Swing Dancing

Derrick and his best friend Brandon used to always go dancing in SLC.
Derrick and I have also enjoyed doing this together so of course while
we were there we had to go dancing together. It was so much fun.(02/13/09)

Going to UT with Derrick

Derrick and I went to UT on Feb 12 09 for his birthday. We had a lot of fun spending time together and seeing his friends and family. I was fortunate to see a couple of my awesome friends from High School Alena and Lyndsy. Derrick's cousin JR and his wife were very nice and let us stay with them in SLC. The night we arrived in SLC we met up with his best friend Brandon and had dinner with him. The next day we had lunch with him again, went to visit my friend Alena, then I had a dinner planned for him at Red Lobster, the one he used to work at, with some of this friends. Planning where we were going to go was fun because he had no idea the entire time. And he was pleasantly surprised when he found out where we were going. And of course he was so excited to see his friends! Later that night we went Swing Dancing! It was so much fun dancing with Derrick and Brandon. They used to do this all the time, so it was fun for them to be able to go together again. I was a little intimidated by their dancing skills considering I'm not nearly as good as they are, but regardless of my dancing ability I had fun! The next day was Valentines day. We started the morning off by going out to breakfast with JR and Lori, it was the best breakfast I have ever had in a restaurant! Then Derrick and I had the privilege of doing a session in the Salt Lake Temple. What a beautiful temple, and it should be since it took 40 years to complete. The we met up with Sara and Jack, they drove from Rexburg to spend the weekend with us. We had a lot of fun the rest of the day. Then that night Sara, Jack, JR, Lori, Derrick and I went to this Japanese restaurant for dinner and sushi. It was a really good restaurant, and we enjoyed the company. It was a nice Valentines day spent with family. Sunday we went to Derrick's old ward that he was baptized in. He made a comment as we were going in to church that he thinks only a couple people will remember him. Well he was wrong and I wasn't surprised. He always leaves a good impression on everyone he meets. Everyone was so excited and surprised to see him. In fact, we were stitting there listening to the first speaker as the bishop walks down and hands Derrick a note which basically asked Derrick if he would bear his testimony after the last speaker. Fortunately for Derrick, he's not afraid he speak in front of people and loves doing things like this, especially so spontaneously. And of course I wasn't surprised at all at the amazing testimony he gave. I couldn't help but smile as I stared at him the entire time and tried not to cry from the overwhelming spirit that was present during that sacrament meeting. I felt blessed to be able to share this experience with him in UT, and see Derrick interact with family and friends that were there for him when he joined the church 5 years ago, and who helped support him as he served Heavenly Father on his mission to Mexico. So later that night, we went to his cousin JR's dad's house for dinner, I guess that would make it Derrick's uncles house. It was a great dinner, there was so much food, I was so full. Monday was our last day there, we wanted to just chill most of the day since we really didn't have much time to do that at all. We did get some time in to see Brandon one more time and I was able to visit with Lyndsy and see her two beautiful kids! Then we ate some pizza with JR and Lori, and headed back to the airport to come home. Part of me didn't was to leave because we were having so much time, and I had 4 entire days to spend with my honey, but I missed my babies like crazy, and it was time to get back into the routine of school and work. We had an amazing time and I was so thankful to be able to spend this experience with him!!

Me and Derrick dancing in UT

Here is another video of me and Derrick dancing. So I have to tell you this before you watch it to explain my terrible dancing, lol. Derrick bought me new dance shoes for Valentines Days, but I hadn't had time to adjust them so they were tight enough for me to wear. They were really loose so there are a couple times, obvious times, I mess up. It's funny though so I don't care if i show it. Hope you enjoy!!

Sneaking Into Mommies Bed

Melissa sometimes doesn't want to go to bed at bed time and gets up a couple times. I always pick her up and put her back in her bed and usually she doesn't get up again. There has been one time I found her sleeping on the floor in the hallway. It was cute. Well this time, she went to bed and appeared to have stayed in bed. I had no idea she had gotten up so when I went to go to bed, this is the surprise I found in my bed. I thought it was cute so I had to take a picture of her before I placed her back in her bed. I love my Lissa!

27th Birthday Dinner with Derrick

Derrick took me to Palomino dinner, it was DELICIOUS! I had the Crab and Hazelnut Stuffed Cod with Steamed Asparagus. Derrick had the Lobster Ravioli. It was a very nice restaurant downtown Portland I would recommend it to anyone! The food was excellent but the best part was sharing dinner with Derrick and enjoying a great conversation! He is the best, thanks hon for a great birthday dinner!

Welcome 2009!!!

I know this picture is blurry, but I like it! I spend New Years Eve with my friends and got to start the new year out right with a kiss from my best friend Derrick! There was a live swing band that you can barely see in the back, that we swing danced too. I was a little nervous about dancing with Derrick, not because he is so much better than me, but because I just bought some new pink heals that I was wearing. But fortunately for me and everyone else, I stayed on my feet and was able to mostly keep up with my amazing and stunningly handsome dancing partner. This year is going to be AMAZING!!

Christmas.....

Opening Presents is always lots of fun, we tear each corner one by one. Curious excitement fills our eyes, as we anticipate opening each surprise. Christmas morning comes and goes so fast, but we take lots of pictures to remember the past. Let us remember what Christmas is really about, and let us serve others without an inch of doubt. For Christ was born in a humble stable, let us have peace in our homes we are able.