Random post, I know. . .

First off I have to mention my most favorite Christmas present that was a little late, so it didn't make it into the previous post. Mike gave me a portable ice maker! It is probably the greatest thing since I absolutely cannot drink anything without ice in the glass. And ever since our little peanut made it's appearance, I have wanted nothing more than to chew and suck on ice. We set it up last Saturday and it has gotten quite a bit of use since then. Unfortunately it is bigger than we thought, and it takes up some of my much needed counter space, but I think I can sacrifice a little counter space.
Moving on. On New Year's Day, Mike was dying to go to the beach. So we jumped in the car and headed out. We didn't have a specific destination in mind, we just started driving and ended up at Half Moon Bay (I think). It was really fun (besides the car sickness-something that reared it's ugly head only since I got pregnant. I never got sick in the car, but lately it has been really bad.) Anyway, we stopped in a little town to grab a sandwich and we headed to the nearest beach. It was a beautiful day when we left and while we were driving. By the time we actually got out of the car, the sun was starting to go down, but it was still nice to hang out for a minute. And extra nice to be at the beach on New Years Day.

Happy New Year to you all! I hope this year brings you many great things! Welcome 2010 (a little late, I know.)

A Very Merry Christmas, Indeed

We couldn't be more excited!

So Long. . .For Now

Scott Burgin 1991 ~ 2009 18-years-old.

"Scott Douglas Burgin passed away December 3, 2009 in Huntsville, Utah. He was born May 4, 1991 in Santa Ana, California. He is survived by his family: his mom and step dad Leslie Ann and Mike Stevens of Kaysville, his father David Burgin of Layton, his brothers and sisters Mike D and Paige Burgin, Tyler S. Burgin, Dustin J. and Kaylee Burgin, Megan M and Tyler Green, Aaron C Burgin, Katie Ann Burgin, Rachel E. Burgin. His grandparents: Harold and Della Scott, Gwen Burgin, Richard and Fae Burgin.

Scott was a private in the 328 Hospital Support Unit of Ogden, joining the reserves in May of 2008, recently returning from Ft. Lee, Virginia for additional training where he received several commendations for his leadership skills. Scott was known for his quiet artistic abilities, his keen wit, his leadership, and his amazing ability to love and understand. Scotty loved art, music and had a great talent in both.

We loved his beautiful smile, his friendship and his unconditional love, his family wishes to express the following: "Beat me up Scotty", Onyan, Oh- Kathy, It's all good, I know right? Maximus, my best friend, I love you bud... Graveside services for Scott will be held Monday, December 7 at 2 p.m. in the Kaysville Cemetery. Scotty - may your heart be healed, your soul be calmed, and your mind finally have the quiet peace you forever searched for. We pray for the Saviors love and forgiveness, "Where at you is" MOM. Online condolences at www.jenkins-soffe.com."

You will be missed, Scotty. We love you and hope you find what you are looking for. We will see you soon.

At the Car Wash. . .

A couple of weeks ago, I decided it was time to wash the car. So I drove down the street to the car wash, and put in my quarters and started the high pressure soap. As I started to spray my car, a homeless man walked by and stopped to yell something at me. I asked what, because I couldn't hear him, and he walked closer still talking. So I stopped spraying and asked him "what" one more time. Then I heard him say "will you please spray me on high pressure?" I asked if he was serious, and he said "yes, spray me hard." So I did, not remembering that I was using the soap. But he said thank you and walked away. Now, I don't know what is worse, the fact that I soaped a bum or the fact that I kept asking him what, inviting a potentially scary person into a car wash bay with me. Either way, I thought that was probably one of the strangest things that has ever happened to me.

Even stranger. . .I saw him the next day.

It's About Time!

I know, a little late, but Congrats to Megan (Mike's sister) and Tyler! They got married at the end of October and I think everything turned out perfect. They got married in the Daybreak Temple and it was so beautiful. I didn't ever go through the when the open house was going on, so it was really great to be there with them on their day. Also, she was the only bride that afternoon, so it was really intimate and nobody was rushed. We had the whole temple to ourselves.

The happy couple!

Megan, Katie and Rachel

Do You Ever Have Those Days?

So, as much as I love being here in California, there are some days when it gets kind of lonely and I find comfort in my new friends, Stacy and Clinton. From TLC's "What Not to Wear". I love the show and look forward to it. Well, on one particularly gloomy day, I was watching said show and had to leave the room. So I paused it and went to do whatever it was, but when I came back to my friends, this is what I saw. . .

I couldn't help but laugh out loud, and then think to myself that I have no real reason to be feeling the way I was. I got myself up (after the show, of course) and remembered that I have so many things to keep me busy, and so many things to make me happy, and of course I am thankful for all of them.

This picture has been cause for many conversations lately, and I am glad that the TV paused where it did. This woman was excited because someone she knew was getting a make over. It wasn't even her! In my life I need to appreciate the little things and enjoy the things that make me happy. I am pretty sure I won't be running around screaming with my hands in the air, but on the inside, this is exactly how I feel. No, not every second of every day, but I try to feel this way at least once every day. Some days are better than others, but I have been blessed with so much that I can't help but give back by being happy and trying to make those around me feel the same way.

What We've Been Up To

Before Mike started work, we tried to get around to see some stuff. So we made it to a few fun places. We went to the tech museum downtown. It has all sorts of nerdy stuff, like creating a microchip and then programming it, and then having a robot draw a self portrait of you. They also had these robots that would spell out a message in blocks. Whatever you told them to write, they would find the block and do it. This is what Mike was doing while I was in the bathroom.

Pretty impressive if you ask me.

Then, we had to go to another baseball game. Again, the Angels were playing the A's in Oakland, so we went dressed in our Angels gear and sat on the 4th row behind the A's dugout. Dangerous territory, but the Angels won, so it was all worth it. We also got to see some of our favorite players from the Bees that got picked up by the Angels recently. I almost felt like I was home for a minute.
Most recently we went to Carmel. Yesterday in fact. The whole name of the town is Carmel by the Sea, CA. If that tells you anything. It is right by the water, and the downtown was so fun. We went with the intention of going to the art festival, but instead we just explored main street and did a little shopping and lunch. We ate at a delicious restaurant, and then stopped by a little shop called "The White Rabbit." The entire store is based around Alice in Wonderland. The owner even had an original copy of "Through the Looking Glass" that was valued at around $400. Anyway, we decided that we are going to use our Saturdays to explore this area. It is so pretty. Visitors are always welcome. Hope to see you soon.