Over...And Over.

This song has been stuck in my head all week.

Enjoy.

Dog Days Are Over.-Florence + the Machine.

-Jess.

Take a Breath and Laugh.

Last week Blake and I took a day off to venture back up to Sundance. 

We spent quite a bit of time at the small trial park, where I observed Blake jump, spin, and do all sorts of tricky little shenanigans on his board.

As for myself: I wasn't quite brave enough to make any attempts, but...
maybe next time.

It was extremely cloudy and cold outside, with wind gusts of snow so strong it stung the skin.

But the riding was amazingly soft and thick, which made for a fantastic day.

Almost Perfect.

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On Another Topic...
I've been stressing out quite a bit lately. Over nothing specific really; I've just been having spurts of anxiety.

I blame school. I blame work. I blame my need to try and do everything that I'm "supposed" to be doing.

I mostly blame the fact that sometimes

I forget to breathe, relax, and enjoy the life that I have.

So--This is My goal for the upcoming week: Stop to Take a Breath.

and don't forget to laugh.
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Effington.-Ben Folds.

-Jess.

I Recommend...

Siri Elaine.

Follow her: here

This is a blog that comes highly recommended.

Siri Elaine is a makeup artist and fashion guru.

She loves sharing her knowledge and passion of makeup artistry and fashion with everyone.

I have gotten so many makeup and fashion ideas from her, as well as skin tips to better your skin's health.

Anytime I have a question about anything to do with my skin or makeup, I know I can ask Siri and she'll be happy to give me numerous suggestions.

If you have an interest in makeup and/or fashion, I highly recommend that you follow this blog.

I know Seed personally, and not only is she amazing at what she does (she's a professional!), but she is an amazing human being and I'm grateful to know her.

Enjoy,

Jess.

Look at What I Found.

A picture of Blake back in 2005. 

I believe this was right before his 22nd birthday.

This picture was taken of my husband the summer after we met. I moved back home from college for the summer, and we were apart. 

That time for us consisted of....hefty phone bills, instant-messaging, and late night drives to St. George or Springville (depending on who was making the trip) any chance we got.

Look at those eyeballs. They're killer.

Sexxxxy Man, he is. 

-Jess.

A Man-Bath.

Blake's man-bath is finally complete.

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The bath we're dealing with is the most interesting room in our house.

The toilet was installed crooked and, for some reason or another, the shower stands one foot away from the wall rather than sitting flush against the corner of the room. There is no linen closet or shelving anywhere, making it a challenge to stock towels and provide Blake a place to put his man-things (shavers/razors/etc.).

Our goal was to create a more modern and functional man-bath with what we had been given.

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Before...

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For Blake's man-cave (the bath and basement) we really want to keep it Chicago themed.

Blake loves the Chicago Bears, and we both fell in love with the city after taking a trip there in the fall of 2009.

We painted his bathroom walls a really dark grey, reminiscent of the city. We then accented with white shelving (for his linens and man-things) and photographs of Chicago skyscrapers that Blake took during our trip. We also added just a hint of green with a bath rug and towels.

The bathroom is definitely more functional and we're both really happy with how it looks.

Its manly enough, but I don't mind spending time in there too.
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After....

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Our next project is the basement.

I promised Blake a man-cave when we bought this house.

It's time we create that for him, and we're both very excited!

-Jess.

An Un-Common Break.

Blake and I spent the past couple days up at Sundance ski resort. It was chilly but nonetheless amazing.

I love being up on the mountain. Everything is so serene and beautiful. 

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I love boarding down the slopes, listening to the carving of the snow in the background of my music.

I love watching Blake hit jumps. His abilities amaze me.

We had a lot of fun and are completely worn out.

I'm sad to have to go back to work after having this amazing and uncommon time off with Blake. 

Unfortunately, we don't see enough of each other, but at least we have the rest of our lives. 

It's been a great week at home.

-Jess.

Common People.-Ben Folds w/William Shatner.
(If you have a sense of humor, you will watch and enjoy the music video link above.)

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P.S. I chopped off all my hair. Its now on its way to a better place; aka Locks of Love. 

Goodbye hair. Hello Ms. Pixie cut.

Out of Your League.

This band opened for the Vampire Weekend concert Blake and I attended last year. I had never heard them before and couldn't remember the band name, but I loved their music.
I came across them today listening to Pandora;  thought I would share.
Blake and I loved her live. She was hilarious.

True Affection-The Blow.

Enjoy,
Jess.

Baby, I'm Falling For You.

Since Valentine's Day fell on a Monday this year, and Monday's are extremely busy and amazingly long for me (I'm out of the house by 630am to get to work, on my way to school by 330pm, and finally on my way home at 9pm); I asked Blake for nothing more this year than Chinese takeout, a glass of wine, and a movie. That's all. Nothing more, nothing less.

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Well...

Blake surprised me while I was doing some research at the campus library with red tulips. They were such a sweet bouquet that I wasn't even shy about toting them around campus with me for the remainder of the day.

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After class I came home to an even sweeter surprise.

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Tea light candles supplied the only light. Blake had dozens lit throughout the main floor of our house. It was like walking through the doorway and into a fairytale.

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We ate Chinese takeout and drank champagne by candle light.

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Blake gave me fleece gloves to keep my always chilled hands warm and a cute little stuffed animal to add to my collection. Its becoming a yearly tradition that I get one from Blake on Valentine's, and I find myself looking forward to it. They surround  the top shelf of my closet, and every morning I smile when I see their cute little faces.

I gave Blake some cologne and a few unmentionables (*wink*). He seemed pleased.

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We watched a movie and enjoyed some wine together.

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It was a perfect evening. I loved every second, and I fell hard for my husband all over again.

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-Jess.

Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop.-Landon Pigg.

Cheeky.

Indiana got a hair cut yesterday.

It was a two-day process, because she's so well-behaved (not).

She also ended up simply being shaved, since apparently her mom and dad (aka-Blake and I) are terrible at grooming her regularly.

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*Indi--I promise we'll do a better job taking care of you. I'm sorry that you're nearly bald, and that we can see your pink little bum-cheeks when you turn around.

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But, you're still so cute

-Jess and Blake.

Fencing Us In.

Our fencing in project is nearly finished. All that is left is staining and selecting the perfect latch for the gate. I think we'll hold off on these tasks until the weather becomes more consistently clearer.

This was our yard before we began the fence project. As you can see, there is no "in" for ourselves. This is a problem for us private people.

But...we blamed it on the dog when it came time to explain to the neighbors.

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This is where we are currently at with fencing ourselves in. I love the progress we have made. I love the privacy. I'm planning on installing some planter boxes around the bottom of the lattice on the fence to grow my herbs and spices.

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**Why thank you, Miss Indi, for sticking your cute little nose in my picture of the lattice we will be using to block you out from under the porch this spring.**

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Indiana wanted to play so badly while we were outside in the fresh snow today, I couldn't resist her cute little face and her snow-covered nose.

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**Muah**

This girl is irresistable.

-Jess.

A Good Day....Sunday.

Blake and I spent Sunday evening with my family, watching football and celebrating my niece, Fatima's eighth birthday. She was ridiculously cute and patient waiting for the time to open up her gifts. She was perfectly happy with the results of her patience. The waiting was definitely worth it. I can't believe she's eight. I love this girl so much. She makes the world a better place. She brings joy.

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When I think of my family, I have a hard time believing that Blake and I now have five nieces and nephews; just on my side. 

Like most things in life, this happened in a blink of an eye. All of my nieces and nephews are so adorable. It was so much fun spending time with each of them.

My newest nephew, whom I call Bey-Bey and is otherwise named Keenan, spent the evening snuggled up in his blanket, mesmerized by the lights and people surrounding him. We napped together. And it was wonderful.

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What a genuinely good day.
The absolute perfect way to end a long and busy week.

I love my family.

-Jess.

Lullaby-Jack Johnson.

Sunday Listen.

With Arms Outstretched-Rilo Kiley.

Jesus Walks-Kanye West.

Him-Lily Allen.

The Next Messiah-Jenny Lewis featuring Zooey Deschanel.

God's Gonna Cut You Down-Johnny Cash.

Pumped Up Kicks.

I really like this song by Foster the People...Have a listen, won't you?

Pumped Up Kicks

-Jess.

Maui.

I miss the honeymoon.
I would love nothing more than to escape from the chill to the warm sun of Maui.

Relaxing by the beach.

Swiming in the warm water.

Attending Luau's and Hawaiian Theater.

Hiking.

Visiting winery's.

Enjoying the sun.

Enjoying each other.

A second honeymoon would be nice.

Next year, maybe?

-Jess.