The Girls

Summer 2009

2010-01-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009

2010-01-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

High school cars

2009-05-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

Remember how I had the idea to post old memories? Well I admit I haven't done it myself, but if would be fun to hear something. So I thought I would write a list that I made the day I came up with this brainy idea. I have been thinking more about it recently since my sister is SO picky out what she drives. She will NOT drive the van, she wouldn't be caught dead behind that wheel. I keep telling her that High school is the time to have those classic cars, but I guess times have changed!

Here is what I remember about how we got around and had some FABULOUS memories. Some of my favorites include: driving to 7 eleven for slurpees, doing drive bys, getting in ambush fights with the boys, driving with our legs out the windows, the music blasting, and as many girls as possible singing at the top of our lungs. Putting signs on stop signs, Maggie fake-throwing up on the side of the road, sitting and talking for hours, and just having freedom to get around town.

OUR GET AWAY CARS---(Correct me if I am wrong)

Heidi - Navy Blue Honda Civic- "DTL" and the van
Jen- Honda "EEF"
Emily- White Mazda
Bekah- Blue Subaru? All I remember is the back windshield got broken and you drove around with plastic wrap over it.
Martha- Red Honda -"DET"
Sarah- "the copper cricket"- need I say more? (:
Tori- Silver Taurus (the thing that got us around before we could all drive!)
Maggie- The Gold Truck or "GT" - need I say more?(:
Nicole- Joe's prize winning Blue and White Truck ( with a few dents from stationary objects) (:
Sadie-I remember a small red car, but I also LOVED her Dad's Black Truck!
Amy- Acura?
Natalie- A little Silver car?

Ha ha ha it is fun to think about don't you think?

Yummy Cowboy Salsa

2009-03-14T10:22:00.001-07:00

Cowboy Salsa
2 cans black beans (or any combination of beans)
3 T. olive Oil
4 T. fresh lime juice
1 T. red wine vinegar
½ c. Corn (1 cup)
2 med. Avocados diced
½ green pepper (1 whole)
1 red pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
½ c. fresh cilantro
½ red onion (diced)
Salt and pepper to taste

*Additional suggestions
-chile en polvo (Tajin) ½ tsp.- 1tsp.
- A few shakes of Tabasco
- Jalapenos for extra “kick”

Maggie's wish...some yummy bean dip

2009-02-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

So I am finally getting to Mag's Christmas wish. For my first recipe I will put the infamous Kinnersley Bean dip! Enjoy! I usually just throw things in, taste and add what I think in needs, so these sizes are approximate, so start with a little less and then see how you like it.

Bean Dip
1 Small can of Refried Beans (Rosarita Refried are the best, but you can get any kind and add more spices)
2 TBSP of brown sugar ( I like more to make it sweeter, my mom does left)
2 TBSP of Ketchup
1 to 1.5 Tsp of minced onion (or a couple of shakes of onion salt)
1 cup of cheese
Melt together in pan on Medium heat
Serve with tortillia chips, tortillias and cheese or 7 layer dip (see below)

7 layer dip
1st layer - Bean Dip
2nd layer - Sour cream
3rd layer - Gaucamole made from 2 avacados and a packet of Gauc mix
4th layer- Shredded cheese
5th layer - Olives and diced tomatoes

Happy birthday, Bekah!!

2008-12-26T13:16:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to give a shout out to Bekah. Happy Birthday. I was just thinking about how many years I've known Bekah (since 7th grade, which would be just over 13 years-if I did the math right). That means that in the next year, I will hit the landmark of having known Bekah (and all of you EJHers) for over half of my life. It's crazy that we met when we were tweens and now we're almost thirty something. I'm glad that we are still friends and that she is such a wonderful example to all of us. Love you, Bekah!

Happy Birthday, Sarah

2008-12-26T13:15:00.000-08:00

Sarah- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I know we've already decided that we are bad at updating our blog and I apologize for getting busy with the Christmas rush. I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to Sarah. Sarah is uber talented and a great person. I remember getting to know her better through highlights and always being impressed by her energy and the extra fun she always brings to any party. Thanks for being you, Sarah. Love you.

Remember When...

2008-11-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

In case you did not read the email...

I thought we could start posting memories of our times together on the blog. It could be as little as a sentence, but more if you would like. I was inspired after reading Sadie's blog a few weeks ago where she posted a picture and very thoughtful words about our friends. It made me think about how awesome our high school experience was. I recently read a friend's blog who stated "I wish I would have gotten more involved in high school." What?? I LOVED high school and I am so glad that I was friends with you all. I know I would not be who I am today if it wasn't for you. I know I wouldn't have gotten involved in the activities I did if it wasn't for having at least one of you with me. We accomplished so much individually and together, it is truly amazing to think about.

I hope this can be something fun to read and remember the fun times we had. I know not everyone will be involved in every post, or we might be involved but have no recollection of it (like with the picture on Sadie's blog.) My memory isn't the greatest,hence the need to have others help me remember.) It will be fun to see all we did and remember for the years to come.

So, I have taken the liberty of posting the first "REMEMBER WHEN" post.

Remember all the Christmas parties we had? I looked forward to these every year... and still do! While in high school, Sadie was a GREAT HOST! I think we went there every year? (right?)I remember one year we had fondue and I something really funny happened at the table though I am not recalling it at the moment. (did I do the elephant?) I think another year we had soup. Then we would go open presents by the fireplace and it usually took us a while because we would always go off on many tangents! Also, one year Sadie surprised us with our own Christmas trees from GAP! I still have the tree and love it. Another memorable year was when Tori came in a little later after a meeting with Belnap... I won't go any further. (: I love that we have progressive pictures of this event. (I posted the only ones I had on my computer, the others are far far away in SLC.) In years since high school we went to various houses or out to lunch. As fare as presents we have done exchanges and some years we donated to a charity, what an amazing feeling that was! This year Maggie has requested we boost our cooking skills and make this blog a recipe blog!

The greatest thing about having these parties is that we just talked, laughed, and cried together. We were educated in various topics (: and expressed feelings that we probably wouldn't have shared in any other situations. I am so thankful for these experiences and hope that we can continue to get together as many of us as possible every year!

Happy birthday, Marsha!

2008-11-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

Martha,
I hope you have the best birthday ever. Here are some of my wishes for you.
* That you laugh so hard you wet your pants.
* That somebody sings you the "I'm glad you're not one" song
* That somebody will be shocked when you tell them how old you are (because you don't look a day over 21).
* That you will feel super special.
* That M will be a perfect little Toddler for you and not do any naughty things.

Love you,
Maggie (and everyone else)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAG FAG

2008-11-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

Oh yes stupid blog part 3! I realize that we rarely check this (or at least I do!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAST WEEK MAGS!!! Hope you had a good one... yes, I forgot to call you... can we still be friends? I did think about you all week and hope all is well! LOVE YOU!!!

Happy Birthday, Tori!

2008-09-17T21:27:00.001-07:00

A very happy birthday to Miss Tori! I have to tell you, friend, that your birthday always makes me think of our sophomore year of high school when you turned sixteen first so we all made you drive us around the whole year. Ha. Anyway, I hope you had a wonderful day and that you and Matt are out doing something fabulous to celebrate. We love you!

Stupid Blog Part II

2008-08-11T22:17:00.001-07:00

We also forgot about Miss Heidi. HAPPY (shamefully late) BIRTHDAY, DARLING HEED! We love you lots, and hope your move goes swimmingly!

Stupid blog!

2008-07-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

No One HAPPY BIRTHDAYed Em!!

to little miss emily...

i'm sorry that we suck, and we didn't even say

that we like you very much, have a happy birthday.

we should've sung your praises for you're a real great friend

you're always there when needed, no doubt until the end.

your baby girl is gorgeous, but no wonder, you're her mom

when she's talking i will teach her how to tell you "You're Da Bomb!"

So when you finally read this in the year 2009 (two thousand nine)

i hope you know we love you, and i hope you liked my rhyme.

happy birthday emily dowdle!! here's hoping your day was FREAKIN' AWESOME!!

No Baby Martin?

2008-06-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I have heard no news of the little one and it is because I am not a privileged person that gets to view their blog (probably cause Jen uses my byu email or something). Anyway, anyone that has heard let me know. Jen - I should get you the email I use so that I can actually view your blog. I have been meaning to email you so that I could be added but, alas I have not done so.

-Clueless in Rochester

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMY!

2008-06-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

That's right. Our dear friend Amy Quinalt turns the big 26 today. And what better way could there possibly be to commemorate such an event than digging up and posting some old picture from high school? (And since I was the first one to dig, I get to be in it too. Lucky lucky me.) Well then, dearest Amy, I hope you have a WONDERFUL day and that you do something on par with invading the P&M fountain to celebrate. We love you!

I have finally arrived!!!!

2008-06-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

Well, you guessed it. I finally started a blog. It isn't much to look at yet and I am still figuring it out, but if you want to follow the life and times of one amy or rather just read my musings go to www.amynmatt.blogspot.com

Hope to see a comment or two from you all!!

Much love,
Amy

Happy Birthday, Jen!

2008-04-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

A day late and a dollar short! This seems to be the theme of my life since Chase was born, but I wanted to tell Jen HAPPY BIRTHDAY...yesterday....at least I got the phone call in!

I love you and think you are one amazing woman! I hope you had a fantastic day!

To be, or Not to Be...

2008-04-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

...yes ladies, that is the question

this sight was a great idea! but since it's beginning, almost everyone has started their own personal blog.

we don't seem to use it that much any more.

so how are you all feeling?

keep it?

ditch it?

liking it?

have no use for it?

i was going to make a poll to ask this question, but it won't let me. so, just comment and let's vote.

Too Long

2008-03-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

Can we PLEASE organize some kind of casual festivity for some time in the near future? I haven't met any of the new babies and it's just not fair.

Background blues

2008-02-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

I need help! How do you do all the cute backgrounds? I have tried to figure it out, but I guess I am not as savvy as I would like to be. Any tips? Thanks, hope you are all well!

HEED

Sadie is another year older!

2008-01-30T06:42:00.000-08:00

HaPpY BiRtHdaY
SaDIe!

You are a gem and a wonderful friend. I love you and hope you have an absolutely fantastic day.

BESTS!

Amy

Ode to Pervis

2008-01-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

Oh, remember the days of the game MASH and random moments where we as friends expanded a bit much on inside jokes and the expansion became a part of our lives? Well in my "nesting phase" I came upon something that must be remembered (call me a pack rat but I have kept it).... THE PERVIS LIST!!! Maggie, I am happy to hear that you did not marry fool, live in a trailer park, and have your kids sleep in drawers. However in Junior High we thought Mags would have 100 kids and here are some of their names (you can imagine the twins, Triplets, and quadruplets):

1.Pervis 2. Philly 3.Willis 4. Chuck (chucky) 5. Billy Joe Bob 6. Gurtrude Penelope 7. Thomas Rex (T. Rex) 8. Peggy Lou 9. Herbis (Herby) 10. Marvin 11.Marva 12. Elvira 13. Gunther 14. Jem 15. Atticus 16. Burris 17. Fernice (Fern) 18. Vernice (vern) 19. Blanche 20. Dorthy 21. Rose 22. Sophia 23. Fea 24. Feo 25. Gaupo 26. Celder 27. Celver 28. Stella 29. Elkis (Elk) 30. Wulfus 31. Bookie 32. Shilcut 33. Thunder 34. Clearen 35. Winston 36. Guido 37. Hudwich 38. Stormis 39. Odis 40. Up 41. Down 42. In 43. Out 44. Brock Lee 45. Friend Lee 46. Deep Lee 47. True Lee 48. Mad Lee 49.Ugwich 50. Garvis

Man we were cool! (: ha!!

Anonymity

2008-01-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

Hi, ladies.

In the interest of preserving a bit of anonymity (and therefore some peace of mind), I have avoided using my last name on my blog. I just realized, though, that because of this blog and because of links to my blog from some of your lovely blogs, I am still google-able. Now, as I would love for my students (and any other scary blog stalking folks) to not be able to track my blog down, I just changed my name on this blog to Nicole E*. I would also really appreciate it if those of you who link to me on your blogs (which I love, by the way) would take my last name out of the links. Thanks, ladies. You're the best.

Incidentally, can you believe how many times the word "blog" appeared in this post? And I call myself an English teacher. Unreal.

HOORAY!!!

2008-01-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Bekah and Brad, AND Heidi and Dave. They have twins! Okay, so not really, but the same birthday. I don't know baby Goldie's name, but

i know it's baby Anna Karen Miner.

I know we are all so thrilled for you guys.

Heal quickly and post a ton of photos for us all to see. Lots of love and prayers for you all.

p.s. Em, you're next

A couple of things to make us happy

2008-01-21T20:24:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking that our blog needed a little attention. These were a couple of pictures that remind me of things that make me happy. Hawaii, new born babies, Mt. Olympus, pregnant mommies, being a mom in general, and lake powell. Yes, it's random. Sorry. I would have added a tribute for Sadie about the end of breastfeeding but was afraid to google it. Hope you all have happy thoughts. I'm going to congratulate Bekah right now in hopes that the baby will make his debut soon. Have a happy day. Good luck to Heidi and Em, you're down to the final stretch (mark).

and another post

2008-01-10T16:49:00.001-08:00

yes, this is three posts in one day on our friend bloggie. sorry about that, but i wanted to answer bekah's question, which was echoed by sadie.

"chez," roughly translated, means "at the place of." thus, my blog is "at the place of nicole." why? because i speak and love french due to my time in paris.

love you all. the end. aka fin.

Confessions of a mommy blogger. By Catherine Newman

2008-01-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

Sorry to post on top of Sadie's post today. Make sure you read hers too. I thought I'd share this article.

My friend got the magazine Wondertime in the mail and lo and behold there was an article in it about blogging that I stole from her blog! Here are some of the highlights.

"Blogging is narcissistic-and time-consuming. It gives strangers (not to mention the in-laws) ammunition for criticizing our parenting choices. And one day it could really mortify our kids. Here's why we do it anyway... You are not alone. If there's a single fact to take from the 70 million blogs that inhabit the Internet, it's this: Whoever you are-however thrilled or frantic, bored or despairing, buoyant or afflicted with love like an aching in your bones-someone our there understands. Especially if you're a mother."

"When I asked my readers to describe for me why, after finally getting their children to bed, they stay up half the night writing about them in blogs of their own-or, crazier still, reading about other people's children in their blogs-they described this longing for connection: "I read blogs to feel I'm part of something larger, a whole world of other women raising children on this crazy, spinning planet." "Being a parent is so Frustratingly difficult and blindingly beautiful at the same time. Blogs remind me to celebrate the beautiful and that I'm not alone in the difficult."

"Blogging is the underbelly of scrapbooking. In the scrapbook version of my summer vacation, I would paste together a sunny collage of sea and sand and smiling kids. In the blog version, I might be more inclined to mention the steaming beach Port-A-John, where the final quarter of Birdy's sandwich ended up tumbling into the reeking blackness. If scrapbooking is the urge to put it all together, blogging might be the urge to take it all apart. Blogging might not make life tidier, but it keeps life in your memory, and keeps it real."

Comments are like Christmas! She says:

"I've checked for comments as obsessively as I once stuck my eighth grade hand into the echoing hollows of our mailbox. (Anything for me? A letter from Shaun Cassidy detailing his undying love?)
Heehee!

"...I'm always seeing our family's life as a funny story I could tell, the question that troubles me is, am I really paying attention? Sometimes I feel like on of those tourists arguing about the camcorder while Niagara crashes down around them in frenetic blue wonder."
"The anonymous author of the blog Bub and Pie puts it: I go through the day in a kind of 'compose post' mode, where I'm actively selecting words to describe my children-their beauty, their quirkiness, their inner lives-and that process helps me to see them, to be mindful of who they are." Writing gives me a way to step back from my life and really see it. To watch my kids and feel the gratitude flood through my veins."

I thought this was a cute article and I totally love the part about blogs being the underbelly of scrapbooking. Hope you enjoyed it.

What became of it?

2008-01-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

At our little get together in December, we found out htat Tori was the new head hauncho (how do you spell that?) at her job. Congrats Tori!! And right there at the party she offered Sarah a job. So... What became of it? Is it a done deal? Are you interviewing Sarah?
Just wanting an update. Anyone know anything?

P.s. Thanks to Mag i am guessing for the new background. Or whoever did it. It's nice to have it change every few months. The Christmas theme was nice too.

Happy Birthday Nicole!!!

2008-01-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to our dearest Nicole! Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you today, and hope that you have a fabulous day! Thank you so much for your friendship! I love talking to you! You can always make me laugh! I am so glad to have you in my life! Hopefully you drink lots of Dr. Pepper today and eat at your favorite place! You are the greatest! LOVE YOU!!!!!

Em

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEKAH!!!

2007-12-26T13:54:00.000-08:00

Hello Darling, Just a note to say that I hope you have a wonderful Birthday! I hope you spend it doing something exciting! I wish I could be there to celebrate with you. I will never forget this day about 9 years ago... thanks to that celebration I have a wonderful husband! Who knew that would happen? My how time flies! Thank for your friendship throughout the years! You are the best!

LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!

~Heidi Kay

P.S. "Am I sexy guys?"

2007-12-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

Hey Mags, good idea with the tagging. Our blog is getting boring! :)

Best Gift: I honestly don't remember. Brad always gets so excited when he buys me presents that he can't wait until Christmas or my birthday to give them to me. Maybe that's why I don't remember opening a whole lot on Christmas morning the last couple years. Anyway, I'll give it a shot. Last year he surprised me with diamond earrings. Random. I had never even thought about wanting diamond earrings before. But I have to say, I've enjoyed them more than I thougt I would. I still remember the Christmas when I was little where I got a doll house. And I still remember the one where I got a bike...or was that my birthday?

Worst gift: Last year I got a really ugly snowman statue from one of my pre-schoolers moms. I gave it to the DI. It's the thought that counts, though.

Favorite Kids Christmas Song: The Chipmunks one..."Hurry Christmas, Hurry Fast." You know the one.

Favorite Christmas Hymn: Silent Night

Favorite Christmas Popular Song: Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel. I don't know if this counts, but they play it on the radio sometimes, so I say yes. I love it.

Favorite day out of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years? I'm not a big New Years person. I will definitely go with Christmas Day. I'm 25 and I still can't sleep on Christmas Eve night. I love Christmas morning!

As for your request for a prego picture, I'll have to see. I have officially entered what I like to call the "whale-like phase," where no matter how much I exercise or watch what I eat I gain weight and retain water EVERYWHERE!I know you're all jealous. Not so sure I want to share that with the world (or the 8 people who check this blog). I'll see if Brad can take a semi-decent one! :)

I tag everyone else.

A request

2007-12-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

Here is my request. Will all of our pregnant friends please post a current picture on this blog? I think it would be fun to see the progress you guys are making. I also want to start a game of tag on this blog and that way we can read and compare answers.

The best gift I ever received: Cowboy boots from Justin when we were dating. It was totally from the heart and to me it sent a big message that he was planning on having me around for awhile.

The worst gift I ever received (can be a white elephant) : When I was in the MTC I had one present to open from my family (I had opened the rest at home because I went in a week before Christmas). I opened the gift and it was a pair of big one piece pajamas with red and white stripes and teddy bears. They had a trap door and two bears peeking over the side. They were totally ugly. My family is so silly.

Favorite Kid's christmas song: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Favorite Christmas Hymn: Silent Night

Favorite Christmas Popular song: All I want for Christmas is you (Mariah)

Which is your favorite- Christmas eve, Christmas day, New Years?
Christmas Eve

Okay, I tag the first person who reads this.

so........

2007-11-27T09:29:00.000-08:00

any final plans as far as the christmas party/baby shower goes? i haven't heard anything new in a while. date? time? and who is coming?

Regina Coelli

2007-11-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to send a shout out to all of you Linda Spevacek Fans. I have seen some stuff on the Thanksgiving Day parade (weather forecasts) and I was thinking how 8 years ago I was fortunate enough to go to New York for Thanksgiving with many of you. What a unique experience. The other thing that sparked a memory of all of you was a couple of Saturdays ago when I flipped to a local channel (maybe PBS) and saw the Veteran's day concert on TV. I only watched one song, but Vicky Belnap was the director. I think I sang Soldier Boy as a lullaby to Gracie that night. Too silly.

2007-11-19T22:37:00.001-08:00

Hello Friends!

I came across this photo today and thought it was so cute I would post it. While it would be much better if all of us were in it (and if I were not 7 months pregnant in it), I still thought it would be worth putting out there. It's at Em's wedding dinner, almost 2.5 years ago! Anyway, I hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving! I'm grateful for each of you!

BTP pride!

2007-11-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hello to the proud members of the BTP! I am excited to be catching up to speed on the whole blogging thing. It's been a lot of fun for me the last couple weeks.

You know how once in awhile, you just have a fantastic day? Well that's how my day was this Thursday. I woke up to Marian's cute face and Adam telling me that his dad had called and asked if we would like to have an all-expense paid trip to Denmark for Christmas. Well, I've been wanting to go to Denmark for Christmas for awhile (even before Adam and I ever started dating I remember joking about it with Mags), so was really excited. The one kink to work out was my work schedule. I was scheduled 6 pm-midnight on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Eve. I had a staff meeting that afternoon and, miraculously, was able to find people to cover all my shifts. So we're going to Denmark!

Coming home from staff mtg, I walked into our building, up the stairs, and was unlocking the apt when I was snuck up on and tackled by two of my friends from Brighton who just got home from missions. I didn't even know they were in Provo but they found out where I lived to come visit. We got to talk about their missions and they got to meet Marian. It reminded me how blessed I am to have so many wonderful friends.

After they left, Adam and I dropped Marian off at a friend's house and went to the BYU football game. It was an awesome game!! And I got to see Becca Bishop who was in town and at the game.

Basically, I think life is great. I'm sad I won't see Maggie, Sadie, or Amy who are coming into town and that I'll miss the shower, but I'll be thinking about you.

Here I Am

2007-11-09T11:51:00.001-08:00

So I realized that I haven't written anything on our fun little blog yet. Which, by the way Jen, thanks so much for starting! What a great idea!!! Things in the Dowdle's lives are great! Blake is still in school and being a TA in the undergrad anatomy lab, and he also has been teaching at the med school as well. He LOVES it! It is so great to see him so passionate about something and so happy! He will be taking the MCAT in the spring, and applying to med school right after. We are getting excited!
My life isn't anything too exciting. Get up, do stuff around the house, go to work, come home, make dinner, go to gym (sometimes-whoops), hang out until Blake gets home, catch up on the day with him, go to bed. Oh, and get ready for BABY! Ya, I'm getting a little nervous! But so excited, too!
Blake's sister, Liz, is getting married in a month, so, that is a fun event going on. His brother, Tom, is going on a mission in January, so there is a lot of planning going on.
I am glad that we are all still good friends, and that we have stayed close. It is crazy that we are all having babies! It seems like we were just graduating! Time flies! Anyway, hopefully we can all get together for Christmas and catch up!
LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!

Happy Halloween!!

2007-11-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

I wanted to be the first to post a Halloween shot. I thought you would all enjoy this lovely costume. I (with some borrowed creativity from Sadie)put it together for the Primary Carnival that the Young Women & Presidency (I am part of the latter not the former, despite common belief) did on Tuesday, October 30th. It was followed by the largest Trunk or Treat I have ever seen. Matt had no idea where that outfit came from since he had never seen that costume ever. But we are two peas in a pod because, unbeknownst to me, he brought our disco ball and plugged it in the car during the Trunk or Treat. Between my costume and the disco ball, we were basically the biggest hit of the night. Wish you all could have been here to spend Halloween with us. Those were the days...

Digital Scrapbooker

2007-10-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

I use a program called Picaboo.com. It is a free download and
it comes with several backgrounds. It is basically drag and drop
with the pictures. I just finished Gracie's first year and I love
this program because I can work on it for even 10 minutes anthen do something else. it makes things so han

Digital Scrapbooking, anyone?

2007-10-31T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Girls --

I set a goal when I first got pregnant 6 months ago to be completely updated on Nick's scrapbook before Chase is born. Since then, I've spent 3 months vomiting and 3 months moving out of my house, into my mom's, and then to PA. Needless to say, nothing has been done on Nick's scrapbook! :) I'm out of supplies, and have been toying with the idea of going the digital route instead of buying all new stuff. Do any of you crafty ladies have any suggestions of good sortware or websites?

HOORAY!!

2007-10-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

i'm back, did you miss me? thanks jenny. you're the greatest.

problem needing help

2007-10-30T11:59:00.001-07:00

so i am having a blogging problem involving both this blog and my personal one. so what i am going to do is remove myself from access to this one.
where i need help is this, will someone, whoever reads this first, please reinstate me? i love being a part of this blog. so please put me back on under cowgirlsadie@yahoo.com . thanks ladies. hopefully this works

Happy Birthday Mags and Gracie!

2007-10-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

This a day late for Maggie's birthday and a day early for Gracie's but I just wanted to make it public...I love Maggie and Gracie...and I love birthdays! I hope it was/is a good one for you both!

I just got my wedding pics back from my photographer and this was a favorite...I love the expressiveness of Maggie's face (as always).

A recipe I have not tried

2007-10-22T13:30:00.001-07:00

Hey girls,
I was just blogging away and found this recipe that I think I will try and thought I would post it for any of you who are interested. I doubt they compare to Great Harvest pumpkin chocolate chip bread but they looked fast and easy. As for me, I think we may have found an apartment which is a real blessing. Justin is working at a title company here in St. George and Gracie is turning one on Wednesday. Time flies. Hope you all are doing well.
Maggie

EASIEST Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
*1 box of spice cake mix (no, you don't add all the indgredients on back like you would to make the cake)
*1 can of pumpkin
*chocolate chips (and nuts) to taste

Mix well with blender and then drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-16 min depending on altitude. Cover with cream cheese frosting if you'd like. Enjoy!

com out, come out, where ever you are?...

2007-10-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Sarah, Tori, Martha? All you girls that haven't shown your voice yet on this blog. where are you? We want to hear from everyone. Please post a little update or a shout out. Hope you are doing well.

2007-10-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

I have to first thank all you cute girls who got me started on Blogging. I had no idea how many people I could keep in touch through blogging. Most importantly my best friends! I love hearing updates and going on your blogs. Thanks for the update Bekah, I am sorry you have been having phone troubles...especially during the time you want to keep in touch the most. Thank goodness for the internet. Things are good around here. The baby is growing and I can feel her more each day. We haven't done much shopping yet, but you know me and pink... our finances are going to be in trouble. The first thing I have bought her is an outfit her daddy can dress her in... it is Michael Jordan attire. (Those of you who knew of his obsession will appreciate that!) Each day either Dave or myself pull them out and get all giddy!

Love ya, hope you are enjoying Fall! I'm stuck inside most days, but love the nice nights. (:

From your slacker friend in PA...

2007-10-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Girls --

I love this blog! Good thinking, Jenna, as always. Sorry to everyone for being a slacker friend since we moved. I think I owe Heidi 2 phone calls and have a few unreturned emails as well. In my defense, we've been having major phone and internet issues, but all of that should be cleared up by Friday and hopefully I'll have a verizon phone next week. (By the way, I hate this picture of me at Amy's shower...I don't think I've had a good haircut since the last time Sadie cut it a billion years ago -- and could my thigh be any bigger?!?!)

I'm sorry that all of you haven't heard that I'm having another BOY! I was so excited until I was at our ward the other night and heard the boy scouts laughing hysterically over bodily functions -- not really my type of humor -- and I realized that these will be my boys in 7 years! Don't get me wrong, I'm still excited...just hoping that we can squeeze a girl or two in our crew at some point. Oh yeah, we're going to name him Chase.

On a sad note, we discovered last week that we can't come to Salt Lake over Thanksgiving as we originally thought. It's mostly a money issue (we have to buy 3 tickets now that Nick is 2), but I'm also having a few minor complications with my pregnancy and was advised not to travel. So I know I talked about throwing Heidi and Em baby showers, but I'll have to just do invitations or something from here. As of right now, it looks like we won't be coming to SL 'til next summer -- even more reason that I need to start posting more messages and pictures on my blog!

We're loving life here in PA, and I can't believe how beautiful the fall is here with all the trees. I wish you could all come out and visit over the next two weeks before the leaves start to fall. Like Sade, I also become all sorts of nostalgic for you girls this time of year. Hope you all are well.

Love,
Bekah

funny

2007-10-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

this is my newest favorite comment i saw at the end of one of those 'pass along' emails. it made me smile.

As usual, if you don't forward this to 1 of your friends within the next 5 minutes, your belly button will unscrew and your butt will fall off. Really... it's true! Have I ever lied to you?

mini update!

2007-10-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that everyone is starting to look at the blog! It has been so much fun to read! I just granted everyone who has posted "admin privileges" which just means that you can change the title, layout, anything you want. I love you all!

Things are going well with me. I am trying to find motivation to work on my thesis (but usually end up reading dumb books like twilight or experimenting with new recipes), run (I usually just put on my running clothes, get stuff done, then get ready for the day having never run...the St. George Marathon is Saturday and I am going to die!), and go to work (which is always fun, except for when I don't have missionaries which is the current situation).

That is my life! I love the fall and agree with Sadie about all the fond memories that I have of this time of year. I am excited for more updates!

pictures??

2007-10-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

can anyone tell me how to post a photo? can't seem to find anything to click on. ;)

virgin blogger

2007-10-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

this is my first official post on this or any blog. we don't have a blog, but if and when we get one i will certainly get you all the info. i do love reading everyone else's blogs. it's so fun to see photos of your kids, animals, homes, selves. and THANKS to jen for this great idea and fantastic effort to keep us all linked.
i got the great email from Heidi saying they were having a girl! wa hoo for the Miner's. but i still don't know what Bekah or Em is having. so will you please post or email your news.
i've been doing some lerking around, or what we call Blogstalking, and i've seen a lot of great fall foliage photos. Autumn here is always a little bit later in the season. we have a few trees changing, but not a lot. more this month and they all fall mid-november. but it's been great to see the gorgeous shots of Big and Little Cottonwood canyon. you know i LOVE fall, and it's linked to so many great memories of the girls. of course Peter B., the time we took photos on the wander lane bridge/wall thing, school in session and lots of fun activites. i know i am a loser, and not very good at keeping in touch, but i do miss you girls. to be honest, because that is apparently what blogs are for, i don't keep in touch too much because sometimes it's harder on me. i am happy here and i love my life and friends, but when i talk to you all the time i feel like i live in the "what if's" and "when i live there's". so i apologize if i've ever made you feel like i disowned or abandoned the group. i keep you in my heart and i do love the contact we have now. i don't want you to stop emailing and calling, i just wanted to explain why i don't go to great legnths to do the same all the time. i'm going to be working on it.
enjoy the fall and sniff a tree for me.
hugs all around!!
sadie

Closet Bloggers

2007-09-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

I was just looking at this page wondering if any of the authors of this blog are closet bloggers who haven't told us all about their blogs so we can check them out. I hereby vote that those who don't have links to a personal blog either come out of the closet and give us their blog addresses or create blogs so that we can see cute pictures of what they are doing. I guess that if people are just unwilling to do that, then they could post on this community blog too (thanks again for setting this up, Jen).
By the way, I don't have any reason to believe that some of you have blogs, except that Amy seemed way too handy at sending that message. Amy, do you have anything to say for yourself? Have a good day, Maggie

"The War" on PBS

2007-09-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

Ladies, if you're not watching Ken Burns' new WWII documentary, start now. It goes from tonight to Wednesday night, starting at 8 p.m. each night. It's huge.

WHERE ARE YOU?

2007-09-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hello All! So randomly yesterday I was going through my emails and actually taking time to read them and I thought I was clicking on a new Jen and Ty blog but was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a girls' blog. What a treat! Thanks for just taking the initiative Jen. I think hens have a tendency to be the first so that is not surprising (I am not sure of that but it definitely sounded good.). I just wanted to encourage everyone to post here. I want to find out what everyone is doing. I just got home from a week-long trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina with my parents and brother Matt and his family. After spending just this short time in the South, I realized that I may be southern at heart. Everyone was so friendly. It was a sharp contrast to the stiff population of Rochester. Well, just thought I would say hello. It has been a while. I hope you all are happy and well.

Happy Birthday Tori!

2007-09-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

That's all...just wanted you to know you are being thought of on this special day!

Blast From The Past

2007-09-13T23:24:00.001-07:00

That's right, ladies. Here we are in all our high school glory--the traditional "girlfriends photo" from all three years. I figured that this post was inevitable, and hey, what better way to get things rolling?

Great expectations...

2007-09-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hello friends...and any other fellow readers! I would like to explain my reasoning behind creating this blog:

1- I have been thinking about how much I miss all of you
2- I love reading Emily, Maggie, and Nicole's blogs...so fun to read updates and see pictures
3- Emily's "recipe sharing" email made me want to have a central place to share (and receive) great recipes, ideas, etc.
4- Martha Fetzer started a blog for our Freshman Year roommates and it is a lot of fun
5- Then.. Ty's sister told me all her friends post something on a group blog every month to keep in touch.
6- I love writing in my blog and think it is something that all should try
7- Everything seemed to be shouting "make another blog" and I thought, why not?

So here's the deal...this is open to all of you to share updates, announcments, invites, recipes, tidbits of inspiration, anything that you want. You can change/edit/customize/add anything you want as well. I hope it will be fun and a way to keep in touch! I love you girls!

Aren't we cute?

2007-09-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

I love this picture and wanted you all to see it. Thanks for sharing my special day with me. We are a pretty gorgeous group of women if you ask me!