Vasquez Family

iLoVe

2012-01-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

I kind of miss my rambles on the blog. Aiden gets an earful every day from me, so I thought I'd give him a rest and catch up - exposing all of you to them. This post will probably be about nothing and will not inspire or entertain you but if it does, then welcome to my world.

Lately I Love:
• Aiden's sneezes
• Getting to see my sister over Christmas break
• The song "100 Years" by Five for Fighting - Aiden does too! Quiets him right up in the car
• Flexibility of working from home
• Snickerdoodle muffins
• Hot showers with no baby crying in the background
• Pinterest
• Relief Society lessons
• Netflix
• New year and new beginnings
• My new iPhone
• TLC's "Next Great Baker"
• More than 6 hours of sleep in a row
• Christmas $ and getting to buy whatever I want!
• Aiden recovering from his ear infection :(
• Words With Friends game on my phone
• Unexpected visits from Vegas friends Kallee and Ashley
• Aiden rolling over and sitting in his Bumbo
• Watching Michael and Aiden play together (he can get him to smile SO big!)

Life is good! That is all... now I must go and love on my little man who's crying for attention! :)

Merry and Bright

2011-12-18T09:35:00.001-08:00

Life As We Know It...

2011-12-10T15:55:00.001-08:00

If you were to see what I see right now it might look something like this picture. My sweet little baby's asleep in my arms - snoring. My arm is dead and I can't feel my fingers, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Three months has gone by so fast. This little guy is getting so big. He is a handful and always wants attention - he gets that from his momma. We are slowly but surely getting a routine down, however I'm sure once we get something worked out, Aiden's schedule will change. I can hardly find the time to sit down and even blog. In fact I'm kind of cheating. I'm using the blogger app on my iPhone and dictating this post via the microphone. I started back to work about 6 weeks ago and that is going well. I work mostly from home which is nice, and go into the office a couple days a month. I bring Aiden with me when I go, and he is usually pretty good, which makes it nice. He is starting to smile a lot - especially when you sing to him. We love him and are having so much fun with him. It's crazy how instantaneous that deep love is, but I now believe in love at first sight. :)

Newborn Pictures

2011-10-05T12:08:00.002-07:00

Our good friend Tasha took Aiden's newborn pictures. She did such a good job and had a lot of tricks to keep him asleep and in poses. Thanks Tasha for doing those - they turned out so good! He is such a good baby and we have fallen madly in love with him!

Good News

2011-10-03T19:03:00.001-07:00

Update: Aiden does not have hip dysplatia! We had his ultrasound this morning and his Dr's nurse called us back with the results this evening. The reason why they suspected it was his hip clicked when they would manipulate it - commonly called a click hip - go figure. Anyway, they now know because of the ultrasound that it is his ligaments that are clicking. It should go away with time thankfully, although I know he would have rocked that brace. We are grateful we dont have to fuss with it. So now we are once again taking a deep sigh of relief and loving on our little guy every minute (or second) he's awake. We are slowly but surely figuring out days and nights and mom and dad are looking forward to getting down a schedule.

On another note, yet completely related, my brother Brad and his wife Whitney had their baby on Friday. Aiden is so excited (or would be if he knew what was going on)! Baby Spencer came a few weeks early due to some complications with mom, but both are doing well and he will be out of the NICU in a few weeks after his lungs are a little more developed. It will be fun to have cousins so close in age!

Aiden Michael Vasquez

2011-10-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! 2 weeks has flown by so fast! Aiden was born 2 weeks ago today and our lives have changed forever. He has us wrapped around his fingers, but we wouldn't have it any other way. He is a spitball and very strong. He came out holding his head up and already tracking with his eyes. I went into the hospital Saturday night after we attended our ward party and he was born at 6:13 that next morning. Michael's parents drove down and were here to greet him shortly after he was born, and of course my parents were close enough to visit as well. The delivery went smooth and I feel like I have been healing fairly quickly. Because I started contractions at 3am Saturday morning, I didn't really get any sleep for a few days. My mom was amazing and came and helped out Michael and I for a few days. I am so lucky and grateful Michael was able to take a week and a half off to spend time with our little family and be there to support me.

We had a scare on the 2nd night we had him home, where Aiden would have a gulping sensation and didn't look like he was breathing. We took him into the ER and after 5 hours, no one could really give us an answer and of course he didn't do it for the doctor in the hospital, so he was just relying on us describing it. We made a follow-up appointment with his pediatrician the next morning and it was then that we found out that he had developed acid reflux as well as jaundice. His level taken at the ER was 12.3 and jumped the next day to a 15.7. Over the next two days we had him on a biliblanket which was supposed to bring it down, but at his next checkup, his levels rose even more to an 18.9. The doctor decided to admit him to the NICU to put him under the lights. It was hard to leave him, but it ended up only being for 24 hours. There is not a place to sleep, so the doctor told me to go home and get some rest. That was the first night that I actually slept in 5 days. I had tried to take naps during the day, but I've never been one to nap, so it's really hard for my body to adjust.

After we took him home from the NICU, his levels were down to a 12 again. These past few days, we have been trying to put him in the sunlight and have good feedings, so he can get his levels all the way down. Unfortunately, he was tested again this last week and it went back up to a 15. It's really frustrating and our poor little guy has been pricked so many times, the last few he has just slept through it. I guess he figures there's no use crying anymore :)

Anyway, we are just supposed to keep an eye out for him and watch his skin color. We go to the doctor again Monday for an ultrasound for what they suspect is a click hip or hip dysplasia. Aiden may have to be put in a Pavlik harness for a few months which will help pull his hip ball and socket back together. Click here to find out more about it: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00347

All I know is is does not look fun for both mom and baby :( But if we didn't get it done within the first few months of life, he would have to have hip surgery by his teenage years. So we will do whatever it takes!

Anyway, we love our little guy and know that everything will work out. Thanks for all of your prayers and love!

Waiting...

2011-09-09T08:37:00.001-07:00

...for the first day of school to arrive.

...for the last day of school to arrive.

...to be old enough to wear makeup.

...for Easter egg hunts, trick-or-treating, Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas morning.

...for my mission call to come in the mail.

...for the man of my dreams to ask a certain question.

...to meet this little guy inside me.

Waiting... it's something I've never been good at.

Waiting...

2011-09-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

...for the first day of school to arrive.

...for the last day of school to arrive.

...to be old enough to wear makeup.

...for Easter egg hunts, firework shows, trick-or-treating, Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas morning.

...for my mission call to come in the mail.

...for the man of my dreams to ask a certain question.

...to meet this little guy inside me.

Waiting... it's something I've never been good at.

Baby Aiden's Room

2011-07-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

Dear sweet baby boy,

2011-05-27T09:09:00.003-07:00

I’m in love with you already. The other day we were at dinner with some friends, and their little girl was acting up in front of everyone at the restaurant. I just smiled and smirkingly said, “My kid behaves better than yours!”

Right now you kick my belly constantly. I love every bit of feeling you so close to me. In a few years, I will be getting after you for kicking and hitting and probably get frustrated at how you won’t listen. But for right now, I will let you kick as much as you want.

Right now you wake me up in the middle of the night. I don’t mind. In a few months, when you’re crying and want me to hold you or feed you, please be patient with me if I ever get frustrated. But for right now, I will let your little body resting on my bladder be just fine by me.

Right now I am starting to grow out of my normal cute jeans and loosening the notches on my belt. I’ve never shared this kind of space with someone and I have to remind myself that what my body looks like now does not matter. In a few months, I will be hitting the gym and trying to get back in shape, once again, being conscious of how my body looks. But for right now, let’s just relax – you and I. Let’s not worry about how we look. Everyone already knows you’re the cute one in this package deal.

Right now I have heartburn. I hope it’s not because you don’t like what I’m eating, because we’ll be eating Mexican food for the rest of our lives. You’re a fourth Mexican after all. In a few years, you’re probably going to complain about my home cooked meals and get mad at me for making you eat vegetables and oatmeal. And you might hide them in drawers from me or behind the trashcan, like I did at that age to my mother. And I’ll probably get frustrated. But for right now, your way of complaining about my food is just fine and I’m sure I’ll survive.

Right now I am counting down the weeks until I get to finally meet you. In a few years, when you’re growing out of the new shoes I just bought you or talking back to your dad or starting kindergarten, I will probably cry and wish you were little again. But for right now, I will appreciate the weeks that we have left together like this.

Right now I have two loves of my life. I hope you don’t mind sharing, but I am also absolutely in love with another boy. Your daddy is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I know that you’re going to love him as much as I do. I can’t wait to meet you and he is just about as giddy as I. He painted you a dresser for your nursery room. I can already tell how much he loves you. We are all going to be best friends and stick up for each other. I’m sure in a few years, I’m going to get frustrated at times and need reminded of that, but for right now, I will lay down at night and fall asleep with my two best friends right beside me.

I love you baby Aiden.

Love,

Your Momma

Spring Fever

2011-05-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

Any free minute we have had these past few weeks - when the weather has cooperated - Michael and I have been outside working on our yard. We laugh about how we really don't know what we're doing. Our neighbor across the street has a Martha Stewart-approved yard and I joked with him the other night about how we're trying to compete. He complimented us and told us how much we have turned the place around.

We added edging along all of the beds and laid down new bark. We planted flowers and had a porch railing installed. We both love being outdoors, so most times it doesn't feel like a chore. The other night, after we finished, Michael joked how we got ahead of ourselves and now we don't have anything to do outside!

Welcome Spring!

OH BOY!....

2011-04-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

We are beyond ecstatic - especially Daddy - to be welcoming a little boy into

our home in just a few short months. We have been anxiously awaiting the news

to put a gender and identity to this little thing growing inside my belly.

Lately, I've been feeling him kicking and moving all around. The fluttering I

feel makes my little heart feel the same way at the thought of what it actually

will mean in a little under 20 weeks.

We already have people requesting dibs on our little guy for their little girls.

Our handsome little guy will I'm sure have his daddy's looks and charm and

will make some woman very happy some day - but for the first few years....

sorry ladies... he's ALL MINE!

A Week Shy of Halfway There

2011-04-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

So I had my first run-in with pregnancy hormones. I've felt all but abnormal throughout this entire pregnancy to-date *knock on wood* and haven't had any real sign of baby (not even morning sickness... be jealous) up until about 10:21pm last night. Michael and I have, as most of you know, recently become homeowners and are in the market for quite a few new purchases. A lawnmower being one of them. We've taken ownership of our lawn the past few weeks and decided that before the rainstorm hits, we wanted to trim/mow/fertilize the front and back yard. Yadayadayada... this leads me up to the point at which the story becomes relevant.

I'm in the Lawn and Garden section of WalMart, waiting for assistance to help me lift a boxed lawn mower into my cart. Walking the aisles to find a salesperson and 10 minutes later - mission accomplished. (Michael instructed me more than once not to lift it by myself, and to find someone to help. This whole being dependent thing is kind of hard for me - he knows me all too well)

I trucked it across the store and several aisles later, stood in line at one of the four open checkout stands. I waited patiently for an elderly lady with a shaky hand to write a check, a 10-year old boy and his mom to return a bike pump that broke after only half-way filling up his front bike wheel with air, and a chatty-Cathy who wanted to return a Dora 2T toddler one-piece PJ set that I only wished I could fit in and curl up until the long line dissolved.

After reaching what I thought was the end of my adventure and beginning of my trek home, I notified the cashier that I would need assistance getting the mower into my car. She looked both puzzled and confused. Still not sure why.

She leaves her cash register and walks over to the customer service station where her supervisor was just locking up. She comes back and informs me that all of the stockers are gone for the night and that they wouldn't be able to help me.

I just stood there. So did she.

"Well, I need help." I urgently responded.

She replies, "Yeah, well they all went home, so....."

--------------------- Insert part about the pregnancy hormones --------------------------

Had it not been for my pride and sheer and utter disbelief, tears would have welled up in my eyes. Instead, they stayed just out of sight, but not by far.

I reply insistently and maybe louder than was necessary, "Well I'm pregnant and can't lift this by myself. I need you to find someone who can help me."

She turns right back around, walking toward her supervisor, who was already on the phone paging someone to help me. She must have heard my "insistent and maybe louder than was necessary" reply.

Five minutes later, a nice gentleman was at the front of the store, ready and willing to assist me.

Unbelievable.

P.S. You can vote on what you think the gender of our baby will be at the top-left of our blog. Not that you really have a say in what it is - neither do we - but it's fun, right? We find out what we're having on Wednesday and couldn't be more excited!

Welcome Home

2011-04-10T20:02:00.001-07:00

Our First Home

Entrance

Front Room

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Master Bathroom

Guest Bedroom #1

Guest Bathroom

Guest Bedroom #2

Baby Room (i.e. a blank canvas :)

Bonus Room Upstairs

We have fallen in love with every little corner of our new home. We feel blessed to have found such a great neighborhood and ward to settle down in. We already feel like we've grown up 10+ years, talking about buying a lawnmower and needing a garden hose. We've visited Lowe's and Home Depot more in the past 2 weeks than we have in our entire lives. We love it though! We dream of patio furniture and BBQ's this Summer and have semi-big plans for landscaping. I was even out in the front yard last week on my hands and knees, weeding. Yes. My mother would be so proud.

We've got some extra bedrooms calling your name, so feel free to visit anytime! I'll even volunteer Michael to make us breakfast in the morning!

Seriously... who does this?

2011-04-03T18:42:00.001-07:00

No better way to break in a new house, I think!

I'm trying to convince myself that's why I did it.

Three Little Ducks

2011-03-12T05:55:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest Vasquez family picture - minus daddy (he was sitting on the chair next to me, but didn't quite make it into the picture) Michael and I are beyond thrilled to be parents. We have wanted this little one for quite some time, so it wasn't a surprise, but somehow I still stared in amazement at that little "+" sign for at least 15 minutes.

It was so close to Valentine's Day, so I decided to wait until then to tell Michael. Don't ask - it sounded like a good idea, until I was busting at the seams for a good 3 days. It was a good thing we had decided to celebrate it on Saturday, or I really would have died. I had bought a little onesie with 3 little ducks on it and the words, "Mom, Dad and Me" as a way to let Michael in on the good news. I put it in the bottom of his V-Day gift along with the pregnancy test and waited the 3 longest days of my life, until he could open it. After we went out to dinner, I was jumping at the gun for him to open it and he said, "Well, maybe we should wait until actual Valentine's Day to open the presents, so we can at least have something to do that night." I think he was taken back by my immediate response, "NO! You are opening yours RIGHT NOW!"

As the shock wore off, and he realized what it meant, Michael just looked and me and smiled. He had asked previous to opening it - "Is it something I really want?" All I said is - "You better!"

Fast forward 3 weeks. I'm sitting in the doctor's office, with my mother-in-law outside in the waiting room (a timely visit down from Idaho Falls) - we had told our parents the day we found out. We had to tell someone and we figured our parents were our safest bet. We had previously decided before we got pregnant, that we wouldn't tell anyone until we were out of the first trimester.

Well, I checked out just fine and a second appointment was scheduled for the next week for an ultrasound. Michael was able to come with me this time and we waited in anticipation to see our little one on the big screen. I was 9 weeks along (or so I thought).

Our ultrasound tech was new to the office and was just getting used to all of the equipment, so she had someone there to train her. It was a full house in a little office - but we didn't mind. This was a big day. As many of you may know, there's two ways to do an ultrasound - one that is a little more invasive procedure than the other if you know what I mean. Because the baby was so young (again, or so we thought) they decided to go that route. Not 5 seconds later, the tech exclaimed, "Ummmm.... this baby is way to big for me to even see with this thing."

What?!? My first thought was that we had a fat baby.

My second was that we were further along than we knew.

Luckily, my second thought was correct - not that I don't love chubby babies. The tech proceeded to perform the second way of doing an ultrasound - abdominally. We recognized the baby's form immediately. The head. The hands. The back bone. The TOES! It was all perfect!

We were told that I was measuring at 13 weeks, which came as a surprise, but not a huge one. I had a feeling earlier that 2 months previous I had a weird period, but didn't give it much thought. I didn't want to take a test until I was sure, which probably makes no sense, but to me at the time, it did. Anyway, this news thrilled us - mostly because we didn't have to keep it a secret anymore, but of course because our little guy (or girl) was happy, healthy and strong. You shoulda seen it dancing in me - no joke!

In retrospect, on my last post about starting a new job and house hunting in the same week - you can also add that I found out that I was pregnant. That week was crazy and probably, to date, one of the most eventful I've ever had. But I wouldn't change it for anything. We've got the perfect house to move into, an understanding job and a whole new life ahead of us. Can't wait!

New Beginnings

2011-02-20T08:05:00.002-08:00

Hello blog world! It's been a while hasn't it? Let me bring you up to speed.

I randomly quit my job at the Times-News, because I was offered a full-time graphic design position at a national agricultural magazine company. (I know nothing about dairymen - don't worry they said that was ok). The opportunity is great and I'm loving it so far. They're building me my own office, and all you computer nerds like me will appreciate and drool over the fact that I'm rocking a new 30" LCD monitor and Mac Pro.

In that same week, Michael and I decided to buy a house. We've been dreaming of a place of our own for years. We've watched every episode of HGTV's House Hunters and Property Virgins ever created. We had a wish list in our minds, and a couple of weeks ago, we put it down on paper and gave it to our Realtor. We knew we'd be picky and give her a run for her money, but she was up for the challenge :)

Over Super Bowl weekend, my family was in town and we went house hunting on-line with them. We found quite a few we liked, but none we loved. Our Realtor - Judy McCurdy (amazing by the way for you Magic Vallians) works in the same office as her son, Jason (also a Realtor). When she received our wish list, she read it off to her son. Her son just looked at her and said, "Mom, that's my house." Jason had plans to put it on the market in the upcoming months, as he was going to move closer to his kids in Boise. Jason and Judy decided that they would show us his house, and if we liked it and wanted it, that he would move out sooner than he planned.

A few days later, we saw the house and fell in love.

Look at that cute boy in the front, he just happened to be walking by. If he comes with the house, I'm definitely buying it!

It's a 4br 2ba with a bonus room above the garage. The backyard is already fenced in and there's grass already planted. We've got big plans in our little heads for a top rail vinyl porch and some landscape elements. We also want to paint the door and the top of the pillars - deciding on paint is so difficult.

We have more than enough room for everyone to come visit, so after the first week of April, everyone should pack up a few things and have a slumber party at our house. We'll make the popcorn!

What Christmas is All About...

2010-12-29T15:44:00.000-08:00

christmas stories.

cookin....and eating.

nieces and nephews.

new pajamas.

christmas morning.

instruction manuals.

snow.

family.

christmas lovin.

BUDDY THE ELF... WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?

2010-11-28T15:56:00.000-08:00

12 of the 37 people that took my poll have never blog stalked someone? C'mon...let's be honest! Do you know how I know that's not true? Because I don't even know 37 people!

The results were not what I expected but that's the fun of it.
This is what I learned:

5 days ago, 18 of you were NOT listening to Christmas music
12 of you are liars
24 of you have gained a few pounds from the undelivered cookies (but service lbs don't count... lucky you!)
and 25 of your Facebook profile pictures are candids

This year at the Vasquez house, we're all ready for Christmas. The tree would have been up a month ago if my husband had anything to do with it, but we settled for the Sunday before Thanksgiving *gasp* I know, I know. We love the holidays and are excited for all that it brings. I am in charge of the Times-News float in the Festival of Lights parade this year, so all of your Twin Fallsians should bundle up Friday night and enjoy the festivities on Main Street. Michael decorated his entire Harbor Freight store for Christmas and it looks amazing! I can trust that boy to handle anything to do with Christmas decorating. I think I'll keep him around! We hope everyone is enjoying the season and staying warm! As for us, we feel like such big kids with our outside Christmas lights and newly acquired shovel! Tis the season!

LET'S BE HONEST

2010-10-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

So you may or may not have seen my latest addition to my blog. If you haven't, scroll back up -- it was kind of hard to miss -- just sayin'

I decided that all too many times I find myself wondering if I'm the only one that does something and instead of incriminating myself by asking a friend if they do these things too, I just decided to add a little poll section where my closest of closest friends can anonymously share what they do.

Disclaimer: I don't necessarily do any or *cough* all of them they are just random thoughts from "a friend of a friend"

OUR SUMMER SO FAR...

2010-07-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Michael Dean! The big 26! We celebrated with friends and family!

I don't know if he's happy or if he's laughing at the ridiculously good cake I made him....don't look too close though :)

Party Set Up

Fourth of July Weekend in Mackay
If you know Michael at all, you probably won't believe what you're seeing in the picture. He's driving a boat...in a lake...in water... enough said.

Golfing in Mackay
You wouldn't believe the view we had! This is NOT photoshopped :)

Two of our best friends Matt & Jess - hosts of our 4th of July adventure! Thanks guys!

It was fun to celebrate my birthday with friends and family! It always is... I've done it 25 times now, and I think I'm getting pretty good at it!

This is one of my favorite sisters from my mission! Jules (Sister Skeem) We never served together but I think we would have rocked the area if we had! Her and her husband Nate live just a couple miles away.

Tasha and Nate came over! I've been friends with Tasha since gradeschool. It was fun to see her new little baby!

Here's the cake that Michael got for me! When they asked him what colors to make it, he knew exactly what to say! It was perfect

I love this little girl! She cracks me up. Brooklyn's the only niece Michael and I have so we're kind of partial to her. We love to take trips up to Idaho Falls to see Michael's family. Brooklyn and I were playing with Rolly Polly bugs. She was fascinated!

DEAR DAD,

2010-06-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!

2010-06-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

WORKING WOMAN

2010-05-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

Drumroll please.....
As of Tuesday, I will be a full-time, benefits receiving, 401k investing, desk occupying, paycheck getting woman. That's right! I am now employed! I don't think there's anyone happier than me, except maybe my husband :) But I might add that he has been very patient with me and buying me pretty things while I wait for a job to come around. I am the newest employee on the payroll of Magic Valley's own

I will be their Online Advertising Specialist, dealing with the ins and outs of the ads on magicvalley.com. I will be in charge of tracking their impressions, researching the company's that are current clients and meeting their needs. I will also be able to use my creative judgment in working with the graphics department, as well as handling a bit of promotions. I am so excited that I am able to use my college degree (every graduate's dream) and put all that textbook reading (or lack thereof) to good use! I'll let you know how it goes! Wish me luck!

DID YOU KNOW...

2010-05-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Whenever I find a new trick to solve a really annoying problem, I get really excited and want to tell everyone! Like "send-out-a-mass-text" excited! For example, did you know if you peel the banana from the bottom up, you don't have to peel off those stringy things, or if glass shatters on your floor use duct tape to pick the little pieces up, or sticking the heel of bread in your brown sugar container keeps the brown sugar from hardening (sticking it in the cookie jar also keeps your cookies moist). These tricks are great and can save you a little hassle, but this next trick my friends, is legendary. I don't think that there is a better trick for one of the most annoying problems ever known...

A SPOONFUL OF PEANUT BUTTER!

No it does not 'make the medicine go down'...but it does cure one of the most annoying things ever...HICCUPS! I have heard of a lot of other tricks to get rid of them, but nothing works as quick and fast as eating a spoonful of peanut butter. I tried it last night again, and VOILA! Now if only I could just get my hands on some of these to carry in my purse...

OUR LIFE AS OF LATELY

2010-05-10T16:09:00.001-07:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

2010-05-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

ROOM SERVICE

2010-04-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

For Michael's new job, we jetted up to Pocatello for a few days, for some training. His work put us up in a hotel for a couple days, and since I have no obligation up here, I've been spending some time chilling in the hotel room. This leads me to my...

TOP 10 REASONS I COULD LIVE IN A HOTEL FOREVER

10. No dishes!

9. Blow dryer attached to the wall!

8. Never have to make your bed.

7. Never have to buy soap or conditioner.

6. No cleaning up after yourself.

5. Kleenex dispenser in the bathroom counter.

4. Fresh breakfast down the hall.

3. Fancily folded toilet paper.

2. Get to watch Price is Right while still laying in bed.

1. Homemade cookies at the front desk. ("Gotta hurry! They go fast," the front desk clerk warned me)

CHANGE OF SCENERY

2010-04-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

So we've had a few minor decisions to make lately...as in what we want to do for the rest of our lives. Nothing too intimidating. Let me back up...

The love of my life has worked at Walmart going on 8 years. I say he was born there, right in aisle 3, but his mom begs to differ. She clearly would know better than I. However, the story still stands that Walmart has been a big part of his life (and the lives of his family members) for a very long time. It was his first job at the age of 16, it was where he interned for his Business Management degree at ISU, and it is what led us both back to my hometown of Twin Falls, to open the new store here.

Over the past few months, however, both Michael and I have come to decide that Walmart's not for us. The scheduling, stress, hours, people, sitting by myself in the back pew at church, and having to rub his feet at nights from his workhorse day (that one is probably just my complaint). It's all become something that we don't want to deal with for the rest of our lives -- or even a few more years.

Thus, the above picture (which is not actually a picture of the store that he'll be working at, but it works). HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS. The name itself brings relief to both Michael and I. Not too long ago, Michael found the job online and applied. Long story short. He got the job and is the manager-in-training. It's opening here in Twin Falls next week, so we're not moving, but in 6-18 months, he will become a manager of his own store and we'll be somewhere else - somewhere among Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon. His first day is tomorrow and we are both excited! I can't not brag and not tell you that when Walmart found out, they immediately started making plans to keep their "number 1 ranked manager in the region" by making him a lot of offers and 5 year plan. But our prayers had already been answered and we both feel at peace with our decision. So here's to a new start for us!

WHAT A SUPER DAY!

2010-03-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

A part of Michael's CTR ring was coming apart, so me being the loving, nuturing wife that I am, volunteered to fix it with my recently purchased Super Glue. As I fumbled with the lid, trying to pry it off, I realized that the lid was super glued on. I reached for the nearest kitchen knife, and tightened my grip on the end, bending the glue almost in half, so as to not loose grip on the knife and slip. In doing so, I bent the glue pouch in half and because it's metal, it split in half - shooting me in the neck, face and hair - and of course all over my hands! I know those bottles are small, but a little bit of super glue can go a long way. The entire right side of my neck was covered and of course my initial thought is to cover it with my hand like a battle wound, but luckily reality set to remove it before it was too late. I ran to the bathroom, taking turns both screaming and laughing. Michael told me to put hot water on it, so he grabbed me a towel and I soaked it in hot water, then treated my neck and hands. The heat made it dry quickly. I started laughing again. Of course those who know me well, would know my next move made - Google the remedies for super glue on skin. Nail polish remover...who would have thought! After about a half hour, the mess was cleaned up and I sat on the couch, finishing Dancing With the Stars (now's when I wish I had DVR, so I could rewind and catch up on what I missed in the last 30 traumatizing minutes). It wasn't until a couple of hours later, when I was sitting at the computer, running my hands through my hair that I noticed the glue that had snuck its way into my locks. There was no other option, the scissors had to assist. Luckily, the glue in my hair was very minimal.

JUST ANOTHER DAY

2010-03-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

So remember when I posted THIS little number about refrigerated biscuits last year? Well, I'm still deathly afraid of them. I think one of the Fred Meyer refrigerator stockers knew this and planted one right where he knew I would find it earlier this morning. While waiting in the checkout line, browsing through the kitschy key chains and clearanced jewelry, my soon-to-be-the-star-of-dinner refrigerated biscuits popped open. I mean I seriously saw the tin lid, used to seal the end of the can, fly right just below eye level and the first 3 biscuits fly in disarray across the bottom of my shopping cart. I wish I could say I remained calm, but I let out a scream, and then, after realizing what had just happened, I started laughing. The lady in front of me, the lady behind me with her daughter, and the checkout lady stared in awe as I held up what had just happened. As if on cue, they all started laughing. The checkout lady checked (imagine that) the expiration date they still had another 3 months until they were set to expire. She got on the phone and through bursts of laughter, managed to relay the message for someone to bring up another can. As I checked out and began leaving, the cashier, still with a grin said, "Lady, you've just made my day! Thank you!" I still don't know how I feel having my deepest, most inner fears out on display for the select Fred Meyer patrons, but I do know that after my initial shock, it really was pretty dang funny!

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY...

2010-03-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

Time flies. It's slipped away somewhere from underneath my feet. I think it's probably hiding in that pile of laundry I've been meaning to do. One year ago today, I married my best friend. I know - so cliche- but it's true. Yesterday morning, I pulled out the piece of cake that's been nestled in the back corner of our freezer, so that it will defrost for tomorrow. I told myself a year ago that I probably wouldn't remember to do it, but I did. I'm not sure if it will taste any good. I can't even remember if it tasted good on our wedding day. Wow - what a blur! I do, however, remember the good food I didn't eat on that day: yummy white chocolate covered Oreos and fruit kabobs. It's probably a good thing I didn't eat the latter. My fruit allergies make my mouth swell up, then again it would have made for an interesting honeymoon night!

iyou Michael Dean Vasquez!

CLEARANCE RACKS

2010-03-07T10:01:00.001-08:00

I love to get great deals - I mean I really love to get great deals. If you tell me you love my shoes, my first response will probably be "Thanks! I got them for $7!" When I walk into a store, I immediately walk toward the back and search the clearance racks. I've heard people tell me that they don't like going into T.J. Maxx or Ross's because they feel claustrophobic and disoriented from all the chaos of the clothes. Those two places are my heaven(s) on earth! The other day, one of the manager's of D.I. came up to me and said, "Gosh, you're sure in here a lot - are you looking for something in particular that I can keep my eye out for?" I just smiled. I love to find old vintage things at thrift stores and refinish them. I'm pretty picky, so most times I walk out empty handed, but it's all in the thrill of the hunt. I used to be an eBay addict in high school. I've been pretty clean for a couple of years (minus a few deals here and there). I've discovered some different websites lately that have "deals of the day" that I would feel almost selfish if I didn't share them with you. Sometimes the things they sell on there are so random, it's really entertaining. But I have found some amazing deals. You have to check them every day or you might miss something you really didn't know you needed! :) Happy shopping! P.S. eBay daily deals ship for free!

A WEEK IN HEAVEN

2010-02-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

DEAR CABO SAN LUCAS,

2010-02-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

I hope we will become very good friends! See you in 3 days!

Sincerely, Julie

SPOILED

2010-01-30T16:25:00.001-08:00

I was spoiled last week by my Mom and Dad! No really--- Friday Night they came to pick me and Michael up to go to the Plateau Room in Jackpot for a yummy dinner. I had roast duck with orange glaze sauce and everyone else had filet mignon. My mom told the waitress that we were celebrating my graduation from college and later she brought out an entire cake for me - of course I shared - I did learn a few things in college. The company was amazing. I love my parents! They've always been supportive in everything I've ever done.
As if dinner wasn't enough, they bought me something that I've been eyeing for quite some time - a new entertainment center for our new 50" flat screen --it fit just right! Thanks mom and dad for everything! (and not just for yummy dinners and presents) You both are amazing! Love you!

ABOUT US

2010-01-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

Thoughts from a 5 year old self...

2009-12-30T18:47:00.000-08:00

I recently stumbled upon a folder that my mom had saved with all of my papers and workbooks from kindergarten. On an "About Me" survey that my teacher had handed out for me to fill out, I apparently put the following:

What I like best about Kindergarten: Recess

What I dislike about Kindergarten: Doing work

How did I have life figured out at such an early age?

Another Hyatt...

2009-12-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

My little brother Scott couldn't have picked a more amazing girl to marry! Tristan is fabulous and such a cute girl. They're getting married on March 13 in the Twin Falls Temple. They're a perfect fit! (she even makes Scott eat his veggies) I can't believe our little Scotty is growing up - but I guess it's time to let him. :) Congrats Scott and Tristan!

2009-12-07T13:23:00.001-08:00

Our first Christmas tree! Don't be a hater that I'm done Christmas shopping! And that most everything that I bought was on sale! And that I probably forgot to buy you something, so I'll have something on reserve for when you come to my house to deliver mine and I'll pretend that I've always had it, but I'm really writing your name on the tag while you wait at the door. Don't pretend like you've never done that! Anyway...

Merry Christmas from the Vasquez Family!

How could anyone not smile when they see this little face - compliments of my brother and sister-in-law! He wouldn't keep the Santa hat on for very long, so we were lucky to snap this picture while Michael kept him entertained with the flash from the camera. We love our Kameron! P.s. hilarious side note: my 3-year old nephew Dallin calls him Camera and I can't help but laugh every time he yells at him "CAMERA! Stop touching my truck!"

Change of Subject

2009-11-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, so apparently I only post about FOOD. Michael and *ha-hum* Kallee both realized this. I obviously didn't realize this. Gimme a break - I don't have cute pictures of my kids and funny things they say and I don't live in an exotic places like Africa or Vegas, and we haven't been on a cruise or visited a cool place in a while, so what else was I to talk about other than something so ordinary and occasional as something that I engage in 6 errr.... 3 times a day? Anyway, I better stop talking about this subject or it may once again classify as a "food post."

I decided that I would blog about something that in....COUNT IT.... 42 MORE DAYS....will never blog about again: school. You heard me.... I'M GRADUATING! good ol' ISU is allowing me to take my last semester at CSI here in Twin and that will bring me up to the total credits required to graduate. Don't worry that I'm cramming in 19 credits this semester! (I know you were)

So as a tribute to this graduation celebration - post-42 days, I'm going to give you a little taste of my forever long (it seems) educational journey as a BENGAL. For those of you who don't know, I am graduating in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Advertising and Public Relations. I plan to continue my current career in gRaPhIc DeSiGn. Wow! Don't I sound so professional? (maybe except for the alternating upper/lowercase wordage. How embarrasing, I'm so juvenile!)

I seriously am so grateful to have the most amazing roommates and friends in college! In total, throughout my 4 1/2 years of college I have had 25 roommates! Now that my friends - is a lot of hair in the shower! I have lived in 3 different houses and not one of them was more than 3 blocks from campus. I worked at the on-campus ISU Early Learning Center as a co-teacher for the first 3 years of college. It was a ton of fun and I basically got paid to play!

I started a floral business in Pocatello that bloomed (don't laugh... I dare you) and helped me pay for my tuition the year after I got home from my mission.

As much as I didn't like the city of Pocatello, the surrounding area was gorgeous and allowed my friends and I to camp out or have bonfires on the weekends.

Michael and I at one of the Institute Halloween party last year. Oh the many awkward and fun times I've had at Institute functions!

ISU Football games. I'm such a proud/ashamed Bengal fan!
Some of my new roommates (Mindy and Cara - the two in front) after I got home from my mission.
True Bengal. A monumental occasion in any ISU student's college experience. If you don't know what I mean - climb up Red Hill on ISU's homecoming game night or any full moon and you'll be well informed.
The ISU Student Involvement Center - my favorite and current place of employment. They've been so nice to let me continue my work here as a graphic artist for themin Twin Falls on my computer. I love my job!

Looking back through all of these pictures, I realize that I don't have any pictures of me studying. Hmmmph. Weird.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

Mummy Pizzas and Witch Hats

Yesterday my old friend from high school, Sarah, came over and helped me make some treats for our Halloween party we went to. I thought they were too cute not to share with everyone for ideas for next year - not like any of us will remember, but it's the thought that counts. I guess. That's just what they say.

Can I Brag For Just a Minute?....

2009-10-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you. I have been staring at a bottomless bag of corn tortillas in my fridge for the past month. And when I say bottomless, I mean - a years food storage supply! (too bad they expire Nov. 26) The minimum package that Michael was able to manage finding in the store was 60, so we bought, bagged and brought them home to sit in the fridge. Little by little, they disappeared, and by that I mean - I think we ate 6 one night with carne asada. So tonight whilst traversing through our fridge, trying to figure out what was going to be on the menu tonight, my eyes were fixated on the said tortillas. I decided then that I needed to rid ourselves of at least some of them, so I didn't feel so guilty for buying them. I mean I know I have 36 days to eat them, but it might just take all 36 days, plus some to wipe out that bag. It was then I decided to make homemade tortilla chips. Brilliant? Yes, I think so. Easy? You bet.

This isn't my picture, and this isn't my guacamole dip either. But I sure do plan on making it next time I get sick of looking at 15 avocados in my fridge. I also made these for the main course and the jury is still out. Michael gets home in 5 minutes so I'll know in about 6, whether or not I recommend them.

Happy Fall

2009-10-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Last night we went on a date with a few of our friends to the CSI corn maze. It was so fun and I highly recommend it for all you Twin Fallsians. It was only $2/person. Quite a steal for a cheap date night. I wish I could say we didn't get lost or that we didn't pass the same man in the same place on his cell phone 3 times! But we did. So I can't.
I absolutely LOVE fall! Our house is decorated with leaves, pumpkins and pine cones. And our Scentsy smells divine! Couldn't tell you what kind it is because Mikey changes it every other week :) but it makes you feel right at home when you walk through the door! That's what it's all about!

NAME THEM ONE BY ONE

2009-09-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

THINGS I LOVE TO LOVE

2009-08-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

My Husband and Best Friend

Family
Old Roommates and Friends

Nephews

The Temple

My Mission - Tennessee and Kentucky

My Heritage

My Parents

Christmas Morning

Idaho

My Sister

Bonfires and Camping

Mission Companions and TNM Sisters

Grandma Irene Hyatt

2009-08-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Thursday night, the world said goodbye to one of the sweetest women in all of its time - my grandmother. Irene Hyatt was an amazing lady who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was peppy and had a passion for life. Growing up, it was always a treat when our little family would make the 9 hour drive to Grandma and Grandpa Hyatt's. Their house was on a quiet block in the middle of Cedar City, UT. It was the same house that my dad was born and raised in, along with his brother and 2 sisters. We would all pile down in the basement to claim our beds. Every morning, I would wake up to the smell of cheese on toast. Grandma made the best bread in the world! We'd all sit around the table with our colored, plastic cups full of juice. Then we'd get dressed, grab a toy from the toy drawer and run outside to play. Grandpa hated it if you'd slam the door, so if you forgot and slammed it, you better believe you'd run faster down the street so he wouldn't come out and remind you. We'd take walks with Grandma down to the university campus or up the street to the elementary school. I loved swinging on the tire swing. That was the first place I ever got stung by a bee. In the late afternoon, we'd come back so Grandma and Grandpa could watch Jeopardy. They were so good at it. Grandpa would sit back in his recliner and do his daily crossword puzzle. For dinner, we always found our way to Chuck-A-Rama. One of my cousin's little boys nicknamed my grandma "The Chuck-A-Rama Gramma." That suits her pretty well. She could also be named "The Burger Queen." Every afternoon, Grandma would walk to Burger King to get her Whopper with extra vegetables. She confided in me not too long ago that she always gets the extra vegetables so she could tell her doctor she was eating lots and lots of veggies. Love her! Grandma played the piano like no one's business. She's had the same calling for 60+ years in her ward as the ward organist. Every time the ward would get a new bishop, she would try to convince him to release her. They just told her that she wasn't going to get off that easy. Of course! Who would really want to release a woman who brightened up the entire congregation with her prelude trills and unique arraignments. At home, she would play at request. She said that she could play any song you could think of, up until the 1940's without sheet music. And she always could. At nights, the adults would all sit around the 'big kid' table and play Progressive Rummy. It was a big deal when I was informally invited to play with them. It was almost like a rite of passage with the Hyatts. Grandpa cheated a lot. As a kid, I remember sitting on the floor watching them. I had a better view than most people would think. Sometimes I would see some of my cousins put a card between their toes and trade it with a card they needed from someone else, under the table. I didn't tell. After a long day of pure childhood bliss, all of the kids would retire to the downstairs to one of the many beds. Beth and I always seemed to get the same bed. Above it was a small shelf which held this little gem. A giraffe that was weighted with water and when you would push it's neck, it would bobble back and forth forever. We thought it was the greatest invention ever. Anyone in their right mind would agree with us! Days spent at Grandma and Grandpa's were always carefree and innocent. No responsibilty. The biggest question of the day was what toy to play with from out of the toy drawer - the frisbee or the sand oval. Gone are the days! Grandma Hyatt - you will be missed. You filled with the world with your music and ultimately your love. It was quite the reunion with Grandpa on Thursday night I'm sure. There isn't a better place to be than with your Father in Heaven and your eternal companion!

I SWEAR I'M NOT A PICKY EATER

2009-08-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Our apartment smells like eggs. I'm not alarmed however. I cooked omelets for dinner. (I also burned them but I don't think anyone should hold that against me). The point is is that my house smells like eggs. Most of you who know me, know that eggs and I don't get along. We never have and I don't think we ever will. Tonight I decided I wanted waffles, bacon and I would cook Michael a few eggs. The bacon didn't survive the years it was apparently kept in the Hyatt family freezer, so in the garbage it went and I was left with just waffles and eggs. I decided that I could attempt to try them again. It only seemed fair since it had been quite the long sabbatical between the two of us. Michael ate most half of it until he lovingly informed me of it's burnt condition on the bottom. I made another one. I tried it. It wasn't bad. Not my favorite though. I had added tomatoes and turkey to try and mask the taste. Tomatoes are another food that I haven't gotten along with my whole life. These past few years, however, we have made amends. Ask my mom, college roommates, mission companions and Michael and they may all tell you of my list I have created of "non-edible foods." They may tell you something like the following:

oatmeal
raisins
eggs
tomatoes*
hot dogs
onions*
pancakes
salad*
blueberries**
peppers**
cauliflower
almonds
fish
shrimp*
mustard
black licorice
mayonnaise

The ones that have asterisks by them, I have finally overcome and now can bring myself to eat. Go me!

P.S.

Dear Mom,
I am sincerely apologetic for all of the mornings in grade school when I put my oatmeal in the garbage/dog's mouth/garbage disposal/brother's bowl/behind the bottom drawer in the kitchen.

Love,
Julie

YOU'VE HAD A BIRTHDAY SHOUT HOORAY!

2009-07-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Michael's 25th, quarter of a century, birthday. He didn't let me forget it either. We celebrated with his family last week when we were up in Idaho Falls, so he had 2 birthday parties this year. Yesterday, he had to work from 6-5, so we celebrated after he got home with some friends of ours. We met up at Sizzler and had the most flamboyant waiter I've ever seen. Hilarious! Then we headed to my parents house and had tres leches cake and ice cream with my parents, Ross and Jamie and the nephews and our friends. Good cake, but both of us definitely had a stomach ache this morning when we woke up. I think we ate it too late. His work also decorated his office and they had cake from the bakery too! I love Michael so much and how lucky am I that I get to grow old with him!

Trash to Treasure

2009-07-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Lava. Reunions. Vegas.

2009-07-15T08:53:00.004-07:00

Does anyone else get deathly afraid when they attempt to open up these things? Just sayin'.

So I guess we're due for an update about now. How is it that summer never ceases to be busier and more packed with things to do than any other season? Yet I still love it! This is no exception with our little family. This weekend we are headed to Lava Hot Springs for a family reunion with Michael's family. I actually went with him last year when we were dating and it was really fun! This same weekend, Brad, Whitney and Kameron (my brother and sister-in-law and nephew) are moving to Twin. Brad's in his last year of medical school rotations and fortunately got most of them in and around Idaho. It's going to be a crazy full house at my parents! Then next week, my little brother Scott comes home from his mission in Brazil. Yay! Because our time serving our missions overlapped, it will be exactly one day less than 3 years since I have seen him. After he gives his homecoming talk on Sunday, the whole family is headed out on our family vacation to Brian Head and the Grand Canyon. We just booked the cabin last night and (whew!) it looks like I won't mind staying there 4 nights at all. In fact, from the pictures I could almost hear it calling my name! On Thursday night, we're headed to St. George for a Tuachan showing of Footloose. Kind of excited even though (*shame*) I haven't actually seen the movie yet. Then Michael and I are splitting off from my family for a few days and heading down to Las Vegas. Thanks Ashley and Kallee for offering to be our chauffers! We booked our hotel to Circus Circus for a few nights, are going to see a few shows and then fly home on Monday with our stellar $49 flights we found. We're both excited to just get away for a week or so. Michael especially. He's been working so hard and deserves this break! I'm very proud of him - especially for not complaining. The only thing he really complains about is our hot apartment. :)

CONFESSIONS OF A 'WORK FROM HOME' WIFE

2009-07-07T13:46:00.002-07:00

Confession #3: Sometimes I don't finish the last bite of a meal or snack just so I can say I didn't eat it all.

You: "Did you like your birthday cake I made you?"

Me: "Oh it was so good but I just couldn't finish it."

You: "Do you want part of my Snickers?"

Me: "Well I did just eat a little piece of a Hershey's bar but I think I could go for more."

You: "Do you guys have plans for dinner? I just made some BBQ chicken."

Me: "Yeah! We don't have plans. I just ate a little pie but I'm sure there's still room.

Do Yourself a Favor and Cook This

2009-07-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

Last night I cooked this little gem - pictured to the left - for Michael and I. I had been excited to make it ever since I found the recipe earlier in the week. I use allrecipes.com to find something to cook when I have something specific in the fridge that I need to use before it goes bad. This week it was peppers. Orange peppers. Yellow peppers. Red peppers. I don't know why I bought them - they just called out to me. But now I know. It was to make "Bob's Mexican Stuffed Chicken". Friends.... the recipe.

Bob's Mexican Stuffed Chicken

2 cups crushed corn flakes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 (1.27 ounce) packet dry fajita seasoning
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped orange bell pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1/2 medium red onion, diced
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded thin
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup salsa
toothpicks

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish.In a shallow bowl, mix the corn flakes, chili powder, and fajita seasoning. In a separate bowl, mix the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, mushrooms, and onion.Dredge the chicken in the corn flakes mixture to evenly coat. Sprinkle one side of each breast with 2 tablespoons Cheddar cheese, and layer with 1/4 the vegetable mixture. Top with equal amounts salsa. Carefully roll the breast halves over the filling. Seal seams with toothpicks, then dredge again in the corn flakes mixture.Arrange the rolled chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Top with remaining cheese, and continue baking 10 minutes, or until chicken juices run clear and cheese is melted.

P.S. I made a few changes myself. I didn't roll the chicken because mine was too thick. I just split it in half and smeared cream cheese on both inside halfs (that made it incredibly moist!) Then I just stuffed the middle with the pepper/onion mixture (and added mozzarella cheeese for the husband :)

Thank you Bob and Bon Appetit!

CONFESSIONS OF A 'WORK FROM HOME' WIFE

2009-06-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Confession #1: Sometimes when I pull an Otter Pop from the freezer and there's two stuck together... I eat them both.

Confession #2: Most times when there's more than two stuck together... I eat them all.

PART II: "YOU KNOW YOU'RE A HYATT WHEN..."

2009-06-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of the Hyatt family contributors for these next few gems! Enjoy!

You think it's normal to use shower caps as tupperware lids.

You watched West Side Story over and over because it was the best movie your family owned.

You know what Crystal Craze is and have been fascinated watching the crystals come to live when you spray them on. (Got to love the smell)

You can't wait to check the Sunday paper to decide which day you want hot lunch.

Your mom recorded 8 hour tapes of Disney when it was a free promo from King Video Cable.

You have heard of Medinah and really thought it was next week.

You think it's normal to pull the car up to the tennis ball in the garage.

You can't wait to start early morning seminary so you get to sleep in on the weekends.

You initially get excited when your older sibling starts early morning seminary because you get to make the big bucks with the paper route.

You can't wait until Monday so the job charts switches you get to stop clearing and loading the dishwaser.

You get excited when your sibling leaves the table without clearing their dishes so you can call "freddy" on them.

You know what seat belt checks are and can't wait to start doing it to your kids.

You can't tell the difference between hamburger meat and venison.

You get to order pizza because of all the money you saved having your mom cut your hair.

You think macaroni and cheese in a box is a treat.

You think the treasure box contains star crunches, oatmeal pies, and nutty bars.

The phrase underwear candy makes sense to you.

Your dad honks and waves to everybody you drive by.

You have gotten treats after church for singing in sacrament meeting.

You sing a song while playing games and everyone joins in.

You are given an after school snack and know better than to ask for more.

You know snacks are locked in a wooden box that only your Mom knows the combination to.

You wear your older sisters' hand-me-downs even though you hate pink and purple.

You plant and weed your own rows in the garden.

You learn to like/tolerate classical music after your Mom goes on a music binge.

You get surprises for practicing the piano

You know your Christmas presents are in a locked closet under the stairs.

You look forward to getting money from Grandma Hyatt on your birthday to spend on "whatever".

You really want to know who's involved in your dad's greatest secret of all that he claims he's taking to the grave.

You think painting your brothers toenails red while he sleeps is funny.

You have to sit in a leg press position against the wall for one minute for not clearing your dishes.

You get called by your mother using the dogs name.

You sell a perfectly good CD to your Dad so he can throw it out the window.

You have to go to Sears and Penny's where your dad tells you what is acceptable to wear or not (neon cloths are out).

You get tricked by your parents into thinking that $300 is a lot of money for a clothing allowance.

You get the same mush you didn't eat at breakfast again for lunch and dinner.

You didn't even know as a son that you could choose not to go on a mission.

YOU KNOW YOU'RE A HYATT WHEN...

2009-06-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

You get home after school and race to the fridge to get the biggest bowl of pudding.
You measure the distance of travel by Sesame Streets. (FYI: SLC is 4 Sesame Streets)
You pick dandelions in the backyard because you know you will get paid 1 penny for each one.
You only use one teaspoon scoop of sugar on your Shredded Wheat.
Your Shredded Wheat is in a brown, wax bowl.
You eat rhubarb pie and ice cream at your grandparents.
You steal the mint gum from the food storage room that your mom placed there to detract bugs.
You know what a bugger is and fight your brothers and sisters to sit in it.
You get excited for your birthday - not for the presents - but for sugared cereal.
You can't wait for ABC after dinner - but only if you finish.
You think your first dog ran away, but your parents really drove back to the place where they got it and put it over the fence without saying a thing.
You know who Scooter, Rossy Fossy, Boo Boo, Bethlahem and Spaz are.
You get half of a twin Popsicle and are okay with it.
You try to unhook your seat belt without your parents knowing, so you can lay down on a long car ride.
You have lived with a semi-developed black widow farm in your basement.
You try to go down the laundry shoot when your parents are gone.
Your childhood wardrobe consisted of something that your brother/sister/cousin wore 3 years earlier.
You eat cheese-on-toast and grapefruit juice for breakfast.
You know how to play progressive rummy.
You know that the 4th of July is incomplete without M&Ms, golf courses and Cascade Lake.
You don't know that there is any other radio station besides 96.5 Oldies.
You know what the magic water closet is and want to be the Great Brain.
You blush every time your dad orders a "meatsa meatsa" at any pizza restaurant.
You really want to know who's involved in your dad's greatest secret of all that he claims he's taking to the grave.

Here's to the best family I know! Love you all!

What's Up With You?

2009-06-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

My one-month blog lapse has finally come to an end. I realized that I had used the excuse that I didn't have pictures to post, so I would wait until I did. But who knows when that will be - so I'm posting pictures of models that kindly stood in for Michael and I, since our lives have been so busy lately. Well, let's be honest, Michael's life has been busy and I've just been at home - but who's supposed to take pictures of me while he's gone?

This is Michael at his desk at the new Wal-Mart store in Twin Falls. He's on the phone conducting background checks and previous employer referrals for the 110 people he had to hire this past month.

This is me trying to decide what to bake/cook/fry/nuke for dinner. Can I say that I am actually a little bit proud of my developing domestic self? Yes? Ok thanks. Don't mind the fact that the clock reads 4:15 p.m. and Michael doesn't get home from work until 8 or 9 p.m. these days. Consider me on top of things! P.S. I am so proud of Michael for getting up at 5:30 a.m. and working all day until the sun goes down. He's a gem!

As for an update on the job hunt - well - it's over! My old job at ISU called me and wanted to know if I would work for them again as a graphic artist. I loved that job and it was hard to leave it, so of course I accepted. Since ISU is in Pocatello and I am not, they asked if I would be willing to work from home. It will work out perfectly with our apartment set-up and an actual room for an office, so I'm headed up in the morning to get my old Mac back (upgraded with the newest software!) and get back to the grind. Thanks be to Michael and my parents for putting up with my bored self while I was job hunting. Toward the end there, I was actually making stuff up for me to do to keep me my mind busy. Yeah. I don't do well without something to do.

Life and Responsibility

2009-05-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

Life here in the thriving town of Twin Falls, Idaho is working out to be very satisfactory. I wake up every morning around the time that Mikey has already been slaving away for two hours to put food on our table. He has to wake up at 5:45 a.m. these days. Actually, writing that does make me feel slightly guilty - but I'm sure I'll forget about it when I'm sleeping at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning. So as you can probably tell by my post so far, I have been busy trying to find myself a job. It's hard in this kind of economy. If I'm looking get my CDL license or be a occupational therapist I'd be bringing a paycheck home by now... but I'm not, so I'm not. I've applied at a few places around town, but no word yet. Are you serious? I don't know if they know, but back in the day of my child rearing - I was a pretty big deal in these parts. I was the girls champion at "shoot the duck" at Skateland and won a free soda every time I would show everyone up. I was the high jump champ at Sawtooth Elementary Play Days in 5th grade. I had the 800m school record for the year in my Lifetime Sports class at Twin Falls High School. (Don't mind the fact that all real athletes were enrolled in Body Development.) I was awarded a new helmet from a Twin Falls police officer on National Wear Your Helmet Day, when I was caught wearing a helmet while riding my bike around my neighborhood when I was 8.

The list of my accomplishments in this town are endless. The only thing that I can reasonably assume is the fact that every potential employer that I am dealing with has moved to Twin Falls after 2003, when I moved away to college. There is no other explanation. So to those of you who are Twin Falls residents and have some sort of connection to someone that is looking for help in their business - please pass the word along. I'm working up an official list of my accomplishments and at request, I can forward them onto anyone who is willing to hand them out. I'm not asking much am I?

Ode to Pocatello, ID

2009-04-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

Tonight is my last night as an official Pocatello resident. I have been commuting back and forth on the weekends to Twin Falls to be with Mikey, but in order to finish school I have had to bunk up with my old roommates Monday - Thursday. Yes - weird. For both them and me. But I'd try not to think about it. Because of my 4 year relationship with Pocatello, I have decided to dedicate a blog entry it. It's been a love/hate relationship - so to be fair, I have composed TWO Top 10 lists. One of things I love....and one of things I will not miss. (They really are in no particular order)

Top Ten Things I Will Not Miss About POCATELLO

10. The smell of the town when you enter it from the south highway - thanks Simplot!
9. Being able to choose from 2 decent clothing stores when you need a new shirt.
8. Restaurants closing at 10 p.m! Because who seriously eats AFTER 10?
7. The fact that my husband does not live there.
6. ISU has a ridiculous set-up and the politics are crazy to boot!
7. Freezing winters and inconsiderate city officials who don't consider buying more snow plows.
6. Mass Comm teachers. Enough said.
5. My $95 accumulation of ISU unpaid parking tickets. oops.
4. Albertsons being the only grocery store in a mile and we all know how expensive their stuff is!
3. One-way streets. Holy cow - who can keep track of which ones are and which ones aren't? I usually just drive down them to find out.
2. Wendy's not participating in the 99 cent "3conomics" sandwich promotion. Still getting over that one.
1. Horribly kept sidewalks. Cracks and dips all over the place! Not good for rollerblading...or in my case, even walking.

Top Ten Things I Will Miss About POCATELLO

10. Westwood Discount! It's like a D.I. and a garage sale all in one!
9. Dumpster diving at Pier 1 at 1 o'clock in the morning.
8. Eastern Idaho State Fair - mullets, lime squeezes and free kettle corn all in one place!
7. My job! I got paid to do what I love most - graphic design
(check out my portfolio here)
8. Midnight gummy bear runs with some of my most favoritest old roommates.
7. Living in three different houses in my entire college career and each of them being no more than three blocks away from campus.
6. Riding bikes in the summer time to most anywhere.
5. Pool parties at the Bengal Creek complex and trying to teach Mikey how to swim.
4. Sunday dinners at Spencer or Amys - two of the best cooks in the whole city - maybe even county!
3. Butterburrs' SST = soup/salad, sandwich, treat = only $5.99!
2. Roommates - I have had 22 roommates and all of them - except for a few - have been exceptionally amazing!
1. Memories. First dates with Mikey. Random movie making with roommates. Institute dances. etc.

Honeymoon

2009-03-30T22:10:00.001-07:00

We spent 5 gorgeous days in bliss on our honeymoon on a Baja Mexico cruise. The weather was perfect, the food plentiful and the company even better!

Wedding Weekend

2009-03-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

Two of the greatest days of my life were March 20 & 21 - my wedding and both receptions. March 22 came in a close second - the day it was all over!

I love my husband more than anything in the world... that is why I included picture #2. This is why I married him!

Checking out the mass welcoming party...

Yup babe...this is it! :)

We were prompted to kiss by our photographer and I quote "15 seconds after you come out". He's an amazing man with some mad skill! Yay Devin Hillam!

Squints!

Good support! (I know you're all trying to look for yourself in this one - I do it all the time!)

Mission friends! I love the TNM!

Together Forever

Awkward arm placement

Ring payment: priceless

Isn't he cute?

I approve!

Maybe he should have done this before we got married!

No doubt....we're eating!

Thanks to everyone who came!

Thanks to Sheila for the bueno comida!

I must admit...

I think we had the most gorgeous cake ever!

Wow... I didn't think anyone could see us under there!

So suave!

My bridesmaides: Whitney (sis-in-law), Jamie (sis-in-law), Beth (sis), Melissa (new sis-in-law), and Beccah (former roomie)

These are a few of my favorite things!

My 92-year old grandma tickling the ivories! She amazed everyone!

Dave Crosby - Mikey's mission companion. He pretty much IS Jack Johnson!

First dance with my dad

Our first dance - to our song "So Close" by Jon McLaughlin

I hope you're all ready for this....

I don't think you are...

Ok. This is just hilarious!
My old mission companion vs. the server girl

I LOVED my dress!

My friend Amy = my saving grace! She's the best hair dresser EVER!

Feel the love!

My mom made me this along with the entire Young Women's class when she was YW prez! I randomly found it at the back of my closet when I was moving my stuff to Twin.

What a stud!

One of my favs! Mikey's helping me put on my necklace!

Groomsmen: Spencer (Mikey's mission friend/my co-worker), Ross (my bro), Rory (bro-in-law), Dave (Mikey's mission comp), Kyle (Mikey's former roommate), Brad (my bro)

Ring Ceremony

Jasmine was having contractions in the middle of the cermony! We love her for still making it!

Happily Ever After

Bridal Pictures

2009-03-30T20:20:00.001-07:00

I took a while to upload these for the sole fact that I was determined not to let Mikey see me in my wedding dress! I wanted his reaction to be shocking when he saw his amazing gorgeous bride and wife-to-be on our wedding day. Of course it was just as I planned! :)

I only had one outfit to wear the day of the shoot, but I think white went with just about everything....

2009-03-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

"Sorry if I ruin your day," I say to the customer service woman as I roll my cart up to the counter." She looks down at the endless cart of items I have to return and immediately gets on her radio for back up. She turns around and speaks quietly into the receiver, "I have a lady up here with a million returns, can I have all cashiers back up to their counters?" I hesitantly smile to myself, knowing she didn't think I had heard her.

My mother is the greatest woman I know. She is a talented decorator and can make any room look fabulous. On November 13th - the day I got engaged - my mother had a whole new world of decorating open up to her... my reception! Now mind you, she has hired a professional decorator, but there are just too many things a mother of the bride wants direct control over, and that includes centerpieces, the guest book table and the display of pictures and quilts. My mother is no exception. This brings my story back to the beginning. You know, the part where I'm at the Michael's Craft Store customer service counter with a T.J. Maxx cart I stole from the parking lot, because I had so many items I couldn't carry them all in in one load!

"Someone getting married?" asks a middle-age mom who's waiting in line behind me. She tries to balance her 16x20 mahogany photo frame in one hand while her 3 year old daughter pulls at her purse.

"Yeah, I am. The wedding's Friday."

"Oh wow! So soon!"

"I know, the days are sure getting shorter."

The line behind me doubles in size every time I glance back.

I spread out the 30+ receipts on the counter and the cashier and I take turns with each one, trying to locate each item on the mountain of receipts. Vases. Silk flowers we bought just to figure out what I wanted my bouquet to look like. River rocks. Aprons for the little server girls. Surprisingly, the cashier is very patient. She tells me, "Don't worry, it takes a lot to ruin my day. I think of this as a challenge."

I'm glad she feels this way. Now if only the 7 people behind me in line felt similar. I try to exchange sympathy glances with the antsy bright-red haired old lady - you know the kind of look explaining how uncomfortable this is for you and if there was anything you could do about it, you would. I look over at the late-50's scrapbooker with her 30-something daughter and give them the "I'm-sorry-please-don't-jump-me-out-in-the-parking-lot-after-this" look.

I try to repeat in my mind, the words from my mother just before I left - "Julie, this will save me so much time! This is all I ask of you to help me with. I would just be so relieved!"

There's nothing better than a motherly motivation to keep you going.

Fifteen minutes and $144.56 later, I give a sigh of relief as I push the empty T.J. Maxx cart through the automatic doors and sign that spelled out "EXIT." That had to have been the best 4-letter word I'd seen in a long time.

Honeymoonin'

2009-03-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

So I cannot lie and tell you that I am not a bit excited for our honeymoon... Back in November, Mikey and I were trying to decide on where we wanted to go. I through it out there that I had never been on a cruise and he caught it. For months, we'd research and try to find out the best deals. Note to everyone who is reading this: The sooner you book, the cheaper you'll pay. February 14th, Valentines Day, we finally booked our cruise. I knew it was a last minute thing, when I called the Carnival Cruiseline (just to see if I couldn't talk em down a few bucks) and when she asked me the date of our departure and I said March 22 - she asked me of what year? Crap!
Anyway, we payed a few extra dollars, but really we still got a good deal. We really had to consider however that we weren't about to book our cruise if Mikey couldn't for sure get work off. The human resources department in Wal-Mart likes to mess with our lives it seems. :)
So where are we going you ask? To the place where the Vasquez family name lies deep.....MEXICO! Yayah! So we've both been to Mexico before, but Mikey has actually never been to the ocean. His family is from Chihuahua, which is inland.
Don't judge us, but the two of us have been tanning religiously lately. I don't want to look like a native there, but I sure don't want to look like a tourist. And let's be honest, a pasty white person in a white wedding dress just doesn't seem to look good in pictures, although I would probably just blame it on the photographer overexposing myself :)

2009-01-25T22:18:00.000-08:00