My One and Only

Forgive the blurry and fuzziness.

This is the last pic we took together and it was with a phone camera and bad lighting! January 2010.

Ryan (David to some) and I have been married for 8 1/2 years. This month we'll celebrate the 9th anniversary of our first date (and yes, we have always celebrated our first date). I can't believe that we've been together nearly a decade. Our marriage has been my greatest accomplishment in life. I'm not saying that having my children, serving a mission, or graduating from college aren't great accomplishments. I simply mean that our nearly nine years of marriage has required more love, sacrifice, and work than any other single thing I've attempted and succeeded.

Our story is special to me and reminds me a lot of the Gospel Principles of unconditional love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and faith. The love that we have has developed and deepened over time. It's been a process that has resulted from really amazing experiences and really difficult times plus all that is in between. Each experience, each moment has deepened our love for each other and the mutual dedication we have to each other and our marriage. If it weren't for the sacrifices and forgiveness we've each given or asked for, we wouldn't still be married. There's something to be said about sacrificing for the benefit and happiness of another.

He loves me.

I still get those butterflies when I pick him up after not seeing him all day. I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world because he is my husband and best friend. I find a lot of comfort and confidence knowing that he stands by me and always will. He gets me and that's one of my favorite parts of our love because I know that whatever he says to me in the best of times and worst of times he does so with all of the love and understanding in the world. I'm proud and fortunate that he is the father to my children. Our girls are the apple of his eye and the way he interacts with them and shows them how much he loves them is priceless. I always wanted a man like Ryan to be the father of my children. I held out until I found him and am so grateful I did. I love you, Ryan.

Church of the Grid Iron

Quick pic at the game. We weren't about to let someone take our picture for us with our Nikon D60, Nigel. This was the best we could do holding the camera ourselves!

A gorgeous view of the Seattle skyline. Btw, We actually spent our honeymoon in Seattle over 7 years ago!

Yes, that's the church we attended while in Seattle, Sunday, October 12th. The Green Bay Packers were in town to battle the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field and we were fortunate enough to get tickets! It was the first NFL game Ryan and I have ever attended. It was also our first date out sans ninos since way before Sydnei was born. Gratefully, my Mom and sister, Darci, watched the girls while we spent the day together. (Thanks a million!)

National Anthem

Seahawks enter the field.

Kickoff.

It was awesome to be at a live football game. Ryan's childhood friend and high school teammate, Brady Poppinga, plays for the Packers so it was even more cool to watch him play live. He's a starting linebacker and #51.

The night before, we dined with Brady at an awesome fish house on the pier and it was a lot of fun to watch those two catch up. They joked about old times and we laughed about new times--especially raising young crazy kiddos.

QB Aaron Rodgers #12

I scored a shot of the last touchdown that sealed the deal on the Packers' win.

The game was exciting to watch as we screamed, and ate hot dogs, cotton candy, and popcorn! (So we're fat kids--but hey that's what you do at a football game!) The fans were awesome as the Packers have quite the following (see pics below). We were seated in an area where to the left of us were a bunch of Seahawks fans and to the right were the cheese heads--a.k.a.--Packers fans. Our locale definitely made for an entertaining game!

Diehard Cheese head.

Gotta love the contrast of fans in this pic. Clearly the Packers fan is more dedicated.

My hot hubby. Love you!

The cotton candy hit the spot, it had been YEARS since I had eaten it!

Packers won the game: 27-17.

Happy 7th Anniversary!

Engagement Photo, 2001

Wedding Day, August 4, 2001

Today marks 7-years since I married Ryan. The day I married him, I felt so lucky and blessed and I feel the exact same today. It's hard to believe how many years have passed--we're only three years away from our 10th anniversary! This last year has been an awesome year with the birth of our second child, Sydnei, Ry's acceptance to graduate school, Sofia finishing her first year of preschool, a move to Tigard, Oregon...OH! and the purchase of our very first complete set of furniture! What accomplishments!! (especially the last one--lol). While they may not seem like a big deal to anyone else, they definitely are to us!

Wedding Reception, I still remember the cake fondly ;)

Ryan, te amo con todo mi corazón. Gracias por amarme siempre. I love you a 100 trazillion red and yellow roses. :)

Here's to another stellar year for our family!

~Storm

Words and Experiences to Live By

I've been thinking a lot lately about how much my life has changed in the last 18 months. I went from being a full-time successful career Mom that was essentially "going places," moved to a new state, and chose to end my professional career, stay home with our daughter, Sofia, and focus my time on our home and family.

In the beginning it was incredibly hard not to sit in front of my computer drafting spreadsheets of our financial plan over the next 5-10 years or looking at all the job listings I qualified for and then some. It wasn't easy to swallow the financial impact of our decision for me to stay at home. But that said, with time, it became easier and easier. Why? Because of all of the simple life experiences and lessons I've learned along the way.

Sofia Elizabeth, Memorial Day, 2008
Oceanside Beach, Oregon

Experiences such as getting Sofia out of bed and holding her for as long as I want to and as long as she'll let me vs. running out the door to get to school and work on time. Moments where I actually plan and prepare a healthful meal that we can all enjoy vs eating out. The spontaneity that I love in my life returned in abundance when I chose to stay at home. In any given moment we can run to the park, go walk around Target, surprise Ry by dropping in on him at work, and play dress up. These moments are ones I will cherish and love for the rest of my life. I haven't wasted my time and instead I'm able to develop as a mother and cultivate my relationship with my husband and children. Nothing is more special to me than that.

Ry and I, Memorial Day, 2008
Oceanside Beach, Oregon

Today was an awesome day full of fun ordinary moments. I spent a couple of hours helping Sofia practice writing and teaching her how to play the memory game. We made homemade cupcakes with hot pink frosting and I even took a much needed nap. When we were writing vertical lines, Sofia looked at me and said, "Mami--I love you to teach me." I'll never forget those words. The second Ry told me to close my eyes and dropped a bite size 3-muskateers bar in my hand, pure sweetness. The moment where I let Sofia crack an egg open and she did just that but on the counter top instead of the bowl was hilarious. The second that Ruby (my kitchen aid stand mixer) started to turn the frosting from white to hot pink and Sofia's eyes got bigger and bigger...priceless. A second later when she begged for a taste, it was confirmed, she's my baby girl and we both love frosting. :)

My BFF, Tori, has an awesome quote on her blog that goes right along with what I'm attempting to express:

"The weddings, the birthdays and the graduations are special, but they aren't the most important days. It's those in between. Washing the dishes, reading a book, having a good laugh, planting a garden, playing catch, making a strong cup of tea. What happens in and around these moments is what we remember and should celebrate. A simple appreciation of extraordinary ordinary life. Now that's worth saving."

-Lori, Murraysville, PA
www.thisibelieve.org

Sydnei Nicole, February 2008 at 20-weeks Gestation

So moments like the other day when Sofia prayed for Sydnei to be born AND that she could be pregnant are the ones I'll always remember and celebrate.

My Chemical Romance

As many of you know, I was a bit "concert-deprived" growing up. Before I married Ry at age 23, I had only been to one concert, Debbie Gibson. :) That's right, go ahead, have your laugh. Well, a lot has changed for me since marrying Ryan and my concert attendance is one of them. Bless his heart, he's brought me along slowly. From the beginning he always said he was gearing up to get me to a real rock concert. To date we had been to Diamond Rio and Faith Hill/Tim McGraw, country, dang fun, and easy going. After seven years, I finally felt I was ready to go to a real rock concert and knowing how much he loves the band, My Chemical Romance, I gave him tickets to their upcoming concert for his birthday.

April 8th was the big day. The concert was to be held at the Crystal Ballroom downtown, a well known venue for rock concerts, with standing room mostly. Well, the day arrived for us to attend and so did some serious pre-term labor contractions—apparently Sydnei was excited to go the concert too. But where were we at 4pm of the day of the concert??? Right! We were in Labor and Delivery at OHSU on a fetal monitor and having contractions. I kept telling Ryan that if the doctors confirmed that I was definitely NOT having the baby then (at this point I was 29 weeks) we were going to the concert...there was NO WAY we would miss it!

The concert started at 7pm with two warm-up bands playing. At about 7:30pm, the doctors received some test results back that gave a 98% guarantee that I wouldn't have the baby for at least two weeks. By about 7pm, the contractions finally had dwindled and were less painful. I looked at the nurse and told her about the concert. She encouraged me to go home and rest. I said, "okay, we'll talk about it," rolling my eyes as she left the room. Of course, there was no way on earth we were missing the concert! I had told Ryan that if there was a problem, we would leave, and if I needed to sit down, I'd do that as often as necessary. We discharged from L&D at 8pm, picked up some food, and then headed to the concert. He wanted me to go home and rest as he was concerned but this was my chance—a real live rock band, and My Chemical Romance no less. If I was fine, the baby was fine and wouldn't be born pre-maturely, then we were going to the concert, dang it!

When we arrived at the venue, I, of course, had to stop at the bathroom. When I went to wash my hands my belly kept me from squeezing between the garbage can and a woman at the sink next to the one I wanted to use. I looked at her and said, "excuse me" and then explained that unless she wanted me to take her out with my preggo belly, she would need to scoot over a bit. She complied and proceeded to ask me what I was having. She and her friend each had two boys and they couldn't stop talking about how much they each wanted a girl. After we finished discussing that they both decided they need to rub my belly like a Buddha for good luck! So that was that, I walked out of the bathroom with huge eyes, looked at Ryan and said, "this is going to be an interesting and entertaining night!

The beauty of our arrival time to the concert was that My Chemical Romance hadn't come on yet and did 15-minutes after we got there. They played for nearly two hours, the perfect amount of time for me to stand, sit, stand, and not feel exhausted or as if I had over done it. This concert was part of the Black Parade tour. I really like this band and the theatrical side to their music and performance; it's intriguing to listen to and interpret. I loved seeing Ryan "in his element" a true rocker at heart. We had such an awesome time. I was blown away by the range of ages in the concert attendees.

One young (maybe freshman-sophomore in high school-age) couple stood by us the entire time. But they weren't just standing there...they were SLOW DANCING the ENTIRE time! Seriously, who slow dances at a rock concert? For crying out loud, the girl had her back to the stage the whole time! It blew me away and I mean it when I say they slow danced for the entire two hours the band played. Geez! If anything they belonged at a Debbie Gibson concert slow dancing to songs like "Lost in Your Eyes" not the Black Parade!

The concert ended with my favorite song, "Helena." It's a song written about Gerard Way's (the lead singer), grandmother. It was awesome and incredible to hear live. Wow...there's nothing like hearing the best songs played live. Thank goodness Ryan saved me from my concert deprived life, I'm sure he'll continue to bring me along slowly. :D Thanks, Sweetheart!

Sturgeon Fishing on the Columbia River

So, my brother-in-law, Wilson, gave me an Abu Garcia fishing reel as a gift one year for Christmas, and for my birthday one year, he completed the set-up with a Dawia Eliminator fishing rod. It was a one of the greatest gifts I’d ever received, and I couldn’t wait to go out on the water to fish with it, and thus the reason for the post.

Wilson called last Wednesday evening, inviting me to go sturgeon fishing that Friday on the Columbia River, which borders Oregon and Washington. Believe me, when one has the opportunity to go sturgeon fishing on the Columbia, he or she doesn't, under any circumstances, turn it down. What's even better is that the weather in Oregon was just starting to turn nice, which would mean there would be a ninety-degree day on the river.

Here's a little background and some food for thought: Sturgeon are, in every sense of the phrase, living dinosaurs. Specifically, white sturgeon, which are often referred to as the Pacific Sturgeon, Oregon Sturgeon, and the Columbia Sturgeon that can grow up to fifteen feet long and live to be well over 100 years old. In Oregon, to keep a sturgeon you have caught, it has to be at least 42 inches long; otherwise, you have to let it go.

Everyone whom Wilson works with has a nickname: Wilson has been given the name" the Fatty," and Charlie is nothing other than "the Captain," because he owns the boat. What's my nickname, you ask? Well, they started calling me "Young David Ryan" on our first trip, and, well, it stuck. Although Charlie told me on this last trip that they could only call me Young David Ryan for two more years, since I'll turn thirty. Wilson started calling me "DR" while on this last trip, which I think has the potential to stick, but we’ll see.

Since my pole hadn’t ever caught a sturgeon, or any fish for that matter, the Captain and the Fatty referred to it as a “virgin.” However, I was bound and determined to change that fact on this trip. The pictures below show the two “keepers” that my pole caught, and is now the “lucky pole.” The two sturgeons we kept measured 46 and 49 inches long. Enjoy the photos!

Here's the first "Keeper"

"The Captain" holding up both "Keepers." Yes, I caught both on my pole.

"The Fatty" proudly holding up a "non-keeper."

Cooking the sturgeon to eat!

Highlights from Ry's 28th Birthday

February 26th we celebrated Ry's b-day. It was so much fun! He had the day off and it was beautiful that day so we set out for some "B-day Brunch" at our favorite restaurant in Portland, Mother's Bistro. After which, we strolled downtown for a couple of hours looking at all the cool sights and shops.

Later that day I took Sofia on a field trip to the Dollar Tree to pick out some B-day balloons for our little family party that evening. You see, Sofia believes every birthday party should be filled with balloons, matching plates, napkins, cups, and even goody bags! We did everything but the goody bags. :) The two balloons in the back are a cupcake-shaped balloon and a Disney Princess balloon. Just perfect.

That evening, I cooked Ryan's favorite meal, Shrimp Alfredo...it was absolutely scrumptious. My Mom joined us that evening and she and Ryan were in hog heaven with all of the shrimp alfredo you could eat! No matter what, I always manage to cook for the 5000--even if there are only 4 of us!

Ahhh, I'm still dreaming of this awesome oreo ice cream cake.

The store was out of the #8 candle therefore we had to improvise. 4+4=8.
So there you go a 2 + 4,4 = 28!

Sofia helped her Papi blow out his birthday candles!

The Grand Finale, two tickets to see one of Ryan's favorite bands: My Chemical Romance. Rock on! Happy Birthday, Sweetheart.

Two words...

Sofia looked up at her Papi tonight while watching TV on his lap and said: "Rock on, Papi." He looked back at her and said: "Rock on, Sof."

I love my two little Rock Stars!

Happy 28th Birthday, Ry!

I can't believe you're 28!!! Time flies when you're having fun. It'll be so much fun to celebrate your b-day at dinner tonight and see your reaction when you open your present. Sofia is so excited about your cake, b-day napkins, and the balloons she picked out just for you! (I think we're all excited about your killer oreo ice cream cake) Have a happy, WE LOVE YOU!!!

Love,
Stormy y Sofia

To My Valentine

The Top 10 things
I LOVE about YOU!!!

#1 Your Hair: of course this has to be at the top of the list, it’s the very first compliment I gave you on our very first date and it’s still true!!!

#2 You’re my Bestest* Friend in the whole wide world: your love, loyalty, honesty, perspective, sense of humor, listening ear, and willingness to do anything to help me progress and be happy says it all.

#3 You’re a Rock Star at heart: your plethora of concert and Beatles t-shirts, 60 bazillion gigs of music, and the fact that you know every word to just about every song you’ve ever listened to makes you a Rock Star. Without you, I would have never attended any other concert besides Debbie Gibson!

#4 You’re a walking Spanish/English Dictionary and Editor: Captain Spanish, a nickname you received in the mission, still holds true today. I can ask you anything about either language and chances are, you have the answer. On my humble days, I admit that my own language skills are what they are today because of YOU.

#5 You’re an Awesome Dad: the way Sofia lights up every time she sees her Papi is priceless. I love the way you teach and read to her. I’m so grateful and lucky you’re the father of my children.

#6 You’re Tall, Dark, and Handsome: your good looks still make me melt! As I always tell you, your GQ style wardrobe always looks hot!

#7 Your ability to learn and perfect anything: one of the greatest life lessons you’ve taught me is that we can learn anything we put our heart and mind to. You’re an amazing example of the dedication and diligence greatness requires.

#8 You’re Apple Computers’ #1 Fan: between the weekly tutorials you like to give me on the latest apple product, or some sweet function on our iMac, Abby, you’re the biggest Apple fan I know. As a self-proclaimed Apple Missionary, you have converted many to Apple computers and have touched many lives through Apple’s innovative technologies.

#9 You love to hold my hand: I still remember the first time you held my hand on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. I was in heaven in that moment and still am each time we walk hand in hand.

#10 You’re MY VALENTINE!!!!!! I’m the luckiest girl in the whole world. You were so worth waiting for and I couldn’t ask for more. I love you, Ryan, thanks for "being mine."

* I know, “Bestest” is not a real word. wink wink.

Menu Plan Monday 2/11

Even though plans and schedules might change, and I have to bump a couple of nights to the following week, I've found the beauty of meal planning is that on those crazy nights there is always plenty of food on hand to make something yummy and quick. It limits how often we resort to eating out and we're still able to eat more healthy.

Last week, while eating lime-marinated salmon, Ryan paid me a compliment any cook would love, he said, "Why would we even want to eat out when we can eat food that tastes 100 times better at home?!?!" Of course, I beamed the rest of night.

SUN: Marinated Pork Chops, Roasted Red Potatoes, Steamed Green Beans-(BUMPED from last week)
MON: Teriyaki Chicken, White Rice, Stir-fry Veggies-(BUMPED from last week)
TUE: Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla's, Mexican Rice, Fruit Salad
WED: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Green Salad, Crispy Bread
THU: Pork Carnitas Tacos, Mexican Rice, and Mexican Hot Chocolate
FRI: Homemade Pizza and Green Salad
SAT: FFE-(Fend For Yourself) Night/Leftovers

* I have a killer recipe for pizza crust which I'll post later this week--I even have it in Spanish! (Thanks, Ry) It's a must try. --that rhymed. ;) Also, a little tip on marinade: homemade and store bought.

Is Sofia going to be a Rockstar?

...She will if her Papi has anything to do with it! One Saturday while waiting for cousin Allison to finish her scrapbooking class, Papi and Sofia decided to ROCK OUT to some heavy metal in the car. That's right, Motley Crue's, "Dr. Feel Good" song was blaring from the Vue while these two put on their own rock concert. It was truly awesome (and that's coming from the most NON-Heavy Metal person you'll ever meet--too much Kenny G for me as a kid, I guess)...

...and based on the photo below...she just looks like a star. (Don't get me wrong...I'm not one of these parents looking to make their kid famous and live vicariously through them...ha ha ha)...the picture just speaks for itself!

HAPPY 6TH ANNIVERSARY!!!

This year our anniversary lands on a Saturday --the same day of the week we were married. This morning we celebrated by attending a Spanish Temple session. It was very peaceful and so enlightening. We saw a young couple right before their wedding cermemony and we couldn't help but picture ourselves in their shoes six years ago. This evening, we'll dine at our favorite restaurant in downtown Portland, Mother's Bistro and then afterwards we're going to the movies to see Bourne Ultimatum!

A lot has happened in six years and the best part of it all is how much we have progressed as a couple and individuals. Marriage and all that it entails has proved to be the greatest teacher of life lessons, gospel principles, and true love. We're both better people today than we were six years ago and we'll continue to improve and progress even more in the years to come.

I loved my husband the day I married him and now six years later my love is 50 billion times greater than what it was that day. The milestones and progression spiritually and temporally which we've achieved together as well as the struggles in varying areas have all enhanced our marriage. Ryan is the most diligent and sincere person I've ever known. He's strong and sensitive, he loves me back. I can't imagine my life without his friendship, love, and dedication.

Together we've become parents, something that has been monumental and key to our spiritual growth. We cherish our daughter, Sofia, and can't imagine our lives without her. We can't wait to have another little one. It's definitely a goal for 2007-2008 and we know he or she will come in the Lord's time.

Here's to SIX YEARS of a marriage filled with love, dedication, trials, and lessons learned. I love you, Ryan, you're my dreamboat.

Below is a fun look back over the last six years...


Portland Oregon Temple (where we were married)



and this picture is gorgeous...


Fun memories.

Michelle and Peter Bradford's Wedding Day
(June 2001)


I was 9 weeks pregnant here and had just been
discharged from a 3-day hospital stay the day before!


Whoa! Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City, Utah (May 2004)
I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant!!! This is where we
got engaged!!!


Our precious Sofia made her entrance into the
world on June 10, 2004


Sofia's baby blessing, July 2004


Oregon Coast, September 2004


My heart stopped when I saw this picture....I
can remember this day as if it were yesterday...


this one too!!!


Family Picture, November 2004


Christmas Time 2006


Easter 2007


Sillygoose...Easter Egg Hunt 2007


April 2007-Colonial Heights
Building Grounds (this is where we
had our wedding reception)

Happy Anniversary!