The family Amazing Race 2007

The Canyon County Fair

Kresimir and a friend.

Ella loved riding on the carousel until it started, then she freaked out! I couldn't help but laugh.

The local fire department sprayed water from their truck and the kids played in the water.

They loved looking at all the animals. We saw pigs, goats, sheep, cows and ducks.

Lilly Janes Cupcakes

Amber, Ella and I went to Lilly Janes, a store devoted to cupcakes to take part in frost your own cupcake night. We decided on frosting Vanilla, Chocolate and Red Velvet cupcakes.

I LOVE cake!!!





















Here are the two cupcakes that I frosted. Unfortunately the cupcake with the white frosting never made it home. It ended up falling to the ground and had a nice coat of gravel added to the decoration. I was so sad.















Ella picked out chocolate chips to put on her cupcake.




















Yum!!





















What a great way to spend my evening, with people I love and cake. It couldn't get much better than that.

101 things I want to accomplish before I die

1. Run with the bulls at the Pamplona Festival
2. Play in the ‘Tomatina’ tomato fight
3. Help save a life, many lives.
4. Have dinner at the White House
5. Hike the Narrows from the top down
6. Compete in a triathlon
7. Own a home
8. Help the FBI solve a crime
9. Have my name listed on a major motion movie credit
10. Marry in the temple
11. Hike Ireland coast to coast
12. See Antarctica
13. Hike in New Zealand
14. Have children of my own
15. Stay in an over water bungalow in Tahiti
16.Tour the ancient Aztec and Mayan ruins in Mexico
17. Own a summer home on the beach
18. Compete in an adventure race
19. Attend an Olympic event
20. Visit the Holy Land
21. Attend the World Cup
22. Kiss someone I love at the top of the Eiffel Tower
23. Stay in a Tuscan Villa
24. See the pyramids of Egypt
25. Visit the town in Switzerland where Great Grandmother grew up
26. Perform with a popular rock band on stage during a live concert
27. Learn to cook
28. Hike to the top of Angels Landing
29. Read all the scriptures cover to cover.
30. Stay at the base camp of Mt Everest
31. Swim with a dolphin
32. Walk on the Great Wall of China
33. See the Louve
34. Go on an African safari
35. Visit the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC
36. Get a college degree
37. Read to Kill a Mockingbird
38. Be chosen as a juror on a highly publicized case
39. Visit Alcatraz
40. Be the inspiration for a song
41. Help someone fulfill a dream
42. Take my picture in front of Mt Rushmore
43. Hike the Subway
44. Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef
45. Master the art of communicating with others
46. See Niagara Falls
47. Go on a church history tour
48. Attend the Iditarod Race
49. Meet the Prophet
50. Raft the Grand Canyon
51. Be an important part in finding CRG a permanent home
52.Give an inspiring speech in front of thousands
53. Help deliver a baby
54. See the constitution
55. Ride in a limo
56. Learn how to start a fire with two sticks
57. See the home of Ann Frank
58. Swim in Loch Ness
59. Visit Disneyland and Disneyworld
60. Stand at the Roman Colosseum
61. Raft the Grand Canyon
62. Learn not to say yes when you really mean no
63. Learn astronomy
64. Stay the night somewhere that is haunted
65. Ride on a train
66. Run into a friend at an airport that I haven’t seen in years
67. See a Broadway play in New York
68. Spend three months getting into optimum shape
69. Visit the Winchester mystery house
70. See all fifty states
71. Ride in a helicopter
72. See Hollywood
73. Visit Graceland
74. Go island hopping in Greece
75. See the Northern lights
76. Visit the Hostess factory in Chicago, IL
77. Climb one of the seven summits
78. Learn to play the guitar
79. Ride the highest rollercoaster in the United States
80. Accept myself for who I am
81. Own a dog
82. Visit a Dutch tulip farm
83. Hike the Appalachian Trail
84. Visit Machu Picchu
85. Learn to surf
86. Befriend someone I don’t particularly like
87. Ride on a motorcycle
88. Meet a King or Queen
89. See a shuttle launch
90. See Stone Hedge
91. Watch the sunrise on a mountain
92. Spend a week on a beach where I feel that I am the only person on earth
93. Perform an anonymous favor
94. Work for a cause I believe in
95. Over come all my fears
96. Fly first class
97. Say I am sorry to someone
98. Visit an active volcano
99. Learn how to take a compliment
100. Go on a cruise
101. See Teotihuacán

The decision has been made!!

So after months and months of countless prayers and trips I have finally decided where I am supposed to be. LAS VEGAS!! More accurately Henderson, NV. Once the lease on my apartment is up in October I will be moving to Zion Ponderosa to work at the resort through the winter. Surprisingly both Amber and I had the impression while we were there on vacation that it would be a perfect place for me. The more I have thought about it the more excited I am about spending a few months working there. Not only is it beautiful but I really enjoyed getting to know the employees. I think that it will do wonders in helping me to learn how to be a little more extroverted and outgoing which are qualities I admire so much in others. It will also be a welcome break from the ever social world of accounting.

Once I move to Las Vegas I am planning on going back to school to get my certification in radiology. It don't feel like this is a permanent move or that I cant come back to Boise at anytime which is a huge comfort to me.

I just feel very strongly that every moment of every day is taking us somewhere. That our destiny is determined by our thoughts, choices, desires and actions. And if you examine your life carefully, you can tell what your destiny will be—not what you want it to be, but where you will actually end up. I feel that by making this move I will be changing my destiny and that is so exciting to me.

The Narrows

Michael, Kylee, Caitlin and I before the big hike.






















Kylee and Michael getting ready to hike in the river.




















Towards the end of the hike. I loved it!! It makes me want to become a canyoneer.
















The narrows were so beautiful.

Trip to Zion National Park

First we spent a few days in Salt Lake City.















We went to the zoo one afternoon. Ella and Kresimir loved looking at all the animals.















Ella's first plane ride. She did great!! A born traveler.

Kelly Cup Champions!!!

Congratulations Idaho Steelheads on winning the Kelly Cup!!

One Win Away!!

Scoran scores in double overtime to give the Steelheads a chance to win their second Kelly Cup title on Thursday. Now the question is will they throw Thursday nights game to win in Boise?

Why I wont have collegen or plastic surgery anytime soon

Jessica Simpson was so pretty before.


What happened?

Ten things every Steelhead fan should know.

Here are 10 things every fan should know as the finals begin:

1. The Steelheads are in elite company. There are 12 pro hockey franchises still alive this time of year.

2. This is the 11th year of the Kelly Cup Finals. South Carolina is the only team to have won the Kelly Cup twice. Idaho would be the second with a win this year.

3. Steelheads hockey hasn't been played in June before.

4. There are three Idaho Steelheads who are trying to get their second Kelly Cup ring while in an Idaho uniform. Veterans Scott Burt, Lance Galbraith and Darrell Hay were with Idaho in 2004.

5. The most exciting moment for Idaho in the playoffs — so far — came against Las Vegas. Game 6 of the National Conference Finals was a scoreless tie through 58 minutes and 57 seconds of play. But then Greg Rallo's game-winner turned Qwest Arena into heaven on earth for 2,864 Steelheads fans.

6. Money's not their motivation, but it doesn't hurt. Burt said it's not the reason he wants to win. "We want to be known as champions," Burt said. "We want that ring."

7. Both teams are battle tested in the playoffs. Idaho (90 points) has home-ice advantage in the finals because it finished with a better regular-season record than Dayton (83 points).

8. Dayton has been in the ECHL longer than every other team except for Johnstown (Pa.). This is the first trip to the playoffs for Dayton (Ohio) in five years.

9. Steelheads forward Derek Nesbitt played in the Kelly Cup Finals last season when he was with Gwinnett, but he didn't get a ring. Alaska won the series in five games. His roommate on the road when he was with Gwinnett? Adam Berkhoel, who now plays for Dayton and was named the ECHL goaltender of the year and MVP of the ECHL All-Star Game played at Qwest Arena in January.

10. Don't expect to see the Kelly Cup any time soon. It is in the ECHL office in Princeton, N.J., and typically doesn't show up at the arenas until a team can clinch the series.

Happy Birthday Ella!!

Ella turned one on Saturday. Happy Birthday Ella Belle!!













Kresimir loved playing outside at the party. Love the mohawk Kresh!!
















I bought Ella a swimming pool for her birthday.















Looks like it was a hit.

Go Steelheads!!

"The Idaho Steelheads won a trophy Tuesday night at Qwest Arena, but the hockey team wanted nothing to do with it after the game. They're hoping to drink from the Kelly Cup instead.
The Steelheads aced their latest test with a 3-2 win over the Alaska Aces. Idaho clinched the National Conference final series 4-1 and became the first team to secure a spot in the ECHL's Kelly Cup Finals."

Kylene and I have been able to sit together with front row seats on the ice every playoff game. We wear our team jerseys, bang on the glass when we don't like a call or to celebrate a score. I have a feeling that our cheering helped clinch the win on Tuesday night. (Galibrath did wink and nod at us.)

It has been so much fun. We are planning on being there for all the home games as the Steelheads go for the Kelly Cup.

Go Steelheads!!!

Last Sunday I got to see William, Ella and Kresimir! They all have such different personalities and it was fun to see them interact with each other.
















Ella showing William and Kesh how to eat Sunday Dinner.





















Kresh loved sitting with Aunt Caitlin.















Ella loved Kola.

Happy Birthday!!

For my birthday we went to watch the Steelheads play one of their playoff games. We ended up with a group of about fifteen friends and family. It was so much fun.















The Steelheads won!! 6-1 They advance to the next series of playoffs. Kelly cup here we come.

My first business investment

I have made my first business investment in the amount of $25.00. I had heard about the organization Kiva and wanted to get involved after doing some research.

Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

I am sponsoring Najaf Mamedov a blacksmith from Azerbaijan. Najaf is the resident of Beylagan. He owns a small blacksmith workshop where he makes iron gates, doors etc.

I am very blessed to have been born into such a privileged life full of so much love and opportunity. I believe everyone deserves a chance to build something of their own and I hope that my small involvement makes a difference in the life of one.

My Easter weekend

First we played a little Guitar Hero II





















A rock is born!
















Two of the people I love the most.





















So handsome Kresh!!
















Caitlin and Ella decorating Easter cookies.















Kresimir decorating his Easter cookie. Happy Easter!!

My afternoon with Ella

First we played at the park.
Then we looked at all the fish...


At the Nature Center.








What a great afternoon for a walk!

Life Lessons

Last night Amber had made us a fantastic dinner of roast, potatoes, and a fruit salad. I was so excited that I did not have to cook dinner after working a long day at work. I really appreciated all her hard work.

I sat down with my dinner and started watching American Idol and became distracted. There is a reason why all the nutritionists say to never eat in front of a TV. Why?? Because I started to eat my fruit salad and thought. Hmmm. This tastes a little strange. I took another bite and thought the bananas must be a little old but I was not about to complain after all of Ambers hard work. So I take another bite. Something was defiantly not right with the salad. I spit it out and told everyone. "Do not eat the salad!! The bananas are bad!!"

Amber thought I was being weird since the bananas were fine. She took a bite of her salad and said that it might be the whipped cream she used. She leaves and comes back with bowl of whipped cream. Laughing she asked me to smell it. It was so sour I about lost my dinner!! Didn't you smell it before you used it? I asked!! Apparently not everyone does this.

The lesson to learn for this is always smell dairy before you use it. And if you watch TV while you eat, you might end up eating several bites of sour whipped cream before you notice.

Top Ten

As some of you know my training has hit a snag. I have discovered that I have exercise induced asthma. This isn't new for me, I have just always equated not being able to breathe with being out of shape. The other day I decided to get out of the gym and run outside. Within minutes my lungs shut down and my body responded with shutting down as well. I ran only a 1/2 a mile and was so disappointed. At that moment I knew I wouldnt be able to race outside.

I have an appointment with my doctor in two weeks and I am very hopeful that with his help this will not interfer with training any longer. I will most likely be given an inhauler that I will use before I run.

The other thing that I discovered about myself, that is also not new but is a little annoying, is how low I became at the idea of another snag in my quest for completing a triathlon. Not only did I feel low for that day but that low feeling has hung around for awhile. I did some research and I have discovered that what you eat can significantly affect your mood.

So here are the top ten foods that promote a feeling of overall happiness:

1.Omega 3 fatty acids found in Tuna, salmon, walnuts, canola oil....
2. Zinc found in wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, whole grains, high protein foods....
3. Vitamin b-3 found in chicken/turkey, pork, dried beans, salmon/tuna, peanuts....
4.WATER
5.Vitamin E found in wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, blueberries, papaya, olives....
6. Calcium
7.Folic Acid found in leafy greens, beans, peanuts, some orange juice
8. Stevia-this is a natural sweetner from a leafy plant. You should be using this instead of sugar
9. Vitamin C found in citrus fruits
10. Iron found in peas, beans, nuts....

I have made the commitment to add these foods to my diet and continue working towards my goals. No I am not going to become a vegan but I do believe in the word of wisdom and that the more organic the food is the better it will be for you. And if paying attention to what I eat can help with my over all well being then it is worth the sacrifice of my beloved twinkies.

Simple Mathematics

Last night Caitlin and I were talking about the events that led up to her meeting, falling in love and marrying Ryan. She had said that it wasn't at all how she pictured her life at the time, but how she can't imagine choosing anyone more perfect for her. I think it is amazing how two people are brought together.

So think about this...if two people create one. And four people create two, who create one. And eight people create four, who create two, who create one.

Think about it if you go back to the time of Abraham Lincoln 16,000 people came together to create you. If you go back to the time of Socrates it would take trillions of people coming together to create you. Because trillions of people have not lived on this earth it means one thing. We are all brothers and sisters. We are all connected. Simple mathematics. Amazing!!

David Copperfield

Clay, Kylene and I went to see David Copperfield this week. It was really fun. He was very entertaining. We saw members of the audience disappear and reappear on the upper balcony. We saw him take a member of the audience to Hawaii along with a photo proving that the trick was not staged.

I am sure most of the people who came onto the stage were plants but it isn't the mechanics, it was the magic that made it so fun.

Surprise!!!

Apparently Aunt Brook can be very surprising.

The Shins

Saturday night Kylee, Mike and I went to see The Shins play at the Egyptian Theater. It was the highlight of my week.

Several months ago Kylee and I were talking about music and which bands we would love to see play live. She said that The Shins were one band she would travel and sleep out to get tickets for. When I read that they were coming to Boise I was so excited, more for her than seeing The Shins. I only knew a few songs from the Garden State soundtrack but I got a ticket with Kylee and Mike and then bought the Shins third album to learn as many new songs as possible before the concert.

Listening to their album constantly I grew to love their melodic style and realized why Kylee loved their music. As soon as the lights went out and the first notes started to play I knew it was going to be a really fun night. I love concerts. I love the crowd, the music, the excitement that builds before the band come out, and that moment when everyone is united, singing along to their favorite songs. The Shins did not disappoint. We had so much fun.

Some Things that I have learned over the past ten days while sick

There is something about that persistent ache that makes you want your Mom no matter how old you are.

I love my bed but somehow the couch has become my sanctuary. It is located in the most convenient spot in my apartment and is comfortable and cozy. All the requirements when you don’t feel quite like yourself.

Reading is a great distraction but not when you are sick.

I have come to appreciate daytime television but I find that most of it is junk and would much rather watch a movie or sleep.

I can sleep for eighteen hours straight and still want to go to bed at ten o’clock.

I miss working out and cancelling my swimming sessions was a little disappointing. Who knew?

Trying to pretend that you aren’t sick doesn’t work.

Trying to pretend that you aren’t sick and coming into work doesn’t work either. Although I have been told that I present myself as being healthy and look great from a distance, when you get close I apparently look awful. Nice.

I love visitors, especially my niece and nephew.

My apartment is not baby proof.

It is the little gestures from others that make the most difference. A prayer, a phone call, or stopping by after work.

I am so grateful for the time people give to help others, especially me.

I am not alone. Everyone I know is sick right along with me.

I am so grateful for the days when I feel healthy and will appreciate every healthy day in the future (and will start taking vitamins).

With that said I am going back home to bed.