Baptism

Hey friends,

I wanted to make a new post but I couldn't think of any big news...then I remembered that a couple of weeks ago Adam baptized his grandma! She's almost 90 years old! Adam's mom Suzi converted to the church at 16. Her mother, the one that just got baptized, was totally against it and wouldn't let her get baptized. So Suzi got baptized when she was 18, and around 30 years later she converted her mom! It was an amazing spiritual experience to see my husband baptize her. He'd been hoping so long that she would join the church, and she finally did. She is the sweetest lady in the world. Here's a couple of pictures!

Before...



After...

Anyway, Christine your little girl is so cute! I hope everybody's adorable little ones are doing great, and those who are pregnant, I hope you're doing well also! (Even though I know that's probably not the most fun part!) I hope everyone had a great Valentine's day. I got Adam two little African Dwarf frogs for his valentine! They're so cute, they're tiny water frogs and they stay in a little tank with our Betta fish. He loved them! We also dressed up and went to a formal Valentine's dance at studio 600! It was way fun. Hope this isn't too boring of stuff to be posting...I guess for us, the small and simple things are fun too!

Not much else is new with us...although we are going on an Alaskan cruise in May. I guess I'll post a couple more pictures after that! Stay happy everyone!

--Meredith

Claire is 4 months!

Just thought I would share some recent photos of Claire. Patrice was right, they do grow up so fast. It is crazy! When I was pregnant each day just crawled and now they are flying.

High School Reunion

So I had a quick question: Does anyone know any information about our High School Reunion this summer? I am sure that Meghan does, but since she never publishes anything to this site, has anyone talked to her? We are going to be in Utah in August for a week before moving to VA and I was curious if it would miraculously be during that time.

Sports Broadcast.

Hello all. Just thought I would give you the option of watching my first televised sports report. For my final semester I am in a class that completely creates a 15 news broadcast. I am solely working in sports which I love, and I will get to anchor twice and report two more times. So if you are bored check out http://www.newsbreak.utah.edu/ The title says something about history being made and my name is under the title. I think it is the 4th story? Anyway. . .I'm super busy with two jobs and full time school. But I love school this semester, quite sad I am almost done to be honest. My friends and I are taking a week trip to Hawaii in May, right after I graduate. That's about it. School, Work, and Utah sporting events. That's all I do. Oh I am training for the half marathon in March. It's right before spring break. Then my friends and I are going to play in St. George for the week. That's it. Hope all is well. Hope you had a lovely president's day!

Karen's Update

Well...I think it's kind of ironic that I created this blog for everyone and I am one of the people that never writes on it! :) I just don't have much to say I guess! All I do is work every day from 8-5 and then go home and watch Bryce study (not really, but that's all he ever does...he is even having to study on Friday and Saturday nights now!) So happy I'm done with school!!!!! I guess there is one update I can tell you about...but it's not happening any time soon, but it's still exciting I think! Bryce and I are taking quite the big trip this year (again) and will be going to Europe for 2 weeks. We are starting in France and then we'll be traveling to Italy and then to Austria and the areas around there (Germany/Switzerland). It's just the two of us this time and I'm really excited to go. We will be going in July so it's still a couple months away, but it will probably be here faster than I think. We are also going to Cancun in March with my parents. I've figured out that in the time period of one year Bryce and I will leave the country 3 times on vacations: China, Mexico, and Europe. There's a very (VERY) slight possibility that that number could go to 4 if we end up taking one last trip in December. Bryce has always wanted to see 2 things in South America: Iguacu Falls and Machu Pichu. So if things work to our advantage we may go to Peru and Brazil in December...but that's just an idea for now! We both are figuring that we may as well get our vacationing in now when we don't have kids and while he is still in school and doesn't have a full time job. So...I guess we'll have to see what really happens. (Oh and keep in mind that this list does not include the many football games Bryce will probably want to see this fall.) HA...football! I'm glad it's over for 8 months! Not sure how many of you know how much I watch football...but it sure is a lot! Good thing it doesn't bug me too much huh?! But that's pretty much it for me at this time. No baby news yet...probably won't happen for a bit longer! :) Definitely can't be prego while in Europe, just in case I have the Christine pregnancy! :)

Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day and that it's more romantic than mine! Bryce has a killer test the next day so he'll be in one room and I'll be in the next! :)

One more thing...I had to update the blog from the blogger account to a google account. I believe that when anyone tries to add a post now you are going to have to get a new sign-in or something. Sorry. I didn't want to do it, but it finally made me when I was trying to write this post. The website didn't change, just the login information will change. If any of you have any problems let me know!

East Coast in January

Hi everyone! I don't have anything very exciting to report, but I thought I'd post some pictures. The first one is Jeff and I hiking in Marland on a beautiful, sunny, 75 degree weather in January! It was wonderful all month, seriously I was outside in shorts every weekend. Very sadly, in the past couple of weeks it has gotten freeeezing cold. Brrrr! (it's times like these when I wish I was living in California or Hawaii or something!) The next picture is from a trip we took to New York a couple of weeks ago. It was my first time there and we had a blast. Do you guys remember Megan Fairchild? She got us tickets to one of her ballet performances and it was amazing! I don't know anything about the ballet but I thought it was great and she had a big solo part. The last one is at Mount Vernon (George Washington's old house).

Happy Birthday to Karen!!

Miss you all! xoxo

It attached the pictures in the wrong order, oops.

Big Kicks, Big Decisions

Well, I thought I’d clue you all in on the latest for Adam and me and the baby.

We have decided to name our little guy Colt. The pregnancy is going well, except my increased knack for being clumsy, scatter-brained, and emotional. Colt is ultra active and busy in my belly. I don't think he ever stops! It has gotten wild the last few days; I cannot imagine how it will be right before I deliver. Last time I visited the doctor he told me I was having a contraction. What the?! I couldn’t even feel it. But then, I’m sure I’ll be feeling it later. :)

Adam has an intense school load this semester – 23 credits! We decided it was worth it for him to take it all on right now, not have a job, and graduate in June (six months earlier than anticipated). He’s doing great; I rarely see him flustered, stressed, or doing any homework at home. I know he works REALLY hard while at school to manage his time and get everything done. Man, I love my husband!!

A lot of plans have changed for us in the last few weeks. Adam learned about some career opportunities with a construction company and was immediately called in for an interview. The company extended him a competitive offer as a Project Manager/Estimator… in their St. George office. We felt so good about it and decided to accept! Yep, we’ll be moving mid-summer. I am excited and know this is the right fit for our little fam right now.

That about sums it up. I am feeling fine and keeping busy with work. There is always something for me to do – travel, recruiting, HR tasks. If all goes well I will be working till the beginning of May. Hope this letter finds all of you happy and thriving!

THE END.

Oh, and I almost forgot – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN!! We love you.

About the FranklinSquires Companies

Hello all. I wanted to let you all know more about the company that I work for. Here is a little info that I pulled from the FranklinSquires website:

FranklinSquires is a private capital and consulting firm built on the philosophy of Prosperity Economics-- the “ancient principles” of prosperity rediscovered by America’s founding generation.
A person or society locked in serious financial bondage ultimately loses all other freedoms. Since its inception in 1999, FranklinSquires has been committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses worldwide achieve self-reliance, economic independence, and the liberating consequences of prosperity. This is accomplished through FranklinSquires’ commitment to developing a global infrastructure of education, media, and finance by working with inspired entrepreneurs building world-class companies dedicated to this mission.

Working here has been a great opportunity and blessing in my life. I have learned so many things and continue to learn more each day. There are many ways to get involved if you are interested in what we do and stand for.
-The owner of the company is Rick Koerber and he has a radio show...called Free Capitalist radio. You can go to www.freecapitalist.com and listen online or you can listen on 630 AM K Talk. He is a great speaker who talks with lots of passion and power and is very motivating.
-The Producer Revolution is a membership for those who want to rub shoulders with those who are like minded. They have forums once a week in several places in the nation...including several in Utah. There are many things included with the Producer Revolution including an online forum and message boards, a daily email, etc. You can find out more about this at www.producerrevolution.com.
-American Founders University is very soon going to open. It will offer classes four times a year with 8 50 min. blocks. Then the next 90 days will involve activities where you apply what you have learned in real life situations. Right now we are still working on the curriculum, but we are soon going to launch! You can find out more at www.americanfoundersuniversity.com.

If you would like to know more information or have any questions, let me know! I just thought I would share so you can know more about what I am involved with!!

Have a great day! Nicole

P.S. If you have seen billboards with people that say I earned such and such amount of money using my 700 credit score, those are from my company! Also there are billboards that say Free Capitalist radio and have Rick, the owner on them.

Just for everyone's info Ben Luikart's wife Andrea is pregnant! She's only about 6 weeks along, so she's got quite a ways to go. Ben is so excited! He prays every night that it's a boy, it would be hilarious if he ended up with all girls.

One of the rare moments when Blake is attacking Hallie! Other than that not much is going on. Blake is the sweetest little thing when Hallie's down for her nap and he's in the spotlight. If he gets too hungry all hell breaks loose! He takes after his daddy. Hallie's in the copy cat phase and is now telling me to 'hang on one sec' and 'stop it'. It just goes to show that they really are listening. She does have a jealous bone, Ryan cant give me a hug without her complaining about it. It's hillarious!

They just put our cabinets in our house and are starting to stucco, it's nice to see it turning into a home. We cant wait to move in!

Hope everyone it doing fabulous! and planning babies, ha ha ha; but I'm totally serious!

HAPPY VALENTINES MONTH!

Sara is speaking in church!

Sara wanted me to let everyone know that she will be speaking in the Union First Ward, aka the ward she and I (and others of you!) grew up in on Feb. 10th at 11:00 am. I know that only one or two people made it to hear her speak when she had just returned, so I'm just letting you know that you will have another chance to be listen to this amazing speaker!!:)

Also it was a lot of fun to see so many of you who were able to come to the Layers party on Saturday! Don't worry if you missed it, we'll do another one in the next few months with the spring line coming out in March sometime!! If any of you would be interested in hosting a party, either with our friends or with your friends and family, let me know! Karen earned a lot of free shirts at her party!!

Receptionist

Hey there!

I just wanted to spread the word that we are looking for a receptionist at my work. The office is located in Draper. It's a great opportunity for someone who needs a full-time job with benefits. I'd consider it a starter job, not really an aspire-to-a-career job. :) We're looking for someone to answer phones and greet visitors and who is bright/intelligent and experienced in an office setting. I love working here and will be sad when it's my time to leave. If you or your sister or your cousin or neighbor would make a good candidate, let me know! You can call or email me.

Thanks a million.

Hello! As most of you know, our good friend Nicole is a distributor of the Layers Clothing line. Well...we are finally having a party so that she can start selling shirts. I will be hosting a party this Saturday from 1-3 PM at my house. I will also be sending an email and I mailed invites today...hopefully you get them tomorrow. Sorry this is such short notice. : The shirts that will be available this Saturday are from Layer's fall line. They are getting ready to show their spring line so all of the fall line is up to 75% off. If you want to check out any of their shirts you can by going to www.layersclothing.com. They really have cute stuff and their shirts are LONG, which is fabulous. We would love to see you there on Saturday...even if you don't buy anything! It is an open house so you can come anytime you want between 1-3 and stay for however long you want as well. I hope everyone has a fabulous day! :)
Love, Karen

PS...this is unrelated, but I realized yesterday that you can click on the pictures that people post and it will show you a bigger size. It's kind of nice since the pictures posted aren't huge. So I just thought I would let people know!

A Few More

I'm waiting for time to pass so I can pick Justin up from work (he is still working weekends and gets done around 11 pm) and I was looking at some of our pictures on the computer. I decided to share a few more pictures with you (and sorry if you're sick of looking at pics of me!!) of some cold moments...maybe not quite like Nan's, but they're taken in Star Valley which I hear has been -30 degrees lately!! A day or two after Christmas I went on my first "real" sleigh ride! There were four horses and they had bells on!! It was really fun and I got to learn how to "drive" them, which by the way is not as easy at it may seem! I will also include a picture of Justin's lovely shaved head. And I think more people should share their pictures with us!! They are so fun to see!

Our Little Cougar

Hi all, I just had to post a picture of Claire wearing her "you're looking at one cute cougar" shirt, given to her by Nicole. We were able to get tickets to the UNLV/BYU basketball game last night-on the 6th row! She wore her cute little outfit and we had a blast. We left at half-time, though because it was pretty loud for her, but that is okay considering that we lost :(. Anyway, just thought I would share. I know her hair looks red in pictures, but I would say it is more light brown, it is weird how pictures always make her hair look red.

New Years Vacation

Hi everyone! I love reading these posts, and check this Blog almost as much as my email!! (:
In contrast to Nicole's sunny, warm Mexico pictures, I thought that I would post some pictures from our icy, cold ice climbing and ski trip that we took to Colorado over the New Year. Every year we go with Jared's sister and her husband, and a few other friends. It is always so much fun!!

This is me climbing at the Ouray ice park

This is us at the top of Silverton. We had to hike 1,500 ft to get here!!!

I hope that everybody is having a good 2007! In May, I graduate in meteorology, and cannot wait!!!!!

Claire

Here is little Claire, well, not so little Claire. She is already in 6 month clothes and is only 10 weeks old. She fills them out length-wise, but not width-wise.

Cruisin'!!

Justin and I returned Saturday from our cruise to the Mexican Riviera aboard the Diamond Princess with his family!! We had a lot of fun. We went to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. We went on a jungle canopy tour, Justin went fishing (although they didn't catch anything!) and golfing, and I went on a colonial villages tour (only ok) and shopping of course! So anyway, if you chance to go on a cruise, GO!! The food, entertainment, and even the rooms were great. We thought the rooms would be so tiny, but they really weren't that bad...although the bathrooms are another story :) !! The only negative thing was the big waves on Friday and I was seasick! I threw up that night but the next day when we were back in LA I was just fine! Here's a few pics, hope you enjoy!

P.S. I have a new niece and nephew!! Baby Major belongs to my sister Natalie (boy #2 for her)and baby Alexis is my brother Ryan's first. Mothers and babies are doing well! The babies are both soooo cute!! They were born five days apart. Nat had a scheduled induction and Becky (Ryan's wife) had a c-section but is recovering well. We had quite the exciting couple of weeks!

Oh and so you know...left is Justin with two of his bros (third is on a mission), middle is riding in the Mexican Hummer (as our driver referred to it) on our jungle canopy tour, and right is one of the formal nights.

Baby Bode on Christmas

Here is the crazy Bode on Christmas. He is the cutest kid in the world. He just loves his new pound puppy!!! Anyway hope everyone is doing good!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone! Well I told myself that I wasn't going to stay up because if Claire was sleeping, I needed to sleep, but Seth made me stay up. I am exhausted today, but I guess it was worth it :). Last night we went out on the balcony, with our Martinellis and watched the about 8 different firework shows (we have an incredible view of the entire city). Those on the strip looked so amazing. Seth really wanted to be downtown, but I sure as heck didn't want to be driving with all of those drunk people. My sister-in-law went but she stayed downtown at Caesar's palace and she said it was amazing. Well that is about it for our Las Vegas New Year, hope everyone had a great time.