Life these days...

Yes, finally a post. (I know... yipee! :) )

We have alot of catching up to do! Things have been crazy for us for about a month and I have alot to cover so....

First things first... I finally mustered up the guts.

BEFORE:

(This isn't to be vain at all or anything, I am really not one to post a bunch of pictures of myself ANYWHERE, but seriously I laughed when I compared them so you might as well laugh with me. And really there was more. I dug up these pics over the last few years and really its sad to say not alot has changed for me. I mean the bangs were the most extreme, but the rest pretty much stays the same, kinda straggly.)

MY HAIR JUST DOESN'T GROW! Yes I am one to covet long beautiful hair, but I had to face the fact that I probably won't ever have it...

SO I CHOPPED IT!

And here is your AFTER:

YAY!! I couldn't believe I did it, and neither could Preston. I didn't even tell him I was going to do it. It was quite random. We were getting things ready for his dad's wedding and so I made an appointment, went in, told the gal what I was thinking of, and walked out of there with hair shorter than I planned but loved it! It is the shortest I have ever cut my hair (because I know it will take forever to grow). I actually really like it though. Looking at it, it isn't a huge change but for me it kinda was! Hope you still recognize me ;)

I know, I know....

So I know it is time for a post.

Every time I sit to do so, suddenly I become so overwhelmed. So much to post where do I start? It seems like the past 4 months have flown by. With just Preston, Addie & I, our little family has been up to a thing or two, but really nothing that exciting like going on a new journey, starting a family or other life altering moments. Or even just something witty. I am sorry to say these days I too tired to even think of it. There are many other blogs that I enjoy that may give you that same enjoyment but probably not this one. Ya, I might sound a little bitter, but really I am just here enjoying the ride, hoping summer comes. As my husband says, we'll get there, I promise.

As far as me updating my blog, I'll get there, I promise!

Stay tuned...

Come again another day...

I've decided I need to be more positive these days. When I woke up to a dark, dreary day i couldn't help but feel gloomy and depressed, which is really what i don't need right now. But then at the end of a crazy workday, i was glad to have made it through and what did i get on my way home? Rain. But not just rain. I was pleasantly surprised to have a rainbow accompany the drive home. (it really helped me also survive the insane traffic). There are days i feel that when it rains, it pours, but as I drove home in the rain today enjoying the last glimpses of the rainbow, i decided to thank my many blessings, and decide what i love about the rain...

Here are five tops reasons...

Five...

I love the way it cleans up after it's self. It seems to clear the smog, the roads, and wash away the dirt. Something wish my hubby could do. :)

Four...

There's nothing like dancing in the rain. Not only is it literally refreshing, but its also really exhilerating! Something I should do more often.

Three...

I love the new trends that rain brings... especially these! Wearing them, dancing in the rain will definitely be more stylish.

Two...

The prettiest part about about a rainstorm is the rainbows it brings at the end. They are a sure sign of the calm after the storm, and are SO magical.

One...

I love the clean smell of the rain. You can smell it best just before the storm. It has a refreshing pure scent that makes you feel like everything has just had a bath.

American Idol - David Archuleta - way to represent!!

Okay so there are a few things that I am going to admit in this post.
First, I am an American Idol junkie! I love the show.
Second... so is Preston.
Now third, I think we're officially obsessed...
here's why....

Utah is filled with so many talented people. From dancing to singing we have it all. Finally there is someone who will seriously represent!

David Archuleta, (who Preston couldn't be more proud to say goes to Murray High School- Go Spartans!), performed tonight on American Idol Top 10 boys, and BLEW EVERYONE AWAY!!! He put Paula in tears! Not to mention that he sang a dang good song! After you watch the video you will know why.

When it was over, Preston & I were shouting & cheering as if we were in the studio, it is really awesome! We are so excited and happy for this kid! He is just so dang cute, you can't help but love him! He has such amazing talent and is one of the few that can do it with value & humility. I am glad to say he is from Utah and can represent what we stand for here. Not that he is running for President or anything but hey, I am glad about it!

Who knows what will happen in American Idol... either way I think he is a success, so much so that we voted 25 times!

Three lives celebrated...

Two weekends ago seemed to be bittersweet for the Andrew family. Since then things seemed to get harder for me, but I thought I'd go back to when it all started.

Three lives were celebrated. The first life, my dearest hubby, Preston. Why? He turned 29 on Sunday January 27th. 29! Can you believe it? ( That is almost late twenties... hehe jk) Really, it is hard to believe. Preston says it is because he has the maturity level of a 17 year old. I guess I'd have to agree at times. But really even though he seems young at heart he really is becoming quite distinguished. Preston says that is what his (ever growing) grey hair makes him, but I also must say it is his charming personality and great sense humor too. I am so lucky to be married to him. He is driven in ways I am not and I look up to him in so many ways. He helps me be a better person and live up to my potential. I cannot thank my heavenly father enough for sending me someone who is more perfect for me. There are so many reasons why I am blessed to have him in my life. He is my eternal companion and let me tell you it will never get boring! He is an amazing person and I love him more than he knows!

There are two reasons now, that weekend was so bittersweet. Preston's birthday not only lets me celebrate his life, but for the Andrew family we remember one lost. Four years ago, his mother passed away two days before his birthday. Now we seem to always associate the two. Since then it can be a tough weekend to get through remembering that time. Preston doesn't talk alot about it but I know it will tear at him each year.

Now we add a third. This year, shortly after we sang 'Happy Birthday' to Preston, he got a text from a good friend letting us know that President Hinkley passed away. The night instantly became quite somber and we all felt the familiar bittersweet feelings of mourning. We were happy and sad for the most recent life lost, our dear Prophet. Preston felt that his mom must have been right there rejoicing with the many others that received him that night. And what rejoicing there must have been to have such a remarkable man return home. He touched so many lives just as Preston's mom did. They both were remarkable examples to learn from, and we are very blessed to have lived in this time.

So now the Andrew family has three lives to celebrate during this time of year, and these three couldn't be more important to me. I have alot to look up to, learn from, and love. I just wanted Preston to know how significant each of these lives are to me now and the imprint they have had and will have forever.

Twilight?

What can I say? Seems like this series of books has been sweeping our wives off their feet. (Something we use to do) So, who is this Edward character? He has been reeking havoc on my self esteem as of late. Apparently this guy is the epitome of male behavior, caring, romantic, thoughtful, and would fight anything for his Bella. If you're reading this you've most likely read the book or your wife has made you fully aware of it. At first, I couldn't stand to hear about the book, it was always, here we go again. But tomorrow is my birthday and as many of you know yesterday was the date my Mother passed away four years ago. During this occasion I usually have an interesting mixture of feelings. Ledah, as always, had a party for me on Friday. Any party Ledah throws usually is awesome and this one was no exception. So, I got to thinking and my wife got to asking if I would read the books. Again since this is a sensitive time of year for me I agreed to do what my wife has so desperately wanted. I will read the book! Alright guys, I understand I’m supporting what has most likely caused at least one fight in your relationship. Trust me it has done the same for mine. But after talking with my wife about our marriage I realized a few things. Things that I've known all along, like I need to be romantic, patient, caring all things that Edward is an expert at. (Considering he is a fictional character with no job, kids, ect. only thing this dude worries about it eating animals? Plus, isn't he over 100 years old, pedophile!) Anyway, I guess no more Edward bashing for me since I will be reading the books. But I just wanted to tell my wife that it doesn't take me reading a book to realize how lucky I am to have her. I may not be the perfect husband but sometimes all you need to do it talk with me. I understand that every woman needs to have someone that understands her. Someone that is on her side and will fight if necessary for her happiness. The real world is hard, fantasy is easy but that doesn't mean that I will ever stop working to be a better husband! I apologize for all of us husbands out there, we get carried away in sports, school, work, ect... and we forget how tender and romantic our wives really are. I understand that it’s important to work at a relationship and that you need us to be that person at the end of the day making everything better. A person that doesn’t judge you or make you feel less than perfect for having flaws. I’ve come to understand that no one is perfect and that we all have things to work on. Pointing out faults never solves the problem. SO! What I’m trying to say is that I understand. As for the rest of you, please don’t make your husbands read the books. Don't give up on us! Just talk, I promise they will listen. Edward ain’t got nothing on us!

Yes Christmas is over.. I know, I know....

I know many of you might be thinking it's about time I updated the blog. Well hopefully you'll be happy to know that I am working on it,

and yes, this site is...


Slowly but surely. I guess 2008 is off to a slow start... You bet I'll be sure keep you 'posted'. he he

P.S. My first step was to remove the Christmas jingles from my playlist. Hope you're happy!

"Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree..."

We got to finding our Christmas tree a little late this year, but it isn't Christmas without one, so better late than never! Preston & I have gone to the same Christmas tree lot each year since we have been married & we kind of feel like they're family! It is the one on 90th and State St. and it is the best! If you look at the pics you will see why...

Yes, Santa was there.... and he even brought Rudolph! Or one of the reindeer for that matter! It sounds childish but I love it! And if I have any say, my children will love it one day too! Preston I'm sure thinks I'm silly but it's just one of those things that makes Christmas magical!

So as you can see we went on a hunt for our Christmas tree, we searched far and wide. Preston got really into it and even gave them smell & taste test!


I almost got lost there were so many to choose from!
But, we finally found the best one, (that fit our budget) loaded it up on top the Hummer and drove it safely home.
We finally got it situated and decorated, and now the masterpiece sits! I think it is beautiful! Preston always argues that we should get a fake one, but the smell and ambiance it brings is well worth it!



I've decided this year we are going to have a slumber party in our living room on Christmas Eve just so we can enjoy it on it's debut night!

WiNter WoNDeRLanD!

Tierra's First Snow Day !
Tierra's Favorite Uncle!!

Saturday we babysat our cutest niece Tierra so that her mom could have one last dinner (or supper as Preston would say) with her hubby before their new baby Blake comes. We were delighted that there was a snowstorm the night before so that we could go out and play in the snow. Tierra was so cute. She got a little nervous at how excited Addie was. Addie was hopping, yes like a bunny, through the snow. Tierra just loves her uncle Preston. They rolled in the snow until her hands got cold, and then we went inside for some hot cocoa!

Tierra thought it was a tasty treat!


yes, we made snow angels of course!

Twas the end to our perfect Winter Wonderland!

December the 1st!

"ItS BeGinniNg to lOOk alOt liKe ChRisTmaS....

Every WhEre yOU gO!"
wait... It IS Christmas already, It's December the 1st!
"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells.."
:) ok i'm done, thanks for letting me get my christmas on!Anyways...

This little neighbohood above was so cool. (I'm sure many people know about this but anyways) We saw it from 56th south, and after nearly begging Preston to take us to find it we pulled in and it was a whole animated light show! You pull into this cul-de-sac and it has a sign posted telling you to turn on the radio to a certain station. You watch the lights go along with the Christmas music! It is narrated by these two lighted faces on the house. It was really fun, especially since we happend upon it. Preston felt really dumb he admitted since he was so anti in going! It was worth the search for sure!

Last pics courtesty of the Richards/Samuelson family... Great lights guys! hehe!

I think next we'll try Christmas Street!