The Garretts

100 lbs gone!

2011-09-16T16:09:00.002-06:00

He did it! He finally hit the 100 lb gone mark....and 5 days before the goal he set of 100 gone by his 40th birthday. He did it all the right way, diet and exercise. When he first started he could barely walk .5 miles on the treadmill at about 2 mi per hour. The other night, he ran over 4 miles. I am so very proud of him and will continue to cheer him on as he continues to work on the next 30 lbs. He will then be at his goal weight. It's time to celebrate! (but not with food! with a trip to Park City!)

Before

and.............NOW!

Congratulations babe! I love that I can wrap my arms all the way around you now!

I love you!!

Happy Birthday Liberty!

2011-07-08T22:57:00.003-06:00

Libby turns 7 tomorrow!

Here is her annual birthday video.

and...she picked all the songs! I would never have picked Justin Bieber but on the phone tonight she told me she has "Bieber Fever" and she wants to kiss him! I quickly told her that 7 was a little too young to be kissing!

Happy Birthday Liberty Lee!

Day 9

2011-05-04T14:19:00.002-06:00

I'm back! I decided to pick up where I left off on the 30 days of me!

Today is pictures of my celebrity crushes....

I really only have one....

Ooohh laaaa laaaa!

Breaking up

2011-05-02T09:28:00.001-06:00

Dearest Diet Coke,

I'm sorry, but I have to leave you. It's just not working anymore. I know, I know, we had some great times together. You were always there for me on those long car trips and stressful days at work. No one will ever get rid of a headache like you. Yes, my love for you was the stuff romantics wrote sappy love songs about... But I just can't do this anymore.

No, no, it's not you. It's me. I'm ashamed to say I have found a new love. His name is Water. With the changes I'm making, we just seem to fit better together. Water knows how to meet my needs in a way I never thought was possible. Water keeps me from eating more than I should. For these reasons, I feel we must part.

Please know, this goodbye will definately hurt me more in about two days than it ever will you.

Sincerely,

In case you were wondering....

2011-04-03T21:53:00.003-06:00

Just in case you were wondering....I haven't disappeared!

I'm not vacationing in Austrialia,

I'm not laying on a beach wearing my flip flops,

I'm behind this stack of tax returns.

I will reappear on April 19th.

Mr. Obama extended the tax deadline 3 days,

something about a holiday in DC on the 15th.

Thank you Mr Obama for extending my busy season.

Day 8

2011-02-16T11:54:00.004-07:00

Day 8 - A song from my childhood

I can't narrow it down to one song. I have to go with a whole album. They Might Be Giants - Flood. I have loved this album ever since the day it came out in 1990. I call this my "happy music". You can't listen to this album and not laugh and be happy. I first bought it in cassette form. I wore that cassette out and then bought it in CD. I have worn 2 CD's out and now have the mp3's on my ipod. I have the whole album memorized from the first song, to the last, in order. I can sing the whole album, ask Alton.

Day 7

2011-02-15T22:34:00.002-07:00

Day 7 - Favorite Recipe

I've fallen behind. I would love to give you an awesome excuse...but I have none!

Houston, we have a problem! I'm not a cook. I can do basic things like grilled cheese, and anything that goes in a crockpock, and I make killer pancakes....from a box!

Our favorite staple for wintertime is Potato Bacon Soup. So I will share this easy crockpot soup recipe.

4 large potatoes

1 package of turkey bacon

2 cans Cream of Chicken

3 cups of milk

3 Tbs basil

8 oz sour cream

Cut potatoes, cook and crumble bacon. Mix together in crockpot with Cream of Chicken, milk and basil. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add sour cream, stir and serve. This is delish in a bread bowl.

Day 6

2011-02-10T21:26:00.000-07:00

See my side bar? Over there? ------>

Those are my favorite blogs.

I don't read many blogs of people I don't know. I don't read many blogs period. I would like to read blogs of certain people more often, but they don't post.

Day 5

2011-02-07T18:32:00.003-07:00

Day 5: What I ate today

Warning! This is going to be a boring post.

I've been sick. When I'm sick, I don't do well with eating.

Consumed today:

Breakfast: Nada

Lunch: Thanks to my bestie!

Turkey Sandwich

Banana

String Cheese

Trio Bar

Dinner:

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich

The end!

Day 4

2011-02-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Day 4: My favorite youtube video!

Day 3

2011-02-05T18:30:00.003-07:00

Day 3: A picture(s) of me taken over 10 years ago.

I decided to give you an assortment!

This is Becky and I. We were friends all through junior high and high school. We are still friends :) We took this picture for our YW leader while getting our senior pictures done. I know there is a story behind it, but since it was *cough* 18 years ago, I can't remember the full story. (Terry, if you happen to read this, can you remind me)

Good ole Ricks College days. This picture was *cough* 17 years ago. A bit of advice? Once you have a flour fight, do not, I repeat, DO NOT add water. It makes a huge sticky mess!

The mission! I want everyone to take a good look at this picture. Note I am using a sewing machine. It's about the one and only time I've used one and my finger was the only thing that got sewn that night.

And last but not least.....this picture is about 33 years ago. This is me and my cousin Paige on a family camping trip. Don't you love my awesome red plaid pants!

This girl's having a birthday....and she's 4!

2011-02-05T18:18:00.003-07:00

Here's the annual birthday video.

Day 2

2011-02-04T20:59:00.004-07:00

Day 2: Favorite movie

My favorite movie is Signs

Ok, not really. This movie freaks me out. I've only seen it once, in the theatre, and I screamed like a little girl. I think Alton still has scars from me digging into his arm. I refuse to see this movie again!

Let's see if you can guess what my favorite movie is:

I love this movie. I pretty much have it memorized and it always gives me a good laugh.

If you haven't figured out what movie it is....I will tell you in tomorrows post!

Day 1

2011-02-03T20:48:00.006-07:00

Day 1: Introduce Yourself

This makes me feel like I'm in some support group or AA. :)

Hi, my name Kim Garrett. Actually my given name is Kimberly Jane Hansen Garrett, but I can count on one hand the people that actually call me Kimberly. And there are a select few that I even allow to call me Kimberly Jane, but for the most part, just Kim.

I was born on January 6, 1975 and still am not sure if I like having my birthday right after the holidays. Everyone is worn out, everyone is poor, and everyone has started their New Year's Diets and so no one wants to celebrate with ice cream, cake, or cheesecake. As for me, I start my new years diet on January 7th because a girl's got to celebrate her birthday!

I grew up in Lindon and we were the family that moved 3 times yet still lived on the same block. We didn't go far. I have one younger brother and as much as he thinks I tried to run over him and kill him with the three wheeler, it truly was an accident and I got hurt more then he did.

I went to Aspen Elementary School, Pleasant Grove Jr High school, and Pleasant Grove High School. I'm a 4th generation viking. After the adventures of school, I decided to go to more school. Ricks college to be exact. Did I love it? Not so much. Did I survive it? For the most part, but hey, I came out of there with a degree in Accounting.

I was done with school after that so decided to do the next best thing for a single young women at the age of 21. I hopped a plane to Connecticut and served a mission. The mission brought lots of interesting and learning experiences and I'm sure in some ways I'm a better person because of it.

After returning home I quickly met my match on www.ldsfriends.com. After meeting my match, I quickly decided to marry my match. I didn't want him to get away! We took the plunge on May 7, 1998 and were sealed in the Mt. Timpanogas LDS Temple.

I decided to go back to school after we got married and I finished my accounting degree.

We live in Lehi with our awesome dog Gretzky. Alton works as a computer geek and I work as an accounting geek. Life has been full of challenges, but they have made us stronger. We just keep moving forward one day at a time.

Oh, and today's good news minute! After 2 surgeries, 16 months in a cast, boot or brace, I am finally fixed! I am now wearing two shoes and am 70% pain free. The doc said another 8 weeks and I should be 90% pain free.

30 days of me

2011-02-02T14:51:00.001-07:00

A friend posted this on her blog and I figured maybe it would help me get back in blogging mode and give me something to look forward to doing every day, so I stole it!

Day 1: Introduce Yourself
Day 2: Your favorite movie
Day 3: A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 4: A youtube video that you find funny
Day 5: A list of what you ate today
Day 6: List some of your favorite blogs
Day 7: Share your favorite recipe(s)
Day 8: A song from your childhood
Day 9: Provide pictures of five celebrity crushes
Day 10: A photo that makes you sad
Day 11: Your favorite television program
Day 12: A photo that makes you happy
Day 13: Share one of your favorite tunes
Day 14: Face morphing
Day 15: Favorite Books
Day 16: Talents of yours
Day 17: Favorite places to shop
Day 18: Your favorite color
Day 19: A photo you took
Day 20: What you're craving right now
Day 21: Your favorite quote
Day 22: Some hobbies of yours
Day 23: A photo of your parents
Day 24: Zodiac sign and do you think it fits your personality
Day 25: A deceased person you wish you could talk to
Day 26: A bad habit you have
Day 28: Something that fascinates you and why
Day 29: Photos of personal things in your life (pets, family, houses, etc...)
Day 30: A photo of you right now

Christmas Slideshow

2010-12-16T20:34:00.002-07:00

For my lesson in Young Women's this week, I decided to make a slideshow of the life of the Savior. Enjoy!

My new favorite website

2010-12-01T17:40:00.005-07:00

Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Computer Geek,

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating the website www.logmein.com. Your website allows me to crawl in my bed, still in my jammies, with my ouchie foot elevated, and still be able to work. All I have to do is go to your website, type in my username and password and tada, I am now on my work computer. It's heaven!

Your forever grateful customer,

Ouchie Foot Girl

ps. Thank you, Mr Boss, for letting me use this awesome modern technology

I'm thankful for.....in pictures

2010-11-24T19:28:00.005-07:00

A busy day

2010-11-20T16:39:00.001-07:00

This is what I did today. All....day.....long.....

Another Surgery

2010-11-20T01:28:00.005-07:00

It's 1:29am and here I lay. Anesthesia wires me. I can not sleep for anything and my foot is throbbing. I'm hoping by returning to blog world, I can pull my frustration away from not being able to sleep and the pain and side track myself for a bit.

This morning I had surgery to once again fix a ruptured achilles tendon. Some people say it's good that I've already had the surgery once because "you know what you are getting into". I say it's not so good to have already had the surgery once because "I know what I'm getting into".

I must say, I quickly remembered how to use the crutches. Last time it took me 10 minutes to get to the bathroom and back, this time, it only takes 3.

I remember how to get in the tub. I attempted it tonight because I smelled like a hospital, and I hate that smell. I was successful and did not kill myself or drown because I remembered how to do it.

I remember how to carry things. You get creative. I needed crackers or some sort of food to take my meds. I crutched to the kitchen, grabbed a package of crackers, tucked them under my chin and crutched back to the bed.

So you might say I'm lucky that I can remember how to do all these things. I guess I am lucky.

What I don't like and what frustrates me the most is that I have lost my independence. I will be the first to admit that my nickname should be "miss independence". I hate, hate, hate asking for help, and when I do, I feel guilty for pulling someone away from other things they could be doing. I've come to a conclusion tonight. Maybe if I would learn to let others serve, I would quit being put in these situations. Maybe I need to learn that others want to help, that they are more then willing to help, maybe I had to have this surgery twice so that I can learn this lesson. And for those of you that are willing and do help and serve me, (and you know who you are), I am so very grateful. Thank you for looking past my stubbornness. :)

I'm also grateful for a great doctor. I've seen him at least once or twice a month for the last 14 months. He is dedicated to fixing me and trying to return me to 90%. He said to me this morning before the surgery that he would be sad when I was all fixed because then he wouldn't get to see me anymore. He then grabbed my foot and with a tear in his eye said "I consider you a friend, and I will try everything I can to fix you". I have been blessed with good doctors in my life.

Stay tuned for my adventures of life on crutches. If it's anything like last time, I will have many comical stories to tell.

Liberty's having a Birthday!

2010-07-08T10:56:00.005-06:00

Another girl's having a birthday!

This little girl is 6!

Here is her birthday video. She picked the songs and really, really wanted Frosty the Snowman, and because I love her, I obliged! Enjoy!

Birthday Girl

2010-02-09T09:36:00.005-07:00

This girls having a birthday! She's 3 today!

For my nieces birthdays every year, I make a video for them with pictures from the last year. I've been doing this every since Libby was born. She has 5 videos and today London gets video number 3! It's fun now that they are older and are expecting them every birthday. London actually told me what songs she wanted on her video....she wanted "enchanted" and "widdle mermaid" and of course she is so dang cute that I have to comply to all her wishes.

Here is her video. Happy Birthday to my London!

The Foot!

2010-02-04T21:28:00.005-07:00

It's about time I give an update on "the foot"....

The cast came off on November 30th...

still on crutches though.

"the foot" before the stitches came out...

"the foot" and leg after the cast came off....it was NASTY! My leg hair was so long.....

A closer picture of "the foot" before the 2 hour long soak in the tub....

Shock therapy to break the scar tissue down so I can start real therapy. This happens every Monday and Thursday until February 18th....This picture isn't of the worst part, the worst part is when they stick my foot in that tub of water that you can kind of see....then they shoot electricity through the water. It hurts so bad I didn't even take a picture...bad memories......

and this is how "the foot" looks tonight.

....and my beautiful black accessory......I will be grateful when I never have to see this boot again..... hopefully I can get rid of it in March. This has been an awful surgery and recovery. My doctor says this is one of the worst surgeries you can have on your foot. My advice to you? Don't mess with the achilles tendon..

Back into the workforce..

2010-01-25T21:53:00.003-07:00

I'm back in the workforce again....actually, I never really left, I just had the blessing of working from home for the last 4 years. Luckily it came to an end after I was off crutches and walking again. I'm working part time (30 hours a week) for the CPA firm Prince Hansen Gray & Associates. I have been hired on as their staff accountant. If I have to be back in the workforce, crunching numbers is where I want to be. It's also a blessing that I work from 11-5 and can still spend the mornings doing rehab on my foot. Speaking of my foot.....stay tuned for new pictures and an update on the recovery......

Two good legs

2009-10-22T11:55:00.004-06:00

Crutches.....I despise them.

But what other choice do you have when you don't have two good legs?

I have been thinking the last few days of all the things I have taken for granted. Crutches make you realize these things really fast. Here's my list for today:

1. Independence - I have none. Say I want a Diet Coke. I used to be able to get in the car, drive to Sonic and get one, and come home and enjoy! Now, I can get in the car with a lot of effort, I can drive to Sonic, and I can go through the drive thru and get one. Then I drive home. Here lies the problem. I have my diet coke, but how do I get it in the house with crutches? So I either spend the day in the car, sipping away, or resign myself to the fact that there will be no diet coke. I have tried carrying it in my teeth, somewhat works, but is not easy!

2. A clean house - I used to moan and groan when it was time to clean the house. Now I would give anything to be able to clean the kitchen and bathrooms, run the vacuum, and dust. And the laundry? I would have to invent some sort of basket or sled to pull the clothes behind me as I crutch to the laundry room. Ain't happening.

3. Eating when hungry - With two good legs, I was able to go to the kitchen and get food whenever I was hungry. I can still get to the kitchen, but it's hard to get stuff out of the fridge, get to the pantry for the bread and stand to make a sandwich. One day it took me 20 minutes to get a bowl of cereal. Sometimes it's easier to just starve or wait for the hubby to get home to feed me.

4. Baths - With two good legs, I used to love my baths. My tub was my happy place. Now, it's just a chore. Every time I get in, I am praying I will be able to get back out. Yesterday I took a bath with a spider. It fell down from the ceiling while I was in the tub. With two good legs, I would have been able to hop right out, but I couldn't. I was flailing my arms and leg, screaming because I was bathing with a spider. I finally got out, caught the spider, flushed it and then had to rest to get the energy to get back in and wash my hair.

5. Keys - My car has a remote key, meaning you don't have to put the key in the ignition, it just has to be in your purse or in your pocket. Since being on crutches, I don't carry my purse anymore. Too hard, so I put my keys in my pocket. This morning, I needed to run an errand. I loaded up my belongings in a grocery bag and headed out the door to my car. I got all situated in the car and tada, no key. GRRRRRRR!!! Now with two good legs, I would have just ran back in and grabbed my keys. Instead I sat there for 10 minutes cooling down from my workout getting to the car in the first place. Then I gimped back in and got my keys and gimped back into the car. Something that should have taken 2 minutes took 20.

6. Toilet paper - With two good legs if you run out of toilet paper you just run downstairs to where it is stored and get more. Not me! When I ran out of toilet paper, I had to get to the stairs, sit on my behind and slide down the stairs while holding my crutches. I'm 34 years old....not 4, but here I am going down the stairs like a little kid. I then crutch to the storage room, grab the toilet paper and attempt to throw it down the hall. Once I reach the toilet paper I begin my routine of "kick the TP and then crutch to it" repeated many times. Once I reach the stairs, I grab the TP and throw it up the stairs as hard as I can, hoping it doesn't roll right back down to me. Lucky for me, it stayed. I then proceed to crawl up the stairs dragging my crutches behind me. Once I reach the top, I begin the "kick the TP and then crutch to it" routine again. Finally I reach the bathroom with the TP. And mind you, while all this was happening, I had to go to the bathroom!

That's it for today. More to come! Next time you have to do any of these things, be grateful for two good legs!

My foot is ready for Halloween!

2009-10-19T15:05:00.005-06:00

It's been two weeks since the surgery. I went back to the doctor for a re-cast today because all the swelling had gone down and my foot was sliding all over the place and my heel kept hitting the back of the cast. OWWWWWEEEEEEEE! The nurse cut my old cast off, and I took one look at it and got slightly light headed. I don't know what I expected, but it really wasn't this. The back of my leg looks like Frankenstein! No wonder it hurts so bad still.

No more red cast. I am now officially purple. I decided it was time for a color change and purple is Halloweenish, right? Too bad the color doesn't transition to Thanksgiving very well. The count down is on! 2 weeks down, 6 more to go. I can't wait for November 30th to come....and then comes the next phase....the boot!

Stay tuned. I have some awesome stories about life on crutches to be posted soon!

Kim Garrett Photography - Special Promotion

2009-10-17T14:35:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year! Need a family photo for your annual Christmas card? Or would you like a family photo in the fall leaves?

I will be offering a 10% discount on all photo shoots scheduled from now until December 15th!

For only $40 (normally $50) you will receive a 30-45 minute photo shoot in a location of your choice. I also have many locations that I love and can suggest. You also will receive the disc with 25 of the top photos and a full copyright release.

Check out my website at kimgarrettphotography.blogspot.com

Spots are filling up fast. Call 801-616-0907 or email kimjgarrett@gmail.com to schedule an appointment!

A "family" outing

2009-08-21T15:07:00.002-06:00

Alton had the day off today and we wanted to do something fun. We grabbed the nieces, Libby and London and decided to head to The Living Planet Aquarium. This was the first time any of us had been to the aquarium. I highly suggest it. We had a lot of fun, and the girls were amazed at all the different "nemo's".

London looking at all the "nemo's"

Petting the stingray's. Me and the girls were too chicken! Alton was brave.

This picture has nothing to do with the aquarium, but I thought it was cute. Before we left the girls got out the "toy stash". London has more fun with the storage bin, then with the toys!

We had a good day. After the aquarium, we went for a gourmet lunch at McD's. How can that not make your day complete??

Blast from the Past

2009-08-13T19:58:00.004-06:00

The other day I was going through one of my many bins full of pictures. I was looking for a specific picture. I never found the picture I was looking for, but I did find a ton of other ones. Here is a blast from my past. The next post will be a blast of Alton's past! I'm sure he will be so excited when I post pictures of his childhood!

Me and my cousin Paige at our great grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. I think our mom's made the dresses!

Yes, I did used to wear pink jammies. No more though! Pink is so not my color...

Me and Paige again. I think we were camping up the canyon.

I loved my grilled cheese. I still love my grilled cheese!

Here's the proof. I DID play with dolls when I was little. Christmas of 1978.

Wearing my dad's cowboy boots. I still remember my dad always wearing these boots.

Pink and lace!

Wow, look at that hot outfit!

I like my phones...even at 2 years old.

My 1st birthday party. I spent my 1st birthday in the hospital, so this was after I got home...hence the drugged look on my face, I guess!

Freedom Run

2009-07-14T12:51:00.003-06:00

I am still a bit behind in my postings. My goal is to get caught up this week! On July 4th, I did the Freedom Run with some good friends. We had a great time, and our families were at the finish line cheering us on. My friend Lareen is a marathon runner and so she pushes us (more then we would like), but it's a good thing to have her there. She is a good sport to run with us.

Crossing the finish line.

After the race

Girls Camp 2009!

2009-07-07T16:40:00.005-06:00

I'm a little late at posting this....considering camp was 3 weeks ago, but I can finally say, I am recovered. :) I have been the camp director for the last 3 years. This year is my final year and so I decided to go out with a BANG! We got permission from the bishopric to go to Moab and raft the Colorado River. A high adventure camp was what we wanted the girls to experience...and it turned out a little more high adventure then I wanted, but everyone came home alive and in one piece.

We arrived on Wednesday and after setting up camp we let the girls have a free day. We had crafts and games and the campground had a pond that they could swim in. On Thursday we woke up and did a day long trip on the river. The river was higher then they thought it would be and so the rapid were a bit more intense then we expected. We did have one boat capsize...luckily it was full of mostly leaders, but it did have two little timid 12 year olds in it. We did have one leader get wacked in the face with the oar as she went overboard and had a swollen nose and a couple black eyes for a few days.

After we arrived back at camp after the river trip....a huge storm rolled in and it poured. We had a huge tent that all the girls were sleeping in, and it leaked. After $150 in tarps and $30 at the laundromat, everyone was happy and dry again.

My boat on the river. I was on the safe boat, meaning we were the first boat through the rapids so that when other boats came through, if they flipped we were there to pull the people out of the water..this also mean that we didn't hit the big rapids. This picture is of the small rapids....and looking at the picture, they look big to me.

I am know to the girls as the "water nymph". I am the one that starts the water fight every year. I'm the one that gets drenched...along with my partner in crime, the YW president Lareen. It helps to be good friends with the YW president when you are the camp director. It makes my life so much easier to have her on my side with planning camp, and also with the practical jokes and water fights. I started the above water fight with buckets of water and hoses. No one stayed dry. I even picked up my assistant camp director and carried her into the fight because she was determined to stay dry. I also started an egg fight...not a good idea when it's hot outside...but at least we had showers!

The girls had a great time. I love this calling and am sad that it's over. Even though it's a lot of hard work, it's so worth it!

Results from Saturday's weigh in

2009-06-11T00:53:00.002-06:00

I got an email from AF City tonight with the results of Saturday's weigh in. I didn't make the top 15. I came in at number 16. I was one pound off! I am a little disappointed, but just came off a tough month and so I'm happy with it. 25 lbs in 3 months. I can't complain. Another 37 pounds to reach my goal.

Biggest Loser Update

2009-06-06T11:08:00.003-06:00

Today was another weigh in for the Biggest Loser. I lost another 5 lbs for a total of 24.8 since the competition began. I was pretty happy with it considering it's been a tough month. I will find out on Tuesday if I made the top 15!

Yellowstone

2009-06-06T10:56:00.004-06:00

I'm finally getting around to posting some pictures of Yellowstone. We had an okay trip, all things considered. Alton was sick the whole time and someone backed into our Durango and mashed it up, so it wasn't the best trip we have ever been on. Here are some random pictures. We were lucky enough to see a bear and two cubs. That was pretty exciting. Also we saw lots of baby buffalo.

Running with Angels 5K

2009-05-18T16:24:00.005-06:00

On Saturday I did my first 5K. It was the Running with Angels 5K at Thanksgiving Point. I did it with my friends Lareen and Kathleen. We missed our other friends Teddi and Jenny who were out of town. We had a lot of fun and even beat our goal. We wanted to finish in 50 minutes and we finished in 46:25.

Here we are before the race.

They releases a bunch of doves and that was our signal to begin.

There were about 1200 people in this race. It was kind of a mad house at times.

We ran past waterfalls.

We ran through flower gardens.

We ran past fountains.

Me and Lareen reaching the finish line.

Me, Kathleen, Pam Hansen and Lareen. Pam wrote the book "Running with Angels"

Next on the list is the Freedom Run 5K on July 4th!

11 years!

2009-05-07T07:03:00.003-06:00

11 years ago today we were married in the Mt Timpanogos temple. It was a beautiful day! Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband. Thanks for all you do for me and for your unconditional love! I love you!

Top 30!

2009-05-07T06:54:00.003-06:00

I did it! I made it into the Top 30 for the AF City's Biggest Loser. In the last 2 months I've lost 8.10% and I'm ranked 22 out of 30. If I want to get to the Top 15, I'm going to have to step it up a notch. The next weigh in will be on June 6th. Stay posted for more details!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-05-02T15:09:00.005-06:00

Ok, so I know this post is a little late! Better late then never, right? We celebrated my mom's birthday on April 22nd. We had a pizza party and had most of the extended family there to celebrate with her. We had a lot of fun and I think she did too!

In honor of her birthday, I was going to write 50 something things I love about my mom...one for every year, but she might get mad if I tell everyone how old she is, so I'm sticking with 22 things we love about my mom, since she was born on the 22nd. :)

1. Your Testimony

2. Your example

3. Your sense of humor

4. The respect you have for us

5. Your Faith

6. Your Support

7. Your love for navy blue shoes :)

8. Your love for extended family

9. The neighborhood you raised us in

10. Strawberry Days

11. Your love for your parents

12. Your love for the Savior

13. Your wisdom

14. Your service

15. Your ability to play the piano

16. Being a cheerleader at our softball games, even if it's -10 degrees

17. Your giving heart

18. Your love for your neighbors

19. Your ability to raise us as a single mom

20. Your phone calls

21. That you always have Diet Coke in your fridge

22. Your unconditional love

We love you mom!

Girls Weekend Out!

2009-04-19T21:08:00.003-06:00

This weekend I went to St George with my friend Lareen and two of her friends. After a weekend together, I guess they are my friends now too! We had a lot of fun. We golfed twice, did some shopping, and yes, even though I HATE shopping, I spent the most money. I love Eddie Bauer Outlet! We ate good food, always a plus, and went to Tuachan to see Gladys Knight. I knew I would enjoy the concert, but I enjoyed it much more then I thought I would. She is a great entertainer and had us laughing the whole time. It was very nice to leave the snow behind and have a great weekend with great friends!

Jennifer, me and Lareen

Me and Tema

Me and Lareen

At the concert

Merry Christmas??

2009-04-16T08:06:00.004-06:00

I swear when I looked at the calendar this morning it said April 16th. It sure looks like Christmas though! We woke up to about 14 inches of snow. (I measured). I don't think it's very funny. I'm so ready for spring!

Gretzky loves the snow. I threw a snowball and he ran after it and was bound and determined to find it. He had his head in the snow for about a minute trying to figure out where that snowball was.

Enjoy the snow! I'm heading to St George!!

Easter

2009-04-13T14:38:00.004-06:00

We had a fun Easter this year. I went to my mom's on Saturday night while she had the girls. We colored eggs and had a lot of fun. We spent Easter Sunday with all our families. My cousin Dalin came home from his mission so we went and heard him speak in church. He did amazing..probably one of the best "after mission" talk's I have heard. He talked about how important The Atonement is in missionary work. After sacrament meeting we went back to his house and spent some time with my dad's side of the family. We then headed to my mom's for lunch and then Alton's dads for dinner. It was a great day! It's always nice to spent time with family.

We wore funny hats!

We colored eggs! (and our hands)

The Easter Bunny brought a new bike for Libby and a scooter for London.

Libby is a master bike rider!

Their cute Easter dresses.

I think they like each other!

I made it!

2009-04-10T15:32:00.003-06:00

I made the Biggest Loser top 50. My friend who is doing this with me, also made the top 50. So, I guess I don't get to slow down, but continue to work harder. The next weigh in is on May 2, and then they narrow it down to 30. Top 30, here I come!

I'm a loser

2009-04-04T15:11:00.005-06:00

About 6 weeks ago, as I was driving down Main Street in American Fork, I saw a banner overhead. It said "Steel Days Biggest Loser Competition". At first sight I thought, that's pretty dumb and it's probably expensive, but then my curiosity got the best of me. I came home and got on the website. To my surprise, it was only $20 to join. I thought, what the heck, this just might give me the motivation I need and the worst that can happen is I lose $20. I dialed up a friend and asked her if she wanted to do it with me. After some coaxing and maybe begging on my part, she agreed and $20 later I was in the competition.

Now, if you know me at all, you will know I have a MEAN competitive streak. Always have, and the older I get I think it gets a little worse. Some people just called it idiotic and stupid, I like to call it motivated and driven. The first weigh in was the first of March. Once I stepped on that scale and knew the competition had started, my competitiveness kicked in.

I started out by just eating in moderation and exercising for an hour each morning. I'm still eating in moderation but now I am exercising at home every morning for an hour and walking for 45 minutes or so each night. I have great friends who are supporting me in this and who "drag" me out every night. Ok, they don't really drag me, I drag them sometimes. Not only is it exercise, but it's good girl time.

So, today was the 2nd weigh in. They are going to narrow the competition down from 160 people to 50 people. We are going on percentage of weight lost, not pounds. I was actually nervous. I really don't like scales. I knew what my home scale was saying, but had no idea what the rec center scale would say. Plus at home I am a naked weigher. I didn't think I could get away with that very well at the rec center.

I am happy to report that I lost 14.2 lbs last month, which is 5.86%. Now don't go get out your calculator and try and figure out what my starting weight was. I don't know yet if I made it in the top 50. If not, I would like to be able to say "oh well" but I don't think my competitiveness will allow me to say that. I will be bummed, but will get over it and continue on my journey without the competition. I'm not stopping now! I'm on a roll!

Stay tuned to see if I make the top 50!

Maybe I was born to be an Artist....

2009-03-28T22:38:00.004-06:00

So, a while ago Libby, London and I were at my mom's office hanging out for a while. My mom has an awesome office. One side is a huge window overlooking the Provo River, the other side is a whole wall covered in white board. When I say whole wall, I mean whole wall. Ceiling to floor and corner to corner. The girls always love to grab the markers and draw on the wall. The only bad thing about this, is that London thinks that all walls can be written on, hence the reason I love magic erasers to get the markers and crayons off my walls at home. Anyway, while we were at the office, Libby asked me if I could draw Minnie Mouse. I said "I don't think so, but I guess I could try". Twenty minutes later, this was the result.

I was quite impressed with myself. Libby was shocked. I don't think she expected it to look even remotely like Minnie Mouse. I showed Alton when I got home. He didn't believe I drew it. We called my mom and she was my alibi.

The girls were excited, my mom was excited, and Minnie Mouse has a new home on the wall of my mom's office.

Half Marathon

2009-03-21T08:59:00.003-06:00

So, as we speak, I am sitting in Moab. I am here with a good friend watching her run the Canyonlands Half Marathon. I've been very intrigued with all the different people here for this race. When I think of a runner, I think of someone who is very fit and very skinny. I have been proven wrong. There are all age, types, sizes and shapes of people running today.

This makes me wonder. Could I ever run a half marathon? My first thought is "HELL NO".

Last night we drove the course. It was breathtaking. Such beautiful scenery. It came down the canyon and followed the Colorado River. As I started driving down the course, I thought to myself "ok, maybe I could do this". I looked at my odometer, I had driven 2 miles. I still had 11 MORE miles to go. We kept driving, and driving, and driving.....and driving. 13 miles is a LONG time. I know I could bike 13 miles, but run?? It just doesn't sound all that fun to run for more then 2 hours. Makes me tired just thinking about it. But as I sit and watch these 5000 people do this race, it sparks something in me. Maybe I'm just feeling left out because I'm a "spectator", maybe my competitiveness is kicking in, maybe I want to do something in my life that I never ever thought I could do. Maybe, just maybe I COULD actually do it!

Then I bring my head out of the clouds and come back down to reality. Could I run a 10K? That MIGHT be possible. That sounds a lot more realistic then 13.1 miles. You have to start small right? I never thought I could be a runner, but maybe it's possible. Maybe it's all mental. Maybe someday.

Draper Temple Open House

2009-03-05T18:49:00.004-07:00

Today we had a girls day! The boys couldn't get off work, so just the girls went to the Draper Temple open house and to lunch. It was beautiful!

Libby and Alisha on the bus ride from the church to the Temple.

London enjoyed her cookie and water after the tour.

London, Libby and Alisha

Libby, London and Grandma Cheri

Libby, London and me

London being goofy on the way to lunch

Libby wanted her picture in the glasses too

We had lunch at Cafe Rio

Libby is a little mom. She was wiping the black beans off London's face.

Carlos Boozer

2009-03-05T18:30:00.003-07:00

On Tuesday I was invited by my niece Ruth to come to her school assembly. Her school (Ridgeline Elementary) had won a reading competition and they were having a Jazz player come and read to them. Knowing that I am a huge Jazz fan, she invited me to come and take pictures for her. I grabbed my other niece Libby and we were off to the school. I was assuming it would be somewhat of a no name Jazz player but as I was walking through the parking lot, there in front of me was Carlos Boozer. I got really excited and grabbed for my camera. He walked up to us and said hi and asked us how we were doing. He said hi and waved to Libby. She was quite frightened of him. I don't blame her. To me he was HUGE, I can only imagine what he looks like to a 4 year old. I got some great pictures and he did an awesome job reading to the kids. He got a rock star welcome. I had a lot of fun! Thanks Ruth for inviting me!! After it was over, I was having Libby call everyone and tell them who she met. After once phone conversation she looked at me and said "Why is everyone so excited I met that Booze guy?" She just doesn't get it. Guess I need to make her more of a Jazz fan, although, I did teach her that he was number 5 and she remembers that. One small step in the right direction!

Rascal Flatts

2009-02-27T15:31:00.002-07:00

I'm not the world's biggest country music fan. I'm very selective about the country music I will listen too, but my favorite country group is Rascal Flatts. When the opportunity presented itself to attend the concert and have a girls night out, I JUMPED at the opportunity. We started the night by going to dinner at Cafe Rio. Then it was off to the concert. Jessica Simpson was the opening act. I was NOT impressed. If my chair hadn't been vibrating so much I would have fallen asleep.

There is something to be said about sitting on the first row of the upper bowl. No one to stand up in front of you and you pretty much have a straight shot down to the stage. There is only one downfall, my fear of heights. It took me a while to be comfortable letting go of my armrests on my chair. Luckily by the time Rascal Flatts started to perform. I had my bearings straight!

All in all, it was an awesome night. My ears are still ringing and my voice is raspy. Those two things are proof I had a good time. Now I sit and wait for the next concert on the list. May 9th to see the Eagles. I can't wait!

Me and My Gang!

Jenny, me and Kathleen. Thanks girls for a fun and very memorable night!!

The Statue of Liberty

2009-02-22T17:31:00.004-07:00

The Statue of Liberty holds a special place in our heart. Not only is it a universal sign of freedom, but on this island is where Alton received his first concussion. Did you know there is a playground on the island? On this playground is a slide. Alton decided to climb to the top, and instead of going down the slide, he fell back down the ladder. He was 4 years old.

The year was 1975. Alton's dad was a National Park Ranger and was assigned to be the Ranger at the Statue of Liberty. Alton lived on this island from 1974-1978. Instead of taking a bus to school, Alton took a ferry.

Did you know there is a couple of homes on the island? I had no idea until I met him. This picture was taken from the ferry when they lived there. We went to NYC in 2003. We went to the island. (I took the top picture on this trip). As we got of the ferry, there stood the same ferry hand that worked there in the 70's. Alton calls him "Sunshine Mike". Mike was speechless, obviously this 30 something, 6'4" blonde guy could not possible be the little blonde Alton. It was! Mike took us on a tour of the island, behind the scenes. I saw the dreaded slide. I saw their home. It was awesome!

Alton has many memories of the time on Liberty Island. From riding his green machine (bike) and crashing into the wall, almost falling into the New York Harbor, to living on the island on July 4, 1976 for the bicentennial, riding the subway to church, and the ferry to school. I think he's pretty lucky to have had this opportunity. I'm a bit jealous....I never left Lindon.

We now have our own "Statue of Liberty" in our family. This is Liberty, our niece. The other night she wanted to pose as the statue. We had to quickly improvise. We used a neck pillow as her crown, grabbed the first book we could find, (glimpses by Sister Hinckley) and for the torch we used the remote. Doesn't she make a cute "Statue of Liberty"??

Happy Birthday London!

2009-02-09T13:38:00.004-07:00

Today is London's 2nd birthday.

We had a Minnie Mouse party.

Each year for my niece's birthdays I create a video for them with pictures from the last year. Click here to see this years video.

Hockey Game

2009-02-08T19:57:00.004-07:00

We took our two nieces and two nephews to the hockey game last night. We had a blast. Even Libby who is only 4 was asking lots of questions and trying to understand the game.

Alton and the two girls

Libby

We did Chuck a Puck. You buy pucks for $1 and throw them on the ice. The closest one to the center wins a prize. No, we didn't win anything, but we had fun!

Libby, Ruth and Tobyn (Kordell was refusing to be in a picture)

In the Durango on the way there. The boys were staging the fight in the back for the camera.

Photo Studio

2009-01-29T22:45:00.004-07:00

I finally put together a photo studio in my basement. Today I grabbed the three cutest kids I could find and had an afternoon of experimenting and practice. These are my favorites that I took. You can see more on my other blog at kimgarrettphotography.blogspot.com

Easily Amused

2009-01-25T18:31:00.004-07:00

Have you ever seen the toy "Elmo Live" If not, you should! My mom bought it for the grandkids. I seem to play with it just as much as they do. I think I'm easily amused!

We are so blessed

2009-01-24T19:09:00.007-07:00

Today was our annual Stake Women's Conference. We had the privilege of having Mariama Kallon come and speak to us. She has an amazing testimony and an amazing story. After listening to her speak, I am so grateful to live in America and so grateful for all that I have. It really helped me to put things in perspective. If you have never heard her story, you need to read the following:

Amid the horrors of a civil war, I found hope in a book and a plastic bag.

Sierra Leone was a sad place during my teenage years, but it was my home. For much of my life, my small West African country was torn by a civil war. The war affected everything. My family and I were constantly on the run, trying to escape the rebel soldiers. It was terrifying every time the rebels came through a city. Someone would see their torches approaching in the night, warn the others, and we would all run for the bush, grabbing whatever we could along the way.

About seven years after the war began, the rebels came to our city. My whole family was running to escape, but my parents, who were just a few steps behind me, were shot and killed. I was so sad to lose them, but I had to keep moving. My brother, sister, and I moved to a safer place, and for a short while we were all right, but the rebels eventually hit that town, too. This time we didn’t have time to run away. My brother was taken and later killed. My sister and I were lined up outside with all the other women. We were all so frightened. Everyone was crying and praying—even people who had never believed in God before. I was not a member of the Church at the time, but I believed in God and prayed that His will would be done and hoped that He would find a way to save me.

As the rebels reached the woman in front of me, our army came rushing in and the rebels ran away. I know that I was not better than the people who were in front of me or behind me, but I thanked God that I had been spared and prayed that I might understand His plan for me.

I moved to another village to live with a friend. As I was telling my story to my friend and some of her neighbors, one neighbor said, “Mariama, we don’t have anything to offer you except an invitation to church tomorrow. That’s where we find safety. That’s where we find hope.” I loved God already and needed comfort in my life, so I decided to go.

My first Sunday in that LDS branch is a day I will never forget. I learned of hope. You could just see that there was hope in those people, and I was drawn to them. I was given the Book of Mormon and started reading right away. I remember hearing in church about how families could be together again after death and then reading in Alma 11 where Alma teaches about how our bodies will be made perfect again in the Resurrection. I felt the Spirit so strong as I thought of my family. I knew that the Church was true and that we could be together forever—each of us well and whole.

There were no missionaries in Sierra Leone at that time, so I took the lessons from my branch president and was baptized soon after. We were blessed in our town, because the Church sent food and humanitarian kits for the members of the Church and others. The food kept us all alive. Everyone was so grateful even to receive a small bag of rice or beans. I received a blanket and a hygiene kit that included a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, a comb, and a washcloth.

Not long after, the rebels hit again. They burned down the house I was living in, and as I was running to escape the flames, I took time to save only two things—my scriptures and my hygiene kit. We had to live on the run for a while after that, and I used my hygiene kit to help those around me. I would squeeze out one pinch of toothpaste for each person, or we would go to the river and carefully pass my bar of soap from person to person. The kit was so precious to us. The blanket, too, was invaluable. It sheltered us for many days until I used it to wrap an old woman who had died and had nothing to be buried in.

Eventually, I went back to my town and my branch. It was then that I decided I wanted to serve a mission. This was a difficult decision for me, because I had nothing and would be leaving behind people I loved. As I was trying to decide, I read D&C 84:81 and 88, which say, “Therefore, take ye no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed . . . for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” I knew the Lord would care for me, so I turned in my mission papers and was called to the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission.

I arrived in Utah with practically nothing, but I insisted on bringing my hygiene kit, because it meant so much to me. One day, my companion and I were taking a tour of the Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake, and I recognized a blanket that had the Relief Society logo embroidered on it, just like the one I’d had in Sierra Leone. I looked around and saw hygiene kits like mine and familiar bags of beans and rice, and I began cry.“This is where they came from!” I thought to myself. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I remembered what these things sitting in stacks in the Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake meant to my friends and to me in Sierra Leone. I was so grateful to the Lord for preserving me, for bringing the gospel into my life, and for allowing me to serve a mission. I knew that His angels truly had been round about me, to bear me up.

(This story is excerpted from an article that appeared in the New Era, November 2006, pp. 10–12.)

We are so blessed!

My Grandma Peay

2009-01-14T18:07:00.003-07:00

Over the course of my life, there have been two women that have influenced me greatly. The first is my mother, the second is my grandmother.

My grandma had back surgery yesterday. As I waited to hear how the surgery went, I started reflecting on why I love my grandma. There are many reasons....too many to mention really, but here are a few:

1. My grandma is a great example. Not only to me, but to all those she comes in contact with. Many times when I go to visit, she is sitting in her front room reading her scriptures, the Ensign or a church book. She has a strong testimony and she shares it in words and actions. Together with my grandpa she has served many mission. One at Winter Quarters, the second one at Cove Fort and recently was released as a service missionary at the Bishop's Storehouse. Her acts of service are endless. Through their example all of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are active in the church and have or are building their testimonies. All the grandsons and grandsons-in-law that are old enough have served missions (and one granddaughter, me). Only one grandson is left, and he is getting prepared to turn in his mission papers. 5 of the 10 grandkids have been sealed in the temple, and the other 5 are striving and preparing for a temple marriage. I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty good odds. I attribute it to the example of our grandparents.

2. My grandma has a great sense of humor. There are many times I can recall where grandma has laughed until she cries. She can laugh at almost anything and has taught us the "laughter is the best medicine".

3. Grandma is the best game player ever! Whether it's a rousing game of Crazy Bee, an intense game of Domino's or the crazy game called Farkel, grandma will always be playing. When we go camping, grandma brings the games. She also is always willing to play games with the great grandkids. On Christmas, even though she was in a lot of pain with her back, she was on the floor playing with the train with all the great grandkids. They all love her, especially when she brings out the famous box of "ring-pops"

4. Grandma has helped me make lots of memories. I have fond memories of camping over Easter out west of the lake. Memories of grandma and grandpa asking all the grandkids to help paint the fence, and grandma joining in on a paint fight. In the summer, grandma was always willing to participate in a water fight. I also have many memories of picking her up at the bank on her lunch hour and going to the Purple Turtle for a foot long hot dog, ketchup only. My greatest memory of all was when they surprised the whole family with a trip to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary. There were 31 of us and we went for 7 days. We made many memories and it was a trip that we won't soon forget.

5. Grandma has taught me how important family is. She is always having family dinners, parties, and get-togethers. Because of this, we are an extremely close family. I have a better relationship with my cousins and 2nd cousins then most people do with their siblings. We are one big family and I love that!

Thanks Grandma for all you do! I love you!

Sunsets

2009-01-09T11:28:00.002-07:00

I love sunsets. As I was driving to my mom's last night there was the most beautiful sunset. I had to pull over and take a picture.

Birthday Shindig

2009-01-07T22:22:00.003-07:00

I had a great birthday. I slept in until about 10:00 and then had a very relaxing day. We went to dinner with my family at Brick Oven and then back to my mom's house for cake and ice cream. Here are some pictures of the shindig....

One of my favorite girls. She's always willing to share kisses.

Me with nieces Libby and London and cousins Baylee, Mckayla, and Kyler

London, Libby and Me

It's so tempting to put fingers in the icing....

Happy Birthday to Me...

2009-01-05T21:39:00.004-07:00

Look what I got for my birthday this year!!

Back in September while playing softball, someone....I won't mention names....Jason....threw a ball and I just happened to catch it in my glove wrong and it made my thumb hurt. I didn't think much of it, figured it was bruised and would get better. Well, come November it wasn't any better so I went to see my nurse practitioner. She did an xray and said that it looked like I had partially torn a tendon and she put me in a brace for 6 weeks and said it should heal. Well, after 6 weeks, it was no better so I decided I better go see an Orthopedic surgeon. I did that this morning and after a couple xrays even I could see where it was broken. No wonder it wasn't getting better. I do still have a partially torn tendon but the doc said the brace they put me in wasn't stable enough to fix it. So now I have a hard cast and will for 4 weeks. I'm hating it already! Hopefully this will do the trick because spring softball starts soon and I can't miss that, and golf season will start again soon! I have awesome priorities!

How many Hansen's does it take to fix a TV?

2008-12-29T21:48:00.004-07:00

The answer is 1. And that Hansen is me! Let me start from the beginning. When I was up at my Dad's for Christmas he was telling me that Grandma got a new flat screen TV for Christmas and that my uncle's were having a tough time getting it to work. All she has is a satellite receiver and a DVD player. How hard can it be? So, my Dad asks me if I would go look at it the next morning because he was sure I could fix it.

About 10:00 the next morning, my Grandma calls and says that all my uncles are there trying to fix it again (Uncle Kay had a dream the night before of how to fix it) and she wanted to know when I could come over. I told her I could be there within the hour and headed towards her house. When I got there, all my Uncles were just sitting there waiting for me. (I think they thought there was no way I could fix it). They immediately turned me loose and off I went.

After getting the DVD to work I finally got the satellite receiver information to come up on the screen. Now, since I've worked for Dish Network for years I know all about the different parts etc. We switched out all the parts I could think of and it still wouldn't work. By now, my uncles are laughing because I was so sure I could fix it. I finally told them that there must be a bad connection somewhere and I could test the one inside but that it probably was an outside problem and I didn't have the equipment to test those ones. I switched out the cable going from the satellite receiver to the wall and TADA, it worked. I HAD fixed it after all.

Here are some pictures of my audience that I had for the 3 hours I worked on it. I think they were surprised that I actually figured it out. I'm not, I knew I could....and with that audience looking at me, I had to figure it out, because I wasn't leaving without it fixed.

Uncle Boyce, Grandma, Uncle Clark, Uncle Kay

And on the other side of the room we had Aunt Claudette and Aunt Nancy

And you didn't think fixing a TV is a family affair...it sure was for the Hansen's!

Peay Family Christmas Party

2008-12-28T15:48:00.005-07:00

Last night we had the annual Peay Christmas Party. We always have this party somewhere between Christmas and New Years. The party included my whole extended family as well as my grandpa's brother Don and his kids and grandkids. We had a lot of food, games and fun. The kids enjoyed the pinata. Thanks everyone for a fun night!

Christmas with my Dad

2008-12-28T14:20:00.004-07:00

Every Christmas we get together with my dad, Sharleen and Grandma Hansen for a little party. Usually my dad comes down here, but he just had his knee replaced so this year we went to Kaysville. We went to Winger's for dinner and then back to Dad and Sharleen's do exchange presents. Thanks dad for letting us come. We had a great time.

Libby patiently waiting to see what Papa Chris got her for Christmas.

Sharleen and my dad

Papa Chris and Libby

Libby and London opening their present from my dad. They got a new DVD player to watch in the car!

Libby with the puppy she got from Papa Chris

London with her puppy

London, Papa Chris, and Libby

Four Generations: Grandma Hansen, my brother Lance, London, my dad and Libby.

Christmas Day

2008-12-28T13:44:00.008-07:00

All things considered we had a great Christmas this year. The day was spent with my family. Alton's dad is having some health problems and has been in the hospital and we are waiting until he comes home to do Christmas with the Garrett's.

We started our Christmas day by going to Lance and Alisha's house to see what Santa brought the girls.

London takes after me! She didn't want to wake up!

Libby waiting patiently for permission to go see what Santa brought.

Modeling the new robe's they got from their mom and dad.

After all the Santa excitement it was time to go to my mom's house for a yummy breakfast and to open presents. Thanks to my mom for everything. We are very spoiled. Here are some randon pictures.

After the festivities at my mom's house. Lance and Alisha headed to the Kirby's for their christmas. We hung out at my moms and watched movies and took a nap. It was very nice. I don't remember ever having time on Christmas to take a nap.

Around dinnertime we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Peay's. All the family was there except my cousin Mckell who had to work. We had a yummy dinner and then open presents and spent time together.

Grandpa and Lincoln playing with the train.

Kevin being lazy.

Grandpa modeling his new jacket!

Me and Libby

The newest member of our family, Jack.

London opening her present from G&G Peay

The girls being silly. They were VERY giddy about the dollhouse.

In their matching outfits.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-27T15:54:00.003-07:00

Christmas Eve this year we did half of the normal tradition. We started off the night with dinner at Sizzler. We've been doing this as long as I can remember. About half of my mom's side of the family came.

Usually after Sizzler we head to the movie. This year we didn't really have a movie we all wanted to see, so instead of spending our money on a movie, we headed back to my mom's house for food and fun! We had a fun time playing scattergories and balderdash. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Grandma Peay was a good sport and played the games with us. A couple of times she was laughing so hard she was crying! All in all it was a fun night!

Alton's sleeping in the dog house

2008-12-23T21:43:00.006-07:00

Because Gretzky is sleeping in his bed.

Tada...A Dollhouse!

2008-12-20T18:57:00.002-07:00

I love putting things together. I know, I'm a bit weird. When I was younger I remember taking things apart to see how they worked and then I would put them back together again. This was my "fun". Whenever someone needs something installed or put together, I get the call. Last week I installed a new thermostat for my mom and today I put together the dollhouse that Grandma Cheri bought Libby and London for Christmas.

My mom did a lot of hard work! She opened all the furniture boxes and was so excited at all the fun things in there.

The finished product!

A Waffle Morning..

2008-12-16T11:54:00.005-07:00

Today we had a waffle morning. It went something like this:

Me: Girls, do you want me to make you pancakes for breakfast?

Libby: No, I want to go to McDonalds

London: Go Donalds

Me: There is too much snow on the road to go to McDonalds. How about I make pancakes?

Libby: Can we put on our boots and walk to McDonalds?

London: *runs to find her boots

Me: No, McDonalds is too far to walk, How about I make pancakes?

Libby: No, I'm not hungry (Which she is, because 10 minutes before she told me she was starving)

London: *still trying to put her boots on to walk to McDonalds

Me: How about I make waffles?

Libby: You know how to make waffles?

London: Yeah, waffles

Me: I think I can figure it out.

Libby: Yes, I want waffles!

Me: (thinking to self) I hope I have a waffle maker.....

The three of us begin to open every cupboard in the kitchen looking for the waffle maker! We found it hiding under the bar in the back of one of the cupboard. I think we got it for our wedding and I'm not sure even how many times it's been used. We pulled it out and took it to the sink to be cleaned up a bit. Then both girls climbed on the bar and we began our adventure.

Next came making the batter. We first measured out a cup of mix, Libby took it and dumped it into the mixing bowl. We then measured another cup of mix, this time it was London's turn to dump it in the mixing bowl. Because she is 2 going on 10 she thinks she can do whatever Libby does. London did ok. Half of the mix landed in the bowl, the other half on the counter, me, her and the floor. At least it was dry mix and not oil right? Once all the ingredients were in the bowl, it was time to mix. London was the official mixer. She stirred and stirred and stirred...

Finally it was time for one waffle to be done. Libby was so excited....London just wanted to stir.

I told Libby to take the first bite and I would take a picture of her eating the first waffle. I think it must have been too hot.

Then it was London's turn. She finally quit stirring long enough to eat her waffle.

And here is the final picture with two little belly's full of waffles!

My Favorite Things

2008-12-06T22:45:00.005-07:00

Whiskers on kittens? Nope, I hate cats....

Bright copper kettles? Not high on my favorites list....

Cream colored ponies? I'm not a huge pony fan....

Schnitzel with noodles? I'm not sure what that is....

But I do have some favorite things:

(in no particular order)

1. Waking up to my own internal alarm clock. No annoying beeping to wake me from my slumber. Sometimes this is 10:00 am and I love that!

2. The smell after a heavy rain. This is the best when your camping and in the great outdoors.

3. Falling asleep with Alton's hand in mine.

4. A blackberry shake from Taco Amigo. Actually, anything from Taco Amigo.

5. Driving by myself, with the radio blasting and singing at the top of my lungs. I'm sure people at stoplights think I'm crazy, and I probably am!

6. My niece London saying "I ub ew Kim". Translation "I love you Kim"

7. Flip flops. Even in the winter!

8. The perfect golf drive. The one that hits the sweet spot on my driver and goes straight and long. Actually, any hit, good or bad on the golf course is my favorite. I just love being there. Especially with friends who help me see that is just for fun and I'm not out for blood.

9. A freshly bathed baby in clean pajamas, wrapped in a blanket and smelling like baby lotion.

10. Diet Coke with Lime

11. My Canon 50D camera. I love taking pictures.

12. My puppy (ok, so he's not really a puppy, my mom calls him a horse) when he lays his head on my lap.

13. My jetted tub. I love it. I get made fun of because Alton says I take to many baths.

14. Video games. I'm an addict. I have an Xbox, Playstation, Wii and a PSP. Guitar Hero is my favorite and I can easily waste hours of my life away in front of the TV.

15. My Dyson. There is nothing better then a good vacuum.

16. A snickers shake from JCW's. Even better that Alton can't eat ice cream and so it's all mine.

17. Blankets. I love blankets. I have two special blankets that I sleep with, take with me when I travel. They are my security, and yes I am 30 something years old.

18. Phone calls from my mom.

19. My cell phone. I can't survive without it. Text messaging is how I communicate with a lot of people.

20. Apple Jacks. I could eat them every meal.

21. Diet Coke with Lime. Oh wait, I think I already said that!

22. Sitting on my deck and reading a book. It can't be too hot or too cold outside though. Spring and fall are the best.

23. The smell of freshly cut grass. Even if it's my huge backyard and I just finished mowing it.

24. The movie "Rat Race". No matter how many times I've seen it, it's still just as funny.

25. Avojuice peach lotion. I hate slimy feelings and this lotion is not greasy at all.

26. A kiss from Alton before he leaves for work each morning and a kiss the minute he walks in the door after coming home.

27. Cafe Rio shredded chicken salad, black beans, no pico, no guac, creamy dressing.

28. Every monday night when laundry is all done and I get to crawl into a bed with clean sheets.

29. My hoodie that I bought at Pine Needles golf course in NC.

30. World Class Chocolate ice cream from Baskin Robbins

31. My ipod and ipod speakers. It lives in my office and keeps me company while I work.

32. Being the instigator of water fights at Girls Camp. I fully believe that you should never be dry and if you are dry, watch out because you won't be for long.

33. A clean car

34. Peachy rings. YUMMY!

35. Lighthouses. I fell in love with lighthouses while serving my mission in Connecticut. They remind me of my mission and I love to collect them. In fact, my Christmas tree is a lighthouse tree.

36. DVR's. I love being able to watch my shows whenever I want. I could never live without it. Ok, I could if I had to, but would rather not.

37. Peanut M&M's

38. Shopping online. I'm so good at this. Amazon.com and eddiebauer.com are my favorites.

39. The King of Queens. I've seen every episode at least 5 times. Kevin James cracks me up.

40. Diet Coke with Lime! (I had to get that in there one more time!)

Elder Dallin H Oaks

2008-12-03T17:05:00.004-07:00

Today I had the privilege of attending a luncheon that was attended by Elder Dallin H Oaks. Thank you to my friend Lareen for the invite to the luncheon held at LDS Business College. It was a very intimate setting, around 35 people total. I was able to talk to him and shake his hand once at the beginning and once at the end. He gave an amazing talk about his mother and the faith that she had. He has quite the sense of humor and it was nice to see him "let his hair down" a bit. This is the first apostle that I have met and been able to shake their hand. It was a day I won't soon forget.

Thanksgiving in St George - Day 3

2008-11-28T20:58:00.004-07:00

It was a beautiful day in St George today. A perfect day to golf. Seven of us headed to Sunbrook Golf course for a day of golf. The other's headed to the movie theatre to see "Bolt". I should have gone to the movie because my golf game was HORRIBLE. I'm blaming it on the fact that I have a broken thumb, at least I sure hope that is the case. Alton was my "caddie/golf cart driver" and he laughed at me most of the time. RUDE! I did get a bit better the back 9, so I guess I'm not going to sell my clubs and give it up after all. Although if I did give it up, Alton says we would be rich!

After golf and the movie we all went to Iggy's for dinner. Good food, good company, and the Jazz game on the big screen. After more swimming we are done for the day. One more fun filled day in St George and then back to real life. Bummer!

Thanksgiving in St George - Day 2

2008-11-27T21:25:00.005-07:00

We had a great Thanksgiving today. It was very relaxing and we had a lot of fun. We started the day by sleeping in and then heading to Chuck-a-Rama for our Thanksgiving feast! Obviously we weren't the only ones. You can see the huge line in the pictures.

Lance, London and my mom

Grandma and Grandpa Peay

Some of the kiddos

Carl, my cousin Paige, me and Alton.

After finishing our feast we headed to the movie theatre to see Madagascar 2. I LOVED IT! I laughed so hard and the kiddo's loved every minute of it. After the movie it was nap time. Yes, even for us adults. You can't have a relaxing Thanksgiving without a nap!

Bowling was next on our list. I was surprised at how crowded the bowling alley was. By the time we left there was a two hour wait.

Libby wasn't sure what to think about these stylin bowling shoes.

Libby was a great bowler! This was her first time!

Creed was very excited to bowl.

After bowling it was back to the motel for more swimming.

Creed

Cooper

My two favorite little swimmers!

All in all it was a great Thanksgiving. We had lots of fun, but time to also reflect on what's important and what I am thankful for. I'm thankful for a wonderful husband who loves me no matter what; for an awesome mom; for a brother, sister-in-law and two beautiful nieces; for awesome friends; and I can't forget Gretzky!

Thanksgiving in St George - Day 1

2008-11-26T21:49:00.004-07:00

Every Thanksgiving we rotate between Alton's side of the family and my side of the family. This year is my turn. After some consulting with my family a few months ago we decided that we all wanted to go to St George and eat, swim, golf, go to movies and relax, so here we are. There are 21 of us here and we are having a blast. Even better, no cooking, no cleaning, no stress. Chuck a Rama here we come! Today was day 1 of our vacation and most of it was driving.

My brother couldn't get off work so he and his wife couldn't come until late tonight. We however had the day off and got an early start. My niece London came with us and we had a fun day with her.

London on our drive down. We read books and played with My Little Pony. Then she thought it was fun to throw things at Alton while he was driving. He got pelted with a binki and a shoe!

2 hours into the drive, she finally crashed. She slept with her hands behind her head for a good 45 minutes before changing positions.

Alton is a huge In-N-Out fan! So, as soon as we pulled into town, this was our first stop.

We gave London her first taste of In-N-Out. She loved it!

We then headed to the motel to wait for the rest of the family. While waiting me and London went swimming. ( No pictures of me in a swim suit are allowed ) . We ran up and down the motel halls, we jumped on the beds and finally after patiently waiting, the rest of the family arrived.

We then headed across the street to Iceburg for dinner. Here is some pictures of the gang! Then it was back to the motel for more swimming. Everyone is tired and excited for our big day at Chuck a Rama and maybe some bowling or a movie! Stay tuned for the adventures of Day 2!

Cousin's Night Out!

2008-11-12T16:54:00.004-07:00

Last night the Peay Family (my mom's side of the family) had cousin's night out. Every once in a while all the Peay cousins and cousin's in law get together for a girls night out with a meal and lots of fun. We ate, laughed and had a good time sharing christmas ideas and traditions. Thanks to all who came and made it a fun night!

Paige, Jackie, Natalie, Alisha, Monica, Becca, Baby Jack, Megan, Me and Mckell

Megan took my camera and had a good ole time taking pictures of herself.

Alisha and Natalie

Mckell and Monica

Megan and Jack. Jack was the only boy allowed to come to Girls Night Out!

Golf School In North Carolina

2008-11-06T19:19:00.005-07:00

I just got back from North Carolina this morning. Golf School was AWESOME, even though it rained off and on most of the time. We just put more layers on and kept on going. Actually I should rephrase that - my friend Lareen put more layers on, I just pulled up my hood. Tonight my body is sore and tired. My best guess is that I hit around 2500-3000 golf balls in 3 days. The school consisted of mornings full of instruction and then in the afternoons, we got instruction on the course.

Here I am with my hood up, ready to go. At least it was still 65 degrees, so the rain wasn't too cold.

This is me, our instructor, Donna Andrews and my friend Lareen. Donna was also our instructor last year. It's so nice to have a ratio of 2 to 1. We get so much attention and help that way. Donna was on tour from 1990-2001. In 1993 she won the LPGA Championship and in 1994 she won Dinah Shore.

Pine Needles was founded and is owned by Peggy Kirk Bell. Peggy is 87 years old now and still hits golf balls every day. We had the privilege of having lunch with her yesterday and she is amazing. She was one of the charter members of the LPGA. She is known as the First Lady of Golf.

Here is my visor that I had signed by Donna Andrews and Peggy Kirk Bell

The 1996, 2001 and 2007 US Women's Open's were held at Pine Needles. These are the three plaques that all the golfers that were in each of the tournaments signed. Anika Sorenstam was the winner in 1999, Karrie Webb won in 2001, and Cristie Kerr won in 2007.

Here are some pictures I took of the course.

All in all, we had a great time! There is nothing better then eat, sleep and golf!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T10:05:00.005-06:00

Halloween at our house consists of never staying home. I don't even remember the last time we handed out candy. Maybe never! One year we went to a movie, one year we bought a car, one year we were out of town. This year was no exception, we weren't home. However we did partake of the Halloween festivities.

Our niece Ruth. Think she got enough candy??

Ruth as a witch. Her brother Tobyn was John McCain but I only got a picture on my phone. My other nephew Kordell was Indiana Jones, but he wouldn't stand still long enough for me to get a picture.

Eating Chili

All of the great grandkids on the Peay side. Libby the Witch, Ian the SWAT man, Baylee the Bride, Mckayla the Princess, Lincoln the Cowboy, London the Witch, Jack the Dino, and Kyler as Tigger.

Libby the Witch!

London the witch! All she wanted to do was eat candy! A girl after my own heart!

I've been Tagged...

2008-10-25T21:22:00.002-06:00

What was I doing 10 years ago: (I can't remember yesterday, how am I supposed to remember 10 years ago)

1. I had just graduated with my Bachelors

2. I had been married for 6 months and we were moving out of Grandma and Grandpa's (they had been on a mission) and into our first apartment.

3. My Grandpa Hansen passed away

4. We went fishing in Montana (I didn't remember this, but Alton did)

5 things on my to do list

1. Finish the laundry I started about three days ago

2. Finish trimming the bushes in the back yard

3. Wash my car

4. Clean my house (hopefully before I go to North Carolina next week)

5. Sleep

Favorite Snacks

1. Diet Coke

2. Chips and Salsa

3. Diet Coke

4. Granola Bars

5. Diet Coke (it's not really a snack is it?)

6. Brownies

5 Job's I've had

1. Cashier at A&P Craft

2. Accounting clerk at the same craft store (yes, I actually worked at a craft store, SHOCKING)

3. Checker at Macey's

4. Office Manager/Accountant for New Star Communications

5. Shipping Manager and Accountant for Difference Makers International

5 Thing I would do with a Million Dollars

1. Pay off my house

2. Be a philanthropist

3. Spend a month in Australia

4. Pay off my mom's house

5. Put a pool and a putting green in my backyard

5 Things that made me laugh this week

1. Alton

2. My niece Libby

3. My niece London

4. The movie Rat Race

5. The grandma and grandpa at the hockey game last night (see my previous post)

Hockey anyone?

2008-10-25T18:38:00.004-06:00

I married a Hockey fan. It stems from Alton serving his mission in Canada. He got hooked. He even went to a game with the mission president.

One of our first dates was to a Utah Grizzlies hockey game and ever since then we try to go back and see a couple of games a year. Alton would like to go more, but I can only handle a few games a year. I just don't get hockey. He makes fun of me because I'm watching people or the mascot more then I'm watching the game. Most people get snacks and a bathroom break during intermission, not me, I get snacks and my bathroom break during the game so I don't miss the entertainment during the intermission. It's my favorite part.

Last night was opening night at the E Center. We went for our Friday night date. He said the game was good, the Grizzlies won 7-3, and I thought the intermissions were great. They even brought out two pianos onto the ice and had dueling pianos. Now that's more my style. I am glad the Grizzlies won. It makes for a happy husband.

I took this picture of us myself. Can you tell? It didn't turn out very well, but it was the best of the 12 that I took.

There was lots of fighting. Alton says fighting is the best part of the game.

I got Grizzbee to strike a pose for me. Isn't he handsome in his tuxedo?

I had to take a picture of this grandma and grandpa because they make me laugh. They are season ticket holders and are in the same seats year after year. Every time I look over, one if not both of them are asleep. They must really love hockey!

This is what they do during intermission. They pull out their books and magazines. It cracks me up!

Photography Blog

2008-10-21T19:17:00.002-06:00

Check out my new photography blog!

Kim Garrett Photography

Cornbelly's

2008-10-17T18:15:00.001-06:00

Today I went to Cornbelly's with my nieces Libby and Ruth, and also my wonderful sister in law Natalee. Libby is my niece on my side of the family and Ruth is my niece on the Garrett side. Libby and Ruth get along really well, and we just pretend they are cousins. We had a great time!

We went through the corn maze. We only went in a circle a couple of times (ok, maybe more then a couple of times), and finally after being list for a while, we made it to the exit.

We didn't have to worry about getting hungry. There was plenty of corn.

We played in the castle.

We rode the cow train.

We went on a hayride.

We tried to rope a cow.

We took funny pictures.

Thanks Natalee and Ruth for the invite and a fun day!

Coed softball

2008-10-16T20:13:00.000-06:00

Pictured: Front Row L to R: Dave Einerson, Me, Monica Jense, Mckell Richins, Keely Lassen, Back Row L to R: Jill Einerson, Jason Jense, Lance Hansen, Trevor Richins, Dallin Price (he dove for a ball 2 weeks ago and broke his collarbone, hence the reason he's not in softball attire.)

For the 2nd year in a row I have played coed softball. This is our team. We have a lot of fun and even better is the fact that all of us but two are related. It's a big family affair! This year we took 2nd place in the regular season and made it to the final four in the tournament. Thanks everyone for a fun season! I'm already looking forward to next year!

This is Grandpa Peay arriving at tonight's game. Notice the radio on his head, he couldn't miss the BYU game!!

Grandma and Grandpa Peay are such good sports to come every week and watch us. Even when it's freezing outside, they will be there in their coats and earmuffs, with a bag of treats for all the little kids. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Me and my camera

2008-10-15T22:18:00.000-06:00

For those of you who know me very well, I seem to always have a camera with me. It's been a hobby of mine for years and i'm always taking candid shots of everyone. Last week, my sister in law Alisha, talked me into taking their family photos. Tonight was our big photo shoot. Here are some of the pictures.

Alisha and Libby

My Brother and his beautiful family

Lance and Alisha

Liberty and London

Liberty

London

Grandma Cheri (my mom) and the girls

North Carolina

2008-10-11T12:10:00.001-06:00

This is Pine Needles Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Last year I went to a 4 day golf school. This course caters to women golfers and our instructor is a member of the LPGA. I had so much fun and learned so much that I am going back again in a few weeks. I can hardly wait!!

Custom Countdowns & MySpace Layouts

My two favorite girls...

2008-10-10T10:19:00.000-06:00

These are my two favorite girls in the whole world! They are my nieces Liberty and London. Once a week they come and spend time at my house while their mom goes to work. Yesterday morning was one of those days. We play, dance, sing, and have a good ole time.

Liberty is shy (most of the time) and is very good at entertaining herself. Yesterday she sat on the floor and colored a whole coloring book (2 hours worth) and then put on my ipod and danced around the house for another hour before settling on the couch to watch Dora.

London is a little character (I think she is going to be just like me, if I have a say). I've learned with London, you can't turn your back on her for very long. A few months ago she was at my house and I couldn't find her. She usually is hiding in my walk in closet. As I turned the corner into my bathroom, there was London on the floor with my makeup. Oh was she pretty! I took a picture but now I can't find it. She had lipstick from her chin to the top of her head.

Yesterday was another one of those "don't turn your back to long" days. She was sitting on the floor putting some clothes on a doll, and I walked in the other room to grab something. As I walked back into the family room I could hear a weird noise in the entryway. As I turned the corner, there was London with a red crayon going to town on my wall. I immediately yelled "London, don't do that" she dropped the crayon and looked at me with these huge eyes and ran over to me, grabbed my leg in a huge hug, looked up and said "I ub ew Tim" (translation - I love you, Kim) How can you be mad after that?? I picked her up and gave her a hug and thanks to magic eraser the crayon is no more.

I love these girls!!!

I've cracked...

2008-10-09T23:22:00.000-06:00

I said I would never do a blog! Yet, here I am. I've cracked. I figured my life was to boring for a blog but maybe it's not. Stay tuned for more posts of the Garrett's adventures......