Because YOU love me.....

........You can VOTE for me!

You're so lucky :)

I was chosen to be in the running to receive a grant with Team REFUEL, the elite athlete and fitness enthusiast team who drinks chocolate milk to refuel after a hard workout.

I drink chocolate milk after every intense workout and it has changed my life. Seriously. I believe in the science behind it all, and have felt it in my life. If you care to read more about my experience, read my story with chocolate milk!

So, if I get enough votes (because of all of you awesome people)....then I would be a part of the team and would win a grant ($$$) that would go toward my half Ironman race in 2012. 

You all are the bomb diggity!!!

Go HERE to vote. You can vote EVERY single day until January 15, 2012!!! (and it might even work in different browsers--that's like 4x/day. Just sayin')

You can either type my name into the box, or click "individuals" category to find me. I am in a backbend in the photo. Just click my picture to vote (see above shot)

And tell all your friends.

You guys ROCK. Happy voting for the next 3 weeks!

Happy HOLIDAYS!

Thanksgiving In UT

We had a fabulous week in UT visiting Jared's family for Thanksgiving! It went by so fast and was stuffed with activities, food, family, fun, and some rest :)

Ate some homemade cookies on the flight. (Recipe HERE)

Spent the day before T-day baking!! (I love doing this with all the women. SO fun!)

After a quick 6-mile run, we got to work and made the feast.

My contribution:

Recipe found (HERE)--used by all the women in my fam.

The table was fun and festive:

I love Thanksgiving! It all gives us time to slow down, really think about our many blessings, and spend time with family. I adore my in-law family and we all had a blast!

Crazy shenanigans at the table ensued:

After a filling and delicious dinner we all went on a walk:

I miss the mountains!! A lot.

Then planning for Black Friday began.

I am NOT a Black Friday shopper at ALL, but Jared's sister and bro-in-law were all about it. His parents went to. Crazy people.

I value my sleep too much.

Even over a good deal. Hah.

we ate pies too, but I was too busy eating ice cream to take pics

After T-Day we did crazy shopping (amazing deals!! I <3 DI in Centerville. It is awesomesauce), gathered tools and beads, and crafted.

My in-laws are all very creative, artsy, and really skilled in making anything from skirts to elaborate jewelry. 

I am NOT talented in those things at all, so when I get around these lovely ladies I soak it all up....and attempt my hand at it as well.

the earrings and necklace I made!! I MADE that. Well, I sort of did it, my SIL and MIL helped a lot!


My time spent doing these art crafts reminded me of how little I know about doing DIY projects....and that I like them IF I am in the mood. Hah. Usually I want to be running around, motivating people--so it is very unusual to find me quiet, in a chair, working on tiny beads. It definitely uses a different type of brain power and I must admit, can be oddly soothing!

During the later part of the week we ate turkey leftovers:

Visited my FAV restaurant:

my food on the left, Jared's on the right. Mine was huge! Just the way I like it.

Can YOU guess where it was??

Oh YAH.

On our last night we did one of my favorite things to do in SLC during the holidays : Visited the lights on Temple Square!

for Lara. Know what it says??! :)

Ahhh German. Love :)

They had paper lanterns all over with different holiday phrases in various languages. SO cool.

HAPPY Holidays!! I LOVE this time of year.

It was a fantastic getaway--thanks Perkins for hosting us!!

P.s. To get even more into the holiday season, watch/read some of what we listened to last night. I love focusing on the TRUE Christmas spirit.