My Long Lost Blog

Oh how I miss having internet access. I realize I had become quite spoiled and I could check anything I wanted, whenever I wanted. I swear I feel as though I have lost a limb that is more important than arms and legs. Truthfully.

Well Thanksgiving came and went and I just barely threw out the last of the leftovers not too long ago...fridge smells quite a bit better. I loved having my parents, mother in law, and two brother in laws at my house to eat. What a feast we had and how absolutely amazing. I disappointed myself with how little I was able to eat cuz I can look down at my belly and it looks as if a whole turkey could fit in. Speaking of turkey, when I got off work that night me and my mom were preparing the turkey. Had I known it would scare my life, I would've done something else. She took the legs the apart so she could clean out the inards (sp?). Not a big deal....they were magically in a bag. I still gagged a little. THEN she reached her hand in there further and snapped something and pulled quite hard. A look of horror fell over my face and thats when I tasted my lunch the second time....and it wasn't as good. It was the neck of the turkey and just writing about it made me dry heave. True story. I loved Thanksgiving and that I was with those I love the most.

Cody and I were able to spend last Saturday night with Shannon and Ryan Rapier. I will never be able to describe how happy I was that they came to visit. I am totally in love with their baby daughter Kate and could not get enough of her. I barely even let Cody hold her. She is the most precious thing I have ever laid eyes on. I have been begging Cody for one ever since. I even offered to pay the Rapiers for her but I guess they know how much she's worth! Thank you for visiting with us, for Road house and for playing games....even though Ryan got creamed. Oh the taste of victory (by Cody and Shannon) I lost just as much....but thats cuz I was focusing on Kate the entire time.

Cody finished his first semester at ASU and did really well in his classes. I do not know how that guy holds it together (well tv and an amazing wife but thats heresay....notice the order haha) I am so proud of his and his accomplishments. He worked, maintained amazing grades, balanced his scheduled and made time for his sometimes psycho wife who has the past of being pretty selfish...but only sunday through friday. I love you Cody. Just a little bit more and we'll be rolling in the dough.....cookie dough folks...you didn't actually think I meant cold hard cash do ya? We all know the economic status. Come on!

It is now Christmas and we actually have a full size tree. Last year we only had a 3 foot tree so it was a little out of proportion to the presents but not to the tiny apartment. We decorated for Christmas and I was so excited. Our tree took a while to get to us thanks to David for prolonging his trip back from Thatcher (jk...but I really was annoyed at him for it). The night it showed up I about peed my pants. I then spent the next day making name tags for the gifts. To be honest, my holiday spirit hasn't been quite so cheerful this year as it has in the past but I'm trying. I guess truth is....Santa doesn't work for the U.S. Government and provide for every flipping need....what a croc! I do know that I have been blessed and that I am part of a family who I love more than I can ever express...partly because I cry so much so I kinda just bottle it in but I know I'm not kidding anyone. I have a huge appreciation for retail workers. In all my life, I've gotten the days off I need no questions asked but working at a mall (with low moral) its a little different. On our way out of town today to Show Low we had to stop and buy some oranges and I made sure that the guy who helped us knew how much I appreciated his help and that the store was open. Tonight at the Annual Reidhead Christmas Eve Party which I haven't missed in my 22 years of life, I finally felt the Christmas Spirit. I'm not sure if it was the kids acting out the Nativity Scene and half-heartedly singing traditional Christmas carols, or the food and gifts or the fact that I was able to drive up with Cody safely after getting off work early, talking the whole time and realizing that we do have an awesome life, or if it was the fresh snow on the ground, but I can't help but be a little choked up tonight knowing darn well I should be in bed before Santa comes....AKA Brody waking up and Ryan barging in at the butt crack of dawn. I am so thankful for this holiday season and that my family was blessed enough to all be together. Now Claridge family, I know I stole Cody from you this year and I just want to thank you for it! I can't wait to open the gifts tomorrow and continue to spend time with my family. My nephew Brody is growing up too quick. How am I supposed to get my baby fix when he's a toddler?

I hope I won't be spending much more time in the stone ages and we can get the internet real soon. blogging is so theraputic for me. I don't have to think about what I'm writing and I certainly don't get stressed out and have to use play-doh to relax! Please be patient with us. I love you all and hope the Spirit of Christmas found your hearts! Merry Christmas friends and family!

Decorations...

Hi everyone. Danica asked me (her mom, Tamra) to post these pictures to her blog for her. She's quite the little organizer, if I do say so myself. Here are all her tree decorations and presents all wrapped and ready to go on and under the tree. No tree yet but she's hoping her brother in law will bring it to her soon so she can get her tree up. Here it is December 9 and she still doesn't have it up. She's liable to get a little testy if he doesn't show up with that tree pretty soon!!!!

By the way, Danica made most of these decorations herself. The rag garland, the polka dot Christmas balls, the stars, the little multi-colored balls made out of ribbon, and the bells that have a cute little bow tied at the top. She's quite the handy little lady, isn't she???

Danica has been hand-making all the name tags for her Christmas gifts. So cute. See the little ribbons and stuff that she put on them.

Here is a closeup of the bell with the bow she tied at the top to add a little color.

I think this girl may very well have more decorations that her mother!! and that's hard to believe. anyway, look at those cute stockings. She made those by hand last year, too, and came up with the pattern for the little santas she sewed on there all by herself.

Here are some other things she made. See the little santa and the two little reindeer sitting on the top of her candle sticks. She made those last year as well. She even made some for me, too.

We made these trees out of torn swatches of Christmas fabric and dowel sticks during Thanksgiving. They look real cute with the little reindeer sitting at the bottom of them.

Still more decorations. What a festive looking little house. When she gets her tree up, she'll probably be so excited she might pee her pants. hahaha

Hmmm, now that I know her password, maybe I'll have to post some really good stories on her blog. Believe me, we have LOTS of them! haha We love Danica so much. She is talented, beautiful, sweet, feisty, tender, and so much fun. We miss seeing her and hope that she and Cody get to come home for Christmas. We're excited to see them again. We LOVE them!

FEED ME!!

Well our internet decided not to work again, so that’s why there has been no new post from Danica. Everyone…..please fight the tears, everything will be ok. Today I’ve been writing a strategic analysis for a class and decided to tell you all a little story. Now I love Danica so much, but sometimes she can have a bit of a Mr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing going. Last Monday, Danica had the day off and just quilted and did her thing but she didn’t eat much through out the day. I went to school all day but had a break from 4-6pm. I came home and man, I couldn’t do anything right. I got yelled at for everything but finally things relaxed and we decided to go to Texas Rode House real quick and eat before my next class. The whole way there she was annoyed. Radios to loud………now not loud enough………just turn it off……….turn it back on……….go faster…….and so on. Well after a 10 minute wait for our food, we began eating some amazing ribs. When Danica finished eating (before me of course cause she doesn’t breath when she eats her food), she turns to me and gives me a big hug and tells me she loves me. Wow, she was like a whole different person after ate. She was back to nice Danica, so sweat and loving like normal. I guess the moral of the story is keep Danica fed and life will be a lot easier. Danica mahal kita at ikaw ang inpinakamagandang babae sa buang mundo! Sorry folks that there are no pictures or colored words, you're just going to have to deal with it.
Signing out, Cody Claridge

speechless

So I just watched Late Night with Conan O'Brien. It was pretty funny as usual until the band "Lordi" came out. I was expecting like a Greenday type band but holy moly that is NOT what they were. I had to mute it as soon as they started. Psycho. You could totally tell Conan was like, "who the....what the....oh my...." type look on his face. Totally can't explain how sickening they were. And the whole time I was thinking....Probably won't be referring missionaries there way anytime soon. I always thought KISS had the ugliest "costumes" but these are just plain hidious and scary. I guess its KISS on meth?...yeah that sounds about right! Hence why I am still awake because if I close my eyes I will scream!

whats on my mind....

So there has been a lot on my mind lately specially today at work since it was DEAD....

1. I cried when McCain lost.

2. I can't possibly understand why everyone (democrats only) is excited for CHANGE.

3. I am trying to be supportive and not pysche myself out by thinking the country is really going to go through some hard times

4. Its time to break out the play dough to handle such anxiety.

5. I'm sick of seeing women make out on TV shows. Really? It is that necessary. I thought it was too much when a man and woman were making out.

6. I've rethought having kids in this nation muchless world (again need some play dough)

7. I'm totally jealous of Taralee losing tons of weight so I think I'll go make some cookies and eat cinnamon rolls. Genius.

8. Liars are ridiculous. There is a lady at work and thats all she does. She has a different story everyday.

9. I don't know how we're going to pay for Cody's tuition next semester and even if there will be jobs available when he graduates.

10. I used to have a mouth like a sailor and its getting better but today is one of those days where every other word could've easily been awful but I bit my tongue due to the fact that I work with a lot of non members and I guess all that talk about being an example is somehow sinkin in. (Just maybe but Rapiers....still expect a few every now and then)

11. I'm glad I am LDS because I got a feeling that the next four years will either make or break members of the church. Danica Leone Claridge will make it....there is no other option.

Those are eleven thoughts I've been having. Educational at all? Absolutely not. But its ok because education will be going down hill anyways, I was just giving us a jump start. That is all.

Birthday & Bread

Here are some pictures from the celebrating! (Believe me I know you're sick of hearing about my birthday but this is for journal sake dangit)

me and all my birthday cards and my "cake" er...fudge with a match as a candle

awesome jaw line and blue makeup

love when we have to use the self timer. this is as good as it gets folks.

birthday cookies from Paradise Bakery. It said, "Happy Birthday Danica" but I ate the "Da" so you're left with Nica. They were so good! thank you Scott and Emily!
Scott and Emily came over and brought pizza and desert! We watched "Run Fatboy Run". It was hilarious and we were so happy to spend time with them!
my first time around....raw in the middle...harder than a rock on the outside. Needless to say it went in the trash....sorry starving peoplesecond time around....almost gone before it was even cool enough to eat. oh the sweet taste of success...literally :D

22 years

So today is the big double duece and I feel immature as ever (it keeps me young) but I think I'm a little more wise that I used to be (wise or wise crack...whatev). Today is not only my birthday but its also the 2 year anniversary of meeting Cody. I don't think I've ever written the story down so I'll take that opportunity today.

My old roommate Sean Schofield and Kalie Farr knew a guy named Dave Hatch and they all knew Cody. They decided to set me up on a blind date. I was excited and was just waiting for his call. Finally the phone rang and it was an unknown number and my stomach was all butterflies. He asked me out on the date and I said yes. Two days before our date a friend had passed away so I was really really sad and didn't want to go anymore. My parents came down that day to cheer me up and spend time with me. I was glad to see them & glad they supported me getting out and going on the date. I never really knew the plan because 1. I never pay any attention 2. I was having an awful week and 3. I had been on 2 previous dates and both guys had brought along other girls. Yeah I was cool. Anyways, Cody came and picked me up and Sean insisted on a picture. We then went on the date to a haunted house but like I said, "I never pay any attention". Well we were walking up the path to the haunted house at Discovery Park and I saw a little guy hunched over on the side of the path so I asked if he dropped something and needed help. He then looked up at me and started talking to me in a Smeagel's voice from Lord of the Rings. I totally jumped back and screamed so loud. (Still haven't caught on that its a haunted house). I was grabbing Cody's arm and trying to run away. They were just laughing at me and I was still scared because by then the Smeagel guy was following me and was right next to me. I could feel him breathin down my neck. Yeah creepy. Cody says I didn't figure out it was a haunted house until he went to pay and said, "two for the haunted house" but Cody isn't telling the story I am so anyways I really figured out what was going when stupid Smeagel wouldn't leave me alone and there were other scary creatures around. After the haunted house which was more like a horror movie...blood, gore, and satanicish...we went to Dave's house and made blue berry cobbler and sat around a fire. I thought for sure Cody thought I was a pyscho (and maybe I am a little) but he has admitted to me that he was trying to get close to me all night but I was a tough one...Just how I've always been. When the cobbler was done, everyone made up a story about not having plates and ice cream so we loaded up and went back to my apartment. There were cars everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Do you think I caught on to what was happening? Nope. I opened the door and everyone yelled, "SURPRISE!" "Holy sh...crap!" is what I said. I was so happy. They totally surprised me and it totally made my day. It couldn't have been better timing to feel loved. Some of the guys at the party thought it would be a fantastic idea to spank me hard with a wooden paddle. It hurt so bad. I even had tears come to my eyes but they didn't stop! 20 swats! After everyone left, we played cards and had a good time. I was so glad Cody stuck around during the party because he could've easily left...or he could've easily brought another girl like my previous dates. But he didn't. He has been the nicest and kindest guy ever since. Yeah sure we've had our hard times but I just can't believe how perfect all the timing was for everything. I think after about 3 dates I knew I was going to marry him. I even called and told my mom. She told me I was crazy but look at me now. Married and all growed up haha. I continue to learn so much from Cody, family and friends and am so thankful that everyone I know has such a wonderful impact on my life.

I want to write 22 things I've learned in the past year...no particular order

1. Marriage is expensive, thrilling, comforting...every emotion really

2. I miss my family more the older I get. I can only imagine next years birthday. Maybe I'll cry for 3 days instead of 2.

3. Its probably not the best idea to call your boss an S.O.B. even if he is

4. Taking life serious is too boring and sad

5. My favorite decorations are country/antique style and its what my eye is drawn to

6. Neices and Nephews are very special to me and now I notice children everywhere I go

7. Church, music, quotes, scriptures mean more since I've experienced life a little more

8. I want to be a mom more than anything. I would rather have a huge family than a degree. And I know thats stupid to some people and they might look down on it but thats what I want.

9. Living in a city is a lot more convenient for shopping but its not where I want to be forever

10. Dishwashers aren't that special cuz our sink is always full

11. Its ok to take pride in the things you own such as my parents 30 year old couch, a dodge stratus who bumper is coming off and controls are shoved into the door, clothes from sophmore year in high school. serious.

12. I'm more hard headed than I really thought.

13. I secretly like being noticed

14. I blame my clumsiness on being left outside as a little 4 year old. When really, I think I'm just clumsy and skip steps which lead to gettin hurt...unless of course its your older sister flinging you across the front room or daring you to slide down the stairs head first

15. The world's view of marriage is down right sad. Its man + woman. Not man + man. Not woman + woman. Not man + multiple women. And divorce shouldn't be so easy to come by. Is everyone really that selfish?

16. The Lord provides and somehow things always work

17. Cooking really isn't that cool when you HAVE to do it

18. I shouldn't tell bad jokes to people I don't know because they could possibly end up being LDS as well and thats a world of embarassment. It was an awesome joke tho.

19. My wedding was amazing and I realize that now more than ever

20. I'm a little OCD

21. I have friends I can call anytime and it seems like we've never moved away from each other

22. I am looking forward to this next year

Show Low Trip

I decided I absolutely love going to Show Low for my birthday. Its what we did last year and this year and I hope to do it every year. Its my favorite because I'm with my family and they spoil me...like I deserve jk. I actually told Cody that I'm not too pleased that I've been replaced by Brody...but after this weekend I decided I'm still just as spoiled as I ever was.

I was able to get my hair cut and colored...it needed it so bad and I'm totally in love with myself now. Cody even sat there for the full hour and a half and listened to the girl gossip. I was glad he came with me tho. My mom provided me with a craft day at the church with my favorite young women leaders and one told me, "yep you're still Danica" after I told a bee to "get the hell out of here" at the church when it camped out on my piece of wood I was spray painting. :D And later Buffy Nikolaus asked a few to tell of their holiday traditions and I was totally caught off guard and I just said, "well we eat alot." My mom was probably thinking...."serious Danica? 22 years of life and you couldn't come up with a real answer." Yep I'm still me.

I loved helping mom redecorate a little in her house. I totally insulted her and realize that now by saying we needed to buy new things because I just couldn't work with what was there. What a brat. *Irreguardless, it looks great now and I hope she likes it. I know I do.

Then going to church with my parents and listening to the primary program and laughin at the little kids expressions that they make but still feeling the spirit and being uplifted by their sweet testimonies. Then ditching after Relief Society to go shopping while dad stayed at church. He was then known as Mr. Righteous instead of Mr. Reidhead. By the way, we found some great buys.

I loved that everywhere I looked in the house, there was a picture of one of us kids or Brody. I guess as I get older I realize more how amazing my parents and siblings are and I hope to teach my kids one day that life is the best when you laugh, have fun and make it enjoyable.

I wonder on pretty much a daily basis, what would I have turned out like if I never would've had such an awesome family and didn't have the young women leaders I had. I love that I can still joke with each of them like I never moved away. The Nikolaus's and the Richardson's will always be special to me. Every time we leave Show Low I fight the tears and I was getting pretty good at "see ya laters" but for some reason this trip was a little more special and my heart a little more tender (yes I guess it was possible) because I cried till I fell asleep in the car when I woke up I started crying some more. They weren't sad tears really but they were thankful tears that we were able to go up there and have such a great time...and "well we eat a lot". haha.

Mom, Dad, Ryan and Cody thank you for making this weekend one of the best I've ever had. I absolutely loved it and I love you all.

*as we were doing a craft yesterday and listening to the football game, someone said "Irreguardless" and mom went on to tell me how that isn't even a word. I had to throw it in there.

ah....

I don't get sick that often but lately I've had a real bad sore throat. This is my new best friend. Pretty sure there's alcohol in it cuz after a few shots of it last nite, I felt a little hung over this morning. (not that I know what being hung over is like...its what I assume it would be like)

my heart is full

Today Cody is at work and I have been laying on the couch listening to conference. There were so many events that took place since last Sunday that have prepared me to listen today. It was one of those "AH-HAH" moments today while listening to President Henry B. Eyring's talk that made me realize that the Lord knew exactly how I felt and what I was feeling and that He doesn't just calm you down in a moment of despair (or several weeks of despair). But that He answers prayers when He knows we're ready to hear it. What made me get down on my knees last Sunday? What made me actually want to turn on conference and listen to almost every word? All I can say is that I'm happy I finally decided to listen to the promptings I was having and that I was able to turn to prayer. Then today as I listen to conference, I am thankful that my prayers are still being answered and what a sweet reminder it is to listen to the Prophet and Apostles bear testimony of prayer. I know the Lord prepared me to listen to conference today by the experience I had last week and that it wasn't just a coincidence.


Also my heart is full today for the love I have for my family. What amazing people I have been blessed with. First I have my parents who have always raised me in a righteous manner. I mean sure we aren't a perfect family but I never doubted that my parents hearts weren't in the right place. We've always supported, loved, teased, and helped one another. I don't think anyone of us has ever gone without because someone was always there to help the other. I have learned more from my family since I got married then I knew my other 20 years of life. I guess as a kid you don't really pay attention to the details of how hard a marriage is, money, or that everything is not a fairy tale and even prince charming has habits you do not like but I'm thankful that my family is together forever. The saying is so true. "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all." I agree full heartedly.

Cody- I feel closer to him now more than ever and thats the best feeling. We're getting through our trials together and making sure there's enough time for us. I love him and appreciate his hard work and his concern for me. He is a little pill at times but I appreciate the effort he has been giving in everything.

Dad- quite stubborn, but always there for advice and counsel, spoils all his kids and wife, worthy Priesthood holder, honest and the best Gospel Doctrine teacher I've ever had...and school teaacher for that matter Mom- tender hearted, believer, nevers puts herself first, always made sure us kids had what we needed, encouraging, and the best laugh one will ever hear, I always had the best braids in school, talented and will never get old. She'll always be young at heart.

Ryan- hard headed, yet hardest worker I've ever known, he's there for you on a moments notice (and it only takes him about 1.5 hours to drive from Show Low to Thatcher), can fix anything and everything and gets it done right the first time, a real gentleman, knows every country song out there


Rustin- go-getter (in life and when it comes to doing projects around the house haha), also-the favorite. he's so caring, honest, intelligent, and hilarious. He dances better than anyone I've ever met and can turn any awkwardness into the funniest moment of your life, knows how to work hard and when to have fun

Taralee- wittiest, prettiest sister ever. She can turn anyone's crappy day into the best, leaves long voicemails and says "and stuff" way too much but it makes me laugh, awesome mother and wife, faithful and true, the best sister I could've ever had
Trace- wisecrack but also very genuine, hard worker, loves Tara & Brody and supports them so well, very competitive...but if he wasn't Tara would have him whooped! haha


Brody- well he's just perfect the way he is. I cried the day he was born and was so excited when i got to see him for the first time. I think that is when I truly decided that I wanted to be a mom.

Today during President Eyring's talk about prayer and how he stayed with a family and was invited to say family prayer at night and the little boy was saying it, I thought of the Rapier Family. I imagined, Logan and Braden as if they were saying that prayer and mentioning everyone in their family. Before I knew it, tears were rolling down my face. I love those two boys and their sisters, Abby and Kate more than I can explain. At the mall I always see young families and just always think of the Rapiers and wonder what they're doing. I miss holding Kate and seeing her smile, Little Logan and his cute laugh and that he could make anyone feel like a million bucks, Braden and that he can seriously sing any song and do somersaults the entire time. I heard "I Love Rock and Roll" and "Joy Ride" the other day and found myself smiling. And I miss Abby and her cute sense of humor and that when I'm around I feel like I'm constantly being watched. That girl is so smart and knows it! The Rapiers will never really know what all they taught Cody and I when we lived in Thatcher. I miss living 5 minutes away and that if we want to watch The Office or Lost, sit and talk or get slaughtered in a game, we could go to the Rapiers and they would generally have some sort of cookies or cake or something.

what up

Well tonight we watched The Office and it was hilarious. I looked over at Cody and said, "my life is complete with The Office's theme song." He said, "I know except for that one...wait several times...we were with Rustin and his stupid alarm would be going off at like 4:00 in the morning but he never heard it and it would go off over and over!" Anyways, the best part was Kelly when she was drinking her drink of maple syrup, lemon juice, and other nasty stuff and she looked horrible! We laughed and I am so happy Jim and Pam are engaged. It just better last...we all know how tv is.

I was offered a pretty good "position" at Dillards today before lunch and it was still in consideration. Then they let me know when I got back from lunch that it wouldn't be happening as soon as we thought but there is still a chance. Just depends.

Today I was at the chiropractor because somehow I ended up with the same back as my mother, not to mention the same laugh, sick sense of humor, tender heart, voice, fair skin, quick worker, accent (Cody's words) and other awesome qualities, but anyways there was a man there and we got to talking. He owns a pool cleaning company and wanted to know if I was looking for a job. It might be a pretty good opportunity but I'll just have to weigh out my options....hmm Dillards or Pool Company. Its a toss up.

Cody is so cute.

The Best Weekend

I had Friday off and my parents said they were coming down to visit and what not. I was so excited and my house needed the cleaning :D (We all know how that is). Its amazing how big a mess me and Cody can make. Anyways they got into town about 9. We stayed up and chit chatted and then I had to go to work in the morning but Jimmy and Tammy decided to make crepes so they started asking me if I had any fruit. No. Pudding? No. Pie filling? No. Jelly? Yes but its moldy. So they made german pancakes and homemade foam and by foam I actually mean syrup. I guess they had a bit of a miscommunication with the ingredients and the "syrup" just foamed up. It still tasted good don't get me wrong but it was just hilarious. We all joked that we would be gassy throughout the day but I was probably the only one! hahaha.


They hung out with Cody until he had to go to work and went to Costco. PTL I wasn't there. I would've broke the bank aka dad.


Then they came to good ole Dillards and found some goodies to buy and were attacked by the vulture bitties up stairs. I got off work early and went shopping with mom. Mom needed a bra and obviously dad wouldn't want to stay so he came to the house and took a nap. ****I was walking around the bra area putting the big bras on my head. She got one, and then we went on our merry way throughout the mall. We got some good things and went to Ross and bought more stuff...just for us girls but we felt selfish so we bought Cody and dad a tie. We're so thoughtful. haha. We finally came back to get dad cuz he complained we were gone too long and we went to cheesecake factory! It was delicious. I had never had it before but it was so good! And course the cheesecake was gone in like 2 seconds flat. Then they went home. It was so fun just hanging out with them and hearing mom's laugh. It always cheers me up.

****I wasn't actually trying bras on my head to mock people, it was actually the bra my mom ended up buying. By the way-it didn't fit. My head was too big. ...or so I was told to say. jk

And fantastic news-I was given some capris that were a little snug...ok I wouldn't button them cuz it would cut me in half...but I was showing my mom and put them on and they fit perfectly. I was thrilled and so surprised. I guess it does help to stand all day long and get out of the house and quit eating cookies. Who would've thought?

a birthday shoutout...about 15 days late

My favorite sister Tara had a birthday and I think she turned like 12 or something...ok maybe it was 25! I can't believe that she is a quarter of a century old but that she is still such a kid (ina good way tara) I've always idolized her for reasons like:

• she taught me how to vacuum fast and the more pissed your are, the more the likely the vacuum will either quit working and you get more pissed or that slow and steady doesn't always look the best.
• if you call her a bad word under your breath after she just helped do your hair and you didn't like it, she will slap you hard!
• it is possible to always be happy
• i'm the emotional sister who can cry at any given minute and she'll always cheer me up with a dumb remark or a witty comment about so and so
• salt n peppa made the best music and she can sing every word
• that even asthma didn't keep her out of 4H and sports. Even when she was practically having an asthma attack during one of her games and didn't tell her coach cuz she wanted to play
• made me run the mile in 5 or 6th grade at Round Valley and I thought it would be the death of me and I looked up and although she tried to give and encouraging look, she was fighting the laughter
• somehow convinced me to curl her hair for her wedding pictures and wedding. it took like 6 hours each time but i loved it
• she hates hard contacts specially when they roll behind her eyes. It happened one time and I have never felt so helpless and afraid for my life at the same time.
• when she played wii boxing for the first time and thought she was supposed to actually face the person and hit them. I was afraid for my mom that time

And thats why I love Tara. She is the bestest big sister I could've ever gotten! I don't know how she does it...living in Utah with no close relatives but she does. I can barely do it and i'm only 3 hours away. Tara I've always looked up to you and always will. Thanks for always being my friend and looking out for me...even if you were the one responsible for putting me in a situation. haha. I love you!

oh my...a new post?

So you may wonder where we've been...our internet is broken and it is actually by some miracle that it is working today...on my day off. Perfect. I have spent the day catching up on blogs but not really commenting because everytime I change screens I take the chance of the internet quitting on me. We have had a busy month but are hanging in there. The Lord continues to bless us each day... for example. Last nite Cody was at work at Cabela's. He parked between two cars before his shift started and when he was off, went outside to his car and found that one car had been stolen and the other one was broke into. Now I guess we could blame it on the fact that the car he drives is just a basic car with nothing special (but believe me its better than the Stratus who's bumper is falling off completely, door handle broken on passenger side, window controls are shoved down into the door, and the hard water in the sprinklers by where I park sprays all over my car everyday and it is caked on. lovely) Anyways, we found it quite a blessing that our car was left untouched. We are truly watched over everyday.

My parents are coming down tonight because they sold the camper so we'll hang out with them and I'm so excited. I haven't seen them in forever!

I work for Dillards now. Its a pretty good job. Its kinda a joke right now because there are more employees than customers and I get really bored but I like that I'm standing all day and not stuck in a chair getting more huge! (I've eaten like half a bag of chocolate chips today...sick but so good)

We got a calling in church for the 10 year olds. Its amazing to me the knowledge a ten year old has of the gospel. I remember when I was in sunday school, I sat in the back and colored my scriptures....yes my scriptures. I have learned more teaching these past two weeks than I have in my whole life. Sad and true.

Me and Cody laid in bed last nite talking about old TV shows we watched and episodes we remembered. Finally about 2 oclock we fell asleep.

I haven't cooked a real dinner since Sunday but it was roast and it was so amazing. We haven't been home for dinner all week. We both eat a bagel sandwich everyday for lunch.

Its amazing to me that paying your tithing really does make money appear in your bank account and all of a sudden there is way to meet all your bills.

Cody rides his bike to school and has lost weight. He also has helped me more with the cleaning. We kinda have an agreement, he does the visual cleaning and I'll do the deep cleaning...the nasty cleaning really.

We haven't really done anything too exciting but we're alive and well and I would say thats an accomplishment in itself!

Also, I got my car washed today and could actually sit outside and enjoy the weather and broken "mister" that just sprayed straight water on me without roasting. I'm so excited for cool weather.

Prescott

A few weekends ago we went to Prescott with Cody's cousins Scott and Emily. We stayed at his Aunt Charlene's house. It was such a nice get away from the heat. We left on Thursday and came home Monday. We really enjoyed it and has some amazing hospitality. We would stay up late watching the olympics, talk, laugh and tell each other how racist we are. It was hilarious! We were so slap happy half the time and we never went hungry. I ate constantly! On Friday we made our merry way to Sedona and enjoyed Slide Rock. It was so fun and I actually jumped off cliffs and didn't get a bloody nose (I can't believe I admitted that). The water was freezing but our bodies eventually went numb so that was nice. When we were sliding down the rock Cody was putting his hands in the air yelling, "woo woo"....like we were on a roller coaster but we were going like .0012 mph! We loved Prescott and were so glad we got to go! Thank you Scott, Emily, Delbert, and Charlene! We had an awesome time.

In front of a gorgeous scenery.
Scott and Emily
Mrs. Charlene. She is probably going to kill me but I think its a good picture.
Scott and Cody from where we jumped.
I want to go back
hmm....good picture Danica. Can't understand why I never got a modeling career.
The start of the slide.
I look like I should play football
Oh and I don't know what the heck was up with their dog Pepper because everytime EVERYTIME it saw me, it would run up to me and lick my feet. Random.

PBR

These are pictures I got with my phone. I forgot to take batteries for my camera. Duh.

On August 2, 2008, we went to the PBR at the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale. We didn't think we would be able to get in but we got some cheap tickets. It was actually pretty cool and I couldn't believe that there was hardly any country. Maybe two songs. They had more rap than anything...because well its not like country music gets your blood going....it just gets the tears flowing mostly. The clown was real funny to watch. He was constantly dancing or telling jokes. During a commercial break he danced to "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. He was so good at doing the moon walk. Then another time he was being Vanilla Ice (a redneck one) and was singing. Then they turned off the music and he kept going. He knew it all. One guy rode 8 seconds on his last bull and when it flung him off he flew in the air. He looked like an acrobat. Then he ran to the middle of the arena and decided to do a back flip off the platform they had in the middle but he didn't quite make it and landed right on his side. He was so humiliated. Everyone was laughing! The clown about lost it. Oh it was hilarious. They replayed it on the big screen like 5 times. That poor cowboy's pride was damaged! If I could go again, I totally would. I really enjoyed.

Oh and just a side story. When got up to our seats and there were two cowboys in our seats but not a big deal-there were a lot of empty ones around so we sat 2 seats away. During the show more people filed in but still...a ton of empty chairs in the nose bleed section which is where we were. Then about an hour into the show these two huge Indian ladies come in and I guess they got assigned the same seats we did. They made us move and for the rest of the night, Cody had about half his chair cuz the lady was flopping into his. Lovely. It was just annoying cuz there were rows and rows of empty chairs around us. We were gonna get up and move ourselves but we didn't want to insult them.