

2008-06-07T14:45:00.002-04:00

i don't even like this template but it's the only one that would bring my sidebar stuff up. sorry for the ugly blog.

what the heck.

2008-06-06T17:16:00.001-04:00

something is wrong with blogger. i have picked a new template at least thirty times and for some reason, it's not bringing my pictures or links or anything up on the sides like it usually does. has this happened to anyone else? do you have a solution? i've tried numerous different templates and it still isn't loading right. i know all my side things are on the bottom, but no matter what template i use, it won't let me move them!

help me.

a good start to the summer.

2008-06-03T12:33:00.012-04:00

this summer has already been a fun and busy one. below are a few pictures--yes, that's right, i finally have something of substance to talk about! jake is doing so well with his work this summer, which is no surprise considering he is one of the hardest working people i know. i'm very proud of him and so grateful for his hard work for our family. and then, there is the ode to my amazing nephews that i can't get enough of. seriously. seattle was so fun playing with nicco, kai, and baby crew (to see more pictures of crewby-doo go here). i also loved hanging out with jenye and ricky--we just laughed and laughed. and i love seeing my little andrew every day. he tells me that he really misses his auntie ra-ra (rach). anyway--life is good! not much to complain about here.

at olive garden saturday night. jake's face has healed 100%, as i knew it would.

some of the group at olive garden.

our good friends troy and teri.

drew is so chubby, i can hardly stand it.

and he loved the shower cap, thank you very much. little baker.

my strong boys.

kai and "lella" (bella)

shower caps.

2008-05-30T12:23:00.002-04:00

this is for sure the newest, most exciting thing in my life as of yesterday. i got three amazing shower caps from the grocery store for $1.00. the one thing i've always needed but for some reason never purchased is a shower cap, and this is the cutest one i've ever seen. sorry...no makeup in this picture--just woke up in fact. go get yourself a shower cap and make those days of not wanting to wash hair a little more fun!

katie is going private.

2008-05-29T11:02:00.001-04:00

for any of you who happen to look at my sister's blog, she is going private. she doesn't care if you want to continue looking, which means you have to leave your email on her blog. no big deal if she doesn't know you that well or at all. anyway, just wanted to get the word out for her.

that's it.

2008-05-27T23:22:00.008-04:00

dear friends and fellow bloggers,

i think i officially weigh the most i've ever weighed in my life. i'm really not kidding, and i'm not writing this so that you will all leave a nice comment that says, "oh give me a break, you are not fat." i agree with you. i'm not fat. but i'm definitely not what i used to be either, and i think i've finally had it. the reasons i'm posting about this are personal, and are ones that will allow me to check my blog daily and see that i, jenna vela, have physically written (...typed) that i WILL stop at nothing to get in enough shape in order to start feeling good about myself again. no, no, i am not going on some crazy diet. no, no, i will not spend 4 hours at the gym. BUT, i will be managing myself a little better. this includes: getting better sleep. spending more than an hour at the gym, but not live there so that i end up having arms like madge (she is way too manly for me). eating six meals a day, and breakfast will be my main focus. no more cheese (i have a serious addiction, and cheese ain't low-fat). everytime i want to dip my little hand into my bag of nestle chocolate chips, i am INSTEAD going to guzzle a huge glass of water. if i have the urge to make cookies with those little chocolate chips, then i will make them, eat one, and then give the rest away. i will read my scriptures more often. i WILL sign up for my independent study classes and i will get A's in them. i will treat my husband like a king and just CHILL out (because let's be honest, sometimes i really am a little too sensitive). and finally, i will NEVER cut my hair again...at least for three more years. and i will somehow be strong enough to make it through the awkward stages (which is where my hair and i currently reside). and so....

i think all of these things will allow me to feel better about myself, because right now i'm feeling a little awkward about me. all of these things, i promise to you and to myself. thank you for the love and the support.

sea-town

2008-05-20T16:20:00.004-04:00

i'm off to seattle tomorrow to play with my cute nephews! i can't wait!

but i'll miss this chunker while i'm gone!

la la la.

2008-05-18T22:37:00.002-04:00

two days ago, i walked into nordstrom on a mission. i bought this great eye-liner about two weeks ago...the twisty kind (or so i thought). it wasn't twisting and i couldn't figure it out. i confidently walked up to the counter and this was the said conversation:

me: hi there. hey, so i bought this eye-liner about two weeks ago and for some reason, it's not twisting up like it's supposed to.

lady: that's because it's not a twist kind. this is the twist kind (pulls out the kind that obviously twists up).

me: oh (stunned).

lady: yeah, this is the kind that sharpens. see? (gives me a free sharpen).

me: wow, that sharpens nicely. i feel like an idiot.

lady: it happens to the best of us.

me: don't tell anyone i came in with this problem (i really did say that).

lady: oh, i won't (with a smile).

me: have a nice day! (walk of shame out of nordstrom).

oh, bother.

blah blah.

2008-05-15T14:33:00.002-04:00

sorry...again, no pictures. you see, i'm in the process of trying to get the internet and losing 15 pounds. neither are an easy task. soon though friends, i promise. the past week has been quite a roller coaster. i've been thinking that i should explain why i haven't exactly been up to par on my blogging these days. two thursdays ago (may 1), jake left for his BYU rugby championship in california. i stayed behind to pack up the rest of the house and get everything ready for our roadtrip on sunday. i was out on saturday running some last minute errands when my dad called, telling me that my grandma passed away. she had been battling with cancer for a long time (the sad effects of smoking), so it was sort of expected, however she died a lot sooner than i thought she would. she was in a lot of pain though...so in a way, it was a blessing. and yes, i know she is in an incredible place and so happy to be back with my grandpa, but the human side of me is selfishly sad and wishing she was still here. such is life i guess. her death presented a challenge...the funeral was the upcoming wednesday (may 7) in florida...so we had to get from utah to DC to florida in just two days. jake got home from his trip on sunday around 1:30 p.m. (we had planned to leave at 2), and something wasn't right with him. as he smiled at me when he got home, i noticed that half of his face wasn't working. at first i thought he was joking around, and i kept saying, "stop making that face! what are you doing??" unfortunately, he wasn't kidding. he had lost all muscle control in the right side of his face. he called his mom, who is a nurse, and she said she was pretty sure it was bell's palsy (to read more about it, click here) and that we needed to get to the emergency room. so, off we went to the hospital where we waited for two hours to be seen. jake was so over it--he was just about to walk out when they finally called his name. we went back, and sure enough, he was diagnosed with a very mild case of bell's palsy. most people don't catch their symptoms until after 72 hours, which means it's too late to get some antibiotics to help it. well, jake's symptons had started the day before, so we were very grateful to catch it in time. he was given some medicine, and 3 hours later, we finally got on the road. needless to say, we flew across the country as fast as we could, feeling the pressure because my flight to florida was on tuesday night. we had to be in DC by 5 in order for me to make the flight for the funeral on wednesday morning. we got to DC at 5:30 last tuesday, and i literally got out of my car and immediately into katie's car to drive to the airport. we flew to florida where i spent the next day with a lot of family that i hadn't seen for awhile. it was an emotional few days for me, to say the least. we flew back to DC wednesday night. jake is so sweet and had already unpacked most of the house, so i didn't have much to do except unpack my clothes and do some grocery shopping the next day.

so this brings us to today, where my days consist of going to the gym, cleaning, cooking, and reading. i'm starting independent study classes next week, which will occupy a lot of my time (something i'm very excited about). i've also started my first book. yes....i'm writing a book. not only that, but i've decided to change my blog around a little bit. i think i'm going to turn it into more of a very, very honest journal...with pictures of course. anyway, i just have all these ideas burning through my skull and i'm going to do something about them. jake's face has improved a lot, and it's slowly getting back to normal. it hasn't slowed him down one bit, that's for sure. he's had a lot of success since we've been here, something that we're both really thankful for.

SO, now you all know why i haven't been posting very often. i will be better. until next time.

boring.

2008-05-09T18:26:00.002-04:00

oh my gosh, are you so bored with my blog? because i am. really, really bored. i don't have the internet in our apartment here, which means i have to come down to an internet cafe in our complex...and i can't upload pictures. not that we have any new ones. anyway, i just want to say that #1: i am alive and so is jake and #2: will hopefully get internet soon and update more often.

you have my word.

love to all. and come visit.

my goodness.

2008-05-04T00:58:00.002-04:00

tomorrow is the big day. i've got everything all packed up, ready to be loaded in the car. i was going to put it there myself, but i can't lift everything. the kitchen stuff is heavy. jake gets home from the rugby championship tomorrow and then we are off. i went to costco today and got some snacks for the car. i've been filling my belly all day with the food in our house, trying to get rid of it through my digestive system instead of throwing it away---it's been somewhat of a success. speaking of success, i've successfully burned the first 3 harry potter books onto cd's so jake and i can have some form of entertainment. i won't get into the details of the process because it will only put me in a bad mood, but all i will say is that it is finally finished. what else. i'm so tired. it's 11 pm and i'm thinking i'm going to head to bed now. i love you all. will post sometime later this week. pray we don't wreck. pray our car doesn't get stolen somehow. you never know.

CHECK YA LATER!

a.p.r.i.l.

2008-04-29T15:57:00.004-04:00

april has been one crazy, fast month. we're moving in four days...so my life for the next few days is packing, organizing, changing addresses, and doing my best not to go crazy. april has been a month of sickness: jake had a terrible cold and mouth problem for almost 2 weeks, and i had my foot problem and am still recovering from a nasty throat virus. awesome. april has also been a month of weird weather, blue walls (i painted my living room with the help of my mother dearest), visitors (lyndsi, mama, and carly), and the following:

one year anniversary (28th...i love my husband)

weddings. go ali and eric.

friends. really, good friends.

birthdays. my beloved.

and more beautiful friends.

i like you april, and i can't believe you're almost over. summer, here we come. road trip 2008 to DC commences SUNDAY.

bam bam bam...how is that a bad plan?

2008-04-22T19:44:00.001-04:00

i am officially done with finals. i'll drink to that.

ouch, chawlayyy.

2008-04-22T14:13:00.003-04:00

have you ever been given a shot in the side of your foot? i experienced it this morning...it was more painful that i thought possible.

so, i ran the half-marathon. the next day, my right foot hurt sooo bad. every time i put any kind of pressure on it, pain would shoot through my entire foot. ah, the joys of tendinitis.

went to the foot doctor this morning (oh, did i mention i limped around campus all day yesterday, practically in tears? lopsided? and everyone was looking at me like i had some sort of mental problem? that was fun.) and he told me that my tendinitis was extremely inflamed, which was the source of the pain. i told him my extensive experience with tendinitis (you know, coming home from a mission because of it, wearing special shoes, all that jazz), and he suggested i just go for the gold and get a shot of steroids in my tendon, which would numb the bottom and side of my foot, allowing me to walk with no pain for six weeks.

i took the shot. i squirmed, said "ow" probably 40 times--i've never felt pain like that. 20 seconds of pain pain PAIN.

but now i can walk. thank you, dr. rogers.

the half-marathon.

2008-04-19T19:33:00.008-04:00

she runs...

mile 1.50: two songs play on my ipod: mr. brightside and bittersweet symphony.

mile 1.52: ipod freezes. YES, FREEZES... slight panic.

mile 1.55: conversation with self: ok, this is not a big deal. you can definitely run 13 miles without music. yeahhh no problem, jenna. you rock. you are strong. you can do this.

mile 2: dear ipod: you've ruined my life.

mile 4: conversation with self: wow i'm kind of tired...what mile am i on? 4???? that's it???

mile 5: conversation with self: this down hill is nice. i like you, hill. thank you for existing.

mile 6: conversation with self: these houses in sugarhouse are very cute. maybe one day i'll have one just like it, with a bright white kitchen with creaky wooden floors...light blue walls. or, maybe i want a celery green? i don't know. but either way, it's going to be cheery. oh wow, that man had b.o. is my 350 final on tuesday or monday? i wonder how jake's rugby game went? my dream last night was crazy. oh my gosh, i miss jake. what should i eat after this? a hamburger? no. crap, i have to start packing for the summer. my feet hurt.

mile 8: serious burst of energy.

mile 9: conversation with self: oh my gosh, i feel GREAT. i think i should just turn around and go up the actual "marathon" route! i could do it!

mile 10: conversation with self: i'm pretty sure i've been running in this park for a good two miles now. where is gateway? how come i don't see the fountain yet?

mile 11: conversation with self: ok, not feeling exactly great anymore. why are my feet tingling? is my back chaffing against my running pants?

mile 12: mentally singing "better, faster, stronger" by dear kanye.

mile 12.2: out loud singing "better, faster, stronger" by dear kanye.

mile 12.5: must. keep. moving.

mile 12.6: "only two more blocks!" someone yells. liar.

mile 12.7: all of a sudden, hear crowd going wild! i mean, cheering and screaming! oh my gosh, they love me! they totally love me! they are for sure cheering for ME!

mile 12.8: hear the loud announcer say: "and here comes the first marathon-finisher!"

mile 12.9: realized the first marathon-finisher is right behind me, which explains the cheering. maybe one of them was for me.

mile 13: realized that someone ran an entire marathon in the amount of time i ran a HALF-marathon, but proud of myself anyway.

back chaffage, sore feet, two 1/2 blisters, and one sun burn later, i am a happy girl.

thank you, katie, for being at the finish line. pictures coming as soon as katie emails them to me. loves.

why now??

2008-04-17T10:18:00.003-04:00

i'm pretty sure i have strep throat. two days ago, my throat closed up and i could barely talk. it got better yesterday, and now its back, full throttle. i'm running a half-marathon on saturday... how am i going to do that if i can hardly swallow? any suggestions for quick healing? i've been trying to sleep a lot, drink orange juice, daily vitamin---HELP.

i could use some prayers.

um...

2008-04-15T18:06:00.001-04:00

it's snowing outside.

i'm so over utah.

that's better.

2008-04-14T17:46:00.002-04:00

it only took me one try today. i'm keeping this for awhile.

you know, sometimes i feel so pathetic that i care so much. i'm at school, in a very crowded computer lab...and i'm blogging.

what is my life coming to?

all i know is that it's over 75 degrees today. this is something to celebrate.

hello, summer. i've missed you.

i greatly dislike my blog.

2008-04-12T17:47:00.002-04:00

i'm over the fancy designs. i'm over the plainness. there is no answer.

poem by a worn-out student

2008-04-07T11:58:00.003-04:00

went to bed at 3, woke up at 7:30

after a bath, my hair is still dirty

of course it was raining, when i rolled out of bed

"you've got to be kidding me," was all that i said.

with my backpack weighing more than a ton

i put on my jacket and prayed for the sun

but no sun was seen, and as soon as i parked

the hail started falling

"awesome," was my remark.

a ten mile walk to campus, no big deal

the hail continued to hit me, and my happiness steal

it soon turned to snow, and i laughed quite a laugh

"it's april for heaven's sakes!" as i tripped over my calve

with so much homework that kept me up

my eyes droop sadly as i drink water from my cup.

"stay awake, you fool. concentrate," i say.

won't this day ever end and send me on my way?

this poem proves how delirious i am. thank you, and good day.

an actual update.

2008-04-06T22:34:00.017-04:00

there is much to update on, and i have a ton of homework---so i'm going to be quick. first things first. it was jake's birthday on saturday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! i'm so thankful he was born because without him, i honestly don't know where i'd be. i know that saying is cliche, but really. where would i be and what would i be doing? NO IDEA. i love you jakey. we went bowling and then grabbed some food--it was a lot of fun just hanging out the two of us. usually we go see a movie or something, but we decided to actually get out and DO something. he beat me, but i let him win. i mean it was his birthday, come on.

then, this past week we were in colorado for rob and jessie's wedding. it was so much fun being there with our good friends and family. julie and max (vela) were there and we LOVED seeing them and hanging out. we always have so much fun with the people we love. the two days we were there went by too fast, though. now we're back, doing homework and the regular routine. congrats to rob and jessie. we had a blast and we're really happy for you.

dancing.

jeff and jake, doing what they do best. being funny.

i really love jake vela.

yummy.

like father, like son. honestly.

the happy couple.

don't worry. still obsessed with andrew. he can put his own binky in now.

he can't help himself.

i love this picture. i should enhance all my photos.

jake and his best friends.

snoop dog and the book of mormon.

2008-04-05T21:55:00.005-04:00

interesting. to read the article about snoop dog converting to mormonism, go here.

kelsey.

2008-04-05T14:17:00.002-04:00

i have to dedicate a post to miss kelsey nixon and how amazing i think she is. i'm telling you...if there has ever been a bound and determined woman out there, kelsey might surpass her. she is fabulous, talented, beautiful, and smart. anyway, check out the link and see her progress. love you kelsey.

hare krishna

2008-04-01T00:48:00.021-04:00

we went to the hare krishna celebration in spanish fork this last saturday with the bean clan. it was pure madness. here is what happened: they burned a witch at the stake (by witch i mean a dummy with a hockey jersey and helmet on) and once that happened, pure chaos. everyone had bags of colored chalk--once the witch was lit, everyone threw their bags through the air. we couldn't see the sun. we couldn't see each other. we were inhaling chalk...our boogers were every color of the rainbow. we had a blast.

before.

after.

going once, twice, SOLD

2008-03-29T11:25:00.002-04:00

wow...that was really fast. i am so relieved. thank you ans, the nice asian man in salt lake who will have a new bed today.

BRAND NEW King-Size Bed for Sale!

2008-03-28T19:41:00.006-04:00

We have been trying to sell our old king-size bed for a few months now on KSL. We haven't heard much back (maybe that's because I didn't realize they automatically take your ad off after 30 days...sweet), so I re-posted it on KSL today and thought to myself, hmmm maybe there are some friendly blog readers/stalkers who would be interested. Listen, I don't care if I don't know you at all and you just happen to come across my blog. Admit it, we all go on our friends' blogs and look at everyone else's blogs on their list of friends. Hi, my name is Jenna, and I'm a stalker. No really though, if you are interested, we're selling this bed. We loved it--we only used it for four months and bought it brand new from IKEA. Bought back in September 2007, we used it and loved it, but when we moved we got a new bedroom set. SO, we're selling it for $185. Interested, friend or friend of a friend? Please leave a comment. We have to get rid of it---it's taking up all of my storage space. Thanks friends!

p.s. Mattress NOT included...sorry.

randomies.

2008-03-22T14:15:00.002-04:00

just thought i'd do a quick post for all to see. this is when we were at red robin (yum) to celebrate dear megan niccoli's birthday. and yeah...that's all i got. have a great weekend!

happy easter

2008-03-20T18:43:00.003-04:00

wow.

2008-03-20T16:01:00.003-04:00

i will say, i impressed myself. thank you ani.

94 words

Speedtest

oh, and look at this: Profile Views 1,000 - my blog has officially been looked at 1,000 times. for some reason i feel like i've reached some huge milestone in my life or something.

i'm so pathetic.

jake, jake, he's our man.

2008-03-13T23:04:00.010-04:00

i came home from school last friday to a lovely surprise. my usual saturday chores were already done...this includes: vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, cleaning sheets, doing laundry, and dusting. jake had spent all morning cleaning and making our house so nice and clean so that i wouldn't have to do it on saturday. how amazing is he? he also makes me breakfast a lot, as well as yummy and nutritious lunches that i take to school with me. jake is the most patient, loving, kind, and selfless person i've ever met. he makes me laugh hysterically every single day. he understands me better than anyone and is the easiest person to talk to. sometimes we don't want to go to bed because we're having so much fun just laying there and talking. he is constantly helping others and putting them before himself. he is so nice to people he doesn't even know. he makes sure we always have family night, that we read our scriptures and pray everyday. he's adventurous, exciting, and optimistic. he is so good at being stress-free, or at least acting like it. jake is very chill, and i love that about him. he is sensitive to other's needs, especially mine. oh i could go on and on. he is just such a hard worker and has more endurance than most people know. he loves being healthy and happy everyday. i just thought he deserved a little post from a humble wife. he is my favorite person in the whole world, and i'm glad and very thankful to have him around. oh, and did i mention he is such a stud? i mean look at the kid. wow.

poem 3.10.08

2008-03-10T17:00:00.001-04:00

Trees
God is everywhere, this I have learned
In rocks, in streams, in the grains of the soil
In the light of the sun, warming my back
In the tiny drops of rain hitting my face through the breeze
In the dead blades of grass, fighting for renewal of life
God is everywhere, this I have learned.

God is with me, this I have learned.
He is the tree, growing so slowly
He is the tree, giving me shade
He is the tree, with veins of grey bark and buds of new life
He is the tree that is constant and loving
He is the tree that is kind and accepting
He is the tree that will always give me shade, no matter how short I fall
He is the tree that will love me forever.
God is with me, this I have learned.

God is everywhere, this I have learned.
In the of course of a cold river, soon to be warm
In the little bird, flying next to me as I run
In the crunch of a stick, fallen from grace
In the mountain I see, bright white and furry
God is everywhere, this I have learned.

poem 3.7.08

2008-03-07T13:24:00.001-05:00

i am the train i hear in the night
i push though the darkness, hoping to reach some destination
the wind pushes against my dreams, but i fight to make them real
i sound my horn to warn my future that i will be there soon.

i am the wheels that turn and turn
i am the steam that gives relief
i am the train i hear in the night

i carry precious things through an unsafe world
i cover and protect what i love
no wind is strong enough, no night is dark enough
with the help of my conductor and friend,
i will reach my destination.

i am the train i hear in the night.

naps and alison.

2008-03-05T23:22:00.004-05:00

andrew and i had a really good nap the other day when i was watching him for katie. she came home and snapped this picture...i'll admit i was semi-awake. he is such a good snuggler. and alison....well, i just have to say that i've never seen my dear friend so happy in my life. she's getting married on may 22--and she was beaming like a dandelion at her shower on saturday. life is good my friends.

2 things.

2008-02-28T16:21:00.008-05:00

good afternoon friends. i'm in a great mood today because i woke up and the sun was shining, the air felt warmer than usual, and i had a really good tuna sandwich. i'm also going "antiquing" later today...my favorite pastime. anyway, the point of this post is to show you two things: 1) my guest bedroom. it's basically as complete as it's going to get for awhile. i eventually want to paint all the furniture a cream antiqued color, but that project isn't going to happen for awhile. the reason i'm posting this is that i am trying to entice you to come visit me. and you get your own bathroom to go with it. i love visitors, seriously. i will feed you, take care of you, entertain you...and the mattress is DIVINE. and i love the bedding (courtesy of my fashion-savvy sister-in-law jenye, who works at pottery barn and is very giving of her discount). i mean, this could be your bed. alright, enough of that. 2) i was on www.people.com a few days ago (don't worry, i check this website at least 4 times a day. i have a sickness) and what i saw really surprised me. i felt very proud actually. see below. hope you are all having a fabulous day! love to everyone.

this is kind of blurry, but if you can't read it, it says: "the truth about life's great questions is now restored." then the advertisement switched to the picture under this one. i saw this ad for the church on people.com. let me repeat that...i saw this ad for the church on people.com. i was amazed.

vegas: documented.

2008-02-21T17:37:00.031-05:00

as you all know, we up and went to vegas last weekend. we all piled into zach and katie's 4Runner...yes that's right. zach, katie, andrew (in car seat), alex, megan, jake and me. we were quite cozy. anyway, we had a blast and would do it all over in a heartbeat. we're really thankful for friends like the beans and the hillsteads. there is never a dull moment.

this picture literally makes me laugh. the guilt on alex's face is priceless. the smile on megan's face is classic. and then there is jake, ready to rock and roll.

this is for you blake. they are holding their rings, if you can't tell.

andrew's first experience with the baby bjorn. i think he liked it, and his mommy liked it too.

spinning.

we love these guys.

hi there.

the wynn was so cool. jake wants this as our next kitchen theme. right.

so tough.

brudders.

the girls.

smile! you're on candid camera.

so lucky.

good times.

katie is pretty.

what's that huge, shining, hot ball in the sky??

People's 2008 sexiest man alive.

little drew, quite content by the pool.

alex is a weirdo. this is why we love him.

the boys.

katie and me.

megan and me.

zach and jake.

jake and alex, debating whether to gamble or not. ha!

american idol 2.

2008-02-21T13:39:00.005-05:00

here are the favorite girls (in no particular order). i think they rock.

syesha

asia'h

brooke (and not just because she's mormon...come on i'm not that ridiculous. i actually think she is pretty amazing)

american idol.

2008-02-19T23:29:00.004-05:00

so i'm pretty sure the only year i was ever crazy about american idol was the year kelly clarkson won. i cried when she sang that final song. i'm such a loser. well, i decided to watch it this season and jake and i l.o.v.e. it. i watched it tonight and have found my two favorites for the guys. tomorrow, i'll post my two favorites for the girls. i know it seems like i have a lot of time on my hands to post something about american idol, but for some reason i'm obsessed with this season. and for the record, i completed my homework before i made this post. ha!

vegas, baby.

2008-02-16T15:30:00.003-05:00

we are up and leaving for vegas in one hour. i love that i married someone who will go on spontaneous adventures with me. peace out.

it must be said.

2008-02-14T13:30:00.004-05:00

happy heart day. kiss someone you love.

my favorite thing

2008-02-13T18:52:00.007-05:00

one thing that brings me incredible amounts of j.o.y. is reading. my friend tori (thank you dear, by the way) sent me an email to this beautiful website called goodreads and i am so thankful. where have i been? honestly. apparently many of my lovely friends are already signed up, which was such good news. i love to see what my friends are reading and i love to get suggestions for new books. so, if you are interested, you should sign right up. reading not only enhances your happy thoughts but it keeps your brain ticking and developing.

i am so happy.

my cup runneth over

2008-02-10T22:38:00.000-05:00

in my own humble opinion, no show has ever been so inspiring and moving as extreme makeover home edition. every sunday night i watch it and just sit on my couch and cry. i watched the episode tonight about a marine who almost died over in iraq. he lost a leg, almost bled to death but he was saved by his men so that he could continue to be a father to his four children. when he got home, his wife randomly divorced him after 9 years of marriage, leaving him to raise four children alone. i have never seen such a humble man. i literally sat on my couch and balled my eyes out. anyway, if you don't watch it, you should. actually, you need to. in fact, i dare you. you will be inspired to do something with your life. thank you ty pennington. i am overwhelmed at how many incredible, good-hearted, beautiful people there are in this world. the volunteers on this show are amazing. optimism is contagious. i have a new goal to run with that.

want to make a difference? prove it.

2008-02-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

i've been thinking today. lately, i've really been praying to find opporunities to serve others--even if it's something small. i've realized that some of the happiest times in my life have been when i've been in the service of others. my mission means everything to me. i cherish my time in thailand doing tsunami relief work almost more than anything. i am really thankful for people who have inspired me to get involved in doing so many incredible things. for one of my classes, i have to write an article on...well, on something. my choice. since i've had service on the brain, i've decided to write about Empowering Nations, the non-profit volunteer-based foundation that i was with when i went to thailand. i wanted to share it with all of you. get involved. i'm telling you. your life will be changed forever.

It began as a relatively dormant foundation, completing only a few projects here and there. Today, however, Empowering Nations has traveled to places like Thailand, Brazil, Kenya, Ghana, and Peru. Their volunteers have built schools and homes, provided micro-credit training, taught disease-prevention methods, bolstered literacy, and provided disaster relief. It has grown into a foundation that completes projects all over the globe in a fierce fight against poverty, impacting the lives of thousands.

In 2002, BYU graduate Mike Poelman took an idea and ran with it. It is a well-known fact that there are thousands of foundations and non-profit organizations all around the world. Yet, how many of those foundations and organizations know how to efficiently use their donations and effectively facilitate their volunteers? This was a major concern for Poelman and he decided to do something about it. He saw a need for a volunteer-friendly and low-cost organization that could actually make a difference and fight against poverty.

With the help of four other students and world-renown expert in social entrepreneurship (and BYU professor) Dr. Warner Woodworth, Empowering Nations came to life. According to their mission statement, they are a proactive volunteer-run non-profit organization committed to empowering the poor through education and relief and to promote and facilitate the involvement in the fight against poverty throughout the world. Poelman’s simple idea has turned into an incredibly proactive group that stops at nothing to promote positive change.

Executive Director of Empowering Nations, Sarah Carmichael Parson, says, “One of my main beliefs about EN is that we believe that one person can make a difference. Even though poverty and development issues that plague underdeveloped nations are immense in scope, we as individuals can and must do something to help. We cannot be overwhelmed by the problem, but must be driven to want to do something to help. Even though we are individuals, we can make a difference in the lives of those we serve. That it is our duty to do so.” Empowering Nations doesn’t go around giving pamphlets to the poor on how to solve their problems. Instead, they actively teach and empower people to help themselves and ultimately create a lasting change. Not only do volunteers alter the lives of others, they alter their own lives forever as they give all they’ve got in the service to those who need it most. Empowering Nations not only believes, but they know that one person can, in fact, make a significant difference.

Empowering Nations isn’t on the brink of stopping their efforts any time soon. Their projects continue year to year and their volunteer numbers are on the rise. This year, their projects will take them to Paraguay, Kenya, Mozambique, Ghana and Peru where they will help people to learn about entrepreneurship, economic education, family preservation, community health, and orphanage support.

If you are interested in being a part of Empowering Nations, you can visit their website at www.empoweringnations.org or send an email to empoweringnations@gmail.com.

hakuna matata

2008-02-05T23:47:00.001-05:00

this past weekend was a lot of fun for jake and me. we went night skiing on friday night and l.o.v.e.d. every minute of it. it was freezing but we didn't even notice after awhile. just shake those hands and wiggle those toes to get the blood flowing again and you're good to go. also, i love the mountains. really...almost more than most things.

no, jake is not wearing a cape. and yes, we're still having a grand old time.

we listened to old school rap from the high school days on the way to ski...which means, of course, that we're hard.

katie and me before skiing.

this is what i look at every night from my backyard (my very small and wonderful backyard). i love the mountains.

need i say more?

love today.

2008-01-29T16:10:00.001-05:00

Jake is so much FUN. we've been married for nine months now and i gotta say that every minute has been a blast. we love every day. anyway, just wanted to give him a little shout out i guess. he makes me happy.

thankful.

2008-01-27T23:21:00.000-05:00

i am so grateful that heavenly father sent such a wonderful man to be the prophet on earth during my adolescent years. jake and i truly love president hinckley and we're so grateful for the things we've learned from him-- for his faith, hope, humor, happiness, hard work, diligence, fearlessness... we are such a blessed people to be in the presence of men and women who have nothing but eternal perspectives and a great love for the gospel of jesus christ. he will be greatly missed.

da da daaaaaaa

2008-01-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

this is jake and me. we're signing papers on our first purchased home. huge deal and huge blessing. i'm so thankful for jake and how hard he works for our little family. i'm truly amazed at how incredible he is. about two weeks ago, we moved into a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath town home, which we love very very much. out by popular demand, i've posted some pictures of our house. i left out the two other bedrooms and the extra bath because they aren't complete yet... one day, one day. anyway, hope you enjoy. please come and stay with us. we love visitors. i'll even feed you.

the love shack.

our bathroom in our room.

my kitchen.

the family room. i'm waiting for these really great pillow covers from pottery barn to go on sale...then we'll have some more color on these couches. geez. also, i'll be painting this wall behind the couch in the fall. more color people.

this is my all-time favorite purchase. my antique bookshelf. it looks lithuanian to me, which is why i love it so much.

view from the couch.

this is my bench; it's a joy of mine.

the hallway.

downstairs bathroom.

laundry room = happiness.

i know how you all feel about tags, BUT...

2008-01-25T01:17:00.000-05:00

i actually thought this tag was fun and interesting (thanks to my dear friend megan niccoli). it's different. i like different. i guess i'm supposed to tag a few people now--isn't that how it works? i tag rachel robbins, katie hillstead, ani taylor, carly carlson and liz jones. HA.

If you were an animal, which would you be? a cheetah. i love to run.

If you were a city, which would you be? hilton head. i think it's a city, county and an island all in one.

If you were a vegetable, which would you be? i know technically a tomato is a fruit or some garbage like that, but i really believe it's a vegetable. i would be a delicious garden grown tomato. and i would love to be refrigerated, cut up and smothered in salt and pepper.

If you were a color, which would you be?

BLUE

Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well.

Your saturation level is higher than average - You know what you want, but sometimes know not to tell everyone. You value accomplishments and know you can get the job done, so don't be afraid to run out and make things happen.

Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

it's kind of weird that this little color thing really does describe me in a lot of ways.

If you were a fruit, which would you be? i would be a ruby red grapefruit. a cold one.

If you were a season, which would you be? fall, for sure, 100%, no doubt. i love fall more than anything: sweaters, campfires, small chill in the air, football, orange, red, brown, yellow, and bright green leaves....especially crunching the ones that have already fallen on the ground. i love that.

If you were a shoe, which would you be? a nice, comfortable, and simple flat.

If you were a vehicle, which would you be? a 4RUNNER. i heart 4RUNNERs. black. tan leather interior.

If you were an appliance, which would you be? a blender.

If you were a Disney character, which would you be? the magic carpet from aladdin. i've always wanted to be able to fly.

If you were a dessert, which would you be? delicious and refreshing orange sherbet ice cream. i love that stuff more than anything, especially on a hot summer day. yum.

If you were a time of day, which would you be? 4 p.m. i don't know why. i just like to look at the clock at 4 and know i've accomplished a lot and i still have time to accomplish more.

If you were a cereal, which would you be? frosted mini wheats. the best of both worlds.

If you were an instrument, which would you be? cello...even though i play the violin, i still really love the cello the best.

to teach and preach and work!

2008-01-23T17:59:00.000-05:00

this is my dear friend jessee goats. she went into the MTC today heading off to sweden and she will be amazing. i love missionary work. i'm so grateful i had the chance to serve a mission. love love love it.

jake found the cord!

2008-01-19T00:47:00.000-05:00

finally some new pictures. i've got a lot to update on. i have some pictures from christmas with my family...unfortunately i'm an IDIOT and forgot my camera when we went to seattle. what a moron. luckily my dear lyndsi sent me a few pictures when nicco and kai had the time of their lives on the merry-go-round. ok so there's that. then we have the reunion with my girlfriends, who i LOVE...some were missing and i think it just makes me love and appreciate them even more, ya know? and then the tribute to drew, our little drew face. now that i have the cord back, i'm going to carry my camera more and start taking more pictures. ALSO...pictures of our new house to come.

a very merry christmas.

my mom made me an amazing quilt, along with two others for my sisters. she's a dream.

let me just say that i love the vela family. we had so much fun at their house for christmas. i wish i had more pictures.

love my friends. miss the ones who weren't there. love them too.

drew drew. he's good for our hearts. the more he eats, the more he farts.

this is my all-time favorite picture of drew.

finally, something.

2008-01-13T02:47:00.001-05:00

camera cord: still lost. BUT- i stole a few pictures from my sisters-- the first one is of jake and the hillstead/finklea crew. they all went snow-mobiling and apparently had the time of their lives. jake loves this kind of stuff and i love that he loves it. second picture: my family at andrew's (katie's baby) baby blessing last sunday. zach did an amazing job. more to come.

wow.

2008-01-11T20:41:00.000-05:00

i'm so sick of my blog. everything about it bores me and if that's happening, then i'm pretty positive it's boring you too. here is the problem: again, can't find the camera cord. you see, we just bought and moved into our town home all in the matter of a month, which means life has been semi-chaotic. we're almost done unpacking and getting pretty settled (yes, yes i'll post pictures soon enough), but i am having a hard time locating certain things. i promise as soon as i find it, i'll update.

new years.

2008-01-03T01:56:00.000-05:00

well, i forgot my camera this entire break. i left it in our apartment when we went to seattle for christmas. good one. i left it in our apartment on new years. good one. i stole this picture from my sister's blog--it's the only picture i have of new years 2008. i look like a whale, but nonetheless we had a good time.

good earth.

2008-01-02T15:50:00.000-05:00

news for jenna: i was hired at Good Earth today- a health food/wellness/organic grocery store. exciting huh! i'm really into this stuff lately. good interview + good timing = great job.

i'll update more later. just wanted to give you the good news. oh, and happy 2008.

it's a christmas miracle!!

2007-12-19T12:37:00.000-05:00

ok this is not a joke. i've asked jake a few times for a christmas tree, but after a few conversations, we decided that since we won't even be here for christmas and we're moving soon (i'll post on that soon), we should probably just simplify our lives and forget the tree this year. i was sort of depressed about it because i seriously love REAL christmas trees. it just reminds me of my mom and dad, family, LOVE, joy, happiness and not to mention i'm obsessed with the smell of pine trees. i've had a little prayer in my heart that somehow we'd be able to have tree for our first christmas together. it's kind of important to me. i came home from running some errands yesterday and there was a b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l little christmas tree sitting outside of my apartment! while i was running errands, my INCREDIBLE husband went into the woods with rob's ax and chopped down a tree for us. it was nothing short of a miracle for me. so of course i ran to walmart and got some last minute decorations and here we are. i love this tree. it's perfect.

chopped.

2007-12-11T23:07:00.000-05:00

so, i cut my hair. i think i have a disorder. everytime i go to get my hair done, i feel this urgency to change something. i mean i'm paying all this money, i might as well walk away looking a little different, right? well, we went a little crazy this time. i cried a lot today because of this hair, but only because i was in a serious state of shock and awe. it's growing on me (literally, ha!!). so, that's the latest news in my life. interesting, isn't it?

you could say we're artists

2007-12-09T22:20:00.000-05:00

last monday night, jake and i went over to joe and lindsey dean's house for family night. we had a competition with cameron and brittany long and joe and lindsey...and although their ginger bread homes were pretty good, i just have to say, ours took the cake. jake and i probably took it a little too seriously-- i mean this was pure inspiration people. in the end, all three houses were pretty great. we tried to salvage ours and take it home....and we were doing pretty good until about two blocks away--the entire thing collapsed in my lap. we were ticked. needless to say, it was a fun night. merry merry christmas.

band of the year.

2007-12-06T02:21:00.000-05:00

so i've been doing a lot of thinking (obviously...my posts are my thoughts these days), and i thought back on the year 2007 and all that's happened--and i randomly thought, what was my favorite band this past year? what got me through things? so, i'm giving a shout out to one of my favorite bands, the weepies. they give a unique sound--a little folk, a little guitar, amazing lyrics.. they just bring things to life for me. cheesy, but true. anyway, if you don't know who they are...look them up and let them heal you.

thoughts.

2007-12-05T20:44:00.001-05:00

i'm transcribing and editing this recorded history on tape for a project at school. her name is audre wells and she was this incredible woman who signed up for the marines 65 years ago and became this famous marine corp women's band leader. so i'm learning her history. while doing this, she said something that hit me and i haven't stopped thinking about it. she said, "life is what you are." i thought and thought about that. life is what you are. isn't that incredible? who says we have to live one way or the other? our lives are centered around the gospel, the ones we love, errands, dinner, cleaning, school--i mean everyone's life is so different. but that's how we become who we are. what makes up the beauty in our lives is what makes up the beauty of us. so, celebrate your life, because its everything you are. and that is my thought for the day. (if it's jumbled, just remember i spent 10 hours on campus today. thank you and good night.)

The Road

2007-11-29T01:15:00.000-05:00

i have to rave about this book. it was an assignment for my american literature class (which i happen to love by the way) and i can't tell you how much i love it. its terrifying, beautiful, devastating, tense....i mean you name the emotion and i'm pretty sure it's in there.

"a father and his son walk alone through burned america. nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. it is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. the sky is dark. their destination is the coast, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. they have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the law-less bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food---and each other. the road is the profoundly moving story of a journey. it boldy imagines a future in which no hope remains, but which the father and his son, 'each the other's world entire,' are sustained by love."

i loved it. oprah loved it.. so will you.

i'm in love.

2007-11-24T19:42:00.000-05:00

seriously, is he not the cutest thing you've ever seen in your entire life? katie had her baby early early this morning, around 3:45 a.m. stinker andrew brian hillstead is here, weighing 7 lbs 7 oz, and i want to eat him. i love him so much already and he's not even mine! anyway, katie is doing great, looks amazing and is going to be such a good mom. i have a million other pictures but i wanted to get it all started by these three. they're some of my favorites. anyway, love him. little drew. welcome to earth.

hi.

2007-11-16T18:33:00.000-05:00

i. am. so. tired.

and that's all i have to say.

yeeeeeah.

2007-11-13T21:06:00.000-05:00

well here it is. please know that in this post, i am in NO WAY bragging or trying to say, "hey check me out folks." but something exciting and slightly embarassing....ok embarassing....is happening. utah valley bride magazine emailed me a few weeks ago and told me they wanted to feature my wedding in their magazine. they put out four issues a year and feature four different brides. they talked to my photographer kenneth linge (www.kennethlinge.com) and apparently they told him to use the vela/robbins wedding. so she interviewed me for the article and everything. then she randomly said, ok we're going to put you on the cover. i'm like....what. cover? are you sure? yes yes, she says. i said, well there is a really beautiful picture of jake and i....and she interrupted me and said, no just you. WHAT. close up or what. close up. wow. so those of you who live in utah, the issue will be out after thanksgiving if you're interested. this is the picture that they're putting on the cover. this is actually hard for me to admit (i really don't like being in the spotlight and i HATE surprises...and this was definitely a surprise)...but it is sort of fun. anyway, so that's the latest.

the homefront.

2007-11-08T18:50:00.000-05:00

hello dearies. as i've said, school rules and i don't. BUT, that isn't going to stop me from somewhat updating every once in awhile. you are my people and i love you, which means i want to include you in my life. with that said, here are the latest events. we had katie's shower last wednesday and it was so fun. we had delicious tomatoe artichoke soup (i have the recipe if anyone wants it), yummy home made rolls (gotta love kendal mugleston), salad and veggies with cake to top it off. mom was in town, which made everything so much fun. she took us out to dinner one night and as usual, we had a blast. anyway, everyone is doing great. jake is amazing as always, school is almost done...thanksgiving coming up. lots to be grateful for.

chillin' before the party.

liz and me.

seester.

at katie's shower--she is very cute.

dinner. yum yum.

mom and me.

jake is a statue.

the robbins girls. me, mom katie, rachie-bear

jake and drew outside of PF changs

a new post.

2007-11-03T12:17:00.000-04:00

so i know i've been sort of m.i.a. its called school....kicking my trash every single day. so this is the update for the past few weeks. hope all is well!

jake tried to take it while jumping in the air...almost.

got it.

i look like a boy.

alpine loop. love jake.

love aspen trees.

jake and zach obsessing over some youtube video.

jake and me at warren miller.

and this is jake shaving his head.

jake and rugby. he's amazing.

Love Birds.

2007-10-24T00:31:00.000-04:00

at blake's wedding dinner. more to come.

h.o.m.e.

2007-10-18T13:54:00.000-04:00

we finally have couches. the costco ones ended up being the biggest hassle of my life, so i cancelled them and we just bought different ones (which were nicely delivered a day later). anyway, so now we have somewhere nice to sit and relax and let me tell you, i feel like i finally have a home. we're excited about it. friends and family have demanded to see some pictures of where we live, not to mention its fun for others to see, so i'm falling in the trend i guess. here are some pictures. enjoy!

outdoors.

2007-10-07T12:03:00.000-04:00

its fall. my favorite season. i wish i could explain to you what the crispness in the air does to me. sweaters. i love sweaters. and fleeces....jeans, a good pair of pumas. count me in, seriously. jake and i were feeling energetic one day last week, so we decided to go hike my favorite hike, stewart falls, in the most BEAUTIFUL place in the world, sundance. those who know me know i have a slight obsession with sundance. we stopped for a quick view and bridal veil which is always fun and then headed on up. the trail is amazing. i've hike it maybe 20 times now but it was a really good workout. we were the only ones there...so we practiced some yoga, climbed our way up the waterfall into a little cove...climbed some more, risked our lives....hey, you only live once, right? all in all, it was a perfect day and good bonding for jake and me. thought you'd like to see how amazing the mountains are. i'm so thankful to live where i live. i don't know what i'd do without mountains. P.S. BLACK IS BACK.

he never looks in the right place but i still love him anyway.

in front of bridal veil falls.

the hike.

and it begins....

sundance, so pretty.

our destination: stewart falls

pretty, huh.

tree.

the jake show.

warrior.

the praying mantis.

jake is hot.

i'm...hot...too.....dangit.

amazing.

strawberry fields forever

2007-10-03T02:08:00.000-04:00

thoughts. i remember the first time i went to the movies here in provo back in the days of helaman hall. i remember people clapped at the end of the movie....in the theater....and i thought, this place is full of freaks. across the universe is a movie that i have been DYING to see. you could say i slightly obsessed over it considering for a good two weeks i watched the trailer probably 4 times a day. this isn't a joke. here is my review, because i saw it, and i admit i loved it, in an odd way. basically the movie had a lot of singing (which is great because the soundtrack is #1 in my heart), BUT i did wish there was more dialogue between lovers and friends. a lot of the movie was pretty trippy....when i say they portray the 60's in all ways, i mean it. i felt like i was tripping on acid (not that i've ever done that) the entire movie. but it was almost fun in a way. i'm sort of artsy like that. i love these kind of movies. it portrayed a lot of radical movements that happened because of vietnam, and the acting was top notch. but the love story is amazing, the singing is incredible, and i think jude is fascinating. SO, in conclusion, i give it an A-. 4 out of 5 stars. i recommend it if you feel like escaping the world for a few hours (the movie was 2 1/2 hours). and yes, i teared up at one part. sad to say, no one clapped at the end of the movie. but then again, we are in provo, a land of occasionally closed minds.

camping and crazies.

2007-09-23T17:01:00.000-04:00

ok so we weren't exactly camping, but we did have a big fire. lots of fun in the provo scene, as always of course.

special.

it all begins with a fire.

rob and jessie. cuddling. cute.

beans, beans. they're good for your heart.

boys will be boys....putting out the fire in their own "special way."

see-saw....or a gigantic tree over the fire. jake and rob are smart.

camping with friends and family = good times. (rachel, me, megan bean, jessie)

hi. this is jake. he's the best.

no really, you should know...i love jake.

don't worry. still kickin' in with sarah crookston.

oh heyyyyy

2007-09-21T13:38:00.000-04:00

here it is: an update. sorry i haven't for awhile--just hasn't been first priority these days. HOWEVER...this is what's been happening in the past month. these first pictures are the good times we had in georgia, my sweet home. we had so much fun hanging out with my family and seein' the sites. we found this amazing man, his name is "Wild Man." he's pictured below and jake was mesmorized by him and his store. but he says he's not racist. uh huh. anyway...hope you enjoy! i'll be better about updating. this is a blogger promise i intend to keep. and i found my camera cord.

and then we have labor day. we spent all day at the lake and loved every minute. love our family.

i think katie is the cutest pregnant woman. i love her sass in this picture.

that night after we left carly and chad's, we went to joe and katie's reception, also in NC. lots of fun--love the brewers.

it all began with carly and chad. on our escape away from maryland down to georgia and the very beginning of september, we stopped in NC to stay with carly and chad. it was a great 24 hours. love the carlsons.

so...

2007-09-16T22:09:00.000-04:00

we had a bit of a hard day yesterday. i miscarried our other baby--i'll spare you all the nasty details. but i've been hospitalized since yesterday afternoon and was discharged about an hour ago. i figured you'd all be slightly confused why we took off the little baby ticker, but so it goes. anyway, just wanted to let you all know. we're fine...pressing forward like we're supposed to. we've been surrounded by a lot of really good friends and family the past few days, and we've loved and appreciated that.

alright already.

2007-09-13T20:00:00.000-04:00

there aren't many words that can explain how crazy life has been lately, BUT we're alive and happy still. we made it to utah. task completed. sort of caught up in school. task completed. cleaned and unpacked all belongings, including getting rid of things that we never use. task incomplete. made apartment cute and welcoming to guests and loved ones. task incomplete. keep up to date on blogging. task incomplete. paid first months rent. task incomplete (still locating checkbook). get good nights sleep every night. task incomplete. found camera cord. task incomplete. still in love with husband. task complete. i promise once i get all settled in and s.a.n.e then i will be better about keeping you updated. as for now, i have stolen pictures from friends and family and this should suffice for awhile. also- i'm 15 weeks along; we have an appt. on the 26th, which means by then i'm sure we'll be able to find out the sex of the baby. whoo hoo!

me and carly.

brothers....but not really.

if your friends don't dance and if you don't dance then you're no friend of mine.

at the georgia BBQ for our wedding. carly, chad, katie zach, jake and me.

sister and i decided who gets which gumball.

dinner at henry's. yes, i look like an elephant.

Are you confused?

2007-09-04T09:31:00.000-04:00

Life's been a little crazy the past few days. Yeah..a great crazy though. So we left DC on Thursday, drove down to North Carolina and spent the night at Carly and Chad's (hence the random post of Carly and me) and then made it go Georgia late Friday night after spending a really fun day with the Carlson's. And here we are, in Georgia just hanging out with the family. I've taken so many fun pictures but in the chaos of it all, I can't locate the beloved camera cord. So patience, dearies...new posts will be here soon. Sorry my blog is boring. And Baby says hi.

Carly is cool.

2007-08-31T16:02:00.000-04:00

So Jake and I stopped in NC last night and hung out with Carly and Chad. I like Carly. She's cool.

"I could tell..."

2007-08-29T19:35:00.000-04:00

Conversation of the day:

LADY: yes yes i have 2 grandchildren...both boys, and i'm DYING for a girl! my one daughter won't get a move on. it's driving me crazy.

ME: yeah i think my mom is pretty excited about grandchildren. my sister is pregnant with a boy, which is really fun. i'm expecting too--my mom will be in heaven.

LADY: i could tell. i thought you looked pregnant.

quick. ask anyone who has seen me in the past week if i look remotely pregnant...if i'm even showing a little bit. the answer is no. awesome.

She's a LIME!

2007-08-23T23:41:00.000-04:00

Ok I really have no idea if my baby is a boy or a girl, but I REALLY have a feeling its a girl. So, from now on I'm going to call her "she." Anyway, she's the size of a lime this week! How exciting, growing strong and good. Just thought I'd let you know.

Across the Universe

2007-08-23T11:11:00.000-04:00

I have never wanted to see a movie as much as I want to see this one. I've seen the preview in the theaters so many times, and then I come home and watch the trailer. I think its because its based off of all Beatles songs...and his name is Jude---and I love the name Jude. And its a love story. And "Hey Jude" is my favorite song by the Beatles and does something to me everytime I listen to it. Anyway, mark my words, I'll be there opening night. You should find and watch the trailer if you can. You're life might change. Or I just might be overly-obsessive.

Bad News

2007-08-22T12:18:00.000-04:00

We went to the doctor today-- one of our twins passed away. We're sad...in fact I don't think I've stopped crying for a few hours now. But at the same time, we understand it's Heavenly Father's plan and we're just going with it as best as we can. We're very very thankful that we still have one strong baby. I take back what I said about thank you notes. If I could write Heavenly Father a thank you note, I would.

I love Stargirl

2007-08-21T23:11:00.000-04:00

I think I've mentioned this book before. Well, it's on my reading list below: the book "Stargirl" is one of my favorites. It's basically a middle school reading level, but for some reason it totally intrigues me. I've read it over 5 times, and I never get sick of it. I think I love the simplicity of it- the life lessons you learn and how happy I feel when I read it. I want to be Stargirl. I was in Target yesterday and I randomly looked at a bookshelf and I saw a new one, the sequel to "Stargirl" called "Love, Stargirl." Obviously I bought it and haven't been able to put it down. I learn so much reading these books, and I highly recommend them to everyone. Come one, come all.

Thank you notes = Death

2007-08-20T14:10:00.000-04:00

I really dislike thank you notes. I spent 7 hours on Saturday--- 7 HOURS--- writing thank you notes. I think thank you notes should be outlawed. There should be a universal understanding that when you get a present for a wedding, it is understood that you are very grateful; for example, I am very very thankful for all that we were given. But I am not thankful for the carpal tunnel that I developed in my right hand. I have 30 more to go today. Awesome.

I like pickles. What a cliche.

2007-08-18T11:55:00.000-04:00

I stole this picture from my sister-in-law's blog...we're eating (fancy that). It was from last weekend in Utah. And then in the picture with us is Jake's sister Lyndsi. Beautiful, I know. Anyway--I'm random.

Tangled and True

2007-08-17T15:29:00.000-04:00

I have a new obsession. My sister Katie has told me about this website a few times but I never thought much about it. Then a few days ago, I decided to check it out. This is my new schedule (pathetic...don't judge)- I wake up, check my blog, check my email, and then I check www.tangledandtrue.com- So you must go there. They have great give aways, great ideas. I think I'm a little behind on this one because I'm pretty sure everyone already knows about it. But its good mommy stuff and pretty entertaining. Anyway, I love it. And for the record, I haven't thrown up in 3 days. I celebrated today by eating a regular sandwhich....and not chicken noodle soup.

Christmas Miracle

2007-08-15T14:20:00.000-04:00

So I just checked my email and I had an order confirmation email for the sage green couch from Costco! WHAT??? Earlier, when I finished the order, they said it was out of stock. So this, my friends, is what Jake and I call a Christmas Miracle. That's our new couch! What do you think?

Searching

2007-08-15T13:54:00.000-04:00

Ok. I need some suggestions. Jake and I stayed up last night kind of late..picture this: He was sitting on the chair with his computer, and I was laying on the couch with mine. We were both on the same website, telling each other where to go, what to look at--you get the idea. It was actually pretty entertaining and we had fun. We were looking at furniture--particularly sectional couches. I really like this one on Costco.com, but wouldn't you know it is out of stock. Of course. So then I go to ridiculous websites that I KNOW I can't afford (I'm obsessed with this sectional from PotteryBarn right now, but its just a dream), but I go there anyway and covet everything I see. This is a big CON to feeling sick a lot and having a lot of "computer time," if you know what I mean. So here is the kicker. If you know of any furniture websites, affordable ones, with cute sectionals...not corney fabrics, but GOOD stuff, please PLEASE share the wealth. Can you see desperation in my writing? Sweet, me too.

Here are the ones that I LOVE. The cream colored one is the coveted one from PotteryBarn. The sage colored one is the one from Costco that I can't get anymore. So, these are the styles I'm really looking for.

How perfect would these couches be to push together as a "play pin" for the twins? This is my entire reasoning for sectionals. HELP!

Help....again.

2007-08-14T20:39:00.000-04:00

Will someone please be a gem and tell me how to post a video from YouTube? I think I've tried maybe 30 different times and it never works. I need to post something that makes me SO SO happy...so any quick advice would be great.

Weekend in Utah

2007-08-13T22:12:00.000-04:00

So Jake and I went to Utah this weekend for his sister Brynda's wedding. I can't explain how much I LOVE the mountains..and Utah weather...and the people in Utah. I think living in DC has given me this entire new appreciation for the West. Anyway, the weather was perfect. We had so much fun. Bryn looked amazing. I didn't get sick on Bryn's wedding day (it doesn't sound like much but seriously, HUGE tender mercy). Jake didn't have to work. There were so many great things and I'm basically pumped out of my mind to get back there in a few weeks. It was a fabulous weekend.

Yeah...we're not quite sure about this one. But he's cute.

This is Jake hunting for snakes. He loves snakes for some reason.

Me.

Jake.

Nice hair.

I love to see the temple. And yes, this picture could quite possible be on the cover of the next Ensign. Thank YOUUU.

You gotta love Blake...who's freshly engaged.

The Larsens

He's seriously my favorite.

Jakey and Me.

Happy. Happy. Happy.

Fancy that! I saw my dear Julia at the temple. Just love her and miss her so much.

So pretty and so happy.

The happy couple: Ryan and Bryn Larsen

Jake playing with our nephews Nicco and Makai- he's going to be the best dad, really.

Competition

2007-08-09T20:14:00.000-04:00

Jake is better at being pregnant than I am. He's pushing out, in case you were wondering.

Two Birds with One Stone

2007-08-08T13:49:00.000-04:00

We're having twins! Yes, yes, this is absolute MADNESS but I really can't explain how excited we are. So we're at the doctors and I'm having the ultra sound done--the probe kind so you can't just see everything nice like you would see if you were looking at a picture, ya know? On the screen, there came up this little tiny baby, about one inch long, just wigglin' and movin' all over the place--good heart beat...just solid. Then, the doctor moved the probe a little to the left and says, "Well what's this? Looks like he's got a little friend in there." Jake and I are like....whhhhhhhat?? So this picture probably isn't the easiest to understand because it works way better if its verticle instead of horizontal--but I couldn't get it to work. Anyway, they are both there, laying side by side, just chillin and probably having great conversation. They both have good strong heart beats and everything looks "perfect" according to the doctor. If you look closely, you can see the them in two different "sacks," which means they aren't going to be identical. So that's the scoop! Ain't life grand?

The DC Platinum Office

2007-08-06T23:43:00.000-04:00

You could say we tend to get along in our office. We're all good friends..we've got inside jokes...help each other out--you know the drill. We all went to Benihana's tonight for dinner---unfortunately I couldn't eat much considering I don't keep much down, but I think everyone else really loved it. Not to mention it's my brother-in-law Zach's birthday today...so we had a fun time singing very loudly to him. Good times.

Nelson wants to be pregnant too....Don't worry, he's pushing out.

Happy Birthday Zachie

All the silly people

Being silly

Nelson, Katie and Zach

Jake and Me, just coveting being Benihana chefs

Everybody...and Jake.

Good ol' Landon

Some of the guys...ha and Jake (he wanted to be in every picture)

Dan, Jake and Brent being crazy.

Jake and "Erick"- the Benihana guy

At Chili's one random night.

You could say I love him.

A weekend in Georgia

2007-07-31T14:53:00.000-04:00

Ba ba baaaaa! Finally a post. So, I got to go home this past weekend and had such a good time. I missed Jake (we never travel together these days....sad), but it was fun hanging out with my parents for my dad's 50th birthday party. He was completely surprised by the way (see first picture). Anyway, love my family, love my friends (see last picture...dear Stephanie)...it was a good weekend but its nice to be back with Jake. I'll try to be a better photographer and post more often....trust me I don't like staring at the same posts all day long either.

Life is busy.

2007-07-24T13:48:00.000-04:00

My blog is boring again. I have no new pictures unfortunately....and not much to report. I've been pretty sick lately--that's been quite fun let me tell you. I always look down at my stomach and think, "You hate me, don't you." Anyway, just want you all to know that I'm still die-hard. There will be pictures soon.

It's called "Tagged"...try it, you'll like it.

2007-07-16T11:34:00.000-04:00

I have been tagged. These answers are in no particular order. Enjoy!

4 jobs I have had:
1. Hostess at Sundance Foundry Grill
2. Assistant/Secretary at Atlanta Oral and Facial Surgery
3. Party person at Sports-A-Rama (it was a high school job…and yes I secretly loved it)
4. Office Assistant for Platinum Protection (which is what currently owns my life right now)

4 movies I could watch over and over again:
1. Serendipity
2. Love Actually
3. Braveheart
4. Shakespeare in Love

4 places I have lived:
1. Medina, OHIO
2. Marietta, GEORGIA
3. Lithuania
4. Bethesda, MARYLAND

4 favorite tv shows:
1. LOST (hands down I’m addicted)
2. Brothers and Sisters
3. Project Runway
4. Ellen/Oprah

4 of my favorite places I have been:
1. Lithuania baby!
2. Laie, HI
3. Hilton Head, South Carolina (family trip every year!)
4. Thailand---a land of serious paradise.

4 favorite foods (this is a hard one!):
1. Lately I’m really into popsicles—either FlavorIce or just the regular Cherry, Grape and Orange
2. Love fruit—especially nectarines
3. I love leftover macaroni and cheese- its ok, a lot of people think I’m gross.
4. Mangostines (sp? This crazy yummy fruit in Thailand)

4 websites I check daily:
1. blogspot--- Here is the thing. I don’t have a facebook account because I knew I’d be severely addicted. So I thought…ok I’ll do a blog- you can’t get addicted to that. I was wrong.
2. gmail
3. Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters—nothing wrong with just looking, right?
4. babycenter.com- since I’m trying to be a knowledgeable mother…yeah I’m here a lot.

4 favorite hobbies:
1. Running
2. Skiing- water and snow
3. Cooking
4. Watching movies---Jake and I LOVE watching movies.

4 places I would rather be:
1. I never thought I’d say this, but Utah. I miss being a Cougar. 6 more weeks!
2. At home in GA with the fam…waterskiing, drinking lemonade….basically just chillin on the back porch.
3. Lithuania…I love that country and miss my people.
4. Thailand. I’d go back there in a heart beat.

4 friends I would like to TAG--YOU'RE IT!!
1. Ani
2. Jenye
3. Jenny D
4. Carly

Hallelujiah

2007-07-13T19:52:00.000-04:00

Thank you Jenny Dannels for helping me with my blog. I am definetly a satisfied blogger.

my skills are weak

2007-07-12T19:34:00.000-04:00

ok listen. as you can all see, I change my blog "colors" and "settings" basically every single day. this happens because everyday, i look at my blog and think..."you're not very pretty..nope, not how i'd picture you at all." so i'm publicly admitting that i'm not very good at blogging and i DESPERATELY need some help. will someone, anyone, PLEASE tell me how to make a background on this thing? i've been told to go to photobucket, pick out some images (i have many waiting), and that's it, really. so what's the next step people. help a sister out here. i'm desperate for blog self-satisfaction. i expect some detailed comments. you are greatly appreciated.

Old School

2007-07-10T13:21:00.000-04:00

Flashback folks to our freshmen year at BYU. As you can see, there is an empty pizza pan here. That would be the accomplishment of the Vela/Robbins team, who ate the entire garlic chicken pizza in one sitting. No one believed we could do it. True, I can't ever eat that pizza again (I just dry-heaved thinking about it), but I am pretty sure that's when Jake realized I was the one. Ha! It's so funny because we look so young--my how times have changed. A big thanks to Kate McNeil for supplying the photo.

My friends

2007-07-10T13:16:00.000-04:00

The girl in the middle is one of the girls I baptized on my mission. Her name is Kristina Rugyte and I seriously love her so much---she just graduated from college---amazing. The other girls are also great loves of mine: (from L to R) my amazing friend Vika, my old companions Sister Pelton and Sister Ransheva, Kristina, and my two of my favorite members in Klaiped, Ginvile and Iveta. I miss my mission a lot and have a crazy love for these people.

You could say we're happy...

2007-07-07T16:26:00.001-04:00

That's right folks! I've never been a fan of surprises (ask any of my girlfriends...) but this is the greatest surprise of my life. We're havin' a baby! I'm 5 weeks along....feelin' great and really happy. Jake is pretty excited---he keeps calling the baby "buster"--Don't worry, I'm taking action to veto that immediately. He thinks its a boy of course....we shall see. Anyway we know its early to tell, but we wanted to share the fantastic news with everyone. We can't wait.

Hilton Head Island

2007-07-05T00:15:00.000-04:00

We just finished up our anual family vacation here in good old Hilton Head Island, South Carolina....one of our favorite places. I was without the husband this trip (Platinum basically owns him)....which actually was our first time apart since we've been married. Sad. It was a good time though, hangin out with the fam. Sarah Crookston came with us for a few days too, which obviously was a blast. Anyway, not much to report I guess....just some new pictures and a few good times. Hope you all had a great 4th of July.