The Zank Party

Four

2012-01-24T09:34:00.001-07:00

This Zank party of three will soon be a party of four!
Baby #2 due to arrive mid-July!!
We are very happy, excited, and still sometimes can't quite believe it.

Halloween as a family

2011-11-03T14:37:00.004-06:00

Halloween was fun this year! Jared and I hadn't planned on dressing up but things fell into place just a couple days before the holiday with Zinni and I as cattle (yes, I felt so attractive) and Jared, well, Jared was the butcher, blood stained apron and everything! Zinni picked out her own costume, and learned to say mooo! We visited a few friends and family instead of going door-to-door trick-or-treating. Zin picked up on the concept quickly and wanted to get into her candy bag all night!

My cute little moo cow!! Next year we'll probably do the typical door-to-door thing and possibly dress up as a family again!

She is one!!

2011-09-08T08:41:00.005-06:00

Of course blogger is being lame and I can't figure out how to move these pics so please enjoy the pictures first and then a little stuff about Miss Zinni Anne.

I marvel at the little person that is Zinni. She is smart, beautiful, and hilarious! Sometimes I can't believe all the stuff she can do and understands. Sometimes Jared and I bust up laughing at the stuff she does or noises she makes. She is my pride, my joy, and one of the love's of my life! And she's got Daddy hooked!

Stuff about Zinnidee:

The girl LOVES books! She always escapes down stairs and when I look for her I know exactly where she'll be, on her bedroom floor looking and talking about her books.

She has the prettiest bright blue eyes! So many people comment about her eyes, that they are unusual, bright, smiley, prettiest blue, and just like her Dad's.

We always hear that she is the funniest baby people have ever seen. She just does silly things like impersonate people (and sometimes their sneezes), makes funny noises (growling, baa-ing, and fake coughs), and the funniest faces (she'll scrunch up her nose, squeeze her eyes closed and give you a goofy grin!

Zin is very self entertaining and I love that! I'll be working away in the Kitchen or on the computer and she'll play by herself for hours!! She freely goes up and down the stairs and will come find me when she needs me. Sometimes when I go find her she doesn't want to come with me, she's to busy "reading" her books or playing.

Zinni also communicates very well. She can sign, hungry/thirsty, more, all done, please, I love you, hi/bye, milk, story, night-night and she says "What?" (which was her first word) she'll point at everything and say "what?" she says block, red, one, Dada, yeah, wow, and a very enthusiastic mmm while she's eating food that she really likes (which is most food). She is a chatter box, especially in the car and will sing on occasion.

She understands a lot of what we say like sit down, get down, stop, no, hand it to me, good job (she'll start clapping at this one), breakfast, dinner, and many more I can't recall.

She loves to "help" with the dishes and gets very upset when we close the dishwasher. She'll clean up her toys if someone else starts the process.

She likes going to bed and doesn't make a peep (unless it's happy jibber-jabber) until she wakes up happy and talking.

Zinni is still very cuddly in the right mood and I hope that stays!

I can't believe a year ago today I gave birth to my little crazy, funny, gorgeous girl. We love you so much Zinnidee Anne!

We like to camp

2011-07-08T10:45:00.006-06:00

Us Zank's love to camp. Period.

We like to camp in a tent. We like to camp in a trailer.

We like to camp under the stars and without rent.

We like to camp without a wailer (surprisingly this was not Zinni!).

(Forgive me for my failed Dr. Seuss attempt, I had to try).

Jared will camp no matter what the weather is like, I like to be without snow and/or rain. Other than that we'll pretty much go anytime anywhere and it's so nice to be able to go this summer. So 4th of July weekend we went with our friends, the Rindi's and the Gate's. We also went on our own the week before for a quick overnighter. It was FUN! I love just sitting outside, playing cards, going exploring, making smores, and chatting around the campfire! We had a blast and can't wait to go camping again in just another week!

And now for a whole lot of picutes!

Zin Playing in her own personal tent.

Watermelon chin!

The Rindi's

The Gate's

Mckenzie being just like her mama, burrito in one hand club soda in the other. Love it!

Anyone want a smore?

Felisha playing Patty Cake with the kiddos.

Jared eating his double-decker smore!

Jared saving the baby lamb that was lost. We still don't know where the neglectful mama sheep was.

And this is exactly how much Zinni loves to camp. No joke, she LOVES it! Guess she was born into the right family.

Family photos

2011-05-02T21:00:00.003-06:00

We were lucky enough to go on a little vaca a couple weeks ago to my sister's house out in the Bay Area. It was so nice to see her, her husband, and our two (soon to be three) nieces. It was great to enjoy the warm moist air, go to the beach, and have a little time with the hubs. There is so much I love about California but I am always happy to be home. While in Cali we had to take advantage of my sister's mad photography skills and have some family photos shot. Go here to check them out. Now a few pics from a not so professional:

My cute little stinker on the drive out

First taste of sand, she liked it. A lot.

Daddy and Z at the petting zoo

Mommy and Zin out to dinner for my birthday (please ignore my spit-up child's chin)

First steps in the ocean and it was COLD!

Spring had sprung

2011-04-04T13:49:00.005-06:00

First, I had to post this pic for my family because it is so funny to me. Two of my sister's sucked their fingers. My older sister sucked her first two fingers, my younger sister sucked her pointer finger but upside-down (don't ask me how that is comfortable?). Well Zinni has decided to put a twist on the family habits by sucking her first two fingers upside-down! Ha ha I think it is hilarious! However, I do hope it is a short lived habit. Can you imagine the orthodontic work she'd need!?

This is one of her new smiles. I think it is hilarious! I die laughing every time she does it! Plus she'll also makes this sniffing/snorting through her nose while she does it, which makes it even more funny!

She has so much fun with her Dad. She gets so excited when he gets home from work.

My curious child likes to get into everything. She gets bored of the same toys and always tries to do new things. So I thought I'd put her in the laundry basket to see what she thought. She laughed.

Well it's April and to no one's surprise there is snow on the ground. But for about two days there it was sunny, it was in the 70's, it was Spring! It is very strange and cruel that although my allergies have begun there was 7 inches of fresh, new snow on the ground. I don't like it. Not even a little bit. I want flip flops, capri pants, no jacket, and sunshine! Another cruelness, that was a "bad Mommy moment" for me, was little miss Zin with her first sunburn and then snow the next day. She didn't complain at all but I felt horrible!

With our brief warm weather we spent hours at the park, went on a walk, and spent a whole day gardening! We savored every ray of sunshine and soaked up as much vitamin D as we could!

This is my rough and tough girl on the tractor! She LOVED it and wanted to play with all the knobs and gadgets.

Just try to tell me she isn't the coolest babe you've ever seen! And yes, the onsie is placed in a manner as to attempt to prevent sunburn. She looked like a little Jamaican.

I can't wait for the sunshine and warmth to return. Until then I guess I'll just have to go on vacation to somewhere warmer. California here we come!

Side note

2011-03-07T15:39:00.003-07:00

I chopped my hair off and here's the proof:

I like it but it definitely is NOT easier. My curl has gone completely hideous (I'm choosing to blame that on pregnancy hormones). Short + hideous curl = always having to blow dry and straighten.

I'm planning on donating my hair but I'm not sure where? Any suggestions?

6 months old, seriously?

2011-03-07T14:54:00.004-07:00

Yes, that's right. My baby girl is 6 months old tomorrow! I love it, I hate it. Today has been a rough day. I don't know if she is getting more teeth, getting sick, or is learning the art of whining and crying for attention. I've lost my cool a couple times today which is pointless and wrong because she doesn't know it hurts Mommy when she bites down while trying to eat, or that if she turns her head while I'm trying to burp her she will spit up all over me. She's 6 months old and although she is growing and changing so fast she is still a baby. She has been SO easy the past 3 months I have become spoiled.

She is my buddy and my favorite thing to do everyday, all day, is try to get her smiling and laughing. If I get a few grins and giggles a day it is a day well spent!

Finally sold my motorcycle so I had to snap a couple pics of my Zin being wicked cool atop the old Vstar.

Zinni started solid foods a few weeks ago. She took to it really well but now doesn't like to open her mouth for a spoonful. We've tried rice cereal, bananas, peas, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes.

As I said, growing and changing fast! She rolls around a lot, wriggles her little body to grab various toys, sits up on her own, and babbles (she says "mamama" a lot).

This is the face that represents today. Honestly she doesn't do it all that much and I am grateful for the happy baby that she is *most* of the time.

Spread the word

2011-01-31T13:33:00.002-07:00

I forgot to mention the cute little button on the right side of my blog. It is an adoption blog for our very close friends who are looking to add to their family. You can learn all about them and spread the word to anyone you know who might be able to help them out. They are a great family and we love them!

Just like Daddy

2011-01-19T14:16:00.002-07:00

Stuff and stuff

2011-01-13T13:09:00.004-07:00

A lot has happened in the past month and us Zank's have been rather busy, hence the no blogging, that and I didn't feel like it! Here's just a brief recap:

-My mother-in-law got married just a week before Christmas to a great guy! (She also spoiled her daughters-in-law with a mani/pedi at the spa, which we've declared should be a tradition!)

-Christmas was a great time spent with my whole side of the family. Surprisingly I took next to no pictures, argh!

- We moved our little family and discovered how much junk two people can acquire.

- Had a fun new years eve bash at my parent's, after which most people went to bed promptly, I guess some of us forgot what it's like to stay up so late!

- Zinni turned 4 months old and is still a big little girl, weighing in at 14.9 lbs! She has also rolled from her belly to her back at least once that we know of!

Now for the best part, random pics from the last month!

So cute in Santa's wig

Then we learned one of the reasons babies do NOT have long hair as we ripped it from her tight little paws.Miss Zinn has really good balance and Daddy loves doing tricks with her!Sucking on her favorite thing. Her hands.Christmas morning, can't you tell how excited she is? ;)Zinni was Baby Jesus in our Christmas morning Nativity (which I found very entertaining.)Brynlee playing with her favorite doll: Zinni!Blurry picture of us at Temple Square, and yes it was freezing!I love the look on Zinni's face in this last one, you know that's the face she's going to make when we embarrass her when she's a teenager! And we will, and it will be fun!We hope all your holidays were very merry and that your new year got off to a great start!

Getting in the Christmas mood!

2010-12-14T10:19:00.003-07:00

It's funny how traditions start. I always thought they were something you decided you would do every year. My family's traditions were basically already rolling when I was old enough to realize what a "tradition" was. I didn't realize some just happened. Something that has happened every year that Jared and I have been together, so far, is that sometime in December Jared gets up in the middle of the night and sets up our little 3 foot tree, gets out all the ornaments, and sets out the stockings. Then he comes back, wakes me up, and we decorate the tree together! I love this tradition! Not because we get up in the middle of the night, or not necessarily because I already love the Christmas season but because it's a tradition that has happened every year without any planning on my part. My husband knows just when to do it to get me all Christmas-ee feeling! Thanks Jared for being amazing! Oh, and this year Zinni joined in the fun!

Everything all ready to go! Daddy and Zinni putting on an ornament we got from Florida. Zin and Mommy putting a candy cane on. The finished product!
And we love our Zinnidee if you couldn't tell!

My little buddy

2010-12-02T13:31:00.004-07:00

I love her. I love her more than I thought possible. She and her daddy are my world! I love that she's always there to tag along when I run errands, to hang out with me when I'm reading, to smile at me while I'm folding laundry, and to cry for me when I'm trying to make dinner. I always knew mommies loved there children so but I never quite understood about doing anything/everything for them. Now if we're both hungry, I feed her first. If we're tired she's the one who sleeps while I listen for every peep she makes. I would die to protect her and I want to fix her every whim.

Zinni is happy, dramatic, ticklish, loves to eat her hands, sensitive, compassionate, cuddly, has one dimple on her right cheek, is daddy's little lady, fun, strong, has acid reflux, sleeps a lot, smiley, and is the cutest thing I've ever seen (if I do say so myself!).

Example of "Daddy's little lady."

Example of her cuddliness, she likes to bury her face in my arm.
Example of her eating her hands.
My smiley girl!
Tagging along on my errands. Here we are just finishing up some shopping.
Don't worry, she has other clothes but apparently this polka-dotted number is my favorite! And if you're wondering to yourself about if I will ever post anything again that isn't all about Zinni, the chances are slim;)

Blessing and stats

2010-11-11T16:02:00.004-07:00

Well Zinni had her two month check up. Sad. So sad! She got her shots and her sad, hurt cry broke my heart! For the rest of the day she was either sleeping or crying. This is us before her appointment.Percentiles: 98% for length

72% for weight

21% for head circumference (I'm pretty happy about this one, hopefully it will be a prediction for all my future babies at time of birth!)

She's cooing, and smiling. Holds her head up really well. Loves to stand and usually insists on standing while I burp her. She loves her daddy and knows when he's home, she goes completely still when she hears him! She watches me walk across the room and looks for me when someone else is holding her. She loves to snuggle and be held. She sleeps through the night!! We believe Zinni is compassionate, she cries when she hears other people cry (or sounds like crying). Everyone says she looks just like her daddy.

Zinnidee's blessing was beautiful. I'm so grateful I have a husband who holds the priesthood and can bless our home and family.

Zin wore the dress that I was blessed in!

Jared and Zinni crashed for 3 hours after the eventful morning!

Zinni is growing too fast!

2010-11-04T11:59:00.007-06:00

Warning: Lots-o-pics!
First date after having Z. I think she's about 4 weeks old. Zinni loves taking naps with Daddy!

Big yawn!A snap shot on Zinni's Marmee blanket.

Jared loves to do stuff like this to our kiddo. Yes, she looks Asian.

Seriously, my child is getting huge! I don't know how time can fly so ridiculously fast!

Here is Z with her Uncle Lukie when we went up to Luke's parents to shoot some guns!!
This is my genius child doing sign language and smiling!
Zebra baby. Chillin' in the car seat.This is probably one of my favorite pics EVER because I'm a mean mommy like that! Snoozin' on Auntie Liz after a date night at the OG! (side note: Jared got a name badge at the Olive Garden basically for just being Jared, if you know what I mean!)Another night with our friends, hangin' out in there unfinished bathroom. I love that it looks like Jared and Liz are the couple with baby Zinni and David's the odd-man-out! Ha ha sorry David!
Sleeping in the car seat.
She sits up and is really good with holding her head up. This little lady wants to grow up fast! She's very stubborn, loves to cuddle and be held, is dramatic, and sleeping at least 6 hours through the night! We call her Zinni, Zin, Zin Zin, Zinnidee Anne, Zaz, and Baby Princess.
She is seriously growing like crazy! Her 2 month appointment is tomorrow so I'll try to remember to post stats.

Pictures!

2010-10-12T18:42:00.003-06:00

Go here to view Zinni girl's professional pics! I'll post non-professionals soon, promise!

Peace out

2010-10-07T12:13:00.002-06:00

Peace out gall bladder. I didn't care for you anyway! You and all your stones were really getting on my nerves! Now the real question will be, are you going to continue to haunt me with phantom attacks? I think the answer should be no. I mean I don't even have you as an organ anymore so really how could you still attack me? Plus surgery and recovering hasn't been so fun so that should cover my pain quota for the next while. Anyone agree with me?

I do have to note that I like hospitals. Not always the reason I'm at the hospital but I like knowing that everything is clean, I like the smell (I know, weird), I love the nurses and being able to push a button and someone will come to your aid. I loved the hospital stay when I had Zin, who is a month old, by the way! (I will post pics soon.) And I loved my hospital food, yum!

Even though I like hospitals I HATE hospital bills and I hope I will not be returning any time soon!

The details

2010-09-15T16:19:00.004-06:00

Warning: May contain too much of the gory details for some.

Warning: Really long.

I won't be offended if you don't read this!

Labor Day was a good day and our 2 year anniversary! Everything was pretty normal, we went to my folks for a BBQ, then came home and started playing cards with Felisha and our friend Luke (Kyle, Lyle). During cards I started having cramps and thought "this is weird but definitely not labor pains." I went to bed feeling pretty good just slight cramping. At 2:45am I got up to pee and noticed my silly hubby was STILL up playing Xbox. I got back in bed and turned over to get comfy when all of the sudden it felt like I was wetting the bed (my water had broke). I called for Jared who must have heard the urgency in my voice because he was there in a split second! For the next hour I hung out in the shower as Jared ran around (like a chicken with his head cut off) gathering last minute things for my hospital bag, calling our moms, and checking on me. In the shower I was having contraction about every 2 minutes. I got out and decided we ought to head to the hospital because my water had broke and it's a 45 minute drive.

We arrive at the hospital at 5am and I'm only 2 cm, i figured as much. So I start walking the halls, alternate between sitting and standing, and spend some time in the big tub. My mom, mother-in-law, and Felisha were all in attendance (as well as Jared, although he was half asleep through a lot of it). With each contraction somebody was rubbing my back, reminding me to breath, or comforting me in some way. My contractions were very manageable but sporadic, sometimes 2 mins apart, sometimes 5, some very painful, and some more mild. My midwife would ask me if I wanted to be checked for any progress and I would decline because I wanted to wait as long as possible between checks so that I would have hopefully progressed more by the time she checked. Well, that strategy did NOT work! I would go hours without being checked and be the same! 4 cm and 90% effaced, 4 *plus* and 90% (by the way, the *plus* doesn't make you feel any better). So I walked on, and on, and ON! We played cards, I leaned on the bed, sat on a birthing ball.

The hours were passing in a blur as I became more and more tired and as the contractions became more and more intense. I remember at one point laying on the hospital bed and feeling like I was trapped in a hallucination or a nightmare. The pain was very strong, yet in between I was so sleepy I would nod off and be woken by pain that would take my breath away. My midwife told me she didn't want me in the tub again until I'd hit a 6 because the tub can slow things down in earlier labor. She said once at a 6 it usually goes very quickly. By this time it's sometime in the late evening, she checks me and I'm at a 7!! I declare that I am getting in the tub, my only form of relief at this point. As I'm soaking my contractions are being timed by Jared, and although they are becoming more intense they are not consistent, 5 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 5 minutes. Even though they hurt I was trying to will the next contraction to happen so that I would progress faster but as much as I tried to make it happen it was to no avail, my body and baby had their own agenda! After 30 mins of soaking my midwife says it's time to check me again because she's sure I've made some sort of progress, which is reinforced by the fact that I throw up as I'm getting out of the tub (a normal sign of transition). I dry off, lay down, and breath deep for this "fun" cervical check. 7 cm and 90% percent thinned. Are you kidding me!? I am going to make this baby come! So off for another walk, which feels like the millionth time, and I can barely stand through each contraction. Then I'm back in the room and everyone advices me to lay down and try to rest a bit because I'm gonna need it. Then Nancie (my midwife) returns to check me again. I know I have to be at least an 8 if not more by the way the contractions are feeling. 7 and 90. Seriously? This can't be true. SERIOUSLY!??? I've been 7 and 90 for the last 3 hours!!!

Nancie tells me I can't get in the tub any more because they have to start an antibiotic on me because my water has been broken for nearly 24 hours. I will have to stay in bed and she'd like to start pitocin because I'm not progressing as I should. I'm contemplating the pitocin with no epidural, I really, REALLY wanted to go natural all the way. I turn to my group of support for advise and the decision is pretty much unanimous, get the epidural. I can tell Jared is not enjoying watching me through all this pain, my mom tells me I need rest in order to do the pushing part, and Felisha reminds me of something I had said earlier in pregnancy, that if I went more than 20 hours and I needed rest I would get it. So I relented and said, "bring on the drugs." To say I was bummed is an understatement.

I loved and hated the epidural, the relief from pain was lovely yet the not being able to move or readjust my body drove me nuts! I did "rest" but didn't sleep a wink. I had the epidural on the lowest setting and still couldn't feel my legs! After 3 hours of pitocin and epidural I was finally at a 10. I was a little shocked, I had gotten so used to progressing at a much slower pace. Nancie had me push a couple times and I had no clue what I was supposed to be doing. I asked her if we could turn the epidural off and try when I got some feeling back. She said yes and it took about an hour to get the feeling back and feel the pressure I needed to. So then the pushing really started, it took me a few contractions to get the hang of what I was supposed to be doing but once I got it I really got it and I actually kind of enjoyed the pushing but it was discouraging to hear "she's almost here" and then she still wasn't here. After an hour and a half of pushing with the epidural gone and the pitocin still flowing finally I could hear the excitement in Jared's voice and Felisha told me that she really was there and to keep pushing. My sweet girl finally made it, with the cord wrapped around her neck and maconium in her amniotic fluid but she made it safe and sound. I cried, a lot. I was so happy this girl had finally made it after 26 hours of labor and I was also happy that it was over!
My midwife and mother have assured me that next time I will be able to go natural all the way and I hope so too! The epidural is what I needed at the time and I'm grateful that there is the use of things like pitocin and epidurals but I'm also glad I could feel all the pushing, otherwise I would have been lost. I'm also extremely grateful for all the support I received, everyone said or did just what I needed at just the right time. Birth is a crazy and beautiful experience and I'm already not dreading the next time which I think is pretty good considering it's only been a week!

She's here!

2010-09-13T14:35:00.003-06:00

Almost a week early she is here!! Zinnidee Anne was born September 8, 2010. She weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. She has strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. We love her so much and miss her when we she isn't in our arms!

The first time Jared held her

First family picture Our little gangster in her go home outfit!

I will surely write a blog with the more grueling details at some point. For now I am soaking up every moment with my baby princess!

He's home!!

2010-08-26T13:35:00.003-06:00

I haven't had my computer nor the umph to blog the past while. However, Jared is home and that makes me very happy!! He has jumped right back into working everyday, which makes me miss him but that's just the way things go sometimes.

I have less than 3 weeks until my due date and I am SO ready for it! I know I shouldn't feel this anxious for at least another 2 weeks but I just can't help it! I want her here, I want to see what she looks like, I want to hold her! But a few people have informed me that once she's out I'll want her back in :(. I hope I don't feel that way because I really want her OUT right now! Of course I am feeling the usual uncomfortableness, lack of sleep, limited mobility, but all in all it's not too terrible. I definitely would not trade this last few weeks for any of my first trimester sickness! Can she just be here already!? I thought Jared being here would help me be patient but it has done the opposite!

Sorry for the hormonal ranting but it's to be expected, right?

Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go?

2010-07-23T19:33:00.006-06:00

Last weekend we decided to go with some friends down to the Keys. We didn't have any specific plans we just went with the flow. We ended up going to a couple T-shirt/gift shops and Jared and I got a little trinket to hang on our Christmas tree. This is a little tradition we started on our honeymoon, we get an ornament from the places we've lived or vacationed. This time a little wood carved turtle that says Key Largo. We then drove for awhile looking for some street to turn down to dip in the water but to no avail. We asked a gas station attended who didn't help us out, he told us we'd have to drive all the way down to Key West (the very bottom) to go to a beach! So we drove a bit more hoping to see a glimpse of water close by that we could jump in, we didn't. Then we headed to a pizza joint that was pretty yummy and had the one thing I had been wanting while down in the Keys - Key lime pie! It was pretty good and quite tart, I think I like fake key lime pie better! Afton and Bailee at the Pizza place! Janelle and Dan serving up some yummy pizza! Me eating my tart pie!Kelby, Michelle, and baby kloie. Jared was using his ubber creepy voice to get Klo smiling!Part of the drive. There are really cool parts where there is just ocean on both sides of the street. It's kind of a strange sensation to be driving out on the ocean.

Now for some fat pics because it's been awhile. I have to admit they are harder to post now because I no longer feel as if I'm a cute pregnant lady, I just feel fat. I am now over 8 months! However, if getting fat is the price I have to pay to have my little girl I'll do it gladly!

random

2010-07-22T09:13:00.005-06:00

WARNING: Picture overload!
I haven't blogged in quite sometime so I think this is going to be a Hodge-podge of events from the past month. For starters I never posted any Fathers Day pics:

Brynlee painting my belly button

Brynn's hand print on my belly. She likes to help me! Brynn helping me make breakfast for Jared and Mike. She is such a good helper!Jared being Jared. Eating his Father's Day breakfast and giving Baby Princess an interesting glare.I think he's pretty excited to become a daddy! He actually asks/offers to hold other people's babies which I have never seen him do before! The card has my belly button print, Brynlee's hand print and a pretend baby foot print.

Felisha was involved in all of this but I don't have any pics to prove it.

The 4th of July was fun! We BBQed at our apt pool and swam in the rain. Then headed to the beach for fireworks and didn't quite make it but stopped on a bridge to watch. It actually turned out quite perfect!

Bryn and I makin' fish faces in our red, white, and blue!

Jared, Mike, and Brynlee stacked 3 high in the pool!A shot of us watching the fireworks
The Rindi's at the firework show.

During the long days that our hubbies are working us wives (yes I am aware that we sound like polygamists) have recipes exchange. We all bring a dish to share and either watch the bachelorette or just chat and play with kids. We have had some great one's including learning how to make sushi, dessert night, breakfast, Mexican, and Italian!

This is what the kids do during recipe exchange! ( Bailee, Tommy, and Afton.) Sushi taught to us by Megan. It was yummy!

Kellee burritos (that's what Jared has names them) on Mexican night.And this awesome looking drink that makes drinking watermelon possible!

Another post should be coming soon now that I have Internet again.

Fair

2010-07-09T14:28:00.003-06:00

Life isn't fair. It never has been, it never will be but it always catches me off guard. I used to complain to my mom, "that's not fair!" She always replied "life's not fair." And she was right. Things hardly ever turn out the way we think they are supposed to but they do turn out. Sometimes the way things turn make you want to scream, cry, or sometimes laugh. I still believe life isn't fair but I do think it all gets worked out in the end.

I don't know why bad things happen to good people other than that it is the Lord's will. I don't understand everything that he does and why but I do know there is a purpose and plan.

I know the Lord loves every single soul on this earth and he has a plan for each of us. Please pray for family and friends that you know are in need of comfort, love, and understanding.

Third and final!

2010-06-19T11:59:00.004-06:00

I am so excited to be nearly in the third trimester! I'm not sure exactly why. Maybe it's because that means pregnancy will be over soon! Maybe it's because I will *soon* get back to my old body...or close to it. But more than likely it's because I want to see and hold my baby girl!
I feel her kick and squirm and more recently, hiccup! I want to watch her do all those things! I want to dress her up, give her baths, kiss her little fingers and toes, and feel her in my arms! I am so in love with her already and can't wait!

Is it weird to be excited about the delivery part? Don't get me wrong, I'm not excited for the pain and hours of misery I assume will come but I'm so excited for the excitement of it all! I'm already excited for the end of the summer and returning to Utah because it all means the day is inching closer. What day we can't be sure of but everyday is one day closer!

Here are a few pics for those people who enjoy watching me get fat:

Horay for the last and shortest trimester!!

My Marine Man

2010-06-14T11:47:00.006-06:00

My husband is in LOVE with the ocean!! He seriously could and does spend hours and hours just swimming and floating on the water looking for anything and everything he can find in the deep blue. Felisha asked him yesterday what he loved more, going to the beach or going camping? For anyone who knows Jared in the slightest knows he would chose to be a mountain man 24/7 if he could but he actually had to stop and think about it. Camping won but not by much. I have to say, I like the beach but am kind of glad we don't live anywhere near one normally or my hubby would be MIA!

Here he is playing football in the water while holding his diving gear (he can only stop adventuring for so long).

We have been to the beach at least 5 or 6 times since moving to Florida and I'm pretty sure Jared has discovered something new to show me or tell me about every time he returns from his voyage in the waters! He has also convinced me to snorkel which I have never done (I'm slightly hydrophobic I think). I loved it! He has shown me how amazing the water can be and I am so happy I am married to a man that can teach and show me new things!
Here are just a few of the things J has caught while venturing in the ocean:
A lovely crab @ Boca Raton.A little fish that looked like it was dying and Jared tried to save it.A sand dollar that is almost completely whole!Yeah, a freakin' jelly fish!! Yikes!A lobster @ Key West that put up quite a fight. I actually participated with this one!

Jared or both of us have also seen pike fish, tuna, little colorful tropical fish, sea urchins, clam shells, Jared has collected so many pretty sea shells, and has seen a few sting rays that he has actually thought about catching, crazy guy! I actually think if he saw a shark he would swim TOWARDS it!

And this is typical Jared after a day of swimming and adventuring at an office BBQ hoovering down a 5 patty *with cheese burger! Sick!!

Crafty? Me?

2010-05-28T17:32:00.005-06:00

If you know me you know I am not a very artsy/crafty kind of person. However, I am going to have a daughter and unless I want her to look like a total rag-a-muffin, homeless child, orphan, etc, etc (which I'm sure she still will sometimes) I decided I needed to learn the crafty mother way. So Mrs. Rindi taught myself, along with several other lovely wives here in FL, how to make "toppings" for our little girls head's, or ourselves in some cases. Here are my two products thus far. I am very proud and so was my teacher!Jared sporting said crafts with an uber creepy look on his face (typical)! And here are a couple pics for those people who would like to keep up on my fatness:
Just over 6 months now! Some days it feels like I have been pregnant FOREVER! And other days I can't believe I only have 3 (actually closer to 4 if ya wanna get technical) months until I get to hold and look at my baby girl!!

Adventures in cooking

2010-05-15T21:31:00.007-06:00

I love to bake, cook, eat. Basically if it involves food I enjoy it! I actually missed cooking, not only for myself but for others, while I was sick. Lo and behold I arrive in sunny Florida feeling much better than the previous 4 months so I have been on a cooking spree! I began this baking binge with my sister, Meghan's, whole wheat bread recipe. The picture pretty much says it all but let's just say it was an oven I'd never used and I got distracted during "rise time!" I just laughed but kind of wanted to cry when I opened the oven door and saw this!

They were edible just not very pretty.

My second attempt I knew how to use the oven, I am now aware of Florida and it's lack of altitude and I had this cute little helper! It made a world of difference!

I love Meg's recipe (thanks again!) and so does Jared! The loaves turned out pretty and very soft!
After the first week here I realized how quickly bananas go bad and decided to whip up some banana bread. Well my 3 bad bananas turned into 11 somehow and I made 3 loaves with different toppings (plain, chocolate chip (which turned into chocolate smear), and brown sugar pecan. They were all made with whole wheat flour which made me feel a little less guilty as I shoveled in my 3rd piece of nutty deliciousness!

Then there was the craving that had to be satisfied! I crave pretzels! Not just any pretzels. I'm talking mall pretzels that are salty, buttery, and scrumptious. And they HAVE to have the HOT cheese for dipping otherwise the whole thing is ca put! Well for some odd reason, that is completely unknown to me, Florida doesn't have a Pretzel Time or anything remotely close within a 50 mile radius! So the ladies (fellow Floridian wives) and I decided a baking session would be our best bet! We found a promising recipe that included ingredients we already mostly had and began this new cooking adventure.

Pretzel dough is quite tough to knead and dries out quickly, just FYI.

Again we had cute little helpers that wanted to help make the "snakes!"

Pretzel dough also shrinks back pretty quickly so ya gotta get the "snakes" pretty long. Brynn, Tommy, and a little someone named Michelle liked to steal pieces of dough!

My craving was satisfied! But now I just want to make them again!

These babies were enjoyed by all, as you can see.

To recap: I heart food and everything involved with it. I just wish I had all the ingredients and all the know how already to make anything and everything I desired!

Half way

2010-04-28T16:40:00.004-06:00

It feels good and surreal to be half way through pregnancy. On one hand I still have to remind myself regularly that I am pregnant. On the other hand being so sick at the beginning made it drag on and on for what seemed like forever! So here I am just over 20 weeks and I already want to hold our baby girl but I am savoring this time Jared and I have while it's still just us.
Pictures make blogging better so here's to half way!

The news

2010-04-24T19:20:00.003-06:00

We have had a lot going on! Between packing, cleaning, and last minute shopping trips, driving 48 hours straight and shopping several times in our new town for the summer there hasn't been much time for anything except...RELAXING!! We have been super busy but when we can stop we do. We've been exploring our new summer home town, going to the beach, and swimming at our very convenient apartment pool! I am LOVING Florida so far and hope that love sticks through the mucky weather time.

Brynn after napping somewhere along the drive. Doesn't she look happy??

We arrived in Florida to our new place on Monday which was my birthday, best gift was being DONE driving! We were all really wiped out but got moved in and settled pretty quickly. I love our apartment complex and the area. Our apartment is really nice but it doesn't quite feel like home yet, that shouldn't take long.

Feeding our neighborhood ducks, they are a little freaky and come right up close and hiss!At Fort Lauderdale Beach! Lots of fun but man we are white!

Now the exciting news that concludes my last post. We went to my 20 week ultrasound (I was still only 18 weeks). Everything was normal except our little one is not so little, measuring a little on the big side, yikes! Anyway they had a little trouble determining the gender because our baby was being private and the cord was between the legs. However after much deliberation they concluded our baby is 95% likely a GIRL!!!! Honestly I was a little surprised and Jared was a little bummed (that punk) but it all started sinking in and we started getting really excited soon after! Jared got me beautiful pink flowers and a card that night to reassure me that he was very excited for our baby girl, whom Brynnie (our pretend daughter for now) has affectionately named "Baby Princess!" (Jared was also the first to come home with a little pink sleeper).

We are SO excited for the summer adventures and even more excited about our Baby Princess!

I am a chubby bunny

2010-04-07T10:50:00.011-06:00

Has anyone played this camping game favorite? I will give you a brief run down of the rules: You put one marshmallow in your mouth and declare aloud, "I am a chubby bunny." Then the next few people participating do the same until it's back to you and you stuff another large, fluffy, mallow in your pie hole. Around and around you go until you have 7 in your mouth, you're trying not to gag, and yelling out, "I AM a chuubby mbuunny!!" (The game usually ends with marshmallow flying out your nose and mouth into the campfire while you try not to fall in from laughing so hard!)

Well the title is just about how I feel right now...chubby (and I thought the bunny part was appropriate what with Easter and all). I am 17 weeks along now and just feel fat. Don't get me wrong I am SO happy to be pregnant and I know I am only going to get fatter but I had to vent a little!

Also people, we are finding out the gender of our little one in one week!! Please make a guess (poll to the right) and leave me a comment if you wish. I am curious to find out what the consensus is! Now for the much *cough* anticipated belly pics!

Week 11: This was in the midst of the sickness. At this point it was very hard to even get dressed, let alone stand up straight and smile for the camera. I'd lost a few pounds also.

From week 11 to 15 nothing much happened. A lot of laying in bed and throwing up, I only really got dressed for my doc's appointment..
Week 16 I suddenly have a very pronounced belly! (Please ignore the crap in the background, we do attempt to clean.)
Week 17: I feel chubby but happy. The Chubby Bunny!

Long enough

2010-03-23T15:02:00.002-06:00

I guess I have waited long enough. I have no pictures which makes this post a little lack-luster, everything is better with pictures! But without further adieu: There will soon be three Zanks in our little party! We are VERY excited and will be expecting our little one sometime mid-September!

Also, if I haven't seen you or talked to you in awhile I promise there is a good reason! I have felt like I have been on my death bed, ok that's a little dramatic, but I have been very ill for the past 3 months. I *think* it's coming to the end of it's torment but only time will tell. I am 15 weeks and hoping things are looking up!

I am trying to do belly pics (for those of you who are interested). I haven't done many so far just for the fact that I didn't want to have to change into something other than an over-sized t-shirts for the snap shot. But I'll post those at some point.

Thanks for all the love and congrats I have already received!

Where to?

2010-01-27T12:16:00.002-07:00

It's that time again! Jared and I are moving for the Summer again for Jared's work. Last year was St. Paul, MN. I liked Minni. The weather was usually mild, we lived right off the Mississippi River and it was our first married Summer together.

This year is somewhere TOTALLY different! Any guesses..............?

That's right everyone who figured it out! That's a pic of Miami, Florida! It's gonna be hot, humid, and lots of fun!

If anyone feels like a vacation consider Florida and us! We would love to see anyone that might head out our way! We'll be leaving at the end of April for anyone wondering.

Christmas

2009-12-26T15:55:00.004-07:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year! This year was our first ever Zank Christmas! It was lots of fun and very different than all my past Christmases. I have to say being an adult now during christmas is strange and doesn't quite feel as enchanting but it's not all bad. Jared spoiled me of course (that's just what Jared does best)! And I got my wedding video!! That's right, Jared and I have been married 1 year and 4 months and I just received it but I don't care I love it! Here are a few pics. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Me and Rhi-bee on Christmas Eve.
Jared and I ( Jared's the one making the creepy face) Little Turtle as an elf. She makes a very cute one!

Jared being Jared Jared and his brothers on Christmas Eve.

On to 2010! That's gonna take some getting used to!

Zoe Meghan

2009-12-04T09:35:00.006-07:00

For the week of Thanksgiving J & I were in California @ M & M's so that I could attend the birth of my newest niece Zoe Meghan. It was truly a miracle! I have always heard that before and I have watched numerous birth videos with babies being born but actually being in the room when this little spirit was born was amazing! I cried instantaneously when I saw her. My sister did an incredible job! She had so much strength, she looked so tired after several hours of labor but was still going strong. The pushing is what truly amazed me because even though she was getting so exhausted she kept going with power!

The first pic of little Zoe with her Mama she only screamed for about 20 seconds.
The first pic with Daddy after getting weighed and cleaned up - 7 lbs 13 oz

Me with Zo, she was so little and calm and I was on a high from the spirit!

Zoe with Uncle Jared, she decided to be born on his birthday!

Children under the age of 16 were not aloud to come visit at the hospital so this is Zoe's first day home from the hospital and Reese wanted to hold her all the time. She always said "hold baby sister Zoe." She was very cute and gentle with her.
I don't remember her crying or fussing much but she probably did more than I recall.

At the hospital lookin' around.

One funny face at home while the family made a ginger bread house.

And you always have to have a yawning picture and this one was so cute!

Baby Zoe is such a cutie and I'm so glad I could be a part of her coming into this world! She has taught me much in the small time I have spent with her and she just makes me all the more anxious to have my own!

New Moon

2009-11-20T11:36:00.004-07:00

Last night I went to the midnight premiere of New Moon. It was FABULOUS! I am a sucker for movies with scenes that make me cry and this one was one of those movies! Just the depth of feeling that is portrayed in this movie is wonderful. Plus there was some eye candy!!

I'm not sure if you haven't read or enjoyed the books if the movie would be as enjoyable to you but I definitely enjoyed! Of course the movies are never as good as the books but they did a pretty good conversion of this one!

Felisha, Tara, and myself posing in our home-made team Edward and Jacob shirts. The back of our cut and tied shirts, if you can't read the back...that's a good thing!Felisha and me just waiting anxiously for the movie to start!

This is the first midnight showing I have ever been to and it was a lot of fun! I have NEVER seen a movie theater so crowded, especially with women ranging in age from 10 to 60! Ha ha what a fun night!

Little updates

2009-11-12T09:56:00.003-07:00

It's been a couple weeks since posting anything so I thought I'd post a little something. First off I got a job a few weeks ago. It's at an inbound call center and it is sales. Not really my thing but it's a job for the next five months until we leave again for the summer. To be completely honest I just can't wait to stay home with babies! Jared is doing some random odds and ends for people, some remodeling, and he is going to start knocking this weekend.

I can't wait for NEW MOON!! In one week I am going to go to the midnight showing and I'm super stoked! The next day or two after that Jared and I are heading out to the Bay Area, my sister's house! Meg is having her second baby and I will be there to help her and Mark along the way. This will be my first experience with child birth besides my doula training and reading the books. (For those of you who don't know, a doula is a trained labor companion.) I am VERY excited and hope I can do everything for the Mac's to help and encourage them!

I'm also excited for the holidays! This is my most favorite time of the year! First, Jared's birthday the day before Thanksgiving, then Thanksgiving with Meg's in-laws and then Christmas with the Zank's (including Stephen, Erika, and the Kid).

I guess this was actually an overview of the next month and a half rather than a recap but it's all I can think about lately! Happy holidays!

California fun

2009-10-24T10:46:00.002-06:00

We started our California adventure by driving to meghan & mark's house. We had so much fun with them! It was wonderful to see my sweet niece, Reese! She is so stinkin' cute, smart, and she is SO good! It's always nice to see The Mac's and live in there life for a few days. Meg is due in a few weeks and she looks so good! Can't wait for baby #2 to be here! Jared and I then drove down to my aunt & uncle McBeth's in Escondido to spend time and go to Disneyland. Well, J & I were both a little surprised by D-land. We both have not been in so long we had forgot what it was really like. Lets just say the thrill was not there for these two thrill seekers. We also were expecting to see all the characters roaming the park. Not ONE! None the less we had fun and next time we won't go until we have kids.

All the Halloween decorations and flowers were fun though!

Tarzan's tree house was fun to run (and jump) through!

Then we spent a whole day at the beach with the Rindi's, that was fun! I'm so glad they came out and we were able to do a few things together! Everything is more fun with friends! J & Mike went out into the ocean and boogie-boarded for hours while the girls hung out on the beach and played in the sand and waded in the water. It was lots lots of fun and we worked up an appetite! Hence, we went to Pat & Oscars Italian restaurant, which was pretty delish!

Jared being a seaweed monster. Brynlee was a little scared of him and then thought it was pretty funny. Jared ended up finding tons of baby starfish in the seaweed and tried to save them by putting them in our dug-out swimming pool! Baby girl pretty beat and mellow after being at Del Mar beach all day long!

It was a fun trip and I can't wait to head out again! Thanks to Meghan and Mark and Kent and Karen for being our gracious hosts and taking good care of us!

Camping

2009-09-30T11:33:00.003-06:00

If you know me and my blogging this post won't have many words but here are several pics:

Sweet pic of the fire.

The men being men, they chopped wood the whole time. I think all in all we burned half the trees in the forest ;).

A little piece of nature.

Jac and I out exploring, one of my favorite camping activities!

We didn't have a chance for camping all Summer, seeing as we were in another state and my hubby was working his butt off day in and day out. So as soon as he got home about 2 weeks ago we have been camping quite a bit! We LOVE camping and are glad we got to go this year for a little bit.

We spent our days hiking/exploring, playing games, chatting, and just enjoying the great outdoors. We spent our nights roasting mallows for s'mores, playing murder mystery games and trying to keep warm while snoozing.

Can't wait to go again (and no Jared that doesn't mean snow camping, ICK!)!

Best surprise!

2009-09-15T22:14:00.003-06:00

My husband is home!! He wasn't going to be home for another 5 days but to my complete and blissful surprise he got home on Sunday! That was one of the best days ever! I was totally shocked and so happy I nearly cried... ok I shed a tear or two but I come on, that was the longest I'd ever gone without seeing him.

We have some vacations planned including LOTS of camping and California/Disneyland. I'm really excited to have some R & R with the best man in the world!

Today he surprised me with a make-up date for our anniversary. He took me to lunch to the same place we went for our first date (Johnny Carino's) and then to a massage. Massages are my most favorite thing and he totally spoiled me! Thanks my dear for being so amazing!

And here is a random pic because pics are great!

Home Sweet Home

2009-09-07T14:09:00.003-06:00

Our welcome home BBQ on the Zank side. The Zank boys lovin' on eachother.

Mama and I enjoyin' our Watermelon in the delicious Utah outdoors (delicious because it's evening).

Destiny and David, they have grown so much and become so smart!

I have been home now for just over a week. It's great! However, I had forgot about a few things...
1. Terrible allergies
2. Exhausting heat
3. The oh so dry air!

But am grateful for a few as well...
1. Not wanting/needing GPS just to get around town
2. Able to see friends and family anytime
3. My favorite Utah only restaurants (Kneaders, Village Baker, etc.).

Yesterday was also our 1 year anniversary. My hubby is not here with me for another week and a half, which is no fun! But ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right? But he scored brownie points by having a huge bouquet of beautiful flowers left at the front door and a lovey dovey letter! I can't believe it has been a year and the best of my life. I love my Mr. Zank!

What a hottie!

Da Club

2009-08-22T18:44:00.004-06:00

So I haven't been out "clubbin" since I before I was married.. It is not the same. PeriodJared has definitely got the moves! Infact some of the other couples just came to see him get down and dirty on the dance floor and he didn't disappoint. (He actually split his pants within the first 10 minutes from doing the jumping splits!)

Here's a few of the ladies: Patty, April, Denielle, and yours truely (how'd I end up looking like the tall one?).

Winding down

2009-08-15T16:54:00.003-06:00

It's nearly here. I can almost taste the dry air and feel the elevated atmosphere. When the days will have a different structure and going out with "the wives" will have an entirely different meaning. Driving to the store will take little effort and driving almost anywhere else within the vicinity will be pleasant without the need of GPS instruction. Seeing family spontaneously will be nearly too easy and seeing how loved one's have changed will be priceless.

Leaving St. Paul will be bitter sweet but definitely more sweet! The bitter part will be separating from all the friends we've made and the fun we've had. The sweet part will be to see family and my husband on a more than occasional basis.

I have learned how much I really love Utah. It is a great place to live. I'm sure I could live many places and be happy but I think Utah is where my heart is, at least for now.

We'll be heading home in two weeks! However, Jared will be turning around and hopping right back on a plane to Cleveland for the two weeks after that:( I'll survive but it will be tough.

Utah here I come!

A tribute to...

2009-07-27T12:40:00.003-06:00

Brynlee! She is my "pretend baby." Her parents are our best friends are Jared and I like to pretend she's our little one because she is so stinkin' cute! Also because we miss our nieces and nephews! Brynners is so very smart and advanced for her age (I can brag about her a lot because she's not actually my child). She is a very tiny little person but she makes up for it in attitude! We love you Bynner-boo! Mom (Felisha) teaches Brynlee everything, that's why she's so smart!

Us hangin' out outside (Brynlee's favorite thing to do) and eating some snacks.

She is such a dare devil and Mike (dad) and Jared encourage it!

Brynlee and Tommy (her wanna-be-boyfriend). Don't they look like they belong on the cover of a Gap kids magazine?

Miss Brynnie Mouse! Ha ha we found this awesome bow at an accessory store in the Mall of America and it was HUGE, as you can see! I really want to see a grown woman wear this! It would be the highlight of my Summer! So if anyone would like to go and get it and wear it for me and take some pics that would be fabulous!

I hope some day my kids will be as cute as Brynlee! We'll keep our fingers crossed!

24th not in Utah...

2009-07-24T11:02:00.002-06:00

The 24th of July is, of course, not a big deal if you are not in Utah. But I really enjoy the 24th! I used to go down to a little place called Elmo, they had a wonderful parade and dance. It's always good to have family and tradition!
I just want to express my gratitude for the saints that have gone on before me. They were strong pioneers who endured so much trial, heartache, and sadness. However, on the other hand, they were greatly blessed by the Lord and I am sure they are "happily ever after."
Happy Pioneer Day!!

Much belated happy 4th!

2009-07-21T16:27:00.003-06:00

We were lucky enough to have fireworks to watch right outside our apartments! So that is what we did! It was a really good show, I wish there were fireworks every weekend!

Mike decided he could be in our picture and pull a "Mike face," with a firework about to explode in the background.

Beautiful fireworks being observed by little Tommy on the bottom.

Jared and Greg teaching each other a few football moves.

This is our backyard! Sweet, right? This is our little piece of the Mississippi. All of these boats came in for the show, they were quite a scene as well! At the end of the fireworks they all blew there horns in a kind of send off. It was a great 4th of July, the only thing missing, for me, was the patriotic music. It's just not a holiday to me without a little music to go along. But all in all very enjoyable!

Valley fair amusement park

2009-06-30T11:32:00.002-06:00

We got to go to an amusement park! Our office won some competition and this was our reward! It was basically like Utah's "Lagoon." It wasn't huge but we had a lot of fun! Jared and I had not been to an amusement park together and it was a great experience.

Here we are on an extreme swing! It was huge and awesome! You'd get to the top of the pique and your stomach was in your throat! I love that feeling!
(Hap, Jas, Felisha, me, & Janelle) Mike and Felisha enjoying the day.

The boys playing hacky. They play ALL the time!

Brynlee and I. Brynlee is saying cheese and clearly enjoying her cotton candy.

Funnel cake! Believe it or not neither Jared or I have ever had this scrumptious piece of heavenly fried, artery clogging, dynomatic desert! We LOVED it to say the least. It was the highlight of our week (name that movie?).

All in all a very fun filled day with lots of thrill rides, blood curdling screams, sun burns, fatty foods, and people watching. Oh, come on, you can't say you don't do that at amusement parks!

Minne scenery

2009-06-23T20:29:00.003-06:00

This is what I see when I go on walks: Our apartments and down town St. Paul in the background.

Minnesota has A LOT of vegetation and gardens are not in short supply!

So, all the little fuzzies you blow when you make a wish, I swear they end up in Minnesota! They're gathered up everywhere, along the sidewalks and just floating through the air - apparently they can travel up to 500 miles in 1 day! Just ask chacha (or Kara).

A bridge by our temporary home. I have never seen so much water!

We also see lots of trains and old train tracks.

Basically just another day and another walk along the streets. I like St. Paul.

Crock pot granola

2009-06-17T10:59:00.002-06:00

It's official! I am a Utahish house wife. I am posting blogs about cooking granola in a crock pot. It's strange, really, to think of myself that way..I kind of like it. Anywho, this is some yummy granola that I made in my crock pot and I thought others might like the idea.

What's in it?
1. 5 cups oats (just regular quick oats/rolled oats/oat meal)
2. 1 cup flax seed
3. 3/4 cup coconut flakes
4. 3/4 cup slivered almonds
5. 1 stick butter (melted)
6. 3/4 cup honey
7. 3/4 cup dried cranberries
Really you can add anything you like or take out what you don't. These are my preferences. I don't actually ever measure anything so if the measurements seem really off to you feel free to change it up!
Mix everything (I leave the cranberries out until the last 30 mins).
Cook on high for 4 hours, stirring frequently (about every 15 minutes) and vent by sticking a wooden spoon under lid. This isn't clumpy like trail mix granola, its more like cereal. I love it with milk. I think for it to clump you have to add A LOT more butter and honey. Oh, and if the cranberries are in the whole time they get really hard instead of chewy.

After the 4 hours and a lot of stirring (if you don't stir enough it'll burn) and when it's golden brown, dump out and spread on a piece of parchment paper. let cool and dry out, stick it in a zip lock or sealable container! You're done! Enjoy!

I have this for breakfast nearly every morning after making it! I really like it and I think it's pretty healthy aside from the stick of butter;)

The zoo

2009-06-06T19:06:00.002-06:00

I love the zoo and there is a HUGE one here in Minneapolis. We were there for hours and still didn't see everything! We'll be back.
Here's Brynners looking at the prairie dogs. They were one
of her favorite and she didn't want to leave them.
Brynlee feeding a goat. She is such a dare devil and not scared of anything!

She didn't even flinch when the goat ate out of her willing fingers. Anisten clearly having a good time!

Emery is waving to the most awesome grizzly bear ever! He just swam back and forth in front of the glass for the 10 minutes we stood there in awe of this large and usually scary animal and looked like he wanted to play.

And a final pic for you animal lovers. Doesn't this monkey look so cute with its long white mustach?

Definitly another visit to the zoo soon!

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T13:01:00.003-06:00

What a wonderful and sentimental holiday. Today is a day to remember all those brave men and woman who have served to keep this country free. I cannot express in words my gratitude for them.

I have always been patriotic and tend to shed a tear or two when I hear the Star Spangled Banner. I love to put my hand over my heart, look at the red, white, and blue flag and say the words of the pledge of allegiance. I don't know if I have really done that very often since elementary school but I think it should be done more frequently.

I personally want to thank everyone who has served our country and fought to keep it free! I can't stand to think where we would be without our service men and women. Freedom surely is not free!

In my naive way I truly wish there was peace world wide. But it cannot be so. For I know it will, in fact, only get worse with wars and rumors of wars. I pray in my heart that we will not lose our freedom, and that peace will last much longer in this great country. I also feel more strongly than ever that we as a people and human kind (not just Americans) need to pull together! That we can spread hope and charity to those without.

“Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err. It passes my comprehension how human beings, be they ever so experienced and able, can delight in depriving other human beings of that precious right.” -Mahatma Gandhi

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

BBQ

2009-05-19T08:17:00.006-06:00

So I had wrote a whole post about our BBQ and put comments by pics but for some odd reason it erased everything. So now you get just pics and use your imagination of what I could have said on this post. Or go to Rindyfamily.blogspot.com to get the scoop from the Rindy's.

Stuff to do in minne

2009-05-08T19:15:00.004-06:00

I really like minnesota. It's a fairly green place and the temp has been pretty mild. Not too hot and not too cold, just my style. Some rainy days but I like the rain!
So "what," you may ask, "is there to do in the twin cities of minnesooda?"(I'm working on my accent.) Well, a few things (besides working 24/7 which is pretty much what Jared does). Yesterday the ladies and babies went to the children's museum (all of us except Felisha and Bryners because Brynlee is a lazy bum and slept til freakin noon!). It was really fun to see the girls exploring and being inventive!
Here is Afton loving the water and little balls floating in the water

Anisten with the cutest grin ever! I think she might actually be starting to like me!

Bailey (sorry Janelle I'm not sure how you spell her name) with a Charlie Brown character.

Emery playing in the water. She loved just getting her hands wet and then going to the air dryer and drying them and back to the water again.

Ha ha Tara being a dead turtle. Oh this was really funny to me!! Tara as a turtle...just funny.

So, the Charlie Brown picture - well there are charlie Brown statues and characters everywhere all over down town St. Paul (which is where we live). We think the writer must be from here. I haven't researched it but I think thats the deal. I'll take some pics and post at some point

Mostly keeping busy with work at the moment and still settling in a bit. I haven't even driven here yet. I just happen to always catch a ride with someone, which is pretty nice because the roads and freeways here are numerous and crazy!

I'll try to keep ya'll updated on what's going on out here but not much to report for the time being.

2009-04-27T21:36:00.003-06:00

The drive out was long! But I will not make the post long. So far I like Minnesota. We are in nice, new apartments and live right off the Mississippi river. It isn't humid yet but I hear it will be. So far we've just all been hangin out having dinners together and playing games. I think it will be a fun summer!
Here's Brynlee gettin dada's shades on to start cruisin away out of Park city, our first of many stops.

The open road of Wyoming and the nothingness of it. We didn't like Wyoming much.

We stopped for just a minute at Martin's cove. All I can say is that would be a LONG walk!

Seeing Mt Rushmore for the first time was pretty sweet. I was in a wheel chair here (and most of our stops) but I had to stand up for a descent pic. I was seriously gimpy for the trip.

We also saw a wild mountain goat that was just hangin around the monument, that was the highlight for the kids that were in our group.

The final sunset before getting to our new home. Home sweet home.....for now, calm down mom!

Birthday

2009-04-27T21:09:00.002-06:00

Ok, here is my quick birthday post but there are pics so they explain what I can't. I am now 23! I know that sounds young to most but I feel kind of old. I guess that happens to everyone but as long as I am young at heart that is all that matters, right?
Birthday weekend started with:

Birthday dinner at Applebees with the girls (it was Marni's birthday that day).

Then I had birthday cake Saturday night made by Felisha but above is my birthday cake that I had at Jared's mom's. She also made us dinner. Thanks!

Then horse back riding at Mike's parents. I've never been on a horse before.

And thats what happens, apparently, when you've never been on a horse and it takes off running. Happy birthday to me!

You like the candles? Yes, they say I'm 78...or 87, I'm not sure.

Birthdays & Easter

2009-04-11T12:17:00.002-06:00

We had a combined birthday/Easter get together. It was lovely! It was a combined birthday for Noni (my grandma), Tina (sister), and myself (that's me;). Also this was the last time Jared and I will see my fam til we get back from the summer (in Sept). We put together our own sandwiches and had finger foods. We Played games and of course had birthday cake (pink with sprinkles, I love it girly!). It's weird to think it's already Easter! This year is flying!

Rhi-bee and me!! She's so stinkin' cute!
Poppi and turtle
Bree and Tina, I don't know what they are singing but it looks pretty funny!

The three birthday girls!

Thanks for putting the shin-dig together mom and dad!

Good bye Gold's

2009-04-11T11:50:00.003-06:00

Sad day! Oh how i'll miss this job and my clients! This is by far the funnest, best job I've ever had! I have built some great relationships and I hope I have motivated a few souls to be a little healthier and a little happier.

This job has also motivated me to be a healthier person and I hope I never lose sight of that.
Thanks to all of my wonderful clients and friends! You have made this job fabulous and fun!
Below are a few pics of some of my closest clients who I now call friends!

Good luck with staying motivated to gets those butts in the gym and those bellies a little tighter! Love you all!

Vegas baby!

2009-04-06T21:25:00.005-06:00

Vegas was super fun! I'm not necessarily the biggest fan of "vacationing" in Las Vegas but I had a blast this time. It was actually a business trip for Jared and his co-workers, so not really a vacation as much for them as it was for the wives who weren't working. Us wives got to play. We went shopping at the outlet malls and hung out at our hotel, some of us got to read and relax a bit, and we pretty much ate out for every meal which sounds fun, and is at first, but by the end I wanted a light, home-cooked meal!

The last night the whole gang (Husbands, wives, and single guys and gals) got to go to dinner at Planet Hollywood! It was yummy and really fun! We all just talked and laughed a lot. We also had a magician come to our tables and give us a show, which was freakin sweet! I don't know how that magician did it but I was very impressed. His name is Star Alexander if you ever get a chance to eat there and see a magician, try to find him.

This is J getting punched by Rocky.
Yup, that's my husband!

These are the boys at Nike Town with there brand new, paid for, pairs of sick Nikes! They were SO excited when they found out that they all got new shoes even though they didn't all get sales. They all worked hard and deserved it. Good job guys!

Here are a few of the girls just being silly, we're girls, thats what we do!

We also had a couple babies with our crew. Here is Cavy lookin at the fishies in side Ceasar's Palace (he totally looks like a Gap model when he smiles!). We also had 3 month old baby Anisten with us and she was adorable!

The drive home was with the Morgan clan. It always seem to take longer to get home then estimated. But we had a good drive and Cavington did really well.

Seriously fun trip and now I am even more excited about Minni!

Oh, I also bought clothes, yes me! Can you believe it? I don't think I've bought any clothing since Jared and I met. Note the green flats in the jumping pic, lovin em!

So turns out Vegas can be more than gambling, drinking, and scantily clad girlies!

For sale

2009-03-27T20:45:00.004-06:00

I am a little sad about losing this! I LOVE my vstar!

I have put this beauty on the market. In a way I feel like I am putting my thrill seeking ambitions behind me...or at least hiding them for now. I know it is right for us right now but it's hard.

Getting on my motorcycle and pulling back on that throttle, hearing the exhaust roar...aaahh.. freedom! Weaving switch backs in the canyons with head phones in the ears, listening to one of my favorite layed back tunes or some old rock, whew, gives me chills thinkin' about it! Seriously, I don't know if anything has made me feel more free. I feel in control at the same time as feeling like any thing could happen at any moment. I'll admit motorcycles are scary. People don't see you and you have to assume you're invisible to everyone but none the less exhilarating.

Anyway, if any of you know anyone looking for a fun ride leave me a comment please!

Minnesota, dontcha know?

2009-03-24T22:11:00.007-06:00

So...We're moving. Just for the Summer and I am really excited!
I have never lived outside Utah as an adult and I think I'll quite like it!
I hear it is humid and we'll need jackets for the first month out there. The humidity will definitely be something different for me and I'm not sure yet how I feel about it, I guess I'll let ya know in a month or two.

If anyone has lived there or even visited let us know your thoughts. Thanks!

WHAT THE CRAP IS THIS!!

2009-03-23T21:28:00.002-06:00

I have no idea what is going on with these things, all I know is now some one else can "blog stalk" us now. Of course Kellee will continue to "stalk" people but that is ok. Enjoy reading suckers!!

First

2009-03-23T19:18:00.000-06:00

Wow setting up a blog is incredibly easy!
Well you've found us. We are Jared and Kellee and have never done this before, so be patient with us.