Some Long Due Pictures!

T.J. with Kellen! We went up to Sandy to play with Lance and Christa and Karen and Austin...and kids in September. We played at the park and just had so much fun!










It was Addison and Alexa's birthday too!













T.J. and I at the BYU v. UCLA game! Go COUGARS!!!















Here are some pictures from our summer adventures! Well, this first one is actually just last week at our friend Collins' wedding! Look at ME! Sans braces!!! haha Yay!

This is a small smackerel of photos, but maybe it will give you a teensy idea of what we have been up to. :)












T.J.'s family came to visit us in California in August. We had a blast! Well, mostly I had a blast with them and T.J. worked. But, we did go glow-in-the-dark mini golfing at midnight and T.J. and Steve got to come along! This is the boys team...The girls team totally slaughtered them!...okay, not so much, but it was fun!














These are my cute sisters in law, Kylie and Darby! We are just chillin at the A's game. No worries, this game went for 12 innings! We caught all the action...including a seemingly naked woman. It was interesting...














Kylie and I at the Giants game!















Here we are after the first ride of the day at Six Flags. That's right, get on, get SOAKED, get off!















This is me with my sister Karen and her friends at the beginning of the RAGNAR Wasatch Back Relay. We ran three legs each for a total of 180 miles or something crazy like that. It was so very much fun! yes, that IS a running woman manaquin on the top of the car. BABEFEST '08!














Here I am with my Mom in law and Aunts from T.J.'s side of the family after climbing a mountain! Krystle and I got to go to T.J. and Steve's family reunion at Snowbird in July for a week. It was fun fun fun!














In August my Mom came to visit for a few days too! Yay! We had lots of fun! This was after we biked...I think 8 miles over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito. My Mom was so awesome on the bike...You should all be impressed. Here we are being wind blown on a ferry.















In June T.J. and I went to my family reunion at Bear Lake! This is T.J. with my nephew Ryan before going into Minnetonka Cave















This one is of Krystle, Steve, T.J. and I after eating out during the summer! (thanks APX!)

For your viewing pleasure...my funny husband and his brother! Sorry it is sideways! Apparently I didn't get the memo that you can't video with the camera sideways.... :)

okay okay!!!

So, it's official! I am BRUTAL at this blogging thing! However, I am resolving to do a little more, be a little better (follow the prophet!).

Well, the summer came to end, as all things do, and that was happy! It was a good summer...full of learning! T.J. worked hard and did well, and is excited to never have to knock another door! I had a hard time coping with the excess time at my disposal, but am now wishing life was so hard! I spend a lot of time reading, getting tan, working on scrapbooks, cooking, and hanging out with Krystle. It was a fun fun summer for me! T.J. just mostly worked...poor boy! I am not going to tell you all about the summer's adventures because...I don't have time! :)

So, now here we are! Back in school! Hoooorah! T.J. is super loaded with science classes and working like a champ. He is also a lab assistant in a chemistry lab and exceeding his professor's expectations! I am busy with research and reading mostly. My professors are amazing - especially my advisor! - and I am learning a ton. I really love grad school. I never ever planned on it, but I am finding it to be really fun and really practical.

Well, I just realized this would be way more fun with photos! So, I will come back later with some of those and it will be fun times for all! That's all for now friends. :)

Oh yeah!

By the way, I graduated from BYU last week! hahaha I graduated with a BS in Marriage, Family and Human Development and a minor in World Dance. It was so fun to have moms down to see it and be with us! Happy Day!

Do you know the way to San Jose?

We do! I google mapped it. T.J. has never heard this splendid ditty of a song that I sang most of the way here, and I think now that he has heard my slaughtered renditions he has no desire to ever hear it. All well, I am not sure I have ever heard it either, besides my mom singing it every time the city name was mentioned during my childhood... The more I realize things like this the more I understand that you pretty much turn out like your mom in a lot of ways no matter what you do. Good thing I have such an awesome mom.

So, yes! Here we are in San Jose, CA! Hooray for another summer of sales! No one told US that Northern California is not blazing hot in April and May...nay, on the contrary my little toes are trembling in the chilly weather daily. Hello? It is supposed to be warm outside! Bring on the heat! Apparently it DOES get warmer and I can't wait because I am in serious need of some sunshine. It is great here though! We like it a lot. Compared to last summers apartment we are practically living in a 5 star hotel. It is so nice! We even have a microwave! I know, it is amazing. It is in a super nice community with a huge open grassy park right in the middle. It is awesome. People are always outside walking, running, playing soccer, having doggie play groups (no joke)...its great. The BEST PART though is that there is a super nice gym and pool big enough to swim laps in AND a spin room AND spin classes AND cardio-kickboxing classes AND pilates AND yoga AND its free (minus the million dollar monthly rent of course)! I KNOW! I love my life. It is excellent. Last night Krystle and I busted our at the kickboxing workout...it was awesome.

T.J. is jazzed about selling again...okay, so really he is having an incredibly positive attitude about the fact that he has to sell, and is determined to love it by the end, because he believes it can become like that. So, he is doing awesome. Yesterday was his first day on the doors and he got a deal, so yay! I on the other hand am unemployed! WHAT? you say...yes. Although I was supposed to work as the office manager again this summer it turns out there was little miscommunication. Apparently it is the lead tech's responsibility to get an office . Well, Jake was supposed to be our lead tech and I was the office . However, things fell through with Jake and we got assigned a new lead tech who had his own office (his soon-to-be wife) but failed to tell anyone that he had picked her out. So, no one knew. haha funny how that works. So when Riley found out that he had someone else he was like, uh, sorry we already have an office and the lead tech freaked out! AHHH! He was willing to fight "tooth and nail" for his wife to be the office woman. So, T.J. and I were informed, and not wanting to start World War III and create loads of unnecessary tension (which would create a crappy atmosphere for everyone and make it harder to sell) in the office, decided to just let her have the job. Kind of a bummer since I had been planning on it and although it isn't my favorite pasttime, it truly is an excellent choice as far as summer job options go. All well. I am sure I will find something to do and if not, get really tan. haha jokes jokes.

SAN FRANCISCO! Is a great city to walk in, but may I suggest never ever ever ever trying to drive through it. gahh! One way streets, "no turns" signs on every corner...haha It was hilarious to say the least. But, we survived and loved the city from our feet. We got to spend time with Kylie, his little sister, as she was there on a choir trip! FUN! We love Kye-Bye. We also got to hear her sing, which was so much fun. My favorite parts of SanFran were the hills, the old-school trolleys, and the random parks! We were in the middle of skyscrapers and busy streets and then, VOILA! and cute hidden completely serene and wonderful park! We stopped in to swing and play tag and probably annoy the man quietly reading his book on the bench. It was awesome.

Well, I had better get back to my list of to-do items, and say sorry for never posting pictures! BUT this computer, in my posh internet cafe, does not have any USB ports. Lo siento. Another time. :) OH! Which reminds me, my new favorite restaurant is Posh Bagel....yum yum yum!

and, by the way, we don't get reception in our apartment! haha! So, we have new phone numbers for the summer, should you care to phone us. ...
Kathy: 408-854-2051
T.J.: 408-854-2052

Marathons....

are addictive. So, if you don't want to feel the desire to run long distances for the rest of your life...I would suggest not getting started. But, even still, I love them! I ran the first annual Utah Valley Marathon this morning. Good times good times. Actually, to be completely honest, the first 21 miles were good times. The last 5...not so much. Let's just say I didn't only hit the wall, I smashed the wall, killed the wall, destroyed the wall...and it destroyed me! At 21 miles I was at 3 hours and 11 minutes...only 2 minutes over my goal pace time. I wanted to finish under 4 hours. From there it took me and hour and 15 minutes to run 5 stinking miles! I had ZERO energy and man! I was so mad! I had no more GU, and nothing to get energy in me....gripes. Frustrating, frustrating. But, I finished and now I can't wait to run the next one so I can redeem myself...why is that? Maybe I am just too prideful or stubborn. I feel great now and I'm not too sore. My knees just hurt a little and I think a light jog tonight with some stretching will help that wonderfully. Hooorah.

Just have to say, while on the subject, or not, that I have such awesome parents! All 3 sets of them! I am so grateful for them. They love me and support me, cheer me on and are always there. What a great invention the family is. Seems like Someone knew what He was doing on that one.

Today I got to spend some time with old roommates, whom I love and adore! It was so fun to just talk, laugh, be crazy, yet be serious...and just enjoy each other. I have been blessed with wonderful friendships and I don't think I give thanks for them enough!

On thanking...I was a bit bummed about running the marathon this morning by my lonesome and desired a running compadre. I said a little prayer, not really uttered, more like thought, that I would find someone to run with. Well, as it turns out, once a again, the Lord loves me! I met a great friend on the bus and then at mile 2 met another friend who joined in our happiness. I ended up running with her until mile 22. I feel like we are great friends now and had so much fun talking with her and encouraging each other. Thanks Jenna for the fun and the run!

Van D!

Hey Marquessa...I can't get to your blog you goober! I think you will have to tell me the address. I want to partake of the goodness! All my love to you and yours! Especially Eliza and her cheeks!

Hungry Hungry Hippos and the Simple Joys that Follow

So, I am starving! I seem to have a strange insatiable hunger lately. Not sure if that is just because I have been eating too much and now my body needs more (bad news bears) or that my stomach actually is expanding, or what! But, kinda weird....so I just keep eating! ...

T.J. and I finally used up the last of our gift cards to Bed Bath and Beyond from our wedding and bought ourselves an ice cream maker! Needless to say, tonight's FHE activity will include the making - and eating - of delicious homemade and very healthy ice cream! Can't WAIT! P.S. Whoever invented the "gift card" should seriously be given gold stars in heaven. What an excellent idea! We were reaping (is that how you spell that?) the benefits of those gift cards for ages, and we still have some to Target! You can get whatever you want or need with a swipe of plastic that takes nothing from your bank account. How fabulous! Thanks to all those kind people who, instead of buying us another set of casserole dishes, opted for the easy way out and got us a gift card!

Although I am pleased with my efforts at posting within a weeks time (thank you! thank you!) of my last post...I am still learning the ropes. You see, I still have some unanswered questions...For example, if Meghan writes me a comment and I want to respond to that comment, where do I write that? Do I write it on her last post...that seems weird? Do I reply within my own blog's comments? Or do I write it on here? Or should I email her? Phone her? What on earth is a girl to do? Anyone with insight, please impart. :) haha I am such a nerd.

Well the most wonderful thing about Conference is that Conference is a wonderful thing! It was such a great great great Conference! After every talk I turned to T.J., "That was a GREAT talk!" and it was. I loved every second and I can't wait for the Ensign to come out! We are so blessed to have a living prophet (what an incredible MAN of God! It is so fun to see that he is a man, with such a sense of humor and a life of goodness. He is just living the commandments of God and blessing lives every day of his life...it is such an inspiration!) and the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives! T.J. and I have been talking a lot about this lately. How truly we have so much. We are so blessed. We know that this life is short, it's temporary...and there is just no reason for us to be unhappy! Of course we will have trials and disapppointments and heartache. That is part of what makes us be able to feel true joy. But each day, in the simple things, each moment, we can decide to be happy - truly happy! - because we know who we are and we know where we are going. Isn't that just the awesomest thing ever?! So, with that being said, I am re-resolve to live life to it's fullest!

Post Script...I promise that I will bring my camera with me to campus so I can add some photos! We don't have internet at our house. :)

okay okay!

Well, it seems everyone is sick of me being smelly, so I guess it's time to update you all on our awesome lives!

Firstly, anyone know how to add links to all of your blog sites on my blog? Cause I want to be able to see yours easily...and apparently I am a little bit blog-site-challenged. :) THANKS!

So...life is good! T.J. is working his little bum (no really, it is little...I think its a guy thing...they just have little bums) off with school. He studies so hard and then aces his tests. What a stud. :) He is trying to figure out what he wants to do with his med school career. We have found some interesting (and potentially exciting) scholarship opportunities with the U.S. armed forces. But, the more we think about it and the more we learn, we find that there are so many more things to think about and learn about! It's fun though, and luckily we are sticking around the BYU scene for a good number of years still and have time to figure it all out!

T.J. is also coaching soccer! It is SO CUTE! Even though the boys are in grades 5-6, I just think it is the cutest thing ever to watch them play...and watch T.J. coach. I love it and so does T.J.!

I am currently LOVING my job and trying not to cry every time I go to work because I know we are leaving for the summer. I have grown to love these girls and I'm going to miss them! For those of you who don't know, I work at New Haven. It's a residential treatment center for adolescent girls. They come from all over the country, and even different countries, with all sorts of problems (depression, substance abuse, trauma, suicide attempts, anxiety, etc.). They go to school, have therapy sessions, and live away from their families. It's hard, but they make such amazing changes. The coolest thing about New Haven is that it is family and values based. The families of the girls are required to have 1 1/2 hours of therapy on the phone with the girls and therapist once a week, and come out for therapy over family weekend once every 2 months. This way the family AND the girl are making changes and her potential for lasting change is much greater. It's so awesome. The girls and families work on values assignments and we focus on building relationships, which most of them have no idea how to do. I wish I could explain it better...it is just the coolest thing ever and I love it!

This summer we are going to be living in San Jose, CA! WAHOO! We are really excited (you know, after I get over leaving my job) to be in the sunshine and close to San Francisco. T.J. is almost excited about selling again! SO, if anyone needs a fun summer vacation, COME VISIT US!

I have been working with the non-profit organization, Families Up, and it is finally looking promising! I am so excited about it. There is still so much work to be done, but we have the vision that we can really help families, and I believe it will succeed!

So a few weeks ago I decided to run the 1st Annual Utah Valley Marathon! I have been going through an obviously inadequate and rushed training program, and I am hoping to finish under 4 hours. haha I know that isn't very fast, but hey, I have to start somewhere! My last marathon was 4:07, and I didn't train much (okay I haven't really trained for ANY of my marathons...this one is probably the most prepared I have ever been), so I am hoping to do well! Feel free to come cheer me on! It's on April 12th!

Last week we had the opportunity to go up to Bountiful for my Grandpa Nielsen's funeral. It was great to hear of his faith and his wonderful life. He was truly an incredible man and such an example of a disciple of Christ. I am so grateful for him! It was not a sad thing to see him go. He is now with his sweetheart and able to work again without a falling apart body getting in his way. I have no doubt he is happier than ever and he has every right to be!

Well, I hope all of you enjoyed that hodge-podge of random updates! I promise I will try a little harder and be a little better at the bloging. :)

Our love to all of you!

I am smelly

Yep, sure am, and I have to admit than when I am smelly cause I just got back from a great long run, I enjoy my stinkiness. :)
Just wanted to say that it is the most amazingly beautiful day and I have the most wonderful and perfect for me husband ever. Life is awesome and I love it!

Fun in the Snow!

Hey ya'll! We have been spoiled lately to be playing lots in the snow. I think T.J. thinks he is in heaven...until of course he remembers the mounds of homework waiting for him at home. :)

On February 9th we went up to Karen and Austin's (Karen is my sister, for all those who don't know) house to play for the weekend and celebrate Charly's 6th birthday! As we drove to their house the mounds of snow on each side of the road were taller than our car. It was fun to hike through the snow out to their barn. Still can't figure out why the little kids just trekked across the 6 feet of snow no problem and the rest of us were sinking in to our theighs? haha We had fun jumping out of the barn into the snow and T.J. thinks I am a cool wife because I did a flip out of the barn loft. (Only after I made him go first of course!) T.J. made a big snow cave, which was awesome, and it was big enough for the both of us to climb inside. On Sunday the snow was hard enough to walk on (most of the time) and we had fun outside again. It was great to spend time with Karen, Austin, and their kids. We just love being with them! Their kids are adorable and we feel happy in their home. Thanks guys!

On our way home we got to stop by Lance and Christa's (Lance is my bro!) house and they treated us to not only to fabulous dinner and good times, but lots of good baby holding time! We loved every second of it. We love being with them too! I guess we are just really blessed to have awesome family.

On Valentine's Day we flew out to Denver to spend the long weekend with more wonderful family on T.J.'s side. (Dad and Kendell, Steve and Krystle, and Torrey) T.J. and his brother Steve were pleasantly surprised to find new snowboards waiting for them for their birthday presents! This of course welcomed in the next few days of snowboarding at Copper Mountain with Dad! fun fun fun! I got to come along too on Friday and Saturday and, thanks to the awesome teaching by Dad and Hugh, I am becoming a pro-star skiier! I LOVE it! I think I am going to have to be addicted to it. We had a blast and feel so grateful that we got to go!
We also got to have fun at Hugh's birthday party and I went shopping with Kendell and Krystle on Monday. We found great deals, which made shopping fun. :) The boys spent Monday snowboarding more and had a blast!

Sunday was family day, and simply wonderful! We went and had family portraits taken! It was so much fun...and the guy said he could photo-shop my braces off. Good man. Good man. :) I know that is cheating, but hey, if my head is going to be plastered on some wall, I would rather not be Miss Brace Face. That night we played Pictionary on a big white board, Charades, and Password. We had a BLAST! It was so funny.

We had such a fun weekend! We hated to leave. Thanks so much to Dad and Kendell for having us over and playing with us! We absolutely loved being there, spending time as a family, and having fun. We loved getting to spend time with Torrey. We never get to see her, and I had no idea how funny she is and how much fun she is to have around. It was also really cool for me to get to know Scott (T.J.'s dad) better, since I have never really had a chance to talk to him much before. He's awesome. We feel so blessed to have such awesome families! We love you all!

This one's for you Lance!

So, yes, we are entering the blogging world and my good brother Lance is the reason. :) I have to agree it is a great way to keep a family history and hey, good times. So, we'll get around to adding some fun stuff soon!