family comes to town

Finally, someone came to visit us out in the big city. Over Memorial day weekend Jason's parents and three sisters came, for the first time, to New York. In fact, it was the first time the twins had flown, so this was quite the experience for all.
They arrived early Friday morning with no time to rest. While I went to work Jason took them to Friend of a Farmer for a wonderful breakfast, where they saw a Victoria's Secret model. After a tour of NYU and Washington Square park they walked down to Magnolia Bakery for the experience of their lives. They loved the cupcakes, but the banana pudding was a definite favorite. By that time I was home from work and they were ready for the trek across the Brooklyn Bridge. This was an adventure in itself and I must say they thought the views were breathless. I think they got just about every shot of the downtown skyline they could. Once we were across we walked right into Grimaldi's, no waiting in line, where they experienced New York style pizza for the first time. After checking out the skyline one more time from the pier we were on our way home with blisters already forming.

The next morning we woke up bright and early to catch the double-decker tour bus for our adventure around the city. Now I know some of you might laugh and think it's silly that we took a tour bus, but this is one our favorite things to do in the city. Not only do you get some great shots of the city from the top but you learn all sorts of fun facts along the way. After cruising around the city all morning we hopped off for some burgers and shakes at the shake shack. After the long wait and struggle to find a seat and were finally able to prove that the shake shack was better then In-and-out burger. Then back for a little rest before heading down to check out the lights of Time Square and some family style fun at Carmines. (where everything was big including the titanic dessert)


Because this was so long ago and I can't remember every detail I will leave out the minor details. The next day we were excited to go to a Broadway and everyone was awaiting the experience. Apparently not a lot of shows were showing and our choices were quite limited at the TKS booth. After a decision to see The Spelling Bee we were ready to get our tickets, unfortunately there was on 5 tickets available so we settled for Avenue Q. All I have to say is that this was a HUGE mistake, Avenue Q is the WORST show I have ever seen, after about 45 minutes we were so embarrassed and uncomfortable that all seven of us had to get up and leave. Please tell everyone you know, there is nothing good about this show and I've never been so uncomfortable in all my life. To make up for the humiliation of the show we then went to our favorite chocolate place, Max Brenner, to end the night on a sweeter note.

We spent Memorial day enjoying Central Park, where we toured the great lawn, had a picnic below Belvadere Castle and canoed in The Lake. The next day was back to work for me and shopping for the family. First making a stop at the top of the Empire State Building, then on to some of New York's finest shops, H&M and Forever 21. With a final stop for some more banana pudding they were ready for the long flight home to relax.

All in all they had a great trip, despite the blistered feet, and we loved playing tour guides and showing them all of our favorite hot spots in the city. We can't wait for them to come and back and see us again.

lions and tigers and bears ... oh my!

So now it's time for catch up. A few weeks ... actually more like a month ago, Jason and I attended the Bronx Zoo. KPMG (the accounting firm where I work) hosts an annual firm family day, and this year it was at the zoo. We saw everything from the polar bears, to the gorilla's but I have to say my least favorite was the bat caves. I was expecting to walk in and see a few bats and walk out, but no, there were several different bats from all different parts of the world screeching and flying around. It was definitely the creepiest part of the zoo. All in all it was a great day. The weather was perfect and the animals were playful. Our favorite of course was the gorilla's playing hide-and-go-seek with each other and the polar bear when he dove into the cold water to take a swim. I would highly recommend it to all of you New Yorkers who are looking for a fun filled day in the city, and for all of you from Utah, it puts Hogle Zoo to shame.

happy father's day

I just wanted to wish a happy father's day to all the wonderful men in my life. I've always been a daddy's girl and not being their to be with my father today was very hard for me. I just want him to know how much I love and appreciate all that he does for me.
Also a happy day to my big brother who just recently became a father, my step father-in-law, and grandfather-in-law. You all mean so much, and have played an important role in shaping Jason into the wonderful man he is. We both love you all so much.

4th of July in June

I have so much to catch up on but just wanted to feel you in on the celebrity sightings we had tonight. NYU occasionally offers free tickets to television screenings and tonight we got to go to a taping for the 4th of July Spectacular with Joss Stone and the American Idol finalists; Jordin, Blake and Melinda. We were literally 10 feet away from the singers. It was crazy being so close.

Joss Stone was first and she was amazing!! Not only does she have an amazing voice but she's beautiful. They only sang one song each but they had them sing a couple of times so they could capture the best shots.

Next came the idols singing God Bless America. Because it was a taping they would have them stop between each take and while waiting the idols would joke around and Blake even did a little beep boxing for us, it was so fun to see their personalities on stage. I have to say ... Jordin is beautiful. She's tall but she wasn't the giant I thought she was on tv, she just looked that way standing next to Ryan Seacrest. Melinda was tiny and while she does look like DW, she was cute in her own way. And of course Blake was the crowd pleaser. He had a cute gray suit and pink shirt, but he is surprisingly small himself.

So be sure to tune in to the 4th of July Spectacular on NBC at 9pm to see us in all our glory. You can't miss us, we we're the tall ones right in the middle.

One down ... two to go

Jason has officially finished his first year of law school and I don't know who's more excited ... me or him. After an adventures year of moving to New York and learning to tackle the stress of law school, he is now working on his writing competition and once he turns that in tomorrow he will officially be done. Then it's on to entertaining the family this week and starting his internship the next, with no time to relax.
I'm so excited for him to work at the NY Attorney Generals office and to be able to see just how the justice system works. I know he is also excited and little bit nervous but I want him to know how proud I am of him. Law school isn't easy and it's been hard for me to give up my husband. I've been very selfish and it wasn't easy for him to say no to me so he could study. Now we can enjoy the city with no thought of studying.

baby blessing

Finally ... I have a minute to write about my Utah trip. So the start of my trip began a little rocky. After waiting two hours we eventually boarded the flight but as we were taking off it began to storm. If any of you know me, you know that lightening storms freak me out. So I was doing good and until the lightening started flashing in the window next to me and suddenly ...BANG!! Our plane got hit by lightening. We were fine, I guess this happens all the time, the plane simply flew above the storm and it was all over. Every plane has lightening rods so it just hits the rods and they keep on flying.

After finally arriving in Utah I met my mom and stayed the night in Salt Lake. The next day was filled with some Mother-daughter bonding and a whole lot of baby. After 3 months I finally got to see Shealynn. It was crazy to see Ricky with a baby and see how much he's changed after becoming a daddy. In fact this baby has changed my entire family. I loved seeing how much one baby can make such a difference in my family. Everyone seems to be so much happier, before the baby my family was kind of boring but now they bring over Shea and everybody fusses over her.


It was so nice to just relax and visit with family. That weekend my grandma, aunts and cousins came up for the baby blessing and we all partied together. On Saturday we had a BBQ at my moms and the women played with the baby while the men cheered on the Jazz...with the exception of grandma. My grandma is a HUGE Jazz fan. She has macular degenerate so she can't see very well so my dad pulled up a chair right next to the big screen and that’s where she stayed the rest of the night.


Sunday was the blessing and my cousin Clay did a beautiful job and she looked so sweet all dressed in white. After church we reconvened at "the plant" (the weather wasn't cooperating so we had the lunch at my dads work) for yet again, more food. The best of the day was when Ricky was holding Shea in her blessing dress to get his picture taken for the 4 generations picture with my mom and grandma, and just as we were all grabbing our cameras she had a little blowout that went all over her pretty dress and her dad. (It’s a good thing she only has to wear the dress once)


The lunch was great and it was hard seeing everyone go after such a nice weekend. After relaxing and getting ready for the flight home I said goodbye to my new little niece. It was so nice being able to spend some time getting to know her and just as I was leaving she was getting comfortable with me. But I have to say I LOVE being an aunt!! Unfortunately the next time I see her she will have changed completely.

happy mother's day

I just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mother and to all the women who have played such an important part in my life.

My mother is such a beautiful women who has always been there for me. Being the only daughter she's always been more of a best friend then a mother. As a girl growing up it was always me and mom paling around together. I just want her to know the wonderful example that she has been in my life. She's so strong in everything she does, a quality I wish I had, but can never aspire to. She's always been there for me, and it's so nice to call home every Sunday and always know that she'll be there to listen.

And to my grandmother and aunts, for being my second mothers; to my sister-in-law for being the sister I never had; and to my mother and grandmother-in-law for welcoming me into their family; and to all of you for the love you've given me. You have all played an important role in my life and have taught me so much. I hope you all have a beautiful day and know just how much you are loved. I only wish I could've been their today to give you a big huge and wish you a Happy Mother's Day.

there's no place like home

In two days I will be making the trek back to my home town of Lewiston Utah. There's nothing better then driving through Sardine Canyon in the spring and coming down the hill that leads you into beautiful Cache Valley. My favorite is when you drive down and all you can see is a patchwork quilt of fields surrounded by beautiful Wasatch mountains.
There's something about moving away that makes you appreciate where you come from. Since living in the city it's funny how you miss the little things; the mountains, the wheat fields, the quiet open road, and for me just jumping in a car and driving somewhere. This spring is the first time I think I've ever stopped and noticed the beautiful world around me, now knowing what I've missed I can't wait to go home and see all the beautiful scenes of my childhood. And for those of you who have never been; there's nothing like beautiful Cache Valley. Some might even say ... it's a little piece of heaven.

Before going home I made up a few little gifts to share with the women in my life. My mother, sister-in-law, grandma, and aunts have a little tradition of exchanging gifts on our annual Thanksgiving retreat (shopping spree), unfortunately I wasn't able to make it this year and because I will be seeing them this weekend I wanted to give them all a little something from me. Simple summer coasters to set on the coffee table; very simple for any who are in the sewing mood. I just hope none of them look at this before I see them.

here comes the sun

Finally ... the sunshine has reached New York. After a long strange winter we have finally reached 70 degrees. This weekend was beautiful, I definitely think that all of you need to experience New York in the springtime. There's nothing like walking down the tree lined streets of 5th avenue with all the trees in bloom.

Jason has began the long stretch to finals and has kept himself couped up in our apartment so I have been enjoying the sunshine alone. Fortunately he found time to make it out to church and we were able to enjoy the cherry blossoms together. I hope all of you are enjoying the sunshine and for those of you back home who are getting the snow ... I've included some shots so you can see what your missing.

This is a beautiful little cathedral we pass on our way to church each week.

macy's flower show

Not only is Macy's the largest department store in the US but every spring they hold their annual flower show. So of course I was expecting something spectacular. Now don't get me wrong ... millions of fresh flowers every where is always spectacular ... but it wasn't quite what I expected. So my friend Kelli and I went on Saturday to check out what all the fuss was about.
When entering the main lobby we saw many fresh flowers atop all the cosmetic counters, and they were very beautiful exotic flowers. But it just wasn't what I thought it would be. So we continued to wonder around looking for something to amaze us and this is what we found.

An enormous sculpture made entirely out of flowers!! It was very neat and we had the pleasure of conversing with the artist who informed us, that this particular sculptor took 24 hours to construct with the help of 6 assistants and was made up of over 26,000 flowers (at least I think that's what he said) the sculpture had already been up for a day and the flowers still looked beautiful. But because it's New York City and every where you go there's a crowd we only got a quick second for a shot (hence the red blob in the corner). But it's one of those New York things I can now say that I've done. I know I'm being very sarcastic but it was very beautiful and a nice reminder of spring, especially after all the rain we've been having.

my little niece

Here's my one and only niece, Shaelynn!! She's now 2 months and I get to see her in 3 weeks. I can't wait!! (I know the quality of the pictures not that great but that's as good as it gets)

on the street where we live

Just wanted to post a few randoms shots of where we live.

Some of you find it hard to believe that I ride the subway everyday. So I've included a shot of my favorite "The 6 Train".

Finally, the first signs of Spring in New York. This is a cute little church down the street from our apartment.

Did you know the color of the Empire State Building is always changing? This week it's yellow and white for Spring/Easter/Passover. There's a website that lists the schedule of the colors, what it represents and which organizations are being sponsored.

Sorry the pictures not very good.

a must read!!

For all of you who aren't in my book club, you have to read "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer. It's a definite page turner. It's long but trust me you'll have it done in no time. It's a vampire love story, now I know what you're thinking ... bad combination ... but it's not. And the author is Mormon (not that, that matters -but I thought it was interesting). Enjoy!!

Look how cute!!

I found these cute blankets while browsing on etsy. Everyone I know is having babies so I thought I'd share. They are cotton on top with chenille on the back with a wide ric rac for the border. Okay mom ... start whipping some up!





And a cute bib with terrycloth on the back, that comes around the back and ties under the arms.

NYU better than Columbia!!! Now it's official

For those of you who aren't familiar with the law school rankings, history was made today here at NYU. For the past several years NYU has been tied with Columbia in the law school rankings. As of this morning, according to "U.S. News & World Report", NYU is now standing alone at the #4 spot while Columbia has been pushed to #5.

Now don't get me wrong, I was happy for NYU, but I didn't know it was that big of a deal. According to Jason this is big time for the law school, it's professors and students. Because it's law school and everything is about the facts, each of Jason's professors discussed how this ranking will effect all aspects of NYU's reputation. And just to show you how big of a nerd Jason and all of his law school buddies are, immediately after class they all went to Barnes & Noble to purchase the "U.S. News & World Report Exclusive Rankings" issue.

What is up with the hair?

Okay. All I have to say is that if Sanjaya doesn't go home tonight I'm going to be really disappointed in the American voters. I mean come on ... just look at the kid. He's got to go!! Some articles are saying it's his secret weapon, I don't understand, when I see his hair it makes me not want to vote for him. Jason read about a women that is going on a hunger strike and won't eat until Sanjaya is gone. Now that's sad. If I was Sanjaya and I heard that story I would kick myself off the show.

However, we LOVE Blake Lewis but just wanted to inform all of you that "The Love Song" he sang last night was not his own. It was a remake by 311 (of course we would know that). And for all of you who didn't know, he has Cache Valley ties ... so he must be cool. Unfortunately, I think he will follow in the same footsteps as Chris Daughtry and make it to the bottom 2 or 3, but won't be our next American Idol.

What we've been up to

Last week some of Jason's friends got tickets to the Knicks vs Mavericks game. Luckily, one of their flights got delayed so I got to go in his place. Just me Jason and two of his law school buddies (I'm known in the law school crowd as "the wife").
The game wasn't that exciting and are seats weren't that great but going to a Knicks game is a whole new experience. First of all (as Kelli previously blogged) the fans booed the contestants who were trying to win prizes during the time-outs, and I don't mean a simple boo, it's the whole stadium booing the guy who is air balling every shot. My favorite, of course, is the celebrity sightings. Celebrities can be seen every night of the week at the garden, unlike Jazz games, when the only time a celebrity can be seen is during the finals. There was the regular Spike Lee, and several others that aren't cool enough to be named (I didn't know them, so they can't be that cool) but the favorite of the night was Natalie Portman, they showed her on the jumbo-tron while playing the sound track to Star Wars. Even though are seats were high we had our trusty binoculars to help us spot the stars.
This weekend we went to Jason's favorite pizza place and then to a crazy little restaurant called Max Brenner: Chocolate by the bald man, where everything is chocolate. When you walk in the first thing that comes to mind is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Okay, there's no chocolate river, but there's plenty of chocolate. So we shared the fondue for two, which includes a grill to toast the marshmallows, and by the end we were ready for bed. It's so fun, each week we hear about these fun little hot spots and then we have to run out and try them.
Other than eating we've been hard at work and school. Some don't believe that Jason's office is the floor so I've posted a picture to prove it. He's began the finals madness, and this is where he will stay until the middle of May (that's kind of catchy). Notice he has to have his papers spread over half of the apartment. Believe my I try to straighten them but it doesn't work.
While Jason's hard at work I've started a little project of my own. I'm attempting to make a quilt all by myself, without my mother's guidance. The one thing I love about piecing a quilt is first picking out all the fabrics and then watching them change as you piece it all together. You have one idea of how it's going to look and then it turns into something completely different. Let's just hope this turns out good. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Josh Groban

Last night Jason and I had the privilege of seeing one of the most talented singers in the industry. What could be better then Josh Groban at the garden? Jason gave me the tickets for Christmas and I've been so excited that I can't believe it's already come and gone. It was so nice to just sit back and listen to his amazing voice, I loved when he sang in Spanish and Italian - I didn't understand it, but it was so amazing. Jason was in pretty good spirits until we arrived and he realized he was surrounded by millions of middle aged women. We spotted a few men, but they were pretty hard to come by. He sang all the hits from his new CD "Awake" and a few classics, but I have to admit the night wasn't complete until he came out to sing "You Raise Me Up" wearing a NY Rangers jersey. It was a little cheesy and kind of ruined the moment, but if you've ever seen or heard Josh Groban you'll know that's how he is.

Over the weekend we got tickets to go see a live taping of Comedy Central's "Live at Gotham". NYU occasionally offers free tickets to see live tapping's and we just happened to land tickets to a comedy show. At first we were a little nervous, we've never been to an actual comedy show, let alone a taping for Comedy Central. So we were expecting it to be a little crude but it actually wasn't that bad. We were the first in line so going in I was afraid we would be sat right in front and sure enough we were. It was a small bar with a little stage and our table was right up against the stage. I've never been to a live taping of anything before so it was fun to pretend to laugh and clap while they taped us. Robert Schimmel was the host followed by 6 up and coming comedians. One of which cracked a Mormon joke, but it wasn't mean or funny. It was a little awkward however, when the cameraman would hold the camera in my face for 5 minutes so I had to pretend to laugh. All in all it was a funny night although we didn't find out when it will be shown on TV, but we'll be sure to keep you informed when we find out. We love all the fun we've been having and can't wait for each weekend to come so that we can try some new adventure.

Brooklyn Bridge is falling down

We have good news!!(no we're not pregnant) Jason got a summer internship at the NY Office of the Atorney General. (We're both very excited) So, to celebrate we decided to take a strole across the most famous bridge in the city. Now I know what your thinking ...boring. But it was really fun!! It's amazing when your walking under the large cables to see just how grand this bridge is. Someone told us the walk was a mile across, but I don't think it was that far. When you first start walking the buildings are still blocking the wind, but when you get out in the middle ... hold on! One of our favorite parts is the two american flags that are posted on the two dividers (I don't know the correct name).

The best part about walking across the bridge is the amazing pizza and ice cream on the other side. There's a crowded little pizza place called "Grimaldi's" right below the bridge, that, in my opinion, serves the best pizza I've ever had. But if you ask Jason he'll tell you it's not. After that you continue to walk out to the pier to the "Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory" it's also really good, but I'd rather have Casper's for the price.

I know it seems like everything we do is fun, and if you ask my mother she'll tell you that it is. But we are loving the city and we'll continue sending pictures so that someday you'll all come out and visit us.

It's Christmas time, in the city

I know ... Christmas is long gone. But I still wanted to show you all just what the Rockefeller Christmas tree looks like. Sorry the pictures aren't that great. The first night we went to see the tree I forgot my camera and the second night it was raining. It was fun, It was very bright and beautiful. I must say the ice rink below makes it all mystical and Christmasy. Although it's so big that if you try and take a picture up close you just see lights, and when you take a shot of the whole thing it seems so far away.

The picture with the snowflakes is of Saks 5th Avenue. Along the front of the building they have Christmas music playing and each snowflake lights up to the beat of the song. My favorite was when they played "Carol of the Bells". Everyone on the streets has to stop and see. They also project snowflakes falling on the Rockefeller building behind the tree, like I said they do things very big hear in the city. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of the Macy's windows (that was also on the night I forgot my camera) but I have to say hands down they were my favorite Christmas site in the city. They were AMAZING!! Much better then the ZCMI center windows. They had magical fairies in the fairy kingdom and even Santa's toy shop, and at each window there were several buttons that when pushed the characters inside would move and make music. So I guess when you all come out to see the Christmas Rocketts we'll have to make a stop at Macy's. We enjoyed seeing most of you at Christmas and hope you are all enjoying a Happy New Year!!