Valentine's Day

 We typically don't do much for Valentine's Day. It usually consists of either dinner out, a movie, a nice dinner at home or a redbox. We usually exchange a small gift and cards and that's about it! It's perfect for us though. 

Brock had a business trip to Wisconsin that put him out of town over Valentine's Day this year so we celebrated valentine's Day early. I made Brock a nice candlelit dinner at home (we had all the lights on because it was too dark to see with just the candles...hahah) and then we went to the Hot Springs to soak. It was super relaxed and just our style.

 

 

 

Brock surprised my while he was gone by having some beautiful flowers delivered. ( I don't get flowers very often so it was a nice surprise) There is something about having someone bring flowers to my doorstep that makes me giddy! I love it and I loooove fresh flowers:0)

My favorite flowers are Lilly's, Gerber Daisies and Roses and this bouquet is a beautiful arrangement of all of those flowers.
It was soooo sweet of him to do that!
XOXOXO

One of My Favorite Things is...

....THAT OUR TOWN IS ULTRA DOG FRIENDLY

When we first moved here I used to laugh about the dog population around. EVERYONE seemed to have not just A dog but two HUGE dogs. It was so insane to my brain that I used to count how many people I came across that had two huge dogs....adventually I lost count. 

Obviously I am a dog person and I love the critters big or small. For my personal life I prefer the small dog because they are cleaner and easier to take care of (in my opinion).

There are so many dog friendly features in our town that it kinda cracks me up. I decided to put together some of my favorite examples to blog about. 

1.  Many check out counters have FREE treats for you take home to your dog. (not your kids) I've seen these at most hardware stores, my bank and Taco Time. (just to name a few).
2. There is an ALL NATURAL pet store in town.
3. In one of the public parks there is a doggie drinking fountain hooked to the bottom of the human drinking fountain. 
4. You can find "Dogs Welcome" signs hanging in many business windows.
5. People don't do a double take if you walk into their shop with your pet. 
6. I was barked at by a Golden Retriever in BOARDERS once.
7. My Chiropractor was playing fetch with her Yellow Lab while we were visiting about my spine.
8. They have a Doggie Day Care that will transport your pet by bus and take them on "Outings".
9. Businesses downtown will put a water dish outside their stores for your pets to quench their thirst.
10. They have poop bags everywhere to pick up after your pet...and if you don't...you will get the STARE DOWN by onlookers. 

My Bank

This is a pretty normal thing to see in stores and no... that man was not blind.

Here's my proof about the Day Care Bus

"THIS IS MONTANA... OF COURSE WE PUT BEER IN OUR CANDY"

 -This is my new favorite Montana quote that I heard on a candy store commercial. It cracks me up so I thought I'd add it to my post. Don't worry, I do not partake of their candy!

Karl Malone critical of current Jazz players - ksl.com

Karl Malone critical of current Jazz players - ksl.com

Today is a SAD DAY in Jazz Nation

WOW, my last post is ironically sad. Today Jerry Sloan resigned from the Utah Jazz. Brock and I are in complete shock and are quite saddened by it. I think there is some fishy business going on because Jerry would NEVER just leave mid-season and take Phil Johnson with him. Larry H would be horribly upset by the chain of events that the Jazz Administration has allowed over the last month. Larry and Jerry had a mutual respect and loyalty to each other. Larry would have never treated Jerry in a manor that would "push" Jerry to walk.  I admire Jerry's courage and self-respect that he has to resign on his own terms for himself & his family.
Jazz Nation is going to dramatically change and you can kiss this season goodbye! I'm totally heartbroken that Jerry didn't get his proper send off into retirement that he deserves. I guess the moral of the story is .... never pour your entire heart, soul and life into something somebody else can selfishly change in a flash.
Thanks Jerry for being an example of loyalty, hard work and dedication to a team that in the end back handed you. The fans (me) love you and think you are the best NBA coach ever.

JAZZ FANS EVERYWHERE ARE SHEDDING ATHLETIC TEARS TONIGHT:(


Here is a link to Coach Sloan's formal resignation & other related videos:
(grab a supply of Kleenex tissues)
Jerry Sloan resigns as Jazz head coach - ksl.com

Phil came to the Jazz with Jerry & decided to leave with him too.

Jerry passing the torch to Ty Corbin

Jerry & John Stockton

THIS IS THE JERRY SLOAN THAT I LOVE....

Entering the Hall of Fame with John Stockton

OLD SCHOOL...

We will miss you Jerry....enjoy retirement!

4 The LOVE of The GAME

Okay, the reason why I have this blog is to help our family and friends keep an eye on us and to act as a personal history/scrapbook.

I believe that this following post is very much an important part of our history.

Here's some important information about me:

1. My very most favorite sport to watch and play is basketball. I love the intensity and skill of a well played basketball game. I have been playing around with the game since I was in Elementary School. My great pal Jenna H. taught me the basics when I was little. She lived across the street and she would give me "lessons" every week. (she was 2 years younger than me and really talented ...hahah) Most girls were playing with Barbies and Dolls, but Jenna and I would spend hours in the summer and winter tossing around the basketball. Anyway, my love for the game is ingrained into my soul and I love it. I wish I could gloat about my own personal b-ball talent but I can't because I'm really not that great...I know, LAME. However, I still enjoy a shoot around any day:)

2. Luckily, Brock and I share this common interest. I'm really glad that I married someone who enjoys playing and watching basketball. Brock is super talented with the game and we have fun tossing the ball around together. 

3. I am obsessed with the Utah Jazz and have been since I was a tike. Most girls would have "teenie-bopper" posters in their rooms but I had Jazz paraphernalia plastered to my walls. I was in love with the Jazz during their run for the title. I had a super HUGE crush on Bryon Russell....but who didn't? My friends around the neighborhood and I would get together and watch the Jazz games. During the 1997-1998 playoffs we had huge Jazz rallies and parties outside watching the games. (if you are interested in the roster for that year click here).

My top 5 classic favorites:
#1 B-Russ

 #2 Jeff Hornecek

#3 John Stockton

#4 Karl Malone ( Back in the day he would have ranked higher on my favorite list but his choice to join the Lakers has eternally tainted him in my book).

#5 Antoine Carr=Big Dog

I am happy to report that I am still just as "Jazzed" about the Jazz as I was then! Brock and I watch as many games as we can during the season, it makes winter interesting for us.
 (When I met Brock he was a "downer" about the Jazz, which I don't blame him because that was around the time of the Malone betrayal. He finally came around and joined my obsession).

4. The Jazz have once again put together an awesome team and over the last few years they have done really awesome. Thank heavens for Deron Williams, he is so talented and really fun to watch. Our "feathers" were a little ruffled this year to see the many changes come to our team. We lost Boozer, Korver and Matthews during the summer. It turns out I haven't missed Boozer or Korver one bit. In fact I almost think Boozer was a disease to the team last year and Korver was super spotty and a little light on defense for my taste. (although Boozer is an amazing player and Korver's shot is smooth). However, my heart aches over  Wes Matthews still (not as much as it did when we blind sided Ronnie Brewer with his trade last year). He was our un-drafted player that came in and rocked Utah off their socks. He was a good guy and a great baller. He is now playing for the Trailblazers and is doing awesome for them. I'm still a fan and enjoy watching him, I think he's going to be a BIG deal. 
Anyhooo, here are my more recent favorites:

#1 C.J Miles is my favorite because he comes off the bench with pure energy and skill. He is blowing people out of the water left and right this season. He is a HUGE  piece of the Jazz pie!

#2 Deron Williams- All Star, 'nuf said.

#3 Paul Millsap is Brock's #1 pick. Brock has loved Millsap since we signed him and has always seen his potential. Because of Millsap we haven't even skipped a beat or noticed that Booz is gone:)
                                                       

#4 Ronnie Price = AMAZING! ( I couldn't choose between these 2 pics so I put both on).

 #5 Ronnie Brewer- even though he doesn't play for the Jazz anymore, he was still one of my favorites when he did. 

So there it is, now you can either judge or applaud my dedication to the sport and a team. I get teased a lot for being so "obsessed" with the Jazz but hey...I'd rather be watching the jazz than spending a day at the spa time doing many other things.

February has been REALLY cold...so far!

Although winter can be very cold and sometimes GLOOMY, I sure think it can also be very PRETTY!

The sunrises and sunsets on our mountains can be amazing here in the winter!

Happy February:)

In Good Company

Last weekend we had some company for the first time in a reaaaaally long time! Brock's Dad sells Log Homes for Satterwhite Log Homes and he came up for the Bozeman Home show and brought Brock's mom and brother along.
It was so good to spend time with them here in our "neck of the woods". Saturday Sherry and I did a lot of fun shopping and got some great grabs. The boys spent most of the day at the Home Show and watching basketball. We went to dinner at Famous Dave's (one of Brett's favorite places) and ate a ton of yummy food.
We were really bummed when it was time for them to go, the weekend went waaay too fast! I didn't take many pictures while they were here because my camera is continually decreasing in quality and is sooo frustrating to use. Here are a few that I did take.

Me and Sherry

Brett

Brett & Trevor

Sherry had a Birthday while they were here so we made her a yummy cake!

x Country Skiing

Since Brock and I moved to the winter sports mecca in 2007, we've decided to try to be more active in winter sports. We've done a little cross country skiing in the past but have always wanted to get more into it. Our good friend found us a great deal on some used skis, poles and boots that we couldn't pass up. Now we officially have our own gear and can explore more of the mountains this winter season.

We took our new skis out for a spin yesterday up Hyalite Canyon. It was a beautiful day in the canyon and a lot of fun. (it was a slow start with a couple stumbles and dealing with frozen puppies).

2011 Happy New Year!

~HAPPY NEW YEAR~

2011

Yay, it's always exciting to welcome in the New Year and also a little sad to see the previous one pass. We are looking forward to 2011 in our house and anticipate much good and a whole lot of fun. 

Here's a recap of some of our favorite HIGHLIGHTS for 2010

BROCK'S

#1. NEW JOB (one of Kim's favorites too)

- ADDING A DRIFT BOAT TO HIS LIFE (FINALLY)

- CATCHING A 7.5LB RAINBOW ON HENRY'S

- CRUISING IN OUR NEW JET BOAT (NEW TO US)

- SPENDING A WEEK IN CANCUN*

- KILLING A HUGE WHITETAIL DEER

- SHOOTING HIS FIRST ANTELOPE

- BEAR LAKE

- BEARS IN YELLOWSTONE

- GETTING OUR DOGS FIXED (I had to edit what Brock really said, it's just bad taste to say certain words).

KIM'S

- FINALLY EARNING MY TROPICAL TRIP (CANCUN)*

- MAKING OUR 1st JOURNEY TO FRAZIER LAKE

- CATCHING THE FIRST GRAYLING FOR BOTH US;)

- COOKING MY FIRST TURKEY

- NO MAJOR YARD TASKS- JUST ENJOYED IT THIS YEAR!

- BRAD PAISLEY CONCERT

- UTAH JAZZ...'NUF SAID

- FIRST CHRISTMAS AT HOME

- USING MY OWN SNOWBOARD ON THE MOUNTAIN

- KITCHEN AID

Our celebrations for the New Year this year was a lot of fun and reaaally cold. Brock and I headed up to Big Sky Resort for their fireworks and we ate dinner up there too. When we got to the resort on top of the mountain it was -18* and who wants to stand and watch fireworks in that kind of cold? Not us. So we found a close parking spot and enjoyed the fireworks from the comfort of our heated truck. We also had a yummy dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants in Big Sky, the Corral. Yum! It was a super fun way to spend ringing in the New Year together!

For New Year's Day we just did chores around the house and yard. Nothing too exciting but it was a much needed work day. We also had some friends over for New Years dinner, so that was fun.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

WE HOPE YOUR WILDEST DREAMS COME TRUE THIS YEAR!

Christmas 2010

Here's a recap of our Christmas Celebrations at HOME....

On the 22nd we went to see Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Ellen Theatre downtown. It was soooo good, it really made me feel the Christmas spirit! I love going to the Ellen, it's such a pretty and quaint theatre. (thanks for the tip Kirsten, it was so fun).

Christmas Eve

Both Brock and I had Christmas Eve off of work so we were able to spend the day together. We got to sleep in for the first time in a really loooong time so we were both happy about that! After some last minute shopping, baking and delivering neighbor gifts we went and saw a matinee. When we got home we had a big yummy dinner and watched some church videos. We also exchanged our Christmas Eve gifts. Brock bought me some sweet Jazz pants and I gave Brock Home Alone! It was a great way to kick off Christmas.

I'm obsessed with my new pj's, they are sooo comfy.

Christmas Day

It was really nice to be home for both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve this year. We are usually at one of our parents or traveling somewhere. It took a lot of extra stress off the season and a lot more money in our pockets to just be home.  

Both Brock and I had a few surprises up our sleeves for each other this year. I surprised Brock with a Scope for his riffle, a Trail Camera, Skyline Chili and a few other odds and ends. Brock surprised me with a Kitchen Aid, a sweet Jacket, a new Hairdryer and I also had some really sweet surprises in my stocking.

This is a jacket that I have wanted for a long time for snowboarding. It is going to be a life-changing piece of attire for my day on the mountain!

 Santa even left our puppies some treats in their stockings. Even Brutus and Booger hat treat overload on Christmas!

....HERE IT IS....the appliance that has finally made me a REAL "grown-up"...my new Kitchen Aid. You know those things in you life that you buy and you realize, "hey, I'm an adult"? For Brock it was his Truck and for me it's been my desire to own an appliance that mixes stuff. 8-10 years ago I would have considered this a SUPER LAME gift but I've been dreaming this now for a good solid year. I'm sooo happy, what should I mix?

 Brock's Skyline Chili

(eat your heart out Matt)

Skyline Chili is a Cinci Delicacy and Brock fell in love with it on his mission. He often craves the stuff but since we don't live in Ohio, his cravings go un-quenched.  So I surprised him with a box of the chili for Christmas. It's not the cheapest thing to buy and ship so it is like liquid gold(with chunks) at our house right now. YUM

Here's the damage....

 The saga of the Everlasting Hair Dryer....

When Brock and I were getting married, my mom bought me a new hair dryer because I needed a diffuser for my curls. Anyway, I've had the same blasted hair dryer ever since (almost 8 years). The silly thing NEVER quits. (If you are in the market for a long lasting dryer go with Vidal Sasoon). Because it still turns on I have REFUSED to get a new dryer. I have felt like it was not a necessity because it still functions and I could not justify replacing it. Although, I would frequently window shop for one and dream of the day that mine would die. It has been annoying to Brock that I haven't bought a new one, especially for the last couple years that it's been missing the main switch. He has called it a hazard and has said that he's surprised it hasn't caught my hair one fire or electrocuted me. The diffuser no longer snaps on so I have to hold it on and I'm always burning my hand and fingers. It's beaten, scratched and and missing pieces but it has served me well. It has had a long term relationship with my hair and now it's time to throw out the old and bring in the new.

  Here's my new dryer, isn't it flashy and pretty? Also, you don't have to hold the diffuser on-it snaps into place! Ya' know when you get a new windshield and you realize how bad your last windshield was? Well,  it's the same with new hair dryers!

 Christmas Brunch

 I made our traditional Dutch Babies for breakfast and I used my new gift!

They look so pretty right when it comes out of the oven but it shrinks down really quickly.

We had a super Christmas together and with our friends and family. It's always fun to buy each other gifts but Brock and I know that the reason we have CHRISTMAS is to celebrate the birth of the Savior. Our greatest gift is the love that Jesus Christ has for us. We hope and pray that we can become more like him everyday and learn from his example. To learn more about Jesus Christ click HERE