All Good Kitties Go to Heaven Too...

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 18 ½ years that we have had our Tigger at home now. I still remember the day that we brought him home. One of the Rasband girls was babysitting us, I think it was Jennie. Mom came through the door with this little tiny cat, that was so small you would think it was a rat more than a cat. I took him into my bedroom, and decided to name him Tigger, after my favorite Disney Character with stripes. I can't believe I still remember that sometimes, but my life changed forever the day we brought him home.

He was so sensitive to the emotional needs of our family. He could tell when anything was bothering anyone. He would just come into the room, give a gentle little meow, and come over to you when you were upset. He would let me just cry into his fur, and vent my frustrations to him over boys, arguments with my family, and just feeling left out during those crutial growing up years. He was the best listener, and the best pet a kid could ask for.

I put Tig through a lot when I was little, but he tolerated it, and always showed me love. I miss him so much already, and I will never replace him in my heart, because he is family. And thus ends my Ode to Tigger...

California Trip!

So, we left Utah at 5am Wednesday morning, and were on our way. We could both barely sleep, so we had to make sure we were going to stay awake! Once it was light outside, the drive was great, but we were past Beaver by the time it was light. The drive was beautiful! I forget how pretty the drive is getting into Nevada.

My cute hubby focused on the road while we were still in Utah,

check out the snow we left behind us!

Ok, so the only other time I had ever been to In-N-Out burger, I wasn't eating hamburgers. I didn't eat hamburgers for a long time because of a bad experience when I was a kid. So, I'm cheesy, and I had to take a picture of me eating my first In-N-Out Burger. It was tasty.


Ok, so the asphalt between Barstow and Bakersfield has a stretch where it's red! I thought I was so cool, I took a picture. It's hard to tell with the picture, but it's all good.

Bakersfield was very different from what I thought it would be. It was pretty big. Mainly, it was bigger than I thought it would be. It's not a bad place necessarily. Grandma Kate's house where we were staying was beautiful. We got in around 3pm Cali time, and just kinda relaxed and drove around a little that first night.

Thursday, we decided to drive down into L.A. We figured since we were that close we might as well make a trip down!

He's so cute when he's driving!

I got bored on the drive down.

Our first stop was the L.A. Temple. I forgot how pretty it was! The area where it is, you'd think the grounds were going to be really noisy, but it really wasn't! It was like there was a soundproof shield around the grounds! It was great!

After that, we went driving around L.A. We were told that we should go to Sprinkles, but the line was too long. So we just kept driving around, and we got lost. But we just kept driving, and enjoyed the sites.

Then we went out to Claremont to visit some of Caleb's mission companions! We really had a blast there. It was really fun to see Bennett and Michelle again. We hadn't seen them since the wedding. It was fun to meet Drew and Alicia! They are amazing, and I wish we lived closer to both couples. We went to In-N-Out and got to visit with them for a while. Bennett and Michelle needed to call it an early night, but Drew and Alicia wanted to treat us to a local ice cream place called 21 choices. It was really tasty. Then they took us on a walking tour of Claremont. The more we spent time there, the more we felt at home there. We are considering whether we should stay in Utah or not right now. We'll see though.

Friday we did lots of driving around, and spent some more time with Grandma. It was really fun to run around and see where Caleb grew up, and where he used to spend a lot of his time. That night we went to the Bakersfield Condors hockey game. It was a total coincidence that when we were out there, they were playing the Utah Grizzlies. We met up with Devonn and Carla and their sweet boys. The game was a blast! Condors won 6-4!

Us at the game

Caleb and Devonn

The game

Us towards the end of the game.

Also while we were at the game, we ran into Caleb's siblings Jeff and Jennifer! It was nice to see them! After the game Jennifer and her family invited us over to play rock band! We really need a wii! We loved it! Apparently I'm great on the drums! Caleb did great on guitar and bass both!

Saturday we stuck to Bakersfield again. We ran to this place out in Rosedale calle Cost Plus World Market. I love that place! I could have bought almost the whole store! They have such beautiful stuff. It's like Pier 1, but cheaper! I will be frequenting that store!

We also went over to the mall, because they have stores in California that they don't have in Utah. I really loved Sephora. I could have spent all day there. I didn't of course, because Caleb was so entirely bored!

Saturday night we went to a local ice cream soda shoppe called Dewars. It was probably the best ice cream I've ever had. (Yes, I know I lost my sugar point, but it was so worth it!) We decided that we have to go at least once any time we are in Bakersfield, so if you are ever in the area, hit up Dewars!

What was left of my ice cream sundae

Sunday we went to church in the ward where Caleb spent most of his life. It was really great. I love how the church is the same no matter where you go. When we got home, we got some alone time with Grandma! We had a good time with her watching movies and playing with the dogs, Freeman and Lady. We also ran by where Grandpa Larry was buried. I'm sad I never got to meet him. Caleb had a rough time being there, and it's understandable.

Amanda and Larry had us over for Sunday dinner and it was really nice. Caleb and I loved the shredded beef tacos they made for us. We also just got a chance to sit and visit with them, and it was a good time. Caleb and I feel closer to them now.

Monday we decided to drive to Pismo Beach, because it's been SO LONG since either of us had been to the beach! We really enjoyed our day out there! If you ever are there, stop by Hot Shots and eat! It was good food!

Excited for the Beach!

It really was perfect weather!

I loved this sign!

We had so much fun in the water! He got me wet the punk!

Yeah, we're cheesy! What are you gonna do about it??

Sporting my new shirt on the way back to Bakersfield!

Amanda and the kids met us at Dewars one last time, and it was tasty once again! Caleb ordered a Black and White! I'll have to get that next time!

I was sad to come home, but we had a great time out there. I missed Jewel of course, and she's been hovering around us ever since we got home, because I think she's scared we are going to leave like that again. Not for a while, but we plan on going back to Cali soon.

Ok, we're leaving Wednesday!

So, California came sooner than we originally planned, but we are so excited! We're going to see lots of family and Caleb's friends that live out there. It's going to be a blast! I'm ready to get out of Utah for a bit. It's been since Ty and Kimie got married that I've left the state other than to Burley, and it feels like Utah a lot! It will be way nice! I'll have tons of pics when we get back! See y'all later!

We're getting out of town!

So, we got our tax refund money now, and we decided to FINALLY go to Bakersfield, CA where Caleb grew up! We're going in a couple of weeks, and it will be great! I can't wait to go and enjoy the sun! We are going to hit the beach while we are that close though! That will be nice. I haven't been to the beach in a long while. I've got 10 lbs before I will be bathing suit ready, but I'm excited regardless!

In other news, Caleb still hasn't found work, and I'm doing what I can to keep busy at the salon! Jewel is active as ever, and doing great.

We were watching The Princess Bride earlier this week, and we got to thinking. We realized, that they just don't make movies like they used to. Most of the movies that become classics now are action flicks, that can be too intense for younger children. My parents let us watch The Princess Bride when we were young, because they had edited the parts they thought were too intense for us. (Just most of the R.O.U.S. fight, and parts of the sword fight at the end.) I wish people would start making movies like that again. It would be great!

Valentine's Day

So, I'm finally taking the time to blog about our Valentine's Day! I had the day off work, so we got to spend all day together.

Caleb has a meeting he goes to every Saturday morning, and I go with him when I'm not working, so we decided to share the love and buy doughnuts for all the guys! A few didn't show up, so one of the guys got to take the extras home, because the last thing we need hanging around our house right now are doughnuts!

Then we went home, and made a lovely lunch of Top Ramen. So much love! :) Then we spent the afternoon cuddling on the couch watching lovey movies. Well, first we finished watching my Valentine's present that I got early. I love the sitcom Reba, and Caleb got me the newest season out. I'm just waiting on the last one now. So we finished the last couple of episodes, and then we watched A Walk to Remember, because I hadn't made Caleb watch that one with me yet. To his surprise he liked it. He hated Charly, so I thought he wouldn't like this.

Then we decided to splurge a little bit and go to our favorite Mexican Restaurant for dinner. It's cheap dinner, so it's hard to argue with on our budget. They were giving out Fried Ice Cream to everyone at the restaurant, so we both tried it. We both weren't crazy about it, but now we can say that we've had it! :)

We finished of the night going Country Dancing in Pleasant Grove, where we kind of met. We showed up early to help out, so that we could get in for free! (Can't argue with Free!) We spent the night dancing away, and it was wonderful! Towards the end of the time we were there, they played our song, "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait. This moment was absolutely perfect! It was just like on our wedding day. He was singing to me, and nothing else in the room mattered. That moment was all about Caleb and I. Everyone else in the room was a blur. It's just like the movies. I couldn't have asked for a better end to our night!

Then we went home, and cuddled up in bed. I couldn't have asked for a better Valentine's! He topped it all off by giving me a darling Snoopy card, and wrote a very sweet note in it! As the song so cutely states..."I could not ask for more."

Love is in the Air...

Last night Caleb and I took my tip money from that day, and did something that we haven't done in months....WE WENT COUNTRY DANCING!!! As we were there, I was reminded of all the reasons that I fell in love with Caleb. When we are dancing, he gives me my favorite smiles, and he gets and extra twinkle in his eye. It's like there's no one else in the room. I love it. He's not the best dancer I've ever danced with, but he is DEFINATELY my favorite! He so considerate of me when we are there, it's really nice.

Our life is truly full of love and laughter, despite everything that is going on around us. I always know that Caleb loves me, and he makes me laugh on a daily basis. I honestly wouldn't trade him for anything on this earth. He does so much that I don't thank him enough for. I will do better as his wife and remember to thank him.

When I met Caleb, my life absolutely changed for the better, despite all the crap that we have been through. I can say we have been through hell and back together. I would never wish anything of that on anyone. If I would have gone through that with any other person, I honestly would have gotten out while I had the chance. Caleb is amazing, and I'm so lucky to have his love and support. I dont know what I would do without him in my life.

There are so many different thins that I love about him. I think I will make a small list.
1. I love how much he loves me.
2. I love his hugs, and the comfort that they give.
3. I love that he's short, because it makes him the perfect height.
4. I love his kisses.
5. I love his sense of humor.
6. I love that he loves animals.
7. I love that he likes to cuddle with me.
8. I love that he loves what he does for work, even though I don't understand it much.
9. I love that he helps me with the dishes.
10. I love that he is working so hard to get back to the temple, and to provide a good living for us and our future family.

Happy Valentine's Day Caleb, I love you so much!

One year

So, it's been one year since I made the switch to my current salon. I have to say, I'm very happy with the switch I made. I love the people I work with, and I love the atmosphere of this salon! I also like that it is much closer to my current home. Driving to American Fork every day was just too financially straining. I did really enjoy the people that I worked with at my last salon, and I actually miss working with them.
Metropolitan Salon is great and beautiful. We have just undergone a facelift, and the salon looks amazing! Everyone is energized with the new look, and everything is great! I really love what I do for work, and I wouldn't want to change professions any time soon. I'm hoping to make a little more money this year, but we will see!

A Weekend of Family

So, we had a very nice weekend! Saturday night, we got to spend a good share of it with the Bell side of our family, and it was a lot of fun. We played lots of games, had tacos, and got to catch up with family. Autumn was here with her family, and I haven't seen them in over 4 years, so it was nice to visit with them

I finally got to meet this little guy,

And he loved me SO MUCH, that he did this

on my pants! Gotta love the little guy!

We also had the chance to see my dad play the Wii. It was quite entertaining!

I think they should get one! :)

Before I tell the next part, I should remind people, (or tell them if they don't know) that Caleb was adopted by his parents when he was 27 days old.

We found out on Friday night that Caleb has 2 half sisters. One of them found him on Facebook, and added him as a friend, and wants to get to know him. Caleb is excited and curious to get to know her, so we will keep you posted on what's going on with that. Right now he's not wanting to meet them or anything, but he would like to know a little more about his birth family for geneology puropses.

Peanut Blart and Jelly

So, Friday night Caleb and I decided we wanted to go out, and our friend Reggie joined us. We ate at Subway, (trying to keep healthy, and the new 9 grain bread is really tasty!) and then we went to see Paul Blart: Mall Cop. It is HILARIOUS!!! They didn't show all of the funniest parts of the movie like they do in a lot of commercials for those kinds of movies. We had so much fun! It's not a movie that's going to change your life by any means, but it's definately a good laugh. It's rated PG, so it's not raunchy or anything either. That I really enjoyed! This movie was written and produced by Kevin James and Adam Sandler. It is great!

On another note, I've been down with sickness this week. Now that I'm better, poor Caleb is sick. He was so attentive and sweet to take care of me like he did, and now I've gotten him sick, and I'm so sad about it! He's just gonna sleep a lot so that he can get better.

Hope you are all doing well! Go see the movie for a good laugh!

Sorry so long!

Things have been so crazy in the last few weeks! It's definately time to catch up!

So, Christmas was good for us! We spent Christmas Eve with the Ellison clan and got to see how everyone was doing on the challenge. Everyone is doing well from what I saw! Christmas Day was perfect. We just got each other a couple of little things, and called it good. My parents gave Caleb a box full of things he loves, and I got a Cricut! It was a great little Christmas!

We rang in the new year at Gen and Mike's house. They are always such great hosts! We really enjoy spending time with them! Caleb had been sick, and was finally starting to feel better by then, so it was really nice! Lots of seven layer dip and tacos!

So, with the weight loss challenge, Caleb has lost about 13 and I've lost 27 so far. We are really excited! We are getting healthy, and that's what we really wanted. I like that most of my pants aren't fitting as well now, but at the same time I hate it, because we can't afford for me to get a new pair yet. :) Oh well! I'm just going to have to get really good at altering all of my clothes!

This last Thursday my Mother in Law Kathie had knee replacement surgery. She's been in the hospital until this morning, so we have been going back and forth a lot! I'm happy to say that she is doing really well right now. It's still going to be a long road to perfect recovery, but she is doing great for the fact she only had surgery 5 days ago!

Love you all to bits! I'll be better about this! I promise!