Carly and Me.

My Friends are the Best Friends

2012-02-12T21:34:00.002-07:00

This weekend I went up to Rexburg, ID for Heather's Bridal shower. I got to be with so many of my very best friends. It has been too long since all of us girls got together!

We had the party at The Schaat's home and it was soo nice to be back there again. It felt just like we were all back in Longview circa 2004. But no matter where they live they always make it feel like home. I miss going to their home every Sunday!

I am so blessed to have such great friends! I Love you all! XOXO

Heather- The Bride to be!

Amber and KC

Tanya, Jen, Marjean, Amber

KC and Bev

Saturday

2012-01-23T08:28:00.002-07:00

Saturday afternoon we got to go up to Ogden to visit Daniel, Spencer's brother and his little family (Katie, Kira, and Carson). When we left Provo it was sprinkling a little, by the time we got to Salt Lake it was poouring, and by the time we got to Ogden inches of Snow. Since the weather channel has been telling us it was going to snow since Last Saturday, it finally decided to come.

Daniel is doing his residency at the Mckay dee Hospital so he treated us to dinner there. He and his family get to eat for free the whole time he will be there. I finally have decided that hospital food IS as good as everyone tells me it is. Spencer and I were like kids in a candy store because there was sooo much good food and TONS of candy and ice cream and no limit! It was fabulous. And all FREE to him and us.

We introduced them to Yo Gabba Gabba, its a kids show that sometimes cool bands and actors will guest star on. Carson was really into it right away! Spencer and I have heard about this show but never actually watched an episode, just a few clips on youtube. I got it for some of my nieces/nephews this Christmas. Saturday we all experienced it together...

25 isn't so bad.

2012-01-16T15:23:00.001-07:00

Last week was rough.

As the realization of my 25th birthday was creeping up I got very upset and shed waay too many tears. (KC, I finally feel like I understand how you have felt on every birthday since we met!)

I have feared turning 25. 25...50...75...100...

I am more officially and adult than ever. I guess it just really freaks me out knowing over a quarter of my life on Earth is over, I still have so much I want to do before I have gray hair and my body starts deteriorating! That scares me.

Despite my emotional self, Spencer has been so very encouraging and patient with me reminding me that really it's not that bad turning 25.

We went to the temple on Friday night and it was a sweet experience. It really helped me to get out of my funk and open my eyes to the eternal perspective. Getting older really isn't that badbecause I still do have many more wonderful years, and an eternity to look forward to.

So CHEERS to another wonderful year

with a great husband and awesome family and friends by my side!!!

It was a trip, Literally.

2011-11-30T10:00:00.004-07:00

Thanksgiving has always been my FAVORITE holiday of the year! This year was certainly one to never be forgotten. Spencer and I got to go out to Katy, TX to spend it with his parents. I was thrilled to get away from the cold for a bit. I have been dreaming of my days off work just getting up relaxing going for a run... just everything but getting ready and going to work right away! Our trip had a couple unexpected adventures, lots and lots of laughs, good food, and a wonderful time with family.

We flew with Frontier airlines and it was one of the more miserable flights I've ever been on. Apparently the seats in front of the exit row do not recline I believe they actually lean forward. We got stuck with those seats both there and back. Not awesome. Bags were left in Denver on our layover so we didn't get them until the day after we got there. I was surprised by my lack of anger for this, it was the first time my bags have ever gotten lost though so I guess I was thankful for that.

Wednesday we relaxed and spent some time in the kitchen getting some desserts and things ready for Thanksgiving dinner. That is the most fun part of the holidays to me!

Then Thanksgiving morning came. It was beautiful outside so after waking up at about 9:30 I decided I would go for a little run to start the day then I'd come home and help my mother-in-law Kathy finish making the feast. Little did I know, the Flanagan Family has a little history of Turkey Day injuries. So out I went and about 3 blocks away I tripped on an uneven sidewalk couldn't catch my balance took a bite of cement. Luckily I still had all my teeth! My chin hit pretty hard on the cement, my knees a little cut and my hand too. I knew I was a bit scraped up but I felt like I was fine and could just take care of it when I got back to the house. As I went to start my ipod again I noticed the center stone was missing from my wedding ring though. I tried to look a little bit but there was nooo way I would be able to see that thing without my glasses on! So I finished the loop I was planning on and went back to the house. Spencer took a look at it and that's when I knew it was worse than I thought! It was deep, So to the ER it was! But wait! That diamond... We dropped Kathy off where I fell, so she could look around for it while the rest of us went to the ER. We were there for about 3 hours and I got 4 stitches.

When we came back Kathy had miraculously found that diamond under a leaf and had the beautiful feast waiting for us. She is AMAZING!

Friday Kathy and I went and got mani/pedicures in the morning. It was wonderful! I should really do that more often! Over the weekend we also went to a record store Spencer used to go to did a little bit of shopping, not the crazy black Friday kind though!

All in all, Thanksgiving is STILL my Favorite holiday. I am so thankful for all of my families.

Roadtrippin'

2011-11-17T22:49:00.007-07:00

I can't believe the weekend is here already! Before it officially starts though, I want to document Last weekend. We had a blast! We decided to take a little road trip last weekend to see two of our favorite bands, Mates of State and Austra. Mates of State played on Friday night in Las Vegas at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Austra played in San Francisco at the Great American Music Hall.

Sooo we left early Friday afternoon on this adventure. We got to Vegas in time to walk around a little bit and then hit up the Urban Outfitters sales racks. Then saw the band play at 10. It was certainly a different setting than any show i've been to. Since it was at a casino the stage was awkwardly set in a corner meant mostly for background music. These guys are defiantly not just background music though! Then we hit the road until we were too tired to drive further.

In the morning we continued onto San Fran and got there around 1:30 to the cheapest decent rating hotel we could find. After having a horrific experience with Nadia in California a few year ago, the straight up cheapest is Never what I will do again! We weren't able to check in until 3:00 though so we went into town caught the American Apparel Flea Market which was waaaaayyy bigger than we ever expected! Then we made our way to Fisherman's Warf. I just love it down there. Sadly it got dark almost as soon as we got there but it is so fun to me to be down there. So many crazy people and I just love being so close to the water, I really hate living so far from the coast! Then we headed to our hotel and got ready for the show that night.

Austra played an amazing show. The Great American Music Hall is one of the coolest venues, it is a very old theater with beautiful architecture it was fantastic!

Then it was Sunday and we headed home! We stopped at ihop for breakfast in Sacramento ate delicious pancakes and by 1:30 am we were home again and back to work in the morning! Yes it was over 28hours of driving but we had so much fun together!

Cheers to many more adventures with such a wonderful husband!

Someday I will ride on one of these...

He drove most of the way, he doesn't get tickets!

Mates of State

Austra

Reading out loud to me while i drove

The American Apparel

I love it here!

October was fun!

2011-11-10T15:11:00.005-07:00

Provo Farmers Market

2011-10-29T19:04:00.003-06:00

Today was the last day of the Farmer's Market.

We have done it almost every Saturday morning since the beginning of June!

We started out with one table and a bunch of our wedding decorations to sell. Each week Spencer's creativity grew and so did our space! Spencer really was the heart of it all. He is soo talented! I am constantly amazed by the neat things he is making both to sell and for me! A lot of our things are for sale on the Esty shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/hugasponge We met a lot of really neat people and we had a great experience doing it all Summer/Fall. Today was a bitter cold ending it felt like Winter!

My Girls!

2011-10-29T18:15:00.006-06:00

I just can't even express really just HOW much I love these girls! I am so blessed to have such great friends in my life. They came to visit us at the market today and it just made my day! Heather lives in Rexburg and stopped by on her way to her mom's wedding in Vegas. We have the hardest time keeping in touch when apart! Amber lives in Provo and I just love having her so close! We got to go out to dinner together last week and it was so fun. Being with them no matter where we are really makes me feel like we are home in Longview.

Treats

2011-07-30T09:09:00.022-06:00

Riding on Scoots,

one of my Favorite things in the summer!

Kathy came to visit us for a week! It was really nice having her here.

We spent a lot of time out on pretty walks and adventurous hikes. She also helped us expand our

products for the Saturday Market. Now featuring: super cute bow-tie pillows!

Blitzen Trapper

at Urban Lounge

Sweet!

Last night we saw Austra at Urban Lounge and it was AMAZING!!! They sounded just as good live as the record. Spencer got to interview the lead singer for a article in the City Weekly which you can read here and give them a listen! I def hope they come back again. Oh and they were just the opening act. Cold Cave also put on a great show and brought a ton of energy. We saw them a few months ago and this was even crazier and more fun than before!

After much talk and a whole lot of lookin' we finally decide to get us some bikes! Spencer's came yesterday and mine is on its way! I am so excited for it! (confession: and a lil bit nervous. i think i need to re-learn. Its seen sososoo long since ive ridden one!)

Also Next week we will head out to Washington for a visit. The timing of this trip could not be more perfect to me. Work lately makes me want to explode and pull my hair out (ew) mostly just feel really stressed. Trying to be patient and a take things, day by day is reeeal hard sometimes. SO I can't wait to see the Ocean, to be home and see my fam, to visit Wendy, to finally take Spencer to the Masthead, and relax.

At the Drive-In

2011-07-09T09:48:00.006-06:00

Last summer I heard there was a Drive-In theater in Salt Lake and after much talk of this theater Spencer and I found it last night and it was FANTASTIC!!! They have 6 screens and each shows 2 movies back to back for only $6!!! It is def one of the best deals in Utah!!! Sooo we picked up a pizza and took a cooler of soda. We watched Larry Crown and Bridesmaids. I would highly recommend seeing both movies! It was a "nonstop laugh fest!"

A few of my favorite things.

2011-06-13T22:42:00.002-06:00

Life is good.

I am so full of love and gratitude for all the wonderful people in my life.

Oh Heeeey!

2011-02-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

The past two months have been full of so much fun and family!

I got to meet my sweet niece Chloe

Spend my first Christmas In Texas with Spencer his family

We even went to see the Alamo!

Then I was off to Arizona to spend New Year's with Sam, Audi, and Chloe!

December was also pleasured with a quick trip to Washington for Amber and Jeremy's Wedding!!!

And after 2 years I finally got to see Heather again!

In January Spencer and I Ikea'd our house!

We took these....

And made them into these! This is just a little of what my wedding bouquet will look like!

I've Moved!

2010-12-21T18:45:00.001-07:00

These past couple of weeks have been a little bit crazy.

Earlier this month I was feeling a bit stressed about not being able to sell my contract before I get married. But with Spencer's help and reposting my apartment for a little bit lower rent. I had TONS of people interested in taking over my contract and IT SOLD!!! But this meant we needed to find a house and move me into it before we left for our Christmas trips.

Luckily we found this humble little home (which I will only show the outside for now because well you know how things look when you first move in... like a disaster!) I finally finished moving everything over today on my lunch break and i love it!

Tomorrow morning I will head out to Texas to spend Christmas with Spencer and my in-laws to be which I couldn't be more excited about! Then I will head over to Sam's for New Year's and finally meet my new niece Chloe!!!

Oh and it snowed at least a foot within the last 24 hours so I reeeally cant wait to leave this state!

tis the season!

2010-12-09T01:09:00.005-07:00

Oh Christmas TREE!

I was soo excited when I found this mini christmas tree @ Home Depot

I couldn't pass it up! We went and saw the awesome light set up around the Salem Pond too.

They did a wonderful job!
I really really love the lights can you tell!?

It's my favorite day of the year.

2010-11-26T09:11:00.008-07:00

Yesterday was wonderful.

I made my very first Thanksgiving Dinner without Mom!

Spencer and I spent the day in the kitchen and made a wonderful feast! I have been so excited for this day to come. Thanksgiving has always been my very favorite holiday! The day devoted to spending it entirely with the people I love most and eating great food ALL-DAY-LONG no other holiday is better than this one! : )

This year I tried some new recipes from this blog and they turned out almost perfect. My big fear of having a dry turkey did not happen, it was delicious! We had so much fun making this and we even got started on some wedding decorations too while waiting for the food to cook!

I am so thankful for the many ways Heavenly Father has blessed me in my life: for loving parents who have always been so supportive of me. for my wonderful fiancée, i love him. for my brothers who have been my biggest examples in life. for my faith in God and knowing He has a plan for each of us. for my job. for my heater working in my car this winter. for my dear friends and for cell phones and computers that connect me to them. for my big kitchen. for good music, oh how i love thee. for chocolate. for the beautiful mountains i get to see everyday. for my freedom and safety in this country. I feel so happy and so lucky!

Our Feast!

Spencer made his first Turkey too

The Turks

He will be my Husband in 99 days!

Apple-Pear Pie with Shooting Stars and Cat cut outs (may remind you of this pie : ) )

Best Night Ever!

2010-11-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gents I am sooo excited to announce that I will soon be Mrs. Carlyn Marie Flanagan!!! I truly feel like the happiest and Luckiest Girl in the world.

Tonight my Best Friend became my Fiance!!!

Carly's Citchin'

2010-11-07T22:19:00.008-07:00

Last month I decided to give myself a little challange for the holiday season.

Since Spencer and I absolutely LOVE Thai food I decided to learn to make it. Because this is my blog I feel I can brag and say we have pretty much mastered that over the past 8 months when I first tried it. So what's next?

Soup! I love soup a lot and with it starting to get cold, coming home and eating a bowl of soup is one of my favorite things. My challenge is to make a new soup each week. I would love to learn to master this too.

Tonight was my third week and I made my favorite so far! Dannielle requested I make Corn Chowder. I've been wanting a potato soup. SO I did a few modifications to this soup done by my favorite cooking gals at Our Best Bites.

3 Tbs butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2/3 C flour
4 1/2 C low-fat milk
2 C chicken broth
3 Chicken Breast shredded
1 1/2 C Frozen Corn

4 medium baking potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds) baked
2 C grated cheddar (or sharp cheddar) cheese, divided
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Melt butter in a stock pot over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add flour to pan. Slowly add milk a little at a time while whisking constantly to eliminate lumps. Whisk until smooth and then add chicken broth. Bring soup just to a simmer and heat until thickened, stirring often, about 5 minutes.

Once soup is thickened, turn heat down to medium-low. Add in shredded cooked chicken. Add frozen corn. Cut potatoes in half length-wise and use a spoon to scoop out potato flesh into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to smash potatoes, breaking up large clumps. Add 1 1/2 C grated cheese and salt and pepper and stir until cheese is melted. Remove pan from heat and Add additional salt and pepper to taste.

I really enjoyed this one and Spencer went back for seconds too so thats always a good sign to me! : ) I'm excited about these leftovers this week!

If you have any favorite soup recipes you love to make send them my way! It's gunna be a Looong Winter!

M.F.E.O.

2010-11-04T18:01:00.004-06:00

I came across this video of Zooey Deschanel and her husband Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie today and I just LOVE this song!!! The original was done by The Seekers in the 60's ENJOY!!!

Best Coast

2010-11-03T01:54:00.001-06:00

Tonight WE went to see Best Coast at Urban Lounge in Salt Lake. They put on a great show!!! Spencer and I got free tickets from the fantastic Slowtrain Record Store. Knowing we were of 10 people there who got in free, there should have been waaay more people at this show! Utahns missed out tonight!

1 week ago...

2010-10-15T07:07:00.003-06:00

We were in California! and ever since we left we want to be back!

Over the summer Spencer was in LA interning with Filter Magazine. Last week they put on a 4 day festival in LA with bands that came in from all over the world! We were able to go on Thursday and Friday and saw some really great bands! Casiokids were def my fav! They are from Norway and the lead singer was so entertaing. Some of his dance moves he must have gotten from an aerobics video!

Saturday night went to Knott's Berry farms haunted Knott's Scary Farm and that was incredible. I mean I have NEVER ever been so terrified in my life. or paranoid eiter! Their haunted mazes were very haunted and they had monsters all over the park whereever you walked jumping out/following you! I'm feeling tense again writing about it. I started feeling like everyone walking by me was going to try to scare me. and they did. Poor girl behind me in one of the mazes got a little to close to me and when I turned around and saw her I screamed! Then i saw her face and she was just another scared girl like me!

Sunday we went to his old ward which was very nice. I must admit, I felt like I have been dating a celebrity and didn't know it!!! Everyone loves and misses Spencer out there a lot! We stayed with his best friend Jon-Michael and his family for the weekend, the Bradley's were very good to us. Meeting all these great people that Spencer loves and talks about was so much fun!

Now time for the Pics!

We made a stopped in Vegas on our way down (right before my car deciede to over-heat)

The Venetian... Make me reeeeally want to go to Venice again! (me and nad 2007)Jamison, Spencer, and Jon-Michael at Newport BeachI love being with this boy!These ladies were soo cute! They remind me so much of my Grandma and her Sisters!Grandma, G-Aunt Doris, G-Aunt Helen (Newport 2008)Culture Collide Festival- Casiokids at the Echo!

Bow Ties and Bling!

2010-10-02T04:38:00.000-06:00

Can it get any better than that? I think not. We be Rappin' and Singin' in the SLC last night before we head over to see the Shining at the Tower Theater... it was great evening!

Also as you know, October is here. I like that. New Month, New Season. Time for change. Time for some exciting things! And lots of scary movies!

I haven't decided on a costume yet but for the first year in a veeery long time I am actually excited for Halloween! Thank you Dannielle for getting me to this point. The abundance of themed parties the past couple weeks has also brought on this excitement!

New Season of Glee Started! Episode 1 Theme: New York

Glee Episode 2: White Trash Brittney. aka sweats, comfy clothes, no make -up, and def no pictures were taken to show that off!

National Katy Perry Day: Sept 24th

Brilliantly Brittish Birthday Bash Sept. 25th HAPPY B-DAY CAITY!!!

SPICE UP YOU LIFE!!!

It's a Party in your mouth Every Time!

2010-09-16T21:46:00.002-06:00

Today marked a day for change. A very sad change. For nearly 5 wonderful years I have LOVED brushing my teeth simply because of this Magical Toothpaste. Crest Vanilla Mint. It’s like no other. Sweet yet refreshing and delicious! I remember the day KC Buel called me and she described this wonderful stuff to me. Needless to say I was convinced it was necessary for me to go try it. I have been a loyal buyer ever since. (Only once when I went to three stores and couldn't find it did I ever buy a different flavor.)

I am so sad that others have not enjoyed this wonderful stuff! I noticed a few months ago my suppliers were getting more sparse but now I CAN NOT find it ANYWHERE in Utah anymore.

This morning I squeezed out the veeeery last bit. So after work I had a big decision to make. I stood in the toothpaste aisle for at least 10 minutes trying to figure out what flavor I will want to taste every day... some Crest Peppermint Flavor. Boo Totally not as cool.

Thankfully though, Spencer found this video that will bring the excitement back into brushing... ENJOY

Party Time

2010-09-09T22:17:00.010-06:00

This weekend was so fantastic! Mom and Dad came out to Provo to visit and for the big UW-BYU football game!

It was so much fun having them in town and being able to show them my new apartment! They came in pretty late Friday night so we kicked off the partying around 1:00 with some pre-game tailgate action! The Schaat’s came down from Rexburg to join us for the game too and cook up those burgers : ) Amber, Jeremy, and Riley were also in town and although they didn’t get tickets to the game they came hang.

My apartment is right behind the stadium so my ward also had a BYU tailgate party… ours was waaaay better of course!

Although our Huskies couldn’t give us a win we had a great time.

I am truly blessed to have such a great family and so many great friends.

Was this a Huskie Cake? Yes of course it was.

Was the inside purple and yellow? YES of course it was!

She was happy

NEVER too young to be wearin' the purple and gold...

Heading to the Stadium! GAME TIME!

SK8RGURL

2010-08-21T21:19:00.001-06:00

Nothing makes me want to get out my skates more than this:

Delish

2010-08-10T23:10:00.001-06:00

I just watched Julia & Julia for the first time and I just have to say that movie is Delicious! If it weren't 11 right now trust me, I most definitely would be putting on my apron and cooking up a storm! But instead of going to my kitchen, I went to my favorite cooking blogs.

There are so many new things that I want to try making! So tonight I have decided that for the next month I will make many new things that are not Thai or Indian. (That is basically the ONLY kind of food I have been making for the past few months.) mmm just thinking about it is making me hungry!

Too many!

2010-08-09T20:51:00.001-06:00

You know you are in Utah when you see this:

Wonderful things to come.

2010-07-29T12:46:00.000-06:00

Yesterday work was dreadfully long in every way. 14hours of not awesomeness. SO I decided to think about the things I am excited for :)

August 1st: My brother Sam and His cute wife Audi move to Arizona! Like 10 states closer to me, I'm thrilled! and in 1 month Audi will give me another niece!

August 12th: Matisyahu is coming to Salt Lake and I am so giddy i really cant wait for this!

August 24th: Mockingjay and Katy Perry's new CD Teenage Dream come out!!!

The Hunger Games series is Amazing if you haven't read them DO IT! They are so fun and I am dieing to know what happens next!!! I have never been one to do things on opening night because of the crazy crowds but this time, count me in! I will be that crazy girl going at midnight!

August 25th: Spencer will live in Utah again!!! This of course is my absolute favorite part of August!

August 26th: She & Him will be in Salt Lake at the Twilight Concert Series and WE will see them for Free. I Love free and Zooey Deschanel is my idol.

August 27th: Going the Distance come out in theaters:

These lovely things got me through the Day! What do you look forward to in the coming month!?

Twilight.

2010-07-16T04:26:00.000-06:00

Better than the books. Salt Lake has a lot of cool things going on and one of my favorites is the Twilight Concert Series. It's put on every summer free of charge by the Salt Lake City Arts Council. Last year I had a magical experience seeing Bon Iver. This year I know will not disappoint either.

They had to move the party over to Pioneer Park this year though since it’s getting to be such a big deal. (This place is commonly known as the bum park downtown… kinda sketch place but holds a lot more people.)

Spencer and I attempted to go to the first show last week but man waaay too many people to enjoy. SO we peaced out of that place and hit up the mall and movie instead. : )

Tonight was a different experience. I think since it was soo crowded and chaotic last week it kept a lot of people home! Girl Talk played tonight and it was so much fun. Dance Party, that’s what it was. This guy does crazy remixes with every style of music and brings so much energy into it. This was not like any other show that I’ve been to!

Other bands of note: Avi Buffalo. They already played but I highly recommend giving them a listen. I can’t wait to see Matisyahu… I have been waiting for this day to come for years! And August 26, Well I’m just excited to see both of these bands and Spencer will be back to come with me too!

• July 8: Modest Mouse w/AviBuffalo
• July 15: Girl Talk w/Memory Tapes
• July 22: Beirut w/Twin Sisters
• July 29: The New Pornographers w/ the Dodos
• August 5: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings w/ Jamie Lidell
• August 12: Matisyahu w/Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
• August 19: Big Boi w/Chromeo
• August 26: She & Him w/ Dum Dum Girls

Betty Crocker Beware!

2010-07-16T01:52:00.000-06:00

Spencer came to visit last weekend, we have so much fun together! We made a lot of really delicious food, had a few adventures in Salt Lake including our favorite record stores, resturants, a hike up to donut falls, the Farmers Market and visiting good friends.

He makes me happy.

At the Farmers Market we found some cool ladies who were selling Indian Spices. I LOVE Indian food but haven't ever made it. So we got the Korma Masala Spice. Thats my favorite dish in the resturants and we gave it a try! To top it off I want to learn to make the Naan bread to go with it next time.

Dessert: Coconut Sweet rice w/Mango

Back in March Spencer and I went Washington to visit my Fam and His sister Wendy. While there she made us this super dilicious Thai noodle dish that we just can't get enough of:

Dessert: CAT BERRY PIE

Independence Day.

2010-07-16T00:44:00.000-06:00

For the 4th of July this year I went up to Idaho. I got to see some of my favorite people and two of them recently had babies. Welcome to the work Lenna Rue Schaat and Miles Wesley Wheeldon!

Being back in Rexberg is always fun and very nostalgic. I had a good couple years up there. Its fun to visit and make a Horkley’s run too!

I stayed the weekend at the Schaat’s home out in Menan which is always such a treat! We spent lots of time reminiscing of our good times back in Longview and sharing new stories. Their home is always filled with so much laughter and love. Their home is really like no other. Gavin and Rauland also made us some of the best burgers I have ever had. It was relaxing to be out in farmland again… well except for the farm style wake up call from Les early in the morning! : )

The whole Buel Family was in town staying at KC’s so I went out there to play with them and see Amber!!! She just got home from her mission in Colorado and I am so happy she is home! It was so fun to catch up and now we are still counting down the days for Heather and Jen to get back too!

Me and Miles... Yeah we're tight like that already. NBD

LOVE.

Amber. KC. Me.

Les showing off the amazing cheesecake Gavin made

GLEE!

2010-06-09T20:04:00.000-06:00

Last night was fabulous! In celebration of the finale my new friend Racheal threw a great party here are a few pics!

Gleeks!

Cheerios!

Quinn and PuckMs. Pillsburry (cleaning off her popcorn)Sue, Brittany, and Santana-They have some work to do... "Hot Cheerios have been proven to raise endorphins and make happy kids, and I can't have that"

Playin' in the South

2010-05-25T19:10:00.000-06:00

Well this has just turned into a travel blog!

Last week I went on a little trip to visit my brother Spencer, His awesome wife Bonnie, and their super cute kids Audrey and Ian! I took a week off work and headed out to Atlanta! We spent some time hanging out together in the ATL then headed down to Florida to spend the weekend at Disney World! We had a great time! We met Princesses, ate lunch with Winnie the Pooh and Friends, rode lots of rides, saw some great parades and awesome fireworks! And Spencer and I got the Turkey Legs we had been drooling for!

This trip once again made me realize how much my family means to me. Spencer has always been an amazing example to me. He has always worked so hard at everything he does in life and really put those things that matter most in life first, no matter what. We had a great time reminiscing about life growing up in the Brien Home. It's always so interesting to me how in the same family life was much different for each child and in our fam definetley a big difference between us. He being the oldest and Me the youngest. We always learn so much from each other. I have been so blessed with such a great family. I kind of love them A LOT. I can't wait for my brothers to move back west like they always say they will!!! Hurry up boys!

WARNING: Picture Explosion Below!

This is Audrey showing off her "Sad Broken TuTu"

She is 3!

Ian!

Spencer and Bonnie!

Together We Have Fun
Snack time!Lunch at the Crystal PalaceHappiest Baby I knowSometimes if you make a wish...It WILL Come TRUE!!!

Mmmm GOOD!

Next Stop: LA to visit this Boy and I can't wait!

Don't Mess with Texas.

2010-05-09T22:20:00.000-06:00

This post is a little late oops! But I am finally catching up with life and ready to recap this adventure!

Spencer is from Katy, Texas and he went home for couple weeks after this semester ended at BYU. So I took a day off work and went down to visit for a weekend.

This was a wonderfully fun adventure. We went down to Galveston with his parents one day to the beach and walked around the shops in town. We had a little unexpected rain just when we were about to leave the beach, we got soaked. But that didn’t stop us! Fortunately it was hot out so we dried fast. I found a cool new purse at the Army surplus store. Mom would definitely approve! We also went to the Houston Aquarium which was really fun! We got to touch sharks! I think I would like one for a pet now. (Note to Parents: Amanda would STILL like a pony this Christmas and a little baby shark would be just fine for me.)

Now one of the most anticipated activities of the weekend came on Saturday: Houston Astros vs Pittsburg Pirates. This was not just any ole baseball game. It was “Bobble Head Day” at Minute Maid Park! Spencer’s dad had been collecting bobble heads for over 30 years! So it was kind of a BIG DEAL and awesome to see his excitement of getting that Jose Cruz bobble head! And the Astros won the game!

Now I will admit I was very naïve, Texas was not at all what I expected. Spencer tried to warn me of this but maybe it was all those cartoons and episodes of Walker Texas Ranger that really made me think I was going to see something completely different! I saw no cactus, no cowboys, no desert. What I did see was green, and beautiful, and very nice people. I loved it! I always thought the one and only time I would go to Texas it was going to be to see the South by Southwest Music Festival. Hopfully I will go in the future. Texas isn’t such a bad place : )

PS) Sorry for the lack of pictures turns out I need to be a lot better about using that camera I always carry!

Addicted.

2010-04-29T15:52:00.000-06:00

Officer Dave would be disappointed, but D.A.R.E. didn't help me. I said no for soo long but finally caved!

I heard this song on the radio last week driving to work and it's been in my head ever since!

Great Flick

2010-04-16T12:12:00.000-06:00

The other night Spencer and I watched "Akeelah and the Bee" and it was sooo good! Watch it. I heard this quote by Marianne Williamson in the movie "Coach Carter" and it was in this movie too. Love it.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Rainbow Cake!

2010-04-01T00:30:00.000-06:00

Slow days at work usually mean a lot of wasted time on the internet for me. Today was slow. My productivity level: very low! I found this super cool Rainbow Cake on a cooking blog. I got so excited that I even went to the grocery store on my lunch break just to buy the things I needed to try it tonight!

Overall I was very pleased with it. The recipe was made for someone who follows the weight watchers plan. Since I clearly don’t, I didn’t follow the recipe just used their coloring technique and made it with a regular yellow cake. Next time I won’t use so much batter and will learn to make a better purple. My cake was HUGE! Spencer and Alex tell me it tasted okay though!

Earth Day is only 21 Days away so I will make it again but with a few modifications. : )

welcome:

2010-04-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

The Northwest was so good to us this weekend! Spencer and I left Thursday evening for a fun trip to see Family and My wonderful state. This was his first time to WA/OR… So there was a lot for us to see and do in such short time. I think we hit all the highlights and had great time!

Upon arrival into Longview my sister Amanda met up with us for dinner at the Azteca. Then a relaxing night at my home. Friday morning we headed up to Covington to see his sister Wendy and her super cute kids. We had a great time playing with them! Our afternoon was filled with McDonalds, tag, bikes, jeeps, soccer practice, and wi (haha I was pretty rusty with the ‘ole nintendo, but bring on the rock band and I can keep up:) ) Wendy made us a lovely Thai dinner then Spencer and I headed up to spend the evening in Seattle. We were able to catch show at the VERA theater downtown which was really fun and wander around the Seattle Center for a while. Seattle always has so much going on! Lovely evening. Saturday we headed down to Portland to experience the amazing Saturday Market. Ohman the weather was so perfect too! Not a drop of rain. The market always has so many neat locally made things, delicious food, and music around every corner! We got some great food then wandered up to Powell’s Book Store and walked all around downtown. We were first timers at Powell’s and grateful this store had a map! Much like IKEA it was an essential tool in finding what you want, this place was huge!!! We wrapped up our adventure on Sunday going to church in the morn then Mom made us a wonderful dinner before we regretfully had to leave. It was a great trip and refreshing for us to get out of Utah for a weekend!

I always love to be home. There’s just no other place like it!

Here WE Come!

2010-03-24T11:35:00.000-06:00

Weekend Rundown!

2010-03-14T23:58:00.000-06:00

This has just been a great weekend!

Started out Friday by finally going to look at the apartments I have been telling myself I am moving into next month. I am really excited and Monday we are making it legit signing and all! It’s one of those things that I’ve really been talking about doing for the loooongest time but just haven’t. This is a much needed change and I can’t wait.

Then Spencer and I went to see the play “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” at the SCERA Theater. (Spencer writes for a couple local newspapers so free tickets thanks to his awesome job!) Ohman this was GREAT! I wished I could have had my niece with us too. The theater was filled with hundreds of kids, candy and popcorn in hand ready for the show. I remember loving this book when I was younger and they did such a great job bringing it to life! It totally brought me back and made feel 5 again thus inspiring this date night of ours to have a theme…

So after the play we decided to got to the newly re-opened NickleCity truly helping us to continue to feel young again! Although I was quickly reminded of well, how I’m NOT when I may or may not (still unsure) have broke the crusty plastic horse ride that really is ONLY for children who are 5… not just act/feel it. Sowhat if I got bucked off the horse, I got back up and played some Skee Ball and Mario Bros… now that was good stuff! After cashing in those tickets for some Frootie Tootsie Rolls we headed back to his house for a quick stop. Here we were pleasantly surprised when we get there and his whole porch was COVERED in balloons! It was like one of the ball pits at McDonalds! Reason: Unclear. Possibly little act of kindness for his roommate who may (or maynot?) have gone to the hospital this week. So to finish off the night we went to get free smoothies at McDonalds and HAPPY MEALS! Most importantly what were our prizes? A mini iCarly locker with a million stickers to put on it and a Star Wars spaceship launcher thing! Awesome? YES!

Saturday began with work and watching “Up in the Air” with my roommates. This movie was nominated for many Academy Awards I thought it was great and I just LOVE George Clooney! Watch it. Also did something I’ve been wanting for a while now, went to Barnes and Noble and bought a Thai cook book which I am soo excited about! I definitely eat out at Thai restaurants more than any other place so I am anxious to see if I can possibly master a couple of my favorite dishes! And finally learn the tricks to make sticky rice right!

Saturday Night?
SLC Roller Derby! I believe I failed to mention that Spencer and I also watch Whip it (great flick with Drew Barrymore and the girl from Juno) on Friday night. So on Saturday afternoon when Spencer found out that there was a REAL Roller Derby match going on in Salt Lake we felt it was necessary to go see what this is really all about! I was a wonderfully fun adventure.

Great Weekend!

My Fam.

2010-02-22T23:03:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for the family that I have. For Traditions that keep us together and help us grow, and for the opportunity I have to learn of, and from their past.

Each year for over 20 years, my Grandma and her Sisters have been going to Laguna Beach for the month of February. It started out as a time for them to visit their older sister who lived there but after she passed away they and their husbands have still kept the tradition. Same time of year to escape the horrendous amounts of snow they get at their homes. And same hotel.

Last weekend I flew over to visit them in California and had a wonderful time. This is the third year I’ve gone, always just a weekend but filled with great memories. What I love most about this opportunity is that I have finally gotten to know my Great Aunts Helen and Doris who I always heard about growing up. I regret that Helen (93) wasn’t able to make it this year but I have learned much from these great women. They are some of the most caring and witty women I know. Much time is spent telling stories of their lives growing up, what they used to do and like, and the challenges they faced, and many hours are spent playing rummy or knitting for the next Bazaar at Helen’s church.

The most surprising part of the weekend happened just as I got to the airport. Sam and I had kinda been playing phone tag for a bit so I left him a message to give me a call cuz I would just be chillin’ at the airport for the next hour until my flight was to leave. A few minutes later he calls me again this time not even saying Hi but, “Carly what gate are you at!?” I freaked out! Sam had just landed at the Salt Lake Airport and was only a couple gates away! I grabbed my bag and ran! Hahaha It was so much fun and a total coincidence! He was flying to Arizona for a job interview and just happened to have a layover at the PERFECT time. So we got to hang out and chat until we both had to leave. I haven’t seen him since May and that is waaay to long for me! God is really great. I know this wasn’t just a coincidence but an example of the tender mercies of the Lord in my life.

Decision Made.

2010-02-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

I saw a poster for this last week on my way home from work. Then again as I went home for lunch today. Today I decided... I am going to run this race! And I am excited about it. March 6th 10:00 a.m. Dannielle is going to join me too! YaY!

Night of Passion.

2010-02-08T22:50:00.000-07:00

Passion Pit.
So I’ve head OF this band a lot this past year. They came to Salt Lake in October. I now regret that I didn’t go. Tonight I finally gave Passion Pit my undivided attention as I listened to every song I could find online. I fell in love. Their music is super catchy, energetic, and just made smile. “Manners” is a great album. Enjoy.

Dear Frankie.

2010-01-26T00:10:00.000-07:00

Throughout my time living here in Provo one of my favorite things I’ve discovered is the International Cinema on BYU Campus. Much thanks to my roommate Brittany who had to go to a film once a week for a class, we became regulars at the cinema. Each week they choose three films to replay during the week. Most weeks there is at least one that looks interesting and the best part is that it’s always FREE!!! One of my fondest memories at the cinema was last year when a bunch of us went and saw The Orphanage haha we are all still scared from it! This weekend though, was the first time I have gone in a really long time which made me remember how much I love it! My friend and I went and saw Dear Frankie and I dare say, this is one of the best movies I have ever seen! It is a lovely British film made 2004 with Emily Mortimer and Gerard Butler. It even softened my cinematic heart of stone a bit and made me shed a tear.

MY List.

2010-01-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

Throughout the past few weeks I’ve seen many “Best of 2009” Lists. Mostly music related. But in reading them, I have thought of just a few of my favorite things of 2009 so here they are:

Song: Blood Bank by Bon Iver -Justin Vernon gets Artist of the Year in my Book. Listen and Love.

Movie: (500) Days of Summer

Live Performances: 2009 brought many great artists to Utah. On the top of my list have to be seeing Fleetwood Mac at the Energy Solutions Center with Alex, Bon Iver @ The Gallivan Center, and seeing the Matt and Kim show at In the Venue with Spencer

Family Moment: All the Fam together in Idaho for Sam’s Wedding and Ian's Blessing!

Favorite Book: Children of the Promise by Dean Hughes- I just started the series and can’t put it down!

Favorite Roommate Moments: 1.) Emilie’s identity crisis for more information please see (http://pacificbluecrayon.blogspot.com/2009/12/conflict-resolution.html) or

2.) The making of the Carly and Me video with Alex (which shall not be shown on the world wide web but who knows, you may see it at Sundance this year)

or 3.) Our Camping Trip on Earth Day!!!

Most Entertaining Call at Work: One evening a woman called crying hysterically. By the sound of the mom, the nurse was sure something bad had happened to the child in which she would direct her to take the child immediately to the ER. After calming this frantic mother down she finally got it out: The mother was calling because her brother in law had been holding her baby boy the week before. And now this brother in law had just told the family that he was Gay. Main Concern: Is MY baby going to be Gay now because he was holding him!? Dear Crazy Utahan Mother, being Gay is not some sort of contagious disease. GET REAL!

Favorite Trip: Whitney and Jen two of my very Best Friends and I went to Hawaii in June. This was one of the most adventurous trips I have taken. We met many interesting people, stayed in yurts on the beach and found our way around the island by “The Bus” and hitchhiking :) This was one trip never to be forgotten!

Favorite Quote of the Year: “Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; sometimes the Lord lets the storm rage and calms His child.” –Sister Longmore

2010 Is here and going fast! This weekend I’ll be 23!

2010

2009-11-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Southwest Airlines:

You should Sponsor Me. Sponsor my life.

Over the past few years I have traveled much. Visiting family, and friends throughout the world, and gone on many exciting adventures. As I reminisce of these great times I had, I realized that whenever possible it was Southwest Airlines that got me to my destinations. As a loyal client of your company I feel it is time for you give back now. I have planned out a tentative schedule of the trips I would like to take throughout the next 9 months. I feel that by having your support I could surely accomplish all these goals I have. By doing so I know it will help me feel more fulfilled in life and I can help you feel good about having an opportunity to serve.

The following is my tentative schedule:

December '09 : Go home to Washington for the Holidays

February '10: Visit my Grandma and Aunts in Laguna Beach, CA

March 12-21 '10: South By Southwest Festival in Austin, TX Please See: http://sxsw.com

May '10: Cedar Point Amusement Park Sandusky, Ohio Please See: http://www.cedarpoint.com

June '10: Visit my bro Sam and Audi in Washington DC

July '10: See My brother Spencer and his super cute Family in Atlanta, GA

August 6-8 '10: Attend Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL Please See: http://www.lollapalooza.com

Sincerely,

Carly Brien

P.S. Please also allow for me to always bring a friend. Thanks Bunches : )

E=MC2

2009-11-23T21:19:00.001-07:00

Mondays are usually really busy at work. Ya know, kids get sick over the weekend so they are all trying to come in... and then the child with the runny nose must be seen right away... It's VERY rare that on a Monday I would have any slow time at work.

Today was different. I had the opportunity to open up the newest issue of People Magazine that came over the weekend. I must admit, I was very pleased to see Johnny Depp on the cover and earger to see who made the list for "Sexiest Men Alive." hahaha but My afternoon was changed as soon as I opened it to see this new and improved dare I say: sexy picture of Einstein. haha I hope you enjoy because I laughed for at Least 5 minutes after seeing it! Disturbing? Maybe slightly...

The Little Things

2009-11-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

Some of my Favorite things this week:

1. The New Tegan and Sara Album "Sainthood"

2. Thai Food. Im becoming a regular at all the Thai places in Provo.The dessert is amazing! Sticky Rice with Mango covered in a sweet coconut milk sauce...

3. Okay I haven't just been eating out though... The weather has gotten cold again. Winter is surely here! This means I love to cook again! : ) I live in an apartment on the third floor. In the summer it gets so HOT that I never have any desire to cook or bake! So I've already made a pot of my favortie soup and been using my crock pot again. This winter im going to be adventurous with recipes!

4. My favorite lotion is on sale again

5. By far the coolest thing this week though, My brother Spencer (who has 2 SUPER cute kids a.k.a. my only niece and nephew and live in Atlanta), told me that BYU is flying him to Provo to interview for a few days. I am excited to see him and would be even more excited if they all get to move here!

This Post is NOT for Cat Lovers.

2009-11-12T23:17:00.000-07:00

It was about 10 o'clock when I returned home

this evening. My friends and I went to watch my roommate star in the Nutcracker Ballet in Provo. (She preformed wonderfully and I had a great first Nutcracker experience.) As I approached the door I was disgusted to see a bag of garbage outside our apartment. Mostly just disgusted that someone is too lazy to take it to the dumpster. But then I notice an open can of half eaten tuna fish next to it! So im like is this some gross prank!? Nope! It was my other roommate. Then I came into the apartment and was immediatley attaced by the fish smell. So I grab the Febreeze and start spraying everywhere, open the windows and door and clean the best I can. Turns out tha opening the door was the WRONG idea. This nasty cat runs in the apartment and under MY bed! I freaked out. Initial though: Call Russell--> Get his gun--> KILL IT! I REALLY hate cats. They have no respect. Just do whatever they want, they are germ infested, nasty creatures that should not exsist. Stray cat just comes on into my apartment. NOT OKAY!

Peace Out Summer

2009-08-29T01:57:00.000-06:00

This summer was a good one! I can't believe it's over. Although I have been working a lot these days I definitely made time to play! Here are some of my favorites:

May opened my summer with my brother Sam's wedding in Idaho. My fam is awesome and I love all the additions to it! My new sisters and my niece and nephew are the best so having everybody together was really fun. I also got to make it home the weekend after the wedding for their reception in Washington.

I also helped plant a real garden for the first time in May! This is proof of the progress its made:

June = Trip with Jen and Whitney to Hawaii

Sometimes you just need to get outta town and go somewhere. For me and two of my best friends, Hawaii is where we went. This is where we stayed. Yurt #1 at the Friends of Malaekahan State Campground. Highly recommended and right on the beach. We had a great time and met some interesting people. Mostly just enjoyed chillin on the beach not hearing a phone ring though!

July

Meet My friend Dannielle. She and I went to a fun Reggae Festival up in Park City. Athough we were shocked by the lack of hippies that Utah has to offer we had a great time. haha i just know if this was in any other state the whole thing would have been much different! This was first of our adventures together.

The Twlight Concert Series also began in July. I have heard much about this event over the past two years living in Utah. This is a marvelous event held every Thurday at the Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake. Its and outdoors concert for free. I had the opportunity to see one of my favorite artists Bon Iver there and i really felt more complete after I saw him. He was amazing. listen to him!

oh And How 'Bout a Trip to see my G-Ma in St Louis too... Its been couple years since I've been out to see her so we had a great time. I haven't been to the Arch since I was little so that made the agenda along with the Botanical Gardens, lots of Rummy Cube and board games, tea time, and family stories. But looking at all her old pictures and playing in Grandma's jewlery are still my favorite things to do. : )

August is almost over but I found a new love this month: Rock Climbing! And I climbed the Y for the first time too. haha but that kicked my butt. I also went to my first Monster Truck Rally last weekend. That was amazing but much like the festival, not nearly as many crusty people as I have always thought there would be. I was hoping to see at least 5 mulletts. I think the closest we got though was seeing 5 men with ling ponytails. ohwell.

So Long Summer.

my time has come...

2009-07-26T23:31:00.000-06:00

Welp, I've been thinking about it for a while now and today is the day. My blog starts now. Welcome.