Bryan & Sarah Robertson

Mindset for Moms: Day 1

2012-02-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

Mindset for Moms
How do you want to change this month?
I want to stop complaining and become a positive person.

Thank you for the link Pepper!

Jessie's Activities

2012-02-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

Art Class
Speech (Private and Public)
Library
Ice Skating
Dance
Reading
Cleaning
Toys
TV

Jessie Quote

2012-02-03T23:21:00.000-08:00

Mom/Dad: "Jessie, can you take a break from jumping?" She loves to jump up and down and will do it for extended periods.
Jessie: "But I love to jump. Jumping is my favorite."

Jessie also loves "lots of kisses," meaning tons of kisses repeatedly on her cheeks.

January 2012 Highlights

2012-02-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

Ice Skating with Jessie at the Peaks Ice Arena: 2.50 (includes skates)

Utah Symphony:
The Enchanted Lake by Anatoli Liadov
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor, op 23 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, op 47 by Dmitri Shostakovich
Conductor: Andrey Boreyko
Piano: Conrad Tao

Yoga for Sarah

Fairy Tale Ballet for Jessie

Snowmen building for Bryan and Jessie

Young Ambassadors

Family Movie Night: Holes, Pizza, 4 popsicles each

Dance and All That Jazz

Seminary Centennial Broadcast

Family Movie Night: High School Musical 2, Nachos with homemade salsa and blueberry lemonade

Notting Hill with brownies

New aquarium with tropical fish, pizza, scripture reading, fish-watching

Beautiful sunsets and lovely January weather from our front porch.

2012 Goals

2012-02-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Mental
1. Establish a bedtime routine.
2. Read 12 books.
3. Begin learning French.
4. Knit a scarf.
Physical
1. Power 90.
2. P90X.
3. Santa 5K.
4. Complete a cleanse/detox.
Spiritual
1. 100% Visiting Teaching.
2. Attend Temple 12 times.
3. Read Jesus the Christ.
4. Visit the temple grounds with Bryan and Jessie.
Fun
1. Ski.
2. Timpanogos Caves.
3. Moab.
4. Dance classes with Bryan.

Review of 2011 Goals

2012-02-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

2011 Goals

1. In bed by 10:00 PM. Ha! I'm horrible about bedtimes.
~~2. Potty train Jessie.~~
3. Get current on Slow and Steady activities with Jessie. Horrible about this too.
4. Read: Don Quixote. Still working on it. It's like a really long Dumb and Dumber.
5. Read: Women and Money. Still working on it. Stopped at the retirement part.
~~6. Read: The Parenting Breakthrough~~

6 more goals to come on July 1st. Never happened. No regrets though. It was a good year.

Jessie Quote

2012-01-29T20:16:00.001-08:00

Mom: "You want to stay up all night and never go to bed, don't you."
Jessie: "Yeah, I want to! Let's do it!"

Grandma Holden's Christmas Party

2011-12-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

Yummy food and fun family.
Favorite Barbara June Holden Memories of mine:
I love her dark brown salty gravy.

I'd always check the cookie jar for cookies and there usually weren't any in there. I remember Grandma filled up the cookie jar just for me once.
Sleepover food: she'd serve me pan-fried chicken, toast, and Pero. All I could eat!
Very nice, beautiful piano music, loves the color blue, reading, and fresh-cut flowers.

Thank you for Finding Nemo Grandma!

Lance and Desiree Robertson's 2011 Photo

2011-12-28T21:08:00.000-08:00

All 32. Yeah!

2011 Christmas: in Idaho!

2011-12-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 23rd
Pick up the rental car, pack, drive, lunch at Wendy's.
Treats and Games at Uncle Henrick and Aunt Mary Jane's.
Swimming at the hotel pool with Jakob and Grandma Robertson.

Pizza at Godfather's Pizza.

We loved our Idaho Falls Hotel Christmas.

Saturday, December 24th
Bowling at Bowl-ero.

Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Robertson's house: delicious dinner and visiting, nativity,

nativity movie, Jessie's dance recital movie, Wii dancing,

gift exchange (Thank you Kesti and Grandma Robertson!),

and playing with cousins. Absolutely Perfect.

Sunday, December 25th
Merry Christmas! Santa did bring her the pink dollhouse.

1:00 Church.
Pizza dinner, guacamole, family picture slides.
All 32 Lance and Desiree Robertson's were present.

Monday, December 26th
Breakfast and swimming in the hotel with cousin Brylee.

Basketball for the boys.

Bowling and

gingerbread decorating for the littles.

Enjoyed homemade soup, bread, and squash for lunch with lots of visiting. We loved our Christmas with the Robertson's.

Jessie Jumping

2011-12-28T20:50:00.001-08:00

Wii Dancing

2011-12-28T20:42:00.001-08:00

Jessie Rides a Virtual Coaster

2011-12-28T20:33:00.003-08:00

December 22nd Advent

2011-12-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

Fun at the mall. Bryan and Jessie left the house mid-morning for a daddy-daughter (mom-alone!) day. They went to D.I. first and bought Jessie a new pink dress ($4.00) and black purse ($1.00). Next, they stopped by Bryan's work for bit. Bryan worked, Jessie watched Bubble Guppies. They finished their date at the mall where they ate pizza and ice cream, bought me a present, rode the carousel,

visited Santa (Jessie asked for a pink dollhouse),

rode on the train,

and then called and invited me to see The Muppets with them. I met them at the Food Court where Jessie was eating chocolate ice cream and wearing her new pink dress. She sure has an awesome Dad! We loved The Muppets. Jessie was clapping and dancing throughout the show. We ate popcorn, icees, and M&M's (even the ones we dumped on the floor). It was a great time.

December 21st Advent

2011-12-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

Matthew 21:1-11
Mark 12:41-44
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
with chocolates.

December 20th Advent

2011-12-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

Salmon Family Christmas Dinner and Gift Exchange! Jessie was showered with presents. She especially loved her Squinkies and Zu Zu Pets. Thank you Mom and Dad! You are the best!

December 19th Advent

2011-12-21T00:57:00.000-08:00

Our first gingerbread house.

Jessie enjoyed eating the treats. I went in to hang out with her in her room today and she pointed to a newly-emptied row of roof on the gingerbread house and said, "I ate them."

John 11:1-46
Far Far Away on Judea’s Plains

December 18th Advent

2011-12-21T00:51:00.000-08:00

Listened to Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano while munching on guacamole and corn chips.
Mark 10:13-16
I Am a Child of God

December 17th Advent

2011-12-21T00:47:00.000-08:00

A Child's Christmas in Wales.
Matthew 14:22-33
Luke 15:3-7
O Little Town of Bethlehem

December 16th Advent

2011-12-21T00:42:00.000-08:00

The Grinch. Not the Jim Carrey version.
Special Guests: Logan, Jaleesa, and Owen. They recently moved to Idaho. We miss them lots. Jaleesa was such a nice friend to me.
Haagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream with Ginger-Amaranth Shortbread.

December 15th Advent

2011-12-21T00:35:00.000-08:00

Elf with Barbecue chips. Jessie and I love them.
Matthew 14:15-21

December 14th Advent

2011-12-14T19:19:00.000-08:00

Drank Pina Coladas (fresh pineapple and coconut with ice) while listening to Mele Kalikimaka by KT Tunstall.
Mark 5:25-34
With Wondering Awe

December 13th Advent

2011-12-13T19:09:00.000-08:00

Made our first real snowmen.
Matthew 8:23-27
Be Still My Soul

How We Met: Wedding Day

2011-12-13T00:03:00.000-08:00

I knew Bryan was the one within 2-3 weeks after meeting him. I waited for him to bring up the subject of marriage and said yes when asked. We were married on August 14, 2004. My favorite moment: sitting in the celestial room of the Salt Lake Temple with Bryan before we were married. We were the only ones in the room. I felt so peaceful and happy sitting by him and holding his hand.

Photo.

How We Met: First Kiss

2011-12-12T23:42:00.000-08:00

It happened at the Karl G. Maeser Building in between the two pillars on the right. It was cold and the sky was filled with stars. We were both very nervous.

Photo.

December 12th Advent

2011-12-12T19:24:00.000-08:00

Mr. Krueger's Christmas
Homemade Raw Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
Matthew 5
O Come All Ye Faithful

December 11th Advent

2011-12-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

The Muppet Christmas Carol with Spiced Caramel Corn.

The Muppet Christmas Carol is my favorite movie of the Christmas season. I think that it's the perfect interpretation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I love the music. Below are the lyrics to Bless Us All: a wonderful Christmas message.

Life is full of sweet surpises
Everyday's a gift
The sun comes up and I can feel it lift my spirit
Fills me up with laughter, fills me up with song
I look into the eyes of love and know that I belong

Bless us all, who gather here
The loving family I hold dear
No place on earth, compares with home
And every path will bring me back from where I roam
Bless us all, that as we live
We always comfort and forgive
We have so much, that we can share
With those in need we see around us everywhere

Let us always love each other
Lead us to the light
Let us hear the voice of reason, singing in the night
Let us run from anger and catch us when we fall
Teach us in our dreams and please, yes please
Bless us one and all

Bless us all with playful years
With noisy games and joyful tears
We reach for you and we stand tall
And in our prayers and dreams
We ask you bless us all

We reach for you and we stand tall
And in our prayers and dreams we ask you
Bless us all...

Also: Luke 5:1-11

December 10th Advent

2011-12-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

Finished reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Mark 2:1-12
I Stand All Amazed

December 9th Advent

2011-12-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

Read Christmas Books (excited to collect more!).

John 4:46-54
Mark 1: 40-45
The First Noel

December 8th Advent

2011-12-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

Made snowflakes while watching Miracle on 34th Street.
John 2:1-11
John 2:13-17
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Jessie's Dance Recital

2011-12-08T11:36:00.001-08:00

Winter 2011.

Jessie's Dance Photos December 2011

2011-12-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

December 7th Advent

2011-12-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

Played with and talked about the Nativity.
Matthew 3:13-17
Matthew 4:1-11
Come Follow Me

December 6th Advent

2011-12-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

Decorate the Christmas Tree while listening to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

Also,
Luke 2:41-52
I Love to See the Temple

December 5th Advent

2011-12-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:1-24
Silent Night
Hot Cocoa: 2 C. Vanilla Almond milk, 1 Tbsp. Honey, 2 Tbsp. Cacao Powder. Blend, Heat. Mmmm!

December 4th Advent

2011-12-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

Charlie Brown Christmas
Luke 1:26-38

Jessie's Tongue Reduction Surgery

2011-12-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

Before.

Jessie was very brave. She talked about skipping the surgery, but she did it!

After her surgery (1 hour long, removed 95% of lymphangioma in her tongue and 1/4 of her tongue) she was sad and wanted to leave (of course!). But she eventually calmed down with TV, chocolate milk, chocolate pudding, and popsicles.

After one night in the hospital, Jessie was doing really well, so they let us go home! Yeah! She ran to the car with her balloon in tow.

Jessie's swelling has increased since we've been home, so we've been giving her liquids in syringes. She's on the mend and doing well! We're grateful for medical care, TV, and chocolate milk.

Dream Wedding Dress

2011-12-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

I know I'm really late in talking about this, but I, with most everyone else, love her wedding dress.

Photo.

Dream Prom Dress

2011-12-06T22:30:00.001-08:00

Photo.

Two Favorite Cookbooks

2011-12-05T20:04:00.000-08:00

Right now. Super Natural Cooking, Photo.

Going Raw, Photo.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-29T23:34:00.000-08:00

Wednesday:
Pack for Salmon's
Lunch at McDonald's with Grandma Salmon and slides with Jessie
Food shopping at Wal-Mart
Taco soup and salad with family
Robertson's turn to clean up kitchen
Ice Age
Thursday:
Major sleeping in
Breakfast of muffins and juice
Cooking: green beans with mushrooms and shallots
honey roasted sweet potatoes
pomegranates
sparkling apple cider
pumpkin pie
2:45 Dinner: Thank you for all the good food everyone! Especially hostess Mom!
Below: Jessie June and McKenna.

Lovely Thanksgiving Dinner.

Favorite tradition: going around and having each person say what they are thankful for.
Bryan: A job.
Jessie: Mommy.
Sarah: Bryan, Jessie, nice two-bedroom apartment with dishwasher and washer and dryer in a perfect location, Bryan's job, good health, and short hair.
Visiting Grandma June Holden.
Watching TV (Friends and Everybody Loves Raymond) with Dad and Bryan.
Friday:
Even more major sleeping in. Me: 11:30. I was kind of out of control.
Breakfast of pumpkin pie. Immediately after: leftovers for lunch. I had lots of fun imagining what pranks I would play on the Black Friday shoppers while eating. Bryan and I decided that buttering the floors, super gluing video games down, planting stink bombs, and throwing water balloons at the crazy shoppers would be fun. My opinion: dislike Black Friday and all the insane gluttony it represents. Refuse to participate. Also, I don't dislike anyone who does shop. I just reserve the right to think that they are crazy. To each his own.
Jessie: playing with McKenna.
Bryan, Sarah, Mom: The Three Musketeers. Fun if you have low expectations.
Thank you for a great Thanksgiving Salmon's!

December 1st

2011-11-27T22:45:00.000-08:00

Jessie's 3rd surgery: tongue reduction. They will cut a pizza pie off her tongue and suture it together. Surgeon estimates 1.5 hours for the surgery. We're excited for a short one. Please keep her in your prayers!

Overnight in Salt Lake City

2011-11-27T22:43:00.000-08:00

Bus/Train from Provo to Salt Lake City: 2 hours
Lunch at Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana. Delicious 12 inch pizzas that are almost as good as Delfina. Jessie ate 3/4 of her pizza!
Ice skating at The Gallivan Center. Jessie learned a lot. After 45 minutes she could walk around on skates by herself and only needed a bit of balance help on the ice. Thinking about skating regularly with her since we both love it.
Swimming at the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown. Jessie and Bryan had a blast playing in the pool and I spent most of the time in the hot tub.
Relaxing dinner. The restaurant was quiet and Jessie was so good to eat her dinner, color, and twirl around on the floor and look at the fireplace. It really was a nice dinner.
Lights at Temple Square.
Hot chocolate and Cars 2 in the hotel room.
Sleep in.
Breakfast. Jessie: chocolate milk and a banana. Sarah: Eggs Benedict. Bryan: Oatmeal and crunchy French toast. I wanted both the French toast and eggs Benedict, but thought that I should only get one. Bryan ordered the French toast and then gave it to me. He's a nice one. I had no problem eating both.
Train and bus ride home: peaceful and relaxing. A great vacation for our family.

How We Met: First Date

2011-11-27T22:19:00.000-08:00

Bryan called me and asked if I would go on a walk with him. Yes! When he picked me up for our walk he seemed very nervous. I was very happy about this because it meant that he wanted to ask me out. I tried to be really friendly and talkative so that he would feel comfortable and go ahead and ask me out. He did. We walked around the block and then he took me home.

First date: we doubled with Bryan's roommate and a girl in our church ward. We went to The pizza Factory (It's a Costa Vida now) on University Avenue and Bulldog Boulevard in Provo because the boys had a coupon. I didn't say much at dinner; I tend to clam up in groups. After pizza we went roller skating at Classic Skating in Orem. To finish, we bought ice cream cones at the McDonald's drive thru. I was the driver since I was the only one that had a working car with enough seats for four and my window wouldn't roll down, so the rear person had to order and distribute the cones. Bryan walked me home after our date. I remember thinking that I shouldn't try to kiss him because that would be too forward and loose, but that I wouldn't resist at all and would be extremely happy if he tried to kiss me. We hugged. I looked forward to more dates and kissing.

P.S. I think our first date is quite cute now. We were 19 and 21. We would never repeat any of the above activities now (well, maybe the roller skating), but I love the memory. I'm so grateful I was the one who got to marry Bryan George.

Gone With The Wind

2011-11-18T23:07:00.001-08:00

Some thoughts:
Scarlett: I'm a fan. Yes, she is selfish and mean, but we know all her thoughts. I think that everyone would be thought to be selfish and mean if their thoughts were made public. I love how determined and strong she is. I love how she never gives up. She could take some polite and kindness lessons from Melanie, for sure, but her strength and selfishness saves so many during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Melanie: I like how grateful and loyal she is to Scarlett, as she should be. I think her love and kindness is much needed, especially with Scarlett around. I don't like that she wants to pass down hatred of Yankees to her children. Understandable, but she's no saint.
Ashley: idiot.
Rhett: the Mr. Darcy of the book. I sure hope he forgives Scarlett and falls back in love with her someday. That would be nice.

Some quotes:
"I believe women could manage everything in the world without men's help - except having babies, and God knows, no woman in her right mind would have babies if she could help it." Scarlett O'Hara
Oh Scarlett, thank you so much for inspiring me to be more independent, and for disliking babies as much as I do.

"He knew what she had done and why she had done it and he did not seem to think the less of her for it. And though his questions were unpleasantly blunt, they seemed actuated by a friendly interest. He was the one person to whom she could tell the truth. That would be a relief, for it had been so long since she had told anyone the truth about herself and her motives. Whenever she spoke her mind everyone seemed to be shocked. Talking to Rhett was comparable only to one thing, the feeling of ease and comfort afforded by a pair of old slippers after dancing in a pair too tight." Scarlett O'Hara
This is exactly how I feel about my relationship with Bryan: he is the one person that I can completely confide in. My appearance usually leads to people thinking that I'm "sweet." Yeah, right. Only those who truly know me know what a selfish snot I am. Bryan knows it, and he likes me anyway. He seems to like me even more for it. I tell Bryan everything. He is always interested, understands, gives perfect advice and comments, and encourages me in all my desires, wishes, and thoughts.

Civil War and Slavery: fair representation of both views on war and experiences of slavery; at least I think so. I'm obviously more interested in the romance, but I enjoyed reading the story of the Civil War and Reconstruction from a Confederates view.

Thank you Margaret Mitchell for such a wonderful masterwork to read.

How We Met: Part 4

2011-11-18T22:36:00.000-08:00

I was downstairs in my room doing homework when my roommate, Annika, called down that someone was at the door for me. She was smiling at me in an odd way as I came up the stairs. Bryan Robertson was at the door! He came to explain about the honeypot note that he sent me - he sent it to the wrong Sarah. He was very handsome and walked toward me while speaking. I just smiled really big and started walking backwards and thought about how cute and nice that he was. He told me I deserved a honeypot note and that he would write me another one. My roomates sat on the couch watching us and smiling. When he finished with his explanation, he quickly backed out of the apartment and sped down the steps, hitting his backpack on the railing.

Dates

2011-11-18T22:27:00.000-08:00

Utah Symphony:
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 6 in F Major Op. 68 (“Pastoral”)
WAGNER: Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin
CHRISTOPHER ROUSE: Alberich Saved, Fantasy for Percussion and Orchestra
WAGNER: The Ride of the Valkyries

Savion Glover:

“Possibly the best tap dancer that ever lived.” –Gregory Hines

The Banana Leaf:

Yum. Lovely escape from Provo to Sri Lanka.

Having Fun at the Mall

2011-11-07T21:48:00.000-08:00

The scarf in her hair is her Rapunzel/Thumbelina hair.

Provo is Beautiful

2011-11-07T21:43:00.001-08:00

Tumbling Class

2011-11-07T21:42:00.001-08:00

The Red Balloon

2011-11-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

Jessie loved The Red Balloon and watched it three times in a row: once with me, once by herself while I showered, and once with her dad. I've been meaning to watch it for awhile with Jessie and it did not disappoint. Jessie loved the red balloon and would squeal, scream, point, comment, and laugh at it.

Photo.

Places We've Lived

2011-11-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

I think I'll always miss San Francisco. The buildings, fog, weather, parks, ocean, and food are all just wonderful. We'd move back anytime. Photo.

Provo is beautiful. The changing weather, mountains, and trees are incredible. I love being able to enjoy the peacefulness of the city as a person, not a student. I can walk, ride my bike, or take the bus anywhere that I need to go. I can afford a two-bedroom with a dishwasher and washer and dryer, and dance classes for Jessie. Yes, we're enjoying it here. I love experiencing different places. Photo.

Tastes like Ice Cream

2011-11-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

Dream House Dreams

2011-11-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

1. Located in London, England by a park. Photo.

2. Round top doors throughout. Photo.

3. As many round windows as possible with lots of peaceful blue. Photo.

Photo.

4. Window seat reading area. Photo.

5. Slide. Photo.

6. Attic reading room with round windows. Photo.

7. Beautiful staircase with a bright wall color. Photo.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

Jessie had a bad cold (fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose) so we stayed in again this year. We still had a great evening: homemade pumpkin spice donuts with homemade vanilla almond milk for dinner, watched It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and handed out candy to our one trick-or-treater. I love celebrating holidays with my Jessie June and Bryan George.

Trunk-or-Treating

2011-11-01T17:07:00.001-07:00

What Happens When I take A Nap

2011-11-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Jessie was jumping on the couch and wearing sunglasses.

Bryan's Man Bag

2011-11-01T16:59:00.001-07:00

Family Photos October 2011

2011-10-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

By the awesome Keri Robertson.

Secretariat

2011-10-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed Secretariat and want to watch it again. I've been thinking a lot lately about diet and nutrition. I found it interesting that (I know it's a horse) Secretariat was able to be an excellent runner and only eat plants.

Photo via.

The Sweet Life in Paris

2011-10-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

Some favorite quotes from the What They Say Versus What They Mean chapter in The Sweet Life in Paris:

When they say, "It does not exist," they mean, "It does exist, just not for you."
When they say, "They're up on the seventh floor," they mean, They're right around the corner from where we're standing."
When they say, "We don't have anymore," they mean, "We have lots more, but they're in the back and I don't feel like getting them."
When they say, "It's not my fault," they mean, "It is my fault, but I'm not taking the blame."
When they say, "That is not possible," they mean, "It is possible, but not for you."
When they say, "Your package hasn't arrived," they mean, "I'm just about to go on break. Come back Monday and wait in line for forty minutes again."
When they say, "The cheeses in France are the best in the world," they mean, "We are indeed a superior culture."

I loved The Sweet Life in Paris. Excellent. Each chapter was a treat for me to read. David Lebovitz illustrates what it's like to be an American in Paris and includes a delicious recipe at the end of each chapter. I've always wanted to visit Paris; reading this book just made me want to visit even more.

Halloween Party

2011-10-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

At dance class.

Jessie makes the most beautiful princess. I love you my pink princess June!

Pumpkinland

2011-10-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

At the Vineyard Garden Center. Thank you for taking us Mom!

My kind of spook alley below.

Building a fire.

How We Met: Part 3

2011-10-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

I talked with the oh-so-handsome Bryan Robertson for the first time at Ward Prayer. Ward prayer is an interesting meeting that our singles ward organized each Sunday night. Everyone met together on the apartment terrace pictured below. Someone would pray, share a scripture or thought, we'd all sing a hymn, and then we would visit. On January 25th, 2004 I saw Bryan at Ward Prayer standing by the one of the storage unit doors. I instantly became very nervous. My roommate, Annika, had patiently listened to me go on about Bryan all afternoon. She pulled me over to Bryan and said, "Hi Bryan. We've met before (not true). Have you met my roommate Sarah?" Then she walked off. Thank you for introducing us Annika! We talked for a bit and Bryan decided to send me a honeypot note: you write notes, put them in the honeypot, and people deliver them for you. While Bryan was writing me a note, we finished talking and I left with my roommates.

Monday: 7 Days to Halloween

2011-10-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

Sleep in until 9:00!
Breakfast: protein smoothies.
Bryan: 5 mile run.
Sarah and Jessie: stories, speech, brush teeth, get dressed, clean up room and toys.
Sarah: 3 mile run.
Family picnic lunch at Memorial Park: quiche, carrots, grapes, moon pies.

Bryan: work.
Sarah: food plan and shower.
Jessie: Wall-E with juice.
Sarah and Jessie: dance class, grocery shopping, cook dinner.
Bryan and Jessie: carve pumpkin.

Dinner: broccoli, honey roasted sweet potatoes, Wisconsin cauliflower soup.

Dessert: chocolate chocolate-chunk gluten-free cookies.
FHE: The Sabbath and the Sacrament.
Favorite quote: "Partaking of the sacrament is the center of our Sabbath day observance."
Thoughts: Bryan changed how I observe the Sabbath day. When we were dating, I noticed that Bryan never did homework on Sunday. I decided to follow his awesome example. Not doing homework, having the house clean, clothing and food prepared, and going to bed on time help me to enjoy the Sabbath day. I love going to church each week and partaking of the sacrament and hearing the talks and lessons. I feel so peaceful and happy coming home from church, and more determined to be kinder and better in the coming week. I love remembering the Savior and his atonement and renewing my baptismal covenants with Him.

I love being a wife and mother. I'm so grateful for all of my wonderful blessings. Thank you Bryan and Jessie for being my favorites. It is so wonderful to spend my life with you.

Saturday

2011-10-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

Bountiful Baskets: love it.
Granola and Tangled.
Bryan and Jessie: 4 mile jog.
Sarah: clean house a bit and shower.
BYU football game: great seats, lovely weather, yummy treats, cute companions, and nice win.

Jessie loved watching the marching band and dancing to the music.

I'm really enjoying Provo's fall weather and colors. It's especially nice on bikes.

We love Botany Pond.

Bought Bryan a "man purse" from Zappos. I think men should stop trying to be so manly and carry their keys, phone, wallet, etc. in bag and be comfortable for once. I'm glad Bryan's on board.
Dinner: vegetarian chili, brown rice, apples.
Scriptures treats.
Bryan and Jessie: tuck Jessie into bed.
Sarah: make quiche and clean up house.
Bryan and Sarah: watched Don Juan DeMarco with m&m's.

Bike Ride to Bridal Veil Falls

2011-10-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Footloose

2011-10-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

Excellent!

Photo via.

How We Met: Part 2

2011-10-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

I first saw Bryan George Robertson at church on Sunday, January 25th, 2004. I was sitting in Sunday School and someone announced, "Bryan Robertson will teach the lesson today." He stood up and faced the class, and I felt like I had been hit by lightning (in a good way). I was instantly intensely attracted to him. I spent the rest of the lesson staring and smiling and thinking about how handsome and awesome that he was. I followed him to sacrament meeting and watched him read his scriptures as he walked. I remember noticing two things about him: he had dark green scriptures and more casual sunday shoes. I liked his ways. During sacrament meeting I didn't listen at all but kept looking back repeatedly at Bryan and tried to get myself to stop doing it. My mom told me repeatedly over the years that I need to smile at boys and be friendly if I like them. I had never done this before because I had never really liked a boy before. Well, I liked Bryan, a lot. So I smiled and said, "Hi," after church was over. That is all I said because I was always shy, especially around boys. I spent the rest of the afternoon looking at his picture in the ward directory and talking about how cute and wonderful that I thought he was to my roomates.

The church below is where I saw Bryan for the first time.

Walk on BYU Campus

2011-10-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

While reading The Daily Universe

and enjoying the fall colors.

Good Library Reads

2011-10-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hilarious and true.

LOVE the clothes in this one.

Funny and sweet.

Daddy Daughter Party

2011-10-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

Went out alone. When I returned I found them eating gluten-free pizza and salads from Brick Oven, Haagen-Daz ice cream, and watching a movie.

Date with Savana

2011-10-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

She's my sister! Dinner at Gloria's Little Italy then Thriller by Odyssey Dance Theatre at The Covey Center for the Arts.

Big Girl Bed

2011-10-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

Dancing with Old Friends

2011-10-17T21:35:00.003-07:00

Old Friends Come to Play

2011-10-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

We sure miss our Annabelle and Eleanor. They came to visit while they were in town. It felt just like old times - just like they still lived right next door. Thank you Michelle, Annabelle, Eleanor, and Lewis for taking the time to visit! We love and miss you lots. You were the best San Francisco neighbors!

Idaho Weekend

2011-10-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

We traveled to Idaho for baby Gavin Durtschi's blessing. After church, we visited Jerry and Meghann Robertson's house. Jessie loved their fun backyard swings and playing with Jace and Ella.

Bryan and Jerry.

Jerry and Meghann's house: a yellow cozy dreamhouse.

Lionel and Kesti hosted family for lunch to celebrate Gavin being blessed. Jessie loved the cousins, new toys, and trampoline.

Baby Gavin is on the right in Grandpa Robertson's arms. He is a cozy with lots of dark hair. Congratulations Lionel and Kesti! We're excited to get to know Gavin.

P.S. Really enjoyed the car ride home. It felt like we were flying.

Loving It

2011-10-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma Lundgren for dinner

2011-10-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

They are going on a mission to Atlanta, Georgia!

The boys: Logan, baby Owen, Grandpa Bernt Lundgren, Bryan, Jessie.

The girls: Jaleesa, baby Owen, Grandma Violet Lundgren, Jessie, Sarah.

Bryan Takes the Day Off

2011-10-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

And we have a party.
Sleep in.
Sarah: run, Bryan and Jessie: quick work visit.
Lunch at The Pendulum Court Cafe. My favorite place to eat in Provo. I ate here everyday during one of my semesters at BYU. I think it was helpful - I earned straight A's that semester.

Ice Cream at BYU Creamery. I think that we've eaten ice cream everyday since we've moved here. I don't mind. I really like Strawberry Sunday Crunch at the Creamery.

We went to Jessie's Dance Class. Bryan thought she was very cute and attentive in class. I always think so too.

Cars 2 in 3D at Movies 8. I had heard that it wasn't very good but we thought that it was fun. We went for it with treats and devoured our popcorn, icees, and M&Ms.

Jessie and Bryan played air hockey for 5 minutes after the movie.

Dinner at Zupas. I've missed this place. I love good soups, salads, paninis, and chocolate covered strawberries. Below is my Nuts about Berries Salad and Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup.

It was definitely a party day.

Jessie Rings the Bell

2011-10-03T20:25:00.001-07:00

Jessie Reads and Talks on the Phone

2011-10-03T20:24:00.001-07:00

General Conference Weekend

2011-10-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

Friday
Dinner with Mom and Aunt Holly at Sammy's.
Bryan, Mom, and Aunt Holly go to the BYU football game. BYU wins.

Saturday
Watching General Conference with Mom, Logan, Jaleesa, and Owen.

Jessie listened to the Finding Nemo Read-Along in the car. She loved it!

Went to Uncle Stephen and Aunt Marla's house for a farewell barbecue for Grandpa and Grandma Lundgren. Jessie spent at least an hour playing air hockey.

Grandpa Bernt and Grandma Violet are going to Georgia on their mission!

Jessie usually falls asleep in car rides.

Girls Night during the Priesthood Session with Mom, Kelly, Heather, Savana, and Jessie.
Activity: made necklaces
Dinner: homemade onion and mushroom pizza
Dessert: homemade lemon ice cream
TV: The Office and When in Rome

The boys went to the General Priesthood Session and to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Handsome ones: Bryan, Dahl, Dad, Jacob.

Sunday
General Conference at Mom and Dad Salmon's house.
Breakfast: german pancakes made by Heather. Yum!
Jessie has her own room at Grandma Salmon's house. She cuddled and read stories in it for awhile.

Watching Conference. Let me just say, my parents downstairs TV room is was very dark and warm. I think we all fell asleep at one point. I know I did. I laid on the ground with some teddy bears for a pillow. When I woke up the one of the bears was all spitty from my drool. I love listening to General Conference though. Whenever I'm irresponsible like that and fall asleep, I always think that I should have gone to watch it at church.

Jumping on the tramp with Jessie.

Playing at the Park with Grandma.

McKenna too.

Wading in the creek at Cedar Hills Park.

Cedar Hills Park is beautiful. We're fans.

Dinner with the family: Cafe Rio Salad by Mom and fresh peaches with vanilla ice cream.

Ended with: peaceful walk on the Cedar Hills trail.

The Help

2011-10-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

Excellent book: couldn't put it down. Good movie: but hard to watch.

Photo via.

Public Transport to Primary Children's Hospital

2011-10-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Takes awhile: 2.5 hours from Provo. UTA is great: on time, clean, smooth, air conditioned, fun. I really love riding public transportation around.

Why?
It's cheap: $5.00 to go to Primary Children's and back.
View: I can look out the window and not at the road.
Stress Free: I don't worry about traffic, I just hang out with Jessie.
Comfortable: try it.
Peaceful: chill out, slow down, do less, spend less, relax.

I'm a total advocate for public transportation. Hopefully it comes across as enthusiastic and not obnoxious.

Jessie Quotes

2011-10-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Jessie is removing the dandelion fluffies with her hands. I encourage her to blow them off and tell her that blowing is the best way. She says, "No it's not. Fingers are the best." She's right, and very cute.

We are riding on the bus and Jessie says, " I want to ride on a real bus."
Me: "We are riding on a real bus right now."
Jessie: "No it's not."
Me: "Is a real bus super dirty and crowded with people?"
Jessie: "Yeah."

Jessie: "I want to hold hands as a family."

Feeding the Ducks with Jessie

2011-09-25T21:43:00.001-07:00

At Botany Pond.

Bryan and Sarah: How We Met Part 1

2011-09-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

I love Bryan Robertson. He is my best friend and the person that I get the most excited about spending time with him. We match each other just right. I'm so grateful that he is my husband. I think that our meeting and getting married to each other was very special, as it is with all couples. I've never shared our complete story online, but I would like to do so now because I don't want to forget it.

Bryan lived in the University Park Apartments during his 1st year at BYU. After his mission he thought it would be a great place to come and live in again. So he did.

He lived in #5 when I met him.

During the Fall 2003 semester I was busy with classes and working at Macey's. Like most young adults, I wanted to go somewhere and have an adventure. I applied to the Disney College Program to work at Disney World for 8 months. I was accepted, but I didn't feel right about going. Next, I applied to BYU Hawaii for the summer of 2004. I was accepted, but again I didn't feel right about going. I was frustrated about not feeling right about going off and having an adventure, but I decided to go to school full time for the Winter 2004 semester. During Christmas break, I was praying in my room before bed. I wasn't praying for anything particular; it was just prayer before going to bed. While praying I saw in my mind the apartment pictured below with a For Rent sign in the window. I strongly felt that that apartment was where I needed to be living in the coming semester. I knew of these apartments because I had ran by them before. While running I thought that they looked really nice, but would be too expensive for me to ever live in them. I had also never seen a For Rent sign in any of the windows; I thought they would be competitive to live in as well. I dismissed the thought and feeling. Soon the first day of Winter Semester came. All day while at school I felt strongly again and again that I need to live in the apartment. I was resisting because I didn't think that there would be any rooms for rent in them. Finally, I gave in to the feeling and went to check on the apartments. I thought that I would just drive by and was sure that I wouldn't see a For Rent Sign. As I drove by there it was: a For Rent sign. I knocked on the door and a nice girl named Annika showed me around. I really liked the place, but was discouraged when she told me the rent: $375. It was way too expensive for me. I didn't plan on trying to live there after that. That evening, again while praying, I had the clear impression that I needed to live in that apartment during the coming semester. So I did. I signed the lease and moved in. I dropped classes and picked up work hours so that I could pay for it. I had no idea why it was so important for me to live in that apartment, but I knew that it was right for me to live there. I planned on moving out at the end of the semester to a cheaper apartment.

General Relief Society Meeting

2011-09-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

Bryan was working so I watched it online after Jessie was in bed. It was excellent. I ironed while watching. I listen much better when I'm using my hands for something.

BYU vs. UCF

2011-09-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Great seats: Row 12.
Great neighbors: Uncle Bernt, Uncle Steve, Aunt Marla, Aunt Chantel, Cousin Alan. Lundgrens!
Great Touchdown: Cody Hoffman caught the kickoff and ran 93 yards for a touchdown.
Great UCF quarterback: Jeff Godfrey. So sprightly. Fun to watch.
Great win: It was nice to watch BYU win.
Great Date: Bryan. So cute, nice, and handsome.

27

2011-09-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

17,

27!

Breakfast: protein shakes.
Library for story time, new books, and playing with friends for Jessie.
Lunch: Braza Express. I like grilled meats and pineapple.
Movie, cuddling, and reading stories with Jessie.
Dinner: Station 22 Cafe. My kind of place. Healthy, fresh, and local.
Dessert: Homemade peach ice cream.
Glee. Sue Silvester is my favorite character. I also feel like I should be paying (more than netflix charges) to watch the musical numbers.

It was a great birthday. I spent it with my two favorite people: Bryan and Jessie.

I also enjoyed eating out. My salad (below) of fresh beets, fennel, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese was awesome.

My Current Opinion on Car Ownership

2011-09-23T23:26:00.000-07:00

Below: What most people seem to think about car ownership. Photo via.

Below: What I think about car ownership. Photo via.

Just expressing. Please don't take offense. I don't mind that other people own and drive cars. I just don't want one myself.

Highlights of the Week

2011-09-23T23:21:00.000-07:00

Monday
First busride in Provo: padded seats, clean, sparse, prompt, fast.
Dentist for Jessie: no cavities!
Picnic at North Park
Art Class
Dance Class
Corn Cobs and Tomatoes from roadside stand for dinner
FHE lesson on: I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Scripture Treats: Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. Betty Crocker's are better.
Tuesday
Dentist for Sarah: Two cavities.
BYU Creamery with Mom and Jessie.
Glee
Wednesday
Laundry and cleaning.
Art Class.
Dance Class.
Chinese Opera Orchestra of Shanghai. Beautiful and fun. Well-designed violins.
Strawberry Sunday Crunch Ice Cream.

Sunday

2011-09-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

Church
Sidewalk Chalk
Reading on the porch
Dinner: Shrimp with Sauteed Veggies
Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Walk through Provo in the lovely September weather

Jessie Quotes

2011-09-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you a secret: I'm Tyrone (from Backyardigans).
I'm not Jessie, I'm Tyrone.
I'm not Jessie, I'm Aunt Savana.
I'm Tyrone/Aunt Savana. Want to talk to me?
It's a blowylion (dandelion)!
Knock Knock. Who's there? I want an M&M please.

BYU vs. Utah

2011-09-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

Went with Desiree to watch BYU play against the University of Utah. I never went to a football game as a student, so it was fun to finally go. Desiree was super nice and bought us nachos and popcorn. It was fun to wear blue, be around all the excited crowds, watch the marching bands, and see some good football plays. The only downer is that BYU lost horribly. At least Utah played well.

P.S. Walked past President Uchtdorf and President Samuelson. Less than 3 feet away! They look just like they do on TV.

Highlights of the Week

2011-09-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

Monday: Taking Jessie to dance class. She wore a black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. With her hair in a ponytail, she looked like a little ballerina. Halfway through class they take a water break and all the little girls walk with their teacher to the drinking fountain. Jessie walked to the front of the line, jumped up and down by the fountain while a girl was drinking, and then shoved her way in to take a drink. I like her aggressiveness. I will need to teach her to stand in line though. When everyone was done taking a drink, the teacher told everyone to wait and go back to class at the same time. Jessie and another little girl shot ahead and ran back to class as fast as they could.
Tuesday: Lovely library storytime. I really enjoyed a nice half hour of personal reading. Also went to Joe Bandidos with family for my Mom's 47th birthday!
Wednesday: Found a great pediatrician for Jessie. We also have 4 specialist appointments: two ENT's, speech evaluation, and a craniofacial clinic. Also went to Art Class with Jessie at the Center and did some fun finger painting.
Thursday: Laundry. Still working on it as of tonight. Lot's of clean laundry needing to be folded and ironed. Went to El Gallo Giro with Dahl and Mom. Yummy, cheap Mexican food. Afterwards, Slurpees and North Park. Jessie set out nuts, grass, rocks, and twigs for the squirrels.
Friday: Jessie's first Speech Class. Hung out with Robertson's and went to eat at Chuck-a-Rama. I think I could eat a whole tray of their scones with honey.
Saturday: Bountiful Baskets. A boatload of fruit and veggies. Free cake donuts at the Provo Bakery. I like cake donuts the most.

Date Night

2011-09-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

Tanglewood Marionettes: The Dragon King. Excellent! At the end they had a question and answer session. The first person called on was a blond, five-year-old girl. Her question was, "That was great!"

Photo via.

After the puppet show, we walked down to watch the 4th quarter of Provo High School against Mountain Crest. They lost, but we had fun eating treats and watching Provo's excellent passes. It was a fun date.

Photo via.

Playdate with McKenna

2011-09-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

We met with Aunt Janelle and McKenna at the Museum of Peoples and Cultures for Stories from Around the World. All the kids colored and made their own Totem pole. Next we walked over to Joaquin Park for some playtime. Thank you for driving all the way down to Provo Janelle!

Obama for President

2011-09-17T22:19:00.000-07:00

I think it's intensely early to be thinking about who you are going to vote for in the next presidential election. I mean, at least wait until January. Oh well. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Obama is who I will happily be voting for. I'll bet you $5.00 (my usual bet with Bryan) that he'll win!

P.S. People always say you shouldn't talk about religion or politics, but I think it's nice to know what other people think. It helps you to know them.

Photo via.