Welcome Home ~ Mom & Dad

As a lot of you know, my parents returned on June 12th from serving a CES Mission in Suva, Fiji.
As part of my birthday present, Todd and my parents both purchased tickets for me to fly out to L.A. to meet my parents and then fly back with them to Utah. Needless to say I was ecstatic! I know to some it might not seem like much BUT when you have a family the size that I do - I welcomed the one-on-one time I had with my parents.

I think I reverted back to my childhood - I really missed my mommy & daddy and it is so good to have them home. Time is a funny thing - it felt like they were gone for so long but once they were home it was hard to remember what it was like while they were in Fiji.

I met my parents at the LAX Airport. I greeted them with this sign that my sister, Brooke, made.

HoME SwEet HOmE

As promised, here are some pictures of our new pad. We are finally settled in and enjoying the new place. Even though it is smaller than my parents home in Alpine, it is PeRFeCt for the two of us.

Moving...

These last 2 weeks have been crazy. My parents are coming home on June 12th {YEAH!!!} and so Todd and I have been moving out of their house into our own townhouse in Pleasant Grove. We are so excited to have our own little place to call home. I was anxious to document this monumental step but for some reason our camera is not working which makes me sad - I will make sure to post some pictures once we get a new camera. Todd and I have cherished the experiences we have had while living in my parents home. We loved the ward we where in and loved our neighbors, especially Brooke & Mike and their kids. They are the best neighbors anyone could ask for and we will really miss living so close to them. 

We look forward to new adventures and are so grateful for the blessings in our life.

Aloha from Kauai

Todd and I just got back from a wonderful vacation to Kauai! We went with Todd's family and stayed in a home in Princeville. It was absolutely gorgeous there!

Don't be jealous but we got to drive an electric blue, CHEVY COBALT, fully-loaded with radio, steering wheel and tires. Todd enjoyed driving this fine piece of machinery.

Ke'e Beach

Balihai

To My Sweetheart ~

The other night we were sitting around with Todd's family and Connie asked me when I started liking Todd, I replied... Ever since I met him. Todd informed me that it sounded slightly stalker-ish. Just because I can remember where we met and who introduced us doesn't make me a stalker... does it?

But really, I have loved Todd ever since we met, not in a stalker-ish way but in a my life is so much better with him in it - way. And my life keeps getting better as time goes on. I am so grateful for my sweet, loving, thoughtful and caring, not to mention totally handsome, husband. There is not a day that goes by that he doesn't make me laugh and more often then not it is the kind of laugh were my stomach hurts and there are tears rolling down my eyes. He is so thoughtful of others and of me. He is dedicated to being a great provider for our little family of two (which includes watching shows such as; Mad Money and Suze Orman). He loves the Lord and is dedicated to the Gospel. I love team teaching the little Sunbeams with him in our ward - they absolutely adore him. He does things every day that let me know how much he loves me. From reading other blogs I know that there are many women who think their husbands are perfect and I am not disputing those claims, all I am saying is my husband is perfect for me and I love him dearly.

Thank you Sweetheart!

"When I have learned to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now.....when first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased."

 ~ C.S. Lewis ~

ROMNEY 2012 !!!

Those of you who know me, know that I am a big Romney supporter.This past week has been disappointing for me, but now I am going to start thinking toward 2012. In an effort to prepare for Mitt's victory in 2012, I thought that we should start thinking about how a Mormon president would function in the White House. I received this email and decided to share it with all of you. Enjoy!

If you are his new Bishop, here are some of your questions:

Will you allow an inaugural ball to be held in the cultural hall? Do you mount security cameras on top of each basketball rim and have a secret service detail stationed on the stage?

Can you call Mitt and Ann as the Nursery leaders...even if you really feel inspired?

Who is going to home teach them? Will you call someone who needs activation but may not pass the vetting and national security screening?

If Harry Reid and Mitt Romney are in the same High Priest group, will you need to be there to keep order?

Exactly how will tithing settlement work? Will the Secretary of the Treasury come too?

Will you be inviting the new Romney family to speak in Sacrament Meeting... and if they go a little over at what point do you ask them to sit down?

Can you call the Secret Service agents to help out in Primary?

If you give Mitt a calling and the two Democrats in the Ward raise their hand AGAINST sustaining him - partly out of habit - does the Supreme Court need to be involved?

If the President wants to hold Sacrament Meeting at Camp David or the White House for security reasons, is that a conflict of Church and State?

If you're assigned to be the Romney's Home Teacher:

Can you just drop by, no appointment?

Can you even call them for an appointment or do you have to go through the Chief of Staff?

Can you bring by Christmas sweets and cookies? Will they be analyzed? And for how many people - family, secret service details?

If you don't come can the IRS do an audit on you? Will they want to do a national security background check?

Do you have to help him move in and out of the White House?

If Ann Romney gets sick, are you allowed to bring in meals or at least tell the Relief Society about it?

What can you share with the Bishop about the Romneys?

Do you have to ask them about their year's supply?

By the way, Rachel told me that I was not allowed to post anything political to our blog. I think she is a little tired of my addiction to CNN and my emotional ties to the debates(Yes, I did scream at John McCain during a few of them...). Let's just keep this post our little secret okay?

Love you Rach!

Snow, snow and more snow...

This winter has been amazing! Rachel and I have been amazed about the amount of snow in Alpine. Although, the constant shoveling, salt dropping and near slipping is evident, it is truly a winter wonderland in our Alpine Chalet.

We have had particular fun this year with the infamous Paskett driveway. I have included a few tips for those who dare to visit the Chalet.

1. As you make your entrance into Sledhill Circle, please accelerate to 45 miles per hour in an effort to gain proper momentum for the long journey ahead.

2. As you reach the beginning of the driveway please try to suppress your fear of losing control and realize that the four inches of ice below your tires will help you glide safely to a halt at "some" point.

3. The fluffy animal in the distance, Rachel's elderly dog Mistic, will most likely wander in front of your car, so be prepared to slam on your brakes to avoid a collision. If this happens, go back to step one.





4. You are almost there...when you reach the round about in the driveway you are faced with a decision where you should recite in your mind the following words by the great poet "Todd Allen Frost":

Two roads diverged in a Alpine wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in an Alpine wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

We joke about the driveway here in Alpine, but we truly love this area. There is a small town feeling in Alpine that is unique and special. We have loved living here near family and friends. This place has provided Rachel and I with some cherished memories from our first year of marriage. We are grateful to Ray and Ann for giving us this opportunity.

We would like to give Bruce (Mike) a shout out for the constant snow plowing... what would we do without you???

We hope all of you enjoy the last few weeks of winter. I am sure we are all looking forward to spring!

You might be a Utahn if...

This is Todd checking in again...I received this email today from Rachel and I thought all of you might appreciate it. Some of them are especially appropriate for this snowy day...

FORGET REDNECKS; THIS IS WHAT JEFF FOXWORTHY HAD TO SAY ABOUT UTAHNS!

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September to May,
You live in Utah.

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there,
You live in Utah.

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time,
You live in Utah.

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number,
You live in Utah.

If 'vacation' means going anywhere south of Salt Lake City for the weekend,
You live in Utah.

If you measure distance in hours,
You live in Utah.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once,
You live in Utah.

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' and back again in the same day,
You live in Utah.

If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both unlocked,
You live in Utah.

If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching,
You live in Utah.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit,
You live in Utah.

If the speed limit on the highway is 75 mph -- you're going 80, and everyone is still passing you,
You live in Utah.

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,
You live in Utah.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction,
You live in Utah.

If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly'
You live in Utah.

If you actually understand these jokes and forward them to all your friends,
You live in Utah.

Take Me Back!!!

Okay, so this is Todd checking in now. Rachel is the pro at this blogging stuff, but now I will take a swing at it. So, this past week while I was shoveling my car out of 18 inches of snow, I thought back a few months and remembered our recent trip to Hawaii. In an effort to bring me out of my deep winter slumber, I will share a few of the highlights from our trip. Let's be honest, this is probably more for me and my sanity than for you, but bear with me...

So, our trip began with me accidentally hitting myself in the face with my own belt buckle as we came out of security check. Don't ask, it was a Connie Allen moment. We always make fun of my Mom for doing "clutsy" type stuff, and now I do this, truly a classic moment. It made my nose bleed and it gave Rachel a good laugh. I have added a picture for your viewing pleasure.




We arrived in Hawaii a few hours later to the amazing Marriott Ko Olina Beach resort. It was an awesome resort, and at the moment we arrived I knew this was going to be a great trip.



Rachel and I spent the majority of our trip relaxing on the beach and at the resort. We also spent some time enjoying the typical sights such as Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, Dole Plantation, The Polynesian Cultural Center, The Hawaii Temple etc. One day that we really enjoyed was our catamaran trip, Being on the water in this amazing catamaran was truly a highlight of our trip.



Most nights were spent with dinner at the resort where we could watch the sunset. Those of you who have been to Hawaii know all about the sunsets. They are truly the best sunsets in the world!




One day we encountered a little rain. I took a nice shot just to show you that the weather is not always perfect in Hawaii. It was only perfect seven of the eight days we spent there. Not too bad though...


We really enjoyed snorkeling in Hawaii. Hanauma Bay was nice. The coral was cool and I freaked out a couple of times when I saw some of the larger fish. As you all know, I am a very graceful swimmer(yeah right!) and so you can imagine Rachel's delight as she saw me flipping out as I was chased by a huge fish. Okay, maybe it was not huge, but it seemed huge at the time.


One fun experience was while we were at the North Shore. Our favorite beach is Waimea Bay. It is secluded and not over crowded. This is a great spot in Hawaii for thos of you planning on heading over. While were there we saw Coral and Abe from the Real World. Of course we had to get a picture so, I acted like a stupid tourist and stood over by them acting like I was posing for a landscape shot. They noticed me of course and so Rachel snagged a quick paparazzi style shot. If my banking thing does not work out, Rachel and I are moving to Hollywood to pursue a joint career as a papparazo's (I think that is the term). If Abe got mad at me, I was simply going to challenge him to the Gauntlet. Those of you who watch the Real World/Road Rules Challenge know what I am talking about. By the way, that is NOT me in the background with the ridiculous snorkel mask.

Well, this blogging thing has been very therapeutic for me. I hope you have enjoyed some of the highlights from our trip. There were many other incredible sights and activities, but I will try to keep this brief. I look forward to the winter weather coming to an end and the return of warm weather. Rachel and I are returning to the Hawaiian islands in April with my family where we will try out Kauai. We will be excited to share our next adventure with all of you... Stay warm out there and Aloha!

Welcome to the D.I.N.K. Club

Dual Income No Kids

Definition: A financial term used for couples with no kids.

Members:

Tyler & Carlie Yearsley

Glen & Gabe Womble

Todd & Rachel Allen

Since the majority of our friends belong to the "family club", a few of us have decided to start our own club... The D.I.N.K Club. While this is not a status that we aspire for, it is where we are at this time in our lives and we are enjoying it. {This is only my opinion, I do not speak for the Womble's or the Yearsley's}.

Todd and I are enjoying our time together as we adjust to married life. "The sweetest feelings of life, the most generous and satisfying impulses of the human heart, find expression in a marriage that stands pure and unsullied above the evil of the world" {President Gordon B. Hinckley}. It's a wonderful thing to be married and I love my sweet husband.

With that being said, I will have to confess that when I see the cute babies of friends and family, I do get a little baby hungry and slightly envious of the joy that comes from starting a family. At this point, I am happy to be a member of the D.I.N.K Club and loving the joy that comes from being married to my sweetheart. Todd and I have been so blessed with amazing friends and we hope you all know that we love you and are so grateful for you and the blessings you have been in our lives.

P.S. If anyone would like to join the D.I.N.K Club please let me know and I am sure we can think of some sort of initiation process.

The Happy D.I.N.K Club Members