The Whites

Herriman Fire!

2010-09-21T13:13:00.001-07:00

So this past Sunday afternoon Russ and I got home from church around 2pm....it was just a quiet pretty afternoon with a slight breeze. Around 3:30pm as we were laying on the couch being lazy bums my sister Natalee texted me and asked if the fire was close to our house and if we could breath ok with the smoke. I was like what fire??? I opened my front door and to my surprise there was tons of smoke coming from right behind the hill/mountain by my house. We really didn't think much of it and went back to being couch potatoes. Around 7:30pm we went outside to look at it and this was our view!!!

All the neighbors were outside just watching as it crept up over the hill and started coming closer to our neighborhood. We got lawn chairs out and just watched it. A few hours went by and our neighborhood was put on voluntary evacuation. Many people were packing up their cars in case we were told we had to leave. I wasn’t too worried at this point since the fire still had a ways to go to get to our house. However, as the wind picked up the fire kept jumping down the hill further and further. Now I was getting worried! Russ and I went through our house and got all of our pictures, computers, a suitcase, and a bag full of clothes. As I went from room to room I couldn't decide what else to take......it ended up being nothing! Weird...I know. Everything else could be replaced. Furniture could be replaced, decorations could be replaced, TV's could be replaced. I stopped and just stood in one of the upstairs bedrooms looking out the window at the blazing fire just thinking what actually is important. Memories! Those can't be replaced. So I went through our house again grabbing every little picture I could find, little things that Russ has given me, my temple dress ( I know I could buy a new one but that is the one I got married in). I just felt overwhelmed that I was going to forget one of these "important things." I still felt confident that the fire wasn't going to get our house, but just the thought that it might just made my heart drop. It was such a weird feeling. Around 11pm our neighborhood was on official evacuation. We packed up everything in our car, locked up our house, said a little prayer, and went to Natalee and Jordy's house. Needless to say it was a long night. I obviously couldn't sleep very well. Below are some pictures we took from our neighborhood. I took them just on my phone so they are not very clear but you can get an idea of how close it came to some houses.

We woke up the next morning and the fire was pretty much out, thankfully! Only 3 homes were actually burned down, I know that is tragic, but it could have been SO much worse. Seriously, the fire came within feet of dozens of homes. They reported close to 400 homes had some sort of damage from smoke or debris. It was seriously a miracle there were not more homes destroyed. I am just so thankful for all of the firemen that worked all night long fighting that darn fire! I can't imagine having my husband, dad, or brother up there fighting those flames. Thank you firemen!!! Our house and neighborhood are fine and we were able to return the next day around noon. Thanks Nat and Jordy for letting us shack up with you for the night and for coming up to our house to help us. Events like this are scary and unfortunate but events like this puts life in perspective and makes you thankful for what is really important. :)

2010-05-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

Oh wow!!! 2010 is flying by and I have not posted for 6 months. I am such a slacker. Russ and I have had a good year so far. Nothing too exciting is going on but I thought I would share a few little highlights. Russ graduated from the U in December, whoo hoo! He got his Bachelor’s degree in Economics. I couldn’t talk him into walking at graduation so this is the only picture I have documenting this accomplishment. He worked so hard and I am so proud of him! Man, some on those economic classes seemed brutal! Good job babe! I am excited to see what is in store for him next. Maybe he can go and save our economy now! He he. :)

My parents gave us a cruise for Christmas which we went on in March. We cruised the Mexican Riviera. The stops were Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. It was such a blast! It was just so fun being with my family for a whole week just having fun, laughing, relaxing, and of course…..eating our little guts out! Thanks mom and dad!

We also celebrated Lori’s, Russ’s mom, 50th birthday. Go Lori! 50 is totally the new 40. :) Below are just a few pictures from her surprise party. Jeri did such a good job putting everything together!

Someone else just had a birthday yesterday…….it was by beautiful sister Natalee’s birthday! She turned the big 2-8! She is getting so old, ha ha, jk! I just like to tease her that she is the “older” sister. Jordy invited some friends to go to Café Rio and then over to their house for birthday cake and the Jazz game. The game was so fun, so glad they won!!! Bring on them Lakers!

We also have had two new babies in our family born this year! My cousin Joel and his wife Maranda had their 2nd little girl Nicole a few weeks ago. I have only seen pictures because they live in Nebraska but she is beautiful as ever. Can’t wait to see her in person! My other cousin Ashlee and her husband Roger had their 1st little girl a few weeks ago as well. She was born at 28 weeks and came into this world unexpectdley. She was born at just a little over 2 pounds! They named her Brooklyn (after me of course, jk!) and she is the littlest, cutest, most precious thing you have ever seen. I was able to go up and visit Ash and baby Brooklyn the other day at the hospital and I could not believe how tiny she was!!!! She has such a personality already, she kept extending her little leg and had the cutest facial expressions. She has the longest fingers and toes, I love it! I think she is going to be tall like her daddy. Ashlee is such and amazing mom already. She has the best attitude and just has a spirit about her that is so neat. Love you Ash and Roger…..you are such great parents and little Brooklyn is so lucky to have you! The babies don’t stop there……..my beautiful cousin Heather is also pregnant with a little boy and she is due in August. Can’t wait until he is here!!!

Love the Fall.......Out with the old, in with the new.

2009-10-28T12:48:00.001-07:00

I feel like I have not posted in forever! I can't believe Fall is almost gone! I seriously LOVE Fall. The mountains are as beautiful as ever, the air is so crisp and refreshing. The best thing is that it's Utah football season!! Love the football games. Russ and I just moved into our house this past weekend. I can't believe it's already done. The builder built it in 71 days! For the most part everything went smoothly. You know the saying....."if you build a house with your spouse and you are still married by the end of it you can get through anything"......ha ha, I thought Russ and I would for sure disagree on everything. However, we agreed on a lot of it. So I guess we are good to go! :) Thanks to every one who helped us move. Especially to Russ's family, they pretty much moved everything in for us. So NICE! Thanks mom and dad for letting us shack up with you for a few months, it was fun! It feels good to have our own place again. I am excited to meet our new neighbors and make lots of fun memories!

A little of Belgium....A little of Paris. So Amazing!!!

2009-07-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Russ and I had the amazing opportunity to go to Europe a few weeks ago! This was both of our first times over there. We first went to Belgium for a few days. It was such a cute little place. We stayed in Brussels most of the time. Then we went to Paris for a couple of days. Seriously, it's one of the coolest places I have ever been to. It's so different than anything I have ever seen. I wish we had more time but the time we did have we had a blast! Below are some pictures, I could have posted a million more but it would have taken me forever!

This is the main plaza area in Brussels.....my camera was not very good so you can't see the tops of all these buildings. They were so pretty and so old! They were built in the 1600's.

This guy totally asked us to take a picture with him....then he put his hand out and said 2 Euros.....I was like, wait, didn't you ask us to take a picture! I am just stupid and don't notice when people are trying to make money.

The pee pee boy!....aka Mannekin Pis. I thought the statue would be bigger but it was still cool to see.

I was going to buy all of you one of these to bring home. He he!

Of course we had to get a Belgium waffle and chocolate covered strawberries....they had these little stands everywhere! So yummy.

More beautiful buildings.....

Paris!!!

Getting ready to board the train to the most AMAZING city!

Arc de Triomphe!

Eiffel Tower

Michael Jackson rally under the Eiffel Tower. Everyone was going crazy over there over his death. Every store, restaurant, and shop was playing his music. I love Michael Jackson, I am sad he is gone!

On top of the good old double decker tourist bus.

Napolean's Tomb

The Madeleine

The Lourve

Seine River...goes through the whole city. So beautiful!

Sacre Coeur.......the highest point of Paris. It's this old church, it has amazing views of the whole city.

On top of Eiffel Tower. Russ got scared, he doesn't like heights :-)

Enjoying a refreshing popsicle on a warm, sunny, Paris afternoon.

Good ole crepes......they were everywhere. I don't even know how many of these Russ and I ate. They were so good!

Norte Dame

Eiffel Tower at night.....it was so cool when it all lit up and was sparkling. VERY romantic!

I don't even know what this thing is but I had to get a picture.....love the naked bodies. This one is for you Kenzie!

The Best Shaved Ice in the World.......

2009-06-05T02:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am staying on the North shore of Oahu for this work thing this week. It brings back so many memories from when I went to school here for the summer a while back. I LOVE the North shore. Anyways, there is this most amazing shaved ice place in the world here. If any of you have experienced this you know what I am talking about. It's called Matsumotos. It's this little ghetto grocery store place that is known for it's yummy shaved ice. They put vanilla ice cream in the bottom then the shaved ice on top. They also have these sweetened red beans you can put in the bottom but I just do the ice cream. I don't know why but it seriously is the best little treat. I just could not pass up the opportunity to go since I am here. I HAD to get one. I got my usual, blue raspberry with ice cream! Andrea, Katie......remember how obsessed we were with these. He he. I was so embarrassed, I had to go to this work meeting right after and my teeth and tongue were still so blue. It was hilarious. Sorry....I know this is such a random post but I had to share. :)

Race for the Cure

2009-05-11T11:33:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday my mom, Natalee, Mackenzie, and I all did the Race for the Cure. It's a fundraiser for research on breast cancer. We did it for our long time neighbor and dear family friend Monica Bruin. She has had breast cancer twice and currently the cancer has returned in different places in her body. She is one of the most AMAZING people I know. She is so strong and you will never hear her complain. She is such an incredible mother, business woman, and friend! It was so fun to show our support and to see all the amazing people that came out for this event. We LOVE you Monica!!!! Below are some pictures from the day.

Natalee, Monica, and Me

These people had pink bras on that said "Show your Support." It was so funny!

Huge pink balloon arch!

Cute friends of Monica's, Molly, Lanna, and my mom.

Sea of pink......it was so cool!

Natalee and I and our beautiful friend Chandra.

I am definitely looking forward to doing this next year!

Attempting to Move.....

2009-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

So Russ and I decided to put our townhouse up for sale. If you know of anyone that is interested in buying something that is very affordable refer them to the website below. It's a 2 bedroom, 1 and a half bath, and has amazing views of the whole Salt lake Valley. It's in the Garbett development in Herriman.

http://www.utahrealestate.com/886554

Quick Update.....Spring is Almost Here!!!!

2009-02-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I feel like it’s been forever sine I have posted. Russ and I have had a crazy busy couple of months! I feel like I have been on some kind of whirl wind adventure. Since the second week of November I have been to San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, NYC, Greensboro (North Carolina), Greenbay, Minneapolis, Chicago, Phoenix, Vegas, Boston, Honolulu, LA, and Denver. Of course this is all for work, not for fun, although some places I got to do some fun stuff. It’s been a really cool experience seeing all of these places. Seriously, there were some mornings I would wake up and I did not know what state I was in, I had to sit there for a minute and really think about it! Normally I don’t travel that much, but my work just launched a new product so we were just out promoting it. On top of work Russ is taking 21 freaking credit hours this semester. 3 of the credits is an internship he is doing with the Real soccer team, which he loves!!! I can wait for this semester to be over though, then he will be pretty much done! Yahoo! He is such a great husband, he NEVER complains and always just makes sure I am taken care of before he even worries about himself. Love you babe!

On another note, this week has been the best weather! I can tell Spring is just around the corner. I think Spring is my most favorite season. It’s just SO refreshing. It’s warmer, the air is so crisp and clean, it’s starting to be lighter day by day, I hate when it’s 5:00 and it’s already dark. Trees and flowers will soon be blossoming. My favorite are the cherry blossom tress, they are so pretty! I just love living in Utah so we can experience all four seasons. I am definitely looking forward to a fun Spring and an even funner Summer!

Family Pictures

2008-12-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we had our good friend Lindsay Wright take our family pictures. She did such a good job! Below are some of the pics. Yes, we even had to do the whole Utah and BYU thing. Poor Russ...he is such a good sport to but up with all of us:) I love my family so much. They are so fun to be with, we have such great times together. Thanks Lindsay for taking our pictures, you are the best!!!

GO UTES!!!!! 12-0 Love it!

2008-11-23T14:29:00.000-08:00

Well my beloved Utes pulled it off! I am so happy. Unfortunately I was not able to go to the game. I was on my way back from a work trip. I knew the score at half time when my flight took off. I asked the pilot to get an update on the score....he must have been a byu fan because he wouldn't do it. (Mean pilot!) Anyways, it was the most nerve racking flight I have ever been on. As we approached the Salt Lake valley I was looking out my window to hopefully see the blinking U on the mountain. Sure enough, as we got closer, there it was....blinking red and white! I started freaking out. Everyone around me was mostly Utah fans too so it was fun.

I am so excited that they will be going to a BCS game. We are not sure what one yet...I am hoping for the Fiesta Bowl, but it's looking like the Orange or Sugar. Either way I am stoked!!! GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stein Eriksen! Love it!

2008-10-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend the whole side of my dad's family headed up to Stein Eriksen Lodge for our annual conference weekend. It's one of my favorite family traditions. It's amazing that such a beautiful place is so close to us. We got up there Friday night and just hung out in our pj's. We ended staying up until 2:30 in the morning talking, I have not stayed up that late forever! On Saturday we woke up, went hot tubing, then to the spa, then went to the outlets for a little shopping! That night we met up with all the boys and went to cafe Rio. I think our family took up 3/4 of the restaurant. That night all the girls watched all the boys from the hot tub play pool football. I am surprised someone didn't get hurt. They are nuts! Sunday morning was fabulous, we just hung out, talked, and watched conference. Thanks everyone for such a fun weekend! Can't wait until next year:)

I figured I needed to post something other than a political rant. Russ's is below and mine is below his...I think we will be done with those for the time being:)

Such a beautiful lodge!

Russ and I.

The girls just being lazy.

The sisters in our hot fabulous robes:)

Cole and Katie.

The bath tubs are amazing!

Why I am not voting for Barack Obama . . .

2008-10-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

So we are officially only 30-something days away from the election and I am amazed at the fact that a no experience socialist is leading in most polls. Not that it matters in Utah because McCain will win handily here, but it is important that people know who Barack Obama is and what his proposal are going to cost us, the American tax payers.

-First, he has proposed 1 trillion in new spending...none of that on national defense
-Says we will leave Iraq in 16 months-nothing like leaving a job unfinished so OUR CHILDREN will have to go back.
-He was graded the senate's most liberal Senator, nice accomplishment for someone who was only actually there for 143 days before leaving to run for President.
-He has never worked across the aisle with the other party and is too liberal to join in bipartisan legislation
-He votes the party line 97% of the time-not the CHANGE or HOPE he promises. :-)
-He plays on the economic,racial,and political sensitivities of Americans for gain.
-Pro-abortion, or anti-life which ever you want to call it.
-Anti- Born Alive Infants act= thinks babies that survive abortions should be left to die. Hard to believe that someone could be that heartless BUT he was the only Senator in the Illinois Senate to stand an speak against the bill that would make that illegal. Than, didn't have the balls to vote against it so he voted "Present"
-Said he didn't want his daughters "punished with a baby" I don't know about you, but I don't really view babies as a "punishment"
-Plays the race card like nobody else I have ever seen! "They are gonna say he has a funny name, he doesn't look like the other Presidents on the money" Please.
-Tried to interfere in international affairs by asking Iraqi leaders to hold off on signing an agreement of US troop status in Iraq until next year.
-Wouldn't visit wounded soldiers in Germany without cameras, the army said no cameras, so he went shopping instead.
-His campaign encourages supporters to threaten and attack radio/television stations that allow dissenting or critical views of him or his policies...wait, isn't that called "free speech"?
-No executive experience. No management experience. No financial oversight experience
-No foreign policy experience, at all
-He has authored two memoirs for profit, but he has never written legislation of importance in either the state or federal senate.
-Terrible judgement- Which is worse, his domestic terrorist friend William Ayers, his Racist pastor Jeremiah Wright or Tony Rezco,his convicted felon friend who subsidized his home until he could afford it and was his biggest fund raiser until he was put in jail?
-His socialized healthcare program would bankrupt our country, destroy our medical system, and kill small businesses.
-He wants to extend oversight of free markets including commodities, stocks, currencies, and investment companies. = a completely Marxist idea. U.S.S.A anybody?
-Wants to drastically socialize America, from increased welfare to subsidizing university education and implementing social programs to the tune of 1 trillion dollars. Of course, on our, the taxpayers, bill.
-Talks so much about "the little guy" that he works for but he only gives 6% of his millions of dollars of income to charity (compared to palin 14%, mccain 28%, biden 1/2 % - wow the Democratic ticket is oozing with charity)
-He can't stand criticism and can't speak without a teleprompter.
-He says Sen. McCain and Gov.Palin are out of touch with the average American, but he went to Harvard and Columbia and worked as a lawyer for 10 years; whereas Sen. McCain served in the navy (5.5 years being tortured in a vietnam prison camp), and Gov. Palin was born and raised in a small town, was on the city council, a mayor and now Governor.
-Both John McCain and Sarah Palin have children in the military and they are the ones out of touch with average Americans?
-He is a radical populist to the tune of Marx, Stalin, Chavez and Castro.
-He'll talk all day about what you want to hear but never answer tough,important, real questions because they are "above his pay grade".
-He hides his real ideas, thoughts, and feelings and then accuses anyone who questions them as a racist.
-Said he will meet with leaders such as Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro and Quaddaffi without preconditions; then denied saying that even though it was on national t.v.
-Called Iran a "tiny country that is not a serious threat" Guess he doesn't understand that attempting to enrich uranium for Nukes is a serious problem.
-Lies to the American people saying he will cut "95% of Americans taxes" but hopes that we don't understand that with his raising the capital gains, payroll, death, windfall profits, corporation and income taxes that jobs will disappear and in reality, will affect at least 75% of Americans.
-Wants to take away Americans gun rights. Said that middle class Americans are "bitter Americans who cling to Guns and Religion"
-When asked by Sen. McCain to return to D.C to help figure out the bailout declined and said to Congress "If you need me, call me"
-Voted "Present" over 130 times in the Illinois Senate. As President, you aren't allowed a "Present" vote when our Nations security is on the line.
-Has a bitter wife who said earlier this year that "for the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country" pathetic.
-Has ordered Columbia and Harvard to not release his Senior Thesis or transcripts because he doesn't want people knowing who he really is.
-Was mentored by Saul Alinsky and Frank Marshall Davis, both well known Communists.

Basically he will ruin our country. I personally am not in love with John McCain. I love the choice of Sarah Palin and as a Conservative fully support the Republican ticket but because CNN, MSNBC, NBC, CBS, ABC, The New York Times and most media outlets are in bed with Obama, the general public fails to receive the facts about Obama, his past or his character. All I can say is if he wins, heaven help us, because it will be downhill. You think the economy, healthcare system and social security are screwed up now? Wait till this inexperienced Socialist gets his hands on it all.

The Democrat controlled Congress has helped put us where we are. Gas prices have doubled in the 2 years they have had control and government spending has increased. They have the lowest rating of any congress in history and you want to put them in control of the country overall??? I hope Americans have some smarts and see through all the "Obama-mania" and look at who he is. A socialist who will ruin the American Dream.

What is Happening!!!??!!

2008-09-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

Dow Falls 778 Points

Ok, so is it just me or is anyone else worried about what is going on??? Our country's economy is literally on the brink of a giant disaster....some experts are even talking "Great Depression"....ummmm hello, is anyone else scared? I woke up this morning and was somewhat relieved knowing that this 700 billion dollar bill was going to pass and that hopefully this was going to be the beginning to the end of this whole mess. However that did not happen! It didn't pass. Now I don't know all the in's and out's of the bill. I am sure there are many pros and cons. All I know is that something needs to happen soon or before you know it we will be standing in bread lines!! (j/k...well you never know)

Now....is anyone sick of hearing about "hope" and "change" from the democrats? If I hear "change" one more time I might freak out:) Look, I know Obama is young, energetic, a great public speaker, charming, and likes Ludacris, but does that make him the least bit qualified to be President of the United States?? Especially right now in these scary times? The answer is NO! If he wins he will definitely bring change to this country, but I don't think it's the change Americans want. He will raise taxes to fund his TRILLION dollar unrealistic programs. Look, who wouldn't want free health care for everyone, of course that would be amazing, but someone has to pay for it and do you know who will...YOU! I don't want to have to wait a year to get into a specialist if I have a health problem. And what would be the motivation for people to go to medical school anymore when doctor's salaries would decline significantly. Obama says he will cut taxes for 95% of American's. This is simply not true...nor realistic. How can he cut taxes for 95% of people and still get his trillion dollars. Really, if you know how he can do this please enlighten me, I would love to know:) The next time you get a pay check look at how much taxes are taken out....doesn't it make you mad, now think about that number going up. It will happen if Obama is our next president. That is just one thing that would "change" our country. Not to mention his disgusting views on abortion. He really voted "present" which is a "NO" on a bill that was proposed to the Illinois senate to make it a law to give assistance to babies who are born alive during a labor induced abortion. What kind of human being would not want to make that bill a law! I don't want to go into the details of a labor induced abotiron, and I know this is such a sensitive topic, but it really makes me so sad. Obama was asked at what point does a baby have a right to life. His answer was "that is above my pay grade to answer that question" then in a separate interview he said "I will teach my daughters morals and values but if they make a mistake I don't want them to be punished with a baby" Are you kidding me! That is horrible. The democrats complain that over 4,000 innocent lives have been lost in this war, which is absolutely horrible and tragic, however, you don't hear them complain about the 2 million innocent lives that are taken every year due to abortion. According to statistics there are about 2 million abortions a year. So since this war has started there have been about 10 million abortions. Talk about innocent lives being taken. I really don't want to offend anyone, but this is just shocking to me. It's something to really think about. There are many, many more reason why I think Obama would not be good for this county but I don't want to write a novel. All I can say is you can't vote "present" when you are the President of the Untied Sates. Please just do your homework and look into these issues yourselves. And please don't watch CNN or MSNBC to get your info! It's your responsibility:) Wow, sorry for going off.....I didn't realize I typed so much. Yes James, Todd, and Ben...politics do matter, he he. I know, Russ and I are litte nerds.

Birthday Fun!

2008-09-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was my birthday....the big 24! It was such a fun birthday week. On Wednesday my two best friends Katie, Haley and I had a girls night out. Katie's birthday is on August 22, mine on August 29, and Haley's on September 5. All exactly one week apart. However, Katie and Haley are a year older than me. It's ok, I guess it's alright to be the young one now:) We went and got facials and then went to Asian Star, so yummy, then went and saw Katie's darling townhouse. It was so fun to spend time together! Thanks girls for a fun night. Unfortunately I did not bring my camera so I don't have any pictures:) Then on Thursday me, Natalee, Mackenzie and my cute mom went to dinner and saw House Bunny. It was a funny show, so dumb, but I liked it!

Cute Kenzie and I

Natalee and Momma Bear

On Friday (my actual birthday) the cute girls at my work decorated my desk. It was so fun. Birthday's at XanGo are the best. Everyone was so nice! They ordered this delicious cake from "Nothin Bunt Cakes". I am not really a fan of bunt cakes but this one was so good.

Ummmmm!

That night Russ and I went up to Park City. We hit up the outlets then went and rode the Alpine and ate dinner at Baja Cantina. It was so fun! I was so scared on the slide, it was so slick I thought I was going to fly off. I think Russ beat me by a good 5 minutes! Thanks babe for a fun night!

Russ is so nice...he carried my sled. Look at that sexy bum!

On Sunday my parents had all of us over for a birthday dinner for me and my mom. My mom's birthday is on September 1. It was a lot of fun!

Cole and I. He is getting so tall, it's weird!

Me and Toby. Poor Toby, he has a liver problem that makes him fat and has a torn ACL. We still love him!

Dad and Nat...so cute.

Then to top off the weekend on Labor Day we got together again with my family to go see a movie for my mom's birthday. We saw Traitor, it was good show. That night we had a BBQ at Russ's parents house. It was such a fun week. Thanks everyone for the fun birthday! You are all the best!

California!

2008-08-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Last week we went with Russ's family to California. I was a lot of fun! We did the whole Disneyland/California Adventure thing, went the the beach, and hit up an Angels baseball game. It was nice to get away for a little while before Russ starts school again in the Fall. I have not been to Disneyland since the good ole high school cheer leading competition days, but I forgot how fun and amazing it is. I felt like a little kid. It seriously is a magical place (despite the long lines, massive crowds, and screaming kids everywhere!) I would have to say my favorite ride still is Space Mountain, I love it! The first time I went to Disneyland when I was little that was my favorite ride, my parents could not get me off of it. I also love the Thunder Mountain roller coaster, I totally forgot about that ride. We went on it 7 times in a row one night! One of the days we went to the beach. It felt so good just to sit and get some sun. I was the only one who would go in the water. Everybody else were big babies, they said it was too cold:) The last night we went to and Angels games. They were playing the Yankees, the White family are huge Yankees fans...however, they ended up loosing, but it was still lots of fun. Thanks Dave and Lori for such a fun trip!

Memory Lane

2008-07-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

MEMORY LANE- This will be fun!This is just too fun to pass up.Here are the directions:1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! I guess good or bad but be nice!!!!!!!2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Bee's Game and a Yankees Hat

2008-07-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to a Bee's game with some of our friends. It was a lot of fun. I love summer baseball games! James and Heather's little boy Kaden is best buddies with Russ. All night they were together. Russ even taught him how to eat and spit out sunflower seeds (sorry Heather!). Anyways, James went to buy Kaden a baseball hat. He ended up coming back with a Red Sox hat, Russ was utterly disappointed. If any of you know Russ he is a huge Yankees fan and always wears his stupid Yankees hat. Well, Russ told James he was not too thrilled with his choice in picking out the hat. Then Russ disappeared for a little while. When he came back all of the sudden Kaden had on a Yankees hat! Poor Kaden was so confused, he just went along with things and loved both of them. It was so funny. I fear for our children, their dad is going to be crazy with them:) Below are some before and after pictures.

Husband Tag.....

2008-07-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

I always thoguht these things were cheesy, but I did it. Thanks for the tag Katie. Ok, here we go......

1. What is his name? Russell David White
2. Who eats more? I would have to say Russ but not by much which is sad to say because he can consume quite a bit.
3. Who said “I love you” first? Russ did. It was about three or four months after we were dating and we were at my house when I lived up by the U. I was saying goodbye to him at the front door and he just gave me this cute look and said “I love you”. I didn’t know what to say back so I said “thanks!” Russ was like…ummmmmm, thanks???? I knew I loved him, but I was too scared to say it back I think it was a couple of months later that I finally said it. Love you babe!
4. Who is taller? Russ definitely is, not that it’s hard to be taller than me. I am about 5’4 ½” (yes that ½ is important!) Russ is almost 6’2”. I think that is a perfect height.
5. Who is smarter? Russ is one of those people who are just naturally smart. Learning just comes easy to him. I think his teacher wanted him to skip third grade or something because he was too bored with what he was learning, he didn’t though. He is weird with numbers. He can add, subtract, multiply, or divide anything in his head. He can read a book faster than anyone I know. However, he has such the fun crazy personality he has a hard time applying himself. I think he kind of screwed around in high school, but now he is like hardcore school man and studies his bum off. I on the other hand always got good grades but I had to work at them. I definitely could apply myself and take the time to learn, but it doesn’t come as easy to me. I also think I am more rational with stuff. So overall I think we are both smart just in different ways.
6. Who is more sensitive? This is a hard one….we are both SO sensitive. We both get our feelings hurt easily. I love that Russ is sensitive, I think it makes him a better husband, because he understands where I am coming from. However, I tend to be a little too sensitive at times I have to admit. One thing that bothers me though is that I have never seen Russ cry. He got a LITTLE teary eyed when we got married but that is IT! I don’t know why I want to see him cry, I know that sounds so cruel, but I really want to see it. I have thought…what can I do to get him to cry that wouldn’t be that messed up but that would get some tears going and seriously nothing works! Oh well, I am sure one of these days I will eventually see it.
7. Who does the laundry? Well…..according to Russ he does ALL the laundry ALL the time. However, this is what he considerers doing the laundry. He will wash it and occasionally remember to put it in the dryer and that is it. He will not fold or put it away. We have a little system, he washes and I fold. Folding takes so long!!!!! I hate it. But I do have to admit that when Russ does help fold I don’t really like it cause he doesn’t fold things the way I like it, I know, I sound like Hitler.
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you are laying in bed I am on the right side but if you are looking at the bed I am on the left side. Anyways, Russ had to have his side, I didn’t really care. We have a door in our room that leads out to the back of our house and I am closest to it! I told him that it was rude he would make me sleep closest to the door
9. Who pays the bills? I do. Occasionally Russ will pay his cell phone bill.
10. Who cooks more? Sad to say we don’t really cook that often. I would say me though. However, Russ has one signature dish……chick teriyaki and rice….oh, and he knows how to make a mean Totinos pizza.
11. Who is more stubborn? Me…..Russ is so laid back and easy going. I can be a stubborn mule sometimes.
12. Who is first to admit they are wrong? Me……I really will admit when I am wrong. Russ NEVER admits when he is wrong…ahhhh, so frustrating!
13. Who has more siblings? Russ does….there are 3 girls and 1 boy in my family. Russ’s family has 4 boys and 1 girl.
14. Who wears the pants in the relationship? Ummmmm……I would have to say me. I just goes back to the whole stubborn thing. I am like my dad. However, I think we always listen to each other and make equal decisions.
15. What do you like to do together? We are kind of lazy….we like to sleep in, go to the late movies, spend time with our families and friends, go to sporting games together, watch sports center, we are obsessed with American Idol and So You Think You can Dance, go hot tubing, do the elliptical machine together, pretty much anytime we are together we are having fun (I know that sounds so cheesy but it’s true).
16. Who eats more sweets? Probably Russ…..he loves the weirdest candy. Zours, Circus Peanuts, the sour chewy strips (I don’t know what they are called), and the Nerd ropes just to name a few. He can also eat a whole box of Fruit by the Foot from Costco in a matter of hours. I am more of a salty person.
17. Who asked out whom first? Well this is a complicated question. We kind of hung out when I was still in high school but we really didn’t go on official dates. When we started dating when he got back from his mission I asked him to go to a Jazz game, but just as a friend, so technically it was me.
18. How did you meet? We met at one of my friends houses one night when I was in high school. However, he was friends with my sister Natalee so I knew of him before I met him, but that was the first official night we met. We ended up going camping and cuddling all night.
19. Who kissed who first? Russ did….it took him forever though. I could tell he was nervous, it was cute!
20. Who proposed? Russ did…..he actually proposed at the park on the bench where we had our first kiss. It was absolutely perfect! He had a million flowers and candles everywhere. And to both our surprise our families were hiding in the bushes the whole time. It was actually fun to have them there.
21. His best features? His long perfect women legs! It’s not fair, he has the best legs. They are not super skinny, they are just nice and shapely. He also has great hair, he will never go bald. I also love his eyes, they are just so warm.
22. What is his greatest quality? There are just too many……..he is kind, loyal, forgiving, smart, strong in the gospel, and he always makes me happy!
23. What is his worst quality? Unfortunately he is a BYU fan. (I added this question, he he)
24. Tag? I tag Natalee and anyone else who wants to!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

I just want to wish all you father's out there Happy Father's Day! Russ and I are so lucky to have the best dad's ever. My dad, Paul, has been so amazing to me in my life. He has always been there for my family and I and has worked so hard to give us such a great life. He always has the best advice and cares so much about each of his kids. I have so many fun memories with him. From playing "leg" and "horsey" when I was little, to him coaching my softball team in junior high (even though I sucked so bad), to supporting me in endless dance performances and cheer competitions, and best of all going to the Utah football games together! I joke with him that I am his favorite daughter and his favorite son (no offense Cole). He has taught me so much and is such a great examlpe, Love you dad!

Me and Paulywog.

Russ's dad Dave is probably the funniest person I have met. He can always put a smile on your face. He has been so supportive to Russ throughout his life and his family truely comes first to him. It's so fun to see a son and dad so close. Thanks Dave for raising an amazing son! We love you!

Russ and Dave.

San Diego!

2008-06-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

This past week I had to go to the beautiful San Diego for a work thing. Russ was able to meet me there for the weekend. We had lots of fun! Pretty much we just chilled at the pool and relaxed. We stayed on Coronado Island so there were not many beaches close to us. We did go to a Padres game one night which was lots of fun. Baseball games in the summer are the best! I absolutely love San Diego. We had great weather except for one day, but overall it was sunny and warm. I am so glad Russ was able to come. We had a blast!

Russ and I just laying out at the pool.

Russ just wanted sunblock on his shoulders......I should have put it everywhere!

This was the view from our hotel room. It was awesome, you could see the whole skyline of downtown San Diego and the Coronado bridge...which by the way is kind of scary to drive over.

Russ and I at the Padres game. The Padres played the Mets and it was close the whole game so it was actually interesting to watch and the fans were pretty fun:)

GO JAZZ!!!

2008-04-17T14:16:00.001-07:00

So Russ and I are huge Utah Jazz fans. The playoffs start this Saturday and the Jazz play the Rockets. Hopefully they will kick some bootie cause I hate Tracey McGrady, just looking at him bugs me. We beat them last year in the first round so lets hope history repeats itself. I am just glad we are not playing the Spurs cause the Spurs own the Jazz. I am excited for the playoffs to start. Yea! Go Jazz!

Boooo!!! He is so annoying!

Inspired by those around you with out even knowing it!

2008-04-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

So I was doing my Saturday night thing, ya know, "Preparing for Sunday" and I received a phone call from a brother of mine, who was researching for a talk, and He tells me to go on www.LDS.org and check out what he found while researching. SO as I navigate through the pages I get to a section entitled:
"Ten Common Challenges Facing Families" he leads me to look at reason #10 which is pornography . . . maybe because of the whole Todd/YouTube debacle of a few weeks ago or maybe for some other reason, I don't know. Anyways as my computer pulls this page up I see a familiar face. The question I am immediately asking myself is "Why is James the posterboy for shaking off the chains of porn addiction in the LDS Church" Is this one of his and Todd's stories they forget to tell from "that summer after our missions" fame? I laughed and thought "Hell, I have no idea" The thought of Todd's Computer came to mind but left quickly because all who were there know who that was. He was nailed from the first word from his Wifes mouth! But it made me wonder, why has James never told us he is an internet superstar and where did he get that sweet flannel shirt??? Guess we'll never know . . . .

Girlfriends!

2008-03-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

So all of my girlfriends have decided to try and get together every month. We have started this since January and so far we are 3 for 3. Yea! Good job girls! The other night all of my friends came over to my house for a little get together. We just hung out in our pj's, ate pizza, and talked forever! It was so fun. I love seeing all of my friends. You could seriously put us all in a small room for hours and somehow we would have so much fun. I love that we can just enjoy each others company. Thanks everyone for coming over, it was blast!

All the girl's!

Haley and sweet Ava!

Andrea, Sheena, and Tori

Why are Republicans idiots?

2008-02-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I told Brooke and a few others that if we were gonna have this blog I was gonna post every once in awhile. Well I acutally said I would post once a week but we will see how long that holds up! Anyways, I wanted to let out some of my frustration with the damn Republican party right now. Seeing as how we are in the middle of an important primary election and I, being a registered Republican, am worried about who we are going to nominate. Let me get it out there, I support Mitt Romney. NOT because he is LDS but because our economy sucks, he is hard core on illegals and he is a smart smart guy. He is easily the most conservative candidate we have and the last thing we need is John "I wish I was a Democrat" McCain representing our party in November. Why don't we just hand the White House to Billary or Obama who will just put our country in a worse position than we are in?

My frustration is that Conservatives have been too slow to get behind Mitt Romney and I feel that is gonna hurt us. Do we want a President cut from the same cloth as Ronald Reagan or someone who doesn't even understand our issues (McCain said in an interview he does not know that much about the economy) Probably because he, like Hillary and Barack have spent their lives in politics and don't understand how the real world works! I own a small business. Small being the key word, but hopefully it will get bigger, and to have economic issues and taxes and things like that affect me and have to trust in someone who's only experience in the economy is stories he has heard and what "Advisors" tell him is unsettling.

McCain also supports amnesty for illegal immagrants. That is just retarded!

Tomorrow is "Super Tuesday" and I would throw in the plug to get out and vote but Mitt has Utah pretty much wrapped up. I just needed somewhere to vent and I hope that if Mitt is able to grab enough delegates to stick around and show how much better of a candidate he is than McCain that fellow Republicans will take a hard look at our options and see which way we are gonna go . . . I hope it isn't to the left with John McCain.

And if anyone reads this and wonders why I didn't mention Mike Huckabee until now it is because he sucks, his fair tax plan sucks and he can't win anything substantial. Him being in the race hurts Romney and a vote for Huckabee is a vote for McCain and eventually, a vote for the Democratic Candidate!

Let me know your thoughts . . . .

New Years Eve

2008-01-09T15:17:00.001-08:00

This New Year's Eve was so fun! Russ and I and my sister Natalee and her husband Jordy went up to this tubing place right before Park City. It's so cool. You just sit in your tube and they hook you to this rope thing and it takes you up the hill. The tube runs were so crazy. You go so fast and fly over these big jumps. Of course Natalee and I were screaming at the top of our lungs the whole way down. After tubing we went over to our frined's Brody and Lindsay's house for a litte New Years party. We just hung out, ate pizza, and played games. It was fun to ring in the New Year with all of our friends.

San Diego

2008-01-09T14:49:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago me, my dad, my brother Cole, and some of my cousins went to San Diego for the Utah bowl game. It was so warm and sunny! I loved it! The first night we went to the game. It was way fun and intense. The next day we rented bikes and rode along the board walk then went to the beach. The water was way to cold for me so I didn't get in, but it was so nice to just sit on the beach. I even got a little sunburned, which actually felt good considering it was the middle of December and back in Salt Lake it was a blizzard. It was fun to get away for a couple of days. Russ was with his dad and brothers in Las Vegas for the BYU game so he wasn't there. We are kind of weird! Anyways, I love San Diego and want to go back so bad......or I at least I want to go somewhere warm. This cold snowy weather is just not fun after Christmas!

UTAH / BYU

2007-11-27T14:53:00.000-08:00

This past Thanksgiving weekend was really interesting for Russ and I. Since I am a huge Utah fan and Russ in a huge BYU fan and with the big game on Saturday I am sure you can only imagine how nice we were to each other! We went to the game with Russ's family and my sister Mackenzie also came. It was a really fun game until the end! My poor Utes lost! Oh well, there is always next year. It was still fun to all be together, however, I will never go to Provo again! I am sorry, but BYU fans are the worst to watch a game with. Go Utes!

Baby Ava!

2007-11-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

One of my best friends, Haley Lichtie finally had her baby on Monday morning. She weighed 6lbs. 9oz. They named her Ava. She is so adorable!!!!!

Graduation from the U, May 2006!!! (One of the Best Days of My Life)

2007-09-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

Russ and I.

Me, Natalee, and Mackenzie

Wedding Day! August 2, 2006

2007-09-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Wedding Day! August 2, 2006

Caribbean Cruise!!!

2007-08-25T22:22:00.000-07:00