Talk to Me

a little man in black

2012-01-23T18:27:00.004-07:00

It feels like a Johnny Cash day today

my parents used to sing this song to us and my dad would play it on his guitar, us kiddos would always come in on the "yippee ki yay, yippee ki yo" part. We were really good at it.

and my personal favorite, not written by Johnny but incredible.

You look like you're goin' to a funeral...

Maybe I am.

catch up

2011-12-02T07:47:00.001-07:00

I have realized that A and I are not photo taking people. We don't document the midnight runs to Wendy's or the lazy evenings in. We don't even document important holidays.

Example A:

The only shot, and I mean only shot, of Thanksgiving.

Whoo hoo, a very ordinary place setting.

But I try not to despair and tell myself that when we have kids I will be much better. We'll see.

But I did document a 4 wheeler ride from the summer that I forgot to post...

such a fun filled day! Thanks Dad!

and then Aaron, my lil bro, and my dad came out to the Clevey to visit...

We went to the John Johnson Farm, Kirtland, around the Cleve (more importantly, to the Christmas Story house) and to Niagara Falls. That's why we look so sexy in our Maid of the Mist ponchos.

I took a total of 5 photos with my camera. Nicely done.

Then in November we celebrated my Grandpa H's 90th bday!

Seriously, he's 90 years old. Almost a century. 9 Decades. 90 big ones. 1921 people!!!

Do you even know what this means?!

Warren G. Harding was President when he was born. (I've never heard of him either.)

He has seen 15 Presidents in his life.

Lindburg made his first flight when my Gpa was 6.

The first "talkie" movie was released that same year.

Amelia Airhart flies across the Atlantic Ocean when he was 11.

Al Capone was running the streets of Chicago and prohibition was still in place.

He lived through the Great Depression, start to finish, on a watermelon farm in Oklahoma.

Saw WWII, the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War start to finish.

The Indian Reorganization Act and Social Security Act, NASA was formed, Civil Rights Movement, Hawaii became the 50th state, first man to walk on the moon, Watergate, first personal computers, Oklahoma city bombing and WTC bombing, the internet, WTC terrorist attack, War on Terrorism, Hurricane Katrina...I could do this for a while but I will spare you.

Instead here are some precelebration photos...

We went to Santa Cruz for a day, ate lots of Boudin and Ming's,

and wandered around Fisherman's Wharf.

then the celebration...

family and friends came from everywhere to celebrate and boy, did we celebrate!

His 93 year old sister even came, what a sweetie.

Out of our entire family we were only missing my cousin Beri and her hubby.

It was fantastic and I think everyone cried at least once.

I pretty much cried through the entire thing because that's what I do.

Tyler sang an impromptu "Happy Birthday" that was my favorite.

I made this little ditty for the occasion, don't mind that none of us can sing on key.

Kind of a lot of stuff, I know. Thanks for bearing with me.

Catch you on the flip side.

Grateful heart

2011-11-24T10:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!! I can't even begin to write down all that I am grateful for. Let's just say that I had a wonderful heart to heart with Heavenly Father this morning. He knows. But just a small recap for all of you...

my sweet husband. our marriage. my family. my body. my health. the gospel. hugs. the sun. quotes. my testimony. my education. a's education. the preisthood. temples. interior design. church callings. kipling. exploring. cell phones. the prophet. my friends. their families. computers. enough food. brave people. our apartment. this gorgeous autumn day. an income. forever families. our car. books. animals. history. my journal. art. pinterest. experiences. make up. nice people. love. photos. trials. movies. laughter. fruit. babies. blogs. my freedom. holidays. life.

We started this day off right with sleeping in until 10 am (I can't remember the last time I did that!!!) We made bfast while singing and dancing along to Les Mis and the Cure (strawberry and nutella crepes mmm...mmmm) and a little Arrested Development. Can this day get any better?! Seriously...it really can.

The menu for this blessed day

spinach artichoke dip with crostinis

Grandma's famous mashed potatoes and gravy

old fashioned sage stuffing

Rhodes rolls

ceasar salad

baked zucchini

sweet corn

strawberries and raspberries

Pumpkin pie a la mode

cranberry sauce

and turkey turkey turkey!!!

We really wish that we were with our families today but a low key Thanksgiving is just as wonderful. I am so grateful for this experience here in Cleveland. It has been hard and even miserable at times but A and I have grown so much closer and really become our own family. I never thought that I would say this but I am grateful for Cleveland. :)

I'm off to take the boy for a Thanksgiving walk before the food madness begins! I hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for YOU!!!

Strictly business

2011-10-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

check out that leg wrinkle

work it

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Love, K

family photos

2011-10-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

if you would like to experience how it is to hold a walrus in your arms...

If anyone needs a photographer here in the Cleve, I've got just the gal.

Photos by Katie Blacker

Katie's Photography blog

The day I gained a testimony

2011-10-05T13:46:00.002-07:00

By Andrew

It was a clear Autumn day just like today. I had seven years of wisdom behind me. In those seven years I had learned the single most important lesson: candy was life. Philip was patiently waiting for Halloween. In fact, his supply from last year's Halloween stash was just now depleting. He had, as usual, timed his gratification periods perfectly. I know this because at my weaker moments I would steal from his well organized loot. The chocolate was placed on the left hand side. The hard candy was alphabetized and color coordinated. And of course, the Razzles were hidden in a special location. He always knew when, and exactly what, I had eaten. "My Reese's Pieces are turned upside down" he would say accusingly.

And so it went. A game of cat and mouse. I didn't bother with Jacob's stash. He traded most of his prized pieces, such as Blow Pops, King Sized Snickers, or Fun Dips, for the new Ninja Turtles Pizza Thrower. All that was left were scattered wrappers of Twizzlers and pumpkin taffy--the lowest caste in the hierarchy of candy.

My options were limited. Jason Webster, however, had an idea. But as always, he needed an accomplice. The spirit spoke to me that day. It was my first true conversation with a higher source. "This will not end well" it whispered. But candy's allure was all too powerful and Jason Webster's idea seemed fool proof.

A local entrepreneur had recently began a successful candy venture. His assets consisted of a garage, his mother's Costco card, and a secure chain linked fence. Every Friday he would open his doors as if he was Willy Wonka's understudy. Kids flocked from all areas of Farmington. It wasn't uncommon for the gangs from the neighborhood over to cause a fight. After all, candy was on the line.

We coordinated the plan during recess. There was no way this would fail. After school we walked home casually, but our minds were focused on the task at hand. I wore sandals that day--a tyro's mistake. We grabbed our bikes and on the way out Philip yells, "you still owe me Reese's." I grinned at the thought that within the hour I would have all the candy. Candy debt, like its cousin financial debt, is crushing. It wears you down and it never sleeps. Philip had the currency, and therefore, the power. "We'll see who has all the power" I thought.

I remember the crowd behind the fence. I remember the children's anticipation. There was a sugar frenzy. Cash and quarters were exchanged with rapidity through the chains like it was the Venitian or Luxor Casino. We waited our turn. I began shivering with nerves and anticipation. Nothing a Sour Apple Bonkers wouldn't fix shortly. Jason Webster seemed so calm. He was so deviantly experienced.

It was now our turn. I looked at Jason for one final nod of approval. The young business man stated his usual line. "First row is a quarter, everything else is 50 cents. The King size are a dollar." Jason went into character immediately--like Corey Feldman as Ricky Butler or Val Kilmer as Batman. He was born for the role. "Um, what about over there" pointing nonchalantly to the inconsequential "five centers" that lay at the far end. It was just enough to distract the salesman. He began assisting his thief. Oh the irony. There was just enough time for me to fulfill my role. A smash and grab job. I slipped quietly into the open garage door. Walked past the parked cars and outside into the backyard. I had breached the vault. "So this is where all the action happens" I thought. "How is this so easy?". I half expected guard dogs or sirens. But I was left with my conscience and silence. Only a few more steps to sensory overload and debt reconciliation. Jason continued distracting the boy as I pulled my plastic bag from my pocket. But the plastic crackled under the crisp autumn breeze. The boy shifted his gaze to me unexpectedly. First surprise, then panic and then his face showed violent anger. Fort Knox had been infiltrated. I was on my knees filling the bag as quickly as possible. "Why the hell did I start at the Hershey's section!" I explicitly remembered Jason and I discussing the need to start at the Laffy Taffy's. I was only half full when the boy was on me. He lunged at the bag screaming nonsensical obscenities. The other side of the fence looked like the chimpanzee exhibit. Kids were screeching. Girls had tears in their eyes. It was hysteria. With a simple shove I kicked him aside--my sandal flying into the weeds. And then my mind went blank...darkness...muddled footsteps...and Jason in slow motioned baritone "Did you at least get me a Big League Chew!"...silence...clanking of our bmx pedals...cool wind...darkness..

I awoke from my possessed state in a fury on my bike. My left foot was bare and I peddled so hard it slipped sending my big toe across the pavement. Blood and pain. I would eventually loose that toenail as a memento. I kept peddling. "They are behind us", Jason screamed. We were so close to the house. Yet like a nightmare we weren't getting any closer. In our anticipation of candy we had failed to devise a getaway plan. How could I have been so stupid. Throwing our bikes to the ground we finally ran into our opened garage. I dashed to the garage door button near the door. Why does it take so long to close. The chains moving ever so slowly. The door creaking downward. I see the gang on their bikes riding up our driveway. "They are going to make it" I yelled. Jason was gone. He had hid behind the van. It was then that I knew he was a fraud. There I was scrambling and he is sucking his thumb in the fetal. Our relationship would never be the same. Their shoes ran back and forth, their anger rising, as the door finally closes them outside...muted voices...banging on the garage....silence.

I ran inside leaving Jason to his demons. Instantly, I heard the doorbell ring and banging on the knocker. Its so loud. Please tell me Mom has left for home teaching. "Wait a minute", I thought, "Hometeaching...prayer...prayer and primary....primary....primary...fasting....pray...tithing...That's it!" I clambered to the den reaching inside the cupboard. "Where is it! Where does Mom keep Jacob and Philip's tithing?" There it was behind the files. The red check box with a white sticker in sharpie "Kid's Tithing". It could have as well said "Use in case of Emergency's". I grabbed two $5 bills thinking nothing of who I was now bilking. To a seven year old this was an answer to a prayer. My life, after all, was so close to its end. The rowdy pack of boys had moved to the back yard. Then to the front again. I saw their heads jostling through the tinted glass. With all the confidence I could muster, and believing that God was on my side, I jostled the door and threw the wadded up blood money in their direction. "Take it!" I yelled, "and get out of here." There first inclination was to run down the door. But they saw that I had paid them a full $10. Consider it interest! I locked the door again and slid to the floor. The yelling soon abated.

I never learned what happened to Jason. We didn't speak much after the incident. I think he was embarrassed that he'd been found out--he was a con; a charlatan.

As I sat at the foot of the door sweating I thought of my misdeeds and overall purpose. "Maybe I can wait for Halloween" I thought. I can pay Philip back his Reese's then. I settled down yearning for a lesson in this experience. I wanted to gain wisdom from my mistakes. And then it hit me. Candy wasn't the issue. My thievery wasn't the issue. My impressionable nature or addictions weren't the issue. No, I had learned that throughout it all my primary teachers were right. The Lord will open up the window's of Heaven when you pay your tithing. Thank goodness Jacob and Philip were listening.

you've had a birthday shout hooray!

2011-09-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

It's my mom's bday today!

I wrote about it on my other blog, go here to read!

p.s. we just went and bought nutella, strawberry, banana crepes at the farmer's market to celebrate.

Nice form indeed.

something special

2011-09-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

We're back, back to the grand ol'Cleve. Back to our apartment, back to our ward, back to school and work.

First of all I would like to give a shout out *holla* to my dear mother in law. I love you. Thank you for putting up with us (let's be honest, Kipling) this summer. I promise never to do that to you again. If I had lots of money I would have someone deep clean your entire house to extract all of the Kipling hairs, gross. You secured your spot in heaven.

We're recovering nicely from our cross country excursion. We listened to audio books during the 26 hour drive, it made it go by 5.7 times faster. Literally. We listened to Unbroken and boy oh boy did that rock my world. Fair warning though, it's not for the faint of heart, it's about POW's during WWII. My heart still aches from it but it was fascinating. We also listened to Catch Me If You Can, super cute and not depressing.

It is so nice to be back in our own apartment. I have my own stuff and I can walk around in my skivvies. It's like freedom, sweet, slightly breezy, freedom. Of course I get back into the same old bad habits of watching Bachelor Pad and Millionaire Matchmaker. Ever since we got cable my IQ had decreased significantly. I also haven't made dinner more than twice, that's what cereal and Captain Tony's are for.

A started school and is enjoying his senior year. He bought a sweet Honda Civic that has a duct tape body job. Only the best for my man. It may or may not look a little something like this

minus the rims, spoiler, body kit and about 10 years but it is black.

I just got called to be the Shaker Heights Home Seminary teacher, say what?! I have no idea what to do. I can't really remember even attending seminary. I'm just going to play these videos and call it a job well done

thank you Stairway to Stardom, you really are something else

responsibility

2011-08-18T20:44:00.002-07:00

Aaron, my bro, and I went to Maui to visit the fam. Andrew couldn't come because he has responsibilities. To him I would like to quote lyrics by the world renowned punk band, MXPX. Ahem...

Responsibility? What's that?

Responsibility? not quite yet

Responsibility? What's that?

I don't want to think about it; we'd be better off without it.

You know that's right.

Point well made. If I had no responsibilities this is what it would look like.

hung out at Val and Joe's house.

Aaron's getting some Boyfriend love in the bottom right photo.

drove to Hana, jumped off waterfalls, swam in caves, went to a black sand beach,

picked up some hitch hikers who were just traveling around the world for the next year.

(I think they also listened to a little MXPX) The girl told us a story about how she was kidnapped by her mafia dad when she was little and was taken to Mexico to live until the FBI found him and she was returned to her mom but had to learn English again. c-RAZ-EE! She was interviewed by Oprah after that all happened, who, btw, has 2 homes on Maui. oh, hey Oprah!

note to self: always pick up hitch hikers

more exploring, I really need an underwater camera I've decided.
And apparently I also need to learn how to place an arrow at the intended object. There is no turtle where the arrow is pointing. If you follow Aaron's line of sight you'll find it. I'm a smarty pants.

Mama's fish house for my bday

lots of romantic sunsets with my bro. That sentence is not awkward at all.

the top right photo hasn't been touched at ALL with any sort of photoshop. seriously.

But my friends, don't be sad for A.
He is now shirking his responsibilities and has left me here while he's partying it up in Alaska. Something about fishin' and bringing home meat for the winter.
it looks a little somethin like this.

Oh I want to kiss his face!

since then

2011-07-22T14:35:00.001-07:00

Fish'n in Mexico

horses at the GR

Stewart Falls with my dear Sarah Emily

A's been busy with everything and I worked at Nordstrom over the Anniversary sale

(thank heavens I no longer work in Women's shoes)

A's birthday was on Wednesday. He moved yak on his bday, what a cowboy.

Happy birthday love.

Here's to another great year.

Cheers

up to no good

2011-06-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

hey hey! it's been a while. nothing super new in our territory. The rain has finally stopped and I have been rejoicing that I don't have to wash this face everyday, twice a day.

he found a mud hole and lived in it for 2 weeks straight. thanks bubba, you're great.

Whitney and I went and had a fabulous girls vay-cay in Park City and got our shop and hot tub on. I love this girl "hey Whitface!" I heart you. We talked a lot about boys we dated (those conversations mostly ended in "what were we thinking?"), our crazy families, our awesome and sexy husbands and how jealous I am that she's going to Europe in 1 month. take me with you!!!

I have also been kicking it with my sweet (and single!!!) little bro, Aaron. He took me on a hike to Bridal Veil falls in Provo canyon and it was fabulous. My legs reminded me about that for about a week. I am so out of shape.

Danielle and Michael got married this week and they are on their honeymoon in Turks and Caicos

(I had to google how to spell that) if anyone who hasn't been there knows where it is without cheating I will be amazed and give you $5. (or a big hug depending on my mood)

Hi Murph! I heart you too!

At the shower we got a little crazy Mormon style (top photo) and just had a blast. I also met Danielle's aunt-in-law who publishes cookbooks and she included my recipes in her last two cookbooks.

I am published people!!! My agent said that I can autograph copies if you wish.

World Wide Ward Cookbook-Secret Recipes

Last but not least it was my annual Howerton fam reunion at the Homestead. We went shooting one day and all I can say is that I am much better with handguns, seriously.
My nephew Tyler also came, we like to start them young.

K fell into the flooded river and sank like a rock.

My uncle Joe is comforting him after such a traumatic experience.

watch this, it's funny

a real yak attack

2011-05-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

K, my baby, my sweet sweet baby, got attacked by a yak yesterday. Not cool yak, so not cool.

the culprit

To be real though, K is not a ranch dog. I know he walks and talks the part but he's just not a cow dog (or yak dog in this case). He wandered right up to the strange animal just like they were old friends. Not the smartest idea when said animal is a lot larger than you and has pointy horns, just sayin. He found out soon enough why this was a bad idea. Poor poor baby, he's still recovering.

He did make friends with Oliver though. Who is Oliver you ask? He's the newest addition to Haven Springs Yak and an orphan. His mommy died. Sad right? Well, Oliver is being very well taken care of so don't be too sad. He's a happy guy and thinks that Jay, or anyone that feeds him his bottle, is his mommy.

including me!

what the bangs? someone help that poor girl.

He loves A too but kicked K right in the face a few times after this shot.

Once again, not the smartest dog.

This is Jay, Oliver's real parent. He owns part of the herd, takes care of the yak and lives at the ranch.

If you look up "cowboy" in the dictionary you'll see a photo of Jay. Seriously.

There has also been a ton of flooding at the GR this last week. We've gone up twice to sandbag. Notice the beautiful row of sandbags in the back. I was there to photograph the event for posterity and to make sure K didn't get swept down the raging river. He would sink like a rock. No joke.

In other news I went to my niece's school program last weekend and it was Oscar worthy.

and the men went fishing at Green River and had a wonderful time.

Aaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnddddddddd...that's it.

Madre Day

2011-05-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you ladies out there!

But I have to give a special shout out to the best mother in the world, my mom!!!

I love you mom and I wish you could be here to celebrate your day with me, to see your new

grandbaby Mason and to tell me to give Kipling a bath because he stinks.

I love you and I am grateful that we are an eternal family.

All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.

-Honest Abe

we're here!!!

2011-05-04T11:23:00.002-07:00

We arrived safely! Kipling is loving all the attention. We are so happy to be here.
I never thought that I'd be so excited to drink tap water again.

I don't really feel like writing anything today. I'm exhausted but so happy.

More to come.

Krystal

SPRING SPRING SPRING!!!

2011-04-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

It's Spring on Ludlow Road my friends!!!

HUZZAH!!!

In other news, A and I celebrated Thursday of last week by going to Momocho and wow, I love guac now. If you live/visit the Cleve, you must go to that place along with 50 other amazing food establishments that we love here. Our loves so far include...Captain Tony's, Yours Truly, Melt, Brio, Stir Crazy, DiBella's, Zocalo, Brasa, Mary Yoder's, Presti's, Tommy's, B Spot, Trattoria, Dewey's, Bogo Pizza, Abuelo's, BD's Mongolian BBQ, and of course Chic-fil-A, Chipotle and 5 Guys are wonderful no matter where you are. We use Urban spoon for inspiration and it has been a lifesaver.

We still have so many places to try. Any suggestions from you Clevelanders???

#4 goals

2011-04-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

After my conclusion list last week I got thinking about #4 on that list.
Right now I feel like I have none. Well, maybe a few but nothing that I'm really forward to. My most important goal right now is to make enough money to be able to pay rent every month. Exciting right?

So I took a few minutes this last week to think about what I really would like to happen in the next 5 to 10 years.

I'm thinkin something along these lines...

the Bianchi Dama Bianca

so I can work on my fitness in style

with a little bit of this...

I'll take her!

go on an African safari

and to Brazil with my honey

learn to ski (snowboarding is not good for my body anymore)

doesn't that just look lovely?!

have a veggie garden and some chitens,

of course we are going to have to have a fabulous house to go along with those things :)

and maybe some babies too

and another dog

and last but not least...

oh you forgot that we have yak didn't you? so did I.

In the next 5-10 years I would like to figure out what to do with these things.

Maybe learn how to ride one, or I'll probably just stick to horses.

Maybe learn how to milk one, that will be interesting. I'll make sure and record that experience.

Speaking of the yakkity yak. Andrew has been working hard at getting the website up.

Haven Springs Yak Ranch let me know what you think!!!

In the mean time, I'll probably just stick to what I'm good at.

Yak burgers anyone?

Motivation (or lack thereof) and HAPPY BDAY WHITFACE!!!

2011-04-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

I'm normally a very motivated person. I like "doing stuff", like, you know...stuff. As of lately my "stuff" has consisted of watching old Hitchcock movies with A when I get home from work and eating. A lot of eating.

1. work
2. watching old Hitchcock movies
3. eating

Now while those are very appropriate and important things to do, some more than others, I am in need of something to tickle my fancy again. Normally shopping does that but when there are no funds left over for pretty little things I'm out of luck. I did go running last week but my Spring workouts were cut short by Mother Nature's very inappropriate sense of humor. Snow again, really? Thanks a bunch.

Since we've been here in the Cleve I've done a lot of thinking. Today has been no exception. Here are my conclusions:

1. I'm not made for the Cleve. The autumn is fabulous but no matter how much Vit. D I take I can't handle these grey, freezing winters. I'm bored.
2. I miss my family and I miss my friends. I don't have a whole lot of friends but goodness, I miss you guys.
3. Hot Rod is an inspirational movie. faux mustache, check. punch dancing, check. stunts, double check.
4. I need some goals, or a goal would be a good start.
5. I'm a food snob. I know many of you will disagree with me on this one but I'm just going to put it out there...Olive Garden is mediocre at best.
6. Dancing to Britney Spears in my skivvies is a wonderful workout and makes me feel like I'm in high school again.
7. I LOVE Utah and it's sunny, warm winters, gorgeous but all too short autumns and perfectly fun summers.
8. Family history is totally awesome. I'm from Sweden, Denmark, England, Switzerland and a tad bit of Scottish thrown in there for luck. or is that Irish for luck? hmmm go HERE to find out where you come from.
9. I always forget to put gas in the car. sorry sweetie :)
10. Kipling is probably the cutest dog in the world, hands down. THE END.

On another note...

Happy Birthday Whitney!!!

yes, she was born on April Fools and yes, she is totally awesome.

Whitney and I have known each other since we were 2. We were in nursery together, kindergarten, all the way to high school. We became besties when we were 12 (probably because we were both beyond awkward) and pretty much inseperable ever since. We've done so many things together that I can't even begin to list them all. We have been there for each other through thick and thin. We have thousands of inside jokes that are only funny to us. She has such a wonderful heart, is a fabulous cook, taught me how to do laundry, always makes me laugh and I love her!!!

xoxo BFF

the great cupcake disaster & portrait of a bulldog

2011-03-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I brought A home a gorgeous, rich, decedant, gigantic, chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting and chocolate shavings on top from the Nordstrom Cafe. (as seen above)

He had been begging me to bring one home for him ever since I got one from our Kids' Wear painting party a month ago. If you don't know about Nordie's cupcakes...they are the best. cupcakes. ever. My mouth is watering just thinking about it and it's 8:16 am. So long story short, A went to take a shower so he could savor in his cupcake with a clean body, I went to check my email and K...no one cared what he was doing until we found him hiding behind a chair, decadent chocolate remains covering his wrinkly face.

No photo sorry, A is still getting over the loss.

Before K destroyed all of A's hopes and dreams I took some photos of him yesterday. He's getting huge and isn't such a puppy anymore. sad face.

droopy lips

stocky legs

puppy eyes

wrinkles

nubby tail

I just found this one, I call it "Crash"

Thank you, all photos are available for purchase.

Spring Break baby

2011-03-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

These last two weeks have been wonderful. A and I went to visit my Gpa, Aunt Valerie and Uncle Joe in Maui over Spring Break.

Can I get a HALLELUJAH!?

he knows what I'm talkin about

Maui just does something to people's minds. There is no time there, it doesn't matter if it's 10 am or 10 pm, Friday or Monday... who cares? It's all good baby, you're in Maui.
It feels like a time space continuum (whatever that means). I didn't think about work or responsibility the entire time and it was a-MAZ-ing! We went to Lappert's and got ice cream everyday, strolled along the boardwalk in Lahaina, swam, snorkled, boogie boarded, ate like kings (thanks to Gpa) and got our tan on.

One day we rented a Harley and rode upcountry to Paia where we ate at Cafe Mambo...so good, shopped in Makawo, rode the Hana highway and went on a little hike/swim at Twin Falls.

then dun...dun...dun...a huge 8.9 earthquake rocked Japan. A and I couldn't take our eyes off of the news. CNN.com has the best coverage that I've found. We keep praying for the people affected. Oh how this breaks my heart.

We were actually told that we needed to evacuate bc of the tsunami warning but we decided to stick it out and watch the news for updates. Luckily the tsunami was only a few feet and didn't cause any significant issues throughout the islands. But we were prepared just in case with candy and POG and we brought in the patio furniture just to be safe.

Now we are back and ready to tackle the last month and a half of the semester (well, A is, I'm just here for the ride).

Margi, sweet Margi, at the last second took Kipling for us while we were gone. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! You are fabulous and I think K already misses his best friend Dodge!

I am going back to work tomorrow, hopefully my jet lag isn't too bad. A is passed out on the couch because he didn't sleep a wink on the red eye. Oh and btw, I totally saw Joey Fatone from NSync at LAX, no big. Just how I roll.

Oh and good news! The first yak baby was born this weekend, when I asked what his (the baby yak's) name was Dennis said "Top Dollar". I would have gone with Blackie or Oreo but that's just me.

Happy Daylight Savings! Spring forward.

It's almost Spring...please...hurry...I can't make it much longeeeeerrrrrr....

I thought this was funny and a little too similar to how I'm feeling right now.

loves

2011-02-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

A and I had a slightly belated yet fun Vday. I got A sick so we postponed our celebrations until he could taste food. He surprised me with gorgeous roses, chocolates and dinner at a fabulous Brazilian place downtown.

He also slipped the host a Benjamin to get the nicest table in the joint. That's how we roll.

Don't worry, this photo has nothing to do with Vday...Saturday morning we woke up with no power so this is what our candlelit living room looks like. A is in the chair by the windows. Can't see him? Oh me neither. It felt kind of romantic and a little like a scene in a horror movie. I wouldn't have done well before electricity.

Don't fret, we are all powered up now. I've never been so happy to flip on a lightswitch.

Then on Sunday Mother Nature delivered a present. Lucky Cleve. She sure does have a sense of humor. 50 degrees one day then BAM, back down to 0. She's just reminding us of who's the boss around here.
At least it was gorgeous. Everything was covered in ice. (including our car, not so cool) The trees all have little icicles and at night they sparkle. Just gorgeous darling.

In one week we will be soaking up some rays though. Which I most definitely prefer.

I am nostalgic

2011-02-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

After I put the video up of A and K wrestling last week I decided to go through our videos just to see what we have. I suddenly got slightly weepy and nostalgic. When did you get so big buddy? humph.

and then this was the dagger to the heart...

Other than the fact that I need another puppy nothing is new. I got really sick last week and then immediately gave it to A. I am transferring departments at Nordy's and will be in Kids.

It's a heat wave today (40 degrees, whoo hoo!) so K and I played outside in the sun this afternoon.

Vitamin D never felt so good.

Happy 20th Lil'Enny!

2011-02-04T06:11:00.001-07:00

It is my younger brother's birthday today! Whoo hoo! Party time!
Aaron is one of my best friends. He is crazy, funny, an adrenaline junkie, talented, smart, one of the hardest workers that I know, has the best heart and is a fabulous brother. He forced my parents to make us "play" the silent game at least a few times a day when we were growing up. (he always lost) He watched The Rescuers Down Under and Peter Pan almost every day when we were little. He gave me half of his go cart for my 12th birthday. He has sushi boardshorts. He's an eagle scout. He's gone lobster diving, has his pilot's license and is a total stud. He has a white fang dog. He took care of our mom everyday while she was sick for almost a year. He always has at least 2 motorcycles. He loves adventures. He can husk a coconut on a rebar. He's the funny one in the family. He calls me just to say hi. He is the BEST younger brother a girl could ask for.

This is Andrew: Aaron is kind. Everybody knows it. Sometimes I wish he wasn't so kind because then I wouldn't feel as bad beating him up. Aaron enjoys making others happy--especially his family. He is a calming spirit. He loves life and has an enduring obsession with the next "big thing", be it planes, puppies, or motorcycles. Women be forewarned--you might be in his way of the something far bigger. He is, afterall, a renaissance man (and men with talents can't be distracted). He loves dogs, horses, and shooting muskrats at the ranch. Aaron, you are a butthead.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AARON!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

this doesn't have a whole lot to do with Aaron's birthday

other than I told him I'd show him some footage of Kipling's fury.

waddya think?

2011-02-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

This morning I am stranded at the castle while A is at school. (not like I have anything to do) I decided to use my entire morning creating a header for this thing. waddya think? I probably should have just said "a blog for our bulldog" but I don't want to come across as too obsessed...

What did it look like down our street yesterday?

grey, ice and snow

(at least the sun has shown it's glorious face today. Yipee for Vitamin D!!!)

K and I have major cabin fever. Luckily he has his heater, his toys and his bed.

All he needs is a box of bon bons and some soapies.

Once in a while we'll go outside and run around but let me just tell you, K was not made for the snow...

or running.

after a few minutes he's ready to go inside back to his bon bons and soapies.

When I got home from work last night K was ultra sick so A had confined him to the kitchen so he wouldn't throw up on our rugs. Poor baby.

He hasn't thrown up yet today, cross your fingers for my rugs' sake.

Tonight is a farewell dinner at DiBella's with Bryan and Laura and their sweet little Lola.

We're sure going to miss them!

be still my soul

[insert pithy title here]

2011-01-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

it's still freezing here

brrr... I'm cold just thinking about how cold it is.

Oh wait, I'm cold because of the drafty window I'm sitting next to, my bad.

The high this week was around 19 degrees. Even the fire hydrant thinks this is insanely cold.

But we decided to venture out into the great unknown

aka Downtown Cleve and go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Thank you Bruce Springsteen, thank you.

that's my Elvis dance, I love him.

and no post of mine would be complete without an update on Kipling.

He's good, loves to wrestle on the bed with A and

yes, I did photoshop that picture of me so I wouldn't be so pasty.

A got a little rough with him last week and ripped one of K's teeth out.

Poor boy, I'm sure he'll survive.

We bought him a new bed for the living room and he hasn't left it since (photos to come).

Hope you aren't as cold as we are!!! Ciao for now.

lately

2011-01-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

It is freezing here.

Luckily, I get to stay home most mornings with my favorite puppy and cuddle. He's a good stand in while Andrew's at school. He weighs almost 30 lbs now and my legs tend to fall asleep while he's laying in my lap.

When I'm not around to cuddle Kipling resorts to this

what is that I spy?

just the boy.

My dad bought us a heater for Christmas.

Kipling takes his afternoon naps cuddled up to it while I drink hot chocolate

and dread going to work. boo.

All of you have probably seen this video but it makes me laugh every time.

What the heck is this?!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

1/1/11 what the? where did that come from? aren't we supposed to be living like this by now?

Kipling and I are lounging today. I don't have work, no errands to run and I am not cleaning. You hear that?! I am NOT cleaning! Whew, glad to get that off my chest. If only I had a robot maid like the Jetsons. Sigh.

Andrew is still in Utah. Hi sweetie! Come back to the Cleve right now please. I can only watch so many hours of Netflix before my brain turns to mush! Kisses!

Anyways, how was your Christmas? Did you get anything that made you feel like a little kid again?

I sure didn't, but I did get this...

Andrew and I got yak for Christmas. Andrew's dad currently owns the largest yak herd in the US.
No, I am not kidding and yes, I am being serious. Andrew and I now have a herd of about 9 yak. We are official yak ranchers.

You can stop laughing now.

Seriously, stop.

It wasn't what we expected but well, it is what it is. We're excited to have a herd of our own and I guess we'll just see how this goes.

So if you ever need a yak just let me know. Like for your upcoming wedding perhaps...

Danielle and Michael, this could be you!!!

BTW, my lovely Danielle and Michael are engaged! Congrats you two!

I can hook you guys up with a yak, just sayin'.

In other exciting news, James got a puppy for Christmas! His name is Chester and he's so sweet.

And Jared gave Aaron and my dad a remote helicopter which they were really excited about.

We also saw

and loved it minus the annoying BYU kids sitting behind us giving commentary the entire time.

Thanks guys, we would have missed all of the exciting parts if you

weren't there to let us know what was going on. You're the best.

I also wento to dinner with Whitney, her mom and Diane.

Miss you Whit face!

Merry Christmas, from the Webbs and Yuki and Jaxx.

I think Yuki is marking his territory. Get it done little buddy.

Now I'm back in the Cleve, grateful that the holidays are almost behind us. I only say that because work is crazy with all of the returning and exchanging and "I don't have a receipt or any proof of purchase for my UGGs but you need to take them back or I will throw a fit." Retail has made me a grinch, can you tell?

Kipling and I partied it up last night, ringing in the New Year with Captain Tony's, a cold Coca Cola classic and Netflix. Whoo hoo, party time.

Happy New Year from the Cleve!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Love, Andrew & Krystal

oh my goodness, I miss him. *tear*

Luckily I can watch him on the kennel's webcam, I am one of those mothers.

(If you would like to be one of those mothers too you can watch him here.)

Aaron and I went snowmobiling for Christmas Eve. This may have to be a new tradition.

He brought 2 of his friends because I can't keep up.

It's around 6 am here. Why am I not asleep with visions of sugar plums dancing in my head?

I'm still on Cleve time, which means I fall asleep at promptly 8:30 pm and wake up around 6 am.

My Grandpa Gardner and I would get along very well right about now.

Anyways,
Merry Christmas everyone. We love you and are grateful for the most fabulous family and friends.

And let's not forget why we really celebrate...

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

If you're having a hard time getting in the Christmas spirit watch this

and go here LDS Christmas website

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. John 20:31

Amen

Christmas time in the Cleve

2010-12-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

I just got a phone call from Andrew saying that he can't leave school. It took him and Adam an hour to get 3 blocks so they eventually turned around and went back to school to study for another exam. He took his Finance exam today, 3 more to go!!! Almost there sweetie!

We decked the halls and stayed indoors.

Luckily I didn't have work today. If I did, I probably would have quit. It's crazy outside. We got 10 inches today and it's still coming down. Not my idea of a good time. But it is gorgeous and looks like Christmas!

Let's hope Andrew makes it home to sleep in his own bed tonight.

Until next time I'll keep the Pandora Christmas blaring and warm up some cocoa.

One of these nights we're going to see this

if you can't tell that's a leg lamp in the window, the authentic Christmas Story house is a few miles away from us. BUMPUSES!!!

a friend?

2010-12-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

meet Bear

"hi Bear"

tonight Adam aka The Army Guy, one of Andrew's good friends in his program, came over to study. He brought with him Bear, a 130 pound Anatolian. I am in love with Bear.

He was not so in love with Kipling.

"How have I been reduced to this?"

The Gentlemen's Club

It was nonstop torture for Bear, poor guy, he was so sweet to Kipling though.

"hey Bear, wanna see my room? wanna play with my toys? I know a really cool game, wanna play? do you want to see my bone? do you like rawhide? I've got like a thousand rawhide bones. wanna see?"

"please get me out of here, I'll do anything."

eventually the homework ended and Bear escaped,

Kipling immediately crashed and is counting the days until another friend/victim arrives.

until then you'll just have to deal with us buddy, sorry.

I would like to see one of these under the tree in about 20 days...sweetie, d'ya get that?

just sayin'

the past bit

2010-11-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been a nonstop party. Andrew's dad, mom and John came into town for a quick weekend. Since John is going on his mission in 3 weeks (3 weeks!? craze!) they wanted to go to see some church history sights. That is one amazing thing about living here, there is so much rich history so close to us.

Niagra Falls, Palmyra, Hiram, Kirtland

Kipling loves his John and Andrew loves explosions

Sadly, I had to work most of the weekend so I wasn't able to go with them but they said it was amazing.

I did get to go to the John Johnson farm with them which was so fun!!! Even if Mary Yoder's was closed.

We already miss them. It was a good break from school for Andrew and so fun to be with family again.

3 more weeks of the semester!!! You can do it love!

For Thanksgiving we drove to Raleigh to be with my familia.

Kipling did awesome in the car and slept for most of the drive (thank goodness!) while Andrew and I listened to John Grisham's The Associate.

Aaron and my dad flew out from Utah and we just partied (and ate) the entire week.

We played outside because it was still gorgeous weather! I'm moving to Raleigh.

Tyler kept us very busy with basketball, a Turkey Bowl, kite flying and just being too dang cute.

You can definitely tell he's the only grandchild. We spoil him like crazy.

Jared and Rose made the most delicious Thanksgiving feast ever.

I can't talk about it, I'm really hungry right now.

Then we crashed (dang tryptophan) and played Mario Kart.

And of course no post would be complete without a dash of Kipling.

He is also obviously an only child. I spoil him. I know. Don't judge.

We took him to an amazing dog park by Jared and Rose's house and he got to play with another puppy! They were best friends instantly and wore each other out. It was so cute.

I'm exhausted from all the fun. Time for a nap.

Hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Cleveland swagger

2010-11-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

even when you're dead you got to be rollin' on dubs

This is not the actual hearse I saw but similar. We don't have palm trees here in the Cleve. :(

I was enchanted to meet you

2010-11-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

^That's the song I'm listening to right now ^ T-Swift is my boo. I blasted her new album all throughout Maui, It was my theme music for the vacation and so perfect.

I had a wonderful time on my vaca and I feel beyond rejuvenated! There's something in the water there. Sunshine, turtles, fish and sand to be exact.

We celebrated my Gpa's 89th birthday on Wednesday, I snorkeled, swam, layed out, jogged to the Prince every morning, read, slept (a lot), ate at Mama's and Flatbread, bbq'd at Val and Joe's, went to Tia's book signing, shopped with Auntie Val and just had a fabulous time! I want to go back right now.

It was nice not wearing these extra layers that I currently have on. But I really do love my cute fall clothes. Plus the weather here is gorgeous! It's probably in the 60's and sunny. Love it!

Any who, while I was doing all of that the boys were bacheloring it up! Party time! Their week consisted of Cheetos, West Wing season 3, Captain Tony's, wrestling and Mexican Cokes. So healthy.

I bought Kipling a rawhide bone before I left and he loved it.

but the mean ol'vet lady told Andrew not to give him rawhide because he might choke. Boo! poor guy, to make him feel better Andrew went to Petco and got him this...

isn't that creepy?! try not to have nightmares

despite the fact that his new toy is possessed, Kipling loves his new little punkin friend and drags him everywhere resulting in the dirtiest, nastiest, creepiest dog toy I've ever seen.

Thank you Petco, I sure owe you one.

wrastling, it's what we do

We (aka Andrew) recently started potty training Kipling and he's doing surprisingly well.

Thank goodness!

We took him to the dog park on Saturday and he was pretty overwhelmed but got used to all of the big dogs quickly. There was a Saint Bernard that loved him. It was so cute! Everyone else at the dog park loved him too. He got lots of love that day.

but seriously, how could you not love those pink lips???

getaway

2010-10-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

in t-minus 24 hours I will be here

but without these fools :(

It's my Grandpa's birthday on Wednesday. What do you get a man who can buy himself anything? I'm stumped.

I packed all of my stuff into a carry on. I'm so proud of myself.

This trip couldn't have come at a better time. I need a break. I've been in the worst funk the past few weeks and I'm in desperate need of some family time. The only thing that would make this better is if Andrew and Aaron were really coming with me. That would make me the happiest girl in the world.

But I have a feeling that I'll manage without them.

What?!

2010-10-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

We love Psych, What?!

but now we're watching...

The West Wing

I've been working a ton the past few days so today we have done a lot of nothing today and it feels awesome! I love Sundays. Andrew still does stuff (homework) but writing this is about the extent of my activities for the day.

I did make breakfast though! And it was delicious!

a Pioneer Woman specialty

The rest of our day looked a whole lot like this

you're probably going to get sick of Kipling photos but we still can't get enough of his wrinkly little face. We took him on his first walk this week (he walks like a bear, it's great), the sleeping photos are the aftermath. He loves his little bear and does everything with it. He is currently laying next to me ripping off what is left of his nose. He just learned how to climb the stairs and we gave him his first bath because he smelled like pee. He is really good about going on the wee wee pads but hasn't quite figured out how not to step in it after, that part is not so cute.

We are hosting Andrew's group from school in a punkin carving party on Friday. We also have another Halloween party to go to that night. It's almost Halloween people!!! Get excited!!!

busy busy

2010-10-17T18:48:00.001-07:00

The days fly by here in the Cleve. Half of the time it gets to Sunday and I realize that I have no idea what I had done that week. This week we did a few fun things in between Andrew's midterms and my job hunting.
Andrew did well on his midterms and I fell for some stupid pyramid scheme and ended up job shadowing this door to door salesgirl for an entire day. It was ridiculous. No wonder I'm unemployed.
To keep my spirits high I forced Andrew to go to the Botanical Gardens with me. I brought the camera but forgot to bring the SD card (oops!) so all of our documentation is in video form.

I also hosted game night for the girls in the ward. It was super fun even though there were no games played. Although, there was a whole lot of Newsie's being sung.

But of course, our week wouldn't be complete without testing another local restaurant.

We cheated on Captain Tony's and I've never felt so alive...joking. I got the Milanese pizza with chicken, sun dried tomatoes, red peppers, garlic cloves and spinach (yes, all on one pizza!!! I'm in heaven). Andrew went traditional and got the supreme pepperoni. I know what we're eating for dinner every night next week...

Speaking of fabulous we got our pup this weekend!!!

top- left: look at that belly! right: loving his daddy

middle- a proper gentleman pup

bottom- left: cuddling with his mom right: gchatting with Abby and Scot

That night we fed the missionaries and b-lined it out of our apartment immediately after because we were so excited. His name is officially Kipling, after Rudyard Kipling, and he is a gentleman pup (notice the derby hat). He is 6 1/2 weeks old, 9.5 pounds and utterly adorable, even though he keeps us up the entire night. He loves his daddy more than me and has more rolls than a bakery. He is hyper and happy and loves to bite my fingers and Andrew's toes. He loves cuddling but hates being picked up and goes stiff as a board if you try. We're struggling on the crate and potty training end though. Help me Rhonda.
Since we live in an apartment with no private yard we can't take him outside until his 8 week shots. The wee wee pads just aren't cutting it. But we can't get mad at a face like that.

In other good news I got a job finally. (Not a creepy pyramid scheme job but an actual legit job) I'm the new cashier for the Nordstrom Women's Shoe department. So much for actually bringing home any money. Even after I told them that I'm going to be gone for a lot of the next few months they were still interested in me working there. I got offered a job at Restoration Hardware too that I really wanted but I would have to work on Sundays. boo hoo.

Oh and just fyi after church today we were all barricaded in the church parking lot only to be informed that the Presidente himself would be driving past along with his small posse of 100 other official vehicles. I got video footage on my phone but don't know exactly how to post it on here.

Our Weekend

2010-10-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Autumn here is amazing. Crisp morning air, warm afternoons and cool evenings.

This weekend has been a busy one. We had dinner with friends and the missionaries, bought a crate for Kipling, saw The Social Network, I went for a long overdue autumn jog while Andrew slept in, weekly Farmer's Market, autumn drive to Amish country and dinner with friends from Andrew's program. Overall it was successful and I managed to put off cleaning our apartment once again. That's just how we roll.

Farmer's Market

top: our strawberry/chocolate/amazingness bfast, our apartment, us @ said market

middle: dahlia's, love them!

bottom: humane society booth with kitties, punkins!, Andrew and his apples

our loot

then we hopped in the vehicle and drove

if you look close in the bottom left photo there are two Amish girls playing in the back of the buggy,

I want one

We drove about 2 hours south of Cleveland to Holmes county where there were rolling hills filled with corn stalks, pastures and autumn trees.

We ate at the Amish Door restaraunt which doesn't even compare to Mary Yoder's.

No cranberry sauce for Andrew's turkey dinner, sorry love.

We also went to an antique store and a used book store.

we love books

I recently purchased another bookshelf for our addiction.

Andrew just bought the online NBA package so we can watch all of the Jazz games, get ready people...

tis Autumn

2010-10-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

If we were back in Utah we would probably be doing a lot of this...

and this...

before it gets too cold and we have to resort to doing this...

but for the moment we have to be content with this...

Andrew studying for midterms, boo!

and this...

Come soon fall break, come soon.

stealth

2010-10-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Don't fret, I'm still not done with the summer vacation photos... I know you're too excited!
This will be quick.
After the cruise Andrew and I along with 3 brothers, 1 sister and 1 brother in law parted ways from the rents and took off into the great unknown all by ourselves. We each had one large backpack (or side bag in Phil's case) with supplies to last us 10 more days. We were stealth. I felt like the packing queen when I had extra room in mine. Who would have thought?
Any who, We started in Rome where we found out that our train to gay old Paris was booked. We were stuck in Rome so decided to take a train to Milan, stay the night and catch the first train to Paris. (We really wanted to go to Normandy) First of all, it was July. Second of all, the train ride was 7 hours. Last but not least...no A/C. It was a great train ride.

So we got to Milan, found a cheapy hotel (with no A/C), ate at a pizza place/discotecha, I got 9 mosquito bites in about 2 hours and couldn't sleep because our hotel room was so bloody hot. Lovely.

The next morning we all gathered with bags under our eyes to discuss our next step. We decided to ditch the 9 hour train ride to Normandy and head to where you may ask?

SWITZERLAND!!!

That was possibly the best decision that we have ever made. We stepped off of the fully air conditioned comfortable train into this

It was still the best decision we have ever made. I think we shed a few tears of joy at that point.

Here are a few things we did in Svitzerland

Interlaken
stayed at the Funny Farm (they had the cutest Saint Bernard), ate at the Coop every morning, met up with Dennis and Martsie to celebrate Andrew's bday, went to a chocolate demonstration conducted by Chef Jean Pierre of France (he's so legit), wrestling, tight rope walking, sits and journal writing.

Gimmelwald
gondola ride to mountain hostel, journal writing, more wrestling, little hike, chickens, cute swiss homes and cow bells everywhere.

Grindelwald
train ride to Grindelwald, gondola ride to alpine slide, great sit, sviss cows, shopping and 2 incidents: Abby spilled Coke on Scot's crotch and John stepped in fresh cow manure. yummy

Grimsel Canyon

canyoning, you don't know what canyoning is? Neither did we.

Pretty much you put on neoprene suits and helmets and jump off of rocks into a river. They also had zip lines and repelling. It was 2 hours of adrenaline and water up my nose. We were feeling it the next day that's for sure. The guides kept telling us not to eff it up or else we'd die. Thanks guys.

Verzasca
largest bungee jump in the world, featured in Goldeneye, all of the boys had great form, I'm so proud.

After the glorious bounty Svitzerland provided us with we felt rejuvenated enough to rejoin the bustling cities of Italy. Did I mention that I want to move to Svitzerland. I even adopted their accent to fit in better. (change your w's to v's) I'm just that cultured.

Any who, back to...

Italy

Siena
I did a study abroad in Siena and ever since I've been dying to go back. The terra cotta rooftops, Piazza del Campo, the Duomo, the shopping, pizza, pasta and gelato, my old school and just the memories. I mean it's Tuscany, seriously.

Florence
shopping, museums, walking around, eating amazing pizza and everything else you do in Florence!

I want to go back right now.
Cleveland vs Tuscany...tough decision.

the remains

2010-09-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some remaining memories of the cruise. I don't feel like posting individual posts for each, too much work, so we'll run through this quickly.

ATHENS
The Parthenon was closed due to a worker's strike :( But we went to Mars Hill and a really great museum built over a city that is being excavated.

EPHESUS
our tour guide had major tacos, poor guy (bottom left corner). We also went to Ladies Beach where there were sooo many people and that evening we watched the World Cup, Spain vs. Netherlands, at a bar then had to run back to the ship when they went into overtime. Luckily everyone else on the ship was watching it in the Theatre so we joined the festivities.

MYKONOS
very relaxing day at Paradise beach, James being Daniel Craig and Petros the Pelican, a local celebrity. Nothing better than swimming in the clear Mediterranean sea. Lots of swimming, reading and of course, shopping!

CAPRI
Everyone else went to Pompeii but we wanted an adventure so we went to the little island and rented a scooter! We went to a place called the Grotto Azul (Blue Grotto) where the sunlight illuminates the water in a cave. Capri is known for their fresh lemonade and orange juice, perfect for a HOT Italian day. It was so romantic!

I went a tad crazy with the video camera, just having too much fun! Here's only 2 of the 30 videos I took, oy vey.

I still have our backpacking adventure to go through and post but I need to get ready for church!
Ciao for now xo

and then there were 3...

2010-09-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

We're still here! Just kicking in C-town. It's starting to become autumn here and it's gorgeous. The weather is perfect and the leaves are just starting to change. B-E-A-utiful!

So what have we been doing lately you may ask? Well, Andrew started school at Case about a month ago.

first day of school, he was so excited about his new backpack

they grow up so fast *tear

this is Nankaimo (sp?) he was in need of a sitter for a weekend while his parents went to Chicago

(he had sooo much energy, Rhonda help me)

this is how our front room typically looks. Luckily no one ever comes to our house.

If you can't tell those are Reese's peanut butter cup wrappers on the table. So addicting.

We've been watching a lot of Netflix/Hulu lately including...

I know, I know. Bachelor Pad? Seriously?

Don't judge, I get real bored looking for a job all day.

and soon we will add this to the list

be still my heart

back to non-tv life...

We went to the John Johnson farm

and Historic Kirtland

where I ran into a sister missionary who I knew at UVU (a boy I worked with was in love with her, don't tell) and a return missionary who served in Orem. Yes, that is correct, he served in Orem. Weird.

and the Kirtland Temple owned by the Community of Christ, very interesting.

John, Andrew's brother, got his mission call last week! Woot woot!

He is going to the Milan, Italy mission.

As you may recall we just got back from Italy and actually spent almost 2 weeks in John's mission.

We hated Milan. The heat, the mosquitos, let's just say we weren't planning on going back there any time soon. That's why all of the heckling in the video, we really are excited for him though. He is going to be the most amazing missionary. We love you John!

the video is terrible because I am filming the computer screen as we are gchatting but you get the gist.

But most important, Andrew and I have an announcement.

You might want to sit down for this.

We are adding a new member to the family very soon.

His name is Sir Rudyard Kipling II

look at that tush!!!

one proud papa

(notice the gargoyles, nice)

He's only 3 weeks right now so we still have to wait another 3 1/2 weeks but Linda, the breeder, let us go see him on Saturday. He is beautiful and we are estatic to take our little guy home! She still has 2 females left if anyone is looking for an English Bulldog.

Ciao for now!

Merhaba

2010-09-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

Turkey,

Let's get down to business. I underestimated you and your awesomeness. Neida, our guide, was so nice and the shopping!!! Seriously now. I should have bought that tile set from the little store next to the Sultan's palace. I definitely regret that. Could you send it to me? Please? I beg you. I think about your tiles far more than is necessary.

When I'm a famous interior designer you will be my inspiration for the kitchen. Your TILES! Ugh. I'm having a hard time getting over you. I need to pull myself together.

Waking up to the call to prayer was sweet. It reminded me of Israel. A few of your 3,000 mosques and a group of Turkish dancers with a legit band greeted us as we walked off the ship. That was exciting and made up for the rain. Remember how you are located in 2 different continents? I sure do. That still blows my mind. Taksin was so fun and John and James got their toys. Too bad John's broke so fast.

Haggia Sophia and the Blue Mosque were to die for. And the Sultan's Palace was straight from Alladin. I've always wanted to be Jasmine but the blonde hair and pasty skin makes that a little difficult. You know who would be a good Jasmine? Kim Kardashian. Just a thought.

The Turkish rug shop was killer. It's always nice to have a father in law who has connections. :) Did I tell you that I got to help make a rug? A genuine Turkish rug! Wowza, check that one off the list.

Istanbul, you fulfilled my expectations and then blew them out of the water. Thank you and I will be back soon with a credit card.

Elveda,
Krystal R. Webb

For your viewing pleasure

γειά σου

2010-09-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

Lovely Santorini,

The days sure have flown. It seems like yesterday Abby and I were riding George and Georgina down your slick staircase, praying that we wouldn't die then and there. Your pallette of white and blue still render me speechless. Now I get why parts of Mamma Mia had to be filmed there. I love Meryl, don't you?

Anywho, we didn't get to spend much time getting to know one another but I already consider you a dear dear friend! All my best to you!

αντίο,
K

Hey hey Equinox!

2010-09-08T16:54:00.002-07:00

Life just isn't as fun without you around! Say hi to Tony, Big E, Kevin, "The Mavrick" Jamie Allen and the rest of the gang for me. Wow, life without you has been hard. No room service at 3 am and get this, I even have to make my own bed and meals now. I know, craze.

I totally miss boucle ball on the lawn, even though John and James kick my butt. I'm not getting as many naps in now that I have no Solarium. I need a Solarium...correction, everyone needs a Solarium. Oh and the sunsets here don't even compare to yours! I mean seriously, I haven't even watched a sunset since I left you. Oy vey.

I'm definitely not eating as much now though. That's good but I miss your food. I haven't had plank grilled salmon with honey dijion sauce and steamed veggies or coconut sorbet once! I know Phil is really missing his coconut.

We had some good times didn't we? Andrew's birthday was great, thanks for the orange life preserver. And the World Cup...I mean cummon! That was awesome! Wow, you sure know how to party. Like when you gave James that Mojito or when Jamie totally made a fiasco of his show or how bought the time James and Andrew came out in their new speedos! Good times.

Hope to see you soon!
Peace,
Styles and Dog

There used to be a video of Andrew and James in their Italian speedos but Andrew took it down because it was inappropriate. I have officially been censored.

Ole, ole, ole, ole

Caro Roma

2010-09-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Roma,

I miss you. I miss your noise, I miss your history, I miss your art...I miss you. I feel like this last time I saw you I didn't cherish you enough. I was so tired after not sleeping on the plane ride over, I was too tired and I didn't get to show you how I really feel. I love you Rome. I love you and I hope that I can see you again soon.
Next time I will spend a whole afternoon within the walls of the Borghese, gazing upon the soft marble skin of Bernini's beauties, an evening sitting quietly on the Spanish Steps while eating fragola e limone sweetness and watching the lovers go by and an entire day walking your serpentine streets (and shopping of course). I miss getting lost in your craziness and loving every second. Please let me come back, I love you.

Yours always,
Krystal

P.S. Cleveland will never compare to you.

The Clampetts

2010-08-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

In between Lake Powell and Europa we squoze (no, that is not a word but it means to have squeezed according to urbandictionary.com) the annual Howerton family reunion in there somewhere. My mom's side of the family all flew out to the great state of Utah to be with us. We do this every year at the Homestead. It used to be really low key but now that we are expanding it's become quite a party. My Grandpa is so sweet to us and it's fun to just hang out and catch up. He was actually still recovering from open heart surgery and doing awesome! He's a trooper!

Aaron & the Gpa, I can't get enough of this picture!!!

I did a lot of hanging out with the lil'bro who flew in from So Cal because he is so totally awesome. My Grandpa, Aunt Valerie and Uncle Joe flew in from Hawaii. Jared, Rose and baby Tyler flew in from the Nor Car (or North Carolina if you're not hip) along with my cousin Violet's fam which included, Wes (her hubby), Wes Jr. and Logan. My dad and my cousin Heather and her 3 boys drove the greuling 45 minutes from Provo. And my Uncle Wayne, Aunt Beverly and cousin Ivy flew in from Georgia. My cousin Beri was the only one not in attendance. Miss you Beri!

back: Aaron, me, Andrew, Jared, Rose, Uncle Joe, Aunt Valerie, Uncle Wayne, Aunt Beverly, Patrick, Zachary, Wes, Christian, Logan, Violet, and Ivy

front: Dad, Tyler, Grandpa, Heather and Wes Jr.

My bff's lil'sister, Court-face or Courtney as she likes to be called, came up and took some family pictures. Sadly, it was raining so we couldn't really go outside but they turned out great anyways!

I love his cowboy hat, mmm...mmm...mmmm

We also took Tyler on a canoe ride at the ranch. Aaron shot a rock chuck and my dad ran for the hills when a snake was spotted and left me to pick it out of the canoe. True bravery. We took some cute pictures but I can't seem to find them :(

this will be the Andrew and Krystal Webb family pictures in about 40 years.

back: Andrew, Ida Mae (Aaron's future wife), Aaron

front: me, Parly (our son) and Siena (our daughter)

classy.

WAY over the hill

2010-08-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

This summer my dad turned the big 6-0! We threw a fun filled party for him in his backyard. It was mostly for neighbors and close friends but every one of my dad's interns from the hospital also came. That was a sweet surprise! I know I wouldn't have gone to my boss' birthday party if my life depended on it. (She was crazy and married to a pedophile, that's a whole other story)

Anyways, we set up the ping pong table, had way too much food, Beach Boys playing in the background and a huge cake my dad had picked out himself. It was a gorgeous evening and Jared, Rose and Tyler even got to attend!!! That was a present unto itself, Grandpa sure loves his buddy.

I was trying to be the hostess with the mostess and completely forgot to take pictures! (oopsie) so these are some from the very end of the shabang.

Here's to you Dad!!!

the play ground of the gods

2010-08-23T17:06:00.001-07:00

June 2010

Whoever invented Lake Powell was a genius.

Water, bathingsuits, jet skis, cliff jumping, Gunsight, candy, watermelon, Beach Boys, swimming, sunscreen or sans sunscreen, life jackets, wakeboarding, houseboat, cold coca cola classics, exploring, speedos, star concerts, dance parties, Antelope Point, tubing, red rock, an incident, Hunger Games, family, card games, cranking anchors, bbq, bathing in the lake, wrestling on the ion.

Another year, another party.

Home sweet home part deux

2010-08-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

Here's some photos of our diggs. It's still in the works but getting there.

But first I will introduce you to my long lost friend, The Peach.
I bought a carton of peaches from the place we went raspberry picking last week and they were divine. After 2 days these were the sole survivors. Not for long!

I digress, back to the apartment.

Zee front room, love the fireplace

Zee bedrooms, still trying to figures these ones out. We are currently using plastic drawers from Big Lots as our dressers, super cute.

Zee bathroom, pardon the awkward shot

Zee dining room and zee kitchen. No dining room table yet, I'm working on it.

Zee window AC unit, we're high rollers if you couldn't already tell.

Cardboard and duct tape, pure class.

Speaking of class. This is where we have eaten 4 out of the 14 days that we've been here. Half pepperoni, half mushroom and black olives. I'll let you guess who gets which side. Captain Tony's is across the street from our apartment. The owner already knows who we are. This is going to be a great two years.

the road less travelled

2010-08-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official, we are in Cleveland! We had an exciting adventure getting here including Andrew thinking that he lost his wallet in Wyoming somewhere (we found it, don't fret), getting pulled over, braking a mirror, thunderstorms, stupid books on tape, no mountains and too many corn fields, I found a kitty and almost took him with us, crazy people in Indiana, Nebraska (nuff said), too much fast food (ugh) and having to buy new tires in North Platte.

So fun.

Andrew did most of the driving, bless his heart.

it's the po-lice!

When we arrived we quickly realized that we aren't in Utah anymore. Our apartment is a nice apartment compared to everything else I saw but it's not Utah nice. What's Utah nice you ask?

For starters there's no AC. Who's the idiot that thought we could survive without AC? Yeah, that'd be me. Needless to say we ended up buying 2 window AC units within days.
Our apartment was dirty when we first walked in. There were spider webs everywhere, the hot water in the bathroom takes forever, paint splatters and scratches all over the floor and since they had just remodeled the kitchen there was sawdust everywhere.

Welcome home sweetie...

And our neighborhood is a tad sketchy. Our first night was accompanied by a group of guys standing by our moving trailer shooting the breeze until about 1 am or so. The next night around 4 am a group of teenagers ran past our bedroom window and hopped over a wall with another group (the poe poe?) following closely after them. Luckily Andrew had the presence of mind at this time to look out the window and get a good description of the thugs in case he needed to testify.

this is us, the snoopy neighbors

I thought that we had made some terrible mistake in choosing this place.

But there have been some good things too...

Daniel and John, from the ward, and Darrell from next door came and helped us move in. Daniel, an Orem high alum, treated us to Sunday dinner even though his wife was in Utah. So nice! He made it all by himself and it was delicious to have a home cooked meal after hamburgers and fries for 4 days straight. Darrell is possibly the nicest guy I'll ever meet. He saw us moving and just walked over and started helping.

The neighboring women all came to say their hellos. There is Sandra Moore, Darrell's landlord, a retired school teacher who loves to chat. I mean it, LOVES to chat. Wendy, who is moving in next door to us as soon as they finish the renovations. She is fighting lymphoma but you'd never know it with her sassy attitude. Merrell, she is a road biker (with an actual bike, not a motorcycle) and was heading out to ride 15 miles to her parents house when she introduced herself. She gave us some tips about our apartment which were much appreciated. Sarah, a 20 something with a weenie dog that has a select group of people that he actually likes (Yuki?). And Jenni, the woman who lives directly above us. She's from New York and we stole her parking spot one day, oops!

The food here is also amazing. The people of Cleveland know what they are doing when it comes to my stomach. Captain Tony's pizza is already a dinner regular, Melt with their summer chicken sandwich, Five Guys, Chick fil a and anything else you could imagine. We have only scratched the surface.

Melt...mmmmmmmmmmm

The country. I was invited by Sarah, a girl in the ward, to go pick raspberries with her and a few other girls last week. We went to the Monroe Orchard which is next door to the John Johnson farm. The raspberries are divine and the peaches, even better. Then yesterday Andrew and I took a tour of the Johnson farm. It's owned by the Church and completely fabulous, as if you'd expect anything else. Elder Orton from Logan took us on a tour. Then he recommended going to eat in Amish country about 20 minutes away. We arrived at Mary Yodel's only to be welcomed by girls in bonnets and horse drawn carriages. Andrew got the home made Thanksgiving dinner with turkey with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, fries and heavenly rolls. Let's just say he was a happy boy.

To defend myself the reason why I wanted to live in this area is because of Shaker Square. We live across the street from a little shopping area with restaurants, a dance studio, movie theatre, Dave's grocery store, train and bus stops, CVS, an art gallery and best of all a farmer's market every Saturday morning. We walked through it yesterday and it was fantastic. All organic, local grown fruit, veggies, meat, flowers, a crepe station, honey and jams, breads, home made pasta, jewelry and the humane society also has a booth! It is a party every Saturday and I love it!

le square, terrible picture but you get the idea

But most importantly...we found where we want to get our bulldog from. Her name is Linda and she lives in Chagrin Falls, about 30 minutes from our place. Her next litter is September 1st and we are on the list!!!

try and say no to that face, I dare you

Long post but it's been a while. Stay tuned, apartment pics coming soon! Toodles!

rocky mountain high, no more

2010-08-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning is the beginning of our 1,729 mile drive to the Cleve. This is what it looks like on Google maps

Doesn't that look like fun? You know you want to come!
Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and then our state of residence for 2 whole years...OHIO! Aren't you just so jealous? I am actually really excited right now believe it or not!

Not excited to do 8 loads of laundry, deep clean our bedroom and pack our sweet little car, but excited nonetheless.

As all of you know moving is never as easy as it seems it should be. I just found out this morning that there will not be gas in our apartment. For some reason the gas company can't find our meter...oh geeze, this will be interesting. After about 16 calls to the gas company and Marie at Shaker Square Apartments (she was not happy with me) trying to figure this all out I get a call back from Dontez, our property manager, saying that they will figure out the gas situation because as of now there is no gas. Lovely.

God bless America

2010-07-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

We're back.

I think it will take me a few days to actually be "back" thanks to jet lag and the mountain of mail/email that will fill most of my time.

But good news....Tracie's cutting my hair today! The mail can wait. Verizon bill, rent to pay...who needs em?

I am so excited to see my dad and Aaron and their pups. I can't even say how much I've missed them.

T-minus 7 days (or something) until we move to Cleveland. This is how I feel about that right now :(

Women's World Health Initiative

2010-06-26T12:43:00.002-07:00

“When women thrive, all of society benefits,

and succeeding generations are given a better start in life.”

-Kofi Annan

One of my dearest friends, Miss Danielle Murphy, is working for a nonprofit called the Women's World Health Initiative and they need our help. Their organization could win $20,000 if they receive the most votes.

It takes 2 seconds and if you don't vote 10 times in the next 2 minutes your lizards head will fall off and the boy of your dreams will never like you.

Just kidding...or am I? Do you want to tempt fate? I sure don't.

If you're like me and need to check out the organization for yourself here's their website

http://www.wwhi.org/site/

Here are directions on how to vote:

Chase Community Giving is giving at least $20,000 to 200 organizations. And you can help us get it! All it requires is 20 seconds. Please click on this link:

http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/263954097-womens-world-health-initiative

'Like' Chase Community Giving and click on the "VOTE NOW" green button. Then share with a friend.

***If you are having trouble registering your votes, please follow these steps:

(1) Visit http://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving

(2) Click the "LIKE" button at the top (very important!) & allow access to the Chase Community Giving application.

(3) Search for WOMEN'S WORLD HEALTH INITIATIVE, click it, and then click the green vote button.

(4) Refresh your browser to make sure your vote has counted. Thank you!

This does not work with SAFARI WEB BROWSER. All other browsers will work.

Oh the places you'll go

2010-06-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

This summer is our summer of fun. We officially quit our jobs (HALLELUJAH!!!) which I am just a little excited about if you can't tell. No more crazy boss and no more campus tours for me, thank you-know-who, and no more oil changes and jiffy lube for Andrew. I feel like singing "Oh happy day" but don't have time for that right now.

Since we have quit (May 26th) Andrew has gone to Alaska with his family, I went to Seattle with my padre, thrown a perfect 60th birthday party for my dad, helped with a going away party for Sarah, done laundry and packed because we are leaving for Lake Powell in t-minus 1 hour. When we get back from Powell my family will be up at the Homestead for a week, I get a week off then Diane and I are going to Cleavageland to find a place for my sweetie and I to live for the next two years. Then (here's the real kicker) Diane and I get back from the land of cleavage and 3 days later we are on a plane to Rome. Yes, my friends, I said Rome. For a month. Then we move August 1st, or there abouts. Andrew heads back into the wild frontier to catch the winter supplies of halibut the second week of August and returns the day before school starts which is also my birthday. I'm still deciding if I should go to Maui in August so I'm not all alone in our new place, decisions, decisions. I am equal parts exhausted and thrilled.

So if you don't hear from either of us until September don't be alarmed, we are just partying it up until the world of graduate school and student loans takes it's firm grasp upon our throats.

Recap: Seattle & Alaska, dad's bday party, Sarah's going away party, Lake Powell, Homestead, week off, Cleveland, Europe, move to Cleveland, Alaska and maybe Maui.

*Whew*

I steal from the rich and give to the poor

2010-05-14T09:46:00.002-07:00

Last night James, Andrew's youngest brother, was preparing to go to the midnight showing of the new Robin Hood. The Webb boys, along with every other testosterone filled male, have been looking forward to this moment in pure anticipation. James went to said movie equipped with a bow and arrow set from Rite Aid and a green pointy hat made by Mama Martsie. He was destined to see this movie.

And then, of course, as soon as Andrew saw the said bow and arrow set this is what he told James to do...

Sometimes I wonder about him.

We did it!!!

2010-05-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

About 3 years ago we were on our way to a Webb family getaway. We had to take a long plane ride with 3 babies. Andrew's brother, Phil, has a daughter named Emma whom I adore. At the time of this trip she was probably 1 and a half or 2. After a long, bumpy plane ride we landed at our destination. Everyone was relieved that we had landed safely and wanted nothing more than to get off that dreadful plane. Even before the stewardess could announce our arrival on the intercom, Emma stands up on her chair, raises her arms triumphantly and yells, "WE DID IT!" Everyone around us laughed because it was all too true.

Now, every time I overcome even the smallest obstacle, all I want to do is stand up on my chair and raise my arms up and yell, "I DID IT!" Which I have actually done, minus the chair standing (always a lady), on many occasions, including last Friday.

Now what did I do last Friday that required such enthusiasm? You may ask...I, Krystal Rose Webb, finally...graduated.

To many people this may not be such a momentous occasion but for this girl [me] it was.

First of all, I am not an academic. I am not stupid by any means but I do dislike spouting soliloquies just to hear myself speak or doing statistics homework because "one day I may need this". Let's be honest, I will never need statistics to the point where I cannot hire someone else to do the work for me and/or google it. In my line of work, I will never need statistics. I may need a statistician but never, on my own, will I need to know the formula for population variance. I fully respect those who do like those things but I sure don't.

Second of all, it took me 6 darn years to get to this. I'm a little burned out.

Third of all, it's been a rocky 6 years. My mom was diagnosed with cancer, told she wouldn't live very long, fought like h-e double hockey sticks for 4 years, got better and then got worse and eventually the cancer wouldn't relent and it killed her.
I've been dealing with depression and loneliness, shame, grief, repentance and reevaluated my relationship with God, my family and friends. But at the same time I have had the best time too. I went to Italy on a study abroad, my mom was able to come be with me there and we had the best time. She was healthy and happy. I gained a wonderful relationship with my parents and my sweet little brother. I got to know my sister in law and older brother even though they live in NC. I became an aunt for the first time thanks to them! Got in 2 car accidents. Met some wonderful friends at the U. Got involved in student government, clubs and Institute. Spent more time with my sweet grandparents and aunts and uncles. Met my sweetie. Started horse back riding again. Went to California, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Hawaii, Boston, Washington DC, Virginia, Mexico, Moab, Saint George and the Narrows. I've learned all about every kind of art there is and more about precalculus than I'd like to know. Started 2 blogs, spent countless hours on Facebook and writing emails to loved ones. Learned how to cook [kind of]. and prayed, a lot.

So it's been rocky but rocky roads still have some beautiful scenery.

Here are some pictures from the occasion...they are all of me because I am that vain and it was my day dang it.

Before: I was really, really excited

my sweet daddy

my sweetie, he's not a fan of taking pictures

Whit face and Diane, love you!!!

My dad and Andrew's parents, wish you were here mom!

the Webb fam, Abby graduated too! Too fun!

After: tired but just as happy!

Patty and Christi sent the gorgeous lei, straight from Hawaii.

Thanks for being so supportive.

Thanks for listening to me whine about my papers and my crazy professors.

Just remember..."WE DID IT!!!"

I AM FREE!!!

2010-05-06T20:36:00.001-07:00

Today:

lunch with Whit face, oh how I love her.

walk with Yuki, oh how I love him,

pulling weeds and trimming the shrubbery at the padre's house.

Package from Rose and Jared,

card from Rose, you're the best Rose!

Quick talk with the padre,

Ernie's stop,

drive home.

Package waiting for me from Hawaii,

care of Patty, Christie and family,

a fresh lei. I cried, a lot.

I'm very emotional this week so don't mess.

Tomorrow:

I graduate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bless her heart

Tomorrow afternoon:

I will cry countless tears of joy, again,

and hope that I actually passed my classes this semester.
Pray for me.

R&R and my day

2010-04-26T21:59:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago I left the blizzards of Utah to do this:

with these people:

I had the most amazing time. I spent a few days downtown SF with my Auntie Valerie talking and shopping until our feet screamed at us.

Then I spent a few days at the Amity Ranch where Patty and her family reside. Patty is my mom's best friend since she was 2. The interesting thing about my mom is that she had about 11 best friends but Patty was the official first. (Don't be offended you other 10, she has plenty of love to go around)

We sat on the porch and drank lemonade, chatted until the wee hours of the morning, went for my first ride of the season (which my buttocks is still reminding me of), procrastinated homework, slept in, ate fresh chicken eggs for breakfast every morning, played freeze tag in the dark, hiked, rode, played with Elizabeth's gorgeous hair, took many many pictures and just plain enjoyed ourselves.

I also spent time with this guy:

and he is doing so well after his double bypass surgery a month ago.

What a trooper.
Gosh I love him.

Let's just say it was a much needed vacation and too perfect.
I want to go back right now.

Today is the anniversary of my mom's passing.

It's been a hard but sweet few days.

I love you mom.

I miss you.

Thanks for all of the kind words everyone, I love you too.

San Fran

2010-04-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

I just spent 2 days shopping in downtown SF and I didn't even scratch the surface. H&M is wonderful (all 3 stories), so is Forever 21 but Nordstrom...oh, Nordstrom, be still my beating heart. 6 floors of gorgeous shoes, clothes and accessories that I just can't afford...

for now (you hear that Andrew? That was part of the deal right? love you sweetie)

So instead of sobbing on their gold leaf, jewel encrusted tissues I head over to Macy's which has pretty much the same stuff but without the jewel encrusted tissues. I mean honestly, Macy's probably has about 75% of the same stuff (or comparable) but whatever. I still like my fancy tissues. Don't judge.

While sulking in Macy's I met a wonderful woman who works at the Laura Mercier counter. She informed me in the first 15 minutes of our meeting that the president himself (as she points to her OBAMA rhinestone bracelet) has the same birthday as her ("whoa, that's pretty awesome" I say with a hint of sarcasm). Plus, she grew up 10 minutes away from Harvard (where the big man himself graduated from) and her sister has the same birthday as The Man's daughter. (People of Utah: Democrats really do exist! It's not just a conspiracy to take away your NRA membership.)

Needless to say, she's a tiny bit obsessed and will do anything to meet him. I was a little nervous that she'd somehow find out that I'm pretty conservative, not quite Sarah Palin, but still.

Anyways, I bought some lipgloss from said woman, got home, opened my bag in anticipation and was horribly disappointed. She had put nude eye base in my bag instead of my pink grapefruit, lip plumping goodness.

She knew... how did she find out?

Was it written all over my face? Did she do a background check on me on her little Macy's computer? Oh geez, I can't go back there...

I should have never left SLC, I don't belong here.

Disclaimer: that's not quite how things went but I feel fully capable of taking artistic liberty on here for the sake of humor. Any complaints can be sent to achangewecanbelievein@gmail.com Thank you and goodnight

Cleveland Rocks

2010-04-06T09:58:00.001-07:00

Andrew officially accepted his acceptance to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Yipee!!!

I know what you all are thinking..."Ohio? Really?" because I thought the exact same thing when Andrew and I were discussing the options. Because I am the best wife ever I told Andrew that I would go wherever he needed to go to get the best education and CWRU hits the target. So this August we are packing up our stuff and heading out on our biggest adventure yet! (wish us luck, we'll need it)

After many hours of googling phrases like "things to do in Cleveland" and "where exactly is Cleveland again?" I promise I passed 5th grade geography, it's just been a while. I have found a new love for the mistake on the lake (as the locals call it).

(It's got a number 20 on it if you're still having a hard time. Don't worry, I won't tell.)

So if you google Cleveland here are a few of the highlights...

Peter B. Lewis Building

This is CWRU's Business building designed by Frank Gehry. There are no right angles in the entire building.

Sailing on Lake Erie

"I'm sailing!"

The food from Little Italy

For some reason a lot of Italian immigrants centered in Cleveland.

Including Diane's family. I want to find out why...anyone know?
All I know is that I love pasta.

The Cleveland Botanical Gardens

Severence Hall

Where the Cleveland Orchestra plays

The Browns, Indians and Cavaliers

I've never lived anywhere that has a professional football, baseball and basketball team.

Please destroy Kobe, LaBron. I will love you forever.

The Cleveland Museum of Art

These are some paintings from the Monet to Picasso exhibit that was here at the UMFA. Picasso, Monet and Gauguin all in one place, be still my heart. This museum is one of the best fine art museums in the country, it was destiny!

Museum of Contemporary Art

too much love in one place...

Kirtland

it's only 45 minutes away! We'll actually be in the Kirtland Stake. How cool is that?!

Cedar Point

This place is also about 45 minutes away. It's the largest theme park in the US.

Aaron, John and James...get ready to party!

Amish Country

need I say more? I was Amish in another life, I just know it.

last but not least...

The Drew Carey Show

remember the theme song "Cleveland rocks, Cleveland rocks. OHIO!!!"?

They love Cleveland and now, so do I. You convinced me Drew Carey, you convinced me.

Sure gives Cleveland a lot of street cred.

Cleveland's a lot cooler than you thought huh?

Thank heavens for google or I'd still be having an anxiety attack.

scared sh*tless

2010-03-18T21:19:00.012-07:00

Last weekend Andrew and I accompanied my dad ,Aaron and everyone who works at the State Hospital with my sweet father to Soldier Hollow for a little leisurely sledding. I don't even have the words to explain how I felt that first run down. Let's just say I had no idea what I was in for. You might want to turn your volume down before you watch this, especially if you're at work. My blood curdling screams are just as obnoxious as they are embarrassing.

One of the workers told us that we could get going up to 25 mph on those bad boys, I totally believe it. I obviously did not have full use of my faculties during that ride as demonstrated by my lack of filming skills.

Filet-O-Fish

2010-03-10T17:56:00.001-07:00

Personally, I don't eat McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwiches but I think this is the most obnoxious/funny commercial jingles I have ever heard. Why can't I get it out of my head? Why?

The first time I heard this little ditty I wanted to immediately change the radio station but for some reason I couldn't bring myself to do it. Are you equally annoyed/satisfied by this as I am?

Another weekend with Yuki

2010-02-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Just in case you were wondering, (and I know you all are) this will be my second weekend with the little furball. My dad's in Saint George visiting my grandparents for the weekend and since Andrew's out of town I'm kicking it with my favorite little man in Orem.

It's nice to be home. It's not the same as it used to be but I'm getting used to it I guess.

Plus, I'm going snowshoeing with Diane as soon as my laundry is done!!!

Andrew is in Cleveland interviewing with Case Western until tomorrow. He said it's pretty nice, not Boston, but still nice. (Please Babson, please, please, please!!!)

Aaron just got his dealer's license for drugs...just joking, that was pretty funny though. Not for drugs, what kind of family do you think we are? Don't answer that. Anywho, for cars, his dealer's license for cars. He called me yesterday to let me know he found a orange and white scooter for $500. I wonder if Andrew would be mad if I bought a scooter while he's gone? Only one way to find out. :)

weekend with Yuki

2010-02-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Before we start I just want to gloat for a second. I made these chocolate lava cakes a few weeks ago and they were delicious!

(please pardon the messy plate, it was the only picture I could get before they were devoured)

My dad and Denise went to Yellowstone this weekend so I get to dog sit my sweet little Yuki.

Good morning sleepy head!

Very attractive look, he really needs a bath

before a bath...BREAKFAST!!! Pancakes, syrup and kibble, yummy!

dun, dun, dun...the bath, I'm so sorry!

a little wet rat named Yuki (don't tell him I put this up or he'll kill me)

so much better!!!

next...the walk.

This was the position most commonly seen during our walk

little moments of Spring (hurry please)

and after a long drive to Orem, visiting Aaron and his new puppy, lunch with Diane, a baby shower and a long drive home...we simply crashed

Love

2010-02-12T20:40:00.005-07:00

I love love.

For all you haters of love, I love you

take that!

Here are some of the things I love, if you dislike mushiness I recommend you stop reading here.

I love...

watching basketball with Andrew while I blog

Thursday nights with Sarah and sometimes Danielle and Michael

my primary class, even when they like to choke each other

the gospel

horses and dogs

Banana Republic

my friends

random days with Whitney

my sweetie (told you it'd be mushy!)

feeling needed

my family and friends

The Mentalist

Maui

Stacey and Clinton from What Not to Wear

Saturdays with Diane

Tai Pan and Gardner Village

my Yuki dog

old couples who are still in love with each other

massages

my journal

jewelry

Andrew's stories

Sawtooth saddles

baby animals

birth control

art

books

Milanos

water

my acne medication

spring

autumn

summer

a little bit of winter

glitter

fruit

Ruth's Diner

colby jack cheese

ol'blue eyes

my grandma's wedding ring

Italy

pink scooters

dog parks

Thai coconut rice with mango

Just Friends

flowers

underdogs

cooking

lazy Sundays

Andrew's chinks

the GR

salad

Sportsmall

Nordstrom

the Ensign

Harley Davidsons

sledding

graduation (3 months away!!!)

presents

Facebook & blogging

my camera

Honey Bunches of Oats

Subaru Tribecas

cardigans

our mac

pictures of my mom

Bernini

a clean house

Gmail

Utah

Dashboard confessional and Incubus

bonfires up Provo Canyon

squeezy hugs from Tyler

finding birds nests in the horse trailer

soft grass

dancing

dresses

peace

Victoria's Secret

squash, the sport

the violin

hot summer nights

swimming pools

English accents

our mattress, best investment ever

naps

Boston

nice people

cell phones

laughing

and so much more, you want me to keep going? I can...

tough decisions

2010-02-07T21:42:00.000-07:00

My wonderful Howerton family is coming into town for a family reunion in June and I'm in charge of hiring a photographer for family pictures. We haven't had family pictures in a very long time. (and when I say very long time, I mean it) All I remember about them is that I was wearing neon pink leggings, when they were in style the first time around. (I told you so) So it is high time to redeem myself and move on with my life but I'm having a hard time choosing between 2 photographers, both recommended by my beautiful best friend. (HI WHITNEY!)

The first is Rusty Bucket Photography and the other is Elisabeth Kate Photography. (both about the same price) I need help, please let me know which you like best. I'm so indecisive...it's crippling, please help me or I may become like this guy. I wonder what he's thinking about...

the babe with the power

2010-01-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

My sister in law, Rose, and my dad's only grandchild, Tyler, are in Utah for a bit and I got to spend the ENTIRE day Tuesday with them!!! It was so much fun! Tyler, not to brag, (okay, maybe a little) is so smart and outgoing and probably the cutest little boy in the world. We'll take any of you on :) On Saturday, he read the entire Polar Express book to Aaron and me by memory. I can't get enough of him!!!

So here's our Tuesday...

We went to Grandma Vickie's grave and trudged through the snow

Tyler told Grandma Vickie all about his busy year, what he was for Halloween, he sang her "Happy Birthday" and "The Polar Express" song, all about how he pooped in the potty, how old he turned this year and he even blew kisses to her.

Me: "This is so great!" Tyler: "You're crazy, put me down"

Then the fun happened...we went to Chuck E Cheese!

Tyler's favorite was the car games

What a happy boy

Luckily Grandma and Grandpa Garnder were spending the night at my dad's house before they made their trek down to Saint George for the rest of winter so we had a big dinner and music session with them!

Tyler got a new truck with a fifth wheel and ATV's from Grandpa Kim

I love my grandpa's stories

Well that pretty much sums up my Tuesday. What more could a girl ask for?

Sledding with the babes

2010-01-19T18:16:00.002-07:00

To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day we headed up to the GR for some fun! Andrew and I bought an iFlip on Saturday because we can't figure out our nice video camera. Luckily, someone in MA wanted the nice one so we sold it on Amazon. I love Amazon, and our new video camera!!! The videos are a little jumpy so if you have a weak stomach I would beware :)

In this one Andrew is driving beside Phil and the girls (Emma and Leah) on the snowmobile as they go down.

Andrew is holding the camera along with the babes. I love Miss Em's screams of terror.

As you can tell, we're still getting the hang of it but we absolutely love it!

julia childs, eat your heart out

2010-01-15T22:20:00.001-07:00

so, I want to take a cooking class...any suggestions?

I want to be the next Barefoot Contessa.

into the wild blue yonder

2010-01-12T15:27:00.001-07:00

Andrew and I just got back from Hawaii. Because I am a good friend and like to rub it in that it wasn't negative 20 degrees there, here are some pictures for you to enjoy!

New Years Fireworks

Twin Falls with Auntie Valerie

Harley ride to Hana

Grandpa's backyard

tender tennessee christmas

2009-12-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas Eve!!! I'm so excited for Christmas I could just die :) Yesterday we took advantage of the frigid weather and went sledding! Nothing better than sliding down a hill toward a barb wire fence to ring in the Christmas spirit. This was actually a very mellow session of sledding. No tubes were popped in the process and because we got a late start the hill didn't get as icy as it normally does so no running into the barbed wire fence yet!

behold, the GR

this is going to be interesting

oh starting to tip, lean james lean!!!

the result

Love you lots and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

i'm free!!!

2009-12-17T10:24:00.002-07:00

I am done with finals!!! If you look at my previous post you will understand my feelings of exhaustion and utter despair when it all hit. I'm probably just being overdramatic but I will never take 5 classes at one time again. For all of you who do it with out a problem, I don't want to hear about it, let me be a baby.

When I finished my last paper last night it was celebration time, I literally was jumping up and down yelling because I was so happy. This is how it went down...

(this is me)

The heavens opened and an angelic choir sang Vivaldi

We popped some bubbly

Some of my closest friends celebrated with me

There was dancing in the streets

"Krystal did it!!! She really did it!"

"We knew you could do it!"

I thought the party was over but nope...

"Ya'll are too sweet to me!"

"Thank you for being so supportive, I don't know what'd I'd do without you."

Okay, okay, I may be delusional but a girl can dream.

Back to reality...

This is actually what happened, Andrew can attest.

picture from my cousin Stacey's blog, I laugh everytime.

bwaston pics

2009-12-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

i already want to go back...please Babson, please

the subway

the overfed Boston Common squirrel, he's got a nut in his mouth.

i love squirrels, don't judge

mother goose's grave

She had 19 children or something crazy like that

that'll be me someday...haha

this was some lib statue hating on republicans, i just thought he was cute

Bwaston Massacre site, Andrew's fave

the ol'Statehouse, another one of Andrew's faves

Fanueuil Hall, they had the most amazing food court

bacon wrapped scallops

clam chowda in bread bowls

home made mac and cheese

and that's just scratching the surface my friends

our hotel

it snowed on Saturday, mixed emotions about that one

it was gorgeous but very cold...

I don't like cold

overall, our Bwaston experience was incredible and if you haven't noticed I've already picked up there accent. That's how the locals do it. Just joking, that wasn't very funny.

whew

2009-12-10T13:18:00.002-07:00

this is exactly how i feel right now, thank you finals

one more week....hold on little buddy

bwaston, chowda, lobsta

2009-12-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

Andrew and I returned from Boston last night. For multiple reasons I did not want to come back: school, work, finals, you get the drift. But we absolutely loved it. As for now back to the same ol'grind. Pictures soon to come...

all I want for Christmas

2009-11-20T19:33:00.001-07:00

Most of you probably already know that I love dogs. Today as I was walking to my car a little puppy runs up to me to play and my heart just melted. I almost shoved the 6 year old boy to the ground and took off with his pup but luckily my senses kicked in and I realized that I would probably be arrested so that plan was foiled.

Darn those police.

So instead of tramatizing a child for life I decided to compile a list of my most favorite dogs that I will have in my lifetime. In no particular order...

Labrador/Golden Retriever: I grew up with a lab and she will always be my favorite (sorry Yuki dog)

Boxer

Bulldog

Basset Hound

Mastiff

Weimaraner

English Pointer

Irish Setter

Scottish Terrier

Bull Terrier

Bloodhound

Great Dane
Greater Swiss Mountain

French Bulldog

who wouldn't want to take them home?

more to come soon, probably

wait for it...

2009-11-17T15:53:00.001-07:00

After making two trips to Tai Pan in the past two weekends I have officially kicked off Christmas mode. But because it is not even Thanksgiving yet I am bridling my passions for Christmas and holding out...for now.

Last weekend I had the most wonderful time with the Webb girls picking stuff out for each other and finding things for myself. Martsie is too gracious and we had the best afternoon shopping and going to Mimi's for a little girl time :)

The theme for this year is red, silver and black with a little bit of sparkle thrown in there. Luckily, last year I bought an artificial tree from Target for $20 but I just realized that it's only 5 feet tall so I will be stalking the aisles of Target once again for a larger tree.

Enough about Christmas, I'm already chomping at the bit and writing about it is making me much more anxious...We'll see how long I last, no promises though.

Andrew is furiously applying to grad schools. Please Boston, we love you.

PS...just in case anyone was wondering what I would like for Christmas (sweetie are you listening?)

correction

2009-11-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

according to everyone at my work I actually did have swine flu. *Sigh*

swine flu and such

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

No my friends I do not have the swine flu but yesterday I thought that I was going to die. That's a bit of an exaggeration (which I am very good at) but really I was on the verge of death. Okay, I really just have a cold, no biggie right? I am here to tell you that being sick is completely miserable, like you didn't know that already. I laid on the couch yesterday for a mere 12 hours wondering if I could possibly go on any longer but I eventually pulled through thanks to chicken noodle soup and Theraflu. I'm feeling much better today but still not back to normal. My point, don't get sick, it sucks.

And for some wonderful news...Dennis won the election yesterday! Thanks for all of those responsible citizens who voted in Holladay, we did it!

And for some more wonderful news....I have just been informed at the Pioneer Woman herself Ree Drummond will be at King's English Bookstore in Sugarhouse for a book signing of her new cookbook! Yeah!!! I know I'm sick but I am too excited to pass this up, I even preordered her cookbook 3 months ago! I love her...

alter ego party + honk and waves

2009-10-24T16:00:00.001-07:00

Being in the Webb family has kept me on my toes. One night in Lake Powell we were assembled around a fire and it came up that we all need alter egos. Phil and Andrew started it with Chuck Logan and Tony Malone being their pseudonyms for the BYU journal that they ran into the ground and the rest of us quickly followed.

Andrew is Tony Malone, the mafia reject, he’s from “da Bronx” (but really from Scranton, PA he just needs to sound legit), he has many struggling business ventures that are all funded by Ben Burgundy (James), he thinks that he’s a womanizer, wears 80’s track suits, gold chains and reebok high tops.

I am Olga Brukavich, an acrobat in the Russian circus. I think that I am kind of a big deal so I wear fur and diamonds everywhere. I date Tony Malone only because I want to be an American pop singer and Tony says that he’ll help me make it big with his “connections”.

On more of a serious note....

Mayor Webb is running for re-election!!!

go to http://www.webbformayor.com/ to learn the facts

It's been a long and exhausting road but so much fun and such a great experience!

vote November 3rd

moab

2009-10-14T21:01:00.001-07:00

I've never been to Moab and if you haven't either I think it's high time you go. It's filled with subies-aka people who drive subaru's and wear cargo shorts with their tevas, amazing scenery, more mountain bikers than I've ever seen in my life, a creepy condemned water park, a meat shop called Ol' Geezers (gross), and a rock and gem show with some of the most amazing people I've ever seen in my life.

oh he's so cute!

We also found that there are about 2 good places to eat (the Moab Diner was awesome and Wendy's never disappoints) and 1 movie theatre with 3 choices, par-tay. Overall, Moab was awesome and Andrew was such a trooper for taking me and Abby.

this was the extent of my sexiness, i really suck at being sexy

We had a couple incidents, I cried because my boots/feet suck and Abby cried because her horse took off into the wilderness (Abby's cry was actually legit. My foot just hurt a little, I'm a big baby and not a cowgirl).

the cry babies, where's scot when you need him?

At one point, the moment of my babyness, Andrew even thought that he had made a mistake which was confirmed by my obsessive compulsive need to put makeup on in the morning and a night of sleeping in the trailer which I would never recommend unless you know what you're doing. "Does anyone else's back kill right now?" was the first thing we heard the next morning.

our wonderful abode for the night. Thank heavens for the Sleep Inn.

Despite the crying and the back pain this weekend just confirmed to me the desperate need we have to be on a ranch. Life would not be complete without our horses, 4 dogs, 2 barn cats, 1 potbelly pig, 2 pygmy goats and chickens. Andrew thinks that's a little excessive but I'm more optomistic.

here's to you Moab, here's to you

Ode to October

2009-10-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

Actually my friends I am not going to write an Ode to October because I have no such talents but I am going to very simply tell you why I love October/autumn right now. If I had any lyrical prowess maybe you'd get an ode but I don't so you'll just have to deal :)

1. Halloween: I don't know why Halloween is so much fun to decorate for but I absolutely love it! Plus the costumes and the candy...how could you get any better than that?

2. punkins: Andrew refers to them as pumpkins but they are really pronounced punkins. please don't laugh at him, he tries.

3. Autumn: the crisp air just does something to me, along with the beautiful boots and coats that go along with it!

4. Fall Break: whoever came up with this ingenious concept needs to be given a medal and a big hug. Plus fall break means that the semester is halfway over!!!

5. Clam chowder and chili: in all of it's warm velvety goodness, nothing makes me more happy than clam chowder in a bread bowl.

6. Fall fashion: I love unpacking my autumn clothes and reminding myself that I actually have some decent clothes. Plus, a cute scarf can just make an outfit. I was introduced to scarves as a real accessory when I came to college. I never knew how warm they really are and I am always cold, Andrew can attest to that. Plus, pea coats to die for, leather boots, sweaters, hats, gloves, I need to go shopping!

7. Riding: Autumn rides are always the best, I'm not quite sure why but they are.

8. Christmas: what do you mean Christmas has nothing to do with October? you're crazy! don't you know that when October hits Christmas is only 3 months away? Woo Hoo!

9. Fur coats: no I don't wear fur. I probably would if I had money but that's a different story. Any who, the horses are starting to get their winter coats and they look so funny! all fuzzy and thick, but they are so warm and a little chubby. (don't tell them i said that, they are all a little body conscious right now)

10. General Conference: wasn't this last conference wonderful? I always walk away from them feeling a little bad for not doing all that I should be but with a new found resolve to be a better person. Plus, President Monson is so wonderful, how could you not love that man?

11. Pies: Peach, apple, pecan, pumpkin, oh i could go on all day! I'm hungry.

Well my friends that is the closest thing to an ode you will get out of me so enjoy! I hope you are having as wonderful of an October as I am!

xoxo