These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

Zumba

Honestly you can't go wrong here. This is a slight obsession that I have found. When you grow up dancing your entire life and for a few years you take a break there is a piece of you that goes missing. I can only go so long without dancing and letting go. So when I discovered Zumba that rush came right back into my bones. I even loved it enough to go get Zumba certified. My hope one day is that I will be able to motivate people to be healthy but at the same time they can come to my class and be able to leave their problems at the door. When they are finished they can leave being able to face whatever life throws at them.

Anthropologie

Another slight obsession that I have. For the past month they have been having a huge sale. Tyson and I were able to get our comforter and my Birthday and Christmas presents for the next ten years. Ok that was an exaggeration but truthfully they are having a GREAT sale with things 40-50% off. I was in heaven. I love this store. If only I could afford to wear Anthro everyday. My new favorite thing is cardigans. You can't go wrong. I just throw it over whatever I am wearing that day and it dresses it up just a tad, and not to mention keeps me warm. If you know me you know that I am always cold.

My Bike

I have been having slight withdrawals without having my bike. I sold it a few weeks before I got married so that I could have a little dinero to pay things off. I know that it was the correct decision, but I still miss my bike. There are a lot of cyclists here in Clovis, every time I see one it brings me back to the memories of last summer. My friends and I spent hours on our bikes so that we could train for Lotoja. Riding my bike was one of life's lessons that I needed to learn. My bike taught me the value of friendship, loyalty, commitment, teamwork, determination, and so much more. My biking changed me forever. Blood, sweat, and tears went into my training. It was all for the love of the it and worth every minute. There is a great satisfaction that comes from finishing a long bike ride. The rides that I will never forget is the first time I road 52 miles around Bear Lake, Suncrest, Big Cottonwood Canyon with my cousin Abby, Alpine Loop, team TTT and our first century ride, the training ride right before Lotoja, and the best one of all Lotoja 206 miles. I was able to face my fears of going down a mountain at 55 mph. I crashed and picked myself up. I got flat tires and had them fixed. I was so sore and thought I couldn't walk. I had sunburns, knee cramps, and back aches, I was exhausted beyond measure. Would I take any of those things back? No. Never! If it hadn't been that difficult it wouldn't have been worth it every time I completed a ride. I became attached to that bike for it took me though some difficult times. It took me to places I never dreamed of seeing. For they were beautiful. I became greater acquainted with my Heavenly Father being surrounded by the beauty that he has placed on this earth for us to enjoy.

I could not have accomplished any of these rides without the help of my friends. We were there for one another when one of us was feeling weak. There are countless times I remember thinking I couldn't make it one more pedal stroke and right when I thought I am going to tip over, I would feel a hand on my bike pushing me along. There is an indescribable feeling that you wouldn't understand unless you have done it, but riding in a pack with your friends, having just the silence and the sound of your wheels spinning is amazing. I know one day I will have a bike again and I look forward to that day. I am grateful for the memories and the time I was able to spend with such wonderful people.

These are just a few of my favorite things. Go out and try something new and push yourself because these will be the things that you will remember.

San Francisco

Tyson and I had the opportunity this past weekend to go to San Francisco so that Tyson could take his insurance test. This is a city that I have always wanted to visit. We stayed right outside of China Town.... I guess that is what happens when you use hot wire to find your hotel. But needless to say it was a nice hotel.

San Francisco was so fascinating. The buildings were so large and so close to one another. I had to drive into the city so that Tyson could study. Ahhh that was a scary experience for me. It looks just like the pictures. Trollies, steep streets, and colorful houses.

The highlight of the trip for me was eating at the restaurant Hillstone to celebrate Tyson passing his test. It was the most delectable meal I have ever eaten. We had grilled artichokes, ribs, salmon, brown sugar carrots, and key lime pie. We were also able to walk around Fisherman's Wharf, where we made a stop at the candy store and Ghiradelli Square. We had a yummy peanut butter, hot fudge sundae. We were on a bit of a sugar high. I would have to say the only downfall to San Francisco would be the parking. It is ridiculous, and even if you are able to find parking you end up paying an arm and a leg for it. We had a great time and I am so proud of Tyson for passing his test. The one stop we forgot to hit was saying hello to our good friend Danny Tanner.

Goodness the more I think about our blog the more I am starting to see a trend in how much we love food. On a side note, we both join the work force in a few days. I start my job on Thursday working for Mighty Oak, which is an investment group, while Tyson finishes up studying for another insurance test. I am now starting to feel the effects of HEAT that everyone has warned me about. Yesterday Clovis hit 109 degrees. I told Tyson if we move to California, we must get a pool otherwise his wife may melt away!

One Month Down Eternity To Go

This weekend was busy but fantastic. We celebrated Tyson's Birthday, our one month anniversary, and Father's Day.

Tyson came home from helping his cousin with his Eagle project and surprised me with these flowers. He is always so sweet and thoughtful. I am getting the hang of this wife thing. I actually enjoy doing our laundry and cleaning. My mother's OCD has been passed on to me. It is like they say, Like Mother, Like Daughter.

Being the cheesy wife that I am, I created this candy poster for Tyson's birthday card.

To celebrate his day I woke up and made him German Pancakes with strawberries, made him a gigantic cupcake, took him to The Claim Jumper Steakhouse, and we went and saw Karate Kid.

Saturday we went and ate at Casa Corona with the family. Then we had everyone over and let Tyson make a wish on his enormo cupcake. I was embarrassed because people were actually eating the cupcake I made. No one got sick. YAY!!!!

Tyson's uncle Steve invited us to go sit in the box seats for the Grizzlies game. I hadn't been to a baseball game in a long time. It was great to chat with the girls and get a kick out of Parker the bear with the kiddos.

Sunday was Father's Day. While at church we were extended a calling. Tyson and I attempted making this golf course for dessert.

Tyson's family came over and we ate a delicious meal. We are getting spoiled living here. We have a home cooked meal on a daily basis. Tyson don't get too used to it. Just kidding I will attempt to cook when the time comes. I loved this picture of Tyson with his grandfather and dad. What a great day it was to celebrate these wonderful men.

Happy Father's Day

I wanted to wish my dad a Happy Father's Day! There are so many things to be grateful for and my dad is one of them. I have to say I was a daddy's girl. My dad always had a way of making me feel special.

There are many things I will never forget about him. Date night, shopping at Nordstorms, dancing in the kitchen, letting me pick at his face, his twinkling eyes, his Birkenstocks with socks, his stew, his knowledge of the scriptures, the way he taught me to love people no matter what their circumstances are, his laugh, his jokes, and his smile.

I give all of the credit to my dad for my outdoorsy/adventurous side. He taught me the love for skiing, biking, fishing, camping, horses, snowmobiling, golfing, boating, four wheeling, and much much more. He taught me to never give up and to always pick myself up when I am down. I love you daddy!

It has been a while since I have celebrated Father's Day. This year is different. I have been blessed with the most wonderful father-in-law. He has taught me so many things already. He is always actively serving others, putting the church and family first, he is the most giving and kind man, he let's me tease him, and what can I say, he raised an incredible young man.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of the wonderful dads!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE

I wanted to wish Tyson a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and let him know how wonderful he is to me. He is turning the big 26 today so I wanted to share 26 reasons why he is the BEST!

1. He has the kindest heart.

2. He never says an unkind word about anyone.

3. He always puts others before himself.

4. He let's me sleep on the left side of the bed.

5. He makes me want to be a better person daily.

6. He is such a great example.

7. He always makes me feel safe.

8. He cooks for me.

9. He has the BEST smile in the world.

10. He puts up with me, even when I'm not in the best mood.

11. He is the most patient person I know.

12. He loves his family and mine.

13. He works very hard and can accomplish anything.

14. He has a strong testimony.

15. He is a great missionary.

16. He spoils me.

17. He is the best to snuggle with.

18. He is willing to try new things for me.

19. He is soooo handsome.

20. He is wonderful with kids.

21. He gives the best hugs.

22. He always knows how to make me laugh.

23. He writes the most amazing poems.

24. He dresses better than I do.

25. He lets me decorate with no complaints.

26. He is the most incredible husband.

Tyson I hope you have an amazing day and know how much you are loved! I am going to attempt to make him a cake. Wish me luck.

Identity Crisis

So Tyson and I took a little trip to the DMV.... three hours later I found out that I would be taking the written test. All anxiety from school rushed into my body. I seriously thought I was going to cry or pass out. The reminder of how bad I dislike test taking became all too clear. I sat down and read the first two questions. I thought move on and come back to them later. I had no idea what the answers were. My focus then went to the top of the page and it read you may miss three questions. WHAT? There are thirty six questions on this test. I started to panic. I looked at Tyson and thought, well here goes nothing. I finished the test with my heart still pounding. I took my test up to the lady and it turns out you can miss six if this is your first time taking the test in California. Hallelujah I missed six. I PASSED!!!! The same feeling came to me the day I found out I passed my math class in college. All in all it was a great day and Tyson was a champ to stick the day out with me. But did I mention I still don't have a drivers license. You see I lost my wallet the week I moved to California and it has yet to turn up. This has become detrimental to me. I can't get put on Tyson's bank account, and I can't get a drivers license because I have no prof of a Utah drivers license. This name change thing has been an event. One of these days I hope to be able to call myself Janessa Parker.

On a happy note I got a gym pass and have been able to attend Zumba classes again. If you have not tried Zumba you must go! I hope to be able to use my Zumba certification and teach. I also got the job working for an investment group called Mighty Oak. I will be starting July 1st and can't wait to help put some bread on the table.

We Love H2O

Well we survived our first week in California. It has been great. We have been doing a lot of cleaning and organizing and not to mention finishing up Catching Fire. I think we are about all settled in. Saturday we were invited by the Tucker's to take our first trip to the lake.

I have to say it made me feel a little at home. I grew up at the lake. Although the water here is much warmer. We were able to spend time with our friends and catch a few rays.

I have to say I was quite proud of my guy. It was his second time wake boarding and he looked like a champ. Hopefully one of these days we can get ourselves a boat.

We attended our ward for the second time. It felt good to be in a ward where they are so welcoming. I look forward to getting involved. It is a little switch from the Single's Ward but we are excited for the new change.

I interviewed for a job this week and am waiting to here back. Tyson has been busy studying for his insurance test. I am so proud of him for always working so hard.

Come visit us in California we miss you all already!!!!

Home Sweet Home

Tyson and I officially made the big move to California. I was blessed to be able to have my family come with me to see our new stomping grounds. I have to say I have the greatest in laws. They have been wonderful and amazing and so welcoming. I could never repay them for all they have done for Tyson and me.

It was great to spend a few days with my family. We were able to show them my favorite restaurant Dog House and swim by the pool.

I have to say I have never seen or heard Tyson laugh louder while we were swimming. We taught my mom how to swim under water. It was the greatest thing.

I love all these girls so much. Thank you for making the drive and sending me off. Mom you are the best and I look forward to our many Skype and phone conversations. You have taught me everything I know.

We had two receptions one at Cactus and Tropicals and one at Fort Washington Country Club. Both were gorgeous. Thank you to my mother-in-law we had a fantastic candy bar. If you know anything about me, it is that I love sugar. It was so wonderful to meet all of the people who have had influences on Tyson's life. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people.

Sunday morning mama Parker made a lovely brunch for my family. The grandparents came over and we opened gifts. There needs to be another word for spoiled. People were so generous. I can't believe how wonderful people are. It definitely makes me want to be a better person. Thank you everyone who shared in such a special time with us. I am so happy to be here in California with the love of my life and his family. I hope that being around all of these great people will rub off on me and I can come close to being like them one day.

Memorial Day & Much More

Every year for Memorial Day my family goes to visit the graves of my dad and grandparents. It is a great time to reflect on the wonderful people I have had in my life. When we visit my dad's grave we always go around the circle telling one memory that we have. It always makes for a good laugh. My memory this year was my first dance in high school. I was getting ready to leave and wanted to say goodbye to my dad, but I couldn't find him. I asked my mom where he was and she told me he was upstairs crying because of how pretty I looked in my dress. I miss my dad everyday but I feel him around me always.

It was fun this year to take Tyson to share in the family traditions. He was able to hear memories of my dad and grandparents.

My favorite part of course involves the food. After we visit the graves we go to Litza's Pizza. They have the best garlic bread, root beer, and pizza.

The picture above is with my mom's family, the Shepherd's. They are the kindest most loving people I know.

Here we are at my grandma and grandpa Daw's grave. I miss them both so much! It is great now to have Tyson's grandparents as my own. I have missed having grandparents.

It has been a great second week of marriage. We have been in Heber spending time with my family before we make the big move to California. I am going to miss my family dearly. The longer I am here the harder it makes it to move away from my family and friends. But I am also looking forward to this new adventure of life where I will have Tyson by my side. I have never been one for change, but what it has taught me is that it gives me the opportunity to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and helps me become a stronger person.

Honeymoon

Tyson and I went on our honeymoon to Hawaii. It was my first time there and Tyson's fourth time. His first real time because the others were for basketball. We had a blast! We did lots of fun activities, swimming with sharks, Dole Plantation, horse back riding at Turtle Bay, PCC, ate some of the best food we have ever had, and best of all just relaxing on the beach.

We were deciding between swimming with dolphins are sharks! The sharks won. I am not one to get very nervous, but swimming with sharks was crazy. My legs kept going through the cage and out into the open sea.

Tyson was sweet to take me to the shrimp shacks. He is not a big fan but ate an entire plate of fresh shrimp for me. I thought it was fantastic.

Turtle Bay was beautiful. Riding horses on the beach has always been a dream of mine. Tyson got the sassy horse while I got the sweet calm horse, a little bit of both of our personalities. We were able to ride the horses where LOST was filmed and where the next Pirate's of the Caribbean is being filmed.

The PCC was wonderful! I loved being surrounded by such rich culture. The food and dancing were outstanding. The night show was our favorite part. People say it is over priced and over rated, but I have to disagree.

If you ever go to Hawaii you must make a stop at the Dole Plantation. They have the most fabulous pineapple dessert. Our favorite food stop was this little restaurant called Boots and Kimos. They have macadamia pancakes and the tastiest omelets. We went twice. We were able to stay an extra day because our flight was cancelled. All in all our honeymoon was GREAT, we miss it already!!!!