Strike a Pose

Here is our Family Picture from the cruise- Ryan and Kelli, Paul and Kyla, Mom and Dad, Marisa and Paul and Sally and Brad. Thanks again, Mom and Dad!

Our First Christmas

This was Ryan's and my first Christmas together. What a wonderful time it was! We had our family dinner on Christmas Eve, and then enjoyed talking and spending time with family! When asked what the best part about this Christmas was, Ryan and I both agreed, "The food, and not being alone"- it's a blessing to know that we will be able to share many, many more Christmas Holidays together.

God's Miraculous Creations

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Thanksgiving at Sorensen's

This is why men shouldn't be in the kitchen...they look good- but it doesn't look right...

Spending time in the kitchen with "Martha Stewart"- aka Marisa...

Sorry these are out of sequence...but I couldn't resist posting this one...More pictures of the cruise to follow!

Shore Excursion- Cabo San Lucas

Good Morning! It's time for Parasailing at 10am sharp!

But don't show up late...you might make the crew members upset....

(Funny man...putting the knife to the rope...I think Ryan was up in the air at that time...) :)

Enjoying the beautiful, clear ocean water and rock formations! Oh, what a beautiful morning!

Thumbs Up For ParaSailing!

400 Feet Up in the Air!

Getting Pumped Up!

We didn't know what to expect...but we knew it would be our money's worth.

Ryan Approves!

I Got to drive the Boat... only after I told the driver I would tip him...JK

Welcome to The Elation

The Grand Staircase...I almost got a feeling I was on the Titanic...The ship was EMACULATE- Yes, Kyla- Both Spotless-Clean and BIG!

Lots of Fun Activities for all to be had!

Goodbye USA- International Waters and Roaming Charges here we come!

Burritos and Bike Rides

Upon our arrival in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico- we were immediately approached by a local to be given a "bike-taxi" tour. After being followed by the guy for several minutes...we couldn't refuse. We were taken through downtown, and around the city all for $35 bucks...Thanks Alfredo.

Thankful For...Mom!

During our stay here in Sandpoint Idaho with my sister and her family- we have seen and heard many, many things that help us look forward to parenthood...Here are just a few examples.

Scene Situation- Mom (Marisa), Kate(3), and Emma(6) are sitting on the couch watching a movie. Emma starts to tease Kate, and of course, Kate teases/hits back. Emma starts to cry and turns to Mom to complain and tell on Kate. The conversation goes as follows-

Emma: "Mom, Kate hit me in the stomach...sniffle sniffle..."

Mom: "Well, what would you like me to do? Do you want me to move her to the other side of the couch? What would work for you to make it better...?"

Emma: "Well...(long pause....) we could sell her."

Mom: "I'm sorry honey- we don't sell our children. It's not allowed on Ebay."

End of Scene

Since our arrival here- we have notice that Kate likes to say, "Mom" a lot. Why not? It's one of the first words a toddler says... Well, she takes it to the nth degree. So, when we woke up this morning, we decided to do a tally on how many times this little tyke says "Mom". We started around 8:30am and by 9:30, we had passed 100 times. Every time she said it- we all would just start laughing and counting out loud. By 10:30am, we lost count. Estimated times the word "Mom" will be used today- 1000+.

Wiz or Provalone???

I Ryan, have now hit 200 lbs with all my clothes on. Here is a story that contributes to my newly gained fortune. When it comes to cheese I have always stuck with provalone. There is nothing like an authentic cheese steak from the streets of philly from my boys- Geno's, Pat's and Jim's. Unfortunately I have no one to go visit back east where I can endulge my gut any more. Fortunately i have found a suitable place here which I can relive my love for the philly-provalone-with. The Downtown Philly Cheesesteaks is now on the list with my boys and believe me they are authentic, they even have the boys on the wall- Geno's, Pats and Jims. Tonight i have decided to make the cheese wiz and provalone go head to head and fight for the love of my belly.

Provalone

Wiz

All most there, I can do it.Finished!!!! Wiz wins tonight.

Backstage Pass- Behind the Scenes

After 50+ shows, 4 weeks of rehearsals, an 11 week run, Desert Star's "Scary Poppins" closed this weekend! You've seen pictures from stage- now, here's a sneak peak at what happens behind the stage!

Our dressing room- a 5x10 room with a door- covered and made private by a hanging sheet.

Cone Head? I think not...

The "P" Key... Our salvation- We don't have a restroom backstage, so...we get to run outside to another building, use the "P" key to open up the door, and take care of business.

"The costumes...the scenery the make-up, the props...
the audience that lifts you when you're down..."


Thank you to all who came to the show and for your love and support!

Twilight- An Addiction

I was recently introduced to the book series of Stephenie Meyer...Twilight? My sister had told me about this book several months ago- and when I heard about it's content...vampires and such, I really wasn't interested. Sally came by with the books this last weekend, and so, on Tuesday night, while Ryan was away at basketball, I started the book. Serious mistake! I am addicted to it and can't put it down! I now know why, when at Enrichment, or hanging out with the girls- when the name, "Edward" is mentioned, there is a huge outburst of screaming, and oohs and ahhs! Go figure! I now have to admit- which is the first step in addiction recovery, that I have an addiction to Twilight and the ever so yumm-a-licious character of Edward...sorry Mr. Darcy, there's a new man, well, sort-a-man, in town! Thank you Sally!

And All That Jazz!

Tis the season! Basketball time is here! Last night, Ryan and I went with some of our friends to the pre-season opener of the Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns. We had a great time cheering for our boys, and can't wait for the season to start- and for better tickets! Gotta love the cheap nose-bleed section!

The Best Job Ever!

I have the best job ever...I get paid to act like a 13-year-old tom-boy 4- 5 times a week! (Benefits include teasing, playing dress up, name calling, punching, kicking, pouting, bullying, talking back, dancing, singing...if only I got paid to do this as a little kid...)

And, I get to fly (push) my amazing car, "Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang" around the stage!

Don't forget about my favorite 3 part Harmony songs with the girls-

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Honey Bun!

What's More American Than...A Mormon Prophet?

"You might be from Utah or a Mormon if..."

While performing my little novelty number for the show at Desert Star- I experienced a brain fluff and added my own rendition to the song... The lyrics go like this...

What's more American than cornflakes? The Fourth of July and Uncle Sam! What's more American than baseball...I am! I am! I am! The stars and stripes...George Washington. The Capitol dome, and bubble gum. There's General Grant, and "Herold B. Lee" but most of all you can count on little ol' me! ME!

Yes, you can count on me to make a total fool out of myself! If you are still wondering about Harold B. Lee- it was really supposed to be, Robert E. Lee...of course! I came off stage just laughing and embarrassed as can be! Well, what's more American in Utah than that of a Mormon prophet... Hum...I don't know.

Lasting Memories

We finally got our wedding pictures back from the photographer...

We are pleased with the results.

The only serious pose I have ever made without looking...well, constipated...

Ryan- The Handsome Man...Need I say More?

We absolutely love Ryan's unique black wedding band.

All we need for this picture is a pitchfork and a shovel...Too funny. We like this shot a lot. :)

It's just make overs all over the place!!!!

The Ryan make over??!!!


Good thing it grows back!
The kitchen make over!!!