R&R and my day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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