The many faces of Koll......

My favorite pic is his infamous "Popeye" look! We had so much fun together! Sunday Shane, Whitney, Koll, and Troy came over for brunch. Then we all headed to our sacrament meeting. Steven had fun getting to know Koll, and making him laugh! I felt spoiled getting to hold him so much!

Koll is such a sweetheart!

I was so happy to see Koll again. He is such a good boy, and I loved spending time with him. I love you Koll!

Hiking with Whit, Koll, and Cody near Sundance Memorial Day Weekend

We got a later start, but it was still very sunny and so we agreed to continue on. Koll was so good the whole time, and we all took turns carrying him. I was impressed with Whitney's strength, she carried Koll uphill almost the entire time! I had fun carrying him on the way down and making up songs but one of my lines, "Walking down the dusty trail..." The only word I could think that rhymed with trail was "ale"! Hopefully Koll won't remember my songs alcoholic references. Bad Auntie!! It was good to see Cody again too, hopefully all of his business ventures will come to fruition soon. He made us a really great Italian style lunch to help us gear up for our journey. After that we joined Shane and Troy at Ray's house and had some pizza and discussed the wonders of non-caffinated mountain dew, (Steven would probably say "that's sacrilage!"). It was a great Saturday, and it was fun to spend time with everyone!

Immigration Canyon on Memorial Day.......

Steven took me on a beautiful drive in Immigration canyon............Gorgeous!



Ok, really cheesy pic of us! We look goofy, but we did have a lot of fun!

We didn't have a lot of time on Memorial Day, since Steven had to work at three, so we went for a drive. Immigration Canyon is where pioneers camped before descending on the Salt Lake Valley. We saw a lot of cool trails we want to explore when we have more time. After that, we had a quick celebratory lunch at our favorite "South Siiide" Mexican joint. It has really great ambiance, and really nummy eats.

Gabriella's Graduation Pics....Better Late Than Never!

I realize these are way late, but what can I say! I'm posting them anyways. So to Gaby....Congrats! I hope that you will find the job of your dreams!

I need a hug!

I feel that most of the world's problems could be solved by hugging. Today for example, even though I'm really really exhausted and running on only a few hours of sleep I know I would feel better if I could just have a big hug!

Experiencing the joys of teaching!

This could be any of my adorable pre-teens in my sixth grade class. It takes a special person to be a sixth grade "lifer"!

Today we had an earthquake drill. My response to such a situation was surprising. As I am sitting underneath my desk covering my head I thought to myself, "Ahhh, it is so cool and peaceful under my desk, too bad we can't have more of these!" I really do love teaching but I have a couple of students today that almost got me to lose it and say something I would definitely regret. I think that most teacher's develop "think time" in other classrooms when it could be more appropriately "You better go to another classroom while all of your body parts are still properly attached!" Not that I am a violent person by nature, but some of these sixth graders really no how to push my buttons! Good thing I have yoga tonight!!^^

Memoirs of an insomniac...........

It's getting late,
For my bed I will wait,
Sitting comfy on my couch,
In Steven's hoody I slouch,
My eyes feel heavy and scratchy,
Yet I feel torn,
Should I stay up and finish a flick?
Or should I snuggle up in my bed,
Staring at the walls...books unread,
I suppose I could count sheep instead,
I need a late night hobby,
Something to quiet my mind,
No more thinking about my to do list,
I should close my eyes and dream,
Can't stop the wheels that turn,
Perhaps it is time to adjourn,
I will embrace my comfy bed,
I guess I could lay down my head,
I can cuddle with "Cookie" my favorite bear,
Maybe I can be like Shane and twirl my hair,
Hmmmm.....no that's defnitely it,
A cup of hot chocolate could be the ticket,
Soothing and sweet marshmellowy treat,
Call Steven at work and wish him good night,
I settle back in my covers with a slow smile,
Time to turn out the light.

Remnants of Spring............

I love finding beautiful random tree's, here is one at Sugarhouse park.....



I'm by no means National Geographic quality yet!



Beautiful spring day in Salt Lake City!



Finally, Utah is beginning to thaw out......it's a miracle!



Great shot of the Salt Lake temple by the husby....

For the record these pics were taken some time in April, but I'm having issues with my i-photo compatability with our fabulous Casio camera. I found these pics in the January folder, so who knows what is really going on! I'm open to suggestions! My friend knows computer's so I will await her brilliant tips, and hopefully my frusterations will be over soon!

Estaban Blanco es mi amor........

This post is dedicated to my love, Steven Ivan White:

When I look into your eyes I see forever,
Being by your side always together,
I love to make you laugh and squirm and giggle,
I can't stop the urge to tickle!
You bring out the best in me,
Seeing something I couldn't see,
Renewing my faith,
My hopes in eternity,
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the happiness inside,
One look gives me butterflies!
Each day that goes by,
You amaze me with your love,
The kindness of your words so tender and sweet,
Always trying to show me the world is at my feet,
I don't know if I will ever be able to convince,
That to me you are my greatest gift,
My heart is yours, and all my dreams have come true,
That summer night when I smiled at you.

**The photo has been changed per request.

Fore!

Well this weekend Steven took me to a driving range to learn how to hit the ball great distances! At first it felt really strange and my wrists were sore from yoga balancing, then he explained that I use my torso to power through my shot. "ah ha!" I thought to myself. Hip action is definitely something I can relate to. Probably because mom listened to lots of Elvis when she was pregnant! So it turns out I might take after Grammy Jo and become a golfing fiend. Once I was able to do the hippy shake, and keep my eye on the ball I was able to hit the ball about 100-150 yards. I think it's funny....because I'm forever telling Steven that I'm the only non-athlete of the fam. Next weekend my friends and I are going to go to a driving range and work on our putting and driving so that we can try a real golf course soon. I do think I want my own set of clubs and gloves though, my delicate little hands acquired blisters from my brief stint on Friday night. I loved it! I really thought about my Grammy Jo and how much she loved to be in the sunshine golfing! This ones for you Grammy Jo!

My latest adventures.......

Well I started my all out fitness goals. I really have always wanted to try Yoga and I also was really excited to start tennis up again and kick boxing. I also want to learn how to golf this summer and continue to practice my rock climbing adventures. So as most of you know I never have been good at going half way on something. Fitness is of course no exception! The other day I began with a feverish excitement at all I am going to do. I started off at the gym doing my stomach crunches, then lunges. After that I headed to the park for an hour of roller blading. I may have mentioned to many of you that I love roller blading at liberty park because it is a good ride, and extremely flat. However, I removed my brakes from my roller blades, so I really have to time getting off the sidewalk onto the ramp perfectly. So I was ending my last lap as a SUV was approaching I decided to increase my speed so that I could make it down and to my car. I guess I didn't really think my approach plan out very clearly I timed it to miss the SUV perfectly.....but I didn't realize that I was going way to fast as I approached my car I decided that I would just keep going towards it, and I would put out my arms to stop myself. Well I definitely made contact! I slammed so hard into the side of my car that I bounced off and landed turtle style on my tooshi! I was a little banged up, but nothing too bad. I had a good laugh at my lack of grace or anything close to skill. But don't think that I let that stop me! I went back to the gym with a friend, and we did a 15 minute super ab class, followed by an hour of yoga! I really didn't think much of it, except that when I woke up yesterday I felt like my body was no longer composed of various muscle groups, but every inch felt like tightly wound rubber bands. But as they say...no pain no gain right?^^

Happy Mothers Day Mamacita!

This post is dedicated to my mamacita:

When I was just a young girl,
I always looked up to you,
To me you were everything that I wanted to be,
You had the voice of an angel,
A smile that lit up a room,
Your impersonations and funny jokes,
They would make me giggle and laugh,
You taught me to work hard by example,
Mowing lawns and hauling wood,
Not the typical woman,
Cause my mamacita always forged her own path,
Never afraid to try something new,
Her fiery spirit never broken,
Always willing to forgive,
Teaching us kindness and how to live,
Never expecting much in return,
Just hoping that her children could find happiness,
I know because of her my life is truly blessed,
Sometimes I didn't understand why you had to face,
So much adversity, struggle, and pain,
I realize now your quiet strength,
Choosing love when it is so easy to hate,
Your sacrifices seem to go unnoticed,
But they are written on my heart,
You are my mother,
Someone I will always look up to,
My hero and friend,
Even though I no longer live in a room down the hall,
I feel close to you,
I love your unconquerable spirit,
I am thankful for the gifts you have given me,
I hope I can live my life in such a way,
That will show you that your teachings didn't miss their mark,
I will carry that same spark to my own family one day,
You will always have a special place in my heart,
Saying I love you doesn't seem to express,
All that I want to say,
Even though it seems cliche,
I'll say it anyway,
Happy Mothers Day!

Ps. Of course I realize that this comes one day early, but really we should be celebrating mother's day all year long, right?^^

It's all about conquering your fears!

Well Steven took me along to get my feet wet and give climbing a go! I was rather reluctant at first due to the fact that I am extremely afraid of heights. We went with some of his friends and their ladies. Which I admit I found even more intimidating since they had all gone climbing before. My fears in no particular order were A) I would be overcome with fear and start to cry
B) I would pass out and they would have to climb up to lower my limp body C) I would wet my pants, and those below would feel the effects! D) All of the above happening simultaneously. Ok.....maybe I tend to be a little dramatic. So I insisted on going last, so that I could watch everyones technique, but Steven knew I was just trying to buy time. So it was finally my turn to go. I had to reach up with my leg to this hold that was pretty much "go go Gadget legs" so I was really having a hard time convincing my body that we wouldn't fall to a most certain death....(it felt like hours had passed) I developed a charlie horse. Steven at that point said," It's o.k. to quit Dena, you can come down..." For those readers that know me well his words which were meant to be tender just spurred me on. In my head I could feel myself saying," Oh yeah?" I enjoyed the challenge of finding good holds and taking the risk of stepping out onto tiny holds. When all was over and done I knew why Steven loves climbing so much. You face your fears....you overcome an obstacle...and you feel that you accomplished something amazing. I don't know that I will ever be as agile or strong as some; but it felt pretty cool to be on top of the world for a moment....

What is happiness?

I woke up this morning rather early to call in to get my subbing straightened out. So now I can't fall back asleep! I sit and contemplate the meaning of happiness with the following thoughts:

What is happiness?
Is it the bliss of Steven's good morning kiss?
I have seen it in a newborn's face,
I can feel it's warmth from the sun's reflective gaze,
I feel it when I kneel to pray,
I have heard it in my sister's voice,
Some say they can find it in something tangible,
Like a trendy purse, or a pair of vintage converse,
I haven't found fulfillment in material things,
I suppose I am a simple girl,
I find joy in the blue sky,
Feeling the wind on my face,
Seeing a gorgeous sunset.....painted it seems just for me,
The taste of a cream-sicle on a warm summer day,
I find I could wake up every morning with a smile on my lips,
With the love of my family, my God, and good friends,
I guess I will feel fulfillment if I have been grateful for everything I have been given,
It's not so much living day to day,
But trying to share your love with those that need it most,
I know it's crazy to think that happiness is a simple recipe,
I'm just a simple girl,
I know I will always be,
One who is grateful for the ocean's majesty,
I look at my memories as pearls in my minds treasure chest,
I know that happiness is within everyone's grasp,
It comes from reaching out,
Lending a listening ear,
Trying to step outside of selfishness,
Quieting the voices that say "It can't be done",
Always pushing myself to be a little better,
So that in the quiet moments as I reflect,
I realize that happiness can truly abound,
If love is found.

Plea from the masses: Top Ten Reasons Mom Should Join The Blogging Community

This post is directed towards my dear, beautiful, mamacita. I have come to plead my case, I am currently on my knee's BEGGING you to buy a digital camera and do your own blog. #1 I love seeing pictures of home #2 I would love to see more pictures of YOU #3 Although you feel your life isn't exciting it is a great way to keep a daily journal of events accompanied with pics for your growing posterity to enjoy #4 I would be ecstatic to see daily to weekly pics of my nieces and nephew that reside locally in your vicinity #5 Said neices and nephews could type postings to their growing and adoring audience of family that enjoys their zest for life and highly entertaining qoutes (E: "I've been waiting for this (polly pocket doll) for my whole life!") #6 Boots and Fred could get some free publicity and show the world that cats and dogs can live peacefully if given the opportunity #7 You could FINALLY purchase new swimwear since you will be posting pics of your lake adventures #8 You would receive postings daily on what a wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, and generous mother you are! #9 Blogging would add a new dimension of excitement to your life, because you would no longer only be posting comments, but getting them as well.....Oooh La la! #10 If I can blog anyone can! If you support my plea to Mamacita, please post a comment stating your stance! Think about it.......it could really change your life!

Thirty Something.......it's all downhill from here!^^

Tonight we went to a Bee's baseball game, we live about 5 minutes from the stadium. They played the Tacoma Raniers, and Tacoma lost by one run! DOH!!! I need to learn not to bet Steven at sporting events. It was a lot of fun, we had pizza at a place called Big Kahuna's pizza. I thought it was a great place. We had a lot of fun, I just wish that Utah would start to heat up, it's almost May, and I am still waiting for the spring thaw! I will be going off track on Friday, but I will probably end up subbing on my break to earn some extra money. I'm so glad that I will be teaching third grade next year, sixth graders can be a rough group. Thanks to everyone who called me on my birthday, if you left a message I think I got back to everyone......I am now officially in my thirties. I'm excited to continue celebrating my birthday throughout the year. My birthday was pretty quiet, but it was really nice. Steven took me to dinner at the "Melting Pot" a really great fondue restaurant. Steven baked me a yummy chocolate cake, and gave me a dozen red roses. He also gave me several bottles of bubble bath, and a ipod converter so that I can listen to my ipod in my car. It was really a memorable birthday, my first one as a married woman......I feel so grown up!!!
Hopefully my birthday wish will come true soon...I will keep you posted!

Enjoying the sights of Isla Mujeres....

We are stopping off for some lunch and you can see the setting is pretty pituresque! We had some amazing fresh fish grilled on a barbecue on the beach seasoned with chili's....WOW! The view was pretty good too.......eh Estaban?

Buried Piwate Tweasure........

This is just a fun picture we took with some actors that do a pirate shore in the bay! The picture of Steven and I is being posted mainly due to the fact that "Estaban Blanco es MUI CALIENTE!"

J'adore La Isla Mujeres!

This was one of the great ideas while we were in Cancun! The Isla Mujeres is a real hot bed of activity for snorkeling and just enjoying the sandy beaches. Oh yeah, and watch out for sharks!