The Kofford Clan

And the winner is....

2011-06-04T17:22:00.000-06:00

So I got in a fight with the scissors....

This is how it went down.

In one corner we have, Natalie "I never do my hair cuz I have a horse's mane" Kofford.And in the other corner we have, Scissors "I'm sharper than I look and will shred your hair to bits" McGee. (And holding those scissors is cute Baylee "I swear, you should have done this a long time ago cuz you never do your hair" Merriwether, who cuts my hair, love her.)

We really got into it...real down n' dirty.

Scissors "10 wigs will be made with hair I just cut off" McGee=1

Natalie "I'm ten pounds lighter now" Kofford=0
To be completely honest, it wasn't fair fight.

How Dogs and Babies are Alike

2011-05-17T09:29:00.019-06:00

After being a mother for almost a year and a dog owner for a little over a year, I've had plenty of experience to compare the two responsibilities, Mother vs. Pet Parent. While I thoroughly enjoy one of these two responsibilities (I'll let you guess which one...), I've come to the conclusion that they are similar in some ways. I give you the following examples....

Both babies and dogs follow you around everywhere...even to the bathroom.
Both babies and dogs make BIG stinks...

Balls are a favorite of babies and dogs....and apparently dads...

Babies and dogs are both obsessed with and slightly scared of the vacuum.

Babies and dogs both love dog food.

Slobbery kisses are in abundance with both babies and dogs.

Babies and dogs like to chew on/destroy stuff... Like halloween costumes or $500.00 polar ice machines used to wrap around your knee after you had surgery.....(I'll let you figure out who did what....)Babies and dogs are BOTH loved by JJ. (The same cannot be said of me, I would throw myself in front of a bus for one and..well...notsomuch for the other...)

Both babies and dogs have some pretty cool tricks, including "Shake", "Sit", "Patty Cake", "Wave bye bye". (Again, I will let you guess who does what...)
The floors are kept clean by babies and dogs, they eat whatever random edible and unedible objects they find on the floor.
Babies and dogs love to be outside and cry when you take them inside. (I'm going for the frazzledMother look here....and pulling it off tremendously, might I add.)
Toilets are a great novelty to both babies and dogs. Can't seem to keep their noses or grubby hands out of them....
You will never feel so loved as in the mornings with both babies and dogs. They are SO excited to see you. "Hey! Its you again! I haven't seen you all night!"

Now I'm no expert on babies and dogs, I've only had both for about a year, so take my observations with a grain of salt. Who knows what similarities I'll find with another year's experience....

Sane and Happy

2011-04-21T21:10:00.015-06:00

Where in the world have we been? I could go on and on about how busy we are but really, whose life isn't busy? So rather than make excuses, blah, blah, blah, I'm going to show you what's keeping us sane and happy these days...Introducing the B-meister to Temple Square...Nothing makes me happier than my little family.

Eating some grass here and there. Hey if it makes you happy kid...Celebrating three whole years! Can you believe it? Me neither, I thought for sure, he would have kicked me to the curb by now....Go figure. Who knew this kid would make me so happy?Dad getting the little man ready for church. Nothin says happy like a mohawk for church.We just can't seem to leave Sadie's food alone. Its just so darn tasty! (Look at his mouth, pretty sure he has a kibble or two in there.) Yep, dog food certainly brings happiness in our house.Hanging out with "Team Grandpa" and the official "Team Grandpa" Mascot....Grandpa. We're so happy we made the cut to be on this team.Crazy ol flowers popping up like they think its spring or something. Certainly makes me happy.Doing manly stuff like biting each other....in our manly hats....Brings happiness, for sure.Yep, we're pretty darn happy. (Cept for JJ, he's notsohappy in this picture...I guess he's onhisdeathbedcuzhefeelssosick in a happy sort of way....)

An Achilles heel

2011-01-27T20:59:00.006-07:00

A story:

So I love trail mix. Especially the fruit and nut mix from Costco. (pictured below) I think its an Achilles heel of mine. That and ice cream (I have successfully converted JJ to my love of all things creamy and icy.).....that and chips and salsa. Yes, I do love those things...so much. All three would make a complete meal: protein, fruit, vegetables, grains, and dairy! That's nutrition!

Fortunately, (or maybe UNfortunately) JJ also loves those things. Now allow me to digress for a bit, JJ savors and enjoys his food, I however, devour it. I don't know if its the nurse in me (I usually only have about 10 minutes at work to hork down my meal) or what but I always finish my food before JJ. And more often than not, this leads to me eating my third helping of something while he is still enjoying the second bite. To which I say, survival of the fittest man, survival of the fittest.

Anywhos, so its goes like this...JJ buys this trail mix on a Friday. We both munch on it over the weekend. (You can imagine the regularity going at our house.) Its good stuff!

Annnnnd on Wednesday, it looks like this.....Turns out the dried kiwis in the fruit and nut mix are NOT an Achilles heel.

Sorry man. You just can't buy things like this and leave them at the house and expect me to keep my grubby hands off em. But look at the upside! I saved all these kiwis for you!

The End.

What have we been doing lately?

2011-01-11T19:38:00.006-07:00

We've been swimming in St. George with Ma and Pop (yowsas, I have a lotta hair!)

Kicking Ma and Pop's trash at Sequence (they did however give us a good beating at Quiddler)

Getting boogies in our hair

Pooping right out of our drawers
Showing off some serious cheeks.
Celebrating the number 28 (the only way we know how) with a generous scoop of ice cream.
We've been so busy, we had to find a way to de-stress.
The downward dog seems to calm us right down. :)

A New Superhero

2010-12-20T10:29:00.005-07:00

We have a new superhero at our house....Meet Captain Awesome.And he is, indeed, pretty dang awesome.Off to save the world I guess...

A Thanksgiving Equation

2010-11-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

Take one bum knee...

Divided by a sniffling/coughing/runny nose/droopy drawers/cute little bug...

Minus one hacking/nettie pot using/Barry White sounding/sneezing/tired husband...

Multiplied by good food....

and even better family....

Plus lots of support from friends, neighbors, and family....

One Thankful Girl

This is what happens when I cook meat....

2010-11-11T14:14:00.004-07:00

Please let me in....please....could we have some?

A Halloween Recipe

2010-10-30T09:46:00.005-06:00

Meet the lunch ladies....

They have sezzy knee highs...

And pretty beauty marks...
They have a special recipe. First take a little bit of this...

Add a little bit of this...

And you get this..."The cutest fry sauce you'll ever taste." (This "costume"-as expensive as it was-lasted for all of two seconds before he ate 1/4th of it.)

We went all out for halloween this year. :)

And for good measure, some other cute spooks...

Happy Halloween.... word.

some old family photos...

2010-10-25T16:24:00.005-06:00

The Kofford Clan, in our Sunday best.

Oh how we love to rough-house..... First comes rough-housing, then comes.....

"I love sittin in my nakies posing for pictures."

"Man, this sittin up thing is hard work. I think I'll rest on this sign for a bit."

"What? The sign has no support! A little help here Ma?"
"You're really going to just laugh and take pictures?"
"So help me... I'm going to yoink that camera with my grubby little hands."

Abs of Steel

2010-09-27T19:49:00.005-06:00

Look at my strength. I am a physical specimen to behold.

This six pack doesn't just get like that on its own you know.

Family Photo

2010-09-21T19:06:00.002-06:00

JJ and I are taking our first family photo this year.....I'm thinking something along these lines.

Who knew?

2010-09-13T14:08:00.000-06:00

So I feel like I haven't anything real "blogworthy" to write about lately. Which has gotten me thinking (a dangerous past time, I know)...who do I blog for anyway? Do I blog so other people will see how awesome my life is and wish they had my hot husband and super cute little man? I never wanted my blog to turn into one of those, mybabyisthecutestbabyandsoismysuperhothusbandandiamthebestmomandyouallshouldbejealous blogs. (Although, in all reality, I do have a super awesome husband and super awesome little man and you all should be a little jealous of that) I guess I'm going through some sort of blog identity crisis.
In an attempt to break the writers block, I am going to blog about motherhood. I know, I know many of you are thinking. "What? You've been a mother for all of two minutes and you think you know enough to blog about it?" And my answer to that is...yes. Well, what I know of motherhood anyway. :)
Disclaimer: I am in no way claiming that I am a perfect mother or that my husband is perfect or that my child is perfect. I'm not complaining either, merely observing and stating the facts. I just call it like I see it. So here are some things I have learned about motherhood, my husband, my son, and myself this summer.

-I've never been so consistently sleep deprived. I am a nurse and I understand being tired (read: nightshifts) but little did I know that May 23rd was my last night of more than 5-6 hours of sleep. Now pre-motherhood, you wouldn't want to come near me with a 39 1/2 foot pole because I was a full on Grinch (I would probably steal your Christmas too) with that little amount of sleep. But now that I'm officially in the 'hood, I think I've been blessed with a little more patience to handle stuff on less shut eye. So you can come near me with say, a 38 1/2 foot pole instead. (I only wish I looked as cute as this little bug sleeping.)
-My aunt once said, "Motherhood is just so daily." I completely agree. So much of the same old same old changing of the diapers, feeding of the babe, washing of the clothes, etc. JJ has said to me on more than one occasion, "You are feeding him again?" Yep. I'm a regular diaper changing, spit up cleaning, milk making machine. And I do it over and over again. Every. single. day. (This face makes it all worth it.)
-Who knew I would love someone SO much, SO instantly, and SO fiercely? I understand a little more of the phrase, "Mama Bear". Love that child 'o mine. (You know, nothin big, just chillin with my hand on my knee, like I do.)

-This summer I have also learned that I have, and I quote, "Quite the ACL tear." This isn't NEW news to me. A year ago I tore my ACL in a soccer game. Ironically enough I found out I was pregnant and I tore my ACL all within the same week. Busy week. The doctor told me that he wouldn't fix it until I had delivered. So...a year later...here we are. A baby and a very torn ACL. Apparently pregnancy hormones have made all my joints loosy goosy. They were surprised that I've been able to have some stability in my knee throughout my pregnancy because of how torn it was....Turns out I'm Gumby in my right knee. -Who knew that my love for my husband would grow? Its been so fun to watch JJ be a father to the little dude. Its even funner to listen to him talk to the B-meister in the shower. :) See post below for that entertainment. -Going back to work. Talk about ripping my heart out. I've been back at work for over a month and I am just now getting to the point where I don't cry when I leave. The first day back at work was just awful. I cried the whole day prior to work, on the way to work, and all through report when I got to work. (I probably made more tears than milk that day.. and that's sayin somethin!) It was rough. My respect for working mothers has grown by leaps and bounds in the last month. Good thing I have a superhotawesomehusband (que jealousy) at home to lean on and be my support or I really don't know if I could do it. F'reals. (The special child in the background is my funny nephew Taylor.)
-I've learned that I like this motherhood thing. I do love the dailyness of it all-the diaper changing, consoling, sleep deprivation, feeding, smiling, crying so hard I laugh, and laughing so hard I cry. I love watching a little person, who I helped to create, grow and learn. I love that my family now consists of three. Who knew I'd love being a mother this much? Certainly not me.

The Latest and the Greatest

2010-07-26T13:19:00.000-06:00

What have we been up to this fine summer? Read on my friends, read on.

JJ has put in 2 sprinkling systems, started a new job (not as a cook mind you, but he can make a mean omelet), is 12 credits closer to graduation, and went on a fishing/camping trip for "school",....Its no wonder that he fell asleep under the coffee table (see post below)....

Bridger has been visiting new best friends, growing like nobody's business, enjoying morning showers with dad,

and just working on being the little stud he is.
Sadie has been busy playing fetch all day and night, still letting out the worst stinkers ever, and eating casseroles while I'm not looking, earning her the title of "the !@#$ dog!" If JJ ever doubts my love, he need only whistle and Reassurance will come bounding up the stairs to lick and fart right in his face.I have been workin on my green thumb and harvesting, planting flowers (I hope I don't grow children the way I grow flowers...they don't seem to last for me...),

trying not to look 6 months pregnant, gearing myself to go back to work (oh gosh, I get a lump in my throat just typing this) and enjoying my little family to bits and pieces. ('cept the !@#$ dog, sometimes I don't enjoy her so much...only when she eats my dinner....and toots....and barks and wakes Bridger up from a nap....and rolls in the mud puddle by the house.)

Do you see the resemblance?

2010-07-19T07:29:00.003-06:00

Like father, .......like son I guess.When you gotta sleep, you gotta sleep. The kid works hard,...what more can I say?

Big Day

2010-06-26T12:15:00.000-06:00

Bridger Jay turned one month old yesterday.

Big day, I know.
This is how we/he celebrated. We Koffords sure do know how to party.
Early morning, he studied up on pandas and lions.....and a little green thingy.

Ate some grub....Bridger loves my cooking.

Pooped the grub out.

Took a bath.

Told each other some jokes.

.....they were mildly humorous....

Looked all cute for a picture.Showed how many months he is.

Got tired of looking cute.

Got a little milk drunk. I submit there is nothing better than a full tummy eh buddy?
I think we'll keep him.....for at least another month. :)

Walgreens is not good for the soul

2010-06-21T06:49:00.005-06:00

So my boys have been under the weather for the past few days. Unfortunately for my gag reflex, there's been a lot of snot in our house lately. Poor fellas. So, in an attempt to help them feel better, I made a trip to Walgreens to purchase 1. Robitussin 2. A boogie* sucker thingy. (* note: see funny joke about boogies at the end of this post)

My conversation with the checker went like this.
Walgreens lady: How are you today?
Me: Good, (turns out not for long) except the people at my house are sick. How are you?
After scanning the Robitussin, Walgreens lady: Good.......Are you 40?
Me: (What the? Do I look like I am 40?) Um no, I'm 27.
Walgreens lady: Oh....cuz I need to make sure you are old enough to buy this.
Me: Yep, I'm 27. Do you need to see ID?
Walgreens lady: No, I think I just need to ask.
Me: (Crazy lady...) Ok.
Walgreens lady: Correct me if I'm wrong, but you look like you are about 5 or 6 months pregnant.
Me: (Wow.....so....WRONG! Crazy Walgreens lady why would you ask that?) Um, no, ...no I'm not pregnant. (the audacity!) I actually just had a baby.
Walgreens lady: Oh well,...Congratulations! That is so great! Was it a boy or a girl...What did you name him? blah blah blah
Me: (I seriously want to punch you in the face right now...and I am not a violent person. Maybe a little hormonal, but not violent.)

There was no redemption for her after that point. The damage had been done. Note to self: never go back to Walgreens. Its not good for the self esteem.

The only thing that would make my 40 year old-6 month pregnant soul feel better at this point would be "nutty coconut" ice cream from Baskin Robbins. (that flavor deserves a post in itself!)

*How do you make a Kleanex dance?....Put a little boogie in it. :)

The last 3 weeks

2010-06-13T12:34:00.010-06:00

Here's what we've been up to for the last three weeks....in pictures.

Lots of snuggling...
A little bit of the hiccups....

Planned home projects...and some notsoplanned home projects. (the joys of living in an older home eh?)
Being a poser...
Trying to keep the dog from "getting to know"(over and over again) every person that walks through the door. Sorry if you have visited and feel your personal line has been crossed. Know that you aren't alone.
Bridger impressing the pediatrician with his weight gain skills. He actually had to re-weigh the kid cuz he didn't believe the numbers. Earning him the title of "chunkadunk". Turns out that us Koffords have a talent for eating.
Meeting cousins...and not really being that impressed. But no worries, they'll be BFFs soon enough.
And trying to catch as many zzzs as possible

You Catch the Spider to Have the Baby.....

2010-05-28T09:24:00.008-06:00

Lest I bore you with all the details, I'll make this sweet and simple.
Trying to catch this little guy.....
.....Resulted in bringing this cutest little guy into the world.
If you want to know all the nitty gritty, give me a call or come over cuz heaven knows I love to talk about him.
Its official, JJ and I have a favorite new toy and we are totally in love.

For Zipporah K, Danielle P, and Kristy D

2010-05-18T16:40:00.003-06:00

For the silly fools who want to see what I look like with my eggo all prego-ed, look no further. I present to you-Me (and all my pregnancy glory).
This is little ol (scratch that BIG 'ol) me with 1 week and 2 days to go until my due date. But really, who's kiddin who, it'll probably be more like 2 1/2 weeks until the little man makes his debut into this world. All the while, my belly button is proudly flaunting itself for all to see its insides.

One Year Older and Wiser Too!

2010-05-02T21:33:00.003-06:00

This post is way overdue but at this point, better late than never eh?

(Take note: I have made an April resolution to take more pictures of events and everyday life, so this post may be overloaded)

Justin Jay Kofford the third had a Happy to You. More specifically, a 27th Happy to You. This is what we did to celebrate.....

This is how excited we are as we travel to Tucanos for their buy one get one free birthday meal. And really why not? A. We love good food and B. We love free stuff. JJ showing exactly how its done at Tucanos. Always green top up....always.

All that meat requires some canine cleaning. eh?Its amazing how a little meat (scratch that, a lotta meat) and grilled pineapple can make one so happy.....

Pictures speak a thousand words.....Lets just say we hurt em...we hurt em good.And what birthday celebration isn't complete without a little ice cream party?Allison, Jacob, Kari, the Suze, Tyler (you know, we're cousins now), Holly, and part of Jason's face and hand.Matt and Kara busted in the kitchen.The Suze and Bretty partying it up.Ahh yes, we love these people. The Taylor families. aka "Bridge Co"

Happy Birthday to the J man. Thanks to all those who came to celebrate (in spirit and in person). He/we certainly felt loved. And a special thanks to the J man for living for 27 years. I love you!

And now a question for the general public....

2010-04-14T19:09:00.006-06:00

Is anyone else as freaked out that there will be a baby (ie: a living/breathing/crying/peeing/pooping small individual) here in 6 little ol weeks?

As in: outside my stomach, in my arms, mine to take care of forever, mine to wake me up at night, mine to feed, mine to change the poops, mine to entertain, mine to love, mine to teach, mine to hopefully not screw up, mine to (insert any other anxiety/fear here) ?

Just checking.....

Some Questions for my Sadie Dog

2010-04-01T18:58:00.010-06:00

Why do you shed so much? I swear you are bent on getting hair EVERYWHERE. Keep your hairs to your self. No one wants them in their unmentionables or even food for that matter.

Why you gotta be so "licky"? You lick...and lick....and lick some more. Not everything (ie: the couch, any part of my body hanging off the bed, socks, the garbage can, unfortunately the toilet) is a tasty treat.

Why do you think that this cabinet is your home? Anytime that door is open you go waltzing on in like you own the place.

Why do you have the nastiest gas that has ever passed through my nasal passages? Seriously, nose hairs have been burned....and that hurts. And then you look at me all innocently like this...What? Who? Me?

Why do you sleep in the most uncomfortable positions ever? Did chinese contortionists own you previously? It makes my hips hurt just to watch you sleep girl.

And lastly, why do you make JJ so happy? It is this fact that keeps you around Sadie dog and don't you forget it (I guess you're kinda growing on me too, in a slow/moldy sorta way).

Can't think of a Title

2010-02-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

I don't really have much to blog about lately. No one particular subject comes to mind, yet, I do, however have a few random subjects that have come to mind. Nothing of real importance anyhow. So if you're bored and want to proceed, here they are in no particular order.

My (of no particular importance) Thoughts:

My two year old neice told me the other day that I could have the honor of being the wicked step mother while she is the ever so lovely Cinderella.

the Suze: Nanny, you are de wicked step mutha and I'm Cinduwella.
Me: But I don't want to be the wicked step mother, she's not very nice. I want to be someone else, who can I be?

the Suze: After much thought.....Okay, you can be one of de mousies.

Thank you Suze for giving me such a high calling in life.

I seem to have developed a mad case of the drops. I drop lots of stuff, ....multiple times. Tell you what, its not very helpful to develop a case of the drops when your belly is growing. It makes for an unpleasant sound when bending over.The 'rents (aren't they s'cute?) are coming home from the land of the Czechs in a mere month. I am excited to see their missionary shining faces once more. Although this also means that "the dreams" are getting worse and more frequent. They have "come home" a bajillion times and lo and behold, each time the house is in (gasp) disarray and I am so ashamed. How many times do they have to come home in my dreams before they really come home? We are excited to have them back in our lives (and not just our dreams).

Note to self, working 7 days in a row, although it give us lots of extra money, does NOT make me a better person. In fact, it does quite the opposite. Note to everyone else, stay away from me if I've worked 7 days in a row, I may just bite your head off....You've been warned. (Suze's assessment of me is sadly correct after working that much...)
We move into the house next week and we couldn't be more excited. JJ has a lot of work ahead of him. What with my eggo being prego and what not, JJ refuses to let me paint or help move boxes. (plus having a case of the drops doesn't help) Ho hum, I guess I'll just sit on the couch and have a sit while he does all the dirty work.

After not that much deliberation, JJ and I decided the we don't really enjoy watching figure skating, especially the long (read: booooooring!) program. (But we sit through it anyway!)I feel a bit more carnivorous these days. Seems to be that I can't get enough of the red meat. I've never been a real meat lover, especially not red meat. Boy fetus has given me a change of thought and a change of taste buds. Little buddy wants all the protein he can get. Did it come from a cow? Then yes! (Sadly I'm looking more and more like this fine/tasty animal everyday...)

Moral of story? Bring me steak, don't make me work, and I'll turn into one of the "mousies" instead of your "wicked step mutha."

A Weekend Getaway

2010-01-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

JJ and I were lucky enough to be part of the Taylor family for a weekend up at their cabin in Island Park a few weekends ago. A good time was had by all who were in attendance.
Here are a few of the happy happenings that happened there. Pictures courtesy of Brittany and Kristin. The only pic I have on our camera needs a censor...thanks Bridger. :)First things first, we (and when I say "we", I mean Bridger, Brady, and JJ) had to dig out the front door so we could get in. (And when I say "dig out the front door", I mean, Kristin and I sat in the warm car exchanging pleasant conversation.)JJ being manly and splittin wood.Lunch at Ponds Lodge where JJ learned (the uncomfortable way) to regret his decision of chili for lunch.And Brittany warmed her buns by the fire with a dang good cup 'o hot chocolate.I love it when Brittany smashes her face into my shoulder while we sleep.A fun day of snowmobiling ahead.Pretty sure this was taken before Kristin yelled at the top of her lungs "!@#$ YOU BRIDGER!" Turns out Bridger is quite fearless on a snowmobile and can't go fast enough.Also, pretty sure this picture was taken before Brady and his long body gracefully rolled off the back of the snowmobile while his loving wife, Brittany drove off. :)And again, right before Kristin took a tumble down this big hill and rolled .....and then rolled some more. I'm not gonna lie, I laughed pretty hard. (in fact, I'm laughing right now as I type this)Testing out the machinery myself. My motto? Slow and steady wins the race.Lunch at Ernie's where Brady imparted his words of wisdom to us on the symbolism of waterbottles........And then proceded to unhinge his jaw and eat the biggest burger I have ever seen.JJ keeping up with the big boys and getting some air on the snowmobile.
I believe my shouting words were, "If you want to go off that jump. I'm getting off!" Notice how I am planted firmly on the ground in the background.Yellowstone was a pretty sight!Boys will be boys. (Kristin, this is probably a sign of things to come in 10 years!)Just because I love this picture of Brittany. Go 'head, blow it up and take a look at the joy on her face.So many treats.....so...many...treats.....The whole gang.

Thank you Taylor family for adopting us for a weekend. Thanks for the many belly laughs and good, clean, fun. We loved it and sure hope we can do it again sometime.

Introducing the newest member of the Kofford clan!!!

2010-01-18T21:43:00.001-07:00

I'm generally a very rational, and analytical. Typically I do what the general consensus reveals to be appropriate. After MUCH deliberation, and discussion with my sweet and understanding wife, we adopted a black lab from a kennel. I came to the conclusion that Natalie needed a dog that is very easy to train, and for the most part obedient. I also knew that a lap dog wouldn't necessarily fit our lifestyle, hence, the larger dog.

I began looking on ksl.com, mostly out of curiosity. While searching for dogs, I came across a black lab from a kennel in Murray. Her name was Harley (I'm currently trying to change it to Saydee). She's a little older than a year, and is already house trained, and for the most part knows how to sit, and come when called. We ended up getting her a little earlier than expected, so a buddy I work with offered to dog-sit our dog,

while we're house-sitting for the parentals on a mission in Prague. Fortunately, they have a chocolate lab, so they're keeping themselves pretty well entertained!

At any rate, against what all others suggested, Natalie and I came to the conclusion that now's as good a time as any to get a dog!

Thanks babe!!!

2010-01-06T17:28:00.003-07:00

ohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboy!

Fetus has done a great job growing one spine, 4 chambers of his heart, 2 ventricles in his brain, 4 appendages (all the better to kick my bladder with!), 2 kidneys, and one well....one man part. Great job fetus. You've made your father proud.

Happy Birfdee Beabus!

2009-12-24T10:00:00.002-07:00

My older brother, Matt, is affectionately called Beabus in our house. The name stems from MTVs Beavis and Butthead show (anyone remember that?). Well my two older brothers used to talk like them and eventually started calling each other Beavis and Butthead. The older brother, Finn, (see below, the eye thing is a talent us Robbins people have...special I know) taught all the neices and nephews that Matt's name was Beavis. Naturally, because of the complexity of the name, my nephew, little Finn (as opposed to Big Finn, the older brother) started calling Matt, Beabus. .....And so it was.
Anywho, today is Matt's birthday. He probably doesn't even read this blog but I just wanted to give him a little shout out anyway. Mostly because he really doesn't get a lot of attention this time of year. Poor kid has Christmas and Birthday presents all shoved at him within 24 hours and then has to wait for another 364 days for the next go 'round. (I guess my birthday isn't that much better, its two weeks from Christmas, ......don't say I didn't give you fair warning to shower me with gifts in two weeks)

Some of you know my brother and some of you don't but I just wanted to share some things I love about my older brother, Beabus.

He doesn't get his feathers ruffled that often. A real laid back kinda fella.
He can quote Saved by the Bell better than I can. "I'm so excited! I'm so excited!...I'm so...I'm so....scared." "I was in the seat, I'll take the heat." Thank you Bayside.
He looked death straight in the eye. (Bless you Allison, (his wife) for saving his life. Come to think of it, I should dedicate a whole post to you!)
Because of facing death he is now the butt of many family jokes. Very few does he remember. i.e. "They're gonna open me up and tinker with my ticker!" and lets not forget his reaction when we told him about a thousand times that he had had a cardiac arrest. Eyes wide open, honestly shocked, "Are you serious?" Its only funny now because he is A-okay. See? He cheated death! Who does that?
He loves jello. One time when we were in college, he called me to come help him make dinner for his dinner group. He had forgotten to put the bananas in the jello before it set so he just jammed them on top. Kinda looked like a cat had gotten to it, no matter, I'm sure he loved it just the same.
He's got a dry, quiet, dang funny sense of humor.
He's famous for saying, "JacobJacobJacobJacob..no! Jacob NO!" (I think my mom loves that Matt has a son who is more rambunctious than he was.)
He and his wife leave the best birthday messages....ever.
He's probably got the longest toes in the family. And that's saying somethin, because the rest of us have fingers for toes. (see picture below)When he was young, he'd lay back and change the channel on the t.v. with his E.T. phone home toes. No need for a remote, "go go gadget toe!"
He's always been an awesome example for me and I love him a whole heap.

Happy birfdee Beabus! I love you!

the 4-1-1 on the Koffords

2009-12-02T19:48:00.002-07:00

Despite my lack of posting, JJ and I are alive and well. As is the fetus (its officially a fetus now and we couldn't be prouder of the little he-she, so help me if it comes out a he-she.) Here is a little glimpse of what we have been up to the last couple of weeks.

-JJ has been putting new soffit on our new house. With no help from yours truly whatsoever. Sorry man. (this is not our house)
-I have been so incredibly busy trying not to up chuck my insides. "It seems, that everything on my inside wants to be on my outside" Who can tell me where that quote comes from?
-Fetus has been busy growing nails, teeth, vital organs, ears, this and that, etc. and just trying not to look like an alien in general. Atta girl/boy fetus.
-JJ is getting the hang of yet another job (yeah, 3 jobs at one time is totally do-able right?). The kid is a hard worker, what can I say?
-I again, have been so, so busy crying at the drop of a hat, while watching t.v. (i.e. So You Think You Can Dance, the Biggest Loser, really any t.v. show that has some sort of emotion behind it) I mean, really, seriously, get a hold of yourself woman. -Fetus has been occupied with making it hard to feel comfortable in my jeans. Crazy ol fetus thinks it needs room to grow or somethin.
-JJ has been super busy "gaining sympathy weight." (Or so he says) No lie, one day he was complaining about how he had gained weight since we found out we were pregnant, later in the conversation he asked if I would pick up some Twizzlers when I went to the store. :) Do you see the correlation there?
-The three of us have been very busy being grateful for our many blessings this holiday season. A few of the many things we are grateful for are: the best family, a new addition to our little family, wonderful friends, our jobs, health, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thanks for being part of our lives!

RidDLe oF tHE DaY

2009-11-11T16:36:00.002-07:00

What rhymes with:

Beer taving a haybee?

First person to get it is the winner.

Spook Party

2009-11-01T13:02:00.006-07:00

The verdict isn't out on the facebook dilemma, why can't I decide? Shoot I can't make even small/insignificant decisions, its a wonder I ever got married! (Bless you JJ)

So this last week, we had a Robbins/Kofford Spook party. Here are some highlights of the event, for those of you who didn't have an opportunity to come. (ahem, Mom and Dad)
All the little people in attendance. Cute little buggers eh?

Itty Bit and Jacob. Jacob provided the sweet entertainment by dancing to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. "Should we listen to Holy, Holy? Oh! and High onna Mountain top?"

Now this is trouble if I've ever seen it. The Suz and Will-boy.

Kylie Marie and Annie Babe.
Pretty sure Maddie is professing her love for all things sugar cookie here.
I love the Suz's choice in footwear.
"Fairy-skunk" complete with wand.
And the best costume of the night goes to Matthew Leonard, for obvious reasons. None other than the "Zach Morris." Genius.

To Facebook or Not to Facebook, that is the question

2009-10-21T14:37:00.003-06:00

I gotta problem. (When my sister, Kari, was in high school, this special kid used to call her all the time and that was the first thing he'd say when you picked up the phone. Eventually my Grandma Sara chewed him out and told him to stop calling her.)

I'm not a facebook hater, per se, but I have resisted creating a facebook account. These are my reasons.
1. I don't want another password to remember.
2. I don't want another thing to have to keep track of/update/deal with.
3. I'm not that interesting, I don't want to flatter myself. (did you catch the irony there?)
4. I'm just plain lazy.
5. I don't want to be another follower and follow the facebook fiend. (Dumb reason, I know, but just because everybody's doing it, doesn't mean I have to right? I am an individual!)
6. I don't want to create an account and then realize, I'm not that cool and no one wants to be my friend.

So with these cons in mind, here are the pros.
1. Seems to be a good way to keep in touch with people you wouldn't otherwise keep in touch with.
2. Everybody and their dog is on facebook! Even my technologically challenged parents are on facebook! My parents have more "friends" than I do! I feel a bit left out.
3. Did I mention I feel a bit left out? Kind of like everyone is swinging on the cool swings and I'm stuck over by the giant tire where the kid that always pees his pants plays. (Turns out he pees on the giant tire too-true story)

There are probably more things I could add to each list. But truthfully I'll probably end up begrudgingly creating a facebook account. Call it peer pressure, call it following the facebook crowd, call it whatever you want, I want to play on the cool swings. (Will you be my friend?)

Last Time, I Swear

2009-10-17T18:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, for reals, peeps, we are just about there. (At least that's how I feel about it anyway) Our last stop in Europe was Paris, France. It was a wonderful way to end our 3 week stay across the pond.

Who can guess what song JJ started singing when we saw the Notre Dame? (Rachele? Nichole? One of the twins? You guys got this in the bag.)You are the winner if you know.

The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. I may or may not be a bit drunk in this picture.The Louvre. We gave in a decided to pay for headphones on our tour of the Louvre. Best investment we made that day, it made the trip so worth it. We could have spent days in there.Trying to figure out why the Mona Lisa is so famous. JJ showing off his own Mona Lisa smile.One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just isn't the same.The Arch de Triomphe and my head.What post would be complete without some random pictures of some of the "friends" we made? The above picky is of our dear friend, One-legged Willey. He's been through some tough times, clearly.And check out this French dude. Behind my giant face. He's totally diggin for gold, hard core. Ewww.Life can't get any better can it JJ? I submit that it cannot!This was one of my favorite places in Paris. Sacre Coeur- you even feel French when you say it, go 'head try it. Sacre Coeur was always hopping with people entertaining the crowds: local bands, amazing soccer jugglers, and plenty of people to people watch.

Again, sorry for my face. I look like I just woke up but it is clearly nighttime in this photo. Eating tasty crepes. Thank you France for putting the cap on our trip!

Heaven on Earth-minus the shredded up hand

2009-10-11T11:09:00.000-06:00

You all thought I was done with posting/bragging/blogging/blah blahing about Europe eh? You were sorely mistaken!....This is Cinque Terre.
I highly recommend this place to anyone! We absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back. (After all we deserve a redo! Read on to find out...ohhh the suspense!)

The beginning of our 7 mile hike through the five earths. The hike goes along the coast of Italy through five beautiful cities. You can stop and spend as much time as you like through each town.
Wow, seriously dude? (I believe those were my thoughts) So glad JJ had the quick reflexes to snap this photo.
Cute little grapes. Each town used to be big on producing wine.
So hiking through the coast of Italy in August is brutal. By the time we got to the 4th town, dripping sweat, just short of stripping down into our nothins, we were more than ready to get into the water. We decided we'd swim a little bit in Vernazza (the 4th town) and then make our way up to Monterosso (the last town, where the best beach is)and spend the rest of the day swimming there. Good plan eh? Or so we thought.
I, being the female that I am, needed to go to the bathroom. I leave JJ for 2 seconds and look what happens! He started to get into the ocean and slipped on some rocks and barnacle. It filleted him right up, just like a fish.
After he slipped he was kind of embarassed and quickly got out of the water to see blood running down his arm. (No kidding!) The first person he saw was this guy, Jon, an American military guy serving in Italy. And he happened to know exactly where the medic was. It was in some remote part of town, JJ and I would have never found it on our own. Coincidence? I think not.
So long story short. We need a redo. After the medic bandaged up JJ's hand he said, "No more swimming." (no more happiness!) JJ had spent a total of 30 seconds in the water. Shoot. But no worries, I had no troubles getting in and enjoying the medditerranean waters while JJ longingly watched from the rocky shore. (Dang rocks and barnacles!)
Cinque Terra=1 JJ=0
And thank you Jon for saving my husbands life and for speaking English.

This is who I said goodbye to this morning

2009-09-29T10:29:00.002-06:00

Cute.

Rome-Kofford Style

2009-09-23T08:26:00.000-06:00

So maybe you all are sick of hearing about our trip.....But the stubborn person in me, won't move on to other subjects until I finish blogging this dang trip (besides, my mom thinks my blog is cool). So grin and bear it people, here comes the Rome portion.

JJ, its right behind you!

Crazy ol Romans and their crazy Colusseum.
So crazy that this....

Can be this.

That Michelangelo has some talent eh?

So this was probably one of my favorite moments in Rome. Take a minute and watch this video and you'll see why. This little kid was bellisimo!

Ahh life mimicking art, or is it art mimicking life?

The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans from this jail.

Check out some of the friends we made.

I love this guy. He totally has a drool spot on his shirt. Nothin better than napping on the subway.(with your hand in your pants)Look at this crazy Italian we found! JJ's all making friends with the next Presidential candidate. He was as giddy as a school boy after we met Mitt. (We're on a first name basis now, I can call him Mitt)

Right before this picture was taken at the Spanish steps, some Romeo comes up to me and JJ and gives me a single red rose. For me? How nice these Italians are! Of course, I took it. Why not, I deserve a beautiful red rose right? He was giving it to me after all. Then he kind of lingers and JJ and I (being the perceptive fools we are) figure out he wants money for it. I promptly tried to give it back to him. (I'm not paying for a dinky rose!)

Romeo: You big boss (looking at JJ) and she pretty lady. Good luck. And he tries to give me the rose again.

JJ: No, dude we don't want it.

Me: Yeah, no thank you. Really I'm okay.

Romeo: It's okay. You big boss. You pretty lady. You love. Good luck.

And we went on like this for about 5 minutes. When he realized the cheap American's weren't taking his stinkin rose his demeanor changed quickly and he stomped off. We had several more experiences like this one while in Rome. We wisened up and learned not to take the stinkin rose in the first place. Besides, JJ is still the big boss and I'm still the pretty lady, we don't need a rose to tell us that.

The Hills are Alive...

2009-09-12T15:18:00.000-06:00

...With the Sound of ...JJ and I singing the Sound of Music.

Our next stop was to Austria. We spent half a day in Vienna and a half day in Salsburg. (Which is so not enough!)

Little tip, if you want to go on the Sound of Music tour (which we did) you have to get to the train station by 2:30 pm, that's when the last tour bus leaves (which we didn't...dang).
So here are some the highlights from Vienna and Salsburg.JJ had to stop and document this. You'll have to ask him why.

Check out these 2 couples making out RIGHT next to each other...like on the same bench. Talk about awkward.....

Cute little statue.My first and by far BEST gelato tasting experience. Seriously, like a burst of flavor in your mouth. Seriously so stinkin good. I salivate while just looking at the picture. Can you tell how serious I am about this? When it comes to good gelato, I mean business. Thank you Vienna!The Danube River.Traveling does in fact, make me very tired and JJ wanted to document every. single. time I fell asleep. So great to have picture of drool face Natalie. Thank you JJ.Mozart's birthplace.Check out this guy seriously wading in the pond for money. Tough economic times indeed! Ain't no shame in it brotha! I'm only sad we didn't think of it first!Good ol Maria and Captain VonTrapp.Pretty sure I can hear those hills singing.
Gorgeous.

Europe-Prague style

2009-09-10T10:01:00.000-06:00

Visiting Mom and Dad in Prague was easily the highlight of the trip for JJ and I. Here are a few of the happy happenings that happened there.I can't remember the name of this castle ....Mom can you help me out?

JJ and the guard had a staring contest.Look how freakishly long the escalators were! Hold on for dear life-Spooky!

Family Home Evening with the folks and the youth. This was an impressive group of kids.This guy, Joe was my buddy. I seem to attract buddies like this one a lot. Hmm...He was a cute little guy-sure liked to eat. (Sounds a lot like the other buddy with me in the picture....)Pure joy.Eating tredernlicks? A little help here Ma?At the market. Pretty fruit! See if you can find JJ's head.

Dad and JJ don't have very good "game faces" when playing cards do they?

We actually bought a picture that was painted from this very spot.Our last night in Prague. They put on quite a show, don't you think?

One last story from Prague.
So saying goodbye to Sister Ma and Elder Pop was a bit harder than I expected. When it was time to say goodbye, the tears started flowing. (You know how when your Mom starts crying, you start crying too? Brutal.)
We got on the train and were waving goodbye to Ma and Pop. We started signing 'I love you' to them. Mom and Dad waved back. And with tears streaming down her face, what did she sign back?

Rock on.
I'll miss you so much! Rock on! So funny, so my mother. Rock on to you too Ma.
I love this picture. It is actually from Denmark but I forgot to include it in the previous post.

Next stop? Austria and Rome

Where in the world is the Kofford clan?

2009-09-02T11:46:00.009-06:00

JJ and I have been world travelers for the last 3 weeks. Apparently we think money is indispensable and we have enough of it....(hmmm, don't know if that's quite true, but sure I'll take it!)We were fortunate enough to visit Denmark, Prague, Austria, Rome, Cinque Terra, Paris, and even a little bit of Ireland. We took a bajillion pictures and have a ton of stories so if you want to suffer through that all in person, we'd be happy to tell all our tales. Nevertheless I won't subject you all to all the nitty gritty details of our wonderful trip. I'm splitting this up into a few posts so your eyes don't bug out and you quit reading (heaven forbid). ...So without further adieu, I present the first part of our glorious three weeks in Europe.We flew into Ireland from New York cuz it was cheaper. And I'm all about the "cheaper chicken." (see previous post)

The Bunratty Castle, (a fun phrase to say with an Irish accent, go 'head, try it!) the first of many castles we would see. Everything in Ireland was of course so green and we loved it.

After a night sleeping in the London airport, we were off to Denmark. JJ's homeland. Turns out it's not a very good nights sleep.

It was so fun to see where JJ served his mission, hear all the stories, and meet many people he associated with.The Anderson family. They don't come more quality than them.

Cute Ruth. We got to do a session at the Denmark temple with her. I wanted to put her in my pocket and bring her home. She's our Denmark Grandma. So dang awesome.

After a few days in Denmark listening to JJ oil up his rusty Danish, we were off to P-rague town.

And lo and behold, they actually ARE serving a mission! It was so fun to spend time with Mom and Dad. The people there love them so much (how could they not?)

For fear of this post becoming too long, I think I'll stop here and post more later. Turns out we have a lot more pictures than I thought and way too much fun to share with all of you.

Frugal Stock, Hairy Stock, and Flight of the Conchords

2009-07-29T17:41:00.007-06:00

I was born of goodly parents. I come from good quality stock. Healthy stock. Faithful stock.
And frugal stock.

For those of you who don't have the privilege of knowing my dad, I think this saying sums him up. "He is a man of few needs and even fewer wants."
He lives by the motto: Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. He works hard and has a hard time pampering himself. (I'm pretty sure he has a few boxes of walking shoes we've given him over the years, still unopened in his closet. I think we've given him the same pair for Christmas a few years now.)

I love my frugal father. I appreciate his work ethic. I do not appreciate, however, that I can't seem to buy myself a new pair of soccer cleats.

One reason is that these shoes lasted me through my "Murray Chicks Kick" days as a Spartan. (Although we kinda sucked more than "kicked". But that's beside the point.) How can one be attached to an inanimate object like old/stinky shoes? I don't know but I love these cleats with every fiber of my being. I'm tempted to duct tape them to make them last.

The other reason is my simple frugal nature that I come by genetically. I'm in the "make it do" stage. I can make these do right? Right Dad? Back me up here.

Sadly, I think not. I think they've kicked their last kick. (and probably tripped their last trip. I'm a bit of a clumsy fool even on the soccer field. Shocker, I know.)

In other exciting news, I got my hair cut and majorly thinned out today. (I also come from Hairy Stock. Seriously, talking horse hair people. Come to think of it, as a kid, I think my Mom used a shampoo called "Horse's Mane" on me. Sounds really pretty huh?)
Check out my teeny pony tail! Its so small!
I wish I would have taken a picture of the large furry animal on the ground at the salon when I left. Seriously looked like a brown bear cub.

And why didn't I know about these guys sooner?
Much more laughter has been in my life since JJ and I discovered these fellas. I highly recommend that you take 7 minutes and click on this link. So funny. Right up my humor alley.

Flight of the Conchords-Issues

Woo hoo for teeny zucchini!

2009-07-15T21:12:00.005-06:00

Check it out Ma! I'm not a black thumb after all!

Cute little veggies all makin a smiley face and what not. Let the zucchini games begin Ma.
My teeny zucchini grows hair!

Sleeping Beauty...

2009-07-03T11:14:00.003-06:00

Well hello every body! This is the long forgotten JJ just dropping in to say a quick "howdy," and post a little something something about my sweet wife!

Things here have been so crazy busy for the two of us & our schedules just haven't meshed well for June. As Natalie mentioned in an earlier post I've been doing a lot of school, working in the yards, working, and what have you, I get to come home to this! Isn't she so cute?! My brother Brandon was in town only for a few days, consequently, my busiest days of the week. Needless to say, we didn't get to see too much of each other. So we Kofford's aren't great at planning, and coordinating each other's schedules. The picture below just goes to show how well thought out our surprise visit with Natalie went!

Well, it's the thought that counts right? Thanks for your patience with this flibberty-jibbet!

Here's to the Poppas

2009-06-21T12:36:00.001-06:00

I have been blessed with a wonderful father, father in law, and wonderful brothers (both in and outlaws). And especially a spectacular hus-to the band.

Here's to the men in my life.
Dad, Dale, Jeremy, Eric, Finn, Matt, Michael, Brandon, Mike, Robbie, and Justin Jay. Thank you for your love and examples of what fathers should be. Thank you for all you do (and all you think you do!).

And for the most important man in my life. I love you dearly. I know you will make an awesome father someday. (no that is not an announcement, breathe normal...) Our kiddos are going to be dang lucky. Thank you for loving me!

Giving the people what they want

2009-06-13T19:42:00.006-06:00

Every once and a while I like to give the people what they want (or what I hope they want, whos kiddin who, the only person that reads this thing regularly is me and my mom and she doesn't even comment all that much)...
Updates from the Kofford Clan. :)

Update #1 We bought some fruit trees for our new house. I am very exicted to have fresh fruit for the picking at my grubby fingertips. I have sweet memories of picking apricots in my Grandma Sara's backyard and making myself sick from eating so much. Can't wait to have that again.
The tricky part for me will be actually getting them to grow. I seem to have somewhat of a black thumb. (Sorry Ma, the dead houseplant count is up to 2)

Update #2 JJ is still workin like a dog. The kid goes from school to the house to work to school to the house to sleep to the house to school to work....to work again to the house to sleep to school to the house to eat to seriously are you still reading this?

Update #3 I don't know if its just that I'm becoming an old woman or I really did tear my ACL. I played a soccer game last week and went to bed with a slight pain (a mere flesh wound) in my knee. The next morning I couldn't bear weight on that leg, my knee kept buckling under me. And now I'm Gimpy Mcgee. Is that weird or what? I'm an old mcfoldy or I did some damage, either way I'm not happy.

Update #4 The J man put the sprinkler system in on our new house with the help of Papa Kofford. (to the house, to school, to the house, to work, ......) Woohoo for well watered dirt!

Update #5 My cute cousin Lisa and one of my good buddies from high school, Tyler are going to participate in wedded bliss this weekend. And we couldn't be happier for them. I am happy that my family world and my Murray world are colliding. Can't get any better than family and Murray right? (I bleed orange and black, Go FBP!)

Don't be jealous I know our life is thrilling. :)

p.s. Who else thinks JJ should post again? I think he should impart his words of wisdom with the blogworld. Its about time he came out of hiding and graced us with his presence! Who's with me?

Oh man...

2009-06-08T13:05:00.002-06:00

You know when you laugh so hard your ribs are sore?
You know when you laugh so hard you feel like you can't breathe and are about to throw up?

Well I LOVE laughing that hard.

Thanks to the best girlfriends ever for such a fun trip last week.
Pretty sure the four of us laughed like this for 4 days straight. I love you girls!

(And a special thanks to the J-man for putting up with me and tolerating me ditching him for 4 days.)

The next Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid...

2009-05-29T18:52:00.005-06:00

So it looks like we may have a couple of criminals on our hands...

Who are those wanted subjects you ask?

Justin Jay and yours truly

Let me esplain. (Dad, stop reading here. I don't want you to think less of your favorite daughter, who "always has her ducks in a row." Let's just keep it that way.)

A couple of weeks ago I got pulled over for an expired registration on my car. (Sorry, Pop, when you are away serving the Lord, who reminds me to get my car registered?) Dang. To top it off, I had forgotten to put my new insurance card in the glove box, so I got cited for that too. (I hang my head in shame Dad :)

So the cop was on some power trip and apparently I'm some sort of big threat to the safety of the Murray community. Never mind the drug deals going on, let's pull over that girl who looks dangerous in the gold, 1997, Toyota Carolla. (Talk about speed on wheels)

Long story short, I had to go to court today. I walk in ready to lay my hand on the bible and plead my case. I see a nice old lady sitting behind a desk (who doesn't even look like a judge, where's the black robe with the white collar?). She asks me for my info, badda bing badda boom, 5 minutes and 30 bucks later, I'm out of there. (Wait, I didn't even get to plead not guilty!)

It was a lot less dramatic than I thought it would be, and I guess that's a good thing, but I left kind of .....disappointed?

So if I'm Butch Cassidy, then JJ must be the Sundance Kid.

He has a warrant out for his arrest in Murray.

Why?

We have absolutely no idea.

Saturday, May 16, a time line

2009-05-17T14:17:00.006-06:00

A little bit of background.

This past Saturday I ran the long awaited Ogden Marathon. One of my goals is to qualify for the Boston Marathon and I've heard this is a good race to qualify in. The qualifying time for my age group is 3 hours and 40 minutes. A long shot, I know, but each time I've run a marathon (don't be fooled by that each time bit, I've only run 2 before this one) I've gotten faster so I figured, hey, why not eh? Go big or go home that's what I say.
And going big for me is qualifying for Boston.
My brother and sister-in-law were running the half so we all stayed together in a hotel room. Finn (the brother) set his alarm to go off at 4:00 am. We'd have plenty of time to prepare for the big race.

The rest of the day goes something like this:
4:50 am - I wake to Amber saying, "Oh...oh my gosh!"
Finn, clearly in a grog, "It's okay, we still have time."
Amber, "No we don't! Its 10 to 5:00! The alarm didn't go off!" (the buses leave at 5:00 am for the race start)

4:52- I jump out of bed a immediately start putting clothes on in the corner of the room so brother can't see me. Don't want to subject brother to that.

4:53-Frantically running about the room trying to gather my stuff. (I find that the when in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles scream and shout tactic works best for me)

4:57-JJ and I run outside the hotel doors to the bus pickup.

4:58-Kiss JJ goodbye. (on the chin, oops!) Try that kiss one more time. Old man yells, "Well that's not fair! He's leaving you to run that way all alone?"

4:59-Courtesy laugh to the elderly gentleman, continue running for the race pickup.

5:00-Phew! Made it to the bus pickup. Stand in a long line....Dang, I didn't go to the bathroom OR eat anything. Fueling and emptying my tank before a 26.2 mile run is probably a good idea.

5:01-Rummage through the race drop bag and find granola! Aha! Breakfast of champions.

5:02-Board bus for race start.

5:45-Arrive at race start and bee line it over to the porta potties. (Anyone who has run a race before understands the necessity to have "success" before beginning the 26.2 mile descent down a canyon.)

6:30-6:45-Finally able to have "success." People with microphones who just like to hear themselves talk are ordering runners around. We herd back and forth to the race start like a bunch of cattle, frantically ripping off the last remaining clothing.

7:00-The gun goes off. I continue to stand in place and watch peoples' heads in front of me start bobbing. Sooner or later I will begin to run.

7:06-Cross start line. It has begun. Slow and steady wins the race.

7:15-Mile one down. 25.2 to go.....Maybe I won't worry about qualifying for Boston. I'm just gonna take it easy. Yeah, that's it, I don't need to qualify. I just need to finish.

7:15-8:00 ish-Feelin good. This isn't so bad!

8:15- Hey, I think I can do this thing decently!

9:00- By George! I think I can qualify!

10:00- "Ain't nothin gonna breaka my stride, ain't nothin gonna slow me down! Oh no, I've got to keep on movin!" (that's a song) Feelin so good. Flyin down the canyon. I own this mountain.

10:11- What the? Who put rocks in my thighs? That stinkin hurts!

10:19- Okay, seriously, the rocks in the thighs thing won't go away and I really don't appreciate it. Its cramping my style. Not to mention my legs now weight 200 pounds.....each.

10:21- Is it over yet? Oh man....Just keep running, just keep running.

10:30- The husband shows up on his bike with a big ol grin on his face. I have no idea what he's saying to me because of the blessed iPod (seriously couldn't run without it) but I'm sure its words of encouragement. Bless his heart and his cute face.

10:33- I see the sisters on the side of the road. Cheering for me like I'm some kind of champion. They start running with me, clapping, yelling the whole way. Bless their hearts and their enthusiasm.

10:40- Pretty sure I mutter something like, "Where is the !@#$ finish line?" to the sisters.

10:49-Cross the Finish Line with my cheering squad surrounding me. I did it. Whew! I can breathe now!

10:50-Realize I was THREE minutes off from qualifying for stinkin Boston!

Ogden Marathon- 1
Natalie- A big fat, negative three! Dang it!

2:00 pm- Rigamortis has set in. And I've suddenly aged 50 years. ....I think I need some sort of assistive device, a walker, a wheelchair, a Jazzy electric chair, something.

2:01-Why do I pay to do this to myself again?

Quote of the Week (or month for that matter)

2009-05-09T16:23:00.002-06:00

Seriously Confused/Angry/Anxious/About to bolt for the door Patient: Are you from Florida?

Trying to calm above patient down Nurse Me: No. ...why? Is it cuz I'm so tan?

Seriously Confused/Angry/Anxious/About to bolt for the door/Doesn't appreciate my humor right now Patient: No...Cuz all the STUPID people I know are from Florida.

Realizing I'm not so funny, Me: laughing.....Ouch.

Its Official...

2009-04-22T19:52:00.014-06:00

After signing our lives away about a bajillion times, JJ and I are the proud new owners of this.

My nephew and neice wanted to help me model the house. Yep, baby B is sitting on the Suze's lap. And apparently she's okay with it.

Ahem, pay no attention to the nasty shrubbery surrounding the porch.

The Suze and baby B modeling the spacious living room.

Another view of the living room, notice the awesome racing stripe around the perimeter of the room.
JJ will probably spend a lot of time here. (tee hee! Who's kiddin who? I probably will too.)Teeny tiny kitchen.Bretty thought it was pretty cool to sit on the fridge. FYI, his own mother put him up there.

Cute little breezeway between the garage and the house.

The master bedroom in the east wing .Downstairs bathroom. Cute.

Can you believe it? Me neither.

We are really excited about it. We feel a bit like we are playing house. I dubs to be the mom and JJ dubs to be the dad. (no one has dubs to be the child yet, no worries.)

Happy Birthday Eve!

2009-04-17T16:13:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday to this face, argyle socks and all.

Enjoy your last day of being a quarter of a century old!

Just think, after tomorrow, you can round up to 50!

Oldy McFoldy!

*An addendem,
I showed this post to JJ, his reaction?
"Well, if that doesn't get you goin, I don't know what will!"

Oh for cryin out loud!

2009-03-29T12:09:00.003-06:00

Only in Utah can you get a sunburn on a Saturday and on Sunday you wake up to this...It has got to stop.
Anyone feel me on this one?
Mother Nature must have sorely misunderstood me when I said bring on the SUNshine. (Not the SNOWshine, ......her bad)

I am Irish for today!

2009-03-17T07:11:00.002-06:00

And now a St. Patrick's day song/poem. (Courtesy of Mama Robbins who has a song for every occasion and has passed that wonderful trait on to me)

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHH,
Me mother isn't Irish and me father isn't too
But today I feel as Irish as the really Irish do
For today I wear a shamrock that is very green and GAY! (Oh come on, not like that people!)
And although I'm very American, I am Irish for today!

If you see me today, I'll sing to you in person! Really if you see me any other day I'll probably still sing it to you.

This n' That

2009-03-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

What have we been up to? A little bit of this and that.

JJ is trying to balance life between this and that.

We put an offer on this. Are we seriously grown up enough to do that?
I have a love/hate relationship with this in training for that.

JJ, on the other hand, loves this so much he sleeps like that.

I can't wait for this to start again.
JJ and I currently watch this every tuesday and then seriously analyze it afterwards.
We went to see that and loved it.
JJ bought this and soon he will have that. (Those are actually my buns of steel)

I love this face, he makes me laugh so hard I do that.

Did you know?

2009-03-06T15:29:00.001-07:00

Today is National Procrastination Day. In honor of this fine holiday, ....I think I'll get caught up on the blog tomorrow.

The Confidence of a 4 year old

2009-02-06T11:49:00.005-07:00

I've always been somewhat of a pushover. I don't like confrontation and I shy away from saying things that cause negative feelings. I realize this is a weakness and I am trying to work on it. In my life I have a great example of someone who says exactly what they think no matter the consequences. That special someone is my Katie-bug.

Katie is the one on the left, she's very small and compact

She and I were talking about getting married. (naturally, a normal conversation to have with a 4 year old).
Katie: Nanny, can I see your wedding ring?
Me: Sure (holding out my hand)
Katie: (after deliberating for moment) Nanny, you have witchy fingers.
Me: Um thank you?
I don't know exactly what "witchy fingers" are but, if you want to see them, check out these babies.
Here's a different conversation.
Me: (giving Katie a hug) How come I love you so much Katie?
Katie:(giving the question deep thought) Because I have sparkly eyes and I'm cute.
Me: You are exactly right!

Katie: (Holding my face in her teeny tiny hands) Nanny, how come you don't have sparkly eyes? And how come your teef (teeth) are crooked?
...And I'm speechless....

Ahh yes, dear dear blunt and brutally honest Katie. How can I become more like you and say exactly what I think? Who knows, but in the mean time, I think I'll try not to take your comments too personally. How I love my Katie-bug.

Me (with my NON sparkly eyes and crooked teeth), Katie (sparkly eyes, cute face and all), and the Suze. Too bad you can't see my witchy fingers in this picture.

Goals vs. Reality

2009-01-20T08:00:00.003-07:00

I've heard the best way to make and set goals is to write them down and share them. It encourages accountability and action....Plus, I'm all about making lists so I thought I'd share a few of my goals for 2009.

Goals for 2009 (in no particular order) vs. Reality in 2009 (in no particular order)

Make a whole honk load of money-Ok well yes, lets face it, I will make money just maybe not a honk load. But not without a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and swear words.

Go to Europe to visit the rents in the land of the Czechs and the ol mish in land of the Danes-Also definitely going to happen sometime in August

Stop having bad dreams about burning the house down while my parents are gone-Continue to dream about Mom and Dad suddenly coming home from their mission and the plants aren't watered, the lawn isn't mowed, the mail isn't brought in, all the lights are on, the door isn't locked, and the house is in complete disarray.

Qualify for the Boston Marathon in May-Drag my sorry bootay across the finish line of the Ogden Marathon in May.

Be totally hip and release my inner fashionista-Continue wearing t-shirts and jeans with sneakers. I swear some day it will be the "it" thing.

Stop killing all the house plants while my parents are gone-Water the plants maybe once a month and pray for the best.

Start making more meals-Do meals consist of canned soup, PB and J sandwiches, cereal and milk? Then yes! I will be making more meals.

Find some sort of cure for my sugar addiction-Seriously,....somebody....anybody....help me!

JJisms

2008-12-31T18:38:00.006-07:00

So I know I totally missed posting about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. That doesn't mean they weren't rockin though! Rather than backtrack, I'm moving forward. Suffice it to say I am a blessed girl with wonderful friends and family. I enjoyed spending time with all of them and I just love em all s'much.
On to the current happy happenings.

No one can make me laugh like the J man can. He gets my humor and knows how to make me laugh so hard I just about pee my pants and do the silent laughsohardI'mgonnathrowup face. He's truly one of a kind, that kid. He has done some pretty funny stuff recently and I know many of you know and love JJ and will appreciate these JJisms.

The other day we were talking with some people about "swear words". He leans forward in his chair and says, "Yeah, when I was little, my mom used to give me tabasco sauce if I said the word, (and his voice gets quieter here) B-U-T." And he proudly sits back in his chair. (Silence) We just looked at him while Debi corrected him, B-U-T-T. Apparently he is not allowed to use conjunctions. Poor kid has to talk in short sentences. Imagine if he said words like A-N-D!

We recently went on a quick road trip to Arizona with the Kofford parentals. Mama Kofford was telling us how Papa Kofford married her for her "hair and her legs. And now [her] hair and legs aren't what they used to be." JJ's response? "Welp, at least you still have hairy legs!"

One of his few weaknesses is that he has a hard time remembering names. One time we were leaving our house and our neighbor (who's name is Bob) was outside mowing his lawn. JJ leans over to me and says "Good 'ol Ed!" I laughed outloud and corrected him, No its Bob.
Later that week, he ran into neighbor Bob and struck up a conversation (being the friendly kid he is). "Bob? Ed? No Bob. No its Ed." was playing in his mind while they were talking. A few minutes later comes "Your name is Ed right?"
He still has to sit and think about our neighbors name.

I can't help but bring up the "Welp, we're gonna go make a baby!" story. Truly one of my favorites.

One Sunday JJ and I were watching Fiddler on the Roof because JJ had never seen it. During the movie, my brother called me. Matt asked me what we were doing and I replied, "Watching Fiddler on the Roof." JJ pleads from across the room, "Oh great. Don't tell him that!" I guess he wanted me to say some manly movie, like Transformers or the Happiest Millionnaire. :)

A classic "JJ story".
JJ: So I went to Albertsons today to pick up a fluorescent lightbulb.
Me: Yeah?
JJ: Turns out, they don't have 'em at Albertsons.
Silence
Me: Is that it?
JJ (side smiling): Yeah.

I sure do love the boy and I am grateful to be with someone who makes me laugh so hard.

kLUtZ

2008-12-04T12:32:00.005-07:00

It seems like this past week reminders of my "fractured" past keep popping up. Allow me to explain.
On a fall morning in September a few years ago I went for a run. (Shocking) This run was not like any other run. Apparently I thought it would be fun to see what concrete tasted like. Long story short, I'm a klutz and fell to the pavement with nothing but my face to break the fall. Good times.
At the time, I was so embarassed, I quickly got up and looked around to see if anyone saw me and did the nervous giggle. (You know the one where you are trying not to cry or crawl into a hole and die) Whew, no spectators as far as the eye could see. I dusted myself off (I had pavement cruggle on my hands) and began to run again. I looked down and "what the?" I had blood on my shirt, where is that coming from? I felt my chin and a little pool of blood formed in the palm of my hand.
My first thoughts "Oh dangit, now I can't finish my run! I was just starting to feel good too."
I ran back to a gas station and asked the cashier if she had a bathroom I could use. She looked at me blankly and pointed to the southwest corner of the store. I immediately understood her blank look when I saw all the blood covering my face. Turns out cuts on your chin bleed a lot.
At this point I called my Mom to come get me, it was clear I wasn't going to finish the run because of my spur of the moment decision to eat pavement. While waiting for my mom I noticed my jaw felt funny. It was popping and my teeth didn't come together on one side. It didn't really hurt much, it just felt different.
When we got home my mom called my dentist explaining how my teeth didn't come together anymore, she asked if we should come see him first or go to the hospital. (it was clear I would need stitches at this point) His reply "No, no. Just go to the hospital."
So we did. I believe my last words before going back to get an xray of my jaw were "Don't worry Mom, there's no way my jaw is broken."
In comes the ER doc, "Um. You're jaw is fractured."
Dang.
In short, I had to have my mouth rubberbanded shut for 6 weeks and I was the laughing stock of everyone and their dog.

Fast forward to last tuesday at my dentist appointment. (Reminder #1 of my clumsiness.)
How are you Natalie?
Good, how are you?
Good. (side smile) Have you been on any runs lately?
Ooohoo, so funny, it hurts. You're killing me Doc. (that was sarcasm there)
He told me about how the ER doc called him that fateful day and told him about this patient they had in common. The dentist immediately knew who he was talking about and said, "She has a broken jaw right?" They then proceeded to have a good laugh.
I'm glad I can provide some sort of entertainment for you fools. (again with the sarcasm)
Reminder #2
Today I was putting up Christmas decorations and I found some wedding pictures that I wanted to frame. Inside one of the packages of wedding pictures I found....
these babies. (When I pay for something, I take it home!-who can tell me where that quote is from?)
I don't know why we have them or why they were with my wedding pictures (maybe my Mom was gonna frame them) but they are big and fractured. Maybe I can use them as spooky Halloween decorations next year.
Proof yet again, I am a klutz.
That is also why my Mom makes me wear a football helmet when I run. Special. :)

p.s. just in case you're wondering, concrete does not taste good. I do not recommend it.

Ode (more like Lament) to the Leaves

2008-11-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Autumn leaves, why must you taunt me so?
We rake you up and there you go,
Dumping yourselves all over the yard
Just minutes after we've worked so hard.

Its as if you're laughing, right to our face,
"Try again you suckas! You've missed a space!"
"You know right after you rake it all up"
"The wind will blow and and you guessed it, yup"

"It will look like your efforts are all in vain."
"Its as if you've done nothing, it will look the same."
Boo to the leaves I say, I'll show you yet,
And the leaves say back, "You wanna bet?"

Leaves=1, JJ and Natalie=0Dang.

I have a WONDERFUL Mother!

2008-11-01T10:03:00.003-06:00

My Grandma Sara used to say to us grandchildren "Now repeat after me, I have a wonderful Grandma!" And we would all chime in and say it right back to her, because it was true. We did have a wonderful Grandma. I've never met anyone that didn't love my Grandma Sara. The same can be said of the woman who gave birth to me.

And today is her birthday.
This post is dedicated to my Mom.This is her senior picture. Can you say babe-0-licious? When I was in high school some of my guy friends saw this picture and told me my Mom is a hottie.

My Mom is a chip off the old Grandma Sara block. She walks like Grandma, she dances like Grandma, she loves like Grandma, and she even drives like Grandma! :) That is a compliment, Grandma Sara is probably one of the most faithful, loving, kind, genuine, supportive women I know and my Mom is just like her.
I feel very blessed to have a Mother who is not only my Mom, but my friend, example, and role model. She is completely unselfish, she always puts others' needs before her own. We call her Mary Poppins, for she really is practically perfect in every way. I am excited for my own children to have a Grandma they can truly call wonderful. If I can be even half the woman she is someday, I'll be set.
I love you Mom! Happy Birthday!

Spooooky

2008-10-28T10:44:00.006-06:00

The Robbins family usually has an annual "Robbins Family Spook party" where we all come dressed up in costumes (except my lame-o brothers, apparently they think their faces are scary enough) and carve pumpkins, make spooky haunted houses, eat way too many treats, and generally have a good time. This year, the parents (the original Robbins Family Spooks) are serving a mission in Prague.
Sad day, to not have the annual Robbins Family Spook party.

But JJ and I did however have the FIRST Annual Kofford Family Spook party! We even wore our costumes, and might I add that they were quite scary. JJ dressed up as a stressed out/frustrated student, and I was an overworked witch (aka: a nurse). Below are a few pictures of how the night went down.

Can you tell which face is my husband?

I'm all gettin cozy with the pumpkins and what not. For pete's sake my hands look gargantuan! And that is spooky!Can you tell who carved this one? :)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Baby Face

2008-10-22T08:30:00.000-06:00

Baby: (as defined by Webster's Dictionary) an extremely young child.
Face: (as defined by Webster's Dictionary) the front part of the head that in humans extends from the forehead to the chin and includes the mouth, nose, cheeks, and eyes.

(Picture compliments of my cute neice Maddie.)
A. I am not an extremely young child. and B. Well, yes, I do have a face.
Is that clear?

I was at work the other day and my boss was interviewing people for a CNA position. I had a minute so she asked if I would show the interviewees a tour of the floor. She introduced me to said interviewees by saying, "This is Natalie, she is a nurse on our floor. She helps out with training new CNAs. She is going to take you on a tour of our floor."
Very nice introduction. Thank you Boss.
I had no sooner spoke the words "follow me", when one lovely young woman (not much older than myself I might add) says to me with a raised eyebrow and a disgusted look, "You are a nurse? ...You don't look old enough to be a nurse."
I promptly told her that the tribe has spoken, pack her bags for she is not the biggest loser, you're fired, you are no longer in the running to become America's Next Top Model, etc.
Well, I guess I didn't really say that. I wanted to. It went something more like this.
"Oh,...wow. Um, thank you, ...I think...I'm 25 so I don't know if that's old enough for ya. But yes I am. thankyouverymuch"

Just an extra clarification:

BABY FACEMeet "The Suze"

NOTSOMUCH a BABYFACE

Although I do not quite have a baby face per say, I do however, have a puberty face. Sorry for the zitface Kofford. Yar, I'm not attractive.

And finally, AWESOME FACE
How can you resist this kid? :)

Meet the S factor

2008-10-08T13:50:00.009-06:00

Some of you may not know that I love soccer. I do. (see shoe below) I love it with every fiber of my being. :) So the past four months have been pure bliss. My sister, Kari, invited me to play on a team that her cool friend, Julie, (who is probably too cool for school) started. Last night was our last game. (sniff sniff) We played awesome and kicked some "grass" (some of us kind of ate grass, myself included) So without further adieu, I present to you the members of the S FACTOR
JULIE: Our captain, our fearless leader. She has the strength of a woman and a tiny little baby. Anywhere you need her to be, she is there.
AMBER: "The Wall" Nothin gets past this girl. Her catlike reflexes have saved many a goal. Plus she looks quite sezzy in her pink goalie tank top. :)
JAMIE: Most courageous. She has never played soccer before and she is kickin some serious grass.
KARI: "Rookie of the Year" For pete's sake, she scored with her HIP! Need I say more? I love this sister of mine.
EMILY: Go-go gadget legs. You can always rely on Em's long legs. Talk about finesse. I've played soccer with her since the good ol days of Mike Ogrin and Murray Rec. :) Good times.
KATIE: Most likely to stay on her feet. :) She and Em are sisters so they have the espn thing goin for 'em. And because she and Em are sisters...by default Katie and I are sisters.
WENDY: The Ultimate Defender. When I get beat (and I often do) I can always rely on Wendy-bird to save my bootay. And she does, that is why I love her.
ALLISON: A regular Mia Hamm. She has fooled many a defender with her fancy footwork. I'd like to say its because we're related but....we're only related by law. So that doesn't worksomuch. Needless to say she's got some serious ball skizills.
So what does the name S-factor stand for? For whatever you want it to stand for. Some say it stands for stumblebum, sissy, sassy, sezzy, soccer, sweet, sensational, seussical, and so on but I prefer the Julie's original name when organizing the team. The Sexy Factor. Just look at this picture and tell me you don't agree.Thank you fellow teammates for a fun season. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself on Tuesday nights anymore.....

Zucchini Wars

2008-09-22T12:19:00.005-06:00

I love my family.

I love my family's jokes.
Good times are to be had with the Robbins family and 2 giant zucchinis.
We think we are so stinking funny.And we are.

We just don't know when to stop a good joke.

For an explanation of these pictures, go here

I love you , I do!

2008-09-18T15:19:00.000-06:00

6 months down...an eternity to go. How did I get so stinkin lucky? The video says it all. Happy Anniversary to the husband. I really couldn't have asked for better. I love you!

6 MONTHS!!!

2008-09-18T11:11:00.004-06:00

Readers, be advised, this blog will contain a lot of mooshy, juicy, "feelings," oriented comments directed to my wonderful wife. I invite everyone to read this blog, but please do not taint this blog with "wait 'til reality hits you," comments. It's fine if people feel that that the "honeymoon stage" can only last so long before reality comes. Natalie and I both have agreed to do everything we can to keep that twinkle in our eyes as long as possible (you may think us naive, but it's been done before).
If I were to summarize Natalie into a few words, I might say: LOVING, KIND, FUN, INCREDIBLE.
I can't even begin to describe to the blogging world, how my wife makes me feel, just knowing that she loves me. Frank Sinatra says it best that "with [her] head on my chest, I'm Mr. Success... with [her] standing by my side, I couldn't be a failure even if I tried." I love watching her when we're with family, friends, and especially the little people. She is the favorite aunt.
I have never met anyone more kind than Natalie. Seriously. She gets it from her mom, and from what I can tell, her Grandma Sarah. She is constantly getting the worst patients at the hospital, because all of the charge nurses know how kind she is. The mere fact that she married me is screaming "Charity Case," right?!
We have so much fun together. We don't do a whole lot, in that we don't go camping often, or traveling, or sporting events, or anything like that. We enjoy doing all those things, but what's so great is that it doesn't take much for us to be entertained! There is nothing greater than hearing Natalie laugh! She is such a fun, and goofy person!
I am inspired by Natalie's determination to be a better person. I love that she does things that's important to her. Whether it's playing soccer for a rec team in Murray, or taking a Spanish course offered through the hospital so she can be a better nurse to her spanish speaking patients. A few days ago, she was showing me a book that she used to study from while in nursing school. Then, she determined to study from the book again, for the sake of sharpening the saw (as if the saw's dull anyway).
Well, I could go on, but I'm going to post a little slide show of some choice pictures that I feel display the qualities I described. Be it known to anyone who reads this blog, I love my wife dearly, and am so grateful for the privilege and honor it is to be her husband! I can honestly say I married up. I'm glad I searched as long and hard as I did for her, because "she is my biggest fan." I love you Natalie.

Ahh the simple joys...

2008-09-15T15:47:00.003-06:00

I love, love, love getting called off at the hospital. I've never been so excited to answer the phone at 5:00 in the morning. Those blessed words, "We don't need you today, you can stay home." So great. Thank you CVU4 for giving me a free day of half pay and all play! (by play, I mean folding laundry that's been sitting there for 3 days, updating this post, workin up a good sweat, and actually doing my hair for once!)

A good laugh

2008-09-10T07:53:00.002-06:00

This post made me laugh out loud. Wooee....it hurts. So funny. Might be my new guilty pleasure....

Am I a Blogger Now?

2008-09-03T09:13:00.004-06:00

Yes, Mom you are a blogger now. Yes, a blogger, indeed. Mom and I spent 2 hours today setting up her own personal "Robbins Nest" blog. A way to keep us posted on the happy happenings happening in Prague. Quite an entertaining 2 hours, I might add. There were a few choice phrases muttered throughout the whole process "oh for pete's sake!", "What?...Natalie! How come it isn 't (fill in the blank with whatever she thinks it "should" be doing.)" and "Ughhh!" We do accept a few swear words in our household but thankfully, it didn't get to that.
Mom and Dad are going to Prague in 18 days. JJ and I will take care of the house while they are gone. (pretty sweet deal eh?) We will sure miss them around here. Here are a few things that won't be the same in 19 days.
-The garden probably won't get as much to eat (ie. the compost)
-Along with that, the lawn will probably be sporting a more "natural" look for the next year and a half.
-The sounds of "YIP!" and cows mooing probably won't be heard on Saturday mornings.
-The summer decorations that fill the house at this present time will also serve as the Christmas decorations that fill the house in December.
-There will be more grubbies/sterm/cruggle/etc....No can clean like Mom can.
-JJ won't have anyone to have "morning hairdo" contests with in the morning. (Mom puts up a good fight)
-The sounds of the Jazz, the Utes, the Cougs, and other various sports teams will be in lesser abundance.
-We won't go through cereal as fast. (my love of cereal comes from Papa Robbins himself)
-You probably won't see as many vacuum marks on the carpet......
-Our "biggest fans" won't be there to toot our horns and tell other people who their children are and how great they are.
All of the above is true. But most of all, we won't have our parents here in 19 days. I know they will be great missionaries because they are awesome parents. Their love of the Gospel is contagious and they are dedicated to serving the Lord. Thanks Mom and Dad for your wonderful examples and love! The people of the Czech Republic are dang lucky to have you. They will love you just as much as we all do. We will sure miss you! ....(and the good meals you cook)

Happy Feet

2008-08-27T10:59:00.003-06:00

Who knows if anyone reads this thing (besides Ma). I like to believe that you (Mom) are all hanging off the edge of your seats just waiting...waiting for the next post. Well (Mom) here is another post to wet your appetite. (And guess what Mom, this one has you in it!)
Recently my Mom and I went to get pedicures. Ma and Pa are going to be in the depths of Prague for the next year and a half, who knows what their feet will look like by then. We went to this place on state street and 5300 S. called Lovely Nails. It is run by a Vietnamese family. (Mr. Lovely Nails himself actually did my pedicure.) We found out about this place from my cousins. A lot of my aunts and cousins support and endorse the Nails that are so Lovely. I also endorse this place. It is fun to pamper yourself every now and then. But a disclaimer should be added underneath Lovely Nails*. An addendum, if you will. *Don't come here if you are looking to boost your foot-esteem. (which isn't very high for me anyways, I have stinkin fingers for toes!)
Every time its the same. It goes something like this. I take off my shoes and reveal the fingers. The lady(or Mr. Lovely Nails himself) looks at my feet in disgust, pointing to the side of my foot. As if I didn't know I had ugly calluses on my feet. They roll up their sleeves, take a deep breath...and begin the peeling process. (those of you who have had pedicures will know what I'm talking about) The whole time I am thinking, Oh man, I'm so sorry you have to deal with my gangly feet and fingers for toes. I just try not to look at them wincing as they proceed to cure my pedis.
Mom meanwhile is sitting right next to me, continuously refusing extras, trying to keep her self esteem up. The lady asks, "You want eye brow wax?" Mom looks at me, "Do I need an eye brow wax?" She should have replied with-You want new face? :)
This last story is borrowed from my Aunt Louisa. (she told it at our fabulous family reunion, for a review and pics of that event go here
Aunt Louisa sat down in the chair and put her feet in the warm water. The lady says, "You have a man?" Aunt Louisa replies, "No I don't have a man." She then removes Louisa's feet from the tub, takes one look and says, "Now I know why you don't have a man. You feet so ugly!"
Again, I say, do not go here if you are looking for a self esteem booster.
The first time my Mom and I got pedicures, the lady that did my Mom's feet kept saying "Don't worry...I give you happy feet." She would ask Ma if she wanted extras (like a flower or jewel). Mom would politely refuse, to which came the response, "Don't worry, I give you happy feet." And then the lady proceeded to do whatever she thought necessary to make Mom have said, "happy feet."
Thank you Lovely Nails for making my feet happy and my nails oh so lovely.

Eight is Great

2008-08-08T07:44:00.005-06:00

So, I'm a little bit of a nerd and I love when the date lines up and makes a sequence. ie: today 8/8/08. When it was 8/7/06 I was at work and I didn't realize what day it was until I had to sign off an order, this is how it went
Me: (at the front desk of the nurses station, realizing what day it is) Hey! Look what day it is! 8/7/06! Isn't that awesome?
Everyone else: blank stares....
Me: Okay, so I'm apparently the only one who thinks thats cool....
Anywho, so in honor of 8/8/08. I am going to post 8 things/thoughts/ramblings/whatever happens to be swimming around in this little brain of mine. "Lafou I'm afraid I've been thinking, a dangerous pastime, I know!" (Who can tell me what movie that quote is from?)

1. JJ and I have moved out of the rinky dink apartment in Chadd's Ford. We now have new roommates....the Rents. My parents don't leave for their mission until September so we are partying it up with the folks until then. And believe you me, the folks know how to throw a party... "Nightline" with Ted Kopple and ice cream, its pretty wild.

2. I am surprised at how sad I am that JJ and I moved out of our first apartment. It was our first little home. Don't get me wrong, I am so glad to be leaving our vocal neighbors but kind of sad about leaving our little family room with 2 love sacs for couches. (thank you Missy and Jeremy!) No joke about the no couch thing. In fact, one time it was a bit awkward when the Elder's Quorum Pres. came over, no one knew where to sit. There weren't enough seats and no one wanted to squish onto the love sacs so we all just stood around looking at each other. See, its these kinds of experiences that I'll miss!

3. I wish I was better at wake boarding...Take a look at the picky to the below...nuff said. (Can you say "face plant"?)

4. I am currently reading "Tuesdays With Morrie" and its a great book. I am almost done, does anyone know of other good reads I can move onto?

5. I am completely excited for the Olympics to start. In honor of the Beijing Olympics, I wanted to cook something Chinese tonight for dinner. The best thing I came up with is sweet and sour chicken. Mmmm....So sweet....so sour...mmmmmm. I love the Olympics.

6. I love my family! I am definetly a blessed girl in the family department. This summer, JJ and I have had so much fun playing with both the Kofford clan and the Robbins nest. I love that I am friends with my family and in laws. They are my best buddies.

7. I had a patient who knew Grandpa Finn's brother, Karl, and was actually companions with him. He had even been to Grandpa Finn's house! Small world....Don't worry, we figured it all out after I "told him who I was." (Grandma Sara would be so proud)

8. Awesome, I just did a post about 8 things I'm thinking about on 8/8/08! Isn't that awesome? Ha! and I finished this post in the 8 o'clock hour! And that IS great! (Don't you dare stare blankly at me....)

One more musing....

2008-07-22T18:42:00.003-06:00

Funny story this week from work. It occurred after my last post and it was too funny not to share. I got floated to another floor last Sunday, a medical/oncology floor. One of my patients had dementia and was really confused. He talked and jabbered on all day but his sentences didn’t make sense. For example, at one point during the day he was telling me about the "different shaped lights on the door over there" and he kept counting them. (there was nothing on the door) Anyway, so he had to be turned and positioned every two hours because he was completely immobile. (No bedsores for my patients thankyouverymuch.) The physical therapist was in working with him and I asked if when she was done she’d help me turn him onto his side. I was closer to his backside supporting his body so he was facing the physical therapist. At that point, he looks up at her and says in a completely coherent sentence, “Would you take my hand ....and place it on your breast?” I just about died. Did he really just say that? She just looks at him and says, um…no. What the? He didn’t make a complete sentence the whole day and he comes up with that? So funny.

Musings of an RN

2008-07-08T05:30:00.006-06:00

So its hard for me to believe that I've been a nurse for over 2 1/2 years now. Craziness. I still remember crying all the way home after my first day of work and for the next 6 months thereafter. I don't do that anymore.....as much. :) I've taken care of thousands of patients. I've loved, I've laughed, and I've DEFINTELY cried. I wanted to share some of the experiences that have made me laugh. Some of them, you may not appreciate as much (if you are offended by the word, titty, you should probably stop reading now.) but I sure did! :)
When I worked on West 8, we had a lot of patients that were confused or going through some kind of chemical withdrawal...which makes for some pretty funny stories.

One patient (who was going through some serious alcohol withdrawals) was convinced that her IV tubing was a snake. She was so preoccupied with it, so I wrapped up the IV in a white bandage so she couldn't see it attached to her arm. Unfortunately some of the IV tubing was still visible and when she'd move her arm, she could see it out of the corner of her eye. At this point, she would dodge the snakes movements by quickly moving away from the IV tubing, which in turn would only make the IV tubing (aka the snake) move more...It was a vicious cycle.

One night I walked into to do an assessment on my patient and she had wheeled the bedside table into the bathroom and was eating dinner while sitting on the toilet.
Me: Whatcha doin?
Patient: Oh I'm just being efficient.

Again, on a night shift I went into a patient's room to hang an IV antibiotic. (at about 2:00 am) I was trying to be ever so quiet so as not to wake the sleeping patient. I turn my back to him to chart on the computer and I hear, "Baby face...you've got the cutest little baby face!" And he proceeds to sing the song.
Me: Are you singing to me? (thinking that he is confused or in some sort of sleep deprived delerium)
Patient: Of course! You have a baby face!

One time, if you had walked by LDS hospital at about 12:00 in the afternoon, you would have seen me chasing a patient running down the hill, hospital gown flying every which way....That was a rough day.

One time a patient was pulling at his heart monitor and it was making it look like his heart rhythm was doing funky things. I went to check on the patient and found the patient frantically pulling at one of the wires.
Me: Whatcha doin?
Patient: (wide eyed) I think they've sewn this thing to my titty!

My first day on my own as a new nurse I walked into my first patients room to find him reading "How to Successfully Crossdress Without Even Trying." Oh frightening. He had pink nailpolish to boot!

One time I had a patient whose heart was in a notsohot rhythm. He was in atrial fibrillation and the Doctors had done everything they could think of to get him out of it. They tried medicine both IV and oral, they tried shocking his heart twice, nothing seemed to work. One day I was doing a dressing change on this patient and he suddenly sneezed. I paid no attention to the heart monitor but kept on with my dressing change. The people watching the heart monitors call me and ask me if I'm in room 23.
Me: Yes, why?
Tele Tech: Because your patient just flipped from atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm. (normal heart beat)
No freaking way! They had tried everything and all he had to do was sneeze? Craziness. Maybe they should rethink their atrial fibrillation protocol.....

I took care of a very young 92 year old man. He had a full head of white, crazy hair that stuck out every which way. He was so fun to talk to and I enjoyed taking care of him. Our conversation went something like this....
Patient: So, are you married?
Me: Heavens no! (I was very single at this point)
Patient: Do you have a beau? (fortunately my Grandma used to use this word, so I knew what it meant)
Me: No, I don't have one of those either.
Patient: What's your age limit? (thinking he had someone to set me up with)
Me: I don't know, why do you ask?
Patient: Are you still accepting applications? Then he winked at me.
Cute old man! I seem to have a way with the old men...

Those are the edited stories, there are more. I just don't want to lose friends by sharing them with the rest of the blogworld. Good times are had being a nurse. It is a very hard, rewarding, funny, laugh so hard you want to cry, cry so hard you want to laugh, job.

Woot woot!!!

2008-07-07T14:57:00.003-06:00

I just had to take a quick minute and brag! First of all, I married the bomb dot com! I know a lot of people think that Natalie and I are in the "honeymoon stage," being newly weds and all, but I personally feel it goes deeper than that! I love Natalie soooo much. I really did marry THE best person for me. She just makes me so happy, and she does so much for me, and makes me feel like a million bucks. It's amazing to me, all that's happened to me since we got married. Suddenly I've experienced motivation like never before to be successful in school! She is so supportive of me. Last week had to have been so boring for her, because every moment I had, I was studying for my Utah Mortgage Exam. I love that she and I can be goofy together. Laughter is a very real part of our relationship. I honestly love everything about her.
Secondly, as I mentioned earlier, I took the Utah Mortgage exam last Saturday. I spent all last week trying to get ready for it, and luckily I passed the exam, so no more studying for me! The great part is, that I got my mortgage license during one of the greatest housing slumps since the 70's, if I recall correctly! Timing is everything! Anyway, I just wanted to give myself a pat on the back!

A Shout Out to the Papas

2008-06-14T21:27:00.000-06:00

Happy Father's Day! I wanted to recognize two wonderful Father's in my life. I have been blessed with two wonderful leaders and Priesthood holders. JJ and I have great examples to lead and guide us.
Here are some random, lovable tidbits about my own Dad.

He loves his family, especially his youngest child.
He has to have all his "ducks in a row." Its because of you Dad, that I am the way I am!
He loves the Oakridge boys. I can remember many a saturday morning and Christmas morning listening to the Oakridge boys. Because of him I also love the Oakridge boys.
He has taught me the value of work.
Every morning without fail, you can find him reading his scriptures at 6:00 in the morning.
Everyone who knows him well understands just how dang funny he his.
He loves peanuts and he has also passed that love on to me.
He is a man with few needs and even fewer wants.
The only person who could put him in his place was my Grandma Carol.
He tolerates a few choice swearwords, and I quote, "we understand a few hells and damns in our house". (those are his words!)
Some coined phrases from him are: "two feet", "who wants to dance with Hettie Larou?", "lets keep everything moving in an orderly fashion", "that's an expensive piece of machinery", "sucks be to you", "I'm just gonna top off here." remember that one Matt? :)
He loves the game: the Jazz game, the BYU game, the Utah game, the Murray game, whatever sport it is, he loves it.
He is a wonderful example of love: love for the Gospel and his family.

I have been blessed to have such wonderful in laws. The head of the Kofford family is Dale. I have loved getting to know and love him as another Father in my life. Here are some random tidbits about him.

He loves ketchup. He puts it on everything.
The first time I went to the Koffords for dinner, Dale made me sit right by him. :)
He gives you a big hug right after you walk through their front door.
He loves being with his family, especially his newest daughter in law! :)
He is one of the smartest people I know. He is quite the math whiz.`
He loves cashews.
He was so welcoming to me right from the beginning, I appreciated that so much. (and still do!)
He taught me how to fish. I didn't catch a thing....hmmm....
He doesn't appreciate it when JJ and I cheat and win when we play Sequence with him and Mike. :)
His grandchildren love him.
He lets us use his boat and he has a nice truck. (I swear that's not a hint....)(Yes it is)
He is also a wonderful example of one who loves his family, the Gospel, and the Lord.

Thank you to the wonderful Father's in our lives! We sure do love our 2 Pops!

1 week short

2008-06-12T11:48:00.006-06:00

JJ and I have been married 1 week short of three months. We're basically pro. Last night, at my cousin's, Sam and his cute fiance Sarah (now wife), wedding dinner, we realized we are not the newlyweds anymore. Thus, I wanted to dedicate a post to JJ and share some of the things I have learned about the man I married and being a newlywed.

JJ is a cover stealer, every morning he has all the bedding wrapped around himself, generously, he shares a small corner with me. He has taught me how to fight for what I want (aka-more covers).
JJ still makes me laugh so stinking hard. I swear there are some faces he pulls and things he says that are only funny when he says them. An example, one day a newly engaged JJ and I were at my parents house and we were about to leave. JJ:"Welp, we're gonna go make a baby. "...Complete silence follows. My Mom's jaw drops and my Dad just stands there staring at JJ. JJ all the while, still grinning from ear to ear...So pleased with his perfectly delivered one liner. Me: Frantically trying to mend the situation. "Like a baby, we're gonna make LIKE a baby and head on out." JJ, realizing his fatal mistake, morphs from being so pleased with himself to afraid my Dad is going to rescind his permission granted for the boy to marry his last daughter. Fortunately my parents have a good sense of humor (and a good memory, he will never live that one down). Man that one liner went way wrong now didn't it?
JJ and I have no problems doorbell ditching our neighbors, even at 3:00 in the morning. (Because this blog is G rated, if you want the story behind that, you'll have to ask us in person.)
We have no qualms with waiting to have children. A week at the Christensen household proved true in providing us with a form of "birth control" (as Eric so eloquently put it). In one week playing Mom and Dad-we survived two "blowouts", both where Suzy managed to slime JJ. JJ learned of his spiderman skills which he used to breakthrough the bathroom window to save Suzy. She had locked herself in the bathroom and was in hysterics. And that was at the beginning of the week, it only got better after that.
JJ is easily tricked into saying family prayer at night. Our conversations go something like this. JJ-Who's turn is it to say the prayer? Me-Uh...(remembering he prayed the night before) I think its yours. JJ-Really? Me-Yep, pretty sure. JJ-(shrugging his shoulders) Okay. He'll have many blessings in heaven. :)
When JJ and I do actually take the plunge and have children, they probably aren't going to be very "smooth" or "graceful." Take a look at our legs and you will find numerous bumps and bruises from falling down and running into things. We're beauty and grace....
The novelty of scaring his wife still hasn't worn off for JJ. He still enjoys scaring the dickens out of me every time I come into a room. I'm pretty sure he has shortened my lifespan by at least a year....
I still love him like crazy and I am so grateful to be his companion!

A little blog help?

2008-06-10T14:44:00.002-06:00

To the technologically savvy blog people-aka not me, and not my Mom either :)- Does anyone know how to make it so the written part of the blog is wider? I feel like there is so much wasted space, I want to make it so you don't have to scroll so much to read a post. Any ideas?

Secret Muscles

2008-06-05T21:56:00.010-06:00

"Your Mom" jokes have taken on a new meaning for me this week. Nobody messes with my Mama, and she has the arm wrestling skills to prove it. Let me explain.
The Robbins family got together last Sunday for Will's baby blessing, a cute little bugger, and Finn and Emma's birthdays, one of those buggers is cuter than the other :) So naturally, we like to have a good time and we enjoy each other's company. We enjoy eating together, laughing together, talking, playing games together, and as of last Sunday, arm wrestling each other.
"Arm wrestling? Did I hear that right?" Yes indeed, folks your ears do not deceive you. Not only did we arm wrestle each other but MY MOM whooped us all. What the, secret muscles?
Let me set up the scenario for you. Michelle is the buff one of the family. She is going to be the next instructor at the gym. She lifts two mediums on biceps in our weight class. She beat me in no time flat and then said, "Oh come on, try this time!" Oh ........okay,....um ...next time I'll try.
Kari and I only lift a medium and a small on biceps in our weight class. I was secretly convinced that I was stronger even though we lift the same amount. That conviction changed last Sunday. Kari-the "fragile flower" put me and my medium and small on biceps to shame. sniff sniff-its true, I am the weakest link.
My Mom does maybe a medium on a good day, and thats only if she makes it to the gym! :) So where did these secret muscles come from? Here are a few of our theories:
Michelle is convinced that Mom "cheated". Oh please, Missy, you're just upset cuz those two mediums on biceps aren't doing jack squat! (Although, it did however, do enough to beat me)
Kari thinks Mom has the "mental edge" of being our mother and therefore can cream us all into the ground with her arm wrestling skills.
I, personally, believe it has to do with Mom's secret identity as a superhero. If you think about it, it makes sense. She can clean things like no one else can, she can find things that no one else can find, she can color like no one else can color (I was jealous of her coloring skills as a child, her people always had makeup on), she can cook like no one else can cook, and when she eats Lobster she can....well we'll keep that one on the downlow, and now she can arm wrestle like no one else can arm wrestle! I gotta give her props. She probably learned it from my Grandma Sara (who beat my cousin Jake in an arm wrestling contest, but that is a whole 'nother blog). So take your one medium weight on biceps Mom, you deserve it. I'll never underestimate your secret muscles again.

A Shout Out to the Mamas

2008-05-11T12:46:00.007-06:00

This Mother's Day we just wanted to recognize two wonderful mothers in our lives. We are both so grateful for the love and lessons we have learned from our Moms. Grandma Sara was right, I do indeed have a "wonderful mother." I have married into an awesome family and have gained another wonderful mother. Thank you for your examples, kindness, cooking, support, laughter, friendship, shoulder to cry on, listening ear, testimony, and love. We love you both very much!

Lessons Learned from a Sprint Triathlon

2008-04-28T19:52:00.014-06:00

Last weekend, I did a triathlon with my in laws. My cute sister in law, Rachele, invited me to do it with her and her husband, Robbie. Why not? They are fun people, I enjoy exercise and a good challenge, and it was something different. We ended up having a blast and I learned a few lessons in the process!

1. It is always good to bring a helmet for the bike portion of the race. Everyone brings them….except me. I didn’t even think to bring mine! Fortunately, Mike is friendly and the guy he was standing next to in line happened to know where an extra helmet was. Whew! Crisis averted! Thank you Mike and your new friend.

2. Where there is a downhill, there is always an uphill. Who knew that hill by the University of Utah football stadium was so stinking big?

3. It is always good to go mountain biking at least once before you participate in an actual race.
Now you may ask me, but didn’t you know when it said 8 mile mountain bike course on the registration? Well, apparently I hear what I want to hear because I was convinced it was a paved course or at least tightly packed even ground. WRONG! There were places where I swear I would have lost my life (or at least a limb or two) if I had attempted to ride the course. I promptly got off my bike at this point and walked it down and up the rocky path of death. (Good thing I had the helmet..Again, thank you Mike and your new friend.)

4. I still like participating in races for the goody bags you get when you register. Its like Christmas. I love the free t-shirts.

5. It is always good to bring a towel to dry off, cuz you know you do have to get wet to do the swim. Again, I completely forgot this tiny tidbit of information. As we were setting our stuff up, Rachele got her towel out and placed it on her bike. My frantic thoughts, “What the? Why does she have a towel? Was I supposed to bring a towel? Why didn’t anyone tell me? Why didn’t I think of that? DUH!” But don’t worry this crisis was also averted, Rachele and I went to the bathroom (the first of many times going to the bathroom…I drank a lot of water, I was in a long line, and I was nervous….not a good combination). Anywho so we went to the locker room to find a bathroom and what to my wondering eyes should appear? A nicely folded stack of towels just begging for me to take one. ….So I did. I now owe the University of Utah a white towel.

6. You know how every racecar driver has a good pit stop crew? Well every racer needs a good JJ pit stop crew. JJ tuned up my bike, put air in my tires, tightened my shocks, held my bags, drove me to the race in the wee hours, and cheered me from start to finish. Best pit stop crew ever.

7. Training is always good. I signed up for this thing about two and a half weeks ago. Me, being the fit beast I am (that was sarcasm) thought that I could fit in some swims and runs. Ask me if I’ve been running in the past two weeks….once. Ask me if I’ve been biking in the last two weeks…nope! Ask me if I’ve been swimming in the last two months? Nope!

8. If you want to get in the top three finishers just do what Robbie did and skip the whole bike part. (his bike chain broke about 1/3 way into the mountain bike so he walked his bike back down the hill and went on to the run) For proof go here: http://www.trihive.com/2008/04/4th-street-clinic-triathlon-2008-results/

9. Races are a blast when you do them with people you love. ….And when you make matching t-shirts.

Story of the Polka Dot Bag

2008-04-19T15:18:00.007-06:00

So many of you have already heard this story but I wanted to post it, cuz it is definitely blogable material and to share it with those of you who may have not heard the story. This bag is my temple bag. (I got it from a friend in my parents ward, cute Wendy Bench.)
When we went to Cancun, JJ's parents took his car as a favor for us. I left my temple bag in the front seat of the car, not a smart thing to do but I didn’t even think to take it out. Inside the bag were temple clothes given to me by my late Grandma Sara. The temple packet had an embroidered picture of the Porto Alegre temple on it. My grandma was the temple matron there and while she was down there she got those packets for her grandchildren. What a treasure. I love my Grandma so much and am so grateful for her love and wonderful example. I loved the thought of having my Grandma so close every time I go to the temple. Anywho, so the bag was inside JJ’s car. On the Saturday after our wedding, Debi took the car up to work. In broad daylight, JJ’s car got broken into. And guess what the dirty thief took? My temple bag. Nothing else was even touched, the car stereo, JJ's super nice leather interior :), CDs,..nothin!
We found out the very same night because JJ had to call his dad for something. When Dale told us, I was so sad. I started crying. It made me sick to think of what happened to the bag and all those things my Grandma gave me. Sure, I could buy those things but they were definitely not replaceable. JJ suggested we say a prayer, so we knelt down and offered up a heartfelt prayer. JJ prayed that whoever took the bag would either return it to the place they found it or somehow it could be recovered. I (as well as JJ, Debi, and Dale) was so sick about it.
Fast forward to Tuesday, a week after our wedding, on our way home from Cancun we had a layover in Texas. While we were there, I turned my phone back on and listened to a message on my voice mail. I wish I could have seen my face, I think I even grabbed JJ’s arm when I heard the message from my old ward secretary, Bro. Ken Larsen, telling me my temple bag had been found! What the? How the? Who the? I immediately called him back and he said that “some sweet old lady” found it across the street from Harmons. (near Debi’s work) My temple recommend had been inside one of the pockets and she found my old singles ward and returned it to the ward house. Wow. I was amazed and felt so grateful my bag had been recovered. I knew it had to be by divine intervention. I knew Heavenly Father had heard our prayer. It gets better….
The next day, JJ and I picked up the temple bag from Bro Larsen’s house. Taped on the outside of the bag was a note that said, “Happy Easter! Your bag was found about 7:30 pm last evening on Woodland Ave just across from Harmons Brickyard. I’m a sister from Wilford 1^st ward. Have a happy life.” I seriously couldn’t believe it, everything was still perfectly intact, temple packet and all. It didn’t even look like anything had been touched! I tried to get Bro Larsen to tell me the name of the lady so I could contact her. He said that she wouldn’t leave her name but she was very sweet. I knew there had to be some way to thank her. I took the bag home to my parents house and my mom read the note and said, “Do you know who’s stake that is? That is Grandma’s old stake! Grandpa Finn was the stake President in that stake! I bet they know Grandma and Grandpa!” The story just kept getting better. I know Grandma was helping me. We told JJ’s parents that we retrieved the bag and everything was in it (Debi felt so bad about it) and they suggested we go to that ward the next Sunday and bear our testimonies. We did just that. Both JJ and I talked about the power of prayer. The Lord heard our prayers. It seemed like such a small thing....He is involved in the details of our lives. I have no doubt Grandma Sara helped with that one! After the meeting we thought we would hear from the lady who found it. She never came up to us, however, some people did remember Grandma Sara and Grandpa Finn. Then this old guy comes up to JJ and says, I know who found your bag. Her name is Elsie Sentker and she isn’t here at church. She isn’t very active but I am her home teacher and neighbor. JJ got her address and we decided to go thank her in person. We drove to her house and knocked on her door. She immediately invited us in without even knowing us. I gave her a hug and said, You don’t know who I am but I am gonna give you a big hug! She hugged me back and said, Well okay! Then we explained to her the story of the temple bag. We told her how we had prayed about it, JJ’s family was praying about it, my family was praying about it and quite literally she was an answer to our prayers. She said when she saw it, she knew there was something special in it. Something precious. She told us how she was coming home from work and “for some reason,” took a different route than she usually takes. She saw a bag with a little white slipper hanging out of it. She pulled her car over and picked it up. Inside she found my temple recommend and from that tracked down my old ward house. AMAZING! We sat chatting for a while about the temple bag, our recent wedding, honeymoon, her marriage, her late husband, etc. I asked her if we could come visit her again, she agreed. As we were about to leave, she says, “Oh wait, I have something for you.” She shuffles back to the kitchen and we hear a bunch of clinking and drawers opening. I thought she was going to offer us some stale cookies or candy (like my own Grandma always had). Then she comes out with two little blue flower vases and told us how she got these as a wedding present at her wedding and she wanted us to have them. What a neat treasure!

I was so impressed by her. She is such a sweet woman and an answer to many prayers! JJ pointed out how the Lord uses “everyday people” to be instruments. Here is this woman, who isn’t active in the church but lets the home teachers come visit her. She is a genuinely good person. What a testimony builder. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father. As JJ says, Heavenly Father shows us the power of prayer through a broken window. How neat. I kept the note she gave me and will always have it in my temple bag as a reminder. The blue vases are sitting out on our bookshelf also as a reminder of the love our Heavenly Father has for us, sweet Elsie, the power of prayer, and the tender mercies in our lives. I love it.

Cancun part 2 (The Novel)

2008-04-14T08:40:00.010-06:00

Ok, I decided that I better get another post going so I can move those pictures that Natalie took of me sleeping down a little farther.
I left off on Thursday night, the day we went to Chitchen Itza.

So, I'll pick up Friday morning.
We didn't really have anything to do on Friday, with the exception of changing our room for the 3rd night in a row. Needless to say, we were very excited to finally be able to unpack. Suffice it to say we were satisfied with our new room. We went swimming at the beach after we got all moved in. We searched long and hard for an empty space on the crowded beach, and decided to just drop our stuff right in the middle of the beach. I couldn't believe how crowded it was. I've only been to beaches like Huntington beach where there's just tons of sand, and so it never really looks crowded (at least the times I've been there).
We relaxed by the pool for a while drinking our Miami Vice's, as was suggested by my sister-in-law Zipporah! She warned us though that even though we asked for virgin drinks, sometimes they would assume we were kidding... So, the first time I ever tasted alcohol was on our honeymoon.

Then after a chilaxing day at the beach and pool, we went for a walk. That was a lot of fun, on the sidewalk next to the really busy traffic where I studied the driving habits of all the taxi homres, which came in handy the following Sunday. It was awesome, Natalie and I love going for walks. We haven't been able to do that for a long time because it's been so cold all winter long. It really was just so nice to finally have her all to myself.
So, Friday night, I had to make some travel arrangements to go to an ecological theme park called Xcaret. I had arranged for Natalie and I to swim with dolphins there Saturday afternoon. I called the front office to ask them how we should plan on getting there. They made it sound like buses drove there frequently, and it wasn't any big deal getting there. So, Natalie and I decided to sleep in and snuggle (I love to snuggle!)
When we finally decided to leave, we found out from another source that all of the buses had already left to Xcaret, and the only other option we had was to either rent a car, or hire a taxi. As reluctant as I was to pay more money for that day, Natalie and I rented a car. So, I learned how to drive like an hombre! It was so fun not having to use the blinker, and not have to worry about driving in between the lines, and not really watching the speedometer!
Swimming with the dolphins was so crazy! I probably wouldn't have thought to do that, had Natalie not suggested we do that. I'm glad she did though, because it was really a new experience for us. It was weird because they really seem to have a fun personality! What kind of fish has a fun personality?! So we pet the dolphins, danced with them, kissed them, and they even pushed us by our feet!
The rest of the day was spent at the ecological park called Xcaret. I really wished we had spent more time there because it was ginormous! There were cenotes to swim in, iguana's to catch, pelicans to touch, mccaws to talk to, lagoons to snorkel in, fish to catch, sea turtles to ride, and so much more! Natalie even made friends with a very fast mayan hombre. We were totally spent by the end of that day.

I called Shauna a couple of days before the wedding because it dawned on me that we were going to be on our honeymoon over Easter! So I decided that the Easter bunny ought to visit us, even though we were in Cancun! So, I called Shauna to see what Easter traditions Natalie grew up with. When I called Shauna was in line at the store, so she just told me about the song, "Boo-la Boo-la." I laughed so hard when she called me up later and sang it to my voicemail! I think I still have that message. Anyway, Sunday morning came, and Natalie got up, and I sang the "Boo-la Boo-la" song, until she found the basket. The Easter Bunny didn't make it too difficult for Natalie to find because he knew that I didn't really want to sing the song too much! ;)
Renting a car actually worked out really well for us though, because we were able to attend church on Sunday! That was a lot of fun. I think Natalie enjoyed it more, because she has a little more exposer to spanish than I do. I didn't understand a darn word. It reminded me of when I was a young missionary in Denmark, wondering what the heck everyone was saying, and why my teachers failed in teaching me Danish!
After church we had a day of leisure on the beach enjoying the redundant sound of latin music blaring on the beach (did I mention Dos Playas was a spring break hot spot? lol) We read conference talks, scriptures, slept, sun tanned, and played Phase 10 (of course Natalie won, she always wins!)
Natalie and I decided Sunday night to arrange to go snorkeling one more time before we left on Tuesday. That turned out to be very eventful. First of all, when we woke up, it was pouring like I had never seen. I called the travel agency to see if we were still on. It stopped for a little bit, so still had to go snorkeling. So, we packed up our stuff, and hopped on the bus to head to the lagoon. The problem was, that I told the bus driver to take us to the Sunset Lagoon, when really I should have said Sunset marinas! Oops... So, we drove past our destination three times, and ended up having to take three buses just to get there. But once we got there everything was fine. We hopped in our little boat, drove out through the mangroves, and out to the reef. The guides had some fish food, so we had a swarm of fish around us. It was funny because they kept teasing a few of the girls there because they were freaking out at the very sight of fish!
Our resort package ended on Monday, but our flight wasn't until the next day because I can't really count. Oops! So, Natalie and I stayed at another hotel our last night. It was right on the beach, and very nice. I arranged at check in, for a wedding cake and coke (instead of champaigne) to be delivered to our room while we were doing a what we thought was a dinner cruise. We left the hotel to the dinner cruise. We were kind of pressed for time, and wouldn't you know it, I forgot cash... I ended up running back to our hotel room (in flip flops) to find out the only bill I had was a $50! The bus driver was not happy when we tried to use a $50 bill on his bus. He didn't even make us pay because he didn't want to have to deal with breaking it! So, we made it just in time for, what ended up being the booze cruise!
When I made the reservations, I was under the impression that dinner cruise would be a romantical way to end the honeymoon. Sailing in the Lagoon at sunset with a live band, and dancing... sounds good enough. When we first got on the boat, they tried to give Natalie and I a rum punch drink. That should have been a warning sign. down next to a man that couldn't stop talking about how you haveWe sat to have rum when you're on vacation. It full on turned out to be a booze cruise. I felt like such and idiot, and felt so bad for putting Natalie in that environment! They were doing Tequila shots, drinking games, and everything! Natalie and I tried to distance ourselves from the actual party, for the most part. They did have one dance dedicated to the honeymooners, Natalie and myself, along with another couple from Australia that each has 5 kids. Then there was the limbo contest! So, technically there was dancing... just not the kind of dancing I had gotten used to at the Murray Arts Center.
I'm going to post this baheemoth of a post because it is ginormous and I really feel bad for my readers. I'm just trying to get caught up. I just have to write about our last night in Cancun. You'll want to stick around to read that too, because thats a major highlight for Natalie and I.

Mr. Sleeping Beauty

2008-04-08T14:32:00.006-06:00

Sorry for the hiatus in writing. Who even knows if you people read this,...so I guess to anyone out there in blog world, I'm sorry I haven't graced your computer with my words of wisdom. Nevertheless...much has changed since I last wrote! Marriage is the best. JJ has done a good job of writing about the honeymoon so I won't do another recap. Suffice it to say, it was so great not having a care in the world and being able to be with Mr. Kofford all the time. Some of the highlights were everyone calling my husband Yoostin Koffer? Ees Yoostin Koffer here? So funny. No one would believe that we didn't want the booze in our strawberry daiquiris. "No rum? Ees free, you know?" Another favorite quote, "(knock knock knock) Cake for de honeymooooners!" Good times.
One thing I've learned about JJ in our three short weeks of marriage is that he sleeps in many different positions. Sometimes I have to get up way early for work and this is the wonderful man

I wake up to. I took the liberty of taking a few pictures of sleeping beauty himself and sharing them with all of you. Without further adieu, I present to you three of the many faces of sleeping JJ.

Picture number one is Serious Sleeping JJ. Its all biznas here. Word. Don't mess.

Picture number two is Exhausted Sleeping JJ. He is a hard working man and he is totally wiped out in this picture. Look at that face, how could you not love this kid?
Picture number three is Biceps Sleeping JJ. Look at him gently caressing his right bicep (the bigger one) with his left hand. He even flexes in his sleep! Woohoo!
I have had so much fun being married to this boy. JJ has no idea I took these pictures. I was always afraid the flash would wake him up, but he is a very focused sleeper (as you can see in picture number one). I know that by putting this post up, I will have to live by the motto "If you can't take it, don't dish it out." For I know that JJ has some blackmail material pictures of me. But I hope he will remember how loving and kind he is. I hope he will remember why I married him. I hope he will remember what a forgiving and non retaliating heart he possesses. :) I love you Yoostin Koffer!

Cancun part 1

2008-04-01T11:25:00.004-06:00

Our honeymoon was a lot of fun. I am so grateful for how easy going Natalie is, because I'm kind of a querky individual, and require someone very even keeled. I had some troubles arranging a place to stay in Cancun. Natalie and I were given as a wedding gift, and a form of bribery, an all-inclusive resort package to Cancun, in exchange for baby sitting Natalie's sister's kid's when they go to Cancun in May. The travel agency isn't set up the way a travel agency should be, and so I had a bit of a hard time making all of the arrangements. Long story short, after two weeks of really wrestling with my agent, I was able to book a hotel called Dos Playas.
So, the day of departure arrived, and Natalie and I both very excited to get away from the cold, and not have anything to do with wedding plans, show up at the gate, only to find out that I didn't reserve seats on our over-booked flight to Cancun! They told us that we would have to wait and see if there would be any availability... my heart sank, and I felt like and idiot! Especially because Natalie's Uncle Doug saw us there at the gate and came to say hi, as we were just finding out our situation. I'm sure he wasn't impressed. Well, with luck, we got on the flight. Crises averted!
When we tried to check in at Dos Playas, the manager told us that our room had been destroyed by Spring Breakers the night before, so they had to have us stay at a sister resort that night. Apparently I booked a hotel that turned out to be a real Spring Break hot spot! So Dos Playas hired a taxi to take us to the wrong hotel. Fortunately we only had to walk with all of our baggage a couple of blocks! My heart sank when I saw the room... it was essentially an insulated box, just big enough for a bed, and the bathroom was pretty shady. I was hoping Natalie's poor eyesight would prevent her from seeing all of the bugs!
The next morning we had to be to our original hotel to be picked up for our excursion to Chitzen Itza. As our taxi pulled up to Dos Playas, I realized that the bus was parked out front waiting for us, and we still had to check in, so I ran to the bus and told them to give us 2 minutes. They were tempted to just leave. So we arrived not a moment too soon, so we were able to go to Chitzen Itza that day. We were dressed for hot humid weather, ready to swim and everything, and it turned out to be a real rainy and cold day, so it was fun being able to cuddle everywhere we went, trying to keep eachother warm.
At the end of the day when we returned back to our hotel, we checked in, and went to our room. I opened the door, and again, my heart sank! There in the room, I saw two "his and hers," twin beds! I was so annoyed with Dos Playas! I called up the office, and all they could say was, that's all they had available and we would just have to stay there that night! I was so grateful that Natalie was so down to earth, and positive, we made the most of it! It was a fun time.
In the interest of time, I'm splitting the honeymoon into sections. I tend to type a little too much, so I'm sorry for my readers. When I get a little behind in my journal, I usually cut and paste entries made on my blog and post in my journal, so that's why my blogs are pretty extensive. Anyway, stay tuned for the other posts.