Just the 2 of Us

Sing a Song

2011-07-07T22:09:00.000-05:00

Music that Moves Me!!
I am LOVING musical couples these days!!! Listen to these and you'll see why:

The sound of a man and a woman in harmony together is the sound of love to me. Here's another diddy:

I don't mean to overload it but I have a few more up my sleeves!!!

And finally the man of all mans with a pretty little voice to back him up...the one, the only, the man with the ukelele.. Ladies and Gentlemen. Eddie Vedder!!!

Sorry for the crappy video it's the only one I could find.

Things are good in the Tuttle household. Summer is here, it's hot, it's full of baseball, and oldly enough it rains ALOT. We are loving the area we live in. We are a hop, skip and a jump away from Liberty Park, which is beautiful and full of Larpers on a saturday afternoon (Live Action Role Playing).. swords, shields, gowns and groupies! We invite any and all of you for a picnic and a matinee!
Enjoy the music and we'll see you at the park,

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-30T17:49:00.000-05:00

We had a great memorial weekend. It was full of family, great food, a little bit of yard work, and the best surprise ever. Jeff surprised me Sunday morning with tickets to the 25th Anniversary tour of Les Miserables. I am speechless, it was the best experience I've ever had. Les Mis is above and beyond any other production ever performed. If you ever have the chance to see it, pay ANY price for the tickets. It will be worth it.

We went to the Spanish Fork Cemetary today and found the Memorial for Jeff's Grandpa Tuttle. It was quite a powerful sight.

And finally the best edible decoration I've ever come up with!! GUMBALLS! Happy Memorial Day.

2011...Just another year.

2011-05-03T22:14:00.000-05:00

The Mayans have predicted the end of the world in 2012.. Lucky for us, it's only 2011!! Jeff and I have put California in our rearview mirror and have moved back to Salt Lake City for Jeff to accept a clerkship position. I miss the weather, our friends, and yogurtland!
So I have been less than awesome with taking pictures so I will post 2 music videos for your viewing pleasure
First up the song that has been rocking my world lately....

Now the song that has been rocking Jeff's world lately

Life is great. We love living in downtown SLC. It's awesome to be close to family again. Who knows how long we'll be here, but we are going to make the most of it while we can. I've started working at a really nice dental office downtown and there are some really cool people in the staff, so I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Jeff's sister Shannon has turned 18 (she was 11 when Jeff and I started dating, so that is a little weird for me), she graduates in a month and starts at BYU shortly after that. She is awesome and holds her own pretty well for being the only girl with the Tuttle boys!!! So proud of her for getting into BYU and starting early!

My younger brother Mike is getting MARRIED! Julie is the most darling girl and they are so in love it is crazy.. so happy for them and so excited to go home and see everyone. Here's a cute pic from the engagement shoot!!!

I am SO ready for summer to get here and also for Pirates of the Caribbean 4 to hit theatres next wkd!!!!
Word to your Mutha.

SuperBowl Commercials

2010-11-15T22:46:00.000-06:00

Now I know most of you ladies don't watch alot of sports, but you do watch the superbowl..... and you watch it for the commercials!! And as you all know, Doritos usually comes up with the best ones. This year they are having a competition to see what fan can make the best commercial. Some friends of ours made a commercial and submitted it. It's pretty funny if I do say so myself! Check it out!!

http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery/?video=6402

I already have my two front teeth......

2010-11-04T20:25:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa,

I know it's a little early, but I want you to know I've been a very good girl and I only have a FEW things I'd like to find under the tree this year.

and I would be so very happy if you would replace the barbie car I previously asked for with this fabulous item.

Red&Silver wrapping paper will let me know it's from you!

Thanks!

She came all this way for RAIN.

2010-10-27T18:05:00.000-05:00

A few months ago my mother and I were trying to decide the best time for her to come out and visit. July & August were out of the question as my little airconditionless apartment would be too hot. September was too risky, maybe hot; maybe not. So we picked October, a nice cool SUNNY vacation. This is what happened the whole week she was her.

RAIN. Seriously. It has never rained so much in the city of Los Angeles since that whole Noahs Ark flood thing that happened a couple years ago.

Atleast we had an amazing concert to go to. With no babies for my mom to sit we took her along to see James in a small venue in Hollywood called the Music Box. The concert was AMAZING and we had a blast!

We had a few rainless hours and hit up the Bevery Hills Art Exhibit. There were some amazing things and we all wished we would've been blessed with the artistic gene.

Jeffs cousin Carin joined us for the Exhibit and Farmers Market at the Grove. We had some amazingly juicy peaches and listened to a senior banjo band, took a picture infront of the mini belagio fountain and went off to the only part of the day that really counted......

YOGURTLAND. My new favorite. It is THAT good and it is BETTER than pinkberry!!!

I loved having my momma here. We watched some good movies, got together with some good friends, and the homecooked meals was a nice change!! Next time we won't be so scared of the heat and I'll have her come when we know it won't rain!! Beach here we come.

I hijacked my moms camera card and downloaded some pics onto my computer. The first one is from my trip to Canada when we went out to a wedding reception.

This one is from my moms trip to England and I'm happy to say that.... I'm my mothers daughter and PROUD of it!!! Either I rubbed off on her or she rubbed off on me because I would've done the same thing in an old english castle with clothes hanging around!

De-Leafing the driveway up at Strawberry. I am investing in my own leafblower and will be available to shoo away your leaves for a hefty fee! Times are tough and I'm trying to feed a family of 2!

As embarassing as this photo is it was one of the best afternoons in Minneapolis. My mom and I decided to do our own pedi's while watching Sabrina (the Audrey Hepburn version), and eating a healthy snack! It was SO much fun and our toes looked quite fabulous!

On the Minneapolis Campus with my mom!

Miss you mom! Come back to visit soon!

Bon Voyage

2010-10-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

Recycle your bottles, donate plasma, sell girlscout cookies, kisses for cash.... do whatever you can to save a few bucks and go on a CRUISE! Jeff and I just went on a Western Caribbean cruise and every single second was AMAZING (one word of warning: don't take a book you - won't even read the title). Hold on, I'm getting ahead of myself.

We started our trip in Tallahassee, FL for the BYU vs FSU game. I have one thing to say: florida is hot, the end. I have never used so much sunscreen in my life: lather, sweat, repeat! The FSU campus was pretty cool and the fans weren't as bad as some other colleges we know!!!!! We sat in front of LaVell Edwards and his wife, and LaVell's wife graciously poured water down my shirt every quarter which was the closest thing to A/C I had. I loved it! The game didn't end the way it should have but it was still awesome to go to the game. However, I did mention to an FSU fan (in a friendly way) that I would rather lose and leave, then win and stay in Florida!

Losing sucks so we went on a cruise to cheer ourselves up! The Freedom of the Seas was our ship of choice and I highly recommend it!

Day 1: Soakin some sun on the back of the ship.

Captains Night on the ship: everyone had to dress in their best formals titanic style!

Day 2: Labadee Haiti. Sun, beach, water, the end!!! The water was fabulously warm but a little salty, we soaked in the sun, played in the ocean, Jeff laughed at my non-waterproof mascara and we headed back to the ship!

Day 3: Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We started the day climbing Dunns River Falls, which was a fresh water waterfall that you climb up. Not next to, not close to, actually UP the middle of it! Afterwards our tour guide took us out to a local swimming spot called the "Blue Hole"; I was not suprised once we got there. This was also fresh water and so amazing.

Day 4: Georgetown Cayman Islands. Perfect, the end. We went swimming with the stingrays in the middle of the ocean (their natural habitat) and yes, I freaked out just a little. The water was only about 4 feet deep and filled with hundreds of stingrays. After swimming with those slimy things for a bit we went snorkeling and I got to see a sea turtle. SO COOL! We finished our day on the 7 mile beach which has to be the most beautiful place I have ever seen, EVER. The water was as warm as a bath and just as clear, the sand was as white as snow and just as soft! I think about that spot all the time!

After the 2nd formal dinner we came back to our room to this fun little suprise, a towel stingray. Our stateroom attendants made little towel animals every night and this happened to be the day we swam with stingrays, HOW FUN. P.S. I am easily amused.

Day 5: Cozumel Mexico... We went on a tour of the Mayan Ruins at Tulum which was incredibly beautiful and interesting and then stopped at a private beach and did a little bodysurfing.

Patti & LaVell are professional cruise takers now, and they love every one they've been on. I can't wait to retire!

We spent our final night boogie boarding on the flowrider. A few bruises, scratched toenail polish, and a twisted swimsuit = the biggest grin EVER!!! I loved my life and I still do!

Southern Hospitality

2010-10-14T23:47:00.000-05:00

My fabulous friend Courtney, who is originally from the south, is the fabulous star in the new Butterfinger commercial!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI87muBxvc0

Are you ready for some football

2010-09-11T22:43:00.003-05:00

Twas the Eve before the NFL 2010 season... and all through our little apartment, not a dew was left unchilled not even the empty ones!

The feeling can only be described as extreme giddyness. Jeff's rams are unbeaten and the redskins new quarterback has perfect stats!

A few players Jeff and I will be keeping a close eye on this season are Jared Allen, Ray Lewis and of course Peyton Manning. First up, Bachelor #1:

JARED ALLEN

Feast your eyes on this 6"6 270 lb Defensive End. He is not only a quarterback sack machine, picking up 14.5 last year, he's a force for evil and for fumble. He plays for your Minnesota Vikings, AND he had a mullet!!

Bachelor #2: RAY LEWIS

Clocking in at 6"1 250 lbs, this Baltimore Ravens Linebacker may seem a little timid at first, with a mere 95 solo tackles last year with only 3 sacks. But don't be fooled, he killed 2 people.

OR DID HE?!?!!

Last but not least, Bachelor #3: PEYTON MANNING

Who has two thumbs and wants a 6"5 230 lb quarterback? THIS PERSON! Last year this stud collected 4500 yards with only 1 fumble, showing the world how to get a 99.9% rating. Having the number 1 draft pick in '98 was like having the winning lottery ticket for the Indianapolis Colts.

Plus he's got a Laser-Rocket arm!

With a 1-15 record, the Rams have nowhere to go but up. Starting off with a 0-0 record puts them 1st in the NFC West; I'd say they've got a chance to win the SUPER BOWL.

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL???????!!!!!

(Sorry ladies, this post was for the boys!)

The Long Hot Summer

2010-09-04T23:16:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Brad & Mallory!!!!!

August 13th, 2010 - Brad & Mallory got married in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Jeff and I were so excited to go out for the wedding. But before we go into wedding details, August 12th was Jeff's dads birthday and MJ & I planned a surprise birthday dinner at Tepanyaki for him. It was great to get together with family and to do something special for Lynn. He deserves that and so much more for everything that he does! Tepanyaki may or may not have been my idea - everyone knows how much I LOVE the zuchinni! The dinner was great, with or without a little char.

Brad & Mallory looked beautiful and happy coming out of the temple and the day was amazing.

I have several favorite people in this world and these two are pretty close to the top of the list!!

I suffer from a very rare disease known as shoefanatic. Apparently my husband suffers from the same "very rare" disease! These are Jeff's tuxedo chuck tailor shoes. They were very shiny and my shoes were a fabulous new addition to my collection.

I have recently added a little blonde into my hair. Thoughts?

Lynn, Jeff & Matt looking pretty sharp.

The foo & I can't believe how much she has changed since the first time I met her. Shannon, you are GORGEOUS, and I love ya.

Jeff & Chris doing the Team Zissou pic!

Mallory & I. Yes I know what you are all thinking... look at those eyes, Mallory looked stunning, and after we took this picture her dad said "Mall, you should've told her to take her shoes off." Sorry Mall!! My heels were very high.

The Tuttle family picture with the 2 newest additions: Mallory & Kyla. Being a part of this family is amazing and you should all be very jealous!! Just kidding. Not really. But I am. Am I?!

Brad & Mall's shotgun wedding pic!

The Tuttle boys poppin their vests.

We took this picture for you. Yes, you are welcome!

The Tuttle Girls (missing the most important part of course.)

Jeff & I's family picture with someone else's child. We found her under the bushes in the back yard.

The dance after the reception was a lot of fun. Jeff warned everyone before it started that I like to dance, maybe a little too much. Jeff danced with his grandma and I'm so glad somebody to a picture with my camera. I was dancing with my fantastic father-in-law at the same time.

Jeff and I dancing romantically, until he stepped away to grab..........

AN APPLE. Yes an apple, I guess the guy gets a little hungry dancing, what with all the calorie burning and all!

I had a blast dancing the night away with the ladies!! Katie, Carin, Jennifer, Shannon, Mary Jane and Grandma Tuttle - love you ladies, thanks for joining me on the dance floor!

The day after the wedding, we went up to the cabin and went fishing at Strawberry Lake. I commandeered the boat for a few hours while Jeff played with Deacon!!

All in all the trip was AMAZING. We love utah and being with family.

Life in Los Angeles is good. We are loving life and looking forward to moving out of our apartment!! Our neighbors are a lively bunch - a little TOO lively for Jeff & I.

Los Angeles Weather!!

2010-07-06T21:40:00.000-05:00

Not only is the weather here fantabulous, our local weather is so excited to tell us about it that he dances throughout EVERY report. The video I found is old, but Jeff and I saw him for the first time last night and I nearly fell off the couch laughing so hard. At the end of his report he danced across the screen singing, "I'm out.......out......out." I may tune in every night to get some new dance moves! I know you are all jealous, don't worry, one day you will have your own dancing weatherman!!!!

California Dreamin, and now we're here!! WARNING.... picture overload

2010-06-29T20:23:00.037-05:00

Ok so now I promise I will be better with blogging..... Here's a quick 6 month recap!

February: Nick & Josh came out for the Sundance film festival with their fantastic girlfriends Electra & Nicole. Their friend Dana came as well, we all got together for some Sushi, an attempt at a movie and pizza hut! Good friends=Good times.

And one of my favorite Utah activities, snowmobiling up at Strawberry.

March: Jeff & I headed to Vegas for a weekend and met up with Matt, Jaspy, Brad, Mallory, Chris & Rob. We saw some pre-season baseball, ate amazing sushi, played a little roulette and had a great time!!

We got a bunk buddy while we were in Utah, Gus snuggled in with us but his sleeping habits were a little odd!

We caught some playoff basketball in Utah, Jeff met the owner of the St. Louis Rams during one of the games. He also part owns the Nuggets and a premiership soccer team in England. Playoffs didn't end so well for the Jazz, but we killed the Nuggets and that's all that matters!

Aoril: Lynn & MaryJane took Jeff & I on a replica of their first date. Glades for lunch and then shooting out by Utah Lake. I have wanted to go to a shooting range for over a year and had such a great time. We shot a 30-06, .22, and a handgun. Thanks Lynn & MaryJane, it was AWESOME!

My nephew brady had a class assignment to send a "flat" version of himself to a relative or a visit, so he chose to come see Jeff & I. We took him to a Jazz game, and then out to Minneapolis for Jeffs graduation.

The grad students had a party at the new Twins Stadium where we ate and got a tour of the whole thing. This is a picture in the media booth.

We went to Ruth's Chris for Jeff's grad dinner and this picture was taken right after we found out that Jeff passed the California Bar Exam!!!! We were all so excited, ice creams for everyone!!

I'm so proud of Jeff. He finished law school a semester early, was a director in the bankruptcy clinic and a research assistant for an Accounting & Finance book, he graduated Magna Cum Laude and looked pretty good in his cap & gown if I do say so myself!!

Lynn, MaryJane & Grandma Tuttle came out for the graduation and we had such a good time in Minneapolis.

The World Cup 2010 started on June 11th and Englad played the US on June 12th. We went down to Venice to watch it and even though Jeff thought the room was going to be full of Englishmen there was a spot reserved for him, front and almost center!! He's got great friends and the game ended in a draw so we were all still great friends at the end!

There are no words to describe the amazingness inside of this restaurant. Chicken........ & Waffles! YUM.

I went up to Canada for Brady's baptism and Navy's blessing. I took the kids a few gifts, a few AMERICAN gifts!! (from left to right) Mersaydes, Dax, Quincy, Navy, Aubrey, Emily, Brady and Parks...SUPER AUNT!!!

No Canada trip is complete without a trip to Waterton for a picnic and some icecream . My mom and I went with Steve and his kids Mersaydes & Dax.

Brady's baptism was so great. It was a beautiful day and it was full of family. Brady asked me to play the piano for the opening and closing songs and to rock some prelude music before it started, I gladly played for him!!

Love my nephew.

All the Baines kids!

Navy on her blessing day. She had the most beautiful blessing dress, it was simple and light. Perfect for a summer day! I love being with family.

Outside my moms new house, the change is so crazy and I'm so excited for her.

Brady, Aubrey, Emily and I on the tramp.

Quincy and her beautiful smile :)

Parks and I just chillin before I fly back to LA.

Ok there it is, a very quick very picturefull blog. Jeff and I are back in California and totally loving it. We live in West Hollywood and can't get enough of the sun. We have a cute little apartment but may be moving sooner rather than later thanks to all the noise around it!

Workout Movies

2010-01-30T20:23:00.005-06:00

My fantastic in-laws have a workout room in their basement, and I figure that while I've got nothin but time I might as well workout. Lately I've been watching movies whilst working out to pass the time and encourage myself to work out longer (the whole movie). Here is a list of the past few movies and my thoughts!!.......

Confessions of a Shopaholic-All about a girl obsessed with fashion who catches a break by living a lie and then it all comes crashing down. Typical chick flick, cute ending! Isla Fisher is darling as is her co-star Krysten Ritter.

Sunshine Cleaning- Two sisters go into business cleaning up after crime scenes trying to make their lives better. Warning, this movie is a DOWNER. Amy Adams is an amazing actress and Emily Blunt is not too shabby.

Bolt- Puppy in a tv show with superpowers gets lost and realizes he doesn't actually have any with the help of a kitty named Mittens. Very cute and pretty funny. John Travolta and Susie Essman are fantastic, Miley Cyrus.... not a fan AT ALL.

Fired Up- Two Jocks go to cheer camp instead of Football camp to hook up with chicks. Very bring it onish. Not as funny as it could have been, some good one liners, "You broke her face, almost in half." Nicholas D'Agoto & Eric Christian Olsen very funny guys.

The Emperors New Groove- Selfish spoiled Emperor gets turned into Lama by x-administrator, blames it on a peasant, becomes friend with peasant changes attitude, becomes human, happy ending. This movie is old and hysterical. David Spade-meh, John Goodman-always a fan, Patrick Warburton-stole the show like Ellen in Finding Nemo, this guy has the most unique and fantastic voice.

Hancock- Superhero is a mess, bored and alone. Everyone hates him because he's a drunk and a hooligan. Changes and finds reason to be a good guy, realized he's not alone and becomes the really good guy at the end. Interesting story, LAME special effects.

Time flies when you are watching a movie, especially a cartoon, throw in a disney flick jump on the treadmill and be amazed!!

Jeff is still studying for the bar all day, every day. He writes it at the end of feb so it's crunch time. The countdown to cali is on, I can't wait to get back there and get some sun!

Year End Review

2010-01-03T17:01:00.015-06:00

I'm trying to wrap up the loose ends from last year and start this new blogging year fresh!! So here are a chunk of pics and a few details!! Jeff had his 29th birthday in November and he woke up to balloons and gifts. We went out and saw Where the Wild Things Are, came home. Had some tasty dinner and birthday cake!

This is what happens when you bake a birthday cake and realize your icing can isn't working.... you turn to the next best thing. Chocolate syrup!! Had to eat it fast... it's runny!!

For a reason that I cannot understand, Call of Duty, a game all about killing people, is very relaxing to law school students.. meh!!

Jeff and I came out to Utah for Thanksgiving and were able to see Shannon in Aida. It was a play based on a Romeo & Juliet type story set back in the time of Cleopatra. The lead female parts were pretty phenomenal for high schoolers!

We coincidentally ended up in Utah the wkd before Thanksgiving which also happened to be the wkd BYU played Air Force.... that was quite a game!

Danil, a friend from Jeffs mission in Russia, got baptised and decided he would like to serve a mission. He is originally from Uzbekistan and therefore he is the first missionary from Uzbekistan ever. We were able to meet up with him at the Provo temple to do baptisms of family names he had brought. It was great for Jeff and Danil to see eachother after so many years.

Outside the Provo Temple, we were there at 7:30 AM to do baptisms and it was very full!

Afterwards we took Danil to some medical appointments and then out to brunch at the Village Inn since it was his p-day and he has a few "special rules"!!

Then back to the MTC.

The Christmas Tree at the MTC with all the country flags!

Jeff, Matt and Brad at the Jazz game!

Jeff and I at the game!

Grandma and Great Grandma with Deacon at Tepanyaki.

Shannon's dance group performed at the Festival of Trees and this tree was one of my favs!!

I volunteered to help out with a fi eld trip for Patti's school. The 5th graders went up to Junior Achievement City to act like grown ups for a day. There was a tiny city built at the Gateway Mall in SLC and each student had a specific job with different companies. CEO's, CFO's, etc. I was in charge of monitoring the JA Restaurant. I had 3 cute little kids working there and it was a lot of fun.

For some odd reason I took my camera all the way up to Canada for Christmas and came back with 1 picture......... We had such a great time up there. It was busy from the second we got there after some pretty rough road conditions. We were able to go to the Cardston Temple as a whole family and do baptisms for about 80 family names. We had such a nice time just hanging out with famliy. It's been a year since we had seen everyone. We had lots of fun family dinners, and activities on Christmas Eve. Too bad genius here forgot to take pics :( We took family pics up there so maybe I'll post some of those a little later. Here's the one pic I got with Parks!!!
Happy 2010, here's hoping I'll stay focused on blogging our adventures!!

On the road again......

2009-11-18T21:01:00.002-06:00

2 1/2 short months ago Jeff and I made the 19 hr drive from Utah to Minneapolis, through Wyoming, South Dakota and Mount Rushmore! Tomorrow we are going back, through Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Why, you ask? Jeff will be finishing law school in December and it is safer to drive through Wyoming in mid-nov rather than snowy, icy, cold december as we will be in the Camaro!! Wish us luck and sanity. See you soon......

These are the days of our lives....

2009-11-08T17:01:00.009-06:00

When Jeff and I were in Utah at the end of August Mary Jane had our wedding photographer Gina come over and take some family photos... We took the photos in their yard, which is absolutely beautiful and it was a lot of fun. Here's a sneak peak!

This was our sassy photo, can you feel the sass?!

Just the girls! Love these girls!

Here are a few of Jeff and I. Oh and on this note... Jeff and I had our one year anniversary in September and we could not believe how fast it came. Jeff planned for us to get up nice and early and go out to the St. Paul Temple to help take out the summer flowers and plant the winter flowers on the Temple grounds. It was a lot of fun and Jeff and I had our own little plot to work on. Jeff had planned on cleaning up in the chapel on the Temple grounds and going into the Temple once we finished, unfortunately they were also working on the inside. It was such an amazing feeling to work on the temple grounds and set the perfect mood for our day. We've loved every single second of being married and are excited to celebrate the next anniversary!

Here's a little of what we've been up to since we got back to Minnesota.... Jeff went back to Utah! Jeff flew out to go see Pearl Jam play in his home town for the very first time. Jeff went to the concert with his mom, brothers Matt and Brad, and Matt's friend Jaspy. They had such a good time, and while he was away I found some fabulous material and made some curtains!!

My mom came to visit and we were very excited for her to come out! She suprised us in Utah and we were more than happy to have her in Minneapolis. We went to the Sculpture Gardens to see the one and only "Cherry on a Spoon", this was really the only thing worth seeing! It was a little chilly but I have wanted to see this thing since we moved here!

We went over to the Guthrie to see the place where Jeff and I got engaged and also to see the endless bridge... My mom got a picture of the endless bridge and I have one of the "Yellow Room", it took about 30 seconds for our eyes to adjust to this.

Since we tortured Jeff's mom with the Law School tour, we decided it would only be fair to do the same to my mom!! This is a picture of Jeffs office at the Law School, he has his name on the wall and everything! The pros of being a 3L!

And finally we took my mom to her very first Baseball game, which also happened to be a historic one. It was the Twins vs. Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS. The Twins had to win or they were finished. Also if they didn't win it would be the last game EVER in the Metrodome since they now have a new outdoor stadium. The game got interesting and then terrible. The twins lost, but it was packed we were there with good friends and had a good time!

My mom was here for a few days after the baseball game, however our car broke down and the weather turned horrible so we stayed in and I didn't take any pics. She was here for Canadian Thanksgiving so we picked up a small turkey and made a small feast which was delicious. Jeff got one good thing out of me being Candian.. we will celebrate 2 thanksgivings a year! On her last day, we did in-home pedicures and watched "Sabrina" (the old one with Audrey Hepburn), and had quite a blast! Thanks for coming mom!! See you at Christmas.

Coming up on Just the 2 of Us.. Jeff's birthday and Jeff & Jess drive back across the midwest to move to Utah.

Real Life is Calling with Photos

2009-09-11T14:10:00.007-05:00

Jeff and I decided to get away for the last wkd in July and jumped on a plane out to Utah for the 24th. This is Ben, we went to Sea World out in San Diego with him when he was much smaller than this. He found this sign at the parade in Spanish Fork and would not put it down, he wanted to take it back to California. The weather was perfect and we had some great family time.

Jeff got comf in the cousins pool with all the noodles he could find. I did not participate in the activities unfortunately, and those of you with thick impossible hair will understand/sympathize!

We got out on Strawberry Lake in the Fishin Boat. I can call it a fishing boat because the boys caught 4 fish. Jeff and Matt just chillin, waitin for the fishin to begin.

Justin Regus and his cousin came out to Minneapolis to see a Twins game in the Dome before they switch to their outdoor stadium. They showed up at 1 am Saturday night and left after the game on Sunday!! Quick Trip.

We headed back to Utah the last week of August for some end of summer relaxation and to pick up the Camaro! Jeff and I had to run some errands the day after we got there and before we walked out the door Mary Jane asked me to be back around 3ish since Shannon had a birthday party to go to and maybe I could help her with her hair. I said I would love to and we ran out. We got back and I walked in and Shannon came running over and stopped me, opened the fridge, and said "Look what just came for you". It was a HUGE Galaxy chocolate bar that my mom had picked up for me when she was in England. This chocolate is to DIE FOR. Honestly. I got a sneaky suspicion and I walked over to the chair in the living room and my MOM was sitting right there. She had driven down that morning to surprise us. WHAT A SURPRISE. We hadn't seen my mom since January. I said to Jeff on the plane ride out that I wouldn't be surprised if my mom showed up, and she did, I was so happy AND surprised. We had a great weekend and we were too distracted to take any pictures. Sorry!! We took one in the driveway as she was leaving with her camera! I am so blessed to have married into a family that accepted not only me, but my family as well when we got married. The whole plan was hatched by Mary Jane and my mom. It was so nice to see my mom and hard to see her leave. She is coming out here in October, which we are looking forward to! Finally someone else to do the cookin!!

Just kidding mom!

We headed out to the driving range with the gang, and although I may not be a golfer, this is a pretty sweet setup. Gotta love those mountains!

And we got a RAINBOW!

Our first MLS soccer game with Boz, his wife and their DARLING little girl! Real Salt Lake won, it was good times for all!!(Quick side note on my T-Shirt..... My brothers all went out to Vegas for the UFC fight between Georges St. Pierre and Thiago Alves and being the fabulous brothers they are, they bought me a shirt. After Georges St. Pierre DESTROYED Alves there were only 2 shirts like mine left and they were selling them for $1000. Steve's wife, Amanda, said "Sell it for $500" and Steve said "Nope, this is Jessica's shirt.". I feel quite special now... however if Jeff and I get in a pinch, we may have to sell it :( !!!!!! )

After the forever drive through Wyoming and South Dakota we stepped out to stretch our legs and found ourselves at Mount Rusmore!!!! (Not as big as I was expecting!!)

Jeff showing love for the Utes!! haha
Back in Minn, they were having the FAMOUS state fair. We found a stand that were giving away free re-usable grocery bags if you take a picture with either a standard saying or with your own statement. We decided to participate and this is the outcome!!

If you can't read it, Jeff's says "I promise to bring my own bag becacuse..otherwise the terrorists win", mine says "...it matches my shopping outfit", and our buddy Ross' says "in Soviet Russia, bag carries you". Jeff started

Jeff started school on the 8th and it is his LAST SEMESTER!!!! Back to Real Life now, and hopefully I won't be such a blogging slacker.

Kansas City Surprise

2009-07-01T20:43:00.019-05:00

This was in the planning stages for awhile and Jeff and I were very excited about it. Jeffs younger brother Brad, served his mission in Independence, MO and a majority of that mission was spent in the Kansis City area. Brad planned a trip back there for June and Ma and Pa Tuttle were joining him along w/ Aunt Marie, Patty and Grandma Tuttle. Brad took a look at a map and realized that MO and MN are separated by the small state of Iowa, and called us to coordinate the surprise. Jeff and I drove down to Kansas City on Thursday in our NEW CAR…….. for the wkd, yup we rented, a nice little KIA Spectra. It was a cool and slightly long drive as Iowa is bigger than, and not as entertaining as, we thought. We planned to meet up with everyone at the Smokehouse BBQ , and Jeff and I pulled into KC a little earlier than we thought so we hung out in a gas station trying to keep things under wrap and that’s where we first heard….. Michael Jackson had a heart attack and no one knew what was going on. I was shocked and then devastated when they confirmed he had died. But that’s not what this post is about, so anyways. After the fam had settled into the restaurant, Jeff and I walked in and when Jeff came around the corner he said “You guys are eating here too?!” and Mary Jane and Lynn were beyond shocked!! The thought of us meeting up with them in KC had never crossed their minds, and it felt good to have a successful surprise as I am usually too excited to keep the surprise a surprise!!! After some tasty BBQ we went to the Sprint Center for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert which was to say the least, AMAZING. They sang a wide variety of songs but Jeff and I were the most excited for “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, and “Come Come Ye Saints.”
On Friday we hit the road running and stopped by one of the MILLION fireworks stands to take a peak. Jeff found some fireworks labeled “Yo Momma”, and Brad found a giant wheel of firecrackers, and then we stopped for some quick Haagen Dazs bars. We started our Church History tour at the Far West Temple Site, which is beautiful. Then we headed out to Adam-Ohndi-Ahman and stopped by the Far West Bookstore to take a look and escape the humidity. I found a cookbook titled “Faster, I’m Starving”, which I nearly purchased for just the title! After Adam-Ohndi-Ahman, which was pretty incredible, we headed out to Haun's Mill. The strangest thing about Haun's Mill is that there is absolutely no sign that there was ever a settlement there. We stopped at the cemetery where John Whitmer is buried. We went into Richmond to see the Courthouse, Pioneer Cemetary and the cemetery with David Whitmer and Bob Ford (“The Man who shot Jesse James, which has nothing to do with church history). On the way back we stopped at a roadside Malt Stand and then crashed for the night.

Saturday was not as busy. We went out to Liberty Jail first. And then stopped at THE Arthur Bryants BBQ for some quick lunch. The line was insane and the food was intense. So tasty. After lunch we went out to the Independence Visitors Center which was such a special place. That night we went out to have dinner with a family Brad met from his mission. Right before dinner the boys had some shotgun practice which I participated in and did horribly… Oh well there’s always next time. We ended the night with ice cream and donuts back at the hotel.

Sunday we drove back to Minneapolis, and the rest of the gang went out to Nauvoo. We stopped in Des Moines to watch the soccer game, which ended not in our favor, but that’s another story. It was such a FABULOUS trip. But before this little post ends I will explain humidity to those of you who have never been in a humid area. Heat in the summer feels like a blowdryer in your face, Heat & Humidity feel like hot water is being sprayed in your face…. Or like you are sitting in a hot tub in ALL of your clothes. It’s not fabulous and Jeff and I are definitely non-humid people!!

I love to laugh

2009-05-17T17:32:00.003-05:00

.... which I did yesterday, after I got off the bus!
First let me go back in time~(that swirly thing is how to go back in time, check your computer manual!) Anyways incase you don't know Jeff and I are living out here in Minneapolis without a car. Being an extremely independent person this is very hard for me, I once took my own car separately on a road trip so I would have the freedom to do what I wanted and not burden anyone with driving me around. Get the point. Anyways the metro system around here is fabulous and there are a bunch of "high frequency" routes which means every 10 mins and you can get anywhere (except church...I'm shocked) Everything was going fine and then one day there was a guy sitting across from me, lets call him guy A. Well another guy came and sat down next to him, he will be known as Guy B. So Guy A starts chatting away with Guy B. Guy A was dishing all sorts of personal details, how he just moved, where he moved... how he couldn't figure out how to move his furniture etc. I think nothing of it and then Guy B gets up to leave and Guy A says "It was really nice to meet you". So that was a little odd, sharing some personal info with a complete stranger. Guy B has his head turned a little bit and starts saying random things about every 3 mins, things like "I went and had my plasma taken today...", "No they didn't give me treats but I got 40$...", "What are you doing tonight...", "No baby, it's ok for you to take that shift, I have to be out of the house by 5 am anyways..", "Man I'm hungry, what do you think they serve at Porky's.." Again thinking nothing of it because he must have his earpiece attached, UNTIL he turns his head and there is NOTHING. No phone, no earpiece, no... I don't even know what else he could've used.
A few days later, again on the bus, there was an old lady sitting across from me, she looked harmless enough, until she started talking smack to the INVISIBLE person sitting infront of me!! She went on and on... and on, and man she was furious with this invisible person.

Now for the reason of this post.. Yesterday I got on the bus and after sitting for a while I heard some music playing, and sometimes you can hear music through peoples earphones but this was quite a bit louder. So I look around and see this guy sitting with his laptop open, his itunes application running, and his music blaring. He was rocking out hard.. Who needs an ipod when you can use your laptop like a boombox. And sure enough when he got up to leave, he hoisted his laptop onto his shoulder like an actual boombox and rocked on off of the bus. I held my chuckles until I got off the bus, but I had a huge grin for the rest of the ride.

The moral of the story is that Jeff and I have a verbal agreement that I will ride the bus for a maximum of ONE year, because I am scared that one day I may become the laptop booming, smack talking, hair smelling busrider that I witness on a daily basis!!

Eye candy!

2009-05-09T14:35:00.013-05:00

Here are some pics from April to keep you updated on what we look like!! haha Up first is the winning team from the Charity Basketball Tournament that Jeff participated in with some other 2nd year law students! Then a few pics of the Easter Scones that I slaved away on... they were tasty and yes that silver can is my rolling pin!! Jeff and I were given a DC puzzle for christmas which was alot of fun to put together. This one is Jeff getting ready for the Twins game.... and this one is our $4 dollar date night at the Twins game, college students get some great deals out here! And finally Jeff was an official counter for the "Law School Hot Dog Eating Contest"!! It was interesting and horrible at the same time! That's all for now folks!

FINALLY!

2009-05-04T20:15:00.002-05:00

My work visa came through about 2 weeks ago and we were more than done with waiting for that thing. I start my new job on Wednesday at Dr. Landreau's office. I am the "Treatment Scheduling Coordinator". Dr. Landreau specializes in perio and implants. No more scrubs for me. For this job I get to wear a suit!!! That's right a suit and fabulous heels. My high heel obsession is not going to go to waste.
Jeff is in finals week now, I can't believe he will be finished his 2nd year in less than 2 weeks.
That's it for now, I just wanted to share my good news with you!

Spring Break

2009-04-09T13:00:00.045-05:00

Here's some details of our spring break. Jeffs' younger brother Brad picked us up at the airport and after 2 years I think it's safe to say that Jeff was pretty excited! We left for Sun Valley Saturday morning for a family getaway! Sunday was my birthday and we started off the day at the Sun Valley ward; it was such a great meeting. Afterwards we went for brunch at the Lodge and it was... FABULOUS! They had chefs to make crepes.. or scrambled eggs, there was fresh fruit, deviled eggs..and dessert. Delicious. The weather was perfect so we went out for some ice skating.They have a hot tub the size of a large pool so we chilled there often! Monday was all about the mountain. The weather was odd at the bottom and horrid at the top. It was a long but really fun day. I got to work in my new snowboard and my new helmet. Which I recommend all of you get. Even if you don't fall it keeps your head a million times warmer than a toque... or beanie! Tuesday I called up my girl Kristen and we went to the Jazz game for a belated birthday party! Friday we went up to the cabin for some snowmobiling, the last time we went it was my first time and I wasn't very brave... but this time I went all the way to the top of the mountain. It was BEAUTIFUL, the weather was great and it felt like time stopped. We stopped by Grandma Tuttle's and I had to get a picture of her GINORMOUS tv remote. We really didn't want to leave. We love hanging with family and weather in Utah is much more favorable than Minneapolis.

Fargo, ND

2009-03-26T19:31:00.003-05:00

There are a million things to love about Jeff, and one of those million is his desire to serve. Jeff just left at 7 pm to drive 4 hrs to Fargo, ND to help prepare for the Flood.
ABC news says "Forecasters predict the Red River's waters will crest at 41 feet by early Saturday, exceeding record levels set in 1997."
Jeff is swamped with school work right now and is anxiously preparing for his finals. He had a basketball game tonight and a wife at home to spend time with and he is going down there to work through the night and into the morning. The flood is steadily rising, however they have dropping temperatures and a blizzard coming down on them as they try to prepare. It is a very scary situation and I am very proud of my husband and the men in our ward for going down there to do their best. Please send your prayers out to Fargo.

Somewhere Warm

2009-03-12T23:18:00.002-05:00

Well...... warmer than Minneapolis. Jeff and I are flying to Utah tomorrow for spring break!! YAY. The biggest reason we are going is to see Brad, who came home from his mission Feb 20. The next reason is because everyone should go somewhere warm for spring break....! I am so excited to go. I love spending time with my in-laws.. and I'll get to celebrate my birthday while we're there. Peace!

Our family cheers for the JAZZ!

2009-03-02T14:04:00.037-06:00

What a week for the Jazz!! They were in town this week playing the Timberwolves.. and we went to the game. Wednesday is "college day" which means you can buy a nose-bleed $20 dollar ticket for only 10$ oh yeah!!.. wait there's more, the first 100 people that go to the college table with their tickets get upgraded to the lower level. We were some of the first ones to upgrade so we got some pretty decent seats. However since the timberwolves don't have any "real" fans (no offense to anyone who might like them) there were plenty of open seats and we moved much closer for the whole game!! We were there exceptionally early and Jeff got the chance to meet the Utah announcers Bolerjack and Boone. He wanted to clear his name after that whole ref shirt/fake whistle thing. So he explained who he was.. and they were quite excited to meet him!! He got a casual pic with them as well. Just in case the 10$ tickets don't bring in the fans they offer $1 dollar hot dogs on Wednesdays as well! The night was right in our price range!! And the hot dogs were pretty good too! We met up with Justin & Jessica a couple from our ward who are from utah as well and had alot of fun at the game together. I was so happy to be the ones cheering at the end of the game since the Jazz took the game 120-103!! We were walking back to get the bus home and we passed the Jazz bus and decided to wait and see what would happen... and what do you know we got to meet some of the Jazz boys!!!!

Here's Okur looking slightly confused with his chinese food-

and here's Kirilenko with his very white beanie-

Oh ya and Jeff spoke to Kirilenko in russian.... I'll never know what they said :(

We ended that night on a very high note since Liverpool also won at Real Madrid earlier!! We watched the game down at Brit's Pub with Gerry ( Jeffs Mentee.. it's a word I PROMISE) and Mark..two very funny exchange students from Ireland!!

On thursday a CRAZY snowstorm caught us by suprise... all the schools INCLUDING the University got closed. So Jeff came home early and then left for poker night with the boys. I missed out on our sewing group because of the weather so that bummed me out. Hopefully that was the last storm of the year.

Saturday night we played Ticket to Ride with Eugene while we listened to the Jazz/Kings game which they won 102-89. Sunday night we listened to the Jazz/Warriors game while Jeff studied. The Jazz also won that game 112-104!! Go Jazz.

We got a package from my mom this week and the Canadian Chocolate Chips(chocolate isn't the same down here), apple cider, and homemade banana bread is much appreciated!!!

Dreaming of Sunnier Days

2009-02-24T15:13:00.078-06:00

I'll get the sports out of the way first this time! Liverpool drew to Man City at home..............AT HOME. It was a painful game, they were playing strong in the first half and then stopped trying until they were scored on and realized they were screwed unless they scored. After they tied it up they had several hurtful misses and didn't manage to take the lead. It ended up 1-1. The Jazz have won their last 5 games. The last 2 have been very exciting. They beat the Hornets 102-88 on Saturday only a day after Larry Miller passed away due to Type 2 Diabetes. Such a good win for them, Deron Williams gave the game ball to Larry's wife after. Last night they beat the Hawks 108-89. The Jazz were on fire, dunking all over the place. Matt Harpring almost threw down with Josh Smith after a flagrant foul. Smith got ejected and Harpring came back with a season-high scoring quarter. The Jazz are coming to Minneapolis tomorrow night so hopefully we'll go! We LOVE the Jazz.It's not unknown that Jeff and I want to move back to California.. but just incase you needed convincing. With inches of snow on the ground I decided it was a good idea to wear open-toed shoes to church, hello frostbite, and if it wasn't for Jeff I would probably leave the house without a coat... EVERYTIME. The sun plays tricks on me. I need warmth SOON.

Also, Jeff has come down with what I call "sushi-fest". He is craving Sushi ALL the time. Being in Minneapolis the availability/price of sushi is not in our favor. So the other night Jeff said "I would like you to learn how to make sushi". Random... but as soon as I get myself a bamboo mat and some tasty fresh fish, I'll get right on that!!

Finally, I would like to introduce you to one of my many fantastic christmas presents... The Perfect Shirt Folder!!

Step 1:Lay out on a flat surface....

Step 2: Place shirt face down....

Step 3: Fold in flap A....

Step 4: Put back A, fold in flap B....

Step 5: Put back B, fold in A...

Step 6: Put back A, and fold up bottom....

Step 7: PERFECT SHIRT FOLDED!! (like at the stores!!)

That's all for now... MUCH LOVE!!!

Back to Normal

2009-02-15T19:25:00.013-06:00

I guess I'll start with Valentines Day. Picture this.. your husband grasps your chin ever so gently, looks deep into your eyes and in a romantic voice says "Honey.... how would you like to come to the Law School with me and get a bunch of work done?!" Being married to a law student, that kind of stuff is to be expected. It wasn't as bad as it sounds, we had alot of fun and got a bunch done. Later that night we went to the Village Wok for dinner.... Jeff and I LOVE Chinese food. We finished off the evening with the ever romantic film.. "The Godfather: Part II". That shouldn't suprise any of you that know me!! This all may have sounded very sarcastic but I honestly loved every second. Jeff and I have so much fun together, it doesn't matter if we're enjoying a sunset dinner on a private beach, or watching the Back to the Future trilogy in our cozy little apartment.

Jeffs schedule this semester is going to kick his trash, he bit off a little more than he could chew!! He's a soldier so he'll come out alive at the end! I got called to teach the sunbeam primary class at church!! That is the 3 yr olds in case you don't know. Yes,THREE. They are all fantastic, but the only appropriate word for it is INTERESTING.... Good and not so Good. Stay tuned for stories!

Jeff and I watched "Taken" with our buddy Rob, and DUDE!!!!!!!! If you haven't seen it, GO. Liam Neeson is a STUD.

Jeff has started up his "Inaugural Online Fifa League", involved this time we have the San Francisco boys: Paul & Wilson, the Los Angeles boys : Nick & Josh, the Utah boys: Matt, Jaspy & Mark... and Jeff here in Minneapolis. The teams were drawn at random and Jeff is playing with Inter Milan. Jeff doesn't pin himself as the favorite, but he's hoping to find that extra gear come playoff time. And although the game cheats every once in a while, he likes his chances! Everyone is playing hard & fighting for a spot in the playoffs. I enjoy the friendly bickering.... and especially the look on Jeffs face when he is playing! However, the late night texts with only one word...."Fifa"...... I don't enjoy so much!!

We're a little short on sports these days.. only one at the moment. Soccer. Liverpool is hanging on by a thread at the top of the league.. but their 3-2 win over portsmouth was beautiful. USA beat Mexico 2-0 which is quite helpful in getting them to the World Cup. This was for you Goodman!

7 INCHES

2009-02-05T13:57:00.004-06:00

This morning.
This afternoon. 7 Inches of Freedom....... 7 Inches Lighter..... 7 Inches more Shampoo at the end of the month.... & 7 Inches Less to Dry.Don't get me wrong.. I LOVED my long hair. It needed to get cleaned up for a fresh start.. here we go!!

I Tag ALL of You!!

2009-01-31T14:54:00.025-06:00

So Jeff and I have been watching alot of "Inside the Actors Studio" lately.. and at the very end of the show they do a mini questionnare. It's not your run of the mill questions, that's why I love them. Super short, super fun!Here Goes!!!

What word do you love? RANDOM

What word do you hate? PECULIAR

What sound do you love? JEFFS LAUGH

What sound do you hate? BAD LAUGHS, and WIND(that's for all you southern albertans!!)

What turns you on? CONFIDENCE

What turns you off? OVER-CONFIDENCE

What profession other than yours would you like to try? MAGAZINE EDITOR

What profession would you not like to try? BUSDRIVER

What would you like to hear God say at the Pearly Gates? I MISSED YOU

They also ask "What is your favorite curse word" but I left that one out. Your turn now.... please do it! Hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little bit more.

A Christmas Story... and then some!

2009-01-23T13:11:00.099-06:00

What a break!!! At 5ish AM, Friday Dec 19th, Jeff and I walked out in the snow dragging our suitcases behind us on our way to the airport. And one month later Sunday Jan 18th, at 10 PMish, Jeff and I walked back out in the snow dragging our suitcases behind us to go home!! Here's what happened between then and now:) The first thing on the agenda was dinner at Tepanyaki. It was so much fun to be with everyone and it's always a blast watching how they make the food. Christmas Eve Jeff and I drove up to Mt. Timpanogos with Gus had a little stroll down memory lane and then headed home for a family dinner and then out to Spanish Fork to take candles out to the cemetary. The wind kept blowing out the candles so we drove out to the Festival of Lights. Christmas was so much fun, naturally I woke up at 2:30 and couldn't get back to sleep... and my wonderful husband slept til the very last SECOND, literally. It was such a fun and relaxing day. On Boxing Day, yes I said it... Boxing Day, also known as December 26th Jeff and I went to the Jazz vs Mavs game with his two brothers. It was quite the game which the Jazz won!! On the 29th the whole family (including little Deacon) went to the Jazz vs 76ers game, which they also won!! The next day Jeff and I drove up to Montana to see my family for New Years. On New Years Eve we went skiing, it was snowing pretty hard but it was a great day on the hill, and Mike and I had .a nice long chat in the day lodge.We barely made it to midnight, with the driving and the day on the hill, but we made it... Happy New Year. The rest of the week was pretty relaxing, we hung out in the condo, played games, watched football, and hot tubbed in our very own hottub!!!! I got crazy sick the very last day so that kinda sucked but it was such a fun trip and so nice to see everyone!!We drove back to utah on Sunday and then on the 5th Jeff and I went to the Jazz vs. Warriors game with his friends Eric and Jared. We got there late because of the snowstorm and Jeff got some serious face time on the San Fran Network because they thought he blew an illegal whistle, (he was wearing a footlocker ref jersey) Cory Maguette came over and started yelling at Jeff and we didn't have the slightest clue what was going on. It was very entertaining.... oh ya the Jazz won that as well! I got sick again :( So Jeff went to the Jazz vs. Hornets game on the 7th without me, hence no pic!! We spent that wkd over with Matt & Kathryn and played a bunch of games on the Wii! Monday night we went to our last game.. the Jazz vs. Pacers with Mary Jane and Lynn...we love Jazz games!! My girl Leslee was there with Chance and so we met up at half time and ran into Thurl Bailey!! Oh ya and the Jazz won that game too. The next day we went with Mary Jane to the Provo Temple where Jeffs grandma works, and we were able to do a session with her. It was such a great experience! Wednesday night we had dinner with Leslee and Chance and watched the Jazz vs. Thunder game, which unfortunately they lost, those away games really suck. Thursday night we went out to dinner with Marie, Patti and Grandma Tuttle to a small little Mexican place. Friday we drove up to Strawberry, parked the car and picked up the snowmobiles!!! My very first time snowmobiling and I drove my own.The very first thing we did was drive across the lake, yes I was terrified... But it was beautiful and so fun. We drove the snowmobiles up to their cabin, got into the cabin; started to warm it up, then went back out for a bit. That night we watched "The Long Hot Summer", which was the complete opposite of our situation, but a great film!! And then Saturday morning we went out with a bunch of Lynns' friends who came up for the day. I got stuck once, and tipped the snowmobile twice.. so we decided to head back!!! I had so much fun playing around in the snow and being up at the cabin!! Saturday night we had a Birthday Memorial Celebration for Jeffs' Grandpa Tuttle's 90th. It was beautiful and so nice to learn so much about him. At church on Sunday, Shannon sang "Come thou fount of every blessing", and I accompanied her in sacrament meeting. It was her first time singing alone in church and she did such an amazing job. And then ever so emotionally, we got dropped off at the airport. Just like that our holiday was over. We loved every minute of it, and it ended a little too early! This post was a little long... sorry I am just trying to get caught up! WHAT A TRIP!!!!!

Elder BAINES

2008-12-14T21:24:00.033-06:00

My younger brother Mike has been serving a mission in Australia and he got home on FRIDAY!! He's gonna hate me for putting this pic up but it's one of my many favs. Of course I look fabulous, so I'm not worried!! This is what happens when you are born in the 80's. I wasn't able to be there when Mike got home, which I was pretty upset about, but he wasn't at my wedding so I think we're even..... um, right. He flew into Calgary and was supposed to have a flight to Lethbridge but they cancelled that because of the storm so my family drove up to get him. So instead of all of the family waiting outside the sliding doors, they found Mike sitting against the wall in his Australian hat!! This year I am spending Christmas with my fabulous in-laws so I won't get to see Mike until New Years. We've talked on the phone but I can't wait to see him. I've missed that little punk!

2 years ago I flew out to Utah from LA to meet up with my Mom and Mike for the big day. This was the day before he went into the MTC outside of the Provo temple(which is basically right across the street from the MTC, nothing wrong with a little teaser). He stood on the lower step so I'd look taller! What a great brother.

This was the big day!!! The MTC is a crazy experience. The meeting was so great and right before the closing prayer someone stood up and said "Right after the closing prayer the missionaries will go out to the right and the families will go out to the left". I swear it was the fastest prayer I've ever heard!! It was so hard to say goodbye, but I'm so proud of him for going... and now he's HOME! Side note, we walked out to the car and as soon as we were inside my Mom pulled a huge box of chocolate out and said "I'm sad, do you want some chocolate?"!!! Gotta love my mom.

After church today I made a chocolate nativity, which turned out sort of decent. One of our hometeachers brought us a little gift which had 2 Christmas oranges in it :) Thank you... So now I've had my first of many Christmas oranges and it was DEELISH!! Here is the nativity.....

And to end the post.. my favorite Christmas decoration! MERRY CHRISTMAS

Thanksgiving is full of suprises!!

2008-12-03T14:29:00.023-06:00

Early Thursday morning we headed over to Eugene's house so that I could start the cookfest and Jeff could study "cough cough" play Fifa!! Getting the turkey prepped and in the oven was the easy part, the last hour when everything is on the stove or in the microwave is when the performance anxiety hits!! I personally think it was a fantastic meal. When you mix newlyweds and bachelor law students you find yourself using anything and everything so don't judge the photo!!

And here's the money shot....

Yes here's my turkey. We had a full meal, tasty dessert, and some friendly Fifa. It was a pretty fabulous Thanksgiving!

Our weekend was pretty quiet, as always Jeff is being engulfed with his studies. Sunday night my brother Chris called me and started asking a bunch of random questions, it was really loud so I asked him where he was, and he told me he was at Matt's watching the Skins game. Which turned out to be a lie.... he showed up Monday morning at my apartment!! Chris and Mike Briggs came into town for the Bears/Vikings game and that's where he was when he called. We went down to Brits Pub and watched the Liverpool game, which was thoroughly disappointing so we headed to the mall for some retail therapy!! I wish. We did go to the mall but no shopping was done. Their flight was that night, so it was a short visit but great!

It was so fun to see him, it got me very excited for the holidays!!

P.S Unfortunately there are no sports to report on seeing as how everyone played so poorly over the weekend :(

Wish me LUCK!

2008-11-24T09:46:00.024-06:00

Ben Bryner... I had heard this name countless times over the years that Jeff and I dated. He became quite infamous as a result. Stories of his crazy hair, his absolute ridiculous smarts, and how he managed to survive Jeff AND Russia. Anyways those were my thoughts as I was waiting for him to park his car and walk in the door with Jeff. He is attending Med school and was here to do interviews for the residence program. So Monday he came into town and I sat quietly in the corner as the boys talked...and talked... and TALKED. Tuesday night I joined in on the fun and we all played Phase 10. He had to take off early Wednesday for more interviews in Indianapolis. It was alot of fun having him in town and finally meeting the infamous. So to clear some things up.. his hair wasn't crazy (probably for the interviews), the only person that is smarter than him is his wife, and I still don't know how they all survived Russia.
Over the weekend we played a new kareoke game that Rob just bought, where you can plug your ipod into it and sing any song that you have. Which was a ton of fun!! We finished the night with a little Tropic Thunder which is a GREAT movie.
A few winners, a few losers this week. The Jazz beat the Grizzlies 103-94. The Skins hurt the Seahawks 20-17. Liverpool tied 0-0 with Fulham which I only consider a win because Chelski and Man U drew as well. The Rams lost to the Bears yadda yadda. Byu didn't want to win on Saturday which is unfortunate because they had so many chances. They played hard, just not hard enough.
Now, the reason for my blog title. Thursday is Thanksgiving, Jeff and I are staying here for the weekend and a few other lonely students are sticking around as well. So I have decided to cook a full thanksgiving meal for those homesick men. I'm not building Caesars Palace but I am going to cook a full turkey and all the extras by myself so please Wish Me Luck!!

To blog or not to blog...

2008-11-16T18:54:00.029-06:00

Things have quieted down at the Tuttle household a bit. Jeff is slowly being eaten alive by one of the many law papers he is writing, but we are still finding some time. This weekend The Wizard of Oz was on tv, and if any of you know Jeff or his family you'll know that we were cemented to the couch.

"You cursed brat! Look what you've done! I'm melting! melting! Oh, what a world! What a world! Who would have thought a good little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness? Oooooh, look out! I'm going! Oooooh! Ooooooh! "

Like I said things have quieted down.. but we'll always have sports!! Hmm where do I start.... I get quite depressed writing about when the teams lose, so this week I'm sticking with the winners!! Oh the Cougs, they beat Air Force yesterday 38-24. The countdown is ON ladies and gentlemen. BYU @ UTAH, Nov 22, Lets get ready to RUMBLE!! Liverpool smacked Bolton with a 2-0 game yesterday, which we were unable to watch since it was on at 6 am our time and more importantly not on any of our channels. Torres is back but hasn't been able to find the net, no worries in this household. Jeff and I play alot of Fifa Soccer and we know what he can do!

Jeff has a mission buddy coming into town tomorrow for a few days so that should add a little excitement to my next post! Oh and just incase any of you are looking for a little bonding with a significant other Jeff and I highly recommend the Indiana Jones LEGO Playstation game! We rented the game and defeated it before we had to return it... we were a little addicted to say the least. I know what all of you are thinking but the second you kill your first bad guy and watch him explode into multiple lego pieces you will be hooked.

Til next time... Keep Fit and Have Fun!

TAG.... I'm it!

2008-11-07T12:02:00.028-06:00

Here I go.... please enjoy!

8 Things I'm passionate about:
1) my husband
2) doing the right things
3) friends
4) my family
5)reading
6)cooking
7)holidays
8)shoes!

8 "words" or "phrases" I say way too often:
1)random
2)i would love that
3)no way
4)what should we eat
5)i don't know what to do with my hair
6)what time does the bus come
7)oh ya
8)what's the plan stan

8 Things I want to do before I die:
1)raise a family and watch them raise families
2)go on a mission with Jeff
3)learn a new language
4)build my dream home
5)go back to school
6)sky dive
7)take my family to England, Russia, and Israel
8)finish my christmas puzzle...haha just kidding, but it is really hard.

8 Things I have learned from my past:
1) be proud of who and whose you are
2)tithing is a blessing
3)my family are my friends and my friends are my family
4)inside jokes are the best medicine
5)everybody hurts sometimes
6)do what you can while you can
7)pictures are priceless
8)walk it off

8 Places I would love to see:
1)Hawaii
2)Russia
3)Israel
4)Nauvoo
5)Africa
6)Cayman Islands
7)Ireland
8)Paris

8 Things I currently need or want:
1)a job
2)new shoes
3)to lay on a beach
4)to finish my christmas puzzle.. yes i know i put it twice!
5)to see my little brother
6) cheesewiz
7)christmas sweaters
8)to see a good movie

8 people I tag:
1)Alyssa
2)Ashlee
3)Leslee
4)Amy
5)Kristen
6)Jenna
7)Trish
8)anybody who feels the need to let me know more about them!!!

Spontaneity

2008-11-06T13:05:00.016-06:00

Spontaneity: my mother-in-law buying a plane ticket on Friday to come visit us on Saturday! So it began..... We took her for a walk around campus, which I know it seems that's the only thing we do but, I love it EVERY time. The buildings are all brick and so beautiful. We walked over into Dinkytown, across the 10th St. bridge to see the 35W which was recently finished. Then back home to put together our Canada puzzle, and watch the Jazz/Clippers game which ended nicely in our favor 101-79. Sunday we had a fabulous family dinner and then played a little phase ten! Monday Jeff went to school and Mary Jane and I went..... shopping! A little Target and then off to the Mall of America. We had such a fun day bonding and shopping, the two go together quite nicely!

We all went out that night to Ruth's Chris for Jeff's birthday dinner. Wow, an amazing meal... and an even better dessert.

Tuesday we met Jeff for lunch, and then sadly I had to take Mary Jane to the airport. We all had such a great weekend together. I can't wait to fly out to Utah in December for a whole month!

These are the fabulous mugs Mary Jane got Jeff and I for a house warming gift. She is such a doll!

Jeff in his birthday glory. Wednesday was my baby's birthday!!! I love birthdays and I love giving gifts, my problem is I usually can't hang on to them long enough for them to open them on the actual day. I made it this year, yay for me!! I planned a little suprise party for Jeff which was a ton of fun. We had cake, nachos, and pretzels. I made home made soft pretzels. REAL soft pretzels, the kind that you get at games, and carnivals. Here's the greatest part. I did it without a bosch, or any of the fancy machines that were invented to take the elbow grease out of the process. Hand mixed, hand kneaded, hand rolled, hand baked! And they were quite tasty!

Here's a pic to show my mom I'm telling the truth!!

Halloween & Sports

2008-11-04T16:56:00.024-06:00

I love halloween! I had tons of ideas this year but failed to pull the trigger. So the day before halloween we went out shopping and I picked up a fun "Little Bo Peep" costume, mainly just the wig and a shepherds crook. Jeff and Rob found some nifty wigs and went as Bret & Jemaine from Flight of the Concords, which they had been plotting for some time! We started our evening with some Rock Band 2 over at Robs which was a blast. Then we headed over to Jeffs buddy Adams place for a party. There was a bunch of people, some pretty cool costumes and candy, halloween isn't halloween without candy! We came home pretty early and looked for scary movies on TV. NOTHING..... Absolutely nothing, quite depressing. So Jeff and I decided that we were tired enough, and just because it was halloween it didn't mean we HAD to stay up. So we hit the sack. Yes that's right: early to bed; early to rise, makes a man (& woman) healthy, wealthy and wise!!

Here's some of the costumes that night!

Eugene.. costume needs no description!!!

Chris aka Indiana Jones, Eugene aka present, Ross aka Wade Boggs, and

Jeff aka Bret Mckenzie

Me aka Little Bo Peep, Adam aka Bob Ross, and Ross aka Wade Boggs

Joe aka Tobias Funke and Jeff aka Bret McKenzie

Oh ya, then Jeff and I switched wigs, instead of Little Bo Peep and Bret Mckenzie, it's Liza Minelli and Joe Dirt!!

Ladies and Gentlemen lets tune in now for the sports report....... What in the world is going on with our teams?? First of all Jeff and I headed down to Brits pub on Wednesday to watch the Liverpool/Portsmouth match which started out quite disappointing. Bouba Diop should've been red-carded, and Kuyt was INCHES off every shot. Finally in the 75' Liverpool got a much needed penalty kick. Gerrards' rocket shot nearly took off the goalies head, but it gave us one up and we held that to finish off 1-0. A win is a win, but with Chelsea putting in atleast 3 per game and Man U not even celebrating when they score, since it's no shock to them how good they are, we need to step it up! Unfortunately Rafa didn't take my advice and we lost to Tottenham on saturday morning 2-1, the freaking bottom of the league team. Come on you Reds.

Byu came out on top of Colorado State 45-42, which tells us 2 things. The offense keeps us in the game while the defense just wants to go home. I love the Cougs but our defense needs to beat some heads into the ground. Sadly my friends the Rams lost to the Cardinals and the Redskins lost to the Steelers.... like I said what's happening to our teams :(

I hate thinking up titles.... ideas?

2008-10-27T21:18:00.004-05:00

Well it's monday night, Jeff is sitting at our little table studying while we watch the Phillies and the Rays in game 5 and it is POURING RAIN at the game. So here's a little update.Sports anyone.... BYU played UNLV and came out with a win by the hairs on their chinny chin chins. Where's the fire from the start of the season...lets go Cougars! Sadly the Patriots ended the Rams 2-game winning streak:( such a shame to get my husbands hopes up. The Redskins beat the Lions at home, which shouldn't be a suprise to anyone.... it's the LIONS. And Finally the MOST important of it all. Liverpool shattered Chelsea's 86 home-field winning streak, AND they did it without Torres. This is the year, this IS the team.
Friday night Jeffs buddy Rob came over with Sing Star (a very interesting kareoke type game), a crazy fun off road racing game, and we ended the night with Casino Royale on blu-ray which is phenomenal... the blu-ray that is, the movie is pretty sweet also.
Saturday I wanted to go pick up pumpkins so that we could carve them for our family night activity, so Jeff and I waited for the bus. We waited, and waited, and waited. Which is odd because it is supposed to run every 10 minutes. Jeff made an executive decision and we nixed the pumpkins and went for a walk through campus. I love all the fall colors and it was a nice brisk day, we had a good walk and good laughs.
And now another episode of Jess & Jeffs CRAZY Sundays!! We got a ride with a new couple this week and Jeff was tripping out the whole way there because the guy driving looked identical to his buddy Dustin Maas from Boise, and then he took his sunglasses off and not so much. We slipped in a few minutes late and snagged the only open bench, which happened to be the one right next to the air vent, and wouldn't you know the AIR CONDITIONING was on. Air Conditioning at the end of October in Minneapolis, why.....? To make things interesting Jeff decided he was going to stare down the 3 yr old sitting two rows in front of us. Oh did I mention the kid has a lazy eye. Since law school is breaking my husband, he decided to prove to himself he still had it. Poor kid, never saw it coming. Remember when I mentioned the nice fall brisk day.... well on the way to sunday school we looked out the doors and it was SNOWING. No more brisk days, we will simply wait for the cold to overtake.
Today I applied for a job with the Univeristy Dental School, working with the students doing alot of stuff but most importantly assisting with surgeries, which I love. I am REALLY excited, and I hope I get it. We live SO close to campus and Jeff & my schedules would be the same.

BOO

2008-10-21T16:14:00.004-05:00

Spooks-
by Sandra Liatsos
There's a goblin at my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There's a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween.

These are a few of the halloween decoratoins that I got at the dollar store and put up in our little apartment. It's no House on Haunted Hill but it'll do for now!!

Another week in our world

2008-10-20T14:00:00.003-05:00

So once again we'll start with our sports highlights! Thursday night the Red Sox came back from a 7 - 0 deficit to win game 5 to continue the race for the ALCS. Which helped to cheer Jeff up after Byu lost to TCU. Saturday morning we went downtown to Brits Pub to watch the Liverpool game. Kuyt scored some clutch goals and they won 3-2! The Red Sox won again 4-2 to take it to game 7. Sunday was bittersweet just like Thursday. The Rams defeated the Cowboys, wait spellcheck that. Actually I spelled it right, the RAMS defeated the COWBOYS 34-14. The Skins beat the Browns!! And then to end the night the Red Sox lost to the Rays 3-1. So many sports.... so little time.

On a much brighter note I got the pictures from our wedding photographer!! So I will post those as soon as possible.

I picked up some halloween decorations at the dollar store that I'm thrilled about, and it was fun putting them up. So now I'm almost ready for halloween.. I just need a costume, any ideas?

Sunday was one month since we got married.... Can you believe it. It is has been so great!!! Jeff says it feels like we've been married his whole life, which is either an exaggeration or his way of saying "My life was not complete without you"haha! I'll decide.

We had another adventurous Sunday. Their is no bus route to get directly to our church so the missionaries found a couple that would pick us up. We were so grateful, they are so nice and their little boy calls me banessa?! Our ward is about 80% young families, which means babies, babies, and more babies! Jeff and I are very old school so when the kid behind us starting singing Old Macdonald a little louder than necessary while simultaneously laying under our bench pushing the bottom up with his feet I took matters into my own hands. Don't worry, I leaned down and "politely" told the kid to stop, which I think the mom took as a sign to get things under control. One of the speakers was Jeffs' cousin Carins' old roommate from BYU. So Sacrament was loud, Sunday School was "interesting" and by that I mean one of the guys asked for the teachers cell phone number to make a metaphor for the lesson, wait what, ya I know. Anyways to finish it all Jeff was waiting for me when relief society finally ended, it was great but everyone knows it goes a little overtime. Like I said another adventurous Sunday!!!

Here's a teaser!!!

It's Fall!!!!

2008-10-12T18:03:00.005-05:00

I want to keep this as updated as possible, but I apologize to everyone in advance for any lack of exciting adventures. Law School and a very specific assignment are slowly swallowing my husband.. but we have Soccer, Football, and Playoff Baseball for bonding time! Quick sports updates for any and all. Liverpool beat Man City, thank heaven for TORRES!!!! The Red Sox defeated the Angels and are now at 1-1 with The Rays in the ALCS. The Cougars are 6 - 0 after they defeated New Mexico and their horrible new logo. And now for the story of the week. A few months ago my brothers won the "Chris Cooley Beard Competition". Their prize......... tickets to ANY home game of their choice under one condition: they have to hang out with him after the game at his house. So my brothers thought long and hard about which weekend would work for their schedules, which weekend they thought the Redskins would definitely win, and which game would make my husband the most jealous. Yes, they chose this weekend vs the 0 - 4 Rams. They flew to Washington on Friday to be in the crowd for the easy win! To start the game off the Rams fumbled the ball on their own 3 yard line, which led to and early lead for the Skins. The Rams came back with a field goal to prove that they were only there to watch another team play football. 17-16 with 3 seconds left for the Skins. The Rams made a ridiculous last second field goal to win the game. Not such an easy win afterall. So I have a very happy Jeff, and I'm hoping my brothers enjoy their time with Chris Cooley and bring me a souvenier.

Jeff and I are getting prepared for Fifa 09!! His buddies have the '08 game and I must say I'm quite the little striker, thanks to Jeff and Torres! My team is Liverpool, however Jeff insists we mix it up a bit and play with other teams. To no ones suprise I play harder when I'm team Liverpool. Jeff is our all-around player and does much more of the work to get the wins.
This morning Jeff and I got ready and I must say we were looking pretty amazing. What did we get ready for you ask? We got ready to ride the bus for 3 1/2 hours. Yes 3 1/2. We spent the first half of that on the way to church, then we got to the church at 1ish-talked to the missionaries and realized that even though I checked the website for the time it actually started at 11 and was infact less than 30 minutes from ending, thus spending the last half on the way home. So I curled my hair, and Jeff put on a tie to ride the bus. Better luck next week! It was such a beautiful day outside and I'm glad that we were able to get out. The leaves are changing, the air is a little crisp and it smells like fall.
It's thanksgiving in Canada this weekend, so I just want to say how Thankful I am for everyone and everything. I have an amazing husband, great family, great friends and a great life!!!

Central Time???

2008-10-04T18:06:00.003-05:00

A little weekend update. Going from Mountain Time to Central Time is NOT a big deal, we're not waking up in the middle of the night craving roast beef, and we're not dozing off on the bus. However staying up past 1:30 just to finish a baseball game seems a little ridiculous! We've had a great weekend so far. Last saturday we shopped all day. Which was a buzz kill for Jeff, and yes I enjoyed every minute of it. Last night we had a little sports party, and by party I mean we watched sports ALL NIGHT. It was well worth it however, The Rays beat the White Sox which is only important because Jeff says "It makes a good story", The Sox beat the Angels after the pitchers almost gave the game away, good ol Papelbon saved the day!! And YES, the COUGARS defeated the Aggies... Jeffs a happy boy to say the least. I do love sports but what made my day was a belated wedding present that Jeff gave me last night, He gave me a necklace with a heart pendant that has our names engraved in it and our birth stones in the middle, it is so beautiful. I love my husband!! We both got excited this morning when President Monson announced that there are 5 temples going up, One being in Calgary AB and the other going up in Kansas City, which is in Brad's mission! Anyways I have managed to dig up 2 wedding photos so I'll add those for now.....oh and PS we will be watching sports all night again. Good thing I had 4 brothers to encourage me to like sports!!

It's ALL Happening

2008-10-01T15:21:00.004-05:00

WOW. What a whirlwind. Our wedding weekend was so much fun. Thank you to everyone who came out, we are so grateful. We had the most perfect day and it was because we were able to share it with so many we love! I have decided to start a blog for us since we are now far away from everyone and will be for a while. This is to keep everyone updated and informed on our new marriage adventures. For those of you who don't know, Jeff has been living in Minneapolis for the past year attending the University of Minnesota Law School. He was living in Dinkytown which he loved but there wasn't room for 2 in his place so we've moved! We are living in a great area close to all of the stadiums and the school. Our place is tiny, but has potential. I am so excited to enjoy Minneapolis and have some great experiences. I don't have any wedding pics yet, but here's a few to start this off!!

The first is from the BYU vs WYOMING game we went to the DAY AFTER our wedding... Yes I know, but I agreed to it! The next was Saturday night trying to get the presents open before we took off early Sunday. And the last is while we were waiting in the Denver Airport, this sums up how we felt after the weekend!!!! We enjoyed every minute but needed an intense nap!!!