Stacy's 23rd Birthday!

My sister, Stacy, turned the big 2-3. It was a pretty relaxed birthday celebration by going to Olive Garden, then coming back for some cake, followed by watching a movie of her choice, "Only You." It was crazy how young Robert Downey Jr. was in the movie! Time flies I guess.

Stacy and her main squeeze, Steve

Kristin and I decorated her bedroom door so she could wake up to a surprise. We got Spongebob party hads, then dangled Nutrolls and Reeses. We also put up a poster that came with the birthday card we got her. It is a Twighlight one (an inside joke). It was a two-sided poster, one side with Jacob, the other with Edward. We put up Jacob cause we tease her that she is on TEAM JACOB (she says he's way better looking than Edward- but who doesn't think that? Even though I don't think either of them are even cute). If you look closely you can tell that she has a Hannah Montana poster on her door as well. Steve (my brother) and I put that up on her door a long time ago as a joke and she still hasn't taken it down.

Kristin and I found this sweet shirt of Twighlight. On the front it says "I can't change how I feel, Please don't make me choose." We saw this and had to get it for her. Then on the back of the shirt we took it upon ourselves to do an iron on saying "Guilty Pleasure" You can't tell but they are sparkly letters :) The whole "guilty pleasure" thing is an inside joke as well. Stacy told us that she likes watching the movies and that it was her guilty pleasure...hence the shirt.

This is a collage of her opening up other gifts we got her. We got her 'The Hunger Game" book and another book series on tape (can you tell she likes to read?), her favorite chapsticks, and a PedEgg (those things that scrape off the nasty crustiness on your feet and heels- which she tried and says it actually works!)

Below are just some more pictures of us celebrating her big day. I can't believe she's 23, which means I can't believe my own age!

Say "No" to Gambling

This last weekend was a lot of fun. I didn't work Monday, so I went down to Provo that early afternoon. A bunch of friends were wanting to go camping, but seeing how the weather wasn't so promising they decided on going to Wendover. If you are ever thinking about going to Wendover- TAKE THE FUN BUS!!! (AKA "Le Bus") It is such a steal of a deal! It only costs $15 round trip. On your drive there they serve you drinks and play games like Bingo with prizes. Then as you get off the bus they give you a $5 voucher to use on slots or whatever you want. Plus they give you a free pass to a buffet there (usually $25 to eat there) which I totally took advantage of and ate my money's worth! So it feels like they are paying you to go! (ha ha , I'll keep telling myself that anyway) I gave myself $20 to play around with and our whole group got the same table to play Black Jack. Of course I was like the only one who didn't win any money that night (except Michelle, who lost $30). Dustin was lucky and won $200 or more! Anyway, it was more entertaining just watching them play on the table (oh, plus from the fun bus you get a free beverage in the casino--What's up Virgin Pina Colada?!). So it was really fun. I know I know, we aren't supposed to gamble, but I didn't go there expecting to win and just pretended I had spent money on dinner and a movie. Seriously though, it was WAY more fun than dinner and a movie! Everyone needs to experience the "Fun Bus" to Wendover once (at least!) in their lives. Here was our group:

(Patrick, me, Michelle, Roman, Heather, Brad, Alicia, Danny, Rachel, and front center showing off his winnings- Dustin)

Fun Days at Work

At work we had GE training all week. We had a designated guy helping us with any questions we had about our scanner or computer system. Then he did an overview of all our software and all the options that were available with the upgrade. I love my job, I think it is so fascinating how the body works, as well as the scan that we do on the human body. I thought I would show you a few pictures of the scans I get to play around with at work. Don't worry, the patients names are left anonymous!

This first collage above is of the same male patient. The top left is the CT portion where we can change it to show muscle and skin as well. If you look closely at his chest you can see that this patient has a port. Then the bottom left is another picture of a CT. My favorite is of the skeleton! In the blue color you can kinda see the heart and liver, and then in red you see some intestines. That is why when you get a CT sometimes (depending on what they are looking for) they make you drink oral contrast. It is to give the Radiologists better images of your intestines (otherwise your "guts" wouldn't be showing as well). Then the far right picture is of the CT scan fused with the PET (Positron Emission Tomography...not some sort of "animal" scan like I get asked).


This next collage above is of a woman. The picture on the left is also a fused scan of the CT and PET. Usually if someone has a cancerous spot it is bright orange in the area. If you look at the heart in this picture you can see a little orange- but that is normal for the heart to have uptake. So the bottom right picture is kind of my favorite. The outline of her body reminds me of the old "Cootie" toys I used to play with as a kid (those little plastic bugs/cooties with the Roley poly bodies). Anyway, if you don't know what I'm talking about don't worry about it. But it still cracks me up when I see heavier women scans when the bra and waistband elastic squeezes and turns their bodies into "Cooties."


Before we start our patients we ask them for a history of surgery. You wouldn't believe how many times we have asked female patients this question, and they don't bring up 'Breast Augmentation'. Really??! You don't think getting knocked out to get bigger jugs in the SURGICAL ROOM is a surgery? I'm pretty sure they have to cut you somewhere....Anyway, This picture above is what we call "Mickey Mouse." This is when you can totally see a woman's fake boob job. The black space in the middle is where the lungs are, and the gray blob in the middle of the lungs is her heart. Then you see the two gray symmetrical round "ears" above- silicone!:) This one is mild compared so some in the past where you see perfect cirlular Mickey ears. So for any of you women out there with fake boobs, if you don't tell us...WE STILL KNOW, the pictures don't lie! :)

Creation TIme anyone?

So my mom had to teach about the 'Creation' to a bunch of 7-yr-olds and wanted me to help her with some visuals. I drew what she kind of wanted for each day and this is how it turned out (my sister, Stacy, helped me color numbers 3, 4, & 7...it took me a while to get 5 & 6 done). Don't look too closely at the Zebra, I struggled thinking what they look like for some reason.

(You can click on numbers 4-7 to zoom in, but it wouldn't work for 1, 2, & 3)

Almost one year!

My brother, Steve, had a birthday in April. You know what that means? He has almost been out on his mission for a year, come June. I couldn't be more excited about that thought! He sent this picture of himself in his "sweet shades" pulling a bit of a 'Blue Steel' face. This guy cracks me up so much! I'm just hoping this next year goes by a bit faster than this first one did cause I sure miss him. Nobody can get a laugh out of me like he does.

For his birthday I sent him this little package that he took a picture of for me. It is an edible 5x7 greeting card cookie. They print off your design on the cookie, as well as print it off on a card. I ordered it online from Ediblesinc.com. I've used this company before and love it. You can upload the pictures you want on the cookie as well as type your own message, choose the boarder designs, color of gift box, and stamped charm that is sent with it. So for any of you out there struggling for gift ideas, this is a fun way to switch things up a bit. I hear they are yummy too. So check out this link Ediblesinc.com, they have cookies for all sorts of holidays and occasions. If you create an account they email you coupons to use that usually saves you $5-7. Wow, I should start charging for these little ads I'm promoting :)

Mo Bettah Steaks

My family and I are obsessed with Hawaiian shaved ice! We get these at a place called Mo Bettah Steaks in Bountiful (and I'm pretty sure our family alone is keeping them in business). I hear they have one in Salt Lake as well. But they are so amazing, but you have to remember to ask for the "snow cap" version which means they drizzle sweet and condensed milk on top! It is so yummy, and they don't chince on the flavoring either. So anyone around this area...you might want to check this place out!

Mother's Day Pavlova

So for Mother's day my sister and I took charge of making dinner for my mom. We made these individual quiches that were made from the larger sized muffin tins. The cool part about it was that I made crepes before, and then you line the muffin tins with the crepes then fill them with the quiche mixture. They were very tasty. The picture above is the dessert I made. It is called Pavlova. It is kind of like a fruit pizza- except BETTER and even a bit healthier (if you even care about that mumbo jumbo, which I don't. But know others might). The crust is made with egg whites and sugar and a few other ingredients. It tastes kind of like a roasted marshmallow...HEAVENLY!!! So if you want to take a crack at it yourself here is the recipe for this amazing Pavlova (servings: 8-10):

INGREDIENTS:
- 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 2 kiwi fruits, or other sliced cup of fruit
- 10 strawberries, or raspberries or blackberries

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350

In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or hand mixer), whip the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a clean, dry bowl until foamy. Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla and continue whipping until stiff, smooth and glossy, about 8 minutes more. On a sheet of parchment paper cut to fit a sheet pan, use a pencil to draw or trace a circle 9 inches in diameter. Line the sheet pan with the parchment, pencil side down (you should still be able to see the circle). Spoon the egg whites into the circle, using the back of the spoon to smooth the top and sides of the disk. Bake in the center of the oven for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake until the meringue has puffed up and cracked on the top and the surface is lightly browned, about 45 minutes more. Turn off the oven, prop the oven door open, and let the Pavlova cool in the oven at least 30 minutes, to room temperature.

Whip the cream and brown sugar together until stiff. Spoon it in the center of the cooled Pavlova and spread out to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Arrange the slices of kiwi and berries how you like. Use a serrated knife to serve. ENJOY!!! I know I did!

Let them eat cake

Being the perfect mom that Cara is and always tries to be, she took it upon herself to make 5 different cakes for her son, Tucker, who wanted an 'Avatar' themed birthday party. Not from the new Avatar movie, but from the Television show. Cara wanted a cake for each major 'bending' power (for anyone familiar with the show...) with the different symbols from the show including: Wind, Earth, Fire, and Water. Then she wanted just the face of the famous Avatar character- Aang (the 'air-bender'). She was really stressed out about having to do all of this, so I offered my help (don't know how much help I ended up being). So Cara was in charge of making and frosting the cakes, and I was in charge of decorating the tops of the cakes with the different symbols and characters from the show. It took quite a while, but I think the end results were worth the work.

Here we are being official with Cara sportin the apron and me with the "hair net" (close enough, and yes that is an old school bandana...don't worry- I'm bringin' it back:) )


One cake down, 4 to go....

The Final Five!

A little up close shot of each, you can click on this collage to enlarge. These cakes were seriously cooler in person! Pictures don't do it justice

They were a big hit at his "Karate" party

Cuttin' the cake


This made me want to start baking and decorating more, in some weird way it was a nice stress relief for me. But I guess that is the case for me if I'm drawing or doodling on anything!

I have a family tree

About a month ago, my Grandma Allen's brother, Lon, passed away. There were 11 children in my grandma's family, now there are only 3 still alive. The pictures below are the three remaining. Lucille (left), Molly (middle), and Lauraine (Right- my grandma! I'll talk about her more after all the pictures). These three are SO entertaining to be around. You get them together and they act like they are 12 year old school girls. These pictures weren't from the funeral. Our family had a devotional-type deal during the conference weekend. They had Larry Corbridge from the Quorum of the Seventy come speak to us unbetween sessions (Larry spoke in conference a few conferences ago if you thought his name sounded familiar. He is my mom's cousin). They also had his wife speak about all of the stuff going on in Chile (because that is where they live and experienced the earth quake).
Anyway, after the devotional was over they wanted the three sisters to get up and say a few words. They are a crack up! The first picture with Molly's expression says it all.

People always tell my sisters and me that we are going to be like them when we are older. I could only hope!

We decided to get a picture of "Oldest to youngest" from left to right (I've always wanted to be like my grandma...yeah for being the middle sister!)

When we were told to wear dress pants and a nice top, Kristin and I walked out wearing almost the exact same outfit. We had no shame so we went "twinner" style.

These pictures of the Salt Lake temple were taken by Stacy while they went to conference. I thought they were pretty cool so I thought I would share them.

So I said I was going to talk more about my grandma after the pictures. This is for my own journaling purposes. When people tell me to think of a hero in my life, my grandma comes to mind quite often. I look up to her in so many ways. She has had many trials and experiences in her life that could have hardened her, but it only made her more faithful and strong. She told me once that she prays daily specifically for help to not lose herself and to be able to stay positive. She is a testimony that prayer works, because she is the most upbeat, positive person I know, and it is so contagious to be around her (including her contagious laugh...one of my favorite sounds!). She is the type of woman who becomes your best friend right after meeting her. Recently my grandpa (her husband) had to stay in Avalon (a therapy/rehab center for older or sickly people) for six weeks after a bad fall. My grandma faithfully stayed by his side and helped nurture him back to health. She left for a week of that time to go play with her sisters, and all of the workers asked about her while she was gone and remembered her by name. You can't help but feel better in her presence. She is an example of service. She doesn't use her age as an excuse not to help others. She still goes to the elementary school to help all the little children read. My grandma is aware of the "no touching/hugging" rules, but it is the little children who run to her and initiate hugs with her before she can ever turn them down. She has the best sense of humor and is hilarious (she struggles telling jokes because she is always laughing halfway through before she can get to the punch line). She is spunky too! She may only be 5 feet tall, but she can hold her own! (She even chased and tackled down two men in her younger years after they scared her with a mouse- something she HATES) I honestly can't think of a single flaw that she has. I feel sorry for every other child out there that doesn't have her for a grandma. I look up to her so much and hope that some day I can be at least remotely close to the kind of woman she is. I love my grandma Allen!

Roomy Reunion

This past week I was able to go out to dinner in Salt Lake (like the classy "tagged" background we found? Pretty artistic:) ) with my good old room mates, Brandice (in the middle) and Carly (right). I hadn't seen Brandice since before she left on her mission- now she is married! Carly's fiance, Tanner, came as well but he isn't in the picture cause he was too busy taking one for us :). It was really nice to catch up and see what everyone was up to. All that was missing was DaNae! (DaNae, if you read this I've got a bone to pick with you!) It is crazy to think that just a few years ago we were all freshmen together trying to figure out what we wanted to do with our lives, now they are all growing up on me and getting married and becoming "ultimate" adults. I am now offiically the only one left who is single, including all of my old high school and college friends...makes for some awesome reunions/get-togethers with the friends and all their spouses (i'll stick to playing with their children while the real adults talk, ha ha). Their husbands are great, but it doesn't mean the awkwardness isn't there when everyone is cuddling up with their "babe, honey, sweety, etc." while we all sit around and talk. I guess there are worse things in life than being single though, plus it also has its advantages so I'll try and enjoy this phase of life while I have it.