December 12, 2003

Engagement Day!!!

That’s right, 4 years ago today Jim proposed to me! I said YES!!! This picture was taken right after we got engaged.

Here’s a trip down memory lane.
I knew a proposal was coming, I knew Jim had the ring but I didn’t know when he was planning on doing it. We were both working together at the Provo Marriott at the time. It was a Friday and I knew that Jim worked Friday nights so I didn’t think it would happen. It was the day of my annual performance review at work and I wasn’t looking forward to it. After my review my boss left his office and told me to wait there for a minute. He came back in and handed me a card with my name on it. I opened it up and it was from Jim. It said “you know what the outcome of tonight will be but I wanted to surprise you a little. Pack up your stuff and meet me out front in 5 minutes.” Come to find out, my boss and co-workers were all in on it. So, out the door I went at 4 in the afternoon with Jim waiting for me.
We drove to Midway where we ate dinner at the Inn on the Creek. After dinner he took me on a sleigh ride which was more of a carriage ride since there was no snow in Midway. The funny thing is a couple of weeks before that we were eating dinner and I mentioned that it would be fun to go on a sleigh ride before Christmas. He got this funny look on his face and said “how did you know that is what I was planning” What!! He said that is what he was thinking of doing for a proposal. Guess that was out. So going on the sleigh ride was a little joke. After the sleigh ride he put a blindfold on me and drove around for about 15 minutes. He took me out of the truck and walked me around for a minute and then removed the blindfold. When I opened my eyes all I saw were tons of white Christmas lights going up a staircase. It took me a minute to register where we were but we were at the fairgrounds where we had had our first date. The lights went the whole length of the grandstand and then up to the very top stairs. At the top of the stairs was a little lit Christmas tree. We walked up the stairs to the tree and there was little box wrapped. I un-wrapped it and Jim took the box and got down on his knee and asked me to marry him. It was the most romantic proposal ever! He still teases me to this day that I didn’t cry but I was just so excited that I couldn’t. It was beautiful.

I am so thankful for my husband. 4 Years ago I never would have imagined that I could be this happy. Just a little shout out to Jim. He is almost officially a college graduate!! He took his last final on Monday and is done with his Bachelors degree!! I am so proud of him and all the time and effort he has put into school. I love him!!! The University of Utah doesn’t have graduation ceremonies in December so he will walk in May!

The Wait Is Over
We had our ultra-sound today. We are both soooo excited. I would post pictures but I am too tired tonight and really don't they all look the same? I promise there is a baby in there and IT'S A GIRL!!!!
We were both so shocked to hear the tech say it was a girl because we had thought for sure it would be a boy. Either way we didn't care we are just excited that everything checked out okay. Now it's on to the name game. We have some names we like but who knows what we will end up with. My due date didn't change so I am due April 4th. Most likely I will be induced the week before my due date. Because of the blood clot I had 2 months ago I have the lovely chore of giving myself injections of blood thinners into my stomach 2 times a day (Jim also pitches in when I can't seem to find a spot not bruised or sore). In order to control the bleeding and if I want an epidural during delivery I have to be off of the shots for at least 24 hours. It is more likely that this cute little ball of sweetness will come the end of March. We couldn't be more excited to be parents and we are so thankful that so far everything has been great. I feel great and I am so thankful for life!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Jimmy's first post:

Well, for those who know me, it would take the occurrence of a major life event for me to “blog.” It just so happens that a major life event has occurred—I’m graduating from college next month. But even that event is not a blog-worthy event. Let me tell you what is….. A while back, Yvonne and I planned to go out to dinner to one of my favorite places. All we had to do before hand was stop in and talk with some friends for, “just an hour or so.” No problem, right guys? Well, that hour turned into two, (which was not a problem cause the friends we were visiting were both fun and friendly) and Jimmy started getting hungry. Jimmy’s favorite place was now closed, and Jimmy was getting grumpy. So Jimmy settles for something he doesn’t really want to eat and they go home. Yvonne is patient and loving with Jimmy (because she’s awesome) and tries to get him to get out of his low blood sugar pity party. Jimmy eventually realizes he is being a schmoolie, and apologizes to Yvonne. Ok, enough third person, here is where it gets good. A few minutes later Yvonne comes over to me with a little wrapped present. I’m thinking, “Man, I should apologize more often for things!” I can’t quite figure out what is going on as I unwrap the little gift. What do I find inside? Smartwool socks! I love to hike in Smartwool socks, base-layers, and hats…but I notice that these are a little small for my size 13 toboggan shaped feet. These are really small, not the small of, “Ooops I got the wrong size small” but the size designated for those under the age of 2. I’m not a bright man, so I ask Yvonne why she got these for me. And then, slowly, the light begins to dawn as she is smiling at me. We find out the day before Thanksgiving if it will be a boy or girl. I don’t know that I have ever been more excited for anything (other than marrying you babe). It’s a big bag of mixed emotions: excitement, fear, love, anticipation, and joy. It is big time now, we have another life to look out for. How grateful I am to be a dad, and the perspective that gives me on life. How I love my wife. How I hope I don’t make too many mistakes! Here is a picture of those little Smartwool booties that sit on our bedroom dresser.

Our due date is April 4th. Which, for you fans of Yvonne, you might recognize as her birthday. We were not trying for that, but we'll take it.

Update
First off I just want to say thank you to everyone for your well wishes and concern. It has been almost a month since I was in the hospital and I must say that I am coming along great. My foot is doing so well, I am able to wear running shoes now which is so great. My foot seems to be getting better every day. As for the blood clot I have not had any pain or problems at all. I was able to return to working out at the gym this week which has been wonderful. I am sticking to the eliptical and the bike so nothing crazy. I feel good and even though I feel like I have gained so much weight because I have been imobile for so long It feels good to sweat again! Other than that I am doing so good. Life is slowly returning back to normal. Work has been extremely busy so that doesn't help but I am dealing with it fine. Jim is busy in his last semester at the U of U and will finish in December.
Again, thank you so much to everyone who sent such positive vibes our way! We love you!

Celine Dion-Aug. 2007

Because of everything going on lately I haven't posted my pictures from the Celine Dion concert I went to back in August. I know what some of you are thinking----Evonne & Tanya "I am Celine Dion and I am the best singer in z world" but seriously she was amazing. She has such an incredible voice. It was a fun girls weekend in Vegas. My Mom, sis Tash, friend Deanna, sis in law Jenny and her sister Stephanie all went. I would go again if I could afford it!

These "winners" were in the parking garage waiting for the elevator. No joke the one with the sunglasses on had just gotten married at a strip club. When we made a comment about how they were dressed or the lack of they said "wait until you see the bride" We had to go and didn't have time to wait to see her. Darnit.

On a side note I am embarrassed that I even had my picture taken with them yucky!

O yes, and I got to see David.....I just couldn't resist a photo. He wasn't really having any of it.

A Scary Last Couple of Days
Monday 9/17 afternoon my leg with the broken foot really started to hurt. By early evening I couldn't even walk. My leg was really swollen and purple. Even with elevation nothing was changing. So Monday night we went to the ER. After a few hours of ultrasounds and tests I was told I had a blood clot in my leg. The admitted me and started me on blood thinners right away. The good news is I am home after 24 hours in the hospital and my blood is being regulated by medication.

It was a scary few hours when we realized the severity of a blood clot. Especially one like mine that starts at my pelcic area and runs to my calf. I am grateful for my wonderful husband who has been there for me for every little thing. Jim and my Dad gave me a priesthood blessing in the hospital on Monday night which gave me so much comfort. I am just so thankful it wasn't worse and they caught it when they did.

I am home resting today and will write more but wanted to say how thankful I am to be here today!

Watch that step! It's a doozie!

Labor Day weekend our friends The Baldwins invited us to their family condo in St. George. We love going there with them and knew it would be a nice relaxing weekend. We decided to go to Zions and do some hiking while we were there. We planned to hike to the Emerald Pools and then on the Narrows. About a mile up and right before the middle pool I was walking when all of the sudden CRACK. I somehow stepped on uneven ground and my ankle rolled and I fell down. I have never had anything like that happen before, so for a minute I was stunned. I got up and realized it wasn't my ankle that was hurting but my left side of my foot. Here we were 1 mile up and the only way down was to walk down. So it took us about an hour and it hurt like crazy. But we did it. Jim carried me down on his back 1/2 the way and I hobbled down the rest. I knew it wasn't a sprain and needed to get checked out. After getting off the mountain and riding the shuttle back to the car we headed to St. George. That is where Jim and I spent the next 4 hours in the ER. I guess when it is a holiday, a weekend and evening the ER is really busy. Also, when you first get there and they ask you what your pain level is from 1-10 and you are honest and say a 5. Be prepared to be the LAST one called back. I try to not be much of a complainer but maybe I should have and I would have gotten in a lot sooner. Anyway....I have a broken foot. I don't know exactly how bad it is. They put me in a walking cast and gave me crutches and told me to make an appt. with the Dr. when I got home. So, I go see the Dr. on Monday since the swelling will be down and they can cast it or put me in a walking boot. I have never broken a bone in my body. I am usually a very careful person. I wear high heals 75% of my life and I have never gotten hurt. This seriously sucks. I hate crutches. I don't like being able to do anything for myself. Jim has been so great. He does everything for me. There is no way I would have made it without him. Also, I have to give him props for his awesome Boy Scout first aid dressing he put on my foot to hold the ice bag and give it some pressure. Some nice men on the trail gave us a bandanna and handkerchief and he went to town.
Anyway, that pretty much was our weekend. After that I couldn't do anything else but lay around. This week at work has been crappy, I hate not being able to walk. I am crossing my fingers for a walking cast.
I have some pictures of the weekend. Enjoy!

My sweet Boy Scout first aid dressing

Leaving the ER after 4 hours!!!
Disclaimer--yes, I was wearing my Chacos but let me tell you I have hiked in them many a time and never had anything happen to me. Jim said it was the shoes I say it was the ground. Either way I still love my Chaco sandals and will never stop wearing them.

I made Jim take a picture with me after I had fallen. We hadn't taken any of the two of us and I wanted at least one of us that day! He was faking his smile...he just wanted to get me down the mountain. He is so cute.

Jim on the hike up

Jim, Todd and Cambry. She was a trooper, only 4 months old and she did great all day.

A beautiful sunset on our way to St. George

Looking Back

I have been tagged by Traci. So here it goes....

1. Where did we meet?
Provo Marriott. We met while working together at the Provo Marriott Hotel. I was the Executive Assistant and Jim was the Night Manager. We were friends for 2 years before we ever started dating. Jim was dating someone and I was also dating someone so the timing just wasn’t right. I thought he was so cute from the first time I saw him but because of my past track record I didn’t think that a guy like him would ever be interested in a girl like me. We just became really good friends. The girl Jim was dating left on a mission in January of 2002 and he started dating someone else in April of that year. I ended the relationship I was in in June and by the end of July we had our first date.

2. What was the 1st thing I said to my him?
Probably something sarcastic or funny.

3. What was our 1st Date?
Demolition Derby in Heber, Utah. Jim likes to tell people that I tricked him into going on a date with me. Which is kind of true. We had talked about hanging out with a group of my friends for awhile but it just hadn’t happened. I had gotten a couple of tickets to the Derby from my sister and I thought it would be fun to invite Jim. He thought we would be going in a group with other people but it just ended up being the 2 of us, my sister and her husband. It worked though. A month ago was our 5 year anniversary of our first date so we went back to the Demolition Derby. It was so much fun.

4. Where was our 1st Kiss?
Our first kiss was at my sister’s house where I was living at the time. I seem to remember that it took Jim well over two months to kiss me but he thinks it was more like a couple of weeks. Either way when it happened I was on cloud nine.

5. Did we have a long courtship/engagement?
You could say that! We dated for a year and a half before we got engaged and then we were engaged for 9 months. So our whole courtship/engagement was over 2 years. People ask me how we were engaged for that long and honestly I loved it. I took advantage of that time we had to be engaged knowing that we would never have that time again. We really came to know who we were and what was most important to us. I wouldn’t change any of it.

6. Where did we get engaged?
Heber City fairgrounds! It was December and Jim had kidnapped me from work. We drove to Midway where we had dinner at The Inn on The Creek. After dinner he took me on a sleigh ride which was more of a carriage ride since there was no snow in Midway. After the sleigh ride he put a blindfold on me and we drove around for 15 minutes or so. He took me out of the truck and walked me around for a minute and then removed the blindfold. When I opened my eyes all I saw were tons of white Christmas lights going up a staircase. It took me a minute to register where we were but we were at the fairgrounds where we had had our first date. The lights went the whole length of the grandstand and then up to the very top stairs. At the top of the stairs was a little lit Christmas tree. We walked up the stairs to the tree and there was little box wrapped. I unwrapped it and Jim took the box and got down on his knee and asked me to marry him. It was the most romantic proposal ever! He still teases me to this day that I didn’t cry but I was just so excited that I couldn’t. It was beautiful.

7. How did our reception go?
Wonderful. We were married on September 10 and the weather was gorgeous. We had our reception in a backyard of the parents of Jim’s best friend Todd. It couldn’t have been more perfect. We had such a great time and we got to see so many old friends. Not to mention the yummy meatballs we served.

8. How was our honeymoon?
I loved our honeymoon. We spent the first two nights at the Hotel Park City compliments of our General Manager at the hotel. We then spent 2 more nights at the Homestead in Midway compliments of our Director of Sales at the hotel. We then came home and had 6 days off from work to move my stuff in and just hang out. I wouldn’t have changed anything about our honeymoon it was perfect for us.

This was fun remembering our beginnings and now as we approach the 3 year anniversary I can’t be more thankful for my wonderful husband.

Our reception was beautiful. I know that cake has nothing to do with this post but I loved it!!!

5 years after our first date and we are back at the Demolition Derby in Heber. I love my husband more and more everyday!!!!!

I tag all of you!

My Aunt Jenna Lee
My Aunt Jenna Lee passed away on Wednesday. As I have tried to put my feelings into words I find it hard. My Aunt Jenna was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. She had a way of making you feel special. Even though I am only one of about 25 nieces I know that I was special to her. She is my Mom’s oldest sister and was diagnosed with Leukemia last year. She had lived four times longer than was initially expected; she had a full year of relatively good health while trying a new drug treatment for leukemia which is amazing. She leaves behind a legacy of family. I am so thankful that she instilled the importance of family in all of us. I am so thankful for a husband, parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles that I am close to and that we can share life and experiences together. I will miss so many things about my Aunt but I know that I will see her again someday.

My cousin Susan put together a beautiful slide show you can view here

Jenna Lee Gleed of Malad, Idaho passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2007 from complications related to Leukemia at the Ogden Regional Medical Center in Ogden, Utah.

Jenna Lee was born July 4, 1935 in Bluewater, New Mexico the oldest daughter of M. Lee and Genevieve Hassell. She attended schools in Bluewater and Grants, New Mexico. Following high school she attended Snow Junior College in Ephraim, Utah where she graduated with an Associates of Arts degree in 1954. It was at Snow College that she met the love of her life Darl Gleed from Malad, Idaho. Jenna Lee and Darl were married August 6, 1954 in the Idaho Falls, Idaho LDS Temple.

Jenna Lee loved to travel and loved the people wherever she lived. Her married life included time in Pocatello, Idaho; Bluewater, New Mexico; Yreka, California; Medford, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Fairbanks, Alaska; Twin Falls, Idaho; Ogden, Utah; Kailua, Hawaii; Mesa, Arizona; and for the past seven years Malad, Idaho where she and Darl have lived following retirement. During her travels and residences she hosted and associated with presidents, governors, political and religious dignitaries, and people from all walks of life. She was an uncommonly perceptive person and touched the lives of all who knew her with her kind and intelligent approach to life and its challenges. She had a marvelous wit and personality that attracted people to her wherever she went. Her husband, her family, and music were her most cherished passions. She loved to be around her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They truly were her joy in life. She loved to play the piano and loved to sing and admired those who had those talents.

Jenna Lee was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many teaching, leadership and music capacities. She especially loved playing the piano for the children in Primary. She was an active member of her communities and she served in many leadership and volunteer positions.

Jenna Lee was preceded in death by her parents, a brother John Hassell, a granddaughter Megan Molyneaux, and a great-granddaughter Lile Maumau. She is survived by her husband, Darl Gleed, six children Julie (Vili) Lolohea, Orem, Utah; Pamela (Dennis) Molyneaux, Kaysville, Utah; Darl Curtis (Michelle) Gleed, Kona, Hawaii; Kendall (Kelly) Gleed, Federal Way, Washington; Christopher (Michelle) Gleed, Orem, Utah; and Jason Gleed, Malad, Idaho; seven brothers and sisters, Wayne (Eva) Hassell, St Petersburg, Russia; Wendell (Sue) Hassell, Arvada, Colorado; Denny (Sandi) Hassell, Pine, Arizona; Earl (Judy) Hassell, Bluewater, New Mexico; LeJean (Randy) Goslar, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Margene (Fred) Olenik, Orem, Utah; Kelly (Cindy) Hassell, Grand Terrance, California and two foster sisters Kat (Steve) Mayne, Bluewater, New Mexico; Kathy Weddle, San Francisco, California. She had 27 grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Jenna Lee was just loved by everyone who met her. She was a perfect mom and a perfect wife. Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, July 30, 2007 at the Malad LDS 7th Ward Chapel in Malad, Idaho located at 200 West 400 North. Family and friends may call at the Horsley Funeral Home 132 West 300 North on Sunday evening from 6-8 pm and on Monday morning from 10-11:30 am.

Let The Race Begin

Last Friday after work my sister Natasha and I drove to Price. We met her husband Cale there who had been at a golf tournament in Price that day. We picked Cale and one of his golf buddies up at the golf course and we headed to the races, the car races that is. They were so much fun. I love going to car races and especially dirt tracks. We had a really great time. It was a little windy and every time the wind would kick up dust would fly everywhere. Tasha and I just wore our sunglasses and we were fine. A huge storm passed over us but luckily it didn't rain. You can see by the clouds that it looked like a huge storm.

While I was enjoying myself at the races. Jim and his friend Todd were about 40 miles South of us hiking San Rafael Swell. They hiked Friday, spent the night and then hiked the rest of the way Saturday. He had a really good time. Other than running out of water about 3 hours away from the end, they enjoyed their trip. Saturday morning I decided to drive back down with Tasha and Cale and hang out with Tasha for the afternoon while Cale golfed in the tournament. She and I had such a great time, we went to the Dinosaur Museum, D.I., and this really cool train and mining museum in Helper called Western Mining and Railroad Museum. If you are ever in the Price/Helper area I would suggest visiting this museum. It was so incredible and housed so much history and old artifacts. By far a hidden treasure of Utah history. The best part of my trip was since Jim had to drive through Price to get home he stopped and picked me up on his way home. It was fun to ride home together and catch up on the weekend. Although it really scared me when he told me about running out of water and how hot it had gotten. But Jim is a big boy, and I think he took his big boy pants with him--so they did ok. They did have a water filter but the water around them was slow moving, warm, and in his words, "stagnant." Apparently that's not good, so they didn't use their filter. He did say the San Rafael River area was one of the most beautiful places he had ever hiked. If you want to know exactly where he was you will have to ask him because I am not really sure. We decided that I need to know more details when he goes hiking. Like where exactly he will be and when he will return. I thought that if anything had happened to him I wasn't quite sure where he was. He had cell phone service that would come and go out, but that isn't a reliable method. I will do better and he is going to make sure I know before he goes. Apparently, coyotes were fighting all night around his tent and owls were hooting in the distance. He was in "Jimmy heaven," but I'm glad I wasn't around for that part.

This weekend I am staying home, my Grandma is in town and I am excited to spend some time with her and Jim doing a whole lot of relaxing. Have a great weekend!

This That and Some Other
4th of July we drove to Lodgepole campground to visit Jim's Mom and Grandma who were camping up there for the week. We ate lunch with them and then Jim wanted to take me on a hike up there he had done with the Scouts the week before. It was a really pretty hike we did the Foreman Trail which is a 4 mile loop. I was only scared once when I heard something in the bushes. Those who know me know that I am deathly afraid of bears. I have been trying really hard lately to face my fear because I love the mountains and the outdoors so much. Anyway, with my big strong husband with me I am not as scared...plus he carries a really big knife :)
After our hike we drove home, showered, ate dinner at our favorite spot JCW's and then drove to Salt Lake City to attend the ReAL Salt Lake game. We had a blast unfortunatelyI forgot to take any pictures because I was too busy watching the game.

Baby it's HOT out here
June 28-July 1 My sister and I took our two younger brothers on our annualy St.George/Las Vegas vacation. We had such a good time other than it being so dang HOT! Seriously, it was 109 the day we went to Lake Mead. We stayed in St. George for 3 nights and then Las Vegas for 1 night. The first two days we just layed by the pool and played. We went to Fiesta Fun and rode the go-carts and miniature golfed. We also went to the movies and saw RATATOUILLE. Seriously such a good movie we all really enjoyed it. We went to the Dinosaur Museum in St. George. Saturday we headed in to Las Vegas but made a stop at Lake Mead. There was a running race going on at 2pm in the afternoon. It is called Running with the Devil Marathon, 1/2, & 50 mile ultra. This race starts at 12pm and they run in the heat of the day. CRAZY!!!! anyway we stopped and let the boys play in the water before we drove into Las Vegas. That night we walked the strip and rode the New York, New York roller coaster. It was B & C first time riding it, they both LOVED IT!!!! We stopped at our favorite place to go on the strip Margaritaville, as in Jimmy Buffett's. It is a really fun shop and we love the music! We didn't get back to our hotel until almost 2:00am which was rough since we had to get up at 5:00am to put B & C on a plane to Oakland where they were flying to meet my parents. All in all we had a great time. While I was laying out by the pool and playing Jim was at Scout Camp which to him is vacation.....I love to go on Vacation!!!!
Other places we visited In-n-out burger, Bass Pro Shops, and TJ Maxx and More
Here are some pictures from our weekend.

Happy 4th of July

I have The Best Job

I really do have the best job. As an Event Planner for a scrapbook company I get to travel to some really amazing places and see some of the most beautiful parts of this country. O yeah and not to mention we always eat at the yummiest places. The only downside is that Jim is not with me to enjoy these wonderful places. I guess that is what Vacation is for right?

Last week I was in San Antonio Texas and Washington D.C.

This was in my room in San Antonio----it was all chocolate YUMMY

Remember the Alamo

Washington D.C. with the Capitol behind me

We took a boat ride from Alexandria VA to Georgetown Washington DC. It was so pretty!