Sunday Walk

Chris & I take walks almost every chance we get. Today was beautiful, so after church we went for a stroll. I grabbed my camera to snap some shots of our very springy, colorful neighborhood. There are flowers EVERYWHERE! In trees, on roof tops, gardens, telephone poles, etc. 

I love where we live! Newport rocks.

Notes to Self

Note to self: When trying to walk downhill alone, without a railing, and you have very unstable and sore feet...Don't wear flip flops.

Sorry for the gross picture

Fact: I was carrying my camera during said stumble & a man yelled "Save the camera, then yourself!" It was as equally embarrassing as it was funny.

Note to self: Lunges involve a LOT of toes, don't try them unless you plan on taking your first step and not being able to move (then having to tip over to the side to get yourself back up).

Myth: Everyone at the gym knows you had foot surgery, and they understand why you fall over when trying to do lunges...

Note to self: Never put a lit candle on the carpet, not even if it's on a plate....

Note to self:  Don't get car washed & waxed and then park under a tree that is dripping sap. Your husband won't be happy.

Myth: Sap is good for car paint

Note to self: When feeling particularly hormonal/baby hungry/single wife-y avoid ALL television. No matter what it is, you will somehow find yourself tearing up.

Fact: I've had at least 6 television induced tear ups this week alone.

Chris is probably wondering what he's got himself into...
ps. this post isn't meant to be a downer, it's funny! don't be sad for me!

Group Recipe Project: Spring Green Risotto

Okay, the Quinoa was AMAZING! Seriously, I love my other Quinoa recipes but this one is my favorite for sure! The best part about it is that it can be served hot or cold, which makes it a great lunch for the next day.

I know many of you have tried versions of Quinoa like I have, it's such an easy base to add whatever you want! But if you haven't tried this recipe specifically, I suggest you do so. SO YUM!

For any of you who missed it, here is the link to the previous post: Black Bean & Tomato Quinoa

The next project I've found for (us) myself is a Risotto. Compliments of Ina, whom of course is one of my very favorite cooks. You should definitely record Barefoot Contessa! It's my favorite.

I have to confess, Risotto intimidates me! I am always worried I will royally screw it up! I am hoping that Ina has simplified it enough that it will turn out well. Fingers crossed!

For the recipe click below:
SPRING GREEN RISOTTO
Cook By: May 23rd

THE CHOCOLATE

I am back in Utah visiting my family. I love being home. The babies & the kids always giving kisses and hugs (even when the kisses are wet and slobbery!). My sisters making me laugh. I love family time, even when it means doing absolutely nothing but chatting in the living room. I haven't taken very many pics this week, I've been so busy prepping for the Beehive Bazaar and trying to spend as much time with LaLa before she flew back to TX. I hate when I don't take more pictures! I always regret it! Ugh!
Anyway- my Dad has been telling me about this cute little dessert shop that recently opened up here in my hometown, Orem--
'The Chocolate'.
Of course, we HAD to go. Yum, Yum, Yum. I loved that it was an old house that they turned into a cute cafe style bakery. They had so many delicious treats--I am now even more sure that I can't wait to start working out again after that little trip. (I spent $15 on desserts, and yes, I ate everything)
Totally worth it. I am a huge fan.
Thanks Dad!
Looking forward to my last few days here in UT- I get to see my brothers, spend Mother's Day with my mama, hopefully meet baby Hailey, and if all goes as planned make one last stop at The Chocolate :)

Dear Patrick..

This weekend I had to say goodbye to one of my very favorite people, Patrick. I cried.

(Chris says goodbye in 2 weeks, but I'll be out of town)
Patrick will soon be Elder Spiker, serving in Argentina. He goes into the MTC on May 12th.
On Sunday Patrick gave his farewell talk in church, which was excellent. It was hard to picture him as a missionary until that moment, and it just sunk it and felt so much more real watching him up on the stand.
Patrick has a special place in my heart. Being the youngest I've never known what it was like having younger siblings--Patrick & Luke have both been sort of my "adopted" younger brothers, and I love it. Patrick has this charm about him, that is so endearing and makes you want him around all of the time. I am sure this trait will helpful on his mission. Chris admires Pat and has a lot of confidence in him, he always tells me how smart & talented Patrick is--he is a proud big brother. We love having Patrick around.
He is a good boy.
(I am sad I left my camera in OC and didn't take any pics from this weekend. :( )

We are so proud of Patrick's decision to serve the Lord, and know he will be an incredible missionary.
See you in 2years Pat! We miss you already!

Body Bugg

Working out {okay, mostly cardio} has been on my mind a lot lately. I really miss it! I love how it clears my head, gives me energy, and makes me happier. I am cleared to work out starting May 15th, and I am desperate for that day to come! I know it won't be easy, since my feet still ache often and swell up constantly. I just keep hoping that over the next few weeks I will see huge improvements {in other words I hope that the pain goes away by May 15th}.

Surgery ain't a breeze, I know that now.

On another health related note: My two oldest brothers, Cim (34) & Josh (33) have both been using the BodyBugg. I have never heard of it before now, but I have to say it sounds like quite the little contraption! Cim has lost 42+lbs using it & Josh has lost 35+lbs in two months! I am inspired by my brothers pursuit to a healthier, more fit life. Good job boys!

You can grab yourself a BodyBugg, by clicking here.

Feels like Summertime

I love our little, old, apartment. I love that it's 2bdrms. I love that we don't share walls with anyone. I love that we are so close to the beach and that I can walk to the grocery store. And I love that we have a cute little patio.

This past week my parents came for a visit, which was lovely. The weather was awesome- 70-80's. We went walking a lot, went to Balboa, saw movies, ate yummy food, and laughed constantly. It was really nice to have family here. My brother & his family joined us for a beach day too! Chris hung out whenever he could, which wasn't much- he has been so very busy with work lately. But I am happy he could hang out even for those small bits. While they were here my Dad & I hung lights over the patio--they turned out so cute! Here are the before & after pics.

I still need to get some fun colorful pillows for the back of the chairs--but isn't it so cute? I love it. Now that it feels like summer here I know we will be eating out there all the time. You're invited if you ever want to join us :)

Here are some pics from the visit with the familia:

My dad & I went on my first bike ride since surgery. We wanted to see how hard it was for me {on a scale of 1-10 it would have been a 7, a 9 on the uphill parts}. It was a lot of fun. My dad is one of those people you have to understand to enjoy. He can be completely off & strange, but if you understand him it's fun! It's hilarious! You can fully enjoy hanging out with him if you take things a little less seriously. As a teenager--I didn't quite grasp this. I am so glad I've seen the light now--he is a great father, and I wouldn't change one quirky thing about him.

I also am just cracking up at these photos. They perfectly portray his personality.
Yes, my father is pretending to smoke a joint in one of them.
My mother will die when she sees that I posted it on my blog!
I am looking forward to more bike rides, walks, and sunshine!
Hooray for warm, sunny California!