Jeff and Lauren Allen

A Very Merry Christmas

2012-01-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

This Christmas we:

Wore our Ugly Christmas Sweaters and partied with friends at the 5th Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party!

Finished making our own Christmas stockings (I guess we need to have 4-6 kids...) :)

Played all Christmas Eve with the Bailey's

And, all fought over holding the cutest nephew in the world

Jeff wins for making baby Luke laugh the hardest!

More than anything, we are grateful for the time to worship the birth of the Savior and spend time with those we love! Hope everyone had a happy Holiday Season!

Thanksgiving Break

2011-12-12T20:54:00.000-08:00

It seems we’re about due for a new post!

Thanksgiving break was filled with friends, family and fun.

We had “Friends-giving” (You know, thanksgiving withfriends…) with some of our closest friends.

Dave and Brooke flew in from Laguna and we had a great timehanging with family, free of work and school for a few days!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast at Grandma and GrandpaAndersons:

The boys spent some quality bonding time ridingfour-wheelers and shooting- doing what boys do best!

The girls cooked up a feast of Mexican tamales—It truly wasa “tamalada” (tamale making party!)

I finally got to share the tips and tricks I learned from an 83 year-old woman in Mexico for homemade, truly authentic tamales!

We visited Grandma Allen and Aunt Linda, went bowling,played games and had a blast!

Can’t wait for Christmas to spend some quality time with theBailey clan! It’s always the besttime of year when family comes to town!

Fall Fun

2011-11-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since my last post so I thought I'd give a little update. Besides being very busy with work and school we have been:

Enjoying beautiful fall weather and leaves in Park City with some family photos

Helping Bryce and Jessica move to ST. GEORGE! We are so happy for Bryce and his awesome new job but it will be soo hard not seeing them so often!

We'll especially miss this little face

Having a little Halloween fun making "haunted" graham cracker houses, craving pumpkins, and doting over our other adorable little nephew!

Matt Knoop Memorial Park

2011-09-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today we got to be apart of a really special honor for our dear friend Matt.

Park City recreation is honoring his memory by naming the newest basin recreational facility the "Matt Knoop Memorial Park". The groundbreaking for the park was this morning and it was so fun to join our group of close friends and community members from Park City to honor our friend.

It's been 3 1/2 years since Matt passed away and this park ensures he will never be forgotten within our community.

The Park Record wrote a really nice article about the park here: http://www.parkrecord.com/ci_18938549.

Finally Home!

2011-08-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

After the longest 18-hour car ride straight home from Edmonton, Jeff and I have barely had time to breathe!

All of our family was in town this weekend so between moving back into our apartment, getting ready for school and work to start, and seeing family, we had a BUSY, fun-filled weekend!

Dave and Brooke came in town from Laguna Beach to drop Jennie at school and help get her settled. While they were here we picnicked at Kiwanis park, went to a Bee's game, and BBQ'd in Glen Canyon Park. It was great to be together again, throw the baseball around and play outside.

We spent Sunday with the entire Bailey clan! Jeff finally got to meet baby Luke, and we hadn't seen Chris and Mike since last Christmas so it was so great to be together with everyone!
We pretty much just lounged around together all day chatting, laughing, playing the Wii, and cooing over the baby.

I've missed these girls!

Chris and Mike also met baby Luke for the first time. He's the most adorable baby and it was pretty much just a fight to hold him the whole day! Luke's a little cuddler and just likes to snuggle up against everyone. So cute!

Now that family has gone, we're settling back into Provo with lots of new changes in our lives!

NEW Semester: Jeff started school on Monday and is on track to graduate from BYU in April. He's taking a full load of classes and is also enrolled in an LSAT prep course at night. He's going to be one busy boy this semester!

NEW Job: I just started a new job with The Green PolkaDot box--an online buying club for whole and organic foods! I am the assistant to the Marketing Director--writing and editing content.

It's the fastest growing company in America right now, and I'm super excited about the possibilities it brings! Check out their Web site here--it's an awesome company!

End of Summer

2011-08-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I could each recap our summer in two words.

Jeff: Orange, walking

He has worked so incredibly hard all summer long for Vivint. We've enjoyed Canada eh, but school will be a nice change to his 11 hour work days!

Laur: Mommy Training

I feel so lucky to have spent my summer with two awesome friends, who are both Mom's to a toddler and a 5-month-old. We spent nearly every day together going on walks, playing at the spray park, and just visiting. I've been "mommy-trained" by the best!--they even educated me on all the best strollers, baby carriers, toys, books and gadgets to buy!

Who really knows when all of that knowledge will come in handy, but I sure enjoyed learning!

Back to Utah

It's hard to believe we're finally packing up to move back to Utah!

Between our time in Mexico (January-April) and our time in Canada (May-August), it's been quite an adventure filled past eight months!

We're both pretty sad to say goodbye to the friends we've made here, but we're so excited to move back to Utah!

This week Jeff asked me, "Do you know what I'm MOST excited to do right when we get home?"

Me: "I don't know, see our cute nephews who have grown so much? Be close to family? Start school?"

Jeff: "No... I just can't wait to mow the lawn and detail our car!" (He was very serious!)

I told him him I guess I'll let him do both those things, but owes me big :)

For me, besides seeing family and friends, I am most excited to be back in the Utah mountains--especially in time for Fall! There's no place more beautiful!

Two Years

2011-08-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe it has already been two years since I made the best decision of my life. I never thought I could love Jeff more than I did that day--I was in for a sweet surprise.

We've dated and been best friends since we were 16, but it's so fun how we learn new things about each other every day.

Here are some things I love that I've learned about my husband over the past few years:

He’s a “Cup half full” person: Jeff has the most positive, optimistic attitude about life. Nothing gets him down and his happy attitude is contagious.

He’s a candy hoarder: Anyone who knows him knows his pant/jacket pockets will always be stuffed with candy. The funny thing is he loves candy soo much that it’s hard for him to eat it, because then it’s gone!—so he hoards it instead. At a Halloween party he will fill his pockets full of candy, (which he doesn’t like to share with anyone), but then the candy sits in our candy jar at home until the end of time because he wont eat it!

He’s an ESPN fanatic: It doesn’t matter if we get home at 3 am, he wont sleep until he checks the latest highlights for baseball, basketball and football.

He’s the hardest worker- last year he worked a janitorial job at 5 am, followed by school all day, and work again at night. Now he’s working 11 am - 11pm all summer long with Vivint. He’s THE hardest worker, and never complains.

He’s OCD about our car: If a bug smashes on the windshield, a piece of paper is sitting on the dashboard, a seat-belt is loose and twisted in the back seat, he can’t concentrate on driving or anything else until he fixes it!

He’s frugal- We are great for each other in this way--both of us find satisfaction in saving rather than spending.

He’s a water bug- He LOVES swimming and being in the water.

He’s an Imitator: He can imitate any sound or any person. It’s part of what makes him so hilarious because he tells stories so well, with all of the sound effects.

He’s a wannabe rock star- I’ve never met anyone who sings as much as Jeff and I love it. He sings EVERYWHERE; shower, car, while eating-- you name it. His great voice along with his superb imitation skills make him so fun to listen to, and keeps us all laughing.

He’s the sweetest husband in the world: He constantly does sweet things for me and is completely selfless. He’s righteous and makes me want to be better each day. He keeps me smiling and laughing all day long.

We have the most amazing, happy marriage and I think that comes from being best, best friends.

Home for the weekend

2011-08-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was able to fly home for my best friends wedding! When Ali told me she was planning an early August wedding, I about died because I knew we'd be in Canada. Lucky for me, I have an awesome aunt who helped me with a cheap ticket, and the most unselfish husband who let me skip away for the weekend, while he stayed here to work.

Although my travel experience to and from Utah was a complete nightmare (the below photo represents all the flights I tried, but failed to get on. I spent some quality 18+ hours in the Minneapolis airport!) I am SOO happy I was finally able to make it home!

Friday, my mom picked me up from the airport and we went straight to Bryce and Jessica's where I finally got to meet my adorable little nephew! It was so great to see Jess and it made me so excited to be coming home for good in few more weeks!

Friday night Liz, Natalie and I drove to Ali's wedding dinner in Salt Lake. It was worth all my travel troubles just to spend the evening with my three very best girl friends.

Saturday morning Natalie, Brenna, Kristen, Liz and I met for breakfast before the wedding at the Salt Lake Temple.

It was fun being on temple square, my old stomping grounds from work at the Church office building. I love the anticipation of waiting for the wedding couple to walk out the doors after the sealing, and to see the huge smiles on their faces.

Ali was stunning and they make a beautiful couple! I'm soo happy for both of them. Trevor is one lucky guy.

After the wedding Liz and I went to Bryce and Jessica's. I didn't realize how much I've really been missing my family. Jess is the post-pregnant girl that all woman envy--she looks A-mazing. I love Bryce and Jess to pieces and I can't get enough of baby Luke!

After visiting for a bit, we headed straight home to change for the wedding reception at the Swaner Eco Center in Park City. The reception decorations were awesome and the whole thing was beautiful, fun, and completely Ali's style.

Bridesmaids: Ali's 5 sisters and 5 nieces, Trevor's 4 sisters and 4 nieces, Me and Liz

One of the funnest parts of the reception was catching up with so many old friends!

It was a great weekend, and especially wonderful to spend time with my family, and good friends in Park City. We miss everyone and can't wait to be home soon!

Fun in Calgary

2011-07-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went with our friends Stephanie and Luke to the Calgary Stampede! For anyone who hasn't heard of it, it's a two week festival and rodeo held each year in Calgary and it's a pretty big deal here in Canada.

The Rodeo is the largest in the world and called "the greatest outdoor show on earth." Jeff is a cowboy at heart and we both had a blast watching all the different events: bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie down roping, saddle bronc and bareback riding. It was the final day of the Rodeo so we saw the best of the best compete in the champion round.

Afterwards we had a blast walking around the different booths, gambling tables and exhibitions. We even got to see a little motocross freestyle.

After the Rodeo Steph and I stayed the night at her sister's in Calgary and went to the Zoo the next day. It's been years since I went to the zoo and this one didn't disappoint! I think I loved it as much as the kids--even if it was 90 degrees out!
Steph has the nicest family and I'm so glad I got to meet her cute sisters that I'd heard so much about.

Welcome Baby Bailey!

2011-07-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I were shocked, along with everyone else, when we heard Jess went into labor this morning-- The baby wasn't due for another month! Luckily everything went really well and Mom and baby are doing great, he will just have to be in the NICU for a few days. We are soo excited for this new addition to our family!

We really wish we could have been at the hospital to see him, but we couldn't be more thrilled for Jess and Bryce today. They are two of the best people I know and they will be amazing parents! They can bet Uncle Jeff and Aunt Laur will spoil our little nephew to death!

We can't wait to meet baby Luke Bryce Bailey. We love him soo much already!

CONGRATS Jess and Bryce!

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

After all of our experiences this year, we can truly say we are PROUD to be Americans! We will miss celebrating with everyone at home today!

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated our first Canada Day!

Vanessa and I spent the morning in downtown Edmonton where she showed me what Canada Day is all about! We enjoyed a free pancake breakfast, live music, artisan booths, and did a little shopping.

I got the biggest kick out of these dogs wearing sunglasses, hats, and Canadian flags!

The boys ended work early because of the holiday and we had a fun barbeque with everyone.
Afterwards we went with Scott and Vanessa to watch the fireworks show. The fireworks started at 11 p.m., but we are so far north in Canada that it says light out until nearly midmight!

Liz comes to visit!

2011-06-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

Last week my sweet sister came to visit!
Between our months away in Mexico and now Canada, I've been seriously missing my other half and it was SOO fun to have her here!

First of all, we dressed identical the entire week! It was great!

Okay, that's a joke, as is this photo!

However, I had forgotten all the attention we always got for being twins, so it was weird being in grocery stores or at the mall and wondering why people were staring.

Our week together included lots of walks and jogs, playing soccer and tennis, shopping, laying in the sun, playing at the spray park with the girls and their cute kiddos, daily butt-kicking sessions of Insanity, cooking lots of fun things, and just spending some quality sister time together.

It was fun to show her around St. Albert and introduce her to Jeff's Vivint team and the awesome girls I get to hang out with each day.

Liz and Aiden

Playing at the spray park

Liz and baby Connor

On a walk with Chantel, Laur, Steph and the munchkins

The Sturgeon River

Liz and Steph- Getting "screamers" (Ice cream slurpy's = pure deliciousness!)

Thanks for coming Lizzie-biz!! We miss you already!

O Canada

2011-06-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

May has flown by and my blog has been completely neglected! About time for an update!
We've been in Canada for a month now! I can't believe how fast time has flown by.

Jeff has gotten the hang of the whole summer sales gig and I have to say I've never been more proud to call him my husband. He works SO hard. He is gone from 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. every single day except Sundays. The hours are long, the job is hard, but despite everything, he is the most positive, happy, upbeat person through it all. It takes a certain type of person to do what he is doing, and to do it with a smile on your face at the end of every long day is really impressive. I'm not usually one to gush about my husband on my blog, but let me just say, I am married to the biggest stud-muffin on the planet. I'm so lucky, and I'm reminded of it every day.

We live in a cute little town called St. Albert, just 10 minutes from downtown Edmonton.
Our apartment is perfect for the two of us, and feels like a suite compared to where we lived in Mexico!

Our apartment complex sits right along the Sturgeon river, which has a really fun path for walks and jogs. It's been fun to get together with the wives each day and go on walks along the river. It's also convenient that a 7-Eleven is right on our stroll--we are all Slurpee addicts!

There are some really awesome wives here, and it's so fun to have them to hang out with while the boys are working. Stephanie and Chantel both have a baby and a toddler--the cutest kids in the world.

I was totally spoiled for my birthday a few weeks ago! I woke up to breakfast in bed and little post it notes all over the house of reasons I am loved. Jeff is the biggest sweetheart.
Then we went to the West Edmonton mall with Tyler and Alex and played some glow-in-the-dark mini golf!

Afterwards, Jeff took me to dinner at a delicious little Thia restaurant, and just when I thought my birthday was over I was surprised with a delicious Blizzard ice-cream cake at Ty and Alex's house.

The best part of being here this past month has been spending so much time with Alex. I don't know what I would have done without her. She is so much fun and so fun to be with. Tyler and Alex leave for Utah tomorrow because Ty starts his new job on Monday. Jeff and I are really, really going to miss them. Tyler has been so awesome, taking Jeff under his wing and showing him the ropes. They have become such great friends.

Today we went to brunch for a little goodbye party for Alex.

I know we're all really going to miss her!

Happy Birthday to my other half!

2011-05-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

It's the first birthday in 23 years that Liz and I will not get to see eachother on our birthday, open presents together or eat birthday cake together--it's a big change for both of us.

I miss you sis but I hope you know how much I love you and how lucky I feel to be your sister. I love the special bond we have that only comes from being twins! You're one of the greatest people I know, and I love you so so so much! I'll be thinking about you all day today.
Happy Birthday!

Your other half,

Laur

Canada, here I come!

2011-05-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

For the past five days Jeff has been here...

(Edmonton Canada)

photo from here

...while I've been home in Park City.

While it has been nice to spend some extra time with family before I head out of the country again, I've really, really missed my Jefferey! What a long five days!

Tonight I start the 18-hour road trip with my awesome sister-in-law Alexandra to meet our boys! Can't wait for the new adventures and great summer to come in Edmonton!

One adventure to the next!

2011-04-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

We've been home from Mexico almost two weeks now and we are still not used to the cold! As excited as we were to come home to the good ol' USA, this was not the prettiest site from the plane!

Since we've been home we've been living out of our suitcases at our parent's homes and trying to soak up our time in Utah before we start our next adventure!

This week we went to California with Mom and Dad Allen. We love traveling with them and we have so much fun together. It was great to feel the sun again and spend time with family.

Just like every year when baseball season starts it's all Jeff can talk about, thus, he was ecstatic when Dave surprised us with tickets to the Angels v. Red Sox game.

We also had a blast riding the dingy around Newport harbor

We sat next to Magic Johnson while eating lunch at the Montage hotel in Laguna Beach.

We rode bikes along the boardwalk

And we played in the sun and at the beach!

Next week we leave for Edmonton Canada for the summer! Jeff is joining my brother Tyler's team to do summer sales for Vivint. While he is trekking house to house selling all day, I will continue to work remotely for the Welfare department of the LDS Church.

We are excited for this new adventure. Who would have guessed we would spend 9 months of this year living out of the country? We are especially excited to have family with us this time-- It will be great to spend the summer with Ty and Alex!

Saying Goodbye

2011-04-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

I hate goodbye's. Particularly having to say goodbye to great friends, who you don't know when you'll see again.
Ranulfo and his family have become some of our best friends. We completely "clicked" with them from day one and we have had so much fun together.

I absolutely love, and will miss their two daughters Yeida (2) and Sianja (7).

Flores Soto Family

This is just one of the many familes we will truly miss from Puebla. We're already looking forward to the time we can come back to visit.

Cherry On Top

2011-04-10T19:04:00.001-07:00

Today we had an experience that really was the cherry on top of our entire time here in Mexico.

The story goes as follows:

A few weeks ago we went to teach a workshop in a city called Tehuacan. While there we made two great friends named Edgar and Jesús. Edgar was the stake employment specialist, so he helped us set up the workshop and get everything organized. Jesús was not a member of the Church, but he and Edgar are best friends and Jesús had taken the missionary discussions and was investigating the Church.

Edgar, Jeff, Laur, Jesús, after the workshop

A few weeks later we were at a market near the main bus terminal in Puebla and we ran into Edgar. He said it was so great that he ran into us because he was going to call us that day. He explained that after our workshop, Jesús decided he wanted to get baptised! The workshop made him realize how much the Church cared not just about the spiritual aspects of our lives, but about our temporal well-being as well. A major initiative of the Church is to have members be self-reliant--that is the purpose of the self-employment workshop.

Taking the workshop was the final confirmation he needed to accept the Church completely and be baptised, so he asked if Jeff would baptise him!
Jeff felt so honored and didn't know what to say.

The baptism was held tonight at the La Paz Stake Center. It was such a spirirtual experience and an awesome way to end our time here in Mexico. I especially loved watching Jeff baptise him--It gave me a tiny glimpse of what it would have been like to see him as a missionary in Argentina. We are so happy for Edgar and the decision he made to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Weekend in Oaxaca

2011-04-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

We spent the past weekend teaching our 15th and final workshop in the state of Oaxaca, which is about a 5 hour drive from Puebla.

Photo via here

We had a great group for this final workshop. It is interesting how much the people and culture change from one state to another here in Mexico. Each group always has different interests and needs.
We still can't believe we have finished our last workshop!

In our free time we had a great time exploring the city with our Director, and one of our best friends, Ranulfo. His family is from this area in Mexico, so he spoiled us with all of the best food and fun there was to offer.

On Saturday we went to the Oaxaca temple together. It was such a neat experience, especially for me to attend in Spanish.

After the temple Ranulfo took us to the Templo de Santo Domingo--an old convent that was converted to a museum. It was very cool to tour the rooms where the monks lived, the huge library they had, and to learn a little more about the culture and history of Oaxaca.

Afterwards we went to the city center to walk around a bit and to a famous "nieve" or ice cream tienda in one of the markets. Ranulfo insisted we try the "leche quemada" or "burned milk" ice cream and, although it sounded strange, it was actually delicious!

He also took us to a tiny Pueblito nearby, where his father grew up. In this tiny town we went to a "true" Mexican market--one where the small, family-owned shops have been there for decades, and everyone knows everyone. These markets are one of my favorite places to go in Mexico. It is so fun and interesting to just walk around and see what everyone is selling.

Instructors Training

2011-04-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

One of our assignments while completing this internship was to choose a few people from the workshops we've taught that could teach the course. After we return to the states the goal is to keep this program going by training others to teach the workshop.

Over the past few months we made an effort to pick the cream of the crop from those we taught and invite them to come to a training for how to be an instructor of the Self-Employment Workshop.

Tonight we held the training with 15 of the best students from past workshops, and it could have been the most rewarding night of our internship so far. We couldn't be happier to know that these people are willing to volunteer their time to serve and teach those in their communities. Half of them traveled from cities at least 2 hours away to attend tonight's training. We were extremely touched, to say the least, by their willingness to serve and their testimonies of this workshop and the potential it has to change lives.

What an amazing group of individuals!

Hard work pays off

2011-04-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

Things are winding down here in Puebla as we prepare to come home one week from today!

We taught our 14th workshop at the Employment Center (our goal was 6).
We can't fit many people in the room at the employment center where we teach so we always have a smaller group than normal for these workshops-- this can be a good or bad thing. Where this group was concerned, it was a great thing! This was one of our favorite groups yet. Each one of the participants was soo eager to learn and start their own business. They were intelligent and really understood the principles and participated a ton, which made the workshop so much fun for us! They all stayed after class for over an hour just discussing their plans with each other and talking about what they learned. It was really cool for us to see.

On Sunday we said goodbye to two of our favorite missionaries here, Elder Paterson and Elder Walker. They're awesome.

Today we interviewed one of the participants from our workshop who has started a business since we taught him a month ago.
Meet Jesús González:

He started a transportation company and talked to us about how the workshop helped him put together a better plan for his business. Specifically how it helped him better plan his advertising and finances. He even drove his van to show us the new canvas advertisement he made to advertise his business. Awesome!

It will be bittersweet to leave in a few days. We are pretty ready to get back to the land of the free and the home of the brave--we definitely have a new appreciation for all things AMERICAN! :)
However, we have met some truly amazing people here, and it will be hard to say goodbye!

Veracrúz

2011-03-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend we traveled to Veracrúz to teach another workshop. Veracrúz is located on the eastern coast and is the largest port city in Mexico. The downtown area was mostly industrial with HUGE cargo ships.

In the middle of the port and all of the ships is an old fortress called the Fort of San Juan de Ulúa that was used as a prison and former palace from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century.

We stayed in an area called Boca del Rio, which was more of a modern beach town.

We had so much fun with our director and he treated us to some really awesome seafood restaurants! At the restaurant "Boulevard" I ordered the Mojarra fish, which I've never tried before. I was shocked by how big it was! It looked like a giant piranha, and it was soo yummy!

We had a great time with our group of 28 in Veracrúz. The people we teach are always so friendly and good to us.
Also, the chapel where we taught our workshop was in the same parking lot as the beautiful Veracrúz temple.

Twelve down, four to go!

2011-03-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

This past week we finished teaching our 12th Self-Employment Workshop!
We've been teaching a ton but there is nothing more rewarding then hearing success stories from people who attended one of the workshops. Many have started their own business, others have learned something that has helped them improve their current business, others have learned how to better manage their family financial situation etc.
We've had some pretty amazing experiences and couldn't feel luckier to be where we are right now!

Mayorazgo Stake graduates:

Valsequillo Stake graduates:

Tehuacán:
This weekend we traveled to Tehuacán to teach at the stake center there.

When we were not teaching, we were enjoying our nice hotel, pool and restaurant. It felt like a mini vacation!

For Dave

2011-03-16T21:24:00.001-07:00

Lunch in the campo

2011-03-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday we went to lunch at a friends house who we met in one of our workshops. His name is Ubaldo Vasquez (pictured below on the far right ) and he is one of the nicest, most genuine, humble, generous people we have met in Mexico.

His family was so sweet and made us feel right at home. They live in what is called the campo, a little tiny village on the outskirts of puebla. His parents are retired but now make their living selling chickens, turkeys and pigs which they raise in their backyard. We arrived just in time for feeding time!

After lunch his sweet mom gave us about 4 dozen fresh eggs from that days hatching, most of which were so fresh, they were still warm!

Half of the eggs were regular brown eggs, and the other half were turkey eggs, which are about 3 times as big! The biggest eggs we have ever seen!

We've had the opportunity to meet so many great people and families while here in Puebla. They don't have much but they are so incredibly generous with all that they do have.

Casitas and El Tajin

2011-03-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

So we rent our apartment from a lady named Soñia. In a nut shell, she is a single mom, extremely nice, friendly (as in talk your ear off), and LOUD woman! :)

This past weekend she invited us to join her and her two girls for a little weekend trip to the coast, to a tiny beach town in Veracruz called Casitas. Casitas is no tourist place like most Amerians would imagine when mentioning the beach in Mexico. It's just a tiny little pueblo with family owned hotels and restauraunts lining the coast. Our little hotel cost 30 dollars a night and reminded me of a European hostel, but it was right on the beach, so we were in heaven!

On Saturday we drove with Soñia up steep, winding roads and through tiny little villages to get to El Tajin; a village of pyramids found in Verzcruz.
These pyramids were absolutly incredible! They were constructed around 1200 AD and inhabited for 500 years.
There are around 42 which make up this ancient village and excavation continues as they find more and more ruins. It took us about 2 hours to walk around the whole thing. It was pretty amazing.

That night we went crab hunting on the beach! There are tons of baby crabs on the beach and at night the bigger crabs come out to eat them.

The rest of the weekend we relaxed, ran on the beach, and basked in the sun! :)

Oh ya, and we ate some yummy seafood...I was one happy girl!

Never know what we're gonna get:

2011-03-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

One day we will be teaching a workshop with 6 people at the employment center...

The next day we are teaching 116 people at the stake center in Tlaxcala!

We both had to use microphones and Jeff's was a headset. He kept asking me, "Laur, do I look like a rockstar?! I feel like a rockstar!"

We had a great time with this huge group!

Last few days with Mom and Dad

2011-03-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

During our last few days with Dave and Brooke in town we:

Visited the Pyramids at Cacaxtla:

Vistited the archeological site at Cacaxtla:

Drove around some really humble towns nearby, many of which had some pretty impressive Catholic cathedrals, considering the surroundings:

Toured the Employment Center where Jeff and I work:

and Dave and Brooke attended one of our workshops at the Mayorazgo Stake:

Between Jeff and Dave we were all kept laughing the entire week until our stomachs hurt.

Have I mentioned how much FUN we had with these two?
Thanks again Mom and Dad for coming to visit us! We love you guys and things just haven't been the same since you left!

Visiting El Centro

2011-03-01T21:57:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we took Dave and Brooke to El Centro Historico in Puebla. We spent hours touring downtown and browsing the markets.

We stopped and tried two of Pueblas most popular snacks: papas fritas con salsa picante and elote.
Jeff is eating fresh potato chips with hot sauce, chili powder and Worcestershire on top. Brooke is eating Elote, a hugely popular treat that consists of corn on the cob smeared with mayo, rolled in cheese, and topped with chili powder and lemon!

We ended the day with a trip to eat the best cemitas (type of sandwhich) in Puebla.

We have had SO much fun with these two. Everyday has been a blast and we are really going to be sad when they leave!

True Mexican Cuisine

2011-02-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday we surprised Dave and Brooke with a Mexican cooking class!

One of the participants from our workshop in La Libertad is a Chef, and hopes to start a cooking school. When he told us this we knew we had to ask him for a lesson the week the parentals came to town because we all love to cook!

On Saturday we met Gustavo at the LDS chapel and he showed us the way to his home. We drove up, down and winded all around to finally arrive at his home, located in a very humble neighborhood.

When we walked in the door we were greeted by his wife, two sons and young daughter. We had a blast getting to know this awesome family and learning how to make some traditional Poblano dishes: sopa poblana, pipian rojo, Mexican rice, red salsa, and green salsa.

We even popped over to the neighbors to buy 3 kilos of homemade tortillas.

Happy Birthday Jeff!

2011-02-26T15:23:00.001-08:00

Friday was Jeff's Birthday! We woke up early and drove to Mexico City, about 2 hours away, and the drive alone was an adventure. Driving and navigating in Mexico City is loco.

First we went to the beautiful Mexico Temple, which was a really neat experience in Spanish.

Then we ate some delicious tacos and b-day cake at a popular little restaurant called Parilla Danesa.

Then we drove to Teotihuacan to see the pyramids there.
The pyramids are incredible! There are 3 larger ones that represent the sun, moon and stars, and then tons of surrounding ruins. The ruins date back to between 0 and 200 A.D. and were inhabited for 800 years!

Pretty steep climbing. Pretty awesome views.

We ended the night with birthday dinner at "Mi Ciudad Puebla" where we ate some traditional Poblano dishes including mole and pipian! De-lish!

Mom and Dad come to town!

2011-02-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

Dave and Brooke arrived in Puebla on Wednesday night! It was pretty surreal when they stepped off the bus they took from the Mexico City Airport to Puebla, and to say we were excited to see them is a huge understatement. We have had a BLAST the last few days.

We started off our week adventure with a trip to Cholula; our favorite little city about 15 minutes away.

In Cholula we:

Ate some grasshoppers:

These Chapulines are a "delicacy" in Mexico and a sweet little lady was selling them so we just couldn't resist.

Climbed a Pyramid:

A catholic cathedral now sits on top of the pyramid. The pyramid was being built just before Cortez and the Spaniards came to Mexico. When he arrived, Cortex ordered the construction to stop, so it was never finished and land grew over it.

Ate at Guerros, Jeff's favorite restaurant for enchiladas

And went to a HUGE Mexican market:
We walked away with some mangos, watermellon, pineapple and some awesome clay pots for cooking!

We are so happy Dave and Brooke could come visit this week!

The Greatest, The Best

2011-02-24T20:28:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to:

The greatest Husband

The best friend

The sweetest man

The most handsome of all

The most loyal companion

The funniest person on the planet

I can't put into words how grateful I am that Jeffery B. Allen was born 23 years ago today.

"MITCHELLLLLLL"

2011-02-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

In continuing with this week's birthday shout-outs:

Happy Birthday to the BEST Dad in the WORLD!

Happy Birthday Matt!

2011-02-23T06:09:00.001-08:00

We Love You and We Will Never Forget You; Especially on Your Special Day!

More fun in Puebla

2011-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

This week we finished four workshops we have been teaching to Stakes throughout Puebla during the month of February; La Paz, Amalucan, La Libertad, and Cholula.
We've gotten to know most of these people really well so it was bittersweet to finish the workshops with them. We had some really amazing participants who we know will go far as they put these principles to use. We've already begun to see the fruits of our labor as participants have shared their Business Plans with us.
There are many resources in Puebla to help the people get financing or other tools they need to start their small businesses; ALL they require is that the people have a Business Plan written out. That is the purpose of the workshop we are teaching--to help them put together their business plans.
I'm mad at myself for forgetting to take a photo with the Amalucan group, but here are photos of the other three:

La Paz Stake

La Libertad Stake

Cholula Stake

On Saturday we went with our Director to his stake youth activity. This summer they are having the first EFY here in Puebla and everyone is pretty excited about it. Word got out that Jeff and I had attended EFY in Provo a few times so they asked if we would share some of our experiences with the youth.
(This is never something I would have been able to do one month ago--teaching these workshops has done wonders with my public speaking and spanish skills.)

When we finished speaking, we felt like celebrities. I don't know if they just haven't seen gringos before or something, but little groups of kids kept coming up and wanting a picture with us. It was pretty embarrassing.
We spent the rest of the day playing in the park. I got soo sunburned and now look like a little cherry with a big farmer's tan.

Feliz Día de San Valentín

2011-02-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Who knew Valentines day in Mexico could be so dreamy?
I was certain any surprise this year would be impossible considering Jeff and I are together 24 hours a day and know each others' every move, but he got me, as always!
Yesterday morning one of our neighbors invited us to go running at a local park, which was very fun. When we got home Jeff went to the grocery store to grab a few things while I made lunch. He's pretty sneaky because when I went back into our room to grab something after lunch I found this:

Later we went and saw:
Which we both thought was hilarious.
Then we had dinner on the most "posh" street in La Paz called Avenida Juarez. We thought we'd mix it up so we ate at a delicious little Italian Restaurant called Grigliatto.

This weekend we went to El Centro again. Lots of people, lots of markets, lots of food and lots of fun. The weather here has been amazing--we're definitely not missing Utah cold!

Atlixco

2011-02-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

Monday was Feriado, a holiday here in Puebla so everyone had the day off work. Our manager Ranulfo invited us to spend the day with his family in Atlixco, a town about 30 minutes away.
We explored the city a bit and went to a huge market where they sold just about everything. We bought a ton of fresh fruit including mangoes, tangerines, guava, pineapple and peaches. The fruit here is delicious, we can't get enough of it! We also tried the Chinese fruit Kumquat for the first time. To eat it you just break it open and slurp the gooey seeds inside.
Ranulfo has the cutest family in the world. His youngest daughter (standing in the middle in the purple) is THE cutest little girl. She is obsessed with Dora the Explorer and looks just like her so we call her Dora. It was a warm sunny day and we had a blast with their family.

working hard and playing hard

2011-02-06T11:32:00.001-08:00

We've been in Puebla just over three weeks now and we are loving it!
We teach four times a week, in the evening to groups ranging from 15 to 40 people. It's been a challenging but extremely rewarding experience for me so far and I am feeling very comfortable with the language and teaching in front of so many people!
It makes it easy when I have such an amazing companion to teach with. The people really relate with and love Jeff from the second he opens his mouth and it makes the workshops so much fun.

Puebla is a beautiful city! We've loved exploring and getting to know our way around the last few weeks.
Last Saturday we spent the day in the city center which was bustling with people. We had a blast browsing the street vendors and trying different foods.

This week I learned how to make true, homemade mexican tamales!
Avelina Flores is the secretary at the Employment Center and we have become great friends. She found out I love to cook and that I especially wanted to learn how to make tamales, so she had Jeff and I over for a "tamalada" or a Tamale making party. Her mother, who is 83 years old, is the true expert at tamale making and she taught me all her tricks!

We made 4 different kinds of tamales; mole, salsa verde, salsa rojo, and dulce. We made everything completely from scratch, including the dough, using dried corn kearnals. It was so much fun!
We made about 300 tamales which we cooked in steamers like this one:

We are loving life in Mexico; we are working hard, playing hard, and having a great experience!

The first of many

2011-01-23T17:23:00.000-08:00

This weekend we taught our first Self-employment Workshop! We taught on Friday and Saturday night in a city about 1 hour outside of Puebla called Tlaxcala. Our Director, Ranulfo, was nice enough to drive us both days, and the second day we left early with he and his wife so we could tour the city with them before we taught.

Tlaxcala is a charming city. We visited the Government Palace where, inside murals cover all the walls, depicting the history of Tlaxcala. The murals took the artist 46 years to paint.

Afterwards Ranulfo and Iraís took us to a really nice Mexican buffet so we could get a taste of "true authentic Mexican food." Having loved mexican food our entire lives in the states we thought we'd know what to expect-- the typical burritos, enchiladas, tamales etc.-- boy were we wrong! The only familiar food we ate were corn tortillas and rice. We can't remember the names of most of the dishes but many included lamb, cow stomach, tongue, milanesa, and cactus leaves, which are a popular vegetable here. It was all actually super yummy!

When we arrived at the Chiautempan Stake Center Friday night to teach the first section of the workshop I was pretty nervous. Then we walk in to find 37 people seated and ready for class--my nerves shot through the roof! I don't remember the last time I was that nervous, I honestly wanted to cry! I was just about to teach 37 people how to start a small business--all in SPANISH!

Well, as you can guess, I was forced to conquer my fears, and with the help of my stud of a husband, it went awesome! We had a blast teaching and getting to know these people. Big surprise that they all fell in love with Jeff from the start because he is so fun.

The self-employment workshop we are teaching is truly inspired and it so amazing to see first hand how the principles taught will change the lives of these people.

random tidbits

2011-01-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

Did we mention Puebla is surrounded by 4 Volcanoes? SOO cool!

This is the view from sunset tonight right outside our front door.

(our house is the first floor of the white building on the right.)

This is the view of the same volcano from the windows at the Employment Center.

A few other thoughts:
I love speaking Spanish
I love getting to spend 24/7 with mi esposo. We're having SO much fun.
Went to Costco today--Mexican Costcos ROCK!

Welcome to Puebla, Mexico

2011-01-16T11:06:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I finally arrived in Mexico City on Friday afternoon!
We were met at the airport by our Employment Center Director, Ranulfo Cervantes, who is such an amazing man. He is 33-years-old, and along with working as the Director, he also serves as Stake President. He does not speak any English so it was fun for me to practice my Spanish from the get-go. He loved and made fun of Jeff's Argentine accent. From the airport Ranulfo wasted no time in introducing us to some true authentic Mexican tacos! Yum! We already love this man.

After lunch we drove from Mexico City to Puebla, which took about 3 1/2 hours because of traffic. Mexico City was crazier than we could have imagined. I thought driving in a cab in NYC was bad; that was nothing compared to here, in a city with over 20 million people!

Ranulfo dropped us off at our apartment which is awesome, and more than we had hoped for. We live right in the center of Puebla, two blocks from Walmart and one block from the employment center where we will be working.

Here is a photo tour of our apartemento:

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Bathroom- (Jeff was thrilled about the bright pink shower curtain)

Guest bedroom for those of you who want to come visit us! :)

Our bedroom

This week Ranulfo will take us to see more of the city and get in contact with the banks, micro-credit institutions and other resources we will be working with.

We teach our first workshop on Friday!

Internship Training

2011-01-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

We spent last week getting to know and love this group:

We all attended training together in Salt Lake in preparation for our internships. There are 14 of us students going to 6 different countries: Mexico (us and one other group), Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Peru, and Brazil. We will all be teaching the Church's Self Employment Workshop in our various locations and languages.
During training last week we studied and practiced teaching the workshop each day from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. We had SOO much fun with this group and made some great friends.

Holiday Cheer

2010-12-17T14:09:00.000-08:00

Jeff's finals are over, we are nearly moved out, and both finished with work.

Christmas is in a week.

This is us right now:

Changes

2010-12-13T14:48:00.000-08:00

I get nervous and excited when things in my life change.

I'm comfortable when life flows in a normal routine, but at the same time I'm constantly antsy to do something spontaneous.

This week marks the end of the normal routine Jeff and I have had for the past year and we couldn't be more excited for the adventures ahead!

Saturday we move out of our beloved duplex

Back to the best hometown ever

To spend Christmas Eve with Santa and Mrs. Claus (the ones not in costume of course)

Then off to the happiest "world" on earth

With these wonderful people

Then to Puebla, Mexico for our internship.

We're so excited to serve the people there and get immersed in a new culture and language again!

Small Disclaimer:

Even though we are super excited for these new adventures, there are two things that I know I'm really going to miss the next few months:

Sharing a duplux with the best neighbors ever

and adoring their sweetest baby in the world.

Working here and seeing this girl everyday:

Enjoying lunches and walks around the temple and enduring the bus commute with her. Love you Heather!

I'm not going to list everyone or everything else I will miss the next few months, but since Liz thinks I wont miss her unless I publicly declare it on this blog, I will give her a shout out as well. Hey other half, I will miss you MOST!

Never the less, We're Ready!!!

Undeniable Adult Truths

2010-12-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

A work friend sent me this today and it made my day.

I love things that make you laugh out loud

at your desk,

at work,

surrounded by others

who look at you like you're crazy.

Enjoy!

Undeniable Adult Truths
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3.. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure we know how to get out of the neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions always make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front.. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty.. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. The first protective device, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

HP Fan for Life

2010-11-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

In 6th grade Carly Ostler told me about a book she was reading about a boy who lived in a closet under the stairs.

A few weeks later my Dad brought home Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
A few pages in, I realized this was the book Carly told me about.
A few more pages in, I entered a new world and was hooked for life!

When each new book was released, my Dad would buy at least 3 copies and we'd still fight over them. Oh how I miss those days :)
Tonight, thanks to Terry Bickmore, Bryce and Jess, we will be seeing part one of the final installment!
I’m not going to lie, it would be an emotional day if this movie wasn’t split into two parts. I can’t handle the fact that the story is coming to an end. Half the reason I want to have kids is to share this magical world with them!

On a side note, it may bug me a tiny bit when people see the Harry Potter movies without reading the books. The movies just can’t make you feel as magical as the books do! I can’t get too mad, however, because Jeff is one of these people.

Anyways, I can’t wait to return to the wizarding world tonight!!!!!

Kaden Christopher Allen

2010-11-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

He's finally here!

I know this may just seem bias, but this new member of the Allen family is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen! I told Jeff it just kinda stinks because there is no way our babies will be half this cute!! There's just no competition, he's perfect!!

Alise is doing amazing and we're just so happy for her and Chris. They will be such great parents.

I wish I had better pictures but I'll leave it to Alise to post some, along with the whole story.

Welcome to the world little guy! There's a lot of love here for you--especially from your aunt and uncle!

Obsessed

2010-11-12T11:33:00.000-08:00

Chris and Alise will have a new baby boy in their home any day now! We are SOO excited for the little guy to come, and we can't wait to have a little nephew that lives right next door!
I've been searching the Internet for newborn clothes we can give him on his birthday. Specifically, I want something warm for winter or a cute outfit for church.
Confession--this has become my new obsession! Baby clothes are THE cutest. I'm in love! Here's some of today's favorites: (Keep in mind these are in itty bitty infant sizes--it makes them that much more adorable!)

I love this, It's litteraly called "Grandpa Sweater

My Personal favorite- Motto Jacket with boots to match

"My Favorite Things"

2010-11-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

I know I’m not alone in saying how much I LOVE The Sound of Music. It’s such a classic and it’s been my all time favorite movie since I was old enough to talk. I grow to love it more and more as the years go by.
The entire Von Trapp family actors reunited on the Oprah show last week to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the movie. It felt like my birthday! Watch it here, it will make your day! ☺

The reunion caused me to reminisce back to one of the most amazing trips of my life; when Liz and I visited Vienna and Salzburg, three years ago.
We raced around the entire city seeking out every single landmark from the movie.
When we got back to our hotel that night we watched the movie, and paused it at every scene screaming, “We were just there!” We were so giddy, it makes me laugh thinking about it, but I know I’d act the same way today!

We’d take a screen shot of the movie screen on our computer and then compare it with our photo from that day:

Left side = modern day

Right side = movie scene

It’s hard to explain how movies can touch us in a way nothing else can, but this movie is spectacular. Nothing beats it, in my opinion!
Happy 45th Anniversary to The Sound of Music.
And there’s a new release of the movie, just in time for Christmas….Jeff…hint, hint.

Dear UTA Riders

2010-11-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

For anyone who doesn’t know, (or hasn’t heard me complain before :) ) each morning and afternoon I make the hour and a half commute to downtown Salt Lake, courtesy of the UTA “express” bus.

During the past five months or so, a new onslaught of riders has led to an overly crowded bus each day. (By overly crowded I mean every seat full and wall to wall people standing in the aisles.)

On a bus jam-packed with people, unspoken but common courtesies exist. These courtesies coincide with common everyday life courtesies that are unspoken, but most people understand. For example: flush the toilet after using a restroom, hold the door or give up your seat for an elderly person, etc.
However, with the plethora of new riders on the bus, a few of these courtesies have been repeatedly ignored, namely:

No Cell Phones: When it’s 6 a.m., pitch dark outside, the bus is full to capacity, and your fellow riders are trying to sleep, don’t talk on your cell phone! What you may perceive as a whisper translates to shouting to the rest of us.

No clipping your fingernails: This would seem like an obvious rule, right? Well, nail-clipping man, you must need a reminder that this sort of activity is meant to happen in your bathroom or private quarters. It’s hard to sleep, (or concentrate on anything else for that matter) when you're stressed about flying nails hitting you.

No Skyping: Don’t use the wireless connection provided by UTA to Skype your fiancé from your lab top. First of all, it’s just annoying for the rest of us. Second, no one on the bus wants to meet your fiancé (shocking I know). Third, don’t you feel the least bit awkward blowing kisses and “I love you’s” to a giant face on your computer screen while everyone around you can’t help but watch and laugh/gag?

As much as Heather (my riding buddy) and I really love the bus, the enforcement of these few simple courtesies would greatly enhance the experience! Maybe another customer comment on UTA's Web site is in order....they never seem to respond though... :)

Anyways, thanks for listening.

New Adventures

2010-10-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I were recently accepted to do an internship in Puebla, Mexico this winter!

The internship is through BYU with LDS Employment Resources. We will be teaching a self-employment workshop to help people start small businesses or improve their existing business.

Typically BYU sends two student “companions” to a designated area, but because Jeff is married and I speak Spanish they are allowing us to go and teach together!

The internship will fill Jeff’s requirement for his Latin American Studies major.

We are enrolled in a prep-course until the end of the semester to help us prepare for the internship. Then we’re sent to a “mini MTC” training in SLC at the beginning of January. After that we are off to Mexico until the end of the semester!

Estamos muy emocionados por esta aventura nueva!

Date night

2010-10-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

We had date night with our friends Brad and Joanali Evans on Friday. We enjoyed some Costco pizza, went bowling, watched a movie and made caramel apples!
Making caramel apples around Halloween time is one of my favorite activities each year, and these turned out delicious! See our cooking blog for the recipe.

Brad and Joanali have the two cutest kids in the world-- Nathan and Mayley!
Nathan loved the caramel apples :)

All the while, Mayley, was having a blast taking all of our food off the shelf. Every time I'd come near with the camera she would stop and give the look of "What? I'm not doing anything!" Sooo cute.

Next weekend we're on to pumpkin carving! Soo much to do before Halloween!!

Parkite Pride

2010-10-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

I love the fact that I was born and raised in beautiful Park City. Jeff and I have so much Parkite pride for our hometown. When the leaves start to change on those oh-so-familiar mountains I can't help but feel giddy!

We had an awesome time hiking last weekend and enjoying those beautiful leaves. The pictures really don't do it justice!

There is a ski chair plopped on the trail that lends the perfect resting point!

After hiking, we enjoyed more outdoor fun on a horseback ride with our sweet friend and neighbor, Betsy Thornton. She was nice enough to invite us to join her on a ride--her favorite hobby.
Their beautiful home and barn are snuggled right up by the Canyons ski resort, where she took us riding.

Jeff rode Truby and I rode Traveler. We followed Tombstone lift straight up a ways and then made a loop back down. It was quite the trail-- steep, windy, rocky, and so much fun!! We had a blast (despite the sore bottoms the next day)!

The leaves were A-MAZ-ING! I wish I'd been able to take more photos, but Betsy took this on her phone, so it works!

We did it.

2010-10-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

We made our first wedding cake, and it was a blast! I know I've said this before, but I just love the feeling of making something from nothing! I will post the cake recipes on our cooking blog, because everything tastes better from scratch! :)

Top tier: Chocolate cake with chocolate filling

Middle tier: Pumpkin chocolate chip cake with cream cheese filling

Bottom tier: Lemon blueberry cake with lemon curd filling

The cakes were covered in white chocolate cream cheese frosting.

After all the cakes were finally baked, filled and frosted, Ali came over to help decorate.
She put her awesome artistic abilities to the test and etched some fall leaves on the cake. Liz and I never graduated from kindergarten art class, so we were so happy she could come help with this part!

She's amazing in every way and it was especially fun to work on a project with the three of us. It made the whole process so fun, instead of stressful.

After the etching was done, we finally got to put the cake together! Ali was my transport assistant and, luckily, nothing dramatic happened on the way to Salt Lake (except for a 70 lb. cake squishing her).

Liz had to work, so it was left to Ali and me to put the fondant leaves on the cake at the reception center. Good times Al! hahaha :)
Here's the final product! Ali has some more pics on her blog, and I will post some better pictures when I get them from the photographer!

Wedding Cake Phase 1

2010-10-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

As per my past post, I'm making the cake for a wedding this Friday.

The bride wants edible, fall leaves to adorn the 3-tier cake. Liz and I made the leaves out of fondant. We rolled it out thin and cut shapes with leaf cookie cutters, and drew in the veins.

Then we painted them with edible gels and pearl dust.

It took awhile, but was actually really fun.

Now we let them dry. and dry. and dry some more. The egg carton helps them dry with a little shape.

Leaves? Check.

Cake? To be continued.

Come see what's cookin'

2010-09-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

Liz and I have created a cooking/recipe blog. It's a work in progress, but now that it finally has a decent amount of recipes on it, I thought I'd officially declare it on my blog!

We are not professing to be experts by any means, but blogs are a great way to share new ideas, and try new things. Every recipe we've posted or will post is one that we love; No mediocre stuff makes the cut! :)

Check it out at tastesbetterfromscratch.blogspot.com, or click the link from this blog in the top right corner.

2010-09-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

As of Wednesday,

Fall is finally here,

and it makes me so happy!

Park City during the Fall is the most

beautiful place on the planet.

This is a fact.

I love:

Cooler nights

Everything pumpkin

Changing leaves

The feeling of fall semester and school starting

(even though I'm not in school anymore)

Sweaters, boots, layers and jackets

Halloween

Caramel Apples

Right now, I'm in my happy place.

Change is good. I think.

2010-09-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

For the past year, Jeff and I have served as nursery leaders in our ward.

We've had so much fun! Even though we are completely exhausted every Sunday after church!

These little rugrats are the cutest.

We were released yesterday and called to teach the 16-year-olds. By that, I mean four 16-year-old boys.

No more lessons like "I can be happy" or "I like to share".

Next Sunday we teach Isaiah 1-6.

Change is good. I think. :)

Bake Me a Cake

2010-09-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

I made my first cake for hire this weekend--(Thanks to Ali for suggesting me!)
I was emailed the following photo, of a "Where the Wild Things Are" cake.

The client wanted me to duplicate it for her boyfriends 25th birthday party. Yellow cake, with Chocolate Mousse filling. Yum!

I love the feeling of making something, from nothing.

And then taking it one step further...

I was so pleased with the result-- I love this cake-makin' business!

Feeling Crafty

2010-09-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

I've seen zipper rosettes everywhere lately, including on a cute pair of flats I bought from Nordstrom. They didn't look too tricky so I thought I'd try my hand at one.

All you do is unzipper a zipper, cut of the ends, twist and glue as you go!

I glued a clip to the back of the black rosette so I can put it in my hair, on a headband, or on a necklace.

Or you can just glue the zipper straight onto a headband, shoes, or a handbag, in a fun design.

So much you can make with a zipper and some hot glue. Pretty fun! Anyone have some more fun ideas for me?

Baseball Trip- Part Three

2010-09-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

Our last stop on the trip was NYC.

Our first day there we went to the Late Show with David Letterman. We had to wait in line for a while to pick up our tickets--but it was so worth it!

Donald Trump was the guest, as well as a band we had never heard of called Jukebox the Ghost. They were really good! I'm a fan.

It was so cool to see the set and to see Dave and the band in person!

That night Chris and Mike met up with us and we walked through Central Park and went to dinner.
We stayed in the Essex Hotel (you can see it in the background). It was SO nice!

The next day we headed to Yankee Stadium.
Game 5: New York Yankees v. Oakland A's.

Yankees won 5-0!

That night we saw Memphis. It is a semi-new play that just won the 2010 Tony for Best Musical, and now we know why! It was awesome!!

My parents left for home early Friday morning and Jeff and I spent the rest of the weekend with Chris and Mike at their place in New Rochelle.
It was so fun to visit where Mike works, in the heart of Manhattan, and where Chris works, in Connecticut.
It was great to just hang out with them for a few days; they totally spoiled us, and we had such a great time. I love Chris so much and I feel like my family won the lottery when he married Mike.
I wish I took more photos, but I did take some of Chris's work and the view from his building because it was so pretty!

Thanks for such an awesome time. We love you guys!

Baseball Trip- Part Two

2010-09-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

Next stop: Chicago Illinois

It was Jeff's first time to Chicago, so my Dad took him on the a "Chicago in 48 hours" tour. They went on the architectural boat tour around the city, went to the top of the Sears Tower, went to the Aquarium, and the Museum of Natural History---all while my mom and I did the "shop Chicago in 48 hours" tour! :) We all had a blast!

Game 3: Chicago Cubs v. Pitsburg Pirates

Wrigley's Field is probably my favorite stadium because it is so old. The scores are still put up by hand and I love the green Ivy around the fence. I especially love the bleachers on the top of the buildings across the street!

Cubs won 13-2.

Game 4: Cubs v. Pirates

Baseball Trip- Part One

2010-09-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Last week my parents took Jeff and I on a baseball trip out east! Jeff was in heaven, as baseball is his sport, and especially since we got to see his Braves play at Turner Field.

We had such a fun time, and we were completely SPOILED. Anyone who knows my Dad knows that he loves to travel and he sure knows how to "wine and dine" his travel companions!
Great company, really great seats at every game, great hotels, great shopping, great sightseeing, and great food--what more could you ask for?!

Atlanta was our first stop.

Game 1: Atlanta Braves v. Florida Marlins-

Second row seats right behind the Braves dugout.

Jeff caught a ball from coach Lopez!

Braves won 12-3!

Game 2:
For 2 days we looked everywhere for a Chipper Jones shirt for Jeff, but all the stores were out of his size! Finally one of the workers looked in the main inventory and saw that there were only 3 left, all on the top level of the stadium. So Jeff ran as fast as he could to try and find the shirt. It was hilarious, and dramatic... and lucky for him, he finally found one!

Jeff loves the tomahawk chant!

Game 2 was SO fun! The Braves were down 6-1 in the 8th inning, and came back to win 7-1 on a walk-off home run in the 9th! It was soo fun to watch and to be so close as the team celebrated!

Can't wait

2010-08-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

We're off tomorrow on what is proposed to be a baseball trip, but I have to be honest, right now I'm mostly excited about seeing Dave.

In the many times I've been to New York I've never been able to get into this show!

I'd often take a picture outside the theater, just to pretend I was really going...

But I never really got to.

So when the woman called yesterday saying I just had to anwser one trivia question about the show to win two tickets, you can imagine my excitment/nerves!

"Who is Alan Kaltar?" she asked.
Answer this question and you could have won tickets too!

See you soon David. Can't wait.

(Oh, and Chris and Mike, we can't wait to see you guys too!!!)

First Clients/First Cake

2010-08-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

A friend from work is letting Liz and I make the wedding cake for his October 15th Wedding!

Last night he and his finance came over for a taste testing of a few different flavors. We ended up making a TON of cake--they were all delicious, if I do say so myself.

Pumpkin chocolate chip with cream cheese filling:

Lemon Blueberry cake with white chocolate filling and another with lemon curd filling:

Coconut cream cake with coconut filling:

They ended up choosing a 3-tier, round cake with one layer lemon blueberry with lemon curd filling, one layer pumpkin chocolate chip with cream cheese filling, and one layer chocolate with dark chocolate filling--All with white chocolate buttercream frosting on top! Yum!

I'm super excited and flattered that they are letting us make it. If nothing else, I know the cake will taste awesome!

One Year

2010-08-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

We've been celebrating our one year anniversary all weekend with movies, dinners, and lots and lots of time together!
Jeff took me to Fresco for dinner last night; an Italian restaurant in Salt Lake City. The food was amazing.

I will spare everyone the cheesy reasons I love my husband (I'll tell him instead) and just say this has been the best year ever!

New Addition to My Kitchen

2010-08-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

For anyone who doesn't know this about me, I love to cook, and I love to bake! Lately I've been really eager to try my hand at making wedding cakes.

But there was just one problem; I hardly had any of the stuff for it!

Until today!

I got 16 cake pans and a 56 piece cake stand from a garage sale this morning!

It would be an understatement too say I'm SUPER excited! :)

Now I just need someone to make it for...or to eat my practice ones!

My Dilemma

2010-08-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

Julia Roberts v. Eat, Pray, Love

Ever since I was a little girl, Julia Roberts has always been my favorite actress. I have seen every one of her movies, and I'd say I'm nearing obsession in my admiration of her!

I always tell Jeff that, if only we could meet, I just know we would be BEST friends! :)

Once I heard she would be starring in the movie adaptation of Eat, Pray, Love, I just knew I had to read the book.

So I did.

And I know I am going against the grain here—as it was a very popular, bestselling novel—but I really, really did not like this book.

I think the biggest reason is because I could not relate to/didn't really like the main character (which is sad to say, since the main character is the author).

I felt like she was so whiny throughout the whole book, and it's hard for me to read a book where the main character has the attitude of "I have so many problems and issues." That got really old, really fast.

On top of that, there were a few seriously awkward scenes in the book where I had to stop and think "why would the author ever share this embarrassing, ridiculous detail about her private life with the rest of the world? Especially when, in my opinion, it doesn’t add anything to the context of the book.”

And on top of all of that, when I wasn't feeling awkward, or dislike towards the main character, I was bored!

So what do I do about this movie in which my favorite actress is starring?

I just pray (no pun intended) that Julia will bring a bit of class to the movie and the character. And I really think she will.

So I will probably see the movie.

But anyone who sees it first, let me know what you think!

We golf....

2010-08-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

in a miniature way.

For date night on Friday we went to Trafalga with Matt and Katie.
I'm convinved Jeff should go pro after his 5 hole-in-one shots!

The Most Coveted Shirt at BYU...

2010-08-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

was won by the Web gems last night!!

Here's a little recap of the game: True Blue v. Web gems

We'd played True Blue once before, in a come-back to win in the last inning.

Then we faced them again yesterday for the intramural championship.

They had matching uniforms.

They had dozens of fans.

We played as a team.

and wanted it more!

True Blue led 6-0 in the 3rd inning and then we took the lead at 10-7.

They came back to tie the game in the top of the last inning.

Then Jeff scored the winning run on a base hit by Melanie.

What a great game!

Congrats team!!

Before Summer Ends...

2010-08-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

I Really Want:

Jeff and Doug to win the coed softball intramural championship tonight

and some fans to come help us cheer them on-- 7:30 p.m.

To celebrate nearly one year of bliss with my amazing husband

To visit these two--in 27 days.

To get a haircut---anyone have a salon recommendation?
To make a wedding cake

This girl to have her baby already

To do this again:

Who's with me? Ali, Liz, Courtney? Anyone?

To find motivation to start studying for the LSAT again

To attend Catherine and Adam's wedding

I think I need a longer summer....

Weekend adventures

2010-08-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend was packed full of fun, family and friends.

On Friday we had a little get-together with the girl cousins in the Prince family. It was so fun to catch up with everyone. The aunts provided some delicious food, and we all just visited and played outside for hours! We have the best family!

My little cousin, Sophia Mortensen, is the most adorable girl. She came outside eager to pick some raspberries from my grandpa's garden. She quickly found a ripe one and then turned to me and said, "Is this really real?"

Once it sunk in that everything in the garden was edible, she happily scoured the place until her little hands were full of goodies!

Sophie's brother, Micah, was the only boy at the party. He didn't seem to mind, and he happily gave us all a "Gun show."

My Mom's face in the background is classic!

It was so fun to watch all of the second generation cousins climbing the trees and playing on the swings--an activity that their moms and older cousins would do when we were little.

Friday night we went to watch my cousin Jamie (pictured above) play in concert with Peter Breinholt at the Sandy amphitheater. Jamie is so incredibly talented at the violin, and the concert was a blast!

Saturday we headed to Seven Peaks where we met up with my two best friends, Natalie and Ali. Jeff was a trooper for hanging out with the chicas all day!

There goes Jeff!

On Sunday Matt and Katie came over to celebrate Matt's birthday.

I need your help...

2010-07-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

I made Liz a Blog!

But she's still hesitant about joining the blogosphere...

so please, anyone and everyone, go to her blog and post a comment!

Tell her how much she will love blogging,

Tell her how it will change her life,

Make up whatever you want!! Just help me convince her!

http://lizziebailey.blogspot.com/

Thanks,
Laur

Amidst all the craziness...

2010-07-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

We did manage to squeeze in some fun the past 2 weeks! :)

Boating at Deer Creek
Chris, Alise, Brad and Katie invited us out on the boat with them and we had a blast!

Jeff tried out the Slalom for his second time and champed it!

Leave it to the boys to "entertain him" while he rode!

Deer Valley Concert-- The Utah Symphony
This is always a favorite of mine--spreading out a big blanket and having a little picnic on the grass while we watched. And let's be honest, you just can't beat the magic of Disney!

Real Game
Real games are always a blast! I love the soccer, Jeff likes the all-you-can-eat burgers, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, drinks, and ice cream that came with the club seats. I should have taken a picture of his dinner box because He. Can. Eat!

It was so fun to have Chris and Mike with us!

Before the game we stopped to see my grandma. Jess had the brilliant idea to take a photo of us all in our summer colors! Soo cute! I love these ladies!

Ken Prince Funeral

2010-07-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

My Grandpa's funeral yesterday was the most beautiful funeral I have ever attended (and I'm not just being biased! :)

Some of the highlights:

My Uncle Rob is a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and twenty friends from the choir volunteered to sing at the funeral. Not only was their performance absolutely amazing, it was so neat to watch because that is something my grandpa would have LOVED! He was always soo proud of Rob being a member of the Choir and I'm sure this was a highlight of the funeral for him, (as it was for me!)

They sang Homeward Bound for the opening song (WOW is all I can say) and Bring Him Home, from Les Miserable, for the closing song.

My cousin Jamie played my grandpa’s favorite hymn, A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, on the the violin, and her performance was incredible, as usual. The music in general at this funeral was incomparable.

Grandpa was buried at Sandy City Cemetery, right next to my baby brother, Adam Spencer Bailey, who passed away from SIDS when he was 8 months old. It will be so special for my family to be able to visit their graves side by side.

Because of his service during World War II, grandpa received a 21-gun salute from the Honor Guard of the Disabled American Veterans.

It was the first time in at least 13 years that my entire extended family was gathered together. It meant soo much to have all of our families together to support my grandma and to show our love for our father and grandfather.

We have a pretty good lookin' family, if I do say so myself!

My cousin Jessica is one of the most beautiful girls I know! I'm not sure how her family got the dark hair, dark skin genes...jealous!

It was especially fun for me to get to spend time with my family. Chris and Mike flew in from NYC and Ty and Alex traveled from British Columbia.

What a great way to honor such an amazing man.

Until We Meet Again

2010-07-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Our dear, sweet grandpa passed away this morning and the news is bittersweet.

In the days following my grandpa's fall he lay in a deep coma, completely unresponsive.

But as his children and grandchildren gathered around his bedside Monday night, his eyes were open and he was more "alert" than he'd been in days. As we each had the opportunity to hold his hand, look him in the eyes and tell him how much we love him, he'd give an occasional smile or nod his head.
This was the sweetest goodbye any of us could have asked for.

I'm sure everyone that was there can attest to the feeling of peace our whole family has felt since that night. So when my mom called this morning to tell me he passed away, my tears were of joy and mourning.
I know he's passed on to a more magnificent place than anyone can imagine--and I know he's being received by a welcoming crowd of family and loved ones who had passed on before him--but his absence will leave a void in all our hearts.

To our father, grandfather, husband, gardener, worker, football enthusiast, soldier, and friend; We will miss you, but we'll be seeing you.