This is just too good not to share. Summer is coming up and if you need a good workout, Jeff and his friends provide a fast, fun, and totally awesome workout for you all to enjoy!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Happy Birthday Jenn!
If you are here reading this then you must already be aware of my obsession with my cousin Jenn. Let me say here and now, Ben is my Best Friend and I love him more than anyone on this earth...although...it is hard to imagine a life without Jenn. I mean, I can't give him the other half of my heart shaped "Best Friends" necklace. He totally wouldn't wear it. I know I'm killing you so if you aren't interested in my "Jenn Tribute" on her birthday then begin bloghopping now.
Jenn was born 32 years ago today to goodly parents who I am glad to have in my life. I hear she was all chub and you just wanted to squeeze her. (I still give her a good squeeze now and again so I can just imagine.) When I was born a few months later our story begins...but she was torn away from me at 9 months and we had a long distance relationship.
Here's how I picture Jenn's pre-Ashley life:
She was a smart, cute kid. She filled the emptiness she felt by losing me with two imaginary friends named Marty and Smarty. (You could tell even then how much she needed me.) She danced well, played the piano well, did everything well from what I heard growing up. Any news I got of her from Maw Maw or my parents was always, "Jenn is so good at this! Jenn did awesome at that! Jenn got straight A's. Did you hear what Jenn's ACT scores were?" You might think that this would cause some unhealthy competition or even resentment but it didn't. I knew it was all true. I thought she was so cool. Everytime she came to visit Louisiana I was so surprised at how fun and happy and confident she was. In between visits she would write me letters about going to Movies 8 and getting a ride home with random boys (SHOCKER to me who would not dare hang out with boys for fear of being KILLED by my parents!) or explaining the drama of her best friends and their boyfriends. (I totally thought they were cool like the Babysitters club or something.) I still have some letters...
So enter college life. I moved here and really got to know her and her family. Love them. Jenn and I didn't hang out that first year much but then we moved in together and realized we shared the same brain and were soul mates so there you go. We both went through some crazy weirdness during those years. I call it my "dark days" of dating when I refer to this time period. We even lived in a bat infested apartment at one point so just let your imagination run wild with that. I guess that sort of taught us we could be exactly ourselves and neither of us minded. Did you know we talk to each other about 20 times a day? Not exaggerating either. Thank goodness for cell phones.
Here are some things I've learned about Jenn:
She is so smart (doesn't that mean I am if we share the same brain? but she got more of the memory and logic section.)
She is a perfectionist.
She does not like big buildings and industrial type things...scary (picture costco)
She can seriously break it down (cue music, enter Jenn hip thrusting in rhythm to "til the break of dawn!")
She is witty and fun.
She is a scaredy cat.
She thinks someone lives in her basement and that teenagers are in her garage stealing her soda.
She is a thoughtful and giving wife.
She loves her children and knows how to meet their particular needs--a great mother.
She has to hold her face about 1/2 inch from the cereal bowl as she is pouring milk to tell where the milk level is when she hasn't yet put on her glasses or contacts.
She always wears her contacts.
She is awesome at journaling and saying her prayers.
She is great at helping you make decisions. She can use reason and faith so you feel good about it.
She is the perfect person to watch a DVR marathon with while eating the delicious brownie sundae she made for you.
She is a good listener. Sometimes she has to say, "Wait. I wasn't listening. What did you say?" and always listens good the second time.
She loves you even when you're an idiot or ugly or dissappointing or if you interrupt her mid-sentence to get off the phone because your hubby just got home. She gets it.
She's just the best.
I love you Jenn! Happy Birthday!
Jenn was born 32 years ago today to goodly parents who I am glad to have in my life. I hear she was all chub and you just wanted to squeeze her. (I still give her a good squeeze now and again so I can just imagine.) When I was born a few months later our story begins...but she was torn away from me at 9 months and we had a long distance relationship.
Here's how I picture Jenn's pre-Ashley life:
She was a smart, cute kid. She filled the emptiness she felt by losing me with two imaginary friends named Marty and Smarty. (You could tell even then how much she needed me.) She danced well, played the piano well, did everything well from what I heard growing up. Any news I got of her from Maw Maw or my parents was always, "Jenn is so good at this! Jenn did awesome at that! Jenn got straight A's. Did you hear what Jenn's ACT scores were?" You might think that this would cause some unhealthy competition or even resentment but it didn't. I knew it was all true. I thought she was so cool. Everytime she came to visit Louisiana I was so surprised at how fun and happy and confident she was. In between visits she would write me letters about going to Movies 8 and getting a ride home with random boys (SHOCKER to me who would not dare hang out with boys for fear of being KILLED by my parents!) or explaining the drama of her best friends and their boyfriends. (I totally thought they were cool like the Babysitters club or something.) I still have some letters...
So enter college life. I moved here and really got to know her and her family. Love them. Jenn and I didn't hang out that first year much but then we moved in together and realized we shared the same brain and were soul mates so there you go. We both went through some crazy weirdness during those years. I call it my "dark days" of dating when I refer to this time period. We even lived in a bat infested apartment at one point so just let your imagination run wild with that. I guess that sort of taught us we could be exactly ourselves and neither of us minded. Did you know we talk to each other about 20 times a day? Not exaggerating either. Thank goodness for cell phones.
Here are some things I've learned about Jenn:
She is so smart (doesn't that mean I am if we share the same brain? but she got more of the memory and logic section.)
She is a perfectionist.
She does not like big buildings and industrial type things...scary (picture costco)
She can seriously break it down (cue music, enter Jenn hip thrusting in rhythm to "til the break of dawn!")
She is witty and fun.
She is a scaredy cat.
She thinks someone lives in her basement and that teenagers are in her garage stealing her soda.
She is a thoughtful and giving wife.
She loves her children and knows how to meet their particular needs--a great mother.
She has to hold her face about 1/2 inch from the cereal bowl as she is pouring milk to tell where the milk level is when she hasn't yet put on her glasses or contacts.
She always wears her contacts.
She is awesome at journaling and saying her prayers.
She is great at helping you make decisions. She can use reason and faith so you feel good about it.
She is the perfect person to watch a DVR marathon with while eating the delicious brownie sundae she made for you.
She is a good listener. Sometimes she has to say, "Wait. I wasn't listening. What did you say?" and always listens good the second time.
She loves you even when you're an idiot or ugly or dissappointing or if you interrupt her mid-sentence to get off the phone because your hubby just got home. She gets it.
She's just the best.
I love you Jenn! Happy Birthday!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Happy Graduation Dan!
Years in the making, the big day finally arrived! Dan graduated with his Masters in Nurse Anesthesia. Goodbye Erie, Hello Cali!
He still has to take his boards to get his license so keep us in your prayers!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Ironman Should I or Shouldn't I?
Since I know you all care I need advice.
I have been training for the Boise Ironman for quite a while. I then decided I wasn't going to do it because of a knee injury and the cost. I took several weeks off to heal my knee and during those several weeks I figured the Ironman was out of the question because of the training I missed.
Well, two weeks ago my buddy Todd did the St George Ironman. It got me so pumped that I decided to give the old knee a try. These last few weeks of training I have felt great and I am still able to keep up with the training schedule even after several weeks off.
The thing that really sucks is the family will be in Lake Powell the very weekend of the race, so not only would I miss Powell, but I would be doing the Ironman with basically no support which is kind of demoralizing and it would suck to do an Ironman and hug strangers at the finish line.
I know none of you really care, but what should I do? I have woke up nearly every day at 5am for the last year and put in countless hours for this, but to do it coming of an injury and with no family there is kind of a bummer. Let a brother know what you think. Also, I think Boise would be a lot more fun than Lake Powell!
Mike
Monday, May 10, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Also a good Mother's Day gift....
Can be purchased here or visit J. Todd at 161 S. 1380 W., Lindon, UT and tell him Chelsey sent you. He'll know what it means. (will result in a discount)
These are the best. I am currently burning Lemon Tree, very fresh, sweet lemon. And I have a Vineyard car air freshner, very strong = very good! And then in my candle warmer, Fresh Linen. It's creates the illusion of clean and/or fresh laundry. I have been known to fire up some of these when I need Jeff to think I spent the day cleaning and doing laundry.
Anyways, you won't find a better candle. Really, you won't.
Can be purchased here or visit J. Todd at 161 S. 1380 W., Lindon, UT and tell him Chelsey sent you. He'll know what it means. (will result in a discount)
These are the best. I am currently burning Lemon Tree, very fresh, sweet lemon. And I have a Vineyard car air freshner, very strong = very good! And then in my candle warmer, Fresh Linen. It's creates the illusion of clean and/or fresh laundry. I have been known to fire up some of these when I need Jeff to think I spent the day cleaning and doing laundry.
Anyways, you won't find a better candle. Really, you won't.
A little shout out...
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Time to Weigh in...
I love the Biggest Loser. I know it's a day late, but did anyone else watch it Tuesday? I don't want to talk to much about it in case you haven't wathched it yet, but let's continue the discussion in the comments...
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
To all the Gentlemen:
Mother's day is Sunday, don't let it sneak up on you this year! Be sure to make the ladies in your life feel special, whether it be your mother, wife, grandmother, sister, etc. And nothing screams thoughtfulness like homemade gifts. (Except this year a Shark steamer mop with 3 different attachment heads, screams it even louder. For me at least ;)
I found a site that is a hot spot for all things homemade, Mother's day gift ideas included:
I found a site that is a hot spot for all things homemade, Mother's day gift ideas included:
Monday, May 3, 2010
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
I got this recipe from my sister Tara. It's quite tasty. I think we'll be having this for dinner tomorrow.
Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
6 tablespoons honey
5 tablespoons lime juice (1 large lime)
1 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound chicken, cooked and shredded (I use 2-3 chicken breasts)
8-10 flour tortillas
1 pound monterey jack and Colby Jack cheese, mixed and shredded
1 1/2 - 16 ounces cans green enchilada sauce
1 1/4 cup heavy cream
Mix the first four ingredients and toss with shredded chicken. Let it marinate for at least 1/2 hour (I tossed mine together in a Ziploc bag in the morning and let it sit in the refrigerator all night). Pour about 1/2 cup enchilada sauce with 1/4 cup heavy cream on the bottom of a 9X13 baking pan. Fill flour tortillas with chicken and shredded cheese and drip about 1 tablespoon of the mixed sauce (green enchilada sauce and heavy cream) and roll. Fill pan with rolled enchiladas. Save about 1-2 cups of cheese to sprinkle on top of enchiladas. Mix the remaining enchilada sauce with the remaining cream. Pour sauce on top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with leftover cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
6 tablespoons honey
5 tablespoons lime juice (1 large lime)
1 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound chicken, cooked and shredded (I use 2-3 chicken breasts)
8-10 flour tortillas
1 pound monterey jack and Colby Jack cheese, mixed and shredded
1 1/2 - 16 ounces cans green enchilada sauce
1 1/4 cup heavy cream
Mix the first four ingredients and toss with shredded chicken. Let it marinate for at least 1/2 hour (I tossed mine together in a Ziploc bag in the morning and let it sit in the refrigerator all night). Pour about 1/2 cup enchilada sauce with 1/4 cup heavy cream on the bottom of a 9X13 baking pan. Fill flour tortillas with chicken and shredded cheese and drip about 1 tablespoon of the mixed sauce (green enchilada sauce and heavy cream) and roll. Fill pan with rolled enchiladas. Save about 1-2 cups of cheese to sprinkle on top of enchiladas. Mix the remaining enchilada sauce with the remaining cream. Pour sauce on top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with leftover cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
It's Only Your Health: Seasonal Allergies
Many of us suffer from the annoyance of seasonal allergies. May is the month were things are starting to bloom again. Along with the beautiful flowers and trees come pollen and other various allergens. There are several ways you can keep you and your family a little more comfortable this allergy season.
Tip 1: Leave you shoes at the door! Our shoes can track in all kinds a crap including allergens. By leaving the at the door, outside is best, we can minimize the amount that is tracked into our home.
Tip 2: Wash your sheets! By washing your sheets regularly, you're getting rid of dust mites that aid in allergy attacks. Plus it’s just good hygiene. Win Win.
Tip 3: Buy washable toys! Plush toys can accumulate dander, dust, dirt and dust mites (the 4 D’s). Wash toys in hot water once a week and wipe down other toys with a damp cloth.
Tip 4: Over the counter medications only help aliviate the symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes
Welcome Welcome
Welcome family and friends to the first online edition of the VIP. Articles, stories, recipes, limericks, announcements to come. If you would like to be a contributing member to this fine online publication send me an email jeffandchelsey@hotmail.com.
NOTE: To be a VIPP (vanchiere information publication publisher)you must be able to genealogically track your Vanchiere lineage, or live with a Vanchiere(s), or draft a 1-2 page essay making your case on why you should be considered. The Board will vote on such matters.
NOTE: Jenn is on a 14 day probationary period for her inability to get me her birthday spotlights in a timely manner. (Sorry Jenn, I don't make the rules)
NOTE: To be a VIPP (vanchiere information publication publisher)you must be able to genealogically track your Vanchiere lineage, or live with a Vanchiere(s), or draft a 1-2 page essay making your case on why you should be considered. The Board will vote on such matters.
NOTE: Jenn is on a 14 day probationary period for her inability to get me her birthday spotlights in a timely manner. (Sorry Jenn, I don't make the rules)
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