Crown Paradise Club - - Cancun, Mexico!!

Its a little late, but finally I have most of the pictures loaded on my computer. So I thought I'd share a little of our vacation with you all! We went to the Crown Paradise Club Resort in Cancun for 7 days. It was awesome!! Here are some pics of our room and the awesome view we had from our balcony.

Amanda's entire family was able to come on this trip so it was a lot of fun. It was an all-inclusive resort so we ate, and ate, and ate!! It was soooo good! We took a trip into downtown Cancun to shop at all of the flea markets. It was a lot of fun, but I forgot my camera. :( We went way into town to a place called Market 28. I'm not going to lie, it was scary for me. Everyone is in your face and little kids are making you feel bad and trying to get you to buy their handmade bracelets and belts. Definitely not my kind of shopping. Here are a few random photos by Chase of all of us eating.

We thought we would take advantage of a free Lunch Lagoon Cruise the resort offered. So we all loaded up and headed out for the Cancun Queen. The cruise was around the Nichupte Lagoon. Little did we know it was going to turn into a booze cruise. Pretty embarassing and awkward to be on a booze cruise with you parents and grandparents! We had a good time though. They played some games a forced some Tequila on some (I won't name names!). Then we had a nice lunch and played some more games. Below are a few pics of our afternoon.

Most of the days there we lazed on the beach and played in the waves. The weather was beautiful. High 80's for the day with a nice breeze. And the night cooled to the low 70's. Me and my sis inlaws (Emilie & Laree) got our hair braided on the beach. That was kinda cool. I only left mine in a few days, then they got too dirty and itchy! But it was nice to not have to worry about keeping my hair out of my face! Chase rented some boogie boards one day cause the waves were perfect. Everyone had a good time trying those out. My mom and I had a hard time finding our ocean legs and would often be tumbled to the beach by some of the waves! We would just sit and laugh!

We also took a trip to Tulum and snorkeled in Akumal. I haven't developed the underwater camera we used at the ocean in Tulum and for the snorkeling. But here are a few pics of the ruins in Tulum. It was probably the hottest day that we decided to go see the ruins, so we were all pretty impatient and sweaty!! Next post I'll get the other pics in!

Kick start our Vacation!!

As many of you know, my (Amanda's) family just returned from Cancun!! Here is a little taste of what we did to kick start our vacay! My mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, brother & sis in law came down Sunday afternoon and we headed down to Salt Lake. My grandparents have never seen temple square, let alone at Christmas time when all the lights are on. So we all got rooms downtown, and enjoyed dinner at the Olive Garden (which my grandpa had never eaten at), and walked temple square and enjoyed each others company!

2nd Annual "Ugly Sweater" Christmas Party

Last year we started a traditional Christmas party with all of our friends. Its the "Ugly Sweater" Christmas party. Everyone is supposed to wear the ugliest sweater they can find. Last year wasn't such a success in the sweater department, but I'm happy to say this year we had a few more ugly sweaters show up. This year we played Catch Phrase (which I am NOT good at), we voted for the UGLIEST sweater, did a White Elephant Gift Exchange, and enjoyed lots of yummy treats!

Some of the white elephant gifts were hilarious... a few chose to take the naughty route. I'll have you all know, Chase and I kept ours clean! The boys pretty much cleaned house on Catch Phrase, and Dustin won the UGLIEST sweater!!

Can't wait to do it again next year!! We will keep getting better and better! Thanks to those who came and enjoyed the night with us!!

A Little Holiday Cheer!

So I'm a little late on getting all this posted. But I wanted to share with you our Christmas tree and decor!! I put up some of the big ornaments above my cabinets and put lights up there with them. I have to say its my new favorite Christmas decoration!! We haven't been home much to enjoy all of it, and sadly enough our tree is crispy dead!!! Oh well at least it has the nice pine smell still!!

Thanksgiving w/the Phillips'

This year Thanksgiving was spent with Chase's family in Morgan. It was a lot of fun to be able to have the entire family together! For those who don't know the family there are quite a few of us! We had a great time with everyone. Friday morning while all of you crazies were out shopping, we were sleeping! We shopped later in the afternoon and met up with everyone at the Gateway for dinner and a visit to the Temple grounds to see the lights turn on. Needless to say, we were late and the lights were already on by the time we all made it down to the Temple! It was still a lot of fun to be with everyone!

We walked Heather all over town that night hoping it would induce labor and we would have our niece sometime during the weekend. But baby girl Phillips' (that's what we called the baby) stayed put until a week ago!! (That's a whole other blog in itself) We got lots of fun pictures too!!

Enjoy!!!

Love the Temple in this one Me & Chase :)

The Clan: Chase & Amanda, Chad & Fe, Sandie,
Adam Jamie Dylan & Mason, Skyler & Heather, Whit, Sarah & Jen

The Girls


This sign was in the Rocky Mtn. Chocolate Factory.
It reads: We don't touch your banana so !!!PLEASE!!!
Don't touch ours!! - - I just thought it was hilarious!

Stinkin Cute Nephews!!

Over Thanksgiving all the Phillips family was together! It has been quite some time since we all were gathered at the same house for a holiday, or event. We had such a good time. Thanksgiving was good, really any food any time is good! We stuffed ourselves and had a great time watching all the cousins play together. This year was the first time the boys all played TOGETHER... the other years they entertained themselves. It was so cute watching them follow Dylan around the house like a little gang! Here are a few pics (thanks Whit) of them enjoying the tub together!!

Dylan, Mason & Parker

Jen & Ryan's Visit!

My friend Jen, from California, came up to visit last weekend with her boyfriend Ryan. We had a good time together! Friday night we met up with a bunch of friends and ate at Noodles and Co., then rode tracks down to Temple Square to see the lights. Here are a few pics!! Can't wait to return the favor and visit them in Cali!!

We had to get a pic with the bag pipe guy. He was playing Christmas Carols, so we threw some money in and figured we needed a picture too!

Because I laughed...

I got this e-mail from my friend Jayme Richards... I love it! And decided I'd just post it so everyone can enjoy!

Mattel recently announced the release of limited-edition Barbie Dolls for the Utah market:

' Park City Barbie'

She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade Handbags, a Lexus SUV, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey and a million dollar home. Available with or without tummy tuck and face lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with the augmented version

'Plain City Barbie'

The modern day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Wind star Minivan and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily and has no full-time occupation. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.

'Ogden Barbie'

This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife, a Chevy with dark tinted windows, and a meth Lab Kit. This model is only available after dark and must be paid for in cash (preferably small, untraceable bills) unless you are a cop, then we don't know what you are talking about.

'Bountiful Foot Hills Barbie'

This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H2. Included are her own Starbucks cup, credit card and country club membership. Also available for this set are Shallow Ken and Private School Skipper. You won't be able to afford any of them.

'Malad (should be in Utah) Barbie'

This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans two sizes too small, a NASCAR t-shirt and tweety bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six-pack of Bud light and a Hank Williams Jr. CD set She can spit over 5 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's butt when she is drunk. Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free.

' St. George Barbie'

This collagen injected, rhino plastic Barbie wears a leopard print outfit and drinks cosmopolitans while entertaining friends. Percocet prescription available as well as newly built high rise condo.

'Brigham City Barbie'

This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased beer-gutted Ken out of Tremonton Barbie's house. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a see-through halter-top. Also available with a mobile home.

' Logan Barbie'

This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair, arch-less feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her Willow . She does not want or need a Ken doll, but if you purchase two Boise East End Barbies and the optional Subaru wagon, you get a rainbow flag bumper sticker for free.

'Tremonton Barbie'

This Barbie now comes with a stroller and 2 infant dolls. Optional accessories include a GED and bus pass. White boy Gangsta Ken and his 1979 Caddy were available, but are now very difficult to find since the addition of the infant.

' Provo / BYU Barbie'

She's perfect in every way, mainly due to the high levels of antidepressants in her system. We don't know where Ken is because he's always at church meetings.

Victims Needed!!

Alright girls... we've both been waiting for this day! I'm on the books at school finally!! All day this Saturday and next Thursday & Saturday. I can do all waxing (face & body), lash extensions, ear candling, and facials!! Soon I'll be able to add some more fun services on there. But for now that's all I'm certified in!

So I'd better see some faces I know soon! If you're curious on pricing just call the school and they can tell you! (801) 394-5718 :)

Halloween @ Hamilton's!!!

This year for Halloween we went up to Logan and went to Hamilton's for their Halloween Bash. Our expectations were greatly exceeded and we will probably make their party top of the list for next year. Hamilton's is a restaurant (for those who don't know) and they cleared out the tables and made a dance floor. There was a DJ and lots of snacks and great costumes.

We went with Bryce & Jessi (Little Red Riding Hood & The Big Bad Wolf), and Chad & Fernanda (Mariachi Man & Gypsy). Chase was the Devil and I was a Dark Angel (only because finding black was much easier than white)!

We had a great time and hope everyone else did too!

Feeling Loved!!

So I never imagined I'd be tagged by so many friends to do the exact same blog... You all know it and love it!!

8 THINGS...!!!!

** 8 TV Shows I Watch:

1. Simpsons

2. Family Guy

3. Gossip Girl - - when you only have 4 channels you can't be picky!

4. Fox News at 9

5. Seinfeld

6.

7.

8. Guess it really sucks not having cable... I only have 5!

** 8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Cleaned the Kitchen

2. Worked on My Fashion Show Costume

3. Had lunch with my aunt

4. Got some groceries

5. Talked on the phone

6. Dropped off some mail

7. Went to school

8. Showered :)

** 8 Places I Love To Eat:

1. Tepanyaki

2. Firehouse Pizzeria

3. Wingers

4. Happy Sushi

5. Olive Garden

6. At Home

7. Panda Express

8. McDonalds (once a month - - stop judging)

** 8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Mexico in December

2. Thriller (on Saturday)

3. Finishing Esthetics school

4. Thanksgiving (a good break from school & work)

5. Children (in a while)

6. Pumpkin Carving

7. Taking clients at school

8. Painting the kitchen

** 8 Things On My Wish List:

1. A new wardrobe

2. Have a few bills disappear

3. New Furniture

4. A BIG FAT RAISE

5. Our basement to be finished

6.

7.

8.

Wow... guess I need to take some time and start wishing for more stuff. I honestly can't think of anymore!

So there you have it!! I have no one left to tag, because they have already done it. So have fun reading!!

Lazy Sunday...

Alright so this post is super late, but I just had to put it up!! Last Sunday the Jaques came up to visit so we went golfing at Remuda - - - Don't judge, we had to take advantage of the beautiful weather since that is about to go down the drain.

While golfing Kelly and Chase decided to play a game and throw golf tees at eachother while we were driving the carts. (Mostly Kelly threw them at Chase) So of course the innocent game turned deadly when Chase caught one - - pointy side first. It tore some skin off his finger and bled like a sive. Good thing we were on the 8th hole when it happened, cause it totally threw Chase's game!!!

After golf we grabbed some dinner and decided to visit some friends. Since they weren't home and their lights were on and doors unlocked, they fell victim to us!! Sorry guys... it was tooo easy! All of their pictures got turned upside down, food from the pantry was stacked like a nice castle on their counter, and the remotes were hidden. I realize the saying goes "Paybacks are a B**CH" but we lock our doors!! :)

Stacey's Fall Fashion Show...

So at the end of the month (the 29th) Stacey's - - my school - - is having a Fall Fashion Show. This means I am a participant!!! We have to get a model and do their makeup in front of judges and also we have been given an ugly white paint suit to transform into a cool/cute outfit for them to wear!! I'm really excited for this challenge, however stressful it may become! I have already been practicing the makeup. I decided to embrace the season and follow the color scheme of fall. I had the bright idea of tracing a leaf over one eye and filling it in and using the same colors normally on the other eye. And of course the fake eyelashes. I did a trial run on me, of course I'll have to do some major practicing, but I'm confident it will be awesome!

So I took some pictures to see what everyone thought. I have to find some better makeup. If anyone knows where to find red eyeshadow please let me know!! I used lip gloss for this round!!!