the porch

Just in case you haven't heard...

2010-11-04T18:00:00.015-06:00

...we are having a baby!

We wanted to find out what we're having so to make it fun we had a bakery make us a surprise cake. The doctor sealed up the gender in an envelope and we took it straight to the bakery.

To keep it festive and secret, they frosted it pink and blue so we couldn't tell what color the inside was.

We decided to cut into it at the same time.

It's a BOY!

Approximately six months ago...

2009-11-19T21:53:00.012-07:00

we began our summer break with a trip to Moab. Spectacular! Utah just keeps luring me in. We got to go "Jeeping", tour the arches, and mountain bike. It was my first time mountain biking and it was awesome. Can't wait to go again.

Pondering life on a rock.

A view from the Jeep.

The classic, Delicate Arch.

Best of the nerds!

2009-05-05T10:18:00.000-06:00

I just finished the big, year long class called Mechatronics (combining mechanisms with electronics). The end goal is to build a completely autonomous robot (turn it on and it does it's thing without any further involvement) to preform some task. This years task was to navigate the aisles of a course, pick up specific crates, and deliver them to one of the home bases. Two of the crates give off infrared light, one has a magnet inside, you get point deductions for messing with the other crates, and two teams run at once so you have to avoid the other robot (no robot wars allowed). I'll spare you all the other details.
Suffice it to say that this was REALLY hard. We used motors, servos, a bunch of sensors, built circuits, designed lots of different mechanisms with strength analysis, made lots of SolidWorks drawings (CAD), and wrote SO MUCH CODE to run the dang thing. And in the end, we got first place. I'm so stoked on this. It's an amazing feeling to have all that hard work come to fruition. It feels especially good because we actually engineered this thing. By that I mean we didn't just make a ton of prototypes trying out different ideas. We actually did our math and came to solid conclusions before we spent money. Only a few things had to be changed after an initial prototype. The code is a real high point for me too. I spent a long time writing different algorithms for navigation and seeing the robot travel down the different aisles making decisions on the fly of where to go next was an awesome feeling. It was socially awkward nerd joy I think.

Here's a pic of the course to give you a visual.

ole, ole

2009-04-30T07:45:00.000-06:00

We went to our first Real game and I don't think there could have been a better game to commence our professional soccer watching career. The players rocked, the new stadium is awesome, and the company was entertaining. The weather was cold so hopefully the next time we go it will be an afternoon game where we can soak up some sun.

Notice Chad's scarf. I had no idea that he would end up waving it in the air singing out ole, ole, ole, ole, ole. Soccer is so much better when you are with enthusiasts!

yippee

2009-03-26T16:29:00.000-06:00

It just keeps getting closer.

*Update: We loved it! It was wicked awesome!

baltimore, rockville, district of columbia, and a few in between

2009-03-13T09:09:00.000-06:00

We flew in to Baltimore, stayed in Rockville, and walked all over DC. We drove back and forth, round and round, and to and from each city pretty much daily. There were bachelor and bachelorette parties to attend, dinners to go to, monuments to see and museums to visit all in four days. It was a great trip and celebration for Kevin and Lea's wedding and Josh's sealing and blessing. I am so glad that most everyone was able to make it and that we were able to be a part of such a wonderful time. I shamefully took no pictures of the bride and groom so you will have to check back here for the professional ones. Once I realized that there were about five or so nice big cameras and a video camera being used to capture the moment I put away our pitiful point and shoot. Here is the extent of what was on our camera.

The proud son and father of the groom. They are so handsome!

k3 and I looking lovely in front of the DC temple

Tomb of the unknown soldiers

Me in some sweet amphitheater next to the tomb of the unknown.

We can't wait to go back to see the things that we missed.

jumping on the band wagon

2009-03-11T10:07:00.000-06:00

K3 and I have been watching the gourmet cupcake frenzy grow for awhile now and decided to join in yesterday evening. We visited Mini's in SLC and wow, the chocolate cupcakes are heaven! Cupcakes have seriously turned into the dessert of the year (even the last couple years) and we are all for it.

(Picture from YHO)

reader beware

2009-02-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this book so much that I stayed up late (past midnight!) just to finish it. While I want to recommend this book to you, I also want to warn you that it is the first book in a series that has yet to be completed. I naively expected that I would turn the last page and be satisfied with a complete story and would be done with it. I believed I could just walk away but now I have found myself counting down the months before the next book is to be released. So, if you are like me and are willing to wait until the season of your favorite TV show is over before you begin watching it just so you can enjoy it all at once, you may want to wait until this series has been concluded before you pick up this book.

But, if you are the type that enjoys the agony of waiting for a story to continue then I am more than happy to let you borrow my copy of this book and anxiously wait with me. Let me know what you decide.

can you believe it?

2009-02-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

Someone put gum on our car! This is not its first gum experience either. I think someone has it out for us (or our car).

1001 rules

2009-02-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

I just saw this list of rules that this guy started for his unborn son and I love it!

Here are some of my favorites that I will be teaching my own kids someday

22. Girls like boys who shower.
43. Don't litter. Ever.
71. Don't spend too much money on a haircut. They don't last.
120. Spend time with your mother. She's cooler than you think.
187. Smile at pretty girls
321. When it comes to opening presents, no one likes a good guesser.

I don't know if I approve of this one but I know k3 would.
59. Socks are not necessary in the summer, no matter how formal the occasion.

smitten

2009-01-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

to

january 28, 2005 + 1461 days = bliss

a ray of hope

2009-01-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Why are there so many cool cars sold in Europe and Japan that never make it over here? I don't mean exotics, we get most of those and at this point in my life I couldn't care less. I'm thinking of things like the Ford Focus (British version), Fiesta, and Mazda 2. You know, cars that weren't designed from tank chassis.

Answer: 'Cause auto makers don't really care what Kenny likes and building/importing cars he thinks are cool would probably drive them out of business.

Well, seeing as they're already going out of business what's the difference? It seems Fiat might buy at least a portion of Chrysler which has me stoked for two reasons.

1. Alfas might be back!
Isn't a rule that you have to have owned an Alfa if you're into cars?

2. The Fiat 500.
The 500 is my everyday hero car. Italian auto's don't have much of a reliability reputation but I've loved this car since I first saw it and the new model has gotten really good reviews. The only damper on my fun would be the problem of fitting two Americans abreast in it. So, the chances of Fiat bringing over the 500 unmolested are slim but I'll keep hoping.

TED

2009-01-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

I've heard people mention TED over the last few years and they always talk about what an amazing conference it is.
I finally checked out some of the videos and I'm completely hooked. I just subscribed via iTunes. There's also an iPhone app that streams audio or video.

Here's a good one I watched the other day.

getting ready for 09'

2008-12-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

One of the projects I added to my lonely day. Find it here if you want to make your own for your desk. Maybe I should have colored it.

1 is the loneliest number

2008-12-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

I have the duty of working the whole day today so that there can be office coverage for the patrons that will be visiting/calling us. Bummer. This sacrifice means that I get to take Friday off. At least there is some sort of reward. I am filling my time with listening to Christmas music, cleaning my desk, internet surfing, and playing some games. I was even considering bringing in presents to wrap. Have a Merry Christmas!

subpoena

2008-11-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

I got my first subpoena today! I am kind of excited about it. I don't really know what I will have to say or do for it yet but I am excited to go to court. My job just keeps getting more and more interesting. I love it!

“a bald and often toothless breed”

2008-11-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

The hunt for the first pup continues... I just saw this on yahoo and could not help but feel sorry and laugh at this poor creature. The article I read describes this Peruvian dog as “a bald and often toothless breed.” EWWW.

ten things i cannot live without...

2008-10-28T11:20:00.000-06:00

Bailey tagged me a little bit ago but I figured I was still within a reasonable time to justify posting. I will be omitting people from this list and just focusing on the things in my life.

#1 Flat Iron: My hair is pretty unruly so a tool to smooth it out naturally becomes my best friend.

#2 Washing machine: This is the one thing that I really wanted when I got married. I have always loved freshly washed clothes, sheets and towels. It took me going to college and being broke before I ever used a towel more than once.

#3 Computer/Internet: My computer is my lifeline to the world. I hardly go a day with out using it.

#4 A good book: (I stole this idea from Bailey who apparently stole it from her friend) Although I have been in a reading slump I look forward to getting good book recommendations. If any of you need a good classic book to read, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of my favorites.

#5 Ice Cream: Yum!

#6 Face Lotion(with SPF15): Did you know that Utah is the second most arid state in the country and has sunny skies the majority of the year?

#7 Electric Blanket: This has already been on my bed for at least three weeks.

#8 Planner: I love making lists and having a planner lets me keep an ongoing check off list. Even if I don’t have anything written/scheduled on a day I just find joy in crossing off that the day is done so bring on the next.

#9 Cute Shoes: There is nothing like a pair of cute, new shoes to revive an old outfit.

#10 Watch: I have never been good at wearing a watch but K3 got me a pretty one for graduation and I never forget to wear it. It makes me feel all grown up.

I tag Ashlyn, Brittany, Nora, Josh, and Lauren F.

who needs the louvre...

2008-09-15T19:06:00.000-06:00

when we've got UMFA

.

We finally made it to see the Monet to Picasso exhibit. This was one of the famous favorites.

the small things in life

2008-09-13T19:33:00.000-06:00

While living in an urban setting such as SLC, the daily commute can become tiresome. K3 and I often refer to our specific commute across town as The Gauntlet. Obstacle after obstacle we struggle to make it through. The other day something incredible happened...

I made it through the gauntlet without hitting a single red light! It was a sweet, uninterrupted ride. Note the picture above to view the treacherous course.

*This amazing moment has only occurred once before to my knowledge. The other owner of this bragging right is my talented husband.

seafood feast

2008-09-05T21:52:00.000-06:00

K3 ready to eat and me dealing with the fact that I was about to eat shrimp with antenna and eyes. When chewing on the muscles I had to ignore the exposed innards but they were worth it. Take a closer look to get the full effect. I heart seattle

.

worst blogger ever

2008-07-23T10:35:00.000-06:00

I have determined that I am the worst blogger ever, especially since I have almost sunk to the bottom of Bailey's blog list (thanks Britt for keeping me afloat). Yet, I persist.

I was trying to find Nora’s resemblance in this picture but I think she got her good looks from her lovely mother.

Traditions

2008-06-05T20:56:00.000-06:00

Kenny and I have some how created a spring tradition of going to Vegas. It has become the perfect cheap vacation for us. We were able to visit April and Adam, stay at the Luxor, eat crepes, shop at H&M and relax after a long year of school.

That's it!

2008-05-08T06:41:00.000-06:00

My li'l lady earned her baccalaureate last week. Her college (the College of Health) had their convocation last Thursday and the school's commencement was Friday morning.
I'm really proud of Chelsea.

almost done

2008-04-20T14:57:00.000-06:00

Last weekend my practicum group finished our final project that we have been working on all year. The agency we have been working with helps abused women get back on their feet. While trying to figure out how we could best help these women we, with the agencies approval, decided on organizing an interactive health fair for them. We finally held the fair on the 12th and had a great turnout. There were about 14 different stations that provided various things like child ID kits, immunizations, smoking cessation, and body fat testing. We had wonderful volunteers, including k3's mom and sister, and lots of donations. I have loved planning the fair and could not have ended the semester feeling more proud and accomplished. My practicum group has been together for two years now and will finally be parting ways as we prepare to graduate. I am sad but cannot wait to be done!

'08 wrap up

2008-04-14T16:10:00.000-06:00

Before this season I hadn't ridden more than a few times a year since getting back from the mission and it's been amazing to really get back into it. I'm sad The Canyons had to close while there's still so much snow. We could be riding 'til July this year.

happy valentine's day

2008-02-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

These are the Valentines we gave out this year. The striped one is my favorite.

Homemade Marshmallows

2007-12-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

Every year the girls from K3's side of the family get together and have a baking and candy making day. There are some treats that we always make but this year I wanted to try something new. So, I decided to try making peppermint marshmallows. They turned out great except for the fact that I used peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract which made them four times as minty. If you eat one all by itself it tastes like a glob of toothpaste in your mouth, but if you put it in some cocoa it is delicious! So with that disclaimer I am still going to pass them out to co-workers and neighbors along with hot cocoa because they are too pretty to go to waste.

What were they listening to...

2007-12-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

when you were born?

chelsmi
August 21, 1984

k3
July 28, 1981

p.s. Don't forget to checkout the other countries and feel free to share your birthday songs with us.

The Best Ornament Ever

2007-12-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

This is by far my favorite ornament we own. Kenny was just the cutest little boy ever and I love the blue vest and plaid shirt combo.

New Job

2007-12-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well, kind of. It is my internship turned job. Now I will actually be getting paid a decent wage for what I have been doing for the last six months. Once I graduate I will become a full time employee and be placed over a different program from where I am now. I am so excited to be staying at the health department and tobacco prevention. These are pictures taken at a booth I manned at Recovery Day. There was a cute little girl there who really liked me so her mom let stay and help me give out prizes.

The Hipster Mullet

2007-10-11T09:35:00.001-06:00

Apparently this is "the new awesome" in Russia. Check out this post.

K3 and Chelsmi

2007-10-11T09:24:00.000-06:00

Just a pic of K3 and me at our friends wedding last weekend.

Zion National Park

2007-10-11T09:11:00.000-06:00

I went to Zion for the first time ever and was amazed at how beautiful it is. It was quite crowded but I still enjoyed it there. I went down with a group from school to conduct some research. Unfortunately our trip ended short because of all the rain they were having. Here is a pic of some of the people I went with.

Cute little Trenton

2007-09-30T22:08:00.000-06:00

I just thought this picture was too cute of Trenton so I figured I would share it.

Birthday Pictures

2007-09-30T21:29:00.000-06:00

Here are some birthday pictures from the last couple of months. Mine was in August and Hiram, Ashlyn and Karsten had theirs in September.

My friend Dana has the same birthday (same year even) as me so we have made it a tradition to celebrate together. This year we went out to breakfast with some other friends to Eggs In The City. It was delicious! We even got a free breakfast treat.

Pretty in Pink

2007-07-17T16:51:00.000-06:00

This is one of the best pranks I have ever seen! While out of town this guys apartment got redecorated.

Family Reunion 2007

2007-07-10T21:32:00.000-06:00

We had our first Downing family reunion this year and it was great to see everyone all together. While we were in Washington Kenny and I did a little sight seeing around Seattle and enjoyed the gorgeous weather they have been having. Here are some pictures from our trip.

Hiking up the Twin Falls trail.

Cute little Trenton resting on Ashlyn after the hike.

A mossy rock picture I took for Kenny because he missed the hike and has always dreamed of sleeping in a bed of moss. Wouldn't this make a nice pillow:) I was amazed by this tree just growing on top of a fallen tree. This is why I love the northwest.

Mom and Grace hanging out after the family talent show. Each kid had a different animal hat and they sang a couple of songs for us. I love the giraffe hat.

We made a necessary visit to my favorite hole in the wall burger joint. Dick's has been a family favorite since I was a little kid.

If you look closely at the tile next to Kenny's face you will notice my name written there. This is in the famous Pike Place Market on the floor right next to the also famous fish stand that throws fish to people.

Kenny at the gum wall outside Theatersports.
Picture 1 Kenny chewing gum.
Picture 2 Kenny placing his gum on the wall.
Don't worry he washed his hands after touching it:)

Lastly my favorite sight of all! Sage in a denim diaper. The dogs have to wear these around the house because they have been having potty problems. It was truly hilarious!

Farmers Market

2007-06-09T11:40:00.000-06:00

Welcome to summer! The Farmers Market opened today at Pioneer Park and as usual there were amazing vendors with there homemade goods and fresh produce. I just can't wait for the peaches to come around!

Early birthday present

2007-06-06T12:36:00.000-06:00

Since I work at Sundance I occasionally find some great and expensive things for bargain prices. This is the newest edition to my collection. I told Kenny that I wanted a bike for my birthday (which isn't till August) but when this little gem came into the store we decided we should snatch it up. It is the princess Sovereign by Pashley. Isn't she so beautiful!

World No Tobacco Day 2007

2007-05-31T19:35:00.001-06:00

Everyone take a breath of fresh air!

Welcome Eli

2007-05-20T16:10:00.000-06:00

Kenny's sister Amber had her baby early yesterday morning. His name is Eli Everett and he weighs 7lbs 11oz. We got to go visit him today and isn't he so cute!

Vegas Vacation

2007-05-19T23:33:00.001-06:00

Kenny and I decided that we needed a little vacation after our finals were over so we venture over to sin city to have a little fun. We didn't know if our poor car would be able to make the journey so we ended up renting one. It made the drive a lot nicer except that Kenny pulled up a little to close to a gas stall and bent up one of the hubcaps. But, being the mechanically mined person he is we ended up going to a dealership and buying and putting a new one on right in the parking lot. This saved us the trouble of having the car rental place over charge us for them to fix it.
While in Vegas we met up with our friends April and Adam who just got married in January and we had to check out there new condo. It was awesome! We had a great time soaking up the sun, shopping, eating good food and visiting the Bodies exhibit.

Internship!

2007-05-08T18:58:00.000-06:00

I had an interview for an internship with the Salt Lake Valley Health Department and I got it! I will be working with the Tobacco Prevention Program conducting tobacco cessation classes for court ordered teens. I will also participate in various activities that they assign me. I am very excited to finally get some hands on experience and hopefully I will be able to get a job as soon as I graduate.

that PBS thing

2007-05-07T18:17:00.000-06:00

I watched the first part of 'The Mormons', watching the second part now.
It's fine for the most part I guess. Lots of things stick out and bug but whatever.

I want to pick on one thing though. One guy is quoted 'not a single atom or particle of our bodies will be lost'. I'm not too keen on packing around all the skin I've sloughed off over the years but I guess if I have to... Am I reading too deep into this? ;) He just says it so unmetaphorically it's hard not to point out.

How's that Ben?

open for business

2007-05-05T08:41:00.000-06:00

Welcome to our new li'l site. Finals are over so I've finally had the time to fiddle around with this thing.