A Triple Birthday Weekend

This weekend we attended three different birthday parties for three different family members. And they each had their own night starting from Friday and ending on Sunday. It was a lot of fun.

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The first party was Friday night and it was for Tyson's brother Dustin. He was celebrating his 27th birthday. His wife Erika planned a bowling party for him at Teton Lanes and it was a lot of fun. Many family and friends were there, including Amber and Che'. So we picked them up and took them with us to Rexburg. It was a lot of fun. And like Erika, I don't care to share my bowling score either! However, my first score was better than my second.

I think this sign says it all!

Erika set out a bowl full of candy, and if we got a spare or a strike we got a piece. I had one spare and one strike so I was pretty proud of myself!

Erika & Tyson showing their mad bowling skills.

Erika & her daughter Lillie watching all the fun. I loved Lillie's little bowling shoes!


Lillie liked looking at all the bowling balls.


I borrowed this picture from Erika. Thanks, Erika! :)
She told us to act natural and I ended up looking confused and rediculous. Probably one of my better shots, I think. Yeah right!

Tyson's dad, Erika, Dustin, and some of Erika's family watching all the bowling action

After bowling we had cake and opened presents. Erika got Dustin a really cute construction cake. And yes, they are lighting all 27 candles. Woo!

Singing "Happy Birthday" to Dustin

This was right before all the BYU-Idaho kids in the background joined in with the singing.

Blowing out the candles

See all the BYU-Idaho students cheering? There were so many people singing for Dustin!

I loved Amber, Che', and Tyson's shoes! Mine looked too normal so they weren't in the picture.

Tyson's mom serving the cake

Amber & Che' sharing a piece of cake

Tyson & I

Opening presents and enjoying cake

After the party Amber, Che', Tyson and I decided to go to dinner. Yes, this is where we ate. And no, we didn't have to drive down to Bountiful to do it. The Cafe Rio in Idaho Falls opened a day early and we decided to go for dinner! It was delicious. Tyson and I shared this lovely pork burrito. So good! We love their pork!

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On Saturday we continued the birthday partying with a family dinner at Ruby River for Tyson's brother Clark. He was celebrating his 24th birthday. We also let the server know it had been Dustin's birthday the day before so they both got to wear a couple of awesome hats. After dinner we went back to Tyson's parents house and visited for a while. Then we played some games. It was a lot of fun. We were planning on having cake and ice cream but we completely spaced it. Sorry again, Clark! :)

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And on Sunday we celebrated my sister Amy's 20th birthday. Her birthday is actually on May 3rd but she will be out of town that weekend. So we decided to have a family barbecue and celebrate Amy's birthday on April 26th. It was a lot of fun. I can't believe my little sis is 20!

Opening presents

She got a super cute watch from our brother Adam, I love it!

The rest of us gave her money. Perfect for someone who just got their first apartment!

After lunch and presents we watched a slide show of Aaron & Britney's trip to Maui. I loved all the pictures of the beach, it looked so warm!

They brought us all back necklaces, bracelets, and chocolate.

Tyson & I are sporting ours here.

When it came time to have cake, Amy didn't want to get up off the couch. So Mom brought the cake and lit the candles in the living room. Silly girl!

Mom serving the cake and sporting her new shell necklace

But the day was apparently too much for Amy and she fell asleep on the couch. I guess that what happens when you get older! ha ha

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We had such a great weekend with so many family birthday parties! Happy birthday again to Dustin, Clark, and Amy! We sure do love you guys!

So Lucky

This week has been quite the week. With school starting this last Monday I have had to change my schedule around and try to adjust to it all. Up by 5:00 or 5:30 every morning to get to Rexburg on time, working less and studying more...a lot of adjustments. I'm still not quite there, but I'll make it!

I was watching an episode of "ER" this afternoon (Yes, I record those too. TNT reruns!) and the episode reminded me of how lucky I am to be living such a wonderful life. I have a beautiful home, loving family and friends, I'm healthy (now that the darn gallbladder is gone), and I'm finishing my degree. Most of all, I'm so lucky to be married to Tyson. He is my perfect man, and I love him more than anything. I never thought I could say that I love someone more than anything. But I can't help but feel that way about him. It's amazing how you can feel so connected to a person and wonder how you lived without them before. I bet many of you feel the same way about your husbands or wives. He is such a blessing in my life and I'm so grateful for him.

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Sometimes in my life (ok, a lot of the time) I find myself complaining about things that aren't going right. But then I have to stop and re-evaluate. There are so many people around me that have struggles that are much more complex than my own issues. I have been so blessed, and I can't feel anything but grateful for what I have. The trials in our lives make us better people. We may not understand why they happen at the time, but eventually a lesson will be learned and blessings will come for enduring. I have had experiences in my life that have proven this to me and I'm so grateful for them. I am a better person because of them. And I know that because I was able to push through some of those tough moments Tyson and I were led to each other. And now I'm the happiest girl in the world!

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Right now I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you. Thank you to Tyson for being such a wonderful and loving husband. Thank you to my parents for bringing me up in a gospel-filled and loving home. Thank you to my inlaws (parents and siblings) for welcoming me into their family and treating me like their sister. And for being such great examples for Tyson. Thank you to my own siblings for always being so supportive and being my best friends since the beginning. And thank you to all my friends old and new for being such great examples. I gues you could say this is my "Thankful Thursday." I'm thankful for all the people in my life. I love you all!

Life is a challenge. But it's all worth it.

And I wouldn't want it any other way!

Image via natureshs.com

Back to School

Well, I'm back in the classroom and ready to get going on a new semester at BYU-Idaho. Another first day out of the way. I was incredibly nervous last night and was feeling a lot of anxiety. It helped having Tyson there, he is wonderful. I don't know what I would do without him. Every year on the night before school started my dad would give all of us a blessing. I had Tyson give me one last night and it was awesome. I have been having a hard time lately with my schooling and how messed up my credits are. But Tyson reassured me that everything is going to be ok. I felt so good the entire time he was speaking, and the room felt amazing. I could definitely feel the spirit there. He mentioned the same thing to me afterward. His words in his blessing were very comforting. I love him so much and I'm grateful that he is a worthy priesthood holder who can give me a blessing whenever I feel the need.

My first class started at 7:45 this morning so I was out the door at about 6:45. But don't worry, that's not my earliest class this semester. That one starts at 7:00 on Thursdays! What a joy. But it has to be done! I had Media Research Methods and Group Dynamics today. After the last class I decided to head over to the Smith building on campus and talk to the head academic advisor for the communication department. After an hour and a half we came up with a solution that involves me doing two 12-credit clusters instead of a 24-credit minor. I had a few classes that counted toward these clusters so it seemed like the right thing to do. The two new clusters are family studies and entrepreneurship. Both will be interesting and enjoyable. Hopefully I will be able to graduate in December. So far it's looking good! But we'll see.

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It feels good to have gotten that taken care of today. My schooling situation has weighed heavily on me the last little while, and I feel like things are already looking up. Even if a couple credits don't work for one of the clusters I'm still a lot farther than what I would have been if I had to do a new minor. Thank goodness for academic advisors! Now I'm getting closer and closer to the finish line!

I Need a Vacation

School hasn't even started yet and I'm already in need of a vacation! My brother Aaron and his wife Britney have been in Maui for the last week and I've been so jealous. They've been able to relax on the beach and get all tan while we're all here working for the man ha ha. I already need a break! We're going to Vegas with Che' and Amber in July, and we can't wait! In less than 100 days, according to the countdown at the bottom of our blog. We're so excited! Too bad it isn't July already. But we'll be flying out of Idaho Falls the day after I end classes so that will be a wonderful way to end the semester.

I'm in the middle of getting my credit situation figured out. I called BYU-Idaho to ask a question about my internship a few weeks ago and they ended up telling me that my minor doesn't count toward graduation. Did I mention that I'm finished with my minor and I'm 8 credits away from graduating? Turns out graduating when I planned to "just isn't going to happen," according to the person I talked to at the school. I'm hoping they'll be able to cluster some of those classes together so I can get some of the credit. Otherwise I have another two semesters of just my minor. Lovely. As much as I want to spend thousands of dollars to be in school longer, I'd rather graduate. Hopefully I can get something figured out. In the mean time I figure I'll just get tough it out with what I have this semester so we can enjoy a weekend in Vegas.

July...come fast!

Image via Google Image Search

Amazing!

This video has caused quite the buzz around the online world lately, and we're right there with everybody else! I love this video, it makes me so happy! This woman is amazing!


Susan Boyle Sings on Britain's Got Talent 2009 Episode 1 @ Yahoo! Video

Easter Weekend

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! We sure did. Our family headed south for Easter this year for an O'Connor family reunion. We don't get to spend much time with my dad's side of the family, so we take advantage of the opportunities when they come. Dad's oldest sister Patti and her family are from New Jersey, and their oldest daughter Jessica lives in Virginia with her husband Edward. (That's right. Jessica has her own Edward.) They're having a baby girl in July and were in town for Easter, so we had a family baby shower for them. Patti and her husband Creigh were bringing their daughter Rachael out here to go back to school at BYU-Idaho so the timing worked out just right. The rest of my dad's family is from the Salt Lake valley so they didn't have to travel too far.

We left early Saturday morning and spent the morning and afternoon at my aunt and uncle's house in Draper. We had a light lunch and a baby shower - something the men in the family have never experienced. They were nervous, but I think the ended up having a good time. It was fun! We played some of the funniest games that I have never even heard about. Great ideas for a baby shower!

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The first game we had to pass around diapers that had melted chocolate for poop in them and guess what kind of candy bar they were. We had to look at and smell ten diapers. Tyson and I lost by one.

James, Rachael, Creigh, Jessica, and Edward guessing which candy bar is in the diaper.

Grandma, Amber, Amy, and Lisa trying to figure out what they're smelling. It was so gross-looking!

Adam and Che' trying really hard to guess the candy bar

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The next game we played we were put on teams of boys vs. girls. Patti gave the boys a stuffed bear and the girls a Raggedy Ann doll. The first person on each team had to diaper the baby with a cloth diaper and tape, then pass the baby on to the next player. They then had to take the diaper off and re-diaper the baby to pass on to the next player. This went on till the last player on one of the teams was finished. Our team won! The boys probably would have won but Goose (the dog) took off with their baby. It was pretty funny.

Little brother Adam getting ready to diaper the baby. (Doesn't Tyson look thrilled to be playing this game?)

Goose tried to take off with Raggedy Ann but didn't succeed.

And they're off! Jessica and Adam started the game, and it was all just chaos!

Che' and Edward take their turns at diapering the baby while Tyson anxiously waits for his turn.

Amy helping Lisa diaper the baby.

Amber and Amy diapering Raggedy Ann.

The boys' team recooperating after Goose ran off with their baby.

Mom diapering Raggedy Ann for the win!

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After the games Jessica opened her presents. She received two Willowtree statues, one from Amber and I and the other from her mom. She also received gift cards from the aunts and uncles, and some clothes from Mom and Amy.

Jessica opening the first of two Willowtree statues.

Jessica and Edward looking at the cute clothes Mom and Amy gave them.

It was so good to see Jessica! She had to leave for Provo after the shower so we didn't get to spend any more time with her. But her belly is so cute, and I'm so excited for her to have her baby!

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That night we all went to dinner at one of my grandma's favorite restaurants: Jim's. It is a family restaurant similar to a Denny's or Perkins located off 106th S. in Sandy, and we go here with my grandma pretty much every time we're visiting her. It's always Jim's or Golden Corral. There was a large group of us and we were able to get in quickly, so we decided to go for Jim's. Ah, Jim's. Always an experience when eating at Jim's. It actually wasn't too bad. I had a pretty good turkey sandwich. Tyson and Che' each had the same thing - a pastrami burger with onion rings and a milk shake.

Here is a picture of Che' feasting on his pastrami burger:

We were able to attend sacrament meeting as a family at my grandma's ward on Sunday. It was a very nice meeting. We had a great weekend with family, and it felt so good to get out of town for a couple of days.

I hope you all had a great Easter weekend!

Images via Google Images and theholidayspot.com

Oh Man

On behalf of Tyson and I being married three months today, I thought it would be fun to post a tag called "How Well Do You Know Your Man?" This was a lot of fun to do, and all you gals should try it out and see how much you know about your men. After answering the questions, ask your man the questions and see how accurate you were!

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1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? When Tyson is in front of the TV wathcing what he wants, he's watching "Seinfeld," "Family Guy," or "The Office." Of course when he's watching with me we're probably watching reality TV or something on the Food Network.

2. You're out to eat, what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch. He's a ranch boy.

3. What's one food he doesn't like? There isn't much Tyson doesn't like. But he doesn't really care for food with a lot of peppers and onions.

4. You go out to eat. Where would he choose? Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Carino's...he likes a lot of different restaurants.

5. Where did he go to high school? Bonneville High

6. What size shoe does he wear? 9 1/2 - 10

7. If he was (were) to collect anything, what would it be? Stuff from vacation spots. Shot glasses, t-shirts...

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? He likes turkey and ham sandwiches. At home he goes for the peanut butter with homemade strawberry jam.

9. What would this person eat every day if he could? Candy. Red licorice, sour patch kids...he loves candy.

10. What is his favorite cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch

11. What would he never wear? Anything pink. The only pink he's worn is in a tie and it's just a little bit. He doesn't do the pink shirt thing.

12. What is his favorite sports team? He's not a huge sports fan but he cheers for Gonzaga when they're playing.

13. Who did he vote for? McCain

14. Who is his best friend? Besides me, he's very close with his brothers and considers them to be his best friends.

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Baby talk to the cats ha ha. I tend to use a different voice when I see my parents' cats and I think it drives him crazy.

16. What is his favorite color? blue

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what would it be? He doesn't like cake so I'd probablymake him a pan of brownies or peanut butter and butterscotch rice krispies.

18. Did he play sports in high school? No, he did when he was younger though.

19. What could he spend hours doing? Watching YouTube videos and surfing the net.

20. What is one unique talent he has? He plays the piano and sings to me at the same time. I love it!

Thumbs Down to Brown

Tyson and I look forward to watching "The Biggest Loser" every Tuesday night. I have always been a fan of the brown team, father and son Ron and Mike. The last couple of weeks I've thought it was time for Ron (the father) to go home. He hadn't been keeping up with the other contestants and was just safe at every elimination. And last week it came down to him and Nicole. It was time for him to leave, and the Tongan cousins Sione and Filipe, and mother Helen all thought the same. It turned out that Nicole was voted to go home and Ron was safe for another week.

Last night we were SO disappointed in Ron's reaction to Sione and Filipe voting for him to go home. It was so immature and unnecessary, it just made us mad. Ron and Mike both kept saying how Sione and Filipe were traitors and they thought they had each other's backs. Mike said some things that were so incredibly harsh and rediculous. The one that stands out in my mind is, "I hope you get struck down and die." Seriously, is that really necessary? They're not on teams anymore, and eventually all but the winner are going to get voted off. Plus, did Ron forget that he himself voted for Filipe to go home the week before? And he's mad because Sione voted for him this week?! Whose the traitor now! It's every man for himself right now, and we thought Ron and Mike reacted so poorly to Sione and Filipe's decision. We were hoping Ron would fall below the yellow line and get sent home. He deserves to go home now. And it's really a bummer because I liked the brown team. But now we're seeing their true colors!

On another note, I think a lot of DVR users were disappointed last night when they watched "American Idol" and it got cut off before Adam Lambert could perform. We sure were! I had to look up the performance online this morning so I could see it. After work I found an interesting article about the incident, including pieces of Adam's performance and the judges' reactions. It also talks about the possibility of Adam being in the bottom three tonight because of this.

You can check that article out here.

What can we say, we love our reality TV!

Images via Google Image Search

Tuesday Nights Mean Treats at Our House

We love Tuesday nights! Not only is it one of our favorite nights of TV (the other is Thursday's), but it means we get a yummy treat to munch on. I always make some kind of baked good on Tuesday nights while we're enjoying "The Biggest Loser" and "American Idol." Tonight we have a batch of chocolate brownies in the oven and I can't wait to eat one! For some reason, watching "Biggest Loser" gives us major sweet tooths so we have always made something while the show is running. But even though we like to make something sweet on Tuesday nights, "The Biggest Loser" keeps us motivated to work out and eat better. We love it! This is one of the many things that has been so fun about being married to Tyson. We have so much fun together, and every day is a new adventure.

Here's to many more Tuesday nights together!

Ashleigh's Bridal Shower

We had a wonderful conference weekend. It was very relaxing, and we were able to spend a lot of time with family. On Saturday night while the men were at the priesthood session of conference, the ladies in the Murri family (my mom's side) thought it would be perfect to have my cousin Ashleigh's bridal shower. Ashleigh and Nathan are getting married May 30th in the Bountiful Temple. She is Bob and Penney's daughter, the ones that I lived with while I worked in Salt Lake this last fall. It was great having everybody together. Deidre had to miss because she lives in St. George and couldn't come up. We love you, Dei! But the bridal shower was a lot of fun. I'm so grateful for such a wonderful family!

Ashleigh & I at the shower

Amber, Britney, Mom & Janell having a good laugh

Ashleigh opening her presents while her mom watches


Amy kept track of who gave what.

Trina makes everyone a super cute apron for their bridal shower. And they're reversable! I love mine.

Ashleigh opening her gift from Mom, Amy, Amber, Britney & I. We gave her a basket with a blanket, candle, a little wooden "Faith", and a Willowtree statue.

Amy & Ashleigh

The boys arrived after priesthood session and joined the party.

Hailey, Brian & Bob

Kayleigh with Nathan & Ashleigh

We're so excited for you, Nathan & Ashleigh! We love you both so much!