Maid Service

Well the maids don't bother us at 8:00 AM anymore, but they love us. When we do get our roomed clean like once or twice a week, they leave us lots of mints! YUM! They must know that buttermints are my FAVORITE! When we came back today, they left a whole cup full! So nice!

Adoption.

I wish we knew what to tell you all, but when we know, you'll know. Hilary's dates were off so she is still pregnant.

Yes, we will more than likely be coming home this weekend, so we will see ya'll then.

Thanks for all the concern and care. We appreciate you all!

Dang the bad luck.

Seriously?!?! Yes, that is what I was thinking as I said, "Sure, we'd love a Saturn Vue".

Of course I have to post the latest Rental Car story. Such a joke. Ha ha. Just kidding. So we took the Vue back, thankful to get rid of it. This one was worse than last weeks. I miss the keyless entry! What 2007 car doesn't have keyless entry! Blah! Anyways. We took it back. We went inside to wait in line. It was a much faster wait this time and a much better experience. We got up to the counter where a somewhat crusty lady was helping us. Of course our friend Brad noticed us there. He said Hi and asked us how things were going. It was nice to feel like we have made amens with him. Brad and I have had a rough past 3 rentals (including the one from May). Brad and I are tight!

We were assigned a Pontiac Vibe. Yay! At least it wasn't a Saturn Vue! So we went out to pick up our car. When we got out there we saw a white Pontiac Vibe sitting there with a guy sitting in it. I was thinking, I wonder if that is ours? Then he drove off. But I was exciting because it looked really nice. So one by one they brought up car after car after car. And we sat there. Each one of them asking what we were waiting for. And again, nothing. After sitting there for quite sometime, one of the ladys came up and talked to us again. She suddenly realized that someone else had taken our car. Just as I had suspected. Oh no. What now? Not the Vue. No, they wouldn't give us the Vue. I mean we just returned it and they haven't had to time to clean it. It was like 30 cars back in line when we dropped it off, and the line had been fast. So we weren't too worried.

She had us come around to the desk in the lot. They decided to give us something different of course. So we walked up.... and what envelope was sitting next to the computer with another reservation? A Saturn Vue. Nah, that is for someone else. Wrong. "We have a Saturn Vue here that you can take". Blah! Seriously? Well at least maybe it is the first one we had... we could get the leather seats and keyless entry back. Better than the one we got. So we took the keys and noticed there was no keyless entry. No way. We walked up and confirmed our fears. The SAME stains! Dang! Man, they were FAST!

So once again, we have a Saturn Vue. I guess it could be worse. But I have seen TWO Saturn Vue's in the whole Rental Car garage and we have to get both? Grrr.... I LOVE Saturns! The funny thing is... everytime we have got a Vue, it has been for a different class of cars. At least this week it's cheaper. Sadly enough, it is still cheaper for us to drive to Pittsburgh and drop off and pick up the same car than it is to extend. I love rental companies. Come on... cut us a break!

Guestbook!

FYI - If you want to sign my guestbook or just look at it... It's at the bottom! :)

Demolition Derby

Hey, does anyone know when the Demolition Derby is? I was just wondering if we were going to be around. I couldn't remember if it was this weekend or next weekend.

The Wreckers - "Hard To Love You"

Okay this is the last one. But I found another good song with House scenes! Yay!

The Wreckers - "Lay Me Down"

I had no idea that there were so many song from The Wreckers associated TV shows. Dustyn and I have been watching One Tree Hill, but we are just finishing the first season. We are a little slow. But we have been watching it over Netflix... and since we are out in Pennsylvania, we have 2 disks setting at home waiting for us! Yay! We are excited!

But here is another one of my favorite songs from "The Wreckers".

The Wreckers - "The Good Kind"

I love the Wreckers. They have to be one of my favorite groups. I was looking for this video and of course... the only one that I could find was from One Tree Hill. Sorry about the talking!! Oh well. You get the idea! Gotta love "One Tree Hill". :) We do!

I wish I could post the whole album on here. I just might.

*Edit* Okay, I can't because I don't know how, but you can listen to most of it on their website... well you can listen to a clip.
www.thewreckers.com (And again, I'd link it, but I have a Mac. :) Dang Mac's).

Sunday

Things are well here in Johnstown. It's been a nice relaxing Sunday. I can't believe the day is almost over. It flew by.

For everyone wondering, we will more than likely be coming home next weekend. Dustyn has an appointment on Monday morning to defend his Thesis at BYU so that he can graduate in August. So we have to be home for that. I am not sure if I am excited to come home or not. I want to stay out here for good. But we are excited to see you all! :)

And good 'ole Richfield!

My Favorite Exercise Video! Ha ha!

The music is my FAVORITE!

What I have been reading.

"First Comes Love ... then come the hard part."
By Whitney Lyles

I decided to read this book yesterday. I just happen to pick it up at the bookstore and thought it might be interesting. It was pretty good. Now I am not saying to rush out and read it, because more than likely you would be bored out of your mind.

But for me, it was nice to relate... and on more than one level (except for the getting pregnant part of course). It was nice to read a story of hope and loss and not be in it. Of course this book is about infertility and trying to get pregnant. And family/friend pressures. I found it quite comical. But it was nice to relate to someone who didn't plan on having children first off. Then the thought that you might be pregnant (or are pregnant). And then watching those happy moments drift away. Then wanting it, even though before you never would have considered it happening so fast. And then waiting and longing and hoping every month, just to have your hopes crushed. I know there are a lot of people that I know what I am talking about and how I feel. Probably more than I even know.

It's always nice to be able to relate.

Now I am reading "The Guardian" by Nicholas Sparks. I'll let you know how it goes.

YUM!

Yep! I jut got back from eating my Philly Cheesesteak and boy was it good! What?? I'm on vacation!

My biggest weakness...

Food. I love food. I use to not be this way. I use to dread eating. Now look at me. I love food!

I think I have gained at least a good ten pounds being out here. Since I don't have my scale, I can't see my daily weight. I have thought about going to Wal-Mart and borrowing one from them. Oh well. Who really cares.

After eating out everyday for over three weeks or throwing something in the microwave... I can't wait to cook again. I may not cook healty, but it's gotta be a little better than this.

We have stocked up on all kinds of fruits. Everynight I convince myself that tomorrow, I am going to eat only salads! Everyone know how much I love Iceburg lettuce. Blech! I do not like it. It is so bitter and not satifying. So the only way I am going to eat a salad is if it's a specialty all slathered up in dressing... and really who am I kidding. That is just as bad. But maybe a little better. So why not.

Then I make the first mistake. I look at the Menu. Oh come on. Fajitas, Pizza, Philly Cheesesteak, Steak Sandwiches, and so many other counless favorites. Oh sure! I will have one of those! The only good thing is that Dustyn and I almost always share. At least we are only eating half the portion, right?

Second mistake. I am on vacation. Who doesn't eat junk food on vacation? Sure, a pop here... and some chips there (they have the BEST kettle cooked Salt and Vinegar Chips here!!! I thought about smuggling a suitcase full home). And hey... who doesn't want a mint 3 Muskateers? Oh yeah, and we need snacks while playing cards. I mean everyone eats snacks while playing cards! Blah! On and on.

Ten pounds later... I should have had the salad.

Maybe, just maybe I haven't gained ten pounds. Maybe, just maybe I have only gained five. That's what I am hoping for. But I can see a major change in diet coming when we get home.

I'm out to get a Philly Cheesss... I mean salad! Laters!

Happy Birthday Jace!

25 years old?!?!

Go Grandpa Dotson!

Look at Grandpa Dotson's catch this morning. I am jealous! I wanna go fishing for a fish like that! :) My parents and apparently Grandpa Dotson are on vacation in Flaming Gorge! Looks fun!

Good Night Ya'll!

I am sure most of you are already to sleep! But I thought I would say Good Night anyways!

Mostly I am stalling! I am SO not tired. I mean it's only 3:13AM! You would think by now I would have adjusted to Pennsylvania time! We kinda have, we kinda haven't. I still sleep in late! Slackers!! I know!

Have a great day! Talk to you all tomorrow! (That means you better talk/comment all my lame posts so that I will have something to do tomorrow night while Dustyn is sleeping! :) Ha ha! Maybe I should sleep! Now that is a novel idea! Maybe next week.

Loves!!

Tagged!!

Four jobs I've held:
1. Smead Manufacturing.
2. Decker Lake Youth Center... oh wait, did it say "held" :)
3. Super Target.
4. Classic Motors.

Four movies I would watch over and over again:
1. Moulin Rouge.
2. Flicka.
3. 10 Things I Hate about You.
4. A Walk to Remember.

Four places I have lived:
1. Richfield, Utah.
2. Orem, Utah.
3. Cedar City, Utah.
4. Mt. Pleasant, Utah.

Four shows I watch:
1. Big Brother 8 (just started that!!)
2. One Tree Hill.
3. Good Eats.
4. Iron Chef America.

Four places I've been on vacation:
1. Chicago, Illinois.
2. Wilmington, North Carolina.
3. Bainbridge, Georgia.
4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Four favorite foods:
1. Thai Food.
2. Breakfast Food.
3. Fresh Mex Grill.
4. Pizza from Pier 49.

Four websites I visit:
1. MySpace.
2. Blogger.
3. Yahoo.
4. KSL.

Four people I am tagging:
1. Aunty Amy
2. Claudia
3. Danyl
4. Tina
(really I want everyone to do it! :) YAY!)

Adventures in Rental Cars it is.

So this afternoon we set out on our 24th of July Rental Car Adventure. We didn't have to turn the car in until 6:00PM. We got the Pittsburgh a lot earlier. We went to eat at the Quaker Steak and Lube. It was actually pretty good! Then we went and strolled around in IKEA to kill some time. After a few hours we decided to just cut our losses and take the car back early. The Saturn was starting to make noises and the seats were uncomfortable. We were glad to take it back and see what was next!

We get to the rental place and turn in the Saturn Vue. We wait in line for awhile. Get the the front and then they start the "you can't use a debit card if you don't have a return flight". Blah, blah, blah. We all know that we can use our debit card! It worked last week! Well I remembered I do have a credit card for Emergency purposes. That way we can put it on there and then pay for it with our debit card when we get back. Well.... it declined! WHAT? There is nothing on the card and it has a really high limit! He continued to say that we could not rent a car. So I told him we'd be back.

I stepped aside and called the Credit Card people. Of course I have used it so much.... it has never been activated. Duh! So we go get in line. This time a whole bunch of people have gathered in line. So we wait... and wait.... and wait! We finally get up there. I give him the card... he looks at me like you have got to be kidding me. He tried it! Much to his surprise it went through. It is amazing what you can do when you activate your credit cards! Blah! But he did charge us 17.94 for the extra time we had (since we picked it up at 5:22 and not 6:00).

So we get our car! Yay! A Jeep Cherokee! I was excited! We got the car and headed towards Pittsburgh again. Just about the time we get to the Fort Pitt Tunnel the car dings and shows a warning light. Of course they don't leave owners manuals in the cars... so we have no idea what it means. It blinks for awhile. (It looked like a horseshoe (with the legs in the air) sitting in dirt with a exclamation mark in the middle). Eventually it went off. So we figured we'd just watch it. I looked at the temp and everything seemed fine. Well we get into Pittsburgh and were going slow. We were actually coasting down a hill and the warning sign comes on that says check gages. I look at the Temp gage and it is all the way over to HOT! I was like... Oh great! So I watched it. All of a sudden it went down to about half in like 10 seconds. Then we drove a little father and it did it like 2 more times. The rest of the time it was going hotter and colder and couldn't make up it's mind. It was weird. So we called Roadside Assistance to see what they wanted us to do. We didn't want to drive it and ruin it... and end up in Johnstown and have it break down. They told us to go back to the airport. So we turned around. Of course on the way back when we were going 65 it cooled down and stopped getting hot. It was dumb. Anyways we took it back.

We went inside and there were about 10 people in line. I was so annoyed! We waited and waited... and waited! It was at least 45 minutes later when we finally got helped. He looked at me like... oh great! (This is the third time we have rented a car from him... he was just as annoyed with us when we came in May. We are like on a first name basis now. We LOVE Brad! Blah!!) So he asked if there was something wrong with our car. We said yes, it's overheating. He said, well... I can give you a Saturn Vue for the same rate! OH YES!! PLEASE, PLEASE GIVE US THE VUE AGAIN!! We said okay. He gives us the keys. I asked if since it was 7:22 if we could get the charge removed for the extra hour. Afterall... it was their car that wasted two hours of our lives! Of course he said no because our rental started at 5:22. But if we bring it back before 5:00... then they will take it off. That really annoyed me. Oh well.

So we walk out to pick up the Vue that we just returned. I mean we would have just kept it and extended our stay and saved everyone time and evergy... but they were going to add on like 22.00 a day. So driving to Pittsburgh saved us around $100.00 even with gas. So we get the keys... What? No keyless entry? We walked to the Vue. It was just like the other one. We get in... No leather seats? No heated seats? No power seats? Hello!! Did we just get down graded?!?! Ha ha. Oh well. So we are in a different Saturn Vue that looks just like the other Saturn Vue. Only not as fancy!

So that was our lame rental car experience. Stay tuned in for next weeks Rental car story!

Happy 24th of July!!

Hope you all have a great 24th of July! We are sad to miss you all! Let us know how the parade goes! :) Too bad it's not a Holiday here! Kinda sad. Don't worry, we are going to go to Pittsburgh like we do every Tuesday and get a new Rental! Yes! This blog should really be "Adventures in Rental Cars". We'll let you know what exciting rental we get tomorrow! :)

We'll see all you Dotson's at Seven Peaks! We are excited! Yay!!

Joe turns 90!

I saw this on KSL. Anyone that lives in Richfield, knows Joe, or at least has seen him riding/walking his bike. Kinda fun!
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1520519

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE!!!

Debbie I hope you had a great birthday! I wish I was around to take you to lunch, but I will soon! Okay?

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

You are one of the bestest friends ever!

Love ya!

P.S. I am really sad I don't have a picture of you! :( I need one! How can anyone have a birthday post without a picture!! Okay, Okay. I will be okay. This time!

Hairspray!

DUstyn and I went to Hairspray and it was Awesome! I loved it! It will have to become part of our permanant collection for sure. It was one of the best movies that I have seen for a long time. We have seen lots of movies while we have been out here! Harry Potter 5, License to Wed, Pirates of the Carribean III. Maybe that is all... But Hairspray was by far my favorite!

Dustyn figured out half way through the movie that the mother was John Travolta. It was so funny! He did an awesome job!

If you get the chance to see it, you should! Dustyn and I might go again while we are here, if not.... I am sure it will hit Richfield in a month or two! We can see it again there. Mom, you can go with us. :)

Grrr.....

Last night I was sleeping nice and peacefully. Around 4:30 or so a STUPID BEETLE flew right in my ear! :P Of course I got up and tried to find it... and I couldn't. I even woke Dustyn up. I am sure he appreciated that! So I tried to go back to sleep knowing that the minute I did I would get a friendly visitor! Blah! They are not my friends! So I laid there with the sheet over my head and finally, eventually I fell back asleep! Those dang beetles are driving my nuts! Why don't they like Dustyn! Grrr...

Anything Cooking!

Don't forget to check out our cooking blog! There are some good recipes on there! :) I am excited to try them out! Let me know your email and I will add you if you haven't been added yet. We want everyone's recipes! :) Feel free to drop by and give us any tips or cooking suggestions that you might have!

Email me at dustynkamie(at)gmail(dot)com if you have any suggestions or things that need to be changed! And of course your address so I can add you!

Thanks for participating!

anythingcooking.blogspot.com (remember, I would link it, but I am on a Mac and it doesn't seem to like me!)

Shopping!

Yesterday Dustyn I went to Altoona again. I whined enough that he decided to take me birthday shopping. I know I am a baby! He bought me this cute sweater.

And this bag... except it is the orange, maroon and yellow one. I have been eyeing it for a long time.

He told me that I could pick out an outfit anywhere I wanted. No matter what it cost. We looked and looked and looked. I am a hard person to buy clothes for. Nothing ever fits. I am one of those people that need a personal tailor to make my clothes fit! Blah! We went to Old Navy very last because who wants to go to Old Navy when they can shop ANYWHERE they want? But well... at least I found a cute sweater.

He also let me get some lotion. And a cute headband/scarf. It is white with black polka dots! Super cute! I tried so hard to pick out clothes that weren't black... But I just like black! Oh well. I will just keep trying!

Does anyone know where to buy cute clothes for the not so skinny? But not too large? I am in the middle where I cannot find clothes to fit... so if anyone has ideas, let me know. All the clothes that I can find are SO NOT ME! They are too old for me. I am not ready to be an adult I guess. I need cute trendy clothes! :) I am tired of Old Navy. I have a hard time finding anything I like there. Blah! I have issues when it comes to clothes.

I tried Lane Bryant. They were okay... but everything I tried on just didn't work for me.. Most of it is too big and too old. The Levi's looked rediculous on me. Oh well!

Suggestions are welcome!

Asiatic Garden Beetle

Ewww! These beetles are all over in our room! They are gross! I was just falling alseep last night and one started jumping on my head! Gross!! They love my hair! Everytime I turn around I feel something in my hair... and of course it is one of these beetles. They are freaking me out! :) Blah!

Saturn Vue

On Tuesday we called Avis and told them we would need the rental car a little longer. They told us in an earlier phone conversation that we could keep our low rate. If not we would have taken it back before! Well anyways, they didn't let us keep the low rate. Dustyn talked to numerous people and no one would help him. They were charging us about 3 times more a day than we were paying at first. Anyways... we finally took it back and made another reservation with Alamo so we could get a lower rate once again!

I got on the internet and made a reservation. I was able to rent a compact SUV at a much lower rate than we were paying for the Aveo. Blah! So we drove to the Pittsburgh Airport to make the switch.

So we turned in the car and went to Alamo. They told us that we could not rent a car with a Debit card if we didn't have a return flight. Of course we don't have a credit card... and no matter how much I tried to pursude him... nothing. I tried to explain why we didn't have a return flight. He didn't care. He finally tried to swipe my Visa Debit card and it went without problems. So he let us rent a car.

We went out to pick up our rental and of course it was a Saturn Vue. Everyone knows my love for Saturns. Blah. Then we got in. It is SO nice! Leather interior, CRUISE, CD player, power everything... it is wonderful! I don't know if we are blinded by the Aveo... but at one point we actually considered purchasing one in a future date. It drives so nicely and is everything we ever wanted in a car!

It makes me mad that we payed twice as much to drive that stupid AVEO for a week! But the Vue is so much better! We'll see what we think once we get back to our luxurious Toyota's. I miss the Toyota's.

Utah

Sheesh... I sure hope there is a Utah to come home too! Soo many fires! I bet it's so hot and smokey!

It was about 62 degrees here around 2:00. So nice! I do feel bad for all of you in Utah. I don't want to come melt in the heat!

Man it's tough being in Pennsylvania!

It is a blazing 72 degrees!

Rain!!

By the way... it is raining again! Man I wish I could send some of this rain to Utah. I am pretty sure they have had more rain since we have been here than Utah has had for the year. Poor Utah. I guess that is why Pennsylvania is green and Utah is not! :)

Good Night everyone!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Eeeewwwww.....

I finally had to peel the sticker of the window before we took the Aveo back! SO NASTY! But I didn't want them to think that we left it there!! Stupid AVIS! I think we are sticking with Alamo in the future! That is where our car is from now! It is super nice! Suprisingly! But that is a post for another day when it's not 5:00AM and my alarm isn't set for 7:30AM. Sheesh! My schedule is soooo messed up! It might be a good idea to start sleeping at night while I can!

Adoption Profile

By the way... our adoption profile is no longer active anymore on Parent Profiles. I forgot and was really hoping to get some info off there! Dang! Oh well! Anyways, ya'll can remove your links! Thanks for all the support and advertising! You guys are great! :) If we adopt again, I might ask for your help... again! :) But that will be awhile!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Here are 100 things about my dad.

1. He would do anything for anyone!
2. He likes to spend time with his family.
3. His family are his favorite people.
4. He loves his grandchildren and spoils them like grandparents should.
5. My favorite thing about my dad is when he laughs. When he laughs there is no stopping. My gut hurts for hours.
6. He loves to tell stories.
7. He's the best hunter I know.
8. He lets me tease him about getting a bigger elk than him.
9. One of my favorite things to do with him is to go Ice Fishing.
10. He loves to camp.
11. He loves us even when we do stupid things.
12. He's forgiving.
13. He doesn't admit to liking movies very often, but we all know that deep down, he loves the movie, "Napolean Dynomite".
14. He is very helpful about doing the dishes at home.
15. He is a good BBQ'er.
16. He is a hard worker.
17. He can use ten key, answer phones and carry on a conversation with me all at the same time.
18. He's the fastest typer/10 key'er I know.
19. He secretly loves to blog.
20. He is a taxidermist. (that is big out here in PA)
21. He has his Associates Degree.
23. He was student body president of the SVATC.
24. He loves his shed!
25. He is charismatic.
26. He has done more work on our house than we have! :)
27. He likes to see his children succeed.
28. He doesn't like soup.
29. I have no idea what his favorite food is... maybe Steak and Potatoes.
30. He owns two diesels (I think).
31. He likes to go float tubing.
32. He use to coach Jace's and Chet's ball teams.
33. He loves the Outdoor Channel.
34. He could watch hunting videos all day.
35. He is a very very good shot!
36. He drives a red Dodge 4-door truck.
37. It has camo seat covers.
38. He likes country music.
39. He gets up super early (not by choice).
40. He watches TV with his eyes closed.
41. He wakes up long enought to change the channel... once you are interested.
42. He likes to watch Everyone Loves Raymond, That 70's Show, According to Jim, Deal or No Deal, My Wife and Kids.
43. He loves to watch anything with Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy and Bill Engvall.
44. He falls asleep every time we watch a movie. (on purpose or not... I have no idea).
45. I remember getting him to the theater a few times... The Crocodile Hunter, Star Wars (he HATED it), Cars, and Wild Hogs.
46. He will eat mostly anything.
47. As long as it isn't weird... and mostly American.
48. Did I mention he cracks me up when he laughs.
49. He went to Missouri once to go hunting.
50. He applies for Elk Tags in PA. When he draws out, I am coming!
51. He went to Tim and Faith even when he didn't want to!
52. He is 51 years old!
53. I love listening to his stories of when he was a kid.
54. Once he pushed a strangers car into a canal.
55. I love going hunting with my dad.
56. I like that he watches American Idol so we can talk about it.
57. He got a new 4-wheeler that he was excited about... I still haven't riden on it.
58. The same 4-wheeler sucked up Jace's float tube.
59. He is always willing to help his kids... move, remodel, pick up mail, feed dog, etc.
60. He has a lot of funny/gross stories about riding the bus to work when he worked at the Coal Mine.
61. Sometimes I am too much like him.
62. I have seen him cry.. twice!
63. He doesn't love big cities.
64. I like to go on trips with him... I like to navigate while he drives.
65. He doesn't like to decide where to eat.
66. His front lawn always looks nice.
67. He's hard to shop for. When he wants something, he buys it.
68. He is supportive, no matter what.
69. He is very good with numbers.
70. We always look to him for financial advice.
71. He's super smart... AND has common sense too!
72. He has 4 children. Ages 28, 26, 24 (almost 25), and 16.
73. He's been married 29 years (i think).
74. He's a good public speaker.
75. I like to golf. He is good at it too!
76. He use to bowl a lot. His name is still on the board at Jorgensen's for his 299 game.
77. When people find out who my dad is they say... "Oh, he's a good bowler!".
78. He is good at everything he tries.
79. He use to lay brick. He did the rock in our house. He does a good job!
80. He loves laying tile and is good at it.
81. He's a handy man.
82. He wants a Mac! Ha ha!
83. He loves Halloween when the children come to the door.
84. He worked at DP Curtis for 17 years... I think.
85. He thinks that it is my fault that he has glasses.
86. He is excited for us to adopt and really wants to be a grandpa again.
87. He loves taking his grandkids for a ride up in the hills.
88. He likes to go hunting for antlers.
89. He likes e-bay.
90. He visit hunting forums on the internet frequently.
91. He hates hot weather.
92. He built the log bed in his bedroom.
93. He's giving.
94. He like sports, but I couldn't tell you what teams!
95. I value his opinion more than most.
96. He is always willing to help Dustyn out in any way.
97. He's patient, but he'll tell you exactly what he thinks.
98. We know we can always turn to him for advice!
99. He's supported us and helped us through this whole adoption process.
100. He's the best dad I ever could have asked for. Happy Birthday Dad. I love you! You might get a present when I get home, we'll see! :)

Frank Gehry

So another one of my favorite architects is Frank Gehry. I think that he creates eye pleasing structues. He knows how to use line's to make your eye glide across the landscape. He has designed quite a few large conference centers/Ampitheaters, etc. When we were in Chicago we went to Ampitheater there. it was really neat and definantly a favorite!



Anyways, he has been commissioned to design a Resort of types in Lehi. Of course there has been a lot of controversy, but I think it is going to be great. I guess the ground breaking was suppose to be sometime last spring! I am excited to see the finished project! Here are the models for the project.

A 450 ft. (tallest building in Utah) five star hotel, convention center, 10,000 seat arena, wakeboarding lake, condos and shopping all designed by Frank Gehry has been announced at this site. When completed, it is sure to be one of the most visited locations in Utah. Construction is expected to begin Spring 2007.


Just a random thought by me!

Storm

Yesterday we drove into Pittburgh. We had to go get a new rental.. long story for a different post! :) While we were at the Airport it looked like there was a huge storm pass thru, but we didn't get to see it. But after we got the car we decided to go find a Wal-Mart. Apparently there was a major storm pass through right before we got there. There were braches all over the road. We turned down one street just to find out that a huge tree had fallen right into the middle of the road. We got closer to the Wal-Mart and suddenly we realized that all of the power was out. It was getting pretty dark at this point. No one was stopping at the stop lights. It was somewhat chaotic. Big city, no power... not a good idea.

Well the closer we got, there were trees laying all over, downed power lines all over and a huge puddle. There was a section of the road that had to have a good 8 inches of water or more. It was crazy. Of course we got to Wal-Mart and they were closed becuase there was no power. The whole city was dark. It was kinda weird. Across the street there was a strip of restaurants that still had power. So we went across the street and ate. I think they were getting ready to close down... and got a rush of customer because they were one of the few only ones that still had power.

It was kinda weird driving in the dark with no stop light, street lights or anything. You would be driving and then all of a sudden there would be a huge tree in the road. Here is one of the trees that we saw.

It was crazy. I have never seen anything like that before. I kinda felt like I was in the middle of a natural disaster. Of course we would never have that sort of disaster in Richfield. Although I did dream last night that most of Richfield burned up. Of course, out yard went up in flames in a matter of seconds! I bet it is super dry now!

Amy got me thinking!!

I thought it might be fun to have a blog that everyone can post their recipies on so that everyone else can have them at their finger tips! If I haven't added you yet, hit me up and I will get you going! Feel free to blog about anything cooking!

anythingcooking.blogspot.com

You know what I want?

I want somewhere good that serves breakfast. I am thinking on the lines of iHop! I wish they had those around here. Hmmmm..... I guess I will have to settle for a sandwich! Yum!

Bent Objects

I thought this blog was great, if you wanna check it out!

It made me laugh and I enjoyed it!

http://bentobjects.blogspot.com/

slacker.com

Want something a little more exciting in your day?

www.slacker.com is the place for you! It's awesome! :) You can create your own radio station so you don't have to listen to all those groups that you would rather not! Try it out!

It's sorta like Yahoo Lauch Music which I LOVE!! But it won't work on a Mac! :( I miss Yahoo Launch! :(

Dustyn's rambling thoughts

Hi everyone! Ever since Kamie started this blog I've sat in the background letting her do what she wants to with it even though my name is in the heading. I thought that I'd take a chance and write some words thanking you for your support, and maybe a few extra things as well.
Kamie and I are so thankful for the love and support we have received from our family and friends. You've been great. You've had our back and helped us in so many ways. I usually don't say thanks, but Thanks. We love you for what you are doing to help us. This past month or so has been stressful on so many levels for us and we have kinda ignored many of you, or so it would seem. Our emotions and thoughts have pushed us to the limits so many times that we feel like we are on the verge of a melt down any second. Sometimes we don't have it all together to talk to you at the moment. We try to communicate to everyone through the blog, but that’s hard too, because we can't get our thoughts just right, or be as candid with our thoughts (you know, privacy issues). But I hope all of you know how grateful we are to you. I am most grateful for Kamie's father, Rick. I've always wanted a dad around, and even though I have one so to speak, it’s nice to know that you are there for us constantly. I'm grateful for what you do for us!
I know many of you are concerned for us too. Some have expressed this verbally, or just in the tone of their voice or writings. We appreciate your concern.
In the beginning, as Kam and I talked about adoption we were excited about what could happen to our little family. We also knew that there were risks involved in the whole process. We were laying it all on the line, and knew that there were people out there who would try to take advantage of our situation. We knew that we didn't want to turn our adoption into a shopping experience. We weren't out looking to adopt like you buy a car. Our hearts and the hearts of others were on the line. We knew that though we had expectations of what we would like to happen, it probably wouldn't. That has been hard for us at times. Trying to figure out what we could or should be learning from our experiences. I didn't always like having to go through that. It was all very hard for us in the beginning.
Then we started talking to birth mothers. That was exciting! But definitely hard. We were putting ourselves out there even more and it was difficult because anything could happen. And a lot of it did. We have experienced a rush of excitement and then complete and utter devastation all in one day, sometimes in a few short hours. That was hard, but we learned that we could deal with that challenge and move on as stronger and more cautious people. When we started talking to Hilary things changed.
When we first talking to Hilary we knew there were risks. We felt that she was a good person who we would like to be friends with. We worked on a relationship of trust with her. We wanted to be her friend and if by some chance we could adopt her Gremlin, then that was her choice and not something we were going to persuade her to do.
Kam and I have tried to seek the help and counsel of others during this experience. And people have freely given it to us. But most of all I wanted the guidance of the Spirit. We have always felt that no matter what, things would work out. We don't know how or when or in what way, but we know they will work out. That has been our thoughts and feelings on this matter. It gets hard when others try to tell us things that are contrary to what we have directed. We sometimes get confused and upset with you. But one of us always remembers what we have been directed to do.
So to those of you who worry about us in whatever way it is, don't sweat it. I know where we should be. I know what is in store for my little family, and I understand that it seems insensible as to what we are doing, but when did the unknown ever make sense. We're just trying to do what we know is the best for our little family. I hope that you will support us in what we are doing.
If this doesn't make complete sense that’s ok. They are my thoughts; I've censored them to an extent because some things are just not meant to be on the web. Again we are thankful for all of your support and love.

Sunsets

Pennsylvania has the most amazing sunsets, every night! We try to take pictures, but they just don't look the same! These are from Friday, I think.






It rained HARD again! I am loving this rain. It is so cool!

Hilary

Hilary is doing alright. She is still pregnant and miserable. She went to the doctor the other day and since she wasn't in active labor, they sent her home. He said that she is measuring more around 39 weeks so he wouldn't induce her yet. But he will within a week if she hasn't had the baby yet. She is thinking Castor Oil is sounding good at this point... on a bumpy road. :) We hope the baby decides to come soon.

Johnstown Ward

This morning we went to church to the Johnstown Ward. It was really nice. There is only one ward here. It was weird to not have 2-3 other wards in the building at the same time. It was so quiet. I have never been in a quieter ward building. Not even in college. It was weird, but really nice. We just went to Sacrament Meeting. There were two speakers. The first was a girl named Ellen that had just graduated from SVU. She talked of it being an LDS associated school. I tried to figure out what LDS school it could be. I mean I know there are a few in Utah, Idaho, Hawaii and a few other places... but I didn't know about any out East. Turns out there is one! Southern Virginia University. I mean it isn't owned by the Church, but serves LDS Communities. I wish I would have known that when I was looking for a college!

http://www.svu.edu/

Anyways, she did a great job and I really enjoyed her talk. She talked about Service. It was something that I needed to hear. Now I just hope I can take something from it and actually apply it! That is always the tough part. I mean I hear talks that I need all the time, but actually applying it is different.

The next speaker was a 40 year old man named Brother Kennedy. He was a high counsel speaker. He had just moved to PA from Germany. I am not sure where he lived, but it wasn't in Johnstown. This was his first trip here. He had never heard of it before. But he also talked on Service. He talked about serving a mission and finding was to serve. It was a really nice meeting. I am glad that we went.

Still wondering where we are at?

The Top 10 Reasons We Don't Love Pennsylvania (really it should be how PA is different that Utah, thats all!)

10. Toll Roads.
9. Speed Electronically Patrolled (we'll see how many tickets I have when I get home, blasted speed limits!).
8. Semi's on super narrow Roads/Road Construction. (More than Utah, if you can even imagine).
7. Road Kill.
6. Speed Limits.
5. One Way Streets.
4. Parking Meters.
3. Smoking.
2. Lack of Organization.
1. Not enough Friends and Family.


By the way it was a LOT easier to come up with the things we love! I can think of a lot more. This list was a bit forced!

The Top 10 Reasons We Love Pennsylvania

15. Super Nice people!
14. Cool Houses/Buildings.
13. Gas Prices are the same everywhere (They don't jack up the price in 50 miles).
12. Central Location to a lot of really neat places!
11. Nice people who LET you merge.
Okay so I am cheating...
10. Rivers.
9. Appalacian Mountains.
8. Bridges.
7. Sheetz.
6. Eatn'Park.
5. Cool Humid Weather.
4. Farmers Markets.
3. Fallingwater.
2. Green/Trees.
1. RAIN!!

Of course the Top reason we love it here is the reason we came. The opportunity to expand our little family! And Hilary.

Just one question...

It always bugs me when I go to the store to buy Shampoo and Conditoner. They give you a large bottle of Shampoo and the Conditioner is about 1/4 of the size. I don't know about you, but I use just as much Conditioner as I do Shampoo... actually more. So why don't they give you a large Conditioner and a smaller Shampoo? Just Wondering. I guess they make more money.

But I almost think that it is time that I cut my hair. It is falling out faster than I can catch it. At least when it is short I don't feel like I am losing all my hair. Oh well. Who knows. The troubles of me...

Art

Dustyn finally can relax! We went to Wal-Mart and bought him some paints, brushes, ruler, crayons, glue, palet, and a model thing. Now he is finally happy! I mean it is about time. What artist forgets his art supplies when they go on vacation? Oh wait... he did bring his sketch book...

I bought some playing cards so I could play a game while he is painting and creating. The cheapest ones we could find were Spiderman ones! Yes!

Lazy Day

Today has been kinda lazy. We went to an Art Museum at the University at Johnstown. Then we went to downtown Johnstown to look for another Museum that was suppose to be on Main Street. We walked up and down main street and nothin. Apparently it is not there anymore. Now Dustyn is taking a nap. A long nap. I thought about going walking, but well... nah. I will just blog about it instead. Ha ha. Sadly enough, it's true. I need to get out more.
By the way, I did not take this picture, or any of the pictues of the major cities.

It has been a beautiful day here. The skies are blue and have pretty fluffy clouds. It is so nice and pleasant here. It got to 76 degrees today. So nice. I do not miss the blistering heat in Utah.

I just walked down to the lobby so I could sit on a real couch instead of the bed. And, it kinda looks like storm clouds are moving in, but the sky is super pretty. This picture isn't great, but you get the idea. I should have went and got the camera. My phone just doesn't take great pictures like it use to. Oh well.


We are hoping that Gremlin decides to come meet us today! I bet Hilary would be okay with that too. I can only imagine how uncomfortable she is. I do not envy her.

Baby...

She still isn't ready to come. Hilary is doing alright, but uncomfortable. I wish we had more to report, but when anything happens, ya'll will be the first to know! :)

Altoona, PA

Today we went to Altoona. It's a little less than an hour away or so. It was a really nice place! It was raining like crazy. I am not sure I have ever seen it rain like that before! It was coming down so quickly that I couldn't see out the windshied with the wipers going full blast! It was crazy. I liked Altoona because it seemed a little more familiar and like a town we'd see in Utah, but with a Pennsylvania feel!

We drove around Altoona for awhile. We decided that if we ever move here we are going to move to Hollidaysburg. It is so pretty! But that is on a list of like 20 eastern cities! :) We'll see. But I do love it here. Who knows where the future will take us!

http://hollidaysburgpa.org

Philadelphia, PA

On Tuesday we made our final major trip! We went to Philadelphia. It was fun, but it was so HUMID and so HOT. We saw a few sights and then booked it to the car for a little relief. All of the locals seemed to be okay, but Dustyn and I were sweating! Nasty! I don't think I have ever sweat like that before. Yuck! But I still love the humid heat!

Here are some of the fun things that we saw in Philly.

Big Yards

Dad we found the perfect yard fror you! We know how much you love to mow the lawn! This is just average it seems. There have been yards bigger than this, but they are all really well kept and mowed nicely!

No more Word Verification

Yes!! So when I was asking if anyone else had word verification problems when you were publishing a post.... I guess you really didn't. Finally I realized that I could take it off. I had to request it and Blogger had to review my blog, and they took it off! Nice! It makes me so happy and makes posting so much faster and a LOT less annoying!

Walmart

The Wal-Mart here is so fancy. A lot nicer than the one in Richfield. When you walk down the freezer isles or down by the coolers for the meat and cheese, they have sensors that turn on the lights. When you walk away, they turn off. So fancy!

Another point for the AVEO?

Your asking, another point? Yes! You never lose the Aveo or wonder where you parked! You can find it anywhere!!! +1 point!!

Flight 93

We were exploring around Pennsylvania when we came across the Flight 93 Memorial sign. We decided we might as well go since we were so close. I didn't know we were so close.

It was so sad and somber feeling. I can even explain the feelings that came over me as we opened the door of the car and stepped out to see the Temporary Memorial.

There were all kinds of items and memorabilia that people had left behind in honor of Flight 93. There were coins, jewelry, pins, flags, notes, hats, clothes, jerseys, license plates, plaques, flowers, messages, and many other items. The guard rails had all kinds of messages and stickers and signatures. Head stones had been placed. There were a few three-ringed binders that had the transcript and final words from the flight before it crashed. The feeling there was overwhelming. Emotions were high. Sad. My heart ached. I had no idea it would effect me in such a way five and a half years later.

All of the items are left up for as long as weather permits. Once they are taken down they are stored safely until the Memorial is completed and they can be stored inside for all to see.

I found a website that tells a little more about what the permanant Memorial will be like when it is completed. Here is the link if anyone is interested.

http://www.honorflight93.org

Happy Brthday Alyshia!!!