The Loves on my Life Come to Town!

Jordan does get a little jealous when Sydney and Gavin come to town. They do kinda consume my attention; let's be honest here. During their stay in Salt Lake, Jordan and I had so much fun visiting them at "Grandma and Grandpa who Check for Bats'" condo! Sydney and Gavin and I had so much fun in the pool--it was the best. They are just so cute. One funny thing Gavin likes to do is call people "doo doo head" and Sydney now likes to talk in a southern accent! It was so unpredictable and hilarious! Where does that come from? She's only 4!

While Michelle & Andrew were here, Jordan and I played extensive, competitive games of "The Dice Game." It's Jordan's new favorite! It was really fun. Jordan and I also had fun putting Sydney & Gavin to bed. It was especially funny one night when I put Sydney to bed, and all of hte sudden, she said, "Did you know that Grandma & Grandpa "who check for bats" have THREE houses?" And I said, "really?" And she said, "Yes." She said, "They have the CABINET, (it was too cute to correct her on this one!!) this house, and the.....house they live in!" I said, "where is the house they live in? Hawaii?" And she said "No." Haha... I finally convinced her that Fofa and Painho still live in Hawaii, yes. :) Then, in her Southern drawl, she asked me to blow dry the bed because she was cold, saying it like this: "Nu Nu, will you get the blow DRIIIIR, and blow DRII the bayed?" It was so funny, I was dying... :)

That night was their last night, and it was sooooo sad to see them go. I actually almost shed a few tears...I know, I'm turning into the "manteiga derretida" that Fofa is!! (melted butter--and expression in Brazil that is equivalent to a "boob--cry baby") But then, guess what... the next day, while they were driving home, Andrew called, and Sydney had been "bawling" because she was sad to leave "Nu Nu and Mon" (that's Jordan and me, btw.). I talked to her, and it was so sad!! They keep telling us we need to move there...if only....

Holiday Party...in February, actually!

On February 7th we had a work party at the Larry H. Miller movie theater complex by my house, called "The District." We had a really nice buffet lunch and afterward we had games and prize drawings. I have to say that I wasn't on the "fastest" team ever :) But it was still fun! The main lowlight although, was the fact that about 1/3 of the people there won prizes!! Including big screen TVs and gift cards, and I got NOTHING! I am so unlucky... OH WELL.

It was still fun... Here (above) I am with my work friends, Judd, Camilla, and Chris, with me. And to the right, are my friends, Wendy and Michael. They just got engaged, so that is really exciting! All in all it was the best Holiday party we have had at my company, actually.

Some New Things for 2008

HAIR
Well, as you can see from the picture...I cut my bangs. AND everyone thinks I dyed it black--well, I didn't...it's "brown level 4." But yes, it's a little dark. Don't worry, Painho, I'll go much lighter next time--for summer! And though I'm still getting used to having bangs, it is a nice change! I can't have the same haircut my whole life, I guess! But, although you can't see it here, since it was up, I only cut off about 2 inches of length (don't worry, Nater)! So yeah--here I am with my bestest friend, Kika. She likes to do the "Kissie Face," and that one actually turned out the best of us, so I posted it!


DINNER WITH KIKA AND TREVOR
We had Kika and her hubby, Trevor, over for dinner tonight. It was their first time having dinner with us in our new house. It was really fun! I made something really salty for my little brasileira :) And Kika brought "Pudim" or as the Mexicanos call it, "Flan." It was really good. I totally cheated on my diet (sorry Lenore!) But, hey, I can cheat maybe once a week right?

I'm trying to lose 15 lbs. because I've gained 10 lbs. since being married (the STRESS Jordan puts on me, you know?? :)) and I figured, "what the heck, I'll lose that, and then lose 5 more!" So that's what I'm doing. I'm down 3 so far, and It's been 3 weeks...I know, pathetic. But hey, when you don't have that much to lose, I mean, they say the last 10 lbs is the hardest! I also need to be more regular at the gym, of course. But my husband is VERY impressed, because I've never had enough willpower to stick to any...dietary regimens so I'm proving him wrong! AND if...wait, WHEN I reach my goal, he is going to do the ULTIMATE wonderful thing!!! CLEAN his OFFICE!! YAY!! I don't really get mad at him over it anymore--you know, I've realized my words just fall on deaf ears, and it definitely doesn't help our marriage! So, I just close the door and forget that the office is there...ahhhh... My parents cursed me with cleanliness...


NEW CALLING FOR ME!
So, another thing that is new is my calling! I was called (well, in December) to my Dad's dream calling. He is jealous, since he has NEVER had the PLEASURE of fulfilling this particular calling. I'm a new Gospel Doctrine teacher in my ward! Most people are extremely scared of this, but I love it. It has been so fun--well, I've only done two lessons--but it already has been great. Now, I get to teach, but I don't have to go to MUTUAL every Tuesday! :) And even when I'm not teaching, I go to that great website, www.ldsgospeldoctrine.net and read Brad Constantine's verse-by-verse lesson material. Well, basically, when you click on his lesson guide, a pdf file comes up with the entire reading, interspersed, verse-by-verse, with quotes from general authorities, BofM teachings, Hugh Nibley stuff, etc. It's great. You should all go there and read it every week :) I've learned TONS of interesting stuff!!

So that's all for today. Life is good. Work is good. I'm supposed to get promoted soon. I'll keep you posted!! BYE :)

Christmas & the New Year!

Ok, so I'm finally getting to this... Christmas was great. Jordan and I stayed here in Utah, and had Christmas Eve over at Shaunie & Bart's house (ok, so it was just me--Jordan had to work) and then later that night, (or should I say morning! It was past midnight) we went over to my in-laws' house, Dan and Lenore. It was really fun. Although, I don't really have pictures. I've been waiting to get them from my mother-in-law. But here's a picture of Jordan with our tree in the background...he's so cheesy :)

This year, Jordan's big gift to me was Celine Dion tickets for her concert at the Energy Solutions Arena this November! YES, I have to wait until November of THIS year to see her, but hey it is WORTH THE WAIT. We saw her in Vegas when we were dating (my 25th birthday present!) and it was amazing. Don't think she looks that great in this photo-looks like a lot of fake big hair to me... hmm... BUT she's amazing, and I'm excited!!

Another fun thing we did during Christmas was make caramel apples to give to the neighbors! I must say, we were pros...well, I learned how to make them in Las Vegas with Michelle (we helped her friend make caramel apples for her husband's clients) and Jordan is just a natural :) He dipped the apples in caramel, then after they cooled in white chocolate, and I sprinkled them with cinnamon and sugar and crushed pecans. YUMM! Everyone loved them! Here is a picture. Aren't they cute!? And now we have the stuff to do them next year too--well, if we have the energy! They are pretty time consuming!

Well, that's about all I need to say about Christmas and New Years festivities! It was great to be with family and friends!

Working Vegas

Of course, this is not what you think... but I like to FAKE you OUT by the title!! So, sometimes my work is fun and I get to go places. So, I went to Las Vegas for a trade show but I got to stay at Michelle and Andrews' house instead of the hotel. It was sooooo fun as usual! Sydney wore the "pig earrings" I got her for Christmas (yes, you read that right...she has wanted...PIG earrings ever since getting her ears pierced) and Gavin was just so cute!! You know when he sees a plane, he either says, "NuNu" (that's me) or "Damma" (spelled that w/out cursing, for Fofa's sake, but it's pretty funny when he says Damma for Grandma) So... I have to publish this post just to include the pictures of the cutest little kids in the world, besides my unborn children (which, I must say, that Michelle admits she "selfishly" doesn't want me to have, because once I have my own children, I won't "love" hers as much, haha).

Here are some cute / funny pictures:

Sydney and Jade with...nice little wigs on

Of course, since I'm her FAVORITE auntie,
Sydney was attached to my leg...not wanting
me to leave!! I was so sad to leave!

Gavin, Hayden, and Sydney in the car.
Hayden is Sydney's "Partner in Crime" but
they are still betrothed.

November in Hawaii!!

Ok, so I have been really bad... September to end of December is a LONG time to be a slacker!!! So, since Mom and Dad (Mainha & Painho respectively) live there, we had to visit them. It really is such a shame they live all the way in Hawaii, really...

During our stay, we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center MANY times, and watched the "worth seeing" shows, which included the one at the following villages: Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Samoa. Hawaii is really the most boring show unfortunately, so we didn't go to it!.

Some highlights of the trip:

The Swap Meet
My favorite part...all kinds of JEWELRY for REALLY good PRICES!! Yes, I'm addicted. Jordan also got a nice big piece of luggage to haul his scuba diving equipment, for the low price of $20! I loved the freshwater pearl jewelry, the black Tahitian pearl jewelry, and the Mother of Pearl jewelry--yes, I like pearls!

The Beach
Though the waves were high, the beach was beautiful. I have to say that I prefer bathing in Mexican waters a bit more, since they are more calm and a bit warmer...but Hawaii has beautiful beaches! Jordan and I went snorkeling out to the famous "Bird Island" and saw some pretty fish and coral. We also fried ourselves quite nicely!

The Pool at Turtle Bay
So, I'm not sure Mainha & Painho can really answer that temple recommend question very well...the "are you honest in all your dealings?" one that we all cringe at hearing the bishop ask us? Because...well, Fofa (Mainha) would sneak us into Turtle Bay to go to the pool whenever we wanted. It was really fun. Some pictures below will help you understand what a blast we had. There's a slide. Yes, I do go down the slide with all the little kids. Jordan and I also "took an adventure walk" (that's the one where my inquisitive/adventure-seeking husband likes to "explore" the unknown) down the beach, getting ourselves...well, not LOST, but let's just say we took the long way back--sorry honey :) It was really fun there!

The Polynesian Cultural Center
As I said before, we spent many hours there. I actually wasn't too bad at the spear throw that they do in...I dunno Tonga or Samoa or something. I didn't win, but I was impressed that I actually got close to the target! We went to the Night Show--part Disney World spectacular-type show, part grandma ladies doing this super-boring super-slow Hawaiian dance in what looked like white night gowns--no joke. But THAT's the part that the old man (my dad, who as single-handedly moved from the job title of CFO to CESBNEDA--"control everything in site because nobody else does anything") is working with the cultural folks to get changed. He is sure enjoying himself in his job at the PCC!! Meanwhile, Mainha works at the high-end jewelry store at the PCC--YES, it is the cush job since it's the only place in the whole center that is air conditioned--way to pick it Fofa!! Oh, and did I mention she gets 50% off the jewelry? It's time to update the will!! I would really enjoy some black pearls...just so you know, Mom...

Waikiki
More shopping...and a beach that has...PEOPLE on it!! I am a people person, so that was fun to see. I also get a little paranoid at the beach, especially in the water when nobody's around... Jordan thinks I'm a freak, but hey, he married me!! haha... So, downtown Waikiki has some FANCY boutiques. Mainha and I spent the day in Waikiki drooling over all of the expensive "STUFF" in the boutiques. Yes, it was depressing how much I had to pass up due to my impoverished state. BUT, we went to Nordstrom Rack and Pier One--I know, so authentic--and bought a few very reasonably priced items!! The last day, before Jordan and I went to the airport, we ate at the Cheesecake Factory with the folks. It was their first time--yes, I told them about the BAM BAM Chicken and Shrimp, Michelle and Andrew, but they got something else :)

"The Bowl" and Pearl Harbor
Ok, I totally want those really cool mosaic maps they have at this memorial. It was beautiful and very peaceful. It was a great place to visit. Pearl Harbor was also amazing. It was crazy how much oil was in the water from the Arizona. Very somber.

Scuba Diving for Jordan
Ok, well, I guess Jordan should write this, but as far as getting him to write anything in the blog--well, that's an uphill battle. I'll just tell you he had a wonderful time on the Big Island (while Fofa and I drooled...that day in the boutiques) scuba diving with his brother. Jordan's brother lives on the Big Island in Kona. He said they saw some amazing things... One day we will both go scuba diving together in Hawaii (Mom, Dad, DON'T MOVE BACK). I'm glad he didn't do a night dive this time--I think he's crazy!! What if a SHARK comes up behind you!

Well, that was our trip. It was so fun. Fofa loved it when Jordan downloaded all these oldies for her iPOD, we loved watching the Celtic Woman DVD with Mainha & Painho (ok, Jordan may have been a little nauseated, but I liked it!) We played Rummikub, my favorite game, and Mexican Train Dominoes. We also partook of Fofa's FABULOUS food. Man, I haven't had a real meal since then. The only kind you get here is the RILL MILL at WINDY's...and that's not even real! Ok, I'm rambling again. Well, suffice it to say, I did make Fajitas last week, and that's about the last I've cooked. Maybe I'll cook tomorrow. Maybe.

In the pool at Turtle Bay doing the "Hills are Alive" Sound of Music pose...for some reason...

Fofa was so funny coming down the slide--she'd always
have her arms open wide, like she was going to run
into the grand children

That's my honey... on our "adventure hike" down
the beach by the Turtle Bay Resort

Fofa and me at...this balconie thingie at
"The Bowl" cemetary of war heroes

Jordan and me at that same "The Bowl" place
but a different angle--it was so green!! And I
almost didn't use this picture because I look really
fat in it, but Jordan looks good, so I sacrificed for the
greater good. But hey, I have to face the music--I have gained
10lbs since I've been married. I'm getting OLD!

Work, Play, and a Tuesday/Thursday Baby

Some more news!

Jordan is really enjoying his new job and his classes. The plan is to major in Econ because he's doing very well in his Econ class and really enjoys it--plus it's a short major that will be a good foundation for his MBA. At work, he is at the top of his training class--he did a test call yesterday and the trainer said that it was the best call he'd heard in his whole time training groups for tech support calls, and couldn't even think of anything to critique him on. So that made him feel pretty good!

Jordan also gets the opportunity, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, when he doesn't have class, to babysit a friend of the family's baby...Ava. (my mother-in-law, Lenore, babysits her on Mon, Wed, and Fri) She's only 3 months old, but was premature, so she's pretty small. SO cute, and SO well behaved! Her mom, Jen, drops her off at 7:30 in the morning while she goes to school, and picks her up at 12:30. Jordan changes her diaper, feeds her, plays with her--but mostly she just sleeps while he studies. I try to come home for lunch on those days, of course :) It's very cool to see how cute he is with the baby--nice preparation for the future!!

I'm doing just fine--same old same old! I think I'm going to join Kristin's choir, since I'm a loner during the weekdays after work! They practice downtown now instead of in Bountiful now, so that helped me decide. Well, I mean, decide to try out--I don't know if I'll make it in, but I feel like if Kristin got in, I should be able to as well.

I also JUST got a new calling since being released from Young Women. Kind of a bummer calling--I know I shouldn't say that--but I was called to the Enrichment committee. Guess I should actually go now! :) I'm sure it will be good though, and help me learn and grow and all that good stuff, of course.

Well, that's all the news!! Til next time!