A Sweet Suprise!

So as everyone knows Valentine's Day was a few weeks ago. I was wondering what Richard would do for me because he is extremely thoughtful when it comes to showing that he loves me. We decided that we wouldn't do very much for each other because we were going to save money for another trip that we are going on. But I should have know that he had something up his sleeve when he started selling his old lacrosse gear and not buying new shoes like he said that he was going to do. Then about a week before the big day Richard surprised me by saying that we were going to Disneyland for Valentine's Day!!! I was so excited!!! I have been wanting to go to Disneyland with my sweetheart for a long time but with Beau and work and school, not to mention the expense, I thought that it would be a long time before we would be able to get away. However, Richard being who he is, found us amazingly low priced tickets to Disneyland and our friends James and Jerrica went with us so we split the cost of gas and the hotel room. We spent what most couples spend on flowers and a nice dinner on an amazing weekend together in Disneyland!

We left Beau with Grandma and Grandpa. That was hard because it was our first time apart over night but Beau was a great baby and my family loved having him there. We started driving down after I got off work. Richard and James took turns driving. All was well when it was James turn at the wheel and he handled the roads nicely. When we stopped to gas up the car and stretch our legs James and Richard switched places. After this switch we got going again and that is when we hit some problems. The night was darker than usual because of the clouds covering the moon and stars. We were afraid that as we were going that we would hit a snow storm. We felt good about the trip so far but as we neared St. George small, delicate lakes began to whisper down all around us. After a while the snow became heavier and harder to navigate in, especially because we were in a rear wheel drive vehicle. This is when we all bowed our heads and asked our Heavenly Father for the safety for all those driving in this weather. Richard's skill impressed us all. We swerved slightly twice and drove very slowly. Other cars and even trucks ended up in the ditch next to us but our car drove as straight as an arrow with the guiding hand of my husband and Heavenly Father. We ended up grabbing a hotel in Las Vegas at the Flamingo Hotel at about 3:00 in the morning. In the morning we went and looked at the birds that made the hotel famous for having live exotic birds. The flamingos were odd looking birds but the best one was the Crown Crane. She had a beautiful blond fro!! This amazing looking bird was the Queen of the Island. That was fun to see all of the birds and the humongous fish. Right before we left I gave Richard his present. I gave him a complete set of the Obsession for Men. He loves it and now wears it everyday.

We left fairly soon after we woke up and headed on to Sunny California. The rest of drive was uneventful, except for when Richard pulled out a box that held a sparkling ring that held two blue tanzinite stones. The rest of the way went well and we made it to our hotel in good order. We then went to Downtown Disney. Our hotel was a 5 minute walk to Disneyland and that was quite convenient. We looked around and snapped some pictures. Richard and I loved all of the live music that was found at regular intervals throughout the walk. While we were walking amid the noise and color I spotted a cart that held beautiful pearls in gold and silver settings that took my breath away. Every time I see a pearl I think of my husband and his mission to New Caledonia. What was truly fantastic for me was that at this cart I could open my own clam and claim a pearl. Richard saw my fascination with this concept so he bought me a clam to open. I carefully selected the shell that would hold my reminder of my husband. I finally picked one and had the sales woman open it for me. Inside there laid a beautiful cream colored pearl and it was a big one, too! We decided to wait and get it set into something that really reflects me so we shall see what that looks like. We ate dinner at the ESPN restaurant. That was fun even though we had to wait for a very long time. The restaurant had huge TVs every where and every game was on as well. Because we waited longer than the estimated time they gave us a table that had a touch screen TV right on the table! That was fun and the food was great. The restaurant had an arcade/game room up stairs to keep us occupied as we waited. After dinner we headed back to the hotel and went hot tubing. We then went bed quivering with excitement for the day ahead.

We woke up bright and early the next morning and headed to Disneyland!!!! The weather forecast said that it was supposed to rain on us while we were there but the day was perfect! But the best thing was that because the forecast said rain the locals stayed home and we basically had free rein of the park. Jerrica and James were so fun to go to the park with because they go so often that they know when to go to what rides and which line is the fastest. The four of us had a blast at Disneyland. We hit the Peter Pan ride first and though it was not the most exciting ride it was the most detailed. I felt as if Peter had taken me off to Neverland. It was by far my most favorite ride that we went on that day. After that it was a whirl wind of activities. We never waited for more than 30 minutes to go on a ride and that in and of itself made the day better. Pictures with Mickey and Goofy were at the top of our list and we obtained these easily. It was amazing to be there and we had great time! I am so excited that we had the opportunity to go!

The Sister Song

I am the oldest of the 5 sisters in my family. I just wanted to say how much I miss being at home with them and knowing about all of their everyday activities. My sister Melissa just went to The Winter Ball and I wanted to be at the house when her date picked her up. I wanted to tease and laugh and otherwise embarrass Melissa and Charles. I am sure that Melissa looked radiant in her bright green dress with a fuscia tule trim at the bottom of the skirt. Her beautiful shoes matched the tule perfectly and also had a tule trim at the top. I am sure that Melody was snapping photographs like crazy with her new camera. Sariah would be looking as cute as always, while standing in the entry with a shy and mischevious smile on her face. Analaine was also there with a few friends and she would have helped Melissa with her hair and make-up. Analaine has an amazing talent with hair and make-up. Her daughter is going to be very lucky.

An Update!!

I am now working a part time job with Linx Satellite, which is where my husband works as well. However, my job is very different than his and that is great for me! lol I am now officially an office lady! I love it. The girls that I work with are great and they have been so helpful with my learning process. They have taught me so well that I was able to qualify someone all on my own! It was kind of nerve racking and I still will probably still as questions now and again but it really helped my confidence to complete one all on my own. I miss Beau while I am at work but Rich and Beau are really getting some good Father/Son time together. They have been so cute together. Beau has developed a deep interest in the guitar and just stares at Rich the whole time that he is playing.

Beau also will rub his head back and forth across Rich's forehead in a Eskimo kiss action but with foreheads. Beau likes doing this so much that he will do this action even if no one will do it with him. Beau has also learned the wonderful art of blowing raspberries. I love it! Beau also got his first cold the other day but he is all better now and now I know how to better handle a sick baby. But even while he is sick Beau is a wonderful baby. This is all I have time for but I will write more later.

It's Christmas Time with the Morrey's

This Christmas Rich, Beau and I went out to be with Rich's parents in Michigan. It was a lot like Utah in climate and the people in the ward are so nice to us. We were able to talk to David the day before Christmas and he sounds as if he is growing and learning so much. He loves his mission and the people that he is serving. He comes home soon and everyone is very excited to see him again or as the case may be meet him for the first time.
On Christmas Eve we had the missionaries from the LDS Church come over and eat with us. The helped to bring a very strong feeling of peace to the home. One of the Elders was going home in a week and the other had been out for a few months. The ward was kind enough to bring presents for them and so the Elders both had a great Christmas.
Christmas Day dawned on a beautiful white morning we all woke up pretty late because the babies aren't old enough to care. We were able to talk with Rob, who is on his mission in Arizona. It was my first time talking to him as well. He is doing well and is serving with honor. After that came a frenzy of paper and presents. Mom and Dad were kind and thoughtful in the gifts that they gave. I received a camera so that I can continue to scrapbook and record our family's memories. Rich received a guitar and he has been filling the air with music often. Beau was given a bunch of toys that sing and talk and help him learn. But the best part of Christmas was to be with family and know that we will be together forever because of the life and sacrifice that Christ led ad gave.
On the 27th Rich took me and Beau around to see all of his old romping grounds. We went by his past home. There was plenty of ground for all of the Morrey boys to explore and get dirty around the house. I was able to see the fence that they built and the ramps that were constructed by daring little boys. I also had the opportunity to met the Copes, the Powerskis, and many of the Norton's. I really enjoyed meeting everyone and learning more about my husbands past.

Roll Over, Roll Over. He rolled over and Mom freaked out!!!

Well it finally happened!!! Beau rolled over for the first time on Saturday. WE have been working toward the goal of crawling by Christmas but I knew that we would be lucky to be rolling by Christmas. Beau has been working really hard with all of his baby push-ups, hollow holds, and stretches. All of his hard work has paid off and he is now rolling over a few times a day but never when I can see him. He is a little shy when it comes to rolling in front of me. But Beau has rolled over for Rich. Which is totally not fair but such is life. So it first happened when I was getting ready for Kaydrielle's wedding reception and I was straighting my hair. I checked on Beau and he was still doing his push-up. I went back to straighting my hair and then checked on him again a few minutes later and he was on his back! I screamed and clapped my hands and then put Beau on his tummy again. I then sat down on the couch and just stared at him.Beau loved that and he just held himself up high on his arms and smiled at me the whole time I was sitting there. I then had to hurry and finish getting ready to go. I kept looking back to him every minute or less and he still hadn't turned over. I then went to the bedroom to get my shoes and when I came back Beau was on his back again!! What a stinker! Oh, well I have pleanty of time to see him roll over but I am still looking forward to it.

Christmas makes me feel emotional

Well, Rich, Rachel, Beau and I went to our friend Spencer's house for the LDS Christmas Devotional. I loved it! I hadn't watched it in a few years and I loved the feeling of peace that it gave me. I have been worrying about presents and getting them done in time and a whole bunch of other nonsense, so it was good to be reminded that the reason for CHRISTmas is Christ. I am so grateful for this time of year and for the goodness that it brings out in everyone.

Rich is helping me to grow so much in our relationship. I sometimes get all caught up in the wrong things. But he helps me to keep an eternal perspective when we have to make small and major decisions.

Rise and Shout!!

Go Cougars Go!!!! Whoohoo!

Saturday was our last BYU home game so we decided to go all out! We face painted, tinseled, and placed bows with art and precision and the result was beautiful. We were a little late to the game but it was worth being late so we could be as spirited as possible. Here we see Rich and Allie looking like Smurfs and I look like a white and blue maned lion. We received stares and comments as we went to the game and from those next to us and I could tell that they were jealous of our creativity and genius.

This season has been pretty good for BYU. We lost a game that we should have won but over all it was a good season. I had fun. I ate slushies. I cheered. I even understood what was going on. But most of all I had a blast hanging out with my husband, Rachel, and Allie.