finished product.

and without further adieu, i give you a watercolor portrait of my family.

the olsens:

i see about 10 million mistakes, but seeing as this was my first time picking up a paintbrush or sketching in my book for over 5 years, i'm happy with it. it's also a portrait of my favorite people in the world, so for that reason, i absolutely love it.

and once again, i was inspired by this artist's paintings.

meet the couple.

he.

1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? the o'riely factor. prefers fox news over almost any other channel.
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? ranch dressing.
3. What's one food he doesn't like? hates tomatoes, peas & raw veggies.
4. You go out to a restaurant, what does he get to drink? water most of the time. dr. pepper if splurging. diet coke, recently.
5. Where did he go to high school? west jordan high.
6. What is one phrase he says all the time? "i'm trying to decide...", "that's the thing...."
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? he collects mail. he has piles & piles & piles & piles of un-opened mail. besides that, i can't see him collecting anything on purpose.
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? turkey cranberry, especially the dutch store's turkey & ligdonberry
9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? salt & pepper chips, carmelitas, cheeseburgers.
10. What is his favorite cereal? it really varies. he goes through stages. usually, he gets really boring, super-healthy cereal (think kashi, wheaties, grape nuts, etc), but lately he has been doing honey nut cheerios (my fav).
11. What would he never wear? skinny jeans or a sweater that buttons all the way down the front.
12. What is his favorite sports team? the raiders & the utes.
13. Who will he vote for? the most conservative candidate.
14. Who is his best friend? me, tyler & bryan.
15. How many states has he lived in? utah & norway.
16. Does he have any nervous habits? biting cuticles, playing with mouth, moving his foot, fidgeting.
17. What could he spend hours doing? yard work, house work, home improvement...work of any kind. he will not spend hours doing anything that is non-productive. he likes to work, work, work all the time (opposite of me, obviously). the only thing i can see him spending hours doing that is not work in some form or another is playing poker.
18. He is: hard-working, inappropriate, funny, smart, my bff.


she.

1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? gossip girl, 90210, jon & kate + 8, the real world (i am loving this season).
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does she get on her salad? ranch dressing. always.
3. What's one food she doesn't like? blue cheese. which, by the way, appeared in a wrap i bought the other day & i wanted to die right then & there.
4. You go out to a restaurant, what does she get to drink? diet coke
5. Where did she go to high school? bhs
6. What is one phrase she says all the time? "although....", "i'm so tired", "gentlemen"
7. If she was to collect anything, what would it be? jackets, shoes, bracelets, journals.
8. What is her favorite type of sandwich? tuna melt or a club.
9. What would this person eat everyday if she could? southwest chicken wrap & fries from citrus. and i would bake a treat every single night.
10. What is her favorite cereal? honey nut cheerios with a banana sliced in.
11. What would she never wear? tevas. (sorry to any & all who love the teva)
12. What does she always wear? jeans, boots, bracelets.
13. Who will she vote for? it depends.
14. Who is her best friend? greg & everyone else. i love everyone.
15. How many states has she lived in? only one! (tear)
16. Does she have any nervous habits? picking all my nail polish off!
17. What could she spend hours doing? blogging, watching tv, painting my nails, baking, reading a magazine, reading a book, staring out the window...i have the rare ability to be extremely happy doing nothing.
18. She is: happy, organized, silly, sarcastic.

i tag: kiersti, jennie, lindsay, mckenzie, heidi, holls and everyone else. all of you!

memory lane.

I have seen this on a couple of blogs (thanks k) & thought it was a fun idea. I would love to hear some of the memories you all have. And yes, I am bracing myself.

First, leave a comment on my blog about a memory that you have with me, then do this on your blog and I'll leave a memory I have with you.

Here we go!

B.H.S. (yes).

most of the girls at Holls' wedding.

Rache tagged me about High School, so for all of you non-Bengals, here is a little taste of what it was like...

Your High School's full name: Brighton High School

High School Colors: Blue and Orange, which Greg thinks are the worst colors ever. (Holls, isn't it funny that we were just talking about our high school colors on Saturday night?)

School Mascot: Bengal

Did you date anyone from your school? That would be a yes.

What kind of car did you drive: Jetta Black, the Jedi warrior. I still miss that car. So many great memories.

It's Friday night where are you: Either at someone's house with a whole group of people, at the football game or with my girlfriends doing something obnoxious (and FUN).

Were you a party animal: ??? We all loved to dance & we always went to the dance parties.

Were you considered a flirt: Maybe during my sophmore year? Not during my junior or senior.

Were you in band, orchestra, choir, or other group: No band, chior or orchestra. Not musically inclined!

Were you in any clubs: DECA (I still don't know what that stands for)

Did you ever get expelled or suspended: No.

Can you still sing the fight song: We had a fight song?!

Who were your favorite teachers: My Math 1060 teacher. She got involved in all of our personal drama, which was hilarious...What was her name? Also the America Problems teacher who was also the soccer coach (can't remember his name, either).

Where did you sit during lunch: Anywhere but in the lunch room. On Rachel's front porch, in Blair's kitchen, On my couch at home or at other people's houses...

Who did you go to Homecoming with: I think I went with Brady? I have the worst memory. We had too many dances, I can't tell them apart!

If you could go back and re-do high school would you: No!! I had a blast in High School and I don't regret any of the choices that I made.

What do you remember about Graduation: Being so excited! I couldn't wait to graduate, but I knew that I wouldn't see my friends as often anymore and that was sad. I also remember being stoked for senior trip.

Do you plan on going to your 10 year reunion: Probably not, but I plan on staying in touch with my friends!

I tag: Everyone I went to High School with: Holls, Ali, Michelle, Jenny, Kortni, Laura, Lisa, Melissa, Sarah, Steph, Teisha, Tori and Diana.

Thanks for the walk down memory lane, Rache, we had a blast!!

In case my list of 100 things didn't do it for you.

I've Been Tagged by Carlye...Lucky you!

Joys...
1. My blissful second year of marriage and darling G.
2. A new calling in my ward & a new job at work. Feeling refreshed.
3. A new pair of True Religions. (sorry, I'm shallow, but they are bringing me joy!)

Fears...
1. FAILURE.
2. Someone breaking into my house (although I have to say, I have matured in leaps & bounds over the past 5 months & am not nearly as scared as I used to be)
3. Upsetting anyone, disappointing anyone, failure, failure, failure.

Goals...
1. Graduate from College
2. Start running again
3. Spiritual goals

Obsessions/Collections...
1. I collect Thank you cards & Blank note cards, because I always seem to be using them.
2. I obsess over a clean house and nothing makes me happier.
3. I obsess over everything I eat.

Random Surprising Facts...
1. My fingernails are black right now.
2. The other day I woke up early enough for work, that I had time to watch an entire episode of Grey's Anatomy before I even got ready. (This will surprise anyone who has ever lived with me)
3. I sometimes buy baby clothes/supplies, even though I don't have a baby.

eye candy.

this is my worst nightmare!

ps...i am completely out of blog material (shhh...don't tell)
and NO, i did not take this picture...this is NOT at my house!
If this had been at my house I would have killed myself by now.

100 random things you don't need to know about me!

1. I can never sleep unless G is with me and he has to be to work at 7 am, which means that I get up when he gets up..which is at 5:50.
2. I am such a wuss. I get so afraid of everything. I hate being alone, especially being home alone & I always freak myself out because I hear noises, creaks, furnaces, you name it. I would never, ever, ever, in a million years even attempt to sleep at my house alone. Ever.
3. When I was a senior in High School a man tried to come into my bedroom at night. He woke me up when he climbed into my window well. I think this might be the reason for #2.
4. I love to write poetry. I have journals and journals and journals packed full of poems I have written throughout the years.
5. I never let anyone read any poetry I write.
6. I love quotes. I have a quote journal as well.
7. I love to zone off...I am a big daydreamer. I love the quiet. I get startled so easily because I am always off in la la land.
8. I really like snakes. My 1st grade teacher had a snake, and I have loved them ever since. I have owned 2..fuego & snake. However, there is nothing I hated more than feeding the tiny baby mice to the snakes..that was awful.
9. I hate cracking. It freaks me out. I hate it when people crack themselves in my presence. Most of my family & friends know this and resist, but the worst is when I am sitting next to someone in class and all of the sudden they crack their shoulders, or their neck...I literally have to turn away and plug my ears (so as not to puke) I'm sure they think I am a freak, but I can't stomach it. I have tried so many times.
10. I love to paint my fingernails bright colors (like red and black) and then pick all the polish off. I seem to do this most while we are sitting in church. G thinks it's ridiculous because a) I am getting the polish flakes everywhere and b) now my fingernails look like crap.
11. I am addicted to lotion.
12. I love reality television. I love the drama.
13. I have the biggest sweet tooth in the world. I always want to order dessert. I would skip dinner to get to dessert if I had to.
14. I worry a lot.
15. If I am ever alone in my house (day or night) both the front & back door will be locked and the alarm will be set. So don't mess with me people!
16. Since I have been married, the only calling I have received is to teach the sunbeams (in both wards). I don't mind, I love that age!
17. I have known most of my friends for a very long time. I am not good at making friends anymore. I have had the same best friend for 13 yrs.
18. I sing in the shower. And in the car. And all the time.
19. My favorite thing is a southwest chicken wrap & sweet potato corn chowder from Citrus.
20. I rock at Speed. I can beat you.
21. Most days, I give myself about 15 minutes to get ready...and that is usually all I need. I once had a girl describe my hair as "perfectly disheveled" (?) She said it was supposed to be a compliment..I wasn't so sure.
22. I have very tiny veins. They are too small and too wiggly to draw blood from. If I need to get my blood drawn I have to go to Primary Children's hospital and have a "pick-line nurse" (sp?) do it. A pick line nurse is a nurse that is trained to draw blood from premature babies.
23. I really like real estate. I was licensed when i was 18.
24. When it comes to school, I am a slacker. I miss class all the time and procrastinate pretty much everything. I never do the reading or go above and beyond at all. I have always been like that and somehow still always maintained an A- or B+ average. I think that I am very lucky when it comes to school, because i seriously don't deserve the grades I get. I don't even buy the books.
25. In High school, everyone called me J-Mo. Most of my friends still do.
26. My dream is to write a novel.
27. Speaking of dreams..I always remember at least 3 to 4 dreams every night. I love to dream. If I am in the middle of a great dream and I wake up, I can get up, go to the bathroom, walk around, go back to bed and finish my dream right where I left out. To me, they are like books.
28. I usually have 3-4 spoons in each one of my purses. I am always grabbing yogurts and eating them on the go. Every now and then G will make me clean out all my purses because we are running low on spoons. We usually find at least 10 wrapped up in napkins.
29. I rarely cry...Maybe 2 0r 3 times a year, tops. When I do cry, it lasts for hours, because I always bottle up my emotions.
30. I park illegally almost every single day (at school). I do not get tickets. I cannot tell you my secret, though, because then I might be ruined!
31. I like words. I like to use un-used words in conversations. The other day, G told me he has never met anyone who says "Divine" as much as I do. The girls I work with always tell me I talk like a grandmother.
32. I have a hard time with moderation, I tend to fall into one extreme or the other.
33. For example, at any given time in my life I am either a) Not working out one little bit, not even a crunch or push-up...nada OR b) working out like an insane person. Spending hours running, sometimes going twice a day and obsessing about my work-outs all day long.
34. I love art. Some of my favorite childhood memories are getting art lessons from my grandma in her basement.
35. I don't talk in my sleep, but I do scream in my sleep. This is because I always have nightmares.
36. A few days ago, I was stopped at a light & there was a homeless man outside of my window. I felt bad because I didn't have any cash, so I handed him a yogurt & a spoon (as mentioned before, I ALWAYS carry a yogurt and a spoon). G seemed to think that was hilarious.
37. I am more comfortable in high heels or boots than I am in flip flops. I can't walk in flip flops.
38. I have a nickname for everyone and everything. Usually more than 1. If you are a family member or a friend---I have a nickname for you. You may not know what it is, but it exists!
39. I always have nightmares that involve me being chased or murdered.
40. I used to play Piano, I even competed and such. I quit. Twice.
41. I also used to dance. Quitting that is one of my biggest regrets.
42. I wish I had a sister, but my sister-in-laws are great.
43. I count my 4 brothers as one of my biggest blessings. I love them so much & I have more fun with my brothers than anyone.
44. I am great at doing exactly what I don't need to be doing & avoiding everything I should be doing. It's almost like I need to be in a time crunch to really get things done.
45. I think being kind is more important than anything else.
46. I missed seminary over 40 times my Senior year of High school and still graduated. I have no idea how. My Mom & I weren't sure if I would be, so she went into the graduation first to see if my name was on the program. It was.
47. I missed class a million times too. I loved High school, but I loved sleeping more.
48. That makes me sound like I don't care about grades. I do. I still graduated with a 3.8.
49. If I am upset, I go for a drive. I have several routes that I take. Somehow, the combination of driving & blasting music in my car seem to make me feel better.
50. I have been pulled over about 8 times. Usually for speeding.
51. I have only received 2 tickets.
52. None of which, are still on my record.
53. I still consider myself to be a good driver...just an impatient one.
54. I can forge anything. I am a master at forging signatures. I don't think my Mom signed one thing for me since 6th grade. (she knew about this, mind you). I also always remember what peoples signatures look like. Even if I only see them once.
55. I loved sneaking out in High School.
56. These last few are making me sound pretty hard-core. I am not that hard-core.
57. I have never tried alcohol or any form of drug. See? Not hard-core.
58. I love taking care of others. If I could have stomached the blog & guts, I would have been a nurse, but I cant.
59. I have tiny nails. Whenever I get a manicure, the lady ALWAYS comments about them.
60. Some more nicknames: Belly, Sicca, J, Bozybon, Boon, James, Moffy, Moffitt.
61. My favorite subject in school was creative writing.
62. I really lucked out when it came to marrying G. I am glad I snatched him up before he realized just how much cooler than me he is!
63. I am addicted to cooking shows. More specifically, Iron Chef, Paula Deen, Everyday Italian & Bobby Flay.
64. I have met Michael J. Fox & I have Zac Efron's phone number (don't ask) for all you crazy HSM fans!
65. My major is Elementary Education. I want to teach 2nd grade. I have always wanted to be a teacher.
66. Other jobs I thought about: news anchor, Oprah (jk), author, psychiatrist, counselor.
67. I am far-sided. Slightly.
68. I always get stomach aches & headaches
69. I admire my friends and family so much.
70. I love being around people and learning more about them.
71. I love to laugh & I am extremely silly.
72. My Dad is 6'7" & my Mom is 5'9"--when I was little, everyone used to always tell me that I was going to be "SO TALL" when I grew up! Eventually, I started to freak out about it because I didn't want to be a bean pole, so I would pray that I wouldn't be tall. My family always makes fun of me when I complain about being the shortest in the family because "I got what I asked for!"
73. I have a very nagging conscience. The first time I ever told a lie, I went upstairs and threw up immediately after. That's how bad I felt.
74. I love cards. I am always shuffling them and fiddling with them. I don't even need someone to play with, I have tons of card games I play all by myself.
75. I have always loved to work. I started working before all of my friends just because I thought it would be "so fun". Now, I know better.
76. I am extremely clumsy. My Mom always calls me "dropsy"
77. The most common noise you would have heard if you grew up in my house is me falling down the stairs.
78. I am extremely sarcastic.
79. I love my families ability to laugh at and with each other. We have so much fun together.
80. I feel much older than I am.
81. I hate it when people comment about mine and my husbands age difference.
82. I cant wait to be a Mom. I hope I am a good one.
83. I love to decorate, but I can't figure out how to "decorate on a dime". I am not very crafty & don't like the way things look when I do them myself.
84. In my circle of friends, I am the one who is always throwing the get-togethers.
85. I am also the one who gives advice.
86. When it comes to shopping, I am a bargain hunter. The only thing I will spend a decent amount of money on is jeans. Shirts are so trendy, so I won't pay much for them, but jeans can last for years. A good pair of jeans is essential. Whenever I find a pair, I just have to buy them, because I feel like passing up a perfect-fitting pair of jeans is the biggest mistake!! I have way too many.
87. I have always been an animal lover. I can't watch or read about animal torture. I think anyone who abuses animals is evil.
88. Whenever I take the color test I am yellow/red or I.D. Yellow is outgoing & fun loving. Red is dominant & bold.
89. When I was little, I used to play "receptionist" for fun.
90. I am becoming more and more like my Mom everyday and that is fine with me.
91. I like sports, growing up I played soccer, Jr. Jazz basketball and softball.
92. I think plucking hurts more than waxing.
93. My day never goes right unless I make my bed and a "to-do list" every morning.
94. I was "madly in love" with G about 5 minutes into my first conversation with him. Not really, of course, because I don't believe in love at first sight. But it sure felt that way.
95. I am not good at making dinner every night, because I only like to cook if I am going all-out, but who can afford to make a gourmet dinner every night? Therefore, its either pbj's or prime rib at my house. I need to learn to cook normal, everyday meals.
96. My favorite time of the day is early morning when my pups do their morning stretches & yawns and then come to cuddle with me.
97. I love it when women tell me my husband is handsome, because I totally agree.
98. I went to every high school dance but 2 or 3.
99. I can't believe I finally made it to 100!
100. I love my life right now.

Tagged...

I'm back.

I was tagged twice a couple of days ago, so I guess you all have endure hearing more about boring me. I would just like to take the opportunity to let Jennie know that she was also tagged by Funny Madre so I look forward to reading her questionnaire as well!

(I just thought I would throw a completely random photo in the mix to spice things up a bit!)

On this history of G & Me...

How long have you been together? Since January 2006
How long did you date? We were married 9 long months after we starting dating
How old is he? 28
Who eats more? This morning, G made Norwegian pancakes for breakfast...I ate 2, he ate 6. Enough said.
Who said "I love you" first? I would tell you that I said "I love you" first, he would tell you that he did. Either way, we were both very much ready to say it.
Who is taller? I am 5'5", G is 6' 2"
Who sings better? We both pretty much suck at singing, but I am not quite as tone-deaf as my man.
Who is smarter? This is a hard one. We are so opposite. I am very right-brained, so I did better in English, Literature, Art, etc...G is completely left brained, so he is a Math whizz. I did better than him in High school (woohoo!!), but I don't think I can compete with his 3.9 GPA in college. Plus he was an accounting major...Who am I kidding, G is a lot smarter than I am, but at least I got to pretend like that wasn't the obvious answer for a few minutes.
Who does the laundry? For the most part, I do the laundry, but he pitches in and does it every now and then and he will always help me fold, if I ask.
Who does the dishes? We both do them, depending on who is home when they need to be done.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Looking from the foot of the bed, I sleep on the right side.
Who pays the bills? G does, but I kind of wish I did. I enjoy paying bills. (physco much?)
Who mows the lawn? I am embarrassed to say that I have never mowed a lawn in my life. 4 brothers...what can I say?
Who cooks dinner? In the past, I have 98% of the time. But this semester I have evening classes a few times a week, so my hub will have to pick up the slack..which he will be happy to do. Tacos, tacos, ground beef, shepherds pie, tacos.
Who is more stubborn? We are both pretty stubborn, but G is more so.
Who kissed who first? G kissed me first...but that is a funny story...(another time).
Who asked who out? He asked me out about 5 times before I said yes. Don't get me wrong, I was totally obsessed with the guy, but I was, um, not exactly on the market.
Who proposed? G with the help of Jennie.
Who is more sensitive? Me by far.
Who has more friends? Ummm...at this point, we pretty much share our friends. But I guess if you were to divide them up, I probably have more close girlfriends. But G talks to and sees his friends a lot more than I see mine (besides the best bud).
Who has more siblings? G-2 brothers, Me-4 brothers.
Who wears the pants in the relationship? G wears the pants, but for the record, I let him.
Who are you tagging? Christy

Tag, baby!

I decided to post this questionnaire a friend emailed me, I think it's a good one...

About LOVE:

Where did you meet your husband?

We worked at the same Real Estate Brokerage & saw each other there. I was madly obsessed with him...He was the first guy I have ever had such a huge crush on that I was afraid to talk to him. I referred to him as "The Guy" and everyday I would tell my roommates all about "The Guy" that I was in love with, yet had never spoken to (pretty pathetic).

I guess he had noticed me too and was talking to his friend, Andy, about "The girl"! (woohoo)

Everyone at work always told me that I should get to know him because they "had a feeling we would like each other" and they told him the same thing. I tried on several occasions to talk to him, but I was so so so nervous. I knew he was much older, much cooler, much more mature etc. etc. etc....and I had no idea he would be interested in me.

I think he finally got up the courage and introduced himself to me one day. He told me his name and in my head I'm like ("ya, i know your name, what car you drive, when you come to work, when you leave, where you park etc. etc. etc) Although, I wasn't a stalker..I swear.

There was instant chemistry. The next day I was going out to lunch with co-workers and he had originally declined an invitation to join, but when I invited him (and therefor he realized I would be going) he decided to come (woohoo again)!

We went to Citrus Grill (this is one of the reasons it is our fav restaurant) and I experienced that cheesy feeling of it seeming like no one else was there. We talked the whole time. That day he walked me out to my car and we talked for another 2.5-3 hours in the parking lot. After we finally said goodbye, he called me on his way home to see if he could see me that night. It was that quick, we fell in love so so so fast.

What happened next?

I was saying goodbye to a missionary, so it took me a few months to let go of the missionary and really start dating G. Once we actually started dating, it was smooth sailing all the way to our marriage.

Where were you married?

Salt Lake Temple with a reception at Tuscany

What are 3 things you love about your spouse?

1. G is a big time problem solver. That sounds like a pretty boring quality, but it is so nice to be married to someone who is always thinking of solutions to every problem we/I have. It makes my life so easy.

2. He is SO selfless. He is always serving everyone, including me. He will bend over backwards for anyone.

3. He is funny, fun to be around and so much fun to talk to.

What are three things about your spouse we would be surprised to find out?

1. He likes to shop! He will shop with me for pretty much anything. Esp. furniture and even clothes.

2. He loves our dogs like crazy. He is so cute with them & has taught them to sit, stay, come, lay, shake etc. It is funny to see a big guy so in love with two tiny puppies.

3. He is extremely ticklish.

What is your favorite thing to do together?

talk & travel

About LIFE:

If you could sum up your personality in 3 words they would be?

1. cheerful

2. caring

3. driven

What makes you happy?

My family & friends

Writing and receiving "Thank You" cards

G, J & T

Making other people feel good about themselves

3 things you would bring to a deserted island (besides the necessities)?

1. As many books as possible

2. My IPOD
3. G, J & T (they have to count as 1 thing!)

What are you good at?

hobby wise, I am not good at much. I love art, drawing and creating and I am alright at it. I enjoy decorating and cooking and I think I am a decent baker.

Umm, I think I am good at seeing the best in others. (at least I try very hard)...

Oh! I am EXCELLENT at memorizing lyrics. I can memorize anything after hearing it once! Yes!

If you had to eat 3 things for the rest of your life?

1. garlic mashed potatoes

2. chocolate chip cookies

3. pasta

(can you imagine what I would look like if I had to eat those 3 things for the rest of my life? wow)

What are 3 things you can't stand?

1. Everyone knows I can't stand anything cracking or dislocating

2. I can't stand it when I know someone is upset with me or doesn't like me. I can never just blow it off

3. I can't stand it when my house is dirty.

Where do you want to be in 10 yrs?

Happy.

I am tagging:

Jennie, Sarah, Tori, Kiersti