Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my Mom's birthday! She is such a great Mom, wife, grandma, and friend! Here are some photos I found of her that will show just how great she is!

One of the things that I love about my mom is how she can have fun. She dresses up every year for Halloween! Here is a picture of her (as a cave woman), my dad, and Sam on Halloween of 2008. That is some serious dedication to have her whole face painted black!

My mom is the Queen of taking pictures. I love this picture of her because this is how I often see her, with a camera in front of her. She is making one great history for our family, I am sure of it! If I ever forget to bring my camera along, rest assured mom will have hers.

Mom is a wonderful Grandma. She loves to spend time with the little kiddies. She will get right down on the floor and play with them, and the grand kids love it. It is really special for me to watch her as a grandma because I realize that is what she was like as a mom to me. She is so creative and thinks of fun things to do with them. She loves them so much.

My mom is interested in our lives! This picture was taken when my parents came and visited us in San Francisco. It meant a lot that my parents came out and visited us. She wanted to see and hear everything about San Francisco. She is involved and cares a lot about our lives. She tries to help us, and it means so much that she is there!

My mom has a strong testimony of the gospel. She studies the scriptures every day, faithfully! She gives 110% to any calling that she has in the church. She does so much behind the scenes and serves constantly. I have many memories of her making dinner for people in the ward. She spends so much time preparing for lessons, and she makes an active life of living the gospel.

My mom loves my dad. They are so cute together, even after 32 years of marriage. This is one of my favorite pictures of them. It is so natural and sweet.

My mom is the such a good mom! She has always been there for me. During hard times and during good times. Thanks for giving your life to all of us kids mom!

I LOVE YOU!!! Happy Birthday!

Really Good Chocolate Chip Cookies

Friends, let me tell you that I have found my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe! It has the perfect sweetness and salt, crunchy outside and soft center. Sigh...

My sister-in-law, Mia, found this recipe and now I will pass it along to you. Thanks be to MIA!!!

Just so you know, THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS!!!

Really Good Chocolate Chip Cookies

*This recipe was clipped out of the San Francisco Chronicle many years ago. There was a cookie recipe contest and this one won.

Serves 10 - or less if you are like me :)

1 cup softened butter (I tried it with 1/2 butter and 1/2 butter crisco and I like it that way too)

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 1/3 cups sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2 eggs

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

24 oz. Chocolate Chips (I didn't use a full 24 oz. I used Hershey's Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips and used maybe 18 oz.)

2 cups nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Cream butter with sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and eggs until smooth. Mix flour, soda, salt in a separate bowl then add to creamed mixture. Add chocolate chips and nuts. Stir. Bake 12 minutes.

Home... Safe and Sound

Just about a month ago we packed up this Penske and drove back home to Salt Lake City.

We hired 2 great movers to help us pack up. I was so glad that we had their help because we ended up filling the truck right to the brim. Their expertise was a life saver as they arranged everything in the truck. It was like fitting in all the pieces of the puzzle. I wasn't sure how Dan and I would have done it without their help. This was what it looked like only 1/4 full.

It was a really strange feeling seeing our apartment completely empty. Walking out of the apartment was kind of like saying goodbye to an old friend. It actually was much harder than I thought it would be.

But I was comforted when I saw these bums as we were entering the freeway...

Goodbye Frisco Bums!

When we arrived home, fall was out full force. I wish I would have taken pictures of the leaves. But it was beautiful. I realized that I missed earth smells, crispy leaves, the mountains, and the smell of grass! Usually it is snowy by early November, but I think we were lucky and fall lingered a little longer.

It did end up snowing last Saturday and I took pictures of the blizzard...

I didn't go anywhere! I just stayed inside, nice and cozy, with the fire going. It was absolutely beautiful outside.

In other news, I cut my hair! It feels so good to be re-united with my beloved hairdresser.

Dan is really enjoying his job. Things are going great with him. I thought I would just show you that he hasn't changed too much... still as cute as ever!

Now I need to explain why I really am glad I am back.

It is all because of these little gems... my nieces and nephews!

Sam and Will

Levi

Patrick

Eliza

Jane, Scott, David, and Sadie

These little ones are who I have missed most! Who wouldn't after seeing these darling faces?

Overall, it really is great being back. I miss San Francisco, but there really is no place like home.

On the Move!

Just a year ago, we moved to San Francisco. It has been quiet a journey for us. Challenging, adventurous, thrilling, tasking, exciting, and emotional are some words I would use to describe this past year. But this next Wednesday Dan and I are moving back to Salt Lake City. It is completely bittersweet, but it will be good to enter a new chapter.

Here is what my house looks like right now...

In thinking about living here this past year, I have really loved every minute of it. Dan and I have grown so close as we have really relied on each other. I couldn't be more grateful for this experience and I will always think fondly of it. I will forever remember the amazing people I met out here that made a difference in my life.

I guess the song really is true, in some ways I think I did leave my heart in San Francisco.

Judd and Lindsay, how we love you!

We were lucky to get some visitors a couple weekends ago! Judd and Lindsay drove the 11.5 hours from Salt Lake to come see us and San Francisco. We couldn't have been happier to have them here.

Judd and Dan have been good friends since they were born a couple days apart 26 years ago. They have kept their friendship alive since then. Lindsay and I became even greater friends once we met and although we weren't born at the same time, we sure like each other. Thank goodness we married friends because my life is better having her as a friend.

One of the best things about being with Judd and Lindsay is how we have similar interest. We had 2 full days of fun, adventure, and good food.

Here are some pictures of the good times...

Dan and Judd navigating us around

Foggy world on the GG bridge

BIRD ISLAND!!!!

We found this old military battery. We were really proud of ourselves for this.

Beautiful foggy views on Point Bonita

As we were driving away from the coast we found a pack of raccoons who apparently live in these dumpsters. We stayed inside the car of course and ended up watching them for upwards 5-10 minutes. There were probably about 7 or 8 raccoons.

Cute little fellas, if you like rabies!

It made me think of our little raccoon friend behind our apartment.

Stopped again at the base of GG bridge on our way back to the city.

We are so best friends...

While gazing at the bridge, we happened to see these crazy people on their photo-shoot. Don't look too close, I am pretty sure they are naked under those white cloaks.

I like to think they are taking their engagement photo.

Rodeo beach

While the sun was setting, the Highland Games began. I don't know if anyone was deemed the winner but you can decide for yourself.

Flies up

Seals at Pier 39

We had one of my favorite little treats... a chocolate velvet cupcake from Kara's Cupcakes in Ghirardelli Square.

Baker beach

Dan and Judd were determined to jump in the water... here they go!

True love

Cheers to Judd and Lindsay!

We had such a great time with you guys! Thank you for driving a total of 23 hours for 2 days of hang out time. It was so great to be with you. Loved every min of it.

Rob and Laura

We were so lucky to get some visitors this last weekend! Dan's parents! It was great to spend time with them and enjoy their company. Rob and Laura arrived this past Thursday afternoon. We started out by having a nice lunch at a near by park.

We then explored around in the William Stout Architectural Bookstore which primarily has interior design, architecture, and landscaping books. It was such a little gem.

For dinner we had a delicious meal at Scoma's (I had the best Salmon!) followed by a Ghirardelli ice cream sunday. What more could you want for a night out?

On Friday, we rented a car to go up North. We ate breakfast in Sausalito and then headed up to the redwoods (Muir Woods) to enjoy some nature. I feel like I say this all of the time, but living in the city full of concrete makes me miss nature so much! I never thought I could be such a tree hugger! I was so excited to see the green world outside I even wore my green sweater!

Ahhhhhhh so beautiful.... sigh

After Muir woods we kept driving North. Everyone was kind enough to indulged me as we drove through my old stomping grounds, Santa Rosa. It had been almost 5 years since I have seen Santa Rosa and it was just as pretty as I remembered it. I loved driving past my old house and Santa Rosa High School! Such good times. Thanks Rob, Laura, and Dan for letting me marinate in the memories.

After that small detour we headed to Napa. Once again, it was so pretty! I just took some pictures from my window in the car as I was salivating over the sights. Sorry it is so blurry. I guess that is what happens when you try to take pictures as a passenger in a moving car.

While in Napa we enjoyed a great local Mexican restaurant and headed back to San Francisco.

The sun was setting as we drove back over the Bay Bridge - WARNING: I might get a little cheesy for a min - and I couldn't help but tear-up as the sky was so beautiful. It really is a gorgeous place to live, San Francisco. I didn't take any pictures of the sunset because I was a little car sick coming home. So just picture it in your minds.

When we got back in the city, we had some yummy ice cream at one of our favorite places, Bi-Rite Creamery. Some our flavors consisted of: salted carmel, balsamic strawberry, malted vanilla with peanut brittle, and brown butter pecan. It is making my mouth just water thinking back on the flavors.

Friday night we were awoken at 4:00 am by some wicked dry thunder/lighting storms. Our building was literally shaking by the blasts and it was SO loud. I have never heard thunder quiet like this. It never rains in the summer in San Francisco. We were so caught off guard that we literally thought it was a terrorist attack. In fact, we even turned on the TV to see if there was any news. But the rain finally started to accompany it's friends, thunder and lighting, and we knew in fact that it was just good-ol nature giving us a scare. Needless to say the whole city was talking about it the next day. And it was still rainy Saturday morning as we walked down to the farmers market at the Ferry Building.

The rain sure doesn't keep this lady down! Have you ever seen such a darling woman?

Aw heck, the rain didn't keep any of us down!

The farmers market really is a treat! I love coming and seeing all of the rows and rows of produce and flowers. There are so many vegetables that I haven't ever seen before. I love love love it and I just drink it all up (not literally of course people). But I think Rob and Laura also enjoyed it. Here are just some random pictures from the farmers market.

Say hello to breakfast. I love you morning bun!

After the Farmer's Market, we shopped a little in Union Square, and then headed to the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. It was fun to see the artwork there. At the top of the museum there is a lookout spot. Here are some pictures from the top.

It was a pretty foggy world outside. This is how it usually looks in the summer. I am being serious.

We enjoyed dinner that night at a fabulous Italian restaurant in North Beach and spent the evening together watching the Utah game. Well I should probably say Rob and Dan watched the game while the two Laura's slept on the couch.

On Sunday we basked in the last few moments together before Rob and Laura had to leave. It went by too quick but was so much fun. It was just what I needed, to spend time with them.

So cheers to Rob and Laura! I love you both so much and feel so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for raising such a wonderful family and son, Dan. I love you!

Walking all the days...

As many of you know, we sold both of our cars before we came out here. It has been quite the interesting experience going from 2 cars to no cars.

The reason why we decided not to keep our cars is because the location of our apartment in San Francisco isn't the most convenient place to have a car. There is parking below our apartment building but very rarely does a spot open up. Also, there are 40 apartments in our building yet only about 8 parking spaces. But even if a spot opens up it costs a whopping $300 a month just for a space. Sure there are parking garages about 4-5 block away but you would be paying $300-$500 a month. Some say, "just park on the street!" The problem with that is there are never spots on the street. So you end up driving around for 20 minutes just to park your car. Because of all of this hassle I really am glad that I don't have a car here.

Public transportation is another option in San Francisco, but I have found in my experience that it doesn't cut time down too much and it costs money. Sometimes it doesn't seem worth it to sit on a grimy bus.

So therefore, I walk wherever I go...

• I get up and walk to work. Distance = 1 mile. Only takes about 20 minutes.
• I walk home from work. Distance = 1 mile. This is a little harder because it is literally like climbing a mountain everyday to get home.
• We walk to and from the grocery store. Distance = About 1.5 miles one way.
• Walk to and from church. Distance = About 1 mile one way.

Literally, we walk everywhere we go. So I figured I am probably walking roughly 15-20 miles a week. Because of all of this walking, it is taking a serious toll on my body! I feel like my legs are breaking down from going straight up hills and straight down hills everyday.

With this being said, we found a great resource... ZIP CAR (www.zipcar.com)!!! You can pay for the car per hour or per day. Gas is included in the price and there are several different parking garages. The garage we use is right down the street, so we can just walk 2 minutes and pick up the car. We can finally go to the grocery store, pick out what we want (a gallon of milk), and not have to walk it home! It is so convenient. I am just very happy to have zip car in my life now. So thank you Zip Car from both me and my legs!

Lastly, thank you Dan for signing us up for Zip Car!