Casa of Rodriguez

My Fashion Blog

2011-04-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

I am doing a giveaway on my fashion blog, Along Abbey Road.

Click here to enter if you want to win a super duper cute cocktail ring!

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo

California Love

2011-04-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

Matt and I went to California a couple of weekends ago for his gramps funeral. The service was amazing and we are so grateful for Heavenly Father's ultimate plan and that families are forever.

In celebration of Grandpa Rodriguez, we had the wonderful opportunity to go to Disneyland!

As you may have noticed by now, Disneyland is more than a Rodriguez favorite; it's crucial to love all things Disney to be a legitimate part of this clan. And boy do we adore Disney!

Love you, Stephy!

Disneyland tradition

Whoa, serious time for Scott and Steph.

Sienna and Papa

The couple that started it all!

Sienna's first time on Space Mountain

Sisterly love

What a precious little fam!

Classic family photo (check out the hereditary foot-pop on Linds and Sienna...I love it!)

What a fun familia! I'm a lucky girl :)

Love you guys!

Giveaway!!!

2011-03-15T23:11:00.000-07:00

Hello readers and followers!

If you want to win a personalized necklace, follow my fashion blog,

Along Abbey Road.

My jewelry shop is being featured on the adorable blog,

i believe in unicorns.

Be sure to visit here to enter for a chance to score a customized necklace giveaway from yours truly!

Remember, good things come to those who follow :)

Thanks, little lovers!

Heyyy Batta, Batta

2011-03-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

Today we had the pleasure of going to the White Sox vs. Cubs spring training game.

I think we were the only ones not drinking, so it was rather entertaining.

I'm pretty sure I watched the people more than the actual game.

We then ventured to vintage heaven on earth...you can read about it here!

Stripe Me Silly

2011-03-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

Just want to share with everyone how excited I am about this jacket...

It was originally $98 big ones! Guess how much I got it for? Find out here.

Check It Out!

2011-03-07T22:51:00.000-08:00

I started another blog completely, 100% devoted to fashion/beauty/random stuff and all things girly. It's so fun!

Take a looksy

alongabbeyroad.blogspot.com

(or just click the button on our blog)

Enjoy!

Picnic in the Park

2011-03-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the wonderful weather, Matt and I had a picnic! It was delightful!

The cuisine included Little Caesars and Mountain Dew, some of our favorites.

We also played with our crazy dogs and engaged in a little Seinfeld trivia.

So fun!

P.S. I started a new blog devoted completely to fashion and all that fun girly stuff! Check it out here and be sure to follow!

La La La

2011-03-04T23:03:00.000-08:00

As I have been perusing various blogs and pages, I have graciously stumbled upon a band called The Civil Wars.

Their song "Poison & Wine" is breathtaking, romantic and tragic all in a 4 minute spread. You can listen to it here.

They have a folk/acoustic/raw sound and are definitely a dynamic duo. I have fallen in love and hope you do too!

Ruffles, Florals & Mustard Yellow!

2011-03-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to the LOFT Girl Event in Scottsdale, AZ. The fashion editors from SELF magazine were there to promote the brand and we got to play with clothes, eat yummy food, and get new fashion ideas and tips!

Can I just say I love my job?

Here is my fabulous outfit I wore.

Perfect floral scarf, LOFT

My all time favorite mustard skirt, LOFT

Nude ombre JS heels, DSW

Flower cocktail ring, LOFT

Complete outfit

(sorry it's blurry--I was in a hurry!)

So glad it's 80 degrees here so I can enjoy my new spring wardrobe! What's your must-have for the Spring?

Say "CHEEESE"!

2011-03-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

I know I am a slacker when it comes to posting pictures with our blog posts. I apologize to those of you who actually read this blog and want to peek into our lives.

Without further ado, here is the latest and greatest of the Rodriguez family...

Swanky, do-it-yourself entertainment center in the new pad.

Love :)

(vest, skirt, & bracelet, LOFT; boots, Buffalo Exchange; necklace, vintage)

B-day girl! All 23 years of her!

Party time!

Let the soaping begin!

1) The get-up. Safety first, peeps (don't judge, it's all I had and this project involves sodium hydroxide, aka lye... lye+skin=serious burns)

2)The materials.

3)The brew.

4) The goods.
They didn't quite turn out, but that's what trial and error is for!

Biannual San Diego trip!

Part I of date night:
Matt's awesome suggestion of Fort McDowell Campfire Roast!

Part II:
Sundaes @ the sweetest, little vintage ice cream parlor!

(Coat & scarf, LOFT)

Keepin' it real, folks.

That's all for now. Stay tuned!

My Diet Today

2011-02-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

Carbs will be the death of me.

Tortillas, breadsticks, pasta, custard. BUTTER.

It all tastes so good. I just can't help myself.

A Lesson From History

2011-02-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

History is good for the soul and mind.

Learning of the triumphs, deeds, misfortunes, and sorrows of others gives a rejuvenating perspective to life. It can help us strive for success and beat adversity. It can be our companion when we feel the world has turned its back on us, only to realize we are amongst billions who have encountered perilous times much worse than our personal plight.

Most importantly, history reminds us that we are only human. When familiarizing ourselves with the past, we are in company of everyone else who has run, skipped, or trudged through all of life's experiences. We can look to these individuals who already paved their way through life to make a substantial imprint. We can draw strength from their examples, in an effort to make our own distinctive mark in the world.

What will yours be?

Soapy Sudsy

2011-01-27T20:46:00.000-08:00

It was my birthday wish to make the perfect, creamy soap.

This crazy desire all started yesterday when I had a vision of owning an adorable little body shop. Glittery and swirled body bars, wrapped in crisp brown paper with nicely tied tulle ribbons.

My 23rd bday started with a trip to trade in old clothes for cash. After I got me some scrilla, Matt and I headed to the local Ikea where I purchased my soon-to-be flower soap mold.

We came home, I blew out the candles on my cake and the chocolate-cake binge began!

Today was to be my day of soap making glory...glorious is the last word I would use in regard to the actual end product.

My cute little flower soaps turned into clumps of chalky oils balls.

All in all, I had a wonderful birthday and I am progessively learning to be a master of el jabon.

To Infinity And Beyond...

2011-01-23T20:51:00.001-08:00

Many things have happened since October 22, our last post.

Halloween candy was consumed in massive amounts.

We celebrated Thanksgiving with actual Native Americans which left us culturally and physically fulfilled.

Played at Disneyland for a second time. This time Scott, Linds and the girls joined us for a day of playing with princesses, screaming on rides, and laughing a boatload.

Matt had the opportunity to go to Chicago to hang out with his parents (without me, to my dismay).

I chopped my hair, which isn't news since I am a hairstyle chameleon. Best of all, I finally crossed off item #13 on my bucket list and donated my hair to Locks of Love!
My motto regarding hair: life is too short to keep your hair one way for more than two seasons.

Christmas came and went, as we celebrated alone together for the first time! Our Christmas Eve tradition of researching another country's Christmas practices/cooking was established. This year Italy rang in the festivities (pizza is affordable, especially when it's from Little Ceasers).

Last but not least, Matt graduated with his masters degree in international business in December! Hip hip, hooray! It was wonderful spending time with his fam.

Now we are applying, interviewing, and keeping our fingers crossed.

Vacation: Much Needed

2010-10-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

First things first, I just purchased this amazing military sweater jacket and I am currently wearing it and loving it. Next to my fur vest, it's my fall fave.

Last but definitely not least, we are going to Disneyland in a few days! So excited I can hardly stand it! We get to go with Scott, Linds and the girls. It is indeed the most magical place on earth. This time I am getting a princess autograph book! You better believe I will have some extraordinary princess photos!

I Can't Believe I Have Time to Post!

2010-10-06T11:30:00.001-07:00

Hello Bloggerworld.

Life has been quite hectic the past few weeks. School, work, study, more school, more work, and the beat goes on.

I find it even more crazy that our house is more clean than it has ever been! With an extremely disciplined schedule comes the overwhelming need to have a clean, tidy home to collapse into after a busy day. And who doesn't love fall candle scents? Yum, yum, yum!

Halloween decor up-check. Pumpkin caramel candle burning-check. Now all we need are some caramel apples! That is on the list for our one free evening on Monday. I suggest it as an FHE activity if you haven't already!

Happy October everyone!

shout out

2010-09-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Can I just give a shout out to my beautiful wife Abbey? She's working 40 hours a week AND going to school full time. I'm a lucky man...

Furrr Real!

2010-09-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

Three words...

Faux. Fur. Vest.

I must have this amazing article of clothing (and so should you)!

After all, it's the editorial pick of the season!

I Miss My Boo!

2010-08-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

Matt has been gone in Chicago for 4 days now.

I started school this week. I am taking full-time classes and working 40 hours a week, yet I have been surprisingly productive.

The house is spotless, I am up to date with all of my school work, and I even had time to see Eat Pray Love. Might I add that I ate a whopper, fries, half a bag of movie popcorn, peanut M&Ms and Twix all within the 2 hour time frame of the movie--this is what happens when your husband leaves you for a few days...(Matt, if you ever leave me or die, I will probably become obese for a few months, no joke). Anyway, good job on the key details of the book. The book is awesome. If you are in need of an inspiring story to brighten your life, go see this movie, or better yet read the book. It will be the best decision you ever make. Now just 18 more hours until I pick up Matt from the airport!

Do Throw Throw Pillows in the Washer

2010-08-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Little Maximus decided he would pee on my favorite throw pillow of all time today. After minutes of debating whether I should toss it or try to salvage it, I decided I would give a whirl in the washing machine. Voile! Twenty minutes later I had a clean pillow, good as new!

Caution: Only wash pillows that have cotton upholstery.

I also bought a pair of cognac booties today! Now my fall wardrobe can completely be planned accordingly. Can I just tell you how excited I am for fall fashion? Deep yellows, burnt orange, green, deep purple, stripes, etc! Yumm! I think I could have one of everything. It doesn't help that I work at the cutest store ever.

Congrats Abbey (Your Bangs Are Awesome Too)!

2010-08-13T11:15:00.001-07:00

Abbey received a great promotion at work. She has done a great job, and is an amazing wife!

By the way (Abbey writing now) did I mention I got bangs? They are fab. Every girl should have funky little bangs at some point in life. I will give you 5 top reasons why:

1) They are sassy.

2) The right bangs are the icing on the cake to an already chic lady.

3) Bangs add a cute dimension to your face and bring out your great features (amazing eyes, fabulous cheek-bone structure, to-die-for make up skills, the list goes on!)

4) Head bands look cute, no matter how cute or ugly the head band might be.

5) If you have a big forehead, AKA fivehead, they solve that problem with a snip of the scissors!

(note: matt wasn't ready for the pic. he is still a cutie pie, even with the deer-in-the-headlight look)

It begins

2010-08-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

One of my fav. days of the year is today...USC FOOTBALL begins fall camp!!! Now I have something to keep me occupied for the next 4 or 5 months. This will be the central theme for conversations among the RODRIGUEZ family for the next while. Even though there are no chances of a bowl game this year, football is my fav. sport and I love it. Football on blogs is a lot more interesting than food/recipe blogs or arts and crafts!

World Cup

2010-08-02T22:31:00.001-07:00

The summer has slowed down since the World Cup ended. I was super happy Spain won the championship. While we were in Spain we had the chance to watch a couple of the matches. Abbey developed a little crush on Sergio Ramos. To help her remember her dear Sergio, I bought her a jersey. I finally arrived from China after a lengthy delay.

Here is Sergio himself

Need a book to read?

2010-07-22T12:44:00.001-07:00

Just finished these two books, and they were both AMAZING. Yes politics are annoying, but you should be educated on issues that are going on instead of following what crap Lady Ga Gagme is up to. America is changing, very quickly.

Liberalism is a Mental Disorder, Michael Savage

Savage Nation, Michael Savage

Have you ever seen....

2010-07-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

A DOUBLE RAINBOW? We have. All of the Rodriguez family has, and we want all 3 of you who read our blog to see the double rainbow too!!!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW...YOU WON'T REGRET IT
SINCERELY,
MATT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI

Help, I'm a Blogtard.

2010-07-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

I can't post comments on anyone's blogs and it will only let me post one picture. Is it blogger.com, my laptop, or just me? Advice. Now. Thank you.

wanna have a good night?

2010-07-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

Then go buy yourself one of these and watch a movie. It's truly amazing. Abbey and I live off of this...and so should you.

Jackpot!

2010-07-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

Abbey Cullen

I found a FREE hobby!!!

All of your makeover dreams can come true with just a few clicks of my mouse pad. That's right. I do online makeovers as a hobby now. My current adventure is creating a vampire family look. It's called the Cullen Family Album. Just let me know if you would like in on it, I am more than happy to make your vampire glam look.

Now we will see how long I last before I get bored with this hobby...

Hobby Cursed

2010-07-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

We live in a sunny place. Our little home is cozy and provides the shelter we need. We enjoy cooking and eating good food together. I am married to my best friend and get to be with him forever. So why am I sad?

I am sad because I have expensive hobbies (or want to have those hobbies but cannot because they are too expensive). Do you see this predicament I am in?

As my brother Brett puts it, I suffer from a rare form of Hobby A.D.D. I think it is hereditary since he has acquired it as well. Are you wondering what this ailment entails? Let me enlighten you, because you could have it too!

Symptoms:

-Extreme boredom driving you to find a cool activity

-Realizing you are quite good at this particular activity

-Spending wads of money on this activity you think you will do forever (this is the point it turns into a hobby)

-Actively engaging in this hobby for 3-4 weeks

-Becoming really bored again around the month mark

-Seeing something really cool and in an earnest effort to be more talented or "well-rounded", you pick up yet ANOTHER unnecessary hobby

-Eventually making the rounds to the colossal-sized list of hobbies one year later

The cure, you ask?

Poverty. Yes, poverty. Being a dirt-poor student with a bank account rivaling the numbers of the temperature we live in, will drive you to the realization that these A.D.D. hobby cravings can no longer be fed.

What' s a girl to do? I suppose I should start getting creative and make my own hobby of finding free hobbies. Maybe I could even start a Free A.D.D. Hobby blog or write a book! I think this is my answer.

Sometimes it is best to just write out your feelings, because that is the point you come to the conclusion you have been searching for.

That's all.

Summer

2010-07-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

Life will be pretty boring from here on out. One of my best friend's Baldo and his wife Lauren are moving to Guam today. They are pretty much the only people that Abbey and I hang out with here in AZ. Weekends will be pretty boring from here on out...

Back home

2010-06-28T14:04:00.001-07:00

Abbey and I had a great trip, it went by too quickly! Our hosts were amazing and made us feel at home. We spent a few days in Sevilla, Cadiz, Malaga, and then one day in Madrid on our way home. I had forgotten how good Spanish food is. I ate so much jamon serrano (famous cured ham in Spain). Abbey picked up quite a bit of Spanish, it was pretty impressive. One day once we have lots of money, we're getting a house in Malaga. Check out the pics of our trip below

2010-06-27T19:59:00.001-07:00

Joé qué caló!

2010-06-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

Just want to share that we are in Málaga at this moment and it is beautiful. The church bells are ringing and the sun is beginning to set. Wouldn't be a terrible place to make a life for a few years.

One downside... it is hot and humid. We do have pretty sweet tans though :)

More to come in the following days, accompanied by many pictures.

P.S. Happy Father's Day to the two greatest Dad's in the world!!!

Sin City

2010-05-24T00:33:00.000-07:00

So I (Matt) attended a commercial real estate conference in Vegas and every time I come it's shocking to see how crazy this city is. The men act like little boys and the girls do anything to get guys' attention. However, I did see Cirque du Soleil and it was AMAZING. If you haven't seen it you really need to.

17 more days until Spain, Abbey and I can't wait!!! I am very eager to see people that became pretty much like family to me. It's been almost 4 years since I've been home from my mission and it'll be awesome to walk in the cities I served in with my wife. We will be visiting Sevilla, Cadiz, Arcos de la Frontera, Gibraltar, Malaga, and Jaen. We'll stay in Madrid for a day and a night and see some things on the way out.

We are going to...

2010-05-05T22:15:00.001-07:00

SPAIN!!! Yay!!! It is official. Tickets were purchased last night and we leave town June 10 and arrive in Madrid on June 12. We will travel through southern España until June 22. Matt arranged for us to stay with members from his mission, so it will be great for him to see old friends.

We can't wait! Come with us!

Thunderbird Ranked #1...Again

2010-04-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

T-Bird #1 International Business Grad. School

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/international-business beating out Wharton, Harvard, Duke, etc

Easter!

2010-04-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Easter was so great! My parents were in town from Utah! So wonderful seeing them. They stayed with us here at our teeny place for one night before heading out to my sister's house. It was so fun having them here and cooking for them, even though they are on the most strict diet in the world. Needless to say, there were a lot of salads.

We stayed at Ginger and James' house on Saturday night and the Easter bunny came on Sunday morning! Love that bunny.

Conference was great but I miss being able to attend the actual session. It is so magical in the Conference Center and on Temple Sqaure. I think a much-needed trip will be scheduled soon so we can go (but not until it is not snowing or gloomy)!

Other than that, Matt will be finished with his second trimester in a couple of weeks and we will be waiting to hear on the internship! Pray for us!

FOXNews.com - Maine Commission Moves to Ban Gender Specific Bathrooms, Sports Teams in Schools

2010-04-09T14:17:00.001-07:00

FOXNews.com - Maine Commission Moves to Ban Gender Specific Bathrooms, Sports Teams in Schools

Posted using ShareThis

This is a joke...

2010-04-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

Terrorists have more rights than servicemen...unbelievable.

Washington (CNN) -- Three U.S. Navy SEALs face criminal charges after the alleged mastermind of one of the most notorious crimes against Americans in Iraq accused them of punching him after his capture, the military said Wednesday.
Ahmed Hashim Abed -- thought to be behind the slayings and mutilation of four U.S. contractors in Falluja in 2004 and captured in summer -- made the accusations against the three servicemen, said Lt. Col. Holly Silkman, a spokeswoman for U.S. Central Command.
A civilian lawyer for one of three SEALs said his client and the other SEALs declined a nonjudicial resolution to the case, a step sometimes called a "captain's mast." The servicemen say they did not harm the detainee in any way and they want their names cleared in a court-martial so they can continue their careers in the Navy, said the attorney, Neil Puckett.
Because the charges against Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew McCabe, Petty Officer Jonathan Keefe and Petty Officer Julio Heurtas are the military equivalent of misdemeanors, they will go before a special court-martial, which is for less serious offenses than those heard in a general court-martial. If found guilty, they could be sentenced to a maximum of a year in a military prison, demotion to the lowest Navy rank, a cut in pay and a bad conduct discharge.
But if found innocent of all charges, they would be able to continue their careers with no record of the case in their personnel files.
The three SEALs are with their unit in Norfolk, Virginia. They will make an initial appearance before a military judge on December 7. The court-martial is scheduled to begin in January.
The attorney said he expects the SEALs will not waive their constitutional right to confront the accuser in court, which could cause a logistical challenge. Abed is believed to be in a U.S. military detention center overseas, and it is unclear if the military would want him brought to the United States for the court-martial.
The four contractors, one of whom was a former Navy SEAL, were working for the Blackwater company when they were attacked in Falluja in 2004. After they were killed with hand grenades and rifles, their bodies were set on fire and dragged through the streets. The bodies of two of them were hung from a bridge in Falluja, an image that was broadcast around the world.
Four days after the attack, the U.S. Marines launched a major offensive inside Falluja, in part to help find the killers.

Unbelievable...

2010-03-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

Read the post below...a man was ordered to pay court fees for people that protested his Marine son's funeral. This infuriates me; first because people are so heartless that they feel they need to share their political views at someone's funeral and second because the court sentenced the Marine's dad to pay it....ridiculous

FOXNews.com - Outrage After Marine's Father Ordered to Pay Funeral Protester's Fees

2010-03-31T17:55:00.001-07:00

FOXNews.com - Outrage After Marine's Father Ordered to Pay Funeral Protester's Fees

Posted using ShareThis

Spring Break= San Diego Sunshine

2010-03-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to get to go to SD for spring break! Scott and Linds are always so hospitable and let us stay with them and are fun to hang out with. We played with the girls, had some much-needed beach time, went to the SD Zoo, and most importantly Matt had his intern interview!

The interview went well and we are just waiting to hear the details when he will start, etc. It is with Bascom and they are an apartment/commercial real estate/private equity company (you can hit up Matt for the specifics). They are located in Irvine so it would be fun to live there for the summer! I really hope it all goes to plan!

So, while we were gone for the day at the beach Benny decided to sneak out and was running around the cul-de-sac. Let me remind you that he is blind and they live next to a very busy road the is bustling with crazy CA drivers. Luckily one of their sweet neighbors saw him and ran to his rescue. Thank goodness for little, nosey lady neighbors who are constantly on the watch or we would have found little Benny as roadkill!

My parents (Ash & Marie) are coming next week for Easter! I am so excited!

Also, pictures will be coming shortly...I am still working on the USB thing.

Seriously!?

2010-03-15T20:55:00.001-07:00

Church Fights Back After Arizona Town Bans Home Bible Study

Monday, March 15, 2010

GILBERT, Ariz. — The national Alliance Defense Fund says a town code that bars religious assemblies in private homes in the Arizona community of Gilbert is unconstitutional.

The Oasis of Truth church began meeting at Pastor Joe Sutherland's house in November and rotated homes several times a week for Bible study and fellowship.

A Gilbert code compliance officer hit the church with a violation notice after seeing a sign near a road advertising a Sunday service.

A zoning administrator told the church that Bible studies, church leadership meetings and fellowship activities are not permitted in private homes.

The Alliance Defense Fund's Doug Napier says no neighbors complained.

The Scottsdale-based group has filed an appeal with the town of Gilbert, contending its code violates the U.S. Constitution.

I am happy that this church is fighting back!!! Since when are people not allowed to have Bible study in their homes? And to think that we live in this state... I need to join the AZ Tea Party Patriots A.S.A.P.

3 Shouts for Puppy, Sewing, and Scrapbooking

2010-03-01T22:49:00.000-08:00

Headline news in the Rodriguez home:

1) We adopted a chihuahua named Maximus. He is gold with a brown stripe down his back and a black tail that looks as though it was dipped in ink. That now totals a whopping two chihuahuas for us. There has been some major growling and nipping but everyone is adjusting fairly well.

2) I have decided that I would like a sewing machine. Think of all the things to be created! Dresses, purses, aprons, pillows, bedskirts, pillow cases to name a few. My plan to pay for a sewing machine is to sell as many clothes as possible to those vintage second-hand shops. By the time I make enough money, I will need to sew a whole new wardrobe! Perfect plan.

3) Scrapbooking is my current crafty hobby in absence of the coveted Viking. I used to make fun of scrappers and could not fathom how cutting and pasting pictures on polka-dot paper brought so much excitement. I suppose this is the one thing that has crept up and peaked an interest as a result of marriage. There are so many memories that need to be glued down with flowers, ribbons, pictures and cute little sayings of how wonderful everything is. Who ever thought the scrapbook paper aisle would elevate my heart rate and give me those little butterflies of possibility? Thank goodness for hobbies, for the world would be mad place without them (moreso than it is now).

P.S. Pictures to follow. One of our beloved pups ate the camera USB cord.

Rain, Rain Go Away

2010-02-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

It is raining! Yuck! Guess we shouldn't complain about the moisture since we live in a desert.

We had the opportunity to go pick fruit at a retirement community this morning in the rain. Disneyland has a program called "Give a Day, Get a Day at Disney" so that was our volunteer project to get our passes for this spring break. I love that Disney now gives everyone a chance to experience the happiest place on earth! We love it there. I don't think we made a post about it but we went to Disneyland over Christmas break and it was my first time. Matt was so excited to take me and I think we took over 100 pictures. My favorite ride was Pirates. Jack Sparrow looks so real I had to double take thinking it was Johnny Depp. Anyway, we are thrilled we get to be going back so soon!

Also, I just realized we didn't share anything about our Christmas in Chicago! We were there for the whole week and Dianne is an amazing cook! We ate wonderful food, played Beatles Rockband continually, up until the hours before our departure! Needless to say, we were all on expert by the time the vacation was over. We went down the famous Michigan Avenue wrapped in our many layers, as it was 10 degrees with windchill. It was quite an adjustment coming from the 60 degree AZ winter. We had a blast and we can't wait to go back to Chicago again!

Attention Friends and Family

2010-02-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

We need more blog friends. I am still relatively new to this whole thing and want to know what everyone is up to, but don't know how to locate people. Help us be more blogger social! Thanks :)

Bitter Lamentations of a Frustrated Young Lady

2010-02-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

What is wrong with this world? I find myself asking this question more frequently as time passes on. From irresponsible drug addicts having babies and naming them things that are synonymous with drug lingo to State-run departments that completely FAIL to understand the importance of customer service. Just because you are backed by the government and have a small percentage of going under does not mean you need to abuse the general public with a smirk of pride that you work under the powers that be! This screams privatization, don't you think? Examples of my recent disgust in these institutions are the DMV and unfortunately the library. When were such impractical and petty policies implemented? Good heavens! I just want to read a classic to better my mind so I can help better this degenerate world!

Second frustration: People preparing to celebrate the Easter season, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our REDEEMER and SAVIOR, by going out the night before on "Fat Tuesday" and getting hammered into oblivion. Is this truly the best possible way to get out all your carnal desires in preparing for a "holy" journey, symbolic of the temptations Christ went through for 40 days and 40 nights? Irony is dripping all over this concept. Interesting that people release in such a fowl way to set themselves up to worship the most miraculous act of sacrifice and love known to mankind. What a shame it is that there is blatant ignorance of the fact that what people are doing in preparation of their thanks and alms-giving to the Lord is what actually caused Him to suffer.

Pull your heads from the buckets you are drowning yourselves in, people. Life is simple yet fragile and needs to be esteemed with the utmost regard. Think about your actions and their implications beforehand and what you represent. Stand for something true, just and uplifting!

Birthday Celebrations and Other Shenanigans

2010-02-07T21:19:00.000-08:00

It was my birthday on January 26 and I am now 22! It may seem like baby years for some, but to me it feels so old! We had a fun, simple day together- I got a pedicure and we had dinner at PF Changs (which regrettably made us a bit sick). Don't mind the birthday cake. We got a bit hungry and ate 3/4 of the Funfetti cake the night before which resulted in having only 4 candles because there wasn't much room left on the cake. Who needs an accurate amount of candles anyway? The wish is still good, right? Right. We also celebrated with Ginger and James and that cake was a bit more official. When we arrived at their house we got a celebrity welcoming from the kiddos. They were screaming at the top of their lungs and nearly knocked us over as we came through the door. It was the greatest greeting I have ever received. We love living near them and enjoy the time we get to spend over there!

We have had the opportunity to explore AZ a bit better in the past few weeks! Last week we hung out with a few of the Tbird students that Matt went to Costa Rica with and went to dinner at an out-door mall type area called Westgate with some friends from our ward. The next night we went to the Coyotes hockey game with a company that Matt is working with. It was my first hockey game and needless to say, I LOVED it! What an exciting sport! Unfortunately there were no glove-throwing fist fights but maybe next time.

Other than that, we are just working and studying, the same old routine we all go through.

Superbowl was fun today and Matt is very thrilled about the Saints victory. Go Reggie Bush!

Happy 2010

2010-01-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

So we pretty much stink at updating our amazing blog. I'm sitting here in Costa Rica on a Sunday morning with nothing better to do. Here's what has been happening since October (our last post).

For me, the rest of the USC football season was a total disappointment. Top talent, great head coach, and really crappy assistent coaches. This is probably a topic Abbey definitely wouldn't address, but it is a necessity and one of the biggest parts of my life. I received horrible news while here in CR, Pete Carroll is leaving. Sad, sad day. Life goes on.

The rest of the year for us was rather uneventful with school and everything. Abbey did very well at school and I had an average first semester at Thunderbird. I've enjoyed the international experiences that I've had, and met lots of interesting people.

We enjoyed Halloween and Thanksgiving with Ginger's family. They have been so good to us and have given us so many meals! They are a lot of fun to be with. I saw Ginger's real crazy side when the kids went to be early one night and Brady taught all of us to play Texas Hold Em'. She's almost as goofy as Abbey!

After finals ended, Abbey and I went to Disneyland. It was a great way to enjoy the holidays. It wasn't over crowded and the whole park was decorated for Christmas. Abbey fell in love with the place and immediately wanted to purchase season tickets for next year. Maybe down the road once we have some money and we'll think about purchasing some season tickets.

We went out to Chi-town for Christmas. It was a ton of fun and we went downtown and played Beatles rockband for hours. We watched a ton of movies and ate lots of junk food as well as some good home cooking. Abbey and I didn't get to celebrate New Years together because she had to return for work and it was cheaper for me to fly to Costa Rica than from Phoenix. Other than that, life is good!

We Are Still Alive

2009-10-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, Blog. We have not forgotten you exist, we have just been a bit preoccupied with other demanding tasks. Where do I even begin to update everything we have done in the past month and a half!?

Our move went well and we are so grateful for all of those that helped back in the beginning of August. We live in Archstone Desert Harbor in Peoria, AZ now. The apartment is cute and a HUGE upgrade from our old place, however our neighbors are a bit more questionable. We are in an amazing ward and we had to speak 6 weeks from the first day we moved in! It went well and gave us an opportunity to introduce ourselves to everyone. We have made friends with a few of the younger families in the ward but we still haven't been assigned our callings yet!

Matt is loving Thunderbird, however he gets tired of being one of the few who can speak English fluently. He is learning a lot and is is becoming superior to us less educated beings as he, "has to read Newsweek, the NY Times, and TIME magazine on a daily basis to keep up on the market flow and business direction of our economy". He works at the Alumni call center and is one of their best collectors (of course).

I am working at Ann Taylor Loft and get crazy people yelling at me or PMSing women telling me what to do. OK, it really isn't that bad but being stuck in a estrogen packed store 25+ hours a week can be a little draining. I really like it though. I am one of the sales leads (even though I am their youngest employee) and the discount is AMAZING!! School at GCC is going well. I am taking Pilates, Yoga and Chem and am doing well so far. Just found out that I got a B- in my online Algebra course! So relieved that ship has come and sailed! Phew!

Matt and I hang out with his mission buddy Baldo and his wife Lauren quite a bit. They are a lot of fun and we had numeorus pool parties with them for the last bit of summer.

It is finally cooling down here! Love that I can wear a light jacket now instead of sweating 5 seconds after stepping outside.

Every Sunday we go out to James and Ginger's house for dinner and hanging out. Camri, Troy and Bode are hilarious and we have had a blast hanging out with them. They ask if we can make cookies everytime and love to dance. They are the happiest little children ever and we like getting to know them better.

Dianne and Aunt Janice were out here this weekend as they helped Grandma Murray move down here for her winter "Snowbird" season. We got the VIP tour of the Monte Vista community and think that we should buy one of the little houses. Some of them are so cute! It's like one step up from every girl's dream play house. Anyway, it was fun to see them and watch General Conference at G-ma's place.

I have nothing left to report. So long for now, Blog.

Toll House Cookies Rock My World

2009-07-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Erin Tobin just gave me the most delicious ice cream cookie in the world. Thanks, Erin!

Our Lives in July

2009-07-26T18:48:00.001-07:00

So much has happened! Where do I begin?

Matt and I went to my sister's house in Idaho for the 4th. It is tradition to go to the town parade and festival. We barbecued, played with fireworks and relaxed.

Last weekend we had a trip to Salt Lake and went to visit the Sandlot house and field. Matt was like a giddy little boy, it was so cute! We will post the pics later, we are just super lazy right now. We also went around temple square and hung out at the History Museum. We ate the Pi, which is supposed to have the best pizza around but I got sick. Not a fan really.

My mom and dad have had 2 barbecues this month and have been quite the party throwers. We have had all the cousins up here and have just hung out, catching up with everyone.

Matt was accepted to Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, AZ! YAY! He is going to be getting his Masters of Science in Global Management. The program is basically covering finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, etc. and Matt would like to work internationally. I will be going back to school to continue my pursuit of a nursing degree. Woo hoo! We have a very exciting life ahead of us!

We just barely got approved for our apartment in Peoria, AZ. It is cute and we will get awesome tans sitting by the pool! My sister, Ginger, was so sweet to drive an hour and a half to go check it out for us and hooked us up with a sweet deal! Thanks, Ging!

I am a little nervous because we don't have jobs but it will all work out. I think I might apply to Nordstrom. Usually the super trendy, fashion-type scare me but I figure it would be a great way to make commission, especially in Arizona. Why not try something new? Anyway, we move August 8th and Tim, Matt's dad is helping us drive down. It will be fun to see him.

My brother Todd came to Utah for a long weekend so we have been up in Heber all weekend. My sister in law, Caren, invited us to her Mom's birthday party up at Heber Valley Girl's Camp, a notorious church camp here in Utah. We did the challenge course zip-line (which I thought I was going to fall off of getting across the 25 foot high wire!) and then went canoeing and volleyball. Caren made tin foil dinners and it was an all around good time. Matt went shooting and golfing with my brothers, Todd and Tyler, so he had an extremely active day. Later on that night, Matt, Todd, Tyler, and I had a 2 on 2 volleyball match. I think Matt and I are going to start playing volleyball a bit, so we can throw down in our next family match.

Mom made her famous roast dinner today. Yum, yum, yum! Everyone is now watching the Sandlot, again, so I better go be a good family member.

We Have A Blind Puppy

2009-06-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, you feel bad, don't you? The sweet little baby chihuahua we bought cannot see! We took him to the vet for a check-up and his second set of shots and asked the vet about our concern with Benny's sight. Benny had been running into things and wouldn't follow toys or anything with his eyes, but we though maybe he was just unobservant. The vet did a few tests and confirmed that he was not visually responding to anything. I suppose it is a bit funny, because now we know why he uses his paws to feel everything.

We are still waiting on the reply from Thunderbird to hear if Matt got accepted. The anticipation is getting more thick because we have less time to act once we do receive a response. It will be exciting to find out and we sure hope the answer is yes!

My parents moved to Heber last week from Washington state. It was a very long move for them but we got them unpacked and fairly settled in no time at all. Having parents near is always such a comfort and we are extremely happy to have them here with us.

Matt's birthday was on Sunday, June 1st along with Father's Day. He got some awesome gifts (thanks to me ;) ). He finally got the black Air Force 1's he has wanted since he was 13 or something. The sales guy who sold them to me was hilarious. He told me that Air Force 1's are so special that they are in their own hall of fame category of shoes and that he could tell me facts about them for hours. I did not know that people were so passionate about shoes--I thought that kind of obsession was reserved for girls who believe in retail therapy and would rather skip a week's worth of meals for the cause of shopping. Anyway, I made a layered chocolate cake with sprinkles on Saturday and got him a shirt also. On Sunday we went to Heber to celebrate everything and we had a nice dinner and ice cream cake for Matt. He received lovely new scriptures and a movie from the whole family. Overall, I would say it all went over very well.

2009-06-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

One more week down

2009-06-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

So this week was uneventful until Tuesday when we decided to buy a puppy. We found him on KSL.com. He is a teacup chihuahua. We wanted to name him Pepe, to keep a Mexican theme going with his breed and all but we decided on Benny because of Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez. Most of you will recognize this name from the famous Sandlot movie, which is my favorite movie all time. I once watched it 20 times in one month. But he was really shy and sad the first few days. He still sleeps a lot but every now and then he wakes up and he goes crazy and jumps all over the place. We like having him around.

The window washing business was slow this week. It rained everyday this week. Let's hope this week is better.

Go Lakers!

29 Days

2009-06-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

Abbey and I have been married for 29 days and it has been absolutely marvelous. We live in this little ghetto apartment but we couldn't be happier. We have practically nothing except a couch our friends bought us at a yard sale, a table from DI which we painted, and an amazing bed, but it's sweet. Today we went to our ward for the second time. We missed the last two weeks because we went to a missionary farewell and then we were in Washington for our Open House. Our ward is needless to say...interesting but we won't say much more than that. We have new callings; Abbey and I are on the activities council, which Abbey thinks is for people that the ward doesn't know what to do with. Washington was awesome. We flew in Friday night after my cousins wedding reception. We stayed with Abbey's friend Molly's parents. They were super friendly and took great care of us. They had an amazing view of the Puget Sound. We had the open house there the next night. My parents and my sister flew into town for the event so we had a lot of fun. The people from Abbey's ward who came to see us were very friendly and generous with their gifts. Some of her friends parents also visited us as well. The next day we went to church and we had a bbq at Abbey's house afterward with her family. Then we flew back to the amazing city of provo. Our daily lives haven't changed all that much. Abbey continues to work for Platinum Security doing payroll and I'm still teaching Spanish at the MTC and washing windows at the side. Its pretty decent money so I might be just doing that instead of the MTC. Yesterday we went golfing with Abbey's brother Tyler and her niece Maty. We played Soldier Hollow up in Midway. The par was 36 for nine holes, i was only 4 over through 5 but ended 14 over par and Abbey ended a whopping 37 over par with a few hand wedge shots along the way. Her round was hopeful when she drove the ball about 180 yards or more off the tee on the 3rd hole but she struggled throughout the day. She did well considering it was only her fourth or fifth time playing. Tonight we went up to Midvale to watch game 2 of the NBA finals with my sister. We had burgers and hot dogs. Tomorrow its back to the grind.

We're Officially Official

2009-06-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

We are married! Finally, after the agonizing 1 and a half months of being engaged, we were married on Saturday, May 9th in the SLC Temple. It was wonderful because the sealing was at 3:40 so we had plenty of time to relax and get ready in the morning. After the sealing, we took pictures for about 2 hours and then had a dinner in the JS Building. Everything went smoothly (at least from our end of it) and it was absolutley beautiful!

We honeymooned to Park City for the weekend because Matt had class on Monday. Overall, it was amazing and we love being married!

We're Official

2009-05-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

You know you're engagement is official when you sign up for a blog