#roosestakeonarizona

 This little guy graced us with his presence on the 9th of April. Well, graced Arizona with his presence. He is number four for my sister. The parentals, Kate, Riley, and I all headed down the first week of May for his blessing, and also for Noelle's baptism!  It was the first time, probably since I got married, that the five of us were together for an extended period of time without John and Tom.                                                                                      And just like old times, the three of us shared the backseat. We flew out of Ogden, because we chose to fly Allegiant - much cheaper than any other airline. So we drove to Ogden and just left our car parked there. Smallest airport I've ever been in. Even smaller than the Long Beach airport, which I have always thought to be extremely small. Nope, Ogden wins. We flew out Friday night, missing as little work as possible.

We got there and we were starving. We had planned on eating before we went to the airport, but then we were worried about getting there on time, and so we figured we'd just eat airport food. Except, there is no airport food. Just a vending machine. So after getting the rental car, we immediately started searching for food. We're driving around, naming all these places that we see (Kneaders, Texas Roadhouse, Cafe Rio, Chick-Fil-A, etc.) and all of a sudden my mom goes, "There's a Wendy's" The car got silent and I said, "Ma, you think out of all the places we just named, we're going to choose Wendy's?" Laughter ensued. While we were driving around, I was trying to take selfies in the back seat to show the fact that my window was rolled down, on the freeway, and there was nothing I could do about it. Dad had all the windows locked, the whole trip, so he was the only one who could decide whether they should be down or up. In my attempts to take a "normal" selfie, I ended up taking the ugliest picture of myself I have ever seen. No lie. I'm not going to put it anywhere on the internet because it will haunt me for the rest of my life. But seriously, you can ask my siblings. Kati was dying of laughter, and randomly throughout the weekend would just start laughing because she was thinking about the picture. It was so bad.

We ended up eating at Cafe Rio. Who knew that it had only been open for a week and everyone and their dog wanted to eat there? Sheesh. It was craaazy, and it was like 9:30 PM. After we ate we went to the hotel, got everything settled it. Figured out where the five of us were going to sleep. Broozer took one for the team and ended up sleeping on the floor. There was no room to bring in a cot. 

Saturday was the baptism and blessing. I was awake at 6:00. Everyone was actually, except Riley. That kid could sleep for days. I packed gym clothes because I had this bright idea that I was going to work out while I was there, just in the hotel's gym. Well, being with Kati, she held me to it, and we were working out by 6:30 Saturday morning. I did my cardio, and then she was like, okay, now we're going to do THIS! She gave me exercises to do, showed me how to do them, and then took a video of me doing them and posted it online. Okay, she only took a video of me doing burpees, but seriously, I had never done a burpee in my life, I wasn't sure I wanted that for everyone to see. She didn't care. After our workout, we went and got showered, and ready to head over the church. Rebekah had also traveled to AZ for the occasion, along with her mom and step dad, and Boo's parents, so there were quite a few people there from Utah. We all met by the font, like always; Boo's Mom gave a talk about baptism, and then my dad gave a talk about the Holy Ghost. It was all very nice. After everything was done with the baptism and confirmation, Boo blessed the baby. 

This was the most tender moment of the day. Rach was crying during the blessing, so Noelle leaned over and was rubbing her back, and just kept getting closer to Rach. It was seriously the cutest thing I have ever seen, I had to get a picture, even though it was in the middle of the blessing. 

I love this picture of their family, because I think it is explains them so well. Especially love Sis' hand. She has the funniest personality, and wouldn't be serious while they were taking pictures. But it's okay, because it's just who she is. Nicholas LOVES Grandpa and Riley. Seriously. Kati and I were joking how he won't speak two words to us, but it's true. The kid just adores them, and thinks we're chopped liver. It was so cute, afterward, we went to Rach's house for lunch, and my Dad, being the person he is, kept falling asleep on the couch. Nicholas runs up to him and wags his finger in Dad's face and says "No, no, no Grandpa! No sleeping! It's day time." It was so funny, and so cute. 

Nicholas was trying to climb the gate, so Riley joined in. My mom said something to the affect of a scary future, and we said, what, Nicholas and Riley behind bars together? Wouldn't be too funny if you ask me!
The five of us haven't had a picture together that is decent in years, so, we all were pretty happy when we got one that turned out so well! Too bad we're missing people, huh? I guess family pictures are in order! Even though they are nearly impossible with so many people in your family.

After the lunch, we went and changed our clothes, and headed to Chandler to their outlet mall. Loved every second of that! I spent more money than I should have, definitely. We walked into the Coach store and they were offering an additional 50% off to all of their items, so Kate and Mom went crazy. Nothing really caught my eye, so I just helped them. Mom has been looking at the same red bag from Coach for probably a year, and so she finally got that, thanks to a little push from Dad. Happy Mother's Day! At one point Kate had three or four different bags in her hands, and couldn't decide which one she wanted. Mom offered to buy one for her birthday so that she could have two, but she just went with the one. I walked into Michael Kors, but their "sale" prices are still way too expensive, so I just looked. BUT. There was a Kate Spade store and I could have gotten in so much trouble in there. My Mom walked in with me, and had to leave because she was going to buy another purse, and had to stop herself. They had cute clothes in there, and earrings, bags, wallets, everything! Except shoes. But that is probably a good thing. I ended up leaving with a new purse, that is a bright blue color. I love it. And it was super on sale, so I 'm totally fine with it! Saturday night we went and ate at a place called Logan's Roadhosue. Essentially a Texas Roadhouse, minus the delicious cinnamon butter and rolls. It was actually really good food!

Kate left really early Sunday morning, so for Sunday and Monday it was just me Rye, and the parentals. Sunday we went over to the new Gilbert temple. Maybe it's because I haven't been to very many temples, or maybe it is kind of different, but their grounds are closed whenever the temple is closed. Can't walk around it within the fence. And it's not open on Mondays, so we had to settle with looking at through the fence. Which was totally fine. It was still gorgeous. We wanted to do a session, but, closed on Mondays, and we left Monday afternoon! Too bad. Guess we'll have to go back.

I sent this picture to John to show him how amazing this temple is. He wrote me back and told that it looked fake. Ha! It kind of does. It's just so perfectly put together with the palm trees and the water. All framing the Angel Moroni. So awesome!

After the temple we went to Walmart to get a new suitcase because we bought so much stuff, we had to have somewhere to stuff it. That morning we had breakfast at the hotel and Mom ate pork sausage that she thought was turkey sausage. She has been watching what she eats, and apparently eating the pork sausage did not sit well with her. Poor thing ended up getting sick at the Walmart and running outside only to throw up in the flower bed. On Mother's Day. She felt better after ralphing, but still. No matter how many times you go to a grocery store outside of Utah, you still get caught off guard when you see all the hard liquor that they have for sale. Just out in the open. Riley was really worried that I put this picture on Instagram, which I didn't, but now it's on the blog, so I hope he doesn't mind. For the record, he didn't buy either of those. It was just a picture to show how big they both were. We probably looked like fools, but, we are. We spent a couple hours at Rach's house Sunday afternoon, hanging out with everyone. Played Wii bowling, Nicholas had Dad outside playing with his airplane, Mom and Rach just chatted.

Monday was pretty low key. By the time we had breakfast, it was already like 85 degrees outside, so I decided I would go to the pool. I was reading The Giver and it was a great place to finish the book. Mom joined me. It was so nice just to sit in the sun. The afternoon rolled around, so we made our way to the airport. This time we learned our lesson, and ate before we got the airport. It made things much smoother. We ended up running into Rach at the airport dropping off her in-laws, so that was nice to say one final goodbye. It was a great trip, but there is nothing better than your husband holding you, so I was really excited to see my J.

Employee of the Quarter

My company, or at least my department, gives awards for "Employee of the Quarter".

As a minimal part of the department, I've never really thought that I would be nominated for it, let alone win. Apparently my boss thought otherwise. He nominated me for Q1, and I ended up receiving the award. 

There is nothing like recognition for the work you do every day, and it was a great feeling to know that people notice what I'm doing, and appreciate it! 

At the meeting they read small little blips that my boss and a coworker had written. They were both so nice and thoughtful that I asked if I could get a copy. 

My coworker said, "Emily is a super star! She is one of the kindest co-workers I have ever had the pleasure to work with. She is dedicated to her job and helps boost the morale of those around her. And she does this all with a smile on her face and in her heart."

And my boss, "Emily is a great employee and a huge benefit for CR England. She has no problem taking on new tasks and doing things outside of her comfort zone. Whether it's designing reports/images for Rigo, calling competitors for Steve, creating social media content, or managing the accounting/finances for out team, she always completed her tasks with an above and beyond mentality. Emily also comes to work every day with a positive attitude and willing to help where needed. It is an honor and privilege to have her on our team."

Super nice huh?

 I certainly am not one that enjoys being the center of attention, and when they announced my name and put my picture on the screen, my face went bright red. Of course. 

For winning the award, I get my own parking spot, with my name on it, for Q2. Pretty freaking awesome, because sometimes finding a parking spot in the morning, or after lunch is a difficult task. 

girls night out

Two weekends ago, Mandy, Marianne, Melissa, Lizzie, and myself all showed up on Lauren's doorstep with food and balloons. She didn't know anyone beside Liz was coming, and boy was she surprised. 

Lauren graduated from the U in Child Life, and recently got her dream job being a Child Life Specialist at Primary Children's Hospital. A very coveted position. So we wanted to celebrate her!

It was a long over GNO. We spent hours sitting at her kitchen table, snacking and talking about anything and everything. When you have known each other for 10 years, it isn't hard to converse for hours on end. Liz had plans of us watching a movie, but that didn't even happen because we didn't stop talking. Until about 1 AM. I haven't been up that late in a long time, but I didn't even realize how late it was because I was seriously having so much fun. Love these girls so much! 

Of course when I'm gone, and with Mandy, Daniel and John end of together. I came home and this is what I found.
 Apparently, they had gone to the Albertson's and bought every kind of Root Bear that you can buy, and tried them all. Well, not all. As many as they could. John said he kind of felt bad, because they were walking into our house with all of these bottles in bags while our neighbor was hosting an AA meeting. He said to me, "They don't know it's Root Beer!" 

Easter

Easter Sunday is always a great time.

Not only do we get to spend time with the families, but it is a sure sign that Spring has arrived.

I love everything about it.

 

This year we spent Easter with both families.



The Roos girls! Minus Rach.

We started out at the Grow's, where our family has grown to over 40 people. Good thing we have Dave and Morgan who let us come in and literally, take over, their house.

It was the first time in a long time that we have had a Grow family dinner, and they are always a good time. We got to catch up with my cousin, who is getting married in June. I love weddings, and I love hearing about the planning, so she was probably sick of all of my questions by the end of the night.

Sorry SG.

 

The Church put out a video entitled "Because of Him", which I showed John on Easter. I loved it. I love that it was modern, and that it was very simple, yet very complex. The overall message was that because of Christ, we are able to do all things in life. Because of Him, I get to spend eternity with this goof ball, and the rest of my family. I'll take it!

 I always make John take pictures with my on different holidays, and usually I think he hates it. Kate decided to jump in on this one, and it turned out being my favorite picture of the day. Us and our sister wife. NBD.

 



She's pretty much my BFF.

After the Grow's, we went up to the in-laws to spend some time with John's parents and siblings. Patty does an Easter egg hunt every year, and even though the youngest sibling is 20, all of them turn into little kids, and get so into the hunt. It doesn't hurt that she puts money in all of the eggs. And that there is that one special egg with a ten dollar bill in it. It's great.

 

She helped herself to one of David's peeps.
I asked her if she liked it, and she gave me this face.

 

How cute is this face!?

I guess you could say that I take a lot of pictures of Olivia. I just really like her, like a lot. And I love that she legitimately knows who I am, and is excited when I see her. She doesn't know many names, but she definitely knows Emma. She's always so happy to see me, I just love it.

It was fun to see her get so excited about the eggs, and more excited about the toys that were in the eggs. 

I am beyond excited for warmer weather, and more outdoor family adventures. This is definitely my favorite time of year!

You Look Like an Easter Egg!

Last Friday we spent the night with some of our married friends!

We went to Rio with the Sorensens, Harris', and Brightwells.

It's so fun to get together with all of these people. Our husbands all get along so well, and we have been friends for so many years, it is nice just to get together and have a good time!

(We missed you Melis)

Cutest hostess around!

After dinner we headed to Sorensen's to dye Easter eggs! Mandy is so great, and provides the dye for all of us, and let's us use her Cricut, so all we have to do is bring our own eggs.

 

It was such a fun night, and apparently we were having too much fun because someone in their apartment complex called the cops on us!



I was surprised this turned out so well!
Kind of cool!

Marianne, Mandy, and I were dying eggs on the kitchen table, and our husbands were sitting in the front room, playing with a Nerf gun and John was playing the guitar, but we really weren't being that loud. Then there was a knock at the door. Then there was a louder knock on the door. Daniel answered it and there was a police officer.

She was more apologetic than anything. I mean it was 9:20 on a Friday night. She told us that she was sorry, and that it wasn't her, but someone (the person across the hall) had called the police and complained about noise.

She saw what we were doing. I bet when she walked out to her car and just laughed at the fact that we were dying Easter eggs, and someone thought we were being too loud.

One of us really needs to buy a house. Ha.

House Cabin

For as long as I have been alive, a cabin in Bear Lake has been a want of my parents'. We have always had a place to go and stay up there, thanks to my Dad's sister, but having their own place to goal has always been the goal.

In 2005 it almost happened permanently. The Pickleville Country Store was up for sale, and Dad saw his dream coming to real life. He has always wanted to own a grocery store, and in Bear Lake would be prime. Things were put in place for them to purchase the store; we spent countless nights remodeling, with so much help from people around us. The plan was to move up there, live there year round. That meant changing schools for Riley and me, but I knew it would be okay.

We ran that store all summer longer, and when it came time to purchase it, it didn't work out. When someone who owns a property doesn't pay their taxes, and document how much money is brought in from an entity, it is impossible to have a bank fund an investment, because they don't just believe that you can profit from said investment.

Everything my dad had worked for, was gone. It was a sad day for all of us, but honestly, it was the best summer of my life. The relationship I have with my dad now is because of that summer in Bear Lake. So I am grateful for that.

Fast forward 8 years. Last summer, we were up there for our annual venture, and on the main road, there was a for sale sign, which is nothing new. So we stopped, like always, and walked around this house. It looked like it needed work, but it looked doable! Mom and Dad checked into it, like with so many other places, but everything started to work out for this place, unlike the others.

There were definitely some bumps along the way. It was being sold by HUD, which meant lots of hoops to jump through. It was a meth house, which meant more hoops to jump through.

It was a lot of waiting, but, in March, we got a text message from Mom

"We've closed and have the keys. It's officially ours!"

Excitement all around.

We've dubbed it the "House Cabin" because it's really a house, but it's the Bear Lake cabin we've always talked about. So, the House Cabin it is.

With it being a meth house, after it was cleaned, it really needed work. We've been up there twice now, and made some progress. But we're not there yet. We're at least able to use the bathroom there though. Which is always nice.

 

Before the cabinets were taken off the walls.

 

And after. Cabinets are a lot heavier than I would have ever guessed. But when Riley asked me to hold one to make sure it didn't come crashing down, holy Hannah.

Or I'm just really weak.

That's probably it.

One of the bedrooms had some holes in the wall, and so we were going to patch them. Dad had me help him demo the wall. I was only supposed to go four feet down from the top, because that is how big a whole piece of sheet rock is. He didn't tell me until after I had already gone too far. Oops.

It worked out though, because we found out that they had glued the sheet rock to the wall instead of screwing it into the studs, so we ended up removing more than four feet.

Phew.

This.

You may say, it's just a patched hole in the wall.

But, it is my patched hole in the wall.

I patched this BY MYSELF.

The hole started out looking like a penis. Not even joking.

I cut out a square in the wall.

Using a SAWSALL. That thing is kind of dangerous. It will take you for a ride if you let it.

Cut out the hole, made sure it was square.

Measured it.

Cut the sheet rock.

Put the sheet rock in, after making some minor adjustments with my utility knife.

And, wa-la!

I was so freaking proud of myself.

And so was everyone else.

Another Year Older and Wiser Too!

John had his 27th birthday on March 24. This is our 6th birthday of his that we have celebrated together. SIX. Makes me feel like we have been together forever! HA. Actually, it feels like no time at all most days. 

 

John's birthday fell on a Monday this year. Does anyone like Mondays? I don't think so. But I tried to make it as special for him as it could be. 

We went to see Les Miserables at Hale Center Theater that afternoon, and it was amazing! Hale Center never ceases to amaze me; the actors are all so talented, and even in such a small space, they do such a fantastic job. 

           

When it was announced that they were making Les Mis into a movie, I was beyond excited, and John didn't really understand why. He had heard the music, but he had never seen the play,and didn't think he would like it. I begged him so many times to go see it in theaters, and he wouldn't. But, you bet your bottom that as soon as it came out on Blu Ray I made him watch it with me. And as much as he had reisisted, he loves that movie. He tells me constantly that we should have seen it in theaters. 

Seeing it performed on stage was no different. While the actors and actresses aren't recognizable names, it was still just as fantastic. Now I just need to convince him that it is worth taking me to NYC to see it again. ;)

John really only asked for one thing for his birthday. This turn table. It started as a KickStarter project, and he has followed it since then, telling me how cool it is, and everything that makes it better than the two record players we already own, and why he needs one. Can I tell you anything about it? Other than it's cool, and he wanted one? No. I heard the name of it, and that's all I needed. 

Unfortunately, because it was started on KickStarter, they only make them as the orders come in, and were already behind schedule when they started making them, because they had to make all of the ones that were purchased through KickStarter. So, I ordered it in January; thinking, it will for sure be here by the end of March, right? Wrongo. Not even supposed to ship until the end of April. Guess I should have ordered it in October. 

So, on his birthday I made him a homemade card out of construction paper, with a note telling him how much I love him, and then included a picture of the turn table and told him that if he wasn't such a hipster, his gift would have been here on time. ;)

He was beyond excited, and just looked at me and was like "REALLY?" Haha, yes, really. I love when he gets excited about things, especially when I am apart of said things.