Monday, December 29, 2008

Wicked Tickets

This is a delayed post. . . but I couldn't post till after Christmas Day because the tickets for Heather were a surprise.

On Thursday the 11th, Bryan and I headed up to Salt Lake City to wait in line for Wicked Tickets. We got there at about 9 pm and waited in line all night long until about 7 am the next morning. We were 2nd and 3rd in line! I couldn't believe we were that close to the front!! I have a very small interview on Fox but quite a bit of camera time.






It was such a fun experience - and it was even better that we could get enough tickets for everyone that wanted them in the family!!

I can not wait for Wicked! Just 4 more months

Monday, December 22, 2008

Incredible Movie!!




We went into this movie having no idea what to expect or even what is was really about. I was extremely pleased. I won't go into details, but I do recommend it very highly!!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Mom's Pearls

I got another good use out of my mom's pearls.




Last night we had Young Women in Excellence and we decided to make the theme: A Night at the Academy Awards. So, everyone dressed up in prom dresses and got all dolled up (I decided to wear a little black dress and pearls). We had each girl pick one thing they've completed in one value and we took a video of each girl explaining what she did. We played the videos of the nominees and then had all nominees walk on the red carpet up to the stage and announced the winner. Of course every girl was a winner and they each got an Oscar. I think everyone really enjoyed it! I love successful young women activities!!


Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Harry Potter

Bryan and I are one of those odd couples that had never gotten into the Harry Potter books or movies. I watched the first movie and didn't really like it, so I had no desire to see any of the others. But Bryan's always wanted to watch the movies because as he says, "harry potter is so huge and a part of not just our culture, but the worlds, that we probably shouldn't go through life not knowing what the whole thing is about. . . ."


Last weekend all of the movies were on TV. So. . .we watched the second, third and fourth. I have to say that I am a bigger fan after seeing those three movies. I actually was excited when we would start the next movie. I'm not saying that I'll be there opening night in July 2009 for the Half Blood Prince - but I am glad that I have participated in this important part of our culture :)

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Time Capsule

I officially had to purchase one of these last night. I thought I could keep all my affairs in order (not like there's a ton) but I realized that I can't!! I'm hoping that now that I own one of these I will be so organized that I'll be afforded more time - we'll see

Thursday, December 4, 2008

It was fate!

I regrettably forgot to add one of my addictions to the fabulous blog. . . So You Think You Can Dance!! Tonight for mutual we went to It's a Wonderful Life at Kingsbury Hall - and who was George Bailey - Matt Dorame!!! Matt was seriously one of my favorites from SYTYCD last season - amazing dancer!! I had to ask him for a pic :) I just wish I had my camera instead of my camera phone







Here is Matt's audition video for SYTYCD. Where the magic started!


My new favorite Holiday movie. . . for the week anyway


Bryan and I missed this movie coming out last year, but have wanted to see it. We finally rented it - and I L-O-V-E it!!!! It's kindof a little kid movie (so a little silly at times) but I loved the message. It seriously brought me tons and tons of holiday cheer :) Plus - no movie can go wrong with Vince Vaughn. Anyway, if you're looking for a fun and touch your heart kinda movie - watch this one!


Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Fabulous!

Apparently I'm fabulous. . . well according to my fabulous sister-in-law Karen! She has granted me this fabulous blog award!




The rules of this award are:
1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous blogs in a post.

2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.

3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.


Instructions: On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them. When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well. To add the award to your post, simply right-click, save image, then "add image" it in your post as a picture so your winners can save it as well. To add it to your sidebar, add the "picture" gadget. Also, don't forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by emailing them or leaving a comment on their blog.



My 5 addictions are:
1. My husband
2. Sleeping - I love my bed. I have an extremly difficult time getting out of it in the morning :(
3. Chocolate (of any variety)
4. I get addicted to whatever book I'm reading (if it's good). I have a really difficult time putting it down - I just have to finish
5. Reading other peoples' blogs. I love going to reader and seeing that my friends and family have updated!!



And the winners are......envelope please:
Amy Attridge - is one of my fabulous sister-in-laws. Amy and I have been able to get to know each other a little better as she has come to visit with her funny funny little girl Addelyn! I love the Arizonian Attridges - I just wish I could see them more often.

Kim Wennerlind - is another one of my fabulous sister-in-laws! Kim just had an adorable little boy Isaac. I've only seen him in life once - but her pics on her blog are too cute for words. Kim is known as the sweet one from Bryan - and it is so true - she couldn't be more kind.

Ayme Orwin - is one of my fabulous friends. We met through our husbands. Her husband took her away to Virginia :( Ayme is hilarious - I miss playing shanghai with her and her cute southern accent!! Girl

Coralie Stokes - is also one of my fabulous friends. We were co-workers too long ago. We share the same wedding anniversary (She and Justin were married one year earlier than us). Coralie has a cute son Jaden that I haven't met in real life. Coralie, Justin, and I used to have hilarious times at the reg office!

Sarah Beth - is another one of my fabulous friends. We worked at BMI together. We both quit at about the same time. She found at she was leaving like a month before I did and I practically begged her to stay!! Seriously - she is so fun! Whatever happened to speed racing??

Friday, November 21, 2008

Twilight

Cindy and I are infamous for going to bed early. . . so there was no staying up till midnight for Twilight! But we did with our very kind husbands go on Friday afternoon!!




Overall experience - pleased. I thought there was some horrible acting at times, some awful casting (Rosalie & Jasper), and not a lot of development. . . But, I did like getting back into the story, and there was some fantastic casting (Edward, Bella & Alice), and some really funny and creative parts.

I think that anyone that didn't read the book would have zero idea what was going on (because of the lack of development) - but I enjoyed it because I did read the book.

I'm going to read the first book again and then see the movie again - and I'll see if I change my mind on anything.

Again - overall pleasant experience (with some heartfelt moments)

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Happy Birthday Bryan

The birthday morning started out not quite right. It's tradition in our family to have breakfast in bed on the morning of birthdays. Bryan's boss called last night and asked if he would cover a shift in the morning. Reluctantly Bryan agreed. I decided that I wasn't nice enough to get up at 5 to have breakfast ready for Bryan before he had to be to work at 7. When we got to the MTC, Bryan found out that his boss asked a co-worker to cover the same shift. I felt bad that Bryan didn't get breakfast and for no reason. . . so I decided to take him to Kneaders for all-you-can-eat french toast instead. The french toast was delectable. . .but, Bryan was not very happy about the service (long story).







After school and work we had Dinner at Tucanos with the Buells (we typically celebrate Bryan and Jeff's b-days together since they're a week apart) and then watched The Dark Knight at the Dollar theatre!




(I forgot my camera - so the pics are from my phone - not the highest quality!)
Happy Birthday Bryan!!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Wicked

I was looking at the Johnson's blog and was reminded of the fact that Wicked will be in Salt Lake from 4/8/09-5/3/09. I've been checking every week or so to see when the tickets will go on sale - but no luck - tba was what I saw! I checked today and the on sale date was finally announced! December 12th the tickets will go on sale. I will be online bright and early to reserve my seats, who's going with me??? I can't wait!


The Triplets - Then and (sort of) Now

The triplets were born between 11:51 pm and 11:53 pm on November 20, 1982.


When Larry and Rae walked into the hospital that day they were expecting to go home with two. Surprise! Kim was hiding up under Rae's rib cage.





The triplets as stocking stuffers - too cute





Quite the juggling act - I'm sure these pics are pretty telling of how it was trying to care for 3


I love this picture of the 3 of them!!


High School sports & Graduation




The family minus a few

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

An early Birthday Tribute to my best friend

I've seen this on other blogs and loved it. . .so I thought I'd follow suit!

In the snowy month of January 2005 an extremely good looking young man and a not in the mood for dating young lady had their first chance meeting.

It was Bryan's number ONE class at BYU. We were taking Communications 101 and were put in a group together. We had to present the very next week, so we got to immediately get to know each other. After that first meeting we were pretty much inseparable from then on.

But, it took TWO months for us to decide that there was no one else we'd rather see. I was reluctant to date exclusively as I had just ended a long relationship!

THREE was the amount of months we got to spend together as a couple before Bryan left back home to Okanogan for FOUR months. Bryan decided that he could make more money over the summer if we went home then if he stayed in Provo.

Bryan and I continued to talk while he was away and I flew out to visit him twice. We had decided that we would see other people over the summer. But after the first visit to Okanogan, it took about FIVE seconds for me to decide that I no longer wanted to see other people. From that day on we have been together. After a year and some change we decided we would make our relationship lasting!

While I was at Bryan's home I met some of his siblings. There are SIX children in Bryan's family and he shares his birthday with two of them (as he is a triplet).

SEVEN is about the amount of times I have been saying since last week that Bryan's gonna be a birthday boy and that he is getting tooooo old.

EIGHT is the day of the month that Bryan and I met in January, is the day of the month that we had our first kiss in February, and the day we decided to be exclusive in March. I wanted to get married on the 8th as well to follow with the tradition, but it wasn't a weekend. So, alas we did not.

NINE is the amount of months Bryan and I continued dating after he got back from Okanogan until we got engaged.

Together, Bryan and I have TEN nieces and nephews that we love dearly. In about six more months the number will increase to ELEVEN. Bryan loves kids and the favor is returned. He is adored by his nieces and nephews!!

The TWELFTH of August is the day Bryan and I were sealed together for time and all eternity.

Halloween is Bryan's favorite holiday. So, Nightmare on THIRTEENTH is just one of the haunted houses Bryan and I went to this year.

FOURTEEN is about the amount of articles of clothing Bryan had in his closet before I met him. I remember one time asking Bryan what his favorite store to shop in was - he replied, "what do you mean - like which thrift store?" Needless to say, his wardrobe has increased significantly!

Bryan will be taking FIFTEEN credits next semester. After the semester he's currently in, he will have 3 more semesters before he graduates. He will be pretty busy next semester and I am not looking forward to it - but I can't wait till he's done.

Bryan was SIXTEEN a decade ago! When Bryan was sixteen he could be found playing any multitude of sports or watching movies in his basement. Those are still about Bryan's two favorite things. He is a serious movie buff. He knows random facts about most movies and he can full on give you a 10 minute dialogue from most movies. So funny!

Two summers ago Bryan and I spent SEVENTEEN weeks in Alaska working for Princess Tours. Bryan was a tour guide/driver. The old ladies adored him. He grew a beard for the last half of the summer and seriously looked like a mountain men - that did wonders for his tips.

After the EIGHTEENTH game the Seattle Seahawks played in the 2006 season, they were headed to the Super Bowl. This was the first time for the Seahawks to make it to the Super Bowl in the history of the team. They ended up losing 21-10 to Pittsburgh :( Bryan loves all Seattle athletic teams - he is quite devoted!

A few weeks after Bryan's NINETEENTH birthday he left for his mission to the New Hampshire Manchester Mission. I hope that one day (soon) we can go back to his mission.

Bryan was born on the TWENTIETH of November 1982.

We were married when I was twenty years old, I was hoping to wait until I was TWENTY-ONE but my birthday is in the middle of September and the semester starts at the beginning. So we technically got married when I was twenty but I like to think of myself as twenty-one (what's a month?)

Bryan and I spend at least TWENTY-TWO days a month eating lunch together. He kindly takes time out of his busy schedule to meet me for lunch. It is my favorite part of the day. I love spending time with Bryan. I joke that we're never going to be real adults because we laugh pretty much the whole time we're together.

Bryan was TWENTY-THREE when we got married. He was so sweet during the whole planning the wedding process. I told him after we got engaged that I wanted him to be involved in planning the wedding and I wanted to hear his ideas, BUT if I really wanted something I DID NOT want him to disagree :) He did just that. I got everything I really wanted and he helped with the small details!

24 is one of Bryan's favorite TV shows. Last weekend we watched the last seven episodes of last season so we could be ready for the show to start next week.

I probably hear I love you from Bryan TWENTY-FIVE times a day. He is so sweet to always let me know that he loves me and even when he's not saying it, he shows it by the way he treats me!

Bryan will turn TWENTY-SIX on Thursday, November 20th. I am so lucky to have such an amazing husband. I love you Bry Guy and I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Happy Birthday JJ

JJ had his 1 year birthday party on Saturday! It was so cute to see JJ running around playing with all his new toys :) I don't think I have ever seen the Merris house with sooo many toys. I'm not sure JJ knew quite what to think about his house filled with so many people singing to him and all the presents either! It really was hillarious to see JJ moving around to a new toy about every 2 seconds. As soon as I got to the party . . . I turned on my camera to find that the battery was dead :( I really need to take better care of charging the camera! Anyway happy birthday JJ! We love you!

Since I didn't take any pics on Saturday . . . here are some pics of JJ as a newborn and from a few weeks ago :)





P.S. Happy Birthday to Chrissy Babe too. We wish we could have been with you to celebrate. Lots of love

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Tribute to a Wonderful Woman

I just wanted to take a moment and share my love for a very special woman that has passed away. It was Grandma Mary Lou's birthday yesterday!!



I feel so privileged that I was able to know Bryan's Grandma Mary Lou. She had such a wonderful and warm and giving spirit. She was the kind of woman that always made people feel happy just being around her and so comfortable. From the first time I met Grandma Mary Lou I knew that I was blessed just to have her in my life. I hope that I can be as wonderful as a mother, grandmother, and friend that she has been. We love you Grandma Mary Lou!!



Family that loves her and thinks of her often! (Her husband Grandpa Don and some of her grand kids!)

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The results are in!!

The results are in for the first 2 states to have counties that have closed polling. At 4 o'clock MST Indiana and Kentucky closed polling (not all counties in these states have closed polling)! So Far the results for these 2 states are:

Indiana

Kentucky

click on the names for an interactive link - love it!

I Voted!

Election day is upon us and at least in Provo, UT it is turning out to be a gloomy day. But, I am psyched that I could do my part to raise my voice and stand for what I think is right! Voting is such an awesome privillege and I'm glad I could take part



Go out and take a stand!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Where Should We Settle? Part 2

Bryan saw the post and wanted to participate. So, he took the quiz and got totally different results!! I guess we're still up in the air with where to settle.

Here's Bryan's list:
1. Phoenix, Arizona
2. St. George, Utah
3. Lake Havasu city, Arizona
4. Colorado Springs, Colorado
5. Billings, Montana
6. Kent, Washington
7. Scottsdale, Arizona
8. Yuma, Arizona
9. Boise, Idaho
10. Fort Collins, Colorado
11. Tacoma, Washington
12. Bellingham, Washington
13. Tucson, Arizona
14. Provo-Orem, Utah
15. Spokane, Washington
16. Olympia, Washington
17. Denver, Colorado
18. Missoula, Montana
19. Salt Lake City, Utah
20. Ogden, Utah
21. Brownsville, Texas
22. McAllen, Texas
23. Loveland, Colorado
24. Seattle, Washington

As you can see there is lots of Washington on his list (ah the irony) - I think he may have cheated!!

Where Should We Settle?

Bryan and I have frequent conversations about where we'll end up after he's done with school. I always tell him that I'd like to move around a bit before we eventually settle on the West Coast. I was perusing through some blogs and found this link where you answer questions and it shoots out a list of places that fit your criteria!! I loved it.

So where are Bryan and I to settle?:




Here is our top 24 according to the list:
1. Charleston, South Carolina
2. Augusta, Georgia
3. Norfolk, Virginia
4. Tampa, Florida
5. Houston, Texas
6. Orlando, Florida
7. Jacksonville, Florida
8. El Paso, Texas
9. Chesapeake-Virgina Beach, Virginia
10. New York City, New York
11. West Palm Beach, Florida
12. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
13. Phoenix, Arizona
14. Charlotte, North Carolina
15. Long Island, New York
16. Austin, Texas
17. San Antonio, Texas
18. Memphis, Tennessee
19. Dallas, Texas
20. Fort Worth, Texas
21. Atlanta, Georgia
22. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
23. Manhattan, New York
24. Nashville, Tennessee

I just have two questions about this list: 1 - why so much Texas (sorry Katie and John not gonna happen) and 2 - Why no California? I love California - I love love California.

Anyway - it's pretty fun so everyone should try it out!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Hubby Tag

Where did you meet? We met in Communications 101 in Bryan’s very first semester at BYU. The professor put us in groups the first day of class alphabetically – since my maiden name is Bagley and Bryan’s last name is Attridge we were in the same group. We were pretty much inseparable from that day on!

How long did you date before you were married? We dated from January 05 until May 06 and then were engaged from May 06 till we were married in August 06. So we were together a little over a year and a half before we married!!

How long have you been married? We were married August 12, 2006 – so we have been married a little over 2 years.

What is your favorite feature of his? All of his features are my favorite! But . . . I super love his nose and his little baby ears and his muscular thighs.

What is your favorite quality of his? I really like how easy going he is. Everyone that meets Bryan loves him – because he’s not in your face but he is chill and hilarious. He’s not really into girly things but he’ll totally let me give him a facial or something if I want to because he’s so easy going! He’s quite the catch if I do say so myself – and he’s dang good lookin to boot!



Does he have a nickname for you? Nicknames are big in my family. So we call each other a different nickname every day. One nickname that has stuck that we call each other is sugar face (but not in a sweet yucky way but a deep funny way – I guess you have to hear it to understand :)

What is his favorite color? I’m not sure that he really has a favorite color, but I know that he digs gray and blue!

What is his favorite food? Whatever is on his plate!! It’d be easier to list foods he doesn’t like – so I will: tomatoes and coconuts. There are a few other things too but he really won’t eat these two.

What is his favorite sport? He loves to play and to watch all of them! He played football and basketball and baseball and track in high school. Lately he’s been on a golf, tennis and racquetball kick. Really any sport you present to him – except soccer - he’d be more than willing to play!! This is not something we share in common. I don’t have an athletic bone in my body – I try to tag along sometimes, but I’m really not great :)

Does he have a hidden talent? Bryan’s hidden talent would have to be that he is good at everything. It’s a little bit annoying when we both try to do something for the first time and he’s immediately amazing and I’m still trying to grasp the concept. Another thing that people don’t probably know about Bryan is that he’s got rhythm and that’s no lie. For being such an athlete, I would never have guessed that he’s good at dancing (you’ll hear more about it below)

When and where was your first kiss? Our first kiss was in my apartment on February 8, 2005 (I remember because it was exactly 1 month from the day we met – January 8, 2005) while we were watching Cinderella!

Do you have any children? No little kiddos yet – but we have super cute nieces and nephews!!

What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? We probably have the most fun together when we just think of something lame to do. Like last night we were driving back from the Merris’ and heard Lucky Star by Madonna on the radio. So, when we got home we put on Madonna’s CD and were jamming to it and dancing around. We were teaching each other our best moves (and they are amazing seriously). We had so much fun. So, pretty much we like being ridiculous together!




How old is he? He is 25 today but on November 20th he’ll be 26. I can’t believe how old he’s getting.

What is his favorite type of music? He really likes classic rock like CCR, and Hall and Oats. I never thought I could jam to that kind of music, but some of the songs are rockin – for the real!!

What do you admire most about him? I admire his loving personality. He really tries to make people feel good about himself instead of bring them down. Like I said, Bryan is hilarious – but he’s not funny by making fun of others – he’s just witty. All of his sisters love Bryan because he’s so sweet and he is so caring towards them. That is one of the things I noticed about Bryan first off. He talked so kindly about his mom and sisters and grandmothers and so on. He really is conscientious about others feelings! LOVE HIM!!


I now tag: Cindy again because she hasn't yet, Heather again because she hasn't yet, and Coralie

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The FINAL Twilight Trailer part 2

I'm lame and I tend to head to Stephenie Meyer's website to get updates on the movie and such. . . and I found that the trailer is completed and set to start airing (is that how you spell it?) - love it! I hope the movie is at least somewhat as good as the books. I'll probably be there on Nov 21st with all the 14 year olds on opening night! Lame I know - but I dig it ;) Enjoy the FINAL Twilight Trailer below :)

Just head to the "video" tab and the first video is the REAL and FINAL trailer!

The FINAL Twilight Trailer

Thursday, October 16, 2008

In the Spirit of the Season

Bryan and I decided to treat ourselves tonight by getting some Sub Zero Ice Cream. At Sub Zero you get to make your own ice cream - you choose the flavoring and the add-ins. I saw that a flavor option was pumpkin. . . needless to say I had to make a pumpkin delight. I did pumpkin and chocolate flavors with brownie chunks - DELICIOUS! Bryan did raspberry flavor with cheesecake chunks - GOOD!

I am a fan of Sub Zero - with some hesitation I have to say that I think I like it better than Cold Stone. Happy Pumpkin Month!

Babysitting JJ

Our birthday present to John (and Cindy too) was to babysit JJ for the night while they went to Salt Lake for an overnighter. It was the first time that they had spent the night somewhere without JJ. He was such a good boy and he had a ton of fun I'm sure. He was being both of our buddies.



Before the parents came home I got JJ all cleaned up and spiked his hair. I'm including a close-up of the spikes for Grandma Bagley (cause I know she loves it). You have to admit the kid looks like a babe!!



Homemade Headbands

So...my super crafty sister-in-law Katie invited me over 2 nights ago to make headbands! It was such a cute idea! We made them out of fabric and ribbon, so they're soft and don't leave you with a headache at the end of the day. Plus it only cost like $2 to make a headband versus the $10 to $30 I was spending to buy one. I can't wait to break them in :)



Before we made the headbands the Bagleys and Bryan and I went to dinner at Shoots, a Chinese restaurant in the Riverwoods. It was seriously scrumptious! So a shout out to Bethany for introducing me to Shoots!

I love love successful craft nights!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

I've been tagged!

The deal with the tag is this: "Pick your fourth picture file and the fourth picture from that and post it."

This is on our wedding day (obviously. . . notice the veil)! I'm sure we're discussing something very important - but what I'm not sure about is why our photographer took the pic! Anyway, thanks for tagging Karen (and you've always been a great mom - I can't believe I'm older now than you were when you had Thomas!)



I now tag Katie, Ayme, Amy and Bethany! Can't wait to see the pics :)

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Preserving Marriage



Proposition 8 in California is such a delicate subject - but our voices need to be heard. I have attempted to include some videos from preservemarriage.org but they won't load. So, for more information on the effects of Proposition 8, click on the button below:

Preserving the Divine Institution of Marriage



Engagement Pictures