Another Birthday!

Sarah,

I'm really glad you were able to come up for your birthday. Since I don't get to see you very often, it was really nice. You're a great big sister and you've always been so strong. You're an example to everyone in the family, and I could never be as strong as you. Thank you. I love you!

RIP Cougars

Today was a sorrowful day as my Cougs got kicked, beaten, trodden upon, picked up, and then beat back down. Wow. I never realized how much of the game was determined by one man's mentality and strength. Max just didn't have it today. No, I'm not mad at you Max, but I hope you can get through all the hate mail you are going to be receiving after tonight's ultra-important performance. Just feel comfort in the fact that I will not send you any fake white powder in an envelope, or dead, rotten things in the mail.

Ok Utah, you now have a big job ahead of you . . .

Happy Birthday J!

Giiiiirrrrrrl, I miss you like a fat kid misses cake. I'll be there in just a few days though! Have a good one without me, I'm thinking of you and love you!

Happy Anniversary!

Mom and Dad,

What a great job you've done! You have a great family, and it's all because of you and the examples you've set for us. I tell a lot of people about how wonderful you are, and if I could be half as loving, successful, kind, humble, spiritual, or talented as either of you, I am SET FOR LIFE! Thank you for being the best parents anyone could ever even wish for. And Dad, I'm grateful that you had the bright idea to steal Mom away from George, stuff her face in the snow, give her frostbite, and make her fall in love with you. Good work. I love you both!

Teensy Update

Whoa. I am bad at blogging. Just a few things to catch up on:

Thanksgiving is in a week, and I just can't wait. The whole family minus one missionary will be at home along with Cole's girlfriend Emily, and my friend Kit. Tons of people in my parents house for almost a week. I call that heaven. But, it promises to be QUITE the interesting experience . . .

TWILIGHT! Ok, I am a nerd, and I do love the books. The ladies in the family are headed out to the theater next Wednesday afternoon to watch this movie. I am so pumped, I can hardly stand it. If I had not taken a blood (money) vow not to see it early, I would be sitting in a theater, 5 p.m. the day before it comes out, watching and enjoying with my friend Anne. Bitter? Nah, not me . . .

Temple prep. For the last several months I have been getting ready to go through the temple. Big step, and I'm totally scared, but I'm also very excited at the same time!

Ok. More to come soon. Really.

New Haircut Again!

Hey! I got my hair chopped again- pics coming soon! I just have to get my camera hooked up to a certain cable, and then they will be on my blog. Woo hoo!

Trip details

So, I found out where we are going on our trip for work. Yeah! Because we hit our leasing goal and we are the top property in Horizon, we are being sent to Santa Monica!!!! We'll hit Disneyland one day, the spa the next, see Wicked in LA, and then we have a shopping spree planned on Rodeo Drive. Granted, I will probably be able to buy a pin or a scarf (actually, a scarf is probably too expensive), but the experience will be great!!! Woo hoo! We head out in about a week and a half. I will definitely take pics!

Good times, good times

What a night! I don't think I'll ever slow down. Tonight was a full night with lots of friends and fun. I headed to Brick Oven for dinner with old EFY buddies, and it was so good to see everyone again! Found out a couple of friends have started dating from EFY, and we even had two counselors get married! They fit really well together. Jessie, why didn't you tell me that Matt and Bergen had gotten married?!
After Brick Oven I headed to Target with my friend Cameron. He wants to decorate his room so it doesn't "look all stuffy", so he gave me a call. I absolutely love to decorate and get creative with this stuff! We found some good things and then headed over to Applebee's for Karaoke Night. Wow, some people are confident about their singing skills! One girl almost ruined "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond for me. Gotta love me some Neil! We ran into a lot of friends and had a good time laughing.
Overall, a very productive and entertaining night! I can't take many more of these in my old age though . . .

General Conference Weekend Recap!

Well, don't hate me Jessie, but I didn't take any pics this weekend. SORRY!!! I just was having too much fun I forgot to pull out my camera.

Well just a recap of the time well spent:
Saturday: Work, school, not so much fun. I caught a few Conference talks along the way.
Sunday: We went to the morning session of Conference, and then to Ashley's parents house for the second session. Lots of little kids running around, lots of noise, lots of good food, and LOTS of laughter! I still say that I think Lance may have peed his pants a little! Curt has been invited back to the Weavers every year because the little girls loved him so much. Met some good people, and hung out with great friends. I fell into bed exhausted!
Monday: School in the morning, test in the early afternoon, hanging out with Curt and playing a little nintendo (we haven't played in forever!!!), having a blast with Braden, Kyle, and Ashley, and then dinner at Tucanos. Yum. Last but not least, a ROUSING game of Fireball Island. We actually woke up Braden at one point.

Curt left this morning, but I had a great time with him. It's always a nice break to see family and have a great time! It's hard not to when you're an Isenbarger!

Miss you, Lindz!

Hey, remember when we joined the BYU Fencing Club for about 3 minutes? Remember how bad those helmets smelled? Remember the punk yelling at you for touching the foil? Oh, I love it!

What a crummy week!!!

I just want to stay in bed the rest of the week! Lindz left today. My best friend is headed to Oxford and I'm not going! Gah!

Granny Slash is sick.

I am sick.

I lost a homework assignment that was worth a lot of points.

I have an exam in my music class that is going to kick my trash.

I guess this is the best time to examine the blessings that come from these trials. I don't feel very thankful, but maybe by the end I will. Hmmm.
1. Lindz left- she's getting an amazing opportunity and this is something she has worked SO hard for! Plus, she's going to be so marketable in the job field when she gets back!
2. Granny Slash is sick- her sickness is not NEARLY as bad as we thought it was. And she's going to be able to leave the hospital in a few days. And she has a ton of family around to take care of her.
3. I am sick- The worst days seem to be over. That was Sunday- Tuesday. Sinus headache mixed with congestion mixed with aches. Now it's just a cough and congestion.
4. I lost my homework- the professor is being really nice and allowing me to do it again and only take a few points off.
5. My music exam- After it is all done, I don't have another exam for two weeks! Two weeks of semi-relaxation!

Okay, so I don't feel a ton better, but I'm working on it. And I do feel a little less stressed- the list seems to make the things I have to do a little less major and stressful. Hmm.

Thinking of . . .

YOU, Grandma! All my strength, love, prayers, and hope are with you! I love you!

Correction

Whoops! I stand corrected. I did not purchase the aforementioned DVD, I got it as a gift for Christmas a little while back. My bad, and thanks for setting the record straight, Ash!

My Trip Down Memory Lane

Today was so bad! I came home from class early with a migraine. Not fun. I have started getting migraines the last few months, and I thought it was because I needed a new glasses prescription. I guess not since I already took care of that. Well Mom, at least I know I'm your daughter! Hopefully they don't get as bad as the ones you get.

I also got to talk to Kit today. I haven't talked to her in a little while so it was good to catch up. Megan, watch out because you are next!

Okay, so I was going to leave this out, but I think the people who read my blog already know what kind of a geek I am. So, growing up there was a movie I liked to watch when I was sick and had to stay at home. It's called The Ewok Adventure "The Battle for Endor".

Now, I bought it on DVD thinking that I would watch it once or twice for nostalgic purposes, but today I decided to bust it out while I was in bed trying to rest. I've forgotten how much I love that movie! I didn't sleep through it, I watched the whole dang thing! Oh the joys of watching Cindel and Wicket conquer evil and rescue the Ewoks from the clutches of the evil, weird looking guys. Okay, I'm done.

Braden's 1st Birthday!

Tonight was a party for Braden's first birthday! Woo hoo! Kyle and Ashley put on a great party- there was a family dinner where Kyle grilled cheeseburgers on his new grill, SO YUMMY! Dad, you taught him well.
Here is Braden playing with the rings I got him. I also got him a firetruck that makes sounds, but I think he liked the rings best. When we went to Indiana over the summer, he had a blast with those dang things, so I thought it was a pretty safe bet for a gift! Woo hoo! He loved them!

I am the best aunt ever! I swallowed my detestation for feet, and read "The Foot Book" to Braden. Well, he got bored after half a page. I'm not too sad about that. Why, WHY would someone write a book about feet?! That's gross!!!!
That's my nephew!! He demolished his birthday cake in a matter of minutes. Awesome! He had the biggest mess all over his shirt and face. He even smelled like frosting for a long time afterward.

I'm really glad I live so close to Kyle and Ashley so I can take part in this kind of thing. With Trinity and JC, they lived a long way away, so I missed out on things like birthdays, and practicing how to walk, and trying foods for the first time. Thankfully I don't miss out on all the good stuff now!

Curt Dawg's Coming!

Sweet! I just found out that Curt is coming for a visit in the beginning of October. I knew he was thinking about it, but didn't know things had been finalized. Awesome! I'm so excited to see him and spend some time with him. Woot!

Okay, so this is random news, but on Friday I tried lobster for the first time, and I thought it was yummy! Too expensive to get often, but so good. And to think, just a few months ago I absolutely DESPISED seafood. Not sure what changed, but I think it's a good thing!

And lastly, I got to take a great hike today. I was tired of just putzing around, so I decided to go walking through the canyon. I took a little side trail and ended up hiking up Bridal Veil Falls for a good hour! No one was around, so I admit, I did sing along to Broadway tunes on my iPod. With no one around, I sang pretty loudly, and had a great little concert! I'll have to do that one again.

Mega Birthday Post!

Okay, so it's been almost a MONTH since I've posted, but I wanted to do a quick post for all the birthdays we have had in our family over the last little bit!

Mom . . . We've had a lot of fun since the terrible teenage years when I was difficult to get along with. You've become my best friend, and I love you more than I can say. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. Even when I was being difficult, you still loved me and supported me. I love you!
Pooma . . . I have the BEST grandparents! I always loved going to your house for all the fun things we would do- running down the ramp, playing on your exercise equipment, Skip-Bo, Singin' In the Rain, your AWESOME keyboard and its demo, and going to Kmart! You've been so great to me and I love you so much. I miss you tons, and hope you have a great birthday!
Last but not least . . . Curt Dawg. Since you've been back from your mission, one of my favorite parts of going home is knowing that you will be there. You have so much love for everyone, I really admire that about you. You've been a great brother and I hope you have a lot of fun on your birthday. Thank you for being born! And I luh you da motet!!!

Opening Ceremonies

All I have to say is WOW!!! I had no interest in the Olympics this last month or so, and then today hear all this excitement and saw pictures on the internet. I got pretty excited and DANG, did China deliver! That was the most incredible show! I think my favorite part was the people who were in the square boxes doing waves and droplets and things like that. AMAZING!!! I can't believe how precise and meticulous those acts were. It didn't seem like anything went wrong or was out of place the entire time. BRAVO BEIJING!

Keepin' Busy and Major Blessings

Today was exhausting! It was so busy at work that I didn't have a chance to breathe until my shift was an hour from being done! Whew! Good thing I had a Dr. Pepper to tide me over.

Today was also a day to be thankful to Heavenly Father for life. One of our RA's at work had a mountain climbing accident this weekend. He was climbing with a friend, and somehow lost his footing. He free fell 20 ft., landed on his back, and then tumbled backwards another 30 ft. He had to be airlifted from the mountain and had a few broken bones, a punctured lung, and tons of scrapes and bruises. Thankfully, there were a few Branbury residents climbing not too far away and they were able to call for help and help Jeff and his friend out until medics could arrive. Jeff is going to be okay, but it just makes you grateful for those around you. And makes you not want to mountain climb . . .

Always a Bridesmaid . . .

I'm just kidding! I didn't have anything to do with this one. Well, my longtime friend Noah Ruggieri got married today to a girl named Cherry. Cherry Ruggieri. Seems a little redundant, doesn't it?
He's a great catch. Lindz and I had a great time growing up with him, and we have a lot of fun memories. Including our pact. If we weren't married by the time we were 30, Lindz was supposed to marry Noah, and I am supposed to marry Ben Carlson. Hopefully it doesn't get to that point!!!!!

Here It IS!

So this is what it looks like after a LONG day! It's so different!

New Haircut

Sooo. On Tuesday I took the plunge and got a new hair cut. I've been thinking about cutting my hair short for a long time and I finally got brave enough. It took three weeks to find a good picture and cut that I thought would look good! I will be posting a picture later, but just to give you a little info, there was a stinkin' WIG on the floor when Katie was done cutting my hair! Because I have "the thickest hair I've ever seen!" (quoting Katie), it took an hour and 4 different hair cuts! I wish I had a picture of the hair on the floor that I could post. Well, I took about 10-12 inches off, and I feel so much better! Here's the before shot, and soon I'll get an after shot! And yes, I know I look ticked off in this photo! I had just had an interesting run-in with a resident . . .

Happy Birthday Kyle!

Even though we partied last night, I'm still thinking of you today on your ACTUAL birthday! Have a good time and just remember that we'll be in Indiana in less than a week! I love you

"Dat's dat Dat Dragon!"

Happy birthday to Elder Cole. You're kickin' trash in Russia, I'm sure of it! I love you and hope things are going well. Thinking of you across the world!
Loves

I have muscles WHERE?!

Last night for FHE we played volleyball. Because I used to play, I cannot pass on a chance to compete in a few games. It is just too fun for me! Plus it was great to get down and dirty after a long day at work! Over a three hour period I must have played 10-12 games on several different teams. I can happily report that I only have a few bruises and bumps, nothing too serious, but I forgot that I don't use those muscles very much at all and today I am SORE!!!! My right arm especially kills. I had to get two sympathy massages from friends (thank you Kyle and Lindz!) to get some kind of motion back in my shoulder. Man I'm out of shape!

After volleyball we had a small group that wanted to go to IHOP to eat some dinner. We were all starving! But since we had just played several hours of volleyball, all of us were dusty, dirty, and sweaty! Our feet were especially foul. These pics are Lindz and McKay washing their feet in the same tub. They both kept cracking jokes about bathing together. Oh, Mormon humor! And McKay loved the lemon meringue-scented body wash a little too much . . .

A Very Special Birthday!

Dear Dad,

You are the most incredible man I know. I admire you for many things, but what sticks out in my mind is your incredible willingness to serve those around you. You are amazingly selfless. I never fail to hear about how so and so knows you out here because you helped them when they were in a jam. You are the epitome of kindness and I can't believe I'm lucky enough to have you for a father. I must have done something right beforehand!

Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I can count on you for anything, and I truly wish I could develop many of the qualities you have- spiritual strength, kindness, love for everyone, loyalty, and patience. You truly blow me away with you being you. I love you a lot Dad, and I can't wait to see you very soon!!!!!!

4th of July and Babysitting

This Friday I had the day off for the 4th. I had stayed up until 2 on Thursday night because we did and outdoor movie at work and played "Independence Day" in honor of the 4th. Suffice it to say though, I was tired and slept in on the 4th. Whoo it was great! After waking up, Lindz, Anne, and I went to the grocery to buy some stuff for the multiple BBQ's we all were going to. After the store we zipped off to the movie theater with some friends to see "Hancock", the new Will Smith film. Eh. That's all I will say. It was just eh.

After a broken grill spoiled the BBQ at Kyle and Ashley's, we packed up the food and headed to Branbury to use the grill there. I got to spend some time with the family and some of my friends. Cameron made me one HECK of a great grilled steak! THANKS CAM!!

The fireworks were next, and I got to see Braden watch the fireworks for the first time! It was too cute- he was distracted the whole time! We kept trying to take pics and all he would do is turn his head to watch the fireworks.

Saturday I had to work, but afterward I was able to babysit Braden and have some fun! We went on a walk, played outside, played with my N64 controllers, a water bottle, watched cars, the works. I don't know who was more exhausted at the end of the night! He definitely kept me on my toes!

How long until vacation?

Ugh. Today was hard at work. I had a headache and people were just a little cranky which made me cranky. All that got me through work was thinking of the vacation to Indiana that is 19 days away. I have some big stuff coming up for work, but the light at the end of the tunnel is my week-long break! I just cannot wait.

Oh, on a side note, I watched "So You Think You Can Dance" tonight (thank you Jessie and Sarah for introducing me), and I have to say- I don't like Mia as a judge, but her choreography is amazing! I loved both dances she did tonight. They were so different but so well done! Bravo!

Simply astonishing . . .

J Dave came over last night looking for some treats. We had a two week old cheesecake that we forgot about in the fridge, and some leftover cake from J's berfday. Also some ice cream. The man handled it. Sick.

Apple Jack

I love you Grandpa. I'm thinking of you and praying for you!

Best day of work!

Thursday was the best day of work I have done! We got a text from our leasing manager on Wednesday night letting us know that we were having a leasing meeting and needed to wear comfy shoes since we were going to walk the property. Thursday morning we went to work and were handed a piece of paper that we were told was a quiz. After turning over the paper, we saw a message saying something to the effect of "GOTCHA! Get your buns in the car because we are taking you out today!"

Well, the day included brunch at Mimi's, pedicures, and a shopping spree at the mall. We walked into the mall and my manager said, "Okay. You have two hours to spend $300. Go have fun." Sometimes it is incredibly worth it to work at my job. I put up with a lot of crap, but things like this make it a lot easier to go to work. Oh yeah, and I got paid for the entire day.

My Family

Today was a great day, but long! It was the ice cream social at work which went well. Kyle and Ashley came over with Braden to hang out, and Kyle got to play some volleyball! He is so good! Well, Ash and I got to chill, play with Braden, and talk. It was so good to just sit and chat for a while. I could feel myself literally relaxing as I just took a moment to stop and breathe. It was great!!!

This post is actually dedicated to my family though. I had a serious conversation with three different groups of people about family and how we were raised. All I can say is- THANK YOU MOM AND DAD! You have raised a wonderful family and I am so thankful for the incredible job you did as parents. I am so lucky to have you in my life. All the little things you did to improve our family as we grew up made such a HUGE difference in the people we turned out to be. Little things like kissing each other after the dinner prayer was said, never letting us leave the house without an "I love you!" coming from one or both parents, hugs and kisses all the time, and the emphasis placed on doing things together as a family. You truly set an amazing example for me to follow and I will cherish that example the rest of my life. I love you.

J's Berfday!

Today was J's birthday. We were gonna go ghetto-style but I couldn't get a costume put together! We had cake, ice cream, brownies, and cherry trifle. A true Estrogen-fest! No guy made it through the entire party, but then again, we put Hairspray in and had a sing-along. . .

These pics show Jess with her customized cake ('hoodrat' is our term of endearment in our friendship), and Rachel doing her birthday dance. Amazing.

"Clue", Broomball, and Strawberry Days!

This last week was busy but so much fun!!! Wednesday night a group of us went to the Scera outdoor theater and watched "Clue" with Tim Curry, Leslie Ann Warren, and Madeline Kahn. It's one of my favorites- so funny! Anne and I became big fans over the last year and we had so much fun sharing that with our friends. "Flames, on the side of my face . . . Heaving . . . heaving breaths" So good!

Thursday was broomball like normal- it was Twin night. Lindz and I didn't have time to coordinate, so we didn't have costumes. But I did go and have fun. And I did score a goal! It was the most uncoordinated, ugly, ungraceful goal that I think anyone has ever scored. BUT I SCORED!!!!

Friday was our trip to Pleasant Grove to Strawberry Days. It's an annual festival and rodeo that Pleasant Grove puts on. They are famous for their strawberries and cream. I've never been to the festival so I decided I had to try the strawberries and cream. YUMMY!!! It was absolutely fantastic, and I can't believe I haven't had them before. The rodeo was great- I haven't been to one for a few years, so it was great to see all the hicks come out of the woodwork. There were some fantastic outfits too, let me tell you!

Manti Pageant

Last night was the ward trip to the Manti Pageant and wow. Pretty cheesy. The temple was gorgeous, the company so fun, but just couldn't get into the pageant. Oh well. It's worth going to at least once!

Hairspray!

Tonight we all bundled up and went to an outdoor movie. Hairspray was playing and we made it a sing along. That movie is so great! We had a great time belting out the songs and dancing on our blankets. If you haven't seen Hairspray, go rent it and enjoy! It's truly awesome.

Broomball- Thug Style!

Yes, it was amazing! I was with Mom so I couldn't dress up, but I did stop by for about ten minutes to take pics. It was too good to pass up!!! Lindz even dressed up as a "Baby Mama". Anyone flash back to high school? I did!

Mom's & My 1st MLS Game!

So Mom finally got her wish to see her favorite soccer team- the Real Salt Lake. It was so much fun to be at the game and have her there. She explained quite a few things to me while we were watching, and finally got her Mother's day gift- a Real jersey. Doesn't she look great?!

This little cutie is such a ham! He wouldn't stop smiling after he ate at The Cheesecake Factory. I felt the same way! It was so good!!!

Mom's visit ended today- at 4:00 this morning. Grumble. No, it was GREAT to have her around for a few days. I had to work quite a bit, but the time we had together was so much fun! From shopping, to eating at fabulous restaurants, to playing with Braden, to the Real Salt Lake soccer game, it was one heck of a trip!

Eighties Broomball 2

Okay, just got this pic from my friend Kitka, and it was too good to not post! Yes, that is my hot pink lipstick on his cheek. Hey- I thought he was Bon Jovi!!!!!

Eighties Night!

Broomball was extremely fun this week- I was actually able to play! The back felt good enough for a rousing round of broomball. This weeks theme was the eighties, and boy did we all deliver! I also ran into several people who live at The Branbury. They didn't recognize me! But I do hope it doesn't undermine my position of authority at work. Check out the fun people I hang out with. I was sore the next day, but it was worth it! Next week: Gangsta night.

The theater, the theater. What's happened to the theater?!

Okay. I've been to the movie theater more in the last week than I have in almost a year!!! Saw Indiana Jones and almost threw up a little in my mouth. Good for the first ten minutes, and then it was all downhill from there!! So sad since I had such high hopes for it. I don't think it helped that my group sat in front of the biggest bunch of hillbillies that I've ever seen. Just imagine it- loud laughter at completely wrong parts, shouting out what they think is going to happen next, saying "that's SO unbelieveable!" or " That's like when you crashed your tractor, right Dad?" (that is not an exaggeration!!!!). Oh the joy.

But the very next day my faith in the movie industry was restored when I saw . . . ta da! Prince Caspian! Woo, what a hottie! Loved the movie- little slow at first, but GREAT in the effects department! Go see it. And hands off Peter, Edmund, and Caspian. They're mine. Oh all right, you can have Peter. Geez.

Oh, and ten points if you can guess the movie the title of the post comes from!!!!

Broomball United!

So tonight is the night that our local skating rink holds a broomball game. Basically soccer and hockey on the same rink. Loved it. I wasn't able to play because of my back, but I was the photographer and soccer mom. What a blast!!

Oh, and my little group of friends decided to make theme nights for it. Tonight was "Beachwear Broomball", one of the guys had a coconut bra but was told to take it off. Classic.

Next week: Eighties night. Pictures to follow!

All I need is a wrist support and team shirt!

Yes. I'm a little white trash. I now have a pair of bowling shoes. I have been bowling so much over the last few months that I decided to buy a pair of bowling shoes. I figure that by saving $2 for shoe rental each time I go bowling, I can have these shoes paid off in a few months.

Oh. I'm a pro.

Fave movie

Oh! And I wanted to include a tribute to my favorite Barbara Streisand flick (I only like this one and Hello Dolly! so that isn't saying much), the ever funny "What's Up Doc". I have loved this movie since my SIL Ashley recommended it to me and I rented it. Funny funny FUNNY!!!! Ryan O'Neal, you are a hottie! Barbara, your line delivery is amazing!

If you haven't seen this flick, go rent it pronto. Lindz brought it to the little movie night on Friday and there were a few grumbles among the others, but they all laughed hysterically and cheered when it was done. A few more believers in my group of friends. I'm telling you- rent and enjoy!

Back update

So the back is feeling tons better with the help of physical therapy and a personal electric stimulation kit. I wear it all day and it puts currents of electricity through my muscles. Fun. I've only electrocuted myself four times in the last three days.

I've gone back to work, working 9 hour days. It's been ok so far but I get exhausted so quickly! It probably didn't help that I went straight to a movie night at a friends house right after work. Too much for me!

So don't worry, probably no permanent damage done. But cookies would help . . . :)

Stubborn Me

So Saturday I had a day off and I went out to find a bookshelf for my living room. Found it! The label on the box showed a picture of two people lifting a box with the caption 'team lift' on it.

I scoffed. 'Team lift'? Pffff. who needs two people to lift a bookshelf? It's only 120 ish pounds. I got it from the shelf to my cart okay. It was a lot heavier than I thought, but I did it. I was also able to get it into the car, but my back had a little twinge. I pushed it away and had a friend help me take the shelf upstairs to my apartment. We assembled it and I kept having twinges, but I didn't think it was a big deal.

WRONG!!!

Sunday morning I could not get out of bed for 30 minutes. I even fell when I finally made it out of there. And that is how it has been for the last three days. I've been parked on the couch with my hearing pad and ice. I went to the doctor and he immediately sent me to the physical therapist with two torn ligaments and spasming back muscles.

Physical therapy has been pretty fun, that's the best part of this whole ordeal. Electromagnetic massage therapy, small stretches, and today they had me get into the pool and hot tub. I do feel a lot better after going, but I just can't wait to get back to work!!!! I'm hoping for Friday. . .

Thinking of a VERY special lady!

Mom,

You have always been there for me, and I've been thinking about you a lot. I'm terrible at keeping in touch, but you forgive me. I'm flighty and can't settle on important decisions in life, yet you love me still. Thank you. Here are some of my favorite things about you:
1. Mom is a mother bear- mess with her kids, and you'll actually wish you had run into an actual female bear! Or even a pack of them!
2. Mom has the best laugh ever and she does it a lot! If you really get her going, she ducks her head into her chest, squints her eyes, covers her mouth with her hand, squeaks, and insists she's going to pee her pants (although she never has. I'm working on it though!). LOVE IT!!!
3. Mom is the best in her field! I can't go anywhere in Urbana without hearing how much my mother has influenced so-and-so's child, or how their child's favorite teacher was Mrs. I, or how lucky I am to have such a terrific mother. To which I respond, "Thanks. I've known that for a long time!!!!"
4. Mom makes the best desserts! Lemon merengue pie, Hershey pie, apple crisp, cheesecake, and my MOST favorite- cherry pie!!!
5. Mom cannot sit down for two seconds! I think the only thing that can keep her stationary is Star Wars or Star Trek. She is forever getting up during movies and cleaning, straightening, or taking care of other people. The woman just doesn't stop!
6. Mom makes sure that everyone around her is taken care of. If you are company in the Isenbarger house, you feel like royalty. Mom gives the best she has and more.
7. Mom is the epitome of kindness. She is forever serving those around her and setting an amazing example for everyone she comes in contact with.
8. Mom is so cool! It's a hard thing for a college daughter to admit to her friends that her mom bought the ultra stylish red purse swinging on her arm. And that Mom had one first. Or that Mom is the one who wears that little black dress better than me!
9. Mom is dependable. I know that if I need her, Mom would be in Provo in about 24 hours- or however long it takes the train to get here!! :)
10. Mom is my best friend. There is nothing I could do that would change that. She is my rock, and the best example anyone could ask for. If I turn out to be half of the wonderful lady that she is, I am set for life!

Thank you for all you do Mom. I love you and can't believe how lucky I am to have been born to this family! You really are the best!!!! Kisses!

Dear Santa,

I love the new gift you sent me. Josh Groban is the hottest man alive! Thank you for remembering how much I wanted this DVD. You are the best.

Love,
Lisa

P.s. Please don't forget the pony that I want for next Christmas.

JEALOUS?!

Oh yes my friends, Josh has released his new Awake Dvd. It's the concert in Salt Lake that I went to back in August. GReat show- you should check it out. If I heard correctly, it is in the mail as we speak! And thank you to Santa for sending it to me!!!!!!

Exciting times!

I found out great news just the other day- Mom is coming to visit!!!!! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. When is June 2? I have to wait that long?! No fair!

I also got to see Moka last night- the girl gas been in Texas for far too long! Thanks for dinner Moka. It was so good to see you and catch up. Have fun with Lane!

And finally, Kitka is coming out for a visit at the end of May! Can it be summer all the time so I get to see my friends that have grown up and moved on?! Please?! Kit, I'm so excited to see you soon! We have a ton to catch up on! Woot!

Incompetent

Wow. This week at work has been the pits! 11 hour days, cranky, mean residents, people yelling on the phone, loads of stress. It is really hard to keep a civil tongue in my head sometimes.

To cap it all off, I have to work today. I hate working Sundays! I have to leave church early and sit in the clubhouse while people make a mess of things and complain. Wonderful. Today was made even better by someone coming in and telling me I'm incompetent. I couldn't do exactly what he wanted to do- namely disregard the fact that he had signed a contract with us and didn't want to pay for rent anymore- so I am now incompetent. My mental capacity seems to be diminished because I cannot break the law. Amazing.

And to think I actually dated this guy a little while ago . . . maybe I am incompetent!!!!

Happy Birthday Ash!

Today is my wonderful SIL's birthday! She has been a great asset to our family and constantly amazes me with her caring, helpful attitude. We are lucky to have you girl! Love you!

Tribute

In case you're wondering the reason for the Pepto Bismol pink blog, it's a tribute to the fact that I'm sick today and have: nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach . . . oh you know the song!

Grand Canyon

So I promised to tell the second part of my mini-vacation. We went to the Grand Canyon! I've never been before so it was quite the experience. Driving there from Vegas was a little bit of an adventure since there weren't as many gas stations, and at one point I had to cruise into a gas station after driving on fumes for around 40 miles! All I can say is the Lord helped me out with that one. I NEVER want to get stranded without gas. Thankfully we made it to a station!

Well, Friday was spent setting up camp and talking to all the friendly people around the campground. This was my first time camping since Girls camp, so Shawn made the girls set up the tent! He just sat back and laughed. Punk.

Saturday we drove the hour to the Grand Canyon and the drive was gorgeous! It looked like Oregon, not Arizona. Lots of green and pines. Very pretty. Once we got to the park we drove in looking for a view. All we saw were trees and cars. No canyon. So we finally pulled over and followed the direction some people were taking and BAM! We came out of a clearing and the canyon was right there! We almost drove by the Grand Canyon! How does that happen?! I felt a little stupid.

The day was spent walking along the rim and checking out the many museums and informational spots along the way. We also took the shuttles to more scenic spots. Lots of great scenery pics. On the way back to the campsite Shawn insisted on stopping at every roadside view to take pictures. 4 ROLLS!!!!! The hour drive back took 3 1/2 hours when we were done! No joke! He was so funny.

Sunday was the drive back, but only after having half-cooked pancakes and eggs on the small campstove we borrowed. Shawn was driving, and he's a little bit of a speed demon. We took a scenic way back to Utah. Mapquest said it should take 8 hours, and Shawn made it in 7. Good thing I was asleep for most of it or I would have freaked!!

Aunt Jenny's Birthday!

Hey look everyone! My smokin' hot aunt is turning 29 today! Love you Jenny!