Red Mango

One word: De-lish! I've been waiting anxiously to try the all-natural, fat free, and healthy frozen treat from Red Mango for months now. And since I was in charge of Family Home Evening last night, I made sure we went.

It is super light and very refreshing. Unlike other frozen yogurt, this actually tastes like yogurt. And it's one of three brands of yogurt that has natural and active cultures. It's not too sweet, and somewhat tart. So, if you're not a fan of regular yogurt, you probably won't like this frozen treat.

My first experience consisted of the original yogurt with strawberries and dark chocolate chips. And my next experience will consist of raspberries and fresh granola. Mmmmm, yummy! I can't wait to go back.

The Miracle of Life...In Our Basement

Yesterday, I decided to make some cookies to take to our neighbors to thank them for letting us borrow some of their syrup. So while I was doing the dishes, I sent Chris downstairs to return the syrup and deliver the cookies.

The next thing I know, he's yelling at me to come down. I turn off the water and set the dish towel on the counter and walk down the stairs into our backyard. As soon as I got into the neighbor's doorway, I saw what all the fuss was about...A NEW BABY GIRL!

Our neighbors decided to have their baby at home with a midwife (needless to say, I've been a nervous wreck since I found out a few months ago). She went into labor late Saturday night and had the baby around 3:30 a.m. The craziest part is that we didn't hear a thing! We were sure that we'd hear the poor girl screaming in pain, or the husband screaming for help, yet we slept right through it (even though she did confess to screaming a little bit).

The baby is beautiful and the parents are so excited. Here's to my brave neighbor who is Superwoman!

In Case of a Fashion Emergency

As many of you may know, I have worked in an office setting for quite some time (11 years to be exact!). Over the years, I have had the opportunity to become familiar with various office supplies, and have definitely learned that the use of such supplies extends to more than just their intended function. Quite honestly, the possibilities are endless.

To prove my point, I would like to share ways in which I have utilized office supplies for fashion emergencies.

1. Glue Sticks: a run in your nylons. If you don't have any clear nail polish handy, just rub a little glue on the run, and it should hold for several hours. I suggest, however, that you use the glue stick in an inconspicuous place, because the glue will dry and leave a pasty residue behind.

2. Pens/Pencils: a bad hair day. Heaven knows I've had my fair share of bad hair days and haven't had access to a clip or a tie. Therefore, just pull your hair back, wrap the pen/pencil around and tuck tightly. Voila--instant updo!

3. Tape/Paperclips/Staples: fabric mishaps. I have used tape and paperclips on more than one occasion to remedy a loose hem. There's nothing worse than realizing that your pant cuff has come undone and one of your pant legs is longer than the other. Also, I suggest using a stapler to secure loose fabric, as well. Just make sure you don't staple the fabric to your skin. Ouch!

4. Permanent Markers: scuffed shoes. If you happen to scuff the toes of your shoes, just whip out a Sharpie. This works wonders on shoes of odd color, such as red. My red shoes look as good as new after a quick swipe of the Sharpie.

So, what fashion emergencies have you solved with random supplies?

"Rise and shout, the Cougars are out..."

BYU vs. Northern Iowa, 41-17








"Rah, rah, rah, rah, rah
Rah, rah, rah, rah, rah
Rah, rah, rah, rah ,rah

GOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Cougars!"

"I see where they're going with this..."

Who ever thought pop tarts could be so funny?! Brian Regan, apparently. And I'm sure glad he did--along with everything else he thinks is funny.

It's safe to say that Lindsy and I had a fabulous time at the show last night! I laughed so hard that my cheeks hurt and it was a riot to be surrounded by people that were having as much fun as we were. I'm a simple person--give me a cheeseburger, a milkshake and Brian Regan and I'm good to go!

Thanks for the laughs, Brian. I look forward to your next trip to Utah :)

My New Obsession

Just when I thought cleaning couldn't get any better, I go and buy a steam cleaner, and discover a whole new level of cleaning satisfaction! Suffice it to say, I have found a new obsession--my Euro-Pro Shark Super Steamer!

I've always loved watching the infomercials that demonstrate the power and effectiveness of steam cleaning (I'm such a sucker for infomercials). So when Chris and I were shopping at BB&B with our wedding gift cards, I decided to splurge and buy something that I wouldn't normally buy. And I'll tell you what, my friends, that was the best purchase I've made in a long time.

I have been wanting to use my steamer for quite awhile, but I've never found the right time to do so. Our walls and baseboards have been in dire need of cleaning ever since we moved in, especially because our apartment was previously occupied by a family with 2 year-old triplets. I bet you can imagine the grit and grime that are present in the nooks and crannies of our home.

Well, in preparation for our ice cream celebration this weekend, I decided now was as good a time as any. After work last night, while Chris and I were enjoying a romantic dinner at home (okay, not really romantic), I told him of my plans for busting out the steam cleaner. Instead of sharing in my enthusiasm and excitement for cleaning, however, he decided to go camping with his buddy. Typical.

After doing the dishes, paying the bills, and switching the laundry, I decided it was time to pull out the steamer. I was a little apprehensive, mostly because I wasn't really sure what to expect and I didn't want to be disappointed if my results weren't as great as the ones they portrayed on TV. Honestly, I couldn't have been more pleased.

I am proud to say that I successfully steamed and cleaned the door and all of the baseboards in my bathroom (which, by the way, were the absolute worst). And to my joy and satisfaction, they are cleaner than I ever thought possible. It was like I had reached a new cleaning high! I am convinced that with a little steam and a quick swipe of a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, just about any surface can and will be completely transformed.

I awoke this morning with a new outlook on cleaning, and smiled to myself each time I admired my work. I just can't wait to go home and do some more. I'm afraid Chris is in for a rude awakening when he realizes what I want to do all weekend :)

Personal Rejuvination

I wish I could share this incredible experience that I've had recently with personal rejuvination, but instead, I am going to plead for some ideas on how to obtain it. Now, before I go any further, let me just clarify that I'm a happy person and I enjoy most aspects of my life most of the time :)

To say that I'm exhausted is an understatement! I have reached a point in my life where I feel like I am quickly losing control. I have so many obligations to fulfill and simply not enough time to do them all. Between work, household chores/projects, Young Womens, babysitting, couple time, family time, social time, errands, etc., I am completely spent (and I don't even have kids yet!). There are very few days when I feel like I've completed all that needed to be done, and more often than not, I start off my day feeling overwhelmed.

Like I said before, I am a happy person and I am very pleased with this stage in my life. But I've also realized that I have allowed my life to control me, instead of me controlling my life. I feel like I have given up on many things I like to do, so that I have enough time/energy to do the things I need to do. Case in point: I haven't had a day off work (excluding holidays) since our wedding. And quite honestly, that wasn't much of a vacation. So really, it's been a year since I went to Florida last summer, and that was the last real "vacation" I've had. I was finally able to convince Chris that we needed to get away for the weekend, so we are going to St. George in August. Other than that, my friends, I have nothing to look forward to. How sad!

So, it is with deep sincerity that I plead for your help. I need some ideas of how to find and spend more time for myself, without having to jeopardize any of my obligations, or feeling guilty about it. And I would love to say that I'll just give up on everything else for a few days, but you all know that I could never do that (my OCD would kick in before I was able to enjoy anything!).

Feel free to leave your suggestions and comments. I would love to hear how you cope with the various stages of your lives.

LDSP + Provo River = FUN

Vision Conference

I have had the wonderful opportunity of starting my new job this week. And while I still don't feel totally at home yet, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful opportunity that I have been given to work for the Church.

I was hired just in time to attend the annual "Vision Conference," wherein I was able to meet and associate with some of the best people that I have ever worked with. As you may or may not know, in order to work for the church, you have to hold a current temple recommend, or be temple recommend worthy. Consequently, you can probably already the caliber and character of people that I now work with.

During the last two days, I was blessed to be in the presence of many great leaders: Pres. Samuelson (BYU), Pres. Clark (BYU-I), Pres. Woodhouse (LDS Bus. College), Elder Kerr (former Commissioner of CES and current President of the Logan UT Temple), Bishop Edgely (of the Presiding Bishopric), and countless others, including directors, team members and staff associates of LDS Philanthropies. It is quite obvious to me that the Lord has called these specific men and women to serve in these capacities for a reason.

I also know that I have been hired for a very specific reason. I was told by the HR Director on my first day that I was an answer to prayer. She told me that each and every employee with the Church is there for a reason, whatever it may be, and that the Lord has control over it all. I will admit, I'm not quite sure why I was hired; but it has become my personal mission to figure out why--whether it is for my own growth and benefit, or for the growth and benefit of others. And after having spent an incredible two days being uplifted and spiritually strengthened, I am even more determined to make the most of this experience.

I also wanted to publicly share my testimony with all of you. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know Jesus Christ came to this earth, that He served, He loved, He sacrificed, and He died for us. I know that the Plan of Salvation is ordained of God, and that by keeping the commandments, being faithful, and honoring my covenants, I will one day be in the presence of my Heavenly Father again.

I am so grateful for the wonderful insight and strength I was able to receive this week. I know that the power of the Lord is evident in my life, and I have a newfound desire to be a little better each day.

Thank you all for your love and support. I truly have been blessed with a wonderful family and exceptional friends.

Introducing Baby Haisley!

Just wanted to announce the exciting arrival of Haisley Hoen! She is the new daughter of my cousin, Melissa, and her husband, Brad. Missy was scheduled for a C-Section on June 2nd, but Haisley apparently had plans of her own. She was born at 10:03 this morning and weighs 6lb. and 15oz. (tiny, little thing!). If she's anything like her big sister, Halle, she's going to be one of the cutest baby girls I know!

Congrats, Hoen family!