richelle · jared

Big News

2010-08-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have some wonderful and exciting news to share with you all. First I must start at the beginning...

Monday, I met Jared for lunch at Subway. We had a good talk, kissed goodbye and went back to work. I received a phone call at about two. It was Jared, he said that while he was going back to work he saw that the Verizon store was having some work done. There was a sign for the construction company working on the project. He thought, what the heck, and called them. In a matter of hours, our current standing changed.

Jared had an interview that night with the Project Manager. Hired him on the spot and told him to be in Boise on Thursday morning where he would meet the CEO of Wright Brothers Construction. Both interviews went swimmingly. He has been hired on as a Superintendent and is on a 30 day trial period. After which they will up his pay. So...

We are moving Boise. Yeah, I know. All in a matter of 72 hours, things changed for us. Jared is in Boise, coming home on Monday nights and leaving Wednesday evenings. I will be in Ammon for about another seven weeks just tying up everything and packing. This is going to be a new adventure for us. We are very excited and glad that the Lord has given us this opportunity. He moves in such an amazing way. We have had such a crazy July (Jared's car accident, my surgery) that we in no way expected this to come. We are so blessed.

I am going to miss all my friends on the east side of the state very much. We have been so blessed the past few years. Eastern Idaho will always have a special place in my heart. It's where I went to school, Where I met many new friends who have shaped and made me the person I am today, where I met Jared, where I found my love of Graphic Design, found my internship to Washington DC...many memories. I look forward to making many more memories in a new town, with new experiences and new challenges. I am honestly heartbroken about leaving my job at Melaleuca. I have really grown to love the people I work with as more than just coworkers, we are a family and that has made it so much fun.

So there you have it. Big news huh! Stay tuned for more updates. (No doubt this blog is going to turn into sad, sappy, "I miss Jared" posts. Sorry for that.)

One More Reason...

2010-08-04T17:39:00.001-07:00

Just one more reason to get more fit...thanks Jared for finding this.

Do More!

2010-08-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning with a goal. A goal to keep pushing myself. The last month has been very stressful, hectic and emotional. I haven't been able to put the work into working out as much as I would like to. I love to work out. It makes me feel awesome! I have never been the most athletic person but I have been so blessed with physical abilities. There is so much that I can do and I thank God that I can release that energy.

I have five months until my trip to Cancun. I a little over one year to perfect my running abilities to complete a half marathon. By doing this, I need to be more disciplined and focused. I ran across this video, made by my favorite Life Coach, Chalene Johnson. This woman is incredible. I love her amazing energy and the drive she inspires in people. She made this video for her annual Camp Do More in Anaheim. Someday hoping to make it to that. For now, I am going to DO MORE.

Going Private

2010-07-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

Folks, after much consideration, I have decided that I am going to make our personal blog for friends and family only. If you would like to still have access to my blog, please send me an email at richelle-lynn@hotmail.com or leave a comment below and I will be happy to add you. Thanks for your understanding.

Surgery and Pretty New Shoes

2010-07-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning, I had Laparoscopic surgery. I have been experiencing some pain in my lower abdomen for a while and it was time to get it taken care of.

Not get too personal but when I was about nineteen, I started getting horrible cramps during my cycle. I just thought that it was something that I would have to live with. My doctor recently informed me that there was a procedure that she could do that would clean out my tubes. I had that done as well.

I am doing just fine. Jared has been so very sweet to me these past two days. Tuesday he stayed home with me to help me out of bed and listen to my ramblings while on drugs. (I really wasn't that bad this time.) He even set me up to get a pedicure, manicure and facial for today. I only had time for the pedicure though.

Today, I was at home by myself. I was really wanting to get out of the house so, being the smart person that I am while on drugs, I decided to go for a bike ride to Barnes and Noble. Not really far from my apartment. Actually, not even a mile. Still, a very bad idea. I had a hard time going off the curb a few times. It was so painful to hit the ground, that I let a huge groan every time. People walking by probably thought I was the biggest pansy. Anyway, I came home and fell right to sleep. Just that outing put me to sleep until my nail appointment.

After getting my nails done, Jared then took me to the mall for some new running shoes. My beautiful Nike Shox have been making my toes hurt. I needed to get a new pair anyway, according to him. I love my Shox but I came across these beauties today:

I love them, they are so comfy! Thank you sweetie! You are the sweetest man alive.

My auntie and I were on the phone last night, and she and her family are going to run in the Disneyland 5k over Labor Day Weekend. I was so excited that I decided that I am going to start training for their Half Marathon next year. And these babies are going to take me there. So strap up because we are going to run our way around Anaheim, California! I am so excited. I have ALWAYS wanted to run a half marathon and now, I am going to be able to do it in the Happiest Place on Earth.

A Little Humor for a Monday!

2010-07-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

Goodbye to the Little Jeep

2010-07-18T08:59:00.001-07:00

Friday afternoon, I was at work. Jared was on his way to Rexburg with our friends John. He was traveling on North Yellowstone Highway in Idaho Falls. The car in front of him slowed down to turn right into her daughter's driveway. Jared slowed down as well. The car behind him did not. She crashed into the back of the Jeep, pushing him off the side of the road, and causing the Jeep to flip, nose to roof into the side of another parked car. If it had not been for that parked car, the Jeep would have continued to flip. Jared and John were suspended upside down in the Jeep. The roof had caved so there was no point in trying to open the doors. They were amazingly able to roll the driver's side window down and crawl out.

Here is the miracle: Everyone was able to walk away from the scene. Jared called me at work and I raced to him and to see if there was anything I could do. Nothing. I know, you just feel better when you are there and you can hold your guy and know that he is in one piece.

With Jared being so tall, he should have suffered much more damage than he did (small ache in his shoulder, no stiffness whatsoever!) Everyone was protected in this crash. I am so grateful for the Lord and protecting both Jared and John. I know that this easily could have been a very different post.

Jared's Hike and My Crazy Week

2010-07-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

Howdy yall! Happy Independence Day to you! This week was really crazy for the both of us. I have many projects at work that I am trying to balance. I wanted to get as much done as I could, so not realizing what time I was leaving everyday, I think I averaged about 13 hour days this week. Madness. It has been good though. Much to be grateful for when you have a paying job. And it helps when you really love going to work as well.

Jared and his friend John Guinn, climbed Darby Canyon today. Darby is in the Teton National Forest just next to Driggs, Idaho. It is really close to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They had a blast and brought me back some pictures to share.

Jared said that he couldn't believe how many waterfalls there were on the hike. We had gone up there about two years ago with some friends and it was quite dry. This time they couldn't even get inside the mouth of the cave there was so much water. I'm glad that he had a chance to experience such beauty today. I really want to get up there before the waterfalls go away. We are going to go July 17th. I am so excited. It should be really fun.

Redeemed

2010-06-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

My post last night about my experience at the doctor's office was truly an angry one. Thankfully the clinic totally redeemed itself. This morning, I had an appointment to talk to another doctor. She was so sweet, understanding and a little hacked as well that the other doctor's nurses had given me faulty information. She told me that she wasn't going to charge me for one of my procedures. Sigh of relief. She gave me a game plan, dates, treatment possibilities and even an appointment to get blood work done on Saturday. Amazing. Feeling a little less blue after that.

Frustration

2010-06-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor today for a procedural appointment. Being new to this whole treatment thing that Jared and I have been doing, I really don't have a clue as to what all happens and when they need to see me because...they never told me. (Major run-on sentence.) Different clinics have different procedural timelines. I don't know, my guess is that a doctor would have explained it to me. Well, I was wrong, and I'm getting tired.

I am now going to be a responsible patient and annoy my doctor with questions. Not that I don't ask questions. I always ask questions. I am apparently not getting in as often as they need me to. I was unaware of this. Nothing was said to me. I guess I need to start following up appointments with, "What's the next step? When do you need to see me again? Do I need to get blood taken?" All this, rather than, "Take this..." I just assumed that they would let me know what the next step was. Shame on me!

To those of you who have gone or are going through this, my heart goes out to you. This is a new kind of confusing.

Sweet Compliments

2010-06-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today, I was paid the sweetest compliment:
"Sister Garn, in Relief Society we were talking about mothers and I couldn't help but think about you because you are like a mom to so many kids in the ward."

I am still a little choked up. I hope this doesn't mean that I nag.

Are You Being Served?

2010-06-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

Recently some dear friends, John and Sarah, introduced Jared and I to a wonderful British comedy, Are You Being Served? For my birthday, Sarah gave me six seasons of the show. We have been faithfully watching this show and cracking up over it every night. If you are not familiar with it, it is a good one to NetFlix. Little more adult humor, and yes...British comedy but I love it!

The reason we have been so faithfully watching this comedy is because all our favorite shows are now no longer on, or they are on a break for the summer. Thankfully, my favorite show Burn Notice will be back tomorrow!!! I went to Target this afternoon and purchased the third season with some Target gift cards that were burning a hole in my purse. Jared surprised me for my birthday with Seasons 1 and 2. We can't just stop there now can we? Not when this show is that good! Michael Westin is a spy who has been fired. When you work top secret for the government, you don't get fired actually, you get burned. He is dropped in Miami where he left years ago to join the military. Michael is left without any identification and income. He is on a quest to figure out who had him burned and get back to working for the government. Great show!! Now I am off to watch the 3rd season with my sweet guy.

The Long and Winding Road

2010-06-01T19:50:00.001-07:00

Hello friends! It's been a while. Life has been good to us. Thanks for your patience in me. I want to get better at this and I will! We have just been a little busy right now and I needed some time to regroup. Jared and I had a wonderful time over the Memorial day weekend. We traveled to Burley to spend time with Jared's family. His brother, Josh and wife Cheryl came with cute baby Matthias for me to play with. He is such a wonderful addition to the family. It's hard to imagine it without him.

On the way home from Burley, Jared had the idea of taking an alternate road home. Fine with me, I usually sleep or read. Not this time! We had such a fun time taking all the back roads home. By doing this, we stumbled across this beautiful little find...Register Rock. This is the view under the bridge. Thought it was really pretty.

This rock was signed by those who crossed the plains on the Oregon Trail. There are carvings in this rock that date back to even earlier than the migration west. It was really incredible. The one that I found most intriguing was this etching done by a seven year old boy named JJ Hansen.

The plaque says a little more about his story. What a cool way to track history. Jared and I had fun on out little detour. We haven't really had a chance to do things like that in a long time. It was a nice way to spend some time and just talk. We also saw so many birds there. There were really beautiful swallows that had made their homes on the side of the bridge. It was really cool. There were so many of them. They were yellow and blue bodied birds with black wings. Just very unique to see.

I was put into Young Women's recently as the Beehive teacher. It's been a good experience so far. I am also helping out again with camp this year. It should go a little more smoothly than last year. The stake is taking care of most of it so all we have to do is show up with food and supplies...oh, and the girls! It should be great! We have so many fun surprises for them. I can't wait. Just a few weeks ago, we had our Yard Sale fund raiser for Camp. When I was growing up, we didn't have fund raisers for camp, we just had to pay for it. This was a new experience for me. Well, I thought that I would have a little sale of my hairbands I have been making recently and give the proceeds to benefit camp. It was awesome! I'm going to have to make more. But here is one of my sweet Beehives modeling two of the bands.

The girls had a good time and we were able to raise just enough money for the girls. Plus I had a chance to get some local publicity. I am still in the process of getting all my information put together. I know I promised pictures...but now I am out of merchandise! Back to work! That's the fun part though.

Update!

2010-02-05T18:39:00.001-08:00

It's been a little while. Sorry folks. Life happens and you loose track of time. Things are going well for us. Jared graduated in December with his Bachelors in Construction Management. (Funny story about that later). I have just been working and making these fun cute little things...headbands. I gave them to family and friends this Christmas and have had way too much fun making them.

So I am going to be selling off the surplus that I have. Don't worry I will provide pictures and prices. I also take custom orders. So much fun! BTW, this is kind of a spooky picture.

Anyway, on to my funny story. Jared was paying off some bills from the school today and noticed that his status for his account at the school indicated he was still a student, and had only completed 80% of his degree!!!!! Seeing that Jared had graduated in December, needless to say, we were both a little ticked off. Jared had made doubly sure that he had completed the classes that he needed to in order to graduate. We were both a little sick inside until the school informed us that the online accounts had not been updated since last semester. He was just fine and had actually graduated. Thank goodness! I really love BYU-Idaho and I had a wonderful time being there as a student, but I have to say that since I have graduated and Jared has still been in school, it has been a pain in the neck to deal with some of the people there in the Admin building. And if this experience had turned out otherwise, it would have been another nail in the coffin.

Jared is making cookies in our new Kitchen Aid mixer that my parents bought us for Christmas. I don't make Cookies...Ever. I will eat them all, so I just don't make them to save my hips from widening. Anyway, he made the most yummy cookies ever. They are his mom's recipe and are soo delish.

Just thoughts...

2009-11-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

My last post was very moving for me, not in an emotional way but more in a motivational way. After I wrote all those things that I had confessed about myself, I decided to do something that made me feel good about myself. I asked Jared if I could start taking voice lessons again. I haven't sung since before high school. I really missed it and I didn't realize it until I wrote my last post. Also, I was watching this new show Glee. There is a character in the show that reminds me of myself. Her spirit and love for music. She reminds me so much of how I felt when I was singing. So I decided to pick it up again.

PS. Just to add a disclaimer, I only really watch the musical scenes. The show has a few plots that are not very good so if you decided to watch, please do not think that I support all views in the show.

Anyway. Jared is still job hunting. The construction world is going through a little bit of a dip. ABC said that the industry is on a 17% low. But the thing that I have learned about Heavenly Father is that he doesn't care about highs and lows. Miracles happen everyday. I know that Jared will find something. Things will happen. Eventually. At least we both have jobs right now. He just wants a career to build on. Which is understandable when you graduate.

We have both been in a little bit of a funk lately because this is the week that we would be delivering our twins had I carried full term. We are still tender about it but it helps to know that we have each other. He has been such a great friend to me. I feel so lucky that he is mine forever. He was worth the wait.

Confessions

2009-09-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

I had a very interesting awakening today at work. I have decided that I hide who I really am too much. I really don't have the guts to show people who I really am because I am afraid that people will not like what they learn. I really shouldn't care what people think, right. Easier said than done. I want to at least feel proud to embrace my "dorkiness" and be proud of it. Just a few confessions. Ok, here we go: (I'm actually shaking a little.)

1. When I work out or when I really need an energy boost, I listen to Britney Spears. She really pumps me up and I really love a good beat. As a matter of fact, I will listen to anything with a good beat. As long as I can sing along.

2. I have rod iron and vinyl on my walls. I have had rod iron and vinyl lettering on my walls since I was married. I am not ashamed because I really liked these elements before they became popular in South East Idaho and everywhere else. Styles change and so do people.

3. I love to look at scrapbooking paper. I would be happy for the rest of my life designing paper. I am not a scrapbooker but I can appreciate the creativity of paper design.

4. I love to design wedding invitations. I got a lot of crap from designers in my program who didn't think it was good enough to design wedding invitations. That my degree spoke higher of it. Well, I've got something to say...I don't care anymore. I really love to see two people come together and if I can capture their personal style in 5x7 piece of paper, I am good.

5. I have to exercise when I get home everyday. If I don't, then I feel like I can't function. It has to be done. I had a crazy week last week and was not able to work out at all. Needless to say, I was a little agitated. (Tonight, I ran two miles on a treadmill, two miles, 415 calories, bliss).

6. I wear open toed shoes all year round. Oh, and none of them are without heels. (I live in Idaho. I can't get the California out of me.)

7. I love Elton John! Love Love Love his music. If I hear people bashing him because of his music or his sexuality, I have no problem telling them to shut it. I have listened to him since I was five. My dad and I have made some great memories listening to his music. He took me to an Elton John Billy Joel concert when I was twelve. I will never forget it and that is one of the best memories that I have with my dad. But the greatest is when we would be driving around and listening to it in the car.

8. I love to sing. I never sing in public though. There are only a few people who read this who know that I love to sing. I can think of perhaps...three. I wanted to be on Broadway when I was younger and for that matter, I still do. If I ever get the chance, I will take it.

9. Politically, I am a nothing. Really, I could found the nothing party. I consider myself an Opinionated Observer. I like to watch partisan folks talk out their differences. Well, on the House floor, I guess that would not be talk, more like yell. I enjoy listening to Talk Radio. I really love to listen to Glenn Beck. I enjoy his point of view and he makes me laugh.

10. I never know what to say. I always loose my words when I want to say something. This drives me crazy but it's who I am. It's not like I'm Dorie from Finding Nemo but I just have a hard time formulating my thoughts into words. I clam up and then my brain shuts off.

I need to not be ashamed that I like what I like. I heard recently that you need to be true to who you are. I am trying to take that first step. My husband is the person that I really look up to because he really doesn't care what people think of him. He is comfortable with himself and that makes people comfortable with him. I am a little too self conscious.

This is going to be my goal. Just to be cozy in my own skin. Just love what I am. I encourage all of you to make a list of things that you are trying to hide from people because you are afraid of what they will think. Not confessions like, you killed someone in a witch burning reenactment. Save those for court. But really find things that you are kind of embarrassed about. Like my Brit Spears thing. I still can't believe that I confessed that, but it feels better knowing that I don't have to feel so ashamed. It's just who I am. Sorry mom. And though my things are silly, I was able to really feel better about myself knowing that that is just who I am. Hey it would even be fun to get a confessions list in the comments!

Something I need to be better at...Just Stop

2009-09-09T22:48:00.000-07:00

Jared is always telling me that I need to be kinder to myself. There are things that I can't change and there are things that I can. Learning that you need to be comfortable with yourself is the greatest realization. Oh, PS, This is the great Chalene Johnson who is the founder of Turbo Jam, my fav workout. She is phenomenal! Love her, love her. Hope to find more of her stuff.

Hair Things and Farmers Market

2009-09-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

So the Labor Day weekend is finally here. Jared has been pulling 10.5 days all this week. He has been super super busy. We have been running around all over the place for the past few weeks, we decided that it was time for us to have a weekend to relax. Jared went to work this morning and I got up to clean the house and work out.

I also decided to make some new hair accessories to go with my new hair cut, (not really new, about two weeks.) I have been trying to find new things to do with it. I could start another blog with all the things I have been trying to do to my hair. I just want to feel comfortable in my own head. Ha ha. That sounds like a psycho person. I went to Roberts and picked up a few of my favorite faux flowers to make cute clips. Way fun. I had to get ready so I could see how they looked.

Jared called me up when he was done with work and we went to one of the three Farmer's Markets here in Ammon. We bought some of the most beautiful tomatoes and peppers. I had to make Pico de Gallo. Yumm. Jared wanted to make his favorite thing. Malad. It's a man salad. He he. It was beautiful. Spinach, apples. chunks of cheese, purple onions, chicken and tomatoes. I was so proud. We had this for lunch. Our friends Brett and Savannah are coming up for Labor Day so we had to get food for all of us. We hope to go to the Fair on Monday. We will see. Here's to good times!

Nothing to Write About...

2009-09-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

I don't know if this really shows a lack of creativity, but since this is a personal blog, I have noticed that if you don't have kids, your life can be pretty dry of daily happenings. I need to get better at noticing the daily things that I have been given. I heard that Oprah has a "Gratittude Journal" that she uses to write down things that she is grateful for. I think that I am going to try that. Let's see, something that I am grateful for...that's easy, the greatest thing that every happened to me. This guy right here:

He is the most wonderful guy in the world. He is always making me look at myself in a different light. You know those days when you just feel like you are not even remotely attractive, he will just look at me and say, "You are so beautiful! I'm sorry if I haven't told you that today but you are just so beautiful to me." Uhhh...speechless and I think that my heart just melted. He is always doing wonderful things for me. Vacuuming, doing the dishes, or just knowing when I need a hug. I thank the Lord every night that I have him in my life. I had to go through some real toads until I found him. He was so patient and kind to me. It feels good to know that God saved someone so wonderful for me.

Saturday in Yellowstone

2009-08-31T20:16:00.000-07:00

After living in Idaho for about eight years (good grief has it been that long!) I finally made it to Yellowstone National Park. It was truly a great place to see. We also decided to take Jared's cousins, Jordyn and Kaleb. They had a lot of fun and were such good sports for being in the car for so long.

We saw soo many buffalo. I was really shocked to see so many people out of their cars taking pictures of them. Especially since some woman got gored by one this year. Crazy people.

Kaleb and Jordyn were not loving the hot pots with their rotten egg smell and hot air.

Jared and I were having fun pushing them in the stroller and have people ask us about our "kids." We had a good time.

Jordyn enjoying her lunch

Old Faithful I guess is not that faithful anymore. It used to go off every hour on the hour, but it has become lax in the last few years. I guess it has the experts a little worried.

Yeah, I didn't get to take a shower that day. I look bee-u-teeful!

Fun day. We had a good time!

PLEASE WATCH!

2009-08-26T13:30:00.001-07:00

Folks, Glenn Beck is doing a ground breaking broadcast on his show tonight. If you can't see it, Tivo it! I don't have a TV, I am going to watch it on FoxNews.com. Please educate yourselves on who is advising our President. His advisors are avowed Socialists and Marxists. Please watch tonight, tomorrow and Friday! I am going to be posting on my political opinion blog justsomegirlsrant.blogspot.com the clips from Fox. Please don't let this go by!

New Hair

2009-08-24T18:30:00.001-07:00

So I went to go and get my hair cut today. I wanted to add more dimension and I got bangs! I'm still trying to get used to them, but all I can say is that Marci did a fantastic job. These pictures don't in any way do justice. I was just being silly.

McKay and Heather, Part II

2009-08-23T12:00:00.001-07:00

Heather and Grandma Turnbull at the Rehearsal Dinner. Mom and everyone worked so hard to make this such a beautiful event. The backyard has NEVER looked that stunning.

Yummy food! We had Chicken Cordon Bleu, Artichoke Dip, Fruit, cake, holy crap! So much to mention.

Mom has lost so much and she was so happy to wear that pretty black dress. Not bad for having nine kids, huh?

The beautiful couple!

We don't look half bad either! he he.

Outside the San Diego Temple

The reception site. At the Rienhart's house.

Someday when Jared builds a house, I would love to have it after that style.

Such a beautiful event. We had so much fun.

Wedding of Mckay and Heather Turnbull

2009-08-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

The Happy Newlyweds! Heather and McKay Turnbull

Wow! What a fast weekend we had! It's been such a crazy time! Jared and I drove down to California on Thursday and arrived at my parents house on Friday. We immediately were wisked in to help out with the Rehearsal Dinner for that evening at my parents house. What a list of things that needed to be done: Build back gate, purchase remainder of food for event, prepare food for event, prepare centerpieces, get tables and chairs from the church, set up tables and chairs in the backyard (which had been beautifully landscaped by my family over the last few weeks), assemble flowers for centerpieces, that is not even giving this list justice.

Well, we helped out with those things, (Jared made my parents a beautiful new gate leading to the backyard) and then made ourselves ready for the dinner which was yummy! We had a good time talking to friends and family enjoying each other's company and having fun with the bride and groom to be. Among our guests were Marolen who is the fiancée of McKay's favorite companion and our adopted brother Elbert. She is a beautiful girl from Colombia and she is so sweet and fit right in. Our other guest was Garret Ryan who was Bryce's favorite companion to date. He is actually dating McKenna right now, my 18 year old sister, and from the talk of it, things are looking pretty serious. He is a sweet guy and they are really happy together so far. With my parents moving to Idaho, they will be closer to each other which I guess is a perk for them.

McKenna and Garrett

The following day was the big day! We arose early to get our nails done and to fix hair and such. At two we were at the San Diego Temple to witness Heather and McKay's sealing for Time and All Eternity. What a beautiful sealing! Sweet family and friends were there to support the happy couple.

More of M and G! I grew to love these guys!

Brayden and Elbert's fiancée, Marolen

At the reception, there was a ring ceremony for all those who were unable to attend the temple sealing. It was a really beautiful event at the Reinhart's house. Their house is so beautiful and they have a very Tuscan/Spanish influence to their architecture it makes any event glamourous and classy. Jared and I needed to leave shortly after the Ring Ceremony to get home at a decent time the following day but we did have a good time and we are looking forward to many more family events with Heather as part of our family!

The Ring Ceremony

The Turnbull Girls!: Chelle, Bren, Cindy, Katie, Heather, and McKenna

McKay and Marolen. My family will be traveling to Colombia to attend her and Elbert's wedding here in the near future!

Holy Fruit Cart! My Aunt Shara is AMAZING! She always makes the coolest creations!

Pretty cake!

Hotel California

2009-08-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Well, today is the day. Jared and I are leaving for a few days to attend my brother McKay's wedding to his beautiful bride, Heather. It is really exciting to see him so happy. She is a really wonderful girl and I am so glad that she is going to be my sister. I have been really blessed with wonderful sister-in-law.

I just found out last night though that my parents have successfully sold their house in California. I have mixed feelings this morning. Every memory I have is in that home. I know that it is just a house, but I guess I didn't realize how much my heart was planted in that home.

I have lived in Idaho for the last seven years now, I never considered it a permanent destination. I always thought it was a crossroads to wherever I would go next, even though I really love it here. California was not really my home anymore, other than my family, I really don't have very many ties there. I'll always have my love/hate relationship with California but I will always have my California pride. (You know when someone says something bad about your sibling and you say, "Hey you can't say that about my sibling, only I can!" I kind of feel that way about California.) Proud of my roots, even though there are some things that are unexplainable. ie. Major debt! Anyway, I am very happy for my parents and their decision to move. They want to have a new beginning and I support that.

I guess I will have to have some time to really appreciate the house this weekend. You know, spend a few hours looking at the walls in my old room, laying in the grass in the backyard, and climbing the hill in the backyard one last time. I'll have to take some pictures of the house. It should be a good weekend.

But in affection for my ties to California, I would like to post the lyrics to Hotel California, which talks about how once you live in California, it is very hard to leave, no matter how hard you try.

On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night
There she stood in the doorway;
I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself,
"This could be heaven or this could be hell"
Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor,
I thought I heard them say...

Welcome to the hotel california
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the hotel california
Any time of year, you can find it here

Her mind is tiffany-twisted, she got the mercedes bends
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys, that she calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat.
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget

So I called up the captain,
"Please bring me my wine"
He said, "we haven't had that spirit here since nineteen sixty nine"
And still those voices are calling from far away,
Wake you up in the middle of the night
Just to hear them say...

Welcome to the hotel california
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
They livin' it up at the hotel california
What a nice surprise, bring your alibis

Mirrors on the ceiling,
The pink champagne on ice
And she said "we are all just prisoners here, of our own device"
And in the master's chambers,
They gathered for the feast
The stab it with their steely knives,
But they just can't kill the beast

Last thing I remember, I was
Running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
"relax," said the night man,
We are programmed to receive.
You can checkout any time you like,
But you can never leave!

How true are the words of this song. You can check out anytime, but the love will always be there. Sorry for the crazy words. I am just feeling a little sad today.

This is so cute.

2009-08-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

Thought this was kinda cute. I was dinking around on YouTube this morning and found this. Sorry about the b* word. It's still kinda funny and cute! Even though I can't stand Taylor Swift.

Family Photos

2009-08-10T19:09:00.001-07:00

We went home to Burley this weekend. Lucky for us the whole family was there so we decided to take pictures. It was really fun. It's got to be the best family picture session ever. I am used to people yelling and saying, "Dang it, we are going to smile and be happy for this picture!" Followed by crying and more words. I am sure all of you can relate. The Garn photo session was fun. I am convinced though that the camera really does add ten to twenty pounds.

The Girls! I love this picture. It's really fun having pictures taken with all the girls. I love these pictures, the last one we took was one with all the girls was when Sheri was pregnant.

Shaylyn, Jake and Jessie. I love these three. They are so sweet.

Sheri, Karissa, Kayden and Tyler Dschaak. Happy family. Poor Karissa was so sad that we woke her up from her nap.

Cheryl and Josh with new baby Matthias. He is the sweetest baby. Cheryl has been so sweet to me, letting me just fawn all over this sweet little guy. He is such a doll. I get a little teary whenever I see him. Adoption is truly a miracle. This picture was taken at Cheryl's sister's wedding that was this weekend. What a beautiful family.

Saved the best for last. This girl loves this boy!

News Update...

2009-08-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

To all who really care...I want to let you know that I have started a new blog called Just Some Girl's Rant. It is an opportunity for us a women to get together and talk about the things that matter to us in the media. It is also a chance for me to just talk about what is going on in the media. I believe that it is vitally important to be educated in what is going on in our world. I would really love to hear what you ladies think. As women, mothers, wives and citizens of America, I wanted to get something online for us to discuss how we are going to approach these issues with our children and families.

I also want to stress the importance of not playing Party Politics. We are Americans, we are not Republicans, we are not Democrats, we are Americans. Please be aware of your rights and your impact on this country. There is also a sense of being out of reach to the elected officials. It is out responsibility to let them know that they work for US, not US for THEM. I want to have us be aware of things that are going on around us. If you wouldn't mind just checking this out. I would love it. Let me know if I can improve this or make this better.

The url is justsomegirlsrant.blogspot.com

Please Watch

2009-08-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this when I was doing some research. I am currently reading a book entitled, The 5,000 Year Leap. Please watch this video. It really helped remind me what our core values were as a young budding country and I think that we need to remember it. (Also, please if you don't believe in God, please substitute it with who you look to as a higher power. We can all be united even if we do not all agree.) I am going to be starting a new blog to write my thoughts concerning this book and others. I want to help in any way that I can to make sure that we do not falter on our core founding Constitutional Rights and Freedoms and Traditions that we have had as a Nation. I really believe that these are in danger and I am going to do what I can to make sure my family and friends are keeping their eyes open to what is going on.

Putting Parties Aside

2009-07-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to turn this into a political blog, I don't want to press my opinions on people nor do I want force people to believe that I am correct. I am just confused with what is happening with my country. During the election, I was so confused with who to vote for. I didn't know or care really who won because I didn't think that either candidate was competent.

Now, with seven months into this year, I have to admit that I am very nervous about the turn that this country has been taking. There has been so much happening and bills passing that politicians have admitted that they haven't even read. Cap and Trade, Stimulus Packages, and now the National Health Care Bill. Please don't get me wrong, Barak Obama is my president and I am not going to stoop to not respecting him. He is my president. However, I do believe that this country needs to slow down and take a good look at the things he is trying to pass. Please just take a minute and educate yourselves on what is going on. Read the paper, watch the news, something, read a book. It is the duty of the American people to not just stand by and think, "Oh, the politicians are good people, they won't let things happen to this country." When they don't even read the bills that are being passed, we have a problem.

I am sorry if this sounds like ranting, I don't mean to be a nuisance but I can't sit by an watch the "fundamental changes" that President Obama talked about happen. These things he is trying to pass are hurting our country. He talked about President Bush and the outrageous budget he had. So what is happening now? Please don't let these things go and think, "Things will just work out." It is not about being a Republican, it's not about being a Democrat. Please see that this is not about party bickering, this is about preserving our country. President Washington said that if we focus on party bickering we will destroy ourselves. Put the differences aside and remember what our country actually is, it is a Republic. Thanks for letting me on the soap box. Please just do some thinking and ask yourself, does this feel right?

Scary Stuff...

2009-07-17T07:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks. Unfortunatly as you know, I like to be on top of current events. This is all too true. I am personally worried about my country and all the things happening to it. This is too big to ignore now. I have had enough with my country practically bleeding to death. This needs to stop. We can't afford to do Universal Healthcare. WE HAVE NO MORE MONEY! I am going to really try to make my representatives hear my voice, in California and Idaho. More to come.

Gettin' Ready for Camp

2009-07-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

This is what my living room has looked like for the past few days. I am getting ready for Camp. It's next week for three days. I went shopping for all the extra supplies I needed. Saturday night, we are taking the girls to WinCo so we can get the food for camp. I started out a week ago with only eight girls going to camp and now we have fourteen. It's going to be a ton of fun. Our theme is Stripling Warriorettes. It is going to focus on the strength of women in the scriptures and how they are examples of strong women for our time.

This is the cute banner that I made to string from the trees in the camp ground. I'll have to take some pictures of what it looks like at camp. So exciting!

Nein! Ja? Nein!

2009-07-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

Just a little something to make you laugh. It always makes me laugh!

Thanks to Auntie Norm for introducing me to it.

Heather and McKay

2009-07-13T21:36:00.001-07:00

These are pictures of my brother McKay and his fiancée Heather. They are getting married in August. Jared and I are going down to the wedding also. They are so cute together and I thought that I should post their engagement photos on here. They are so cute. I am so happy to have another sister. I have been blessed with so many wonderful family members.

Heather is going to be a wonderful addition to our family.

I can't wait to get to know her better.

Welcome Baby Matthias Kacey Garn!

2009-07-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

Such happy wonderful news from our family. Jared's brother Josh and his wife Cheryl are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy. This baby is really special to us because Josh and Cheryl have adopted him. He was born on July 3rd at 8:11 in the morning. They had a wonderful experience being with the birth mother and her family. He is such a beautiful little boy. I have personally only seen pictures, but I can tell that he has been sent to Josh and Cheryl for a reason. They named him Matthias Kacey Garn. Matthias means "Gift from God." They named him Kacey because the birthmother's initials are K and C and they feel that she is a gift to their family as well. We can't wait to meet this beautiful boy and welcome him in to our family.

Monday at the Bare's House

2009-07-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

Jared and I went to Chad and Amber Bare's house for dinner on Monday. Amber and I work together at Melaleuca. She is way fun. Chad and Amber have three kids: William, Eddison and Emelia. They are so animated and sweet. I have never seen three kids play so well together. They are really a sweet family. We went in the backyard and had a fire and roasted hot dog and hamburgers. The kids had fun cooking hot dogs and William was even trying to roast grapes. It was pretty cute. After dinner, we had a little firework show put on by Chad and Jared. Amber's mom and sister Melanie showed up too. Here are some pictures from the event.

Emelia and William jumping on the trampoline. Emmy looks like she's trying to fly.

Eddison showing us how high she can go on the swing set. I love her polka dot dress. Amber always dresses her kids so cute.

Excited for fireworks!!

William's face cracks me up. He was so excited to have this sparkler!

I love Emmy's face here too!

The Sisters! Thanks Bare Family for inviting us!

Goodbye to the Man in the Mirror

2009-06-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

I am sad that this epic entertainer is gone but knowing that he is now at peace is good. I love this video so much. It brings back a lot of memories from college. Thanks Michael for the music and the memories. It's good to know that we still have your music and kick butt videos like this one.

I am a blessed woman...

2009-06-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

So Jared and I were watching Star Wars yesterday. I was trying to straighten up the apartment when the scene where Han comes in to pitch the flying cost to Obi Wan and Luke. Jared hasn't cut his hair in a while and I have been on him for a little to get it trimmed. As I was watching the scene thought, I noticed how much my husband resembled my old flame. (ha ha) "Just kidding, you don't have to cut your hair..."

I used to be made fun of because I really liked Harrison Ford for as long as I can remember. When I was about twelve I said that I wanted a guy who looked like young Harrison Ford / Indiana Jones / Han Solo. You know that it is a good day when you realize that your husband looks a little like Harrison Ford. He definitely has Han's cocky attitude. Jared would call it confidence.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

My Feelings Exactly...

2009-06-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

I am a listener of the Glenn Beck Radio Program. I listen to it everyday at work. Before I started listening to Glenn, I listened to Bill O'Reilly. When I did my internship in Washington DC I became immersed in politics. Some of you might not agree with these men but I heard a letter from a listener of Glenn's yesterday. I was so moved by these words, I felt it necessary to publish them on my blog. Please read and if you agree, please click on the link and sign your name after it.

I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?

Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:

One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three: Czars, I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don't you start there.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why ‑‑ what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band‑Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try ‑‑ please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.

Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some nonpoliticians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending.

From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington. Our president often knows all the right buzzword is unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.

We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work , pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us when hewill rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you. If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming.

Please click here to sign

Sunday at Home

2009-06-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today, Jared and I watched Fiddler on the Roof. We had both never seen it before. I know, crazy. I had seen it the summer that I met Jared as a stage performance in Idaho Falls. The movie was really wonderful.

On Friday night, we had dinner with some friends of ours, John and Sarah. They are both so much fun to be with. Sarah reminds me of a friend I knew from high school. She is really sweet and fun. It's fun to have friends in town.

Camp planning is still going well. If I haven't mentioned it, I have been planning Girls Camp for the last few months. It has been fun but with it only being a few weeks away, I am starting to get nervous. I just want to give these girls a good experience without being overly girlie. I hate that. I want to really have these girls understand how loved they are and the potential they have to be amazing women of honor. I have good counselors and great books for advice. It will be a good experience. I will keep you all updated.

Kamryn and Porter's First Birthday

2009-06-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went over to Jared's Uncle DJ's house. He and his sweet wife Cindy have six kids, two of which are twins, born one year ago today! We went over to their house to help celebrate. We had so much fun!

This is Miss Kamryn, enjoying all the excitement. Over the last few days she has been kind of a cranky pants when I have been over the last few days, but today she was just full of giggles and laughs. Porter was just as happy as he always is. They both enjoyed tearing up their cakes. Cindy had made two really cute pink and blue mini cakes for them. Kamryn was a little frustrated getting so dirty with frosting but we sure had a good time watching them both.

This sweet family has come to mean so very much to me. I truly love how they interact with one another. There is so much love and laughter in their home. I just can't help but want to be around them.

Porter just cracked me up with how much fun he was having with this cake. He was even trying to steal Kamryn's cake. I guess pink is better than blue.

They tried to hold still. It was just way to energetic to be still.

The sweet couple and parents to Raegan, Morgan, Jordyn, Kaleb, Kamryn and Porter.

Cindy is just the sweetest person alive. I really want to be just like her when I grow up. DJ is the luckiest guy on earth and I am sure he knows it too. He is the Bishop in their ward and teaches at BYU-Idaho. They sure do have a busy life I have never met two people happier for the challenge.

New Pretty Necklace

2009-06-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

I recently bought this necklace on etsy.com from Penny. She has some really wonderful creations. I saw this necklace and loved it. Make sure that you check her shop out. It's pretty unique.

I am still recovering from my sore back. I really should be sitting down more but I can't sit in a messy house. I have problems. I really want to go to work tomorrow so I need to take it easy.

Blog Face Lift and Back Aches

2009-06-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I woke up in an attempt to exercise. I am nothing if I don't exercise six days a week. I sound crazy but it is really fun for me. I do Turbo Jam with Chalene Johnson. She is awesome and I really love her peppiness because it keeps me going. Anyway, I was doing this kick combo and I started to notice that my back was really hurting me. I had to stop about 35 minutes in to my workout. Since then I have been in horrible pain. I took a muscle relaxer and all I can say is those things are good! I felt as relaxed as I did when I came out of surgery. It was nice. But the problem is that I can't drive for about 24 hours. Could you imagine me on the road under that kind of influence?! Whooo Hooo! Not really. I do not support being under the influence of anything. So anyway I have been a little broken for the past two days. I am still in a bunch of pain. But hopefully I will be alright.

Anyway, I was on here thinking that I needed to give my blog a little update. It's a little girlie for me but it's fun. I hope to get my own design on here again. Hope all is well with everyone.

17 Again

2009-04-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Shaylyn, Jared's cute sister, Jared and I went to go see 17 Again. Way cute movie. I even cried a little in it. Who is shocked. I cry in everything. No really, it was way good.

Shaylyn and I are traveling to Utah tomorrow to go to a Bridal Shower for Jared's cousin Nikki. We need to leave by seven in the morning to get there on time. I have got to go to bed. I really don't have anything interesting to say tonight but just thought that I would say that the movie was good, and life is good.

Getting in the Swing

2009-04-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well, back to school for Jared. He is in his last year at BYU-Idaho. He is working on his Bachelors degree in Construction Management with a Minor in Business. He is working so hard trying to juggle working full time and school full time. I'm really very proud of him and how hard he works. I am trying to get back in the swing of things now that we are not expecting. It is really odd being so sick that the thought of food is down right awful and then to have food look good again. Strange. I had a habit of working out every day and when I got pregnant I wasn't able to do so because I was so sick. Well I started back up this week and slowly but surely I will gain my endurance back. It feels so good to exercise. "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands." Thank you Elle Woods. Things are going alright with us. But on the side note, we still miss those babies. It's good to have each other though.

Elder Turnbull's Bike Ride

2009-04-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Alright, this video clip is a little old but it makes me laugh every time that I watch it. THis is a clip of my brother, Bryce, who is serving a mission in Montevideo, Uruguay. He and his companion wanted to bike to a city to go to a meeting with their Mission President but they didn't have any way to get there. Bryce used his camera to take this footage. As this movie will show, my brother is crazy but he makes me laugh. Enjoy!

This Easter Season

2009-04-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

I have really been dreading posting this entry for the last few days. This is not the kind of thing that people like to talk about. Jared and I went in for our first Prenatal appointment. Things were looking really really good at first. The Ultrasound revealed that we would be the proud parents of twins! It was a really wonderful few minutes. The only problem was there were no heartbeats. It is a most surreal experience to think one minute that you are having one baby, the next two babies, and then no babies. This has really been a roller-coaster of a ride for the both of us. Friday I had D & C done. Hospitals scare me to no end but it was really not the worst experience other than having to face the obvious.

On Saturday morning, I woke up unable to sleep. I got on the computer and a friend of mine had posted the above video. Those of you who don't know, the speaker is Elder Jeffery R. Holland. He is an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Last weekend, a General Conference was held for all members of the church to listen to various members of the church. I really loved this talk but I had no idea how much this clip would comfort me during this experience. The love and appreciation that I feel in my heart for my Savior has been a strength to me. I feel as though I have not had to bear this alone because of what he has done for me. There are times where I have felt so much love and comfort from him that I know he is near. I know that there will be another opportunity to have our family. The Lord is near and he hears our prayers. During this Easter season I wanted to add this thought that nothing we go through has to be shouldered alone.

Expectin' a Baby!

2009-03-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since we have posted but I thought it was time because we have great news to share with those who are still actually reading this blog! Bless you. We are expecting a baby! I am seven weeks pregnant and I am feeling it. It is really exciting to know that we are going to be parents. This is really a wonderful experience for us. Jared has been wonderful to me. He is so excited to be a daddy! We already have names picked out. We have had them for about two years. If it's a boy: Micah Teichert Garn. And if it's a girl: Eden Ísabelle Garn. It is so fun to think that at the end of the year we are going to be a party of three. I am due November 4th. It is really fun because good friend Kari is due on the 3rd. No, not planned! Miracles happen everyday.

Off to California!

2008-12-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

Jared and I are off to Burley this afternoon and then from there tomorrow we will be driving to California to spend Christmas with my family! I am so excited to see McKay and all my little siblings. We will make sure to take pictures of our trip so that we can post our adventures. It shall be fun. May all of you have a very safe and happy Christmas. May the Lord's blessings be bestowed upon you all. He has given us so very much. This year I can honestly say that I didn't just count my blessings during this time of the year. Greetings and love to you all.

Family All Around the Globe

2008-12-13T21:19:00.001-08:00

A very wonderful thing happened to me this week. I was on Facebook, and I received an invitation to be friends with one of my long lost relatives from Sydney, Australia. She isn't long lost but I had never met her before! Her nephew was visiting the States with his girlfriend and they stayed with my Grandfather and Grandmother. She was able to find me on Facebook and now I have been able to get in contact with her and her sister!! Wonderful, huh!

This is David and my Granfather Raymond. David is Grandpa's Great Nephew! What a cutie!
Left to Right: Uncle Ryan, David, his girlfriend Laura and Grandma Turnbull who is always looking beautiful!
This is David's mother, Marilyn Chapman. She lives in Manchester, England where my Grandfather was born and raised. I have got to get out there and see them and where Grandpa grew up.
This is Julie Ackroyd. She is Marilyn's sister and David's Aunt. She was the one who contacted me first. She seems like a wonderful lady! I really loved that we are able to connect with family all around the world. This is such a great time that we are living in. It is good to know that even though there is chaos, the bonds of family can bring us happiness, hope and love for those around us. Can't wait for David and Laura to get back from their trip so I can get to know them too.

Seeing Jo!

2008-12-07T18:08:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, Jared and I took a trip down to Salt Lake to see my old roommate Joanna. We lived together when Jared and I were dating. We met her in The Gateway Mall and went and did some shopping. It was really good to see her. We also ate at this Brazilian restaurant. It was so much fun but I don't think I have eaten that much in a long time. I am going to regret that in about a day when I can't fit into pants.

Welcome Home Elder Turnbull!

2008-12-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

Today my brother McKay came home from his mission. He has been serving in the Concepcion Chile Misson. He really has been a great example and inspiration to many people in his family. It's been really wonderful having him on a mission. I think that it has brought me closer to him. He has really grown as a person. I think I could learn and I have learned much from him. Now we just have to wait until Bryce comes home and then we can have a par-tay! I am so proud of my boys. They are so awesome. I am so proud of them.

First Normal Sized Christmas Tree

2008-11-30T19:28:00.000-08:00

Jared and I decided that we would set up our Christmas tree today after church. Last year, we stopped at a Target and picked up a seven foot tree for about $50. What a deal! It looks really great in our living room. When I was growing up, my Grandmother owned a Hallmark store so we received many ornaments from her. My mom decided a few years ago to divide the ornaments so that when each of us kids leave home we will have ornaments to decorate our tree with. Jared and I have kept up this tradition. We are going to continue to give each other ornaments every Christmas. It should be fun. I also caught Jared in the act of vacuuming the floor. What's that saying? If it's not photographed, it never happened? He is so sweet to me. I am so lucky to have him.

Halloween at the Turnbull House

2008-11-01T14:30:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my younger siblings. Jamison is Batman, Carter is a pirate and Bren in Snow White. I talked to my dad last night. I guess Bren went Trick-or-Treating with a bunch of kids. She was the smallest in the group so she was in the back most of the time. She would come up to the house last and the people would say, "Here take some more!" By the time she hit about a third of the homes she told my dad, "Daddy, it's getting heavy." When they were all done, mom saw her candy sack and was shocked at how much candy she had. She is just that cute. Tenacious though, that girl really knows what she wants. She probably threatened all those people for candy. Can't wait to see them in December.

Tell me something I don't know. I'm Elizabeth Bennet.

2008-11-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

I knew it for too long. I took this fun quiz and found out that my personality is too much like Elizabeth Bennet. Jared is not even surprised. Actually when he asked me to marry him, he used Mr. Collins' speech that he gave to Elizabeth. Only in this case, Elizabeth married Mr. Collins' because he was so charming and hot. He is really like Darcy because I thought he was really annoying at first but I grew to really adore him. Just like Elizabeth, I love with all my heart. He is the greatest. Perfect for me. There is a reason why I never really dated anyone until Jared. I was being saved for him. Glad I have him.

Gorgeous Sunday Afternoon

2008-10-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Jared and I decided that we should take our bikes out and enjoy the Autumn weather. On Saturday, Jared's uncle DJ gave us a bike rack for the Jeep. We are so excited and we decided that we needed to test it out. It was such a beautiful day. The weather was perfect. Idaho does get Autumn weather but you have to enjoy it while it's here because you never know when Winter will come in. It could hit tomorrow for all we know. We really enjoyed ourselves.

I found this really fun ABC thing on a blog that I was looking at today. justlia.tumblr.com. I'll put it on here, it is pretty fun if you have some spare time.

A. Attached or Single- Attached, wouldn't have it any other way.

B. Best Friend- Jared Garn

C. Cake or Pie- Cake baby!

D. Day-Tuesday

E. Essential item-my notebook and a pen. Never know when inspiration strikes!

F. Favorite Color-It changes on my mood.

G. Gummy Bear or Worms- Worms. More to chew.

H. Hometown-Carlsbad, California

I. Indulgences-rice, hummus, the occasional iTunes purchase, pumpkin scented candles, herbal tea

J. January or July-In Idaho...it's a toss-up. July I guess so I can get out. I really haven't gotten used to driving in snow.

K. Kids-nope

L. Life would be incomplete without-Jared. It's amazing how you go your whole life thinking you are complete until you meet the one that you can't imagine going a day without.

M. Marriage Date- December 29, 2006

N. Number of Siblings- 9

O. Oranges or apples- both

P. Phobias or fears- spiders

Q. Quote- "Don't let a suitcase full of cheese be your fork and spoon" -Everybody Loves Raymond

R. Reason to Smile- Jared, Turbo Jam, Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine, Bill O´Reilly ripping apart Barney Frank on national television.

S. Season- Fall. Hands down, my favorite.

T. Tag- umm...whomever

U. Unknown fact about me- I am afraid of the dark. There it's out.

V. Vegan or oppressor- I eat meat. Get over it.

W. Worst habit- I need to floss more. No one tell my father-in-law

X. X-rays or ultrasounds- umm...I've only had one done. What kind of question is this?

Y. Your Favorite Food-couscous with anything.

Z. Zodiac Sign-Aries

Karissa Dancing and her new coat

2008-10-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is a video that Sheri and Tyler sent us of their daughter Karissa dancing. She's got the moves for a one year old. They also sent us some pictures of her in her new coat. I can't wait to see them and new Baby Kayden in December. It should be fun to be with family. Yesterday, I had the chance to talk to McKay online through email. He and I were writing each other during his P-Day. It was really awesome. There is not a whole lot of time before he comes home. He is supposed to be home on Tuesday, December 2nd. He said that he is not really feeling "trunky" and he is really not wanting to come home because he knows that there is still so much to do in Chile. It is really amazing how he didn't really have a passion about going on a mission when he left and now he is not wanting to come home. I can't wait to see him. Disneyland, here we come!

McKay and Elbert in Chile

2008-10-25T10:20:00.001-07:00

Walk around the Greenbelt

2008-10-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

Since Jared and I moved to Idaho Falls, we have missed one of our favorite pastimes to share together, taking walks. This evening we decided to take a walk around the Greenbelt in Downtown Idaho Falls. It has been colder here lately. (Global warming is such a joke. Has Al Gore ever been here?) We parked the car and took a nice long walk. The temple is in the Greenbelt area. It was so beautiful. We have really missed all the walking.

Pictures of the Brothers

2008-10-21T19:48:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to post more pictures of the brothers. They are so cute. They are both in the mission office now. It's good to know that they are having fun and working hard. They are really setting some great goals for the mission. I know that they will be blessed.

Elder Espitia looking busy.

Elder Turnbull looking busy.

My New Brother

2008-10-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

This is Elbert Espitia. He has been McKay's companion and good friend while on the mission. Elbert is truly an amazing person. I have decided that my parents need to adopt him. Elbert and his mother joined the church in Columbia. Just two months before he was scheduled to leave, Elbert's mother passed away. He still arrived in the mission field on schedule. His father recently joined the church in Columbia as well. I just think he is the sweetest. My mom always says now that she has 10 kids. She thinks of him as her son. He is so sweet and thoughtful always writing my parents and telling them how much he loves them and how grateful he is that he has McKay as his companion and friend. I hope he moves up here to the states. I have to meet him and tell him thanks for being such an example to my brother. I wonder if McKenna is interested...I CAN'T WAIT to see McKay. I am so excited for him to come home. Jared and I are going to go to California for Christmas. Yeah! We are planning to go to Disneyland as well. There are too many memories of McKay and Disneyland. The only thing that will make this better for me is to see Bryce but we will see him next year and get to talk to him on the phone this year. I can't wait 'till my family is back together.

2008-10-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

Bad news!! When Jared and I were moving from Rexburg to Idaho Falls, I placed all my jewelry in a bag. I have yet been unsuccessful in finding that bag so now I have to conclude that my jewelry has been thrown away. Yes, thrown away. I can't find it anywhere. So if anyone is thinking about what I want for Christmas...I need jewelry. (Wedding ring and engagement ring not included in the lost jewelry catagory.)

Facebook and Election '08

2008-10-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was looking online and I was able to find my brother on Facebook. I didn't have an account and I was personally against things like Facebook and MySpace. I decided that it can't be that much of a commitment and it would be a good way for me to keep in touch with close friends. I don't think I realized the amount of addiction that I was getting in to. Alright, not that bad but I was able to get in touch with people that I haven't seen since high school. So after about a week, I told Jared that it would be fun for him to get in touch with people from his mission, etc. He kept protesting, saying that he didn't want to and it was better that he didn't get involved in. A few days later, he had made an account. Now we are both checking it everyday. It's kind of fun to find all these people that I haven't talked to in forever. I am not the best at keeping in touch. I really stink at that, but I think that this will be a way for me to do better.

Jared and I have been trying to sort out what we are going to do about the election this year. It's hard when we don't really stand behind either one of the candidates. There is so much at stake here in the election and I don't think either one of these guys have any idea about what they are getting in to. I have often wondered if in the middle of the election year that any one of the candidates think, "I really don't want to take this on. I should just give it to the other guy and watch him sink." Oh well, I still haven't changed my residency to Idaho yet so I am going to be voting in California. I just sent out for my Absentee Ballot on Wednesday. It should get to me soon hopefully. I just spent the day looking up all the propositions on the ballot this year. It's been very interesting. All I can say is that I can't wait until November 4th. I want all of this to be done and over with. Now all we have to wait for is the bipartisan bickering to stop. I'll save that for my Christmas wish.

Jared and Richelle's New Home (blog that is!)

2008-10-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a new project lately and I have been working quite a bit with blogger.com. I have found that I enjoy using blogger rather than wordpress. This should be exciting. Thanks to Emily, I have found these cute backgrounds. I really don't work very much with the web. I am really a Print Designer. This is something that I wouldn't mind learning here in the next year.

I have been really sick the past few days. No...I have had a bad head cold. I have been home trying to clean up the house and get things in order here. Jared is in Rexburg today working on some Christmas gifts and other projects at the cabinet shop he used to work at. He really loves working with wood. He made me a few things in the past. When we got married, he made me a cedar chest. Last Christmas, a coffee table. Love it! He is up there working with his dad.

I am working on some book illustrations for my friend Savannah. She is writing a book about science theories and she asked me to do the illustrations. I am trying to get them done for her before next week. It should be fun. Hopefully in the next few weeks you will have another blog to keep in touch with. It will be about my artwork! To be continued...